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Peanut Jar Mixers Development 7

Scene: On Stardate 43997, Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the Federation Starship Enterprise was kidnapped for six days by an invading force known as the Borg. Surgically altered, he was forced to lead an assault on Starfleet at Wolf 359. Locutus: Resistance is futile. You will disarm your weapons and escort us to sector zero zero one. If you attempt to intervene, we will destroy you. Captain: Red alert. Load all torpedo bays. Ready phasers. Move us to position alpha, Ensign. Ops Officer: They've locked on. Sisko: Reroute auxiliary power. Ops Officer: Our shields are being drained. Sixty four percent. Forty two. Captain: Recalibrate shield nutation. Tactical: Modulation is having no effect. Ops Officer: Shields have failed. Sisko: Full reverse. Captain: Maintain all Argh! Sisko: Damage report. Damage report! Computer: Warning. Damage to warp core. Containment failure in five minutes. Tactical: Direct hit decks one through four. Sisko: Let's get the civilians to the escape pods, Lieutenant. Tactical: Aye, sir. Sisko: Leave everything. Get to your assigned evacuation area now. Computer: Warning. Damage to warp core. Containment failure in four minutes. Sisko: Doran. Tactical: I'll take care of her. You go on. Sisko: Have you seen Jennifer? Sisko: Jennifer? Jake! Computer: Warning. Damage to warp core. Containment failure in three minutes. Sisko: I'm going to get your mom. You're going to be okay. Sisko: Jennifer. Okay, Jake, we'll get your mom out and we'll get out of here. Tactical: Commander! Sisko: Help me. Jennifer, hold on. Tactical: Sir. Sisko: Just help me to get her free. Tactical: She's gone. There's nothing we can do. We have to leave. Computer: Warning. Damage to warp core. Containment failure in two minutes. Tactical: Ensign, take the boy. Ensign: Aye, sir. Tactical: We've got to go now, sir. Sisko: Damn it, we just can't leave her here. Sisko: Jake. Jake, you're okay. Crewman: Stand by to launch. Crewwoman: Ready. Stardate 46379.1. Three years later. Sisko: Jake, there you are. How are they biting? Jake: Small fries. Threw them back. Want to go for a swim? Sisko: Don't have time. We have to get ready. It won't be so bad. I've heard that Bajor is a beautiful world. Jake: So why can't we live on the planet instead of some old space station? Sisko: The station is in orbit of Bajor. It'll be just like shore duty. Jake: Will there be kids there? Sisko: Absolutely. Lots of kids. Captain: Bridge to Sisko. Sisko: Yes, Captain. Captain: We're approaching Deep Space Nine, Commander. We'll be docking in seven minutes. Sisko: Acknowledged. Come on. What do you say? We'll take the pond with us. Computer, end program. Jake: Is that it? Commence station log, Deep Space Nine, Commander Benjamin Sisko, Stardate 46388.2. At the request of the Bajoran provisional government, Starfleet has agreed to establish a Federation presence in this system following the withdrawal of Cardassian occupational forces. The first contingent of officers, including my Chief of Operations, Miles O'Brien, arrived two days ago on the Enterprise. O'Brien: I'm told the Cardassians decided to have some fun the day they left. Four Bajorans were killed trying to protect their shops. Sisko: Why hasn't anybody cleaned this up? O'Brien: We've got all available personnel assigned to repairing primary systems, sir. The Cardassians took every component of value. We're virtually defenseless. I discussed this with Major Kira, the attaché assigned here by the Bajoran government and we decided Sisko: Understood. What about the civilians who operated these shops? O'Brien: A lot of them lost everything they had. A few are trying to rebuild, but most are packing up to leave. Monk: Welcome, Commander. Please enter. The prophets await you. Sisko: Another time, perhaps. Monk: Another time. O'Brien: When my wife Keiko saw our quarters, she started talking about visiting her mother in Kumamoto. Sir, I wouldn't allow the boy to go roaming. We're still having some security problems. Jake: Dad, there is nothing to sleep on in there except a cushion on the floor. O'Brien: We can get you a real bunk off the Enterprise. I almost forgot. Captain Picard wants to see you as soon as possible. Sisko: He does. Any word on our science and medical officers yet? O'Brien: They're expected tomorrow. Sisko: Jake, I want you to stay here until I come back. Jake: Is this the food replicator? O'Brien: I'm afraid they're all offline. There's plenty of emergency rations. I could send some down. Jake: Dad? Sisko: We're going have to rough it til we get things up and running, Jake, okay? Jake: Okay. Sisko: Okay. O'Brien: I'd like to ask the designer what he was thinking about when they built this place. I still haven't been able to find an ODN access. that's the Prefect's office up there. Sisko: So all others have to look up with respect. Cardassian architecture. O'Brien: Yes, sir. Major Kira's been using it. Sisko: Is it my imagination or is it unusually warm? O'Brien: The environmental controls in Ops are stuck at thirty-two C. We're working on it. Sisko: I guess it's time to meet Major Kira. O'Brien: Sir, have you ever served with any Bajoran women? Sisko: No. Why? O'Brien: I was just wondering, sir. Kira: They've become meaningless. Bureaucrat: I just don't agree, Kira. Kira: You are throwing it all away! All of you! Bureaucrat: You're being a fool! Kira: Well then, don't ask my opinion next time! Kira: Yes? Sisko: I'm Benjamin Sisko. Kira: I suppose you want the office. Sisko: Well, I thought I'd say hello first and then take the office, but we could do it in any order you'd like. Kira: Hello. Sisko: Is something bothering you, Major? Kira: You don't want to ask me that, Commander. Sisko: Why not? Kira: Because I have the bad habit of telling the truth even when people don't want to hear it. Sisko: Perhaps I want to hear it. Kira: I don't believe the Federation has any business being here. Sisko: The provisional government disagrees with you. Kira: The provisional government and I don't agree on a lot of things which is probably why they've sent me to this god-forsaken place. I have been fighting for Bajoran independence since I was old enough to pick up a phaser. We finally drive the Cardassians out and what do our new leaders do? They call up the Federation and invite them right in. Sisko: The Federation is only here to help Kira: Help us. Yes, I know. The Cardassians said the same thing sixty years ago. Sisko: Major, when I was ordered here, I requested a Bajoran national as my first officer. It made sense. It still does, at least to me. Now, you and I are going to have to Odo: Yes, Major? Kira: Odo, are you reading something at A-fourteen? Odo: My security array has been down for two hours. I'll meet you there. Kira: We've been having a lot of break-ins lately. No need for you to come along, Commander. Nog: Hurry up! Now. Nog: Now! Odo: All right, just stand where you are. Kira: Hold it! Sisko: That's enough! Odo: Who the hell are you? Kira: Odo, this is our new Starfleet Commander. Odo: I don't allow weapons on the Promenade. That includes phasers. Quark: Nog? What's going on? Odo: The boy's in a lot of trouble. Quark: Commander, my name is Quark. I used to run the local gambling establishment. This is my brother's boy. Surely you can see that he only has a peripheral involvement in all this. We're scheduled to depart tomorrow. If we could be permitted to take him, I promise you he will be severely Sisko: That won't be possible. Take him to the brig. Kira: Quark probably sent the two of them here to steal the ore samples in the first place. Sisko: Major, there's a Ferengi legal tradition. It's called plea bargaining. I might let the boy go, but I want something in exchange from Mister Quark. Something very important. O'Brien: O'Brien to Commander Sisko. Sisko: Go ahead. O'Brien: Sir, the Enterprise hailed us again. Captain Picard is waiting to see you. Sisko: Acknowledged. This won't take long. Picard: Come. Picard: Commander. Yes, please, come in. Welcome to Bajor. Sisko: It's been a long time, Captain. Picard: Have we met before? Sisko: Yes, sir. We met in battle. I was on the Saratoga at Wolf 359. Picard: I assume that you have been briefed on the events leading to the Cardassian withdrawal? Sisko: Yes, sir. I understand they've spent the last half century robbing the planet of every valuable resource before abandoning it. Picard: They've left the Bajorans without a means of being self-sustaining. The relief efforts we've been coordinating are barely adequate. I've come to know the Bajorans. I'm a strong proponents for their entry into the Federation. Sisko: Is it going to happen? Picard: Not easily. The ruling parties are at each others throats. Factions that were united against the Cardassians have resumed old conflicts. Sisko: Sounds like they're not ready. Picard: Your job is to do everything short of violating the Prime Directive to make sure that they are. I have been made aware by Starfleet of your objections to this assignment. I would have thought that after three years spent at the Utopia Planitia yards, that you would be ready for a change. Sisko: I have a son that I'm raising alone, Captain. This is not the ideal environment. Picard: Unfortunately as Starfleet officers, we do not always have the luxury to serve in an ideal environment. Sisko: I realize that, sir, and I'm investigating the possibility of returning to Earth for civilian service. Picard: Perhaps Starfleet Command should be considering a replacement for you. Sisko: That's probably a good idea. Picard: I'll look into it. In the meantime however Sisko: In the meantime, I will do the job I've been ordered to do to the best of my ability, sir. Picard: Dismissed. Sisko: It's really quite simple, Quark. You're not going to leave. Quark: Not going to leave? But we're packed and ready to go. Sisko: Unpack. Quark: I don't understand, Commander. Why would you want me to stay? Odo: I'm curious myself. The man is a gambler and a thief. Quark: I'm not a thief. Odo: You are a thief. Quark: If I am, you haven't been able to prove it for four years. Sisko: Please. My officers, the Bajoran engineers, all their families depend on the shops and services of this Promenade. If people like you abandon it, this is going to become a ghost town. We need someone to step forward and say, I'm staying, I'm rebuilding. We need a community leader and it's going to be you, Quark. Quark: Community leader? Odo: Seems reasonable. You have all the character references of a politician. Quark: How could I possibly operate my establishment under Starfleet rules of conduct? Sisko: This is still a Bajoran station. We're just here to administrate. You run honest games, you won't have any problems from me. Quark: Commander, I've made a career out of knowing when to leave, and this Bajoran provisional government is far too provisional for my taste. And when governments fall, people like me are lined up and shot. Sisko: There is that risk but then, you are a gambler, Quark. Odo: And a thief. Sisko: You know, Quark, that poor kid is about to spend the best years of his life in a Bajoran prison. I'm a father myself. I know what your brother must be going through. The boy should be with his family, not in some cold jail cell. Think about it. It's up to you. Odo: You know, at first, I didn't think I was going to like him. Sisko: Major? Kira: Everyone else is busy repairing the primary systems. I suppose Starfleet officers aren't used to getting their hands dirty. Kira: In the refugee camps, we learned to do whatever needed to be done. Didn't matter who you were. Sisko: I was just talking with our good neighbor, Quark. Te's laying odds that the government's going to fall. Kira: Quark knows a good bet when he hears one. This government will be gone in a week and so will you. Sisko: What happens to Bajor then? Kira: Civil war. Sisko: You think it's inevitable? Kira: The only one who can prevent it is Opaka. Sisko: Opaka? Kira: Our spiritual leader. She's known as the Kai. Our religion is the only thing that holds my people together. If she would call for unity, they'd listen. Leaders of all the factions have tried to get to her, but she lives in seclusion, rarely sees anyone. Monk: Commander. It is time. Opaka: I apologize for the condition in which we greet you. Sisko: The Cardassians? Opaka: Your arrival has been greatly anticipated. Opaka: Have you ever explored your pagh, Commander? Sisko: Pagh? Opaka: A Bajoran draws courage from his spiritual life. Our life-force, our pagh, is replenished by the Prophets. Opaka: Breathe. Sisko: Kai Opaka, if we could discuss Opaka: Breathe! Ironic. One who does not wish to be among us is to be the Emissary. Please, come with me. Opaka: You are correct that Bajor is in grave jeopardy, but it is the threat to our spiritual life that far outweighs any other. Sisko: Perhaps, but I'm powerless until Opaka: Commander. I cannot give you what you deny yourself. Sisko: I'm sorry? Opaka: Look for solutions from within, Commander. Come with me. Sisko: What is it? Opaka: The Tear of the Prophet. Sisko: What the hell? Opaka? Jennifer: Hey! Sisko: I'm sorry. it's just that this. Jen? Jennifer: Yes? Sisko: Jennifer? Jennifer: I'm sorry did we meet last night at George's party? Sisko: George? Jennifer. Wait a minute. This is impossible. Jennifer: Are you okay? Sisko: I know this place. This is Gilgo beach, where we met. Jennifer: We met here before? Sisko: I was carrying three lemonades. The sand was burning my feet, and I stopped here to. Ow! Do you realize how incredible this is? No, of course you don't. I. Jennifer, have a lemonade. Jennifer: I'm afraid I don't accept drinks from strange men on the beach. Jennifer: So tell me the truth. Have we really meet before? Sisko: No. Jennifer: Then how did you know my name? Sisko: I, er, George told me, at the party. Jennifer: Are you going to tell me your name? Sisko: Oh. Ben Sisko. I just graduated from Starfleet Academy. I'm waiting for my first posting. Jennifer: Ah, a junior officer. Sisko: Yeah. Jennifer: My mother warned me to watch out for junior officers. Sisko: Your mother is going to adore me. Jennifer: You're awfully sure of yourself. Sisko: It's not every day you meet the girl you're going to marry. Jennifer: Do you use this routine a lot with women? Sisko: No. Never before and never again. Jennifer: Sure. Sisko: How about letting me cook dinner for you tonight. My father was a gourmet chef. I will make for you his famous aubergine stew. Jennifer: I don't know. Sisko: You're supposed to say, yes! Jennifer: I'll probably be sorry. Sisko: Jennifer! Opaka: Nine Orbs, like this one, have appeared in the skies over the past ten thousand years. The Cardassians took the others. You must find the Celestial Temple before they do. Sisko: The Celestial Temple? Opaka: Tradition says the orbs were sent by the Prophets to teach us. What we have learned has shaped our theology. The Cardassians will do anything to decipher their powers. If they diskover the Celestial Temple, they could destroy it. Sisko: What makes you think I can find your Temple? Opaka: This will help you. Sisko: Kai Opaka. Opaka: I can't unite my people till I know the Prophets have been warned. You will find the Temple. Not for Bajor, not for the Federation, but for your own pagh. It is, quite simply, Commander, the journey you have always been destined to take. Jake: What? Sisko: I was just thinking how much you look like your mom. Kira: Kira to Sisko. Sisko: Go ahead. Kira: Sorry to disturb you, Commander, but there's something on the Promenade you might want to see. Sisko: On my way. Pit Boss: Step up, step up. Fortune's fates are with you today, friends. Girl: Dabo! Alien: That's fine. I'll be right back. Girl: Dabo! Quark: What'll you have, Commander? Sisko: How's the local synthale? Quark: You won't like it. I love the Bajorans. Such a deeply spiritual culture, but they make a dreadful ale. Never trust ale from a god-fearing people, or a Starfleet Commander that has one of your relatives in jail. Girl: Dabo! Sisko: Captain's log. Stardate 46390.1. The Enterprise has been ordered to the Lapolis system. They're scheduled to depart at zero-five hundred hours after offloading three runabout class vessels. Meanwhile, our medical and science officers are arriving, and I'm looking forward to a reunion with a very old friend. Kira: Commander, if you'd like me to give them a tour of the station. Sisko: You and Doctor Bashir go ahead. I'm afraid I have to put Lieutenant Dax to work right away. Bashir: Jadzia, maybe we could get together later for dinner? Or a drink? Dax: I'd be delighted. Sisko: He's a little young for you, isn't he? Dax: He's twenty-seven, I'm twenty-eight. Sisko: Three hundred twenty-eight, maybe. Did you tell him about that slug inside of you? Dax: Yes, but Benjamin, he knows I'm a Trill. He finds it fascinating. He's never met a joined species before. Sisko: I wonder if he'd've been as fascinated if you still looked the way you did the last time I saw you. Dax: Perhaps not. Sisko: This is going to take some getting used to. Dax: Don't be ridiculous. I'm still the same old Dax. More or less. Kira: I'm afraid we've had some security problems. Looks like looters got in here. Bashir: This'll be perfect. Real frontier medicine. Kira: Frontier medicine? Bashir: Major, I had my choice of any job in the fleet. Kira: Did you? Bashir: I didn't want some cushy job or a research grant. I wanted this. The farthest reaches of the galaxy. One of the most remote outposts available. This is where the adventure is. This is where heroes are made. Right here, in the wilderness. Kira: This wilderness is my home. Bashir: Well, I, I, I didn't mean. Kira: The Cardassians left behind a lot of injured people, Doctor. You can make yourself useful by bringing your Federation medicine to the natives. Oh, you'll find them a friendly, simple folk. Sisko: We do have one advantage. The monks have been studying these things for ten thousand years. I've had our computers set up to interface with their historical data banks. Dax: That should give us something. Sisko: Soon as possible, Dax. The eight other orbs are probably in some Cardassian laboratory, being turned upside down and inside out. Dax: Benjamin, I was happy when I heard you accepted this assignment. I've been worried about you. Sisko: It's good to see you too, old man. Dax: Computer, create a data base for all historical references to the Orbs, including all reports of any unexplained phenomena in Bajoran space. Computer: Time parameters? Dax: Ten millennia. Computer: Initializing data base. Requested function will require two hours to complete. Dax: Curzon. Lieutenant: The Captain's in the Ready room, Chief. Should I tell him you're here? O'Brien: That's okay. Thanks. O'Brien: Transport me to the Ops pad, Maggie. Maggie: Yes, sir. Picard: Mister O'Brien? I understand that I just missed you on the Bridge. O'Brien: Yes, sir. I didn't want to disturb you, sir. Picard: Ensign. Picard: This is your favorite transporter room, isn't it? O'Brien: Number three. Yes, sir. Picard: You know, yesterday, I called down here and I asked for you without thinking. It won't be quite the same. O'Brien: It's just a transporter room, sir. Permission to disembark, Captain. Picard: Permission granted. O'Brien: Energize. O'Brien: Message coming in from their commander, Gul Dukat. Kira: Dukat. He used to be the Cardassian Prefect of Bajor. O'Brien: He's requesting permission to come aboard to greet us. Surely a coincidence that the Enterprise just left. Sisko: Mister O'Brien, tell Gul Dukat I look forward to meeting him. Dukat: Good day, Commander. Sisko: Gul Dukat. Dukat: Excuse my presumption, but this was my office only two weeks ago. I'm not used to being on this side of the desk. I'll be honest with you, Commander. I miss this office. I was not happy to leave it. Sisko: Drop by any time you're feeling homesick. Dukat: You're very gracious. And allow me to assure you that we only want to be helpful in this difficult transition. You're far from the Federation fleet, alone in this remote outpost, with poor defense systems. Your Cardassian neighbors will be quick to respond to any problems you might have. Sisko: We'll try to keep the dog off your lawn. Dukat: So, tell me, what did you think of Kai Opaka? I know you went to the surface to see her. I understand you brought back an Orb. We thought we had all of them. Perhaps we could have an exchange of information, pool our resources? Sisko: I don't know anything about an Orb. Dukat: We will be in close proximity should you wish to reconsider my suggestion. In the meantime, I assume you have no objection to my men enjoying the hospitality of the Promenade. Commander. Dax: What do you know about the Denorios Belt? Sisko: Your basic charged-plasma field. Nobody gets anywhere near it unless they have to. Dax: In the twenty-second century, a ship carrying Kai Taluno was disabled for several days in the Denorios Belt, where he claims he had a vision. Sisko: Let me guess. He saw the Celestial Temple of the Prophets. Dax: Not quite, but he did say that the heavens opened up and nearly swallowed his ship. Sisko: Are we reduced to chasing metaphors to solve this? Dax: That's not all. At least five of the orbs were found in the Denorios Belt. There were also been twenty three navigational reports over the years of unusually severe neutrino disturbances in the same area. I've correlated all these reports in one analysis grid. Our Celestial Temple? Sisko: Worth a look, but we've got Cardassians on our back doorstep. We need to get by them undetected. Kira: May we have your attention, please? This establishment is being closed. Quark: What do you mean? You can't do this. O'Brien: If you have a problem, sir, you'll have to take it up with Commander Sisko. Quark: I intend to. This is outrageous. Friends, my apologies. A minor misunderstanding that will be rectified shortly. Give them something to put their winnings into. Cardassian: Because we were winning too much, of course. Cardassian 2: Leave it to Starfleet to ruin a fine day. Sisko: Rio Grande to Ops. Initializing pre-launch systems. Kira: Confirmed, Rio Grande. O'Brien: Scanners are picking up fluctuations in the Cardassian's energy distribution net. Kira: Their computers are crashing. Shields and sensors are down. Odo's done it. Ops to Rio Grande. Kira: You're in business. Sisko: Beginning launch sequence. Kira: Odo's reached the transport site. O'Brien: Trying to lock on. I've never done this with a Cardassian transporter. Damn it, what's the problem. Kira: Nice work, Constable. Dax: Approaching grid perimeter. Sisko: Slowing to one quarter impulse. Dax: Computer, give me visual bearing two three mark two one seven. Range thirty one hundred kilometers. Dax: Sensors are picking up unusually high proton counts. Sisko: Setting a new course to those coordinates. Dax: All external wave intensities are increasing rapidly, but checking. Confirmed. There is no corresponding increase inside the cabin. How is that possible? Sisko: Sensors are not functioning. Dax: We've lost all contact with the space station. O'Brien: Scanners are reading major subspace disruption at their last known coordinates. Kira: What the hell is happening out there? O'Brien: I don't know. They're just gone. Sisko: Are your navigational readings going crazy? Dax: I'll recalibrate when I have a moment. Sisko: Take your time. Sisko: Can you get a fix on our coordinates? Dax: There is a star just under five light years away. No M-class planets Computer, identify closest star system. Computer: Idran, a ternary system consisting of twin O-type companions. Sisko: Idran? That can't be right. Dax: Computer, basis of identification. Computer: Idran is based on the analysis conducted in the twenty-second century by the Quadros-One probe of the Gamma Quadrant. Sisko: The Gamma Quadrant? Seventy thousand light years from Bajor? I'd say we just found our way into a wormhole. Dax: It's not like any wormhole I've ever seen. There were none of the usual resonance waves. Sisko: Could this be how the Orbs found their way into the Bajoran system? Dax: Not an unreasonable hypothesis. Sisko: If it's true, that would mean that this has been here for ten thousand years. Dax, we might have just diskovered the first stable wormhole known to exist. Bring us about, Lieutenant. Dax: I'm modifying the flight program to compensate for the spatial diskontinuities. We should have a smoother ride this time. Sisko: Did you reduce impulse power? Dax: No. Why? Sisko: We're losing velocity. Dax: Forward velocity down to eighty kph. Computer: Warning. Impulse system overload. Auto shutdown in twelve seconds. Sisko: Disengaging engines. Dax: Velocity at twenty kph. I'm picking up atmosphere. Sisko: Inside a wormhole? Dax: Capable of supporting life. We've just landed. Sisko: On what? Dax: It's beautiful. Sisko: You have a strange eye for beauty, Dax. Dax: You don't think this is one of the most idyllic settings you've ever seen? Sisko: We are standing on a rock face. Do you see the storm? Dax: It's as clear as a summer's day. Sisko: You see it, too? Dax: Yes. Low level ionic pattern. It's probing us. Sisko: Someone's idea of shaking hands, maybe. I am Commander Benjamin Sisko of the United Federation of Planets. Sisko: Dax! O'Brien: Another neutrino disruption. Kira: Scanners are picking up an object near their last known coordinates. It isn't a ship. O'Brien: Major, there's something inside it, some kind of lifeform. Kira: Are the Cardassian sensors picking it up? O'Brien: They should be back online by now. We have to assume they know everything we know. Kira: Yellow alert. Secure Ops. Beam it aboard, Mister O'Brien, but put it in a level one security field. O'Brien: Aye, sir. Locking on. Sisko: Who are you? Jennifer and Sisko kissing. A newborn baby. Jake fishing. Doran on the Saratoga. Sisko: Who are you? Jennifer: It is corporeal. A physical entity. Sisko: What? What did you say? Picard: It is responding to visual and auditory stimuli. Linguistic communication. Sisko: Yes, linguistic communication. Are you capable of communicating with me? Opaka: What are you? Sisko: My species is known as human. I come from a planet called Earth. Jake: Earth? Sisko: This is what my planet looks like. You and I are very different species. It will take time for us to understand one another. Jake: What is this time? First Officer's log, stardate 46392.7. We're preparing to launch a rescue mission to find Commander Sisko, but first our navigational sensors must be recalibrated to work under the conditions reported by Lieutenant Dax. Dax: It is no ordinary wormhole. My analysis suggests that it isn't even a natural phenomenon. Bashir: Not natural? You mean it was constructed? Dax: It's very possible whoever made the Orbs also created this wormhole. O'Brien: The Cardassians are leaving their position on a course toward the Denorios Belt. Kira: Mister O'Brien, what would it take to move this station to the mouth of the wormhole? O'Brien: This isn't a starship, Major. We've got six working thrusters to power us and that's it. A hundred sixty million kilometer trip would take two months. Kira: It has to be there tomorrow. O'Brien: That's not possible, sir. Kira: That wormhole might just reshape the future of this entire quadrant. The Bajorans have to stake a claim to it. And I have to admit that claim will be a lot stronger if there's a Federation presence to back it up. Dax: Couldn't you modify the subspace field output of the deflector generators just enough to create a low-level field around the station? O'Brien: So we could lower the inertial mass? Dax: If you can make the station lighter, those six thrusters will be all the power we'd need. O'Brien: This whole station could break apart like an egg if it doesn't work. Dax: Even if it does work, we're still going to need help from Starfleet once we get there. O'Brien: The Enterprise is still the nearest starship. They could reach us in two days. Dax: We should advise Starfleet that we will require their assistance. Kira: You have Ops, Mister O'Brien. Lieutenant, you're with me. Dax: Aye, sir. Kira: You too, Doc. Time to be a hero. Bashir: Yes, sir. Kira: Constable. Odo: This is a security matter. I'm in charge of security. Kira: Security here, on the station. I cannot justify taking you into this wormhole. We have no idea what we're dealing with in there. It could be hostile. Odo: Major, I was found in the Denorios Belt. I don't know where I came from, no idea if there are any others like me. All my life, I've been forced to pass myself off as one of you, always wondering who I really am. Well, the answers to a lot of my questions may be somewhere on the other side of that wormhole. You coming? Picard: The creature must be destroyed before it destroys us. Locutus: It is malevolent. Batsman: Aggressive. Adversarial. Picard: It must be destroyed. Sisko: I am not your enemy. I was sent here by the people you contacted. Picard: Contacted? Sisko: With your devices, your Orbs. Picard: We seek contact with other lifeforms, not corporeal creatures who annihilate us. Sisko: I have not come to annihilate anyone. Locutus: Destroy it now. Sisko: My species respects life above all else. Can you say the same? I do not understand the threat I bring to you, but I am not your enemy. Allow me to prove it. Opaka: Prove it? Sisko: It can be argued that a human is ultimately the sum of his experiences. Jake: Experiences? What is this? Sisko: Memories. Events from my past, like this one. Jake: Past? Sisko: Things that happened before now. You have absolutely no idea what I'm talking about. Jake: What comes before now is no different than what is now, or what is to come. It is one's existence. Sisko: Then, for you, there is no linear time. Jennifer: Linear time. what is this? Sisko: My species lives in one point in time. And once we move beyond that point, it becomes the past. The future, all that is still to come, does not exist yet for us. Jennifer: Does not exist yet? Sisko: That is the nature of linear existence. And if you examine it more closely, you will see that you do not need to fear me. Computer: Partial field established. Instability at twelve percent. O'Brien: Partial field? Is station's inertial mass low enough to break orbit? Computer: Procedure is not recommended. O'Brien: Damn it, I didn't ask for an opinion. Just tell me whether or not we can get enough thrust with only a partial field established. Computer: Affirmative. O'Brien: All right. Thank you. Initiate transit mode, three-axis stabilization. Crewman: Aye, sir. O'Brien: Engage thrusters. Computer: Warning. Field integrity declining. Instability at twenty one percent. O'Brien: We've got to close that gap in the field or we'll tear ourselves into a million pieces. Computer: Warning. Subspace field collapse in sixty seconds. O'Brien: Computer, transfer energy from the inertial dampers to reinforce the subspace field. Computer: Procedure is not recommended. O'Brien: Damn it, transfer the energy! Computer: Unable to comply. Level one safety protocols have canceled request. O'Brien: Canceled? Computer: Warning. Subspace field collapse in thirty seconds. O'Brien: I'm going to transfer it manually. On my mark, redirect the flow to the deflectors. Keep the power balanced. Crewman: Aye, sir. Computer: Field collapse in fifteen seconds. O'Brien: Now. Computer: Field energy now within flight tolerances. Crewwoman: Good work, sir. O'Brien: Computer, you and I have to have a little talk. Dax: The Cardassian warship is in visual range. Kira: On screen. They're headed right to it. Bashir: They've got to listen to reason, haven't they? When we warn them what could happen if they go in there. Odo: Doctor, most people in my experience wouldn't know reason if it walked up and shook their hand. You can count Gul Dukat among them. Kira: This is the Federation ship Yangtze Kiang. Major Kira Nerys in command. Dukat: Yes, Major? Kira: Gul Dukat, we know you're headed for the wormhole. Dukat: Wormhole? What wormhole is that? Kira: I strongly suggest you do not proceed. We encountered a hostile lifeform inside. Dukat: Perhaps they will be less hostile to Cardassians than to humans. Odo: Dukat, these people are trying to save you from a lot of trouble. Dukat: Really? And I suppose you'd also tell me these are not the lifeforms that have sent the Orbs, or that your Commander Sisko is not negotiating for their technology. I thank you for your concern, but I think we'll see for ourselves. Odo: So much for reason. Jennifer: Jennifer. Sisko: Yes, that was her name. Jennifer: She is part of your existence. Sisko: She is part of my past. She's no longer alive. Jennifer: But she is part of your existence. Sisko: She was a most important part of my existence, but I lost her some time ago. Jennifer: Lost? what is this? Sisko: In a linear existence, we can't go back to the past to get something we left behind, so it's lost. Jennifer: It is inconceivable that any species could exist in such a manner. You are deceiving us. Sisko: No, this is the truth. This day, this park, it was almost fifteen years ago. Far in the past. It was a day that was very important to me, a day that shaped every day that followed. That is the essence of a linear existence. Each day affects the next. Sisko 2: Listen to it. Jennifer 2: To what? Sisko 2: The sound of children playing. What could be more beautiful? Jennifer 2: So you like children? Sisko 2: That almost sounds like a domestic inquiry. Jennifer 2: I've heard Starfleet officers don't want families because they complicate their lives. Sisko 2: Starfleet officers don't often find mates who want to raise families on a starship. Jennifer 2: That almost sounds like a domestic inquiry. Sisko 2: I think it was. Sisko: As corporeal entities, humans find physical touch to cause pleasure. Jennifer: Pleasure? What is this? Sisko: Good feelings, happiness Tactical: But this is your existence. Sisko: But it's difficult to be here, more difficult than any other memory. Tactical: Why? Sisko: Because, because this was the day that I lost Jennifer. I don't want to be here. Jennifer: Then why do you exist here? Sisko: I don't understand. Jennifer: You exist here. Sisko: What's wrong? What's happening? Dax: We should be reaching the wormhole coordinates in two minutes. Kira: Slowing to one-third imp Sisko: Are you still there? What just happened? Jennifer: More of your kind. Sisko: Another ship in the wormhole? Jennifer: Wormhole? What is this? Sisko: It is how we describe the kind of passage that brought me here. Picard: It is terminated. Sisko: Terminated? Picard Alien: Our existence is disrupted whenever one of you enters the passage. Conn Officer: Your linear nature is inherently destructive. Ops Officer: You have no regard for the consequences of your acts. Sisko: That's not true. We're aware that every choice we make has a consequence. Captain: But you claim you do not know what it will be. Sisko: We don't. Jake: Then how can you take responsibility for your actions? Sisko: We use past experience to help guide us. For Jennifer and me, all the experiences in our lives prepared us for the day we met on the beach, helped us recognize that we had a future together. When we married, we accepted all the consequences of that act, whatever they might be, including the consequences of you. Jake: Me? Sisko: My son, Jake. Jennifer: The child with Jennifer. Sisko: Yes. Jennifer: Linear procreation? Sisko: Yes. Jake is the continuation of our family. Jennifer: The sound of children playing. Batsman: Aggressive. Adversarial. Sisko: Competition. For fun. It's a game that Jake and I play on the holodeck. It's called baseball. Jake: Baseball? What is this? Sisko: I was afraid you'd ask that. I throw this ball to you and this other player stands between us with a bat, a stick, and he, and he tries to hit the ball in between these two white lines. No. The rules aren't important. What's important is, it's linear. Every time I throw this ball, a hundred different things can happen in a game. He might swing and miss, he might hit it. The point is, you never know. You try to anticipate, set a strategy for all the possibilities as best you can, but in the end it comes down to throwing one pitch after another and seeing what happens. With each new consequence, the game begins to take shape. Batsman: And you have no idea what that shape is until it is completed. Sisko: That's right. In fact, the game wouldn't be worth playing if we knew what was going to happen. Jake: You value your ignorance of what is to come? Sisko: That may be the most important thing to understand about humans. It is the unknown that defines our existence. We are constantly searching, not just for answers to our questions, but for new questions. We are explorers. We explore our lives, day by day, and we explore the galaxy, trying to expand the boundaries of our knowledge. And that is why I am here. Not to conquer you either with weapons or with ideas, but to co-exist and learn. Tactical: If all you say is true, why do you exist here? First Officer's log, supplemental. We've rendezvoused with the space station at the former coordinates of the wormhole. Unfortunately, our scans have revealed no trace of either the wormhole or Dukat's ship. A few minutes ago, three Cardassian warships crossed the border, no doubt on their way to search for Dukat. Kira: Mister O'Brien, can you establish a high energy thoron field before they get into sensor range. I don't want them to be able to scan our defense systems. O'Brien: Aye, sir. Dax: They're hailing us. Jasad: I am Gul Jasad of the Cardassian Guard, Seventh Order. Where is our warship? Kira: With any luck, they're in the Gamma Quadrant, on the other side of the wormhole. Jasad: What wormhole? Our sensors show no indication of a wormhole in this sector. Kira: That's because it just collapsed. Jasad: What? Dax: We believe it was artificially created. That may be why our sensors never picked up any of the usual quantum fluctuation patterns. Jasad: You expect me to believe that someone created a wormhole, and now conveniently has disassembled it? Kira: That's exactly what I expect you to believe. Dax: They're flooding subspace with anti-lepton interference. It'll cut off our communications with Starfleet. O'Brien: They're powering up their forward phasers. Kira: Red alert. Shields up. O'Brien: What shields? Dax: They're hailing us again. Kira: Open the channel. Jasad: We do not accept your explanation. Somehow you have destroyed our warship. Kira: Gul Jasad, I assure you. Jasad: We demand the unconditional surrender of this space station or we will open fire. Kira: I need at least a day to make the necessary preparations. Jasad: You have one hour. O'Brien: I can transfer all available power to establish partial shields around critical areas, but if they hit the docking ring we'll sustain heavy damage. Kira: Constable, if you would coordinate moving all personnel to safer locations. Kira: What was the last reported position of the Enterprise? Dax: At least twenty hours away. Kira: We've got to hold out till they get here. Bashir: I can't believe the Cardassians would ever attack a Federation outpost. O'Brien: Doctor, you ever studied your military history of the border wars? Bashir: Yes. O'Brien: You ever heard of the Setlik Three massacre? Kira: I assume, Mister O'Brien, you would agree surrender is not a preferable option. O'Brien: You know what they do to their prisoners, sir. Sisko: What is the point of bringing me back again to this? Jake: We do not bring you here. Jennifer: You bring us here. Tactical: You exist here. Sisko: Then give me the power to lead you somewhere else. Anywhere else. Opaka: We cannot give you what you deny yourself. Look for solutions from within, Commander. Sisko: I was ready to die with her. Tactical: Die? What is this? Jennifer: The termination of their linear existence. Tactical: We've got to go now, sir. Sisko 2: Damn it, we just can't leave her here. Oh, no! Sisko: I never left this ship. Jennifer: You exist here. Sisko: I exist here. I don't know if you can understand. I see her like this every time I close my eyes. In the darkness, in the blink of an eye, I see her like this. Jennifer: None of your past experiences helped prepare you for this consequence. Sisko: And I have never figured out how to live without her. Jennifer: So you choose to exist here. It is not linear. Sisko: No. It's not linear. Dax: Their lead ship is hailing us Gul Jasad wants an answer. Kira: Are you ready, Mister O'Brien? O'Brien: Yes, sir. When they penetrate our thoron field, it should raise a few eyebrows over there. Kira: All right, then, let's give them our answer. Fire six photon torpedoes across Jasad's bow. O'Brien: We only have six photons, Major. Kira: We're not going to win this battle with torpedoes, Chief. O'Brien: Aye, sir. O'Brien: An urgent hail from Jasad. Bashir: Looks like we got his attention. Kira: On screen. Jasad: This is your answer? Kira: You don't think Starfleet took command of this space station without the ability to defend it, do you? Jasad: Defend it? Your space station could not defend itself against one Cardassian warship. Kira: You're probably right, Jasad. And if you were dealing with a Starfleet officer, they'd probably admit we have a hopeless cause here. But I am just a Bajoran who's been fighting a hopeless cause against the Cardassians all her life. So if you want a war, I'll give you one. O'Brien: Major. Remind me never to get into a game of Roladan Wild Draw with you. Cardassian 3: They were using a Thoron field to block our sensors but we were able to penetrate it. Jasad: What are their defenses? Cardassian 3: According to our scans, an estimated five thousand photons, integrated phaser banks on all levels. Jasad: When did they receive these armaments? And how did they installl them without our knowledge? Somehow they have created a massive illusion of duranium shadows. Cardassian 3: What if it is not an illusion? Jasad: It is! Cardassian 3: Why risk the confrontation? The Fourth Order can be here in a day. Jasad: So can Starfleet. Dax: Their lead ship is sending out a subspace message asking for reinforcements. Bashir: Yes! Kira: Too soon for a victory celebration, Doctor. Mister O'Brien? O'Brien: The ships are being deployed into a standard attack formation, sir. Kira: Battle stations. Odo: Quickly now, quickly now. Calmly. Calmly. Come along. O'Brien: They may just be testing us. I could run a pulse compression wave through the phaser banks. Put out a blast that'll make them think twice. Kira: Do it. Kira: Damage report. O'Brien: Direct hit, level fourteen. Empty storage bays. No casualties. Dax: Shields down to twenty-seven percent. Dax: A fuel conduit has ruptured on the Promenade. Kira: Can you divert the main power flow? O'Brien: Controls are locked. Odo: Odo to Ops. Kira: Go ahead. Odo: I've got wounded people down here. Odo: Have you seen that doctor of yours anywhere? Bashir: I'm on my way. O'Brien: I'm going to have to shut down the primary power flow or the whole Promenade will go up. Bloody Cardassians! I just got the damned thing fixed. Bashir: Press there, hard. Odo: Look, Doctor, maybe I should find you someone Bashir: Hold it there. O'Brien: That should do it for awhile. Dax: Shields are at eighteen percent and falling. O'Brien: I might still be able to give you one more phaser blast, Major. Kira: No. Signal the lead Cardassian ship that we will proceed with Dax: Major, I'm reading a huge neutrino disturbance fifteen kilometers off the forward docking ring. It's the wormhole. Kira: On screen. Kira: Hail the lead ship. What did I tell you, Jasad? Kira: There's your wormhole! Sisko: Rio Grande to DS Nine. Kira: On screen. Go ahead, Commander. Sisko: Sorry to be late. Our friend Gul Dukat had some problems on the other side of the wormhole. I see you've had a few of your own. Kira: A few, Commander. Sisko: Gul Dukat is signaling his ships to disarm. Clear me for docking, Mister O'Brien. O'Brien: Aye, sir. Cleared for pad C. Sisko: Casualties? Bashir: Thirteen injured, Commander, and no fatalities. Sisko: Jake! Jake: Dad! Sisko: Captain's log, Commander Benjamin Sisko, stardate 46393.1. The lifeforms who created the wormhole have agreed to allow safe passage for all ships traveling to the Gamma Quadrant. With the arrival of the Enterprise, the Cardassians have left the area. Picard: I suspect that the sight of their warship being towed back by a Starfleet runabout took the heart out of their fight. Sisko: We're not done with the Cardassians yet, not with the strategic importance of that wormhole. Picard: Well, you've put Bajor on the map, Commander. This will shortly become a leading center of commerce and scientific exploration. And for Starfleet, one of our most important posts. Sisko: Captain, regarding our conversation about someone to replace me. Picard: Yes, I'm sorry I haven't had time yet to communicate that to Command. Sisko: I would prefer you ignore it, sir. Picard: I'm not sure that I can. Are you certain that's what you want, because we cannot afford to have an officer who's Sisko: I'm certain, sir. Picard: Good luck, Mister Sisko. Bashir: So, where can someone practice with his phaser around here? Quark: New rules? Kira: You're can't cheat every customer who walks through the door anymore, Quark. You are a community leader now. Quark: Very well, very well. Perhaps we could discuss these new rules over a drink. Kira: If you don't take that hand off my hip, you'll never be able to raise a glass with it again. Quark: Oh, I love a woman in uniform. Dax: Benjamin, three Frunalian science vessels are requesting permission to dock. O'Brien: Problem is, we've been retro-fitting the airlocks. Half of them were damaged during the move, and most of the others when the Cardassians blew out the fuel conduits. Sisko: I guess they'll just have to transport aboard.

Dax: Do you need me, Julian? Bashir: How did you know it was me? Dax: There are different ways to recognize someone. The rhythm of their steps, for example. Bashir: You are remarkable. Dax: Julian, you and I have to have a talk about Trills and relationships. Bashir: Fine. We'll do it over supper. Quark has found me this delightfully dry champagne estate bottled on Korris One. Dax: Julian. Bashir: What is this? Dax: An Altonian brain teaser. Bashir: A brain teaser? Dax: A puzzle. Bashir: A puzzle? I love puzzles. How does it work? Dax: It responds to neural theta waves. The goal is to turn the sphere into a solid color. Bashir: That's all? Dax: That's all. I've been trying to master it on and off for, oh, a hundred and forty years. Would you care to try? Bashir: Yes. Dax: Just sit comfortably, and release your tension into my hands. Dax strokes his head) Bashir: Your hands are cold. Dax: It's a peculiarity of the Trill. Bashir: Cold hands, warm heart. Dax: Concentrate on the sphere. Clear your mind. This requires focus and clarity of thought. Bashir: I understand completely. What is that exotic scent you're wearing? Dax: Focus and clarity of thought. Bashir: Yes, yes, I have it. Dax: I'm going to release it to you now, okay? Bashir: Okay. Dax: Computer, transfer control to second player. Dax: I think your mind is still a little busy, Julian. Bashir: So, are you free for supper? Sisko: Ready, Dax? Dax: Sorry. Perhaps another time. Maybe you'd like to try again. Sisko: Doctor. Bashir: Computer. Reset. Odo: Business is good, Quark. You're almost making an honest living. Quark: A lot of new faces. Odo: The wormhole does bring them our way, doesn't it? Quark: Everybody wants a piece of the new frontier. Odo: And I'm sure you've already tried to sell it to a few of them. O'Brien: We made the decision together. Keiko: Not true. That's not true. You decided and asked me to agree with it. Quark: Grapevine says Chief O'Brien and the missus are having problems. Odo: I'll never understand the humanoid need to couple. Quark: You've never coupled? Odo: Choose not to. Too many compromises. You want to watch the karo-net tournament, she wants to listen to music, so you compromise. You listen to music. You like Earth jazz, she prefers Klingon opera, so you compromise. You listen to Klingon opera. So here you were ready to have a nice night watching the karo-net match and you wind up spending an agonizing night listening to Klingon opera. Keiko: That's exactly what I'm saying. O'Brien: Keiko, sit down, please. Odo: What could they be going on about like that anyway? Quark: She doesn't like it here. Odo: Who does? Odo: Don't even think about it. Quark: I can so think about it. Odo: You might as well try to find a drink of water on the Yadozi desert. Besides I'd say our new Commander is interested in her. Quark: Not at all. I know for a fact, when she was a he, you know, before she got this new body, they were old friends. Odo: Things change. Irudan: All right now, here we go. Odo: How long has he been here? Ibudan: All right, one more time. Quark: He came in on a transport last night. Waiter: Something to eat? Dax: Just steamed azna. Sisko: Well, some things are still the same. Dax: If you'd listen to me, you would eat steamed azna too. Sisko: Dax, did I ever tell you about the meals my father used to cook for us when we were children? Dax: All the time. Sisko: Every night in my house, my dad insisted that we have supper together as a family. He would try out his new recipes on us. He used to call us his test tasters. Dax: Steamed azna will put years on your life. Sisko: Dax, I don't want years on my life if I can only eat steamed azna. Sautéed, rolloped, fricasseed, fine. But not steamed. I've missed your steamed azna. Dax: You must miss Curzon, too. Sisko: He was, you were, are a mentor, another father to me. Dax: This happens to Trills, Benjamin. Sometimes, our friendships with other species don't survive because of the change. Sisko: It won't be that way with us. It's just a little uncomfortable right now. Dax: I suggest you that allow yourself to be comfortable with your diskomfort. Time can do the rest. O'Brien: Keiko. Dabo Girl: Dabo! Irudan: All right. Odo: I don't want you on this station. Ibudan: Yeah, well that's too bad, because I have every right to be here. Odo: I decide who has rights and who doesn't on this Promenade. Ibudan: You'd better ask your Federation superiors about that one. Odo: I don't have to check with anyone. Irudan: Get off me. Odo: You have twenty-six hours to get off this station. O'Brien: Look, I'm willing to ask for a transfer if that'll make you happy. Keiko: That's not fair either. You'd have to give up your promotion. O'Brien: Not necessarily. Keiko: I wish I knew the right thing to do. I'm just lost here. Starfleet doesn't need a botanist on this station. O'Brien: Keiko, there's a whole new quadrant on the other side of the wormhole, full of new plant life to explore. Keiko: And ships going to explore it and I'm not on any of them. O'Brien: We'll be sending runabouts through the wormhole. I'll see to it you get to go. Keiko: I don't need favors from you. I just need to be useful. O'Brien: Just think how much more attractive this place could be if you planted some trees and flowers on the Promenade. You could even create an arboretum from the new specimens we bring back from the Gamma Quadrant. Keiko: Do you really want to raise your daughter in this place, Miles? Kira: Kira to O'Brien. O'Brien: Go ahead. Kira: We have a non-functional power transfer grid on level five. All the upper docking pylons are out of commission. O'Brien: On my way. Jake: Hi. Nog: What do you want, Human? Jake: My name's Jake. Nog: I know who you are. Jake: What's yours? Nog: Why do you care? Jake: Not exactly a lot of friends to choose from around here. You know what I mean. Nog: Nog. My name's Nog. Odo: His name is Ibudan. He used to run black market goods through here to the surface during the Cardassian occupation, gouging his fellow man who needed medical supplies and so forth. Some Bajorans actually considered him a hero, but I saw him let a child die when the parents couldn't afford the drug that would've saved her life. A few years back, he killed a Cardassian officer who wanted a payoff to look the other way. He went to prison for murder. I sent him there. Sisko: For murder? What's he doing out? Odo: The Provisional Government let him go. Killing a Cardassian isn't considered much of a crime nowadays. Sisko: Doesn't sound like there's much we can do about it. Odo: I can get him off my Promenade. Sisko: If he hasn't done anything wrong, you can't just arbitrarily force him to leave. Odo: Watch me. Sisko: Mister Odo, you're not going to take the law into your own hands. Odo: The law? Commander, laws change depending on who's making them. Cardassians one day, Federation the next. But justice is justice, and as long as I'm in charge of security. Sisko: If you can't work within the rules, I'll find someone who can. Jake: What are they? Nog: Garanian bolites. Come on. Bashir: I guess I know the competition now. Dax: What are you talking about, Julian? Bashir: Did you have a nice dinner with Commander Sisko? Dax: Julian, Trills do not look for romance the way humans do. In fact, we find it quite a nuisance. Bashir: A nuisance? Dax: It's a weakness of the young, and although a Trill host may have these feelings occasionally, it is our wish to live on a higher plane, to try to rise above these kinds of temptations. Bashir: You said, try to rise above, which suggests you don't always succeed. Dax: Julian. Sisko: Sisko to Doctor Bashir. Bashir: Go ahead. Sisko: We need medical assistance above the bar in holosuite four. Bashir: Acknowledged, Commander. I still have that champagne on ice. Woman: Help us! Man: Somebody help us! Woman: Something is happening to us! Man: Get a doctor! Odo: The door opened only twice. The first time when the computer logged Ibudan's check-in at seventeen hundred hours, sixteen minutes. The suite was secured so no one else could enter. He ran Lauriento massage holoprogram number one oh one A. Thirteen minutes later the door opened for the second time, but since Ibudan obviously didn't exit, we have to assume that's when the killer left. Kira: Any evidence of a beam in during those thirteen minutes? Odo: No. Kira: Well then how did the killer get in? Sisko: He might have entered the holosuite the same time Ibudan did. Bashir: Cause of death's no mystery. The knife was thrust directly between the left and right thoracic vertebrae, perforating the lower ventricle of the heart. The murderer apparently had a decent knowledge of Bajoran anatomy. Sisko: Doctor, I want you to look for evidence that could establish someone was in here with him. Bashir: I'll do a sweep for hair follicles, any skin or cellular remnants, and DNA fragments. Sisko: How many ships have left since yesterday. Kira: Two. A Federation survey ship and a Vulcan science vessel. Sisko: Advise all ships in dock that departures will be delayed until further notice. Keiko: And they were just looking for trouble. Those kids have no reason to be hanging around the Promenade. O'Brien: It's about the only place they have to go. You can't keep them locked in their rooms. Keiko: This isn't like a starship, Miles. The kind of freedom children have on the Enterprise just won't work on a space station. There are too many ways to get into serious trouble here. What this place needs is a school. Kira: All ships have been informed of the delays, Commander. Sisko: Major, do you know Mister Zayra, who operates the Transit Aid center? Kira: We've met. Sisko: He was just telling me something disturbing. I think you should hear it Zayra: It's just that the murdered man, Ibudan, I spoke to him yesterday about an hour before it happened. Kira: Where was this? Zayra: Quark's. By the dabo table. It was after his scuffle with the shape-shifter. He told me that he was scared. He was afraid that Odo might kill him. Kira: There isn't a more honorable man on this station than the Constable. Zayra: Maybe so. All I know is, an hour later, Ibudan was dead. Officer: Computer, lights. This was Ibudan's quarters. Feel free to look around. Odo: Double accommodations? Officer: That's what he requested, but only one passenger was logged in. He probably just wanted larger quarters. If there's anything else you need. Odo: I want a record of all the passengers on board. Officer: Of course. I'll get you a copy of the ship's manifest. Odo: Computer, how many entries made from this terminal during the last seventy eight hours. Computer: Seven entries noted in personal calendar files. Odo: Show them to me. (Stardate 46383 Secure for departure, Depart from Alderaan spaceport, Lifeboat drill, Lunch meeting with Della Santina, Tennis holodeck 2, Dinner, Ship's concert.) Odo: Take me to stardate 46384 Sisko: You won't get an argument from me, Mrs O'Brien. When I found out what happened this morning on the Promenade Jake: We weren't doing anything. Sisko: I don't want to talk about this now. It's this Ferengi boy, Nog. Jake's won't be having anything more to do with him. Jake: He's the only one here even close to my age. Keiko: That's not exactly true, Jake. There are twelve other children on board, ranging from eight to sixteen. The problem is there's no structured activity for them. Don't you miss the schools you used to go to, Jake? Jake: No. I guess. Studying alone on the computer, it kind of gets boring sometimes. Keiko: You know, I've never actually been a teacher, Commander, but it's something I've always thought about doing. Sisko: As a Starfleet Commander and as a father, I think this is a terrific idea. What do you need? Keiko: Some space. Sisko: We'll find it. Keiko: Computers? Sisko: You'll have them. I hope you realize what you're getting yourself into. I can't force the Bajora, the Ferengi or anyone else to send their children to your school. And even if they do come, every one has a different culture, a different philosophy. Keiko: I know I'll have to come up with an innovative program But I can't imagine any parent not welcoming the news of a school opening here. Thank you, Commander. Sisko: If I hear of you hanging around with him. Jake: I thought you didn't want to talk about this now. Bashir: These are the DNA sequence analyzes, the cellular spectrographs and the particulate matter traces. I asked Lieutenant Dax to confirm my findings and I'm afraid she concurs. Dax: There were no new DNA traces found in the holosuite. Kira: You're saying nobody went into the room with him? Bashir: Well, apart from those of us who were in there after the body was diskovered, this was the only DNA present, and we've identified it as Ibudan's. Kira: Wait a minute. Ibudan goes in the holosuite alone, locks the door, nobody transports in, a few minutes later he's murdered. How is that possible? Odo: It's not. Unless the murder was committed by someone who could get through the cracks in the door. Say, a shape-shifter. Odo: It's a pretty neat package. His calendar shows he was planning to meet with me at the time of the murder. No one except a shape-shifter could get into the holosuite. And since I'd obviously be called there after the body was diskovered, traces of my DNA wind up at the scene of the crime. Kira: Do you have any kind of an alibi? Odo: Major, I have to return to my natural state every eighteen hours to regenerate. To be quite honest about it, I was in a pail in the back of my office when Ibudan was killed. Kira: The killer might have known your regenerative cycle and planned the murder accordingly. Odo: Like I said, a neat package. Kira: Who might want to frame you for murder? Odo: I can think of about five hundred different people, but I haven't seen any of them around the station recently. Do you think that Federation doctor could do a sweep of Ibudan's quarters for me, see if he can find out if somebody else was using that second bed? Kira: I'll send him over there right away. Odo: Thank you, Major. Girl: Dabo! Rom: You want my boy to go to a Federation school? Keiko: Not just Federation. I'm developing a curriculum that will take a much broader approach. Rom: Little lady, little lady, what do you know of Ferengi education? Keiko: I understand you employ a work-study approach, Mister Rom, with apprenticeships in a wide range of business and economic fields. Rom: We throw them into the cut-throat competition of Ferengi commerce and anyone who survives, graduates. Are you prepared to teach that to my son? Keiko: I'm sure I couldn't improve on what you've already taught him in that department. Rom: Thank you. Thank you. I've taught him everything I know. It's so important that we prepare our youth for the challenges of the future. Keiko: Exactly. Consider the advantage your son will have over other Ferengi once he's learned about other cultures, once he learns how others run their economies, conduct business, negotiate. Rom: You will teach my son these things? Keiko: Knowledge is power, Mister Rom. Rom: It can't work. He will not listen to you. Keiko: Why not? Rom: You are female. Keiko: So? Rom: My son cannot learn anything from a female human teacher. Keiko: Let him try it for a few weeks. He has nothing to lose and so much to gain. Rom: I don't think so. Keiko: Will you at least think about it? Rom: Yes. Yes. Of course. Now, really, I'm quite busy. Place your wagers! Place your wagers. Get this lovely young woman a drink. Zayra: What do we know about him anyway? He's not one of us. Bajoran: He isn't one of anything. Zayra: You know what really bothers me? This shifter was the last Chief of Security when the Cardassians were here. Bajoran: He's the one who caught Ibudan for them. Zayra: Why is he still Security Chief? Bajoran: You're right. We ought to talk to Major Kira. Quark: Nobody knows him like I know him. Let me tell you something. He's an ill-tempered, over-bearing crosspatch. But he was no Cardassian collaborator and he's no killer. Zayra: I can't believe you're defending him, Quark. You're his worst enemy. Quark: Guess that's the closest thing he has in this world to a friend. (A gray-bearded Bajoran in a cloak and hood watches the men talking. Zayra: Security, huh? Sisko: Listen, I hear what you're saying. I understand your concerns. Zayra: We're not saying whether he's innocent or guilty, Commander. All we're saying is isn't it reasonable under the circumstances that he Kira: Thank you very much for coming. Kira: This is wrong. Sisko: And what would you suggest we do? Kira: He didn't do it. Sisko: The man we have in charge of a murder investigation is the prime suspect, Major. Those people have a right to complain. Dax: Even if he's innocent, it could still seem like a conflict of interest, Kira. Kira: You're going to relieve him of duty. Sisko: I don't see any other choice. Kira: He has been completely candid about this investigation. He could have covered his tracks a half a dozen times already if he were guilty. Sisko: I appreciate how you feel, but the decision stands. I'll inform him myself. Bashir: The only curious thing I found were these seofurane fragments near the matter reclamation unit. Dish, please. It appears he was trying to get rid of them. Odo: Do you have any idea what they're from? Bashir: I know exactly what they're from. A biological sample container. I use them all the time. Odo: What would Ibudan be doing with a biological sample container? Bashir: That I'm not so sure about, but when I analyzed the fragments I detected traces of a complex organic structure. Odo: Translate, Doctor. Bashir: It suggests Ibudan may have been conducting some sort of medical experiment on board his ship. Odo: He wasn't a doctor or a scientist. Bashir: Let's see what a standard electrophoretic analysis tells us. Bashir: What the? The complex proteins are breaking down into DNA fragments. Odo: And what does that mean? Bashir: It means we should set up a bio-regenerative field to accelerate the cellular development. If I can reconstruct the DNA sequence, it might just give us an idea what he was up to. Sisko: Sisko to Odo. Odo: Here. Sisko: May I see you in my office, please. Odo: Acknowledged. Odo: Commander? Sisko: Sit down. I am temporarily relieving you of duty. I'm sure the reasons are obvious. Odo: Who will be taking over the investigation? Sisko: I've placed Major Kira and Lieutenant Dax in charge. Odo: Will that be all, Commander? Sisko: I want you to know I don't personally believe that you were responsible for this. Odo: Really? Now how can that be true? You don't know me. You have no reason to believe that I wouldn't kill Ibudan if it suited my fancy. So don't tell me there isn't some doubt inside of you, some question about whether or not I murdered the man. Sisko: I simply feel that putting Kira and Dax in charge of the investigation will be in everyone's best interests, including your own. Odo: I'll take care of my own best interests. Man: That's him. Voice: They found his DNA. Quark: I can find out who did it for you. Odo: Not for me. Tell it to Starfleet. I'm not in charge here any longer. Quark: Well now, there's a piece of good news to brighten my day. Odo: You'd better take advantage of my absence while you can, Quark. Quark: Oh, I will, I will. Count on it. I'll have every confidence man in the sector on board by tomorrow. Odo: You do and I'll Quark: What? Odo: You're going get sloppy without me to keep an eye on you Quark: I don't think so. You've kept me on my toes for far too long now. Odo: Sure. I've turned you into a better crook. Quark: Like it or not. Odo: Quark, think you could use a shape-shifter in your organization? Quark: You had me going. Odo: I did, didn't I. Quark: Yes, you did. You know, I've been asking some friends at Kran-Tobol prison about Ibudan. Whether he made any enemies while he was there. Couldn't find any. Mostly he stayed around the Bajoran dissidents that the Cardassians locked up. Bashir: It's growing exponentially. We're going to have to increase the metabolic field energy. Sisko: Just what is it that's growing in there? Dax: Aren't those DNA patterns humanoid, Julian? Bashir: That's what it looks like to me, but there's a genetic drift I can't quite put my finger on. Sisko: What was Ibudan up to? Bashir: We're going to have to wait and see what this becomes before we have a clue. You can transfer it to the larger field now. Nurse: Yes, Doctor. Sisko: Care for lunch? Bashir: Sure. Dax: No, thank you. Major Kira's waiting for my report. Bashir: Just how many different lives do you think she's led? Sisko: I don't even know. He'll go, she'll go through a list of them, then out comes another one in a later conversation. I'd guess that Jadzia is probably the sixth host. Bashir: Has she changed much? Sisko: Changed? Bashir: From the last one, Curzon Dax. I understand a Trill integrates the personality of each new host. Sisko: I guess I'll have to find that out. If I were to tell you some of the mischief he and I got into. There was a time, I was no older than you are, we were at the running of the Rujian Steeplechase. Dax loves the races. Anyway, there were these gorgeous seven foot Ruji twin sisters that Curzon knew, and he and I. I guess we won't be doing that again soon, will we? Bashir: You care for her a great deal, don't you? Sisko: Dax and I are just friends, Doctor. If you're interested, you have nothing to fear from me. Bashir: I mean, I were in your shoes, knowing Dax as intimately as you do, I think I'd find her hard to resist. Sisko: You don't understand, Doctor. Dax used to beat me regularly at bare fist Juro counterpunch. Bashir: Well I guess you won't be doing that again soon, either. Man: I'm not drinking with that scum. Voice: I won't drink near this man. Keiko: In a semi-circle here, facing the module. That's right. Thank you. O'Brien: Here's Mommy. Molly: Where you been, Mommy? Keiko: I've been getting ready for school tomorrow, honey. Molly: Can I come to school? Keiko: I wish you could. At least I'd know one student would be coming. But you have to wait a year or two. O'Brien: How's it going? Keiko: We'll be ready in time. In time for what, I'm not sure. Aside from Commander Sisko, we haven't had a firm commitment from any of the parents. What's this? O'Brien: Just a little something I replicated on the way over. Keiko: Help Mommy to open her present, Molly. Come on, pull. Keiko: Oh, Miles. Thank you. O'Brien: I want to see you standing in the Promenade tomorrow morning ringing your school bell. Man: Murderer. O'Brien: I'd better take her home. Crowd: Murder. Killer. Zayra: Shape-shifting freak. O'Brien: O'Brien to Ops. O'Brien: Security to the Promenade on the double. Kira: Acknowledged. Security: Yes, sir. O'Brien: O'Brien to Sisko. Sisko: I'm here, Chief. What's going on? O'Brien: We've got a crowd, more like a mob, outside Odo's office. O'Brien: You'd better get down here. Crowd: Freak! Shape-shifter! Zayra: Freak! Murdering shifter. Sisko: Odo's inside? O'Brien: Yes sir, he went in a few minutes ago. The crowd followed him from the bar. Sisko: I want more security here and I want them armed. O'Brien: Aye, sir Kira: It's going to be harder to control them if numbers keep growing. We can secure all turbolifts, slow down the traffic onto the Promenade. Sisko: Good idea. Dax: Julian, look at this. Bashir: The chromatin pattern is changing. Dax: It's definitely humanoid. Bashir: It's definitely humanoid. It's definitely. My God! Dax, I think I know what it is. Run a chromosome analysis. I think we're going to find a gene-sequence degradation. Zayra: Shifter! Shifter! Shifter! Shifter! Sisko: Coming through. What the hell do you people intend to accomplish here? Bajoran: We want the shape-shifter! Sisko: And what do you think you're going to do to him if you get to him? Crowd: He deserves to die. Zayra: He's right. How do you get a rope around the neck of a shape-shifter. Sisko: Listen to me. You will disperse immediately. Return to your quarters. Return to your ships. Male: He's a murderer. We want justice. Sisko: Do you? Justice? Really? Is it justice you're after or just some way to express your anger, your fear. Look at yourselves! In an hour, you'll regret what you've tried to do here. Do not condemn this man because he is different than you are. Zayra: We condemn him because of the evidence. Sisko: Then take that evidence to a court of law. There will be no justice served here today. Bashir: Commander! Commander Sisko. I believe we have some new evidence to consider. The man who was murdered was not Ibudan. Odo: What? Bashir: Come with me. O'Brien: All right. break it up now. Kira: Move on, people. Let's clear the area. Security: You heard what she said. Come on, back to your quarters. Quickly, move. Bashir: A clone. That's what Ibudan was working on. Creating a clone of himself. Odo: And then he killed the clone to frame me for his murder. Sisko: How can we be sure the victim was a clone? Dax: A clone has identical DNA to that of the donor, but certain cloning methods cause a characteristic gene-sequence degradation which can be detected. Bashir: if you know to look for it. We've matched the victim's gene-sequence with the fellow in the jar here. They're definitely both clones. Odo: What happens to this one? Bashir: In about two days, he becomes a living, breathing member of Bajoran society. Odo: Let's hope he doesn't follow in his donor's footsteps. Sisko: What about Ibudan? Odo: I have an idea where to find him. Lamonay: Computer, lights. Lamonay: Who are you? How did you get in here? Odo: Oh, I think you know. Lamonay: I warn you, I'll call ship's security. Odo: Do that. I have some interesting questions to ask them. For example, I'm especially curious to know how the name Lamonay S came to appear on this ship's passenger list yesterday. Lamonay: That is my name, and I arranged for transport on this vessel. What should that be so strange? Odo: You did not arrive on this ship. Lamonay: No. Odo: Well, just what ship did you arrive on, Mister Lamonay S? I can't find any record of your arrival on any vessel that has docked here in the last three weeks. Lamonay: I assure you, you are in error. Odo: In fact I think you did arrive on this ship, and that you spent the last few years in prison among Bajoran dissidents, one of whom I've learned was a scientist who was arrested by the Cardassians for conducting experimental research into tri-phasic cloning. Odo: Killing your own clone is still murder. Commander's log, stardate 46421.5. Ibudan has been turned over to the Bajoran authorities just hours after his clone gained consciousness and began a new life. The perpetrators of the mob violence have retreated into their own business. To my knowledge, Odo has received no apologies. Meanwhile, life on the station has begun to return to normal. Keiko: Computer what time is it? Computer: Oh nine oh seven hours. Keiko: I guess you were right. It isn't going to be easy. Sisko: Maybe it's just going to take a little time to Rom: Sit down! Not next to that human boy. I don't want you to have anything to do with him. Rom: We'll try it for a few weeks. Keiko: Please, come in. Take any seat. Try to be on time from now on. My name is Keiko O'Brien, I'll be your teacher. Why don't we turn on our computers and access the files on Bajor to find out a little bit more about the people and history of this world?

Garak: It's Doctor Bashir, isn't it? Of course it is. May I introduce myself? Bashir: Er, yes, yes, of course. Garak: My name is Garak. Cardassian by birth, obviously. The only one of us left on this station, as a matter of fact, so I do appreciate making new friends whenever I can. You are new to this station, I believe. Bashir: I am, yes. Though, though I understand you've been here quite a while. Garak: Ah, you know of me then. Bashir: Would you care for some of this Tarkalean tea? It's very good. Garak: What a thoughtful young man. How nice that we've met. Bashir: You know, some people say that you remained on DS Nine as the eyes and ears of your fellow Cardassians. Garak: You don't say? Doctor, you're not intimating that I'm considered some sort of spy, are you? Bashir: I wouldn't know, sir. Garak: Ah. An open mind. The essence of intellect. As you may also know, I have a clothing shop nearby, so if you should require any apparel, or merely wish, as I do, for a bit of enjoyable company now and then, I'm at your disposal, Doctor. Bashir: You're very kind, Mister Garak. Garak: Oh, it's just Garak. Plain, simple Garak. Now, good day to you, Doctor. I'm so glad to have made such an interesting new friend today. Bashir: You won't never believe who just sat down next to me at the Replimat O'Brien: Major, upper pylon three'll be shut down for maintenance for forty-eight hours. Bashir: The spy! Garak, the Cardassian. Sisko: We don't know for a fact Garak's a spy, Doctor. Bashir: He is. You should have heard him. He introduced himself and he struck up conversation just like that. he was making contact with me, with me of all people. Dax: What do you think he might want from you, Julian? Bashir: I don't know. Federation medical secrets? Rest assured they're safe with me, Commander. Sisko: I'm sure they are, Doctor Bashir. Bashir: In fact, Chief O'Brien, I think you should place a monitoring device on me. Well, just in case he's up to something? Sisko: I don't think that'll be necessary, Doctor. Just be very cautious when you're around him. Kira: Commander? We've got a small craft taking evasive action. Cardassian war vessel in pursuit. Sisko: On screen. Kira: That's Bajoran. That damned Cardassian's firing at a Bajoran scout ship in Bajoran space! Sisko: Mister O'Brien? O'Brien: Confirmed, sir. They've crossed into Bajoran space. Sisko: Open a hailing frequency to the Cardassians. O'Brien: Channel open. Sisko: Cardassian vessel, you are violating Bajoran space. Break off your pursuit. Repeat, break off now. O'Brien: No reply from the Cardassians. The Bajoran vessel is hailing us. Sisko: Open the channel. Tahna: Space station, do you read? Space station O'Brien: We can only get audio, Commander. Sisko: This is Benjamin Sisko, Starfleet Commander of the station. Who are you? Why are they pursuing? Tahna: Please! Repeating request for emergency docking! Please! Dax: The Bajoran scout ship is badly damaged. Structural integrity is failing. Dax: He's breaking up. Sisko: Get him out, Mister O'Brien. O'Brien: Aye, sir. Bashir: Medical assistance to Ops. Tahna: My name is Tahna Los. Request political asylum. Kira? Kira: His name is Tahna Los. We fought together in the underground. O'Brien: Commander, the Cardassians are hailing us. Kira: Now they want to talk. O'Brien: They're hopping mad. Sisko: Open the channel, Mister O'Brien. Gul Danar: Federation Commander, you've taken aboard a known criminal. You will turn him over to us. Sisko: He has requested asylum. Gul Danar: You have not granted it. Sisko: To be honest, I haven't decided yet. Gul Danar: He is Kohn-Ma! Even the Bajorans would not grant his kind asylum. He has committed heinous crimes against the Cardassian people and I demand you release him to our custody. Sisko: I'll investigate the matter immediately. In the interim, if you'd care to dock your vessel, I'll be glad to hear an explanation for having violated Bajoran space and threatened a Federation facility. Gul Danar: We have made no threat to your facility. Sisko: I stand corrected. Sisko out. Sisko: The Major and I will be at the Infirmary. I'd like some time to talk with this fellow Tahna. When Gul Danar comes in, it'd be nice if we had a few docking regulations to keep him outside a while. O'Brien: Understood. Kira: You're not seriously considering handing Tahna over to the Cardassians? Sisko: Were you part of this Kohn-Ma, Major? Kira: If I had been, I would not be working with the provisional government now. Sisko: You'd still be out murdering Cardassians or even some Bajorans that the Kohn-Ma hold in contempt. Didn't they claim responsibility for the assassination of one of your First Ministers last month? Kira: Look, I know Tahna. Sisko: Is he Kohn-Ma? Kira: Yes, but Sisko: I suggest you get your priorities straight, Major, because I don't have any room for divided loyalties in this command. And I won't have a Kohn-Ma terrorist using this station as a protective shield for continuing violence. Kira: My priorities are straight, Commander. Let's not be confused here. my loyalties are to Bajor, and Bajor needs men like Tahna Los. Sisko: Apparently his war with the Cardassians isn't over yet. Kira: If Bajor is ever to rebuild a strong and independent society, it will require the repatriation of splinter groups like the Kohn-Ma. You have, we have, an opportunity here, Commander. I hope you don't miss it. Kira: How is he? Bashir: Second degree burns, lacerations, a minor concussion. Not much compared to what he's been through before. Sisko: Before? Bashir: The most recent of these scars is only two, perhaps three years old. Tahna: Two and a half, actually. Bashir: It's remarkable you lived through this. Kira: It's a Cardassian technique designed to keep you alive. Sisko: I'm Commander Benjamin Sisko. I have a few questions for you if you're up to answering them. Kira: Commander Sisko hasn't decided whether to grant you asylum yet, Tahna. Sisko: Major, perhaps I should conduct this alone. Tahna: Major? Kira: I'm the liaison officer to the Federation here. Still fighting for Bajor in my own way. I'll stop by later. Tahna: What do you need to know, Commander? Sisko: For starters, why were they chasing you? Tahna: You really want to hear the story of my life? Sisko: I assume as a member of the Kohn-Ma you've committed serious acts against them. Tahna: Any one of a hundred that would lead to a Cardassian death sentence. Sisko: Any of them since their withdrawal from Bajor? Tahna: Frankly, yes. Sisko: Why would you continue the violence against them now? Tahna: To be honest, I'm not sure anymore. We say we're punishing them for crimes committed against us for over half a century, but I've had enough of the killing. Bashir: I'm sorry, Commander. He needs rest now. Kira: Admiral, I think Commander Sisko's being incredibly short-sighted. He obviously doesn't understand the issues involved. Rollman: Thank you for bringing this to my attention, Major. I'll stay in close touch with the situation. Kira: Thank you, Admiral. O'Brien: Sir, the Cardassian warship has docked. Lieutenant Dax is making sure that all procedural details are precisely observed, no matter how long it takes. Sisko: Well done. I have some more research to do on the Kohn-Ma before I see them. O'Brien: Sir, I don't know much about the Bajoran terrorists, but you've never fought the Cardassians, have you? Sisko: No. O'Brien: Well, you just wouldn't want to turn a man, any man over to their tender care, sir. You just wouldn't. Subspace transmission from Admiral Rollman for you, Commander. Sisko: In my office. Rollman: Ben, that Bajoran woman you have working for you interrupted a staff meeting to tell me how she disapproves of your handling of this asylum matter. I think you have a problem there, Commander. Sisko: Yes, Admiral. Kira: It's all right. You're safe. Tahna: Strange to run into each other here, isn't it? Kira: It's good to be with someone who knows what it's been like out there. Tahna: Wearing that uniform, I thought maybe you'd forgotten. Kira: Never. Tahna: Working on the inside hasn't dulled that old fire just a little? Kira: Ask Sisko about that. Tahna: Don't get along? Kira: Oil and water. You're tired. I should go. Tahna: Kira, do you think he'll give me to the Cardassians? Kira: Over my dead body. Tahna: That's the Kira I remember. Gul Danar: If you require all vessels to endure such lengthy docking procedures, Commander, you're going to have a lot of impatient traffic out there. Sisko: I apologize. We're still trying to repair all the damage your forces did before they left. It does create unreasonable delays. Gul Danar: I accept your apology, but not your explanation. What about Tahna Los? Sisko: Well, we've got a problem. Gul Danar: A diplomatic insult to the Cardassian people would be a problem. Delivering a wanted criminal to us would not be. Sisko: Danar, in war, both sides commit atrocities. Gul Danar: I can only tell you that we are certain he plans to commit more acts of terrorism Sisko: He tells me that he has renounced the Kohn-Ma and wants to help to rebuild Bajor. Gul Danar: He committed brutal acts of destruction and murder and he must pay for those crimes. Sisko: I appreciate the Cardassian position but I know if a Bajoran freedom-fighter is turned over to the Cardassians by the Federation, that would be a mistake that would undermine everything that I'm trying to accomplish here. So, with apologies, I'm going to grant him asylum for the time being. Eventually, he'll want to relocate to Bajor and if you want to pursue the matter with the Provisional Government, then that's your business. Kira: How long since you've slept in a comfortable bed? Tahna: I can adapt to that part very quickly, thank you. Kira: I'm glad you're here. We need you, Tahna. Tahna: I don't think the Federation has any use for my particular talents. Kira: I mean Bajor needs you. If you had the impression that I'm a Federation officer in any way, I promise you I Tahna: I thought you were under Sisko's command. Kira: I am, but Tahna: You see, that's something I could never adapt to. Kira: Somebody has to coordinate relations between the Federation and the Provisional Government, At least with someone like me here Tahna: Why? Why should they be here at all? What right does this so-called Provisional Government have to bring them here Kira: I know Tahna: After everything we fought for, Kira. Freedom from domination, true independence. No outsiders. No Cardassians, and no Federations. Kira: Things have changed, Tahna. With the diskovery of the wormhole Tahna: Oh, yes, the wormhole. Kira: Look, I don't want the Federation here any more than you do but they are serving a purpose. For the time being, at least. Without the Federation, the Cardassians would be back in a minute to take control of the wormhole. And the wormhole is the future of Bajor, Tahna. It's bringing ships and commerce. It's making us a power in the quadrant. Tahna: I don't want to be a power in the quadrant. I want Bajor for Bajorans. I want our homeland back. Kira: We have it back. And as we grow stronger, we'll be able to defend it ourselves without having to lean on the Federation or anyone else. I know it's difficult to see. After all we've been through, we want it all now. But with people like you leading the way Tahna: You have adapted, haven't you. Kira: Tahna, I've put myself on the line for you here. You are finished with the Kohn-Ma? Tahna: Yes. Yes, I am finished with the Kohn-Ma. Kira: I've been talking with several of the ministers of the Provisional Government about amnesty. For you and any member of the Kohn-Ma who follows you. Tahna: There are some who might, if there were assurances. Kira: I'm working on it, Tahna. I'll find a way to make it happen. Odo: What? Deputy: Sir, we've had a little problem. These two women are just arriving. They objected to giving up their weapons. Lursa: Klingons do not surrender their weapons. ODO@ Who are you? Lursa: We are Lursa and B'Etor. Of the house of Duras. Odo: And we have specific regulations. You can leave the weapons or leave the station. Your choice. Please make it now. B'Etor: Who are you? Odo: I'm the one giving you the choice. Odo: Welcome to DS Nine. Odo: We have some new guests you might be interested in. A couple of Klingon sisters from the Duras Family. Sisko: Lursa and B'Etor. Odo: You know them, then. Sisko: They tried to grab control of the Klingon High Council, started a brief civil war. They've been out of sight since then. Odo: I ran a security check. The Klingons have them listed as renegades. Sisko: We've heard they've been trying to raise capital to rebuild their armies. What are they doing here? Odo: Sitting. They went straight to Quark's, but not for the gambling and certainly not for the food. They're just sitting. Sisko: I don't like it. Odo: Why don't I lock them up and call the Klingons to come get them. Sisko: Odo. Odo: If they're enemies of the Klingon High Council? Sisko: They haven't broken any laws here. You can't just throw them in jail. Odo: You know, Cardassian rule may have been oppressive, but at least it was simple. Sisko: Keep an eye on them. Odo: As you wish, Commander. Bashir: And how are you this evening, Mister Garak? Excuse me, just plain, simple Garak, you said. Garak: Plain and simple. Join me, Doctor. Enhance my evening. Bashir: Keeping an eye on the ebb and flow of things, are you? Garak: As a clothier, I do have a keen interest in what the population is wearing from day to day. Klingons have an odd sense of style, don't you agree? Bashir: Oh, yes, they do. Garak: But intriguing. I would say that those two outfits are worth studying closely. Look. Lursa: All right, where's the payment. Tahna: It's on its way. B'Etor: That was not the arrangement. Tahna: I couldn't stop to get it. I barely got past the Cardassians. Lursa: Your safety is not our concern. B'Etor: Your gold is. Tahna: It will be available tomorrow. B'Etor: Good. Because if we have made this trip for nothing, you will have made a fatal mistake. Kira: I've managed to arrange a hearing of the Ministers' Court. Sisko: Any predictions? Kira: I have two of the ministers, the smart ones, ready to vote for amnesty. I'm sure one of the others will fall in line. Sisko: Good. Kira: And Tahna says two more of the Kohn-Ma are willing to follow him if you'll guarantee their safety. Sisko: Done. Kira: I have to say this, Commander. When we first talked I wasn't sure you. This wouldn't have been possible without your support. I want you to know it's appreciated. Sisko: Be sure to mention it the next time you chat with Admiral Rollman. Kira: Sir. Sisko: Go over my head again and I'll have yours on a platter Sisko: So, Constable. News about our Klingon sisters? Odo: They seem to make friends easily. Sisko: Friends? Odo: Our reformed Kohn-Ma, for example. Sisko: Tahna with Lursa and B'Etor? Odo: Talking about a business arrangement. He's paying them for something. I don't know what. The gold is supposedly on its way. Sisko: Two other members of the Kohn-Ma may be bringing it. Odo: How do you know that? Sisko: Major Kira mentioned that they were on their way. Odo: Do you want her to know about this? Sisko: Not quite yet. Lursa: You are the clothier, Garak? Garak: At your service, madam. May I show you our latest fashions? Perhaps some silk lingerie from Kraus Four? B'Etor: Watch your tongue, Cardassian, or I'll rip it out and eat it. Garak: I meant no offense. I have few Klingon patrons. So, is there something you wish to buy? Lursa: We are not here to buy. We are here to sell. B'Etor: We understand you still represent Cardassian interests here. Garak: I am only a simple clothing merchant. B'Etor: We have no time for your games. Do you want Tahna Los or not? Garak: You are in a position to deliver the Bajoran to Cardassian authorities? Lursa: What is he worth to them? B'Etor: In gold-pressed latinum. Lursa: You insult us. Garak: Ladies, ladies, please. Everything is negotiable. I am no more than what I seem to be, a merchant trying to make the best transaction. So, let us haggle. Tahna: Yes? Kira: I have the third minister's vote. The hearing is simply a formality now. You are going to receive amnesty, Tahna. Tahna: I never realized you were such an accomplished politician. Kira: Me? A politician? No, I don't think so. Tahna: You manipulate Sisko and the Federation, the ministers of the Provisional Government. Kira: I'm just determined. I think they all simply get tired of hearing my voice. Tahna: And here we expected to find that Kira Nerys had lost the fire in her heart. Kira: What are you talking about? You knew I was here before you even came. Tahna, I trusted you. Tahna: I am Kohn-Ma. I fight for the freedom of Bajor. You once fought for it as well. Kira: I'm still fighting for it. Tahna: Stop deluding yourself! You say you don't believe in the Federation, you say you don't believe in the Provisional Government, and yet you are their dance instructor. Kira: That's not fair. Tahna: Don't be naive, Major. Kira: I don't want the Federation here, but for now Tahna: Once you're in your comfortable bed with the Federation, you won't be able to get out. We won't be able to get out. Kira: If you expect me to help you commit some act of violence against the Federation Tahna: No. No, the violence is over. That is the truth. No one will get hurt in any way, I promise you that. But I do need your help. Kira: You've already lied to me, Tahna. I know how the game works. Tahna: To do what we plan, we need a small ship capable of warp speed. I gambled that I could convince you to get it for us. Kira: Just what is this peaceful plan? Tahna: In one move and non-violently, we accomplish everything both of us has ever wanted for Bajor. Kira: How? Tahna: I know the game too, Kira. You know I cannot risk telling you that. Kira: How do you know I won't just go straight to Sisko? Tahna: Well, if you do, we'll both know where your loyalties are, won't we? Bashir: Ah. Plain, simple Garak. How are you today? Garak: Being observant, Doctor. Bashir: I'm sure of it. Garak: There's a time for levity, my young friend, and a time for genuine concern. The arrival on this station, for instance, of those two Kohn-Ma terrorists. Bashir: Terrorists? What are they doing here? Garak: I'm not exactly sure. But together, we might have some success at finding out. Bashir: Garak, I'm a doctor Garak: And once you do have the appropriate answer, I'm sure you'll know what to do with it. Bashir: I really must be getting along now. Garak: Doctor, I think it's time for you to take advantage of my shop. If you'll be there at exactly twenty fifty five hours tonight, I promise to show you a suit that will make you into a new man. Bashir: A suit? We're talking about terrorists, and you want me to buy a new suit? Garak: Doctor, am I making myself clear? I want you to buy a new suit tonight at twenty fifty five, exactly. Bashir: Er, yes, I see. Well, if you'll excuse me. A suit? Sisko: Major? Kira: Commander. Sisko: I'd like to meet the two Kohn-Ma who just arrived as soon as possible. Kira: Of course. I'll arrange it. Sisko: How do they seem to you? Kira: Sir? Sisko: Do you feel as secure about them as you do about Tahna Los? Kira: Absolutely. Bashir: Commander Sisko. Bashir: I need some guidance. Sisko: Yes, Doctor? Bashir: It's about Garak, the Cardassian? I'm afraid this relationship has gotten a little out of hand. Sisko: How's that? Bashir: He wants me to buy a suit. Sisko: A suit? Bashir: At exactly twenty fifty five tonight. Sisko: Why twenty fifty five? Bashir: I don't know but it has something to do with those two Bajoran terrorists on board. He says that together, he and I might diskover what they're really doing here. I don't understand why he wants me involved. Sisko: Sometimes communications can't be conducted through official channels. Maybe this is their way of telling us that we have a common enemy. Bashir: Well, what do you want me to do? Sisko: I think, Doctor, you could definitely use a new suit. Kira: Busy? Odo: What can I do for you? Kira: Are all the security measures in place for the trip to the Ministers' Court? Odo: I told you they'd be taken care of and they will. Kira: Fine. Odo: You know, there's one thing about you humanoids I can't imitate very well. Kira: What's that? Odo: Pretense. There's a special talent to it. It's as hard for me as creating one of your noses. Kira: Maybe that's why I've learned to respect your opinion, Constable. Never any pretense. How much do you know about me, Odo? Odo: More than you probably realize. Kira: I've done some things I'm not proud of. I still have nightmares about the raids on the Haru outposts, but at least I was sure of what I was doing then. Odo: And there's something you're not sure of now. Kira: You have no more love for the Federation than I do. Odo: Meaning? Kira: Maybe there are still wars to be fought and I'm just making a fool of myself doing what I'm doing here. Odo: It sounds like you're trying to talk yourself into something. Or out of something. Kira: Either way, I have to betray someone. Odo: The only important thing is not to betray yourself. Kira: How could I possibly turn against my own people? Odo: Are they? Your own people? Kira: They're no different than I used to be. Odo: Used to be. Kira: I could just refuse to help them. Ignore the whole thing. Odo: The Joranian ostrich hides by sticking its head under water. Sometimes even until it drowns. Kira: Then they'd find a way to do whatever they want to do anyway and I'd still feel responsible for the consequences. It was so much easier when I knew who the enemy was. Odo: Odo to Sisko. Sisko: Go ahead. Odo: There's someone down here in security who wants to talk to you, Commander. Garak: Quickly, Doctor, you're late. It's twenty fifty seven. Now just take this and try that on as many times as you like, and stay very, very quiet. Bashir: I was just Garak: Ah, right on time. Welcome. B'Etor: Save your welcomes, Cardassian. Do your people want the Bajoran or not? Garak: I can now venture to say, with some certainty, that you will receive the agreed-upon payment on delivery. Lursa: We will complete our business with Tahna Los in four hours. Garak: And what business might that be? B'Etor: That is not your concern. Garak: If it requires that those I represent must take extra precautions, it becomes my concern. Lursa: We will deliver him a cylinder of bilitrium. B'Etor: The rendezvous will be on the dark side of Bajor Eight's lower moon. The Cardassians can have him then. Bashir: What's bilitrium? Garak: A rare crystalline element, that can be an incredibly powerful source of energy. Provided, of course, one also has an anti-matter converter. Unfortunately, that's why Cardassians were chasing Tahna Los when he arrived here. He stole one. Bashir: But if he's got both. Garak: Quite right, Doctor. He has the ingredients for a bomb. A bomb of significant destructive capability. Sisko: We have nothing to hold them on. they haven't committed any crime yet. Odo: Conspiracy is a crime. Bashir: Conspiracy to what? We don't even know what their plan is. O'Brien: Once the switch with the Klingons is made, you've got them holding the components to an explosive device. That's enough evidence right there. Kira: Chief O'Brien is right. We have to give them a runabout. Sisko: Agreed. Kira: And I have to be on it. Sisko: Not agreed. Major. Kira: Commander, Tahna doesn't know if he can trust me as it is. If I try to stay behind, he won't buy into this. The only way to convince him is if I'm on board. If Tahna fails, I promise you others will try. At least this way you can find out what they're up to. Sisko: Mister O'Brien, you and I will take a runabout to a point behind the second moon of Bajor Eight to avoid detection. O'Brien: Aye, sir. Sisko: Dax, stay in touch with us on a secured channel. Keep an eye on the Cardassians. They'll be coming to the party, too. You get him there, Major. We'll be waiting. Odo: They're moving into the runabout. Dax: Acknowledged. DS Nine to Ganges. Sisko: Go ahead. Dax: They're in the Yangtzee Kiang. They're initializing pre-launch systems now. Sisko: Understood, Lieutenant. Shut down all main power systems. O'Brien: Dead quiet. Kira: Bajor Eight in one hundred twenty thousand kilometers. Dropping to impulse. What is that? Tahna: An anti-matter converter. I'm transferring power from the ship's warp drive into the storage cells. Kira: We've got a Klingon Bird of Prey decloaking dead ahead. Tahna: It's all right. We're here to meet them. Kira: Klingons? Why? Tahna: You'll know soon enough. O'Brien: The Klingons have powered up their transporters. Sisko: Prepare to go to full impulse. Tahna: Thirteen kilograms of gold-pressed latinum, as promised. Lursa: This is yours. B'Etor: 'eH. HImaH! Kira: What is it? Tahna: Bajoran independence. O'Brien: Bird of Prey is moving off and cloaking. Sisko: Set up an intercept course for the runabout. O'Brien: Intercept in one minute, twelve seconds. Dax: DS Nine to Ganges. Sisko: Ganges. Dax: The Cardassian warship Aldara is crossing the border, Benjamin, on an intercept course with the Yangtzee Kiang. They'll enter Dax: Bajoran space in twenty nine seconds. Sisko: Acknowledged. O'Brien: The Yangtzee's sensors should be picking us up now, sir. Tahna: What is that? Kira: It's another runabout. Tahna: They must've been waiting for us here. How did they know? Kira: We also have got a Cardassian warship three minutes away. The Klingons must have sold us out. Tahna: Prepare to engage warp engines. Kira: There's nowhere to run, Tahna. Tahna: We don't have to go far. Tahna: I should have know. Now set the course for DS Nine. Kira: No. Tahna: If you don't, I'll explode the bomb right here and destroy all six colonies on Bajor Eight. Kira: You would kill thousands of your own people for this? Tahna: The question is whether you would kill them by refusing to set the course. O'Brien: They've gone to warp. Sisko: Follow them. Ganges to Yangtzee Kiang. Sisko: Drop out of warp, or we will open fire. Sisko: Repeat. Reduce your power immediately or we will open fire. Tahna: I doubt that he'll shoot while his Major is on board. But just in case. This is the voice of the Kohn-Ma. Tahna: There is an armed bilitrium explosive device on board this ship. Tahna: Fire on us and you will detonate it. O'Brien: If that device goes off while they're at warp, they'll spread radiation across half the system. Sisko: He's headed straight back for the station. This is the Federation vessel Ganges to Cardassian warship Aldara. Gul Danar: So, we're finally allies, Commander. Sisko: Gul Danar, the Federation runabout Yangtzee Kiang is carrying an explosive bilitrium device. Can you intercept before it reaches the space station? Gul Danar: Our time to intercept is two minutes, fourteen seconds. O'Brien: That's about a minute too late, Commander. Gul Danar: If I may take this opportunity to say that I warned you Sisko: Can we get them in a tractor beam? O'Brien: Not at these speeds. They have twenty seven seconds on us. We may have to shoot them down, Commander. Sisko: Ready photons, Chief. We'll fire as soon as they slow to impulse. O'Brien: Aye, sir. Kira: One hundred thousand kilometers to DS Nine. This is your idea of a non-violent solution? You realize there are hundreds of Bajoran civilians aboard the station. Tahna: No one's going to be hurt, Kira. Adjust your course to take a vectored approach past the mouth of the wormhole. Kira: The wormhole? It's not the space station you're after. You can't possibly believe you can destroy the wormhole with that device? Tahna: I don't have to destroy it, just have to collapse the entrance. Kira: You're only hurting Bajor by doing this, Tahna. Tahna: No more wormhole, no more Federation or Cardassians. Or anyone. Drop out of warp. Now! O'Brien: My God, they're going into the wormhole. At full impulse. Tahna: Damn you! Sisko: Sisko to Kira. Are you all right, Major? Tahna: No, she's not all right, Commander. And if you want her alive you'll do exactly as I say. Sisko: Listen to me carefully, Tahna. Sisko: You can either surrender now to me or you can wait for the Cardassian warship Sisko: And I can let them deal with you this time. Sisko: Your choice. Kira: There'll be no further resistance, Commander. Kira: Tahna, the old ways don't work anymore. Everything is different now. I had to do this. One day you'll understand. Tahna: Traitor.

O'Brien: Look, save your energy. We'll have you out of there as soon as possible. I hope. Try re-routing the power coupling. Jaheel: Mister O'Brien. O'Brien: See if you can activate the interlock servos. Jaheel: Mister O'Brien. O'Brien: Captain Jaheel, those people have been stuck in that airlock for over an hour. Now if you can wait until we get that door opened, I'll be happy to listen to any problems you might have. Jaheel: But I've already been waiting two days for your people to readjust my ship's antimatter flow converter. O'Brien: I'm afraid we've gotten a little bit behind in our maintenance schedule. Jaheel: I'm not interested in hearing excuses. I have a shipment of Tamen Sasheer waiting to be delivered to Largo Five, and I'll need to do better than warp one to get there before it spoils. O'Brien: I'll try to get a repair crew to you by the end of the day. Now that's the best I can do. Jaheel: Your best, Mister O'Brien, hardly seems good enough. Dax: Dax to O'Brien. O'Brien: O'Brien here. Dax: Can you spare a minute, Chief? I have a little problem here at the lab. O'Brien: On my way. Dax: Thanks for coming, Chief. O'Brien: What are you doing out here? O'Brien: Have you checked the EPS convertor? Dax: Yes. First thing. O'Brien: How about the intensity grid? Dax: It's fine. O'Brien: Then it's probably the secondary phase modulator. We had trouble with them last week in the main power core. That should do it. O'Brien: Anything else I can do for you? Kira: The navigational computer hasn't been working reliably for three days. I ask for the star charts of the Argosian sector, Glessene sector comes up instead. That's when I can coax this system online. O'Brien: Uh-huh. Try it now. Kira: That's more like it. You look like you could use some sleep. O'Brien: Who has time for sleep? I'd settle for five minutes of peace and quiet. Sisko: Chief, I thought you were going to fix the replicators. O'Brien: You're absolutely right, sir. I knew I'd forgotten something. Can't have the operations chief sitting around daydreaming when there's work to be done, can we? I'll get right on it. O'Brien: Fix the replicators, Chief. My console's offline, Chief. I should've transferred to a cargo drone. No people, no complaints. O'Brien: Hot coffee, black, double sweet. Odo: Tell me, Quark, am I mistaken or is business a little slow today? Quark: Slow? It's been almost nonexistent for the past three days. Odo: Who knows, if things don't improve you may be forced to close down. Quark: You'd like that, wouldn't you? Odo: Let's just say, without you around my job would be considerably easier. Quark: Without me around, you'd be forced to find some other, poor innocent to persecute. Think about that while you sit here gloating at my misfortune. Asoth: Quark! You call this Kohlanese stew? Quark: If your meal isn't satisfactory I'm sure we could exchange it for something more to your liking. Asoth: Aren't you the least bit curious as to how it tastes? Asoth: Now, you served it, you're going to eat it. Odo: All right, that's enough. Asoth: I said eat it! Odo: I said, that's enough. Odo: Well, another satisfied customer. Quark: It's these replicators. If I don't get them fixed soon, they'll destroy my business. Odo: Why not get O'Brien to fix them? He has the replicators on the command level working perfectly. Quark: I'm on his waiting list. He assures me he'll get to them as soon as he can. Odo: No telling when that will be. The Chief's a very busy man. Quark: Computer, display a station layout. Highlight locations of all repaired replicators on command level. Computer: Information restricted to security clearance five and above. Please enter security verification. Computer: Clearance verified. O'Brien: There you go, sir. I think you'll find that more to your liking. Sisko: Very much appreciated, Mister O'Brien. O'Brien: Don't mention it, sir. Unfortunately, there are plenty of replicators around the station that still need looking after. Sisko: You all right, Chief? O'Brien: I'm just a bit hot. The environmental controls must be acting up again. Sisko: Send my regards to Mrs O'Brien. Jake tells me she's a wonderful teacher. O'Brien: That's nice to hear, sir. She's flower units about the lad herself. Sisko: Excuse me? O'Brien: Sir? Sisko: What was that you just said? O'Brien: She's quite fond of the lad herself. Sisko: I'm glad to hear it. O'Brien: Very good, sir. Security: Ladies. Crewman: Hello, Lieutenant. Dax: I forgot how different it was. Kira: How different what was? Dax: Being female. I haven't been one for over eighty years. All this attention. Kira: I imagine it must take some getting use to. Dax: Actually I find it quite enjoyable. Quark: Major Kira. Lieutenant Dax. Quark: I'd be honored to have you join my little party. As my guests, of course. Kira: What's all this, Quark? You cheat your one thousandth customer? Quark: Who says Bajorans don't have a sense of humor? Actually, we're celebrating the repair of the bar's replicator system. Perhaps I could interest you in a nice double whipped Idanian spice pudding. Dax: What do you think? Kira: I think I'm due back at Ops, but go on, enjoy yourself. Quark: Please, make yourself comfortable, Lieutenant. I did say a double whipped spice pudding, didn't I? Dax: It's lovely. I almost hate to eat it. Quark: By all means, take the time to admire its beauty While I admire yours. Kira: Chief? O'Brien: How can I help you, Major? Kira: You're the one who could use a little help. O'Brien: Oh, no, I'm fine, really. Kira: I suppose this isn't a good time to tell you that number three turbolift has broken down again. Joking, Chief. O'Brien: Major, larks true pepper. Kira: What? O'Brien: Let birds go further loose maybe. Shout easy play. Kira: Chief, you're not making any sense. O'Brien: Round the turbulent quick. Well, close the reverse harbor. Ankle try sound. Reset gleaming. Dinner to bug. Kira: Chief, wait. O'Brien: When? Kira: Chief! Bashir: Computer, continue neural imaging scan and stimulate visual cortex. Computer: All visual responses normal. Bashir: Computer, begin auditory stimuli. Computer: No physiological damage. All brain functions within normal parameters. Bashir: Nurse. Jabara: Yes? Bashir: Will you pull up Mister O'Brien's neurophysiological history, please? Jabara: Yes, Doctor. Kira: What is that? What's he written? Bashir: I wish I knew. O'Brien: Strike limits. Flame the dark true salt. Bashir: Please, Chief, have a seat. O'Brien: Way link complete. Way link! Kira: What's wrong with him? Bashir: He appears to be suffering from a form of aphasia. It's a perceptual dysfunction in which aural and visual stimuli are incorrectly processed by the brain. His actual thinking hasn't been affected, but he's incapable of expressing himself or understanding others. O'Brien: Victory strike limits frosted wake. Simple hesitation! Sisko: I'm not sure I follow you, Doctor. You say Mister O'Brien is aphasic, but all of his tests come up negative. Dax: Isn't aphasia typically associated with some kind of cranial trauma? Bashir: Yes. It can occur as a result of a stroke or blow to the head. But there's no evidence of that here. Dax: Did you check the medical library for any precedents? Bashir: And rechecked. Nothing so far. Sisko: Do you have any theories? Bashir: Not yet. Sisko: Find one. Major Kira, get hold of the Chief's personal duty log. I want to know where he's been and what he's done for the past fifty two hours. Kira: I've already examine it, Commander. He's been all over the station. Sisko: Retrace his steps and see what you come up with. Dax, you will temporarily assume Mister O'Brien's duties. Dax: Yes, I'll Sisko: Is there a problem, Lieutenant? Lieutenant? Dax: I'm sorry, Benjamin. I'm unable to foolish assembled regal controlled weather. Bashir: Spontaneous development of aphasia is virtually impossible. Yet we saw Lieutenant Dax become aphasic before our eyes. This told me we are dealing with a disease that only mimics aphasia. So I ran a full neurosynaptic comparison of Dax and O'Brien, and I found this in the temporal lobes of both patients. Sisko: A virus? Bashir: It imposes itself within the established synaptic pathways and then randomly reroutes them. For example, when I look at this, a process occurs in my brain which connects the stimulus to the word tricorder. This virus disrupts that process. Sisko: I'd see a tricorder but I would say something ridiculous like window. Bashir: Exactly. Jabara: Doctor, I think you should get over here. Crewwoman: Night, the flow trade again. Crewman: View lost pile luck. Away tunnel back the garden. Sisko: Doctor, I want this station put under emergency quarantine immediately. Bashir: Yes, sir. Man: Dabo! Odo: Quark, what is going on here? Quark: What does it look like? Odo: It looks like business as usual, but that's impossible because all shops and business have been closed until further notice. Quark: Except, of course, for essential station operations. Odo: For which this place hardly qualifies. Quark: I don't think they'd agree. This quarantine has everybody on edge, Constable. Would you deprive them of a little harmless diversion? Odo: They'd be safer in their quarters. Asoth: Quark, that Kohlanese stew. Magnificent. Quark: Fortunately, my assistant Rom, was able to fix the replicators. Odo: Yes, very fortunate. Sisko: Jake! I expected you home an hour ago. Jake: Sorry. I was at Nog's. Dad, about this quarantine, it's going to be okay, isn't it? Sisko: It's just a precaution. Nothing more. Jaheel: I wish I shared your confidence Commander. Sisko: Go straight home, son. I'll see you at dinner. Sisko: Captain Jaheel, all visitors have been confined to their ships. Jaheel: Believe me, there is no place I'd rather be. Sisko: Then what are you doing here? Jaheel: Commander, I officially request permission to leave this station. Sisko: Request denied. Jaheel: But none of my crew has been affected by this virus of yours, and unless I depart at once my whole cargo will be ruined. Sisko: Captain, I suggest you return to your ship now. Jaheel: Please. I don't want to get sick. Sisko: I'm sorry, but until we find a cure for this thing, no one's going anywhere. Quark: Computer, let's start with one Ferengi starduster, please. Extra strong. Perfect. Quark: I thought the front wheels were sticking a bit. Odo: Unauthorized access to crew quarters is a crime, Quark. You could have just asked to use the replicators. Quark: There's an old Ferengi saying. Never ask when you can take. How did you figure it out? Odo: You claimed Rom fixed your replicators. Quark: So? Odo: Rom's an idiot. He couldn't fix a straw if it was bent. Quark: You're right. Rom is an idiot. Remind me to get rid of him tomorrow. Bashir: Based on the levels of the virus found in the patients' blood, I believe it's being absorbed through ingestion. Sisko: You're saying it's in our food? Kira: That's not possible. All the food on the station is replicated, and all the replicators use biofilters. They automatically screen out contaminants including viruses. Bashir: Major, I've analyzed samples from replicators all over the station. Food on the command level is contaminated. Sisko: But all of us here have eaten from those replicators. How come we're not aphasic? Bashir: This virus is highly adaptable. Its incubation period seems to vary within each individual. Kira: According to O'Brien's duty log, the last thing he did before become aphasic was fix the command level replicators. Sisko: Get a repair crew over there to inspect the site. Let's shut down those replicators. Maybe we'll be able to limit further contamination. Bashir: I'm afraid that's not going to do it, sir. I've been getting aphasic patients from all over the station. Sisko: How is that possible? Odo: You can thank Quark. I caught him using a replicator in one of the vacant crew quarters. He was producing his entire menu out of there. Bashir: If this virus is present within a large enough segment of the population, it could mean Sisko: What is it, Doctor? Bashir: I just took an air sample. Sisko: The virus? Bashir: It's mutated into an airborne variety. Odo: Which means? Bashir: Which means the whole station is infected. Sisko: Captain's log, stardate 46423.7. Nearly sixty percent of DS Nine's population has now contracted the aphasia virus. We've initiated standard quarantine procedures, and are advising all incoming ships to maintain their distance from the station until further notice. Kira: I found it inside the replicator's pattern generator. Sisko: O'Brien must have accidently triggered it when he repaired the system. Kira: According to Bashir, it introduced an anomalous programming sequence into the materialization subroutine. In effect, it built the virus directly into the replicated food at a molecular level. Sisko: So what we have here is sabotage. Kira: Cardassian sabotage. Sisko: How can you be sure? Kira: It has a diboridium core for a power source. That is Cardassian technology. Bashir: Bashir to Sisko. Sisko: Sisko here. Bashir: Commander, I think you'd better get down here to the Infirmary, as soon as possible. Sisko: On my way. Sisko: You wanted to see me, Doctor? Sisko: Jake? Jake: Left, become better, control, entire hope. Bashir: We've converted some empty crew quarters into a hospital ward. He'll be well looked after. Sisko: I'll take him there myself. Come on, Jake. You're going to be all right. Bashir: Commander, when you've got a moment, I've found something I'd like to show you. Nurse: It'll be fine. Just lay back. I know, but just lay back and relax. Quark: Food. Dabo. Drinks. Money. Hand. Mine. Give. Sisko: Well, Quark, I see even you couldn't weasel your way clear of this one. Quark: You underestimate the Ferengi immune system, Commander. I'm merely here visiting my less fortunate customers to make sure they're not faking the illness to avoid paying their bills. Sisko: No one's that devious. Quark: I am. You gold owe me. I now give. Sisko: We're doing everything possible. I'll be back as soon as I can. Bashir: The virus is synthetic, Commander. Its nucleotide sequence is too perfect. It's clearly not natural. Sisko: You're saying the Cardassians genetically engineered this thing? Bashir: Well that's what I thought at first, but I've studied Cardassian genetic engineering. They always build distinctive monoclonial links into their DNA. This virus has none of those features. Sisko: All right then, who made it. Bashir: That's what I wanted to find out. So I referenced all known DNA construction techniques in the Federation records, and this protein series was the key. It indicates that Sisko: Doctor! Who created this virus? Bashir: The Bajorans, sir. I believe it must have been a terrorist plot to sabotage the Cardassians while they were here. Kira: The energy decay of this power core indicates that it dates back to the building of the station. Odo: That's eighteen years ago. I suppose the Bajoran underground could have smuggled it aboard during construction, before I took over as Head of Security. Sisko: But why would the underground go to all the trouble of planting a booby trap and not set it off? Odo: Maybe they forgot. Kira: No. More likely they were captured or killed before they could release it. Sisko: We need to find out who created this virus. You're our best hope. Kira: Eighteen years is a long time. Odo: Besides, even if she finds who did this, that's no guarantee they can help us. Sisko: We just have to hope they remembers the antidote. Odo: That's assuming they ever bothered to create one. Kira: Had to be someone in the underground familiar with genetic engineering. Galis: Eighteen years ago. Sounds like something Dekon Elig might have thought up. Kira: How can I find him? Galis: The last I heard he was in a Cardassian prison. Kira: Where was he being held? Galis: The Velos Seven Internment Camp. But that was nine years ago. Kira: And you have no idea where he is now? Think, Galis. This is important. Galis: I'm sorry, Kira, but it was all so long ago. Jabara: What is it, Jake? Jake: Roll linger when life. Roll linger when. Jabara: What? Dax: Other support. Strong courage. Jabara: He's running a high fever. Jake: Open way long. Open way. Jabara: Doctor, we have an emergency in crew quarters. Sisko: How is he, Doctor? Bashir: Not good, I'm afraid. The virus has attacked his autonomic nervous system. Sisko: Can he be stabilized? Bashir: He hasn't responded to neural stimulation. I've given him thirty cc's of corophizine to avoid secondary infection, but so far I've been unable to lower his fever. Sisko: What are his chances? Bashir: Unless I find some way to counteract the virus, he'll be dead in twelve hours. Sisko: Have you made any progress? Bashir: No. I've tried base pair destabilizers, sequential disruption, nothing seems to affect it. Sir, I've got seven other aphasic patients displaying the same symptoms as O'Brien here, and I'm afraid this is only the beginning. Sisko: Keep searching, Doctor. I hope Major Kira can find whoever's responsible for creating this virus. Bashir: I'd like to meet that person myself. This virus is a work of genius. Sisko: I'll try to arrange it for you. Computer: Link established with the Bajoran Archival Records. Kira: Locate files on Velos Seven Internment camp. Computer: Ready. Kira: Do you show a record of an inmate named Dekon Elig? Computer: Affirmative. Kira: Biographical data. Computer: Dekon Elig. Geneticist. Former member of the Higa Metar Sect of the Bajoran underground. Killed while attempting escape stardate 39355. Certificate of Death on file. Sisko: No need to ask how you're doing. Kira: Chasing after ghosts. Sisko: You have twelve hours to catch one. Kira: And then? Sisko: People start dying. Kira: Computer, display Dekon Elig's Certificate of Death. Identify signature of witness. Computer: Certificate of Death was witnessed by Surmak Ren, Bajoran Medical Assistant. Kira: Show me biographical data on Surmak Ren. Computer: Doctor Surmak Ren. Former member of the Higa Metar sect of the Bajoran underground. Repatriated to Bajor upon closing of the Velos Seven Internment Camp, stardate 46302. Current status unknown. Quark: Dabo. Odo: Any luck? Quark: I haven't won a spin in hours. Care to place a friendly wager? If it's your reputation you're thinking about no one need ever know. Odo: It has nothing to do with my reputation. The truth is, I never learned the game. Quark: You mean, you've sat here for all these years and you don't even know how to gamble? Odo: That's correct. Quark: No wonder you always look so bored. The rules are quite simple, actually. I'd be happy to show them to you. Odo: Some other time perhaps. Sisko needs me in Ops. And since the entire security force stricken with aphasia, the Promenade in a very vulnerable position. Quark: How unfortunate. Odo: Consider it a warning, Quark, because I'm holding you personally responsible if anything turns up missing. Is that understood? Quark: Perfectly. Quark: Dabo, Bashir: Computer, analyze test sample thirty seven delta. Detail effects on viral containment. Computer: Working. Analysis complete. Sample thirty seven delta ineffective. Viral protein sheath is unaffected. Nucleotide sequence remains intact Bashir: Computer, replay morning. Computer: Command unclear. Please repeat. Bashir: Glass lunch judge a bin to let it Computer: Command unclear. Please repeat. Kira: Computer, establish link with the Bajoran Medical Index for the Northwestern District. Computer: Link established. Kira: Access all information on Doctor Surmak Ren. Computer: There are no records matching that name. Kira: Try the Northeastern District, same search. Computer: Doctor Surmak Ren, currently serving as Chief Administrator of the Ilvian Medical Complex. Kira: Computer, open a channel to the Ilvian Medical Complex. Administrators office. Surmak: This is Doctor Surmak. And you are? Kira: Major Kira Nerys. Bajoran liaison to Deep Space Nine. Surmak: Ah yes, the old Cardassian mining station. How can I help you? Kira: That depends. Surmak: On what? Kira: On whether or not you helped Dekon Elig plant an aphasia virus here eighteen years ago. Surmak: I have no idea what you're talking about. Odo: Look, Sisko. I'm a security officer, a good one, but that doesn't make me qualified to help you run station operations. Sisko: You're probably right, Constable, but as you can see, you're all I've got. Kira: Commander? Commander, I think I found our scientist. Sisko: Does he have an antidote? Kira: I don't know. He broke the connection the minute I mentioned the virus. Sisko: Major, you mind telling me where you're going? Kira: To continue my conversation with Doctor Surmak in person. Sisko: Major, I can't allow you to break quarantine. We can't risk spreading the virus to Bajor. Kira: I am well aware of that, Commander. As a matter of fact, I don't intend to step foot on the planet. Odo: Better let her go, Sisko. She's all we've got. Odo: Let's just hope there's someone left to greet her when she returns. Sisko: Jake. How's it going? I've missed you. I know things don't look too good right now, but they'll get better. You have to believe that. Because I'm not going to lose you, Jake. You hear me? I'm not going to lose you. Odo: You'd better take a look at this. We have activity on docking port five. I think a ship is about to depart. Sisko: Docking port five? That's Jaheel's ship. Put him on screen. Captain, your ship has not been cleared for departure. The mooring clamps are locked and I don't intend to release them. Jaheel: I suggest you change your mind. I'm taking aft thrusters to one half. Sisko: Captain, cut your engines before you rip your ship apart. Odo: He's not reducing power. Sisko: Jaheel, I'm ordering you to stand down. Jaheel: Your orders are no concern of mine. My entire crew has been confined to your hospital. I must leave now while I can still function. Sisko: Look, I understand you're frightened, but believe me, you're better off here. You don't want to be out there alone and get hit by the virus. Jaheel: Don't worry about me. I'm fine, and I plan to stay that way. And if you think you're going Sisko: We'll have to retract the clamps. Once he's clear of the station we can grab him with a tractor beam. Damn. Odo: What's wrong? Sisko: There's too much stress on the mooring clamps. They're not retracting. Odo: His aft isolation plate buckled. Sisko: His main power core's been ruptured. If the internal fuel cells collapse the whole ship will explode. Odo: And take half the docking ring with it. Kira: Computer, isolate a comm. line to the Ilvian Medical Complex, Administrator's office. Computer: Line isolated. Kira: Scan office for lifeforms. Computer: One life form present. Kira: Lock on and stand by to transport. Surmak: This is Doctor Surmak. Kira: Hello again, Doctor. Just checking to see you're in your office. Surmak: I have nothing to say to you Kira: Hello again, Doctor. Surmak: This is outrageous. I demand you return me to my office immediately. Kira: Relax, Doctor, you won't be gone long. Sisko: Try to re-establish visual contact with Jaheel's ship. Odo: No response. His comm. lines are down. Sisko: Bypass communications through a secondary grid. See if you can switch to external pickups. Odo: Got it. Odo: His fire control systems don't appear to be working. Sisko: We have about fifteen minutes before the fuel cells collapse. Odo: I hope you feel better than you look. Sisko: It must be that damn virus. This is Sisko. Any station personnel who can understand what I'm saying come to Ops immediately. We need help up here. We have to get that ship away from the station. Odo: Why don't we explode the mooring clamps. The blast should push the ship away from the docking ring. Sisko: We'll have to get down there and blow them manually. Odo: I'll do it. Sisko: All right. You can cross barrels. All job appallled. Odo: What was that? Sisko: Bread the arrive seen earlier. Odo: Oh, I see. Surmak: Major, this is kidnapping. Turn this ship around or I swear you'll spend the rest of your life in Kran-Tobol Prison. Kira: Fine. But first we need your help. The aphasia virus is spreading through the station. Surmak: Why come to me? Kira: You helped create the virus, didn't you? Surmak: No, I had practically nothing to do with it. Dekon Elig created the virus. I was merely his medical assistant. That seems like a lifetime ago now. I was only in the underground for six months before we were captured. I am not responsible for this. Kira: I am not looking to place blame. All I want is the antidote. Surmak: I don't know of any antidote. If Dekon made one, he never told me. Kira: Listen, Surmak. I have a station full of dying people, and you are the closest thing there is to an expert on this virus. Surmak: I sympathize, Major. But I don't think I can help you. Kira: All right. Then how about helping yourself? Surmak: Meaning what? Kira: Meaning I've been infected with your virus, Doctor. So now you're infected too. Odo: To anyone who can hear me. This is Odo. Sisko's infected. I could really use some help here in Ops. Quark: Do I detect a note of panic in your voice? Odo: Quark, am I to believe you're volunteering to help? Quark: Who said anything about volunteering? We can haggle over price later. Now, how may I be of use? Odo: I need to get to docking port five now. That ship's going to explode in five minutes. Quark: I'll beam you over. Odo: You? Quark: Relax. I served on a Ferengi freighter for eight years. Odo: All right. Quark: I must have witnessed the procedure hundreds of times. Odo: Witnessed? You mean to say you never handled the controls yourself? Quark: Energizing. Kira: Kira to Ops. Approaching landing pad seven. Request clearance to initiate docking procedure. Quark: Welcome back. I could use some help up here. Kira: Quark? What are you doing in Ops? Surmak: First thing I need to see is your Doctors' viral characterisation research. He was beginning to develop an antidote series. Let's take a look at that. Kira: Listen, Doctor, I'll be in Ops. If you need me use this string impact. Lot show red intense. Surmak: I think you'd better sit down, Major. Jaheel: Dog fellow distance. Odo: Yeah, tell me about it. Quark: Odo, you'd better hurry up. Quark: That ship's going to explode in one minute. Surmak: Virus protein sheath. Nucleotide sequence. Yes, that's right. It's an adaptive, synaptic inhibitor. Dekon was brilliant, no doubt of that. I think we've found your antidote, Major. Quark: Forty seconds. Quark: Thirty seconds. Hurry. Odo: I know, I know. Quark: Twenty seconds! Quark: Ten seconds! Quark: Odo? Quark to Odo. Quark: You still with us? Odo: Try not to sound too disappointed. Quark: Now, about that little matter of my hazard pay. Odo: Come on, come on. Sisko: Captain's log, stardate 46425.8. With the help of Doctor Bashir's notes, Doctor Surmak was able to find an antidote for the aphasia virus. We are continuing to administer it throughout the station, and things are slowly returning to normal. Sisko: Good to have you back, Chief. O'Brien: Thank you, sir. Sisko: Coffee, black. O'Brien!

Sarda: I'm not what a lot of people think. I mean, if you're a dabo girl, you know, you get a reputation. Sisko: Miss Sarda, why don't tell me exactly what happened? When did you start to have trouble with Quark? Sarda: About five minutes after I got off the ship. Sisko: He immediately made sexual advances? Sarda: He said it was part of the job. Sisko: And what did you say? Sarda: I told him I'd wear the costume and entertain the gamblers, but to keep his Ferengi knuckles to himself. Sisko: That didn't stop him? Sarda: No. He said again that it was part of the job. He showed me my employment agreement. See? There it is in the Ferengi print. Page twenty one, subsection D, paragraph twelve. Sisko: You're telling me the contract you signed requires you to Sarda: I guess I should have read it more carefully. I'm not a legal expert, Commander Sisko: I'm not a legal expert either, but I can assure you, after I talk to Quark, he won't hold you or anyone else to this provision concerning the exchange Kira: Commander, sensors are picking up elevated neutrino readings. Something's coming through the wormhole. Sisko: Excuse me. Sarda: Thank you, Commander. Sisko: Are any of the transports due back? Kira: Not according to our logs. Sisko: Put us on yellow alert. Dax: It doesn't match anything in Starfleet files. O'Brien: I'm getting readings of a massive energy flux. It could be damaged. Dax: Sensors indicate a single humanoid lifeform on board. Sisko: Hail it. O'Brien: Aye, sir. Hail acknowledged. Response coming in. Sisko: On screen. Sisko: Welcome to the Alpha Quadrant. I'm Commander Benjamin Sisko of the United Federation of Planets. Tosk: Alpha Quadrant? Sisko: You've passed through a wormhole into a new part of the galaxy. Tosk: I saw a small ship disappear. I followed it Sisko: That was one of our patrol vessels. You've traveled almost ninety thousand light years. What planet do you come from? Tosk: How long does it last, this anomaly? Sisko: It's stable. You can return whenever you want. In the meantime, you're welcome to dock here and we'll try to answer all your questions. Tosk: No. No time. O'Brien: Inertial stress is overloading his structural capacity. Sisko: Prepare to transport him off his ship. Tosk: I will not abandon my vessel. Sisko: Sir, your ship is in danger of Tosk: I will not leave! O'Brien: We can use a tractor beam to tow him in. The beam's graviton field should shore up the structural integrity. Sisko: Do it. O'Brien: Cut your engines. Tosk: Why? O'Brien: So I can save your ship, friend. We'll bring you in. Try to fix you up as good as new. Good. Engaging tractor beam. Steady now. Feel the graviton field taking hold? Tosk: Yes. O'Brien: You'll be fine now. Just relax and enjoy the ride. Dax: I think we might want to skip formal first contact procedures for now. Sisko: Agreed. Why don't you meet him by yourself at the airlock, Mister O'Brien. He might find that a little less intimidating. O'Brien: Aye, sir. Sisko: And, if you can, find out what he's so nervous about. O'Brien: Aye, sir. O'Brien: O'Brien to Ops. Sisko: Go ahead, Chief. O'Brien: Sure you O'Brien: Didn't beam this fellow out when I wasn't looking, did you? Sisko: Negative. O'Brien: Well, he's not in here. Dax: Sensors say Dax: He's still on board, Chief. O'Brien: Friend? If you're in here, you've got nothing to worry about from me. Understand? I'm just going to take a look at your ship. See what the problem is. Okay? Just to let you know, I'm an engineer. I know a little bit about ships. Well, more than a little, actually, but I'll tell you, I've never seen anything close to this. All right then. Is this some sort of plasma injector? Okay. Then O'Brien: that must be an off-axis field controller over there. Tosk: The coladrium flow has been damaged. O'Brien: You can't go sneaking up on someone like that, friend. It's an Alpha quadrant rule. Tosk: Can it be repaired? O'Brien: Well, that all depends. Tosk: Depends? O'Brien: On what exactly a coladrium flow is. Tosk: On my world, it would be simple. With proper materials I could do it myself. O'Brien: Hang on, I didn't say we couldn't figure it out. You're just going to have to teach me as we go. I'm sure that we can Tosk: I have no time! O'Brien: I know. Everybody's in a hurry these days. We'll get you on your way as soon as it's humanly possible. Oh, that's me, by the way, human species. Name's O'Brien. Tosk: Oh. Brien. O'Brien: Miles O'Brien, Chief of Operations. How about you? Tosk: I am Tosk. O'Brien: That's your name or your species? Tosk: I am Tosk. O'Brien: Tosk, it is. Come on. There's nothing to be afraid of out there. We've got to let your reactor cool down anyway before we can do anything else. Come on. I've work to do. O'Brien: So what happened to you, anyway? Looks like you took some sort of shot to your hull. Tosk: The passage through the anomaly was very rough. O'Brien: Yeah, sure. The wormhole can shake you up all right. O'Brien: Security sensor. Screens for weapons. It's just picking up my phaser. You're fine. Tosk: You wear a weapon? O'Brien: Defensive purposes only. It may not seem hospitable, but when you go into an alien ship for the first time, you never know what might be in there. You may even find someone who can make himself invisible, you know what I mean? Tosk: I understand. A health center? O'Brien: Yeah. That's Doctor Bashir. He looks after our medical problems. Tosk: How many live here? O'Brien: Well, three hundred, more or less. Tosk: What is its purpose? O'Brien: Purpose? Tosk: Defense? Surveillance? O'Brien: Well, sometimes when I walk along here I feel like we're the flea markets of the sector. But I guess our real job is to keep an eye on the wormhole. There's traffic going in and out all the time now. Tosk: Many ships dock here? O'Brien: Five or six a week. We sometimes have a whole convoy on its way through the wormhole. But you have the honor of being the first visitor from the other side. Tosk: Others will detect ships from your quadrant as I did and follow them here. O'Brien: We hope so. Our mission as Starfleet officers is to seek out new life forms so we can learn about each other. Quark: Madame, I distinctly saw you move your wager to the green line after the play was completed. I will return your currency, but you will promptly leave the establishment. You are not welcome here. O'Brien: Well, there are some things to learn about us that can wait. How about you? Are you an explorer? A scientist? Tosk: I am Tosk. O'Brien: Right. O'Brien: Computer, lights. I wasn't the decorator. Tosk: I wish to begin work on my ship. O'Brien: Yes, well, we'll start as soon as we can Now, why don't you get some rest? Tosk: I require only seventeen minutes of sleep per rotation. O'Brien: Seventeen? No kidding. If I don't get a good eight hours a night, I'm not the same man. Are you hungry? Tosk: Hungry? O'Brien: You know, would you like to eat, take in sustenance? Tosk: Liquid nutrients are stored in plasmic fibers throughout my body. O'Brien: Well, this is the food replicator over here in case you change your mind. We've finally got it making a pretty good bowl of oatmeal. Just ask the computer if you need anything else. Tosk: Oh Brien. Thank you. O'Brien: As the Vulcans say, we're here to serve. Tosk: Computer. Computer: State request. Tosk: May I see a display of this facility? Computer: Specify exterior or interior display. Tosk: Interior. Computer: Interior display available in nineteen sections. Specify requirements. Tosk: Show me where the weapons are stored. Computer: Habitat ring, level five, section three. Access restricted to security clearance seven and above. O'Brien: It's hard to say, sir. You hate to prejudge anyone. Sisko: What're you thinking, Chief? O'Brien: You know the old saying. A man who's always looking over his shoulder is waiting for trouble to find him. Sisko: You think he's on the run? O'Brien: I'll tell you this. He wasn't telling the whole truth about the damage to his ship. It sure wasn't caused by the wormhole. Somebody took a shot at him. It came in at a forty five degree angle to the hull, sliced through two propulsion systems. I'll know more when I get a better look at it. Sisko: Stay with him as much as possible while he's here. I'll tell Odo to keep an eye on him too. O'Brien: Aye, sir. Tosk: No. The coladrium flows through the arva nodes. O'Brien: What are they? Some kind of high-energy magnetic coils? Tosk: For fuel replenishment. Fuel? O'Brien: Like a ramscoop. Tosk: Ramscoop? O'Brien: To capture stellar gasses and convert them into usable fuel Tosk: Yes! The arva nodes convert space matter into fuel. O'Brien: Ah, got you. Piece of cake. Tosk: Piece of cake. Ramscoop. Arva nodes. O'Brien: A piece of cake. It's an old human expression. It means they'll be easy to fix. Tosk: They will be easy to fix? O'Brien: Sure. We'll just get my crew to remove your arva nodes, then we'll take them over to the replicator center and make new ones. Tosk: Piece of cake. Tosk: How long? O'Brien: Maybe a day or two. We'll want to run some tests after we have the replacement unit's in. Tosk: No. No time for that. O'Brien: Hey, I let you take that unit out without proper testing, it breaks down, you blame me, next thing I know my work has a bad reputation in the Gamma quadrant. Tosk: I would not blame you. O'Brien: I was joking, Tosk. Tosk: I cannot tell, O'Brien. O'Brien: Sorry, it's in my nature. And you're the most natural straight man I've met in ages. Come on. While the fellas are working here, I'll buy you a drink and you can tell me why you're in such a rush. Girl: Dabo! Tosk: Nothing like this exists on my world. O'Brien: This is where we do most of our R and R. Tosk: What is R and R? O'Brien: Rest and relaxation. You know, down time. When we're not working. Tosk: You sleep a full third of your rotation. You rest and relax while you are awake. Alpha quadrant has far too much down time. O'Brien: My wife would laugh at that. She's barely seen me in the last three weeks. Tosk: We are very different, Tosk and O'Brien. O'Brien: I've noticed. Hey, barkeep! Quark: Don't call me barkeep. I'm not a barkeep. I'm your host, the proprietor. A sympathetic ear to the wretched souls who pass through these portals. O'Brien: And a man who will exploit any vice you may have. Two synthales, barkeep. Tosk: I am sorry. I have no vices for you to exploit. Quark: A challenge. O'Brien: Tosk is our first guest from the Gamma Quadrant, Quark. I'd take him at his word. Quark: Perhaps a short adventure in a holosuite? Tosk: Holosuite? Quark: A fantasy encounter with danger. Romance. Thrills. Created for your personal entertainment by the brothers Quark. Tosk: I have no use for fantasy adventure. I live the greatest adventure one could ever desire. Quark: Then I envy you, Mister Tosk. O'Brien: What are you talking about, Tosk? What is this adventure you're on? Tosk: I cannot discuss it. O'Brien: Oh. Sure. Of course. Kira: Sounds like you've changed your mind about him, Chief. O'Brien: Not exactly. I mean, he's running from something, that's for sure, and he's in danger. And he can't or won't talk about it Bashir: People tell doctors things they wouldn't tell any one else. If you could talk him into having a routine medical examination, maybe I could O'Brien: The thing is, I kind of like the guy. I'm not even sure why. In a way, he's almost naive. I guess any one would be in an alien environment, but I don't sense a thread of criminal intent or dishonesty about him. Sisko: I thought you said he lied about the damage to his ship. O'Brien: He didn't exactly lie. Dax: But he didn't exactly tell the truth either. O'Brien: He keeps the truth pretty much to himself. Sisko: When do you think his ship be ready? O'Brien: Tomorrow. Sisko: I don't see that we have much of a choice. We can't hold him. If he wants to tell you the truth, fine. If not, wish him well and send him on his way. Odo: Just what do you think you're doing? Odo: Computer, seal off corridor fourteen A, habitat level five. Computer: Seal confirmed. Odo: Security to habitat five fourteen A. Odo: When you get tired of bouncing off forcefields, we can talk, all right? Tosk: I did nothing to you. Odo: It's that security junction I'm curious about. Tosk: I must prepare. Odo: For what? Tosk: I cannot discuss it. I am Tosk. Odo: I'm sure you are. Now why don't we go down to my office while your friend Chief O'Brien takes a look to see just what you've been doing in there. Tosk: O'Brien? Odo: Right. I'm going to release the forcefields now. I don't need a fight from you. Understand? Tosk: I will not fight you. Odo: Good. Computer, release the security seals. Tosk: I cannot discuss it. Sisko: And I can't accept that as an answer. Tosk: I did nothing to you. Sisko: You were tampering with the security grid. I consider that a threat. O'Brien: I think he was trying to shut down the lockouts to Section Three Odo: The weapons locker. Sisko: What were you going to do with the weapons? Odo: Are you wanted by authorities somewhere in the Gamma Quadrant? Tosk: Wanted? Odo: Have you committed crimes? Tosk: Never. I am Tosk. Sisko: What does that mean? Is that supposed to explain all this? Tosk: It is all I can say. O'Brien: Tosk, don't you think we deserve some answers? Odo: What should I do with him? Sisko: Hold him for now. We'll wait to see if someone shows up looking for him. O'Brien: Enough of this craziness, Tosk. Tell me, what were you doing? Tosk: O'Brien, you must let me out. O'Brien: Tell me! Tosk: Allow me to die with honor. O'Brien: Die? Who'd want to kill you, Tosk? Tosk: Allow me to die with honor. O'Brien: He's climbing the walls like a trapped animal. Odo: I'm sorry our jail cells aren't to his liking. O'Brien: Somehow I feel responsible. Odo: You do? O'Brien: Yeah. Well, I guess I kind of adopted him. I talked him into coming on board. Odo: You didn't talk him into breaking into the security system. O'Brien: I just feel sorry for him. Somehow, I don't think he means us any harm. What the hell is his secret? Dax: Sensors are reading ionized L-band emissions. The patterns match Tosk's ship. Sisko: Hail them. Maybe we'll finally get a few answers. Kira: No response. Sisko: Again. Rotate frequencies. Dax: It's a modulated particle beam. It's scanning us. Kira: Ready shields. Sisko: Not yet, Major. Let them have a good look at us. O'Brien: I'm reading phased power fluctuations. They may be readying a transporter of some kind. Sisko: Now, Major. Kira: Shields up. Sisko: Open all hailing channels. Dax: Open. Sisko: This is Commander Benjamin Sisko of the United O'Brien: They're bombarding us with some kind of radiation I've never see before. Very rapid magnetic flux variations. O'Brien: What the? They've reversed the polarity of our shields. Dax: I'm picking up transporter locks. They're beaming on board. Sisko: Location? Dax: Promenade. Sisko: Security to the Promenade. Kira, O'Brien with me. Dax, you have Ops. Sisko: Ready phasers. Sisko: I'm Commander of this station. Put down your weapons. (Odo steps forward and gets slapped to the ground. Sisko hauls Odo away as Kira and security open fire. The aliens absorb the energy beams with a device on their forearms, but Sisko manages to get one in the chest, then O'Brien does likewise. They don't stay down for long though. A Security guard takes one out from the upper level.) Sisko: Increase setting to level six. Odo: It's that Tosk they're after. Kira: Maybe they have a right to him. Odo: Nobody's abducting a prisoner out of my brig as long as I'm alive, Major. Kira: You may need this Odo: Thanks, Major, I know I never use them. Hunter: I have Tosk. Hunter: Alive. It is over. Hunter: What a disappointment. And after such an entertaining beginning Sisko: Entertaining? Hunter: These aliens gave us a great deal of resistance. We wondered how you got their cooperation without violating your oath of silence. Tosk: I told them nothing. Hunter: But to see you here, caged, helpless. How could you allow this? It is a disgrace to all Tosk. And the most disappointing hunt in memory. Sisko: You're saying that this whole thing is a hunt and Tosk is the prey? Hunter: You were right. This Tosk is unworthy of such a noble description. For this dishonor, you'll endure the greatest humiliation Tosk can know. To be captured and brought home alive. You will live out your existence on public display where children can make fun of you, toss you scraps of food which is more than you deserve. Release him. Sisko: You've disrupted life on this station for the pleasure of your hunt? I'm not inclined to take orders from you. Odo, watch the prisoner while our guest and I discuss this in private. Unless you intend to take him by force, in which case I am prepared to give orders to open fire on your ship. Hunter: Over this Tosk? Hunter: Have you nothing similar in your own society? Sisko: Centuries ago, people on my world engaged in bloodsports, killing lower species for pleasure. A few cultures still do. But even they wouldn't consider hunting a sentient being. Hunter: But he is sentient only because we have made him sentient. He has been bred for the hunt. His entire reason to exist is the hunt. To make it as exciting, as interesting, as he can. Obviously, you do not comprehend. Sisko: I comprehend just fine. I have no tolerance for the abuse of any lifeform. Hunter: Abuse? We honor Tosk. They are the symbol of all that is noble and courageous. They train and condition themselves all their lives for this event. They're proud of their role in our culture. Sisko: I can't judge what is right and wrong for your world. But on this station Hunter: In the future, passage through the anomaly will be considered out of bounds for the hunt. Will that satisfy you? Now you will arrange for the release of the Tosk. Sisko: I've agreed to release him. O'Brien: But sir, Tosk is an intelligent, living being. Sisko: It's their custom, Chief. Under the prime directive, we have no right to interfere. Kira: What if Tosk were to request asylum? Sisko: If he asks for it. O'Brien: All right. I have a way out for you. Tosk: A way out? Of here? O'Brien: Request asylum. Tosk: Asylum? O'Brien: You ask for the protection of the Federation. You understand? My Commander is willing to protect you. Tosk: O'Brien, I am Tosk. I cannot hide here behind the protection of your Federation. It is against everything I believe. O'Brien: You'd rather go back and live in a cage on public display? Tosk: To stay would be a greater dishonor. I am Tosk, the hunted. I live to outwit the hunters for another day. To survive until I die with honor. But that will not be my fate. But I will not deny my existence as Tosk. Thank you, O'Brien, but I cannot request asylum. Quark: So far, I'm not impressed with the tourist trade from the Gamma Quadrant. Not one of them has bought a single drink. O'Brien: Shut up, Quark. Quark: More trouble with the little woman? O'Brien: What's that supposed to mean? Quark: Nothing. Nothing. I just thought you might want to talk. O'Brien: There is nothing wrong between my wife and I. If there were, I sure as hell wouldn't want to talk to some barkeep about it. Quark: Sorry. My mistake. O'Brien: What? Quark: Your face gets very pink when it gets aggravated. Much more so than most other humans. O'Brien: So stop aggravating me. Quark: Not me. You came in the door this way. O'Brien: Fine. You're right. I'm aggravated. Quark: I am a keen observer of behavior. You want to talk about it? O'Brien: No. Quark: Why not? O'Brien: Because it wouldn't do any good talking to you. Quark: Try me. O'Brien: Forget it. It's just the rules of the game. Quark: Ah-ha. Rules of the game. Go on. O'Brien: It's a hunt, did you know that? They're chasing Tosk in a hunt. Everybody's playing by the rules. They're playing by their rules, we're playing by ours and he's caught in the middle. Of course, I suppose if the Ferengi don't like the rules, they just change them. Quark: Well, rules, rules are always subject to interpretation. O'Brien: Of course! Change the rules. Why didn't I think of that? Thanks, barkeep. Quark: So, what's bothering you today? O'Brien: Computer, access the power grid to security check point four on the Promenade. Odo: That isn't necessary. Hunter: Our ritual requires it when a Tosk is captured alive. Odo: All right, let's go. O'Brien: I'll escort the prisoner to the transporter station. Odo: This is a security matter O'Brien: This is a Starfleet matter. Orders from Sisko. Odo: We'll see about that. Hunter: Do not trouble yourself. My ship will transport us. O'Brien: No, sir, that won't be necessary. Good relations with other cultures is our highest priority. Commander Sisko wants to make sure you understand we're sorry we interfered with your hunt. The least we can do is give you an official escort off the station. It's a token of goodwill and respect in our society. Hunter: Very well. Odo: Starfleet has no business taking charge of a prisoner transport. Sisko: Calm down, Constable. What are you talking about? Odo: I'm talking about you ordering O'Brien to escort Tosk off the station. Sisko: I didn't give him any orders at all. Sisko to O'Brien. Sisko: Mister O'Brien, report to Ops immediately. O'Brien: This way. O'Brien: Glass jaw. Now I know why you wear a helmet. Up here. Hunter: The hunt has resumed. O'Brien: Come on. Your ship's ready. Kira: Security reports a fight in the Promenade. Here. Apparently O'Brien set him loose. Dax: I'm showing someone in an access conduit above Quark's. Two lifeforms. One's human. They're heading out toward the docking ring. Odo: I'll seal off the adjoining corridors. They won't get far. Sisko: Constable. There's no hurry. O'Brien: Here. Tosk: Now you are Tosk as well, O'Brien. O'Brien: The Cardies made these conduits from two meter thick duranium composite. I've never seen a scanning device that could penetrate it. O'Brien: Until now. O'Brien: Come on, Tosk. Round this corner and we're there. Hunter: No. He is mine. O'Brien: No. O'Brien: Go on. O'Brien: What now? Tosk: The hunt goes on. You wish to come? O'Brien: No. No, I don't think so. One day as a Tosk is enough for me, and I've got a wife and kid that wouldn't fit too well into this lifestyle. Tosk: Will your Federation punish you for helping me? O'Brien: Maybe. But if I know my Commander. Hell, those guys wanted a hunt. I just gave them one. Go on. You'd better get out of here while you can. Tosk: O'Brien. Die with honor, O'Brien. O'Brien: Die with honor, Tosk. Sisko: Just what did happen at that security checkpoint, Chief? O'Brien: The weapons' sensors must have overloaded on all his various gear, sir. Sisko: Must have? O'Brien: Yes, sir. Must have since I increased their output by about two hundred percent. Sisko: So in effect you assaulted him. Our first contact with a new species. O'Brien: Yes, sir. Sisko: We've got dozens of top level officials back at Starfleet Command eagerly waiting to hear about our encounter with the first new lifeforms to come through the wormhole. How do you suggest I write up this report? O'Brien: Well, sir I'm not one to say, but you know, these hunters weren't any happier than we were about having to bring Tosk home. It seems to me in the interests of mutual understanding and future relations Sisko: Save it. You ignored your duty to Starfleet. You took off your comm. badge so you could ignore me. You even ignored the Prime Directive by interfering with their damned hunt. Another stunt like this and your wife won't have to complain about the conditions here anymore. Do I make myself clear? O'Brien: I understand. I was surprised by one thing, sir. Sisko: What's that? O'Brien: I knew I couldn't override all the security seals on the station, and I figured once you and the Constable located us, well, it'd be over. We'd find ourselves locked behind some forcefield somewhere. Sisko: I guess that one got by us. O'Brien: Yes, sir. Thank you, sir. Sisko: Dismissed.

Bashir: So there I was, fighting the toughest battle of my life, looking around hoping to spot a friendly face only to diskover my colleagues were gone. I was alone. I admit, for a moment there, I considered giving up. I could feel the seconds ticking away, panic building up inside of me. I knew my only chance was to trust my instincts. So I closed my eyes, took a deep breath and just like that it came to me, the answer I was looking for. A pericardial membrane. I looked down and punched the answer into my computer terminal just as the buzzer sounded ending the exam. And that, I suppose, is the stuff salutatorians are made. Woman: Salutatorian? Bashir: Well, I mistook a preganglionic fiber for a postganglianic nerve during the orals or I would have been valedictorian. It was a trick question. Woman: Fascinating. Bashir: Not nearly as fascinating as when I Sisko: Doctor Bashir. Chief O'Brien. Report to landing pad five. Bashir: Bad timing. Woman: There'll be another time. Bashir: Starfleet medical finals. Gets them every time. Kira: It's no use. Sisko: Chief, we have to get this hatch open. Lieutenant Dax and Ensign Pauley are trapped in there. Kira: The runabout barely made it back through the wormhole. By the time they docked, power levels were near zero. O'Brien: There's not even enough juice left in the ship to release the servos. Bashir: Life support's down. Oxygen levels have dropped dangerously low. Kira: We'll have to burn it through. Sisko: Forget it Major. The hatch is made of duranium composite. It'll take you an hour to get through. Bashir: We don't have that much time. That's odd. How many passengers did you say were onboard the Ganges? Sisko: Two. Bashir: I'm reading three. O'Brien: We need to get power to the hatch servos. Major, hand me the EPI capacitor. There, middle shelf. O'Brien: Try her now. Bashir: Dax. Dax: I'm fine, check the others. O'Brien: Vash? Vash: That's right? O'Brien: Miles O'Brien, from the Enterprise. Vash: Oh. Yes, of course. O'Brien: What are you doing on the Ganges? Dax: We found her in the Gamma Quadrant. She'd been there for over two years. O'Brien: Two years? Sisko: Doctor, we'd better get these people over to the infirmary. Bashir: Right this way. O'Brien: How did you get to the Gamma Quadrant two years ago? Vash: A friend dropped me off. O'Brien: Oh. Vash: Will I live? Bashir: You're fine. In fact, you're in remarkable shape. Vash: Thank you, Doctor. I try. Bashir: I, I, I mean you've managed quite well considering you've been out of contact with civilisation for over two years. Vash: I'd hardly call the Gamma Quadrant uncivilized. Some of the cultures I've encountered have histories that date back millions of years. Bashir: Really? I'd love to hear about them. I mean, we have no idea what's beyond the wormhole. Vash: Well, maybe I'll write a book. Bashir: It's sure to be a best-seller around here. Well, er, no sign of disease or malnutrition or parasitic infections. Vash: You sound disappointed. Bashir: I am. Now I have no reason to keep you here. Vash: You almost make me wish I wasn't feeling well. Sisko: And she claims she knew nothing about the wormhole? Dax: She did seem very surprised when I told her about it. I don't think she ever expected to see this part of the galaxy again. Sisko: How could she get there in the first place if she didn't go through the wormhole? Dax: She said she didn't want to talk about it. Said it was a personal matter. Sisko: This doesn't make sense. A human alone in the Gamma Quadrant for two years? Let's check her background. See what we can find out about her. Dax: She claims to be an archeologist. Sisko: That's a good place to start. Vash: You're sure this place is safe? Clerk: The Assay office is the most secure area on the station. The chambers are surrounded on all sides by individual force fields. Vash: And how are the locks controlled? Clerk: Once you secure a chamber, it can't be opened except with your personal authorization code combined with a verified retinal print. Vash: A Cardassian MK-seven scanner? Clerk: MK-twelve, with an L-ninety enhanced resolution filter. Vash: Well, I suppose that'll have to do. Clerk: Computer, begin inventory for cubicle nineteen. One statue, stone, thirty odd centimeters tall, approximately eight kilograms. Assorted gems. Gold necklace. One dagger, bronze and gold, about twenty five centimeters. Clerk: Beautiful. I've never seen anything quite like it. Some kind of Promethean quartz. Vash: I thought so too, at first, but it's molecular density and refraction index is much higher. Clerk: Remarkable. End inventory. Please, enter an access code. Vash: All right, I'll be back tomorrow to pick everything up. I've booked passage on the Mulzirak Transport. Sisko: You're not leaving us so soon? Vash: I'm afraid so. Sisko: The Daystrom Institute will be very disappointed. Vash: The Daystrom Institute? Sisko: Their scientists are anxious to hear about life in the Gamma Quadrant. Every place you've been, everything you've seen, no matter how insignificant, could prove important. Including how you got there. Vash: I'm sorry, Commander, but that's a SISKO + Vash: Personal matter. Vash: So now the Daystrom Institute is interested in me. well, that's ironic. Sisko: Professor Woo seemed especially eager to speak to you again. Vash: Did he really? I suppose he told you that he suspended my membership from the Institute's Archeological Council? Sisko: On two occasions. Something about the sale of illegal artifacts. Vash: Well, when it comes to choosing between science and profit, I'll choose profit every time. Sisko: The professor was hoping you'd make an exception in this case. Vash: You know, I haven't been back to Earth in, it must be twelve years. Sisko: Here's your chance. I could arrange passage. Vash: I think I'd like that. Sisko: Fine. I'll take care of it. O'Brien: I don't understand it, Commander. I can't find anything wrong with her. This ship is completely functional. Sisko: It didn't look that way this morning. O'Brien: Oh, don't get me wrong. The power reserves are empty, the inertial damping fields are barely operational, and the warp drive containment field's on the verge of collapse. Sisko: But O'Brien: But there's nothing wrong with any of them. Once we put power back into her, she should be fully operational. Sisko: Did you check the central power linkages? O'Brien: Yes, sir. I ran a level one diagnostic. Everything checks out. I can't explain it. It's like something tapped into the ship's systems and drained them dry. Sisko: Tell me Chief, how well do you know this woman Vash? O'Brien: Hardly at all. I only met her that one time she was aboard the Enterprise. Sisko: What was she doing there? O'Brien: Well Sir, Vash and Captain Picard were friends. Close friends, if you follow my meaning. Seems they met on Risa a few years back. O'Brien: I think she must be a special woman, being friends with the Captain and all. Sisko: Somehow she doesn't seem to be his type. O'Brien: The Captain likes a good challenge, sir. Sisko: Status report? Dax: We suffered a broad spectrum power drain. Kira: Power transfer is completely inoperative. The energy was drawn out faster than it could handle. O'Brien: I'll have to replace the whole unit. Dax: Chief, are you reading any graviton flux around the transfer systems? O'Brien: I am detecting a low level graviton disturbance. How did you know? Dax: That's exactly what happened when we lost power on the Ganges. O'Brien: These were originally Cardassian living quarters. The bed may take some getting use to. Vash: As an archeologist, I've spent half my life sleeping in tents. To me, any bed will be a luxury. O'Brien: You've obviously never slept on a Cardassian mattress. If you need anything, just ask the computer. Vash: Thanks, Chief. Oh, by the way, how's Jean-Luc? O'Brien: The Captain? The last time I saw him he was fine. Vash: Now that I'm back, I'll have to look him up. Q: Really, Vash, I can't believe you're still pining for Jean-Luc, that self righteous do-gooder. Vash: I should have listened to him. He warned me about you. Q: You're hurt, you strike back. I understand. But be of good cheer, I bring wonderful news. I'm back. I can see now it was cruel of me to leave you. Vash: Very touching. But you didn't leave me, I left you. Q: You left me, I left you Details, mere details. The important thing is we're back together again. A team, joined together at the hip. Vash: Not a chance. Q: You know you're going to miss me. Vash: Don't flatter yourself. Q: You know, I thought first we'd visit the Teleris Cluster, look in on the star dancers at Mundahla. Or maybe head over to the Lantar nebula and view the Sampalo relic on Hoek Four. Vash: Not interested. Q: I know. Vadris Three. Charming little world. The natives think they're the only intelligent life in the universe. Vash: No. Q: All right, you choose then. Vash: I choose never to go anywhere with you again, Q. Q: You don't know what you're missing. When we started this little partnership, I promised to take you places no human had ever seen before. Vash: And you have. It was wonderful. Thank you. Now goodbye. Q: Two years in the Gamma Quadrant hardly qualifies as a grand tour of the universe. There's still the Delta Quadrant to explore, not to mention all the other galaxies. Vash: It's over, Q. I want you out of my life. You are arrogant, you are overbearing and you think you know everything. Q: But I do know everything. Vash: That makes it even worse. Q: All right, fine, what is it you really want? Vash: I want the life I had before I met you. Q: And a stellar life indeed. The eminent Vash. Barred from the Royal Museum of Epsilon Hydra Seven, persona non grata on Betazed. Wanted dead on Myrmidon for stealing the Crown of the First Mother. Vash: Dead or alive. Q: Preferably dead. It's a wonder you haven't offended every sentient race in the galaxy. Vash: You're the one who almost got me killed on Errikang Seven. And they weren't exactly thrilled to see you on Brax either. What did they call you? The God of Lies? Q: They meant it affectionately. Vash: Come in. Quark: I Q: Go away. Vash: Q, bring him back. Q: What business could you possibly have with that disgusting little troll? Vash: I don't know. You didn't give him time to tell me. Now bring him back this instant. Q: All right. Vash: Can I help you? Quark: My name is Quark. It's come to my attention that you have access to certain items. Items that might perhaps turn a tidy profit. Vash: I'm listening. Quark: For a percentage, I might be able to arrange a buyer for your trinkets. Perhaps an auction. Vash: I'll only accept payment in gold-pressed latinum. Quark: I'll shower you in it. Fifty-fifty. Vash: Mister Quark, I believe you're trying to take advantage of me. Quark: Some wine? Quark: . You have a talent for oo-mox. Vash: So I've been told. Quark: I'll not be distracted by your feminine wiles. I demand forty percent. Quark: All right, thirty. Vash: What magnificent cartilage. Quark: Twenty two and don't stop. Vash: You've got a deal. I expect you to make all the necessary arrangements. Quark: Oh, you're good. You're very, very good. Q: How perfectly vile. If that's the kind of company you kept before meeting me, it's no wonder you ended up with Picard. Vash: Go away. Vash: Enter. Q: Aren't we the hub of activity? Bashir: I'm sorry. Am I interrupting anything? Vash: No. Come in, Doctor. Bashir: Thank you. And please, call me Julian. Vash: Julian. Is this medical business? Bashir: Well, to tell the truth, I tried to come up with some official reason for dropping by, but your excellent health has robbed me of any excuses. Vash: Well, that didn't seem to stop you. Bashir: So I thought I'd contribute to your good health by buying you dinner. Quark's makes a delicious couscous, and the company, I hope, might be mildly entertaining. Vash: Sounds like fun. Though I would like to freshen up first. Could I meet you there in, say, twenty minutes or so? Bashir: Those twenty minutes will seem like an eternity. Q: These mating rituals you humans indulge in really are quite disgusting. Vash: Get out. Q: You know you don't mean it. Vash: Out. Q: You're making a terrible mistake. You'd be lost without me. Vash: I can take care of myself. Q: Really? Well, we'll see about that. Bashir: Just a cup of mint tea. Q: You're making a terrible mistake. Bashir: Why? The replicators haven't malfunctioned again? Q: I'm talking about Vash. Stay away from her. Bashir: My god, you're an impertinent waiter. Q: I'm a friend. I'm giving you friendly advice. She's nothing but trouble. Bashir: Really? Well I don't think it's any of your business who I see. In fact, I'm having dinner with her now. Q: Are you sure you're feeling up to it? You look tired. Bashir: I feel fine. Q: No, no, no. You look tired. Very, very tired. Bashir: Funny, I do feel a bit, a bit spent. Maybe I should go and lie down for a few minutes. Q: Hopefully by yourself for a change. O'Brien: Bloody hell. Kira: Sir, the Klingon scout ship has departed docking bay eleven. Sisko: Good. I'll tell Odo he can relax now. O'Brien: We've got a problem. sir. I just saw Q on the Promenade. Sisko: Q? Here? Kira: What's Q? Sisko: A powerful and extremely unpredictable entity. I was at a Starfleet briefing on him two years ago. O'Brien: Blasted menace, is what he is. Dax: What does he want with us? Sisko: Whatever it is, you can be sure we won't like it. O'Brien: You might ask Vash. Dax: Why Vash? O'Brien: They know each other. Sisko: From the Enterprise? O'Brien: I believe they actually met in Sherwood Forest. It was one of the little jokes Q played on the Enterprise crew. Kira: Main power grid has dropped eighty percent. Dax: Sensors are reading a massive graviton build-up. Sisko: How long will it take to bring us back up to full power? Dax: It's already beginning to normalize. Kira: You know, if we have one of these outages during a docking procedure, we could lose an entire pylon. O'Brien: I've double-checked every system. For the first time in a month, there's nothing wrong with any of them. It's got to be Q. Another one of his stupid jokes. Sisko: I'm not laughing. Vash: I figured we'd auction this off last. Quark: Interesting, but hardly of any intrinsic value. Vash: Really? I thought it was the best piece in the collection. Quark: Obviously my associates have more sophisticated tastes than what you're used to. But just so it's not a total loss, I'll take it off your hands for, say, seven bars of gold-press latinum. Vash: It's worth fifty times as much. Quark: Ridiculous! All right, eighteen, but you must swear never to tell a soul about my foolish generosity. Vash: If you want it you're going to have to be a lot more foolish than that. Quark: All right, thirty. Now give it to me. Vash: Bidding starts at two hundred bars of gold latinum. Quark: I can't decided what's more intoxicating, this Gamzian wine or your negotiating skills. Sisko: We need to talk. Quark: The lady and I are having a private conversation. Sisko: It can wait. Vash: Tell me, Commander, where is that Doctor of yours? He was supposed to meet me here half an hour ago Sisko: Tell me about Q. Q: I'll tell you anything you want to know, Commander. Just answer one question. Is Starfleet penalizing you or did you actually request such a dismal command. Sisko: I want you off this station. Q: Don't be hasty, my happy-go-lucky friend. This dreary little gulag could use a little color, some excitement. And who better to provide it than moi? Though I must say I approve of your new tailor. Sisko: I'm not impressed by your parlor tricks. These power outages are going to stop right now. Q: Why tell me? Oh, yes, of course, go ahead. Blame Q if it makes you feel any better. I suppose it's my fate to be the galaxy's whipping boy. Heavy is the burden of being me. Sisko: If you're looking for sympathy, you've come to the wrong place. Q: Actually, what I was hoping for was a little witty repartee, but I see I'm not going to get any of that either. At least your beloved Jean-Luc knows how to turn a phrase Vash: Take a hint, Q. No one wants you around. Q: Really, Vash, this playing hard to get is growing tedious. Let's not forget that I'm the Q and you the lowly human. I will decide when this partnership is over. Understand? Sisko: Why don't you and I continue this discussion in private? Q: Excellent idea. Q: You're right. This is an excellent idea. Sisko: Sisko to Ops. Q: All gone. Sisko: Bring them back, Q, now! Q: Or what? You'll thrash me? Shall we settle this mano a mano? Q: Marquis of Queensberry Rules? Sisko: What? Q: Fisticuffs, pugilism, the manly art of self-defense. Come on. Isn't this all wonderfully barbaric? Go on, take a poke at me. I know that's really what you want to do. Come on. Quark: I'll wager five bars of latinum on Sisko. Vash: You're on. Q: Fight back. This is supposed to be brutal. Quark: You can pay me out of your profits from the auction. Q: You hit me Picard never hit me. Sisko: I'm not Picard. Q: Indeed not. You're much easier to provoke. How fortunate for me. Odo: Not again. O'Brien: Damn it, Q. Enough is enough. Dax: We're losing atmosphere. Sisko: Decompression protocol. Mister O'Brien, raise the confinement shields. O'Brien: Shields up. Sisko: Damage report. Kira: We've got a minor hull breach in one of the upper bulkheads. O'Brien: I'm getting reports of hull fractures throughout the station. Emergency systems appear to be functioning. Repair crews are responding. Dax: The breach was caused by some kind of focused graviton pulse. Sisko: Every time we've had a power drain, it's been followed by an increase in the graviton field. If this continues, we could wind up with a breach in one of our reactor cores. We'd lose half the station. Dax: Maybe it's time we opened negotiations with Q. Sisko: I'm not convinced Q is behind this. Playing with the lights and punching holes in the hull doesn't strike me as his style. Quark: You wanted to see me? Make it quick. I have important business. Odo: Yes, I know. You're auctioning off some artifacts from the Gamma Quadrant. Quark: You were eavesdropping on my conversation with Vash. What were you this time? The table? One of the chairs? The wine bottle. Odo: When are you going to realize that you have no secrets from me? Quark: I have nothing to hide. I'm selling quality merchandise to a select clientele. Odo: And what makes them so select? Quark: They're all ridiculously wealthy and not too bright. Odo: I'll never understand this obsession with accumulating material wealth. You spend your entire life plotting and scheming to acquire more and more possessions, until your living areas are bursting with useless junk. Then you die, your relatives sell everything and start the cycle all over again. Quark: Isn't there anything you desire? Odo: I have my work. What more do I need? Quark: A suit of the finest Andorian silk? A ring of pure Surax? A complete set of Tanesh pottery? How about a latinum plated bucket to sleep in? Q: Well, I'm glad to see you've packed. I hope you said goodbye to all your new-found friends. Vash: I don't have time for this. Q: You've led a charmed life these past two years under my benevolent protection. Vash: I can take care of myself. Q: Really? Do you remember that tiny little insect bite you had on Erabus Prime? If I hadn't been there Vash: I am not going with you. Q: The galaxy can be a dangerous place when you're on your own. Vash: It's over, Q. Q: I leave you now to reconsider my offer of friendship. Sisko: Captain's log, stardate 46531.2. The station's power is continuing to be drained and converted into gravitons. At this rate, our life support systems will fail in fourteen hours. O'Brien: Sir, we'll never find the source of the power drain using these bloody Cardassian internal sensors. They're just not sensitive enough. Dax: What if we make the power drain easier to detect? If we flood the station with ionized tridium gas, we should be able to trace the particle flow to the source. O'Brien: Tridium? Isn't that pretty toxic. Dax: Only when it's highly concentrated. We'd only use a very small amount. Sisko: Do it. Unless we get this under control in the next eight hours, we'll begin evacuation procedures. Q: Still chasing your own tail? Picard and his lackeys would have solved all this techno-babble hours ago. No wonder you're not commanding a starship. Kira: Security to Ops. Q: Well, aren't we the feisty little go-getter. I'd keep my eye on this one. Chances are, she's after your job. O'Brien: Why don't you do something constructive for a change? Like torment the Cardassians. Q: Do I know you? O'Brien: O'Brien. From the Enterprise. Q: Enterprise. oh yes. Weren't you one of the little people? Quite a motley crew you've assembled here, Benji. My advice to you is to evacuate now and save all this pointless guesswork. Sisko: Q, either you tell us what's going on or get the hell out of the way. Q: I'll tell you what's going on. While you're here conducting futile experiments, Vash is below engaging in base commerce and setting Federation ethics back two hundred years. Believe me, gang, she's far more dangerous to you than I. Quark: Kolos, my friend. I don't know which pleases me more, your smiling face or your overflowing purse. Kolos: Quark, you obsequious toad, your so-called Gamma Quadrant merchandise had better be legitimate or I'll toss you out the nearest airlock. Quark: No cause for alarm. Each piece comes complete with a statement of authenticity from Vash, the Federation's foremost expert on the Gamma Quadrant. Kolos: In that case, stop sniveling and give me a synthale. Vash: Are they all that pleasant? Quark: I don't care about their manners. The important thing is, they're honest collectors of antiquities, every one. Vash: How honest? Quark: As honest as you and I. Vash: Then we'd better keep a close eye on them. Quark: My dear, I've been thinking. What would you say to a permanent partnership? What with your knowledge of the Gamma Quadrant, and my business connections, we could make a fortune. Vash: Sorry, Quark, but I've slept in my last tent. I'm looking forward to a nice quiet life back on Earth. Quark: You won't last a month. You're like me. You live for excitement, adventure and profit. Vash: Not anymore. Quark: Would you care to make a wager on that? Dax: The graviton field has increased by sixty percent. Sisko: How soon can you begin the sensor sweep? Dax: Not until we've increased tridium levels to one part per million. It should only be another seven, eight minutes. Kira: Commander, we're being pulled out of our normal position. Sisko: Use control thrusters to stabilize the station. Kira: Firing thrusters. We're still moving. O'Brien: If the graviton field is feeding off the station's power, maybe we can cut its supply by shutting down the reactors. Sisko: Put life support on emergency backup. Take everything else offline. Kira: We're still moving out of position. Sisko: What's our heading? Dax: Bearing one five seven, mark one three. Kira: Straight into the wormhole. Quark: Now, as you know, payment must be in gold pressed latinum, and all transactions are final. Remember, bid high and bid often. Vash: Ladies and gentlemen, our first item is a statue from the Gamma Quadrant's Verath System. Now, I suppose I take a minute to tell you a little bit about the Verathan civilisation, which reached its height some thirty thousand years ago and spanned over two dozen systems, interconnected by a highly developed trade and communications network. This statue represents Drohlak, the Prime Ossemite of the nineteenth dynasty. Quark: Vash, what are you doing? Vash: I'm placing the statue in its historical context. Quark: Here, give me that. This isn't the Daystrom Institute. Watch closely. Friends, it's rare, it's beautiful, and it's a Gamma Quadrant original. And it can be yours for the right price. Bidding will start at ten bars of gold pressed latinum. Make it ten. Fifteen? Sixteen? Who'll say seventeen and be the first to own a piece of the Gamma Quadrant? O'Brien: Tridium levels throughout the station have reached one part per million. Dax: Initiating sensor sweep. O'Brien: We can rule out the docking ring. Dax: The tridium gas seems to be draining toward the central core. Sisko: Where in the central core? O'Brien: Let me see if I can get a more precise reading. It's not clear enough. I can't pinpoint an exact location. Kira: Based on our current trajectory, we'll hit the wormhole in eighteen minutes. Sisko: What the hell could be pulling us into the wormhole? Do we have time to transfer auxiliary power to the deflectors, Chief? O'Brien: Sir, there's not enough power left to make any difference. If we get sucked into that wormhole, we'll be in a billion pieces by the time we reach the Gamma Quadrant. Quark: Sold to Kolos for thirty-six bars of gold pressed latinum. Next we have a dagger, studded with some very interesting looking gems. Think of it as a weapon and an investment. Bidding will start at forty. Forty. Forty two. Forty five. Don't hold back. You know you want it. Give me fifty. Fifty. We have fifty. Q: I hate to interrupt such a thrilling display of naked avarice, but I thought it was only right of me to warn you that this station is hurtling toward its doom, and it's very unlikely any of you will survive to enjoy your purchases. I just thought I'd mention it. Please, carry on. Quark: Ladies and gentlemen, I assure you, everything is under control. Drinks for everyone. And free use of the holosuites at the conclusion of the auction. And Vash: I don't think I realized until this moment how evil you really are. You'd kill all these people to get even with me. Q: I must admit, the thought had occurred to me, but this station is in enough trouble without me. Although I'd be glad to save you. All you have to do is ask. VASH I'll take my chances with the others. Q: As you choose. I'm going to just right here sit here and watch. I've never seen a space station torn apart by a wormhole before. Quark: Sold to my cousin Stol for a hundred and five bars of gold pressed latinum. Kira: What if we pump more tridium gas into the central core? The sensors might be more accurate with the greater concentration. O'Brien: It might work, but in four years we'll all be dead from tridium poisoning. Dax: Wait a minute. Of course. Bring the reactors back online O'Brien: The reactors? But they'll just feed more energy to the graviton field. Dax: If we generate enough energy, it should create a power drain big enough to trace. Kira: It might also push us faster into the wormhole. A lot faster. Sisko: It's a chance we've got to take. Bring us to full power, Mister O'Brien. Everything you've got. O'Brien: Aye, sir. Quark: Sold to Rul the Obscure for a hundred and fifty one latinum bars. And now, our final item. And I think you'll agree with me it was well worth the wait. Quark: Bidding will start at two hundred bars of gold pressed latinum. Two hundred. Can I get two fifty? Two fifty. Three hundred anyone? Three hundred bars of gold pressed latinum. Three hundred and fifty? Voice: Here. Quark: Four hundred? Four hundred. Five? Five hundred and twenty? Quark: Six hundred bars of gold press latinum. Dax: It's not in any of the crossover bridges or the habitat ring. It's in the upper core. Kira: Three minutes, fourteen seconds to the wormhole. We're picking up speed. Dax: I've got it. The power drain's coming from the Promenade. Sisko: Chief, you have Ops. Kolos: Twenty-five hundred. Q: Twenty-five hundred and one. Dax: This way. Kolos: Three thousand bars of latinum. My final offer. Quark: Three thousand bars. Q: A million. Quark: A million bars of gold press latinum? Dax: Over here. Quark: A million Going once. Kira: It's by the podium. Quark: A million going twice. Dax: That's it. Quark: Three times. Sisko: This auction's over. Quark: Sold. Sisko: Chief, shut down the reactors. We've found it. Q: And it's about time, too. Quark: Sorry, all transactions are final. This item now belongs to that gentleman over there. Dax: I'm reading a massive graviton build up inside this container. It's increasing exponentially. We have got to get it off the station now. Sisko: Chief, lock on to my combadge. Prepare to transport it five hundred meters off the docking ring. Quark: But I haven't been paid! Sisko: Energize. Sisko: Captain's log, stardate 46532.3. With the embryonic lifeform off the station, graviton levels have returned to normal. We've used the control thrusters to return the station to its original position. Quark: So, you're off to the Daystrom Institute. Bet you can hardly wait. Long, boring lectures, endless conferences, whining students dogging your every step. Sounds delightful. Of course. No, you wouldn't be interested. Vash: In what? Quark: I hear they've uncovered the ruins of a Rokai provincial capital on Tartaras Five. If you could obtain some Rokain artifacts Vash: Forget it, Quark. I'm going back to Earth. Quark: Have it your way. Q: An abysmal place. Vash: Tartaras Five? Q: Earth. Oh, don't get me wrong. A thousand years ago it had character. Crusades, Spanish Inquisition, Watergate. But now it's just mind-numbingly dull. Vash: Well then by all means, don't come with me. Q: I think you'd be much happier poking about the ruins of Tartaras Five. Vash: I don't need your advice. You really think I Q: You know, I still feel that I owe you a million bars of gold pressed latinum. Vash: Keep it. Just give me back my life. Q: You'll regret it if I do. Vash: I'm willing to take my chances. Q: All right. If you insist. But it's not going to be the same without you. When I look at a gas nebula, all I see is a cloud of dust. Seeing the universe through your eyes, I was able to experience wonder. I'm going to miss that. Vash: Well, I guess in some ways I'm going to miss you too. Q: Maybe I could drop in sometime. Vash: Oh, God, I hope not. Vash: Hey Quark, What's the quickest way to Tartaras Five? Bashir: I feel as though I've been sleep for days. What? Did I miss something?

Scene: Station log. stardate 46910.1. Chief O'Brien has escorted his wife back to Earth to celebrate her mother's hundredth birthday. In the meantime, the rest of us are trying to keep the station up and running. Bashir: It's almost as though the re-filtration processors were waiting for Chief O'Brien to leave before breaking down. Dax: The technology looks like something the Cardassians must have taken from the Romulans. Is that an RCL type one matrix field? Bashir: Perhaps we ought to call in a Romulan repair service. Dax: Or an RCL type two? Bashir: Another raktajino? Dax: It'll keep me up all night. Bashir: I can think of better ways of keeping you up. And they're more fun than drinking Klingon coffee Dax: Definitely type one. Peers: Dax. Dax: I really should be getting to bed. Bashir: May I escort you to your quarters? Dax: That's not necessary, Julian. Bashir: Oh, well, good night then. Bashir: Not necessary, Julian. But not forbidden, either. Tandro: Dax. Dax: Yes? Tandro: You are Dax. Dax: What do you want? Bashir: Dax! Sisko: Yes, Major. Kira: I'm just not sure, Commander. What does it look like to you? Sisko: It looks like a residual charge in the graviton generator. If that's what it is, it'll bleed off. Let's run a quick level three diagnostic, just to be sure. Bashir: Bashir to Ops. Kira: Ops. Bashir: Three people Bashir: I think they just took Jadzia. Bashir: She tried to struggle with them, and I tried to help Sisko: Full station security alert. Secure all turbolifts, seal off airlocks for levels four through twelve. Computer, locate Lieutenant Dax. Computer: Lieutenant Dax is on level six, corridor one. Bashir: No, that's where I am. Bashir: They just left her comm. badge. Odo: How long ago, Doctor? Bashir: Oh, not sure, really. Dax: What are you doing? Tandro: We turn right at the next corridor. Come on. Odo: They're managing to avoid the security tracking grid. They seem to know a lot about the station. Kira: Then they may know the speed of our runabouts. If they do, they probably have a faster ship to make their escape. Sisko: Major, survey all ships in dock with a high warp capability. Damn! Odo: What? Sisko: That's why we've got a residual charge in the graviton generator. They've disabled the tractor beam. Kira: We've got eight ships in dock capable of warp five or more. Three on docking pylons, five smaller ones in the ports. Sisko: Seal off all docking ring airlocks. Odo: Security. All duty squads to the docking ring. Commence immediate inward sweep, levels sixteen through twenty one. Kira: I've got them. Airlock five. Odo: I'm on my way. Security report to airlock corridor five. We have a hostage situation. Kira: Isolating with cadderon force fields. Dax: Will you just tell me what you want? Tandro: Move. Kira: Force field is down. They know the security override codes. They're boarding a ship. Sisko: I'm trying to speed up the bleed-off process in the graviton generator. Kira: We lost them. Sisko: It's working. I'm increasing the flow to the EPS wave guides. Kira: The excess charge is neutralizing. Sisko: Engage tractor beam. Kira: Gotcha. Sisko: Bring it in to docking port six, Major. Odo: Slowly. Extremities where I can see them. Tandro: You're the Chief of Security? Odo: Are you all right? Tandro: My name is Ilon Tandro, special envoy from Klaestron Four in charge of this extradition procedure. Sisko: Extradition? I call this kidnapping and assault. Tandro: You'll find that to be a valid warrant for her arrest. The relevant treaty between Klaestron Four and your Federation allows for unilateral extradition. Sisko: And the charge? Tandro: The fugitive Dax is charged with treason and the murder of my father. Odo: The warrant says Dax was responsible for the death of General Ardelon Tandro thirty years ago. Sisko: Thirty years ago? That would've been Curzon Dax. Odo: when he was on Klaestron Four as a Federation mediator during their civil war. Sisko: He never mentioned he'd even been to Klaestron Four. Strange. Odo: Not so strange considering these charges. Sisko: Odo, let me tell you something. Curzon Dax tended to be a little cavalier about life, even about his personal responsibilities from time to time. I think that was part of the reason I liked him so much. He had more faults than the usual socially acceptable Trill. He was not a murderer. Odo: How about a traitor? It says Dax betrayed the Klaestron government to the rebels. Sisko: It's all nonsense, Constable. I'm telling you, I knew the man. Odo: But did you know the symbiont inside the man? Dax: Come in. Sisko: I've sent a subspace message to Klaestron Four requesting confirmation of the warrant. That's the only stall I could think of. Now, what the hell's going on, Dax? Dax, if I'm going to help you, you've got to help me. Dax: I don't expect any help, Benjamin. Thank you, though. Sisko: Are you crazy? Treason and murder. On Klaestron Four, either of those gets you the death penalty. What's the matter with you? Talk to me before I have to let these people take you. Dax: No. I'm sorry, Benjamin, but no. Sisko: We've got eighteen, twenty years of friendship behind us. Dax: I'm Jadzia Dax now. That was Curzon Dax you knew for twenty years. Sisko: So when the Dax part of you survived from one host to the next, it really didn't take our friendship along. Dax: Benjamin, you know you're still my very dear friend. I'm sorry. Tandro: You've received your confirmation, Commander. Now we'd like to be on our way with the prisoner. Sisko: You know, Mister Tandro, I kept wondering why you tried to kidnap Lieutenant Dax, rather than just present your warrant to me in the proper way. I couldn't figure that out at first. Tandro: I trust you have figured out, Commander, that our extradition treaty with your Federation is current and valid. Sisko: This station is technically Bajoran. Tandro: What does that mean to us? Sisko: You don't have an extradition treaty with Bajor. I think that's why you tried to abduct Lieutenant Dax. You were afraid the Bajorans would refuse extradition. Tandro: That's absurd. No Bajoran interests are even involved here. Kira: How did you know your way around the station so well? Tandro: My conversation is with the Commander. Sisko: No, your conversation is with my First Officer now. Kira: You Klaestrons are allies of the Cardassians. Your knowledge of this station confirms that. They must have given you the layout, which not only compromises Bajoran security, but also annoys us. Sisko: I'm afraid Bajoran interests are involved, and Bajor is adamant that. At least I believe it's adamant. Kira: Oh, yes. Sisko: You see. There will have to be an extradition hearing before I can lawfully release Lieutenant Dax. Quark: For how long? Odo: As long as it takes. Quark: That could be for days! Odo: There's nowhere else on the station that's suitable. Quark: That's too bad. I'm not shutting down for any Bajoran hearing. Odo: I'm sure Lieutenant Dax would appreciate it. Quark: Business is business. Odo: You know, that wall's going to have to come in about five meters. Quark: What are you talking about? Odo: Of course, after you move the wall that'll mean your second level holosuites'll have to come down. Quark: Come down? Why? Odo: New restrictions. Quark: Restrictions? Odo: Building codes. Since the provisional government took over, they've got their hands into everything and of course, I'm the one who's expected to enforce their rules here. You know, I think the bar is just a little too near the exit. Quark: This is blackmail. Odo: No, it's just business. And business is business. Sisko: I was just coming to see you. We still haven't found a place for the hearing. Holding it on Bajor would involve Dax leaving the station and I don't want to risk that. Odo: Well, now that's a coincidence. Our good friend Quark just donated the use of his facility for the hearing. Sisko: Nice gesture. Odo: I thought so. Sisko: You know, I haven't been able to get a word out of Dax about any of this. So I thought someone might go do some investigating on Klaestron Four itself. What do you think? Odo: This case has thirty years of dust covering it. The extradition hearing'll take about thirty minutes. Sisko: I'm hoping to make it a little longer than that. Odo: Good luck. Renora: This will be an informal hearing, so I'm going to start with some informal advice. I am one hundred years old. I do not have time to squander listening to superfluous language. In short, I intend being here until supper, not senility. Understood? Tandro: Understood, Madame Arbiter. Renora: You seek the extradition. Make your case. Tandro: The accused Trill, whatever its present appearance may be, was and is a Federation officer who committed capital crimes on our planet. Since there is no time limit on the prosecution of such crimes Renora: Thank you, I've already read the warrant and charges. The crimes described are thirty years old. What took you so long? Tandro: The evidence was contained in military files which were officially sealed until recently. Renora: Fine. Sit. Commander, the warrant is in order. On what grounds do you ask that I deny extradition? Sisko: You say the warrant's in order. But the name on the warrant is Dax. Certainly that doesn't refer to Jadzia Dax, a female, but to the now deceased Curzon Dax, a male. This young woman wasn't even born thirty years ago. Tandro: You are arguing semantics. This creature is a Trill. The symbiont known as Dax has progressed from one host to the next. Sisko: Exactly. From one host to the next. A different host, a different person. So I submit that the person he wants to extradite no longer exists, and I challenge him to prove otherwise. Tandro: That's ridiculous. Renora: It would have been easier on me, Commander, had you not raised that particular point. But the penalty for these crimes on your planet is death, and that is rather permanent. So before I grant extradition, you will convince me please, that the person named in your warrant is the person who is standing here now. Kira: She doesn't seem to care whether she gets out of this or not. Sisko: I care. Doctor, we've given the opposition access to our computers and station library, so let's utilize them ourselves. I want you to find all the medical evidence you can to support the theory that Jadzia Dax and Curzon Dax are two entirely separate people. Major Bashir: Excuse me, sir. I don't know that there is any medical evidence on that. Sisko: Assume there is, then find it. Major, I'm not asking you to be an attorney here, but if you could check the Federation computers for any precedents, legal decisions involving Trills. Kira: Is a Trill responsible for the conduct, for the acts of it's antecedent selves. Sisko: Right. That kind of thing. Kira: What if I find the answer's yes? Sisko: Then that answer is wrong. From this minute on, our answer is no. But if you do find a wrong answer, I want to see it. I can't fight what I don't know about. Crewman: Commander Sisko, there's a subspace communication from Odo on Klaestron Four. Sisko: We only have a few hours, people. Sisko: Constable What've you got for us? Odo: Well, I know two things so far. Whoever did murder that General Ardelon Tandro, it got his troops so mad they went out and won their civil war. They made the General a national hero. There are statues of him all over the place. Second, everyone that's old enough to remember says the General and Curzon Dax were the closest of friends. Comrades, inseparable. Sisko: Now that sounds like the Curzon Dax I knew. Odo: But treason, plus the murder of his own best friend? Strange business. If those charges are true, I'd want to hang Curzon Dax up by his heels myself. Sisko: Thanks for the confidence. Odo: Don't worry, I'll do my job. The General left a widow. If the two men were that close, she has to remember something about Curzon Dax that's not in the record. You'll hear from me. Enina: Curzon Dax was not responsible for the death of my husband. Odo: You're certain of that? Enina: Without a doubt. Odo: But your own son Enina: My son is obsessed with the death of a father he never knew. Ohm I tried to persuade him not to reopen the case. He wouldn't listen to anyone, least of all to me. You have to understand. Curzon Dax was closer to the General than other any man on this planet. He was a dear friend to this family. Curzon would have died himself sooner than conspire against my husband. Odo: Is that a personal opinion or are there any facts that would support this. Enina: The only facts I know are in my son's hands and he intends to use them against Dax. Odo: It might help my people to know what they are. Enina: There is proof of a secret transmission that was made from out military headquarters to the enemy camp. It identifies exactly the route my husband was taking on his way back from the capital to the front. It was at that time that he was ambushed and kidnapped. A short time later, he was killed. Odo: Then your son must believe that Dax made the transmission. Enina: There were only five people including my husband who knew that route. My son has established the whereabouts of all of them at the time of the transmission. All of them, except Curzon. Odo: So Dax has no alibi. Enina: That cannot possibly be enough to convict him, can it? Odo: I don't know. Thank you. You've been helpful. Enina: How is he? Odo: Ma'am? Enina: Curzon Dax. Odo: He's gone. The Dax your son is trying to extradite is Jadzia Dax, a twenty eight year old woman. Curzon Dax died two years ago. Jadzia is the new host. Enina: What? I'm sorry. I didn't know. Tandro: Madame Arbiter, I call on the expert knowledge of another Trill, Selin Peers. Minister Peers, we're fortunate to have you with us. Renora: Excuse me. It also seems rather convenient to have you with us. How do you come here? Peers: Because another Trill is involved, the Trillian government requested that I be present during the extradition. Renora: And do you know the accused personally? Peers: I do not. Renora: We accept you as an expert on Trills. Proceed. Tandro: Minister, through how many hosts have you survived? Peers: The symbiont within me has survived through the adult lifetimes of seven hosts. Tandro: Do you remember your very first host? Peers: Of course. It was a woman, as a matter of fact. Tandro: Do you remember what you thought and felt when you were joined with your first host? Peers: Yes. The symbiont does carry memories of times shared with previous hosts. Tandro: So if a crime is committed by a Trill, then the symbiont's next host would remain aware of it, would recall that crime? Peers: Yes, absolutely. Tandro: Would recall the details of it. Peers: Yes, absolutely. Tandro: And would still feel the guilt of it. Peers: Oh, yes. Sisko: Madame Arbiter, this is not a trial and Mister Tandro is not the prosecutor. Renora: Mister Tandro, you have made your point. Tandro: I don't believe that I have, Madame Arbiter. The real point is that Commander Sisko would have you endorse his idea of a perfect Trill crime. To commit it, all one has to do is elude capture long enough to change hosts, and then he or she can go free. Sisko: Minister Peers, you said you were with your first host throughout her adult life. Peers: Yes. Sisko: So, before a symbiont is joined with any host, that host has already lived a significant portion of his or her life from birth to what age, sir? Peers: Early to mid-twenties. Sisko: Why not younger? Peers: To give the prospective host the chance to develop, mature. They have to be old enough to make an informed judgment as to whether or not they really want to be joined. Sisko: And once they are joined, this host's personality is completely suppressed by the symbiont? Peers: Oh, no. No, it's a joining. It's a total sharing, a blending, of both host and symbiont. Neither is suppressed by the other. Sisko: So with each new host there does come in fact, a new personality, a new combined person. A different person. Peers: From that standpoint, yes. Sisko: Well I for one don't know from what other standpoint we could be talking about. Thank you, Minister. Tandro: Just to return us to what's important here, Madame Arbiter, the accused can remember any crimes she committed as Curzon Dax and nothing can be truthfully asserted in this hearing that can alter that fact. Sisko: Yes, the memories were passed to an entirely new host, to an entirely different person. Tandro: This is outrageous. You can't let Dax get away with murder. Renora: Gentlemen, I said this would be an informal hearing, not riotous. We will take a two hour recess. Renora: The answer seems simple enough to me. Split her down the middle. Send the symbiont back to stand trial and keep the host here. Bashir: I'm afraid it's a bit more complicated than that. Renora: Oh, what a surprise. Please enlighten me. Bashir: The symbiont and the host are biologically interdependent. Ninety three hours after they've joined, neither can survive without the other. Renora: I see. Proceed, Commander. Sisko: Doctor, you've heard the arguments. From a medical viewpoint, are Curzon Dax and Jadzia Dax the same person. Bashir: Certainly not. Aside from the gender change, there's a marked difference in blood types, metabolisms, nervous system, height, weight. Tandro: This is not at all relevant. Bashir: What is relevant, sir, is my analysis of the brain waves of Curzon and Jadzia Dax. Sisko: Madame Arbiter. Bashir: As you can see, they are distinctly different, which clearly illustrates that Curzon and Jadzia are two unique individuals. Sisko: Thank you, Doctor. Tandro: Doctor, I've looked through your research myself. It's quite impressive for such a young man. Bashir: Thank you. Tandro: As a layman, there are obviously things I don't fully understand. Bashir: I'd be happy to explain anything you wish. Tandro: Yes? Well, exactly how does the Trill brain work? Bashir: It's quite complicated, actually. First of all, there are two cerebral nuclei. Tandro: Two? Bashir: One in the symbiont and one in the host. Tandro: Two brains. And these two brains talk to each other? Bashir: Like two computers linked together. Tandro: That's very clear, Doctor. Thank you. Now, in your investigations, were you able to analyze the separate wave patterns from each of these brains? Bashir: They don't function separately. Tandro: I didn't ask you how they function, Doctor Bashir. I asked if you could analyze the two distinct patterns. Bashir: I just don't see the relevance of Tandro: Could you? Bashir: Yes. Tandro: And have the brainwave patterns of the symbiont changed since it joined with its new host? Bashir: With the available evidence, there's no way of telling. Tandro: What's your best guess? Bashir: I wouldn't care to guess. Tandro: In fact, is there evidence of any change at all in the symbiont since it joined with this new host? Yes or no. Bashir: No. Tandro: Thank you, Doctor Bashir. You've been very helpful. Renora: Any more witnesses, Commander Sisko? Sisko: Yes, Madame Arbiter. I'd like to call the one person in this courtroom who knew Curzon Dax. Me. Renora: You know where the witness stand is. Sisko: With your permission, I'd like Major Kira will direct the questions. Kira: Tell us a little about Curzon Dax, Commander. Sisko: He probably wasn't the ideal Trill. He drank a little too much. He could be more interested in women than maybe he should've been. Kira: I thought he was your friend. Sisko: I'm simply pointing out that he was not at all like the young woman in this courtroom. Kira: What was, exactly, your relationship with Curzon Dax? Sisko: He took a raw young Ensign under his wing and taught me to appreciate life in ways I'd never thought about before. He taught me about art and science and diplomacy. Whatever sense of honor I might have today, he nurtured. Treason, murder. He was not capable of those things. Tandro: As you've already said, Commander, this is not a trial. Sisko: I'm describing my friend, Curzon Dax. A man I knew very well. On the other hand, I can't tell you too much about my new friend there. We're really just getting to know each other. Tandro: Commander, Starfleet officers do have the reputation of being honorable and I judge you to be an honorable man. As an honorable man, do you think this crime should go unpunished? Sisko: I prefer no crime to go unpunished. Tandro: Then, if it were possible, even you would not argue with punishing the symbiont part of Dax. Sisko: How can you be so sure that the symbiont was the criminal influence? What if it were the Curzon host that was responsible? Then the surviving symbiont would be completely innocent. Tandro: No. They'd both be guilty. You yourself have argued that the two personalities, once joined, function as one. Your own Doctor Bashir confirmed it. When you put salt in water, the two become indistinguishable and inseparable. Sisko: I think you've just made my point for me. When the water boils off, the salt returns to its original state. Pour that same salt into another liquid, and you have something completely different. Jadzia Dax is an entirely new entity. Renora: Following a one hour recess, Lieutenant Dax will take the witness chair. One hour. Sisko: If you won't defend yourself, you're not going to testify. Kira: It's a hearing, not a trial. She has no choice. Kira: Odo's on subspace. It's urgent. Odo: I've made some progress. Sisko: Good. Odo: Not good. Since the transmission to the enemy is the key evidence, I thought it might be a good idea to go through all the communications logs from headquarters during that period. I even found Curzon Dax's records. Sisko: You can't tell me Curzon would log in a communiqué to the enemy. Odo: No. Nothing like that. But the log shows a number of conversations between Dax's office and General Tandro's home. Sisko: They were close friends. Odo: A number of the conversations took place when the General was away at the front. Sisko: The wife? Odo: The wife. Sisko: Curzon Dax and Enina Tandro. Odo: Maybe it was innocent. Maybe he was just providing a little emotional support during tough times. Or maybe they were taking advantage of the General's absence to get a little closer. If they were having an affair, that translates into a pretty solid motive for murder. Odo: The conversations were just the beginning. I've also found records of gifts, of holidays spent at an inn outside the capital. Enina: What purpose does this serve? Odo: It serves the truth. Enina: The truth. Odo: If there's more to this than meets the eye, I hope you'll explain, because as it stands, this will severely hurt Dax's defense. Enina: My husband was not the hero in life that he was in death, Mister Odo. In death he became a legend, and I became a legend's wife. There are people who did not even know my husband who still contact me. Decades after his death, they still mourn him. Odo: But you don't. Enina: No, because I knew the man before he became a legend. But I also knew my place in history. My place is to carry on bravely, never to remarry, to represent my husband at the banquets given in his name. But never, never to talk about who he really was, because nobody wants to hear that. Odo: They may have to hear it now. Enina: No matter what is said, they will still embrace his memory, for he was and will always be, the hero who died for his people. But perhaps it's time for my place in history to change. Sisko: You've been protecting her reputation. That's it, isn't it? That's why you won't even defend yourself. There are worse things than an illicit love affair. Curzon didn't murder anybody. He didn't commit treason. Are you really willing to commit suicide over something done in another lifetime? That is what you're doing, you know. My God, Dax. Young Tandro, that wouldn't be your son? Dax: You have an overactive imagination, Benjamin. Sisko: Then what is it that's holding you back? Help me. Damn it, if you were still a man. Dax: I see your temper hasn't improved. Sisko: Don't talk to me about my temper. Dax: Curzon always warned you about it. Sisko: You're not going to get me off track here. Dax: Do you remember that Argosian lieutenant who threw a drink in your face? Sisko: And you knocked me down with a right cross before I could kill him. I still have a little scar here from your ring finger. Dax: I tried on that ring on after Curzon died. It just slipped off my finger. Sisko: If you don't help me, old man, they're going to take you because I don't know any more arguments. Dax: Then allow it to happen. Sisko: It is my an obligation to protect the lives of those in my command. You ought to know that. You taught it to me. Dax: That was Curzon. Sisko: I'll stop trying to protect you the minute you tell me Curzon was guilty of these charges. Dax: I won't discuss it with you. As for Enina Tandro, yes, I feel the shame of Curzon's indiskretions. When one of my kind stumbles, Benjamin, it is a mistake that's there forever. I can't tell you which part of Curzon Dax couldn't stop himself from acting shamefully with another man's wife. I can tell you that he did love her, for whatever that's worth. Sisko: Enough to kill her husband? Dax: So you are questioning? Sisko: What else can I do? Dax: Nothing, Benjamin. Nothing at all. Renora: Lieutenant Dax, you're either two hundred years older than I am or you're about the same age as my great granddaughter. At first I wondered which of those you were. Now I am bothered by the likelihood that you may be both. Let's finish this, Commander. Sisko: At what age did the host, Jadzia, first want to be joined as a Trill? Dax: I wanted it since I was a child. I worked very hard for it. Sisko: The competition to become a Trill is very strong, then, among potential hosts. Dax: Yes. It's considered a great honor. Sisko: How did young Jadzia finally become a host candidate? Dax: By winning scholarships, competing against other young people. You're tested in countless ways. Sisko: Including psychological tests, to determine the strength of character of the prospective host. Is that true? Dax: Yes. Sisko: And the young Jadzia excelled in those tests of academics and character, of psychological stability. Dax: Yes. Sisko: If you can remember other things, remember that as well. What academic degrees do you hold, Lieutenant? Dax: I hold Premier Distinctions in exobiology, zoology, astrophysics and exoarcheology. Sisko: How many of those degrees did you earn before you being joined with the symbiont Dax? Dax: All of them. Sisko: All of them. As Jadzia. Alone. This brilliant and independent young woman has done nothing in her life but contribute to her society. Madame Arbiter, how can anyone justify trying her for a crime allegedly committed by another entity before she was even born? Tandro: This will only take a minute. Lieutenant, as a Trill candidate, did Jadzia fully understand the responsibilities to be assumed upon becoming a Trill, and did you willingly accept those responsibilities, and whatever consequences they might entail? Dax: Yes. Tandro: And would that not obviously include the consequences of criminal acts committed by Curzon Dax? Enina: May I speak? Renora: And you are? Enina: I am Enina Tandro, widow of General Ardelon Tandro. This hearing is unnecessary. The accusations are erroneous. Tandro: Mother, what are you talking about? Enina: Madame Arbiter, Curzon Dax is accused of sending a transmission to the enemy that betrayed my husband. But I know where Curzon was at the exact time that transmission was sent. He was in my bed. Renora: Mister Tandro, you will want to re-examine your extradition request. Until then this hearing is adjourned. Enina: You were kind to try and protect me. Someone you'd never even met. Dax: There's much of Curzon that's still a part of me, that still remembers what you had together. Enina: But it was Curzon Dax who swore himself to silence to preserve the memory of General Tandro. Not Jadzia. Dax: I felt it was important to keep that promise. The General's memory is cherished by your people. Enina: And it will continue to be. No one will ever know that he was the one who tried to betray us, and that the rebels killed him for the favor. As for you, there is one favor I would ask. Dax: Of course. Enina: Live, Jadzia Dax. Live a long, fresh and wonderful life.

Kira: I've never seen anything like that. Bashir: Hmm? Kira: I've never seen anything like that. Bashir: The woman? Kira: She was dead. The tricorder clearly showed Bashir: Ah yes, well, tricorders. Very accurate with live people, not so accurate with dead ones. We learn that first year medical school. Kira: Well, I was very impressed, Doctor. Bashir: And well you should have been. I impressed myself on this one actually. I can't imagine what other doctor would even consider examining the scapular nodes for parasitic infection. I just seem to have a talent, I suppose. A vision that sees past the obvious, around the mundane, right to the target. Fate has granted me a gift, Major. A gift to be a healer. Kira: I feel privileged to be in your presence. Bashir: Glad to have you along. Kira: Did anyone ever tell you that you're Computer: Priority one broad band distress signal. Kajada: Kobliad transport Reyab to any ship. Our central power linkage exploded. We're losing life support. Please respond. Bashir: Just picking it up on long range sensors. Bearing three four seven mark zero eight. Kira: I'm reading massive energy leakage. Its aft structural integrity field is failing. This is the Federation Ship Rio Grande. We're on our way. Bashir: O-2 pressure dropping rapidly. Toxic gas levels are rising. We've got no more than ten minutes breathing time left in here. Kira: Automatic fire suppression must be offline. I'll check the central power linkage. Bashir: Relax. I'm a doctor. Kajada: What happened? Bashir: You lost consciousness. Now listen, is there anyone else aboard your ship? We've got to evacuate it. Kajada: The pilot is dead. Bashir: I'm reading another lifeform. Kajada: No. Don't open that. Bashir: It's sealed. Kajada: The prisoner I was transporting, he started the fire to escape. Bashir: He's dying. Where's the manual override? Kajada: No. Stop! Don't! Kajada: Wait. Don't go in there. He's dangerous. Bashir: I assure you, in this condition, he's of no threat to anyone. Kira: Power linkages are completely shot. Maneuvering subsystems are out. I've managed to stabilize the structural integrity field, but I don't know how long it's going to last. We'll have to tow it in. Bashir: His synaptic fields are dissipating. I can't get a neural reading. I have to get him to the emergency unit on the runabout. Kira: Computer, four to transport. Vantika: Make me live. Bashir: This one I can't bring back. Kajada: Where am I? Bashir: You're on Station DS Nine. I'm Doctor Julian Bashir. Kajada: Ty Kajada, Kobliad Security. DS Nine? But that's where he was going. Where is he? Where is Vantika? Bashir: Your prisoner? He's dead. Kajada: You're certain. Bashir: Yes. You were the only survivor. Kajada: Where's his body? Bashir: I have it in stasis. Kajada: I want to see it. Bashir: When you're feeling stronger Kajada: Now! Bashir: Preliminary examinations indicated the subject died of a massive respiratory failure, brought on by the pulmonary trauma suffered during the fire. Kajada: Are you sure it's the same body? Bashir: Quite certain. It's been sealed in here ever since our arrival. Kajada: Have you run a retinal imaging scan? Bashir: What for? Kajada: To confirm that there is no residual activity in the visual cortex. Bashir: Miss Kajada, I assure you he is dead. Kajada: He's faked his death more times than I can tell you. And the last time someone thought he was dead, they didn't live to regret the mistake. Bashir: He was a murderer? Kajada: That description doesn't do justice to the horrors he's responsible for on my world. He's quite brilliant in his way. A man of science who killed others to prolong his own life. I've tracked him for twenty years. Kajada: Please perform an autopsy. I want his identity confirmed with a DNA reference scan. Bashir: Of course. Kajada: And have someone scan my ship. I want to make sure there are no anomalous life forms on board. Bashir: Are you sure that's necessary? Kajada: Very sure. Quark: Iced raktajino, extra cream. Dax: Thank you, Quark. Quark: At your service, day or night. Dax: Thanks. Quark: Poor woman. She's obviously infatuated with me. Odo: You're deluding yourself. Quark: There's nothing wrong with a good delusion. I sell them upstairs to dozens of people every day. Besides, there is something in her eyes when she looks at me. Odo: An allergic reaction, no doubt. Quark: I think she's lonely. Odo: Dax? She has ten lifetimes worth of friends to call on before she calls you. And every man on the station would like to be buying her a raktajino. Quark: Ah, but I'm the one with the raktajino machine. Odo: She seems to prefer spending most of her time alone, which I understand perfectly. Quark: Then that must make her the perfect woman for you. Odo: I wouldn't intrude on her privacy, as some would. Quark: You're pathetic. You think everyone in the galaxy should be as lonely and as miserable as you are. As hard as it may be for you to understand, some of us like company. The sound of a friendly voice. The sight of a familiar face. The feel of smooth, pliant flesh. Odo: Why do you bother? Quark: It's good to want things. Odo: Even things you can't have? Quark: Especially things I can't have. Odo: Like the deuridium shipment? Quark: Deuridium shipment? Is there a deuridium shipment coming here? Odo: I'm watching you, Quark. Quark: And I'm watching you, Jadzia. Primmin: Interesting technique. Do you always get ready for an important operation by leaking word about it to the local black market? Odo: How I handle my business is none of your concern. Primmin: I'm afraid it is. Lieutenant George Primmin. Starfleet security, and if you don't mind, I would like to talk to you about the deuridium shipment from the Gamma Quadrant. Odo: There's nothing to discuss. Security is already in place. Primmin: I would appreciate it if we could go over it anyhow. It took me three weeks to get here and I'd hate to think it was for nothing. Odo: If you insist. Meet me in my office at seventeen hundred hours. Bashir: The autopsy revealed nothing out of the ordinary. Fingerprints, cerebral cortex scans, retinal patterns all matched up perfectly with the records Kajada provided. Vantika may have faked his death before, but I don't think he's faking this time. Sisko: Why was he coming here? Bashir: They're Kobliad. Dax: The deuridium. Kira: I'm sorry? Sisko: The Kobliad are a dying race. They need deuridium to stabilize their cell structure. It prolongs their lifespan. Dax: The Federation's been working to supply them with deuridium, but even the new deposits from the Gamma Quadrant aren't enough to service the whole population. It's so scarce that some of the Kobliad have gone underground to get it. Kira: So he was coming here to hijack a shipment? Dax: Exactly. Sisko: Is Kajada satisfied with your autopsy? Bashir: I don't think anything's going to convince her he's dead, Commander. Dax: Vantika has been the focus of Kajada's attention for most of her adult life. In a way, they were as intimately connected as any two beings could be. Sisko: Let's do her the courtesy of granting her requests as long as they're not too far out of line. A quick sweep of her ship is not too much to ask. I'm more concerned that Vantika might have had help here waiting to hijack the shipment. Ah, Mister Primmin. Good. In my office. I want to brief you on a security issue that's arisen. Kira: I'll get Odo up here. Primmin: Ah, that's okay, Major. I'll fill him in later on anything he needs to know. Sisko: How are you getting on with the Constable, Lieutenant? Primmin: I'm sure he's very good at keeping order down there on the Promenade. Sisko: But Primmin: Frankly, isn't the security of a deuridium shipment a little over his head? I mean, he was chatting about it in the bar with that Ferengi, Quark. If I could overhear it, so could half-dozen others. Sisko: It's hard to keep a secret in a place like this, Lieutenant. It's not a starship. Primmin: I understand that. Sisko: I'm sure almost everyone knows about the shipment by now. Odo was probably making sure Quark knows we know he knows. Primmin: It's not they way they taught us at the Academy, is it, sir. If you want my opinion Sisko: Actually, I don't. You and I are guests of the Bajorans, Lieutenant. You don't have to forget what you learned at the Academy, you just don't throw it in anyone's face here. If you're really smart, you might even learn a few new things about station security from our Constable. Clear? Primmin: Very clear, sir. Sisko: Now, regarding the shipment. We've been made aware of a possible Kobliad plot to hijack the deuridium. You and Odo ought to have a talk with Kajada, the Kobliad security officer who arrived yesterday Primmin: Before we get started, I want to apologize for us getting off on the wrong foot. Odo: Think nothing of it. Primmin: Listen, I know this is your bailiwick. I don't mean to be throwing my weight around. No hard feelings? Odo: None at all. Primmin: Just because I'm from Starfleet Security doesn't mean I don't respect your opinion. How about showing me what you've got and I'll see if there's anything we can work with. Odo: Lieutenant, you're welcome to see my plans, but I assure you I've taken every precaution regarding the shipment. However, if you have any suggestions, I'd be happy to hear them. What? Odo to Ops. Kira: Go ahead. Odo: Major, are we having some Odo: Sort of computer problem? Kira: Everything in active memory has been accessed and purged. Odo: That's impossible. Kajada: Oh, it's possible. Vantika did the exact same thing on Rigel Seven. Kajada: I know Vantika. I've learned to think as he thinks. Bashir: Kajada, our best evidence suggests Vantika stopped thinking two days ago. Kajada: He's alive. And he's on board this station. And his first thought when he came on board was to plan a way to access your security files on the deuridium shipment, which is exactly what he's done. Primmin: Even if he was alive, it doesn't make sense that he would purge an entire computer memory to go after a single file. Odo: It makes perfect sense. Try to access the single file and you'd be stopped by a dozen different lock outs that I put in to protect it. Kajada: But you would never consider locking out the active memory of your entire system. Kira: It would make it impossible to use the computers at all. Kajada: So that's where you're vulnerable. Dax: But how would he gain access? Kajada: In the past, he's used a subspace shunt. It would be attached to a secondary system, something that runs through the entire facility but isn't covered by security. Kira: The lighting controls, or the replicators. Dax: I'm showing an unauthorized tap into the computer system. A temperature control panel, Level twenty one, section ten. ODO + Primmin: Security to Odo: To L twenty one, S ten. We're looking for a subspace crossover link to the computer system. Security: Acknowledged. Kajada: Tell them to be careful. Vantika undoubtedly equipped the shunt with an auto-destruct system. Kira: You know that for certain without having to check? Kajada: I know Vantika. Sisko: Miss Kajada, I must admit I'm having a tough time with your theory. Kajada: Then you're making a fatal mistake. Sisko: Three passengers were on your ship. Two bodies are in our morgue. Unless the ghost of Vantika is Kajada: Don't patronize me, Commander! Sisko: Isn't it more likely that some accomplice did this? Kajada: Rao Vantika is obsessed with his own survival. He's prolonged his life with the use of drugs, cryogenics, transplants. As a medical supervisor in a high security penitentiary, he used prisoners for his illegal experiments in cellular longevity. He's organized raids on government labs to steal bio-regenerative research. I promise you when he started that fire on board my ship, he had a plan to survive. I'm not sure what that plan was, but I'm convinced it succeeded. Sisko: Doctor, how soon before we get the results of the DNA trace? Bashir: I sent it to Starfleet Command yesterday. They'll have to coordinate with Kobliad security. I'd say another twelve hours. Sisko: Until then, we will operate under the assumption that Vantika is alive. Odo: Commander, may I have a word with you? Sisko: What's on your mind? Odo: My resignation. Sisko: You're overreacting. Odo: Oh, so you already know about this. Sisko: Yes, Lieutenant Primmin mentioned to me Odo: You asked me to stay in charge of security when you took command of this station. I did not ask you. Sisko: Constable, no one knows this station like you do. Odo: Yes, I've noticed that. Constable. Very cute. Sisko: It's an expression of affection. I believe Major Kira was the first to Odo: I don't need anyone's affection. I do need clear jurisdiction or I am out. Sisko: I like you, Odo. I like to know where a man stands. There's never been any question of that with you. I need you here. No Starfleet officer can do the job you do. Odo: You've got that straight. Sisko: But you have to realize that Starfleet is not going to take command of a station in deep space without assigning some security to protect its interests. Odo: Understandable. Sisko: You're going to have to work with Primmin. The two of you have to find a way to get along. Odo: Tell him that. Sisko: I already have. Odo: Who's in charge? Sisko: In joint operations like this one, you are. Odo: I can live with that arrangement. Sisko: What have you got, Dax? Dax: I'm not exactly sure yet. I finished the sweep of Kajada's ship. No anomalous readings, but I did notice one odd thing. Sisko: What's that? Dax: Somebody tried to break into the ship's cargo bay. Sisko: Since it's been docked? Dax: Kira confirmed that there was no damage to the cargo area when they brought it in. Sisko: What do you think they were after? Dax: This, maybe. I found it in Vantika's personal belongings. Sisko: What is it? Dax: A map of the humanoid brain. Quark: You call this clean? I've already found three coins on the floor up here. Who knows what else there might be? Somebody may have lost some valuable jewellry or something. Fine, never mind. I'll do it myself and I'll keep it myself. Leave! Quark: You just can't find good help any more. Vantika: Have you made the preparations? Quark: Preparations? What preparations? Vantika: The deuridium shipment. You were to hire mercenaries to help me. Quark: Help you? But. You can't be Vantika. Vantika: I told you to expect me at this hour. Quark: Yes, and I contacted some very reliable soldiers of fortune in anticipation of your arrival. I was told you were dead. Vantika: Almost, but not quite. Kajada: You wanted to see me? Bashir: Kajada. I'll be right with you. There. Now remember, next time lift with your back straight and use the anti-gravity generator. I'm sorry. Come in. I have the DNA scan results. I thought you might want to see them. In fact, I tried to call you last night, but you never responded to the comm. Kajada: I have trouble sleeping. Last night was particularly bad I used an alpha wave inducer to help me. Bashir: You should be careful with those. They're only meant for occasional use. Kajada: The scan results, Doctor. Bashir: Oh, yes. There wasn't even a trace of diploid variation. It's definitely not a clone. Positive identification, Rao Vantika. Kajada: They must have overlooked something. Dax: Dax to Bashir. Bashir: Yes, Jadzia. Dax: I need some medical advice. Can you come to my lab? Bashir: I'll be right there. Bashir: Bashir out. Every conceivable test has been done, Kajada. Dax: Here's the hypothesis. The body dies, the consciousness lives on. Bashir: In another brain? Dax: Possible? Bashir: The closest thing I've encountered is synaptic pattern displacement. But that's never been done by a non-Vulcan. Dax: I'm convinced Vantika was working on it. There are over seventy different computer simulations in his file. All involve identifying neural energy patterns and storing them in different areas of the brain. Bashir: There's plenty of room. A humanoid uses only a small portion of the brain. Dax: What if another entity shared the unused portion? Bashir: Hypothetically, Vantika's consciousness could be occupying someone else's brain while he waits for the deuridium to arrive. But whose? Kajada? Dax: They're both Kobliad. What better place to hide than in the mind of your worst enemy? Sisko: It doesn't make sense. She's been doing everything she can to convince us that Vantika is alive. If Vantika's controlling her, why would he call attention to himself? Dax: We're not suggesting he's controlling her. Bashir: This is all theoretical, but to extend the logic, there's no reason to believe she'd even be aware of his presence. Dax: Like a stowaway on a ship. The pilot's at the helm, but someone else is along for the ride. Sisko: Would an examination of Kajada confirm any of this? Bashir: We don't know what we're looking for yet. We still have to identify a method of transfer first. Odo: I could assign some personnel to maintain continuous surveillance on Kajada. Primmin: We're already stretched to the limit preparing for the shipment. Why don't I just set up the computer to track her movements and alert us if she goes near a secured area. Odo: At the very least, she has to be left out of our security plans. Bashir: She won't like that. Sisko: I'm afraid we have no choice. Dax: What do we tell her? Odo: Nothing. She'll figure it out. When she does, send her to me. Kajada: The computer security codes have been changed. I've been denied access. Why? Odo: Because I ordered it. Kajada: What kind of fool are you? Odo: My own special variety. Kajada: I'm the only one here who has experience with Vantika. Odo: I'm sorry. I believe it's necessary at this point to limit access to the security files to four people. Myself, Lieutenant Primmin, Major Kira and Commander Sisko. Kajada: When is the shipment scheduled to arrive? Odo: I can't give you that information. Kajada: What about this Ferengi, Quark? Odo: What about him? Kajada: From what I understand, he has his hands into everything around here. Is he under surveillance? Odo: I always keep an eye on him. Kajada: I hope so. Because he's exactly the kind that Vantika would use in his plans. Quark: Everything's been taken care of. Durg: That's what you said about Vener Seven. Quark: You should thank me for Vener Seven. You got paid, didn't you? Durg: We almost got killed. Quark: A normal risk in your line of work. Durg: It's a normal risk when we work for you, that's for certain. So, when do we meet this Kobliad? Quark: When he decides it's appropriate. Durg: All right then, a better question. When do we get paid? Quark: When the job is completed of course. Durg: Not acceptable. We'll require an advance payment of seventy percent. Quark: Durg, wake up. This is Quark you're talking to, remember. Durg: All past debts have been settled. Quark: They'll never be settled. You'd still be rotting in a Cardassian jail if I hadn't Bashir: Can you speak? Kajada: Pushed. Vantika. Bashir: I can't keep her conscious any longer, Commander. If she moves too much, she could suffer permanent paralysis. Sisko: Did you see anybody behind her? Quark: I just heard the scream and looked up. she fell from the balcony. What was she doing up there anyway? Odo: She had an odd feeling you might be helping someone hijack this deuridium shipment. Quark: I resent the inference. Odo: It's not an inference. It's a definite suspicion. Sisko: Was anyone else in the bar? Quark: Anyone else? Sisko: At the time of the accident. Quark: No, just me. Just tidying up, which if you'll excuse me, I really must finish. Odo: Not so fast, Quark. I want to take a look at that third floor before you get rid of all the evidence. Quark: Be my guest, but I'm telling you she was alone up there. And she had no business invading the privacy of a law-abiding member of the community. Sisko: What do you think, Doctor? Could this have been a suicide attempt? Bashir: I haven't noticed any indication of suicidal behavior, but then, who knows what the effect of sharing one's brain might be? Sisko: I'd still like some confirmation of that. Bashir: I'll have to tend to her injuries before I conduct any brain scans, but until we find the transfer method Vantika used, I'm not even sure what to look for. Sisko: Computer, location of Lieutenant Dax. Computer: Lieutenant Dax is in the stasis room. Sisko: Find something under his fingernails? Dax: Not yet. Sisko: What are you looking for? Dax: Confirmation of a theory, I hope. I've been asking myself, why would anyone induct a bioelectrical charge into a glial cell? Sisko: A question I have always wondered about. Dax: Well, it might make sense if you wanted to send a bio-coded message along the glial cells of someone's nervous system all the way to the brain. My guess is that's what Vantika was trying to do. Sisko: Using his fingernails? Dax: Frankly, I can't think of another way he could have delivered the bio-coded message. He must have used a very weak electrical charge, or the sensors on Kajada's ship would have detected it. Ideally, he would have injected the coded message directly into his victim's skin but there were no hyposprays or needles anywhere on the ship. Dax: A microscopic generator. Sisko: You're suggesting stored his consciousness in that thing? Dax: His neural patterns encoded as bioelectrical pulses. He could have placed that device under his nail months ago, just in case he needed an escape route in an emergency. His last resort before death. Sisko: Will this show up in Kajada? Dax: Now that we know what we're looking for, we should be able to confirm it with a glial scan. Sisko: Do it as soon as Bashir stabilizes her. Nice work. Kira: Confirm that each distribution amplifier is at one hundred percent efficiency. If there's more than a point-zero three percent fall off, replace it. And that won't mean a thing if any of the power waveguide outlets fail. Double-check them. Odo: You'd better make this the last check. We've only got an hour. Where's Primmin? Kira: I thought he was with you. Odo: I sent him to help you make the final security sweep of the docking area. Kira: He has not been here all morning. Quark: I won't be going with you. I'm simply a middleman, a facilitator. Durg: A profit monger. Quark: And proud of it. Durg: How did you get your hands on a Federation runabout, Quark? Quark: I can't take credit for that. Your employer has somehow managed to arrange security access. Durg: When do we meet this employer? Quark: His message said he'd be waiting for us on board. Quark: Oh, er, er, I'm terribly sorry. We seem to have made a wrong turn. We didn't mean to disturb you, Doctor. Bashir: Not at all, gentlemen. I've been expecting you. Dax: Julian? Computer, location of Doctor Bashir. Computer: Doctor Bashir is in the Infirmary. Odo: What the hell are you doing in there? I told you to sweep the docking bay again. Primmin: I took a cue from you. Odo: From me? Primmin: You understood the logic of Vantika's MO when he downloaded the computer memory. Avoid the single file, attack the system. Odo: I'm not following. Primmin: Vantika has to know that all of our security efforts will be focused on the docking ring. Odo: And? Primmin: I figured if he holds true to form that's not where he'll try to hurt us. So I ran a diagnostic of all the systems that could shut our whole defense array down. Odo: I already did that twice today. Primmin: I know. I didn't find anything either. But then I went to the back-up systems and I found a glitch there I couldn't explain. And I tracked it back to the waste reclamation system where no body would ever think to look because it's considered non-essential. And I found this. Odo: Another subspace crossover shunt, just like the one Vantika used when he tapped into the computer. Primmin: And it's set to feed back into the primary command and control functions. Odo: This would have shut us down for close to an hour. Primmin: Long enough for him to grab that freighter and warp to who knows where. Sisko: Yes, Major? Kira: The Norkova's just come through the wormhole, requesting permission to dock. Sisko: Let's go to security alert yellow. What bay do you have assigned in the plan? Kira: Number eight. Sisko: Odo, maintain a visible contingent of security at bay eight but I'm sending the Norkova to the second back-up. Bay twelve. Primmin: I'll send additional forces to twelve. Odo: Commander, your Lieutenant Primmin there just saved us all a lot of problems. Another subspace crossover that would have crippled us long enough for them to escape with your deuridium. Kira: Odo, did you deploy a runabout to escort the Norkova? Odo: No. Kira: How come the Rio Grande's going out to meet it. Sisko: On screen. Dax: Benjamin, Julian's missing. Sisko: Missing? Dax: His comm. badge was in the Infirmary. I can't find him anywhere. Sisko: Computer, who authorized access to Runabout Rio Grande? Computer: Authorisation access code four one two one. Doctor Julian Bashir. Durg: It's safe. Bashir: Shields up. Durg: Done. Bashir: Secure the rest of the ship. Be sure to account for all twelve members of the crew. If they resist, kill them. Enter the new course. Durg: Aye. The station has locked a tractor beam on us. Bashir: But that's not possible. They should be shut down by now. Durg: Well, they're not. They're hailing us. Bashir: Hailing us? Engage engines, full impulse. Durg: We're not going anywhere with a tractor beam on us. Bashir: Do it! Durg: Full impulse engaged. The tractor beam is holding. Bashir: But they won't be able to pull us in. Durg: We can't just sit here and wait. What do you intend to do? Bashir: Open a channel. Sisko: I'm Benjamin Sisko, Commander of DS Nine. Bashir: Rao Vantika is my name. But I assume you know that already. Sisko: I want to speak to Doctor Bashir. Bashir: Unfortunately, he's not available at the moment. Sisko: Is he all right? Bashir: His body is, how do you humans say it? Fit as a fiddle. Looks rather good on me, don't you think? Sisko: What have you done to his mind, Vantika? Bashir: It was necessary to render him unconscious for the time being. However, I might consider leaving his body and returning him to you. But first you must release your tractor beam. Sisko: I can't do that. Bashir: If you don't, I'll take this vessel to warp. Sisko: The tractor beam would rip apart your ship, and you and everyone on board would be killed. Bashir: Exactly. So if you care at all about the welfare of your Doctor, you will release your hold on us. You have one minute to decide. Sisko: Can we get a transporter lock on him? Primmin: Negative. Their shields are up. Sisko: Suggestions? Kira: A small ship like a runabout might be able to get close enough to overload their shield generators with directed phaser fire. We used to do it to Cardassian freighters all the time. Odo: But you'd be risking a hull breach and with all the deuridium on board Sisko: He's right. We can't risk releasing deuridium into the system. Every populated area would have to be evacuated. Dax, is there any way to disrupt Vantika's control over Bashir? Dax: I have an exact model of Vantika's neural energy patterns. If I can design an electromagnetic pulse to disrupt those patterns, Julian might emerge. We still need a way to get it there. Sisko: Could we run it right along the tractor beam at the same frequency as their shields? Dax: The pulse would resonate off the shields and create a reflected EM field inside the ship. Kira: He's hailing us. Dax: I need some time. Sisko: I'll give you as much as I can. On screen. Bashir: Have you decided? Sisko: If I permit you to leave, what guarantee do I have that you'll return Doctor Bashir? Bashir: Oh, you're far too ready to capitulate, Commander. Would you be planning a rescue attempt, perhaps? Sisko: I'm only interested in the safety of my doctor. Bashir: You insult my intelligence. Prepare to go to warp Sisko: You've gone to great lengths to survive, Vantika. I don't think you're ready to kill yourself. Bashir: And I don't think you are ready to risk spreading deuridium all over this system. Bashir: Ready to engage warp engines. Durg: You must be crazy! I want no part of this. Bashir: No more middlemen, Sisko. No more delays. What's it to be? Sisko: All right. We're prepared to release the tractor beam. Dax. Dax: Ready. Sisko: Do it. Sisko: Doctor Bashir! Answer me! Bashir! Bashir: Yes? What? Sisko: Doctor. Lower the shields. Bashir: What? What shields? Where am I? Sisko: I'll explain later. Lower the shields now! Odo: The shields are down. Sisko: Get him out of there. Primmin: Energizing. Bashir: It's okay. It's me. Dax: I've programd this transporter to isolate any glial cells with Vantika's neural patterns and to beam them from Julian into this micro-containment field. Once they're out he should be back to normal. Dax: I'm only reading human neural patterns. He's clear. Bashir: I have the worst headache. Kajada: Doctor Bashir I'm so sorry for all of this. Bashir: I suppose we should have listened to you when you said he was alive. Kajada: There was no way for you to control what he was doing to you. Bashir: I'm afraid I don't remember it. Actually, I feel quite humiliated. Sisko: No one blames you, Doctor. Kajada: It wasn't you. It was that. Dax: What do you intend to do with it? Kajada: May I assume that you've returned custody of the prisoner to me, Commander Sisko? Sisko: The prisoner? What's left of him. Kajada: Good.

Jake: Dress uniform? Sisko: I haven't worn this in almost three years. I must've lost a little weight. Feels kind of baggy. Jake: It looks great. Besides, baggy's quite fashionable on Bajor right now. Lemonade. Sisko: Since when are you interested in Bajoran fashions? Jake: Well, a lot of Bajoran girls come to the station with their families. Sisko: Since when are you interested in Bajoran girls? Jake: Dad. Sisko: Wasn't it just a few weeks ago that you were playing with model starships? Jake: Try a few years ago. Sisko: You and I have got to have a talk, young man, about women. Jake: That's okay. Sisko: I mean it. There are some things you have got to know. Jake: I already know them, Dad. Sisko: Oh yeah? And who told you? Jake: Nog. Sisko: Nog. So all you know about women you've heard from the Ferengi boy. Jake: We were just talking. Sisko: Swell. Listen, I don't have time now, but obviously I have a lot of damage control to do with you on this subject. Let's set aside some time tomorrow. Jake: Fine. Sisko: Okay. Tomorrow morning, first thing. Jake: Fine. What's going on anyway? Sisko: A Vulcan ship has made contact with a new species called Wadi in the Gamma Quadrant three weeks ago. We're expecting a delegation from their planet. Jake: Rolling out the red carpet, huh? Sisko: First contact is our most important mission, Jake. It has to be handled delicately. You might say it's sort of like a first date with a girl. You want to show a certain respect for Kira: Ops to Sisko Sisko: Go ahead. Kira: The Wadi ship has just come through the wormhole. We're sending them to docking bay four. Sisko: I'll meet you all there. Sisko: Sisko out. Tomorrow morning. Bashir: I'm positive I packed my dress uniform. I can't understand it. Dax: You look fine, Julian. Relax. Bashir: I mean, they are aliens, aren't they. I mean, they won't know our protocol. Kira: It'll be fine. Sisko: Where's your uniform, Doctor? Bashir: I can't seem to find it, sir. I mean, I'm certain I packed it. Sisko: Listen to me. This is no dress rehearsal, this is the real thing. Our first formal reception for a delegation from the Gamma Quadrant, and I want things to go right from this moment on. Clear? Bashir: Yes. Sisko: Let's do it. Falow: I am Falow, Master Surchid of the Wadi. Sisko: Welcome in the name of Bajor and the United Federation of Planets. I am Commander Benjamin Sisko, and on behalf of my senior staff officers, Major Kira, Lieutenant Dax and Doctor Bashir Falow: Yes, yes, yes. Now, where are the games? Sisko: Games? Falow: We were told you had games. Quark's. Take us to Quark's. Kira: Right this way. Sisko: First contact is not what it used to be. Quark: Do they have money? Dax: We don't know. We didn't ask. Sisko: That's not the point. Quark: It may not be your point, but it's mine. Sisko: Damn it, Quark, this is a new lifeform from the Gamma Quadrant. I expect you to treat them with Quark: Commander, I'm a host. A host is an ambassador of good will. The more good will that I can generate, the longer they'll stay, the greater my profits. I think we're talking the same language here. Sisko: Not quite. Quark: Allow me to put your concerns to rest. So, do you fellows do a lot of gambling where you come from? Falow: We like games. Quark: Doesn't everybody? Doesn't everybody? You know, those virgin territories in the Gamma Quadrant are ripe for dabo franchising. You and I might want to talk about an investment opportunity at some point. Quark: So, have you figured out the essentials of the game yet? Falow: I believe we have. Quark: Give her a spin, One time, on the house. Quark: Ah, two pinch showing. Too bad. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, I always say. What would you care to wager? Quark: Oh, what a handsome container. There's an old Ferengi expression. Good things come in small packages. Sticks? Falow: Klon peags. Highly sought in our culture. They have many different uses. Quark: I'm sorry, but I have enough sticks right now. Quark: What's this? Falow: Alpha-currant nectar. It's priceless. Quark: One man's priceless is another man's worthless. Sisko: Quark. Take the juice. Quark: Sorry, not interested. Falow: Then, we really have nothing to wager, except this. Quark: Get these folks some drinks Sisko: McCoullough. Quark: McCoullough? Sisko: Captain McCoullough. That's the name I've been trying to remember for the last six hours. Girl: Dabo! Quark: Good Lord, they've won again. Sisko: McCoullough's the one who wrote the revised First Contact procedures for Starfleet. Quark: That right? Sisko: I wish he was here now instead of me. Girl: Dabo! Quark: No, they couldn't have doubled again. Sisko: With all due respect to the procedures and to McCoullough, I have had it. This is as far as duty takes me. Keep them happy. If they ever get tired of playing dabo, let me know. Good night. Quark: What's good about it? Getting ready to call it a night? Falow: We've only just started. Quark: The girl's arm must be getting tired. All that spinning. Falow: Replace her. Quark: Very well. Broik, take the wheel. Quark: Oh. One pinch showing. An unfortunate reversal. Sisko: What are you still doing up? Jake: Nog and I were setting up a reactive ion impeller for school. Sisko: Nog is older than you, Jake. He stays up later. He probably does things, things with girls for instance, you're not ready for yet. Jake: Come on. We were just working on a school project. Sisko: You know what time you're supposed to go to bed. We never had any problems with it until Nog. Jake: Dad, I'm fourteen. Sisko: I'm glad we agree on something. Go to bed. Jake: Fine. So, how'd it go? Sisko: Great. Just great. I've done nothing for the past six hours but eat Ferengi lokar beans and watch people play childish games. Quark: Broik, you disreputable swindler! I've put up with your cheating for the last time. Falow: Sit. Quark: Look, er, why don't we just call it even and no hard feelings. Or take another spin on the house. Or two or three. A free visit to a holosuite. Do you know what a holosuite is? Do you have sex on your world? Look, take it all back, all the gemstones, and I'll throw in a case of Andolian brandy to make your trip home a little more enjoyable. Falow: You like our gemstones? You will have the opportunity to win more. A lot more. Quark: I will? Falow: In a new game. An honest game. Quark: Very unusual. I don't think I know this game. What's it called? Falow: Chula. Quark: What are the rules? Falow: These are your players. We'll start them on the second shap. Quark: Second shap? Can't we start at the beginning? Falow: Only children enter at the first shap. Sisko: Sisko to Ops. Sisko to Security. Computer, freeze program. End program. Exit. Sisko: You? Falow: Shap two. Move along. Move along home. Sisko: Where is this place? Where have you brought me? Falow: Move along home. Sisko: Falow! Sisko: Doctor! Bashir: Aaah! Oh. Oh, thank God. I thought I was having a nightmare. I couldn't wake up. Kira: You two. Dax: What was all that yelling? Bashir: Haven't you ever had to wake yourself up out of a bad dream? Sisko: This isn't a dream. We're guests of the Wadi. Kira: What do they want? Sisko: I don't know yet. I just had a strange run-in with Falow. He said something about moving along home. Dax: Home? Bashir: Perhaps we're being given some sort of behavioral test, like a laboratory rodent who must work his way out of a maze. Kira: Behavioral test? Now wait a minute. Dax: There doesn't seem to be any immediate threat, Major. Kira: Oh, no. I'm sure all you Starfleet explorers find this fascinating, but I'm a Bajoran administrator. This is not what I signed up for. Sisko: I don't find this fascinating either, Major, but I suggest we take Falow's advice and find our way home. Dax: Do the comm. badges still work? As long as we can maintain contact, it should be reasonably safe to split up and see if any of us can find a way out of here. Sisko: Use your tricorders for proximity checks every two minutes. And if all else fails, just yell again, Doctor. We'll find you. Odo: Mister Sisko, how can I help you? Jake: Do you know where my Dad's gone? Odo: You can't find him? Jake: Last night, he was making a big deal about us having a talk this morning. But when I got up he was gone. Odo: Have you checked his office? Jake: The computer says he's not on the station. Odo: Why don't you go on to school while I track him down. Jake: School's closed while Mrs O'Brien's back on Earth. Nog and I were going over to airlock three and watch the Bajoran transport passengers come on board Odo: You mean, to look at the girls. Jake: No, we were just Odo: Go on. When I find out where your father went, I'll let you know. Jake: Thanks, Odo. Odo: Computer, confirm that Commander Sisko is not on the station. Computer: Confirmed. Odo: What time did he log out? Computer: That information is not on file. Odo: What ship did he leave on? Computer: That information is not on file. Primmin: Constable Odo. Good morning to you. Odo: Where's Major Kira? Primmin: Didn't report for duty on time this morning. None of the senior officers did. Odo: And you don't find that odd? Primmin: I heard that Wadi party went on all night. Odo: How long have you been a security officer, Lieutenant? Primmin: Six years. Why? Odo: Lost many Commanders? Primmin: Lost? Odo: Because you've lost one now. Sisko's off the station, missing. All of the senior officers may be missing. I want a sweep of this station, and if the others are missing too, I want to know the last time anybody saw them. I'm going to contact all ships that have departed since last night. Understood? Primmin: Yes, Constable. Odo: And don't call me Constable. I'm Chief of Security. Primmin: Yes, sir. Falow: Last wagers. The board is ready. Quark: It is? Falow: How much do you wish to risk on the second shap? Quark: Is there a minimum wager? Falow: Roll. Quark: Roll? Roll? But you haven't even told me the rules yet. Falow: You're required to learn as you play. Roll. Falow: Chula! Quark: Did I win? Falow: Hardly. Your pieces will meet the Chandra. Quark: The Chandra? What does that mean? Is it good or bad? Falow: Neither. Both. Quark: I don't understand. Falow: Ah, but there is the key. Some will never understand while others will consider it mere child's play. Chandra: Allamaraine, count to four. Allamaraine, then three more. Allamaraine, if you can see. Allamaraine, you'll come with me. Sisko: This is Sisko I've found something. Chandra: Allamaraine, count to four. Allamaraine, then three more. Allamaraine, if you can see. Allamaraine, you'll come with me. Chandra: Allamaraine, count to four. Allamaraine, then three more. Allamaraine, if you can see. Allamaraine, you'll come with me. Allamaraine, count to four. Allamaraine, then three more. Allamaraine, if you can see. Allamaraine, you'll come with me. Allamaraine, count to four. Allamaraine, then three more. Allamaraine, if you can see. Allamaraine, you'll come with me. Dax: Hello. Can you tell us where we are? Is there a way to leave? Bashir: Do you think we're supposed to do something? Kira: Well, this is the first door that's opened for us. I want to know where it goes. Sisko: Are you all right? Kira: I'll be okay. Dax: Some kind of ionic field. Sisko: She's goes right through it. Bashir: The panels on the floor. She steps on certain panels which must allow her to go through the field. Dax: If you can see, you'll come with me. Bashir: Watch this. Chandra: Allamaraine, count to four. Allamaraine, then three more. Allamaraine, if you can see. Allamaraine, you'll come with me. Bashir: But I did everything she did. Dax: No, Julian, you didn't. Bashir: I followed her footsteps exactly. Dax: But you didn't say the rhyme. CHANDRA + Dax: Allamaraine, count to four. Allamaraine, then three more. Allamaraine, if you can see. Allamaraine, you'll come with me. Dax: Come on! Just say the rhyme. SISKO, BASHIR, Kira: Allamaraine, count to four. Allamaraine, then three more. Allamaraine, if you can see. Allamaraine, you'll come with me. Chandra: Allamaraine. Third shap. Falow: Allamaraine! Quark: I think I'm getting the hang of this. Falow: Choose their path. Quark: Path? Falow: Short or long. Quark: What's the difference? Falow: The short path doubles the peril to your four players. It also doubles your winnings. Quark: Double my winnings? Well, in that case Falow: Choose carefully. If none of your players makes it home, you lose everything you've won. Quark: Oh. I see why you find this game so interesting. Falow: Do you? Quark: Yes. You know I might have room for another gaming table or two on the second floor. We might negotiate a licensing agreement? Perhaps we could discuss Odo: Quark! Quark: I'm busy. Odo: Yes. I can see. When was the last time you saw Sisko? Quark: Last night when he went home to bed. Odo: Did he say anything to you about leaving the station? Quark: Not a thing. Falow: Choose their path. Odo: Quark. Quark: Really, Odo you'll have to Odo: He's missing, and so are Kira, Dax and Bashir. Four officers have just disappeared. You're sure you have no idea? Quark: Why would I know anything about. Four? Did you say four officers are missing? Odo: Yes. Falow: Double their peril. Double your winnings. Falow: Bet or leave. Quark: Odo, how about taking my place? Falow: Choose their path. Quark: I'll take the safer path. Falow: Roll. Kira: Rhymes and riddles and mazes. What's the logic behind all this? what do they want from us? Bashir: Move along home. That's what the man told the Commander. Dax: A game. Home is often the destination in a game. Kira: The Wadi do love games. Dax: Think of it. We've been given directions, clues, obstacles to overcome. Sisko: Pawns. Kira: Excuse me. Excuse me. This has gone far enough. Kira: Will somebody please tell me what is going on around here. Why are you doing this to us? What is wrong with you people? Bashir: Madame, this is no laughing matter. Sisko: Don't drink or eat anything. Bashir: Maybe it's the Wadi's way of providing nourishment. Sisko: Or maybe it's drugged or poisoned. Sisko: Falow. Falow: Drink? Sisko: We're not playing any more. Falow: Move along. Move along home. Sisko: You brought us here. You take us home. Dax: The smoke. Bashir: Not bothering them. Kira: You're hurting us. Can't you see that? Bashir: Drink! It's the antidote. Kira: How did you know? Bashir: Scientific method. Actually, I took a guess. It didn't seem like I had much to lose. Falow: Shap four. Sisko: Let's go. Falow: Allamaraine! Odo: Wouldn't your scans pick up human life signs on their ship? Primmin: Usually, but we've never encountered Wadi technology before. Odo: Isolate that energy flux on their second deck. Primmin: Some kind of intense bipolar current. Odo: What would cause something like that? Primmin: Got me. The only thing we've got that would put out that type of current would be a transporter, but a transporter burst would only last for a few seconds. Odo: I think we better go take a look. Primmin: No, wait a minute, Odo. You can't just go storming onto their ship without their permission. Odo: Oh, is that Starfleet policy? Primmin: That's right. Odo: Well, I'm not in Starfleet. Set the coordinates to midway down the second deck corridor. Is it against Starfleet rules to press a few buttons? Primmin: Energizing. Falow: Choose their path. Odo: No. This game is finished right now. Falow: Stop the game. Lose your players. Quark: Odo, just stay out of this. Odo: Quark. Quark: I'm doing fine. They're doing fine. Falow: Choose their path. Double their peril, double your winnings. Odo: Quark! Quark: Fine. Fine. The safer path. Falow: Roll. Falow: An unfortunate roll. Bashir: Isn't it a matter of simply figuring out how to win this game? Kira: Simply? Dax: I don't think we have any other choice. Bashir: Seriously, we've gone from the second shap to the third shap to the fourth shap already. Kira: What is a shap? Bashir: I have no idea, but we're making progress, whatever it are. Kira: We're playing for our lives here, Doctor. I don't think you're taking this very seriously. Bashir: On the contrary, Major. I find the stakes to be highly motivating. Sisko: Listen. Dax: I'm reading high magnetic field variations. Intense flux patterns. It's coming toward us. Sisko: Find cover if you can. Sisko: Falow! Falow: Next move. Odo: What happened to that one? Why is it there? Falow: Next move. Choose their path. Odo: Listen to me. I want that player back. Falow: If you would care to play the game after he's done, it can be arranged. Choose their path. Double their peril, double your winnings. Quark: Give me the shortcut. Odo: The shortcut? Quark: It's the right thing to do. Odo: Are you crazy? Falow: Double the stakes. Odo: Wait! Quark: I know what I'm doing. I've spent my life figuring the odds of all sorts of games. Now, I'm just learning this one, that's true, but I know this is the right move. Odo: The right move to make you rich. Quark: More than that. Look at the board. The shortcut skips a whole level. I've learned there are risks in every roll of the dice. This way, they can advance all the way home on just one move. Trust a gambler. Falow: Roll. Odo: What? Quark: Blow on them. Odo: Would you please just Quark: Blow on them. Falow: Thialo. Quark: What does it mean? Falow: Sacrifice one so that two may live. Odo: You can't ask him to do that. Falow: If you do not sacrifice one, all three will be lost. Quark: I can't. Please. Falow: Which player? Quark: I don't even know which one is which. Falow: Select one to be sacrificed or else this game is finished. Quark: Fine! Fine! Fine. Fine. I can't do it. I beg of you. A terrible mistake has been made. This is all a misunderstanding. Please, I've learned my lesson. I'll never cheat again. I'll never cheat again! Please! Just don't make me do this. Anything but this. Please. Please. Please. Falow: Very well. Quark: I don't have to sacrifice one of them? Falow: No. You do not. We'll program the game to choose one at random. Final wagers. Last move. Kira: We should have eaten something at the party when we had the chance. Bashir: Commander Sisko. Sisko: Doctor? Bashir: Over here. Hurry! Kira: Where's it coming from? Sisko: Spread out. Bashir: I can see it! I've found the way home! Dax: Over here! I've found an open door. Bashir: Come on, Dax Dax: Julian! Bashir: Hurry up! Dax: Julian, are you all right? Sisko: Dax! Dax: My leg! Kira: Don't move. Sisko: Nothing's broken. Bashir: What's taking so long? We're almost out of here. Can't you see it? Sisko: Doctor, we need some help, Dax is hurt. Falow: Thialo. Move along home. Shap Six. Kira: I'm reading a tectonic shift of two ground masses. We are directly over the fault line. The cavern wall structure has been significantly weakened by the stress. It's not going to hold much longer. Sisko: See if you can put some weight on it. Come on, let's get out of here. Dax: I'll never make it across. Sisko: There's got to be a way around this. Dax: Benjamin, you and Kira can make that jump. Kira: We're not leaving you here. Dax: This cavern is going to collapse and kill all of us if you don't go now. Seven lives is more than enough for a Trill. You haven't even finished one. Sisko: How could I live out that life knowing I left you behind, old man. Dax: Don't let sentiment get in the way SISKO + Dax: Of command decisions. Sisko: Yeah, I've heard that one somewhere. Dax: If you were hurt, I'd leave you behind. Sisko: Then I'm glad I'm not the one who's hurt. Major. Major, you go across. We'll find a way around. We'll be all right. Sisko: Major, I gave you a direct order. Kira: Court-martial me. Sisko: I can't. You're not in Starfleet. Dax: If I were your superior officer, I'd court-martial both of you. Sisko: Only a few meters more. Sisko: Hang on! Dax: Benjamin! Quark: They made it! I won! I had full confidence in you, Commander. There wasn't a moments doubt that you wouldn't prevail in this outrageous Falow: No, Quark. I'm afraid all your players were lost. Kira: What? You mean we were never in any real danger? Falow: It's only a game. Falow: Time to move along home. Sisko: Not so fast. This may all have been a game to you, but we take first contact with a new species very seriously, and I don't appreciate Odo: Excuse me, Commander. Sisko: Yes, Odo? Odo: Before you blame them, you might want to ask Quark just how all this started. Sisko: Quark. Quark: I wish I could explain it. They just had a run of bad luck and they blamed me for their losses and Odo: That's not what you said when you were groveling on the floor. Quark: Oh, that's right, you were here for the groveling. Odo: You said something about cheating, didn't you? Sisko: Cheating? Quark: I would have said anything to end the ordeal. It was too much for me to bear. You have no idea the pressure I was under, Commander. Falow: If you will excuse us. Perhaps, someday, a rematch. Quark: You know, this game could work here. It really could. Excuse me. Falow? Mister Falow? A word with you, sir. What's your hurry? I think you'll like this. Mister Falow!

Jake: Shoes. Sisko: Jake, I've got a terrific surprise for you. Jake: Oh yeah, what is it? Sisko: The two of us are going to Bajor for the start of the Gratitude Festival. Jake: What's the Gratitude Festival? Sisko: It's the biggest Bajoran holiday of the year. Major Kira says it's pretty spectacular. And I figured, while we were on the surface, we could visit those fire caverns you've been wanting to see. Jake: Sounds great. When do we leave? Sisko: This afternoon, right after school. Jake: For how long? Sisko: Three days. Jake: Three days! Jake: Computer, orange juice. Dad, do I have to go? Sisko: Well, no, not if you don't want to. Jake: Thanks, Dad. Nog and I kind of have plans for tomorrow. Sisko: What kind of plans? Jake: There's an Andorian freighter due in for a maintenance check tomorrow night. Sisko: An Andorian freighter? Jake: It's supposed to be carrying a shipment of those new anti-grav tractors. We're hoping we'll get a chance to see one. Sisko: Let me get this straight. You would rather hang around a cargo bay with Nog than visit the Bajoran fire caverns with the old man? Jake: Nog's my friend. Quark: No need to thank me, madam. Here at Quark's customer satisfaction is our primary concern. Now, you run along back to the dabo table. Rom, that lady tells me she misplaced a fat currency pouch. Rom: Yes, brother? Quark: And then you found it. Rom: Yes, brother. Quark: And then you returned it to her intact. Rom: I was dazzled by her beauty. Quark: You worthless, tiny eared fool! Don't you know the First Rule of Acquisition? Rom: Yes, brother. Quark: Then say it. Rom: Once you have their money, you never give it back. Quark: Exactly. You can ponder its meaning this evening while polishing every rail in the place. Now get out of my sight before I toss you out the nearest airlock. Rom: Nog! Is this what they teach you at that human school of yours? Sloth and indolence? Nog: No, father. Rom: We'll see about that. Tonight you'll polish every rail in the place until they sparkle. Is that clear? Nog: Yes, father. Tonight. Every rail. Quark: And so the Andorian says. your brother? I thought it was your wife. Get it, wife! Quark: Had to think about that one, didn't you? Krax: I'm looking for Quark. Quark: You found him. Krax: I am Krax and this is my father, Grand Nagus Zek. Quark: Tell me, is the Grand Nagus here on business or pleasure? Krax: Is there a difference? Quark: No, of course not. Krax: My father will reveal the purpose of his visit when he sees fit. As for now, he desires the use of a holosuite. He's heard that some of your programs are quite alluring. Quark: Oh, they are. They are. But they may prove a touch energetic for his advanced years. Krax: Are you refusing his request? Quark: Not at all. Not at all. Is there a particular activity he'd like to sample? Krax: The Nagus dislikes having to choose between so many delightful possibilities. Quark: In that case, here's a list of five programs that rank among my personal favorites. I'd be happy to select one for him. Krax: That won't be necessary. The Nagus has decided to try all five. O'Brien: Sorry I'm late. The Transporter in Ops needed a minor adjustment in its upper molecular imaging scanner. but never mind that. All right, let's settle down. Let's settle down! Jake! Nog! Nog! O'Brien: Thank you. Now we only have two more weeks to get through before Mrs O'Brien returns from Earth, so that shouldn't be too difficult, right? Right. Let's take out our homework PADDs. We'll begin with the older students. Your last assignment was to write an essay defining the term 'ethics.' Let's start with Nog. Nog: I don't have my essay. O'Brien: Why not? Nog: My PADD was stolen. O'Brien: Is that a fact? Any idea who stole it? Nog: It happened in Quark's. I put it on a table and there were some Vulcans nearby O'Brien: Hold on. You're saying Vulcans stole your homework?! Nog: Yes, sir. O'Brien: Any idea why? Nog: Because they don't have ethics? O'Brien: All right, that's enough. Nog: It's the truth. Ask Jake. He was with me. Go on. Tell him. Jake: I guess so. O'Brien: You guess? Jake: He, yeah. They took it. I was there. O'Brien: All right, but I want that essay in tomorrow. Is that understood? Nog: Yes. O'Brien: I hope so. Quark: Did the Nagus happen to mention how long he'd be using the holosuite? Krax: The Nagus will be done when he's done. Quark: What if he injured himself? Krax: My father left specific instructions not to be disturbed. Are you suggesting we disobey him? Quark: Forget I ever said anything. Rom: The Grand Nagus, here under our roof. I've never been so proud. Quark: I hope you can live on pride, because that's all we'll have left once he's through with us. Rom: You think he's here to take over the bar? Quark: Why else would he come all this way? To buy me out and for a fraction of what the place is worth. Rom: You can always refuse to sell. Quark: Oh, why didn't I think of that. Idiot, the Nagus doesn't take no for an answer. Krax: Quark. Zek: Here. Good program. Krax: My father requires rest. Quark: I would imagine. Please feel free to use my own brother's quarters for as long as you're with us. Krax: That should be satisfactory. Quark: Now, is there anything else I can do to make your stay a pleasant one? Zek: Invite me to dinner. Quark: I would be honored. Sisko: Chief, I just heard that airlock nine is jammed again. O'Brien: I'll get a crew on it immediately, Commander. Ensign Jonas? Sisko: So how's school? O'Brien: We'll muddle through, I imagine. Though I'm counting the days till Keiko gets back. Sisko: The students giving you a hard time? O'Brien: You know how it is, sir. Kids, there's nothing they like better than to take advantage of a substitute teacher. I always did. Sisko: I hope Jake's behaving himself. O'Brien: Jake? He's a fine lad, sir. It's just, well. Sisko: Just what? O'Brien: It's just, if he were my son, I'd find a friend for him other than Nog. Sisko: I'm afraid that's easier said than done. The two of them have become inseparable. O'Brien: Well, I'd find a way to separate them, sir. That Nog's a bad influence. Sisko: I appreciate the advice, Chief, but I trust my son. Besides, if I get between them now, it would become me versus Nog, and I'm not going to force Jake to choose between us. O'Brien: Why not? Sisko: Because I'd probably lose. O'Brien: I doubt that, sir. Sisko: That's because your daughter's three. Wait until she's fourteen. Zek: Are you sure? My compliments, Quark. These tube grubs are chilled to perfection. Zek: Did I say I was finished? Quark: Please, help yourself. Zek: I saw your cousin Barbo recently. Rom: Barbo? I thought he was still in that Tarahong detention center. Zek: They finally released him. Quark: How fortunate. Zek: He told me how the two of you sold those defective warp drives to the Tarahong government. Very clever. Quark: It was nothing. The Tarahongians are an incredibly gullible people. Zek: He also spoke of how you betrayed him to the authorities and left him to rot behind bars while you kept all the profits. Quark: The sixth rule of Acquisition expressly states Zek: Never allow family to stand in the way of opportunity. I certainly never have. You see, I told you he had brains. You've done well for yourself, Quark. Quark: Not that well. Zek: Never contradict your elders. It's impolite. Quark: I suppose I'm doing quite well at that. Zek: It was a stroke of brilliance to open a bar so close to a stable wormhole. Krax: But he didn't even know the wormhole existed. Zek: That's what makes it so impressive. He had the instinct, the ears, to make the smart move before anyone else did. You could learn from his example. Boy! Boy! Nog: Can I go now? I have homework. Zek: Did he say homework? Krax: There's a Federation school here. Run by a human. A female. Zek: And you allow your son to attend such a place. Rom: Nog, I never want you to step foot in there again. Now go to your room. And no studying. My apologies, Nagus. It's those Federation do-gooders, always sticking their ugly noses in other peoples business. Zek: Most distressing. Rom: Yes, Nagus, most distressing. Yes, yes. Zek: Now, speaking of business. Quark, I've come to ask you a favor, and one that would be very important to me. I need your bar. Quark: I knew it. Zek: And your services as host, for an important conference to be held here tomorrow at nine o'clock sharp. Quark: I would consider it a privilege. And the purpose of this conference is? Zek: The future. And for Ferengi business interests, the future is already here. And its name is the Gamma Quadrant. Kira: Ferengi transport Sepulo has put in at docking bay five. Sisko: That's the third Ferengi ship to arrive here in the last eighteen hours. Dax: Maybe it's Quark's birthday. Kira: My advice is to lock up the silverware. Sisko: I don't think we have to go that far. Sisko to Odo. Odo: Go ahead, Commander Sisko: About all these Ferengi visitors we've been getting Odo: I'm already on it. Krax: No, no, no. Quark: Is something wrong? Krax: You can't seat Turot next to Hoex. They've been bitter rivals ever since Hoex bought out Turot's controlling interest in the cargo ports on Volchok Prime. Quark: Rom! Change these seating arrangements immediately. Quickly, you fool, before I toss you out the nearest airlock. Krax: I thought you understood this was to be a private meeting. Quark: Yes. Go away! We're closed. Go away. Quark: Shoo! Shoo! Gral: What's the delay? Krax: We await the Grand Nagus. Gral: Well, he'd better show his ears soon or I'm leaving. Krax: No one leaves until the conference has concluded. Gral: Still hiding in your father's shadow. Krax: The Nagus casts a very long shadow. Careful you don't disappear in it. Zek: I see we're all here. Quark: Enough drinks. Nog: All right, I'm going. Quark: Quickly. Zek: No, you stay. Quark: Me? Zek: Gentlemen, be seated. Jake: Hey, Nog. Where were you this morning? Nog: I'm through with school. Jake: What do you mean, through? Nog: I mean I don't have to attend those boring classes anymore. Jake: Is this your father's idea? Nog: It's the right decision. Jake: Look, if you want I'll talk to Mister O'Brien. Nog: No. I don't belong there. Jake: Don't you want to learn things? Nog: You mean like ethics? Jake: Yeah, and other stuff. Nog: You don't understand. I'm a Ferengi. For me, school is a waste of time. Jake: Why is that? Nog: Because there's no profit in it. Jake: So why are you getting mad at me? Nog: Because you're a stupid human. I don't know why I bother with you. Jake: I'm stupid? You're the one not going to school. See if I care. Zek: And lastly, I would like to salute Nava, whose takeover of the Arcybite mining refineries in the Clarius system is now complete. I congratulate you all. Profits are better than ever. Nevertheless, it is becoming more and more difficult to find truly lucrative business opportunities here in the Alpha Quadrant. And why? Because no matter where we go, our reputation precedes us. A reputation tainted by the lies of our competitors, who maliciously spread the erroneous impression that we are not to be trusted. But now, thanks to the diskovery of the wormhole, for the first time we can now avoid such falsehoods. The Gamma Quadrant, gentlemen. Millions of new worlds at our very doorstep. The potential for Ferengi business expansion is staggering. Krax: And best of all, no one there has ever heard the name Ferengi. Gral: Our reputation will be absolutely stainless. Nava: Our word can be our bond. Krax: Until we decide to break it. Zek: It'll be the good old days all over again. Nava: And who shall lead us in this great endeavor? Krax: Who else but my father. Gral: The Nagus. The Grand Nagus. Yes, yes. Zek: I thank you for your confidence, but I must decline the offer. Krax: But father. Zek: I'm old. The fire dims. I'm just not as greedy as I used to be. Krax: Yes, you are. More so. Zek: No, my mind's made up. I've already chosen my successor. A leader whose vision, imagination, and avarice will oversee Ferengi ventures in the Gamma Quadrant. The new Grand Nagus. Quark! Gral: He's a lobeless amateur! Krax: Father, have you lost your mind? Nava: I won't stand for this! Zek: Congratulations. I know you'll do a wonderful job. Sisko: Oatmeal lumpy again? Jake: Nah, just not hungry. Sisko: Want to talk about it? Jake: It's Nog. His father's pulled him out of school. Sisko: I see. Jake: It's not fair. Nog can't even read. School's not going to be much fun without him. Sisko: You can still get together with him after school. Jake: Maybe. I don't think he wants to be my friend anymore. Sisko: Did he say why? Jake: He says humans and Ferengis don't get along. Sisko: Usually they don't. Jake: But you're the one always saying that we should make friends with other cultures. Sisko: I believe that, and I'm glad you believe that too. But human values and Ferengi values are very different. We've never been able to form a common bond. Jake: So Nog goes his way and I go mine? Sisko: These things happen. Hey, how about after school we play a little baseball? Jake: I can't. I have something to do. Gral: Grand Nagus Quark. Quark: I love the sound of that. Gral: I'm afraid we were never formally introduced. I am Gral, your new best friend. Quark: You wish to serve me? Gral: I wish to protect you. Quark: Protect me? Gral: From those who are jealous of your position and wish to take your place. They can be very dangerous. Quark: How do I stop them? Gral: Leave it to me. I'm not going to allow anybody to harm such a grateful friend as yourself. Quark: How grateful am I? Gral: Grateful enough to make sure that I have my pick of the most lucrative Gamma Quadrant opportunities. Quark: And if I refuse? Gral: You won't. Quark: Nagus, I'm in desperate trouble. Zek: So am I, and please, call me Zek. Now, which would you choose. Risa or Balosnee Six? Quark: I don't quite follow. Zek: For my vacation. My first in eighty five years. I'm told on Balosnee the soothing harmonies of the tide can cause the most stimulating hallucinations. But when I think of those voluptuous Risian females Quark: Nagus, please. Gral just threatened my life. Zek: So he's the first, is he? Well, he won't be the last. Quark: But what am I to do? You picked me for your successor. Surely you must have some advice? Zek: To survive, you must surround yourself with loyal men. Quark: That's good. Zek: But not too loyal. Never trust anyone who places your prosperity above their own. Quark: I see. Zek: And remember, when in doubt, be ruthless. Quark: Yes. I can do that. Go on. Quark: Zek. Zek? Quark: I didn't do anything. Nava: I don't know, Krax. Twenty bars of gold press latinum? I'll need to think about it. Krax: In a year it will be worth twice as much. Nava: All right, I'll take it. Rom: You want me to be your bodyguard? Quark: Think of it as a promotion. Rom: But why me? Quark: You're the only one left I can trust. You're my closest associate, my friend, my brother. Rom: But I thought since you'd be so busy being Grand Nagus, I could take over running the bar. Quark: You? Run my bar? Odo: Not exactly overcome by grief, are we? Quark: This is a private funeral service. Odo: You have my sympathies for your loss. Nevertheless, when someone dies on my station there are questions that must be answered. Krax: There was nothing suspicious about my father's death. It was caused by a massive infection of the tympanic membrane. A chronic condition. Odo: Then I hope you won't mind if I ask Doctor Bashir to examine the body. Krax: That would be difficult. Odo: What's this? Nava: My piece of Zek. Krax: You see, when a Ferengi of my father's stature dies, the body is automatically vacuum-desiccated and sold as a prized collectible. Odo: How touching. Nog: I know there's a. I wonder where Jake: Go ahead. Nog: It wasn't important. Jake: I guess humans and Ferengis don't have a lot to talk about. Nog: That's what my father says. Jake: Mine too. That doesn't mean they're right. We always had stuff to talk about before. So what do you say, you still want to be friends? Nog: Yes. When my father finds out, he won't be happy. Jake: Neither will mine. Come on, I have a great idea. Nog: What is it? Jake: Come on. Odo: So, what exactly does it mean, becoming Grand Nagus? Quark: It means that from now on if you wish to speak to me, you must first make an appointment with Rom. Odo: Don't be ludicrous. Quark: It's also customary to show respect by kissing my scepter. Quark: I suppose I could make an exception in your case. O'Brien: You see the diskoloration around the impact perimeter? These are sorium and argine traces. Sisko: Aren't they Ferengi explosives? O'Brien: Exactly. What we have here is a Ferengi locator bomb, designed to lock on to a target's pheromones. Odo: You mean they're attracted to body odor? O'Brien: Very deadly and very accurate. If Quark hadn't lowered his head at the last second Bashir: Commander. Sisko: Yes, Doctor? Bashir: I've just given Quark a thorough examination. He's a bit shaken up, nothing more. Sisko: I guess it's time to have little chat with the Grand Nagus. Odo: I'd be delighted. Odo: When are you going to get it through your twisted little brain that we are trying to save your life. Quark: You're trying to interfere in Ferengi affairs of state, which are none of your concern. Sisko: Now look here, Quark. Rom: Grand Nagus Quark. Sisko: Those locator bombs are damn near foolproof. You were lucky once. Next time we could be scraping you off the walls. Quark: The Grand Nagus does not ask for help from outsiders. Odo: I'm sure whoever tried to kill you is counting on that. You must have some suspicion who that could be? Quark: I'm suspicious of everybody. Odo: But who would you say stands to benefit the most from your death? Quark: Let's see. That would have to be Krax. Yes, if anything happens to me, Krax becomes Nagus. Rom: True, but let's not forget that it was Gral who threatened you. Odo: Threatened you? How? Quark: That's none of your concern. Besides, Gral and Krax were at the funeral when the bomb went off. Which means that neither one of them could have set it. Sisko: Whoever planned this could have had an accomplice. Odo: You're sure all of Zek's associates attended the funeral? Quark: Yes, yes, they were all there. Look, this is getting us nowhere. Odo: What about Zek's servant? Rom: You mean Maihar'du? Quark: What about him? Odo: Was he at the funeral? Rom: I don't recall seeing him there. Do you? Quark: Now that you mention it, no, I don't. Odo: Interesting. Hupyrian servants are renowned for their devotion to their employers. For Maihar'du not to have shown up at Zek's funeral is very odd indeed. Sisko: You were out pretty late last night. Jake: I was? Sisko: You came in after midnight. Jake: I guess I got kind of busy doing stuff. Sisko: What kind of stuff? Jake: Nothing important. Just hanging around. Sisko: With Nog? Jake: We weren't doing anything wrong. Sisko: Good. Then you can tell me all about it. Jake: I can't. It's private. Sisko: Private? Jake: I got to go or I'll be late for school. Sisko: I want you home in time for dinner. Understood? Jake: Understood. Nava: The thing is, Nagus, I feel I've done all I can in the field of gouge mining. Quark: You wish to find profit elsewhere. Nava: Yes, Nagus. Quark: And where would that be? Nava: I'd like the chance to introduce synthehol to the Gamma Quadrant. Quark: A very lucrative opportunity. Tell me Nava, when Zek announced I was to succeed him, were you pleased? Nava: No, Nagus. Quark: Did you come to me and offer your support? Nava: No, Nagus. Quark: Yet, now you call me Nagus. But is it out of true friendship? No. You only pretend to show me respect so I will grant you this immense opportunity. Nava: Which I'm willing to split with you. fifty-fifty. Quark: Well, in that case, let's hope the Gamma Quadrant develops a taste for synthehol. Nava: Yes. Krax: A very smart deal, Nagus. Quark: I seem to have a knack for it, don't I. Rom: Yes, Nagus. Quark: The rest will have to come back tomorrow. All this benevolence wearies me. Rom: Yes, Nagus. Krax: As you wish, Nagus. Quark: I think I'll head over to the bar and check the receipts. KRAX + Rom: Yes, Nagus. Krax: If he keeps handing out these choice opportunities, he's going to become very popular. Rom: We'll just have to come up with a new plan. Something more reliable than a locator bomb. Something that can't possibly fail to kill my dear brother. Sisko: Come in. Dax: I was going to ask you to join me in a round of Jokarian chess but I can see you're just sitting down to dinner. Sisko: I sat down a half hour ago, about the time Jake was supposed to be home. Dax: Aubergine stew. Looks delicious. So where's Jake? Sisko: Where else. Dax: With Nog. Sisko: Going through my own adolescence was difficult enough. Surviving my son's is going to take a miracle. Dax: Maybe it's time you had a little talk with Jake. Children need to know their boundaries. I should know, I've been a mother three times and a father twice. Sisko: Which was easier? Dax: Actually, I wasn't very successful either way, so feel free to reject what I'm about to say, but if I were you, I would go find Jake and bring him here to eat his dinner. Sisko: You would? Dax: Absolutely. Sisko: Computer, locate Jake Sisko. Computer: Jake Sisko is in cargo bay fourteen. Sisko: Thanks, old man. Nog: There are four teen Jake: Fourteen planets. Nog: Planets in the Bajoran. What's that word? Jake: System. Nog: System. Jake: That was pretty good. Want to try some more? Nog: The lar, largest planet is Bajor. It has three moons? Jake: You got it. Keep going, keep going. Nog: The third moon, it has Quark: You clumsy idiot. You want to strangle me? Rom: My apologies, Nagus. Quark: Stop daydreaming and pay attention to your work. Rom: Yes, Nagus. Quark: When do we leave? Rom: Just as soon as you're ready, Nagus. Quark: I've always wanted to take a trip through the wormhole. Still, it's odd Zek never mentioned that he'd traveled to the Gamma Quadrant, let alone opened negotiations with one of its worlds. Rom: Negotiations that you will have the honor of completing. According to Krax, Stakoron Two contains rich deposits of mizanite ore. Quark: A very lucrative opportunity. Rom: Quark? Quark: What now? Rom: About the bar. You have so much, and I have so little. Quark: Which is exactly how it was meant to be. Rom: Come. Let's not keep our new partners waiting. Krax: May I say, Nagus, that my father himself never looked more commanding. Quark: I've been thinking, maybe it would be wise to take a dabo girl along with us. Krax: Whatever for? Quark: A pretty woman by my side will only add to my prestige. Never underestimate the importance of a first impression. Krax: One look at your imposing features, and the Stakoron negotiators will give us everything we ask for. Quark: All right, if you really think I won't need her. Krax: Believe me, you won't. Shall we? Krax: This is an historic moment. Krax: Nagus. Quark: There must be some mistake. There's no ship docked here Quark: Wait! Rom, you idiot. Krax, what are you standing there for? What's the matter with you two? Open the door! Do you hear me? Open up. You must obey your Nagus! Krax: Sorry, Quark, but you've just been voted out of office. Quark: Rom! Brother! Please! Rom: So you were going to toss me out an airlock. Quark: I never meant it. Rom: Well I do. Rom's. Nice name for a bar, don't you think? Krax: Enough talk. Let's get this done. Krax: Would you like to do the honors, or should I? Quark: Let me out! Let me out of here! Please. Zek: Release him. ROM + Krax: Nagus! You're alive! Odo: Well, Quark, looks like you needed my help after all. Zek: Don't you recognize your father? Krax: You died. Quark: I saw it happen. Zek: You saw me enter a Dolbargy sleeping trance. Maihar'du taught it to me. Krax: But why, father? Zek: It was a test to see if you were ready to take my place. And you failed miserably. Krax: But father, I am ready. I am ready. You saw for yourself. I was about to grab power. Zek: You don't grab power. You accumulate it quietly without anyone noticing. Krax: But, but, I don't understand. Zek: The bar, you fool. That was the key. All those visitors stopping by on their way to and from the wormhole. You could have sat there quietly at your leisure and gathered up all the information you needed about the Gamma Quadrant. Krax: But what about him? Zek: You could have let him hold the scepter while you controlled everything from the shadows. And then, when everything was running smoothly, only then would you take over. Krax: But, Father. Zek: No! I'm not interested in excuses. Go back to the ship. We'll be leaving here shortly. Krax: Yes, Father. Zek: It's like, it's like talking to a Klingon. Quark: I guess this still belongs to you. Zek: Yes, it looks like I'll have to remain Grand Nagus long enough to establish a Ferengi presence in the Gamma Quadrant. And I was really looking forward to retirement. If I hear of any good Gamma Quadrant deals you'd be right for, I'll let you know. Quark: You know where to find me. Zek: You've done a very profitable job with this place. Who knows, maybe one day I'll come back and buy it from you. Quark: So, Rom, you were going to toss me out an airlock. Rom: Forgive me, brother. Quark: Forgive you? Why, brother, I didn't think you had the lobes. Such wonderful treachery deserves a reward. I'm going to make you the assistant manager of policy and clientele here at Quark's. Rom: What exactly does that mean? Quark: How should I know, I just made it up. Come on, I'll buy you a drink. Jake: So, what time tomorrow? Nog: How about as soon as you get out of school. Sisko: Jake. Jake: Dad, what are you doing here? Sisko: I was waiting for you. Jake: Dad. Sisko: You're a great boy, you know that? Now go be with your friend.

Quark: The usual, Odo? Odo: Nothing. Quark: The usual. If all my customers were like you, my family would be begging on the Promenade. Odo: Oh, I seriously doubt that. Not as long as there's a Miradorn raider for you to do business with. Quark: Raider? You mean the Miradorn ship that just docked? Odo: The raider. Quark: It's reputation, like mine, has probably been exaggerated. Anyway, I don't know the ship or its crew. Odo: You didn't make your usual welcome call inviting them in for a free drink? Quark: The Miradorns are a quarrelsome people. I chose to forego the usual amenities. Odo: He looks away whenever we make eye contact. Quark: Who? Odo: The new arrival. The one the Klingons brought back from the Gamma Quadrant. Quark: Croden? He's harmless. Odo: Really. How is it you've come to know him so well? Quark: A man comes in for a drink, he wants to talk Odo: He didn't seem to want to talk much to Sisko when he arrived. Quark: Who would? All those Starfleet officers greeting him at the airlock. It would scare me too. The Federation could learn a few things from the Ferengi about hospitality. Odo: They scared him, huh? Quark: Of course. Odo: I wonder what he has to be scared about. Odo: Well, now. I believe a pair of twinned Miradorn just nodded your way. Quark: I'm the man behind the bar. Obviously, they want to use a holosuite. You think the whole galaxy is plotting around you, don't you. Paranoia must run in your species, Odo. Maybe that's why no one has ever seen another shape-shifter. They're all hiding. I won't have you come in here harassing my customers. Order a drink, play the tables, or vacate the premises. Rom, bring a flask of my special langour. Kel: One thousand bars of gold pressed latinum. Non-negotiable. Quark: Very nice. Unfortunately, there's a problem. RO- Kel: Problem? Rom: Langour, anyone? AH- Kel: What problem? Quark: The buyer has backed out. RO- Kel: You guaranteed us a buyer. Quark: A question has been raised about the origin of this bauble. A similar one was taken during a raid on a Vanoben transport just two light years from here. If you had a bill of sale RO- Kel: You didn't ask for any bill of sale when we contacted you. You will find another buyer. Quark: A buyer who asks no questions? That could take a long time. AH- Kel: We don't have a long time. Croden: Just stay, stay, stay where you are, please. RO- Kel: What's this? Quark: Don't fire. What do you want? Croden: No one is going to get hurt. Just give me that. AH- Kel: Whoever you are, you're making a mistake. Croden: Well, it wouldn't be the first, and probably won't be the last. Give that to me. Odo: Security and medical to holosuite one. Quark: Five glasses for four people? AH- Kel: He's dead. My brother. Odo: Take them all to Security. Quark: Yes, take them both to his office. Thank goodness you were close by, Odo Odo: All of them. Get out. Go on. Kel: Have you known any twinned Miradorn, Commander? Sisko: I haven't met any before now. AH- Kel: In my species, we are not just twin brothers. Together we are a single self, two halves of one being. I am incomplete now. Odo: You should have considered the risks before trying to sell stolen property. AH- Kel: You have no proof Odo: Two people were killed on the transport this object was taken from. AH- Kel: My brother and I purchased it from a passing Altoran trader. Odo: His name? His ship's identification? AH- Kel: I am the one whose brother was killed, Commander. Odo: You have only yourself Sisko: I'd like you to return to your ship now. You have my sympathies, but there may be more questions. Please don't leave the station. AH- Kel: I want to deal with the one who killed my twin. Sisko: The law will deal with him. AH- Kel: My only purpose in life from here on is to see him dead. Quark: Well, can't say I didn't warn you about Miradorns, Odo. I assume we are free to go? Sisko: Do you have enough evidence to hold them, Constable? Quark: As Odo will be happy to confirm, I was just as concerned as everyone else that this was a stolen objet d'art. Odo: Yes. Curious, but it's true. Quark: We'll be on our way then. Odo: You know what else is curious? It's curious that Croden had a Ferengi phaser. Quark: Available in many a port. Odo: And it's curious that he knew the Miradorn were trying to sell you something of value. Rom: How dare you suggest that my brother set up this robbery! Odo: What an interesting theory, Rom. Quark: If that theory should ever reach the Miradorn, I'd wake up dead one morning. So, I'd appreciate your not spreading wild theories around casually. Quark: Lobeless idiot, next time I'll Croden: Don't you feed your prisoners? Odo: The fact that you just killed a man doesn't affect your appetite? Croden: It was him or me. And if he'd have killed me, I wouldn't be hungry now. Sisko: I want to be sure you understand exactly what's going to happen. There will be a trial to determine your guilt or innocence. We can assign an advocate or you can request one from your home world. Croden: I doubt that anyone on Rakhar would much care. Sisko: Really. Isn't murder considered a serious crime where you come from? Croden: On Rakhar, all crimes are serious, only there are no trials. Sisko: It's a shame that our first encounter with your species had to take place under these circumstances. Croden: I'm sorry if I made things awkward. I didn't have much choice. Sisko: Why not? Croden: My needs exceed my skills. Now, if I had his talents, I would have no problems at all. I've never heard of a changeling with such versatility. Odo: A what? Croden: A changeling, like you. Odo: You've heard of other shape-shifters in the Gamma Quadrant? Croden: Haven't they come through the wormhole yet? I assumed when I saw you Odo: It's a lie. He heard me talking in the bar to Quark. Croden: Well, maybe I dissemble a little. Lie is a hard word. But shape-shifters are harsh in their judgments. Feed me, and maybe I'll tell you where I met someone just like you. Sisko: I don't see that we have any choice. We have to contact his planet. O'Brien: Not the best way of introducing ourselves. Bashir: Homicide as a means to open relations, it's not exactly how they teach it at the academy, is it. Kira: I think you're all wrong. Sisko: How's that? Kira: They're going to thank us. Sisko: Thank us? Kira: That's what I'd do. He's probably committed all sorts of crimes in their system. They'll be glad to have the problem taken off their hands. Sisko: There's only way to find out. Dax? Dax: It won't be hard to find Rakhar. According to the logs, Croden was found in a damaged shuttlecraft about three light years from the wormhole. There aren't many M class planets in that area. Sisko: You're with me. Major Kira, as long as the Miradorn ship is here, there's a threat to Croden. I don't want to have to tell his people that he was killed while in our custody. Kira: I'll have Odo increase security. Quark: Stop in to see if I'd run away? Odo: I couldn't get that lucky. That Croden is an interesting character. Quark: I wouldn't know. Odo: Really? I thought you said you got to know him rather well. Quark: I never told you that. I merely said we chatted when he bought a drink or two. Odo: I've talked to several people who saw the two of you engaged in heavy conversations. Why, Morn here says you even bought the fellow a meal. Quark: Morn should keep his big mouth shut! Odo: So what were you talking to him about? Quark: Just being friendly. He was so out of place here, alone. I felt sorry for him. You should sympathize with my kindness. Odo: There's no profit in kindness. Quark: You attribute odious motives to my every charitable act. Odo: That's because your favorite charity is your own pocket. Speaking of odious motives, I hear you've been making inquiries about finding a small ship to go through the wormhole. Quark: That had nothing to do with any of this. Odo: I think it does. I think you were trying to secure passage back to the Gamma Quadrant for Croden in exchange for staging this tragic little robbery of yours. Quark: This could turn into a much bigger tragedy for me if you don't keep your voice down. Odo: What did Croden tell you about himself? Quark: Nothing. We didn't talk about anything except business. Inconsequential things. Odo: What's inconsequential to you may be important to me. Did he say anything about his home world? Quark: No. Odo: Other species in the Gamma Quadrant? Quark: No. Security: Security to Odo. Odo: Go ahead. Security: Ah-Kel and his crew are blocking the entrance to your office. Should we clear them out? Odo: Leave it. I'll handle them. Odo: You were told to stay on your ship. AH- Kel: Understand me, shape-shifter. He killed the part of me that made existence bearable. I cannot stop until I kill him. Odo: You're not going to kill anyone. Get back to your ship and stay there. If I find you here again, I'll lock you up too. Odo: You've made a lot of friends in your short stay here. Croden: Well, I guess you'd know how that feels. You and I have a great deal in common, changeling. Odo: We have nothing in common. Croden: We are both aliens here, the only ones of our kind. Each of us is alone, isolated, shut out. Others like us only exist in the Gamma Quadrant. I have always wondered why changelings are so distrustful of other species. Odo: I doubt the changelings on your world would trust you. Croden: Of course not. There are no shape-shifters on Rakhar. Odo: You just said. You implied there were. Croden: I'm sorry if I misled you. There were shape-shifters on Rakhar at one time, but that was centuries ago. Odo: What happened to them? Croden: They were persecuted. Driven out. But I know a place where there are still some left. Of course, that was a few years ago. Odo: And if you had the chance, you'd take me there. Croden: Sure I would. Why not? Odo: Tell me where it is. I'll have a look. Croden: No, I have to show you. There is no way you could find it on you own. Odo: The next time you lie, I'll save Ah-Kel the trouble of killing you. Croden: There's that hard word again. There are times when I don't dissemble. Odo: Whatever you call it, the truth isn't in you. Croden: From the colony of the changelings. Dax: We're in orbit. Sisko: Open hailing frequencies. Dax: Open. Sisko: This is the Federation Starship Rio Grande attempting to make contact with the planet Rakhar. Please respond. One of your people has committed a homicide and we have him in custody. His name is Croden. Dax: I'm picking up a signal in the southern hemisphere. They're hailing us. Sisko: On screen Hadran: I am the Exarch of Nehelik Province. You will transport Croden to this location. Sisko: I'm afraid we haven't brought him with us. Hadran: Your communication clearly stated that he was in your custody. Sisko: On our space station. Perhaps I should explain where we come from. Hadran: We are well aware of the traffic through the newly diskovered passage. We simply have no interest in contact with anyone from your quadrant. Sisko: I am sorry to hear that, but we certainly will respect your wishes. We just felt it necessary after Croden was arrested Hadran: Croden is an enemy of the Rakhari people. We request that he be returned immediately. Sisko: He's scheduled to be tried for his crime on our station . Hadran: Tried? Croden has already been declared guilty in absentia for myriad crimes on this world. That judgment supersedes your charges. Return him, and I can assure you his punishment will be appropriate to your crime as well as ours. Sisko: I would feel more comfortable if we could Hadran: I do not know what kind of people you are. I do not care to know. But if your society purports to respect the rules of our society, you will return him without delay. Sisko: Expect him to return in a vessel just like this one within fifty two hours. Bashir: It's an amalgam of organic material and some sort of crystal. Odo: You mean it's alive? Bashir: More or less. It's almost like a transitional stage between organic and inorganic matter. I've only seen one life form that even remotely resembles it. Odo: Me. Bashir: In a way, this stone might qualify as a distant cousin of yours. Maybe there's a clue to your origins here. Where did it come from? Odo: Unfortunately, the only one who can tell me is less reliable than Quark. Croden: How do you like my stone, changeling? Odo: Where'd you get it? Croden: What would telling you get me? Odo: Nothing. Croden: Well, that's too bad. I was hoping you'd feel sorry for me, seeing as we're the only two here from the other side of the passage. Odo: I feel nothing for you but contempt. You're a thief, and a killer, and who knows what else. Croden: Typical. It's typical. Odo: Of changeling behavior. Yes, I'm sure. Croden: Excuse me. Croden: In my sector, there is a nebula called the Chamra Vortex. There are millions of asteroids in it. I found this stone on one of them. I could take you to it, changeling. Odo: Others must know where it is. Croden: No, no, the Vortex is uncharted, but as a thief and a killer and who knows what, I hid there often. I found this colony of changelings by chance. And I know my way back. Sisko: Come in. Odo: Yes, Commander? Sisko: Constable, I want you to escort the prisoner back to his home planet. Odo: He's not to stand trial here? Sisko: Croden apparently committed crimes on Rakhar. His government is adamant and the Bajorans have agreed to release him. Odo: We're going to have trouble getting him past the Miradorn. Sisko: Yes, I know. Ah-Kel's been screening every ship leaving the station. How soon can you be ready? Odo: I'm ready now. Sisko: There's a Rigelian freighter leaving here for the Gamma Quadrant in an hour. Maybe we can use them to run interference between you and the Miradorn ship. Odo: I'll move the prisoner to the runabout right away. Sisko: Constable, once you're on the other side, you'll be on your own. The Miradorn vessel can outrun any of our runabouts and if they do come after you, a warning from us will just point an arrow to you. Odo: Understood. Croden: So you're finally taking me up on my offer. Odo: I'm taking you home. O'Brien: Commander. The Rigelian freighter's ready for departure. Sisko: Signal Odo. Kira: The Miradorn ship is scanning the freighter. Doesn't look like they're reading the runabout. Croden: How do you stand it, changeling, living where you don't belong. Are you happy? Odo: I'm as much a part of the place as anyone else. Croden: I doubt it. They tolerate you, but you're not one of them. Being what you are, you can pour your square shape into a round hole, but you never really fit, do you? You're like my stone. Odo: I think I finally figured out what crime you were found guilty of on your world. Croden: What's that? Odo: You talked too much. Croden: Maybe you're right. Perhaps that is how it started. Perhaps I asked one question too many. Anyway, that's as good an explanation as any. Odo: Explanation for what? Croden: For why they came that night. I never was told and to this day I don't know. They broke into my home just before dawn, and before I had time to stop them, they had murdered both my wives. You see, on my world, the punishment for being an enemy of the people is the death of your family. I had no sophisticated weapon. Only a short, slaughter knife that I used for cutting the necks of fowl we would prepare for supper. Imagine my surprise when I diskovered that the necks of the security officers were no more difficult to cut than the birds. Even the sound they made as the blade crossed their gullets were similar. Odo: You expect me to believe this appallling tale? Croden: Would it make any difference if you did? Odo: No. Croden: Well then, believe it, because it's true. My return will be celebrated, changeling. They'll be very grateful. You'll be a hero. Perhaps you might even use this as an excuse to exchange envoys. Odo: If you don't stop talking, I could sedate you for the rest of the trip. Croden: Sorry. I didn't, I didn't know I bothered you. Kel: Get in there! Rom: He's going to kill us. He says we were in with Croden. AH- Kel: Where is he, Quark? Quark: Croden? He's in security. AH- Kel: You're lying. He's gone. You're hiding him. You've been in this together all along. You're as responsible for my brother's death as he is. Quark: Ah-Kel, no. This is Odo's doing. Don't you see? He wants to turn us against each other. AH- Kel: Why should I believe you? Tell me where Croden is, or you can die in his place. Quark: I don't know where he is. But maybe I can find out if you'll just release me. Get me the security chips. Level four clearance. Quark: It isn't at all clear. AH- Kel: The coordinates are very clearly stated right here in the log entry. One more thing, little Ferengi. You better be telling the truth or I'll be back to finish this. Rom: Oh, you are clever, brother. Now, Ah-Kel will rid us of Croden and Odo. Quark: Unless Odo is sensible and gives up his prisoner. Rom: Oh, no. Then Croden would tell Ah-Kel the truth about our plan. We're dead. We're dead. You shouldn't have told him how to find them. Quark: Be quiet. Odo would never give up his prisoner. He'll just get himself killed. Rom: Do you really think so? Quark: Oh, get out of here, you fool! Sisko: Yes, Chief? O'Brien: The Miradorn ship is leaving the station. Sisko: Major, do whatever you can to delay them. Kira: Ops to Miradorn vessel. Please hold your position. Stand by for departure instructions. O'Brien: No response. They're still moving. Sisko: Dax, how long before Odo reaches Rakhar? Dax: Just over five hours. Kira: Miradorn vessel, you are in violation of Bajoran transit regulations. Please return at once to the docking ring. O'Brien: They've increased power to their thrusters. Sisko: On screen. Croden: You'd save time going through the Vortex. It's a long way around it. Aren't you the least bit curious about your own people? Odo: Of course I am. Unfortunately, I don't have the liberty of pursuing that curiosity right now. Croden: They don't maintain a humanoid shape, you know. They refused to assimilate on my world. They're a proud species. That's why they were so persecuted. But I will say this for them, they treated me well enough when I landed at their colony. I was badly wounded. They could have allowed me to die. They didn't. You're one of them, that's for sure. You have the sense of decency, of justice. Odo: You don't give up, do you. Odo: Computer, what was that? Computer: A temporary loss of stability resulting from the impact of a concentrated plasma charge. Odo: We're being attacked? Computer: Affirmative. Pursuing vessel approaching from one eight one mark one two. Odo: Put it on the monitor and identify. Computer: Miradorn vessel, Theta class. Odo: He's hailing us. AH- Kel: The first shot was a warning. You will surrender the Rakhari prisoner to me. Odo: I don't give up my prisoners, Ah-Kel. AH- Kel: Very well. Then you can die with him. Computer: Warning. Damage to shields Odo: Computer, evasive maneuvers! Computer: Warning. Shields at forty one percent. Croden: Your computer's not going to outsmart him. Odo: I'm a security chief, not a combat pilot. Croden: Then give me the controls! Odo: You? Croden: I can get us through the vortex. The ionized gasses would screen us from his sensors. Drop your suspicious nature for a minute, changeling. Can't you see it's our only chance. Odo: Why are we slowing down? Croden: The vortex is riddled with volatile pockets of a gas we call toh-maire. If we destabilize them, they could ignite and blow this ship apart. Odo: You really have been through here before. Croden: Sometimes I do tell the truth. Odo: How do you remember what's true and what isn't? I thought you said they couldn't detect us in here. Croden: He must be following our impulse wake. Computer, disengage impulse engines. Go to thrusters. Computer: Acknowledged. Thrusters engaged. Odo: What are you doing? Croden: Once our impulse wake drops off, he might try to pick up the diskharge of our thrusters. We'll be better off if we land. So, changeling, I guess I'm going to take you home after all. Croden: Hurry. This way. Odo: Croden! Slow down, Croden. Stay where I can see you. Croden! What's your hurry? What's in here? Croden: I told you. The colony. Odo: Anxious to see them again, are you? Croden: Yes. Of course. Odo: Whatever it is you came here for, you can forget it. We're leaving. Croden: No! Odo: Now! How much of it was true? Any of it? Any of it? Croden: No. No. On Rakhar, we tell stories about changelings. I thought they were myths until I met you. Odo: The stone. Croden: I have no idea where it came from. Rakhari merchants buy stones just like it from off-world traders. It's used as a key. Odo: A key to what? Croden: To my only reason for living. And it's ahead, in that cavern there. Croden: Please, help me. There's been a cave-in. Odo: What is it? Croden: A stasis chamber. Croden: It's my daughter, the only member of my family I could save. Help me. Croden: It shapes itself to fit the lock. Yareth: Father? I was dreaming about you. Croden: I'm here now, Yareth. You don't have to dream anymore. Yareth: Hello. Croden: This is Odo. He's a security officer. No, no, he's not going to hurt you. He's going to take you to a place where you'll be safe. Won't you? Yareth: Where are you going? Croden: I'm going home. Yareth: But you can't. They'll kill you. Croden: Yareth, I must answer for my crimes. Yareth: But all you did was try to protect us. Odo: Their sensors must have picked up our life signs. We've got to get back to the runabout. Croden: Odo! Yareth: Is he badly hurt? Croden: There's no way to tell. I don't know anything about his species. I'll carry him back to the ship. Yareth: What's the matter, father? Croden: Nothing, Yareth. Nothing. Croden: Nothing. Go! Go! Croden: You're heavier than you look. Odo: You could have left me behind. Croden: Don't thank me. I already regret it. Croden: I haven't been able to lose them. Sooner or later, one of his photons is going to trigger a toh-maire explosion and kill us all. Odo: Let me have the controls. Find us one of those toh-maire fields. Croden: I just told you, you don't want to go anywhere near one, changeling. Odo: Find the closest toh-maire field. Croden: Six degrees to starboard. Odo: Changing course. He's chased us everywhere else, maybe he'll follow us in there too. Croden: His sensors may not be able to detect how volatile the field is. If he fires on us in there, the whole thing will ignite. Odo: That's what I'm counting on. Odo: Set a course along the interior perimeter. Croden: Done. Odo: Computer, shut down all engines. Computer: Engines disengaged. Odo: Maintain emergency readiness to re-engage impulse on my command. Croden: We're an awfully easy target. Croden: He's hailing us. Odo: On screen. AH- Kel: Are you prepared to surrender your prisoner? Odo: I have a full array of Starfleet weapons trained on you, Ah-Kel. Frankly, I don't know much about them but I understand they equip this little vessel with some pretty powerful stuff. So I suggest you withdraw while you still can AH- Kel: There will barely be a trace of your little vessel when we are finished with you. Croden: He's coming about. Powering his shields. His starboard photon bank is armed. Odo: Computer, engage. Croden: He's firing photons! Odo: Is everybody back there in one piece? Yareth: Yes. Odo: Good. Take us out of your precious vortex. Croden: I only have one last favor to ask. Yareth is going to be alone on your world, just as you've always been. She's going to need someone to look after her. Odo: If you're asking me what I think you're asking. Croden: You know you could use some company, changeling. You deny it, but we both know it's true, or the stone would have meant nothing to you. Computer: Incoming subspace signal. Vulcan band frequency. Odo: On screen. Vulcan: Starfleet runabout, this is the Vulcan Science Vessel T'Vran. Are you in any difficulty? Odo: Chief of Security Odo from DS Nine. We're fine, Captain. Vulcan: We detected a major eruption in the Chamra vortex. I was afraid a small ship like yours might have suffered damage. Odo: I appreciate your concern. What's your course? Vulcan: To the wormhole, then home to Vulcan. Odo: I've beamed over two survivors from a ship that wasn't so lucky. I have to complete a mission. Could you give them transportation to Vulcan? Vulcan: Easily done. We will rendezvous with you shortly. Prepare for transport. Odo: Don't thank me. I already regret it. Croden: How? How will you explain not delivering me? Odo: I'll tell them you were killed when Ah-Kel torpedoed the asteroid. This dissembling must be catching. You're going to have to get used to living in an alien society. Croden: Like you. But I know where my home is. And perhaps someday I'll be able to go back there. I hope this helps you to find where you came from. Vulcan: T'Vran to Ganges. Ready for transport. Yareth: Are you really a changeling? Odo: Yes, I suppose I am. Go on, we don't want to keep the Vulcans waiting. Energizing. Odo: Computer, set a course for the wormhole. Computer: Course laid in. Odo: Ready engines. Home. Where is it? Someday we'll know, cousin. Engage.

O'Brien: What's funny is where the files were located, right there in Ops protocols. Dax: The encryption system was extremely easy to break. Sisko: So they wanted us to find these. Dax: Or they didn't care. Sisko: Well, there's nothing of strategic value here, just personal logs and some files on Bajoran terrorists. But it is a glimpse into the Cardassian mind. O'Brien: You might want to warn Kira before she sees her file. Kira: Warn me? About what? Sisko: Oh, er, Dax and Mister O'Brien diskovered some of the last Prefect's personal files. There's a file on you. You may find it disappointing. Kira: I'm a big girl, Commander. Bashir: Bashir to Sisko. Sisko: Sisko here. Bashir: I'm at airlock fourteen, Commander. I think you'd better get down here. Sisko: What's the problem Sisko: Doctor? Bashir: Well, I was about to begin off-loading some medical specimens from the Bajoran transport Bashir: And, well, the Kai is here. Sisko: Kai Opaka. Why would she be here? Bashir: She says you once offered her a tour of the station. Kira: A minor operative whose activities are limited to running errands for the terrorist leaders? Sisko: Major, when you're through feeling underappreciated, perhaps you'd join me in welcoming the Kai aboard. Bashir: You say she's never been here before? Sisko: She's never even left Bajor before. Bashir: Excuse me for saying so, Commander, but she looks preoccupied. Kira: Is something wrong, Opaka? Opaka: Contemplating prophecy. Kira: It's interesting you chose this viewport. The wormhole is just out there. Bashir: It's a spectacular sight to see. Sisko: Unfortunately, it can only be seen when a ship enters it or exits. But there's nothing scheduled for today. Opaka: A shame. Sisko: Sisko to O'Brien. O'Brien: Go ahead Commander. Sisko: Prepare the Yangtzee Kiang for launch, Chief. Kira and I are taking the Kai through the wormhole. O'Brien: Right away, sir. Opaka: Thank you. Sisko: I didn't want to keep you from your duties, Doctor. Bashir: It's a slow day. Sisko: All right. This way. Sisko: Is the ship ready, Chief? O'Brien: All prepped and ready for departure, Commander. Ma'am Sisko: After you. Opaka: You have a child, don't you? O'Brien: I do. I have a little girl, ma'am. Opaka: Yes. Would you give this to her for me. Sisko: We'll be entering the wormhole in about a minute. Opaka: Thank you again for indulging me. Kira: Not at all, Opaka. You honor us with your presence. Sisko: Yangtzee Kiang to DS Nine. Estimated time of return, fourteen hundred hours. Dax: Logged in We'll expect you then. Kira: Flight stabilization at maximum. Sisko: Here we go. Bashir: Spectacular, isn't it? Opaka: More than I imagined. Sisko: My smoothest ride yet, Major. Bashir: There's Idran, the closest system. It's a ternary star. Opaka: A doorway into the unknown. Sisko: The other side of the galaxy, to be precise. The Gamma quadrant is seventy thousand light years from Bajor. It would take our fastest starship over sixty seven years to get here. Opaka: I'm glad I got the chance to see it. Sisko: You'll be seeing what this wormhole is worth to Bajor in a few years. Opaka: If that is to be my fate, Commander. Kira: Should I reverse course? Opaka: So soon? Sisko: There's not much else to show you yet. Opaka: Prophecy can often be vague, Commander. That's why we must test it. Sisko: I don't understand, Opaka. Opaka: You may return. Sisko: Take us back to the wormhole, Major. Kira: Coming about. Sensors are picking up a narrow band subspace signal. Sisko: What do you make of it? Kira: Just a long stream of statistical data followed by a request for reply. I'm not reading any response. Sisko: Launch a class two probe. We'll follow it up later. Opaka: You're not going to investigate it now? Sisko: I'm not sure that's a good idea. Opaka: Because of my presence? Kira: There's no telling what it may be. Opaka: Please, Commander. I don't get out often. Sisko: Can you get a fix on the source, Major? Kira: Point three five light years, bearing two two nine mark four one. Sisko: I guess we'd better take a look. Kira: This is definitely the origin of the signal. I'm having trouble pinpointing the source. It's not coming from the surface. Sisko: There's your answer. A network of artificial satellites. One of them looks like it's malfunctioning. Its orbit is unstable. I'd bet the signals we picked up were from the system trying to repair it. Bashir: Commander, sensors indicate lifeforms localized in twelve square kilometers on the moon's surface. They may be humanoid, sir Sisko: Humanoid? Can you verify that? Bashir: I can't resolve the biopatterns. There's too much interference. Sisko: Take us in a little closer. Kira: We're being scanned by one of the satellites. I don't like this. It's heading toward us. Sisko: Shields up! Kira: Reading a significant energy build-up in the satellite. Six hundred megawatts, nine hundred, it's firing. Kira: Shields are down. Forward thrusters are gone. We're losing power. Sisko: Attempting to compensate with secondary boosters. Kira: Impulse generators failing. Sisko: Hold on, we're going down. Check contingency fuel cell output. Kira: Holding at sixty-five percent. Sisko: Doctor, watch the hull temperature. Bashir: Aye, sir. Kira: Stabilizing attitude control response. Sisko: Pitching up to twenty degrees. Bashir: Hull temperature nine hundred C, nine fifty, eleven hundred. Kira: We're holding profile. Bashir: Twelve hundred C. Thirteen. Sisko: Ejecting antimatter pod. Kira: Pitching up to sixty degrees. Prepare for final braking maneuvers. Sisko: Brace for impact! Bashir: Commander. Pulmonary collapse. Her upper thoracic vertebrae have been crushed. Kira: Stay with us, Opaka. Stay with us. Bashir: I'm sorry. Kira: Ahn-kay ya, ay-ya vasu. Coh-ma-ra, di-nay-ya. Ahn-kay ya, ay-ya vasu. Sisko: We've got company. Odo: Still no contact with Sisko? Dax: Not yet. Odo: But they're nearly three hours overdue. O'Brien: Three and a half. Odo: Opaka's people are on subspace to me every five minutes. O'Brien: Tell them one of our runabouts found a trace of a warp eddy current. It's got to be from their ship. Dax: With any luck, we should be able to tell which direction they were headed. Odo: That's not going to satisfy them on Bajor. You have no idea what the Kai means to them. When they heard Sisko had taken her into the wormhole O'Brien: Constable, tell them we're doing the best we can, okay? Runabout pad C. Dax: Have the Bajorans station a ship on the Gamma side, we'll stay in close touch by subspace. Ennis: Move. SHEL- La: Our first visitors. You're not all the same race. Kira: I'm a Bajoran. Sisko: I'm Commander Benjamin Sisko. Major Kira Nerys and Doctor Julian Bashir. SHEL- La: A doctor? How ironic. I'm Golin Shel-la, leader of the Ennis. Why are you here? Sisko: We were attacked by one of your satellites. Our ship was damaged and we crashed. SHEL- La: Of course, Commander. But why did you come here? Sisko: We were exploring. We've recently diskovered a permanent wormhole linking our quadrant of the galaxy with yours. I command a space station at the mouth of that wormhole. SHEL- La: You know nothing of our home planet. You know nothing of the punishment. Sisko: We're just beginning to explore this sector. As I said, our home is on the other side of the galaxy. Bashir: Major. Kira: I'm all right. Bashir: The hell you are. She needs treatment. I'd like my medical case, if you don't mind. Bashir: For God's sake. SHEL- La: I apologize for our cautious nature. If you haven't realized, we're at war. Sisko: Who are you fighting? SHEL- La: A brutal enemy that attacks at whim. We maintain a constant vigil. This is an energy weapon. Sisko: Yes. SHEL- La: The Ennis stopped using directed energy weapons centuries ago. Not damaging enough. Your arrival complicates matters. Sisko: We don't plan to be here long. SHEL- La: Oh, you expect to repair your ship? Sisko: No, but a rescue team is probably on it's way right now. SHEL- La: Like you, they'll have to deal with the defense net, and that is beyond my influence. Sisko: You don't control the satellites? SHEL- La: We're all prisoners on this moon. Sisko: Then this is a penal colony SHEL- La: My immediate concern regards your partisanship. By your presence here, you'll be considered our allies. All your lives are in danger. SHEL- La: The latest victims of our enemy, the Nol-Ennis. Sisko: Where are your doctors? SHEL- La: We have none. Sisko: You have no medical personnel? How do you survive without SHEL- La: We were thrust into this situation with few resources. Since you're here under similar circumstances I was hoping we'd be of some help to each other. Bashir: This should make you feel better. Major, I'm so sorry. I would've done anything. Kira: It's all so senseless. Opaka's always been a symbol of hope to me. Her words gave our struggle meaning. And now she's dead. Her life ends on some unknown moon, and for what? Sisko: Doctor Bashir will give you any medical assistance he can, but understand, we can't take sides in your battle. SHEL- La: It doesn't matter what I understand if the Nol capture you. Sisko: Seems we're in the middle of a pretty ugly war. Bashir: I gathered that. Sisko: Shel-la says his people will protect us from their enemy in exchange for your services. Bashir: Perhaps I can train some of them in the basics of field triage. Sisko: Do whatever you can. How's the shoulder, Major? Kira: I'll live. Bashir: I still have to run a neuromuscular scan on her when we get back. Sisko: Don't count on a quick rescue. This moon is some kind of high security prison colony. Sisko: Major! Nol: Let's go! Leave him! Kira: Commander! Sisko: Put your phaser down, Kira. Bashir: Her vital signs appear to be normal, but I could have sworn she was Kira: I was there, Doctor. Sisko: Opaka, are you aware of what happened? Opaka: The surface was approaching so quickly, I must admit I closed my eyes, Commander. There was a deafening whine. I felt the impact. A wall of heat seemed to pass through me, and then nothing. Sisko: After we crashed, we pulled you from the wreckage but you were Opaka: Dead. Sisko: How do you explain this, Doctor? Bashir: Although she appears to be normal, her physiology has been radically altered. Sisko: How? Bashir: I'm not sure. The tricorder indicates some kind of bio-mechanical presence at a cellular level. Sisko: Bio-mechanical? You mean something artificial? Bashir: I wish I could tell you. Whatever it is, it seems to be directly controlling her metabolic processes. Sisko: Is she in any danger? Bashir: I'm sorry to keep saying it, Commander, but I really don't know. If the runabout's computer were functional, I might be able to run a full analysis. Kira: Commander. Over here. Bashir: It's okay. It's all right. Dax: There's still no sign of them on any of the long range scanners. O'Brien: Not even a transponder signal. If they went down, we should at least get something from their transponder. The warp eddy has traces of meson particle emissions. That makes it a Starfleet power reactor. Dax: The current shows that their heading was approximately two three zero mark four. O'Brien: Anything interesting in that direction? Dax: An uncharted binary star system. O'Brien: I guess it's time to chart it. Dax: Setting a new course. Bashir: His reading's are the same as Opaka's. Virtually every cell in his body shows signs of this bio-mechanical presence. Now somehow it has literally brought him back to life. Sisko: You've died before? SHEL- La: Many times. Too many to count. Bashir: Sir, I'd like to return to the runabout and try to get the computer up and running. Sisko: Doctor, we're in the middle of a war. Bashir: Sir, this could be a breakthrough of unprecedented magnitude. Sisko: It's too dangerous. SHEL- La: I'll see to his protection. SHEL- La: I would like to know more about this breakthrough myself. Your doctor acts as though he's seen a miracle. Sisko: He's not alone. SHEL- La: If you lived with it as we have, you'd see it as a curse. Sisko: How long have you been here? SHEL- La: It feels like an eternity. It's all part of the punishment. Sisko: What is this punishment, Shel-la? SHEL- La: Everything here is designed to prolong our suffering. Sisko: What was your crime? SHEL- La: The Ennis and the Nol-Ennis are ancient enemies. For generation after generation we fought the same war. The leaders of our planet were unable to mediate a peace. Finally, they sent us all here and told us that we would serve as an example for the rest of civilisation. Opaka: How did your fight begin? SHEL- La: Some say it was water, some say it was land. It's not really very relevant now. Opaka: Then what do you hope to gain by continuing? SHEL- La: Vengeance. All of us has seen our families suffer incredibly at the hands of the Nol. Sisko: The Nol can say the very same thing. SHEL- La: They probably do. Kira: If you must fight your war, the least you can do is to learn to fight it more effectively. Sisko: Major, this is not our SHEL- La: What do you mean? Kira: There were no guards at the entrance when we arrived. You have no system to alert your forces of an attack. Your people are obviously unprepared for fighting close-quartered. Sisko: That's enough, Major. Kira: We're trapped on this moon with only his forces between us and damnation. We have to defend ourselves to stay alive. Now, when the Nol attack again we Sisko: I said, that's enough! Kira: We have to be ready! Opaka: This is not your war, Kira. SHEL- La: We used to defend ourselves better, Major. Safety perimeters, counter-attacks, preemptive strikes. And then we realized that it was all pointless. When you cease to fear death, the rules of war change. You'll understand as the years begin to pass, Major. Sisko: Listen to me, Shel-la. Our rescue is not going to take years. Days, weeks maybe, but they will find us and then they'll penetrate the defense net and transport us out of here. SHEL- La: Then you will be luckier than we have been. Sisko: We'd be willing to transport all of you away from here if that's what you want. SHEL- La: Away from here? To live one life, to die in peace? To us this is an ancient prayer that's never been answered, Commander. You would do this for us? Sisko: For both sides, the Ennis and the Nol-Ennis. After you leave, you can go wherever you want, but end this nightmare. Stop fighting long enough for all of us to get off this moon. SHEL- La: Zlangco, the leader of the Nol would never agree to a cease-fire. Sisko: Ask him. SHEL- La: You don't know them. All they care about is Sisko: What do you care about? If you want to end the suffering of your people, then at least try. Set up a meeting with this Zlangco. Talk about this. SHEL- La: This is hopeless. But I will talk, if he will. O'Brien: I'm not reading a single M Class planet in the system. If they went down anywhere around here, they couldn't have survived. Dax: I'm not sure we can believe the scans, Chief. The star is putting out abnormal levels of delta radiation. O'Brien: That'd foul up our long range scanners. Dax: We'll have to survey each planet, one at a time. O'Brien: Not to mention two dozen or so moons and an asteroid belt. Bloody needle in a haystack. A needle in a haystack. What we need is a magnet. Dax: A magnet? O'Brien: Yeah. You want to pick a piece of metal out of the straw, you use a magnet. Dax: I don't think I'm following you, Chief. O'Brien: Runabout hulls are made out of metallic composites that interact with magnetic fields. We could send out a few probes to scan the system for those specific magnetic resonance patterns. If Sisko's runabout is in the system, we might pick up a fluctuation in the hysteresis curve. Dax: The magnetic deflection of a runabout's hull is extremely weak. The probes will never be able to detect it. O'Brien: They will, if I can outfit them with a differential magnetomer. Dax: A differential magnetomer. I've never heard of a differential magnetomer. How does it work? O'Brien: I'll let you know as soon as I've finished making one. Bashir: Nice work, Julian. La: I'm surprised. Zlangco has agreed to listen to your proposals. Sisko: Good. When. SHEL- La: Right away. We'll meet at a neutral site near your vessel. We've both agreed to carry no firearms. Kira: What if they use the opportunity to set a trap? SHEL- La: We've taken the appropriate precautions, Major, but if you personally would care to check the security, I'm sure your Commander will allow you to accompany us. Sisko: Major Kira will be staying here with the Kai. SHEL- La: What a shame. Opaka: You can't bury it, Kira. Kira: What? Opaka: Do you recognize yourself in these people? Kira: Me? No, not at all, I. They're content to die. I've always fought to stay alive. I don't want you to have the wrong impression of me, Opaka. Opaka: Jus what impression do you think I have? Kira: That I enjoy any of this. I don't enjoy fighting. Yes, I've fought my entire life, but for a good cause, for our freedom, our independence. And it was brutal and ugly and I. But that's over for me now. That's not who I am. I don't want you to think that I am this violent person without a soul, without a conscience. That is not who I am. Opaka: Don't deny the violence inside of you, Kira. Only when you accept it can you move beyond it. Kira: I've known nothing but violence since I was child. Opaka: In the eyes of the Prophets, we are all children. Bajor has much to learn from peace. Kira: I'm afraid the Prophets won't forgive me. Opaka: They're just waiting for you to forgive yourself. Computer: Twenty-two minutes into launch. All readings within normal parameters. Dax: Probe B approaching planet six. Three moons. No change in the hysteresis curve. Probe C approaching planet seven. No change. O'Brien: What the hell would they be doing here anyway. It's a waste of time. They could be twenty light years from here and we wouldn't have the first clue. Dax: Probe A approaching planet three. One moon. Chief. Computer: Probe A measuring a point zero zero one two fluctuation in the hysteresis curve. O'Brien: It's the third planet. Dax: No, look, it isn't. We're picking up something from its moon. O'Brien: Laying in a new course, full impulse. Sisko: Any progress, Doctor? Bashir: Yes, sir. I've got the computer up, more or less. It's processing the data now. I can already confirm that these microbes are artificial. rather like nanites in a way. I should have a complete analysis from the computer in a few minutes. What's going on? Sisko: Talks about a cease fire. Bashir: No kidding. How'd you arrange that? Sisko: I told them that we'd transport them off this moon. Bashir: Isn't that a bit like assisting a jailbreak? Sisko: I don't need you to interpret the prime directive for me, Doctor. Bashir: Yes, of course. I only meant Sisko: Whatever crimes they've committed they've paid for a hundred times over. They've been altered somehow and been abandoned by their world. I believe the Federation would recognize them as separate and unique. Bashir: Yes, sir. Well, I should be checking on that analysis. Zlangco: So, you are the leader of the aliens. Sisko: Benjamin Sisko, Commander of a Federation space station. Zlangco: Federation? SHEL- La: What does it matter to us, Zlangco? Zlangco: It matters to me. Sisko: The Federation is made up of over a hundred planets who have allied themselves for mutual scientific, cultural and defensive benefits. The mission that my people and I are on is to explore the galaxy. Zlangco: Such a noble purpose. There'll be no reward for our release, you know. SHEL- La: You are being a fool, as usual. Zlangco: A fool who always manages to outwit you, Shel-la, as I have proven over and over again. SHEL- La: If you care to die once again, then all you need to do is ask. Sisko: If you've had enough of this, then make your leaders stop and listen. Your only reason to live is to make each other suffer. If you've had enough of suffering, then make them stop. I'm not here to be a mediator, but if you ask for an alternative I'll give you one. Zlangco: We're listening. Sisko: In a matter of days, when our rescue party arrives, I can arrange to transport you and your people off this moon, if both sides can only cooperate until then. SHEL- La: Zlangco, they will resettle us on different planets. Sisko: If that's what you wish. Zlangco: The two of you seem to have discussed this plan in detail. SHEL- La: Of course. His crew has been with us for two days. Zlangco: Explain why you choose to ally yourself with the Ennis. Sisko: We have allied ourselves with no one. Zlangco: One of your people fired a weapon at us. Sisko: We were defending ourselves. Zlangco: I think you're lying. I don't know the alien, but I know Shel-la. I know how his mind works. I promise you this is an Ennis trick to lure our entire population out of hiding so they can be slaughtered. Sisko: That's not true. Zlangco: Then the Ennis are surely willing to make the first gesture of peace. Let them bring all of their people out of hiding first to prove their honorable intention. SHEL- La: Do you think I would allow a single Nol escape this moon alive? Zlangco: No more than I would let an Ennis go free. Bashir: I'm sorry, Commander, but I've diskovered we can't afford to die here. Not even once. O'Brien: It's some kind of artificial satellite system. That's what our probe must have picked up. Dax: Our sensors are reading lifeforms on the surface, Chief. I think some of them are human. O'Brien: If the ship's down there, why wouldn't the transponder be sending out a Dax: We're being scanned O'Brien: Increasing orbital altitude. Dax: What are you thinking? O'Brien: The only thing that could block out a transponder signal is a broad band damping field. That requires a low level satellite system like this one. Suddenly we're being scanned by these satellites, so Dax: Maybe they had something to do with our missing runabout. O'Brien: Exactly. See, they're putting out a mutual induction field that would block out ninety nine percent of all transmissions to and from the surface. Dax: Is there any way for us to get a comm. line through the field? O'Brien: Well, I've got one percent to work with, don't I? Bashir: The analysis is very clear. Once the microbes have restored a body after death, that body becomes permanently dependent on them for all cellular functions. Sisko: Permanently? Bashir: It gets worse. The designers made them environment specific. If the microbes are removed from this ecozystem, they'll stop functioning. Sisko: So if we transport anyone off this planet, we kill them. Bashir: I'm afraid so. Sisko: The Kai? O'Brien: Rio Grande to Sisko. Do you read me? This is O'Brien, come in. Sisko: Go ahead, Chief. I can barely read you. Dax: Is everyone all right? Sisko: We're alive, but the Yangtzee Kiang was destroyed. Will you be able to beam us up? O'Brien: Not quite yet, Commander. O'Brien: we've got to find a way to penetrate this network of satellites. They're making it impossible to lock on to anything down there. Sisko: Understood. Sisko: But those satellites will come after you if you get too close. They're armed. One of them cut us down without any trouble at all. O'Brien: Yeah, we figured as much. Sisko: Let me know before you're ready to make an attempt. O'Brien: Acknowledged. Rio Grande out. Sisko: We have to talk to the Kai. Kira: Is there a cease-fire? Sisko: Neither side took it seriously. Opaka: I'm not at all surprised. You were right, Kira. They don't know how to do anything else but die. They've forgotten how to live. Sisko: The Rio Grande has made contact. Dax and O'Brien are in orbit. They're working on a way to penetrate the defense system. Opaka: I'll be staying, Commander. Kira: What? Opaka: This is the answer to all the prophecies of my life. Kira: It's the wrong answer, Opaka. You can't stay here. Opaka: I didn't know how or why, but when we came through the wormhole, I knew I wouldn't be returning. You must tell our people, Kira, that I have answered the call of the Prophets. I was brought here because it is time for these people to begin their healing process, just as you were brought here to begin yours. O'Brien: You know, all we really need to do is find a way to create a gap in the net. Dax: Maybe a photon would destroy one of the satellites. O'Brien: Maybe, but you'd think they'd build a defense network with that in mind. You shoot one, the rest might swarm up like Vayan horn flies. We need to go for something simpler. all I need is about a fifteen percent increase in the opening in the net. Rio Grande to Sisko. Sisko: Go ahead, Chief. O'Brien: We're going to try to poke a hole up here, sir, if you're about ready to end your stay. Sisko: Only three of us are coming back. Kai Opaka is remaining. Dax: Benjamin, please confirm. Did you say we're not transporting the Kai? Sisko: That's correct. I'll explain later. O'Brien: We'll need a few minutes, Commander. O'Brien: Rio Grande out. SHEL- La: Leaving without us? Bashir: My analysis of these microbes that keep you alive showed that if you were to leave the moon, you would die. SHEL- La: Then there is no end. Bashir: Commander, I find myself caught in a moral dilemma. As much as I am dedicated to the preservation of life, I wonder if we shouldn't help these people end this torture. Sisko: How could you do that? Bashir: Anything that can be programd can be reprogramd. If I could disable the mechanism in these microbes, they should no longer function when someone is killed, and these people would finally be able to die. SHEL- La: You've seen our life here. Please, it's the only solution left. Give us a way to reprogram these microbes. It will put an end to this war. Kira: You really think the fear of death will end the fighting? It never has in any other war. SHEL- La: No, but it will allow us to finally win, to wipe out the Nol for good. On this world, Doctor, your disabled microbes would be the ultimate weapon. We could finally and truly destroy our enemies. O'Brien: Rio Grande to Sisko. Stand by for transport. Sisko: Ready. Dax: Coordinates set. O'Brien: Launching probe. Dax: Twelve seconds to intercept. O'Brien: Come on, come on, go for it. Dax: One of the satellites is breaking orbit, moving toward the probe. O'Brien: That's it. Dax: The satellite is showing a power buildup, about eight hundred megawatts. Dax: Probe destroyed O'Brien: Rio Grange to Sisko. Trying to lock on, Commander. O'Brien: Establishing pattern lock. SHEL- La: You can't leave without giving us Sisko: Energize when ready, Chief. Sisko: Opaka, if we can ever find a way Opaka: My work is here now, Commander. But your pagh and mine will cross again. O'Brien: Energizing.

Scene: Station log, Stardate 46729.1. The Bajoran government has asked me to mediate a disagreement between two rival factions, the Paqu and the Navot. At issue is a land dispute which could trigger a civil war. Kira: Commander, the Paqu delegation has arrived at docking port six. Sisko: Let's welcome them aboard. Dax, any word on the Navot? Dax: They should be here within the hour. O'Brien: Excuse me, Commander. Sisko: Chief, I thought you'd be on your way to Bajor by now. O'Brien: We're due to leave any moment. But, sir, I was wondering if perhaps Ensign Boyer might replace me on this particular mission. After all, I'd be little more than a chauffeur, and Boyer can pilot a runabout just as well as I can. Sisko: Has something come up that requires your presence on the station, Chief? O'Brien: Oh, no, sir. Everything's running smoothly for a change. But around here, you never know. Bashir: Ah, Chief, there you are. All set to go? O'Brien: Yes, sir. Bashir: Commander, did the Magistrate give any indication regarding the nature of this medical emergency? Sisko: Only that his village was in danger of extinction. Bashir: In that case we'd better be on our way. Sisko: I agree. O'Brien: Yes, sir. Sisko: Docking port six. Bashir: You know, Chief, in a way I'm really looking forward to this mission. O'Brien: Why's that? Bashir: I see it as a wonderful opportunity for us to get to know each other. O'Brien: Ah. Sisko: I'd like you to set a preliminary meeting with both sides for later this afternoon. Make sure they know that this is an informal session. I just want to get them talking to each other. Kira: Just getting them to sit down at the same table will be an accomplishment. Sir, about these negotiations. Sisko: You have some advice for me? Kira: There's an old saying on Bajor. The land and the people are one. Well, the land inhabited by the Paqu and Navot is some of the harshest on the planet. Sisko: Relax, Major. This is not my first time up at the plate. Kira: Sir? Sisko: Besides, I'll have you by my side to help me avoid making mistakes. Sisko: Tell me what you know about the Paqu Tetrarch. Kira: Not much. The Paqu choose to avoid contact with outsiders. Varis: Commander Sisko? Sisko: Yes? Varis: I am Varis Sul, Tetrarch of the Paqu. Bashir: Chief, may I ask you a question? O'Brien: Of course. Bashir: And I'd like an honest answer. O'Brien: You'll get one. Bashir: Do I annoy you? O'Brien: Annoy me? What sort of a question's that? Bashir: Well, the thing is, we've just spent two hours alone together in this runabout and you hardly said a word to me the whole time. O'Brien: Really? I hadn't noticed. Bashir: Oh, I see. O'Brien: I suppose because I was too busy thinking. Bashir: Thinking? O'Brien: That's right. Bashir: About what? O'Brien: What? Bashir: What were you thinking about? I'm just curious. O'Brien: Let's see. I was thinking that when we get back to the station, I'll have to run a level one diagnostic on the phase coil generators. Satisfied? Bashir: I suppose so. O'Brien: Glad to hear it. Bashir: I mean, the only reason I bring it up is because your opinion means a lot to me, and I'm aware I have a tendency to run off at the mouth sometimes. O'Brien: Is that a fact. Bashir: It's just a nervous habit. I hope you don't hold it against me. O'Brien: Not at all, sir. Bashir: And one more thing. O'Brien: What's that, sir? Bashir: I don't think it's really necessary to call me sir. O'Brien: What should I call you? You're my superior officer. Bashir: How about Julian? O'Brien: Is that an order? Bashir: Of course not. It's just that I'd simply prefer it if you called me by my first name. O'Brien: All right. We've achieved stable orbit around Bajor. We can beam down any time. Julian. Bashir: No sign of any airborne infections. The soil appears to be free of pollutants, and the ground water clear of bacterial contamination. Faren: Gentlemen. I am Faren Kag, the village magistrate. Bashir: I'm Doctor Bashir and this is Chief O'Brien. Faren: This village is in great jeopardy. I only hope you're not too late. Faren: Has he shown any sign of improvement? Hovath: None. Faren: You must help him. Bashir: How many others are sick? Faren: Others? O'Brien: You said the entire village was in jeopardy. Faren: It is. If he dies, we all die. Woban: I'll say this for the Cardassians. Their replicators make a fine larish pie. Varis: I didn't come here to eat, Commander. Sisko: Then let's talk. The official negotiations don't begin until tonight, but I thought it might be a good idea that we meet informally to see where we all stand. According to the treaty that has existed between you for the past ninety years, the border separating the Paqu and the Navot shall forever be the river Glyrhond. Woban: That's correct. Kira: Well, at least we all agree on something. Sisko: Now, as I understand it, during the occupation the Cardassians diverted the river for use in their mining operations. As a result the Glyrhond now flows twenty kilometers west of its former position. Woban: Twenty kilometers into Navot territory. Varis: That's Paqu territory now. You read the treaty, Commander. The river is our common border. Woban: The treaty says nothing about stealing land. If your father was alive he would give us back what was ours. Varis: My father would do no such thing. Besides, I'm Tetrarch now. I will not be pressured into betraying my people. Quark: Let's see, two Bajoran synthales, a glass of Gamzian wine, and a Trixian bubble juice for the little lady. Varis: I'm not a little lady. Quark: I'm still charging her for that drink. Jake: Nog, we've been sitting here over an hour. Let's go play some ball in the holosuite. Nog: No. Jake: Why not? Nog: Because baseball is slow and boring. Jake: And you can't hit my curve ball. Nog: It's a stupid game that even humans stopped playing hundreds of years ago. Jake: Maybe, but you still can't hit my curve ball. Odo: Mister Sisko, Nog, I thought I told you no dangling over the Promenade. Jake: We're not going to fall, Odo. Nog: We can see things better from down here. Odo: And what, may I ask, is so interesting? Jake: Nothing. Odo: In that case, you can see nothing just as well from up here. Now, on your feet. Thank you. Jake: Are you going to come to the holosuite with me or not? Come on, we can have Buck Bokai hit a few out to us. He was the greatest hitter of all time. I'll even let you use my glove. Nog: I have never seen anything so beautiful. Jake: She's all right. Nog: All right? I have to meet her. Sirah: The Dal'Rok. Bashir: Easy now. Try not to exert yourself. Sirah: Hovath. Hovath: I'm here. Sirah: The time? Hovath: It's still two hours before nightfall. Sirah: You should have wakened me. Help me get dressed. Bashir: I'm afraid you're in no shape to go anywhere. Sirah: The Prophets sent you, didn't they. Bashir: I beg your pardon? Sirah: No, there's something wrong. It must be your companion. Bashir: You mean Chief O'Brien? Sirah: Bring him to me. Bashir: Why? Sirah: Because you are not the one I have been waiting for. Bashir: Chief? He wants to see you. Sirah: Come. Closer. I knew. I knew the Prophets would not fail us. You may leave now. Both of you. Bashir: See that he stays in bed. O'Brien: What was that all about? Bashir: I haven't a clue. Faren: The Sirah, how is he? Bashir: I wish I had better news. He's suffering from systemic organ failure brought on by an accelerated rate of cellular decay. His body's surrendering to old age. Faren: Is there anything you can do? Bashir: I can keep him comfortable and relatively free of pain. Other than that, it's just a matter of time. I'm sorry. Faren: But we need him. The Dal'Rok will be here soon. O'Brien: What's the Dal'Rok? Faren: It's a terrible creature that lives in the woods just north of the village. Every year at the end of harvest it appears. Bashir: And you say it's coming here tonight? Faren: Yes, it always comes for five nights. This will be the fourth. And only the Sirah is strong enough to defeat it. Bashir: Right now, the Sirah isn't strong enough to get out of bed. Faren: If what you say is true, this village will be destroyed tonight. Jake: You're sure this is the place? Nog: You saw the readout. There's only one female her age visiting the station, and these are her quarters. Well, go ahead. Jake: What? Nog: Ring the bell. Jake: Me? You're the one who wants to meet her. Nog: Are you afraid? Jake: Of a girl? Nog: Then ring. Jake: You ring. Nog: You are afraid. Jake: No I'm not, you are. Varis: What are you doing? Nog: My name's Jog. I mean Jake. Jake: He's Nog. I'm Jake Sisko. Varis: Sisko. Jake: We're kind of the unofficial welcoming committee around here. Nog: That's right. Welcome to DS Nine. Varis: Thank you. I'm Varis Sul. Jake: Would you like a tour of the station? There's a Klingon freighter leaving for the Gamma Quadrant in a little while. We could watch it go through the wormhole. Nog: Good idea. Jake: Thanks. So, how about it? You want to go? Varis: I've never seen the wormhole. Nog: Then you're in luck, 'cos we know the best spot on the station for wormhole watching. Jake: Unless you're busy or something. Varis: Not at the moment. Bashir: Listen to me, Sirah. You must return to bed. To be out here in your condition Sirah: Your concern touches me, Doctor. But I am now in the hands of the Prophets. Crowd: We believe in you, Sirah. Help us, Sirah. Save us, Sirah. O'Brien: Strange. I'm not registering any atmospheric disturbance. Sirah: The Dal'Rok wakes. Crowd: The Dal'Rok. The Dal'Rok. Sirah: But we are ready. In the shadow of the night, he hungers. With a hatred of the ancients, he rages. From the twisted pit of chaos, he approaches. Bashir: Is it alive? O'Brien: The tricorder's still not picking up anything. Bashir: Could it be some kind of holographic image? O'Brien: No, I'm not picking up any power source. Sirah: The Dal'Rok's anger is like a wave crashing down on the village. The weight of its fury threatens to crush us all. The Dal'Rok thinks the village is powerless to defend itself. Sirah: But the Dal'Rok is mistaken. The village is strong, much stronger than the Dal'Rok can ever imagine. Crowd: We can do it. The village is strong. The village is strong. Sirah: With our strength, our unity, we shall drive the Dal'Rok O'Brien: Bloody hell. Bashir: Chief, help us get him down from here. Sirah: Where is my successor? Hovath: Sirah. Sirah: No, the one whom the prophets sent. Yes, you. O'Brien: Wait a second. I think you've got the wrong guy. Sirah: Say as I say. The village shall not be destroyed. O'Brien: What? Sirah: Quickly. O'Brien: The village shall not be destroyed. Sirah: Louder, so they can all hear. O'Brien: The village shall not be destroyed! Sirah: Despite our fears, we shall stand our ground and face the Dal'Rok. O'Brien: Despite our fears, we stand our ground and face the Dal'Rok. O'Brien: The village is strong. Crowd: The village is strong. O'Brien: More powerful than the Dal'Rok. Crowd: More powerful than the Dal'Rok. O'Brien: Together, we use that power to drive it away. Crowd: Drive it away. Drive it away! Drive it away! O'Brien: The Dal'Rok is defeated. The village is safe. Bashir: He's dead. Faren: The Sirah has left us, but the Prophets have sent us his successor. A new Sirah to tell the story. A new Sirah to protect the village. Quark: So I sold them a whole herd of Klingon targs. Quark: Major, what a pleasant surprise. I always look forward to one of your infrequent visits. Kira: Spare me the small talk and get me a star drifter. Quark: So, how are the negotiations coming along? Kira: Better make it a double. Quark: Ah. Varis: You asked to see me? Sisko: Please, sit down. Varis: I just spent the last five hours sitting. Sisko: Yes, five long, unproductive hours. Varis: Woban is an obstinate fool. Sisko: Woban is here to talk. What are you here for? Varis: I would think that was obvious. To defend the interests of my people. Sisko: How? By starting a war? Varis: I object to your tone, Commander. Sisko: Because if that's what you're here for, if you'd rather fight than talk, then we're just wasting our time. Varis: That land belongs to the Paqu. Sisko: The Navot don't agree. Varis: Then they'd better be ready to die for it. I am. Or don't you believe me? Sisko: I believe in people working together to find reasonable solutions to their problems. I hope you do as well. Varis: What you hope is no concern of mine. Now, anything else you wish to say to me can be said tomorrow across a conference table. Sisko: Varis, are you sure your people are as ready as you are to die for that land? Nog: Where do you think she is? Jake: I guess if she's not here, we'll try again at her quarters. Nog: When we find her, let me do the talking. Jake: She asks me questions, I answer them. What's wrong with that? Nog: Just remember, I saw her first. She's mine. Jake: Then, how come you can barely say two words to her without getting tongue tied? Nog: That's a lie. Jake: I've never seen you so nervous. You must really like her. Nog: I never said that. All I said was Nog: Oh, er, we were just Jake: Looking for you. Varis: I've been busy. Jake: Is something wrong? You seem a little depressed. Varis: It's nothing, really. It's just there are these people who want something I have and I refuse to give it to them. Nog: How badly do they want it? Varis: Very badly. Nog: Is there anything they have that you want? Varis: That I want? Nog: Maybe this isn't a problem. Maybe it's an opportunity. Varis: Maybe. Jake: When I have a problem I can't figure out, I ask my dad. Nog: I ask my dad, too. Varis: It helps, doesn't it? Jake: Yeah. Nog: No. Jake: My dad's a pretty smart guy. Nog: Mine, too, in his own way. Varis: My parents are dead. They were killed by the Cardassians. Jake: I'm sorry. My mom was killed during an attack by the Borg. Isn't there someone you can talk to? Someone you trust? Varis: I don't trust many people. Jake: My dad says Nog: Could we please talk about something besides your father? Varis: You admire him very much, don't you? Jake: I trust him. Odo: Mister Sisko. Nog: Odo. Jake: We were just leaving. Bashir: I wonder what was controlling those energy creatures. O'Brien: One thing's certain, it wasn't me. Bashir: Try telling the villagers that. They saw the Sirah choose you as his successor. O'Brien: Well, he made a mistake. Bashir: You saw how he greeted you when we arrived. It was as if he were expecting you. I'll tell you this, Chief. I'm glad you came along on this mission, because if it wasn't for you, I'd have done what I could for the Sirah and left. And look at what I would have missed. O'Brien: I'm glad you're enjoying yourself, Julian. Bashir: Don't worry, Chief, I have faith in you. O'Brien: Oh, do you? Bashir: I mean, for all we know, you really were sent by the prophets. O'Brien: I was sent by Commander Sisko. This Dal'Rok or whatever will be returning tonight and everybody's counting on me to be able to stop it. The only trouble is, I don't have the slightest idea how I'm supposed to do that. Faren: These gifts are for you, Sirah. O'Brien: Well, tell them I don't want them. Bashir: Oh, bring them right in. Put them wherever you like. O'Brien: Now look, Julian. Bashir: We're visitors here, Chief. It would be impolite to refuse our hosts. O'Brien: How can I help you, ladies? Bashir: I think they're the ones offering services, Chief. O'Brien: Now look, there's been a serious misunderstanding Faren: Is there a problem, Sirah? O'Brien: No! They're not. Well, yes, I mean, they're quite. Look, I have a wife and daughter back on DS Nine. Faren: Of course. Faren: You must send for them. O'Brien: Why? Faren: So they can live here with you. O'Brien: You're missing the point. I'm not staying. Faren: Then who will tell the story? O'Brien: You'll just have to find someone else. Faren: But there is no one else. The Sirah chose you. Bashir: He made a mistake. Faren: But what about the Dal'Rok? Without your protection, he will kill us all. O'Brien: Faren, I would like to help, really I would, but I don't know how. Faren: You must tell the story. O'Brien: As simple as that, is it? Faren: May the Prophets grant you victory, Sirah. O'Brien: Let's hope so. Bashir: Now what are we going to do? O'Brien: The way I see it, the only way out of this mess is to find out exactly what this Dal'Rok is, and destroy it before it destroys us. Sisko: Captain's log supplemental. We have completed a second day of talks between the Paqu and the Navot. So far, we're no closer to finding a solution than we were when the negotiations began. Varis: Enter. Jake: Hi, you want to do something? Varis: Sorry, not right now. Jake: Okay, we'll stop by later. Nog: Is there anything we can do to cheer you up? Varis: I don't think so. Nog: You sure? Jake: Let's go before you embarrass yourself. Varis: Wait. Nog: Yes? Varis: Do you remember that opportunity we were discussing yesterday? Nog: Yes. Varis: How can you be sure that an opportunity is worth the risk? Nog: Instinct. The ninth Rule of Acquisition clearly states opportunity plus instinct equals profit. Varis: Instinct. Jake: That's not going to help. Varis: I think it does. Thank you, Nog. Nog: Good. Let's celebrate. Varis: Celebrate? Nog: I took one of my uncle's security rods. Jake: What are we going to do with that? Nog: I don't know. We could swipe Odo's bucket. Jake: Are you kidding? Varis: A bucket? Nog: Yeah. We'll give it back. Jake: Yeah, but Nog: It'll be funny. Jake: But we can't just walk into Security. Nog: Watch me. Nog: Wait over there. Varis: I still don't understand what's so funny about a bucket. Jake: Odo lives in it. He's a shape shifter. Every sixteen hours he has to change back to his original form. Varis: Inside a bucket? Jake: He turns into some kind of liquid. Jake: Maybe this isn't such a good idea. Nog: Watch the front door. I'll be right back. Varis: Jake, you're sure this is all right? Jake: Well it's not like we're really stealing anything. Nog: Found it. Jake: Odo! Odo! Nog: It's oatmeal. I filled it from the replicator. Jake: Very funny. Nog: You should have seen your face! Odo: I believe that belongs to me. Sisko: What's the rush? O'Brien: There's some residual neutrino levels in the microstructure of these rocks. Bashir: If the Dal'Rok has no physical substance, how can it leave a neutrino trace? O'Brien: I didn't say it made sense. But this rock face didn't just spontaneously blow itself to pieces. Bashir: Lucky for us, you were able to stop it before it did anymore damage. O'Brien: All I did was repeat what the Sirah told me. Bashir: In that case, how did the Sirah manage to stop it? O'Brien: Good question. Maybe there's some a control mechanism hidden somewhere. O'Brien: Excuse me, miss. Woman: Please, Sirah, for my daughter. O'Brien: What about her? Bashir: I think actually she wants you to bless the child. O'Brien: Me? Woman: It would mean so much. O'Brien: I'm sure she'll make you very proud. Woman: Oh, thank you. Thank you. O'Brien: You're quite welcome. Man: There he is. Bashir: Looks like more of your followers are requesting an audience. O'Brien: Oh, no. This won't do. You continue looking around here. I'll go to check the Sirah's room. Bashir: Please, please. I'm afraid the Sirah is busy at the moment. Perhaps I can be of service. Crowd: Sirah, just a moment. Sirah, please come back. O'Brien: Look, I could use some privacy. Hovath: There are more gifts outside for you. O'Brien: All right, bring them in. Hold on. Didn't you work for the Sirah? Hovath: I was his apprentice. O'Brien: Did he ever reveal any of his secrets? How he controlled the Dal'Rok, and that sort of thing? Hovath: Why ask me? Surely the Sirah must have taught you all you need to know. O'Brien: All right, have it your way. Don't blame me when that creature goes rampaging through your village. Bashir: Chief! O'Brien: Careful, don't hurt him. Bashir: I'll try not to. O'Brien: That's enough. Bashir: Tell him that. O'Brien: I said that's enough! O'Brien: Now you mind explaining why you tried to kill me? Hovath: You are not the true Sirah. O'Brien: You won't get any argument from me. Bashir: If he isn't, who is? Hovath: I am. Hovath: For nine years, I studied with the Sirah, learning the secrets of the storyteller, only to have you come along and take my place. O'Brien: Look friend, as far as I'm concerned, the job's yours. Bashir: But if you were supposed to take over, why come the Sirah chose him? Hovath: It was his way of punishing me. Bashir: Punishing you? Hovath: Three nights ago, the Sirah allowed me to tell the story. But when the Dal'Rok appeared I was unable to control it. Several people were injured. O'Brien: Control it? How? Hovath: With this. The stone is said to be a fragment of an orb from the Celestial Temple. Bashir: We had one of these orbs aboard our station. We're aware of how powerful they are. Hovath: Many years ago, this village was deeply divided by hate and mistrust. The first Sirah knew that unless he could find a way to unite the people, the village would destroy itself. So he used the Orb fragment as a catalyst to give their fears a physical form. O'Brien: So the villagers' thoughts create the Dal'Rok. Hovath: Yes, but they don't know that. It's a secret which has passed from Sirah to Sirah. O'Brien: Why do they need a storyteller? Hovath: The story helps focus the villagers' thoughts. Bashir: And that enables them to defeat the Dal'Rok by creating the shimmering lights. Hovath: I know if I had another chance, I could control the Dal'Rok. O'Brien: Well, son, it looks like tonight you are going to get that chance. Faren: What is this? You have no right to wear those clothes. Hovath: I have every right. Faren: You had your chance to prove yourself. You failed. Hovath: It won't happen again. Faren: That's right, because you won't be allowed to endanger the village a second time. Now take off those robes. O'Brien: Hold on. Faren: Sirah, it's time you were getting ready. The people will be assembling soon to hear the story. Varis: I want you to know, Commander, that I take complete responsibility for what happened in the Security office. Sisko: I think that there's more than enough blame to spread around. Jake should have known better. Varis: I'm afraid he and Nog were just trying to impress me. Sisko: That's not much of an excuse. Varis: Didn't you ever do anything foolish to impress a girl? Sisko: I may have. Varis: Jake's a nice boy. So's Nog, in his own way. I enjoy their company. Sisko: I suppose you don't get much of a chance to be with people your age. Varis: True, but that's not why I wanted to be with them. I wanted to learn about you. Sisko: And? Varis: Jake speaks very highly of you. He trusts you. Sisko: That's always nice to hear. Varis: Hearing Jake speak of you reminded me of how much I miss my own parents. My father was a great man. A great leader. Sisko: I'm sure he'd be very proud of you. Varis: I try to be strong, the way he was strong but. It's difficult. Sisko: From what I've learned about your father, he wasn't afraid to compromise. Varis: That's because he knew the Navot feared him. If I were to make concessions, Woban would think I was weak. Sisko: I doubt he would be that foolish, but he is determined to get that land back. Varis: I'm not afraid of Woban or the Navot. Sisko: I never said you were. So your answer is still no. Varis: You don't lose by saying no. Sisko: Maybe. But a great leader like your father is one who's willing to risk saying yes. Varis: Commander, I believe I know of an opportunity that could allow both sides to say yes. Crowd: There he is. Sirah, you'll save us. O'Brien: I thought you wanted this job. Hovath: I do. O'Brien: Then why don't you fight for it. Hovath: No, Faren is right. These people will never accept me as Sirah. Without their support I could never control the Dal'Rok. O'Brien: You think I can? Hovath: You have to. Bashir: Oh, Chief? Good luck. Crowd: Tell the story. O'Brien: Once upon a time, there was a Dal'Rok. And it lives there, in the woods, and he hated the village and all of the villagers and he wanted to see them destroyed. O'Brien: Yes, the Dal'Rok is here, and it's hungry. But the village is prepared to fight, like it has always fought, with the lights, the shimmering lights. Hovath: Something's wrong. Bashir: What's wrong is O'Brien's not the Sirah. You are. O'Brien: You know what I'm talking about. Come on, you can do it. The village is strong and unafraid and powerful, and ready to face the Dal'Rok. Bashir: Do you think that maybe the Sirah planned all this? He knew the villagers had lost confidence in you, so he chose O'Brien as his successor, knowing that you would have to rescue him. Don't you see? This is your chance to prove once and for all that you are the true Sirah. O'Brien: All right now, let's really focus and send this one out, okay? Let's really the Dal'Rok a message. Where the hell are those lights? Hovath: Wait, there is no need to run. A new voice appears to challenge the Dal'Rok. O'Brien: It's about time. Hovath: The Dal'Rok is a fearsome enemy. The mountains tremble with its fury. But our prosperity is its misery. Our unity is its vulnerability. And our strength is its doom. Hovath: Look, the Dal'Rok trembles. It fears our strength. It fears our determination. It knows it cannot stand against us because the village is united. We are as one. Hovath: You see for yourselves the Dal'Rok is defeated. This village is safe for another year. Faren: The Sirah! The Sirah! O'Brien: Let's get out of here before they change their minds. Sisko: Nervous? Varis: Not at all. Maybe a little. Do you think Woban will accept my proposal? Sisko: It's very possible. It would give the Navot back their land. Varis: And free trade access to both sides of the river would mean a lot to my people. Sisko: It's a reasonable compromise. Jake: We thought we'd wish you luck with your meeting. Varis: Thank you. Varis: For all your help. Odo: All right, let's go. You two are going to clean the Security office until it shines. Bashir: You know, Chief, this is going to make a fantastic story to tell around the station. O'Brien: Not for me. I've had my fill of storytelling for the time being. Bashir: Well, I hope you won't mind if I mention it. O'Brien: Suit yourself, Julian. Bashir: Oh, and Chief, on second thoughts, you don't really have to call me Julian. O'Brien: Right you are, sir.

Quark: I thought I told you to cancel that order. Now what am I supposed to do with five thousand wrappages of Cardassian yamok sauce. They're the only ones who could stomach that swill. Jake: Hey, Nog, are you going to play, or what? Quark: You ordered it, you're going to pay for it. I'm going to take half of your paycheck every week for the next six years. From now on, no more Cardassian food in here ever. Jake: Come on, Nog, it's your turn. Nog: Five thousand wrappages. That's a lot of yamok sauce. Jake: Look, either take your turn, or I win. Nog: It'd be a shame to let it to go to waste. Jake: That's it. Game over. Nog: Jake, I'm getting that tingle in the lobes. And when a lobe tingles, it means only one thing. Opportunity. Jake: What are you talking about? Nog: I'm talking about gold-pressed latinum. Maybe four or five bars. Jake: I thought you were talking about yamok sauce. Nog: You've got a lot to learn about opportunity. Come on. Jake: Where? Sisko: Captain's log. Stardate 46844.3. With the help of the Federation, Bajor is about to commence its first large-scale energy transfer, the tapping of the molten core of its fifth moon, Jeraddo. Dax: Magma pressures remain constant. O'Brien: Differential subsurface movement is at zero point three percent. Toran: Is that good? Kira: They'd tell you if it weren't. Toran: Why is that red light blinking? O'Brien: We're in normal standby mode. Toran: I take it, then, that we're not expecting any surprises. Sisko: We don't like surprises any more than you do. Kira: Minister Toran, these people are professionals. Toran: Forgive my bureaucratic nitpicking, Major, but we're counting on Jeraddo's energy to heat a few hundred thousand Bajoran homes this winter. Kira: And with that in mind, we're due to make our next inspection. Dax: Anyway, so there I was, sitting in Quark's, when Morn just comes over and invites me for dinner. Grid square twelve-delta reads clear of life forms. Kira: Morn? Are you serious? Dax: Beginning scan of grid square fifteen delta. Kira: So what'd you say? Dax: I told him I was busy. Kira: Good. Dax: But you know those seven or eight little wiry hairs that come out of his forehead? Kira: What? Dax: They make him look kind of cute. That's odd. Sensors read a humanoid presence in fifteen delta. Could be one of the project thermologists. Kira: Not in fifteen delta. Dax: Look for yourself. Kira: All the inhabitants were supposed to have been evacuated by now. Well, I'd better beam down there, take a look around. Dax: Ready to transport. Kira: I won't be long. Mullibok: The problem is, they don't like uniforms. Kira: Neither do I, but it comes with the job. Mullibok: Which is? Kira: Do we talk, or do they attack? Mullibok: You're halfway pretty. Kira: Does that mean I can come in? Mullibok: No. No, I don't like uniforms either. I'm scared of them. We had our fill of uniformed bullies. Kira: I'm no Cardassian. You know you were supposed to be out of here by now. Mullibok: All I know is this farm, girl. Now you want proof, just look at my crop. Kira: I'd rather you didn't call me girl. Mullibok: It's mostly katterpod beans, but you won't find better katterpods. Kira: My father always said you get bigger katterpods when you spray in some chlorobicrobes. Mullibok: Is that right? That could be. Your family's farmers, then. Kira: No but if I don't get on your good side soon, my arm's going to fall off. Mullibok: Pretty eyes like yours deserve a meal. You come on in. Kira: I'm afraid we don't have the time. Obviously, you were overlooked in the general evacuation. I've got to get you out of here. Mullibok: We'll talk about that over supper. Come on. Jake: There he is. Captain: Two twenty, bottom price two twenty. Nog: Excuse me, sir. Are you the captain of the Lissepian cargo ship? Captain: That's right. Nog: And you do a lot of trading with the Cardassians? Captain: Why not? One thing about Cardassians, they pay their bills. Nog: Yes, I've heard that. I've also heard they love their yamok sauce. Captain: Look, if you're trying to buy some yamok sauce from me, boy, you're wasting your time. I'm not carrying any. Nog: We're not buying. We're selling. Jake: Five thousand wrappages of it. Nog: Original, not replicated. Captain: Where would you two boys get all that yamok sauce? Nog: We have connections. Captain: Five thousand, you say. Nog: And they can be yours for say, five bars of gold-pressed latinum. Captain: That's a lot of latinum. Nog: That's a lot of yamok sauce. Captain: Look, I'm not carrying any latinum. But I'll tell you what I'll do. I'll trade you something for it. Nog: We were counting on latinum. Jake: Hold on. What would you trade? ) Captain: I'll give you a hundred gross of self-sealing stem bolts. Some Bajoran ordered them from me, and now he can't pay. Jake: Self-sealing stem bolts? Captain: Top grade merchandise. You won't find a better stem bolt in this sector. Nog: I don't think so. We deal strictly in latinum. Jake: Nog, are you sure? Nog: What are we going to do with stem bolts? Jake: What are we going to do with yamok sauce? Nog: Sir, I've discussed it with my partner, and you have a deal. Captain: Good. I'll meet you at cargo bay nine at twenty one hundred hours. We'll make the trade then. Nog: Now the question is, what do we do with a hundred gross of self-sealing stem bolts. Jake: I have a better question. How do we get your uncle's yamok sauce? Mullibok: At least you're not the type that'd dispossess a man on an empty stomach. Kira: Wouldn't think of it. Mullibok: That's good, because these roots are going to take three hours to soften. Kira: What? Mullibok: You wouldn't want to eat your roots hard, now would you? Kira: I'm in no hurry. Kira to Ganges. Dax: This is Dax. Are you all right? Kira: A man with a talent for delay has just invited me to a farewell supper here. You go on. I'll have one of the thermologists bring me back. Dax: Enjoy supper. Dax out. Mullibok: Here. Wash it off first, and then you scrape the skin off. Kira: You don't talk much. Mullibok: No, they don't talk at all. The Cardassians took care of that. They escaped up to this moon eighteen years ago. I've been here forty. We did real well together. Oh, get out the plates and utensils, like a good girl. That cupboard right over there. You know, you look real good even from this angle. But you know something? You walk like a carnivorous rastipod. Kira: Now look! You're trying to make me mad. Mullibok: How'm I doing? Kira: Not well enough to get rid of me. Mullibok: Damn. So what do they call you, dear? Kira: I'm Major Kira. I'm in charge of evacuating all the Mullibok: Your given name. Kira: Nerys. Mullibok: Nerys. Well, Nerys, I'm Mullibok, and these roots are really going to take three hours to cook, so you might as well just sit down and relax yourself, child. It's going to be tasty. Kira: Mullibok, they begin tapping the core of this moon in seven days. Mullibok: I know. Kira: You are only three people. This project is going to benefit thousands, hundreds of thousands. Mullibok: I made myself unconcerned with that forty years ago when I ran away from a Cardassian labor camp on your precious Bajor. Kira: What we're trying to create now is what you weren't allowed to have then. It can be your Bajor, too. Mullibok: This is where I live. This is my home. Kira: You can have a home on Bajor with people to welcome you and your friends. Life'll be different, yes, but it'll be fine. Really. Mullibok: No. I told you, my life's here. If I leave, I'll die. So I'd rather die here. Girl: Dabo! Nog: Uncle Quark. Quark: You. Last night, that dabo player who dropped his drink? I saw you run and get him another one without charging him. I warned you about picking up your father's habits. Nog: It'll never happen again, Uncle. You know, I was trying to find some storage space for the shipment of lokar beans that are due in tomorrow. Is it okay if I stack them on top of the yamok sauce? If I can reach that high. Quark: Please don't talk to me about yamok sauce. Nog: Do you want me to get rid of it? I can take it to the matter reclamation unit. Quark: Anything. Just get it out of my sight. Nog, you're a good boy. Mullibok: I stowed away on a Cardassian survey vessel which was making stops all through the Bajoran system. They were looking for possible mining sites. Anyway, when we got here to Jeraddo, I overpowered the crew and I stole whatever I'd need to start building my life here. Kira: You overpowered the crew yourself? Mullibok: There were only six of them. That was fortunate for me, because I was somewhat weakened a bit by the captivity and starvation. Anyway, here I was, the first person ever to settle on this moon, and the only trouble was that I didn't have any kind of farm implements. So once again starvation and I were staring each other in the face. I'm not boring you? Kira: No, no. I want to hear who won. Mullibok: Well, it was mind over matter. Every twenty-six hours I'd just tightened up my waist-belt another notch, and that way my belly didn't know that it was shrinking. Kira: Excuse me? Mullibok: You asked me to tell you how I got started here, which I'm trying very politely to do. Now will you kindly let me finish. Kira: I assume you found some food before you ran out of belt notches. Mullibok: Are you telling the story or am I? Kira: By all means. I can't wait to hear how it ends. Mullibok: Obviously I was going to have to plant and harvest a crop. So I did what any person would do who had to build an entire world for himself. First I rolled back and forth on the ground til it surrendered. Then I went down on my hands and knees and I started to plow using nothing but my fingernails, mind you. I plowed every last furrow in that field straight as a plumb line. Kira: Now that is inventive. Mullibok: If I came across a deposit of mineralised clay, what I'd do is just grind it up in my teeth. That way it enriched the soil. Baltrim, how about some of that wonderful wine here? What I'm telling you, Major. I tamed this place. Me. Kira: I believe you. Mullibok: You look like a bit of a fighter yourself. Kira: Well, on Bajor, we had to be. Mullibok: To get rid of the Cardassians. Mindless butchers. Kira: We paid them back. Mullibok: I bet you did. They probably never knew what hit them. I'm sorry I missed the fun. Kira: Fun? Mullibok: Must have been like spearing kandippers in a bottle. Kira: Wait a minute, are you serious? You know what the Cardassians were like, what weapons they had. We didn't stand a chance against them. Mullibok: How'd you beat them, then? Kira: We beat them because, because we hung on like fanatics. Mullibok: Hung on like fanatics. I got to remember that. Kira: Mullibok, listen to me. Mullibok: One of these days I'm going to have to finish up that kiln. Then I can temper my baking pots, put some colorful lids on them. That'd be nice, wouldn't it. Kira: I appreciate that you're trying to hang on here. I sympathize, but you can't stay. The minute they start tapping the crust, it'll release carbon and sulfur compounds that'll make the air unbreathable. Mullibok: The Cardassians probably told you you didn't stand a chance, either. Did you surrender? Kira: No. Mullibok: Why would you expect me to act any different than you? You tell them they can start cracking this moon apart whenever they're ready. I'll be here. Kira: I'll tell them. Jake: So that's a stem bolt. Nog: A self-sealing stem bolt. There's a difference. Jake: You're sure about that? Nog: What's important is that it's top grade merchandise. You can't get a better stem bolt in this sector. Jake: And we have a hundred gross of them. Nog: That's a lot of stem bolts. O'Brien: Excuse me, gentlemen. Anyone know what this cargo's doing here? Nog: It belongs to my Uncle Quark. They're stem bolts. O'Brien: Will you do me a favor and tell your uncle we're getting a bit weary of him bypassing import procedures. Nog: I'll certainly do that, sir. It's just that my Uncle Quark really needed some stem bolts. O'Brien: You mean self-sealing stem bolts. Nog: That's right. That's it. Self-sealing stem bolts. O'Brien: He sure needs a lot of them. Jake: It's top grade merchandise. You can't find a better stem bolt in this sector. O'Brien: Oh, I don't doubt it. What does he need them for? Nog: The usual. O'Brien: The usual? Nog: Well, you know. Why does anybody use self-sealing stem bolts? O'Brien: I wouldn't know. I've never used them. Jake: Never? O'Brien: I've never even seen one. Nog: Then how did you know they're self-sealing? O'Brien: I read it here on the manifest PADD. Nog: I would've bet anything that he would have known what they were. Jake: I told you. We should've asked that freighter captain. Nog: Wait. I know who can tell us what self-sealing stem bolts are. The Bajoran who ordered them in the first place. His name's got to be on the shipping codes. Jake: Sirco Ch'Ano. It has his address and everything. You think he'll be mad that we have his stem bolts? Nog: He couldn't afford them, remember? But we'll offer to sell them to him at a diskount. Dax: I'm glad you finally made it back. I was getting worried about you. Kira: Is he alone? Dax: I think Minister Toran is in there with him. Kira: Even better. Toran: I don't understand. There were forty-seven other people living on that moon. They all left willingly. Kira: How do we know? All we know is that they obeyed the order to leave. Toran: And so will these people. Kira: You haven't met Mullibok. Sisko: Is there anything you can offer that might make him more willing to leave? Kira: Not a thing, believe me. Sisko: Would a postponement help? Kira: Give us time to work something out with him. Toran: We can't postpone. And if he stays, he'll be committing suicide. We'll have to beam him off the surface. Kira: If we take him like that, we'll be killing him. Toran: I refuse to allow three stubborn holdouts to jeopardize a project that will benefit so many of our people. I'm sorry, Major. If there was anything else that we could do, we'd have done it. Kira: But there is another way. We can tap the core using phased energy retrieval. Toran: I thought we'd agreed phased energy retrieval would take too long. It would mean waiting a full year before we can extract any meaningful amount of energy. I wish we had the time to be more delicate, but we don't. Kira: So instead we'll act like Cardassians. Sisko: Easy, Major. Toran: I resent that. It's obvious to me that you've developed a feeling for this man. Fine. I can accept that. But if you're not comfortable with completing this assignment, I'll find someone else who is. Kira: That won't be necessary. Kira: Mullibok? Mullibok! Security: What about the other two? Kira: They have a cottage thirty five, forty meters through there. Now remember, these people were victims of the Cardassians. They don't speak. They're very frightened of uniforms. Understood? Security: Understood, Major. Kira: If you find them working in the fields, just gather up their clothes and supplies, I guess. Security: Without permission? Kira: We're not going to get their permission. Just be very careful with everything. Mullibok: You plan to use that? Kira: Protocol. If you like, I'll help you pack your things. Mullibok: You sent those two uniforms after Baltrim and Keena. Kira: That's right. I'm doing what has to be done. Mullibok: Me, too. Kira: Don't make us take you by force. Please! Kira: I promise you. It won't be so bad. You can plant whatever you want to on Bajor. Stay by yourself if you want to. That's fine. Take some seeds with you for those terrible roots of yours I had to eat. Just listen to reason. Mullibok: Just listen to yourself, Major. Tell me what you hear. Kira: What do you mean? Mullibok: Well, I mean you sound like a two-headed Malgorian I knew when I was a boy. You ever try talk to a two-headed Malgorian? Kira: This is no time for one of your stories. Mullibok: You see, the thing about two-headed Malgorians is, it can never figure out what it really wants to do, and that can be very confusing, believe me. Kira: You know, eventually you're going to have to stop talking, and deal with this. Mullibok: And the trouble with my Malgorian friend was, he had all kind of problems and he couldn't decide how to solve them. So he'd always come running for me so I could solve them for him. Kira: Mullibok. Mullibok: You know what I finally said to that Malgorian? I said fellows, deal with it yourselves. Kira: Fine. I'll pack your things myself. Security: Major! They're crazy! The man just stuck me with a farm tool, and she attacked me from behind! Mullibok: Let her go! Security: Stop! Mullibok: Let her go! Kira: No! Kira: You! Beam up to the runabout and call the station. Get Doctor Bashir. Move! Ch'Ano: I'm sorry, I still can't see you. What'd you say your name was? I'm getting some kind of subspace interference. Jake: My name's Nog: We're, the Nog and, er the Noh-Jay Consortium, and we have a hundred gross of self-sealing stem bolts. And we were wondering Ch'Ano: You have my stem bolts? What would you want for them? Nog: We'll let you have them for five bars of gold-pressed latinum. Ch'Ano: Five bars! Nog: Four bars. Ch'Ano: I don't think I Nog: Three bars. Ch'Ano: If I had any latinum, I'd already have the bolts. Would you consider an exchange? Nog: I would consider one bar of latinum. Jake: He doesn't have any latinum. Let's exchange for something. Nog: I don't want something. I want latinum. Ch'Ano: I can't hear you. Can I interest you in a piece of land? Jake: Land is good. Nog: For what? It's nothing but dirt. Jake: How much land? Ch'Ano: I can let you have seven tessipates. Jake: Seven sounds good. Nog: First yamok sauce, then stem bolts, now tessipates, and still no profit. Jake: We're getting closer. I can feel it. Nog: You can? Jake: I think so. Ch'Ano: Do we have a deal? Jake: We'd have to see proof that you own the land. Ch'Ano: Naturally. You'll get a transmission on that by twelve hundred hours. Jake: You just bought yourself some stem bolts. Jake: Land! Nog: Dirt. Bashir: Just rest easy. You took a phaser blast which punctured your peritoneum. It's serious, and if you try to move around, you'll make it worse. Mullibok: Another uniform. Bashir: Doctor Julian Bashir, Starfleet. Major Kira sent for me. Mullibok: She did, huh? You're backwards, Nerys, I told you. Mullibok: With me unconscious, she could have swept us all off of here with no trouble at all. My friends Baltrim and Keena? Bashir: They've been evacuated to Bajor. I'll be taking you back to our station, so I can Mullibok: No. I stay here. Bashir: He refuses to leave. Kira: Really? Bashir: He's got to be cared for. I'm going to take him without his permission. Kira: No, you're not. Bashir: He needs close attention. Kira: I'll be here. Bashir: There's no medical facility here. Kira: Leave the instructions and whatever medication you think he'll need. Bashir: She didn't offer a word of explanation, sir. She simply removed her uniform tunic and started building. Sisko: Well Doctor, right now she stands a pretty good chance of being out of uniform permanently. I'm going to tell Minister Toran that she's remained temporarily on Jeraddo at your request. Bashir: But sir, that isn't true. Sisko: Make it true, Doctor. Now, please. Bashir: Commander, I'd advise that Major Kira remain on Jeraddo for humanitarian reasons. How long? Sisko: The next day or two. Bashir: For the next day or two, sir. Sisko: Thank you, Doctor. I'll consider that request. Dismissed. Mullibok: What's that? Kira: It's for deep bruises. Don't ask my why it works. I'm not the doctor. Mullibok: What're they going to do to you for staying here? Kira: Probably the same thing they're going to do to you. I don't really know. Mullibok: What are you so angry about? Kira: I don't really know. When I was very small, I remember there was this tree right outside my window. It was the ugliest, most gnarled and battered old tree I've ever seen. Even the birds stayed away from it. Mullibok: But you loved it. Kira: I hated it. Because it'd grown so huge that its branches blotted out the sun for kellipates. And its roots buried themselves so deep in the soil nothing else could grow there. It was a big, selfish, annoying Mullibok: Nasty Kira: Nasty, nasty old tree. Mullibok: Sounds to me like it had a lot of character. Kira: A lot. Mullibok: So what happened? Did you cut it down? Kira: I don't know yet. Sisko: Sisko to Kira. Kira: Commander. Sisko: I'm preparing to beam down. Kira: I don't think that's a good idea. Sisko: Major, either I'm coming down or you're coming up. Mullibok: He doesn't have much faith in you, does he? Mullibok: Nerys. This is still my home. Mullibok: What do you want? Sisko: I'm here to see Major Kira. Mullibok: Well she doesn't want to see you. Neither do I. Kira: Wait a minute. Don't speak for me. Sisko: You know, you're causing a lot of trouble. Mullibok: I can't tell you how delighted I am to hear it. How many of your Federation uniforms are you planning to send after me? Forty? Fifty? Sisko: I don't think it'll come to that. Mullibok: That depends on how bad you want to get rid of me. Sisko: Mister Mullibok, I'm here because I'm concerned about my first officer. Mullibok: What about her? Sisko: By staying here, she's jeopardizing her career. Kira: Would you go back to bed. Mullibok: You quit telling me what to do! Sisko: Major, can I see you outside for a minute? Mullibok: Talk to him as long as you want. Why don't you tell him the story about your tree. Kira: Be quiet. Mullibok: There was this big, ugly tree. Sisko: Go on. Mullibok: Never mind. Sisko: I can see why you like him. Kira: What can I do for you, Commander? Sisko: You and I have a material subsistence report to finish by the end of the week. Kira: I don't think I'm going to be able to help you with that. Sisko: It's part of the liaison officer's job. Kira: I know. Sisko: I don't like the prospect of having to break in a new one. Sisko: You have a job to do here, Major, and you're not doing it. Kira: It's not as simple as that. Sisko: I'm not saying it's simple, I'm saying it can't wait. Look, I understand you're used to sympathizing with the underdog. You've spent your life fighting to overcome impossible odds just like he's doing. But you have to realize something, Major. You're on the other side now. Pretty uncomfortable, isn't it? Kira: It's awful. Sisko: When I first met you, Major, I thought you were hostile and arrogant. But I was wrong. Bajor needs you, and I need you. I like you and I don't want you to be hurt. So, as a friend, I'm here to remind you that his fate is already decided. Yours isn't. Kira: Thank you. Sisko: There'll be a runabout standing by. One to beam up. Kira: Mullibok. Mullibok. Mullibok: No! You're hurting her. Let go. Kira: Easy. Mullibok: Lussilla. Kira: Easy. Mullibok: I told you take your hands off me. Kira: That's right. It's okay. Everything's going to be fine. Mullibok: Oh. it's you. Kira: You were having a bad dream. Mullibok: Not just a bad dream, bad memories. I didn't say anything, did I? Kira: No. Are you thirsty? Mullibok: No. Kira: Hungry? Mullibok: No. Leave me alone. Kira: Go back to sleep. Mullibok: Where are you going? Kira: I'd like to get some sleep, too. Mullibok: Fine. Bring the chair over here. Well, are you my nurse, or not? Kira: Is this better? Mullibok: Are you going to talk all night, or let me sleep? Jake: Nog, I'm waiting. Nog: I'm thinking. Jake: About what? Nog: Latinum. And how we don't have any. All we have is dirt. Jake: How many times do I have to tell you. It's not dirt, it's land. Nog: What are we supposed to do with this land? Jake: Sell it, I guess. Nog: To who? Jake: Why do I have to think of everything. Nog: We should've kept the stem bolts. Jake: Land is better than bolts. Nog: How do you know? Jake: You can build things on land. Nog: You can't build anything without bolts. Jake: Just throw down a card. Quark: And you say they're based here on the station? Odo: That's correct. Quark: The Noh-Jay Consortium. No, never heard of it. Why do you ask? Odo: I was contacted by a government official this morning. They want to build a reclamation facility on a strip of land owned by four different people. Three of them have agreed to sell, but the government doesn't know how to reach the fourth, this Noh-Jay Consortium. Quark: You mean the government can't build without that one piece of land? Odo: Apparently not. Quark: What a wonderful opportunity for profit. Jake: I told you that land was better than bolts. Quark: And you think that I'm part of this consortium? Odo: I think very little goes on here without your knowledge. Quark: True. This time, however, someone has failed to include me. Odo: Are you telling me you're not involved? Quark: Not yet, but that will be remedied. You can tell the Bajorans I'll be opening negotiations with them shortly. Quark: Let's see. Who on this station is clever enough Nog: Uncle Quark? Quark: Not now. Nog: But Uncle Quark. Quark: Go sweep the floor. Nog: It's important. Quark: All right, make it fast. Nog: I have a business opportunity that might interest you. It'll only cost you five bars of gold-pressed latinum. Quark: Nog. Kira: Any pain? Mullibok: Just a little sore. I was starting to think you'd sleep all day. Kira: That's because I was taking care of you all night. Mullibok: I don't recall asking you to that. I can handle this. Go get something to eat. Kira: There isn't time. Mullibok: You're finally leaving? Kira: Last one. Mullibok: I didn't think I'd ever finish it. Kira: It's finished. Mullibok: Nothing to do but fire it up. Mullibok: What's all this? Kira: You've finished your work, now I have to finish mine. Mullibok: But you don't want to. Kira: I could use a friend on Bajor. I'd like it to be you. Mullibok: As long as that cottage is standing, I stay here. Mullibok: What the hell are you doing! Kira: Saving your life. Mullibok: So you chose your uniform over me after all. Kira: That's not true. The time I've spent with you here has meant so much to me, but it's over. It's time we went on with our lives. Mine and yours. Mullibok: You say you're my friend. Prove it. Use that weapon on me. Kira: I can't. Mullibok: If I leave here I'll die. Kira: No, you won't. I won't let you. Two to beam up.

Quark: Can't you ever just let go? Odo: Let go? Quark: The place is almost deserted. There hasn't been a ship in for three days and yet you just sit here like a Baneriam Hawk looking for prey. This is your chance to relax. I could set you up with a terrific holosuite program. Odo: Thank you, but I don't accept gifts from the likes of you. Quark: Who said anything about gifts? You pay like everyone else. I'm just trying to get you into the tent. Odo: I have no time for fantasies. Quark: Ah. No imagination, huh? Odo: Waste of time. Too many people dream of places they'll never go, wish for things they'll never have, instead of paying adequate attention to their real lives. Quark: I could create a shape-shifter playmate for you. The two of you could intermingle. Odo: You're disgusting. Quark: It's a living. Odo: You're not allowing young Mister Sisko in your holosuites, I hope. Quark: It's not what you think. Odo: It better not be. Quark: You see that thing on his hand? It's a baseball mitten. Every afternoon, the boy goes up to play. His father brought a program with famous players. You ever hear of Tris Speaker or Ted Williams or Buck Bokai? Odo: Afraid not. Quark: Neither had I until I made it my business to find out. With all these humans coming now, the true entrepreneur knows how to sniff the wind. Try it. Go ahead. Odo: I have no sense of smell. Quark: You don't need one to detect the scent of opportunity. Odo: Opportunity. Quark: Family entertainment. That's the future, Odo. There's a fortune to be made. Little holo-creatures running around, rides and games for the kiddies, Ferengis in every doorway selling useless souvenirs. Odo: You're going to replace all your sexual holo-programs with family entertainment? Quark: No, no, no, I'm expanding. I'm negotiating to lease the space next door so I can use the same holo-generators. Odo: You're still disgusting. Quark: Till the day I die. Dax: I'm sure you're exaggerating. Bashir: You are constantly in my thoughts. I can't even Waiter: That was two raktajinos, extra strong. Bashir: I can't even concentrate. Dax: You seemed to be concentrating just fine on the junior Lieutenant at the reception for Captain Stadius. Bashir: She was a poor substitute for you. Dax: And the Betazoid envoy who was here last week. Bashir: A barely adequate substitute for you. Dax: Julian, you are a wonderful friend. I enjoy the time we spend together. Bashir: Stop. You're driving a stake through my heart. Dax: Try a high-pitched sonic shower. It'll make you feel better. Bashir: No it won't. Bashir: I've already tried it. Dax: Sorry I'm late. I was having dinner with Julian. Sisko: How is our young doctor? Dax: Young. Anything going on? Kira: We were just looking at an unusual energy reading. Dax: Elevated thoron emissions in the plasma field. Sisko: We thought it might be an environmental byproduct created by the increased traffic to this area. Dax: It could be. Ships have always avoided the Denorios Belt. We have no idea how the presence of so many warp and impulse engines might affect it. The question is, is this going to cause us any problems? Kira: We were hoping you could tell us. O'Brien: And the messenger from the Queen watched the little man as he danced and sang and laughed. How he would soon have the daughter he always wanted because they would never guess that his name was Molly: Rumpelstiltskin. O'Brien: Rumpelstiltskin, right. And the next day, when the little man came and asked, 'Now, Mrs Queen, what is my name?' She said at first, 'Are you called Jack?' 'No,' he answered. 'Are you called Harry?' 'No,' he answered. And then she said, 'Then perhaps your name is' Molly: Rumpelstiltskin. O'Brien: Rumpelstiltskin. And at the sound of his own name, the old man was so furious that he stamped his foot, shaking the entire kingdom, and he broke in two and disappeared. And the King and Queen and their daughter lived happily ever after. Good night, little one. Sweet dreams. Molly: I'm not tired! Keiko: Ah, ah, ah, none of that. Goodnight, sweetheart. O'Brien: Now then, shall I tuck you in with a bedtime story too? Keiko: Only if you're tucked in with me. O'Brien: Naturally. Molly: Mommy? Keiko: What is it, honey? Molly: He's in my room. Keiko: Who? Molly: Rumpelstiltskin. O'Brien: Sweetheart, that was just make-believe. Rumpelstiltskin isn't real, okay? All right, I'll come in and check, but then it's bedtime. Why we tell her stories about evil dwarfs that want to steal children? Rumpelstiltskin: Don't look so distraught. I'm only here to offer you my services if you should need them. O'Brien: Take her out of here. Keiko: What's wrong? Keiko: Miles, what? O'Brien: Please, just go. Rumpelstiltskin: A pity you're sending the ladies away. It's as if all the life just went out of the room. O'Brien: O'Brien to Security. Security: Go ahead. O'Brien: Intruder alert. Send a team to my quarters immediately. Security: On our way, Chief. Rumpelstiltskin: So where's the straw? I assume you want gold spun from straw? O'Brien: What are you? Rumpelstiltskin: Surely you must know. You were just telling the little one all about me. O'Brien: I know what you look like. but you're not Rumpelstiltskin: Ah, don't say it. I don't like the sound of it, you know. O'Brien: Rumpelstiltskin. Rumpelstiltskin: You didn't think that would make me break in two and disappear, did you? Not this time. I learned my lesson back in the kingdom. I don't make deals like that any more. Rumpelstiltskin: Ah, the local constabularies. Gents, give me a small bit of courtesy and I'll be very pleasant, but try and lay a hand on me, and you'll soon regret it. Besides, I'm much too fast for you. Rumpelstiltskin: And now, my good host, if gold is not your pleasure, tell me your needs and I'll tell you my price. O'Brien: O'Brien to Sisko. Sisko: Go ahead, Chief. O'Brien: I need you in my quarters on the double. Sisko: I'm on my way. Jake: Dad, I've got to talk to you. Sisko: Jake, I don't have time. Buck: Hello, Ben. Jake: He followed me home from the holosuite. Bashir: Jadzia! Dax: Hello, Julian. Bashir: What are you doing here? Dax: Watching you. Waiting for you to wake up. Bashir: I'm awake. Dax: Is something wrong? Bashir: Funny, I was about to ask you the same question. It must be this Larosian virus that's been going around. How do you feel? Dax: Wonderful. Bashir: No fever. It must be me. It must be me. It must be me. Must be an allergic reaction to the replicated antipasto I had at lunch. Perhaps, I must be hallucinating. Dax: Why are you fighting this? Bashir: Why am I fighting this? Why am I fighting this? I have no good answer to that question. Kira: All senior officers report to Ops immediately. Bashir: Okay, I get it. Very funny. Did O'Brien put you up to this? Dax: I don't know what you're talking about. Bashir: Senior officers report to Ops. We all walk in, everybody has a good laugh at my expense. Dax: This is not a joke, Julian. Bashir: We'll see. Sisko: Ah, good. It seems we have a small mystery on our hands. Lieutenant Jadzia Dax and Doctor Julian Bashir, I'd like you to meet Harmon Bokai, a baseball player from the London Kings who's been dead for two hundred years. Buck: Don't look at me. I can't figure it out either. Sisko: And a medieval fairy tale character named Rumpelstiltskin. Rumpelstiltskin: Fine, now everyone knows my name. Sisko: Until today, he only existed in storybooks. Bashir: A pleasure, I'm sure. Sisko: Could this be related to the increased thoron emissions in the plasma field? Dax 2: Thoron emissions? Dax: I think you'd better ask me, Benjamin. Buck: I was hitting a few to the boy. He's really been moving well onto the ball lately, Ben. We would've worked on some baserunning except he was getting hungry and I realized I was too. Kira: A hologram with an appetite? Buck: Hologram? Bashir: On the contrary, Major, he's quite real. They all seem to be. Buck: What the hell are they talking about, Ben? Sisko: You. You're not actually Buck Bokai. Buck: So how come I'm wearing his uniform? Sisko: You're a holographic image of Buck Bokai that I created so Jake and I could play ball with you. Buck: But I remember. I remember all the games, all the opening days. The home run that won the forty two World Series. The squeaker that went under Eddie Newsom's glove. The day I broke DiMaggio's consecutive streak. Sisko: I programd it into the computer. All of it. Every statistic. Rumpelstiltskin: What foreign tongue are they speaking? O'Brien: This one didn't come out of any holosuite. Sisko: But he did come out of your imagination, just as Buck came out of Jake's. Rumpelstiltskin: His imagination? Dax 2: Then I must have come out of your imagination, Julian. Bashir: Not necessarily. Well, maybe. How could this sort of thing possibly happen? Dax: A subspace disruption. Maybe some kind of dimensional shift. Dax: I didn't see an anomaly when I scanned the plasma field, but it could have been so small the sensors missed it. Dax 2: Julian, let's go to your quarters. Bashir: Please, I haven't got time for this. Odo: Odo to Sisko. Sisko: Go ahead. Odo: Is there something you want to tell me? Sisko: I'm in no mood for games, Constable. Sisko: What do you need? Odo: Are the environmental controls broken down? It's snowing on the Promenade. Sisko: Snowing? Odo: We're looking at five or six centimeters down here. Sisko: Bring in all available security, Odo. Sisko: We're going to Yellow alert. Odo: What's going on? Sisko: It seems we're letting our imaginations run wild. As soon as I have an explanation I'll give you one. Sisko out. Kira: Yellow alert? Against our own imaginations? Sisko: You have a better idea? Dax: I think I've got something. Look at the wave patterns of the plasma field. O'Brien: The wave front's converging toward a single point. Dax: The particle density rises as you get closer to the center, but then it looks like it just drops off completely. O'Brien: You're right. I'm not getting any particulate readings from the core. Kira: What does that mean? Dax: Whatever falls in there is just gone. Bashir: You were right. It is some kind of subspace disruption. Sisko: I want a full analysis. Chief, get a class four probe ready. O'Brien: Aye, sir.. Rumpelstiltskin: Is there anything I can do to help? Odo: Odo to Ops. Sisko: Go ahead. Odo: The snow's Odo: Disappeared but now there's a Gunji jackdaw running loose down here. Sisko: Just try to keep things under control, Odo. We're working on it. Odo: Understood. Come along now, come along. There we go. Odo: Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention, please? Ladies and gentlemen, and all androgynous creatures, your attention please! As you may have noticed, we're experiencing some difficulties. I'm going to have to ask you all to please refrain from using your imaginations. Quark: Just because you don't have an imagination, don't ruin it for the rest of us. Quark: Let me guess. Another clever Federation experiment has gone awry and you've turned the whole station into one vast holosuite. Odo: The phenomenon is being investigated as we speak. Quark: Well, tell them to take their time. I haven't had the chance to show the ladies my collection of Tartaras landscapes yet. Odo: I'm surprised by your attitude, Quark. Quark: Ah, yes, well, you simply don't have the same appreciation for art as I do. Girl: Dabo! Odo: I'm surprised because every one of your customers is winning. Quark: What? Odo: They're taking you to the poorhouse. Girl: Dabo! Another winner! Quark: No! No, that's not possible. Let me through. Lose. Lose. One cross. Two cross. No. No. Odo: You're outnumbered, Quark. Pardon me. Pardon me. Dax: I was afraid of this. The proximity of the wormhole is amplifying the rupture. Bashir: The proton counts are going through the roof. Dax: Dax to O'Brien. How are you coming with that probe, Chief? O'Brien: I'll have the subspace scanners programd in less than an hour. Dax: Keep me informed. Dax out. Bashir: I have the wave intensity analysis. Dax: Computer, scan all data files for comparable wave intensity patterns. Computer: Stand by. Bashir: Jadzia, I find this difficult to say, but I want you to know, I would Dax: Julian, there's really no need to apologize. In a way, I feel as if we've invaded your privacy. We all have fantasies and dreams we keep to ourselves, thoughts that should remain private. Bashir: I'm glad you understand. Dax: Of course I do. I was a young man, once. Bashir: So we can put all this behind us? Dax: Of course. Bashir: Good. The computer seems to be having trouble finding a match. Dax: She really is submissive, isn't she? Is that how you want me to be, Julian? So submissive? Dax 2: I am not submissive. Am I? Bashir: No, er, well, I don't think so. Dax 2: I'm just not the cold fish you are. Dax: Cold fish? Bashir: Now, I never said that. Dax 2: If you'd get down off your high horse, you'd start to appreciate Julian. Bashir: She has a sense of humor, as, as I've always imagined you do. Dax: I could use one about now. Dax 2: Come on, Lieutenant. Stop denying all those yearnings you feel. Dax: Yearnings? Dax 2: If you don't, you'll never know what you missed. Computer: Pattern match found. Bashir: Just in the nick of time. Dax: A similar subspace rupture was reported in the Hanoli System in the mid twenty third century. Bashir: The Hanoli system? I don't believe I know where that is. Dax: There's no reason you should. When the rupture expanded, the system was destroyed. Sisko: Captain's log, stardate 46853.2. We have launched a probe to study the subspace anomaly. Meanwhile, more than half the people aboard DS Nine have reported manifestations of their imagined thoughts. Dax: All probe systems are reading normal. O'Brien: Calibrating sensors for subspace. Three minutes to coordinates. Dax: Wave pattern should begin to fluctuate any time now. There. O'Brien: The probe is penetrating the thoron field. Two and a half minutes to coordinates. Rumpelstiltskin: Ah, for simpler times, eh? O'Brien: Go away. Rumpelstiltskin: I only want to help. O'Brien: You're in the way. Rumpelstiltskin: A farmer from Derry once tried to chase me off until I saved his crops from locusts O'Brien: Two minutes to coordinates. Thoron emissions are stable. Rumpelstiltskin: You know what I find most intriguing about you, my good host? You're afraid. Of me. O'Brien: Look, figment, I'm not afraid of anybody, least of all you. Ninety seconds to coordinates. Rumpelstiltskin: Figment, am I? O'Brien: A figment of my imagination, that's all. Rumpelstiltskin: And yet you can't deny how this imagination of yours empowers me, can you? Empowers me in a way that somehow terrifies you. O'Brien: You should be getting some primary data, Commander. Sisko: They're coming in now, Chief. Stand by. Rumpelstiltskin: She is your first born, isn't she? O'Brien: Thirty seconds to coordinates. Dax: Thoron emission patterns unstable. Probe hull temperature dropping rapidly. O'Brien: Ten seconds. Dax: The probe's approaching the perimeter of the anomaly. That's strange. Sisko: What is it? Dax: Negative readings on all sensors. We may be looking at some sort of folded space. Sisko: Let's see what the optical scanner on the probe gives us. Bashir: It's drawing in all the matter from the surrounding space. Dax: Benjamin, it's getting larger. Buck: Feel like taking a few ground balls? Sisko: Look, I tried to tell you. You're on a space station in the twenty-fourth century. The only ball field around is a holographic simulation. It's not real and neither are you. Buck: Oh. You see, I don't get it. I can pinch myself and it hurts, and I am here with you, aren't I? Sisko: Right now you are, but in a minute, who knows? I hope when we get this thing figured out you'll Buck: Disappear for good? Sisko: I hope so. Buck: Oh, you do, huh? Well, let's say for a moment I don't. So what am I supposed to do, huh? You got room on your team for a switch hitting third baseman with good power? Sisko: Good power from the left side. Buck: Left side? Ben! Hey! Hey, Ben. What are you talking about? I hit over twenty homers right-handed in each of my first three years in the majors. Sisko: And never more than ten after that. Buck: That was because Old Crow moved me to second in the order. Sisko: I wish I had more time for this. Buck: Well, that was baseball's epitaph, wasn't it. Nobody seemed to have time for us anymore. I could've played five more years if they hadn't killed the game. Sisko: You were the best that ever played. I know. I've played with them all. I've got work to do. Buck: Hey, Ben. It really meant a lot to me, how much you cared. That day we won that world series, there were only three hundred people in the stands. Sisko: Three hundred and one in my version. Buck: I heard you cheering. It meant a lot to me. I just thought you should know, you know. In case I do finally disappear. Sisko: Ops. Rumpelstiltskin: We don't know any more than when we started. Dax 2: Why would mine create a woman and then reject her? Rumpelstiltskin: Why would mine create a dwarf that could terrify him? We should abandon the whole thing. Buck: Not yet. I made a connection with mine. A curious one. I sense a feeling from him. An affection for this ballplayer who died two hundred years before he was even born. Rumpelstiltskin: How much longer do you suggest we devote to this? Buck: As long as it takes. It ain't over til it's over. Sisko: Captain's log, supplemental. The subspace anomaly continues to expand. As of yet, we've been unable to find a way to contain it. As a precaution, we have diverted all incoming ships away from the station. O'Brien: A Vulcan science mission to the Hanoli rift detonated a pulse wave torpedo at the coordinates of the tear. Dax: Five minutes after they did, the rupture expanded radically. O'Brien: They were wiped out, along with the entire Hanoli system. Kira: What happened to the rupture after that? it's not still there? Dax: It reached a critical mass point and imploded and then disappeared from normal space altogether. Sisko: Were there any reports from the Vulcans about hallucinations on board? Anything similar to what we're experiencing? O'Brien: No, sir. But they were only within range of the anomaly for twelve hours. Bashir: And Vulcans don't have the most active imaginations. Sisko: Were there any explanations offered for the initial cause of the rupture? Dax: Dozens. Nothing confirmed. But we do know there were no wormholes and very little starship activity in the area before it formed. O'Brien: We've looked high and low for some common ground, something to give us a fix on how to attack this thing. And frankly, sir, as funny as it sounds, we think pulse wave torpedoes may still be the best approach. Kira: Wait a minute. If it didn't work very well last time, why O'Brien: The Vulcans were using a primitive device. In the past two hundred years, we've developed far better ways of controlling the flux density. We should be able to contain the internal reaction this time. Kira: And if we can't, we destroy the whole Bajoran system. Sisko: Major, the rupture is already expanding. We have to seal it or it's going to destroy this system anyway. Dax: The smaller it is, the better chance we have. Sisko: How long will it take to create one of these torpedoes? O'Brien: We could have one ready by twenty two hundred hours. Sisko: If the rift expands at all before imploding, we have to be prepared. Route auxiliary power to shields. Major, I'd like you to coordinate evacuation of the pylons. Odo can help you. Dismissed. Kira: Kira to Odo. Odo: What is it, Major? Kira: I need you to do a security sweep through the pylons. We're going to evacuate them. Odo: I'll get on it as soon as possible. I've got my hands full right now. Clear the way. Get out of the corridor. Let them through. Clear the way, now. Kira: Kira to Ops. Lower pylon one is gone. I need emergency Sisko: Sisko to Kira. Report. Kira, can you read me? Major Kira, report. Kira: Disregard, Commander. False alarm. Kira out. Kira: All personnel in lower pylon one, report to outer ring airlock. Prepare for evacuation. Odo: Clear the way now, clear the way. Please stay inside. This isn't a show. Quark: Odo! Odo: Get out of the way. Quark: Odo! Odo! Odo! Odo! Odo! Thank goodness. I want to report two missing persons. A blonde and a brunette. Odo: Can't you see I'm busy. Don't scare them! Quark: One minute they're whispering sweet nothings in my ear, the next minute the sweet nothings are gone. Odo: Will you get off the street before Quark: Girls! I've been looking everywhere for you. Don't ever do that to me again. So, Odo, what have you conjured up during all this? Odo: Me? Quark: I should have guessed. Nothing at all. Odo: I've spent all my time chasing incarnations of the Prophets, long dead lovers, Gunji jackdaws, blizzards, trollops. Quark: As I always said, a man without any imagination. Come along, my dears. I'll show you what a fertile imagination can do. Odo: Imagination, ha. Computer, run a level one personnel sweep of all pylons Computer: Requested function will take approximately three minutes. Quark: Let me out of here! Let me out of here! Get the Nagus on subspace. I want to talk to him and I mean now! I'm not spending another minute in this cell. Odo: How did you get in there? Quark: How did I get in here? You put me in here! Odo: I guess I did, didn't I? Quark: Yeah. Odo: No imagination, indeed. Ha! Buck: Heads up, Jake. So what are you doing here? Jake: I can't go. I've got homework to do. Buck: But you'd rather be at the ballpark. Jake: You don't understand. If I go to the holosuite without finishing my homework, my dad'll kill me. Buck: Kill you? Jake: Yeah. Buck: You really believe he'd kill you? Jake: I know he would. Buck: Well if that's true, why are you still thinking about going? Jake: I'm trying not to. Buck: But you are wondering if you can get away with it, aren't you. Sisko: Well? Jake: I couldn't understand the directions. The computer accidentally erased the instruction page. Sisko: You really expect me to believe that? Jake: No, I guess not. Jake: I've really got homework to do. Dax: I need to see you, Benjamin. Sisko: What do you have, Dax? Dax: In the last hour alone, the rupture's expanded twenty seven percent The rate of expansion is increasing. Sisko: Can we gain any time by moving the station? Dax: If the rift collapses, the implosion would overtake us almost immediately. Sisko: How soon can you be ready, Chief? O'Brien: I'm installling pulse wave devices in the torpedoes now, Commander. Six, seven minutes. Dax: The rift's gotten large enough to pick up on visual scanners. SISKO On screen. Magnify. Kira: All pylons are secured. Everyone's been moved to the habitat ring for the time being. Dax 2: You're worried. Bashir: You bet I am. If this doesn't work, nothing real or imagined is going to survive. Dax 2: Hold me, please. O'Brien: Torpedoes ready. Sisko: Status of shields? Dax: All available power's been transferred. Reading shield strength at one hundred fifty eight percent above normal. Sisko: Let's hope it's enough. Red alert. Fire. O'Brien: All systems functioning properly. Torpedo guidance is on nominal track. Dax: Thirty seconds to coordinates. O'Brien: Impulse sustainer throttling down. Arming pulse wave initiator. Dax: Torpedo hull temperature dropping. O'Brien: Activating pulse waves. Compression level at fourteen hundred and rising. Dax: Twenty seconds. O'Brien: Compression twenty nine hundred. Three thousand. Dax: Terminal targeting spread confirmed. O'Brien: Thirty five hundred. Holding compression. Dax: Ten seconds. Sisko: Ready to detonate. O'Brien: Ready, sir. Dax: Five seconds. Sisko: Now. O'Brien: Wave intensity from the rift is dropping. The thoron field boundary is shrinking. Particle energy is rising. Wait a minute, what's this? Dax: Wave emissions are fluctuating. We're not getting a controlled collapse. Sisko: Chief? O'Brien: Damn it. We're picking up an exothermic reaction pattern. It may be neutralizing the pulse waves. Stand by. Kira: Perimeter sensors are picking up a subspace oscillation. What the hell does that mean? Dax: Proton counts have tripled. O'Brien: Residual pulse wave activity from our torpedoes is down to fourteen percent. The flux density readings inside the rupture are off the scale. Odo: Odo to Ops. Ops? Ops! Kira: Comm. circuits are down. I'll trying to reroute pathways. Life support is normal. Sisko: Shields? O'Brien: A generator's down. Section four is exposed. Odo: Odo to Ops! Kira: There we go. Sisko: Constable, check for casualties. Have your deputies move everybody out of section four. We have shield damage. Odo: Acknowledged. Sisko: What are we getting from the rift? Dax: Sensors aren't operating. O'Brien: Stand by, sir. Dax 2: I can't feel my hands. Bashir: Lie still, lie still. There's an emergency medical kit in the cabinet there. Get it. Dax 2: I'm sorry. Bashir: Shh. Buck: Here you go. Dax 2: I never meant to bother you. Bashir: No, no. You didn't bother me Dax 2: I can't keep my eyes open. Bashir: Don't close your eyes. I want you awake. You have a nasty concussion. Dax 2: I can't help it. Bashir: Dax! Dax! O'Brien: Sensors are back online. Kira: The rupture is continuing to widen. Three hundred and forty times larger than before. Sisko: Is it showing any signs of collapsing? Dax: Wave emissions from the rift are still fluctuating. I can't make sense out of these readings. Proton counts are lower than before. And now they're beginning to rise again. O'Brien: The pulse waves from our torpedoes have been completely neutralized. It's just a matter of time before the rift starts expanding again. Sisko: How much time? O'Brien: Minutes. Sisko: Suggestions? Rumpelstiltskin: Run out of ideas, friend? I have a suggestion. Maybe I can help. O'Brien: You? Rumpelstiltskin: You created me with powers beyond those of mortal men. I would be more than happy to use them to assist you, for a price. Rumpelstiltskin: I've always wanted a daughter. Keiko: Miles? Kira: Perimeter sensors are picking up subspace oscillations again. O'Brien: You're telling me you can seal that rupture out there? Rumpelstiltskin: I can spin straw into gold, my friend. This seems no more difficult. O'Brien: Well do it, damn it! Rumpelstiltskin: Will you meet my price? O'Brien: This is crazy. You're out of a storybook, a fairy tale. Rumpelstiltskin: Are you willing give her up to save so many others? Sisko: No. He doesn't have to. Dax, when did our sensors first pick up traces of the rupture? Dax: You were there, Benjamin. When we were first trying to figure this whole thing out. Sisko: And if I remember correctly, you said that your previous scans hadn't picked up any anomalies at all. Dax: I thought that whatever was out there was too small for the scanners to identify. Sisko: So you imagined that we had a subspace rupture, and that's exactly what it turned out to be. Dax: That is what I imagined. Sisko: And once you learned about the rift that destroyed the Hanoli system, we all imagined that we might have another just like it. Mister O'Brien, drop the shields. O'Brien: Sir? Sisko: There is no rupture. There is no threat to this station or this system. End Red alert and drop the shields. O'Brien: Aye, sir. Sisko: And believe it, Mister O'Brien. It's important that you believe it. O'Brien: Aye, sir. Sisko: Are your sensors picking up any magnetic shock waves, Major? Kira: Yes, sir. Perimeter readings still show Sisko: No shock waves at all. Kira: None at all. Sisko: Lieutenant, proton counts. Dax: Normal. Kira: It's gone. Bashir: You're going to be fine. Dax 2: Of course, I am. I have the best doctor in the galaxy. Kira: None of this makes any sense. I mean, why did they appear in the first place? Dax: It might still be related to the elevated thoron emissions in the plasma field. The readings still haven't returned to normal. Sisko: Continue your analysis, Dax, but this time no speculations, just facts. Dax: Yes, Benjamin. Sisko: Major, keep us on yellow alert for the next twenty six hours till we see that everything is back to normal. Chief, take your family home. That's an order. O'Brien: Aye, sir. Buck: This imagination of yours, it's a tough concept for us to get a handle on, Ben. Sisko: You're not simply a figment of my imagination, are you. Buck: We're on an extended mission exploring the galaxy. Awhile back, we followed one of your ships through that hole in space out there. We've been watching you, trying to figure out the rules of your game. Sisko: Why didn't you just talk to us like this? Buck: We've learned you never can tell how someone will treat the visiting team. Sisko: I understand. Buck: That's what this has been all about. Learning to understand. Sisko: Was it really necessary to put the whole station in jeopardy? Buck: But we didn't, Ben. It was you. It was your imaginations that created everything. We were just watching to see where it took you. This imagination of yours. We have never seen anything like it. It's very real to all of you but yet it's not. At first, it seemed to us to be a curse, an irritation. That Odo fellow even called it a waste of time. Sisko: I'd disagree with him. Buck: I knew you would. I learned that about you. That you could have such an affection for someone you never even met. I wonder if you appreciate how unique that imagination of yours really is. Sisko: Not always. Buck: We've got to go. Sisko: But you haven't told us anything about your species. Buck: I'd like to. Maybe next year.

Scene: Station Log, stardate 46925.1. We have been honored with a visit by a delegation of Federation ambassadors on a fact-finding mission to the wormhole. Fortunately I have just the officer to take them off my hands. Bashir: I only wish there was something I could do, Ambassador. Taxco: Madam Ambassador. Bashir: Madam Ambassador. But all the guest quarters on the station are roughly the same size. Taxco: Then move me to the crew level. Bashir: All the quarters on the crew level are currently occupied. Taxco: Then someone can move. You, for example. Vadosia: She did the same thing during the voyage here. She's never satisfied. Taxco: At least I didn't bother the Captain every hour with some new suggestion on how to run his ship. Vadosia: He welcomed my suggestions, as I'm sure your Commander Sisko will welcome them. If we ever get to spend any time with him. Bashir: Commander Sisko is extremely busy. Vadosia: With what? Bashir: With the recalibration sweep. Lojal: What are you recalibrating? Bashir: Everything. It's a sweeping recalibration of all systems. Lojal: I cannot speak for the others, but I would be fascinated to observe this recalibration, Doctor. Bashir: You would? After your long trip, I thought you might enjoy stopping by a holosuite? Taxco: Are you actually suggesting we indulge in one of those disgusting Ferengi sex programs? Bashir: No. I, the holosuites are capable of many different Vadosia: Of course that was what he was suggesting. The Arbazan are so sexually repressed. Taxco: Why, this is outrageous. Bashir: Perhaps we should all just get some rest. Lojal: I did not come all this way to rest, Doctor. I would like to see your facility. Taxco: A first-year officer assigned as our liaison. Starfleet command will hear of this. Bashir: Ambassador. Madam Ambassador, I'm only Lwaxana: Oh! Where is it? It's gone! It's gone! Bashir: What's gone, Madam Ambassador? Lwaxana: My latinum hairbrooch. Bashir: Quark! Lwaxana: I had just made a third straight cross. I was leaning across the table to pick up the dice again, something brushed against me and my God, I've been wigged. Quark: What's the problem here? Bashir: Someone has stolen Ambassador Troi's latinum hairbrooch. Quark: I'm sorry, but as the sign says, the establishment is not responsible for the loss of any personal items. Lwaxana: Sign? What sign? Quark: The one above the door. Bashir: You'd have to stand on a chair to read that. Quark: House rules. I'm very sorry. Have a nice day. Lwaxana: You are dealing with a daughter of the Fifth House, Holder of the sacred Chalice of Rixx, Heir to the holy Rings of Betazed. Quark: Not my ear, please! Lwaxana: Yes, and I know where it hurts the most, you little troll. Now, I want this room sealed and I want everyone in it strip-searched until you find my brooch. Odo: May I be of service? Bashir: Oh, thank goodness. Our Chief of Security, Odo. Odo: What seems to be the problem? Lwaxana: Well, my brooch has been stolen. It's been in my family for thirty six generations. It's absolutely priceless, and I want it back. Odo: You're certain you were wearing it today. Lwaxana: Yes, of course, I'm certain. I never use this hair without it. Odo: I see. You're Betazoid? Lwaxana: Of course. Odo: Telepathic. Lwaxana: Yes. Odo: And you sense no guilt anywhere in this room? Lwaxana: No, but Betazoids cannot read Ferengis. Odo: Quark has plenty of reason to feel guilty, but he usually doesn't have to resort to petty theft to fleece his clients. Quark: Thank you. Odo: Wait a minute. Empty your pockets now. Odo: Well, since when did you join Starfleet? Lwaxana: That's it. That's my brooch. But how did you know? Odo: Dopterians are distant relatives of the Ferengi. It made sense that if you couldn't read Quark, you might not be able to read this charming fellow either. Lwaxana: How perfectly brilliant of you. Lwaxana: Doctor, I want to know everything there is to know about your Security Chief. O'Brien: Computer, is the diagnostic on the fusion power plant finished yet? Computer: Affirmative. The fusion power plant is operating within normal parameters. O'Brien: What are you talking about? It's thirteen percent below normal. Computer: Cardassian specifications accept operating efficiency within twenty percent. O'Brien: Well, I don't. Anara. Anara: Yes, sir. O'Brien: How much do you know about the carbon reaction chambers? Anara: I've learned a little about laser-induced fusion. Not much more than the basics. O'Brien: It's a bloody inefficient system, and I'd trade it in for a Federation model tomorrow if I could. But it's all we've got. Do me a favor. Keep an eye on the exhaust plasma temperature. Computer, increase deuterium flow by five percent to reaction chamber two. Computer: Procedure is not recommended. O'Brien: Look, I've had enough of your opinions, damn it. Just do it. Computer: Procedure is not recommended. Consult Cardassian operational guidelines, paragraph two five four A, now on screen. O'Brien: I don't want to read your tech manual. Fine, we'll do it ourselves. Re-initializing reactor two. Directing plasma stream to conduits one four three, one four four Anara: Chief O'Brien. The power flow from reactor two has just been shut down. O'Brien: What? Computer, analyze reactor two failure. Computer: Reactor two was shut down after sensors detected a potential overload of the carbon reaction chambers. O'Brien: That's it. That's the straw. Sisko: Relax, Chief. It's just a computer. O'Brien: This is no computer. This is my arch enemy. Sisko: You've got it working just fine, as far as I can tell. O'Brien: Fine? With all due respect, Commander, as an engineer, I couldn't look at myself in the mirror if I allowed this computer to perform as it is now. I'll have to do a root canal. Sisko: Root canal? O'Brien: It's engineering shorthand, sir. I'll have to get into its guts and rebuild her from the ground up. Sisko: How long will that take? O'Brien: Well, I'm still not that familiar with Cardassian technology but I'd guess no more than two, three years. Sisko: That's going to take a lot of man-hours. Is it really necessary? O'Brien: You don't understand. Sisko: Let's just say I don't have your sensitivity to the computer. O'Brien: That's all right. Forget about it. Sisko: Chief. O'Brien: It's all right. It doesn't matter. Sisko: Chief, I want you to do what you have to do. O'Brien: Thank you, sir. I'll get on it right away. Bashir: And this is Ops. Vadosia: The heart and soul of Deep Space Nine. Ah, there you are, Commander. Sisko: Gentlemen. Madam Ambassador. Bashir: They insisted on seeing Operations, sir. Sisko: Of course. Make yourself at home. I trust that Doctor Bashir has been taking care of all your needs. Taxco: He refuses to change my accommodations. Sisko: Accommodations? Taxco: If I have to sleep another night on a Cardassian bed with gargoyles staring at me from the woodpoles Kira: Commander, unidentified vessel coming through the wormhole. Sisko: On screen. Excuse me. Bashir: You'll get a better view from over here. Bashir: Quite a sight, isn't it? Vadosia: That's it? That's the whole thing? Bashir: Well, yes, it is. Vadosia: I was expecting more somehow. Dax: Scanners aren't picking up any lifeforms on board. Sisko: A probe? Dax: Might be. I'm reading an extensive computer array but no signals to suggest it's trying to maintain contact with the mother ship. Sisko: Are the computers compatible with ours? Dax: It's hard to tell. I don't recognize any known subprocessor patterns. Lojal: Obviously the young woman doesn't have the necessary experience. Perhaps I Bashir: The young woman over there has over three hundred years experience, Ambassador. Dax: I might have better luck if we towed it into the docking ring. Sisko: No. Not until we know a little more about it. Major, tow it to five hundred meters off the docking ring. Kira: Yes, sir. Sisko: Mister O'Brien, try to set up an adaptive interface link and see if we can download any information from it. O'Brien: Aye, sir. Bashir: I think it will be best if we clear this area. Vadosia: But this probe may represent contact with a new species. Commander, I think it would be appropriate for at least one Federation Ambassador to be present at this historic occasion, and since I have a particular interest in first contact procedures Sisko: I appreciate your interest, Ambassador. And to keep you all informed, I'm scheduling a briefing at oh four hundred. In the meantime, Doctor Bashir, the best place to view this probe is from the docking ring near port seven. Bashir: I'll show them the way. Lwaxana: Such concentration. Such intensity, such a passion for your work. Tracking intergalactic malefactors. Odo: Most people find it rather tedious. Lwaxana: Tedious? No, those of us who have been beneficiaries of your heroism would never call your work tedious. We've learned that on this station, you are the thin beige line between order and chaos. Odo: That's my job. Now, what can I do for you? You haven't lost anything else, I hope. Lwaxana: Only my heart. Odo: I beg your pardon? Lwaxana: Is Odo your first or last name? Odo: Yes. Lwaxana: Ah, then I can just call you? Odo: Odo. Lwaxana: It has a certain lyrical quality. Odo: Lyrical? Lwaxana: Odo. It rolls off the tongue. Odo: I have a lot of work to do. Lwaxana: I'm understand you're a shape-shifter. Odo: That's correct. Lwaxana: I've never been with a shape-shifter. Odo: Been with? Lwaxana: I've heard you're the only one of your kind. Odo: So far. Lwaxana: All the men I've known have needed to be shaped and molded and manipulated. Finally I've met a man who knows how to do it himself. Odo: Is that the comm.? I think it is. Excuse me, I've got to get to Ops. Computer: Initiating high-resolution scan. Memory nodes located. Proceeding with data transfer. O'Brien: Yeah, there you go. Who would have thought? Dax: You seem surprised, Chief. O'Brien: Well, knowing this computer, I thought I would have to reconfigure the whole emulator module to make it compatible with the probe, but it's cooperating for once. Computer: Transfer of data is complete. O'Brien: Well done, computer. Dax: Computer, run standard code translations on probe data. Isolate syntax results. Computer: Processing. Stand by. Sisko: Come in. Yes, Odo. Odo: Commander, I have a problem. Sisko: Quark again? Odo: No, sir, this one's named Lwaxana. Sisko: Lwaxana Troi the Ambassador? Odo: That's her. There was a minor incident at the bar that I helped her with, and now she's grateful. Sisko: What's the problem? Odo: The manner in which she expresses her gratitude. To be honest, Commander, she seems interested in me. Sisko: What's wrong with that? Odo: She's extremely aggressive. Sisko: I see. So, she's after you. Odo: Like a Wanoni tracehound. Sisko: Have you thought of letting her catch you? Odo: Sir? Sisko: A little romance, Odo. Odo: I have six pylons that need a complete security sweep. I don't have time for romantic interludes. Frankly, in my humble opinion, most of you humanoids spend far too much time on your respective mating rituals. Sisko: It does help the procreation of one's species. Odo: Procreation does not require changing how you smell, or writing bad poetry, or sacrificing various plants to serve as tokens of affection. In any event, it's all irrelevant to me. Sisko: I'm sorry to hear that. Odo: I would appreciate it if you would do something about this woman. Sisko: Me? Odo: Just tell her to leave me alone. Sisko: Constable, you can handle thieves and killers but not one Betazoid woman? Odo: I understand thieves and killers. I don't understand her. Sisko: I can't help you, Odo. Odo: I'm just trying to avoid a diplomatic incident. I don't want to insult the Ambassador. Sisko: A reasonable concern. I suggest you handle the matter with great delicacy. Odo: I don't handle delicacy very well. Anara: The probe appears to be made out of some sort of corundium alloy. Computer: Analysis of all subprocessor modules is complete. O'Brien: Already? On screen. Lieutenant? Dax: No science modules, no communications system, and enough computer capacity to run a Galaxy class starship. It's very odd. O'Brien: That's an awful lot of computer hardware to simply navigate a probe. Kira: Anything? Dax: Nothing to suggest the probe's mission or any hint of its origin. Lwaxana: Ah, there you are, Odo. Lwaxana: Have you ever been on the fourth moon of Andevian Two at dawn? Odo: Can't say I have. Lwaxana: I have the most wonderful holo-program and I've reserved a suite for us with that Quark person. Odo: You told Quark you were going into a holosuite with me? Lwaxana: Of course. He's preparing a special picnic basket for us. Odo: Good lord. Odo: I'm afraid I'm not available. I have to get to upper pylon three immediately. Odo: Madame Ambassador. Lwaxana: Lwaxana. Upper pylon three. I've always wanted to see an upper pylon. Lwaxana: I know. I'll have Quark send one of his minions with our basket. We'll have our picnic up there. Odo: Madame Ambassador. Lwaxana: Lwaxana. Odo: I don't eat. This is not a real mouth, it is an approximation of one. I do not have an esophagus or a stomach or a digestive system. I am not like you. Every sixteen hours, I turn into a liquid. Lwaxana: I can swim. Odo: Computer? Computer. Odo to Ops. Kira: Go ahead, Odo. Odo: Ambassador Troi and I are stuck in turbolift seven. What's going on? Anara: Power to the pylon turbolifts has failed. Kira: We're reading a turbolift failure, Odo. We'll beam you out. Dax: Locking on. Prepare to transport. Odo: Ready. Dax: Energizing. Odo: Well? Kira: Looks like the transporter's down too. But don't worry, Constable, we'll get it repaired right away. Dax: Dax to Chief O'Brien, please report to Ops immediately. Kira: Be patient, Odo. Kira: We'll get you out of there as soon as we can. Lwaxana: Alone at last. Computer: Electromotive coil functions normal. Load detection functions normal. Diagnostic complete. O'Brien: I don't get it. Every component of the turbolift power net seems to be operational. Dax: We can't find anything wrong with the transporter. Kira: Great. Everything's in working order except nothing's working. Sisko: How do we get our people out of the turbolift, Chief? O'Brien: If we were on a starship, I'd reroute the EPS power flow in a couple of hours but with this computer, there's no telling how long it'll take. Sisko: Get it started. Kira: Kira to Odo. Odo: Yes, Major. Kira: I'm sorry, but you're going to have to stay put for a while longer. Odo: Define a while. Kira: I wish I knew. Kira: By the way, Cardassian turbolifts run exposed multi-phase alternating currents through their positioning mechanisms, so don't try to shape-shift your way out. Odo: I wouldn't think of it. Lwaxana: Besides, it wouldn't be polite. Kira: I didn't hear that. Odo: It wouldn't be polite. Kira: Understood. Kira out. Lwaxana: Do you suppose that we're actually in any danger? Odo: Not if we remain calm. Lwaxana: Well then, we might as well enjoy ourselves. Take the opportunity to get to know one another. Odo: I'd really prefer to pass the time quietly. Lwaxana: Quietly. Odo: Quietly. Lwaxana: Of course. Odo: Thank you. Lwaxana: The quiet man. Odo: Hmmm. Lwaxana: You know, I've always been attracted to quiet men. Odd, isn't it? But maybe there's more truth than we realize to that old axiom that opposites Lwaxana: Quietly. Lwaxana: Odo. Odo: Yes? Lwaxana: I don't think I can. Odo: Can what? Lwaxana: Well, you don't have to say another word as long as we're here, but I think I really need to talk. Odo: I understand. There's nothing to be afraid of. Lwaxana: Of course not. No, things could be much worse. Odo: Really? Lwaxana: My daughter and I were once trapped aboard a Ferengi cargo ship and it was dreadful. Well, all right, it wasn't actually dreadful, it was mildly lamentable. And it was all because of that loathsome Daimon. Well, actually he wasn't altogether loathsome. He was just slightly repulsive. But he did have a certain charm, in an insufferable sort of way. Of course he was totally at the mercy of his uncontrollable passion for me, which means he wasn't all bad now, doesn't it? You know, it wasn't all passion. There was some negligible commercial interest involved, but oh, the passion, that was perfectly real, and kind of sweet, in a way. He was so helpless. At first it was totally a question of expediency when I made love with him. what are you looking at? Odo: Hmm? Oh nothing. I was just wondering how many volts are in that exposed circuit. Go on, go on. Lwaxana: Well, frankly, by the time one thing led to another Sisko: Think of it as an opportunity, Doctor. You never know when a friendly ambassador is going to be in the right place at the right time to help your career. Bashir: Another hour with them could destroy my career. Sisko: It's a simple job. Just keep them happy and away from me. Bashir: Simple? Nothing makes them happy. They are dedicated to being unhappy and to spreading that unhappiness wherever they go. They are the Ambassadors of Unhappy. Sisko: All of us have had these assignments, Doctor. Bashir: Have you, sir? Sisko: As a matter of fact, Curzon Dax used to take perverse pleasure in assigning me to take care of VIP guests. Bashir: Ah. So now you take the same perverse pleasure in doing it to me. Sisko: Exactly. Bashir: May I ask, sir, when you graduated from this sort of assignment? Sisko: The day I hit one of the guests. Bashir: Hit one. Sisko: It was a simple misunderstanding over his attempt to coax a young Ensign to his quarters against her will. But Sisko: Don't hit one of them, Doctor. I'm not nearly as understanding as Curzon was. Bashir: Yes, sir. O'Brien: Commander, can I talk to you? It's about the computer, sir. Sisko: Still giving you problems? O'Brien: No, sir, that's just the thing. It's not. It rerouted the EPS power flow in less than an hour. Sisko: That's good news. How soon can we get Odo and the Ambassador out? O'Brien: We can't. It didn't activate the Turbolift circuits. Don't ask me why. Sisko: You must have some idea what's wrong. O'Brien: I want you to listen to something. Computer, analyze Ops O2 sensor readings. Computer: All sensors read between fourteen point three and fourteen point four KSC. O'Brien: Computer, restart all shield generator subsystems. Computer: Shield generator subsystems set to active status. Reading ninety eight point three percent efficiency. O'Brien: Do you hear it? Sisko: Hear what? O'Brien: The voice. It's not the same attitude. Sisko: It sounds like the computer. O'Brien: Sir, when you work with a computer as much as I do, you get to know it. They're all very different. Working with the Enterprise computer was like dancing a waltz. With this computer, it's always been like a wrestling match, till we started downloading the probe. Sisko: You think some kind of program from the probe is influencing our computer? O'Brien: Well, it's got to be more than just a program, sir. The computer's whole personality has changed. It's not resisting any commands, offering any opinions, giving any arguments. And there's this one other crazy thing I'm almost afraid to mention, Sisko: What's that? O'Brien: Every time I leave, something happens to bring me back. Sisko: Bring you back? O'Brien: To the computer. Like the failures to the turbolifts and the transporters. A few minutes ago, I was working at the transporter pad and the comm. lines went down. And when I broke for a quick bite to eat, we had a replicator failure. It's almost like the computer doesn't want me to leave it alone. Sisko: You almost make it sound like a child. Sisko: Captain's log, supplemental. Odo and Ambassador Troi remain trapped in turbolift four. As of yet, we have been unable to ascertain what it is that's causing the station's computer to malfunction. Dax: What if it's some kind of non-biological lifeform we've never seen before? Kira: Non-biological? Dax: Well, it all comes down to how we define lifeform, but just as biological organisms have evolved in our cultures, mechanical life could have done the same in others. Kira: You're suggesting someone left a baby on our doorstep? Dax: Possibly. Sisko: Do you think we can communicate with it? O'Brien: In a way, we already have. I mean, it's part and parcel of our computer now. Dax: But as far as direct communication is concerned, it may not be capable of that. We haven't seen any evidence that this entity is sentient. Kira: It may be more like a stray puppy that's attached itself to you, Chief. Sisko: Whatever it is, it's slowly disabling our station. People, we've got to get it out of there. O'Brien: It came here when we downloaded the probe's files. If we upload those same files back to the probe, it might go with them. Dax: What if it's fully integrated itself into our computer? O'Brien: I don't think it has. That would make it more like a virus, but I don't see any evidence that it's trying to overwrite our control networks or destroy our systems. I think it's more likely that it simply creates connections with areas of the computer that are active. Dax: Almost as though it feeds off the energy of the computer functions. O'Brien: If I'm right, transferring all of its programming off the station just might solve our problems. Sisko: How long since we had any communication from Odo? Kira: Comm. lines have been down over ninety minutes. He's been in there almost four hours now. Sisko: Do you happen to know the schedule of his regenerative cycle? Kira: My god, I have no idea, but if he doesn't get back to his pail in time Computer: Subspace emitter aligned. Outgoing data stream activated. O'Brien: Computer, upload all probe command sequences back to probe's computers. Computer: Stand by. Unable to complete requested function. Please abort and retry. O'Brien: Reset subspace emitter. Reinitialize data stream. Computer: Receptors open control. Relays activated. O'Brien: Upload all probe command sequences back to probe's computers. Computer: Stand by. O'Brien: It's not as easy as I thought it would be, Commander. Taxco: Is it just the lights or the heat too? I didn't bring any warm clothes. Bashir: I'm sure it's just temporary. Lojal: I've been reading the reports of your Chief of Operations, Doctor. They gave me the impression that he was a competent engineer. Bashir: Chief O'Brien? One of the best in Starfleet. Lojal: Then why aren't the backup systems functioning? Bashir: Well, you know, out here on the edge of the frontier, it's one adventure after another. Why don't I escort you back to your quarters where I'm sure we can all wait this out. Lwaxana: Well, enough about me. Odo: Hmmm? Lwaxana: Enough about me. Tell me about yourself. Odo: I'm really a private man. Lwaxana: Yes, of course you are. Is that hair real? Odo: It is real in that it is me. It is not real hair. Lwaxana: How did you do it? Your hair. Odo: It took a great deal of practice. Lwaxana: You studied hairstyles? Odo: If you must know, I imitated the hairstyle of the Bajoran man who was assigned to me. Lwaxana: Assigned? Odo: To study me at the research center. He was a scientist. Lwaxana: You mean that's how you grew up, in a laboratory? Odo: I did not grow up as you think of it. It was merely a transition from what I used to be to what I learned to become. Lwaxana: Sounds very lonely to me. Odo: I was always very self-sufficient. Lwaxana: I'm sure you had to be, to survive, being so different from everyone else. Odo: Odo to Ops. Odo to Ops! Comm. lines are still down. I don't know what's taking so long. Lwaxana: Are you sure you're all right? You look warm. Odo: It's nothing. I'm fine. Lwaxana: I can't imagine how it must have been. If it bothers you to talk about this? Odo: Not at all. What was it like? I guess you could say I was the life of the party. Lwaxana: I don't think I understand. Odo: My way of trying to fit in. I found I could be entertaining. Odo, be a chair. I'm a chair. Odo, be a razorcat. I'm a razorcat. Life of the party. I hate parties. Lwaxana: Perhaps you've been going to the wrong ones. Come to one of mine, Odo. I'll make sure that all the guests are there to entertain you. No, you're not well. Odo: No, it's fine. It's just, I told you I turn into a liquid every sixteen hours? Well, I'm in hour fifteen. O'Brien: Ready, Commander Sisko: How long do you expect it to take? O'Brien: If it works, we ought to be able to get all of the probe's files manually transferred to the six isolinear rods in less than sixty seconds. Sisko: Let's do it. O'Brien: Computer, run a level one diagnostic of all power systems on board. Computer: Requested function will require forty three minutes. Stand by. Sisko: Computer, give me an analysis of all Cardassian traffic along the border. Computer: Processing long range sensors, stand by. Dax: Computer, create an historical data base for all known wormhole activity. Computer: Indicate time parameters. Dax: All known occurrences. Computer: Requested function will require subspace link-up with Federation computers. Dax: In that case, create a subspace link with Nehru colony, New France colony and Corado One transmitter array. Computer: Attempting link-up, stand by. Anara: Computer, access musical files in the Bajor master data banks and create a concert program of Bajoran serenas. Computer: Stand by. Unable to. Stand Dax: I'm reading a huge plasma surge in the habitat ring. Vadosia: You tell Commander Sisko that I expect that probe briefing to be held on schedule, lights or no lights. Bashir: I will surely pass that on, Ambassador. Kira: We've got a plasma explosion in corridor H-12-A. Guest quarters. O'Brien: The computer's not responding. None of the fire suppression systems are coming online. Dax: I'm reading four lifeforms in that corridor. Sisko: Major, you're with me. Chief, send get an emergency crew down there. We'll need manual fire gear. O'Brien: Aye, sir. Sisko: Phasers at maximum. Kira: Toranium inlay. Cardassian design. I should have guessed. We're going to need a bipolar torch to get through it. Sisko: Then get a message to Ops. Tell them it's going to take us a while to get inside. If they can't get the fire suppression systems online we're going to lose our people in there. Crewman: Aye, sir. O'Brien: It's not paying any attention to me. Dax: I guess it just doesn't want to leave, like a scared puppy. O'Brien: We have no idea how long that probe was tumbling through space, maybe years with that lifeform alone on board. It's sort of like shutting up a puppy up in a room, you know? I had a pup once. If I had to lock him up, he'd scratch forever at the door, trying to get out. Dax: I'm not sure I know what you're getting at. O'Brien: Pups don't like to be left alone. They like attention. Dax: This one's certainly getting a lot of it. O'Brien: That's right, so it's no wonder it doesn't want to leave. Dax: Okay, but how does that help us? O'Brien: Everything we've seen suggests that this entity likes to be where the action is. It seems to feed off the energy of an active computer. We've been trying to separate it from what it thrives on. We've got to do the exact opposite. Dax: The exact opposite? O'Brien: Lieutenant, I've got to build a doghouse. Odo: Odo to Ops. Odo out. Lwaxana: Odo, turn around. Odo: I can't. It's beginning. Lwaxana: It's all right. Odo: You don't understand. No one has ever seen me like this before. Lwaxana: Not even the scientist who was assigned to you? Odo: That was different. It was only research to him. Lwaxana: You don't have to be ashamed with me. Odo: I'm not ashamed. It's a private matter, that's all. Lwaxana: How can I make it easier for you? Odo: You can't. I'm fine. Odo: What's that? Lwaxana: My hair. Nobody's ever seen me like this. Odo: Why? It looks fine. Lwaxana: It looks ordinary. I've never cared to be ordinary. So you see, Odo, even us non-shape-shifters have to change who we are once in a while. Odo: You are not at all what I expected. Lwaxana: No one's ever paid me a greater compliment. Odo: I cannot hold my shape any longer. Lwaxana: Let go. I'll take care of you. Kira: We're going to need portable oxygen and get anything Bashir has in stock to treat plasma burns. Have a runabout ready to evacuate these people to Bajor if we need to. Crewman: Yes, sir. O'Brien: Anara? Anara: The subprogram is ready, Chief. O'Brien: Computer, analyze subprogram labeled Pup. Computer: Requested subprogram is a series of bi-directional data transfer and monitoring commands. O'Brien: Re-route all main computer backup functions through this subprogram. Computer: All backup functions re-routed. O'Brien: Great. Okay, Computer, now, listen carefully, I want to transfer all probe command sequences out of core memory and into the subprogram Pup. Computer: Stand by. Transfer complete. Dax: Dax to Sisko. Fire suppression is responding. All systems are back online. Can you get in? Sisko: We're in, Dax. Stand by. Kira: We'd better advise Starfleet Command. ( Sisko: Are you all right? Bashir: Here, take my hand, Madam Ambassador. Watch your head. Taxco: Please, Julian. Call me Taxco. Sisko: Ambassador, are you all right? Vadosia: Yes, thanks to Julian. Lojal: The doctor was remarkably calm and logical for a man of his years under such severe conditions. Vadosia: We'll be putting him in for a commendation. Sisko: Nice work, Doctor Bashir. Bashir: Just in the right place at the right time, sir. Lwaxana: Well, it's about time. Odo: I know that wasn't exactly what you had in mind for your picnic. Lwaxana: When it comes to picnics, the only thing that really matters is the company. Odo: Your sensitivity and diskretion are appreciated. Lwaxana: Next time you see me, I'll give you a lot more to appreciate. Sisko: How did you beat that thing in the computer, Chief? O'Brien: I didn't. Dax: He adopted it. Sisko: Adopted it? O'Brien: I was able to get our friend out of the main command pathways and into a subprogram. Sisko: You're suggesting we leave it in there? O'Brien: I don't see why not. It's happy. It's not bothering us any more. It seems the humane thing to do. Dax: It's just another new lifeform visiting the station. O'Brien: I'll take care of it, make sure it gets enough attention and all. Sisko: Keep it off the furniture. O'Brien: Yes, sir.

Sisko: Come in. Kira: Commander, I just received word that a Valerian transport has requested permission to dock here at the station. Sisko: Let me guess. You're here to recommend that we deny that request. Kira: The Valerians ran weapons-grade dolamide to Cardassian forces during the occupation of Bajor. Sisko: I'm aware of that. Kira: I believe they're continuing to ship weapons to the Cardassians. Weapons that could eventually be used to attack Bajor. Sisko: I share your concern, Major. But unless we have proof to back up those charges Kira: The proof is on that ship. Let me conduct a search and if I find any dolamide, we can confiscate it. Sisko: I'm afraid it's not that simple. Dolamide is used for power generators, reactors, in short-range transports. Kira: And for weapons. Sisko: Only if it's extremely pure. Kira: So we're going to do nothing. Sisko: I didn't say that. We just can't board their ship and start tearing it apart. Kira: Well, what can we do? Sisko: You bring me evidence that the Valerians are dealing in weapons-grade dolamide and I promise you the Federation will use every kind of diplomatic pressure to stop them. Kira: You think that'll work? Sisko: It will if the Valerians want to continue trading with the Federation. Kira: All right. We'll try it your way. Sisko: Good. Then you will see to it that the Valerian ship is cleared for docking. Kira: Yes, sir. Dax: Chief, I have a subspace message for you from your wife. They've arrived safely on Bajor. O'Brien: Imagine taking eleven bored schoolkids on a visit to the grain processing center at Lasuma. I'm glad it's not me. Odo: Here's the information you requested on the captain of the Valerian ship. Kira: Let me know if you find anything else. Dax: Sensors are reading elevated neutrino levels at the wormhole. Something's coming through. Kira: On screen. Kira: Kira to Sisko. You'd better come out here. Dax: It's the Klingon vessel Toh'Kaht. Kira: They weren't due back for another month. Sisko: Open hailing frequencies. O'Brien: I'm reading a transporter signal. Someone must have beamed off the ship just as it exploded. Sisko: Mister O'Brien? O'Brien: Something's interfering with the rematerialization process. Dax: Lock on with our transporter signal. Try boosting the annular containment field. O'Brien: I'm already there. Bashir: He's been hit by weapons fire. It's severe. We've got to get him to cryostasis. Klingon: Victory. Bashir: He's dead. Sisko: Captain's log, Stardate 46922.3. We have identified the dead Klingon his name was Hon'Tihl, First Officer of the Toh'Kaht. Why he died, and the cause of his ship's destruction, is still unknown. Bashir: I found tritanium alloy fragments in his chest and upper arms. If that was all, we could have saved him, but those weapon burns were too severe. Sisko: Is there any way to identify the kind of weapon used? Bashir: I'm running a microtissue analysis right now. I should have the results in a couple of hours. Kira: The Klingon said victory just before he died. I wonder what he meant. Dax: According to Klingon High Command, the Toh'Kaht was in the Gamma quadrant on a routine bio-survey mission, O'Brien: Victory during a bio-survey? Odo: As I recall the Toh'Kaht put in for a maintenance check. Sisko: Ask around the station, see what you can learn about this bio-survey. Sisko: Dax and O'Brien, I'd like the two of you to take a runabout and try to find the Toh'Kaht's mission recorder. I want to know what caused that ship to explode. O'Brien: Aye, sir. O'Brien: Lieutenant Dax: Yes. O'Brien: You coming? Dax: Yes. I'm sorry. Never mind. Kira: Damn it, not yet. Valerian: Deep Space Nine, this is Valerian vessel Sherval Das. We are entering the Bajoran system, clear us for docking. Kira: Negative, Sherval Das. There's going to be a slight delay. Valerian: We are in need of maintenance. It's been a long journey. Kira: Oh, I'm sure it has, but we have our own problems. You'll just have to wait. Sisko: Stand by, Sherval Das. Sisko: I'd like an explanation. Kira: I wasn't finished running a background check on their ship. Sisko: We agreed there would be no delays in the docking procedure. Kira: They just visited Fahleena Three and Mariah Four, the same two stops they used to make when they were running dolamide to the Cardassians. The last stop would be the purification plant on Ultima Thule. Now if I can place them there, we'll know they're running weapons-grade material. Sisko: Your ship has been cleared for docking. Valerian: Thank you, Commander. Sherval Das out. Sisko: No delays, Odo: So, Quark I heard you had some problems with the Klingons the last time they came through. Quark: Spare me from beings who think pain is pleasure. In small doses, perhaps, but the Klingons? They're hard on the holosuites, they wreck the furniture. I'm still fixing the walls of holosuite six. I'm not saying they don't spend big. I'm just saying by the time you figure in the damage, I'm lucky to break even. Odo: They do tend toward bluster, don't they? Throwing their weight around, bragging. Quark: This crew was worse than the last. Our glorious mission. I said, what's so glorious about a gamma quadrant bio-survey? Odo: And what did they say? Quark: Crafty tonight, Odo, aren't we? Looking for clues about the fate of the Klingons. If I tell you what I heard, what do I get in return? Odo: The chances are what you heard won't help, so why should I give you something for it? Quark: Because otherwise, I heard nothing. Odo: That damaged holosuite. Work crew seven is probably doing the repairs, am I right? Quark: Ah, ha. Odo: Well it looks as though I might have to put in a priority request for work crew seven. The bulkheads in security could use a little shoring up. Quark: They said they'd be coming back through the wormhole with something that would make the enemies of the Klingon Empire tremble. Odo: Their exact words? Quark: Direct quote. Odo: You've been most helpful. Quark: Don't let it get around. Quark: Odo? Quark: Doctor Bashir! Doctor Bashir! Doctor Bashir! Bashir: Welcome back, Constable. Odo: How am I? Bashir: How do you feel? Odo: Fine. Bashir: Good. Because I have no way to know. Your body chemistry defies analysis. Odo: I don't remember anything, But I'm back to normal? Bashir: Like I said, you tell me. I don't know what caused it, and I couldn't tell you if it'll happen again. In fact, there's really nothing more I can do here. Odo: Then thank you for your time, Doctor. Bashir: Tell me, Odo, Do you share my concern about this Valerian situation? Odo: Concern? Bashir: I think you know what I mean. Odo: Why don't you tell me and then you can be sure I know. Bashir: Just don't be surprised if the uneasy alliance on this station starts to show a few cracks. Odo: What uneasy alliance? Bashir: Commander Sisko and Kira. Mark my words, there's going to be trouble. Odo: What exactly are you basing all this on, Doctor? Bashir: Very clever, Constable. But you're probably right. It's still too early to commit oneself either way. Odo: Are you finished with me? Bashir: Unless you'd like to pour yourself through my phoretic analyzer. I'd love to see the results. Odo: Another time, perhaps. Kira: I've got them! Sisko: Who? Kira: The Valerians. Their ship was at the Ultima Thule station one week ago. That confirms it. They're definitely running dolamide. Sisko: So? Kira: So I've got an armed team ready to board their vessel. We confiscate the material and send them back where they came from. Frankly, I'm half-tempted to take them to Bajor and press charges. Sisko: By whose authority? Kira: You're not going to do anything about this. Sisko: I'm not. And neither are you. Kira: That ship is acting against Bajoran interests. This station is Bajoran property. Sisko: Commanded by a Federation officer. Commanded by me. Are you challenging that, Major? Kira: No, sir. Sisko: Good. Dax: Short-range sensors are picking up some debris. O'Brien: Looks like duranium alloy. Probably pieces of the Klingon's secondary hull. Dax: It's possible their mission recorder is somewhere in the debris. The magnetic field from the duranium could be masking it. O'Brien: Let's get a little closer. Major Kira's been awfully aggressive toward Commander Sisko lately about station policy. Dax: An honest difference of opinion. O'Brien: What if it's more than a difference of opinion? What if Kira thinks the Bajorans don't need us on DS Nine? It is their station. Dax: That would be suicidal. Without a Federation presence, Bajor would be vulnerable again to the Cardassians. O'Brien: That doesn't mean there aren't plenty of misguided Bajorans who think they can go it alone. You've become quite friendly with Major Kira, haven't you? Dax: Have I? Well, yes, I suppose I have, if you say so. O'Brien: Well, I wouldn't get too friendly with the natives if I were you. Remember where your loyalties lie. Dax: Of course. Benjamin and I have been close for a long time. Hand and glove. I'm on his side. No question about it. That reminds me of the time we found ourselves O'Brien: Good. Anyone who's against Sisko is against me. I'm picking up a weak subspace transponder signal. It's the mission recorder. Kira: Constable. Odo: Can I help you, Major? Kira: You always manage to help me, Odo. In fact, I think we work pretty well together, you and I. Odo: Yes, I suppose our relationship has always been cooperative. Kira: Exactly. And that's just what I need right now. Your cooperation. I'm convinced the Valerians have dolamide on board, but the evidence is still circumstantial. I need solid proof. I want you to slip past their security systems and into their cargo bay. Odo: I heard that Commander Sisko was adamant about not interfering with the Valerian ship. Has he changed his mind? Kira: Yes. Odo: How odd. Very well. I'll keep the two of you informed of my progress. Kira: That won't be necessary. Commander Sisko's very busy. There's no sense in disturbing him. Kira: I can't fool you, Odo. Odo: You wanted me to go behind Sisko's back, didn't you? Kira: Forget it. Bad idea. What if you had to choose sides? Just remember who your friends are. Personal log, Miles O'Brien. Stardate 46923.1. We've managed to retrieve a portion of the Klingon Officer's journal. Of course, Major Kira heard about it immediately. She must have spies everywhere. Klingon: I believe the Captain has gone insane. He executed two more crew members, charging them with attempted mutiny. Medical Officer ... quarters ... violence is being caused by those telepathic energy spheres we brought back from Saltah'na. Believing him to be the Captain's spy, I slit his throat. Sisko: I've seen enough. O'Brien: There's more. Kira: The Klingon's mission must have failed. That failure caused problems on board. Sisko: I couldn't care less what happened to a Klingon ship. O'Brien: The Klingons might want to know. Dax and I are setting up a data interpolation to fill in what's missing. It might take some time. Sisko: If you have to. Dax: The search itself is often reward enough. Benjamin, do you remember that wild Sisko: Fine. Do whatever you have to do. Don't bother me with it. Quark: Here we are. A Modela aperitif. It's bright and sweet. Much like yourself, Lieutenant. I'll put it on your tab. Kira: The bad flattery's on the house. Quark: The two loveliest creatures on DS Nine. I must be living correctly to be so blessed. What can I do for you, Major? Kira: Get lost. Quark: As you wish. Kira: How are you, Lieutenant? Dax: You know what they say, put the shoe on the right foot first, but put the left foot first into the bathtub. Kira: I understand. But what I really meant was, are you happy? Dax: That's not a question I get asked too often. Kira: Oh, but it should be. In my opinion, you are the most valuable officer on this station. May I? Dax: Please. Kira: Not bad. For Quark. Dax: It is good. Kira: I couldn't imagine running this station without you. Dax: Are you trying to tell me something? Kira: My disagreement with Sisko over the Valerians is no secret. Well, you know how he gets once he's made a decision. Dax: Yeah, it's like talking to a stone. I remember a time on Rochani Three. We were cornered by a party of Kaleans, who were not at all happy to see us, but Benjamin Kira: You told me this story this morning. Dax: Oh. I suppose I did. Kira: If you were to talk to Starfleet Command, tell them how displeased the Bajorans are with Sisko's handling of this. I know they'll listen to you Dax: I was decorated on my very first assignment. The Admiral was a Vulcan, so during the presentation ceremony Kira: Dax. We have to keep the Valerians here until we can search their ship and confiscate the dolamide. You've got to convince Starfleet it's for the good of Bajor and the Federation. Dax: I've been friends with Benjamin Sisko for many years. In many ways, he's like a son, or a nephew. Some kind of close relative anyway. Kira: Jadzia, listen to me. I'm getting rid of Sisko one way or another. Don't force me to get rid of you as well. Kira: Would you like to join us? Quark: Let me go! Kira: What did you hear? Quark: Nothing. Nothing at all. Kira: Good. Odo: Is this a Ferengi fashion I'm not aware of? Quark: Kira tried to tear my head off. I want to file charges. Odo: Tell me about it. Quark: I heard her plotting. Odo: Go on. Quark: She tried to convince Dax to take her side against Sisko. Odo: And did Dax seem persuaded? Quark: What difference does that make? I was attacked! Odo: Answer the question. Quark: I couldn't tell. She was on the fence. Odo: Doesn't Kira's behavior seem a little out of the ordinary? And the others. At the staff briefing Sisko was bored as if he couldn't be bothered about running the station. And Bashir. Since when is he so concerned about station politics? Quark: Don't look at me that way. I'm perfectly normal. Odo: Yes, I suppose you are. It's time I had a talk with Sisko. Quark: Odo, wait! Odo! Wait! Odo! Odo! I want satisfaction. Klingon: We have ... battle for decks ... through twelve. Armory ... in the hands of Captain Tel-Peh, ... my death. But I ... confident ... gain control of the ship. I am weakened by my wounds. Odo: Sisko? Klingon: My enemies are moving in. I am O'Brien: Come in. Odo: Where's Commander Sisko? O'Brien: In his quarters, where he's safe. Klingon: Still ... able to hide a thalmerite device under ... beam near the reactor ... deck twenty-six. Rather ... taken prisoner, I will blow up this ship and transport to safety. Perhaps medical officer Kee-Bhor was correct. Our ... began when we opened those energy spheres. All I know is that Captain Tel-Peh must die. Journal closed. Odo: It sounds like there was a power struggle on board, some sort of attempted takeover. O'Brien: Management by mutiny. Standard operating procedure on a Klingon vessel. Odo: But awfully unusual for a Federation-run space station. O'Brien: Don't worry. If Major Kira tries anything we'll be ready. Odo: When will the other log entries be available? O'Brien: At the current rate of processing it'll take at least seven more hours. But the computer's taking it one entry at a time. I'll set it up so you can access as it goes. Odo: Thank you, Chief. O'Brien: Of course, Constable. Don't the Commander and I always try to make you happy? Odo: What are you doing here? Guard: Chief O'Brien's orders. Sisko: Come in. Odo: Commander. Sisko: Hello, Constable. How are you today? Odo: Concerned, sir. Sisko: On such a fine afternoon? How inappropriate. Odo: Commander, I think something might be wrong with some of us. Ever since the Klingon ship exploded and their First Officer beamed over, certain behaviors and attitudes have been abnormal. There appears to have been a mutiny on the Klingon ship. I wouldn't go so far as to say the same thing is happening on DS Nine, but I do find some disturbing parallels. Sisko: If something's bothering you, Odo, tell it to Mister O'Brien. That's what he's there for. Sisko: What do you think? Odo: What is it? Sisko: A clock. Fascinating, isn't it? Kira: It's not nice to keep a friend waiting. Odo: Did we have an appointment? Kira: When have I ever had to stand on ceremony with you, Odo? I need your help. I took care of the Valerians. Odo: What do you mean? Kira: I locked down their docking clamps. That ship isn't leaving until I say it is. O'Brien will need at least a day to do anything about it. By then, it won't matter. Odo: You're going after Sisko. Kira: And O'Brien. Either we get a more reasonable commander from Starfleet, someone we can control, or we go it alone. With me running this place, you will be able to do what needs to be done. If you want to toss Quark out on his ears, toss him out. If you want to proclaim martial law on the Promenade, proclaim it. This station will be yours to protect with no interference. Odo: What's your plan? Kira: Oh, Odo, I trust you more than anyone on this station because you can't be corrupted. But this is a dangerous time. I can't take any chances, even with you. When the time comes, you'll know it. I'll be counting on you. Odo: Computer, open a channel to Starfleet Headquarters. Computer: Subspace communication to Federation territories is currently unavailable. Odo: Why? Computer: By authority of Major Kira. Odo: Open a channel to the Bajoran Council. Computer: Communication to Bajor is currently unavailable. Odo: By authority of Chief O'Brien? Computer: That is correct. Odo: Computer, are you finished reconstructing the journal of the Klingon First officer. Computer: Data interpolation is complete. Odo: On screen. Computer, scan the journal for mention of contact with any alien race. Computer: One entry found. Odo: Play it. Klingon: First Officer's journal, day twenty two. Exploration of the fifth planet turned out to be a waste of time. This world is not worthy of a Klingon colony. All we found were a collection of energy spheres which possess some type of telepathic archive. The spheres described an ancient power struggle that destroyed a race called the Saltah'na. We will forward these results to our science division. O'Brien: Kira's already locked down the Valerian ship, and she's diverted half the station's systems to her control. Sisko: Since when? O'Brien: An hour ago. I've heard some disturbing rumors from our people on the Promenade. I think she's going to make an attempt on your life. Sisko: I want you to arrest them. Kira and every Bajoran officer on this station. I want the names of every sympathizer O'Brien: That's not a good idea, sir. There's a lot more of them than there are of us. If we tip our hand, it might work against us. Sisko: What can we do? O'Brien: Leave the station. Sisko: Never! Get me a phaser! I'll get rid of Kira! O'Brien: Hear me out, sir. We leave the station, raise a Federation attack force and return. On that day, we'll get rid of all your enemies. Sisko: How do we proceed? O'Brien: I need a few more hours to free up the Valerian ship. I've already talked to their Captain. He's more than happy to take us back to Federation space. Sisko: Call me as soon as you're ready. Bashir: It'll take effect in two minutes. Plenty of time to get a good Plenty of time for you to get a good night's sleep. Bajoran: Thank you, Doctor. Bashir: Chronic insomnia. I think it's hormonal. So, how are you? Odo: I take it you've completed your autopsy of the Klingon. Bashir: Of course. You know, Odo, events have been moving rapidly since our last conversation. I'd advise you to choose sides now or risk finding yourself without any friends at all. Odo: The Klingon, Doctor, what did you find? Bashir: He's still dead, if that's what you mean. Odo: I don't have time for jokes. Your findings could determine who controls this station. Bashir: How? Odo: All in good time. First, tell me about the Klingon. Bashir: Well, I found nothing very unusual. The columnar cells in his brain stem, perhaps. The membrane permeability was off. Odo: What could cause that? Bashir: Any number of things. Odo: Could it have something to do with telepathy? The Klingons were studying the telepathic archives of an ancient race. Bashir: If those archives were contained in a self-sustaining energy matrix, that could explain the changes in the Klingon's brain. Odo: Could that energy matrix have somehow caused them to re-enact the power struggle that destroyed the Saltah'nans. Bashir: Possibly. What are you getting at? Odo: Doctor, I believe the Klingon brought the matrix with him and everyone in Ops was affected except me. Without a humanoid brain, my system rejected it. Bashir: An interesting theory, Constable, but I'm certainly not behaving out of the ordinary. Odo: Of course not. But what if you and I are the only two who aren't affected? Bashir: Do you think we could use this to our advantage? Odo: Exactly. Bashir: Tell me your plan. Odo: The first thing we have to do is figure out how to remove the field from everyone affected. Bashir: But then we'd lose our advantage. Odo: Would you prefer that someone blew up the station? Bashir: I see your point. Odo: The power to control the energy matrix is the power to control this station. Bashir: If I could determine the natural resonance frequencies of this telepathic field, I might be able to generate an interference signal which could force it out. Odo: Do it. I promise, Doctor, you won't regret it. Sisko: O'Brien, what's taking so long? O'Brien: Almost there, sir. We've got one more level of security lockouts to break through and the Valerian ship will be ready to go. Bajoran: Commander, I have the report you asked for on those weapon scanners. Sisko: Give it to Mister O'Brien. Bajoran: I really think you should see this, sir. O'Brien: Commander! Dax: Dax to Kira! Sisko: Is it Kira?! Did Kira put you up to this? Bajoran: No. Sisko: I want the truth. Is that clear? Let's see how this works. Kira: Put it down. Sir. Take them. Kira: Dax, you were supposed to deactivate the transporter. Dax: I forgot. O'Brien: Damn it. Kira must have set up a force field to keep us from beaming onto the Valerian ship. The transporter rerouted us here. Sisko: We've got to get to that ship. O'Brien: Odo's our only chance. He might be able to override the field. Sisko: You're sure we can trust him? O'Brien: I don't see we have any choice. Sisko: Sisko to Odo. Odo: Odo here. Sisko: Kira has moved against us. She has Dax on her side. Sisko: We need your help, Constable. You've got to Sisko: Clear us a path to the Valerian ship. Odo: Take crossover bridge one to the cargo bay entrance into docking port four. Odo: I'll keep it open for you. Sisko: Right. Sisko out. Leave your comm. badge here. Don't look so worried, Chief. She hasn't beaten us yet. O'Brien: Yes, sir. Dax: They're still in airlock corridor six. Kira: What could they be doing in there? Dax: Maybe they've given up. Kira: Sisko would rather die, which is fine with me. They must have taken off their comm. badges. That's all right. They won't get far. Dax: Somebody's taking out our forcefields. Kira: Whoever it is knows how to override the security codes. Kira to Odo. Odo: Go ahead, Major. Kira: Whose side are you on, Constable? Odo: Yours, of course. Kira: Really? Then why are you helping Sisko escape? Odo: On the contrary. Odo: You'll find him trapped in cargo bay four. Odo: Consider it my gift to you. Kira: Oh, my apologies. We'll see you there. Kira: Kira out. Bashir: Well done. You certainly fooled her, didn't you, Constable. Odo: We're running out of time, Doctor. Bashir: I'm just about finished. I've set up an ionic interference signal in cargo bay four, calibrated to lock onto the resonance frequencies of the telepathic field and drive it out of all those affected. Odo: And what will happen to it then? Bashir: It'll remain suspended as long as the interference is in effect. Odo: That's all I need to know. Let's go. Sisko: What's wrong? O'Brien: It's been sealed. O'Brien: I wouldn't do that, sir. You might run into Kira. She must have realized we removed our comm. badges by now. O'Brien: It's completely locked down. Someone's activated a level five security protocol. There's only one other person on this station besides yourself who has that kind of access. Sisko: Odo! Kira: Relax, Commander. He'll be here any minute. Sisko: So, this is how it all ends. Kira: For you. Sisko: You know what disturbs me? The ingratitude. I offered you my kindness, my help, my leadership, and how do you repay me? With betrayal. But you won't get rid of me so easily. You see, unlike you, I understand history. My name will blaze across the stars long after your petty treacheries have been forgotten. Kira: But you won't be here to see it. Odo: Major, wait! Kira: Glad you two could make it. Odo: Computer, execute Odo one. Sisko: Constable? Odo: Everyone grab hold of something secure. Odo: Welcome back, everybody. Commander's log, stardate 46924.5. With nothing to contain it, the telepathic matrix has dispersed in space. Meanwhile, I'm happy to report everything and everyone aboard DS Nine has returned to normal. Kira: Did you really build that? Sisko: Apparently so. Kira: Why? Sisko: I have no idea. Kira: I know that none of us were really responsible for our actions, but I feel like I owe you an apology. Sisko: For attempted mutiny. Kira: Well, yes. Sisko: I think we'll let it go. This time. (Sisko sets the alien timepiece going again and gazes at it.

Kira: We never cared what we did, as long as it annoyed the grown-ups. All inner deflector shield sub-systems are showing equal intensity. Dax: Power balance levels are reading normal. I was a champion window breaker. On a dark night with a few rocks, I was deadly. Kira: Er, which you are you talking about? Dax: We're being hailed by an incoming freighter. Kira: Open a channel. On screen. Welcome to DS Nine. I'm Major Kira Nerys. Captain: This is the Kobheerian freighter Rak-Miunis, requesting permission to dock. Kira: Docking port six is clear for approach. Captain: Thank you. We have a passenger on board requiring medical assistance. Sisko: Can you tell us what's wrong with your passenger? Captain: He says it's a condition called Kalla-Nohra. It's apparently chronic, but he doesn't have his medication. Sisko: Beam him directly to our Infirmary. we'll have our doctor standing by. Captain: Thank you, Commander. Rak-Miunis out. Dax: Dax to Infirmary. Bashir: This is Bashir. Go ahead. Dax: A Kobheerian transport's about to beam a patient to you. He's suffering from something called Kalla-Nohra. Bashir: I'm not aware of it. I'll check the computer. Kira: Commander, I'd like to go down to the Infirmary and meet that patient. Sisko: Of course. Why? Kira: The only cases of Kalla-Nohra I know of were the result of a mining accident at a Bajoran forced labor camp I helped liberate. The survivors of Gallitep have always been a symbol to us of strength and courage. Sisko: By all means, Major. Take as much time as you want. Bashir: Ah, Major. I'll be right with you. Kira: Kira to Odo. Odo: Go ahead. Kira: I'm in the Infirmary. I need security here on the double. Odo: I'm on my way, Major. Bashir: What's the matter, Major. Kira: Your patient is a criminal. Odo: Good afternoon. I assume this is the problem? Marritza: Problem? Kira: Lock him up. Marritza: This is outrageous. On what charge? Bashir: Will someone tell me what's going on? This man needs medical care. Kira: Then give it to him in his cell. Marritza: I haven't done anything. Odo: Then why did you run? Marritza: I'm trying to get away from this Bajoran fanatic. Look at the hate in her eyes. She'd like to kill me. Odo: Oh? And why would that be? Marritza: Well, it's obvious. I'm a Cardassian. Kira: He's not just any Cardassian. He's a war criminal. Sisko: You're saying this man, what's his name? Odo: Marritza. Aamin Marritza. Sisko: You're saying Marritza's on the Bajoran's list of Cardassians wanted for war crimes? Odo: He's not on any list I've seen, Commander, and I've got them all. Kira: I don't care if he's listed or not. Sisko: Hold on, Major. Marritza's traveling on a Federation ship. He comes here for a medical emergency, and we throw him into a security cell. I, for one, hope he's listed. Kira: Commander, I know what I've done isn't exactly policy. It may not even be legal. But it's right. Sisko: All right, Major, what do we charge him with? Kira: I'm charging him with having contracted Kalla-Nohra. Sisko: Do you want to explain that to me? Kira: The only way he could have contracted that condition was to have served at the Gallitep labor camp at the time of the mining accident. Sisko: So that makes him a war criminal, just being there? Kira: Commander, if you'd been there twelve years ago when we liberated that camp, if you'd seen the things I saw. All those Bajoran bodies starved, brutalized. Do you know what Cardassian policy was? Oh, I'm not even talking about the murder. Murder was just the end of the fun for them. First came the humiliation, mothers raped in front of their children, husbands beaten till their wives couldn't recognize them, old people buried alive because they couldn't work anymore. Sisko: I think I'll have a talk with our guest. Kira: I'll come with you. Sisko: No, Major. It'd be better if I spoke to him alone. Sisko: How do you feel? Marritza: Better, thank you. Sisko: I'm Benjamin Sisko. I'm in charge of this station. Marritza: Oh, finally, the Federation to the rescue. Are you going to let me out of here? Sisko: I hope so. Tell me, how did you contract Kalla-Nohra syndrome? Marritza: I don't have Kalla-Nohra. I have Pottrik Syndrome. Sisko: The freighter captain said it was Kalla-Nohra. Marritza: A very similar condition. Take the same medication, as a matter of fact. Sisko: Then you didn't serve at the Gallitep labor camp? Marritza: Labor camp? I've never been to Bajor. I was a military file clerk. I now reside on Kora Two, where I boarded the freighter, which, unfortunately for me, came here. Now, Commander, if you have no more questions, I'd like to be on my way. Kainon: Am I still drunk, or am I in jail with a Cardassian? Odo! You're not keeping me in here with one of those! Odo! Odo! Marritza: I put myself in your hands, Commander. Sisko: Let me get this straight. You're saying that Marritza does have Kalla-Nohra? Bashir: There's no doubt about it. He has all the symptoms. And when I ran a lower pulmonary bio-probe, it read positive. Sisko: And you're sure he doesn't have Pottrik Syndrome. Bashir: Yes, absolutely. If he had Pottrik's, the bio-probe would've been negative. Sisko: Then he was at the Gallitep labor camp. Bashir: Definitely. I've cross-checked all Bajoran and Federation medical records, and there's simply no other way he could've gotten this condition. Kira: Kira to Sisko. Sisko: Yes, Major. Kira: Commander, there's an incoming transmission for you from Bajor. It's the Minister of State. Sisko: Thank you. If you'll excuse me, Doctor. Sisko: Minister Kaval. Good day, Sir. Kaval: And to you, Commander. I trust you're in good health. Things are going well on the station? Sisko: Quite well, thank you. Kaval: That's wonderful. I'm told you've performed a special service for Bajor today. Congratulations to you. Sisko: I don't quite follow. Kaval: You're not holding a certain Cardassian for us? Sisko: We are holding a Cardassian, temporarily. Kaval: By temporarily, you mean until you're satisfied that a verified identification has been made. Sisko: Minister, I'm not sure we have the grounds to hold him that long. Kaval: I fully understand your concerns, Commander, but since our Major Kira's accepted responsibility in this matter, the burden is off your shoulders. Sisko: I don't agree. Kaval: Commander, if this Marritza was at Gallitep, we want him, and we will have him. Is that clear? Sisko: It is. Kaval: Good. We'll chat again soon. Good day, Commander. Sisko: May I join you? Kira: Actually, I was just about to pay a visit to our friend Marritza. Sisko: That's what I wanted to talk to you about, Major. I'd like Odo to handle this investigation. Kira: Why? Sisko: He's our Chief of Security. Kira: Minister Kaval put me in charge. Sisko: Minister Kaval doesn't run this station. Kira: And the Federation has no right telling us how to deal with our criminals. Sisko: If it turns out that he is a criminal, then he'll be yours and you're welcome to him. Until then, he's just a traveler under suspicion. Kira: You think this is all some personal vendetta on my part, don't you? Sisko: I think you're too close to be objective, yes. Kira: You're right, I'm not objective. But I'm your first officer, and I give you my word I will conduct myself accordingly. You once said we were friends. I'm asking you now as a friend, please, let me conduct this investigation. I owe it to them. Sisko: You mean the victims. Kira: That's right. The ones who moved too slowly and never moved again. I'm asking for all the Bajorans who can't ask. Let a Bajoran do this. Sisko: Sisko to Odo. Odo: Go ahead. Sisko: Constable, Major Kira will be in charge of the Marritza investigation. Odo: I understand. Kira: Thank you. Kira: Constable. Kainon: It's about time you let me out. Odo: Try to stay out of trouble for a day or two, will you? Kainon: I'll do my best. Oh, and Odo let me know when you hang the Cardassian. Odo: I've begun a background check on Marritza. So far he is what he says he is. He boarded that Kobheerian freighter at Kora Two, where he's worked as an instructor at a military academy for the past five years. Kira: Keep looking. Odo: Don't worry, Major, I intend to. Kira: I'll be with the prisoner if you need me. Marritza: My compliments on your replicators, Major, But this sem'hal stew could use a little yamok sauce. Kira: I'm glad you're enjoying it. Marritza: I doubt that, Major. I doubt it very much. Kira: I hope it won't disturb your dinner if I ask you a few questions. Marritza: And if I refuse to answer? Kira: I'll ask them anyway. Marritza: Of course. Kira: This is my job. Marritza: Persecuting Cardassian goes far beyond your job, Major, it's your passion. Kira: You claim you were never at Gallitep. Marritza: I missed that honor. Kira: And that your illness is not Kalla-Nohra. Marritza: Again, true. Kira: Again false. Our doctor confirmed you do have Kalla-Nohra, which means you were at Gallitep. If your lies are going to be this transparent, it's going to be a very short interrogation. Marritza: In that case, I'll try to make my lies more opaque. Kira: What was your rank at Gallitep? What were your duties? Marritza: You don't want to know. Kira: Just answer the question. Marritza: You'll be disappointed. Kira: I'll risk it. Marritza: I had the distinction of serving in the exalted position of filing clerk. Kira: Filing clerk? Marritza: I told you you'd be disappointed. Actually, I would have preferred to avoid military service altogether, but I had the good fortune to be posted to the records office at Gallitep, and I turned out to be an exemplary file clerk. In fourteen units of service, I never misplaced or lost a record. I received numerous commendations. Gul Darhe'el himself called my computer filing system a masterpiece of meticulous exactitude. Well, there you are. My secret's out. My crimes laid bare. I await execution. Kira: I hope we don't keep you waiting long. I never heard of a filing clerk becoming an instructor at a military academy. Marritza: Until now. Kira: And what did you teach? Marritza: Believe it or not, filing. Kira: I can verify that. Marritza: Be my guest. Kira: I still think you're a liar. Marritza: So much for our search for the truth. Now we trade insults. Kira: You admit you worked under Gul Darhe'el. Marritza: We all did. Kira: I take it then you witnessed the atrocities. Marritza: Atrocities? What atrocities? Oh, I do vaguely recall hearing a scream from time to time. Atrocities? No. Kira: You expect me to believe you knew nothing of the murders, the tortures? You never saw the bodies? Marritza: Of course I saw bodies. People died all the time at Gallitep. Mining accidents, illnesses, feuds among the workers. Kira: You're saying Bajorans killed each other? Marritza: At times. Over food, a blanket, a woman. The conditions were harsh. It was a labor camp, Major. Kira: I helped liberate that camp. I saw the bodies. I know how they died. Marritza: You saw what we wanted you to see. Who do you think started the rumors about brutality at Gallitep? It was Gul Darhe'el himself. Now there was a leader. Brilliant, extraordinary man. He knew that to rule by fear was to rule completely. Why bother with actual mass murders, when the mere reports of such incidents had the same effect. Kira: Which was? Marritza: You know as well as I do, Major. To keep you Bajorans thinking of yourselves as victims. To keep you afraid and helpless. Kira: Turned out we weren't so helpless. We did get rid of you. Marritza: Leaving was a political decision, Major. I've enjoyed reminiscing with you. Now I think it's time you let me out of here. Kira: I can't do that. Marritza: Oh, no, no, no, no, of course not. No, you see you're the one who's lying now, Major. it's not the truth you're interested in. All you want is vengeance. Dukat: Commander, I was led to believe the Federation guarantees the safe and unrestricted passage of all travelers visiting your station. Sisko: That's correct. Dukat: Then how do you explain the detention of a Cardassian citizen? Sisko: Marritza came here seeking medical attention. Right now, he's under our doctor's care. All we're trying to do is to verify his identity. A simple matter, if you'll give us some assistance. Dukat: I assure you, Commander, you don't require our assistance. If this patient says his name is Marritza, then that's who he is. I hope you're not suggesting you don't trust him simply because he's Cardassian. Sisko: I don't trust him because he's already lied about being at Gallitep. Dukat: Is that what you're charging him with, Commander? Lying? Sisko: So far, we haven't charged him with anything. Dukat: Then let him go. Sisko: I'd like nothing better. But first I need to know who it is I'm letting go. Dukat: I do appreciate the awkwardness of your position here, Commander. This Bajoran obsession with alleged Cardassian improprieties during the occupation is really quite distasteful. Sisko: I suppose if you're a Bajoran, so was the occupation. Dukat: I might remind you that neither one of us is Bajoran, and I would hate their bitterness to cause conflict between Cardassia and the Federation. Sisko: I hope to avoid that too, with your help. Dukat: You don't need my help to safeguard one Cardassian on your own station. If any of these Bajoran hate-mongers get their hands on him, I'll holding you personally responsible. Dax: What are you looking for? Kira: Answers. Dax: Found any yet? Kira: Marritza says I don't care about the truth. That all I want is vengeance. Dax: Are you worried that maybe he's right? Kira: All I want is to see him punished. Dax: Even if he is just a file clerk? Kira: That's just it. I don't want him to be a file clerk. I want him to be, I don't know, something worse. Dax: You want him to be guilty. Kira: As far as I'm concerned, if he was at Gallitep, he is guilty. They're all guilty. His punishment will let Bajor feel some satisfaction. Dax: It sounds like you're trying too hard to believe what you're saying. You already know if you punish him without reason, it won't mean anything. And you already know vengeance isn't enough. O'Brien: Re-route the signal enhancement module to the main sensor array. Neela: Aye, sir. O'Brien: How's it look? Neela: Just give me a second. I'll run a diagnostic. Odo: I've checked with the Bajoran archives, and they do have a Marritza on record as being a filing clerk at Gallitep. I also checked with the military academy on Kora Two. Marritza has been teaching filing there just as he claims. O'Brien: All set, Commander. Sisko: Major, how many images were sent from the Bajoran archives? Kira: Only one. It's the only picture they could find of Gallitep that had Marritza in it. The Cardassians destroyed almost all records of the occupation. O'Brien: The image enhancement and transformation functions are patched directly into your console. Sisko: Major, what if this image confirms that Marritza was a filing clerk? What do you expect us to do, then? Kira: I suppose you'll let him go. Sisko: I'm glad we understand each other. Dax: I've got it. Sisko: On screen. Sisko: Which one is Marritza? Dax: Let's see. According to the caption, he's the one in the background on the far right. Sisko: Isolate and magnify. Sisko: We're going to have to do better than that. Dax: Give me a minute. I'm running an image enhancement sequence. Kira: It's not him. Sisko: Are you sure we're looking at the right man? Dax: Background, far right, Aamin Marritza. Kira: It can't be. Sisko: If that's Marritza, then who are we holding? Lieutenant, isolate the Cardassians in the foreground. The one in profile on the left. What can you give us? Kira: That's him. That's Marritza. Dax: Not according to the caption. Kira: What do you mean? Dax: According to this, it's Gul Darhe'el. Marritza: Let me guess. You've come back to learn the secret of my filing system. Kira: I know all your secrets now. Marritza: Is that so. Kira: What did you do? Did you kill the real Marritza so you could take his place? Well, you'll pay for that death and all the others you're responsible for. Marritza: I don't think I could pay for all of them, Major. There were so many, and you can only execute me once. Kira: That's my only regret. But I'll settle for knowing that Bajor will finally have the satisfaction of punishing The Butcher of Gallitep. Marritza: Tell me, Major, did you figure it all out by yourself, or did you have help from your Federation masters? Kira: I'll let you wonder about that. It'll keep you occupied while we're waiting for the provisional government to prepare your war crimes tribunal. Marritza: War crimes? How could there be war crimes when there hasn't been a war? Oh, I can understand your wish there had been a war. Your need to indulge some pathetic fantasy of brave Bajoran soldiers marching to honorable defeat. But in fact, Major, you and I know there was no war, no glory. Bajor didn't resist, it surrendered. Kira: The Bajorans were a peaceful people before you came. We offered no threat to you. We could never understand why you had to be so brutal. Marritza: Well, we can't have that, Major, I want no more secrets between us. Anything you don't understand, I'll explain to you. Kira: Thank you, but I think I've heard enough of your lies. Marritza: What lies? You mean my failure to divulge my true identity? Believe me, Major, I yearned to tell you but I knew how much more satisfaction you would have if find out for yourself. And that was my only deception. Marritza was a magnificent file clerk. And I, Gul Darhe'el, I hope you'll not think it immodest of me to say so, but I was a magnificent leader. You never saw Gallitep at its height. For a labor camp, it was the very model of order and efficiency. And why? For that, you have to look to the top. To me! My word, my every glance, was law and the verdict was always the same, guilty. Kira: You're insane. Marritza: Oh, no, no, Major. You can't dismiss me that easily. I did what had to be done. My men understood that, and that's why they loved me. I would order them to go out and kill Bajoran scum, and they'd do it. They'd murder them and they'd come back covered in blood, but they felt clean. Now why did they feel that way, Major? Because they were clean. Kira: You admit your atrocities. Marritza: I admit everything. Why not? I was the best at what I did. My accomplishments speak for themselves. Can you say the same? You and that little Shakaar resistance cell that you belonged to. All you did was annoy Cardassians, while I was out exterminating Bajorans. Kira: Make sure you tell that to the tribunal. Marritza: Oh, I will. Kira: Then they'll sentence you to death. Marritza: Let them. Don't you see? It doesn't change anything. Kill me, torture me, it doesn't matter. You've already lost, Major. You can never undo what I've accomplished. The dead will still be dead. What will you do now, Major? Withhold my medicine? Odo: Here, this will help. Kira: What is it? Odo: Maraltian seev-ale from Quark's private stock. Better? Kira: You know, Odo, I wonder how many others like Darhe'el are still out there, still free, unpunished. Odo: Quite a few, no doubt. But thanks to you, there's one less out there now. Kira: You should've heard him. He bragged about what happened at Gallitep. The torture, the murders, the humiliation. He's proud of about what he did to us. Odo: Why don't you go to your quarters, and lie down for a while. We'll leave him alone with his Cardassian pride. Kira: I don't want to lie down. That's what he'd like. Another Bajoran hiding in a corner. He's probably in there laughing at me right now. Odo: He won't be laughing very long. Kira: I hate him, Odo. I hate his smirking, superior Cardassian face. When I was fighting with the resistance, we used to lie awake at night plotting the assassination of men like Darhe'el. Now I have to stand there and listen to him belittle the Shakaar and everything it stood for. Odo: Perhaps you should avoid discussing your personal history with a creature like that. Kira: I didn't. Odo: Then how did he know you were with the Shakaar? Kira: I don't know, he was an important military leader. Odo: That doesn't explain it. If he'd been in charge of quelling Bajoran resistance, then he might have had your name on file. But he commanded a forced labor camp. Something's not right here. Where are you going? Kira: To have another little chat with Gul Darhe'el. Odo: Computer. Review all off-station requests for information regarding Major Kira Nerys within the last eight months. Computer: Working. Marritza: Oh, back to see the Butcher. Am I really so fascinating? Kira: How did you know I was with the Shakaar? Marritza: This provisional government of yours certainly moves slowly. They should've dragged me away in chains by now. Kira: Just answer the question. Marritza: My, my, you are a strutting little egotist. You forget the brilliance of Marritza's filing system. He made sure that I was provided with information on all your little terrorist bands. What I particularly enjoyed were the termination reports. Yes, life in a forced labor camp can be so isolating. At times I felt that I alone bore the burden of cleansing Bajor of its rabble, but those reports reassured me I was not alone. Kira: And I'm supposed to believe you remembered my name from some report you read years ago? Marritza: At the risk of bruising your vanity even further, Major, I didn't remember you at all until I heard your name here. I can see that disturbs you. Kira: Hardly. Marritza: You know, Major, they will be coming for me soon, so before we say goodbye, there are a few little questions I should like to ask you. Kira: Your questions don't interest me. Marritza: How can you be so sure? Or are you just afraid to hear them? Quark: Who're they? Odo: Survivors of Gallitep. They arrived early this morning. I suppose they're waiting for justice. Quark: Gallitep. Imagine living through that hellhole. The pain, the sorrow. Do you think they like to gamble? Odo: Doctor, I need your help. Bashir: Of course. Odo: Three months ago, a request came from Kora Two for information concerning Kira Nerys. Bashir: To what purpose? Odo: I'm not sure, but the name on the request was Aamin Marritza. I've established a subspace link with Kora Two and I'd like you to access his medical history there. Dax: Dax to Odo. Gul Dukat is responding to your subspace transmission. Odo: Could you route it to my office. Dax: Aye, sir. Dukat: I do miss working with you, Odo. I've miss our games of kalevian montar. Odo: As I recall, Gul Dukat, we played one game and you cheated. Dukat: The same old Odo. Like a blunt instrument. But no to your question I regret that I cannot give you access to any of the files pertaining to Gul Darhe'el, but I assure you the files would only tell you what I'm telling you. Gul Darhe'el is dead. Odo: That's not possible. Dukat: I attended his funeral myself. As a matter of fact, he's buried under one of the largest military monuments on Cardassia. Odo: Then who are we holding here? Dukat: Some innocent Cardassian citizen, just as I explained to your Commander Sisko. And we want him released. Odo: That innocent citizen has admitted he is Gul Darhe'el. Dukat: What are you saying? Odo: He says his name is Gul Darhe'el. Dukat: Then he's lying! Odo: Well if he is, it's the most foolish lie he could have invented. It's likely to get him executed. Why would anyone do such a thing? Dukat: I don't know. But I tell you I attended Darhe'el's funeral. Odo: You're sure the man you saw buried was Gul Darhe'el? Dukat: Half of Cardassia viewed his body, Odo: I saw a photograph of Darhe'el taken at the Gallitep labor camp. It certainly appears to be the man we're holding. Dukat: You're mistaken. Odo: Am I? Dukat: This is obviously some plot to embarrass the Cardassian Empire. Odo: It's possible. Give me access to your files and perhaps I can find some proof to support your claim that Gul Darhe'el is dead. Dukat: I suppose I could grant you limited access to the files. Odo: I think that's wise. Kira: I was twelve when I started fighting but I've heard of some who were even younger than that. Marritza: Yes, yes, let's get to the real issue. How many Cardassians did you kill? I mean personally. Kira: I didn't keep count. Marritza: Oh, I think you did. And I'm sure your total wasn't limited to military personnel. After all, the most effective terrorist weapon was random violence. Don't leave now, Major, it's just getting good. How many Cardassian civilians did you kill? Kira: Look, I regret a lot of what I had to do. Marritza: How convenient of you. Kira: We had no choice! We were fighting for survival! Marritza: So were we! We had an empire to protect. We needed your resources. Everything I did was for the greater glory of Cardassia! And if you spineless scum had to be ground under, so much the better. All that mattered was Cardassia. I loved my homeland. That's what justified my actions, that's what gave me my strength. Kira: Nothing justifies genocide. Marritza: What you call genocide, I call a day's work. Odo: Major? Could I have a word with you? Odo: Doctor Bashir and I have done some checking. I don't know why yet, but the man in that cell wanted to be caught. Odo: This certificate of death was in the file sent to me by Gul Dukat. Sisko: According to this, Gul Darhe'el died in his sleep six years ago. Cause of death, massive coleibric hemorrhage. Kira: Commander, I guarantee you that's a forged document. I think it's pretty clear what's going on here. The Cardassians are trying trick us into letting him go. Sisko: I wouldn't put it past our friend Gul Dukat. Odo: Nor would I. However Kira: The man in there confessed he is Gul Darhe'el. Odo: Major, the man in there has Kalla-Nohra Syndrome. Kira: Of course he does. Odo: According to the evidence I've been sent, Gul Darhe'el never contracted that condition. Kira: More evidence from our trustworthy Gul Dukat. Sisko: What've you got, Constable? Odo: Darhe'el's progress reports from Gallitep show that when the mining accident occurred, he was back on Cardassia being awarded the Proficient Service Medallion. Sisko: If he wasn't at Gallitep on the day of the accident, then he couldn't have contracted Kalla-Nohra. Odo: Correct. But the man we're holding does have it. Kira: I can't believe I'm listening to this. Odo: I'm afraid there's more, Major. I inquired about his last two weeks on Kora Two. He resigned his position at the military academy, put all his affairs in order, and even provided handsomely for his housekeeper, I understand Kira: All right, all right. So like any criminals, he wanted to move on before somebody traced his whereabouts. Odo: He specifically requested passage on a vessel that was scheduled to stop here, at a Bajoran station. A rather unusual request for a Cardassian war criminal. Sisko: Unless he wanted to be captured. Kira: Wait a minute. Let's be clear about one thing. This evidence may raise some interesting questions. Nevertheless, Darhe'el is going to be sent back to Bajor to stand trial for the atrocities he committed. Sisko: Major, that is still to be determined. Kira: Then go talk to him. If you still have any doubts, just listen to what he has to say. He was there. He did it. He'll tell you about it. Bashir: Constable, I've checked on Marritza's medical record. Sisko: What have we got? Bashir: He's been under treatment for Kalla-Nohra Syndrome, of course, and a few other minor ailments, most relating to his age. It's all pretty standard, actually, except for one thing. Odo: Which is? Bashir: Five years ago, after arriving on Kora Two, he started taking massive doses of a dermatiraelian plastiscine, which is a dermal regenerative agent used to maintain skin resilience after cosmetic alteration. Kira: You're saying he changed his face to look like Gul Darhe'el. Bashir: It certainly appears that way. Kira: How are you feeling? Marritza: I was starting to get a little bored, but seeing you again brightens my day. Kira: I was referring to your Kalla-Nohra Syndrome. Would you like see Doctor Bashir? Marritza: Oh, so that's it. You want to see me writhe around on the floor in pain. A Cardassian would never put on such a deplorable display in front of a Bajoran. You just don't understand us at all. Kira: I'm beginning to understand a great deal about you. One thing does puzzle me. Marritza: And what would that be? Kira: How you contracted Kalla-Nohra syndrome. Marritza: Did you think that the mining accident only affected the Bajoran laborers, and not their Cardassian masters? That would be very nice. Kira: So you're saying you were at Gallitep when that mining accident occurred? Marritza: Of course. Why are we going over this again? Kira: Because your own progress reports shows that you were back on Cardassia at the time of the accident. Marritza: That's ridiculous. Kira: Receiving your Proficient Service Medallion. Marritza: The reports are wrong. Kira: I can show them to you. Marritza: That won't be necessary. I know where I was. Kira: Why were you taking a dermal regenerative? Marritza: I don't know what you're talking about. Kira: Then let me help you. Five years ago when you first got to Kora Two Marritza: All right, that's enough. Your presence no longer amuses me. Get out. Kira: Why did you have your face altered? Marritza: Security, get this woman out of here! Kira: Why are you pretending to be Gul Darhe'el? Marritza: Why don't you ask me something intelligent, as for instance how I did I feel when we were withdrawing from Bajor? The answer is, I was furious! The thought of leaving any survivors behind was repulsive to me. So while our useless office clerks were packing their precious files, I ordered my overseers to begin slaughtering the laborers. Kira: If you felt that way about your filing clerks, why did you take Marritza's name? Marritza: My plan was to do nothing less than kill every Bajoran in the camp! And to this day, my one regret is that I was not able to accomplish this honorable goal. Kira: You're Marritza, aren't you? Marritza: You mistake me for that bug? That whimpering nothing? Oh, you stupid Bajoran girl, don't you know who I am? I'm your nemesis, I'm your nightmare. I'm the Butcher of Gallitep. Kira: The Butcher of Gallitep died six years ago. You're Aamin Marritza, his filing clerk. Marritza: That's not true. I am alive. I'll always be alive. It's Marritza who's dead. Marritza, who was only good for cowering under his bunk and weeping like a woman. Who, every night, covered his ears because he couldn't bear to hear the screaming for mercy of the Bajorans. Marritza: I covered my ears every night. I couldn't bear to hear those horrible screams. You have no idea what it's like to be a coward, to see these horrors and do nothing. Marritza's dead. He deserves to be dead. Marritza: What are you doing? Kira: I'm letting you go. Marritza: Security? Get in here! Kira: You didn't commit those crimes, and you couldn't stop them. You were only one man. Marritza: No, don't you see? I have to be punished. We all have to be punished. Major, you have to go out and tell them I'm Gul Darhe'el. It's the only way. Kira: Why are you doing this? Marritza: For Cardassia. Cardassia will only survive if it stands in front of Bajor and admits the truth. My trial will force Cardassia to acknowledge its guilt. And we're guilty, all of us. My death is necessary. Kira: What you're asking for is another murder. Enough good people have already died. I won't help kill another. Kira: You should be back on Kora Two in three days. Marritza: There's nothing for me to go back to. Kira: We've contacted officials there. They'll be waiting to help you. Marritza: If they believed that I was Gul Darhe'el, then my trial might have helped bring about a new Cardassia. Now you've told them I was just a file clerk. Kira: What you tried to do was very honorable. If Cardassia is going to change, it's going to need people like you. Kira: Why? He wasn't Darhe'el! Why? Kainon: He's a Cardassian. That's reason enough. Kira: No! It's not.

O'Brien: Try one. You'll like it. Keiko: Too early for me O'Brien: You sure? Keiko: It's so sweet. O'Brien: It's a natural sweetness from the sap of the jumja tree. It's full of vitamin C. Keiko: Since when did you become such an expert on jumja sticks? O'Brien: Oh, Neela told me. Keiko: Did she? So, is she working out any better than the last one? O'Brien: Who, Neela? She's terrific. She's even taught me a thing or two. Keiko: I'm glad to hear her expertise doesn't end with jumja sticks . O'Brien: No, she's a good engin Hold on. Keiko: What? O'Brien: Well, you're not thinking? Well, Keiko. Keiko: Just keeping you on your toes, O'Brien. O'Brien: Oh, very funny. Keiko: Be careful who you share your jumja with. Keiko: Now, as we discussed in yesterday's lesson, the wormhole was diskovered by Commander Sisko and Lieutenant Dax earlier this year. Does anyone know what makes this wormhole so unusual? Jake? Jake: It's stable? Keiko: It's stable. That's right, Jake. It's the first stable wormhole known to exist. Winn: Please, continue. Keiko: A stable wormhole is very important because it allows us to travel secure in the knowledge that neither end will shift locations. Who knows why the wormhole is stable? Because it was artificially constructed. Commander Sisko encountered the entities who created the wormhole when he Winn: Excuse me. By entities, do you not mean the Prophets? Keiko: Yes, on Bajor the entities are worshiped as prophets. Our studies of the wormhole have shown that it was formed by unique particles we call verterons that are apparently self-sustaining in nature. This begins to explain how a ship at impulse can safely pass through Winn: Ships are safely guided through the passage by the hands of the Prophets. Keiko: In a manner of speaking. Winn: Not apparently in your manner of speaking. Keiko: Perhaps we should discuss this after class. Winn: Do you believe the Celestial Temple of the Prophets exists within the passage? Keiko: I respect that the Bajoran people believe that it does. Winn: But that's not what you teach. Keiko: No, I don't teach Bajoran spiritual beliefs. That's your job. Mine is to open the children's minds to history, to literature, to mathematics, to science. Winn: You are opening the children's minds to blasphemy, and I cannot permit it to continue. O'Brien: Sorry I couldn't get here sooner. Another fusion reactor went down. How's it going? Neela: Done. O'Brien: Done? Did you remember to re-initialize the isolinear coprocessor? Neela: I did it exactly like you showed me. Should I test it? O'Brien: Let me. You know us old folks. We like to feel useful. O'Brien: Not bad, not bad at all. If you keep this up, I'll be out of a job. Neela: I doubt that. O'Brien: Let's close it up. O'Brien: Not that one. That's a security seal. You need an E-J-Seven interlock to close it. Neela: E-J-Seven? O'Brien: It's okay, I have one here. O'Brien: Bloody hell. Neela: What's wrong? O'Brien: My E-J-Seven's missing. It was here yesterday. Neela: Maybe you left it in Ops. O'Brien: No, I don't misplace my tools. Sisko: I'm not exactly surprised. Keiko: You knew this was going to happen? Sisko: A confrontation like this was inevitable. Sometimes I wonder if we'll ever find the common ground we need to bring Bajor into the Federation. Sisko: Major, would you join us? Sisko: We've been talking about an incident this morning at school. Kira: I heard. Vedek Winn has been meeting with some of the Bajoran civilians about it. Sisko: What do you know about her? Kira: She's from an orthodox order. She has some support to become the next Kai. Probably not enough. Keiko: The question is, how much support does she have on this station? Kira: She has mine. Keiko: You can't possibly believe teaching the facts about the wormhole amounts to blasphemy? Kira: I think some revisions in the school curriculum might be appropriate. You teach a lot of Bajoran children. Keiko: I'm not going to let a Bajoran spiritual leader dictate what can or can't be taught in my classroom. Kira: Then maybe we need two schools on the station. One for the Bajoran children, another for the Federation. Sisko: If we start separating Bajoran and Federation interests Kira: A lot of Bajoran and Federation interests are separate, Commander. I've been telling you that all along. Sisko: Nobody's saying that there can't be spiritual teaching on this station, Major, but can't it be in addition to what's taught in Mrs O'Brien's classroom? Kira: But if she's teaching a fundamentally different philosophy Keiko: I'm not teaching any philosophy. What I'm trying to teach is pure science. Kira: Some might say pure science, taught without a spiritual context, is a philosophy, Mrs O'Brien. Sisko: My philosophy is that there is room for all philosophies on this station. Now, how do you suggest we deal with this? Kira: I'm not sure you can. Winn: I can't tell you how much I've looked forward to this moment. I'm honored to meet the Emissary to the Prophets. Sisko: If you'd let me know you were coming, Vedek Winn, I would have greeted you sooner. Winn: I did not wish to bother you with my insignificant visit. Sisko: I'd hardly call it insignificant. Winn: Thank you, Emissary. Sisko: I wish you wouldn't call me that. I'm Commander Sisko or Benjamin, if you like. Winn: But you are the Emissary. Don't you know the cherished place you have earned in the Bajoran spiritual life? Sisko: I'm not sure I'm comfortable in that role. Winn: The course the Prophets choose for us may not always be comfortable. But we must follow it. Winn: May I? Still the disbeliever. I once asked Kai Opaka why a disbeliever was destined to seek the Prophets, and she told me one should never look into the eyes of one's own gods. I disagreed. I told her I would do anything to look into their eyes. She suggested that I sit in darkness for a day and quite properly so. She cannot be replaced and I miss her deeply. Sisko: It's important to me that we resolve your problems with the school. Winn: The prophets have spoken to me through the orbs, Emissary. I understand my duty to defend the Bajoran faith. The teacher has dishonored the Celestial Temple. If she does not recant, I cannot be responsible for the consequences. Neela: This still seems like an awful lot of trouble to go through to find one tool. O'Brien: With that interlock, someone could access every critical system on the station. Dax: Chief, have you seen Ensign Aquino recently? O'Brien: No, now that you mention it. Dax: He didn't report for duty this morning. The computer says he's not on the station, but he didn't log out. O'Brien: Have you talked to Odo? Dax: I guess I'd better. Neela: Scanners are ready. O'Brien: Computer, show location of any independent tritanium sources. Neela: Level three, section five. O'Brien: That's the tool locker. I've been through everything in there three times. What's that? Neela: Looks like something in a power conduit on level twelve, section eight. O'Brien: What would tritanium be doing in there? Computer, shut down that conduit. Reroute power flow. Computer: Conduit deactivated. O'Brien: Come on. Neela: Over here, Chief. O'Brien: That's a tritanium composite, all right. Looks like our missing interlock. Neela: It must have been melted by the conduit's plasma flow. O'Brien: That still doesn't explain how it got here in the first place. Hey, I'm picking up traces of organic material. Whatever it was, it's been pretty well cooked by this conduit. Let's take a sample to Doctor Bashir, see what he can make of it. O'Brien: Ensign Aquino made a log entry the night he disappeared about some sort of plasma flow irregularity in the conduit. He indicated he was going to fix it. Keiko: So it was an accident. O'Brien: Well, I guess so. Bashir has confirmed that the remains were human. O'Brien: I'm sure the DNA trace will show it's Aquino. I'll have one, please, unless you're feeling adventurous today. Vendor: Sorry, we're all out. O'Brien: What? What are all these? Vendor: These aren't for sale. O'Brien: Not for sale, huh? O'Brien: How would you like a jumja stick Keiko: Miles. Odo: Is there a problem? O'Brien: You're damned right there is. Vendor: I don't have to sell anything to them if I don't want to. Odo: Why wouldn't you want to sell to them? Keiko: Miles, can we go? Let's go. Vendor: Seek the Prophets. Odo: Seek them yourself. O'Brien: Maybe you were right. Maybe we've no business here. I'll put in for a transfer and Keiko: No. I can't run away from this now. What's this? Winn: If we abandon the Prophets, then everything we have. Here's Mrs O'Brien now. Keiko: Good morning. Winn: Are you Mister O'Brien? O'Brien: That's right. Winn: A pleasure to meet you. I've just been hearing many wonderful things about your wife from the parents of these children. She apparently is an excellent teacher. O'Brien: Yes, she is, and she doesn't deserve what you're doing to her. Winn: I feel your anger toward me, and I forgive you for it. Mrs O'Brien, if I've misjudged you, I am terribly sorry. Have I? Is there a place in your school for the Prophets? Keiko: No. Winn: I admire you for standing by your convictions even though I disagree with them. Please believe me, I want to find a way to allow these children to stay in your school. Keiko: I'm sure the children and their parents are happy to hear you say that. Winn: Let me be the one to make the first concession. I will no longer request that you teach anything about the Celestial Temple. Just don't teach anything about the wormhole at all. Keiko: Ignore it? Winn: Find other ways, other things to teach the children. Keiko: And when we get to theories of evolution or creation of the universe, what then? Winn: We'll face those issues when we come to them. Keiko: I'm a teacher. My responsibility is to expose my students to knowledge, not hide it from them. The answer is no. Winn: I've tried to be reasonable. Sisko: If Aquino turned off the conduit to fix the relay, why did it reactivate. O'Brien: The Cardassians only equipped those power conduits with one flow regulator per level. The computer could've realigned it. When the power flow was rerouted back, it could've caught him inside. Dax: You don't sound entirely convinced. O'Brien: No, it all adds up only, well, I don't know. Sisko: Spit it out, Chief. O'Brien: He borrowed one of my tools without asking. Kira: It was four in the morning. Maybe he didn't want to disturb you. O'Brien: The repairs could've waited. He was a Starfleet engineer. You don't take a Chief's tools without asking. It's unheard of. Odo: Are you suggesting it might not have been an accident? O'Brien: I don't know what I'm suggesting. I only know what I know. He should've asked. Sisko: Constable, maybe you ought to take a closer look into this. Dismissed. Hi. Jake: Can I talk to you for a minute. Sisko: Sure. I heard about what happened at school. Did Mrs O'Brien call off classes? Jake: No. There was only me and four other kids left, but she still kept the school open. She changed the lesson to teach us about Galileo. Did you know that he was tried by the Inquisition for teaching that the Earth moved around the sun? Sisko: Tried and convicted. His books were burned. Jake: How could anyone be so stupid? Sisko: It's easy to look back seven centuries and judge what was right and wrong. Jake: But the same thing is happening now with all this stuff about the Celestial Temple in the wormhole. It's dumb. Sisko: No, it's not. You've got to realize something, Jake. For over fifty years, the one thing that allowed the Bajorans to survive the Cardassian occupation was their faith. The Prophets were their only source of hope and courage. Jake: But there were no Prophets. They were just some aliens that you found in the wormhole. Sisko: To those aliens, the future is no more difficult to see than the past. Why shouldn't they be considered Prophets? Jake: Are you serious? Sisko: My point is, it's a matter of interpretation. It may not be what you believe, but that doesn't make it wrong. If you start to think that way, you'll be acting just like Vedek Winn, Only from the other side. We can't afford to think that way, Jake. We'd lose everything we've worked for here Jake: You're worried, aren't you? What're you going to do? Sisko: I'm not sure, but I think I've got to find some help. Bareil: I'm sorry for keeping you waiting, Commander. Sisko: Vedek Bareil? Bareil: No need to pay tribute to me. Sisko: Pay tribute? I was just. Usually when I meet one of Bajor's spiritual leaders, the first thing they do is grab my Bareil: Ear? It's unpleasant, isn't it? Sisko: I've been far too polite to admit it. Bareil: I was five the first time one of the monks grabbed my ear. He was a stern old crow who could virtually squeeze the pagh out of you with his thumb and forefinger, and as a chronic misbehaver I was his favorite victim. I swore one of my life's goals would be to do away with that archaic ritual. Sisko: You can count on the Federation's support. Bareil: I hope you don't mind if I do a little planting while we talk. All those hours of listening to a hundred and twelve vedeks talking at once made me yearn for the sanctity of my arboretum. Sisko: Is this yours? Bareil: I began my service at the monastery as the gardener. I had no other ambition but to grow the most lovely Feloran bromeliads on the planet. Unfortunately, the Prophets did not allow me that peaceful life. I understand my friend Vedek Winn has brought her blessings to your station. Sisko: I was hoping you might be able to arrange an audience with the Assembly so I could discuss our school. Bareil: Why me? Sisko: You are the leading candidate to become the next Kai. Your ideology is quite different than Vedek Winn's. Bareil: You have been correctly informed. I'm sorry, Commander. The Vedek Assembly will not see you. Sisko: Why not? Bareil: Some fear you as the symbol of a Federation they view as godless. Some fear you as the Emissary who has walked with the Prophets. And some fear you because Vedek Winn told them to. We're all very good conjuring up enough fear to justify whatever we want to do. Today, I am only a Vedek. If the Prophets will it, someday I may be Kai, and I can be a better friend to you then. Sisko: In other words, being my friend now might hurt your chances. Bareil: The Prophets teach us patience. Sisko: It appears they also teach you politics. Bareil: I'm sorry you made this long trip for nothing, Commander. Please stay and enjoy the gardens as long as you like. Sisko: Is it my imagination or are we a little short handed today? Kira: Three Bajoran crewmen didn't report for duty. They said they weren't feeling well. Sisko: Do you think it's contagious, Major? Kira: It's too early to tell. Sisko: Are your people willing to throw away everything we've accomplished during the past seven months? Kira: Everyone knows if the Federation leaves the Cardassians will be back. Sisko: With all due respect, Major, protecting your borders is not the primary reason the Federation is here and it's not why I'm here. I'm here to build a trusting relationship with your people and I'd like to start feeling that somebody, somebody on your side is giving something back to that effort. Kira: I think I've given you all the support I can, short of Sisko: It's not enough. Kira: I thought there was room for all philosophies on this station. Sisko: You tell our sick Bajoran crewmen they better get well immediately or they'll recover on their way to their next assignment. Kira: Yes. Sir. Odo: Commander, Doctor Bashir has found some new evidence about Ensign Aquino you should see. Bashir: Sir, I've finally managed to reconstruct the victim's DNA. It's definitely Aquino, but the power flow in the conduit didn't kill him. You see, the plasma disruption in his cellular membranes indicates that he was exposed to a directed energy diskharge before he was placed in the conduit. O'Brien: A directed energy diskharge? From a phaser? Odo: Set to kill. Sisko: Could this murder be related in any way to the tensions over the school issue? Kira: If you're suggesting he was killed by a Bajoran just because he was with the Federation, I Bashir: The analysis proves he was killed the night before Vedek Winn arrived. There wasn't any school issue yet. Sisko: Any ideas about a motive? All right, then let's start from the beginning. Ensign Aquino goes to repair to a power conduit. Odo: One moment, Commander. I'm not convinced of that. Kira: But the log Odo: It could have been altered by our killer to cover his tracks. I've checked the turbolift records the night of the murder. Aquino did take a turbolift to level three, but not to the power conduit where he was found. Dax: Where did he go? Odo: Runabout pad C. O'Brien: A runabout? What was he doing at a runabout at four in the morning? Odo: Apparently, he was getting murdered. O'Brien: Everything in the runabout seems to be perfectly normal. Neela: It doesn't look like the airlock systems have been tampered with. O'Brien: Let's run a level one diagnostic of the runabout's computer interface, then we'll call it a day. Neela: I already have. Everything's normal. O'Brien: I don't even know what we're looking for. If something happened around here, it's been pretty well covered up. Neela: Did you know him well? O'Brien: Aquino? Barely at all. Just the welcome aboard, if you need anything speech. You? Neela: Not really. Bajoran and Starfleet officers don't really socialize that much. O'Brien: How come? Neela: I don't know. I guess we just keep to ourselves. O'Brien: You're not like that with me. Neela: You're not like the others. You know. You don't put on any airs. You're just nicer. O'Brien: Look, I'll close up here. Why don't you take off? Neela: You sure? O'Brien: Yeah. Yeah, I'm sure. Neela: Good night. O'Brien: On your toes, O'Brien. Quark: You were looking for me? Don't tell me. There's a Bajoran convention on the station I didn't know about? Thanks, Odo. I need to call in more dabo girls Odo: It's not a convention. They're from an orthodox spiritual order coming to support Vedek Winn's efforts to keep the Bajoran children out of school. Quark: Orthodox? In that case, I'll need twice as many dabo girls. These spiritual types love those dabo girls. Odo: This is not what I wanted to talk to you about. What do you know about the murder of Ensign Aquino? Quark: You wound me. All the years together. I thought you knew me. Odo, I am not a killer. Odo: No, but most of your friends are. Quark: True, and I would gladly sell one of them to you if I could. But unfortunately, none of them have taken credit for the death of the Starfleet officer. Sorry. O'Brien: Odo! Odo: Keep your ears open. Quark: Are you kidding? That's the seventh rule of acquisition. O'Brien: This is a security bypass module. Odo: You found it at runabout pad C? O'Brien: No, that's just it. It wasn't at pad C. That was clean as a whistle. Just to be safe, I ran a diagnostic across the board. This showed up at runabout pad A. Odo: Pad A. O'Brien: Aquino never went anywhere near pad A. It doesn't make sense. Odo: On the contrary, it makes perfect sense. Ensign Aquino goes to runabout C because some sensor shows an anomaly in the security net there. He interrupts whoever is tampering with it and is killed. The killer puts the body in the conduit and instead of going back to pad C, which might be traced with Aquino's turbolift log, he changes his plan and moves to pad A. O'Brien: But what was the plan? Everything else seems normal. Odo: I'd guess somebody wanted to steal a runabout. O'Brien: We're not missing any. Odo: It's curious. He goes to a lot of trouble to defeat the security net and then doesn't go through with O'Brien: The school! O'Brien: Keiko! Keiko! Keiko: Miles! Security: Stand back, please. Clear the way. Sisko: What've you got? Kira: I'm reading traces of cabrodine and infernite, common explosives, both easily obtained. Odo: Then we're looking at a simple home-made bomb. Winn: Where is Mrs O'Brien? Sisko: Her husband took her home. Winn: Was she hurt? Was anyone hurt? Sisko: No. Winn: The Prophets have been kind today. Sisko: The Prophets had nothing to do with what happened here today. This was the work of a disturbed and violent mind who listened to your voice, not the Prophets. Winn: Is the Emissary holding me responsible for this act of terrorism? Sisko: The Commander of this station is. Winn: May the Prophets forgive you for abandoning them. Sisko: You claim the Prophets as your personal constituency, Vedek Winn. I'm not convinced that's justified. Who do you speak for? An order that is barely listened to in your Assembly. So you come here looking for a more receptive audience. Winn: Is that what your friend Vedek Bareil told you? He's as misguided as you are. No, that's not fair. You are not simply misguided as I once thought. Now I see that you want nothing less than to destroy us. Sisko: Destroy you? Winn: You live without a soul, Commander. You and your Federation exist in a universe of darkness and you would drag us in there with you. But we will not go. Sisko: You have just made your first mistake, Vedek. Winn: Have I? Sisko: The Bajorans who have lived with us on this station, who have worked with us for months, who helped us move this station to protect the wormhole, who joined us to explore the Gamma Quadrant, who have begun to build the future of Bajor with us. These people know that we are neither the enemy nor the devil. We don't always agree. We have some damn good fights, in fact. But we always come away from them with a little better understanding and appreciation of other. You won't succeed here. The school will reopen. And when your rhetoric gets old, the Bajoran parents will bring their children back. Winn: We'll see. Sisko: How is she, Chief? O'Brien: She's pretty shaken up, sir, but she's planning to hold classes tomorrow in one of the small cargo bays, if that's okay. Sisko: You tell her Jake'll be there on time. O'Brien: It'll make her feel a lot better to hear that, sir. Sisko: Anything new on Aquino? O'Brien: Yes, sir. I found a security bypass module at runabout pad A. It looks like someone might have wanted to steal a runabout. That's probably why Aquino went there in the first place. I've put security seals in place at all three pads and I'm checking for any other anomalies. Dax: Benjamin. There's an incoming transmission from Vedek Bareil on board a Bajoran transport. Sisko: On screen Bareil: Commander, I've decided to accept your gracious invitation. Sisko: Invitation? Bareil: You did invite me to tour your facility? Sisko: Yes, yes, of course, Vedek. We'd be honored. Unfortunately, we have some damage on our Promenade. We won't have time to clean up before you arrive. Bareil: Yes. I heard about it. Perhaps I can help you clean it up. Sisko: That would be very much appreciated. Bareil: It's the least a friend can do. I look forward to seeing you again. Winn: My dear, you should not be here. Neela: Vedek, they found out about the runabout. Winn: I see. Neela: I have no way to escape. Winn: Then we must accept that as the will of the Prophets. Neela: But if I go through with this now, I will be caught and executed. Winn: The sacrifices the Prophets call on us to make are great sometimes, my dear, but the rewards they give will last through eternity. O'Brien: What the hell? Computer, identify subprogram labeled ANA Computer: That file is protected by a personal security access code. O'Brien: On whose authority? Computer: Chief of Operations Miles O'Brien. O'Brien: Me? I never saw this file before. Override command. Computer: Unable to comply. State security code to release protection. O'Brien: Lieutenant, I've got to do a manual isolation of an anomalous file. It's in the security field subsystem, labeled ANA. Dax: That file is going to be protected by a series of encryption sequences. I'll run an adaptive program. O'Brien: For once we're lucky for once we're working with a Cardassian computer. It shouldn't have any more than seven sequences. Dax: Beginning decryption. O'Brien: Online. Patched to subroutine ANA. Odo: Clear the way. Clear the way, please. O'Brien: That's it! Computer, access subprogram ANA. code four one zero zero R L X. Computer: Accessing. O'Brien: Identify commands within the file. Computer: Commands are sequential overrides of security fields approaching runabout pad A. O'Brien: The forcefields. Display sequence on screen. Dax: Right to the Promenade. O'Brien: Computer, run a level three sensor sweep through the Promenade. Report any anomalous reading. Computer: Working. O'Brien: An escape route. Dax: Escape from what? O'Brien: You got me. Computer: One anomalous reading detected. O'Brien: Identify. Computer: A subspace relay was activated in the Security Office nine minutes, seven seconds ago. O'Brien: Activated to do what? Computer: Unknown. Insufficient data. O'Brien: I'm going down there. Dax: I'll run a diagnostic on the other security systems, and I'll call you as soon as I have anything. O'Brien: Promenade. Winn: I expected you sooner, Bareil. Bareil: It seems our paths have grown apart. Perhaps we can bring them together again. Winn: I would like nothing better than that. Bareil: Come with me to the school. Let us both show our commitment to a peaceful resolution to this series of events. Winn: Of course. O'Brien: Computer, is the subspace device integrated into the isolinear coprocessor? Computer: Confirmed. O'Brien: O'Brien to Dax. Dax: Go ahead. O'Brien: It's in the isolinear co-processor. Dax: Didn't you just repair that unit two days ago? O'Brien: Yes, I did. With Neela. Bareil: Looking around at your faces, I believe you feel the shame that I feel at this sight. O'Brien: No, it's got to be the weapon detectors in the Promenade. That's the only thing those co-processors could possibly affect. Dax: All weapon detectors appear to be functional, Chief. O'Brien: That's got to be it. She's real. She's real good. She could make it look like they're normal. It's got to be the weapon detectors. O'Brien to Sisko Bareil: Once our world was a center of learning. It attracted travelers from many other worlds Sisko: Go ahead, Chief. O'Brien: I'm not entirely sure. O'Brien: I think the weapon detectors on the Promenade may have been disabled. Sisko: What do you mean, you're not sure? O'Brien: I mean, Neela may have disabled them. Sisko: Your assistant? O'Brien: Yes, sir. Bareil: To reject violence as a solution, to join hands with all peoples and begin to trust again. Sisko: No! Neela: The Prophets spoke. I answered their call. The Prophets spoke! I answered their call! Kira: It was all to get him here, wasn't it? The school, the protests, the bombing. You knew that would get him out of the monastery. You did it all to kill him, to stop him from becoming Kai. Sisko: Neela insists she acted alone, unless you want to consider the Prophets co-conspirators. Kira: She'll never tell us the truth. We'll never be able to prove that Winn was involved. Sisko: You okay? Kira: Okay? I've forgotten okay. I haven't seen okay in what seems like years. I was just sitting here thinking. Last year at this time, I was fighting the Cardassians in some nameless swamp. If you'd stopped by and told me that just one year later they'd be gone, I'd be wearing a uniform, up here in charge of protecting some Sisko: Protecting your Celestial Temple. Kira: I envied Vedek Winn because she was a true believer. I wanted my faith to be as strong as hers. Sisko: Maybe it is. I've got a report to put together for Starfleet. You ought to get some rest. Kira: I'd rather help you. Commander, I heard what you said to Vedek Winn at the school. I just wanted you to know you were right what you said about the Bajorans, at least about me. I don't think you're the devil. Sisko: Maybe we have made some progress after all.

Sisko: This is the emblem of the Alliance for Global Unity. They call themselves the Circle. O'Brien: What gives them the right to mess up our station? Odo: They're an extremist faction who believe in Bajor for the Bajorans. Sisko: I can't loan you a Starfleet runabout without knowing where you plan on taking it. Kira: To Cardassia Four to rescue a Bajoran prisoner of war. Kira: Come on. We have a ship waiting. Jaro: What you did today, Major, was declare war on Cardassia. Thankfully, they declined the invitation. Sisko: What if I told you that I knew someone who could bring stability to Bajor. Someone who could unite the factions and give us a chance to do our job. Sisko: But Bajor doesn't need a man. It needs a symbol, and that's what you are. Jaro: The Navarch needed to return here to assume his new post. He's been made the Bajoran liaison officer to Deep Space Nine. Sisko: I already have a liaison officer. Jaro: Not anymore you don't. Major Kira is no longer assigned to this post. She's been recalled to Bajor. And now, the continuation. Jaro: Frankly, Commander, I'm surprised at your reaction. Sisko: Oh, I don't think much surprises you, Minister. Jaro: But I expected you to be celebrating. I was under the impression that Major Kira has been nothing but trouble to you since Sisko: Who gave you that impression? Jaro: Common knowledge. Sisko: Major Kira has my complete respect. She's been invaluable in establishing this command post. And now she's been dismissed without anyone consulting me and I don't appreciate it. Jaro: Commander, Starfleet doesn't consult us when they wish to promote one of their officers. Sisko: Are you suggesting that this is a promotion for Kira? Jaro: Certainly it is. We must find the proper spot for her. After all, she's the one who brought Li Nalas back to us. Sisko: Well then, that's a different matter. Jaro: I'm glad you see it. Sisko: Yes, of course I do. For a minute I was thinking to myself, there's a warm wind blowing in from Minicoy. Jaro: I'm sorry? Sisko: Just an old saying where I come from. It all started with a famous Ambassador from Minicoy who used to bluster, exaggerate, and dissemble to get what he wanted. Not at all like you or me. He was a bag of hot air and everyone recognized him for what he was. Jaro: May I assume you are satisfied with the assignment of Li to fill your vacant post? Sisko: I thought you'd want Li to stay in the capital to strengthen the provisional government. Jaro: Frankly, I'm not sure it's safe in the capital with what's going on these days. Sisko: The Circle? Jaro: The fires and graffiti were a nuisance, but two days ago, one of my fellow ministers was attacked and beaten. We can't risk the same thing happening to Li Nalas. Look at it this way, Commander. We're entrusting you with Bajor's greatest hero. Could you have a better liaison officer than Li Nalas? I think not. O'Brien: Commander, your son's been waiting to speak with you on the com. Sisko: Jake? Jake: Dad? I'm outside our quarters. Could you come down for a minute? Sisko: Is something wrong? Jake: I really think you ought to come down, Dad. Sisko: On my way. Sisko: What's the problem? Jake: Look. Kira: Come in. Odo: You're not? Kira: Leaving? I really don't have much choice, do I Odo: You're not just leaving, Major. You're surrendering. Kira: You break the rules, you pay. Odo: Wait a minute. I want to be sure I heard that correctly. Because it doesn't sound like the Kira Nerys who has made a career out of breaking the rules. Kira: Well, I guess I broke one too many. Odo: Major, you've been breaking one too many for fourteen and a half years. Cardassian rules, Bajoran rules, Federation rules, they're all meaningless to you because you have a personal code that's always mattered more. And I'm sorry to say you're in slim company. Kira: I'll miss you too, Odo. Odo: Have you asked Sisko for help? Kira: I'm sure he'll do whatever he thinks is best for the station. Odo: You haven't even gone to him? Kira: Well what do you want me to do, Odo? Odo: Fight for what you want. It's what you do best. Kira: Maybe I just want a vacation. Odo: Idiotic bureaucracy. Now I suppose they'll expect me to break in a new man. Kira: A great man. Li Nalas can handle the job, believe me. Odo: You did fairly well at it once I smoothed your rough edges. Kira: Ha! Odo: What's so funny? Kira: I thought you did fairly well, once I smoothed your edges. Kira: Yes? Dax: Am I disturbing anything? Kira: Stick around, you can help me cry in my synthale. Dax: I thought I'd better return this epidellic lotion. Kira: No, if you like it Dax: Oh, it's wonderful. Kira: Well then, keep it. Odo: How can you be chatting about skin lotion at a time like this? Dax: Do you have any idea where you'll be stationed? Kira: Come in. Not yet. They say that after I've taken some leave time, I've earned a desk at the foreign affairs building somewhere. Doctor. Dax: Foreign affairs building? Bashir: I came to give you my best. Dax: Well that's rather dull. Bashir: I beg your pardon? Kira: Dull is a polite word for it. Odo: Doctor, if you were Kira, wouldn't you at least be complaining to Commander Sisko? Bashir: Look, I just wanted to wish you good luck. Kira: Thank you, Doctor. Bashir: Complaining about what? Odo: Never mind, Doctor. If she doesn't care, why should we? Bashir: Have they given you any reason yet? Dax: Did they give you any alternative? Kira: I do care. No, they haven't. No, they didn't. I really ought to finish packing. Bashir: You said she doesn't care. You mean about leaving Kira: By all means, come on in. Odo: She's done well here. She ought to stay here. And I'd say she needs a little support from her friends, Doctor. Bashir: Well, yes, certainly, but if her orders O'Brien: Er. Kira: Chief. Come in. O'Brien: I didn't mean to intrude. I just Bashir: Don't worry, Chief. It's all been said. Odo: I have a good deal more to say, thank you, Doctor. O'Brien: Look, I could come back. Dax: Odo, leave her alone. This is Kira's decision to make. Unless of course you want me to talk to Sisko. Kira: I knew what I was doing. I knew the risk. Odo: That's not what she asked. O'Brien: I'd just like to say, Major, it's been a pleasure serving with you. Kira: Come in. Bashir: Will somebody please explain this conversation to me? Quark: A party! For you, I would've reduced my catering rates. Odo: It's not a party. Quark: Whatever. Odo: What's that? Kira: A bottle of my favorite synthale, I think. That's very thoughtful, Quark. Odo: It's also very small. Quark: I was anticipating a far smaller gathering. I thought, perhaps, an intimate farewell drink, a sympathetic smile, a shoulder to cry on. O'Brien: As I was saying, Major Quark: You'd be surprised how often that works with women. Kira: Is this a joke? Did you plan this? Bashir: Nobody could have planned this. Kira: We're open for business. Come on in. Join the crowd. Vedek Bareil. Bareil: I hope I'm not interrupting. Kira: No. Please come in. These are my These are my friends. I had no idea you were coming to the space station. Bareil: Nowadays it's probably wiser not to announce those things. Odo: How bad is it on Bajor, Vedek? Bareil: The violence has seriously escalated. It almost seems there are more weapons on the streets now than during the occupation. Kira: How could that be? Where would they be coming from? Bareil: I try to concentrate on more spiritual matters. Kira: Yes, of course, I mean, I didn't mean to suggest that you Bareil: I understand your duties here are finished. Kira: Yes, they are. Bareil: Do you have any immediate plans? Kira: I haven't really had much chance to give it any thought. Bareil: Then perhaps I have the perfect solution. Come and stay at our monastery for a while. It can help when the spirit gets a little bruised. Kira: Thank you. Li: Major? Kira: I just want you to know that if there's anything I can do to help? Li: Major, I'm sorry. I didn't want this job. Kira: Neither did I. I mean, back when I was sent here in the first place. But it turned out better than I expected. I'm sure it will for you as well. Li: I don't even know what I'm supposed to do here. How does a Navarch fit into this command structure? Sisko: As I understand the position, you report directly to the Prophets. But from time to time, I might ask for your help. Li: Commander, anything you need from me, I will try my best to do, but I know that I can never replace Major Kira. Sisko: No one could. Kira: Thank you, sir. Request permission to disembark. Sisko: I'm going to get you back, Major. I promise that to both of us. Kira: Docking bay three. Bareil: May I make a friendly observation? Kira: It's crooked. Bareil: It's crooked. Kira: I've been adjusting it for an hour. It looks fine from over here, but then I go over there and. This isn't working, Bareil Bareil: It's only a row of stones. Kira: No, it isn't. It's me. The stones are straight. I'm the one who's crooked. Bareil: Is that really how you see yourself? Kira: Sometimes. Sometimes I even like being that way. If I stay here long enough, I'm sure I could destroy your entire arboretum. Bareil: Perhaps you'd rather try your hand at woodcrafts. Kira: Can I tell you something very personal? Bareil: Of course. Kira: And you won't tell. Bareil: I'm a Vedek. Kira: I have absolutely no artistic skills. I was the worst fingerpainter at the four year old level. My parents were humiliated. Bareil: It'll be our secret. Kira: The point is, I'm useless here. Bareil: So? Kira: So? I need to feel useful. Bareil: It might be interesting to explore useless for a while. See how it feels. Kira: You don't know me. Bareil: I'm beginning to. It's time, isn't it? Kira: Time? Bareil: Come inside with me. Kira: I really should finish the Bareil: Come. Kira: I've never been to this part of the monastery before. Bareil: May it be the first of many visits. Kira: Bareil, maybe we should talk about Kira: Oh, Bareil. All my life I've dreamed of this. Bareil: It is the third orb, the orb of prophecy and change. Kira: What do I do? Bareil: Be useless, Nerys. Allow the prophets to guide you. Kira: The Chamber of Ministers. Kira: Dax. Dax: Listen to them, Kira. Kira: I can't hear them. Dax: It's all right. Listen. Winn: Can you hear them now, child? Jaro: I hear them, Major. They're calling to me. Bareil: Don't listen to him, Nerys. Allow yourself to hear them. They are calling to you. Winn: Blasphemy. Bareil: Listen to them, Nerys. Kira: Help me to hear them. I don't know how. Bareil: But you do. Bareil: You do. Bareil: You do. Officer: Last night alone we had dozens of beatings. They're everywhere, then we go looking for them and they're nowhere. Odo: Which would suggest they have powerful friends to warn them, and protect them. Officer: Probably. We've got to put a stop to this before it gets out of hand. The provisional government is bringing troops into the capital, Odo: Troops? Officer: That will put an end to the Circle. You keep your eyes open up there, old friend. Odo: I always do. Odo: No, I haven't made any progress in finding the ones who assaulted you. Quark: It's over, Odo. Odo: The investigation isn't closed, it's just a matter of Quark: No, you don't understand. It's over. Odo: What are you talking about? Quark: Everything. Bajor. The provisional government. The Federation being here. All of it. We've got to leave. Well, I do anyway. You can just turn into a couch. Odo: You mean because of this Circle business? They're just a bunch of hooligans who use violence to get attention. Quark: I happen to know they've got enough weapons and explosives and supplies to support an army. Odo: How do you know that? Quark: I've been asking questions of people who don't answer questions from people like you. Odo: Where would the Circle be getting so many weapons? Quark: The Kressari. Odo: The Kressari? That doesn't make sense. The Kressari don't even have a military. They're botanic DNA traders, Quark: Well they're not delivering flowers these days. I know, Odo. Odo: Computer, when's the next Kressari vessel due here? Computer: The Kressari vessel Calondon is scheduled to arrive in thirty six hours. Odo: Do you know where these weapons are being sent to on Bajor? Quark: No, not exactly. Odo: Find out. Quark: Are you out of your mind? My plan is to put as much distance as possible between me and Bajor, thank you very much. Odo: Quark. I hate to do this, but I guess I'll have to. Quark: That's not fair. Odo: I haven't done anything yet. Quark: Whatever you're going to do, it's not fair. Odo: You're a deputy. Quark: It's not. What? Odo: You're a deputy. I want you to find out where the weapons are going on Bajor. Meanwhile, I'm going to find out exactly where they're coming from. Quark: You and me, a team? Odo: That's right. Quark: Goodbye. Odo: Either that or I'm putting you in a cell. Quark: That's not fair! On what charge. Odo: Impeding an investigation. Unless you want to reveal the identities of the people you've been talking to. Quark: You know I can't do that. Odo: It's your choice. You're a deputy, or you're a prisoner. Quark: I'm a deputy. Sisko: I've got to go to Bajor. Odo has some information that suggests we may be facing a coup. I've got to check things out Li: Is there any way I can help? Sisko: Your Military contacts. See if you can get a feeling for how much support the provisional government has. Li: No problem. What about the station while you're gone? Sisko: Dax and Mister O'Brien can handle things in Ops. If you need any other help Li: Help? I can't even sneeze without three people handing me handkerchiefs. But I was thinking we might want to establish a curfew. Another cargo bay was vandalized last night. Sisko: Good idea. I've asked Odo to assign you a bodyguard. Li: That's not necessary. Sisko: I think it is. Docking bay one. Kira: Woodcrafts. Definitely the way to go. Bareil: Is that where the Prophets led you? Kira: Yeah, lots of hammers and nails and saws surrounded by monks and vedeks. Very safe and secure Bareil: You don't want to talk about it. Kira: No. Bareil: Can I tell you something very personal? Kira: I'm not a Vedek but I can keep a secret. Bareil: The last time I encountered the third orb, you were a part of my vision. Kira: Me? Bareil: It's the reason that I came to the station, to invite you here. Kira: What part did I play in your vision? Bareil: It's not important. I was just wondering if I was part of yours. Kira: No. No, you weren't. Bareil: How could there be a storm on a day as lovely as this? Kira: That's not thunder. I know that sound. That's gunfire. Winn: How pleasant to come upon such a flowing exchange of spiritual harmony. Bareil: Vedek Winn. Winn: We've met before, haven't we? Major? Major? Kira: Kira Nerys. Winn: That's right. Major Kira. From the space station. What brings you here? Bareil: I do, Vedek Winn. Winn: Good for you, Vedek Bareil. After working so hard, you deserve a little recreation. Bareil: Major Kira is here to explore her pagh. Winn: A worthy endeavor for someone who has led such a life of violence, child. And I'm sure the Assembly would have had no objection to your encounter with an orb had Vedek Bareil consulted us. Bareil: No one has ever been held to that formality. Winn: You're right, of course. But I've always consulted with the Assembly in advance. I think of it as a courtesy, nothing more, nothing less. How long will you be with us, Major? Kira: I'm not sure. Winn: Feel free to stay as many days as you like. Even a week, if necessary. Krim: Have them withdraw from the Northeast quadrant. Move them to join the fourteenth column south of the city. Sisko: General Krim. I'm Benjamin Sisko. We met during a session of the executive committee last year. Krim: I remember, Commander. I was impressed by your talk. Sisko: As I recall, you disagreed with all of it. Krim: Yes, but you presented your arguments well. What can I do for you? Sisko: I understand you're in command of the forces defending the city. Krim: I'd hardly call it defending the city. Sisko: There is concern in some quarters that the military is unwilling to confront the forces of the Circle. Krim: I don't know with whom you've been speaking, Commander. Sisko: I've been observing troop movements. Every time there is a potential confrontation, the military withdraws to a safer position. Krim: You can't possibly appreciate that this is Bajoran against Bajoran. Sisko: I can appreciate that the provisional government will stand only if the military supports it. Krim: We are all patriots, Commander. Sisko: We have intelligence that the Circle is being armed by the Kressari. Krim: The Kressari? I hadn't heard that. Sisko: We've been trying to track the movements of their shipments. If we can determine where they're stored Krim: I'd like to know. Sisko: You'll be the first one I contact. Krim: Thank you. Sisko: There is one other thing, General. My first officer, Major Kira Nerys. Krim: Yes, I know Major Kira. Sisko: I understand she hasn't been reassigned yet. It would mean a great deal to me to get her back. Krim: That's out of my purview, Commander. You might want to discuss it with Minister Jaro. Commander Sisko, you told me about the Kressari before you asked the favor regarding Kira. You could've tried to trade that information for the favor. Sisko: I wouldn't do that. Krim: I'll remember that about you. Dax: He's calling again. Li: What do you think we should do? Dax: I think he's getting tired of seeing me smile. Li: Anything new from O'Brien or Odo? Dax: They haven't come up with anything yet. Li: All right. Put him on the screen. I will give this a try. Li: I am First Officer Li Nalas. Can I help you? Zef'No: Somebody had better be able to help me. I have been delayed for six hours. I can assure you the Kressarian government will lodge a formal protest Li: My apologies. Apparently has been some confusion with your manifest interface with our computer inventory system that had to be Zef'No: Yes, yes I know all that. I didn't know they were going to be opening every container in my cargo hold. You understand these are highly sensitive herbaceous materials? Li: I'm sure that all necessary precautions are being. Zef'No: This is ridiculous. I have a schedule to keep. Li: We should be able to have this all cleared up in a few minutes. Zef'No: That's what I was told a few hours ago. Dax: Dax to O'Brien. O'Brien: Yes, Lieutenant. Dax: We don't want to hold up the Kressari any longer than necessary. O'Brien: Well, there isn't much more we can accomplish for now Dax: The ship's due back here the day after tomorrow. Perhaps we'll be able to correct any additional problems then. O'Brien: Yeah, we'd come to the same conclusion. O'Brien out. Fair voyage to you, Captain. Zef'No: Prepare for immediate departure. Sisko: Major. Kira: Commander. I didn't hear you. Sisko: I'm sorry if I interrupted your meditation. Kira: Daydream. Sisko: Daydreaming. I think I remember doing that a long, long time ago. Kira: I've diskovered it's like riding a bicycle. It comes back to you right away. Sisko: Can I bring you back to reality for a minute? Kira: Back to reality, or back to DS Nine? Sisko: Are you still interested? Kira: A lot has happened here. I encountered an orb, Commander. It's given me a great deal to think about. Sisko: They do have a way of doing that, don't they? Well, I just came to let you to know that we haven't given up yet, but for the moment there seem to be some bigger problems for the leaders down here. Kira: I heard the gunfire in the distance. Sisko: That distance is getting closer. The Circle is for real, Major. They've been armed for a coup and I'm not at all convinced that the military's going to back the provisional government. Kira: I didn't realize. We've been so isolated. Sisko: Well, I guess I'd better get back. Kira: Commander. Me too. Sisko: I told you I haven't given up. Zef'No: Begin transport. Cardassian: I think you'll find everything's in order. Zef'No: Very well. If you'll sign off on the shipment, we'll be on our way. Cardassian: Return transport. Jaro: Good afternoon. Kira: So, you're involved with the Circle. Jaro: I am the Circle, Major. Kira: Now I understand why you wanted to ship Li Nalas off to the station. Jaro: The last thing I need right now is a great war hero capturing the devotion of the Bajoran people. Kira: How can you betray your own government? Jaro: Major, I don't have to tell you. I've heard your opinion of this government. Government. They can't even agree it is a government, so they call it provisional. It's just another word for powerless. I won't allow the Bajoran people to be powerless any more. We have been doormats to the Cardassians and now the Federation. Any great power that happens by. We will not be that again. We are a people who brought art and architecture to countless planets. We don't deserve to be victims. Kira: If you want to change the government, Minister Jaro, you vote to change it. You don't sneak up from behind it with a dagger. Jaro: We'll discuss politics another time. I need to know, please, what the Federation will do once our objective becomes clear. Major, I've heard you have no love for the Federation. I'm not an unreasonable man. I'm willing to send you back to the station if that's what you want. I'll give you that station after we get rid of Starfleet. Now, do you believe they will continue to support the provisional government? Kira: How about our own military? I'd worry about them first if I were you. Jaro: What will the Federation do, Major? What will Sisko do? You know him better than any Bajoran. No one despises the Cardassians more than I, Major, but we did learn a few things from them. Like how to encourage people to talk. Man: Let's go. Sisko: Bareil said there were no signs of a struggle. Bashir: Maybe somebody saw them leave. Sisko: That's what we need to find out. O'Brien: What if they transported her off the grounds? Sisko: Let's hope they didn't. Now, we can't expect much help from the local authorities. They've got their hands full. Li: Commander. I should be able to get some cooperation. If my name carries any weight, let's use it. Sisko: Good. When's Odo due back? O'Brien: Not for another twelve hours. Quark: Who needs Odo when you've got his number one deputy? Dax: Quark, this isn't the time. Quark: No, this is exactly the time. I think I know where you can find Kira. Sisko: Go on. Quark: You see, Odo blackmailed me into helping him, a matter I've been meaning to bring to your attention, Commander. Sisko: Quark. Quark: I managed to find out where the Circle's headquarters is. In the labyrinths beneath the Perikian Peninsula. Sisko: Sisko to Security. Security: Go ahead. Sisko: I need a couple of officers to go on a rescue mission to Bajor. Report to runabout pad C. Security: On our way. Sisko: Doctor, Lieutenant, you're with me. Mister O'Brien, you'll be our pilot. Configure the runabout sensors for a full sweep of the peninsula. Once we find the base, I'll be depending a great deal on your famous transporter talents. O'Brien: Aye, sir. Li: Commander, I'm going. Sisko: No, it's too dangerous. Li: Don't you understand? I can do this. I don't know what it means to be a Navarch. But I can fight in the trenches and I take orders well. Besides, I owe her one. Sisko: Dax, you're in charge. Quark: We can discuss appropriate compensation for this at a more convenient time. Voice: Two men, sector D. Take your position. Rebel: Yes, sir. Sisko: Only five but they've got more firearms than a galaxy class starship. Bashir: Where the hell's it coming from? Sisko: All right, straight power play, nothing fancy. Expect heavy resistance. Anyone who finds Kira, pin this on her and call for transport immediately. Let's do it. Bashir: Kira! Bashir: Chief, get us out of here! Kira: We don't have time for this. Ouch. Bashir: Do not talk. Sisko: We have to assume Jaro will move quickly now that we've got you back. Kira: Li's the only chance we've got. Li: Me? Kira: Jaro knows you're the only force that could stop him. If we could get him to the Chamber of Ministers. Sisko: It's much too great a risk. He'd be dead before he had a chance to speak. Odo: Courtesy of a Cardassian weapon. The Circle's being supplied by the Cardassians. Kira: What? Odo: I borrowed the proof. It's got a Gul's thumbscan on it. Kira: The Circle hates the Cardassians. Odo: They don't know it is the Cardassians. They think they've been buying from Kressari traders. Li: I don't understand. Why would the Cardassians want to help Jaro if he hates them? Bashir: Because it gets them what they want the most. Sisko: Rid of us. They're just using Jaro. Once the Federation is forced to leave Li: The Cardassians come back. We've got to do something. I've got to do something. Sisko: Sisko to Ops. Dax: Go ahead. Sisko: Dax, open a channel to Bajor. Sisko: Tell them that Navarch Li Nalas wants to address the Chamber of Ministers on subspace. Dax: I can't do it, Benjamin. All frequencies Dax: To Bajor are jammed. We lost all communication with the planet five minutes ago. Kira: Then it has started. Sisko: Get me Admiral Chekote at Starfleet Command. Jaro: I feel the Prophets smiling on me today, Vedek. Winn: The Prophets have rarely encountered a pagh as forceful as yours, Minister Jaro. Jaro: So what's it to be, Winn? Winn: Be? Jaro: Don't tease me. Winn: I can't interpret the prophecies for you, Essa. Jaro: I know the future. It belongs to me. I don't need your interpretation. Winn: Then what? Jaro: Your support. Winn: I've made it very clear to you how I feel. Jaro: Your public support. Winn: Support from the Vedek of an order so small as mine surely would not be significant. Jaro: You stand for a return to orthodox values, as do I. We're a match made by the Prophets. Winn: I wish there were more with that opinion. Unfortunately, as my Assembly approaches the selection of a new Kai, I fear my voice is rarely heard. Jaro: That can change. Winn: Can it? Jaro: Think of the prestige of having the new leader of Bajor being a member of your order. Winn: If you are the new leader. Jaro: Have the Prophets given you reason to doubt it? Winn: I didn't say that. Jaro: Then let them bless my ascension. Tell the people the Prophets are with me. Winn: That's a lot to ask. Jaro: I know that. Winn: I need more than just prestige, Essa. Jaro: I know that too. Winn: The people need leadership to return to the old values. Yours and mine. Jaro: I can think of no one more worthy of being the next Kai than you, Winn. I shall do everything in my power to see that you are. Winn: The Prophets are smiling on you today, Minister. Sisko: Dax? Dax: I have Admiral Chekote on subspace. Sisko: In my office. O'Brien: Commander. Two assault vessels are headed this way on direct course from Bajor. They're giving all non-Bajorans seven hours to evacuate. Sisko: Admiral, are you up to date on my communiqués? Chekote: I think so, Commander. How's it look? Sisko: Not good. Jaro has the military, communications have been cut off and assault vessels are on the way here. Chekote: Are you preparing to withdraw? Sisko: Admiral, we've just obtained evidence that the Circle's been receiving weapons from the Cardassians. If we withdraw, we'll be giving Bajor and the wormhole back to them. Chekote: Damn. That's a hell of a turn. How can these Bajorans get in bed with the Cardassians? Sisko: They don't even know the Cardassians are involved. Chekote: Then you're saying it's a genuine political revolution internal to Bajor. Sisko: Supported by the Cardassians. Chekote: But internal to Bajor. The Cardassians might involve themselves in other people's civil wars, but we don't. The Prime Directive applies, Ben. Sisko: Admiral. Chekote: Would you say our people on the station are in danger? Sisko: Yes. Chekote: There's no other choice but to evacuate. We'll have to worry about the long term political implications down the road. That's an order, Commander. Sisko: Chief, how long will it take us to evacuate Deep Space Nine? O'Brien: I'd say we could have all our people out and away in three hours. Sisko: I mean a complete evacuation. I intend to take all Starfleet instruments, materiel. In fact, all Federation property of every kind. How quickly can we do that? O'Brien: Sir, that'll take days. A week, for all I know. But those assault ships are going to be here in seven hours. Sisko: Then I guess some of us won't quite be done by the time they get here. To Be Continued...

Sisko: This is the emblem of the Alliance for Global Unity. They call themselves the Circle. O'Brien: What gives them the right to mess up our station? Odo: They're an extremist faction who believe in Bajor for the Bajorans. Sisko: I can't loan you a Starfleet runabout without knowing where you plan on taking it. Kira: To Cardassia Four to rescue a Bajoran prisoner of war. Kira: Come on. We have a ship waiting. Sisko: What if I told you that I knew someone who could bring stability to Bajor. Someone who could unite the factions and give us a chance to do our job. Sisko: But Bajor doesn't need a man. It needs a symbol, and that's what you are. Jaro: The Navarch needed to return here to assume his new post. He's been made the Bajoran liaison officer to Deep Space Nine. Sisko: I already have a liaison officer. Jaro: Not anymore you don't. Major Kira is no longer assigned to this post. She's been recalled to Bajor. Quark: It's over. Everything. Bajor, the provisional government, the Federation being here, all of it. We've got to leave. Sisko: The provisional government will stand only if the military supports it. Krim: We are all patriots, Commander. Jaro: I am the Circle, Major. Kira: How can you betray your own government? Odo: The Circle's being supplied by the Cardassians. Kira: What? Odo: I borrowed the proof. It's got a Gul's thumb scan on it. Kira: The Circle hates the Cardassians. Odo: They don't know it is the Cardassians. They think they've been buying from Kressari traders. Jaro: Think of the prestige of having the new leader of Bajor being a member of your Order. Winn: If you are the new leader. O'Brien: Commander, two assault vessels are headed this way on a direct course from Bajor. They've given all non-Bajorans seven hours to evacuate. And now, the conclusion. Sisko: Starfleet feels it has no other choice. The Federation is here at the invitation of the Bajoran provisional government. Bashir: No more provisional government, no more invitation. Sisko: Governments can break off relations with an edict. It's not so easy when it comes down to our level. Lieutenant Bilecki here is engaged to a young man from Bajor. Ensign Kelly. Ensign Kelly's daughter and a Bajoran girl worked together on a prize-winning science fair project. All of us who have served on the station for the past year have made Bajoran friends. We've come to care about what happens to these people. I know I do. So I've decided to stay. Just to make sure the evacuation is conducted properly. O'Brien: You'll need someone to oversee the inventory process, sir. Bashir: Packing up all my medical supplies could take quite a while, Commander. Sisko: Before you volunteer too quickly, understand what you're getting into. We'll be trying to delay the takeover of the station as long as possible. Hopefully as long as it takes to expose the Cardassian's involvement in all this. It won't be easy. The Bajoran assault forces have been told that the Federation is their blood enemy. Jaro and the Circle would love nothing more than to have my head and yours and present them to the Chamber of Ministers. This is your last chance to leave here in one piece. Some of you have families. Some are on temporary assignment. I wouldn't blame anyone for getting out now while you can. I mean that. Anyone who wants to evacuate is dismissed. Sisko: Non-Bajorans won't be safe here. Our families, children have to be evacuated. I'm sure many of the Bajorans who have worked with us will want to leave too. There's a lot to get done. The assault vessels will be here in less than five hours. Dismissed. Quark: Hundreds of people to evacuate and only three tiny runabouts available. Do you know what that means? Rom: It means a lot of people will be left behind. Tragic. Yes, brother, your compassion never ceases to amaze me Quark: It means we're going to make a fortune. Rom: We are? Quark: People will pay anything for a seat on those ships. Rom: You can't make me. I won't sell my seat. Quark: Rom Rom: No, I won't stay and be killed just to fill your pockets. Quark: Rom, do you actually believe that I would sacrifice my own brother's life for personal profit? Quark: It would have to be the deal of a lifetime. Rom: Yes, my lifetime. Quark: Listen to me. We're both going to escape. But our bags will be packed with all the gold-pressed latinum we can carry. Jake: Nog! Nog: I've been looking all over for you. Jake: What ship you on? Nog: Rio Grande. Jake: I'm on the Ganges. Nog: It'll be okay. We'll see each other at the Hanolan colony in a few days. Jake: That's not where I'm going. Nog: But my dad told me Jake: My ship's going to the Korat system. I guess that's where they're taking all the Starfleet families. Nog: This'll be over in no time. We'll be back in school driving Mrs O'Brien crazy again in a few days. Jake: Just when I think I've found a new home, made a new friend, it always seems like I got to leave. Nog: Hey, Human. Jake: Cut it out. Nog: Has there ever been one of your kind and one of mine who were better friends? Jake: Never. Nog: And if our fathers couldn't break us up, no stupid coupe day. Coupe dey Jake: Coup d'état. It's French. Nog: No stupid French thing will either. We'll see each other again soon. That's a promise. Odo: Mister Sisko, Nog. This is no time to be fooling about. Get yourselves wherever you're supposed to be. O'Brien: Is that everything? Keiko: Sure. O'Brien: Keiko, please, don't go like this. Keiko: Like what? O'Brien: I don't have any choice. Keiko: Don't you? O'Brien: He needs me. Keiko: We don't? O'Brien: We can't just let the Cardies have the wormhole. Keiko: They can have the whole Gamma Quadrant for all I care. Miles, come with us. Molly: Where are we going? O'Brien: On a ride, sweetheart Molly: Are you coming too, Daddy? O'Brien: Soon, baby. I'll come as soon as I can. I'll walk you to the airlock. Dax: I've scanned every subspace communication window to find a frequency to Bajor. They've got them completely jammed. Kira: Then we have no choice. We'll have to take the proof to the Chamber of Ministers. Li: Jaro's forces will be scanning for any incoming vessels. Sisko: A runabout could handle a Bajoran patrol. Unfortunately I don't have one to give you Li: The Lunar Five base? Kira: You think there's still a ship there? Li: We managed to get a few sub-impulse raiders underground before the Cardassians hit us, but that was ten years ago. Kira: Can one of the evacuation vessels take a detour and drop me off? Sisko: What if you get there and those raiders won't fly? Kira: Then I'll just have to wait to hear from you, I guess. Sisko: You may be waiting a long time. Dax, do any of your former hosts have experience with sub-impulse thruster configurations? Dax: Yes. Tobin Dax. Kira: Tobin? I don't think I've heard about this one. Dax: My second host. Barely a sex life and no imagination, but he knew phase coil inverters like no one else. Sisko: Major Kira could use his experience today. Quark: I have no time for this foolishness! I still have to pack! Sisko: What's the problem? Odo: He's been brokering seats on the evacuation vessels. Sisko: Where did you get more seats? Quark: Everybody always asks the brokers where they get their extra seats, and all I can say is, it's my business to find preferred seating for a select list of clients Sisko: I have got more than two hundred people who want to get off this station. Where did you get more seats? Quark: A few trades. A person here or there who changed his mind about leaving at the sight of a reasonable stipend. Bashir: Bashir to Commander Sisko. Sisko: Go ahead. Bashir: We're having a bit of a panic at the airlocks, sir. Far more passengers than we can handle have shown up Bashir: And they all claim to have made arrangements to leave. Quark: I might have overbooked slightly. Sisko: On my way. Quark: It's an accepted Ferengi transit practice. I feel perfectly justified. I have complete faith in Commander Sisko's ability to straighten this out. Odo: I'll pass that on. He'll be so pleased to know that he has your confidence. Quark: As I'm no longer needed, my brother is waiting for me on the ship. Hey, Odo, you'll miss me. You know you will. Say it. Odo: I'll miss you, Quark. Quark: You said it, Odo: I'll miss the aggravation, the petty theft, the bad manners. Quark: Odo. Take care of yourself. Sisko: Don't you understand? There isn't room for everyone. We have to get our families, our children and non-Bajorans Li: Where are you running to? This is Bajor. We are Bajorans. We fought a war to regain our homeland. How can you abandon it like frightened Cardassian voles? These ships are for our guests who must leave because it is no longer safe for them here. However, we are Bajorans. And I say that we stay and we solve our problems together. Are you willing to join me? Sisko: As soon as the passenger lists are confirmed, get these ships out of here. Bashir: They're almost ready to go, sir. The Rio Grande is full and so is the Orinoco. Sisko: Get them launched. Bashir: Aye, sir. Sisko: Are you ready? Jake: I've been thinking. I really think it'd be better if I stayed. Look, I just don't want anything to happen to you. Sisko: That makes two of us. Jake: What's this? Sisko: A letter I wrote you. Jake: A letter? Sisko: Just some things. Jake: I'll read it as soon as I get on the ship. Sisko: Wait a while. I'll see you in a couple of weeks. O'Brien: That's everyone. Sisko: Sisko to Ganges. Proceed with launch. Kira: Acknowledged. Good luck, Commander. Kira out. Quark: No! No! Wait! Quark: My ship, the Rio Grande, my brother's on it. He's got my ticket. Bashir: That ship was full, sir. I checked the list myself and Quark's name wasn't on it. His brother Rom did go aboard, but he was with a dabo girl. Quark: A dabo girl? What? Sisko: Looks like he sold your seat. Quark: No, you don't understand. You don't understand! I can't stay here. I'll be hung. Call the ships back! I'll pay anyone five bars of gold pressed latinum for a seat. Ten bars. Twenty. Day: Clear. Day: No resistance at all. Minister Jaro's prediction was correct. The Federation has tucked its tail between its legs. Krim: Where are the Bajoran officers who worked Starfleet? Where is Li Nalas? Day: Perhaps they knew this old station could never withstand a siege and they abandoned it with Starfleet. Krim: The most strategic position in the entire sector, at the mouth of the wormhole. Had I been Federation commander, I would not have abandoned it so easily. Kira: Can you believe a year ago I was living in a camp like this, only not quite so nice. Dax: Have I mentioned how allergic Trills are to insect bites? Kira: Really? Dax: Well, he biochemical connections between the host and symbiont can't tolerate the. Oh! Whoa! What's that? Is that a spider or a dog? Kira: Palukoo. The Bajoran moons are full of them. Dax: I suppose you used to make them your pets and sing songs about them around the campfire. Kira: No, we used to eat them. There it is. Dax: Are you sure this thing is supposed to fly? Kira: I've been in a lot worse. Dax: I guess the Bajoran resistance must have had a lot of short pilots. Kira: No, just short engineers. They were always building these things without thinking. Dax: Encouraging. Kira: Bend your knees, you'll fit. Kira: The real trick will be to fire up these thrusters after all this time. It was hard enough to get them running when they were being used every day. Dax: We'll get them fired up. You don't need to worry about that. Kira: You're sure, huh? Dax: Yep. I have no intention of getting stuck here eating palukoos. Day: We should advise Minister Jaro of our success immediately. Krim: You're too eager to receive his plaudits, Colonel. What's the status of the internal security net? Officer: Completely disabled, General. Krim: Scan the Operations Center for organic material. Officer: Organic? Krim: The station's security chief is apparently missing. The shape-shifter. It's possible he left with the evacuation ships or perhaps there's something more here than meets the eye. Officer: Yes, sir. Krim: Scan six times an hour at random intervals. Bajoran: Minister Jaro on subspace, sir. Day: Minister, I'm pleased to inform you that we've encountered no resistance so far. Jaro: Good news. Then the Federation has withdrawn. Day: We monitored the evacuation of three vessels several hours ago Jaro: When I announce that we've secured the station, it will certainly impact the Krim: Minister, I urge caution. The battle for this station hasn't even begun yet. Jaro: You expect the enemy to return, General? Krim: I'm not convinced they ever left. The internal security net has been sabotaged. We have no way of tracking the movements of anyone on board, which suggests someone didn't want to be that easily found. Jaro: Kira? Krim: Perhaps. She is unaccounted for. So too is Security Chief Odo. So is Li Nalas. Jaro: You're right. Li Nalas would never abandon Bajor. He must still be there. Jaro: Let me re-emphasize that you are to take every necessary step to keep Li Nalas alive. Dead, he's a martyr. Alive, he seals our victory. Day: Understood. Winn: Once you have him, Li will see the wisdom of giving you his support. Jaro: I'll offer him anything he wants to make sure he does. Short of becoming the next Kai, of course. Winn: You have a unique ability to build a consensus, Essa. Bajor has been waiting for a leader like you. Jaro: Leaders like us. Winn: If I am so favored by the Vedek Assembly. Jaro: You don't have to worry about that. Twenty six hours after I'm sworn into office, I'll direct the Vedek Assembly to elect you Kai. Together, we will rebuild Bajor. Kira: You got it! Dax: Don't turn the engines off. We'll never get them started again. Kira: Let's go! Dax: Thank you, Tobin. Kira: Dax, come on. Dax: The hell with it. If it's going to fly, it's going to fly. Kira: Problem? Dax: No. Everything's wonderful. Dax: Ow! Kira: The knees. Listen to that sound. That sure brings back some memories. Dax: How did you ever win a war in these things? Kira: We were the insects, Lieutenant. The Cardassians were just as allergic as Trills. Is the proximity system working? Dax: I think so. Kira: All right. Let's see if we can get out of here without bouncing off any walls. Krim: You're be playing right into their hands. Day: If you're so convinced they're still here, how can you sit and wait for them to attack? Krim: They have no interest in attacking. Day: What makes you so sure? Krim: Because I understand military tactics. They are vastly outnumbered. If we divide our forces Officer: The primary sensor array was sabotaged, sir. As soon as we tested it, the subnet shorted out. Day: You can let your engineers play with the machines. I'm sending out search parties. O'Brien: Eat hearty. The replicators crash in sixteen minutes. This'll have to last awhile. Sisko: Combat rations, Chief? Couldn't you replicate something a little more palatable? O'Brien: You don't like combat rations? Sisko: A french onion soup would have really been nice. O'Brien: Miracle of science, these little combat rations. Timed release formula of all the nutrients the body needs for three days. I love 'em. Only thing I miss about the Cardassian front. Sisko: Sisko to all units. You can thank Chief of Operations Miles O'Brien Bashir: You haven't made any friends, here, Chief. Or should I say, Chef. O'Brien: Julian. O'Brien: Well, I would have expected you of all people to appreciate the nutritional value of combat rations. Bashir: Actually, when I was in Med school, I designed an incredible candy bar which was far superior in food value. Quark: Am I the only one who doesn't think this is funny? Odo: Odo to Sisko. Sisko: Go ahead. Odo: Stand by. There's a patrol approaching. I'll get back to you in a minute. Odo: A five-man unit is about to begin a search of the cargo deck. Bashir: That puts them closest to me, Commander. Sisko: Stand by, Doctor. O'Brien: Maybe we should send him with a little more experience. Someone who can run the show, like Li. Sisko: No, I need him here with us. Doctor, move your unit to cargo bay six. You know what to do. And let me re-emphasize, use deadly force only if absolutely necessary. Bashir: Aye, sir. We're on our way. Quark: Happy hunting. Bashir: I wouldn't get too close to that. It's thorium isotope. Bashir: Prolonged exposure could have very nasty consequences. Bashir: Bashir to Sisko. Sisko: Go ahead. Bashir: Mission accomplished. Bashir: We have our first five prisoners of war. Kira: Preparing to establish a high altitude orbit of Bajor. Dax: Navigational sensors aren't functioning. Kira: No problem. Dax: No problem? Big problem. Without navigational sensors Kira: we'll have to fly by the seat of our pants. Dax: Great. Seat of the pants technology. Kira: You Starfleet types are too dependant on gadgets and gizmos. You lose your natural instincts for survival. Dax: My natural instincts for survival told me not to climb aboard this thing. I'd say they were functioning pretty well. Kira: I know the terrain of Bajor. We ought to be able to recognize a landing site by Kira: What the hell was that? Dax: I have no idea. None of the sensors are functioning. Kira: Someone's firing at us. Initiating evasive maneuvers. Dax: I'm reading the EM signature of an impulse engine. Kira: Let's see what we're dealing with. Kira: Welcoming committee from Jaro. Dax: We'll never outrun them in this. Kira: You're right. We'll have to even the match. Dax: And how do you intend to do that? Kira: New playing field. I'm taking us down into the atmosphere. They won't be able to use their impulse engines down there. If they want a fight, they'll have to fight on our terms. O'Brien: Come on. Get down. O'Brien: O'Brien to Sisko. Sisko: Go ahead. O'Brien: They've got us pinned down in here. Sisko: On our way, Chief. O'Brien: Now! Kira: All right. They've gone to thrusters. That evens things up a little. Dax: If you consider two against one even. Kira: There is one problem. Dax: One? Kira: The guys flying those ships? Dax: Yeah? Kira: Used to be the guys flying these ships. Test the phaser banks. Dax: Full power. Kira: Good. Dax: Not so good. The phaser locks are dead. There's no way to aim. Kira: Sure there is. Dax: I know, I know. Seat of the pants. Kira: With your eyes, Lieutenant, not your pants. Just point at them and fire. Dax: You fly, I'll shoot. Kira: Hang on. Kira: Where the hell's the other one? Kira: I think we found him. Dax: Thruster power is falling. Kira: They must have hit a plasma conduit. Dax: Got any fire gear? Kira: Check under the seat. Dax: I think I've got something. Got it. That's it? Kira: That's it. Dax: Might as well jettison the plasma tank. The thrusters are gone. Kira: Plasma tank ejected. Can you see any openings where we could put down? Dax: Six kilometers ahead at two o'clock. Kira: Er, anything a little closer? Dax: How much closer? Kira: How about right here. Soldier: Sir, up here. One of the Ferengi's holosuites is in use. Day: Don't try it. Get their weapons. Sisko: This is Commander Benjamin Sisko. Please listen very carefully. The Cardassians are supplying the weapons for this coup, Day: Ridiculous. No Bajoran would ever accept help from them. Sisko: Jaro doesn't know. The Cardassians are using the Kressari to deliver the weapons to the Circle. Day: That is a Federation lie. Sisko: The proof is on its way to Bajor. Once this evidence is presented, the coup will end. We don't want to fight you or hurt anyone. Your officers will be our guests for awhile. I hope they won't mind Starfleet combat rations. Krim: Day, what the hell is going on? Day: I was taken prisoner. The Federation is behind all this. Sisko spoke to me. Krim: So, Commander, you didn't abandon your post after all. What did he say? Day: Nothing of consequence. Krim: Why did he let you go? Day: I promised them amnesty. A promise I have no intention of keeping. Officer: General, the security net is back online. Krim: Scan for their communication devices. Officer: Not picking up a thing, sir. Krim: Then they must be in a shielded location. Day: The Cardassians used duranium composite to shield all the conduits. Krim: Then that's where we'll find Commander Sisko. Dax: They've found the raider and now they're spreading out. We can't stay here. Kira: I'll slow you down. The only thing that's important now is to get the evidence to the provisional government. Dax: It would be a lot more convincing if it comes from you. Kira: No, the evidence speaks for itself. You have to leave me. That's an order, Lieutenant. Dax: The Federation officially left Bajor yesterday. You're no longer my commanding officer. Kira: I can't walk. Dax: Yes, you can. Kira: You are being a fool, Dax. Dax: Don't talk to your elders that way. Man: You two check over there. Odo: Odo to Sisko. I hope you're not still on level five. Sisko: No, we're on three. Why? Odo: Because they're about to fill the conduits with anesthizine gas, starting with level five. Sisko: Chief? O'Brien: It's a good idea. Kind of thing I might've come up with. We've got to get out of here, and soon. Sisko: We should have heard something from Kira and Dax by now. O'Brien: If they didn't make it, we're all fighting for a lost cause here. Sisko: We still have an ace in the hole. Li: Me? Sisko: Mister O'Brien, get the units ready to move out. O'Brien: Aye, sir. Sisko: Jaro's plan depends on the military's support. Without it, the coup fails. Li: You think I can sway the Generals. Sisko: Right now there's only one General I'm concerned with. The one that's here. He's picked the wrong side and we've got to convince him of that. Would he rather follow a politician or Bajor's greatest war hero Li: I've done everything I can to help. I'd die for my people but Sisko: Sure you would. Dying gets you off the hook. Question is, are you willing to live for your people? Live the role they want you to play. That's what they need from you right now. Bareil: Kira! Kira, you're safe. You're at the monastery. Kira: How did I? The last thing I remember Bareil: The entire city saw your ship go down. The searchers who found you were from my order. Kira: Dax? Bareil: She's fine. She's changing clothes. Kira: We've got to get to the Chamber of Ministers. The Cardassians Bareil: I know. Lieutenant Dax told me. Bareil: Careful. Careful, you've just had a broken hip mended. Kira: How long have I been here? Bareil: Six hours. Kira: Six hours? We have to get out of here. The Chamber of Ministers Dax: Good, you're up. Here, put this on. Kira: Why are we? Dax: It's the only way we can get to the Chamber of Ministers. Bareil: Members of religious orders are the only ones who can travel safely in the streets. I'm going to escort you. Kira: No. No, we have to go alone, Bareil. I can't be responsible for your safety. Bareil: Of course you can't. But I can be responsible for yours. Kira: No. Bareil: Please, don't argue. Dax: So what do you think? Kira: Think? Dax: The nose? Kira: It's flattering. Dax: I'm thinking of keeping it. Bashir: Quark, leave it! Quark: I can't leave it. It's all that I am. My personal mementos, my family album. Bashir: It's filled with gold-pressed latinum and you know it. Quark: Who told you? Bashir: Your mother did. The day you were born. Quark: Never make fun of a Ferengi's mother! Rule of Acquisition number thirty-one. Sisko: Sisko to Bashir. We're in position. Bashir: We're stationed above airlock fourteen, sir, awaiting your signal. Sisko: You've got it. Just make as much noise as you can before you surrender, Doctor. Bashir: We'll make them think there are two hundred of us instead of twenty, sir. Bashir out. Twenty-one. Come on. Now! Quark: Fine. Fine. I'm coming. Day: Proceed with level three. Officer: General, the enemy has attacked our position at airlock fourteen. Krim: They have attacked? Day: We must have flushed them out. Seal all airlocks. Lock all docking clamps. This is Colonel Day. All security units to airlock fourteen. Krim: Let me see what's going on down there Officer: Surveillance cameras have been sabotaged. Krim: How many of our men are stationed by that airlock? Officer: Four, sir. Security: Security to General Krim. The enemy forces at airlock fourteen have surrendered. We've taken several prisoners. Krim: Bring their leaders to me for questioning. Security: Aye, sir. Li: Please don't resist, General. We don't wish to use deadly force. My name is Li Nalas. Perhaps you've heard of me. Jaro: Guards, stop that woman. Winn: What is this blasphemy? Kira: I am Major Kira Nerys and I've come with proof that Cardassians are behind Minister Jaro's attempt to take control of the government. Jaro: Major Kira has long been an outspoken opponent of the provisional government, of reason, of progress and now finally, of me. I am honored to be included, Major, but I have no intention of allowing you to disrupt the orderly transition of power with these wild charges. Kira: This is a manifest PADD from a Kressari vessel. It bears the thumbscan of a Cardassian Gul who transferred weapons to that ship. Those weapons were taken by the Kressari to the Circle. This coup will deliver Bajor back into the hands of its greatest enemies. Are you willing to live under Cardassian rule again? Jaro: I assure you there is nothing to these accusations. Winn: Then you should have no objection to an inspection of this manifest, Minister. Jaro: Of course not. We'll adjourn for the time being. And let me say that I completely support this investigation and fully intend to cooperate. Krim: Colonel, you deliberately withheld information that was to be communicated to me. Day: Information? Krim: Regarding the Cardassians. Day: Lies. That's all they were. Krim: We have been told the Chamber is in recess while evidence of Cardassian involvement is being examined. Sisko: The Circle is broken, Colonel. Krim: I'm returning to the surface immediately to consult with the Ministers. I expect I will be asked to resign. Commander, since the provisional government has prevailed, I believe it is appropriate to return the command of this station to Starfleet. Well fought, sir. Day: No! O'Brien: Commander! Li: Off the hook, after all. Kira: Somehow, you figured now that he was here, things would be better, you know. He'd find a way to make things better because he was a man who could do that. A great man. I wish I knew where we could find others like him. Sisko: Major, there are heroes all over Bajor. I'm sitting with one. Kira: I'm sorry, I don't feel like celebrating tonight. Excuse me. O'Brien: Sir, can I ask you something? Sisko: Sure. O'Brien: About Li Nalas. Sisko: Mm hmm. O'Brien: Listening to Kira talk about all he was, all he did, all he was going to do, she makes him sound like he was larger than life. like he was some kind of military genius. But the Li Nalas I Sisko: Chief, Li Nalas was the hero of the Bajoran resistance. He performed extraordinary acts of courage for his people and died for their freedom. That's how the history books on Bajor will be written, and that's how I'll remember him when anybody asks. O'Brien: Yes, sir. Dax: Dax to Sisko. The Ganges has just docked at pad C, Benjamin. Sisko: Acknowledged. O'Brien: Excuse me, sir. Jake: Dad!

Scene: Station log, stardate 47182.1. DS-Nine has been temporarily evacuated due to a violent plasma disruption. Until the disturbance ends, we'll be forced to maintain the station with a skeleton crew. Sisko: How are we holding up? Kira: So far, so good. I'll say one thing for the Cardassians, they built this place to last. Dax: Just in case it doesn't, I've got the Orinoco prepped and ready at pad C. Sisko: Any word from Chief O'Brien? Dax: He and Odo checked in about an hour ago. They sealed off the airlocks in the upper and lower pylons and were moving on to the docking ring. Sisko: Sisko to O'Brien. O'Brien: O'Brien here. Sisko: What's your Sisko: Status, Chief? O'Brien: Almost done, Commander. We've sealed all the airlocks on levels twenty one, twenty two and twenty three, but we still have to check the outer bulkheads to make sure there hasn't been any crystallization O'Brien: From the plasma diskharges. It shouldn't take too long. O'Brien: O'Brien out. Odo: Did you hear that? O'Brien: Hear what? Odo: I could've sworn I heard something. O'Brien: Quark. Odo: What are you doing here? You're under strict orders from Sisko to stay in the bar. Quark: I'm not a prisoner, Odo. I volunteered to stay and help you protect the station. Odo: The only reason you volunteered is because there wasn't any room on the evacuation shuttles for six hundred bars of gold-pressed latinum. Which still doesn't explain what you're doing out here in the docking ring. Quark: I was saying goodbye to my brother. Odo: Your brother? His shuttle left three hours ago. Quark: Funny, it's only been three hours and I'm already lost without him. Odo: Oh, please. Don't try to tell me you've been sitting out here all this time pining for Rom. Quark: I know, I know. He couldn't find a cup of water if you dropped him in a lake, but even if he is an idiot, he's still my brother. Odo: And you'd betray him in a second if it suited your interests. Quark: That doesn't mean I don't love him. Chief, do you have any brothers? O'Brien: As a matter of fact, I have two. Quark: And did you ever have to say goodbye to them? O'Brien: Sure, when I joined Starfleet. Quark: And did it bring a tear to your eye? O'Brien: I suppose so. Quark: Try explaining that to him. Dax: The storm's intensity is up thirty-seven percent. Kira: Is there any way of telling how long it'll last? Dax: Your guess is as good as mine. Plasma storms are extremely rare. But look at the bright side, this gives us a great opportunity to study one. Kira: Oh, lucky us. Bashir: You should see the view from the Promenade. It's simply amazing. Sisko: I assume the Promenade is secure. Bashir: Oh, yes, sir. I've struck the sails and battened the hatches, so to speak. Dax: Benjamin, you'd better look at this. I'm detecting a small vessel headed this way at one quarter impulse. Kira: They're hailing us. Sisko: On screen. Kira: I can't get a visual. Verad: This is the cargo ship Ekina. We've been caught by the storm. Our engines have been severely damaged. We need emergency assistance. Can you read me? Repeat, this is the cargo ship Ekina Kira: I've lost it. Sisko: Can we get a transporter lock on the crew? Kira: There's too much interference. Sisko: Engage the tractor beam. Bring them into the closest docking bay. Bashir: There might be casualties. I'll get down to the Infirmary. Sisko: Good idea. Sisko to O'Brien. O'Brien: O'Brien here. Sisko: Chief, we've got some storm victims coming into docking bay five. They may be in need of assistance. O'Brien: I'll have to release the emergency seal on the airlock before they can board the station. On my way. O'Brien: Stand clear. O'Brien: Are you all right? Is anyone hurt? T'Kar: Not yet. O'Brien: What the hell do you think you're doing? T'Kar: No questions. O'Brien: This is a nice way to showing your gratitude. We just saved your lives out there. T'Kar: You see? The ever-helpful Federation. So predictable. O'Brien: Listen, friend, in case you haven't heard the Federation and the Klingon Empire are allies now. T'Kar: The Empire is governed by doddering fools and frightened old women who aren't worthy of the name Klingon. Mareel, the comm. badge. Mareel: This one must be the shape-shifter. Yeto: Go on. What are you waiting for? O'Brien: You're a Trill. T'Kar: You, shifter. Inside. Odo: And what if I refuse? Verad: Please, do as he says and no one will get hurt. T'Kar: Now. Or this one dies. T'Kar: Let's go, ally. Bashir: Chief, were there any casualties? T'Kar: That depends on you. Bashir: What's this is all about? T'Kar: Yeto, get the Ferengi. Any more questions? Verad: Don't hurt him. T'Kar: Mareel, the box. Put it in your stasis chamber. Now. Or I will destroy it. Bashir: Is that supposed to be some kind of threat? O'Brien: They've got Odo in there. Bashir: I see. Well, in that case. Dax: I'm still not getting a response from O'Brien or Odo. Sisko: Run a level three security scan. T'Kar: Don't bother. Verad: Please take your hands away from the controls. T'Kar: Now! Get to the center of the room. Sisko: Do as he says. Mareel: Don't worry, Verad. It's going to be all right. T'Kar: Get with the others. Move. Your turn, little man. Verad: Don't forget to disable the backups as well as the primary systems. O'Brien: It's my fault, Commander. They caught us by surprise. Somehow they must have neutralized the security systems in the docking ring. Sisko: How did they manage that? O'Brien: I'm not sure, but I've got a pretty good idea. We ran across Quark in an airlock a little while ago. Kira: When this is over, Quark and I are going to have a little talk. Sisko: Do you know him? Quark: Ah, Yeto. It's such a pleasure doing business with Klingons. You're so punctual. I see that your ship was rescued according to plan. I've got your merchandise right here but I don't see any latinum. Yeto: You Ferengi, you think you're so clever but you're stupid. Quark: Now, now. There's no need for name calling. If you don't want these liquid data chains, I'm sure I can line up dozens of other buyers. Yeto: Go right ahead. Quark: Yeto, you expect me to believe you've come all this way, braved the storm, just to tell me that the deal is off? Yeto: Stupid Ferengi. T'Kar: I said no one moves. Sisko: I'm commander of this station. What is your business here? T'Kar: You'll have to ask my employer. Verad: I'm, I'm sorry about this. If everyone would just cooperate, I promise it will all be over soon. Sisko: What will be over soon? Quark: This is an outrage. I demand to be released at once. Yeto: Enough of your whining. Quark: Who are these people? What do they want from us? Kira: Funny, I was about to ask you that question. Mareel: That's enough. Sisko: I agree. Now tell me what you want here. Verad: Dax. I want Dax. Sisko: She's not going anywhere with you. Verad: No, no. I don't want the girl. I only want what is rightfully mine. What should have been mine years ago. I want Dax. Dax: The symbiont, Benjamin. He's come to steal my symbiont. Bashir: You can't remove Jadzia's symbiont. If you do, she'll die. Sisko: He knows that, Doctor. Verad: I'm, I'm sorry about all this. Please, believe me, I wish I didn't have to do this. Sisko: Then don't. Verad: I don't have any choice. I spent my whole life trying to qualify for the joining. I studied constantly every day, every waking hour. I sacrificed everything and then I went before the Symbiosis Evaluation Board and they reduced my entire life to one word. Unsuitable. Dax: It's nothing to be ashamed of. Neither of my parents or my sister underwent symbiosis. And they live happy and productive lives. Only one Trill in ten is chosen to be joined. Verad: That's easy for you to say. They chose you. Dax: I was one of the lucky ones. Mareel: Now it's Verad's turn to be lucky. Kira: Why Dax? There are thousands of symbionts on Trill. Why her? Verad: I did research. I worked it all out. The Dax symbiont is the best match for me. We have mutual interests. Science, diplomacy Sisko: Verad. There's another reason, isn't there? The wormhole. After you've stolen the symbiont, you plan on escaping to the Gamma Quadrant, don't you. Mareel: Can you think of a better place to start a new life? Dax: I understand your frustration, But there could be dozens of reasons why the Board didn't select you for symbiosis. They have to be very careful. An improper joining can cause permanent psychological damage to both the symbiont and the host. They were only looking after your best interests. Verad: Your best interests, maybe, but not mine. All they've done is condemn me to a life of, of mediocrity. Well, I refuse to accept it. I'm not going to spend the rest of my life dreaming about what I could have been, what I should have been. I deserve more and I'm going to get it. Mareel: Yeto, T'Kar. It's time. Bashir: I'll have no part in this. Verad: I, I understand. Verad: Keep away from him. There, you see? I've taken the first step. Even if I don't get what I want, my life is over. So either you help me or you and your friends will die. It's your choice. Dax: He'll help. I don't want anyone else hurt because of me. But you have to give me your word that no one else on the station will be harmed. Verad: I promise. Doctor? Dax: Do as he says, Julian. Please. Bashir: Let me treat Chief O'Brien's phaser wound first. It won't take long. There's an emergency medical kit in the console. T'Kar: Get it. Bashir: Hold still, Chief. There. There should be no permanent damage. Apply this every twenty minutes or so. It should help the wound regenerate. T'Kar: Enough stalling. Sisko: Do as he says, Doctor. This is no time to be a hero. T'Kar: Take them to the Infirmary. Kira: This isn't over, Dax. I promise you. Sisko: Dax. Dax: I know, Benjamin. You'll do all you can. And just in case it isn't enough, I want you to know It's been fun. Mareel: Let's go. Good luck. Verad: It won't be long now, and then you'll see. Everything will be just as I promised. Mareel: I know. Verad: What's that? Bashir: It's a delta wave inducer, to keep you asleep during the operation. It also increases your body's natural endorphin production to help accelerate the healing process. Verad: I don't want it. Bashir: I strongly recommend that you use it. The surgery will be much easier on you if you Verad: I don't want your advice. I want to be awake. Use a neuroelectrical suppressor and set up a monitor so I can watch the procedure. That way, if you run into any trouble, I can assist you. Now, let's get started. Bashir: I'm sorry, Jadzia. Dax: Don't blame yourself, Julian. You did everything you could. Bashir: This'll help you sleep. Dax: Thank you. Bashir: Forgive me. Kira: How long can Dax survive without the symbiont? Sisko: Once the symbiont is removed, the host usually dies within hours. But Jadzia is young and healthy. Bashir will do what he can. She'll make it through the night. O'Brien: That still doesn't give us much time T'Kar: No talking! Mareel: I don't want to kill you, Commander, but I will. Quark: This is ridiculous. Don't you realize they're going to kill us? What are you people sitting around for? Do something. Kira: Do you have any suggestions? Quark: Why should I have any suggestions? I'm not the military mastermind. I'm just a victim of circumstances. Kira: Really? Then maybe you'd like to tell me how four armed terrorists got by our docking ring security grid. Quark: Security grid? I don't know anything Kira: Save it, Quark. You crossed the line this time. You sold us out and now Dax may die because of it. Whatever happens next, one thing is certain. You're through here. Mareel: Are you all right? Kira: I'll live. Mareel: Don't try that again. I don't want to have to hurt anyone. Kira: Tell that to Jadzia. Mareel: That's different. Kira: Do you really believe that? Mareel: You heard Verad. They didn't leave him any other choice. Kira: That's his reason. What's yours? Mareel: I owe him. I grew up on the streets of Khefka Four. I never would've made it out of there without Verad. Sisko: What was he doing on Khefka Four? Mareel: He was the communications clerk at the Federation consulate. He used to come by the accommodation house where I worked. I used to help him relax. When he was recalled to Trill he asked me to go with him. We've been together ever since. Kira: And that's it? He got you out of a bad situation and now you're willing to kill for him? Mareel: I owe him my life. If there's anything I can do for him, I'll do it. Sisko: Even if it means losing him? Mareel: Losing him? Sisko: After the surgery, Verad won't be just Verad anymore. He'll be a blending of Verad, Dax, and all the previous hosts. Their memories, their knowledge, even their personalities. Mareel: Verad told me that you'd say things like that. I know he'll change. He'll be smarter, more confident, but in all the important ways, he'll be the same. Sisko: I'm sorry, but if he told you that, he's lying. Once a Trill is joined, it's like a rebirth. He'll be an entirely different person. Mareel: If you think I'm going to betray Verad, you're wrong. It doesn't matter what you say. I love him, and I'm going to stand by him no matter what. Verad: I never doubted it. Mareel: Verad. Verad: No, not just Verad. I'm Verad Dax. Bashir: Take this. Come on, we haven't got much time. Just move it back and forth over the wound in slow even strokes. Yeto: Why bother? She'll be dead in a few hours anyway. Bashir: Not if I have anything to do with it. Now help me. Yeto: Why should I? She let herself be slaughtered like a mindless t'gla. If she wanted to live, she should have fought back. Bashir: She did what she did to save the rest of us. Yeto: Then she is a fool and she deserves her fate. Bashir: Now listen to me, Yeto, or whatever your name is. I don't care about your warrior ethic, or your Klingon philosophy. This woman is dying and I need your help to save her. Now take this instrument. Yeto: So the little human has some spark after all. Bashir: Come on, come on. Dax: Julian. Bashir: Oh, thank God, I thought I'd lost you. Dax: The symbiont. It's gone. Bashir: Everything went perfectly. The operation was a complete success. Dax: I feel so alone. Bashir: I've got you stabilized. If only we could get the symbiont back in time. Dax: I'm scared, Julian. Bashir: You're not going to die. Do you hear me? I'm not going to let you die. Dax: I've never felt so empty. Bashir: Just rest. Sisko: Dax? Verad: That's right, Benjamin. It's me. Sisko: Curzon, Tobin, Jadzia, all the others. They're all a part of you now. Verad: It's amazing. So many ideas. So many memories. Sisko: Eight lifetimes of memories. It must be incredible. Verad: It's better than I ever imagined. Sisko: The station must look very different to you. Verad: It does. I, I know this place. And I know you Benjamin. Sisko: Of course you do. Remember when we first met? Verad: Pelios Station. Sisko: Anastasia? Verad: And that trip we took to the cliffs of Bole. Sisko: All the months we served aboard the Livingston? Verad: And Science officer Kustanovich. What was it, eight helpings of Andorian redbat? Sisko: I've never seen anybody eat so much. Remember my wedding? Verad: I remember your bachelor party, or some of it anyway. Sisko: And the time we diskovered the wormhole? My, my, my. Verad: One of Jadzia's proudest moments. Sisko: And now that woman is bleeding to death in the Infirmary. Verad: I'd rather not discuss that, Benjamin. Sisko: You have to discuss it, Dax. You know as well as I do we can't let her die. Verad: But she's not going to die. She'll live on, in me. Sisko: Jadzia's memories will live on, but Jadzia herself will die and you will have killed her. Verad: You think I don't know that? I'll never be able to forget it. But I promise you, Benjamin, I'll do all I can to make up for it. I'm not going to the Gamma Quadrant to hide. There are entire worlds who can benefit from my knowledge and experience. I can help them, and I will. Sisko: I have a better idea. Verad: What's that. Sisko: Help Jadzia. Come with me down to the Infirmary. Put the symbiont back where it belongs. Verad: I can't do that, Benjamin, even if I wanted to. Don't you see it's too late. The integration is already under way. Sisko: But there's still time to stop it. Jadzia's life can still be saved. Mareel: Don't listen to him. He's just trying to confuse you. Verad: It's all right, Mareel. Benjamin, the symbiont's still weak from the operation. If we attempt another joining so soon, it might not survive. Are you willing to risk that? Sisko: I am. The question is, are you? Mareel: Why are you wasting your time with him? Verad: Because he's my friend! Now go watch the others. We are still friends, aren't we, Benjamin? Sisko: I hope so. Come with me down to the Infirmary and prove it. Verad: I can't do that. Sisko: Then you're not the Dax that I know. Our friendship's over. Mareel: Here, drink this. O'Brien: What is it? Mareel: Senarian egg broth. It'll keep your strength up. All right, don't drink it. It makes no difference to me. O'Brien: Hold on. Thank you. Sisko: He even looks different, doesn't he? The way he stands, the way he moves, talks. Mareel: He's better than he was. Sisko: I'm glad you think so. Mareel: I do. Sisko: Really? The way he dismissed you before. Verad never did that. Mareel: He's under a lot of stress. Sisko: Verad was under stress the minute he stepped onto this station. But he never turned on you, did he? Mareel: What's your point, Commander? Sisko: I think you know. Mareel: You're trying to turn me against Verad. Sisko: Verad no longer exists. You know that better than I do. Mareel: All right then, Verad Dax. But it won't work. Nothing has changed between us. Sisko: You really believe that? Mareel: Yes. Sisko: All right, then make me believe it. Go in there and talk to him. Mareel: Talk to him about what? Sisko: I don't know. Whatever you want. I'm sure the two of you have a lot to say to one another. Mareel: I don't want to disturb him. Sisko: Why not? Mareel: Because I don't want to. Sisko: Look at him, sitting in there all alone. He needs you. Mareel: That's enough. Sisko: I don't understand why you're being so reluctant. This is a perfect time for the two of you to get reacquainted. Mareel: I said, that's enough! Verad: Mareel? Is anything wrong? Mareel: No. Everything's fine. Verad: Good. Be careful. I wouldn't want anything to happen to you. Quark: I got him! I got him! Mareel: Stay back. Quark: Maybe we should talk about this? Quark: My ear! T'Kar: Pathetic. Verad: Mareel, take him to the Infirmary. Bashir: What is it now? Quark: Please. It hurts. Bashir: All right. Hold on. The damage appears to be fairly superficial. But Ferengi ears are incredibly sensitive, so I'd better run some further tests. Verad: The storm's intensity's dropped another twenty percent. I know this has been hard for you, Benjamin. It's been hard for both of us. But it's almost over. Mareel: Good. I'm getting tired of waiting here. How are you feeling? Verad: Better than ever, thanks to you. I couldn't have done this without you. I would have spent the rest of my life a mediocre man only dreaming of what might have been. You know what you have to do. Mareel: You just worry about getting through the wormhole. The Klingons and I'll make sure that no one stops you. Verad: Remember, I don't want you staying here any longer than you have to. Give me an hour, then head for the wormhole. The runabout's on pad C. Mareel: The sooner you leave, the sooner I can follow, and the sooner we can be together. Mareel: It's going to be all right, isn't it? Verad: Just wait for me at the rendezvous point. Yeto: Stop whining or I'll put you out of your misery. Bashir: It's not his fault. He's got a deep contusion of the auricular lobe and a possible dislocated malleus. In a Ferengi, either condition could be fatal. But if you want him to stop, give me a hand with this. Yeto: I'm not your nurse. Bashir: Look, let's not go through that again. Just hold this against his ear. Bashir: Not too hard. Bashir: Just another second. Relax. Bashir: There. Quark: Thank you, Doctor. I feel better already. How is she? Bashir: I've have her stabilized, but there's no telling how much time she's got left. We've got to get the symbiont back before it's too late. Quark: What are you doing? Bashir: Odo's in here. Quark: He is? Bashir: Yes, and we've got to get him out. Quark: Are you sure? Bashir: Quark. If we only knew the access code. Quark: Allow me. Quark: Standard Delgorian locking mechanism. Sophisticated, but vulnerable if you know its weaknesses. Hand me that laser scalpel. Quark: It's a gift. T'Kar: The storm's decreased another fifteen percent. Verad: Excellent. That should be more than enough to allow safe passage to the wormhole. Verad to Yeto. Verad to Yeto. T'Kar: Yeto, report! Verad: The doctor must have overpowered him. T'Kar: The doctor? Impossible. Verad: It's the shape-shifter. He must have freed the shape-shifter. T'Kar, get me to the ship. Mareel: You better take a hostage, just in case. Sisko: I'll go with you. Verad: I'd love your company, Benjamin, but somehow I don't think you have my best interests at heart. Kira, I hate to inconvenience you. Kira: That's all right. If Odo's free, there's no way you're getting off this station. Verad: Mareel. Mareel: Good luck. Verad: Well, Benjamin, I guess this is goodbye. Not many friendships last over two lifetimes. I wish we could have made it three. Sisko: You'll be seeing me again, Verad. Sisko: So, where's this rendezvous going to be? Mareel: You don't really expect me to tell you? Sisko: No, but I hope you like it there, because you'll be waiting for Verad a long time. Mareel: How would you know? Sisko: You told me yourself. I saw the look on your face when he asked you to wait for him. Mareel: The plan was the was supposed to get there first. That he would wait for me, not the other way around. Sisko: Well, maybe it was an honest mistake, a slip of the tongue. Mareel: He lied to me. He's never lied to me before. He's not coming. He doesn't need me anymore. Sisko: No, you're wrong. He does need you now, more than ever. Mareel: You never give up, do you? I told you I'm not going to betray him. Sisko: I'm not asking you to. I'm asking you to save him. To help us save him. Mareel: All you care about is Jadzia. Sisko: That's right. And you care about Verad. And we can save them both. Don't you see? Dax and Verad were never meant to be joined. We've got to remove the symbiont while there's still time. Mareel: If you hurt him, I'll kill you. Sisko: I don't doubt it. Verad: The ship. It's gone. Odo: That's because I released the docking clamps. Sisko: Looks like that goodbye was a little premature. Verad: Don't be ridiculous. You're not going to shoot me. Sisko: What makes you so sure? Verad: This is Dax you're talking to, Benjamin. We both know that if you shoot me, even on stun, you risk killing the symbiont. Sisko: If I let you go, Jadzia dies. Verad: But Dax will live. What's one girl's life compared to eight lifetimes of knowledge and experience? You're not going to shoot me. You know that and so do I. Goodbye, Benjamin. Sisko: Verad. Don't call me Benjamin. Verad: I feel strange. So empty. Sisko: It's over now, Verad. The symbiont is back where it belongs. Verad: So close. I had it. I had it and now I'm alone. Mareel: You're not alone, Verad. I'm here. I'll always be here. Verad: I can't remember any of it. The knowledge, the confidence, it's all gone. Bashir: Commander? Sisko: Jadzia. Are you? Dax: I'm fine. I remember it all, Benjamin. Everything he thought, everything he did, and it's so sad. I guess he'll always be with me.

Garak: Tarkalean tea again, Doctor? Bashir: Yes, and you're drinking Rokassa juice again, aren't you, Garak. Garak: How did you know? Bashir: The odor is unmistakable. Garak: So it is. Rokassa juice soothes my nerves. I had a very demanding customer today. A Bajoran engineer who comes to the shop constantly just to plague me. Bashir: You know, I've always wondered about that. About who your steady customers really are. I can't imagine Bajorans frequenting a shop run by a Cardassian. Garak: I like to think that my expertise and willingness to serve overcome any general resentments any of my clientele may have. Bashir: Ah. And perhaps your expertise and willingness to serve go so far as to establish a certain trust between you and your customers? Garak: Trust is very important Bashir: And once they trust you, they're much more open with you, and they tell you things. Garak: Really, Doctor, must we always play this game? I'm no more a spy than you are a Bashir: A doctor. Garak: I'm afraid you really do allow your imagination to run away with you. What else can I say to finally convince you that I'm just Bashir: Plain, simple Garak? Garak: Precisely. Garak: Now there's something you don't see every day. Zolan: Have a seat. I'll get us all some refreshment. Bashir: That was odd. Do you know him? Garak: On the contrary. I've never seen him before in my life. Garak: I hope I'm not intruding, but I couldn't help noticing what a handsome young man you have here. Garak: Argh! Bashir: I'm sorry I'm late. The damnedest thing just happened. Garak the tailor was attacked. Odo: Attacked? Where? Bashir: At the Replimat. He was bitten on the hand. Dax: Another unsatisfied customer? O'Brien: He always cuts the pants too long. Bashir: Actually, it was a boy. A Cardassian boy. Sisko: I wasn't aware we had any Cardassian children on the station. Odo: We don't. Bashir: He's just arrived on a Bajoran transport with an adult Bajoran who says he's his father. Kira: The boy was probably one of the orphans left behind after the Cardassians pulled out. We had no choice but to take care of them. You have an incoming subspace transmission from Cardassia, Commander. It's Gul Dukat. Sisko: In my office. Dukat: Commander, it's been brought to my attention that the sole Cardassian living on your station has been assaulted. Sisko: I'm surprised how quickly the news reached you, Dukat. I only heard about it myself a minute ago. Dukat: Is it true he was attacked by a Cardassian boy brought to the station by a Bajoran? Sisko: A Cardassian boy appears to have be involved, yes. Dukat: Exactly as I feared. Exactly as I've been warning my colleagues. Sisko: Warning them? Dukat: The Cardassian war orphans, Commander. Abandoned when we left Bajor. It's a disgrace. Obviously these children are being raised to hate their own kind. This incident is proof. Sisko: You're assuming a lot from one incident. Dukat: Am I? Then why would this boy attack poor Garak? An amiable fellow, if there ever was one. Sisko: If you like, I'll try to find out. Dukat: That would be most appreciated, Commander. I need to find out everything I can about this boy, so that I can use his story in my fight to bring these orphans back to their homeland. This is a tragedy that all of Cardassia is going to have to address. Proka: We didn't come here to cause trouble. Has this Garak filed a complaint? Sisko: No, but the Cardassian officials asked that look into the incident. Proka: I wish they'd shown as much concern when they left my boy and dozens like him to fend for themselves. Sisko: How did you come to adopt him? Proka: My wife and I felt that Rugal shouldn't suffer for crimes committed by others. Sisko: But why would he attack another Cardassian? Proka: That Cardassian should have minded his own business. Bashir: Garak was only trying to be friendly. The boy seemed terrified of him on sight. Sisko: The Cardassians are suggesting that the Bajorans are raising these orphans to hate their own people. Proka: To hate Cardassians? It shouldn't be too hard, should it? We told him the truth, Commander. The truth about what Cardassia did to Bajor. He needed to know, and for that I make no apologies. To us, he isn't even one of them anymore. He isn't Cardassian, he's Bajoran. And we love him just as if he were our own flesh and blood. Zolan: All right, here we go. Here we go. Baby, come on. Dabo! Quark: There's nothing quite so depressing as a winning streak that won't stop streaking. Zolan: Dabo! Bashir: It would appear as if you have this game all figured out. Zolan: Dabo! Dabo is a passion of mine. I remember you. You're Doctor Bashir: Bashir. Zolan: Bashir, yes. How's the Cardassian? Still has all his fingers, I presume? Bashir: Yes. Luckily there were no broken bones. I've never seen a boy take a bite out of a man's hand like that. Zolan: He's a strange boy, Rugal. Bashir: Do you know the family well? Zolan: Dabo! Bashir: Do you? Zolan: Look, this is really none of my business. Bashir: You were a witness. I just want to get my facts right for the medical report. Zolan: I'd really rather you asked someone else. Bashir: Frankly, I don't understand your attitude. All I asked was if you know them well. Zolan: Well enough. I heard the father was looking for a new job several months ago and I offered to help. I visited them on Bajor several times. Bashir: Did you find anything troubling? Zolan: It must be torture for that boy living like that. Hated by people he thinks of as his parents. Told day after day that he's worthless Cardassian scum. Beaten if he even looks the wrong way. Rugal is their revenge. Their revenge against all Cardassians. Proka: It is not true. It is not true. Rugal will tell you. We have not mistreated him. Is this some Cardassian? Sisko: There'll be ample opportunity to go over the matter in detail, but during the investigation, we'd like for Rugal to stay with our schoolteacher, Mrs O'Brien. She's expecting him now. Proka: What if I refuse? Sisko: Then I'll have to call Security and have them remove him from your quarters. I don't think either of us wants that. Rugal: Why? Proka: It'll be all right Rugal: I didn't do anything wrong! Proka: I know. I know. It'll be all right. I promise. Rugal: I didn't do anything wrong. Sisko: Nobody's accusing you of a crime, Rugal. You're not being arrested. My name is Commander Sisko. I believe you already know Doctor Bashir. Bashir: Hello, Rugal. Sisko: I'm sure all of this will be straightened out in a day or two. If you want to visit with your father tomorrow, you can. Proka: Go on, Rugal. We'll talk tomorrow. They won't hurt you. They're humans, not Cardassians. Bashir: Actually, something good did come out of all of this, Garak. Garak: Oh? Bashir: If it hadn't happened, we never would have diskovered Rugal's situation. And a bite on the hand is certainly worth saving a boy's life, wouldn't you say? Garak: I suppose it depends on whose hand. Just joking, Doctor. Bashir: Perhaps it might even help Gul Dukat in his efforts to resolve the entire war orphan predicament. Garak: I beg your pardon? Bashir: Gul Dukat. He called Commander Sisko right after this happened. Apparently he was quite concerned with your well-being. You never mentioned you were friends. Garak: You said Dukat is doing something about war orphans? Bashir: He wants to bring them all home from Bajor. Garak: Does he. Bashir: Am I missing something? Garak: Tell me, Doctor. Is there a single trait would you ascribe to me and to my fellow Cardassians? Would it not be our attention to detail? Do you think we simply forgot about those poor little orphans when we left Bajor? Do you think they simply slipped from our minds? And who would you guess was in charge of the Cardassian withdrawal from Bajor? Dukat: I don't know how to thank you. Sisko: Don't thank me too quickly, Dukat. The boy could be returned to his adoptive parents. Dukat: After the accusations this businessman has made. Sisko: That's all it is for the moment. An accusation. Dukat: We would not take kindly to the boy being returned to the Bajorans. However, I have complete confidence in your ability to be thorough, Commander. And if there's anything I can do. Sisko: As a matter of fact, there is. If it is decided the boy should be returned to Cardassia, to whom would we return him? It might help to find out if he still has any living relatives. Dukat: I was going to suggest that you forward us a sample of the boy's DNA and we'll run it through our data banks immediately. Sisko: We'll send it right away. Bashir: Excuse me, Gul Dukat. I have a question. Dukat: Doctor Bashir, isn't it? Bashir: Yes. Isn't it true you were in charge of the evacuation of Bajor? Dukat: Yes, I was. Bashir: Then it would have been your responsibility to ensure that these orphans were in fact part of that evacuation, yet you chose to leave them behind. Why? Dukat: I did not choose to leave them behind, Doctor. I was ordered to leave them behind. Bashir: Ordered? By whom? Dukat: By the civilian leaders. They Bashir: Excuse me, but if I understand the Cardassian political system correctly, the civilian leaders have no direct authority over military officers. Dukat: Who's been tutoring you in Cardassian social studies, Doctor? Bashir: Your old friend, Garak. Dukat: Well then, perhaps you should remind my old friend Garak the withdrawal of Bajor was a decision made by the civilian leaders. One that I clearly opposed. And yes, they made the decision to leave the orphans behind. A decision I've regretted ever since. Thank you for your concern, Doctor. Good day, Commander. Bashir: He's lying. Sisko: Is that an opinion, or do you have evidence to support it? Bashir: I have Garak. Sisko: Garak. Bashir: He seems to think there's more going on here than we realize. Sisko: What exactly does he think is going on? Bashir: I'm not sure. He doesn't actually tell me what he really thinks. I sort of have to deduce it. Sisko: So, you deduced that Garak thinks Dukat is lying about something you're not sure of and you proceeded to interrupt my conversation to confront him about whatever that may be. Bashir: I'm sorry, Commander. It just seemed an opportune Sisko: Don't apologize. It's been the high point of my day. Don't do it again. Dax: Why would Garak want to undermine Gul Dukat? Bashir: I'm not really sure. I don't think he likes Dukat very much. Sisko: I'd like to ask Garak about this myself. Have him in my office at twenty one hundred hours. Bashir: Yes, sir. Keiko: Hi. O'Brien: Here, let me. Keiko: Thanks. O'Brien: Good idea. Keiko: What? O'Brien: Three settings. I assume you sent Molly over to stay with the Fredericks. Keiko: She's asleep. She and Rugal played all afternoon. He wore her out. O'Brien: You let them play together? Keiko: Why not? O'Brien: The boy almost bit somebody's hand off. Keiko: I was with them all afternoon. He's not like that. He's really very gentle. O'Brien: Gentle was bred out of these Cardassians a long time ago. Keiko: You know, that was a very ugly thing you just said. O'Brien: I only said. Keiko: I don't need to hear it twice. Keiko: Rugal, dinner's ready. I hope you like it. O'Brien: Keiko, darling, what is this? Keiko: I found some Cardassian recipes in the memory bank of our food replicator. It's a stew, made with Cardassian zabu meat. I thought Rugal might enjoy a dish that's popular on his own world. O'Brien: Can't sleep? Rugal: What're they going to do with me? O'Brien: I'm not sure. You might have something to say about that, you know. I mean, you should be telling Commander Sisko what you want. Rugal: I want to go home. O'Brien: He'll understand that. You're a Cardassian. They should've taken you home when they left. Rugal: No, I mean home. To Bajor. O'Brien: It must be tough for you, living on Bajor. Rugal: Why? O'Brien: Being Cardassian. Rugal: That's not my fault. I was born that way. O'Brien: That's not what I meant. There's nothing wrong with being a Cardassian. Rugal: Yes, there is. O'Brien: Who taught you that? Rugal: It's the truth. Everybody knows it. O'Brien: How do your parents feel about Cardassians? Rugal: They hate them. O'Brien: Why would you want to live with someone who hates you? Rugal: They hate other Cardassians, not me. My parents have never done anything wrong to me. O'Brien: Come on, even I got my bottom whacked by my Dad once or twice. Rugal: Not me. My parents follow the teachings of the Prophets. What do you think of Cardassians? O'Brien: Me? Well, I can't say, really. Rugal: Why not? O'Brien: Well, you can't judge a whole race of people. You can't hate all Cardassians or all Klingons or all humans. I've met some Cardassians I didn't like, and I've met some I did. Like you. Rugal: Do you know how many Bajorans the Cardassians murdered during the occupation? Over ten million. We had a test on it in school. I wish I wasn't Cardassian. Garak: Come, Doctor, get dressed. We need to be going. Bashir: Going? Going where? Garak: To Bajor. Sisko: I assume this couldn't wait until morning? Bashir: No, sir. I need to use a runabout. Sisko: I'm waiting. Bashir: It's Garak, sir. He wants to go to Bajor. Sisko: Bajor? For what? Bashir: He wouldn't tell me. Sisko: Oh, well, by all means. Will one runabout be enough? Crewman: Ops to Sisko. Sisko: Go ahead. Crewman: Commander, there's an urgent communication for you from Gul Dukat. Dukat: I'm sorry to disturb you at such a late hour, Commander, but thanks to the DNA gene type you sent us, we've diskovered the boy's actually the son of one of our most prominent politicians, Kotan Pa'Dar. Sisko: When was Pa'Dar on Bajor? Dukat: Over eight years ago. He was Exarch for a Cardassian settlement there. The boy was believed to have died in a Bajoran terrorist attack. Sisko: Has he been told his son is alive? Dukat: Of course. As you can imagine, he's overwhelmed with joy. He's already on his way to the station to reclaim him. Sisko: It's not that simple. Dukat: I don't understand. Sisko: The boy wants to go back to Bajor. Dukat: Back> To live with the same brutal people? Sisko: I can't find any evidence to support that accusation. I can't even find the man who made it in the first place. Dukat: Nevertheless, when the boy finds out his real father's alive, surely he'll change his mind. And even if he doesn't, it would be in the boy's best interests. Sisko: We'll just have to see what happens when Pa'Dar gets here. Sisko out. Bashir: It can't just be a coincidence, sir. Garak must have heard about Pa'Dar before he woke me up. What could he be looking for on Bajor? Sisko: There's only one way to find out. Bashir: Excuse me, is this the Tozhat Resettlement Center? Deela: Yes. Bashir: I'm Doctor Bashir from the Federation command at Deep Space Nine. I've been trying to find some information on a Cardassian war orphan who was apparently placed for adoption here. Deela: Yes, the Bajorans opened their hearts to many abandoned children. Bashir: The boy's name is Rugal, and the Bajoran who adopted him is named Proka Migdal. Deela: I don't recognize either of the names. What was it you were trying to find out about them? Bashir: Yes, exactly what are we trying to find out about them? Garak: The circumstances surrounding the young man's adoption. It took place about eight years ago. Deela: The Cardassians were still here. You'll never find anything from back then. Garak: Oh, the Cardassians are quite meticulous record keepers, Madame. They've taught many worlds, including this one, how to keep records. I find it difficult to believe that none exist from that time period. Certainly computer entries made on a regular basis. Deela: I wouldn't know. I wasn't a volunteer then. I was in the underground. Garak: Really? Perhaps we have met. Bashir: Look, can we just check your computers? Deela: Our computers don't work. I can't get a technician to come out. We're not exactly a top priority. Garak: Perhaps I can be of service. Bashir: You can fix computers? Garak: I dabble with isolinear data subprocessors. It's a hobby of mine. Bashir: I continue to underestimate you, Garak. Garak: It's no more difficult than sewing on a button, actually. Excuse me. Bashir: You carry this everywhere with you, do you? Garak: A simple tailoring tool. You'd be surprised how often someone needs their pants let out. Oh, it's not there. Bashir: What's not there? Garak: Rugal's name, his father's name, none of it. Bashir: You managed to find eight year old files that quickly? Garak: It's simply a question of knowing what you're looking for, Doctor. Excuse me. Now, it's either been misfiled, under a wrong name, or this is entirely the wrong relocation center. Bashir: I'm not going to any other district until I know. Garak: That won't be necessary. We can access the files of this entire province from here and download them onto a data clip. Bashir: That'll be thousands of files. Garak: Tens of thousands, actually. Asha: Excuse me, sir. Have you come to take us back to Cardassia? Garak: I'm afraid not, child. Come, Doctor. I believe you'll find your computer system fully functional now, Madame. Garak: Computer, set up a data bank, cross-referencing age groups, sex and year of adopt. Bashir: Computer, disregard that request and shut down all engines. Garak: I'm sorry you're upset about the orphans. Children without parents have no status in Cardassian society. The situation is most unfortunate, but I don't make the rules. Bashir: But you do play the game, don't you, Garak. And there is a game being played right now, as we speak, isn't there. Garak: There are always games, Doctor. Bashir: The trouble is, I don't have the slightest idea what this game is about. So you're going to tell me what's going on inside that plain and simple head of yours, my Cardassian friend, or we're going to sit here until we rot! Garak: Tell me, Doctor, why do you think the Cardassians left Bajor? Bashir: Gul Dukat said it was a decision made by your civilian leaders. Garak: And isn't it interesting that one of Cardassia's most notable civilian leaders has recently entered this scenario. Bashir: Rugal's father? You're saying Kotan Pa'Dar was involved in the decision to evacuate Bajor? Garak: Very good, Doctor. I'm glad to see our little get-togethers haven't gone for naught. Bashir: Which makes him a political enemy of Gul Dukat's. Who lost his job as Prefect when they withdrew. Garak: And seemingly out of nowhere, Dukat takes an interest in this orphan boy who recently arrives on our station. And then soon afterwards, with Gul Dukat's assistance, we diskover that the orphan boy isn't really an orphan boy, but Pa'Dar's long lost son. Bashir: Another coincidence? Garak: I believe in coincidences. Coincidences happen every day. But I don't trust coincidences. Pa'Dar: I am Kotan Pa'Dar. O'Brien: Miles O'Brien. Come in. Sit down. Pa'Dar: Where is my son? O'Brien: He's with my wife. They'll be back shortly. I thought it might be a good idea if we talked first. Your son, Rugal Pa'Dar: At least they didn't change his name. O'Brien: When was the last time you saw him? Pa'Dar: On Bajor. He had just had his fourth birthday. He probably doesn't even remember me. Does he? O'Brien: I think he's spent most of his life trying to forget you. Pa'Dar: I don't think I understand. O'Brien: The boy hates everything he is. He hates Cardassians, he hates being a Cardassian. Pa'Dar: Yes, I've heard those stories. Well, I suppose after growing up among the Bajorans. But now that I'm back in his life. O'Brien: He may not want you back in his life. Pa'Dar: I am his father. Mister O'Brien, I know very little about human culture. I don't know how you view the family. O'Brien: We'd do almost anything to protect our families. I have a daughter myself. She's four, the same age your son was when you lost him. Pa'Dar: Then I expect you can imagine what I'm feeling right now. On Cardassia, family is everything. We care for our parents and children with equal devotion. In some households, four generations eat at the same table. Family is everything. And I have failed in my responsibilities to my family. O'Brien: You had no way of knowing he was still alive. Pa'Dar: I should have tried harder. I should have looked everywhere. To abandon my son, to allow him to be raised a Bajoran. I have disgraced that everything a Cardassian believes in. Pa'Dar: Hello, Rugal. Do you remember my face? Even a little? Rugal: No. Pa'Dar: Would you like to see some pictures of you when you were a child? Rugal: No. Pa'Dar: Rugal, you have to understand. There was nothing left of the house after the attack. Your mother was dead and you. I cried for you, Rugal. I missed you so much. I could not even stay on Bajor. It was too close to the happy memories of you. Rugal: It was your own fault. You deserved it. You are Cardassian. What the Bajorans did, they had to do. Pa'Dar: I understand why you say that. Rugal: You can't understand. You are a Cardassian butcher! A butcher. They killed your son for your crimes. Pa'Dar: Rugal. Rugal: You are not my father! And I will never go back to Cardassia. Never. Pa'Dar: I have no intention of allowing a Bajoran court to rule on the custody of my son. Proka: You gave up custody when you abandoned him here. Pa'Dar: He is my natural born child. As Cardassian law clearly stipulates Proka: There is no more Cardassian law on Bajor Sisko: Gentlemen, I think you may need an arbitrator to settle this. Proka: It must be someone who is neither a Cardassian nor a Bajoran. What about you? Sisko: I'd be willing, but wouldn't you have objections because of the Federation's relationship with Bajor? Pa'Dar: No, Commander. You are a father too. You would be acceptable to me. Sisko: Very well then. I'll schedule a Odo: Odo to Commander Sisko. Sisko: Yes, Odo. What is it? Odo: I thought you might be interested to know Gul Dukat has just arrived on the station. Sisko: Captain's log, stardate 47177.2. The arrival of Gul Dukat only powers my suspicion that we are being manipulated in some unseen manner. Doctor Bashir and Garak continue to search for anything of relevance in the adoption files. So far, they've found nothing. And the decision on custody for Rugal cannot wait much longer Sisko: You've come a long way just to view a custody hearing. Dukat: Pa'Dar is an eminent member of the civilian assembly. This matter has generated a great deal of interest at the highest levels of our government. Sisko: So, you're here representing your government? Dukat: Not exactly. I like to think that I'm here representing the children. All of the children abandoned on Bajor. I want to see Rugal reunited with his father. Sisko: Well, I'm sure Pa'Dar is grateful for your support because I was under the impression that you were political adversaries. Isn't that so, Pa'Dar? Pa'Dar: We have disagreed in the past, but Commander, I don't see Dukat: And I must object, Commander. The past is the past. It has no relevance here. What is relevant are the children. What are we going to do about the children? Sisko: If you don't mind, I'd like for you to go over the events leading up to the disappearance of Rugal eight years ago. Garak: How perfectly foolish of me. Bashir: Don't tell me you've decided you were wrong. Not after searching seven thousand, four hundred and twenty files for a misspelling. Garak: Dukat is much smarter than that. Bashir: Than what? Garak: Think about it, Doctor. He would never have left a file to be found. Bashir: Do you really think he purged the file on Rugal? Garak: I would have. Bashir: There was something in that file he didn't want anybody to see. Garak: Exactly. We have one last chance, to find the person who wrote that file in the first place. Bashir: How do you ever hope to find him? Garak: Her. Bashir: Her? How do you know? Garak: Because I've already found her name. Jomat Luson. Sisko: Do you remember anything from back then, Rugal? Rugal: No. Sisko: Do you remember being adopted? Rugal: No. Sisko: What's the first thing you do remember? Rugal: My father teaching me how to swim. Jomat: I know exactly the one you're talking about. Bashir: You do? Jomat: He was the only Cardassian boy we had at the time. We had several girls. Bashir: Are you sure his name was Rugal? Jomat: That's what we were told. Bashir: Somebody told you his name? Jomat: Yes, that was the most unusual thing about his arrival. Virtually all of the other Cardassian children turned in to us were found on the streets by Bajorans. Rugal was brought in by a Cardassian. Bashir: A Cardassian military officer, by any chance? Jomat: Yes, as a matter of fact, she was. Bashir: A woman? Jomat: I don't remember her name, but she was attached to the command post at Terok Nor. Is there anything else, Doctor? O'Brien: The boy accused him of being a butcher. He hates Cardassians, sir. Pa'Dar was heartbroken. I can only imagine how I'd feel in his shoes. Bashir: Commander, can I ask O'Brien a few questions? Chief, didn't Pa'Dar tell you about the humiliation he feels right now? O'Brien: He said he had disgraced everything a Cardassian believes in. Bashir: Has the news of your son's diskovery become public knowledge on Cardassia? Pa'Dar: The government has not chosen to reveal it to the people yet. Bashir: What happens when it is revealed? Pa'Dar: It will be the end of my political career. Bashir: That's a shame. Especially considering the timing. Pa'Dar: The timing? Bashir: Isn't there an inquiry about to begin concerning the Cardassians who were involved in the attempted military coup on Bajor? Pa'Dar: Yes. Bashir: And isn't Gul Dukat one of the key witnesses in that inquiry? Dukat: This is irrelevant and insulting. Commander, you've lost control here. Sisko: Yes, it seems that I have. Dukat: I suggest we return to the issue of the children. Bashir: All right, let's talk about children. Have you ever been to the Tozhat Resettlement Center on Bajor where Rugal was adopted? Dukat: Never. Bashir: Of course, Tozhat is the province where Pa'Dar was stationed eight years ago. Dukat: I'm aware of that. Bashir: I've been trying to find records of Rugal's adoption, but they're missing from the files. Dukat: How unfortunate. Bashir: Yes, but we have found someone who was working at the center at the time Rugal was brought in. Do you know a Bajoran social volunteer named Jomat Luson? Dukat: No. Bashir: Jomat Luson remembers Rugal being brought in by a Cardassian military officer. A woman who seemed familiar with him. Even knew his name. Dukat: Is there a question? Bashir: The question is whether or not this officer deliberately left the son of Kotan Pa'Dar at the Relocation Center with full knowledge that he was not an orphan. Perhaps even with the hopes of humiliating Pa'Dar someday. Dukat: I wouldn't know. Bashir: Would you happen to know then of a base known during the occupation as Terok Nor? Dukat: Terok Nor? It was here. This space station. Bashir: Jomat Luson clearly recalls that the officer who brought in Rugal was attached to Terok Nor. Bashir: Gul Dukat! Who was the commanding office at Terok Nor eight years ago? Bashir: For the record, the commanding office of Terok Nor eight years ago was Gul Dukat. Sisko: Captain's log, stardate 47178.3. After long and difficult deliberations, I have decided to allow Pa'Dar to take his son back to Cardassia. Although I am convinced his Bajoran foster parents treated him with love, Rugal has been the clear victim in this conspiracy. I believe it's time for his healing to begin. Pa'Dar: Your doctor has given me the leverage I need, Commander. Sisko: Leverage? Pa'Dar: Dukat will never allow these events to be made public now, and I certainly won't choose to discuss them. Sisko: A stalemate. Pa'Dar: A stalemate. You've helped me salvage my political career. I won't forget that. Sisko: Perhaps you'll use your influence to help other Cardassian orphans on Bajor. Pa'Dar: Well, yes, we'll see. O'Brien: Remember what I said. If you ever want to come back and visit, just let me know and I'll arrange it. Pa'Dar: Hello, Rugal. Ready to go? Pa'Dar: I suppose it'll take time. Bashir: But there's one more question I haven't figured out, Garak. Why did you want to expose Dukat? What's the truth about you and him? Garak: Truth, Doctor, is in the eye of the beholder. I never tell the truth because I don't believe there is such a thing. That's why I prefer the straight line simplicity of cutting cloth. Bashir: You're not going to tell me. Garak: But you don't need me to tell you, my friend. Just notice the details. They're scattered like crumbs all over this table we regularly share. Until next time.

Scene: Medical log, stardate 47229.1. Chief O'Brien and I have been working overtime to prepare for the arrival of a new cartographer. Ensign Melora Pazlar is the first Elaysian to join Starfleet and, as such, requires special accommodations. Dax: I haven't seen one of these in three hundred years. I'm surprised it was even on file in the replicator's data bank. Bashir: It isn't. Ensign Pazlar sent me the specifications. Dax: She really uses one like this? Bashir: Her normal anti-grav unit isn't going to work here. Same problem we had with the Starfleet cargo lifts. Cardassian construction just isn't compatible. Kira: Ops to Bashir. The Yellowstone has just docked at airlock fourteen, Doctor. Bashir: We're on our way. Bashir: Just think what she's gone through to get here, Jadzia. What it must be like to adjust to our gravity after growing up on a planet with such low surface gravity. O'Brien: Doctor. We've done the best we can with the ramps. The Cardassians obviously didn't have her in mind when they built this place. Bashir: I've managed to modify the maximum vertical clearance of the chair three centimeters to a slope of fifty six degrees. O'Brien: That still leaves a lot of places around here she won't have access to. Dax: Can't we just use the transporter to help her get around? O'Brien: It makes sense to me, but she sent word that it wasn't be acceptable to her. Dax: I wonder why. Bashir: I know exactly why. She went through the Academy the same way. Once her basic needs are met, she refuses any special assistance. She's extraordinary. Dax: You make it sound as though you've known her for years. Bashir: I almost feel as though I have. I've pulled all her personnel and medical files to get ready. Her quarters. They're ready, aren't they? O'Brien: I've got the bumps on the head to prove it. Bashir: Thanks, Chief. O'Brien: Let me know if there's anything else I can do. Bashir: That'll be something to see. When we turn off the gravity and she flies around the room. Melora: Ensign Melora Pazlar reporting for duty. Dax: Welcome to DS Nine, Ensign. I'm Chief Science Officer Jadzia Dax, and this Melora: Doctor Bashir. We spoke on subspace. Bashir: Good to meet you in person. Melora: I see you have my trolley car ready to go. Bashir: As requested. Dax: Can I help? Melora: I'm fine, thank you. Melora: That's better. You've modified it. Bashir: Yes. I wanted to give you as much mobility as I could. Melora: I've been practicing on the model I requested for a month. Bashir: Well, it's no problem. We can replicate the other design. Melora: No, I'll just have to adapt. Dax: I'll be accompanying you on your survey mission. Melora: I really don't think that'll be necessary, Lieutenant. I'm perfectly capable of piloting a runabout. Dax: Commander Sisko thought that it Melora: I'm sure he thought what every officer I've ever served with has thought. That I need extra help to get the job done. Please tell him I don't. Dax: Commander Sisko wouldn't allow any Ensign take a runabout into the Gamma Quadrant the day after she arrives. Melora: I'm sure the Chief Science Officer has more important things to do than to chart a sector in the Gamma Quadrant. Bashir: Um. Here we are. Melora: You didn't modified the specifications I gave you for my quarters, did you? Bashir: Not one iota. You can control the gravity unit with this device. If you'd care to try it out. Melora: Thank you, I will. It was a pleasure meeting both of you. Ashrock: Paltriss only created eighty of them. Each a work of art. Quark: And I've come into possession of forty-two. Ashrock: Forty-two? My world will honor your name for returning the Rings of Paltriss to his birthplace. Quark: Honor my name all you want as long as your honor is accompanied by a hundred and ninety nine bars of gold-pressed latinum Ashrock: I heard you drive a hard bargain. Quark: Shall we celebrate our closing the deal with another drink? Quark: Excuse me, I'm sorry but we're not open yet if you'll come back in Quark: Have another drink on me. Quark: Fallit Kot, is it really you? How long has it been? Fallit: Eight years. Eight long years. Quark: It can't be. I must say, you look terrific. Tanned, toned up, all of that baby fat has disappeared from your face. Fallit: You don't keep extra weight on where I've been. Quark: Just passing through, are you? I'll bet you have business in the Gamma Quadrant. You always had a sharp eye for fresh territories. Fallit: I'm not going to the Gamma Quadrant. My business is right here. With you. Quark: With me? Fallit: That's right. I've come to kill you, Quark. Dax: I've gone through her mission profile and she certainly seems to know what she's doing. Sisko: Nevertheless, this is her first deep space assignment, and it doesn't make sense to me to. Here she is. Sisko: Welcome, Ensign. I'm Commander Benjamin Sisko. Melora: Am I late? Sisko: Not at all. Melora: It looked as though the meeting had already begun. Sisko: Dax and Bashir were just telling me about your request to pilot a runabout alone. Melora: Wouldn't it have been more appropriate to include me in that conversation? Sisko: I was getting a briefing by my senior officers, Ensign. We discuss personnel matters all the time. Melora: I'm sorry if I seem overly sensitive, but I'm used to being shut out of the Melora problem. The truth is, there is no Melora problem until people create one. This may sound ungrateful, because Doctor Bashir has been wonderfully helpful in the preparations for my arrival, but frankly, I wonder why a medical opinion is necessary in this discussion. Dax: Julian knows more of your capabilities than any of us. Melora: I don't need a medical opinion to tell me my own capabilities. Sisko: Ensign. Melora: I simply object to being treated like someone who is ill. Sisko: I don't see anybody doing that. Melora: Try sitting in the chair, Commander. No one can understand until they sit in the chair. I have been in one chair or another since I left my homeworld. My family gave me this cane. It's made from the wood of a garlanic tree. They had no idea what it would be like to live off-world in what you consider normal gravity. Only a handful of Elaysians have ever left home. But I always knew that I had to be one of them. I dreamt about exploring the stars as a child, and I wasn't going to allow any handicap, not a chair, not a Cardassian station, to stop me from chasing that dream. Sisko: You must feel a great deal of pride about you've achieved. Melora: And I've achieved that, Commander, without being dependent on anybody. To be honest, I prefer to work alone. It's simply easier for me. Sisko: I am not comfortable sending you alone into the Gamma Quadrant. Melora: Sir, I can focus on the job better, I can work at my own pace without being a bother to anyone else. Sisko: Lieutenant Dax will be going with you. Melora: Yes, sir. When do you wish to leave, Lieutenant? Dax: Your schedule is fine with me. Melora: Then tomorrow at oh seven thirty. Bashir: Is it working? The low-grav field actuator. I just heard it go off. Melora: It's working fine. Bashir: So you were just Melora: For me, it's like slipping into a hot tub at the end of a long day. Bashir: Really? I'm a shower man myself. Look at this. Is this your husband? Boyfriend? Melora: Doctor, if you came for an apology, Doctor, I apologize. Bashir: Apology? Melora: My speech wasn't intended to attack you personally. Bashir: I'm sure you never set out to attack anyone personally, but you do seem to attack a lot. Melora: That's rather insensitive of you, Doctor. Bashir: Julian. I'm no longer your doctor. Melora: I see. You've decided I need a friend. Bashir: Was that an attack? You see, you do it so well, with such charm, it's hard to tell. Melora: I really don't mean to Bashir: Sure you do. Melora: I beg your pardon? Bashir: Of course, you mean to. All of these broad shots you fire it's your way of keeping the rest of the universe on the defensive. Has to be. You're too good at it. Melora: Well, it always seemed to work pretty well. Until now. Bashir: That is the nicest thing you've said to me, or anybody else. Are you hungry? I came here thinking about asking you to dinner. Melora: Then afterward we'll go dancing, I suppose. Bashir: Red alert. Melora: Sorry. Bashir: Come on. There's a new Klingon restaurant open on the Promenade, if you like that sort of thing. Melora: All right. Quark: Dinner is served. Fallit: I didn't order dinner. Quark: What better way to mollify, satisfy a hungry traveler than with a delicious home-cooked meal? Starting with a delicate Vak clover soup. Quark: Why spoil your appetite with soup? Here's the real treat. Jumbo Vulcan mollusks. Sautéed in rhombolian butter. A taste so exquisite, it's to die for. Or to live for, for that matter. Quark: Do you know dabo, Fallit? It's a wonderfully entertaining game and easy to learn. I took the liberty of lining up a couple of excellent tutors I know. Quark: Be sure to ask them about their double down betting strategy. If I haven't made it clear, I intend your stay here as pleasurable as you could ever imagine. So, allow me to propose a toast to old friends. Fallit: Old debts. Chef: Gagh Tek Or. Bashir: Shall I order for us both? Melora: All right. Bashir: Let's see we'll have some racht of course Chef: Racht. Bashir: And a double order of gladst. No sauce please. Chef: Gladst usu bal. Bashir: And a side order of zilm'kach. Is that too much for two? Chef: Zilm'kach. Chef: Drak doo. Melora: May I? Bashir: Don't be alarmed. Melora: Excuse me, Julian, but I can't eat this. Bashir: I know how it looks but Melora: P'kar tel Durg Le Frakn'l? Chef: Dug a bul, rah'tar! Melora: D'tel klop a bul! Chef: Pak't pol! Melora: D'kar tel G'denna! Chef: I like a customer who knows what she wants. Melora: G'denna. There's nothing worse then half dead Racht. Chef: Gagh Tek Or. Bashir: When I was ten, my father was a Federation diplomat on Invernia Two. One day, when we were out on a remote part of the planet, we were hit by a massive ionic storm. While we were waiting it out, we found an Invernian girl about my age who was sick. After the storm cleared, my father went for help, but it was too late. I sat there and watched her die. The next day when he returned, his guide told us that we could have treated her with a simple herb that was growing all around. I could have saved her life. Melora: And so you started to study medicine. Bashir: Actually, first I started to study tennis. Melora: Tennis? Bashir: I really thought about making a career of it. Melora: You must be very good. Bashir: Well, I used to think so, but then I went to my first major competition. my opponent served first and I heard the ball bounce past me. The computer announced it was good and I realized I was in trouble. Turned out I had more talent at medicine than tennis. Melora: I have an early mission tomorrow. I better get some rest. Bashir: Of course. Dax: Dax to Pazlar. Computer, level one security access. Dax: Ensign Pazlar? Computer, locate Ensign Melora Pazlar. Computer: Docking level twenty two, section fourteen. Dax: Section fourteen? Dax: We need to get you to the Infirmary. Melora: It's my own fault. I decided I could use an extra astrometric array after going through the mission profile again. I came to the storage bay to get one. My mind was already in the Gamma Quadrant. I wasn't paying enough attention to what I was doing. I guess my boot didn't make the lip of the door. I fell on my controls. Dax: Dax to Bashir. Ensign Pazlar's had a minor accident. We need to see you in the Infirmary. Bashir: Acknowledged. I'll be there in three minutes. Melora: What kind of an architect would deliberately design a raised rim at the entrance to every door? Melora: So much for the dangers of the Gamma Quadrant. I didn't even make it there. Bashir: You will. There's no concussion. You can reschedule your mission for tomorrow. Melora: It was so. Flopping back and forth like a broken toy. I didn't want anyone to find me like that but I couldn't get up by myself. Bashir: Why didn't you wait for Dax before you went into an area that was unmodified with ramps? Melora: I didn't need Dax. If I'd just paid attention. Bashir: Melora, no one on this station is completely independent. In space we all depend on one another to some degree. Melora: I just want you all to know that you can depend on me. Bashir: You've proven that. Now, what do the rest of us have to do to convince you? Melora: Of what? Bashir: That you can depend on us. Bashir: Have you ever heard of the work Nathaniel Teros did with low gravity species thirty years ago? Melora: Neuromuscular adaptation? It had no practical success at all. Bashir: No, but the principles were sound and a lot of progress has been made in neurochemistry since then. Melora: You think some day I could throw away the chair? Bashir: Theoretically, perhaps. Melora: Would you like to come in? Bashir: Oh, no. I know how much you look forward to turning down the gravity. Melora: Don't let that stop you. Melora: You may want to brace yourself until you get used to it. Melora: Come on, Julian. Bashir: What do I do? Melora: Just give a gentle push. It's easy. Bashir: This is astonishing. I can't tell you how curious I was about this. Melora: Most people are. Sometimes they make me feel like a carnival attraction. So, usually I prefer to keep everyone out. Bashir: Thank you for letting me in. Melora: He's my brother. Bashir: Who? Bashir: Oh. Melora: Setting course twenty eight mark one forty two. Dax: Confirmed. Melora: Computer, any Vulcan etudes on file? Computer: Affirmative. Melora: If you have no objections? Computer, play something by Delvok. Dax: Delvok never seems a Vulcan to me. There's too much emotion in his music. Melora: It's pretty. Tell me something, Lieutenant. You think there's room for romance in Starfleet? Dax: I think so. Melora: You've made it work? Dax: Now and then. Melora: I mean, really work. Dax: Oh, really work. Well, for that I'd have to go back a hundred and fifty years. Melora: That's a long time. Dax: Could it be that Doctor Bashir's bedside manner's won you over? Melora: Our species are just so different. Dax: Since when has that ever stopped anybody? I knew a hydrogen-breathing Lothra who fell hopelessly in love with an Oxygene. Melora: You're kidding! How could they even be in the same room? Dax: Forty minutes a day without their breathing apparatus, that's all. Fifty seven years they were together. Melora: What about career conflicts? Two friends of mine from the Academy got engaged even though they knew they were being assigned to different starships. Dax: Subspace relationships? That's a tough one. Melora: They may not be together for a year or more and even then only for a few weeks. Dax: Love across light years, it's just so Melora: It lacks intimacy. Dax: You could say that. Melora: I finish my mission here, I move on to the next one. What kind of future is that for a romance? Dax: Look at the alternative. Melora: I guess. Odo: Oh. It's you. Quark: Don't be so happy to see me. Odo: All right, I won't. Quark: Odo, there's a desperate criminal on board the station. Odo: You wouldn't be talking about Fallit Kot, who just finished eight years in a labor camp for hijacking a shipment of Romulan ale, and whose name was right next to yours on the original indictment? Quark: I had nothing to do with the hijacking itself. I was only the, er, middleman. Odo: Trafficking in stolen goods should have been enough to get you your own cell at that Romulan camp. Unless, of course, you sold out your partner. Quark: I can honestly say justice was served. Odo: I would imagine Fallit Kot is looking for his own kind of justice now. Quark: He threatened to kill me. What? Odo: Nothing. Just a passing thought. Quark: Odo, he means it. Nothing I do seems to change his mind. You've got to do something. Odo: I'll do my job, Quark. Odo: Unfortunately. Melora: Racht, anyone? Bashir: I've been waiting for you. I've got something to show you. Melora: What is it? Bashir: It's a computer model of an elevated neural output from the brain's gross motor cortex. It's stimulating acetylcholine absorption to increase muscular tensile strength. Melora: The neuromuscular adaptation theory? Bashir: It was a theory thirty years ago, but with the development of neo-analeptic transmitters during the last decade, it's not even that complicated. It's just that no one's gone back to re-examine the ideas of Nathaniel Teros, until now. Melora: This could actually work? Bashir: No more servo-controls, no more chair. Fallit: Have I done something wrong? Odo: Not that I'm aware of. We have something in common. Fallit: We do? Odo: I don't like Quark either, but I can't let you kill him. Fallit: Kill him? Did he tell you I was going to do that? Odo: I know your history together. Fallit: Let bygones be bygones, I always say. Odo: I always say you can tell a man's intentions by the way he walks. Fallit: How do I walk? Odo: Like someone carrying a lot of weight on his shoulders. Fallit: Must be the memory of those Romulan bricks I carried for eight years. Odo: Must be. Fallit: But you can't lock a man up for the way he walks, can you? Quark: Well? Odo: I'd say he's a man with nothing to lose. Quark: As opposed to me. Odo: I have no reason to hold him for now and he knows it. I'll watch him the best I can, but I suggest you carry a comm. badge with you at all times. Call me at the first sign of trouble. Quark: What if the first sign is the last sign? Odo: You people sell pieces of yourself after you die, don't you? Quark: Yes. Odo: I'll buy one. Melora: My heart is pounding. Bashir: I'd like to think that has more to do with me than the neo-analeptic infusion. Melora: Would that also explain why my backside is getting warm. Bashir: That's more likely the result of the neuromuscular tissue stimulation due to increased activity in the motor cortex. I'd say that's enough first time out. It's good that you've already been using your muscles in this gravity environment. It'll make it easier to adapt. Feel any different? Melora: No. Bashir: Nothing at all? Melora: I'm sorry, Julian. Bashir: The acetylcholine absorption is precisely at fourteen percent above normal. Increased tensile strength would be the inevitable result. Melora: Julian? I can lift my leg. Bashir: Your neural pathways are beginning to adapt. Endurance and coordination might take awhile, but we should have you walking within the hour. Sisko: How's the upgrade coming? O'Brien: We've been able to get it to about seventy percent of what we'd get with a standard EPS, but it looks like that's going to be O'Brien: I'll be damned. Melora: I wanted to give you our first day's mission summary myself, Commander. Sisko: A pleasure, Ensign. Dax: Julian, how did you? Bashir: Oh, it was simply a matter of increasing the output on the brain's motor cortex. Someone else's research actually. I just dotted the i's and crossed the t's. O'Brien: Well, you'll get your name into the medical journals for this one. Bashir: Yes, I know. Melora: Julian, I don't know how to tell you this, but I'm not sure I can make it. Bashir: Easy now. It's just the first day's treatment beginning to wear off. Melora: Thank you. Bashir: Nothing to be concerned about. Look, I'd better get you back to your quarters. I want you to get a good night's rest tonight. Melora: Thank you. Bashir: Habitat ring, level fourteen. Bashir: With each progressive treatment you should get stronger, and the effects should last longer. Melora: What about this? Bashir: A low-grav environment now would really confuse your motor cortex. Melora: I understand. Julian. Bashir: You let me fly for the first time. I let you walk. We're even. I'll see you in the morning. Quark: Lights. Computer, turn on. Quark to Odo. Fallit: No one can hear you, Quark. It's just you and me. Quark: Fallit. I wasn't prepared to entertain this evening, but make yourself at home. Fallit: I already have. Quark: What's mine is yours. All you have to do is ask. Fallit: I'm tired of your gifts, Quark. All I want is your miserable life. Quark: Wait! Everything's negotiable. Believe me, I'm worth much more to you alive. Fallit: How's that? Quark: How does a hundred and ninety nine bars of gold-pressed latinum sound to you? Fallit: It's a start. Melora: The mattress felt like rocks and every one of my muscles ached all night long. Bashir: You'll adjust to that after a few more treatments. This time the effects should last for several hours. Melora: Exactly when does this become irreversible? Bashir: Melora, if you're not certain? Melora: Oh, I'm sure it's just some strange form of buyers remorse. I'll be fine. Bashir: Tell me exactly what you're feeling. Melora: Last night, I just missed. I didn't feel like me. Bashir: If you want to end your dependence on the chair and the servo controls, you're going to have to give up the low-grav environment. You knew that that was the trade-off. Melora: And it seemed like a good trade, until I realized I couldn't do it anymore. If I could just spend Bashir: I'm just concerned that going back and forth could ultimately lead to a loss of fine motor control. Melora: Meaning? Bashir: Your ability to perform complex tasks could be affected. The effects are fully reversible for the next few days. We can pull the plug at any time before then. But after that, if all goes well, your motor cortex impulses will kick in on their own. Permanently. Melora: It's starting to wear off again. I don't understand myself. How could I possibly have second thoughts? This would mean real independence. It's everything I ever wished for. But then I start to think about home and how I won't be able to go back. Well, maybe just for a short visit, but never really go back. Dax: The Little Mermaid. Melora: Mermaid? Dax: It's an Earth fable by Hans Christian Andersen. She trades her magical life under the sea for a pair of legs to walk on land. Melora: Didn't she live happily ever after? Quark: Ashrock. Right on time. May I present my longtime business partner, Fallit Kot. Quark: For your inspection. Ashrock: Exquisite. Quark: Then our transaction is complete. Fallit: Not quite. Fallit: I'll be taking them too. Ashrock: They warned me about you. Quark: Not true. A deal is a deal. Rule of Acquisition number sixteen. Kot, you got what you came for. Now let's be reasonable. Fallit: Pick it up. Pick it up! Move! Hurry up! Move! Move. Let's go. Odo: Priority one security to level twenty two, section five. Dax: I'm sure Julian will understand. Besides, he can still publish the results from your first treatments. Fallit: Both of you, back into the ship. Let's go! Move it! Come on, move it. Fallit: Now get us out of here. Quark: He's already shot a man. Do as he says. I'll just wait in the back. Fallit: In the front where I can see you. There. Hurry up. Melora: I'm moving as fast as I can. Dax: She's an Elaysian. She's needs motor support in our gravity. O'Brien: They're in the Orinoco. Docking clamps have been released, thrusters engaged. Sisko: Ready a tractor beam. Open a channel. Kira: Open. Sisko: This is Commander Benjamin Sisko. Return to the station at once. Kira: No reply. Sisko: Engage the tractor beam. Dax: They've locked on to us with a tractor beam. Fallit: Open the channel to that Commander of yours. Release this ship or I'll kill a hostage. Sisko: I'm willing to negotiate your freedom but first release those Fallit Kot: Didn't you hear what I just said? Fallit Kot: No, I have something Fallit: Special in mind for you. Fallit: Do I make myself clear? Release the ship now. Sisko: Doctor, Chief, with me. Beam us to the Rio Grande. Give us ten seconds and then disengage the tractor beam. Kira: Understood. Energizing. Dax: They've released us. Fallit: Through the wormhole. Fallit: What was that? Dax: I'm not sure. Fallit: What was it? Dax: Another ship coming through the wormhole. Fallit: Take us to warp. Dax: We haven't even set a course yet. Fallit: I don't care about the course. Just go to warp Dax: If we don't set a course, we could warp ourselves into oblivion. Fallit Kot: Fine. Set a course. Just get us out of here. O'Brien: They're powering up their warp drive. Sisko: Stay with them. O'Brien: Engaging warp engines. Bashir: Can we beam them aboard at warp? O'Brien: I wouldn't recommend that. Fallit: Get the phasers ready. Dax: I'm not going to fire at them. Fallit: You'll do it or you'll die. It's your choice. Dax: Fine. Then I hope you can fly this ship. Fallit: Just sit down and do what I told you. Now! Dax: Quark, how well do you know this man? Quark: We've been friends for years, not counting today. Dax: I suggest you explain to him that Starfleet isn't going to give up and stop chasing us. Quark: That's true, Fallit. You don't know these Starfleet types. Fallit: Then we'll all die. Quark: Great. We escape and he's got something special planned for me. We don't escape, I just die with everyone else. Am I missing a choice, Fallit? O'Brien: They've dropped out of warp. Sisko: Go to impulse. O'Brien: Sir, their gravity generators are off. Bashir: Melora's alive. O'Brien: Gravity's been reinstated. All engines are down. Sisko: Come on, Doctor. Quark: I think we have the situation in hand, Commander. Sisko: Sisko to Rio Grande. Everything's under control. We're going home. O'Brien: Aye, Commander. Setting course for the wormhole. Melora: Why didn't the phaser kill me? Bashir: I don't know. Maybe all the neuro-stimulants we've been pumping into your system. Melora: That's what I was wondering too. Bashir: You know, it might make an interesting side effect of the treatment. It's worth exploring. Melora: Julian, I'm not going ahead with the treatments. Bashir: Well, you can always try it again someday, if you change your mind. Melora: I don't think I will. I like being independent, but to give up everything that I am to walk on land. Well, I might be more independent but I wouldn't be Elaysian anymore. I'm not sure what I'd be. Besides, maybe independence isn't all it's cracked up to be. I kind of like how it feels to depend on someone for a change. And I'm glad you got me to unlock the doors to my quarters so I could finally let someone into my life. Bashir: So am I. Chef: Aler acht'jar Aler act'jar T'lembda boool-gah toh-gal. Aler acht'jar Aler act'jar T'lembda boool-gah toh-gal. Bashir: You must be exhausted. If you don't want to stay. Melora: Let's just sit a while and listen. Chef: Rom, rom. Keldor Melora: I want to remember all of this.

Odo: All right, Morn, you know the rules. No sleeping on the Promenade. Go home. Quark: The risk is to you, Lieutenant. Dax: I could probably think better without your hand on my thigh. Quark: Now, how did that get there? So what's it going to be? Confront? Evade? Acquire? Retreat? Dax: Confront. Yes. Rom: Doesn't she ever lose? Quark: Tell me, Lieutenant, how did you get to be so good at tongo? Dax: Actually, it was Curzon that played it all the time. Rom: Well, that explains it. It's Curzon who's beating us, not this female. Dax: This female happens to be a better player than Curzon ever was. Quark: And a prettier one too. Rom: Maybe so, but I still prefer a Ferengi female. One who never wears clothes, never talks back, and never plays tongo. Dax: Is that how you really prefer your women? Naked and submissive? Quark: Do you find such a lifestyle appealing? Dax: Don't you wish. Quark: I do. I really do. Dax: All right. The opening risk is at five strips of latinum. The purchase is at three, the sell at eight. Rom: No, absolutely not. This isn't the proper time. Quark: I'm trying to concentrate. Rom: I'm sorry, brother. It's this insolent young waiter's fault. Pel: My apologies, Quark, but I really think you should try this. Quark: What is it? Pel: A way to double your beverage profits. Taste it. Pel: You see? Just as I told you. He immediately reached for his drink. Quark: So I did. Amazing. You don't even realize you're thirsty. What are they? Pel: Gramilian Sand Peas. They inhibit secretion of the salivary glands while drying out the tissues of the tongue. It works every time. If you replace your complimentary dishes of lokar beans with Gramilian sand peas, you won't be able to fill your customers' glasses fast enough. Quark: What's your name again? Pel: Pel. So what do you think about my idea? Quark: I think I agree with the fifty ninth Rule of Acquisition. Free advice is seldom cheap. Pel: True, but the twenty second rule says, A wise man can hear profit in the wind. Quark: I see you know your Rules. Pel: All two hundred and eighty five of them, and the various commentaries as well. I don't plan on being a waiter forever. Rom: Good, then you're fired. Quark: Shut up, Rom. When it comes to business, my brother has the weak little lobes of a female. So, what made you take a job here at the station? Pel: I wanted to learn from the very best. Quark: Which brings to mind the thirty third Rule of Acquisition QUARK + Pel: It never hurts to suck up to the boss. Dax: What's that? Quark: The Grand Nagus Zek's personal subspace frequency. Rom: I wonder what he wants. Zek: Why do you look so surprised? I told you I'd be back. Quark: I've looked forward to your return, Nagus. Zek: Still the perfect little toady, eh, Quark? Quark: I try to be. Zek: Then listen carefully. The Ferengi expansion into the Gamma Quadrant is about to begin. I'd like you to be my chief negotiator. Quark: Me? Zek: That's right. I'm offering you an opportunity to make more profit than you ever dreamed of. All you have to do is earn it. Zek: Can I interest you in some Hupyrian beetle snuff? Sisko: I don't think so. Zek: Major? Kira: No, thank you. Zek: Well, suit yourself. More for me. Zek: A little late, aren't we? So, you wanted to see me, Commander? Sisko: I understand you're planning to host a business conference here at the station. Zek: Yes, with the Dosi, a race from the Gamma Quadrant. A very profitable opportunity for all concerned, I might add. Kira: Profitable for the Ferengi, maybe. Zek: Are you implying something, Major? Kira: Me? Not at all. No. The Ferengi's reputation speaks for itself. Zek: A reputation of honesty, and decency, and reliability. You always know what to expect when you do business with the Ferengi. Kira: Which is why, if you're smart, you don't do business with the Ferengi. Sisko: I think you've made your point, Major. Zek: As misinformed and misguided as it may be. Besides, how we do business is no concern of yours. Sisko: Except when you conduct your business on this station. Kira: In other words, Zek, Grand Nagus or no Grand Nagus, if we allow you to hold these negotiations here, and we find out you're cheating the Dosi, I'll see to it that you never set foot on this station again. Zek: Did anyone ever tell you your eyes shine with the brilliance of Kibberian fire diamonds. Kira: Not that I recall. Zek: Well they do. So, tell me, Major, could Bajor use fifty thousand kilos of brizeen nitrate? Kira: Of course we could. With that much brizeen, we could fertilize the entire northern peninsula. Zek: Well I've recently come into possession of fifty thousand kilos of brizeen nitrate, and to show you how much your cooperation means to me, I'll let you have the entire shipment. Sisko: I'll still need your assurances that the Dosi will be fairly treated while they're here. Zek: You have my word. Sisko: Good. Zek: Then it's settled. Now, let's see, that's fifty thousand kilos at twenty five percent off our usual price. Sisko: Twenty five percent? You just said you were giving it to them. Zek: Well, you're right, Commander. We're all friends here. So I'll let you have it at cost. Sisko: I have a better idea. Why not consider the nitrate as a gift to the people of Bajor. Zek: A gift? That doesn't sound very profitable. Sisko: It depends. Zek: On what? Sisko: On whether you want to conduct business here or not. Zek: Your negotiation skills aren't bad for a human. Your nitrate will be delivered promptly. Anything else you need, please come see me personally. Zek: You know Quark, I've been involved in some profitable opportunities in my time, but my lobes are telling me this may be the most profitable opportunity in Ferengi history. Quark: Imagine that. And part of those profits will be mine. Zek: Profit. Fame. Power. As much as you want. Quark: Tell me, Nagus, what exactly is this great opportunity. Zek: I can sum it up in one word. Tulaberries. Quark: Tulaberries? Zek: Exactly. Quark: Go on. Zek: Well, they're the main ingredient in tulaberry wine. Your job is to purchase ten thousand vats from the Dosi. Quark: We're going into the wine business? Zek: Within a single year we'll have made tulaberry wine the most popular drink in their entire sector. That's enough. Oh, I like it. Very distinguished. Quark: Tell me, Nagus, how are tulaberries going to be the most profitable opportunity in Ferengi history? Zek: Do I have to spell it out for you? Quark: If you don't mind. Zek: Tulaberries will establish a Ferengi presence inside the Gamma Quadrant. And once we get our foot in the door, they'll never get it out. Quark: Yes, I see. Zek: Tulaberries, Quark. Tulaberries. Rom: Tulaberries. I wonder what they taste like? Quark: Who cares what they taste like. They're an opportunity to get a Ferengi foot in the Gamma Quadrant door. Rom: And it'll be your foot, brother. I'm so proud. Quark: I'm going to make history, Rom. And I'm going to be rich. And I have the Grand Nagus to thank for it. He must really like me. Pel: Just remember one thing. The bigger the smile, the sharper the knife. Quark: Forty eighth Rule of Acquisition. Pel: I'd keep it in mind if I were you. Rom: He has some nerve. I warned you about that fellow. Quark: Pel, do you mind telling me what you meant just now? Pel: Did you ever think about why the Nagus is putting you in charge of such a lucrative opportunity? Quark: Isn't it obvious? He knows I have the lobes for business. Pel: That's only part of it. Rom: I refuse to stand here and allow my brother to be insulted. You're fired. Quark: Shut up. Go on. Pel: If the negotiations are profitable, then the Nagus becomes a greater hero than ever. But if they fail, he's going to need someone to take the blame. Quark: You mean me? Pel: All I'm saying is, be careful. Rom: I never heard such ridiculous lies. He's just jealous of your success, brother. Quark: No, he's right. If something goes wrong, it'll be my fault. Rom: Then you're going to need help, brother. Quark: Yes. Rom: Someone to serve as your consultant during negotiations. Quark: Yes. Rom: Someone like me. Quark: No. I've been thinking about what you just said, and I probably could use some help during these negotiations. Pel: I accept. Quark: Good. Pel: Then we're partners. Quark: Not quite. I don't need a partner, I need an assistant. Pel: All right. But I get twenty five percent of everything you make. Quark: Fifteen. Pel: Twenty. Quark: Done. Rom: But brother, what can I do to help? Quark: You want to help? Table six is waiting. Quark: How do I look? Sisko: Nervous. Quark: Who, me? What have I got to be nervous about? Kira: It's Zek who should be nervous, with Quark here as his chief negotiator. Kira: If you ever do that again. Zek: Do what? Kira: If you ever do that again, I'll stick those fifty thousand kilos of brizeen right up your Quark: Here they come. Inglatu: Don't worry, just a minor disagreement. Quark: So, er, can I get anyone something to eat? All right, in that case, let's go over our offer. As you know, the Ferengi are interested in purchasing ten thousand vats of tulaberry wine. In exchange, the Dosi will receive what I consider to be a very fair trade package. Pel: There are some very interesting items on that list. A subspace field modulator, some optical data processors. Inglatu: We'll give you five thousand vats. Quark: I'm afraid that won't be enough. We're looking to establish a vast distribution network in the Gamma Quadrant. We'll need at least ten thousand vats. Inglatu: I'm offering you five thousand vats. I suggest you take it. Pel: The Nagus will never agree. Zyree: This is a waste of time. We should be talking directly to Zek. Inglatu: I know we should be talking to Zek. Zyree: Then why do you bother talking to this insignificance? Inglatu: Now see what you've done. Quark: What? Inglatu: You've made me look foolish. Quark: I didn't mean to. Zyree: Then bring us Zek. Pel: The Nagus has asked Quark to represent him during these negotiations. Zyree: Are you implying that Zek is too important to negotiate with us? Quark: We never meant to imply anything of the sort. Inglatu: Because if we kill you, Zek will have to talk to us. Pel: You want to do business with the Ferengi, you talk to Quark. Quark: So, how about it? Do we say ten thousand vats? Inglatu: We'll think about it. O'Brien: Can I help you? Kira: What is it? Dax: It's beautiful. Kira: It's latinum. Excuse me. I really can't accept this. Kira: Did Zek really think this was going to get him anywhere? Dax: Probably not, but it doesn't stop a Ferengi from trying. Kira: You sound like you admire them for it. Dax: I suppose in a way I do. Kira: I don't understand your attitude about the Ferengi. Dax: That's because you don't socialize with them the way I do. Looking back over seven lifetimes, I can't think of a single race I've enjoyed more. Kira: Did anyone ever tell you that you have very strange taste? Dax: I admit they place too much emphasis on profit, and their behavior toward women is somewhat primitive. Kira: They're greedy, misogynistic, untrustworthy little trolls and I wouldn't turn my back on one of them for a second. Dax: Neither would I. But once you accept that, you'll find they can be a lot of fun. Rom: Evade. Pel: Evade. Quark: Retreat. Zek: Acquire. Dax: Confront. Zek: Did I say acquire? I meant evade. Dax: You said acquire. Zek: But I meant evade. Quark: Why don't we just play the round over. Rom: That sounds fair. Zek: Who asked you? And shouldn't you be plotting strategy for tomorrow's negotiations? Quark: Believe me, Nagus, I've thought of nothing else all evening. Rom: That must be why you're losing so badly. Quark: And I think by tomorrow we should have an agreement. Zek: Well I've been thinking, too, and ten thousand vats of tulaberry wine aren't enough. Tell them we want a hundred thousand. Quark: A hundred thousand? But I'm not sure they'll even agree to sell us ten thousand. Zek: A hundred thousand vats would mean more profit for them and for us. Now do as I say, or I'm going to take over the negotiations myself. Pel: I think raising the stakes is a brilliant idea. Zek: You do? Pel: It'll show the Gamma Quadrant we mean business. No wonder Quark says you're a genius. Zek: He says that, does he? Quark: All the time. Zek: That's very touching. Now bring me some fresh tube grubs. These are losing their crunch. Quark: Right away. Zek: So, I believe the next challenge goes to you. Pel: I think I'll pass on this round. Zek: Such loyalty must be expensive. Dax: You can't buy that kind of loyalty. Zek: You can where I come from. Pel: Is the Nagus always this impatient? Quark: He wants results, and he expects me to get them. But he's not making my job any easier. A hundred thousand vats. That's a lot of tulaberries. Pel: You'll get them. Quark: How can you be so sure? Pel: Because you're good. And with me helping you, you're even better. Quark: Why are you being so nice to me? Pel: For twenty percent of your profits, why else? Quark: Fair enough. Zek: Quark, where are my grubs? Quark: Coming! Zek: Mmm, now this is what I call fresh. Dax: I didn't know the Replimat had a Ferengi menu. Pel: It doesn't. I like to try new things. Dax: That's unusual for a Ferengi. Pel: I never heard of a Trill who could play tongo. Dax: I guess that makes us both unusual. You know, I was impressed by your show of loyalty to Quark last night. Pel: He deserves it. Dax: That's not the point. Any other Ferengi would have let Zek pick him to pieces, but you're not like any other Ferengi I've ever met. Pel: Quark really likes you. He talks about you all the time. Dax: You know he once convinced me to go up to a holosuite with him. Turns out he recreated the bedroom I slept in as a child. He overheard me describing it to Kira. Of course, most of the details were wrong, but it was a very sweet gesture, up until he tried to kiss me. Pel: That sounds like Quark. Dax: I don't care what anybody says, I love him. Pel: So do I. Dax: You really do, don't you? Pel: What? Dax: Love Quark. Don't bother trying to deny it. I've seen the way you look at him. Pel: Please, keep your voice down. Dax: Does he know? Pel: He doesn't even know I'm a female. Dax: You're a woman? Pel: Please lower your voice. Dax: I knew there was something different about you, but I've never met a Ferengi woman before. Pel: You probably never will again. On my world, women aren't allowed to leave the house, or wear clothes, or learn to read. Dax: And you wanted more. Pel: Why not? I'm as smart as any man. So I made myself a pair of synthetic lobes and became one. Dax: But why come here? Pel: To acquire profit, of course. There's only one thing I wasn't counting on. Dax: Falling in love with Quark. Pel: What do you think I should do? Dax: I don't know. But I do know there's more to life than profit. Quark: Pel, it's time. We don't want to keep the Dosi waiting. Hurry! Kira: Excuse me. Zek: Ah, Major, did that shipment of brizeen nitrate arrive on time? Kira: Yes, it did. Zek: Good. And here you are to thank me. Have a seat. Kira: Actually, I just stopped by to return this. Zek: Why? Is something wrong with it? Kira: No, it's lovely. I just can't accept it. Zek: Then I suppose a night of wild passionate romance is out of the question? Kira: That's right. Zek: Just thought I'd ask. Kira: Dax must be crazy. Quark: Nice view, isn't it? Zek: Don't tell me the negotiations are already over. That's fast work, Quark. Now let's see the contract. Quark: There is no contract. Zek: No contract? But you offered to buy a hundred thousand vats, didn't you? Quark: Yes. Zek: And? Quark: And that's when they left. Zek: The room? Quark: The station. Zek: What? Quark: I begged them to stay. Zek: This is a catastrophe. A complete catastrophe. This was your big chance, Quark, and you blew it. You may have seriously harmed future Ferengi opportunities in the Gamma Quadrant. Pel: Hold on a minute. We said we're going to get you the tulaberries and that's exactly what we're going to do. Quark: We are? Zek: How? Pel: We're going to travel to the Gamma Quadrant, find the Dosi and get them to sign the contract. Zek: And how do you plan to get there? Pel: We'll take your ship. Zek: My ship? And I suppose you expect Maihar'du to pilot it for you. Quark: We don't need Maihar'du. I can pilot the ship myself. Pel: It's up to you, Nagus. Do you want those tulaberries or not? Zek: All right. You can use my ship. But I'm warning you, Quark. Either you get the Dosi to sign that contract or you'll be tending that worthless little bar for the rest of your life. Quark: I've waited my whole life for an opportunity like this. Pel: So have I. Quark: So far it hasn't turned out quite the way I planned. Pel: It's not over yet. Quark: I still don't understand why the Nagus is suddenly insisting on a hundred thousand vats. Pel: Neither do I. Quark: You don't think he's purposely trying to sabotage the negotiations? Pel: Why would he? Quark: I have no idea. Pel: One thing's for certain, he knows more than he's letting on. Quark: About what? Pel: Everything. The tulaberries, the Dosi, even the Gamma Quadrant. Quark: Well, if you ever figure out what he's up to, make sure you tell me. Pel: Don't worry, I will. Quark: So far the only thing I've done right is pick you as my consultant. Pel: I'm glad you feel that way. Quark: Now, if we could only make some profit. Pel: Quark, there's something you should know. Quark: You're too late. I already know what you're going to say. Pel: You do? Quark: It's no secret. Pel: It's not? Quark: I admit you've been a great help to me, but you agreed to a twenty percent share of the profits and that's all you're going to get. Pel: I see. Quark: Never place friendship above profit. Pel: Twenty first Rule of Acquisition. Quark: I'm glad you agree. Rom: Go, just go. Odo: Feeling a little overwhelmed, are we? Rom: I'm glad someone notices. Odo: When's Quark due back? Rom: How should I know? He never tells me anything. He doesn't even bother to insult me anymore. It's Pel, that flabby eared interloper. He's stealing my brother's affections. Odo: You're better off. Rom: But he's my brother. Would you let someone steal you're brother? Odo: I don't have a brother. Not that I know of, anyway. Rom: But if you did? Odo: Well, I suppose if I did have a brother, even one as worthless as Quark, I wouldn't let anyone come between us. Rom: There must be something here I could use against him. Zyree: I control the interests so I want to supervise all operation. Dosi: That's ridiculous. Zyree: Then find another partner. Dosi: Let's not be hasty. Dosi 2: I said No! Zyree: Are you enjoying yourselves, little Ferengi? Quark: How could we not? Pel: Tell us, Zyree, what is this place? Zyree: This? This is where opportunities are made. Quark: Really? I thought it was some kind of party. Zyree: Then you thought wrong. This is all about profit. And like the Ferengi, the Dosi are very serious when it comes to profit. Dosi 2: You, take him away. Zyree: Very serious. Pel: Look who finally showed up. Quark: It's about time. Pel: Where are you going? Quark: To get serious about profit. Inglatu: Oh, it's you, Ferengi. Aren't you on the wrong side of the wormhole? Quark: It certainly feels that way. Fortunately, all I need is your thumbscan on this very lucrative contract and I can go home. Inglatu: You had your chance. Go away. Quark: Not until we finish our discussion. Inglatu: You are starting to annoy me. Quark: Sorry. Inglatu: I should have killed you back on that station. Quark: But you didn't, because deep down inside you recognize a good opportunity when you see one. Just put your thumbscan here. Inglatu: All right. You can have the ten thousand vats. Quark: A hundred thousand. Inglatu: I told you before, that's impossible. Quark: One hundred thousand and I'm not leaving till I get it. Inglatu: Fine. Then stay. Pel: Wouldn't we be more comfortable sleeping on the ship? Quark: No, I want to be right here in case Inglatu changes his mind. Don't worry. I don't snore. Pel: Wait! Quark: What about it? Pel: The mattress! Quark: What about it? Pel: It looks lumpy. Quark: Actually, it's quite comfortable. Pel: I can't sleep on a lumpy mattress. Quark: Well, you're in luck. There's not a lump to be found. Try it for yourself. What side to you want? Pel: What are you doing? Quark: Getting undressed. What's it look like? Pel: You're not going to sleep, are you? Quark: Why not? I'm tired. Pel: Shouldn't we be discussing rules of strategy? Quark: There's nothing to discuss. Pel: But you know what the hundred and third Rule of Acquisition says. Quark: Not offhand. Pel: Sleep can interfere with Quark: And I don't care either. Pel: Wait! Quark: What is it now? Pel: First, a toast. Quark: To what? Pel: To profit, of course. Quark: Of course. Is it warm in here? Pel: It must be the wine. Quark: I hope so. Pel: I was really impressed with the way you handled Inglatu. Quark: I was good, wasn't I. Now let's go to bed. Pel: Wait. The look on his face when you knocked over that barrel. Quark: That was risky. Pel: The riskier the road, the greater the profit. Quark: Sixty second Rule. Pel: That's right. Quark: You really know your Rules. Pel: And you have a very nice smile. Quark: I do? Pel: Quark, I have something I have to tell you. Zyree: I'm not interrupting anything, am I? Quark: No. Definitely not. Zyree: Are you sure? Quark: Positive. Zyree: I'll come back tomorrow. Quark: Wait! No, wait! This is all a silly misunderstanding. Zyree: But you seem to be busy. Quark: Busy? Don't be ridiculous. We can't wait to hear what you have to say. Besides, we could use the company. Isn't that right. Pel: Absolutely. Zyree: All right, then. Let me give you some advice. Inglatu will never sell you a hundred thousand vats of tulaberry wine. Not because he doesn't want to, but because he can't. Quark: If he can't, who can? You? Zyree: I wish I could, but there aren't that many vats on the entire planet. Quark: Then we're finished. Zyree: Not necessarily. If you really want a hundred thousand vats of tulaberry wine, I can put you in touch with the right people. For a price, of course. Quark: Of course. I always said you were my favorite Dosi. Now, who do we have to see? Zyree: The Karemma. Pel: Who's the Karemma? Zyree: An important power in the Dominion. Quark: The Dominion? What's that? Zyree: Let's just say if you want to do business in the Gamma Quadrant, you have to do business with the Dominion. Quark: The most profitable opportunity in Ferengi history, that's what Zek called it. But he didn't mean tulaberries. No, he meant the Dominion. That's why he sabotaged the negotiations. He never wanted to do business with the Dosi. He just wanted to use them to get to a more important member of the Dominion. Pel: Quark, we need to talk. Quark: We are talking. Pel: Don't you want to know why I kissed you? Quark: You never kissed me. Pel: Yes, I did. Quark: No, you didn't. And I don't want to discuss it anymore. Let's just concentrate on the Dominion. I only wish Zyree would have told us more. Pel: Maybe it's some planetary alliance or trading consortium. Quark: Whatever it is, it's important, and I want a piece of it. Zek: Quark, I'm very disappointed. I really wanted those tulaberries. Quark: You and I both know my trip had nothing to do with tulaberries. Zek: It didn't? Rom: I must speak with you, brother. Quark: Can't you see I'm busy. Does the word Dominion mean anything to you. Zek: What have you found out? Quark: You first. Rom: Please, brother, it's urgent. Quark: Not now. I'm waiting. Zek: Well, most of my information consists of little more than hints and whispers, but it's enough to convince me that whoever learns the secret of the Dominion, whatever that may be, will learn the secret of the Gamma Quadrant. Unfortunately, the Dosi don't seem to know very much. I was hoping they'd lead us to someone who does. Quark: What would such information be worth to you? Zek: A lot. Quark: What if I told you I can arrange a meeting between you and a powerful member of the Dominion? Zek: If you can do that, I'll see to it that you earn a percentage of every Ferengi opportunity in the Gamma Quadrant. Quark: That's a lot of latinum. Zek: Give me a name. Quark: The Karemma. Zek: The Karemma. I always knew you had the lobes for business. Rom: Now may I speak with you, brother? Quark: All right. But make it quick. Bashir: Easy now. That's quite a bump you have there. Quark: Where's Rom? Rom: Right here, brother. Bashir: Luckily there doesn't seem to be any serious damage. Quark: If you don't mind, I'd like to rest here for a few minutes. Bashir: Of course. I'll be in the other room if you need me. Quark: Thank you, Doctor. Quark: You haven't told anybody, have you? Rom: You mean about Pel? Quark: Quiet. Rom: I haven't breathed a word. I thought it would be best if you told Zek yourself. Quark: Nobody's going to tell Zek anything. Is that clear? Rom: But she's a female. Quark: Not so loud. Rom: Who wears clothes and is trying to earn profit. Why, she even quotes from the sacred Rules of Acquisition. Such a female must be severely punished. Quark: I know that. Rom: Then we must stop her. Quark: No. Rom: You're scaring me, brother. Could it be you have feelings for this woman? Quark: Of course not. Don't you see? If Zek learns that I've been deceived by a female, I'd be ruined. He'd never trust me again. Rom: But if you don't tell him and he finds out, you're certain to be ruined. You have to tell him, or I will. Let me go. I have to save you from yourself. Quark: Forget about me. What about the bar? Rom: The bar? Quark: You still want it, don't you? Rom: Don't you? Quark: Who needs the bar when I can have the Gamma Quadrant? I'll transfer ownership immediately, but only on one condition. That you never mention the truth about Pel to anyone. Rom: Pel? What about him? Pel: Come. Quark: Where are your lobes? Pel: Over there. Quark: Well, put them on before somebody sees you. Pel: No one's going to see me. Quark: Put them on, now. And wrap yourself up. Have you finished packing? Pel: Am I going somewhere? Quark: As far away from the station as possible. Pel: But you need me, Quark. I'm the only one you can trust. Quark: Not anymore. Well, what did you expect? I mean, look at you. You're wearing clothes. Pel: Is that a crime? Quark: As a matter of fact, it is. Look, it's just too risky for you to stay here. You can take this with you. Pel: What is it? Quark: Ten bars of latinum. To help you start a new life. If you're going to pretend you're a man, act like one. Take the profit. Pel: This is not about profit anymore, it's about love. Quark: Spoken like a true female. Pel: I love you, Quark, and I know you care about me, too. Admit it. Quark: What difference does it make if I do? You'd never be happy being a Ferengi wife. Pel: Then come with me to the Gamma Quadrant. No one there cares if I wear clothes or not. Quark: I'd care. Pel: I guess I'd better start packing. Quark: I guess so. Zek: These flaked blood fleas are surprisingly succulent. Rom: You really should try them, brother. Quark: I'm not feeling particularly hungry. Zek: Let me guess. Too busy thinking about how to spend all that latinum we're going to earn? Well, I don't blame you. Quark: Come. Rom: I thought you said she left the station. Quark: I thought she did. Pel: I hope you don't mind, Quark, but I couldn't leave without saying goodbye to the Nagus. Zek: I'm glad you stopped by. I know how much you helped Quark during the negotiations. I predict a big future for you, Pel. You certainly have the lobes for it. Pel: So, you like my lobes? Quark: Pel. Zek: Yes, I do. Pel: Good. Then you can have them. Quark: No! Zek: It's a female! Rom: Does this mean I don't get the bar? Quark: Rom. Out. Zek: Quark, this is outrageous. Now, what's going on here? Quark: I, I, I. Pel: Leave him out of this. Zek: You dare give me orders! You knew about this all along, didn't you? Quark: I Pel: So, tell me more about my big future. Zek: You have no future. I'll see to it that you spend the rest of your life in prison. Quark: No. Zek: Let me remind you that taking business advice from a female is a violation of Ferengi law. Quark: I didn't know she was a female. Zek: Stupidity is no excuse. Now one more word out of you and you are going to share her cell. Quark: Then you'd better make sure it's big enough for three. Zek: Are you threatening me? Quark: I wonder what your associates will say when I tell them you allowed a female to represent you in a business negotiation. Zek: I didn't know she was a female. Quark: Stupidity is no excuse. Zek: I see your point. It seems that Pel's identity will have to remain our little secret, but it's going to cost you. Quark: My Gamma Quadrant profits. Zek: I've always said you were a bright fellow, Quark. Shame on you. Quark: I hope you're satisfied. Pel: I'm sorry, but it's time he learned that when it comes to accumulating profit, women are as capable as men. Quark: Well, do me a favor and don't tell anybody else. Pel: I should go. I've booked passage on an Andorian transport. You could come with me. Quark: I can't. Pel: I know. Pel: Well then, I guess if I can't have you, I'll take those ten bars of latinum after all. Quark: So, Lieutenant, ready for another night of tongo? Dax: Haven't you lost enough for one day? Quark: I don't know what you're talking about. Dax: I'm talking about Pel. She came by to see me before she left. I'm going to miss her. So are you. Quark: You really think I'd let anyone come between us? Dax: Nice try, Quark, but I know you better than that.

Pallra: I didn't kill him, you know. A lot of people believed it was me. That shape-shifter thought so. But he was wrong. Quark: It was a long time ago. Pallra: Say what you will about the Cardassians, at least they could keep the power on. Would you like more ice? Quark: I'm fine. Pallra: You were always very kind. Quark: Was I? Pallra: You made life a little easier. Quark: I ran a black market for anyone who could pay. Never exactly thought of myself as kind. Pallra: There was always that little extra ginger tea in that package you gave me, wasn't there? Quark: You didn't call me to Bajor to talk about tea. Pallra: No. I need a favor. Quark: For old times sake? Pallra: That's right. Quark: I'm still as kind as ever. Pallra: I can pay you. Quark: I'm listening. Pallra: My husband kept a strongbox in our shop on the station, buried in the wall. I want you to bring it to me. Quark: What's in it? Pallra: Nothing anyone would value. Quark: Anyone but you. Pallra: Sentimental reasons. Quark: Why not take a sentimental journey back to the station, if it's your property? Pallra: I couldn't stand being back in that shop where my husband was murdered. Quark: Or maybe you'd rather not let Odo see you there. Pallra: I'm sure he's forgotten about all that by now. Can you neutralize the security system? It's behind the paneled wall on the left as you enter. Four panels in, five up. Quark: Four in, five up. Pallra: And I can pay you five bars of latinum. Quark: Five? Pallra: And as always my personal gratitude. Quark: A day, maybe two. Commence Station Security log. Stardate 47282.5. At the request of Commander Sisko, I will hereafter be recording a daily log of law enforcement affairs. The reason for this exercise is beyond my comprehension, except perhaps that humans have a compulsion to keep records and lists and files. So many, in fact, that they have to invent new ways to store them microscopically, otherwise their records would overrun all known civilisation. My own very adequate memory not being good enough for Starfleet, I am pleased to put my voice to this official record of this day. Everything's under control. End log. Quark: Now, when we get to the entrance, you stay flat against the wall. It's a pulsatel lockseal. I can get it to release in twenty five seconds. Rom: Twenty five seconds? But somebody will see us. Let me do it. Quark: You? We'd be at it all night. Rom: All night? No, only about ten seconds. Quark: How would you get a pulsatel lockseal to release in ten seconds? Rom: You have one on the storeroom door. Quark: So? Rom: Sometimes, when you forget to leave me the desealer, I have to get the storeroom open. Quark: You've unsealed the storeroom without my knowledge? Rom: Only to serve a customer's needs. Quark: In ten seconds? Rom: You forget fairly often. Quark: Ten seconds. We'll see how you handle the desealing rod. Rom: That's all right. I have my own. Quark: What? Rom: Nog made it for me. The boy's always been clever with his hands. Quark: My storeroom. Rom: Time this, Brother. You'll be very proud. There, you see? Quark: Thief. Don't deny it. You've been stealing from me. Rom: Brother, I'd never Quark: Tomorrow morning, I'm changing my entire lock system. Four in, five up. Here. It's behind this one. Keep an eye on the Promenade while I burn off the panel. Rom: The glare could attract attention. I have a better idea. Quark: A better idea? Rom: I took the liberty of bringing along a small vial of magnasite drops. Quark: Magnasite drops? What are magnasite drops? Rom: A compound that will eat through duranium one on each corner and the panel will fall off. Quark: How do you know that? Rom: When you were in the Gamma Quadrant overnight we did very good business. Naturally, I had to keep your profits safe, but you had the only key to the latinum floor vault. Quark: You got into my latinum floor vault with that? Rom: I didn't want to tell you because then you'd know I'd burned off your floor plates, but I replaced them out of my own salary, brother. Quark: My floor vault. Rom: Should I take it out for you? Quark: Don't touch it. Don't you touch anything ever, ever, again. Quark: Just a piece of paper? Rom: A treasure map, perhaps? What does it mean, brother? Quark: I have no idea. Eight names. All of them Bajoran. I want to get a picture of this list before I reseal the box. Go, get me an imager. Go. Quark: You can't be in here. We're closed. Quark: Well, if you really want a drink. She sent you, didn't she? Trazko: She knew you couldn't resist opening it. I'm sorry. Quark: Yeah. Me too. Rom: Brother! Brother? Brother? Help! Somebody help! My brother's been killed! Bashir: Ten cc's of cortolin. I want an anti-grav lift in here, stat! Ready the cortical stimulator. What kind of weapon? I am waiting for an answer! Odo: Whatever it was had to get by the scanners. My best guess is a compressed tetryon beam weapon. Bashir: Okay, okay, that's consistent with what I'm seeing here. Get the stimulator over here. Sisko: Doctor? Bashir: Thoracic cavity ruptured. Extensive neural trauma. Now. Odo: Rom says it was a robbery attempt. Sisko: Was anything taken? Odo: He says he doesn't know, but he knows. Kira: Security's stopping everyone at the airlocks but it took them five minutes to get in position. The assailant may already be on a ship. Sisko: Delay all outgoing vessels as long as you can. Advise their respective security details. Bashir: We've got to get him to the surgery. Help me get him up here. Rom: He's dying, isn't he? He's dying. What am I going to do if my brother dies? Odo: Do? Oh, you'll have a lot to do once this place is yours. Rom: But if he dies. Mine? Odo: Wives serve, brothers inherit. Rule of Acquisition number one hundred thirty nine, if I'm not mistaken. Rom: I hadn't thought of that. Odo: Really? I had. Because it's a solid motive for murder. Rom: Yes, actually, I have heard of a few untimely deaths that seemed. Wait a minute, you're not suggesting that I? Odo: I've had my eye on you for a long time, Rom. You're not as stupid as you look. Rom: I am too. I would never Sisko: Constable, it's his own brother. Rom: My own brother. Sisko: I hardly think Odo: Stay out of this, Commander. I know these Ferengi. They'd sell their own flesh and blood for a Cardassian groat. Sisko: Odo, he's a family friend. His son is very close to my boy. Odo: Well, you'd better tell his son that Dad's going to the lunar prison on Meldrar One. Two hundred degrees in the shade. Rom: I didn't! It's not true! Oh! Irony of ironies. I finally get the bar and I'm falsely accused of my brother's murder. Sisko: Rom, as a friend, if you know anything that might be helpful, I think you should tell us. Rom: It was a list. The man who shot my brother stole a list. Odo: What kind of list? Rom: Of names. Eight Bajoran names. It was in this box we, we found. Odo: Found? Rom: In a manner of speaking. Odo: You... Rom: My brother was hired by someone on Bajor to retrieve it. Odo: Who? Rom: He didn't tell me. He never told me anything. I tried so hard to earn Quark's trust. Now he's dead, and I can never earn his trust. Odo: Just his share of the profits. Rom: I swear I don't know who hired him. All I know is that the box had been hidden years ago. Odo: How many years ago? Rom: I'm not sure. When the Cardassians were here. When the ship's store used to be the chemist shop. Odo: The chemist shop? Rom: That's right. Odo: Here? This is where you found the box? Rom: Behind a duranium wall panel. I'll show you which one. Do you want me to open it? I can do it in ten seconds. Odo: You asked to see me? Dukat: Yes, yes, please come in. I'm Gul Dukat. We've met before. Odo: Have we? Dukat: I wouldn't expect you to remember. I was one of the guests at the reception at the Bajoran Center for Science. It must have been two years ago. Odo: Ah, yes, when the Cardassian High Command was invited to view me. Dukat: You were very amusing that night. Odo: Was I? Dukat: Yes. You did a Cardassian neck trick that brought the house down. Odo: The Bajoran scientist who worked with me thought you might find it entertaining. He made me practice for weeks on the Cardassian neck trick. Dukat: Gul Hadar couldn't stop talking about it. He wanted to send you out to entertain the troops. I, on the other hand, began to wonder if you couldn't provide a more valuable service for the Cardassian Empire. I've stayed informed about you, Odo, ever since you walked out on your Bajoran keepers. Odo: I simply felt I could learn more outside a laboratory. Dukat: Yes, you've become quite the student of humanoid nature, haven't you? Odo: Just what is it you need, Gul Dukat? Dukat: Have you ever seen a dead man before? Odo: Yes. In your mines. Dukat: Oh, those are casualties. This is murder. And I've decided you're going to investigate it. Odo: Me? Why me? I'm no investigator. Dukat: Ah, but I suspect you'd make a good one, shape-shifting your way into places the rest of us can't go. Odo: I have no intention of being a Cardassian agent. Dukat: Not an agent. An investigator. Odo: There's a difference? Dukat: We can't have these Bajorans running around murdering each other, now can we? I'm talking about order here, justice. Odo: There's very little justice in the Cardassian occupation of Bajor. Dukat: Don't push me, Odo. My superiors would have me solve this murder by rounding up ten Bajorans at random and executing them. I'm hoping you'll give me a better alternative. Now, these Bajorans won't talk to us but they seem to trust you. I understand you used to sort out petty disputes concerning food, blankets, everyday sorts of things. They come to you. Odo: I suppose I'm considered a neutral observer. Dukat: Of course. You're not one of them. And for that you should be thankful. So, here's one more petty dispute, only this time I'm bringing it to you. Find the murderer. Odo: Are there any witnesses? Dukat: I'm sorry to keep you waiting, Mrs Vaatrik. This is Odo. He'll be investigating your husband's death. Perhaps you two already know each other. Pallra: Have you been into the shop? Odo: No, I don't use chemicals. Dukat: I've assigned this space to you. We'll get you anything you need. Madam, my sympathies. Good hunting. Odo: I'm sorry for your loss. Pallra: Thank you. Odo: Do you have any idea who might have done this? Pallra: I have a very good idea. Odo: You do? Pallra: May I be honest with you? Odo: That might be helpful. Pallra: My husband was having an affair. Some girl showed up on the station a couple of weeks ago. He became infatuated with her, I don't know. Why are men like that? Odo: Believe me, I have no idea. Pallra: We had two wonderful years together, till she arrived. And now Odo: You loved him very much. Pallra: Of course I did. Odo: Then, perhaps you could explain something I don't understand. Pallra: What's that? Odo: Mister Vaatrik was found dead two hours ago. Mrs Vaatrik hasn't shed a tear. Pallra: What makes you think Odo: By necessity I'm an observer, Mrs Vaatrik. When a humanoid cries, the epidermis below the eyes swells noticeably. Your epidermis is perfectly normal. Pallra: I've been too angry to cry. I, I, the shock, I Odo: Of course. So, you were about to accuse this other woman of the murder, I believe? Pallra: He confessed his indiskretion to me days ago, but said it was over Odo: And when he broke it off with her, she killed him in a jealous rage. Pallra: Something like that. Odo: Do you know her name? Pallra: No, but I can point her out to you. Guard: Move along. Step back from the gate. That's enough. Comm: Attention, all bio-organic materials must be disposed of according to regulations. Odo: When was the last time you saw Mister Vaatrik alive? Pallra: At dinner. He went back to the shop to do some inventory work afterwards. Odo: You don't live in community quarters. Pallra: No. We were lucky enough to be assigned a private room. I guess because we ran the shop, but at least we had a little privacy. There. That's her. Kira: Odo. We haven't picked up anyone at the airlocks. I can't hold up outbound traffic any longer. Odo: I'm sure he disposed of the weapon before he left. Kira: I heard about the list, the one that Quark got out of the wall. Odo: Rom said it had been hidden there during the occupation. Kira: I couldn't help wondering if it had something to do with Vaatrik. Odo: I've been wondering the same thing. Security log, stardate 47284.1. In this job, there is no unfinished business. The assault on Quark reopens a five year old murder case that I've never, not for a moment, closed. Patience is a lost virtue to most. To me, an ally. Rom: I barely saw it. I'm sorry. I don't remember any of the names. Odo: All right, all right, let's just relax for a moment. Rom: I really ought to be getting back to my bar. Odo: He's not dead yet, Rom. Rom: They're not keeping him alive by artificial means, are they? My brother wouldn't want that. Odo: No, he's clinging to life all on his own. Rom: Typical. Odo: All right, let's try again. Close your eyes. Take a deep breath. Clear your mind of everything in it, if there's anything there. Breathe. Breathe. Now, what do you see? Rom: The bar. Odo: Yes? Rom: With my name on it. Odo: The past, Rom, not the future. The box opens. There's a piece of paper inside it. Rom: Yes, yes, I see it. Odo: Quark unfolds it. There's a list of names, Bajoran names. Rom: Right. Odo: The one at the very top catches your eye. And the first letter is? Rom: C! It's a C. Odo: And the next letter is? Rom: Er, er. Odo: Skip to the last letter in the name, Rom. Rom: O! It's an O. Odo: Starts with a C, ends with an O. Rom: And, and there's a mark in the name. Odo: An apostrophe? Rom: Ches'so! Odo: You're sure? Rom: Yes. Maybe. Odo: Maybe? Rom: It's something like Ches'so. I think. Odo: Call me day or night if you remember something else. Kira: Anything? Ches'so. Odo: Might be the first name on the list. Remember anyone from those days on the station with that name? Kira: No, but I wasn't here very long. Odo: So I recall. Kira: We never talked about it. Odo: We never had to. Kira: I would have been executed. Odo: You were innocent of the crime I was investigating. Kira: That wouldn't have mattered to the Cardassians. Odo: It mattered to me. Guard: Work detail tomorrow. Surrender your passes. You there, keep moving. This way, this way. Comm: Radiation crew, report to observation level. Radiation crew, report to observation level. Odo: Do you mind if I join you? Comm: Sector four salvage team report at once to your work station. Odo: A pretty girl like you shouldn't be eating alone. Kira: I don't do whatever it is you want. Not for money, not for food. Odo: No, you misunderstand. I'm sorry, of course I can see how you could. Let me start over. Kira: Are you some kind of a security officer? Odo: How did you know that? Kira: You are, aren't you. Odo: Unofficially, I suppose that's true. Kira: Unofficially? What's that supposed to mean? Odo: Gul Dukat asked me to investigate the murder of a Bajoran man named Vaatrik. I understand you knew him. Kira: Who says I did? Odo: His widow. Kira: I suppose she also told you I killed him. Odo: Did you? Kira: No. Odo: On the contrary, you were in love with him. Kira: No. Odo: But he was in love with you. Kira: No. Odo: It doesn't sound like much of a romance. Kira: We weren't having a romance. Odo: Then why would he tell his wife that you were? Kira: You'll have to ask him. Odo: If you were having an affair, I promise you I'll find out about it. Kira: All you're going to find is that I've been here for two weeks. I met the man right after I arrived. He had Pyrellian ginger tea. How he managed to get it I don't know, but I happen to like ginger tea. We became friends. Maybe he was attracted to me. It never went anywhere. Why do you think Dukat wanted you on this investigation? Odo: I'm sure he had good reasons. Kira: Why not his own security people? Odo: No Bajoran would talk to them. Kira: That never stopped the Cardassians before. They have ways of getting their information. Something to think about. Odo: Where were you last night? Kira: I was at the bar. I heard the Ferengi are allowed to hire some Bajorans for dog work. It's better than the mines. Odo: You haven't spent any time in the mines. Kira: How do you know? Odo: Your hands. Kira: You're not bad at this. You're right. My last job was at a replicator plant on Bajor. Odo: You're not allowed to quit those jobs. What happened? Kira: I hit a supervisor for trying what I thought you were trying a few minutes ago. Odo: I appreciate your restraint this time. You're not planning on leaving the station soon? Kira: If I were, would you have the Cardassians stop me? Odo: Yes. Kira: Then I'm not planning on leaving the station soon. Let me tell you something. Unofficially or not, you're working for the Cardassians. Sooner or later, you're going to have to decide whose side you're on. Odo: I don't choose sides. Kira: Everybody has to choose sides, Constable. Pallra: I don't know what you're talking about. Odo: You knew nothing about a list? Pallra: Nothing. Odo: Why would your husband have hidden a list of Bajoran names? Pallra: I can't imagine why. Are you sure it was his? Odo: No. Pallra: Maybe the Cardassians put it there before they left. Odo: Someone on Bajor told Quark where to find it. Pallra: I wish I could help. I sort of liked that little Ferengi. Odo: Don't write his eulogy yet. He's still with us. Pallra: I thought you said Odo: He was shot at point blank range. The Federation doctor saved his life. Pallra: Good for him. Odo: Does the name Ches'so mean anything to you? Pallra: I don't think so. Who is it? Odo: Oh, just someone I'd like to talk to. Thank you for seeing me. Pallra: If this has anything to do with my husband's murder, I want to be of help in any way I can. Odo: Oh, there was one other thing. I understand your power was recently terminated for lack of payment. Pallra: That's right. Odo: Yet you were able to transfer funds to the power company this morning. Pallra: I don't appreciate your looking into my private affairs. Odo: Just part of a routine investigation. If you could tell me where you got the money? Pallra: A loan from a friend. Odo: Of course. And your friend's name? Pallra: Odo, this really has nothing to do with your investigation. Odo: Good. Then you won't mind giving me the name. Pallra: I'm sorry. My friend is married. I won't drag him into this. Security Log, supplemental. The Ferengi holds on to life like it's gold-pressed latinum. Maybe he just doesn't want his brother to get the bar, or maybe he knows he's the only real witness I have. Bashir: The next several hours will tell the whole story. We've done everything we can for him. I'll keep you updated. Kira: I've got some good news and some bad news. I think I've found our Ches'so. Odo: Who is he? Kira: A Bajoran mining engineer. He's been very active in charity work for the war orphans. Odo: What makes you think he's our man? Kira: Some connections from my past suggested he might be. His work brought him to the station a lot. The bad news is he's dead. Drowned in a pond on his property last night. Odo: I'm responsible. Kira: How? Odo: I mentioned the name Ches'so to the Vaatrik woman. If she recognized it as Ches'sarro, and thought he might lead us to her. Security to the Infirmary. Security: Acknowledged. Odo: Major, I need some help. Advise the Medical Examiner that I want a complete autopsy on Ches'sarro, and that his death is to be treated as a suspected homicide. I'll need the communication records for the Vaatrik home for the past fifty-two hours and have the Central Bank keep a supervisor on duty all night. I'll need several bank records as well. Kira: Whose? Odo: I don't know yet. Odo: I want round the clock armed security on Quark. No visitors. Guard: Yes, sir. Quark: Stop by one of the holosuites. Two programs for the price of one. Odo: I'm looking for the proprietor of this establishment. Quark: Does he owe you money? Odo: No. Quark: Are you here to arrest him? Odo: No. Quark: Then you've found him. Quark, at your service. First drink on the house. An old and dreadful Cardassian tradition. What'll you have. Odo: I don't drink. Quark: A soft drink, then. Odo: I don't drink. Quark: I guess that's why we don't see you around here much. Odo: I'd like to ask you a few questions about the death of the Bajoran chemist. Quark: Wait a minute. You're the shape-shifter. You're the one who's working for Dukat. Odo: I'm not working for Dukat. I'm just trying to solve a murder. Quark: No, I've heard about you. You do some Cardassian neck trick, am I right? Odo: Not anymore. Quark: That could go over big in this room. Odo: I'm checking on the alibi of a young Bajoran woman, red hair, named Kira Nerys. She says she was here last night Quark: Yeah, I remember her. She wanted a job. Odo: How long was she here? Quark: Long enough. Odo: Long enough for what? Quark: Oh, you know. Odo: No, I don't. Why don't you tell me. Quark: She was showing me her, er, initiative. Odo: Is that some sort of sexual reference? Quark: These jobs are hard to come by. Her credentials were very impressive. Hey, listen. Listen here, what's the problem? Odo: The problem is you're lying. Quark: You've got me all wrong. Odo: I want the truth otherwise I'll just turn you over to Gul Dukat and he can get it for me. Quark: Okay, fine, I didn't realize we were dealing with a murder here. She didn't pay me enough for that anyway. Odo: She paid you for an alibi? I wonder how Gul Dukat will react when I tell him about that. Quark: I'm sure it'll cost me a case of Cardassian ale. Dukat: Two cases at the very least. A broken alibi. That sounds like progress. Is there someone you want me to arrest? Odo: Not yet. Dukat: But soon. I need a name, Odo. Odo: You'll get your name when I'm certain it's the right name. Dukat: Listen to the way he speaks to me, Quark. You're not afraid of anyone, are you, shape-shifter? Not even me. I was right about you. You are the man for this job. Quark: Listen, I feel you and I, we've gotten off to a bad start here. Let me make it up to you. You need anything? A little ginger tea? No, you don't drink. Chocolate? Maybe companionship? Sisko: You look like you just lost your best friend, Constable. Dax: Is Quark? Odo: Quark is stable. Sisko: What's this? Odo: The list. Dax: You found it? Odo: No, I assembled it from the Vaatrik woman's communication records. She's been talking to each of these people a lot. Odd thing is, she'd never talked to any of them until two days ago. Sisko: When the list was stolen. Odo: Interestingly, every one of them has transferred exactly one hundred thousand Bajoran litas into her bank accounts within the last twenty six hours. Sisko: Blackmail? Odo: Blackmail. Sisko: What did they have to hide? Odo: For one thing, that they'd come out of the occupation with that kind of money. Dax: You think they were working with the Cardassians. Odo: Selling out their own world for a profit. Collaborators. Not even a Ferengi would do that. It explains a lot of things. Sisko: Do you have enough to charge her? Odo: Not yet, but I'd like to bring her in for questioning. With your permission, I'll ask the local Bajoran authorities transport her here. Odo: Nobody ever had to teach me the justice trick. That's something I've always known. A racial memory from my species, I guess. It's really the only clue I have to what kind of people they are. Are these kinds of thoughts appropriate for a Starfleet log? I don't care. There's no room in justice for loyalty or friendship or love. Justice, as the humans like to say, is blind. I used to believe that. I'm not sure I can anymore. Kira: Yes, I lied about my alibi. That doesn't make me a killer. Odo: Where were you when he was murdered? Kira: Asleep, alone. Odo: No one saw you in the community quarters. Kira: I wasn't there. I've found a small corner in Odo: You're lying. Kira: I Odo: Don't bother. Your whole face changes. I should have seen it before. You don't lie well. Kira: Thanks. Odo: So why don't you start telling the truth? Kira: Whose side are you going to be on, Constable? Odo: I'm not going to play your game. Kira: When I tell you the truth, you'll have to choose. Odo: No. No, that's why I was given this job. That's why all of you always come to me with problems. I'm the outsider. I'm on no one's side. All I'm interested in is justice. If you're innocent, you'll go free. If you're not, I'll turn you over to Cardassian authorities. That's the only choice here. Kira: I didn't kill him. When he was killed, I was on level twenty one. Odo: Twenty one? Ore processing? Kira: Check the Cardassian security logs. You'll see a breach on twenty one last night. I'm in the Bajoran underground. I came here to commit acts of sabotage against the Cardassians. Last night, I succeeded. Odo: The ore processor was damaged by a sub-nucleonic device at twenty five hundred hours last night. It'll be out of operation for two weeks. Kira: Give the mine workers a little time off at least. I'll describe the device I used if you still don't believe me. Odo: That's why you needed an alibi from Quark. Kira: If you tell the Cardassians the truth, none of this will matter. I'll be executed for the sabotage. Who cares about Bajorans killing Bajorans when you can hang a rebel. Dukat: Is this her? Odo: I told you when I have the name Dukat: Is this her? Odo: No. You can go. Dukat: If you're lying, shape-shifter. Odo: If you know as much about me as you say you do, Gul Dukat, you know I don't lie. I am convinced that she did not kill Vaatrik. Trazko: Is it too late for visitors? Guard: I'm sorry, sir. No visitors are permitted here. Trazko: Perhaps you could just put these in water for him. Guard: Of course. Odo: Odo to Bashir. Report to the Infirmary immediately. Bashir: On my way. Odo: It's over, Rom, over. You're a hero. Rom: I am? Odo: You saved your brother's life. Pallra: I've never seen him before in my life. Odo: Really? Your communications records indicate that you made several calls to his home, and received several as well. Kira: You also transferred a large sum of money into his account two days ago. Pallra: I want to confer with my advocate. Odo: Certainly. I'll make arrangements for you to speak with him. Meantime, the two of you can introduce yourselves to one another. Pallra: I don't care what you think you know, shape-shifter. You will never be able to prove that I killed my husband because I didn't. Odo: I know. Kira: When did you realize? Odo: The possibility occurred to me when you got the name Ches'sarro so quickly. Your friends from the underground must have already suspected him of being a collaborator. Once I knew the eight names were a list of collaborators the murder of Vaatrik made sense for the first time. He must have been a collaborator too. He had the money for ginger tea. He had the private quarters. I never had a motive for his murder until now. He kept his wife in relative luxury. She surely wouldn't have killed him. So who would kill a Cardassian collaborator? Someone in the Bajoran underground, of course. Kira: A colleague of mine was given the job of sabotaging the ore processor. Vaatrik was my responsibility. Odo: You were here to execute him. Kira: No. I was here to find the list. The names of the Bajorans who were selling us out. We'd been informed that Vaatrik was their direct link to Dukat. Odo: That must have been why Dukat chose me to investigate. He had to stay as far away from this incident as he could so as not to endanger his network of Bajoran sympathizers. Kira: Obviously, I never found the list. But that's what I was looking for in his shop when Vaatrik walked in on me. I didn't have a choice. Odo: I misjudged you, Major. You were a better liar than I gave you credit for. Kira: You were working for the Cardassians. Odo: I haven't been for more than a year. You've had all that time to tell me the truth. Kira: I tried to tell you the truth a hundred times. What you think of me matters a lot. I was afraid. Odo: That might affect our friendship? Maybe it doesn't have to. Kira: Will you ever be able to trust me the same way again?

Scene: Personal log, stardate 47329.4. I finally realize why I've had trouble sleeping the last few nights. Yesterday was the fourth anniversary of the massacre at Wolf three five nine. The fourth anniversary of Jennifer's death. Sisko: I'm not sure what bothers me more. The date itself, or the fact that it almost passed unnoticed. Jake: Dad what are you doing up? Sisko: I was about to ask you the same thing. Jake: I had a weird dream. Sisko: Get some hot chocolate and tell me about it. Jake: Nah, it's nothing. Sisko: Come on. Tell me about this weird dream. Jake: It's stupid. Sisko: Maybe so, but the thing about dreams is, if you talk about them, they kind of go away faster. Jake: Okay, but don't laugh. Sisko: I promise. Jake: I don't know. I was on the station somewhere. I'm not sure where. And I was trying to get back here but I couldn't find my way. Every time I saw a familiar corridor, it kind of led into some other direction. See, I told you it was stupid. Sisko: You got me interested. Jake: Well then, I guess I got a little scared and started looking for you, but I couldn't find you. Somehow I ended up in Ops but you weren't in your office. And then it was like the floor started sloping and I couldn't keep my balance and all I wanted to do was find you. Sisko: And here I am. Jake: Dad, I love you. Sisko: I love you too. Jake: I have a calculus test in the morning. Sisko: Then you'd better get some sleep. Jake: Yeah. Dad? I miss her. Sisko: Me too. Fenna: Beautiful, aren't they? I don't think I've seen the stars shine so brightly. Sisko: The Bajorans call that constellation the Runners. I can never figure out if they're running toward something or away from something. Fenna: Does that matter? Sometimes it just feels good to run. Sisko: I never thought about it that way. I'm Benjamin Sisko, Commander of this station. Fenna: I'm Fenna. I'm sorry. You must be very busy. I didn't mean to bother you. Sisko: You're not bothering me at all. Fenna: Good. Fenna: Commander of the station. That must be very exciting. All those ships coming and going. Every day must bring something new. Sisko: It has its moments. In some ways, though, I prefer this time the best, when everything's quiet and Fenna: And you can feel a kind of anticipation in the air like something wonderful's going to happen but you don't know what it is. I guess that sounds kind of silly, doesn't it? Sisko: Not at all. That's one of the great things about this station. You never know what's going to happen next, or who you're going to meet. Fenna: I like it here. I wish I could stay longer. Sisko: Where are you going? Fenna: I'm not really sure. I guess I'll just keep going, like the Runners. Sisko: I tell you what. Before you run any farther, why don't I show you around the station? If you have the time. Sisko: Fenna? Sisko: Good morning, Chief. O'Brien: Morning, Commander. Sisko: Is this maintenance or repair? O'Brien: Right now it's maintenance, but five'll get you ten it'll be a repair by the time I'm through. Sisko: Admit it, Chief. If you were on a station where everything worked, you'd be miserable. O'Brien: You may be right, sir. But I'd be willing to give it a try. Sisko: Good morning, Major. Computer, one chiraltan tea, with a double twist of lemon. Something wrong? Kira: No, nothing. Sisko: If something's bothering you, Major, I want to hear it. Kira: It's just that every morning for the last year, I've seen you walk in here and start your day with a raktajino. Sisko: I love raktajino. Kira: I know. You never even talk to anyone until you've had your first cup. Sisko: I'm not awake until I've had my first cup. Kira: So how come you're drinking chiraltan tea? Sisko: I, er, I just felt like having something different. That is all right with you, isn't it, Major? Kira: Of course. You can drink whatever you like. Sisko: Thank you, Major. I appreciate your support. Dax: Dax to Sisko. Sisko: Go ahead, Lieutenant. Dax: Professor Seyetik and I are in the science lab, if you'd like to meet him. Sisko: On my way. Sisko: Lieutenant, where's our guest? Dax: Inside the flux generator. Sisko: What? What's he doing in there? He could be killed. Dax: Well, that's what I tried to tell him. Sisko: And he went in anyway. Dax: Benjamin, have you ever met a terraformer? Sisko: No. What's that got to do with it? Dax: You can't tell a terraformer anything. It's an amazing talent bringing dead worlds to life, but humility and common sense aren't part of the job description. Sisko: Oh. Seyetik: There you go, Lieutenant. That should increase your generator output by at least five percent. You must be Commander Sisko. Gideon Seyetik. Great pleasure to meet you, sir. Sisko: Professor. I'm a great admirer of your work. Seyetik: Good. A man of intelligence and taste. I can see we're going to get along famously. Sisko: My son and I visited Blue Horizon on the way to Deep Space Nine. I must say I was impressed. Seyetik: Of course you were. I created the place and even I'm impressed. How did you like Da Vinci Falls? Sisko: We didn't get to see them. We were only on the surface for a few hours. Seyetik: Oh, Commander, you missed Blue Horizon's crowning glory. Imagine water cascading off cliffs the height of Mount Everest, thundering through continuous rainbows, straight into an ocean the color of sapphire wine. I'm going to have to take you there one day. By God, I wouldn't mind seeing it again myself. Sisko: I may take you up on that. Seyetik: Good, good. But first, Epsilon one nineteen. Sisko: Yes, I understand the initial surveys look promising. Seyetik: Promising? They look magnificent. Imagine, reigniting a dead sun. Bringing new life to an entire solar system. Next to that, terraforming planets will seem like child's play. Dax: Let's hope it works. Right now, it's a promising theory. Seyetik: Of course it'll work. I never fail. Well, I did once, but I found it didn't agree with me. So I swore never to do it again and I never break my word. You should be glad you're coming with me, Lieutenant. This'll be my crowning achievement. Giving birth to a star. Even I will have a hard time topping that one. Dax: Benjamin, you're not going to let that last piece of Andorian tuber root go to waste, are you? Sisko: Why do you ask? Dax: Because it's delicious. May I? Sisko: Be my guest. Dax: I'm going to need the extra calories to keep up with Seyetik. The man works almost as much as he talks. Benjamin? Sisko: What? Dax: Are you looking for someone? Sisko: I'm sorry, what were you saying? Dax: Nothing important. I have to meet with Chief O'Brien. We're boosting the maximum speed of Seyetik's ship to warp nine point five. If his experiment fails and that sun goes supernova, we're going to need to get out of there fast. Sisko: I'll see you in Ops. Fenna: Benjamin, I was hoping I'd see you again. Sisko: I was just thinking about you. Fenna: Were you really? I've been thinking about you, too. Sisko: Where did you disappear to last night? Fenna: I had to go. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to rush away like that. Does your invitation still stand? To show me around the station? Sisko: What would you like to see? Fenna: Everything. Sisko: Everything? That's going to take some time. Fenna: I don't mind, if you don't. Sisko: What do you think? Fenna: It's wonderful. Sisko: I'm glad you like it. Fenna: You must come here all the time. Sisko: Not really. But when I do, a ship is usually blocking the view. Fenna: We should have brought a picnic basket. Sisko: Here? Fenna: What better place? Sisko: Well, I guess there is tomorrow. Fenna: Is that an invitation? Sisko: Sounded like one to me. Fenna: Then I accept. Sisko: Good. There's plenty left to see. In fact, I doubt that we can see it all in one evening. Fenna: Then you can show me the rest after our picnic tomorrow. Sisko: Do you always do that? Fenna: Do what? Sisko: Say exactly the right thing. Fenna: No one's ever told me that before. Sisko: There you go again. So, tell me all about yourself. Fenna: There's not much to tell. Sisko: Whatever there is, I want to hear it. Fenna: I can't. Sisko: Can't what? Fenna: I can't tell you. Sisko: Why not? Fenna: I'm sorry, Benjamin, but I have to go. Sisko: Fenna, wait. Jake: So then Tiet looked down at Altrina's lunch and said, Klingon food? Those are worms. And Altrina vomited all over the table. It was pretty disgusting. Sisko: That's nice, Jake. Jake: Nice? She threw up. Sisko: Hmm? Oh, I'm sorry. I guess I was thinking about something else. Jake: Dad, are you in love? Sisko: What? Jake: You know, with a woman. You're showing all three of the signs. Sisko: Signs? Jake: The ones that Nog told me about. Loss of appetite, daydreaming, smiling all the time. Sisko: You've been talking to Nog about women again? Jake: Look, I just want you to know that if you're in love, it's all right with me. Sisko: Thanks, Jake. Jake: What's she like? Sisko: She's really interesting. Jake: Interesting, huh? So when do I get to meet her? Sisko: I think it might be a little early to do that. Jake: Why? She likes you too, doesn't she? Sisko: I think so. Jake: So then what's the problem? Sisko: Well, er, it's just that, er, she keeps disappearing. Odo: Above all, stay alert. If the subspace transmission I received is correct and Villus Thed is en route to the station, I want to be notified the moment he arrives. Keep him under constant surveillance, but remember, he's a short-range telepath, so stay at least five meters away from him at all times. That's all. Deputy: Yes, sir. Odo: Commander, what can I do for you? Sisko: I need to ask a favor, Constable, of a personal nature. Odo: Go on. Sisko: I'm looking for someone. A woman. Odo: Name? Sisko: Fenna. Odo: First name or last? Sisko: I don't know. Odo: Species? Sisko: I don't know. Humanoid. Odo: What ship did she arrive on? Sisko: I don't know. Odo: Well, what can you tell me about her? Sisko: Let's see. I'd say she's about one point six meters tall. Brown skin, dark hair. And the last time I saw her, she was wearing, she was wearing red. Odo: Well, that's something, anyway. Sisko: Do you think you can help me? Odo: I don't know. Sisko: I need to find her, Constable. I think she may be in some kind of trouble. Odo: What kind of trouble? Let me guess. You don't know. Well, it's not much to go on, but I'll do what I can. Sisko: I appreciate your help, Odo. Dax: Benjamin, do you have a minute? Sisko: In my office. Sisko: What's on your mind, Dax? Dax: I was hoping you had something to say to me. Sisko: I don't follow you. Dax: You really have no intention of telling me, do you? Sisko: Telling you what? Dax: Come on, Benjamin. I saw you with her last night on the Promenade. What's her name? Sisko: Fenna. But believe me, Dax, there is nothing to talk about. Dax: You used to tell Curzon everything. Sisko: Not everything. Dax: You know what I mean. It's because I'm a woman now, isn't it? Sisko: Don't be ridiculous. Dax: No, I understand. It's hard to talk man to man with a woman. Sisko: That has nothing to do with it. Dax: Then tell me what's going on. Sisko: I will. As soon as there is something to tell. Personal log, supplemental. Odo continues to search for new information about Fenna. In the meantime, Professor Seyetik has invited me and the senior staff to dinner on board the Prometheus. Seyetik: A great terraformer needs the green thumb of a gardener, the eye of a painter and the soul of a poet. And of course it doesn't hurt to be a raging egomaniac. Kira: Which makes you eminently qualified. Seyetik: Of course. Bashir: Terraforming is amazing enough, but I don't understand how you intend to re-ignite a dead sun. Seyetik: Basically I'll use a remote-piloted shuttlepod to deliver proto-matter into the dead star. This will cause a cascade effect which will transform the star's carbon and oxygen into elemental hydrogen. Then we just stand back and watch the fireworks. Dax: Of course, if it doesn't work it might be the last thing we ever see. Seyetik: Come now, Lieutenant. Nothing of worth was ever created by a pessimist. Sisko: I don't know about that. Van Gogh, Beckett, Y'Raka. I wouldn't exactly call them optimists. Seyetik: Precisely, and look at their work. Dark and dreary and dismal. Art should be an affirmation of life. For example, take my own work in the field. Bashir: I once saw an exhibit of your paintings at the Central Gallery on Ligobis Ten. They were certainly memorable. I don't think I've ever seen such huge canvasses. Seyetik: Doctor, nobody ever accused me of understatement. Dax: Certainly not anyone who's ever read your autobiography. Seyetik: Nine volumes and counting. You know, I always said I wanted to write as many books as I've had marriages. Which reminds me, wait till you taste the food my wife has created for you. None of that replicated nonsense you're used to. No, every dish was prepared entirely by Nidell's own sweet hands. Kira: I can't wait to meet her. Seyetik: And so you shall. She should be just about ready. I'll go and get her. Kira: Commander, you think he'd notice if we weren't here when he got back. Sisko: Don't even think about it, Major. I've had dinner with about two dozen Bajoran ministers. I think you owe me this one. Besides, Seyetik is one of the Federation's greatest minds. Kira: I know. He told me. Bashir: I for one find him remarkable entertaining. Seyetik: Ladies and gentlemen, I'd like you to meet my wife and my inspiration. Nidell. Dax: Now we have something to talk about. Bashir: I can't eat another bite. O'Brien: That was delicious. Do you think I could have the recipe? Nidell: You'll have to ask Gideon. It's his creation. Seyetik: Well, it took me years to perfect it. The secret, you see, is to sear the kalo roots slightly before layering them over the slices of roasted waroon. Sisko: She acts like she doesn't recognize me. Seyetik: The most important thing is the broth. One liter of clear Rumall stock. A tumbler and a half of Gremish, two clusters of Vulcan redspice. Dax: It is the same woman, isn't it? Sisko: She looks the same. Seyetik: Half a dozen humat pods, and a dash of ice salt. Then you reduce it in a Andorian boiler, cook it exactly five hundred degrees Kelvin and then just pepper to taste. Any questions? O'Brien: Maybe you should write that down. Seyetik: Of course. No trouble at all. Now, I think we should continue this conversation in the other room. We shall be more comfortable there. Nidell: Commander, can I help you with something? Sisko: I hope so. It would have been a lot easier if you'd told me you were married. Nidell: I don't understand. Sisko: Yesterday, on the Promenade. You had plenty of opportunity. Nidell: Commander, I don't know what you're talking about. I've never met you before tonight. Sisko: I suppose you never told me that your name was Fenna? Would you like to talk about this? Nidell: Commander, obviously you have mistaken me for someone else. Sisko: Seems that way, doesn't it? Sisko: I'm telling you Dax, it was the same woman. The face, the voice. It was Fenna. Dax: Maybe you ought to talk to her when her husband isn't around. Sisko: Dax, she's a married woman. Dax: That would have never stopped Curzon. Sisko: It's just that this was the first time since Jennifer's death that I felt drawn to someone. Odo: Commander, may I have a word with you? I thought you should know I've checked this week's docking and transporter logs, and there is no record of anyone matching the description you gave me. Sisko: Thanks, Odo, but you can call off your search. I've already found the woman I was looking for. Odo: Did you? And where was she, if you don't mind my asking? Sisko: Aboard the Prometheus. Odo: The Prometheus? Are you sure? Sisko: Yes, we just left there a few minutes ago. Odo: That's impossible. Sisko: What do you mean? Odo: I checked the de-embarkation logs as part of my search. With the exception of Professor Seyetik, no one has left the Prometheus during the entire time it's been at the station. Quark: Commander? Quark: I thought you could use this. Sisko: No thanks, I was just leaving. Quark: Stood you up, didn't she? When you've worked in a bar as long as I have, you get to recognize that look. I've even seen it in the mirror once or twice. Sisko: I'd better be getting home. Quark: If you'd like, we could go down to the bar and talk. You know, about women. Sisko: I don't think so. Quark: Don't forget, the holosuites are always open. Fenna: Benjamin! Fenna: I missed you. Is there something wrong? Sisko: I just had dinner with someone who looks exactly like you. Fenna: Like me? How strange? Sisko: Then you're telling me that your name isn't really Nidell and you're not the wife of Gideon Seyetik. Fenna: Of course not. I'm Fenna, you know that. Sisko: Right now, I'm not sure what I know. I don't suppose you have a twin sister, do you? Fenna: Not that I know of. Sisko: Fenna, I need to know where you came from, what you're doing on this station. Fenna: Does that matter? Sisko: Of course it matters. I need to know who you are. Fenna: You do know me, Benjamin. When I came here, I thought I was looking for a place, somewhere I belonged, but I was wrong. I wasn't looking for a place, I was looking for a person. I was looking for you. Fenna: Benjamin. O'Brien: All right, Lieutenant. I've got the warp drive on the Prometheus purring like a kitten. It'll do nine point six in a pinch but I wouldn't take it any faster. Dax: I thought the theoretical maximum for those engines was warp nine point five? O'Brien: It was. Seyetik: Must I remind you, Lieutenant, some of us only have one lifetime. Dax: I'll be right there. O'Brien: Good luck, Lieutenant. Commander. Dax: Come to see us off, Benjamin? Sisko: Not exactly. I'm going with you. After all, how often do you get to see a star reborn. Dax: Do you really think this is a good idea? Sisko: I need answers, Dax, and the key to Fenna's disappearance could be on that ship. Piersall: Have you finished loading the protomatter device into the shuttlepod? Dax: All set. The containment fields are holding fine, remote guidance systems are fully operational. Seyetik: I'm telling you, Commander, by the time I was through with New Halana, it was a veritable paradise. How are we doing, Mister Piersall? Piersall: We'll be initiating preliminary scans in a few hours. Seyetik: Let me know when we get there. Sisko: Well, Professor, you must be eager to get started. What did you call this? Your crowning achievement. Seyetik: Don't remind me. Commander, my entire life has been a series of escalating triumphs. It's what I live for, knowing that no matter what I achieve, there's always another triumph waiting for me. Sisko: And now? Seyetik: Are you familiar with the Klingon poet G'trok? Sisko: A little. The Fall of Kang is required reading at the Academy. Seyetik: So honor the valiant who die 'neath your sword. Sisko: But pity the warrior who slays all his foes. Seyetik: Yes, well, a bit obvious perhaps, but true nonetheless. So, what were we talking about? Sisko: You. Seyetik: Of course. My favorite subject. Where was I? Sisko: You had just finished terraforming New Halana. Seyetik: Ah, of course. Well, you can imagine how grateful the Halanans were. Endless parades and receptions. Got to be a bit of a bore actually. But then I met Nidell. She was the daughter of a local dignitary. She was utterly infatuated with me from the very start. I can't say I blame her, actually. The first time she saw me, I was surrounded by crowds of people, unveiling a statue they'd commissioned in my honor. I could tell from the start she was something special. You know, she'd never been off world before she met me. I promised to show her the galaxy. I'd have given it to her if I could've. Sisko: She must love you very much. Seyetik: She does, Commander. Don't ask me why, but she does. Sisko: Fenna? Fenna: Benjamin, I'm so glad to see you. Sisko: Dax, report to my quarters immediately. Dax: On my way. Fenna: Benjamin, what's wrong? Sisko: The last time I saw you, you vanished. Fenna: I'm with you now and I'm never going to leave you again. Sisko: I wish I could believe that. Fenna: You have to, Benjamin. Sisko: Dax, this is Fenna. Fenna: What is she doing? Sisko: It's all right. She's not going to hurt you. Dax: I'm not reading any cellular structure. No DNA patterns. Just pure energy. Fenna: Benjamin, what is she talking about? Sisko: I think it's time we found out. Seyetik: Help her. She won't wake up. Dax: She's in shock. Her respiration is shallow, her heartbeat irregular and falling. Her blood pressure's dropping. Benjamin, she's dying. Seyetik: You've got to do something! Dax: I don't know that I can. Seyetik: Fenna. I should have known. But you can't be here. Nidell promised me you'd never come back. Fenna: I don't know what you're talking about. Seyetik: Just look at her. Fenna: She looks like me. Seyetik: Of course she looks like you. She is you. The real you. Sisko: Professor, what the hell is going on here? Seyetik: That thing over there isn't real. She's an illusion, created by my wife's unconscious mind. Fenna: That's not true! Benjamin, you know that he's lying. Seyetik: Nidell is a psychoprojective telepath. Fenna's just another one of her projections. Sisko: Lieutenant? Dax: I've never seen readings like these. Her occipital lobe is giving off enormous amounts of energy. I don't see how she can survive more than an hour or two like this. Seyetik: She's dying. You've got to something. Dax: There's nothing I can do. Sisko: Get Fenna to my quarters, Dax, and notify Doctor. Seyetik: No! Sisko: Get her out of here, Dax. Fenna: Benjamin, I want to stay with you Sisko: It'll be all right, Fenna. I just want to talk to Professor Seyetik here. Sisko: All right, Professor, if what you're saying is true, Nidell's psychoprojective abilities are killing her and I need to know why. Seyetik: Nidell doesn't even know this is happening. In times of deep emotional distress Halanans sometimes lose control of these abilities. My wife is very emotionally distraught. This happened once before, three years ago on Terosa Prime. It nearly killed her then. She swore to me it'd never happen again. Sisko: Obviously it has. Seyetik: You may have noticed, Commander, that I tend to invoke strong emotions from people, particularly my wives. Oh, they all start out loving me, but a few years of togetherness soon cures them of that. My others all had the good sense to leave me. Sisko: Why can't Nidell? What keeps her with you. Seyetik: Halanans mate for life. She can never leave me, no matter how much she might want to. Fenna: Benjamin, I've never seen Seyetik or that woman before. I don't know why he's saying those things about me but they're lies. I'm as real as you are. Sisko: Oh, how I want to believe that. But can you tell me where you came from? How you got to the station? Can you tell me a single memory of your life before we met on the Promenade? Fenna: Benjamin, I'm so frightened. Sisko: Nidell's dying, Fenna. She only has a few hours. Fenna: What happens to me if she dies? Sisko: You no longer exist without her. But you can save her, give her back the life she gave to you. Fenna: I don't know how. Sisko: You can go back to her. I've seen you do it three times. Fenna: But even if she lives, then I die, and everything you and I have dies with me. Sisko: Fenna, what we have is a dream. I wouldn't trade it for anything, but it's still just a dream. Nidell's dream. Fenna: And she won't remember any of it, will she? Sisko: There's no way to be sure. Fenna: I love you, Benjamin, and I always will. Dax: Commander, you'd better come to the Bridge right away. Sisko: What is it? Dax: It's Seyetik. He's launched the shuttlepod toward Epsilon one nineteen, and he's on board. Sisko: On my way. Dax: He's opening a channel. Piersall: On screen. Seyetik: I hope this transmitter is working. I'd hate to go to all this trouble without an audience. Piersall: Professor, you'll be killed. What do you think you're doing? Seyetik: Making history. You might want to record this for posterity and all that. Dax: He's about sixty seconds from impact. Sisko: Gideon, you don't have to do this. We've found a way to save Nidell. Seyetik: I had a feeling you would, Commander. This is the only way I can really set her free. I owe her that. Besides, this'll be my crowning achievement. Remember The Fall of Kang. Well, this is one warrior who refuses to be pitied. Piersall: What's he talking about? Sisko: Klingon poetry. Dax: Thirty seconds from impact. Sisko: Gideon, I want you to turn the shuttlepod around now. That's an order. Seyetik: Too late, Commander. I've already entered the gravity well of the star. Sisko: Engage the tractor beam. Piersall: He disabled it before he left. Seyetik: Commander, when this is over, you'll find a case among my personal belongings. There's something in there you need to find. Sisko: What is it? Seyetik: My obituary. I wrote it myself. After all, I couldn't leave such an important document to some stranger. Do me a favor and see to it that it's sent to the Daystrom Institute for publication. Which reminds me, I didn't get a chance to update it before I left. Let the record state, 'He sacrificed himself on the altar of science.' Dax: Ten seconds. Sisko: I'll be sure they get it. Seyetik: I'm sure I can count on you. Dax: Five seconds. Seyetik: Keep you eyes on the viewscreen, Commander. You'll never see anything like this again. Let there be light! Sisko: Captain's log, supplemental. Epsilon One Nineteen continues to burn brightly, a fitting memorial to a brilliant man. Meanwhile, I'm happy to report Nidell has made a complete recovery. Unfortunately, she has no memory of Fenna's experiences. Nidell: Commander. Sisko: Nidell. How did you know I was here? Nidell: Lieutenant Dax told me. Sisko: So, when does the Prometheus leave? Nidell: Soon. I just wanted to say goodbye and thank you. It'll be good to get home. Sisko: How long do you plan on staying on New Halana? Nidell: For the rest of my life. I've been gone too long as it is. I wish that I could remember Fenna, what she did, how she felt, but I can't. I'm sorry. Sisko: That's all right. I can remember for both of us. Nidell: Tell me one thing. Sisko: If I can. Nidell: What was she like? Sisko: Fenna? She was just like you.

Kira: You wanted to see me, Commander? Sisko: Actually, what I'd like to see is next month's duty roster. Kira: You'll have it on your desk first thing in the morning. Sisko: That's what you said yesterday. Kira: I know, but I just spent the whole day yesterday Sisko: Talking to Minister Rozahn about irrigating the Trilar Peninsula. Kira: How did you know? Sisko: It's hard to keep a secret in Ops, especially when you've been shouting at a monitor for the last two days. Kira: I thought I kept it down to an angry whisper. Sisko: Let's just say that your voice carries. Kira: Every time I talk to one of the ministers I promise myself I'm not going to lose control. But then they give me some stupid bureaucratic excuse for why something isn't getting done, and I get so, so Sisko: Frustrated. Kira: Oh Commander, I am way beyond frustrated. Bajor is in trouble. I just want to help. Sisko: I can understand that, and I sympathize. As far as I'm concerned you can shout at the provisional government all you want to, as long as it doesn't interfere with your duties here on the station. Kira: You're right. I'll get on that report right away. O'Brien: Major, Quark's been looking for you. He says it's urgent. Kira: Perfect. Kira: I hear you've been trying to get in touch with me. Quark: You hear right. Look around you. Does anything seem to be amiss? Kira: The sonata Varani is playing is lovely. Your customers seem to be enjoying him. Quark: Why be modest, Major? They're not just enjoying him. They're mesmerized by him. Kira: So? Quark: So while they're being mesmerized, they're not gambling, they're not eating, they're barely drinking. Profits are down across the board. Kira: He just started yesterday. Quark: I monitor my gross income hourly. My hourly figures become my indicators. My indicators become my projections. And my projections based on the last twenty six hours show an unprecedented decline in profits. Kira: Stop overreacting. When people hear about how wonderful Varani is, they'll come beating down your door. Quark: What are you basing that projection on? Bajoran intuition? That and a strip of latinum will get you a couple of spins at the dabo wheel. Kira: You promised me you will try him out for a month. Quark: If my projections hold true, in a month I'll be out of business! Kira: Quark, you are going to do this. Quark: Why should I? Kira: Because I asked you to. Quark: Maybe he could play something with a little more bounce to it. Kira: Bounce? Quark: For a change of pace. Kira: That was beautiful. Varani: Having my work appreciated again, I've almost forgotten how it feels. Kira: Granted, it's not quite the exhibition halls you're used to. Varani: One can't be choosy about performance venues these days. Kira: I just spoke with Quark. He likes what you're doing but he's hoping you'll play a variety of styles. Varani: A little less exhibition hall and a little more music hall, is that it? Kira: Something like that. Varani: I think I can accommodate him. Girl: Dabo! Man: That's great. Kira: I'd love to hear you play in a more appropriate setting. Varani: Have you spoken to Minister Bolka about my idea to rebuild the Jalanda Forum? Kira: I mentioned it to him. He's got a lot on his mind. Varani: You must keep trying. Bajorans must reclaim their artistic heritage if they ever hope to regain their sense of self-worth. Kira: Next time I talk to the Minister I'll bring it up again, but I can't promise anything. Sisko: Ah, Major. Get everything settled with Quark? Kira: That little toad is this far from doing a three sixty out an airlock. Sisko: I'm glad to hear everything went okay. O'Brien: Commander, sensors are picking up elevated neutrino readings. A ship's coming through the wormhole. Sisko: On screen. Kira: Sensors are detecting four lifeforms on board. O'Brien: I'm reading a plasma leak in their engine core. Sisko: Hail them. Kira: No response. O'Brien: The reactor's overheating. Life support is barely functioning. Sisko: Get them out of there, Chief. O'Brien: Aye, sir. Sisko: I'm Commander Sisko of the United Federation of Planets. You've just been beamed onto a Bajoran space station. We don't mean you any harm. We're going to bring your ship in. Once it's docked, we'll diagnose its problems and hopefully fix them. After that, you can be on your way. I can offer you medical assistance for that wound Tumak: Oo-mata! Oo-mata! Dongo patar meeoto fenta. Fenta! Haneek: Naga dentana. Dentana. Oobay a-tal? Oobay a-tal. Keetama sootay. Shalanta Skrreea. Skrreea. Kira: Does anyone understand what she's saying? Sisko: Something must be wrong with the Universal Translator. Chief? O'Brien: It's working, Commander, but for some reason it's having a hard analyzing their language patterns. Their syntax and their grammatical structure must be completely unlike anything in our database. Sisko: We'll have to keep them talking until the computer can establish a translation matrix. Haneek: Ketoh maseeca Skrreea. Tolak mayfessaka. Koo masek. Gadoux besoolin fenta. Fenta? Kira: Keeping them talking shouldn't be much of a problem. Haneek: Oobay-a-tal? Fidask setoma meeka? Sisko: Major, we've got to get them down to the Infirmary. They seem to be most comfortable with you. Why don't you lead the way? Kira: All right. We're going to take a little ride in the turbolift. Haneek: Toma. Bessa. Sisko: Sisko to Odo. Odo: Yes, Commander. Sisko: We're bringing some new arrivals from the Gamma Quadrant down to the Promenade. Meet us at turbolift nine. Odo: I'm on my way. Kira: We're here. You can come out now. There's no need to be afraid. Come on, it's all right. Odo: What seems to be the trouble, Commander? Sisko: The computer's having a hard time translating their language. Odo: I can see how that would be a problem. Kira: It's okay. Come on. Odo: Hold on, let's stick together. No wandering off. You just stay put while I round up your friends. Kira: Let me try. Come with me. Haneek: Intaowa. Intaowa. Sisko: Dress. It's called a dress. Haneek: Intaowa. Kira: Intaowa? Odo: I'm afraid you'll have to put that back. Tumak: Vala. Vala! Haneek: Intaowa! Kira: Do you like it? Odo: Yes, it's very nice but it's not yours. Odo: And that goes for you, too. Sisko: Major, perhaps you'd better handle this. Kira: All right, let's put those back, both of you. They really need to put those back. We can go shopping later, but right now it's very important that we go to the Infirmary, so everyone follow me. We'll all go together. Haneek: Fazeek. Cromay fazeek! Gai: Kootana. Cowl: Kootana batoo lakar asheem! Gai: Dokka?! Pestani voe lakar asheem! Haneek: Kolat! Kolat kee! Odo: There's no doubt who the boss is. Sisko: How bad is it, Doctor? Bashir: Looks like a second degree plasma burn. The dermal regenerator should take care of it. Kira: I'm sorry. I'm not the doctor. Haneek: Kolat. Kolat gadoux. Bashir: I assure you, I will not hurt him. Kira: He's going to be all right. Kira: This will be your quarters while you're here on the station. I'm sure you want to rest and clean up and you don't understand anything I'm saying, do you. Sisko: I know something they might understand. Seven maaza stalks. This is food. Please, try one. Major, show them it's okay. Kira: See? It's really very good. Kira: I'm glad you like them. Haneek: Noloux bataak rama satta. Rama emal jeetaka. Zula koo Gadoux soka gee. Kira: I'm sorry I don't understand. Haneek: Bataak rama satta. Rama satta. Zula koo. Hemena kee. Soulak. Need estassa. Odo: Wait. Did you hear that? I think she said need. Sisko: Go on, keep talking. Haneek: Ganoux? Noloux bataak rama setta my people yeekopa Skrreea havou fotar save them. Kira: Save them?! How? Do you understand what I'm saying? Keep talking. Haneek: Noloux Skrreea soka roo need your help. There's no time. Soulak. We are the Skrreea. My people need your help. There's no time to waste. Kira: You're people are the Skrreea. You need our help. There's no time to waste. Sisko: Your people, where are they? Haneek: They're on the creshnee side of the Eye. Kira: The Eye? Haneek: The Eye of the Universe. The tunnel. Odo: I think she means the wormhole. Haneek: They're on the other side. They don't realize we found the Eye. Sisko: How many people are we talking about? Haneek: Many. Three jeetaka. Kira: Three hundred? Three thousand? Odo: Three million? Haneek: Three million. Three million of my people are on the other side. We must bring them through the Eye. We must bring them here. Kira: Is there anything wrong? Haneek: I'm just not used to the men being here. Skrreean men don't involve themselves in situations like this. Dax: Are all your leaders women? Haneek: Yes. Bashir: All of them? Dax: You heard her, Julian. Haneek: Men are much too emotional to be leaders. They're always fighting among themselves. It's their favorite thing to do. I'm sorry. I hope I haven't offended anyone. Sisko: Sorry to keep you waiting. Dax: That's all right, Benjamin. Haneek was just telling us how the Skrreea are a female dominant society. O'Brien: It seems the men are a bit too emotional to become leaders. Haneek: Please do not misunderstand. We love our men. Really. Sisko: Are you one of the leaders of your people, Haneek? Haneek: Me? Oh, no. I'm little more than a farmer. I was just lucky. Bashir: How so? Haneek: I was the first one to find the Eye of the Universe. Dax: You were looking for the wormhole? Haneek: We had heard about a great tunnel being diskovered. We knew it must be the Eye of the Universe that would lead us to Kentanna. O'Brien: Kentanna? Haneek: Kentanna is the legendary home of the Skrreeans. It has always been portrayed in our sacred texts as being just beyond the Eye of the Universe. A planet of sorrow where the Skrreean will sow seeds of joy. Sisko: I can't guarantee you'll find Kentanna, but I can promise you that we'll help you find a home. We've sent our runabouts to the Gamma Quadrant to make contact with your ships. Haneek: That will be difficult. They're spread out, looking for the Eye. Odo: And when we find them, what then? This station only holds seven thousand people. You're talking about three million Skrreeans. Kira: I'm afraid most of your people will have to stay confined to their ships. Haneek: I understand. Sisko: In the meantime, is there any one person we should be looking for? A leader or leaders? Haneek: Most of our leaders were killed by the T-Rogorans. Bashir: The T-Rogorans? Who are they? Haneek: For eight centuries my people have lived under their rule. We've been forced to work as laborers and servants. We were able to escape when the T-Rogorans were invaded and conquered. Odo: Who conquered them? Haneek: I don't know their name. I only know they were members of something called the Dominion. Kira: Did I wake you? Haneek: That's all right. Please, come in. Computer, lights on full. Kira: I can come back. Haneek: No. You've been so kind to me, how could I possibly refuse your company? Haneek: Go back to bed. Go on. Go on. I'll join you again after I'm through. Kira: Are those your husbands? Haneek: Hus-bands? I'm not familiar with that word. They're bonded to me. Kira: Do you sleep with them both? Haneek: Of course. Don't you sleep with your males? Kira: No, I don't have any males. Not at the moment, anyway. Haneek: They're very useful. Kira: Yes, I can imagine they are. I just wanted to tell you we found some of your ships. Several hundred Skrreeans should be arriving at the station today. We thought it would be a good idea if you were there to meet them. Haneek: Why me? Kira: You yourself said most of your leaders were dead. Haneek: Yes, that's true, but Kira, I'm just a farmer. Kira: You also were the first one through the Eye of the Universe. That's got to mean something, in some symbolic sort of way. Oh, here. I brought you something. Go ahead, open it. Kira: You seemed to like it. Haneek: I'm sorry. I think you misunderstood. Kira: What do you mean? Haneek: I thought this was the most hideous thing I'd ever seen. Kira: Well, that makes two of us. Haneek: It's awful. Kira: It's horrible. Who would wear that? Jake: It was no big deal. Nog: You go out on a date with a dabo girl for the first time and you sit there and tell me it was no big deal? Jake: It's wasn't really a date. Nog: Does your father know you went out with her? Jake: Not exactly. Nog: He doesn't? Jake: I told him I had to help someone with their homework. Nog: Good thinking. Too bad I won't ever be able to use that lie. My dad knows I never do homework. Jake: It's not a lie, Nog. Mardah's studying entomology. She asked me to help her out. Nog: A dabo girl who studies entomology? Sure. Jake: It's true. Nog: What is entomology? Jake: The study of bugs. Nog: You mean she wants to be a chef? Jake: Hey, who's that? Nog: I don't know. What's he doing? Nog: That's disgusting. Jake: He must be one of those Skrreeans. My dad says there's a lot more on the way. Jake: Hi! Nog: Doesn't he know what a replicator's for? Idiot. So, does Mardah have any sisters? O'Brien: Commander, I've cleared the Skrreean ship to dock at upper pylon two. Sisko: It's time to welcome your people to the Alpha Quadrant, Haneek. Haneek: Come along. Don't be afraid. Come on. It's all right, you're among friends. Don't be afraid. It's all right. It's all right. Odo: Slow down! There's no running on the Promenade! It's going to get awfully crowded around here, Commander Sisko: I know, Constable, but it's worth it. Just look at them. They're experiencing their first taste of freedom. Jake: Nog! Where are you going? Nog: Can't talk now! Got to run! Odo: Nog! You know there's no running on the Promenade. Nog: Who's running? Odo: What seems to be the problem? Jake: What's that smell? Tumak: Ask him! Nog: Me? You're the one who stinks! Tumak: That's because you sprayed that vapor on us! Odo: Is that true, Nog? Nog: No! Odo: Nog? Nog: It was a joke! Odo: Very amusing. Thank you for bringing this to my attention. I'll take care of it from here. Tumak: This isn't over yet, Big Ears! Nog: Hey, here's a new one. What kind of name is Plix Tixiplik? Odo: I believe he's a Reegrunion. Nog: Wanted in seven star systems for illegal weapon sales. Weapon sales, huh? Very profitable. Odo: How would you know about that? Nog: My Uncle Quark told me. Odo: And what would your Uncle Quark know about illegal weapon sales? Nog: He, er, he, er Quark: Knows better than to ever get involved in anything so disreputable. Odo: I'm sure. I asked that the boy's father come to see me. Quark: Rom is doing the weekly stock inventory. I don't want to interrupt him. You know how easy he loses count, so I came in his place. Nog, have you been causing mischief again? Nog: No, Uncle. It's all a misunderstanding. Odo: He sprayed several Skrreean boys with a foul-smelling vapor. Quark: Did he. What do you have to say for yourself? Nog: I'm sorry? Quark: You see? The boy's beside himself with guilt. Odo: That doesn't excuse his actions. Quark: And he will be punished severely. Nog: I will? Quark: I want you to tell the Constable here that you will never do it again. Nog: I won't? I mean I won't. I promise. Never again. Odo: See that you don't. Nog: Can I leave now? Odo: Go on. Quark: You know, you really can't blame the boy. Odo: And why's that? Quark: Oh, come on, Odo. You know these Skrreeans are nothing but trouble. They're all over the station, looking and touching, never buying anything. And they flake. Odo: I didn't notice. Quark: Come to my place. You'll see little pieces of Skrreean skin all over the bar and the floor. It's disgusting. Odo: They won't be here long. Quark: I hope not. They're driving my paying customers away. If they stay here too long I'll be out of business. Odo: In that case, I hope they never leave. Vayna: We've talked it over among ourselves. Our feelings were unanimous. You diskovered the Eye of the Universe. You must lead us the rest of the way. Haneek: I'll do the best I can. Kira: That looked serious. Is everything all right? Haneek: Look at them. Look at my people. I've never seen them so happy. And here I sit, feeling trapped. Kira: Why? Haneek: They expect me to lead them to Kentanna. Kira: It's going to be okay. Commander Sisko is doing everything he can to find you a place to live. You're not alone. Varani: I hope I'm not intruding. Kira: Oh, not at all. Haneek, this is Varani, a great musician. Maybe the greatest Bajor has ever known. Varani: She exaggerates, but that's why I'm so fond of her. Being a Bajoran, I know what it's like to be displaced. As a token of friendship, I would like to give you this. Varani: It's from a concert I played many years ago at the Jalanda Forum. Haneek: Tumak, where have you been? Tumak: Nowhere. Haneek: Where are you going? Tumak: To wash. Haneek: Computer, please show me a chart of this star system. Jake: So what did your Dad say? Nog: About what? Jake: About you getting in trouble with Odo. Nog: He was very angry. Jake: He was? Nog: He always gets angry when I get caught. Nog: I just remembered. I have some errands to run for my uncle. Jake: You're going to have to face them sooner or later. Tumak: That was very funny, what you did. Nog: You see, Jake? There's a man with a sense of humor. Tumak: Nobody's laughing. Jake: And luckily nobody got hurt. I think my friend's real sorry for what he did. Aren't you? Nog: I suppose. Jake: See? What did I tell you? Tumak: He doesn't sound sorry to me. Nog: I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'm sorry! Quark: All right, that's enough. Break it up. I said, break it up! Quark: It's bad enough you're all hanging around the station without buying anything. You have to start fighting, too? Tumak: I thought we were welcome here. Quark: Well make yourselves welcome somewhere else. Tumak: You don't want us here. You don't want anything to do with us. We don't want anything to do with you. Any of you! Quark: I can see the Skrreean don't bother to teach their children manners. Sisko: Dax and I have been combing through data on every uninhabited M class planet in the sector. We think that Draylon Two would make a perfect home for the Skrreea. Kira: Draylon Two? Never heard of it. Dax: It's near Sefalla Prime. It's got definite possibilities. Stable orbit, temperate climate, and very low surface radiation. Sisko: Add to that good soil and a long growing season. I think it's our best bet. Sisko: May we come in? Haneek: Of course. Sisko: Ladies. Haneek: Forgive them, Commander Sisko. They don't mean any disrespect. Sisko: I understand. We have some encouraging news. Kira: We think we've found a planet for you and your people, one with excellent potential for resettlement. Haneek: We appreciate all your hard work, but I'm afraid it was unnecessary. You see, we've found Kentanna. Kira: You did? Haneek: A planet of sorrow, Kira. Don't you see? Kentanna is your planet. Kentanna is Bajor. Sisko: Captain's log, stardate 47391.2. Chief O'Brien is continuing to oversee repairs to the Skrreean ships docked at the station. Meanwhile, Minister Rozahn and Vedek Sorad have arrived from Bajor with an official response to the Skrreeans' request to immigrate. Varani: Major, if I may have a moment. Kira: I'm sorry, Varani. I'm on my way to a meeting. Varani: I know. With Minister Rozahn and Vedek Sorad. I presume Haneek will be there as well. Kira: That's right. Varani: Please tell her my heart goes out to her and her people. Tell her how much Bajorans everywhere regret having to refuse their request. Kira: Aren't you being a little premature? Varani: Am I? You know what the provisional government's answer is going to be. Kira: These are people who've lost everything, Varani. Varani: I know, and I wish there was some way we could help them. But Bajor is in shambles, Kira. You know that as well as I do. Rozahn: First of all, I want you all to know that the provisional government has taken the Skrreeans' request for immigration very seriously. The debate in the Chamber of Ministers became quite heated at times. Though I suppose you could say that about all of our debates. Sisko: But a decision was reached? Rozahn: Yes. I was sent here to tell you that the Ministers in accord with the Vedek Assembly have decided to deny the Skrreeans' request. I am sorry. Sorad: Bajor simply cannot absorb three million refugees at this time. Rozahn: After what the Cardassians did to our planet, we can barely take care of our own. Haneek: But no one is asking you to take care of us. Sorad: This decision is not based strictly on Bajoran self-interest. Such a huge increase in population would prove to be tragic to your people as well as ours. Haneek: But Bajor has more than enough room for us. The plains of the northwest peninsula are practically uninhabited. The land's ideal for farming. Rozahn: It used to be, before the Cardassians got their hands on it. Haneek: Minister Rozahn, the Skrreeans are farmers. Just give us the land. I guarantee you we can make it thrive again. Rozahn: Under ideal circumstances, perhaps you could. But what if the circumstances aren't ideal? What if we go through another long winter? What if your crops fail? What if the famine that has been plaguing Bajor continues to spread? What then? Haneek: We're willing to take that risk. Rozahn: I'm afraid we aren't. We ran a series of projections to see whether a Skrreean settlement could survive on the northwest peninsula. The results were not encouraging. Sisko: Haneek, I think you should seriously consider Draylon Two as an alternate to Bajor. The winters are mild, there's plenty of good farmland. Haneek: No! Projections can be wrong. Sorad: But what if they're not? What is Bajor to do if your people start dying? Haneek: I thought I made that clear. We are not expecting your help. Rozahn: Do you really think we could stand by and do nothing? We would feel obligated to help with food, with clothing, with whatever it would take. Sorad: And where would that aid come from? Our resources are already depleted. To help you would mean depriving our own people. Rozahn: I'm afraid the decision of the provisional government is final. The Skrreea will have to find somewhere else to live. Haneek: Please, talk to them. Tell them they're wrong. Help us. Kira: I can't. I'm sorry, Haneek, but they're right. I wish they weren't. I wish Bajor was Kentanna, but it's not. Sisko: There's still Draylon Two. Jake: Excuse me. Jake: If you like cake, the icoberry torte is really good. Tumak: Is that big-eared troll really your friend? Jake: Yeah. Tumak: He's an idiot. Jake: You're not the first one to say that. But he's not such a bad guy once you get to know him. Tumak: I don't plan on being around here that long. Jake: My dad says you're probably going to Draylon Two. Tumak: Does he? Jake: Yeah. Sounds like a nice place. Tumak: Do you want to move there? Jake: No. Tumak: Neither do I. Haneek: Come in. Kira: Haneek. Haneek: The thing I don't understand is why you pretended to be my friend. Kira: I wasn't pretending. Haneek: Ah. So you are my friend until I need you. Kira: I know it's hard for you to see right now, but I am trying to help. Haneek: I think I've had quite enough of your help. Kira: You've got to believe me, Commander Sisko has found you a wonderful home. Haneek: You betrayed me, Kira. Kira: No, I didn't. I honestly believe the provisional government made the right decision, for both Bajor and the Skrreeans. Haneek: If that's true, we have nothing more to discuss. Kira: I was hoping we could still be friends. Haneek: So in other words, you came here looking for forgiveness. Well, I don't forgive you. Sisko: Sisko to Kira. Kira: Go ahead, Commander. Sisko: Is Haneek with you? Kira: Yes. Sisko: I need both of you in Ops immediately. Tumak has taken a ship. He's headed for Bajor. O'Brien: They're not responding, sir. Sisko: Keep trying, Mister O'Brien. Kira: How did this happen? Sisko: With all the traffic around the station, Tumak and two of his friends were able to slip away. We didn't even know the ship was gone until the Bajorans contacted us. Haneek, I need for you to try to talk to your son. O'Brien: There's a high-energy radiation leak in the port nacelle. We've tried to make him aware of it, but he refuses to acknowledge us. Sisko: Major, open a channel to the Skrreean vessel. Kira: Yes, sir. Ready. Haneek: Tumak? Listen to me. Your ship's in danger. Sisko: Have him turn off his engines and drift until the Bajorans can tractor him in. Haneek: Tumak, turn off your engines. You must turn off your engines now. O'Brien: He's not responding Haneek: Tumak, this is serious. Your life is in danger. The others who are with you, their lives are in danger. Please, answer me! Dax: Sensors are detecting two Bajoran vessels closing in on the Skrreean ship. Sisko: Display it here. Mister O'Brien, patch us into the Bajoran interceptor. O'Brien: Aye, sir. Pilot: have entered restricted space you must turn around and leave immediately. Kira: Open a channel. This is Major Kira Nerys on Deep Space Nine. The Skrreean vessel has refused to acknowledge our hails. Communications may be down. You have to let them land. Pilot: That's impossible, Major we have strict orders not to allow any Skrreean vessel to land. Kira: The pilot's just a boy. He took the ship without permission It's barely operational. We're not sure he'll make it back here. Pilot: I'm sorry, Major, but we have our orders. Kira: Who gave you those orders? Pilot: They come directly from General Hazar. Sisko: Dax, get me General Hazar on Bajor. Tell his people it's an emergency. I want to speak with him now. Kira: Stand by, interceptor. General Hazar will be countermanding those orders any minute. O'Brien: The interceptor's closing on the Skrreean ship. Dax: It's General Hazar, Benjamin. Sisko: On screen. Hazar: What is this about, Commander? Sisko: It's about the Skrreean vessel that's approaching Bajor. Hazar: I've already given the order to have it turned back. Sisko: That ship is being flown by a child and it's leaking radiation. Hazar: A child? Pilot: Skrreean ship. Repeating. Return to the space station now. Hazar: Have him shut down his engines. We'll tow him back. Haneek: Tumak, please, turn your engines off! Kira: Interceptor One, what's going on? Pilot: They've opened fire on us. Taking evasive action. Haneek: Tumak, don't do this! Pilot: We've been hit! O'Brien: Commander, they're returning fire. Haneek: No! Kira: Disengage, interceptor! Repeat, disengage! Sisko: General, tell your pilots to hold their fire. Hazar: Relaying that order now. Kira: Interceptor One. Pilot: The Skrreean ship exploded. I didn't even think we hit it. O'Brien: The phaser beam must've ignited the radiation leak. Hazar: I'm very sorry, Commander. Sisko: We all are, General. Kira: I just stopped by to wish you luck on Draylon Two. Haneek, I still believe this is the best choice, for Bajor and for you. Haneek: You still believe we would have been a burden to your people? Kira: Yes. Haneek: I think you've made a terrible mistake. All of you. Maybe we could have helped you. Maybe we could have helped each other. The Skrreeans are farmers, Kira. You have a famine on your planet. Perhaps we could have made that peninsula bloom again. We'll never know, will we? Fifty years of Cardassian rule has made you all frightened and suspicious. I feel sorry for you. You were right. Bajor is not Kentanna.

Alsia: When my husband was alive, we ran the business together, and I managed to put away a bit of latinum every year just for myself. Now he's gone, well, I've got quite a little sum. Martus: That's important. Alsia: Well, to be honest, it's not enough. Not for the future. Not for the way I want to live out my retirement. So, I've decided to invest it all. I can't believe I'm telling you this. I just met you but I feel like I can really trust you. It's like I've known you forever. Martus: When hearts are in sympathy, time collapses. Alsia: I'm taking everything I've saved and I'm purchasing the mining concession on the entire Vlugta asteroid belt. Martus: How ambitious. And such an adventurous undertaking for a woman of your delicate sensibilities. Are you sure that's wise? Prospecting can be risky. Alsia: Not this time. My father was a stellar cartographer. Thirty years ago, he conducted a full spectrum mineral analysis of those asteroids but he never had the means to follow up on what he found. Martus: And now you plan to carry out your father's dream. Alsia: When his survey results become public, I'll get seven times my investment back overnight. I still can't believe I'm telling you this. My secret plan. I've been thinking about it for years. I never even told my husband. It must be all this Gamzian wine. Martus: How brave of you to do all of this on your own. Alsia: It hasn't been easy. There's so much to keep track of, so much to do. Martus: Maybe I could help. Would you consider some kind of partnership? Odo: Let's go. Martus: Exactly where are we going? Odo: To Security. Martus: But I've done nothing wrong. Alsia: It's true. We were just talking. Odo: You were talking, madam. He was listening. Martus: Security Chief Odo, isn't it? Odo: I've been watching you ever since you arrived. Martus: Should I be flattered? Odo: Martus Mazur, a refuge from the El-Aurian system. Martus: Well, everyone has to be from somewhere. Where are you from, Odo? Odo: Don't pull that routine on me. Martus: What routine? Odo: I know all about you El-Aurians. You're listeners. People like to talk to you. Martus: Everyone has to have someone to confide in, someone to hear their stories I offer a sympathetic ear. And if they request my help I give it to them. Odo: That couple from Pythro Five told me you asked for their financial access codes. Martus: Some might call helping an elderly couple invest their savings a compassionate act. Odo: Not when you invest it in your own business. A business that promptly folds. Martus: I had a run of bad luck. No one regrets it more than I do. Odo: You're a con man. And they've signed a complaint. Martus: This isn't necessary. It really isn't necessary. I'm not going anywhere. Let's have a drink. Talk a bit? Bashir: Chief. O'Brien: Hello, Doctor. Bashir: Great job. You built it yourself, didn't you? O'Brien: Yeah. Just finished. I missed playing and I figured there'd be at least a couple of other players on board. I didn't think you'd be one of them. BASHIR Captain of the team at Starfleet Medical Academy. We took the sector championships in my final year. O'Brien: Against other medical students? Bashir: Against everybody. Played a Vulcan in the finals. Talk about stamina. I don't think he ever actually broke a sweat. O'Brien: And you won? Bashir: Took him on a back wall riser shot. O'Brien: Well, I can't say I've had much in the way of formal training myself, but it's been a serious pastime for a lot of years. Bashir: Some of the toughest players I've come up against didn't really know what they were doing. O'Brien: Really. Bashir: Formally I mean. Hey, whatever works, works. This exercise for example, I picked up at a tournament from a top player. It's a five thousand year old battle warm-up. According to the legend, it makes the heart a friend to the hand. Medically, I don't really know what that means, but it seems to give me a lot of energy. Fancy a game? O'Brien: Serve. Bashir: I guess from the lines you prefer the old style rules. O'Brien: I can play any style you like. Bashir: Traditional it is, then. Always been my personal favorite. O'Brien: Serve! Bashir: One. Martus: Pardon me, friend. Pardon me! Martus: Friend? Friend, re you all right? Martus: I thought you'd died. Cos: If only I could be so fortunate. Martus: You were snoring. Cos: Please accept my apologies. I didn't mean to disturb you, but as you can see, my health is not so good. Martus: Yes, well, I'm sorry I had to wake you. Cos: I wasn't always like this. Martus: Of course not. Cos: I had youth, vigor, fame, wealth beyond measure. All gone. Martus: I'm not listening. Cos: All because of this. Martus: A gambling device? Did you win? Cos: Of course not. Martus: You gambled away everything you had? Cos: In a manner of speaking. Every trade deal I struck was a disaster. Every alliance I formed fell apart. Every endeavor backed, a failure. Martus: But what does this have to do with the toy? Sounds like you just had a lot of rotten luck. Cos: Yes. Rotten luck. In the end It all comes down to luck. I won! Martus: That's nice. What did you win? Martus: Officer, you've got a dead prisoner in here. Officer! Keiko: How'd it go? Keiko: Good workout? O'Brien: Medical school. Captain of the team at Medical school. Keiko: Who are you talking about? O'Brien: Bashir. Keiko: You had a game? O'Brien: No, he had a game. I just kind of stumbled around the court for ninety minutes and made a complete ass of myself. Keiko: I'm sure he didn't see it that way. O'Brien: The hell he didn't. That smug look on his face. I guess you prefer old style rules. Like I was some kind of a fossil. In my day, I could've wiped the court with him. Keiko: That's the point. You're not a kid anymore. It's nothing to be ashamed of. People just naturally slow down. O'Brien: Like molasses in winter, huh? Thanks. Keiko: Miles, you're taking this way too seriously. O'Brien: I'm out of shape, that's all. I just need to get my wind back. Sector Champion, my eye. He's vulnerable to every one of my best shots. I just couldn't get them there. This time. Bashir: I thought he was going to have a heart attack. Dax: Come on, Julian. It couldn't have been that bad. Bashir: No, really. His face was flushed. I could've taken his pulse just watching the side of his neck. Dax: Why didn't you stop it? Bashir: Don't think I didn't try. After the first game, I told him I had an appointment. He ignored me. After the second game, I told him I was getting tired. He didn't believe me. And then his racquet broke and I thought, finally. But no. He made me stay there while he went away and replicated another one. Dax: So what finally happened? Bashir: While he was gone, I called my assistant and told her. May I? Told her to call me back after five minutes and say there was an emergency at the Infirmary. Dax: That's terrible. Bashir: There was no other way out. Otherwise there would have been an emergency. Chief O'Brien's coronary. Dax: At least it's all over. Bashir: That's just it. This is just the beginning. The Chief wants a rematch, and I'm telling you, it's going to kill him. Dax: Honestly, Julian, you're exaggerating. O'Brien's can't be a day over thirty eight. Bashir: He's too young to die. I guess I'm overstating the health risk. That's not the point. The Chief has a lot of pride, and for good reason. I really respect him, the things he does, the kind of man he is. I just don't want to humiliate him. Martus: Another winner. What luck. Odo: The Pythron couple has refused to press charges. You can go. Martus: Of course. Didn't I tell you? They're my friends. Quark: All right. Double or nothing. Rom: House always takes blue. Quark: Sorry, the drink's on you. Can I help you. Martus: Prosecco. Quark: And how do you plan on paying for this? With charm, perhaps? Martus: Double or nothing? Quark: Double nothing is still nothing. Martus: If I lose, I'll give you this. Quark: House always takes blue. Quark: Lucky. Martus: My luck's running good today. Quark: So I heard. Decided not to testify, did they? Martus: I don't know what you mean. Quark: No? The forty seventh Rule of Acquisition says 'Don't trust a man wearing a better suit than your own.' Either you're a con artist or you're covering up an empty coin purse. I happen to know it's both. Martus: Well, we can't all be as successful as you are. Quark: Too true. Quark: Some kind of game? I've never seen that one before. How do you play? Martus: Just push the key. Martus: Too bad. Martus: As I told you, my luck's running good today. Quark: Am I supposed to be impressed? Martus: A little tinkering, some replication and expansion, it might make a nice addition to your casino. Quark: And who would play this? It's just a child's toy. My nephew, it might keep him out of my ears for a couple of days. I'll take it. Martus: That's a tidy sum. Quark: I'm feeling benevolent today. Have another. Martus: I might have accepted, but the offer of the drink? That tells me you're very interested. Quark: Nonsense. You read too much into nothing. My benevolence is known far and wide. Martus: Oh, it's legendary, I'm sure. I'll take one hundred times what you've got here. Quark: Not in this space-time continuum, you won't. Go try to peddle this little triviality down on Bajor. You might be able to trade it for a meal, but it won't be a hot one. Martus: You'll be in profit by the end of the week. Quark: Final offer. Take it before my generosity fades. Martus: Perhaps I'll hold on to it a bit longer. Quark: Suit yourself. But be under no illusion. If I was serious about acquiring this, it would be mine, and for substantially less than what you'd hoped for. Martus: It seems overconfidence comes in small packages around here. Quark: My track record speaks for itself, just like your security file. Martus: Thanks for the drink. Martus: Times are difficult. Roana: Oh, it's not that. Business was good. Martus: Then why are you shutting down? Roana: My husband and I ran this place for nine years. Before that, we had a shop on Bajor for seventeen. But a few months ago he passed away, and my heart just not in it anymore. Martus: Not the same, is it, working by yourself. Roana: No. It's so much nicer to work next to someone else. You understand. Bashir: Nice shot. Bashir: Damn. O'Brien: You think I'm stupid, too? Bashir: I don't know what you're talking about. O'Brien: I don't need your charity. Next time, you either play your best game or you don't play. Quark: He can't do this. I have an exclusive contract. I want him arrested. Odo: Who are you talking about? Quark: Martus, that listener. Odo: What's he done? Quark: Just look. Martus: Welcome, friends, welcome, welcome. Welcome to Club Martus. Quark: I have a contract for which I paid considerably. All gambling on DS Nine happens at Quark's or it doesn't happen. Sisko: A few bribes to the Cardassians when they ran this place doesn't constitute a contract, not in the eyes of the Federation. Quark: He's a con-artist, a crook. Sisko: One more won't make much difference. Quark: Without me, the other merchants would have abandoned the station. Quark: You owe me. You begged me to stay here when you first came on board and I did, against my better judgment. Sisko: I didn't beg, I blackmailed you. And don't pretend it hasn't paid off for you either. Quark: It's paid off fine until now. Martus is cutting into my profits. I want him stopped before it gets any worse. Rom: Too late for that, my brother. Quark: What is the meaning of this? Martus: I've promised your underpaid sibling a one quarter partnership in my establishment. Rom: Make me a better offer. Quark: A bidding war? Over you? Don't make me laugh. Careful, Martus. He shaves the latinum. Rom: I do not. Not much. Alsia: Martus, I just received word that the Vlugta government has accepted my bid. Martus: That's wonderful. What's wrong? Alsia: They won't finalize the transaction until I commission a study on the effects of asteroid mining on inner-system navigation. All my money is committed to the bid. I can't afford the study and I only have a week to get it done. Martus: How much do you need? Alsia: Ten thousand Isiks. Martus: Ten thousand Isiks? It won't be easy to raise that kind of money. Alsia: I hope I can find an investor in time. Martus: I might know someone. But what kind of return could they expect on their investment? Alsia: Once I begin mining, I'd pay back ten times ten thousand. Martus: Don't worry, Alsia, I'll do everything in my power to keep your dream alive. Alsia: Oh, Martus, I don't know how to thank you. Martus: Is there some problem, Rom? Rom: Not with this batch but with my brother around you can never be too careful. Martus: You mean to say he'd poison the canapés? Rom: Maybe not poison, but a small intestinal bug? I wouldn't put it past him. Martus: Don't worry about Quark. I've had the most astonishing run of luck lately. I'm beginning to think I can do no wrong. Martus: Neatness counts. Never think it doesn't. A toast to the Queen of the Promenade. A woman whose business acumen is matched only by her beauty and charm. Have I missed anything? To you, my treasure. Are you as pleased as I am? Roana: What do you think? Martus: I think we make quite a good team. Perhaps we should consider formalizing our relationship. Roana: Are you proposing to me? Martus: What do you think? Roana: It's beautiful. Martus: You deserve nothing less. Roana: And these are wonderful. Where did you find them? Martus: I had them replicated from a handheld version a friend gave me. Roana: I've never seen anything like them. Martus: No one has. Kira: All right, is this everything you'll need for the lab? Dax: I think so. Dax: I don't believe it. Kira: Believe what? Dax: I've had the computer looking for this program for weeks. It was buried somewhere in the deep code level right before the Cardassians left. Kira: How'd you find it? Dax: I'm not sure. It's more like it found me. Just lucky, I guess. Bashir: I'm so sorry. O'Brien: What happened? Bashir: You served, I returned low, you slipped on the ball. O'Brien: I slipped on the ball? Bashir: Stepped right on it mid-flight. Never seen anything like it. Easy now, let me check you out. O'Brien: I'm fine. Serve. Crewman: Doctor Bashir, report to the Infirmary. Bashir: I'm sorry, Chief, I have to go. O'Brien: I'll get you next time, okay? Bashir: Look, about that. It's just that I guess I don't enjoy this game as much as I used to. I hope you don't mind. I'm sure you'll find another opponent. O'Brien: Where is everybody? Quark: My friendly competitor's place. A listener. So what? So he listens. I can listen. I can listen as well as anyone. What happened? O'Brien: I fell down. Quark: See? I'm listening. Nothing to it. How did you fall down? O'Brien: Playing racquetball with Bashir. Quark: Where? O'Brien: On the court, where do you think? Quark: What was the score? O'Brien: Who cares? Quark: I care. I'm listening. Tell me your problems, all of them. O'Brien: I've got no problems a good drop shot wouldn't cure. Quark: He beat you. O'Brien: Only by half a step, that's all. He's got a few years on me. So what. I've got more experience. Quark: The aging champion. O'Brien: I've got spin shots he's never even seen Quark: Versus the daring challenger. O'Brien: So I had some bad breaks. One more game. That's all I needed. Quark: Come one, come all. O'Brien: I'd've kicked him all over the court. Quark: Welcome to Quark's. O'Brien: Thanks. Quark: Don't mention it. Quark's House of Champions Kira: Damn. Sisko: Something wrong, Major? Kira: My terminal just self-destructed. Dax: What? Kira: I lost an evaluation report I've been working on for weeks. Dax: Even the backups? Kira: Even the backups. Sisko: Funny, I've been hearing a lot of bad luck stories in the last few hours. Doctor Bashir tells me the Infirmary is full of minor accidents. People slipping and falling, walking into turbolift doors before they open, that kind of thing. Dax: Well, I've had a great day so don't try to send your misfortunes my way. Kira: Come on. You make our own luck. We all know that. Kira: Ow! Martus: They all hit the jackpot at once? Is there any way I can blame this on you? Rom: I don't think so. Martus: No, I suppose not. All right, pay them all off. Quark: Challenge of the Galaxy. Match of the Century. Wonder of the Wormhole. Quark: House always takes blue. Quark: If it's action you want, you've come to the right place. Excitement? We've got it all. Thrills, spills, victory and defeat. Look no further. We've got it all. Quark: And here he is, the reigning champion of Starfleet. A legend on both sides of the wormhole. Ladies and gentlemen, Miles The Mechanic O'Brien! O'Brien: What's this all about? I got an emergency call. Bashir: So did I, but I don't see any emergency. Quark: And the challenger. He's fast, he's deadly, he's Julian Bashir. They call him the Doctor. The grudge match of the galaxy! O'Brien: Get down here! Quark: And all For a worthy cause. Yes, these noble competitors have insisted that I donate half the house's winnings to the Bajoran Fund for Orphans. O'Brien: Orphans? Quark: The Mechanic versus the Doctor. Tomorrow, twelve hundred hours. Only one will emerge victorious, so place your bets. And in the meantime, the tables are open. Bashir: This is outrageous. We haven't agreed to anything. Quark: As your exclusive promoter, I have the right to arrange matches as I see fit. Bashir: Exclusive promoter? Quark: Just sign here. O'Brien: Forget it, Quark. Quark: I understand how you feel, but think of the children. The monks have already made a down payment on new blankets for the winter. Ah well, I'm sure the little ones can huddle together for warmth. Bashir: Looks like you're going to get that rematch after all. Dax: I don't believe it. The program I found. It disappeared. Sisko: Have you checked the deep code level? Dax: No luck. It's funny, it's like the computer brought that program up at random then just swallowed it up again. Sisko: Major, are you all right. Kira: Not even a sprain, which is more than I can say for everybody else in the Infirmary. Sisko: Still crowded? Kira: Yeah. And Doctor Bashir tells me it's a whole new batch. Sisko: More minor accidents? Kira: Dozens of them. Dax: Could there be a connection between the accidents and the increase in the system failures? Kira: I didn't get hurt by a system failure. I tripped and fell. Just coincidence, that's all. Sisko: There must be a logical explanation for all of this. Maybe a virus or some kind of spatial disruption? Dax: It would have to be something that would affect both people and machinery. Sisko: Get on it. Rom: I always had smaller lobes than the rest of the boys. They used to tease me about it. Quark was the worst. He told everyone I was adopted. Martus: I just don't understand. Things were going so well. Rom: On my naming day, Quark substituted old vegetables for my presents. Then he sold the presents for more than our father had paid for them. Martus: I couldn't care less about your trivial childhood. We've been virtually abandoned, and I want to know why. Rom: A bad streak. It happens. Martus: Not to me it doesn't. I require the comfort of a compassionate soul. Roana: Don't think I didn't see through you right from the start. Martus: It's a joke. Really. Roana: Well in case you've forgotten, I still hold the lease on this place. I want you out of here by tomorrow, and take those damn things with you. Martus: But, but Martus: But Treasure! Rom: Oh, I knew no good would come of this. I never should've left Quark. What's going to happen now? Martus: I'm not sure. But I have an idea. Martus: The profits from the Club. I believe it comes to just about ten thousand Isiks. Alsia: Oh, Martus, you don't know how much this means to me. Martus: I know what it means to me. Ten times as much in return. Alsia: You won't regret this. You'll see. We'll both be rich. O'Brien: You can beat his backhand. Keep the ball low and to his left. Corner return on the serve, then kill shot left. If he returns again, high back wall And remember Keiko: Win or lose, tonight we celebrate. Miles, wait. Keiko: A silk handkerchief, medieval Japanese design, scented with my perfume. Keiko: Kick his butt. Quark: Doctor, I brought you something. A token of thanks from the monks to show how much they appreciate your participation in their little fund-raiser. Bashir: Thanks. Put it over there. Quark: Aren't you going to try some? Bashir: What is it? Quark: The monks tell me it's a medicinal brew. An ancient secret of their order. It's supposed to impart great energy and vigor. Just the kind of thing to have before an athletic competition. But you're a man of science. You probably don't believe in folk medicine. Bashir: Actually, you'd be surprised just how often traditional medicine turns out to have genuine value. Did they say was in this stuff? Quark: They didn't exactly, but I'm sure it's all completely natural. Oh, the monks said you should drink the whole thing in one gulp in order to get the proper effect. Bashir: Did they? Quark: What are you doing? Bashir: Just curious about its contents. Quark: But what about your exercises? Bashir: This won't take a second. Quark: Why bother? Don't you trust the monks? Bashir: Water, sucrose, dextrose, tribnel root extract, grain particulates, yeast, synthehol, and seventeen milligrams of hyvroxilated quint-ethyl metacetamine. Quark: Like I said, all natural. Bashir: It's an anesthetic, Quark. If I drank that, I'd hardly be able to stand, let alone play racquetball. You were trying to fix the match, weren't you. Quark: Would I do that? Bashir: If you had enough latinum bet on Chief O'Brien you would. Quark: No one's betting on Chief O'Brien. All the money's on you. If you win, there won't be any profits. And if there aren't any profits, I can't donate anything to the monks. No donations, no winter blankets for the children. But if you lose, then the house would win, and the monks would get their blankets. Bashir: Are you suggesting that I throw the match? Quark: For the children. Bashir: Forget it, Quark. Quark: But the blankets Bashir: Will be provided by you one way or another, and if the monks don't get their blankets, Chief O'Brien and I'll be very upset. Do I make myself clear? Quark: Perfectly. Bashir: Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a match to play. Sisko: Kira said you'd found something. Dax: Oh, I found something all right. I just don't know what it means. Look at this. Sisko: Solar neutrinos. Dax: Notice anything unusual? Kira: There're a lot of them? Dax: The spin. Given the laws of probability, from any point of view, about half of them should be spinning clockwise and the other half counterclockwise. But over eighty percent of them are spinning clockwise. Kira: You're saying people are having accidents because of the way the neutrinos are spinning? Dax: No, but I think it's a symptom of the same problem. The neutrinos outside the station are normal, but inside the station something very strange is going on. O'Brien: Have a good game, Julian. Bashir: You too. Quark: First point, O'Brien, breaking the serve. So it begins Quark: Two zero, O'Brien. Not a rousing start for the Doctor. Martus: Where is she? Rom: Who? Martus: Alsia. She was supposed to meet me here and tell me how the bid went. Rom: I still don't think it's fair. You investing my money without asking. Martus: Your money? Rom: You promised me one quarter of the profits, but then you gave her everything we earned. Martus: I promised you a quarter of the profits after expenses. Rom: Expenses? What expenses? Martus: Operating costs, overhead, recapitalisation. Rom: That does it. Martus: Where are you going? Rom: Back to Quark. At least then I'll get cheated by family. Let's get out of here. Quark: Another bad break for Bashir. Nine three, O'Brien. O'Brien: Quark. I'm cutting the transmission. Quark: What? You can't. O'Brien: Watch me. Quark: Ladies and gentlemen, the players have called a three minute break. Betting is reopened. Three minutes. Three minutes only. Bashir: Why did you do that? O'Brien: Something's wrong here. Bashir: With me maybe, but you're having a great game. O'Brien: The best I've played my entire life. I'm making shots I couldn't have made fifteen years ago when I was playing five hours a day, every day. I can't miss. Bashir: And I can't hit the broad side of a Plygorian mammoth. O'Brien: Try throwing the ball against the wall. Bashir: It should have come straight back to me. You try. O'Brien: O'Brien to Ops. Bashir: It goes right into his hand. Every single time. O'Brien: I must have done it a dozen times by now. And I haven't missed once yet. Bashir: Nobody can be that lucky. It's impossible. Dax: Not impossible, just extremely improbable. O'Brien: Improbable? Sisko: Like the neutrinos on the station spinning the same way. Or a few dozen people having minor accidents at the same instant. Or a system failing at just the wrong time. Dax: Exactly. Someone or something on this station is distorting the laws of probability. Sisko: Changing them so incredibly unlikely things can happen on a regular basis. O'Brien: How can we find out what's causing it? Dax: I think I know a way. Dax: Ninety-eight percent of the neutrinos in this room are rotating clockwise. Martus: The games are open. Sisko: We're not here to play. Dax? Dax: One hundred percent clockwise. It's these machines. Martus: My gambling machines? What's wrong with them. Dax: Somehow these machines are altering the laws of probability all over the station. Martus: So that's what he meant. Sisko: Who? Martus: The alien who gave me the original. He said that it all came down to luck. That must be how it works. When you win, it makes you lucky, and when you lose Dax: These machines are effecting everyone on the station, whether they're playing them or not. Martus: Impossible. You must be mistaken. Sisko: Wait a minute. You said there was an original machine? Martus: Yes, a smaller one. When I opened the club I replicated these larger versions. Sisko: Larger versions. So, how do you turn them off? Martus: I'm not completely sure. Sisko: Then how did you turn them on in the first place? Martus: I didn't, exactly. I just told the replicator to scan the original and make copies. I think they have some kind of internal power source. Sisko: Lieutenant. Martus: Wait, wait, wait! What are you doing? Sisko: Now as for you. Martus: You can't possibly blame me for this, Commander. Sisko: I'd like to. Unfortunately, I don't have anything I can charge you with. Odo: Fortunately, I do. That elderly Pythron couple you assisted has had a change of heart. They've decided to press charges after all. Martus: Alsia! I knew you'd come to get me out. Odo: Inside. Martus: What's the meaning of this? Odo: Ask him. Quark: Your lady friend over here just tried to scam me. Martus: Scam? Quark: Asteroid mining. To think anyone would be foolish enough to be taken in by that old trick. But don't worry, Martus, I've come to get you out. Martus: In return for what? Quark: Nothing. Pure generosity. Martus: You're enjoying this, aren't you? Quark: Taken in by one of your own victims and no one to turn to but me? I can't remember when I've been so entertained. Martus: I'm glad you're enjoying yourself. Now how about giving me two thousand Isiks to book passage out of here. Quark: You want me to give you money? Ridiculous. Of all the ungrateful arrogance. Martus: Unless you want me to stay here on the station. Quark: All right. I'll loan you five hundred Isiks. You can book passage on a cargo ship. Martus: Fifteen hundred. After all, I do have expenses. Quark: Six hundred. Martus: Twelve hundred. I still have my dignity. Quark: Dignity and an empty sack is worth the sack. Rule of Acquisition number a hundred and nine. Martus: All right. Eight hundred. Quark: Go on. I'm listening.

Quark: I am merely a businessman. It would take an orator with the skills of the late, great Plegg himself, to sing the praises of the late, great Plegg. What Ferengi could resist the honor of owning a small piece of the man that took a computer chip and turned it into the modular holosuite industry. A small piece of the man that brought holographic entertainment to the most remote parts of this quadrant, creating profit centers from societies that could barely afford to feed their own people. Odo: How much are you asking? Quark: As I was about to tell my good friend here, a mere three strips of latinum. And I'd be taking a loss at that price. Quark: Okay, for you, two strips. Thank you very much. Odo: Three strips? That's a fair price for Plegg. Quark: I suppose you're interested. Odo: Humanoid death rituals are an interest of mine. Quark: Death rituals? Odo: Everybody needs a hobby. Some species burn their dead, others pack them in blocks of ice. Some even surround themselves with the company of family corpses. But the Ferengi ritual of chopping up their loved ones and selling them? I find that irresistible. Quark: I'm very busy here. Odo: What a fitting and distinguished way to honor the memory of great Ferengi entrepreneurs. I'm thinking of starting a collection, putting up a display case in my office. There'll be a special space in there reserved for you, Quark. Quark: I'm sure. Quark: You're serious? Odo: Have you ever known me not to be? Odo: There is one thing I was curious about. Quark: And what's that Odo: How do I know it's Plegg? Quark: It says so on the label. Odo: Isn't there some sort of letter of authenticity? Quark: The Ferengi Seal of Dismemberment is right there. What more do you want? Odo: I want Plegg. Quark: You've got him. Odo: Not if he's still alive. Quark: Still alive? Odo: Still alive. Quark: Plegg? Odo: After I tracked him down on Khosla Two and told him about your little scheme, he was quite amused. I'm not. Quark: Odo, I'm a victim here. I bought these disks in good faith. I have five thousand pieces of Plegg in my storeroom. Odo: Not Plegg. Quark: Then who? Odo: Good question. Quark: I demand an investigation. Odo: You'll get one, I promise you. Mora: Odo! Odo: Doctor Mora. Mora: It's been too long. You're looking well. Yes, coming along nicely. Odo: Why didn't you let me know that you were coming? Mora: It was a last minute arrangement. Odo: The trip from Bajor takes five hours. Quark: Can I get you something, Doctor Mora, was it? Mora: Yes, some Deka tea would be nice. Haven't quite managed the ears yet, have you? Oh, no, but they're difficult. Is the suit a suit, or part of you? And what about the boots? Quark: Here we are, nice and hot. Mora: Thank you. Quark: So, you two seem to be old friends. Odo: Doctor Mora is the Bajoran scientist who was assigned to me after I was found. Mora: I was personally responsible for his development during his formative years. Quark: So this is a family reunion! I had a hunch. Well, Odo's dad is always welcome at Quark's. Mora: Well, actually I Odo: He's not my Quark: I know he wouldn't tell you himself, but Odo is doing a wonderful job here on the station, if I may say so. Mora: Is he? Quark: Absolutely. As a matter of fact, when you came in, he was just beginning a fraud investigation. Odo: Quark! Excuse us. Quark: Of course. The two of you have a lot of catching up to do. If there's anything I can help you with, Doctor, don't hesitate to call on me. Mora: That was uncalled for. Odo: You don't know Quark. Mora: I know that he was trying very hard to present you in a positive light to someone he thought was important to you, and you responded with Odo: Please. Mora: Still having trouble with social integration? Odo: I integrate as much as I want to. Mora: Define as much as I want to. Odo: As much as I want to means, as much as I want to. Odo: Quark is a thief, a con man, nobody you want to know. Mora: So, tell me about this police thing you've gotten yourself involved with. Is it working out? Odo: I enjoy my work as Chief of Security. Mora: Chief of Security at a way-station in space. Don't you miss it, Odo? Odo: What? Mora: Our work. Odo: Never. Mora: I don't believe it. I know you too well. You were unhappy in the lab, I can't blame you for that. But the work, Odo, the work. The exploration of you, what you are, where you came from. That's never far from your mind, is it. Odo: That part of it is true. Mora: Good. Because I came here counting on that. Jake: See you later, Dad. Sisko: Hey, hey, hey, hey. Hold on. Jake: I'm late. Sisko: For what? Jake: For Nog. Sisko: Your homework. Jake: It's done. Sisko: You've studied that whole Klingon opera for the music test on Friday? Jake: I'm going to ace the test, Dad, I promise. Sisko: This isn't about tests, Jake. This is about learning. You can't learn to appreciate Klingon opera by cramming for the exam the night before. Jake: What am I ever going to use Klingon opera for? Sisko: Well, first of all, you don't know what you're going to be when you grow up. You may diskover along the way that you want to be a musician, or you may find yourself among some Klingons in a job somewhere. Jake: Dad, even if I did, they wouldn't be going around singing operas. Sisko: It helps to understand their culture. Jake: When was the last time you listened to Klingon opera? Sisko: When I was your age. Jake: There, you see? Sisko: Yes. Do you? Jake: Just because you suffered through all that doesn't mean I have to. Sisko: Yes, it does. Sisko: Come in. Jake: Dad. Sisko: I have the perfect solution. Nog has the same test. Why don't you invite him over and you can listen to the Klingon opera together? Sisko: Please, Odo, sit down. Odo: Commander, I'd like to request the use of a runabout. Sisko: Of course. For what? Odo: A Doctor Mora Pol from the Bajoran Institute of Science has asked me to help him secure one from the Federation. Sisko: Why did he come to you? Odo: Doctor Mora is the scientist who was assigned to me in my first years here. If he went to the Board of Ministers to request permission to approach you, it would take months, and he's very anxious to investigate something in the Gamma Quadrant. And may I say, Commander, so am I. Sisko: You've got me curious, Constable. Is it a secret? Odo: No, but there isn't much to tell. One of the Bajoran science probes recently scanned a planet about six light years from the wormhole. It picked up some very unique and familiar DNA patterns. Patterns very much like my own, Commander. Doctor Mora thinks he may have diskovered the origin of my people. Of me. Mora: It would seem to me that being a scientist yourself, Lieutenant, you can appreciate the difficulty of our dilemma, and the elegance of the solution. When Odo was first found, nobody knew who, or indeed, what it was we were dealing with. A shapeless, viscous mass of fluid, a veritable organic broth. That was our Odo in the beginning. Dax: When did you realize you were dealing with a sentient lifeform? Odo: He didn't. I had to teach him that myself. Mora: It's true. It's very true. Tell her. Odo: It was a dilemma for me. I had never seen anything like these creatures either. Mora: Seen isn't really an appropriate description. He had no eyes per se. Odo: I was just trying to describe it in simple terms. Mora: He had never perceived anything like us before. Go on. Odo: I knew I had to find some way to communicate with them. So I transformed myself into Mora: It was remarkable. Every morning I would come into the lab, and every morning Odo would be there resting in his liquid form in a Krokan petri beaker. One morning I walked in and Odo was gone. The beaker was empty, but next to it was an identical beaker that had not been there before. A perfect replica in every way. It was amazing. It hasn't been the same since you've gone, Odo. Working with you has been the most rewarding part of my career. Dax: We're approaching the planet. Prepare to enter standard orbit. Planet designated L S Six. Weld: Initiating scans. Dax: There's a lot of seismic activity down there, possibly volcanic in origin. Moving into synchronous orbit. Mora: Do the letters mean anything to you? Odo: No. I don't think so. Mora: Judging by its position in the ruins, I think it's fair to say that this pillar represented something important to the people who lived here. Dax: Why don't we take it with us. Our computers back on the station might be able to decipher the inscriptions. Mora: Where is Doctor Weld? Doctor Weld? Weld: Over here. I think I may have found what we're looking for. Mora: Is it carbon based? Weld: No, silicate, but vegetative, and very much alive. Mora: Odo Junior, perhaps. Dax: Computer, begin transport. Dax: Computer, realign transporter. Lock on to our comm. badges. Computer: Stand by. Odo: This way. Computer: Ready for transport. Odo: Computer, energize! Bashir: They're stable for now. Dax is in fair condition. The Bajorans seem to be more seriously affected. Perhaps they were exposed to more of the gas, or there may be something about Trill physiology. I'm not sure yet. Sisko: And Odo? Odo: I'm fine. Bashir: The paralyzing action occurred when the gas was taken into the respiratory system. Since Odo doesn't have a respiratory system as we know it, he apparently wasn't affected at all. Sisko: O'Brien's off-loaded the cargo they brought back. He has set up everything in the Science Lab. I understand there are some organic specimens from that planet. Maybe there's something that will help you figure this out. Bashir: Good idea. Odo: Will he be all right? Bashir: The molecule appears to have quite an unstable structure. That might mean the effect is temporary. Sisko: I know how you feel, Constable. Odo: Feel? About what? Sisko: When my father became ill I can remember how small and weak he looked lying there in the bed. He'd been so strong, so independent. It always seemed to me there was nothing that he couldn't do. But in the end, I realized that there was nothing that he could do, and nothing I could do to help him. Odo: I appreciate your thoughts, Commander, but Doctor Mora is not my father. O'Brien: The computer's having a hard time classifying your new lifeform. Odo: Why? O'Brien: Whatever it is, it keeps changing. Somehow it goes through a metamorphosis every time it reproduces, and it reproduces like crazy. Look at this. It's multiplied so much I had to change containers. I'll put it in a level five security field overnight. I wish Dax were here to take a look at it. How's she doing? Odo: Doctor Bashir thinks she'll be fine. O'Brien: Any idea what it is? Odo: I'm hoping it's a key, Mister O'Brien. A key to my past. Kira: Kira to Sisko. Sisko: Go ahead, Major Kira: Sorry to bother you, Commander, but we need you up here in the Science lab. Sisko: I'm on my way. Sisko: Any signs of a break-in? Kira: Not that we could find. The security seal on the lab was still in place when we got here. O'Brien: I can't imagine why anyone would want to steal that thing anyway. Sisko: You're suggesting the lifeform itself did this. O'Brien: I don't know what did this. Commander. Unless a tornado passed this way without us hearing it. The room was locked. It's gone. That's all I know for now. Sisko: Constable, get a level three Security scan underway on the entire station. O'Brien: Our scanners may have trouble finding this lifeform. It has metamorphic qualities that were confusing the computer. You might want to run that sweep two or three times. Sisko: Let's go to Yellow alert. Odo: Major, you could help me by reviewing the security camera records and the heat sensor readouts for the Lab and the surrounding areas. O'Brien: Commander, I'm picking up slight trace elements near the ventilation intake duct. It looks as though our lifeform may have taken this way out. Sisko: Doctor Bashir give you permission to be up and about? Dax: Doctor Bashir wouldn't listen to me and hid my clothes so I wouldn't leave. I had to sneak out to my quarters in a hospital gown that wouldn't close in the back. What did this? Sisko: The working theory is that lifeform you brought back is somehow responsible. Dax: I don't believe it. Sisko: Good. Find me a better theory. Dax: Odo, Doctor Mora is awake and would like to speak with you. Mora: I heard them say something had happened in the lab. Odo: The lifeform sample is gone. Mora: Gone? Odo: We're not sure how or why yet. Mora: I want to help. Odo: Everything is under control. Mora: I know more about shape-shifters than anyone in this sector. Odo: Anyone except me, and I'll be running the investigation. Besides we're not even sure it is a shape-shifting lifeform. Mora: Any metamorphic characteristics? Odo: It was changing faster than the computer could analyze. Mora: Any indication of intelligence? Odo: Not unless you consider wanton destruction of the lab an indication of intelligence. Mora: It might be. It might be. Don't dismiss any possibility. Doctor Weld hasn't regained consciousness. I feel responsible. Odo: I'm sure Doctor Bashir is doing everything possible. O'Brien: The same trace elements are inside the duct. O'Brien: I'm following the trail. Moving toward corridor two H. Sisko: Nothing's showing up anywhere on the scanners, Chief. O'Brien: Yeah, I figured as much. O'Brien: Did the security cameras in the lab give you anything? Odo: The security cameras stopped operating for forty-three seconds at zero three hundred hours, five minutes right when the alarm sounded O'Brien: Stopped? You mean somebody turned them off. Sisko: More likely some kind of power interruption. It might have affected the security field around the lifeform too. We're trying to analyze it now. O'Brien: Do the heat sensors in the lab show any thermal deviation at the same time? Sisko: Almost a six degree increase during the forty-three seconds. O'Brien: But then back to normal after that? Sisko: Affirmative. O'Brien: We might be dealing with an entity that absorbs low frequency RF energy. O'Brien: It might be feeding off our power. Odo: But an energy drain should be showing up on our scans. O'Brien: Yeah, that's true, Constable. I don't get it. Maybe this thermal deviation was the result of Sisko: Chief? O'Brien: Hold on, I hear something. Sisko: We've got your position. Nothing else is showing up anywhere near you. O'Brien: Well, I definitely hear something ahead. Can you hear it on the comm. line? Sisko: No. O'Brien: It almost sounds like. I can't describe it. I'm moving in closer. If you run into my wife, don't mention I did this. Sisko: Move some backup to the nearest corridor. Odo: Security to core section, level four, corridor two H. O'Brien: I'll come home tonight and she'll ask me how O'Brien: My day was and I'll say, fine, honey, how was yours? Sometimes I think she really doesn't want to know the truth, so I do us both a favor and O'Brien: It's a structural breach. Ahhh! Sisko: O'Brien, report! O'Brien: I'm okay. I'm fine. I found our missing lifeform. Except it isn't a lifeform anymore. It's dead. Sisko: Captain's log, stardate 47391.7. Engineering crews have been working for over fifteen hours searching conduits. There have been no additional incidents and no further evidence of the alien lifeform has been found. Bashir: With this kind of cellular structure, the lifeform would have needed a higher concentration of carbon dioxide than our atmosphere provides. Dax: It just couldn't survive out of its own environment. Bashir: That'd be my analysis. Dax: But with that in mind, do you still think this lifeform was capable of destroying the lab? Bashir: That's not impossible. The environmental impact might have taken some time to set in. Dax: I'd really like to get Doctor Mora's opinion on all this. Bashir: He's much better. He should be up and around in the morning. Dax: Feel like getting a raktajino before we call it a night? Bashir: My replicator or yours? Dax: I was thinking more of the Promenade. Bashir: I knew that. Well, thanks anyway. I've got a few things to wrap up around here. Dax: Sleep tight, Julian. Bashir: She enjoys it. She actually gets some kind of perverse pleasure out of it. One of these days I'm going to stop chasing her, and then we'll see. Bashir: Emergency. Emergency! Intruder alert. Bashir: It happened so quickly. I'm sorry I can't tell you any more about it. It was behind me, and then it was gone. But it was big, very big. Sisko: How badly did you injure it? Bashir: I don't know. I don't even know if I injured it at all. I just hit it once with a laser scalpel on the arm, or the leg, or the tentacle, or whatever it was, and then it went up the wall and was gone. Mora: It appears as though our lifeform has survived and grown into something interesting. Odo: Did you notice anything else when you entered the room, Doctor? Anything out of place, anything unusual. Was it unusually warm, perhaps? Bashir: Now that you come to mention it, it was a bit warm in here. Odo: Another thermal distortion. Did you try the lights, Doctor? Bashir: No, I didn't want to disturb the patients. Odo: Commander, I suggest we check the RF energy flow to the Infirmary. We might find a power interruption as we did in the lab. Dax: No blood or any fluid traces, but I am picking up a very slight trail of something we didn't see last time. An organic residue. Sisko: Enough to test? Dax: We'll see. Sisko: Sisko to Ops. Kira: Go ahead. Sisko: Restrict all nonessential personnel to their quarters and go to Red alert, Major. Kira: Understood. Sisko: Keep in touch with Dax's progress. She might give us a way to track this thing. Odo: Until we can, I suggest we close down the Promenade. Sisko: I'll give the order, Constable. Mora: Constable? Odo: It's a nickname that I barely tolerate. Mora: It's the expression of affection that you find difficult to accept. Mora: You know, that was really a remarkable display back there. Odo: Display? Mora: You were very careful, attentive. Odo: I was just doing my job. Mora: I'm beginning to think that the scientific method and police method have a lot in common. Odo: I never thought of it that way. Perhaps they do. Mora: In science we look for the obvious. We track in straight lines. If something looks too good to be true, it usually isn't true. If there appears to be more to something than meets the eye, there usually is more. We take it step by step. Odo: That applies to criminal investigation as well. Mora: You do it very well. I'm very proud of you, Odo. Do you know that? Odo: Anything? Dax: The computer's having trouble breaking down the DNA chains. Mora: What about this pillar? Did the computer have any success decoding the encryptions? Dax: No luck there either. All things considered, the computer's having a bad week. We have such a limited database for the Gamma Quadrant. Odo: I have to close down the Promenade. Call me when you have something. Wasn't that pillar over here before? Dax: It was in my way. I had it moved. Mora: Have you compared this new organic strain to the lifeforms we brought back from the planet? Dax: Only enough to be sure that they're not the same. Mora: It might be interesting to see if there are any commonalties at all. Dax: Let me run a cross-tabulation analysis. It should only take a few minutes. Mora: Do you know Odo well, Lieutenant? Dax: Not as well as I'd like to. He keeps to himself a lot. Mora: I'm not surprised. I never realized until I actually saw him how much I missed him. We didn't part on very good terms. Dax: So I've heard. Mora: He wanted to leave and we still had so much work left to do. But I see him now and I wonder if he wasn't right to go. After all, he's come so far. Dax: He's an invaluable man around here. Mora: I never thought he could do it. Integrate successfully. If you could have seen him before. He was so ill-prepared to be on his own. I was sure he'd come back. I told him when he left, he'd come back, and all these years I was so certain that eventually one day he'd show up at the lab. Well, I guess I'd better get used to the idea he's not going to. Dax: Here we are. Mora: Which one's this? Dax: This is the new one from the Infirmary, and this is the lifeform from the planet. But remember it went through several metamorphoses. Mora: It's not the same entity. The nucleotide sequences are entirely different. Dax: Some metachromic similarities. Mora: Yes, on a most basic level. At best they could be distant cousins. Dax: The computer's broken down the DNA chain on the new sample. I can run an analysis and see if it matches up with any other lifeform in the computer. Mora: How long would that take? Dax: Two, three hours, maybe. Mora: Let me know. Odo: Doctor Weld has regained consciousness. It looks like he'll be fine. Mora: That's a relief. Odo: You don't seem relieved. Mora: You can tell that just by observing me, the tone of my voice, my eyes, my body movements? Odo: Yes. Mora: You are truly a remarkable lifeform, Odo. But there is so much about you we still don't understand. Odo: What are you getting at, Doctor? Mora: The computer has broken down the DNA chain from the organic sample we found in the Infirmary. Dax is running an analysis of it now. She'll identify it in a couple of hours. But I already know what it is. I've seen it before. The organic sample, it's from you, Odo. Mora: The destruction in the science lab occurred at zero three hundred hours, five minutes. The attack in the Infirmary occurred at nineteen thirty five. Roughly sixteen hours apart. Is your rejuvenation period still sixteen hours? Odo: I was in my pail during both attacks. Mora: But were you? I don't think so. I think, Odo, that you've been in the ironic position of having to track down yourself. Odo: How could this be? Mora: Has anything like this ever occurred before? Odo: Of course not. Mora: Are you certain? Odo: Yes, I'm certain. There would have been incidents. Mora: Any unsolved crimes on the books? Odo: There are always unsolved crimes. Mora: Then the possibility exists. Odo: It doesn't! I do not commit criminal acts. It is not in my nature. Mora: Isn't it? Odo: The gas. Maybe it was the gas on the planet. It affected all of you, it must have done something to me. Mora: A possibility. Odo: That has to be it. Mora: It's certainly worth of an investigation. Odo: Doctor Bashir Mora: Doctor Bashir will not understand any of this, except that you turned into some kind of uncontrolled thing that tried to kill him. Really, Odo. What do you think they'll do with you? Odo: Do? Mora: They won't know what to do with you. They'll put you in a high security prison, or quarantine you on a deserted asteroid in the Gamma Quadrant. Odo, they'll put you in a zoo. Odo: I don't believe that. You don't know them. Mora: What other humanoid have you been able to trust except me? Odo: What makes you think I trust you? Mora: I resent that. I really do. After the time I invested in you, after the education I gave you, the attention I gave you. You would not be here today if it were not for my guidance. I gave you more than anyone else in my life. You were my life. And then you walked away. And now you don't trust me? Fine. Put yourself in their hands then. You always had to learn your lessons the hard way, didn't you. Odo: I am not going back to the center with you. Mora: Why? We'll work through this together. We'll solve it together, just like we used to. Odo: No! O'Brien: I have a power failure in Security, Commander. Sisko: Sisko to Odo. Sisko to Odo. Kira: All deputies report to the Security Office. Possible intruder. O'Brien: I'm tracking it. We have a power drain in the life support conduit above the Security Office. If it's feeding off our power, we may be able to slow it down by shutting off the primary flow to the entire core section. Sisko: Do it. Where the hell did it come from? Security: Security to Ops. Kira: Go ahead. Security: There's no one down here, Major. Kira: And there's no sign of Odo? Security: No, sir. Mora: I can help you with that, Major. The creature you're after is Odo. There must have been some kind of metamorphic reaction to the volcanic gas that we encountered on the planet. Sisko: Is there any way to communicate with him? Mora: I don't know. It's not Odo really. It's separate and independent from the Odo we know, and yet, at the very least, it's aware of me. Kira: How can you know that? Mora: The incident in the science lab. I believe that was an attempt to rescue the lifeforms I placed in containment. The second encounter occurred in the Infirmary where I was asleep. The third happened just a couple of minutes ago when we got into a heated discussion in Security. I think that even the Constable himself would arrive at the same conclusions given the evidence. On some instinctual level, this creature is familiar with me. Sisko: He might even conclude it has hostile intentions toward you. Mora: It had occurred to me. O'Brien: The power shutdown is complete, Commander. Odo, or whatever it is in there, has stopped moving for the moment. Sisko: Chief, based on your knowledge of its behavior, if we can lure him out, is there any way we can set up a forcefield to hold him? O'Brien: We could reverse polarity on the energy fields. That might work, but that's only a guess. Sisko: Set it up on the Promenade. I want a lot of room to operate. Major, station security teams along the perimeter. Kira: How are we going to get him to come out of the conduits? O'Brien: Maybe I could use some RF energy bursts to attract him. Mora: There's only one way that you're going to attract that creature into your trap. It's me it's after. Sisko: Mister O'Brien? O'Brien: Our plan seems to be working, Commander. He's following my trail of energy crumbs directly toward you. Sisko: On my signal, open the conduit and let him in. O'Brien: Aye, sir. Sisko: We're not sure which vent he'll come through. Hopefully, it'll be the first one available to him over there. If not, there are seventeen others he may choose. We're not stationing officers near any of them. We don't want to scare him away. Mora: I understand. Sisko: Just get him to the forcefield. We'll do the rest. Pass the word that phasers are to be set on maximum stun. The moment Doctor Mora appears to be in jeopardy, I'll open fire. Their orders are to follow my lead. If maximum stun doesn't bring him down immediately, we set phasers to kill. Kira: Commander. Sisko: I know, Major. Those are my orders. Mister O'Brien. Sisko: We're ready. O'Brien: Releasing the conduit seal. Sisko: Doctor Mora, did you hear that? Mora: Ready and waiting. Mora: What are you waiting for? I'm here, and I'm not going anywhere. Mora: I've done it to you again, haven't I, Odo? Made you a prisoner? Dear God, what have I done? Sisko: Mister O'Brien, drop the forcefield. O'Brien: Aye, sir. Mora: We have a lot to talk about. Bashir: I'm not going to try and explain exactly what happened to you, Odo, because I haven't the vaguest idea. I can tell you that with Doctor Mora's help we've managed to eliminate all traces of the gas from your cellular structure. I prescribe rest because it's hard for a doctor to go wrong with that one. Otherwise, there's not much more I can do for you. Odo: Thank you, Doctor. Mora: I'm going home. Odo: Doctor Mora, I want to be sure you understand, I had no idea. Mora: You had to speak in a voice loud enough for me to hear. Odo: I'm sorry. Mora: I'm sorry it was necessary. I would like, in a very small way, to be a part of your life again. Your life here on the station. From time to time, we could talk about things that matter to you. To us. Odo: I'd like that.

Scene: Chief Medical Officer's log, supplemental. Chief O'Brien and I are on board a T'Lani cruiser helping the T'Lani and the Kelleruns eliminate their stockpile of Harvesters, deadly biomechanical gene disrupters used by both sides in their centuries-long war Bashir: Doctor Nydrom, how's our muon charge? Nydrom: Coming up to full power. Bashir: Go ahead, please. (A woman puts a cylinder of orange stuff into the central machine - think Tardis console) Bashir: Computer, this is harvester test sequence three hundred and seventy five. Nydrom: Muon generator now at full power. Bashir: Once more unto the breach. I hope this works, because quite frankly I'm running out of ideas. Nydrom: It took ten years to perfect the harvesters. We've only been trying to eliminate them for a week. Bashir: Is that all it's been? It feels like we've been working more than a month. I've never seen a nanobiogenic weapon so resistant to broad spectrum radiation. It's just a matter of finding the right combination of muon frequencies. It should be simple, but it's not. O'Brien: Doctor, start the sequence or we will be here a month. Bashir: All right, Chief. I'm introducing the harvester into the genetic bath. Beginning muon influx now. Bashir: Doctor, please check for any gene-disrupter phasing. Nydrom: The genetic integrity of the sample is holding steady. I'm not reading any genetic disruption at all. Bashir: Are you sure? Check the sequence again. Nydrom: The results are identical. O'Brien: What? It worked, didn't it? Would somebody say something? Bashir: It worked all right. Nydrom: The harvesters have been destroyed. Sharat: Good news, I take it. Nydrom: Ambassador Sharat, I'm pleased to inform you that we have found a way to eliminate the harvesters. Sharat: Excellent. Well done. I knew if our people stopped killing each other and worked together, we could put an end to these horrible weapons. This is a symbol of the new future we have embarked upon. Nydrom: Yes. And let's not forget, we couldn't have done it without the help of our friends from the Federation. Sharat: At first we had questioned Doctor Nydrom's decision to bring in outside help. Obviously it was the right thing to do. We're all very grateful for your assistance. Bashir: It was our pleasure, I assure you. Sharat: But eliminating the harvesters is only half the task. We must make certain all scientific data concerned with them is wiped out as well. O'Brien: I've purged every file in the T'Lani and Kellerun data banks pertaining to harvesters. If anyone gets it in their head to build these things again, they'll have to start from scratch. Nydrom: Then it's finished. Sharat: Not quite. We shouldn't rest until the entire Kellerun and T'Lani supply of harvesters has been destroyed. Bashir: We will begin immediately. Kira: Commander, I have Doctor Bashir for you on subspace. Sisko: In here. Bashir: Commander, we have some good news to report. Sisko: I've already heard. Bashir: You have? Sisko: Yes. I received a message from both the T'Lani and Kellerun ambassadors, informing me of your success in neutralizing the harvesters. Congratulations, gentlemen. O'Brien: Thank you, sir, but Doctor here deserves the bulk of the credit. Bashir: Actually, it was a team effort O'Brien: The Doctor's just being modest, sir. He was the one who came up with muon rays as a possible solution. Bashir: Luckily, it worked. Sisko: When can we expect you back? O'Brien: Soon, I hope. Sisko: The ambassador said something about a celebration on T'Lani Prime. Bashir: Yes, it's set for tonight, but the Chief is quite anxious to return back to the station. O'Brien: It's been a long week. Sisko: Still, I think we can spare you for another day. Bashir: I agree. If that's okay with you, Chief. O'Brien: I suppose another day won't kill me. Bashir: That's the spirit. Sisko: Then we'll expect you back day after tomorrow. Bashir: Yes, sir. Sisko: Enjoy yourselves, gentlemen. You've earned it. Nydrom: The last cylinder. I believe that you should have the honor, Doctor. Bashir: My pleasure. Nydrom: It's ironic, isn't it, that the war would finally come to an end up here, above T'Lani Three, a planet whose entire population was decimated by harvesters. I hope this will be a lasting peace. Nydrom: What is this? Weapons aren't allowed up here. Bashir: They're all dead. O'Brien: We will be, too, if we don't get out of here. O'Brien to Ganges. Computer, activate remote transporter sequence. O'Brien to Ganges. Bashir: They must be jamming communications with the runabout. O'Brien: We sure as hell can't stay here. We'll have to beam down to the surface. Bashir: But they'll be able to follow us. O'Brien: I'm programming the system to overload thirty seconds after we transport. Let's go. Sisko: I'll have a cup of Alterian chowder, uttaberry crepes, and a slice of Kira: Kira to Sisko. Sisko: Go ahead, Major. Kira: The T'Lani and Kellerun ambassadors have just arrived on the station. They're asking to see you. Sisko: Are O'Brien and Bashir with them? Kira: No, Commander. And the ambassadors refuse to speak to anyone but you. Sisko: Show them to my office. I'll be right there. Kira: Yes, sir. Sisko: I'll have to cancel that order. Sisko: Are you saying both of my officers are dead? E'Tyshra: Along with some of our greatest scientists. Sharat: We're sorry you had to share in our misfortune. Sisko: What happened? E'Tyshra: It was Sharat: It was a terrible accident. It appears one of your officers, a Chief O'Brien I believe, inadvertently tripped a security device. A lethal pulse of radiation flooded the room, killing everyone. E'Tyshra: Ambassador Sharat transported off the ship just minutes before the accident occurred. Sisko: This security device E'Tyshra: It was built into the lab's computers decades ago. We didn't even know it existed. Sisko: If there were no survivors, how do you know that Chief O'Brien caused the accident? Sharat: I was able to return to the ship almost immediately after the accident. The first thing I did was to check the internal security sensors. They recorded the entire incident. We assumed you'd want to see for yourself. Sisko: Thank you. E'Tyshra: Commander, I just want you to know we don't blame Chief O'Brien for what happened. Sharat: On the contrary, both he and Doctor Bashir will always be considered heroes to both the Kellerun and the T'Lani. Without their help, we never could have destroyed the harvesters. E'Tyshra: Please extend our sympathies to their families. Sisko: I'll do that. Bashir: Chief! Chief, in here. O'Brien: Wait. Don't touch anything. Bashir: Why not? There's food and medical supplies. O'Brien: They could be booby-trapped. The Cardassians used to rig the supplies they left behind with pressure grenades. I've seen more than one soldier permanently lose his appetite that way. Bashir: Well, did you find anything? O'Brien: It looks all right. Bashir: Good. At least we won't starve. Here. O'Brien: No. Bashir: Why not, Chief? I thought you loved military rations. O'Brien: Federation rations. I've had enough T'Lani food this past week to last me a lifetime. Bashir: Well, we've got to keep our strength up. We're going to have to find some way of warning the T'Lani the Kelleruns have broken the treaty. O'Brien: I still can't figure it. Why would the Kelleruns wait till the harvesters were destroyed before they made their move? Bashir: Maybe they didn't ha d over all the harvesters for destruction. O'Brien: Maybe they're convinced they can defeat the T'Lani with conventional weapons. Bashir: I suppose, but that might mean continuing the war for another hundred years. Well, whatever the reason, we'd better keep moving. O'Brien: Wait. Listen to me, Julian. The Kelleruns are going to expect us to be on the move. If we start running, their sensors'll pick us up before we've gone a kilometer. If we stay still maybe, just maybe, it'll take them longer to find us. The way I see it, we have only one chance to survive this thing that's to stay alive long enough for Commander Sisko to find us. Bashir: But that won't be for at least another day. He still thinks we're celebrating on T'Lani Prime. O'Brien: I said it was our only chance, I didn't say it was a good one. What have we here? Looks like some kind of comm. system. Maybe we can contact the T'Lani from here. Bashir: Do you think you can get it working? O'Brien: I'll have to open it up, see if there's a backup power supply. Why don't you take a seat, Doctor? Bashir: I thought maybe I could help. I took the engineering extension courses at Starfleet Medical. O'Brien: Extension courses? Bashir: They were actually quite informative. O'Brien: Julian, do you really want to help? Bashir: Yes. O'Brien: Then let me do my job. Bashir: Of course. I'll inventory the supplies. O'Brien: Fine. Why don't you do that. Nydrom: The last cylinder. I believe you should have the honor, Doctor. Bashir: My pleasure. Nydrom: The harvesters have been destroyed. We must make certain that all records of their existence are wiped out. O'Brien: I've purged every file in the T'Lani and Kellerun data banks pertaining to the harvesters. If anyone gets it in their head to build these things again, they'll have to start from scratch. Nydrom: Then it's finished. O'Brien: Hold on, what's this? Bashir: Chief? O'Brien: I don't know. Closing the last file seems to have activated some kind of security program. It looks like it was part of the original operating system. I can't shut it down. Do you know anything about this? Nydrom: No. Maybe you should try cutting the power. O'Brien: It's not responding Odo: I've heard of security weapons like this. A radiation pulse that vaporizes any intruder who doesn't enter the proper code. Kira: I'm surprised the Chief didn't detect it. Dax: It must've been buried very deep in the system. Kira: I'd like to talk to the chief of security for that ship. Odo: So would I. Sisko: Remember, they lost people too. Kira: The T'Lani were responsible for O'Brien's and Bashir's safety. They should have known about that device and deactivated it. Sisko: That'll do, Major. I'd like for you to contact Bajoran medical officials. We'll need a doctor to be temporarily assigned to the station until Starfleet can send us a replacement for Doctor Bashir. Dax, inform Starfleet of the accident. Tell them we'll need a new medical officer and a new chief of operations. Dax: Would you like me to go with you to see Mrs O'Brien? Sisko: No, I'll take care of it. Find out how I can contact Julian's family. Major, inform the crew we'll be holding a memorial service tomorrow evening at eighteen hundred hours. Kira: Yes, sir. Sisko: All right, people. I know the next few days are going to be hard, but we all have jobs to do. Dismissed. Bashir: So, having any luck? O'Brien: I wish you'd stop asking me that. Bashir: I'm sorry. It's just all this standing around. I'm used to doing something constructive. O'Brien: Just keep your eyes open for any Kellerun soldiers. Bashir: Don't worry, I will. O'Brien: It's such a mess in here. Bashir: You'll make it work, Chief. It's the kind of challenge you live for. You know, I was looking forward to the celebrations on T'Lani Prime. I don't know if you'd noticed, but T'Lani women are quite attractive. O'Brien: I'm not blind, you know. Bashir: Of course not. But you are married. O'Brien: Just because you're married doesn't mean you stop looking at women. Bashir: Just as long as you don't let your wife see you look. For me, tonight's celebrations would have been an adventure. The most you could have hoped for was a good meal. O'Brien: Women. That's all you ever think about Bashir: No, it isn't. Though I do think about them a lot. O'Brien: Yeah, well, one of these days you'll fall in love with one. Bashir: I did once. O'Brien: Not work out? Bashir: Not quite. Close. I don't know. Somehow marriage just doesn't seem fair. O'Brien: Fair? Bashir: Fair to them. I mean, look at us. Our lives are constantly in danger. There's enough to worry about without worrying about the wife and kids at home worrying about us. I'm sorry, Chief. I just feel that way. A lot of career officers feel that way. O'Brien: Well, you career officers don't know what you're missing. Bashir: Really? That may be so. I just look at you and Mrs O'Brien and I O'Brien: What about me and Mrs O'Brien? Bashir: Nothing. O'Brien: What? Bashir: Nothing. Absolutely nothing. It's no secret that your assignment to this station hasn't been conducive to your marriage. O'Brien: Say that again? Bashir: Why don't we just forget it. O'Brien: That's the first intelligent thing you've said since we got here. Bashir: Are you cold? O'Brien: Yes. Aren't you? Bashir: No. Actually it's quite warm in here. You're looking a little pale. O'Brien: I'm fine. Bashir: Your blood pressure's low. You're running a fever. You'd better sit down. O'Brien: I don't want to sitting down. I've got work to do. Bashir: Roll up your sleeve. O'Brien: Why? Bashir: Do it. Please. Bashir: You were behind the genetic bath when it shattered, weren't you? O'Brien: You have something to tell me, Doctor? Bashir: You've been infected by the harvesters. Keiko: Come in. Keiko: Commander Sisko. Sisko: Keiko. Keiko: Something's happened to Miles. Sisko: There was an accident. Both your husband and Doctor Bashir were involved. Keiko: They're dead. Sisko: I'm sorry. Keiko: Tell me what happened. Sisko: The T'Lani security sensors recorded the entire incident. Keiko: I want to see it. Sisko: I'll have it sent to you. Miles was a fine officer and a fine man. I'll miss him. Keiko: Thank you, Commander. I would like to be alone now. Sisko: If there's anything you need, just let me know. Bashir: Chief? O'Brien: It's my eyes. They're getting fuzzy. Bashir: You'd better sit down. I'll take over from here. O'Brien: What makes you think you can fix this? Bashir: Because you're going to talk me through it. Now, take a seat. O'Brien: Maybe. Just for a minute. Or two. Bashir: Now, tell me where you left off. O'Brien: You see the dark blue coil in the upper right hand corner? Bashir: No. O'Brien: It's there, beside the green cylinder. Just below it. Bashir: Yes, I see it. O'Brien: You have to lock the base of the coil into the tiny receptor just below it. Dax: You know, I just remembered I still have Julian's medical school diaries. Kira: He let you read them? Dax: He felt they would help me understand him better. Kira: How? By reading about all the women he went out with? Dax: That's not what they're not about. When he gave them to me, he told me that they were about his innermost thoughts, his struggle to graduate top of his class, his dream of a career in Starfleet, his constant fear of failure. Kira: Really? And did you understand him better? Dax: I never got around to reading them. I suppose I should send them to his parents. Kira: You could keep them. Dax: Really? Kira: I think he'd like that. He cared a great deal about you. Dax: I know. I cared about him, too. Quark: These are on the house. Kira: How come? Quark: I thought we'd have a toast to the memory of Chief O'Brien and Doctor Bashir. Dax: That's very thoughtful, Quark. Quark: I can be thoughtful. To our dear departed comrades. We may have had our differences, but I'll say this for them, and it's no higher tribute I can think of. They were good customers. They always paid their bar bills on time. Kira: That's it? Quark: I'm not done yet. At times like these I'm reminded of the Fifty Seventh Rule of Acquisition. Good customers are as rare as latinum. Treasure them. Kira: Mrs. O'Brien? Keiko: Major, I need to see Commander Sisko. It's very important. Kira: I'll tell him you're here. I just wanted you to know how sorry I am. How sorry we all are. Keiko: Thank you. O'Brien: If anyone gets it in their head to build these things again Keiko: Watch. It's coming up in just a few seconds. Nydrom: Then it's finished. Keiko: Computer, freeze image. Keiko: There. Do you see it? Sisko: I see the Chief drinking coffee. Keiko: Exactly. Now look at the time index. Kira: Fifteen hundred hours. Keiko: That's right. Late afternoon. Miles never drank coffee late in the afternoon. It keeps him up all night. Sisko: Maybe he made an exception this time. Working long hours, under a lot of stress. Keiko: I know my husband. He never drinks coffee late in the day. Kira: Maybe he isn't drinking coffee. Maybe it's tea. Keiko: I checked the data clip. It contained a spectroscopic analysis. The liquid in Miles' cup consisted of vegetable-based oils and caffeine. It's coffee all right. Sisko: You're suggesting someone tampered with this recording? Keiko: Yes, I am. And I want to know the reason why. Sisko: Lieutenant, when were you planning on bringing the Ganges back from T'Lani Three? Dax: Tomorrow. Sisko: I don't see any reason to wait, do you? Dax: I'll leave right away. Sisko: Good. I'll come with you. Mrs O'Brien, if this recording has been altered, we'll find out why. Bashir: You were right, Chief. The contacts on the subprocessor are corroded. O'Brien: Yeah. They need to be cleaned. Bashir: I think there are some sterile pads in the med kit. Here we go. Bashir: Don't leave me, Chief. I still need you. O'Brien: Don't worry. I'm not going anywhere. So who was she? Bashir: Who? O'Brien: Not quite close. Bashir: Palis. Palis Delon. She was a dancer, a ballerina. She had the most exquisite feet. I'm serious. It's very important for a dancer to have good arches. She was gorgeous, not to mention brilliant. I used to watch her on stage. I couldn't believe how anyone could be so graceful. O'Brien: And she was crazy about you? Bashir: We were crazy about each other. I used to think, Julian, you lucky devil. You've found the perfect woman. We used to finish each other's thoughts. There. What do you think? O'Brien: Good, good. Put it back in the comm. panel. Bashir: Looks like we have some power, anyway. Still no response from the transmitter, though. O'Brien: Try retuning the RF oscillators. So what happened with you and Palis? Bashir: What happened is I graduated. Her father was the top administrator at a medical complex in Paris. He offered me a job, promised I'd be Chief of Surgery within five years O'Brien: But you would have to give up your Starfleet career. Bashir: I can't tell you how close I came. But, here I am. O'Brien: You made your choice. Bashir: Yeah. Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night and I think to myself, will I ever find anyone that wonderful again? The oscillator's working, but the frequency is still fluctuating. O'Brien: Let me take a look. Argh. Bashir: What is it? O'Brien: It's my legs. I can't feel them. Dax: We're approaching T'Lani Three. Establishing a synchronous orbit along side the Ganges. Sisko: Open a channel to the T'Lani cruiser. E'Tyshra: Commander Sisko. What a pleasant surprise. I take it you're here for your runabout? Sisko: That's correct. E'Tyshra: We were about to leave for the memorial service on T'Lani Prime. You're welcome to accompany us. Sisko: Perhaps we will. But first I'd like to see for myself where the accident took place. E'Tyshra: Of course. Dax: While you're on the cruiser, I think I'll beam over to the Ganges and take a look around. Sisko: Good idea. Bashir: Chief! Chief, it's working. The signal's very faint O'Brien: You'll have to switch to a higher carrier frequency. Reset the actuators on the chamber's coil. Bashir: That's better. It's still pretty weak though. I'm sending a distress signal. It's set to repeat every two minutes. Let's hope the T'Lani find us before the Kellerun do. O'Brien: They'd better get here soon. Bashir: Don't worry, Chief I'm going to get you home. O'Brien: In a box, maybe. Bashir: Nonsense. Don't go giving up on me now. O'Brien: I'm not giving up, I'm dying. Listen to me, Julian. You must tell Keiko and Molly Bashir: You'll tell them yourself. O'Brien: You were wrong, you know, about marriage. Bashir: Whatever you say, Chief. O'Brien: Listen to me, Julian. You're always talking about adventure. Ha, adventure! Marriage is the greatest adventure of them all. It's filled with pitfalls and setbacks and mistakes, but it's a journey worth taking because you take it together. I know Keiko's been unhappy about us coming to the station. We still argue about it. But that's all right, because at the end of the day, we both know we love each other. Bashir: Chief. O'Brien: That's all that matters. Bashir: Chief, you'd better get some rest. The T'Lani will be here soon. Sisko: I see there's still some residual traces of the radiation pulse. E'Tyshra: That's to be expected, given the pulse's intensity, but it poses no danger. Sisko: Tell me, Ambassador. Have you been able to learn any thing else about the fail-safe device that caused the accident? E'Tyshra: Not yet, Commander, but we're working on it. Sisko: It was Ambassador Sharat who brought you the data clip? E'Tyshra: That's right. Sisko: I suppose he showed it to you as soon as you arrived? E'Tyshra: Of course. Sisko: Could the clip have been altered before you saw it? E'Tyshra: Why would Ambassador Sharat alter the data clip? Sisko: I have no idea. Dax: Dax to Sisko. Sisko: Sisko. Dax: Commander, when you're through there, could you join me on the Ganges? Sisko: Yes. I'll be here a few more minutes. E'Tyshra: Commander, the T'Lani and Kellerun have finally made peace. That peace cannot survive unless both sides trust each other. Sisko: What have you got, Dax? Dax: It looks like someone erased five seconds from the Ganges's computer log. Sisko: Show me. Dax: At first I thought it was just some kind of power fluctuation, but when I checked the log's memory core it showed traces of a remote transport command. Sisko: Did you find any indication of transporter activity at that time? Dax: No. Sisko: And you're saying somebody erased it later on? Dax: Look at the time index when the call for transport came in. Sisko: Fifteen thirty four. That's a full three minutes after the accident on the T'Lani cruiser. Dax: Which means if either Chief O'Brien or Julian made that request Sisko: They would've been alive after the fail-safe device went off. Good work, Lieutenant. Bashir: Chief! Chief! Don't leave me now. Breathe. That's better. Now it you're doing it. O'Brien: Tell me, Julian, ever talk to that ballerina of yours? Bashir: Not since I left Earth. O'Brien: Maybe you should. Bashir: Well, maybe one day I will. Bashir: Ambassador E'Tyshra, am I glad to see you. Chief O'Brien was infected by the harvesters when the Kelleruns attacked your ship. They killed all of the scientists. Sharat: Not all of them. Bashir: You're too late, Sharat. E'Tyshra: No, Doctor. He's right on time. Bashir: But why kill Nydrom and the others? E'Tyshra: To ensure that the peace agreement between our two races will last. Bashir: But we'd already destroyed the harvesters. There was no reason for more killings, unless Sharat: It's not enough to simply destroy the harvesters. We have to be sure no one can ever recreate them. E'Tyshra: The only way to do that was to eliminate everyone who possessed such knowledge, including the two of you. Bashir: But we have no use for such horrible weapons. Sharat: As long as the knowledge exists, there's a danger it may be used. That's a risk we refuse to live with. E'Tyshra: I truly am sorry, Doctor, but at least you have the consolation of knowing your deaths will be for a noble cause. O'Brien: Wait. E'Tyshra: Let him speak. O'Brien: Help me up. I want to die on my feet. Bashir: I'm sorry I didn't get us home, Chief. O'Brien: You did your best. It's been an honor serving with you. Bashir: Why thank you, Chief. That means a lot. Bashir: Commander, am I glad to see you. Chief O'Brien going to be dead within the hour if we don't get him back to the station. Sisko: What happened? Bashir: He was exposed to the harvesters. That should stabilize him for now. Dax: They told us you were both dead, Julian. Bashir: We would have been, if the T'Lani and Kelleruns had had their way. They're killing everyone involved in the harvesters project. Dax: The T'Lani cruiser's coming this way. They're hailing us. Sisko: Ignore them. Send a general distress signal on all Federation subspace frequencies. Dax: They're blocking all subspace communications with a broadband inversion. They're hailing us again. Sisko: Is the inversion field affecting sensors as well? Dax: All short range sensors are useless. Sisko: Which means theirs are useless too. Jakin: Ambassador, Commander Sisko is attempting to escape. We are in pursuit. Sharat: Can we overtake them? E'Tyshra: Their runabout is no match for this ship. Fire a warning shot. Jakin: Confirmed. Commander Sisko is hailing us. E'Tyshra: I thought he would. Sisko: By firing on this vessel, you've committed an act of war against the Federation. E'Tyshra: Commander, we have no quarrel with the Federation or with you, but we must insist you turn over Doctor Bashir and Chief O'Brien. Sisko: Why? So you can murder them? Sharat: Unfortunately, Commander, your officers are the only two people left who've seen the data concerning the development of the harvesters. Sisko: They have no intention of using that knowledge. You have my word Sharat: Their intentions are irrelevant. The fact is, the threat remains as long as the knowledge exists. E'Tyshra: Commander, I know this is painful for you. It wasn't easy for us to order the deaths of our own people, but it is necessary. Sisko: And if I refuse to turn them over? E'Tyshra: You can't outrun us and you can't fight us. We can destroy your runabout at any time. Sisko: Lieutenant Dax and I have no knowledge of the harvesters. Are you willing to kill us too? Sharat: We'll do whatever we have to do to ensure our safety. E'Tyshra: Commander, you are running out of options. You have one minute to turn over Doctor Bashir and Chief O'Brien Sisko: You want them, you're going to have to take us all. Sharat: He leaves us no choice. Jakin: The runabout is turning. It's heading back in our direction. E'Tyshra: Full stop. Jakin: He's preparing to fire. E'Tyshra: Employ shields. Jakin: Shields employed. E'Tyshra: Put the runabout on screen. Sharat: He must know his phasers can't hurt us. Jakin: He's aiming his vessel straight for us. Sharat: The man must be crazy. E'Tyshra: Fire phasers. Sharat: It's over. E'Tyshra: Head back to T'Lani Three. Prepare to take the other runabout in tow. Jakin: Ambassador, sensors indicate the other runabout is no longer in orbit. E'Tyshra: Then where is it? Jakin: I don't know. It's gone. Sharat: It can't just have disappeared. Jakin: I'm picking up a warp signature. E'Tyshra: Sisko. Maybe he and the others weren't on that runabout we destroyed. Jakin: They could have transported to the other runabout while our sensors were down. E'Tyshra: And then piloted the first ship by remote navigation. Sharat: But we saw them die. E'Tyshra: Did we? O'Brien: What's this? Keiko: Something Molly made for you. She painted it herself. O'Brien: It's lovely. She's really talented. Bashir: How's my patient? O'Brien: Better. Can I go home now? Bashir: You should be out of here by tomorrow. I just wanted to let you to know how much I appreciated what you said back on T'Lani Three. O'Brien: What did I say? Bashir: That it was an honor serving with me. O'Brien: Oh, right. Bashir: And I'd like to return the compliment, if I may. It's been an honor serving with you, too, Chief. You know, Mrs O'Brien, they say when two people face death together, it creates a bond that cannot be broken. I never believed that until I was O'Brien: Julian. Bashir: Hmm? Oh, er, of course. You'd like to be alone. I understand. Keiko: Miles, he saved your life, you know. O'Brien: He's never going to let me forget it. Keiko: So what was it like spending all that time alone with him? O'Brien: It was hell. You can see for yourself the man never stops talking. You know, I wouldn't mind a cup of coffee right now. Keiko: Miles, you never drink coffee in the afternoon. O'Brien: Sure I do. Keiko: You do?

O'Brien: Computer, set heading one four zero mark three two. Computer: Course laid in. O'Brien: Maximum warp. Engage. Time to Parada system? Computer: One hour, fourteen minutes. O'Brien: Open a new file, computer. O'Brien, personal log, stardate 47581.2. I've got to try to set the record straight about the last fifty two hours. I don't know who's going to hear this. I don't even know if I'll be alive by the time this log is recovered. I figure they'll be coming after me. If I'm right about this whole thing, they won't want me to warn the Paradas. Coffee, Jamaican blend, double strong, double sweet. I wish I could tell you who they are. That's part of the puzzle I haven't figured out yet. Part of the puzzle, hell. None of this whole damn thing makes any sense. I'm trying to remember the first time I noticed that things were wrong. It seems to me it was, yeah. O'Brien: It had to be the first morning after I got back to the station. O'Brien: What are you two doing up so early? Keiko: I had a lot of work to catch up on at school. Thought I'd get an early start. O'Brien: At five-thirty in the morning? Coffee, Jamaican blend, double strong, double sweet. Keiko: I have a dozen essays to read. O'Brien: Did you have sweet dreams, darling? Molly: Go away. O'Brien: Don't I get my morning kiss? Molly: No. O'Brien: What did I do to deserve that? Keiko: It's just a phase, Miles. She doesn't mean it. O'Brien: Huh? Keiko: Don't let it bother you. O'Brien: What time did you get to bed last night? Keiko: I don't know. Late. I didn't want to wake you. O'Brien: I was tired. I guess that trip really took it out of me. Keiko: What did they have you doing? O'Brien: The Paradas? They put me through basic training on all the security measures they want in place for the peace talks. Odo would have had a field day. I wish he could have been there. Keiko: I'd better get going. O'Brien: I'll drop Molly at day care on my way to Ops. Keiko: That's okay, I'm taking her with me. Molly? O'Brien: To school? When you've got all that reading to do? That doesn't make a lot of sense. Keiko: There's something I want to show her. A Vulcan program that teaches basic problem solving skills. O'Brien: At five-thirty-five in the morning? Keiko: I want to do it while her mind is fresh. O'Brien: If you say so. Keiko: See you later. O'Brien: What's this? Decurtis: Just getting a head start, Chief O'Brien: Head start? Everybody seems to be getting a head start on me today. Decurtis: Sir? O'Brien: DeCurtis, I appreciate your bushy-tailed enthusiasm but I was waiting for Odo to came back from Bajor to do this. We have to realign the entire security net for the peace talks. The Constable might have a few things to say about it all. Decurtis: Commander Sisko didn't feel we should wait for Odo. O'Brien: Sisko gave you permission to start this without asking with me first? I don't think so. Decurtis: You might want to check with him, sir. I'm only following orders. O'Brien: I'll check with him all right. Decurtis: Mister O'Brien? O'Brien: Carry on. O'Brien: Computer, how much longer to Parada system? Computer: Fifty three minutes. O'Brien: Direct sensors back toward the wormhole. Scan for other warp signatures on this heading. Computer: One warp signature found. O'Brien: Display. Can you identify? Computer: Identification confirmed. Starfleet runabout Mekong. O'Brien: I figured as much. They'll wait for me to drop out of warp and then. Well, we'll have to cross that bridge when we come to it, won't we. Computer: Please restate question. O'Brien: Disregard, computer. Continue personal log. Okay, so it was all a little curious but who could've guessed at that point O'Brien: I mean, the way they were acting, they might've been trying to pull off one of those surprise parties that I can't stand, only my birthday's not until September, and believe me, as it turned out, I had nothing else to celebrate. Bashir: Ah, there he is now. I've been waiting for you, Chief. O'Brien: What is it, Julian. Bashir: No excuses this time. O'Brien: Excuses? Bashir: I'd like you in my office in an hour. O'Brien: For what? Bashir: Your physical. You can't put this off any longer. O'Brien: Look, this isn't a good day. Bashir: It's a perfect day. Commander Sisko has arranged to have you covered and O'Brien: What are you doing going to the Commander about my check-up? Bashir: Because this has been. I just know how you feel about O'Brien: Forget it. I've got things to do. Bashir: I'm afraid I'll have to insist. If I have to order you as your superior officer, I will. Sisko: Is there a problem? Bashir: Mister O'Brien says he's unavailable for a physical. Sisko: Make yourself available, Chief. O'Brien: Commander. Sisko: Doctor Bashir's annual report on the senior staff is due next week at Starfleet. We've all had to go through this. O'Brien: Fine. Fine, I'll be there in an hour. O'Brien: Commander, can I talk to you for a minute? Sisko: Ensign DeCurtis mentioned to me that you were a little upset. O'Brien: Not upset, exactly. Sisko: No, no, you had every right to be. I'm sorry I assigned him before advising you. I guess I dropped the ball on that one. O'Brien: Well, I guess I just felt a little left out of the loop, you know. Sisko: Understood. I've gone through your reports on the Paradas. They seem unusually preoccupied with security. O'Brien: They may be a little paranoid, but I suppose we would be too if we'd been engaged in a civil war for twelve years. Sisko: Anything else I should know about them? Any unusual protocols we should observe when they get here? O'Brien: No, nothing too out of the ordinary. It's all pretty much in my report. Sisko: Now, tell me something that's not in the report. O'Brien: Sir? Sisko: You know, the kind of things we don't include in reports but might help me in these talks. O'Brien: Well, I'd have to give it some thought. There was one thing I noticed. I don't know if it means anything or not, but the Paradas have an odor from some kind of skin excretions, I'd guess. It changes with their moods. When they're upset, it can get pretty strong actually. Sisko: I'll try not to get them upset. O'Brien: Good idea. Sisko: Their leaders have been in regular contact with us. I've assured them that we'll be following all of their security recommendations to the letter. O'Brien: I'll see to that. Sisko: Well, I certainly want you to check everything before they get here, but the upfront work can be done by the Engineering crews. I have bigger problems for you. O'Brien: Bigger? Sisko: All three upper pylons are down again. O'Brien: That's impossible. I went over that repair work when I got back. The pressure locks seemed to be at maximum efficiency. Sisko: You'd better check again. We had to tow a Bolian freighter to a lower dock this morning. O'Brien: It can't be anything that serious. I rebuilt that entire subsystem myself. I'll get on it right away. Sisko: After your physical. O'Brien: Yes, sir. Oh, by the way, I noticed you and Keiko out in front of the school this morning, talking. Is there anything wrong? Sisko: Oh, Jake is having some problems with his grades. O'Brien: I'm sorry to hear that, sir. Keiko's very fond of the boy. I'm sure she'll work that much harder to help him. Sisko: I'm sure she will. O'Brien: Are we nearly finished? I believe you've poked into every orifice of my body and created a few new ones. Bashir: Any dizziness? Oversleeping? Lack of energy? Euphoria? O'Brien: Yes, all of them. Especially euphoria. Lots of euphoria. Bashir: Seriously. O'Brien: Look, if you're determined to keep me here until you find something wrong with me, I'll see if I can't grow you a hangnail. Bashir: Eye problems? Hearing? Headaches? O'Brien: Headache. There you go. In fact, I'm getting a very bad one right now. Bashir: Short temper. Flies off the handle under the slightest provocation. Perfectly normal behavior. O'Brien: I'm glad you're enjoying this. Bashir: Sorry. I know how you feel about doctors. O'Brien: It's not doctors I have problems with. O'BRIEN + Bashir: It's you, Julian. Bashir: Well, your sense of humor seems normal enough O'Brien: I don't have a sense of humor. Bashir: Cough. How's the sex life? O'Brien: I don't have a sense of humor. Bashir: Cough. Everything all right in that department? O'Brien: That department is none of Starfleet's business, or yours. Bashir: Mother and father in good health? O'Brien: Oh, come on, Julian. You knew my mother died two years ago. Bashir: Did I? O'Brien: You don't remember me telling you when my father remarried last spring? Me blathering on about this woman I've never met before? Bashir: Of course. Now I remember. O'Brien: Are you finished? Bashir: Not quite. I just have one or two more tests to run. O'Brien: This is insane! I haven't had a physical take this long since I was born. Look, unless I'm dying or something, I think it's about time. Wait. That's it, is it? I mean, there is something wrong with me. That's why everyone seems so strange. Bashir: Relax, Chief. I'm giving you a clean bill of health. You can get dressed. Jake: Hey, Chief! O'Brien: Hello, Jake. Jake: I need a favor. O'Brien: Sure. What is it? Jake: I'm working on a subspace transceiver for my science project but I can't seem to figure out how to get the emitter crystal to work. O'Brien: A subspace transceiver model. I used to build them when I was your age. I'll be glad to help. Jake: You don't think it's a conflict of interest or anything, you being married to the teacher? O'Brien: We'll have to clear it with Keiko but I don't think she'll mind. Besides, it's a chance to help get those grades of yours back up, right? Jake: My grades are great. I just want to keep them that way. O'Brien: Sisko was telling the truth about one thing. The upper pylons had failed again. It didn't make any sense, because the new pressure locks I'd installled seemed to be working just fine, so it had to be an entirely new problem. I realized it wasn't going to be a quick matter to track it down after all. And I couldn't help thinking how this was going to keep me occupied while the security arrangements for the Paradas were underway. O'Brien: How's it coming, DeCurtis? Decurtis: Chief. I thought you had your hands full with the upper pylons. O'Brien: I do, but I thought I'd take a break and check in on your progress. Decurtis: Everything's on schedule here. We made a complete sweep of all the quarters assigned to the Paradas. O'Brien: Good. Open it up. I'd like to look it over myself. Decurtis: I can't, Chief. O'Brien: That's an order. Decurtis: Sir, the security seal was activated the minute we left. Only Major Kira has the access codes. O'Brien: O'Brien to Kira. Kira: Go ahead, Chief. O'Brien: I'd like the access codes to the Parada quarters. Sisko: Chief, what are you doing down there? O'Brien: Commander, I spent the last week going over these arrangements with the Paradas. I really need to Sisko: I want those upper pylons operational, Chief. That's your priority. Understood? O'Brien: Yes, sir. Jake: Chief, is this the right inverter for the subspace transceiver? O'Brien: Where'd you get this? I haven't seen one of these since I was a kid. Jake: I replicated it. I found the design in a really, really, old data file in the library program. O'Brien: Really, really, old? Jake: I didn't mean O'Brien: Don't worry about it. Why don't you come by my place after dinner. We'll see if we can add the rest of the pieces. Jake: Oh, that's great. O'Brien: Jake, did anything unusual happen here at the station while I was in the Gamma Quadrant last? Kira: Jake. Your Dad's been looking for you. I think he's back in your quarters. It may be important. Jake: See you later. Kira: Everything under control, Chief? O'Brien: All under control, Major. O'Brien: I worked on the pylon controls the better part of the day. Needle in a haystack wouldn't do this job justice. When I finally found the crack in the RF power conduit, I couldn't imagine how it could've occurred so deep in the system, unless someone had broken it deliberately. Keiko: Hard day? O'Brien: You could say that. Keiko: You want to lie down before dinner? O'Brien: No, Jake's coming over in a little while. I promised to help him with his science project. Keiko: Er, Commander Sisko just called. Jake can't make it tonight. He isn't feeling well. O'Brien: Really? He seemed okay a few hours ago. Keiko: Well, you know how it is with kids. He probably just ate too much junk on the Promenade after school. O'Brien: Where's Molly? Keiko: She's over at the Fredricksons spending the night. O'Brien: So there's just the two of us, then. Keiko: We'd better eat while the food's still warm. O'Brien: The replicator can keep it warm, and I can keep you warm. O'Brien: What's the problem? Keiko: No problem. I'm just not in the mood. I had a hard day too. O'Brien: Okay, we'll eat. What is it? Keiko: Fricandeau stew. O'Brien: But you don't like Fricandeau stew. Keiko: You do. O'Brien: Yeah, but Keiko: I just thought you'd appreciate one of your favorite meals. I know how you hate all that terrible food when you're away. A little endive salad, sweet flan for dessert. O'Brien: How thoughtful of you. You're not having any? Keiko: I just feel like having salad. O'Brien: Not hungry? Keiko: I had a late lunch. Keiko: How is it? O'Brien: You know, I think I will lie down. Keiko: But you haven't eaten a bite. O'Brien: I just don't seem to have an appetite right now. O'Brien: I don't know if there was anything wrong with the stew or not. When I went back later to check, she'd already put it into the disposal. But all I could think of, as I looked at her, was that this was not my Keiko. O'Brien: Computer, open O'Brien personal log. Play back last sentence. O'Brien: But all I could think of, as I looked at her, was that this was not my Keiko. O'Brien: You're right. She wasn't. Continue log. I didn't get much sleep that night. O'Brien: I waited for Keiko, or whoever she was, to go to bed and I started my search. I had no idea what I was looking for. Something odd, something not quite normal, anything to explain what might be going on. Computer: Scan complete. No unknown microorganisms detected. O'Brien: Check for traces of any chemical agents with bioactive properties. Computer: No chemical agents with bioactive properties detected. O'Brien: Any unknown chemical agents? Computer: Negative. O'Brien: Access internal EM sensor grid. Computer: Ready. O'Brien: Scan for any evidence of sub-harmonic transmissions. Computer: Scan complete. No sub-harmonic transmissions detected. O'Brien: Any unusual neural wave patterns. Computer: Negative. O'Brien: Any telepathic activity on board. Computer: Negative. O'Brien: Computer, display all arriving vessels from stardate 47550 through 47571. O'Brien: None from the Gamma Quadrant? Computer: No ships arrived from the Gamma Quadrant within time parameters requested. O'Brien: Coffee, Jamaican blend, double strong, double sweet. You're drinking too much of this stuff, O'Brien. Anything to stay alert, O'Brien. Okay, computer, play back station logs chronologically, starting with stardate 47550. Computer: Identify which officer's logs are to be included. O'Brien: All officers. Computer: Vocal or transcribed? O'Brien: Vocal. Sisko: Captain's log, stardate 47552.9. Admiral Gupta has arrived to personally assess the Cardassian movements along the border. Several Federation colonies in the demilitarized zone have complained of Dax: diskovered a new lifeform previously unreported. We have tentatively classified it as a protozoic species but still have to Sisko: lost in a shuttlepod somewhere in the vicinity of the third moon of Bajor Seven. We have two runabouts Kira: a request by the Chamber of Ministers that I find absolutely ridiculous. They have actually requested that we begin to screen all arriving Decurtis: were completed at seventeen-hundred hours and seem to be functioning with no further difficulties. A level one diagnostic Sisko: and the Admiral seemed satisfied that the Cardassians would not violate the treaty. Computer: Access denied. O'Brien: Denied? Access denied to what? Sisko: Captain's logs after stardate 47569.4 are restricted. O'Brien: The day I got back. Describe the restrictions. Computer: Access restricted to level one security clearance. O'Brien: I am level one. Computer: Please enter security verification. Computer: Access denied. Decurtis: Anything I can help you with, Chief? O'Brien: No, I'm just making sure these upper pylons are in working condition by morning. Decurtis: You're an inspiration to us all. O'Brien: There were several traps laid into the computer subroutine, no doubt to let someone know if I'd penetrated their security lockout. I wasn't fooled for a minute and released the protected files without any problem. O'Brien: What I found in those hidden logs didn't answer all my questions, but it sure as hell confirmed what I'd been afraid of. They were analyzing and reanalyzing everything I had put into my report about Paradan security. They'd even broken into my personal logs to see what they could find in there. I hope they enjoyed reading the sexy letters to my wife. There were several entries by Sisko about secured messages from the Parada system but no indication what those messages were about. Maybe they were afraid I'd get into their files even with the security lockout. Smart people. Odo: Chief. O'Brien: Odo, we've got a problem. I have to talk to you. Odo: It's good to see you too. O'Brien: Aside from Jake, not one of them was, I don't know, real. I'm not sure who we can trust on the station at this point. Odo: Do any of them know you're suspicious? O'Brien: Probably. I've asked a few questions, been a few places that might have tipped them off. They'll be keeping close tabs on me. I'd call Starfleet but what could I tell them? My wife doesn't seem like my wife? Sisko's been making security arrangements without consulting me? Odo: They might even call Commander Sisko and start asking questions about you. O'Brien: That's what I was afraid of. Odo: When are the Paradas due? O'Brien: Thirty eight hours. Odo: I don't want them coming anywhere near this place until we get this cleared up. O'Brien: Agreed. Odo: Go on about your business. Don't do anything to get their attention. In the meantime, I'll do some investigating. If I can confirm your suspicions, we can go to Starfleet and the Bajoran authorities at the same time. O'Brien: I'm glad you're back, Odo. Odo: We'll get to the bottom of this. O'Brien: I felt better than I had for a long time. I finally had an ally. Now, all I had to do was wait. I like to think I'm a man with many talents, but waiting isn't one of them. I had to cover my bets, prepare myself for whatever might happen next. I still had a few tricks up my sleeve. Quark: The odds are against you, O'Brien. O'Brien: Against me? What are you talking about? Quark: You know what I'm talking about. You look tired. Have you been getting enough sleep? O'Brien: What are you talking about, Quark? Quark: Racquetball. The rematch with Bashir next week. We never finished the first one, remember? My, we are jumpy, aren't we. O'Brien: Change the subject. Quark: Fine, we'll change the subject. So, tell me about the Paradas. They're going to be here, when, tomorrow? O'Brien: Why do you want to know anything about the Paradas? Quark: It's always good business to know about new customers before they walk in your door. O'Brien: Which Rule of Acquisition is that? Quark: Oh, one of the high numbers. One ninety four, I think. O'Brien: Well, you'll have to find out about the Paradas from someone else. Odo: Odo to O'Brien. O'Brien: Go ahead. Odo: Can I see you in my office? O'Brien: On my way. Odo: I see what you mean. O'Brien: What did you find out? Odo: Sit down. How much do you know about the Paradan rebels? O'Brien: Don't ask me to explain the politics of the situation, but I know they've been fighting the government forces for twelve years. Why? Odo: I'm just trying to understand the players involved here. O'Brien: Odo, Sisko's logs indicate that secret messages have been coming from the Parada System. Could those messages have been from the rebels? Odo: As a matter of fact, they were. O'Brien: That's already a breach of the security agreement we made with the Paradan government, and it's a good enough reason for us to cancel these peace talks. Odo: That still might be premature. O'Brien: What are you talking about? We've got more than enough They got to you. Odo: Don't be ridiculous. I'm just trying to O'Brien: No, they did. They got to you. Sisko: All right, let's have a little talk. O'Brien: Who the hell are you? Kira: We don't want to hurt you. Bashir: Here, this'll help you relax. O'Brien: Thanks just the same. O'Brien: Computer, lock on to my comm. badge. Initiate emergency transport to runabout Rio Grande. Computer: Unable to complete request. Please contact station commander for assistance. O'Brien: Making it tough for me, huh? Fine. You want forcefields, I'll give you forcefields. There. Now, you want to get me, you'll have to release them all. O'Brien: Thank you. O'Brien: Jake, are you okay? Jake: Yeah. O'Brien: Good. Listen to me. Something isn't normal round here. Your dad, the others, something's happened to them. You and I are the only ones who can help. Jake: Jake Sisko to Security. He's here. Level H two, section five. It'll be okay. Just surrender to them and you'll be fine. Odo: Spread out. Check all quarters. Advise people to stay where they are and not to let anyone in. Security: Yes, sir. Sisko: Shut down your engines. O'Brien: Sorry, Commander. I have no intention of doing that. Sisko: You will not be allowed to leave. I repeat, shut down your engines now. O'Brien: If you check your systems, you'll find that the mooring clamps are already unlocked and your tractor beams are offline. O'Brien out. Shields up! O'Brien: Are the shields holding, Computer. Computer: Shields at seventy-one percent. Computer: Warning. Shields at forty nine percent. O'Brien: Transfer emergency life support power to shield generators. Computer: Transfer complete. O'Brien: Shield status. Computer: Shields at ninety three percent. O'Brien: Full impulse, heading four one mark three three-zero. Computer: Confirmed. O'Brien: Computer, open a subspace channel to Starbase four zero one. Priority one, Admiral Rollman. Computer: Stand by. O'Brien: Admiral. Miles O'Brien, Chief of Operations, Deep Space Nine. Rollman: I know who you are. O'Brien: Admiral, I must apprise you of an emergency situation on the station. There's been some sort of takeover, a conspiracy. I believe it has something to do with the Paradan peace talks. Rollman: Listen to me very carefully. Return to DS Nine immediately. O'Brien: Admiral, you don't understand. I believe Commander Sisko and all of the senior officers have fallen under the influence of something that Rollman: Turn the ship around and go back. You will not be harmed. O'Brien: It seemed almost unbelievable to me. Had someone or something started to infiltrate all of Starfleet? O'Brien: Computer, new heading. One eight zero mark three one. To the wormhole. O'Brien: Coffee, Jamaican blend, double strong, double sweet. Time to Parada system, Computer. Computer: One minute, twenty seconds. O'Brien: How much lead time do we have on the Mekong. Computer: At current speeds, seven minutes, four seconds. O'Brien: That'll disappear in a hurry once we drop out of warp. At least I get to choose where they catch up. Computer, identify the largest planet in the Parada system. Computer: Parada Four. O'Brien: Adjust course to approach Parada Four. Computer: Confirmed. O'Brien: How many moons around Parada Four? Computer: Seven. O'Brien: Lucky seven. Display coordinates. Computer: Approaching the Parada system. O'Brien: Drop to impulse. Status of Mekong? Computer: Mekong has dropped out of warp and has adjusted course to identical heading. O'Brien: Perfect. How much time have they made up on us? Computer: At current speed, the Mekong is two minutes, one second behind this vessel. O'Brien: Adjust speed to let them catch up to us in thirty seconds. Computer: Dropping to point four impulse. O'Brien: Come on, I'm waiting for you. Computer: Warning. Entering polar magnetic field. Sensors will be nonfunctional for twenty seven seconds. Switch to manual navigation. O'Brien: Switching. Computer, full impulse, engage. Computer: Confirmed. Manual navigation in effect. O'Brien: Shut down all engines, all main power systems. Maintain silent running status. Computer: Confirmed. O'Brien: Yeah, where did I go? Now you see me, now you don't. What's it going to be, fellas? I can play hide and seek with the best of them. No time for games, huh? Computer, identify Mekong's new heading. Computer: Four one mark two zero one. O'Brien: Probable destination? Computer: Parada Two. O'Brien: Parada Two? What's on Parada Two? Computer: Specify parameters. O'Brien: Computer, monitor all transporter activity to and from the Mekong. Computer: Mekong transporter has been energized. O'Brien: They beamed to the surface? Computer: Confirmed. O'Brien: How many people? Computer: Three people. O'Brien: Anyone left on board? Computer: Negative. O'Brien: Put us on a course for Parada Two. Take us into synchronous orbit above their location on the surface. O'Brien: Having a little unscheduled negotiation with the rebels, are we? Sisko: You don't understand. Put down your weapons and we'll explain. O'Brien: No, I've got a better idea. You put down yours first. Do it. O'Brien: You too. Coutu: Everything you need to understand is behind this door. O'Brien: Yeah, like a squadron of rebels maybe, huh? Coutu: No. If you'd just permit me O'Brien: Just stay where you are. Kira: Listen to him. He's not your enemy. We're not your enemy. O'Brien: No? Coutu: Please. This will explain everything. O'Brien: I don't want to hurt you. Sisko: Doctor, we need you! O'Brien: He's perfect. He looks just like me. Kira: Apparently he thought he was you. Coutu: No doubt they thought that would make him more convincing. We believe there was some triggering device programd into him that would have taken over during the peace talks. The government scientists have learned how to do remarkable things with replicants. O'Brien: What was he programd to do? Coutu: We're not entirely sure. Assassinate someone at the peace talks, we think. Perhaps our entire delegation. Sisko: They were tipped off by one of the informants in their government. There was a rumor you'd been abducted and replaced by a replicant. Coutu: We've had people looking for you ever since. Bashir: There was no way to prove he wasn't you. He passed a physical exam with flying colors, and he sure knew his way around the station. O'Brien: I had more wires attached to my head than you can count. Now I know why. Kira: We were trying to shut him out of every sensitive security area while they were searching for you. He must have wondered what the hell was going on with all of us. Bashir: By the time we learned of your rescue, he'd already gotten away from us and was on his way here. Coutu: I wonder why he was coming back? O'Brien: If it were me, I'd be trying to warn somebody there was something wrong at the station. Sisko: Maybe in a strange sort of way, he was just trying to be a hero. Fake O'Brien: Keiko. O'Brien: What about her? Fake O'Brien: Tell her I love

Scene: Station log, stardate 47573.1. To respond to questions about setting up colonies near the wormhole, Chief O'Brien and I have set out to survey nearby star systems. Sisko: If it's an imposition O'Brien: No, sir, it's fine. Sisko: You're sure? O'Brien: I'm sure, Commander. Jake's a good fellow. I'll enjoy working with him. Sisko: I don't want you to make it easy for him, Chief. He has to know what it takes to make it in Starfleet. O'Brien: I'll have him up to his elbows in thorium grease, sir. Sisko: It's not going to be easy for him. He placed in the lower third of his age group in mechanical aptitude. O'Brien: Good for him. So did I. Sisko: You? Come on. O'Brien: No, it's true. It wasn't till I got to the Cardassian front I found I had talents I never knew I had. Sisko: At the front? O'Brien: It was a matter of figuring out how to get a field transporter operational in ten minutes or wind up a Cardassian prisoner of war. Now, I didn't know a transporter from a turbolift in those days but somehow, in nine minutes fifty three seconds, I got that thing to work. I got thirteen men safely off the surface of Setlik Three. Next thing I know I'm the tactical officer on the Rutledge. That's how I got the gold suit. Sisko: Well, Jake's ready for a new suit too. The boy seems to grow a centimeter each week. You know, he struck me out with a curve ball the other day. First time. O'Brien: They grow up in a hurry, don't they, sir. Sisko: That they do. O'Brien: I think I've got one. Computer, set a new heading, four one mark three zero one. Computer: Confirmed. Sisko: It's an M class all right. One hundred and sixty million kilometers from Orellius Minor. Should be a perfect place to set up a colony. O'Brien: Only it looks like someone's beat us to it. Sisko: You're reading life forms? O'Brien: Human life forms. Sisko: I don't see anything on the books about a colony in the Orellius system. O'Brien: Trying all hailing frequencies. Sisko: Moving into synchronous orbit. O'Brien: No response. I'm picking up some kind of low level duonetic field down there. It may be blocking communications. Sisko: Let's introduce ourselves to our neighbors. Sisko: Yours too? O'Brien: Even the self-diagnostics aren't working. It's plain dead. Sisko: Sisko to Rio Grande. Computer, respond. O'Brien: I'd say there's no EM activity at all around here. Sisko: Any idea why? O'Brien: I'm not sure, but it might have something to do with that duonetic field our sensors picked up. Sisko: Well, I hope you find a few more of those talents you never knew you had, because if you don't we're going to have a hard time getting off this Vinod: Don't move! Vinod: And put your hands up. Vinod: Turn around. Slowly. Joseph: They're from Starfleet. Sisko: That's right. Mind if we put our hands down? Joseph: The uniforms have changed, or have I just forgotten what they looked like? My name is Joseph. Vinod's the one playing with the sharp object. Sisko: Benjamin Sisko, and this is Miles O'Brien. Vinod: How did you get here? O'Brien: We were going to ask you the same thing. Sisko: We were surveying for habitable planets when our sensors picked up your lifesigns. There was no record of a human colony here. Joseph: Our group was on its way to settle on Gemulon Five over ten years ago when our ship developed life support problems, and we had to land here for repairs. Vinod: Once we got here, all our systems failed. Nothing worked anymore. O'Brien: So we've seen. Joseph: We've been stuck here ever since, and I guess you are too now. Sisko: We have a ship in orbit. It won't take our people long to find us. O'Brien: We'll be able to get all of you out of here. Joseph: After ten years, this is our home. O'Brien: But you just said it yourself. Nothing works. Joseph: Well, we still do. Come, we'll show you. Vinod, run ahead and tell your mother we have guests. Come. Sisko: Erewon-class personnel transport. Joseph: Commissioned the Santa Maria. Now, we just call it the Cabin. Alixus: After all this time, visitors! Joseph: Alixus, meet Ben and Miles. Alixus: Welcome to our community. Miles. Are there others? Sisko: Just an empty runabout in orbit. Hopefully, it'll attract some attention. Joseph: A runabout. Is that some kind of new Starfleet vessel? O'Brien: Yeah, they commissioned the first ones two years ago. They're a short-range interstellar craft about a quarter the size of your cabin here. Joseph: I was the engineer aboard the Santa Maria. Alixus: You and Miles will have a lot to talk about, Joseph. I'm sure all of us have questions for our guests. Vinod: Who won the soccer matches this year? Is Golanga still playing? Sisko: No, he hurt his knee four years ago. They replaced it with a bio-implant but he wasn't the same after that. Who was it that won last year anyway? I never can remember. Cassandra: What are women's fashions like back home now? Sisko: Chief, you're the married one. O'Brien: Keiko, my wife, she's been replicating longer dresses lately. Cassandra: Oh, no. That means I'll have to alter everything I own. O'Brien: That might just be the Bajoran styles she sees on Deep Space Nine. Joseph: On Deep Space Nine? Alixus: I'm sure Ben and Miles will be happy to tell us everything we want to know. There'll be plenty of time for that later. O'Brien: Actually, the first thing I'd like to do is to try and get some response from the EM systems. Alixus: We gave up any hope of that years ago. Sisko: Yes, we noticed a low-level duonetic field in the area before we transported down. Alixus: Yes, the same thing appeared on our sensors when we were landing. Our engines failed almost the instant we hit the surface. Joseph: Without a functional tricorder, it was virtually impossible to track down the source. Alixus: We do know that the marshes all around us are filled with astatine deposits. That's the only explanation we have. But we've done pretty well without our tricorders and EM converters and comm. links haven't we? After all, the human body is a powerful tool. We can plow the crops, harvest the fields, construct the walls that we need for protection against the wilderness, weave clothes that we need to stay warm. In a way, we've rediskovered what man is capable of without technology. It hasn't been easy. We've had some bitter winters and we've lost some dear friends. But we're very proud of what we've accomplished here. Sisko: You have every right to be. Cassandra: Are we all going to leave when the others come to rescue them? Alixus: That's something each of us is going to have to think about, isn't it. Cassandra: Are you going to leave, Alixus? Alixus: Speaking for myself, no. No, I'll never leave. And I'll never want what we have in our community to change. It means too much to me. But while you are here, you are welcome to everything our community has to offer. The only thing we ask is that you contribute. We all work for our supper. You'd be surprised how much sweeter it tastes when you do. Sisko: We'll be happy to do our part. Alixus: Joseph, would you find them some bunks, please? Alixus: Two more strong, healthy men, Vinod. That could mean an awful lot to this community. Kira: Do you know an Admiral Mitsuya? Dax: Best poker player in the fleet, next to me. Kira: Well, he's diverting the Crockett to stop at DS Nine day after tomorrow to talk about Cardassian foreign policy? Dax: That's just an excuse to get Benjamin in a game. Mitsuya cleaned him out last year. We'd better hail the Rio Grande and get them back this way. I've worked two lifetimes on Benjamin's poker. He just can't learn how to bluff. Kira: That's odd. Dax: I know. You'd think a man like Benjamin Kira: No. The Rio Grande. It's not responding to our hails. O'Brien: Commander. Sisko: Come in, Chief. I'm just reading one of the books our host has written. Alixus is quite a prolific author. O'Brien: A bunch of these were left in my room too. I haven't had a chance to look at them. What does she write about? Sisko: She seems to have something to say on just about everything. O'Brien: Yeah? Sisko: Economic analysis, political commentaries, literary critiques. She says she's spent her life examining the human condition. O'Brien: What's her prognosis? Sisko: Not very good. She says we've become fat and lazy and dull. O'Brien: My wife told me something along those lines just last week. Sisko: The common conceit that the human species has evolved over the last several centuries is ludicrous. What gains we have made have come at the cost of our own core identities. Man has lost touch with his true power. O'Brien: Sounds like it took a crash landing for her to find her paradise. Sisko: Have you found anything in their ship that can help us restore contact with the runabout? O'Brien: There's nothing to find. Waveguides, conduits, baffle plates. You name it, it's gone. The ship looks like it's been through a Ferengi junkyard. Sisko: What happened to it all? Joseph: We threw it away. Well, since none of it worked, to us it was merely useless junk taking up space. Sisko: Alixus felt its presence was a constant reminder of who you used to be. Joseph: Well, we all had to abandon our dependence on technology. Removing every trace of it, well, that made the transition easier. O'Brien: As an engineer, you must've had some problems with that. Joseph: I was the last convert. But as time passed, I realized Alixus was right. She was helping us diskover a new philosophy of life together, because we needed one to survive. And I'll tell you, every one of us is better for it. We're more committed to each other. We are truly a part of each other's lives. We've renewed a sense of community that man left behind centuries ago. Cassandra: Joseph, Meg's fever's getting worse. Joseph: The new herb doesn't seem to be helping at all. Sisko: May I see? Joseph: Please. Alixus: We have an insect here that transmits a disease we haven't found a cure for. We've lost three to it already. Sisko: Have you found anything in the forest like the sleeger fungi? Joseph: We've searched everywhere for the right fungus or root that would draw out the infection. Sisko: If it keeps spreading, she'll die before the rescue team finds us. O'Brien: The medical kit in the runabout could probably take care of this in a second. Sisko: We've got to find a way to restore the comm. link to the transporter. Alixus: It would only be a waste of time. O'Brien: This duonetic field inhibits energy flow, but a duonetic field is a form of energy too. Maybe we could modify our communicators to run on the field itself. Joseph: Do you really think you could? Alixus: No. If you want to put your efforts to good use, search the forest for something else we might use. Sisko: This is primitive medicine. You can't expect to save her Alixus: Ben, may I see you outside please. Alixus: Talk like that isn't constructive. Sisko: I'm talking about saving the life of one of your followers. Alixus: You don't understand us yet. No one follows me. They follow their own hearts. Sisko: My heart tells me to try to get back to my ship. Alixus: I'm sure it does. But if we'd had that attitude for the last ten years, we wouldn't have been doing what was necessary to survive here. To find the plants, herbs, molds that cure disease. We've conquered seventeen illnesses with the most powerful resource man has. His ingenuity. Sisko: An interesting philosophy. And while we're debating it, a woman is dying. Alixus: We're doing everything we can for her. Sisko: No, we're not. Alixus: I won't have you disrupting everything this community has worked for, Ben. Sisko: I don't intend to stay any longer than necessary. Alixus: And that's another thing. Let's not bring up the Starfleet rescue party again. Until they come, if they come, you'll have to do things our way. I'd strongly advise you get rid of that uniform. By mid afternoon, it gets hot in the fields. Dax: The Rio Grande's been spotted. Kira: Where? Dax: The details are coming in from Starfleet. The Romulan vessel Gasko reported seeing an abandoned runabout. Markings NCC seven two four five two. Kira: That's our ship all right. Dax: Traveling at warp two through sector four zero one. Kira: At warp, with no one on board? Dax: Command wants to know if we can send someone to investigate. Kira: Signal them affirmative. Dax: I already have. Kira: Runabout pad C. Vinod: You've got a real talent for this, Ben. Sisko: Well, my father was a chef. He grew all his own vegetables. My brothers and I were sent out to the gardens every day. Vinod: Most of the others, they'd only eaten replicated food before they got here. The flavor of the foods we prepare, quite a surprise to them. Sisko: But not you? Vinod: My mother would never let me eat replicated food. Joseph: What? O'Brien: I can't help thinking what my wife would say if she saw me doing this. Joseph: Why? O'Brien: Well, around my house, I'm known as the Black Thumb. I'm just one of those people, you know? The only way I could get anything to grow was to marry a botanist. Joseph: A botanist? Really? O'Brien: Yeah. You should have seen the arboretum she grew on the Enterprise. That's where I asked her to marry me. She'd love it here. Joseph: Maybe you'll bring her someday. O'Brien: Trouble is she wouldn't want to leave. Joseph: That's okay too. Joseph: Get him into the shade. Joseph: Here, Stephan, chew these. They'll help you regain your strength. O'Brien: What did he do to deserve this? Joseph: He stole a candle. O'Brien: One candle? Sisko: How long was he in there? Joseph: Since yesterday. O'Brien: In that hell box? Sisko: Is this part of your philosophy of life too? Alixus: You're a Starfleet Commander. I'm sure you've had to diskipline members of your crew. Sisko: Diskipline is one thing. Torture is another. Alixus: The first thing this community accepted was the need to establish rules of conduct. All of us, including Stephan, approved this form of punishment as necessary and fair. How are you, Stephan? Stephan: I'll be all right. I'm sorry, Alixus, that I let down the community. Alixus: The matter is closed. Go inside. Get some rest now. Stephan: Thank you, Alixus. Alixus: Stephan will never steal another candle, and neither will anyone else who saw him here today. In time, you'll understand that this is a simple and effective way to maintain law and order in our community. O'Brien: SI get the distinct impression that she expects us to be here for a while. Sisko: If there's a way to adapt the energy in the duonetic field to get us back to the runabout, I want you to find it, Chief. O'Brien: Yes, sir. Cassandra: Is there anything you need? Sisko: No, I don't think so. Cassandra: I'm sorry. Alixus doesn't believe in doors. We all take it for granted now. You'll get used to it. Sisko: Hopefully, I won't be here long enough to get used to it. Cassandra: You don't like it here, do you. Sisko: It's not what I'm used to. Cassandra: Alixus has reminded us all that it wasn't easy for us at first either. She's told us to be patient with you. Sisko: Has she. Cassandra: I know your muscles must be sore from all the work today. This is an oil extract from the xupta tree. It's wonderfully soothing. Sisko: Thanks, I'll try some. Cassandra: Would you like me to massage you with it? Sisko: I don't think so. Thanks, anyway. Cassandra: It'll make you feel a lot better. Here, let me show you. Sisko: Did she send you here? Did she send you here to make love to me? Alixus: Ben, come in, I was just writing about you and Miles in my journal. I understand you're quite a chef. Alixus: That's the first core behavior I've seen from you since you arrived. Sisko: Core behavior. Does that chapter come before or after sexual procurement? Alixus: I assume you're talking about Cassandra. Sisko: Did you send her to my room? Alixus: Yes. Sisko: I think you're contemptible. Alixus: Interesting. Contemptible. Try and see it through our eyes just for a moment, Ben. Cassandra came to me. She was worried. She sensed that you weren't happy. Sisko: She was right about that. Alixus: She was concerned that all you see here is work and hardship, and she wanted you to share in our joy as well. Sisko: So you sent her to win my devotion to your cause. Alixus: I suggested she might make it easier for you to become a member of our community. The choice was hers. Cassandra really likes you, Ben. Sisko: It's fortunate that all these books of yours aren't on PADDS like the other materials the colonists brought. Alixus: I used to print them myself. Sisko: I'm not surprised. And Vinod told me you never ate replicated food before you came here. Alixus: I'm not sure I see the connection. Sisko: It's just that you never had much use for technology, did you? It's interesting you happened to crash on a planet that fit your philosophy of life so well. Alixus: I agree. In fact, I've started writing a book about our experiences. I've been wondering if in the ancient religions of man, there aren't some new truths to be found. Something to explain how sometimes fate delivers us exactly where we need to be. Sisko: Perhaps one day you'll even feel the hand of God on your shoulder. Alixus: You won't give a millimeter, will you? Look at you, still in your uniform, wanting so badly to get back to your station with its artificial gravity and sterilized air. You are so diskonnected from your core identity, Ben. There is a better way. How can we help you to see it? Perhaps good hard work is the answer. Vinod! Vinod: Yes, mother? Alixus: Ben will be standing watch tonight. O'Brien: Are you all right, Commander? Sisko: Tired, but I'll be fine. Any luck on your end? O'Brien: This duonetic field is still a mystery, sir. I can't believe it's being generated by the astatine deposits in the stream bed. Alixus: Good morning, Ben. Ready for some breakfast? We have some lovely fruit. Try this. We found it growing along the riverbank a few years ago. It's some kind of native pear. Oh, will you be able to work your regular shift in the field today? O'Brien: What are you talking about? You just had him up all night standing watch. Alixus: Of course, if you'd like to be relieved of your duties, all you have to do is ask. Sisko: I'll work my shift. Alixus: Good. We're so short-handed out there. But you really should do yourself a favor and change into some more comfortable clothes. Oh, by the way, you'll be pleased to know Meg seems better this morning. Joseph is very optimistic about a new combination of herbs he's trying. Dax: We're picking up a ship ahead. It's the Rio Grande, moving at warp one point three. Kira: Plotting an intercept course. Once we're abeam, match our speeds exactly and I'll transport over. Dax: Like hell you will. Kira: Sorry, I'm the ranking officer here. Dax: At warp, I wouldn't be in such a hurry to volunteer. Kira: You got a better idea? Dax: I'm the science officer. It's my job to have a better idea. Kira: What are you doing? Dax: Trying an old rope trick I learned on Earth once. Kira: A rope trick. Dax: A very talented Hopi I knew did things with a rope you wouldn't believe. It's an old West American artform. Kira: You're suggesting we try to rope the Rio Grande at warp? Dax: With a tractor beam. Kira: Once we pull it back to impulse, isn't there a risk that the strain will rip both hulls apart? Dax: If the ship assembly teams back in the yards did their jobs really well, we'll probably make it. If they had an off day, we're going to have a problem. But it's our best shot. Unless, a as ranking officer, you have a better idea. Kira: We're within tractor range. Locking on. Dax: Engaging impulse engines. Dax: Remind me to send a thank you note to the assembly teams. Kira: All stop. Computer, ready transporter. Alixus: Meg has died. Suddenly, quietly. No one was prouder of what we've accomplished here than Meg was. Her dedication to this community and to us was an inspiration, which is why I find myself so troubled today by an act that by its very nature defiles her memory. Vinod? Alixus: All of us have welcomed our new arrivals with open arms, but they continue to reject us. Despite their agreement to respect our fundamental way of life, this man has committed the worst offense that can be committed against this community. He has selfishly wasted precious time that could have been put to productive use. Miles was diskovered trying to activate his technological devices so he could return to his ship. Joseph: Alixus, I'm sure he only wanted to get to the medical equipment that might have saved Meg's life. Alixus: Thank you, Joseph. I knew you would feel that way and I'm glad you said it, so that all of us could see the true danger these two represent. Our very own Joseph defending what he knows is wrong. He knows that if we had spent our energy all these years trying to escape, we'd all be dead today. This is good. This is a test of our convictions, and we will survive. Sisko: You're not going to put him in there. Alixus: No, Ben, I'm not. You are his commanding officer. I hold you responsible for his actions. I'm putting you in there. O'Brien: Wait a minute! Kira: No signs of resistance. None of the onboard weapons has been fired. Dax: But the logs have been erased. Someone else must have been here. Kira: Maybe Sisko and O'Brien beamed off before the ship was boarded. But why would somebody send the runabout off at warp? Why wouldn't they just keep it or destroy it? Dax: I think they were trying to destroy it. Kira: How can you tell? Dax: The hull's been exposed to high temperatures and intense gamma radiation. If we retrace the Rio Grande's course it takes us right back to Kira: An F-type star. Dax: Orellius Minor. There's only one way this ship could be coming straight from Orellius Minor and that's if someone tried to destroy the ship by flying it into the star. Kira: And missed. Dax: If the trajectory had been slightly off, the star's gravity flux would have deflected it in a new direction. Computer, send a tractor beam to the Orinoco. Prepare for a warp tow. With a little luck, we'll be able to find the warp signature the engines left when they were fired up. Computer: Tractor beam in place. Kira: Course laid in for the Orellius system. Engaging warp engines. Alixus: Please. This is painful for me, too. I want so much to give you water, to let you lie down to sleep. But I can't. Not without your help. I know it's too difficult to speak right now. Just rest. Change doesn't come easily to you, Ben. I realize it. Believe me, I'm not expecting some sudden, miraculous conversion. Change will come by itself if you're open to it. But you do have to show us that you're open to it. A good start would be to get rid of the uniform. I'll leave you these clothes. Once you've changed, you can have this water. Join us, Ben. Joseph: Miles? What are you doing here? O'Brien: I need your help, Joseph. Joseph: With what? There's nothing I can do, so please don't ask me. O'Brien: I've got to try to track down where that duonetic field is coming from. Joseph: We told you there are astetine deposits. O'Brien: That's not what's causing it. If it were, I'd have that transmitter running and we'd all be out of here already. It's got to be something else and I think I've figured a way to get me to the source of it. Joseph: And you want me to look the other way while you leave? O'Brien: She'd put you in the box, wouldn't she. Then, do me a favor. Look down at that hematite deposit I just diskovered. Joseph: Miles O'Brien: I can do it so it won't hurt at all. O'Brien: I owe you one, my friend. O'Brien: Well, you finally got one of us out of our uniform. O'Brien: Come on, move it. Where's Alixus? O'Brien: Get her out here! O'Brien: Get him some water! Do you know why this phaser is working now? Because I shut down the duonetic field that was stopping it from working. An artificially created duonetic field. Sisko: Sisko to Rio Grande. Computer, respond. Alixus: Your ship is no longer in orbit, Ben. I destroyed it. Sisko: I assume that means you control the duonetic field. Alixus: I helped invent it. You'd be surprised how many scientists are sympathetic to my philosophies. Joseph: Then it was no accident we developed life support problems near this planet. Alixus: No. We were always on our way here, Joseph. I chose it months in advance. It was far away from any trade route, completely isolated. It was perfect for our ideal community. I hoped when we landed we would never leave here. Cassandra: You lied to us. You've been lying to us for ten years. Alixus: Yes, but perhaps a lie can lead to a more important truth. Would any of you have learned who you really are at the core if you hadn't have come here? Joseph, you would have been a repairman all of your life. Cassandra, you would have been a technical clerk in some closed-in room. And Stephan, my friend, you probably would have been in prison by now. Look at yourselves. Look at what you've become. What you've achieved here has redefined your potential, the potential of man. Just as I knew it would. You are the living proof. Sisko: What of the dead? What of Meg and the others? Alixus: Only my son knows how I have suffered as I watched each of them die. Sisko: You were willing to let them die for your theories. You're going to have to answer for what you've done. Alixus: I'm prepared to go with you. Casualties were inevitable. I had to accept that from the start. Sisko: What if it were your son who had been sick? Would you let him die, too? Alixus: Yes. For the sake of the community. I did it all for the community. Kira: Kira to Sisko. Are you all right, Commander? Sisko: Everything is under control, Major. Stand by to begin multiple transports. Kira: Acknowledged. O'Brien: We have room for all of you on the runabout. If you have anything you want to bring with you, you ought to get it now. Joseph: Miles, this is our home. Whatever Alixus may be guilty of, she did give us our community. I'm not sure if we'll leave the device on or off now that we know it's there. And we'll have to decide if we want to establish contact with the outside world. But Alixus is right. We have found something here that none of us is willing to give up. Alixus: It's time for those of us who don't belong here to leave, Ben. Sisko: Four to beam up, Major. Joseph: Come. Come.

Scene: Science Officer's log, stardate 47603.3. Commander Sisko has assigned me to investigate an unusual particle field detected on the other side of the wormhole. Odo has come along to Gamma Quadrant, hoping to find clues to his origin. Dax: So you see, Ensign Manwaring has spent the last two weeks avoiding the assay office because he thought that Freyla was in love with Lieutenant Strek, but all the while Strek was seeing Security Officer Seelee. And Freyla was waiting for Manwaring to ask her out. Odo: Officer Seelee has seemed distracted at work lately. I'm going to have to talk to her about this when I get back to the station. Dax: Odo, I didn't tell you that story to get Seelee in trouble. Odo: Frankly, Lieutenant, I fail to see any point in your story at all, except perhaps to illustrate the foolish humanoid preoccupation with romantic coupling. Dax: The point is that sometimes we don't see true love even when it's staring us right in the face. Odo: How fascinating. Dax: Let me give you another example. You know Lysia Arlin? Odo: The Bolian woman who runs the jumja kiosk. Dax: I've noticed she's been making a lot of visits to the Security Office lately. Odo: She has a cousin who's interested in a career in law enforcement. Dax: You don't say. Odo: Are you implying that Lysia Arlin is interested in me? Ridiculous. I would have noticed. Dax: Exactly my point. Odo: You must be mistaken. Dax: And how can you be so sure? Odo: Because women don't react to me in that manner. Dax: Are you saying that you've never had a female friend? Odo: I consider Major Kira a friend. Dax: That's not what I meant. I'm talking about an intimate friendship. Odo: That's a very personal question. Dax: I'm sorry, but after seven lifetimes the impersonal questions aren't much fun anymore. Odo: Huh. Dax: Looks like we found our particle field. They're omicron particles. Odo: Is that unusual? Dax: Omicron particles are incredibly rare. They can only be created by certain types of matter-antimatter reactions. The field seems to be coming from the second planet in the system. Let's go a little closer. That's strange. The particles are concentrated in one small valley. Odo: Sensors aren't picking up any lifeforms. Dax: The particle field could be interfering with the sensors. We'd better beam down for a closer look. Dax: I'm still getting a lot of interference. The particle field must be blocking the tricorder functions. Dax: The interference seems to be coming from here. This must be the source of the field. It's probably some kind of matter-antimatter reactor. Odo: Lieutenant, I suggest we leave before we're diskovered. Dax: Give me a minute. Odo: Take all the time you want. Quark: It's about time. Enter. Where have you been? I've been waiting hours. Major. Er, I'm sorry. We're closed. You'll have to come back in the morning. Kira: Oh, I didn't come here for a drink. I thought you'd like to know your cousin Kono just tried to come aboard the station. Quark: Kono? Here? What an unexpected pleasure. Kira: He's gone, Quark. When we tried to talk to him, he beamed onto a departing Tellarite freighter. Quark: There must be some mistake. Why would Kono be coming here? Kira: I was wondering the same thing myself, so I did a little checking. Your cousin's wanted for robbing a museum on Cardassia Five. My guess is he thought someone here would help him sell the merchandise. Quark: Outrageous. You have no proof of that. Kira: Quark, get this into that twisted little brain of yours. If you thought you were going to get away with anything while Odo's gone, think again. I'm watching you. Quark: Major, you make it sound like you don't like me. Kira: Don't like you? You collaborated with the Cardassians, you cheat your customers, and you're a danger to this station. I don't just not like you, I despise you. Quark: I'm sorry I mentioned it. Jake: A job? What do I need a job for? Sisko: You're fifteen years old. It's time you took a little responsibility. Look, Nog works, doesn't he? Jake: Yeah. Sisko: You're almost as old as he is. When I was your age, I had a job, and it was a terrific experience. Jake: All right. I'll talk to Nog and see if he can get me a job at Quark's. Sisko: Quarks? I was thinking more along the lines of you helping out Chief O'Brien. Jake: Chief O'Brien? Sisko: You do like Chief O'Brien, don't you? Jake: He's okay, but I don't know anything about engineering. Sisko: This is the perfect opportunity to learn. Besides it'll look great on your application to Starfleet Academy. Jake: Okay, I'll give it a try. Sisko: That's all I ask. Odo: Are we being accused of some kind of crime? Colyus: Have you committed one? Dax: We've just arrived here. Colyus: So you keep saying. Dax: If you want, you can check our ship's logs and they'll prove it to you. Colyus: Logs can be tampered with. Well, you ought know that. After all, you claim to be a Security Officer. Odo: I am a Security Officer and I've had enough of this. If we were guilty, we wouldn't even be here right now. I'll prove it. Computer, one to beam up. Dax: Don't worry, he'll be right back. Dax: What did I tell you? Colyus: Now that's interesting, you disappearing like that, because I've got twenty two people who've disappeared without a trace. Odo: Twenty two missing people? Did they all disappear at the same time? Colyus: No, it started in the fall. But the last victim vanished six hours ago. Dax: Six hours ago we weren't even in this system. If you want, you can accompany us back to our station and they will verify everything we've told you. Odo: Do you have any other suspects? Colyus: You were my only ones. I'm not saying everybody here is perfect. We have some petty thefts, an occasional fight, but kidnapping or murder? No, no, we've never had anything like that before. Odo: I see. So, Have you scanned the area for signs of transporter activity? Colyus: It was the first thing I tried. I didn't find anything. You know, I've been protector here for almost ten years. I like to think I'm pretty good at my job. People trust me to solve their problems. But whoever's behind these disappearances is a lot smarter than I am. I have to admit, I'm starting to get desperate. Odo: Maybe what you need is a little help. Colyus: Maybe. Colyus: Rurigan. Rurigan: So, these are the strangers I heard about. Shouldn't they be in a cell? Colyus: I'm satisfied they have nothing to do with the disappearances. In fact, Odo here is a Security Officer. He's going to try to help us. Rurigan: And how do you plan to do that? Odo: I understand your daughter is the latest victim. When was the last time you saw her? Rurigan: This morning, at first meal. But Taya said she saw her later, in her workroom around midday. Odo: Taya? Rurigan: My granddaughter. Colyus, Anetra's gone just like the others. We're never going to find them. Odo: How can you be so sure? Rurigan: Let's just say I haven't been proven wrong yet. Dax: I'd like to scan the area again for transporter activity, in case you missed something. Colyus: Go right ahead. Dax: I'm still not getting a clear reading. The omicron particles put out by the reactor are creating too much interference. Colyus: It must be your equipment. Our scanners never give any trouble. Dax: Certain kinds of transporters leave behind a residual electrostatic charge. If we could check Anetra's workroom? Odo: If you don't mind, I'd like to talk to your granddaughter. Rurigan: Well, last time I saw her she was across the square. I'll take you to her. Rurigan: Taya? Don't be afraid, Taya. This is a friend of Protector Colyus. He just wants you to answer a few questions. Taya: Do I have to? Rurigan: Not if you don't want to. Odo: But it would help if I could talk to you about your mother's disappearance. Taya: She hasn't disappeared. She'll be back. Odo: The last time you saw your mother, did she seem upset about anything? Nervous, perhaps, or worried? Taya: She seemed fine. When will she be coming home? Rurigan: I don't know, Taya. Let's go. It's past your bedtime. Odo: I'd like to ask a few more questions. Rurigan: It'll wait till morning. Sisko: Chief, here's the new apprentice we discussed. O'Brien: Yes, sir. Welcome aboard. Well, let's get to work. I was just about to run a diagnostic on the primary system core. Sisko: Mister Sisko. I almost forgot. For you. Jake: Thanks, Dad. Sisko: It's standard equipment for all station personnel. Bashir: Let me get this straight, Major. You want me to spy on Quark for you? Kira: I wouldn't call it spying, exactly. I just thought you might, you know, keep an eye on him while Odo's away. When you're not busy. Bashir: It's no problem, Major. Kira: Then you'll do it? Bashir: I look forward to it. Garak has been lecturing me on surveillance techniques. This will give me a chance to try some of them out. Sisko: Sisko to Kira. Kira: This is Kira. Sisko: Major, I thought you might like to know we've received word that Vedek Bareil is coming aboard the station. Kira: Coming aboard? When? Sisko: His ship just arrived at docking bay twelve. Kira: I wish you'd given us a little more notice. We could've arranged a formal reception. Bareil: That's exactly what I wanted to avoid. Kira: What brings you to the station? Bareil: Prylar Rhit invited me to speak at the station shrine. But, to be honest, I've been looking for an opportunity to see you. Kira: Really? I'm honored. Bareil: Honored? Actually, I was hoping you'd be happy to see me. Kira: Oh, I am. Very happy. Odo: Hello, Taya. Remember me? We met last night. Taya: You wanted to ask me questions. Odo: That's right. About your mother. I understand you were the last one to see her. Taya: I guess. What happened to your face? Odo: Nothing happened to my face. I'm a shape-shifter. I just don't do faces very well. I have the ability to change my shape to look like other things. Taya: You mean you're a changeling? Odo: That's right. Taya: There's no such thing as changelings. They're make-believe. Everyone knows that. Odo: Well, I'm not make-believe. Taya: All right, then let me see you change into something. Odo: Maybe later. Right now I feel like talking. Taya: If I were a changeling, I'd change shapes all the time. Everyone would want to be my friend. Odo: I wish it were that easy. Taya: Why wouldn't it be? Odo: When I was younger, people were always asking me to change shape for them. They'd pretend to be my friends, but all they wanted was to see me become a chair or an animal. None of them ever really cared about me. Taya: Maybe they were scared of you. Odo: Some of them probably were. Taya: I'm not afraid of you. Odo: I'm glad to hear that. Taya: Were your parents changelings too? Odo: I never knew my parents. I've been looking for them a long time. Taya: My father died when I was four. I don't remember him very well. The last time I saw my mother, she was in her workroom making pottery. When I went to get her for midday meal, she was gone. Odo: How did she act when you last saw her? Taya: Happy. She was making a vase for Mister Depnen, the baker. He really likes my mom so he always saves us the best loaf of greenbread. Odo: Has your mother ever gone anywhere before? A trip? Vacation? Taya: We don't go on trips. Odo: Never? Taya: No, we never leave the valley. Odo: Why not? Taya: Nobody ever leaves the valley. Everything we need is right here. Odo: I see. Taya: My mother's never coming back, is she? Odo: Why do you say that? Taya: That's what grandfather told me. Odo: Taya, I don't know where your mother is, but I promise you, I'm going to do everything I can to find her and bring her back to you. O'Brien: Okay, one more time. These are all isolinear rods. The ones with the white labels contain data relating to the engineering system controls, the red labeled ones are for library and information storage, and the blue ones are? Jake: I'm never going to get this. O'Brien: Give yourself some time. I didn't get a handle on this stuff until almost a year after I joined Starfleet. I mean, it's not like you're going off to the Academy tomorrow, is it? What's wrong? Jake: Nothing. It's just that, why does everyone assume that I'm going to go to the Academy? O'Brien: You want to go, don't you? Jake: Not really. O'Brien: Does your father know? Jake: He wouldn't understand. O'Brien: I know how you feel. You know what my father wanted me to be? A musician. It's true. I was supposed to be a cello player. He made me practice every day. I got to be pretty good, and when I was seventeen, he sent a recorded audition to the Aldebaran Music Academy. Jake: What happened? O'Brien: I got in. It was the happiest day of his life. I didn't know how to tell him I didn't want to go, so two days before I was due to leave, I went into town and signed up for Starfleet. Jake: What did your dad do? O'Brien: Oh, he was furious. But once he calmed down a little, he saw how much I wanted to join. Nowadays, when I go home, he introduces me as 'my son, Senior Chief Specialist Miles Edward O'Brien'. The point is, you've got to live your own life. Jake: I don't want to disappoint my dad. O'Brien: Your dad's not a bad guy. He'll come round. Just give him some time. Bareil: So, what did you think? Kira: Of your speech? I liked everything about it, except the content. Bareil: You disagree with my interpretation of the Eighth Prophecy? Kira: Disagree is a bit of an understatement. Passionately disagree is more like it. The way you have of taking a prophecy and showing that it can mean exactly the opposite of the accepted interpretation is Bareil: It's brilliant. Insightful. Kira: Infuriating. Bareil: Maybe we should talk about something else. Kira: Like what? Bareil: The Ilvian katterpod crop maybe? Or the new nature preserve in Hedrikspool Province? No? Maybe the standings in the springball championship. Kira: You follow springball? Bareil: Religiously, if you'll pardon the expression. I even used to play a little. Kira: Me, too. I had Chief O'Brien design a springball holosuite program. Bareil: Really? Let's go. Kira: You want to play springball? Bareil: Why not? Well, unless you have a more pressing engagement? Kira: Not that I can think of. Bareil: Good. I could use the practice. Odo: From what I understand, you helped found this colony. Rurigan: That's right. I'm the oldest one left. Odo: This colony must be very important to you. You helped found it, you raised a family here. Rurigan: I'm very proud of what we've accomplished. Odo: Then explain something to me. This colony's undergoing a serious crisis. Your daughter is among the missing, yet you hardly seem concerned. Rurigan: There's nothing I can do to change things. I wish there was. Now is there anything else, or can I go? Odo: Are you sure you're all right? Rurigan: Why wouldn't I be? Odo: You seem to be in a great deal of pain. Rurigan: Why do you say that? Odo: I can see it in your eyes. Perhaps you'd like to sit here for a moment and rest. Rurigan: Well, it wouldn't do much good. You see, I'm dying. Odo: I'm sorry. Rurigan: I've had a good life. No regrets. I wish I could see my daughter once again. Now, if there are no more questions? Odo: Actually, there is one thing I've been wondering. How come no one ever leaves the village? I haven't met anyone yet who's ever been outside this valley. Any idea why? Rurigan: I suppose it's because people around here don't like to travel. After all, there's no place to go. Odo: How can you be so sure? Have you ever left the valley? Rurigan: Now that you mention it, no. Odo: When I asked Colyus if he searched outside the valley for the missing people, he looked surprised, as if he'd never thought of it before. I find that very peculiar. Where I come from, we would have searched the entire countryside. Rurigan: Yes, I suppose Colyus thought there was no point to it. But I guarantee you, there are no missing people out there. Odo: You're sure of that. Rurigan: Absolutely. Taya: And then the great Minra said to the evil changeling, 'maybe you can turn into a mountain, or a ghergher beast, or a tornado, but those are big things and big things are easy. I bet you can't turn into something small, like a loaf of greenbread.' And so the changeling said 'Yes I can.' and he did, and do you know what happened? Odo: The great Minra gobbled him up. Taya: How'd you know that? Odo: The changeling in your story wasn't very smart. Taya: Could you turn into a loaf of greenbread? Odo: I suppose I could. Taya: Show me. Odo: And let you gobble me up? I don't think so. Taya: You see that tree. Sometimes we go there to play. That's the farthest I've ever been from the village. Odo: Wait here. Taya: But I want to come see too. Odo: Please, do as I say. Lieutenant, would you come with me? Dax: I'm still not reading other lifeforms, and no indications of any power source. Dax: Did you see that? It just vanished. It happened just as we passed those bushes. Dax: Taya. Odo: Taya, don't come any closer. Taya: But I brought you some harrid berries. Colyus: Odo says you know what happened to the missing villagers. Dax: I think I do. It's a little complicated to explain. It'd probably be easier if I showed you. May I have your cloak? Colyus: My cloak? Dax: Please. Colyus: Well. Dax: Thank you. Dax: Now stand back. Colyus: I'm waiting. DAX This may take a minute. I don't want to make a mistake. Colyus: That was my favorite cloak. Odo: Please, stay where you are. Colyus: Are you saying somebody used our reactor to transport the victims away? Dax: No. It's not a transporter. It's a holographic projector. It creates an omicron particle field and then manipulates the field to form physical objects like your cloak. Colyus: What does this have to do with the missing people? Dax: The people are made up of omicron particles too. Colyus: You mean they're holograms? Dax: I'm afraid so. You see, the component that controls the particle field, it's breaking down, and that's why people are disappearing. Colyus: That's ridiculous. Some of the victims were my friends. One of them is my nephew. Dax: If I'm right, everyone and everything in this village is a holographic projection. Colyus: And I thought I was desperate to find an answer. Odo: Listen to me, Colyus. I know this is difficult to accept. Colyus: It's going to take a whole lot more than a vanishing cloak to make me believe that I'm some kind of hologram. Odo: I'd be skeptical too if I were you, but we have further proof. Colyus: What kind of proof? Dax: The holographic field ends just outside this valley, and earlier today Taya tried to reach past the edge and her arm disappeared. Colyus: Is she all right? Odo: She's fine. Her arm rematerialized as soon as she pulled it back inside. Colyus: Where exactly did this happen? Dax: We could show you, if you'd like. Colyus: I think you'd better. Kira: I'm sorry. Bareil: Don't apologize. I should have seen it coming. Where did you learn to play like that? Kira: My brothers and I used to play at the Singha refugee camp. There wasn't much else to do. Bareil: Yeah, I was at Relliketh. And now here we are. That was delicious. Kira: Thank the replicators. Bareil: Here, let me help. Kira: That's not necessary. Your shoulder Bareil: Never felt better. Kira: Maybe I could use some help after all. Kira: I'll have to remember to thank Prylar Rhit for inviting you here. Bareil: You'd better tell him soon. Prylar Rhit is going to be returning to Bajor. It appears he fancies himself something of a dabo player. Kira: Really? Bareil: He's run up a sizable gambling debt. It's caused quite a scandal in the Vedek Assembly. Kira: Let me get this straight. The man who invited you to the station owes money to Quark? Bareil: Who? Kira: The little troll who runs the dabo tables. I have to go. Bareil: Why? Kira: I need to talk to Prylar Rhit. I think I know the real reason he invited you here. Colyus: People, please. Please! Quiet! Quiet! Calm down! Quiet! Calm down, everybody. We have to make a decision here. Merruk: Colyus, you should be out looking for my wife and all the others who are missing. Female: Not wasting time listening to these strangers and their lies. Colyus: You all witnessed what happened when they brought us to the edge of the field. Merruk, we both saw your hand disappear. Merruk: It could've been a trick. Dax: It wasn't a trick. Female: Then how come we've never learned about this before. Odo: Because none of you ever tried to leave the valley. Colyus: It's possible we were programd not to leave so that we wouldn't learn the truth. Now, we have to shut down the system. If we don't fix it soon, the whole village will disappear. Dax, you said if you can fix the machine, you might be able to bring back the missing people. Dax: We hope so. Rurigan: What if you turn off the projector and you can't get it back on? Dax: Then this village will cease to exist. The system's only a few months away from complete failure anyway. At least this way we have a chance to save you. Taya: Grandfather, please, let her try. Merruk: What do you think? Rurigan: Well, we can't go on like this. I guess we should let her shut it down. Colyus: Are there any objections? Then it's settled. Taya: I can't wait to see my mother. Taya: Your face isn't so scary, once you get used to it. Odo: Thank you, Taya. Dax: All right, here we go. Dax: Odo. Rurigan: Don't look so surprised. I'm as real as you are. Rurigan: I was happy living on Yadera Prime, that is, until the Dominion took over and changed our whole way of life. I realized one morning that I didn't really belong there anymore. So I came here, and I used a holo-generator to recreate all the things that I'd lost. I've lived here in my village for nearly thirty years. I've watched its people marry, have children, grow old. And sometimes I even forgot that they were holograms. But it's over. It's over. And I would appreciate it if you'd take me back to Yadera Prime. Odo: But what about the villagers? What about your granddaughter? Rurigan: She's not real. Odo: Technically, I suppose you're right. Maybe by our definition, Taya's not real. Her memories are stored in a computer. Her body is made up of omicron particles. But who's to say that our definition of life is the only valid one. I'm sure if you asked her, she'd say she was real. She thinks, she feels. Rurigan: She only seems to. It's all an illusion. An illusion that I created. Odo: You said you created the village thirty years ago. Taya's only ten. Rurigan: I designed the program so the villagers could have children if they wanted to. Dax: Then Taya's personality is a combination of her parent's personalities. Odo: Just like a real child. You had nothing to do with it. Rurigan: But she's still a hologram. Odo: Maybe, but I saw the way you held her hand when she was sad. I saw the way you tried to comfort her when she was frightened. Rurigan: I didn't want her to get hurt. Odo: If she's not real, what does it matter? Rurigan: It matters. It matters to me. Odo: Why should it matter to you if a hologram cries? Rurigan: Because I love her. Dax: And she loves you. Odo: Don't you see? She's real to you, and she's real to me too. They're all real. And you can't turn your back on them now. Sisko: Jake, how was work? Jake: Okay. It's kind of fun working with Chief O'Brien. But it would be better if I knew what I was doing. Sisko: You'll get there. Jake: I guess so. Sisko: I'm glad you decided to stick with it. Jake: Yeah. Dad, I don't want to join Starfleet. Sisko: Since when? Jake: Since forever. Starfleet is too much like you. I need to find what's me. Does that make any sense? Sisko: Perfect sense. Jake: It does? Sisko: It's your life, Jake. You have to choose your own way. There is only one thing I want from you. Find something you love, then do it the best you can. Jake: I'll try. Sisko: Good. Then you'll make the old man proud. Jake: I'd better go study. I'm still trying to figure out those isolinear rods. Kira: Hello, Quark. Quark: Major. To what do I owe this unexpected pleasure. Kira: Just thought I'd let you know. We caught your cousin trying to slip back onto the station. and guess what we confiscated from him? Bone-carvings stolen from a museum on Cardassia Five. Quark: I always knew Kono was no good. Kira: I only wish we could have caught the two of you together. Quark: Life is full of disappointments. Kira: By the way, Prylar Rhit tells me you encouraged him to invite Bareil onto the station. Quark: Is that a crime? Kira: Not at all. I just wanted to thank you. I found him very diverting. Quark: Not diverting enough. Dax: All right, nothing to do now but reactivate the system and see what happens. Rurigan: Wait. Lieutenant, I'd like to ask you a favor. If it works, please don't tell any of the others that I'm not like them. I don't want to be treated any differently than before. Odo: Of course. Taya: Mother? Mother? Mother! Colyus: Well, you did it. Dax: We upgraded the system's memory core and realigned the field generators. I don't think you'll have to worry about anyone disappearing now. Colyus: We just have to get used to the fact that we're holograms. Rurigan: We're alive and we have our families back. That's the only thing that counts. Colyus: I wonder who created all this? Odo: Whoever it was did a fine job. Colyus: They did, didn't they. Well. it was good working with you, Odo. Next time you're on this side of the galaxy I hope you come by and see us. Odo: I would like that. Colyus: We don't get that many visitors. Taya: Odo, my mother's back. Odo: I'm glad. Taya: You're leaving. Odo: I'm afraid so. Taya: I'll miss you. Odo: I'll miss you, too. Taya: Thank you for bringing my mother back. I hope you find your parents, too. Odo: Thank you, Taya. So do I. Odo: Taya. Dax: Computer, two to beam up.

Bashir: You know, if there's anything I can do for you while you're here Arjin: Oh, you've already been helpful. Just hearing about Dax makes me feel a little less nervous about the whole thing. Bashir: Really? There's no reason to be nervous. Jadzia will be a wonderful host, Well, that is, she is a wonderful host in a Trill manner of speaking. I'm sure you'll learn a lot from her. Arjin: She sounds very different from the other Dax's I've heard about. Bashir: In what fashion? Arjin: Let me put it this way. When I was told that Jadzia Dax had been designated my field docent, I asked for reassignment. Bashir: You're joking. Why? Arjin: Because Dax is known for breaking initiates. Bashir: Breaking them? Arjin: I looked up the records. Over the past two hundred years, Dax has personally eliminated fifty seven host candidates from the program. Arjin: I suppose it's too late to introduce myself to her. Bashir: Too late? I doubt it. Jadzia's a night owl. Computer, locate Lieutenant Dax. Computer: Lieutenant Dax is on level seven, section five. Bashir: Ah. Of course. Then take us to level seven, section five. That's the computer's way of saying she's in Quark's. Arjin: Over five thousand candidates qualify for the training program each year. Only three hundred symbionts are available on the average. It doesn't take much for one of us to get knocked out of consideration. The administrators only want hosts who are Dax: Confront. Arjin: The best and the brightest Dax: It's the ears every time he goes to acquire he scratches behind his left ear like this. Quark: Don't play with my ears, unless you're serious about it. Bashir: Jadzia, you have a guest. Dax: Oh. You're not supposed to be here till tomorrow. Arjin: Yes, ma'am. I caught a transport from Starbase forty one a day early. Bashir: We found ourselves sitting next to each other on the way here. I've been telling Arjin all about you. Dax: Really. Bashir: Well, not quite all about you. Quark: Do you play tongo, Arjin? Arjin: Tongo? No, sir. Quark: Then, you'll have to leave, Arjin. The risk's to you, Lieutenant. Dax: Shame on you, Quark. Where are your manners. This is a Trill initiate you're speaking to. Of course he doesn't play Tongo. Quark: I beg your pardon. Dax: So, we'll have to teach him. Quark: Actually, it is very easy to learn. How much money did you bring with you? Give the young fellow a seat. You, out! Arjin: It was a very long trip. I think perhaps I should Dax: Oh, of course, you're tired. I'll take you to your quarters. Roll me away, fellas. Quark: We can't roll you away. Dax: They're just sore losers. Quark: You can't quit now. You just won! Female! Trajok: Yes? Arjin: Oh. I'm sorry. I thought this was Lieutenant Dax's quarters. Trajok: She's in the shower. Arjin: Oh. Well. In that case. Trajok: Is she expecting you? Arjin: Yes. My name is Arjin. She told me I should be here at Dax: Is that Arjin? Dax: You're early again, Arjin. We're going to have to work on that. Arjin: I can come back. Dax: Don't be silly. Come in. I'll only be a minute. It always takes me longer to get ready as a female. Trajok: I have to go. I have to be at Calondia Four by tomorrow Dax: When's my rematch? Trajok: I'll be back next week. Dax: It was fun. Brutal, but fun. Safe trip. Dax: The replicator makes a decent citrus blend. Arjin: Thanks, but I've already had something to eat. Dax: Would you get me a Black Hole? Arjin: A what? Dax: A Black Hole. It's a Ferengi drink. A bartender I've known for a hundred years introduced it to Curzon. Or was it Lela? Well, it was ages ago. Try one. You might like it. Arjin: Computer, Black Hole. Dax: Oh, my muscles are so sore. Did you ever wrestle Galeo-Manada style, Arjin? Arjin: Wrestle? Dax: You should. It's a great way to start the day. It makes you more alert. I'll set you up with Trajok. He's a great coach. Arjin: Okay. Dax: Better. So, you don't play Tongo, you don't wrestle. What are we going to do while you're here? Arjin: Well, I was under the impression that field training consisted of Dax: I know all about field training. Jadzia just went through it a few years ago. Arjin: Yes, ma'am. Dax: Arjin, if you truly want to become a Trill host someday, you'll never call me ma'am again Arjin: Yes, Lieutenant. Dax: Why don't you try Jadzia. Arjin: If you think that's appropriate. Dax: Oh, I'm sure it isn't appropriate at all. But then, I hate to be appropriate. O'Brien: Ow! Nothing! Kira: Over here, Chief. O'Brien: No. All right, come to papa. Sisko: Major? Kira: Voles, sir. Sisko: Voles? Kira: A Cardassian legacy. O'Brien: They weren't bothering us until we started moving into areas of the station that they've been hiding in. Now they're spreading out all over the place. O'Brien: They seem to be attracted to electromagnetic fields. Give me a hand, Major, will you? Sisko: Phasers on stun, Mister O'Brien. I want those voles taken alive. Dax: Benjamin, I'd like you to meet Arjin, the host candidate I told you about. Commander Benjamin Sisko. Arjin: Sir. Dax: And that's our first officer Major Kira, and Chief Engineer O'Brien. Conducting repairs? Sisko: Chasing Cardassian voles. Dax: Really? I've never seen a Cardassian vole. Kira: Be my guest. Sisko: So, you're the one who picked the black marble. Arjin: Sir? Sisko: Field training with Dax was the nightmare of the initiate corps. Dax: That was Curzon Dax. Dax: Gotcha! Arjin, here. Dax: Spectacular, isn't it? Arjin: It's amazing. Dax: Computer, play something by Frenchotte. Arjin: Frenchotte? Dax: A self-exiled Romulan. I collect forgotten composers. Feel like taking the controls? Arjin: I've never flown a Federation runabout before. Dax: These things practically fly themselves. You have third level flight experience, don't you? Arjin: Actually, I just finished fifth level last month. Dax: Fifth! I didn't finish third level until Arjin: Your last year of training. Dax: You've been studying up on me, Arjin. I can't say that I blame you. I did the same thing when I found who my field docent was going to be. Arjin: And how did you feel when you found out it was going to be Curzon Dax? Dax: Nauseous might be the best description. Arjin: I suppose it wouldn't be fair for you to give me a few tips. Dax: Tips? Arjin: On how you managed to impress him. Dax: Look, let's get one thing straight. I'm not Curzon or Lela or any of the others. I'm Jadzia Dax, and Jadzia's only a few years older than you are. You're her first initiate. To be honest, in a lot of ways, I still feel like an initiate myself. I still can remember the pressure of the competition when Jadzia was going through it and I'm not going to make this difficult for you. You don't have to impress me, okay? Arjin: Okay. Dax: Okay. Arjin: So how did you? Impress him. Dax: I didn't. Curzon recommended that my initiate period be terminated. Dax: I got it! Engaging manual stabilizers. Shutting down all engines. Computer, analyze stability loss. Computer: Stability loss was due to an impact by a subspace interphase pocket. Dax: Nature of interphase pocket. Computer: Unknown. Dax: Damage report. Computer: Starboard nacelle nonfunctional. Maximum available power fifty percent. Arjin: Jadzia, you'd better take a look at this. Dax: Looks like we snagged something from the subspace pocket. Computer, identify mass on the starboard nacelle. Computer: Unknown. O'Brien: Maybe we could create some kind of EM pathway along the inner hull and try to lure them into a trap. Kira: But how can you do that without shutting down all the other power systems? O'Brien: I can't, and it would take days to round them all up. We'd have to evacuate the station. The only other thing I can come up with is a directional sonic generator. Now I can adjust it to a frequency that'll be uncomfortable to their ears, drive them out of hiding one at a time. But at that rate, I'll be doing this for the rest of my tour of duty. Quark: It ran right across a Dabo table. Kira: How'd it die? Get into your food? Quark: As landlords, you're responsible for this. I expect vermin control or I'm going to have to Kira: Leave? Oh, please say leave. I'd take a Cardassian vole over you any day. Quark: The girl insists on fighting her latent attraction to me. What are you going to do about these pests, O'Brien? O'Brien: Relax, Quark. We're working on something new that ought to make the voles beg for mercy. Quark: What is it? O'Brien: A sonic Quark: ARGH! Stop! Stop! O'Brien: You all right? Are you all right? Quark: What? Kira: Chief, the Mekong just came back through the wormhole. They're showing damage. Sisko: Open a channel, Major. Put them on screen. Are you all right, Dax? Dax: Our power reserves are gone we could use a tow. Sisko: What happened? Dax: Not exactly sure. We picked up some kind of subspace seaweed on our starboard nacelle. We couldn't get rid of it without causing further damage. O'Brien: You can shut down your engines, Lieutenant. We'll bring you in to pad D. Dax: Set up a containment chamber in the science lab for me, would you, Chief? When we get this thing untangled, I'd like to study it under controlled conditions. O'Brien: We'll need a couple of hours. Dax: Morning'll be fine. That'll give Arjin and me a little time to recoup. O'Brien: Acknowledged. Sisko: Stop by and fill me in later. Dax: Mekong out. Dax: Come on. I'll take you to dinner. Chef: Ak'la bella doo. Bella ak'la doo. La suhm, La suhm, L'kahtra la suhm. CHEF + Dax: Ak'la bella doo! Chef: She taught that to me. Can you believe it? A Klingon song I'd never heard. Arjin: She collects lost composers. Chef: Ak un lach'tel? Dax: Doko doko. Un koliay Trill Chef: Don't get any ideas. She's mine. Dax: You haven't touched your racht. Arjin: No, I have. It's interesting. Dax: No, you've been moved it around your plate to make it look like you've touched it. Arjin: I didn't have to move it. It moved itself. Dax: Arjin, if this didn't appeal to you, why didn't you say something? Arjin: No, it's all right. I wasn't really very hungry anyway. Dax: Speak up for yourself while you're here, okay? Arjin: I'll make a concerted effort. Dax: So, who sponsored you for the program? Arjin: My father. Dax: Was he Joined? Arjin: No, but he had great ambitions for his children. He was a pilot instructor at the Gedana post for forty years. He died last year. Dax: I see where you got your flight skills. Arjin: My sister was always his choice for Joining but after she got accepted to the program, she ran off and got married. My father never spoke to her again. On the day that he died, he turned to me and he said, 'I'm counting on you.' His last words to me. Dax: Did he want you to enter Starfleet after Joining? To put your flight training to good use? Arjin: Honestly, he couldn't care less what I did afterwards, as long as I became Joined. That was his only goal. Dax: And what about your goals? Arjin: There are so many possibilities when you're Joined. I'm not sure what I'd do yet. I figure I'd get a lot of guidance from the symbiont, wouldn't you say? Dax: The symbiont's influence is very strong, Arjin, but you're the host. You've got to be strong enough to balance that influence with your own instincts. If you can't, the symbiont will overwhelm your personality. Cardassian: Oh, they are a nuisance, aren't they? O'Brien: I was just hoping you'd found a way to deal with them. Cardassian: Federation technology isn't up to the task, eh? O'Brien: Look, I just thought in the interests of good relations, you might Cardassian: You've got the station, you've got the voles. By the way, their mating season begins in about six weeks. O'Brien: Thanks for your help. Cardassian: The Federation could always withdraw from Bajor. O'Brien: What's this? Dax: Got me. It's from Julian. He called it the solution you've been looking for. O'Brien: It worked in Hamlin. Very funny. Sisko: Your move. Your seaweed's been safely transported to the science lab. Dax: Did you take a look at it? Sisko: What do you think? Dax: We did as much analysis on the runabout as we could. None of the matter would scan. We'll do more tests tomorrow. Sisko: How'd your initiate come through the experience? Dax: Fine. He's a good pilot. Sisko: Uh oh. Dax: What? Sisko: I know that look. Dax: What look? Sisko: That look, old man. The one that says this one isn't going to make it. Dax: Not because of me. Sisko: But you have your doubts. Dax: I have my doubts. Sisko: What's his problem? Dax: I'm not sure what he brings as a host, how he'll advance the symbiont to the next level. Frankly, he's more than a little arrogant, Benjamin. Sisko: Is he? Dax: Okay, for a Trill, that's to be expected. Check. But he's riding his father's ambitions and he doesn't have any idea what he'd do with a symbiont if he got one. Sisko: Have you confronted him? Dax: It's not my job to confront him. Sisko: Isn't it? Dax: My job is to show him what it's like to function as a Joined Trill. That's all. I can show you the guidelines. They're very clear. Who am I to confront him? Sisko: You're Dax. Dax: Yes, but I'm not Curzon Dax. And I won't do to him what Curzon did to me Sisko: So, what are you going to do? This kid has to measure up soon or he'll never be chosen. True? So you're not doing him any favors by avoiding a confrontation, are you? Curzon was tough. Maybe even abusive in his own charming way. But he always demanded the highest standards of excellence from these host candidates. Dax: You don't know what he did to me. Sisko: I know that you made it through the program. Dax: No thanks to him. Sisko: Are you sure? O'Brien: Voles have eaten through the security field energy lines. No telling how long it'll take me to set up another field. Sisko: So, nothing is secure on this station any more. Is there any reason to believe there's an imminent threat from this? Dax: Not as far as I can tell, but I can't tell you a lot yet. Sisko: I want to know what we're dealing with as soon as possible. I'll schedule a briefing for fourteen hundred hours. And take those phasers off stun, Chief. No more Mister Nice Guy. Dax: Arjin, how's your astrophysics profile. Arjin: It's one of my better subjects. Maybe that's why I was sent here to work with you. Dax: Set me up a gravimetric microprobe. I need to calibrate the energy profile. Arjin: Jadzia, I felt that last night maybe I didn't express myself well about my own goals. Dax: I think you expressed yourself very clearly. Arjin: I just didn't want you to think that I hadn't set any goals for post-Joining. I have thought about Starfleet. With my flight training it would be a perfect Dax: Starfleet's a career. A pilot's a job. What does that have to do with being Joined. Arjin: I'm not sure I understand. Dax: No, I don't think you do. Arjin: I'm sorry? Dax: I think you're telling me what I want to hear. Arjin: That's not true. Dax: I think you went to your quarters last night and you tossed and turned in bed because you knew some of the things you said to me concerned me. And now you're trying to fix it. Arjin: I'm, I'm just trying to, to clarify Dax: I know what it's like. I've tossed and turned myself. Please don't insult me by denying it. Arjin: I'm finished. Dax: Let's run a phase variant analysis. I'm worried about you, Arjin. Arjin: Worried? Dax: I'm worried you're not preparing yourself for being Joined. Arjin: That's it? A day and a half and you've made up your mind. Dax: I didn't say that. Look, you've gotten this far by anticipating every demand of the program and performing above everyone's expectations, am I right? Arjin: I'd like to think that's true. Dax: And I'm telling you from this point on that's not going to be good enough. Highly structured, but it doesn't seem to conform to any of our physical laws. Computer, run a spectral line profile analysis. Computer: Spectral analysis will take approximately seven minutes. Arjin: Just to speak up for myself. I'm feeling a little betrayed here. I mean, after your impassioned 'I am Jadzia, fellow initiate' speech in the runabout Dax: I understand why you feel that way. But this isn't about me. This is about the standards for Trill hosts. The opportunity is too rare and too important to waste on the wrong candidate. Arjin: And in your mind, I'm a wrong candidate. Dax: I don't know that yet. But I felt it only fair to let you know I am worried about you. Arjin: I see. I should have known this. I should have realized this. You're Dax. Standards for Trill hosts? That is really incredible coming from you. I have never seen any host in my life who is so far below those standards as you are, ma'am. No wonder Curzon Dax tried to terminate your training. Dax: I was finally able to read the EM flux. There are high plasma concentrations and a rapidly expanding mass. Sisko: How rapidly? Dax: The energy buildup is already straining the containment chamber. On top of that, the mass periodically undergoes phased expansions, and grows in spurts. It's a very specific growth pattern that the computer recognized. Kira: Recognized as what? Dax: The expansion patterns of a universe. Kira: What? O'Brien: A universe? Dax: What we have here, Benjamin, is a proto-universe in its earliest stages of formation. Unfortunately, as it grows, it's displacing our own universe. Sisko: Can we get it back where it came from? Dax: This has turned into an energy mass with properties that don't conform to our own laws of nature. I have no idea what might happen if we tried to move it, let alone take it back into the wormhole. Even if we get there, the wormhole's verteron nodes would probably interact with the energy fluctuations of the proto-universe, causing a devastating reaction. It could threaten this whole system. Bashir: And if we don't do anything, it'll eventually obliterate this system and beyond. O'Brien: Can't we contain it somehow? Dax: Not without destroying it. Kira: Under these circumstances, that sounds like a pretty good option to me. Dax: We can create a forcefield that will contain it. If we can suppress it long enough, the feedback pressure should create an implosive wave. It would self-destruct. Sisko: How long before the next phase of expansion? Dax: About three hours. The collateral shock waves will probably destroy the lab. Sisko: Can we get this containment field ready by then? O'Brien: Yes, sir. Sisko: Have Odo evacuate section fourteen. Dismissed. Quark: Another? Arjin: Just keep pouring until I drown. Quark: Sounds pretty serious. Arjin: Serious? No. I just threw my whole life out a porthole. Nothing serious. Quark: There isn't a problem in the world that can't be fixed by the right holosuite program. Arjin: Never trust a Trill, Quark. Quark: Why not? Arjin: They're two-faced. Quark: That go for all Trills or just for the ones with the worm? Arjin: Any worm named Dax. Quark: Did she break your heart, son? Arjin: What? Quark: Mine too. And Bashir is in here every other day crying in his synthale over her. The Promenade is littered with the bodies of Arjin: It wasn't my heart she broke. It was me. My career, my life. Quark: Wait a minute. Is this about all that initiate stuff? Arjin: She told me I wasn't preparing myself to Join. Quark: With the worm? So, that's her opinion. What's that worth, anyhow? Arjin: A bad recommendation from your field docent and you can forget it. Quark: Listen, son. When I was a young man, no older than you, I had an apprentice position with the District Sub-Nagus. I licked his boots like you couldn't believe. He loved me. I was his golden boy. I was on the high road to the top of the Ferengi business world, and then it all fell apart. Arjin: How? Quark: Rule of Acquisition one twelve. Never have sex with the boss's sister. I was fired, broke. It was quite a setback to my ambitions. Arjin: How'd you recover? Quark: Never did. Look at me. Tending bar out here in Wormhole Junction while the big boys fly past me at warp speed. You only get one shot at the latinum stairway. If you miss it, you miss it. Welcome to the club, son. Arjin: Thanks. Quark: Glad I could help. Dax: Computer, confirm the localized entropy decrease in the energy mass. Computer: Confirmed. Dax: How much have the readings decreased in the last hour? Computer: Localized entropy readings have decreased twelve percent during the last fifty eight minutes. Dax: This can't be right. The whole thermodynamic structure would have to be changing. Activate a quantometer probe. Verify filter calibration. Computer: Filter calibration verified. Dax: Set energy flux resolution to point one microdyne. Begin high resolution energy scans. There must be a malfunction in the sensors. Computer, run a self-diagnostic and check quantometer calibration. Computer: Calibration is locked and normal. Diagnostic underway. Dax: Are there any feedback anomalies in the dynametric array? Computer: Negative. Dax: What's the feedback reading? Computer: Feedback reading is zero. Diagnostic complete. Sensors are functioning normally. Odo: Odo to Sisko. Sisko: Yes, Odo. Odo: Section fourteen has been evacuated. Sisko: Acknowledged. Mister O'Brien? O'Brien: Just finishing, Commander. Sisko: Sisko to Dax. We're preparing to establish the containment field. I want you out of the lab during this. Dax: I'm already out, Benjamin, but I'm not sure you're going to want to do this now. Sisko: Why not? Dax: I've found indications of life in the proto-universe. Dax: Non-random thermodynamics. Irregular power consumption. The computer's confirmed that these are lifesigns. Kira: Now wait a minute. Single cell microbes are lifeforms too, but Doctor Bashir has a hypospray that will kill them, to say nothing of the voles. Dax: Kira, we could very well be dealing with intelligent life here. Kira: How is that possible? You told us that this proto-universe was just formed. Bashir: It's quite possible. We may have only experienced hours since this universe was formed but there's no way of knowing how fast time is moving for them. Theoretically, billions of years may have passed. Odo: An entire evolution of a species might have taken place in the last few hours. Bashir: It's possible. O'Brien: O'Brien to Sisko. Sisko: Go ahead, Chief. O'Brien: Commander, if we're going to implement that containment field, we'd better do it now. In two minutes, this thing's going to expand. Sisko: Get your people out of there, Chief. Sisko: We're not going to put up the containment field. O'Brien: Aye, sir. Kira: Commander, this is only going to delay the inevitable. Sisko: Take us to yellow alert, Major. Move the repair crews into position. Computer: Warning. Hull breach, level twenty two section fourteen. Sisko: Sisko to O'Brien. Seal off section fourteen. Move your repair crews in. O'Brien: Aye, sir. Sisko: How long before the next expansion? Dax: Roughly five hours. Sisko: How much will it expand? Dax: About three hundred percent. We'll lose a whole section of the station. By tomorrow, the station will be gone. Bashir: We could beam them into space, give us some more time to come up with a solution. Kira: We already have a solution and the longer we wait the harder it's going be to implement it. I'm sorry, but it's is us or them. We have to destroy it. Odo: You can't just wipe out a civilisation. We would be committing mass murder. Kira: It's like stepping on ants, Odo. Odo: I don't step on ants, Major. Just because we don't understand a lifeform doesn't mean we can destroy it. Kira: Do you have a better idea? Does anyone? Sisko: I'll give you my decision in an hour. Personal log, supplemental. One hour. One hour to make a decision that could mean the life or death of a civilisation or the end to our own. My mind keeps going back to the Borg. How I despised their indifference as they tried to exterminate us, and I have to ask myself, would I be any different if I destroyed another universe to preserve my own? Sisko: Hey. Jake: Hi, Dad. What're you doing back so early? Sisko: I just wanted to see you. Jake: He told you, didn't he. Sisko: Told me what? Jake: Chief O'Brien. Darn it, he promised. Sisko: If there's something you want to tell me, I want to hear it. Jake: I love her, Dad. Sisko: Okay. Jake: She's everything I ever wanted in a woman. Sisko: I'm sure she's a wonderful girl. Jake: Oh, she's not a girl, she's a woman. She doesn't like to be called a girl. Everybody calls her that and she hates it. She wants to be something better than that. Sisko: Than what? Jake: Than a dabo girl. Sisko: You're in love with a dabo girl? Jake: Wait a minute, you said Chief O'Brien told you that Sisko: No, I didn't. Who is she and how old is she, Jake? Jake: Oh, jeez. I wanted to tell you, but I was sure you wouldn't understand. Sisko: So now you're hiding things from me? Jake: You mean you would have understood? Sisko: Of course not! It's Mardah, isn't it? The one you've been tutoring in entomology. Jake: I really want you to meet her, Dad. Sisko: I really want to meet her. Jake: Can I invite her to dinner tonight? Sisko: No. Not tonight. But soon. Jake: Thanks, Dad. You'll love her. Dax: What's so interesting in there? Arjin: I can see my future. Dax: I wouldn't trust a glass of synthale to tell you the future. Arjin: Let's get this over with, okay? Just use a sharp blade so I won't feel it. Dax: You don't know me as well as you think you do. I'm sure you looked at all the training profiles, but that doesn't tell you who Jadzia really was before she was Joined. She was the quietest, shyest, most withdrawn young woman you've ever known. Brilliant, top grades, and not a clue to what life was about. She'd never lived outside the program and it didn't matter because she was sailing through it, until she met Curzon Dax. Curzon sized her up in about twenty seconds and made the next two weeks the most miserable of her life. She cried herself to sleep every night. She hated him for it. But when the field training was over and she learned about Curzon's recommendation to terminate her from the program, she went back a different woman. She found her voice and reapplied. She tore through the program with a passion, a vengeance. And in the end the administrators chose her for Joining. Arjin: How did you wind up with the Dax symbiont? Dax: When I found out Curzon was dying, I requested the Dax symbiont. Arjin: And Curzon didn't object? Dax: No. And I've never been sure quite why, except as I've come to know Curzon's dark sense of humor, I have a feeling the irony might have appealed to him. Jadzia Dax is not Curzon Dax, but I am Dax and I'm slowly coming to terms with what that means to me. Sometimes it means gambling or wrestling. Sometimes it means waking up an initiate before he slides into the middle of the pack and gets overlooked. Arjin: You're giving me another chance? Dax: You are the only one who can give yourself another chance. You can't simply do this anymore to meet other people's expectations. Not your father's, not your teachers', not mine. You've got to diskover what Arjin wants out of life, out of Joining. Sisko: Lieutenant, we'll try to take it back through the wormhole. How soon can you be ready? Dax: I want to be sure the containment field can block out any verteron node radiation as we pass through it. About two hours? Sisko: Better get started. Dax: Wouldn't hurt to have a level five pilot along. Sisko: Chief? O'Brien: The containment field is in place and holding, sir, but I'd like to run a practical test on the verteron integrity. Sisko: Like to or need to that thing expands again in less than an hour. O'Brien: This is the strongest forcefield I know how to construct, sir, but a test would at least give us the odds of getting it through the wormhole intact. Sisko: I'm not playing the odds today. Sisko to Rio Grande. Your status? Dax: Systems check complete. Auxiliary power to shields. I'd say we're packed and ready to go, Benjamin. Sisko: Ready transporter. O'Brien: Locking on to the containment field. Sisko: Energize. Dax: Chief, we're getting a phase variation here. O'Brien: Stand by. The energy fluctuations are driving the transporter crazy. Dax: We've got it now. O'Brien: Switching your transporter to secure mode. Readings are stable. Sisko: When you're ready, Dax. Dax: Take us out gently, Arjin. Arjin: Firing thrusters. O'Brien: Energy readings from the containment field are holding. Dax: Take us to fifty kph. Arjin: Confirmed. Seventeen seconds to the wormhole. Dax: Hold at fifty kph. O'Brien: Ten seconds to the wormhole. Kira: Reading higher levels of neutrino activity. Dax: A short cross to the other side and we're home free. Rio Grande to Ops. Comm. links will terminate in five seconds. Dax: See you later. Kira: Acknowledged, Rio Grande. May the prophets guide you. Dax: Containment field stability is down to eighty five percent. Every time we pass through a verteron node, there's resonance leakage from the energy mass. Arjin: In twenty seconds, we'll be out of here. Dax: We'll never make it. Field stability is down to sixty five percent and falling. We've got to kill our forward acceleration now. Arjin: All engines stop. Dax: Thirty eight percent stability. Still falling. Twenty six percent. Arjin: Computer, thrusters on reverse, two second burst. All stop. Dax: It's stabilizing. The containment field is at twenty seven percent, twenty six percent and holding. Arjin: Now what? Dax: Well, we can't stay here. In forty two minutes, that energy mass expands and once it intersects with one of those verteron nodes, they'll feel the result on the Cardassian homeworld Arjin: But the containment field is so weak now, it'll fail as soon as we start to move again. Dax: I guess we'll just have to let it fail. Arjin: Let it fail? But you said it yourself. If we pass through even one of those verteron nodes without the containment field, the energy mass will explode. Dax: Then we'll have to avoid them. Arjin: You're talking about precision flying through a wormhole. It's never been done. Dax: Until now. Arjin: Jadzia Dax: I'm a level three pilot, You're level five. I'll do it if I have to but I don't have time to argue. Arjin: Watch the conn readouts. I'll try to keep at least fifty meters away from any node. Dax: Understood. Computer, calibrate internal scanners to detect verteron radiation in the cabin. Activate sonic indicators. Verteron levels are well within safe limits. Arjin: We'll start with one short thruster blast and we'll coast through. That'll protect the containment field for a few extra seconds. Dax: Thrusters ready. Arjin: I'm taking the inertial dampers offline. It'll be a rougher ride but I'll have a little more response time. Firing thrusters. Dax: Velocity is forty meters per second. Computer: Warning. Containment field at ten percent. Dax: Sixty seconds to Gamma. Node to starboard bearing zero three seven mark seven. Arjin: Firing starboard thruster. Computer: Warning. Containment field has collapsed. Arjin: No more margin for error. Dax: Forty five seconds to Gamma. Node to port, bearing zero three zero mark five one. Arjin: I've got it. Dax: Thirty five seconds to Gamma. Verteron levels are still okay. Arjin: Jadzia, look at this. We're never going to get through it. Dax: Reading a passage. Adjust heading to one three one mark four seven. Arjin: Confirmed. Dax: Sensors say it's directly ahead. Arjin: I don't see it Dax: Hold your course. Arjin: I don't see it. I see it! It's less than seventeen meters across. Dax: This ship is only fourteen meters wide. That gives you over two meters to work with. Verteron levels are red-lining. Five seconds to Gamma. Dax: This is going to look very good on your initiate record, Arjin. Now, lets get this thing back where it belongs. Arjin: There's one thing I want to do before I go, and that is to apologize for the things I said to you in the lab. Dax: That was the first time you were being honest with me. Arjin: Somehow I always expected that Joining would make any Trill complete, serene, wise beyond her years. Dax: And I'm none of those things. Arjin: What I mean is, you're nothing like I expected. Dax: I'm nothing like I expected. Life after life, with each new personality stampeding around in your head, you get desires that scare you, dreams that used to belong to someone else. I wouldn't recommend it for everyone but in time I might recommend it for you. When you're ready. Arjin: I know what I have to do. Dax: Good luck. Dax: I'm not Curzon.

Kira: Definitely Cardassian. Dax: And in trouble. Its engines are completely disabled. Sisko: Open a hailing frequency. This is Commander Sisko of Deep Space Nine. Do you need assistance? Dax: They're not answering. Their life support systems are operating on reserve power. Sisko: Better lock on a tractor beam and pull them into cargo bay seven. Tell Mister O'Brien to meet me there. Sisko: I'm Benjamin Sisko, commander of Deep Space Nine. My chief of operations, Miles O'Brien. Do any of you need medical assistance? Natima: I think we're all fine, considering. I'm Professor Natima Lang. These are two of my students, Rekelen and Hogue. O'Brien: What happened to your ship? Natima: We were caught in a meteor swarm. I'm a decent teacher, but I'm afraid I'm not much of a shuttle pilot. Do you think you'll be able to repair our ship? O'Brien: I'll have to take a look. Excuse me. Natima: We'd like to be on our way as soon as possible. We know having Cardassians on a Bajoran station may cause trouble. That's the last thing we want. Sisko: If anyone can fix your ship, it is Mister O'Brien. In the meantime, you're welcome to stay here. If you stick to the Promenade, I'm sure there won't be any trouble. Bashir: Wait, wait, wait a second. Are you telling me you agreed with General Yiri's decision to execute his brother? Garak: Of course I agreed. Yiri's brother was a traitor to the Trelonian government. Bashir: The evidence is all circumstantial. Garak: It all comes down to a question of loyalty. My dear Doctor, Yiri had to choose between protecting his brother and protecting the state. He chose the state, as would I, every time. Bashir: I suppose that's one way of looking at it. But then again, before you can be loyal to another, you must be loyal to yourself. Garak: And who can we thank for those misguided words of wisdom? Sarek of Vulcan? Bashir: Actually, it was Bashir of Earth. Garak: With sentiments like those, you wouldn't last for five seconds on Cardassia. Bashir: Would you? Garak: Fishing again, Doctor? Bashir: Well, assuming you're not a spy Garak: Assuming. Bashir: Then maybe you're an outcast? Garak: Or maybe I'm an outcast spy. Bashir: How could you be both? Garak: I never said I was either. Odo: I heard an interesting rumor today. Quark: Only one? I started at least twelve. Odo: Rumor has it you've managed to get your hands on a small cloaking device. Quark: And you believe everything you hear? Odo: When it's about you, yes. According to Bajoran law, such a device would be highly illegal. Quark: If I had one, which I don't. Odo: I didn't expect you to admit it. I'm simply serving notice. You try to sell it and I'll see to it that you spend the next fifty years digging trenches in a penal colony. Quark: I told you, you have nothing to worry about. Quark: Excuse me. Excuse me. Out of my way. Excuse me. Quark: Natima! Natima: Quark. Quark: I knew you'd come b Natima: I told you never to speak to me again. Odo: Are you all right? Quark: All right? This is the happiest day of my life. Quark: Natima, wait. At least let me buy you and your friends a drink. I can make you a Samarian Sunset. Natima: I don't drink Samarian Sunsets anymore. Quark: Why not? Natima: Because they remind me of you. Hogue: Is this Ferengi bothering you? Quark: This Ferengi happens to be Natima's old and cherished friend. Who are you? Natima: These are my students. Quark: Students. You don't say. I'd love to sit in on one of your classes. What do you teach? Hogue: Political Ethics. Rekelen: Her teachings will change the future of Cardassia. Natima: That's enough, Rekelen. Quark: Not at all. I want to hear more. I always knew Natima was destined for greatness. Natima: Quark. Quark: Just one drink. It'll be like old times. Natima: It'll never be like old times. Quark: You're right. It'll be better. I'll be right back with refreshments. Odo: Your hands are shaking. So, how well does this woman know you? Just enough to dislike you, or well enough to really hate you. Quark: She used to work here on the station. She was a correspondent for the Cardassian information service. It was before your time. Odo: So which is it, dislike or hate? Quark: It's none of your business, but if you have to know, I was the love of her life. Odo: Must have been some life. Hogue: What about our drinks? Quark: If you want a drink, the bar's right over there. Natima: Go ahead. Quark: Your Samarian Sunset. Natima: I said I didn't drink these anymore. Quark: Because they remind you of me. But since I'm here anyway, you may as well enjoy yourself. Besides, it's on the house. You know, you're as beautiful as ever. Natima: And you're as big a liar as ever. Quark: You see, just like old times. I've missed you, Natima. That's no lie. Natima: You seem to have kept busy. Quark: Oh, yes, I'm very successful. But as the two hundred and twenty third Rule of Acquisition says Natima: Please. I haven't heard a Rule of Acquisition in seven years and I don't want to hear one now. Quark: So, how long are you going to be on the station? Garak: Thank you for another enjoyable lunch. Doctor. Natima: I didn't think there'd be any Cardassians left on the station. Quark: He's the only one. Hogue: What do we do now? Quark: Is something wrong? Natima: We have to leave as soon as possible. Goodbye, Quark. Thanks for the drink. Quark: But you didn't touch it. Sisko: How are your repairs coming? O'Brien: The damage is more extensive than I thought. They were lucky to escape the attack. Sisko: The attack? O'Brien: They weren't in any meteor swarm. They were hit by Cardassian disrupters. Kira: That doesn't make sense. Why would Cardassians fire on other Cardassians? Dax: Maybe you should ask her. Natima: Commander, I hate to be an imposition, but I need my ship. Sisko: That's not possible. Mister O'Brien is still working on it. Your ship sustained more damage than we originally thought. In fact Natima: You suspect that our ship was damaged by Cardassian weapons. You're right, of course. Hogue: Professor. Natima: It's all right, Hogue. I should've told them the truth in the first place. Kira: Then why didn't you? Natima: Because Cardassians don't involve outsiders in their internal politics. Especially Bajorans. Sisko: Being shot at by your own people goes a little beyond politics. Natima: We take our politics very seriously. Commander, if I don't get my students to safety they're going to be killed. And if they die, the future of Cardassia may die with them. Natima: There are some who believe the future of Cardassia should not remain in the hands of the military. Sisko: And you're among them? Hogue: Yes, we are. Natima: Rekelen and Hogue are two of the most important leaders of our movement. Sisko: Which makes you fugitives. Hogue: The military's afraid to let us speak our minds. Rekelen: They've already tried to kill us once. They're sure to try again. Natima: Which is why I have to get them off this station as soon as possible. Sisko: I'll dispatch additional work crews to help repair your ship. Hogue: We saw another Cardassian aboard the station in the bar. Sisko: Garak. He saw you? Natima: I'm certain of it. Sisko: Well then, we may have a problem. Mister Garak is a bit of a mystery to us. I'll assign you some guest quarters. You'll be safe there until your ship is ready. Natima: We appreciate your assistance, Commander. Garak: Ah, Mister Quark, this is a surprise. I don't believe you've ever been in my establishment before. Quark: You usually don't frequent mine, either. Though I did see you in there today. Garak: The Replimat was a little crowded. So what brings you here now? Quark: Oh, I just wanted to see what you're offering. What do you get for that? Garak: Seventeen strips of latinum. Quark: I tell you what, I'll give you twenty. Garak: Twenty? How uncharacteristically generous for a Ferengi. Quark: Just one businessman trying to help out another. I figure we have to stick together. Garak: Well, this is the latest style on my homeworld. Do you like it? Quark: I'm no expert on Cardassian fashions. What do you think? Garak: I don't know. It's been so long since I've had a Cardassian customer. Quark: Then you're in luck. There're some board on the station right now. Garak: Now that you mention it, I think your lady friend may find this style very appealing. You're old friends, aren't you? Quark: You're very perceptive, for a Cardassian. Garak: It would have been hard to miss the way you were looking at her. Quark: It would've been hard to miss the way you were looking at her. Garak: Personally, I find this style a bit too radical, but your friend seems the sort who appreciates that kind of thing. Quark: Different tastes for different people. Nothing wrong with that, is there? Garak: Oh, you'd be surprised how detrimental a poor choice of fashion can be. Take this dress. It may be all the rage now but in a very short time it can become tiresome, an affront to the eyes. Certain people might even think it's objectionable. And then Nothing but rags. Quark: I see. Garak: Mister Quark, might I offer you some free advice? Quark: As long as I'm under no obligation to follow it. Garak: I've been in this business a long time and I know there's nothing worse than following the wrong trend. Now you're a smart fellow, with your own inimitable sense of style. Perhaps you should mention this to your lady friend. I'd hate to see her fall victim to fashion. Quark: Would you like to explain that? Garak: She's chosen to associate herself with some rather flamboyant companions. It would be a tragedy if she got in the way when her friends go out of fashion. Quark: If anyone tries to harm her, they're going to have to deal with me. Garak: What're you going to do, short change them at the dabo table? Quark: I think I'll buy this dress after all. See that it's mended. Natima: What is it you want from me? Quark: I know you're in trouble. I want to help you. Natima: I don't want your help. Quark: I owe you. You saved my life. If you'd turned me over to the authorities, I would have been executed. Natima: I admired your courage. It was a brave thing you were doing selling food to the Bajorans. I thought you were a man of honor. Quark: I'm a Ferengi. You should've known better. Natima: You're right. I should have. Instead Quark: Can't you even say it? Natima: I can't even think it. Quark: Okay, I'll say it for you. We fell in love. And that month we spent together was the best time of our lives and you know it. Natima: I think you're confusing lust with love. Quark: I admit I'm capable of that, but not this time. I loved you, Natima. Natima: Then how could you have betrayed me? Quark: I didn't betray you. Natima: Don't lie to me, Quark. I know better. You used my personal access codes to authorize payments for goods you never provided. Quark: So I took a little money from the Cardassian Communication Service. They could afford it. Natima: You stole that money. Quark: I saw a chance for profit and I took it. Maybe that was wrong. I don't know. But what I really regret is betraying your trust. That was the worst mistake of my life. Natima: And you'd do it again in a second. I believed in you, Quark. But you were using me like you use everyone. For profit. Quark: Then let me make it up to you. Let me help you. I ask for nothing in return. Natima: Nothing? Quark: Except that you stay with me forever. Natima: I can't stay here. My students need me. Quark: Listen to me, Natima. You can't leave me. Not now. If you don't stay with me, I'll have to follow you. And I will, wherever you go, until you agree to take me back. Natima: You don't even know me anymore. I'm part of the Cardassian underground. Following me will only get you killed. Quark: I'll take that chance. Natima: What about the bar? Quark: I don't care about the bar. I'll turn it over to Rom. He'll run it into the ground in a month, but it doesn't matter. I have to be with you. Natima: It won't work, Quark. You say you'd do anything for me. Maybe right now, you even believe it. But I know better. In the end, you'd only care about yourself. Quark: But I love you. Natima: I don't love you. Quark: Now which one of us is lying? Natima: You'd better go. Quark: All right. But if there's anything you need, anything at all, I'll be waiting. Natima: It'll be a long wait. O'Brien: Professor Lang's ship should be ready to go in about an hour, Commander. Sisko: Good, I'll let her know. Kira: We have a Cardassian warship approaching fast. Sisko: On screen. Hail them, Lieutenant. Dax: No response. Kira: They're taking up an attack posture. Dax: They're ignoring us. O'Brien: They're powering up their forward disrupters. Sisko: Shields! Kira: Shields up. Sisko: Lock on phasers and photon torpedoes. Prepare to return fire if necessary. Garak: Commander. We think we should talk. Sisko: All right, Garak, do you mind telling me why a Cardassian warship is threatening my station? Garak: No one is threatening you. The Central Command merely wants to make sure they have your undivided attention. Sisko: Well, they have it. I assume this has something to do with Professor Lang and her students? Garak: Students is a rather benign term for them. Terrorists would be more accurate. The Cardassian government would very much like Hogue and Rekelen returned home immediately. Sisko: They haven't committed any crimes here. As long as they're on my station, they're free to do whatever they want. Garak: This is all very embarrassing, Commander. The Central Command would hate to see the Federation pulled into such an insignificant and purely internal affair. Sisko: I would hardly call it insignificant. Judging by the behavior of the ship out there, it appears the Central Command considers Hogue and Rekelen to be extremely dangerous. Garak: Not at all. Annoying, perhaps, inconvenient, maybe, but dangerous? Hardly. And if they were dangerous, would the Central Command entrust the situation to me, a simple tailor? Sisko: Which only confirms what I have suspected all along. You, Mister Garak, are no simple tailor. Garak: Really, Commander, that's another discussion entirely. All you really need to know right now is that the return of Hogue and Rekelen is in the best interests of the Cardassian Empire. Sisko: Or at least in the best interest of the Cardassian military. Garak: Is there a difference? Sisko: Do you really expect a Bajoran station under Federation command to turn over Cardassian political refugees on your say-so? Garak: The ultimate decision is of course yours. I am simply relaying a message. Sisko: Then relay this. Tell the Central Command if anyone attempts to take Hogue and Rekelen by force, I will respond in kind. Am I clear, Mister Garak? Garak: Absolutely. Thank you for your time. Oh, and if you'd like, stop by the shop one day. I have a number of suits that would look quite flattering on you. Quark: Here, you go. Two mugs of Kanar on the house. Hogue: We didn't order these. Quark: They're the drinks I promised you the first time you came in here. Sorry they took so long but things have been a little hectic. Do you mind? Rekelen: I'm afraid that we do. Hogue: Professor Lang told us you couldn't be trusted. Quark: You Cardassians do hold grudges. Seven years ago Natima and I had some little silly lovers' quarrel and well, all I can say is I'm willing to let bygones be bygones. Hogue: But Professor Lang isn't. Quark: I have to say I find your loyalty to her extremely touching. Rekelen: There is nothing that we wouldn't do for her, and if she says we're not to talk to you, we don't talk to you. Quark: I understand. She's your teacher, you're her students. You have to listen to her. So, if you don't want to talk to the only person who can get you off this station in one piece, that's fine with me. Hogue: Wait. Rekelen: You say you can help us get away? Quark: It's possible. Hogue: How? Quark: One second. Quark: The station's security chief's a shape-shifter. You can never be too careful. I take it you know what a cloaking device is? Well, I have one. It's not in the best of condition but it'll work for about fifteen minutes. Long enough to get you away from here. Rekelen: Sounds expensive. Hogue: We don't have much latinum. What we do have is yours. Quark: Exactly how much latinum are we talking about? No, forget I said that. I don't want your money. Consider the cloaking device a gift. Rekelen: I'm surprised. Ferengis aren't known for their generosity. Quark: We are a deeply misunderstood race. Hogue: You may've saved our lives. Our movement owes you a debt of gratitude. Quark: And I know exactly how you can repay me. You have to convince Natima to stay here. Rekelen: The Professor will never agree to stay behind. Quark: No Natima, no cloaking device, and no way off this station. Rekelen: She won't do it. Quark: You have to talk her into it. After all, you're the ones the Cardassians are after. Hogue: He's right. She shouldn't have to risk her life for our crimes. Rekelen: I suppose we could ask her. Quark: Don't ask her. Tell her. Hogue: We will. We'll do our best. Quark: I'm sure you will. I shudder to think what would happen if the military got its hands on you. Hogue: Meet us at our quarters in an hour. Quark: I'll be there. Natima: Come in. Quark: Where are Rekelen and Hogue? Natima: They're waiting at the ship. Quark: Perfect. I know my quarters might seem a little crowded at first, but tomorrow morning, I'll put in a request for something bigger. Natima: That won't be necessary. Quark: All right. If you want your own quarters to start out with, I can arrange that, too. Natima: I mean I'm not staying. Quark: Now hold on. Your students and I have an agreement. They get the cloaking device and you stay with me. That way everyone's happy. Natima: Quark, you say you love me? Then give me that cloaking device and let me be on my way. Quark: And let you disappear out of my life again? Natima: I'm not part of your life. Quark: But you are. You always have been. Don't you understand, since you left me, not a day goes by that I don't regret what I did. And now you're asking me to lose you again. Natima: You lost me a long time ago. Quark: All right, then say it. Let me hear you say there isn't a spark of love left in you. Natima: There isn't a spark of love left in me. Quark: I heard that. Natima: What? Quark: You hesitated. Admit it, you still care. Natima: Quark, I don't have time for this. Give me that cloaking device. Quark: I can't. I won't let you go. Natima: Quark. I didn't want to have to get it this way, but I need that device. Give it to me. Now. Quark: Or what? You'll shoot me? Natima: If I have to. Quark: Then go ahead and shoot. Natima: Quark. Quark, are you all right. Quark: You shot me. Natima: I didn't mean to. It was an accident. I've never fired a phaser before. I barely touched the trigger Quark: Careful. Owww. Natima: It hurts? Quark: She wants to know if it hurts? Of course it hurts. It's supposed to hurt. It's a phaser. Natima: I made sure it was on the first setting. Quark: How considerate of you. Natima: Should I get a doctor? Quark: It's okay. Maybe if you rub it. Natima: Oh, Quark, I'm sorry. Quark: Really? Natima: Yes, for everything. For all those horrible things I said. Quark: You really didn't mean them? Natima: I love you, Quark. I've always loved you. Even when I hated you. Quark: Natima. Natima: I've missed you. I've missed you so much. Being with you was the happiest time of my life. Quark: And now we're together again, and we have the rest of our lives to be happy. Natima: I wish it was that easy. Quark: It can be if you let it. Natima: I'm not the same person I was seven years ago. I have responsibilities. Quark: I'll share them with you. Natima: The movement is my life now. I don't have time for anything else. Quark: We'll make the time. You're a woman, Natima, believe me, I know. It's not right for you to be alone. Natima: I'm not alone. I have my students, my dreams for a better Cardassia. Quark: But are dreams enough? Can dreams make you laugh? Can dreams hold you close at night? Natima: No. But my life demands I make certain sacrifices. Quark: And you've made them, but it doesn't mean you can't be happy. Natima: We did have fun together, didn't we? Quark: Remember the day I installled my first holosuite. Natima: I'd never been in one before. Quark: I still have that program. The picnic on Rhymus Major. Two suns in the sky. Natima: The sound of the waterfalls. Quark: The whisper of flitterbird wings over our heads. Natima: You painted my face with honey. Quark: And a Mordian butterfly landed on your nose. Natima: And a Mordian butterfly got stuck on my nose. Quark: His wings were beating almost as fast as my heart. Natima: Those were good times. Quark: The best. And we can have them back again. I'll give the cloaking device to your students. Once they're gone you'll be safe, and we can be together. Natima: I can't just abandon them. They need me. Quark: I need you. Listen to me, Natima. You've done enough for the movement. You lit the match. Let them carry the torch. Or are you saying that the movement won't survive without you? Natima: Of course it will. Quark: Then let it. And let us have the happiness we deserve. Natima: You really do love me, don't you? Quark: With all that I am, Natima. Forever. Will you stay? Natima: Yes, Quark. I'll stay. Quark: You don't know how I've waited to hear you say that. Natima: Enter. Odo: Professor Lang? Quark: Not now, Odo. Can't you see we're busy? Odo: I apologize for the interruption, but I'm afraid, madam, that you're under arrest. Natima: I'm what? Quark: On what charge? Odo: Commander Sisko will explain. I'm truly sorry. Quark: Now hold on. Natima: Quark, it's all right. Natima: Commander, would you please explain what we're doing here? Sisko: I'm afraid all of you are to be turned over to the Cardassian government. Rekelen: You can't do that. Sisko: I wish I didn't have to, but Cardassia has offered to hand over a half a dozen Bajoran prisoners in exchange for you. Natima: And you've agreed to this? Odo: The Bajoran Provisional Government has agreed to it. A Cardassian transport will deliver the Bajoran prisoners within five hours. Natima: Commander, you have no idea what they'll do to us. Rekelen: We're the ones they're after. At least let Professor Lang go. Sisko: I'd like nothing better, but the provisional government has ordered you all be turned over. I'm fighting this every way I can. I'm not ready to give up yet. But in the end, this is a Bajoran station, and I have to abide by their decision no matter how much I disagree with it. Toran: How the mighty have fallen. Garak: Toran? Toran: It's Gul Toran now. Garak: They've made you a Gul. I didn't realize the situation on Cardassia had gotten so desperate. Toran: I find your bitterness extremely gratifying. I'm glad to see that you're adjusting so poorly to exile. Garak: Actually, I'm finding my time here quite illuminating. Toran: Then I don't suppose you'd be interested in going home again? Garak: Am I to be rewarded for informing the Central Command about the presence of Hogue and Rekelen on the station? Toran: Perhaps. But only after you see to it that they don't leave this station alive. Garak: But I suggested a prisoner exchange and the Central Command agreed. Toran: I convinced them otherwise. Garak: They listen to you? Toran: My voice is less tarnished than yours. Garak: Kill them and all you'll do is create martyrs. Toran: You overestimate their importance. Garak: And how do you propose to arrange this unfortunate incident? Toran: I'm sure you'll think of something. You always did in the past. Don't you see? Lang's death will benefit us both. Unless of course, you intend to spend the rest of your life as a tailor. Garak: I see your point. Toran: I knew you would. Quark: Odo, we have to talk. Odo: I'm busy. Come back later. Quark: Later will be too late. I, the Jury by Mickey Spillane? Odo: Chief O'Brien loaned it to me. This better be important, Quark. Quark: It is. Odo, you have to let Natima and her students go. Odo: Do I? Quark: Those students could be the key to a new Cardassia. A Cardassia free of military rule and oppression. Odo: Since when have you become so interested in Cardassian politics? Quark: A freer more open society on Cardassia would benefit this entire sector. And it'd be great for business. Odo: So, wanting me to free Natima and those students is strictly a financial consideration on your part? Quark: Now, Odo. Don't allow my greed to keep you from doing the right thing. Odo: I know you better than you think, Quark. This isn't about Cardassia, and for once it's not even about profit. This is about Professor Lang. Quark: You're right. It is. Her life is in jeopardy as long as Rekelen and Hogue are on the station. Odo: Why didn't you tell me that before? Quark: What was I supposed to say? That I love her? That I would do anything for her? That without her, my life would be meaningless? Sure, I could say those things, but what good would it do? How could I expect you to understand? You've never had those feelings. You don't know what it means to really care about another person. You've never been in love. You've got all the emotions of a stone. No offense. Odo: Go on. Quark: Listen to me, Odo. You do this for me, and I promise you there'll be no more secrets between us. I will tell you about every underhanded deal, every lying scheme, every dirty trick my brother Rom's involved in. Odo: Well, since you put it that way, I'm not interested. Quark: Okay, okay, let me put it another way. Do it for me. Odo: For you? Quark: That's right. For all the years we've known each other. For everything we've been through together. You say you know me better than anyone else? Well, I know you. Sure, sometimes we're on opposite sides, but that doesn't mean that we aren't close. I never told you this, Odo, but I consider you as dear to me as my brother. Odo: And I've seen how well you treat him. Quark: Odo, look at me. Quark: Look at me. I'm on my knees. I'm begging you. I don't care why you do it. Pick any reason you want. But please, let Natima and the others go. Odo: All right. I'll do it. Quark: You will? Odo: But not for you. Turning Hogue and Rekelen over to the Cardassians would mean their deaths. I've read their files and nothing they've done warrants that kind of punishment. I'll free them, Quark, but only in the name of justice. Quark: Justice. That was going to be my next suggestion. So, you're not really doing this for me? Odo: That's right. Quark: Then I don't owe you a thing. Thank you. Quark: You'll never know how much this means to me. Odo: Let go. Quark: Sorry. Now let's hurry before you change your mind. Odo: One question. How do you expect Rekelen and Hogue to get past that warship? I knew you had a cloaking device. Quark: I always said you were too smart for me, Odo. Natima: Quark, what are you doing here? Quark: Getting you out. Natima: Thank you. Odo: Good luck. Quark: I've installled the cloaking device in the central engine core. You can activate it from the bridge as soon as the mooring clamps are released. Then I suggest you take your ship to warp eight and don't look back. Now please, make your goodbyes brief. Garak: But what's the rush? Rekelen: You've betrayed us. Quark: No. Garak: Don't. I'd hate to ruin such a nice suit. Quark: Why are you doing this? Garak: Exile tends to wear a bit thin after a while, even with surroundings as pleasant as these. Quark: Fine. Take them, but leave Natima alone. Natima: Quark. Hogue: No, he's right. We're the fugitives, not you. Quark: You see, they agree with me. Garak: Unfortunately, it's not their decision to make, nor mine. Professor Lang, however minor her role in this matter, has come to the attention of the Central Command. Natima: Do you think killing us will change anything? Cardassia is slipping out of the hands of the military, and nothing you do will prevent it. Garak: Madam, I am not here to debate you. Quark: Garak, if you harm these people, I'll see to it that Commander Sisko prosecutes you to the fullest extent of the law. Garak: Which brings up another issue. Quark, things would've gone much easier if you'd taken my advice and not gotten involved with these people. Quark: I was already involved. Garak: I know. A pity, really. Personally, I rather like you, Quark. Quark: You mean you're going to shoot me too? Garak: Before I became a tailor, I lived by a simple motto. Never let sentiment get in the way of your work. A bit of a cliché, but true, nonetheless. Quark: I'll keep that in mind. Garak: Well then, although I admit it's against my better judgment, I'm afraid I must carry out the verdict of the Central Command. Quark: But you admit that they're wrong. Why don't you stand up for what you believe in? Toran: More to the point, what do you believe in, Garak? Garak: What are you doing here, Toran? Toran: Making sure that you carry out your assignment. I suspected that two years living among the Bajorans would make you soft. I see I was right. Garak: You've never been right about anything. Now step aside, Toran, and allow me to finish this sorry business. Toran: I will take over from here. Garak: Why? So you can take the credit and make sure I remain in disgrace. Toran: I can't believe that you were once considered clever. Do you think that completing this one simple task your reputation will be restored at Central Command? Garak: No, I suppose not. Toran: Go back to your sewing kit, tailor. Garak: Well, some people should never be promoted. Well, don't just stand there. Your ship is waiting. Quark: I'm going to see to it that every Ferengi on the station shops at your store. Garak: Ah. That alone makes it all worthwhile. Quark: You heard the man. Get moving. Hogue: Thank you. Both of you. Quark: Yes, yes, yes, go, quickly. Keep up the good work. Natima: Quark, I've got to say goodbye. Quark: Just let them go. It'll be less painful that way. Natima: No, you don't understand. I have to say goodbye to you. I'm going with them. Quark: But we had a deal. Natima: I can't stay here. Maybe one day I can come back and we'll be together again, but not until my work is done. Quark: So all I have to do to get you back is wait until Cardassia becomes a free and democratic society? Natima: I promise, I'll make it worth the wait. Quark: I don't suppose I could come with you. Natima: No. It's not your fight. Besides, I could never live with myself if something happened to you. I need to know that you're here, safe. That way a part of me will always be safe too. I love you, Quark. I always will. Quark: I love you, too. Garak: I suggest we return to the Promenade without delay. Quark: You have to tell me, why'd you do it? Shoot Toran? Garak: Why did you let Professor Lang go? Quark: I had no choice. I love her. Garak: And I love Cardassia. Which is why I had to do what I did. Quark: I don't understand. Garak: That's the thing about love. No one really understands it, do they?

Quark: He only paid for one hour. He's been in there for three, fighting the Battle of Klachdachbrach or some such thing over and over. Odo: The Battle of Klach D'kel Brakt was a legendary Klingon victory over the Romulans almost a century ago. Quark: Well, he's been losing it all afternoon and he says he's not coming out until he wins. I banged on the door, he sealed himself in. I threatened to shut off the power, he threatened to kill me. Odo: Since when did you add ancient Klingon battles to your holosuite programs? Quark: The Captain of the last Klingon ship that went through the wormhole sold some to me. I know, I know. It's brutal, it's violent, it's bloody, but to the Klingons, it's entertainment. Odo: Shut off the power. Quark: He'll kill you. Odo: No, he said he'll kill you. Shut it off. Kor: chay'pen Aha'bA? Kor: Ar got k'nel d'kulluh marg rah low! You dare interrupt the Battle of Klach D'kel Brakt, you Ferengi k'pekt! Odo: The battle has been won. The people are waiting to celebrate your victory. Kor: They are? Lead the way then! Odo: How did you get in here? Koloth: I am Koloth. Odo: That doesn't answer my question. Koloth: Yes. It does. What are the charges against him? Odo: Charges? No charges. He's today's guest of honor. Koloth: You must be a very brave man to attempt humor at the expense of a Klingon Dahar Master. Odo: I apologize. No offense intended. Koloth: Kor! Odo: Sir, if you'll wake up, I'll release you into your friend's custody. Kor: Koloth! wIj jup My old friend. I knew you'd be here. Koloth: You disgrace yourself and our purpose. I do not go into battle with one whose honor is washed away in breshtanti ale. Keep him! Odo: Security reassignments, Major. Sorry it took so long. It's been a Klingon afternoon. Kira: A Klingon afternoon? Odo: Every time Klingons come to the station, I wind up with a Klingon afternoon. But this was definitely one I'll cherish forever. There's a drunk Klingon in my holding cell, must be a hundred years old, singing battle songs. Even his best friend who's probably a hundred and fifty years old won't have anything to do with him, so I get the pleasure of listening to his repertoire. Kor, Dahar Master of the Klingons. Dax: Did you say Kor? Odo: That's what he announced right after winning the Battle of Klach D'kel Brakt at Quark's. Dax: What is he doing here? Did you get his friend's name? Was it Kang? Odo: No, it was DAX + Odo: Koloth. Dax: Come with me, Odo. Kor: B'aski't Kor, B'askr'ip Kor, KoHmanati, B'aski't Kor. Dax: Hello, Kor. Kor: I'm thirsty. Dax: Let him out. Odo: Lieutenant. Dax: I'll take responsibility. Kor: I am very thirsty. Dax: Kor, do you remember Curzon Dax? Kor: Curzon? My dear friend Curzon? I lift my ghoptu to Curzon Dax! Dax: And I, who was Curzon Dax lift my ghoptu to you. Scorcher burn on your fourteenth rib, and your left QiVon aches every time your ship hits warp eight. Kor: Dax! My Curzon? After eighty-one years I find you a kyamo-looking woman. Kiss me! Dax: How about just a great big hug. Kor: Curzon, my beloved old friend! Dax: I'm Jadzia now. Kor: Well, Jadzia, my beloved old friend. Dax: Come on, Kor, let's go find Koloth. Kor: Koloth's here? Kor: Look at him. He practices cuts and thrusts even with his food. Little children do that. Koloth: A sharp knife is nothing without a sharp eye. Kor: It's been forty years since even his good eye was sharp. It is luck when you hit the plate. Koloth: I see the Federation insults us by sending a Lieutenant to greet us. Dax: You never had much use for the Federation, did you, Koloth. I used to call you D'akturak, Ice man, because no proposal, no matter how reasonable, no matter how much it favored the Klingon Empire would satisfy you. You were the toughest man I ever faced across the negotiations table. Kor: Do you not recognize our old friend Dax? Koloth: Dax? Dax: Curzon's dead, but Dax is alive as part of me. Koloth: This is a mistake. Kang must not have known. Kor: Ah, but what a beautiful mistake. Dax: Is Kang coming? Kor: Of course he's coming. He's brought the four of us back together after eighty one years. Dax: Could it possibly mean that he's Kang: Yes. That is exactly what it means. I have found the Albino. Dax: Kang, do you remember the first time we sat together over bahgol? It was the Korvat colony. The Federation and the Klingon Empire were still enemies. Kang: I have never sat with you before today. Dax: I am Dax, godfather of your son. Koloth: You are no one's godfather. Dax: I am Dax, godfather of your son . Kang: So, you are the same Dax who took a blood oath with us to seek vengeance? Dax: Don't mistake a new face for a new soul, Kang. I still feel at one with your family just as I did eight decades ago. I hope one day you will embrace me as a brother again. Koloth: Brother! Ha! Kor: Brother, sister, what's the difference. We're here now. Speak to us, Kang. Where is he? Where did you find the Albino? Kang: Seven years ago, on Dayos Four, I met one of the Albino's diskarded wives. I fed and clothed her. I told her the story of our sons. She still feared him and told me nothing. Three months ago, she died. A week afterwards, an amulet she wore around her neck was delivered to me by messenger. In it was the location of the Albino's sanctuary. Koloth: Are you certain that he's still there? Kang: I have confirmed it with traders who supply him. It is on the fourth planet in the Secarus System. He has been hiding there for nearly a quarter of a century. Kor: Hiding from us, no doubt. Kang: I have been told he only has forty men in his compound. Evidently he has become very lax in his waning years. Kor: The fool. Dax: I wouldn't count on information from traders. The Albino might have told them what to say if anyone asked questions. Koloth: She's right. The traders may already have warned him that we are coming. Kang: They will never warn anyone ever again. This time, we will reach the Albino. And when we do, I will cut his heart out and eat it while he watches me with his dying breath. Kang: I did not know, of course. Dax: About Curzon? Kang: I did not want to risk contacting you by subspace. Dax: I don't blame you. That's how the Albino learned we were coming to Galdonterre. Kang: His ears that reach across the galaxy. I don't know how. Tell me about my friend Curzon. Did he die an honorable death? Dax: He died in a hospital room yelling at doctors and friends who were trying to keep him alive for one more miserable day. Kang: That's a pity. He was a good man. He deserved to die in battle. It pains me that I will never see him again in this life. Dax: Curzon was decorated many times for his diplomatic achievements, but no honor touched him as deeply as yours. For a Klingon to choose a Federation official to be the godfather of his son. Kang: Curzon Dax opened the door to peace. He was the first Federation diplomat I ever met who truly seemed to understand the Klingon nature. Dax: Well, there was always a bit of the Klingon nature in Curzon. His blood oath with you was very important to him. Kang: Would you eat from the heart of the Albino, Jadzia Dax? I know about the Trills during my long friendship with Curzon. And I know that each new host has no obligation to past commitments. Dax: And I know that a Klingon blood oath can never be broken. Kang: The old Klingon ways are passing. There was a time, when I was a young man, the mere mention of the Klingon Empire made worlds tremble. Now, our warriors are opening restaurants and serving racht to the grandchildren of men I slaughtered in battle. Things are not what they used to be, not even a blood oath. Dax: I know you, Kang. You don't believe that. Kang: What I believe is no longer relevant. You are released from Curzon's oath. You owe nothing to any of us. Kira: Are you still reading a plasma leak in lower pylon one? I can't seem to find it now. Dax: It's been intermittent. Let me do a high-resolution scan. Kira? Kira: Uh huh? Dax: How many people did you kill? Kira: What? Dax: While you were in the underground. Kira: Too many. Dax: Were they all faceless Cardassians or did you know who you were killing? Kira: Why are we talking about this? Dax: If it bothers you, we can stop. Kira: It bothers me. Dax: I'm sorry. Kira: Why, are you thinking about killing somebody? Dax: Me? Kira: Tell me. Dax: I don't know what you're talking about. Kira: Tell me. Dax: Eighty years ago, there was a band of depredators, led by an Albino, raiding Klingon colonies. Three Klingon warships were sent to stop him. One of the captains was a close friend of Curzon's. The mission was successful. Most of them were captured. But the Albino escaped. In his last message to the Klingons, he promised to take his revenge on the firstborn of each of the three captains. A few years later, he kept his word. Somehow, he infected three innocent children with a genetic virus that killed them. One of them was my godson. Kira: I'm sorry. But Jadzia, that was Curzon's godson. Dax: I took a blood oath to revenge his death. Kira: Curzon took a blood oath. Dax: I can still remember the boy's funeral. He was named Dax for me. Kira: You've found this Albino? Dax: We know where he is. The three Klingons came here to tell me. Kira: Look, you've said yourself every new life for a Trill has to be a new life. If not, you'd wind up paying off old debts forever. These Klingons can't possibly expect you to keep this oath. Dax: No, they don't. That's just it. They say I have no obligation to them. But I do. I know it, I feel it. If not to them, I owe it to Curzon. Kira: Jadzia. Your questions about my experience with killing. If you're wondering what it's like. When you take someone's life, you lose a part of your own as well. Kor: I need another arm. Or am I doomed to choose between perfection and palate. Dax: Let me spare you that decision. Kor: majQa'! To the rescue. Dax, may I present these two students of Klingon history. Dax: Would you excuse us for a minute? Kor: Only a minute, my students. Kor: Well, you certainly don't share Curzon's priorities. Dax: About going after the Albino, I do. Kang and Koloth don't want me to come with you. Kor: Kang thinks too much. Koloth doesn't feel enough. Dax: And where do you stand? Kor: Of course you should come! The splendor of fighting and killing. A bloodbath in the cause of vengeance. Who wouldn't want to come? Dax: Will you speak to them for me? It means far more to me than I realized. Kor: Koloth spends all his time practicing in the holosuite. He listens to no one. And if Kang's made up his mind, there's nothing I can do. Dax: And you call yourself a history teacher? What of your own history? You are Kor, Dahar Master. They cheered you at Klach D'kel Brakt. Your voice weighed heavily on the course of Klingon events. Kor: You shame me. Dax: No, please don't feel that. Kor: The only weight I carry now, dear comrade, is my own bulbous body. I was once, if you remember, far less than you see, and far more than I have become. I'm sorry. Dax: My memories are still of Kor, a great warrior. Kor: Quark, you devious little Ha'DIbaH. Bring wine. Dax: Nice of you to stop. I'm coming with you. Koloth: Curzon Dax was a politician. It was a diplomatic ploy for him to bond himself to us in a blood oath. Dax: That's a lie. Koloth: Are you? I am practicing here. Leave while you can. Dax: When you agree that I can fulfilll my part of the oath. Koloth: You? Your presence will jeopardize the rest of us. Leave me! Dax: Computer. I want a Klingon bat'leth, tip to tip one hundred and sixteen centimeters, weight five point three kilos with an exterior handgripping diameter of five centimeters. Blades composite baakonite. Koloth: Ah, a warrior's configuration. Now what are you going to do with it? Dax: I'm going to fight you. Koloth: And if my hand should slip, and you should die? Dax: Your hand would never slip, unless you've become old and feeble. Dax: Come now, Koloth. Surely you can take me down. Kor: There is tension on your face, Koloth. You ought to drink more. Koloth: Stand up. Your presence against the Albino will do honor to our cause. Kor: Well, that's a surprise from the great stoneface. Kang: Releasing you from Curzon's oath was not enough. I can see that now. Kor: It is agreed then! Kang: No! I tell you now you will not be a part of this quest. Kor: Why do you dismiss her like some useless t'ooho'mIrah? Kang: We cannot go into an enemy stronghold with your sickly chest announcing us. Kor: There is nothing nothing wrong with my chest. Koloth: Nothing that won't get us all killed before we reach battle. Come. Kor: I need no nurse's hand. Dax: You can't deny my right for vengeance. Kang: You try to speak as a Klingon but the words do not fit in your mouth. Dax: You said that to me before, Kang. Do you remember? Kang: I do not care to discuss it any further. Dax: The Korvat colony. First day of negotiations. I walked out on you right in the middle of that long-winded speech of yours. You should have seen the look on your face. Nobody ever had the kajunpak't to show their back to the great Kang before Curzon did. Kang: I almost killed Curzon that day. Dax: I knew I had to get you very, very angry or my mission wouldn't succeed. Getting you angry at me was the only way to begin to create a bond between us. Kang: Curzon understood Klingons. Dax: And he understood what he was doing when he took a Klingon blood oath. You can't expect me to stay here and not avenge my own godson's murder. You can't ask me to live with that kind of dishonor. Kang: I cannot dishonor myself by permitting you to die in Curzon's place. Dax: Who's talking about dying? I have no intention of dying. You dishonor yourself already, Kang, by placing your own honor above mine. No Klingon warrior would leave a comrade behind while he goes off to battle. Perhaps you're right. Klingon honor isn't what it used to be. Kang: Are you trying to anger me again? Do you think the same trick would work twice?! Dax: I understand Klingons. Kang: All right, then! It worked! Come fight with us. Come and be damned. Dax: Come in. Dax: I was just about to come see you. Sisko: No. Dax: No what? Sisko: No leave of absence. Dax: Kira shouldn't have told you. Sisko: Kira is my First Officer. Dax: I don't have to tell you what this oath meant to Curzon. Sisko: Jadzia Dax took an oath too, when she joined Starfleet. You're subject to orders, Lieutenant. Dax: Don't do it, Benjamin. Don't make me disobey a direct order. Sisko: I never understood this. I mean, whatever else Curzon was, he did have a fundamental morality. He wouldn't condone murder any more than I would, and yet he swore to kill this Albino and now you plan to go out and kill in his name. What about the laws of the Federation? Dax: The Klingons have their own set of laws. This is justice to them. Sisko: And to you? Dax: I've chosen to respect their codes of honor in this matter, yes. Sisko: You really think you're capable of doing this? Dax: I don't know. There's only one way to find out, isn't there. Sisko: Let's say you are. Let's say you even survive this insanity. You expect to just come back here and resume your duties as though nothing's happened? Dax: I guess that'll be up to you. Kang: The compound is constructed of riddinite. There are several walls that separate the main house from the rest of the grounds. The main power source is here. There is an armory there. Koloth: Any information about the position of the sentries? Kang: They are posted at standing intervals, seventy-five meters apart along the perimeter. Dax: Standing? No patrols? Kang: That's what I'm told. Kor: Perhaps he thinks we're already dead and have stopped chasing him. Dax: Or perhaps he has made his defenses look weak for our benefit. Koloth: She may be right. Dax: We have to assume the guards patrol the perimeter. At seventy-five meters apart, they're out of eye contact with each other Kor: He wouldn't be that stupid. We must expect them to be no farther than fifty meters apart. Kang: Fine. It makes no difference. Dax: Doesn't it? If we assume he has adequate defenses, a minimum of fifty guards, then we should use a N'yengoren strategy. Kang: No! I will not sneak into his bedroom and murder him like a kah'plakt. I want him to see us coming. I say we make a direct attack boldly through the threshold. The guards will be too scattered to defend against us. We will overwhelm them to glorious victory. Koloth: Or to a glorious death. Kor: It is a good day to die. Dax: It is a good day to die. Koloth: Come on, old comrade. For the last time, let's sharpen our blades. Dax: So, we talk about dying again. Kang: A Klingon warrior is always prepared to die. Dax: Yes, but to invite death with a direct assault against a superior force? Kang, what are you doing? What's really going on here? Loyalty blinds Kor and Koloth, but not me. This is not a plan for battle, it's a plan for suicide. If it were someone else, I might think you were paid to lure us here. Kang: How could you say that? I took a blood oath with you. Dax: Is this why you didn't want me to come? Because you knew you were coming to die? Kang: When the amulet arrived with the location of the Albino, I went to the Secarus system to see if it was true. Somehow, the instant I arrived the Albino knew I was there. He contacted me. He sent an invitation to one last glorious battle. He said he is tired of this lifelong pursuit. He swore to send forty of his strongest and most skilled men against us in honorable combat. And I agreed. Dax: But why? Kang: Because this is our last chance. If we cannot reach the Albino, we can at least die an honorable death trying to reach him. A death a Klingon Dahar Master deserves. Dax: You know what, Kang? I think you Klingons embrace death too easily. You treat death like a lover. I think living is a lot more attractive. I think an honorable victory is better than an honorable defeat. Kang: I know the Albino's defenses. There is no chance of victory here. Dax: What if they had no phasers? That might make the odds a little better, don't you think? Kang: How do you intend to disarm them all? Dax: When we establish a low orbit, we modulate your disruptor banks to bombard the compound with tetryon particles. Every directed energy weapon will be neutralized. Kang: You're certain such a thing could be done? Dax: If Curzon were here, you'd be out of luck, but Jadzia Dax is a science officer. Kang: We would also be unable to use our disruptors. But who among them could match our skills with the bat'leth? Dax: Not many. We're about forty minutes away from the Secarus System. I think we should cloak and then you and I, old friend, should sharpen our blades too. Kang: Perhaps it is a good day to live! Dax: You say they promised you an honorable battle. Hand to hand combat at the main threshold. Kang: That's right. Dax: Take a look at this. This indicates a gravitic mine buried at the main threshold. Koloth: Yes, and he plans to detonate it the moment we enter the compound. Kor: That's what you get for making a deal with the devil, Kang. Dax: On the other hand, this gives us an advantage we wouldn't otherwise have. He's expecting us at the front door. Kor: How do we know that he's even inside? Dax: Good question. Koloth: Wait here. Kor: Where are you going? Koloth: I'm going to find out if he's inside. Kor: How do you intend to do that? Koloth: I'll ask somebody. Kang: We would be wise to shut down his sensor array before we attack. It's controlled from this power station. Kor: Yes, but a power failure will signal our presence. At the same time that you shut down the sensors, I'll create a diversion at the armory to misdirect their response. Dax: A good strategy. But whoever creates the diversion will have to run across this field to escape. With all due respect, none of you are as quick as you once were. I'll volunteer for that job. Kang: Agreed. Kang: It seems this is best place for entry right here. Koloth: I encountered a helpful lookout. The Albino is inside. Kor: His overconfidence will be the death of him. Koloth: He's in there now, but the moment we attack, he will move to a secured command post here. Kang: It will be midday in one hour. Can you create the diversion in the armory by then? Dax: I think so. Kang: We will be in position at the powerhouse Kang: May Kahless guide us on this day of vengeance. Dax: Excuse me. Could you tell me where the tennis courts are? I seem to be lost. Albino: Report. Guard: The armory's been sabotaged. I've diverted the forward patrols to that area. Albino: Cancel those orders. Move all guards to the inner defense line. Make sure the power station is secure. Guard: Go! Guard 2: Yes, sir. Guard: None of the phasers are functioning Albino: Not functioning? Guard: We're running diagnostics now. Albino: Use long range sensors to check for interference from a cloaked ship in orbit. In the meantime, have the guards fix kuttars to their rifles and prepare for hand-to-hand combat. Guard: I can't make contact with the power station. Albino: They must have already broken through the inner defense line. Move the perimeter guards into the house. Guard: Sir, without power, we have no communications. Albino: Then get out there and tell them yourself. I don't want that Klingon filth to get in this Kang: Look upon your executioners, killer of children. Albino: Get them! Kor: Koloth! Koloth: I didn't see him coming. Kor: Even you cannot have eyes in the back of your head, my friend. Quiet now. Rest. I still have work to do. Koloth: I will not die before you, you thunderous bulk. Kor: The story of your courage will never die. I will sing the story. The children of all Klingons will know of this day. Albino: You'll die far quicker than your son did, Kang. Albino: No vengeance today, Kang. Albino: And who are you, girl? Dax: You knew me as Curzon Dax. Albino: The Trill. Of course. You're far too young and lovely to sport such a deadly weapon. All right, then. Albino: Use it, if that's what you came to do. Kill me in cold blood. Run me through the belly and cut out my heart. Isn't that what your blood oath promised? Or have you lost your appetite, my dear. Kang: Thank you for saving the death blow for me. You have honored me one last time, godfather to my son. Kang: Where is Koloth? Kor: He is dead. Kang: I was right, Dax. It is a good day to die. Dax: It's never a good day to lose a friend. Kor: Ki-naH-naH, lo-maytool. Ki-nah-nah, lo-maytaH.

Scene: (A group of Cardassians go back into their ship. A Starfleet engineer checks there's no one around and opens a panel on the ship's hatch and does something clever.) Dax: The Cardassian freighter Bok'Nor is requesting permission to depart upper pylon one in three minutes. Kira: We have an incoming Bolian vessel at coordinates one zero one mark three eight. Give the Bok'Nor a clear trajectory out of the traffic pattern. Dax: Acknowledged. Kira: Feel like getting together for dinner tonight? Dax: Can't. I'm having dinner with Captain Boday. Kira: The Gallamite? You're going out on a date with him? Dax: Is something wrong with that? Kira: No. Not at all. Dax: He happens to be brilliant. His brain is twice the size of yours and mine. Kira: I know. I've seen it. Dax: It's not his fault Gallamites have transparent skulls. Kira: No, it's not. It's not exactly the view I want to have with dinner. Dax: You know, Kira, sometimes I think you place too much emphasis on how men look. Kira: What's that supposed to mean? Dax: Nothing. Kira: Look, when I kiss a man goodnight, I like to know where I'm kissing him. Dax: I guess seven lifetimes gives me a somewhat broader perspective. Kira: Since I have just one lifetime, I have to be a little more particular about whom I go out with. Dax: I never said I wasn't particular. Kira: I'm not the one who dates Ferengis. Dax: And what's that supposed to mean? Kira: Nothing. Dax: Releasing docking clamps at upper pylon one. That's funny. I'm picking up elevated. DS Nine to Bok'Nor. Shut down your engines! Repeat, shut down your engines! Kira: Report! Dax: Some kind of impulse overload. Checking. Kira: Ops to all engineering personnel. Report to rescue stations. We have an S I D in progress. Dax: There's nothing left of it. There's no one left to rescue. O'Brien: Kelindide, rhodinium, nothing unusual there. All materials commonly used in Cardassian ship construction. Kira: Maybe it was a malfunction in the impulse generator. O'Brien: I'd like to be able to tell you that, Major, but it's too soon to be sure. Kira: I can't believe the Cardassians have waited this long for an official explanation. Sisko: Anything, Chief? O'Brien: No sign of an explosive device yet, sir. Sisko: I've got every Admiral within subspace range on my back. Can I at least tell them that it looks like an accident? O'Brien: Well, I wouldn't do that yet. Sisko: When? O'Brien: I'll let you know, sir. Kira: Anything from the Cardassians, Commander? Sisko: Not a word. Odo: All Bajoran outposts have been put on alert for retaliatory strikes. The provisional government has made a statement disavowing any responsibility. Kira: Maybe it really was an accident. I mean, it is a possibility. Odo: An accident involving a Cardassian ship in Bajoran space? If I were a Cardassian, I wouldn't easily accept O'Brien: That's odd. Sisko: What? O'Brien: I'm picking up traces of a mercassium compound. Dax: Mercassium? There shouldn't have been any mercassium on board that ship. O'Brien: Well, there was. Sisko: Meaning? O'Brien: I'm not quite sure yet. Odo: Is mercassium some kind of explosive? Sisko: No, it's a synthetic composite used in shield generator construction by the Federation. We don't share that technology with anyone. Dax: Chief, I don't think you're going to find evidence of an explosive device. O'Brien: Lieutenant, respectfully, these kinds of things take time and I've got to Dax: I don't think you're going to find an explosive device because I'm pretty sure it was an implosive proto-matter device designed to match the impulse signature. Just before the explosion, I picked up a sudden increase in their fusion rate. I'm trying to find any sign of malfunction in the Bok'Nor's engines to explain it but there just isn't one. This doesn't look like an accident. The fusion shock had to be caused by something external to the impulse drive system. O'Brien: If a proto-matter device was attached to the crossfeeds, that could have created the overload and we'd never see any sign of it. Sisko: Can you prove that's what happened? O'Brien: Maybe. If we could get a high resolution spectra of the impulse debris. But that's going to take some Sisko: Time. Yes, I know. Get it started. I'll tell the Admirals. Sisko out. Hudson: Benjamin. Sisko: Cal. Thanks for coming on such short notice. Hudson: I wish it didn't take a disaster like this to get us back together. Dax: Hi, Calvin. Sisko: Jadzia Dax. Hudson: Dax? My goodness. You look a lot better than the last time I saw you. Sisko: Chief of Security Odo. Lieutenant Commander Calvin Hudson, Starfleet's attaché to the Federation colonies in the new Demilitarized Zone. Odo: You must be concerned about the colonies' security at a time like this. Hudson: Well, we haven't noticed any unusual deployment from the Cardassians along the border. Odo: Neither have we, and that's what's got me worried. Sisko: Let's go into my office. Hudson: Lieutenant, I don't have time this trip, but you and I have a few stories to catch up on. Dax: Next time. Hudson: Next time. Hudson: That woman knows more about me than any woman ever has. More than my wife, even. Sisko: Tell me about it. Hudson: Don't you find things a little uncomfortable? Sisko: Oh, no. She's a good officer. Hudson: Yes, but Curzon was a Sisko: She's not Curzon. Hudson: Now, you two aren't? I mean Sisko: Oh, no. She may not be Curzon, but she is Dax. Hudson: Yes, that would be extremely strange. So, Ben, how is Jake? Sisko: As tall as me. Hudson: No. Sisko: He throws inside to knock the old man off the plate. Hudson: A little chin music, huh? Sisko: He's growing up too fast. Hudson: It must have been difficult for you. At least I didn't have a child to raise by myself. Sisko: Well, we kind of helped each other through it. When I heard about Gretchen, I wanted to be there for you. There was just no way to get back. Hudson: I know that, Ben. You know, I was hoping when they sent me to the colonies that you and I would have time for some R and R together. Sisko: Who's got R and R time? Hudson: I know. You can't imagine how my life has changed since the Federation abandoned these colonies. Sisko: Abandoned them? Doesn't your presence there Hudson: My presence there is a joke. I am supposed to help these colonies function under the terms of the new treaty. Now Ben, what the hell does that mean? Sisko: I thought these colonists wanted to stay. That they refused to evacuate. Hudson: The treaty gave away their territory to the Cardassians, territory that these people had invested their lives in. Now, Ben, if you knew them as I do, you'd know why they can't leave. It's a bad treaty. The Federation gave away too much. Sisko: Several Cardassian colonies wanted to stay on the Federation side of the Zone too. It seemed like a reasonable compromise Hudson: Well, yes, the Cardassians would love to have their colonies in our territory. Because they knew we'd protect them. But they have no intention of doing the same for ours. Sisko: A number of Admirals at Starfleet Command are worried the destruction of the Bok'Nor might jeopardize the treaty. Hudson: Oh, are they really? Sisko: As the two ranking officers along the Cardassian border, we've been asked to assess the potential risk. Hudson: There is no risk, Ben. None. I have been dealing with the Cardassians most of my professional life, and believe me, they are very pleased with what they got from the treaty. They are not about to risk all they've gained by sending forces into the Zone. They're much too slick for that. If I were you, I'd be very concerned with security along the Bajoran border. Sisko: Are you surprised they haven't responded at all yet? Hudson: Well, Ben, you and I both know they never let you see what you expect to see. They'll respond. Sakonna: Quarters have been arranged through diskreet channels. Deck seven, section four G. I suggest you keep a low profile until your ship arrives. Quark: Can I get you something? Sakonna: You are Quark, aren't you? Quark: I assure you the warrant is out of date. I cleared that matter up months ago. Sakonna: Warrant? Quark: Oh. When you recognized me, I assumed Sakonna: You are counting your receipts. It is logical to conclude you are the proprietor of the establishment. Quark: You're very observant. What can I do for you? Sakonna: I was hoping to discuss a business proposition. Quark: With me? Er, perhaps I should explain about that slip of the tongue. Sakonna: Your past is of no consequence to me. Quark: I'm delighted to hear you say that. Because nothing would please me more than to make a fresh start with the Vulcans, Miz Sakonna: Sakonna. Quark: Sakonna. Such a handsome name for such a handsome young woman. What'll you have to drink? Wait a minute, I have just the thing. Quark: Vulcan port. Three centuries old. Very rare, very expensive. Shall I pour you a glass? Sakonna: No. Quark: Not even a taste? It's exquisite. Sakonna: I'm not thirsty, thus I see no reason to have a drink. Quark: Well, it'll be right here should you develop a thirst. Now, you mentioned a business proposition? Sakonna: It is a private matter. I'd rather not discuss it here. Quark: Then we can discuss it over dinner. That is, we can plan the business meeting to coincide with when you think you might get hungry. Sakonna: That would be acceptable. Quark: That would be wonderful. How does eight sound to your tummy? Sakonna: I will return then. Quark: And by the way, I'd love to melt that cold Vulcan heart of yours. Bomber: Here, allow me. Female: Thank you. Sisko: Jake-O? Dukat: Your son is not here, Commander Sisko: Dukat. Dukat: I'm sorry. I didn't mean to startle you. Sisko: Where is he? Dukat: Who? Your son? How would I know? I just Commander, you don't? Do you think that I would ever do anything to harm your son? Sisko: I think you're capable of anything. Dukat: You wound me, sir. I'm here as your friend. Sisko: Sisko to Kira. Dukat: Please do not do anything hastily, Commander. We must talk in private. Kira: Yes, Commander? Sisko: Major, I want you to find Jake. Kira: Is he missing? Sisko: I don't know. Find out where he is and let me know. Kira: Understood. Sisko: How the hell did you get in here? Dukat: I was an unregistered passenger on a Kotakian ship that docked here this morning. I slipped in through the cargo bay. Sisko: And made your way here without anyone seeing you? Dukat: I was the commander of this station for almost ten years. When one knows the various corridors and passageways as well as I. Oh, by the way, I love what you've done with these quarters. Kira: Kira to Sisko. Jake's fine, Commander. He's with Nog watching the women coming off the Bajoran transport at docking bay one. Shall I have him brought to your quarters? Sisko: No, that's all right. Thank you, Major. Sisko out. Dukat: There, you see. Safe and sound. Sisko: What are you doing here? Dukat: You have a problem. Sisko: Do I? Dukat: The Bok'Nor. Sisko: Is this the Cardassian Central Command's way of responding to my communiqués? Dukat: On the contrary, Central Command has no idea I'm here. It's true. I'm here unofficially to help you find out the truth about the Bok'Nor. Sisko: Why would you want to help me? Dukat: Because I already know the truth. Sisko: You know who's responsible? Dukat: I do. Sisko: Who? Dukat: You are. Oh, not you personally, Commander. I know you to be an honorable man. You're not one to sneak around attaching implosion devices to impulse engines. But, believe it or not, there are those of your brethren who are willing to do such things. Morally superior human beings and other members of the Federation. Sisko: I'm supposed to take your word for that? Dukat: Of course not. It's my job to convince you so you can clean your own house instead of forcing us to do it for you, which would certainly endanger the new treaty. We'll need one of your runabouts. Sisko: Where are we going? Dukat: The Volan colonies. Sisko: The Demilitarized zone? Dukat: Not so demilitarized, I'm afraid. Dukat: I can't help but notice that my controls are not illuminated. Isn't it customary for both seats to be turned on so that I may pilot the craft in the event of an emergency? Sisko: If there's an emergency, I guess you're out of luck. Dukat: Commander, I'm not going to sit here and steal all your little technical secrets, I promise you. Sisko: I appreciate your assurances, but Cardassians are famous for their photographic memories. Dukat: So you turn off my controls so I don't have enough light to take my photograph, is that it? Sisko: I've heard they put Cardassian children in intense mind training programs when they're four years old. Is that true? Dukat: The Cardassian educational system is unparalleled in the quadrant. Sisko: If you don't mind taking the joy out of growing up. Dukat: Education is power. Joy is vulnerability. Sisko: What? Dukat: Your reaction surprises me, Commander. I thought you would understand. Of all the humans I've met, you strike me as the most joyless and the least vulnerable. Sisko: I am when I'm with you. Dukat: Well said. But in truth, I'm looking forward to getting to know you better on this journey. Sisko: I think we know each other well enough. Dukat: Is that a ramscoop control or a deflector grid panel? Just curious. It really doesn't matter. Cardassian pursuit vessels are years ahead of this design. Dukat: What is it? Sisko: Long range sensors are picking up a distress signal. Dukat: From whom? Sisko: A Federation merchant vessel under attack by Cardassians. I'm reading two Cardassian attack vessels just inside the Demilitarized zone. Dukat: That's not possible. I promise you, Commander, we would not violate the treaty. Sisko: The merchant vessel's comm. links are down. I can't raise them. Computer, fix source coordinates of the distress signal and lay in a new course, warp three. I hope you don't mind. Dukat: Not at all. I'm as curious about this as you are. Dukat: What type of Cardassian ship are they? Patrol cruisers? Sisko: No, much smaller. They look like shuttlecraft. Dukat: Cardassian shuttles attacking a Federation merchant ship? Sisko: They seem to be armed with Galor-class phaser banks. Dukat: They must be from Cardassian colonies in the Demilitarized zone. Hail them. Sisko: No response. Dukat: Open a channel. Sisko: Go ahead. Dukat: To the pilots of the Cardassian attack vessels. This is Gul Dukat, Commander of the Second Order. Please respond. This is Gul Dukat, security identification ADL four zero. I order you to immediately disengage your attack. Sisko: We're still two minutes away. The Federation vessel's shields are down to forty percent. Dukat: Hail those Cardassians again. I don't know who you are or where you come from, but you're going to pay for this, I promise you. Answer me immediately or I personally will fire the photons that will destroy you. Arm the photons. Sisko: The photon launcher is there. Dukat: I know. I knew all about these controls before I ever came aboard. Tell me when we're in torpedo range. Sisko: Stand by. I'm picking up another ship moving toward them. Dukat: That's a Federation signature I believe, Commander. Sisko: It sure isn't from Starfleet. I've never seen a ship configuration like that before. It almost seems like someone has modified an old support courier. Hailing them. No response. They've fired torpedoes. what kind of civilian vessel that size would be carrying photon? Dukat: Something from one of your colonies, perhaps? Dukat: Do you begin to see, Commander, that without any help from either one of us, they've managed to start their own little war out here. Quark: I hope you're hungry. I've planned a wonderful meal for us starting with plomeek soup, which I know is a traditional Vulcan favorite. Followed by jumbo Romulan molluscs. You can't get those back on Vulcan any more, can you. Sakonna: Do you eat in this grand a manner every night? Quark: Certainly not. This is a special occasion. Sakonna: It is? Quark: The commencement of a new business relationship is the most special occasion for any Ferengi. It's a cause for opening great bottles of wine, dancing into the wee, small hours of the morning. We'll let it breathe for a few minutes. Sakonna: Very well, I will attempt to respect some of your cultural idiosyncrasies. I will drink the wine, but I won't dance. Quark: Maybe you'll change your mind after you drink the wine. Sakonna: No. I won't. Quark: Oh, come on. Somewhere inside that cool, controlled exterior of yours, there's a wild woman screaming to get out. Maybe by the end of the night, you'll be dancing on the tabletops. Maybe not. Sakonna: Is it appropriate to begin our business discussion now? Quark: Rule of Acquisition number two fourteen. Never begin a business negotiation on an empty stomach. Sakonna: Rule of Acquisition? Quark: Yes. Every Ferengi business transaction is governed by two hundred and eighty five Rules of Acquisition to insure a fair and honest deal for all parties concerned. Well, most of them anyway. Sakonna: Commendable. To create a code of behavior for business transactions is Quark: Is logical. Sakonna: and quite reassuring. Quark: Do Vulcans have anything similar? Sakonna: In structure, it reminds one of the Vulcan Bill of Rights which guarantees the fundamental personal freedoms of every Vulcan citizen. Quark: Same thing exactly. May I propose a toast? Sakonna: Is this another cultural idiosyncrasy? Quark: Yes. You know, I can't describe the honor I feel at this moment. It's rare that a Ferengi and a Vulcan can overcome their inherent differences to see eye-to-eye as we're doing. I've always had the greatest respect for Vulcans, even though the few I've met haven't exactly felt the same way about me. You are a noble people and I salute you. Now then, what kind of business proposition do you have in mind? Sakonna: I wish to procure weapons. Quark: I beg your pardon? Sakonna: Guns, phaser banks, photon torpedoes Quark: Shh! Sakonna: Troop transports and a number of cobalt-thorium devices. My list is quite extensive. Quark: You're a gun runner? Sakonna: I'm prepared to pay in latinum and I will very likely need a continuous supply for the foreseeable future. Quark: You're not like other Vulcans, are you? Evek: The Federation merchant ship refused to be boarded! Amaros: So your ships just decided to open fire. Evek: It was clear the Federation ship was carrying weapons through the Demilitarized zone. Hudson: That ship was carrying medical supplies to Soltok Four. Ben, what are you doing here? Sisko: I'm not sure yet. Gul Dukat asked me to accompany him. Evek: Dukat. No one informed us you were coming. Dukat: I decided an impromptu visit would be preferable so you wouldn't be bothered with special preparations. Evek: I see. Hudson: Commander Sisko, do you know my counterpart from the colonies, Gul Evek? Evek: I'm glad you're here to listen to this, Commander. Sisko: We monitored the attack on the way in. Dukat: Yes, monitor is the proper word because none of the ships would respond to our hails. Even the Cardassian pilots refused to acknowledge me. Evek: A strange voice from a Federation runabout. Dukat: I gave them my security identification. Evek: Well, obviously they had their hands full. Kobb: With an unprovoked attack. Evek: Unprovoked, was it? Do you deny that the Federation is engaging in organized terrorist activities against the Cardassian people? Deliberately attempting to undermine this treaty? Sisko: The Federation does not conduct secret wars. Evek: Then perhaps then you can explain where the Federation ship came from, the one outfitted with photon torpedoes? Hudson: Explaining why your ships were armed with Galor-class phaser banks? Evek: They have a right to defend themselves against organized terrorist activities. Sisko: I haven't heard any proof yet of organized terrorist activities. Amaros: Because there is none. Evek: On the contrary, we have the confession of the Federation terrorist responsible for the destruction of the Bok'Nor at your station, Commander. Sisko: Confession? Evek: A forty three year old male human, William Patrick Samuels, born Bergan, Norway, Earth. Amaros: We know who he is. What have you done with him? Evek: Came to the Federation colony on Volan Two twenty years ago. Married, wife's name Louise, two female children aged fourteen and twelve. He was quite cooperative once we apprehended him on Deep Space Nine. Cardassian: Begin. Samuels: My name is William Samuels. I am being held for crimes against the Cardassian people. I have been well treated. I have confessed that, as a member of a well-armed anti-Cardassian force organized by Federation colonists, I set an implosion device that destroyed the freighter Bok'Nor. I deeply regret participating in this arbitrary attack that led to the deaths of over seventy five crewmen. To my wife and children, I'm sorry, and I love you. Amaros: He would have confessed to anything after you were through with him Evek: On the contrary, he confessed quite early in the interrogation procedure, far sooner than we expected. I believe he truly felt remorse. Hudson: We want to talk to him ourselves. Evek: Bring him in. Evek: Unfortunately, he committed suicide in his cell. Hudson: Come on, come on. It's all right, it's all right. Sisko: Dukat, get them out of here. Dukat: Get outside. Hudson: Go on. We'll talk later. Kobb: We can't let them get away with this. Hudson: We'll talk later. You go on. Get him out of here. Hudson: I knew him. Bill Samuels was a farmer. He cultivated his land for twenty years. He raised two kids on that land. He made something out of that land and the Federation told him he had to give it all up to the Cardassians. Well, he just was not willing to do that. Sisko: And it was people like him who made both sides realize that some accommodation had to be made for the colonies so they could stay. Hudson: The Cardassians have no intention of allowing these people to stay. They will either force them out or they will kill them. It's already started. Not a day goes when there's not some random act of violence against our people. Every Federation colonist knows you do not go out alone at night. Can you imagine living in that kind of fear? Sisko: If you're saying the Cardassian authorities are not enforcing the laws, we can Hudson: Enforcing the laws? The Cardassian authorities were part of a mob that stoned two colonists on the streets of Ropal City three days ago. Sisko: That's something the Federation can take up with the Cardassians at the highest level. Hudson: Well that will help a lot. The word is the Cardassian High Command is arming their colonists to the teeth. Sisko: You really think they'd risk sending weapons into the Demilitarized zone and breaking the treaty? Hudson: I think they'll find a way to do it that's not so obvious. Sisko: Not long ago, we caught the Cardassians shipping weapons to Bajoran extremists through a third party, the Yridians. Hudson: That sounds about right. Could the Bok'Nor have been transferring weapons to someone else to bring in here? Sisko: If it was, the transfer was made before the ship reached the station. The cargo holds of the Bok'Nor were empty. Do you think he did it? Hudson: Samuels? I don't know. They could have forced him to make a false confession and then killed him. Sisko: I don't think Gul Dukat would drag me all the way here unless he knew he could prove it. Hudson: Then, maybe he did do it, Ben. I don't know. Damn! I've got to go see his wife. I don't know what I'm going to tell her. Makes you pine for the good old dull days in New Berlin, doesn't it? Sausage and beer all around, and everyone's idea of a good time was the mazurka Festival. Sisko: Gretchen and Jennifer had a ball together there, didn't they? Hudson: I'll never forget the sight of you in those lederhosen. Sisko: I still have the hat. Is there something larger going on here, Cal? Are these colonists organizing some kind of terrorist campaign? Hudson: Well if they are, they're not about to tell me about it. But I'll tell you one thing, Ben, between you and me, those people have every right to defend themselves. When the Federation said goodbye to them, they left them no other choice. Dukat: You're very quiet, Commander. Sisko: You knew about Samuels before we left. Dukat: I knew about his confession, yes. I didn't know he was. I was as surprised as you were by his death. Sisko: No one is going to buy your suicide story. I don't care what he did. This kind of barbaric disregard for life will gut this treaty. Dukat: If it means anything, I entirely agree. I told Evek he was a fool to let Samuels die. A good interrogator doesn't allow his subject to die. You lose the advantage. Sisko: That's all you're interested in, isn't it. The advantage. Dukat: Oh, now don't go spouting off your holier-than-thou Federation fair-play dogma. And lest we forget, your man was responsible for the deaths of seventy eight innocent crewman. Sisko: What was the Bok'Nor transporting? Dukat: The Bok'Nor had just delivered fourteen metric tones of golside ore to the Regulon system prior to its arrival at the wormhole. Sisko: You're sure it wasn't carrying weapons? Dukat: Weapons? To whom? Sisko: To the Cardassians in the Demilitarized zone. Dukat: No. The route of the Bok'Nor didn't take it anywhere near the Demilitarized zone. Sisko: It could have rendezvoused with someone else. With the Lissepians, maybe. They could have transferred the weapons to them and they could have taken the weapons Dukat: Commander, I know you'd love to find some justification for this mass murder to ease your Federation conscience, but if the Bok'Nor was carrying weapons, I would know. And on the lives of my children, I swear to you it was not. Sisko: I didn't know you had children. Dukat: Seven. Sakonna: I received your message. How soon will it be available? Quark: My source can have everything ready tomorrow, say by fourteen hundred hours. Sakonna: That's not soon enough. I must leave the station tonight. Quark: You're leaving so soon? Sakonna: My plans have changed. Can your source have the materials ready by tonight? Quark: I guess he'll have to. Sakonna: I have your latinum if you'd like to count it. Quark: Are you trustworthy? Sakonna: I'm a Vulcan. Quark: Of course. Just a little joke. I'm sure it's all there. Well, it wouldn't hurt to give it a quick count, I suppose. Sakonna: I will have it brought to your quarters. Quark: I was looking forward to showing you more ways to mix business with pleasure. Sakonna: Perhaps in the future. I do find you intriguing, Quark. Quark: Intriguing. Sisko: You can stay in the guest suite on level H Two while you arrange transport back to Cardassia. I'll have a security guard sent to meet you there. Dukat: Starfleet security, if you don't mind, Commander. Some of the Bajoran deputies are still around in the good old days when I was in charge. Sisko: I understand. Dukat: If there's anything else I can do to assist you in your investigation. Sisko: I think I can handle it from here. Sisko: Chief? O'Brien: Yes, sir. I've got answers for you but I'm not sure you're going to like them. Sisko: It was an implosive device. O'Brien: Yes, sir, and not only that Sisko: Not only that, it was a Federation implosive device. O'Brien: Yes, sir. The traces of mercassium we found were from the casing of the device itself. It had to be a Federation design. Sisko: Get me Starfleet Command on subspace. Kira: Commander, is there anything you'd like me to communicate to the Provisional Government? Sisko: Tell them some reckless colonist in the Demilitarized zone blew up the Bok'Nor. There's no further threat of Cardassian reprisals to Bajor. Kira: I'll advise all of our outposts to stand down. Sir, are you, are we facing the prospect of war here? Sisko: Not if I can help it. Kira: But that's what the colonists are after. Sisko: I don't think they know what they're after, Major. I just know they have to be stopped, and it's Starfleet's job to stop them. Kira: Sir, I know this is none of my business Sisko: But you're going to give me your opinion anyway. Kira: I don't know what the Cardassians told you Sisko: They played a confession from the man who planted the bomb. A man they most likely tortured to death. Kira: And you don't think you might be playing into their hands? Sisko: I've got people out there killing people, Major. You suggest I turn a blind eye to that? Kira: Well, they don't have a right to defend themselves? Sisko: They've crossed the line. Kira: If Starfleet is unwilling to defend their people in Sisko: They chose to live with the Cardassians. Kira: Well, I didn't. But I lived with them for twenty six years before the liberation came. Every Bajoran lived with them in constant fear. I know what those colonists are going through. Most of all, I know that the Cardassians can't be trusted to keep their side of the bargain in this treaty. Sisko: So, you'd suggest the Federation not keep our side of the bargain either, perhaps by arming these colonists? Kira: I can tell you one thing for certain. The Cardassians are the enemy, not your own colonists, and if Starfleet can't understand that, then the Federation is even more naive than I already think it is. Niles: I've been sent to relieve you Guard: There must be some mistake. I just reported for duty an hour Dukat: Yes? Niles: Sorry to disturb you, sir, but there's a message here from Commander Sisko. Sakonna: We have been asked to escort you to airlock eleven, sir. Niles: A Cardassian freighter's just arrived. Dukat: Is there a problem? Niles: Apparently another bomb has been found and disarmed. Dukat: Where's Commander Sisko? Amaros: Comfortably asleep in his quarters, I hope. Remember me? Dukat: I take it we're not about to board a Cardassian freighter. Sisko: I'm hoping I don't have to remind the admiral how many people pass through here during a week's time. It's not possible to keep tabs on every single person while they're on the station Admiral: If I didn't know you better, commander, I'd think you were just making excuses Sisko: I'm not making excuses! Would it be in keeping with Federation policy to frisk everyone who steps through our airlocks? To search every room of every visitor during their stay? Admiral: Of course not but with two kidnappings and a ship being destroyed all in less than a week's time obviously your security measures leave something to be desired Sisko: Security on this station is by the book. Our security program and the officers who work in it are first-rate. Admiral: Then what were they doing when all this was happening? We here at Starfleet are watching how you resolve this situation very closely, commander. We think it might be prudent to replace this chief of security you have Sisko: Odo is both highly intelligent and extremely thorough. He's the most qualified person I have for the job. Admiral: Still, it would be a concrete example that you are taking active measures to resolve this situation and to make sure it doesn't happen again. Sisko: I stand behind my chief of security one hundred percent. Admiral: That may be a mistake, Commander Sisko: Then it's my mistake. Admiral: Then let me make my point again. Starfleet is very unhappy this has happened. We want this matter taken care of immediately. I don't have to remind you how this reflects on your position Sisko: We're doing everything we can to apprehend the kidnappers Admiral: Don't bother me with details. Just clean up the mess, Commander. And quickly. Before this becomes a permanent stain on your record. Do I make myself clear? Sisko: Yes, sir. Bashir: What do you think they're telling him? Kira: With two kidnappings and a ship exploding in the course of a week, I'm sure they've got a few things to say. Odo: It's their own fault. I've been warning them from the beginning. O'Brien: What are you talking about, their fault? You're in charge of Security. Odo: If you will let me be in charge of Security I will give you a safe station. You people tell me to do my job then give me a Federation rulebook listing all the things I can't do. Untie my hands before you start to blame me, Mister O'Brien. Dax: I'm sure no one meant to blame you, Odo. Odo: Give me the right to set a curfew, let me do more searches of arriving passengers, give me fifty more deputies. Kira: And this station will be just the way it was during the occupation. Odo: Say what you like, it was safer then. Kira: Unless you happened to be a Bajoran. Sisko: I want a complete review of all security measures on board this station. Odo: I'd be delighted to accommodate you. Sisko: What do we have from the guard? Kira: He's given us a description of the two who assaulted him. A Vulcan female and a human male in a Starfleet officer's uniform. Odo: We're trying to locate anyone they might have contacted here. Sisko: How many ships left the station during the night? O'Brien: Only two, sir. A Bardeezan merchant ship and a Galador freighter. Sisko: What were their destinations? O'Brien: The Bardeezans went through the wormhole. The freighter is operating on a trade route between Galador Two and Farius Prime. Sisko: I'm guessing these people wouldn't take Dukat through the wormhole. They'd head back to the Demilitarized Zone with him. Dax, check the Galador ship's registry and make sure it's in order. Chief, see if you can identify its warp signature from our sensor records. O'Brien: No problem, Commander. I've got it. Sisko: Last known course? O'Brien: The computer's showing it was on a bearing two one six, mark one seven seven. As it left our sensor range, it was still heading for Farius Prime. Sisko: Major, send a message to Farius Prime. If that ship shows up, and I doubt it will, I want to know about it right away. Kira: I could send the warp signature out over subspace. O'Brien: We could make it a general transmission. If it changes course, someone should spot them. Sisko: Do it. Dax: It's a phony. The Galadorans don't have any ships in this sector. The registry is forged. Sisko: Doctor, Major, you're with me. Odo, send a message to Commander Hudson at the Volan colony that I'm moving in his direction on the assumption that Dukat will be taken to the Demilitarized zone. Give him the warp signature of the ship. Odo: Aye, sir. Kira: Commander, we just received a general subspace transmission from somewhere in the Demilitarized zone. A group there is taking credit for the kidnapping of Dukat. They're calling themselves the Maquis. O'Brien: Commander, a Klingon freighter two light years from the Demilitarized zone has ID'ed the warp signature. The ship did change course just as you predicted. Sisko: Transmit their last known coordinates and heading to us, Chief. Kira: Acknowledged. Sisko: Let us know if anyone else picks up their signature. O'Brien: Aye, sir. O'Brien out. Sisko: Set a new course, Major. Kira: Yes, sir. Their heading takes them into the Badlands. Bashir: Badlands? Kira: It's a stretch of the Cardassian border ships try to avoid. A lot of plasma storms in the area. Sisko: A few ships have been lost there over the past year or two. Bashir: Sounds like the perfect place for a hideout. Excuse me, sir. What do you plan to do if we catch up with them? After all, these Maquis are Federation colonists. Sisko: We're going to get Gul Dukat back by any means necessary. Bashir: Even if we have to fire on our own people? Kira: Long range sensors are picking up the warp signature. It leads to an M-class asteroid. Sisko: Take us there. Kira: Scanning the surface. I've located the ship. Bashir: Those are human life signs. Sisko: Is there a Cardassian among them? Bashir: No, sir. Sisko: Prepare to beam down. Hudson: I'm glad to see you had no trouble finding us, Ben. It seems that one disaster after another keeps bringing us back together again. To Be Continued

Garak: What a waste of a morning. That Galipotan freighter that was scheduled to be here at oh seven hundred still hasn't arrived. Oh well, that's the price of doing business with a culture that refuses to even acknowledge the concept of time. Though I must say, they make magnificent sweaters. I hope I'm not boring you, Doctor. Bashir: Oh, not at all. No, I was just up late last night. Garak: Entertaining one of your lady friends? Bashir: Unfortunately, no. I was reading the last few chapters of The Never-Ending Sacrifice. Garak: Isn't it superb? Without a doubt the finest Cardassian novel ever written. Bashir: I'll take your word for it. Garak: So you didn't enjoy it? Bashir: Well, I thought it was interesting. Maybe a little dull in parts. Garak: Oh, wonderful. At this rate, we'll be done eating lunch just in time for dinner. Bashir: There's always Quark's. Garak: True, but I'm really not in the mood for noisy, crowded and vulgar today. Bashir: Then I suppose the Klingon restaurant is out of the question. Garak: I can't believe that I'm having lunch with a man who thinks The Never-Ending Sacrifice is dull. Bashir: I just thought the story got a little redundant after a while. I mean the author's supposed to be chronicling seven generations of a single family, but he tells the same story over and over again. All of his characters lead selfless lives of duty to the state, grow old and die. Then the next generation comes along and does it all over again. Garak: But that's exactly the point, Doctor. The repetitive epic is the most elegant form of Cardassian literature, and The Never-Ending Sacrifice is it's greatest achievement. Bashir: None of his characters ever really come alive, and there's more to life than duty to the state. Garak: A Federation viewpoint if ever I heard one. This is ridiculous. Can't you just move to the front of the line? Tell them it's a medical emergency or something. Bashir: We'll be there in a minute. Look, maybe if you lent me another book by a different writer. Garak: It would only be a waste of time. When it comes to art, you're obviously a prisoner of Federation dogma and human prejudice. Bashir: I'm sorry you feel that way. I was just trying Bashir: Are you all right? Garak: I'm fine. Bashir: You don't look fine. Your skin is clammy and your pupils are contracted. Garak: I assure you, I'm in perfect health. Now, you were asking about other Cardassian books. Something maybe a little more accessible Bashir: Perfect health. Then Cardassian standards must be a little lower than mine. Come on. Garak: Doctor, what do you think you're doing? Bashir: I'm taking you to the Infirmary. Garak: That won't be necessary. Bashir: Maybe not, but humor me. Garak: Frankly, Doctor, I'm a little tired of humoring you. There's nothing wrong with me that a little peace and privacy wouldn't cure. Now if you'll excuse me, I seem to have lost my appetite. Kira: What was that all about? Bashir: I have no idea. Dax: Can you tell what's wrong with it? Bashir: In my expert medical opinion, I'd say It's sick. Dax: I know that, but why is it sick? Bashir: I'm a doctor, not a botanist. Did you ask Professor O'Brien? Dax: Keiko's at a hydroponics conference on Rigel Four. She won't be back for a week. Bashir: And none of your past hosts have had any experience with plants? Dax: Daxs have never been much on gardening. Tobin was the only one who ever tried his hand at it, but he had even less luck with plants than he did with women. Bashir: Do you even know where it's from? Dax: I picked it up on Ledonia Three. Bashir: May I? Dax: Be my guest. Bashir: That explains it. Ledonian soil contains a benevolent mycorrhizal fungus that helps the native plants retain water. But the fungus in this potting soil's almost completely died out. If we can salvage what's left and cultivate a new batch in the lab, that should do the trick. Dax: Keiko would be proud of you. Bashir: It's all there on the screen. I only wish my humanoid patients were as easy to treat. Dax: Did Chief O'Brien dislocate his shoulder again? Bashir: It's Garak. At lunch today, he seemed as though he was going to have some kind of seizure. He was having trouble breathing and he appeared to be in a great deal of pain. When I tried to get him to come to the Infirmary, he outright refused. Dax: Maybe he just doesn't like going to see the doctor. Bashir: That's not it. It's that damn Cardassian evasiveness of his. I mean, making me guess about his past is one thing, but when it comes to his health? I don't know. Why can't he just tell me what's going on? Dax: It sounds like you're taking this personally. Bashir: I suppose I am. It's just that Garak and I have been having lunch together once a week for more than a year now. You'd think he'd come to trust me a little. Dax: Why should he? It's not like you two are really friends. Bashir: No, of course not. I suppose when it comes right down to it, I don't trust him either. I mean, for all I know, the man is a Cardassian spy. Dax: Exactly. Bashir: Exactly. If he doesn't want my help, that's his prerogative. Garak: So I take it we understand each other? Quark: Garak, how long have you been living on this station? Garak: Too long. Quark: And in all that time, have I ever let you down? Garak: I have never done business with you until now. Quark: Which is why this deal is so important to me. I want our business relationship to get off on the right foot. Now relax. You'll get your merchandise. Garak: Soon, Quark I. can't wait much longer. Bashir: You and Garak going into business? I couldn't help overhearing your conversation. Quark: Oh, that. I'm helping Garak get a new sizing scanner for his shop. Bashir: A sizing scanner? Quark: Not just any sizing scanner. The best. Straight from Merak Two. Calibrated to be accurate down to the micrometer. And, I might add, at a very reasonable price. Bashir: Really? I thought Garak sounded a bit upset. Quark: Upset? Garak? I hadn't noticed. Now, is there anything I can do for you? A little Saurian brandy to go, or maybe a late night session in a holosuite? Bashir: No. Thank you. I think I'll call it a night. Quark: Suit yourself. Bashir: There. How does that feel? Sisko: Much better. Bashir: Try not to yell at any more admirals for a while. Sisko: I wasn't yelling. I was just expressing my feelings. Loudly. Sisko: Chief. O'Brien: Commander. O'Brien: You wanted to see me? Bashir: Yes. I was hoping you could give me a hand. I've been trying to access the old Cardassian medical files but I haven't been having much luck. O'Brien: I'm not surprised. The Cardassians did a general systems sweep before they pulled out. The medical files would have been deleted along with everything else. Bashir: Is there any way to recover them? O'Brien: Maybe. These subroutines don't look anywhere near as bad as the engineering files did. I might be able to reconstruct the data by microscanning the purge trace. Bashir: How long will that take? O'Brien: Two, maybe three weeks. Bashir: Well, that settles that. Thank you anyway, Chief. O'Brien: Sorry I couldn't be any more help. Quark: Quark to Bashir Bashir: This is Bashir. Quark: Doctor, I need you in my bar right away. Quark: Come on, Garak. Don't you think you've had enough? Garak: On the contrary. Anyone who talks about the numbing effects of your liquor is severely overstating the case. Bashir: What's all this? Quark: He came in complaining about a headache. The next thing I knew he drank up half my stock of kanar. Garak: Doctor, what a pleasant surprise. I apologize for my outburst at lunch, but I promise I'll make it up to you. Please, join me. Bashir: I think I will. May I? Garak: By all means. Garak: What are you doing? Bashir: I think it's a little noisy in here. I prefer to drink somewhere quiet. Garak: An excellent idea. We'll go to my quarters. Bashir: Whatever you want. But first I must make a stop at the Infirmary. Garak: The Infirmary? My dear Doctor, what kind of fool do you take me for? Now give me back my bottle. Give me my bottle! Bashir: I will. In the Infirmary. Garak: I'm not going to the Infirmary and I refuse to play this ridiculous game. Now give me, give me Garak: Make it stop. Make it stop. Bashir: Bashir to Ops. Medical emergency. Two to beam to the Infirmary. Energize. Odo: Some kind of implant? Bashir: Apparently. Odo: What's it for? Bashir: Well, I was hoping you could tell me. After working for the Cardassians for five years, I'd guess you know them as well as anyone. Odo: Maybe so, but I never bothered to look inside their skulls. Bashir: No, I don't suppose you did. Odo: Do you think this is the cause of Garak's condition? Bashir: It's possible. Whatever this thing is, it's situated in his postcentral gyrus and has filaments that connect it to his entire central nervous system. Odo: Maybe it's some kind of punishment device. A parting gift from the Cardassian government. Bashir: I thought of that, but based on the amount of scarring in the surrounding tissue, this implant's been in there for years. And as far as I can tell, Garak's only been in pain for the past few days. Odo: Interesting. I wish I had an answer for you, Doctor. Bashir: Well, I was hoping you could help me get one. I think Quark knows what this thing is. Odo: Now what makes you say that? Bashir: I overheard them talking the other night. Garak was negotiating to buy some merchandise from Quark. He seemed pretty desperate. I tried to ask Quark what it was about, but Odo: No need to explain, Doctor. The direct approach seldom works with people like him. This could answer some of my own questions. Quark has sent several coded messages to Cardassia Prime in the past few days. Bashir: Really? Odo: I routinely monitor all of Quark's subspace communications. Bashir: Is that legal? Odo: It's in the best interests of station security. Doctor, do you want to know what Quark knows or not? Bashir: I see your point. Odo: Then meet me in Security at oh two hundred hours. Quark always makes his clandestine calls after the bar closes. Bashir: I wouldn't miss it. Boheeka: Quark, you parasite. It's been too long. Is Hartla still working for you? Quark: The dabo tables wouldn't be the same without her. Boheeka: Oh, what I wouldn't give to see her again. Quark: I'm sure she misses you too. Boheeka: I'll bet she does. She would've bankrupted me if the occupation would've lasted much longer. But I'm sure you didn't contact me just to reminisce. What can I do for you? Quark: How'd you like to earn a little extra latinum? Maybe enough to buy yourself a promotion? Boheeka: You have my undivided attention. Quark: I need a piece of Cardassian bio-technology and the schematics relating to its installlation. Boheeka: Bio-technology. That shouldn't be too difficult. What is it? Quark: You know, I never ask those kinds of questions, but I've got the requisition code number. Boheeka: Give it to me. I'll look for it. Quark: I knew I could count on you. Here it is. Bashir: I hope you don't have one of those little bugs hidden in my quarters. Odo: Should I? Quark: Transmission complete. Boheeka: Hold on. Boheeka: This won't take long. Quark: Take your time. Boheeka: Quark, you idiot! Quark: Is something wrong? Boheeka: Is something wrong? I'm ruined. My career is over. Quark: What did I do? Boheeka: You and your damn requisition code. It's for classified bio-technology, Quark. Even the cursed number is classified. Where did you get it? No. Don't tell me. I don't want to know. If I'm lucky, I can still get through this with my skin intact. Maybe they won't trace the request back to me. Quark: Who won't? Boheeka: The Obsidian Order. Quark: Nice talking to you, Boheeka. We'll have to Quark: Do it again sometime. Odo: The Obsidian Order. That certainly complicates things. Bashir: Who are they? Odo: They're the ever-vigilant eyes and ears of the Cardassian Empire. It is said that a Cardassian citizen cannot sit down to a meal without each dish being duly noted and recorded by the Order. Bashir: What happens if you eat something that doesn't meet with their approval? Odo: People have been known to disappear for less. Whether you agree with their goals or not, you can't help but admire their efficiency. Even the Romulan Tal Shiar can't compete with them when it comes to intelligence gathering and covert operations. Bashir: What has all this to do with Garak? Odo: I wish I knew. Bashir: Do you think the Order put that implant in Garak's head? Odo: I have a better question. If the implant is a punishment device, then why is Garak trying to get his hands on another one? Bashir: He did ask for the specifications. Maybe he's trying to find some way of removing it. Odo: Either way, I'd like to have a talk with him when he wakes up. Bashir: You'll have to get in line. Thank you, Constable. Bashir: Computer, report on the status of patient Garak. Computer: Patient Garak is no longer in the infirmary. Bashir: What? When did he leave? Computer: Patient checked out at zero three twenty hours. Bashir: Garak? Are you in there? Computer, open the door to chamber nine oh one, habitat level H three. Emergency medical override Bashir one alpha. Garak: Ah, Doctor, what a pleasant surprise. I'm sorry, I must've missed the door chime. Bashir: What the hell do you think you're doing? Triptacederine. How much of this did you take? Garak: A mere thirty cc's. Not nearly enough, I'm afraid. Bashir: Thirty cc's would anesthetize an Algorian mammoth. Garak: We Cardassians must be made of sterner stuff. I barely feel it. Bashir: Listen to me, Garak. I've had just about enough of your nonsense. Now you're coming back to the Infirmary with me. Garak: I don't think so. Believe me when I tell you there's nothing you can do for me. Bashir: Oh, and Quark can, is that it? Garak: I thought I was supposed to be the spy. Bashir: Quark's not coming, Garak. Garak: How do you know? Bashir: I heard him talking to his Cardassian contact. He couldn't get the item you requested. Garak: Really? That's most distressing, but I suppose, not all that surprising. Ah, well. Maybe it's for the best. My hypospray, if you please. Bashir: Another dose of triptacederine might kill you. Garak: Thank you for your concern, Doctor, but I'd rather have the hypospray. Bashir: I'm not going to let you commit suicide. I'm here to help you. Garak: I doubt you can. I think you'll find that I'm experiencing some slight deterioration of my cranial nerve cluster. Bashir: It's not so slight, I'm afraid. We've got to get you to the infirmary. Garak: My dear Doctor, I have no intention of putting myself on display for the amusement of the Bajoran inhabitants of this station. Bashir: It's not your pride I'm worried about. It's that implant you're carrying around inside your head. Garak: You know about that, do you? Bashir: It's some kind of punishment device, isn't it? Garak: Punishment device? I suppose in a way that's what it's become. Bashir: If it wasn't put there to punish you, then what's it for? Garak, I need to know what we're up against. If you tell me what it was meant for, maybe I could find some way to remove it. Garak: It's hopeless, Doctor. Believe me, it can't be removed. Bashir: How do you know? Garak: That's the whole point. If it could be easily removed, it would be useless. You see, on Cardassia I was entrusted with certain information. Information that needed to be kept safe regardless of the situation. My implant was given to me by Enabran Tain himself, the head of the Obsidian Order. If I was ever tortured, it was designed to stimulate the pleasure centers of my brain to trigger the production of vast amounts of natural endorphins. I do hope you appreciate the irony, Doctor. The sole purpose of the implant was to make me immune to pain. Bashir: What caused it to malfunction? Garak: It was never meant for continuous use. Bashir: Continuous use? What do you mean? Garak: Living on this station is torture for me, Doctor. The temperature is always too cold, the lights always too bright. Every Bajoran on the station looks at me with loathing and contempt. So one day I decided I couldn't live with it anymore, and I took the pain away. Bashir: You activated the implant. Garak: I created a device which allowed me to trigger the implant whenever I wanted. At first, I only used it a few minutes a day, but I began relying on it more and more until finally I just turned it on and never shut it off. Bashir: How long has it been on? Garak: Two years. Bashir: And now the implant is breaking down. Garak: That's correct. Bashir: Then why not just shut the damn thing off? Garak: It's too late, now. My body has become completely dependent on the higher endorphin levels generated by the implant. Bashir: So, that's it then. You're going to just give up and let them win. Garak: Them, Doctor? Bashir: The Central Command, the Obsidian Order, whoever it is who exiled you here. You're just going to roll over and die, let them destroy you, give up any hope of ever seeing Cardassia again. Garak: Doctor, did anyone ever tell you that you are an infuriating pest? Bashir: Chief O'Brien all the time, and I don't pay any attention to him either. Garak: Has it ever occurred to you that I might be getting exactly what I deserve? Bashir: No one deserves this. Garak: Oh, please, Doctor. I'm suffering enough without having to listen to your smug Federation sympathy. Do you think because we have lunch together once a week, you know me? You couldn't even begin to fathom what I'm capable of. Bashir: I'm a doctor. You're my patient. That's all I need to know. Garak: Wrong again. You need to know who you're trying to save. During the occupation, I was a Gul in the Cardassian Mechanized Infantry. We were stationed just outside the Bajoran Capital. Shortly before the withdrawal, a handful of Bajoran prisoners escaped from my custody. My aide, a man named Elim, tracked them to a Cardassian shuttle about to depart for Terok Nor. Elim got aboard, but the captain refused to let him search the ship, because he claimed he was under strict orders from Gul Dukat to depart immediately. So I had the shuttle destroyed, killing the escapees, Elim, and ninety seven Cardassian civilians. Bashir: You can't be serious. Garak: I followed my orders. None of those prisoners escaped off of Bajor alive. Unfortunately as it turned out, one of the passengers on the shuttle was the daughter of a prominent military official. I was stripped of my rank and commission, and exiled from Cardassia. So now you know, Doctor. I hope I haven't shattered too many of your illusions. Bashir: Listen to me, Garak. Right now I'm not concerned with what you did in the past. I'm simply not going to walk out of here and let you die. We need to turn that implant off and whatever withdrawal symptoms or side effects you may experience, I promise I'll help you through them. I need to know where that triggering device is. Where is it? Garak: The desk, second drawer. Bashir: That'll be all for now. If you need to reach me, I'll be here for at least the next twenty six hours. Bashir: Computer I'm reading an ongoing erosion of tissue in the patient's lymphatic system. Explain. Computer: Unable to determine a cause due to insufficient data on Cardassian physiology. Bashir: All right. Continue to monitor the status of the patient's cranial implant. Inform me if it shows any sign of reactivation. Bashir: Yes? Odo: Doctor, I was hoping I could ask Garak some questions. Bashir: He's asleep. He has been ever since I turned off his implant. Come on, we can talk outside. Odo: Doctor, I need to talk to him as soon as possible. I have four cases left in my homicide files which I'm almost certain were committed by the Obsidian Order. If Garak was a member he may be able to shed some light on them. Bashir: I'm afraid your questions will have to wait. Odo: How long? Bashir: I don't know yet. Constable, Garak's body has undergone a severe shock. I don't know when he'll recover. I'm not even sure if he'll recover. Odo: In that case I want to talk to him now. Wake him up. Bashir: I'll do no such thing. Odo: Doctor, these are murder cases and Garak may be a suspect. Bashir: That may be so, but he's still my patient and I won't have him disturbed. So until further notice, his quarters are off limits to everyone except emergency medical personnel. So, if you'll excuse me, I have a patient to attend to. Bashir: Garak? Garak: Leave me alone. Bashir: I don't think that would be a good idea right now. Your blood chemistry is severely imbalanced. You need to rest. Garak: Don't touch me. Bashir: Just calm down. Garak: I don't want to be calm, Doctor. I've been calm long enough. Look at this place. It's pathetic. To think that this is what my life has been reduced to. This sterile shell, this prison. Bashir: Take it easy, Garak. Look, you're obviously experiencing some side effects from the deactivation of the implant. Garak: Ridiculous. I feel more clear-headed than I have in the past two years. Two years. What a waste these past two years have been. Garak: There was a time, Doctor, oh there was a time when I was a power. The protégé of Enabran Tain himself. Do you have any idea what that means? Bashir: I'm afraid I don't. Garak: No, you don't, do you. You don't know much of anything. Tain was the Obsidian Order. Not even the Central Command dared challenge him. And I was his right hand. My future was limitless until I threw it away. Bashir: You mean when you had that shuttle shot down to stop those prisoners from escaping? Garak: Stop them? I only wish that I had stopped them. Bashir: You didn't? Garak: No, Doctor, my disgrace was worse than that. Unimaginably worse. Bashir: What could you have possibly done worse than that? Garak: I let them go. It was the eve of the Cardassian withdrawal. Elim and I were interrogating five Bajorans. They were children, Doctor. None of them were older than fourteen years old. They knew nothing. They lived in bombed-out rooms, scrounged for food on the streets. They were filthy and they stank. The room was freezing cold, the air was like ice, and suddenly the whole exercise seemed utterly meaningless. All I wanted was a hot bath and a good meal. So I let them go. I gave them whatever latinum I had in my pockets, and opened the door, and flung them back into the street. Elim couldn't believe his eyes. He looked at me as if I were insane. Bashir: You took pity on those children. There's nothing wrong with that. Garak: No! I was a fool! I should've finished the interrogation and turned them over to the troops for execution. But because I was chilly and my stomach was growling, I failed in my duty and destroyed everything I had worked for. Bashir: And so they exiled you. Garak: That's right. And left me to live out my days with nothing to look forward to but having lunch with you. Bashir: I'm sorry you feel that way. I thought you enjoyed my company. Garak: I did. And that's the worst part. I can't believe that I actually enjoyed eating mediocre food and staring into at your smug, sanctimonious face. I hate this place and I hate you. Bashir: Okay, Garak, that's your prerogative. Now I really think you should lie down. Garak: Get away from me. Bashir: Garak. Bashir: Garak, stop this. I don't want to hurt you. Bashir: Bashir to Infirmary. I need an emergency medical team in Garak's quarters now. Bashir: Administer another twenty cc's of hyperzine. Jabara: He's not responding. Bashir: Give it a second. Begin cardiostimulation. Jabara: His heartbeat is stabilizing. Bashir: But his lymphatic system is critical. I don't understand it. I shut down the implant. It can't be affecting his blood chemistry anymore, yet toxins are still accumulating in his lymphatic tissues. Computer, display analyzes of all biochemical samples taken from the patient in the past thirty-nine hours. Display them by chemical composition. Isolate and display sample number seventeen. Bring up sample twenty three. Sample twenty seven. Sample thirty two. Sample thirty five. Sample forty. Stop. Bring back sample thirty five. Superimpose the molecular structure of this leukocyte with an analogous sample from yesterday. That's it. The molecular structure of Garak's leukocytes has been altered. That must be what's causing the accumulation of toxins in his system. Jabara: Can we synthesize Cardassian leukocytes? Bashir: Probably, but that could take weeks and we don't have that much time. We have three or fours days at most. Jabara: If we turn the implant back on, we might be able to keep him alive for another week or two. Garak: No. Bashir: What? Garak: I won't allow it. I never want that thing turned on again. Bashir: I understand how you feel, but I'm not sure what else I can do for you. Garak: You've done enough, Doctor. More than I deserve. There's something you have to know. Bashir: What's that? Garak: The truth. Bashir: I've about given up on learning the truth from you, Garak. Garak: Don't give up on me now, Doctor. Patience has its rewards. Now listen carefully. Elim wasn't my aide. He was my friend. We grew up together. We were closer than brothers. For some reason, Enabran Tain took a liking to us. Before long, we were both powerful men in the Obsidian Order. They called us the Sons of Tain. Even the Guls feared us. And then there was a scandal. Someone in the Order was accused of letting some Bajoran prisoners escape. There were constant rumors of who was going to be implicated. Fingers were being pointed at me. By then Tain had retired to the Arawath Colony. He couldn't protect me, so I panicked. I did everything in my power to make sure that Elim was accused instead of me. I altered records, planted evidence, only to diskover that he'd beaten me to it. Bashir: He betrayed you first? Garak: Elim destroyed me. Before I knew what was going on, I was sentenced to exile. And the irony is, I deserved it. Oh, not for the reasons they claimed, but because of what I had tried to do to Elim, my best friend. Bashir: Why are you telling me this, Garak? Garak: So that you can forgive me. Why else? I need to know that someone forgives me. Bashir: I forgive you for whatever it is you did. Garak: Thank you, Doctor. That's most kind. Bashir: See that he rests comfortably. I'll be back within fifty two hours. Jabara: Where are you going? Bashir: To find the man responsible for this. Tain: Doctor Bashir. Welcome. Please make yourself at home. Tain: Well, Doctor, you've come all this way to see me. Aren't you going to say something? Bashir: How did you know my name? Tain: Information's my business. Bashir: You're Enabran Tain. Tain: And you're Doctor Julian Subatoi Bashir. I hope you weren't greeted too rudely upon entering Cardassian space. Bashir: Not nearly as rudely as I expected. Tain: Good. I alerted them that you'd be coming. The military hates surprises. Still, what you did was very brave. I'm impressed. Can I get you something to drink? Tarkalean tea perhaps? Bashir: I always drink Tarkalean tea. Tain: A good host knows the needs of his guests. One Tarkalean tea, extra sweet, and a glass of kanar. So, Lieutenant, how's Garak? Has his condition improved at all? Bashir: That Cardassian Quark was talking to, Boheeka, I suppose he really did have a reason to fear the Obsidian Order. Tain: Everyone has reason to fear the Order. Bashir: I don't understand it. Garak told me you were retired. Tain: Oh, I am. Have been for years. But I try to keep informed on current events. I bet you could tell me all kinds of things I'd like to know, Doctor. Bashir: I'm sure I could. I'll tell you anything you want to know about medicine, biology or tennis. Do you want to hear my opinion on the latest nillimite alloy rackets? Tain: I don't think that will be necessary. Bashir: Have it your way. Tain: Are all the Starfleet Lieutenants as brash as you are? Bashir: I couldn't say, though I doubt it. Tain: So do I. Tell me, Doctor, how sick is Garak? Bashir: He's dying. Tain: And you're trying to save him. Bashir: That's right. Tain: Strange. I thought you were his friend. Bashir: I suppose I am. Tain: Then you should let him die. After all, for Garak, a life in exile is no life at all. Bashir: Say what you will, my job is to keep him alive, and I need your help. Tain: My help? What can I do? Bashir: The molecular structure of Garak's leukocytes has been disrupted. I need to synthesize replacements in order to stabilize his condition. Unfortunately, my knowledge of Cardassian biochemistry is severely limited. Tain: And you think I have access to that kind of information? Bashir: Information is your business. Besides, you're the one who ordered him to put that implant put in his head, aren't you? Tain: I never had to order Garak to do anything. That's what made him special. So, you're saying if you don't get the information, Garak dies? Bashir: That's it. Tain: Well, we can't allow that can we? I'll see to it that the necessary data is transferred to your station's computers. Bashir: Thank you. Tain: Don't thank me. I'm not doing Garak any favors. He doesn't deserve a quick death. On the contrary, I want him to live a long, miserable life. I want him to grow old on that station, surrounded by people who hate him, knowing that he'll never come home again. Bashir: What a lovely sentiment. Tain: And it's from the heart, I assure you. And now, Doctor, I really think you should be going. Bashir: One last thing. Tain: Make it brief. Bashir: Garak mentioned an old friend of his the other day, a member of the Obsidian Order. I was wondering what happened to him. Tain: Did he give you the name of this friend? Bashir: He said it was Elim. Tain: Elim? Bashir: Mind letting me in on the joke? Tain: I can see that Garak hasn't changed a bit. Never tells the truth when a lie will do. That man has a rare gift for obfuscation. Doctor, Elim is Garak's first name. Now run along home. And please, tell Garak that I miss him. Bashir: I'll be sure to give him the message. Computer, one to beam up. Energize. Garak: May I join you? Bashir: Garak. Garak: Thank you. Bashir: What are you doing up? You're supposed to be in bed. Garak: Out of the question. I couldn't stand being cooped up in that dreadful infirmary for another second. Besides, I feel perfectly fine. So, how's the I'danian spice pudding today? Bashir: How's the spice pudding? Is that all you have to say for yourself? How can you just sit there and pretend that the last ten days never happened? Garak: I for one, Doctor, am perfectly satisfied with the way things turned out. And I see no need to dwell on what was doubtlessly a difficult time for both of us. By the way, I just had the most interesting conversation with Constable Odo. It seems he's under the impression that I was a member of the Obsidian Order. Bashir: What did you tell him? Garak: That he was mistaken, of course. Bashir: And he believed you? Garak: He said something about keeping a closer eye on me in the future. I told him to be my guest, I have nothing to hide. Here. I've brought you something. Bashir: What is it? Garak: Meditations on a Crimson Shadow by Preloc. Bashir: More Cardassian literature. Garak: I think you'll find this one more to your tastes. It takes place in the future during a time when Cardassia and the Klingon Empire are at war. Bashir: Who wins? Garak: Who do you think? Bashir: Never mind, don't tell me. I don't want you to spoil the ending. You know, I still have a lot of questions to ask you about your past. Garak: I've given you all the answers I'm capable of. Bashir: You gave me answers, all right, but they were all different. What I want to know is of all the stories you told me, which ones were true and which ones weren't? Garak: My dear Doctor, they're all true. Bashir: Even the lies? Garak: Especially the lies.

Scene: Medical log, supplemental. Major Kira and I are returning home after opening the hospital on New Bajor, the first Bajoran colony in the Gamma Quadrant. Kira: Could you take it for a while? Bashir: Sure. Do you mind if I listen to some music? Kira: Actually, I do. I was hoping to meditate for a few minutes. Bashir: Of course. I didn't know you meditate. Kira: Every day. Bashir: I had the opportunity to study meditation with Isam Helewa when I was in college. A remarkable fellow. He sort of took me under his wing. I can't tell you how much I learned from him. The man was a master at rhythmic breathing. Kira: You'll have to give me a few tips some time. Bashir: Gladly. Oh, and I'd be more than interested in learning any Bajoran meditation techniques you'd like to show me. Kira: We just usually like to sit quietly. Kira: What are you doing? Bashir: Bellows breath. It's a series of quick intakes followed by one long intake of air through the nose. Hold, release. Increases the energy flow. It's quite simple. Let me show you. Kira: How about some music? Bashir: What's your pleasure? Kira: I'm afraid my musical knowledge is limited to Bajoran composers. Bashir: Computer, play us a little something by Tor Jolan. Kira: You know Tor's work? Bashir: I've made it a point to listen to Bajoran music ever since I arrived. Kira: Really. Bashir: Tor strikes me as the best of the lot, really. Slightly derivative of the Boldaric masters of the last century but pleasantly diverting. This is nice. I'm glad we're finally doing this. Kira: What? Bashir: Talking to one another. Finding common interests. Burying the hatchet. Kira: Hatchet? Bashir: A human expression. It means that we're finally putting past conflicts behind us. Kira: Making way for brand new ones. Bashir: Right. You know, Nerys. May I call you Nerys? Kira: Sure. Bashir: Even when we weren't getting along, I've always felt you were one of the most interesting women I'd ever met. I'm very serious. Kira: Thank you. Doctor. Bashir: Julian. Go on, say it. Julian. Kira: Julian. Bashir: It was hard for Chief O'Brien as well at first. We had our problems ourselves, but now we're like this. Kira: One minute to the wormhole. Stand by to drop to impulse. Bashir: Would you like to have dinner sometime? Kira: I think you'd better stick with Dax. Bashir: I'm sorry? Oh, you thought that I was trying to? No, no, no. Kira: My mistake. Bashir: But if I thought Kira: Forget it. Bashir: Right. Kira: Take us out of warp. What's wrong? Bashir: The warp field's not fully collapsed. I'm showing a plasma injector leak. Kira: Injector controllers are locked. I'm trying to compensate. Kira: Injectors opening. Velocity falling. Bashir: What was that? Kira: Initiating emergency stabilization control. Bashir: Are you all right? Kira: A little dizzy. Bashir: Me too. I guess we're lucky to be in one piece. Kira: We'd better get O'Brien to take a look. What the hell? Bashir: Where's the station? What happened to the station? Kira: I have it on long range sensors. It's orbiting Bajor? Bashir: Major, vessel approaching on an intercept course dead ahead. Kira: What is this? Klingon: I'm sorry, ma'am. We were not informed you had left the station. Kira: Who are you? Klingon: We were on standard patrol when your vessel seemed to appear out of nowhere. If you will allow us to withdraw, we will escort you back to the station. Klingon: I was as close to her as I am to you. She cannot be an imposter. Garak: But she is. Kira: What is going on here? Bashir: Garak? Garak: Yes. My name is Garak. Intendant: The question is who are you? Bashir: This may seem like an odd question, but could you tell us where we are? Garak: This is the Terok Nor station, the center of authority for the Bajoran sector. Bashir: Center of authority. Whose authority? Garak: The Alliance, of course. Kira: Something is very wrong here. I think we took a wrong turn in the wormhole. Garak: Wormhole? Kira: The wormhole to the Gamma. It's very difficult to explain. I think it would be best if we just to got back to our ship and Intendant: No. I don't think so. Bashir: Now wait a minute. Garak: Don't take that tone with me, Terran. Bashir: Terran? Intendant: If you are whom I suspect you are, I'm afraid I can't run the risk of letting you go. Take that one below. Put him to work. Tell the supervisor to keep an eye on him. He won't know the rules. Telok: Intendant! Intendant: What is it you need, Telok? Telok: This Terran was caught trying to stow away on one of the freighters leaving the station. Intendant: What is your designation. Human: Zero four one three theta. Intendant: Theta. Human: Yes, ma'am. Intendant: You worked so hard to earn your Theta designation, to earn our trust. Why do you throw it away like this? Reassign him to Lambda. Send him to the mines. Garak: The mines? But he should die for this. We should make an example of him. Intendant: You have made a career out of setting examples, Garak. I think you enjoy it too much. Garak: He could not have gotten on board that ship without help. This is the third incident in a month. At least allow me to interrogate him. Intendant: Fine. Interrogate him. But if he dies under your interrogation I will make you my example. Is that clear? Garak: Very, Intendant. O'Brien: I'm telling you. If you don't upgrade the thorium containment cells, there's going to be an accident and I'm not going to be responsible for the consequences. Klingon 2: Another extra worker for you. A Terran who doesn't know the rules. Odo: Well, we'll see to it that he learns them. What's your designation? Bashir: Bashir. Julian. Odo: Is that a joke? Bashir: I don't know. Is it? Odo: No joking. That's my Rule of Obedience number fourteen. Now, what's your designation? Bashir: I don't have a designation. Odo: I don't have a designation, sir. Bashir: Another Rule of Obedience? Odo: I don't have a designation, sir. Bashir: I don't have a designation, sir. Odo: Now why is that? Bashir: I don't know. And frankly I don't even know what I'm doing here. Odo: You're here to process ore. Have you ever done that before? Bashir: No, I haven't. Odo: Have you ever worked in the mines? Bashir: No. Odo: Then what have you done? Bashir: I've been practicing medicine. Odo: Did you forget the Rule of Obedience number fourteen? Bashir: It's not a joke. I'm a doctor. Odo: Well, Doctor, don't forget to scrub before you operate. Intendant: Sit down. You are me, aren't you. Kira: I am Kira Nerys. Intendant: That makes two of us. Where you come from, things are very much like this, aren't they? There's a station, a Bajor, Cardassians, Terrans, Klingons. Kira: The players are the same, but everyone seems to be playing different parts. Intendant: You didn't seem to recognize the Alliance. Kira: No. Intendant: Perhaps you'd recognize the name Kirk. Kira: I'm sorry, I don't. Intendant: Interesting. On my side, Kirk is one the most famous names in our history. Almost a century ago, a Terran starship Captain named James Kirk accidentally exchanged places with his counterpart from your side due to a transporter accident. Our Terrans were barbarians then, but their Empire was strong. While your Kirk was on this side, he met a Vulcan named Spock and somehow had a profound influence on him. Afterwards, Spock rose to Commander in Chief of the Empire by preaching reforms, disarmament, peace. It was quite a remarkable turnabout for his people. Unfortunately for them, when Spock had completed all these reforms, his empire was no longer in any position to defend itself against us. Kira: Us? Intendant: The Alliance. The historic coming together of the Klingons and the Cardassians. Kira: And Bajor is part of this Alliance? Intendant: We'd been under Terran occupation for decades. When we were freed, we petitioned for entry and were accepted. We have become quite an influential power within the Alliance. Is it similar at all on your side? Kira: No. My Bajor is not so fortunate. Intendant: I'd be very interested to hear more about it. Kira: I can't stay here. You must see that. Intendant: Well, you see, that's part of the problem. I don't know how to send you back. But, more than that, there is a certain protocol I'm supposed to follow. Kira: I'm not sure what you mean. Intendant: After the first crossover, we were afraid that others might come to interfere in our affairs. It was decided then that if it ever happened again, we would promptly dispose of anyone who appeared from your side. Kira: I see. Intendant: Unlike my First Officer, Mister Garak, I have no taste for violence. I regret using it even when it seems necessary. Kira: I know exactly what you mean. Intendant: You do, don't you? Kira: I know you don't want to kill me and you're searching for a good reason not to. Intendant: Got any ideas? Kira: My side needs what you have. A strong Bajor. If you knew the struggles we've been through to rebuild our world. Who's to say you won't influence us this time? Intendant: Me? Kira: My side once changed the course of your history. Well, maybe this time your side can change mine. Maybe you can teach me what I need to become the leader of Bajor as you have. Intendant: That appeals to me. Kira: If I can find a way back. Intendant: But I will have to kill your friend. Kira: No. Don't. If you knew him. He's an arrogant Terran who's lived a privileged life on my side. Let him see how the other half lives. Intendant: No, it's too dangerous. The Cardassians and the Klingons would never allow it. Kira: Are you the leader of this sector or not? Intendant: You know how to manipulate me. Kira: I know how I'd feel in your place. I wouldn't give a damn what the Cardassians or the Klingons thought. Intendant: You're right. I don't. Intendant: Find this attractive young woman some quarters. Kira Nerys, I'll call for you later. Odo: The Intendant informed me that you'd be inspecting the facilities. If there is anything I can explain? Kira: No, I've worked in ore processing myself. Is my Terran friend behaving himself? Odo: They all behave themselves when I'm in charge. Kira: Good. Good. If you don't mind, I'll speak with him. Kira: Are you all right? Bashir: Learning a new trade. Do you have any idea what happened? Kira: Have you ever hear of a Starfleet Captain named James Kirk? Bashir: Kirk? Of course. The transporter accident. Read about it at the Academy. So that's where we are. Kira: That's where we are. Bashir: Is there another me here? Kira: Not on this station. I haven't found Dax or Sisko. Bashir: O'Brien's been tinkering around with the machines. Major, if Kirk got here using a transporter, do you think we can get back the same way? Kira: I don't know anything about transporters, do you? Bashir: No one knows more about transporters than Chief O'Brien. Kira: Our Chief O'Brien. Who knows about theirs? Bashir: It's worth a shot. Kira: Talk to him. I'll try to see if I can find anyone else who might be willing to help. Quark: You certainly are the splitting image of the Intendant, just as they said. Kira: Hello, Quark. Quark: You know my name. Kira: Quark runs a bar on my side too. Quark: Really? I hope I'm doing decent business. Got to be better than here. The Alliance taxs are killing me. What can I get you? The Intendant likes a hot jumja tea this time of day. Kira: Well, I'm not her, but that does sound good. Quark: Coming up. So, are we close friends on your side? Kira: Yeah. As a matter of fact, we are. On my side, Quark does me a lot of favors. Quark: Favors? Kira: The Quark I know, well, he just has the ability to get things done when no one else can. You know what I mean? Sometimes he even gets things done behind the backs of the security people. Quark: What kind of favors do you ask him for? Kira: Oh, all sorts of favors, like getting me things I need. Quark: Such as? Kira: Well, for instance, a transporter for a few hours. Quark: Didn't I hear somewhere that a transporter was involved in the first crossover? Kira: That's right. Quark: Do you have a way back to your side, Major? Under the right circumstances, I might be willing to help you get access to a transporter. Kira: Look, Quark, I don't have a strip of gold-pressed latinum so don't even think about it. Quark: Gold-pressed what? Kira: What is it you want? Quark: The ability to send others across to your side. Kira: Others? What others? Quark: That's not important. Kira: Look, I can't open a revolving door to Garak: Quark! Quark: Mister Garak, what can I get you today? Drinks are always on the house for you. Garak: You must come with us. Quark: Is there a problem? Garak: Yes. A slight problem. You've been helping Terrans escape from the station. Quark: Me? I'm a simple barkeep, and a coward. I assure you I don't stick my neck out for anyone. Garak: That's not what the Terran we caught this morning told us during his interrogation. Quark: This is all a misunderstanding. I assure you Garak: I shall miss him. He always let me win at dabo. Sisko: Bartender! Garak: He's just been arrested. Sisko: Arrested? What a damned shame. Who wants a drink on the house? Bashir: Here. Bashir: Miles O'Brien. I know you on my side. O'Brien: Yeah? Bashir: Actually, we're best friends. O'Brien: You and me? Bashir: That's right. O'Brien: What am I, some kind of doctor too? Bashir: No, you're Chief of Operations of this station. O'Brien: Me? Go on. Bashir: It's true. O'Brien: Chief of operations. Bashir: Looks like you know your way around machines. O'Brien: I know some things. What else is he like, this Chief of Operations. Bashir: He's married, he has a five year old daughter, he's one of the most decent men I know. We've fought our way out of a few scrapes together. I admire him a great deal. O'Brien: Sounds like he got the lucky draw between me and him. Bashir: Have you ever done much work on transporters? O'Brien: Me? Yeah, some. Why? Bashir: The Chief O'Brien I know is an expert in transporter technology. O'Brien: I wouldn't call myself an expert, but I know as much as any Terran. Bashir: I hope that'll be enough O'Brien: Enough for what? Bashir: We think a that transporter will help us get back to our side. O'Brien: What? You're filling me up with this stuff just to get me to help you, is that it? Bashir: No, everything I've told you is the truth. O'Brien: I don't know you. I'm not your friend. I'm not your friend. Odo: Meal break is over. You're wanted in the bar. O'Brien: Look, if I don't finish here Odo: You're wanted in the bar by Mister Sisko. Sisko: Yes. Look at this. Do you believe it? She called me all the way from the Fowla System to see you. Not only do you look like her, you have the same temper. Kira: You and your friends don't seem like the other Terrans I've seen here. Sisko: The Intendant has honored me with a ship and a crew. I honor her by collecting duties, of a sort, from vessels who pass in this direction. Kira: And why do you deserve this special treatment? Sisko: I suppose because I amuse her and she's not easily amused. And it seems that you amuse her too. O'Brien: You wanted to see me, Mister Sisko? Sisko: Hello, Smiley, how are you? O'Brien: It's Miles, Mister Sisko. Sisko: I don't like Miles. That's why I named you Smiley. Are they treating you okay, Smiley? O'Brien: Just fine. What do you need? Sisko: You don't like me, do you, Smiley? O'Brien: Not really, Mister Sisko. Sisko: And you're not afraid to show it, are you? I guess that's why I like you so much. My impulse driver coil isn't operational. Take care of it. O'Brien: I've got a serious problem in ore processing that's got to be fixed or Sisko: I don't care what's going on in ore processing. Fix my engine. Intendant: Kira to Sisko. Sisko: Go ahead. Intendant: I'd like to discuss your recent mission. Would you please report to my quarters? Intendant: There she is. Have you met my friend Benjamin Sisko, my dear? Tell us, is there another one of him on your side? Kira: Yes, there is. Intendant: Is he as loyal and true as mine? Kira: He's a good man. Intendant: I'm sorry he didn't come with you. Wouldn't that have been something, Benjamin? Two of you by my side. Sisko: I need to check my ship. Intendant: Benjamin! Did I hurt your feelings? Sisko: I never had any to hurt, Intendant. Intendant: Now, what is this I hear about you wanting a transporter? Intendant: Quark mentioned something about it during his interrogation. Kira: I did ask him about a transporter, that's true. Intendant: But why? Kira: You know I'm looking for a way back. A transporter was responsible for the first crossover. Intendant: And if you had come to me, I would have told you all transporters were redesigned afterwards to make sure the same thing would never happen again. It won't work. So, why didn't you come to me? Kira: You're very busy. Intendant: You don't trust me. Kira: I guess I am a little afraid of you. Intendant: Then you fear yourself. I don't want your fear. I want your love. If you can't love me, who can? Don't be in such a hurry to go. I'm glad you're here. There is so much we can learn from one another. Klingon: Intendant, Garak is here with the prisoner. Intendant: Send him in. Garak: He's made a complete confession and implicated two others, who have been arrested. Intendant: Quark. I've always liked you, you know that. Quark: I have nothing but respect for you, Intendant. I am so sorry. Intendant: You did it because you felt sorry for these Terrans. You hate to see them suffer just as I do. Quark: Yes, Intendant. Intendant: But where would we be without them? Who would perform the labor for the Alliance? A quick death. Don't make him suffer any more. Quark: No, Intendant, please. I made a mistake. Have mercy. Please. No. Intendant: I've planned a party for us tonight. What shall we wear? Garak: Lovely. I do admire a well-tailored gown. Kira: What are you doing in my quarters, Garak? Garak: She's never going to let you leave, you know. Can't you tell? She's in love. Kira: What are you talking about? GARAK In love with you, my dear. She's all a-twitter about you, can't talk about anyone else. You're the perfect gift for the girl who has everything. She's taken you into her heart like a Drathan puppy lig left on her doorstep. Who else could she share her deepest secrets with, tell her troubles to, trust with her life? Kira: All you have to do is take a look at the guard outside to see how much she trusts me. Garak: I arranged the guard. Oh, she trusts you. As much as she trusts anyone. So who better to betray her? Kira: You're taking quite a risk coming to me like this. Garak: True career advancement requires risk. Consider my offer carefully, my dear. She'll never let you go. I will. If you want to leave, you'll assist me. Kira: How? Garak: By taking her place. Kira: What? Garak: Tomorrow morning, she will be gone. Kira: Gone? Garak: She will be gone. Please, don't make me use some foolish euphemism. You will assume her place as Intendant and announce that your counterpart from the other side has returned to wherever she came from. In a few weeks, you will step down to embark on some spiritual journey, to explore your pagh or whatever, and I will take your place as Intendant. Kira: What about my friend? Garak: The good Doctor, yes. He'll be taken off the station and treated to as much hospitality as we Cardassians can offer until you resign, and then you can be happily reunited. Oh, but I've made arrangements with his supervisor that if you should decide to decline my offer, tomorrow it will be your doctor friend who will be gone. Kira: We've to get out of here tonight. Bashir: Why? What's happened? Kira: I don't have time to explain. Just watch your back. You're in danger. Bashir: Why my back? What kind of danger? Kira: We've got to find a way back to the runabout. Bashir: And then where do we go? The Alliance controls the entire quadrant. Kira: There's still a wormhole out there they don't know about. Now I'm not sure whether it'll get us back or not, all I know is we can't stay here any longer. Bashir: How are we supposed to get by their security? Kira: I'm trying to find some help. Bashir: I've heard Quark's helped some Terrans escape. Kira: It's too late for Quark. Stay alert. If our chance comes, there won't be much warning. Kira: Sisko. Sisko: Tell her I'm busy. Kira: I have something important to tell you. Sisko: I'm listening. Kira: It's valuable information and I want something in exchange. Sisko: You've gone into business for yourself, have you? Kira: All I want is to get off this station. I want my runabout back. Sisko: And you expect me to help you? She'll have my head. Or something else. Kira: Not if you save her life. Sisko: Her life? Kira: Garak is planning to kill her. Tonight. Sisko: That's it? That's the valuable information? Garak has been trying to kill her since the day he got here. Kira: He wants me to take her place. Sisko: Well, now, that's more creative than he usually gets. I wouldn't worry about it. Kira: What kind of a man are you? Sisko: You're disturbing my nap. Kira: The Benjamin Sisko I know would never sell his soul and allow himself to become a part of this tyranny against his own people. Sisko: Terrans don't have souls. We don't believe in them. Kira: What do Terrans believe in? Raising their children to dig the ore out of the mines for the Alliance? I worked in mines too till I was old enough to start fighting for my freedom. Sisko: What do you care about Terran's freedom? Kira: I care about freedom. What I don't understand is why you don't care. Why the only one on this station I have met who seemed to give a damn was a Ferengi toad named Quark. Sisko: You're looking in the wrong place for a hero, ma'am. I've made the best of a bad life for my crew. That's my contribution. Kira: Yes, you charmed your way out of the mines but you and I both know you're no less a victim than anyone else here. Garak: My dear, how breathtaking you look tonight. I do hope you'll save a dance for me later this evening. Telok: After four years as a personal guard for the House of Duras, I was ready to do anything to get out of there. You never knew if Lursa and B'Etor were going to do Telok: Clumsy fool. Stupid Terran pig! Telok: What's wrong, Terran? Lost your nerve? Afraid to die today, eh? Telok: Get out of my sight. Musician: Intendant, what is your pleasure? Intendant: Play something bright. I'm in a happy mood. Odo: You're not accustomed to this workload, are you, Doctor? You have much to learn. It's a shame this is going to be your last night on the job. Odo: Engineering, we have a thorium leak down here! Release the security locks! Telok: Establish security fields on the levels above and below. Station guards at all turbolifts. Klingon: You men come with me. Bashir: O'Brien? You've got to help me. O'Brien: I don't see you. You're not here. I'm just trying to seal this thorium leak. Bashir: Look, I don't know my way around these conduits but you do. My O'Brien does. Just tell me where the runabout pads are. I know you, Miles O'Brien. Somewhere inside of you is a shred of decency. There has to be. O'Brien: I am a decent man. I just, I just. You don't understand. I can't help you. I can't. They'll kill me. Bashir: You're already dead. I'm sorry you don't see that. The life inside every human being here, every Terran, died here a long time ago. O'Brien: That's not the right way. Just tell me one thing. Is there any room over there on your side for me? Bashir: You want us to take you with us? O'Brien: I've no reason to stay here. Bashir: Starfleet would probably have a big problem with that. To hell with them. Let's go. Telok: Stop right there. Telok: Intendant. The new Terran killed the shape-shifter and O'Brien tried to help him escape. Intendant: This is my fault for listening to you, for keeping him alive in the first place. I know very little about where you come from but from what I've heard, I think your kind has a lot to learn. Bashir: We've got a lot to learn? What a laugh. Intendant: Quiet. On this side, Terran workers do not speak to their superiors as you do. They certainly do not murder them. He was the only one of his kind, the man you killed. Do you realize that? He's irreplaceable. No one ran that operation as efficiently as he did. No one kept order among the workers as he did. This is my reward for treating you Terrans with the least bit of respect. Very well. I can learn from my mistakes. You want to set an example, Garak? Use him. Set an example for all Terrans. Let him die slowly in public view on the Promenade. Let his pleads for mercy echo through the corridors for all Terrans to hear. Kira: Intendant. Intendant: Another word from you and you will die right beside him. And you, O'Brien, you tinkerer and putterer and fixer of broken things, you've been a perfect theta for years. What could have possibly gotten into you. What were you thinking? O'Brien: Do you want an answer, Intendant? Intendant: Yes! O'Brien: This man. This man is a doctor where he comes from. And there's an O'Brien there just like me, except he's some kind of high up Chief of Operations. They're Terrans. Can you believe that? Maybe it's a fairy tale he made up, but it made me start thinking how each of us might have turned out if history had been just a little different. I wanted him to take me with him because whatever it's like where he's from, it's got to be better than this. There's got to be something better than this. Intendant: Not for you, Mister O'Brien. Oh, he's going to be taking you with him. Just not exactly where you thought he would be taking you. Sisko: No. I don't think so. Intendant: Have you lost your mind? Sisko: No. I didn't lose it, I just changed it. Kira: She's never going to let you get away. She'll track you down no matter how long it takes. Bashir: You may want to consider trying to follow us back to our side. Sisko: I've got the feeling I may not fit in very well over there. We'll stay one step ahead of the law, don't worry about us. Maybe we can stir up some things on this side. Bashir: You're still welcome to come with us. O'Brien: I might have something to stay for now, if you have room on your ship for me, Mister Sisko. Sisko: I can always use a good tinkerer and putterer. You're with me, Smiley. Kira: Good luck. Thank you. Sisko: Come on. Kira: Disengage the docking clamps. Bashir: Confirmed. Kira: Firing thrusters. Bashir: Thrusters engaged. Kira: Taking us straight to impulse. Bashir: Impulse engines online. Kira: Forty five seconds to wormhole. Bashir: I'm still reading up a plasma injector leak from the warp core. Kira: I'm just hoping that leak gets us back where we came from. I'm matching speeds and attitude with our last time through. Bashir: Klingon cruiser approaching. Bashir: Shields are down to sixty percent. Bashir: Forty. Kira: Ten seconds to the wormhole. Bashir: We're hit! Kira: Hold on! Sisko: Anything? Dax: The search vessels picked up their warp signature traces. There was also an indication of a plasma leak. Sisko: But no wreckage. Dax: Nothing. O'Brien: Reading elevated neutrinos. Something's coming through the wormhole. I can't believe it. It's them! Dax: Benjamin, they're showing damage to their deflector grids. Sisko: Put them on the screen, Mister O'Brien. We've got ships out from here to New Bajor looking for you. Where have you been? Kira: Through the looking glass, Commander. It's good to be back.

Bareil: Nerys? Kira: Vedek Bareil. Want to play? Bareil: Help me. Please. Kira: All right. Kira: Who is it? Bareil: It's Prylar Bek. Kira: No, it's not. It's you. Kira: Good morning. Bareil: I thought you'd sleep till noon. Kira: Shh. You're supposed to be relaxing. Bareil: Oh, I'm very relaxd. Kira: Good. Bareil: How are you feeling this morning? Kira: Miserable. I wish you could stay here longer. Bareil: All right, I will. I'll stay a few more days. Kira: You know you can't do that. Bareil: Why not? Kira: Because in two days, you are going to be elected Kai. Bareil: Oh, that. You know there's no guarantee I'm going to win. Kira: Course you're going to win. The people need you. Bareil: Are you going to vote for me? Kira: Is that why you spent the past three days here? To get my vote? Bareil: Well, I know you don't agree with many of my views. So I thought a personal appearance might sway your opinion. Kira: I was going to vote for Vedek Tolena. But I might be persuaded to change my mind. Bareil: Good. Because your vote is the only one that matters to me. Kira: I may not always agree with your interpretations of the prophecies, but I think you will make a wonderful Kai. Besides, everyone knows you were Kai Opaka's personal choice to succeed her. Bareil: I could never replace Opaka. Bajor wouldn't have survived the occupation without her. Kira: Once you become Kai, we'll never have these times together. Bareil: Listen to me. No matter how busy I become, I'll always have time for you. Kira: It won't be easy. Bareil: I didn't say it would be. I'm not going to lose you, Nerys. I promise you that. Winn: Remember now, honor the Prophets and they will always love you. Bareil: As I understand the Sacred Texts, the Prophets' love is unconditional. They ask nothing in return. Winn: Thank you, Vedek Bareil, for reminding us how the Sacred Texts can be easily misinterpreted. Bareil: Nothing pleases me more than providing you with an opposing viewpoint, Vedek Winn. Winn: Somehow you never fail to do that. I had no idea you were on the station, but perhaps I shouldn't be so surprised. Bareil: Oh, I wouldn't even try to surprise you. I understand you've been keeping a close eye on my activities these last few weeks. Winn: The eyes of all of Bajor are focused on you, Bareil. Why should I be any different? After all, the common wisdom is that you are destined to be the next Kai. Kira: Was that a concession speech? Winn: Hardly. The choosing is still two days away. The Prophets may yet surprise us all. Remember that, Bareil. I would hate for you to start celebrating prematurely. Kira: What brings you to the station, Vedek Winn? Winn: My child, if I thought the Prophets wanted you to know the purpose of my visit, I would have informed you of it in advance. Kira: Now that I know that you're here, I'll be sure to inform Constable Odo to increase station security. Winn: That won't be necessary. I feel quite safe here. Kira: No, it wasn't your safety that concerned me. Winn: Just what are you trying to infer, child? Bareil: I'm sure Major Kira meant no disrespect. Kira: No, not at all. I just want to avoid the violence that occurred during your last visit. Winn: My child, I know you still hold me responsible for the deplorable attempt on Vedek Bareil's life, but I can only pray that someday you will be cured of this unfortunate misconception. Kira: Well, that's one prayer that'll never be answered. Winn: What a pity, for both of us. Eblan: Excuse me. Eblan: Excuse me, don't I know you? Kubus: You must be mistaken. Eblan: No, no, I've seen you before. You're Kubus. That's it. Kubus Oak. You worked for the Cardassians. Kubus: Out of my way. Eblan: You wait a minute. You're not going anywhere. I know who you are and I know what you did. You're a traitor! This is Kubus Oak! He's a traitor. He worked for the Cardassians. Odo: What's going on here? Eblan: See for yourself. Odo: Secretary Kubus. Last I heard, you were living on Cardassia. Kubus: I decided it was time to come home. Odo: Welcome back. You're under arrest. Winn: The Prophets have spoken. All blessings on the new Kai. Crowd: Blessings on the Kai. May the Prophets guide you. Bareil: Kai Opaka. Opaka: Be at peace, my child. You must be strong. Now more than ever. Bareil: Why did you leave us? Opaka: All is as the Prophets will it to be. As you will learn. Follow me. Winn: Be careful, Bareil. The path she walks is a narrow one. See that you don't stumble. Opaka: Heed her words. Bareil: I don't deserve to walk in your path. Opaka: You must. It is your destiny. Bareil: Prylar Bek? Bek: Accept this gift from the Prophets. Opaka: You must not refuse their offering. Take it, my child. Its venom will make you stronger. Odo: There was quite a mob gathering out there. I had to call in extra security to disperse it. Kubus: I never doubted your ability to handle the situation, Odo. You always were good at your job. Odo: I could say the same for you. Secretary Kubus, special liaison between the Cardassian occupation forces and their pawns in the Bajoran government. Kubus: I served the only recognized government on Bajor during the occupation. Odo: Recognized by the Cardassians. Kubus: If it wasn't for us, the situation on Bajor would have been ten times worse than it was. Odo: Maybe. But I don't see how you could know that seeing that you spent nearly all your time here on the station. I remember Gul Dukat telling me once that you were his favorite Bajoran. Kubus: Really? I never could stand that arrogant tyrant. Odo: You hid your feelings well. Kubus: It kept me alive. Bajor is my home. I never should have left it. Kira: But you did. And you're going to have to live with that decision. Odo: This is Major Kira, the highest-ranking Bajoran on the station. Kubus: Then I suppose you're the one I should be talking to. Kira: Make it brief. I don't enjoy talking to collaborators. Kubus: I'm not asking you to like me. I'm simply requesting that I be allowed to return home. Kira: Your request is denied. Kubus: I doubt if you have the authority to make that decision. Kira: The decision has already been made. In the Ilvian Proclamation, every Bajorans who was a members of the Cardassian occupational government was sentenced to exile. Your name was number four on that list. Personally, I think you all got off too easy. Kubus: Major, I'm an old man. I don't have many years left. What's the harm of letting me live them out on Bajor? Kira: When the Cardassians needed a new group of Bajorans to work in the mines, who approved the work orders? Kubus: The Bajoran Government. Kira: Whose signature was on those authorisation forms? Kubus: Mine. Kira: You had to know that those authorisations were death sentences. Did you ever once refuse to sign them? Kubus: No. Kira: And that's why you can never be allowed to set foot on Bajor again. Because if you do, it would dishonor the memory of every person you sentenced to death. Sisko: Vedek Winn. What can I do for you? Winn: Emissary, it has recently come to my attention that there are some on Bajor who believe my relationship with you is not all it should be. Sisko: Really? Winn: Personally, I find such a perception, however inaccurate, to be most distressing. Sisko: I suppose the question we have to ask ourselves is whether or not that perception is inaccurate. Winn: Don't tell me that you, yourself, Emissary, believe you and I are, how shall I put this Sisko: Enemies? Winn: At odds. Sisko: Well, let's see. How could I have come to such a conclusion? Maybe it has something to do with the fact that the last time you were here at this station, you claimed that I was a danger to Bajor. That I was here to destroy your people. Winn: What I was really saying, what I have always maintained is that you, Emissary, were sent here by the Prophets to challenge our long-held beliefs. Sisko: Am I correct in assuming that you no longer consider the Federation to be an enemy to Bajor? Winn: Emissary, I admit I had some concerns about Bajor's application for Federation membership. But now, I see that the Federation's presence here is essential for our long-term security and growth. Sisko: Then you support the notion of Bajor joining the Federation? Winn: If that is the will of the Prophets, I would never oppose it. Sisko: I'm glad you said that. And I would be grateful if you would tell it to the Bajoran people. Winn: Nothing could make me happier than to please you, Emissary. Perhaps you and I could address the Vedek Assembly together so everyone can celebrate our new friendship. Sisko: An excellent idea. Perhaps some time next week. Winn: Why wait, Emissary? I'm sure the Assembly would grant us an immediate audience. Sisko: I'm sure they would. Unfortunately, if we were to appear together in public before the Choosing, it might be misconstrued as an endorsement of your bid to become the Kai. Winn: Oh, I doubt that, Emissary. It's common knowledge that you support Vedek Bareil. Although I have been pleasantly surprised that you haven't made any public statement to that effect. Sisko: The election of the Kai is strictly an internal affair to Bajor. As a Federation officer, I would never interfere. Winn: What an enlightened philosophy. Sisko: So, then, it's agreed. I'll be seeing you sometime next week. Winn: I look forward to it. Odo: Odo to Major Kira. Kira: This is Kira. Odo: Sorry to disturb you, Major Odo: But I thought you should know that Secretary Kubus is about to leave for Bajor. Kira: How can that be? Odo: Vedek Winn has granted him sanctuary. Kira: I'll be right there. Kira: Kira to Ops. Dax: Go ahead. Kira: Dax, has Winn's ship left the station? Dax: Not yet. Dax: I was about to clear them for departure. Kira: Keep those docking clamps locked on. I don't want that ship going anywhere until I say so. Dax: Understood. Kira: Tell me what happened. Odo: Kubus requested a private meeting with Vedek Winn. They talked for ten minutes, after which Winn asked for the use of my computer. She accessed some information from the library system. Kira: And? Odo: And then she called the Provisional Government and informed them she was granting Kubus sanctuary. Kira: Do you know what she looked up? Odo: I'm trying to find that out right now. Ah. Kira: That's Prylar Bek. Now why would Winn be interested in another Bajoran collaborator? Odo: I'm not sure, but Bek and Kubus did know each other. Bek was the liaison between the Cardassians and the Vedek Assembly at the same time that Kubus was Secretary to the occupational government. They spent a lot of time together on the station. Kira: Hold on a minute. See if Winn accessed any information on the Kendra Valley massacre. Odo: You're right, she did. Do you think Kubus told her something new about the massacre? Kira: What else is there to know? Kai Opaka's son and forty two other Bajoran freedom fighters were ambushed and killed because Bek gave the Cardassians the location of their encampment. He made a full confession in his suicide note. Well, you were here then. You must have read it. Winn: Major Kira. May I speak to you please? Kira: Of course. Winn: I was told you were the one who stopped my ship from leaving. Kira: Yes, I did. You know, you're the last person I would expect to help a collaborator like Kubus. Unless, of course, he has something you need. Winn: My needs are no concern of yours, child. Now I suggest you allow my ship to depart immediately. Kira: Oh, you're free to leave any time you like. Unfortunately, in light of public feelings about Kubus, I can't allow any ship with him on board to leave the station until it's undergone a thorough security check to prevent sabotage, and that includes a molecular scan for nanotechnology. Winn: And how long would such a scan take? Kira: Oh, I'm no expert, but I'm sure it could take days. Even weeks. Winn: Very well. It seems the Prophets have decided you will have a part in this after all. In exchange for sanctuary, Kubus has agreed to provide the name of the man responsible for the massacre at Kendra Valley. Kira: Prylar Bek was responsible for the massacre. Everyone knows that. Winn: Bek was a pawn, an intermediary. He killed himself to prevent the diskovery of the real traitor. Kira: The real traitor? Winn: Bek's superior. The person who ordered him to reveal the location of the rebel base to the Cardassians. The man who was truly responsible for the massacre, Vedek Bareil. Kira: Do you really think I'm going to let you get away with this? You know, no one's going to believe the word of a convicted traitor like Kubus. Winn: I never said I believed him. I'm only trying to protect the spiritual life of Bajor. Kira: Don't flatter yourself. You're trying to grab power, nothing more. Winn: My child, do you want to risk the consequences of having a collaborator as the next Kai? Kira: He is not a collaborator. Winn: That's yet to be determined. But if he is chosen and turns out to be guilty, the ramifications for Bajor would be catastrophic. It would shatter faith in the authority of the Kai, and without a strong Kai Bajor cannot survive. Kira: You can't condemn Bareil without proof. Winn: I don't intend to. I was planning to conduct a quiet investigation when I returned to Bajor. But I didn't know whom to trust with such a delicate assignment, until now. Kira: You want me to do your dirty work for you. Winn: All I care about is the truth. And I believe the Prophets have chosen you to help me find it. Kira: I'll find the truth, don't worry about that, but I want you to keep Kubus's accusations from becoming public until I have a chance to prove Bareil's innocence. Winn: You have my word. Let the Prophets be my witness. But if you diskover proof that he's guilty? Kira: Whatever I find out, I will share with you. Winn: Then it's decided. Oh, and child, one last thing. I know you're under a terrible strain, but if you're wise, you will never speak to me with such disrespect again. Kira: Were you aware at the time that Prylar Bek was a collaborator? Kubus: He wasn't a collaborator, he was only a messenger between the Cardassians and the Vedek Assembly. At the time I could see in the weeks prior to the massacre that something was bothering him. He was tense and nervous and he was in constant communication with the Vedek Assembly. Kira: Do you know who? Kubus: Not at the time, but the day after the incident, Vedek Bareil came to visit him on the station. Kira: Did you see them together? Kubus: I saw Bareil enter Bek's quarters, which were in the same section as mine. He was in there for a couple of hours and at times I could hear shouting through the bulkhead. Winn: Did you hear what they were saying? Kubus: No, but I saw Bareil when he left the station. He was upset. In the morning, Bek hung himself. Kira: This is all the evidence you have? Kubus: Well isn't that enough? Bek was obviously working with Bareil and when he realized the enormity of what he'd done, he must've wanted to confess. Bareil wouldn't allow it, so Bek took the only way out he had. Kira: That's a fascinating story but it is pure conjecture. There have to be a dozen explanations for why Bareil came to see Bek. Winn: And it's up to you to find out which of those explanations is true. Bareil: What exactly is it you're asking me, Nerys? Kira: I guess I'm asking whether or not you came to the station to see Bek that day. Bareil: I visited Bek, yes. That hardly makes me a collaborator. Kira: I know that. It's Vedek Winn who needs convincing. Bareil: Poor Winn. Her desire to become Kai has clouded her judgment. Kira: I wouldn't take her lightly, if I were you. She is determined to ruin you. Bareil: Believe me when I tell you there's no reason to worry. I had nothing to do with the massacre and Winn will never be able to prove otherwise. Kira: All right. But I still need to know why you came to the station. Bareil: Bek was a deeply troubled man seeking spiritual guidance. His guilt at betraying the Kendra Valley base was overwhelming. He called me for help. I came as soon as I could. I only wish I could have done more for him. Kira: What did he tell you about the massacre? Bareil: Nerys, you have to understand, he was a monk speaking in confidence to his Vedek. I cannot betray that trust. Kira: I understand. Is there anything else you think I should know about Bek, about the massacre? Bareil: Nothing that will satisfy Winn. Kira: All right, I'll keep looking. But one way or another, I am going to prove to Winn that you are innocent. Bareil: Thank you, Nerys. Odo: Ha. Just as I thought. When the Cardassians left, they purged all records of communication between the station and Bajor. Kira: Then we'll just have to get the information from the other end. Odo: I'll establish a computer link with the Bajoran Central Archives. That way I can access the files of the Vedek Assembly. Are you all right? Kira: I'm fine. Odo: You don't seem fine. Kira: It's nothing. Odo: If you say so. Kira: He says he's not guilty. I know he's not guilty. Odo: But you're afraid he's guilty. Kira: I love him, Odo. Odo: Really? Well, I, er. Kira: What? Odo: I was just wondering when you were going to figure that out. You humanoids. When it comes to emotional attachments, you never see the obvious. I'm into the Vedek Assembly files. Kira: Can you retrieve the communications records between the station and the Assembly? Odo: I'll need a time frame. Kira: Try the week leading up to the Kendra Massacre. Odo: That's odd. Kira: What? Odo: All the communications records between the Assembly members and Bek for that week have been sealed. Kira: Sealed? By who? Odo: It doesn't say. It just indicates a security seal. Kira: In the Assembly records? Who has that kind of authority? Odo: Only a Vedek. Quark: One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten. Quark: Okay, okay. Eleven? Fine. Twelve, thirteen, fourteen. And not a strip more. Quark: I hate payday. Odo: Ahem. Quark: Whatever she told you, I didn't do it. Odo: Relax, Quark. No one's accusing you of anything. Quark: The day's still young. Kira: Don't be so defensive. Quark: I can't help it. Between the two of you, I'm developing a persecution complex. Kira: I'm sorry to hear that. Quark: All right, what's going on? You want something from me, don't you? Kira: How'd you guess? Odo: It's simple. We've been here more that a minute and we haven't insulted him, threatened him or arrested him. Quark: Exactly. So what is it and how much trouble is it going to cause me? Kira: No trouble at all. We just need you to bypass a security seal. Quark: Isn't that illegal? Odo: Oh, spare us. Kira: Quark, this is important. We need access to certain communication files in the Vedek Assembly records. Quark: Perfect. Not only is it illegal, it's sacrilegious. Kira: I'm sure the Prophets won't mind just this once. Quark: Okay, but I'm going to have to have written authorisation from you, countersigned by Commander Odo: Just do it, Quark. Quark: Sure, and then when things go wrong, I take the fall. Kira: Nothing is going to go wrong. Quark: That's what you think, But I happen to be a firm believer in Rule of Acquisition number two hundred and eighty five. No good deed ever goes unpunished. Odo: You can access the Vedek Assembly's records through the Bajoran Central Archives. Quark: Of course I can, if I wanted to barge in like some rank amateur. This is going to take a little while. I'll let you know when I'm done. Odo: It happened right about here. Bek hanged himself in front of dozens of witnesses. It caused quite a stir. Kira: At least he had the decency to feel guilty about what he'd done. Odo: Strange. Bek and I were passing acquaintances here on the station. From what little I knew about him, I always thought he was a good man. Kira: A good man does not betray his own people. Odo: The one thing I've learned about humanoids is that in extreme situations even the best of you are capable of doing terrible things. Quark: Hey, hey, Odo. The good news is I broke through the security seal. The bad news is the file's empty. All the messages have been erased. O'Brien: They're erased, all right. Kira: Is there anything you can do about it? O'Brien: I could scan the empty file for traces of recurring data fragments. There's always a faint residue of the original data, if you know where to look. But to unscramble those fragments so they form a coherent pattern could take a while. Kira: So what you're telling me is we're never going to retrieve that information. O'Brien: Not in time to do you any good. But hold on a second. Let me see something. I may not be able to get you the data, but I might be able to find out who erased it. Their retinal scan would've been noted by the authorisation subroutine when they logged on. Kira: But wouldn't the scans have been erased, too? O'Brien: Sure, but even a fragment of the retinal scan might be enough to identify the user. Here, I'll run a sweep of the authorisation subroutine, see if we can find anything. Okay, these are mathematical representations of fragments of the retinal scan. We can use them to reassemble a portion of the original image. Not bad. Now we'll cross-reference it with the Assembly's main archive. See if we can find out who it is. I think we've got something. Vedeks: Blessings on Kai Bareil. Bek: You. I trusted you. I needed you. And you let me die. Winn: You will be rewarded. Kira: Accept this gift from the Prophets. Opaka: May the Prophets comfort you, my child. May they comfort us all. Bareil: Come in. Nerys. Kira: Did you really believe I wouldn't learn the truth? Bareil: The truth is not always easy to recognize. Kira: I recognize it now and I don't like what I see. Why did you do it? Why did you erase those transmission records? Bareil: Don't make me do this. Kira: I don't have any choice. Winn is waiting to hear from me. Do you really want me to tell her that you ordered Bek to give the Cardassians the location of that resistance base? That you are responsible for the deaths of those forty three people? That you killed Kai Opaka's son? Bareil: The Cardassians were determined to eliminate all resistance in the Kendra Valley. If someone hadn't told them the location of that base, they would've wiped out every village in the area. That would have meant the death of twelve hundred innocent Bajorans. I could not allow that. Kira: There had to have been another way. I believed in you. I defended you. And Winn was right all along. And now she's going to destroy you. Bareil: No. I've destroyed myself. Kira: What's our status? O'Brien: Everything's under control. Dax: You received a subspace transmission from Vedek Winn. She seemed anxious to talk to you. Kira: Open a channel to the Vedek Assembly. Put it on monitor seven. I might as well get this over with. Winn: I was wondering when you'd contact me, child. Kira: I was waiting to I complete my investigation. Winn: I must congratulate you on a job well done. I knew the Prophets were right in picking you to assist me. Kira: You sound like you already know what I'm going to tell you. Winn: Oh, but I do. Bareil just made a surprise announcement to the Vedek Assembly. He's withdrawn himself from the Choosing. He no longer wishes to be the next Kai. I know this is painful for you, child, but you've done a great service for all of Bajor. Whoever is chosen tomorrow as the new Kai will owe you a debt of gratitude. May the Prophets guide you. Dax: Are you all right? Kira: It doesn't make sense. Vedek Bareil's an honorable man. He wouldn't hide from the consequences of his actions by covering them up. I'm missing something. Chief, I need to get back into the Vedek Assembly archives. O'Brien: Yes, sir. Kira: Kai Winn. Winn: Your pagh is strong, my child. Be at peace. In time you will learn I am not your enemy. Kira: I hope that's true. Winn: I know you do. Oh, and tell Commander Sisko I must postpone appearing with him before the Assembly. At least for now. Bareil: Nerys? I didn't expect to see you here. Kira: You forgot to erase the transit files. Bareil: I'm not sure I understand what you mean. Kira: Oh, you did a wonderful job erasing the transmission records, but you forgot all about the transit files. The files that prove you weren't a collaborator. Bareil: It's over. Let it rest. The people have chosen Winn. Kira: Only because you withdrew and you didn't have to. The transit reports clearly show you were on a personal retreat at the Dakeen monastery during the week leading up to the massacre. I checked the Dakeen transmission reports. You had contact with no one except one transmission after the massacre, ordering you back to the Vedek Assembly. Bareil: That's enough. Kira: No, it is not enough. There is no way you ordered Bek to reveal the location of the Kendra Valley encampment. You were covering up for someone else. Someone who meant more to you than me. More to you even than becoming Kai. Bareil: Please, Nerys. Don't. Kira: Why not? It's the truth, isn't it? Who else meant that much to you? It had to be Kai Opaka. Opaka knew where the resistance cell was located because her son was a member. She was the collaborator, wasn't she? Bareil: She sacrificed her own son to save a thousand people. I had to protect her. Kira: So instead of you, we have Winn to lead us. Bareil: It is the will of the Prophets. Kira: The question is, where will she lead us? Bareil: Down paths she cannot possibly imagine. She's going to need our help along the way, even if she doesn't realize it yet. Kira: And what happens to us? Bareil: What do you want to happen? Kira: Let's go pay our respects to the new Kai.

O'Brien: And I've downloaded the new docking procedure checklist for bay six into the BayProd D nine file. That's the only bay that's using the new criteria. Dax: Got it. O'Brien: And be sure to monitor the power fluctuations in the secondary fusion core. It's got some little kinks in there I don't like the look of. Dax: I will care for the secondary fusion core like it was my own child. O'Brien: As soon as I get back I'm going to run a full diagnostic to be sure Kira: Chief, we are perfectly capable of running this place by ourselves for a week. O'Brien: Well, if you have any problems you can reach me on subspace. Kira: Would you please go on vacation and get out of our hair? Dax: Miles? O'Brien: Yes? Dax: Have a good time. O'Brien: Oh right. Thanks. I feel relaxd already. Sisko: Is he gone? Kira: Finally. Sisko: Good. He's been driving me crazy all day. You'd think that I was O'Brien: Commander. I forgot to tell you. I added a new subroutine to the environmental control in the habitat ring. Sisko: Chief O'Brien O'Brien: Yes, sir? Sisko: You're on leave. Please disembark the station. O'Brien: Aye, sir. O'Brien: Boone? O'Brien. Miles O'Brien. We served together on the Rutledge. Boone: Of course. O'Brien. It's been a long time. How're you doing? O'Brien: I'm fine, just fine. I work on this station now. Chief engineer. Boone: Is that a fact. O'Brien: How long you been out of Starfleet? Boone: Oh, about eight years now. I settled on Volan Three. O'Brien: Well, that's on the Cardassian side of the Demilitarized zone, isn't it? Boone: Yes, the new treaty really puts us in harm's way, but I run a ladarium mining sluice. As long as the Cardassians need ladarium for their warp drives, they leave me alone. O'Brien: After what we went through in the border wars, I don't know how you can live there. You were there at Setlik Three? Boone: That's what got me out of Starfleet. O'Brien: Really? That's why I stayed in. Listen, my wife is waiting me at a runabout and she hates it when I'm late, and I always am. Boone: I'm coming back for another supply pickup in a month or two. O'Brien: Okay, let me know when. O'Brien: O'Brien. Miles O'Brien. We served together on the Rutledge. Keiko: Miles. O'Brien: Huh? Keiko: Didn't you bring the holocam? O'Brien: Was I supposed to? Keiko: You said you were going to. O'Brien: Did I? Keiko: Last night, when we were going over the list in bed. O'Brien: Not me. I was dead as soon as my head hit the pillow. Keiko: You talked to me for a half hour. O'Brien: No, there must have been someone else in bed with us. Keiko: What's this? O'Brien: Oh, just some new technical update manuals. Keiko: Our first vacation in five years and you brought technical update manuals? O'Brien: Yeah, maybe we should've brought Molly with us. Do you think she'll be okay with the Petersons? Keiko: She likes the Petersons more than she likes us. She's fine. O'Brien: We could swing back, pick up the holocam and Molly, and still only lose half a day. O'Brien: Or we could pick up the holocam when we get there. Keiko: How many did you bring? O'Brien: What? Keiko: Tech update manuals. O'Brien: Just a few. Computer, play something by Minezaki. Keiko: Do these chairs recline? O'Brien: I wish they did. Keiko: You're an engineer. Do something about it. I'll make it worth your while. Computer: Vessel approaching bearing one nine one mark six. O'Brien: Identify. Computer: Cardassian patrol ship, Hideki Class. O'Brien: Shields up. Try to send an emergency subspace signal to the station. Keiko: I can't. They're jamming all subspace frequencies. O'Brien: They're hailing us. This is Miles O'Brien of Starbase Deep Space Nine. State your business. Gul Evek: Mister O'Brien, we've spoken before. My name is Evek. Shut down your drive and come to a full stop. We're beaming an inspection team aboard. O'Brien: We're nowhere near the Cardassian border. You've no authority here. Gul Evek: We'll argue about authority later. Now, you will either comply, or we will take preemptive action. Computer: Warning. Sensors are reading photo lock-on activation. Gul Evek: You have ten seconds. O'Brien: Don't worry. We haven't done anything. Gul Evek: Thank you for your cooperation. I have orders to arrest you, Mister O'Brien. Keiko: Arrest? Gul Evek: Search the ship. O'Brien: What are the charges? Gul Evek: You have the right to refuse to answer questions, but such refusal may be construed as a sign of guilt. O'Brien: I demand to know what I'm being accused of. Gul Evek: You deny all knowledge of this crime then? O'Brien: How the hell am I supposed to deny something when I don't know what you're talking about? Gul Evek: So you do not deny all knowledge. Keiko: We are Federation citizens and we have rights. Gul Evek: Yes, yes. All your rights as defined by Cardassian Articles of Jurisprudence will be protected. O'Brien: I demand to speak to my Commander. Gul Evek: We will contact your Commander and see that your wife is returned safely to your station. You will be taken to Central prison on Cardassia Prime to await trial. O'Brien: I'm not going anywhere with you. Keiko: Miles! Miles! No! Keiko: Miles! Miles! Cardassian: Look to the children. They are the future of Cardassia and they will lead the way. Invest in their minds. Teach them carefully. Cardassian: Remove your clothes. O'Brien: My name is Miles O'Brien. My rank, Chief of Operations, Starfleet. I'm a Federation citizen. Cardassian: Remove your clothes. O'Brien: My name is Miles O'Brien. My rank is Chief of Operations, Starfleet. I'm a Federation citizen. Cardassian: Would you care to make a confession? O'Brien: My name is Miles O'Brien. My rank is Chief of Operations, Starfleet. I am a citizen of the Federation. Cardassian: Process him. (O'Brien is held down while a laser is shone into his eye. His ID number 41302 comes up on a monitor. He's dragged to a metal chair, hits one of the guards but is slammed back and drugged. The chair tilts to lie him down.) O'Brien: My name is Miles O'Brien. My rank is Chief of Operations Makbar: Has he been processed? Cardassian: He has. Makbar: You were told he was not to be harmed. Cardassian: He had to be restrained. Bring him his clothing. Makbar: I apologize for the way you've been treated, Mister O'Brien. I am Makbar, Chief Archon. I want your stay here to be as comfortable as possible under the circumstances. I've scheduled your trial to begin in two days. You've been assigned the Venerable Kovat as Public Conservator. O'Brien: As what? Makbar: Your lawyer. Many feel that he's the best counsel in all Cardassia. O'Brien: What do I need a lawyer for? What am I charged with? Who's accusing me? Makbar: All in good time, Mister O'Brien. All in good time Sisko: Starfleet has ordered the Enterprise, the Prokofiev and the Valdemar to the border of the Demilitarized zone. Hopefully, when the Cardassians see that they are risking the entire treaty over this Keiko: In the meantime, my husband is being violated by them. Every shred of his humanity is being violated. Isn't that true? Sisko: We don't know exactly what Keiko: Damn it, don't lie to me! They're torturing him as we sit here. Odo: It is standard procedure for the Cardassians to use torture in their interrogations. You are correct, Mrs O'Brien. Keiko: You don't know how many times Miles spoke to me about this, what the Cardassians did to the prisoners they took at Setlik Three, what they were like when they came back. The thought of it, it disgusted him, it scared him. We can't leave him there. Sisko: We don't even know where he's being held on Cardassia Prime. Sisko: Keiko, I promise you as soon as we have more information, I'll do everything in my power to Kira: Commander, you have a subspace transmission from Cardassia Prime. Sisko: On screen. I'm Benjamin Sisko, Commander of Deep Space Nine. Makbar: My name is Makbar. I am the Archon representing the Cardassian Empire in its case against Miles O'Brien. Sisko: May I speak with him? Makbar: That is not possible. Sisko: May I see him? Makbar: Commander Sisko: May I be assured that he is well and being treated properly? Makbar: Mister O'Brien is being treated with great care and respect. Sisko: Good. Because if he is not, I will hold you personally responsible. And if that sounds like a threat, it is. Makbar: Gul Dukat's told me about you. You live up to your reputation, Commander. Sisko: That's right. I do. Now, what are the charges against Chief O'Brien? Makbar: The charges will be announced when the trial begins, as is customary in Cardassian jurisprudence. Keiko: How can we prepare for the trial if we don't know the charges? Makbar: Mrs O'Brien, I take it? Keiko: Yes. Makbar: Mrs O'Brien, there's nothing for you to prepare. Your husband's verdict has already been determined. He is guilty. The trial will reveal how this guilt was proven by the most efficient criminal investigation system in the quadrant. You may, if you desire, attend this trial, which begins in two days time. Sisko: We'll be there. Makbar: Oh, I'm sorry, Commander, this is a privilege enjoyed solely by the spouse of an offender. Odo: What about his Nestor? Makbar: His Counsel and his Nestor will be assigned by the court. Sisko: Nestor? Odo: Advisor to the offender. Madame Archon, I volunteer to serve as Nestor in this trial. Makbar: That is not possible. The Nestor must be an officer of the Court. Odo: I am an officer of the Court. Chief of Security Odo. I served Gul Dukat on Terok Nor. You may check my credentials. I was designated an officer of the Cardassian court four years ago in order to testify in criminal cases. Makbar: Very well. If this is true, you may accompany Mrs O'Brien and serve as Nestor. Odo: May I ask what penalty does Mister O'Brien face? Makbar: His execution is scheduled for next week. Keiko: How can you schedule an execution before the trial even begins? Makbar: We believe in swift justice. Odo: Mrs O'Brien, we should leave immediately. Sisko: Begin a complete security sweep of the station and Chief O'Brien's recent activities. I want to know if there's anything out of the ordinary that might begin to explain this. Kira: Commander, Chief O'Brien's attitude toward the Cardassians is hardly a secret. What if he actually has done something? Sisko: Then we need to know that too, don't we? Kovat: Miles O'Brien? Yes, of course you are. Kovat: I am Conservator Kovat. O'Brien: I've been told that I've already been charged, indicted, convicted and sentenced. What would I need with a lawyer? Kovat: Ah, Mister O'Brien, if it seems immodest of me, I apologize, but the role of Public Conservator is key to the productive functioning of our courts. I'm here to help you concede the wisdom of the state, to prepare you to accept the inevitable with equanimity. There is an old Cardassian expression. Confession is good for the soul. But it's also good for the populace to see people like you confess. It makes them feel better about themselves. It makes their lives more bearable. O'Brien: So that's what this is all about? Make the people of Cardassia feel better, huh? Kovat: No, no, no, but that's not a bad side effect. Now then, I have your biographical extract and your Starfleet record. All this will be very useful. O'Brien: What am I being charged with? Kovat: No need to worry about that at this point. O'Brien: This is insane. Kovat: Whatever you've done, whatever the charges against you, none of that really matters in the long run. O'Brien: What does matter? Kovat: This trial is to demonstrate the futility of behavior contrary to good order. Everyone will find it most uplifting. O'Brien: Not everyone. Kovat: Once again, justice will be done. Our lives will be reaffirmed, safe and secure. Here on Cardassia, all crimes are solved, all criminals are punished, all endings are happy. Even the poorest of our subjects can walk the streets in the dead of night in perfect safety. You're only one man, but your conviction will be a salutary experience for millions. Now then, the trial opens tomorrow. Do you have any questions, anything you want to tell me? O'Brien: Only that I am not guilty of any crime, and that I hold this whole procedure with nothing but contempt. Kovat: That's good, that's good. Maintain that level of arrogance in the courtroom and we should put on a very good show indeed. O'Brien: I do have one question. Kovat: Yes, certainly. O'Brien: Have you ever won a case? Kovat: Winning isn't everything. Sisko: Are they all like this? Kira: All of them. There isn't a photon warhead left in here. Sisko: How could somebody transport two dozen warheads off this station without the perimeter sensors picking it up? Dax: The metal in these crates has the same mass as the warheads. A transporter could been programd to switch the two simultaneously. The sensors could've been fooled. Kira: But it would require a transporter expert. Bashir: I know what you're implying, Major, and I don't like it. Kira: Neither do I, but there is more. According to the logs, O'Brien was in here just minutes before his runabout left. Dax: Computer, play security log entry, stardate 47944.2, weapons locker. O'Brien: Request access. weapons locker four. Miles O'Brien, security level one. Dax: The computer confirmed his voice-print ID and let him in. Kira: As soon as the door opened, some kind of field saturation device was activated that froze all the security scanners in the room. Sisko: I want a full analysis of that voice-print. Make absolutely sure it was O'Brien. Bashir: It doesn't make sense. What would he do with photon warheads? Kira: Give them to the Maquis. We had an advisory two weeks ago that a Maquis ship disabled a Bolian freighter near the Demilitarized zone and stole a supply of photon launchers. Sisko: Launchers, but no warheads. Kira: Launchers, but no warheads. Bashir: You're suggesting that Miles O'Brien took his wife on a romantic vacation as an excuse to deliver warheads to the Maquis? I don't believe it. Sisko: If these warheads were in the runabout, they'll be used as evidence in the trial. Bashir: Commander! Sisko: We'll find that out soon enough. Dax: If they were in the runabout, how did the Cardassians find out? Sisko: That's the one question I want an answer to. I also want to find out who the other guy was. Kira: The other guy? Sisko: The one who was waiting to receive these warheads. I'll have Starfleet intelligence begin to pick up Maquis suspects for questioning. In the meantime, let's see if we can ID any possible Maquis members who've been on the station recently. Dismissed. O'Brien: Tell me you're here to take me home. Odo: I'm sorry. How have they treated you? O'Brien: Not so bad. They did some dental work when I got here that wasn't fun. Odo: All Cardassians are required to give the Bureau of Identification one of their first molars. It's usually extracted at age ten. O'Brien: Keiko. Is she all right? Odo: She came with me. O'Brien: She's here? Now? Odo: It's not permitted for family members to visit offenders in confinement. She'll be at the trial tomorrow. The Cardassians always invite families to trials and executions so that the public can see them weep. O'Brien: No, I don't want her there. I don't want her to see me like this. Odo: I think that's a mistake. O'Brien: My lawyer's already told me it's all over but the execution. I don't even know what I'm charged with! Did they tell you anything? Odo: No. But we have an idea. O'Brien: What? Odo: Have you ever had any dealings with the Maquis? O'Brien: Dealings? No. I'm not sure what you mean Odo: Do you know anybody in the Maquis? O'Brien: No. Odo: Ever supplied any of them with weapons? O'Brien: No! Are you here to interrogate me, Constable? Is anybody ever going to tell me what I'm supposed to have done? Odo: Commander Sisko informed me a few hours ago that twenty four photon warheads are missing from the station. We believe they may have been in your runabout's cargo bay intended for the Maquis. O'Brien: The Cardassians did find something in the hold, it's true. Odo: But you know nothing about it? O'Brien: Nothing. Odo: And you didn't transport them from weapons locker four just before you left the station? O'Brien: No. Odo: Were you in weapons locker four before you left the station? O'Brien: No. Odo: Then why does the log say that you were? Why was it your voice releasing the security lock? O'Brien: My voice? Odo: Your voice. O'Brien: I don't know. You don't know me very well, Constable, but I, I, I've been in service to the Federation, Starfleet, all my adult life. No one has ever questioned my loyalty. No one in my entire life has ever had cause to ask, Miles O'Brien, are you a criminal? I took an oath to defend the Federation and what it stands for. I don't steal from them. I don't lie to them. I'm no angel, but I try to live every day as the best human being I know how to be. I need my little girl to wake up in the morning and look up at me and see a man she can respect. Until now, she always could. Odo: Being accused of a crime is not a disgrace, Chief. Some of the great figures of history have shared the honor with you. O'Brien: I didn't figure on dying a martyr. Odo: Not all of them were martyrs, not all of them died. Some of them were just innocent men like you. Now, I've managed to get myself named to your defense team. I'll be there tomorrow. Your wife will be there as well, but she won't be weeping and neither will you. I want the Archon to see the clear, unwavering eyes of an innocent man. Is that understood? O'Brien: Yes, sir. Odo: Guard! I'll see you tomorrow. O'Brien: Odo. Thanks for being here. Dax: The voice modulation patterns don't match up. See how the peaks here and here are out of phase? Bashir: So we can prove it wasn't O'Brien who entered the weapons locker? Dax: It's O'Brien's voice, but the sentence was reconstructed sound by sound. Kira: I've got our Maquis. I narrowed the suspects down to twelve people who live in the Demilitarized zone and were on the station that day. Kira: Raymond Boone, human, lives on Volan Three. Three merchants on the Promenade saw him talking to O'Brien just before he left. Bashir: Talking to him. And recording his voice, perhaps? Kira: Recording? Dax: Someone doctored Chief O'Brien's voice to get into the weapons' locker. Sisko: I'll have him picked up. Makbar: The offender, Miles O'Brien, human, officer of the Federation Starfleet Makbar: Has been found guilty of aiding and abetting seditious acts against the state. The sentence is death. Let the trial begin. Conservator Kovat, is the offender ready to face his judgment? Kovat: He is, Madame Archon. Makbar: Let him enter. Makbar: Mister O'Brien, you can spare your family and the Federation further humiliation by dispensing with this proceeding and confessing now. O'Brien: No, thanks. Makbar: Very well. The Nestor and Mrs O'Brien may enter. Makbar: Mrs O'Brien, this court recognizes the disgrace your husband has brought to you. As is prescribed in the Cardassian Articles of Jurisprudence, we hereby offer you the opportunity to dissociate yourself from his actions by testifying against him. Keiko: I have no intention of testifying against my husband. Makbar: Call the first witness. Odo: Madame Archon, may I confer privately with the Conservator before we begin. Makbar: I believe this is the first time you are serving as Nestor, so perhaps I should explain that you have no authority to address this court. You assist the defendant, that is all. Odo: I beg the court's indulgence. I am new at this. Makbar: All of Cardassia is watching these proceedings. Private conferences do not make for good viewing. You should have done this before we convened. Very well, make it quick. Kovat: Please don't ruin this for me. I'm only a year away from retirement. Odo: We have new evidence to prove O'Brien's innocence. Kovat: New evidence? Odo: If O'Brien is accused of stealing warheads from Deep Space Nine, we can prove that he didn't do it. Kovat: Of course he did it. He's been found guilty, hasn't he? Odo: Someone manipulated a recording of his voice to gain entry. I can produce that recording here. Kovat: No evidence can be submitted after the verdict has been reached. You should know that. Odo: Of course, but I was hoping that the most renowned Conservator in all of Cardassia Kovat: You flatter me, sir, you flatter me, but we want justice, not chaos in this court. No, I will have no part of this. Makbar: Enough. Are you ready to proceed, Conservator? Kovat: I am. Odo: Madam Archon, may I address the court? Makbar: Didn't I just explain to you that you may not? Odo: But if our Conservator refuses to bring up new evidence Makbar: Silence! Odo: Of a manipulated recording of the offender's voice that would prove his innocence. Makbar: You are out of order, sir! Odo: what else am I supposed to do? Makbar: You are supposed to respect our judicial procedures. Wouldn't you ask that we respect your rules if we were in your court? Odo: Which raises my next point, Madame Archon. I would like to move for a change of venue to my court. No crime has been committed against Cardassia. It was in fact committed at a Bajoran space station Kovat: Madame Archon, I am extremely humiliated. I ask to be relieved of this assignment. Makbar: No! Sit down! And you, sir, do not try the patience of the Cardassian people. If this court finds you in contempt, you will diskover the punishment very unpleasant. Odo: I regret that I have no teeth to offer your Bureau of Identification. Makbar: As for new evidence, yes, I fully expected the Federation to come up with remarkable new evidence in an attempt to free Mister O'Brien. I'm sure your experts can create all sorts of evidence to confuse the issues. That may work in your courts, but not here. There will be no new evidence considered. Call the first witness. Sisko: Look, we're not after the Maquis. We're just trying to help an innocent man. Boone: And I'm telling you I don't have any idea what you're talking about. Kira: People saw you talking to O'Brien just before he left. Boone: Since when is that a crime? We're old friends from the Rutledge. Sisko: Doesn't it bother you that old friend is about to be executed by the Cardassians? Boone: Of course it does. I wish there were something I could do to help. Kira: He has a wife and a five year old daughter. Sisko: If you're worried we'll turn you over to the Cardassians, I can assure you that we won't. Boone: I haven't done anything. I don't have anything to be worried about. Sisko: Hold him for further questioning. Bashir: Computer, lights. Maquis: Don't turn around, Doctor. Bashir: There's nothing here you could want. Maquis: You have a man in custody suspected of arranging the theft of photon warheads. Raymond Boone. Bashir: That's right. Maquis: I am here to tell you he is not one of us. Bashir: One of us? You're from the Maquis. Maquis: That's correct. Bashir: Why should I believe you? Maquis: We knew nothing about the theft and this man is not one of us. That's all I can tell you. Bashir: How do I know that you're not just trying to protect him? Who else would want photon warheads? Gul Evek: The Maquis are savage, Federation-born killers. They live Gul Evek: You terrorize and murder innocent Cardassians, as evidenced by these weapons we confiscated from O'Brien's ship. Kovat: These Maquis are based in the Demilitarized zone? Gul Evek: They are all from Federation settlements in Cardassian-occupied territory. Frankly, the situation is becoming untenable. How many more innocent people must die before the situation becomes clear? Kovat: How do you know these photon warheads recovered from the offender's vessel were intended for the Maquis? Gul Evek: According to reliable sources, the Maquis arranged the theft. Odo: I object. Kovat: Madame Archon, please! Makbar: I thought we went over this yesterday, Mister Odo. What is it this time? Odo: Gul Evek has tied the Maquis to this plot by quoting reliable sources. I think we deserve to know who these reliable sources are. Makbar: Can you provide any details, Gul Evek? Gul Evek: I'm afraid that information cannot be revealed without risk to national security, Madame Archon. Makbar: That's an acceptable answer. Odo: Might we know how Gul Evek learned the warheads were in the runabout? Gul Evek: Yes, of course. We learned about them from reliable sources. Makbar: Are you satisfied, Nestor? Odo: Madame Archon! Makbar: Enough. This is already the longest trial in the history of Cardassia let's try to speed things up, shall we? Proceed, Mister Kovat. Kovat: As you wish, Madame Archon. I'll try to be as brief as possible. Boone: What is this? Sisko: I'd like Doctor Bashir to give you a physical examination. Boone: What for? Sisko: To help us answer some questions about you. Boone: What are you talking about? Bashir: For example, why you haven't spoken to your parents in eight years. Boone: What's that got to do with anything? I never got along with them. Bashir: That's not what they told us. Sisko: You left your wife about eight years ago. You'd been married a long time. Almost fifteen years, wasn't it? Boone: Look, this is none of your business. Sisko: And about the same time you were diskharged from Starfleet after failing several crew performance reviews. Bashir: All of it seemed to happen shortly after Setlik Three. Bashir: Bring him over here. O'Brien: Some romantic vacation I took you on, huh? Keiko: We'll have other chances. O'Brien: Keiko, I don't want you to be there next week. Keiko: It isn't over yet. O'Brien: Don't give them the satisfaction. Keiko: Miles, you can't just O'Brien: I mean it. Makbar: Court will resume. The offender will step forward and testify. O'Brien: I have nothing to say to this court. Makbar: Under Cardassian law, you are compelled to testify. Step forward. Kovat: This would be a good time for you to advise the offender. Odo: Advise him to do what? Kovat: To confess. To throw himself on the mercy of the court, of course. Odo: I never heard of a Cardassian court showing mercy. Kovat: That is not the point. Think of the children, sir. Allow them to see a glimmer of enlightenment as the offender realizes that the end is near. Let him use his last breath to show remorse. Makbar: Do you wish to advise the offender at this time, Nestor? Odo: No, Madame Archon. Makbar: Very well. Proceed, Mister Kovat. Kovat: Mister O'Brien, were you abused as a child? O'Brien: What? Kovat: Were your parents especially abusive? Did you hate them very much? O'Brien: I loved my parents. Kovat: I see. Spousal abuse, perhaps? Was your wife causing you severe psychological stress? O'Brien: My wife is the most wonderful, supportive person I've ever known. Kovat: Excuse me for asking. I'm merely trying to establish why a fine man like you could turn into a criminal. Perhaps you could help me. O'Brien: Sorry, no, I can't help, because I'm no criminal. Kovat: Well, I tried. Makbar: Tell me, Mister O'Brien. How many Cardassians have you killed? O'Brien: Killed? None. Since the war, that is. Makbar: Including the war, how many Cardassians have you killed? Odo: Madame Archon, what relevance does Mister O'Brien's war experiences have? Makbar: His past criminal record is very much relevant to these proceedings, sir. Answer the question. O'Brien: I'm not sure. Makbar: That many, eh? O'Brien: It was war. Both sides did things they had to do. Makbar: Tell me, Mister O'Brien, now that we are at peace, do you have a warm place in your heart for your Cardassian neighbors? Or are you deeply prejudiced against Cardassians? Do you not, in fact, hate Cardassians? Have you not on several occasions publicly stated your opposition to the treaty because, and I quote, 'the bloody Cardies can't be trusted'? O'Brien: I decline to answer. Makbar: There are no grounds in Cardassian law which permit you to decline. Answer the question. Is it an accurate quote or not? O'Brien: It is. Kovat: Madame Archon, at this time, it seems the offender's guilt has been clearly established and I see no other alternative but to concede to the verdict. O'Brien: I do not concede. Makbar: You may stand down, Mister O'Brien. O'Brien: I am not guilty. I have committed no crime, and I do not concede to this court or the Cardassian Empire. Kovat: Madam Archon, I apologize but I appear I have lost control of my client. Makbar: No matter. You've done your usual eloquent job on his behalf, Conservator Kovat. Kovat: Thank you, Madam Archon. This has been a most difficult case but it is always an honor to serve your court. Kovat: I object to this. Madam Archon, how can you continue to tolerate these intrusions? Makbar: Return to your seat. Once again the Cardassian system of jurisprudence has worked to protect it's people. A guilty man has been brought to justice. But, never let it be said that there is no room in this system for compassion. I sense in Mister O'Brien, a man with strong family ties, the potential for rehabilitation. And I'm sure he has gained a new appreciation of Cardassian law through this difficult process. Therefore, I am pleased, in the spirit of furthering Cardassian-Federation relations, to hereby set aside the verdict and to release Mister O'Brien into the custody of his Commander, Benjamin Sisko. Kovat: What happened? What? Odo: You won. Kovat: I? They'll kill me. Keiko: Then the Maquis told you about Boone. Sisko: When Doctor Bashir examined him, he diskovered that Boone was missing his first molar. The DNA analysis confirmed that he was Cardassian. Keiko: He was surgically altered? Sisko: Eight years ago, to replace the real Raymond Boone who was taken prisoner at Setlik Three and apparently killed in detention. O'Brien: Well, how did you figure it out? Sisko: His ex-wife told us he came back from captivity a different man. She blamed it on the treatment he received from the Cardassians, but it started us to think. O'Brien: So he was spying for the Cardassians even when he was serving on the Rutledge with me? Keiko: But why did they want to frame Miles? Odo: This trial was never about your husband, Mrs O'Brien. It was designed from the beginning to diskredit the Federation, to show that the Maquis had their official sanction. Gul Evek's testimony made it clear that the situation had become untenable. O'Brien: Next they would have been demanding that the Federation colonies be disbanded. Sisko: Exactly. When Makbar saw Boone in the courtroom, she realized that we had the goods to embarrass the High Command in front of the entire populace. Keiko: I'm just glad it's all over. O'Brien: Yeah, I'm ready to get back to work. Sisko: Oh no, no, no. I had to use all of my influence to extend your accommodations at the lagoon. We'll drop you off on our way home. O'Brien: But we haven't any bags, no holocam. I've nothing to read. Keiko: Perfect.

Sisko: Hey, Jake. What's all this? Jake: My science project. I'm growing Bajoran katterpods to find out which hybrid yields the biggest root. Sisko: That's it? You're just going to watch it grow? Jake: Yeah. Pretty neat, huh? Sisko: Not bad, but don't you think it's a little Low tech? Jake: I'm a low tech kind of guy, Dad. Sisko: I still think you can do something a little more challenging. If you could do any science project you wanted to, anything at all, what would it be? Jake: Learn how to pilot a runabout? Sisko: Well, that's not exactly a science project, is it? Second choice? Jake: Visit the Gamma Quadrant? Sisko: And what would you do when you got there? Jake: I don't know. I could do a planetary survey? Sisko: Not bad. All right, let's do it. Jake: Really? Sisko: It'll be like a vacation. A working vacation. Jake: That's great! Thanks, Dad. I bet we'll have a great time. Sisko: I know we will. Kira: Let's see. We have a Bolian freighter due in day after tomorrow. We'll be outfitting another group of settlers leaving for New Bajor. You know, I heard their new irrigation system is really something to see. When you get to the Gamma Quadrant, you ought to take a look. Sisko: Not this trip. I really want to spend some time alone with Jake. When's the Odyssey due back from the Cardassian border? Kira: Three days. Sisko: It's a shame I'll have to miss your reunion with Captain Keogh. Dax: Don't you find him just a little arrogant? Sisko: Funny, he said the same thing about you. Dax: Did he. O'Brien: Commander, your son's here to see you. Sisko: Send him in. He's really looking forward to this trip. Jake: Dad, guess what? I was talking to Nog and it turns out he's having trouble coming up with a science project, so I told him he could be my partner. Kira: We can finish this up later. Sisko: Partner? Jake: We asked Mrs O'Brien and she said it would be okay, so I invited Nog to come with us to the Gamma Quadrant. Sisko: Now hold on a second, Jake-o. Jake: Dad, if Nog doesn't get a good grade on this science project, he's going to drop out of school. And I can't let that happen. Sisko: Maybe he can help you analyze the survey information when we get back? Jake: That's not enough. Mrs O'Brien said he'd have to be an equal partner. Come on, Dad. He's my friend. I have to help him. Quark: Morn, you've been sitting here all day staring at the same drink. Talk to me. I want to help. I'm not just your bartender, I'm your friend. Whatever's wrong, I'm here for you. Quark: Hold that thought. Quark: Well? What did he say? Odo: What did who say? Quark: Commander Sisko. About my idea. Odo: You mean using the monitors throughout the station to sell merchandise? Quark: Stop torturing me, Odo. Tell me what he said. Odo: Guess. Quark: He said yes. Odo: Guess again. Quark: It would triple my profits. But how could he refuse? Odo: Maybe it's because he doesn't like you. Quark: Don't be ridiculous. Major Kira's the one that doesn't like me. Sisko Odo: Doesn't like you either. Quark: What did I ever do to him? Odo: Oh, I could think of one or two things. Quark: One or two things. That's nothing. So do you think there's any way I can change his mind? Odo: Ha! Nog: Uncle Quark? Quark: Not now. Nog: I just wanted to tell you I'm not going to be able to work my shift for the next couple of days. Quark: Why not? Nog: I'm going to the Gamma Quadrant with Jake and his father. Quark: You're going to the Gamma Quadrant with Commander Sisko. How Lucky for you. Nog: I always wanted to see what the cockpit of a runabout looked like. Hey, how do you fire the phasers? Jake: Nog, you promised. Nog: I wasn't going to touch anything. Sisko: Why don't the two of you stow our gear in the back while I go through pre-launch? Nog: I'll do it. Jake: I'll be right there. Sisko: Fire the phasers? Jake: He was kidding. Look, Dad. I know this isn't exactly the trip you planned on, but you'll see Nog's a great guy. Sisko: I'm sure he is. I was just hoping that you and I could spend this time together. Jake: We will. Don't worry. You won't even know Nog's along. This'll be a great trip, you'll see. Quark: Ah, there you are. Where do I put my bags? Nog: Uncle Quark, what are you doing here? Quark: What does it look like? I'm going with you. Sisko: Since when? Quark: Really, Commander. You don't expect my nephew to go all the way to the Gamma Quadrant without proper supervision? No offense. Some of my best friends are humans. But my brother Rom isn't as liberal as I am. Let's face it, he's never been comfortable about Nog's friendship with your son. Sisko: You can tell Rom not to worry. I'll take good care of the boy. And I promise I won't try to corrupt him with my human values. Quark: I know that, but Rom is convinced all humans look down on Ferengi, and by allowing me to come on this trip you can help prove him wrong. He is wrong, isn't he? Jake: Dad, please. Sisko: All right. But let's get going before anyone else shows up. Jake: Thanks, Dad. Thanks. Jake: This place is great. Sisko: Our preliminary surveys suggest it's a lot like Earth during the early Devonian period. A lot of plant life, fish, some insects, but no predators or large animals. Pretty, isn't it? Quark: I don't see what's so pretty about it. Nog: I think they mean the trees and stuff. Sisko: Quark, this is as close to paradise as you're going to get. All you need to do is allow yourself to see it. Quark: I can tell you what I see in two words. Exploitable resources. Sisko: I suppose you want to cut down all these trees and start strip mining the entire planet. Quark: As a wise man once wrote, 'Nature decays, but latinum lasts forever.' Nog: Rule of Acquisition number one oh two. Quark: Good lad. Nog, I have some ointment in one of my bags. Get it. Sisko: What's the problem? Quark: Oh, I get a mild reaction now and then. Sisko: To what? Quark: Nature. Sisko: Perhaps you'd be more comfortable sleeping on the runabout. Quark: And miss all the fun? Never. Besides, I'm really looking forward to our getting to know each other better. Quark: Ahh, that's much better. Now, if it only wasn't so hot. Sisko: I hadn't noticed. Quark: It isn't the heat so much as the humidity and the insects, the stench of these flowers. I'm glad we could talk like this. There's nothing like facing the wilderness to bring people closer. Sisko: The answer is still no, Quark. Quark: No? No to what? Sisko: I'm not going to allow you to sell merchandise over the station's monitors. Quark: Why not? It's a brilliant idea. With my connections, I could offer a whole range of merchandise which normally couldn't be acquired in this sector. Sisko: Such as? Quark: Collectibles. Andorian jewellry, Vulcan IDIC pins, Bolian crystalsteel. And with my low overhead, I could offer these items at a significant diskount. Sisko: Quark, you're wasting your time, and mine. Quark: Did I mention I was going to donate two percent of my net profits to the Bajoran Fund for Orphans? Three percent? Sisko: So how's it going? Jake: The atmosphere's seventy seven percent nitrogen, twenty one percent oxygen, and two percent carbon dioxide. The water contains traces of copper, nickel and a little birythium. Sisko: You're showing a little lead there too. Jake: It's from the surrounding soil, but we think it's localized. Nog: We're going to check other water sources just to be sure. Sisko: Why not wait until tomorrow. I was just about to start dinner. Jake: Jumbalaya? Sisko: How'd you know? Jake: Great. Nog: Jumbowhat? Jake: You're going to love it. Sisko: The two of you did good work today. Nog: Yes! Sisko: Anyone want some more? Jake: Not me. Nog: Me neither, Commander, but it was very good. You know, I think I'm developing a taste for human food. Sisko: Quark? Quark: I still say there's some dirt in the sauce. And these bugs. Look at this. They get into everything. It's disgusting. Sisko: I thought the Ferengis liked eating bugs. Quark: Only certain bugs. Ferengi bugs. Nog, get some more ointment for the back of my neck. Nog: Yes, Uncle. Sisko: Better get a good night's sleep. We have another big day tomorrow. Jake: Yeah, I want to start cataloging the plant life first thing in the morning. You know what this reminds me of? Sisko: A camping trip we took on Itamish Three. Jake: I don't think I remember you, me, and Mom ever having more fun together. Sisko: Isn't that where I taught you how to water ski? Jake: Mom taught me how to water ski. Sisko: Yes. She was always the graceful one. You know, Jake, we really need to get away more often. Jake: I'm ready whenever you are. I'm sure Nog is too. I'm joking. Quark: I'm on fire! I'm on fire! Sisko: Quark, cover it up! Are you all right? Quark: No, I'm not all right! My ears itch, my nose is running, I'm eating foreign bugs. Now look at me. One minute I'm trying to pick out a couple of bugs out of that jumbawhatsit pot, next thing I know, whoosh! Sisko: Quark, calm down. Look, do us all a favor. Sit down and try to stay out of trouble. Quark: What did I do? Jake: I'd better go see if he's okay. Quark: Now see what you've done. Sisko: What I've done? Quark: The boy couldn't stand seeing his favorite Uncle insulted. I guess Rom was right after all. You don't like Ferengis, do you? Sisko: That is not true. Quark: All right, name me one Ferengi you do like. Ah ha. You see? I was right. You Federation types are all alike. You talk about tolerance and understanding but you only practice it toward people who remind you of yourselves. Because you disapprove of Ferengi values, you scorn us, distrust us, insult us every chance you get. Sisko: Quark, I don't have to stand here and defend myself. Quark: Tell me, Commander, would you allow your son to marry a Ferengi female? Sisko: I never thought about it. Quark: Exactly my point. Quark: Don't hurt me. Eris: How many of them are there? Quark: There's just the two of us. Eris: Not you, the Jem'Hadar. Sisko: We don't know who you're talking about. We are not your enemies. Eris: Then you'd better run. Talak'Talan: It's too late. You're done running. Quark: This has not been a good day. Jake: Dad, this is Jake. Where are you? Dad, answer me. Nog: I'm telling you, Jake, something's happened to them. Maybe they were attacked by a wild animal. Jake: You heard my Dad. There aren't any wild animals, just insects and plants. Nog: Maybe they were attacked by a vicious tree? Jake: Take a look at this. Jake: I don't know any trees that wear boots. Nog: We'd better beam up to the runabout. Jake: Listen, we can't run away just 'cos we're scared. Nog: Hey, who said anything about being scared? I just thought the runabout would be a good place to er, to plan our next move. Jake: There's nothing to plan. My Dad never would've left here without telling me first, not unless he was in some sort of trouble. We can track them with the tricorder. Nog: Hey! Wait for me. Quark: Hey! Is anybody there? Hello! We're humanoids! We require food and water. Hello? Sisko: Quark, shut up. Quark: This is your fault. They were after you, not us. Why don't you say something to them? Tell them you've never seen us before. We have nothing to do with her! This is a misunderstanding! Sisko: Quark. Quark: I have the right to express my opinion. Sisko: I'm about to put my fist in your opinion. Quark: You don't scare me. And you want to know why you don't scare me? Because I'm already more scared than I've ever been in my life. Sisko: You're not helping anything. Quark: I'm not helping anything? I don't see you coming up with any ideas. Or her. Sisko: If she wants to help us, she will. Right now, I'd say she's even more scared than you are. Quark: Believe me, she's not. Sisko: She's obviously been running from these people for a while. She's probably been through a lot. She doesn't know who we are, what we're about. I just hope that Jake and Nog are smart enough to stay out of sight until help gets here. Quark: Trust me, I didn't raise my nephew to be a fool. He'll find the nearest dark hole and climb into it. Sisko: I'm not so sure about Jake. If I know him, he'll be looking for us. Quark: Don't they teach you how to neutralize security fields in Starfleet? Sisko: I've never seen anything like this before. It seems like it's generated by Eris: Don't. The security barrier will kill you. Sisko: Thanks for the warning. Eris: I have no wish to see you hurt. Quark: A lovely sentiment. Sisko: How did you know that the security barrier's lethal? Eris: Because everything about the Jem'Hadar is lethal. Sisko: Anything you can tell me about them might be helpful. Eris: Are you saying you've never heard of the Jem'Hadar? Sisko: We're not from around here. My name is Benjamin Sisko. I'm from the United Federation of Planets. We came through a wormhole to get here. Our home is thousands of light years away. Eris: My name is Eris. Sisko: I'm glad to meet you, Eris. Sisko: That's Quark. Tell me about the Jem'Hadar. Eris: They're the most feared soldiers in the Dominion. Quark: The Dominion? The Ferengi have been trying to open up trade negotiations with the Dominion for almost a year now. We've never heard of the Jem'Hadar. Eris: Then you've been fortunate. Negotiations with the Dominion can be a dangerous thing. Sisko: If it's so dangerous, why would anyone do business with them? Eris: The Dominion decides that you have something that they want and then they come and take it by negotiation or by force. Believe me, I know. I've seen it happen on my own world. Kurill Prime was offered entry into the Dominion. They thought our telekinetic powers would be useful to them. Sisko: Back there in the camp, that's what you used to knock me down. Eris: When Kurill refused the Dominion's offer, they sent in the Jem'Hadar. They destroyed our communications center, they executed our leaders, and before we realized it, they had seized control of the entire planet. Sisko: How did you manage to escape? Eris: I was on a freighter returning home when the attack occurred. We fled, but they came after us. Sisko: Why? Eris: My mother was an outspoken opponent of the Dominion. I guess they wanted to make an example of my family. Sisko: That thing they put around your neck Eris: It suppresses my telekinetic abilities. Without it, I might be able to break through the security barrier. Sisko: Then we'll just have to find a way to get this collar off. Eris: Even if we do get past the barrier, no one ever escapes from the Jem'Hadar. Sisko: Luckily for us, they seem as sure about that as you do. Look around you. They've placed the three of us in the same containment field. I've never seen more than four guards on duty at any one time. As far as I can tell, there's only this single containment field between us and freedom. They're overconfident, and that's what's going to help us get out of here. Maybe if I can pry off that casing, I can get at the locking mechanism. May I? Eris: Of course. Nog: Are you sure you know how to read that thing? Jake: Pretty sure. Nog: Pretty sure? We've been walking for hours and you're only pretty sure? Jake: Would you be quiet? I'm picking up some kind of humanoid lifeforms. Nog: I don't know who they are, but they don't look friendly. Jake: I wish we could get closer. Nog: I don't think they'll look any friendlier close up. Quark: Hello! I know someone must be listening to me out there. Eris: If we escape, do we have to take him with us? Sisko: He's not so bad. Quark: Whoever's in charge, you're missing a very lucrative opportunity. Eris: Doesn't he realize he's not accomplishing anything? Sisko: Don't be so sure. We need to know what the Jem'Hadar plan to do with us. Which means we need to get their attention. Quark: Did I mention I happen to be a close personal friend of the Grand Nagus. He's a very powerful person. Sisko: And if there's one thing I know Talak'Talan: That's enough. Sisko: It's that Quark is hard to ignore. Sisko: I'm Commander Benjamin Sisko of the United Federation of Planets. I want to know why we are being held here. Talak'Talan: That's not my concern. Sisko: Then why won't you let us go? Talak'Talan: Because the Founders don't want you released. Sisko: And who are the Founders? Talak'Talan: That's not your concern. Quark: This isn't getting us anywhere. Commander, allow me. How would you like a thousand cases of tulaberry wine. Talak'Talan: Don't bother, Commander. I'm not going to do any permanent damage. Sisko: If the Founders are the ones who give the orders, I want to meet them. Talak'Talan: Those aren't my orders. Eris: He can't take you to the Founders because they don't exist. They're a myth. Talak'Talan: The Founders exist. They created the Dominion. Sisko: And the Jem'Hadar are their servants? Talak'Talan: A Ferengi and a human. I was hoping the first race I'd meet from the other side of the anomaly would be the Klingons. Sisko: I'm sorry to disappoint you. Talak'Talan: It's too late for apologies. The Dominion will no longer stand by and allow ships from your side to violate our territory. I hear that Klingons are effective warriors. What's that weapon they're so fond of? The bat'leth? Sisko: I am not interested in discussing the Klingons. Talak'Talan: All right. Then what about the Cardassians? Are you satisfied with the treaty your Federation made with them? It seems a tactical error. Sisko: How do you know so much about our side of the galaxy? Talak'Talan: We gain more knowledge every day, and now we have you to help us learn more. Sisko: I don't plan on telling you anything. Talak'Talan: I won't be the one asking the questions. Sisko: Who will? Talak'Talan: I was really hoping to meet a Klingon. Quark: Well, now that we're all friends, I feel much better. Nog: I hope this works. Jake: You wanted a plan, I came up with a plan. Now let me concentrate. Computer, scan the region around our base camp for human and Ferengi lifesigns. Computer: One human and one Ferengi located. Nog: That's them. Jake: I told you this would work. Computer, lock onto the two lifeforms and beam them up. Computer: Unable to comply. Subjects are located inside a spatial distortion field. Nog: I knew it couldn't be that easy. Jake: Maybe we'd better go back to the station for help. Nog: Good idea. Computer, fly us back to the station. Computer: Please restate command. Jake: Computer, disengage autopilot and lay in a course back to the wormhole. Computer: Enter authorisation code. Nog: Go ahead. What are you waiting for? Jake: I don't know the authorisation code. Computer: Vessel approaching from the planet's surface, bearing one seven three mark two eight one. Nog: Computer, evasive manoeuver! Fire phasers! Launch torpedoes and escape pods! Jake: Computer, display the approaching ship on the monitor. Jake: Computer, where'd the ship go? Computer: The vessel has entered warp, bearing one seven one mark two five nine. Nog: Maybe they didn't see us. Jake: Maybe we're not what they're after. Nog: So what do we do now? Jake: We'll have to shut down the autopilot. Nog: How do we do that? Jake: I guess we'll find out how much I learned working for Chief O'Brien. Kira: Lieutenant, what's the eta of the Odyssey? Dax: They're due in eight hours. I'm reading elevated neutrino levels from the wormhole. Kira: On screen. Kira: Hail them, Lieutenant. Dax: They're not answering. Kira: Shields up. Go to yellow alert. O'Brien: Computer, intruder in Ops. Activate a level three containment field. Kira: I'm Major Kira Nerys, First Officer of this station. You'll have to excuse the containment field, but around here it's customary to identify yourself before transporting into someone else's command center. Talak'Talan: I'm Third Talak'Talan of the Jem'Hadar. I'm here to inform you that your commander has been detained for questioning by the Dominion. Kira: Detained? For how long? Talak'Talan: Indefinitely. Commander Sisko will serve as an example of what happens to anyone who interferes with the Dominion. Kira: What kind of interference are you talking about? Talak'Talan: Coming through the anomaly is interference enough. Unless you wish to continue to offend the Dominion, I suggest you stay on your side of the galaxy. Dax: You're making a mistake if you think that detaining Commander Sisko will stop us from exploring the Gamma Quadrant. Talak'Talan: We anticipated that response. O'Brien: Security team to Ops. Talak'Talan: Here's a list of vessels we've destroyed for violating our territory. Kira: Where did you get this datapadd. Talak'Talan: From the Bajoran colony on our side of the anomaly. You should be proud. I hear they fought well for a spiritual people. I hope we won't have to repeat this lesson. Kira: Chief, lock a tractor beam onto his ship. O'Brien: Acknowledged. I can't establish a lock, Major. They must have some kind of deflectors we haven't seen before. Dax: They've entered the wormhole. We've lost them. Sisko: Got it. It looks like some kind of multiple locking system. Eris: Even if I can break through the security barrier, how do you plan to get off the planet? Sisko: We'll try to find my son. We'll use his communicator to signal my ship and transport us off the surface. Eris: And then what? Sisko: You're welcome to come back to the station with us. I'm sure Starfleet would like to hear anything you have to tell them about the Dominion. Eris: I'd be glad to tell them all I know. Sisko: Quark, maybe you'd better take a look at this. Quark: Sure, Quark, be quiet. Quark, stand watch. Quark, pick a lock. All you ever do is order me around. You know, Commander, I think I've figured out why humans don't like Ferengis. Sisko: Not now, Quark. Quark: The way I see it, humans used to be a lot like Ferengi. Greedy, acquisitive, interested only in profit. We're a constant reminder of a part of your past you'd like to forget. Sisko: Quark, we don't have time for this. Quark: But you're overlooking something. Humans used to be a lot worse than the Ferengi. Slavery, concentration camps, interstellar wars. We have nothing in our past that approaches that kind of barbarism. You see? We're nothing like you. We're better. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a lock to pick. Jake: This shouldn't be so hard. I just watched Chief O'Brien run a maintenance check on the Mekong's navigational array a couple of weeks ago. Nog: From the looks of things, you haven't been watching very closely. Try that one. Jake: I don't think that's it. Nog: Try it. I have a hunch. Jake: All right. Let's see. Computer: Warning. Warp core collapse in ten seconds. Nine, eight Nog: Put it back! Put it back! Computer: Seven, six. Warp core containment field stabilized. Nog: Sorry. Jake: Wait a second. he G and N relay. Nog: What about it? Jake: I think O'Brien said something about the autopilot being connected to the guidance and navigational relay. If I could just find it. It was this round thing, with this square part on the bottom. I think I got it. Nog: Is that it? Jake: I hope so. Computer, what's the status on the autopilot? Computer: The automatic pilot system is not functional. Nog: All right! Yes! Jake: Lay in a course for the wormhole at warp eight. Computer: Unable to comply. The automatic pilot system is not functional. Nog: Now what? Jake: I guess we'll have to try and fly it ourselves. Keogh: Starfleet's orders are simple. Traffic through the wormhole will be suspended until the Odyssey can investigate the Jem'Hadar's threat. Dax: What about Benjamin and the others? Keogh: Don't worry, Lieutenant. Commander Sisko's return is a top priority. Dax: If you're going to try to rescue them, then we're coming with you. Keogh: Are you sure that's wise? With the exception of Major Kira and Mister O'Brien, none of you have had much combat experience. Bashir: We fought the Maquis. Keogh: All the Maquis had were a pair of lightly armed shuttlecraft. I expect the Dominion to have sharper teeth. Kira: Well then you're going to need all the help you can get. Keogh: Mister O'Brien, can you equip the two remaining runabouts with extra banks of photon torpedoes? O'Brien: I already started retrofitting their weapons systems. They should be ready in a few hours. Dax: It should take at least that long to offload all the nonessential personnel from the Odyssey. You were planning on doing that, weren't you? Keogh: Lieutenant, have you ever thought of serving on a starship? Dax: I'm happy where I am. Keogh: Good. Major, be prepared to leave at thirteen hundred hours. I'll be aboard the Odyssey if you need me. Kira: Yes, sir. Bashir: I thought you said Keogh didn't like you. Dax: Did I say that? Kira: Come on. You heard him. We've got three hours. Odo: Station security is to be on maximum alert. I want random patrols of all corridors and periodic sensor sweeps of every level. Now, the Provisional government has agreed to send us a detachment of extra security personnel. This outlines how I want them deployed. Kira: Odo. Odo: Major. That'll be all. Kira: Captain Keogh has moved up our departure time. We have to be ready in fifteen minutes. Odo: I'm on my way to meet Chief O'Brien and Lieutenant Dax at the Mekong right now. Kira: Are you sure that you don't want to stay and oversee things here on the station? I don't know what we're going to come up against once we're there. Your duties do not require you to come with us. Odo: I realize that, but I figure while you and the others are trying to rescue Sisko and the boys, someone ought to be there to look out for Quark. Kira: Quark? You're joking. I thought you hated Quark. Odo: I do. But I'd rather see him in jail than in the hands of the Dominion. Believe me, Major, if anything happened to him, you'd miss him too. Kira: I'd be willing to take that chance. But not today. I'd better get to the Orinoco. Odo? Keep your head down. Odo: Make sure you do the same. Bashir: Where's the welcoming committee? Dax: Maybe the Jem'Hadar were bluffing. Odo: Or maybe it's a trap. Keogh: Odyssey to runabouts. O'Brien: Go ahead, Captain. Officer: Preliminary tachyon scans are negative. Keogh: We're not detecting anything on long range scanners, but for all we know, the Dominion could have cloaking technology. Dax: We'll keep our eyes open, sir. Nog: I'm telling you, Jake, we should go to warp. Jake: First let me get the hang of flying at impulse. Nog: How hard can it be? Jake: Are you kidding? You think making course corrections manually is easy? Nog: But at this speed, it'll take weeks to get home. Jake: Actually, it'll take about five years. Nog: Can't we reassemble the autopilot? Jake: If Chief O'Brien taught me anything, it's that it's a lot easier taking things apart than put them back together. Computer: Warning. Three ships coming out of warp. Nog: Where? Where? Jake: Right there. O'Brien: Mekong to Rio Grande. Jake: Hey, Chief! It's me, Jake. Kira: Jake, are we glad to find you. Where's your father? Jake: He and Quark were taken prisoner. O'Brien: Jake, come to a full stop. I'll beam aboard. O'Brien: Having trouble getting her out of orbit? Nog: How'd you know? Jake: Chief, we have to go back and save my dad. O'Brien: Don't worry, son. That's exactly what we're going to do. Quark: This is a very sophisticated device. Most telepathic suppressors I've seen have been much bulkier. You know, there might be a market for this in the Alpha Quadrant. Eris: You're hurting me. Quark: I'm sorry, but I don't have much to work with. Eris: You've been at it for hours. Quark: If you would just stay still, I'd be Quark: Done. Sisko: All right, let's get out of here. Eris: Stand back. Sisko: Quark, move it! Sisko: Thanks. Quark: You're welcome. Sisko: Let's go. Bashir: Major, I'm picking up something on forward scanners. Keogh: Odyssey to runabouts. Kira: Go ahead, Odyssey. Keogh: We're detecting three incoming ships in attack formation. Officer: Shields up. Going to Red alert. Dax: Odo, take the helm. I'll handle the targeting controls. Odo: Very good. O'Brien: Captain, this is the Rio Grande. Keogh: Go ahead. O'Brien: Half the systems on this ship are disabled. I'm going to have to break formation. Keogh: Understood. Return to the wormhole. We'll try to screen you from enemy fire. Jake: Well what about my dad? O'Brien: Captain, I'd like to see if I can get close enough to the planet to locate Commander Sisko. Keogh: All right. Keogh: But you have ten minutes, then I want you out of there. Officer: Enemy ships within range. Ready to fire at your command. Keogh: Runabouts, break formation. Attack pattern Delta. Kira: Here they come. Officer: I'm getting casualty reports from decks four, five, eight and seventeen. We also have a plasma leak in our port nacelle. Keogh: Deploy damage control teams. Officer: Aye, sir. Keogh: Keogh to runabouts. Kira: Go ahead. Keogh: They're using some kind of phased polaron beam to penetrate our shields. Dax: Have you tried altering your harmonics to compensate? Keogh: We've run through the full spectrum, but none of the frequencies were effective. Divert shield power to weapons. We'll give O'Brien five more minutes Keogh: Then we're getting out of here. Kira: Understood. Dax, let's see if we can take some pressure off the Odyssey. Dax: We're with you. Bashir: Hang on. Quark: Wait. Stop. I've got to start using one of those holosuite exercise programs. Eris: He's slowing us down. He can hide in the underbrush. We'll transport him to safety once we get to your ship. Sisko: No, I'm not leaving him behind. We never would've gotten away from the Jem'Hadar without him. Quark: Thank you, Commander. I'm glad someone around here appreciates me. Jake: Dad! Sisko: This has turned into some science project, huh, Jake? Nog: Uncle Quark! Quark: Nog, you're never going on a field trip again. Sisko: Take Eris back to the passenger compartment and wait there. Jake, well done. Dax: My control's are dead! Odo: We've lost our sensors. Kira: Break off, Mekong. Initiate evasive maneuvers. We'll lay down covering fire. Odo: Acknowledged. O'Brien: Rio Grande to Odyssey. O'Brien: We've got Sisko. Keogh: Well done, Chief. Officer: Damage control team to level seven. Our tactical control systems are down. We've lost all power to phasers. Keogh: Bridge to Engineering, get that port nacelle back online. Engineer: Aye, Captain. Keogh: Keogh to runabouts, we've got what we came for. Keogh: We'd better fall back before we O'Brien: Their communications array must've been hit. Sisko: Kira, Dax, you heard him. Let's get out of here. Bashir: Major, one of the Jem'Hadar ships is making a direct run at the Odyssey. Kira: Move to intercept. O'Brien: We were retreating. There was no need for a suicide run. Sisko: They're showing us how far they're willing to go. Set a course for the wormhole. Quark: Commander, wait. We need to talk. Eris: I can't believe I'm on the other side of the galaxy. Sisko: You'll get used to it. Move away from her. Eris: I don't understand. Quark: I've been looking over this collar of yours. I thought if I replicated it, I might be able to turn a tidy profit. Imagine my surprise when I diskovered there's nothing in here. It's just a complicated locking device. Sisko: Which means you could have used your telekinetic abilities at any time. So the question is, why didn't you? Eris: You seem to already know the answer. Sisko: The Jem'Hadar wanted us to escape, didn't they? That was the plan all along, for us to bring you back here so that you could spy on the Federation. Eris: Well done, Commander. Sisko: You're one of the Founders, aren't you? Eris: You think the Founders would waste their time with you? Sisko: Constable. Odo: Madam, if you'll come with us Eris: You have no idea what's begun here. Sisko: Chief! O'Brien: I'm picking up a transporter signature but I can't trace it. She didn't rematerialize anywhere on the station. There are no ships nearby. Bashir: Then where is she? Kira: She'll be back. The question is who she'll bring with her? Sisko: If the Dominion comes through the wormhole the first battle will be fought here, and I intend to be ready for them.

Sisko: If you could do any science project you wanted to, anything at all? Jake: Visit the Gamma Quadrant? Quark: We've never heard of the Jem'Hadar. Eris: Then you've been fortunate. Negotiations with the Dominion can be a dangerous thing. Talak'Talan: The Dominion will no longer stand by and allow ships from your side to violate our territory. Keogh: Starfleet's orders are simple. Traffic through the wormhole will be suspended until the Odyssey can investigate the Jem'Hadar's threat. Dax: What about Benjamin and the others? Keogh: Don't worry, Lieutenant. Commander Sisko's return is a top priority. Dax: If you're going to try to rescue them, then we're coming with you. Kira: Here they come. Bashir: Major, one of the Jem'Hadar ships is making a direct run at the Odyssey. Sisko: The Jem'Hadar wanted us to escape, didn't they? Eris: You have no idea what's begun here. Kira: She'll be back. The question is who she'll bring with her? Sisko: If the Dominion comes through the wormhole the first battle will be fought here, and I intend to be ready for them. And now, the continuation. Kira: We're in trouble, people. We've run seven simulations, and they all come out the same. The Jem'Hadar overwhelm our defenses and board the station within two hours. Bashir: Two hours doesn't even give us time to get reinforcements from Bajor. Dax: There must be something we overlooked. O'Brien: Major, I'm the last one to say it's hopeless, but given DS Nine's structural limitations, our available power supply, and the difficulty of defending a stationary target against a heavily armed mobile force, I'd say two hours is optimistic. Bashir: Regardless of the time, the casualties would be appallling. Kira: All right, let's say we let them board the station. That still doesn't mean we have to surrender. Dax: What are you suggesting? Kira: We can hide in the conduits, set up booby-traps, prepare ambushes. Try and hold out until we can get reinforcements. Odo: We can try, but I don't think there'd be much of a station left by the time they got here. Dax: That leaves us with two options. Abandon the station and make a stand on Bajor or collapse the entrance to the wormhole. Kira: I want a third alternative. I cannot believe that we can't Dax: Some kind of large subspace surge has just activated our security sensors. Kira: Where is it? Dax: Bearing one four eight mark two one five. Distance three hundred meters. O'Brien: Three hundred meters? That's almost inside our shield perimeter. Dax: From the intensity and the harmonic signature, it could be a cloaked ship, but I've never seen an energy dispersal pattern like this. Kira: It's too close for comfort, whatever it is. Red Alert. Raise shields, energize phaser banks, stand-by to lock photon torpedoes on Dax: The energy signature's fluctuating. It's decloaking. Dax: It's definitely a Federation starship but I've never seen that design before. O'Brien: A Federation ship with a cloaking device? Dax: It's hailing us. Kira: On screen. Sisko: Hello, Major. Sorry to startle you, but I wanted to test the Defiant's cloaking device. Kira: The Defiant? Sisko: I've brought back a little surprise for the Dominion. Sisko: Officially, it's classified as an escort vessel. Unofficially, the Defiant's a warship. Nothing more, nothing less. Kira: I thought Starfleet didn't believe in warships. Sisko: Desperate times breed desperate measures, Major. Five years ago, Starfleet began exploring the possibility of building a new class of starship. This ship would have no families, no science labs, no luxuries of any kind. It was designed for one purpose only, to fight and defeat the Borg. The Defiant was the prototype, the first ship in what would have been a new Federation battle fleet. Dax: So what happened? Sisko: The Borg threat became less urgent. Also, some design flaws cropped up during the ship's shakedown cruise, so Starfleet decided to abandon the project. O'Brien: What sort of design flaws? Sisko: You'll have complete access to the ship evaluation reports but to put it simply, it's overgunned and overpowered for a ship its size. During battle drills, it nearly tore itself apart when the engines were tested at full capacity. Kira: And this is the ship that Starfleet sends us to fight off an attack by the Dominion? Sisko: We're not going to fight the Dominion, Major. At least, not yet anyway. Our mission is to take the Defiant into the Gamma Quadrant and try to find the leaders of the Dominion, the Founders. We have to convince them that the Federation does not represent a threat to them. Bashir: What if they don't believe us? Sisko: That's why I asked for the Defiant. She may have flaws, but she has teeth, and I want the Dominion to know that we can and will defend ourselves if necessary. Eddington: I've posted two security officers at the Defiant's docking port, sir. No one'll get near the cloaking device without us knowing about it. Odo: I wasn't informed about any special security arrangements. T'Rul: The security arrangements were by my request to protect the cloaking device. Sisko: A few introductions are in order. This is Subcommander T'Rul from the Romulan Empire. She's here to operate the cloaking device which her government so kindly loaned us for this mission. T'Rul: Romulan interests will be served through cooperation, and my role is to keep unauthorized personnel away from the cloaking device. Sisko: May I present my officers. This is Major T'Rul: Thank you, but I know their names, and I'm not here to make friends. Kira: Charming. Eddington: Well, I am here to make friends. I'm Lieutenant Commander Michael Eddington, Starfleet Security. Kira: Major Kira Nerys. Odo: Odo. Head of station security. May I ask what your function is here, Commander? Sisko: There will be a complete mission briefing at eighteen hundred hours, but be prepared to depart the station at oh seven hundred tomorrow morning. Dismissed. Odo: You needn't brace yourself to give me unpleasant news, Commander, I'll save you the trouble. I've been relieved as Chief of Security. Sisko: Odo, wait. You've not been relieved. You're still in charge of all non-Starfleet security matters aboard this station. Odo: And what about matters that are Starfleet? Sisko: In those areas, you'll coordinate your efforts with Commander Eddington. Odo: Coordinate is another way of saying I'll report to him. Sisko: I'm sorry, Odo. This wasn't my idea. Odo: I'm sure it wasn't. You were just following orders. Sisko: An order I strongly disagreed with. I did everything I could to fight this. I even took it to the Chief of Starfleet Security herself. But their decision was final. Odo: May I ask why? Sisko: There were some concerns regarding several recent security breaches. Odo: If I was given the authority I asked for instead of being tied to Starfleet regulations, there wouldn't have been any security breaches. Sisko: Odo, your resistance to following Starfleet regulations is part of the problem. Odo: I think there might be a simpler explanation, Commander. I think Starfleet decided to bring in someone they could trust, someone besides the shape-shifter. Sisko: This is not a racial issue, Odo. I understand how you must feel, and I want Odo: Commander, I don't require your understanding. My resignation will be logged within the hour. Sisko: Hey, hey, hey, I thought you were unpacking. Jake: I am. I mean, I was. But I just kept looking at the replicator and Sisko: And you just had to have some I'danian spice pudding. Jake: I still can't believe I couldn't get a decent bowl back on Earth. Sisko: That didn't stop you from ordering it at every replicator you saw. So, is it good to be home? Jake: Yeah, I can't wait to sleep in my own bed again. Sisko: Phew. I wonder when that happened? Jake: What? Sisko: When did I start thinking of this Cardassian monstrosity as home? Jake: I think it happened last Thursday, around seventeen hundred hours. When you took all this stuff out of storage back on Earth. Sisko: Careful. That's a two thousand year old Yoruba mask and that stuff is one of the finest collections of ancient Both: African art you'll ever see. Jake: I know. And I also know how much it means to you. But to me this will always be the stuff in your library at home. When you took it out of storage so you could bring it here, it meant Earth wasn't home anymore. This was. Sisko: So, what do you think? Jake: Perfect. Kira: Odo, there you are. I just finished talking to the Provisional Government and they want you to go with us to the Gamma Quadrant tomorrow to act as an official Bajoran representative. Odo: I'm no diplomat. Kira: I know. That's why they want you to go. If we do locate the Founders, we're going to need more than diplomacy. We're going to need to size them up, see what kind of threat they pose to Bajor, analyze Odo: You're the military expert, Major, not me. And I doubt that the Provisional Government contacted you and asked for my presence on this mission. If I'm not mistaken, this is a misguided attempt to make me feel better. Kira: Maybe it is. Maybe I'm your friend, and maybe I want you to see that you are still needed here no matter what some idiot Starfleet admiral might think. The Defiant leaves at seven hundred hours. Quark: I'm a little confused, Commander. You want me to go with you to the Gamma Quadrant to help you locate the Founders? Sisko: See? It's not so confusing after all. Quark: You're joking with me, aren't you? Having a little fun with Quark? Sisko: I'm quite serious. Quark: You can't be. I'm not a diplomat, or an explorer, or a tactical officer, or whatever else you might need on this trip. Now, if you need a caterer, I'll be happy to loan you a new replicator that I just got from Sisko: Eight months ago, you helped the Nagus establish a trade agreement with the Karemma. Tulaberry wine, I believe. The Karemma are part of the Dominion. Quark: A minor part, a very minor part. Sisko: They might still be able to help us contact the Founders. Since you're experienced in dealing with the Karemma, it seems to me you're the logical person to Quark: Actually, my brother Rom did most of the talking. I think he'd be better suited for this mission. Sisko: Not Rom, you. Quark: But why? Rom only has a son to think about. I have a business. Sisko: You. Quark: I'm sorry, Commander, but I must refuse. My last experience with the Jem'Hadar was not a pleasant one and I have no intention of repeating it. Now, there's no way you can legally force me to do this. Quark: The scepter of the Grand Nagus. Sisko: I had a chance to discuss this mission with him on my way back from Earth. He seemed to agree with me, unless peaceful contact can be established with the Founders, business opportunities in the Gamma Quadrant might suddenly dry up. He also agreed with me that you are the perfect man to help me. Quark: I don't believe it. Sisko: Which is why he sent this along. He thought it might convince you of the high value he holds for the success of this mission. Now, are you going to defy the wishes of the Grand Nagus himself? Quark: No, no, of course not. I'm happy to serve the Nagus any way that I can. Sisko: Thank you, Quark. I knew I could count on you. Quark, aren't you forgetting something? Dax: I just thought you'd like to know that the Defiant'll be ready at oh seven hundred hours. Sisko: Did it pass the Chief's inspection? Dax: Does anything? His maintenance list is as long as this table, but he did say it'll take us where we're going. Sisko: And back, I hope. Dax: Well, he said that was up to you. Sisko: I'd never have volunteered for this mission if I didn't think we had a chance of coming back. Dax: How many times did Curzon tell you never volunteer for anything? Sisko: As I recall, Curzon broke that rule a few times himself. Dax: And regretted it every time. Sisko: This is different. I'd be regretting it even more if we just waited around for an invasion. Dax: If I know Starfleet, they must've run at least two hundred probability studies on this mission of ours. So what are the odds of us succeeding? Sisko: Slim. But better odds than fighting off a Jem'Hadar assault on this station. And if the station falls, then Bajor falls, and I will not let that happen. Dax: You know, after Jennifer died I never thought I would see you this passionate about something again. Sisko: Two months ago I would have agreed with you. Then I went back to Earth and I spent all those weeks debriefing at Starfleet Headquarters. And I, I used to get a thrill just walking into that building. I'd look around at the Admirals and think, one day that's going to be me. One day I'm the one that's going to be making the big decisions. Dax: Curzon always thought that was very funny. Sisko: Did he? Dax: What I mean is, he could never see a set of Admiral's stars on your collar. He thought that just making the decisions would never satisfy you. You had to implement them, see the results, face the consequences. Curzon always thought you were the kind of man who had to be in the thick of things, not behind some desk at Headquarters. Sisko: He was a smart old man, wasn't he? Dax: He liked to think so. Sisko: You'd better get a good night's sleep. Dax: I was just about to say the same thing to you. I'll see you in the morning, Benjamin. Bashir: The medical database is practically nonexistent. I've downloading as many of my files from the station as I can, but this ship simply wasn't designed to handle many casualties. Sisko: Do the best you can and let's hope your new database won't be put to the test. Bashir: Yes, sir. Dax: Quark's settling into his quarters and asked me to relay his profound disappointment in the accommodations, and to inform you that he could get you in touch with several reputable interior decorators for a modest fee. Sisko: I'll take his offer under advisement. Stand by to get underway. O'Brien: Tactical and Communications are ready, sir. Dax: Navigation and Operations ready. Kira: Weapons ready. T'Rul: Impulse engines online. Warp power available at your command. Sisko: Very well. Seal the airlock. Release docking clamps. Aft thrusters O'Brien: Just a moment, sir. There's someone in the airlock. It's Odo. Sisko: Sisko to Odo. Is there a problem, Constable? Odo: No, Commander. I would like permission to come aboard. I'm here at the request of the Bajoran government. Sisko: Permission granted. Odo: Thank you, sir. Sisko: Dax, we'll have to arrange some quarters for the Constable. Bashir: I'll do it, sir. I need to go down to what is laughingly called the Sickbay. Sisko: Thank you, Doctor. O'Brien: Odo's aboard, sir. The airlock's clear. Sisko: Release docking clamps. Aft thrusters at one quarter, port and starboard at station keeping. Dax: We've cleared the station. Sisko: Lay in a course to the wormhole. I want to cloak as soon as we reach the Gamma Quadrant. T'Rul: Understood. Dax: Course laid in, sir. Sisko: Engage. T'Rul: The cloaking device is operating within normal parameters. Sisko: Set course for the Karemma system, warp seven. T'Rul: Aye, sir. Sisko: Engage. Quark: Odo! Odo: Is this the best you can do? Bashir: I'm afraid so. Most of the crew quarters don't have life support yet. Besides, I think we'd all feel a bit better with someone here to watch over Quark. Quark: I take that as a personal insult, Doctor. Bashir: You should. Now, I think I'll let you two bunkmates get more comfortable. Quark: Am I glad to see you. I've been stuck down here in this miserable hole ever since I came aboard. Bunk beds, no view, and I can't tell you what came out of that replicator when I asked for synthehol. Quark: So, what's your role on this little adventure? Providing security, no doubt. Well, of course you are. I mean, why else would you be here? I can tell you I feel much safer now, just knowing that you're along, because I know I can trust you Odo: I have been holding this shape for sixteen hours. I have to revert back to my liquid state, but I don't want you to watch and gawk at me. Quark: I understand, completely. This is a very private moment and I won't interfere. This won't be so bad, sharing Odo: I have no interest in speaking to you, or in listening to your witless prattle. So stay out of my way, or you'll regret the day you ever met me. O'Brien: Commander, long range scanners have picked up two Jem'Hadar warships directly ahead. They're heading this way at warp five. Sisko: How close will they pass us? O'Brien: One hundred thousand kilometers. Kira: That's well within range of their weapons, Commander. Dax: Should I alter course? Sisko: No. We need to know if they can see through the cloaking device and this is as good a time as any. Maintain course and speed. Red Alert. Kira: Aye, sir. O'Brien: Here they come. They'll pass us in five seconds. Sisko: On screen. Sisko: Track them. O'Brien: They're continuing on their original heading no indication that they saw us. Wait a minute. They're changing course, heading this way. Dax: They must've seen us. Kira: They're powering their weapon systems. Sisko: Prepare to decloak. Lock phasers on the lead ship and T'Rul: No. We may not have been detected. Sisko: Explain. T'Rul: A cloaked ship radiates a slight subspace variance at warp speeds. O'Brien: I've never heard of that. T'Rul: It's not something we've been eager to reveal. I suggest dropping out of warp. That will eliminate the variance. When they reach our position they'll find nothing. Sisko: Do it. Dax: All stop. O'Brien: Commander, they're sweeping the area with some kind of anti-proton scan and they're being very thorough about it. Sisko: Will an anti-proton scan penetrate the cloak? O'Brien: That's a good question. T'Rul: I'm not sure. Kira: They're getting closer. O'Brien: Commander, the Defiant's power signature is unusually high for a ship this size. The cloaking device may not be masking everything. Sisko: Cut main power. Kira: The other one has broken off its search. It's headed this way. Sisko: Stand by weapons and shields. Kira: They've gone into warp and resumed their original course. Sisko: The first thing to go right in the Gamma Quadrant in a long time. Kira: Let's hope it's not the last. Ship's log, stardate 48212.4. We have arrived at the Karemma homeworld and opened talks with one of Quark's business partners in an effort to contact the Founders of the Dominion. Quark: The Grand Nagus himself has sent me as an emissary on his behalf. If you aid us in our mission, I'm authorized to increase our purchases of tulaberry wine to the Karemma by three percent. Ornithar: Mmm, looks like a polyduranium alloy blend. Interesting, but the metal has no real value. A three percent increase is negligible. Quark: I have considerable leeway to bargain in this circumstance. Name your terms. Ornithar: Nothing, nothing, nothing. The terms are not the issue. I cannot help you locate the Founders because I do not know who they are or if they even exist. Nothing. Ah, here's something interesting. appears to be diamide laced beritium. I'll give you fifty two diraks for it. Quark: Done. Sisko: Quark. Quark: I mean, one deal at a time, Ornithar. We were talking about the Founders. Ornithar: There is nothing further to say. If the Founders exist, they clearly do not wish to be contacted. That is good enough for me. Sisko: Who's your contact in the Dominion regarding administration, trade, defense? Ornithar: Our only contact with the Dominion has been through the Vorta. I have no idea who they report to. All I know is that the Vorta say to do something and you do it. Sisko: Why? Ornithar: Because if you do not they will send in the Jem'Hadar, and then you die. Sisko: Will you put us in contact with the Vorta? Ornithar: Commander, we do only as we are told, nothing more. And so far, we have not been told to help you in any way. Sisko: You haven't been told not to, either. Ornithar: No, but I prefer to err on the side of caution. Quark: In this case, being cautious will cost you a substantial profit. The Ferengi will cease purchasing tulaberry wine immediately. Sisko: If you lost such a valuable contract with the Alpha Quadrant, it might displease the Vorta. They may even send the Jem'Hadar here to find out what happened. Ornithar: I will need to access one of our computers on the surface. Ornithar: This is the Callinon system. The Dominion maintains an unmanned subspace relay on the seventh planet. We have been told by the Vorta to direct all communications there. Where the messages are sent after that is not our concern. Odo: What is that? Ornithar: It is the Omarion Nebula. Odo: The Omarion Nebula. Ornithar: If there is nothing else, I would like to leave now. Sisko: Of course. Quark: Commander, I believe I have fulfillled my role on this mission, so if you don't mind Sisko: You want to stay behind. Quark: That was our agreement. Sisko: How can you be sure he won't turn you over to the Dominion as soon as we leave? Quark: He may serve the Dominion, but I'm the one lining his pockets with latinum. I'll book passage on the next ship going through the wormhole, and I'll make a profit in the process. Sisko: All right, Quark. Good luck. Quark: Same to you, Commander. Sisko: Lay in a course for the Callinon System. Dax: Aye, sir. Sisko: Come in. Kira: Did I wake you? Sisko: Not quite. What can I do for you, Major? Kira: It's about Odo. Sisko: You're worried about him. Kira: Is it that obvious? Sisko: No, I'm worried about him too. But at the moment I don't know what to do about it. Kira: Can I speak freely? What the hell is wrong with Starfleet? How could they do this to him? Sisko: This has been a long time coming, Major. Starfleet has never been happy with the Constable. They've been pressing me to replace him for the last two years. Kira: Because he worked for the Cardassians. Sisko: No, it goes deeper than that. Odo is not what you'd call a team player. Kira: Why? Because sometimes he doesn't go through the proper channels? Sisko: That's a start. You know Odo. He enjoys thumbing his nose at authority. He files reports when he feels like it. His respect for the chain of command is minimal Kira: He gets the job done. Sisko: Starfleet likes team players. Starfleet likes the chain of command, and frankly, so do I. Kira: So you agree with their decision? Sisko: No. But I understand it. Kira: And when this mission is over, you're just going to let him go? Sisko: Look, Major, I want him to stay as much as you do but he has to want to stay. T'Rul: Bridge to Commander Sisko. We've reached the Callinon System. Sisko: On my way. Ship's log, supplemental. The Defiant has cloaked and assumed a standard orbit around Callinon Seven. I plan to send Dax and O'Brien down to survey the relay station on the surface. Kira: According to our sensor sweeps, it looks like Ornithar was telling the truth when he said the relay station was unmanned. It also appears there are very few security measures in place. Sisko: Nothing fancy. Get in, find what we need, and get out. Dax: Understood. Sisko: On your way. Sisko: The transporter will need six seconds to beam them down. I want to decloak for exactly six seconds. Dax: Dax to Bridge. We're ready, Benjamin. Sisko: All right. Disengage cloak. Energize. Kira: They're on the surface. Sisko: Were we scanned during transport? Kira: I don't think so. Dax: Dax to Defiant. Sisko: Go ahead, Dax. Dax: We're in what seems Dax: To be the central computer room. The user interface is a little unusual, but I think we can access it. Sisko: Keep us posted. O'Brien: I'm into the main directory. Dax: That was fast. O'Brien: Yes, it was. A bit too fast if you ask me. Dax: Any indication that we've tripped some kind of security protocol? O'Brien: No, I still have access to everything. Dax: Then let's get the information and get out of here. O'Brien: That's fine with me. Sisko: I should've taken Quark up on his offer for a new replicator. Bashir: Sir? Sisko: Nothing. Let's make good use of this time, Major. Begin running a level three diagnostic on Dax: Dax to Defiant. I think we have something, Benjamin. Dax: We've accessed the communications log of outgoing transmissions. O'Brien: From the way I read this, sir, it looks like eighty percent of outgoing traffic is sent to one location. It's my guess it's either another relay station or a command center. Sisko: Do you have the coordinates? Dax: I'm sending them to you now. Kira: We've lost contact with them. Sisko: Get them out of there! Kira: I can't. Some kind of shield has appeared around the outpost. I can't get through it. Bashir: We're picking up three Jem'Hadar ships, Commander, heading this way. Sisko: Can we punch through the security shield with our phasers before the ships get here? Kira: I'm not sure. I've never seen this kind of field before. T'Rul: In order to use the phasers we will have to decloak. That means we'll be seen by the Jem'Hadar. Bashir: We've got to do something. We can't just leave them there. T'Rul: That's exactly what we should do Doctor. Leave them. We came here to locate the Founders, not to fight the Jem'Hadar over two expendable crew members. Bashir: No one is expendable. Kira: The Jem'Hadar ships have entered the system. They'll be in orbit in thirty seconds. Sisko: Prepare to leave orbit, Major. Bashir: Commander. Sisko: As you were, Doctor. Lay in a course to the coordinates Dax sent us. Kira: Course laid in. Sisko: Warp seven. Engage. Bashir: What do you think'll happen to Dax and O'Brien? Sisko: They'll probably be held for interrogation. If I know Dax, she'll use the opportunity to try and contact the Founders, and I intend to do the same. Sisko to Odo. Report to the Bridge, Constable. I want to discuss the security arrangements for our arrival at Odo: I'm presently indisposed Commander. Please find someone else for the job. Bashir: That doesn't sound like Odo. Sisko: No, it doesn't. I'd better have a talk with him. Kira: Let me, sir. I think he'll listen to me. T'Rul: Three Jem'Hadar ships have just entered sensor range, bearing zero three seven, mark two one five. Sisko: Is there any sign they've detected us? T'Rul: Negative. Sisko: Bring us out of warp, and then cut main power. We'll wait here until they pass. Kira: Odo, it's time we had a talk. Odo: I'm not going to the Bridge, so you can save your breath. And I'd appreciate being left alone right now. Kira: Well, you've tried being alone and it hasn't done any good, so maybe it's time to stop brooding and started talking. Odo: Are you the ship's counselor now? Kira: No, I'm your friend. You know, the one who comes to you when she needs help. I'm just trying to return the favor. Odo: Well, you can return the favor by giving me a shuttlecraft and letting me go. Kira: Go? Go where? We're in the heart of the Dominion. Where the hell do you think you're going to go? Odo: The Omarion Nebula. Kira: Why? Odo: I'm not sure why. I just know I have to, that's all. Kira: You're going to have to do a lot better than that. Odo, talk to me. Tell me what's going on. Odo: Ever since we've come into the Gamma Quadrant, I've had this feeling of being drawn somewhere, pulled by some instinct to a specific place. The Omarion Nebula. Kira: Why there? Odo: I don't know. Kira: All right. Once we've contacted the Founders, I'm sure Commander Sisko Odo: No. Not after we've contacted the Founders. Now! I have to leave now! Kira: Look, I understand this is important to you, but we have a mission to complete. T'Rul: Direct hit on the port nacelle. Bashir: How did they see through the cloaking device? T'Rul: They might have analyzed the sensor information from the anti-proton scan and found a way to penetrate the cloak. Sisko: We'll have to save the speculation for later. Disengage the cloak, raise the shields, and fire on my command. T'Rul: Communications and long range sensors are out. Sisko: What's the status of the warp drive? T'Rul: The starboard power coupling is destroyed. I'm trying to reroute main power. Bashir: He's gone. I'll take the helm. Sisko: I'm locking onto the lead ship. Ready? Bashir: Ready. Sisko: Fire! Bashir: The other two are moving out of phaser range. They're coming back for another pass but they're moving a little slower now. Sisko: They'll be more cautious this time. Doctor, use evasive pattern delta five. We need to keep them off balance until we get warp power back. Bashir: Aye, sir. Odo: Are you all right? Kira: Just a few bruises. Kira to Bridge. Kira to Bridge. We have to get up there. Sisko: T'Rul, where's my warp power? T'Rul: I can't get the phase inducers to align with the ODN matrices in the Bashir: Commander, three more Jem'Hadar warships approaching off the port bow! Sisko: Full impulse, get us out of here. Kira: We've lost main power. Odo: We've got to get to a shuttle. Kira: Our duty is to get to the Bridge and help defend the ship. Odo: If main power is out, then the shields are out, Kira. The ship is defenseless. T'Rul: Main power is offline! The shields have collapsed! Bashir: I've lost helm control. Inertial dampers failing Sisko: Ready escape pods. Prepare to abandon ship. Kira: Where, where am I? Odo: You're in a shuttlecraft. You were wounded. Try not to move around. Kira: Odo, what happened? We were under attack. Odo: The ship was boarded. You were wounded in the attack. I managed to get us to this shuttlecraft, but I don't know much more than that. The last time I saw the Defiant, she was dead in space and surrounded by Jem'Hadar ships. Kira: Sisko? Bashir? Odo: I don't know. Kira: Where are we? Odo: Approaching the Omarion Nebula. Kira: You should have taken us back to the wormhole. Odo: You didn't object at the time. Kira: I was unconscious. Have you found anything? There's a class M planet, no star system. A rogue planet? Odo: Yes. Female: Welcome home. To be continued...

Sisko: Our mission is to take the Defiant into the Gamma Quadrant and try to find the leaders of the Dominion, the Founders. Kira: What the hell is wrong with Starfleet? How could they do this to him? Sisko: This has been a long time coming, Major. Starfleet has never been happy with the Constable. I want him to stay as much as you do but he has to want to stay. Odo: Ever since we've come into the Gamma Quadrant, I've had this feeling of being drawn somewhere, to a specific place. The Omarion Nebula. Odo: The last time I saw the Defiant, she was dead in space and surrounded by Jem'Hadar ships. Kira: Sisko? Bashir? Odo: I don't know. Female: Welcome home. And now the conclusion. Odo: You really are just like me, aren't you? Female: Yes. Odo: And you're saying this is where I'm from? Female: This is your home. Odo: I wish I could remember it. Female: It's understandable that you cannot. You were still newly formed when you left us. Odo: Newly formed? You mean I was an infant? Female: An infant, yes. Odo: I suspected as much. Tell me, do I have any family at all? Female: Of course. Odo: I'd like to meet them, if that's possible. Female: You already have. We are all part of the Great Link. Odo: Is that all of us, or are there others? Kira: Odo, this isn't a police investigation. Odo: I'm aware of that, Major. Kira: Then stop interrogating these people. This is the moment you've been waiting for all your life. Enjoy it. He really is happy to be here. Aren't you? Odo: Yes, of course. It's just this is all very sudden. Female: And you have many questions. Odo: Yes. Please, what exactly is this Great Link? Female: The Link is the very foundation of our society. It provides a meaning to our existence. It is the merging of thought and form, the sharing of idea and sensation. Is something wrong? Odo: I've lived a very solitary life. Female: That's unfortunate but necessary, as you'll learn in time. But now, that part of your life is over. You're home. Male: What are you doing? Female: Take it. Male: It's not time. He isn't ready. Female: He's been gone too long. He needs to remember, if only for a moment. Don't be afraid. Kira: Odo. What have you done to him? Female: I allowed him to experience the Link. Kira: Odo. Odo: Yes, Major. Kira: Are you all right? What happened? Odo: I'm not sure. But I know one thing. She's right, I am home. Sisko: Commander's log, supplemental. It's been six days since we had to abandon the Defiant after the Jem'Hadar attack. We still don't know what happened to the rest of the crew. Doctor Bashir and I have plotted a course back to the wormhole. Whether the shuttle can get us back there or not is questionable at best. Our engines are failing, our external sensors are barely functioning and life support systems are at twenty percent and dropping. Bashir: But other than that we couldn't be in better shape. Sisko: I thought you were sleeping. Bashir: From the sound of things I wish I were. Sisko: Things could be worse. Bashir: I believe you. You think it's some kind of tractor beam? Sisko: Could be. I wish these sensors were working. Bashir: Now what? O'Brien: Whoa. Hey, don't shoot. We surrender. Sisko: Chief. Dax. Bashir: I don't believe it. We thought you'd been captured by the Jem'Hadar. Dax: Well, we had our doubts about ever seeing you again either, Julian. O'Brien: We've been searching for you for days. Sisko: What about the others? Dax: No sign of them yet, but we still have ships out looking for them. O'Brien: Meanwhile, our orders are to get you back to DS Nine as soon as possible. Dax: There are big things happening there, Benjamin. I think you're in for a surprise. Kira: This is beautiful. Odo: How long do they plan on making us wait here? Kira: It's only been a few hours. Odo: I finally return home and they still treat me like an outsider. Kira: Believe me, you're not the outsider here. I am. Odo: You? KIRA I'm the one they don't trust, not you. Female: How perceptive, Major. If our history has taught us anything, it's to avoid contact with Solids whenever possible. Kira: Solids? Female: Our name for mono-forms like yourself, who'll never know the joys of the Great Link. Kira: I don't intend to stay long. There's a chance Sisko and the others survived the attack. I'm going to go back to the shuttle and try contacting them. Female: I'm sorry. I cannot allow you to send any communications from the planet's surface. They could be traced back here. We value our isolation. Odo: Yes, of course. Female: Tell me, Odo, have you made good use of the arboretum? Odo: In what way? Female: By assuming the various shapes surrounding you. Odo: Why would I do that? Female: To become a thing is to know a thing. To assume its form is to begin to understand its existence. Odo: Understand it? How? Female: Living among the Solids has damaged you far worse than I realized. It has left you ignorant of the gifts you possess. Odo: Then teach me what I need to know. Female: I'll do what I can. But in the end, this is another journey you'll have to make on your own. Female: And when it is over you'll be ready to take your place in the Great Link. Kira: Odo. Odo: I'd like to be alone if you don't mind. Kira: All right. But if you need me, I'll be in the shuttle trying to contact Sisko. Don't worry. When I was in the resistance I learned to camouflage subspace messages with quantum interference. I taught the method to Commander Sisko. If anyone intercepts the signal all they'll read is elevated levels of background radiation. Odo: Good luck. Kira: You too. Nechayev: Well, Commander, it appears your mission was an even greater success than we hoped. Sisko: So I'm told. Has the delegation from the Founders arrived on the station yet? Nechayev: They're already meeting with representatives from the Federation Council and a dozen other Alpha Quadrant alliances. We're hoping to have a treaty signed within a matter of days, and we have you to thank for it. Sisko: Actually it's Lieutenant Dax and Chief O'Brien who deserve most of the credit. O'Brien: We were lucky the Jem'Hadar handed us over to the Founders. Dax: We just had to convince them that we were serious about peace. O'Brien: Actually, it didn't take that much convincing. Sisko: I suppose the only question is, can we trust them? Nechayev: It's a risk, I know, but both the Federation Council and Starfleet Command believe it's one worth taking. By the way, Commander, one of the Founders asked to see you the moment you arrived on the station. Sisko: Asked to see me? Nechayev: If you're not too busy. Sisko: Well, I suppose I could spare a few minutes. Borath: Commander Sisko, come in. I've looked forward to meeting you. I am Borath. Sisko: And you're one of the Founders? Borath: That's correct. You seem surprised. Sisko: Not really. Only I hadn't realized till now I've already met one of your people. Borath: You're referring to Eris, of course. Yes, she is one of us. Though she couldn't very well admit it while you were pointing a phaser at her. I'm glad to see you're not holding one now. Sisko: Do I need one? Borath: Not at all. You seem skeptical. Sisko: Can you blame me? Borath: No. I realize you have no reason to trust the Dominion, but you must understand that we were only trying to defend ourselves. Sisko: From what? Borath: We felt threatened by your incursions into the Gamma Quadrant. Sisko: And now? Borath: Commander, you risked your life to bring us a message of peace and friendship. We chose to accept your offer. Would you rather we refused? Sisko: No. Borath: Good. Because believe me, Commander, an alliance between the Dominion and the Federation will be beneficial to both our people. Garak: Doctor, welcome back. Bashir: Why thank you, Garak. It's good to be back. Garak: Yes. Bashir: Business keeping you busy? Garak: The tailoring business, or the spy business? I'm joking, of course. Bashir: Of course. Garak: I've missed you. I've been genuinely concerned for your safety. Lunch hasn't been the same without you. Bashir: That's very kind of you to say so, Garak. Hopefully things'll start getting back to normal around here. Garak: Oh, I doubt that's going to happen, Doctor. I doubt that very much. Bashir: And why is that? Garak: There's an old saying on Cardassia. Enemies make dangerous friends. And I fear the Dominion will make a very dangerous friend indeed. Bashir: I take it you're referring to the peace talks. Garak: Exactly. I'm afraid these treaty negotiations are a mistake we're going to live to regret. Bashir: Is that your opinion or the opinion of the Cardassian Central Command? Garak: The former, I assure you. The Central Command is very much in favor of this treaty. Which, as far as I'm concerned, only justifies my fears. Bashir: Well, I for one, hope you're worrying about nothing. Bashir: Sub-Commander T'Rul, are you all right? T'Rul: I'm fine. I had a minor disagreement with some Starfleet security officers. They refused to allow me to speak with the Federation's negotiating team. Bashir: What did you want to talk to them about? T'Rul: I wanted to protest the exclusion of the Romulan Empire from the treaty negotiations. Bashir: I wasn't aware the Romulans had been excluded. T'Rul: Every great power in the Alpha Quadrant has been invited to participate except for us. Bashir: There must be some mistake. T'Rul: The mistake is thinking the Romulan empire will stand by and allow such a betrayal to go unchallenged. Believe me, Doctor, if a treaty is signed without our approval, it will mean war. Garak: Still feel that I'm worrying about nothing, Doctor? Kira: Computer, transmit a subspace signal using a narrow theta band frequency shifted into a background radiation domain. Computer: Working. Kira: I hope you're out there, Commander. Computer: Unable to transmit signal due to external interference at all frequencies. Kira: Identify source of interference. Computer: Interference generated by thermal radiation from a subterranean power source. Kira: Locate power source. Computer: Power source is located four kilometers beneath the planet's surface, coordinates one two seven mark three. Kira: Can you identify? Computer: Unable to identify due to an unknown polymetallic substance within the surrounding rock. Odo: Any luck, Major? Kira: No. Some kind of power source interfering with my signal. Do you have any idea what it could be? Odo: I haven't a clue. Kira: Are you all right? Odo: I have spent the last two hours shape-shifting. Rocks, flowers, trees. I have been everything in that garden. Kira: And? Odo: And nothing. Oh, I can become a rock, all right, but I have no more of an idea what it is to be a rock than I did before. Kira: I'm not really sure what that means. Odo: I'm not sure either, and that's unfortunate. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to return to my bucket. Dax: Commander. Admiral Nechayev is here to see you. Sisko: Send her in. Nechayev: You asked to see me, Commander? Sisko: I understand that the Romulans haven't been invited to the peace talks. Nechayev: That's correct. Sisko: I was wondering what prompted that decision. Nechayev: The Founders requested that they be excluded. Sisko: Did they say why? Nechayev: They felt the Romulans would be a disruptive influence. Sisko: More disruptive than the Cardassians? Nechayev: They seemed to think so. Do you have a problem with this, Commander? Sisko: Whether I have a problem with it isn't the point. It's the Romulans we have to worry about. Nechayev: Commander, if this treaty is signed, and I'm confident it will be, we'll never have to worry about the Romulans again. Sisko: Are you sure of that? Nechayev: Quite sure. After all, what chance would they have against the combined power of our new alliance? Sisko: They wouldn't have much of a chance at all. Nechayev: I'm glad we agree. Believe me, Commander, the Federation carefully weighed all the options before entering into these peace talks. Sisko: I realize that. Nechayev: Then we have nothing further to discuss, do we? Odo: Why do you dislike humanoids so much? I know they have their flaws, but I've found many of them to be kind, decent people. Female: Like Major Kira? Odo: Yes, like Major Kira. Female: Then you've been more fortunate than most Changelings. Odo: Changelings? Female: You recognize the term. Odo: I've been called a Changeling on occasion. Female: It's a name given to us by the Solids. They meant it as an insult, but in defiance we took it and made it our own. Odo: Go on, please. Female: The Great Link tells us that many years ago our people roamed the stars, searching out other races so we could add to our knowledge of the galaxy. We went in peace, but too often we were met with suspicion, hatred and violence. Odo: Why? Female: The Solids feared our metamorphic abilities, so we were beaten, hunted and killed. Finally we arrived here. And here, safe in our isolation, we made our home. Odo: Tell me, why was I sent away? Female: Because even in our solitude we desired to learn more about the galaxy. You were one of a hundred infants we sent off to gain that knowledge for us. Odo: But how could you be sure that we'd find our way back here? Female: You had no choice. The urge to return home was implanted in your genetic makeup. And now, thanks to the passageway, you're the first to return to us. We weren't expecting you so soon. Odo: When were you expecting me? Female: Not for another three hundred years. Odo: How long was I away? Female: A long time. But now all that matters now is that you're here. Odo: It's different than I imagined it would be. Female: Whatever you imagined, I promise it will be better. Kira: Odo, are you here, Odo? I'm going to try to track down the source of the interference. If I can't find it and neutralize it, I'm going to have to leave here and try to find Sisko and the others. I'm really glad you made it home, Odo. I know everything is going to work out just fine. I don't believe it. I'm talking to a tree. You're probably not even here, are you? Kira: Why would shape-shifters need a door? Kira to computer. Scan the area dead ahead of me for one hundred meters. Computer: Unable to penetrate due to interference. Quark: Excuse me. Pardon me. After you. Look out. Coming through. Sorry to keep you waiting, gentleman. That's two synthales. On the house. O'Brien: What's put you in such a good humor? Quark: I have inside information that the peace agreement is about to be finalized. Bashir: And where did you get this information, from one of your friends on the Federation Council? Quark: If you must know, I overheard two Jem'Hadar officers. Bashir: And you believed them? Quark: I don't see why not. Oh, I know we got off to a rocky start but, they're not so bad really. I think they have the gene. O'Brien: What gene? Quark: The gambling gene. They've barely been on the station a week and already they can hardly drag themselves away from the dabo table. Bashir: How fortunate for you. Quark: How fortunate for all of us. You see, I have a dream. A dream that one day all people, human, Jem'Hadar, Ferengi, Cardassians, will stand together in peace around my dabo tables. Bashir: You're a regular visionary, Quark. Quark: I am, aren't I? Jem'Hadar: You're in my way. O'Brien: Sorry. Bashir: Now look Quark: Gentlemen, please, remember my vision. Bashir: That's enough. Eddington: All right, what's going on here? Jem'Hadar: He addressed me in a disrespectful tone. Bashir: That's a lie. Eddington: Easy, Doctor. We're all friends here. Bashir: Tell him that. Eddington: I'll see this doesn't happen again. Jem'Hadar: I expect you will. Bashir: Is that's it? You're just going to let him walk away? Eddington: Our orders are to give the Jem'Hadar a wide berth. Bashir: Look, I know what the orders say, but he attacked Chief O'Brien and we have rules here against that sort of thing. Eddington: I'm aware of station regulations, Doctor. However, the Jem'Hadar are not. We have to allow them some time to get used to our customs. Bashir: So in the meantime, they're free to do whatever they want? Eddington: Remember that before you get into another brawl with them. Jake: Dad, pass me the potatoes. Dad? Sisko: Yes, Jake. Jake: The potatoes? Sisko: Oh. Jake: Dad, is something wrong? Sisko: Not really. I'm just a little preoccupied, that's all. It's these Dominion negotiations. Jake: What about them? Sisko: Well, it's all happening behind closed doors. I guess I just feel out of the loop. Jake: There's something going on, isn't there? Sisko: Like what? Jake: You tell me. Sisko: Come in. Dax: Benjamin, did you know about this? Sisko: Know about what? Dax: I'm being transferred to the Lexington. I'm their new Science Officer. Sisko: There must be some mistake. Dax: The orders are right here. Sisko: Let me see this. I don't believe it. Bashir: Bashir to Sisko. Sisko: Go ahead, Doctor. Bashir: Commander, I need to talk to you about the Jem'Hadar. Sisko: I want to know what the hell is going on. Nechayev: Commander, I don't appreciate your barging in here. Sisko: I want to know why my Science Officer's been transferred without my consent. I want to know why my Chief of Operations is lying in the Infirmary while the Jem'Hadar who beat him is free to walk the station, and I want to know why the Federation is willing to risk a war with the Romulans to form an alliance with a group of people that we hardly know and barely trust. Nechayev: Are you finished? Sisko: I haven't even begun. Borath: Admiral, I think you should tell Commander Sisko what he wants to know. Nechayev: All right. I suppose he deserves to be the first to hear the news. Sisko: What news? Nechayev: The Federation is pulling out of this sector. All Starfleet personnel currently stationed on DS Nine will be reassigned to other posts. Yourself included. Sisko: What about Bajor? Nechayev: Our plans for Bajor are on hold for the time being. From now on Bajor will be the Dominion's responsibility. They'll be running this station. Sisko: And you're telling me the Bajorans have agreed to this? Borath: We're confident they'll have no objections. Sisko: And if they do object, what then? You send in the Jem'Hadar? Borath: The Jem'Hadar are used only against our enemies. Bajor will be protected, Commander. We'll see to it. Sisko: What about the wormhole? Will they get to protect that too? Nechayev: It's the price of peace, Benjamin. Sisko: Well, if you ask me, the price is too damned high. What is the Federation supposed to get out of all this? Borath: Our friendship. Isn't that enough? Nechayev: And you, Benjamin, get a promotion. Captain Sisko. It's an important step toward that Admiralcy you've always wanted. Sisko: I want a chance to speak to the Federation negotiating team before this treaty is signed. Nechayev: It's too late for that, Ben. The treaty was signed late this afternoon. Borath: It's the beginning of a new era, Commander, and you helped make it possible. Congratulations. Kira: Odo, I've been waiting for you. Odo: Major, I have just had the most remarkable experience. For a few moments I actually felt what it was like to be an Arbazon Vulture. The air currents beneath my wings, the exhilaration of soaring above the treetops. Oh, it was all very stimulating. Kira: I'm so happy for you. Odo: I know you are. Kira: So, I guess this means you'll be staying here a while. Odo: I've enjoyed working with you, Major. Kira: I've enjoyed working with you too, Odo. But before we say goodbye, I need your help one last time. Odo: Certainly. Kira: Remember that power source I was telling you about? Odo: The one preventing you from trying to contact Commander Sisko. Kira: Well, I've found it. Odo: And what did it turn out to be? Kira: I couldn't tell. There was a door blocking my path. I need you to help me open it. Odo: What kind of door? Kira: It's composed of some kind of metal the tricorder couldn't identify. Other than that, it's an ordinary door. Odo: That's odd. My people have no need for doors. They dislike taking humanoid form. Kira: I know. Odo: Then who could be using it? Garak: Ah, Commander. I was hoping to see you before you left. I just wanted to tell you how impressed I've been with you during these past two years. You've run this station with strength, dignity and compassion. Well done. Sisko: Thank you, Mister Garak. Garak: But I'm sure you'll be back before long. Though from what I've heard, it'll be to fight against Bajor. Sisko: I've heard the same rumors. That Bajor has forged a pact with the Romulans to stand against the Jem'Hadar and their allies. Garak: The Bajorans have fought for their freedom before. It only makes sense that they'd fight for it again. Sisko: So much for my peace mission. Garak: Do I detect a note of bitterness in your voice? Sisko: I wouldn't be surprised. Garak: If it means anything to you, Commander, I happen to share your feelings about this Dominion treaty. I've thought about it a great deal, and the only explanation I can find is that our leaders have simply gone insane. Sisko: It seems that way. Garak: Unfortunately, there's nothing you or I can do about it. Sisko: I suppose not. Garak: After all, you have your orders and as for me, well, I wouldn't dream of opposing the wishes of the Central Command. A pity. Sisko: I agree that it's a pity. Garak: I thought you would. Sisko: Mister Garak, I never knew we thought so much alike. Garak: Life is full of surprises, Commander. T'Rul: Commander Sisko! Jem'Hadar: There she is. Sisko: No. Eddington: Can I help you? Dax: We're here to see Commander Sisko. Eddington: Sorry, my orders are no one sees him. Bashir: But we're here on urgent business. Eddington: You'll have to talk to Admiral Nechayev. She's in charge here until the Jem'Hadar Garak: I'm afraid you have a loose thread right here. Garak: I'm sorry, but we are pressed for time. Dax: I'll get Sisko. Garak: Doctor, if you'd be so kind as to take his legs. Bashir: If I didn't know better, I'd say you were enjoying yourself, Garak. Garak: Not at all, Doctor, but after years of hemming dresses, a little action is a welcome change of pace. Sisko: I hope you feel the same way an hour from now. The first thing we need to do is get our hands on a runabout. Dax: It's already taken care of, Benjamin. The Chief's waiting for us at landing pad C with the Rio Grande and a full complement of photon torpedoes. Sisko: How did you know we needed photon torpedoes? Dax: I know you. You want to make sure the Dominion stays on their side of the galaxy, and the only way to do that is to collapse the entrance to the wormhole. Sisko: I'm glad we're all in agreement. Bashir: Well, I guess this means the end of our Starfleet careers. Garak: Oh, I wouldn't worry about that, Doctor. Dax: That's easy for you to say. Garak: Oh, you misunderstand me, Lieutenant. All I meant was it's a little foolish to worry about your careers at a time like this, when there's a good chance we're all about to be killed. Odo: Interesting. Judging from this locking mechanism the purpose of this door is not to keep people out, but rather to keep whatever's on the other side in. Kira: Do you think you can get it open? Odo: We'll see. Jem'Hadar: Halt. Put down your weapons. Garak: I have them. I have them. By all means, Commander, do as they say. Bashir: Garak? Garak: You heard me, Doctor. I'm glad to see the plan is going according as scheduled. Jem'Hadar: What plan is that? Garak: You mean no one told you? You see, I pretend to be their friend and then I shoot you. Sisko: Well done, Garak. Garak: Well, it's just something I read once in a book. Bashir: I'm sure. Bashir: Garak! Garak. Garak: Doctor, I'm afraid I won't be able to have lunch with you today. Sisko: We've got to go. Come on. Sisko: Move it, Lieutenant. Dax: I'm right behind you. Sisko: Get us out of here, Chief. O'Brien: What about Garak? Bashir: He's not coming. O'Brien: I see. Hang on. We'll reach the wormhole in thirty seconds. Sisko: Prepare to launch photon torpedoes. Dax: We're being hailed. It's Admiral Nechayev. Nechayev: Commander, I'm ordering you to stand down. Return to the station immediately. Sisko: I'm afraid I'm going to have to refuse that order. Borath: Please, Commander, don't make us send the Jem'Hadar after you. Sisko: Go right ahead. But you'd better warn them not to expect any reinforcements for about seventy years. Sisko: Attack pattern theta, Mister O'Brien. Hard a-port. O'Brien: Yes, sir. Odo: Step back, Major. (The door opens to reveal waiting Jem'Hadar soldiers who escort them down a tunnel into Borath: Please, come in. Kira: Commander? Borath: They can't hear you. Odo: What have you done to them? Borath: Nothing harmful. We're just conducting a little experiment. Kira: What kind of experiment? Borath: To see how they'd respond to an attempt by the Dominion to gain a foothold into the Alpha Quadrant. We were curious to see how much they'd be willing to sacrifice to avoid a war. Kira: And what have you found out? Borath: Unfortunately, they're proving to be just as stubborn as I'd feared. Odo: I'm glad to hear it. Borath: You are? Well, that is a problem. But thankfully, it's not one I have to solve. Female: But I do. Odo: I don't understand. You knew about this? Female: Yes. Odo: But how could you allow it? Kira: You belong to the Dominion, don't you? Female: Belong to it? Major, the Changelings are the Dominion. Odo: You're the Founders. Female: Ironic, isn't it? The hunted now control the destinies of hundreds of other races. Odo: But why control anyone? Female: Because what you control can't hurt you. So, many years ago we set ourselves the task of imposing order on a chaotic universe. Kira: Is that what you call it? Imposing order? I call it murder. Female: What you call it is no concern of ours. Odo: How do you justify the deaths of so many people? Female: The Solids have always been a threat to us. That's the only the justification we need. Odo: But these Solids have never harmed you. They travel the galaxy in order to expand their knowledge, just as you once did. Female: The Solids are nothing like us. Odo: No, I suppose they're not. And neither am I. I've devoted my life to the pursuit of justice, but justice means nothing to you, does it? Female: It's not justice you desire, Odo, but order. The same as we do. And we can help you satisfy that desire in ways the Solids never could. This will all become clear to you once you've taken your place in the Great Link. Odo: No. I admit this Link of yours is appealing. But you see, I already have a link with these people. I want you to remove those devices and bring them their comm. badges. Borath: We can't allow them to leave. Odo: And I can't allow you to keep them here. They're leaving, and so am I. Female: It's taken you many years to find your way back home. Are you really willing to leave it again so soon? Odo: Unless you intend to stop me. Female: No Changeling has ever harmed another. Odo: Whatever you do to them you're going to have to do to me. Female: They're free to go. Odo: Thank you. Female: The next time, I promise you, we will not be so generous. Sisko: Major? Constable? O'Brien: What happened to the Rio Grande? Dax: The last thing I remember is collapsing the wormhole. T'Rul: The last thing I remember is being shot by some Jem'Hadar soldier. Kira: I'm sure it all seemed very real, but the truth is, you've been held in this room since the Jem'Hadar brought you here from the Defiant. Sisko: Borath? What the hell is going on here? Borath: Your ship is in orbit. You may transport back to it whenever you're ready. Odo: Commander, I'll be along shortly. Kira: I'll stay down here and make sure that he gets back to the ship. Bashir: Another Shape-shifter. Odo: Commander, you must leave now. I give you my word I'll explain everything later. Sisko: I'll look forward to it. Sisko to Defiant. Five to beam up. Female: I hope that one day you'll return to us, Odo, and take your rightful place within the Dominion. Odo: I don't think that's possible. Female: Your link to the Solids won't last. You will always be an outsider. Odo: Being an outsider isn't so bad. It gives one a unique perspective. It's a pity you've forgotten that. Female: Then perhaps one day I'll come visit you. The Alpha Quadrant seems wracked with chaos. It could use some order. Odo: Imposing your type of order on the Alpha Quadrant may prove more difficult than you imagine. Female: We are willing to wait until the time is right. We will miss you, Odo, but you will miss us even more. Kira: Odo? Odo: Ready, Major. Kira: Kira to Defiant. Two to beam up.

Quark: Now I know we're doomed. Rom: Why, brother? Quark: Rule of Acquisition two eighty six. When Morn leaves, it's all over. Rom: There is no such rule. Quark: There should be. Rom: I know business is bad, but that's no reason Quark: Bad? Bad? It's twenty-one hundred hours, the bar's open, there's a sale on synthehol, and there's no one here! Kozak: You! Ferengi! Another blood wine! Now! Rom: At least someone is still here. Quark: How many has he had? Rom: A dozen. Quark: I should've gone into insurance. Better hours, more money, less scruples. It's all Sisko's fault. Rom: Sisko? Quark: That's right. If he'd handled things better with the Dominion, none of this would've happened. They want a foothold in the Alpha Quadrant? Cut a deal, make a few arrangements, give them a little something for their trouble. Rom: Brother Quark: But no, he had to play it tough, so now everyone's afraid of the Dominion. Rom: Yes, but brother Quark: And that means fewer people on the station, which means fewer people at Quark's, which means I am out of business. Kozak: Where's my wine, you cowering little Ferengi slug? Quark: What's the problem? Rom: He says he's out of money. He's asking for credit. Quark: Credit? I'll handle it. Watch and learn. Quark: My name is Quark. I'd like to discuss arranging a line of credit. Kozak: You dare speak to me like that? You pathetic mak'dar. Rom: How long are they going to leave him there? I wish they would hurry up and get rid of him. Quark: I wish we could put him on display. Rom: What? Quark: Look at them. They're consumed with morbid fascination. They can't wait to get in here. They all want to know what happened. Was it a bar fight? What started it? And most of all, who killed the Klingon? Rom: But no one killed him. It was an accident. Quark: I killed him in a bar fight. You heard me. I killed him in self-defense. Rom: But where is the profit in lying about a simple drunk Quark: Look at that crowd. How long has it been since you've seen that many customers waiting to get in here? This is an opportunity to turn everything around. Rom: This is insane, brother. What if his family comes looking for the killer? What if they want revenge? Quark: If push comes to shove we tell the truth and no harm done. Rom, let me put it another way. If business doesn't improve, I'll have to start making a few cutbacks in the operation of my bar. Beginning with your salary. Rom: How big of a cutback? Quark: I'd probably have to cut it back to zero. Odo: All right, Quark. Start at the beginning. Rom: My brother fought a desperate hand to hand battle with the Klingon and was forced to kill in self-defense! Odo: You killed him? Quark: I'm sorry. I couldn't avoid it. Quark: He was abusive, vulgar. A typical drunken Klingon. All that was fine, till it came time to pay his bill and he refused. I insisted. We began to argue. He pushed me. I pushed back. I was about to call for security to throw him out of my bar when suddenly he pulled a knife on me! I avoided the first thrust. He came at me again. I hit him with a left jab. There was a furious exchange of blows. The next thing I knew, his knife was at my throat. So I twisted it from his grasp and plunged it into his chest. I will never forget the look on his face when his life drained away. I'd rather not talk about this anymore. O'Brien: Hi, honey. Keiko: Hi. O'Brien: Oh, what a day. Synthale, tall glass. We had three Kobheerian freighter captains who all wanted to use the same docking port. Someone stole a case of medical supplies from the Infirmary. Two power failures. How was school? Keiko: I closed it. O'Brien: You closed the school? Why? What happened? Keiko: My last two Bajoran students left today. Their families relocated back to Bajor. That left Jake, Nog, and a lot of empty chairs. O'Brien: What about Jake and Nog? Don't they have to? Keiko: I told them I'd be happy to tutor them from now on. Two students are not enough to sustain a school. O'Brien: I'm really sorry, Keiko. Keiko: It's not your fault. Everyone's just afraid of the Dominion. People aren't going to be moving their families to the station anymore. That means no more children, which means no more school. Don't look so upset. It's not like I was planning to be a teacher for the rest of my life. O'Brien: Keiko. Keiko: I'm fine, really. Quark: Don't worry Constable, I won't be dispatching anymore customers today. You don't have to keep an eye on me. Odo: Thank you for putting my mind at ease, but I didn't come here to protect the patrons from your violent temper. Quark: Then what can I do for you? Odo: I just thought you'd like to know who it was that you killed in self defense. Quark: Sure. Odo: His name was Kozak. By all accounts a thoroughly disreputable character, a notorious drunkard. Quark: Well, sounds like someone who was going to get himself killed sooner or later. It's a shame it had to happen here. Odo: Isn't it? I thought that you would also like to know that Kozak wasn't just some drifter passing through. In fact, he was the head of a Klingon family. A rather powerful family from what I can gather. Now, do you want to change your story or do you want to wait for Kozak's family to show up and ask to see the Ferengi bartender who killed him? Quark: I told you what happened, Constable. Now, either order something or make room for a paying customer. Rom: Brother, didn't you hear what he said? Quark: I heard him. Rom: Then we have to tell the truth. We've made enough profit in the last few hours to make up for the losses we had Quark: It's not about profit anymore. It's about respect. Rom: It is? Quark: You see the way they look at me now? I'm not just some venal Ferengi trying to take their money. I'm Quark, slayer of Klingons. I've struck a blow for Ferengi everywhere. Rom: What about Kozak's family? What if they come here for revenge? Quark: If that happens I'll stand up, look them right in the eye, and offer them a bribe. D'Ghor: You killed my brother. My brother killed by a miserable Ferengi. I would never have believed it possible. Quark: I can explain. D'Ghor: You'd better. I want to know exactly how Kozak died. And if I don't like what I hear. Quark: Believe me, you'll like it. He was in my bar. I asked him to pay his tab. He refused. I was willing to let it go at that but then he pulled his knife and came at me. And the truth of the matter is, he was so inebriated that he just fell and D'Ghor: I hope you're not going to tell me that he died in an accident. Quark: You do? D'Ghor: Yes. Because there's no honor in such a death. And if Kozak died in disgrace, then that disgrace would be passed along to the rest of his family. So if you were the cause of an accident that will dishonor my entire family, then I'm going to kill you and stuff your miserable corpse out the nearest airlock. Quark: I see. D'Ghor: On the other hand, if he died as a warrior in personal combat, then there would be no dishonor for him or his family. Quark: So what you're saying is if I killed him in personal combat, that's good? D'Ghor: Of course it is not good! He was my brother! But it would be honorable, and an honorable death requires no vengeance. Your life would be spared. Quark: I wish you had been there. You would have been proud of your brother. He fought a brave and valiant battle right up to the end. It was an honor to kill him. D'Ghor: I'm sure it was. Remember that when you tell your customers about the death of Kozak. Quark: You can count on it. D'Ghor: Qapla'! Quark: Meh-ha. Keiko: What what's going on? O'Brien: You're five minutes early. The canapés aren't ready yet. Keiko: Have I missed something? O'Brien: Now don't tell me you've forgotten what day it is Keiko: Well, it's not our anniversary or my birthday or O'Brien: I can't believe you've forgotten. It's 'I'm married to the most wonderful woman in the galaxy' day. I marked it in your calendar. Keiko: I don't think I'm too familiar with that day. O'Brien: It's an old Irish tradition. Here we go. I thought we should start celebrating it. Keiko: Too bad it only comes once a year. O'Brien: Actually, it's a very irregular holiday, crops up all over the place. Sometimes twice a day. Keiko: Really? What's the traditional celebration? Cake? Noisemakers? Fireworks? O'Brien: Oh, definitely fireworks. O'Brien: I should be finished the docking inspection by thirteen hundred hours. How about lunch at the Replimat? Keiko: Sounds good to me. O'Brien: It's a date then. See you later. Keiko: Hey, I just wanted to thank you for last night. It was wonderful. O'Brien: You've already thanked me. Have a good day. I'll be on upper pylon two if you need me. Keiko: I'll be here. Quark: Who's there? We're closed. Grilka: Are you Quark? Quark: That depends on who's asking. Grilka: My name is Grilka. Kozak was my husband. Quark: Oh, er, well, er, come in. Can I get you a drink or something to eat? Grilka: I've been told that you are the one who killed my husband. Quark: I didn't want to. I had no choice. Grilka: Was it an honorable death? Quark: Absolutely. He died like a warrior. I'm very sorry this happened. Is there something I can do? Grilka: Actually, there is. Defend yourself! Grilka: So this is the man who killed my husband in personal combat. Quark: What's going on here? Who are you? Grilka: I already told you. I'm Kozak's widow. But first things first, Quark. I want to know how my husband died, and I want the truth. Quark: All right. Quark: He was drunk and he did try to attack me, but he tripped and fell on his own knife. Grilka: So you lied to the station security officer, to your customers, and to D'Ghor. You must be quite a liar. Quark: It's a gift. Grilka: I think it's time you put that gift to work for me. Grilka: Cho'echu! Quark: What? What happened? Where am I? Tumek: You are on Kronos. Quark: Kronos? The Klingon homeworld. Tumek: You are in the ancestral home of what used to be known as the House of Kozak. Quark: What's it called now? Tumek: Kozak died without a male heir. The House no longer has a name. Quark: What about Kozak's brother, D'Ghor? Tumek: That pahtk's name is not spoken in this house. He is no brother to Kozak. His family has been a sworn enemy of this house for seven generations. Quark: But he came to DS Nine. He told me Tumek: What he told you were lies. He wanted you to say that Kozak had died in honorable combat so that no special dispensation would be granted. Quark: I don't understand. Tumek: If Kozak had died in an accident and left no male heir, the Council might have decided that this was an unusual situation and granted special dispensation. That might have allowed Grilka to become head of the family even though she's a woman. But if Kozak died in an honorable fight, and was simply defeated by a better opponent, then no dispensation would have been granted, and without a male heir the House will fall. Grilka: That hasn't happened yet, Tumek, and there is still time to prevent it from ever happening. Grilka: Put this on. Quark: Why? Grilka: Because if you do not, I will kill you. Tumek: I beg you, consider what you do here, mistress. Grilka: The decision is made. There is no other choice. Grilka: Go'Eveh lu cha wabeh. Mo ka re'Chos. Tumek: Repeat my words Go'Eveh lu cha wabeh. To va re'Luk. Quark: Let me ask just one Grilka: Repeat the words. Quark: Go'Eveh lu cha wabeh to va re'Luk. Tumek: Ghos ma'lu Kah! Tumek: It is done. Quark: What's done? Tumek: The ceremony is complete. You are husband and wife. Sisko: And while you're at it, have alpha shift begin a series of battle drills. I'm not satisfied with their last performance evaluations. Kira: Right. O'Brien: Oh excuse me, sir. I can come back later. Sisko: No, no, no, no. We're done here. What can I do for you? O'Brien: Well, it's kind of private. Dax: Wife problems, Chief? O'Brien: How did you know? Dax: I've been a husband and I've been a wife, and I know that look from both sides. Come on. Kira: What? Dax: This is where we make a graceful exit, and let the boys talk amongst themselves. Kira: Must be some kind of human thing. Sisko: Well, I'm sure the old man will be happy to explain it to you on your way out. Sisko: Chief. I guess Keiko must be very upset about the school closing. O'Brien: That's just it sir. She's acting like she doesn't care, like there's nothing's wrong. Sisko: It sounds bad. O'Brien: I've tried to lift her spirits a bit, romantic dinners, long moonlit walks in the holosuite. I even rearranged my work schedule so I could spend more time with her. Nothing seemed to make a difference. Sisko: But now you have an idea O'Brien: Yes, sir. I'd like permission to convert one of the empty cargo bays into an arboretum. Sisko: I think bay twenty one would be ideal. The ODN conduits are shot, and the security systems never worked anyway. O'Brien: So, you're saying yes? Sisko: It sounds like it to me. Listen, there's nothing harder than knowing that the person you love is unhappy, and I know how important it is to do something about it. If one empty cargo bay makes Keiko happy, then I'm all for it. I just hope it works. O'Brien: So do I. She sacrificed her entire career to be here with me. I owe her. Sisko: If there's anything else I can do, just let me know. O'Brien: Thank you, sir. D'Ghor: There being no special circumstances in the death, and no male heir, I make claim to the title and property of this fallen House. Gowron: The Council has considered your petition and will grant the transfer once the final rituals have been Grilka: The petition is out of order! D'Ghor: This woman has no place here. Her husband is dead and her House has fallen. I ask that she be taken from the Hall. Grilka: I have performed the brek'tal ritual, Gowron, and I have chosen a new husband to lead my House. Enter, husband. D'Ghor: A Ferengi cannot be allowed to rule a Klingon House! Grilka: All I have done is follow the brek'tal ritual. If the leader of a House is slain in honorable combat, the victor may be invited to take his place and his wife. You're the one who made this possible, D'Ghor. You certified before the Council that Kozak died an honorable death at the hands of this man. I am simply exercising my rights as an honored widow. D'Ghor: I will have your House and your title, Grilka. And when I am done, I will place your head and the head of this ridiculous Ferengi outside the gates. Quark: Can I say something? It seems there's some kind of dispute going on over some land, maybe some other property. I think maybe we should consider a deal. D'Ghor: I should kill you right now. Gowron: Mev'yap! D'Ghor, you cannot challenge this man in Council without just cause. We will have to consider this matter carefully before a final decision is reached. Until then, the brek'tal will be respected. The House of Kozak is gone. For the time being it will be known as the House of Quark: Quark. Gowron: Querk. Quark: Quark! Gowron: The House of Quark. Grilka: I told you not to say anything. Quark: I was trying to avoid a lot of unnecessary bloodshed, like my own. Grilka: Just do as I say and there won't be any bloodshed. Quark: Fine. What's next? What do we do now? How do we strengthen the position of your House? How do we keep D'Ghor from carrying out his threat? What's the plan? Grilka: I'm thinking. Quark: You don't have a plan, do you? You're just making this up as you go along. Grilka: I've managed to get us this far. Quark: But you have no idea where to go from here. Can I make a suggestion? Let's try having a more equal partnership, shall we? Grilka: What do you want? Quark: Just tell me what's going on. Grilka: Kozak squandered much of our family's wealth, incurred several large gambling debts, made unwise investments. As a result, the House has been weakened severely in power and in influence. Much of the debt is owed to D'Ghor who is now ready to take advantage of our weakness. If he can gain title of our lands and property, his family will become a very powerful influence in the Empire. He may even earn a seat on the Council. Quark: Would it be possible for me to see all the financial records of your House and I mean all of them. D'Ghor's too, if you can arrange it. Maybe I can find a way out of this mess. Grilka: That is not how we do things here. We are Klingons. We do not dirty ourselves with filthy ledgers looking for some financial trick Quark: Look, we've been doing things your way ever since this started, and now you've run out of ideas, so maybe we should try doing things my way for a change. It certainly can't hurt to let me look at some filthy ledgers. Bashir: Afternoon, Chief. O'Brien: Doctor. Bashir: Plomeek soup, hot. Oh, with a touch of basil. O'Brien: What do you think? Bashir: You're asking my opinion? Bashir: An arboretum. For Keiko, I presume? To make her a little happier now the school's been closed down. O'Brien: It's not just for Keiko. I mean, it'd benefit the entire station. Do you think it'll work? Bashir: Absolutely. For about two months. Then you'll be right back where you started. O'Brien: Two months? Bashir: Well, it's been my experience that during any serious disagreement a smile and sweet words will buy you two hours, flowers will buy you a week, an arboretum, well, that's at least two months. But in the end, you still have to solve the underlying problem. O'Brien: I thought an arboretum would give her a chance to continue her studies. Help her find something to do with her time. Bashir: Like a hobby. O'Brien: Exactly. Bashir: Exactly why it won't work. You can't ask her to turn her profession into a hobby. Would you be satisfied just puttering around in a workshop making nano-circuit boards and playing with tricorders? O'Brien: I suppose not. Bashir: You're Chief of Operations, I'm a doctor, and Keiko's a botanist. And until she can be a botanist again, I'm not sure she's ever really going to be happy. Quark: Very clever. Very clever indeed. D'Ghor has manipulated your family's holdings, devalued the lands you hold, and he is the principal creditor on Kozak's outstanding gambling debts. It's no accident your family's getting weaker and D'Ghor's family is getting stronger. He's been systematically attacking your family's assets for over five years now. Grilka: You mean D'Ghor has been scheming and plotting like a F? Quark: Like a Ferengi. Grilka: There is no honor in what he has done. If he wanted to challenge my House, he should've made a declaration, met our forces in battle. Quark: And risk destroying the very thing he wanted most, your lands and property? Grilka: Can you prove any of this? You can show the Council exactly what D'Ghor has done? Quark: It's all right there. All I have to do is talk them through it. Grilka: Thank you, Quark. You may have saved my family. Quark: Well, it is the House of Quark, after all. Grilka: I really am very grateful for all you've done, Quark. That is why I'm going to let you take your hand off my thigh instead of shattering every bone in your body. Quark: Let's go talk to the Council. Quark: So, as you can see from the gross adjusted assets tabulation in column J, the net value of the land acquisition was actually zero. Now, if you go to the file marked Devaluation of Capital Income, we can review the way D'Ghor Gowron: Enough! I don't want to hear anything more about finances, mergers, or currency transactions. The charge has been made that you have used money to bring down a great House. What do you say to this, D'Ghor? D'Ghor: I say that he is a liar, that he has smeared my name and I demand vengeance through personal combat. I have diskovered new evidence, evidence which proves Kozak did not die honorably. That he actually died in an accident. I have a witness who will say he watched Kozak trip and fall on his own blade and that Quark made up the entire story. Quark: I don't know what he's trying to pull here. The only other person who was there was Rom: Hello, brother. Quark: Come on, this way. And keep quiet. Grilka: I thought you might try to leave. Quark: Look, I have done my part in this little game of yours and I am sorry about your House and title, but there's a man out there who wants to kill me tomorrow. Grilka: It's a matter of honor, Quark. D'Ghor has accused you of lying. There's no way to answer that charge except through personal combat. Quark: To you Klingons there may be no other way, but there's an old Ferengi saying about diskretion being the better part of valor. Grilka: Then what they say about the Ferengi is true. You're all lying, thieving, cowards who have no sense of loyalty or honor. Quark: Sticks and stones. Grilka: I thought you were different. I thought you had something in here. But all you have in there is a piece of latinum, and it's a pretty small piece at that. Let them run. I don't want them in my house. Quark: All right, let's go. What? What? You think I should stay and fight D'Ghor? Is that what you're thinking? How could you let her get to you like this? Don't you see what she's trying to do? She's trying to make us feel guilty. Well, it's not going to work. Rom: You're right, brother. You're a businessman. All you care about is profit. Quark: Right. Rom: This was all just a ploy to boost sales at the bar. Who cares if some Klingon female loses her House? Quark: I certainly don't. Rom: Me neither. Quark: Well, now let's get out of here. Gowron: Grilka, where is the leader of your House? Grilka: I do not know. D'Ghor: Then I say that the House of Quark has dishonored itself before this Council and I ask that it be dissolved and its lands and property be turned over to me as compensation for Quark: I am Quark, son of Keldar, and I have come to answer the challenge of D'Ghor, son of whatever. Grilka: Whatever happens, I am proud of you. Quark: I wish I could say that's comforting. Gowron: Ready? D'Ghor: Ha! Gowron: Ready? DaH! Quark: Go ahead, kill me. That's why I'm here, isn't it, to be killed? Well, here I am, so go ahead and do it. You all want me to pick up that sword and try to fight him, don't you? But I don't have a chance and you know it. You only want me to put up a fight so your precious honor will be satisfied. Well, I'm not going to make it so easy for you. Having me fight D'Ghor is nothing more than an execution, so, if that's what you want, that's what you'll get. An execution. No honor, no glory. And when you tell your children and your grandchildren the glorious story of how you rose to power and took Grilka's House from her, I hope you remember to tell them how you heroically killed an unarmed Ferengi half your size. D'Ghor: Whatever you say, Ferengi. Gowron: D'Ghor, what are you doing? I didn't want to believe the things he said about you yesterday, but if you can stand here and murder this pathetic little man, then you have no honor, and you have no place in this Hall. Gowron: A brave Ferengi. Who would have thought it possible? I believe there are enough unusual circumstances here to justify granting you special dispensation. You can lead your House on your own, if that is what you want. Yej rhin! Grilka: You've given me back my House and my family name. How can I repay you? Quark: I would like a divorce, please. No offense. Grilka: None taken. I can give it to you right now. Grilka: N'Gos tlhogh cha! Grilka: You're a free man. Quark: A little warning would've been nice. Grilka: Qapla', Quark son of Keldar. Quark: Qapla' to you too. Keiko: I've never understood what people see in that game. Don't they ever get sick of it? O'Brien: Keiko, there's an agrobiology expedition leaving for the Janitza mountains on Bajor in two weeks. They need a chief botanist. I think you could probably qualify. Keiko: On Bajor? O'Brien: That's right. They've never surveyed these mountains. It's a very important expedition. Keiko: How long is this expedition supposed to last? O'Brien: Six months. Keiko: I can't leave you and Molly for six months. O'Brien: You can take Molly with you, I've already checked. And as for me, well, Bajor's only three hours away in a runabout. We can manage. Keiko: When we moved here, we made an agreement. O'Brien: I know. Keiko: And I'm not trying to back out of that agreement. Don't let this business about the school make you feel guilty and O'Brien: This isn't about guilt. This is about you being happy and me knowing that you're not. Keiko: I made a promise to stay with you and make this work. O'Brien: I know. But you're a botanist. That's what you trained to do. That's what you love. Be a botanist, Keiko. Be the best damned botanist in the galaxy. Rom: Brother, I haven't had the chance to tell you, but in the Great Hall when you stood there in front of D'Ghor, you were magnificent. Quark: I was lucky. If it didn't work I didn't have another card to play. Business is dropping off again. Rom: Money isn't everything. Quark: If father were alive, he'd wash your mouth out with galcor. Rom: You can't buy respect, brother, and that's what you have now. Respect. After all, that's what you wanted, isn't it? Quark: Respect is good, but latinum's better. Rom: Tell the story again about how you stood there in front of D'Ghor, not knowing whether you were going to live to see another day. Quark: Everyone's tired of hearing it, Rom. It's not going to boost business anymore. Rom: No, I mean, tell me. I want to hear it again. Quark: All right, but I'm taking this time out of your pay cheque. Well, when I entered the Great Hall, the first thing I noticed was that D'Ghor was about a meter taller than I remembered.

Bashir: I don't know about you, but I'm starving. Kira: Me, too. Jake: Here you go. Enjoy. Kira: Thanks. This looks delicious. Sisko: Now, Constable, the secret of a good soufflé is consistency. You have to be careful not to over-whip it. Odo: I see. Sisko: I hope I'm not boring you. Odo: Just because I don't need food, Commander, doesn't mean I'm not interested in its preparation. I'm fascinated by the humanoid preoccupation with eating. May I? Sisko: By all means. Sisko: Nice and smooth. That's it, it's all in the wrist. Bashir: Where did you learn all this? Sisko: In my father's restaurant in New Orleans. Kira: What are we having? It smells delicious. Jake: Blackened redfish with creamed spinach and sautéed beets. Bashir: Beets? Sisko: You don't like beets, Doctor? Bashir: Well, they're not exactly a personal favorite of mine. Sisko: That's because you haven't had them prepared properly. Sisko: Beets are a very misunderstood vegetable. Bashir: Well, I look forward to understanding it better. Sisko: Come in. Dax: Oh, what a day. I just spent the last six hours in one of the upper pylons trying to get the new sensor relay online. Sisko: Help yourself to something. Dinner'll be ready in a few minutes. Dax: Great, I've been looking forward to this all day. Bashir: I hope you like beets. Dax: I love'em. Sisko: Keep at it, Constable. Nice, even strokes. Odo: Do you find something amusing, Major? Kira: I just think you look so cute. Dax: Who's is this? Jake: It's mine. Dax: I didn't know that you played. Jake: I don't. I took lessons for a while but I wasn't very good. Dax: I know the feeling. None of Dax's hosts, even Jadzia, had any musical ability. Bashir: Nobody said life was fair. Dax: Not even if you've had seven of them. Dax: You would think one of us would've been born without a tin ear. Kira: Sounds like one of you had some talent, after all. Bashir: That's lovely. Dax: Quiet. That's not it. Kira: What piece was that? Dax: I don't know. I don't believe I've ever heard it before. Bashir: Maybe you hit on it by accident. You know, beginner's luck. Dax: But I know it somehow. Kira: It's probably something from your childhood. You'll think of it. Jake: Dinner is ready. Sisko: Do you mind? Dax: What? Sisko: Your humming. It's a little distracting. Dax: Sorry, I didn't realize I was doing it. Sisko: You've been humming that same tune since we started the game. Dax: I guess I just can't get it out of my mind. Sisko: Do me a favor. Try. Sisko: Your turn. Sisko: You sure you want to do that? Dax: Your move. Sisko: Check. Dax: Where did that knight come from? Sisko: Your mind is not on the game. Dax: Oh, so you decided to made an illegal move to get my attention? Sisko: Of course not. And it's a legal move. You know, why don't we just call it a day. You obviously have other things on your mind. Dax: Curzon always suspected you were a cheat. Sisko: Is this some kind of joke? Dax: Don't play innocent with me, Benjamin. We both know you're trying to cheat me here, so why don't you just admit it? Kira: Dax? Dax: Did Sisko send you to apologize for him? Kira: No. But he was concerned about what happened. I thought you might like to talk about it. Dax: There's nothing to talk about. Kira: You can't really think he tried to cheat you? Dax: I knew you'd take his side. Kira: I'm not taking anybody's side. Dax: In that case I think you should leave, Kira. Kira: Dax. Dax: I'm serious. Leave. Fine. I'll go. Kira: Wait. Dax: Get your hands off of me before I do something I'll regret. That's the first smart thing you've done since you walked over here. Quark: Something wrong, Lieutenant? Dax: No. No. Sisko: How do you feel? Dax: I feel like an idiot. I'm so sorry about all the horrible things I said to you. Sisko: Don't worry about it. They're already forgotten. And I used to think Curzon had a temper. Dax: I don't know what's wrong with me. I feel like I have so much anger inside and I don't know where it's coming from. Sisko: This masked figure in your Dax: Hallucinations? Sisko: Do you have the sense of who it might've been? Dax: That's what's so strange. He seems familiar somehow but I don't know from where. And the music. Benjamin, I have to find out what that music is. Sisko: Why don't you input as much as you can remember in the computer. It might be able to find a match in the Federation database. Dax: I'll do it. Well, as soon as Julian lets me leave here. Bashir: Jadzia, have you experienced any hallucinations prior to this? Dax: Never. And I hope I never do again. It was terrifying. Bashir: Have any of Dax's other hosts? Dax: No. Believe me, I'd remember. Bashir: Well, according to your file, the only major trauma the Dax symbiont ever suffered was when Torias Dax was injured in a shuttle accident. Sisko: Torias. He was Dax's fifth host, wasn't he? Dax: Yes, right before Curzon. Bashir: It says here that Torias remained in a comatose state for just under six months. There must've been a lot of tissue damage. The doctors couldn't keep his isoboramine levels up. Sisko: Isoboramine? Dax: It's a neurotransmitter that mediates the synaptic functions between the host and the symbiont. Bashir: When the levels dropped to below forty percent of normal they had to remove the symbiont. Dax: Sometimes the host is sacrificed to save the symbiont. Are you checking my isoboramine levels? Bashir: Yes. Dax: How low are they? Bashir: They've fallen to seventy three percent of normal. Sisko: Do you have any idea what's causing it? Bashir: I'm not sure. There's no tissue damage, no synaptic degradation. Dax: Julian, am I in danger of rejecting my symbiont? Bashir: I wouldn't worry about rejection just yet, but we do have to get your isoboramine levels back up. And I suggest we take her back to the Trill homeworld and have the doctors at the Symbiosis Commission examine her. Sisko: Curzon always said he wanted to show me the Trill homeworld. Looks like I'm going to get there after all. Bashir: How long before we reach Trill? Sisko: A little over thirty seven hours. How's Dax? Bashir: Resting in her quarters. Sisko: It's funny. It's been almost four years since Curzon died, and I still miss the old man. At first I never thought I'd ever get used to a new Dax, but if anything happens to Jadzia Bashir: I know. I feel the same way. We'll just have to make sure nothing happens to her. Right? Sisko: Right. Bashir: Yes? Dax: Oh, good. I didn't wake you. Bashir: Not at all. You're having trouble sleeping? Dax: Yeah, a little. Bashir: I could get you something. Dax: No, thanks, but I could use some company, if you're not too busy. Bashir: Oh, no, no, no, no. I was just reading. Dax: Oh, anything I'd be interested in? Trill physiology. Bashir: Just some background research. Look, Jadzia, I know you're worried, but the doctors at the Symbiosis Commission know a lot more about this than I do. Dax: I can't believe I'm going back there. I spent three years as a Trill Initiate, and in all that time I hardly ever left the complex. After I was joined I swore I would never set foot in there again. Bashir: Was it really that bad? Dax: No. What I remember is the endless series of tests they put me through. Bashir: Considering the risk of rejection, you can't really blame them. If they were to put a symbiont to an unsuitable host, they'd both be dead in a matter of days. Dax: That's true. I guess I had such a difficult time because I put so much pressure on myself. I wanted to be joined so badly. Bashir: Well, look on the bright side. At least this time you won't be going there as an Initiate. Dax: No, I'm going there as a patient, and that's much worse. I never told you this before, Julian, but I've always been afraid of doctors. Bashir: Most people are. When I was younger I was terrified of them. Dax: Really? Bashir: They seemed to know everything. It was as if they held the power of life and death in their hands. I used to think that if I didn't behave, they'd make sure I got sick. Then as I got older, I decided that I wanted to know what they knew, be as smart as they were. Dax: And that's why you went to medical school? Bashir: That's right. And you know what I learned there? That all I really wanted to do was help people. That's what doctors are there for, to help. So there's really no reason to be afraid of them. Now if that little story didn't put you to sleep, I don't know what will. Dax: You're a very dear man, Julian. Bashir: Listen, Jadzia, you're welcome to stay the night here if you want. You can have the top bunk. Dax: Are you sure you don't mind? Bashir: Absolutely not. Up you go. Dax: Okay, well, in that case, if it's not too much trouble, would you mind if I took the lower bunk? Curzon fell out of a tree once, and Bashir: Whatever you want. Dax: Thank you. Bashir: Is this light too bright for you? Dax? Bashir: Sweet dreams. Dax: After they finally finished the neural response analysis, another doctor came in and ran a cortical protein series. Bashir: Did they do a bio-spectral scan on the symbiont? Dax: They had to make an incision so they could insert the scanner. Renhol: Jadzia, it's good to see you again. Dax: Doctor Renhol. Renhol: Everyone's very excited about your being here, you know. Jadzia is the only Initiate to ever successfully reapply to the program after being dropped. You must be Doctor Bashir. Bashir: That's right. Sisko: Commander Benjamin Sisko. Renhol: Ah, yes. Curzon's friend. Sisko: Yes, I had that privilege. Bashir: Did you get a chance to look over the test results? Renhol: Yes, I did. As you noted, Doctor, her isoboramine levels are low so I've put her on a benzocyatic regimen to compensate. As you can see, there's already a three percent improvement. Dax: Will I have to stay here for the duration of the treatment? Renhol: No, Doctor Bashir can administer it. But I would like to see you back here tomorrow for a follow up, and for lunch. Dax: I'd like that. Renhol: Well, if you'll excuse me I have an Initiate who needs some hand-holding. Dax: I don't know why we came back here when I could be taking you on a tour of the Tenaran ice cliffs. Sisko: You're not taking us anywhere, Dax. Bashir: You're going straight to your quarters to rest. Dax: But Bashir: No buts. Doctor's orders. Dax: But I cannot sleep in the afternoon. Bashir: Just lie down, close your eyes, and try not to think. Sisko: It usually works for me. Dax: Who are you? Figure: It's beautiful, isn't it? Bashir: Dax! Jadzia! Bashir: I don't understand why she'd have another hallucination. I've checked her isoboramine levels. They've risen another six percent. Renhol: That's a larger increase than I'd anticipated. The suddenness could be what triggered the hallucination. I want you to start administering more frequent treatments at a lower dosage. Dax: Doctor, the people who attacked me, they were from the Symbiosis Commission. Renhol: Hallucinations often take the form of latent anxieties, and we all know the time you spent here wasn't that easy for you. Dax: But the uniforms they were wearing, they were from over a hundred years ago. Sisko: That was long before Jadzia was an Initiate. Dax: And none of my other hosts had bad memories of being here. Renhol: Well, with seven lifetimes worth of memories it's no surprise things would get a bit jumbled. Sisko: So you feel we're on the right track with these treatments? Renhol: Yes, I do. But I still want to see you tomorrow. Sisko: What's on your mind, Dax? Dax: I wish I knew what these hallucinations meant. Sisko: The computer's still trying to identify the music. Maybe that'll tell us something. Dax: I hope so. Bashir: Jadzia, maybe you still have some issues you need to sort out about the time you spent here. Dax: I don't need therapy, Julian, I need answers. Maybe the Guardians could help me. Bashir: The Guardians? Sisko: They're unjoined Trill who have devoted their lives to the care of the symbionts. Dax: They know more about them than anyone. Bashir: So, this is where the symbionts breed? Dax: There are interconnecting pools throughout these caves. They stretch back for kilometers. Look, there's two of them surfacing now. Sisko: What was that energy diskharge? Dax: That's how the symbionts communicate with each other. Bashir: Fascinating. Dax: That's one of the Guardians. Don't be surprised if he seems a little distracted. They're not used to visitors. Timor: Hmm, that explains things. Bashir: Can I ask what you're doing? Timor: Yes. Bashir: What are you doing? Timor: Oh, just making sure they're comfortable. Checking the ion concentration, temperature, viscosity. They get very cranky if everything's not perfect. You don't want them cranky. Bashir: Oh no, of course not. Timor: They can be very demanding. Sometimes I don't know why I put up with it. What's the weather like outside? Bashir: Well, it's sunny. Very pleasant. Timor: Ah, sunshine. I miss sunshine. You're Dax Dax: Yes. Jadzia Dax. How did you know? Timor: I know. Something's wrong. Dax: Yes. Timor: Do you mind? Timor: Oh. Oh, that is not good. Not good at all. Tell me, how bad are the dreams? Dax: They're not dreams. They're hallucinations. Timor: Actually, they're memories. Dax: Then why don't I remember them? Timor: The balance is off. Dax: You mean the balance between host and symbiont? Timor: What other balance is there? Someone's not playing fair. It wouldn't be Dax so it must be the host. Sisko: You're saying the problem is with Jadzia? Timor: No, no, not necessarily. It could be any one of the hosts. All right, Dax, come with me. Let's see what we find. Sisko: How did it go? Dax: Timor is convinced that my hallucinations have something to do with one of my previous hosts. But he's not sure which one. So he wants me to come back again tomorrow to see him. Sisko: We've got some good news. The computer's identified your music. Dax: Can I hear it? That's it. Sisko: The piece was written by a Trill named Joran Belar eighty six years ago. Bashir: Does the name sound familiar? Dax: Joran Belar? I don't think so. Is there a picture of him? Sisko: I'll see. Figure: He left me no choice. Dax: Who are you? Sisko: Dax? Bashir: She's in neural shock. Renhol: We had to stabilize her synaptic functions. Activate the neural induction field. Give her another two cc's of benzocyatizine. Bashir: Doctor. Renhol: Her isoboramine levels are down to fifty one percent. I don't understand it. A decrease that severe is usually the result of tissue damage. Commander, this wormhole you've diskovered. Have your people done any surveys of the diametric fields it generates? Sisko: Yes. In fact Dax did the most recent survey herself. Renhol: I'd like to see those reports. Bashir: Do you think there's any correlation between Dax's condition and the wormhole? Renhol: Something unusual is affecting her and at this point we can't afford to rule anything out. If we can't get her isoboramine readings up to an acceptable level within forty eight hours, I'm afraid we'll have to remove the symbiont. Sisko: But that'll kill Jadzia. Renhol: I'm well aware of that, Commander. But Jadzia would be the first to tell you that our primary responsibility must be to the symbiont. If there's any change in her condition, I'll let you know. Sisko: Timor, we need your help Dax has gone into neural shock. Timor: I'm sorry to hear that Sisko: The doctors at the Symbiosis Commission don't know what's causing it. Bashir: You told Jadzia that her condition had something to do with one of Dax's previous hosts. Timor: That was just speculation. Sisko: You told her you were certain of it. Timor: If I gave that impression, I apologize. Now, if you gentlemen will excuse me, the symbionts need me. Sisko: Jadzia needs you too. She's dying. Bashir: All we're asking is that you come with us to the Symbiosis Commission and consult with Doctor Renhol. Timor: I'm sorry. There's nothing I can do. Bashir: How do you know that unless you try? Sisko: Timor, what's going on here? Did someone tell you not to pursue this? Timor: Why would anyone do that? Sisko: You tell me. Timor: I hope your friend recovers. I truly do. Now, if that's all, I'm very busy. Bashir: He's not busy. He's scared. Sisko: Why would anyone want him to keep quiet about this? What are they trying to hide? Bashir: Yesterday, Timor claimed the problem was with one of Dax's previous hosts. Today, the mere mention of the possibility makes him nervous. Sisko: You'd think someone doesn't want an investigation of those past hosts. Bashir: I can't think of a better reason for such an investigation, can you? Sisko: It's possible that one of the Dax hosts had something to do with this composer, Belar. Bashir: Well, Jadzia seemed to lose consciousness the minute she saw Belar's picture. Sisko: I think it's time we found out more about him. Bashir: I've accessed the Trill central database. Let's see what information there is on Joran Belar. Here we are. Born on stardate 1024.7, died on 8615.2. Sisko: Is that all there is? Bashir: I was expecting a lot more. When I looked through Dax's records there was detailed information on each host. Sisko: Could the file have been purged? Bashir: If part of the file's been deleted, the data compression ratio might be off. Yes, look at this. The ratio's for a file five times larger. There was definitely more information here. Sisko: Call up Dax's records. Put them side by side with Joran's. Wait a minute. Look at these dates. Bashir: Belar died on the same day as Torias Dax died. Sisko: The same day the Dax symbiont was put into Curzon. Bashir: Oh, this has to be more than a coincidence. Sisko: Whoever purged the main database might have missed something. Check the enrolllment records of all the Trill music academies during Belar's lifetime. Bashir: He's not listed but there is someone here with the same last name. Maybe they're related? Sisko: Yolad Belar. Check the central database. See if he's still alive. Bashir: He is. Sisko: Access the Trill communications grid. Try to locate him. Bashir: There's a reasonable chance that he and Joran were related. Musical ability often runs in families. I've established a comm.-link. Sisko: Put him on the main viewer. Yolad: Yes, can I help you? Sisko: I'm Commander Benjamin Sisko of the Federation Starbase Deep Space Nine. Yolad: What would a Starfleet officer want with me? Sisko: Are you Yolad Belar? Yolad: I am. Why? Sisko: We're trying to find information about a man named Joran Belar. Did you know him? Yolad: Of course I did. He was my brother. Sisko: He was a composer? Yolad: That's right. We both graduated from the same music academy. Sisko: Are you aware that his record has been purged from the Academy's files? Yolad: That doesn't make any sense. What's all this about? Sisko: That's what we're trying to find out. Do you know if your brother knew a joined Trill named Torias Dax? Yolad: My brother died eighty five years ago. I have a hard time remembering what happened yesterday. Bashir: Then you don't remember the name? Yolad: No, but that doesn't mean Joran didn't know him. You said he was joined? They could've met when my brother went off to become an Initiate. Sisko: He was a candidate for joining? Yolad: That's what I just said, isn't it? Sisko: Was he given a symbiont? Yolad: Not according to the Symbiosis Commission. They claim he was dropped from the program after the second year. According to them he murdered the doctor that recommended dropping him, and was killed trying to escape the murder scene. Sisko: It sounds like you're not convinced that's what really happened. Yolad: Oh, I believe he killed that doctor. My brother had a violent temper. But about six months before that happened my brother contacted me. He sounded different somehow, more confident, even colder than usual. And when I asked him about it he laughed. He said me he was different, that he'd been Joined. Sisko: Did he tell you the name of his symbiont? Yolad: Maybe he did. I was so surprised to learn he'd been chosen to be Joined I can't remember much else. I loved my brother, Commander. In spite of all the things he did, I loved him. Sisko: Thank you for taking the time to speak with us. Sisko: Doctor, call up Dax's records. I think I'm beginning to understand what's going on here. According to the official records, after Torias died the Dax symbiont was put into Curzon. What if that's not what happened? What if Dax was given another host before Curzon. A host who should never have been given a symbiont. Bashir: A host named Joran Belar. Renhol: Her isoboramine levels have dropped to forty four percent. Tell Doctor Torvin to prepare the new host for surgery. We'll begin transferring the symbiont in fifteen minutes. Sisko: Tell Doctor Torvin to get himself a cup of raktajino. He won't be needed. Renhol: Commander Sisko, how dare you come in here and Bashir: It's over, Doctor. We know about Joran Belar. Renhol: Wait outside. Tell the surgeons to stand by. Renhol: I don't have time for this, Commander. The symbiont is in danger. Sisko: So is Jadzia. Renhol: I can't do anything for her. Sisko: Can't? Or won't? Renhol: I resent that implication. Sisko: And I resent having to watch my friend die just so you can protect your secret. Renhol: What secret? Sisko: Oh, I think you know. And the thought of it becoming public scares the hell out of you. Renhol: Commander, I don't know what you're talking about. Sisko: I'm talking about the fact that eighty six years ago the Symbiosis Commission mistakenly gave the Dax symbiont to Joran Belar. Renhol: I don't recall ever seeing any mention of a Joran Dax on our records. Sisko: And we both know why, Doctor. The Symbiosis Commission altered the records, just like they tried to erase all knowledge of Joran from Dax's memory. Bashir: And now after eighty years the memory block is deteriorating and Dax is starting to remember the Joran host. Renhol: What possible reason would anyone have to create that sort of elaborate cover up? Sisko: We wondered about that too. What was it about Joran that had to be hidden at all costs? The fact that he never should have been selected as a host? No, that simple error in judgment wouldn't be enough, would it? There had to be something more, something that would shake the very foundation of your society. Bashir: Tell me, Doctor, how many of your people are suitable for Joining? Renhol: I don't see how that's relevant. Bashir: I understand the percentage is very low. Maybe one in a thousand? Renhol: That's right. Bashir: Which is why the candidates are put through such rigorous testing. Renhol: That's how we make sure the symbionts aren't given to an unsuitable host. Bashir: What would happen if for some reason a symbiont was given to an unsuitable host? Renhol: That doesn't happen. Bashir: But what if it did? Renhol: Rejection would set in. The host and symbiont would both die. Bashir: How long before rejection would set in? Renhol: Three, maybe four days. Bashir: Then someone like Joran Belar, an unstable personality with violent tendencies, should have rejected a symbiont within a matter of days. Yet that didn't happen, did it? According to our information, he was Joined to the Dax symbiont for six months. Sisko: Six months, Doctor. If a man like Joran Belar can be Joined successfully for that long, how many others can be joined as well? Hundreds, thousands? Certainly more than the Symbiosis Commission would have us believe. And that is what you've been trying to cover up all along, isn't it? That's why you're willing to let Jadzia die. I'm not interested in exposing your secret, Doctor. All I care about is Jadzia. And I promise you, if she dies, I will see to it that the entire planet knows why. Renhol: Do you realize what would happen if you did that? It would mean chaos. There aren't enough symbionts for that many hosts. The potential danger to the symbionts would be enormous. They would become commodities to be purchased or prizes to be fought over. Nearly half our population is capable of being Joined. That's what we learned from our unfortunate experience with Joran Dax. Now do you understand why you must not reveal the truth? Sisko: Do you understand my terms? Renhol: It's not that simple. For Jadzia to survive, we have to stabilize the synaptic functions between the host and symbiont. Joran's memories have to be allowed to surface, to re-integrated with Dax's other memories. It could be very dangerous. Sisko: Jadzia is a strong woman. I say we give her that chance. Renhol: What if you're wrong? What if Joran's personality overwhelms Jadzia? Are you willing to risk that? Sisko: The point is. it's not up to me or you to decide. It's her life and her decision. Dax: Julian. Bashir: We've got a lot to talk about, Jadzia. You have a decision to make. Dax: Joran. Joran: You know who I am. Dax: You're a part of me. Dax: Come in. Checking up on me, Benjamin? Sisko: Just thought I'd see how you were doing. Dax: Julian stopped by fifteen minutes ago and said the same thing. I'll be all right. I just need some time to sort things out. Sisko: I suppose it would have been easier if you'd never found out about Joran. Dax: No, I'm glad I did. If you want to know who you are, it's important to know who you've been. Sisko: Good night, old man. Dax: Benjamin, I'll see you in the morning.

Quark: Why don't you tell your Uncle Quark all about it? Dax: What are you talking about, Quark? Quark: You're fifteen minutes late for your appointment in the holosuites, and by the look of that drink, you've been nursing it for a while. You got stood up, didn't you? Dax: Well, if you must know, I'm waiting for Major Kira. We were supposed to go anti-grav sailing together, but you know how she feels about the holosuites. Kira: She feels they're a complete waste of time. Anything worth doing in a holosuite can be done better in the real world. Quark: You've obviously never been in the right holosuite program. But, if you'd like, I could Kira: You could, but you'd live to regret it. Quark: Maybe some other time. Kira: Sorry I'm late. Sisko and I had to revise crew rotations again. Dax: So you're not canceling? Kira: No. I'm kind of looking forward to it, except for crashing. Dax: Oh, don't worry, you won't crash. We'll start out with an easy simulation like sailing across the Great Erg on New Mecca. You'll see, it'll be great . Crewman: Ops to Major Kira. Kira: Kira here. Crewman: You have an incoming communication from the Bajoran Central Archives. Kira: I'm in the Replimat. I'll take it down here. This will only take a minute. Kira: This is Major Kira. Alenis: Major My name is Alenis Grem. I'm doing a study on the Elemspur Detention Center for the Bajoran Central Archives and I was hoping to ask you a few questions. Kira: I'd be glad to help, but why come to me? I was never at Elemspur. Alenis: Cardassian records clearly indicate that a Kira Nerys was held at Elemspur for seven days. Kira: You've got the wrong Kira Nerys. Believe me, if I'd been held in a Cardassian prison, I'd remember. Alenis: I don't understand. I have the records right here. Kira Nerys of Dahkur Province, a member of the Shaakar resistance cell. You see? Dax: It's you. Odo: If your memory and these prison records don't agree, then one of them must be wrong. Either the records or Kira: My memory is fine. I know exactly where I was that week. Odo: After ten years? Kira: I spent the entire winter with my Resistance group in the Dahkur Hills. We had no power cells for our phasers, very little food, and we spent most of our time in caves hiding from Cardassian sensor sweeps. Believe me, it was very memorable. These records are fake. The only question is, who faked them and why. Odo: According to this, you supposedly shared a cell with three other inmates. Maybe one of them can help us find out what's going on here. Yeln: Elemspur? I haven't thought about that place for a long time. Kira: I was hoping you could answer some questions about your fellow prisoners. Yeln: I'll try and. Now wait a minute. I remember you. You were there, too, weren't you? Kiri something? Kira: Kira. Kira Nerys. Yeln: I almost didn't recognize you. You used to wear your hair differently, didn't you? Longer? Kira: You remember me after all this time? Yeln: When the Cardassians dragged you out of our cell, I gave you up for dead. Glad to see I was wrong. Those were bad times. Kira: Yes, they were. Sisko: He could've been lying. Kira: Maybe. But the records and the only surviving witness both say I was at Elemspur. My memory says something different. I've got to find out the truth. Sisko: I understand. If there's anything you need? Kira: I'll let you know. This shouldn't take long. I should only be on Bajor a few days. Sisko: We'll try to manage without you until you get back. Bashir: There you are, Garak. I went past your shop, but it was closed. Garak: Unfortunately business has been a bit slow. For some reason, living under the constant threat of Dominion attack has made people less eager to invest in new clothing. So how was your trip to Klaestron Four? Bashir: Oh, terrific. The Klaestrons have developed a burn treatment technology which has to be seen to be believed. Garak: You know, I envy you. Bashir: How so? Garak: When I was younger, traveling was a bit of a passion for me. There are few things in life that compare with the thrill of immersing yourself in the culture of an alien world, meeting the inhabitants, earning their trust. But aside from our brief excursion to Bajor, I don't think I've been off this station in nearly three years. Bashir: What's stopping you? Ships are leaving Deep Space Nine almost every day. Garak: Space is dangerous, Doctor. You never know what might happen. Bashir: Garak, you're being paranoid. Are you saying the Cardassian government would have you killed if you left this station? Garak: My dear Doctor, you do have a vivid imagination. Dax: Commander, we're receiving a transmission from the Bajoran Central Archives Sisko: I'll take it. If you're looking for Major Kira, I'm afraid she's not on the station right now. She's on Bajor. Alenis: I know. That's why I called. The Major contacted me before she left. She was supposed to meet with me so I could show her the information I retrieved from Elemspur. She never came. I tried to contact the Major to reschedule, but she wasn't where she said she'd be. As far as I can tell, no one's seen her since she left the spaceport for Elemspur. Entek: Wake her. Kira: Where where am I? Yteppa: It's all right. You're safe. Kira: What have you done to me? Entek: We've brought you back home, to Cardassia. Entek: Please, we're here to help you. Kira: I don't know who you are or what you're trying to do, but it won't work. Whatever you think this is going to get you, you can forget it. Entek: We don't think it's going to get us anything. If all we wanted was information, we'd have it already. Kira: Oh? Then what's stopping you? Entek: We have no intention of hurting you. Why should we? You're one of us. Kira: This is absurd. You can mutilate me, change my appearance, you are never going to convince me that I am a Cardassian. Entek: I know this is difficult for you, and I'm sorry. I wish there were a better way to prepare you for what you're going through. Sometimes I question the wisdom of our infiltration methods. By altering the memories of our long-term operatives, we ensure that they'll never be diskovered, but it makes reintegrating them back into Cardassian society much more difficult. Still, it's hard to argue with success. Kira: You really expect me to believe all of this? Entek: Of course not. At least, not yet. We've given you medication to reverse your memory loss, but it can take some time to become effective. Until your original memory re-emerge, I don't expect you to believe a word I say. But it still can be difficult watching someone you care about suffer. Kira: Oh, so I suppose you and I are old friends? Entek: I supervised your training. You are an undercover operative of the Obsidian Order named Iliana Ghemor. Ten years ago, you volunteered for an undercover assignment on Bajor. We kidnapped a Bajoran terrorist, gave you her memories, her appearance, and placed you back on Bajor to infiltrate the Resistance. I know, you don't believe me, but you'll remember. It will just take some time. Being here should help. Kira: This place? It's just another Cardassian prison. Entek: This is not a prison, Iliana. This is your room in the house where you were born. Your home. Kira: My home is in the Dahkur Province of Bajor. Entek: Here. This contains a personal statement you recorded before you were sent to Bajor. Watch it. It should help explain things. If you have any questions, just ask. Odo: We've interviewed all the residents in the vicinity of the Elemspur Detention Center. One of them thinks he saw Kira walking up the old Cardassian road toward the Center. Dax: When we scanned the area, we found a residual electrostatic charge. Sisko: This could be a transporter trace. You think she was beamed away? All right, I want the name of every ship that was in the area at the time of the beam out. Constable, contact your friends in the Bajoran militia. Tell them we need to see the activity logs of all the ground-based transporters in that area. That'll be all. Dax: Benjamin, those residual electrostatic charges. They could also have been left by a disrupter or a phaser set to kill. Sisko: I know. Cardassian: Look to the children. They are the future of Cardassia and they Kira: Enter. Entek: Ah. There's someone here who wants to see you. Ghemor: You took your time about it, Entek. I don't appreciate being kept waiting in my own house. Entek: As I explained, Legate, the initial debriefings can be difficult. We couldn't allow any interruptions. Ghemor: It really is you. Entek: Remember, her memory hasn't returned yet. Ghemor: I understand. Iliana, I, I wish I could tell you how much this means to me. Kira: Am I supposed to know you? Entek: Iliana, this is Legate Tekeny Ghemor. He's your father. Kira: My father? My father died on Bajor fighting the Cardassians. Ghemor: That's not true. I'm sorry. I know you don't remember me, but I've been waiting for this for so long. Please leave us. Entek: Are you sure that's wise? Ghemor: She's my daughter. She's not going to hurt me. Entek: As you wish. Ghemor: I've missed you, Iliana. Kira: Don't call me that. It's not my name and I am not your daughter. Ghemor: I should let you rest. You will remember, in time. Until then, please, consider yourself a guest in this house. Garak: Good evening, Doctor. If you're finished here, I was wondering if you'd like to join me for a late snack. Bashir: Actually, all I want right now is a little sleep. Maybe tomorrow. Garak: I'm afraid this can't wait until tomorrow. I have very important news about Major Kira. Ghemor: In the left corner, above the window. Kira: What? Ghemor: The Obsidian Order's surveillance devices. That is what you're looking for, isn't it? Don't worry. They're not on. I'm a member of the Central Command. They're only activated at my request. I thought you might want some breakfast. I assumed you'd be used to Bajoran food by now, so I took the liberty of replicating some hasperat. Kira: I'm not hungry. Ghemor: You recognize that? It's the bone-carving you made for me when I was promoted to Legate. Kira: Your daughter was talented. Ghemor: Yes. She is. I always thought you should have been an artist. You have such a wonderful eye for detail. But you were determined to join the Order. You thought it was your duty to Cardassia. Personally, I think Cardassia could use a few more artists. Are you sure you won't try some hasperat? It's only good when it's warm. Kira: No, thank you. Ghemor: You're as stubborn as your mother. She could never do anything the easy way. You don't remember her either, do you? Kira: My mother was an icon painter from Dahkur Province. She died of malnutrition at the Singha Refugee Camp when I was three. Ghemor: Your mother was an inquisitor at the Central University. This is my fault. I never should have let you go on that mission. I could have prevented it. A well placed word here, a favor from a friend there. You never would've known. But you were so determined to go, so proud that you'd been chosen, that I didn't have the heart to stop you. Your mother never forgave me. Kira: You're good. Really good. The house, the food, the stories, it's all very convincing. But I don't believe a word of it. Ghemor: Iliana, I just want you to know I'm sorry. Garak: Commander, I've already told the good doctor everything I know. Sisko: I'd like to hear it again firsthand. Garak: This is pointless. Believe me, there's nothing you can do. If my friend is correct, and Major Kira is being held by the Obsidian Order, retrieving her would be impossible. Odo: Impossible for us, maybe, but not for you. Garak: I'm afraid you overestimate my abilities. Sisko: I hope not, because I intend to put your abilities to the test. The three of us are going to Cardassia. Garak: The three of us? You can't be serious. Commander, if I were allowed on Cardassia, do you really think I'd be living here? Sisko: Which brings up an interesting point. There are certain ministers in the Bajoran government who are concerned about your presence on this station. In fact, they want you removed. Right now, I see no alternative but to honor their request. Unless, of course, I can show them how you might be valuable to us. Odo: Rescuing Kira would go a long way toward improving your standing with the Bajoran government. Garak: Why should I care what the Bajoran government thinks of me? Sisko: I don't know. But it seems to me if someone were in trouble with the Cardassian Central Command, a Bajoran space station under Federation control might just be the safest place in the galaxy. Garak: Commander, this is extortion. Sisko: Yes. It is. We'll be traveling under false transit documents prepared by Starfleet Intelligence. Mister O'Brien has reconfigured the shield harmonics of the Defiant so that, on long-range sensors, it'll appear to be a Kobheerian freighter. We leave in three hours. Garak: I'll go along on your fool's errand, but I want one thing to be perfectly clear. I have no intention of sacrificing my life to save yours. If it looks like we're in danger of being captured, if there's any signs of trouble at all, you're on your own. Sisko: Mister Garak, I believe that's the first completely honest thing you've ever said to me. Garak: How perceptive of you, Commander. Entek: She doesn't remember anything? Ghemor: Not yet. Entek: That's unfortunate. It would've made things easier. I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask you some questions. Ghemor: So soon? I thought she would be given time to regain her memory. Entek: She was given time. The desegranine injections should've worked by now. Memories usually begin to resurface after only a few hours. It's been two days. Ghemor: And what if the injections never work? Entek: Your daughter has some information that we need. I'm sure in time she'll see the wisdom of cooperating. So, if you'll excuse us. Ghemor: I'll be in the next room if you need me. Entek: Legate, your concerns are baseless. She's one of our own people. We have no reason to harm her. Ghemor: And I'll be nearby to remind you of that, in case you forget. Entek: As you wish, Legate. Entek: What were your duties as first officer of Deep Space Nine? Kira: I told you, the Federation runs the station. I wasn't even allowed into Ops. Entek: How many Starfleet personnel are stationed on Deep Space Nine? Kira: Thirty, forty thousand. Don't tell them I told you. Entek: That's enough. Iliana, don't you understand what's going on here? I'm trying to give you a chance. Even if you don't remember who I am, you are still one of my operatives. Now, I don't want to hurt you, but if you don't cooperate. Maybe there is a way to convince you to take what I say seriously. This is Entek. Send me exhibit S one-nine-eight-three I. Immediately. Cardassian: Yes, sir. Kira: Nothing you can show me will make any difference. Entek: Did you know that the Obsidian Order saves everything that comes into its possession? You never know what might prove useful. We have libraries of data transcripts, vaults of ancient artifacts, even Entek: Ah, here it is. Even cryogenic chambers containing biological subjects like this one here. Kira: That's impossible. Entek: I assure you, when it comes to the Obsidian Order, nothing is impossible. Kira: It's a fake, a clone, a hologram. For all I know, this whole place is a holosuite. Entek: Do you remember when you were on long-range reconnaissance in the Bestri Woods. You thought you saw a Cardassian soldier and opened fire on him. You hit your target, only to find out Kira: I killed a hara cat. Entek: A mother hara cat, who was nursing her young. Kira: How do you know that? I never told anyone that story. Entek: I know about it because we placed that story in your memories, Iliana. Just like we gave you every other memory you have. What we couldn't extract from the real Kira, we got from other prisoners or just invented ourselves. Ask yourself two things, Iliana. First, is there anything that I've said we've done that's beyond the capabilities of the Obsidian Order? I assume you know there isn't. Second, if you're not my operative, if you're not who I say you are, why would I be playing this game? Believe me, if I wanted to extract the information from you, I'd have it already. I don't want to do that. I care about you. You were one of my best students. Watch the recording, think about what I've said, because the Order won't wait much longer. Ghemor: I see you haven't forgotten all of your Obsidian Order training. Kira: Actually, I learned that in the Resistance. Ghemor: Next time you might want to leave a contact wire running between the wall and the access plate. You tripped a silent alarm when you separated them. Kira: I'll keep that in mind. I suppose if I walk out of here, you'll try to stop me. Ghemor: I don't have to. You wouldn't get half a kilometer without being detected by the Obsidian Order. Kira: Maybe I'm willing to take that chance. Ghemor: Iliana. Kira: Stop calling me that. I am not your daughter and I never was. I'm leaving. Ghemor: You'll never get off Cardassia. In the end, you'll just make things worse for yourself. I can only do so much to help you. Kira: If you want to help me, get me off this planet. I will never cooperate with the Order. Eventually, they're going to realize that, they'll interrogate me and I won't survive. Ghemor: I promise you that will never happen. I'll never allow the Order to harm you. No matter what you decide, I won't let them hurt you. I only ask one thing. Before you make your decision, I beg you, watch the recording Entek gave you. It's the only way you'll ever really know the truth. Kira: Begin playback. Iliana: Hello, Iliana. Welcome home. I've been asked to make these recordings for myself, for you, to help my memory recover when I get back. I go in for my surgery tomorrow. I'm going to miss Cardassia, but I know what I'm doing is right. The terrorism on Bajor has to be stopped. Father doesn't want me to go. Mother just looks unhappy all the time. I hope some day they'll understand. I want them to be proud of me. Sisko: How're the modifications to the shield harmonics holding up. Dax: So far, so good. Nobody here but us Kobheerians. Sisko: We're well into Cardassian space, so keep a close eye on that shield modulator. If it breaks down, we could be in for some unwelcome company. Odo: Commander, I just caught Garak snooping around the access corridor outside the main phaser banks. Garak: I was merely taking a stroll to stretch my legs. The quarters on this vessel are rather claustrophobic. Sisko: Confine him to his cabin for the rest of the trip, and post a guard at the door. Garak: Commander, I must protest. Sisko: You can protest all you like, I Dax: Benjamin, I'm detecting two Galor class warships headed this way. Sisko: What about the shield harmonics? Dax: Still holding. As far as their scanners are concerned, we should still look like a Kobheerian freighter. Garak: It's probably just a routine security check. Dax: They're hailing us. Sisko: Drop out of warp. I don't want to get too close to them. Is the communications holo-filter ready? Dax: I can make your comm. image look like a three thousand ton screech rhino if you want me to. Sisko: A Kobheerian Captain will do nicely, Lieutenant. Engage the overlay. Put them on screen. Benil: This is Gul Benil of the Eighth Order. Benil: Identify yourself. Kobheerian: This is the Kobheerian freighter Rak-Miunis. Sisko: I'm Captain Viterian. How can I help you? Benil: What is your destination? Sisko: Cardassia Prime. We're carrying a shipment of Kobheerian toranium intended for military use. Benil: Prepare to be boarded. Dax: They're headed toward us. If they get any closer, they might be able to identify us. Sisko: Gul Benil, our toranium is urgently needed on Cardassia. I would hate for you to have to explain why it was delayed. Benil: The toranium can wait. Maquis activity is on the rise in this sector. By order of the Central Command, all incoming ships are to be stopped and searched. Garak: Drop the holo-filter. Do it. I can get us out of this if you let me talk to them. Sisko: Please stand by. Are we within their weapons range yet? Dax: No. Sisko: Do as he says, but be prepared to get us out of here fast if it doesn't work. Garak: Gul Benil. Benil: You, you're not Kobheerians. Garak: Very observant of you. Now turn your ships around. Benil: Excuse me? Garak: This is an Alpha Red priority mission, clearance verification nine two one eight black. By the authority of the Central Command, you are ordered to turn your ships around. Erase all record of this encounter from your logs and talk of it to no one. Is that clear? Computer: Clearance code verified. Benil: My apologies. I had no idea. Garak: You were doing your duty. End transmission. Sisko: Mister Garak, I'm impressed. Garak: Oh, it was just something I overheard while hemming someone's trousers. I suggest that we get away from here as quickly as possible, in case Gul Benil should decide to show some initiative. Entek: All right. One more time, Iliana. What are the names of the Starfleet ships deployed along the Demilitarized zone? Kira: I don't know. Entek: That's not acceptable. As a Bajoran liaison officer, it's your duty to help coordinate Federation activity near Bajoran space. Now, what are the names of the ships deployed along the Demilitarized zone? Their names, Iliana. Give me their names. Ghemor: I think you've asked enough questions for today. Entek: Legate, you can't come in here. Ghemor: Do you presume to tell a member of the Central Command where he may and may not go in his own home? Entek: This is Obsidian Order business. Our autonomy Ghemor: Is a privilege granted by the Central Command and is revocable at any time. Don't you agree? Entek: Of course, Legate. Iliana, I'm afraid the next time we talk, it will have to be at the Order's facilities. Good day. Ghemor: Iliana, are you all right? Ghemor: Iliana? Kira: No. No! Ghemor: Iliana! Kira: No. Ghemor: It's all right. Everything will be all right. Ghemor: I'm a selfish old man. I can't keep you here any longer, no matter how much I want to. Entek will never rest until he's broken you. If he takes you to Order Headquarters. We must get you away from Cardassia. Kira: You'd do that for me? Why? Ghemor: You're my daughter, Iliana. There's nothing I wouldn't do for you. Even if it means losing you again. Ghemor: Iliana? Here. For you. Kira: It's beautiful. Ghemor: It was your mother's. I want you to have it to remember her by. Kira: I can't take this. Ghemor: There's no use arguing. I can be as stubborn as you. It runs in the family. Ari: Legate? Ghemor: Iliana this is Ari. He's a friend. He's going to help get you off Cardassia. Kira: Without the Order's knowledge? How's that possible? Ghemor: I have friends who can arrange things, friends who think the same way I do. Ari: The Obsidian Order and the Central Command have been given too much power over our lives. We're going to change that. Kira: You're a dissident? Ari: Your father is a great man. He has everything any Cardassian could want, yet he's willing to risk his life for what he believes. Ghemor: People like Ari are the heroes. My position protects me. The risk is theirs. Ari: Legate, I have to get your daughter to our next contact. Ghemor: Goodbye, Iliana. I love you. Kira: Legate, I Ari: Sir, we have to go now. Kira: Wait. This is wrong. Ghemor: Please, Ari's right. Kira: No, don't you see? The fact that you're a dissident, that you're willing to help me? Now that can't be a coincidence. Ghemor: Iliana, you have to trust me. We're trying to help you Kira: Oh, no, it's Entek I don't trust. Why did he go to so much trouble changing me into a Cardassian, sending me to you? It's not me he's after. Ghemor: What are you talking about? Kira: What if the Order suspects your involvement with the dissidents? Ghemor: Impossible. I'm too well protected. They couldn't have evidence of my activities. Kira: But they could still suspect you. And without any evidence, they wouldn't dare interrogate you, would they? Ari: Central Command would never allow it. Kira: Which is why they had to make you betray yourself. Which is why they kidnapped me, because I resemble your daughter. And they knew you would never stand by and watch me be tortured. They wanted you to do this. They wanted you to try and rescue me. Entek: Very astute, Major. You couldn't have done any better if you were one of us. Ghemor: This is Ghemor. Three to beam out. Now. Entek: It won't work. We've got a transporter suppression field over this whole area. Ari: No! Entek: You don't know how long I've waited for this day. Imagine, in one bold stroke the Obsidian Order will unmask a traitor in the Central Command and shatter the entire dissident movement. And we have you to thank for it. Ghemor: The movement will survive without me. Entek: You underestimate your importance, Legate. With your help, we'll be able to purge the government of all disloyalty. The enemies of Cardassia will be destroyed. Ghemor: The enemies of the Order, you mean. Entek: The Obsidian Order is Cardassia. Ghemor: What are you doing? Entek: I think you know. Major, your testimony would make for a more dramatic trial, but I'd be willing to dispense with it if you give us any trouble. Garak: The Major is the least of your problems, Entek. Sisko: I suggest you lower your weapons. Garak: Do as he says. Now, Entek. Odo: I'll take that. Thank you. Kira: Get over with him. Entek: Garak, what are you doing here? Garak: I got homesick. I think we'd better be going. Kira: Don't worry, he's on our side. I think. Come on. Garak: Major, I don't think I've ever seen you looking so ravishing. Sisko: Are you all right? Kira: I'm fine. How did you? Garak: Suffice it to say, I still have friends on Cardassia. You will no doubt derive years of enjoyment trying to determine exactly who they are. Sisko: Legate, we have a ship waiting. From the sound of things, I think you'd better come with us. Ghemor: Yes, I think that might be wise. Entek: Garak, I don't understand. Why are you helping these people? Ghemor is a traitor, an enemy of the Order. Garak: Treason, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. Entek: You're making a serious mistake. Up until now, the Order was satisfied to let you live in exile, but now Kira: Come on. Odo, Garak, let's go. Garak: I'd almost forgotten what a pleasure it was to be with my fellow Cardassians. And though I'd like to stay and listen to you bluster, I simply don't have the time. Garak: A pity. I rather liked him. Ghemor: So, it was all a lie? Kira: According to Doctor Bashir, my genetic structure is entirely Bajoran. The alterations were surgical. Ghemor: What about the man who said he was with you at Elemspur? Kira: Gone. Completely disappeared. We suspect he was a Cardassian agent. He's probably the one who changed the Detention Center records in the first place. Ghemor: I thought you'd be happy. Kira: I am. It's just, I still don't understand. If Iliana really was transformed into a Bajoran, then why did Entek have me kidnapped? Why not bring Iliana back instead? Ghemor: Because the desegranine would've worked on Iliana. Her memories would've returned and she would have cooperated with Entek. But they knew that you'd resist and that I'd be forced to try to get you off of Cardassia. Kira: Do you think Iliana's still alive? Ghemor: I have to. I'm her father. For all I know, she's still on Bajor, and someday I'll find her. Kira: Are you sure you don't want to stay on the station? Ghemor: There's no place for me here. The Mathenite government has offered me political sanctuary. I'll be safe there. One more thing before I leave. Can I give you some fatherly advice, for old times sake? Kira: Of course. Ghemor: That Garak fellow who helped you, helped us. Don't trust him, Nerys. Ever. He's a dangerous man and he'd betray you and all of your friends in an instant if he thought it would help him. Kira: I'll keep my eye on him. Ghemor: I suppose it's time to go. Kira: Here. Kira: It doesn't belong to me. I can't keep it. Ghemor: No. I want you to have it. You may not be my daughter, but until I find Iliana, you're the closest thing I have to family. Kira: I want you to know something. In spite of whatever I might have said, I realize now you're an honorable man. And I think your daughter must have loved you very much.

Quark: Not now. Look! Crowd: Dabo! Crowd: Dabo! Crowd: Dabo! Mardah: You aren't leaving? Okalar: Well. Mardah: Come on. Aren't you feeling lucky? Okalar: All right then. One more time. Let it ride. Mardah: Karjinko. Sorry. Okalar: Wait a minute there. My name is Okalar. What's yours? Mardah: Busy. Jake: You are evil. Mardah: Who, me? Jake: He was going to walk away a winner. Mardah: The first rule of dabo is watch the wheel Both: Not the girl. Mardah: So, what's on the menu tomorrow night? Tomorrow night? Dinner with your father? Jake: What? Mardah: He didn't tell you? He came by this afternoon and invited me to dinner tomorrow night. In fact, he said it was your idea. Jake: My idea? Oh, I guess I might have mentioned something about having you over. I thought he forgot. Mardah: It is all right, isn't it? I mean, you don't mind, do you? Jake: Oh, no. No, of course not. It'll be great. You're going to love my dad's cooking. Quark: This is a surprise. Boslic: A pleasant one, I hope. Quark: So do I. Boslic: I have some salvage for you, Quark. Quark: This isn't a good time to be selling your kind of salvage. Boslic: Oh, it's perfectly legal and it's really salvage this time. Quark: I'm not looking for junk right now, but I'm more in the market for entertainment. Boslic: I think you'll like this junk, Quark. It's wreckage from a ship that crashed in the Gamma Quadrant. Quark: You're still going to the Gamma Quadrant? I love bold women. How much? Boslic: Three bars of latinum and you can have it all. Quark: What kind of ship is it? Boslic: I don't know. Quark: Can I see it first? Boslic: There's no time. Quark, you and I have been doing business for years. Don't you trust me? Quark: Three bars of latinum? It was worth it. Quark: No. No. No. Sisko: You bought a child? Quark: I just thought that I was buying some wreckage. How was I supposed to know there was a baby in there? Sisko: Maybe you should inspect the merchandise before you make the deal. Or isn't there a Rule of Acquisition for that? Quark: There is and I do, usually. Dax: We haven't been able to trace the Boslic Captain since she left the station. Her flight plan said she was headed for Risa, but I don't think we should put much faith in that. Bashir: Well, I haven't been able to identify his species, but he seems to be healthy. Sisko: Seems? Bashir: For a humanoid, he has an incredibly fast metabolic rate. The cells in his body are dividing at a pace I haven't seen outside of a laboratory, but since there are no thyroid or hypothalamic problems, I assume this is only natural for someone of this species but I would like to do further tests. Sisko: Very well. What do we know about the ship the boy was on? Dax: Chief O'Brien just started to analyze the wreckage. We should have a preliminary report in a couple of hours. Quark: Now wait a minute. I paid good money for that wreckage and Quark: And now it's yours. Enjoy. Sisko: Hi there. Dax: We should contact one of the orphanages on Bajor and let them know we might have someone for them. Sisko: Hmmm? Dax: I was talking about an orphanage. Sisko: Oh, right. Have Major Kira make the appropriate arrangements. And keep me informed about him. Bashir: Yes, sir. Sisko: What? Dax: You are positively glowing. Sisko: Oh, come on. Dax: I haven't seen that look on your face since Sisko: Since Jake stopped wearing diapers. I never thought I'd hear myself saying this but, I miss taking care of Jake when he was a baby. I miss holding him, singing to him at night, feeding him. Dax: Listening to him cry, changing his diapers, worrying when he was sick. Sisko: I haven't forgotten. But there are times when I would give almost anything for the days when I could make Jake happy just by lifting him over my head. Good night. Sisko: Hey, how about a hug for the old man? Jake: Why didn't you tell me you were going to invite Mardah to dinner? Sisko: Well I did, weeks ago. I told you if you didn't invite her soon, I'd invite her myself. Jake: I still wish you'd given me a little more warning. Sisko: I didn't realize that a dinner invitation required so much warning. Jake: It doesn't, and it's not a problem or anything. It just caught me by surprise. Sisko: Well, dinner isn't till tomorrow night. That'll gives you a full day to prepare her for the traumatic experience of having dinner with the old man. Jake: Yeah. I mean, there's nothing to prepare for. It's just dinner. Sisko: Exactly. Jake: Right. Sisko: Right. Jake: All right. Sisko: You wanted to see me, Doctor? Bashir: Yes, it's about our new visitor Sisko: Is something wrong with the baby? Bashir: No, but he's not a baby any more. Bashir: There are a great many species with what we would consider accelerated growth rates. But they're usually small, physiologically simple creatures. I've never seen such a rapid maturation process in anything as complex as a humanoid. Sisko: He looks about eight or nine years old. How old is he in reality? Bashir: Well, judging by his cellular kinetics profile, I'd say he's no more than two weeks of age. Boy: Who are you? Sisko: I'm Benjamin, and that's Julian. Do you have a name? Boy: I need food. Bashir: With your kind of metabolism, I'm not surprised. I'll get you something in a few minutes. Boy: Where am I? Sisko: On a space station. Do you know what that is? Boy: No, but I want to learn. Sisko: I'd say we have a lot to learn from each other. Bashir: I'll be right back. Sisko: Advanced language skills. Bashir: And cognitive reasoning. He didn't just pick those up by sitting there listening to us. This is either a natural ability of his species or there's been some kind of basic intelligence implanted into his genetic structure. Sisko: Implanted? You mean artificially? Bashir: Yes. And I tend to diskount the possibility that it is a natural ability. His biomolecular diffusion gradient already suggests that his cellular mitosis has been artificially enhanced. Sisko: So, you're saying he may have been part of some experiment? Bashir: Possibly. If so, he's an example of some very advanced genetic engineering. His cognitive abilities are developing without any external stimuli. Sisko: I want you to test his mental abilities. See if they increase. Maybe he'll get to the point where he can tell us who he is and where he's comes from. O'Brien: This is where Quark said he found the boy. It seems to be some kind of stasis chamber that was damaged in the crash. Sisko: That could imply that they didn't want him to begin maturing while he was on board. What about the rest of the wreckage? O'Brien: It seems to indicate this was some kind of freighter or transport vessel. Sisko: Did you find any computers or other information systems? O'Brien: No, not yet. Most of it's just junk. Twisted bulkheads, burnt deck plating, that sort of thing. We should have a full inventory done by tomorrow morning. Sisko: Good. By the way, the replicators in my quarters' on the blink again. Could you spare someone this afternoon to fix them? O'Brien: That's right. Tonight's the big dinner with Mardah. Sisko: You know about that? O'Brien: Well, Jake mentioned it this morning. In fact, I'd say it's the only thing on his mind. Sisko: You would think I was going to court martial her by the way he's acting. O'Brien: Well, I guess it's only natural. Bringing a girl home for the first time's a pretty traumatic experience. Sisko: Quark may call her a dabo girl but she's twenty years old. She's a woman and Jake's a sixteen year old boy. It has to stop. O'Brien: Why did you invite her over, if you don't mind my asking. Sisko: Curiosity, mostly. I wanted to see what I was up against. O'Brien: What if it turns out you like her? Sisko: She's a dabo girl and she's dating my son. I don't want to like her. O'Brien: Sixteen years old and dating a dabo girl. Godspeed, Jake. Odo: Major. Kira: Odo. For you. Odo: Ah. Let me guess. Decoration for my new quarters. Kira: Just a little something to brighten the room. Odo: That's very thoughtful of you. Kira: You're welcome. Odo: I suppose you'd like to see my new quarters. Kira: Everyone wants to see your quarters. It's called curiosity. Odo: Ah. Odo: It's not really finished yet. This is just the start. Kira: The start of what? Odo: I want to make this room into a place where I can explore what it truly means to be a shape-shifter. Kira: I thought it had to be something like that. I mean, you don't exactly need an entire set of quarters just to sit in your bucket. Odo: I don't use the bucket anymore. I've kept it to reminder of how I used to be. But now, when I need to regenerate, I simply revert to my gelatinous state anywhere in these rooms. Here, I can experiment with different shapes, textures. I can bring in various forms to emulate, and I can do it in private. Kira: I'm sorry if I intruded. Maybe I should leave. Odo: No, please. You're always welcome here, Major. Kira: Well, where shall we put it? Kira: Perfect. Bashir: The boy's DNA sequence has definitely been altered. The nucleotide analysis proves that conclusively. Dax: So he's a product of genetic engineering. But why? Was he a unique experiment or is this sort of thing common to his species? Bashir: There's more. His blood chemistry shows he's missing a key isogenic enzyme. Without large quantities of it his circulatory system would simply shut down. Dax: Can you replicate this enzyme? Bashir: I've been trying and I think I've come up with a temporary substitute, but what I don't understand is why anybody would want to genetically engineer someone with such an obvious flaw. Hortak: Nurse Hortak to Doctor Bashir. You're needed in the Infirmary immediately. Bashir: On my way. Bashir: Listen, it's all right, no one's going to hurt you. Let's just go back inside and Dax: Security to the Promenade. Odo: Stop! Stay where you are! Dax: Dax to Sisko. Sisko: Go ahead. Dax: I think we've solved the mystery of our young visitor, Benjamin. He's a Jem'Hadar. Sisko: I've just spoken with Starfleet Command. They want to make sure he's healthy enough to travel and then send him to Starbase two oh one where he'll be handed over to a team of specialists. Kira: Sounds good to me. The sooner, the better. Odo: What sort of specialists are we talking about, Commander? Sisko: There will be a complete team xenobiologists and exopsychologists waiting for him. Odo: So they're going to study him like a laboratory specimen. Sisko: He'll be very well treated. Odo: So he'll be a well treated specimen. Bashir: I have to agree with Odo, Commander. We can't just ship him off like some biological sample that we've found. He's a sentient life form. Dax: True, but the Founders could have removed his sense of free will. He may be nothing more than a genetically programd killing machine. Kira: I agree. We don't want one of them walking around this station. Odo: Fine. If you want answers about the Jem'Hadar, I'm the one who can get them for you. Let me get to know him. I'll be responsible for his conduct while he's here. Sisko: Odo, do you really think you can control him? Odo: He's already shown a certain deference to me. That's probably another genetic alteration implanted by the Founders to insure the Jem'Hadar's loyalty. I can keep him from harming anyone. Sisko: I'd like to speak with the Constable in private for a moment, please. Sisko: Talk to me, Odo. Tell me what's really going on here. What the Founders did to the boy, to all the Jem'Hadar, is not your fault. Odo: Maybe not, but I feel an obligation to undo some of the damage that my race has done to this boy. And I also know what it's like to be a specimen in a laboratory. Oh, I'm sure they'll treat him very well. No one will risk harming their new prize. They'll be courteous, caring, treat him like he's among friends, but in the end he'll be just another specimen to them, something to be analyzed and cataloged. Give me a chance to find out if he really is just a programd killing machine or if we can help him become something else. Sisko: I'll tell Starfleet we have some preliminary tests to run before we send him to Starbase two oh one. Odo: Thank you, Commander. Sisko: Just be careful, Odo. He is still a Jem'Hadar. Bashir: Listen to me. I'm trying to help. Your body is craving a certain chemical compound. That is why you're feeling anxious and having muscle spasms. Jem'Hadar: There's nothing wrong with me. Bashir: Yes, there is, and denying it won't make it go away. Jem'Hadar: Leave me alone. Odo: You can wait outside. I think everything is under control now. Odo: Please, sit down. You don't look well. How do you feel? Jem'Hadar: Something's wrong with me. I feel sick when I eat. I have pains in my head, in my chest. Bashir: His body is addicted to a specific isogenic enzyme. Right now, he's experiencing all the symptoms of withdrawal. Odo: Addicted? Bashir: That's right. Odo: Can you replicate this enzyme? Bashir: I've had some success with triglycerides, but they're just a stopgap measure. I can't get an exact chemical formula without doing further tests, but he's shown a certain resistance to that idea. Jem'Hadar: I don't want any more tests. Odo: Doctor Bashir is trying to help you. You should let him. Jem'Hadar: You may run your tests. Bashir: Thank you. Odo: My name is Odo. Jem'Hadar: I don't have a name. Odo: When your tests are done, I can get you out of here, maybe show you around the station. Jem'Hadar: If you wish. Odo: What do you want? Do you have any needs or desires of your own? Jem'Hadar: I want to fight. Odo: Who? Me? Jem'Hadar: No. The others. Odo: Why? Jem'Hadar: I don't know. But that's what I want to do. Is that wrong? Odo: Let's just say we need to find other interests for you to pursue. For the moment, why don't you relax? Try not to be so tense. Take it easy. Smile. A smile, you know. Odo: Well, we'll work on that. Mardah: Smells good. What is it? Sisko: Shrimp Creole with Mandalay sauce. One of my father's recipes. Jake: You're going to love this. Sisko: I hope you like spicy food. This sure has a bite. So, Mardah, tell me a little about yourself. Mardah: What do you want to know? Sisko: Anything. Family. Mardah: There isn't much to tell. It's a pretty familiar story. Parents killed during the occupation, raised by my neighbors until I was thirteen, then I moved out on my own. I have a sister and a brother on Bajor, but we haven't talked in years. Sisko: Why not? Mardah: Sarjeno and Koran were not exactly thrilled when I told them I had a job as a dabo girl. Then I told them what I thought of their lives and we stopped speaking. Sisko: I see. Mardah: It's amazing how some people will judge you based on nothing more than your job. Jake: Did I mention that Mardah's quite a writer? Sisko: Really? Jake: Yeah. Mrs O'Brien used to say that Mardah should try to get some of her stories published. Mardah: Jake, they aren't that good. Jake: Yes, they are. Mardah: Nothing like your poetry. Jake: No, you don't have enough faith in yourself. Sisko: Poetry? You write poetry? Jake: Well, sort of. Not really. Mardah: Now who doesn't have enough faith in themselves? He writes some of the most beautiful things I've ever read. That's what won me over. Sisko: His poetry. Mardah: And the way he plays dom-jot. Sisko: You play dom-jot? Mardah: Oh, your son can play. He's quite the hustler. Sisko: A hustler? Jake: Why don't I see how dessert's coming? Mardah: Jake seemed like just another teenage boy at first, but there's more to him than that. Sisko: I'm beginning to realize that myself. Mardah: I care about him very much. Sisko: And so do I. Now, tell me more about my poet-hustler son. O'Brien: It's over here. This is it. We tried to run an analysis of it, but the computer couldn't make heads or tails of it. Do you really think this is the drug the boy's addicted to? Odo: It seems logical that the Founders would've kept a supply of the enzyme aboard his ship. Hopefully Doctor Bashir can determine if this is it. O'Brien: I still don't understand why they would engineer someone to be addicted to a certain chemical. Odo: I suspect it's another way of insuring the loyalty of the Jem'Hadar to the Founders. If your soldiers are addicted to a drug that can't be replicated and only you can provide, that gives you a great deal of control over them. O'Brien: Seems a pretty cold-blooded thing to do. Odo: My people don't even have blood, Chief. Bashir: I believe this tube intravenously delivers the chemical agent directly into the carotid artery. Odo: How large of a dosage is required? Bashir: I'm not sure yet. This supply could last for a week or maybe a month or even a year. I'll have to experiment to find the right dosage. All right, we'll going to start with two milligrams per minute. Let me know if you feel uncomfortable. Bashir: Well, his heart rate is slowing. Some increase in neurotransmitter activity, and his cortical impulse readings are leveling out. Let's try three cc's. Bashir: I think we can hold it there for now. How do you feel? Jem'Hadar: Good. Thank you. Odo: You should rest now. We'll talk later. I'll be in my quarters. Jem'Hadar: Wait. I want to go with you. Odo: The doctor will take care of you. Jem'Hadar: I want to stay with you. Bashir: He doesn't have to stay here as long as I can monitor his condition regularly. Odo: Well, it seems I have my first houseguest. Jem'Hadar: So you can change into any of these objects? Odo: With varying degrees of success. Some forms are more difficult to emulate than others. Jem'Hadar: Like what? Odo: Like this one. As you can see, I haven't mastered the humanoid face. I've found it to be quite challenging. Jem'Hadar: Why do you want to look like a humanoid? You're better than they are. You're a changeling. Odo: That doesn't make me better, just different. Jem'Hadar: But I know in here that I am inferior to you. But that everyone else here is inferior to me. Odo: No. That may be what your instincts tell you, but it's not true. No one on this station is better than anyone else. We're all equal. Jem'Hadar: Then I must be at fault, because I know that you cannot be wrong. Odo: The first thing we have to establish is that I'm not infallible. I'm no different than you are in that respect. You have to begin to think for yourself, to make decisions based on what you want, not what I want. Do you understand? Now tell me, what do you want right now? Don't think about it. Just tell me the first thing that comes to mind. Jem'Hadar: I, I want, I want to know more about my people. Who I am and where I come from. Odo: I can understand that. I was also found by aliens. I didn't know who I was or what my people were like. Jem'Hadar: Did you ever find them? Odo: Yes, but sometimes the truth is not very pleasant. Computer, display Bridge Security log USS Defiant, stardate 48214.5, time index three one zero. Jem'Hadar: These are my people? Odo: Yes. They're a race of brutal warriors, but that doesn't mean you have to be like that. You can channel your feelings of aggression in other ways. Jem'Hadar: How? Odo: Computer, run program Odo One. Jem'Hadar: So this is not a real person? Odo: That's right. He can't be injured or killed. He's just a computer simulation. Jem'Hadar: How strong is he? Odo: As strong as you want to make him. The computer will adjust his strength, agility, speed, anything you want. In here, you can indulge yourself. You can let your instincts take over, fight until you're ready to stop. But at a price. Out there you have to control yourself. You have to learn restraint. Learn how to live peacefully among other races regardless of how you may feel, learn to contain your feelings of aggression and violence. Jem'Hadar: Can I? Jem'Hadar: Can I do it again? Can I have a stronger opponent? Odo: Computer, increase difficulty to level two. Jem'Hadar: It's too easy. Make it more difficult. Odo: Computer, increase to level three. Kira: Can I speak to you for a moment? Jem'Hadar: Computer, increase to level five. Kira: I heard you let him move in with you. Odo: It was his idea. He feels safer around me. Kira: Of course he does, Odo. He was programd to feel that way. Odo: It's more than that. I think I've begun to form a real connection with him. He trusts me. Kira: But can you trust him? How long do you think you're going to be able to control him? Odo: I'm not trying to control anybody. I'm just trying to give him some choices other than becoming a laboratory specimen or a Jem'Hadar soldier. Kira: I never thought I would say this to you, Odo, but you are listening to your heart not your head. That boy was created in a laboratory. His body, his mind, his instincts, are all designed to do one thing. To kill. Odo: My body, mind and instincts were designed to be a Founder. You were trained to be a terrorist. But each of us chose to be something different. I just want to give him the same chance we've had. Kira: All right. Give him a chance. Just don't forget he is a Jem'Hadar. He's dangerous. Odo: I'm well aware of the risk, Major. Kira: I hope so. Odo: Computer, end program. Jem'Hadar: Everyone keeps looking at me. They're afraid of me. Odo: They're mostly curious, but they're also afraid. Jem'Hadar: They should be. I could kill any of them. Odo: Is that all you can think about? Killing? Isn't there anything else that you care about? Jem'Hadar: I don't think so. Odo: But there is so much more to life than that, so much for you to diskover and experience. Jem'Hadar: Maybe there is for you, and maybe there is for all these other people here, but for me Sisko: Sisko to Odo. Odo: Go ahead, Commander. Sisko: I need to see you in my office, Constable. Odo: On my way. Wait for me in our quarters. Odo: Something's wrong. Sisko: Starfleet is sending the USS Constellation to pick up the boy and then take him to Starbase two oh one. They'll be here in five hours. Odo: I thought we had an agreement. Sisko: I'm sorry, Odo. Starfleet considers the boy a top priority. I did everything I could, but orders are orders. I put Jem'Hadar: You're not sending me anywhere. Sisko: What do you want? Jem'Hadar: A runabout. Sisko: To go where? Jem'Hadar: That's not your concern. Odo: Listen to me. This is not the way. Jem'Hadar: I know what I'm doing. I'm leaving this place and you're going with me. You don't belong here any more than I do. Odo: All right. It won't be necessary to hurt anyone. Commander Sisko will see to it that no one interferes with us. Jem'Hadar: If they do, I'll kill them. Odo: Where are we going? Jem'Hadar: To the Gamma Quadrant. It's where my people are. It's where your people are. It's where we both belong. Odo: I don't belong there. I don't believe you do either. Jem'Hadar: I won't allow them to put me in a laboratory. I won't go with them to Starfleet. Odo: All right, but there are another options besides going to the Gamma Quadrant. We can find a place where neither Starfleet nor the Jem'Hadar will bother you. A place where you can grow and learn about yourself without worrying about being sent to some laboratory. It's a big galaxy. All we have to do is head out for unexplored space and keep on going. I am willing to do this with you, to help start you on this new life, if that's what you want. Jem'Hadar: You just don't understand, do you? I want to be with my people. I don't want to be anywhere else. I'm not like these other humanoids. I'm a Jem'Hadar and that's what I want to be. You're not like these humanoids either, but they've done something to you. They've filled your mind with ideas, with these beliefs. I don't know what the other Changelings are like, but I know they're not like you. Odo: No, they're not. Sisko: Spread out, but remember not to fires until you hear my command or the boy fires first. Sisko: This is as far as you go. Odo: Let us go, Commander. I'm leaving of my own accord. I'll take the boy back to his people then return in the runabout. If he boards the Constellation when it arrives, he'll either kill a lot of innocent people or be killed himself. Sisko: What makes you think he'll let you come back? Odo: I don't believe he could injure a Changeling. Sisko: When the Constellation arrives I'll tell them that I couldn't stop you from leaving, that I would've had to kill the boy to keep him here. Admiral Necheyev won't like that answer but it has the virtue of being the truth. Sisko to O'Brien. Release the security fields around the airlock, Chief. O'Brien: Aye, sir. Sisko: I'll see you when you get back. Jem'Hadar: He was afraid of me. I could see the fear in his eyes. Odo: Commander Sisko was trying to do what's best for you. He was trying to help you. Jem'Hadar: He's not my friend. He's my enemy. And I now know that anyone who is not a Jem'Hadar is my enemy. Odo: Does that include me? Sisko: Captain's log, supplemental. Starfleet has expressed disappointment over what it considers a missed opportunity to learn more about the Jem'Hadar. However, I am happy to report that with the boy gone, life on the station has returned to normal. O'Brien: I think we can get the upper sensor grid back online by morning. Sisko: Good. We're going to need it in the next few days. O'Brien: I thought you were going to lower the boom on the two of them. Sisko: Well, I was, but some things came up at dinner I didn't expect. O'Brien: Oh. Got to know her a little better? Decided you liked her after all? Sisko: No, I actually got to know Jake a little better. Have you ever played dom-jot with him? O'Brien: No. Sisko: Don't. Odo: Major, about the boy. You were right.

O'Brien: How's it going, Jake? Jake: Fine. I've deleted half the Cardassian files from the computer. I can't believe how many subroutines it took just to run this ore processor. O'Brien: Well, it used to be a pretty large operation. When the Cardassians were in charge, I understand they processed twenty thousand tons a day. Jake: That's a lot of ore. O'Brien: It must've been hell in here. I heard stories that the temperature reached fifty five degrees Celsius. Jake: How could the Bajoran workers survive that? O'Brien: A lot of them didn't. When you've deleted all those files, I'll show you how to download the new operating system. Jake: You really think we can convert this place into a deuterium refinery? O'Brien: Absolutely. It'll take us three, maybe four weeks at the most. Sisko: I hope you're planning on eating during the next three to four weeks. O'Brien: Commander. I guess I lost track of the time. Jake: We're almost finished, Dad. Chief, I'm having a problem deleting one of these files. O'Brien: Have you tried reformatting the data cluster? Jake: Yeah, but the file's still here O'Brien: Let me see. That's odd. Sisko: What's that, Chief? O'Brien: Well, the file has no name. No indication what it is. I'd better set it aside for now. I can transfer it to the central database in Ops and analyze it in the morning. O'Brien: Wait a minute. Computer: Unauthorized computer entry detected in Ore Processing unit five. Enter access code. Computer: Incorrect code. You have five seconds to enter correct access code. Jake: Or what? O'Brien: I don't know. I'd better stop it. Computer: Warning. Computer: Worker revolt in progress in Ore Processing unit five. Security countermeasures initiated. Kira: What the hell? Dukat: Bajoran workers, your attention please. Your attempt to seize control of this facility is going to fail. You are valuable workers and we wish you no harm. However if you do not return control of this unit to your Cardassian supervisors, we will be forced to take action. You have eight minutes to make your decision. O'Brien: The computer's engaged the magnetic seal. I can't override it. Kira: Ops to Sisko. Sisko: Go ahead. Kira: Commander, what is going on down there? Kira: We just got a recorded message from Gul Dukat regarding some worker revolt in the ore processing facility. Sisko: We saw the same message. Sisko: It seems we've tripped some kind of automated security program the Cardassians left. We're locked in. Kira: We'll beam you out of there. Computer: Enter access code. Dax: What? Bashir: If this security program thinks there's been some kind of worker revolt, then it must think this station is still under Cardassian rule, so it's probably waiting for us to enter an emergency code. Kira: One that the Cardassians never bothered to give us when they left. Odo: Odo to Ops. Kira: Kira here. Odo: My Cardassian access codes are still valid. I'm attempting to override the security program but it's going to take some time. I'm not sure my clearance level is high enough. Kira: Well, keep at it. We'll try to do the same thing from up here. Odo: Acknowledged. Quark: Odo, do you mind telling me what this is all about? That message from Dukat is making my customers nervous, and when they're nervous they're not Odo: Not now, Quark. I'm busy. Quark: Well, is there anything I can do to help? Odo: Not unless you have a level nine Cardassian security clearance. Quark: Let's see. I think I have everything from levels one through seven. Odo: I only have levels one through six. Quark: Well, if you'd like a level seven, I'm sure we could make some kind of arrangement. Odo: Leave me alone, Quark. Quark: Oh, no. There's something very wrong going on and this is the safest place on the whole station. I think I'll stay right here. O'Brien: Any luck? Sisko: Nothing. It's probably magnetically sealed like the door. We'd need a phaser to blast it open. O'Brien: Well, there's no way I can disable the program from here. Dukat: Bajoran workers, your time is running out. But it's not too late. You can still surrender and save your lives. Sisko: Computer. This is the leader of the Bajoran workers. We surrender. Dukat: I'm glad to see you've come to your senses. Stay where you are. When Cardassian security arrives, they will place you into custody but you will not be harmed. You have my word. O'Brien: Whatever that's worth. Jake: Now what? Sisko: Well, it sounds like the program is going to wait for Cardassian security to enter the all-clear protocol. That'll give us a few minutes, anyway. What's in here? O'Brien: Nothing at the moment. Processed uridium used to flow down that pipe to a secondary refining facility on level thirty three and be purified. Jake: It's not locked. Sisko: Since that pipe was filled with molten uridium, there wasn't any need for security measures. O'Brien: It's too narrow for anyone to escape through. Jake: I can get in there. Sisko: Chief, if he can crawl up this pipe into the machine, cab he can get to the ore chute and open that hatch from inside? Dukat: Bajoran workers, you have not surrendered to Cardassian security. If you do not do so in the next three minutes, I will be forced to release neurocine gas into the ore processing facility. Jake: I can do it. Dukat: Bajoran workers, you have two minutes left to give yourselves up to your Cardassian overseers and save your lives. Sisko: Can you hear me, Jake? Jake: Loud and clear, but I can't see a thing. O'Brien: There should be a large circular opening to your right. Jake: Okay, let me see if I can find it. Dukat: Even if you were to escape this station Jake: Ow! Sisko: Jake-o, are you all right? Jake: Yeah, I just banged my head on something. Dukat: Back to Bajor? I can tell you Jake: Wait a second, there's a junction here. It feels like it goes off in two directions. Which way do I go? Dukat: The guls in charge. Sisko: Follow this sound, Jake. Jake: Do it again, Dad. Got it. I'm in the chute. O'Brien: There should be a small access port in one of the walls. Jake: Found it. O'Brien: Open the port and feel around inside for a handle. It should be shaped like a stirrup. Sisko: You know, I never knew how much this man's voice annoyed me. Jake: I can reach, but I can't get hold of it. O'Brien: You have to pull the handle down, Jake. It's the release for the hatch. Jake: I'm trying, I can't Sisko: Don't tense up, relax. Now just take a deep breath and try again. Dukat: I'm sorry, but your time has run out. I was hoping you would be reasonable. Rest assured that your deaths will serve as an example to prevent similar incidents in the future. Jake: I got it. Kira: Dax. Dax: Maybe if we bypass the primary command pathway and cross-connect the backup with the ODN. Computer: Warning. Workers have escaped from Ore Processing unit five. Initiating stationwide counterinsurgency program. Bashir: Now what? Dukat: Attention, Bajoran workers. I will not allow this rebellion to succeed. If you do not surrender immediately, I will be forced to kill every Bajoran on this station. Jake: Wait a second, I found something. Sisko: What is it? Jake: I don't know. Some kind of room. It sure is dirty. Doesn't smell too good either. Sisko: Looks like some kind of loading bay. O'Brien: You're right. This is where the uridium ore was separated from the rock. Then it would be dumped down that chute to the processing facility. Sisko: Locked. Chief, is there another way out of here? O'Brien: Just back down that chute. You know where that leads to. Sisko: Sisko to Ops. Sisko to Security. Try yours. O'Brien: O'Brien to Ops. Jake: Jake Sisko to anyone who can hear me. O'Brien: Something must be interfering with the signal. Jake: What do we do now? Dax: It's no good. We're completely cut off from the rest of the station. Bashir: There must be some kind of general dampening field in place. It must be disrupting communications. Kira: All right. It's time for a less subtle approach. Kira: Doctor. Bashir: The Cardassians don't miss a trick, do they? Dax: The ironic thing is that field is probably there to protect Ops from the hoards of rebelling Bajorans. Kira: Well we've got to find a way of disabling the security program or a lot of people are going to be killed. Dax: If we can regain control of the main computer, we may be able to wipe the security program from its memory. Now, if I can reroute the APT relay through the secondary buffer, I might get an independent terminal working. Bashir: You know, I've been here nearly three years and I was just finally starting to think of this place as home. Kira: Your home was built by Cardassians, Doctor. Don't ever forget that. Bashir: No, there's not much chance of that, is there. Quark: What do you mean, we're trapped? Odo: I mean we're trapped. I wouldn't be surprised if the entire station is locked down. Quark: But you're a shape-shifter. Excuse me, a changeling. So change into something and get us out of here. Odo: This forcefield isn't just protecting the door, it goes through the bulkheads, the ceiling, the deck. There's nowhere for me to go. Quark: You're telling me I'm stuck here with you? Odo: No, I'm stuck here with you. Believe me, a far worse fate. And stay away from my computer. Sisko: Again. Okay, hold on. Jake: Anything? O'Brien: Not even a dent. Sisko: There has to be something else we can do. What about all this ore? As I understand it, uridium's very unstable. O'Brien: That's true, but in it's raw form you'd need a strong electrical charge to detonate it. Sisko: Can we use that? O'Brien: If I had some tools, I might be able to get in there and yank out some electrical cable. Sisko: Tools. Kira: How's it coming? Dax: Almost done. Bashir: Jadzia! Bashir: Get me a medkit. Easy, Jadzia. I have to take a look. Dax: I was reaching toward the ODN conduit and a small forcefield went off and it caught my hands. Bashir: They're second degree burns but I don't think there's any neural damage. This should relieve the pain. Computer: Warning, security in the Operations Center has been compromised. Initiating counterinsurgency program level two. Dukat: Attention, Bajoran workers. Your failure to surrender is forcing me to take stronger measures. In five minutes, we will begin pumping neurocine gas into the habitat ring. Think of your families as you consider your course of action. All Cardassian personnel should evacuate the area immediately. Kira: Habitat ring. There have to be hundreds of people trapped in their quarters out there. Garak: I believe that's the point, Major. Computer, access code Garak one three five nine. Garak: Ironic isn't it? The only place in the galaxy that still recognizes my access code is a Bajoran space station. Kira: If you can get past the forcefields, you've got to get out to the habitat ring and start evacuating those people before Garak: I'd like nothing better than to help my loyal customers, but it's not that simple. My access code enables me to move about the station, but unfortunately, as you've just seen, the forcefields reappear the moment I pass through a doorway. Bashir: Have you tried using your code to shut down the security program? Garak: Several times, but for some reason I can't begin to fathom, Gul Dukat chose not to trust me with his top level security codes during the occupation. Bashir: Garak, do you know a way we can stop this neurocine gas? Garak: The only way to do that is to destroy the life support system. Kira: What are you trying to do, Garak? Get us all killed? Bashir: No, wait a minute. He's right. The neurocine gas is released through the life support system. Destroy it and we save everyone in the habitat ring. Dax: For twelve hours. And then everyone on the station will suffocate when we run out of oxygen. Bashir: Well, that gives us twelve hours to regain control of this station. Garak: Believe me, Major, it's the only way to save those people. I believe life support is controlled from over there. Kira: Get down. Computer: Warning. Counterinsurgency program level two has been interrupted. Initiating counterinsurgency program level three. Dukat: My fellow Cardassians I regret to inform you that Bajoran workers have gained control of this station. Dukat: In all likelihood, I am dead or otherwise incapacitated Dukat: But rest assured, this station will not be allowed to remain in Bajoran hands. However, it is my duty to inform you Dukat: That if you do not regain control within two hours, the station will be destroyed. Computer: Self-destruct sequence initiated. Quark: Come on. Come on! Odo: Give me that before you hurt yourself. I checked the entire security complex. There's no way out. Quark: I should've listened to my father. He always warned me this was going to happen. Odo: What? That you'd spend your final hours in jail? I could've told you that. Quark: No. He warned me never to leave home. He said there were plenty of business opportunities right outside my door. But no, I had to follow the seventy fifth Rule of Acquisition. Home is where the heart is but the stars are made of latinum. A lifetime of scheming and plotting, wheeling and dealing, and what has it got me? One measly little bar. My uncle Frin owns thirty and my cousin Gaila Odo: I know. He owns a moon. Quark: I told you that? Odo: Many times. Quark: It's a small moon, but it's enough to live on. Odo: Oh, come on, Quark, you've done all right for yourself. Quark: Oh, what do you know? Odo: Quark, I've met a lot of Ferengis in my time and the truth is, although some of them may have been more wealthy, I've never met one more devious. Quark: Really? Odo: Would I lie? Quark: I guess not. Thank you, Odo. That means a lot to me. Now, can I have the phaser back? Odo: No. Bashir: How do your hands feel? Dax: A little better Bashir: Good. I wish I could have done more, but I won't be able to repair the damaged tissue until we can get you to the Infirmary. Kira: Any luck? Garak: Plenty, Major. Unfortunately, all of it bad. My personal code can activate any terminal on the station. However, that's the extent of my access. All I can do is just look around. I can tell you exactly what's going on, but I can't do anything about it. As far as I can see, the only person who can disable the security program is Gul Dukat. Dax: Maybe there's a way to fool the computer into thinking that you are Gul Dukat. You could try rewriting your code to match his. Garak: Even if I could, it wouldn't do any good. If I were to input his code, the computer would scan my DNA pattern to determine if I really were Dukat. Dax: But what if we disabled the sensors in Ops so that the computer couldn't scan you? Garak: What a creative idea. It certainly is worth a try. Bashir: The question is, can we diskonnect the sensors without getting anyone else hurt. Kira: We're just going to have to take that chance. Dax: We could switch the sensor input from the primary scanners to the backup scanners. The computer shouldn't see that as a threat, but it'll blind the system for a few seconds while we make the changeover. Garak: If it works, a few seconds are all I'll need. Dax: Major, I'm going to need a hand. Garak: Tell me, Doctor, what is it exactly about this situation that's making you smile? Bashir: You, Garak. Just wondering how many other tailors can rewrite Cardassian security protocols? Garak: I wouldn't even venture a guess. Which reminds me, those pants you wanted altered are ready to be picked up. Oh, this is a problem. Bashir: What's wrong? Garak: I always suspected that Dukat was a little paranoid. He's left a rather large number of interrogative subroutines imbedded in his access code. Bashir: Meaning what? Garak: Meaning the computer is constantly challenging to prove I am who I say I am. Lieutenant, how much long before you can disable those sensors? Dax: At least another ten minutes. Garak: I'm not sure we have that much time. In fact, I'm sure we don't. Computer: Warning. Unauthorized use of command code. Initiating counterinsurgency program level four. (The replicator builds a weapon and starts firing energy beams. A red-shouldered extra is vaporised.) Sisko: On three. One, two, three. Jake: You did it. O'Brien: Okay we have the power cable. Now we need to pack the uridium around the door. Kira: My phaser's on the Ops table. Can anyone get to it? Bashir: The answer, Major, is no. Kira: Well, we can't stay here and do nothing. Garak: I respectfully disagree, Major. Nothing is about all we can do. Dukat: Let me guess. Someone tried to duplicate my access code. Kira: Dukat, what the hell are you doing here? Dukat: A short time ago, I had a very strange experience. There I was, patrolling the Demilitarized zone, when I received a distress signal from me. Or at least a recording of me. It seems the Bajoran workers were rioting on Terok Nor. I must admit, it piqued my curiosity. I see the auto-destruct program has begun. Well, well, well. You are in trouble. Where's Commander Sisko? I trust he wasn't vaporized while asking for one of those raktajinos he's so fond of. Dax: No. Last we heard, he was trapped in the ore processing unit. Dukat: Hmm. I wish him well. Bashir: Well, can you help us or not? Dukat: Oh, most certainly. All I have to do is enter my command code and shut the program. Kira: Then do it! Dukat: All in good time, Major Kira. All in good time. But first, there are a few things we should discuss. Red leaf tea, please. Dukat: Doctor. Kira: What do you want, Dukat? Dukat: You'll find I don't react well to that tone of voice, Major. Garak, groveling in a corner. That alone makes my trip worthwhile. Bashir: Garak! Garak: Easy, Doctor. It would appear that the computer is only targeting non-Cardassians. Dukat: If you had been on the station when I designed this program, I would have made an exception in your case. Garak: Well, you've always been shortsighted. It's held you back over the years. As I recall, your father had the same flaw. Dukat: My father's only flaw was trusting you. Garak: Funny, at his trial your father said his biggest flaw was that his ambition outweighed his patriotism. Kira: Maybe you two could settle this at another time! Dukat: You're right, Major. Oh, believe me, Garak, that time is coming. Major, why don't you join me in the Commander's office where we can talk in private. Oh. I forgot. The replicator. Well, it's the least I can do. Dukat: You can all rise now. You're safe, for the moment. Major. Dukat: I know time is of the essence, Major, so I'll be brief. I think it is time to re-establish a permanent Cardassian presence aboard this station. Nothing too elaborate, mind you. A garrison would suffice. I can deploy troops from my ship immediately. And in return, I'll solve your current dilemma. Kira: You know I'm never going to agree to that. Dukat: I'm not sure you have much of a choice, do you? Kira: Dukat, you and I both know neither Bajor nor the Federation will ever honor an agreement negotiated under a death threat. Dukat: I don't expect them to be happy about it, but once my troops are in place I think you'll find it very difficult to get them to leave. Kira: Well let me put this another way. I will destroy this station before I ever give it back to the Cardassians. Dukat: Yes, I'm sure you would. But would you allow two thousand people aboard this station to die simply because you don't like us? Well, there's no need to decide just yet. We still have a little time left. Thirty minutes, in fact. Why don't I return to my ship so that you'll have time to think about it. Dukat: I'll be back in say, twenty five minutes. Dukat. One to transport. Energize. Energize. Kell: Dukat, if you are seeing this recording, it means you tried to abandon your post while the station's self-destruct sequence was engaged. That will not be permitted. Dukat: This is outrageous. Kell: You have lost control of Terok Nor, disgracing yourself and Cardassia. Your attempt to escape is no doubt a final act of cowardice. All fail-safes have been eliminated. Your personal access codes have been rescinded. The destruct sequence can no longer be halted. All you can do now is contemplate the depth of your disgrace and try to die like a Cardassian. Dukat: Computer, abort the self-destruct sequence. This is a priority one override. Clearance level nine. Authorisation Dukat five one one six green. Computer: Request denied. All authorisation codes are void. Time to self-destruct, twenty-five minutes. Garak: Even your own computer program turns against you. I always knew your shortsightedness would be your downfall. Dukat: I don't see you coming up with any ideas, tailor. Kira: Look, if you two are finished with the insults, we could use some help here. Now, what can you tell us about the self-destruct sequence? Dukat: It's very simple. When the countdown is completed, the computer will order the main fusion reactor to disengage the reaction stabilizers, causing it to overload, destroying the station. Dax: What about the reactor? Is there any way to shut it down? Dukat: It may be possible to manually disengage the laser fusion initiator, but in order to do that we have to be in the reactor room. Dax: Not necessarily. We can disengage the initiator from one of the control junctions on level thirty four. Bashir: But now that the computer's wiped out the access codes, not even a Cardassian can get out of this room. Kira: Well then, maybe we should concentrate on trying to eliminate the forcefield protecting the door. Dax: We don't have time to eliminate every forcefield between here and level thirty four. What we need to do is find a way to deactivate all the forcefields on the station at the same time. O'Brien: Okay, that should do it. If we use much more we run the risk of bringing the whole room down around our ears. Sisko: All right, we'd better take cover. O'Brien: Would you like to do the honors, sir? Sisko: Keep your heads down. Jake: It worked! Dukat: I set up this program, and I assure you, Major, I will find a way to defeat it. There's no dilemma that cannot be solved by a diskiplined, Cardassian mind. Garak: It's not going to work, you know. Dukat: What are you babbling about now? Garak: I'm talking about Major Kira Kira: What about her? Garak: She's much too busy trying to save this station to be impressed with your incessant posturing. Dukat: Garak! Garak: And even if she weren't, she has much better taste than to be attracted to you. And you, a married man Dukat: I should've had you executed years ago. Garak: You tried, remember? Bashir: Garak, this isn't helping. Dax: Wait a minute. What about the power supply grid? If we could overload the grid, we might be able to cause a power surge and short out all the forcefields on the station. Kira: It might even be enough to eliminate the dampening field that's been keeping us from using our communicators. Dukat: Tell me something, Major. The Cardassian neutralization emitters that were under here. I assume you deactivated them when you control of the station? Kira: That's right. We prefer our containment fields to be non-lethal. Dukat: But are the emitters still in place? Kira: As far as I know. Dukat: Excellent. That means they have not been affected by the counterinsurgency program. That means we still have control of them. Dax: Then if we can get the emitters back online, we can use them to overload the power grid. Dukat: Exactly. Kira: Do you think it'll be enough to eliminate the forcefields? Dax: Unfortunately, we'll lose the turbolifts and the transporters, but they aren't much use to us right now anyway. Kira: Let's give it a try. Sisko: Anything? O'Brien: I only got a couple hundred meters and I was stopped by a forcefield. How about you? Jake: We didn't even get that far. O'Brien: There's got to be some way up to Ops. Sisko: The turbolift shaft. We can climb it all the way to Ops. Let's see if we can get these doors open. Kira: Dukat, we're running out of time. Dukat: I'm almost done. I've got the emitters wired into the control panel. Now all I have to do is reattach them to the power grid like so. All right, I'm ready. Dax: Brace yourselves. Kira: Kira to Sisko. Sisko: Go ahead Major. Kira: Commander, am I glad to hear you. What's you location? Sisko: Level twenty nine section D. What's your status in Ops? Kira: We've got about ten minutes before the main reactor core Kira: Overloads and destroys the station. The only way to stop it is to disengage Kira: The laser fusion initiator at one of the control junctions on level thirty four. Kira: But the turbolifts and transporters are offline. O'Brien: They'll never get there in time. Sisko: But we might. Major, Mister O'Brien and I will handle the reactor. You begin evacuating the station. Sisko: Get as many people as you can to the Defiant and the runabouts. Kira: Understood. Good luck. Sisko: Jake, I want you to head for runabout pad C. Jake: It's too far. I'll never make it. Sisko: Listen to me, Jake. Jake: I'm going with you. Sisko: All right. Let's go. Computer: Warning. Main fusion reactors will overload in seven minutes. Quark: Tell me something I don't already know. Kira: Kira to Odo. Odo: Go ahead, Major. Kira: We're beginning evacuation procedures. The forcefields have been deactivated and all the doors on the station should be operable. Odo: All except one. It seems the forcefield around my office are still in operation. Kira: I'll send a work team down immediately. Computer: Warning, main fusion reactors will overload in six minutes. Quark: Are you telling me we're the only ones still locked in? Odo: This forcefield must be on a separate system from the others. Quark: But why go to so much trouble to keep people out of the Security office? Odo: It's not to keep people out, it's to keep me in. I suppose during the occupation the Cardassians considered their security chief a security risk. Quark: And I know why. Odo: Oh, do you? Quark: It's because they knew you were an honorable man. The kind of person who would do the right thing regardless of the circumstances. And now your integrity is going to get us both killed. I hope you're happy. Computer: Warning. Main fusion reactors will overload in five minutes. Sisko: Chief, did you ever finish those upgrades on the deflector shields? O'Brien: Yeah, why? Sisko: We may not have time to disengage the fusion initiator. What if we directed the explosion into the shields? O'Brien: That's not a bad idea. The shields are the only thing on the station that can absorb that much energy. O'Brien: That power surge we felt must've blown out one of the plasma conduits. The corridor's completely blocked for the next fifty meters. Jake: Can't we get around it? Sisko: We don't have time. O'Brien: There might be a way. There's a maintenance conduit adjacent to this corridor. If it's not blocked, we might be able to get around the debris and get to the reactor control junction. Give me a hand. O'Brien: I can feel heat through the door. Sisko: What's wrong? O'Brien: See for yourself. Computer: Warning. Main fusion reactors will overload in three minutes. Sisko: I want you to wait here. Jake: But Sisko: I mean it this time. Sisko: I'll go first. Follow five meters behind me. If one of us runs into trouble in here O'Brien: I know, I know. The other one keeps on going. Sisko: O'Brien! Computer: Warning. Main fusion reactors will overload in ninety seconds. Sisko: Sisko to O'Brien. Sisko: Chief, can you hear me? Sisko: Chief, answer me. Computer: Warning. Main fusion reactors will overload in sixty seconds. Computer: Warning. Main fusion reactors will overload in thirty seconds. O'Brien: Jake, I thought your father told you to stay out of there. Jake: If you don't tell him, I won't. Computer: Warning. Main fusion reactor overload. O'Brien: O'Brien to Sisko. Sisko: Chief, you're all right? O'Brien: Yeah, looks like we all are. Odo: It's about time. All right, Quark. You can leave now. Quark: A self-important con artist who's nowhere near as clever as he thinks he is. That's your official security evaluation of me? Odo: Quark, I told you to stay away from the computer. Quark: Two hours ago you told me I was the most devious Ferengi you ever met. Odo: I thought we were going to die. I was trying to be nice. Quark: Name one Ferengi who's more devious than I am. Odo: The Grand Nagus. Quark: All right, name another. Odo: DaiMon Tye. Quark: One you personally know. Odo: Your brother, Rom. Quark: My brother? Odo: Your uncle Frin, your cousin Gaila. Quark: Gaila? The one with the moon?

Odo: Too hot? Kira: A little. Odo: Why don't you specify a lower temperature? Kira: No, no, no. Coffee should be a little too hot to drink right away. Odo: Why? Kira: It slows down the experience, gives you time to savor the taste. Odo: Ah, yes, taste. Kira: Odo, I know you don't need to eat but did you ever try anyway? Odo: Once, not long after I was first able to assume the humanoid form. Kira: And? Odo: And since I don't have taste buds, it was very unsatisfying. Not to mention messy. Kira: Messy? Odo: I'd rather not talk about it. Tiron: Major Kira, how nice to see you again. Kira: Tiron. Tiron: You left Quark's last night just when I was about to buy everyone another round. I was devastated that you didn't say goodbye. We were having such a pleasant conversation. Kira: As I recall, you were the one doing all the talking. Tiron: Well in that case you have me at a disadvantage. You know all about me, and I know next to nothing about you. Odo: Er, perhaps I should be going. Kira: Oh, no. Stay. This is Tiron, a business associate of Quark's. This is Odo, my lover. Tiron: Well, you're a very lucky man. Kira: I'm a lucky woman. Odo: Yes, we're both very lucky. Tiron: And you make a most interesting couple. So, Mister Odo, what is it that you do? Odo: I'm Chief of Security on this station. Tiron: Oh. A station this size, it must be a very challenging job. I hope you're well compensated? Kira: Oh, money doesn't matter. All we need is each other. Isn't that right, sweetheart? Odo: Yes, sweetheart. Kira: You see? Money isn't everything. Tiron: Oh no. But it can buy everything. Well, I'm afraid I must be going. Goodbye. Kira: Oh, good riddance. Thank you, Odo. I wish you'd been around last night. I'd better get back to Ops. See you later, sweetheart. Commander's log, stardate 48423.2. Despite the continuing threat posed by the Dominion, I've convinced Starfleet that we must continue our exploration of the Gamma Quadrant. Bashir: I've run a preliminary analysis of our sensor sweeps, and the second planet in the Kylata system is definitely M-class. Dax: I wish we'd had time to beam down to the surface and take a closer look. O'Brien: I'd hate to have run into a Jem'Hadar patrol while we were down there picking flowers. Sisko: Fortunately there's no sign of any Dominion activity in this sector. Bashir: Let's hope it stays that way. Dax: I'm picking up very unusual gravimetric distortions in the Trialus system. Sisko: Any idea what's causing them? Dax: It's hard to tell at this range. Sisko: Let's take a closer look. O'Brien: The system's coming into visual range. Sisko: On screen. Dax: The gravimetric distortions are intensifying but they don't seem to be coming from the star itself. O'Brien: Where else could they be coming from? There aren't any planets in this system. Dax: There are now Dax: The planet seems to have settled into a stable orbit. Bashir: Where did it come from? Sisko: Could the entire planet have been cloaked? O'Brien: If it was, there should be residual ionization traces but I'm not reading any. Dax: Commander, we're being scanned. The beam is coming from a settlement on the southern hemisphere. I'm reading approximately thirty humanoid inhabitants. They seem to be the only humanoids on the planet. O'Brien: They're hailing us. Sisko: Open a channel. I'm Commander Benjamin Sisko of the Federation Starbase Deep Space Nine. Seltin: I am Seltin Rakal of Meridian. Sisko: We were studying this star system when your planet appeared. Seltin: I expect it must have come as something of a surprise. Sisko: Well, you could say that. It seemed to come out of nowhere. Seltin: Not nowhere, Commander, but a dimension that intersects with this one. I could explain more in detail, if you're interested. We were just about to sit down for First Meal. Why don't you join us? Sisko: We'd like that. I just need to know your planet is not going to disappear in the middle of dessert. Seltin: Don't worry. We'll be here for a while. Seltin: It's good to be together again around this table after so long. What's more, we're fortunate to have visitors to share First Meal with us. Deral: I was admiring your markings. Are they decorative? Dax: No. Are yours? Deral: No. If you don't mind my asking, how far down do they go? Dax: All the way. Seltin: You're not eating, Commander. Sisko: I guess my curiosity is bigger than my appetite. Seltin: I hope we can satisfy both. Sisko: Well, you were saying Meridian emerged from a dimension that intersects with this one? Seltin: Yes. You see, our planet has a dual existence. It shifts between this dimension and another. Dax: What causes these shifts? Seltin: Well we're not entirely sure. Deral has been studying the phenomenon. Deral: With only limited success, I'm afraid. My theory is that the dimensional shifts are caused by fluctuations in Meridian's quantum matrix. Fluctuations that are somehow triggered by our own sun. Bashir: What's it like, this dimension of yours? Seltin: It's hard to explain. It's without form. We exist as pure consciousness Sisko: And Meridian? Seltin: It becomes non-corporeal as well, but when we return to this dimension, everything is just as we left it. The buildings, the trees, even our bodies. O'Brien: Are you saying that when you return here, it's as if no time has passed? Seltin: We only age when we're in corporeal form. Bashir: Sounds like this other dimension has its advantages. Deral: Yes, but we always look forward to this existence and its many pleasures. Here, let me help you with that. Deral: The trick is to scoop out the pulp and eat the thin layer inside the rind. Here, try some. Dax: It's delicious. Deral: Especially if you've been looking forward to it for sixty years. Dax: Sixty years? O'Brien: That's a long time between meals. Tiron: A glass of Andorian ale. Quark: Done so soon? You were barely in the holosuite ten minutes. Tiron: There was no reason for me to stay the full hour. Quark: I understand. It's a very effective program. Tiron: On the contrary. I found it quite dull. Boring, boring, boring. Quark: I'm sorry to hear you say that, but if you're asking for a refund, forget it. The contract specifically says that satisfaction is not guaranteed. But for a valued customer such as yourself, I'll make an exception and allow you try a different program. No extra charge. Let's see. Something a little bit more unique. Oh, I have just the thing. A picnic with the Pleasure Goddess of Rixx. I can even provide real food for a small fee, of course. Tiron: I don't like picnics, Quark, and the food here is abominable. Quark: Forget the food. Believe me, you've never had a picnic like this one. Tiron: What I want is not in your catalog. Quark: Well, tell me what it is and I'll order it for you. It may take some time, but if it exists I'll get it. Tiron: That's just the point, Quark. The program I want doesn't exist. Not yet, anyway. Quark: A custom program? It'll be expensive. Quark: For that kind of money you can move into a holosuite. Now, what is it you want? Tiron: I want Major Kira. Quark: Kira? What are you going to do with Kira in a holosuite? No, don't tell me. I don't want to know. Tiron: Can you do it? Quark: It isn't going to be easy. I'd have to get her into the holosuite and record her image, and she hates holosuites. Tiron: Spare me the details. Do we have a deal, or do I take my business elsewhere? Quark: Consider it done. Now I'll just keep this Tiron: Payment on delivery, and not a moment sooner. Don't disappoint me, Quark. When I walk into that holosuite and I see Kira standing there, I'd better believe it's really her. Quark: Leave it to me. The things I do for money. Deral: Just beyond that forest there's a garden with a small pond. Dax: It sounds lovely. Deral: It is. Dax: Deral, our scans showed that there are only about thirty of you on this entire planet Deral: There were never many of us. We're the descendants of an expedition that was stranded here millennia ago. Dax: And your population hasn't increased since then? Deral: It did for a time, but over the last few centuries our numbers have dwindled. You see, we only reproduce when we're in humanoid form, and our time here keeps growing shorter. In twelve days, Meridian will shift back to its non-corporeal state. Dax: And remain there for the next sixty years. Deral: Eventually we will only be here for a matter of minutes. When that happens Meridian will too unstable to successfully shift back to the other dimension. Dax: And then what happens? Deral: The planet and all its inhabitants will cease to exist in either dimension. Seltin: We deeply appreciate your offer of help, Commander. Sisko: If there is a way to stabilize the dimensional shifts, we'll do everything we can to find it. Seltin: That's all we can ask. Sisko: Here you go. Lito: Do you want to play vajhaq with us? Sisko: Maybe later. Dax: Deral and I are beaming up to the Defiant. We're going to run a series of helio-seismic scans on Meridian's sun. Sisko: I'll join you. Seltin: Good luck. Kira: Quark, I got a message that Morn wanted to see me. Quark: I'm afraid you just missed him. Quark: Really? So soon? Would you come with me, please. Listen up, everyone! I have wonderful news! It's my pleasure to announce that my one millionth customer just walked through the doors and here she is. Ladies and gentlemen, Major Kira Nerys! Kira: Quark, I don't have time for this. Kira: Why don't you make him your one millionth customer. Quark: Major, that would be dishonest. Kira: That never stopped you before. Quark: This is a special occasion. An event like this only happens once in a bar owner's lifetime. Let me tell you about your prizes. Kira: You mean I won something? Quark: Of course you won something, it's part of the celebration. Kira: I've never won anything before. Quark: Well, now you have. Congratulations. Kira: Are you really serious about this. Quark: My customers are my livelihood, Major. This is a chance for me to give something back to them. Now, let's see what we have for you. A bottle of Kandora champagne, vintage twenty three sixty eight. That's a very good year. These are good for five free spins at the dabo wheel and last but not least, one free hour in a holosuite with the program of your choice. Kira: A visit to a holosuite? Quark: Offer good today only. Kira: That's perfect. Quark: Right this way. Kira: It's Ensign Quintana's birthday. He'd love a free trip to the holosuite. Quark: But, Major, what about you? Kira: Oh, you know how I feel about the holosuites, Quark. But thanks for the champagne. Dax: These are the Defiant's sensor readings from when we first entered this system. Take a look at the spectral scan. Sisko: It indicates that your sun was giving off modulated gamma bursts right before Meridian appeared. Deral: My people have no record of that phenomenon. Sisko: That's not surprising, since Meridian was in a non-corporeal state when it occurred. Dax: Gamma activity would seem to indicate an anomaly in your sun's fusion cycle. Sisko: Let's find out for sure. Chief, I want you to send a probe into the sun's corona to scan the core. O'Brien: It'll take a minute to modify its shield configuration. Dax: How do modulated gamma bursts cause a dimensional shift? Deral: Do you always do that when you're concentrating? Dax: Do what? Deral: Bite your lower lip. Dax: I guess I do. O'Brien: The probe's ready, Commander. Sisko: Target it to these coordinates and launch. O'Brien: Shields are holding. Dax: It's going to be a while before the probe starts sending back any telemetry. Deral: Well, I'm sure you have things you need to do. Dax: Not really. Deral: What a coincidence. Neither do I. Deral: This isn't turning out exactly the way I'd planned. Dax: What do you mean? Deral: You've barely said a word since we left the settlement. Dax: I don't know if you noticed or not, but Seltin didn't seem too happy to see us leave together. Deral: She'd probably prefer if I was walking with Keshara or Renar. You see, ever since my wife died everyone's been wondering when I was going to find myself another companion. Dax: Why haven't you? Deral: I guess I was waiting for the right woman to fall out of the sky. Dax: That doesn't happen too often. Deral: It only had to happen once. Don't worry about Seltin. After all, we both know this is just a harmless little walk. Dax: Absolutely. Deral: With a brief stop to climb a tree. Come on. Don't tell me that in eight lifetimes you've never climbed a tree? Dax: That's how I know I'm afraid of heights. Deral: Well don't worry, I won't let you fall. Deral: This is one of my favorite views. Dax: It's hard to believe that it might all be gone in two weeks. Deral: I hope not. Dax: So do I. Dax: We'd better climb down. Dax: It's as beautiful as you described. Deral: I knew you'd like it. Deral: Try one. Dax: Mmm. It's wonderful. Deral: I knew you'd like that too. Dax: You know me pretty well for someone who just met me. Deral: I'm glad you noticed. Dax: I can't remember the last time I did this. Stroll through a garden, climb a tree, eat fresh berries by a pond. What comes next? Dax: I think I'm starting to remember. Dax: How are the calculations coming? Deral: I'm checking them now. They're the same as before. There's nothing to indicate the gamma bursts are causing the quantum fluctuations. Dax: Then something else must be triggering the dimensional shifts. Whatever it is, we'll find it. Sisko: Sisko to Dax. Dax: Go ahead, Commander. Sisko: Good news. We've been able to get the probe down another thousand kilometers Sisko: Into the sun's corona. O'Brien: We picked up some additional telemetry. I'll download it to you. Dax: Thank you, Chief. Sisko: If all that fresh air and sunshine start getting to you, you're welcome to come back up here to the Defiant. Dax: We're managing just fine. Sisko: I'm sure you are. Sisko out. Dax: Don't you want to take a look at the new telemetry? Deral: I'd rather sit here and look at you. Dax: How about this? We work for a few more hours and then we go back to your room and count each other's spots. Deral: Can I go first? Dax: We'll see. Dax: Take a look at the fusion reactants in the core. Deral: They're out of balance. Dax: That's right, and the imbalance is building toward a cascade reaction on the quantum level. That's what's triggering the dimensional shifts. Deral: Now if we can stabilize that reaction. Dax: We can keep Meridian here longer. Deral: Oh, Jadzia. Dax: I've got to get this to Commander Sisko and Chief O'Brien. And then we can count each other's spots. Quark: Odo, move out of there. You're ruining my shot. Kira: Odo? Odo: Oh, Major. Why is Quark trying to take a holo-picture of you? Kira: Looks to me like he's pointing it at both of us. Odo: True, but every time I stand in front of you he seems to get very upset. Quark: Where are you going? Uh-oh Kira: What do you think you're doing, Quark? Quark: Nothing. Kira: Then what's this? Quark: Oh, you mean this holo-imager? I was just recording an image of the Promenade to send home to my mother. Odo: Ha! Kira: You're trying to take a holo-scan of me and I want to know why. Quark: Of you? Not at all. You just happened to get in the frame. Odo: Ha! Quark: Will you stop doing that? Odo: Not until you start telling the truth. Quark: You want the truth? I'll tell you the truth. I was trying to get an image of you for a special holosuite program I'm designing. Odo: Oh, I can just imagine what kind of program that would be. Quark: I'm sure you can, but you'd be mistaken. The fact is, I'm working on a simulation of the station's Operations Center. People want to know what goes on up there, and they want to imagine themselves fending off a Cardassian attack, or facing a fleet of Jem'Hadar ships. Odo: Naked, I assume. Quark: Isn't there some petty thief you can harass? Odo: Just you. Quark: What do you say, Major? Give the public what they want. They're not asking for much. Just the chance to work side-by-side with you. Kira: They want to work with me? Then let them apply to the Bajoran Military Academy. That way I can be sure everyone in Ops will be wearing their uniform. Quark: Is that a no? Kira: Let me put it another way. If I ever catch you pointing a holo-imager at me again, you will end up eating it. Quark: Definitely a no. Deral: Jadzia. Dax: I've been looking for you. Deral: You've found me. Dax: I have. Good news. It's going to work. We'll be able to equalize the time between dimensional shifts. Deral: Oh Jadzia, that's wonderful. Do you know what I'm going to do? I'm going to build a house right here. Nothing extravagant, just big enough for two. Dax: Deral, I Deral: I know what you're thinking. You're thinking this man who just met me is talking about building a home for us. I realize you have a life on Deep Space Nine, but now you'll have a place here as well, for when you visit. Dax: I won't be able to visit for a while. It's going to take a long time to stabilize the sun's cascade reaction. Deral: How long? Meridian is going to shift in five days. Jadzia? Dax: We'll see each other again. Deral: In sixty years. I want you with me now. Dax: That's what I want too, but there's nothing we can do. Deral: Yes, there is. I can leave Meridian and go back to the Alpha Quadrant with you. If you'll have me. Dax: What do you think? Seltin: Deral, we've been looking for you. Commander Sisko told us the great news. I can't thank you enough for all you've done. Dax: I'm glad we were able to help. Seltin: The next time Meridian returns here, we'll have thirty years for our people to get to know each other better. Deral: I need to discuss something with you. Seltin: Of course. I've called a meeting. Now that we have a future again, we need to start planning for it. And you need to make some decisions as well. Deral: That's what I want to talk to you about. Seltin: The person you need to talk to is Keshara. She's not going to wait for you forever, you know. Deral: I was going to speak to her, as well. Seltin: I'm glad. Think of it, Deral. People can start having families again. Eventually we may have to expand the settlement. As you can see, Jadzia, we have a great deal of planning to do. Well, I think Iwe've kept the others waiting long enough. Come, lets get started. Dax: You'd better go inside. Deral: I'll meet you back at the ship. Bashir: You know, the person I feel sorry for is Quark. He always thought that you and he were made for each other. I don't suppose he'll be letting you win at tongo anymore. Dax: What are you talking about? He doesn't let me win. Dax: Come in. Deral! Deral: Well, it's done. I told Seltin and the others that I'm leaving Meridian. Dax: What did they say? Deral: They asked me not to go. Seltin feels the settlement can't afford to lose anyone. Dax: What did you tell her? Deral: I told her I understood her concern, but that I've made up my mind. So what were you two talking about before I interrupted? Not me, I hope? Bashir: Actually, I was just telling Jadzia that she's not as good a tongo player as she thinks she is. Deral: Tongo? Dax: It's a game. And I'm very good at it. Bashir: Now we'll find out on Tuesday night. Dax: And I want you there to see for yourself. I'm going to clean you and Quark out. Deral: Jadzia, I have to go. Dax: But you just got here. Deral: There are some things I need to take care of before we leave Meridian. Dax: Do you need any help? Deral: No. I just have to say goodbye to some people. I'll see you later tonight. Quark: Tiron, I was just thinking about you. Tiron: And I was thinking about you, and your reputation as a man who can get anything for a price. Quark: Stop, you're embarrassing me. Tiron: I'll embarrass you even more if you don't get me my program. Quark: Not to worry. Tiron: Is that it? Quark: No. It's a high-level decryption protocol and I'm going to use it to get the final information I need for your program. It cost me dearly. Tiron: If it works, it's worth whatever price you paid for it. Quark: I was hoping you'd say that. I'll put it on your bill. Tiron: Fine. Just get me my program. I'm leaving in two days. Quark: You'll have it. And I assure you it'll be well worth the wait. I'll stake my reputation on it. Tiron: You already have. Quark: Now, where to begin? Kira: You wanted to see me? Odo: Yes. Someone has been illegally accessing the station's personnel files. Your file, to be exact. Kira: Mine? Odo: They've downloaded your voiceprint, your retinal scan, even your psychiatric profile. I've managed to trace the data-path back to its source. Kira: Well, let me guess. Quark. Odo: Was there any doubt? Kira: With all this information he'd have no problem generating a holo-image of me. Odo: So, shall I arrest him, or would you prefer to do it yourself? Kira: No. I have a better idea. Can you spare a few hours? I'd like to prepare a little surprise for Quark. Dax: You see, the key to tongo is to confront when you're sure you're in a better position than the other players. And if your cards match the roll of the dice, then you win. Deral? Deral: Go on, I'm listening. Dax: You haven't heard a word I've been saying, have you? Deral: I'm sorry. I just have so much on my mind. Dax: You don't want to leave Meridian, do you? Deral: I said I would and I will. Dax: I know what you said, but what do you want? Deral: To be with you. Dax: But you're worried about your people. DERAL There are so few of us, Jadzia, and now that Meridian has a future again, they need me. Dax: Then you have to stay. Deral: And lose you? No. Dax: What if you didn't have to lose me? What if I stayed here with you? Deral: I wish you could but that's not possible. Your molecular structure wouldn't survive the dimensional shift. Dax: We could use the transporter buffer to match my quantum matrix to yours. Deral: But how do you know that's possible? Dax: Because I discussed it with Julian after you left my quarters. Deral: Jadzia. Are you sure you're willing to do that? Dax: It's the only way we can be together and I don't want to lose you, either. Dax: Come in. Benjamin. I was just finishing up my request to Starfleet for my leave of absence. Sisko: I bet this is the first time anyone's ever requested a sixty year leave. Dax: You'll be sure that it gets to them? Sisko: If you're sure that this is what you really want. Dax: What I really want is for you to say you're happy for me. Sisko: I guess I just need to know that you have thought this thing through. If Curzon had told me he wanted to go off with some woman he'd just met, I would've tried to talk him out of it too. Dax: And you would have been right. He fell in love with someone new every other week. But I'm not Curzon. Sisko: No, and I've never seen Jadzia do anything without thinking it through first. I am happy for you. It's just I'm going to miss you, old man. Dax: You've been my friend for two lifetimes. I can't imagine what it's going to be like not having you around. Leaving Deep Space Nine is the hardest thing I have ever done but I know it's right. Besides, after eight lifetimes as a humanoid, existing as pure consciousness might be interesting. Sisko: Next time we see each other, I'll probably be a great grandfather. Dax: Good. Then I can call you old man. Sisko: I'll look forward to it. Quark: Now I believe we agreed I'd be paid on delivery. Tiron: I haven't seen the merchandise yet. You know, Quark, if this program is as good as you claim, I might just purchase it from you to use at home. Quark: You have your own holosuite? Tiron: Just a little present I bought myself. Quark: His very own holosuite. It's good to have money. Kira: I've been waiting for you. Tiron: Quark! I will ruin you for this, Quark. Quark: You mean you didn't like the program? Tiron: I don't know how, I don't know when, but I will ruin you. Quark: Wait. What about my money? Kira: Another satisfied customer, Quark? Bashir: How do you feel? Dax: Pretty good considering, I spent six hours having my molecule's scrambled in the transporter. Bashir: I, er, I don't know what to say. Dax: That's a first. O'Brien: According to Deral's calculations, the dimensional shift should occur within the next forty seven minutes. Dax: Do you think you'll be done overhauling the station by the next time I see you? O'Brien: I doubt it. Dax: Tell Quark I'll be back to collect the three strips of gold latinum he owes me, with sixty years interest. Sisko: Energize. Deral: I was beginning to think you were having second thoughts. Dax: No, I was just saying goodbye. Deral: You missed Last Meal. I saved you some of these. Dax: Thank you. Seltin: Jadzia, I just wanted you to know how happy we are you've decided to join us. Dax: Thank you. Seltin: Everyone's beginning to gather. It's almost time. Dax: Is there anything I need to do to prepare? Deral: Not that I can think of. Dax: What if I just hold onto you? After all, we're not going to be together again like this for a long time and I was just getting used to this. Deral: We'll still be together, Jadzia, in a way you can't even imagine. O'Brien: There she goes. Bashir: Goodbye, Jadzia. Deral: Something's wrong. Bashir: Commander, I'm reading intense seismic activity throughout the planet's crust. O'Brien: It'd better shift soon, or it's going to tear itself apart. Deral: Jadzia. O'Brien: Picking up some kind of singularity in the planet's quantum matrix. It's interfering with the dimensional shift. Bashir: It's functioning almost like an anchor. O'Brien: Commander, it's Dax. Her presence there is destabilizing the matrix. Sisko: Sisko to Dax. Bashir: Get her out of there, Chief. Sisko: I thought you'd like to know that Meridian shifted normally once we beamed you away. Dax: Good. Sisko: Jadzia, I'm sorry. Dax: Benjamin, don't. There's nothing you can do. I just need some time. Dax: Just sixty years or so.

Dax: Kira, we've got six Byzatium transports coming in this afternoon. I've got to have more cargo space. Kira: All right. Have them offload into cargo bays three and four, but that's it. We are pushing our storage capacity as it is. O'Brien: That reminds me. We got a message last night saying the Byzallians want to move their conference up by a week. Kira: I haven't had a chance to read through last night's reports. Is there anything else I should know? O'Brien: Well, er. Kira: What? Dax: Starfleet wants a complete report done on our computer calibration subroutine. Kira: The whole subroutine? When? O'Brien: Tomorrow. Bashir: Major, the scheduled transport's been delayed and I need those medical supplies by the end of the week. Kira: We can't spare a runabout to go all the way to Vulcan right now. Bashir: I'm supposed to setting up a field hospital for a new colony on Campor Three next week. If I don't have get those medical supplies, the entire colonization schedule could be set back by at least Kira: Listen to me. You can't have a runabout, you can't get your medical supplies, and I don't give a damn about the colonization schedule. Those colonists can make do with a box of bandages for all I care. Bashir: Stop right there, Major. When was your last day off? Kira: I don't know. What does that have to do with anything? Bashir: If you can't remember, then it's been too long. You're off duty as of this moment. Kira: What do you mean, I'm off duty? You can't do that. Bashir: Oh yes I can, And not even Commander Sisko can overrule my judgment as Chief Medical officer. Kira: Now, wait a minute, Julian. Just because I snapped Bashir: My diagnosis is that you're overworked, and suffering from extreme stress and borderline exhaustion. As for my prescription? Follow me. Quark: Karvino juice, Lorvan crackers, a holosuite program, a jumja stick and gambling tokens. Bashir: Now, at least two of these items must be used and fully enjoyed before you can leave this facility. Kira: Julian, I Quark: I'll be giving you a full report of her activities, Doctor. Bashir: If I hear you didn't completely relax and enjoy yourself tonight, we'll do this every night until you do. Have fun. Riker: Looks like you've got your evening all planned. Hope you've got room for the unexpected. Sisko: Welcome aboard, Commander. Riker: Thank you. Call me Will. Sisko: What brings you to Deep Space Nine? Riker: Strictly pleasure. Actually, I've built up about three months of leave and Doctor Crusher finally insisted that I take some of it. She nearly shoved me out the airlock. Sisko: DS Nine isn't exactly known as a vacation spa. Riker: Actually I was just passing through on my way to Risa. The last time I was here, I was only able to spend a couple of hours at Quark's, but by the time I left I had all of his latinum and a date with one of his dabo girls, so I thought I might try my luck again. Sisko: You be careful. Quark's dabo wheel has been a little stingy recently. And one of his dabo girls is dating my son. Riker: In that case, maybe I better spend my time in the holosuites. It sounds safer, all the way around. Dax: Who's in there? Kira: What? Dax: Who's in with Benjamin? Kira: Oh, it's Will. Commander Will Riker from the Enterprise. Dax: Will Riker. Kira: You know him? Dax: Yeah, I met him a year ago at Quark's. He's quite a dabo player. Do you know him? Kira: Yes, a little. I met him at Quark's last night. Dax: You met him last night and? Kira: And we talked. Dax: And then? Kira: And then we talked. For three hours. No, we just talked. And yes, he's a warm, charming man, but I'm involved with someone. Dax: Of course. So why do you keep glancing back at Sisko's office? Sisko: If you can find the time, you have an open invitation for dinner with me and Jake. Riker: Thank you, I may take you up on that. Dax: I hope you're not here for another loan. Don't tell me you've forgotten who staked you three strips of latinum when your winning streak ran dry? Riker: I'm sorry. Of course. Most of that night's still a blur. How've you been, Dax? Dax: Fine. Riker: Well. I'd better get out of your way. I know you've all work to do. I hope I see you again. Major. Kira: Commander. Riker: I'm sorry. Kira: It's all right. Riker: My mind was a million light years away. I should've been paying attention to where I was going. Kira: Are you doing some shopping? Riker: Actually I was just exploring the Promenade. I thought about going into Quark's, but I wasn't really in the mood. Where are you off to? Kira: I'm just getting off duty. I was about to call it a night. Riker: I see. Well, goodnight. Kira: Goodnight. Kira: Commander, would you like a tour of the station? Riker: I'd love one. Where should we begin? Kira: We can walk along the Promenade for a start. There's quite a bit to see here. Riker: Do you think we might get a chance to take a look at that new starship of yours? What's she called? Kira: The Defiant. Riker: Yeah, the Defiant. I hear it's quite a vessel. Kira: I'm sure that could be arranged. Computer: Please identify for access to USS Defiant. Kira: Major Kira Nerys, Bajoran militia. Computer: Identity confirmed. Riker: Commander William Riker, Starfleet. Computer: Identity confirmed. Kira: Chief. I didn't know there was anyone aboard tonight. O'Brien: Oh, I hadn't planned to. I was just getting a little extra work done on the deflector targeting arrays. O'Brien: Commander. I'd heard you were aboard, but I hadn't Riker: I have nothing to say to you, O'Brien. I think you know why. Kira: Oh. Maybe we should come back another time. O'Brien: No, no, no, Major. It's all right. I was just leaving. Commander. Kira: What was that all about? Riker: It's a long story. I'd rather not get into it. Let's take a look at this ship of yours. Kira: Okay. I'll show you the tactical systems first. I think you're going to be surprised at how big a punch this little ship has. Riker: Running the plasma conduit through the primary phaser coupling has almost doubled your phaser power. Doesn't that cut into your warp drive efficiency? Kira: Not at all. In fact, it's thirty percent more efficient. Riker: That's ingenious. I'd like to see how it's all routed through the tactical display. Computer: Command authorisation required. Kira: New security procedure. Computer, release Bridge lockout. Authorisation Kira delta five four seven alpha. Riker: Thank you. Sisko: What's going on? Dax: I'm not sure but something's happened to the warp core on the Defiant. It looks like it's going to breach in fifty seven seconds. Sisko: Anyone on board? Dax: O'Brien was working there this morning, but I don't know if he. Incoming signal from the Defiant. It's Commander Riker. Sisko: On screen. Riker: Commander Sisko, there's been an accident. One of the plasma conduits has exploded. Major Kira's been injured. We are forty five seconds from a core breach. Release the docking clamps. I will get us away from the station. Sisko: We'll beam the two of you away as soon as you're clear. Dax: Docking clamps released. Riker: I'm engaging thrusters. Dax: Fifteen seconds. Sisko: Lock on and beam them away, Chief. O'Brien: I can't get a lock. The Defiant's shields are up. Sisko: What? Dax: She's gone into warp. I've lost them. Kalita: We're beyond their sensor range. Riker: Set course for the Badlands. Warp seven. Tamal, secure that conduit. Tamal: Right. Kalita: Course laid in. We'll be in the Badlands in six hours. Kalita: You did it, Tom. Riker: It's not over yet. Odo: Nine years ago, a transporter accident created two William T. Rikers. One of them returned to his ship, the other was marooned on Nervala Four. Sisko: The second Riker was finally diskovered two years ago. He chose to use his middle name Thomas to distinguish himself from the other Riker. Odo: The two men are physically identical in all respects, right down to their DNA coding. There was no way for the security computer to know that it was Thomas, not William, who boarded the Defiant. Dukat: This is a very entertaining story, but why am I listening to it? Sisko: We have reason to believe that Thomas Riker is a member of the Maquis. Dukat: What? Odo: Thomas Riker was serving aboard the starship Gandhi. While he was there, he began to express certain political opinions. Opinions that supported the Maquis and their goals. Dukat: Are you telling me that one of the most heavily armed warships in this quadrant is now in the hands of Maquis terrorists? Do you have any idea what kind of response this will provoke from the Central Command? Sisko: They'll probably want to send ships into the Demilitarized zone to conduct a search. We understand that. But any entry into the zone must be a joint operation between Cardassia and the Federation. Dukat: The Central Command will not be interested in any joint operation, Commander. They won't believe your story about transporter duplicates and security failures. They will assume that Starfleet wanted the Maquis to have the Defiant, and they will respond accordingly. Odo: And what does that mean, exactly? Dukat: It means they will seize this opportunity to finally eliminate the Maquis. They'll send a fleet into that zone. Sisko: Starfleet will cooperate in a search for the Defiant, but they will not allow the Central Command to use this as an excuse for a full-scale invasion. Dukat: Of course not. So you will send your own fleet into the zone to protect Federation colonies. But at some point the two fleets will meet, tensions will rise, nerves will fray, and someone will make the tiniest mistake. Sisko: And we'll have a war on our hands. Dukat: It is a prospect I do not relish, Commander. Sisko: Neither do we. Odo: That's why we need to work together to prevent it from happening. Dukat: Unless I can bring something back to Central Command to prove your good faith and your willingness to help stop the Defiant, I don't believe anything can prevent this conflict from beginning. Sisko: Then bring me with you. I can help you stop the Defiant and prove our good faith. I was in charge of the shipyard where the Defiant was built. I helped design it. I know her vulnerabilities and her weaknesses. Dukat: You'll help us destroy one of your own ships? Sisko: I want to try and disable it first. Dukat: Oh, I'm sure you do, but you're in no position to bargain here, Commander. You want to prevent a war? You come back to Cardassia with me and you help me destroy the Defiant. Kira: I don't care who you are or what your name is. Riker: I am sorry about lying to you, and I'm sorry about using you. It was an operational necessity. You were a resistance fighter. You know at certain times you do things that you're not proud of to accomplish the mission. Kira: Well, you accomplished your mission, so now what? Everyone's going to be looking for you. The Cardassians and Starfleet. How far do you think you're going to get with this ship before they find you? Riker: A lot farther than people anticipate. Kalita: Kalita to Riker. We've reached the rendezvous point. Riker: I'm on my way. Kalita: The other Maquis ships just arrived. Tamal: The rest of the team's ready. Riker: Lower the shields and beam them aboard. Tamal: The Maquis ships are heading for the border, Tom. Kalita: All defense systems online and operational. Warp power standing by. Riker: Lay in a course for the Cardassian border. Warp eight. Kalita: Course already laid in. Riker: This ship was built to fight. I think it's time she got her chance. Engage. Commander's log, stardate 48467.3. Gul Dukat and I have arrived on Cardassia Prime. I am about to do something which goes against twenty years of Starfleet training. Help an enemy hunt down one of our own ships. Dukat: This is where I will be conducting the search for the Defiant. From this room, I can control every Cardassian ship, outpost, and space station anywhere in our Dukat: Ah. Commander, allow me to introduce Korinas, our observer from the Obsidian Order. Commander Sisko. Sisko: Korinas. Korinas: Welcome to Cardassia Prime, Commander. Sisko: Thank you. Korinas: Excuse me. Secure that console while the human is here. Anything else classified level four or above should also be secured. I'm sure you can understand that although we all respect Gul Dukat's decision to bring you here, we must take some precautions. Sisko: Of course. I would have done the same. But then I would have been more diskreet. Korinas: Since you are here to provide technical expertise on the Defiant, I suggest you begin by briefing us on the ship's defensive capabilities. Please, describe for us in detail the weapon systems of the Defiant, beginning with the ship's phaser array and Sisko: Before we discuss weaponry, there is a more urgent matter that I think you should be aware of. The Defiant is equipped with a cloaking device. Korinas: I wondered if you were going to share that little detail with us. Dukat: You knew about this? Korinas: The Obsidian Order has known for some time about the loan of a cloaking device from the Romulans to the Federation. Dukat: And the Order chose not to share this intelligence with the Central Command? Korinas: Until now, the Order had not considered this one cloak to be a threat against Cardassia. Sisko: Under the terms of our agreement with the Romulans, the cloaking device was to be used only in the Gamma Quadrant and then only in exchange for all our intelligence reports on the Dominion. Dukat: Well, your Lieutenant Riker isn't likely to respect that agreement with the Romulans. And there's no way to locate a ship under cloak. Sisko: There is one possibility. The Dominion managed to penetrate the cloak by using some kind of anti-proton beam. Dukat: Can you give us the specifications of that beam? Sisko: Not precisely, but I can give you everything we've learned from our sensor logs. It'll give you a chance to find the Defiant before she attacks. Kalita: We're approaching the security perimeter, Tom. Riker: All right, this is it. Red alert. Cloak the ship. Stand by weapons. Tamal: Squadron Baker has arrived at their checkpoint. Riker: Transmit the go-ahead signal. Kalita: We'll be in Cardassian sensor range in five minutes. Soldier: There is a perimeter alert in the Almatha sector. Dukat: Put it on the main viewer. Who's commanding the outpost nearest that ship? Soldier: Gul Toran of the Sixth Order, and he's identified the vessel. It's the Defiant. Dukat: Order all warships in that sector to converge on the Defiant. Sisko: Something's wrong. Why wouldn't they be cloaked? Can you show me the sensor information on the Defiant? Soldier: The Defiant is attacking outpost sixty one. Dukat: Tell Gul Toran that he has permission to pursue the Defiant into the Demilitarized zone. Sisko: No, don't pull your ships off the border. Dukat: Commander, you don't expect me to break off pursuit of the Defiant simply because the treaty Sisko: That's not the Defiant. It's a decoy. They're trying to draw your patrol ships out of position. That ship's sending out a fake warp signature identical to the Defiant, but the phase variance and subspace harmonics don't match. Dukat: Order Toran to break off pursuit. Have him redeploy his Soldier: Sir, another perimeter alert. Outpost forty seven has detected a cloaked ship with their anti-proton beam. Dukat: Tell Toran to head for Outpost forty-seven! Soldier: The Defiant has decloaked and begun to attack the outpost. We've lost contact with outpost forty seven. Incoming message from Gul Toran. The Defiant has recloaked and it's last know heading was one four eight, mark two one five. Dukat: It's headed directly into the heart of Cardassian territory. Korinas: Commander Sisko, you should be commended. I only wish we had someone with such keen tactical instincts who could have prevented this invasion of our territory. Kalita: We're past the security perimeter, out of their sensor range. Riker: They're using anti-proton beams to scan for us. Adjust the cloak's resonance frequency so they can't detect us again. Kalita: Right. Riker: Damage report. Tamal: We took six hits on the port shields. There's been some minor damage to the outer hull but all systems are operational. Riker: Tough little ship. Set course for the shipyard at Omekla Three. We'll let that be the place Riker: Report. Kalita: We've lost main power and the cloak is offline. Tamal: It looks like two plasma conduits blew out. Riker: Where? Tamal: Deck three, section fifteen. Crew quarters. Riker: It looks like Major Kira has been busy. Riker: You crossed the replicator power converter with the plasma manifold, I take it? Kira: That's right. Riker: Nice work. You know I'll have that thing bypassed in thirty minutes. Kira: At least that'll be thirty minutes that we're visible. Riker: Fortunately, I was able to take us into a nebula. No one's going to see us. Kira: Thanks. Riker: You're lucky you only got singed. You know the whole plasma relay could've exploded. Kira: Yeah, that was the idea. Riker: You've been fighting Cardassians most of your life. I know that you sympathize with what we're doing here. Kira: I fought the Cardassians because they invaded my home. You don't live in the Demilitarized zone, you don't have family there. Why are you in this fight? Riker: Because people are dying in the Demilitarized zone and Starfleet isn't doing anything about it. Kira: Taking the Defiant only raises the stakes. The Cardassians are going to send a fleet after you. They are going to kill more people hunting you down than they ever did during those border raids. Riker: You're assuming the Defiant is going to stay in the Demilitarized zone. Let's go to the bridge. I think we'd all feel better having you someplace we can keep an eye on you. Sisko: Fifteen outposts have checked in. No sign of the Defiant. Twenty-six warships have scanned fourteen cubic light years of space with anti-proton beams. No Defiant. What are the possibilities? They're still under cloak and heading deeper into Cardassian space. They're laying low and waiting for some unknown reason. Dukat, are you listening to me? Dukat: Oh, I'm sorry, Commander. I was thinking about my son's birthday. Sisko: Really? Dukat: Yes. Today is his eleventh birthday. I'd promised to take him to the amusement center in Lakarian City. He always wanted to go but I never have the time. I told him, this year will be different this year, Mekor. This year I will make the time. Sisko: I've had the same experience with Jake. At that age they never understand, do they. You just hope that one day they'll look back and say, now I understand, now I know why he did that. Dukat: When my son looks back on this day, the only thing he'll remember is that a Federation officer on a Federation ship invaded his home and kept his father away from him on his eleventh birthday. And he won't look back with understanding, he'll look back with hatred. And that's sad. Tamal: The cloak is operating within normal parameters but the plasma conduit damage has caused a slight neutrino leak in the port nacelle. The Cardassians might be able to detect it even through the cloak. Riker: A chance we have to take. Lay in a course for Omekla Three. Engage at warp eight. Kalita: Warp eight, aye sir. Kira: Omekla Three? You're headed for the shipyard? There have to be half a dozen better targets in this sector alone. Riker: I hope the Cardassians have the same reaction. What is he doing, and why? Kira: All right, you're trying to keep them off-balance, keep them guessing. Why? Riker: The Maquis have been hearing rumors about shifting loyalties in the Cardassian government. Certain hardline elements were unsatisfied with the Federation Treaty and are doing whatever they can to scrap it. We had our hands on an intelligence report outlining a suspected military buildup in the Orias System. A secret buildup that even the Central Command isn't aware of. Kira: You're telling me you did all of this to attack some secret base that may or may not exist? Riker: I'm convinced that it does. They are building an invasion fleet. If we let them finish it, these renegade Cardassians are going to use it. Kira: You're really not cut out for this, are you? Being a terrorist, I mean. You're not very good at it. Riker: Really? Kira: You're acting more like a Starfleet officer who's more interested in intelligence reports and Cardassian politics than in actually hurting Cardassians. You have one of the most powerful ships in this quadrant under your command. Why aren't you out attacking every Cardassian outpost along the border? Riker: Because these stakes here are far greater than border outposts. Kira: Not for the Maquis, there're not, because the Maquis are terrorists and the only thing terrorists care about is attacking the enemy. I know. I was a terrorist. And if I'd had this ship then, I would've destroyed Deep Space Nine. I would've hit the Cardassians so hard they would have screamed for peace, but I certainly wouldn't have gone flying off into the middle of Cardassia on some wild goose chase. Riker: I guess we're different kinds of terrorists. Kira: No, you're trying to be a hero. Terrorists don't get to be heroes. Riker: We'll see. Sisko: This is how your ships were deployed before the first Defiant attack. And this is where they are now. Don't you see what happened? Each Defiant attack was designed to draw your ships away from that sector, leaving it virtually defenseless. Dukat: But there's nothing of any value in that sector. Sisko: There must be something. Are there any Class-M planets there? Dukat: There's one. Orias Three. But it's uninhabited, it's desolate. Sisko: But everything seems to point to the Orias System. It might be worth your sending one of your warships there just in case the Defiant does show up. Dukat: All right. Contact Gul Ranor. Tell him to dispatch one warship Korinas: No. You'll send no ships to the Orias system. Dukat: You're here as an observer. You have no authority Korinas: That sector is under direct control of the Obsidian Order and you will not enter it. Dukat: Why? Korinas: That matter's classified. Dukat: Well you can file a complaint with the Central Command later. Open a channel to Gul Ranor now. Korinas: Any warship sent into the Orias system will be destroyed. Dukat: Are you saying that you will fire on another Cardassian ship? Korinas: What I am saying is that the Obsidian Order will take whatever steps are necessary to protect the Orias system. And so will I. Dukat: I've spoken to a few friends in the Central Command. The Obsidian Order isn't giving them any answers either. Sisko: The Order has to answer to someone. Dukat: In theory they answer to the political authority of the Detapa Council, just as the military does. In practice we both run our own affairs. Sisko: Not the most efficient system. Dukat: It's worked for over five centuries. Soldier: There's an incoming message from the warship Kraxon. They say they've found an unusual neutrino signature in their sector. It looks like radiation from a damaged warp plasma relay. Dukat: Is this signature moving? Soldier: No. But they're scanning the area with their anti-proton beams. Dukat: Where is the Kraxon? Sisko: If it is the Defiant, they're in position to make a run for the Orias system. Dukat: We still don't know that Orias is the target. Until we do, I can't risk pulling ships away from other potential targets to chase down a neutrino signature. Kalita: They're coming around for another pass. Riker: Are there any other ships nearby? Kalita: There are nine Galor-class cruisers about six light years away. Riker: Any ships between us and the Orias system? Kalita: No. Kira: If you make a run for it, that ship out there's going to see our neutrino signature go through a phase change. They're going to call their nine friends and you are going to have a small fleet chasing you all the way to Orias. Riker: They can chase me all they want, as long as they don't catch me. Soldier: The Kraxon reports that the neutrino signature has just phase-shifted, and is moving now at warp speed directly toward the Orias system. Dukat: Order the Kraxon to pursue at maximum warp. Order all other ships in the sector to follow. Kalita: The Kraxon is pursuing but they won't catch us before we reach Orias. Riker: Full scan. I want to see everything that's in that system. Dukat: When you make out your report for the Obsidian Order be sure to mention the fact that I could have prevented the Defiant from reaching Orias if you hadn't interfered. Korinas: They will never reach Orias. You can count on that. Soldier: Three more ships have just appeared in the Orias system. Dukat: What kind of ships? Soldier: Cardassian warships. Keldon Class. Dukat: Whose ships are those, Korinas? Korinas: Why are you asking me? Dukat: Because if they were military ships, I would know about them. So that leaves the Obsidian Order. Sisko: I thought the Obsidian Order didn't have any ships. Dukat: They're not supposed to. In fact, they are explicitly forbidden from having military equipment of any kind. Riker: It looks like we're going to have to fight our way to Orias. Kira: Listen to me. Those three ships up ahead are going to lock onto our neutrino leak and open fire. That means you'll have to fight back. Riker: With this ship it'll be a short fight, I promise you that. Kira: Let's say you disable or even destroy those three ships up ahead of us. Fighting them at all is going to slow us down and then those ten ships behind us are going to catch up, and not even the Defiant can win against those odds. Riker: We have come too far to quit now. Kira: You are an experienced Starfleet officer, Tom. Analyze the situation, Tom. Going to Orias is suicide. Now the smart move is to make a run for it while we still can. Riker: Maybe that's what an experienced Starfleet officer would do. Maybe that's what Will Riker would do. But it's not what I'm going to do. I'm going to continue the mission. Kira: It's not the mission you're thinking about, is it, or even the colonists in the zone. This is about you, isn't it? You and that other Will Riker out there. The man with your face, your name, your career. You are looking for a way to set yourself apart. Some way to be different. Riker: You shouldn't go fishing today. You won't catch anything. Take us in. Sisko: You want to know what's going on in the Orias system? I know how you can find out. Give Riker a chance to surrender. The Defiant's scanned the Orias system by now. Its sensor logs can tell you everything you want to know. Dukat: I'd be happy to accept his surrender but I doubt he'll be willing to hand over his logs. Sisko: He will if you agree to release Major Kira, the ship and the Maquis over to the Federation. Gul Dukat: Impossible. I cannot allow a group of terrorists to just walk away after invading our territory and Sisko: Then you must decide which is important to you. Your sense of Cardassian justice or the information contained in the Defiant's sensor logs. Dukat: I do want that information, Commander, and I would be willing to return your wayward ship. But someone has to pay for what's happened here and I don't want that someone to be me. Sisko: If you return the Maquis to the Federation, I can promise that you they will stand trial for what they've done. Dukat: A Federation trial Sisko: It's the best I can do. Dukat: All right. I would be willing to hand over Major Kira, the Maquis, and the ship, but not Riker. He led the mission. If I can bring him to justice and obtain the information on Orias, that might be enough for Central Command. Sisko: I might be able to get him to do it on one condition. We both know that Cardassian sentences are determined well in advance of the trial. I'd like you to arrange a sentence other than death. Dukat: I'll have to clear that with the Ministry of Justice. Sisko: You'd better make it quick. Tamal: We're approaching the first cruiser. They'll be in phaser range in fifteen seconds. Riker: Go to impulse. Decloak the ship, Raise shields and stand by phasers. Go to heading one one eight, mark three zero one. Lock on phasers. Fire. Kalita: Direct hit on the cruiser's port nacelle. Their shields are down by thirty percent. Tamal: We've been hit on our starboard shield. Tamal: Shields holding. Riker: Quantum torpedoes. Full spread. Tamal: Torpedoes locked on target. Riker: Fire. Kalita: Their defense systems are offline and they've lost main power. Tamal: Tom, three more cruisers have just appeared in the Orias system. That makes five ships ahead of us and ten behind. Riker: Resume our original course to the Orias system. Stand by emergency power to the shields. Kalita: Incoming message from Cardassia Prime. It's Gul Dukat and Commander Sisko. Riker: On screen. Dukat: This is Gul Dukat of the Second Order. I am authorized to tell you that if you surrender your ship none of you will be harmed. Riker: Is that right Sisko: Listen to him, Lieutenant. If you surrender, the Defiant and your crew will be handed over to a Federation starship at the Cardassian border. Riker: Why the sudden generosity? Sisko: He wants the Defiant's sensor logs on the Orias system. They're worth a lot more to him than Maquis prisoners. Riker: I don't buy it. The Cardassians aren't going to just let us just walk away. Sisko: You're right. Someone has to pay the price. Riker: Me. Sisko: The deal is you'll be tried and convicted in a Cardassian court and then sentenced to spend the rest of your life in the Lazon Two labor camp. Riker: No death sentence, huh? That must have taken some doing. Sisko: Some. Riker: Give me a moment. Kira: Tom, there's no reason for you to continue. They're offering you a way out. The only reason not to take it is because you want to die. Riker: I have a mission to complete. Kira: That mission is over. You're never going to make it to Orias, you know that Tom. There are five ships out there ahead of you but there may be fifty waiting there for all we know. Be a Starfleet officer one last time. Think of your crew. I know you want Tom Riker to go out in a blaze of glory that they'll talk about for the next ten years. Don't drag them along with you. Riker: On screen. I agree to your terms. Sisko: You need to reverse course and surrender the Defiant to one of the ships that've been following you. Riker: Why? Sisko: It'll take too long to explain. But the ships coming out of the Orias system are not under Gul Dukat's control. Riker: I see. Dukat: I've ordered the Kraxon to put her shields around you as soon as you arrive. You'll be safe once you get there. Riker: Understood. Riker: Turn us about. Lay in a course for the Kraxon. Do it. Dukat: Those are faster than any Keldon class ships I've ever seen. What is going on in that system? Kalita: We're one hundred million kilometers from the Kraxon. Tamal: Incoming message Riker: Let's hear it. Ranor: This is Gul Ranor of the Kraxon. Cut your engines in five seconds, and we will extend our shields around you. Riker: Acknowledged. Kalita? Kalita: All stop. Dukat: They won't fire on another Cardassian ship. They can't. Kalita: They're moving off. They've set course back to the Orias System. Riker: Transmit the Orias Three sensor logs to the Kraxon, and tell them to prepare to beam me aboard. I'm turning command over to Major Kira. She'll get you back to the Federation. I'm holding you personally responsible to see that these people get a fair trial. Kira: I give you my word. We'll get you out of there, Tom. I promise you that. Riker: Riker to Kraxon. Ranor: Go ahead. Riker: One to beam up. Kira: Set course for the Federation. Warp eight.

Sisko: I didn't expect to find you here. I thought you'd be down on the Promenade, helping Mardah put up the decorations for the Bajoran Gratitude Festival. Jake: That was the plan, but it turns out I don't have much to be grateful for. Sisko: Isn't that the earring you Jake: Bought for Mardah. Yeah, you want it? Maybe you can give it to Major Kira for her next birthday or something. Sisko: All right, tell me about it. Jake: Mardah's gone, Dad. She got accepted to the Science Academy on Regulus Three. Sisko: That's a good school. Jake: It's three hundred light years away. Sisko: Jake, you're sixteen. Take my word for it, you'll survive. Sooner or later you'll find someone else. Who knows, maybe you'll find someone tonight at the Gratitude Festival. Jake: Yeah, sure. Sisko: Jake, the whole point of the Festival is to put all your troubles behind you and make a new start. Jake: I could use one. Okay, I'll go. Sisko: Good. That's the spirit. Jake: But I'm not going to have any fun. Sisko: Oh. Bashir: Nervous, Chief? O'Brien: What are you talking about? Bashir: That's your fifth cup of coffee in twenty minutes. O'Brien: I didn't realize you were keeping track. Bashir: Nervous and irascible. O'Brien: If you hadn't seen your wife and child for two months, you'd be irascible too. Bashir: Believe me, I'm looking forward to Keiko and Molly's visit just as much as you are. O'Brien: I doubt that. Bashir: How many games of racquetball have we played in the last two months? O'Brien: I don't know. Fifteen, maybe twenty. Bashir: No, try seventy. I've been keeping track of that, too. And you know what all those games have proved to me? That I'm a poor substitute for your wife. O'Brien: I could've told you that sixty games ago. Thing is, they're only going to be here for two days. That's barely enough time to say hello. Then they're back to Bajor again for four more months. Bashir: Four months. Why that's another hundred and fifty games of racquetball. I don't think my elbow can take that kind of abuse. Maybe you can try and convince her to stay. O'Brien: Oh, no. I can't do that. I'm the one who suggested she go on this agrobiology expedition in the first place. No, we're just going to have to make the best of the little time we have. Which means we can't waste a second of the next two days. Kira: Peldor joi, Odo. Odo: Peldor joi to you too, Major. Well, it's, er, it's hard to believe the Promenade is this empty at midday. Kira: Calm before the storm. In a few hours, this place will be packed with Bajorans celebrating the Festival. Odo: Actually, I was thinking of joining you this year. Kira: Really? Odo: I don't see why not. None of my Bajoran deputies work during the Gratitude Festival. Why should I? Besides, if I'm going to live here with you humanoids, I may as well immerse myself in your rituals. Kira: Well then, we'll see each other later. Odo: I'd like that, if you're not too busy being the Presider at the Festival. Kira: For you, I will make time, Odo. Just look for me. I'll be with Bareil. Odo: Oh. I thought he'd be celebrating the Festival on Bajor. Kira: So did I. I'm glad I was wrong. He's arriving on the next shuttle. Odo: Well, you'd better go. It'll be here soon. Kira: You're right. I'll see you at the Festival. Kira: Chief? O'Brien: Major. Keiko. Kira: Ah. Bareil. O'Brien: Good luck. Kira: You too. Bareil: Nerys. I am so glad to see you. Kira: I've missed you. Bareil: I've missed you, too. Keiko: Miles? Miles? O'Brien: Keiko, I'm so glad to see you. Keiko: I have had the worst trip. O'Brien: Oh really? I'm sorry to hear that. Now that you're here, everything's going to be great. Hello, sweetie. You ready to have a great time with your Dad? Molly: No. O'Brien: Why not? Molly: I don't feel so good. O'Brien: Really? Oh. Tell Daddy what's wrong. Lwaxana: Oh, you poor dear. I should never have given you all that candy. Odo: I usually make it a point to drop by Quark's three or four times a day at random intervals, just to let him know that I'm thinking about him. But seeing today is a holiday, he'll be busier than usual. I suggest you station a man there full time. I think that about covers it. If you need me, I'll be on the Promenade. Lwaxana: But don't call unless it's an emergency. The Constable will be occupied. Odo: Madame Ambassador. Lwaxana: Oh, do we have to be so formal? Lwaxana: Didn't they teach you any manners in Starfleet Academy? Be a dear, run along. The Constable and I have a lot of catching up to do. Odo: Come back in five minutes. Lwaxana: Make that half an hour. Odo: So, what brings you to the station. Lwaxana: Officially I'm here as the Betazoid representative to the Gratitude Festival. But the truth is, I came to see you, you poor sweet tortured man. Odo: Excuse me? Lwaxana: I know the torment you must be going through. To spend your whole life searching for your people only to diskover that they're the leaders of that awful Dominion. Odo: You heard about that? Lwaxana: Odo, don't worry. I'm here to help you. Odo: What kind of help do you mean? Lwaxana: A sympathetic ear, a shoulder to cry on. A lap to melt in. Odo: Well, that's very considerate of you, but unnecessary. My people are who they are, and I am who I am. I've learned to accept that. Lwaxana: You brave soul. Why don't we go someplace quiet, and you can tell me all about it. Odo: Actually, I was planning to attend the opening of the Gratitude Festival this afternoon. Lwaxana: Oh, well, even better. First a little fun and relaxation, and then we can delve into the depths of your pain. I'll freshen up, and meet you in front of the Bajoran Temple for the Presider's opening address. I promise you, Odo, you'll never be alone again. Lwaxana: Level twenty three, section eight. Kira: We need to see each other more often. Bareil: I wish we both weren't so busy. I never expected Kai Winn to make me one of her principal advisors. Kira: I think she asks your advice just so that she can do the exact opposite of what you recommend. Bareil: I know you don't like Winn, but the office has changed her. The Prophets chose well. So why don't we leave spiritual matters in their capable hands and concentrate on enjoying ourselves? Kira: I have to go. Bareil: The Festival doesn't start for an hour. Kira: But I have to set up the Renewal scrolls along the Promenade. But it won't take long. Jadzia's promised to help me. Bareil: Jadzia, of course. I've never understood how the two of you could be such good friends. She's so unpredictable and you're so Kira: Predictable? Bareil: I didn't mean it like that. It's just that she gets to spend so much more time with you than I do. Kira: Jadzia and I have been doing this for the past two years. It's becoming a tradition. Bareil: I was hoping we could start a few traditions of our own. Kira: We will. Later tonight. O'Brien: Is she asleep? Keiko: It looks like the medicine Doctor Bashir prescribed is working. O'Brien: That's a relief. Rough trip? Keiko: It was a disaster. I thought it would never end. O'Brien: Well, I'm glad you're home. Keiko: Me too. O'Brien: We should get ready for the Festival. The babysitter'll be here any minute. Keiko: Ah. The Festival. O'Brien: On the other hand, we could spend the rest of day locked away in our quarters. Keiko: Miles, what I really want to do is sleep. O'Brien: Then maybe you should. Keiko: Miles, I didn't say I was going to. I just meant I could use some. O'Brien: That's okay. If you need to sleep, go ahead. I'll understand. Keiko: No, you won't. You'll be disappointed and you'll start brooding and stomping around like an Andorian Bull. O'Brien: Look, go or stay, sleep or don't, it's all the same to me. Just tell me what you want to do and we'll do it. Keiko: Miles, I've been making decisions all day long. You decide. O'Brien: Okay. We'll go to the Festival. But we don't have to go right away. I mean, you can take some time to relax and change into something nice. Keiko: Nice? O'Brien: Yeah, like your red dress. Keiko: My red dress? Really? O'Brien: Is there something wrong with your red dress? Keiko: No, it's just a little tight, that's all. O'Brien: That's the way I like it. Keiko: All right. If it'll make you happy, I'll wear the red dress. O'Brien: Forget the red dress, okay? Just wear whatever you want. Keiko: Look, let's just try to enjoy the next two days. I'll change into something nice and we'll go to the Festival, okay? O'Brien: Fine. O'Brien: I can hardly wait. Kira: Tesra Peldor impatri bren. Kira: Bentel vetan ullon sten. Kira: And now, I have the honor of placing the first Renewal Scroll into the fire. As the scrolls burn, may our troubles turn to ashes with them. And now, for the next twenty-six hours, I expect you all to enjoy yourselves. I know I will. May the Prophets walk with us. Sisko: Jake, are you all right? Jake: Just felt funny there for a second. Sisko: You sure you're all right? Jake: Yeah, Dad. Never felt better. Kira: Bareil? What are you looking for? Bareil: Oh, nothing. Just looking. Jake: Peldor joi. Kira: Oh Jake, how thoughtful. Thank you. Jake: I know you're busy, but can I talk to you for a second? Kira: Sure. Jake: In private. It's kind of personal. Kira: I'll be right back. Now, Jake, what can I do for you? Jake: I need some advice. You see, there's this older woman and I think we're perfect for each other. Kira: Ah. And she doesn't. Jake: I don't know what she thinks. Kira: Well, Jake, my advice to you is to tell Mardah how you feel. That way you'll know Jake: Mardah and I broke up. Kira: You broke up? Well then who? Jake: You. Kira: Me? Jake: I love you, Nerys. Want to go out with me? Dax: Morn, I can't believe a handsome, fun-loving guy like you could have so many problems. My advice to you is to burn this as quickly as possible and don't look back. Bareil: Sage advice. Dax: Vedek Bareil, it's good to see you. Bareil: You have such a wise, generous spirit. I only wish I had a friend like you. Dax: I think of you as a friend. Bareil: You mean that? Dax: Of course. Bareil: I'm glad. Because I was hoping that you and I could get to know each other better. A lot better. Dax: Excuse me. Lwaxana: I love Bajoran music. It's so intelligent, so vital. It reminds me of you. Dance with me, Odo. Odo: I'm sorry, I don't dance. Lwaxana: Nonsense. I saw you moving to the music. Odo: That wasn't dancing. That was swaying. Lwaxana: Then sway with me, Odo. Sway with me. Odo: I just remembered, I'm needed in Security. Lwaxana: I'll come with you. Odo: Hello, Lieutenant. Having a good time? Dax: No. Quark: That's right genuine latinum-plated Renewal Scroll inscription pens. Blessed by Vedek Redab himself shortly before he passed away. Each pen is engraved with the words Deep Space Nine's Third Annual Gratitude Festival, today's date, and a lovely portrait of the station by Ermat Zimm. So get them while you can. They're sure to become collector's items. O'Brien: So, what do you say we take a walk around the Promenade for a little while? Keiko: I'd rather stay here. I never thought I'd say this, but I kind of miss Quark's. The noise, the excitement, our table. O'Brien: You know, I haven't sat here since you've been gone. Keiko: That's so sweet. O'Brien: So, how's the survey been going? Keiko: The terrain's rougher than we expected, and the ecozystem's a lot more diverse than it looked from the orbital scans. All in all, it's been pretty grueling. O'Brien: Really? Keiko: Don't get me wrong, I'm having a wonderful time. O'Brien: That's good. Keiko: There is one problem I have to talk to you about. It looks like the project's taking longer than we hoped. O'Brien: What do you mean, longer? Keiko: You have to understand, Miles. Every valley has an entirely different ecozystem. There's a lot of work to be done. O'Brien: How much longer is it going to take? Keiko: I'm not sure. O'Brien: Try a guess. An extra couple of days, a week, two? Keiko: More like two or three months. O'Brien: You're telling me you're going to be on Bajor for another seven months? Keiko: It's either that or ask them to find another botanist. O'Brien: Maybe that's something worth considering. Keiko: Are you asking me to resign? O'Brien: No. But another seven months? Keiko: I don't like this any more than you do. O'Brien: You just said you were having a great time. Keiko: Oh, I'm sorry. I suppose you'd be happier if I was miserable? O'Brien: I didn't say that. Keiko: Sebarr was right. I never should have mentioned it. O'Brien: Who's Sebarr? Keiko: He's one of the zoologists I'm working with. He warned me not to talk to you about this until after the Gratitude Festival. O'Brien: And who's he to be giving you advice? Keiko: He's a friend. O'Brien: A friend? I thought you were down there working. Keiko: We are working. O'Brien: Yeah, with time out for intimate little chats about our relationship. What else did you tell him about us? Keiko: Miles, you're behaving like a child. What do you want me to say? O'Brien: I want you to say that you're not going back, that you're going to stay here with me. Keiko: Miles, right now I don't even want to sit at the same table with you. O'Brien: Fine. Go on, leave. Go back to Bajor and your plants and Sebarr. See if I care. Sisko: Whoa, slow down. Jake: Hi, Dad. Sisko: I've been looking all over for you. In case you've forgotten, we're hosting a Gratitude Dinner tonight in the wardroom. I could use your help in getting ready. Jake: I'm kind of busy right now, Dad. I have to find someone. Sisko: Major Kira? Jake: How'd you know? Sisko: I just spoke to her. Jake: Really? Where is she? Sisko: Just hold on. Jake: But I have to talk to her. You know, you were right about me meeting someone at the Festival. Sisko: I did not mean Major Kira. Jake: You like her, don't you? Sisko: Of course I like her. Jake: Well so do I. Sisko: Jake, what you're feeling now is just a crush. Look, Jake, right now you're confused, vulnerable, hurt. You miss Mardah Jake: Mardah was a mistake. She was too young, too immature for me. Major Kira is a woman. Sisko: Major Kira is in love with Vedek Bareil. Jake: It won't last. He's always on Bajor. She needs someone who can be with her all the time. Like me. Sisko: Jake, I don't want to see you hurt again. Jake: I appreciate that, but this is between Nerys and me. Don't worry. Everything's going to be fine. Thanks. Odo: I really can't accept this. Lwaxana: But I want you to have it. It's my gift to you. Odo: That's very thoughtful but I have nothing to give you in return. Lwaxana: Being with you is the only present I need. Now, come on. Let's go write our Renewal Scrolls. Quark: Peldor joi, Chief. You look terrible. O'Brien: Just a little headache, that's all. Quark: Here, have a free pen. O'Brien: What for? Quark: To write down your problems on a Renewal Scroll. O'Brien: There isn't a scroll long enough to hold all my problems. Quark: Really? I thought you could sum them up with one word. Keiko. Tell me I'm wrong. If you ask me, it's your own fault. You never should have let her go to Bajor in the first place. O'Brien: What was I supposed to do? Force her to stay here with me? Quark: That would've been a good start. You humans, you never learn. You let your women go out in public, hold jobs, wear clothing, and you wonder why your marriages fall apart. O'Brien: That's your solution, Quark, huh? Treat women like property? Quark: Criticize it all you want. But on the Ferengi homeworld, husbands and wives never argue. There's no divorce, no broken homes, nothing but peaceful conjugal bliss. O'Brien: If Ferengi marriages are so wonderful, why are you still single? Quark: I haven't met the right woman yet. O'Brien: Well, I have. She just walked out that door. Quark: And out of your life. O'Brien: Not if I can help it. Kira: Bareil. I was wondering where you disappeared to. Kira: Come on. You can do better than that. Bareil: Someone might see us. Kira: We are the only people here. Everyone else is on the Promenade. We have two hours before we're supposed to join Commander Sisko for dinner. That gives us some time to be alone together. Bareil: I can't. Kira: Why not? Bareil: I have to find Jadzia. Kira: Jadzia? Is something wrong? Bareil: No, not at all. Do you know where she is? Kira: She's probably on the Promenade. Bareil: She wasn't there the last time I looked. Kira: Why is it so important for you to see Jadzia? Bareil: I'll explain everything later. Thank you, Nerys. Kira: For what? Bareil: For being such a good friend. Kira: Friend? Sisko: Dax, what are you doing here? Dax: I thought you might need some help getting ready for the party. Sisko: Thanks, but that won't be necessary. Wouldn't you rather be celebrating on the Promenade? Dax: No, thanks. I don't want to run into Vedek Bareil. Sisko: Is there a problem between you? Dax: He can't keep his hands off me. Sisko: That doesn't sound like Vedek Bareil. Dax: I couldn't believe it myself, but he wouldn't leave me alone. He's probably still out there looking for me. Sisko: Have you told Kira? Dax: I don't know how. It's going to break her heart. Sisko: Someone has to tell her. Do you want me to do it? Dax: Would you? Sisko: Well, if you think that's the best way to handle it. Dax: I'd really appreciate it, Benjamin. I mean, this whole thing is ridiculous. How could I be interested in Bareil? We both know it's always been you. Sisko: Dax? Dax: Mmm? Sisko: What are you doing? Dax: Making myself comfortable. Have I ever told you that you smell wonderful? Sisko: You know, old man, I have to admit you had me going there for a minute. Dax: Benjamin, stop acting so coy. There's no one around. I have an idea. You cancel the party, and then that way we can spend the evening alone together. What do you say? Sisko: Sisko to Bashir. Bashir: Go ahead, Commander. Sisko: Meet me in the Infirmary immediately. Bashir: Aye, sir. Bashir: Her vital signs are normal. Her brain activity is normal. No sign of infection or intoxication of any kind. She's the picture of health. Dax: I told you. Sisko: Then why did you put your head on my chest? Dax: Oh, Julian, you should've seen his face. Admit it, you were this far away from total panic. Bashir: I think we've both been victims of a practical joke. Dax: At least someone around here has a sense of humor. See you at the party, Julian. Dax: I've never been so embarrassed in my life, making me go through all those tests Sisko: It's your fault, Dax. You took this one too far. Dax: If I didn't love you so much, I'd be angry with you. See you at the party. Jake: You look like you could use a little cheering up. Kira: Jake, do me a favor. Jake: Anything. Kira: Leave me alone. O'Brien: Hi, sweetie. Molly: Hi. O'Brien: Feeling better? Molly: Lots better. O'Brien: Ah, that's what I wanted to hear. Where's Mommy? Molly: In her room, sad. O'Brien: Well, listen. Why don't you go and play with Piggy in your room for a while and we'll see if Daddy can cheer Mommy up? O'Brien: Keiko? It's me. Can I come in? Keiko: Not now, Miles. O'Brien: You're right. I'm an idiot, sometimes. When I don't get my way, I can be selfish and childish and pigheaded. I said some things to you that were pretty stupid. I wish I could take them back. But even if it's too late for that, there's one thing I want you to know, Keiko. I love you. I always have, and I always will. I want you to know I've left a letter of resignation on Commander Sisko's desk. I'm ready to move down to Bajor with you tomorrow, if you'll have me. And after that if you want to move back to Earth, that's okay too. I'll do whatever it takes. I just don't want to lose you. Honey, did you hear what I said? Keiko: Yes. O'Brien: And? Keiko: And I need time to think. Why don't you go to Commander Sisko's party? We can talk when you get back. O'Brien: If that's what you want. Odo: Major. Aren't you headed in the wrong direction? Bashir: Commander Sisko's party? Kira: Oh, I'm not going. Lwaxana: Why ever not? Kira: Because Bareil will be there. Odo: I thought the two of you were very happy together. Kira: So did I. But it turns out he'd rather be with Dax than me. And to make matters worse, I have Jake Sisko chasing me around the station, professing his undying love. Bashir: That's strange. A little while ago, Jadzia had Commander Sisko convinced that she was in love with him. He even had me examine her to make sure she was all right. Apparently it was only a joke. Kira: Are you sure? People are acting very strangely today. Bashir: Maybe I should take another look at Jadzia's test results. Excuse me. Constable, Would you tell Commander Sisko that I'll be a little late? Bashir: I should be getting to the Infirmary. Kira: I'll join you. Maybe you should examine Bareil and Jake while you're at it. Bashir: That wouldn't be a bad idea. Bashir: This won't take long. Lwaxana: What is it, Odo? I may not be able to read your emotions, but I can read your expression. Something's wrong. Odo: I'm fine. Lwaxana: I wish you'd tell me what's bothering you. Maybe it would help you. Odo: As soon as something bothers me, I'll let you know. I promise. Lwaxana: Why do I find stubborn men so attractive? Dax: Would you please stop following me? Bareil: Gladly, if you'll stop running away. I have something important to talk to you about. Dax: discuss it with Major Kira. I'm not interested. Jake: But Dad, you promised that Nerys would be here. Sisko: She will. And stop calling her Nerys. Dax: Peldor joi. Lwaxana: Oh, Commander, I didn't realize that you and Lieutenant Dax were that close. Sisko: We're not. Sisko to Bashir. Computer, locate Doctor Bashir. Computer: Doctor Bashir is in the Infirmary. Sisko: Constable, go get Doctor Bashir and bring him here immediately. Odo: I'll be right back. Lwaxana: I'll go with you. Odo: Yes, of course you will. Bashir: I wonder what Commander Sisko wanted? Kira: It can wait. Bashir: This is very embarrassing. Kira: We have to stop. Bashir: Definitely. Odo: Doctor. Commander Sisko needs to see you in the Wardroom. Bashir: Tell him. Oh, tell him I'll be there shortly. Odo: Now, Doctor! Kira: You'd better go. Bashir: Right. Kira: Peldor joi. Bareil: Please step aside, Commander. I need to talk to Jadzia. Sisko: I don't think she wants to speak with you. Dax: You tell him, Benjamin. Bareil: I only want to give her this. Sisko: A Bajoran betrothal bracelet? Bareil: It's been in my family for generations. Dax: Can I see that? Jake: Nerys, am I glad to see you. Sisko: Doctor, I need your help. Bashir: I need yours too. You've got to get me away from Kira. I can't keep my hands off her. Kira: And what's worse, I can't keep my hands off him. Odo: I can't explain it either. Jake: She doesn't love me. O'Brien: Who? Jake: Nerys. O'Brien: You're better off. In the end, they only break your heart. O'Brien: Although sometimes it's worth it. Keiko: What do you think? O'Brien: You look beautiful. Keiko: Did you really mean it about turning in your resignation? O'Brien: Mmm hmm. Keiko: You'd better get it back before Commander Sisko sees it. It was nice of you to offer. I love you so much. Quark: Hey! Commander, here's that I'danian spice pudding you ordered. Dax: I want to give this to you as a token of my affection. Bareil: Oh no you don't. Sisko: Bareil, listen to me. Bareil: I'll fight for her if I have to. Dax: I'm sorry, Benjamin. He was just starting to annoy me. Quark: Commander, you throw one hell of a party. Pudding, anyone? I've got I'danian spice pudding. Keiko: Are you all right? Quark: Pudding anyone? Doctor. Pudding any one? Lwaxana: No, thank you. Dax: I'll take one. Quark: Help yourself. Bareil: Why did she hit me? Quark: Forget about him. What about me? I need you, Keiko. My ears tingle at the sight of you. Marry me. O'Brien: She's taken, Quark. Sisko: Easy, Chief. He doesn't know what he's doing. Lwaxana: What are you looking at me for? Lwaxana: Zanthi fever? That's ridiculous, that's impossible. That only effects older Betazoids. Bashir: That may be, but according to my tests you show all the symptoms. Zanthi Fever is a virus which effects the empathic abilities of mature Betazoids. It causes them to project their own emotions onto others. Sisko: Then Mrs Troi's amorous feelings for someone on the station were being passed along to the people around her. Bashir: Not everyone. Only those within close proximity to her when she had an attack. And even then there would have to have been some pre-existing latent attraction. Sisko: You're saying Dax? Bashir: Only on a subconscious level. Best not think about it too much, if you ask me. Lwaxana: I'm terribly sorry, Commander. I hope I haven't caused too much trouble. Sisko: I'm sure no permanent harm was done. Right, Doctor? Bashir: A simple wide spectrum antiviral agent should cure Mrs Troi, and as for everyone else, well they'll be back to normal in a day or two. Excuse me. I promised Nerys that I'd meet her in her quarters this evening. Sisko: I think you ought to postpone that visit for a day or two. Commander's log, supplemental. I'm happy to report that Doctor Bashir's diagnosis has been proven correct. My son and all the other's affected by Mrs Troi's condition have made full recoveries. Lwaxana: This is one Gratitude Festival they'll be talking about for a long time. Odo: I know I'll never forget it. Lwaxana: I hope everything works out for you, Odo, with Major Kira. Odo: I don't know what you mean. Lwaxana: Don't worry, your secret's safe with me. After all, I know what it's like to be attracted to someone who doesn't necessarily feel the same way. If you get tired of waiting for her you know where to find me. Odo: I'll keep that in mind. Keiko: So you're sure Doctor Bashir said your test results were negative? O'Brien: That's right. My headache was just a headache. I never was affected by Mrs Troi. Keiko: Oh. I guess that means you don't have a latent attraction to me after all. O'Brien: Nothing latent about it. Weren't you paying attention last night? Keiko: I was paying attention. You've still have the touch, O'Brien. O'Brien: So do you. Take good care of Mommy, honey, okay? Molly: I will. Keiko: See you in a few months. O'Brien: I'll be here. Bashir: Chief?

Scene: Commander's log, stardate 48481.2. My senior staff and I have been asked to address the annual Starfleet symposium on the current situation in the Gamma Quadrant. I'm looking forward to the opportunity and to visiting my sister in Portland. Dax: Entering Earth orbit. Sisko: Now there's something I never get tired of looking at. Dax: If you ask me, the seas could be a little more purple. Kira: That's funny, I was just thinking they weren't green enough. Bashir: I guess it's true what they say. There is no place like home. No matter what color the water is. Dax: We'd better get ready, Benjamin. Dinner tonight with Admiral Drazman. O'Brien: Not Droner Drazman? The commander of the Proxima maintenance yards? Bashir: You're more than welcome to come along. The entire senior staff was invited. O'Brien: Full dress uniform, fine table linens, a different fork for every course? Thanks but no thanks. That's why I stayed an enlisted man. They don't expect me to show up for these formal dinners. Dax: Major, Constable, would you care to join us? Kira: No, thank you. Odo: I'd say this is strictly a Starfleet occasion. O'Brien: Commander, I'm receiving an incoming emergency message. It's from DS Nine. Sisko: On screen. Quark: Commander, am I glad to see you. Kira: This better be good, Quark. You're on an emergency channel. Quark: I just received a message from the Grand Nagus. He wanted me to remind you of the critical role he played in establishing contact with the Dominion. Sisko: You can assure the Nagus I will mention his assistance prominently in my report to Starfleet. Quark: There is one more thing, Commander. It seems the Nagus's nephew Belongo is currently being held by Starfleet authorities on Aldebaran Three. A slight misunderstanding, I'm sure. Sisko: A misunderstanding the Nagus no doubt wants to be cleared up. I do owe him a favor. Quark: He thinks so too. And to quote the one hundred and eleventh Rule of Acquisition Sisko: Treat people in your debt like family. Exploit them. I have been reading up. You can tell the Nagus I will do everything I can, but also remind him of the two hundred seventeenth Rule of Acquisition. Quark: You can't free a fish from water. I'll be sure the Nagus gets the message. Sisko: She's all yours, Major. Energize, Mister O'Brien. O'Brien: Aye, sir. O'Brien: That's strange. Kira: What's wrong? O'Brien: Oh, nothing serious. Just a power fluctuation in the annular confinement beam. Hold on, that's impossible. Kira: What happened? O'Brien: I stabilized the beam, but according to our sensors they never materialized at their destination. They're just gone. Vin: Okay buddy, come on, rise and shine. Come on. Well, look what we have here. Sisko: Who are you? Vin: Who am I? Do you believe this? Sleeping Beauty's asking me questions. Up. Bernardo: Hey Vin, we've been working all night why don't we forget these guys? I just want to go home and see Sonya and the kids and get some sleep. Vin: What are you, an anarchist? There's a law against sleeping in the streets. Though I do like the matching pajamas. All right, let's see some logo. Sisko: Logo? Vin: ID. Identification. UHC Card? Transit pass? Bashir: Where are we? What happened to Starfleet Headquarters? Vin: Oh, perfect. Just what we need. Two more dims. Sisko: Those shotguns and uniforms. There's something very familiar about this. Vin: Yeah, probably from the last time you were in a Sanctuary District. Sisko: Sanctuary District? What year is this? Bernardo: Same year as it was yesterday. Twenty twenty four. Let's go. Vin: How do they find us? Chris: Are you okay? Dax: Oh, my head. Chris: What happened? Did you get jacked or something? Dax: Jacked? Chris: You know, robbed? Did they get your credit chips, your ID? Dax: It looks like they got everything, except my brooch. Chris: Do you live near here? Can you get home? Dax: I was traveling with some friends and I guess we got separated. Chris: Well, you shouldn't be walking around without ID. You'd better order some replacements. You can use my Interface terminal if you wish. My office is just round the corner. Dax: That's very kind of you. Chris: Chris. Chris Brynner. Dax: Jadzia. Chris: That's a pretty name. What is that, Dutch? Dax: Something like that. It's very kind of you to help me. Chris: Oh, don't mention it. It's not everyday that I get to rescue a damsel in distress. Let me help you. Chris: It's just this way. O'Brien: Check the Heisenberg compensators. I'll run a level one diagnostic of the pattern buffers, see if there's any kind of field imbalance. Kira: Chief. O'Brien: Any news from Starfleet? Kira: Nothing good. As far as they can tell, Commander Sisko and the others never materialized in San Francisco. According to their sensors, our transporter signal disintegrated immediately after we began the beam out sequence. O'Brien: That doesn't agree with our records. The system log shows the transport was completed successfully. They definitely materialized somewhere. Kira: That's good news, anyway. But the question is, where? O'Brien: I wish I knew. Whatever the answer is, it's not in the log. The only thing unusual it recorded was the variance in the annular confinement beam. Kira: But you corrected for that. O'Brien: It was a simple adjustment. The beam was just reacting to the accumulation of chroniton particles in the ship's hull. Kira: Chroniton particles? O'Brien: They're emitted by the cloaking device. They sometimes become lodged in the ship's ablative armor matrix. Kira: But we've used the transporter many times since the cloaking device was installled. There's never been a problem before. O'Brien: And I don't know why there should be one now. Wait a minute. It looks like there was a surge in temporal energy seconds before the initiation of the transporter sequence. Kira: Tell me that's a clue. O'Brien: Oh, it's a clue all right. I just don't know what it means yet. Bashir: How do you feel? Sisko: Better. Bashir: Me too. Probably transporter shock. Disorienting, but it wears off quickly. I know one thing. We're definitely in San Francisco. I caught a glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge a few blocks back. Sisko: I saw it too. Bashir: Do you know what happened to our comm. badges? Sisko: They were probably stolen while we were unconscious. This is not the Earth we're used to, Doctor. That's still at least a century away. I wonder what happened to Dax? Bashir: She was caught in the transporter beam with us. Whatever affected us must have affected her too. Sisko: That means she's probably somewhere nearby. The first chance we get, we've got to find her. Bashir: And then what? Sisko: And then we find our way home. Vin: All right, let's go. Bring them. Bernardo: Okay, let's go. Hurry it up. Sonya's going to kill me. Bashir: What is this place? Sisko: A Sanctuary District. Bashir: Twenty first century history is not one of my strong points. Too depressing. Sisko: It's been a hobby of mine. They made some ugly mistakes, but they also paved the way for a lot of the things we take now for granted. Bashir: I assume this is one of those mistakes. Sisko: A bad one. By the early twenty twenties there was a place like this in every major city in the United States. Bashir: Why are these people in here? Are they criminals? Sisko: No. People with criminal records weren't allowed in the Sanctuary Districts. Bashir: Then what did they do to deserve this? Sisko: Nothing. They're just people without jobs or places to live. Bashir: So they get put in here? Sisko: Welcome to the twenty first century, Doctor. Vin: Hold it right there. If you want to go home, go home. What do I care? Bernardo: Thanks, Vin. Vin: Shall we? Chris: Hi. Sorry to keep you waiting. Were you able to order new ID? Dax: Just finished. It took me a while to convince them I was who I said I was. They'll be expressing a transit pass and a couple of credit chips in a few hours. I asked them to send it here. I hope you don't mind. Chris: No problem. Dax: Thanks for letting me use your terminal and your account. Chris: Glad I could help. You know, those are very unusual. Dax: Oh, you mean my tattoos. Chris: It's amazing work. Where did you have them done, Japan? Dax: How did you guess? Chris: Well, I used to have one myself. A Maori tribal pattern used to go all the way down my arm. Got it in high school back in the nineties just like everybody else. Of course, I had to have it removed. Well, you know how it is. To get the government contracts, you have to look like all the rest of the drones. So I guess that makes me a sell-out. Dax: Not necessarily. What kind of business do you do? Chris: You don't know? Well, I guess I'll have to have a talk to my public relations people. I'm Chris Brynner. Brynner Information Systems? You know, Interface Operations, Net Access, Channel Ninety. Dax: That Chris Brynner! Chris: So what do you think? Does that make me a sell-out or not? Dax: Probably, but I won't hold it against you. Chris: These friends of yours that you told me about. Is there any way for you to get a hold of them? Dax: I wish I could. Vin: Left hand. Other hand. Look straight ahead. Now stand over here. Interface: Welcome to SafeTech's fingerprint database. your government diskount has been accepted. Remember our new retinal scan services, now accessible on channel one seventy eight. Vin: Yeah, yeah. Save the commercial. Interface: We are sorry but the fingerprints you have provided are not on record. Vin: No ID, no fingerprint record, no Interface account. It's like you two don't exist. Bashir: Since we don't exist, why not let us go? Vin: Yeah, well, let's see. You don't have any ID, you don't have any money, and you're both dressed like clowns. You figure it out. Vin: Please fill out these forms. Answer all questions to the best of your ability. If you cannot speak English an interpreter will be provided. If you cannot read, questions will be given to you verbally. If there is any part of this form you do not understand, ask one of our staff for assistance. Now sit down, shut up, and fill out the forms. And if you've got any problems, don't come to me with them. Bashir: Thank you very much. Kira: Tell Admiral Ngomo I appreciate her offer, but I don't want anyone beaming onto this ship until we know what's going on. If they want to come up by shuttle, that's fine. O'Brien: Major, I think I know what happened to Commander Sisko and the others. The temporal surge we detected was caused by an explosion of a microscopic singularity passing through this solar system. Somehow, the energy emitted by the singularity shifted the chroniton particles in our hull into a high state of temporal polarization. Kira: Which means what? O'Brien: Which means the transporter beam was redirected as it passed through the polarized particles. Kira: Redirected where? O'Brien: Not where, when. The beam was redirected through time, not space. They arrived in San Francisco, just like they were supposed to. Kira: But not when they were supposed to. How much time are we talking about? Days? Weeks? O'Brien: More like centuries. Bashir: This is ridiculous. I mean, we've been here three hours and the line has barely moved at all. Vin: I got one word for you, pal. Plenty of overtime. Bashir: That's three words. Vin: Hey, for a dim, you're pretty smart. Now go back and take a seat. Oh boy. (A calendar on the wall says today is Friday 8/30/24, temperature 15 degrees, and Sisko is thinking.) Bashir: Some of these people are mentally ill. They need proper medical treatment. Sisko: I know, but they're not going to get it. Not now anyway. Bashir: What? What is it? Sisko: That calendar over there. It says August thirtieth, twenty twenty four. Bashir: I'm not sure I understand. Sisko: You ever hear of the Bell Riots? Bashir: Vaguely. Sisko: It was one of the most violent civil disturbances in American history, and it happened right here. San Francisco, Sanctuary District A, the first week of September, twenty twenty four. Bashir: That's only a few days from now. Sisko: Which means if we don't get out of here soon, we'll be caught right in the middle of it. Bashir: Just how bad are these riots going to be, Commander? Sisko: Bad. The Sanctuary residents will take over the District. Some of the guards will be taken hostage. The government will send in troops to restore order. Hundreds of Sanctuary residents will be killed. Bashir: Hundreds? And there's nothing we can do to prevent it. Starfleet's temporal displacement policy may sound good in the classroom, but to know that hundreds of people are going to die and to not be able to do a thing to save them Sisko: I sympathize, Doctor, but if it will make you feel any better, the Riots will be one of the watershed events of the twenty first century. Gabriel Bell will see to that. Bashir: Bell? Sisko: The man they named the Riots after. He is one of the Sanctuary residents who will be guarding the hostages. The government troops will storm this place based on rumors that the hostages have been killed. It turns out that the hostages were never harmed, because of Gabriel Bell. In the end, Bell sacrifices his own life to save them. He'll become a national hero. Outrage over his death, and the death of the other residents, will change public opinion about the Sanctuaries. They'll be torn down and the United States will finally begin correcting the social problems it had struggled with for over a hundred years. Bashir: And all of this is going to happen in the next few days. Sisko: Which means if we warn these people about what's coming, if we try to help them in any way, we risk altering a pivotal moment in history. And we can't let that happen. Vin: Hey, I hate to break up your intimate conversation, but you're next. Sisko: Is there something wrong? Lee: Well, according to these forms, you're supposed to be dims. But you're not, are you? Sisko: I hope you're not disappointed. Lee: Pleasantly surprised is more like it. I guess I owe you an apology. If I'd known you were gimmies, I could've processed your application much sooner. Bashir: Gimmies? Sisko: They're American slang terms. Lee: I try not to use them, but it's a bad habit. Gimmies are people like you. People who are looking for help, a job, a place to live. Bashir: And what about the dims? Don't they need help? Lee: The dims should be in hospitals, but the government can't afford to keep them there, so we get them instead. I hate it, but that's the way it is. I see here that you both have just arrived in San Francisco. Do you have any jobs lined up? Bashir: No. Actually we weren't planning on staying here very long. Lee: Have you got a place to stay or anyone who can vouch for you? Sisko: No. We were traveling with a friend but we were separated right after we arrived. Lee: Do you have any way of contacting this friend of yours? Sisko: Not at the moment. Lee: Well, in that case, I'm afraid you're going have to stay here in the Sanctuary for the time being. Bashir: You mean we can't leave? Lee: It's for your own safety. Sisko: Really. Lee: And it's the law. Sisko: What about jobs? How are we supposed to find a place to work and somewhere to live if we're stuck in here? Lee: One of the services we provide is job placement. Sisko: And how long's that usually take? Lee: I wish I could give you a definite answer, but jobs are hard to come by right now, what with the economy and all. My advice is to be patient. In the meantime, take these. They're your ration cards. You can use them to get food and water at any of the distribution points in the district. Hang on to them. Bashir: Where are we supposed to stay while we're here? Lee: Anywhere you like. The buildings in the district are there for everyone to use. Sisko: Thanks for your help. Lee: One more thing. A little advice. Stay away from District Security. They've had their budget cut again. They're overworked and underpaid. Just give them a lot of space. And watch out for ghosts. Bashir: Ghosts? Lee: That's what we call people who haven't integrated well into the Sanctuary. They can be dangerous, and they tend to prey on other residents. Sisko: Thanks for the warning. We'll stay away from them. Dax: Dax to Sisko. Dax to Bashir. If you can hear me, please respond. Chris: Okay, my assistant was able to get you a room at the Clift for the next five nights. Dax: You didn't have to do that. Chris: I know that, but I wanted to. So, what are your plans? Dax: I still have to find my friends. Chris: Well, I hope you don't mind, but I had Britt do some checking. No one matching their descriptions has been admitted into any of the city hospitals or trauma wards. Dax: That's good news. Chris: Look, I would like to know how this turns out. I'm having a little get-together here tomorrow, in the office. I'd like you to come if you want. You and your friends. Dax: I'd like that. Chris: Well, good luck. Dax: Thanks. I could use it. Guard: Whoa, you guys can't come in here. Bashir: We're just looking for someplace to sleep. Guard: Well you're going to have to look someplace else. Bashir: Let me guess. This building is full. Guard: Sorry. Bashir: Every building we go to, it's the same story. They can't all be full. Sisko: Don't be so sure. One of the main complaints against the Sanctuary Districts was overcrowding. It got to the point where they didn't care how many people were in here. They just wanted to keep them out of sight. Bashir: And once they were out of sight, what then? I mean, look at this man. There's no need for that man to live like that. With the right medication, he could lead a full and normal life. Sisko: Maybe in our time. Bashir: Not just in our time. There are any number of effective treatments for schizophrenia, even in this day and age. They could cure that man now, today, if they gave a damn. Sisko: It's not that they don't give a damn, Doctor. It's that they've given up. The social problems they face seem too enormous to deal with. Bashir: That only makes things worse. Causing people to suffer because you hate them is terrible, but causing people to suffer because you have forgotten how to care? That's really hard to understand. Sisko: They'll remember. It'll take some time and it won't be easy, but eventually people in this century will remember how to care. Bashir: But it makes you wonder, doesn't it? Are humans really any different than Cardassians or Romulans? If push comes to shove, if something disastrous happens to the Federation, if we are frightened enough, or desperate enough, how would we react? Would we stay true to our ideals or would we just stay up here, right back where we started? Sisko: I don't know. But as a Starfleet officer, it's my job to make sure we never have to find out. Bc: Get his food card. Sisko: Remember, Doctor, we can't interfere. Bc: You got a problem? Sisko: No problem. Bc: You look upset. If we've done anything to offend you, please let us know so that we can be sure not to do it again. Sisko: Don't worry about us. We're new here. Bc: Really? I never would've guessed. But let me be the first to welcome you. Would you like a piece of this? Bashir: No, thanks. Bc: Gimmies. No sense of fun. Sisko: We're just looking for a place to sleep. Bc: In that case, you'd better look somewhere else, new boy. Sisko: You heard what he said. Let's go. Bc: Enjoy your stay. And in a few days I know you're going to feel right at home. Bye Odo: So, in theory, we should be able to travel into the past by focusing the transporter beam through the polarized chroniton particles? O'Brien: The problem is, we don't know where in time Sisko and the others are. I've narrowed it down to a dozen different possibilities. But we only have enough polarized chronitons to make five or six attempts. Kira: We'll have to take our chances. Pick the most likely time periods and send a team down with tricorders to find them. The hard part will be to find a couple of volunteers crazy enough to risk getting lost in time to do the job. O'Brien: I think I know a few likely candidates. Sisko: Here you go, Julian. Bashir: If we ever get home, I promise never to complain about the station's Cardassian beds ever again. Where is everybody? Sisko: In the food lines, waiting for breakfast. It's not much to look at, but it's better than nothing. Sisko: I'm sorry. They ran out of utensils and napkins. Bashir: Why am I not surprised? Sisko: When you're finished eating, I think we should get up on the roof of one of these buildings. I want to get a better look at the place. Bashir: Do you think there's a way out of here? Sisko: If there is, we'll find it. Guard: Not you two guys again. Look, I told you, we don't have any room. Sisko: We're not here to stay. All we want is to do is get up on the roof and take a look around. Guard: It doesn't matter what you want. You can't come in. We've got to protect what's ours around here. Bashir: Look, maybe we can make a deal. Isn't there something we could exchange in order to get access to the roof? Guard: I don't know. What have you got to offer? That's what I thought. Look, maybe you guys should try another building. Guard: Hey, wait a minute. Maybe we can make a deal after all. Sisko: Well at least now we look like we belong here. Bashir: Yeah, and we smell just as bad as everyone else too. Webb: Stay away from him. Sisko: Whatever you say. Just put the knife down. Webb: Step into the light so I can see you. Sisko: We're new here. We're just trying to get up to the roof, get a better look at the place. Webb: Believe me, it doesn't look any better from up there. Danny: Dad. Webb: It's going to be okay, Danny. Bashir: What happened? Webb: He was beaten up by some ghosts. My wife went to get help, but there's only one doctor on duty at the Processing Center. Bashir: Well, why don't you let me take a look? I know a little bit about medicine. Sisko: Julian. Bashir: It can't hurt to just look. Bashir: Hey, I'm just going to take a quick look here, okay? Bashir: Does that hurt? Here? Looks like you've been lucky. No broken ribs and these cuts are mostly superficial. You're going to be okay. You're going to need some clean rags and something to disinfect these wounds. Alcohol should do. Webb: I think I can get some. Bashir: Okay, here we go. Sisko: Looks like we made a new friend. Webb: Hey. You know, the District could use another doctor. Bashir: I don't really practice anymore. Webb: But there are people here who need you. Bashir: I'm sorry, but they'll have to get along without me. Webb: You two are new here, so let me explain something to you. You can forget about getting out of here any time soon. This is your home now. The only help we're going to get is from each other, and if we don't start pulling together, we're finished. Sisko: All we want is to be left alone. Webb: My mistake. I thought you wanted to get out of here. Bashir: We do. Webb: Well the only way that's going to happen is if we get organized and let people on the outside know what's going on in here. Sisko: Do whatever you want. Just leave us out of it. Webb: If you want to be left alone, that's fine with me. But if you want to help us, and help yourselves, you know where to find me. Man: Our sea floor mining project is almost ready to go into operation. The Pan-Caribbean government did have some misgivings, but I think we've won them over. I hear you just came back from Christchurch? Chris: Yes. Did a little skiing on Mount Cook. Woman: You're lucky. We had to cancel our trip to the Alps this year because of the student protests in France. Chris: I thought the Neo-Trotskyists were going to put a stop to that. Woman: They're not having any more luck that the Gaullists did. Man: Europe is falling apart. Woman: Well, at least we don't have to worry about that kind of thing here. Dax: Don't count on it. Chris: You'll have to excuse Jadzia's cynicism. She was just mugged yesterday. That kind of thing's bound to give a negative impression of the future. Woman: So, who mugged you? Did you see them? Dax: It doesn't really matter. I'm just glad that I wasn't hurt. Chris: Well, whoever it was did a very thorough job. They took everything she had, even her ID. Dax: Chris rescued me and let me use his computer to get my replacement ID. Man: You're lucky the police didn't find you first. If they'd caught you on the street without ID, you might have ended up in a Sanctuary District. Woman: I thought they stopped doing that. Man: Why would they? It's the only way to keep those people off the streets. Dax: Excuse us a minute. Dax: Is that true? Chris: Is what true? Dax: About taking people without ID to a Sanctuary District. Chris: Yes, it is. Why? Dax: I still haven't found my friends. Chris: And you think they might be in a Sanctuary District? Dax: It's possible. If you hadn't found me, I might've wound up in one. Can we check and see if they're inside? Chris: Well, that might take some doing. The Sanctuary District records are not posted on the Net. But I might be able to pull in some favors. Bashir: And I thought the replimat lines were bad. By the time we get dinner, it'll be time for breakfast. You'd think that before they lock thousands of people into a twenty square block area, they'd give some thought to how those people are going to get fed. Sisko: I'm go see how much longer this is going to take. Bc: Hey, gimmie. I'm talking to you. Let me see your food card. Bashir: What for? Bc: Because I said so. Sisko: Let him go. Bc: What? Sisko: I said, let him go. Bc: Oh, well, when you put it like that. Bell: Leave him alone. Bell: Are you all right? Bc: Get his card. Get his food card. Come on, let's get out of here. Come on, let's go. Sisko: Help him. He never would have gotten hurt if it wasn't for us. Bashir: Breathe, damn you. Breathe. He's gone. Sisko: Come on. We've got to get out of here. Sisko: Cover! Bashir: They're gone. Sisko: For now, but they're the least of our worries. That man who just got killed trying to help us? Sisko: That man was Gabriel Bell. Bashir: If only I'd had my medkit. If only I'd got him to a hospital I might've been able to save him. Sisko: You did all you could, Doctor. Bashir: But it wasn't enough, was it? A good man died because of us. And what about the hostages? What's going to happen to them? Sisko: Without Bell, there's a good chance those hostages are going to die. Bashir: And if that happens, how is it going to affect the future? Sisko: We have to save them. Whatever it takes, we have to make sure those hostages survive. Kira: All right, Chief, let's get over to the transporter room before we change our minds. O'Brien: Too late, Major. It looks like Starfleet's changed our minds for us. Headquarters thinks our plan's too risky. They're afraid that while we're searching for Sisko and the others, we may contaminate the timeline. Kira: Get me Admiral Wright. O'Brien: I had a feeling you'd say that. That's odd. Kira: What is it? O'Brien: I'm not getting any response from Starfleet. Odo: Is there something wrong with our communications array? I was just talking to Starfleet Security when my comm. line went dead. O'Brien: There's nothing wrong on our end. Everything checks out fine. Kira: Could be interference on the comm. channels. Try a wide band subspace signal. O'Brien: Still nothing. Maybe if I direct it toward one of the Federation communications satellites in Earth orbit. Odo: What is it, Chief? O'Brien: They're not there. The entire Earth satellite network is gone. Kira: The spacedocks? The orbital habitats? O'Brien: All of it. The Utopia Planitia yards on Mars, the terraforming stations on Venus, Starfleet Headquarters. I'm not detecting a single sign of Starfleet activity anywhere in this sector. Kira: Try a non-Federation frequency. O'Brien: The only subspace signals I'm detecting are coming from the vicinity of Alpha Centauri. And they're Romulan. Kira: That's impossible. Odo: Do you think Sisko and the others might have somehow altered the timeline? O'Brien: They must have. Kira: Then why weren't we affected? O'Brien: I'm not sure. Maybe, maybe when it exploded, the singularity that polarized the chroniton particles created some kind of subspace bubble around the ship, isolated it from the changes in the timeline. I'm not sure, I'd have to run some tests. One thing's for certain, right now this ship is all that's left of Starfleet. Webb: I thought you didn't want to get involved. Sisko: We've changed our minds. Webb: Glad to hear it. We can use all the help we can get. This place is about to explode. Most of us agreed to live here because they promised us jobs. I don't know about you, but I haven't been on any job interviews lately, and neither has anyone else. They've forgotten about us. Sisko: So what do we do? Webb: We make them remember. The day after tomorrow, we're going to hold a rally outside the Processing Center. I want everyone to be there. Gimmies, ghosts, even the dims. I want to remind the people outside that we haven't done anything wrong, that we're not criminals, and that we don't deserve to live like this. Sisko: We'll spread the word. Webb: Good. One more thing. Tell people when they come to the rally to bring their families, their kids, and try to look their best. We're not derelicts, no matter what they say about us. Sisko: I could probably use a shave. Bashir: Not to mention a bath. Chris: Yes. Yes, thank you. You were right. Your friends are in Sanctuary District A. Dax: When can we get them out? Chris: Well, it might not be that easy. The Sanctuary personnel first have to find them. There are something like ten thousand people in there. Dax: Did they say how long it would take? Chris: They're not sure. But don't worry, your friends are fine. That's the whole point of the Sanctuary. To give people in trouble food and a place to stay. Dax: If that's all it's for, then why is there a wall around it? Bashir: In two days, in front of the Processing Center. Will you spread the word? Sisko: Okay, you got it? The day after tomorrow. Try to be there and tell everyone you know. Bashir: That's five hundred people we've talked to today. Sisko: That only leaves about nine thousand to go. Whoa. Slow down. What's going on? Danny: One of the guards got into a fight with a dim down at Processing. Everyone's going crazy. I have got to find my dad. Sisko: Give me that. Get back. Bashir: Get away. Get away from him. Sisko: Come on. We have to get him off the street. Bc: Everybody put your hands on your head and face the wall. Lee: You can't do this. Bc: I can do anything I want. Now, against the wall. Sisko: That's enough. Bc: Well look who we've got here. Way to show initiative, new boy. Take him and throw him back there along with the rest of our guests. Bashir: What the hell do you think you're doing? Bc: I think I am a making a political statement. Maybe if we're lucky, I might even be able to stage a nice little photo op. I hope that meets with your approval. Sisko: Do as he says. Bc: All right! I've waited a long time for this. And I know I won't be disappointed. Ain't that right, new boy? Sisko: The name is Bell. Gabriel Bell. To be continued...

O'Brien: I think I know what happened to Commander Sisko and the others. The transporter beam was redirected as it passed through the polarized particles. Kira: Redirected where? O'Brien: Not where, when. Sisko: You ever hear of the Bell Riots? It was one of the most violent civil disturbances in American history, and it happened right here. San Francisco, Sanctuary District A, the first week of September, twenty twenty four. Bashir: That's only a few days from now. Sisko: The Riots will be one of the watershed events of the twenty first century. Gabriel Bell will see to that. Dax: I still haven't found my friends. Chris: And you think they might be in a Sanctuary District? Dax: It's possible. If you hadn't found me, I might've wound up in one. Webb: This place is about to explode. Most of us agreed to live here because they promised us jobs. I don't know about you, but I haven't been on any job interviews lately. Sisko: That man who just got killed trying to help us? That man was Gabriel Bell. Sisko: Give me that. Get back. Bashir: Get away. Get away from him. Sisko: Come on. We have to get him off the street. Bc: I've waited a long time for this. And I know I won't be disappointed. Ain't that right, new boy? Sisko: The name is Bell. Gabriel Bell. And now the conclusion. Bc: Hey, what are you looking at? Bernardo: Nothing. Bc: If you're trying to find a way out, forget it Bernardo. You ain't going anywhere. None of you are. Lee: What are you going to do with us? Bc: I was going to let you think about that for a little bit. Now, everybody, against the wall. Sit down over there. Move! Move it! If any of them moves, shoot'em. Sisko: No one's shooting anyone. Bc: Maybe, maybe not. Sisko: We need them alive. They're the only thing we have to bargain with. Bc: You think I didn't know that? Sisko: Just making sure. We need to get these blinds closed. Bashir: The police will drop snipers on the roofs across the street, pick us off one by one. Bc: All right, let's use the benches as barricades. We'll stack them up against the windows. It's too bad. I kind of like watching this place burn. Vin: Drop your weapons. What's so funny? Bc: You. You're dead. (Sisko knocks Vin out of the way as the shot is fired, Lee screams, BC aims his weapon at her) Bc: Shut up! That's enough! I said shut up! Bashir: Leave her alone. She's just scared. Listen, calm down. No one's going to hurt you. Sisko: Get over there with the others. Vin: I know you. I picked you up the other day. Sisko: I know. It's my way of saying thank you. Now get over there with the others! Bc: Hey, nice tackle, Bell. You ever play any football? Sisko: Baseball, actually. Bc: Really, I'd hate to be a catcher and seeing you barreling towards home plate. Hey, you, get up. Vin: Leave her alone. Bc: Oh, nice mouth. All right, you get up. I said get up. Sisko: What are you doing? Bc: Relax. I just want to see what they're saying about us on the Net. I need his access code to log on. Don't make me ask you again. Vin: Get lost. Bc: After you. Bernardo: Wait. I'll do it. Vin: What are you doing? Sit down. Bernardo: Hey, Vin, we're not on duty now so don't give me orders. I just want to make it home in one piece. Bc: Smart boy. Move. Get back there. Sisko: I know what you're thinking. It's not going to be easy keeping the hostages safe. Bashir: It's not just them I'm worried about, it's you. Didn't you say Gabriel Bell died when the police stormed the building? Sisko: Right. But I'm not Bell. Bashir: No, but we're the only one's who know that. Newscaster: National Guard units are mobilizing now and should reach Sanctuary District A within the hour. Governor Chen has issued a statement saying the uprising will be quelled and District secured. It's still not clear how this riot began, though rumors of mounting tensions have been filtering out of the district for weeks. Bc: This is great. We're on every channel. I bet they're even watching this in China. Why do they sound so surprised? When you treat people like animals, you're gonna get bit. Webb: Let me through. Man: Stop right there. Bc: Hey, who said you could come in here? Sisko: It's okay. Let him in. Bc: You know this gimmie? Sisko: He's a friend. Bc: Go join your friends. Sisko: Glad to see you're all right. Webb: So much for our peaceful demonstration. Sisko: I know it's not what we talked about, but it's what happened and now we have to deal with it. Webb: How? It's a madhouse out there and this building is crawling with ghosts. Sisko: I know. That's the first thing we have to fix. I want you to go out and find gimmies, people you know, people who can be trusted to guard the hostages. Bashir: If we leave it to the ghosts, there's no telling what could happen. Webb: I think I know just the people you're looking for. Sisko: Good. We're going to need them. Bc: Hey, Bell. You're really missing something over here. Newscaster: Many of the district employees fleeing the riot have been reported injured and several have yet to be accounted for. There's been no official count of injuries among Sanctuary residents, however satellite pictures show a number of possible casualties. We'll have more on this story as information becomes available. Chris: This is terrible. Dax: I've got to get down there. Chris: What are you talking about? Dax: My friends are in there. Chris: I know they are, but there's nothing you can do for them. Dax: I have to try. Chris: Jadzia, it is too dangerous. You could get hurt. Dax: I just can't stay here and watching that place burn, knowing my friends are inside. Chris: Look, I have friends in the police department. When things settle down a little bit, I'll talk to them. Dax: I can't wait that long. By the time things settle down, my friends could be hurt or even killed. They don't belong in there. None of those people do. First officer's log, supplemental. Somehow Sisko, Dax, and Bashir have altered Earth's history. We have no choice but to send an away team into the past, to try to find them and to correct the changes to the timeline. The only problem is, we're not exactly sure where to look or when. O'Brien: According to our computer simulations, the degree of temporal displacement is directly proportional to the number of chroniton particles interacting with the transporter beam. Unfortunately, there's no way to know the exact concentration of particles at the time of the accident, but I've narrowed it down to ten possibilities, each one corresponding with a different time frame. One of them has to be right. We just hope we find the right one before we run out of chroniton particles. Kira: I feel ridiculous. Odo: Well, it does effectively disguise your Bajoran heritage. O'Brien: Just say you broke your nose. On the other hand, maybe you'd better say nothing. I'll do the talking. Kira: That's fine with me. Odo: Good luck. Kira: Energize. O'Brien: If this is where Commander Sisko and the others materialized, there should be a residual electrostatic charge. Kira: Kira to Sisko. Kira to Dax. Kira to Bashir. O'Brien: Judging from this vehicle, I'd say we were somewhere in the mid-twentieth century. Kira: No one's responding to my hails. O'Brien: I'm not reading any electrostatic variance or any distress signals. They're definitely not here. Kira: How long before the transporter re-engages? O'Brien: About thirty seconds. O'Brien: Evening. Kira: I broke my nose. O'Brien: I told you not to say anything. Bc: I've got one question for you two. What are all these gimmies doing here? Webb: I asked them to help. Bc: And who invited you? Sisko: I did. Bc: Look, last time I checked this was my party. That means I get to decide who's on the guest list and who isn't. Sisko: We needed people we could trust in here. Bc: What's that supposed to mean? Sisko: How many ghosts do you know who you can really trust? Bc: One. Me. And that's enough. Sisko: No, it isn't. Not here. Not now. Webb: We need people to guard the building, watch the exits, keep an eye on the hostages when we need to sleep. Bc: All right, all right, you made your point. Just keep them out of my hair. Sisko: The important thing we have to decide is what we're going to do with those hostages. Bc: Don't have to worry about that. I've got it all figured out. Webb: I bet you do. Bc: And just to prove I'm not such a bad guy, I'm going to let you two in on it. It's simple. We trade the hostages for our freedom. We get amnesty, a handful of credit chips, and a flight to anywhere we want. Personally, I'm thinking Tasmania. Sisko: Tasmania. Bc: Errol Flynn was born in Tasmania. Look, you guys go where you want and I'll go where I want, all right? Webb: Yeah, and as soon as we step off the plane, they lock us up. Sisko: Besides, we can't just think about ourselves. There are ten thousand people living in here. Bc: Well let them get their own hostages. Webb: No, Gabe is right. This is an opportunity for us to be heard. To let people on the outside know exactly what's going on in here. Sisko: You want to make demands, I'll give you some demands. We tell them if they want the hostages back, they've got to shut down the Sanctuaries. Webb: And reinstate the Federal Employment Act. Bc: Why don't you have them throw in a couple of silk shirts, maybe a penthouse in Singapore. Jobs? You guys want jobs? When are you going to get it? There are no jobs. Not for us, anyway. Sisko: They'll find jobs. They'll have to. After tonight, they won't be able to ignore us anymore. Bc: All right. All right, we'll do it your way. I'll log onto the Interface and I'll tell them that we want the District closed. Sisko: Not you. Him. Webb: Funny, I would have nominated you. Bc: What? Is there something wrong with me? I can be as eloquent as the next guy. Sisko: I'm sure you can. But they can't dismiss Webb as easily as you or me. He's got the face. He's got the family. He's the guy next door. And that's what they need to see. Webb: My name is Michael Webb. I used to be a Plant Manager at ChemTech Industries. I'm speaking for the residents of Sanctuary District A. We're holding six hostages. We don't want to hurt them. All we want is Bashir: What happened? Sisko: Someone cut off our access to the Interface. Bc: I knew it! I knew this was a waste of time. They don't care. No one cares about us. Vin: Why should they? You're all a bunch of losers. Bc: What did you say? Bernardo: He didn't say anything. Vin: You heard me. I called you a loser because that's what you are. And this time, you're going to lose big. Sisko: That's enough! Vin: Check your e-mail, buddy. You're a loser, too. Bashir: If you want to get out of here, you'd better hope you're wrong. Bernardo: Quiet down, Vin. You'll only make things worse. Vin: I just want these guys to know what they're in for. I bet the National Guard's already has this place surrounded. Sooner or later they'll come rolling right in here, and you people aren't even going to slow them down. Bc: I really think we should kill this guy. Preston: Mister Webb, I'm Detective Preston from the SFPD. It's urgent that I speak with you. Webb: Did you shut off our access to the Interface? Preston: I'm afraid it's department policy in these types of situations, but it does give us a chance to talk one-on-one Webb: All right, let's talk. Preston: First, I want to see the hostages. Webb: What for? Preston: I need to make sure they're okay. You said you weren't going to hurt them. I need to know I can count on that. Bc: Get up. Let's go. They want to see a hostage, let's show them a hostage. Bc: Take a good look, lady. I've got five more just like her. And if we don't get what we want, they're going to get hurt. Sisko: I think you've made your point. Bc: Have I, Detective? Preston: I'd say so. Bc: Good. Preston: Look, if you don't mind, I'd like to speak with Mister Webb again. Bc: Why would I mind? Webb: All right, Detective, I'm here. Preston: Your friend has quite a temper. Webb: That's because he's angry. We all are. Sisko: BC, let me ask you something. Bc: Go ahead. Sisko: Why do I get the feeling that you're not going to be happy until you've hurt one of those hostages? Bc: I have to admit, the thought has crossed my mind. It might alleviate some of the stress I'm feeling. Sisko: I think you'd better find a way to deal with that stress. It's sure to be a lot healthier for you in the long run. Bc: No kidding. Let me ask you something. You think it looks better like this or like this? Sisko: It's your head. and your decision. Webb: Hey, Gabe .Detective Preston wants to meet with me. Sisko: When? Webb: Now, by the main gate. Sisko: May I join you? Webb: I was hoping you'd say that. Sisko: Keep an eye on the hostages Bashir: Got it. Good luck. Preston: It's been a long night for all of us. You guys must be exhausted. Webb: We're okay. We could use some breakfast come morning. Preston: Breakfast for ten thousand? That's a lot of take-out. But in the interest of friendship, I'll do what I can. Now, how about returning the favor and letting me have one of the hostages? Webb: No hostage, no food. Is that what you're saying? Preston: Not at all. You'll get the food either way. Giving up one of the hostages would show good faith. Besides, you'd still have five left. Sisko: Those hostages aren't going anywhere until we get what we want. Preston: Which is what? Sisko: We want the Sanctuaries closed and the Federal Employment Act reinstated. Preston: That's asking a lot. Sisko: I don't think so. What we want is to get out from behind these walls, to stop having to depend on handouts. Webb: That's right. All we're asking for is a chance to get back on our feet again. We don't deserve to be locked up in here. Preston: Obviously I can't make any promises, but I will see to it the Governor hears your demands. Sisko: You do that. Bashir: Are you all right? Vin: Hey, leave her alone. Bashir: I'm a doctor. Bernardo: Sure you are. Lee: You were here the other day, weren't you? Bashir: That's right. Are you hypoglycemic? Lee: You really are a doctor. Bashir: Why didn't you tell someone? Lee: I was afraid to. Bashir: I'll see about getting you some medicine. In the meantime I'll try and find you a chocolate bar or something. Man: I'm going to get some sleep. Lee: Wasn't he here with you? Bashir: Bell? We came in together. Lee: He gave me a false name, didn't he? Bashir: Well, yes. He got himself into a little trouble a while back and he didn't want you to put his real name on the computer. Lee: When I first started working here, I processed a woman who had a warrant out on her for abandoning her kid. She couldn't take care of him, so she left him with a family that she worked for over in the Marina. I felt so sorry for her I didn't log her in. I just let her disappear into the Sanctuary. Bashir: Well, that was very kind of you. Lee: Almost got me fired when my supervisor found out. Bashir: What happened to this woman? Lee: I don't know, but I think about her all the time. Ever since then I've just done my job, you know? Tried not to let it get to me. Bashir: It's not your fault that things are the way they are. Lee: Everybody tells themselves that, and nothing ever changes. Sisko: Hold it! Sisko: Don't. Don't do it, BC. Bc: Give me one reason why not. Sisko: All right. Bc: You really going to shoot me, Bell? I don't think so. Sisko: Think again. Bc: I thought we were on the same side here. Sisko: We are, but you get on my nerves and I don't like your hat. Now put the gun down. Vin: Yeah, then you and I can see how tough you really are. Sisko: Shut up! Now put it down. Webb: You heard the man. Bc: You gimmies. No sense of fun. Sisko: Come here. Vin: Hey! Sisko: Now you listen to me closely because I'm not going to say this again. The next time you try something stupid I will make you regret it. Vin: You trying to scare me? Sisko: I'm trying to save your life, and the lives of every hostage in that room. And mister, you are not making it easy. Vin: If you're so concerned about our welfare, why don't you let us go? Sisko: You don't know what any of this is about, do you? You work here, you see these people every day, how they live, and you just don't get it. Vin: What do you want me to say? That I feel for them? That they got a bad break? What good would it do? Sisko: It'd be a start. You get back in that room, and you shut up. Kira: Kira to Sisko. Kira to Dax. Kira to Bashir. O'Brien: I'm not picking up any residual electrostatic charge. Kira: What? O'Brien: I said I'm not picking up any residual electrostatic charge. Kira: What? O'Brien: They're not here! Kira: Thank you O'Brien: Uh-oh. Hippie: Wow. Webb: Danny. Danny: Dad. Bashir: He was outside looking for you. Webb: Your mother and Jeannie, are they okay? Danny: They're fine. They're with the Petersons. Webb: So what are you doing here? Danny: I wanted to be with you. Webb: All right. All right, you can stay for a while but when I tell you to go, I don't want any arguments. Bashir: Now that didn't hurt a bit, did it. I managed to find some glucajen in what was left of the clinic. You should be feeling better soon. Lee: Thank you. Bashir: Is that your family? Bernardo: Yeah. Vin: Let him see it. Nice looking bunch, huh? Bashir: Absolutely. Bernardo: Right now those two kids are sitting at home wondering if they'll ever see their dad again. Bashir: Look, I realize this won't make what you're going through any easier, but something good will come from all this. Bernardo: You think they're just going to close down the Sanctuary and let you walk out of here? Bashir: No, but I do know that someday there won't be a need for places like this. Lee: I hope you're right. Even though it'll mean I'll be out of a job, I hope you're right. Bernardo: I just want to get home, you know? Bashir: I know. So do I. Preston: The Governor assures me that if you let the hostages go, he'll reduce the charges against you to incitement to riot. Webb: That's it? What about closing the Sanctuary, what about jobs? Preston: The Governor intends to form a committee to look into the problems facing the District residents. Sisko: So what you're telling us is that nothing is going to change. Preston: I wouldn't say that. But change takes time. Sisko: You've run out of time. Preston: Gentlemen, if I were you I would seriously consider taking this offer. Sisko: Or else what? Preston: The Governor is not going to let this situation continue forever. Webb: You tell him if he wants to see those hostages again, he's going to have to do better. Sisko: Tough talk. Webb: I was bluffing. Sisko: I couldn't tell. Webb: I hope she couldn't either. Sisko: Try opening that menu. Bashir: It just brings me back to the same screen. There doesn't seem to be any way of getting past the lockout and logging onto the Net. Sisko: There has to be. Bashir: How can you be certain? Sisko: Because according to history, the residents were able to get onto the Net and tell their side of the story. Millions of people watched. Bashir: Well no one here's been able to get past the lockout. Sisko: Maybe it was Bell. And if he did it, we have to also. Bc: Listen up, everybody. A couple of dims just brought us a little present. Bc: I don't know about you fellas, but I'm in love. Bashir: Jadzia. Bc: You know her? Dax: Julian. Bc: Can you believe it? It's the story of my life. All the good ones are taken. Bashir: You remember my friend Gabe? Sisko: Gabriel Bell. It's good to see you again. Dax: Good to see you. Bc: Allow me to introduce myself. Biddle Coleridge. Vin: Biddle? Bc: Hey. Vin: I didn't say a word. Dax: I've been looking all over for you. Webb: Excuse me. You obviously don't live here, so how did you get in? Dax: I managed to recode my ID card so that I could get past the Sanitation Department checkpoint. Bc: You crawled in through the sewers? You must really like these guys. Bashir: You should sit down. You must be exhausted. Bc: It's too bad. I really think me and her could've had something special. Dax: So what you're saying is that even if I could get you out, you wouldn't leave. Sisko: Those hostages have to be protected whatever the cost. Bashir: You said that one of the men who brought you here took your comm. badge. Dax: That's right. And it's set to emit a subspace distress signal. Sisko: Julian, I want you to help Dax find the men who took her comm. badge and then I want you both to get away from this place. Dax: But if the Defiant locks on to my distress signal and we're not together. Sisko: As soon as the hostages are in police custody, I'll try to make it back to the beam-in site. If for some reason I can't make it, you'll have to leave without me. Bashir: Sir, obviously Jadzia has got to leave. If something were to happen to her, it wouldn't take a doctor long to figure out she wasn't human. But you're still going to need help to keep those hostages alive, and if it's all the same to you, I'll stay. Sisko: All right. See if you can get her comm. badge back. I'll keep trying to log onto the Net. Bashir: The police cut off our access. Dax: That's one problem I might be able to help you with. Bashir: Do you really think you can convince your friend to put us on the Net? Dax: It'll take some persuading but I think he'll do what's right. This is it. The men who took my comm. badge brought me here before they took me to the Processing Center. Bashir: Hello? Hello? Grady: There's nobody here. Bashir: We just want to talk. Grady: Woosh! I'm invisible. Dax: If you say so. Grady: You can see me? Bashir: Just barely. Grady: That's okay. As long as they can't see me. Dax: Who? Grady: The aliens. They'll suck your brains out right through your ears. Dax: I know. You see, I'm an alien. Grady: I thought so, but you're a good alien. Dax: Right. I'm here to protect the Earth from its enemies. But I need that piece of jewellry you're holding to do it. Grady: I understand. Here, you take it. Good luck. Dax: Thank you. Shh. Don't tell anyone. Grady: I won't. I won't. Dax: I came in there. Take care of yourself. Bashir: We'll see you at the beam-in site. Chris: Let me see if I understand what you're asking me to do. You want me to override a government block, violate my Interface operating license, and turn over my channels to a bunch of criminals. Dax: They're not criminals. Chris: I know that, but they're acting like criminals. They have guns, they have taken hostages. Dax: So why do you think they're doing it? Don't you want to know? Don't you think that the public deserves to know? Chris: You are asking me to break the law. Dax: I am asking you to give those people a voice. Chris, sooner or later, the government is going to retake the Sanctuary District. And when they do, a lot of people are going to die. And unless the public learns why the Sanctuary residents did what they did, all those deaths will be for nothing. Chris: You know I'll lose my license. But I'll get great ratings. Henry: My name is Henry Garcia. I've been living here two years now. I came to San Francisco to work in a brewery but they laid a bunch of us off because they got some new equipment. So I ended up here. I've never been in trouble with the law or anything. I don't want to hurt anybody. I just want a chance to work and live like regular people. Julie: My name is Julie Hess Preston: Governor, I understand your concern, but I think the use of force would be premature at this time. I am aware that there have been disturbances in other Sanctuary Districts, but we have to think about the hostages. I know I've heard the rumors too, but that's all they are, rumors. If you just give me another chance to talk with Webb and Bell, I. Yes, sir. Of course. We'll do our best. Preston: The Governor's made up his mind. We move in at oh five hundred. Odo: No luck? Kira: Afraid not. O'Brien: Well, we know one thing. They arrived before the year twenty forty eight. Odo: How can you be sure? O'Brien: Because we were just there. And that wasn't the mid-twenty first century I read about in school. It's been changed. I mean, Earth history has been through its rough patches, but never that rough. Kira: If we limit our search to dates before twenty forty eight, how many possibilities does that leave us with? O'Brien: According to my calculations, three. But we've only have enough chroniton particles for one more try. Kira: Well, pick one, Chief. Let's hope you get lucky. O'Brien: That's my best guess. Kira: That's good enough for me. Energize. Kira: Kira to Sisko. Kira to O'Brien: I'm picking up a comm. badge distress signal. It's Dax. Kira: Kira to Dax. Kira: Dax, do you hear me? Dax: Kira. Kira: Dax, am I glad to hear your voice. Dax: Where are you? O'Brien: We're at the corner of Polk and California. Dax: I'll meet you there. Kira: Are Sisko and Bashir with you? Dax: No. I'll explain everything when I see you. Kira: The transporter's Kira: Set to automatically retrieve us in about a minute. You'd better deactivate your comm. badge. Dax: Acknowledged. O'Brien: We can reactivate them tomorrow in time for the next beam out. Kira: Should be interesting. Vin: Best ball club I ever saw? The ninety nine Yankees, no doubt about it. Bernardo: Get out of here. The fifteen Kings could've taken them any day. Vin: Come on. Bernardo: Am I right? Bashir: I wouldn't know. I prefer tennis. Vin: Tennis? Lee: Soccer. Vin: It's up to you, Bell. Sisko: I don't think there's any question. The Kings. Fifteen was Buck Bokai's rookie year. Vin: That's all they had going for them. Bc: I've been up on the roof. It looks like another National Guard unit arrived. There's something's going on out there. Sisko: Everybody on your feet. Webb: What are you doing? Sisko: They'll be safer in there. Let's go. I want you in there with them. Make sure they keep their heads down. Bashir: I'll see if I can find something to block the door. Webb: Danny. Danny, wake up. Come on, it's time for you to go. Danny: I want to be here with you. Webb: I'll meet up with you later. Tell your mom I love her and give your sister a kiss for me. Go on, now. Go on. Bc: Hey, kid. Bc: Yeah, I thought so. Looks good on you. Now get lost. Bc: What the hell. It's probably raining in Tasmania, anyway. Webb: I'm going to talk to Preston and find out what's going on. Webb: Oh my god. Vin: Stop shooting, damn it! We're okay! Sisko: Hold it! No! Police: Don't move. Clear. Damage control. Freeze! Vin: I'm a hostage, you idiot! Police: Blue leader, this is team one. The Processing Center is secure. Vin: What's wrong with you people? You could've gotten us all killed. Police: There were rumors you were dead. Vin: Do I look dead to you? Police: Our orders were to pacify the building Vin: Yeah? Well you certainly did a good job. Bashir: I'm a doctor. Vin: Leave him alone. Police: I copy. All right, listen up. There's trouble on Second Street. Vin: You go pacify Second Street. Officer Calvera and I can handle things in here. Give me that. Police: All right, men. Let's move. Vin: How is he? Bashir: Lucky. He'll live. Sisko: The next time I tell you to stay down, you Vin: Gotcha. Sisko: Yeah. What about Webb? Medic: Keep the pressure on. Medic 2: Over here, quick. Boy: Mommy? Mommy? Vin: How could we have let this happen? Bashir: The question is, how do we stop it from happening again. Bernardo: So what do we do with them? Vin: I don't know. Sisko: You could let us go. Vin: All right. Bernardo: Vin! Vin: They saved our lives back there. Bernardo: How can we explain what happened to them? Vin: Give me your ID cards. Sisko: It's in my pocket. Vin: We'll switch these with two of the casualties. As far as anybody knows, you both died here. Is that okay with you, Bell? Sisko: Thanks. Vin: My pleasure. Bernardo: Come on, let's get you out of here. Vin: Anything else we can do for you? Sisko: There is one more thing. Vin: Name it. Sisko: Tell people the truth about what happened here. Vin: I would've done that anyway. First officer's log, supplemental. Upon returning to the present with our missing crewmembers, we were relieved to diskover that the timeline had been restored. Sisko: Come in. Bashir: How do you feel? Sisko: Better. Bashir: I thought you might like to see this. I found it in the historical database. Sisko: I'm not looking forward to explaining this to Starfleet Command. Bashir: Well, at least it's a good picture. You know, Commander, having seen a little of the twenty first century there is one thing I don't understand. How could they have let things get so bad? Sisko: That's a good question. I wish I had an answer.

Leanne: Jake! Hi! Jake: Leanne. I thought you were on Bajor. Leanne: I came back early. You know, I was just thinking about you. Jake: Really? Leanne: Yeah. I passed by the Klingon restaurant and I was thinking about the time you and I and Orak were eating dinner Jake: And you ordered the gagh. How is Orak? I haven't talked to him in a while. Leanne: We stopped seeing each other a few weeks ago. Jake: Oh. Leanne: Yeah. So, are you doing anything tomorrow night? Jake: I'm supposed to play dom-jot with Nog. Leanne: Oh. Jake: But they're not really firm plans. In fact, I was thinking of canceling them. Leanne: Really? If you do cancel, would you be interested in dinner? Jake: Sure. Leanne: Great. How about eighteen hundred at the Klingon restaurant? Jake: I'll be there. But this time we'll skip the gagh. Leanne: Definitely. I'll see you then. Jake: Okay. Odo: Move aside! Look out! Move! Move! Bashir: What have we got? O'Brien: Bajoran transport coming in. They had some kind of accident on board. They've got casualties. Odo: They're docking. Bashir: We should have beamed the wounded directly to the Infirmary. O'Brien: They have a loose plasma coil. We couldn't beam through the radiation. Odo: Docking clamps secure. I'm opening the airlock. Stand back. O'Brien: Come on. Odo: This way, this way. It's all right. Nurse: Here, I've got you. Odo: It's all right. Come along now. Bajoran: This way, Eminence. Bashir: Kai Winn? Winn: The Vedek. Take care of the Vedek. Odo: Odo to Kira. Kira: Kira here. Odo: I think you should meet us in the Infirmary, Major. Odo: Vedek Bareil was on the transport. He's been injured. O'Brien: The report from the transport, sir. Sisko: Give me the short version. O'Brien: There was a molecular fracture in one of the warp plasma conduits. It was only a matter of time before it gave way. Once it collapsed the entire relay system exploded. Winn: Was it sabotage? O'Brien: I don't think so. Kira: Why would you suspect sabotage? Winn: I would prefer to discuss that with the Emissary in private. Bashir: Put a pressor field on that artery. Nurse: The arterial disruption is too severe the pressor can't stop the hemorrhaging. Bashir: All right. Clamp off the artery and then increase the plasma level to maximum. Nurse: Cardiac arrest. Bashir: Clear. Bashir: Clear. Bashir: He can't take much more of that. Nurse: The arterial pressure is falling. Bashir: I see it. Nurse: The neurotransmitter levels are falling too. Bashir: Two cc's cordrazine. Nurse: Doctor? Bashir: Do it. Bashir: Synaptic failure. Apply direct neuro-stimulation to the brainstem. Winn: Thank you. Vedek Bareil and I were on our way to a secret meeting with a member of the Cardassian Central Command. It was my intention to open talks between Bajor and Cardassia that would lead to a treaty and to a final peace settlement. Sisko: You have been negotiating peace with Cardassia? Winn: The Prophets teach us that while violence may keep an enemy at bay, only peace can make him a friend. Sisko: How long has this been going on? Winn: Vedek Bareil has been working to set up this meeting with Legate Turrel for the past five months. They've discussed issues ranging from war reparations to the exchange of ambassadors. There's even the possibility that the Cardassians will issue a formal apology for the pain and suffering inflicted on the Bajoran people during the occupation. I was on my way to our first face-to-face meeting when we had the accident. Sisko: Please, don't take this the wrong way, but I never would've guessed that you would be the one to bring such a bold vision of peace to Bajor. Winn: A large share of the credit goes to Vedek Bareil. Without him, the talks could have never come this far. Sisko: It sounds like you've developed a deeper appreciation for Vedek Bareil. Winn: I must admit he has been a loyal and trustworthy aide since the election. I'm not sure I could have been as forgiving if I'd been in his place. These talks were Bareil's idea. He's guided me through them, and without him in the future, these talks may never resume. Bashir: I'm sorry. The radiation severely damaged his neural pathways. I did everything I could. Kira: I know you did. Did he ever regain consciousness? Bashir: No. I don't think he suffered. Kira: Thank you, Doctor. I'm on duty in Ops. Excuse me. Bashir: Kira. I think they can get along without you in Ops today. Kira: Maybe, but I need to be there. I appreciate your concern but I'll grieve in my own way in my own time. Nurse: We're ready to begin the autopsy, Doctor. Bashir: Release the stasis field. Let's begin with a neural scan. I want to map his central axonal pathways, find out where the breakdown began. Nurse: Shall I begin taking neural tissue samples? Bashir: Looks like the damage began in the parietal lobe, spread through the rest of the brain in a retrograde manner. Bashir: Wait a minute. A neuron just fired in his cerebral cortex. There it is again. His nerves. His nerves are still transmitting electrical impulses to his brain Nurse: How can that be? His brain activity level is zero. His nervous system should be completely inactive. Bashir: I don't know but it means his body's still capable of sending messages to the brain, even though the brain can't process them. The radiation he was exposed to might have fortified his peripheral cell membranes. If we can regenerate his pathways with his own neuron cells, we might be able to revive him. Nurse: What about brain damage? There's been no oxygen to his brain for almost forty minutes. Bashir: But he's been in stasis for most of that time. That, combined with the strengthening of his cell membranes might buy us the time we need. Bashir: We'll have to direct a burst of electrical energy into his cerebral cortex. If the burst is the proper intensity, it should create a cascade effect within the brain and the neurons might resume their normal firing pattern. Okay. Let's close up the cranial cavity. Bashir: The neurogenic stimulator is in place. Let's try a fifty millivolt burst. Bashir: Increase it to sixty. Bashir: Seventy. Nurse: That's five millivolts above what normal tissue can withstand. It'll burn out his cerebral cortex. Bashir: If I'm right, the inaprovaline drug I gave him should provide additional resistance against the excess electro-stimulation. Seventy. Nurse: Doctor! Bashir: Well, it's a little early to tell, but I'm hoping he'll make a full recovery. He should be back on his feet again in a few weeks. Sisko: You say that so calmly, but it's not every doctor that can lose a patient and then has him back on his feet in a few weeks. Winn: Indeed, you are too modest. You've performed nothing less than a miracle here. The Prophets must walk with you, Doctor. Bashir: Well, I and the Prophets, were lucky that the ionizing radiation left a residual signature on Bareil's axonal pathways. That's what really made this possible. Bareil: Whoever deserves the credit, Doctor, I am grateful. Winn: And I am grateful you were not taken from us, Vedek Bareil. Bareil: My work here is not yet finished. Winn: No, it is not. We must resume the negotiations immediately. We can't risk losing the momentum we've established. I would like to send a coded message to Legate Turrel and invite him to come to DS Nine to continue the talks. Bashir: Wait a minute. Bareil's in no condition to conduct negotiations. Winn: Bareil will simply be advising me. I will conduct the actual talks. Bashir: I'll allow it as long as your visits don't tire him. Winn: Agreed. Vedek, we will talk again soon. Bareil: Eminence. Bareil: So, are we going to be playing springball next month? Kira: You bet, although I'm afraid I'll have an unfair advantage. Bareil: You mean playing against a dead man? Kira: No. I've been practicing. Nog: My Dad said that you were looking for me. Jake: Yeah. It's about tomorrow night Nog: Don't worry, I've already taken care of that. I met these three Terrellians who were bragging about how great they are at dom-jot. So I arranged a game, us against them. Jake: Nog, we have a little problem. Nog: No, we don't. I guarantee we'll beat them. Jake: It's not that. I just can't make it tomorrow night. Nog: But it has to be tomorrow night. They're leaving the next day. Jake: I, I made other plans. Nog: What could be more important than dom-jot? Jake: I have a date. Nog: Oh. Well, that's different. Jake: It is? Nog: Yeah. Money is money, but women are better. Jake: Is that a Rule of Acquisition? Nog: It's a personal rule. So, who is she? Jake: Leanne. Nog: Leanne! Way to go, Jake. So, what is the name of my date? I hope she's as cute as Leanne. Jake: Your date? Nog: She has a friend, right? Jake: I'm sure she does. Nog: Then tell her to bring her along. Jake: Nog, that's not what I had in mind. Nog: That's because you were confused. Would you rather the three of us go out? Jake: When you put it that way. Nog: Exactly. Just one thing, Jake. You're still pretty new at this dating business. Just promise me you won't do anything to embarrass me. Jake: I'll do my best. Nog: Ah, this'll be great. Maybe I'll even wash my lobes. Bareil: I suggest that we put off discussion of the Cardassians returning the Orbs until diplomatic relations have been established. Winn: That would only delay an inevitable argument. Bareil: But it will give the peace process a chance to grow. Once the Cardassians are invested in the process, it may be easier to discuss these matters. Winn: Very well. Bareil: A wise decision, Eminence. Winn: I hope so, Vedek Bareil. The first meeting with Turrel is scheduled for tomorrow afternoon. I will see you again before then. Bareil: I take it you're not here to deliver a good report, Doctor? Bashir: In order to revive you, I had to flood your nervous system with neurogenic radiation. Unfortunately, this has caused some kind of selective vaso-constriction of your arteries. The result is an inadequate blood flow to your internal organs. Bareil: So what do we do? Bashir: We'd like to place you back into stasis, do some research on your condition. Bareil: For how long? Bashir: I don't know yet. Days, weeks even months. Bareil: Maybe even years? Bashir: Maybe. Bareil: I'm sorry, Doctor, that's not acceptable. I can't allow myself to be put in storage when my people need me. I don't want to wake to a Bajor still haunted by the memory of the occupation. Bashir: I realize how important these talks are to Bajor, but as your physician my duty is to you first. Bareil: And I have a duty to Bajor. Please, help me heal my people. It's the only thing that matters to me. Bashir: There is an experimental drug called Vasokin which would increase the blood flow to your organs and might enable you to function normally for a while. But there is a great deal of risk attached. Bareil: What sort of risk? Bashir: In twenty two percent of cases, Vasokin has severely damaged the patient's lungs, kidneys, even heart. Sometimes the brain. In your condition, it could even be fatal. Bareil: But it would allow me to function normally for the next few days? Bashir: Yes. But why risk your life for a few days? Bareil: I have no great desire to die, Doctor, but I am determined to carry out the will of the Prophets as long as I am able, and I cannot carry out their will if I am unconscious in some stasis tube. Please, begin the Vasokin treatment. Bashir: All right. We'll start this afternoon. I only hope we don't regret this. Bareil: So do I. Sisko: Captain's log, stardate 48498.4. Legate Turrel has arrived aboard the station to resume the negotiations. Vedek Bareil suggested that I sit in on the talks as an impartial observer, and Kai Winn has agreed. Turrel: Perhaps you didn't hear me. There are no Bajoran prisoners left in Cardassian hands. Sisko: Maybe we should redefine our terms. Perhaps there are no official prisoners but are there be a number of, shall we say, detainees? Turrel: There are, of course, people being detained at the Justice Ministry for crimes against the state, but that is a discussion for another time. Now, I would like to discuss what you've called war reparations. We would be willing to pay for the destruction of all Bajoran property incurred during the occupation as long as you would be willing to return to us all Cardassian property and equipment left behind on Bajor. Winn: What sort of property? Turrel: I can provide you with lists of material, equipment, as long as we have an agreement in principle that anything of Cardassian origin does still belong to the Cardassian people. Winn: I will consider your offer. Turrel: Good. Shall we take a recess? Winn: He's up to something. Sisko: That much seems clear. Winn: But what? Why is he insisting on this principle of his? I need Bareil. He's the only one who knows the entire negotiating record. Bareil has been talking with Turrel for months. He understands him, respects him. I think he even likes him. Sisko: I'm afraid you may have to face the possibility that Bareil may not be able to help you much longer. Winn: I was chosen by the Prophets to lead our people into a new era. I know that. But I was not meant to be in a room with a Cardassian debating legalisms and diplomatic nuances. I can't do this without Bareil. If he dies, then peace with Cardassia dies with him. Leanne: My father used to take me to the wilderness preserves on Vulcan, so for years I thought their planet was like, animals and plants everywhere. I had no idea there were people on Vulcan. Nog: Boy, Jake, she talks a lot for a female. Leanne: Excuse me? Jake: Riska ,weren't you telling me your uncle runs a bar on Osinar Six? You know, Nog's uncle runs this bar. Riska: Is that right? Nog: Let's not make foolish conversation. Just sit there and look beautiful. Jake: Nog, what do you think you're doing? Nog: I think I know how to handle females. Jake, you know, I've been thinking. After we're done eating, we could take the females to the holosuites. I borrowed one of my uncle's private programs, The Massacre on Ferris Six. We could spend an hour pillaging and looting the frightened townspeople. Riska: I don't think so. Nog: No one's asking you to think, my dear. Here, make yourself useful. Cut up my food for me. Riska: You must be joking. Nog: She's so dumb. She's perfect. Riska: That's it. Jake: Wait, you're not leaving? Leanne: I suppose you want me to sit here and cut your food for you, too? Jake: I never said anything about cutting Leanne: I hope you and your friend enjoy your holosuite. Come on. Jake: Nog! Nog: Don't say another word, Jake. I think you've done enough damage for one night. Jake: Me? Nog: Yeah, you. You were treating my female as if she was an equal. Jake: And you were behaving like an idiot. This is the last time I'll ever do a favor for you. From now on you get your own dates. Nog: And you can find someone else to play dom-jot with. Jake: Fine! Nog: Good! Bareil: Turrel is trying to get a concession from you that I already rejected. Tell him that the question of Cardassian property on Bajor was already dealt with in the Armistice talks four years ago. Don't worry, he'll still pay the reparations. Winn: What about this question of mining rights? His attention has been wandering. He's in pain. Give him more of the drug. Bashir: He's had enough. Winn: Then you'll need to give him something else. The negotiations resume in less than six hours and we still have forty pages. Bashir: Listen to me. I don't care about your negotiations, and I don't care about your treaty. All I care about is my patient, and at the moment he needs more medical care and less politics. Now, you can either leave here willingly or I'll call security and have you thrown out. Kira: You won't need to call them. I'll do it myself. Winn: Put yourself in the hands of the Prophets, Bareil. They will not forsake you. Bareil: Yes, Eminence. Kira: Is there anything I can do? Bareil: Just be here. I'm beginning to dislike seeing that look on your face, Doctor. Bashir: As I feared, the Vasokin has already damaged your internal organs. Kira: What happens now? Bashir: I can replace the damaged organs with artificial implants, but as long as you're taking the drug I can't guarantee that the damage won't spread. I think you should reconsider letting me put you in stasis. Bareil: I'm afraid my mind's made up. Just get me through the negotiations. I must carry out the will of the Prophets. Please. Whatever it takes, just do it. Winn: Are you going to call security and have me removed from this room now, Doctor? Bashir: It hadn't occurred to me. Yet. Winn: How is Bareil? Bashir: The organ replacement surgery went well. He's still unconscious, but he should be awake within the hour. Winn: Oh, good. There are still several points I have to discuss with him before the next negotiating session. Bashir: That's why I'm here. When you see Bareil, I want you to tell him that you don't need him, that you can complete these negotiations without him. Winn: But I do need him, Doctor. Bashir: I realize that. But I want you to tell him that you don't. Winn: You seem to be asking me to lie. Bashir: I'm asking you to free Bareil of his obligations to you. The only way he'll accept that is if you tell him he's no longer needed, that you can go on without him. Now, if that's a lie, then so be it. Winn: That doesn't sound like a Starfleet officer. Bashir: I'm a doctor first. And right now, I'm trying to give my patient his best chance to live. The only way to do that is to put him in stasis. Bareil knows that, but his desire to complete these negotiations is so strong that he's forcing me to keep him conscious and mentally alert, even though it may kill him. Winn: None of us wants that to happen, Doctor. But if I'm not mistaken, the decision regarding Bareil's treatment is up to him. Bashir: Yes. As the patient, it is his right to make that choice. But I'm asking you to help me change his mind. Eminence, you're the Kai. These are your negotiations. Let this be your moment in history. Finish the talks on your own and you won't have to share the credit with anyone. Winn: You say that as though success is guaranteed, Doctor. Bashir: Of course. If the talks fail, you'll need someone to accept the blame. A scapegoat. You're a coward. You're afraid to stand alone. Winn: Bareil's already made his decision, Doctor. I won't interfere. And Doctor? I won't forget what you've said here. Bashir: Neither will I. Sisko: So, you never told me about your double-date. Jake: Not much to tell Sisko: That's not what I hear. Quark tells me that you and Nog aren't speaking to each other. Jake: You should've seen the way he acted, Dad. He was acting like a spoiled brat. I've never been so embarrassed. I don't think Leanne will ever speak to me again. Sisko: So what did he do? Jake: All kinds of stupid things. Riska couldn't even say two words without him telling her to be quiet. And he insisted that she cut up his food for him. He was treating her like she was some kind of slave. Sisko: Sounds like he's acting like a Ferengi to me. You can't blame him for that. Jake: Well, in that case, maybe you were right all along. Sisko: About what? Jake: You once said that Humans and Ferengis are too different to ever really be friends. Sisko: I remember saying that. And you know what? I was wrong. You and Nog proved that. Sure, you have your cultural differences, but there's a real bond between you. Jake: Well, I know one thing. I'm never going to set him up on a date again. Sisko: I think you two should talk this over before it becomes too big a problem. Jake: I'm not sure Nog is going to be willing to talk to me so soon. Sisko: Well, I guess you'll have to do something to get his attention. Bashir: What happened? Nurse: I don't know. Bashir: Two cc's morphenolog. It's all right, it's all right. You're getting help. You're getting help. I thought I made it clear there were to be no visitors for the next three hours. Winn: It's not her fault, Doctor. Bareil called me himself. He said he had some ideas on the treaty. Bashir: And you just couldn't wait to hear them, could you. His left temporal lobe is showing signs of massive synaptic failure. Well, I hope you got all the advice you needed, Eminence, because the Vasokin has damaged his brain and that damage is irreversible. Sisko: Will he regain consciousness? Bashir: Not in his present condition. Winn: You were able to replace some of his internal organs with artificial implants. Could you do something similar with the damaged parts of his brain? Bashir: It's hard to say with any certainty. There's still a great deal about the way the brain operates we don't understand. One of my professors at medical school used to say that the brain had a spark of life that can't be replicated. If we begin to replace parts of Bareil's brain with artificial implants, that spark may be lost. Kira: But you're saying if we don't do it, Bareil will never regain consciousness and he'll die. Sisko: I think we need to consider what Bareil would want us to do. Winn: Vedek Bareil wanted these negotiations to be completed, no matter what the cost. Bashir: With all due respect, your Eminence, you're hardly an impartial observer here. You have a personal interest in these talks. Winn: There is more at stake than one man's life. Bashir: One man's life is all I'm concerned with at the moment. Kira: I think she's right, Julian. I think Bareil would want the positronic implants. Bashir: Kira, if I go through with this, the man who wakes up may not be the man you used to know. Kira: I realize that, but I know how important this is to him, and I know he wouldn't want to just be put into stasis indefinitely, waiting for some medical solution that may never come. Do the surgery, Julian. Let him finish what he started. Odo: Mister Sisko. Jake: Odo, I'd like you to do me a favor. I want to be arrested. Nog: Argh! This is outrageous! I didn't steal anything from a Tholian Ambassador! Odo: Just another innocent man arrested for a crime he didn't commit. Nog: What is he doing here? Odo: As if you didn't know. Your accomplice here has also denied involvement, but I have an eyewitness who saw both of you breaking into the Tholian Ambassador's quarters last night. Nog: I don't even know what a Tholian looks like! Odo: Tell it to the Magistrate. Nog: At least put me in my own cell. Odo: I'm sorry the quarters aren't to your liking. Please feel free to submit a complaint to the management. Bashir: The positronic implant is functioning normally. The mid-brain interface is online and he's awake. Kira: Bareil? Bareil: Yes, Major. Kira: How are you feeling? Bareil: Awake. Everything is different. Kira: Different? In what way? Bareil: It's hard to explain, but when you touch me, it doesn't seem real. It's more like the distant memory of a touch. Winn: Vedek, do you remember the negotiations? I have some questions for you. Bareil: Of course, Eminence. I will do all I can. Nog: Something's wrong. Jake: No kidding. Nog: That's not what I mean. My father told me that if I got caught stealing again, he would send me back to live on the Ferengi homeworld with my grandmother. So where is he? Why isn't he here yelling and threatening me? And where's Uncle Quark? I'm late for work. And come to think of it, what are you doing here? Jake: Ask Odo. Nog: No, no, no. Throwing you in here wasn't Odo's idea. You don't just arrest the station commander's son without some really strong evidence. And I know there is no evidence because I know we didn't do anything. So why are we in here, Jake? Jake: All right. I put Odo up to this because I wanted to talk to you. Nog: In here? Jake: I didn't think you'd listen to me otherwise. Nog: Well, this better be good. Jake: I wanted to say I'm sorry. I guess I just forgot you're a Ferengi. Nog: You forgot? To most people, the lobes are a dead giveaway. Jake: What I mean is, we spend so much time together and we seem so much alike, I sometimes forget we're different. Nog: I know we're different. I mean, anyone who talks to a female with fawning respect is no Ferengi. It made me sick. Jake: You want to talk about sick? Sick is making Riska cut up your food for you. Nog: At least I didn't have her chew. Jake: Chew it? Nog: That's right. In traditional Ferengi homes, the females soften the food with her teeth before they give it to the males. Jake: That is disgusting. Nog: I knew you would react that way, which is why I didn't have her do it. Jake: Well, do you have any other disgusting Ferengi customs I should know about? Nog: Plenty. And I know plenty of human customs that disgust me. Jake: Great. So we both disgust each other. You know, as we get older, this is just going to get worse. But I know one thing. I don't want to lose you as a friend. Nog: Well, in that case, double-dating is definitely out. Jake: Agreed. And I guess we'll just have to deal with the rest of our disgusting habits as they come up. Nog: I guess so. You feel better? Jake: Yeah. Nog: Good. Now can we get out of here? Jake: Sure. Odo? Odo? He's just playing around. Odo! Sisko: Captain's log, supplemental. Kai Winn has announced that Legate Turrel has signed the peace treaty. The news has sent a shockwave throughout the quadrant. And although there is still some opposition from hard-line elements on both Bajor and Cardassia, it looks as though they're finally willing to put their long conflict behind them. Dax: Remind me not to invite you to my next party. Bashir: I'm sorry. I guess I'm sort of casting a pall over this gathering. Dax: Julian, no one's expecting you to provide entertainment. But you should try to enjoy yourself. After all, this celebration is for you, too. Bashir: Frankly, I can't imagine what I've done deserves a celebration. Dax: You kept him alive against incredible odds. No matter what happens, you should always be proud of that. Quark: Excuse me, your Eminence. Winn: Yes? Quark: Kai Winn, allow me to introduce Kai Winn. Winn: I don't understand. Quark: In honor of the occasion, I've named my latest creation after you. It's a chocolate soufflé with Haligian tongue sauce. Winn: Well, I'm very honored. Quark: And you're also very popular. Believe me, I can't keep up with the orders so far. Nurse: Medical emergency. Doctor Bashir to the Infirmary. Winn: Please, excuse me. Kira: It's the other half of his brain, isn't it? But you can still help him can't you? You can replace the other half of his brain with a positronic matrix. Bashir: I'm sorry, Nerys, but this is where it ends. Kira: What do you mean? Bashir: I won't remove whatever last shred of humanity Bareil has left. Kira: But you can do it. Winn: Perhaps, child, it is time to listen to Doctor Bashir. Kira: Sure. You've got your peace treaty, your place in history. You don't need Bareil anymore. Winn: Believe me child, I share your pain. But I think the Prophets are calling to Bareil. I will see to it that Bajor never forgets him. Doctor. Kira: Julian, you can't give up now. You have to keep going. Bashir: Nerys, if I remove the rest of his brain and replace it with a machine, he may look like Bareil, he may even talk like Bareil, but he won't be Bareil. The spark of life will be gone. He'll be dead. And I'll be the one who killed him. Kira: But if we do nothing he'll die. Bashir: That's right, he will. But he'll die like a man, not a machine. Please, don't make me fight you on this one. Just let him go. Kira: How much time? Bashir: All brain activity should cease within the next three hours. Kira: I'd like to stay with him until then. Bashir: Of course. Kira: You got your treaty. I just wish we'd had more time for us. There's so much I never told you, but this is the time we have left so I'd better say it now. I'll never forget the first time I saw you, the day you came to the station. You had such a serenity about you. I thought you had all the answers. It really got on my nerves for a while. But then I got to know you and I realized you were just as confused as the rest of us. You just accepted your confusion better than anyone I've ever known. That's when I realized I loved you.

Scene: First Officer's log, stardate 48521.5. Odo and I are returning to Deep Space Nine after reviewing security procedures at Prophet's Landing, the Bajoran Colony closest to the Cardassian Border. Kira: Those orbital sensor platforms should give the colonists plenty of advanced warning in case the Cardassians ever decide to violate the new treaty. Odo: Hopefully. Kira: How did your meeting with Security Chief Bemar go? Odo: Fine. Kira: Was he properly impressed by the depth of your expertise? Odo: Huh. Kira: Odo, is something bothering you? Odo: What makes you say that? Kira: Well for one thing, you haven't said five words to me since we left Prophet's Landing. Odo: Huh. Kira: Look, if I've done something to offend you, I wish you'd tell me what it is. Odo: It's not important. Kira: Whatever you say. Odo: It's certainly not worth making an issue about. Kira: Well, glad to hear it. Odo: It's just When Governor Avesta invited us to dinner at his house Kira: Go on. Odo: You said no. Kira: And? Odo: You never bothered to ask me if I wanted to go. Kira: You wanted to go to the governor's house for dinner? Odo: Not particularly. Kira: Well then, what's the problem? Odo: The problem is you never asked what I wanted. Kira: Odo, you don't eat. Besides, you hate socializing with people you don't know. Odo: Well that's beside the point. I would have liked to have been consulted, that's all. Kira: You're right. Next time we are invited out for dinner, I'll make sure you are the one to say no. Odo: I'd appreciate that. Kira: Hold on. I'm picking up a wide band subspace transmission from a Lissepian supply ship. They've just been attacked by a Maquis interceptor. Odo: Long range sensors are detecting a modified Peregrine class courier ship, lightly armed, one man crew, bearing two six eight mark three oh one. Kira: The Maquis use Peregrine class courier ships. The Lissepians didn't sustain any serious damage. I'm going after him. Odo: Right. Kira: I don't know what the Maquis have done to that ship's engines, but it's fast. Odo: Not fast enough. We're closing on him. Kira: We'd better catch him soon. We're entering the Badlands. Odo: Wait a minute, I've lost him. The Badlands' plasma fields are disrupting our sensors. Kira: Increase the sensor bandwidth. That should compensate for the interference. Odo: I hope you're right. Kira: He can't have gotten far. He's got to somewhere in this solar system. Odo: There he is. It looks like he's trying to land on one of the moons orbiting that gas giant. Kira: I'm following him in. Odo: Something's wrong with his ship. It looks like his attitude stabilizers have failed. Kira: Can you get a transporter lock on him? Odo: Too much interference. He's trying to land on that moon. We've lost him. Kira: Did he make it? Odo: I don't know. Something in the moon's atmosphere is jamming our sensors. Kira: Then I guess we'll have to land and see for ourselves. O'Brien: O'Brien to Sisko. Sisko: Go ahead. O'Brien: Commander O'Brien: There's someone here to see you. Sisko: Who is it? O'Brien: It's Nog. Sisko: Nog? Nog: Tell him it's urgent. O'Brien: He says it's urgent. Sisko: Send him in. Nog: I told you he'd see me. Nog: Commander, first let me express my most sincere thanks for allowing me to speak with you. Sisko: You're welcome. Now, what is this all about? Nog: I wanted to give you this. Nog: Open it. Sisko: What's this? Nog: It's latinum. Sisko: I know it's latinum, but why are you giving it to me? Nog: Yesterday I completed the Ferengi Attainment Ceremony. I'm an adult. Sisko: Congratulations. Nog: Thank you. Sisko: But that doesn't explain this. Nog: According to Ferengi by-laws, section one oh five, subparagraph ten, upon reaching adulthood, Ferengi males must purchase an apprenticeship from a suitable role model. I choose you. Sisko: You want to be my apprentice? Nog: That's right. I want to be the first Ferengi in Starfleet. Now, who do I see about getting a uniform? Sisko: Nog, if you want to become a Starfleet Officer, you have to attend the Academy. Nog: All right. Where do I sign up? Sisko: It's not that simple. As a non-Federation citizen, you need a letter of reference from a command level officer before you can even take the entrance exam. Nog: A command level officer? You mean, like you? Sisko: Well, yes. Like me. Nog: Then you'll write the letter. Sisko: I'll think about it. Nog: Thank you, Commander. I know you'll make the right decision. Sisko: Aren't you forgetting something? Nog: Keep it. Consider it a token of my appreciation. Odo: The tricorders are useless. The atmospheric ionization is jamming their transponders. Kira: You're sure he's in these caverns? Odo: Well, he wasn't in the wreckage of his ship. And given the weather conditions on the surface, there's no way anyone could survive out there for very long, so that leaves Kira: That's the third quake since we got here. This moon must be seismically unstable. Odo: The sooner we find our fugitive, the better off we'll be. Kira: Finding him isn't going to be easy. These caverns could go on forever. With all this seismic activity, I don't want to stay here any longer than we have to. I say we split up. We meet back here in twenty minutes, and if we haven't found him by then, we may have to leave without him. Odo: If he's smart, he'll let us find him. A Federation prison would be paradise compared to this place. Kira: Let's hope he's smart. Odo: I'll see you in twenty minutes. Kira: Kira to Odo. Odo, can you hear me? Odo: This is Odo. I can barely hear you. Kira: Odo, I'm trapped. I need your help. Come quickly. Odo, do you read me? Odo: Stay where you are, Major. I'm on my way. Kira: Odo, is that you? Odo: I'm right here, Major. Kira: Odo, am I glad to see you. Odo: What's wrong? Kira: You're not going to believe this. My foot is stuck. Odo: Stuck? How? Kira: I don't know. I must've stepped in a fissure or something. I can't get it loose. Odo: Let me take a look. Odo: It's not a fissure. Kira: Then what is it? Odo: Your foot's been encased in some kind of crystal. And from the look of things the crystal is spreading. Odo: Now you're sure you can't pull it loose? Kira: Oh, believe me, I've tried. Odo: Maybe if you slip your foot out of your boot. Kira: I can barely feel my foot. The crystal is pressing against it so hard, there's no way I can get my boot off. Odo: Hold on a minute. Odo: This might hurt a bit. Kira: Go ahead. Odo: I fail to see the humor in this situation. Kira: Come on, Odo, it's pretty ridiculous, don't you think? The two of us being outsmarted by a chunk of crystal. Odo: I'm not giving up just yet. Kira: Neither am I. Hand me my phaser. Odo: Are you sure this is a good idea? If you're not careful Kira: I may blow off my foot and Julian the have a chance to prove what a wonderful doctor he is? Don't worry, I have no intention of giving him the opportunity. Stand back. Kira: I guess that wasn't such a good idea after all. Odo: The crystal formation seems to have somehow fed off the energy from your phaser. Odo: Odo to Mekong. Two to beam out. Energize. Odo to Mekong. I can't contact the runabout. There's too much interference. I'll have to walk back to the landing site and try to transport you from there. Kira: Are you worried about leaving me here? Odo: Now that you mention it, yes. Kira: I'll be fine, Odo. I promise not to go anywhere. Rom: Nog, hand me that phase matrix recalibrator. Nog: Here you are, Father. Quark: Is it fixed yet? Rom: Not yet, brother. Quark: What's taking so long? Nog: We're working as fast as we can. The replicators' entire power supply grid has been shorted out. Rom: I told you, brother, if you don't shut down your replicators at least once a week for routine maintenance, you risk system overloads like this one. Quark: You said it might overload the system. Might. Nog: He tried to warn you, Uncle Quark. You should've listened to him. Rom: No. It's my fault. I should have explained it better. Quark: Of course it's your fault. Everything that goes wrong here is your fault. It says so in your contract. Now, this mess had better be cleaned up before lunchtime or I'm taking the losses out of your pay. Rom: Of course, brother. Rom: I need to get a replacement power coupling from the storage room. I'll be right back. Jake: Hey, Nog. What's going on? Nog: If you're here to order lunch, you'll have to come back in an hour. Jake: Actually, I just ate. Hey, that was a pretty funny joke you pulled on my Dad this morning. Nog: What? Jake: You know, about wanting to join Starfleet? Nog: I wasn't joking. Jake: Come on, Nog. You don't really expect me to fall for that one. Nog: Did you tell your father I was joking? Jake: Yeah. Kind of. Nog: How could you do that to me? I want you to go back to your father and tell him that you were wrong. Jake: All right. Calm down. I mean, how was I supposed to know you were serious? You never said you wanted to join Starfleet before. Nog: I'm saying it now. Jake: So what brought this on? Nog: I have my reasons. Jake: Okay, name one. Nog: Why should I? Jake: Because I'm your friend. And friends don't have secrets from one another. Nog: It's not a secret. I just don't feel like talking about it. Jake: Why? Nog: Because it's personal. Now stop asking me. Jake: All right. But my father's a pretty smart guy, and if this is some kind of trick, he's going to figure it out. Nog: There's nothing to figure out. I'm joining Starfleet, and that's that. Now, if you don't mind, I have a lot of work to do. Odo: Computer, lock onto these coordinates and initiate transport sequence. Computer: Unable to comply. Odo: Explain. Computer: The high level of atmospheric ionization is inhibiting transporter lock. Odo: Can you compensate for the interference by using pattern enhancers? Computer: Negative. Pattern enhancers will not function in a polarized ionization field. Odo: Is there any way to achieve a transporter lock in this kind of ionization field? Computer: Negative. Odo: Computer, send out a priority one distress signal to Deep Space Nine. Computer: Unable to comply. Communications systems are inoperable due to atmospheric interference. Odo: In that case, launch a communications probe and instruct it to begin a continuous broadcast of our whereabouts as soon as it clears the atmosphere. Computer: Working. Computer: Probe launch confirmed. Odo: Computer, given ideal conditions, how soon can we expect help from Deep Space Nine? Computer: Deep Space Nine should receive the probe's distress signal in approximately two days. Odo: Kira, I heard phaser fire. Kira: You just missed our friend. He came out of that tunnel. I think he was as surprised as I was. He fired at me from over there, and when I shot back he ran off down the tunnel. Kira: Don't worry, his aim wasn't any better than mine was. Odo: He didn't miss by much. Kira: My lucky day. Sisko: I see you've put in a request to reassign Ensign Vilix'pran from cargo inspection. Bashir: I think that would be best. Given his condition, I don't want him coming in contact with any hazardous materials. Sisko: His condition? Bashir: Vilix'pran is budding. His buds are undergoing individuation in just over a month. Sisko: You mean he's pregnant? Bashir: Twins. Sisko: Reassignment granted. I'll have make sure I offer my congratulations to the ensign next time I see him. Bashir: O'Brien and I are throwing him a baby shower in a couple of days. I think it would mean a lot to him if you were there. Sisko: Are you getting him anything? Bashir: O'Brien's building him a hatchling pond and I've put an order in with Garak for some new baby clothes. Sisko: Count me in. Bashir: Aye, sir. Sisko: Ensign Pran. Nog: Commander Sisko, have you made up your mind yet about my letter? Sisko: Not exactly. Nog: What does that mean, not exactly? Sisko: Look, Nog, I have to be honest with you. When I think of candidates for Starfleet Academy, yours is not the first name that comes to mind. Nog: Why not? Because I'm a Ferengi? Sisko: Not at all. The fact is, your reputation on this station leaves a lot to be desired. Your school grades are mediocre at best, and you've had more than a few run-ins with Constable Odo. Nog: Okay, okay, so I've made some mistakes. I admit that. But I can do better. Just give me a chance. Dax: You wanted to see me, Benjamin? Sisko: Lieutenant, I need a complete inventory on the contents of Cargo bay twelve. Dax: Didn't we inventory twelve last week? Sisko: I'd like it done again. Dax: All right. I'll assign a crew to it immediately. Sisko: Actually, I already have someone in mind for the job. Dax: Really? Who? Sisko: Nog. Dax: Nog. Sisko: He's asked for a recommendation to Starfleet Academy. Dax: Nog? Sisko: My reaction exactly. Dax: I always thought it would be interesting to have a Ferengi in Starfleet, but Nog? Sisko: I know it seems unlikely, but before I make up my mind I want to give him a chance to prove himself. Dax: Commander, there's a lot of valuable equipment in Cargo bay twelve. Sisko: I know. Dax: Maybe I should assign a couple of crewmembers to assist him. Sisko: No. I want him to do it alone. No help, no interference, no one looking over his shoulder. Odo: I wish I could analyze this material. Kira: Too bad our tricorders don't work. Odo: Or our communicators or the transporter. Our fugitive couldn't have chosen a better place to hide. Very convenient, don't you think? Kira: You make it sound like he planned on trapping us. Odo: Well maybe he did, but it's not going to work. I'm going to get you out of here. Kira: How long do you think I have, Odo? Odo: Long enough. Kira: I figure at the rate the crystal's been growing, I'm going to be completely covered in less than twelve hours. Kira: Unless this cave collapses first. Odo: There has got to be a way to shatter this crystal. Kira: I'm sure there is. But that doesn't mean that we're going to find it in less than twelve hours. Odo: We'll find it. Major, do you ever look at the Criminal Activity Reports we get from Starfleet Security? Kira: Not often. Odo: You should. They make fascinating reading. A few months ago we got a report on a theft on Remmil Six. It seems the natives there spin a kind of crystalline webbing that they use to construct their buildings. A band of Nausicaan raiders broke into their central museum by using a high frequency ultrasonic generator to create a sympathetic vibration inside the webbing and shatter it. Kira: So all we need to do is find a band of Nausicaan raiders and ask them to give us a hand? Odo: No, I might be able to put together a makeshift generator using the covariant oscillator on the runabout. The trick will be finding the right frequency to create a sympathetic vibration inside this crystal. I'm going to have to go back to the runabout and start assembling the generator. Keep your phaser handy in case our friend decides to comes back. Kira: I will. Odo: I'll be back as soon as I can. Kira: Constable. When we get back to the station, I'm going to start reading those Criminal Activity Reports. Odo: I'll make sure you get them. Dax: Due to a computer error, we lost the manifest on this entire cargo bay. Commander Sisko would like you to re-inventory the contents. Nog: The entire cargo bay? Dax: That's right. Nog: By myself? Dax: Look, Nog, Starfleet isn't just about diplomacy, exploration. A lot of the time, it's just hard work. Nog: When does Commander Sisko want it done? Dax: He'd like the manifest on his desk first thing in the morning. Nog: He'll have it tonight, before he goes off duty. Dax: Tomorrow morning will be fine, Nog. Nog: Now if you don't mind, Lieutenant, I'd like to get started. Kira: How long do you think it's going to be before the generator finds the right frequency? Odo: It's hard to say. It could take hours. Kira: I don't suppose there's any way to speed things up? I didn't think so. Odo: Don't worry, Major. I have every intention of getting us back to the station by tomorrow night. Chief O'Brien is counting on it. Kira: What does O'Brien have to do with it? Odo: We have an appointment. Kira: What kind of appointment? Talk to me, Odo. It helps pass the time. Odo: The Chief and I are supposed to go kayaking together in a holosuite. Kira: You're kidding. How did he talk you into that one? Odo: He didn't talk me into anything. It's really quite enjoyable. Kira: You mean you've done it before? Odo: Twice. He invited me one evening and, seeing I had no plans, I accepted. Kira: I'm sorry. I'm just having trouble imagining the two of you together in a boat. Odo: Well if it helps any, he's the one who does all the singing. Kira: He sings? Odo: He says it's necessary to establish a smooth paddling rhythm. Kira: This gets better and better. What kind of songs does he sing? Odo: Ancient human sea chanties, mostly. He's particularly fond of one called 'Louie, Louie'. Kira: I never pictured O'Brien as a nautical type. Odo: Next to his work and his family, shooting the rapids is his favorite activity. He's had the holoprogram since he was on the Enterprise. Kira: How long do these boat trips usually take? Odo: That depends. Kira: On what? Odo: On how many times we capsize. Kira: It must be a very difficult program. Odo: It's extremely difficult. According to him, he's dislocated his shoulder a half dozen times trying to make it down those rapids. Kira: Then why does he keep doing it? Odo: Because he loves it. And it's been my observation that you humanoids have a hard time giving up the things you love, no matter how much they might hurt you. Kira: I'm glad you're here, Odo. Odo: I'm glad I'm here, too. Kira: Odo! Odo: Major? Kira: I'm all right. What about the generator? Odo: It's fine. It still hasn't found the right frequency to shatter the crystal. Kira: Tell it to hurry. A couple more tremors like that last one and this whole cave is going to collapse. Odo: We'll just have to make sure that doesn't happen. After all, we've been in worse situations than this one and come out all right. Kira: Name three. I can't think of any either. Odo: No, it's not that. It's just that that wasn't the response I expected. Kira: What do you mean? Odo: In the detective novels Chief O'Brien gives me to read, when the hero says, we've been in tougher situations than this one, his friends always agree. Kira: I never read any of those books. Odo: There must be some humanoid platitude I can use to cheer you up. Kira: I don't have much use for platitudes, Odo. I'd rather face the truth of a situation and go on from there. Odo: I feel the same way. Kira: I know you do. That's why you and I get along so well. Odo: I suppose it is. But in this case, the truth is we're going to get you out of here, Major. And that's no platitude. Sisko: I must admit, this is impressive work. Dax: Incredible is more like it. He inventoried the whole cargo bay in under five hours. Sisko: You're sure he didn't have any help? Dax: According to the internal sensors, no one else entered that cargo bay the entire time he was there. Sisko: I guess he did learn something working in his uncle's storeroom. I assume that all our equipment is where it's supposed to be? Dax: If you're asking if he stole anything, the answer is no. He even found some things we missed on our last inventory. Sisko: Okay, so now we know he's a hard worker. The question remains. Why does he want to join Starfleet? Dax: I have no idea. Odo: I don't understand it. I've run through the entire harmonic spectrum and none of the frequencies have had any effect on the crystal. It's almost as if the structure of the crystal is mutating to keep us from finding the right frequency. Kira: Odo. Odo: Yes, Major. I wish there was something else I could do. Kira: Just keep talking to me. Odo: What do you want me to say? Kira: Anything. Tell me a story. Odo: A story? Kira: I know. Tell me how you got your name. Odo: My name? Now that you mention it, that is an amusing story. Kira: Tell it to me. Odo: Well, as you know, when Doctor Mora first brought me to his laboratory, it was under Cardassian supervision. All specimens had to be clearly labeled in Cardassian, so the overseers would always know what the scientists were working on. Since no one was exactly sure what I was, Mora labeled me Unknown Sample, which the overseer translated into Cardassian as Odo'ital. Kira: So, your name is Unknown Sample? Odo: No, no. Odo'ital literally means the word 'nothing'. Even after it became clear that I was sentient, the Bajoran scientists kept calling me that. As a joke, they split it into two words like a Bajoran name, Odo Ital, which eventually got shortened. Kira: To Odo. Odo: But the thing is, for the longest time, whenever anyone would use my name, the first thing I'd think of was what it meant. Nothing. What better way to describe me? I had no family, no friends, no place where I belonged. I thought it was the most appropriate name anyone could give me. And then I met you. And the others. Sisko, Dax, even Quark. And now, when I hear one of you call me Odo, I no longer think of myself as nothing. I think of myself as me. I'm sorry, Major. I guess that story wasn't as amusing as I'd hoped it would be. Kira: No. I liked it very much. The ultrasonic generator isn't going to work, is it? Odo: No, I'm afraid it's not. Kira: I don't suppose you have any other ideas. Odo: I wish I had. Kira: Neither do I. Odo: It doesn't make sense. The ultrasonic generator should have worked. Something's not right here. Kira: Odo, you've done your best. It's time for you to go. Odo: Go? Kira: This place is going to collapse at any minute. That Maquis is probably dead from one of the cave-ins. There's nothing more you can do for me. Odo: If you're asking me to leave? Kira: As your superior officer, I'm telling you to take the runabout and get the hell off this moon. That's an order. Kira: Odo, why are you still standing there? I told you to get out of here. Odo: I'm not leaving. Kira: Constable, I gave you a direct order. Odo: You can order me all you want. As of now, I'm resigning my commission. Kira: Odo, if you stay here, you'll die. Odo: You don't know that for certain. And even if it were true, I'm not going to abandon you. Kira: I want you to get out of here. Odo: Don't you understand? I can't. Kira: You have to. Odo, please. Odo: No. I won't leave you. Kira: Why? Odo: Because! Because I'm in love with you. So, now you know. Kira: Odo, I'm in love with you too. Nog: You wanted to see me, Commander? Sisko: Nog, I've given your request a lot of thought. Nog: I appreciate that, Commander. Sisko: But I'm afraid I'm going to have to turn you down. Nog: Turn me down? Why? Did I do something wrong? Sisko: It's not anything you did, Nog. You're just not Academy material. Here. This belongs to you. Nog: Commander, can't we talk about this? Sisko: There's nothing to talk about. We both know you'd never make it through the Academy. You couldn't handle the workload or the diskipline. You wouldn't last two weeks. Nog: That's not true. I'm a hard worker. I proved that to you. Sisko: It doesn't matter. And I'm not going to put my reputation on the line just to satisfy some whim of yours. Nog: It's not just a whim. I'm serious about joining Starfleet. Sisko: I don't have time for this, Nog. Now whatever little scheme you had, you can forget it. I'm not giving you that letter. Nog: It's not a joke or a scheme. I want to join Starfleet. I want it more than anything I've ever wanted anything in my life. Sisko: You're a Ferengi. Why would you want to be in Starfleet? Where's the profit in it? Nog: I don't care about profit. Sisko: Then what do you care about? Come on, Nog, tell me. Why is it so damned important for you to get into Starfleet? Why are you doing this? Nog: Because I don't want to end up like my father. Sisko: Your father. Nog: That's right. My father. He's been chasing profit his whole life, and what has it gotten him? Nothing. And you know why? Because he doesn't have the lobes. And neither do I. Sisko: And a Ferengi without profit Nog: Is no Ferengi at all. Sisko: The eighteenth Rule of Acquisition. Nog: My father is a mechanical genius. He could've been Chief Engineer of a starship if he'd had the opportunity. But he went into business, like a good Ferengi. The only thing is, he's not a good Ferengi, not when it comes to acquiring profit. So now all he has to live for is the slim chance that someday, somehow, he might be able to take over my uncle's bar. Well, I'm not going to make the same mistake. I want to do something with my life. Something worthwhile. Sisko: Like joining Starfleet. Nog: I may not have an instinct for business, but I have my father's hands and my uncle's tenacity. I know I've got something to offer, I just need the chance to prove it. Sisko: All right. I'll see that you get that chance. Nog: You're going to recommend me to Starfleet Academy? Sisko: I'll send the letter the first thing tomorrow morning. Nog: Commander, I don't know how to thank you. Sisko: Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. Don't thank me yet. You still have a lot of work ahead of you. Nog: Don't worry. You're never going to regret this. Kira: Odo? Odo: Yes, Major. Kira: You haven't said a word to me in over an hour. Odo: I've just been going over a few things in my mind. Kira: I'm sorry I waited so long to tell you how I feel about you. If I'd told you earlier, maybe things would've been different. Odo: Ah. Kira: What are you smiling about? Odo: I think I've finally figured out what's going on here. This whole situation hasn't seemed right since the beginning. There've been too many coincidences, too many unanswered questions. Kira: Are you still trying to prove that this is all some kind of conspiracy? Odo: You said the Maquis was standing here when he shot at you? Kira: That's right. Odo: How tall was he? My height? Kira: No. Maybe shorter. Odo: Like this? Kira: More or less. Why does it matter anyway? Odo: It matters because from this position, you're blocking those phaser hits. There's no way someone standing here could hit those rocks without hitting you first. Kira: Maybe he was standing somewhere else. Odo: Maybe. Or maybe you were lying to me. Which makes two times you've lied to me today. Kira: What are you talking about? Odo: You lied when you said you were shot at by the Maquis. And you lied when you said you loved me. Kira: I do love you. Odo: I wish you did, but you don't. Remember Major, I pride myself on my ability to observe human nature, and I've watched you for the past three years. In all that time I never saw any indication that you had those kinds of feelings for me. You like me. You think of me as a close friend. But love? I'm afraid not. Kira: Maybe I told I loved you because I thought it would make you feel better. Because I thought that's what you wanted to hear. Odo: You're lying again. The Kira I know has far too much regard for our friendship to lie to me, even for the best of reasons. Kira: Odo, I can explain. Odo: Good. And you can start by telling me who you are and what you've done with Kira. Founder: Well done, Odo. You really are quite a skilful investigator. Odo: And you're quite a skilful changeling. Founder: You still have much to learn. Odo: If you want to share your wisdom, tell me where Major Kira is. Founder: Close by. Odo: You were the fugitive we were chasing, weren't you? Founder: That's correct. Odo: How did you get your hands on a Maquis ship? Founder: Now, Odo, you really can't expect me to give you all the answers. Odo: But why did you lead us here? Why replace Kira? Founder: I needed to understand why you chose to live with the Solids rather than your own people. I suspected it had something to do with Major Kira. Now I'm certain of it. Odo: So your plan was to let me think she died. You thought that would take away my link to the Solids. Founder: Then you would return to us. Odo: I assure you, nothing will ever make me do that. Founder: I wouldn't be so sure. Odo: Tell me where she is. Founder: And if I don't, then what? You'll shoot me? No changeling has ever harmed another. Odo: There's always a first time. Founder: Major Kira is down that tunnel, two hundred meters south of here. Save her, if it suits you, but it won't make any difference. She is never going to love you. How could she? You are a changeling. Odo: Major, wake up. Kira: Odo, what happened? What am I doing here? Odo: It's a long story. Right now we have to get you back to the Mekong. Kira: There's one thing I still don't understand. If that Founder was trying to test your allegiance to the Solids, why did she impersonate me? Odo: I suppose it's because you happened to be with me in the runabout. It could have just as easily have been Commander Sisko or Doctor Bashir. Kira: What finally made you realize the truth? Odo: She made eventually a mistake. She said something I know you would never say. Kira: What was that? Odo: Just a slip of the tongue. Nothing important. Quark: I tell you, I won't stand for it. No nephew of mine is going to disgrace our family name by joining Starfleet. Nog: But Uncle Quark Quark: My mind is made up. I forbid it. Rom: No, you don't. Quark: Rom, stay out of this. Rom: I will not. When it comes to the bar you may be in charge, but when it comes to my son, I make the decisions. Quark: Fine. You tell him he can't go. Rom: Nog. Good luck. I would be proud to have a son in Starfleet. Quark: You're both insane. Nog: Like father, like son.

Emi: Am I doing it right? Quark: You don't have to be quite so gentle. Emi: Tell me again. Quark: Tell you about what? Emi: About the stem bolts. Quark: I have one hundred gross of self-sealing stem bolts sitting in Cargo bay eleven. Emi: And they're all mine? Quark: For only ten bars of gold-pressed latinum. Emi: Quark, you don't know how much this means to me. Quark: You don't know how much this means to me. Emi: With those stem bolts, my family will be able to triple production of our reverse-ratcheting routing planers. Quark: Glad to be of help. Emi: Quark, I can't wait any longer. Why don't you and I go down to Cargo bay eleven and sign the contract? Quark: No need to rush. Your family's ship won't be here for a week. We'll have plenty of time to finalize the deal before then. Emi: That's an unusual attitude for a Ferengi. Quark: I'm a very unusual Ferengi. Quark: That must be the Saurian brandy I ordered. Enter. Quark: Rom? Where's my brandy? Rom: Forget the brandy, brother. You must leave here immediately. And that goes for the female as well. Emi: Is something wrong? Quark: There's nothing wrong. Have you lost your mind? She's willing, she's wealthy, and she's wants to buy our stem bolts. Rom: It's going to have to wait. Something important has come up. Quark: Right now, nothing is more important than this. Quark: Grand Nagus Zek. Rom: As big as life. Quark: Go. Go! Quark: What does Zek want with me? Rom: Looks like he's moving in with you, brother. Sisko: Sisko to Bashir. Bashir: This is Bashir. Sisko: Doctor, please report to the wardroom immediately. Bashir: On my way. Bashir: What's this? Dax: Champagne. Sisko: Congratulations, Doctor. Bashir: Well thank you. Now will someone please tell me what's going on? Sisko: The Federation Medical Council has announced the nominees for this year's Carrington Award. And the nominees are, Doctor April Wade of the University of Nairobi, Healer Senva of the Vulcan Medical Institute, Doctor Henri Roget of the Central Hospital of Altair Four, Chirurgeon Ghee P'Trell of Andoria, and Doctor Julian Bashir, Chief Medical Officer of Starbase Deep Space Nine. Good luck. Bashir: There must be some mistake. As far as I know, my name wasn't even up for consideration. Dax: Oh, it was up for consideration. I submitted it myself through an old friend of Curzon's. Kira: You deserve the nomination, Doctor. Your work on biomolecular replication was both audacious and groundbreaking. According to Dax, anyway. She's the only one who understands it. O'Brien: So, how does it feel to be the youngest nominee in the history of the Carrington award? Bashir: It feels good. Excuse me, I've got to finish some work. Bashir: What exactly is it you want me to say? Dax: I want you to say that you are thrilled beyond belief to be nominated for the Federation's most prestigious medical award. Bashir: Believe me, I'm honored to have been nominated. Dax: Well you're not acting like it. Bashir: It's just that I don't want everyone to make a big deal out of it. Dax: It is a big deal. We're all proud of you. Bashir: I'm glad, but before you agonize over the next few days over the board's decision, I want to assure you that I'm not going to win. Dax: You don't know that. The work you've been doing deserves to be recognized. Bashir: This isn't about my work. Do you know what the life expectancy of a Carrington Award winner is? Five years. Ten at the very best. And do you know why? Because the Carrington Award is intended to be the crowning achievement for a lifetime in medicine. April Wade is a hundred and six. The last time she was nominated, three years ago, people said it was premature. Dax: You're exaggerating. Bashir: Maybe, a little. But the undeniable truth is I am way too young to be a serious contender for the Carrington. Now, put my name up for nomination in seventy years, and I promise you I will get very excited. But until then, I don't plan on giving it much thought. Dax: That's a very mature attitude. Bashir: You sound surprised. Dax: I'm actually astonished, but impressed. Bashir: So then we don't have to dwell on it for the next three days. Dax: I won't mention it again. Bashir: I appreciate that, Jadzia. Dax: So who do you think is going to win? Wade or P'Trell? Quark: A cup of millipede juice, hold the shells. Quark: Rom! Rom! Rom! Rom: Did you call me, brother? Quark: Would it be too much trouble for you to put these empty bottles in the replicator? Rom: Keeping my quarters clean is Nog's job. Quark: Except Nog is on the Homeworld visiting his grandmother. Rom: Then cleaning will just have to wait until he gets back. Quark: No it won't. Until the Nagus gives me back my own quarters this is my home too, and I've had enough of this mess. Clean it up. Now. Rom: I won't. Quark: Yes, you will. It's bad enough I've to put up with your constant teeth grinding every night, and your incessant ear-picking. But I will not tolerate living like some Pakled refuse merchant for another. Wait a minute. This is a bottle of Aldeberan whiskey. Rom: Let me, brother. Quark: I recognize this label. This is from my private stock. Rom: No, it's not. Quark: It most certainly is. Wait a minute. What's that over there? Rom: Trixian bubble juice? Quark: Nog's favorite. This came from my stockroom, didn't it? Rom: Are you accusing my son of being a thief? Quark: No, I'm accusing you of being a thief. These table linens, this chair, that table, everything in here comes from my bar. Rom: Not everything. Quark: As soon as you're done cleaning up, I'm going to conduct a complete inventory and find out exactly what you've stolen from me. Now get to work. Rom: No. I refuse. I work for you all day, brother, but here I'm the boss. You want this place cleaned up, do it yourself. Quark: What I want is my own quarters back. Rom: That makes two of us. Living with you was bad enough when we were children. Quark: What do I do? Rom: You think. Quark: What do you mean, I think? Rom: You stay up late every night, plotting and scheming. And when you think, you mumble. And if there's anything I can't stand, it's listening to you mumble. Quark: That does it. I've been accommodating long enough. If the Nagus wants to stay on the station, he's going to have to find someplace else to live. Rom: Are you sure this is a good idea? No one's seen the Nagus since he got here. He must be working on something important. If you disturb him, he might get very angry. Quark: I'm not going to disturb him. You are. Rom: Me? Why not you? Quark: Zek likes me, so I can't afford to get on his bad side. On the other hand, he barely acknowledges your existence, so you have nothing to lose. Now get in there and tell the Nagus he'll have to leave. And whatever happens, don't let Maihar'du intimidate you. Rom: Where are you going? Quark: Don't worry. If you need me, I'll be close by. Zek: Rom! What can I do for you, my boy? Rom: Grand Nagus, forgive me for disturbing you. Zek: Who's disturbed? I've been hoping someone would drop by. Now come right in. Quark: Why thank you. We'd be delighted. Zek: Quark. I knew you'd be lurking around here someplace. Well, what are we standing out here for? I've got something very exciting to show you both. Quark: What happened to my furniture? Zek: I got rid of it. It was getting in the way of my work. Quark: And what work was that, Grand Nagus? If I my be so bold? Zek: I'm glad you asked. Maihar'du, the book. Zek: You are about to read the shining triumph of my life. The one thing I'll always be remembered for. Quark: May I? Zek: By all means. Quark: The Rules of Acquisition, Revised for the Modern Ferengi. You rewrote the Rules of Acquisition? Zek: I hope you like them. Absorb, enjoy. Quark: Rom, you know what this means? Rom: Yes. It means we're going to have to memorize a whole new set of Rules. Quark: No, you idiot. It means we'll be the first Ferengi to benefit from Zek's wisdom. The knowledge contained in this book could make us both rich beyond our wildest dreams. Rom: I'll be able to go into business for myself. Turn the page, brother. Turn the page. Quark: The first Rule of Acquisition is Rom: Go on. Quark: If they want their money back Rom: Yes, yes? Quark: Give it to them. Rom: If they want their money back give it to them? Rom: Rule number twenty one. Never place profit before friendship. Rule number twenty tour. Latinum tarnishes, but family is forever. Rule twenty three. Money can never replace dignity. Quark: Oh, skip to the end. Well, what is it? Rom: You're not going to like it, Brother. Quark: I can take it. Tell me. Rom: Rule number two hundred and eighty five. A good deed is its own reward. Rom: Brother, are you all right? Quark: I just have to sit down. Quark: No, take it away. Rom: Sorry. Quark: Got to think. Got to think. There has to be some explanation, a reason for why he's doing this. Rom: Maybe we should ask him. Quark: No. Don't you see? He's testing us. Yes, that must be it. It's some kind of test. The book, the book. Rom: You want to hear more? Quark: No, but it must be some kind of code. Read me the first word of every Rule. Rom: If. Never. Keep. Profit. A. Good. Smile. Honesty. Quark: If never keep profit a good smile honesty. Rom: What does it mean, brother? Quark: It means absolutely nothing. Maybe if we hold the pages up to the light. No, no. Quark: No, that's not it. The answer must be right in front of us. Rom: I know. Maybe the Nagus has gone insane. Quark: Nonsense. The Nagus is the most brilliant Ferengi alive. I've modeled my life after him. Don't ever let me hear you speak that way about him again. Rom: But what if he really believes all this? Quark: How could he believe this insanity? No. It has to be part of some brilliant, twisted, devious plan. The Nagus isn't like you and me, Rom. He thinks ten, sometimes twenty, steps ahead. These Rules are probably the key component in some vast plot to seize financial control of the entire quadrant. Rom: So what do we do? Quark: The only thing we can do. We put down this book and we walk away. And when the Nagus feels ready, he'll inform us of his plans. But until then, we have to act as if we know nothing. Rom: I can do that. Quark: If never keep profit a good smile honesty. Nah. Zek: Quark, my boy. What say we buy everyone a drink? Put it on my tab. Quark: But why? Zek: It will make everyone happy. And that will make me happy. Rom: It must all be part of his plan. Wheels within wheels, brother. Quark: Drinks for everyone, compliments of the Grand Nagus. Is there anything else I get you, Nagus? We just got in a shipment of quality Hupyrian beetle snuff. Zek: Actually, I've lost my taste for beetle snuff. It might be fun for you and me, but it's no fun for the beetles. Oh, and by the way, Quark, I just met the most lovely young female. She came by your quarters looking for you. Quark: Was her name Emi, by any chance? Zek: She wanted me to tell you that her family's ship has arrived with the latinum. Quark: It's about time. Rom, watch the bar. We're finally going to get rid of those stem bolts. Zek: I don't think so. Quark: But we have a contract. Zek: Which was never signed. And frankly, Quark, you were charging an outrageous price for those stem bolts. Quark: She didn't seem to think so. Zek: Well, she did once I explained it to her. Quark: You what? Zek: Well, I couldn't allow you take advantage of an innocent young female like that, Quark. So I told her where she could get all the stem bolts she needed at wholesale. Quark: Wholesale? He told her where to get them at wholesale. What am I going to do with a hundred gross of stem bolts? Rom: My poor brother. Zek: Oh, don't worry about him. Eventually, he'll sell those stem bolts at a fair price. Rom: A fair price? I'm very confused. Zek: That's understandable. It'll take some time to get used to the new ways. Rom: New ways? Zek: Walk with me, Rom. O'Brien: Your turn. Bashir: I don't know about this. O'Brien: Would you rather play a game of racquetball? Bashir: Chief, since Keiko's been on Bajor we've played one hundred and six games of racquetball. O'Brien: Right. So throw a dart. Bashir: I'm a bit rusty. O'Brien: So am I. I guess the smart money's on Wade or P'Trell. Bashir: That seems to be the general consensus. O'Brien: I mean, Doctor Wade is very popular but P'Trell is doing some amazing work in gerontological research. Which one do you think will win? Bashir: Either of them would be a worthy recipient of the Carrington. O'Brien: Of course, if I had my druthers, the award'd go to you. Bashir: Thank you. O'Brien: But let's face it. You don't stand a chance. Bashir: You don't say. O'Brien: I mean, I know you're talented, but I bet there're doctors all over the Federation saying, Julian Bashir? Who the hell is he? Bashir: Chief, you are absolutely right. O'Brien: I'm glad you agree. Bashir: So, how much longer is Keiko going to be on Bajor? Rom: Make sure the relief shipment is sent by high warp courier, and don't worry about the cost. Quark: Rom, what's all this? Rom: You're looking at the sector headquarters for the Ferengi Benevolent Association. Rom: Brother, I don't have time to talk to you. I have work to do. I'm the new Senior Administrator of the Ferengi Benevolent Association. You know, brother, I never realized how many people there are who could use a little help. Quark: If you don't get down to the bar right now, you're the one going to need a little help. Rom: The Nagus said you'd react like this. Quark: The Nagus is a very smart man. Rom: Oh, he's more than that, he's a visionary. He has plans, brother, and I'm going to be a part of them. Quark: What could the Nagus possibly want with you? Rom: He says I'm malleable. And that he's going to mold me into a new kind of Ferengi. An evolved Ferengi. Quark: Evolved? Into what? Rom: I'm not sure, exactly. The Nagus says that the answers lie in his new Rules of Acquisition. He told me, Rom, it's time for the Ferengi to move beyond greed. Quark: Beyond greed? There's nothing beyond greed. Greed is the purest, most noble of emotions. Rom: Greed is dead. That's the tenth Rule of Acquisition. Quark: No, it's not. The tenth Rule of Acquisition is, Greed is Eternal. Rom: Not anymore. The Nagus is going to shake the very foundation of Ferengi society, and we're going to be at his side every step of the way. Quark: What do you mean, we? Rom: The Nagus has made you co-chairman of the Benevolent Association. Your name will figure prominently on all our correspondence. Quark: He never mentioned anything about that to me. Rom: The Nagus wouldn't dream of excluding you, brother. As soon as we get the Benevolent Association established here, the Nagus plans on returning to the homeworld, and we'll go with him. Think of it. You and I will be there when Zek personally announces the New Rules of Acquisition on the Grand Steps of the Sacred Marketplace. Quark: We'll be there, all right. And we'll probably be right alongside of him when they throw him from the spire of the Tower of Commerce. Rom: The Tower of Commerce? But that's the tallest building in the Ferengi Alliance. A fall from that height could, could, could Quark: Exactly. Don't you see, Rom. There's something terribly wrong with the Nagus, and we have to help him before he gets us all killed. Zek: That tickles. Bashir: Well, I must say, for a Ferengi your age, you're in excellent health. That is, aside from some vascular damage to your mucus membranes. You really should stop using beetle snuff. Zek: As a matter of fact, I already have. Bashir: I am glad to hear it. Quark: Does this mean you'll going to have to go in for some exploratory surgery? Bashir: Why would I do that? Quark: To find out what's wrong with him. Bashir: There's nothing wrong with him, Quark. Quark: That's not true. There's something deeply wrong with him, and you have to find out what it is. Bashir: I've done every test I can think of. There's no trauma, brain damage, mental illness. His central nervous system's working within normal parameters, and his endocrine system's in terrific shape. Zek: You see, I told you. They're like a couple of nervous investors always looking for trouble. Oh, well, I suppose I should be flattered. Thank you, Doctor. You've been very helpful. Quark: No. He's sick, I tell you. You have to perform more tests. Bashir: Quark, if you don't get out of here, I'll perform some tests on you. Quark: You have to do something. Bashir: Like what? Quark: Put him in stasis. Keep him from hurting himself until you can figure out what is wrong with him. Bashir: I don't think that's necessary. Quark: I can't believe you're supposed to be one of the five best doctors in the Federation. If you ask me, you're a quack. No wonder everyone says you don't have a chance to win the Carrington. Let's go. Maybe we can make an appointment for you to see Doctor Wade. Bashir: Good luck. If I remember correctly, Nairobi is beautiful this time of year. Zek: Here, Doctor. For your trouble. Bashir: I can't accept that. Zek: Why not? It's only money. Donate it to charity if you'd like. Quark: And you say he's not sick. Zek: Oh, and Doctor, I do hope you'll attend tomorrow night's ceremony. Bashir: Ceremony? Zek: At the Bajoran shrine on the Promenade. I intend to give a gift to the Bajoran people. Quark: A gift. What kind of gift? Zek: It's a surprise. You'll find out tomorrow night like everyone else. Come along. We have a lot of work to do before then. So many needy people, so little time. Quark: Aren't you done yet? Rom: Breaking into the Nagus's personal shuttle somehow seems wrong, brother. Quark: I don't care. I have to know what he intends to give the Bajorans. Rom: But the Nagus wants it to be a surprise. Quark: I hate surprises. Now hurry it up, before some Quark: Maihar'du. As you can see, my brother and I were repairing the door locks on the Nagus's Quark: This is the gift? Rom: What is it? Quark: It's one of the missing Bajoran Orbs, Rom. An Orb of the Prophets. I tell you, this Orb explains everything. Zek's behavior, the new Rules, the Ferengi Benevolent Association, everything. Rom: It does? How? Quark: I'm not sure, but I'm going to find out. Don't just stand there. Talk to me. I know how you feel. What are you doing? Rom: I thought we should look inside. I mean, we don't know for certain that there's an Orb in here. Maybe Zek's just giving them the box. Quark: Don't be ridiculous. Rom: But how will we know unless we look? Quark: Rom, it's too dangerous. Leave it alone. Rom: But brother Quark: I said, leave it alone. Quark: Rom? Maihar'du? Morn? Anybody? Zek: What's the matter, Quark? Spinning out of control, are we? Quark: Grand Nagus? Zek: Maybe. Maybe not. Zek: Looking for answers? You couldn't find them if they were dangling from your lobes. Zek: Where's that old Quark cleverness I've heard so much about? Or are you so paralyzed with fear that you can't think straight? Zek: Answer me, Quark. What are you so nervous about? Don't you think change is worth dying for? All I want is a little leap of faith. Zek: Nice catch. That's the wonderful thing about mysteries. Sometimes the answers just fall from the sky. What do you have to lose? Open it. Zek: Consider it a gift. Quark: Yes. Yes! Rom: Are you all right? Quark: A gift. Rom: A gift? Quark: Zek said the new rules were a gift. Rom: A gift from Zek to the Ferengi people. Quark: No. A gift to Zek from them. Don't you see? They did it. They put the idea for the New Rules in Zek's head. They changed him somehow. Rom: They did? How dare they? Who are we talking about, brother? Quark: The Prophets. The aliens that live inside the wormhole. They did this to him, didn't they? Quark: Tell me everything. Rom: Easy, brother. You know Hupyrian servants take a vow only to speak to their masters. Quark: You're right. Give him a handkerchief or something. I'm going to try to break into Zek's personal logs. Quark: According to Zek's logs, he obtained the Orb from one of his contacts on Cardassia Three. From there, he headed straight for the wormhole. His ship's log shows that he entered the wormhole, stayed inside for only a few minutes, then reversed course and came here. Rom: You think he went in there to talk to the Prophets? Quark: In his personal logs, Zek said that the future was looking very bright indeed. Don't you get it? According to Dax, the wormhole aliens can see through time. The Nagus must've thought he could convince them to let him see the future. That way he could anticipate economic changes throughout the galaxy. Rom: The opportunity for profit would have been enormous. But instead he created the New Rules of Acquisition. Why? Quark: Something must've gone terribly wrong. But I intend to set it right. Rom: How, brother? Quark: I have an idea. Rom: Does it involve me? Quark: Not really. Rom: I like it. Odo: May I join you, Doctor? Bashir: By all means. And what can I do for you? Odo: It's what I can do for you. I have a friend at Starfleet Intelligence and she has a friend who has a cousin who's married to the assistant of one of the members of the Federation Medical Council. Bashir: Really? Odo: And according to my friend, her friend heard something from his cousin that his wife heard from the council member that I thought you might find interesting. Bashir: Which is? Odo: Doctor Wade is not going to win the Carrington. Bashir: Oh, not you too. Odo: Doctor, I thought you'd be delighted. Bashir: Even if that's true, and mind you, I'm not saying it is, the only one who has reason to celebrate is Ghee P'Trell. Odo: Perhaps. But P'Trell is by no means as popular as Doctor Wade. Bashir: According to your friend. Odo: Actually, according to my friend's friend's Bashir: I get the picture. Odo: The point is, if it's not going to be Wade, it could be anyone. P'Trell, Senva, Roget, even you. Bashir: I didn't think I was going to win before. And I don't think I'm going to win now. Odo: Is that a fact? Then why have you been working on your acceptance speech? Bashir: How did you know? Odo: Just a guess. Zek: My goodness, I never knew solar flares could be so devastating to a planet's agriculture. Now let me see. At current market rates two thousand tons of Kohlanese barley would cost me a hundred and eighty nine bars of gold press latinum but it's worth it. I can have the first shipment of barley on the way to you in Oh, hold on. I'll be right back. Zek: How can I help you, boys? Quark: Wait. I have to be sure that he's all right. Grand Nagus, can you hear me? Are you okay? Zek: Don't worry, Quark. I forgive you. Quark: You hear that? We have to help him. Rom: Brother, this is a very brave thing you're doing, taking the Nagus back to the wormhole. I wish I could come with you but I can't. Goodbye. Quark: Go on. Get out of here before you have me crying too. Get out of here. Quark: Don't worry. Everything's going to be okay. Zek: You know, my boy, I should be very angry with you. Quark: Are you? Zek: Not in the slightest. I can't help myself. I like you. Now, where have you taken me? Quark: Into the wormhole. What's going on? Zek: This is exactly what happened the last time I was in here. The wormhole aliens are delightful people, but they like their privacy. Quark: So you did meet them. How did you make contact? Zek: Well, I see you've brought the Orb of Wisdom with you. That should do the trick. Now, if you really want to get their attention, open the box. That's what I did. Quark: Sounds simple enough. Zek: You'd better hurry. I got the dampening field on this ship for a substantial diskount. Quark: Hello? Quark: Hello? Anyone there? Bashir: It is corporeal. Quark: Doctor? What are you doing in here? Dax: A physical entity Kira: Not another one. Quark: I get it. You're the wormhole aliens. Or would you rather be called the Prophets? I never could figure that one out. Rom: Did the Sisko send you? Quark: What? Sisko? What does he have to do with anything? Sisko: The Sisko taught us about corporeal lifeforms. Kira: About linguistic communication. Bashir: And linear time. Quark: I know all about it. He's quite a guy. But I'm not here to talk about Sisko. Maihar'Du: Then why are you here? Quark: I'm here to talk about the Nagus. Emi: The Nagus? Quark: The other Ferengi who visited you. The one who brought the Orb. Emi: We are aware of the Zek. Quark: He came to see you, to ask for help. He wanted to learn about the future. Sisko: The Zek wanted to know the outcome of the game before it was played. Quark: That's right. So what went wrong? Rom: At first we did not understand the Zek's request. The Sisko said that corporeal beings value their linear existence. Dax: The Zek wanted to understand events outside the restrictions of linear time. Quark: He wanted to see the future so he could gain by it. Bashir: Yes. The Zek explained the value of gain. How more is preferable to less. Quark: He taught you about profit. Kira: We found the concept aggressive. Sisko: Adversarial. Emi: Dangerous. We could not comprehend how any species could lead such a barren existence. Quark: It has its advantages. Maihar'Du: We don't agree. We found the Zek's adversarial nature invasive, threatening. Sisko: We examined your species' history, the totality of your existence. We diskovered that you have not always been as you are now. Quark: We haven't? Kira: There was a time when your peoples' acquiring nature was not so pronounced. Quark: Wait a second. Are you telling me that you somehow de-evolved the Nagus? Bashir: We restored the Zek to an earlier, less adversarial state of existence. Quark: You can't do that. The Nagus is the financial leader of billions of Ferengi. I demand that you re-evolve him immediately. Dax: This one is adversarial too. Bashir: Aggressive. Intrusive. Sisko: We should do to this one what we did with the other. Restore it to a purer existence. Rom: Counteract its adversarial nature. Quark: Wait. Let's not be hasty. There's nothing wrong with acquiring profit. Maihar'Du: That is what the Zek said. Quark: And he was right. Look, I don't know how you people live, but all of us corporeal, linear whatevers have certain things in common, and one of those things is the need to improve ourselves. Our ambition to improve ourselves motivates everything we do. Without ambition, without, dare I say it, greed, people would lie around all day doing nothing. They wouldn't work, they wouldn't bathe, they wouldn't even eat. They'd starve to death. Is that what you want? Are you so isolated and detached that you would sit back and allow the extinction of every corporeal being in the galaxy? Sisko: Your argument is specious. Changing you will not result in the termination of all corporeal existence. Quark: All right, so maybe I exaggerated a little. Emi: We should alter this one and return it to its own people. Rom: Agreed. It is best to avoid contact with this species. Quark: Wait. If you don't want to have any more contact with the Ferengi, that's fine with me. But by altering me, you won't be avoiding contact, you'll be encouraging it. My people are very inquisitive, and if you change me, they're going to want to know what happened. And they're going to come here to find out. Just as I came to find out what happened to Zek. Dax: That is linear. Quark: And potentially very annoying to you. But on the other hand, if you leave me alone, and you put the Nagus back the way he was when you met him, I guarantee you you'll never have to talk with another Ferengi again. So what do you say? Kira: Linguistic communication is tiresome. Quark: My point exactly. Which is why I think you should send me back Zek: Quark. Quark! Quark, are you all right? Quark: I think so. What about you? Zek: Oh stop toadying up to me, Quark. It's revolting. Just get me out of here. I have an Orb to sell to the Bajorans. Quark: Did you say sell? Zek: I'm going to make them pay through the nose. And speaking of noses, where's my beetle snuff? Quark: Oh, Nagus. You're back. I'm so happy. Zek: You're wrinkling my suit. Quark: Whatever you say. Man: And now it is with great pride that I present the nominees for this year's Carrington Award. They are, Doctor April Wade, Senva of Vulcan, Doctor Henri Roget, Chirurgeon Ghee P'Trell, and Doctor Julian Bashir. Man: And the winner is, Doctor Henri Roget. Sisko: Roget? O'Brien: How could they give it to Roget? Kira: Better luck next time. Bashir: Maybe, in forty or fifty years. Sisko: Julian. O'Brien: Sorry. Bajoran: You should have won. Starfleet: Next time. Dax: You seem to be handling this very well. Bashir: Believe me, I'm not. Dax: I didn't think so. Zek: Remember what I said, Quark. If anyone asks, you have no idea what happened to the charity money. Quark: You can count on me. Zek: And you're sure you've destroyed every last copy of the revised Rules of Acquisition? Rom: The only place the new Rules exist is inside my head. Zek: Head? Quark: Don't worry. Within a week, he'll have forgotten them all. Zek: He'd better. Rom: I don't believe it, brother. After all you did for the Nagus, he never even thanked you. Quark: He doesn't have to thank me. He's the Nagus. There's only one thing that bothers me. Don't get me wrong, I was honored to help the Nagus, but it would've been nice if I'd been able to make a little profit for my troubles. Rom: That's all right. I made enough profit for the both of us. Quark: What are you talking about? Rom: I'm talking about the Ferengi Benevolent Association. Did you know it was funded with Zek's personal fortune? I was the senior administrator, brother. Quark: You embezzled money from the Nagus? Rom: Surprise. Quark: Father would be proud.

Bashir: It's all right, Chief. You're going to be just fine. O'Brien: What happened? Sisko: You were re-routing a phase inducer when one of the plasma conduits blew out. Bashir: Easy there, Chief. You have a mild case of radiation poisoning. I've given you some hyronalin, which should counteract the affects. But I think he should be restricted to light duty for the next few days. Sisko: Agreed. Kira: Commander, the transport's arrived and they're requesting permission to dock. Sisko: Route them to docking bay twelve. Inform the Romulan delegation we'll meet them there. And Chief? Light duty means light. I don't want to see you crawling around the Jefferies tube tonight looking for power surges. O'Brien: You won't get any arguments today, Commander. Sisko: Ready, Major? Sisko: Promenade. Bo'Rak: Du'cha Kovah! Estah! Sisko: Constable, I wasn't aware there were any Klingons on the station. Odo: They just arrived a few hours ago. It seems the main computer on their freighter was damaged and they need a complete overhaul before they can continue back to the Klingon Empire. Kira: How long is this overhaul going to take? Odo: Two days, at least. Sisko: The Romulan delegation has just arrived and they're going to be here for at least two days while they study our intelligence reports on the Dominion. I want you to keep a close eye on the Klingons. We don't need any trouble right now. Odo: Understood. Let's go. Come on. Sisko: Welcome to Deep Space Nine. I'm Commander Sisko, and this is my first officer, Major Kira. Ruwon: I am Ruwon. This is Karina. We're ready for your report on the Dominion. Sisko: We have arranged quarters for you. I know it's been a long trip, so perhaps you'd like to Ruwon: We are not interested in your accommodations, Commander. We are here for your intelligence briefing. Nothing else. Sisko: Very well. If you'll come this way. O'Brien: This'll be the foul line. We need to put a marker here on the floor. Quark: I still don't see how this is going to help my business, Chief. O'Brien: No, that's not right. The number twenty needs to be at the top. Trust me, Quark. Darts and bars go together like bacon and eggs. Quark: At least people order bacon and eggs. In all the years I've been here, no one has ever come in and asked to see the dart board. O'Brien: Trust me. They will. Quark: I just don't see the appeal of this game. No lasers, no holograms, just steel tips and feathers. O'Brien: It's a game of skill, Quark. And it's not easy. Go ahead. Try and get one in the bullseye. O'Brien: No! Quark: Now what if one of those darts had gotten into his eye? Do you realize I'd be liable for that? Do you know how much money an eye costs? O'Brien: You're not supposed to throw them like that. You throw them gently, one at a time. Like this. Quark: Chief O'Brien? O'Brien: What is it, Quark? Quark: The Klingons just destroyed two of my holosuites. I need a maintenance crew immediately. O'Brien 2: Quark, this happens every time the Klingons come aboard the station. Why don't you just keep them out of the holosuites? Quark: Did you ever said no to a Klingon? Besides, they're paying me double. Quark: Chief? Chief! Bashir: Well, the pain you experienced appears to be a muscle spasm caused by a sudden decrease in your serum calcium levels. It's a common side effect of radiation poisoning. I'm giving you some asinolyathin for the pain. O'Brien: What about the vision I had? Bashir: Well, mild hallucinations are also a fairly common side-effect of radiation poisoning. O'Brien: It was anything but mild. I really felt I was standing on the Promenade watching myself talking to Quark. Bashir: What was the conversation about? O'Brien: He was complaining about some Klingons. He said they'd damaged two of his holosuites. Bashir: Well, you do have one problem. If all you can hallucinate about is Quark's maintenance problems, you have a sadly deficient fantasy life. O'Brien: Oh. Well, thank you for your professional opinion. Bashir: Any time. My doors are always open to you, Chief. Ruwon: The Dominion represents the greatest threats to the Alpha Quadrant in the last century. We need more information on its military capabilities. How many ships do they have? Where are they deployed? What are their plans for the future? Are they planning an attack? Sisko: We don't know any of that yet. Karina: You have one of the Founders of the Dominion on this very station. He should be able to tell us everything we need to know about their intentions. Kira: Odo is not one of the Founders. Karina: Your own reports indicate that a group of changelings are the real source of power behind the Dominion. Kira: Yes. Ruwon: And Odo is a changeling. Kira: But he's not one of the Founder. Ruwon: I fail to see the distinction. Kira: Odo made a conscious choice to stay here with us. He has no loyalties to the Dominion and he has no information about their plans. Ruwon: We find that hard to believe. Sisko: It's the truth, whether you choose to believe it or not. Ruwon: Commander, we allowed you to place one of our cloaking devices on the Defiant in exchange for information regarding the Dominion. Now you have the cloaking device and we have very little. Karina: We shouldn't have to remind you of the importance both our governments place on continuing to carry out this agreement. It's the first treaty between Romulus and the Federation in many years. Sisko: I'm aware of that and I'm willing to cooperate with you in any way I can. Ruwon: Very well then. We want to see every piece of information Starfleet has on the Dominion, no matter how insignificant. Karina: That includes any classified reports you may have made to Starfleet Command. Sisko: I'll have to clear that with Starfleet. Ruwon: Then do it. Quark: Chief O'Brien. O'Brien: What is it, Quark? Quark: The Klingons just destroyed two of my holosuites. I need a maintenance crew immediately. O'Brien: Quark, we go through this every time Klingons come aboard the station. Why don't you just Quark: I think my holosuites can wait. It looks like you have bigger problems. Dax: I went over the internal sensor logs and I did find evidence of a minor temporal disturbance in Quark's and another one later on the Promenade. Both disturbances happened at about the same time as the Chief's experiences. Sisko: So it would seem that you did travel into the future and then returned to the same moment that you left. O'Brien: Have you any idea what might have caused this time shift? Dax: Not yet. I want to go over the medical scans Julian took of you earlier. That dose of ionizing radiation you received might have something to do with it. O'Brien: How? Dax: I'm not sure, but it's a good place to start. I have heard of a couple of theories that ambient low level radiation could have a temporal O'Brien 2: Look out! Dax: Effect on radioactive isotopes Dax: Chief! Sisko: Mister O'Brien? Bashir: I ran a microcellular scan and detected minute damage to his cerebrospinal nerve cells which might have been caused by the time shifting. O'Brien: Can you repair it? Bashir: Yes, but the effect is cumulative. If you keep time shifting, there may come a point where the damage becomes irreparable. Eventually, it might even kill you. Sisko: Don't worry, Chief. Dax is using every scanner on the station to hunt for any temporal abnormalities. O'Brien: Well, if anyone can find the cause of the time shifts, it's Dax. Sisko: Chief, do you have any idea of how far into the future you traveled? O'Brien: No, sir. There was nothing to indicate that it was today, tomorrow, next week. Sisko: Well, this conference with the Romulans is not supposed to last longer than three days. In the meantime I'll have Odo tighten security around Quark's. Kira: How are you feeling, Chief? O'Brien: Better. Kira: Good. Commander, may I speak with you for a minute? Sisko: Of course. Kira: The Romulans want to debrief everyone who was on the Defiant when it was captured by the Founders. They're also still not happy with the sensor information collected by the Defiant, so they want unrestricted access to the Defiant. And they also want complete access to all our personal logs. Sisko: Personal logs are out of the question, but they can have limited access to the Defiant. I'll let them debrief us as well. I know they're pushing us, Major, but consider their position. There have never been any Romulan ships in the Gamma Quadrant, so they've never encountered the Dominion. So they're completely dependent on us for information. Kira: Well then maybe they should send their own ships through the wormhole and find out for themselves. Sisko: The Romulans generally prefer to sit back and pull the strings from a distance if they can. Kira: This is one puppet who doesn't like her strings pulled. Sisko: I know. But like Ruwon said, they've lived up to their part of the bargain. We have to do everything we can to live up to ours. Kira: All right. I'll draw up a schedule of interviews and I'll tell everyone to cooperate. Sisko: And Major, when you're in with the Romulans, try to be diplomatic. Kira: I'm always diplomatic. Kira: That is the most ridiculous thing I ever heard, and I resent the implication! Ruwon: You seem very agitated for someone who's proclaiming her innocence. Karina: Indeed, your emotional state would seem to indicate that our theory is correct and you did abandon the Defiant prematurely when it was attacked by the Jem'Hadar. Kira: When the Defiant was attacked, Odo and I were trapped below decks. There was a hand-to-hand fight in the corridor. I was wounded and I lost consciousness. When I came to, Odo had already put me aboard the shuttle and we had escaped. I did not abandon the ship prematurely. Ruwon: Why didn't Odo try to help the rest of the Defiant's crew? Kira: well I'm sure he wanted to. But there was no way to get to the Bridge and Karina: Why were you in Odo's Quarters when the ship was attacked? Kira: We were talking. Karina: About what? Kira: It's personal. Ruwon: Do you often have personal talks with the changeling? Kira: What business is that of yours? Ruwon: We're trying to determine the nature of your relationship. Karina: You are the only member of the Defiant's crew who was not taken prisoner. Why? Did the Founders believe Odo would react badly if you were harmed? Did they think you held some kind of attraction to him? Ruwon: Has Odo ever shown some kind of physical interest in you, Major? Kira: That's it. You rip the cloaking device out of the Defiant right now. I am not answering any more questions. And I suggest you avoid asking Odo those questions or you just might find yourselves on the other side of that bulkhead floating home. Bashir: There. That's the game. Had enough? O'Brien: One more. Bashir: Chief, that's the tenth game we've played in a row. Nothing's happening here and I don't think anything is going to happen. By telling us about the fight, you've changed the future. Security's here and Quark said he won't let the Klingons back in the bar. There is not going to be a fight. O'Brien: I know, I know. But I've seen it and I can't shake the feeling that it's going to happen despite our precautions. There's something about the way things look, the number of people. There's something a little too familiar about everything. Bashir: All right. If it makes you feel any better, I'll beat you at another ten games. But I can't help getting the feeling Bo'Rak: Ach'cho korvak batah! Morka: Karagh, abeh! O'Brien: You said you weren't going to let the Klingons back in the bar. Quark: I didn't. They were in the holosuites. Besides, now they're paying me triple. Morka: Who let these filthy pahtak in here? Bo'Rak: Maybe someone should show them the way out Kira: And then what's his name? Odo: Ruwon? Kira: Ruwon started to insinuate that you were Odo: That I was what? Kira: Interested in me. Odo: He said that? Kira: Have you ever heard anything more Odo: Ridiculous. Kira: Exactly. Quark: Quark to Security! I've got a fight on my hands! They're tearing my place apart! O'Brien: Watch the Romulan! Odo: That's enough! Get back. Come on. Hold it. Let's go. Come on now. O'Brien: Miles? Bashir: Chief, it's all right. You collapsed outside Quark's about an hour ago. You're going to be fine. O'Brien: No, I'm not. In a few hours I'm going to be dead. O'Brien: This is the panel I saw myself open. It looked like a phaser or a high-energy laser came out of the bulkhead. Odo: Nothing on the tricorder. Just the standard conduits and power juncture ports. Sisko: If there is something dangerous in there, it could be cloaked or have some dampening field around it. Odo: If you gentlemen will step down the corridor, I'll open the panel and take a look. Don't worry, I'll be careful. Odo: It's all right. Nothing. Sisko: You're sure this is the right panel? O'Brien: Absolutely. Believe me, I have a pretty vivid memory of the whole thing. Sisko: Well, since it appears that your first two time jumps each moved you to about five hours into the future, we could also assume that the incident you saw in this corridor moved you to about five hours into the future. Odo: That means someone will place a device in this panel in the next few hours. Sisko: All of these quarters are vacant at the moment. There are no vital power conduits in this area, no crucial defense systems. Why would someone want to booby-trap a wall panel here? Odo: I suggest we place a surveillance device in this corridor. If anyone attempts to tamper with the panel, we'll be able to detect it. Dax: Dax to Sisko. Sisko: Sisko here. Go ahead, Lieutenant. Dax: Benjamin, can you come to Ops? I think I found a clue to Chief O'Brien's time shifting. Sisko: We're on our way. Keep me informed. Dax: I've been scanning the area around the station out to a radius of two kilometers, and I didn't find anything at first. Then I started to scan some of the lower subspace bandwidths. I found traces of low-level tetryon emissions. O'Brien: I've never seen an emission pattern like that outside of a neutron star. Dax: Or a quantum singularity. And singularities are known to send out waves of temporal displacement. O'Brien: But if there is a singularity nearby why can't we find it? It should also be affecting the gravimetric field signatures. Dax: I don't know. Maybe it's buried so far down in the subspace layers that we can't detect it. Sisko: Assuming for the moment that a singularity is responsible, how do we combat its effects on the Chief? Bashir: The temporal displacement caused by a quantum singularity most commonly affects delta series radioisotopes, which is exactly what the Chief absorbed during the conduit breach. Sisko: So you're saying that it could be pulling O'Brien's body like a magnet? Bashir: Exactly. I think I may know a way to neutralize the remaining radioisotopes in your body. Dax: Without the radiation, the temporal displacement might stop. Bashir: It's going to take time. He may experience one or two more time shifts before I can complete the process. O'Brien: When can we start? Bashir: Right away. Sisko: Keep trying to pinpoint the singularity. If it is out there, we need to locate it and find a way to get rid of it. Dax: Right. Kira: I wanted to let you know I moved the Romulans to different quarters. Sisko: Oh? Kira: It's the replicators again. I assigned a maintenance crew, but in the meantime I moved the entire Romulan delegation to section forty seven, level two in the Habitat ring. Sisko: Section forty seven? Kira: Yes. Is something wrong? Sisko: The wall panel where O'Brien saw himself being killed is right outside those quarters. Which means either the Romulans are going to put a device in the bulkhead themselves or someone else will, possibly to be used against the Romulans. Kira: Should I move them to other quarters? Sisko: No. That'll warn whoever's responsible. But inform Odo of the change in quarters. He already has that corridor under surveillance. Let's see how this thing plays out before we make any further moves. Sisko: You have something, Constable? Odo: Someone has planted a class three surveillance device behind the wall panel we've been monitoring. Sisko: Were you able to see who it was? Odo: No. We've been monitoring the corridor constantly for the past three hours. No one's come anywhere near the panel. However, sensors did detect a low energy transporter beam a short time ago. They beamed the device directly into the wall. Sisko: That's a delicate piece of transporter work. Odo: Yes, it is. We haven't been able to trace the beam to its point of origin, but since there aren't any ships nearby, I believe it originated on the station. Sisko: Any suspects? Odo: Since it appears to be a device intended to conduct covert surveillance of the Romulans, my leading suspects would be the Klingons. Sisko: Do you have any evidence besides the fact that Klingons hate Romulans? Odo: Not yet. But don't worry, I plan on investigating the Klingons, the Bajorans, Quark, the visiting Terrelians. Sisko: You think Quark had something to do with this? Odo: I always investigate Quark. Bashir: It looks like you're going to cheat death after all. Round about this time you saw yourself being killed. O'Brien: I feel like someone just walked over my grave. I mean, I've had a few brushes with death in my career, but there was something about watching myself being killed, feeling my own neck for a pulse that wasn't there. Bashir: Well, it could've been worse. It could've been me. Quark: Here you are, gentlemen. And how is DS Nine's most famous fortune teller? O'Brien: Don't call me that. I haven't told anyone's fortune. Quark: Just a figure of speech. On the other hand, if you should find yourself in the future again and you find yourself passing by the dabo table, would it really hurt to take a look at the numbers coming up on the wheel? I could make it worth your while. O'Brien: Let's get out of here. Quark: Just a thought. O'Brien: Can you believe that? I'm being pulled into the future and all he can think about is Bashir: Chief! Oh, am I glad to see you. O'Brien: What the hell happened to me, Julian? Bashir: It was the radiation. I didn't realize it had damaged the basilar arteries in your brain stem until it was too late. O'Brien: Well why not? Bashir: It didn't show up on any of the diagnostics. I couldn't tell what had happened until I was doing the autopsy. O'Brien: Autopsy? Bashir: Yes. I just finished doing it a few moments ago. Do you want me to show you the results? O'Brien: No, no, that's all right. Bashir: Now look. When you go back to the past, ask me to perform a basilar arterial scan. Now since you're going five hours back into the past, I should have enough time to find the damage and repair it before this happens. O'Brien: Right. How could you just let me die? Bashir: I didn't just let you die. I did everything I could to keep you alive for over an hour, but your body just gave up. O'Brien: Gave up? Bashir: I'm sorry, Chief, but there comes a point when the human body just gives up. O'Brien: Yeah? Well, maybe my doctor wasn't Bashir: Bashir to Infirmary. I need a nurse and an emergency medkit here immediately. Odo: We finally were able to localize the transporter beam and trace it back to this location. Sisko: These quarters have been vacant for weeks. Odo: Somehow, they overrode the security lock on the door to gain access. Sisko: So what did they do? Bring in a portable transporter and beam the surveillance equipment into the bulkhead? Odo: That was my first thought. But then I realized that a portable transporter is a rather large and bulky piece of equipment to be carrying around the halls. Sisko: That's true. Odo: So, then I began thinking about the replicator. Sisko: Ah. They realigned the matter-energy conversion matrix. Odo: Turning it into a small transporter. A very sophisticated, very professional job. Sisko: So now we know how they did it, the next question is who? Odo: I think I have an answer to that as well. This device is manufactured on Davlos Three, a planet on the Klingon border. In fact, Davlos does over ninety percent of its trade with the Klingon Empire. Sisko: That's still very little evidence to make an arrest. Odo: Yes, it is. But then I contacted a friend at Starfleet Intelligence who used to be assigned to the Federation Embassy on the Klingon Homeworld. He put me in contact with a former Klingon operative who's out of favor with the current administration. This former operative sent me a series of reports Sisko: Odo, cut to the chase. Odo: The three Klingons now on the station are part of a covert strike force that reports directly to the Klingon High Council. Sisko: Why didn't you just say so? Odo: Sometimes I have to remind you just how good I am. Sisko: So Gowron sent our three friends here and they're conducting surveillance on the Romulan delegation. Why? Are they here to kill them? Odo: Possibly. It's also possible that this is just a routine intelligence-gathering operation. The high-energy laser that killed O'Brien is simply a booby trap to prevent someone from tampering with the device. It's not meant for assassination. Sisko: Well in either case I think we have enough evidence to at least hold the Klingons for questioning, don't you? Odo: Absolutely. And I think I can question them until the Romulan delegation leaves the station. Sisko: Just be careful. Odo: Commander, there is no careful way to question a Klingon. O'Brien: I, I haven't given up. I won't give up. Bashir: It's all right, Chief. You're okay. O'Brien: No, I'm not. You need to run a basilar arterial scan. Bashir: Why? O'Brien: Because if you don't, I'm going to die in less than five hours. Bashir: Who told you that? O'Brien: You did. In the future. Bashir: Oh. Well, who am I to argue with me? Atul: Let me go! Morka: This is an outrage! We've done nothing! Bo'Rak: We will have our vengeance on all of you for this! Morka: We are being treated with dishonor. We have done nothing wrong. Odo: We take a very dim view of spies and saboteurs on this station. Morka: Now you slander us. When my family finds out what you have done, they will come here and kill you! Odo: I doubt that very much. The only people who will be coming here are your friends in Klingon Intelligence. And from what I understand, they don't like being embarrassed by operatives who fail in their missions. However, should you suddenly feel like cooperating, I may be persuaded to let you go without contacting your friends in Intelligence. Maybe. Sisko: So, how are you feeling, Chief? O'Brien: Better, sir. Bashir: I've eliminated almost all the radioisotopes from his body. I have to wait a couple more hours before I give him the last treatment but after that there should be no more time shifting. Sisko: What about the quantum singularity? Dax: We've been able to track it by using its tetryon emissions as a guide. It seems to be orbiting Deep Space Nine in a roughly elliptical fashion. O'Brien: At certain points in its orbit, the singularity radiates temporal energy at a specific wavelength. That seems to be what triggers my time shifts. Sisko: Is there any way to break it out of its orbit and send it on its way? O'Brien: Well, we were hoping to station O'Brien 2: Come on, come on! Hurry up! We don't have much time! Prepare to seal the hatch and release the docking clamps. Initiating emergency escape protocol. Hang on. I'm going to full impulse. O'Brien: Now what? O'Brien 2: You're here! Look, I don't know what happened. I was asleep in bed, and the whole station was rocked by an explosion. Before I could get to Ops, the evacuation alarm sounded and the comm. systems were down. I got as many people as I could in here. I don't know what happened to the others. When you go back, you have to find out what happened and stop it. O'Brien: Oh, my God. Sisko: Chief? What's wrong? O'Brien: We've got a new problem, sir. Sisko: Did you see anything from the runabout that would indicate how the station was destroyed? O'Brien: There were a series of explosions that rippled across the Habitat ring, but it all happened so fast I couldn't get a clear sense of exactly what was going on. Kira: Could you tell if you were looking at internal explosions, which might indicate some kind of sabotage or accident, or external explosions which might indicate we were under attack? O'Brien: No. No, I'm not sure. Dax: Do you remember seeing any other ships nearby? O'Brien: No, but I had a very limited view of the area. Kira: At this point we can't rule anything out. Sisko: Agreed. Make preparations to evacuate the station, but do it quietly. If the destruction of the station is the result of an attack or sabotage, we don't want to alarm our enemy and make him trigger events we're trying to avoid. Begin a complete systems check of everything on the station that could potentially cause this kind of explosion. Dax: Right. O'Brien: Commander, there might be another way to find out what's going on. If I could travel into the future again, this time just before the destruction of DS Nine, I might be able to find out what's going to happen and then return to the present in time for us to prevent it from happening. If you could flood my body with high concentrations of delta series radioisotopes, it might trigger a time shift into the future. Bashir: Possibly, but those isotopes are toxic. It could cause permanent damage to your nervous system. It might even kill you. O'Brien: Oh. Well, if the future happens the way I saw it happen, a lot of people are going to get killed when the station explodes. It's a risk I'm willing to take. Sisko: Even if you're able to initiate a time jump, each time you traveled into the future, you've always gone five hours. How do you propose to shorten the length of the jump? O'Brien: There might be a link between the temporal frequency of the singularity and the length of the time shift. Bashir: We might be able to calibrate the decay constant of the isotope that we inject you with to match the frequency of the singularity. And with a few minor adjustments we can control how far you jump into the future. O'Brien: Exactly. Sisko: All right. But if you can't do it within two hours, I'm going to begin to evacuate the station. O'Brien: Understood. Bashir: Now, when you activate this device it'll inject you with a two rad dose of delta isotopes. Now, if our calculations are right, that should put you about three hours into the future. O'Brien: What's the margin of error? Bashir: Plus or minus a half hour I'd say, but that's the best we could do. Now, it's already set for the return trip, so all you have to do is activate it again to return to the present. O'Brien: Right. Bashir: And remember, don't wait too long. Your body will be experiencing symptoms of severe radiation poisoning. If you don't get treatment it will kill you. O'Brien: I won't forget. Bashir: Good. O'Brien: Julian, there's a message in my quarters for Keiko if Bashir: I understand, Miles. O'Brien: Zero two hundred. That's three and half hours into the future. Miles. Miles, wake up! O'Brien 2: What? Computer, lights. Oh no, not you again. What is it now? O'Brien: Listen to me. I've jumped ahead and seen your future. Don't ask me how, it'll take too long to explain. There's going to be a disaster. DS Nine will be destroyed. O'Brien 2: Destroyed? How? O'Brien: I don't know. That's why I'm here. I have to find out what's going to happen and then travel back into the past and prevent it. O'Brien 2: You look pretty bad. O'Brien: It's the radiation. O'Brien 2: But if you feel bad and you're my past self, shouldn't I feel bad too? Both: I hate temporal mechanics. O'Brien: Let's get down to Ops and see what's going on. Help me up. O'Brien: Run a sensor sweep of the entire station. Look for anything that might indicate a Kira: Report! Dax: A Romulan warbird just decloaked off of lower pylon two. They've taken out our shield generators. Kira: On screen. Lock phasers and return fire. O'Brien 2: They've hit the fusion reactor. Main power's down. Defense systems are offline. Kira: Try to re-route phasers through the emergency power couplings. O'Brien 2: Miles, you've got your answer. The quantum singularity that's been orbiting the station. It's the Romulans. Are you listening? The Romulans use a confined singularity to power their warp core. That's what we've been detecting. That's what's causing the time shifts. You must go back and tell them to put up the shields and stand by for an attack. O'Brien: I can't. I can't get through another shift. It's the radiation poisoning. O'Brien: You go. Just activate it. It's set for the return trip. O'Brien 2: Me? I don't belong there. O'Brien: I'm you, you're me, it doesn't matter. Just go. Go! Bashir: Chief, what happened? O'Brien 2: It worked. O'Brien to Sisko. Sisko: Go ahead, Chief. O'Brien 2: I've been to the future, Commander. The quantum singularity off the station is actually in the warp core of a cloaked O'Brien 2: Romulan warbird. They're going to decloak and fire on us in a matter of hours. Sisko: Understood, Chief. Raise shields. Stand by weapons systems. Bashir: I don't understand it. Your body should be flooded with delta series radiation but there's only a tiny amount in your tissues. Your metabolic readings are different. What happened? O'Brien 2: There's been a change. Quark: I really have nothing else to say. Ruwon: I think you're lying, Quark. Quark: About what part? Ruwon: All of it. Quark: Well, at least I'm consistent. Sisko: Quark, you can leave. Quark: Thank you. Sisko: I know you have a cloaked warbird orbiting the station, and I know you're planning an attack. At first, I couldn't understand why, and then I remembered what you said about the Dominion. How they were the greatest threat to the Alpha Quadrant in the last century. If you really believed that, then the only way you could ever be truly safe from the Dominion would be to collapse the wormhole. Kira: But you knew we wouldn't just sit by and watch while you did it, so you had to destroy the station too. That way, there'd be no witnesses. Odo: Everyone would assume that Deep Space Nine was destroyed by what appeared to be the accidental collapse of the wormhole. Karina: An interesting theory, Commander. But that's all it is. A theory. Sisko: That's right. But I'll tell you what's not a theory. We tracked the tetryon emissions back to your warbird and I have about fifty photon torpedoes locked on to it right now. Ruwon: I think it's time we left. Sisko: I couldn't agree more. Constable, will you please escort our guests to the nearest transporter room. Odo: If you'll come with me. Bashir: So you're telling me that you remember playing this game with me in the future? O'Brien: Right. Bashir: All right, what am I going to hit? O'Brien: Twenty, outer ring. Bashir: But that's remarkable. O'Brien: It's also a little disturbing. I have this nagging feeling that I don't really belong here. This isn't really my life. Maybe this life belongs to that other Miles O'Brien. Bashir: Listen, Chief, whether you're living in the past or in the present, you are Miles O'Brien. The only difference is, you have a few memories the other one didn't have. O'Brien: Well, I think I'll go to bed. I'm still kind of tired. Bashir: Now that sounds like a good idea. O'Brien: Quark. Dabo. Quark: Dabo? Crowd: Dabo! Quark: Wait! Chief, wait!

Bashir: Can I interest you in some more Yigrish cream pie? Garak: No, thank you, Doctor. I'm quite full. Bashir: But you've hardly touched your food. Garak: The truth is, I'm trying to lose a little weight. Hemming women's dresses may provide me with a modest income, but it offers very little in the way of exercise. Bashir: Well if you like, I can help you set up an exercise program in one of the holosuites here. Garak: I might just take you up on that. And speaking of holosuites Garak: Happy birthday. I know it's a few days off, but I wanted to give you your present early. It's a Cardassian holosuite program. An adaptation of one of Shoggoth's enigma tales. Bashir: Is it? I see. Garak: You sound disappointed. I thought you enjoyed mystery novels. Bashir: I do. Human mystery novels. The problem with Cardassian enigma tales is that they all end the same way. All the suspects are always guilty. Garak: Yes, but the challenge is determining exactly who is guilty of what. Is Lieutenant Dax throwing one of her surprise parties for you this year? Bashir: Oh, so I'm told. Garak: You don't sound enthusiastic about that either. Bashir: It's not that I don't appreciate all the trouble she goes to and everything. It's just that this year is a little different. Garak: How so? Bashir: This will be my thirtieth birthday. Garak: And? Bashir: Well, in many human cultures, the thirtieth birthday is considered a sort of landmark. It marks the end of youth and the beginning of the slow march into middle age. Garak: And that's considered bad? Bashir: No. It's just that when you hit thirty, it becomes harder and harder to ignore the passage of time. Garak: I wasn't aware that humans saw growing old as a negative experience. On Cardassia, advanced age is seen as a sign of power and dignity. Bashir: Well I am aware that aging is part of the natural process of life. It's just that I don't want to be reminded of it, that's all. Look, Garak, in two days I turn thirty. If I choose to be grumpy about it, that's my prerogative. Garak: By all means, Doctor, be as grumpy as you like. Bashir: Thank you for the support. Quark: Excuse me, Doctor. Bashir: What? Oh, Quark. I'm sorry. How can I help you? Quark: Er, my friend Altovar here is looking to purchase a small quantity of er, biomemetic gel. And I was wondering if you might be able to tell him where he can find, let's say, a few hundred milliliters. Bashir: Biomemetic gel is a restricted substance. Its sale is strictly prohibited by Federation law. Quark: I thought so. You see, I told you. Altovar: I'm willing to pay whatever's necessary. Name your price. Bashir: Why do you need it? Altovar: That's my business. Bashir: Oh. I am sorry, but biomemetic gel can be hazardous if handled incorrectly. It's not for sale. At any price. Quark: Well, we tried. Thank you, Doctor. Bashir: Quark, you might want to warn your friend that even attempting to obtain biomemetic gel is a felony under Federation law. Quark: I know. I told him that. But he insisted that I ask you anyway. Letheans can be incredibly stubborn. I hope you'll forgive the interruption. Garak: Of course. Quark: You know, we just introduced a new lunch menu at the bar. Bashir: Goodbye, Quark. Garak: Don't take it personally. He's turning thirty. Bashir: Lights. Bashir: What do you think you're doing? Bashir: Bashir to Security. Bashir to Ops. This is Doctor Bashir. Can anyone read me? Computer, locate Commander Sisko. Computer, respond. Computer? Bashir: Hello? Is somebody there? Hello? Bashir: Hello? Is there anybody there? Where is everybody? Bashir: Who's there? Bashir: Quark? It's all right. It's me, Bashir. What is it? What's going on? Tell me. Quark: He's going to kill us. He's going to kill us all. Bashir: Who? Who are you so afraid of? Where's Sisko? What happened to the rest of the crew? Why don't you come with me? We'll go and try to find them. Quark: No. Don't you see? If we move, he'll find us. If we stay here, we might be safe. Bashir: Safe? From whom? Quark, you have got to tell me. Quark: He's here. Bashir: We've got to find a way to put these lights back on. Quark: It's too late. He's found us. We've got to get out. Bashir: Wait. Bashir: Who's there? Show yourself! Bashir: Quark? Quark! Bashir: Tarkalean Tea. Constable? Bashir: Garak? Garak: Doctor, what are you doing here? Bashir: I was about to ask you the same question. Garak: I was looking for Constable Odo. Everyone on the station seems to have disappeared. Bashir: Not everyone. I just saw Quark cowering behind his bar. He believes that someone is terrorizing the station, and I'm not sure I disagree with him. Garak: What do you mean? Tell me, what's going on. Bashir: There's some thing in Quark's tearing up the place. I didn't get a really good look at it, but believe me, it was not friendly. Computer. Garak: It's no use. As far as I can tell, the station has suffered a massive systems failure. Aside from life support and simple functions like turbolifts and doors, nothing seems to work. It's been like that for hours. I was up late programming some replicator patterns for a suit I'm designing when everything went dead. Bashir: I can't believe that you, Quark and I are the only people left on this station. Sisko and the others must be around somewhere. Garak: Maybe. Or maybe they've fallen victim to some kind of rampant virus, or space anomaly, or Dominion plot. Bashir: All the more reason to try and locate them. Bashir: Wait. Do you hear that? Garak: Hear what? Bashir: That sound. It's like voices whispering. Garak: I don't hear anything. But then Cardassian hearing is not quite as acute as human's. Doctor, are you feeling all right? You look different somehow. Bashir: What is it? Garak: Your hair. It seems to be turning gray. Bashir: So I've noticed. Garak: I guess you had reason to worry about turning thirty after all. Either that or your job is even more stressful than I thought. Bashir: Look, Garak, we haven't got time for this. We have to find out what's going on here. Garak: I agree. Perhaps we should split up. I can search the docking ring while you look around the habitat ring and the central core. Bashir: I'll meet you back on the Promenade in an hour. Be careful. Garak: Hey, you too. And Doctor, try to relax. Bashir: Level H one, section A. Dax: Look, what are we doing standing around here? O'Brien: What do you want to do? Rush out and get us all killed? Dax: It's better than doing nothing. Let's go. Odo: Of course. And follow you right into a trap. Is that what you want? Kira: You're all crazy. None of this is helping us deal with the Lethean. Dax: Well I don't see you coming up with anything. Kira: If you'd stop talking and gave me some time to think, maybe I would. O'Brien: I say we do nothing until we get reinforcements from Bajor. DAX Julian, there you are. Where have you been? Kira: Bajor? Bajor doesn't even know we're in trouble. Bashir: Looking for you. Odo: And we can't tell them unless you get the communications system back online. Dax: Well, I'm glad you're here. O'Brien: It'll take hours. Too many system's have been sabotaged. All my work crews are missing, and I cannot make new parts until we get the replicators fixed. Dax: The first thing we need to do is neutralize the Lethean. Bashir: The Lethean? You mean Altovar? Kira: You know him? Bashir: We've met. He attacked me in the Infirmary. O'Brien: Oh well, now he's trying to kill us all by destroying the station. Dax: What are we waiting for? Let's get some phasers and hunt him down. If you ask me, none of us are safe until he is dead. O'Brien: If we go out looking for the Lethean, we're the ones who'll end up dead. Kira: Tell you what. If we find the Lethean, maybe we can find you a backbone. Odo: Maybe he doesn't want us to find the Lethean. Maybe he's in league with him. Bashir: Computer, scan the occupants of this room for any anomalies. Kira: Doctor, what are you doing? Bashir: You're all acting very strangely and I intend to find out why. Computer? Odo: Don't bother, Doctor. For some reason, the computer isn't working. O'Brien: Don't go blaming me for that, Constable. None of this would be happening if Security had done its job. Bashir: That's enough. Where's Sisko? Where are O'Brien's work crews? I've been wandering around this station for hours and the only two people I've seen are Quark and Garak. Where is everybody else? There's something very wrong here. Dax: I'll say there is. Have you looked in the mirror lately? Bashir: Hold on. Does anybody else hear that? Kira: What? Odo: I don't hear anything. Bashir: Garak didn't either. Dax: Julian, what are you talking about? Bashir: I know, I know it sounds odd, but I keep hearing voices. O'Brien: And he says we're acting peculiar? Odo: So what are these so-called voices saying? Bashir: That's the problem. I can't make out the words. Kira: Well I think you're the one who needs help, Doctor. Not us. Dax: Maybe you should lie down. Bashir: I'm fine. O'Brien: Except you're hearing voices and you've aged about thirty years in the last few hours. Bashir: There must be some logical explanation. Maybe there's a virus or a subspace anomaly. A neural inversion field, an anaphasic parasite. Dax: You keep thinking, Julian, and while you try to figure it out, I'll find the Lethean and stop him from sabotaging any of the other systems. O'Brien: And what good will that do? You have no idea where he is. We don't know what we're up against, how strong he is, if he can be hurt by phaser fire. Dax: Don't worry Chief. I wasn't asking for any of your help. If he's here, I'll find him. Even if I have to do it all by myself. Bashir: Calm down, Dax. You're not going anywhere. No one is. There are too many strange things going on on this station. My aging, O'Brien's missing crewmembers, the sabotage to the station, your abnormal behavior. Odo: You think it's all connected somehow? Bashir: I think we should find out. Is there any way of getting the internal sensors online? O'Brien: There's a computer processing junction near here. I might be able to repair the internal sensors from there. But I'm not going alone. Kira: Oh, what a surprise. Odo: Don't worry. I'm not letting you out of my sight. Bashir: We'll all go together. Let's move. O'Brien: It's even worse than I thought. The entire sensor array is burnt out and there's extensive damage to the computer's central processor. The only system that looks salvageable is the subspace communication relay. Bashir: Well, that would at least let us contact Bajor. Dax: See what you can do, Chief. Kira: Constable, would you stop doing that? Odo: Doing what? Kira: Looking around like that. It's getting on my nerves. Bashir: There's no harm in keeping both eyes open. Kira: I don't remember asking your opinion. Odo: If the Lethean's around, I want to know it. Bashir: The last time I saw him, he was in the central core. Dax: The central core? What level were you on? Bashir: Level five. But I doubt he's still there. I think I lost him. O'Brien: You think? Bashir: Just keep working, Chief. O'Brien: For all we know, he could be right outside the door. Odo: And if he is, then you'll have led him here. O'Brien: Hold on, Lieutenant, I think I've got the communications relay working. Bashir: Open hailing frequencies. Try to contact Bajor. O'Brien: Hold on. It's not working. But I'm receiving a signal. Audio only. Kira: Well let's hear it. O'Brien: Patching it through. Dax: Four cc's of cordrazine, but there was no response. Odo: That sounds like you, Lieutenant. Sisko: There has to be something we can do. Kira: That's Sisko's voice. Nurse: We've tried everything we can think of, but we haven't been able to counteract the telepathic damage. His motor functions are minimal. His blood pressure's dangerously low. I'm afraid Bashir: Where's this signal coming from? O'Brien: I don't know. Somewhere outside the station. Sisko: Give me the bottom line. Dax: The bottom line is that Julian's in some kind of telepathically induced coma. And unless we can get him out of it he'll be dead in less than three hours. Sisko: I'll be in my office. Keep me informed. O'Brien: What the hell's going on here? Bashir: Delta waves. When I scan myself for brain activity, all I get are low frequency delta waves. O'Brien: And what's that supposed to mean? Dax: It means that the voices were telling the truth. Bashir: I'm in a coma. Kira: How can you stand there and say that you're in a coma? That's crazy. Bashir: Not necessarily, Major. Dax: I suppose the next thing you're going to tell us is that we're unconscious. Bashir: Not according to these readings. O'Brien: I'm glad to hear it. Bashir: Actually, I'm not picking up any life signs from you at all. O'Brien: Let me see that. You want to know what this means? This tricorder is broken, that's what it means. Bashir: I don't think so. Odo: Well what are you saying, Doctor? That we don't exist? Kira: I've had enough of this. I am not some figment of your imagination. Bashir: But don't you see? That is why you're all behaving so strangely. O'Brien: I'm not behaving strangely. Am I? Bashir: You all are. Dax, you're not usually the sort of person to solve her problems by running around with a phaser. And Chief, you're not usually so pessimistic. Kira: Look, we are wasting time. The Lethean could be here any minute. Dax: So if you're in a coma, and we're not real, then what are we doing here? Odo: Maybe we're just here to give him someone to talk to. Kira: A paranoid, a coward, a hothead, and me? Oh, you'd think he'd pick some better company. Bashir: I haven't picked any of you. I'm in a coma. I'm the only one who's really here. Which means when I'm talk to you, I'm really only talking to myself. O'Brien: I wish you wouldn't say that. Bashir: It's the only possible explanation. Kira: So, you're saying I'm you? Bashir: In a manner of speaking. Kira: And I suppose he's you too? Bashir: All of you are. You all embody different aspects of my personality, different voices inside my head. O'Brien: I don't believe we're having this discussion. Bashir: If I were to guess, Chief, I would say that you represent my doubt and my disbelief. O'Brien: No I don't. Bashir: I knew you were going to say that. Major, you're the perfect choice for my aggression. And Odo, you represent my sense of suspicion and fear. Dax, to me you've always represented my confidence and sense of adventure. Odo: Ha! Dax: Thank you, Julian. Odo: You're forgetting something, Doctor. What about the Lethean? What is he supposed to represent? Bashir: I suppose he represents the telepathic damage that the real Lethean did to my mind. Kira: So why is this Lethean running around sabotaging the station? Bashir: It's not the station he's sabotaging. It's my mind. The station represents my mind just as you represent aspects of my personality. Think about it. When Chief O'Brien fixed the communications relay, we could hear what was happening in the real world. Dax: It's like he restored your hearing. Bashir: Exactly. So if we could repair the station Odo: You'd wake up. O'Brien: But if you wake up, what happens to us? Dax: Julian! Julian! Bashir: Jadzia! Dax: Help me, Julian! Bashir: Jadzia! Jadzia! Bashir: How did I get here? Garak: Oh, don't ask me. After all, we're inside your mind. It's a pity about Lieutenant Dax. Bashir: How do you know about her? Garak: I'm a part of you, remember? I know what you know. Well, maybe a little more. Bashir: Still the man of mystery? Garak: Oh, you wouldn't have me any other way. Bashir: I'm getting a little too old for this game. Garak: yes, apparently so. You, or should I say we, are running out of time. Your service, Doctor. Bashir: I can't stay here. I have to get the main computer back online. Garak: Then you'd better get to Ops. If there are repairs are to be done, that's the place to do them. Bashir: You're right. Try to find Kira, Odo and O'Brien Kira. Tell them to meet me in Ops. Garak: I'd be delighted. I wonder if any of them plays tennis. Woman: Help me. Man: Doctor, help us. Sisko: I'll handle this, Doctor. She's suffering cranial trauma. Treat the fracture with an osteogenic stimulator and then follow it up with BASHIR + Sisko: With two cc's of inpedrezine. Bashir: How did you know that? Sisko: I'm just doing my job. Bashir: No, you're not. You're doing my job. And what's more you're doing it as well as I could. Sisko: Give him a coagulation activator to stop the bleeding. Bashir: You represent my professionalism and my skill. Sisko: I'm flattered. Bashir: Come on. You've got to come with me to Ops. Sisko: But I'm needed here. Bashir: I can't repair the station without your help. Sisko: I suppose you're right. Look after things here. I won't be long. Nurse: Yes, sir. Altovar: You're not going anywhere, Doctor. Altovar: You're staying right here, trapped on this station, watching while I destroy you piece by piece. And when all the best parts of you are gone, when there's nothing left but the withered shell, then, and only then, will I put you out of your misery. Altovar: You can't escape, Doctor. You can run if you want to, but you can't outrun death. Bashir: Major. Odo: Doctor. Bashir: Odo, what happened? Odo: The Lethean. He came out of nowhere. Bashir: He's trying to rob me of my confidence, my intelligence, my strength. I have to get to Ops. Odo: Use the conduits. They're your best chance. Bashir: I have to get there while I still can. Bashir: Chief. O'Brien: Julian, what the hell are you doing here? Bashir: I've got to get to Ops. O'Brien: You'll never make it. Bashir: I've got to do something. I can't just let the Lethean kill me. O'Brien: The Lethean's too strong, too fast. He's going to kill us all. Bashir: You sound awfully sure of that. O'Brien: I know you're not going to stop him. Look at you. You look like you've got one foot in the grave already. Bashir: I'll tell you something. I like the real Chief better than you. O'Brien: Where are you going? Bashir: I'm going to try and find a way out of these conduits. It's hard enough for me to walk, let alone crawl. O'Brien: Mind if I come along? Bashir: I thought you said I didn't have a chance. O'Brien: Well, I'm hoping I was wrong. Bashir: So am I. O'Brien: But somehow I doubt it. Bashir: How did we get back here? O'Brien: You tell me. It's your mind. Bashir: This monitor. It's displaying my vital signs. O'Brien: What's the prognosis? Bashir: Pulse is thready, blood pressure is dropping steadily. I'm dying. O'Brien: I could've told you that just by looking at you. Bashir: Ha! Crowd: Dabo! Bashir: Excuse me. Quark: Can I offer you gentlemen a drink? Bashir: Quark, where did all these people come from? Quark: Just goes to show. Give the people what they want, and they'll show up in droves. Now, care to place a wager? Bashir: A wager? On what? Quark: You name it. On how much longer you have to live. What organ will fail first. Ultimate cause of death. The house is covering all bets. Bashir: What if I want to bet that I will survive? Quark: It's a long shot, but if you want to throw your money away, who am I to stop you? Crowd: Dabo! Quark: Uh-oh. It looks like all bets are off. Altovar: Everyone loses. Bashir: Garak. The Lethean. He's in Quark's. Garak: Well he hasn't caught you yet, Doctor. Let's get you out of here. Bashir: I've got to get to Ops. Garak: What's wrong? Bashir: I don't believe it. I've broken my hip. I can't walk. Garak: Well, Doctor, it was a good game while it lasted. Bashir: I've got to keep moving. Garak: And how do you propose doing that, hmm? Bashir: You're going to help me. Garak: I admire your tenacity, Doctor, but it's over. Look at yourself. Your bones are as brittle as twigs, you can't catch your breath. You can't even stand, let alone walk. Bashir: But other than that, I feel wonderful. Now, are you going to give me a hand or not? Garak: It would be my privilege. Now what would you like me to do? Bashir: Get me up. Garak: Of course. Come on. All right? Let's go. Garak: Anybody home? All right, Doctor, here we go. Easy now. That's it. Good. Dabo Girl: Surprise! Bashir: What is this? Dabo Girl: Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you GARAK + Dabo Girl: Happy birthday dear Julian. Happy birthday to you. Garak: And many more. I really must congratulate you, Doctor. You have a fascinating mind. Bashir: I'm sorry, but I really haven't got time for this. DABO GIRL But it's a party and it's all for you. Garak: You must try to enjoy yourself. It's your birthday. Bashir: Garak, get me over to the engineering station. Now. Garak: Sorry, dear. Come along, Doctor. That's it. Good. Bashir: There must be a way to reactivate the central computer network. Garak: Any ideas on how to go about doing that? Bashir: My engineering extension classes at Starfleet Medical focused mainly on starship operations, but I think if I can re-route the primary command processor I might be able to bypass the disabled systems and get it operational. Garak: So, what panel accesses the computer? Bashir: If you were really Garak, you could tell me. In fact, you could fix this computer without my help. Garak: But I'm not really Garak, am I? I'm just another part of you. Bashir: Help me get this panel off. Bashir: Yes. Bashir: My tennis balls. Garak: This station is in worse condition than we thought. Bashir: Garak, the computer controls are behind one of these panels. I just have to find the right ones. Garak: Face it, Doctor, there's no way to repair the damage. It's much too extensive. Bashir: If you won't help me, I'll do it myself. Garak: I'd be more than willing to help you, if I thought it would accomplish anything, but you're only delaying the inevitable. Bashir: That doesn't sound like the Garak I know. Garak: We've been through this, Doctor. I'm not Garak. I'm you. Bashir: Well it doesn't sound like me either. Bashir: I've been thinking. Why did the Lethean let you live? He killed everyone else who could've helped me. Exactly what part of me do you represent? Is it my conscience? My curiosity? Hmm, is it? Is it my sense of humor? Garak: You tell me. Bashir: I don't think that you are any part of me. In fact, I don't even think you belong here at all. Which leaves me with just one question. Who are you? Altovar: You've put up an entertaining struggle, Doctor. Bashir: Well I'm glad you enjoyed yourself. Altovar: Now it's time to make things easy on yourself. Bashir: Oh, you mean just give up? I don't think so. Altovar: Why not? Isn't that what you've always done? Remember, Doctor, I'm inside your head. I know all about you. When you were younger, you wanted to be a tennis player, didn't you. Bashir: I wasn't good enough to play professionally. Altovar: Don't lie to me. Not in here. You were good enough. But you knew your parents wouldn't approve of it. So you gave up and you became a doctor instead. Bashir: I love medicine. Altovar: But you loved tennis more. And what about medical school? You should've been first in your class. What went wrong? Bashir: I made a mistake in the final exam. Altovar: You mistook a pre-ganglionic fiber for a post-ganglionic nerve. Bashir: That's right. Altovar: But pre-ganglionic fibers and post-ganglionic nerves aren't anything alike. Any first year medical student could tell them apart. You purposely answered the question wrong. Bashir: That's ridiculous. Altovar: You didn't want to be first in your class. You couldn't take the pressure. Bashir: That's not true. Altovar: Isn't it? Then let's talk about Lieutenant Dax. You like her, don't you? Bashir: She's my friend. Altovar: But she could've been a lot more if you'd tried a little harder. But you'd rather give up than fight, wouldn't you? Bashir: We'll see about that. Altovar: Wait. Where are you going? Altovar: What do you think you're doing? Bashir: The mistake I made was trying to repair the station from Ops. It may be the nerve center of the real world, but this is the center of my world. Altovar: Get away from that panel. Bashir: Or what? You'll kill me? Go ahead. What's stopping you? You've had plenty of opportunities so far. I don't think that it is as easy for you as you say it is. Bashir: Ah. You know, you don't look half as threatening in normal light. Altovar: Take a close look, Doctor. You're dying. Why can't you just accept it? Bashir: Because that's what you want me to do. You may be inside my head, but you don't know me half as well as you think you do. Take Dax. I do have feelings for her, but the important thing is she's my friend. You know? Friend? And I wouldn't exchange that friendship for anything. As far as my career is concerned, I may have been a good tennis player, but I'm a great doctor. Maybe I could've been first in my class, but it wouldn't have changed anything in my life. I still would've chosen this assignment. This is where I belong. Computer, activate quarantine field three J. Altovar: You can't do this. Bashir: I can do anything I want. It is my mind. Begin sterilization. Dax: Julian. He's awake. Nurse: Vital signs have stabilized. His brain wave activity's normal. Sisko: Welcome back, Doctor. Bashir: You will never believe where I've been. Bashir: As for the real Altovar, he tripped a security alert when he broke into the Infirmary. He barely got two meters before Odo arrested him. Garak: Well, it sounds as if he were more dangerous in your mind than he was in the real world. Bashir: Actually, I did some checking on Letheans. Their telepathic attacks are almost always fatal. I guess I was lucky. Garak: Cardassians don't believe in luck, Doctor. You survived because you're strong. Bashir: One thing's for sure, you know. After experiencing life at a hundred plus, turning thirty doesn't seem that bad anymore. Garak: In that case, happy birthday. You know, Doctor, what I find most fascinating about this entire incident is how your unconscious mind chose people you know to represent the various parts of your personality. Bashir: Well, it did make things interesting. Garak: And what I find interesting is how your mind ended up casting me in the role of the villain. Bashir: Oh, I wouldn't read too much into that, Garak. Garak: Oh how can I not? To think, after all this time, all our lunches together, you still don't trust me. There's hope for you yet, Doctor.

Garak: But I'm sorry, Doctor, I just don't see the value of this man's work. Bashir: Garak, Shakespeare is one of the giants of human literature. Garak: I knew Brutus was going to kill Caesar in the first act, but Caesar didn't figure it out until the knife is in his back. Bashir: That's what makes it a tragedy. Caesar couldn't conceive that his best friend would plot to kill him. Garak: Tragedy is not the word I'd use. Farce would be more appropriate. Supposedly, this man is supposed to be the leader of a great empire, a brilliant military tactician, and yet he can't see what's going on under his own nose. Doctor, are you in a hurry? Bashir: I've to get to the Infirmary. I've a lot of work to do this afternoon. Garak: Oh, you're fortunate. I have more time on my hands than I know what to do with. Bashir: Maybe you could finish those trousers I dropped off last week. Garak: Tomorrow. Bashir: Tomorrow. Garak: You're going to give yourself indigestion. Bashir: Well I only have you to thank for that. If you hadn't been so late, I could have enjoyed my lunch. Garak: This isn't the first time I've seen you rush through a meal. You never take the time to savor your food. It seems to be a human characteristic. Look over there. That Talarian is barely halfway through his meal, but his human companion's plate is empty. Bashir: Well maybe he and I can have dessert while you and the Talarian to wile away the afternoon. Garak: But it is a very interesting sociological phenomenon, don't you think? For generations now, humankind has had more than enough food and yet you go about your eating as if you were afraid someone was going to come along and snatch away your plate. Bashir: Garak, why don't you eat for a while and let me talk? Garak: Fear of starvation amid plenty. It points to some dark secret hidden in the human soul. A gnawing hunger. perhaps someone should do a study. Bashir: Why don't you do? You appear to have plenty of time on your hands. Garak: Doctor, if you want to have your dessert, please go ahead. I won't be offended. Bashir: I have to go. And I'm sorry to leave while you're still eating. Garak: No, no, I'm done as well. Bashir: But you've hardly touched your plate. Garak: If you really must know, I've been nibbling on Delavian chocolates all morning. Bashir: How did you get Delavian chocolates? Garak: I promised my supplier I wouldn't tell, but since I deprived you of your dessert, I'd be more than happy to bring some by the Infirmary later this afternoon. Bashir: Why thank you, I'd like that. Garak: Until then, Doctor. Kira: Julian. Bashir: Major. Kira: Garak. Kira: About those atmospheric specifications you requested for the Yalosian Ambassador? Bashir: Sixty percent nitrogen, ten percent benzene, and the rest hydrogen fluoride, as I recall Kira: Well we ran a test in one of the guest quarters. The mixture is so corrosive it dissolved the carpet. Bashir: Don't look at me. It's what they breathe. Kira: Then I guess we'll just have to rip out the carpets. Bashir: Be sure not to replace it with anything red or orange Kira: Why not? Bashir: They don't see that part of the color spectrum. Kira: Is there anything else I should know about the Yalosians? Bashir: As a matter of fact Bashir: Bashir to Infirmary. Medical emergency on the Promenade. It's Garak's shop! Bashir: Are you all right? Garak: As well as could be expected. But I'm afraid your pants won't be ready tomorrow after all. Sisko: Report. O'Brien: The explosion was caused by a rupture in the power conduit behind that wall. Sisko: What caused the rupture? O'Brien: Probably an overload in the ODN juncture. Odo: Ha. Sisko: I take it you don't agree. Odo: Well, let's just say I find it odd that a conduit running behind Garak's shop should just happen to overload. Sisko: So you think someone ruptured it deliberately? Odo: I wouldn't be surprised. It stands to reason that a man with Garak's past would have enemies. O'Brien: I'm detecting traces of nitrilin. Odo: Nitrilin is extremely unstable. O'Brien: And very rare. It couldn't have come from the power conduit. Odo: This could be the residue from a micro-explosive device planted on the conduit and rigged to cause a rupture. Sisko: Making the explosion look like an accident. Odo: Exactly. Sisko: Sisko to Ops. Kira: Go ahead, Commander. Sisko: Delay the departure of all vessels until further notice. I have reason to believe that someone may have tried to kill Mister Garak. Garak: But who would want to kill me, a simple tailor? Odo: A simple tailor? A simple tailor who used to be an agent of the Obsidian Order. Garak: The Obsidian Order? Constable, you shouldn't put too much stock in the good doctor's flights of fancy. Are you sure this explosion wasn't an accident, because I can't think of anyone who would wish me harm. Sisko: Someone tried to kill you, Garak. Whoever it was may try again, so if I were you I would give this matter some serious thought. Garak: Well, let me see. I mean, there's the Nausicaan whose wedding suit I misplaced, and that Yridian I owe money to. And of course, there's always Major Kira. Bashir: This is serious, Garak. Garak: I'm being serious. I don't think she likes me. Odo: She doesn't. But if she wanted you dead, you would be. Garak: You do have a point. Sisko: Could this attempt on your life have anything to do with the reason you were exiled from Cardassia? Garak: I seriously doubt the Finance Ministry would try to have me killed for failure to pay my taxs. Odo: You expect us to believe that's the reason you were exiled? Garak: Do you think I would lie about a thing like that? It's not something I'm proud of. Sisko: I don't like explosions going off on my station, Garak. Innocent people could've been hurt. You could've been killed. Now if there's anything you know you're not telling us, I suggest you start talking. Garak: I've told you everything I can think of. Odo: All right, then. I'll investigate the leads you've given us. If there's anyone else you think I should talk to, let me know. Garak: I certainly will. Sisko: We've assigned a security detail to you. I suggest you stay as close to them as possible. Bashir: Someone should do a study Garak: A study? Bashir: To try and figure out why some people can't bring themselves to trust anyone, even if it's in their own best interest. Garak: Why is it no one ever believes me, even when I'm telling the truth? Bashir: Have you ever heard the story about the boy who cried wolf? Garak: No. Bashir: It's a children's story about a young shepherd boy who gets lonely while tending his flock. So he cries out to the villagers that a wolf is attacking the sheep. The people come running, but of course there's no wolf. He claims that it's run away, and the villagers praise him for his vigilance. Garak: Clever lad. A charming story. Bashir: I'm not finished. The next day the boy does it again, and the next day, too, and on the fourth day a wolf really comes. The boy cries out at the top of his lungs, but the villagers ignore him and the boy and his flock are gobbled up. Garak: Well that's a little graphic for children, wouldn't you say? Bashir: But the point is, if you lie all the time, nobody's going to believe you even when you're telling the truth. Garak: Are you sure that's the point, Doctor? Bashir: Of course. What else could it be? Garak: That you should never tell the same lie twice. Garak: You wanted to see me? Odo: I have bad news for you. Major Kira has an airtight alibi. I thought you might want to look over the passenger manifests of ships that recently came to the station. Garak: To see if I recognize anyone who might wish me harm? Odo: Exactly. I suggest you start with the most recent arrivals and work your way backwards. Garak: Don't worry about me, Constable. I can manage on my own. Odo: I'm not about to leave you alone in here so you can look through my security files. Garak: What makes you think I haven't already looked through them? I'm joking, of course. Odo: Of course. Garak: No, I'm afraid I don't recognize any of these names. Odo: The bomb could've been planted days ago, even weeks. I suggest you keep going back just to be sure. Garak: This could take forever. Odo: I should think you'd have plenty of time on your hands, now that your shop is no longer open for business. O'Brien: Odo, I. I finished running the biomolecular scan you asked me for. I found traces of living tissue on the bulkhead around the blast site. Odo: This looks like the remains of a pheromonic sensor. O'Brien: A what? Odo: It's triggered when a person of a particular species gets within range. Garak: In this case a Cardassian. Me. Odo: They're known to be favored by Flaxian assassins, and it just so happens a Flaxian came aboard the station just this morning. Odo: So, Mister Retaya, your papers indicate that you're a merchant. Retaya: I deal in fine wares, mostly fabrics and fragrances. Odo: According to my information, you were a suspect in the murder of Dekora Assan, on Japori Two. Retaya: I was cleared of those charges. It was a case of mistaken identity. Odo: This is your sample case, I take it. Retaya: Yes. Odo: Ah. How fortunate. As it happens, I'm looking for a gift for a friend. Retaya: A lady friend? Odo: Exactly. Unfortunately, I don't have a sense of smell. Perhaps you could describe this fragrance for me? Retaya: It has a somewhat floral bouquet. Odo: We have a Cardassian tailor here on the station named Garak. There was an explosion in his shop not long after you arrived. Retaya: I felt the blast. Was he hurt? Odo: Not seriously. Retaya: That one is more musky than the first. Odo: Tell me, where were you when the explosion occurred? Retaya: The Ferengi's bar. I went there as soon as I arrived this morning. I suppose I'd have to describe that one as spicy. Odo: I see. And how long were you at Quark's? Retaya: The rest of the day. Right up until your deputy came and brought me here. So, have you found something for your lady friend? Odo: Almost. I think she would like something both floral and musky. Perhaps if we mixed these two? Retaya: Why not? Very nice. Odo: But on the other hand, she's also quite fond of spicy things. Maybe we could add a drop of this as well? Retaya: I really don't think they would go well together. Odo: Let's find out. Retaya: I really don't think your lady friend will like the aroma. Odo: Much less the fact that when these three fragrances are combined, they produce a gaseous mixture that can trigger a fatal heart attack when inhaled. Retaya: I had no idea. Odo: Then why did you stop me from mixing them? Retaya: As I said, I simply didn't think your friend would like the aroma. Unless you have any more questions, I'd like to go now. I have deliveries to make on Cardassia. Odo: I'll let you know when you can leave the station. O'Brien: Everything's set. The transponder is on board the Flaxian's ship. Odo: You're sure he won't find it? O'Brien: Not a chance, I've hidden it inside the ship's magneton relay. You'll be able to track him as long as you stay within half a light year. Who do you think he's going to lead you to? Odo: If I knew that, I wouldn't have to follow him. Garak: I was wondering when you'd get here. The Flaxian left two minutes ago. If we're going to follow him, we'd better get moving. Odo: What makes you think I'm going to follow him? Garak: I happen to know that you're too dogged an investigator to allow the only witness in this case to simply disappear. Odo: Congratulations. Your powers of deduction are truly astonishing. Now, if you will kindly disembark, I will get on with my dogged investigation. Garak: I intend to go with you. Odo: Forgive me, but are you making a joke? Cardassian humor escapes me. Garak: I'm quite serious. Believe me, when someone tries to kill you it's no laughing matter. Odo: Perhaps, but I don't require your company on this trip. Garak: My presence could be most helpful, especially if the Flaxian goes into Cardassian space. Odo: I am not interested in debating your usefulness to me Garak: I hate to interrupt you, but the Flaxian is getting farther away. Now I assume you've placed a tracking device on his ship, but if we don't get started soon he's going to get out of range. Odo: Rio Grande to Ops. Request permission to depart. Kira: Permission granted. Garak: Trust me, Constable. I can be a most pleasant traveling companion. And this promises to be an interesting trip. Odo: The tracking device is working perfectly. Garak: If I'm reading this correctly, and I'm no expert, it looks like the Flaxian ship is about to go into warp. Odo: Well. It seems that our interesting trip has just been cut short. O'Brien: According to our sensor logs, the Flaxian ship exploded the moment its warp drive was engaged. Dax: Was there a malfunction? O'Brien: That's what I thought at first. Then I analyzed the telemetry from the transponder I planted aboard the Flaxian ship. Just before the explosion, there was an interference pattern in the transponder's signal. Dax: This interference could have been caused by a forced neutrino inversion. Odo: The Romulans. They use neutrino inverters in their explosive devices. Sisko: Why would the Romulans want to destroy the Flaxian's ship? Odo: One possibility is that the Romulans hired the Flaxian to kill Garak and then killed the Flaxian when he failed in his mission. Dax: Do you have any evidence to support that? Odo: It's only a supposition, but it fits the available facts. Sisko: All right, Mister Garak. Do you know why the Romulans might hire someone to kill you? Garak: I have no idea. Sisko: I'm getting tired of hearing you say that. How long do you expect us to believe Odo: He's telling the truth, Commander. He doesn't know why the Romulans would try to kill him. Sisko: What makes you so sure? Odo: Because if he did know, he'd already be spinning out an elaborate web of lies to cover up the truth. Garak: The truth is usually just an excuse for a lack of imagination. Odo: Is it. Garak: If you want to know what the Romulans have against me, you'll have to ask them. Sisko: I intend to. But I don't expect them to be entirely forthcoming. Romulan: Yes, we destroyed the Flaxian's ship. Sisko: I have to say I'm a little surprised to hear you admit it so easily. Romulan: Why should we hide it? Retaya was wanted for crimes against the Romulan Empire. His execution was perfectly legal. Sisko: We have information that he may have worked as an assassin. Romulan: I have nothing to corroborate that, though it wouldn't surprise me. Sisko: Shortly after he came here, someone tried to kill a Cardassian who lives aboard the station. Romulan: That would be Mister Garak. A cobbler, I believe. Sisko: A tailor, actually. Romulan: I'll correct our records. That is, if he's still alive. Sisko: He is. Romulan: Well, is there anything else? Odo: One more thing. How long had the Tal Shiar been looking for Retaya? Romulan: Nearly a year. Why? Odo: Isn't it curious that you finally caught up with him here, just hours after he attempted to kill Mister Garak? Romulan: We're just grateful to have found him at all. Now, if you're finished, Commander, I have other matters to attend to. Sisko: I take it you don't believe her either. Odo: No. Sisko: But the question still remains. Why would the Romulans want to have Garak killed? Odo: I don't know. Considering those uniforms of theirs, you'd think they'd appreciate a decent tailor. Sisko: So, where does this leave your investigation? Odo: At a standstill. We don't know that the Romulans hired the Flaxian. We don't even know that it was Retaya who tried to kill Garak. All we do know is that a bomb went off in Garak's shop. Sisko: All right, then let's start with him. What do we know about Garak? He was exiled from Cardassia. For what reason, we're not sure. He never leaves the station. He avoids contact with other Cardassians. And it's possible he was once an intelligence agent of the Obsidian Order. Odo: A very strong possibility, Commander. Sisko: Agreed. So we can assume that this attempt on his life had something to do with the Order? Odo: Unfortunately, he's rather uncooperative when it comes to answering questions about his past. Sisko: And the Obsidian Order is uncooperative when it comes to answering questions about their former agents. Odo: Ordinarily, yes. Sisko: What do you mean? Odo: I have certain resources in the Cardassian Government. Sisko: I take it you don't want to elaborate on that? Odo: I'd rather not. But I would like to request the use of a runabout. Sisko: Granted. Odo: Thank you, sir. Informant: Stop there. Odo: Where are you? Informant: Nearby. I've changed my appearance since we last saw each other. I don't want you to see me. Odo: I need some information. Informant: Is this about the tailor's shop? Odo: Yes. Informant: I didn't do it. Odo: I wasn't going to ask you that. I think the Romulans tried to kill Garak. Informant: Very good, Odo. I see working for the Bajorans hasn't entirely dulled your instincts. Odo: My question is why. Informant: You'd have to ask the Romulans. But I do know that you are investigating a very insignificant piece of a much larger puzzle. Odo: What do you mean? Informant: There's been a great deal of unusual Romulan activity these past weeks. Cloaked ships believed to be warbirds have been detected near the Cardassian border. Troop movements. Communication activity. Odo: Sounds like they're preparing for an invasion. Informant: It has occurred to us. And we're ready for it if it should happen. But it doesn't make any sense. Odo: Does war ever make sense? Informant: Still the wry observer of humanoid folly. Tell me, do you still do the Cardassian neck trick? Odo: No, I don't. Informant: Pity. You were so good at it. Garak isn't the only former operative in the Order who had an unfortunate incident yesterday. But he's the luckiest. The other five didn't survive. Odo: Five operatives were killed yesterday? Informant: Killed? No. Three died from natural causes. The other two perished in accidents. Odo: Quite a coincidence. Informant: If you believe in coincidence. Odo: I take it you think the Romulans had something to do with their deaths. Informant: There were certain indications of their involvement. Odo: That still leaves us with the question why? Informant: Here. Informant: Those are the names of the five dead operatives. I suggest you show that to Garak then ask him that question. Odo: I'll do that. Informant: I trust you'll agree that this information satisfies my debt to you. Odo: Agreed. Informant: However, if you do learn something from your tailor and wish to share it with me, I would be indebted to you again. Odo: I'll consider it. Garak: They're all dead? Odo: I take it you're not going to mourn their passing. Garak: Oh, quite the contrary. In fact, if these were different circumstances I'd be celebrating tonight. Odo: So you did know them? Garak: Oh, yes. We were quite well acquainted. Odo: In the Obsidian Order. Garak: Oh, Constable, we've been down this road before. I don't see why you Odo: I've had enough of your dissembling, Garak! I am not Doctor Bashir and we are not sparring amiably over lunch. Now, you dragged me into this investigation and you are now going to cooperate with me. Garak: Dragged you in? I don't know what you're talking Odo: You blew up your own shop, Garak! Well, I don't think I've ever seen that particular expression on your face. Is it surprise? Garak: Yes, Constable, it is. I'm surprised that you could come this unlikely conclusion. Odo: Drop the pretense. I knew as soon as I spoke with the Flaxian. Assassins don't like varying their methods. He planned to poison you. I think you spotted him on the station and then blew up your own shop so that I'd begin an investigation. Garak: That seems like a very elaborate way to get you involved. If I needed your help I could have just asked. Odo: But you couldn't be sure that I'd take you seriously. Or that I'd help you. Besides, I think you secretly enjoyed destroying your own shop. Garak: Well, I admit watching it burn wasn't exactly tragic. Odo: Whether or not you want to admit it, you pulled me into this case and now you're stuck with me. I want to know who those men were and what your connection was to them. Garak: We were all associates of Enabran Tain. Odo: Enabran Tain. The former head of the Obsidian Order. Garak: He retired some years ago. He was, I might add, the only head of the agency ever to live long enough to do so. For some time, we were his most trusted advisors. Odo: Do you have any idea why the Romulans would want you all dead? Garak: I don't know. But Tain might. Odo: That is, unless he suffered an unfortunate accident as well. Garak: That is a distinct possibility. May I use your communications system? Odo: By all means. Odo: That's an interesting way of scrambling a signal. Garak: Yes, I thought you might appreciate it on an esthetic level. Ah, here we are. Garak: Mila. Mila: Elim. I never thought I'd see your face again. Garak: I need to speak to Tain. It's urgent. Mila: You can't. He isn't here. Garak: Where is he? Mila: I don't know. He left yesterday in a great hurry. He wouldn't tell me where. Odo: Maybe he realized someone was coming after him. Mila: He's in trouble, isn't he? You have to help him, Elim. I know you're still bitter because of what happened between the two of you, but you must help him, Elim. Garak: If you speak to him, tell him to contact me. Mila: Promise me you'll help him. Garak: I promise. Garak: I'll need a runabout, Constable. Odo: We'll need a runabout. I'm coming with you. Bashir: I hope you know what you're doing, Garak. Garak: So do I. Bashir: Is there anything you need me to do while you're gone? Garak: Like what? Bashir: I don't know. Any unfinished business? Garak: Actually, Doctor, there is something. Bashir: What? Garak: If you go into my quarters and examine the bulkhead next to the replicator, you'll notice there's a false panel. Behind that panel is a compartment containing an isolinear rod. If I'm not back within seventy eight hours, I want you to take that rod and eat it. Bashir: Eat it? You're joking. Garak: Yes, Doctor, I am. Bashir: Very funny. Garak: I thought so. The answer to your question, Doctor, is no. There's nothing you can do for me while I'm away. Bashir: Then these are for you. Garak: Delavian chocolates. But these were meant for you. Bashir: I know. I thought you might need them more than I do. Garak: Thank you. Bashir: Good luck. Odo: We've cleared the station. Now if you'll be kind enough to let me know where we're going, I'll set a course. Garak: Head for the Cardassian border. We're going to the third planet of the Unefra system. Odo: How do you know that's where Tain has gone? Garak: I don't, but he has a safe house there that no one's supposed to know about it. Especially me. Odo: That woman, Mila. Who is she? Garak: She's been Tain's housekeeper and confidant for over thirty years. Odo: She seemed almost fond of you. Garak: Is it so hard to believe that there's one person in this galaxy who could regard me with a certain affection? Odo: I could believe there's one but I wouldn't expect it to be someone who worked for Enabran Tain. As I understand it, the two of you didn't part on the best of terms. Garak: You could say that. Tain was directly responsible for my exile from Cardassia. Odo: Then I don't understand Garak: Why I would be risking my life to help him? Odo: Exactly. Garak: Yes, I can see how that would be puzzling. Odo: All right. You owe him something. Garak: A logical deduction. I see why you're the constable. Odo: But it's more than that. He means something to you. Something personal? Garak: Ah, now you've just moved from deduction to supposition. Odo: You're not the kind of man who would go to such lengths simply to repay a debt. Garak: Are you trying to say that I have no sense of honor? Odo: That remains to be seen. Garak: Yes. Odo: You wouldn't risk going into Cardassian space for just anyone. It would have to be someone important to you, someone you cared about. I think you were more than Tain's advisor. I think you were his protégé and he was your mentor. That is, until he sent you into exile. And yet, despite that, you care enough about him to risk your life for him. Or is all that just supposition? Garak: A very interesting analysis. Very interesting. Particularly coming from you. Odo: Oh? Garak: It's been my observation that you always act from a sense of justice, or at least what you consider justice. There's no feeling behind what you do, no emotion beyond a certain distaste for loose ends and disorder. You don't know what it means to care about someone, do you? People are just interesting creatures to be studied and analyzed. Odo: Is there any point to this? Garak: Only that I find it interesting that you ascribe feelings and motivations to me that you know nothing about. Or am I wrong? Tell me, is there one person in this universe you do care for? One person who's more than just an interesting puzzle to be solved. Is there, Odo? Anyone? Odo: If there were, I certainly wouldn't tell you. Garak: And that would be a wise decision. Odo: I'm taking us out of warp. We're approaching the Unefra system. Garak: What's that? Odo: I'm detecting a subspace energy surge directly above us. A vessel of some kind is decloaking. Odo: It's a Romulan warbird. Garak: In Cardassian space? Odo: They've locked onto us with a tractor beam. Take the helm. I'm going to try to send out a distress signal. Garak: I can't pull away. The tractor lock is too strong. Odo: They're jamming our transmission. Garak: Do you think you got through? Odo: I don't know. I'm going to hail them, see what they want. Garak: I think we're about to find out. Garak: Tain. Tain: Ah, Garak. It's good of you to come. It spares me the trouble of having to send someone else to kill you. Come in, come in. It's been a long time, Elim. So, you're a tailor now. Is this one of your creations? Garak: A minor example of my work, yes. Tain: I don't think I like the neckline. Garak: Well you always did have a keen sense of fashion, but you seem to have let it go along with your once trim figure. Tain: Constable Odo, I've always wanted to meet you. Odo: I wish I could say the same. Tain: Oh come now. Haven't you ever been the least bit curious about me, about my relationship with Garak, or our work in the Obsidian Order? Odo: I seldom waste time speculating about retired spymasters and their associates. Tain: He's good. He hides his true feelings almost as well as you do, Elim. He'd have made a good operative in the old days. Garak: I had the same thought myself. But then, those days are long gone. At least they are for me. You, on the other hand, seem to have left your retirement far behind. Unless you're simply on a pleasure cruise with your pointed-eared friends. Tain: Cunning, isn't he? He makes a racial slur within earshot of two Romulans, putting me in the position of either defending them, thus giving away my allegiance to them, or letting the comment pass, in which case he's managed to plant a seed of diskord between us. Odo: Frankly, I don't find any of this interesting. You both go to such lengths to hide the true meaning of your words you end up saying nothing. Tain: I think you'll find when I have something to say, you won't have any trouble understanding it. To answer your question, Garak, no I'm not on a pleasure cruise. This ship is part of a fleet of Romulan and Cardassian vessels. A fleet that will very soon be traveling through the wormhole into the Gamma Quadrant. Odo: I take it you're not on a mission of peaceful exploration. Tain: Not exactly. Odo: You're going to attack the Dominion, aren't you. You're going to stage a first strike against them before they can come into the Alpha Quadrant. Tain: A clear and precise analysis. Commander Sisko must find you a valuable advisor. Garak: A daring plan. I didn't think there was anyone in the Central Command bold enough to take on the Dominion. Tain: Who said anything about the Central Command? This is a joint operation between the Obsidian Order and the Tal Shiar. We've been building a fleet of ships in the Orias System for months now. Odo: If you attack the Dominion they'll certainly strike back. You'll be taking Romulus and Cardassia into war. A war you may not win. Tain: I don't think they'll be striking back. Our intention is to wipe out the Dominion in one single blow by eliminating the Founders. Without them, the Dominion will collapse. You seem disturbed by this, changeling. Why? After all, didn't you turn your back on your people. Odo: You seem to know a great deal about me and my people. Tain: We know everything you know, including the location of their homeworld. Odo: Starfleet has shared their intelligence on the Dominion with the Romulans. Tain: And the Romulans have shared it with me. Garak: You'll forgive me if I reduce the scope of this conversation to something a little more personal, but why was it necessary to kill me and the rest of our former colleagues, in order to embark on this excursion into the Gamma Quadrant? Tain: Because, Garak, I don't plan on going back into retirement when this is over. I plan on going back to my old job and my old life. Garak: And you were afraid we knew things, things that could be used against you, and so you decided to have us eliminated. Tain: Like I used to say. Always burn your bridges behind you. You never know who might be trying to follow. Garak: You always used to say as well that the Tal Shiar was sloppy. You never should have relied on them to burn your bridges. Tain: True. They should never have hired the Flaxian to blow up your shop. Garak: Actually, I blew up my shop. It was a way of piquing the interest of the good constable. Tain: You blew up your own shop? You, my friend, are a true original. If you hadn't betrayed me, things would have been very different. Garak: I never betrayed you! At least, not in my heart. Why do you think I'm here? I came because I thought the Romulans were trying to kill you. I came here to save you. Tain: I never thought I'd hear myself say this, Garak, but I believe you. You can go. Garak: Excuse me? Tain: The changeling of course will have to stay, but you're free to go. Your runabout is in launching bay three. Garak: Just like that? Tain: Just like that. Garak: Aren't you concerned that I might warn Central Command and Starfleet about your plans? Tain: It's too late. Central Command will have a war on its hands, whether it wants one or not. And as for Starfleet, this isn't their fight. They won't interfere. Odo: It's a trick, Garak. After all this, he won't let you just walk away. Tain: It's not a trick, it's a choice. You can walk out that door, or join me. Garak: Join you? Tain: That is what you've been waiting for, isn't it? To end your exile, to come back into the fold. I'm asking you to serve Cardassia again, by my side. Garak: Well you'll pardon me if I appear a little startled, but are you saying that all is forgiven? Tain: I can't forgive what you did but I can try to forget, to put it aside as if it never happened. So, do you want to go back to your shop and hem pants or shall we pick up where we left off? Odo: Garak, this is the man who put you into exile. This is the man who just two days ago tried to have you killed. Garak: Yes, he is. But it doesn't matter. I'm back. To be continued...

Odo: I found twenty seven voles in his storeroom. Quark: Vole infestations are not uncommon on this station. If you don't believe me, ask Chief O'Brien. Odo: When I came in, he and Morn were painting numbers on the voles' backs. Quark: We were just counting them to see how many we'd caught. Sisko: You were getting ready to stage a vole fight. Quark: A vole fight? I'm appallled. Do you really think that was what Morn was up to? Sisko: Constable, I want the voles confiscated and removed from the station. Quark: You can't confiscate Morn's voles. They're like his pets. Sisko: I'll see if I can get him some goldfish. Now, gentlemen, if you will excuse me, it's late. Quark: Poor Morn. This is going to break his hearts. Sisko: Ops is yours, Lieutenant. Sisko: You going somewhere, Chief? O'Brien: Sir, I need to talk to you. It's kind of private. Odo: We were just leaving. Come on, let's go break the news to Morn. Sisko: Do you want to talk in my office? O'Brien: Actually, I thought we might go to my place. Security: Commander. Sisko: Stand down. O'Brien: Get on the transporter pad. Move. O'Brien: Computer, energize on my command. O'Brien: Energize. Sisko: Where are we? O'Brien: I guess you could say we just stepped through the looking glass. O'Brien: Sit down. Make yourself comfortable. Sisko: Right now I'm not feeling very comfortable. Sisko: There. That's better. O'Brien: That was a pretty nice move. Sisko: I'm glad you liked it. O'Brien: Of course, it doesn't change anything. You can't go home unless I reconfigure the transporter, and I'm not about to do that. I guess you've got a lot of questions. Sisko: Not as many as you think. O'Brien: You know where we are? Sisko: If I had to guess, I'd say that this is the same parallel universe that two of my crewmembers visited a year ago. O'Brien: You're quick. Just like our Sisko. That saves me having to give you a history lesson. But I'd better update you on current events. Since your officers left here, we've started a rebellion against the Klingon-Cardassian Alliance. We're fighting for our lives. Sisko: I wish you luck, but I don't see what that has to do with me. O'Brien: It has everything to do with you. You were the leader of the Terran Rebellion. At least, our Benjamin Sisko was. Sisko: Was? O'Brien: Captain Sisko's dead. The Cardassians blew up his ship. Sisko: Ah. So you want me to take his place. O'Brien: Like I said, you're quick. Sisko: Well, I've got a better idea. We're going to walk back to the transporter pad and you're going to send me home. O'Brien: Wait. Hear me out. I'm not asking for a lifetime commitment. All I need is for you to finish the mission Sisko was on when he was killed. Sisko: I'm sorry, but you're going to have to find someone else. I don't belong here and I'm not about to interfere with events going on in this universe. O'Brien: At least let me tell you about the mission. And then if you decide not to help, I'll send you home. There's a Terran scientist working for the Alliance. Our sources tell us she's close to completing a new transpectral sensor array that will allow the Alliance to locate our bases in the Badlands. Without a safe place to hide, the Alliance will be able to track us down and kill us all. Sisko: So, you want me to prevent this scientist from finishing her project? O'Brien: Captain Sisko was convinced he could change her mind, get her to work for us instead. Sisko: How did he plan to do that? O'Brien: She was his wife. Sisko: Jennifer. O'Brien: You know her? Sisko: She was my wife too. But in my universe, she's dead. O'Brien: Not here she isn't. Not yet, anyway. Sisko: What do you mean not yet? O'Brien: Unless you can persuade Professor Sisko to join our cause, we'll have no choice but to kill her. Sisko: Kill her? O'Brien: We cannot let her finish the sensor array. It'd mean the end of the rebellion. Sisko: I can't let her die. Not again. O'Brien: You're the only one who can save her. Kira: Delectable. And so are you. Kira: Enter. Jennifer: Mister Garak said you wanted to see me. Kira: Yes. Come. Join us. Jennifer: If you're wondering when the new sensor array will be finished, the answer is Kira: As soon as possible. I know. Jennifer: Will that be all? I have to get back to work. Kira: I have news of your husband. Jennifer: Nothing you could tell me about Ben would interest me. I haven't even seen him in five years. Kira: I know that. And I hope that will make this easier for you. You see, Benjamin is dead. Jennifer: Can I go now? Kira: You must've loved him very much to be so angry with him. To have become so cold. Jennifer: Were other Terrans killed with him? Kira: A whole ship full. Jennifer: All this killing, it has to stop. Kira: And it will. As soon as you complete your transpectral sensors we'll be able to locate the rebel bases, disarm them and put an end to all this bloodshed. And I will be able to resume pressing the Alliance to become more reasonable to its Terran population. You do believe me, don't you? Sisko: So it's agreed. I help you get Jennifer away from the Alliance, and then you get me home. O'Brien: You get us Jennifer, you can have anything you want. I just hope you can convince her to leave Terok Nor. Sisko: I don't understand what Jennifer's doing helping the Alliance in the first place. I mean, didn't she know that Sisko was leading the Rebellion? O'Brien: Oh, she knew. The truth is, she and Captain Sisko didn't get along too well. Then again, the captain didn't really get along with anyone. In some ways the rebellion's better off without him. Don't get me wrong, the captain knew how to fight but that's about all he knew. O'Brien: Ready? Sisko: You don't look very confident, Chief. O'Brien: You'd better start calling me Smiley. That's what the Captain called me. Sisko: All right, Smiley. O'Brien: I just wish we had more time to get you ready. I probably haven't told you half of what you need to know. I hope you don't run up against too many surprises. Sisko: If I do, I guess I'll just have to improvise. Bashir: I told Sisko he'd never get close to Terok Nor, and I was right. Rom: I say we teach the Alliance a lesson. Throw everything we've got at Terok Nor and rip it to pieces. Tuvok: I disagree. Following your suggestion would do nothing to enhance our goals and would result in a significant loss of life. Rom: That's easy for you to say. Those Cardassian pigs didn't kill your brother. Tuvok: We have all suffered losses at the hands of the Alliance. Nonetheless, logic dictates caution in the face of a superior enemy. Rom: Logic isn't going to win us our freedom. We have to take action. Bashir: And we will. But this time we do it my way. Tuvok: And what do you propose we do? Bashir: We smuggle explosives aboard the station, plant them in her quarters, and detonate them. Tuvok: You realize it is highly unlikely that anyone assigned to such a mission would survive. Bashir: I say it's worth the risk. Sisko: Does that mean you're volunteering for the job? Rom: Captain, you're alive. O'Brien: Of course he's alive. You can't kill the Captain. He's too ornery. Sisko: I hope that doesn't disappoint anyone. Bashir: We're glad you're all right. Sisko: I'm sure you are. Tuvok: We heard your fighter was destroyed. The Alliance said you were dead. Sisko: Just their propaganda machine working overtime. But you know what all that tells me? They're scared. And we're going to give them plenty of reasons to stay scared. Dax: Well, well, well. It's about time you came back. Dax: That's to let you know I missed you. Dax: And that's for letting me think you were dead. Sisko: I'm glad to see you still care. Dax: You coming or not? Sisko: I thought you told me I was married. O'Brien: You are, technically. She's your mistress. Sisko: I see what you meant by surprises. Dax: I'm really glad you're alive. And I'm going to make you glad you're alive, too. Sisko: We have a lot of planning to do. Dax: It can wait. Sisko: I suppose it can at that. Kira: Well these progress reports are unacceptable. Productivity in the ore processing center is down fifteen percent. You have got to do better. Or are you purposely trying to make me look bad to Sector Command? Garak: Not at all. I've done everything I can think of to motivate the workers. Kira: Such as? Garak: Bribes, torture. I've even given overseers permission to execute any worker not meeting the quota. Kira: I'm sure that pleases the overseers, but it is not getting the job done. Follow me. Kira: Lets start with him, him, and her. Garak: And do what? Kira: Execute them. I think you'll find that random and unprovoked executions will keep your entire workforce alert and motivated. Garak: I bow to your brilliance. Guard: Let's go. You too. Garak: Though I do hope your mood improves before we run out of workers. Kira: What does my mood have to do with anything? Garak: If you don't mind my saying, I have noticed a certain amount of ill-humor on your part lately. Kira: I don't know what you're talking about. Garak: As I recall, it began about the time you learned of Captain Sisko's death. Kira: Now why would I be upset by such delightful news? Garak: Well, I was under the impression that you were rather fond of him. Kira: Well then, you were mistaken. Garak: Well I will say this for him. He did had spirit. Kira: Too much spirit can be a dangerous thing. It tends to infect others. Garak: Well that's something we won't have to worry at least. With Sisko's death, and the imminent completion of the transpectral sensor array, the Rebellion is certain to collapse. Kira: You seem very sure of yourself. Garak: I am. Kira: I'll remember that. If the Rebellion continues, I'll know who to blame. Sisko: Are you sure these Alliance patrol patterns are accurate? Dax: You tell me. You gathered the information. Sisko: Hmm? Oh, that's right. Dax: Are you okay? You seem a little distracted. Sisko: Just thinking. Dax: I've been thinking too. You know, we've been fighting against the Alliance for almost a year now. And what has it gotten us? Nothing. Sometimes I think we were better off when we were collecting tribute for the Intendant. Sisko: Those days are gone. Dax: Maybe, but I'm tired of living like this. The rebellion's a lost cause and we both know it. Sisko: Don't you want to see the Terrans gain their freedom? Dax: Have you taken a good look at your troops lately? They're nothing but ex-slaves with delusions of grandeur. They'll never overthrow the Alliance. Let's just get a ship and go. Forget all about the rebellion. Sisko: I'm not ready to give up just yet. Dax: It's not like you're going to have much choice. Once that witch you married finishes her new sensor array, Alliance ships are going to be all over these Badlands. We're going to have no place to hide. Sisko: Then I suppose we'll just have to make sure she doesn't finish. Sisko: Trying to reach Terok Nor using small fighters didn't work. But we need to get Jennifer off that station, and we need to get her off there soon. Bashir: We've been meaning to talk to you about that. Tuvok: Mister Bashir is not convinced that you can persuade your former mate to join our cause. Sisko: I can be very persuasive. Bashir: Look, I don't even know why we're bothering to discuss this. The Cardassians destroyed your ship way before it got even close to Terok Nor. And even if you had made it there, there was no guarantee you could've convinced your wife of anything. O'Brien: Hit him. That's what the Captain would do. Go on, hit him. Bashir: Let's face it, Captain, the woman hates you. Sisko: What my wife thinks of me is no concern of yours. Dax: Anyone else want to disagree with the captain? Sisko: Put it away, Dax. Go on, put it away. Bashir: No one is questioning your authority, Captain. But we have got to stop her before she finishes that sensor array. Rom: And there's only one sure way to do that. Bashir: We have to kill her. O'Brien: You've been saying that all along. Bashir: Well maybe it's time he listened. Dax: Killing her would be a lot easier than trying to get her away from the Alliance. O'Brien: Easier, but not smarter. If she's that important to the Alliance, think how important she could be to us. We could use a scientist on our side. Sisko: You tell them, Smiley. At least someone here is using his brain. O'Brien: Think about it. Who knows what other weapons the Alliance is developing. Someone like Professor Sisko could counteract anything they come up with. Sisko: She's valuable. We need her. All right. Does anyone disagree? Good. Now let's get to work. Garak: Tell the Intendant what you told me. Rom: It's about Captain Sisko. Kira: Sisko? Rom: He's alive. He was able to get off his ship before it exploded. Garak: I suppose it's possible. Rom: It's more than possible. It's true. But I can tell you how to get your hands on him. If you're interested. Sisko: Don't do that. O'Brien: I can't help it. It itches. I hope this works. Sisko: It'll work. Just stop scratching. O'Brien: You did pretty good back there. I don't think anyone suspected you weren't Captain Sisko. At least not once you hit Bashir. Sisko: But you and I both know that was just a warm up. Jennifer's the one I really have to convince. O'Brien: I guess seeing her isn't going to be easy for you. How long's it been since your wife died? Sisko: Five years. O'Brien: Well just remember, Jennifer may look like her, but she's not. She's a completely different person. Sisko: I'll try to remember that. Do you have any idea what went wrong between her and Captain Sisko? O'Brien: From what I heard, they never should've been together in the first place. She came from one of the few privileged Terran families, people who cooperated with the Alliance. The captain he fought his way up from the mines. Sisko: What is she like, this Jennifer? O'Brien: I don't know. They'd separated by the time I got to know the captain. What was your Jennifer like? Sisko: She was the kindest, most caring person I ever knew. O'Brien: I wouldn't get my hopes up. Hold on. I'm reading a slight energy distortion in subspace. Sisko: What are the coordinates? O'Brien: It's coming from all around us. O'Brien: You know, Captain Sisko would try to fight his way out of this. Sisko: Be glad I'm not him. Kira: Well, if it isn't the notorious Captain Sisko and his friend the Tinkerer. Sisko: I'm glad to see you too, Intendant. Kira: Still the same old Benjamin. Sisko: You wouldn't have it any other way. Kira: Perhaps not, but I'm still going to kill you. Sisko: Maybe, but not right away. Kira: You flatter yourself. Sisko: Not unjustly, I hope. Garak: Intendant, please, let me teach him some manners. Kira: All in good time. But first, whatever shall we do about O'Brien? I remember the first time I saw you, Tinkerer. You were fixing something. You were always fixing things, making things better. And everyone loved you for it. Even me. But that just wasn't enough for you, was it. You couldn't be happy, staying here, being loved. You had to lash out and betray everyone who was ever good to you. Why? O'Brien: I wanted to be free. Kira: Free? You're a Terran. You were born a slave and you'll die a slave. Take him to ore processing. Remind him where he belongs. Guard: Let's go. Garak: What about Sisko? Sisko: Take me to the Intendant's quarters. Then she'll decide what to do with me. Garak: Of all the impudent Kira: Do as he says. Garak: Intendant. I demand that this man be Kira: You demand? Garak: But you promised me he'd die. Kira: And he will. When I say, and not a moment before. Sisko: Shall we? Garak: After you. Kira: I really don't know what to do with you. Sisko: I sympathize. It's a difficult decision. But I'm sure you'll come up with something. Kira: The only reason I can think of to keep you alive is to infuriate Garak. Sisko: What better reason do you need? Kira: Well, suppose I let you live. What will I get in return? Sisko: What do you want? Kira: Your loyalty. That's all I've ever wanted. For you to be at my side, my strong right hand. But I'm afraid I can never trust you again. Which means that I will have to dispose of you eventually. The question is, should it be sooner, or later? Sisko: Do I get a vote? Kira: Of course you do. It just doesn't count. No, I've got to think about this. Sisko: You will let me know what you decide? Kira: I wouldn't dream of keeping it a secret. Sisko: Jennifer. Jennifer: Hello, Ben. Please leave us. Garak: What, and miss this touching reunion? Sisko: You heard her. Garak: If you need anyone to beat him into submission for you, don't hesitate to call me. Jennifer: All right, I'm here. What did you want to see me about? Sisko: I was hoping we could talk. Jennifer: Really? You never seemed interested in talking to me while we were married. Sisko: I made a lot of mistakes back then. Jennifer: Save the apologies, Ben. They're not going to work. You are without a doubt, the most insensitive, self-absorbed, egotistical Sisko: You've made your point. Jennifer: I doubt it. You never listened to me before. You were always too busy trying to impress every woman who crossed your path. Sisko: Where there really that many? Jennifer: There were enough. And if it wasn't women, then it was that ship of yours. Sometimes I think it was the only thing you ever loved. Sisko: Maybe I loved you both. Jennifer: Then why did you leave me to go run and play pirate for the Intendant? Sisko: That's a good question. Jennifer: And now this Rebellion of yours. Do you know how many deaths you've caused? How much destruction? Sisko: I'm fighting to help free our people. Jennifer: You're fighting because you like to fight, Benjamin. The only thing you've accomplished is to give the Alliance an excuse to treat the Terrans worse than before. I just hope that with your capture, this rebellion can be ended peacefully. Sisko: Who said I'd been captured? Jennifer: Oh, I suppose you came here just to see me? Sisko: Actually, I came here to rescue you. Jennifer: Rescue me? Sisko: That's what I said. Jennifer: I'm not going anywhere with you. Sisko: You can't stay here. Jennifer: I have a job to finish. Sisko: You mean the sensor array? Jennifer: That's right. Sisko: If you finish the array you'll destroy any hope our people have for a better future. I don't think you want that. Jennifer: All I want to do is to put an end to all this fighting. To force the rebels to seek a peaceful settlement with the Alliance. Sisko: It's not that simple. The Alliance isn't interested in a peaceful settlement. If we lay down our arms, we'll all be killed. Jennifer: The rebellion is killing people every day. It has to stop. Sisko: Not this way. Not while the Terrans are still at the mercy of the Alliance. They're your own people, Jennifer. Jennifer: You have no right to talk to me like that. Since when do you care about what happens to our people? You've never cared about anyone but yourself. Sisko: Maybe I've changed in the past few years. Jennifer: How many times have I heard you say that? Sisko: I guess I was a pretty lousy husband. Jennifer: You guess? Sisko: Look, I know it's too late for an apology. Jennifer: You're right about that. Sisko: But for what it's worth, I'm sorry. What is it? Jennifer: For a second, I almost believed you. You know what I wish? I wish I'd never met you. Sisko: And I wish things could've been better between us. But this isn't about us. Or is it? Why are you working for the Alliance? Is it because you believe in what they're doing or is it something else? Jennifer: I don't know what you're talking about. Sisko: I think the two of us have been fighting each other for so long that you've gotten used to us being on opposite sides. But I'm not the enemy this time, Jennifer. The Alliance is. Jennifer: The Alliance is your enemy, not mine. Sisko: That's where you're wrong. Don't you see, you're no different than the slaves working in the ore processing center. In fact, you may even be worse off. At least they know they're prisoners. Jennifer: What if I am a prisoner? Sisko: You don't have to be. Fight back. Come with me. Jennifer: You want me to join the rebellion? Sisko: The way I see it, freedom is a lot better than slavery. Think about it. O'Brien: It took him long enough. Jennifer: What are you doing? Sisko: Sending a message. Jennifer: You have a subdermal communicator? Sisko: Courtesy of the Ferengi. Sisko: Jennifer, I need an answer. Are you coming with me or not? Jennifer: Do I have a choice? Sisko: Of course you do. If you want, you can go back to your quarters and forget we ever spoke. It's up to you. Jennifer: All right. But lets get one thing clear. Sisko: What's that? Jennifer: I still hate you. Sisko: I know. Cardassian: Terran, what are you doing down there? O'Brien: Re-routing the central ODN processor. The Intendant's orders. Cardassian: I don't recall receiving clearance for any repairs. O'Brien: You don't say? O'Brien: All right, anyone who wants to get out of here, follow me. Come on. Jennifer: You still haven't told me where we're going. Sisko: Airlock seven. There should be a ship waiting there for us. Providing we can get there before the security systems reactivate. Voice: You two look in there. Sisko: Get back. Jennifer: Now what? Sisko: I'll think of something. O'Brien: Hey! (The Cardassians are killed in the crossfire. Sisko: Good work, Smiley. O'Brien: Yeah. The only problem is there's thirty more of them behind us. Sisko: Then we'd better get to the airlock. O'Brien: Come on. Jennifer: Something tells me that's not part of your plan. O'Brien: We've got to find another way out of here. Sisko: Got any suggestions? Sisko: Fall back. Kira: That was very clever, Benjamin, having one of your own men betray you so you could get aboard the station. I was completely fooled. Fortunately Mister Garak is somewhat more cynical than I am. Garak: Your Ferengi friend told us of your entire plan, with a little persuasion of course. Kira: I'm afraid there's no escape. Your ship's locked down, your pilot's dead. There's no way out. You might as well surrender. O'Brien: If we surrender, she'll kill us. Sisko: Maybe us, but not Jennifer. Jennifer: What if we offer a trade? I stay here and she lets you live. Kira: Benjamin, you know how I hate to be kept waiting. Sisko: I came a long way to get you out of here, and I'm not going to leave without you. What is it? Jennifer: Nothing. Sisko: Smiley, how far is the ore processing center? O'Brien: Only a couple of levels. Kira: Time's up, Benjamin. Benjamin! Garak: Pursue! Kira: He always has to make things difficult. Garak: It's one of his least endearing qualities. Sisko: Smiley, seal the doors. O'Brien: Sure. It's easy for you to say. Sisko: I'm going to get you out of here, I promise. Jennifer: I believe you. O'Brien: I don't know what you're up to, Captain, but there's no way out of this room except through that door. Sisko: Don't worry. I know what I'm doing. I just hope your Terok Nor was designed by the same Cardassian that built my Terok Nor. Kira: Are you sure they're in there? Kira: Good. Then we've got them. Use the manual override to open the doors. Garak: This time, Intendant, I trust you're not going to be so lenient with our dear Mister Sisko. Kira: Don't worry. He's disappointed me for the last time. Kira: Jennifer. Oh, I was so worried about you. But you're safe now. In fact, I can assure you that your husband will never annoy you again. Jennifer: Actually, for the first time since I've met him, he's not annoying me. In fact, he's been making a lot of sense. Kira: Well, he can be very persuasive when he wants to be. I suppose this means you won't be finishing the sensor array. Jennifer: I'm a Terran. Kira: Keep her alive. Kill the others. Sisko: Oh, I wouldn't. You'd be making a mistake. Kira: The only mistake I made was not executing you in the first place. Sisko: You don't know how right you are. I have activated the station's self-destruct sequence. Unless I disarm it, this whole place will blow up in nine minutes. Kira: That's impossible. There's no way you could know the station's command access code. Sisko: Alpha nine one seven five blue. Kira: Computer, disengage self-destruct sequence. Authorisation Kira alpha nine one seven five blue. Computer: Authorisation denied. Sisko: I changed it. You have eight minutes and thirty seconds to let us go. Otherwise we all die. Garak: Don't listen to him. He's bluffing. Kira: He's not bluffing. Garak: How do you know? Kira: I know. Give me the new access code and I'll let you go. Sisko: I will give you the access code once my friends and I are safely away from the station. Do we have a deal? Kira: This isn't over Benjamin. I'll hunt you down. I swear it. Sisko: You're welcome to try. Sisko: Well, I'm glad to see the two of you are getting along. Dax: We have a lot in common. He's all yours. Jennifer: Dax tells me you're leaving. Sisko: I thought I'd pay the Romulans a visit. See if I can convince them to help us. Jennifer: Then I guess this is goodbye. Sisko: Jennifer, there's so much I want to tell you. I just don't know where to start. Jennifer: Why don't you start by telling me what happened to my husband? He's dead, isn't he? Sisko: I'm sorry. Jennifer: Don't be. Who are you, really? Sisko: It's a long story. But ask Smiley. He can fill you in on the details. Jennifer: He seems like a good man. Sisko: He does at that. So, what are you going to do now? Jennifer: Oh, I'm sure Smiley'll find something to keep me busy. You're not really going to visit the Romulans, are you. Sisko: The deal was that I get you off the station, and then I go home. Jennifer: Will I see you again? Sisko: I don't know. Jennifer: Thank you for rescuing me. Sisko: It was my pleasure. O'Brien: Ready, Captain? Jennifer: You'd better go. Sisko: Take me home, Smiley.

Bashir: Bashir to Infirmary. Medical emergency on the Promenade. Odo: I find it odd that a conduit running behind Garak's shop should just happen to overload. Sisko: Why would the Romulans want to destroy the Flaxian's ship? Odo: One possibility is that the Romulans hired the Flaxian to kill Garak and then killed the Flaxian when he failed in his mission. Sisko: Do you know why the Romulans might hire someone to kill you? Garak: I have no idea. Informant: You are investigating a very insignificant piece of a much larger puzzle. Odo: What do you mean? Informant: There's been a great deal of unusual Romulan activity these past weeks. Odo: Now, you dragged me into this investigation and you are now going to cooperate with me. Garak: Dragged you in? I don't know what you're talking Odo: You blew up your own shop, Garak! Odo: It's a Romulan warbird. Garak: In Cardassian space? Odo: You're going to attack the Dominion, aren't you. You're going to stage a first strike against them before they can come into the Alpha Quadrant. Tain: I'm asking you to serve Cardassia again, by my side. Odo: Garak, this is the man who put you into exile. This is the man who just two days ago tried to have you killed. Garak: Yes, he is. But it doesn't matter. I'm back. And now the conclusion. Bashir: Yes, yes. Bashir: Modern playwrights have become obsessed with writing human interpretations of alien theatrical works while ignoring completely our own unique cultural heritage in hopes of. Chief, are you listening to me? O'Brien: What? Bashir: I thought so. O'Brien: I heard every word you said. Bashir: And what do you think? O'Brien: About what? Bashir: Any of it. O'Brien: I don't know. Look, what do you want me to say? Bashir: Say you agree. Say you disagree. Say you hate theater. Just say something. O'Brien: Look, Julian, you said you wanted to have lunch. We're having lunch. Bashir: Yes, but I was hoping for a little more conversation with my plomeek soup. O'Brien: Ah. My mother taught me if you combine eating and talking, you'll end up doing neither very well. Bashir: Well, I suppose Garak taught me to think of lunch as a sort of arena for philosophical debate. I take it there's still no word about Garak and Odo? O'Brien: The starship Portland and a Cardassian cruiser are still searching the Algira Sector for the runabout. That's not entirely bad news. If the runabout had been destroyed they would have found debris by now, or something to Kira: Kira to O'Brien. O'Brien: Go ahead, Major. Kira: Report to Ops, Chief. There's something here we'd like you to take a look at. O'Brien: I'm on my way. Sisko: About ten minutes ago, our sensors picked up high concentrations of tetryon particles moving toward the station. Dax: I've never seen readings like these. What do you think? O'Brien: Subspace energy fluctuations, quantum fractures in the electrodynamic field, EM spikes across the spectrum? You've got me. Kira: Whatever it is, it's getting closer. Dax: And larger. The tetryon concentrations have increased ten percent in the last thirty seconds. There's an energy surge bearing two one zero mark three one five. A ship is decloaking. It's a Romulan warbird. Sisko: Romulans? Open a channel Dax: Another warbird decloaking at zero one zero. No. It's a Cardassian ship. Kira: A Cardassian ship with a cloaking device? Dax: Definitely Cardassian, Keldon class. Benjamin, there's an entire fleet decloaking out there. Sisko: Red alert. All hands to battle stations. Shields up, stand by weapons. Try to hail them, Lieutenant. O'Brien: Their weapons are charged but they haven't locked onto us yet. Kira: The lead ship's heading for the wormhole, Commander. Dax: No response to our hails. Kira: The fleet's following the lead ship. They're headed for the Gamma Quadrant. Sisko: Lieutenant, open a priority channel to Starfleet Command now. Tain: you should have seen the look on Legate Porania's face when I told him I was going into retirement three years ago. He was literally speechless. A rare event. Garak: I remember wanting to invent charges of treason against him just so I wouldn't have to hear his voice again. Tain: And you would have, too, if I hadn't held you back. You had quite a vicious streak in those days. Garak: Oh, I learned from the best. Tain: No, no. You had a gift. I never met anyone else who relished a good interrogation as much as you did. Do you remember getting that confession out of Doctor Parmak? Garak: I never even touched him. Tain: That was the beauty of it. You just sat there for what, three hours? Garak: Four. Tain: And after four hours of watching you stare at him, he confessed. Garak: I was good, wasn't I? Tain: You were brilliant. Afterwards, he just kept saying, 'His eyes his eyes.' I've missed you, Elim. Things just haven't been the same since you left. Garak: I've missed you too, Enabran. Tain: We're both getting sentimental in our old age. Next thing you know, we'll be crying over our lost youth. Garak: So whatever happened to Doctor Parmak? Tain: He spent three years in a labor camp, then returned to Cardassia Prime. I think he's practicing medicine again. When we get back, you should look him up. Garak: Oh, there are a number of people I intend to look up when we get back. For instance, do you remember a Gul named Dukat? Tain: Dukat? Oh, yes. The business with the arms merchant. I take it you'd like to have him eliminated? Garak: The thought had crossed my mind. Tain: When this mission is completed, you'll be in a position to eliminate anyone you want. Garak: I'll make up a list and give it to Mila. Tain: Perhaps you'd better give it to me personally. Mila may not be around much longer. She knows a great deal about me. Too much for her own good. Garak: Still, it would be a shame to have her killed. She's proven that she can be trusted on numerous occasions, and you'd be hard put to find a better housekeeper. Tain: Is this a request I hear? Garak: Not at all. Just an observation. Tain: No reason to pretend, Garak. You're fond of Mila. You don't want her hurt, right? Garak: If you're looking for an excuse to spare the life of your own housekeeper, you don't need me to provide you with one. You can do it out of the kindness of your heart. Tain: Mila always believed you were innocent of betraying Cardassia, and me. Garak: I was. Tain: Of course. No wonder the Romulans can't conquered the galaxy. No one can stomach their cuisine. Tain: Ah. Colonel Lovok. Allow me to introduce my associate, Elim Garak. Lovok: And what is his role to be in this operation? Tain: He will do whatever I require of him. Elim is a cherished colleague of long standing. Lovok: You will not enter the bridge or any other secured space aboard this ship unescorted. If you do so, you will be killed. Garak: Direct, isn't he? Tain: I'm afraid the Colonel believes in wasting little time with pleasantries or idle conversation. Lovok: The fleet has recloaked and is about to set course for the Founders' homeworld at warp six. Garak: Warp six? That's a bit slow, isn't it? Something wrong with your engines? Lovok: If we travel any faster, our warp signatures may be detected by the Jem'Hadar, even through the cloaking devices. Garak: Very clever. Lovok: The changeling is in quarters on C deck. There are forcefields in place to prevent his escape. Tain: Good. Which brings us to your first assignment, Garak. I want you to explain to Odo that it would be in everyone's best interest, especially his, if he were to provide us with all the information he has on his people. Garak: That may prove difficult. He can be quite stubborn. Tain: Then you'll have to find a way of convincing him. Garak: Well, Odo. I trust the accommodations meet with your approval? You have to admit, it's certainly better than a prison cell. Odo: There are forcefields around the bulkheads and a guard outside the door. Feels like a prison cell to me. Garak: I see your point. And believe me, if it were my decision, things would be Odo: I don't believe you, Garak, and I doubt I'll believe much of what you have to say from now on, so save us both some trouble and leave me alone. Garak: Why, Constable, you seem positively disappointed in me. Well, I suppose it's understandable. After all, I did pledge my undying devotion and eternal allegiance to both you and the Federation. And you and I have been through so much together, shared many experiences, and I know you considered me a close friend. No wonder you feel betrayed. Odo: You're wasting your time, Garak. I don't care about the rationalizations you come up with to justify your actions. Garak: Justify? I don't need to justify anything to you. Odo: Living on Deep Space Nine has made you a little rusty. Your lies are becoming more transparent. You should be careful. You don't want Tain to know that you're feeling guilty about what you've done. Garak: You are imaginative, Constable, I'll grant you that. But I would suggest that you put those creative powers to better use. We would like you to share your unique insights on the Founders. Odo: Would you? Garak: We would be grateful, most grateful, for any information you could provide. Odo: And if I refuse? Garak: Oh, really, Odo. You really must stop reading those human crime novels Chief O'Brien gives you. It's poisoning your thinking. I'm not here to threaten you. I just want to talk. Odo: I don't feel like talking. Garak: Surely you can see that we share a common enemy, the Founders. By cooperating, you'll be helping us provide security for the entire Alpha Quadrant. Odo: The only common enemy you and I share is Enabran Tain. The difference between you and I is that you don't know it. Garak: I suggest that you think over what I've said, Constable. Odo: Funny. I was about to make the same suggestion. Tain: Since the Jem'Hadar are genetically addicted to a drug that only the Founders can provide, we expect the Jem'Hadar to weaken and die once their supplies of the drug run out. A matter of days by our estimates. However, that will give them enough time to stage some kind of counterattack against the Alpha Quadrant, so I suggest you place the Cardassian fleet on alert. I take this action not in defiance of the Cardassian state, but in defense of it. You in the Central Command have neglected the security of our people and allowed peace with Bajor and the Federation to blind you to the real threat, the Dominion. I intend to remove that threat. Let history be my judge. Toddman: That message was intercepted by a Federation outpost earlier today. A similar message was sent to the Romulan Senate. Now, both governments are denying any prior knowledge of Tain's plans and calling this a rogue operation. Bashir: Are they going to do anything to stop Tain? Toddman: Both the Romulans and the Cardassians claim to be studying ways to stop Tain, but we believe that they'll just sit back and wait to see if he succeeds or not. Dax: But sir, that could plunge Romulus and Cardassia into war with the Dominion. Toddman: Only if he fails, Lieutenant. His plan looks like it has a fair chance of success. He's commanding a fleet of twenty ships manned by combat veterans. They know the location of the Founders' homeworld and they've modified their cloaks so the Jem'Hadar can't detect their approach. Kira: It sounds like you're hoping Tain will succeed. Toddman: I never hope for war, Major. But if it comes, I'd rather see the Dominion on the losing side. However, we have to plan for the worst. Ben, I want you to evacuate DS Nine of all non-essential personnel and put the Defiant on standby alert. Even if Tain succeeds, the Jem'Hadar are going to come screaming out of the wormhole looking for revenge and they may not be too particular who their targets are. Sisko: Admiral, we believe Security Chief Odo is aboard one of the Romulan ships. Eddington: Odo's message said the runabout had been caught in a tractor beam. That suggests he was captured and taken aboard one of their ships. Sisko: I'd like permission to take the Defiant into the Gamma Quadrant and try to determine if he's still alive. Toddman: I'm sorry about your officer, but there's nothing we can do. I want the Defiant guarding Bajor. That's your top priority. Toddman out. Sisko: Commander Eddington, am I correct in assuming that Starfleet is planning to send substantial reinforcements to this sector? Eddington: Yes, sir. A task force of nine starships is due to arrive tomorrow. Sisko: Nine starships. I want the Defiant prepared to leave for the Gamma Quadrant in two hours. Eddington: Sir, Admiral Toddman's orders were quite clear and Sisko: I am not going to just abandon one of my officers. Toddman's concerned about the defense of Bajor, and so am I. If we detect a Jem'Hadar strike force heading for the Alpha Quadrant, we'll use the communications relay to warn DS Nine, and we'll do everything we can to stop them before they reach the wormhole. I consider this a volunteer mission, but don't volunteer yet. There's a good chance you won't be coming back from this mission. And even if you do, you'll probably be facing a general court martial. If you do decide to go, be aboard the Defiant at fifteen thirty hours. Dismissed. Sisko: All stations report. Kira: Tactical ready. O'Brien: Warp and impulse engines online, cloaking device standing by. Dax: Helm ready. Eddington: The Security detachment is aboard and phaser rifles have been issued to every fire team. Sisko: Release docking clamps. Kira: Commander, there's an incoming priority message from Starfleet Command. It's Admiral Toddman. He's repeating his order not to enter the Gamma Quadrant. Sisko: That's what you think it says. How can you be sure when a transmission is as badly garbled as that one? Kira: You're right. There's an awful lot of subspace interference on this channel. Must be an ion storm or something. Sisko: Must be. Sisko: Aft thrusters back one quarter, port and starboard at station keeping. Dax: The cloaking device is operating within normal parameters. Sisko: Set course for the Founders' homeworld, warp eight. Lovok: We know that the Founders' planet lies at approximately these coordinates within the Omarion nebula. As you can see, there are no Jem'Hadar bases nearby. This means that even if the Founders did send out a distress call, it would take at least seven hours for any help to arrive. Tain: Our plan is to wait until we've entered orbit of the Founders' planet, then decloak and begin massive bombardment. Lovok: Computer analysis indicates that the planet's crust will be destroyed within one hour, and the mantle within five. Garak: That should more than take care of the Founders. Tain: Yes, it should. Unless they have some planetary defenses we don't know about. There is one person here who might answer that question. Mister Odo. Garak: Anything he knows about the Founders and their planet was undoubtedly included in his report to Starfleet. The constable is remarkably thorough in these matters. Tain: There was a time when you were eager to begin an interrogation, Elim. In fact, I remember having to restrain your enthusiasm on several occasions. Garak: Then you should also remember the pride I took in my work. I don't think that interrogating someone who can alter their form at will is likely to provide either amusement or information. Tain: I wouldn't worry about Mister Odo's shape-shifting if I were you. The Obsidian Order has developed a device which should prove quite effective in neutralizing him. Lovok: I was not informed about this device. Tain: It's only a prototype. We've never had a chance to test it, until now. Perhaps the Tal Shiar should take over the interrogation of the changeling. Garak: No. Tain: It's all right, Garak. It's my fault. I should've known you'd develop feelings for these people you've been living with for the past few years. But I just never expected that you would become friends with someone who worked for the Bajorans. Garak: This has nothing to do with my friends or my feelings. I simply don't believe he has the information you want. Tain: Possibly. Colonel Lovok will find out. Garak: No. I brought Odo here. He's my prisoner and my responsibility. Tain: You don't have to do this. Garak: Yes, I do. And I think we both know that you won't trust me until I do. Tain: All right. I look forward to hearing your results. Dax: Commander, I'm reading some kind of power fluctuation in the cloaking device. Sisko: What kind of fluctuation? Dax: I don't know. I can't locate the source of the problem but it is getting worse. Kira: We're decloaking! Sisko: All stop. Full scan, Lieutenant. Are there any other ships in the area? Dax: No, nothing in sensor range. Kira: Commander, if the Jem'Hadar show up while we're decloaked Sisko: We'll have to fight our way out of here. O'Brien: Everything looks fine. The power converters are online. The projection matrix looks normal. The cloaking device should be working. Kira: Maybe there's some kind of spatial anomaly nearby that's interfering with the cloak's power systems. Eddington: This isn't the result of a spatial anomaly, Major. The tetryon compositor on the cloaking device has been sabotaged. Kira: How do you know that? Eddington: Because I sabotaged it. Sisko: Why? Eddington: I was under orders from Admiral Toddman to stop you from pursuing the Romulan-Cardassian fleet. O'Brien: You've turned us into sitting ducks for the Jem'Hadar! Eddington: We can still defend ourselves. I didn't damage any of the ship's weapon systems or the engines. But without the cloak, we'll have to return to DS Nine. I'm sorry Commander, I didn't want to do this. Odo's my friend too but I report directly to Admiral Toddman and he gave me an explicit order. I couldn't disobey it. Sisko: I don't suppose you could. Chief, now that we know the problem is in the tetryon compositor, how long until you can fix it? O'Brien: About ten hours. Sisko: You've got two. On your way. Sisko: I'm afraid I'm going to have to confine you to quarters, Mister Eddington. Eddington: Sir, if we run into the Jem'Hadar, you're still going to need a chief security officer. Kira: What makes you think we'll trust you again? Eddington: Because I give you my word. Sisko: I make it a policy to never question the word of anyone who wears that uniform. Don't make me change that policy. Man your station, Commander. But I'd stay out of the Chief's way if I were you. Garak: I realize it must be nearly time for you to return to your liquid state, so I thought I'd bring you something to relax in. Odo: How kind. Garak: But before you go for a swim, I have a few questions I'd like to ask you. Odo: I have nothing to say. Garak: Well I had hoped a few hours alone might jog your memory but I can see I'm going to have to take some steps I'd hoped to avoid. Odo: Oh, no. You're going to torture me, aren't you? How I've been dreading this. Please have mercy, Garak. Garak: You do have a certain flair for sarcasm. It's one of the things I like about you. Garak: You can go now. Odo: I'd bring those guards back if I were you. I'm not in a very good mood. Garak: Yes, under normal circumstances, you would pose quite a threat to me. You could turn yourself into a Vicarian razorback or stretch out your arms and strangle me from across the room. But not this time. Odo: Oh? And why is that? Garak: Because that device is emitting a quantum stasis field designed to prevent any changeling from altering his biomolecular structure. Garak: Yes, it must be very diskoncerting for you to be locked into a humanoid form. Especially now. I'm sure you were looking forward to returning to your liquid state. Tell me, what will happen if you can't revert to a liquid? Odo: I don't know. Garak: An honest answer. But it's probably safe to say that it won't be pleasant. Odo: Garak, this is pointless. There's nothing I can tell you about the Founders that you don't already know. Garak: I wish I could believe that. Odo: Then why don't you? Garak: Because you and I are so alike. We both value our privacy, our secrets. That's why I know there's something about the Founders you haven't told anyone. Something you didn't even share with Starfleet and Commander Sisko, hmm? But you are going to tell me, Odo. Odo: There's nothing to tell. Garak: Well, perhaps something will come to you. I can wait. The question is, can you? Sisko: Major, leave the chief alone. Kira: What makes you think I'm going to see O'Brien? Kira: It's been three hours. I just wanted to see if he needed some help. Sisko: If he needed help he would ask for it. For now, the best thing we can do is to stay out of his way. Odo: What's the matter, Garak? You don't look very happy. Aren't you enjoying yourself? Garak: There's no pleasure in this for me, Constable, I assure you. I am simply doing my job. Odo: Your job. Yes, this is the job you've been waiting for. All these years of exile and here you are interrogating a prisoner again. It must fill you with pride. Garak: Odo, just tell me what I need to know and this will end. Odo: But you don't want it to end, do you, Garak? Isn't this what you've been dreaming of? Back at work serving Cardassia. Garak: That's right. And you have information that I need. Information that it's my duty to extract from you. It's not personal. Odo, talk to me. Tell me something. Anything! Lie if you have to, but say it now. Please. Odo: Home. I want to go home. Garak: And you will, I promise. As soon as this is all over, I promise I'll take you back to Deep Space Nine. Odo: No, not the station. Home with my people. Garak: The Founders? You want to return to the Founders? I thought you turned your back on them. Odo: I did, but they're still my people. I tried to deny it, I tried to forget, but I can't. They're my people and I want to be with them in the Great Link. Garak: I knew there was something, a secret you were holding back. Odo: And now you've found it. I hope it's useful. O'Brien: Repairs are complete, sir. The cloaking device is online. A souvenir of your handiwork. Sisko: Engage cloak. Dax: The cloak is operating normally. Sisko: Resume course to the Founders' planet, maximum warp. Tain: Did you get anything out of him at all? Garak: Nothing. He never broke. Tain: Well, that's unfortunate. I see no further use for Mister Odo. Terminate him. Garak: On the other hand, he is a member of the Bajoran militia and an officer on Deep Space Nine. We may not wish to provoke the Federation by killing him. Lovok: I agree with Garak. Tain: Do you? Lovok: Yes. There is no way to be certain that all of the Founders will be on the planet when we attack. We should be prepared to encounter other changelings in the future and we could use more information on their capabilities. I want to take Odo back to Romulus for further study. Tain: All right, in the interest of cooperation. Romulan: Bridge to Colonel Lovok. Lovok: This is Lovok. Romulan: We've entered the Omarion Nebula and dropped out of warp. We should be in orbit of the planet in fifteen minutes. Lovok: Acknowledged. Tain: Well, seems the moment is nearly at hand. Gentleman. Garak: Can I do something for you, Colonel? Lovok: Why were you trying to protect the changeling? Garak: I wasn't trying to protect him. And as I recall, you thought it was a good idea to keep him alive as well. Lovok: My interest in the changeling is based on what I believe to be the strategic interests of the Romulan Empire. But you, you seem to have a personal interest in him. Garak: Tell me, what else am I feeling? I've never been psychoanalyzed by a Romulan before. This is a fascinating experience. Lovok: You are a practiced liar, Mister Garak, but I am a practiced observer. And I can assure you, I am going to be observing you very closely. Pilot: We are within disruptor range. Lovok: Scan the planet for life-signs. Pilot: Sensors show multiple lifeforms on the surface. They appear to be in a liquid state. Garak: The Founders. Tain: Signal the fleet to charge weapons and lock onto their targets. We will open fire the moment we drop our cloaks. Pilot: All ships report ready. All weapons charged. Tain: So much for the Dominion. Open fire. Pilot: The first barrage is complete. Tain: Effect? Pilot: Thirty percent of the planetary crust destroyed on opening volley. No change in lifeform readings. Tain: What? That's impossible. Some of them had to be killed. Pilot: Our sensor readings have been confirmed by three other warbirds. There has been no change in the number of life-signs on the surface. Garak: They're using an automated transponder to send back false sensor readings. The planet's deserted. Tain: Colonel, signal the fleet to Pilot: Colonel, there are ships coming out of the nebula. Lovok: What type of ships? Pilot: Jem'Hadar fighters. Tain: How many? I asked you a question. Pilot: One hundred fifty. Tain: Tactical display on screen. Garak: It's a trap. They've been waiting for us all along. Pilot: Cardassian cruiser Koranak has been destroyed. Romulan warbirds Makar and Belak have lost main power. Lovok: Bring us about to three one eight mark two one five. Concentrate fire on ships attacking on the port quarter. Garak: The Jem'Hadar will destroy every ship if we stay. Our only hope is to return to the Alpha Quadrant. Lovok: There's no way out of here, Garak. The Jem'Hadar have cut us off. We need to consolidate the fleet and make our stand here. Tain: How could this be? What have happened? Garak: I'm afraid the fault, dear Tain, is not in our stars but in ourselves. Tain: What? Garak: Just something I learned from Doctor Bashir. Pilot: Main power's out. Switching to emergency backups. Lovok: Bridge to Engineering. We need power to the weapons. Bridge to Engineering, respond. I'll be in Engineering. Tain, take command of the Bridge. Pilot: Four more Jem'Hadar vessels are closing on our position. Odo: I take it that the attack on the Founders is not proceeding according to plan. Garak: No, it's not, but I suggest we make our way to the runabout. Odo: For once, Garak, I agree with you. Lovok: You will need this in order to gain access to your runabout. Odo: Why are you doing this? Lovok: Because no changeling has ever harmed another. Garak: You are one of the Founders? Odo: Of course. This whole plan was the Founders' idea in the first place. You wanted the Tal Shiar and the Obsidian Order to combine forces and come into the Gamma Quadrant so you could wipe them out. Lovok: Not exactly. Tain originated the plan, and when we learned of it we did everything we could to carry it forward. The Tal Shiar and the Obsidian Order are both ruthless, efficient organizations. A definite threat to us. Odo: But not after today. Lovok: After today the only real threat to us from the Alpha Quadrant are the Klingons and the Federation. And I doubt that either of them will be a threat for much longer. It is not too late for you, Odo. Come with me. You can still become one with the Great Link if you wish. Odo: Thank you. But my answer is still no. Odo: Come on. I don't think we have much time. Garak: The runabout is that way. Two decks down. Section twenty five. Wait for me there. Odo: Where are you going? Garak: To the Bridge, to get Tain. Odo: What? Garak: I know it's difficult for you to understand, Constable, but I still owe him a personal debt and I have to try to repay it. Wait for us as long as you can. Garak: Tain, we have to go! Tain: There must have been an informant. That's the only explanation. Garak: Yes, there was an informant. You're right. Colonel Lovok is a changeling. Tain: Lovok. Garak: Yes, but that's something we can discuss it at another time. Right now we have to Tain: It appears I have underestimated the Founders. I should have seen it coming. There was a time when nothing got past me. You remember, don't you, Elim? Garak: Yes, I do. But now we have to go! Tain: Go where? Back to Mila and my quiet retirement? I don't think so. I must be getting old. I let my pride override my instinct. Wouldn't have played it that way in the old days. In the old days I would've kept Lovok at arms length. He was too cagey, too smart. Garak: I can't just leave you here. Tain: I always did have a soft spot for you, Garak. Another of my flaws. Garak: Enabran! Tain: These Founders, Elim. They're very good. Next time we should be more careful. Garak: You can be very persuasive on occasion, Constable. But in the future I hope you'll consider using gentler language. Odo: I'll keep that in mind. A Jem'Hadar ship is following us. Raise shields and charge the weapons. Garak: Aft shields down to fifty percent. More speed would be advisable. Odo: The warp drive is offline. Garak: Shields down to thirty percent. Odo: Another Jem'Hadar ship is approaching to starboard. Hang on! Garak: Shields down to fifteen percent. Odo: Main power's failing. We're losing speed. Garak: The shields are gone. Odo, I hope that you will accept my sincere apologies for all this. Odo: A little late, isn't it? Garak: Nevertheless. Odo: I may not agree with what you did, but I can certainly understand your desire to return home. Garak: Thank you. Odo: What? Kira: Three more coming in off the port bow. Sisko: Fire on the lead ship, then bring us back to the runabout. Dax: Two life-signs on the runabout, Commander. Sisko: Drop shields. Bridge to Transporter room. Beam them aboard, Chief. O'Brien: Aye, sir. Eddington: Four more Jem'Hadar ships closing to starboard. O'Brien: O'Brien to Bridge. I've got them. Sisko: Raise shields. O'Brien: Welcome back. Odo: Thank you. Bashir: Oh, that looks painful. Garak: It is. But it did save my life. Eddington: Shields at eighty percent. Sisko: Attack pattern omega four. Full impulse power. Hold your fire until we're within five hundred meters. Kira: We might get pretty singed at that range. Sisko: Not as singed as they're going to get. Engage. Dax: Fifty thousand meters and closing. Two thousand meters. Five hundred! Sisko: Fire! Kira: The third Jem'Hadar fighter is still pursuing. Sisko: Aft torpedoes fire. Kira: Direct hit on their port nacelle. They're losing speed. We're out of their weapons' range. Sisko: Any other signs of pursuit? Dax: Negative. The other fighters are still concentrating on the remaining Romulan and Cardassian ships. Sisko: Let's not wait around for them to change their minds. Set course for the wormhole, Lieutenant. Warp eight. Kira: It's good to see you again, Constable. Odo: Likewise, Major. Dax: Course laid in. Sisko: Engage. Sisko: There is still no indication that any Romulan or Cardassian vessels survived the attack. Toddman: Sounds like Wolf three five nine all over again. Sisko: I had the same thought. Toddman: You may be interested to know I've decided not to file charges against anyone aboard the Defiant. Sisko: Thank you, sir. Toddman: But if you pull a stunt like that again I'll court martial you or I'll promote you. Either way you'll be in a lot of trouble. Sisko: I'll keep that in mind, sir. Odo: I just read the report that you wrote and I wanted to thank you. Garak: Me? For what? Odo: For not mentioning my desire to return to my people. Garak: I consider the entire conversation as something best forgotten. Odo: As do I. Quark has expressed an interest in renting this space if you're not going to be using it. Garak: Oh? Odo: He mentioned something about an Argelian massage facility. Garak: Unfortunately I don't think Commander Sisko will approve of such an interesting facility on the Promenade. Odo: I tend to agree. But do I think he would approve of a tailor's shop. Garak: Do you know what the sad part is, Odo? I'm a very good tailor. Odo: Garak, I was thinking that you and I should have breakfast together sometime. Garak: Why, Constable, I thought you didn't eat. Odo: I don't.

Leeta: Excuse me. You're Doctor Bashir, aren't you? Bashir: That's right. Leeta: I'm Leeta. I've been meaning to come by the Infirmary to see you. Bashir: Oh, dear. How long have you had that cough? Leeta: A few days now. Bashir: May I? Cough for me. Bashir: Hmm. Leeta: Is it serious, Doctor? Bashir: No, but it's a good thing you came to me when you did. We need to start your treatment immediately. Bring me a Fanalian toddy, very hot. Make that two. I'm feeling a bit of a cough coming on myself. Leeta: I'm sorry to hear that, Doctor. Bashir: No, please, call me Dax: Julian. Bashir: Hi. Dax: I'm Jadzia. Leeta: Leeta Bashir: Before I forget, here's the immunological data you asked for. Dax: How nice of you to put it together for me so quickly. I think I'll go over it right now. Oh, by the way, I hear the Lexington's docking here for a few days. Bashir: The Lexington? Bashir: Excuse me for just one second. Stay there. Bashir: Jadzia. Do you happen to know when the Lexington is coming in? Dax: Three weeks. Don't you have a friend aboard? Bashir: Do I? Dax: The medical officer. Elizabeth Lense? Bashir: Elizabeth Lense. You know, I think she may have been in my class at Starfleet Medical. Dax: Wasn't she valedictorian? Bashir: That's right. Dax: And you were salutatorian? Bashir: Second in my class. But if I hadn't mistaken that pre-ganglionic fiber Dax: For a post-ganglionic nerve. I know. Bashir: I would've been valedictorian. Dax: You must be looking forward to seeing her. Bashir: I can hardly wait. Sisko: Hey, Jake-o! Jake: Hey, Dad. Sisko: Hey. Jake: What is this? Sisko: I just thought it was time for a change. What do you think? Jake: I like it. How was Bajor? Sisko: Beautiful. You should've come with me. Jake: The re-opening of some old library isn't exactly my idea of a good time. Sisko: This wasn't just some old library. We're talking about the most extensive collection of Bajoran antiquities on the planet. I saw manuscripts that date back to before the fall of the First Republic. Jake: Great. Sisko: Here. Look at this. Jake: What is this, some kind of ship? Sisko: According to legend, the ancient Bajorans used ships like these to explore their star system eight hundred years ago Jake: You mean that when humans were first sailing across the oceans, Bajorans were already going to other planets? Sisko: Some scholars say they made it all the way to Cardassia. Jake: That seems hard to believe. What are these? Sisko: Solar sails. These ships were propelled by light pressure. Jake: Like a sailboat catching the wind. Sisko: Exactly. Jake: I wonder if a ship like that could really fly? Sisko: I don't know. That's why I'm going to build one. Sisko: I'm expecting a lumber shipment from Bajor this afternoon. O'Brien: Okay. Sisko: Which reminds me. I'll need a saber saw. O'Brien: A saber saw? Sisko: You know, to cut wood. O'Brien: Why not use a laser cutter? Sisko: Oh, no. I want to use the same types of tools the Bajorans had. This will do fine, Major. As soon as these cargo containers are out of the way, I'll start construction. O'Brien: Sir, I've looked over the specifications you brought back from Bajor. I'm not sure this design is spaceworthy, and I'm positive a ship like this could never have made it from Bajor to Cardassia. Kira: Now why would you say that? O'Brien: At sublight speeds, the trip would've taken them years, and that's assuming ideal conditions. One unexpected ion storm in the Denorias Belt would've torn the sails to pieces and left them stranded. Kira: Well, maybe they were lucky and they didn't go into any storms. O'Brien: I just don't see how this ship could've made the trip. They didn't even have replicators back then. They would've had to store their air supply and there's only enough room on board for a few weeks worth. Kira: Well maybe they recycled it somehow, used some kind of photosynthetic plant. O'Brien: Yeah, maybe. Kira: Oh, you sound just like a Cardassian. O'Brien: I beg your pardon? Kira: They've denied the possibility of ancient contact for decades because they cannot stand the idea of Bajor having interstellar flight before they did. O'Brien: With all due respect, Major, you're beginning to sound like a Romulan. Kira: A Romulan? O'Brien: There is no piece of technology in existence they don't claim they invented before everyone else. Sisko: Look, I don't plan to spend the next few years sailing to Cardassia. All I want is to build one of these ships and prove that it's spaceworthy. O'Brien: A computer model could do that. And why go to all that trouble? Sisko: Why? Because it'll be fun. Sisko: Oh, yes. Sisko: You know, I've been thinking. According to the star charts, the most difficult part of the trip between Bajor and Cardassia would be getting through the Denorias Belt. After that, it would be smooth sailing the rest of the way. Jake: Really. Sisko: Just making that part of the trip would go a long way towards demonstrating that the Bajorans could have made the journey to Cardassia. Jake: Seems reasonable. Sisko: It should only take about four, five days. Jake: That's not so long. Sisko: So? Jake: What? Sisko: So what do you say you come with me? We'll have a great time. The ship will be ready to go in another week. Jake: That's when Leanne is supposed to get back from Bajor. I really want to see her, and I don't know how long she's going to be here. Sisko: Oh, well. If you can't do it, you can't do it. Jake: I'd like to, but it's just not good timing, you know? Sisko: Sure. I understand. Dax: Hi. Sisko: Hello Jadzia. Dax: I brought you something to eat. Sisko: Oh, thank you. Let me just finish this welding and I'll take a break. Dax: Benjamin, I can't believe the work you've put into this. Sisko: I'm just following the blueprints. Dax: But you didn't have to bother with detail like this to prove the ship is spaceworthy. Sisko: Oh, I suppose not, but I want everything to be just right. It's an exact replica, you know, except for the gravity net I installled in the floor. Weightlessness makes me queasy. Dax: I haven't seen you like this for a long time. Sisko: Like what? Dax: So caught up in something, so excited. Not since, not since you and Jennifer decided to have a baby. Sisko: The nursery. Dax: I don't think anyone's ever put such effort into making a room for their child. Sisko: Well, you have to admit it turned out pretty well. Dax: Especially the starscape on the ceiling. Sisko: Jake loved that ceiling. In fact, when we moved out of the house, he couldn't understand why we couldn't bring it with us. Dax: You're disappointed he's not going with you on this trip, aren't you? Sisko: Oh, he has other things he'd rather be doing, friends he'd rather be with. It's funny. A year or two ago, nothing would've stopped him from coming with me on an adventure like this. I guess I waited too long. Dax: You'll have other adventures, Benjamin. They'll just be different. Believe me, I know. I've been a father a couple of times, myself. Oh, I could tell you stories. Sisko: You already have. Dax: That's right. I have, haven't I? Then you know I'm right. Jake: Computer, are there any messages for me? Computer: One. A communication from Wellington, New Zealand. Jake: Display it on screen. Jake: Hello. Sisko: Welcome aboard, sir. Jake: Hey, Dad. Sisko: So, what do you think? Jake: Well, it's wonderful. Maybe a bit small for two people but I think I could get used to it. That is, if you still want me along. Dax: A Survey of Cygnian Respiratory Diseases? Fascinating. Bashir: Yeah, I'm reading just about everything I can get my hands on. I don't want to be caught flat-footed by our intrepid Doctor Lense. It's useless, of course. She's probably diskovered the cure to aging by now. Dax: I take it the two of you are competitive? Bashir: Absolutely. We were neck and neck right until the final exam. Then I blew it. That's how she wound up on the Lexington, a post which virtually everyone in our graduating class was hoping for. Dax: Including you? Bashir: No. This is the assignment I wanted. Dax: Then what does it matter? Bashir: Well don't you see? She could have had this post, she could have taken it from me. No matter what I accomplish while I'm here, somehow that'll always make me feel second best. Dukat: I understand you're planning a trip. Sisko: Word gets around. Dukat: I can't believe that a man of your intelligence would take stock in Bajoran fairy tales about ancient contact. Sisko: If you recall, you thought the Celestial Temple was a Bajoran fairy tale, until we diskovered the wormhole. Dukat: I suggest you reconsider your plans. Solar vessels are very fragile, and it's a long way to the Denorias Belt at sublight speeds. Sisko: Don't worry. I'll have emergency equipment on board. If something goes wrong, Major Kira can have a runabout to me within an hour. Dukat: An hour can be a long time, especially if you happen to encounter something unexpected. Sisko: Like what? Dukat: Oh, I don't know. A Maquis ship perhaps. Sisko: Why would the Maquis have any quarrel with an unarmed ship sailing toward the Denorias Belt. They have nothing at stake here. Nothing to prove, or should I say, disprove. Dukat: Commander, I contacted you out of concern for your safety, but you seem to be intimating that I've made some sort of threat. Sisko: Ah. Then I'm glad I was wrong. For a moment there I thought that you had been put in charge of the Cardassian Ministry for the Refutation of Bajoran Fairy Tales. Dukat: Since I don't seem to be able to dissuade you from undertaking this little voyage of yours, I'll wish you luck instead. Let's hope you don't need it. Sisko: All right. First we have to deploy the mainsails. I want you to take that winch right there. Release brakes. All right. When I give you the word, crank it with all you've got. And now. Jake: That's as far as they'll go. Sisko: Lock it off. All right, let's work on the spritsails. Jake: It's just. Oh. Sisko: All right. Now get your back into it, eh? Jake: All right. Sisko: That's right. We'll make a sailor out of you yet. Sisko: These will trim the spritsails. Jake: Now I get it. Sisko: What? Jake: Why you wanted to build this ship. Sisko: It is beautiful, isn't it. Sisko: Jake-o, trim the starboard sprit about six degrees. Jake: Okay. How's that? Sisko: That should do it. We'll start to pick up speed as the pressure on the sails builds. Jake: Hey, Dad, where do we sleep? Sisko: We have hammocks we can string up later. Jake: Is this the bathroom? Sisko: Yes. It was designed for a zero-gravity environment. Jake: How am I suppose to? How are you supposed to, er? Sisko: You'll get the hang of it. We'll be tacking against the light most of the way, and then we'll run like this for about ninety minutes or so, then come about and I'll calculate the next leg of our trip. How about something to drink? Jake: Yeah, sure. Don't tell me we only have zero-gravity rations. Sisko: That's all the ancient Bajorans had. Listen. Jake: I don't hear anything. Sisko: Exactly. Not even the hum of an engine. It's almost like being on the deck of an old sailing ship, except the stars are not just up in the sky, they're all around us. Imagine how the ancient Bajorans must have felt, heading into space in a ship like this one, not knowing what they were going to find or who they were going to meet. Jake, I know that you really didn't want to come on this trip. I just want to say I'm glad you're here. Jake: Dad, there's something I need to talk to you about. Sisko: What is it? Jake: First you should read this. It's a story I wrote. Sisko: Ah. A story. That's why you kept putting this away every time I walked into the room, huh? Well if you'll keep an eye on the rigging, I'll read it right now. Jake: Deal. Odo: It looked better where it was before. I thought you might want to know the Lexington docked a few minutes ago Bashir: Already? Oh. I thought it wasn't coming for another day or two. Odo: She's in Quark's. Bashir: Phew. Okay. O'Brien: Are you going to go talk to her or not? Bashir: She's busy. Quark: You never mentioned she was beautiful. Bashir: I never mentioned her at all, not to you anyway. Quark: Morn gave me three to one odds that you'll exchange awkward pleasantries for a few minutes then say goodbye. I'm betting that your charm will take you further. Lense: Okay then. In the ship? O'Brien: She's getting up. Lense: See you there. Bye. Jake: So, what do you think? Sisko: I liked it. Jake: You're not just saying that? Sisko: No, no, no. It's good. Jake: What did you think about the part where Jared thinks he's been betrayed? Sisko: I don't think that he'd confront him with it, not right away. Jake: Yeah, I guess he could wait until he gets back from the Demilitarized zone. Sisko: Yeah, that'd make it more believable. Jake: So you really think it was good, huh? Sisko: I think it shows a lot of promise. Jake: What? Promise? Sisko: In a few places you're writing about things you haven't actually experienced. At least, I hope you haven't experienced. Unless you've joined the Maquis without telling me. Jake: I can't talk about it. I had you going there. Sisko: Jake, I really am impressed. I think you should keep writing. Jake: I'm thinking about it. Sisko: Don't think about it, just do it. Jake: What I mean is, yesterday I got a communication from the Pennington School in New Zealand, and they offered me a writing fellowship Sisko: Jake, that's terrific. I didn't realize you had applied Jake: I didn't really. What happened is, I showed a story I wrote to Mrs O'Brien. I guess she liked it because she showed it to a friend of hers who knows someone at the school and Sisko: A mast support gave way. The starboard sprit is fouling one of the mainsails. Jake: Can we fix it? Sisko: I don't think so. We're going to have to jettison the sprit. Let's fall off a little, take some pressure off the sails. Lock that down and give me a hand. One more turn. Lock it. Good work. I'm going to jettison the sprit. Sisko: That's better, but we're still getting a lot of spill off the sails. We won't be able to make much headway with each tack. I don't think we'll be able to get to the Denorias Belt like this. Jake: The ancient Bajorans probably ran into these kinds of problems. Sisko: I suppose they did. Jake: Well, did they give up and go home? Sisko: Seems to me we're here to prove that they didn't. Jake: What are we waiting for? Sisko: Let's get to work. Lay out the port sprit. Coming about. Bashir: Bring me my chariots of fire! I will not cease from mental fight, Nor shall my sword sleep in hand Till we have built Jerusalem In England's green and pleasant land. Bashir: That was really beautiful, Chief. You know what we should do? O'Brien: What? Bashir: We should go to Quark's and sing it for everybody. O'Brien: I think we should switch to synthale. Bashir: No! No, this isn't a synthale kind of night. She walked right past me, Chief. Acted like I wasn't even there. O'Brien: Do you know what I think? Bashir: What? O'Brien: I think she's in love with you. Bashir: I don't think so. O'Brien: It's the only explanation. Unless, unless she really ignored you because she can't stand you. Bashir: Isn't there some explanation in between? O'Brien: Well, you're not an in-between kind of guy. Bashir: What do you mean? O'Brien: Well, people either love you or hate you. Bashir: Really? O'Brien: I hated you when we first met. Bashir: I remember. O'Brien: But now. Bashir: But now? O'Brien: Well, now I don't. Bashir: That means a lot to me, Chief. It really does. O'Brien: Really. Now that is from the heart. I really do, not hate you anymore. Hey, do you know what I think? If you want to know why she ignored you, you have got to confront her. Bashir: You're right. I'm going to go right up to her and ask her flat out where she gets off walking past me like that. O'Brien: Better wait until tomorrow. Bashir: Why? Why not right now? O'Brien: Because you can barely stand up right now. Bashir: Good point. Good point. Good point. And did those feet O'BRIEN + Bashir: In ancient time, Walk upon England's mountains Sisko: Lock it. Coming about. Now. Good. Solid job. Let's take a break. String up the hammock. Hammock time. Jake: Yo. Sisko: Hop in. Phew. Oh, man. Jake: Nice. Jake: I'm okay. Sisko: Comfortable, isn't it? Jake: I'm fine. Yes. Sisko: We'll make a sailor of you yet. I suppose congratulations are in order. Pennington is a good school, and very competitive. Jake: Dad, before you say anything. I'm turning down the Fellowship. Sisko: Turning it down? Why? Jake: I'm just not ready to go. Sisko: Jake, an opportunity like this doesn't come along every day/ Jake: I can defer admission for a year. If I want to go then, I still can. Sisko: Well, that's fine, but why will things be different in a year? Jake: I don't know. They just might be, that's all. Sisko: I remember, Jake, I wasn't much older than you when I left for San Francisco to go to Starfleet Academy. For the first few days, I was so homesick that I'd go back to my house in New Orleans every night for dinner. I'd materialize in my living room at six thirty every night and take my seat at the table just like I had come down the stairs. Jake: You must have used up a month's worth of transporter credits. Sisko: My parents, they never said anything about it. Just 'how you doing, son, how was school today? They knew that I would get over being homesick soon enough. And after about the fifth, sixth day, you could pry me from that campus. Of course now, if you go to Pennington, you won't be able to beam back to the station to have dinner with your old man. After about a week or so, you'll get over it. Jake: It's not me I'm worried about. It's you. Sisko: Me? Jake: If I go, you'll be all alone. Sisko: Oh, I appreciate you thinking about me, Jake, but please don't turn down this opportunity on my account. I'll have plenty of people to keep me company. I can always eat dinner with Dax, or Doctor Bashir, or even Quark. Jake: I guess, but I'd feel a lot better if you had someone. You know, someone special, like a girlfriend. Sisko: I see. Jake: Let's face it. It's been over a year since your last date. A year, Dad. You've got to make time for these things. Sisko: I cannot believe that I'm getting advice about women from my son. Jake: Don't think of me as your son right now. Just think of me as another guy. Another guy who happens to know a very attractive lady who wants to meet you. Sisko: You are trying to set me up? Jake: Well why not? Jake: What was that? Sisko: I'm not sure, but whatever hit us almost tore off the port mainsail. Sisko: Main power's offline. We're moving at warp. Jake: How can that be? Sisko: I don't know. Jake: What happened? Sisko: That's a good question. There's no record of any spatial anomalies in this region. Jake: What are these? Sisko: Tachyon eddies. They run all through this area. Jake: Could we have gotten caught up in one? Sisko: No, tachyons don't have enough mass to affect a ship of. This isn't an ordinary ship. It has a lot more surface area relative to its mass. Jake: Because of the sails. Sisko: And since tachyons travel faster than light, it could be that their impact on the sails somehow accelerated us to warp speeds. We could be light years off course. Jake: The question is, where did we end up? Sisko: You check the rigging. I'll try to figure that out. Jake: We lost the jib and port mainsail. Sisko: Damn. Jake: What? Sisko: It's useless. Now we can't figure out where we are or where we're going. Guess we'll have to contact the station, let them know they have to come and get us. Jake: We were so close. Another day and we would have made it to the Denorias Belt. Sisko: Hey, we did pretty well getting as far as we did. Jake: Is something wrong? Sisko: The station's not responding. Jake: Is the comm. unit damaged? Sisko: Not as far as I can see. Maybe they haven't received our message yet Jake: You think we could have been carried that far away from the station? Sisko: I suppose it's possible. Jake: Well, they'll find us eventually, right? Sisko: Sure. Bashir: Excuse me. Lense: Yes? Bashir: We were to medical school together. Julian Bashir. Lense: You're Bashir? Bashir: You sound surprised. Lense: Well, I thought you were Andorian. Bashir: Andorian? Lense: Someone pointed out an Andorian to me at a party and said that that was Julian Bashir. It was New Year's Eve at Bruce Lucier's, four years ago. Bashir: I did go to that party. May I? Lense: Yes. Bashir: With my friend, Erit. He's Andorian. No, thank you. Lense: I must've gotten you mixed up. All these years, I thought you were someone else. Bashir: Didn't you see me give my speech at graduation? Lense: No, I was backstage waiting to give my speech. I was so nervous I almost passed out. Bashir: I know the feeling. Lense: So. You gave me quite a run for my money. If it hadn't been for that pre-ganglionic fiber Bashir: You know about that? Lense: I know that if you hadn't got that wrong you would be valedictorian. Bashir: Well, I never got a chance to congratulate you. Lense: Seems like a long time ago, doesn't it? Bashir: Not so long. So, you got the Lexington. You must have had quite an adventure, exploring uncharted space, meeting fascinating new races with fascinating new diseases. Lense: Actually, it ended up being more of a charting expedition. Sometimes it would be months between planetary systems. You wouldn't believe how excited I would get if we actually found something living, even if it was just moss under a rock. Don't take this the wrong way but, there were times when I regretted not taking your assignment. Bashir: Really. Lense: I read your paper on the immuno-therapy project you've been doing on Bajor. It was brilliant. Bashir: Thank you. Lense: I really envy the opportunity you have to work on that kind of long-term project. On the Lexington, it was collect your samples and then on to the next system. Bashir: I suppose I was lucky. Lense: What's happening on Bajor? Were you able to get the T-cell anomalies under control? Bashir: If you're really that interested, we should go to the Infirmary and I can show you my latest results. Lense: I'd love it. Quark: Morn, about that bet. I believe the odds were three to one. Jake: So, Dad, we're not going to run out of air or anything, are we? Sisko: Don't worry, somebody'll find us before that happens. So, tell me about this woman you want me to meet? Jake: Well, she's a freighter captain. Sisko: A freighter captain? Jake: Dad, trust me, you'll like her. Sisko: All right, I'll agree to meet her on one condition. Jake: What? Sisko: That you agree not to base your decision about going to Pennington on how our date turns out. Jake: Don't worry, I won't. I've already decided to wait at least a year. Sisko: Why? Jake: Well, I've heard that you can only write about what you've experienced. And you've got to admit, Deep Space Nine is a pretty good place to get experience. Jake: Dad! Sisko: It appears we've got company. Jake: What do you think they want? Sisko: Looks like we're about to find out. What can I do for you, Dukat? Dukat: Well, I wanted to be the first one to congratulate you. Sisko: Congratulate me? Dukat: On managing to make it all the way here. Sisko: All the way where? Dukat: Don't you know? You've just entered the Cardassian system. Jake: The tachyon eddy. It must've taken us past the Denorias Belt and brought us here. Sisko: The same thing must've happened to the ancient Bajorans. Jake: We did it! We proved the trip was possible. Dukat: I hate to interrupt your celebration, Commander, but I've been asked to convey a message from the Cardassian Government. Your voyage is a testament to the spirit of the ancient Bajorans who first ventured out into space. It could not be more appropriate that your arrival coincides with the diskovery here on Cardassia of an ancient crash site, a site that our archeologists believe contains the remnants of one of the Bajoran vessels whose journey you have just recreated. Sisko: What an amazing coincidence. Dukat: Yes, isn't it. Welcome.

Jake: Hey, Dad. Sisko: Jake-o. Take your seat. Dinner's almost ready. Jake: Let me guess, you've convinced the Peljenites to exchange ambassadors with the Federation. Sisko: How did you know that? Jake: You're cooking chicken paprikish. Sisko: Paprikash. Jake: You only cook Hungarian food when you're in a really good mood. Sisko: You know, I always said that you are a smart child. Jake: Runs in the family. You know, I've got some good news, too. Captain Yates is back on the station. Kasidy Yates. Sisko: Who? Jake: The freighter captain I told you about. Sisko: The one you want me to meet? Jake: I could invite her over for dinner. How about tomorrow night? Sisko: Jake, I think we're getting a little ahead of ourselves here. I know you want me to meet her, and I will. Just let me handle it my way. Jake: You're going to like her, Dad. Sisko: You never know. Quark: The place is packed. Where's Nog? Rom: I gave him the night off. Quark: You what? Rom: He's studying for his Starfleet exams. He's a very dedicated student. Quark: He's a disgrace to his family and to Ferengi everywhere. He should be here, helping us earn profit, not in his room, learning how to be more like a human. Rom: He doesn't want to be human, brother. He just wants to join Starfleet. Quark: It's the same thing. Don't you see? That's is how it begins. All it takes is for one impressionable youngster to join Starfleet, and the next thing you know, a whole generation of Ferengi will be quoting the Prime Directive and abandoning the pursuit of latinum. It's the end of Ferengi civilisation as we know it and it's all your fault. Rom: Relax, brother. Nog isn't going to destroy the Ferengi way of life. He just wants a job with better hours. Brunt: You must be Quark. Quark: That's me. What can I do for you? Brunt: Brunt. FCA. Rom: The Ferengi Commerce Authority. Quark: A Writ of Accountability. Rom: We're in trouble. All right, everyone. The bar is closed. Everybody out. Go, go, go. Now, everybody. This way. Out. Everybody out. Rom: So, how do you get to be an FCA liquidator anyway? Brunt: Hard work, bribes, sucking up to the boss. Just like any other job. Are these all your assets? QUARK + Rom: Yes. No. Quark: Down to the last slip of latinum. Brunt: You realize concealing financial information from the FCA could result in severe fines? Quark: I would never dream of trying to hide anything from the FCA. Brunt: We'll see. Quark: Could I look over those figures again? Brunt: Yes. Quark: Wait a minute. That can't be right. Rom, you forgot to include the profit figures for the tulaberry wine franchise. Rom: But you told me Quark: Go get them. Now. Rom: Yes, brother. Quark: You'll have to excuse Rom. He means well, but he can be a lobeless idiot sometimes. Brunt: Please provide a dermal imprint for FCA records. Quark: But you haven't even told me what I'm being charged with. Brunt: No. I haven't. Quark: Oh. How rude of me. For your trouble. Brunt: You're being charged with violating Ferengi Trade Bylaws subsection one thousand twenty seven, paragraph three. Quark: Subsection one thousand twenty seven, paragraph three? I'm not sure I'm familiar with that one. Brunt: Well in that case you need a copy of the Bylaws. Quark: Which you just happen to have. Quark: Subsection one thousand twenty seven, paragraph three. Improper supervision of a family member? Brunt: You are being held accountable for the criminal activities of one Ishka, daughter of Adred, wife of Keldar. Quark: Ishka? You mean our mother. What's she done? Brunt: She's charged with earning profit. Rom: Earning profit? Our Moogie? Quark: Odo, I'm holding you personally responsible for the safety of my bar and my personal possessions for as long as I'm off the station. And make sure my thieving brother doesn't touch anything. Odo: Going somewhere? Quark: Back to the homeworld to take care of some business. Odo: A little trouble with the FCA? Quark: How'd you know? I won't be gone long. All I've got to do is get my mother to confess to her crimes and I'll be on the next transport back to the station. Odo: Your mother? What's she done? Quark: It doesn't matter. The important thing is I'm required by law to get her to admit her wrongdoing, make reparations and reveal her accomplices. And that's what I'm going to do. Odo: Assuming she cooperates. Quark: Well, she'd better. I have no intention of spending my latinum to make restitution for her crimes. I will wring that confession out of her if I have to. Odo: This is your mother you're talking about? Quark: Don't remind me. Kira: Chief O'Brien wants to know when you can stop by and inspect the new runabout. Sisko: I will be available at fourteen hundred hours. Tell him I want to name it the Rubicon. Kira: The Rubicon it is. You know, the rate we go through runabouts, it's a good thing the Earth has so many rivers. Dax: Have you met her yet? Sisko: Met who? Dax: Captain Yates. Sisko: How did you know about her? Dax: Jake introduced us. So are you going to ask her to dinner? Sisko: I'm considering it. What did you think about her? Dax: Let me just put it this way. If I were Curzon, I'd have stolen her from you by now. Sisko: That's one of the reasons I'm glad you're not Curzon anymore. Rom: Brother, wait. I'm coming with you. Quark: No, you're not. Rom: Yes, I am. Quark: What did I tell you about contradicting me? Rom: You told me not to do it. Quark: That's right. So you're going to stay here and watch over the bar while I'm gone. Rom: No, I'm not. The bar's closed. There's no reason why I can't come along. Quark: You want a reason? I'll give you a reason. I don't want you to. And you know why? Because you'll just take her side. Rom: You mean Moogie? Quark: Yes, I mean Moogie. Stop calling her by that infantile nickname. Rom: But she likes it. Quark: Well, I don't. Rom: Well, she does. Quark: You see? You always take her side. Rom: Somebody has to. After all, she is our mother. Now, I'm coming with you and that's final. Quark: All right. Fine. Come if you want. Just remember one thing. This is between Moogie, I mean Mother, and me. So if you know what's good for you, you'll stay out of the way. Quark: Welcome to our home. Quark: Please place your imprint on the legal waivers and deposit your admission fee in the box by the door. Remember, my house is my house. Brunt: As are its contents. Rom: It's good to be back, isn't it, brother? Quark: Now that you mention it, no. Rom: But you haven't been here in twenty years. Quark: And if I had my way, I would have been gone another twenty. Rom: Mother certainly has been acquiring quite a few new things. Doubtlessly with the generous stipend you give her. Look, brother. The latinum tooth-sharpener I used when we were children. Quark: All I had was a cheap wooden chewstick. Brunt: Excuse me for interrupting, but we do have business to attend to. As a registered liquidator, it's my duty to present a formal list of the infractions committed by your mother. You have three days to obtain an admission of guilt from the accused. Quark: Three days? Is that all? Brunt: If you're not able to obtain a confession, your mother will be placed in indentured servitude and you will be required to make restitution for her crimes. Do you understand everything I've said to you? Ishka: He understands, all right. Not that it matters. I'm not confessing to anything. Rom: Moogie! Ishka: It's good to see you, son. You look well. Rom: And you look dressed. Ishka: Oh, now, now, now. Brunt: Your mother is wearing clothes. Quark: Mother, get undressed this instant. Ishka: Hello, Quark. You haven't changed a bit. Brunt: Perhaps I should leave. Ishka: Perhaps you should. Brunt: Was she addressing me? Quark: No, no, no, not at all. Ishka: Of course I was. This is my home and I'll speak to whomever I want. Rom: But Moogie, he's a stranger, and you're a female. Ishka: It's all right, Rom. I know what I'm doing. Brunt: Perhaps you do, but I will not stand here and be spoken to by a female. Quark: Wait. I'm sure there's an explanation. Brunt: You have three days to get your house in order. Quark: Now, see what you've done? Ishka: Quark, you're upsetting your brother. Quark: He's not the only one who's upset. Not that anyone cares how I feel. Ishka: That's not true. I care. Quark: Then imprint this and take off those clothes. Ishka: I'm not doing anything of the kind. Quark: Yes you are. You're going to make a full confession, so that I can go back to my bar and pretend none of this has ever happened. Rom: You mean we're leaving so soon? Ishka: Rom, this is your home. You can stay as long as you like. Or leave whenever you like. It's up to you. Rom: Same old Moogie. Quark: Yeah. Odo: Are you sure this is absolutely necessary? Bashir: Well, I don't know if I would call it necessary. O'Brien: Constable, there's no telling how long Quark will be away. All we want is our dartboard. Odo: Can't you just replicate another one? Bashir: We could O'Brien: But we're not going to. That's our dartboard and we want it back. If Quark was going to run off, the least he could do is give us some warning so we could retrieve our property. Bashir: It's the principle of the thing. Odo: Well, getting it back might not be as simple as you think. This is one of Rom's special security locks. I've never seen anything so convoluted. Sisko: Gentlemen, is there a problem? Odo: Ah. Well, it seems Quark has locked some of Chief O'Brien and Doctor Bashir's personal property inside the bar. Sisko: Ah. Let me guess. Your lucky dartboard? O'Brien: We never said it was a lucky dartboard. Bashir: We're just used to playing on it, that's all. Sisko: A little defensive, aren't they? Ah well, it looks like it's a tripartite microsealing mechanism. It's going to take you a long time to get through that one. If you want any suggestions, I'll be in cargo bay O'Brien: Four. Sisko: Seven. O'Brien: Oh, I just thought Sisko: Thought what? O'Brien: I thought you were going to talk to the freighter captain. Bashir: You know. Jake's friend. Sisko: How do you two know about her? Bashir: The Chief told me. Sisko: Exactly how many people has Jake told about this woman? O'Brien: Everyone. Rom: Tube grubs, extra juicy, just the way you like them. Quark: What are you doing? Rom: Serving dinner. Quark: That's mother's job. Rom: She's not feeling well. Quark: Not feeling well? Wait a minute, that's not bad. We could say she's having emotional problems. We might even be able to get the FCA to drop the charges in light of her illness. Rom: Actually, all she has is a slight rash. Her skin's still a little sensitive to clothing. Quark: That's hardly an excuse not to serve her sons dinner. Look at this. She hasn't even softened these grubs for us. Rom: You know Moogie. She never liked chewing our food for us. Quark: Not even when we were children. Rom: She always had her own way of doing things. Quark: Remember how the other children used to tease us about her. Your mother won't chew your food. Your mother talks to strangers. It's like she went out of her way to embarrass us. Not to mention Father. Oh, I remember. There were nights when I would find him sitting, slumped in this chair. He'd say to me, 'Quark, I don't know what I'm going to do about that female.' No wonder he never earned much profit. He was too busy worrying about her. Rom: I thought Father did all right. Quark: He could've done a lot better if she'd just behaved herself, showed him the respect he deserved. Well, she may have dragged Father down, but she's not doing the same to me. It's time someone put her in her place. Ishka: Have anyone in mind for the job? Mmm, dank and musty. Rom: I hand picked them from the cellar. Quark: Mother, we need to talk. Ishka: Forget it, Quark. I am not imprinting the confession. Quark: Why not? Imprinting the confession doesn't take away your achievement. Just admit to what you did and tell the FCA the name of any male who might have helped you. Rom: What exactly did she do, brother? Quark: Never mind what she did. Ishka: Why don't you tell him? Or would you prefer I did? Quark: All right. She took a part of the monthly stipend I send her and invested it in a Hupyrian beetle farm. Ishka: High quality beetles. The best. Rom: Really? How much did you make, Moogie? Ishka: Three bars of gold-pressed latinum. Rom: Three bars of latinum? Isn't the FCA overreacting a little? Quark: It doesn't matter whether it's one slip or a hundred thousand bars. Females are not allowed to earn profit. Ishka: Why not? Quark: Because it's the law. And without law, society would descend into chaos. Ishka: If you ask me, this society could use a little chaos. Quark: Not if I have anything to say about it. Rom: Gee, I wish Father were alive. Then it'd be just like old times. Sitting around the family table, eating tube grubs, discussing important issues of the day. Quark: Mother, I know you're not like other females. You like to think about things. You have opinions. Ishka: Is that a compliment, or an accusation? Quark: It's a fact. But what's also a fact is, if you don't imprint this confession, you'll be sold into indentured servitude, and I'll be forced to make restitution. Rom: But Brother, it's only three bars of latinum. Quark: And I'm not going to let those three bars to destroy this family. If our disgrace is made known, do you think we could ever do business with another Ferengi again? I wouldn't do business with me. Mother, please, for our family's reputation, for your sons' financial future, please imprint the confession. Ishka: I can't. I wish you could understand, Quark. Quark: I understand perfectly. You're a selfish female who never cared about this family, about Father, or about me. Rom: I see you haven't changed your bedroom, Moogie. It's still very traditional. Ishka: I keep it this way to remind myself how idiotic Ferengi tradition can be when it comes to females. Rom: Oh. Ishka: Rom, is something wrong? Rom: Wrong? No. Not really. Except your clothes. Ishka: Would you feel more comfortable if I took them off? Rom: Well, maybe just a little. Ishka: All right, if it will make you feel better. But only for you. Ishka: Better? Rom: Much. You know, Moogie, it really would mean a lot to Quark if you imprint that confession. Ishka: He's made that quite clear. Rom: I know he can be headstrong and overbearing, not to mention mean and insulting and rude, but he's not all bad. He works hard. You should see the bar. It's thriving. Ishka: I'd like to, but Ferengi tradition doesn't allow females to travel. Rom: Quark doesn't make the rules. Ishka: He just lives by them. Rom: Like a good Ferengi. Ishka: Like an unenlightened Ferengi. Rom: Moogie, can't you give back the three bars of latinum? If you don't, you're going to destroy everything Quark's worked for. Ishka: You always were a good boy. I don't think Quark knows how lucky he is to have a brother as loyal as you. Rom: He knows. He just doesn't like showing it. If you cooperate with the FCA, I bet I can convince him to increase your stipend. Ishka: This isn't about money, Rom. Quark has always been more than generous with my stipend. I have more than enough to live on. Rom: If it's not about money, then what is it about? Ishka: It's about pride. And knowing that I'm just as capable of earning profit as any male. Don't you see? If I imprint that confession, I'll be admitting that what I did was wrong. I'm not going to do that. I'd rather be sold into servitude. Rom: But what about Quark? Ishka: He's a smart boy. He can take care of himself. Enough about your brother. Let me see your teeth. Rom: My teeth? Why? Ishka: They're looking a little dull. Why don't you sit here and I'll sharpen them for you. Here we are. Rom: Oh, Moogie, you're the best. Kasidy: Pardshay, don't be an idiot. Go get an anti-grav sled before you hurt yourself. Sisko: Why don't you just beam it to your cargo hold? Kasidy: Well I wish I could, but it's unstable biomatter. Sisko: The transporter should still be able to handle it, as long as you adjust your phase transition inhibitor. Kasidy: Provided I had a mark seven transporter. Sisko: You're still using a mark six? Kasidy: A mark five. Sisko: A mark Five? I thought they stopped making those things Kasidy: Fifteen years ago. But when you're working for the Petarians, you have to make do with what they give you. Oh, let me guess. Commander Sisko. Sisko: Benjamin. Kasidy: Kasidy. Kasidy Yates. Sisko: Yes, I know. My son has told me a lot about you. Kasidy: Well I think Jake fancies himself something of a matchmaker. Sisko: He means well. He does get a little too enthusiastic now and then. Kasidy: Oh, damn. That sounds like the inertium ore. I'd better go see what's going on. Sisko: I'll give you a hand. Kasidy: I can take care of it. Sisko: Of course. Sorry about Jake. Kasidy: How about coffee? Say tomorrow evening, eighteen hundred hours? Sisko: Sounds good. Kasidy: I'll see you tomorrow. Rom: There's nothing like sleeping in your old room. So, how was your night? Quark: Mother's been busy. Rom: Really? I didn't even know she was up yet. Quark: I mean she's been busy. I've been doing some checking. This isn't about three bars of latinum. Rom: You mean she earned more? Quark: A lot more. So much that I haven't been able to track it all down. She's been operating under dozens of different aliases, conducting transactions all over the Ferengi Alliance. Do you know what this means? Rom: It means Moogie's got the lobes for business. Quark: Even if I sold everything I have, I couldn't come close to paying back what she's earned. I'm ruined. Rom: Brother? Is everything all right? I'm so proud of you, Quark. I mean, other people in your situation might overreact and lose their temper, make a bad situation worse. But not my brother. You're too smart for that. You're going to sit there and study the problem, and then come up with a clear, simple solution. Quark: I already have. Rom: You see? I told you. What is it? Quark: I'm going to kill her. Rom: Moogie! Quark: A-ha. Caught you. Give me that. Ishka: Give you what? Quark: That PADD you just hid. Ishka: It's a letter to your cousin Stol. Quark: A likely story. Quark: I knew it. You were trying to hide more profits. Well, it won't work. I know all about your little financial empire. Ishka: It's not so little. Quark: Then you admit it? Rom: Brother, calm down. I'm sure Moogie has a perfectly good explanation for what she's done. Don't you, Moogie? Ishka: Since when does a Ferengi have to make excuses for making profit? Quark: You're a female. Ishka: And when it comes to profit, this female is a better Ferengi than you'll ever be. Quark: You expect me to believe you did all this on your own? You had help. Admit it. Tell me his name. I'll see to it the FCA hangs him by his lobes in the Sacred Marketplace. Ishka: Quark, sometimes you can be so thick-headed. Rom: Now, Moogie, there's no need to be insulting. Ishka: Of course there is. Insults are the only thing he understands. He's so blind with jealousy, he can't even think straight. Quark: Me? Jealous of you? Hah. Ishka: You're just like your father. Quark: Why would Father be jealous of you? Ishka: Because he knew I had the lobes for business and he didn't. I tried to help him, give him financial advice, but he wouldn't listen to me because I was a female. Quark: What other reason did he need? Females don't belong in business. Ishka: Give me one reason why not. Quark: Because it's wrong. Ishka: You're going to have to do better than that. Quark: No, I'm not. It's the law. That was good enough for Father, and it's good enough for me. Ishka: A lot of things were good enough for your father. He was a lobeless failure and if you're not careful, you're going to end up just like him. Quark: That does it. Rom: Brother, where are you going? Quark: To the FCA. Let's see what they have to say about your financial empire. Rom: Brother, wait. Quark: Out of my way, Rom. Rom: No. I'm not going to let you hurt Mother. Quark: She's no mother of mine. Rom: Why? Because of what she said about Father? Did it ever occur to you that she might be right? Quark: How dare you take her side against Father's? Rom: Oh, don't tell me about Father. I knew him a lot better than you did. You went off as soon as you reached the Age of Ascension, but I stayed here for ten more years. And you know what I learned in those ten years? I learned that Father was no financial genius. Quark: Take that back. Rom: It's the truth. He went from one bad deal to the next, one failure after another. He couldn't hold onto latinum if you sewed it into his pants. Quark: Take that back! Rom: No! Ishka: Quark! Rom! That's enough! Let him go! Rom: But Moogie Ishka: Stop it! Stop it, both of you. Ishka: If your brother wants to go to the FCA, let him. Rom: But you'll get in trouble. Ishka: I'll worry about that. Go on. What are you waiting for? Quark: That's the steepest forty flights of stairs I've ever climbed. Seven slips of latinum to use the elevator. Talk about inflation. Refined dilithium down ten percent? Quark: The name's Quark. I'm here to see Liquidator Brunt. Quark: Of course. Receptionist: I'll tell Liquidator Brunt that you're here. Have a seat. Quark: How much? Receptionist: Three slips. Quark: I'll stand. Receptionist: That'll be one slip. Quark: I'll give you two for the chair. Receptionist: If you're here to deliver an imprinted confession, you can leave it with me. I'll see that Liquidator Brunt gets it. Quark: Tell Brunt I need to talk to him now. I have information that could shake the very foundation of the Ferengi Alliance. Rom: Brother. Wait. I have to sit down. Receptionist: That'll be three slips of latinum. Rom: Brother, can you loan me? Quark: Yeah, yeah. Here. Now what do you want? Rom: I have a message from Moogie. Quark: There's nothing she could say that would interest me. Rom: She'll share it with you. Quark: What was that? Rom: Her profits. Fifty-fifty. Quark: Tell Brunt I'll talk to him later. Come on. Let's try out that elevator. Rom: But it's so expensive. Quark: I can afford it. For your trouble. Quark: Mother, I want to apologize for all the terrible things I said. I was angry, and I got carried away. I'm sorry. Ishka: Apology accepted. I'm just glad that Rom was able to catch you before you made a horrible mistake. Quark: It would've been a shame to waste all of that profit. Ishka: I'm glad we agree. Quark: So, how much latinum have you made? Ishka: Does it matter? Quark: I just want to make sure that everything is divided fairly. Ishka: Divided? Quark: Fifty-fifty. Just like you said. Ishka: I never said that. You said he'd let me keep all the profit for myself. Quark: I said no such thing. Rom: So I lied to both of you. I had no choice. It was the only way to get the two of you talking again. Quark: There's nothing to say. Ishka: Don't get your lobes caught in the door on your way out. Rom: That's enough bickering. You're both acting like children. I will not stand by and let this family fall apart. Quark, you should be ashamed of yourself. I've seen you treat Cardassians with more respect than you show your own mother. And Moogie, if Quark can uncover your hidden investments, eventually the FCA will too. And then all that profit will be lost. Think about that for a moment. Now, neither of you is going to leave this room until you've settled things. Is that clear? And no shouting! I'm going to take a nap. Ishka: He's a sweet boy. Quark: That's easy for you to say. He doesn't live next door to you. Ishka: You're too hard on him. You always have been. Quark: I had to be. You were always too easy on him. Maybe if you'd pushed him a little harder, he would've amounted to something. Ishka: I doubt it. When it comes to business, he's a lot like your father. Quark: You enjoy insulting Father, don't you? Ishka: I'm not insulting anyone. I'm just being honest. Rom's a lot like his father. And you, I suppose, are a lot like me. Quark: I never knew you felt like that. Ishka: Your father might have bought you your first copy of the Rules of Acquisition, but who helped you memorize them? Quark: You did. Ishka: I don't think I've ever been prouder than the first time you made it through all two hundred and eighty five rules without a mistake. Quark: Rom knows them just as well as I do. Ishka: But you understand them. Rom never did. And neither did his father. But even if Keldar didn't know the first thing about profit, he knew everything about family. He was a good husband and a wonderful father. And I loved him for that. The way I love Rom, and the way I love you. Quark: You mean that? Ishka: Yes, I suppose I do. If it'll make you happy, I'll give back the money. Quark: You'll imprint the confession? Ishka: You're my son, Quark. How can I refuse you? Quark: You don't know how much this means to me. Ishka: I know exactly how much this means to you. Quark: Oh, Moogie. I love you. Sisko: There's no place like New Orleans for simple pleasures. Good food, great music. Kasidy: Sounds like a great place to grow up. Sisko: The best. Can I get you another raktajino? Kasidy: No, I'm fine. Sisko: You seem a little preoccupied. Kasidy: It's just when we made our plans I forgot I had a previous engagement. Sisko: I see. Kasidy: It's not what you think. It's kind of a family obligation. You see, my youngest brother, he's a colonist on Cestus Three. Sisko: That's on the other side of the Federation. Kasidy: It's so far away, it takes two weeks for a subspace transmission to get here and I'm expecting one tonight. I promised my brother I'd listen to it as it came in. Sisko: I hope nothing's wrong. Kasidy: Not unless he hurt himself again. Last time he tore some ligaments in his knee. Sisko: How'd that happen? Kasidy: He was doing something called sliding into second. Sisko: Sliding into second? Kasidy: Yes. Sisko: That sounds like baseball. Kasidy: You know about baseball? Sisko: It's my favorite sport. But no one has played it for two hundred years. Kasidy: Well, they're playing it on Cestus Three, At least they have been for the past six months. Sisko: I had no idea. That's fantastic. How many teams are there? Kasidy: Six, but they're trying to organize a couple more. I didn't know you liked baseball. Sisko: I didn't know anyone else liked baseball, except me and Jake. Kasidy: Look, this transmission I mentioned, it's an audio recording of a game between my brother's team, the Pike City Pioneers and the Cestus Comets. Well, if you'd like you're welcome to listen to it with me. Sisko: I'd love to. Kasidy: Oh, great. Sisko: Tell me, does your brother's league use a designated hitter rule? Kasidy: Oh no. They thought about it, but decided against it. Sisko: Wood bats or polyduranide? Kira: Wood, of course. Sisko: Do you think your brother could use a right handed pitcher? Brunt: Everything seems to be in order. I'm glad we can finally put an end to this matter. And I certainly hope you've learned your lesson. Ishka: And what would that be? Brunt: She's speaking to me again. Rom: No, she wasn't. Quark: She's speaking to me. Now, what were you saying about a lesson? Brunt: Ah, the lesson is, no one can outsmart the FCA. Quark: I think she's certainly learned that. Brunt: Your mother's confession will serve as a warning to females all over the Alliance. Quark: Oh, I don't think anyone has to know about this. After all, what would people say if they knew a female had earned that much latinum? Brunt: I shudder to think. Goodbye. I sincerely hope I never see any of you again. Quark: The feeling is mutual. Ishka: I thought he'd never leave. Quark: Mother, must you? Ishka: Quark, I've just given up a sizable fortune. I'm in no mood for your nagging. Quark: You're absolutely right. If you want to wear clothes, go ahead. What do I care? I'm leaving anyway. Ishka: So soon? Quark: I have to reopen the bar. It's supporting all of us now. Ishka: Well, you know you could call your mother every once in a while. Maybe even visit. Quark: I will. I promise. Let's go, Rom. Rom: I'll be along in a moment, brother. Rom: I'm glad to see you two are finally getting along. Ishka: I think things will be a lot better between us from now on. Rom: As long as he doesn't find out you only gave the FCA a third of your profits. Ishka: If you ask me, a third was too much. But it's my own fault for not hiding it better. Rom: You sure the FCA won't find the rest? Ishka: I've got it hidden so well, I'll be lucky if I can find it. Rom: Oh, Moogie. Ishka: Now, Rom, don't start crying. You'll get me doing it. Go on. Go on. Quark's waiting for you. Take care of your brother.

Sisko: Got you this time, Chief. O'Brien: Sorry, Commander. Sisko: Don't apologize. That just makes it worse. O'Brien: I guess I'm just in the zone today. Sisko: In the zone? O'Brien: The feeling that I can't lose. That I can put the dart exactly where I want it. You know the feeling. Sisko: Not today. Dax: Dax to Sisko. Sisko: Go ahead. Dax: Benjamin, there's a priority message for you from the Bajoran Provisional government. Sisko: On my way. Fortunately, duty calls. You'll have to find yourself another victim. Sisko: Doctor. Bashir: Commander. Is Chief O'Brien in here? Sisko: He's back there, in the zone. Kira: Raka ja ut. Shala morala. Ema bo roo kana. Uranak. Ralanon Bareil. Propeh va nara ehsuk. Shala kan vunek. Kira: Enter. Sisko: I'm sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt. Kira: It's all right. It's called a duranja. It's a lamp for the dead. I was just praying for Bareil. What can I do for you? Sisko: This may come as somewhat of a shock, but I wanted you to hear it from me. The First Minister of the Provisional government has died. Kira: Kalem Apren? How? Sisko: Heart failure. He died in his sleep. Kira: Well, I just met him once, but he seemed like he was a good man. How soon will they appoint someone to replace him? Sisko: They have already appointed someone. The new head of the Provisional government is Kai Winn. Odo: So as a result, I've transferred Ensign Palmers back to the night watch and reassigned Crewman Donark to the Defiant as a member of the security detachment. Starfleet is sending a series of upgrades for our tactical computer modules next week. I've drawn up a plan to phase in the upgrades over the course of three days. Major. Is something wrong? Kira: Yes. Oh, it's this whole thing with Kai Winn. I was just trying to get used to her as spiritual leader of Bajor and now she's running the government, Odo? Odo: Not an ideal situation. Kira: Well I'm beginning to think that you and I are the only ones who feel that way. No one's is opposing her in next month's elections. She is going to be elected the First Minister for the next six years and no one seems to care. Odo: You and I have a different perspective than most Bajorans. There's a personal element to our feelings about her. I know that you still blame Winn for Bareil's death. Kira: That's part of it. This is about the future of Bajor. I can't shake the feeling that giving Winn control of the government is a mistake and she should be stopped. Odo: Stopped from doing what? Kira: I don't know. Maybe, maybe I'm afraid that if she's given power, she's never going to let go. Odo: Unfortunately that suspicion is not shared by the people of Bajor. They still admire her as the woman who made peace with Cardassia. Kira: Bareil made peace with Cardassia. Odo: I know that, Major. But to the rest of Bajor, Winn is the real hero. In their eyes it took courage for her to conclude a treaty with a race that she herself had so bitterly condemned and fought against. Kira: I don't care what her popular image is. She is no hero. The only thing that she cares about is her own power. Why can't people see that? We spent so many years fighting the Cardassians. We spent so much time hoping and praying for a Bajor that was free. Now that we won, how can people just hand their freedom over to someone like Winn? Odo: It has been my observation that one of the prices of giving people freedom of choice is that sometimes they make the wrong choice. Kira: Bo roo kana uranak. Ralanon Bareil. Propeh va nara ehsuk. Shala kan. Kira: Yes? Winn: Hello, child. Kira: Eminence. Winn: May I come in? Kira: Yes. Winn: Please forgive this intrusion. I know the hour is late. Kira: Does Commander Sisko know you're aboard the station? Winn: I'm not here to see the Emissary. I'm here to see you. Kira: Me? Winn: Yes, child. Have you suffered a recent loss? Or are you still mourning the death of Minister Kalem? Kira: It's for Vedek Bareil, actually. Winn: It's been three months since Bareil left us to walk with the Prophets. You must have cared for him deeply. Kira: I loved him. Winn: As did I. Kira: Is that why you never mention Bareil's name when you talk about your peace treaty with Cardassia? As I recall, he's the one who negotiated it. Winn: Bareil saw himself as simply carrying out the will of the Prophets. To him, achieving peace with Cardassia was its own reward. He never wanted fame or glory for what he did. As someone who loved him, I'm surprised you didn't know that. Kira: What is it you want, Eminence? Winn: Are you familiar with Rakantha Province? Kira: It's a farming community. Winn: And it used to be one of the most productive agricultural regions on Bajor. But as you know, the Cardassians poisoned much of our farmlands before they left, and Rakantha has been mostly barren wasteland ever since. After years of research, the agricultural ministry has finally developed reclamators which can detoxify the soil and make it fertile again. Kira: It's very interesting, but what does it have to do with me? Winn: Patience, child. In six months, it will be planting season in Rakantha. By this time next year, we can be producing boton, moreka and salam grass. All valuable commodities for export. If we can attract interstellar commerce to Bajor, it will only enhance our application for membership in the Federation. Kira: I understand. Winn: Unfortunately, a group of farmers who were allowed to use the reclamators in another province are now refusing to return them. And this is why I've come to you, Kira. The farmers who seized the equipment are in Dahkur Province. Your home. And they're led by a man with whom you're acquainted. His name is Shakaar. Kira: Shakaar? Winn: And if I'm not mistaken, he was the leader of your resistance cell during the occupation. Kira: That's right. Winn: I want you to convince him to return the equipment he's stolen. Kira: You want me to go up against a man who saved my life countless times for you? Winn: Not for me, child. For Bajor. I know we've had our differences in the past, but I'm asking you to put those feelings aside and think of what is best for our people. We're on the verge of a new era. The Occupation is over, we've achieved peace with Cardassia, Federation membership is only a few years away. This is an exciting time to be a Bajoran. But our future depends on each of us acting for the common good of all Bajor. Shakaar has lost sight of this. By stealing the reclamators, he's acting in his own self-interest at the expense of the rest of our people. Kira: I know Shakaar. He's one of the most selfless people I have ever met. He must have a good reason for what he's done. Winn: Perhaps. Perhaps he is just misguided. That's why I've come to you, Kira. You know him, you can talk to him. I don't want this to become a scandal. I want this settled peacefully, quietly. Surely we can both agree that that's a worthy goal. Kira: I'll talk to him, but I can't guarantee that he'll listen to me. Winn: Vedek Bareil used to tell me that you could be quite persuasive when you put your mind to it, child. I hope he wasn't mistaken. Walk with the Prophets. Shakaar: You cut your hair. Kira: You let yours grow. Shakaar: I liked you the old way. Kira: I was thinking the same thing about you. Shakaar: It's good to see you, Nerys. Kira: It's good to see you, too. Shakaar: Come on in. Shakaar: So, Major Kira Nerys, Deep Space Nine's first officer. You've made quite a name for yourself. Kira: Not really. Shakaar: You've accomplished a great deal. You should be proud. Furel and Lupaza are so proud of you they actually stand a little taller every time your name comes up. Kira: Furel and Lupaza? You still see them? Shakaar: Of course. They both have farms less than ten kilometers from here. Kira: Those two are farmers? Now you, yes, that's all you ever talked about. But Lupaza? How did that happen? Shakaar: You can ask her yourself. They'll be here in a couple of hours. I can hardly wait to see the look on their faces when they walk through that door and see you standing there. Kira: Shakaar, before they get here we should talk. I'm here on business. Shakaar: I know why you're here, Nerys. I need time to think about it, all right? Kira: All right. Dax: I think I'll stick to tongo from now on. O'Brien: Sorry, Lieutenant. Quark: Thank you. Thank you all for your gaming business. The House will start taking bets on the next challenger at ten to one. That's ten to one without even knowing who the next challenger will be. O'Brien: Quark, I have to go. Quark: No problem. Ladies and gentlemen, Chief of Operations Miles Edward O'Brien has to leave to resume his duties on board the station. Now, everyone, make way. I trust we'll be seeing you again tomorrow, Chief, for your forty seventh straight victory? O'Brien: I don't know. I was actually thinking about getting some time in the holosuites tomorrow. Quark: The holosuites? You weren't thinking of going kayaking by any chance? O'Brien: As a matter of fact, I was. Quark: Didn't I tell you? I misplaced the kayaking program. Haven't seen it in days. O'Brien: Quark. Quark: All right, look. You're on a streak. An epic streak. If you go kayaking tomorrow and something happens and you damage that golden shoulder, this streak will be over and you'll never know just how far it might have taken you. Could you really live with that? O'Brien: You're offering ten to one to anyone betting against me tomorrow? Quark: That's right. O'Brien: I'd make it fifteen if I were you. Quark: Yes! Lupaza: You never would've found your way out of there if I hadn't left that marker on that rock. Furel: I have a fine sense of direction. I knew exactly where I was that night. Exactly. Kira: I found your tracks the next day. You'd been walking in circles. Furel: I was throwing the Cardassians off my trail. Again, please. Kira: Furel, if you don't mind my asking, why haven't you? Furel: Had my arm replaced? Well, I thought about it. I even saw a Federation doctor about it. She said, no problem, Furel. You can have a new arm in less than a week. It'll have full range of motion and feel just like your own. Kira: So why didn't you do it? Furel: Before I went into that interrogation center, I asked the Prophets to give me the strength to get the rest of you out of there. And in exchange, I said I'd give up my life. As it turned out, I was able to rescue you, Shakaar and Lupaza. It only cost me an arm. I felt the Prophets were generous. Somehow replacing the arm seems ungrateful. Lupaza: I think you're just afraid that with two arms you'd actually have to do some real work for a change. Furel: I've done more work in three months on my farm than you've done in three years. I have seen better weeds than the crops you grow. Lupaza: You know good and well that my soil's more toxic than any other tract within a hundred kilometers. Furel: Ha! Lupaza: It's true. Once I get a chance to use one of the reclamators things'll change, I can promise you that. Shakaar: You may not get that chance, Lupaza. Nerys was sent here by the Kai with orders to convince us to return the reclamators to the government. Furel: And you said no. Shakaar: I said I'd have to think about it. Lupaza: There's not much to think about, Shakaar, you know that. Tell the Kai or the First Minister or whatever she wants to be called these days, that the answer's no. We need the reclamators and that's the end of it. Now, who wants tuwaly pie? Kira: You know this business with the reclamators isn't going to just go away, Shakaar. Shakaar: Maybe not. Kira: Definitely not. I think you should reconsider. I know what you're trying to do here, and I know how difficult it's been. We have to think about what's best for Bajor. Shakaar: If you think giving the reclamators back to the government is the best thing for Bajor, then you've been out on that space station for too long. We waited three years to get the reclamators. We finally got them two months ago and we were told that they were ours for at least a year. The Provisional government actually did something right for a change. Then Minister Kalem died, and the next thing we know we get an order to return the reclamators immediately to the Rakantha farming project. Kira: The Rakantha project is important. If they can get it underway, Bajor could start exporting goods again. It could start to change the way the rest of the galaxy looks at us. They'll stop seeing us as poor refugees and start seeing us as equals. Shakaar: I don't give a damn how the rest of the galaxy looks at us. We're trying to feed our own people here and you're talking about exports. Kira: There must be a way to reach some kind of compromise here Shakaar: How? Kira: I don't know, but maybe if you and the Kai would sit down and talk together, maybe you can reach some kind of agreement. Some way of sharing the equipment more fairly. If I could arrange a meeting between the two of you, would you at least agree to sit down talk with her about it? Shakaar: I don't know if it'll accomplish anything. Kira: It might not, but it's a place to start. Shakaar: All right. For you. It's good to have you home, Nerys. You should come back more often. Kira: I might do that. Shakaar: Good. Because we've all missed you. Especially me. Winn: Am I to assume, my child, that you've met with Shakaar? Kira: We talked. Winn: And have you convinced him to return the soil reclamators? Kira: He's not ready to return them yet. Winn: I see. When can we expect the return of the equipment? Kira: When the topsoil in Dahkur Province has been restored and readied for planting. Another six months. Winn: In six months, the planting season in Rakantha will be over. Kira: I realize that, and I know how important the Rakantha project is, which is why I've arranged a meeting between the two of you. Winn: A meeting? Kira: Yes. To work out a compromise. If you just hear him out and look at the work they've been able to accomplish in Dahkur in just two months, you'll see how important this is to them. I'm sure there's a way to resolve this situation so that both Rakantha and Dahkur can benefit. Winn: Did you explain to Shakaar that you were there on the direct authority of the First Minister? Kira: Yes, but it wouldn't have mattered if I were there on behalf of the Prophets themselves. He wasn't about to just give up the equipment. Winn: A pity. Shakaar sounds like a prideful and arrogant man. It also seems there's no reasoning with him. Kira: Shakaar is not an unreasonable man. He's desperate. They all are. You should see what they're up against. The condition of the soil, the harsh weather. I'm sure if you talk to him, you'll be able to work out a compromise. Winn: It would seem that I have little choice. Kira: So I can tell him that you'll discuss it with him? Winn: You can tell him that. And then you can return to Deep Space Nine. Kira: But I can still serve as an intermediary between you and Shakaar. Winn: That won't be necessary. You've already done enough. And please give my best regards to Commander Sisko. That will be all, my child. Shakaar: I'll be interested to hear what she has to say, but she's not getting those reclamators back till we're finished with them. Kira: Shakaar, you have to be flexible. I'm not sure this is a fight you can win. Shakaar: That's what the Cardassians used to say. Shakaar: Come in. Security: Are you Shakaar? Shakaar: Yes. Security: You're under arrest. Kira: Wait a minute. On whose authority? Security: Our orders came directly from the office of the First Minister. Kira: She lied to me. Shakaar: She's good at it, Nerys. Don't feel bad. Security: If you'll come with us. Shakaar: Yeah, all right. I just want to make one thing clear. Shakaar: I'm glad to see that living on a space station hasn't slowed you down. Kira: We have to get out of here. Shakaar: This can still be explained away. It was a tense situation, you acted on instinct. They'll understand that. But they won't understand you coming with me. This isn't your fight, Nerys. Go home. Kira: I am home, Shakaar, and I have been lied to by Kai Winn for the last time. She wants a fight, I'll give her one. Furel: The civil police have issued a province-wide alert for you and Kira. They've also requested that the surrounding towns send more troops and equipment to help in the search for the fugitives. Shakaar: Now there's a familiar word. Haven't been called that in a while. I kind of missed it. Lupaza: The authorities have seized your farm and they've brought in a scanning machine to hunt for the reclamators. Shakaar: Let them scan. There's nothing there to find. Lupaza: They've also detained some of the other members of our resistance cell for questioning. Kira: Who? Lupaza: Mobara, Klin and Ornak were taken away before I could reach them. The others are heading for the Kola Mountain stronghold. I said we'd meet them there and go over our plan. Furel: Well, what is our plan? Shakaar: For now, the plan is to keep moving. We'll let the civil police run themselves ragged chasing us through the mountains. Furel: Just like old times. Shakaar: That's the general idea. The Cardassians spent ten years searching for us in these mountains. The civil police will probably give up in ten days. Kira: I'm not so sure about that. Some of them were in the Resistance too. They might not give up so easily. Shakaar: Maybe. But I really don't think they want to hunt down a group of fellow Bajorans who are just trying to defend their homes. We head for Kola Mountain, pick up anyone who's there, and move further into the hill country. Let's go. Bashir: Yes! Syvar: A most auspicious shot. Bashir: You've got him, Chief. One in the bull and you win. Dax: I think he knows that, Julian. O'Brien: Don't worry, coach. I won't let you down. Syvar: I see no need for delay. Throw the dart. O'Brien: I will throw the dart when I'm ready to throw the dart. Quark: Did I miss anything? Dax: Shhh. O'Brien: Is that my synthale? Quark: Extra-stout, just the way you like it. O'Brien: Excuse me. Quark: There you go. O'Brien: Argh! Quark: What is it? Bashir: It's his shoulder. It's popped out of its socket. Get me the tricorder. Quark: What did I do? I just handed him a drink. O'Brien: It's all right. Just pop it back in, Julian. I'll be all right. Bashir: Oh, no. I'm afraid it's not that simple this time, Chief. You've got a rotator cuff tear and severe degenerative damage. We'd better him to the Infirmary. Syvar: If he leaves the line, he forfeits the game. Quark: Forfeit? Bashir: This man needs surgery. O'Brien: Surgery? Bashir: That's right, Chief. I may have to replace the entire humeral socket. It's not a complicated procedure. We can postpone the conclusion of this competition until tomorrow, at which time he will be good as new. Syvar: I do not make the rules, I merely follow them. O'Brien: Wait, wait, wait. Look, I'm in the zone. I just need O'Brien: Argh! I just need surgery. Syvar: I believe the House is paying fifteen to one. Quark: All I did was hand him a drink. Winn: Emissary, I'm so happy you came to consult with me. Sisko: Frankly, I'm surprised you wanted my advice. Winn: The advice of the Emissary is always welcome. But what I need is your help. Sisko: What kind of help? Winn: It's been two weeks since I was forced to send the militia into Dahkur Province. Sisko: And? Winn: And they've yet to catch sight of Shakaar or any of his followers, let alone take them into custody. Sisko: I guess now you know how the Cardassians must have felt. Winn: The point is, I can't let this go on much longer. It embarrasses me to say this, but Shakaar's defiance seems to be catching on in some of the other Provinces, and I've had to take certain unfortunate actions to maintain order. Sisko: You mean declaring martial law and suspending local government in the hill provinces? Winn: I wasn't aware that you kept such close watch on the Bajoran political situation. Sisko: From what I understand, Shakaar is gaining support all over Bajor. Winn: Is that what Major Kira's been telling you? Sisko: I haven't spoken with Major Kira in quite some time. Winn: Emissary, I don't want this issue to divide my people. Sisko: Then I advise withdrawing your troops from Dahkur. Winn: I'm more than willing to do that, on one condition. Sisko: And what might that be? Winn: I'd like you to provide a Federation security force to take their place. Sisko: You want me to bring in Shakaar for you. Winn: Such an act would do much to solidify the relations between the Federation and Bajor. Sisko: I wasn't aware that our relationship needed solidifying. Winn: Nevertheless, this would be an opportunity for the Federation to once again show it's friendship for Bajor. Sisko: I'm sorry, but I'm afraid Federation law prevents me from interfering in Bajoran internal affairs. Winn: So, you're refusing my request for aid? Sisko: I suppose I am. Winn: If Bajor cannot depend on the Federation, we'll withdraw our application for membership. Sisko: That would be an unfortunate overreaction on your part. If I may say so, your entire response to this crisis has been an overreaction. By using the militia against your own people, you're risking civil war over a couple of soil reclamators. Winn: I'm afraid you can't see what's really going on here. This isn't about soil reclamators. This is about the future of our society. When someone like Shakaar can defy the law and escape punishment, we risk descending into anarchy and chaos. This is a test, a test by the Prophets. They want to see if I'm worthy of the role they've given me as First Minister and Kai. I will not fail them. I will stop Shakaar by any means necessary. Shakaar: Move, move, move! Furel: They're closing. Seventy five meters. Shakaar: Come on, Kira. Kira: I've almost got it. Lupaza: They're on the ridge. Shakaar: Kira, if you can't do it, tell me now. Kira: I got it. Troop: New reading. Seven hundred meters that way. Troop 2: Yes, sir. Leader: Let's go. Shakaar: How long do we have? Kira: I've projected the false life signs about seven hundred meters past that ravine. It'll take them about an hour to cover that distance, and another fifteen to realize what's happened. Furel: Either I'm getting older or these mountains are getting higher. Lupaza: The next time I start getting nostalgic for the old days, shoot me. Furel: If you insist. Shakaar: They're good. Kira: Half of them are from Dahkur Province. They know this terrain almost as well as we do. Shakaar: I think you're right. We need to leave Dahkur. They'll box us in if we stay much longer. Kira: We could take Serpent's Ridge up to Ratosha Pass, head for Lonar Province. Shakaar: Serpent's Ridge is pretty rugged territory. Kira: I don't think we have much choice. Furel: Yes, we do. We can turn and fight. Lupaza: He's right, Shakaar. It's just like in the old days. Every once in a while the Cardassians would get too close and we'd turn around and give them a bloody nose. Shakaar: Sometimes it was our nose that got bloodied. Furel: We were willing to take the chance. I'll follow whatever orders you give, but I am tired of running. Shakaar: Kira? Kira: I'm not sure we can keep up this pace. Shakaar: All right. We head for Tanis Canyon. Kira's on point, column of twos behind her. Lupaza, you take up the rear. Furel: There is no way out of Tanis Canyon Shakaar: And that's why we're going to lead those militia troops in there. Because we're going to be waiting for them. Let's move. Shakaar: I don't think they've picked us up on their tricorders. Kira: They won't, either. Not with that dampening field in place. I think I recognize that man. Shakaar: Which one? Kira: The colonel. That's Lenaris Holem. Shakaar: Lenaris? From the Ornathia resistance cell. Kira: I met him at a reception in the Capital about a year ago. Shakaar: He's good. No wonder we haven't lost them. We have to get him with the first volley. You take the Lieutenant on the right. I'll take Lenaris. Kira: I can't. I'm sorry. Shakaar: Don't be. I can't either. Lenaris: Hold. Lenaris: Set a perimeter and watch the hills. Nobody fires until I give the order. Troop: Aye, sir. Firing positions, hold. Lenaris: That's far enough. Shakaar? Kira: Kira Nerys. Lenaris: We've met. I've wanted to thank you for a long time. I had a brother at Gallitep when you liberated the camp. Shakaar: A lot of people did. I just wish we'd gotten there sooner. Lenaris: Well. I take it from your calm demeanor that I've walked into an ambush. I should have stayed up on the ridge line, never come down into the valley. Shakaar: It's an easy mistake to make. You thought we were another two kilometers ahead so you tried to make up time. I might have done the same thing. Lenaris: I think I should tell you I've been in worse situations. Shakaar: The Pullock Five raid. Lenaris: You know about that? Shakaar: The first offworld raid against the Cardassians? Of course. It was a bold move. Lenaris: If you know about Pullock Five, then you should also know I won't give up without a fight. If you're here to ask me to surrender, you're wasting your time. Shakaar: That's not why I'm here. I want to take my people and walk out of here. I want to take them home. Shakaar: Wait! Kira: Stop! No one shoot! No one shoot! Lenaris: Cease fire! Cease fire! Trooper: Sir, I saw someone. I thought they were going to open fire. Lenaris: Lieutenant. Take this man's weapon and get him off the perimeter. Now, I believe you were saying something about wanting to walk out of here? Shakaar: That's right. Lenaris: You know that's impossible. Kira: Well we'd better find a way to make it possible, because the next time someone starts shooting, we won't be able to stop it. And I'm not talking about today. I'm talking about tomorrow and the next day and the next. I am talking about the beginning of a civil war. Shakaar: I didn't fight the Cardassians for twenty five years just so I could start shooting other Bajorans. Lenaris: Neither did I. So, what do we do about it? Winn: What is it? Aide: Colonel Lenaris is here to see you. Winn: Send him in. Winn: I see you've brought me a pair of gifts. How thoughtful of you. Lenaris: They're not my prisoners. Winn: What do you mean, they're not your prisoners? What's going on? Shakaar: I'm here to enter the election as a candidate for the office of First Minister. Winn: You have an interesting sense of humor. Kira: It's no joke. Shakaar is going to enter the election and you are going to lose. Lenaris: I've consulted with the other army commands, and he has their full support. Winn: So this is a coup? Kira: No, it's a free election. If you want to run, go ahead. But if you do, this entire incident is going to be made public. And when the people know the real facts, when they know you risked a civil war over a couple of pieces of farm equipment, they're never going to trust you again. You'll still be Kai, the spiritual leader of Bajor. But your days in this office are numbered. So if I were you, I'd start packing. Bashir: How's it feel? O'Brien: Good so far. Let's see. Bashir: Well try it again, Chief. O'Brien: No. I can feel it. I'm out of the zone. You know, I've played sports all my life and I've never been in the zone like that before. Probably never will again, but it felt good while it lasted. Bashir: Well, look on the bright side. Now you have a new shoulder, you might finally finish that kayaking program. O'Brien: Hey. You may be right. Quark, I need a holosuite. Quark: Doctor. Welcome to the zone. Let me tell you about a little thing I've Sisko: Have any other candidates entered the election? Kira: One or two, but Shakaar's popularity is growing so fast I don't think anyone can catch him at this point. Sisko: What about the Kai? Kira: She's trying to make the best of it. She even put out a statement of support for Shakaar. Ow. You know, I used to enjoy sleeping on the ground. Sisko: It's good to have you back, Major. Kira: It's good to be back, sir. Sisko: I'll see you in Ops.

Computer: The Cardassians are still closing. They have powered their weapons systems. They have established weapons lock. Computer: Weapons lock broken. Nog: Going to warp. Nog: Get out of here, Jake. I'm in the middle of a simulation. Jake: What? Nog: I said, get out of here. Computer, end program. Jake: Oh, you okay? Nog: Look what you made me do. Jake: Well you should know not to end a program sitting down. Nog: Why did you come in here? Jake: You were supposed to meet me half an hour ago. Nog: I didn't realize it'd gotten so late. Sorry. Jake: Don't worry about it. How's it going, anyway? Nog: Pretty good. I've improved my reaction time by almost twenty percent, but I've got to get it up another five. Jake: Is that the cutoff point for getting into the Academy preparatory program? Nog: Exactly. Jake: Don't worry about it, Nog. You'll get there. Nog: I'd better. Nog: If I don't get into the program, I'll never be admitted to the Academy next year. Jake: You think six weeks of summer classes'll make the difference? Nog: If I do well. I have to show the admissions committee how determined I am to become a cadet. Jake: Don't worry so much, Nog. You'll be a great cadet. Quark: In the meantime, you make a lousy stock boy. Why can't you take after your friend here? He knows enough to stay out of Starfleet. Even a human can see that there are a lot more profitable opportunities out there for a young man with ambition. Nog: Uncle, he wants to be a writer. There's no profit in that. Quark: On the contrary. Writing holosuite programs, especially the more intimate variety, is very profitable. Jake: I'll bet. Quark: I'll tell you what. The two of you come up with a proposal, and I'll put up the latinum for your first program. Nog: I don't think so, Uncle. Quark: All right, fine. Join Starfleet. I don't know why I bother trying to help you, anyway. Go down to the storeroom and get your father. Tell him to get behind the bar. Lieutenant Dax has asked me to join the senior staff for a very important meeting in the wardroom. Bashir: Do you have any idea what Dax wants to talk to us about? Odo: No. Bashir: Apparently she asked Leeta to come as well. Odo: I've noticed they've been spending quite a bit of time together. Bashir: Do you keep tabs on everybody, Constable? Odo: Not everyone. But really, Doctor, two Delvin fluff pastries for breakfast this morning? You of all people should know better than to start your day like that. Bashir: Major. Chief. Hello, Leeta. Leeta: Oh, hello. Bashir: How are you doing? Odo: And what does that mean, exactly? Dax: Thank you all for coming. Bashir: No problem. Dax: I'll get right to the point. You are the seven people on this station that I feel closest to, and I want you all to be a part of my zhian'tara. Quark: Zhian'tara? What's that? Leeta: It's the Trill Rite of Closure. I've read about it. Dax: The zhian'tara is a ritual where joined Trills get a chance to actually meet their previous hosts. Kira: Meet them? How? Dax: That's where you come in. If you don't mind, I'd like to borrow your bodies for a few hours. O'Brien: What do you mean borrow our bodies? Dax: If you agree to participate, the memories of one of my previous hosts will be temporarily removed from the symbiont and imprinted onto you. You essentially become one of my hosts for the duration of the ritual. Bashir: And how is this accomplished? Dax: The memories are transferred telepathically by a Guardian. Odo: A Guardian? Leeta: They take care of the symbionts. Usually they're unjoined Trill. Bashir: Leeta is sort of an amateur sociologist. Leeta: It comes in handy in my line of work. You never know who you'll meet at the dabo table. Quark: You're asking me to hand my body over to some dead person? Dax: Oh, only for a few hours. Quark: What happens to me in the meantime? Dax: You'll remain conscious of everything that's going on around you, and at any time you can reassert yourself and regain control of your body. Sisko: But it's best to you relax and let the host's memories emerge. The point is to give Jadzia the chance to interact with her previous hosts. Curzon spoke very fondly of his zhian'tara. He said it was one of the most powerful experiences of his life. Bashir: I do have one question. What about Joran? Quark: Joran? Was he the crazy host of yours? The musician who killed someone? Dax: Commander Sisko has volunteered to embody Joran. Sisko: We've already discussed taking certain precautions during the transfer. Bashir: Well, count me in. Leeta: Me, too. Kira: Yes. Odo: Agreed. Dax: Chief? O'Brien: Oh. Yes. Yeah, I'm in. Quark: Why is everybody looking at me? Odo: Because you're the only one who hasn't agreed to participate. Quark: I'm sorry, Lieutenant. You're going to have to find someone else. Dax: I really want you to be a part of this, Quark. I was hoping that you'd embody Audrid for me. Quark: Well. Dax: I think it'll make us closer. Quark: When you put it that way. Dax: I knew I could count on you. Kira, I would like you to embody Lela, my first host. We'll start tomorrow, after the Guardian arrives. It means a lot to me that all of you all willing to do this. Thank you. Sisko: Correct me if I'm wrong, but did Quark just agree to embody one of your female hosts? Dax: Yes, he did. O'Brien: After that comes the deductive reasoning portion of the exam, and then the spatial orientation test. The whole thing should take about four days. Now I know it must sound overwhelming to you. Just try to take it one day at a time. Nog: One day at a time. Right. O'Brien: And today, all you have to worry about is the stress reaction test. Computer, run program delta five nine. Nog: I thought this was going to be a runabout simulation. O'Brien: No. Nog: But that's what I practiced. O'Brien: If we tested you where you practiced it wouldn't exactly be stressful, now would it? Man your post. You're the Operations Officer on duty. Nog: What was that? O'Brien: You tell me. Guardian: We've been trying to get Dax back to the homeworld to perform the zhian'tara for some time now. She kept putting us off, so the Symbiosis Commission decided to force the issue and send me here. Dax: I just haven't had time to get away. Sisko: You could've made the time. Guardian: Where is the zhian'tara to take place? I have preparations to make. Dax: This way. Guardian: I'nora, ja'kala Dax. Ahian'shee Lela tanus rem. Gon'dar Jadzia tor. Jadzia, zhian'tara vok. Tu Dax, zhian'tani ress. Zhian'par, Lela garu'koj. Dax: Kira? Lela: No, Lela. You must be Dax's new host. Dax: I'm Jadzia. Lela: What a beautiful name. Guardian: I have a few questions for both of you. I need to make sure the memory transference is complete. Lela: Go ahead Guardian: What is the last thing you remember? Lela: Talking to Curzon at his zhian'tara. Guardian: Can you tell me the name of the person who supervised Lela when she was an Initiate? Dax: No. I can't remember. Guardian: That's perfectly all right. It just means Lela's memories have been temporarily removed from your mind. Dax: It's a little disorienting, like part of me is suddenly missing. Lela: Not missing, right here. And the name of my Initiate supervisor was Jobel. Guardian: Excellent. The transference seems to be complete. Unless either of you has any questions, I'll leave you alone for a few hours. Lela: Thank you. Lela: Such odd fellows, these Guardians, huh? Dax: I know. Lela: Well, it's understandable, I suppose. They spend most of their time underground tending symbiont pools full of this stuff. I love the smell of it, don't you? It looks like you've ended up a long way from home, Jadzia. What is it? Dax: It's just, I hold my hands behind my back the same way you do. Lela: It's a habit I picked up when I was a Legislator. I was one of the first women to serve as a council member. When I started out, I talked with my hands a lot. Lots of emphatic gesturing. I diskovered some of my male colleagues were imitating of me, so I started to do this. Dax: I thought it was just an unconscious habit. I never realized why I did it. Lela: That's the point of the zhian'tara, to diskover these kinds of things about yourself. Dax: It's so strange. It's like you really are Lela. Lela: Well in a sense, I am. After all, what is a person but a sum of their memories? I have a feeling that these next few days are going to be extraordinary for you. Dax: Tobin, I don't think Chief O'Brien is going to appreciate you biting his nails. Tobin: Sorry. I guess I'm a little nervous. Dax: That's all right. I get that way sometimes myself. Tobin: Now you know who you have to thank for it. Sorry. Dax: Will you please stop saying you're sorry? Tobin: Sorry. Dax: I've been working on finishing your proof of Fermat's last theorem. Tobin: You have? Dax: It's the most original approach to the proof since Wiles over three hundred years ago. Tobin: Thanks. Dax: I guess I tend to look for original approaches myself. I guess I have you to thank for that, as well. Dax: Very nice. Emony: This is an excellent body you've managed to get for me. Dax: I'll be sure to pass that on. Emony: I remember when I first got the Dax symbiont, I was worried that it might affect my coordination in some way. Dax: And hurt your gymnastics career? Emony: As it turned out, being joined improved my concentration. Dax: Really? I found that as well. Emony: You're a gymnast? Dax: No, but I'm an expert in Klingon martial arts. Emony: Ah. Did you take it up before or after you were joined? Dax: After. Emony: Why am I not surprised? Audrid: Sit right here and I'll tell you all about it. Audrid: The day I was named head of the Symbiosis Commission was one of the happiest of my life. Right behind the day I gave birth to my first child. Are you a mother, Jadzia? Dax: No. Audrid: Oh, I hope you will be someday. There's nothing quite like holding a baby to your breast, nursing it. The entity that lent me this body wishes to speak. Quark: How much longer am I going to have to do this? Dax: Another hour at most. And the sooner we get back to it, the sooner it'll be over. Quark: Just remember, not a word about this to anyone. Dax: I promise. Dax: Maybe you should go easy on those, Torias. Julian was just telling me the other day he's started to watch what he eats. Torias: Well, you should tell your friend to live a little. Life's too short to deprive yourself of the simple pleasures. I should know. Dax: You didn't exactly deprive yourself. Torias: No, but my life was too short. Dax: The accident. Torias: Still, I'm lucky. I continue to exist as part of you. Just as Jadzia will go on existing when the symbiont is passed on to a new host. We're part of something bigger than any one of us. I just feel lucky to have been chosen. Dax: So do I. Torias: Come in. Guardian: It's late. I think it's time we returned Doctor Bashir's body to him. Dax: It was nice meeting you. Sisko: I'm ready. Odo: Are you sure about this, Commander? Sisko: Don't worry, Odo. Joran isn't going to be able to hurt anyone from inside a holding cell. Odo: There's just one problem. You're going to be in there with him. Guardian: Activate the forcefield. Dax: Joran. Joran: Hello, Jadzia. Odo: If you need me, I'll be right outside. Guardian: As will I. Joran: It's good to see you again, Jadzia. Tell me, have you been practicing your music? Dax: Yes, when I have the time. Joran: Good. Do you think of me when you play? Dax: Sometimes. Joran: I'm glad. You're a very pretty girl, Jadzia. Very pretty. But unfortunately that's all you are. You're nothing compared to Lela, Torias or myself. A pretender. You must realize that by now. Dax: You don't know anything about me. Joran: Only what I can see. A little girl not worthy of the noble creature nestled inside her. You're overwhelmed by it. You're in over your head. And they said it was a mistake choosing me for joining. But there is one hope for you, Jadzia, and that's me. My strength is within you. You don't have to be afraid of it. Dax: I'm not. Joran: Then use it let me show you how to use it. Lower the forcefield, Jadzia. Lower it, and you will never be afraid of anything ever again. Dax: No. Dax: Joran! Stop it, you're hurting him. Benjamin, take control! Sisko: I think that's enough of Joran for now. Dax: Are you all right? Joran: Surprise. Sisko: It's all right, old man, it's me. Thanks. Dax: For what? Sisko: For not breaking any bones. Quark: Will you stop that. It's very distracting. I'm trying to do the books. Rom: I can't help it. My son's future is being decided at this very minute. Quark: Well, pacing around like some Alvanian cave sloth isn't going to help him. Quark: What's that? Rom: A cadet's uniform. I got it for Nog. I had Garak make it to order. It cost five strips of latinum. Quark: Well you wasted your money. He's not going to need it. Rom: Why not? Quark: Because he'll be issued a uniform if and when he gets to the Academy. Rom: Well, now he'll have two. Dax: I keep thinking about Joran. Sisko: I heard what he told you. Dax: I can't seem to get it out of my head. Sisko: Jadzia, did you put off having your zhian'tara because you were afraid you wouldn't measure up to the other hosts? Dax: I don't know. Maybe I did. Sisko: Now that it's almost over, I hope you realize you were wrong. Dax: I'm not so sure I was. Sisko: I don't understand how you could say that. You were chosen for joining because you deserved it, just as much as any of the others. Dax: If that's true, then why did Curzon wash me out of the Initiate program? Sisko: You tell me. Dax: I've always believed it was because he wanted to challenge me so that I would reapply and try harder, but now I'm not so sure. Sisko: Why not? That's exactly what you did. Dax: Maybe Curzon just didn't think I was good enough. Sisko: I find that hard to believe. But if that's what you're afraid of, why don't you ask him when you see him? Dax: I will. But what happens if he tells me something I don't want to hear? I have to go. Guardian: Jadzia, zhian'tara vok. Tu Dax, zhian'tani ress. Zhian'par, Odo garu'koj. Sisko: I'm going to my office for a while. Curzon: Benjamin! You do recognize me, don't you? Sisko: Curzon? Curzon: Don't tell me. The nose gave me away. What's the matter? Aren't you happy to see me? Sisko: Of course, of course. So where's Jadzia? Curzon: It's all right. I told her I wanted to come see you, that we'd meet up later at Quark's. I'm going to give that little toad the scare of his life. Sisko: You sound like Odo. Curzon: I am Odo. Sisko: I don't understand. I thought you were Curzon. Curzon: I'm both. The Guardian thinks it has something to do with my shape-shifting nature. It's as if Odo and Curzon have been joined. It's proving to be quite interesting experience for both of us. In any case, the Guardian says it's nothing to worry about. I like the beard, by the way. Sisko: Yeah? Curzon: Absolutely. So, when is Kasidy Yates coming back? Sisko: Not you, too. Curzon: She's a fine looking woman, Ben. Kind of reminds me of the girl you took up with on Pelios Station. Sisko: Why don't we go join Jadzia in Quark's and let Jake finish his homework? Curzon: I'll tell you all about it later. Jake: Okay. Sisko: Curzon, remember? Curzon: Quark! Quark: Odo? What happened to your face? Curzon: Never mind my face. Curzon: Did I ever mention you're a magnificent scoundrel. Two Tranyas please, very cold. Quark: Right away. Sisko: It's going to take Quark a little while to get over that. Curzon: Jadzia! Dax: Looks like the two of you are having a good time. Curzon: Well, as good a time as two gentlemen can have without the company of a lady. Please, join us. Excuse me while I slip into something more appropriate. Curzon: I love being a changeling. Sisko: Well, if you two don't mind, I think I'll be pushing off Curzon: Benjamin, don't go. Sisko: I need to finish evaluating Nog's test results. He's waiting to hear how he did. Thanks for stopping by, old man. It was good to see you. Curzon: Well, there goes the best friend I ever had. Well? Curzon: So, are you been enjoying your zhian'tara? Dax: For the most part. Curzon: What about that Tobin, eh? Did he tell you that I got him drunk for the first time during my zhian'tara? Dax: No, but I can see why you did. Curzon, there's something I want to talk to you about. Curzon: Oh? Dax: Do you remember when I was an Initiate? Curzon: Do you see that Ferengi over there? A bulletin came in on him last week. He's a tongo hustler. I'd love to clean him out. We should get a game going. Curzon: Tongo! Nog: I just don't understand how I could have failed, Father. Rom: You've always been so good with spatial orientation. Remember the time we redid the floors, and you managed to stack all the chairs so they fit behind the bar? Nog: Now I won't qualify to take the Academy entrance exam. My Starfleet career is over before it even started. Quark: He's right, you know. And it's not fair. Starfleet has no idea who it's passing up. Nog, you would have made a good officer. I want you to know something. There will always be a place for you here, at Quark's. Curzon: Sorry, Lonzo. Quark: Excuse me, folks, but the bar has been closed for over an hour now. I asked you nicely before, but if you don't leave, I'm going to have to call security. Curzon: I am security. Dax: Don't worry, Quark. We're going. Curzon: I confiscated this from a Yridian smuggler. Dax: Don't you need it for evidence? Curzon: Bah. Dax: I still want to talk to you about what happened when I was an Initiate. Curzon: I know you do. So, what is it you want to ask me? Dax: Why didn't you object when you heard I was reinstated into the program? Curzon: I don't know, Jadzia. Maybe I decided I'd been too hard on you. Dax: It was your job to be hard on Initiates. Curzon: Yes, but the truth is, I felt sorry for you. Well, you wanted to be joined so badly. You were so young, so lovely. Dax: I guess I've always had this nagging feeling I didn't have your complete confidence. I tried to push it aside, but now it turns out I was right. You never thought I was good enough to be a host. Curzon: Whatever I may have thought doesn't matter. You are a host. Isn't that enough? Dax: No. I feel like I don't have your respect. And I'm afraid when your memories are restored to me, I'm going to feel like I don't respect myself. Curzon: In that case, you'll be happy to know that I've come to a decision that's going to benefit both of us. Dax: What do you mean? Curzon: I've decided to stay where I am, in this body. And I'm not just speaking as Curzon. This is Odo's decision as well. We like what we've become and neither of us wants to go back to the way things were. Guardian: There's no way to remove Curzon's memories from Odo without his cooperation. He has to give them up willingly. Sisko: What'll happen to Jadzia if we can't persuade him? Guardian: It'll take some time for her to adjust to the new balance, but she'll be fine. Sisko: Do you want me to talk to Curzon? I know him better than anyone. I might be able to get him to cooperate. Dax: I don't think so. I don't think I want to do anything. Sisko: What do you mean? Dax: I mean I'm fine, and obviously Odo and Curzon are well suited to each other. Maybe it's better this way. Sisko: I'd like to speak to Jadzia alone for a moment. Sisko: Do you really want to leave things as they are? Or are you just trying to avoid a confrontation with Curzon? You once told me that Curzon intimidated you when you were an Initiate. Dax: I looked up to him. I still do. Maybe that's why I find it hard to challenge his decisions. Sisko: Let me tell you something about Curzon. He was my friend, he was my confidant. In a way, he was my teacher as well. But he was also be manipulative, selfish and arrogant. Most people let him get away with it because he was so charming. Sometimes I let him get away with it too. But from time to time he'd push me too far and I'd have to stand up to him, tell him he'd crossed the line. Dax: And how would he react? Sisko: Sometimes he'd just laugh and admit it, sometimes he'd get furious. But either way he'd back off, because he knew he was wrong. And he is wrong now. He's being selfish and he's manipulated you to get you to go along with what he wants. Now, are you can confront him or let him get away with it? It's up to you. Rom: I know what you did. Quark: Take it easy. What's wrong with you? Rom: You know what's wrong. You reconfigured the holosuite so that Nog would fail the spatial orientation test. Quark: I did it for his own good, Rom. I couldn't just stand by and watch my nephew throw his life away. Rom: You had no right to interfere. I've already told Commander Sisko what you did and he's going to let Nog retake the test. Quark: You what? Rom: You heard me. And if you ever do anything to hurt Nog again, I'll burn the bar to the ground. Quark: You wouldn't dare. Rom: Oh yes I would. My son's happiness is more important to me than anything, even latinum. Remember that, brother. Curzon: Jadzia, come in, come in. I was just oozing around the room. You have no idea what a liberating experience it is to be in a liquid state. Dax: We need to talk. Curzon: All right. What is it you want to talk about? Dax: I want my memories back. Curzon: I'm sorry. I realize this is difficult for you, but you'll get over it. Trust me, it's better this way. Dax: For you, maybe. You're both living out a life you never could have had otherwise. But it's my life you're living. Those should be my memories. Curzon: Not anymore. Maybe they never should've been. Dax: That's where you're wrong. I earned the right to be joined. I am the only person in our planet's history who was ever readmitted to the Initiate program after being washed out. Curzon: The only reason you got back in was because I felt sorry for you. Dax: Curzon Dax famous for rejecting Initiates. Why feel sorry for me? Curzon: Now don't you use that tone of voice with me, little girl. Dax: You can't intimidate me, Curzon. And I'm not a little girl anymore. Curzon: No, I suppose you're not. The truth is, you weren't a little girl back when you were an Initiate. You were a brilliant and beautiful young woman. Very beautiful. Dax: You were in love with me? Curzon: At first I thought it was just an old man's passing infatuation. After all, I'd always had an eye for the ladies. But as we spent more time together, I started to realize it was something deeper. Dax: Then why were you so hard on me? Curzon: I couldn't let you know the truth. You were an Initiate, I was your supervisor. Dax: So you washed me out of the program. Curzon: Later I realized that I'd robbed you of something you'd wanted all your life. I felt so guilty I nearly retired from the Symbiosis Commission. Dax: So when I reapplied, you didn't object. Curzon: On the contrary. I was grateful when you'd reapplied. It let me off the hook. So now that you know, you can see that it's best for both of us that I stay here, in this body. Dax: Why? Because you loved me? Curzon: Because I still love you. Dax: There's no shame in that, Curzon. Curzon: Yes, there is, and if we rejoined, you'll feel it too. Dax: No, I won't, because I love you. You're a part of me and I want you back. That way, Jadzia and Curzon can be together the way they should be, through Dax. Rom: He's coming! He's coming. Rom: Ladies and gentlemen, I'd like to introduce Starfleet's future. My son Nog. Sisko: Congratulations, Nog. Nog: Thank you, sir. Jake: Yeah, way to go. Sisko: I'm afraid you jumped the gun putting on that uniform. Nog: I know I haven't earned the right to wear it yet, but my father got it for me. Sisko: Hopefully, you'll get to put on the real one next year. Jake: When you ace the Academy entrance exam. Nog: Yeah. Bashir: What's the matter, Chief? O'Brien: It just occurred to me. As soon as that kid graduates from the Academy, I'm going to have to call him sir. Nog: Okay. Quark: What can I get you, Nog? Nog: A root beer. It's an Earth drink. Something they serve at the Academy. Quark: A root beer. This is the end of Ferengi civilization. Odo: May I join you, Lieutenant? Dax: Of course. Odo: I'd just like to apologize for my behavior while I was joined with Curzon. Dax: There's no need to apologize. In a way I'm glad it happened. It forced me to deal with some things about myself I've never really faced. Besides, you've given me a special gift. Odo: Oh? Dax: You see, now I have Curzon's memories of what it felt like to be a changeling. I never realized how much joy it gives you. Odo: And I never understood how much joy you humanoids experience in things like eating, drinking, staying up all night playing tongo. Frankly, I don't see how Curzon ever managed to get any work done. Dax: He always seemed to, somehow. Odo: Well, he must have been a remarkable man. Dax: Yes, he is.

Scene: Commander's log, stardate 48959.1. It is with mixed emotions that I record this, my final Commander's log. The last three years have been the most demanding and rewarding of my career. I can only hope that the future will hold even greater challenges. Jake: Dad, there's something I've been wanting to say to you for a long time. And now that I finally have the chance, I'm going to make it short and simple. Jake: Congratulations, Captain Sisko. Kira: Now that you have another pip on your collar, does that mean I can't disagree with you anymore? Sisko: No. It just means I'm never wrong. Kira: We'll see about that. Dax: Curzon would've been proud of you, but not as proud as I am. Sisko: That means a lot to me, Dax. Odo: Though I don't fully understand this humanoid obsession with rank and title, if anyone deserves to be promoted, it's you. Sisko: Thank you, Constable. Eddington: Well, as someone who is obsessed with rank and title, congratulations, Captain. O'Brien: That goes for me too, Captain. Quark: This calls for a toast. Bashir: That better not be from a replicator, Quark. Quark: Chateau Cleon, twenty three oh three. I already put it on your account. Jake: Can I? Sisko: I guess a sip wouldn't hurt. Well. O'Brien: Here's to the newest and best captain in Starfleet. And all I can say is, it's about time. All: Hear, hear. Cheers. Sisko: That's enough. Thank you for coming, Ambassador. Krajensky: Those pips look good on you, Captain. Though to be honest, I'm not really here for the ceremony. Sisko: I had that feeling. What can I do for you? Krajensky: Our intelligence reports indicate there's been a coup d'état on the Tzenkethi homeworld. Sisko: I doubt anyone is going to miss the Autarch. Krajensky: I know I won't. Unfortunately, it's too early to tell who's in control, but we don't want to take any chances. We need to remind the Tzenkethi that the Federation is committed to protecting our colonies near their border. Sisko: You want to show the flag. Krajensky: Exactly. The Defiant will leave in two days on a week-long patrol. I'll be coming along as an observer. I've heard a lot about the Defiant. I'm looking forward to seeing her in operation. Sisko: I don't think you'll be disappointed. She's a fine ship. Krajensky: With a fine crew. Now what do you say we get back to the party? Sisko: Of course. O'BRIEN et al: For he's a jolly good fellow, for he's a jolly good fellow, for he's a jolly good fellow, which nobody can deny! O'Brien: Hip hip. All: Hooray! O'Brien: Hip hip. All: Hooray! O'Brien: Hip hip. All: Hooray! Sisko: I want a complete overhaul of the deflector shield generators and targeting sensors. Oh, yes, take on a full complement of photon torpedoes. O'Brien: Don't worry, Captain. If the Tzenkethi try to start any trouble, we'll be ready for them. Sisko: I don't doubt it, Chief. O'Brien: Captain? O'Brien: Getting jumpy in your old age, O'Brien. My son, the writer, thinks I should say something profound on his occasion. He even offered to write me a brief statement. I told him I'd take care of it myself, but as it turns out the only think I can think of is, Begin Captain's log, stardate 48960.9. Dax: So, have you told her yet? Sisko: Told who? Dax: Captain Yates. About your promotion. Sisko: Yeah. I barely had time to send my father a transmission. In fact, I don't even know where Kasidy is. Dax: She's hauling a load of duridium ore to Solais Five. You could probably contact her on subspace. Sisko: I'd rather tell her in person. Dax: When's she due back on the station? Sisko: About a month. Dax: A month! Dax: There's nothing worse than a long-distance relationship. Sisko: I wouldn't call it a relationship, Dax. I've only taken her out once. Okay, twice. Dax: I think the exact figure is three times. Sisko: She's quite an interesting woman. She's very independent, a little opinionated, but she has a nice sense of humor. Dax: And? Sisko: And? What do you want me to tell you, Dax? Dax: That you miss her. That you can't wait to see her. I don't know. Anything. Kira, O'Brien, Bashir, they're all dying of curiosity and, well, I have to tell them something. Sisko: Fine. You tell them when she gets back, I'm going to taking her to the holosuite and we're going to watch the seventh game of the nineteen sixty four World Series. Dax: You do like her. Eddington: Captain on the bridge. Sisko: Ambassador. Krajensky: Captain. Sisko: All stations report. Dax: Helm ready. Kira: Weapons ready. Odo: Communications systems standing by. O'Brien: Warp and impulse engines are online. Sisko: Seal the airlock. Release docking clamps. Dax: Docking clamps released. Sisko: Engage thrusters. Dax: Clearing the station. Sisko: Lay in a course for the Tzenkethi border, warp eight. Dax: Aye, aye, Captain. Sisko: Engage. O'Brien: Hello. Who's there? O'Brien: Julian! Bashir: You called me, Chief? O'Brien: Why didn't you answer me? Bashir: I had this spanner in my mouth. O'Brien: What are you doing here, anyway? Bashir: I was connecting my new diagnostic console to the medical bay's power grid. O'Brien: I could have done that for you. Bashir: Oh, just putting my engineering extension courses to work. Besides, I know you have your hands full. O'Brien: Oh. Where are you going now? Bashir: I'm done. O'Brien: Not bad for an extension course. Eddington: You wanted to see me, sir? Sisko: Yes, Commander. It's about Ambassador Krajensky. Please. I know Starfleet doesn't intend for this to be a combat mission, but just in case the Tzenkethi have other ideas, I want to make sure the Ambassador is kept out of harm's way. Eddington: Yes, sir. I'll see to it that if hostilities do occur, the Ambassador is escorted off the bridge. Sisko: He won't like it. Eddington: I won't let that bother me. Sisko: Very good, Commander. That'll be all. Eddington: Captain, I just want to say that I agree with what Chief O'Brien said. About your promotion. It's about time. Sisko: I appreciate the sentiment, Commander, but it doesn't really change anything. I have the assignment I want, I have the crew that I want. The rank doesn't make much difference. Eddington: You'd be surprised. People don't enter Starfleet to become commanders, or admirals for that matter. It's the captain's chair that everyone has their eye on. That's what I wanted when I joined up, but you don't get to be a Captain wearing a gold uniform. Sisko: You could always transfer from Security to Command. Eddington: Then who would protect the Ambassador? Sisko: Dismissed, Mister Eddington. Eddington: Thank you, sir. Captain's log, stardate 48962.5. We are twelve hours from the border. I haven't been in this area since the last Federation-Tzenkethi war. Being here brings back a lot of memories, most of them bad. Odo: Captain, we're receiving a priority one distress signal from Barisa Prime. Audio only. Sisko: Put it through. Man: under heavy fire from Tzenkethi warships. I don't know how much longer we can hold out. Can anyone hear me, This is Sisko: Constable? Odo: We've lost contact. Sisko: Try to re-establish. Odo: It's no use, Captain. They're gone. Captain's log, supplemental. We've been unable to re-establish contact with Barisa Prime. Therefore I've no choice but to assume we are at war with the Tzenkethi. Sisko: Lieutenant, set a course for Barisa Prime, maximum warp. I want continual scans for Tzenkethi ships. Constable, contact Starfleet Command. Let them know what happened. Sisko: Major, what other starships are in this sector? Kira: The closest one is the Ulysses. They're studying protoplanetary masses in the Helaspont Nebula. Sisko: That puts them twenty hours away at maximum warp. Lieutenant, transmit a message to Captain Entebe on the Ulysses. Tell her Odo: Captain. I'm having trouble getting through to Starfleet Command. There seems to be a power fluctuation in the communications system. Dax: I can't get a message out either. O'Brien: The console's functioning normally. The problem must be in the transceiver assembly. Sisko: I need that system back online, Chief. O'Brien: I'll get on it right away. Lieutenant, I could use some help. Sisko: Major, take the helm. Kira: Yes, sir. O'Brien: What do you make of this, Lieutenant? I've never seen anything like it. Dax: It's spreading through the system like some kind of parasite. O'Brien: It seems to be linked to key points within the transceiver assembly. We'd better get it out of there. O'Brien: Argh! Dax: A forcefield. O'Brien: Come on. Dax: Where are we going? O'Brien: I want to check the other command systems. I have a bad feeling about this. Sisko: You say these things are all over the ship? O'Brien: They've attached themselves to the command and communication relays, the internal sensors, the transporter, the deflector shield grid, almost every critical system. Sisko: Is there any way to get past the forcefields? O'Brien: None that we've found yet. We're still working on it. Sisko: Well I guess the question is, how did they get aboard? Or should I say, who placed them here? O'Brien: I don't know who did it, but I know it definitely happened after we left the station. I ran a systems check before our departure. They weren't there then. Sisko: Which means someone aboard this ship is a saboteur. Dax: We've got forty seven people on board. Theoretically, anyone of them could've planted those devices. Sisko: Chief? O'Brien: It's nothing, sir. It's not even worth mentioning. Sisko: It doesn't sound like you're too sure about that. O'Brien: Well, I did see someone crawling about in one of the Jefferies Tubes the other day. Sisko: Who? O'Brien: It was Julian. He was connecting a medical console to the power grid. Sisko: Which is right next to the communications relay. Dax: Are you accusing Julian of sabotage? Sisko: No one's accusing anyone of anything. But I want to talk to Julian. Dax: Wait. I think I have a better idea. Sisko: This crew has been through a lot together. In fact I would trust any one of you with my life. But after looking at the evidence, there's only one conclusion I can draw. Someone on this ship is guilty of sabotage. Eddington: With your permission, Captain, the Constable and I can begin questioning the crew immediately. Sisko: That won't be necessary. Lieutenant. Dax: We found one of the devices planted in the warp plasma conduit. Which means whoever put it there would've been exposed to trace amounts of tetryon particles. Krajensky: And those particles would still be detectable on the saboteur? O'Brien: Yes, but not for much longer. They dissipate quickly. Odo: So you're going to scan all the members of the crew for tetryon particles? Sisko: Starting with the senior staff. Dax: O'Brien and I already scanned positive, since we opened up the warp core controls during our investigation. Eddington: You realize, of course, that if no one else tests positive O'Brien: We'll be the prime suspects. Yes, we know that. Sisko: We might as well get started. Dax: You're clean. Sisko: I'm glad to hear it. Kira: Might as well do me next. Dax: You're okay, too. Julian. Bashir: Oh, of course. O'Brien: Nothing. Bashir: You sound relieved. O'Brien: Well I am. After all, you were in that conduit the other day. Bashir: I don't know what you're talking about. Dax: Ambassador, if you please. Krajensky: Certainly. Bashir: I was never in any conduit. O'Brien: Of course you were. I saw you. Kira: It's a changeling. Sisko: We've cloaked. Lieutenant, bring us out of warp. Full stop. Now. Constable, Commander, deploy security teams immediately. I want that changeling found before he can do any more damage. Eddington: Yes, sir. Dax: Captain. The helm isn't responding. We're still at warp. O'Brien: I can't deactivate the cloaking device. Kira: The weapons array has activated. The phaser banks are charging and we've got photon torpedoes online and ready to launch. Dax: The ship's no longer under our control. Eddington: Our security teams have gone over every centimeter of the ship, checked every piece of cargo, questioned every crewmember. We still haven't been able to find the changeling. Sisko: Is there any way he could've been transported off the ship? Eddington: At warp? It's unlikely. But with Dominion technology, I suppose it's possible. Odo: He's still here. He won't leave until he's completed his mission. Bashir: Which is? Sisko: It looks like the Dominion is hoping to start a war between the Federation and the Tzenkethi. Kira: If you ask me, the Tzenkethi are doing a pretty good job of that all by themselves. Sisko: Not necessarily. The transmission we received from Barisa Prime could've been faked using that device we found implanted in the communications relay. In fact, our entire mission could have been engineered by the Dominion. Think about it. We've been all over this ship, and we have not seen a trace of the real Ambassador Krajensky nor his remains. Eddington: Which means he was probably replaced before we left the station. Odo: Maybe the real Ambassador never came to Deep Space Nine at all. Bashir: So anything Ambassador Krajensky told us could have been a lie. The Tzenkethi coup d'état, increased tension along the border, the threat of an attack. Sisko: And now here we are, cloaked, armed for battle, and headed into Tzenkethi space. If we can't stop this ship before we cross the border, we may wind up causing a war rather of preventing one. Odo: Which is no doubt what my people are hoping for. A war between the Tzenkethi and the Federation would destabilize the Alpha Quadrant, making it that much easier for the Dominion to move in. Eddington: I wish the internal sensors were online. It'd make it a lot easier to track down the changeling. Odo: I'm not sure the sensors would help. If you scan me when I'm a rock, you'd detect a rock. I may not be able to duplicate a humanoid perfectly, but I'm guessing he can. Bashir: We scanned Ambassador Krajensky for tetryon particles. He registered as human. Kira: Well then right now the changeling could be anything or anyone on this ship. Sisko: Then we have to narrow his options. Confine all nonessential personnel to their quarters and seal them in with forcefields. Doctor, I want you to review those tricorder readings. See if you can find anything that will help us find the changeling. And take some security with you. From here on, no one is to be left alone. Sisko: We have seven hours before we enter Tzenkethi space. I want that changeling found before then. Eddington: That won't be easy. Let's face it, no matter how many precautions we take, he could replace any one of us and we won't know it until it's too late. Odo: Thank you for your cooperation. Hopefully this will be over soon and you'll be able to return to duty. Odo: All right, let's go. Bashir: This may take a while. Eddington: Keep your phasers on stun. And stay calm. I don't want anyone getting nervous and shooting one of us by mistake. You sure I can't interest you in one of these? Odo: I don't use them. Besides, in the history of my people, no changeling has ever harmed another. I'd hate to be the first. Eddington: Apparently that changeling doesn't feel the same way. If we don't stop him, no one on board will escape unharmed. Including you. Odo: You may be right. But I've been a security officer most of my humanoid existence. And in all that time, I've never found it necessary to fire a weapon or take a life. I don't intend to start now. O'Brien: This is O'Brien. I need a security team in the engine room immediately. O'Brien: It must've been the changeling. I went down the hall to get an interphasic compensator. I heard a noise and when I came back Bashir: She's got a severe concussion. Give me a hand. We've got to get her back to the medical bay immediately. Odo: Stay here with the Chief. O'Brien: Damage control team, report to the engine room. Crewman: Aye, sir. Bashir: Dax is still unconscious. I've given her cortical analeptics to stabilize her condition. She should be all right in a day or two, but until then Sisko: Is there any way to speed up the process? Bashir: I could use a neural stimulator but that might cause irreversible brain damage. I don't recommend it. Sisko: Then Chief O'Brien is going to have to regain control of the ship without her. Bashir: I'm afraid so. I should get back to my patient. Kira: The changeling's very clever. Taking out Dax makes O'Brien's job a lot harder. Sisko: One thing's for sure, we're not going to start a war with the Tzenkethi. If O'Brien can't regain control before we cross the border I'll have no choice but to destroy the Defiant. Sisko: Our objective is simple. Find the changeling and stop him before he can do any more damage. We'll break into two-person teams. Each team will be armed with phaser rifles. Eddington: We've reconfigured the rifles to fire an expanding energy pulse. Odo: Phasers have been set low enough to avoid damaging equipment, but high enough to affect the changeling. Sisko: The changeling could be hiding anywhere. He could look like anything. So we're going to have to systematically sweep the ship with phaser fire. Every conduit, every corridor. If he's out there, we'll find him. Any questions? Bolian: What if the changeling's not out there? What if he's one of us? Sisko: That's why everyone will be in teams. Keep your partner in sight at all times. Kira: And if we see anyone without a partner? Sisko: Escort them to the brig. We don't want to take any chances. Let's go. Kira: All right. Let's go. Bolian: After you. Kira: Don't you trust me? Bolian: No, I don't. Kira: I know exactly how you feel. Follow me. Eddington: Don't you ever sweat? Odo: No, I don't. It's the modified phaser beam. It's heating up the air. Eddington: You know, this'd be a lot easier if we knew where he was hiding. Where would you be if you were him? Odo: I wouldn't know. I'm not him. Eddington: He is one of your people. Can't you put yourself in his position, try to anticipate his next move? Odo: I've thought about it, but the truth is I don't understand my people all that well. Eddington: That's too bad. Odo: Yes, it is. Eddington: For all of us. Sisko: Watch my back. Sisko: Over there. On three. One, two Sisko: This is Sisko. The changeling is in Jefferies tube seven A heading to the lower deck. I'm in pursuit. Bolian: The changeling. He's right over there. Kira: Put your phaser down. It's me, Kira. We were on our way to meet you and we got separated for a second. The next thing I know, he opens fire. Bolian: You can't fool me. You're the changeling. I saw you come out of that hatch and go around the corner. Kira: I didn't see anyone. Maybe he morphed into the ventilation system. Or maybe he didn't. For all we know, you may be the changeling. Bolian: Keep back! Sisko: Both of you put your weapons down now. Bolian: I can't do that, Captain. Kira: You heard him. Eddington: What happened? Sisko: How long have the two of you been apart? Odo: At least a minute. Sisko: Then we've got a problem. Any of us could be the changeling. You, Kira, Eddington, even me. Odo: Not you. Sisko: What do you mean? Odo: You're bleeding. Sisko: I cut my hand when the changeling attacked me. Eddington: What are you getting at? Odo: When blood leaves a humanoid body it's still blood. But when any part of me separates from my body Kira: It reverts back to a gelatinous state. Sisko: Sisko to Bashir. Bashir: This is Bashir. Sisko: Doctor, meet us in the mess hall immediately. Bashir: This shouldn't take long. Bolian: Satisfied? Sisko: So far. Bashir: Who's next? Kira: I'll go. Bashir: I'd say the Major is exactly who she appears to be. Kira: Try not to look so surprised. Bashir: There doesn't seem to be any point obtaining a sample from the Constable. I guess that leaves the three of us. Eddington: Let's get this over with. Kira: You'd better come with us. Eddington: This is ridiculous. I'm not the changeling. If I were, don't you think I'd put up a little more of a fight? Odo: Inside. Eddington: You're making a mistake. Kira: Do as he says. Bashir: Would someone please get me out of here? Crewman: Bridge to Captain Sisko. Sisko: Sisko here. Crewman: Sir, we're entering Tzenkethi space. Sisko: Any sign of Tzenkethi ships? Eddington: Sensors aren't picking up any warp signatures. Kira: We've altered course. Our new heading is zero one five mark four seven. We're headed directly for the Tzenkethi settlement on M'kemas Three. Sisko: How long before we're in weapons range of the settlement? Kira: Twelve minutes. Sisko: Computer, this is Captain Benjamin Sisko. Initiate auto-destruct sequence. Authorisation Sisko alpha one alpha. Computer: Identity confirmed. Additional authorisation required. Kira: This is First Officer Kira Nerys. Auto-destruct authorisation Kira beta two beta. Computer: Identity confirmed. Auto-destruct sequence armed. Sisko: Set the countdown for ten minutes from my mark. Authorisation Sisko one five destruct. Mark. Computer: Sequence initiated. Auto-destruct in nine minutes, fifty five seconds. Sisko: Sisko to O'Brien. O'Brien: O'Brien here. Sisko: I could use some good news right now, Chief. O'Brien: How about this? O'Brien: I think I may be able to shut down the changeling's forcefields and gain access to the sabotaged systems. The only problem is we may lose our O'Brien: Forcefields too. Computer: Auto-destruct in seven minutes. Sisko: Just tell me how long it will take. O'Brien: Well, I guess it'll have to be less than seven minutes, won't it. Sisko: That'd be my suggestion. Sisko out. Eddington: Doctor, how's Lieutenant Dax? Bashir: Still unconscious. The changeling gave her enough sedative to keep her under for days. I've managed to filter most of it out of her system, but she'll be out for another few hours. I wish I could do more. Sisko: You've done all you can, Doctor. Now it's up to Chief O'Brien. Computer: Auto-destruct in six minutes. O'Brien: All right, we're almost there. Look, when we set off this device there's a possibility we may lose the protective field around the warp core. If that happens, this room is going to heat up real fast so give the warp core a wide berth or you'll get a dose of radiation poisoning even Bashir can't cure. Odo: Where's the changeling? I lost him in the conduits. O'Brien: We haven't seen him. Odo 2: Wait. It's me, Odo. O'Brien: You don't say. Odo 2: Chief, remember the last time we went kayaking in the holosuites. You had lamb stew for lunch. O'Brien: That's right. Odo: But you forgot to bring a fork. Anyone could have gotten that information. Computer: Auto-destruct in five minutes. Odo 2: You'd better make a decision. We're running out of time. O'Brien: I've got more important things to do than play choose the changeling. Keep the phaser on both of them. Kira: The shuttlebay doors are sealed. The evacuation pods are locked down. We have no way out. Eddington: Weapons are fully charged and ready to fire. Tactical systems are programming an attack run on the Tzenkethi settlement. Odo 2: Chief, what are you doing? Computer: Auto-destruct in four minutes. O'Brien: You'll see. Now. Computer: Warning. Warp core field breach. Engine room will be sealed in ten seconds. Evacuate immediately. O'Brien: Shut down the main power grid. Odo: No! Computer: Engine room sealed. Founder: Why are you protecting these solids? You don't belong with them. You belong with us. Computer: Auto-destruct in three minutes. Founder: Let go. Don't you see? You've lost. It's too late for you to help them but it's not too late to help yourself. Link with me, Odo. We can escape together. Odo: I don't think so. Computer: Auto-destruct in two minutes. Odo: You have to regain control of the ship. Founder: Odo. Odo: I never wanted to harm you. O'Brien: O'Brien to Bridge. Sisko: Go ahead, Chief. O'Brien: I've restored O'Brien: Control to the helm. She's all yours O'Brien: Captain. Sisko: Hard aport, Major. Take us away from the settlement. Computer, end auto-destruct sequence. Authorisation Sisko omega one seven abort. Kira: This is Kira Nerys, First Officer. I concur. Computer: Auto-destruct sequence aborted. Eddington: The phaser banks are powering down. Sisko: Take us home, Major. Captain's log, supplemental. We've returned to the station without further incident. However, I'm concerned about my Chief of Security, who hasn't said a word since we left Tzenkethi space. Sisko: The real Ambassador Krajensky was supposed to be on his way to Risa for an extended vacation, but he never arrived. Eddington: Starfleet Security believes he's been kidnapped or possibly killed. Bashir: What about the coup on the Tzenkethi homeworld? Sisko: It never happened. Starfleet Command wants a detailed report from each of us. Kira: Odo, are you all right? Odo: I'm fine. I hope I'm not interrupting. Dax: Not at all. O'Brien: Have a seat. Odo: Captain, there's something you need to know. The changeling, before he died, he whispered something to me. Sisko: Go on. Odo: He said, you're too late. We are everywhere.

Scene: In memory of Gregg Duffy Long Ronald W. Smith O'Brien: O'Brien to Sisko. Sisko: Go ahead. O'Brien: We've swept all of level seventeen. No sign of the changeling. Sisko: Move down to eighteen. We'll meet you there after we finish checking the guest quarters. Kira: Watch yourself, Chief. This changeling knows the station as well as we do. He could be anywhere or anything. O'Brien: Aye, Major. Sisko: We've found him. He's headed to the Promenade. Bashir: Just there. All right, I want phaser sweeps of everything in the Promenade. He's here somewhere. Let's find him. On three. One, two O'Brien: Bang. You're dead. Odo: And so is Doctor Bashir. Kira: Computer, elapsed time? Computer: Three hours, twenty-seven minutes. Odo: That's not good enough. If one of my people were loose on the station for that long, there's no telling how much damage they could do. Sisko: Schedule another surprise drill. If the Dominion tries to infiltrate the station, I want to be ready for them. Odo: And remind everyone that next time they'd better sweep everything. A changeling can be anything. A post, a pillar, even a patch of reflective surfacing. O'Brien: We get the message, Constable. Odo: I hope so, Chief. Just remember that the Founders are even better shape-shifters than I am. Quark: Excuse me. If you're done scaring my customers away, I'd like to open the bar. Kira: Go right ahead. Quark: Thank you. Constable, it just occurred to me that if I knew in advance how just long it'll take them for to catch you during the next drill? Well, let's just say you and I could share a substantial profit. Quark: Think about it. Kira: Performance reviews will be held starting at oh eight hundred hours tomorrow in the wardroom. Check your team leaders for the schedule. Dismissed. Kira: How about some dinner? Sisko: Not tonight. I have a previous engagement. Kira: Oh, that's right. Captain Yates got in this morning. Give her my regards. Sisko: I will. Sisko: Come in. Kasidy: Hello, Ben. I hope I'm not too late. Sisko: Some things are worth waiting for. Kasidy: Nice. Sisko: I'm glad you like it. For you. Kasidy: Isn't that a coincidence? I have something for you, too. Oh, where did you find Tholian silk? Sisko: The Tholian ambassador owed me a favor. May I? Kasidy: It's not silk, but I think you'll like it. Kasidy: It's from my brother's team. Sisko: The Pike City Pioneers. Kasidy: My brother says if you're ever on Cestus Three, he'll get you seats in the dugout. Sisko: How far is Cestus Three? Kasidy: Eight weeks at maximum warp. Sisko: To see a real baseball game, it might be worth the trip. Kasidy: If you ever decide to go, I'll take you there myself. As long as you don't mind traveling by freighter. Sisko: I just might take you up on that. Kasidy: Did you do this all yourself? Sisko: My father always says the way to a woman's heart is through her stomach. Kasidy: So it's my heart you're after. Sisko: I never could keep a secret. Kasidy: In that case, maybe you could tell me what all those maintenance crews are doing in the docking ring. Sisko: Just some retrofitting. Kasidy: Now you are keeping a secret. Sisko: Let's just say we're preparing a few surprises just in case the Dominion comes through the wormhole. Kasidy: Seems like everyone's got the Dominion on their minds these days. I hear the Cardassians have even sealed their borders. Sisko: What do you say we forget about business for a while? Kasidy: I'd say that's a good idea. Dax: Dax to Sisko. Sisko: Go ahead. Dax: I think you'd better get up here. Sisko: On my way. I'll be back as soon as I can. Kasidy: I know you will. Dax: Benjamin, take a look at this. We've got some unexpected company. Dax: It's just decloaked. Sisko: Ah. The new Klingon flagship. Dax: The Negh'Var. There's a General Martok on board asking to speak with you. Sisko: Put him through. Martok: Captain Sisko. I bring greetings from your allies in the Klingon Empire. (Everyone say Hi! to J G Hertzler.) Sisko: Welcome to Deep Space Nine, General. Is there something I can do for you? Martok: It has been a long journey. My men require shore leave. Sisko: Certainly. They can come aboard any time they like. Martok: Good. Sowee tah. Bashir: Chief, I'm beginning to think there's no limit to the wonders you can perform. O'Brien: That's what I like about you, Julian. You're easily impressed. Bashir: Thank you, Quark. Can we get a little yamok sauce for these sand peas? Quark? Quark: Listen, do you hear that? Bashir: I don't hear a thing. Quark: Exactly. The ambient noise level in this room is less than thirty decibels. On an average day it's sixty five. When there're Klingons in the room, it can go as high as eighty-five. O'Brien: So what you're saying is, it's quiet in here. Quark: Too quiet. Something is terribly wrong. Bashir: Like what? Quark: I don't know. But have you ever met a quiet Klingon before? Look how they're watching the room. It's like they're picking out targets. Where are you going? O'Brien: I thought I'd ask the Klingons what they're up to. Quark: Don't do that. O'Brien: Why not? Quark: I don't want them to know we're on to them. O'Brien: Well, suit yourself. O'Brien: The secret is positioning the pea correctly on the hand. Bashir: But I thought I had that. Quark: What are you two doing? I'm telling you, the Klingons are up to something. Bashir: Calm down, Quark. The Klingons are our allies. Quark: They might be your allies, but they're not mine. O'Brien: Relax. If something's up with the Klingons, Captain Sisko will find out about it. Quark: Yeah. But will he tell me? Sisko: So, what brings you here, General? Martok: A valid question. But first, let us be sure we are all who we say we are. Kira: You think we're changelings? Martok: What I think doesn't matter. The blood will tell. Sisko: Now that that's over with. Martok: We have been sent here to fight alongside our Federation allies against the Dominion. Sisko: I appreciate your gesture, but I'm not sure it's necessary. Martok: The Klingon High Council thinks it is. Sisko: Our communications relay in the Gamma Quadrant hasn't detected any signs of Jem'Hadar activity for quite some time. They seem to be giving the wormhole a wide berth. Martok: They will come. And when they do, we will be ready for them. Dax: Oh, there you are. We've been looking all over for you. Malko here just gave me the most amazing massage, and I'm sure if you ask nicely he'll do the same for you. Kira: No, thanks. Dax: Why? Kira: Because Malko's not real. He's a puppet made out of holographic light and replicated matter. Dax: Boys, can you wait outside? Kira: Are you afraid I hurt their feelings? Dax: You really should try to get into the spirit of things. People come from all over Trill to visit the Hoobishan Baths. Kira: And if I'm ever on Trill I'll visit them too. But we're not on Trill and this isn't the Hoobishan Baths. It's a holosuite and none of it is real. Dax: And? Kira: And? I'm sorry. I feel silly. Dax: Good. That's what a holosuite's for. To have a good time. All you have to do is relax and use your imagination. Kira: I guess I don't have much of an imagination. Dax: Of course you do. Everyone does. Didn't you play make-believe when you were a child? Kira: Yeah. I used to make-believe that the Cardassians would stop killing the Bajorans and just go away. Dax: I'm sorry, I didn't mean to Kira: No. I'm sorry. I guess I never had much use for my imagination. I mean, look at me. You plan a fun evening for us and all I can do is sit here and worry about Klingons. Dax: You can worry about the Klingons tomorrow. From what I hear, they're not going anywhere. And as for your underdeveloped imagination, I prescribe a strict regimen of exercise starting immediately. Kira: All right. I'll give it a try. Dax: That's all I ask. Come on. Malko couldn't have gone far. Garak: Fascinating. So both the cup and the liquid are merely extensions of your body. Odo: That is correct. And if I want to, I can even drink the liquid, reabsorb it, and produce new coffee in the cup. This way I can give the illusion that I'm sharing in the dining experience. Garak: Very thoughtful. Tell me, Odo, have you heard any news from Cardassia lately? Odo: Not since they sealed their borders. Garak: Well I have, and frankly I don't like what I've heard. Rumors of uprisings, civil disturbance. It's all very alarming. Odo: I didn't know you still had friends inside the Empire. Garak: One or two, but I can't even get through to them now. That's what worries me. With the destruction of the Obsidian Order and the threat of the Dominion, these are unsettling times for Cardassia. Odo: They're unsettling for everyone. Drex: Stop. What are you doing here? Let me see that. Drex: Two bottles of Odo: But if I hear anything, I'll let you know. Garak: I'd appreciate that, Constable. Odo: Excuse me for a moment. Drex: So far away from the Hyundite nebula. So what is it that you do on this station? Odo: Can I help you? Drex: Lohd Zoss-lee chaw-KU sohk jaTAL? Garak: Actually, I'm not sure Constable Odo has a mother. Odo: Morn, I believe Ensign Sanders was looking for you. Gentlemen, if you have business on this Promenade, I suggest you get on with it. Garak: I'd listen to him if I were you. Drex: I don't take orders from shape-shifters, or their Cardassian lapdogs. Odo: I may be a shape-shifter, but I am also Chief of Security of this station. So either move along, or you'll be continuing this conversation from inside a holding cell. Drex: As long as you wear that Bajoran uniform, we're allies. Make sure you never take it off. Odo: I didn't know you spoke Klingon. Garak: Oh, you'd be surprised at the things you can learn while you're doing alterations. Garak: Let me guess. You're either lost or desperately searching for a good tailor. Drex: Guess again. Bashir: I can't believe you're not pressing charges. Garak: Constable Odo and Captain Sisko expressed similar concern. But really, Doctor, there was no harm done. Bashir: They broke seven of your transverse ribs and fractured your clavicle. Garak: Ah, but I got off several cutting remarks which no doubt did serious damage to their egos. Bashir: Garak, this isn't funny. Garak: I'm serious, Doctor. Thanks to your ministrations, I am almost completely healed. But the damage I did to them will last a lifetime. What I can't understand is their inexplicable hostility toward me. Maligning Constable Odo is one thing. After all, he's a changeling. The Klingons don't know him as well as we do. But relations between the Klingon and Cardassian Empires have never been anything but amicable. Bashir: With the exception of the Betreka Nebula incident. Garak: A minor skirmish. Bashir: That lasted eighteen years. Garak: That was ages ago. Perhaps they decided they just didn't like me? Bashir: Not like you? Impossible. Garak: You're right, as always, Doctor. They must have mistaken me for someone else. Kira: The Klingon ships keep cloaking and decloaking, so it's impossible to get an exact count, but so far we've been able to identify at least twenty different warships in the vicinity of the station. Dax: Captain, we're receiving a priority one distress call from the freighter Xhosa. Kira: Kasidy's ship? Sisko: She left the station an hour ago. Put her through. Kasidy: This is the freighter Xhosa to Deep Space Nine. We're under attack by Dax: Her signal's been jammed. Sisko: Get a fix on her location. Tell the crew on the Defiant to man their stations. We'll meet you on the bridge. Defiant. Dax: Forward scanners are detecting the Xhosa at bearing zero one seven mark three four six. Kira: I'm picking up another ship. It's got a tractor beam on the Xhosa. Sisko: On screen. Kira: A Klingon ship. Dax: I can't get through to Kasidy. They're still jamming her communications. Sisko: Hail the Klingon vessel. Kaybok: This is Commander Kaybok of the M'Char. What is it you want? Sisko: I want to know why you stopped that ship. Kaybok: We have orders to search all vessels attempting to leave Bajoran space. Kira: Search them for what? Kaybok: For shape-shifters. Each ship will be scanned, its cargo searched, and its crewmembers and passengers subjected to genetic testing. Sisko: On whose authority? Kaybok: On the authority of Gowron and the Klingon High Council. Kira: The Klingon High Council has no jurisdiction over ships in Bajoran space. Kaybok: We assumed you would welcome our assistance. Sisko: Do you have any evidence that there are changelings aboard this particular ship? Kaybok: How can we have evidence until we conduct our tests? Kira: Commander, Bajoran law strictly prohibits any unwarranted search and seizure of vessels in our territory. Kaybok: I have my orders. Dax: The Klingon ship has increased power to its tractor beam. It looks like they're preparing to board the Xhosa. Sisko: Major, raise shields. Power up the forward phasers. See if that gets their attention. Kira: Shields up. Forward phasers standing by. Dax: They're still not releasing the tractor beam. Sisko: Fire a warning shot two hundred meters off their starboard bow. Kira: Yes, sir. Dax: Commander Kaybok would like to speak with you. Sisko: Let's hear what he has to say. Kaybok: Captain, this is outrageous. Sisko: I agree, but you leave me no choice. You're violating Bajoran law. Now, I will ask you one last time. Release that ship immediately. Kaybok: We are your allies. Sisko: Major, lock phasers on M'Char's engines. Prepare to fire on my command. Kira: Phasers ready. Kaybok: Kltrek im stram. Gowron will hear of this. Dax: I'm receiving a hail from the Xhosa. It's Captain Yates. Sisko: Put her through. Kasidy: Captain, I don't know what you said to those Klingons, but it must have been good. Sisko: Is everyone all right? Kasidy: Everyone is fine. Sisko: I'm glad to hear it. We'll keep you on sensors as long as we can, but I doubt the Klingons will give you any more trouble. Kasidy: I appreciate that, Captain. I'll see you in about two weeks. Sisko: You know where to find me. Dax: According to our long-range sensors, the Klingon task force has withdrawn to just outside Bajoran territory. Sisko: So now they're in unclaimed space. And if they decide to continue searching ships Dax: There's nothing we can do about it unless they try to stop a Federation or Bajoran vessel. Sisko: Which, so far, they haven't done. O'Brien: Captain, General Martok is here to see you. Sisko: Send him in. Ah, General, we need to talk. Martok: Sohk vad. Dax: It's Commander Kaybok's. Sisko: Why did he give it to me? Dax: He's letting you know Kaybok's dead. Martok probably had him executed for disobeying orders. Sisko: Which means our next confrontation with the Klingons won't be resolved so easily. Any suggestions, old man? Dax: The longer the Klingons are here, the worse things are going to get. Whatever you decide to do, you'd better do it soon. Sisko: Curzon told me once that in the long run, the only people who can really handle the Klingons are Klingons. Get me Starfleet Command. O'Brien: Commander Worf. Worf: Chief. It has been a long time. O'Brien: Too long. Welcome aboard. Quark: Just what the station needs. Another Klingon. Worf: Lieutenant Commander Worf reporting for duty, sir. Sisko: It's good to have you aboard, Commander. Worf: Thank you, sir. Sisko: At ease, Mister Worf. I was sorry to hear about the Enterprise. She was a good ship. Worf: Yes, sir. Sisko: I understand you've been on extended leave. Worf: Yes. I have been visiting the Klingon monastery on Boreth. I found my discussions with the clerics to be there most enlightening. Sisko: Well, I hope you'll forgive me for pulling you away from your studies, but I doubt that this assignment will take very long. Worf: My leave was almost over, sir. Sisko: Do you have any idea where you'll be stationed next? Worf: I am considering resigning my commission. Sisko: Really? May I ask why? Worf: I have spent most of my life among humans. It has not always been easy for me. And since the destruction of the Enterprise, it has become even more difficult. I am no longer sure I belong in this uniform. Sisko: Mister Worf, if I told you we didn't need you here, I'd be lying. But if you don't want to take this assignment, I'd understand. Worf: Thank you, sir. But until I make my decision, I intend to do my duty. Sisko: I'm glad to hear that. I assume you've read my situation report. Worf: Yes, sir. Sisko: I can't help but feel that General Martok isn't telling the whole truth about this Klingon task force. There are too many unanswered questions. Worf: Then I will find you some answers. Sisko: Good. If you need any help, let me know. Worf: Yes, sir. Sisko: Commander. I once thought about resigning from Starfleet too. I know if I had, I would've regretted it. Don't make any quick decisions. Worf: I will keep that in mind. Quark: Let me guess. Klingon bloodwine. Worf: Prune juice, chilled. Quark: Prune juice? If you say so. O'Brien: Commander, over here. O'Brien: Doctor Julian Bashir, Lieutenant Commander Worf. Bashir: Care for a game of darts? Worf: I do not play games. O'Brien: It's like poker, but with pointed tips. All right then, think of it as target practice. Bashir: The object is to throw this dart and hit that board over there. O'Brien: Aim for the dot in the middle. Kira: Well, you saw how he was acting. Dax: I can't believe you did that. Kira: He didn't leave me any choice. Bashir: Wait, wait, wait. What did she do? Dax: She knocked out Lancelot. Kira: He kissed me. Dax: He's supposed to kiss you. Kira: But I was playing a married woman. Bashir: Lieutenant Commander Worf, this is Lieutenant Commander Jadzia Dax, and Major Kira Nerys, our first officer. Worf: Nice hat. Kira: I don't usually dress like this. We were in the holosuite. Worf: So I gathered. You used to be Curzon Dax. Dax: That's right. And I don't usually dress like this either. Worf: Curzon's name is an honored one among my people. Dax: Louk, a jeek cHim talaw. Worf: I suppose so. Drex: Bloodwine! And hurry! Worf: Excuse me. Kira: What did you say to him? Dax: It loses something in the translation. Drex: This bloodwine is cold! Get me another one! Worf: You are Drex, son of Martok. Drex: That's right. Worf: I am Worf, son of Mogh. Dax: He's good. O'Brien: What did I tell you? Worf: Enter. Martok: I have come for my son's d'k tahg. Give it to me or I will take it from you. Worf: Now that you are here, I have no further need of it. Martok: You robbed my son of his honor just to get my attention? Worf: You can't take away what someone does not have. Martok: Are you saying my son is without honor? Worf: I am saying your son is a coward and a liar. Martok: And what of his father? Worf: That remains to be seen. Martok: Tell me, what have I done to earn your disrespect? Worf: The misdeeds your troops have committed speak for themselves. Attacking a Cardassian tailor. Detaining and searching ships in neutral space without warning or provocation. And you, executing one of your commanders because he refused to fire on a Federation ship, Martok: Whatever we have done is in the best interests of the Alpha Quadrant. Worf: You must think me a fool to make your lies so transparent. Martok: I do not wish to quarrel with you, Worf. Worf: Nor I with you. The House of Martok is an honored one, with a proud tradition. But I must know why you are here. Martok: I am here under the authority of Gowron himself. I am carrying out his orders. That should be all the explanation a Klingon warrior needs. Worf: You forget. I am not only a Klingon warrior, I am a Starfleet officer. And Starfleet deserves an explanation. Martok: They will get one soon enough. Until then, know this. My mission will determine the fate of the Klingon Empire. Interfere, and you risk destroying us all. Dax: You shouldn't drop your left arm like that. Worf: I do not remember asking you for advice. Dax: Just trying to help. Dax: So, how did you like the program? Worf: I found it adequate. Though I was surprised to find a Klingon exercise program on the holosuite. Dax: It's mine. Worf: You mean Curzon's. Dax: No, I mean it's mine. Computer, bat'leth. I thought you might be tired of fighting holograms. Worf: It would not be a fair match. Dax: I'll go easy on you. Worf: Very well. Defend yourself. Dax: I hope you're not holding back because I'm a woman. If it makes things any easier, think of me as a man. I've been one several times. Dax: Feel better? I take it your conversation with General Martok didn't go all that well. Worf: He was not forthcoming. And he is not the only one. I tried to contact Gowron, Emperor Kahless, even my brother who sits on the High Council. No one will speak with me. Dax: Maybe you're going about this the wrong way. With so many Klingons around, there must be someone who owes your family a favor. Huraga: Ej IM-ta fey DE-ja i. Ejdahk-so-TAS ghos va Skral byteek. Empa jaj law-moch jaj-push. Jaj Kayless Molor migh hohk-chew koo. Huraga: Your father and I used to sing that song when you were just a small boy. Did I ever tell you how your father saved my family's honor during our bloodfeud with the House of Duras? Worf: Many times. Huraga: It is a good story! Worf: Yes, an you tell it well. Huraga: Your father was a great warrior. My family owes him everything we have. I wish there was some way I could repay him. Worf: There is. Tell me why the task force is here. The real reason, not the one Martok gave the Federation. Huraga: The real reason? I suppose you have the right to know. You are a Klingon warrior and it would be wrong to keep you away from battle. And it's going to be a glorious battle! Odo: It all seems simpler from up here, doesn't it? Worf: If you are looking to start a conversation, look somewhere else. I would prefer to be left alone. Odo: That may be, but you can't stay up here forever. Sooner or later you're going to have to talk to Captain Sisko. Whatever it is you've found out about the Klingons, he should be the first to know. Worf: You have been spying on me. Odo: As Chief of Security, it's my duty to observe the inhabitants of this station. Since your arrival, you've transmitted an average of five messages a day to the Klingon Homeworld, none of which has gotten a response. Then last night you met with a Klingon officer in your quarters. Since then, you haven't sent a single message. In fact, you've done nothing to further your investigation of the Klingon task force. Worf: None of which is your business. Odo: The security of this station is my business. Your behavior leads me to conclude that either you've given up your investigation, in which case it's my duty to take over, or you've found something. Something so disturbing that you're hesitant to inform Captain Sisko. Worf: I am not interested in your conclusions. Odo: Commander. I just wanted to say that I understand what you're going through. I've also had to choose between duty and loyalty to my people. Worf: Yes, I have read your Starfleet security file. Odo: Frankly, Mister Worf, I don't care which choice you make. But you owe it to Captain Sisko to let him know which side you're on, before it's too late. Enjoy the view. O'Brien: Mister Worf, what can I do for you? Worf: Where is Captain Sisko? O'Brien: I think he's in a briefing session with Worf: I need to talk to him. Now. Sisko: Cardassia? Why would the Klingons want to invade Cardassia? Worf: According to my source, there has been an uprising on the Cardassian homeworld. The Central Command has been overthrown and power transferred to civilian authorities. Sisko: Even if your source is correct, what does that have to do with the Klingons? Worf: Gowron and the High Council believe the coup was engineered by the Dominion. Sisko: Do they have any proof? Worf: None that I know of, but they are convinced that civilians could not have overthrown the Central Command without help. Sisko: So, by attacking Cardassia they think they're protecting the Alpha Quadrant from the Dominion? Sisko to Dax. Contact General Martok. Tell him I need to meet with him immediately. Dax: Yes, sir. Sisko: Mister Worf, I know this hasn't been an easy assignment for you. Worf: No, it has not. But I knew this day would come again when I'd be forced to choose between the Federation and the Klingon Empire. Sisko: Maybe you don't have to make that choice just yet. I don't think there's any need for you to be there when I meet with Martok. Worf: I would prefer to be there. I cannot avoid responsibility for what I have done today. Martok: I must compliment you on your intelligence network, Captain. One day you must tell me how you learned of our plans. Worf: General Sisko: How I got the information isn't important. Martok: I think it is. And so will Gowron. Sisko: General, I want you to call off this attack. Martok: And what do you propose we do instead? Stand by and let the Dominion take over the Alpha Quadrant? Sisko: You have no proof that there are any Founders on Cardassia. Martok: The change in government is all the proof we need. Worf: And what if you are wrong? Martok: That would be unfortunate for the Cardassians. Sisko: General, the Federation council has made it clear to me that they cannot support your plans to attack Cardassia. Martok: Are you saying the Federation will sit back and do nothing while Klingon soldiers give their lives to protect the Alpha Quadrant? Worf: Starfleet will not participate in an unprovoked invasion. Martok: Then the victory will be ours alone. Sisko: General, I would advise you to reconsider. The Federation Council has informed Gowron that if the attack goes forward, it will jeopardize our treaty with the Klingon Empire. Martok: Believe me, Captain, we have no wish to antagonize your people. Sisko: Then call off the attack. Martok: I will consult with Gowron. You will have his decision within the hour. Dax: Captain, I think you'd better take a look at this. Sisko: Report. Dax: As soon as General Martok beamed back to his ship, he sent a message to the Klingon fleet. It was just one word. In'Cha. Worf: Begin. O'Brien: I'm picking up a huge distortion wave in subspace. The Klingon ships are going to warp. Kira: Can you plot their course? O'Brien: Judging from the vector of the subspace disturbance I'd say their heading is two six nine mark zero three two. Sisko: Straight to the Cardassian Empire. Sisko: The Federation Council has been trying to contact Gowron. So far, they've had no response. So until they've had a chance to speak with him, we've been ordered not to get involved. Kira: The Bajoran government has agreed to abide by the decisions of the Federation Council. Bashir: So that means we're not going to warn the Cardassians? Dax: The Klingons are still our allies. If we warn the Cardassians, we'd be betraying them. O'Brien: Besides, what if the Klingons are right? What if the Dominion has taken over the Cardassian government? Odo: If my people wanted to seize control of Cardassia, that is how they would do it. Kira: The coup could have happened just as easily without the Founders. The Cardassian dissident movement has been gathering strength for years. With the Obsidian Order out of the way, they might have finally succeeded. Worf: The issue is not if there are any Founders on Cardassia. There are many Klingons who say we have been at peace too long, that the Empire must expand in order to survive. Fear of the Dominion has given my people an excuse to do what they were born to do. To fight and to conquer. Sisko: If they're so eager to fight, who's to say they'll stop with the Cardassians. Kira: Their next target could be anyone. Even the Federation. Dax: If I were you, I'd be more worried about Bajor. Think about it. What good would it do for the Klingons to defeat Cardassia, if they don't control the wormhole? Worf: Agreed. If my people return to the old ways, no one will be safe. Sisko: Then we'll have to make sure that doesn't happen. O'Brien: But how? The way I see it, we only have got two choices, both of them bad. If we stand by and do nothing, we run the risk of being the Klingons' next target. But if we disobey Starfleet orders and warn the Cardassians, we may end up starting a war with the Klingons. Sisko: Which means we need a third option. Garak: Trust me, you won't regret this. When it comes to keeping warm, nothing beats Vitarian wool undergarments. And in case you change your mind about the earmuffs, I'll keep them on hold for you. Sisko: Mister Garak, I'd like to see you in the wardroom immediately. Bring your tailor's kit. Dax: All together we're talking about well over a hundred ships, just in the first wave. Garak: Excuse me. I hope I'm not interrupting. Sisko: I'd like to be measured for a new suit. Garak: Now? Sisko: Right now. Garak: But Captain, I do have your measurements. Sisko: Take them again. You were saying, Commander? Dax: I was saying that between ground forces and warships, the Klingons have committed almost a third of their military to this invasion. Sisko: How long before they reach their target? Worf: According to our estimates, the task force should enter Cardassian space within the hour. Sisko: Don't forget the waist. I think I've lost a little weight. Garak: Thank you, Captain. I believe I have everything I need. Dukat: The Klingons? Why would the Klingons invade us? Garak: According to my sources, the Klingon High Council believes that Cardassia has been taken over by the Founders. Dukat: That's ridiculous. Garak: Is it? Dukat: Garak, you have got to talk to Sisko. Tell him he has to find a way to stop the Klingons. Cardassia has enough problems right now. Garak: You're having trouble keeping the civilians in line? Dukat: How do you know about that? Garak: I'm afraid that since the fall of the Obsidian Order, Cardassian security isn't what it used to be. Dukat: Yes. Shame about the Order. I suppose there won't be much of a demand for your services anymore. Looks like you'll be hemming women's dresses for the rest of your life. Garak: We can stand here all day reminding ourselves just how much we hate each other, but you don't have the time. The Klingon fleet will reach Cardassian territory in less than one hour. I suggest you prepare for them. Kira: Based on Klingon transmissions we've intercepted, the outlying Cardassian colonies were overrun almost immediately. But, now that the Cardassian fleet has mobilized, the Klingons are meeting stronger resistance. Dax: You'd almost think somebody warned the Cardassians they were coming. Kira: Hopefully it'll make the Klingons think twice about what they're doing. Worf: Unlikely, Major. Now that the battle has begun, Martok and his troops will settle for nothing less than victory. O'Brien: Well, what did the Federation Council say? Sisko: They've decided to condemn the Klingon invasion. In response, Gowron has expelled all Federation citizens from the Klingon Empire and recalled his ambassadors from the Federation. Kira: You're saying he cut off diplomatic relations? Sisko: He's done more than that. The Klingons have withdrawn from the Khitomer Accords. The peace treaty between the Federation and the Klingon Empire has ended. O'Brien: Captain, you're never going to believe this. A Klingon ship just decloaked off upper pylon three and is requesting permission to dock. They claim they have Chancellor Gowron on board and he is demanding to speak with Mister Worf, personally. Worf: Chancellor Gowron. You wished to speak with me? Gowron: Worf. Worf! It is good to see you. I always said that uniform would get you into trouble one day. Worf: It seems you were right. But I do not apologize for my actions Gowron: Yes, yes. I know. you did what you thought was right. And even though you may have made some enemies, I assure you I am not one of them. Worf: I am glad. Your friendship means much to me. Gowron: And yours to me. It has been too long since you last fought at my side. But now the time has come again. We will do great deeds in the coming days. Deeds worthy of song. Worf: You want me to go to Cardassia with you? Gowron: What better way to redeem yourself in the eyes of your people. Come with me, Worf. Glory awaits you on Cardassia. Worf, why do you stand there like a mute d'blok. I have offered you a chance for glory. All you have to do is take it. Worf: If there's any glory to be won, Gowron, it'll have to be yours alone. I cannot come with you. Gowron: Of course you can. It is where you belong. Worf: I cannot abandon my post. Gowron: You no longer have a post. You have no place on that station, and no business wearing that uniform. Worf: I have sworn an oath of allegiance. Gowron: To the Federation. Worf: You would have me break my word? Gowron: Your word? What good is your word when you give it to people who care nothing for honor, who refuse to lift a finger while Klingon warriors shed blood for their protection. I tell you, they are without honor. You do not owe them anything. Worf: It is not what I owe them that matters. It is what I owe myself. Worf, son of Mogh, does not break his word. Gowron: And what of your debt to me? Are you saying you owe me nothing? I gave you back your name, restored your house, gave your family a seat on the High Council. And this is how you repay me? Worf: It is true I owe you a great debt. I would give up my life for you. But invading Cardassia is wrong, and I cannot support it. Gowron: Worf, I have always considered you a friend and an ally. And because you are my friend, I am giving you this one last chance to redeem yourself. Come with me. Worf: I cannot. Gowron: Think about what you are doing. If you turn your back on me now, for as long as I live, you will not be welcome anywhere in the Klingon Empire. Your family will be removed from the High Council, your lands seized, and your House stripped of its titles. You will have nothing. Worf: Except my honor. Gowron: So be it. O'Brien: You look like you could use some company. Worf: Chief, do you remember the time we rescued Captain Picard from the Borg? O'Brien: How could I forget? It was touch and go there for a while. There were a couple of moments when I thought we were all going to wind up being assimilated. Worf: I never doubted the outcome. We were like warriors from the ancient sagas. There was nothing we could not do. O'Brien: Except keep the holodecks working right. Worf: I have decided to resign from Starfleet. O'Brien: Resign? What are you talking about? Worf: I have made up my mind. It is for the best. O'Brien: Look, I know how much you miss the Enterprise, but I'm sure they'll be building a new one soon. Worf: It will not be the same. The Enterprise I knew is gone. Those were good years, but now it is time for me to move on. O'Brien: And do what? Worf: I do not know. I thought I would be returning to Boreth, but now that is impossible. I have made an enemy of Gowron, and every other Klingon in the Empire. O'Brien: All the more reason to stay in Starfleet. Worf: This uniform will only serve to remind me of how I have disgraced myself in the eyes of my people. I suppose I could get a berth on a Nyberrite Alliance Cruiser. They are always eager to hire experienced officers. O'Brien: The Nyberrite Alliance? That's a long way. What about your son? Worf: Alexander is much happier living with his grandparents on Earth than he ever was staying with me. One thing is certain. The sooner I leave here, the better. My continued presence on Deep Space Nine would only be a liability to Captain Sisko in his dealings with the Klingons. Quark: Do you hear that, Chief? Seventy two decibels. Music to my ears. O'Brien: I think I liked it better when it was quiet. Quark: You want quiet, go to the Replimat. This is Quark's the way Quark's should be. The way it was meant to be. Am I glad we finally got rid of all those Klingons. Present company excepted, of course. O'Brien: I got to hand it to you, Quark. You really know how to make your customers feel welcome. Quark: What do I care? All he ever drinks is prune juice. Sisko: I'm sorry, Mister Worf, but I can't accept your resignation at this time. Worf: I do not understand. What further use could I be here? Sisko: I'm not sure yet. But as long as the fighting continues between the Klingons and the Cardassians, I need you here on the station. Worf: If you think that is wise. Sisko: I don't know if it's wise or not. But I do know that you're a good officer, and right now I need every good officer I can get. Kira: Captain, we just got word from Bajoran Intelligence. The Klingons have broken through the Cardassian fleet. Sisko: How long before they reach Cardassia Prime? Kira: Fifty two hours. Worf: If the Klingon Empire has reverted to the old practices, they will occupy the Cardassian homeworld, execute all government officials, and installl an imperial overseer to put down any further resistance. Sisko: I think it's about time we had a talk with the Cardassians. Dukat: Captain, I'm a little busy at the moment, so whatever you have to say, make it brief. Sisko: Dukat? I was trying to reach someone in the civilian government. Dukat: And you have succeeded. You are speaking to the new Chief Military Advisor to the Detapa Council. Sisko: Does this mean you've turned your back on the Central Command? Dukat: It means that as a loyal officer of the Cardassian Military, I am pledged to serve the legitimate ruling body of the Empire. Whoever that may be. Sisko: In other words, you saw which way the wind was blowing and switched sides. Dukat: It seemed like a good idea at the time. Sisko: Dukat, you have got to get those council members to safety before the Klingons reach Cardassia Prime. Dukat: I am open to suggestions, Captain. Sisko: If you can get a ship and meet me at these coordinates, I'll do what I can to escort you out of the war zone. Dukat: That is a very generous offer. I must say I am touched. By saving the members of the Detapa Council, you will be saving some very Sisko: Forget the speech, Dukat. Just meet me at the rendezvous point. Dukat: And if the Klingons try to stop us? Sisko: Then I'll be there to reason with them. I doubt the Klingons will fire on a Federation ship. Dukat: I'm not sure I share your optimism, but then I don't have much choice, do I? We'll meet you there. Worf: Sir, if the Klingons are right, if the Cardassian government has been taken over by the Founders Sisko: Then we'll be helping them to escape. That's the chance we'll have to take. I know you want to be out of that uniform but right now I need you with me. Worf: I understand. Sisko: Make sure the chief double checks all our new systems. We may need them. Kira: I'll tell him. But knowing the chief, he's probably doing it already. Sisko: Keep the station on yellow alert. And just to be on the safe side, I'd recommend that you send some of the civilian population down to Bajor. Kira: I was planning to. I wish I was going with you. Sisko: So do I, but I need you here. Kasidy: Ben. I'm glad I caught you before you left. Sisko: So am I. When'd you get back? Kasidy: Less than an hour ago. Jake told me you were about to go off on some kind of mission. Sisko: The Defiant leaves in a few minutes. Kasidy: And you can't tell me about it. Sisko: I'll be back in four or five days. Kasidy: I'm leaving tomorrow. Sisko: I guess our timing hasn't been too good. Kasidy: No. No, it's been terrible. I'm not even sure when I'll be back. Sisko: Make it soon. Kasidy: Don't get killed. Sisko: I'll do my best. Sisko: Activate the cloaking device. Weapons: Cloaking device is functioning within normal parameters. Sisko: Set a course for the rendezvous point. Maximum warp. Dax: Course laid in. Sisko: Engage. Mister Worf, keep an eye out for Klingon ships, cloaked or otherwise. Worf: Aye, sir. Sisko: Something wrong, Mister Worf? Worf: No, sir. Yes, sir. It is just I have never been on a Federation ship that had a cloaking device. It is a little strange. Sisko: You'll get used to it. Bashir: Sir, I hate to bring this up, but our agreement with the Romulans expressly prohibits use of the cloaking device in the Alpha Quadrant. Sisko: You're right. It does. But there are hundreds of Klingon ships between us and Dukat, and I intend to make that rendezvous in one piece. Bashir: Well, I won't tell the Romulans if you don't. O'Brien: I never thought I'd say this, but right now I'm glad the Dominion's around. Otherwise we never would've started these upgrades, let alone have them almost finished by now. Kira: There's something to be said for incentive. O'Brien: I just hope everything works okay. Kira: You're saying you're not sure? O'Brien: The way I see it, there are two possibilities. Either everything'll be fine or Kira: Or? O'Brien: Or we'll end up blowing the station to pieces. Kira: Oh. Well, let's hope we don't have to find out. Worf: Captain, I'm detecting some debris, bearing zero two five mark three one nine. Sisko: Commander, drop is to one quarter impulse. Dax: Aye, Captain. Worf: It appears to be the wreckage of a number of Cardassian vessels. Sisko: On screen. Bashir: Are there any signs of survivors? Dax: I suppose it's possible, but there's no way to know without decloaking and using our primary sensor array. Worf: Sir, I strongly recommend against that. It is likely there are cloaked Klingon warships in the vicinity, lying in wait. Bashir: Well that doesn't sound very honorable to me. Worf: In war, there is nothing more honorable than victory. Sisko: Commander, keep us at one quarter impulse until we clear the wreckage, then take us to warp. Bashir: But sir, if there are survivors Sisko: I'm sorry, Doctor. We can't risk it. We have to reach Dukat. Sisko: And double check the secondary power grid. It's still not performing as well as it should. Crewwoman: Yes, sir. Sisko: What's our status? Dax: We're approaching the rendezvous point. Worf: Captain, I am detecting weapons fire ahead. It appear to be three Birds of Prey attacking a Cardassian vessel. The vessel is badly damaged. Dax: Captain, I'm picking up a distress signal from Dukat. Audio only. Sisko: Put it through. Dukat: This is Gul Dukat of the cruiser Prakesh. We're under heavy fire. Our shields are failing. I don't know how much longer we can hold out. Send reinforcements immediately. I repeat, this is Dax: We're in visual range. Sisko: On screen. Maximum magnification. Bashir: Two decades of peace with the Klingons, and it all comes down to this. Worf: Orders, Captain? Dax: Benjamin, Dukat's ship isn't going to last much longer. Sisko: Arm quantum torpedoes, drop the cloak, and raise shields. We're going in. Red alert. Doctor. Sisko: Commander Worf, transmit a priority one signal to the Klingon ship. Tell them to break off their attack and stand down immediately. Worf: Message sent. Captain, I find it highly unlikely that the Klingons will heed your Dax: We've been fired upon by the lead bird of prey. Shields are holding. Sisko: I see your point, Mister Worf. Let's show them what they're up against. Attack pattern omega. Target their engines. Worf: Incoming message from the Cardassian ship. Sisko: Put it through. Dukat: I must compliment you, Captain. You're nearly Cardassian in your punctuality. Dax: Fire phasers. Sisko: Dukat, power up your engines and prepare to follow us back to DS Nine. Dukat: An excellent suggestion, Captain, assuming we had any engines left. Sisko: What's your status? Dukat: Our engines are gone, our shields are down, and we have no weapons to speak of. Sisko: Prepare to evacuate. We'll start to beam you over as soon as possible. Dukat: You'll have to drop your shields to use your transporters. Sisko: Let me worry about that. Sisko out. Worf: Sir, restricting our fire to their engines has not proven effective. Sisko: Very well. Target at your diskretion. Worf: Aye, aye, sir. Dax: Dukat's ship is under fire. I don't know how much longer they can hold out. Worf: Another Klingon ship has just decloaked. It's a Vor'cha class attack cruiser. Sisko: Sisko to transporter bay. Stand by to beam aboard survivors. Sisko: Sisko to Bashir. Prepare to receive casualties. And Doctor, have security standing by. I want our guests to undergo blood screenings. Bashir: Understood. Worf: Blood screenings? Sisko: Just in case Martok was right. Dax: Benjamin, it's going to take at least two minutes to evacuate Dukat's ship. Even with the Defiant's new armor, I don't think we can last that long with our shields down. Worf: Sir, I have a suggestion. Dax: You were right, Mister Worf. The modulated tractor beam's deflecting some of the Klingons' disruptor fire. Worf: Disruptor's effectiveness at fifty percent. Sisko: Well done, Mister Worf. Lower shields. Sisko to transporter bay. Begin emergency transports. Crewwoman: Transports underway. Dax: The ablative armor is holding. Worf: Klingon ships are closing. Armor on the port side is losing integrity. Sisko: Transporter bay, what's our status? Dukat: Captain, this is Dukat. Almost half the council members are still aboard my ship. We need at least another minute. Sisko: Looks like we're going to find out just how much of a pounding this ship can take. Worf: The Klingons have closed to point-blank range. Dax: Ablative armor has failed. We've got plasma leaks on decks two, three and five, and we've lost our aft torpedo launchers. Dukat: Dukat to Sisko. Sisko: Go ahead. Dukat: The council members are aboard. Sisko: Raise shields. Activate the cloak. Worf: Shields up. Dax: I'm not getting any response from the cloaking device. It's not working. Sisko: Well, that should make the trip home a little more interesting. Set a course for DS Nine. Maximum warp. Dukat: Thank you, Doctor, but if you don't mind, I would like to go to the bridge now. Bashir: This will only take a minute. Your arm please. Dukat: What is the meaning of this? Bashir: Just a simple blood screening. Dukat: I assure you, Doctor, I am not a changeling. Bashir: Then you have nothing to worry about. Dukat: I find this whole procedure offensive. Bashir: And I find you offensive. Now hold out your arm, or I'll have a security officer do it for you. Dukat: Captain, would you kindly inform this security guard that he does not have to monitor my every move? It makes me feel unwelcome. Dax: Looks like I won, Benjamin. You owe me dinner. Dukat: And what is that supposed to mean? Dax: Captain Sisko bet me that you would thank him for the rescue before you started complaining. Sisko: I lost. Dukat: Captain, are you aware that there's a Klingon on your bridge? Sisko: He's not the Klingon you should be worried about. Switch to aft view, maximum magnification. Dukat: I'd suggest you cloak immediately. Worf: We lost our cloaking device rescuing you. Garak: Might I trouble you for a glass of kanar? Quark: Help yourself. It's on the house. Garak: How uncharacteristically generous of you. Quark: I'm in an uncharacteristic mood. Besides, I've got eighty cases of this stuff sitting in my stockroom. And the way things are going, I'll never unload another bottle unless it's to you. Garak: How thoughtless of me not to consider the effect the destruction of my homeworld would have on your business. These must be trying times for you. Be brave. Quark: I should've listened to my cousin Gaila. He said to me, Quark, I've got one word for you. Weapons. No one ever went broke selling weapons. But did I take his advice? No. And why not? Because I'm a people person. I like interacting with my customers. Like you and I are doing right now. Talking to each other, getting to know one another Garak: I can see the attraction for you. Quark: But when you're dealing in weapons, buyers aren't interested in casual conversation. They just want their merchandise, no questions asked. It's so impersonal. Garak: Your charms would be wasted. Quark: Exactly. So now Gaila owns his own moon, and I'm staring into the abyss. And the worst part is, my only hope for salvation is the Federation. Garak: I know precisely how you feel. Quark: I want you to try something for me. Quark: Take a sip of this. Garak: What is it? Quark: A human drink. It's called root beer. Garak: I don't know. Quark: Come on. Aren't you just a little bit curious? Quark: What do you think? Garak: It's vile. Quark: I know. It's so bubbly and cloying and happy. Garak: Just like the Federation. Quark: But you know what's really frightening? If you drink enough of it, you begin to like it. Garak: It's insidious. Quark: Just like the Federation. Garak: Do you think they'll be able to save us? Quark: I hope so. Kira: Any luck? O'Brien: Not yet. Hold on. I'm picking up something on long-range scanners. It's the Defiant. Kira: They made it. O'Brien: Yeah, but they've got two Klingon ships on their tail. The Captain's hailing us. Kira: On screen. Sisko: Chief, our ETA is in five minutes. Are the new systems online? O'Brien: Yes, sir. Sisko: I think we're going to need them. O'Brien: I wish we could've tested them first. Sisko: No time like the present. Kira: Raise shields. Red alert. Quark: Now what? Garak: Well, I can't be sure, of course, but my guess would be Klingons. Quark: The Klingons! First it was the Cardassians, then it was the Dominion, and now it's the Klingons. How's a Ferengi supposed to make an honest living in a place like this? Sisko: Drop out of warp. Reverse thrusters at maximum. Prepare for docking. Dax: Aye, sir. Dukat: Well, it looks like the Klingons chased us all this way for nothing. Worf: That remains to be seen. Klingons do not give up easily. Dukat: Two ships against the station? I don't think they'd risk it. Dax: It may not be much of a risk. Dukat: Why do you say that? Dax: They've got friends. Sisko: Status report, Major. Kira: I'm detecting several dozen Klingon ships, including the Negh'Var. They're in an attack formation. O'Brien: While you were gone, we spoke to Starfleet command. They sent a relief force under Admiral Hastur. Sisko: When will they get here? O'Brien: Not soon enough. Dax: The Klingon ships have raised their shields and charged their weapons. Worf: What are your orders, Captain? Sisko: Battle stations. Bashir: The thing to remember is that the Klingons prefer to use their knives and bat'leths in close combat. So if we get boarded, you can expect severe lacerations, broken bones, and blunt force traumas. All I can say is, keep calm, remember your training and do the best that you can. Report to your posts. Odo: Doctor. Bashir: Constable. What can I do for you? Odo: I just want you to know I'll be assigning a security team to the Infirmary for your protection. Bashir: Thanks, but I'd rather you didn't. I'm going to have wounded people in here. The last thing I need is a team of deputies having a firefight in my doorway. Odo: I understand. Just do me a favor. Don't count on that blue uniform to protect you. In the heat of battle, Klingons aren't very choosy about their targets. Doctor or no doctor, you might end up having to defend yourself. Bashir: Well, hopefully it won't come to that. But if it does, I promise you I'll be ready. Odo: That's all I ask. Bashir: And while we're on the subject, Constable. I'm sure there's more than one Klingon who thinks that slaying a changeling would be worthy of a song or two. Odo: Doctor, if a Klingon were to kill me, I'd expect nothing less than an entire opera on the subject. Bashir: Maybe. I just don't want to have to listen to it. Watch your back. Odo: Come on, Quark. Move along. You should be in an emergency shelter by now. Quark: I'm not going to any emergency shelter. This is my bar and I'm going to defend it. Odo: Really? And how do you plan to do that? Quark: With this. Odo: You're going to hit them with a box? Quark: No, this is my disruptor pistol. The one I used to carry in the old days when I was serving on that Ferengi freighter. Odo: I thought you were the ship's cook. Quark: That's right, and every member of that crew thought he was a food critic. If the Klingons try to get through these doors, I'll be ready for them. Odo: Dear Quark. I used parts of your disruptor to fix the replicators. Will return them soon. Rom. Quark: I will kill him. Odo: With what? Dukat: That's close enough, Garak. Garak: I wanted to make sure the council members were safe. Dukat: Hoping, no doubt, that your concern would curry some political favor? Garak: Oh, and I take it your concern is motivated strictly by patriotism. Dukat: Oh, the council members are well aware of my patriotism and the sacrifices I was willing to make in order to save them. Now, why don't you go back to your tailor shop and sew something? Garak: Because if the Klingons do invade this station, you just may need my help. Garak: Who would've thought that the two of us would be fighting side by side? Dukat: Just remember when you fire that thing you're aiming it at a Klingon. Garak: I'll try to keep that in mind. Dax: We're receiving a transmission from General Martok. Sisko: Put him through. Martok: Captain, I demand you surrender the Cardassian council members to us immediately. Sisko: They're not Founders, Martok. We tested them. You were wrong. Gowron: It is of no consequence. All that matters is that the Alpha Quadrant will be safer with the Klingon Empire in control of Cardassia. Now, surrender the council members or we will have no choice but to take them by force. Sisko: And risk an all-out war with the Federation? Gowron: If a war starts here, the blame will be yours. Sisko: I doubt very much history will agree. Gowron: History is written by the victors. Martok: Consider what you're doing, Captain. The lives of everyone on your station are at risk. Sisko: I am aware of that. But maybe you're not aware of what you're risking. We've had a year to prepare this station for a Dominion attack and we're more than ready. Gowron: You are like a toothless old grishnar cat, trying to frighten us with your roar. Sisko: I can assure you, this old cat may not be as toothless as you think. Right now, I've got five thousand photon torpedoes armed and ready to launch. If you don't believe me, feel free to scan the station. Martok: It's a trick. An illusion created by thoron fields and duranium shadows. Sisko: It's no illusion. Gowron: We shall see. Chech chew jaj-Vam jaj-kak! Worf: He said, today is a good day to die. Sisko: Target the lead ships. Ready even-numbered photon launchers. Worf: Aye, sir. Sisko: Fire on my mark. Fire! Sisko: Ready odd numbered launchers. Fire! Kira: They're still closing. Sisko: Ready phasers. Worf: Standing by. Sisko: Fire! Kira: Eight Klingon ships destroyed. Several heavily damaged. Sisko: Contact Gowron. Maybe we can put an end to this before it gets any farther. Dax: They're not responding. Worf: They have given you your answer, Captain. Sisko: Weapons stations, fire at will. Martok: A klingon kaogh. Gowron: Zo a klingon Hegh-lah. Yod-wee kaW. Tig mang rup. Martok: Jee yaJ. Duj-va, Yod wee kaW. Dax: They've disabled two of our shield generators. Odo: Thank you, Doctor. Bashir: Any time. Garak: I find this hand-to-hand combat really quite distasteful. Dukat: I suppose you prefer the simplicity of an interrogation chamber. Garak: You have to admit, it's much more civilized. Sisko: Mister O'Brien? O'Brien: Yeah. Sisko: Get those shields back online. Major? Kira: I'll be okay. It's not as bad as it looks. Sisko: Sisko to Odo. Odo: Odo here. Sisko: Status report. Odo: We have Klingon troops on the Promenade Odo: The habitat ring, and lower pylon three. They seem to be contained for the moment, but I can't guarantee it'll stay Odo: That way. Sisko: Keep me informed. Worf: There is another wave of Klingon ships coming in. O'Brien: I've got the shields back up, but I don't know how long they'll hold. Dax: I'm reading a cluster of warp signatures approaching, bearing one eight seven mark zero two five. It's Starfleet, Benjamin. Six starships, led by the Venture. They'll be here in fifteen minutes. Sisko: Contact the Negh'Var again. Maybe now Gowron will be in the mood to talk. Dax: I've got him. Gowron: Captain, your shields have been weakened, your station boarded, and more Klingon ships are on their way. Surrender while you can. Sisko: I don't think so. My shields are holding, your boarding parties are contained, and my reinforcements are closer than yours. You're facing a war on two fronts. Is that what you really want? Worf: The Empire is not strong enough to fight the Federation and the Cardassians. End this now, Gowron, before you lead the Empire to its worst defeat in history. Martok: We will not surrender! Sisko: This is exactly what the Founders want. Klingon against Cardassian, Federation against Klingon. The more we fight each other, the weaker we'll get, and the less chance we have against the Dominion. Worf: Consider what you do here, Gowron. Kahless himself said, destroying an Empire to win a war is no victory. Gowron: And ending a battle to save an Empire is no defeat. Martok: We can still win! Sisko: Not before those starships get here. Now, what do I tell them? To stand down or to come in firing? Gowron: It is we who shall stand down. Martok: Ach Gowron, yay chol. Gowron: Enough. Cease fire. Order our ships in Cardassian territory to halt their advance. I do not intend to hand victory to the Dominion. But let your Gowron: People know, the Klingon Empire will remember what has happened here. You have sided against us in battle, and this we do not forgive or forget. Dax: The Klingon ships have powered down their weapons. O'Brien: It's over. Worf: For now. Captain's log, stardate 49011.4. Gowron has returned to the Klingon home world and his task force has withdrawn from Bajoran space. I don't know if I can fully express the pride I felt at seeing how well Deep Space Nine and it's crew weathered this latest crisis. While the station suffered heavy damage during the Klingon attack, repairs are well ahead of schedule and life on the station is beginning to return to normal, leaving me with one final piece of unfinished business. Worf: Enter. Sisko: I brought your diskharge papers. I thought you might want to take a look at them before I send them off to Starfleet. Worf: Thank you, sir. Sisko: I understand you're headed for the Nyberrite Alliance. Worf: Yes. I leave this afternoon. Sisko: For me, it was a job on Earth, directing construction of orbital habitats. Worf: Why did you change your mind? Sisko: I finally realized that it wasn't Starfleet I wanted to get away from. I was trying to escape the pain I felt after my wife's death. I thought I could take the uniform, wrap it around that pain and toss them both away. But it doesn't work like that. Running may help for a little while, but sooner or later the pain catches up with you, and the only way to get rid of it is to stand your ground and face it. Worf: But wearing that uniform must remind you of what you have lost. Sisko: Sometimes. But it also reminds me of what I've gained, and who I am. Oh, I can throw away the uniform, resign my commission, run all the way to the Nyberrite Alliance, but it really wouldn't matter. A Starfleet officer. That's what I am, and that's what I'll always be. Worf: And you think that is true of me as well. Sisko: What's important, Mister Worf, is what you think. Worf: I think Starfleet has been my home for many years. Perhaps it still is. Sisko: There are starships out there that are in need of good officers. In fact, the captain of the Venture is a friend of mine. If you'd like, I can talk to him, see if he has an opening for a lieutenant commander. Worf: Perhaps that will not be necessary. Worf: Lieutenant Commander Worf reporting for duty. Sisko: Well, you all know our new strategic operations officer. Odo: Commander. Worf: Thank you. Thank you. O'Brien: Congratulations. Sisko: Assume your post, Mister Worf. Worf: Yes, sir. O'Brien: You look good in red. Worf: It feels good. But I have a lot to learn about Command. O'Brien: Well, you couldn't ask for a better teacher. Sisko: Now that everyone is here, I wanted you to know I've spoken to Dukat and several members of the Detapa Council. They've returned to Cardassia Prime without incident and wanted me to convey to you their personal thanks. Kira: Who'd have thought I'd help save the Cardassian government? Odo: Don't worry. I'm sure Dukat will take all the credit. Bashir: Poor Garak. Dukat's a hero, and Garak's still stuck in his tailor shop hemming trousers. Dax: Captain, I'm receiving a priority one message from Starfleet Intelligence. The Klingons are refusing to give up several of the Cardassian colonies they seized during the invasion. They're fortifying their positions and deploying orbital defense systems. Kira: Looks like the Klingons are here to stay. Sisko: Maybe they are. But so are we.

Quark: That is the worst mugshot I've ever seen. I've never understood why law enforcement agencies don't keep better visual records. You'd think they'd be concerned about little things like making an accurate identification. Worf: This picture is accurate enough to establish that your customer is Regana Tosh, who is known to be associated with a Markalian smuggling operation. Quark: Really? Well, everyone is welcome at Quark's. I don't diskriminate. Just like Starfleet. They have a non-diskrimination policy too, don't they, Commander? I guess we have something in common. Kira: You have more in common with a Rakonian swamp rat, Quark. Quark: Major. Always a delight to see you here. What can I get for you? Kira: Tarkalean tea. But not too sweet this time. Catching up on some work? Worf: Not exactly. That man arrived on the station this afternoon and came directly here. I believe the Ferengi bartender is plotting something with him. Kira: I wouldn't be surprised. Quark's always up to something. Worf: If he is a known criminal, why does your security chief not do anything about him? Kira: Odo keeps him in check. Worf: Yes. But not in prison. Medical Officer's log, stardate 49066.5 Chief O'Brien and I have concluded our bio-survey of Merik Three in the Gamma Quadrant. We're on course back to the wormhole and should arrive at the station two days ahead of schedule. O'Brien: Keiko only spends a few days at a time on the station. I'm the one living in those quarters, and if I want to set up a little workshop in the bedroom Bashir: You set up a workshop in the bedroom? O'Brien: Yeah. I don't use it when she's visiting. Bashir: Of course not. O'BRIEN She says I'm trying to live like a bachelor again, that I'm expressing a subconscious desire to push her out of our quarters. Bashir: Now that is ridiculous. O'Brien: That's what I said. Bashir: I mean, if anything, by spending your free time in the bedroom, a place you intimately associate with Keiko, you are actually expressing a desire to be closer to her during her absence. It's quite touching, really. O'Brien: Exactly. Exactly. See, you understand. Now, why can't she see that? Why can't she be more like Bashir: More like? O'Brien: Well, a man. More like a man. Bashir: So you wish Keiko was a man? O'Brien: I wish I was on this trip with someone else, that's what I wish. O'Brien: We're picking up a subspace magneton pulse, bearing zero nine zero mark one one five. The Bopak system. Bashir: What's a magneton pulse? O'Brien: It's a burst of polarized magnetic energy. It's usually produced by a damaged warp core. Bashir: So there could be a ship in trouble? O'Brien: Possibly. Let's take a look. O'Brien: I'm having trouble pinpointing the source of the plasma surge. Too much EM interference in the atmosphere. But it's definitely down there somewhere. Bashir: According to our records, Bopak Three is uninhabited. The nearest Dominion outpost is six weeks away and this system is well off the established trade routes in the Gamma Quadrant. O'Brien: Strange place for a ship to set down even if it was having engine trouble. Of course it could be an anomalous reading, but I'd feel a lot better if we could. Hold on. There's some kind of energy surge on Bashir: What the hell? O'Brien: We've been hit by a plasma field. We're losing main power. Switching to auxiliary units. The field's draining our power. I can't break free. Bashir: We're losing altitude. O'Brien: Send out a distress call. I'll try and get us down in one piece. Bashir: And the comm. system's jammed. O'Brien: I'm reading a clearing up ahead. I think we can make it. Hold on. Bashir: What a lovely place. Smells like a garbage dump. O'Brien: I'm sorry I couldn't find a nicer place to crash-land. Should we try again? Goran'Agar: Do not move. You are prisoners of the Jem'Hadar. Goran'Agar: Are there other Starfleet ships with you? Tell me. Bashir: There are no other ships with us. But if we don't return, Starfleet will begin looking for us. Goran'Agar: When? Bashir: Soon. Goran'Agar: You're lying. Arak'Taral: No other crew. Standard Danube-class runabout. Some modification to the phaser array and shield generators. Goran'Agar: Why were you in this star system? Bashir: We picked up a magneton pulse. We thought there might be a ship in trouble, so we altered our course to Goran'Agar: Return to the ship. Put a damping field on our warp engine. Human. Gold uniform indicates specialty in Security or Engineering. Rank, chief petty officer. You are what Starfleet refers to as a noncom. O'Brien: That's right. Goran'Agar: You must have a great deal of experience. O'Brien: I've been around. Goran'Agar: That makes you a priority target. We will kill you first. Human, rank of lieutenant with a specialty in the sciences. Bashir: Doctor, actually. Arak'Taral: Science and medical officers are low priority targets. I submit we execute this one and use the other in a tactical exercise. Goran'Agar: No. Bring them both back to camp. Arak'Taral: Move. Worf: We cannot allow him to continue these criminal activities. Odo: I am fully aware of Quark's activities and I'm conducting a thorough investigation of his connection with the smuggler. If you'll excuse me, Captain. Sisko: Of course. Sisko: I know Odo may do things a little differently than you're used to, but he really is very good at his job. Worf: I'm not questioning his competence. Sisko: How many years were you in security, Commander? Worf: Seven. Sisko: Must be a hard habit to break. Worf: I have remained vigilant. Sisko: And I do encourage vigilance in my officers. But remember, Odo is chief of security on this station, and you're the strategic operations officer. Your primary duty is to coordinate all Starfleet activity in this sector, not to catch smugglers. Worf: Understood. I will not let this matter interfere with my duties. Sisko: Very well. Dismissed. Bashir: Does he look nervous to you? O'Brien: A bit distracted, yeah. Bashir: And at the runabout, they seemed concerned about being found here. Something's going on. O'Brien: I'd hate to think what would make the Jem'Hadar jumpy. Bashir: They need a doctor. Someone's injured, or sick. O'Brien: If that's true, Julian, don't help them. Anything that weakens them increases our chances of getting out of here. Goran'Agar: Come with me. He stays. Goran'Agar: You will work here. Bashir: Where are the patients? Goran'Agar: There are no patients. You are here to carry out scientific research for us. If you refuse, I will have to kill you. Do you understand? Bashir: And you need to understand that I'm a Starfleet officer, and I won't do any work for you that might potentially be used against the Federation or any other race for that matter. Now, if that's what you want, you'll have to kill me. Goran'Agar: Fortunately for you, weapons research is not what I need. There is a drug that all Jem'Hadar must have in order to live. We call it ketracel-white. Bashir: An isogenic enzyme. Goran'Agar: You know about it? Bashir: I know that the Jem'Hadar have been genetically engineered by the Dominion to be addicted to what you call ketracel-white. And that by controlling the supply of the drug, the Founders maintain control over you. Goran'Agar: The Vorta. They are the ones who control the drug. They are the ones we came here to escape. Bashir: Escape? You're trying to leave the Dominion? Goran'Agar: Yes. You disapprove. Bashir: No, I, I'm just surprised. Goran'Agar: Surprised because a Jem'Hadar soldier might want something more than the life of a slave? You know nothing about the Jem'Hadar except that you fear us. But you will make our final escape from the Dominion possible. We have only enough white to last another five days. Bashir: And you want me to try and synthesize the drug? Goran'Agar: No. We do not want more of the drug. We want to be free of it. To break the addiction. Bashir: I'm not sure that that's possible. Goran'Agar: It is possible. I know because I am free of the drug. Bashir: No supply tube. I don't understand. Your entire genetic structure was designed to collapse without the ketracel. Why did you stop taking the drug? Goran'Agar: It was not by choice. Three years ago, I was on a ship that crashed on this world. The rest of the crew died and I was left with only enough white to sustain me for three days. I rationed my supply and managed to stretch out the drug for eight days, and then it was gone, and I was ready to die. But death never came. I lived here for thirty five days without a single drop of White. Being here, on this planet, cured me. Bashir: And that's why you returned here. To cure the rest of your men as well. But it hasn't worked, has it? They still need the drug. Goran'Agar: We have come to the same place, breathed the same air, eaten the same food. It should have cured them as well. Bashir: That may be over simplifying the situation. There may be many factors Goran'Agar: I want you to see this. Arak'Taral: Take the pain. Show Goran'Agar we're still Jem'Hadar. Goran'Agar: You did not fall. Feel pride in that. As a Federation Doctor, I know you are trained to feel sympathy and compassion for those in pain. These men are suffering now, but it is nothing compared to what will happen if they are not freed from the drug before our supply runs out. Bashir: I can't promise anything. Goran'Agar: Will you try? Bashir: I'll need Chief O'Brien's help. Yes, I'll try. Now give those men what they need, please. Goran'Agar: Second. Goran'Agar: I've told them we have enough white to last twenty seven days. That is a lie. There's only enough to last five days. You have that long, Doctor. After that they will die, but not before they kill me for betraying them and you for not saving them. Dax: The Klingons have also attacked three more outposts along the Romulan border. In short, they're reasserting themselves all over the quadrant. Kira: You'd think they'd be a little less aggressive after failing to conquer Cardassia. Worf: If the invasion was seen as a failure, Gowron would have been assassinated by now. He simply declared victory and returned home. Sisko: Now he's looking for his next victory. Odo: Bajoran Intelligence believes the Klingons are searching for weaknesses in the star systems along their borders. Kira: And when they find an appropriately weak system, they invade. It's the same old story. The strong survive and the weak perish. Sisko: We'll save that particular debate for another time. I want a complete briefing every day about the Klingon situation. Dismissed. Worf: May I speak with you for a moment? Odo: I assume this is about Quark. Worf: He has made arrangements to acquire a type four Tallonian microscanner. Odo: Has he? Worf: The type four is primarily used to determine the purity of Tallonian crystals. Odo: Which are illegal anywhere but on the Tallonian homeworld. Interesting. I appreciate you bringing me this information, Commander. Worf: I expect him to be meeting with the smuggler again this evening. Odo: That would seem likely. Worf: Then you will arrest him when Odo: Thank you, Mister Worf. Rest assured I'll take care of this matter. Bashir: How long until that scanner's ready, Chief? O'Brien: About thirty minutes. I'm having trouble with the transtater interface. Maybe you should take a look, sir. O'Brien: The plasma charge should have an effective range of about fifteen meters. Bashir: That's pretty close. O'Brien: Well, it's enough to take care of the guard. Once he's down, I'll get his weapon and we run like hell for the runabout. Bashir: Good work, Chief. Keep this up. You may make a fine officer some day. O'Brien: Thank you Lieutenant. Coming from you that means a lot to me. Bashir: I know. Carry on. Goran'Agar: What have you found? Bashir: Well, so far, nothing I've tested matches the molecular structure of the enzyme receptors in your bodies. But I did find something promising in one of the native plants here. Take a look at this. As you can see, there is a high content of chlorophyll in these plants, which you wouldn't expect on a planet orbiting a red giant. Goran'Agar: When will you have the cure? Bashir: I'm not really sure, yet. Goran'Agar: Three days left, Doctor. Arak'Taral: What is this? O'Brien: That is something I put together to enhance the resolution on that scanner. Goran'Agar: Stay where you are. Release him. I said release him. Let him go. You know the penalty for disobedience. Bashir: You have a bruised trachea but there's no permanent damage. Goran'Agar: Return him to the holding cell. Temo'Zuma: He cannot stand. Goran'Agar: Heal his wound. Bashir: It missed the femoral artery but the knee joint's been destroyed. I can give you something for the pain, but I'll need a surgical unit to replace this joint. He'll have to stay off this leg until you can get him to a medical facility. Meso'Clan: If I cannot stand, I am useless. Bashir: You are not going to kill him. Temo'Zuma: This has nothing to do with you, human. Meso'Clan: When I am dead, there'll be more white for the rest of the men. Goran'Agar: No. Take him back to the ship. Meso'Clan: You know the rule. If the death of one will make the rest stronger, then he dies. Goran'Agar: We came here to be free of the Vorta. It is time to stop living by their rules. Get back to work. Quark: Come in. Do you have it? Of course. Worf: You are supposed to be watching the Ferengi. Odo: I don't need you to tell me what I'm supposed to be doing. Worf: I saw him inspecting the crystals. You had an opportunity to arrest him. Odo: I perform my duties as I see fit. Worf: You do not seem to be performing them at all. Odo: Frankly, Commander, I'm not interested in your opinion of my job performance. Now I suggest you attend to your own duties and stop interfering in mine. Bashir: Remarkable. Your body is producing the exact amount of ketracel-white you need to survive. But I can't find where it's coming from. There don't appear to be any glands or cell clusters producing the enzyme. Mind you, your entire metabolism defies belief. The growth rate of the Jem'Hadar children is extraordinary. Goran'Agar: You have seen our children? Bashir: We found a newborn on the station once. He was fully grown in three days. Goran'Agar: I would have like to have seen a group of humans try to control a Jem'Hadar child. Bashir: We couldn't. All he wanted to do was fight and kill. If it weren't for Odo, I don't know what we would've done. Goran'Agar: Odo is the Founder on your space station? Bashir: That's right. Goran'Agar: I have never seen a Founder. Bashir: Never? Goran'Agar: To us, they are almost a myth. But everyone in the Dominion, even the Vorta, serve the Founders. I have fought against races that believe in mythical beings who guide their destinies and await them after death. They call them gods. The Founders are like gods to the Jem'Hadar, but our gods never talk to us and they don't wait for us after death. They only want us to fight for them and to die for them. Bashir: He's beginning to question everything he's been taught. Blind obedience to the Founders, killing without remorse and the devaluation of other sentient lifeforms. He's developing his own moral structure. It's incredible. O'Brien: Or maybe that's what he wants you to believe. Think about it, Julian. What did he say to you? Federation doctors are trained to feel compassion and sympathy. He's manipulating you. He wants you to work hard and stop trying to escape. Bashir: What about saving the life of the wounded Jem'Hadar? I saw the look on their faces. They were shocked at his behavior. I'm telling you, he's changing. O'Brien: All right. Let's say you're right and he's turning into a nice guy. What are you getting at? Bashir: I think we should cooperate with him, help him in what he's doing. O'Brien: What? Bashir: What makes Goran'Agar different from the others? He's not addicted to the drug. Now if we can get the other Jem'Hadar soldiers off the drug, they may go through a similar change. And with the Jem'Hadar soldiers thinking for themselves, the Founders may suddenly find themselves without an army to give orders to. O'Brien: You're just guessing. You don't know how the other Jem'Hadar will react when they're off the drug. They may go marauding through the galaxy on their own. At least now the Dominion keeps them on a short leash. Bashir: They're not animals. They're people being used as slaves. And this is their one chance at freedom. O'Brien: And what are they going to do with that freedom? Stop being so naive, Julian, and look at them for what they are. They're killers. That's all they know how to do. That's all they want to do. Bashir: But they have the potential to be so much more. Goran'Agar has shown them that. They just need our help. O'Brien: Well then they should have asked for our help instead of shooting us down and threatening to kill us. Bashir: But they didn't know why we were coming. They probably thought we were trying to attack. O'Brien: I can't believe you're making excuses for them. Bashir: I'm trying to make you understand there are larger issues here. We're dealing with a complex situation. O'Brien: No, it is not complex. It is simple. Those men out there are Dominion soldiers. We help them, we may end up unleashing the Jem'Hadar against the Federation, and that is a risk I am not willing to take. So we do not help them and that's the end of it! Bashir: No, that is not the end of it. I am the senior officer here and I have decided what we're going to do. Now, I need the bio-spectral phase diskriminator from the runabout's sensor array. I haven't got the technical skills to remove it, so I'm ordering you to do it. Now is that clear? O'Brien: Yes, sir. Arak'Taral: How long will this take? O'Brien: A few minutes. Arak'Taral: Your escape plan was flawed. O'Brien: Obviously. I got caught. Arak'Taral: Even if you had killed the guard, you never would have reached the runabout. O'Brien: I guess we'll never know that. Arak'Taral: I know. O'Brien: I'm sure you do. Arak'Taral: You're not like the other human. O'Brien: We have our differences. Arak'Taral: You don't like helping us. O'Brien: No, I don't. Arak'Taral: Good. I don't like it either. O'Brien: Well I'm glad we understand each other. Arak'Taral: Slowly. Now put it down. Bashir: Nothing. I can find nothing in the atmosphere, the soil, the water, the plant or the animal life that is remotely compatible to your cellular structure or your DNA. Maybe you were exposed to some anomalous conditions four years ago that no longer exist. A magnetic storm, solar radiation, volcanic gasses. Goran'Agar: No. Everything is as it was four years ago. The planet is the same. The conditions are the same. The answer must be here. There is no other explanation for what happened to me. Bashir: Maybe there is an explanation. Maybe nothing happened to you on this planet. Maybe you were never addicted to this drug at all? Goran'Agar: But I took white all my life. Bashir: But maybe you didn't need it. It's possible that your DNA structure underwent a random mutation that Arak'Taral: He's escaped. Goran'Agar: How? Arak'Taral: Using their ship's transporter. They planned this together. Goran'Agar: Do you know where O'Brien is? Bashir: No. Goran'Agar: Deploy the men in a standard Arak'Taral: He's lying. He's been lying for days. There is no cure here. Even if there was, he wouldn't give it to you. Goran'Agar: There is a cure. I am the proof. Now, deploy the men in a standard search pattern. Find O'Brien and return him to the holding area alive. Arak'Taral: Alive? Goran'Agar: Are you questioning me? Arak'Taral: I knew you once. Trusted you. Obeyed you without question. But now you're like this human, weak, soft, inferior. If being free of white means becoming like you, I don't want to be cured. Bashir: What'll happen to O'Brien? Goran'Agar: There is nothing we can do for him. My men will no longer obey me. Bashir: You have to find him first and keep him alive until I can find a cure. Goran'Agar: If I go, there will be no one here to guard you. Bashir: I will not try to escape. I give you my word. Goran'Agar: I will do what I can. Quark: I've been saving this for a special occasion. Tonight certainly qualifies. How did you manage to get these out of the Tallonian system? Tosh: I have my resources. Quark: A hundred percent pure. Tosh: Well worth twice the price I'm asking. Quark: I don't know if I'd go that far. Worf: Trafficking in illegal merchandise is a felony under Federation law. Quark: What's he doing here? Odo: A very good question. Worf: I was just about to arrest these criminals. Odo: I should arrest you for interfering in my investigation. Tosh: Will someone tell me what is going on here? Worf: Odo, why did you not tell me what you were doing? Odo: I don't report to you, Commander. And I don't spread the word when I'm conducting an undercover investigation. I also thought that your surveillance would make the setup more convincing. I'm not interested in this man. He was supposed to complete the transaction and take the latinum back to his ship, so that I could infiltrate the entire Markalian smuggling operation. Now I suppose I'll have to settle for the middleman. Quark: If you gentlemen are finished with this little fiasco, I'd like to tidy up. Odo: Quark. Odo: On your feet. Let's go. Temo'Zuma: I've lost his signal. Arak'Taral: Spread out. Bashir: Chief! O'Brien: Where's the guard? Bashir: Everyone's out looking for you. O'Brien: Good. Anything else around we can use as a weapon? No? Let's get moving. It's only three hundred meters to the runabout, but those guys move fast. Bashir: Chief, I'm not going. O'Brien: What the hell do you mean, you're not going? Bashir: I'm onto something here, Chief. With a little more time, I think O'Brien: I don't care what you think. This is our one chance to get out of here and we've got to take it. Bashir: It's also our one chance to break their addiction. O'Brien: Julian, even if you find a cure, they're going to kill you anyway. Bashir: That's not true, Goran'Agar O'Brien: Forget about him. What about all the others? They're still a bunch of bloodthirsty Bashir: Look, we haven't got enough time to argue about this. If you want to go, go. O'Brien: All right. I will. But you're coming with me. O'Brien: There. You can bring me up on charges when we get back, but there's nothing to keep you here now. So let's get going. Goran'Agar: You did this? O'Brien: Yes, I did. Goran'Agar: Move. Both of you. Bashir: This won't Goran'Agar: No discussion. Move. Bashir: There still might be a way. If I had another sample of your blood. Goran'Agar: There is no more time. The supply of white will run out tomorrow. Arak'Taral: You caught him. I shouldn't have doubted you. Should we kill them ourselves or let the others? Goran'Agar: I will do the killing. Goran'Agar: Take your ship and go. Bashir: Goran'Agar, if you stay here, they'll kill you. Goran'Agar: Unless I kill them first. It would be better for them to die quickly in battle, than slowly as the drug runs out. Bashir: You don't have to do this. Even if we can't save their lives, there's no need to sacrifice yourself. Goran'Agar: You are a soldier? O'Brien: I have been. Goran'Agar: Then you explain. O'Brien: He's their commander. They trusted him. He can't leave them. Julian. Sisko: Come in. Worf: Captain, there is some information I would like to add to Security Chief Odo's last report. He did not feel it was necessary to include the details of my involvement, but I think you should know that I hindered his investigation. Sisko: Yes, I heard about what happened. Please, sit. Word gets around in a place like this. It's one of the things you have to get used to. Worf: One of many things, it seems. Sisko: Starfleet officers often have trouble learning the unofficial rules of the station. There's no manual to study. You have to learn things as you go. A little different than life on a starship. Worf: When I served on the Enterprise, I always knew who were my allies and who were my enemies. Sisko: Let's just say DS Nine has more shades of gray. And Quark definitely is a shade of gray. He has his own set of rules and he follows them diligently. Once you understand them, you understand Quark. I'd say that's true for everyone here. You'll fit in, Commander. Just give it time. Kira: Kira to Rubicon. Docking platform two is open. Welcome back, gentlemen. O'Brien: Thanks, Major. You can bring me up on charges, you know. Bashir: No, that's not really my style. O'Brien: I wish things could have been different, Julian. Bashir: So do I. O'Brien: And I'm sorry I had to destroy your work. Bashir: You didn't have to, Chief. You had a choice and you chose to disobey orders, override my judgment, and condemn those men to death. O'Brien: Yes, I did, because I thought it was the only way to save your life. Whatever else you may think of who I am and what I did, at least try to understand that. Bashir: Tonight's supposed to be our weekly dart game. O'Brien: Don't worry. I don't feel much like playing either. Bashir: Maybe in a few days.

Jake Sr: May I help you? Melanie: I'm sorry to bother you. I just er been Jake Sr: You're hurt. Melanie: Yeah, I must have scraped myself on a branch. Jake Sr: That's what happens when you go tromping around the bayou in the middle of the night. Come, warm yourself up by the fire. Now, I have a first aid kit around here somewhere. Where is it? So, what are you doing out here, anyway? Melanie: I'm a writer. At least, I want to be. And the truth is I was looking for you. Jake Sr: Oh? Melanie: You are Jake Sisko the writer? Jake Sr: Yes. Melanie: I can't believe I'm really here talking to you. You are my favorite author of all time. Jake Sr: You should read more. Melanie: I mean it. Your books, they're so insightful. Jake Sr: I'm glad you like them. Jake Sr: There. Good as new. Melanie: Thank you. Jake Sr: I didn't realize people still read my books. Melanie: Of course they do. A friend recommended Anslem to me and I read it straight through twice in one night. Jake Sr: Twice in one night? Melanie: It made me want to read everything you'd ever written, but when I looked, all I could find was your Collected Stories. I couldn't believe it. I'd finally found someone whose writing I really admired, and he'd only published two books. Jake Sr: Not much to show for a life's work, is it? I'm going to go get us some tea. Melanie: I savored those stories. I read them slowly, one each day, and when I was done I wished I hadn't read them at all. So I could read them again like it was the first time. Jake Sr: There's only one first time for everything, isn't there? And only one last time too. You think about that such things when you get to be my age. That today might be the last time you sit in your favorite chair, or watch the rain fall, or enjoy a cup of tea by a warm fire. Melanie: Can I ask you something? Jake Sr: Of course. Melanie: Why did you stop writing? Jake Sr: I lost my favorite pen and I couldn't get any work done without it. Melanie: You're joking. You weren't even forty when you stopped writing. I've never understood why you gave it up. Jake Sr: It's a long story. Melanie: I have time. Tell me. Please. Jake Sr: If you had shown up yesterday or the day before, or a week ago, I would have said no and sent you on your way. But here you are, today of all days, and somehow it seems like the right time for me to finally tell this story. It begins many years ago. I was eighteen and the worst thing that could happen to a young man happened to me. My father died. We were very close, my father and I, partly because we'd lost my mother several years earlier. Melanie: I know. I read a biography about you. It said that you stopped writing so you could conduct scientific research? Jake Sr: It's not quite that simple. You see, just before my father died, I was working on a short story. I don't remember what it was about but I do know that I was taking it very seriously. I worked on it night and day for weeks, and I wasn't making any headway and it was making me miserable. I suppose my father saw that I needed a break. Jake Sr: Because he insisted I come with him to the Gamma Quadrant to watch the wormhole undergo what they call a subspace inversion. Sisko: Jake-o, let's go. Jake Sr: Of course what he didn't realize was that I could hide away on the Defiant just as easily as I could on the station. Jake: Yeah. Sisko: Jake, this only happens once every fifty years. You will never forgive yourself if you miss it. Jake: Yeah, I'll be right there. Sisko: That's what you said ten minutes ago. Jake: I just want to get this last paragraph right. Sisko: I thought you were going to put that aside for a while. Jake: I tried, but it's all I can think about. Sisko: Well, I'm no writer, but if I were, it seems to me I'd want to poke my head up once in a while and take a look around, see what's going on. It's life, Jake. You can miss it if you don't open your eyes. Now, what do you say you come up to the bridge with me and we'll watch the wormhole do its thing, and then I'll read what you've got and we'll talk about it. Deal? Jake: Deal. Sisko: Sisko to Bridge. Sisko: What happened? Dax: The wormhole's gravimetric field is surging. Sisko: Pull us to a safe distance. Dax: I'm on it, Benjamin, but we've got another problem. The power output from the warp core just jumped off the scale. Sisko: Sisko to Engineering. Engineering, report. Dax, I'm going to find out what's happening down there. Stay here, Jake. Jake Sr: Most of the time, I knew enough to do what my father told me. But that day, for some reason, I didn't. Sisko: Sisko to Sickbay, I need a medical team down here right away. Dax: Dax to Sisko. Dax: The warp coils are locked into a feedback loop. You've got to realign them or the core's going to blow. Sisko: I'm on it. Jake, I need an interphasic compensator. Computer: Warning. Warp core breach in forty seconds. Sisko: Dax, better stand by to eject the core. Dax: We can't. Dax: The ejection system's offline. Sisko: Jake, where's that compensator? Jake: It's not here. Computer: Warning. Warp core breach in thirty seconds. Jake: Got it. Sisko: I'm going to try shunting the excess power out through the deflector array. Computer: Warning. Warp core breach in twenty seconds. Sisko: Just a little more. There. Jake: No! Jake Sr: He was gone. Melanie: I'm not sure I could ever get over losing somebody like that, right in front of my eyes. Jake Sr: People do. Time passes, they realize that the person they lost is really gone, and they heal. Melanie: Is that what happened to you? Jake Sr: No. I suppose not. There was a memorial service aboard the station. Jake Sr: People came forward and talked about my father, what they remembered most about him why and they would miss him. Kira: Benjamin Sisko was more than my commanding officer. He was the Emissary to my people, sent by the Prophets. But most importantly, he was my friend. Jake Sr: I didn't step forward. I couldn't. I felt that no matter what I said about him, I'd be leaving so much more out and that didn't seem right. Jake Sr: I'd never felt more alone in all my life. Everyone went out of their way to look after me, especially Dax. She was my father's closest friend, and I guess she felt responsible for me. Jake Sr: After a few months things started returning to normal, for everyone else, that is. Nog: Jake, I'm almost done. We have holosuite three for half an hour. Jake: Great. Quark: Nog, get down to the storeroom and bring up five kegs of Takarian mead. Nog: Yes, Uncle. Sorry, looks like we're going to lose our holosuite reservation. Quark: You know, Nog, things seem to be slowing down a bit. I'll get someone else to bring up those kegs. You and Jake go and have some fun. Nog: Are you sure? Quark: Go, now, before I change my mind. Nog: Next time we go ion surfing, remind me to keep clear of those whip curls. Jake: I don't know if I really want to try it again. Nog: You know, Jake I'm going to be gone soon. We probably won't see each other for a while. Jake: I know. Nog: So, what are your plans? Jake: Well, I was thinking about taking that deferred admission and going to Pennington in the fall. Nog: That'd be great. We'd both be on Earth together. Jake: But maybe I'll just stick around here. I don't know. I haven't decided yet. It's late. I think I'll turn in. Nog: Okay. Sisko: Jake? Jake: Dad? Sisko: What happened? Jake Sr: I told Dax about what had happened. How it felt so real, not like a dream at all and she very kindly obliged me and did a very thorough scan of my room. I felt vaguely ridiculous, like a child insisting his parents check under his bed for monsters. She tried to tell me it was probably just a nightmare and I did my best to put the entire episode out of my mind. I puttered around the station for the next eight or nine months. Nog was off at Starfleet. My stories stubbornly refused to write themselves. I filled my time playing dom-jot and tried not to think about how alone I felt. Dax and the others were worried about me. Jake Sr: But before long, they had bigger things to worry about. Tensions with the Klingons were continuing to rise. My father was a kind of religious figure to the Bajoran people, and when he died they took it as a sign from the Prophets that the Federation wouldn't be able to protect them from the Klingons. Eventually Bajor entered into a mutual defense pact with the Cardassians, and the Klingons didn't like that at all. The station's civilian population was leaving en masse. They knew that if war broke out against the Klingons, Deep Space Nine was going to be on the front line. Kira: Jake, where are you going ? Jake: I thought I'd watch the ships leave from one of the upper pylons. Worf: You should be on one of those ships. Jake: I don't have to go, do I? Kira: No. It's a voluntary resettlement, not an evacuation. Worf: But it would be prudent that you leave at this time. Jake Sr: I suppose I wasn't feeling very prudent that day, because I ignored their advice. Kira: Jake. I wanted to talk to you about something. I spoke with your grandfather and he told me that he asked you to go live with him. Even if this sector weren't on the brink of war, I would like to see you leave the station. Jake: I'm not going anywhere. Kira: Oh, Jake. I could order you to go if I wanted to. Jake: Please don't make me leave. Not yet. This is my home. When my Dad and I came here this place was just an abandoned shell. He turned it into something. Everywhere I look it's like I see a part of him. If I leave I won't have anything left of him. Kira: All right. You stay a while longer if you want to. But you have to promise me when the time comes and I tell you to go, you'll do it. Jake: Dad? Jake Sr: It wasn't until I actually touched him that I knew this wasn't a dream. Jake Sr: But something was wrong. I didn't understand everything they were saying, but Dax and the others seemed to think that the accident had somehow knocked my father's temporal signature out of phase. Dax: Benjamin, what's the last thing you remember? Sisko: I was in Engineering on the Defiant. It feels like a few minutes ago. Jake: Dad, it's been over a year since the accident. Sisko: A year? How could that be? O'Brien: We think the warp core diskharge pulled you into subspace. If we're right, that would explain why you didn't experience the passage of time. Bashir: According to these readings, unless we can realign your temporal signature, you'll be pulled back into subspace again within the next few minutes. O'Brien: Maybe we can set up some sort of containment field. Dax: We're going to have to reconfigure the field parameters. Sisko: Jake, they'll have me fixed up in no time. How are you doing? Sisko: It's all right. Everything's going to be all right. Jake: I thought it was a dream. Sisko: What was? Jake: When I saw you in my quarters I should have felt you were alive. I should have known it. Sisko: It's not your fault, Jake. I'm here now. That's what matters. Dax: We're losing him. Sisko: Look at me. I need to know you're going to be all right. O'Brien: His temporal signature is fluctuating. Bashir: I need that containment field now, Chief. O'Brien: Right away. Field active. Bashir: It's not working. Sisko: Jake. Jake: Dad! O'Brien: I'm going to try locking onto him with the transporter beam. Jake: Don't leave me. Jake: Don't leave me. Jake Sr: I didn't think anything could be worse than losing him that first time on the Defiant, until I was standing there staring down at his empty bed, knowing he was alive yet trapped somewhere that existed outside of time. Melanie: I can't imagine what that must have been like for you. Melanie: Can I get you something? Jake Sr: No, nothing. Melanie: Telling me all this is hard for you. Maybe I should come back some other time? Jake Sr: No. There won't be any another time. You see, I'm dying. You must understand, when person my age says he's dying, he's only admitting to the inevitable. Besides, we old people need to remind everyone to pay special attention to us. Melanie: If that's what you're up to you shouldn't have bothered. You have my attention already. Jake Sr: You're a good listener. That's important in a writer. Melanie: I'm not a writer yet. Jake Sr: Sound like you're waiting for something to happen that's going to turn you into one. Melanie: I'm not waiting. I'm doing a lot of reading. You know, to see how it's done. And I'm still trying to figure out what it is I want to write about. Jake Sr: I see. Melanie: So what happened? With your father, I mean. Did you ever see him again? Jake Sr: For the next few months Dax and O'Brien tried to find a way to locate him. They even considered recreating the accident, but that was impossible since the wormhole wasn't going to undergo an inversion for decades. Eventually the situation with the Klingons came to a head, and the Federation decided to turn over control of the station to the Klingon Empire. Jake Sr: There was nothing I could do. I had to leave my home of five years and give up whatever hope there was of seeing my father again. Melanie: Did the Klingons ever contact Starfleet to say that your father had reappeared? Jake Sr: No. I was left with no choice but to try to get on with my life. I went to Earth, drifted around and eventually ended up studying writing at the Pennington school. After graduation, I settled here in Louisiana so I could be near my grandfather. He had a restaurant in the French Quarter, you know. Melanie: I've been there. It's still called Sisko's. And on the wall there's a copy of the letter your publisher sent you when he accepted your first novel. Jake Sr: Grandpa was always showing off his famous grandson. He was just as proud of me as my father would've been. Melanie: You wrote Anslem in this house, didn't you? Jake Sr: At that desk, right over there. It came out to generally favorable reviews, and little by little I began to think less and less about the past. After a while I met a woman, fell in love, we got married, and for a while this house was a happy one. Korena: I'm back. (Not quite as far in the future. Korena is an artist and Nog is in red TNG uniform and Tony is out of the age makeup.) Korena: Nog. I didn't realize you were here already. I was trying to finish a painting before the light changed and I guess the time got away from me. Nog: It's good to see you. Korena: You too. Did you start the grill? Nog: What are we having? Korena: Blackened redfish fresh from the bayou. Nog: Fish? When these woods are crawling with perfectly good slugs? Korena: I suppose you're going to ask me to chew your food for you? Nog: I have to admit I've been more popular with women since I stopped asking them to do that. Jake Sr: I tried to tell you that twenty years ago. Nog: I'm a slow learner. Korena: I'm going to get some champagne. Jake Sr: I'm glad you're here, Nog. Korena: I see you've got another pip on your collar. You keep that up you're going to make captain by the time you're forty. Jake Sr: Last time we talked you mentioned you might be heading to the Bajoran Sector. Nog: The Klingons agreed to let Starfleet send an expedition through the wormhole. They said it was in the spirit of scientific exchange, but I think they were happy to have us test the waters in the Gamma Quadrant after all these years. Find out how the Dominion would react to ships coming through. Jake Sr: Did you see the station? Nog: I'm sorry to say it's looking a little run down these days. But you'll never guess who's still there. Jake Sr: Not your father? Nog: No, no. He and my Uncle left years ago. Quark finally got that little moon he was always talking about, and my father, as usual, is making sure it doesn't fall out of orbit. But Morn is still there, running the bar! Jake Sr: Talking his customers' ears off and drinking himself out of business, I'll bet. Korena: Well, why don't we get to the point of today's little celebration. Nog: To my dear friend Jake Sisko, winner of this year's Betar prize for his Collected Stories. May the years continue to be good to you, may your muse continue to inspire you, and may someone make a holoprogram out of one of your stories so you can start raking in the latinum. Melanie: Are you all right? Do you want me to call a doctor? Jake Sr: No. I'll be fine. Melanie: You should rest. Jake Sr: No. You came a long way to find out why I had stopped writing and you deserve an answer. Jake Sr: Later that night, after Nog had left, I stayed up working. My new novel was going well, and when it's going well you don't want to stop. Korena: Coming to bed? Jake Sr: I'm not tired. Korena: Neither am I. Jake Sr: You know, I wanted to ask you something. How would you feel about designing the cover to my new book? Korena: Do you mean it? Korena: What was that? Sisko: Jake? Jake Sr: Did you get through? Korena: I talked to someone at Starfleet Science. They're going to get a team here as soon as they can. Jake Sr: This is Korena, my wife. Sisko: Your wife? Korena: I never thought I'd have the pleasure of meeting you. Sisko: The pleasure is mine. How long have you two been married? Jake Sr: Seven years. Sisko: Do I have any grandchildren? Jake Sr: Not yet. Korena: We were married in New Orleans, in your father's restaurant. Jake Sr: He insisted. Just about everyone came. Dax, Kira, O'Brien. Sisko: That must've been something. Jake Sr: I got to go call Starfleet. Sisko: Whoa. They'll get here as soon as they can. Talk to me. I've missed so much. Let's not waste what little time we have. Korena: I have a feeling you might want to see these. They're Jake's. Sisko: You did it. I always knew you would. Sisko: Oh, Jake. Jake Sr: I'm sorry. Sisko: What for? Jake Sr: For giving up on you. Sisko: No one could be expected to hold out hope for this long. Jake Sr: I should have just kept trying to find you. I just went on with my life. Sisko: And I'm proud of what you've accomplished. Jake Sr: None of it matters now that I know you're still out there, lost somewhere. Sisko: Of course it matters. You have a wife, a career. And don't think because I'm not around much that I don't want grandchildren. Jake Sr: Within a few seconds, he was gone again. Melanie: I don't know what to say. Jake Sr: You don't need to say anything. Just listen, because there isn't much time and there's so much more for me to tell you. I consulted with Dax and we realized that the accident must have created some sort of subspace link between my father and myself. Melanie: That's why he always appeared somewhere near you even if you were hundreds of light years away from where the accident happened. Jake Sr: We also realized that there was a pattern to his appearances. They were governed by fluctuations in the wormhole's subspace field. Dax's calculations also showed that the next time he appeared, I'd be an old man. And so I decided to put aside my novel and try to find a way to help him. At the age of thirty seven, I went back to school and started studying subspace mechanics. At first, Korena was very patient. She supported what I was trying to do. But I got so caught up in my work I didn't notice I was losing her. By the time I became a graduate student, we were no longer living together. By the time I had entered my doctoral program, it was over between us. But I pressed on with what I was doing, and one day, years later, it hit me. I figured out a way to recreate the accident. It had been almost fifty years, and the wormhole would soon be undergoing another inversion. There was only one other thing I needed. Jake Sr: The Defiant. Nog was a Captain by then, and he helped me round up the old crew and get the ship pulled out of mothballs. Worf threw his weight around with the Klingon High Council, and they gave us permission to enter the Bajoran system. Nog: Take us out of warp. Dax: I think I remember how to do that. Bashir: I haven't worked a two-dimensional control panel in a long time. How did we manage? Dax: We always seemed to muddle through somehow. Nog: Look. Bashir: Maybe after we've got Captain Sisko back, we can all stop by Morn's for a drink for old time's sake. Jake Sr: I'd designed a subspace flux isolator and we set it up in Engineering. Jake Sr: Are you ready over there, Dax? Dax: As ready as I'll ever be, considering the replicators were just about the only things still working when we came aboard. Bashir: It's a lucky thing too. Dax isn't any good to anybody these days without a cup of coffee in her hand. Dax: It's the only thing that's kept me awake while you prattled on about your latest paper, or your new backhand, or your kid's science projects. Nog: We're picking up temporal distortions in the subspace field. Jake Sr: The wormhole's beginning to invert. Nog: According to our readings, it's going to kick out a gravimetric wave like the one that almost destroyed the Defiant last time. Jake Sr: Don't worry. I've modulated the shields to channel the wave's energy into this apparatus. Dax: Once subspace begins to fragment, we'll try to locate the captain. Bashir: Since the accident created a subspace link between him and Jake, there'll be a path of bread crumbs to follow. Nog: I'd better get back to the bridge. Good luck. Jake Sr: The wormhole wouldn't undergo another inversion for decades, so this was my only chance. Dax: Subspace field fragmentation is beginning. Bashir: It's working. Dax: I think I've got the captain's signature. Dax: Something's happening. I'm losing him. Bashir: We're losing them both. They're being pulled into subspace. Sisko: Jake. How long has it been? Jake Sr: Fourteen years. What is this place? Sisko: I don't know Jake Sr: We could be inside some sort of subspace fragment. Sisko to Dax. Can you read me? I brought the Defiant back to the wormhole. We're trying to rescue you. Dax, if you can hear me, try to lock onto my signal. Sisko: Look at you. You're older than I am. Jake Sr: Damn it. Why can't they lock on to us? Sisko: Jake, they're doing the best they can. There's nothing we can do from here. It's been so long. I need to know what I've missed. What about those grandchildren we talked about? Jake Sr: Korena and I, we're no longer together. She left me. Sisko: I'm sorry. Jake Sr: I shouldn't have let her go, but there was so much I had to do. This has taken years of planning. Sisko: What about your writing? Jake Sr: Dax, try boosting the carrier amplitude. Maybe you can Sisko: Jake, what's happened to you? Jake Sr: This is the last chance I'm ever going to have to help you. Jake Sr: No! Sisko: Jake, it's over. It's not going to work. Jake Sr: It has to. Sisko: Let go, Jake. If not for yourself, then for me. You still have time to make a better life for yourself. Promise me you'll do that. Promise me! Jake Sr: I want you to see something. Go over to my desk. Go ahead. Jake Sr: It's a collection of new stories. I decided to honor my father's request and try to rebuild my life. Writing these stories was the best way I knew to do that. I'd like you to have a copy. Let me get you one. Melanie: Can I have these instead? Jake Sr: Well, if you'd like, but those have handwritten notes all over them. Melanie: I know. I want to study them so I can see the changes you made. Jake Sr: Because you want to be a writer someday. Melanie: Can I ask why you haven't published these? Jake Sr: Well, I was tinkering with the last story just this morning. Besides, if you publish posthumously no body can ask you for rewrites. I was hoping to finish another two stories, but there isn't enough time. Melanie: You keep on saying there's no more time. Jake Sr: You see, Melanie, after the last attempt to rescue my father failed, I spent months trying to figure out what went wrong. Eventually, I came to understand the nature of what was happening to him. It was as if he was frozen in time at the moment of the accident, and the link between us was like an elastic cord. Every so often the cord would go taut enough to yank him forward into my time. But only for a few minutes. I realized that if my motion through time came to a stop, the cord would go slack and he'd be lost in subspace forever. But if I could cut the cord when the link was at its strongest, while we were together, he'd return to the moment of the accident. Melanie: Your father's coming here, isn't he? Soon. Jake Sr: Yes. Melanie: You're going to cut the cord, aren't you? Jake Sr: I want you to promise me something. Melanie: Anything. Jake Sr: While you're studying my stories, poke your head up every once in a while. Take a look around. See what's going on. It's life, Melanie. Melanie: And you can miss it if you don't open your eyes. Melanie: Thank you. For everything. Jake Sr: It was a pleasure meeting you, young lady. Sisko: Jake. Jake Sr: I've been expecting you. Sisko: I'm glad to see you're still in this house. You seemed happy here. And this. I can't tell you how good it makes me feel you got back to writing. Sisko: Jake, what is it? Jake Sr: Read at the dedication. Sisko: To my father, who's coming home. Thank you, but I don't understand. Jake Sr: It was me. It was me all along. I've been dragging you through time like an anchor and now it's time to cut you loose. Sisko: Jake, what are you saying? Jake Sr: It won't be long now. Sisko: Jake! No! Jake Sr: When I die, you'll go back to where this all began. Just remember to dodge the energy diskharge from the warp core. Sisko: Jake, you could still have so many years left. Jake Sr: No. We have to be together when I die. Sisko: Jake, you didn't have to do this. Not for me. Jake Sr: For you and for the boy that I was. He needs you more than you know. Don't you see? We're going to get a second chance. Sisko: Jake. My sweet boy. Sisko: You okay? Jake: How'd you know that was coming? Sisko: I guess we were just lucky this time. Jake: You okay, Dad? Sisko: I am now, Jake. I am now.

Worf: Worf to Major Kira. Kira: This is Kira. Worf: Major, you've got an incoming transmission from a Razka Karn. He claims to be an old friend. Kira: Put him through. Razka. It's been a while. How's business? Razka: Oh, let's just say I miss the old days on Bajor. Smuggling might not have been the safest line of work, but it was a lot more exciting than selling scrap metal. Kira: What's on your mind, Razka? Razka: I picked up a lead on the Ravinok. Kira: Like the last time? Razka: Last time it was just a rumor. This time I have evidence, a fragment of metal. Looks like it's part of the forward sensor array. Kira: Can you bring it to Deep Space Nine for analysis? Razka: Sorry. I'm afraid I can't leave the Badlands right now. Important business. You understand. Kira: Tholians are after you again? Razka: Let's just say it'd be better if you came to me. Kira: It's been six years. Even if you have found a piece of the Ravinok, it doesn't mean there are any survivors. Razka: There's only one way for you to find out. I'll be waiting. Odo: And item number seventeen, Trelos Vren was arrested on the Promenade outside of the Klingon restaurant. He's being held on four counts of petty theft. Kira: Trelos Vren? Where have I heard that name? Odo: We arrested him once for attempting to break into the assay office. Kira: And now he's taken up pickpocketing? Odo: Without much success. Still, I suppose you should admire him for his persistence. That was a joke. Kira: I'm sorry, Odo. I may have a lead on the Ravinok. I know what you're going to say. It's been six years since the Ravinok disappeared. Odds are everyone on board is dead. Odo: That all may be true, but that is not what I was going to say. I was going to say good luck. Kira: Good luck? Odo: You had a friend aboard the Ravinok, correct? Kira: Lorit Akrem. Odo: Which means it doesn't matter if I think there are any survivors, or even if you think there are any survivors. You are going to go looking for that ship, and all I can say is good luck. And I hope you find them. Kira: Come in. Captain. You here to see me off? Sisko: I'm afraid not. I'd like you to postpone your trip for at least for a day or two. Kira: What's wrong? Sisko: Somehow the Cardassian government got wind of your plan to search for the Ravinok. They've asked permission to send someone with you. Kira: And you said yes? Sisko: I said I'd talk to you about it. The Ravinok was a Cardassian ship. Kira: Carrying Bajoran prisoners. I'm not stopping anyone else from looking. I just don't see why they have to come with me. Sisko: The request came directly from the leader of the new civilian government. Nerys, I know this isn't what you had in mind, but Bajor and Cardassia must to learn to work together and that means cooperating on missions like these. Kira: All right. Just tell them I'm not going to wait forever. If their representative isn't here within fifty two hours, I'm going alone. Sisko: I'll be sure they get the message. Dax: So did you and Kasidy have a nice time last night? Sisko: I just wish she wasn't leaving tomorrow. Dax: It sounds like the two of you are getting serious. Sisko: I don't know about that. I don't think Kasidy is looking to get serious. Kasidy: Ben! Sisko: Kasidy. Dax: We were just talking about you. Kasidy: I don't mean to interrupt. I wanted you to know I won't be leaving tomorrow after all. Sisko: That's good news. I mean, that's great. How long are you going to be here? Kasidy: That depends on whether I get this new job or not. I've applied for a position with the Bajoran Ministry of Commerce to captain one of their freighters. Sisko: You're going to work for the Bajorans? Kasidy: If we can hammer out an agreement. It's a terrific opportunity. I get to use my own ship, pick my own crew, and the best part is, I never have to leave this sector. Dax: Where're you going to live? Kasidy: On my ship, I suppose. Dax: Well, why don't you stay here? I'm sure that Benjamin could arrange for some quarters. Kasidy: That's not a bad idea. Sisko: Yeah. Kasidy: Well, I have a meeting on Bajor and the shuttle leaves in a few minutes. I'll see you tonight? Dax: That answers that. She's serious. Worf: Captain, the Cardassian transport Rabol is approaching the station. They're requesting permission to beam their representative directly to Ops. Kira: Someone's in a big hurry. Sisko: Permission granted. Worf: Aye, sir. Dukat: Ah, Major Kira. I'm ready to leave whenever you are. Kira: We'll be crossing into the Badlands in approximately six hours. Dukat: Very good, Major. Kira: Dukat, let's get one thing straight. This is my mission. The only reason you're here is because I agreed to let you come along. When I give an order, I expect you to follow it. No questions asked. Dukat: Believe me, Major, I want nothing more than for this mission to be concluded as quickly and as efficiently as possible. I leave the details in your capable hands. Kira: Good, then we shouldn't have any problems. There's one thing I don't understand. Why did the Cardassian government send you? Dukat: The Ravinok was under my general command. Those were my troops and it is my duty to try to find them. The question is, what are you doing here, Major? Kira: I knew someone aboard the Ravinok. Dukat: One of the prisoners, I assume? Kira: Lorit Akrem. Dukat: I see. So you're on this mission for personal reasons. Kira: Is there something wrong with that? Dukat: Not at all. I've found that when one is trying to do a difficult job, personal reasons can be quite an incentive. So who was he? A family member, a compatriot, a lover? Kira: Lorit recruited me into the Shakaar resistance cell. Dukat: Ah. The infamous Shakaar resistance. We never could eliminate that little group of yours. And it was not from lack of trying, I assure you. I hope you don't take this the wrong way, Major, but I've always admired you. You are the embodiment of the new Bajor. A Bajoran born out of the ashes of the occupation, a Bajoran tempered with Cardassian steel. Kira: Captain Sisko's right. You are in love with the sound of your own voice. Dukat: I know you find this to accept, but I believe that in some ways the Occupation actually helped Bajor. Kira: Which part? The massacres or the strip mining? Dukat: I have no desire to debate the merits of the Occupation with you. I'm even willing to admit that perhaps we were a little harsh in our methods. But the fact is, the Bajoran people are stronger now than they have been in centuries. When we arrived, you were a weak, contemplative race, choking on your isolation. And now you have a new confidence, a whole new sense of purpose, not to mention a key role in the future of this entire quadrant. Kira: All of which Bajor achieved in spite of the Cardassians, not because of them. Dukat: Think what you must, But I believe the time will come when Cardassia and Bajor will grow to be not only allies but also close friends. Kira: Cardassia and Bajor, maybe. You and me? I doubt it. Dukat: All I ask is that you have an open mind. Kira: All right, Dukat, that's enough. Now, if you don't mind, I would like to spend the next six hours in silent meditation. Dukat: Is that a request, or an order? Kira: Whatever it takes. Dukat: Well, in that case, as much as it pains me. Kira: We both might survive this trip after all. Kasidy: They didn't even wait for the interview to be over. After twenty minutes, Minister Azin said she'd heard enough, and if I wanted the job, it was mine. Sisko: So what did you tell them? Kasidy: What do you think I told them? I said yes. Sisko: Congratulations. Kasidy: That's it? Sisko: Oh. Kasidy: That's not what I meant. I want to know how you feel about it. Sisko: I think it's great. We'll see a lot more of each other. Kasidy: You know, I was thinking about what Dax said. Maybe I should get quarters on the station. Sisko: That's a big step. Kasidy: What does that mean? Sisko: I just meant it's a big step. Kasidy: A bad big step, or a good big step? Sisko: A good one. Kasidy: Could you muster a little more enthusiasm? Sisko: I am enthusiastic. I'm proud of you. This job Kasidy: Forget about the job. I'm talking about us. I tell you I'm thinking about living on the station and all you can say is, it's a big step? Sisko: Oh, I don't think you took it the way I meant it. Kasidy: I don't think you know what you meant. But I do. You're afraid of commitment. Sisko: Who said anything about commitment? Kasidy: Obviously not you. You know what? Forget the whole thing. I'm not going to take the job. If you don't want me to stay here, that's fine with me. Sisko: Phew. Kira: How'd you get a hold of this, Razka? Razka: I bought it off a Ferengi scrap metal merchant. Dukat: It appears to be composed of uridium alloy. It's definitely Cardassian. Kira: Can you tell if it's from the Ravinok? Razka: Why didn't you tell me you were bringing him along? Kira: Because when we talked, I didn't know I would be. Razka: Too bad. The Maquis would've paid handsomely to get their hands on him. Dukat: And my government would be very happy to get their hands on you. Razka Karn, if I'm not mistaken. Smuggler, thief, black marketeer. There are at least twelve outstanding warrants for your arrest on Cardassia right now. But I suggest we ignore all that and try to cooperate with one another. Razka: The voice of the new Cardassia, so compassionate, so understanding. Almost makes you forget that five years ago he was working Bajorans to death in forced labor camps and shooting anybody who tried to stop him. Almost makes you forget. Dukat: It's from the Ravinok. No doubt about it. Kira: Did the Ferengi tell you where he found it? Razka: No, but I was curious so I bribed one of his crewmembers. Turns out his last trip was to the Dozaria system. Dukat: Dozaria. I believe there is one class M planet in that system. Razka: Barely class M. He found that in orbit. Kira: Dozaria it is then. Thanks, Razka. I owe you one. Razka: Just let me know what you find out. Lorit was my friend too. Kira: I just don't understand how the Ravinok could've gotten so far off course. Dozaria is light years from where they should have been. Dukat: The Central Command always believed that the ship was destroyed in some kind of escape attempt by the Bajoran prisoners. Kira: Maybe. Or they could've had a problem with their navigational array or run into some kind of subspace anomaly. Dukat: Hopefully we'll find the truth. Kira: We're entering orbit. Dukat: I'm reading severe ionic interference in the planet's atmosphere. Sensors will be limited, to say the least. Kira: I'm picking up a faint magneton signature. It could be residual radiation from a damaged warp nacelle. Dukat: Shall we beam down? Kira: I wouldn't advise it. All this ionic interference will scatter our molecules halfway around the planet. We're going to have to do this the old fashioned way. Dukat: It's going to be a difficult landing. I'll take the controls if you like. Kira: That'll be the day. Going in. Dukat: Invigorating, isn't it. A bit sunny, perhaps, but this heat feels wonderful. Kira: Only a Cardassian would call this hellhole invigorating. Dukat: Oh, I forgot. Compared to us, you Bajorans are a bit fragile, physiologically speaking, of course. Kira: Don't worry about me. Kira: The Ravinok. Dax: It's a big step. That's all you said? Sisko: That's all. Bashir: You're sure? Sisko: Positive. Dax: What do you think, Julian? Bashir: It's ambiguous. Definitely open to interpretation. But it could've been worse. He could have said it's a very big step. Dax: You didn't say that, did you? Sisko: I don't think so. Bashir: Oh, that's good, anyway. So, what does he do now? Dax: It's simple. He goes to Kasidy, admits that everything was his fault, and pledges his undying love. Bashir: That sounds a little extreme to me. What if he just tells her he made a mistake, there had been a misunderstanding, and that he really would like her to live on the station? Dax: Could work. Assuming that's what you want. Quark: Captain, I would think long and hard before answering. Sisko: I don't recall asking your opinion, Quark. Quark: Well maybe you should. I mean, who knows more about women than me? Bashir: Everyone. Quark: You humans. All you want to do is please your women. You want them to be your friends. But we Ferengi know better. Women are the enemy and we treat them accordingly. The key is to never let them get the upper hand. If she says she doesn't see you enough, threaten to see her even less. If she wants more gifts, take back the ones you've already given her. It's all about control. Dax: What if your woman leaves you? Quark: That's what holosuites are for. Bashir: It's a wonder the Ferengi reproduce at all. Dax: So, you never answered the question. Do you want her to stay or not? Sisko: I appreciate all the advice. I'll let you know how it turns out. Bashir: So, just between you and me, what do you think about Kasidy moving onto the station? Dax: It's a big step. Bashir: A very big step. Kira: She didn't just crash. These are phaser hits. Dukat: Looks like she put up quite a fight. Kira: And paid for it. Kira: Twelve graves. Dukat: There were eighteen crewmembers and thirty two prisoners aboard. Kira: So where's everybody else? Dukat: First things first. Kira: What are you doing? Dukat: We need to identify these bodies. Kira: I'll help. Dukat: No. Our funeral rites are very strict. It would dishonor the dead for a non-Cardassian to view the remains. Kira: There could be Bajorans buried here too. Dukat: No doubt. But if memory's correct, Bajorans are much more concerned with the souls of the dead than they are with the physical remains. How did Kai Meressa put it? What remains after death is but a shell, a sign that the pagh has begun its final journey to the Prophets. Please, Major, don't make this any more difficult for me than it already is. Kira: I have a list of the missing Bajorans. I should be able to identify them from the family imprints on their earrings. I'll work on the Ravinok. I should be able to get something from the ship's computers. Dukat: You'll need the command codes. Kira: Standard Cardassian military codes from six years ago, right? Dukat: Yes. Kira: I got them from Bajoran intelligence before we left. Dukat: Very good, Major. Very good. Kira: Dukat, I was able to reactivate the Dukat. What was her name? I recognize a Bajoran pledge bracelet when I see one. Dukat: Her name was Tora Naprem. You see, Major, you're not the only one who had a friend aboard that ship. Kira: Friend? Is that all she was? I see. Don't worry, Dukat. You're not the only Cardassian officer who kept a Bajoran mistress. Dukat: It wasn't like that. Naprem and I loved each other. Kira: The head of the Occupation in love with a Bajoran? Dukat: Ironic, isn't it? Kira: Did your wife know? Dukat: No. And she's never going to find out. Now if you don't mind, Major, I'd rather not talk about this right now. Here are the earrings you wanted. Kira: If Lorit's dead, he's not buried here. According to the ship's computers, the Ravinok was attacked by two unidentified warships. The attackers chased the Ravinok here and must have forced her to crash-land. Dukat: Then the survivors could have been captured and taken away. Kira: Or they could still be here somewhere on this planet. Dukat: We should go up in the runabout and scan for them from orbit. Kira: Too much ionic interference. The sensors would never be able to pick up their life signs. There may be another way. In these conditions, tricorder readings will only be about twelve meters, but that should be enough. Dukat: Enough for what? Kira: During the occupation, Bajoran resistance fighters carried subdermal implants of tritonium isotopes. The idea was that if they were captured, they could activate the implant which would leave a trail of isotopes so they could be tracked and rescued. I think I have something. That way. Dukat: Let's go. Dukat: I don't know why we have to stop. Kira: For one thing, I can't see two meters ahead of us. And anyway we could both use the rest. So stop pacing and sit down. Kira: What is it? Dukat: I don't know. I sat on something. I sat on something! Kira: Let me see. Dukat: Ooo, get it out. Kira: Well keep still and let me see what I can do. Dukat: Get it out! Kira: Oh. This is going to hurt. Dukat: It already hurts. Just take it out. Kira: If you say so. Dukat: OW! Kira: Ouch. Run this dermal regenerator over the wound. Dukat: This isn't funny. Kira: It is from this angle. Dukat: You know what's even funnier? This doesn't work. Kira: You have to activate it. Dukat: Ah. Ah, yes. Oh, much better. Kira: You probably should eat one of these. Dukat: Ah, I haven't had field rations in a very long time. I'm sure they haven't improved a bit. Kira: Actually, they've gotten a little worse. Tell me something. Dukat: What? Kira: Who's Tora Ziyal? When I reactivated the Ravinok's computer, I downloaded the manifest. There were two civilians on board in addition to the prisoners and crew. One was your friend, Tora Naprem, and the other was Tora Ziyal, a thirteen year-old girl. Dukat: I suppose you wouldn't believe me if I told you she was Naprem's sister? Kira: Ziyal's a Cardassian name. The way I see it, there's only one explanation. Ziyal was Naprem's daughter, and you Dukat: I was her father. Kira: Now I know why you're in such a hurry to find the survivors. You're hoping that she's still alive and you can rescue her. Dukat: Not quite. You see, if my daughter is still alive, I'll have no choice but to kill her. Kira: You know I'm not going to let you do it. I mean it, Dukat. You are not going to kill that girl. Dukat: Major, why don't you worry about the other survivors and let me worry about Ziyal. After all, she is my daughter. Kira: That's right. She's your daughter. And there is nothing more important to Cardassians than family. At least that's what your people are always saying. Dukat: I have a wife and seven children. They are my family. They are the ones I must protect. Kira: Well, you should have thought of that before you got involved with Naprem. Dukat: You're right. I should have. But I made a mistake. A mistake I intend to correct. Kira: You don't have to take her back to Cardassia with you. Let me take her to Bajor. No one has to know that you're her father. Dukat: What kind of life would that be for her? Your people have never exactly welcomed half-Cardassian children into your society. That's why I sent her and her mother away in the first place. I knew the Occupation was coming to an end, and that there'd be no place for them on Bajor or Cardassia. Kira: So you sent them to a prison camp. Dukat: They were not on their way to a prison camp. The Ravinok was supposed to rendezvous with a freighter which would take Naprem and Ziyal to Lissepia, where they could live out their lives in some sort of peace. Kira: I don't understand. If you cared enough to help Ziyal then, how can you be thinking about killing her now? Why not send her away again? Dukat: Because my position isn't nearly as stable as it once was. By aligning myself with the new civilian government, I've made many enemies. Enemies that wouldn't hesitate to use Ziyal against me. Kira: Listen to you. It's not your wife or your seven children you're protecting, it's you. Dukat: By protecting myself, I am protecting them. Kira: And the only one who suffers is Ziyal. You would kill your own daughter to save your career. I don't understand you. You said you loved Naprem. I saw you crying at her grave. Dukat: I did love her. And when I bury Ziyal, I'll weep over her grave just as I wept over her mother's. But that will not stop me from doing what I have to do. Do you understand? And when the time comes, I suggest you stay out of my way. Sisko: Good morning, Jake-o. Jake: Morning, dad. Sisko: So, what's new? Jake: Nog and I ran into Kasidy last night over at the Vulcan restaurant. I guess she's not going to take that job after all. Sisko: She told you? Did she say why? Jake: She said you didn't want her to take it. Sisko: Look, Jake, sometimes things between men and women can get a little complicated. Jake: Yeah, maybe, but I don't think this is one of those times. It's pretty simple, Dad. You're scared. Sisko: What do I have to be afraid of? Jake: A lot. Kasidy's willing to make a major change in her life just to be close to you. If things don't work out, you're going to feel responsible, and that's scary. Sisko: You figured out all this by yourself? Jake: Actually, I talked with Nog about it. Sisko: You talked to Nog about my relationship with Kasidy? Jake: And we think you have nothing to worry about. If Kasidy wants to change jobs, that's her decision, not yours. Same thing if she wants to live on the station. If things don't work out, they don't work out. Sisko: Have you told any of this to Kasidy? Jake: No. Nog and I thought about it, but we thought it would be better if you told her yourself. Sisko: I see. Jake: So, what's new with you? Kira: Take a look. Dukat: Breen? What are they doing here? Kira: My tricorder's picking up a large concentration of dilithium in the area. They must be using the survivors of the Ravinok to mine the ore. Dukat: It makes perfect sense. The Breen homeworld is a frozen wasteland. This place is about fifty degrees too hot for them. Kira: You approve of what they're doing? Dukat: No, not at all. I do admire their ingenuity. Kira: What is it? Kira: It's her. Dukat: My daughter. Kira: All right. We're going to need some help. I'm going to stay here and keep an eye on things while you go back to DS Nine for reinforcements. Dukat: I have a better idea. You go back to the station. I'll stay here. Kira: I'm sending you back, Dukat. That's an order. Dukat: And I hate to refuse it, but I'm afraid I must. You're welcome to file an official protest with the Cardassian military when we get back. Kira: There's no way I'm leaving you alone here. Dukat: Well, then I suggest we devise a plan to rescue these prisoners together. You need me, Major. Kira: Maybe I do. But if you hurt that girl, I promise I'll kill you. Kira: Don't make any noise. We're here to help. Heler: You're Bajoran. Dukat: Gather as many prisoners as you can. Tell them to meet us here. Kira: How many Breen guards are there? Heler: I'm not sure. There are always at least eight in the mines. Kira: How many prisoners? Heler: There're only thirty one of us left. Kira: What about Lorit Akrem? Did he make it? Heler: He died in a cave-in two years ago. You knew him? Kira: He was a friend. Dukat: My condolences, Major, but we don't have time for this. Tell me where I can find Tora Ziyal. Kira: Don't tell him anything. Heler: He's a Cardassian. I don't understand. Kira: There's a peace treaty. Heler: You mean the Occupation is over? Dukat: I need to find the girl. Where is she? Kira: Dukat! Kira: Go get the rest of the prisoners. Meet me at the entrance to the mine. Dukat: Where is Tora Ziyal? Dukat: Ziyal. Ziyal: Father? It's really you. Mother said you'd Ziyal: Father, what's wrong? Kira: Dukat, no. I'm warning you, Dukat. Don't do it. Dukat: I have no choice. Kira: There's always a choice. You don't want to do this. If you did, you never would've told me about Ziyal. Now, put the rifle down. Dukat: No. Ziyal: The Cardassian prisoners, they told me this would happen. That you'd never let me go home. But I didn't believe them. Kira: Ziyal, run! Ziyal: I used to dream about you coming to save me. It's what kept me alive. Dukat: Ziyal. Ziyal: If I can't be with you, then I'd rather die. Dukat: Let's go home. Sisko: Kasidy Yates. Kasidy: Hello, Ben. Hold this a second. Sisko: About that job with the Bajoran Commerce Ministry. Kasidy: You know someone who's qualified for it? Sisko: I know someone who would be perfect for it. You. I think you should take the job. I want you to take the job. Kasidy: You've been talking to Jake. Sisko: How'd you know? Kasidy: Oh, he's a smart boy. Must take after his mother. Sisko: I owe you an apology. You came to tell me all this wonderful news, and all I could say was, it's a big step. I don't know what I was thinking. Kasidy: Take a guess. Sisko: I wanted to tell you how happy I was for you, for us. But it didn't come out that way. I was uncomfortable, and a little nervous. Kasidy: A little nervous? Sisko: All right, a lot nervous. I haven't been in a serious relationship for a long time, and I didn't expect to be in one anytime soon. Until I met you. This life I lead, the job I do, that's what got Jennifer killed. If anything ever happened to you Kasidy: Why not let me worry about that? Sisko: That's what Jake said. Kasidy: You see? Smart boy. Look, I could stay here and listen to you apologize all day, but I've got to get to Bajor. Sisko: Bajor? I thought Kasidy: Oh, I know what you thought, but I took the job. Do you think I'd give up a great opportunity just because you got cold feet? You're a good man, Benjamin Sisko, but you've got a lot to learn about women. Especially this one. I'll see you when I get back. You can help me pick out quarters. Sisko: I'll be here. Dax: What was it like, all that time alone with Dukat? Kira: I've had better weeks. But I'll never forget the look on his face when he sat on that sand spine. Dax: I wish I'd been there. Dukat: Major. Kira: Dukat. Where's Ziyal? Dukat: Waiting for me aboard my ship. We'll be leaving for Cardassia shortly. Dax: I think I'll leave the two of you alone. Dukat: I just wanted to say thank you, Major, for a most interesting journey. Kira: You're taking Ziyal back to Cardassia with you. Dukat: After six years, she deserves a home and a father. Kira: Won't that make things difficult for you? Dukat: I'll let you know.

Quark: It's a trick. Bashir: Of course it's a trick. But how she did it? Quark: She probably beamed the egg directly into her mouth from one of the transporters. Dax: Actually, one of my previous hosts used to dabble in the sleight of hand. Bashir: Was it Tobin? Dax: That's right. Bashir: Ah, he sounds like the right type. Painfully shy, introverted, a slight lack of confidence, just the kind of person who might want to dazzle the world with his magical abilities. Quark: She swallowed the egg before she came into the bar and then regurgitated it on cue. Quite disgusting, actually. Dax: Wrong again. Sisko: Sisko to Dax. I'd like to see you in my office, Commander. Dax: On my way, Benjamin. Don't worry, Quark. You'll figure it out eventually. Quark: What? Dax: No wonder you can't figure it out. Dax: Your head's full of latinum. Bashir: Ladies and gentlemen, the amazing Jadzia Dax! Sisko: Have a seat. A Trill science team is coming to the station to conduct field tests on experimental techniques for creating artificial wormholes. Dax: It sounds interesting. Sisko: It's an important project and I've agreed to let them use the Defiant for their experiments. But I thought you would want to know that the leader of the science team is Doctor Lenara Kahn. Dax: Lenara Kahn? Sisko: That's right. Look, you've got about three months of leave accumulated. Why don't you take some of it? We can afford to do without you for a while. Dax: Am I that dispensable around here? Sisko: We'll never notice you're gone. Dax: No. I'll stay. I can handle it. Sisko: You're sure? Dax: I'm sure. I've never let my past lives interfere with my job and I'm not going to start now. I'll be fine. Sisko: Okay. Dax: But thank you for giving me the option. Sisko: Any time, old man. Pren: I'm Doctor Hanor Pren of the Trill science ministry. Kira: I'm Major Kira Nerys, and I'd like to welcome you to Deep Space Nine. This is our strategic operations officer, Commander Worf, and this is our science officer, Commander Dax. Pren: Allow me to introduce you our team leader, Doctor Lenara Kahn, and her brother, Doctor Bejal Otner. Major Kira, Commander Worf, Commander Dax. Dax: It's been a long time. Lenara: Yes, it has. Worf: If you will come with me, I will show you to your quarters. Kira: You know that woman? Dax: I know her. She used to be my wife. Quark: So let me get this straight. Dax's first host was named Lela. Right? Bashir: I think so. Kira: Lela Dax, that's right. Quark: Then Lela dies and the Dax symbiont goes on to a man named Tobin. And after Tobin dies, then it's on to Emony, then Torias, Audrid Kira: No, no. Audrid, then Torias. Quark: Sorry. Audrid, Torias, Joran, Curzon and then eventually Jadzia. Kira: Right. Quark: And this Doctor Lenara Kahn person was once married to? Bashir: Torias. But of course in those days she wasn't Lenara. Quark: I knew it couldn't be that simple. Bashir: The Kahn symbiont which is now joined to Lenara used to be joined to a woman named Nilani, and it was Nilani who married Torias Dax. Kira: But Torias was killed in a shuttle accident. Bashir: And Nilani became a widow. Years later, when Nilani died, the Kahn symbiont was joined to Lenara. Quark: And now Nilani is Lenara, and Torias is Jadzia. So that makes Lenara Jadzia's ex-wife. Kira: It's a little more complicated than that, Quark. Quark: I'm sure it is. But to be honest, I'm sorry I brought the whole thing up. It's giving me a headache. Bashir: It must be all the latinum rattling around in there. Bashir: I thought so. You really should have that looked at. Quark: Get back to work. If you'll excuse me. Kira: Did Dax teach you that? Bashir: Next time I'm going to pull a rabbit out of his ear. Kira: One thing I don't understand is why Dax and Lenara can't just pick up where they left off. I mean, if they're still in love with each other. Bashir: Ah, now there's the rub. Even if they do harbor feelings for each other, it's strictly against the rules of Trill society for them to acknowledge it in any way. Kira: Rules? Bashir: Well, it's more of a taboo, really. Having a relationship with a lover from a past life is called reassociation, and the Trill feel very strongly that it's unnatural. Kira: Unnatural? How can it be unnatural for a married couple to resume their marriage? Bashir: Well, the whole point of joining is for the symbiont to accumulate experiences from the span of many lifetimes. In order to move on from host to host, the symbiont has to learn to let go of the past, let go of parents, siblings, children, even spouses. Kira: I don't understand how two people who've fallen in love, and made a life together, can be forced to just walk away from each other because of a taboo. There must be some Trill who have reassociated with people from their past lives. Bashir: I asked Dax the same question, and it seems there have been a few. Kira: And what happened? Bashir: They were exiled from the Trill homeworld. Kira: That means the symbionts would never be joined to a new host. Bashir: Exactly. So when the hosts die, the symbionts die with them. So you see, even if Dax does harbor feelings for Lenara, she can't take that risk. For a joined Trill, nothing is more important than to protect the life of the symbiont. Nothing. Dax: Come in. Sisko: I had a feeling you weren't going to be ready. Curzon was never on time in his life. He was even late for his hundredth birthday party. Dax: You're never going to let me forget that, are you? Sisko: Do you know how long it took me to plan that party? Dax: Three months. I know. Sisko: You still have time to back out of the reception, you know. Dax: You know how I hate to miss a party. Sisko: I'm serious. Dax: I know. And I appreciate what you're trying to do, but I'm going to be working with Lenara for the next week. I have to get used to being around her. Stop worrying about me, Benjamin. I'll be fine. Sisko: So, in the spirit of friendship, we welcome you to Deep Space Nine and wish you success in the creation of the galaxy's first artificial wormhole. All: Hear, hear. Lenara: I understand you'll be commanding the Defiant during our research. Worf: Yes. Bejal: You must be very excited. I mean, to be a part of a potentially history-making project. Worf: I am looking forward to it. Lenara: I think Mister Worf is less than enthusiastic about heading a research mission. It's not exactly what every Klingon dreams about. Kira: What do Klingons dream about? Worf: Things that would send cold chills down your spine and wake you in the middle of the night. It is better you do not know. Excuse me. Kira: I can never tell when he's joking. Lenara: Maybe it is better that we do not know. Lenara: Well, this looks wonderful. Dax: Mmm-hmm. Lenara: I take it most of this is Bajoran. Dax: Hasperat. No, hasperat. Moba fruit and veklava. Lenara: Of course, I'm not the least bit hungry. Dax: Neither am I. Lenara: But I suppose we should load our plates anyway since the whole room is watching us. Dax: Quite an audience. Lenara: Seems a shame to disappoint them. Maybe we should do something. Dax: We could get into a screaming match and start throwing things at each other. Lenara: Not bad. Or I suppose we could throw ourselves at each other, profess our undying love for each other and complete disregard for Trill society. Dax: Doctor Pren would probably have a heart attack. Lenara: Forget about him, my brother's head would explode. He's been a nervous wreck ever since we arrived. Dax: I know the feeling. Lenara: Well, I'll tell you what I told him. We're both mature adults and we can handle this. Dax: I agree completely. It'll be fine. Lenara: They're watching us again. Dax: I know. I guess we'll probably have to get used to it. Lenara: Well, thank you, Commander Dax. I appreciate your insightful commentary on Bajoran cuisine. Dax: My pleasure, Doctor Kahn. Bejal: After we launch our target drone, the Defiant will have to generate a subspace tensor matrix in the twenty five to thirty thousand Cochrane range. Then the drone will send out a magneton pulse which should react with the matrix to create an opening in the space-time continuum. Eddington: How long will we have to keep generating the matrix? Pren: Two minutes, maybe less. Once the wormhole forms, we can shut down the tensor matrix. O'Brien: We'll have to reroute the pre-ignition plasma from the impulse deck down to the auxiliary intake to get that much power. But I think we can do it. Bejal: Excellent. Pren: We'll also need to download our parameters for the matrix into one of your computers. Dax: I think we'd better use the main computer, Chief. I don't think the engineering computer can handle it. O'Brien: I agree. Dax: If you'll follow me, I'll take you up to the bridge and we can begin downloading the data. Pren: All right. Lenara: Everything looks good here. Dax? Dax: The backup navigation program is still showing some calibration drift. I think some data may have been lost in the startup routine. Lenara: Possibly. Pren: Well, that explains the seven percent falloff in AFR ratios I keep seeing. Must be a problem with diagnostic sub-routines. I have a recalibration unit in my quarters that might solve the problem. Dax: I'll have someone bring it here. Pren: Oh, no, no. I need a break anyway. Lenara: Now I'm getting a drop-off in the triple-R output. We might have a bigger problem than the diagnostic subroutines. Dax: Don't panic yet. It could just be transtater failure. It happens all the time. Lenara: I wasn't panicking. Dax: It's just an expression. Sorry. Lenara: No, I'm sorry. Forget it. It's just that you always used to, I mean Torias always used to tell Nilani that she was panicking about things, making a big fuss about nothing. Dax: Well, Torias used to be insensitive at times. But you have to admit, Nilani did do her share of overreacting. Lenara: That's because you were a pilot and it made me nervous. Made her nervous. Torias being a pilot made Nilani nervous. I've never had quite this much trouble sorting out my feelings from those of a past host. Dax: I know what you mean. Lenara: Probably another good reason why we're not supposed to spend much time together. We'd probably just get lost in the past. Dax: Let's try running the transtater diagnostic again. Lenara: Okay. Dax: Nilani wasn't panicking the day before Torias died. Lenara: No? Dax: No. Torias should have listened to her. The shuttle was not ready for a full impulse test, but Torias had to do it anyway. And he was wrong. And whatever part of me is still Torias is very sorry and wishes he'd listened to you. Well, we have a lot of work to do. Lenara: Right. Right. Dax: Would you be interested in dinner? I mean, I'm having dinner with some friends and I thought you might like to go along. Lenara: I wouldn't want to intrude on your friends. Dax: It's actually not that big of a group. It's just me and Julian. Lenara: Doctor Bashir? Sure. That sounds great. Dax: Great. Lenara: Okay. Dinner. Tonight. Dax: At Quark's. Lenara: Great. Bashir: Tonight? I can't. I have plans. Dax: Cancel them. I mean, if you can cancel them that would be really nice. Bashir: Nice. Because? Dax: Because I invited Lenara out for dinner and Bashir: And it would be less awkward if you had a chaperone. Dax: Exactly. Will you do it? Bashir: Something tells me that I should say no, but I won't. What time? Dax: Twenty two hundred at Quark's. Thank you. I owe you one. Dax: No, it didn't have a red awning. It had a big ratana tree or something out front. Lenara: Well, you don't mean the Barros Inn? Dax: Yes! That's it. Lenara: Curzon was kicked out of the Barros Inn? That's one of the wildest bars in the whole Rigel system. What did he do? Dax: He sort of set fire to it. Lenara: Sort of? Dax: All right, he set fire to it. But it wasn't deliberate. It was part of a bet. But that's another story. Lenara: Curzon was certainly different from most joined Trills. Dax: He liked to do things his own way. He used to say there was an exception to every rule, and he usually went out of his way to find it. Lenara: I'm actually glad we never met. We probably wouldn't have liked each other very much. Dax: No, he wasn't that bad really. I tend to exaggerate his rebellious qualities. But you may have a point. Curzon never had much use for scientists. Lenara: Well, that's interesting considering what you do now. Dax: Curzon would be horrified to know that I'm a scientist. The very idea of doing research made him ill. Lenara: Torias wasn't much different. I can remember talking to him about my wanting to study theoretical quantum physics and his eyes glazing over. Dax: The irony is, you and I have more in common than Torias and Nilani ever did. Lenara: That's right. Nurse: Infirmary to Doctor Bashir. Bashir: Doctor Bashir here. Go ahead. Nurse: I'm sorry to interrupt you, Doctor, but Ensign Tyler's broken his leg and I think you'd Bashir: I'm on my way. I'm sorry. I must go. Duty calls. Dax: That's all right. Thanks for coming. Lenara: It was nice to see you again. Lenara: Now that's a good friend. He sat here all night listening to us trade stories of our former hosts and never once complained. Dax: I think he enjoyed himself. Maybe not. I'll make it up to him. Lenara: Yeah. Dax: Those are Klingon, aren't they? Lenara: How did you know? Oh, Curzon. Dax: They're beautiful. Lenara: They were given to me by a Klingon scientist. He wanted to give me one of the swords they carry around, but I refused. Lenara: Keep them. Really. I'm not very Klingon. Dax: Thanks. Dax: Well? Lenara: They suit you. It's really good to see you again, Dax. That sounds so strange. I mean, I'm looking at a different face, hearing a different voice, but somehow it's still you. Dax: I know. Every time I start to think of you as just Lenara, you'll smile or laugh and suddenly it's you. Dax: I'm really glad you're here. Lenara: Me too. Defiant log, stardate 49195.5. Lieutenant Commander Worf reporting. We have arrived at the coordinates to begin preliminary tests for the artificial wormhole project. Bejal: Target drone is in position, Commander. Worf: Full scan. Dax: No ships in sensor range. Worf: Bridge to Engineering. Are you ready, Mister Eddington? Eddington: We're ready, Commander. Worf: Doctor Kahn, you may proceed. Lenara: Energize the focal array and stand by to initiate the subspace tensor matrix. Dax: This AQF sequencer, it's always causing me problems. Bejal: The plasma coil interlocks are in place. Deflector grid is charged and standing by. Pren: They're very friendly today. Bejal: Hmm? Pren: They had dinner last night. Alone. Bejal: What are you trying to say? Pren: I shouldn't have to say anything. Bejal: Then don't. We're ready to generate the tensor matrix. Dax: The drone is standing by. Lenara: Initialize the focal array. Bejal: The tensor matrix is forming. Lenara: Activate the drone. Dax: The drone is sending out the magneton pulse. It's reached the matrix. Pren: I'm picking up a subspace distortion. Bejal: The distortion's becoming coherent. It's working. Dax: The magneton pulse is causing a feedback loop. It'll destroy the drone in a few seconds. Lenara: A few seconds is all we need. Dax: The drone's been destroyed. But you did it. Worf: Congratulations, Doctor. Lenara: Thank you. That was only the first step, but what a step. Dax: I'm so proud. Lenara: Thank you. Dax: I'm so proud. Lenara: The subspace field data, quantum readings, all the telemetry checks out. The wormhole was open twenty three point four seconds and during that time it was completely coherent. Bejal: You couldn't ask for a better beginning. But it all comes down to the next test. We have to be able to send an object through the wormhole to prove that it's stable for space travel. Lenara: Oh, that reminds me. Dax thinks we should use a class four probe to make the actual run. She says that the class four shielding will give us a better idea of how the wormhole will affect a real ship. Bejal: I didn't know you'd talked to Dax since we got back. Lenara: I saw her last night. Bejal: Where? Lenara: She came by my quarters. Bejal: How long did she stay? Lenara: Is there something you want to ask me? Bejal: I don't want to ask you anything, but I'm beginning to wonder if I should. Lenara: I don't believe this. Bejal: Believe it. People are starting to notice. Lenara: People? Bejal: Doctor Pren saw you holding hands at dinner the other night. I thought he was overreacting, but then I saw the way the two of you were acting on the Defiant. Bejal: Lenara! Bejal: Lenara. Lenara! I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Look, I'm your brother. You tell me nothing's going on, then nothing's going on. I just want to hear you say it. Lenara: There is nothing going on. All right? Bejal: All right. Dax: Come in. What's wrong? Lenara: I just had the most unpleasant conversation with my brother. He thinks that there's something going on between us. Dax: Oh. And what did you tell him? Lenara: Well I told him that that was ridiculous, that there's nothing going on between us. That you and I are just friends. Dax: Well then, that should settle that. Maybe we shouldn't see each other. It'll just give people the wrong idea. Lenara: Or give them the right idea. Dax: I don't think we should have this conversation. Lenara: Would it do any good? Would it change how either of us feels? Dax: No, but it would be easier. Lenara: You've never been one for the easy way out. Dax: That's true. But in this case, I'm not the only one involved. I don't want to do anything to hurt you. I did that before. I climbed into a shuttlecraft and I made you a widow. Lenara: I knew you were a pilot when I married you. I knew the risks. I went into it with my eyes wide open. Dax: And what about now? Are your eyes open? Do you know what the risks are? Lenara: I thought I'd, thought I'd gotten over you. It's been so long and so much has happened. And now I know I haven't. Dax: Shh. I've missed you. I've missed you so much. Lenara: I'd better go. Dax: Yeah. Dax: I don't know what to do, Benjamin. Sisko: What do you want to do? Dax: Throw myself at her. Profess my undying love and my complete disregard for Trill society. A joke Lenara made at the reception. Doesn't sound so funny anymore, does it? Sisko: Not really. Dax: You don't think I should pursue this, do you. Sisko: No. Dax: Okay. Why? Sisko: Because I remember what Curzon used to say about reassociation. That it didn't matter whether he agreed with the taboo or not, because the price for violating it was too high. Exile. Dax: I know what Curzon used to say, and I'm not Curzon. Sisko: And you're not Torias either. You're Jadzia Dax and you have a responsibility as a joined Trill to never Dax: I didn't come here to hear a lecture about my responsibilities. Sisko: You came here for advice from a friend, and that's exactly what you're getting. Dax: You're right. I'm sorry. Sisko: I know this is difficult for you. I know how you feel about Lenara. But I want you to think about what will happen if you pursue this. If you're exiled from Trill, there will be no further hosts for your symbiont. When Jadzia dies, Dax dies. That goes against everything you were taught during your initiate training. You've told me again and again that each host is only a link in a chain and that the life of the symbiont, no matter what happens, must go on. Dax: I know that and I believe in that. But I also know I love her, Benjamin. Sisko: I know you do. If I were in your position I'd probably be just as ready to throw everything away for the person I love. But I would also want to be sure that I was ready to pay the price. Dax: You're right. I need to be sure. Sisko: But if you're sure, if this is what you really want, I will back you all the way. Dax: I've lived seven lifetimes and I have never had a friend quite like you. Eddington: Eddington to Bridge. We're ready to generate the tensor matrix. Worf: Understood. Stand by. Eddington: Aye, sir. Worf: Commander Dax? Dax: Subspace field stress is within normal parameters. Pren: Probe's ready for launch. Bejal: Target drone is in position. Worf: Bridge to Engine Room. Initialize subspace matrix, Mister Eddington. Worf: On my mark. Eddington: Acknowledged. Bejal: The tensor matrix is starting to form. Pren: Activate the drone. Bejal: Wormhole neutrino readings are stable. Dax: Subspace field stress is up by fifteen percent. but still within safety margins. Worf: Launch the probe. (As soon as the probe enters the wormhole, the whole thing goes KaBOOM and the shock wave hits the Defiant.) Worf: Report. Dax: No helm control. There's a hull breach on deck five. Emergency forcefields are in place. Bejal: I'm reading a massive plasma leak in the Engine room. Worf: Bridge to Engine room. Mister Eddington, Doctor Kahn, can you hear me? Dax: Have a damage control team meet me down there. Dax: Stand back. Eddington: It's out of control. We can't put it out with those. We'll have to vent the entire compartment out into space. Dax: No. Lenara might still be alive. Eddington: There's no way to get to her. Dax: How long will a level eight forcefield last in here? Eddington: Not long with that plasma fire. Ten, twenty seconds at most. Dax: I think I can get to her. Eddington: Dax, if we don't contain this thing now, it's going to set off the warp core. Dax: I know. Just give me ten seconds after the forcefield goes off and then vent the compartment. I need to reconfigure the field geometry. Eddington: I'll try to keep the field stable as long as I can. Lenara: Oh, Dax. Dax: I thought I'd lost you. Lenara: So did I. I don't want to lose you, not again. Dax: Not again. Never again. Never again. Never. Lenara: Come in. Dax: How are you feeling? Bejal: Much better. She's almost fully recovered. Lenara: My brother the nurse. Bejal: I want to thank you for what you did. Lenara means a lot to me. Dax: To both of us. Bejal: Yes. I'll leave you two alone. Dax: Risian perfume. Lenara: Do they know what happened to the wormhole yet? Dax: Our best guess is that the tetryon field reacted to the probe's shielding, producing a massive graviton wave. The important thing is no one was killed and we brought the ship back in one piece. Lenara: Oh, the ship. How badly was it damaged? Dax: Chief O'Brien says he'll have it good as new in two weeks. Now stop torturing yourself. It wasn't your fault. Lenara: It was my project, my theories. Dax: And you shouldn't forget that your project and your theories produced the first artificially created wormhole in history. It's a huge achievement. Lenara: You're right. I am being a little self-indulgent, aren't I? Dax: Yes, you are. Lenara: Well, I guess I'll have a lot of work to do when I get back to Trill. Analyzing the telemetry from the probe alone will probably take months. Dax: Probably. Why not do the work here with me. Lenara: With you? The two of us together. You know what that would mean. Dax: I know exactly what that would mean. But I think it's worth the price. Lenara: That's funny. Bejal just spent the last half hour trying to convince me that it wouldn't be worth it. He wants me to go back to Trill with him tomorrow, try to forget about you. Dax: Well, at least he's consistent. Lenara: Don't be too hard on him. He's only trying to look out for his big sister. Dax: Everyone is trying to look out for us. Protect us from ourselves. But in the end, all that matters is how we feel and what we do about it. Because either way, we're the ones who have to live with the consequences. Lenara: That's the tricky part though, isn't it? Living with the consequences. When you're not with me, when you're not around, it's like a part of me is missing. I want to be with you more than anything, but I don't think that I can do this. Dax, I am not like you. I don't have a little Curzon inside me telling me to be impulsive, to ignore the rules, to give up everything I've worked for. Dax: Can you really walk away from me, from us? After all this time, we're together. Don't throw that away. Lenara: I don't want to! Maybe I need more time. Maybe if I go back to Trill for a while, think it over. I can always come back later. Dax: I wish I could believe you. But ultimately, it comes down to this. If you feel about me the way I feel about you, you won't go on that transport tomorrow. And if you do leave, I think we both know you're never coming back again.

Scene: Captain's log, stardate 49263.5. At the request of the Karemma Commerce Ministry, we've brought the Defiant to a remote system in the Gamma Quadrant to discuss problems that have surfaced regarding our recent trade agreement. Hanok: When we first agreed to use the Ferengi as intermediaries, we did it because we knew the Dominion would never tolerate direct trade between us and the Federation. Quark: And we're glad to be of service. I'm happy to say that not a single Ferengi vessel has been stopped by the Jem'Hadar. Hanok: Unfortunately, we have found there is little profit in doing business with the Federation. In order to comply with your all commerce laws, we have had to pay a series of taxs and fees that have made the costs too high. Sisko: What sort of taxs and fees are you referring to? Hanok: For example, on a recent shipment of Karemman Fleece, a four percent surcharge was added to inspect the cargo for changeling infiltrators. Sisko: What? Quark: You never know where they might be hiding. Hanok: And a six percent tariff was imposed to help offset the lost income of Tarkalian sheep herders. Quark: Hardworking people. You have to feel for them. Hanok: Need I go on, Captain? Sisko: No. I think you've made your point. Carson: These are the results of the last weapons drill, sir. Worf: These response times are unacceptable, Ensign. Carson: They are a little high, sir, but not if you take into account that Worf: I want these response times reduced by fifteen percent. Schedule another drill. Carson: Yes, sir. Dax: Want one? Kira: I'm fasting. Today is Ha'mara. Dax: Ha'mara? Kira: It's the anniversary of the Emissary's arrival. We fast to show our gratitude to the Prophets for sending him to us. Last night, there was a Festival of Lights in the Capital. Dax: Sounds beautiful. Sorry we missed it. Kira: Something tells me the Captain scheduled these negotiations so he wouldn't have to attend. Dax: Benjamin's never been one for ceremonies, especially where he's the center of attention. Kira: Oh, I understand how the Captain feels. Still, it would have meant a lot if the Emissary had been there. Dax: After being stuck in the mess hall all morning with Quark and Hanok, I bet he wishes he had gone. Carson: Two ships have just entered sensor range. They're Jem'Hadar warships. Worf: Red alert. Captain Sisko to the Bridge. All hands battle stations. Worf: The Jem'Hadar are powering their weapons systems. They are targeting the Karemma ship. Hanok: They're here to punish us for meeting with you. If I give myself up and assume full responsibility, they may spare my ship. Sisko: I'm not about to turn you over to them. Open a channel. This is Captain Benjamin Sisko of the USS Defiant. Stand down or we'll be forced to Sisko: Return fire. Dax: The Karemma ship is coming about. They're moving away, Captain. Sisko: Tell your people to hold position. We can't protect them if they run. Kira: The Karemma aren't responding to our hails. Worf: The Jem'Hadar are changing course. They're going after the Karemma ship. Sisko: Move to intercept. Dax: What are they doing? Hanok: They're hoping that the Jem'Hadar won't follow them into the atmosphere. Kira: They'd be smart not to. That's a class J gas giant. I'm reading wind speeds of over ten thousand kilometers per hour. Hanok: Twenty three of my people are on that ship and they're going to die because I was foolish enough to defy the Dominion. Sisko: They're not going to die, Minister. Not if I can help it. Sisko to O'Brien. O'Brien: Go ahead, sir. Sisko: I'm taking the ship into the atmosphere. Sisko: I know she wasn't built for it, but I think the ship can handle it. O'Brien: Aye, sir. O'Brien: I'll see if we can get more power to the structural integrity field. Kira: Adjusting shield geometry for atmospheric entry. Worf: Transferring auxiliary power to forward shields. Sisko: Take us in. Dax: Five seconds to atmosphere. Kira: There's so much interference our imaging systems are practically useless. Dax: We've hit a cross-current. Sisko: Head into it. Kira: We've slipped between two thermal layers. Wind velocities are a little more manageable here. Sisko: Hold this altitude. Any sign of the Karemma or the Jem'Hadar? Worf: No, but sensor range is less than two kilometers. Dax: There might be a way we can increase it. Sisko: Let's do it. Mister Hanok, I think it'd be best if you returned to the mess hall. Hanok: As you wish, Captain. Sisko: Mister Worf? Worf: Sir. Sisko: What's the status of our weapons systems? Worf: The cloak is not effective in this atmosphere, and the interference will jam our torpedo guidance systems. Sisko: What about phasers? Worf: We'll have to target them manually. Dax: Benjamin, we have an idea. Kira: It's a little trick I learned during the occupation. Sometimes we'd evade the Cardassian ships by hiding in the Badlands. Sensor range was limited, so we learned to use an old active-scan system to navigate. Dax: It works by echo-location. We send out a modulated tetryon pulse, and if it reflects off the hull of a ship we can approximate its location. Sisko: But won't these pulses give away our position as well? Kira: We'd have to alter course and speed after every one. Quark: Good news, Minister. Hanok: Really? Quark: I think I've found the problem. I made the mistake of letting my brother Rom execute these contracts. Hanok: Your brother? Quark: Yes. I'm ashamed to say it, but he's an idiot. You see, the Federation and the Karemma have very different laws governing commerce, and I think poor Rom must've gotten confused by all the legalisms. Now, I will be more than willing to make up any losses you might have encountered. In fact, I will pay them back with interest. Hanok: You cheated me, Quark, and you haven't even have the courage to admit it. If we survive this, I'll see that you never work in the Gamma Quadrant again, Kira: Nothing within ten thousand kilometers. Sisko: Ahead at one quarter impulse. Try again, Major. Kira: There's something four hundred kilometers below us. It could be the Karemma. I can't tell at this range. Sisko: Close to ten kilometers. Dax: We're crossing into another thermal layer. Carson: Holding position at ten kilometers. Sisko: Major? Kira: Well, from the size of it I'd say it's the Karemma. Kira: I'm picking up two more ships. Worf: Shields at sixty percent. Sisko: Return fire! Kira: The Jem'Hadar are breaking off their attack. Sisko: Are they going after the Karemma? Kira: I don't think they've spotted them. Carson: Captain, impulse power is offline. We're losing altitude. Sisko: Try using thrusters to stabilize. Carson: It's no use. Worf: Hull pressure is at two million GSC and rising. Sisko: Sisko to Engine room. Sisko: We need impulse power. O'Brien: The primary ODN lines have overloaded, Captain. It'll be a few minutes. Dax: Chief, if you can spare someone to meet me in Jefferies tube four, I'll try to re-route the power through the secondary couplings. O'Brien: Muniz, you go. Muniz: Yes, sir. Carson: Hull pressure at nine million GSC and still rising. Kira: If we keep losing altitude at this rate, the hull will collapse in less than six minutes. Worf: Sir, the phaser couplings were overloaded during the attack. It'll take at least two hours to repair them. Sisko: The Jem'Hadar aren't going to let us tractor the Karemma out of here without a fight. Kira: Right now it seems like we're the ones who need to be tractored out of here. Sisko: One thing at a time, Major. Sisko to O'Brien. O'Brien: O'Brien, here. Sisko: How many atmospheric probes do we have on board? O'Brien: Two. Sisko: Could they be rigged with warheads from Sisko: Quantum torpedoes? O'Brien: Well, we'd have to pull the imaging systems out to make room in the casings, but I don't see O'Brien: Why not. Sisko: How long? O'Brien: Twenty minutes. Sisko: You've got ten. O'Brien: You okay? Stevens: I'm all right. O'Brien: The Captain's gotten us out of tougher spots than this. Last year, when the Romulans tried to invade the Founder's homeworld, we went up against a dozen Jem'Hadar ships Stevens: I know, Chief. You've told me the story. O'Brien: Oh, yeah? Well unless you want to hear it again, you'd better get down to the torpedo bay and start working on those probes. Stevens: I'm going. O'Brien: Janklow, I'm going to need a dualitic inverter. There's one in the cargo bay. Janklow: Right, Chief. Worf: Hull breach on deck two. Kira: An emergency forcefield is in place, but it won't hold up long against this pressure. Sisko: How many people are down there? Worf: Half a dozen in Sickbay. Dax and Muniz in Jefferies tube four. Sisko: We've got to get them out of there. Kira: If we don't seal off that deck now, we'll lose the entire ship. Bashir: Easy now. Sisko: Sisko to Bashir. Bashir: Go ahead. Sisko: The emergency forcefield won't Sisko: Hold much longer. We've got to evacuate Sisko: That deck so we can seal it off. Bashir: Aye, sir. Let's get everybody past that bulkhead. Sisko: Dax, are you finished? Dax: Not quite. Sisko: Get out of there as soon as you're done. In about Sisko: Thirty seconds we're going to have to seal that deck. Bashir: Bashir to Bridge, I'm sealing the bulkhead now. Bashir: Dax! Hurry! Bashir: Jadzia! Kira: The forcefield is down. Sisko: Doctor, close that bulkhead. Bashir: But Jadzia's still in there. Sisko: Now, Doctor. That's an order. Dax: Julian. Bashir: Bridge. Bashir: Bridge. Kira: She did it. Sisko: Helm, take us to a higher altitude. O'Brien: O'Brien to Bridge. One of the atmospheric probes is armed and standing by. We'll have the second one ready in a few minutes. Sisko: Very good, Chief. All right, Major. Now that we've got something to defend ourselves with, let's start looking for the Karemma. Quark: We're gaining altitude. Hanok: How can you tell? Quark: I've got the lobes. You've got them, too. It's an old Ferengi expression. Usually when we say that someone has the lobes, we mean that they have a keen business sense. That's you. I'll admit it. You fooled me. I thought you were just another easy mark. But you saw right through my little scam, and taught me a thing or two about doing business in the Gamma Quadrant. I guess I've gotten lazy. I'm used to dealing with the Federation. If you thought I was cheating you, oh, you have no idea what I was doing to them and they still haven't caught on. If someone like me can put one over on them, think what someone like you could do. Hanok: Someone with my lobes? Quark: Exactly. And I'm just the man to help you do it. we could become rich, rich beyond our dreams. Hanok: You are despicable. Quark: I hate the Gamma Quadrant. Kira: Sir, I have something. It's a Jem'Hadar ship. Sisko: Just one? Worf: They must have split up to search for the Karemma. Kira: It's about seventy kilometers above us on a roughly perpendicular course. Sisko: Helm, come about to course zero seven five mark four. Let's fall in behind them. Kira: Do you think they've detected us? Sisko: I don't know, but let's make it harder for them. Shut down all non-essential systems. It'll minimize our power signature. Sisko: All stop. Program the probe to home in on the first metallic signature it finds. Worf: Sir, if it does not locate anything within fifty kilometers, the probe might turn back and home in on the Defiant. Kira: What if they changed course or moved out of range? Sisko: Something tells me they may be closer than you think. Worf: The probe is ready, sir. Sisko: Fire. (The probe streaks away but the Jem'Hadar come up behind the Defiant. BOOM! Bridge crew are thrown about and knocked out. Bits of scaffolding fall down. The probe acquires its target. KaBOOM!) O'Brien: O'Brien to Bridge. Try the com-panel. Muniz: Engine Room to Bridge. Bridge, please respond. O'Brien: Save your breath. I don't think there's anybody left alive up there. Worf: Are you all right? Kira: I think so. Captain? Worf: Computer, lights. Bridge to Engine Room. Carson: Boyce and Peterson are dead, sir. Kira: Try not to move. You took a bad blow. Get me a medkit. Worf: Bridge systems are completely offline. We're not getting any power to these consoles. Kira: There, the bleeding's stopped. He's got a concussion, sub-cranial bleeding. We need a medic! Carson: The comm. system's down. I'll go below and try and find one. It's stuck. Worf: We will have to force it open. Kira: I'm afraid if he loses consciousness he may slip into a coma, but I don't think I can risk using a stimulant on him. Worf: You have to keep him awake. Talk to him. Give him something to focus on. Kira: All right. Worf: I will attempt to reach to the Engine Room and take over the ship from there. Kira: Good luck. Kira: Captain. Everything's going to be all right but you have to try to stay awake for me. I'm just to keep talking, all right, but you have to listen. It's very important that you listen to me, because there's going to be a test later. Bashir: How do you feel? Dax: Terrible Bashir: That's not surprising considering that you took in a few lungfuls of fluorine. Dax: Remind me to hold my breath next time. I take it we're stuck in here? Bashir: I thought of trying to climb up the turbolift shaft, but it's flooded with gas. Dax: I've had enough fluorine for one day. Maybe we should just stay put and wait for someone to come get us. Bashir: They probably don't even know we're in here. Our comm. signals can't cut through the interference. Dax: Is there anything else I should know? Bashir: We only have a few hours of breathable air. Dax: Thanks, anyway. For trying to rescuing me. Bashir: Lot of good it did you. Dax: I mean it. It's funny. A year ago if you'd have done something like this, I would've thought you were just trying to be a hero. Bashir: And now? Dax: Now that I know you better I realize it was just a really stupid thing to do. Bashir: You're welcome. Quark: You're taking this too personally. Okay, I cheated you. I cheat everyone. It's business. You see what you can get away with, and you've got to figure the other guy's doing the same to you. Hanok: That's not the way the Karemma conduct business. Quark: Oh, come on. You can't tell me you never padded an inventory, or pawned off a load of substandard merchandise. Hanok: No, I haven't. The Karemma believe that merchandise has a set value, determined by the raw materials and the labor involved in creating it. Factor in transportation costs and a reasonable profit margin, and you arrive at a fair price. Quark: You make it sound so antiseptic. Where's the bargaining, where's the scheming, where's the greed? Hanok: Greed leads to misjudgment, and that can result in a loss of profits. Quark: If there's no risk, there's no thrill. Your way is just barter. If you want to win big, you've got to be willing to play the odds. It's like gambling. Hanok: Gambling is the last recourse of the desperate. Only a fool would risk losing what he has to chance. O'Brien: Commander, am I glad to see you. Worf: The Captain is injured and all bridge functions are offline. O'Brien: We're trying to route command functions to these consoles. Worf: All right. I will take command from here. Who configured these helm controls? Muniz: I did, sir. Worf: They are not laid out properly. Muniz: I realize they're not the same as on the Bridge, but I had to make some changes because Worf: I need to be able to ascertain our status at a glance. Reconfigure these controls to their standard layout. Muniz: Aye, sir. Worf: Mister Stevens, you will operate the echo-location system we've been using to track the Jem'Hadar. Stevens: I'll do my best. Worf: I expect nothing less. O'Brien: Let's get to work. Kira: So I was thinking we could go on a four shift rotation, because that would give people a little more flexibility with their time. There is a downside because that would mean that every shift would have to. What am I doing? I'm supposed to keep you awake, not bore you to tears. I'm sorry. I don't know why this is so hard for me. All I have to do is talk to you. I mean, what do we usually talk about? Sisko: We talk about work. Kira: You're right. That is what we usually talk about. Even when we're not working. I get the feeling it's not that way between you and Dax, or you and Chief O'Brien. But then, you're not a revered figure in their religions. I know you don't like it when I talk about you as the Emissary, but that's how I think of you. And maybe that's why sometimes it's hard for me to relax around you. Sisko: Nerys? Kira: Yes, sir? Sisko: Tell me a story. Kira: All right. All right. Do you know the one about the three brothers who go to Jo'kala? Sisko: No. Kira: They were kava farmers, and one day they go into their field and they see the biggest kava root they'd ever seen. It's as big as a house. That's going to make us rich, said the oldest. So they decided to sell it in the city. Stevens: Sir, I have something. Worf: They're too small to be ships. Stevens: They're closing fast. O'Brien: Torpedoes. Worf: Hard a-port! O'Brien: I'm modulating the deflectors. It might confuse their guidance systems. Stevens: The second one's still closing. Range, one hundred meters. Seventy five. Fifty. Hanok: I suggest we leave this room immediately. Quark: And go where? If that thing explodes, the entire ship will be destroyed. No. Maybe we should try and defuse it. Hanok: I think we should wait for help. Quark: All right, but what if no one can get to us? Quark: I don't like the sound of that. It's up to us. There must be an emergency tool kit around here somewhere. Quark: The arming mechanism must be somewhere in here. I'm going to have to remove this casing. Hanok: How? Quark: There's no lock that can't be picked. O'Brien: It looks like the torpedo hit somewhere in here. Muniz: Problem is, we're cut off from that part of the ship. O'Brien: But we'll have to think of something. Worf: Mister Stevens, recalibrate the structural integrity field to minimize the strain caused by the torpedo. Stevens: The field generators are already at their limit compensating for the hull breach on deck two. Worf: I am aware of the situation. If you cannot carry out my orders, I will find someone who can. Stevens: That won't be necessary, sir. O'Brien: Can I have a word with you, sir? Worf: Of course. O'Brien: With all due respect, I think you're riding the men a bit hard. You have to understand, they're out of their element. They're not bridge officers, they haven't been to Starfleet Academy. They're engineers. They're used to being given a problem to solve, then going out and figuring out how to do it. Worf: What are you suggesting? O'Brien: Give them a little slack. Ease up on the reins. Let them do what they're good at, and give them a little encouragement now and then. Worf: I will take it under consideration. Dax: I'm so cold. Bashir: These walls aren't that well insulated. It's going to get even colder. Come here. Better? Dax: What? Bashir: Just remembering something. Dax: Tell me. Bashir: When I first got to the station, I used to have this fantasy that you and I went off on a runabout together on some mission. Something went wrong with the ship and we ended up drifting around for a few days until they sent someone to rescue us. Dax: If you don't mind my saying, Julian, that's a very strange fantasy. Bashir: It seemed the only way you and I could spend time alone together. You were always avoiding me. Dax: It's just you came on so strong. You never really gave me a chance to get to know you. Bashir: You're right, I didn't. Well, don't worry, Jadzia. It's been a long time since I had that particular fantasy. Dax: Oh? Bashir: You sound disappointed. Dax: Julian! Bashir: That's right. You enjoyed being chased and now you miss it. Dax: That's preposterous. And if you start chasing after me again Bashir: Don't worry, Jadzia. Now I know you liked it, I don't need to, do I? Worf: I require your assistance. I need a weapon. Muniz: We still have one atmospheric probe. Worf: If my plan is going to work, the probe will not be available. I need something else. Stevens: The phasers are out of the question. The emitters are completely fused. Muniz: But the phaser generator's working fine. Stevens: The deflector array. Muniz: With a few modifications, we could use it as a phaser emitter. Stevens: It might not be what you had in mind, sir. Muniz: And there is one problem. It will overload after the first shot. Worf: I only need one shot. How long will it take you to make the modifications? Muniz: Twenty minutes? Stevens: Ten if we can bypass the safeties. Worf: Proceed. Stevens: I think we should route the generator output through the secondary power grid. Muniz: We'll have to recalibrate the ODN manifold. Stevens: That'll overload the whole system. What a mess. Muniz: We'll worry about that tomorrow. Stevens: Yeah, it's easy for you to say. It's your day off. O'Brien: Don't count on it. Kira: So the three brothers started arguing about how to divide the money for the kava root. The oldest said that he should get more because it was his idea to sell it in the city, and the youngest objected, saying he was the one to till the. This can't happen. You can't die. You're the Emissary. There's still so much for you to do. I don't know if this is the right thing to do or not but I'm going to give you a stimulant. Captain, I know my beliefs make you uncomfortable around me sometimes, and that maybe that's why you keep me at arm's length. But I don't care about that right now and I am going pray, because I don't know what else to do. I'm losing you and I can't let that happen. Jia kaja, tre nu tola rem lapor. Ilani kor. Inar tanatali nor. Muniz: Everything's ready, sir. Stevens: You can target the deflector from here. Worf: Good work. Take your posts. Worf: Mister O'Brien. O'Brien: Nothing within scanning range, sir. Worf: The Jem'Hadar are out there. You can be certain of that. Quark: Gently. Quark: All right. Now what? Hanok: One of these diodes connects the warhead to the power source. The other one is the firing mechanism. Quark: How do you know that? Hanok: I saw a design schematic once. Quark: Where? Hanok: At the Ministry of Trade on Karemma. We sell these torpedoes to the Jem'Hadar. Quark: I thought you said you never sold substandard merchandise. This was supposed to explode on impact, wasn't it? Hanok: Maybe I should offer them a refund. Quark: We'd better do something about this torpedo of yours. Hanok: We have to remove the firing diode only I don't know which one it is. Quark: And if we pick the wrong one we die. It's not funny. We just have to pick the right one. It's fifty-fifty, better odds than you get at the dabo table. Hanok: Dabo? Quark: Yes, it's a game. If we get out of this, I'll teach it to you. Choose one. Hanok: How? Quark: It's a gamble. Go with your instinct. Quark: You're thinking too much. You just have to reach in and pick one. Quark: I think we have a winner. Hanok: That was exciting. Quark: Feels good, doesn't it? Hanok: Yes. Quark: That's how it works. The bigger the risk, the bigger the win. You know, there's another risk you could take. Staying in business with me. Hanok: You never give up, do you? Quark: No. I tried to cheat you, and I lost, but that doesn't mean I'm going to give up the game. Come on, Hanok. What do you say? You want to keep playing? Hanok: Let's talk about these Bolian currency fluctuations. Kira: Jiakaja, tre nutola rem. Lapor ilani kos. Inar jiakaja tre Sisko: Major? Kira: Yes, Captain? Sisko: What happened? Kira: The Jem'Hadar hit us pretty bad and Worf went down to the Engine Sisko: No, no. What happened to the three brothers? Kira: They gave all the money away and went back to the farm where they belonged. Sisko: It's good. Major? Kira: Sir? Sisko: Tell me another story. Kira: I'd love to, sir. O'Brien: I've got something, sir. It's the Jem'Hadar. They've locked onto the tetryon pulse. Worf: Stand by, Mister Stevens. Worf: Now. O'Brien: What do you say we find the Karemma and get out of here? Defiant log, supplemental. Damage control teams are repairing the ship's systems and medics are tending to injured crewmembers. We have located the Karemma ship deep in the atmosphere and are moving to assist. It appears that it will have to be abandoned and its crew brought back to Deep Space Nine until transportation can be arranged to the Karemma homeworld. Quark: It's going to be a levy. Hanok: A levy? Quark: A levy. Hanok: Where? I don't see that. Quark: Right here. Put the levy right here. Quark: Oh! Pass five. Too bad. You lose half your stake. You can either quit now, or try to double it. Odo: My advice is to take what latinum you have left and walk away. Hanok: Just because one loses a bet, doesn't mean one gives up the game. Quark: Exactly. May I suggest placing your next wager on double down. Hanok: Put it all on triple over. Quark: I think that's a big mistake. Hanok: Triple over. Nothing personal, Quark. Quark: Of course not. All: Dabo! Quark: You're really catching on. Bashir: Oh. Seventeen brothers and sisters? Well, that's quite a family. Dax: Excuse me, Morn. It's your turn. Bashir: For what? Dax: Darts. Bashir: That's right. I'm sorry, Morn. It's been nice talking to you. Bashir: Thank you for rescuing me. Dax: Now we're even. Stevens: Excuse me, sir. Here's the repair schedule we drew up for the Defiant. With your approval, we thought we'd start by tearing out the ODN lines. They're shot. It'll be easier to get to the manifolds that way. And then we figured we'd Worf: Proceed at your diskretion, Mister Stevens. Stevens: Thank you, sir. Worf: How long will the repairs take? Stevens: Sixteen hours. O'Brien: Oh, you can do it in twelve. Stevens: Twelve. Sure. No problem. O'Brien: See? You can give them a little of slack, but you can't take your hands off the reins. Kira: The Karemma transport will be here at eighteen hundred hours tomorrow, and the Defiant should be ready to escort them back to the Gamma Quadrant. Sisko: Good. Major, it occurred to me that we might consider going to a four shift rotation. I think the crew might appreciate more flexibility in their schedules. Kira: I'll look in to it first thing in the morning. Sisko: Major, what are you doing for the next few hours? Kira: I'm going off duty, so I thought I'd just relax. Sisko: Would you like to go to a baseball game? Kira: I'd love to, sir. Sisko: Good. Meet me at holosuite three in half an hour. Kira: I'll see you there. Sisko: Nerys. Sisko tosses her a baseball cap with a G on it. He puts on the Pike City Pioneers cap.) Sisko: You'll need one of those. You can get the hot dogs from Quark. Kira: Hot dogs? Sisko: He'll know.

Rom: All right, everyone. Gather around. We're about to start. When a young Ferengi goes out on his own, he traditionally raises capital by selling his boyhood treasures. As you know, my son Nog will be leaving shortly for Earth and Starfleet Academy. I'm going to miss him, and I know you will too. And what better way to remember him than to purchase one of his very own personal belongings? I don't know about you, but I'm buying these pajamas. Nog: That'll be three strips of latinum. Rom: Two. Nog: Sold. Let the buying commence. No reasonable offer will be refused. O'Brien: I didn't expect to see you here, Mister Worf. Worf: Captain Sisko made it a personal request that I attend. He seems to have taken some interest in the young Ferengi. O'Brien: The Captain sponsored Nog's application to the Academy. Worf: A Ferengi at the Academy? I am not sure that is wise. O'Brien: Oh, I don't know about that. Not so long ago someone might have said the same thing about you. Sisko: You two'd better hurry or there won't be anything left to buy. Bashir: Nog, what is this? Nog: My favorite holosuite program. A Visit with the Pleasure Goddess of Rixx. Yours for a mere ten strips of latinum. Dax: He'll take it. Consider it a gift. Bashir: You're too kind. Kira: Nog, where did you get this springball racket? Nog: Out of a replicator? Kira: Try out of my quarters. This is mine. I've been looking for it for two years. Nog: And it was sitting here on the bar all along. That's incredible. Jake: It's a Ferengi tooth sharpener. Worf: How much? Quark: Rom. Rom: Brother, you're here. If you hurry, there still might be some choice items left for you to buy. Quark: I'm not here for the sale. Nog has no business going to Starfleet Academy and I'm not doing anything to encourage him. Now, come with me. Rom: But the sale Quark: It's over as far as you're concerned. The ship. It's here. Rom: What ship? Quark: The ship. Our ship. My ship. The shuttle cousin Gaila owed me. Rom: He's owed you that shuttle for ten years. Quark: Ever since I loaned him the latinum to start up his munitions consortium. He always said that if he became a success, he'd buy me my own ship. Now it's here. Rom: But why do you need me? Quark: Because knowing our cousin, it's probably defective merchandise. Rom: I'd better have a look at it. Quark: What a wonderful idea. Now get going. Quark: And leave the clothes here. Rom: Brother? Quark: All right. Tel1 me what's wrong with it. Rom: Nothing. The ship is perfect. Gaila must've paid a fortune for it. Quark: You mean it'll actually fly? Rom: This ship could outrun a Romulan interceptor. We could take it halfway across the galaxy before it would even need a maintenance check. Quark: You don't say? And it's all mine. I can go any place I want. Rom: Maybe it's time you considered that early retirement we talked about. I could take over the bar, and you could fly off into the great unknown never to return. Unless you wanted to. Quark: Don't get your hopes up. The first thing we need to do is take this thing for a test flight. Someplace reasonably far away, but safe. Someplace like Rom: Earth? Quark: Exactly. If the boy wants to go to Starfleet Academy, he might as well do it in style. Rom: Yes, brother. Thank you, brother. I'll go tell Nog. A trip to Earth. This is going to be fun. Quark: Not to mention profitable. All I ask is a tall ship and a load of contraband to fill her with. Quark: Here are the codes to operate the holosuites. Now remember, don't extend any lines of credit, don't touch the dabo girls, and make sure you keep your eyes on him. Because he'll be keeping his eyes on you. Odo: Good choice, Quark. I'm sure Morn'll do an excellent job, as long as he doesn't drink up all your profits. Quark: Better him than one of my Ferengi waiters. They'd rob me blind. Odo: Very generous of you, taking Nog to Earth. Quark: I'm a generous person. Odo: So I've noticed. Quark: Try not to miss me too much while I'm gone. Odo: I'll be counting the days until you get back. Quark: Yeah. Jake: I wonder how many hours you and I spent hanging around up here. Nog: Two thousand, one hundred and forty seven. Just kidding. But it was a lot. Jake: You know, aside from playing dom-jot and watching the Bajoran transports dock, it seems like we spent most of our time doing nothing. Nog: Maybe so, but I can't think of anyone I'd rather do nothing with than you. Jake: Same here. Bashir: Nog. Nog: Doctor, if you're trying to return something from the sale O'Brien: It's a going-away present. Bashir: To help you get around easier on Earth. Nog: A guidebook? O'Brien: It's not just a guidebook. It's a completely interactive program detailing Earth's customs, culture, history, geography. Bashir: Everything you ever wanted to know about Earth is right in that PADD. Nog: You mean it'll teach me how to attract human females? O'Brien: Well, almost everything. Nog: I'm sure it'll come in handy. Thank you. Well, I'd better get going. My father and Uncle Quark are waiting for me. O'Brien: Good luck, Nog. Bashir: Make us proud. Jake: I'll walk you over to the airlock. It was a good spot. Nog: The best. Dax: The Ferengi shuttle 'Quark's Treasure' has just departed the station. Kira: Quark, Rom and Nog together on that ship all the way to Earth? I'm glad I'm not going with them. Sisko: Only thing that worries me, no one warned Earth that they're coming. Nog: It says here that humans didn't even have currency until five thousand years ago. Let alone banking, speculative investments or a unified global economy. Quark: They're a primitive, backward people, Nog. Pity them. Nog: But think about it, uncle. That means they went from being savages with a simple barter system to leaders of a vast interstellar Federation in only five thousand years It took us twice as long to establish the Ferengi Alliance, and we had to buy warp technology from the Quark: Five thousand, ten thousand, what's the difference? The speed of technological advancement isn't nearly as important as short-term quarterly gains. Can't this thing go any faster? Rom: We're already exceeding the safe maximum cruising speed by two tenths of a warp factor. Quark: Push it another tenth. This trip is taking long enough as it is. Rom: Relax, brother. I know kemacite is unstable, but another day or two won't make any difference. Quark: What are you talking about? Rom: The shipment of kemacite that you're smuggling in the cargo hold. Nog: Uncle, are you smuggling kemacite? Isn't that dangerous? Rom: Dangerous and highly profitable. Especially if we make a side trip to Orion on the way home from Earth. Quark: What tipped you off? Rom: When I engaged the impulse engines, I noticed the ship's weight distribution was a little off. So the last time you went to waste extraction, I snuck back to the cargo bay and took a look around. Quark: When did you get so smart? Rom: I've always been smart, brother. I've just lacked self-confidence. Of course, I could forget everything I saw. Quark: How much? Rom: Twenty percent of the profits. Quark: I suppose you'll want a cut too? Nog: As a Starfleet cadet, it's my duty to report any violation of Federation law to my superiors immediately. But then again, I haven't been sworn in yet. I'll take ten percent. Quark: It's a deal. I thought I told you to go faster. Rom: Faster it is. Rom: Brother, wake up. We're approaching Earth's star system. Quark: Take her out of warp. Nog: Father, have you ever heard of the Bell Riots? Rom: Don't bother me now. Nog: But doesn't this Gabriel Bell human look just like Captain Sisko? Quark: All humans look alike. thought I told you to take us out of warp. Rom: I'm trying, brother, but the warp core isn't responding. It looks like the command sequencer has been disabled. I don't understand. I tested everything. The only way this could've happened is if the command sequencer was designed to fail. Nog: You mean sabotage? Quark: Cousin Gaila. Nog: He never did like you very much, Uncle. Quark: Okay, okay. No need to panic. So the warp drive won't shut down. What's the worst thing that could happen? Rom: The ship could continue accelerating until it tears itself apart and scatters our remains halfway across the quadrant. Quark: There must be something we can do? Rom: Jettison the warp core. No, I tried that already. Emergency overrides are frozen. Quark: Then we'll have to try something else, won't we? Rom: The kemacite! If we vent plasma from the warp core into the cargo hold, we may be able to start a cascade reaction in the kemacite. Then we can modulate the reaction to create an inversion wave in the warp field and force the ship back into normal space! If I time it just right, I should be able to get us close enough to Earth to make an emergency landing. Quark: Rom, you're a genius! Rom: You think so? Quark: How should I know? I have no idea what you're talking about. Just do it. Rom: Hold on. Quark: Rom? Nog? Wainwright: Get me General Denning. Tell him one of the Martians is awake. Wainwright: We've got the farmer who found their ship. He's locked up in the BOQ, but I don't know how much longer we can keep him there. Denning: You keep him there until I tell you to let him go. Did you take care of that idiot in Roswell who told the press we captured a flying saucer? Wainwright: We've convinced him to issue a retraction. Turns out it was just a weather balloon. Denning: Weather balloon? Wainwright: We had to come up with something quick. The last thing we need is a bunch of reporters snooping around. Carlson: You can't keep this from the public forever, General. Beings from another planet have landed on Earth. This is one of the most important events in human history. Denning: Maybe, but we can't risk causing a panic. I'm not telling the public anything until we find out exactly what we're up against. Quark: Pip im gren tovat. Yop bree gren skin law po far. Rom: Yop im too, yoba. Yop sko ta yop ma. Quark: It's locked. What is this place? Where are we? Rom: I wish you'd stop asking that. I told you I don't know. Nog: The last thing I remember was father taking the shuttle in for an emergency landing. Quark: Well we must be on Earth. But where? Nog: One thing's for sure, this isn't Starfleet Academy. Rom: I wonder what happened to the ship? Quark: My ship. Where's my ship? Hey! Is anybody out there? What did you do with my ship? I want my ship back. Quark: Goss uff wok ton. Goss uff wok ton. Wainwright: He's trying to break out. Garland: Don't let them hurt him. He's just scared. Carlson: General, these creatures come from a race far more advanced than our own. There's no telling what they can teach us. We have to try to communicate with them. Denning: Well, you're in luck. The President agrees with you and he wants us to try and talk to them. So that's just what you're going to do. Carlson: Me? Denning: Look, Professor, we didn't ask you here just because you're Nurse Garland's fiancée. I need someone to talk to these Martians. You're elected. Quark: I knew Earth was a bad idea. Ferengis and humans have no business being together. But you had to go to Starfleet Academy. Rom: Don't blame my son. It was your idea to use Gaila's shuttle. Quark: And you were the one who said it was safe. Nog: Leave him alone. If it wasn't for my father, we'd all be dead. Rom: Maybe we are dead. Quark: What are you talking about? Rom: Maybe this is the Divine Treasury. Quark: Oh, don't be ridiculous. The Divine Treasury is made of pure latinum. Besides, where's the Blessed Exchequer? Where are the Celestial Auctioneers? And why aren't we bidding for our new lives? Rom: You don't think we're in the other place? Nog: The Vault of Eternal Destitution? Quark: Don't be ridiculous. The bar was showing a profit. Carlson: Welcome to Earth. We mean you no harm. Carlson: We're sorry we had to separate you from your ship, but I'm sure you can understand that we have lots of questions for you. Quark: Did you understand a word of that? Rom: Our universal translators must be malfunctioning. Wainwright: What are they doing? Garland: Maybe it's some kind of greeting. Carlson: She may be onto something. Quark: What are they doing? Rom: Maybe their universal translators are broken too. Nog: No. They don't have universal translators. I recognize those uniforms from my guidebook. They're from the twentieth century. Rom: The twentieth century? You mean we traveled back through time? Nog: More than four hundred years. Those are military uniforms from one of the old nation states. Australia or something. Rom: So if they don't have universal translators, then why are they banging their heads? Quark: They're just mimicking us. (Quark walks forward and tweaks his nose. Wainwright copies him. Quark: Brik yop tal hopdrew, ki los hoem bog? Quark: I'd always heard primitive humans lacked intelligence but I had no idea they were this stupid. Nog: They weren't just stupid. They were violent, petty, bigoted and selfish. Rom: And we're stuck here with them, maybe for the rest of our lives. Quark: The three of us and millions of primitive humans. I like those odds. Garland: Two fifty over one sixty seven. If you were human, I'd say you were due for a heart attack. Quark: Gran fat ari oo-mox? Ya ta fa. Garland: I've given them every medical test I can think of, but the only thing I can tell you for sure is they're not human. Carlson: Well, that's a start. I think these two are involved in some kind of grooming ritual. Look how the older one is taking care of the younger one. Garland: It's sweet. Maybe they're father and son? Wouldn't that be something? They've come from so far away, but they still have the same basic family structure that we do. Carlson: I wonder if the third one's related too. Garland: For all we know, it could be the mother. Quark: Gren fa hoe loth pex pil. Carlson: If she is the mother, she's quite a shrew. Rom: I'm working as fast as I can, brother, but there must be some kind of interference disrupting our translators. Quark: What kind of interference? Rom: I'm not sure. Could be solar flares, or maybe ionic interference. Or I suppose it could be beta radiation, but that's only produced by nuclear fission. Quark: Don't be an idiot. Nuclear fission doesn't happen within planetary atmospheres. Nog: It does here. In the twentieth century humans used crude nuclear reactors as weapons. They called them atom bombs. They used to blow them up all the time. Quark: They irradiated their own planet? Rom: If Nog says so, they did. He knows all about Earth history. Quark: You'd better fix those translators fast. The sooner we start talking to these savages, the better off we'll be. Rom: Vo yop toe pah? Carlson: He seems to want something from you. Garland: You'd better tell him I'm your girl. Rom: Yop triska gleep dosta grenla. Carlson: I think he wants your hairpin. Garland: If you say so, Professor. Here you go. Rom: Neep gren. Now where's that reset button? Garland: Ouch. That looks like it hurts. Carlson: He doesn't seem to mind. Carlson: I wish I could get some help. I don't know why we can't bring in a few more experts. Garland: Let's face it, Jeff, when it comes to beings from another planet, we don't have any experts. You'll find a way to communicate with them, darling. I know you will. Garland: Imagine the possibilities. Who knows what they could teach us. A few years from now, mankind could have rocket ships of our own. We could travel the galaxy, exploring new worlds and new civilisations. Carlson: Always the dreamer. Garland: That's why you love me. Carlson: It's funny, isn't it? Here we are in the middle of one of the greatest diskoveries in human history, and all I can think about is what you're going to look like in your wedding dress. Garland: My mother keeps asking where we're going on our honeymoon. She thinks we should go to Niagara Falls. Carlson: Who knows? Maybe we'll go to Mars. Quark: What is that disgusting smell? Nog: I think it's called tobacco. It's a deadly drug. When used frequently, it destroys the internal organs. Quark: If it's so deadly, then why do they use it? Nog: It's also highly addictive. Rom: How do they get their hands on it? Nog: They buy it in stores. Quark: They buy it? If they'll buy poison, they'll buy anything. I think I'm going to like it here. Nog: Uncle, I hope you're not thinking of doing anything that would disrupt the timeline. Quark: Perish the thought. Nog: Changing the history of Earth could effect the entire galaxy. The Federation, Deep Space Nine, your bar could all cease to exist. Quark: Wouldn't that be a shame. Rom, hurry up with those translators. Wainwright: The alien ship has a small control area in the front and rudimentary sleeping quarters in the back. So far, we can't even figure out what drives the engines, let alone how they work. Carlson: Hey, how you doing, big fella. Denning: You making any headway, Professor? Carlson: It's fascinating. I would've expected creatures of their technological sophistication to communicate telepathically, but they seem to have a structured verbal language just like we do. Given enough time, a good team of linguists could probably decipher it. Wainwright: We're not bringing in anyone else. Too many people know about this as it is. Denning: Besides, we don't have the time. President Truman is an impatient man. He wants answers, and he wants 'em now. Garland: Jeff, General Denning. I think you'd better come inside right away. Quark: My name is Quark, Chief Financial Officer of the Ferengi Alliance. And I've got a business proposition for you. Denning: I don't see any universal translator. Quark: Trust me, it's in there. Denning: So this gadget of yours is what makes it possible for us to understand each other? How's it work? Quark: It's simple, if you know how. You'd be surprised at the kind of things you can do with the right technology. Which brings me to why I'm here. Denning: I was wondering about that. Quark: I've been sent by my people to open up a market for advanced Ferengi technology. Denning: What kind of technology you talking about? Quark: How would you like to travel beyond the stars at speeds you never even dreamt were possible? Or to transport yourselves from one place to another in the blink of an eye? Denning: You know how to do that? Quark: That's only the beginning. We can give you the medical knowledge to cure your deadliest diseases. We have machines that can produce food and clothing out of thin air. Denning: What about weapons? Quark: Weapons? If you want weapons, I'm the man to see. We can teach you to make phasers, disruptors, photon torpedoes or even quantum torpedoes. A little more expensive, but worth it. Denning: What do you want in return? Quark: That depends. What do you use for currency around here? Latinum? Dilithium? Denning: We use dollars. Quark: Dollars? Never heard of them. Don't you have any gemstones or precious minerals? Denning: You mean like gold? Quark: Gold? Gold is good. Denning: How much gold are we talking about? Quark: Seeing how we're going to be advancing your culture about four hundred years overnight, I'd say a couple of million bars would be about right as a good faith deposit. Denning: You know, Quark, you might be some kind of Martian Quark: Ferengi. Denning: Whatever. But the more we talk, the more you remind me of my brother-in-law. Quark: Is he a businessman? Denning: He's a car salesman, and not a very good one. Quark: Then he's nothing like me. Denning: The bottom line is, I don't trust him and I don't trust you. So before we sit down and sign any contracts, you are going to tell me just what the hell you people are really doing here. Quark: I just told you. We're here to open up trade negotiations. If you're not interested, just say so. I'm sure I can do business with one of your planet's other nation states. Denning: In other words, if we don't play ball, you're going to sell those advanced weapons of yours to the Russians. Quark: I'd rather it didn't come to that. To be honest, I'd much rather work with you Australians. Denning: Americans. Quark: Whatever. But if you won't do business with me, and the Russians will, who am I to say no? Denning: I'm not saying we can't do business, but I don't have the authority to make this kind of decision. I'll have to er, well, I'll have to get clearance from the President. Quark: I can wait. In the meantime, let me give you some free advice, just to show I'm on your side. You people should take better care of yourselves. Stop poisoning your bodies with tobacco and atom bombs. Sooner or later, that kind of stuff will kill you. Denning: What do you know about atom bombs? Quark: My people have been watching your world for years. We know all about you. Baseball, root beer, darts, atom bombs. It's quite a fascinating culture you humans have here. And with a little Ferengi technology, it could be even better. Now, why don't you go talk to that president of yours? Carlson: Let me get this straight, Rom. Are you saying that all the women on your world walk around naked? Rom: It's the law. Carlson: You don't say? Garland: Well I guess I'm never going to visit your world. And neither are you. Nog: Nurse Garland, I'm having trouble with my ear again. Could you massage it some more? Garland: Are you sure you don't want a doctor to look at that? Nog: No. I feel more comfortable with you. Nog: Ah! Much better. Rom: You know, come to think of it, my ear's bothering me too. Rom: Brother, how did your meeting with the general go? Carlson: It's late. We should let you get some rest. Nog: I'm not tired. Garland: We'll visit some more tomorrow. Quark: There's something about that female that I don't like. She's so cheerful. Rom: What about the general? Nog: Is he going to let us leave? Quark: Don't worry. Everything's under control. Quark: Oh. They forgot to take that thing with them. Rom: It seems to like you, brother. Quark: Get away from me. Odo: Hello, Quark. Quark: Odo? What are you doing here? Odo: Placing you under arrest for attempting to smuggle kemacite. Did you really expect me to believe that you were traveling all the way to Earth just to be nice to your nephew? Rom: You hid on board the ship. Odo: That's right. And now I'm stuck here with you. Now listen carefully, because we don't have much time. Someone could come in any minute. Your ship is in a hangar on the other side of the base. It sustained some damage in the crash, but the engines are still functioning. If we're lucky, we should be able to use it to get away from here. Nog: And go where? Even if we get out of here, we're still going be trapped four hundred years in the past. Rom: Actually, I've been thinking. If there's enough kemacite left, there might be a way to get back to our own time. Odo: How? Rom: If we find a sufficiently powerful energy source, we should be able to trigger a temporal surge in the subspace continuum and recreate the same kind of time warp that brought us here in the first place. Odo: What do you mean by a sufficiently powerful energy source? Quark: We're not going anywhere. We're staying right here. Rom: But brother, what about the bar? Quark: Who cares about the bar? I'm telling you, Rom, we stay here and inside a year, we'll be running this place. Rom: You mean the military base? Quark: I mean the whole planet. Harumph all you want. But these humans, they're nothing like the ones from the Federation. They're crude, gullible and greedy. Odo: You mean like you. Quark: Yeah. These are humans I can understand and manipulate. Nog: But Uncle, what about the timeline? Quark: Forget this timeline. The one we're going to create will be better. Once we get things in order here, we'll contact the Ferengi homeworld and sell them our ship. The Ferengi will have warp drive technology centuries before humans or Klingons or even the Vulcans. We'll establish an economic empire beyond even Grand Nagus Zek's wildest dreams. And I'll control it all. Odo: You do have a vivid imagination. But the only place we're going is back to our own time. I'll have the ship ready to go in six hours. And you're all going to be on it. Quark: I'm not going back, and neither is my ship. Odo: We'll see about that. Wainwright: What's the word, General? Denning: That little piano-playing Democrat's not as dumb as he looks. He's not about to make a deal with these aliens until we learn more about them. Wainwright: And how does the President propose we do that? Denning: He said he'd leave that in our capable hands. Wainwright: Don't worry, General. I'll find out what those Martians are up to. Denning: See that you do. Quark: This is the opportunity of a lifetime. Rom: I don't know, brother. It seems awfully risky to me. Quark: The riskier the road, the greater the profit. Rom: What about Rule of Acquisition two hundred and three? New customers are like razor-toothed gree worms. They can be succulent, but sometimes they bite back. Quark: No. If there's any biting to be done, we're the one's who are going to do it. Quark: Get this off me! Get this off me! I can't breathe! Quark: This is an outrage. I demand to see General Denning. If I don't get satisfaction, I'm taking my business to the Russians. Wainwright: The Russians. That's a good place to start. Why don't you tell me everything you know about the Russians? Quark: Would you please stop doing that? Garland: That's the fifth injection of sodium pentathol I've given him. It's not working. Carlson: Their biochemistry is obviously nothing like ours. Quark: Then stop sticking me with those needles! Garland: Captain, this is wrong. These people are our guests. Wainwright: They're not people, they're things. Invaders from another world. And it's up to us to put an end to whatever they're planning. Now, if you don't tell me what I want to know, needles are going to be the least of your worries. You know, Doc, I've always wanted to see what a Martian looked like from the inside. Nog: Don't you people have laws against this kind of thing? Wainwright: Not when it comes to National Security. Now, which one should we start with. The loud one? The little one? Or the quiet one? Now, why don't you tell us why you're really here? Rom: It was an accident. We're from the future. The warp core was sabotaged. It's all Cousin Gaila's fault. I want to go home! I want my Moogie. Wainwright: Moogie? Nog: You want the truth, I'll tell you the truth. We're advance scouts for the Ferengi invasion fleet. Wainwright: I knew it. Quark: Nog, what are you talking about? Nog: We've been studying you puny Earthlings for centuries and you're ripe for conquest. Quark: It's not true. Rom: Moogie! Nog: It's no use, Supreme Commander. They've seen through our cover. But knowing our plans won't do them any good. Even now three hundred Marauder-class attack cruisers are orbiting your planet preparing for the attack. Rom: Moogie! Quark: I'm telling you, this is crazy. Nog, tell him the truth. We're helpless. We're harmless. We just want to sell you things. Carlson: Captain, I'm not sure I believe this invasion story. Wainwright: You scientists, you're like children. Always walking around with your heads in the clouds. Keep talking. Nog: When the appointed hour arrives, the Marauders will deactivate their cloaking devices and begin transporting Klingon shock troops directly to the landing zone. Wainwright: Landing zone? Where? Tell me. Nog: Why not? Your feeble weapons will be useless against us. We will kill all your males, and take your females to mate with. Wainwright: Where's the landing zone? Nog: Untie me and I will show you on that map. Wainwright: You heard him. Go get General Denning. Tell him he was right about the Martians all along. Now show me. Nog: The first landing parties will arrive here. Wainwright: Where? Nog: Here. Right by that blue blob. Wainwright: You mean your people are going to invade Cleveland? Nog: No, not Cleveland. Right here. Mp: Hold it! Garland: Don't hurt him. Nog: It was an accident. I tripped. I didn't mean to do it. I'm really, really, sorry. Wainwright: Shoot him. Nog: Thank you. Quark: We're all grateful, but couldn't you have done that an hour ago? Carlson: We've got to get you out of here. Rom: Won't you get in trouble for this? Quark: Why should they? We forced them to help us by using our er Garland: Your insidious mind control powers. Quark: That's not bad. Nog: For a primitive female, she's pretty smart. Carlson: Come on. Your ship's in hangar eighteen. Garland: Come on. Garland: Captain Wainwright needs to see you in examination room three. Denning: Hold it right there. Quark: Stay back, or I'll disintegrate this hostage. Denning: With your finger? Quark: With my death ray. Denning: Looks a lot like a finger to me. (The spare wheel on the jeep morphs into Odo, who knocks out the two MPs and then Denning.) Carlson: Who's he? Quark: My hero. Odo: Can we please leave now? Nog: You're sure they're going to be detonating an atomic bomb today? Garland: That's what it said in the paper. Five a.m. at the proving grounds in Nevada. But I don't see how an atomic bomb is going to help you get home. Rom: It's simple. We need to harness the beta radiation to trigger a cascade Quark: Save your breath. It's much too complicated for them to grasp. Carlson: Five a.m. That's seven minutes from now. Rom: Don't worry. We'll get there. Quark: Thanks for your help. You may be humans, but you're okay by me. Garland: You don't have to thank us. I only hope that one day mankind will travel to the stars, and take its place in a vast alliance of planets. Rom: Federation of Planets. Garland: Excuse me? Quark: Don't pay any attention to him. He's an idiot. Trust me, the galaxy is a pretty rough place. You people are much better off staying right here on Earth. Odo: Let's go, Quark. Carlson: A vast alliance of planets. You get the craziest ideas. Wainwright: What do we do now, General? Denning: About what, Captain? All we ever found was a crashed weather balloon. Odo: Tell me again. What's going to happen when we get there? Rom: We fly straight into the atomic explosion, expose the kemacite to the beta radiation and engage the warp engines. If we have enough kemacite, we should be able to create a reverse time warp and ride it home. Nog: My dad. Always thinking. Odo: If this doesn't work, I'm holding you personally responsible. Quark: I don't remember inviting you on this trip. Rom: We're at the target site. Hold on! Quark: I don't like this. Odo: Rom, tell your brother it's going to be all right. Rom: It's going to be all right, brother. I hope. Nog: Did we make it? Rom: This doesn't look like the Divine Treasury. Quark: What year is this? Rom: Good question. Odo: What's that flashing indicator? Rom: We're being hailed! Quark: Answer them, answer them! Human: This is Earth Orbital Control to the unidentified Ferengi vessel. Do you need assistance? Nog: Yes. Definitely. Human: We'll send a ship to tractor you to a docking facility. Rom: We'll be waiting. Well, son, it looks like you're going to get to Starfleet Academy after all. Quark: Just remember. Under that placid Federation veneer, humans are still a bunch of violent savages. Nog: Maybe. But I like 'em. Rom: Oh, it's good to be home. I bet you can't wait to see the bar again. Quark: The bar? I could've ruled the galaxy, but now I have nothing. I don't even have my ship anymore. Rom: Look on the bright side, brother. You may've had to sell your shuttle for salvage, but at least you got enough for our passage home. Quark: Wait 'til I get my hands on Cousin Gaila. Odo: You're going to have to wait longer than you think. Let's go. Quark: What are you doing? Odo: Taking you to a holding cell. Kemacite smuggling is a serious offense. Quark: But you have no evidence. We used all the rest of the kemacite to get back to the twenty fourth century. Odo: Tell it to the Arbiter. Quark: I'm innocent, I tell you. This is all a misunderstanding. Rom, get me a lawyer Rom: I'll contact Cousin Gaila. I'm sure he'll know a good one. Quark: Rom, you idiot! Rom: See you in a few weeks, brother.

Kor: Walls of fire on one side, rivers of lava on the other. We snaked our way through the hot, smoldering canyon, our skin so parched and blistered it was thick as armor. Kang and Koloth and I had set out with forty legions and now only we three remained to take on T'nag's army. Quark: You know what I like about Klingon stories, Commander? Nothing. Lots of people die and nobody makes any profit. Kor: Chanting a battle cry Koloth attacked their flank his eyes bulging with hate and revenge. It was a magnificent sight. A disruptor in one hand and his bat'leth in the other, I saw him kill two dozen men. I'll never forget Bashir: Do you believe a word of this? Odo: Walking along rivers of lava, past walls of fire? Not likely. Kira: And three against an army? Even more unlikely. O'Brien: Yeah, but who cares? He tells it well. Kor: Kang took the high ground and, keeping the three suns to his back, he forced the enemy to fight him against the blinding light. Dax: When Kang told this story, you took the high ground. Kor: Who gets the credit is of no important. What matters is this, in the end the mountainside was covered with dead so that not a square meter of ground could be seen. We found T'nag's body by the river, its waters red with blood. Which of us had slain him, no one could say for certain. So we cut out his heart and all three of us feasted on it together. Dax: Big heart. Kor: You need more bloodwine. Dax: Thanks but I've had enough for a year. What I need is tea. Dax: Mister Worf. I didn't see you come in. Worf: I was just about to leave. Dax: Join us. I'll introduce you to Kor. Worf: No. It might make the Dahar Master uncomfortable. I am considered an outcast by most Klingons. Dax: Kor isn't like most Klingons. Kor! I have someone I'd like you to meet. Kor: Oh? Dax: I'd like you to meet our strategic operations officer, Commander Worf. Kor: Ah, Worf the traitor, the pariah, the lowest of the low. It's a pleasure to meet you. Any enemy of Gowron and the High Council is a friend of mine. Worf: This is a great honor. Kor: No doubt. Dax: Worf is a great admirer of yours. Worf: Yes. Please. I have heard stories about you since I was a child. Your confrontation with Kirk on Organia, your attack on Romulus, your defense of the Korama Pass Kor: Everything I have done pales in comparison to what I am about to achieve. I am on a quest. A quest for the most revered icon in Klingon history. Dax: Kor. Kor: An icon that predates the Klingon Empire, an icon more sacred than the Torch of G'boj Dax: Kor. Kor: More revered than Sabak's armor, and more coveted than the Emperor's crown! Worf: The Sword of Kahless. Dax: You told me not to tell anybody. Kor: He guessed. I know where the Sword rests. Think of the glory, the honor of finding the bat'leth of the first Warrior King Worf: Lost for a millennium. It's return would change Klingon history. If you know where it is, we must bring it back to the Emperor. Kor: We? Worf: It would be an honor to accompany you, if you will have me. Dax: We could use another strong arm. Kor: And a stout heart. Besides, it will annoy Gowron. Worf: To return the Sword to our people. I would give my life for that chance. Kor: Children will sing our names for a thousand years. They'll erect statues of us in the Hall of Heroes. Dax: Before you decide on a pose for that statue, we need to find the Sword. What makes you so sure you know where it is? Kor: This. Kor: You see? Dax: See what? Kor: The imprint on the cloth. Worf: Yes! Yes! This held the Sword of Kahless. Dax: Don't be so sure. You could carpet this station with all the authentic Shrouds of the Sword that people have tried to peddle. Kor: No one tried to peddle this. It was given to me. Dax: By whom? Kor: I'll tell you everything later. Now I need you to confirm its authenticity. Dax: I'll look this over in the lab first thing in the morning. Worf: Why not right now? Dax: Right now my head is swimming in bloodwine and I'm going to bed. And so should you. Kor: Absolutely. As soon as I finish what's left in my cup. Maj ram, blood brother. Dax: Maj ram. Kor: Imagine the look on Gowron's face when we present the sword to the Emperor. Lethean: Kor Lethean: Open your mind. Kor: What? Dax: Couldn't find the bed? Kor: Damn that Ferengi and his replicated bloodwine. Dax: Worf looked a little bleary-eyed in Ops this morning. How late did you keep him up? Kor: Until that toad-faced Ferengi threw us out of his bar. Dax: And then where did you go? Kor: Worf's quarters, I think. That's right. He had a bottle of Yridian brandy he was saving for a special occasion. Dax: Like meeting you. Kor: He was honored to join our quest. That is, if there's going to be a quest. What did you find? Dax: I found both Klingon and Hur'q DNA on the cloth. And traces of metallic compounds that could only have been left by a Klingon bat'leth. A bat'leth fourteen hundred years old. Kor: The time of Kahless! I never doubted it. When do we leave? Dax: After I talk to Captain Sisko, and after you answer a few questions. Now, where did you get this? Sisko: The Gamma Quadrant. Dax: A Vulcan geological survey team was mining bakrinium on an uncharted planet when they accidentally unearthed some ancient ruins. They brought back several artifacts to study, including the cloth. Worf: Kor was the Klingon ambassador to Vulcan. Dax: When he saw the cloth, Kor recognized the markings and got them to give it to him as a gift. They didn't realize it, but the markings were Hur'q. Sisko: Hur'q? That's the Klingon word for outsiders, isn't it? Worf: Yes. The Hur'q invaded our homeworld over one thousand years ago. Whatever they could not pillage, they destroyed. They took the Sword and my people have been searching for it ever since. It is said its return will bring back a new era of glory for the Klingon Empire. With the Sword, the Emperor will be able to unite my people again. Sisko: And if two Starfleet officers were involved in recovering the Sword, that might go a long way toward patching things up between the Klingons and us. Worf: That is my hope as well, Captain. Sisko: What about you, old man? You want to go along for the adventure? Dax: Hard to pass up a good quest. Sisko: I suppose you'll want a runabout? Worf: The Rio Grande is available. Sisko: Try to bring it back in one piece. Dax: We'll do our best. Benjamin, thanks. Dax: Mister Worf, lay in a course for the wormhole. Worf: Course laid in. Dax: Ahead half Kor: Wait. Let this moment be remembered. For on this day, we three, Kor, Dahar Master of the Klingons, Jadzia Dax, a joined Trill of seven lives, and Worf, son of Mogh and thorn in Gowron's side, together stepped forth into the eye of destiny. Dax: Now? Kor: Now. Dax: Ahead half thrusters. Kor: Glorious. Dax: Hey. Worf: Forgive me, Commander. Dax: It's a little crowded in here. Worf: I would have used the aft quarters for my exercise, but the Dahar Master is resting. Dax: I know. I heard him snoring through the bulkhead. Worf: Commander, I wish to thank you for introducing me to Kor. It is an honor to be here. Dax: And I'm glad he invited you, even if it does make things a little crowded. Kor: Ahh. I slept like an Alvanian cave sloth. But I had the most magnificent dream. I dreamt that the three of us were in the Hall of Heroes presenting the bat'leth to the Emperor. We stood near the statues of Kang and Koloth and as the crowd sang our names, the most astonishing thing happened. Their statues came to life. Kang and Koloth were flesh and blood again, and we held the Sword high. Kang, Koloth and Kor. Together again. Worf: We have assumed a standard orbit. Dax: I'm reading a series of interconnected structures and tunnels several kilometers beneath the surface. Kor: And that is all that remains of the Hur'q, the great plunderers of the galaxy. And now it is time for us to reclaim what is ours. Dax: Assuming we can find where to look. It's a big planet. Kor: The Vulcan survey team was meticulous. They mapped the entire area during their mining operation. Now the Sword should be in the chamber that once was the Central Museum, along with all the other great treasures looted by the Hur'q. It's the structure furthest north. Worf: There is a forcefield around that chamber. Kor: The Vulcans told me they couldn't get through it. We'll be the first inside. Dax: Why didn't you mention this forcefield before? Kor: Oh, it's not important. I know you'll get past it. Dax: We should be just outside the forcefield. Worf: The main chamber must be back there. Dax: Let's get to work. First we need to modulate the field destabilizers to create an interference pattern. Dax: It's not working. Worf: Try reversing the polarity. Dax: That helped. Now if we can just increase the amplitude of the interference field. Kor: Well done, my friends. Worf: The air. Kor: Foul, isn't it? This place has been undisturbed for hundreds of years. Come. Dax: It's been ransacked. Worf: The Vulcans may not have gotten in here, but someone did. Dax: Whoever did this has taken everything. I'm sorry, Kor. Kor: Don't be sorry for me, be sorry for the Empire. Worf: If we could find out who did this, we might be able to track them down. Kor: For all we know, the Sword is halfway across the galaxy by now. Dax: Sounds like a worthy quest. Kor: For you and Worf, perhaps, but not for me. My last chance for glory dies here. Worf: Commander. Take a look at this. Worf: The dust. It does not reach the wall. DAX.: Something must be repelling it. I'm getting a faint electrostatic charge along this section. Kor: Another forcefield? Worf: Masked by a holographic projection. Kor: Are you saying there may be another chamber behind it? Dax: If there is, I don't know how we can get to it. This shield has completely different harmonics than the one at the entrance. Worf: This, this is a sensor focused on the area directly in front of the forcefield. Dax: It must be keyed to read lifesigns. Kor: Why? Worf: So only Hur'q can enter. Dax: If you're right we're going to need a Hur'q tour guide to get us through. Worf: We may be able to fool the sensor into thinking that we are Hur'q. Dax: We can reconfigure the tricorder to emit Hur'q lifesigns. Worf: Exactly. Dax: I still have the DNA readings we got from the cloth. Dax: I feel like a Hur'q already. Worf: I cannot believe it. Kor: For a thousand years, our people have dreamed of this moment. Dax: The age, the composition, the design, everything's right. Kor: How can you doubt it? Look at it. Worf: It is more beautiful than I imagined. You should be the first to hold it. Dax: How does it feel? Kor: Good. Very, very good. To think Kahless himself once held this Bat'leth. Worf: With it he slew Molor, conquered the Fek'Ihri and forged the first Empire. And now I hold it in my hands. Dax: We should go. The field destabilizers won't hold for long. Klingon: Stop where you are. Toral: Well, Kor, it seems you were right. You did find the Sword. Kor: Who are you? Toral: Ask your friend. Worf: This is Toral, from the House of Duras. Toral: It is good to see you too, Worf. Seems you were too drunk to remember me or the tavern on Torna Four? You held us all spellbound with a tale of a Hur'q cloth and how it was going to lead you to the Sword. I was so intrigued that I sent my friend here to see what else you knew. Dax: What do you want? Toral: What we all want. The Sword. Worf: The Sword is for the Emperor. Toral: Who will be so grateful he'll give Kor his statue and perhaps even forgive your dishonor? I'm afraid I have different plans for the Sword. Worf: You think that if you give the Emperor the Sword, he will restore your family's seat on the High Council. Toral: I'm not giving the Emperor anything. With the Sword in my hand, I'll be leading the Empire! I can see from your face, Worf, that you regret having spared my life. Now give it to me. Kor: No. Toral: Then I'm afraid we'll have to take it. Worf: If he wants it, give it to him. Dax: Let's go! Dax: We need to stop the bleeding. We'd better get you up to the ship. Dax to Rio Grande. Worf: That is a Klingon jamming signal. Dax: Can we override it? Worf: Maybe from the surface. Dax: Kor, go make sure no one's following us. Kor: Did you see the face of that Klingon that I killed? It was as if he understood the honor bestowed upon him. The first man in a thousand years to be killed by the Sword of Kahless. Dax: I'm sure he was very proud. Worf: We should keep moving. Toral will find a way past the forcefield. Kor: Why did Toral say you had spared his life? Worf: When it was diskovered that the House of Duras had conspired to destroy my father's honor, Gowron offered me Toral's life. Kor: Under the Right of Vengeance. Worf: I declined. Kor: Why? Worf: He was a boy. He had done nothing. Kor: That's beside the point. It was a matter of honor. Dax: It was Worf's right to decline. Kor: It was a mistake! Perhaps what they say about you is true. You've been around humans too long. Dax: Kor! Kor: If he hadn't spared Toral's life, we'd be on the way to Kronos. Worf: And if you had not been drunk and told a tavernfull of people what you were planning, Toral would not have followed us here in the first place. Kor: I told them nothing of consequence. How could I know Toral was going to send a Lethean to steal my thoughts. Worf: You should have been more diskreet. Kor: And you should have been more of a Klingon! Dax: Kor, what was that all about? Worf admires you. You have no idea how much it meant for him to be invited on this journey. Kor: Tell me, Dax, how well do you know him? Dax: Well enough. Why? Kor: I'm beginning to think I was too lenient in my judgment of him. Any Klingon who denies himself the Right of Vengeance is no Klingon at all. He dishonors the Sword with his presence. I don't trust him. I should have let him stay on that space station where he belongs. Dax: Worf. Kor: HoH! Dax: What is it? Kor: Lunch! Kor: Delicious, isn't it? Worf: A hunt builds the appetite. Dax: It's disgusting. Kor: Ah, but it'll make a good part of the story. How we slew the beast. Remember? It attacked us from the dark, five meters long. Dax: Oh, ten, at least. Kor: Eyes ablaze, fangs like daggers. Dax: Breathing great plumes of fire. Kor: It seems the son of Mogh is not amused. Worf: A true warrior has no need to exaggerate his feats. Kor: You'd better hope that I exaggerate or when they start singing songs about this quest, they'll come to your verse and it will be, and Worf came along. Worf: This is the Sword of Kahless. It is not something to shovel food into your mouth! It must be treated with honor. Kor: Look at him. He's like the Hur'q. He thinks it's a museum piece. Why, Kahless himself used it to skin the serpent of Xol, to harvest his father's field, to carve a statue of his own beloved. It's a sword! But Worf doesn't know what to do with it, except bow before front of it and then hand it over to his precious Emperor. Worf: And when we do, you will get your precious statue. And after they have sung songs about you and you have passed out from too much drink, the Emperor will use the Sword to unite our people. Kor: If Gowron allows him. The Emperor is merely his puppet. Worf: The Emperor is no one's puppet. He condemned Gowron's invasion of Cardassia. Kor: And the invasion went ahead despite his objection. Worf: That is why the Emperor needs the Sword. It will allow him to unify the Houses against Gowron. Kor: The Emperor is a pretender, a clone of the original Kahless cooked up in a vat by ambitious clerics. And if you hadn't supported him, he'd be right back in that vat where he came from. Worf: I supported him because we need him. He can unite us. Kor: The Sword will unite us, if it's held by a true Klingon. Not a politician like Gowron or some toothless figurehead like the Emperor. The Sword must rest in the hands of someone who has been hardened by battle, pure of heart, who understands loyalty and honor. A warrior like Kang and Koloth! Worf: Someone like you? Kor: The Empire could do far worse. Dax: We should get moving. Worf: Are you saying it is your intention to lead the Empire? Kor: I'm saying it's my intention to lead us to the surface. Dax: We have to change your bandage. Worf: No. We must keep moving. Dax: You're hemorrhaging. We have to stop the bleeding. Kor: That cave-rat was all bones. I need another one. Dax: Find a nice fat one. We all could use something to eat. Worf: He never answered my question about his plans for the Sword. Dax: I noticed. Worf: He is a hero to many. If he brings it back with him to Kronos and decides to seize power, many will follow him. Dax: But you wouldn't? Worf: He is not all I thought he was. Dax: Maybe not. Sorry. But I've known him a long time, and his heart's in the right place. Worf: He drinks too much. He exaggerates his feats. He blames others for his own mistakes. But he could be right about one thing. The Emperor may be too weak to stand against Gowron, even with the Sword. Dax: I thought you believed in the Emperor. Worf: I do not know what I believe anymore. All I know is when Kor asked me to help find the Sword, I knew we would succeed. I knew we would find it! Dax: I can't say I felt the same way. Worf: I had no doubt. I felt as if my life was finally coming into focus. Dax: What do you mean? Worf: For as long as I can remember, I have always been an outsider. I was raised by humans, but I was too Klingon to be one of them. I did not belong. I begged my foster parents to allow me to visit the Klingon homeworld. They arranged for me to stay with my cousin's family. When I first set eyes on the Great Domes of Kronos, I felt that I had finally come home. But my own cousins wanted nothing to do with me. Dax: You were too human to be one of them. Worf: I ran away into the mountains. I was without food or water for three days. But there, in the caves of No'Mat, Kahless appeared to me in a vision and told me I would do something no other Klingon had ever done. After I returned to Earth, I pondered the meaning of his words and wondered what lay ahead for me. When I was old enough, I joined Starfleet. Dax: Something no Klingon had ever done. Worf: And for a time, I thought that I had fulfillled my destiny, but I now see that Kahless had something else in mind for me. Something, something greater. That is why I had to endure so much pain, why I was forced to choose between the Federation and my own people. I was being tested, prepared for some greater purpose. Dax: Like finding the Sword Worf: More than that. When I held the Sword in my hands, I felt the spirit of Kahless himself had guided me to it. Don't you see? He wants me to have it. He wants me to lead his people! Dax: You sound like Kor. Worf: Kor is an old man. His greatest days are behind him. Mine are still ahead. Dax: Then we have a bit of a problem. There's only one Sword and you both want it. Kor: How much further? Dax: The way these caves wind around, this could take forever. Dax: Or longer. Kor: We can't get across. We'll go back and find another way up. Worf: Wait. There Worf: Kor, there is a ledge right below you. Kor: I don't see it. Worf: It is less than one meter down. Let go and you'll land on it. Kor: Dax, can you see it? Dax: I can't see anything. Worf: I can't hold you! You'll have to let go. Kor: There is no ledge. Worf: It is there. Kor: Then you let go. Worf: No! We cannot risk losing the Sword. Let go! Kor: I'll take the Sword to my grave before I give it to you. Dax: Just hold on. We'll pull you up. Kor: You call that a ledge? Worf: It would've been sufficient. Kor: For a Degebian mountain goat, not a Klingon warrior. You were going to let me fall. You wanted me to die so you could keep the Sword for yourself. Worf: And you were willing to take the Sword to your death and rob our people of their future. Kor: Give it to me! Dax: That's enough, both of you. Worf: I will not give him the Sword. Dax: Then give it to me. I'll carry it. Kor, put away your dagger. Kor: Are you siding with him? Dax: Put away your dagger so he can give me the bat'leth. Kor: You see. I was right. He's not to be trusted. Worf: His mind has been poisoned by bloodwine and age. Dax: He was right about one thing. You wanted him to fall. That ledge would have never supported him and you knew it. Worf: I did not force him off that cliff. He is old and clumsy. If he'd have fallen, it would have been his own fault. Dax: I'm exhausted. Worf: Commander. We can rest in here for a few hours. Dax: I'm so tired I think I might be able to sleep. Worf: I will take the first watch. Kor: How generous of you. And we'll just curl up like trusting children under your vigilant gaze. Worf: Sleep or do not sleep. It makes no difference to me. Kor: You're wounded. I should take the first watch. You get some rest. You close your eyes. Worf: I'm not tired. Kor: I understand. It's hard to sleep in the presence of something so magnificent. Someone might try to steal it. Worf: You reveal your own intentions. Dax: Enough! I have the Sword and it's not going anywhere. Kor: What was that? Worf: I heard nothing. Kor: A voice. I hear it again. It's the Spirit of Kahless. He is talking to you, Worf. He's telling you to bide your time. Let them sleep and then slit their throats and claim your destiny. Worf: I have had enough of your drunken ramblings, old man. Dax: And I have had enough of both of you. I don't care if you sleep or not, but I'm going to. So be quiet. Kor: Go ahead and sleep, Dax. I'll keep an eye on him. Worf: I have had enough! Dax: What? Worf: His eyes. He has been staring at me for three hours. Kor: And what have you seen reflected in my eyes? Your own guilt, gnawing at you. Dax: All right, if you're not going to sleep, then let's walk. Kor: I'm not going anywhere with this traitorous p'tak. Worf: This ends here. Kor: Agreed. Dax: I'm not going to stand here and watch Worf: You stay out of this! Kor: This is between us. We'll settle it in our own way. Dax: Let's get out of here. Kor: MaH HIv DaH! Dax: He's going to get himself killed. Worf: No, no. He has the Sword. HIv DaH! Kor: It's mine! Dax: Kor! Commander! Worf! Stop! Kor: Dax, I knew in the end you'd choose me. We're blood brothers Dax: Be quiet. Dax: Now, about that jamming device you're using to block our communications. Kor: Are you sure of this, Worf? Worf: Yes. Yes, it is the only way. Kor: Do we have the right? This Sword belongs to all Klingons. Worf: But are we ready for it? The Sword turned you and me against each other. Imagine how it would divide the Empire. Kor: Just let me hold it one last time. Worf: The Sword is not meant for us. It was never our destiny to find it. Kor: You're wrong. It was our destiny to find it. It just wasn't our destiny to keep it. Worf: It is done. Dax: Good. It's for the best. Kor: I hope you're right. It could be lost for another thousand years. Worf: When it is destined to be found, it will be.

Dax: There it goes again. That's the seventh time in the last two hours. Sisko: Still no idea what's causing it? Dax: It seems to be opening and closing completely at random. No unusual readings, no ships coming through. For all we know, the Bajorans are right. Maybe it is a message from the Prophets. Priest: Emissary. Sisko: If it is, they didn't tell me. Dax: Maybe the Prophets don't recognize you with the new beard. Sisko: There must to be a scientific explanation for this. Dax: Here we go. Sisko: Something funny, old man? Dax: Hmm? No, nothing. Worf: Ops to Captain Sisko. Sisko: Sisko here. Worf: Captain, we are receiving a priority one message from Starfleet Security. Sisko: On my way. Quark: So then, the Andorian says 'That's not my antenna.' Quark: Why do I bother? Odo: Quark! Quark: What can I do for you, Constable? Odo: Dax. Where is she? Quark: She's not here. Is there anything else I can do for you? Odo: You find all this very funny, don't you? You and Dax probably planned it together. Quark: Planned what? Odo: Moving my furniture. Quark: Is that what this is all about? Someone moved your furniture? Odo: Not someone. Commander Dax. It's the fourth time she's done it this past year. She breaks into my quarters while I'm regenerating, and moves all my furniture out of alignment. Shifts one piece three centimeters to the left, the next four centimeters to the right. Not one object in my quarters is where it's supposed to be. Quark: And is that a bad thing? Odo: Everything I own is carefully and painstakingly arranged. Dax knows this, and yet she takes a perverse delight in throwing my quarters into chaos. Quark: I'd hardly call three centimeters chaos. Odo: Maybe you wouldn't, but I do. You humanoids are all alike. You have no sense of order. And Dax is the most humanoid person I know. Sisko: Sisko to Constable Odo. Odo: Odo here. Sisko: Please report to Ops immediately. Odo: Acknowledged. Quark: When you see Dax, say hello to her for me. Kira: How many people were at the conference? Sisko: Twenty seven, including the Tholian observer. O'Brien: Twenty-seven. It's unbelievable. Sisko: Federation President Jaresh-Inyo has declared a planet-wide day of mourning. Sisko: Constable, take a seat. Odo: Of course. Worf: Ten minutes ago we received a recording of a high level diplomatic conference that took place between the Federation and the Romulan Empire on Earth a few days ago. Computer, begin replay at time index five nine eleven. Odo: A bomb. Worf: Of unknown composition. Sisko: A crime like this hasn't been committed on Earth in over a hundred years. Kira: Go back, and show him what you showed us. Worf: Computer, restart recording at time index five nine one six, one tenth normal speed. Freeze picture. Enlarge section F three and enhance. Worf: Keep your eye on the piece of pottery. Computer, resume at one tenth speed. Odo: That's a changeling. Worf: No sign of a changeling was found in the aftermath. We must assume that it escaped unharmed. Sisko: I was hoping that this would never happen. But it finally has. The changelings have reached Earth. Dax: How's that? Odo: Another centimeter to the left. Dax: Shouldn't you be on the Lakota? Odo: The Lakota won't depart for another hour. Which gives us plenty of time to repair the damage you've done to my room. And while I'm gone, I want your solemn word that you'll stay out of my quarters. Dax: You've got it. So how long do you think you and Captain Sisko will be on Earth? Odo: I've no idea. I just hope this trip isn't a waste of time. I'm not sure what Captain Sisko and I can tell Starfleet about my people that hasn't already been in our reports. Dax: Believe me, Odo, with changelings on Earth, Starfleet's going to need all the help it can get. There. How's that? Odo: A little more to the left. Dax: Whatever you say, Constable. Joseph: Wait until you see the size of the eggplant I'm getting out of my garden this year. As big as Crenshaw melons and twice as heavy. (Everyone say Hi! to Brock Peters, previously seen as Admiral Cartwright.) Sisko: So, how is Judith? She still helping out in the restaurant? Joseph: I sent her home to Portland. Your sister's got her own life to worry about. Besides, she never puts enough cayenne pepper in the jambalaya. Sisko: Just like mom. Joseph: Which means she has no business in the kitchen. It'll be good to have you home again, Benjamin. Jake too. Sisko: Dad, you know that this isn't exactly a vacation. I'll be spending most of my time in San Francisco at Starfleet Headquarters. Joseph: Whatever you do during the day is your business. But at dinner time, you better get yourself down to New Orleans. No son of mine is going to eat that replicated slop Starfleet calls food. Not if I have anything to say about it. Sisko: You won't get any argument from me. So, Dad, you feeling okay? Joseph: Oh, let's not start that again. Sisko: It's just a question. You look a little tired. How's the new aorta holding up? Joseph: The doctors say I am a medical marvel. At the rate things are going in another year or two I won't have an original organ left in my body. They'll write me up in the medical books. Sisko: But you're feeling okay? Joseph: Just point me in the direction of a party and a pretty girl and I'll show you how good I feel. Make sure you call me as soon as you and Jake get here. Your rooms are always waiting and ready for you. Sisko: I know that, Dad. We'll be there before you know it. Sisko: Jake-o. Jake: Dad. Sisko: You just missed Grandpa Joe. Jake: Did you tell him we're staying in San Francisco? Sisko: I didn't quite get around to it. Jake: Dad! You know if we stay with Grandpa he's going to put me to work in the kitchen. Sisko: Is that so bad? Jake: Chopping vegetables for nine hours a day isn't exactly my idea of a vacation. Sisko: Jake, you're not a child anymore. Grandpa will not expect you to chop vegetables. He'll want you to wait tables. O'Brien: Barkeep. Quark: So, what can I get you two flyboys. Bashir: A Scotch, neat, and a pint of your finest bitter for my mate. O'Brien: And make it quick. The cabbage crates'll be coming back over the briny any minute now. Quark: All right, all right. I'd hate to let the Jerries strafe that green and pleasant land of yours while the two of you were taking time out to get a drink. Bashir: No choice, man. Ritual, you know. 0'Brien: To Clive. The best bloke ever to prang his kite into the Channel. Bashir: Got to keep a stiff upper lip. O'Brien: Hear, hear. Bashir: Down the hatch. (They drain their glasses in one - that was not a full pint anyway - and make to smash them.) Quark: Ah! Ah! Ah! Now remember what I said about throwing glasses. O'Brien: So, you want to go back up have another crack at the Jerries? Bashir: I don't know. To tell you the truth, my heart isn't in it. Quark: Aren't you taking Clive's death a little seriously? After all, he was just a holosuite character. O'Brien: It's not Clive. It's Earth. You probably wouldn't understand this, Quark, but when you care about a place and it's in trouble, and you want to do something about it and you can't, it's very frustrating. Quark: I know exactly what you mean. When the Great Monetary Collapse hit Ferenginar, I was hundreds of light years away, serving as a ship's cook on a long haul freighter. I can't tell you the heartbreak I suffered, knowing that rampant inflation and currency devaluation were burning like wildfires through the lush financial landscapes of my home. It still depresses me even today. I remember thinking my accounts needed me, and there was nothing I could do. I felt so, so helpless. So you see, I do understand. O'Brien: Somehow, you telling me that doesn't make me feel the least bit better. Quark: Humans. All you care about is yourselves. O'Brien: Odo, hang on a minute. Odo: Well, I take it the Battle of Britain has been won yet again. Bashir: There's a Spitfire with your name on it waiting in the hangar. When you get back from Earth, you can take Clive's place in the squadron. Odo: Somehow I doubt it. O'Brien: Look, Odo, do me a favor. If you get a chance, stop by and visit my folks in Dublin. Just make sure they're okay, you know? Odo: I'll try to find the time. O'Brien: Good. I'll let them know you might drop by. Odo: Anyone I can look up for you, Doctor? Bashir: No, no, that's perfectly fine. I just wish I was coming with you. Odo: To be perfectly honest, Doctor, I wish you were both going with me. I could use the company. I doubt that a shape-shifter is will be welcome on Earth at the moment. O'Brien: No one can hold you responsible for what your people are doing. Odo: Oh really? Well, I'd better get over to the Lakota. We'll be leaving shortly. Bashir: Good luck. Odo: I don't believe in luck. But I appreciate the sentiment. Bashir: Well, we'd better get out of these uniforms. O'Brien: The Lakota's gone to warp. Worf: When was the last time the wormhole opened? Kira: Twelve hours ago. Worf: Perhaps it has returned to normal. Kira: I suppose so. O'Brien: You sound disappointed, Major. Kira: I guess I am. Part of me was hoping that the Prophets were behind it. That they were finally going to show themselves to the Bajoran people. Worf: I prefer Klingon beliefs. Kira: I suppose your gods aren't as cryptic as ours. Worf: Our gods are dead. Ancient Klingon warriors slew them a millennia ago. They were more trouble than they were worth. Kira: I don't think I'll ever understand Klingons. O'Brien: Don't worry about it, Major. Nobody does. That's the way they like it. Leyton: Ben. Sisko: Admiral Leyton. Good to see you again, sir. Leyton: Captain Sisko. This is my adjutant, Commander Benteen. Benjamin was my executive officer aboard the Okinawa. And a damn fine one too. Sisko: I did all right. Benteen: Ah, don't be modest. Admiral Leyton has had his share of executive officers and you're the only one he ever speaks fondly of. Leyton: Present company excluded. Sisko: Admiral Leyton is the one who recommended me for the job on Deep Space Nine. Leyton: One of my better ideas. You must be Odo. Odo: That's right. Leyton: Forgive me for staring, but you're the first changeling I've ever met. Benteen: That you know of. Odo: I sympathize with your problem. Uncovering changeling infiltrators is no easy task. Leyton: Well, with the help of the two of you, I trust it'll be a little easier. Sisko: What exactly do you want us to do? Benteen: We'd like to confer with you and Odo, see if there's anything about the Founders you left out of your official reports. Odo: I'll help any way I can, but I think you'll find my reports were quite thorough. Sisko: Admiral, I doubt you brought us all this way just for a debriefing. Leyton: Of course not. Ben, Earth is in danger. Maybe the greatest danger it's faced since the last world war. Something has to be done about these shape-shifters. Which is why you're here. You know more about the Dominion than anyone in Starfleet. And so, effective immediately, I'm making you acting head of Starfleet Security here on Earth. Benteen: Congratulations, Captain. Joseph: This is one beautiful fish. Seems a shame to eat a trout this pretty. Why, you should thank me for the privilege of simply looking at it. Well, go on, take a bite. It won't bite you back. Now, I don't want to see anybody studying the dessert menu. If you order anything but the bread pudding soufflé, you'll be making a mistake you will regret the rest of your lives. Sisko: You should listen to him. The man knows his bread pudding. Joseph: Benjamin! Sisko: Dad. Joseph: Jake-o. Jake: Hey. Joseph: When are you going to stop growing? If you keep this up, you'll be bumping your head on that alligator before too long. Jake: I remember when you used to tell me that alligator was just in stasis, and you let it out at night to guard the restaurant. Joseph: I had to stop doing that. It got to be too much trouble wrestling it back up to the ceiling every morning. Come on. I'll get Nathan to bring you both something to eat and we can catch up. Nathan, some gumbo for these fine young men. Nathan: Yes, sah. Joseph: So, where's this shape-shifting fellow you were coming with? Sisko: With things the way they are, Odo thought it would be better if he stayed at Starfleet Headquarters. Joseph: I don't blame him. I haven't seen people so nervous since the Borg scare. Me, personally, I'd like to meet him. Though I have to admit, I'm a little suspicious about anyone who doesn't eat. Jake: Grandpa. Sisko: Well, aren't you going to eat anything? Joseph: I ate before you got here. Son, don't look at me that way. Sisko: You've lost weight. Joseph: You think so? Jake: The doctors said you have to keep your weight up. Joseph: Don't you start, too. I have a vat of crayfish in the back that needs cleaning and it's got your name on it. Now I'm going to say this one time and one time only. I am fine. I'm happy, I'm healthy, and I'm planning on celebrating at least fifty more birthdays. Satisfied? Sisko: Gumbo's as good as I remember. Joseph: Starfleet must be taking the shape-shifters pretty seriously to have you come all the way back here. Sisko: It is serious, Dad. Joseph: Twenty seven people murdered right here on Earth. Never thought I'd see the day. But now that my son's on the case, I feel a lot better. Nog: Jake! Jake: Nog? Nog: Captain Sisko. What do you think? Sisko: You look good, Cadet. Nog: You think so? Jake: Nog, I thought I was going to see you tomorrow at the Academy. Nog: You are. I'm just here for dinner. Nathan, the usual. Sisko: I didn't know you liked Creole food. Nog: I don't. I like tube grubs, and your father is the only person on this planet who can get me live ones. Joseph: I've been thinking of adding them to our menu. Of course I'll have to cook them for my human customers, serve them with a nice remoulade. Nog: Cook them? What good are tube grubs if they don't wriggle on the way down? Jake: So how's everything at the Academy? Nog: Jake, they call it the Academy, but what it really is is school. Jake: I want to hear about it. Nog: It's a lot of work. Lots of classes, lots of studying. I'm doing okay. Now where are those tube grubs? Joseph: Good night. You come back soon. Come on, Ben. I've got a nice bottle of cognac I've been saving for a special occasion, and I think this qualifies. Sisko: I think you're right. Nog: Ah. There's nothing like a full stomach to make life worth living. Jake: So, you going to tell me what's on your mind or not? Nog: What do you mean? Jake: I mean you didn't stay here until closing just to get one more root beer. Something's up. Nog: My friend the writer. Always looking for a good story. Jake: If you don't want to tell me, fine. Don't tell me. Nog: It's nothing. It's stupid. Jake: All right. Forget about it. Nog: It's just the Academy is different than I thought it would be. Jake: Different how? Nog: Some of the cadets. They're kind of standoffish, especially the upperclassmen. Jake: Because you're a Ferengi? Nog: That's what I thought at first. But then I heard some of the other freshmen complaining about the same thing. Jake: Complaining about what? Nog: Little things. For instance, there's this group called Red Squad made up of all the top students. They're always going off on trips, getting special training. None of them will even talk to me. Jake: You've only been in the Academy for a month. You can't expect to fit in right away. Who knows, one of these days you might even be in Red Squad. I'm sure if you let them get to know you, show them you're a good guy to be around, everything'll work out. Nog: I am a good guy to be around, aren't I? Jake: I always thought so. Leyton: Mister President, I'd like to introduce Captain Sisko. JARESH- Inyo: Captain. I've seen your record. Most exemplary. Sisko: Thank you, sir. Leyton: Captain Sisko has several suggestions on how to combat Dominion infiltration. I think you'll find them very interesting. JARESH- Inyo: Hmm. I understand the need for increased security, but blood screenings? Phaser sweeps? Sisko: They've proven very effective on Deep Space Nine. JARESH- Inyo: I'm sure they have. But I hope you'll keep in mind that this is Earth, and not a military installlation. Leyton: Which means it's a lot more vulnerable. We have to take precautions. JARESH- Inyo: Precautions may be advisable, but I will not disrupt the lives of the population. Despite what happened at Antwerp, I believe the changeling threat to be somewhat less serious than Starfleet does. Leyton: Mister President, I assure you the threat is real. JARESH- Inyo: For all we know, there was only one changeling on Earth, and he may not even be here anymore. Sisko: But if he is here, we have a problem. There's no telling how much damage one changeling could do. JARESH- Inyo: Forgive me for saying so, Captain, but you sound a little paranoid. Sisko: Do I? Odo: Forgive the intrusion, Mister President, but as you can see, Starfleet has every right to be concerned. Sisko: Allow me to introduce Odo, my Chief of Security. JARESH- Inyo: A very effective entrance, Mister Odo. Odo: One that never should have been allowed to take place. Admiral Leyton and Captain Sisko walked in here without being searched, without being blood-tested, and without having their possessions subjected to phaser sweeps. Sisko: If Odo was a Dominion infiltrator, he could have killed you. Leyton: Or replaced you. The way security is now, a changeling could get anywhere on Earth, replace anyone, even you. Sisko: Mister President, all we want is your permission to increase security at Federation and Starfleet installlations here on Earth. Blood tests will be limited to high-ranking Federation officials, Starfleet officers and their families. The average citizen won't even notice the difference. I wish these security measures were not necessary, but the safety of Earth and the entire Federation depends on them. JARESH- Inyo: You present a convincing argument, Captain. It seems I have no choice but to accept your proposals. Sisko: Thank you, sir. JARESH- Iny0: Don't thank me. If I could think of another solution, I would use it. It took centuries for Earth to evolve into the peaceful haven it is today. I would hate to be remembered as the Federation President who destroyed paradise. Sisko: We're not looking to destroy paradise, Mister President. We're looking to save it. Sisko: Activate the phaser. Sisko: That's enough. How do you feel? Odo: That time I definitely experienced diskomfort. Sisko: What was the setting? Benteen: Three point one. If we set the phasers at three point four, we should be able to stun any changeling we hit and force them back into a gelatinous state. Odo: I'd push it to three point five just to be on the safe side. But if you want to do any more tests, you'll have to get another guinea pig. I've been shot quite enough for one day. Sisko: Three point five it is. I want these units installled in every room at Starfleet and Federation Headquarters, then start working on the orbital stations. Benteen: We'll have them in place by tomorrow night. I want to thank you, Captain. Sisko: Thank me? For what? Benteen: For convincing the President to implement these security measures. It feels like we're finally on the right track. Odo: Huh. You'd think she would have thanked me as well. I'm the one who got shot thirteen times today. Nog: Captain Sisko. I hope I'm not interrupting anything. Sisko: We were just about finished. Nog: Can I speak to you for a minute? In private. Nog: Captain, I just want to say I appreciate everything you've done for me so far, and Sisko: Jake says you're having difficulty in school. Nog: He told you that? Sisko: He tells me everything. Nog: I don't want you to get the wrong idea. Sisko: Nog, you and I both knew that it was going to take a while for you to adjust to the Academy and for the Academy to adjust to you. Nog: I know, but it turned out to be even more difficult than I expected. Sisko: You're just going to have to stick with it. Nog: And I intend to. In fact, I think I've come up with something to help me make some new friends. Sisko: Good. Nog: But I need your help. I want to join Red Squad. Sisko: Red Squad? Nog: What do you think? Sisko: I don't know what to think. I've never heard of it. Nog: It's an elite squad of cadets at the Academy. You know, the best of the best. They get special classes, simulated missions, off-campus training sessions, all kinds of things. Sisko: A group of elite cadets? They never had anything like that when I was at the Academy. Nog: It's pretty new. It's a way of rewarding excellence among the cadets. I have the grades to qualify, but I need to be sponsored by a high-ranking officer. Sisko: And you want me to put your name in for consideration? Nog: All I'm asking for is a chance to prove myself. Sisko: I'm kind of busy right now, Nog. But if I get the chance, I'll see what I can do. Nog: Thank you, sir. This means a lot to me. Sisko: I can see that. Dismissed, Cadet. Nog: Yes, sir. Joseph: Well, look who's here. Come in, stranger. Sisko: Sorry. I haven't been around much lately. Things have gotten a little busy. Joseph: You want to tell me about it? Sisko: I'm afraid I can't. Joseph: You'd think that Admiral could spare you for a few hours a day to visit your father. With you in San Francisco and Jake off visiting that school in New Zealand, it's like the two of you aren't even here. Sisko: You know, Dad, you could come and visit us at the station once in a while. Joseph: Don't start that again. Earth's my home. It's where I belong. Besides, what would happen to the restaurant if I went gallivanting around the galaxy? You think Nathan can handle this place on his own? Sisko: Nathan will be running things around here sooner than you think if you don't take better care of yourself. I had a talk with your doctor and he tells me that you haven't been in to see him for eight months. Joseph: The man's an idiot. He's lived in New Orleans twenty years and can't tell the difference between Creole food and Cajun food. Sisko: Maybe not, but he can tell the difference between a healthy body and one with progressive atherosclerosis. He says that if you don't come in for vascular regeneration therapy, that this restaurant will be looking for a new owner. Joseph: Ben, at my age, staying healthy is a full time job, and I am too old to work two jobs. Now, how long until you're due back at Starfleet Headquarters? Sisko: I've got about an hour. Joseph: Just enough time to take a walk to Audubon Park. You up for a stroll with your old man? Sisko: I can't think of anything I'd rather do. Joseph: Nathan, don't forget to stir the gumbo. Benteen: Odo. That was really something. I've never seen you imitate a lifeform before. Odo: Well, I was just taking a little aerial tour of San Francisco. It's quite nice. Not as ancient as the cities on Bajor but almost as impressive. Benteen: It makes me wonder how many other changelings might be flying around up there. Odo: If all they're doing is flying around imitating seagulls, we don't have much to worry about. Leyton: I doubt that other changelings are wasting their time imitating birds. They don't all share Odo's lack of skill when it comes to mimicking humans. Odo: That's right, they don't. I'm glad you're keeping that in mind. Benteen: Well, if you ask me, that was a pretty convincing seagull. Odo: Thank you. Though I'm not sure the gulls would agree. Leyton: Commander, I think we've taken up enough of Mister Odo's time. Keep practicing. You'll have those birds fooled in no time. Odo: Admiral. Leyton: Yes. Odo: I know that Starfleet Command has always been a little uneasy about a changeling working in their midst. I just wanted to say how much I appreciate the trust you've shown in me. Thank you. Leyton: You're welcome. Leyton: Well done, Odo. Benteen: Are you all right? Odo: I'm fine. Leyton: How did you know he wasn't me? Odo: I'm not sure exactly. It's as if I could feel the changeling's hostility toward me. Sisko: You're the only changeling who's ever harmed one of his own people. I'm sure that hasn't made you many friends. Leyton: What I'd like to know is, why was he imitating me? Benteen: You have access to all our security procedures, all our protocols. That makes you a logical target. Leyton: I suppose so. Benteen: The bottom line is a changeling infiltrated the grounds of Starfleet Headquarters, imitated the Admiral, and got away scot-free. Our security measures aren't working. Sisko: We're doing everything the President will let us do. Benteen: Maybe that's not enough. Odo: We could talk to the President again. Leyton: I'm afraid that would be a waste of time. Jaresh-Inyo would be a fine president in peacetime, but we have a war on our hands. He doesn't seem to understand that. All he cares about is not upsetting people. But humans are tougher than he thinks. We've created a paradise here and we're willing to fight to protect it. Sisko: And you think the President isn't willing to fight? Leyton: I think the President is a long way from home. This isn't his world. We can't expect him to care about it the way we do. Sisko: Sisko here. Crewman: Captain, your son's trying to contact you. He says it's urgent. Sisko: Put him through. Jake: Dad, you'd better get down here right away. Sisko: What's wrong? Jake: It's Grandpa. He's been arrested. Sisko: What's going on here? Officer: Captain, we never meant for things to get out of hand. Joseph: What did you think would happen? Storming in here and accusing me and my grandson of being a couple of shape-shifters. Officer: We never accused you of being a shape-shifter, Mister Sisko. We were just carrying out our orders. All family members of Starfleet personnel are required to submit to blood screenings. No exceptions. Joseph: That's the most ridiculous thing I ever heard of. Do you believe that? Sisko: I should. I signed the orders myself. Joseph: Now why would you go and do a stupid thing like that? Sisko: Dad, it has to be done. Jake: Grandpa, look, I'll take the test first. Go ahead. Sisko: Now me. Officer: Sir, that's not necessary. Sisko: Do it anyway. Sisko: it's your turn. Joseph: Jake, do you think I'm a shape-shifter? Jake: Come on, Grandpa. Joseph: Answer the question. Jake: No, I don't think you're a shape-shifter. Joseph: At least somebody in my family has some sense. Sisko: Dad! Joseph: I don't want to hear about it. You take these two vampires and tell them to either sit down and grab a menu or get out of my restaurant. Sisko: Jake, get them a menu. Officer: But sir. Sisko: I would recommend the shrimp Creole. Look, Dad Joseph: I don't want to hear it. Sisko: Listen to me. You have got to take the test. Joseph: Why should I? If I were an enemy spy looking to replace someone, I think I could come up with better choices than an old chef. Sisko: Yeah, you're probably right. But this isn't about you. We've got civilian families living on starships and Starfleet installlations all over the Federation. The only way we can secure those facilities is to test everyone there, whether they wear a uniform or not. Joseph: I'm not living on a Starfleet installlation. Sisko: Dad, if we're going to test the family members of one Starfleet officer, we must to test them all. Joseph: You may want to test everyone, but that doesn't mean we all have to cooperate. I didn't take an oath to Starfleet. Neither did Jake or your sister or anyone in your family. We have rights, Ben, including the right to be as stubborn or thickheaded as we want. Sisko: Damn it, Dad. Can't you cooperate just one time? You don't take your medication, you don't go to the doctor, you won't let Judith help you in the restaurant. Just one time, please do what you're asked. Joseph: I wish I could, but what you're asking me to do is wrong. You can't go around making people prove they are who they say they are. That's no way to live and I'm not going to go along with it. Now, if you want to make yourself useful, start some water boiling for the shrimp. Sisko: Come on, Dad. Don't be this way. If I have to, I will get a warrant Joseph: And what? Hold me down and force me to give you my blood? Because that's the only way you'll get. Damn it. Now look what I've done. Joseph: Jake? Jake: Yeah? Joseph: I've got a dermal regenerator under the. Benjamin Lafayette Sisko. What the hell has gotten into your head? You actually thought I was one of them, didn't you? Sisko: I don't know. I wasn't sure. Joseph: This business has got you so twisted around you can't think straight. You're seeing shape-shifters everywhere. Maybe you ought to think about something for a minute. If I was a smart shape-shifter, a really good one, the first thing I would do would be to grab some poor soul off the street, absorb every ounce of his blood, and let it out on cue whenever someone like you tried to test me. Don't you see? There isn't a test that's been created a smart man can't find his way around. You aren't going to catch shape-shifters using some gadget. The only thing you can count on in this life is Jake: Grandpa! Sisko: The EMT's said he'd be okay and they were right. It turns out it was just a mild stroke brought on by his atherosclerosis. Odo: How's Jake handling it? Sisko: He is very upset. He knows as well as I do that if my father doesn't take better care of himself Odo: I've found that when it comes to doing what's best for you, you humanoids have the distressing habit of doing the exact opposite. Sisko: I can't argue with that. But what bothers me is that for a few minutes there, I really believed that my own father was a changeling. Odo: A reasonable assumption, considering the circumstances. Sisko: I don't care if it's reasonable or not. But when a son can't trust his own father? Odo: That's why my people came here. To undermine the trust and mutual understanding the Federation is built on. Sisko: But what if my father's right? What if all our precautions turn out to be useless? Odo: Maybe they will. But that doesn't mean you should give up. My people are here and you've got to fight them with whatever you've got. Sisko: I hope you don't take this the wrong way, Constable, but there are times I wish you'd never found your people. Odo: Believe me, Captain, sometimes I feel the same way. Jake: Grandpa, would you please sit down? Joseph: Enjoy your meal. Your food'll be right out. Joseph: What's that look supposed to mean? Jake: You sat down. Joseph: You're damn right I sat down. I feel terrible. Jake: You should be in bed. Joseph: Jake, the only time you should be in bed is if you're sleeping, dying, or making love to a beautiful woman. I'm not tired, I'm not dying, and the truth is I'm too old for beautiful women, so I might as well be here. Your father's the one you should be worried about. Jake: Dad? Why? Joseph: I've never seen him so tense. It's like he's carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. Jake: He is. Joseph: I suppose he is at that. Joseph: What happened? Jake: I don't know. The whole block's dark. Odo: You all right? Sisko: I'm fine. Admiral, what's going on? Leyton: From what we can tell, Earth's entire power relay system's been knocked offline. Even Starfleet's emergency backup's been affected. Sisko: How could that happen? Leyton: I don't know, but if you ask me, there's only one possible explanation. Odo: Sabotage. Sisko: The changelings. Odo: Take down the power relays, and you neutralize sensors, transporters, surface-based defense installlations. Sisko: In other words, Earth is defenseless. Leyton: If the Dominion attacks now, we don't stand a chance. Inyo: I'm not interested in excuses. It is imperative we get the power relay system functioning again. Leyton: Mister President. JARESH- Inyo: How did you people get here? Sisko: We contacted the Lakota and used their transporters. Mister President, as acting head of Earth Security, I must advise you to declare a State of Emergency. JARESH- Inyo: You're serious. With the exception of the Borg incident, there hasn't been a State of Emergency declared on Earth in a century. Sisko: I am aware of that, but I have reason to believe that a Dominion warfleet may be in the Alpha Quadrant headed for Earth. JARESH- Inyo: Do you have evidence to back this up? Sisko: Just before we left Deep Space Nine, the wormhole was exhibiting some unusual behavior, opening and closing for no apparent reason. Odo: We didn't detect any ships coming through at the time, but the Dominion might have been using some kind of cloaking technology. JARESH- Inyo: I wasn't aware the Dominion had cloaking technology. Odo: The combined Cardassian and Romulan fleet that the Dominion destroyed in the Gamma Quadrant was equipped with cloaking devices. Who knows what my people might have taken from the wreckage? JARESH- Inyo: How long until the power relays are fixed? Leyton: From what we can tell, the changelings infected the system with some kind of self-replicating computer protocol. It jumped from one power relay to the next, disrupting every system it came in contact with. Odo: The only way to correct the problem is to shut down the entire grid, purge all the operating systems, and restart the relays. Leyton: And that could take days. Sisko: Which is why it is imperative that you declare a State of Emergency. JARESH- Inyo: What good will that do when we have no way to defend ourselves? Leyton: Mister President, we can use the Lakota's transporters and communications system to mobilize every Starfleet officer on Earth in less than twelve hours. We've been preparing for something like this for a long time. We have stockpiles of phaser rifles, personal forcefields, photon grenades, enough to equip an entire army. I can start getting men on the streets immediately. JARESH- Inyo: What you're asking me to do is declare martial law. Leyton: What I'm asking you to do is let us defend this planet. We don't know what the changelings will do next, but we have to be ready for them. Ben, tell him. Sisko: Sir, the thought of filling the streets with armed troops is as disturbing to me as it is to you, but not as disturbing as the thought of a Jem'Hadar army landing on Earth without opposition. The Jem'Hadar are the most brutal and efficient soldiers I've ever encountered. They don't care about the conventions of war or protecting civilians. They will not limit themselves to military targets. They'll be waging the kind of war that Earth hasn't seen since the founding of the Federation. Odo: At the same time, my people will continue to undermine Earth's defenses in any way they can. This power outage is only the beginning. JARESH- Inyo: I never sought this job. I was content to simply represent my people on the Federation Council. When they asked me to submit my name for election, I almost said no. Today I wish I had. Leyton: We appreciate your feelings, Mister President, but we don't have time for regrets. You accepted the job and now it's yours. Odo: Mister President, there are people all over this planet right now huddled in the dark, terrified about what might happen next. They're waiting for a sign, something to reassure them that everything will be all right. But they won't wait long. Fear is a powerful and dangerous thing. And if you don't act, if you don't show them that they're not alone, then fear will surely take over. Sisko: Give us the authority we need, Mister President, and we will take care of the rest. JARESH- Inyo: Earth is in your hands, gentlemen. Do what needs to be done. Leyton: Thank you, sir. You've made the right decision. JARESH- Inyo: I hope you're right, for all our sakes. Jake: Grandpa! Grandpa, wake up. Joseph: I'm not sleeping. I'm checking my eyelids for holes. Jake: You'd better come take a look at this. Joseph: Take a look at what? Jake: Come on. To Be Continued...

Joseph: It'll be good to have you home again, Benjamin. Sisko: Dad, you know that this isn't exactly a vacation. I'll be spending most of my time in San Francisco at Starfleet Headquarters. Leyton: Ben, Earth is in danger. Something has to be done about these shape-shifters. You know more about the Dominion than anyone in Starfleet. And so, effective immediately, I'm making you acting head of Starfleet Security here on Earth. Odo: Forgive the intrusion, Mister President, but as you can see, Starfleet has every right to be concerned. Sisko: If Odo was a Dominion infiltrator, he could have killed you. Joseph: You actually thought I was one of them, didn't you? Sisko: I don't know. I wasn't sure. Joseph: This business has got you so twisted around you can't think straight. Benteen: A changeling infiltrated the grounds of Starfleet Headquarters, imitated the Admiral, and got away scot-free. Our security measures aren't working. Sisko: We're doing everything the President will let us do. Benteen: Maybe that's not enough. Leyton: Earth's entire power relay system's been knocked offline. Sisko: In other words, Earth is defenseless. JARESH- Inyo: What you're asking me to do is declare martial law. Leyton: What I'm asking you to do is let us defend this planet. Jake: You'd better come take a look at this. Joseph: Take a look at what? Jake: Come on. And now, the conclusion. Sisko: I don't like this. The more I read Starfleet's reports on the sabotage of the power relays, the more unanswered questions I have. How were the changelings able to infiltrate the Division of Planetary operations? Where did they get the codes for the Division's computer control network? And how did they even manage to disable every power relay on Earth at the same time? Odo: Captain, have you ever heard of a group called Red Squad? Sisko: They're an elite team of Starfleet cadets. According to Nog, every student at the Academy wants to be a part of it. Odo: That explains it. Sisko: Explains what? Odo: Well, according to this transporter log, a group called Red Squad was beamed back to Starfleet Academy twenty six minutes after the State of Emergency was declared. Sisko: That's strange. During the blackout, Starfleet mobilized hundreds of units. Why would they demobilize Red Squad? Odo: That's why I brought it up. But if they're cadets I suppose Starfleet wanted to get them out of harm's way. Sisko: If that's true, how do you explain this? (Sisko calls up a file on his wall monitor. It reads as follows - From Commander, Starfleet to OIC Training Squadron 47, stardate 49334.53. Trans code 4747-23 routing Paris/satcom 5/Luna 6017/San Francisco. Message begins. Effective immediately. All members of CTS-47 designation Red Squad are hereby assigned to field duty patrolling Sol sector, Terra 1. Mission specific orders will be transmitted once all squadron personnel are on station. Message ends.) Sisko: Three hours later Starfleet Command issued an order assigning the entire Corps of Cadets to field duty. Odo: Which means they weren't bringing Red Squad home for their protection. Sisko: So the question is, why would they demobilize Red Squad only to mobilize them again three hours later? Joseph: Lights. Jake: Are you sure re-opening the restaurant is a good idea? Joseph: Jake, it's been four days since the power outage. Have you seen any Dominion invasion fleet? Jake: No. Joseph: Neither have I. Besides, at my age, I don't have time to waste sitting at home being bored. Jake: You know, there's hardly anyone on the streets. You're not going to have any customers. Joseph: Oh, I've got plenty of customers. Just look outside. Jake: All I see are security officers. Joseph: And I bet not one of them has had a good meal in four days. Now you do your grandfather a favor and start chopping up the okra. Commandant: Captain Sisko, is there something I can do for you? Sisko: I need to talk to you about Red Squad. Commandant: Go on. Sisko: Are you aware that there's a transporter record of Red Squad being returned to the Academy not long after the power outage? Commandant: Are you saying that's in the official records? Sisko: That's right. Commandant: Is this a secure line? Sisko: It is at my end. Commandant: One moment. Commandant: Sorry, Captain, but I think you'll agree that this is a time for caution. Sisko: Absolutely. Commandant: Does Admiral Leyton know about this report? Sisko: He hasn't mentioned it to me. Commandant: Listen to me, Captain. I want that record erased before anyone else can see it. Is that understood? Sisko: I'll take care of it immediately. Commandant: Good. That report could cause us a lot of trouble. I'm glad you spotted it. Sisko: So am I. I'd hate to see the members of Red Squad get into any trouble. Commandant: They're fine young men and women. When Leyton talked to me about using them I thought it was a mistake, but I must to admit they performed their mission admirably. I appreciate your call, Captain. I'm in your debt. Odo: Well, that certainly raised more questions than it answered. Joseph: What did I tell you? As human as I ever was. Sisko: You seem pretty jovial today. Joseph: Is there a problem with that? Sisko: It's just, well, you didn't seem too happy about being tested a few days ago. Joseph: That was before the changelings sabotaged the power grid. Sisko: I know, but you have to admit you were pretty adamant about it. Joseph: I don't understand you. When I didn't want to be tested, you made it an issue. Now that I'm cooperating, you're still not satisfied. Sisko: It's not you, Dad. Joseph: Then what is it? Sisko: I'm not sure. Maybe I'm just being paranoid. Nog: Captain, Jake said you wanted to see me. Sisko: Yes, I do. Joseph: You two talk. I'll go chill some tube grubs. Nog: What can I do for you, sir? Sisko: It's about Red Squad. Nog: Red Squad? Did you get me in? Sisko: Not just yet. Nog: Too bad. Those guys are the best. They're the only people I know who aren't afraid of the Dominion. Sisko: Why is that? Nog: I don't know. They're not scared of anything, I guess. Sisko: You seem to know them pretty well. Nog: Jake told I should try to get to know them better, show them I'm a good guy. And so far it seems to be working. The truth is, I think they only like me because I know you. Sisko: Is that so? Nog: You're kind of their hero. The man at the front line in the war with the Dominion. Sisko: I'd like to meet some of these cadets. You think you could introduce me to one of them? Nog: I'm sorry. I can't do that, sir. The names of Red Squad members are supposed to be secret. Sisko: But you know who they are. Nog: It's not easy keeping secrets from a Ferengi. But I feel funny about telling anyone else. Besides, if they found out I told you who they were, I'd never get in. Sisko: Cadet, you are obviously under the mistaken impression that I'm asking a favor. I want a name, and I want it now. And that is an order. Understood, Mister Nog? Nog: Yes, sir. Shepard: Cadet Shepard reporting as ordered, Captain. Sisko: Riley Aldrin Shepard, Starfleet Service number C nine five three oh four six nine nine four two seven. A third year student at Starfleet Academy with a specialty in tactical operations. Shepard: Yes, sir. Sisko: Cadet, I have been reviewing a record of Red Squad activities on the night of the twenty third. The night of the power outage. Shepard: Record, sir? We were told that there was not going to be any written record. Sisko: Are you contradicting me, Cadet? Shepard: No, sir. Sisko: Good. Now who told you there wasn't to be a written record? Shepard: The briefing officer, sir. Sisko: I want that officer's name. Shepard: She didn't give us her name, sir, but she did say there would be no record of our actions and that our role would have to go unrecognized, at least for now. Sisko: Maybe if you'd done your job better, it would have. But you fouled it up, didn't you? You cadets did some sloppy work. Some damn sloppy work. Shepard: With all due respect, sir, that's not true, sir. The mission went perfectly. If anything, it was easier than the simulations. Sisko: Now son, if you think by lying to me you're going to save your own hide, you'd better forget it. Mistakes were made, and I will find out who's responsible. Shepard: I'm not lying to you, sir. I was there. I was at Planetary Operations the whole time. If anything had gone wrong, I would have known about it. Sisko: Is that so? All right, Cadet. Let's go over this step by step, from the time of your mission deployment until your return to base at nineteen hundred forty seven hours PST on the twenty third. Shepard: Yes, sir. We assembled on the Eastern Quad at seventeen hundred hours on the evening of the twenty third. Sisko: I assume by we you mean Red Squad? Shepard: Yes, sir. After assembly we were beamed aboard the Lakota. Once aboard we received our equipment and the necessary codes, and were transported directly to the Division of Planetary Operations in Lisbon. Sisko: At what time? Shepard: Oh four hundred hours exactly, local time of course. Sisko: Go on, Cadet. Shepard: Our contact inside the DPO gave us access to their computer control network. From there we used the access codes we were given, bypassed the security lockouts, and downloaded the disordering protocols into the network. Sisko: And from there the protocols spread to every power relay on the planet. Shepard: It was a pretty impressive sight, sir, watching those relays wink out one after another. Sisko: Sorry I missed it. Shepard: After that, all we had to do was sabotage the restart sequencers and get out. Like I said, sir, it was all by the numbers. Odo: And are you sure that this cadet is telling the truth? Sisko: He admitted to committing acts of treason against the Federation. If he was going to lie, I think he would have made up a better story. Odo: I take it that you gave him a blood screening. Sisko: I tested him myself. He's human. Odo: Well then, let's say he is telling the truth, that his superior officers ordered him to sabotage the power relays. That still doesn't rule out Dominion involvement. For all we know, his superiors have been replaced by changelings. Sisko: I thought about that. But if it were changelings, what have they accomplished? There's been no invasion and power's been restored. Odo: And Starfleet has fortified Earth. I see your point, Captain. So let's say you're right. Starfleet officers have sabotaged the power grid. What are you going to do about it? Sisko: That is the bottom line, isn't it? What am I going to do? These aren't evil people, Odo. These are people I've worked with. They're my friends, people I respect. How can I turn against them? Odo: It seems to me, if they have committed treason against the Federation, the Federation that you swore to protect, you won't be turning against them. They will have turned against you. Inyo: Captain, I've been in politics for seventy years. I'm no stranger to overstatement and exaggeration. But the idea that Starfleet would plot to overthrow the Federation government is the single most astonishing accusation I have ever heard. Sisko: Sir, if you'll hear us out. JARESH- Inyo: As I intend to. But you'll forgive me if I remain somewhat skeptical. Now, you should start at the beginning. Odo: Several months ago, I learned from one of my people that changelings had infiltrated the Federation. Not long after I gave this information to Starfleet, reports indicate that Admiral Leyton led a contingent of high ranking officers to meet with you and recommend implementation of sweeping security measures meant to protect Earth. JARESH- Inyo: And I rejected their suggestions as extreme. Odo: It's no secret that Leyton disagreed with you, and despite your calls for calm, his concern about the Dominion threat continued to grow. Sisko: When the Antwerp Conference was bombed, Leyton became convinced that the changelings posed a greater threat to Earth than you were prepared to admit. JARESH- Inyo: And so Admiral Leyton approached me again, this time with you two at his side. And I agreed to his proposals. Sisko: To some of his proposals. Odo: We believe that Admiral Leyton and his supporters weren't satisfied with the limited security procedures you authorized. They were convinced that extraordinary measures were necessary to counter the changeling threat. Sisko: More than that, they were determined to prove to you and to everyone else how vulnerable Earth was to a Dominion takeover. So they sabotaged the global power grid. JARESH- Inyo: Starfleet officers committing sabotage? Sisko: I know exactly how you feel, but it's the truth. JARESH- Inyo: I find that difficult to believe. Admiral Leyton may be somewhat grating and inflexible at times, but for a man of his accomplishments, a man of his distinguished record to commit treason? Sisko: I'm sure the Admiral doesn't see it as treason. He would probably defend it as a desperate act of patriotism. He and his supporters think that their actions are both necessary and justified. Odo: Not to mention effective. Think about it. The power grid fails, and the next thing you know Starfleet security officers are on the streets of every city, armed with phaser rifles, blood testing citizens at random. JARESH- Inyo: Your story has a certain logic to it, gentlemen, but what it lacks is proof. Sisko: You want proof? Order Admiral Leyton to withdraw his troops from the streets. See what he does. JARESH- Inyo: You think he would refuse a direct order from his Commander-in-Chief? Sisko: If he orders his troops to stand down, then I'm wrong and I'll offer my resignation. But I don't think that's going to happen. With those troops in place, Admiral Leyton controls Earth. And he's not going to give up that control until he's convinced that he has ended the Dominion threat. JARESH- Inyo: He may not have to give up anything. If what you say is true, if the power outage was part of Leyton's plan, then it's worked perfectly. Right now the public overwhelmingly supports the increased security. If I tried to remove those troops over Leyton's objections, I'll have a planetwide riot on my hands. Sisko: What if we bring you the proof? Hard evidence linking Leyton to the sabotage of the power grid? Odo: With that, you could force Leyton to stand down, make him withdraw the troops. JARESH- Inyo: If what you say is true, I'll have his resignation. Bring me the evidence, I promise I'll use it. Nog: Sorry I'm late. Sisko: Where's Cadet Shepherd? Nog: That's a good question. I couldn't find him anywhere. Odo: What do you mean you couldn't find him? Nog: I mean he's gone. And as far as I can tell so is every other member of Red Squad. The rumor is they've all been sent on some kind of training exercise. Leyton: I'm afraid Cadet Shepherd won't be returning to Earth anytime soon. Nog: Admiral Leyton, it's Leyton: Return to your quarters, Cadet. Leyton: Ben, I think you and I have to talk, in private. Odo: I'll be in the next room if you need me. Leyton: Mind if I get a cup of coffee? Sisko: Help yourself. Leyton: I haven't been getting a lot of sleep lately. Too much to do. Sisko: Maybe you need a vacation. Leyton: Mmm. Somehow replicated coffee never tastes this good. I'm afraid I owe you an apology, Ben. Sisko: The way I see it, you owe a lot of people an apology. Leyton: I wish I could have told you the truth from the beginning, but somehow I suspected we wouldn't see eye to eye on this thing. Sisko: Then why did you bring me here? Leyton: Because I needed someone who knew how to fight shape-shifters, and that's you. And I suppose on some level I hoped that when you saw what we were accomplishing, you'd join us. You've always had a strong sense of duty. Sisko: My duty is to protect the Federation. Leyton: That's what we're trying to do. Sisko: What you're trying to do is to seize control of Earth and place it under military rule. Leyton: If that's what it takes to stop the Dominion. Sisko: So you're willing to destroy paradise in order to save it. Leyton: Remember when we were on the Okinawa fighting the Tzenkethi? That time when I wanted to take the ship into an asteroid belt to chase down those three raiders. Sisko: And I said it was an unnecessary risk. Leyton: You spoke your mind. Which is exactly what a good executive officer is supposed to do. But I overruled you. After the staff meeting you followed me into my ready room and tried to argue your point again. Sisko: That's right, I did. Leyton: And remember what I told you? Sisko: That a good officer must respect the chain of command. There comes a time when you must to accept the orders of a superior officer, and carry out those orders whether you agree with them or not. Leyton: I also told you when you became a CO, you'd feel the same way. Sisko: And you were right. About going after the Tzenkethi, and about me. Leyton: Without the chain of command, Starfleet would cease to function and we wouldn't stand a chance against our enemies. I'm still your commanding officer, and now more than ever I need you to respect my authority. Sisko: And I cannot do that! Not this time. Leyton: Then as of now, I'm relieving you of your post as temporary head of Earth Security and sending you back to Deep Space Nine. Go home, Ben. You don't belong here. O'Brien: Beautiful evening, isn't it? Sisko: Chief, how'd you get here? O'Brien: You don't look so good. You've got a lot on your mind, I bet. How is your father? Sisko: There's no way the Defiant could get here so soon. O'Brien: I didn't say I came on the Defiant. Tell me the truth. Do you really believe that phaser rifles will do any good against shape-shifters? Sisko: You're not O'Brien. O'Brien: Luckily, no. The thought of being locked in the one shape all the time. It's unnatural. Don't bother calling for help. It'll only cut short our conversation, and I do enjoy your company. Sisko: If you have something to say to me, say it. O'Brien: You solids. You are so impatient. I thought we could sit here for a while, maybe go to a bar, have a pint, throw some darts. Sisko: I don't think so. O'Brien: Let me ask you a question. How many changelings do you think are here on Earth right at this moment? Sisko: I'm not going to play any guessing games with you. O'Brien: Ah. What if I were to tell you that there are only four on this entire planet. Not counting Constable Odo of course. Think of it. Just four of us, and look at the havoc we've wrought. Sisko: How do I know you're telling me the truth? O'Brien: Four is more than enough. We're smarter than solids. We're better than you. And most importantly, we do not fear you the way you fear us. In the end, it's your fear that will destroy you. Sisko: Are you finished? O'Brien: Finished? We've barely begun. I'll be seeing you. Joseph: I recognize that look. Sisko: What look? Joseph: The one you're wearing. The one that says, something's bothering me and I don't know what to do about it. Sisko: Oh, that look. Joseph: You want to tell me about it? Sisko: I wish I could. Joseph: Oh, I see. It's a Neffie Beumont kind of thing. Sisko: Neffie Beumont? What a crush I had on her. Joseph: Not that you'd admit it. You just sat around for weeks, brooding and pining away, trying to sort it all out, until your old man finally sat you down one day and gave you some advice. Sisko: There comes a time in every man's life when he must stop thinking and start doing. Joseph: And the next day, you finally went over to young Neffie's house and asked her out. Sisko: And she turned me down. Joseph: But at least you weren't brooding anymore. And when Zoey Phillips moved into the neighborhood a few weeks later, you asked her out before her parents were done beaming in the furniture. Sisko: And dated her for three years. I guess what you're telling me is that I must stop brooding and make a decision. Joseph: Exactly. Sisko: Thank you, Dad. Joseph: Don't mention it. Make sure you turn out the lights on your way out. I wonder what ever happened to Zoey Phillips? Sisko: Zoey Phillips. Kira: Captain, why are you transmitting on a Bajoran frequency? Sisko: We have things we need to discuss that I don't want anyone else to hear. What's your status? Kira: Everything here is fine. There's been no sign of Dominion activity. Sisko: What about the wormhole? Kira: It's acting normally again. It stopped opening and closing at random not long after you left. If any Dominion ships did sneak through, they're not giving us any trouble. Sisko: Listen closely. There's something I need for you to do. Odo: It's all yours. I suggest you hurry. I doubt it'll take them very long to diskover that we're here. Sisko: I never knew it was so easy to break into classified Starfleet files. Odo: Everything I know I learned from Quark. Sisko: Looks like Leyton's been a busy man. He's personally reassigned over four hundred officers in the past three weeks. Odo: Do you recognize any of these names? Sisko: A lot of them. Daneeka, McWatt, Snowden, Orr, Moodus. All of them were officers on the Okinawa when I was Leyton's XO. As far as I can tell, every officer on this list served under Leyton at one time or another. Odo: And now they're all in key positions here on Earth. Sisko: Or commanding ships somewhere in this sector. It says here he's ordered another set of transfers. Take a look at these dates. Odo: They all take effect on the fourteenth. Sisko: The day before the President's speech. Odo: Do you think there's any connection? Sisko: Maybe Admiral Leyton doesn't intend for the President to make his speech. I'd better get a copy of this. Sisko: Odo, if Admiral Leyton is planning some kind of takeover on the fourteenth, I want to make sure that Jake and my father are safe. Odo: We should get them off Earth as soon as possible. Sisko: Come in. Benteen: Captain. I'm surprised to find you here. Sisko: Just cleaning out some of my files. I'll see you later, Constable. Odo: Good night, Captain. Sisko: I hear congratulations are in order. Your promotion. Captain of the Lakota. Benteen: Thanks, but it's still a few days away. The Lakota won't be done with its refit until the fourteenth. Sisko: I guess that'll make the fourteenth a special day. Benteen: I'm looking forward to it. Too bad you won't be around for the ceremony. Sisko: Who knows? I might be able to fit it in. Benteen: I thought Admiral Leyton ordered you back to Deep Space Nine. Sisko: He did, but I've got some leave coming and I've decided to take it. After all, I don't get much time to spend on Earth, and it is so pleasant here. With a Starfleet officer on every corner, paradise has never seemed so well-armed. Benteen: You're a very interesting man, Captain. I'm sorry we didn't get to work together longer. Sisko: Admiral. I didn't expect to see you here. Leyton: I'm sure you didn't. Benteen: Captain, your arm please? JARESH- Inyo: Do as she asks. Leyton: Just as I said, Mister President. He's a shape-shifter. Sisko: Are you going to tell me how you faked the blood test? Leyton: Does it matter? Sisko: I suppose not. Leyton: You know, Ben, I stand here looking at you, the best officer who ever served under me, trapped in this holding cell, and I think life can be damned cruel. Sisko: Let me out. Maybe life'll look a little better. Leyton: I don't think I can do that just now. Sisko: So what are you going to do? Keep me here forever? Leyton: No. You'll be free to go in a few days. Sisko: Let me guess. After the President's speech. Leyton: The President won't be making a speech. I will. Sisko: I assume you'll be explaining to the public why it's necessary for Starfleet to seize control of Earth. Leyton: Temporarily, of course. Until the changeling threat has been neutralized. Sisko: And how long will that be? Months? Years? Decades? Leyton: However long it takes. The people deserve strong leadership. Someone who can protect them. Sisko: In other words, you. Leyton: If you need anything, food, something to read, just tell the guards. Chief: Well, if it isn't my favorite vampire. Security: Vampires come out at night. I've been pushing this cart all day. Chief: Look, I'm getting a little tired of all these blood screenings. Security: Believe me, I'm as tired of giving them as you are of taking them. Sisko: Why don't you give me one of those while you're at it? Security: You don't really expect me to let down that forcefield and go in there with you? Odo: Sisko's not the one you should be worried about. I am. Come here. Odo disarms the Chief and neck-pinches the Security woman unconscious.) Sisko: Nicely done, Constable. Odo: Well, it wasn't that difficult, considering I helped you revise the security measures for this building. Sisko: Lucky for me. Have you contacted Major Kira? Odo: The Defiant is on its way to Earth. Sisko: That must mean they found what we were looking for. Odo: It was just as you suspected. They even found the officer responsible. Lieutenant Arriaga. They've put him on the Defiant. Sisko: You have to get to the President. Tell him everything we know and warn him that Leyton is going to make his move some time today. Odo: What about you? Sisko: I've got some business to take care of. Odo: Right. Benteen: I understand the situation, Admiral. I'll do my best. Leyton: Good luck, Captain Benteen. Leyton out. Leyton: Are you planning on using that? Sisko: Against a fellow officer? I hope not. But I will have to ask for your resignation. Leyton: You'll forgive me if I don't leap at the opportunity. Sisko: I have enough evidence to convict you of treason. Leyton: Do you? Sisko: We have Lieutenant Arriaga in custody. He is prepared to admit that under your orders he attached a subspace modulator to the relay satellite on the far side of the wormhole. That is why it was opening and closing at random. Leyton: Why would anyone want to do that? Sisko: To make it look like a cloaked Dominion fleet was entering Federation space so that when the Earth's power relays were sabotaged, the people would think that an invasion was imminent. Leyton: That's a very interesting theory, but it's not going to do you much good. Lieutenant Arriaga isn't going to get to Earth. I've sent the Lakota to intercept the Defiant. Sisko: You think that one Starfleet ship is going to fire on another? Leyton: As far as Captain Benteen's crew is concerned, the Defiant isn't a Starfleet ship. They've been told everyone on the Defiant has been replaced by shape-shifters. Dax: Commander, we're being hailed by the Lakota. They're ordering us to drop out of warp, and prepare to be boarded. Kira: They've raised their shields and powered up their phasers. Looks like they won't take no for an answer. Sisko: Admiral, do you realize what's going on here? Even if you win, even if you do manage to oust Jaresh-Inyo, you still lose. We all lose. Leyton: I can't say I agree with you. Sisko: Do you think other Federation worlds are going to sit back and let their President be replaced by a military dictatorship? Leyton: Hardly a dictatorship, Ben. Sisko: Overthrowing a legitimately elected President and giving Starfleet direct control over the government? It sounds like a dictatorship to me, and I'm sure I'm not the only one who thinks so. Leyton: There will be some dissenters at first, but they'll fall in line once they realize that strengthening Earth is the first step toward strengthening the Federation. Sisko: And what if they don't agree? What then? Are you willing to risk a civil war? If the Lakota fires on the Defiant, you will be opening up a Pandora's box that may never be closed. Leyton: Then contact the Defiant and tell them to stand down. Sisko: I won't do that. Leyton: I didn't think so. But don't kid yourself, Ben. This Pandora's box of yours, we're opening it together. Kira: The Lakota's targeting their weapons on our warp engines. O'Brien: They're bluffing. That's a Federation ship. They're not going to fire on us. Bashir: I hope you're right about that, Chief. Worf: Continue on course. Kira: We're in weapons range. Worf: Raise shields. Worf: Damage report. Dax: Port shields are at sixty percent. O'Brien: Someone's been upgrading the Lakota's weapons. That's a lot of firepower for an Excelsior-class ship. Kira: Can we cloak? Worf: We would have to lower shields. Bashir: I wouldn't advise it. Dax: Do we make a run for it? O'Brien: If they've been tinkering with the weapons, who knows what they've done to the warp drive. Worf: Hail them. Dax: No answer. Kira: They're trying to disable our engines. Bashir: Let's go. We've got to get you to the Medical Bay. O'Brien: What do we do, Commander? Worf: We fight. Worf: Target their weapons. Fire phasers. Leyton: Want some? It's Bolian tonic water. Calms the nerves. Sisko: No, thank you. Leyton: Ironic, isn't it? When you came on board the Okinawa, you were more interested in engineering and ship design than command. But I promoted you to lieutenant commander, gave you the post of executive officer, and taught you everything I knew about being a leader. Sisko: You were a good teacher. Leyton: I only wish I'd taught you more about the importance of loyalty. Sisko: You want to talk to me about loyalty? After you broke your oath with the Federation, lied to the people of Earth, ordered one of our own starships to fire on another! You don't have the right. Leyton: You don't understand me at all, do you? Sisko: I used to think I did. I used to think that you were a man of principles, a man of honor. I see that I was mistaken. Leyton: I'm sorry you feel that way. Sisko: So am I. Crewman: Admiral, we're receiving a message from the Lakota. Leyton: Put it through. Benteen: We've been unable to stop the Defiant. Someone has equipped her with ablative armor and neglected to inform Starfleet operations. Leyton: Under no circumstances is that ship to reach Earth. The Lakota's carrying quantum torpedoes, isn't she? Benteen: Yes, sir. Leyton: Then use them. Benteen: Admiral, my orders were to disable the Defiant, not destroy her. Leyton: Your orders are to keep the Defiant from reaching Earth by any means necessary. Is that understood? Benteen: Yes, it is. Sisko: Captain, you know as well as I do that there aren't any shape-shifters on the Defiant. Use those quantum torpedoes and you will be killing fifty Starfleet officers. Leyton: Captain Benteen knows where her duty lies. You have your orders. Benteen: Yes, sir. Dax: Shields are almost gone. We have major systems failures on decks one, three and four. Worf: What about the Lakota? Kira: They're in worse shape. One good hit will probably finish them. O'Brien: And kill everyone on board. Worf: That is not an option. Kira: It's either them or us. O'Brien: Mister Worf, I think you should look at this. Worf: They have powered down their weapons. Hold your fire. Dax: Commander, they're hailing us. Worf: On screen. Crewman: Admiral Leyton, we are receiving a message for Captain Sisko from the Defiant. Sisko: Put him through. Leyton: Do as he says. Crewman: Patching it in, sir. Worf: I apologize for the delay, Captain. Sisko: What's your status, Mister Worf? Worf: The Lakota has powered down its weapons and is allowing us to proceed to Earth. Sisko: Casualties? Worf: Bartlett and Ramsey are dead, sir. Seven others seriously injured. Captain Benteen thinks there may be as many as twenty four casualties on the Lakota. Sisko: Get here as soon as you can. The President's expecting you. Worf: Aye, sir. Leyton: That was a mistake, Ben, talking to your ship from my office. Now that security knows you're here, you'll never make it past that door. Sisko: It doesn't matter whether I get out of here or not. By now, Odo is talking to Jaresh-Inyo. The President will have all the evidence he needs to stop you. It's over. Leyton: It's not over! I have enough loyal officers to make a fight of it. Sisko: Who will you fight? Starfleet? The Federation? Don't you see, Admiral? You're fighting the wrong war. And as for your loyal officers, Benteen's already abandoned you. And she was closer to you than anyone. You've lost. Don't make anyone else pay for your mistakes. Leyton: I hope you're not the one making the mistake. Joseph: The streets are going to seem emptier with them gone. Odo: Would you be happier if they'd stayed? Joseph: oh, if they'd stayed, it wouldn't be Earth anymore, would it? It didn't seem right, all those phasers everywhere. Jake: Something wrong, Odo? Odo: Am I the only one who's worried that there are still changelings here on Earth? Joseph: Worried? I'm scared to death. But I'll be damned if I'm going to let them change the way I live my life. Sisko: If the changelings want to destroy what we've built here, they're going to have to do it themselves. We will not do it for them. Joseph: I'm going to miss you, son. You too, Jake-o. Feels like you just got here. Sisko: You sure we can't convince you to come back to the station with us? Jake: A Creole restaurant would be a big hit on the Promenade. Joseph: Then you'll just have to open one. This is my home. Sisko: Well, we'd better get going. Now don't forget Joseph: Take my medicine. I know. Is he always such a mother hen? Odo: He means well. Joseph: Take care of yourself. Sisko: I'll do my best. Joseph: That's all I can ask. Sisko: Three to beam up. Joseph: Well, what are you waiting for? Come in, have a seat. Today I'm recommending the pasta boudin. It's got a bit of a kick, but it will make you smile.

Odo: One raktajino, extra hot, two measures of kava. Time? Computer: Oh seven fifty nine hours. Kira: Good morning. Odo: Major. Kira: So. Ahh. How many have we got? Odo: Sixteen items. Kira: The station's criminal element has been busy this week. Odo: Nothing out of the ordinary. Three petty thefts, two incidents of disorderly conduct, one assault. Kira: Ijarna's wife hit him again? Why does he stay with her? Odo: Skip to item twelve. Kira: Public lewdness. Odo: The same night Ijarna reported the assault, I found him and his wife behind the information kiosk on the second level. Kira: That answers my question. What about item seven? Odo: Ah. One of my deputies caught Ojuy Gel scrawling political graffiti on a wall in section four. Kira: He's always riled up about something, isn't he? What is it this time? Odo: He was protesting First Minister Shakaar's upcoming visit to the station. Kira: He's been handing out leaflets saying Shakaar should drop the petition to join the Federation. Odo: Well, leaflets are one thing, vandalism is quite another. Ojuy spent a night in a holding cell for his trouble, and I understand the Arbiter has sentenced him to three weeks community service on sanitation duty. Kira: Just make sure he scrubs that wall clean before Shakaar gets here. I don't want him to see it. Odo: Right. Quark: I'd like to file a complaint. Odo: Not now, Quark. Quark: A noise complaint against you. Odo: We are conducting station business. Quark: My quarters are right below his. You wouldn't believe the racket he makes. Odo: Quark. Quark: Do you know what it's like to hear someone practice shape-shifting? Last night, it sounded like a Takaran wildebeest was tromping around up there. Odo: That was for all of five minutes. Once you complained, I took the form of a Rafalian mouse. Quark: Yeah, little tiny feet skittering across the floor. Back and forth, back and forth. Kira: You could hear that? Quark: Hello? Sometimes I can even hear him oozing around. Kira: Maybe you should change quarters. Quark: Maybe he should have a little more consideration. Shape-shifting in the middle of the night. There ought to be a regulation against it. Odo: Come back in half an hour, I'll be happy to take your complaint then. Quark: Oh, I'll be back. You can count on it. Kira: It's just Quark's luck that you would be assigned quarters right above his. Odo: Luck had nothing to do with it. O'Brien: I don't see why Captain Sisko insists on having me here. I'm not a senior officer. Bashir: Maybe he just wanted to see you in your dress uniform. It does show off your figure. O'Brien: Why, thank you. Sisko: Good of you to make it, old man. Shakaar's transport just docked. Dax: Sorry. There were so many people on the Promenade it was hard to get through. Kira: I hope Shakaar's gotten better at speaking in front of groups. He used to mumble his way through mission briefings. Everyone in our resistance cell had to learn to lip read. Sisko: Welcome to Deep Space Nine, Minister. Shakaar: Thank you, Captain. I've been looking forward to visiting the station and meeting the Emissary. Sisko: This is part of my senior staff. Lieutenant Commander Jadzia Dax, Chief of Operations Miles O'Brien, Doctor Bashir, and, of course you know Major Kira. Shakaar: Nerys. Kira: Good to see you again, Edon. Shakaar: Well, I guess I should introduce my senior staff. There he is. Sarish: Sarish Rez, the First Minister's adjutant. Sisko: A pleasure. Come this way. There's quite a crowd waiting for you on the Promenade. Shakaar: Can't wait. Dax: Why didn't you tell me? Kira: What? Dax: He's so good looking. Sisko: The guards will escort you to the podium whenever you're ready. Sarish: Don't forget to mention the transit subsidies you just allocated. Tell them they can expect the price of transport to Bajor to start dropping within a few months. And remember, enunciate. Shakaar: Let's go. Kira: Good luck. Shakaar: Yeah. Odo: Odo to Captain Sisko. Sisko: Go ahead, Constable. Odo: I've just Odo: Received a disturbing communication. I have reason to believe someone is planning to assassinate First Minister Shakaar. Odo: As far as I'm concerned we should've gotten the First Minister off that podium as soon as we received the information. Sarish: If Shakaar canceled his public appearances every time someone threatened his life, he would never leave his office. Odo: We're not talking about some disgruntled shopkeeper who writes a letter threatening Shakaar for raising taxs, we're talking about a Cardassian extremist group that's already succeeded in assassinating two Bajoran officials. Sarish: I know all about the True Way and what they're capable of. Odo: My sources in the Cardassian Civilian Government believe the True Way already has an operative in place aboard the station. I suggest you cancel the First Minister's conference and reschedule it at another location. Sarish: Absolutely not. Nothing is going to keep Shakaar from meeting those delegates tomorrow. Bajor's effort to join the Federation hinges on what happens over the next few days. Sisko: Shouldn't the decision be up to the First Minister? Sarish: It will be. But I already know what he's going to say. Kira: So do I. Shakaar knows better than anyone you can't capitulate to terrorists. He used to be one, and the day the Cardassians started to negotiate with him was the day he knew they'd been beaten. He'll stay. Sisko: I suppose if I were in his position I'd do the same. Constable, I want station security stepped up for the duration of Shakaar's visit. Odo: The First Minister will have round-the-clock protection. I'd like to deploy Starfleet security personnel in addition to my own deputies. Sisko: Of course. Commander Eddington is on leave. I'll ask Mister Worf to head up Starfleet Security while he's gone. Odo: I've cleared the rooms above, below and to both sides of the First Minister's quarters. Worf: I would recommend clearing that entire section of the Habitat Ring. Odo: I'm afraid that isn't feasible. There are over twelve hundred people living there. Worf: Providing security was difficult enough aboard the Enterprise. It appears to be next to impossible on this station. Odo: It isn't easy. Worf: I prefer a more orderly environment. Odo: We have that in common. My people have an innate need for order. Worf: How do you tolerate living here? Odo: I make order where I can. For one thing, I have a daily routine which I follow unwaveringly. Shopkeepers on the Promenade joke that they can set their clocks by me. Worf: Unfortunately, I have found it difficult to establish a routine here. Odo: There are other ways to create order in your life. Your quarters, for example. Everything in mine has its specific place and it's all arranged just so. Worf: Yes, mine too. Even with my eyes closed I would still know where everything was. Odo: Exactly. Worf: I would not tolerate it any other way. Odo: I'll tell you what else to do. Make sure everyone knows they can't just drop by your quarters to say hello. If someone does, whatever happens, don't make them feel welcome. Worf: Of course not. That would only invite subsequent visits. Odo: Precisely. Worf: So far, the only person who has a tendency to drop by is Chief O'Brien. Odo: That's probably because he knows you from the Enterprise. Worf: Perhaps if I am more inhospitable, he will stop. Odo: Good luck. Odo: Odo to Worf. Worf: Go ahead. Odo: The guards are in position. The corridors between Shakaar's quarters and the wardroom have been cleared. Worf: Acknowledged. Odo: The First Minister is scheduled to leave for the reception Odo: In half an hour. Worf: The wardroom will be scanned and secured well before then. Shakaar: You must be Odo. Odo: First Minister. Shakaar: I was hoping I'd get to meet you. I just wish it wasn't under these circumstances. We're ready to go. Odo: Well, the reception doesn't start for another Shakaar: I know. I want to stop by the Promenade and visit the Temple first. Odo: Why wasn't I told about this? Sarish: I didn't know myself until a moment ago. Shakaar: Is there a problem? Odo: I would have posted extra security on the Promenade. Shakaar: We'll just slip in, I'll stay for a few minutes, and then we'll slip out. Odo: With all due respect, sir, now that you're First Minister you can't slip in or out of bed without people noticing. Shakaar: Maybe not, but that doesn't mean I'm going to stay in bed all day. Odo: Odo to Worf. There's been a change of plans. Shakaar: I understand you used to work for the Cardassians when they were running the station. Odo: I was in charge of keeping order on the Promenade. Shakaar: They could've given that job to one of their own people. They must have thought very highly of you. I know Kira does. She once told me she trusted you with her life. Odo: Well, I'm gratified to hear that. Shakaar: I've always found her to be a good judge of character, so I'll trust you with mine too. Man: It's him. Woman: Really? Man: First Minister. Shakaar: Gentlemen. How are you. Hi. How are you today? Worf: Worf to Odo. We have secured the Temple. Odo: I'll try to get him inside as soon as I can. Shakaar: Welcome. It's a pleasure to see you here. How do you do? Pleasure. Woman 2: It's nice to meet you. Shakaar: I appreciate you being here. Thank you. Man 2: It's a great pleasure, Minister. Shakaar: Nice to see you. Kira: Is it always like this? Sarish: It's not often that people get a chance to talk to the First Minister. Besides, have you ever met a Bajoran who didn't have a fervent opinion about everything from Prophetic interpretation to farm policy? Kira: I guess not. Sarish: Is that Vedek Tonsa? Kira: Yes, it is. Sarish: I hear he's an excellent springball player. Kira: Oh, the best on the station. Why? Sarish: I think I'll see if we can arrange a game. Kira: You'd better be good. Sarish: I'm terrible. But it will give me a chance to talk to him about supporting Shakaar in the Vedek Assembly. Kira: Do you have to stare like that? I think it's making people nervous. Odo: Good. Kira: I've been meaning to ask you. Why don't you wear that belt anymore? Odo: I don't know. It didn't really serve a purpose. It's not as if I needed it to hold my pants up. Kira: I just thought it looked good on you, that's all. Odo: Really? Kira: Really. Odo: Well, if you say so. Odo: Better? Kira: Much. I guess I'll turn in. Odo: Of course. Good night, Major. Kira: Good night. Shakaar: Will you excuse me? Nerys. Where are you going? You haven't even said hello. Kira: You were so busy, I didn't want to bother you. Shakaar: You wouldn't be bothering me, you'd be rescuing me. Kira: That bad? Shakaar: You have no idea. Kira: Then I suppose now wouldn't be a good time for me to give you my opinion on how Bajor should be dealing with the Klingons. Shakaar: Actually, it would. But not here. Kira: I was joking. Shakaar: Fine. We'll talk about something else. Quark: Care for some hasperat? Odo: No. I don't eat. Quark: Have some. I'm charging by the head for this little function and you do have a head, for the moment. Shakaar: Let's take a walk. Kira: Okay. Odo: Minister? Shakaar: We're going to take a stroll. Odo: If you tell me where you're going, I'll secure your route. Shakaar: If I knew where we were going, it wouldn't be a stroll, would it? Odo: I suppose not. I'll escort you. Shakaar: Fine, but just you. Oh, and don't stay too close. Shakaar: Let's go. Odo: Where? Shakaar: Back to my quarters. Odo: This way. Odo: I take it the negotiations aren't going all that well. Shakaar: How'd you know? Odo: The truth is, the Bajorans are even less successful than most humanoids at hiding their emotions. Shakaar: So you're saying it's as plain as the nose on my face? Odo: I've been working with the Federation for a number of years. They claim to be open and understanding, but somehow they're always convinced that they're right. It can be exasperating at times. Shakaar: I've been trying to get them to cut the timetable for Bajor's admittance into the Federation by half. But every time I think I've made them understand my reasons, they remind me that every member of the Federation has gone through the same admittance process. Odo: And why should Bajor be any different? Shakaar: I can't think of a single reason. Odo: Unless of course, you take into account the effect that fifty years of occupation might have on a society. Shakaar: Thank you. Shakaar: You know, I've been a soldier and I've been a politician, and I have to say I'm starting to think that being a soldier was easier. Odo: Well, I'm afraid I don't know much about politics. Shakaar: Well, you agree with me. As far as I'm concerned, that makes you an expert. Shakaar: I realize I haven't been making your job any easier the past few days. Odo: Well, I can't argue with that. Shakaar: Well, I want to you to understand that I appreciate your thoroughness. Odo: Thank you. Shakaar: Yeah. Odo, I know that you and Nerys are friends, and I was wondering. Does she ever talk to you about me? Odo: Of course. She's spoken about you on more than one occasion. Shakaar: What I mean is, has she ever said anything to you that might indicate that she thought of me as more than a friend? Odo: Ah. Well, let me think. No. Shakaar: Oh, I see. I've known Nerys for over ten years. I've trusted her with my life on more than one occasion. Odo: So have I. Shakaar: She always knew how to follow orders. She never complained when things got rough. She was a good soldier and a good friend. But now it's different. Odo: Is it? She's still your friend. Shakaar: I know. I think I'm falling in love with her. Sometimes I get the sense that maybe, just maybe, she feels the same way. But I could be wrong. I'm afraid to say anything because it might ruin our friendship. But if I don't, I could be letting something precious slip through my fingers. Odo: It's a difficult situation. Shakaar: Yeah. Well, for all I know, I've gotten myself all twisted up over nothing. I mean, if she hasn't said anything to you, then this whole thing is probably just inside my head. Odo: Frankly, I think she's still grieving for Vedek Bareil. Shakaar: Of course. It's only natural. Maybe I should just be patient. Odo: That's what I would do. Shakaar: On the other hand, maybe I should let her know how I feel. It might help her get over her loss if she knew that there was somebody who really cared about her. What do you think? Odo: I'm afraid I know even less about relationships than I do about politics. Shakaar: Well, then, I understand. I don't mean to burden you with my problems. Talking about humanoid relationships can't be that interesting to you. Odo: For the most part, no. Quark: You don't have to bother, Odo, I can personally vouch for every one of my employees who had access to that food. Odo: Huh. I can't tell you how relieved that makes me feel. Odo: I'm reading some sort of power signature. Odo: Ah. A Ferengi eavesdropping device. I don't suppose you know anything about this? Quark: There it is. I've been looking for that all day. Odo: You admit it's yours? Quark: I must have misplaced it. Odo: I take it you were hoping to peddle information about Shakaar's meeting? Quark: Odo, you know as well as I do that it's illegal to listen to someone's conversation without their consent. Odo: Why else would someone like you own such an expensive listening device? Quark: I use it to monitor Rom's sleep. You see, ever since he was a boy, my brother's had this condition where he sometimes stops breathing in the middle of the night. The fact is, I can't sleep unless I know he's all right. Odo: Very touching. Odo: How clumsy of me. Quark: You are in a bad mood today. Odo: I don't have moods. Quark: Of course not. You're an unfeeling changeling. All you care about is order. Odo: That's right. Quark: Oh, please. I know what's going on. You don't have to pretend with me. Odo: I have no idea what you're talking about. Quark: You're in love with her. Odo: Who? Quark: Kira. Odo: That's ridiculous. Quark: And what's more, you're worried she's falling in love with Shakaar. Odo: Is that a fact. Quark: It's the truth. Why can't you just admit it? It's nothing to be ashamed of. Look, Odo, I know this can't be easy for you Odo: I don't want your sympathy, Quark, and I don't need your advice. Just stay out of my business. Odo: Computer, time. Computer: Oh eight twenty one hours. Kira: I'm sorry I'm late. I didn't realize what time it was. So what do we have? Odo: Nine items. Kira: So far it's all fairly routine. Something wrong? Odo: Your raktajino? Kira: Oh, I had one this morning with Shakaar. Odo: I didn't see you in the Replimat. Kira: No, it was in his quarters. He asked me to look over a proposal he's going to make to the Federation delegates. Odo: Ah. There's an interesting story behind item four. Kira: And I would love to hear it, but I'm a little pressed for time right now. Odo: Of course. Kira: I promised Shakaar I'd give him a tour of the station. Odo: I'll make sure security is in place. Kira: Thank you. See you later. Kira: The upper pylons have the best view of the wormhole. Shakaar: I've never seen it, actually. Kira: Why don't we stay a few minutes. May a ship will go through. You can see it open. Shakaar: You're the First Officer, can't you order a ship through? Kira: Well, you're the First Minister, you should be able to order a whole fleet through. Shakaar: The other day I heard someone say that if you happen to see the wormhole open, you get to make a wish. Kira: That's been going around the station for a while now. Kira: Look. Did you make a wish? Shakaar: Yes. Kira: We should get going. There's a lot more to see. Odo: Odo to Worf. Worf: Go ahead. Odo: We're heading back down to the Docking Ring. Worf: Acknowledged. Worf: Your route has been secured. Odo: Level two D. Computer: Please enter security code. Shakaar: You know I haven't had a meal outside the wardroom or my quarters since I got here. Kira: Well, there are some pretty nice places to eat on the Promenade. Shakaar: You have a favorite? Kira: There's a new Bolian restaurant that's pretty good. Shakaar: I've never had Bolian food. Kira: This isn't going to sound very appetizing, but the meat they use is sort of aged. Shakaar: Aged? Worf: Worf to Odo, a turbolift is stuck on level forty one. We're going to have to re-route you. Odo: Verify your security code and I'll release the controls to you. Kira: You don't want to know. Shakaar: Why don't we go there tonight? Kira: I'd love to. Shakaar: Great. How does nineteen hundred hours sound? Shakaar: We can Kira: We're falling! Kira to Worf. Someone cut our comm. links. Odo: Controls aren't responding. Shakaar: Well, I guess this means my tour is over. Sisko: You're telling me someone overrode the station's comm. system, faked Worf's voice, and then sent one of our turbolifts into a free fall? Odo: I'm afraid so, sir. Apparently they tapped into the comm. system with a voice synthesizer. Sisko: What I want to know is how they got Worf's security code. Odo: We don't know that they did that, sir. Sisko: What do you mean? Odo: I turned over control of the turbolift without verifying his code. Sisko: They say to err is human, But you're not human, Odo. You're not even humanoid. And this is not the sort of mistake that I'd expect from you. Odo: I was distracted. Sisko: Distracted? Odo: A personal matter, sir. I prefer not to discuss it. Sisko: Constable, whatever this personal matter is, don't let it interfere with your job again. Odo: I won't, sir. Sisko: That's all I need to hear. Now, no ships have been allowed to leave since this incident occurred. That means that whoever was responsible is still on the station. I want them found. Odo: Yes, sir. Worf: It appears that they accessed the turbolift control system through the ODN relays. Worf: There might be a trace of the access signal left in the relays. If we can isolate it, we might be able to follow it back to the source. Odo. Are you listening? Odo: I've heard every word. Worf: Your mind does not appear to be on its work. Odo: With all due respect, Commander, you don't know me well enough to gage my state of mind. Worf: When someone fails to ask for a security verification, their state of mind is obvious. Odo: Is it. Worf: And with all due respect, I do not see how sitting in a chair staring at a wall is going to help apprehend Shakaar's would-be assassin. Odo: You're right. It won't. I'm going to go talk to Major Kira. Worf: Why? She already gave us her statement. Odo: You follow your leads, Commander, I'll follow mine. Odo: Jimenez? What are these men doing here? Jimenez: First Minister Shakaar is in Major Kira's quarters, sir. Odo: How long has he been there? Jimenez: Since they finished dinner about three hours ago. Odo: All right, Ensign, you're relieved. Jimenez: Sir, I'm not scheduled to go off duty Odo: I said you're relieved. I'll take the rest of your shift. Jimenez: Yes, sir. Kira: Let's have dinner. Shakaar: Great. I'll see you then. Kira: Good morning. Odo: May I ask where you're going, First Minister? Shakaar: To my quarters and then to the meeting in the Wardroom. Odo: Major, I was wondering if you had a moment to answer a few questions about what happened in the turbolift. Kira: Sure. Come on in. Kira: Lights. Odo: Did I do something amusing? Kira: No, it's just. Edon and I. Odo: I understand. Kira: Odo, if someone had told me a year ago that this was going to happen, do you know what I would've said? You're crazy. Yes, I respect him. Yes, he makes me laugh. But we know each other too well. He's seen me go weeks without a bath. We've spent long, cold nights huddled together for warmth. There's no mystery left between us. We're friends, that's all. I guess I was wrong. Odo: I'm happy for you. Kira: This must seem so silly to you. Odo: No, not in the least. Kira: You're such a good friend to me. I'm so glad you're the first person to know. Now, you wanted to ask me something about what happened in the turbolift. Odo: Yes, but we can talk about it later. Kira: Oh, no, are you sure? Odo: Yes. I have an appointment. Kira: All right. Worf: Take him to a holding cell. Odo: What'd he do? Worf: He was responsible for the attack on First Minister Shakaar. Odo: What? Worf: He has admitted to being a True Way operative. They provided him with an isolinear interface to access station systems. He was attempting to use it to depressurize Shakaar's quarters by sabotaging the environmental controls. Odo: I see. Worf: When he tried to access them, I traced the signal path back to him. He was operating out of an abandoned cargo hold on level thirty one. Odo: Why didn't you call me before you made the arrest? Worf: It was not necessary. Your deputies assisted me quite capably. They are well trained. You are to be commended. Quark: I know you're in there. I heard you. Quark: Fine. We'll do this the hard way. Quark: I knew it would come to this. You take the form of an animal, you're going to end up behaving like one. What was it? A Klingon targ, a Trellan crocodile? I tell you, this time you crossed the line. I've had it. Odo. Odo! Are you okay? Odo: You were right. Quark: Oh. I take it Major Kira and Shakaar are? You really are in love. I must say, I really didn't think you had it in you. It takes passion to do something like this, and I always thought you were colder than a Breen winter. Odo: What was I thinking? How could I have fooled myself into believing she could ever love someone like me? Quark: Look, the last thing I want to do is interfere with your personal life but this, this just isn't any good, for either of us. Odo: I'll try to keep my problems more quiet next time. Quark: I'm not talking about the noise, I'm talking about business. I'm losing my shirt in the manhunt pool. Odo: The what? Quark: Anytime there's an unusual crime committed on the station, I run a pool so that people can bet on how long it'll take for you to catch the perpetrator. It's very popular. Frankly, I don't care whether you and Major Kira end up living happily ever after or not. I just want to see the situation resolved. The way I see it, you've either got to tell her how you feel, or forget about her and get on with your life. Concentrate on the essentials. Because you can't keep going like this. It's interfering with your job. And my profits. Odo: Your profits? Quark: Unless you do something about the situation, I'm going to have to stop running the pool. Odo: I'm devastated. Quark: You should be. The fact that that pool exists says something about you, about who you are. People see you as the guy who always gets his man. Now you're becoming the guy who tears up his quarters and sits alone in the rubble. And no one's going to want to place bets on how long someone's going to sit around in the dark. Well, I've said my piece. Sorry for butting in. But I'm just looking out for my business. Odo: Funny. For a minute there I thought you were talking to me as a friend. Quark: Nah. Kira: Yes. Odo: Good morning, Major. Kira: Come in. What brings you here? Odo: I wanted to talk to you about something. Kira: What is it? Odo: I don't quite know how to say this, but I've given it a lot of thought, and er Kira: Go on. Just say it. Odo: I'm afraid I won't be able to make our Tuesday morning meetings anymore. Kira: Oh. Why not? Odo: I've decided to schedule additional training exercises with my deputies. Kira: Maybe we could have our meetings at another time? Odo: My schedule is rather tight. And lets face it, the Criminal Activity reports speak for themselves. There's really no reason we have to review them together. Kira: Maybe not, but I kind of enjoyed doing it. I thought you did too. Odo: Of course. Kira: Odo, is something wrong? Odo: It's just a matter of using my time more efficiently. Kira: I understand. Odo: Well. Kira: Hey. No belt? Odo: I'm just trying to keep to the essentials, Major. Kira: See you. Quark: They're upstairs. Odo: Who? Quark: Kira and Shakaar. They're in holosuite three, practicing the speech he's going to give tomorrow before he leaves. I hear he's going to announce that the Federation has agreed to cut the timetable on Bajor's admittance. Odo: Where did you hear that? Quark: Just a rumor. Odo: Are you sure you haven't been listening in on your holosuites again? Quark: Even if I wanted to, I couldn't. I don't have the right equipment. Odo: Not anymore. Quark: By the way, I dropped by your quarters this morning. Odo: Oh? Quark: I heard some noise, and when I went to complain, I found a work crew installling soundproofing in the floor. I have to say, Odo, I'm touched that you would do something like that for me. Odo: I'm having the floor reinforced. The fact that they're soundproofing it as well is incidental. If you think I'd put up with three days of construction for your sake, think again. Quark: I guess I should've known. Thanks, anyway. Odo: Don't mention it. Kira: What? Shakaar: That's what she said. Kira: No. I don't believe it. Okay, from the beginning. Tell me the whole thing. Shakaar: They're either going to do it or they're not.

Kira: Is all this really necessary? Bashir: The Klingon invasion has all but destroyed the Cardassian health system. They're suffering outbreaks of all kinds of diseases and in epidemic proportions. Besides, you've only got twelve more inoculations to go. Kira: Twelve? Bashir: Sorry, but if you want to go to the conference. Kira: I don't want to go. I'm no diplomat. Going to some obscure Cardassian outpost to share Bajoran intelligence about the Klingons isn't exactly something I'm good at. I don't know why I even agreed to go in the first place. Bashir: You agreed to go because it was a personal request from the First Minister of Bajor. Kira: Oh, it was a personal request all right. Shakaar took me to my favorite restaurant in Jalanda City, poured me glass after glass of spring wine, then took me to his home, and gave me a massage with Kolaish spice oil. Bashir: Well, nice to know he's keeping in touch with his constituents. Kira: It wasn't fair. I mean, I would have said yes to anything at that point. Bashir: What is it? Kira: I'm seeing spots. Bashir: Big green, swirling ones? Kira: The size of Alvinian melons. Bashir: And is the room beginning to spin? Kira: Yes. Bashir: Good. It means the vaccine's beginning to work. Everything'll settle down in a moment. Worf: Major, may I speak with you? Kira: I'm not going anywhere. Bashir: This one might make you a little queasy. If you have something to say to the major, you'd better make it fast. Worf: The Federation has some concerns about your upcoming meeting with the Cardassians. Kira: So do I. Worf: There are certain technological advances that we have shared with both Bajor and the Klingons that we prefer to keep out of Cardassian hands. Kira: Such as? Worf: Photon torpedo guidance systems, long-range sensors, enhanced warp core overdrives. This is a complete list. Kira: Oh. Well, I think the Cardassians are going to be a little disappointed. Worf: Undoubtedly. Kira: Is that all? Worf: Yes. Kira: Oh good. I'll be right back. Bashir: I'm glad I'm not going to Cardassia. Kira: Come in. Dukat: Hello, Major. Kira: Dukat? What are you doing here? Dukat: I'm to escort you to your meeting on Korma. Kira: You're commanding the Groumall? Dukat: Thanks to you. If you had not convinced me to bring my half-Bajoran daughter back to Cardassia, I'd still be Chief Military Advisor to the Detepa Council. Kira: They demoted you. Dukat: Exactly one week after my mother disowned me and my wife took our children and left. Kira: You still did the right thing, Dukat. Dukat: And as a reward for following your advice, I have been relegated to ferrying freight. And, occasionally, various foreign dignitaries such as yourself. Kira: Look, if it makes you feel better to blame me, go right ahead. Dukat: No, no, no. I blame no one but myself. I was indiskreet. I compromised myself and have been punished accordingly. If someone under my command had behaved so outrageously, I would do the same to him. Besides, I assure you, this is only a temporary setback. Everything I have lost, I will regain. It's only a matter of time. Now, may I take your bags? Please? Kira: Come in. Ziyal! I didn't know you were on board. Ziyal: Hello, Major. Kira: Oh please, call me Nerys. So, I take it living on Cardassia didn't work out very well. Ziyal: I wasn't exactly welcomed with open arms. There were some Cardassians who could see past the Bajoran ridges on my nose, but not many. Kira: I'm sorry. I know it must have been very difficult for you. Ziyal: The only good thing about living on Cardassia was being with my father. Kira: I'm glad you two are getting along. Ziyal: He's been wonderful. And so brave. He never tried to hide me away. He never acted like he was ashamed of me. We'd go out to dinner together, take long walks. Kira: And now that he's been exiled? Ziyal: Wherever he goes, I go. He's the only family I have. And this is the only home I need. Kira: Your father isn't the only one who's brave. Kira: What's that? Ziyal: It's a battle drill. Kira: On a freighter? Damar: Target at four hundred thousand kilometers and closing. Dukat: Shields at maximum. Maintain scan. Damar: Engineering and Tactical, ready. Waiting on weapons, sir. Dukat: What's taking so long? Damar: The phaser banks are still charging. Dukat: I want those weapons online now! Damar: Phasers ready. Dukat: Lock on target. Damar: Target set. Dukat: Fire! Dukat: Time? Damar: Three forty seven. Dukat: That's pitiful. A crew of Ferengi scrap peddlers could do better than that. Select another target. We'll do it again. Damar: Aye, sir. Dukat: This may be a lowly freighter, Major, but it's still a military vessel and will be run in a military manner. Kira: You know, you could speed up your phaser recharge time by routing power through an anodyne capacitor. Dukat: Thank you, Major. That's very helpful. And if we had an anodyne capacitor, we would use it. But we don't. Major, please forgive me. I do appreciate your suggestion. Any anger I may have expressed was due to my frustration over the complete inadequacy of this vessel. I hope you'll allow me to make it up to you. Kira: What did you have in mind? Dukat: I was hoping we might have dinner together. After all, it is Cardassian tradition for the commanding officer of a ship to entertain his guests. Kira: Far be it from me to stand in the way of tradition. Kira: This is Bajoran Spring Wine. Dukat: My last bottle. It's one of the things I miss most about Bajor. Kira: I talked to Ziyal. She's a lovely girl. Dukat: I'm very glad that you convinced me not to kill her. Kira: Despite everything that's happened? Dukat: You may not believe this, Major, but when it comes to Ziyal I regret nothing. Kira: It's good to hear that. Dukat: By the way, Major. What is this I hear about you and Shakaar? Kira: I don't know what you've heard. Dukat: First it was Vedek Bareil, and now it's the head of the Bajoran government. You do like powerful men, don't you? Kira: First of all, Shakaar's an old friend. Second of all, what business is it of yours? Dukat: Let's just say it's further incentive for me to regain my former position. Kira: It's good to see you haven't lost your sense of humor. Dukat: I must say, I've always admired Shakaar's success with women. The intelligence file I kept on him during the occupation is filled with reports of his conquests. In fact, if you remember correctly, you were the only female in his resistance cell that he didn't charm. At least until now. Kira: Is that what you kept track of during the occupation? No wonder you lost. Dukat: More wine, Major? Kira: Another drill? Dukat: I didn't schedule one. Damar: Sir, we're approaching the outpost on Korma, or what's left of it. Dukat: What are you talking about? Damar: From what we can tell, it's been attacked. The planetary defense systems have been disabled. Every building has been destroyed. Kira: How many casualties? Damar: There are no life signs. Dukat: Then we have to assume that everyone at the outpost, including the Cardassian and the Bajoran dignitaries, is dead. Damar: Sir, I'm reading a subspace distortion bearing zero zero one mark one five. Dukat: On screen. Dukat: Klingons. Damar: They're scanning us, sir. Dukat: Full power to forward shields. Kira: At this distance your shields won't mean much. Damar: Sir, they've stopped scanning us. Dukat: What are they doing? Damar: Nothing, sir. They don't seem to be in a hurry to do anything about us. Kira: They don't think we're a threat, Dukat. Dukat: Then why were they cloaked when we arrived? Kira: They detected an incoming vessel, they didn't know what it was, so they hid. Now they know and they're unconcerned. Damar: The Klingon ship has lowered its shields. They're moving off at one quarter impulse. Dukat: They'll pay for their arrogance. Charge phaser banks. Kira: What are you doing, Dukat? You can't go up against a bird of prey! Dukat: Must I remind you, Major, they just murdered your people as well as mine? Kira: I know that, but getting all of us killed isn't going to change that. Dukat: We're the only Cardassian ship in the area. I'm not going to let these Klingons escape unchallenged. Kira: You attack them and all you're going to do is give them a little target practice. They're going to blow us to pieces with their first shot. Damar: Phaser banks charged. Dukat: Lock phasers on target. Damar: Phasers locked. Kira: Dukat! At least lock onto the underside of their hull. It's their weakest spot. Dukat: You heard the Major. Damar: Target set. Dukat: Fire! Damar: Their shields were down and we didn't penetrate their hull. Dukat: Divert all power to forward shields. Damar: Aye, sir. Damar: They've gone to warp. Dukat: Well, it would seem we're not worth destroying. Kira: Lucky for us. Dukat: I suppose from their point of view, there's no honor in destroying a worthless freighter. I have to inform Central Command. These Klingons have been operating behind our lines with impunity. Somebody has got to stop them. Someone else. Kira: How close is the nearest Cardassian warship? Dukat: Probably in the Dopa System somewhere. Kira: That's almost three days away. By the time they get here, the Klingons'll be long gone. Dukat: That's true, but what can we do about it? Kira: We can go after the Klingons. Dukat: A few moments ago, you were advising caution. Kira: That's because a moments ago we were in no position to fight back. I have no intention of letting them get away with what they did. Now, you said scanners showed that the outpost disruptors were disabled not destroyed, right? Damar: Correct. Kira: Dukat, do you think you'd be able to repair one of those disruptors? Dukat: What would be the point? I doubt we can lure the Klingons back to the outpost. Kira: Maybe not. But there's no reason we can't make a few alterations to your ship. Dukat: What kind of alterations? Dukat: Here? In the cargo hold? Kira: Why not? Dukat: Because the outpost's planetary defense weapons are system five disruptors. They were never designed to operate aboard a moving spacecraft, and this cargo bays were never designed to hold them. Kira: Dukat, you are going to have to stop thinking like a Cardassian military officer. Dukat: And more like you? Kira: More like a resistance fighter. You have got to make use of what you have. If you need a hammer and you don't have one, use a pipe. Dukat: And you really think we can make those weapons operational on this ship? Kira: It's worth a try. Dukat: I suppose if we disable the tractor beam, we could reroute enough power to operate one of the disruptors. But those weapons are huge. What do we do with all this cargo? Kira: Get rid of it. Dukat: All of it? Kira: I realize it's traditional for a Cardassian captain to take a percentage of the haul, but you are going to have to shed a lot of traditions if you are serious about fighting the Klingons. Dukat: Some traditions are hard to break. Kira: You'll get used to it. Dukat: You never cease to impress me, Major. I've got a lot to learn from you. Damar: Target at five hundred thousand kilometers. Kira: System five disruptor's online. Dukat: Open the cargo bay doors. Damar: Doors opening. Kira: Telemetry lock confirmed. Dukat: Are you ready? Diverting all power to your station. Damar: Two hundred thousand and closing. Dukat: Fire! Dukat: Very impressive, Major. Kira: Don't be too impressed yet, Dukat. We still have some problems. Firing the disruptor ruptured power relays and plasma circuits all over the ship. Damar: We have small plasma leaks on levels two, four and five. Dukat: I want those leaks fixed immediately. Soldier: Aye, sir. Kira: We're going to have to do something about that recoil. Dukat: Major, I'm confident you'll have that disruptor running so smoothly it wouldn't wake a sleeping child. Kira: Why is it when you smile, I want to leave the room? Dukat: I suppose it's because of my overwhelming charm. But you must admit it is rather amusing. When we do destroy that bird of prey, it will no doubt go a long way toward restoring my reputation. And I have you to thank for it. Kira: I'm trying not to think about that. Dukat: Major, why are you so reluctant to face the obvious? We make an excellent team. Kira: We are not a team, Dukat, and we have nothing in common. The only reason I'm helping you is because those Klingons killed fifteen Bajoran diplomats. Dukat: There were Cardassians at that outpost too. Kira: Maybe. But all you care about is redeeming yourself in the eyes of the Cardassian government. You have seen an opportunity for advancement and you are grabbing it. Dukat: You judge me too harshly, Major. Maybe I am seeking to regain my former position. One which I earned through hard work, dedication and sacrifice. But redemption is not my sole motivation. I care about my people and I don't intend to allow the Klingons to get away with murdering them. I'm a much more complicated man than you give me credit for. Kira: If that's true, I suppose I prefer simpler men. Dukat: Like Shakaar? It amazes me that a woman as intelligent and sophisticated as you could be attracted to such a lumbering, simplistic field hand. I mean, what could the two of you possibly talk about? Kira: That lumbering field hand is the First Minister of Bajor. And he knows more about how to talk to me than you ever will. Dukat: How can you be so sure? After all, you don't know me well enough to make a comparison. Kira: I don't want to know you well enough. And if you want to keep working with me, I suggest you stick to business. Dukat: I'm sorry, Major. I didn't mean any harm. I was only making conversation. Damar, set another target. We'll test our new weapon as soon as the Major's ready. Let's see if we can't work out our problems. At least the ones we're having with the disruptor. Kira: This is a standard issue, Cardassian phase-disruptor rifle. It has a four point seven megajoule power capacity, three millisecond recharge two beam settings. Ziyal: How do you know so much about Cardassian weapons? Kira: We captured a lot of them during the occupation. It's a good weapon, solid, simple. You can drag it through the mud and it'll still fire. Now this. This is an entirely different animal. Federation standard issue. It's a little less powerful, but it's got a more options. Sixteen beam settings. Fully autonomous recharge, multiple target acquisition, gyro stabilized, the works. It's a little more complicated, so it's not as good a field weapon. Too many things can go wrong with it. Ziyal: I can see why my father likes having you around. Kira: I think you should stick with the Cardassian rifle. It's smaller, easier to use, and if we get boarded I don't want you to have to think too much about the weapon you're using. Ziyal: You don't like my father much, do you? Kira: No. I don't. Ziyal: I understand. He did some very bad things during the occupation. Kira: Yes, he did. Ziyal: It bothers him, you know. Kira: Does it. Ziyal: Very much. He talks about it sometimes. He'd never admit it to anyone else, but he thinks the occupation was a mistake. Kira: Somehow I don't think he'd say that if the Cardassians had won. Ziyal: Maybe not. But maybe losing made him a better person. Kira: Then a lot of innocent people died for his education. Ziyal: I know. I think about that a lot. But when I look at my father, I have a hard time seeing a murderer. Kira: And when I look at him, I have a hard time seeing anything else. You're his daughter. Ziyal: My father says that the two of you have a lot in common. That you both did things during the war that you regret. That's why he cares so much about what you think of him. Kira: Ziyal, what your father wants from me is forgiveness. That's one thing I can never give him. Now, I think we should concentrate on getting you comfortable with this weapon. Kira: What about the Cardassian base on the fourth moon of Rakal? Dukat: It's subterranean, much too fortified to be a viable target for a bird of prey. It would take a Vor'Cha class cruiser to do any real damage. How about the station on Amleth Prime? Kira: The Amleth system's located inside an emission nebula. The Klingon cloaking device would be useless. Dukat: I know where they'll go next. Loval. Kira: That's on the other side of the sector. Dukat: A long way from the Cardassian fleet. Kira: From what it says here, Loval is mainly a civilian outpost with a small subspace relay station. The Klingons have been going after a lot bigger prizes. Dukat: What it says there is not exactly true. Loval is also a weapons research installlation, which is supposed to be a closely guarded secret. Now considering the targets the Klingons have hit so far, I think we've underestimated their intelligence network. Kira: Sounds like a choice target. Dukat: Loval it is. The question is, even if we're right, can we stop them? Kira: All we need is one good shot with the new disruptor. Dukat: Which won't be easy to get considering they'll be cloaked. Kira: We don't have to find them. We have to make them come to us. Dukat: Lure them in. Make them think that we're a helpless freighter. Kira: We have to make them think that we have valuable cargo aboard. Dukat: How does refined dilithium crystal sound? I can get Damar to modify the subspace transceiver array to emit a false dilithium signal. Now if I know the Klingons, they'll lock their tractor beam on us and try to take our cargo. Kira: And we'll have a little surprise waiting for them. Dukat: Yes. Kira: Not bad. Dukat: I told you we make a good team, Major. You are as insightful a woman as you are intriguing. Kira: I thought we agreed to keep this strictly business. Dukat: Major, is it my imagination, or do you have a hard time accepting compliments? Kira: I have a hard time accepting compliments from you. Dukat: Well, I'll try to restrain my enthusiasm, but I can't make you any promises. Kira: We'd better get to Loval before the Klingons do. Dukat: Damar. Damar: Sir? Dukat: Set a course for Loval. Maximum warp. Damar: Aye, sir. Damar: Loval system within scanning range, sir. Dukat: Any sign of them? Damar: No, sir. Kira: If they're not there now, they'll be there soon enough. Dukat: Begin modifications to the subspace transceiver array. Dukat: We soldiers spend a lot of time waiting, don't we, Major? It's not easy to keep your mind from drifting. Kira: I don't usually have any trouble concentrating, unless I'm being distracted. Dukat: Lately, when my mind wanders, I find myself thinking more and more about Gul Marratt. Do you know him? Very dashing. One of Cardassia's rising stars. Graduate of the Cardassian Military Academy, smooth-talking junior member of the Detepa Council, and like your friend Shakaar, quite a lady's man. Especially with other officer's wives. Kira: Including yours? Dukat: Mmm. A year ago he wouldn't have dared, but now? I think the first thing I do when I'm returned to power is to demote him. Assign him to the Cardassian Embassy on Breen. I hear it's bitter cold on Breen. And we Cardassians do despise the cold. Damar: Sir, I've got something. Dukat: On screen. Dukat: Well, Major, it seems fate has smiled on our little plan. Damar: They're scanning us. Dukat: Good. Let's hope they take the bait. Damar: Sir, they've locked their disruptors on us. Dukat: They haven't fired. Which means they could be interested in our cargo. Damar: They're hailing us, sir. Demanding our surrender. Kira: They're interested. Now let's see if you can make them bite. Dukat: On screen. K'Temang: Identify yourself. Dukat: I'm Gul Dukat, Commander of the Cardassian freighter Groumall. Who are you? K'Temang: What is your cargo and destination? Dukat: We are carrying replicator and transporter parts to the Dopa System. K'Temang: You're lying! Dukat: I assure you, Captain. K'Temang: I'm confiscating your ship and its cargo. Dukat: On whose authority? K'Temang: On the authority of the Klingon Empire and the disruptors I have pointed at your vessel. Dukat: Convincing, wasn't I? Kira: I'll let you know. Damar: They've locked their tractor beam on us. Dukat: Wait for my signal. Wait. Open the cargo bay doors. Kira: Doors opening. Dukat: Fire! Damar: We've breached their hull! Their impulse engines are down. They're adrift. Dukat: Excellent. Damar: They're re-locking their disruptors on us. Dukat: All power to forward shields. Dukat: Damage? Damar: Both shields are down to twenty percent. We can't sustain another hit. Dukat: I think it's time to improvise. K'Temang: I want all power to the disruptors now! You. Get down to the weapons room and find out what's taking them so long. Dukat: Major! Kira: Just give me a minute. Dukat: Hurry, Major. Kira: Quiet. I need to concentrate. K'Temang: Lock target. Prepare to fire. Dukat: You are a magician, Major. Kira: There's nothing magical about it. Not when you know Klingon transporter codes. Kira: It worked. All our people are here and all thirty six Klingons are on the freighter. I can just imagine that Klingon Captain explaining this to his superiors. Dukat: He won't get the opportunity. Kira: Was that necessary? Dukat: You're the terrorist. You tell me. Damar: Weapons secured, sir. Dukat: Excellent. Ziyal: So is Engineering. Dukat: Well done. Well, Major, quite a prize we've taken. The first Klingon bird of prey ever to be captured by Cardassia. Kira: I think I just found a bigger prize. It looks like we've got the target priorities of all Klingon raiders in Cardassian space. Dukat: I'll contact Central Command and inform them of our success. I think I'll request my Legate title be reinstated, effective immediately. Get me Central Command. No, on second thought, this is too important for them. I want to speak to the Chairman of the Detepa Council himself on a secure channel. Damar: I can't do that from here, sir. The communication terminals on the bridge are down but I could re-route it to the Captain's quarters. Dukat: Good. Do so. Then make the repairs. I want this ship fully operational as soon as possible. Damar: Aye, sir. Kira: Ziyal, do you see the phase compensator in the backup plasma manifold? Ziyal: What's it look like? Damar: Perhaps I should go help her. Klingon technology is Kira: Odd. Good idea. Hang on, Ziyal. Help's on the way. Ziyal: Understood. Kira: You know something, Dukat? These computer logs are even more valuable than I thought. They contain status reports from Klingon ships and outposts throughout Cardassian space. With information like this, Cardassia could launch a major counterattack against the Klingons. Dukat: They could, but they won't. Kira: Why not? Dukat: The Detepa Council has something else in mind. They've ordered me not to engage the Klingons in any further conflict. The Council is looking for a diplomatic solution. They've ordered me to return to Cardassia Prime to resume my post as Military Advisor. Kira: I thought that's what you wanted. Dukat: It was. But what is the point of being a Military Advisor to a government that won't fight. Kira: You can change their minds. Convince your fellow Cardassians to go on the offensive. Dukat: No, I'd be wasting my breath. They wouldn't listen to me. No one wants to fight. There was a time when the mere mention of my race inspired fear. And now we're beaten people, afraid to fight back because we don't want to lose what little is left. Kira: That's not the Cardassians I know. Dukat: What Cardassians? Don't you see, Major? They're paralyzed. They're beaten and defeated. I am the only Cardassian left. And if no one else will stand against the Klingons, I will. Kira: Look, Dukat, I know you're angry, but maybe you ought to think about what you're proposing. I mean, you can't go to war against the whole Klingon Empire with one bird of prey. Dukat: Why not? Your people fought against us for fifty years with much less sophisticated weaponry than this. And you beat us. Kira: It's not the same. The Bajoran people were united. We were all fighting for the same goal. You and your crew would be out there alone. Dukat: Maybe at first, but perhaps our actions would inspire others to join the struggle. Kira: It's not that easy, Dukat. Dukat: I know. Which is why I need you. Kira: Me? Dukat: Who else? You know how to organize a resistance cell. You're an expert in terrorist tactics. You have close ties with Bajoran and Federation officials. And besides all that, it would give you a chance to do what you were meant to do. Kira: No, thanks. I've already got a job. Dukat: What do you mean? On that space station? We both know your talents are being wasted there. Coordinating docking assignments and leading training exercises. On Deep Space Nine, you're nothing but a bureaucrat, an administrator. If you come with me you can be a soldier again. Think about it, Major. The chance to fight against a superior foe in a righteous cause, to protect a defeated and broken people from a cruel aggressor. You know as well as I do that if Cardassia falls, Bajor is next. Help me stop the Klingons before you become their next target. Kira: You're really serious about this. Dukat: Absolutely. Look, Major, I'm not asking you to like me or to be my friend. I'm asking you to join me. To fight at my side. You know what I'm doing is right, and it's what you want to do as well. I know that our past makes it difficult for you to accept me as an ally. I also know that every fiber of your being is telling you to say no, no, no, but somewhere I know there's a yes. You need to listen to that yes. Not for my sake, not for Cardassia's, not even for Bajor's, but for your sake. Damar: We've completed the repairs on the navigational system and the cloaking device. Dukat: Good. We'll leave as soon as you have it online. Think about it, Major. Think about the possibilities. Ziyal: Nerys! I want to show you something. Ziyal: Go ahead, attack me. Kira: What are you talking about? Ziyal: It's okay. I know what I'm doing. Damar showed me a good trick. Try to stab me with the knife. Ziyal: I guess it wasn't such a good trick. Kira: The best way to survive a knife fight is to never get in one. Ziyal: If I'm going to help my father, I have to be prepared for anything. Show me what you did again. Please. I know I have a lot to learn. I've been practicing with the disruptor rifle but I need to know how to defend myself in hand-to-hand combat. I was lucky not to have to fight when we boarded this ship. I may not be so lucky next time. Kira: Chances are you won't be. Fighting the Klingons is going to take more than knowing how to fire a rifle or use a knife. You have to learn how to be ruthless. You have to learn to hate the Klingons even more than you hated the Breen. Ziyal: Whatever it takes, I will do it. But I'm going to need your help. Kira: You're right. You do need my help. Dukat: I am disappointed, Major. Kira: But not surprised. Dukat: Tell me, were you even tempted? Kira: Not really. Dukat: I thought I was so eloquent. Kira: You had your moments. But the fact of the matter is I've already been where you're going. I've lived the life you're choosing. Fighting hit and run, always outgunned, living on hate and adrenaline. It's not much of a life, and it eats away at you so that every day a little bit of you dies. Dukat: Very inspiring, Major. But I don't have any choice in this. No more than you had when you fought against us. Kira: No, I don't suppose you do. Dukat: Well, all that's left is for you to wish me luck. Kira: That's not quite all. There's still Ziyal. Dukat: What about her? Kira: The life you're choosing isn't for her. She deserves better. Dukat: She deserves to be with her father. You taught me that. I love her. Kira: I know you do. And that's why you've got to let her go. Dukat: Go? Where? She's not welcome on Cardassia or Bajor. This is the only place she belongs. Kira: That's not true. She could come to Deep Space Nine with me. Dukat: Are you serious? Kira: She's a remarkable young woman. I'll make sure she's okay. Dukat: Why? Why do you care so much? Kira: Because she reminds me of myself, and I don't want her to go through what I went through. And neither do you. Dax: Captain, a Klingon bird of prey just decloaked off the station. Sisko: On screen. O'Brien: They're hailing us. Sisko: Let's find out what they want. O'Brien: Sir, it's Gul Dukat. Sisko: On a Klingon ship? O'Brien: He's asking permission to dock. Dukat: When this is all over, I'll come back for you. I promise you that. Ziyal: I know you will. Dukat: Major. Kira: I'll take good care of her. Dukat: I know. Well, Major, it appears that whether you like it or not, our lives have become deeply intertwined. Kira: That really pleases you, doesn't it? Dukat: Pleases me? Major, it gives me reason to live. Kira: Come. I'll show you to your quarters. Odo: Welcome back, Major. Kira: Odo, this is Tora Ziyal. Odo: Gul Dukat's daughter. Ziyal: That's right. Kira: She's going to be living here on the station with us for a while. Odo: Ah. Kira: I'll tell you all about it. Odo: I certainly hope so.

Worf: E-cha! Dax: Movek. Okay. I see your point. The mek'leth definitely have its advantages. But I still think the bat'leth, with its longer reach, is usually the deciding factor. Worf: That is a classic argument. However, I find using a large and intimidating weapon like a bat'leth often leads to overconfidence. Dax: So you think that I was overconfident? Worf: You were overconfident. You thought by distracting me with your outfit you would gain an advantage. Dax: My outfit? Worf: Er, I thought that. I mean, I only assumed that Dax: You thought I wore this for you? Talk about overconfidence. Dax: Worf. Gotcha. Worf: Movek. Dax: But in my own defense, you do try your own tactics of distraction with all that shouting and growling you do. Worf: I am only vocalizing my Odo: Odo to Worf. Worf: Worf here. Odo: Please report to airlock five, Commander. There's an intoxicated Klingon here who's demanding to see you. Worf: I'm on my way. Computer, exit. Kurn: Stay back! You miserable koruts. Odo: Easy. None of us koruts is going to hurt you. Worf: Kurn! Kurn: Worf. I knew you would come. Worf: He is my brother. Kurn: The sons of Mogh reunited one last time. Worf: Where have you been? I have tried to contact you for months. Kurn: Well, I'm here now, but not for long. Soon there will be only one son of Mogh. I have come for Mauk-to'Vor. Worf: What? Kurn: Yes, brother. I want you to kill me. Kurn: Guard! Something for my head. Guard! Worf: You are not in the holding cell. You're in my quarters. Worf: For your head. Kurn: Soft, comfortable, just like the rest of these quarters. No one would ever suspect a warrior lives here. Worf: It serves me. Kurn: Always defending the Federation. Tell me, Worf, does Starfleet ever make mistakes even in their furniture? Worf: Kurn, where have you been? It has been four months since your last message. Kurn: I've been overseeing the end of a once-proud house. Perhaps you've heard of it. It was called the House of Mogh. Worf: I know what has happened. I regret that by opposing Gowron I have brought disgrace to our family. Kurn: You regret? What's next, Worf? Do you want to apologize to me? Express your sympathy? How many human weaknesses will you display? Worf: I do not apologize for what I have done. I could not join Gowron in his war with Cardassia or the Federation. It would have been dishonorable. Kurn: Oh, so in avoiding dishonor for yourself, you brought it on the rest of your family. What a noble act. How selfless. Worf: I will not debate this with you, Kurn. What is done is done. Kurn: For you, it's done. You and your comfortable Federation life, your glorious Starfleet career. But not for me. Our family had a seat on the High Council. We were feared by our enemies, respected by our friends. It was even said that if Gowron died the leadership of the Council might be passed to someone from the House of Mogh. Then you chose to side with the Federation against the Empire. Gowron took our ships, our land, our seat on the Council, everything. Worf: Kurn, I know this has been difficult for you. Kurn: What do you know? Did you watch as Gowron's men seized our land and stripped our family of its name? Did you have to endure the humiliation of being ejected from the High Council in front of the Emperor himself? No. You chose to stay here, safe, comfortable, secure. You have everything you want and I have nothing, not even my honor. But you can give that back to me. Worf: By killing you? Kurn: I'm already dead to our people, and so are you, but you don't care. I have never asked you for anything, but you took away my honor and only you can give it back. So now, I am asking you for Mauk-to'Vor. Is an honorable death too much to ask from my brother? Operations log, stardate 49556.2. Major Kira and I are returning to the station after completing our inspection tour of the Bajoran colonies along the Cardassian border. O'Brien: This is the Federation runabout Yukon, requesting permission to enter Bajoran space. Bajoran: This is Bajoran Control. Please transmit your identification code and flight plan. O'Brien: Acknowledged. Major. Major! Kira: Yes! What? O'Brien: Sorry, Major. It's just we're almost home. Kira: Oh. Thanks. Almost home? How long have I been asleep? O'Brien: Seven hours. Kira: I don't get seven hours sleep at the station. O'Brien: Must be the company. Bajoran: Bajoran Control to Yukon. You are cleared to enter the system and proceed to Deep Space Nine. O'Brien: Thank you. Kira: I am so hungry I could even eat Quark's food. O'Brien: Let's not get crazy. If you really want some good Kira: What was that? O'Brien: Some kind of high energy diskharge. It was pretty close. Only five thousand kilometers from here. Kira: Just outside Bajoran space. Elevated tachyon readings, subspace shockwaves. Looks like a cloaked ship exploded. O'Brien: There's no debris, no residual warp fields. Kira: Something exploded. Let's take a closer look. Bring us to five hundred meters from those coordinates. O'Brien: Approaching the coordinates. I'm not seeing any signs of. Wait a minute. I'm picking up another tachyon surge. A ship's decloaking directly ahead of us. Klingon: Federation vessel. This is the Imperial Klingon Ship Korinar. We are engaged in military exercises in this area. You will alter course and return to Bajoran space immediately. Kira: This is Major Kira Nerys. We're investigating an explosion which happened at these coordinates. Klingon: You have been given a warning according to interstellar agreements. You will not receive another. O'Brien: They've locked their disruptors onto us, Major. Kira: Take us home, Chief. But keep scanning the coordinates of that explosion. There's a lot more going on out here than just military exercises. Dax: Quark, have you seen Worf? He was supposed to meet me in the holosuite five minutes ago. Quark: As if you're never late. Dax: Worf is never late. In fact, he grumbles at me if I'm two minutes behind schedule. Quark: Well, I haven't seen him since this morning. And if he can't at least be civil, I don't care to see him in my bar again. Dax: It's just his way. It's nothing personal, Quark. Quark: No, this was more than his standard rudeness. He came in here, ordered some Klingon incense and nearly threw me across the bar when I tried to give him some replicated incense. Dax: What kind of Klingon incense? Quark: Something called adanji. Dax: Why would he want adanji? Quark: Why? Is there something special about adanji? Quark: That's it. I'm going to stop talking to the customers. Worf: You have been wronged in this life. There is nothing left here for you. No honor, no future. Kurn: I wish to reclaim my honor in the next life. I am ready to cross the river of blood and enter Sto'Vo'kor. Odo: Commander. Dax: Odo. Yesterday you called Worf to the airlock to see some Klingon. Odo: That's right. Dax: Who was it? Odo: His name is Kurn. It turns out he's Worf's brother. Dax: Worf's brother. Oh my god. Dax to Worf. Computer, locate Commander Worf. Computer: Commander Worf is in his quarters. Dax: Is he alone? Computer: Negative. Captain Kurn is with him. Dax: Come on. Worf: May this blade speed you on your journey. Worf: Goodbye, my brother. Kurn: Goodbye. Dax: Dax to Ops. Emergency transport. Two to the infirmary. Worf: This is not your concern! It is a private matter! Odo: I doubt Captain Sisko would agree. You'd better hope he lives, Commander. If not, you'll be charged with murder. Dax: Kurn's going to make it. Julian said he'll be up on his feet by tomorrow morning. Sisko: Good. Mister Worf, I want you to tell me why I shouldn't put you on the next transport out of here. Worf: You are well within your right to do so. Sisko: I didn't ask you about my rights. Answer my question. Worf: Captain, I do not have an answer. Sir, I realize my actions were in violation of Starfleet regulations, but Sisko: Regulations? We're not talking about some obscure technicality, Mister Worf. You tried to commit premeditated murder. Dax: Benjamin, it wasn't murder. Worf and Kurn were performing a Mauk-to'Vor ritual. It's part of Klingon belief that when Sisko: At the moment, I don't give a damn about Klingon beliefs, rituals or custom. Now I have given you both a lot of leeway when it comes to following Klingon traditions, but in case you haven't noticed, this is not a Klingon station, and those are not Klingon uniforms you're wearing. There is a limit to how far I'll go to accommodate cultural diversity among my officers and you've just reached it. When your brother is released from the infirmary, you better find another way to settle your family problems. Is that clear? Worf: Captain, it may not be possible to Dax: It's clear. There are definitely other possibilities for Kurn. This will never happen again. Sisko: You're damn right it won't. Now both of you, get out! Sisko: What do you make of it, Chief? O'Brien: From these magnetic flux readings, the energy diskharge we detected could've been caused by the destruction of a cloaked target drone. Kira: Which would support their story about conducting military maneuvers. O'Brien: On the other hand this type of explosion could also have been caused by an accidental warp nacelle inversion. Kira: Or a blown plasma conduit, or a dozen other things. The bottom line is, there's no way to be certain from these readings. Sisko: The larger question is, what are these Klingons up to? Kira: Whatever it is, they're doing it awfully close to Bajoran space. O'Brien: And they're very touchy about it. Sisko: One thing I've had enough of is tiptoeing around Klingons. Take the Defiant and run a sensor sweep of those coordinates. Kira: And if I run into the Klingons? Sisko: Tell them that the ship is conducting military exercises according to interstellar agreements. Kira: Understood. Should I take Worf? Sisko: I don't want Worf anywhere near other Klingons right now. Keep him informed of what's going on, but under no circumstances is he to accompany you. Is that clear? Kira: Yes, sir. O'Brien: Sir. Sisko: Don't say it, Chief. I've already got one officer defending Worf. I don't need two. Bashir: He's stabilized. I can revive him at any time. Worf: Wake him. Bashir: I'll be just outside if you need me. Kurn: I am alive? Worf: Yes. Commander Dax realized what we were doing and she had you beamed to the Infirmary. Kurn: I was looking forward to being in Sto'Vo'kor. I was hoping to see father there. Worf: He still awaits you, but it is not yet time for you to join him. Kurn: And I suppose you will decide when that time has come? Worf: It is not for me to make that choice. Kurn: Why not? You chose not to complete the Mauk-to'Vor ritual. Worf: It was not my decision. It was Dax and Odo that prevented Kurn: Did you fight them? Did you threaten to kill them both if they interfered? And are you standing here now with the mevak dagger ready to slit my throat and bring me the death I deserve? No. For a moment in your quarters during the ritual you were Klingon. But your Federation life has claimed you again and now it is claiming me as well. I have no life. I have no death. whatever is to become of me is up to you. Worf: Enter. What can I do for you, Commander? Dax: I wanted to apologize. I interfered in a family matter, and if I caused you and your brother any further dishonor, I'm sorry. Worf: You were following your conscience. That is an honorable motive. Dax: Not from a Klingon point of view. Worf: You are not Klingon. Dax: Is there anything I can do to help? Worf: No. Dax: Okay. Worf: Commander, there is the question of what to do next. Dax: Right. Do you have any ideas? Worf: None. Dax: Well, in the short term, there's no reason why your brother can't stay here on the station. Worf: If Kurn is to remain on the station, he will need tasks to perform. A job. Dax: What about security? It worked for one Klingon officer I know. Worf: Yes, but I doubt Kurn would be interested in joining Starfleet. Dax: Well, there is another security force on the station. Odo: Your brother's had an interesting career with the Klingon Defense Forces, Mister Worf. I just have one question. Does he know how to use the stun setting on a disruptor? Worf: Non-lethal skills are not valued in the Empire. Odo: They are among my deputies. And if your brother is going to be a member of my detachment, he's going to have to make some adjustments in his thinking. Worf: He will. Odo: You're certain of that? Worf: I would not be asking you to consider him if I were not. Odo: I can appreciate how difficult it must be for you to be asking for a favor, especially from me. Very well. Have Kurn report here tomorrow morning. Worf: I am indebted to you. Odo: Yes, you are. And Mister Worf? You'll find I'm a man who collects on his debts. Kurn: This container is not on your manifest. Tilikia: It must be a clerical error. I apologize. Kurn: Open it. Worf: This is a message from Starfleet Command requesting an update on our defense systems. Odo: I'd say your brother's doing well, Commander. He's been on the job six hours and he's only killed four Boslics so far. Kira's right. You do need a sense of humor. He's quite good, actually. A little stern, but he never steps over the line. I'm finding him to be a pleasant surprise. Worf: I am gratified to hear that. Odo: I'm sure you are. Well, thanks for the report, Commander. I'll give it my immediate attention. Kurn: Brother. Worf: Kurn. Kurn: I hate this uniform. Worf: I understand. The transition will probably be difficult for some time. Kurn: That's not what I mean. I have accepted the transition. I am a Bajoran security officer. The uniform is simply uncomfortable. Worf: I see. Kurn: But I will get used to it. You need not concern yourself with me, brother. I won't disgrace you. Worf: I never doubted it. Carry on. O'Brien: The same thing, Major, High concentrations of tachyons, subspace distortions and magneton traces. Some cloaked ships definitely passed through this area in the last twenty four hours. Kira: They're getting close to violating Bajoran space but they're never crossing the line. O'Brien: I've never known Klingons to be this fastidious when it comes to respecting borders. Kira: Especially when they're cloaked. Something's wrong here. O'Brien: That's a Vor'cha-class cruiser. Kira: Stand by shields and phasers. O'Brien: They've been damaged. There's a massive hull breach in their port quarter. Main power's failing. Kira: Casualties? O'Brien: It's hard to tell through all this radiation. Kira: Open a channel. O'Brien: Channel open. Kira: This is Major Kira Nerys on the USS Defiant to unidentified Klingon vessel. Do you require assistance? Klingon: This is IKS Drovana to USS Defiant. We do not require assistance at this time. Do not approach us. Kira: Understood, Drovana. Defiant out. O'Brien: They're losing emergency power. Kira: Why aren't the other Klingon ships helping them? O'Brien: Maybe they don't want to give away their positions. Kira: Maybe they're busy doing something that can't be interrupted. Something that blew a hole the size of a house in a Vor'cha-class cruiser. O'Brien: Incoming transmission. Klingon: Drovana to Defiant. We need access to your medical facilities. Kira: Our medical facilities are extremely limited. If you wish, we can tow you to Deep Space Nine. Klingon: Stand by. Defiant, your offer is accepted. Odo: Odo to Worf. Worf: Worf here. Odo: We need you in the Infirmary, Commander. Your brother's been seriously injured. Worf: On my way. Worf: What happened? Odo: Kurn found a container of contraband in the lower hold of the Boslic ship. When he confronted their Captain, the man pulled out a disruptor pistol, and then Kurn let himself get shot. Worf: Let himself? Odo: Kurn is a trained Klingon warrior. He could have disarmed the Boslic without breaking a sweat, but he just stood there, let the man pull out his weapon, aim, and fire. The only thing that saved him was the man was so frightened, his hand was shaking. Bashir: He'll be all right. Again. Odo: Good. A man with a death wish is a danger not only to himself, but to the rest of his team. Kurn's days as a security officer are over. Bashir: Would you like to see him? Worf: Yes. Worf: Thank you, Doctor. How do you feel? Kurn: Like a man who's tired of waking up and seeing a human doctor's face. Worf: I thought we had agreed that you would try to make Kurn: Worf. I don't want to talk anymore. It's not Klingon. You're the elder brother. You tell me what to do, and I'll do it. My life is in your hands. Bashir: So far, there's nothing unusual about any of their casualties. I've treated fifteen cases of severe radiation burns, seven thoracic perforation traumas caused by shrapnel and twenty three decompression related injuries. All just what you'd expect following an explosion on a starship. Sisko: Do you have any idea what caused the explosion? Bashir: Well, the radiation burns were the result of exposure to gamma rays. My guess is they were hit by a photon torpedo. Sisko: A torpedo? O'Brien: From the fracture pattern of the damage, I'd say something exploded about ten kilometers off their port quarter. Dax: But torpedoes leave ion trails, and the Defiant didn't pick up any in the vicinity. Kira: And the Drovana was cloaked. Even Klingon torpedoes can't track vessels operating under cloak. Worf: Mines. They hit a mine. O'Brien: That's why there weren't any ion trails. Dax: And cloaked mines can't be detected by any known sensor array. Kira: But there have been at least a dozen ships moving in and out of the system since that explosion. Why haven't they struck any mines? Worf: The type of mine currently used by the Klingons remains dormant until it is armed by a coded subspace signal. O'Brien: The mine that damaged the Drovana must've malfunctioned or been set off prematurely. Dax: If we're right, there could be thousands of mines out there right now and we'd have no way of knowing it. Bashir: Mining a star system is an act of war. I didn't think the Klingons were ready for that. Sisko: At the moment we can't even prove these mines exist. But if war comes, the Klingons would be able to cut off Deep Space Nine and the entire Bajoran system. Kira: How do we find these mines? Dax: Unless we know their coordinates, there's no way to find them until we run into one. O'Brien: Then we'd better get those coordinates. Kira: The place to get them is docked at upper pylon three right now. The only question is how? Worf: I have an idea. Kurn: You want me to turn against my own people? Will my dishonor never end? Worf: It is their actions that are dishonorable. Secretly mining star systems is not the act of warriors. They behave like, like Romulan cowards. Kurn: Is that how you rationalize this? By calling your people cowards so you can be a hero? Worf: Kurn, let me ask you this. Do you agree with what has happened between the Empire and the Federation? Kurn: It is not my place to criticize. Worf: Answer the question! Kurn: No. I opposed the decision to break the treaty but I was overruled in Council. Worf: Why did you oppose the decision? Kurn: Because Gowron underestimates the Federation. He thinks they're soft, weak, and he is wrong. Sooner or later there will be war. Worf: A war the Empire may lose. Kurn: Yes. Worf: You know that mining this system is just the beginning. If we do nothing, it will only encourage Gowron to continue thinking of the Federation as weak. Eventually he will attack, and that will be the end of the Empire. That is why you must join me on this mission. Not for my honor, and not for the Federation, but to prevent the Empire from being destroyed in a war they cannot win. Our people have turned their backs on us but we have not turned our backs on them. Let it be the Sons of Mogh, side by side, saving our people. Do this with me. Bashir: There. Very ugly. Uglier, that is. A joke. Worf: I got it. Bashir: This will temporarily alter your DNA signature to match one of our friends over there. It should be good enough to pass a cursory test. Worf: How long will it last? Bashir: About four hours. Worf: That should be sufficient. Bashir: Kurn. Kurn? Kurn: Yes, Doctor? Bashir: Please, take a seat. Kurn: The deployment plan for the mines should be in the defense system database. Worf: I have found the main file directory. Kurn: No, no, ignore it. It's a security procedure the High Council instituted three months ago. False directories, files, entire databases of disinformation designed for spies to steal. Here's the real database. Worf: Can you access the deployment plan? Kurn: My security codes have been changed, but not all of them. Yes. Officer: You two. What are you doing? Kurn: We're running a diagnostic on the computer core. There have been power fluctuations in the navigational control system. Officer: I've not been informed of any computer problems. Worf: Perhaps you have not been tending to your duties. Officer: I do not know you. What is your name? Worf: I am Commander Sorval, son of M'tokra. Officer: How long have you been aboard, Commander? Worf: I will not be questioned by a Lieutenant who should be cleaning my quarters. Leave us, or I shall have you stripped of rank and sent home in a transport! Officer: My words were ill-chosen, Commander. Perhaps I can help in your investigation. Worf: That will not be necessary. All that we require is Worf: You did not have to do that. He was backing down. Kurn: He was going to kill you. Worf: We must hurry. The disruptor blast will alert the security sensors. Kurn: He was a warrior doing his duty defending the Empire, and I killed him. My dishonor is complete. Worf: Since we now have the detonation codes for each mine, we can set them off individually or all at once. Sisko: Thank you, Commander. Major? Kira: We'll take care of it. Sisko: Congratulations, Mister Worf. You did an excellent job. That goes for your brother too. Worf: Thank you, sir. Dax: You don't seem very pleased. Worf: I am still troubled by the death of that Klingon officer. Dax: Your report said it was self-defense. Worf: That us not the point. I should have seen what he was going to do. Dax: What do you mean? From the way you described it, he was standing so close to you, you couldn't have seen the knife in his hand. Worf: He decided to kill me while I was looking him right in the eyes and I never saw it. But Kurn did, and he was three meters away. Dax: Worf, I don't think you can tell someone's going to kill you by looking at them. Worf: A Klingon can. It is an instinct. The ability to look someone in the eyes and see the decision to kill. An instinct I no longer have. Kurn was right. I have lived with humans so long I no longer think like a Klingon. For a long time I have tried to walk the line between the Empire and the Federation. I told myself I could live in either world, that it was my choice. But the truth is, I cannot go back to the Empire. Dax: Do you want to go back? Worf: I had always hoped that one day the House of Mogh would reclaim its rightful place and that I would return. But now I know that even if I did, I have no place there. This is all I have. Dax: Is that enough? Worf: It will have to be. But my brother does not even have this. For him there is no future without the Empire. No life. Dax: Sounds like you're thinking of carrying out the Mauk-to'Vor ritual again. Worf: No. I was able to do it once by telling myself it was an honorable Klingon ritual. But now I cannot help but think of it as humans do. As murder. Dax: What if there was a way for you to kill your brother without killing him? O'Brien: We're ready, Major. Kira: Open a channel. This is the USS Defiant to all Klingon vessels near the Bajoran system. We are preparing to destroy your minefield. I suggest you leave immediately. This is your only warning. Anything? O'Brien: Nothing. If they're out there, they're keeping quiet. Kira: Oh, they're out there all right, and I think we'll be seeing them fairly soon. Prepare to detonate the mine in grid twenty one alpha. O'Brien: Ready, sir. Kira: Send out the code. O'Brien: Still nothing, Major. Kira: We can't say we didn't warn them. Detonate all the mines in grids twenty two alpha through forty seven gamma. O'Brien: Aye, sir. O'Brien: Just like flushing quail. They're setting course three two seven mark two one five. Back to the Klingon Empire. Kira: Let's see how many other birds we can flush out of here. Kurn: Why is it that suicide is considered a dishonorable death, Worf? Shouldn't a warrior have the right to decide when his time has come? Worf: If you die by your own hand you will not travel across the River of Blood and enter Sto'Vo'kor. Kurn: Even if I got cast down into the Underworld, at least I'd be with other Klingons, even though they are the dishonored dead. Worf: Put down the disruptor. Kurn: Do you know what my one regret is, Worf? That we weren't raised together. In the Empire, on Earth, it wouldn't have mattered, but the Sons of Mogh should have never been separated. Worf: On that we both agree. Kurn: But that is the past, and a warrior should look to the future. Kurn: And in the future you should not be burdened by my dishonor. Worf: You are not a burden. Kurn: I have never understood you, Worf. But I do know this. In your own way you are an honorable man. Worf: And you will be an honorable man again, but not as my brother. Dax: How long will the procedure take? Bashir: Well, wiping his memory is relatively simple, say an hour. But changing his genetic coding, combined with surgically altering his features will take at least another five hours. Worf: What will he remember? Bashir: He'll know he's a Klingon, and how to speak the language, and virtually everything he needs to know in order to survive, except who he is. And that's the first question he'll ask. Who am I? Do you have an answer? Worf: There is a man named Noggra, a friend of our father's. He will be arriving in a few hours. He has agreed to provide Kurn with a new identity and a new family. He will supply Kurn with all the answers he needs. Bashir: Are you absolutely certain about this, Worf? Once I've erase his memory engrams it'll be almost impossible to restore them. He won't remember you or anything about his real life. Worf: It is the only way. You may begin. Bashir: Prep him for surgery. Noggra: Rodek? Can you hear me? Rodek! Kurn: Where? Where am I? Noggra: On a Federation space station. Our shuttle was damaged. You were hit by a plasma diskharge. Kurn: I, I don't remember being on a shuttle. In fact, I don't remember anything. Bashir: The plasma diskharge damaged your hippocampus. You're suffering from a severe form of amnesia. I'm afraid you may never regain all of your memory. Kurn: Who am I? Noggra: Your name is Rodek. You are my son. You're part of the House of Noggra, a small but proud family. So don't worry. I will teach you all that you have forgotten when we get home. Kurn: I understand, father. Kurn: Who are you? Worf: I am Worf. Kurn: Are you part of my family? Worf: I have no family.

Worf: Department heads, prepare reports for tomorrow's briefing. All hands, dismissed. Dax: I'd say that was successful mission. Five days in the Gamma quadrant and no sign of the Jem'Hadar. Worf: Commander, during our maneuvers through that asteroid belt in the Kar-telos system, I noticed the Defiant felt a little sluggish when turning hard aport. Dax: The inertial dampening generators may need to be realigned. Worf: I'll begin drawing up a schedule immediately. And while we're at it, we should recalibrate the targeting scanners and check the EPS relays. Dax: O'Brien's going to be a little disappointed. He thought he finally had the ship running smoothly. Worf: Chief O'Brien has done an excellent job. This is a fine ship. But it is my duty to keep her functioning at peak proficiency. Dax: Mister Worf, you're in love. With the Defiant. Worf: You exaggerate, as usual. Bashir: I feel silly. Leeta: I like it. It shows off your legs. O'Brien: There, you see. Your public has spoken. Leeta: Have fun. Bashir: What do you call this holosuite program of yours called again? O'Brien: The Battle of Clontarf. You and me and a thousand stalwart Irish warriors against a ravening hoard of Vikings. It's like the Battle of Britain, only with swords. Bashir: How come you get to be the High King? O'Brien: I am a direct descendant of King Brian Boru. Besides, it's my program. Bashir: I suppose that's only fair. Quark: I know exactly how you feel. The Bajoran Time of Cleansing. Could someone explain to me why the Bajorans need to abstain from worldly pleasures for an entire month? I mean, it's not like they're a bunch of hedonistic holosuite-obsessed drunkards to begin with. No use moaning about it. Rom: It hurts. Quark: Who's that for? Rom: Me. It's one of Moogie's home remedies. Quark: Your ear? Again? Quark: That's disgusting! You want to drive away all the rest of my customers? Rom: I feel dizzy. Quark: What else is new? Go wait on table seven. Leeta: Rom, you look terrible. I think you'd better lie down. Quark: I don't pay you to think. I pay you to spin the dabo wheel. So get spinning. Leeta: But nobody's gambling. Quark: How can they when you're not at the wheel? Rom: I really don't feel good. Leeta: Can't you see he's sick? He needs to lie down. Quark: Just because you happen to be intimately acquainted with Doctor Bashir's bedside manner doesn't make you a medical expert. Rom: Brother, am I still standing? Leeta: What I do during my time off is no business of yours. Quark: If you don't get back to work this instant, you're going to have more time off than you know what to do with. The same goes for you. Here. Rom: Yes, brother. Leeta: Aren't you going to do something? Quark: Of course I'm going to do something. I'm going to dock his pay. Broik, clean up this mess. Bashir: This is one stubborn infection. How long have you had it? Rom: A couple of weeks. Bashir: You mean to tell me you've been walking around with a seeping infection of the tympanic membrane for two weeks? Rom: More like three, actually. Bashir: Rom, you could have died! Another forty eight hours and you'd have been bidding for a new life in the Divine Treasury. Rom: I guess it's a good thing I fainted when I did. Bashir: Why didn't you come and see me sooner? Rom: I couldn't. I was busy. Bashir: I'm sure your brother could have spared you for half an hour. Rom: It would've been a violation of my contract. Paragraph seventy six, subsection three. Employees of Quark's Bar and Holding Company are strictly prohibited from leaving the work environment during business hours unless ordered to do so by their employer. Any failure to comply with this provision will result in severe fines and possible dismissal. It's a standard provision in all Ferengi labor contracts. Bashir: You mean you don't get time off even if you're sick? Rom: It's all part of our generous employee compensation package. No sick days, no vacations, no paid overtime. Bashir: It sounds to me like you need a better contract. Rom: There's no such thing. All Ferengi labor contracts are the same. Bashir: Well, that should do it. But I want you to see me first thing in the morning for a follow-up. Rom: It'll have to be before the bar opens. Bashir: What you people need is a union. Rom: A what? Bashir: You know, a trade guild, a collective bargaining association. A union. Something to keep you from being exploited. Rom: You don't understand. Ferengi workers don't want to stop the exploitation. We want to find a way to become the exploiters. Bashir: Suit yourself. But I don't see you exploiting anyone. Leeta: Rom, how'd it go? Rom: I'm okay. Leeta: Julian's a wonderful doctor. Your brother should have let you see him weeks ago. Rom: It's not Quark's fault that I got sick. I forgot to get my bimonthly ear scan. And besides, I've probably been getting too much oo-mox. Leeta: Really? Who's the lucky female? Rom: No female. Just me. Leeta: I'm sorry. Rom: Sorry enough to do something about it? Leeta: I don't think Julian would approve. Rom: We could ask him. Quark: All right, everyone. Gather around. Leeta: What now? Quark: I have an announcement to make. I've just been going over today's receipts and it's not good. The only thing this Bajoran Cleansing Ritual has cleansed is my profit margin. So, starting tomorrow, everyone's salary gets cut by a third. Rom: No, no, it's not fair. I'll talk to him. Leeta: It's ridiculous. Quark: It was either that or fire half the staff. Don't bother thanking me. Leeta: I can't afford a pay cut. Quark: It's either a pay cut or a layoff. You decide. All right everyone, get back to work. I want this place cleaned up and the lights off in ten minutes. Rom: Brother, this isn't right. You can't just cut people's salaries without warning. Quark: Actually, I can. And I have. Now why don't you concentrate on keeping your hands off your lobes and leave the business matters to me. Rom: But once the Cleansing Ritual is over you'll restore everyone's salary, right? Quark: That depends on next quarter's fiscal summation. Rom: Brother, I'm asking you as a personal favor to reconsider this pay cut. Quark: Anything for you. There. I've reconsidered it. My decision stands. Rom: But, brother Quark: Don't brother me. In this bar you're not my brother. You're my employee. And employees have no right to question the management's decisions. Rom: I'm warning you, if you don't rescind the pay cuts you're going to regret it. Quark: The only thing I regret is not being an only child. Dax: You know, I think I'm finally getting the hang of this mek'leth. Don't you think? Worf: It would seem so. Dax: Then why haven't you told me? Worf: A Klingon warrior does not need the praise of his teacher. Dax: I'm not a Klingon warrior. I'm a beautiful and sensitive young woman who thrives on. Dax: What is it? Worf: Listen. Worf: Do not move. Dax: Isn't this your tooth sharpener? Worf: This p'tak just robbed my quarters. Odo: Take him to a holding cell. Odo: I'll need a statement. Worf: And you will have one. But I want to know why such a security breach was allowed to occur in the first place. Odo: Unfortunately, these things happen. Worf: They did not happen on the Enterprise. Odo: Really? Now let me see. Stardate 46235.7, Ferengi privateers led by DaiMon Lurin boarded and seized control of the Enterprise using two salvaged Klingon birds of prey. Stardate 45349.1. Berlinghoff Rasmussen, a petty criminal impersonating a scientist, committed numerous acts of theft against the crew of the Enterprise. Shall I continue? Worf: That will not be necessary. Odo: I know these incidents are the exception rather than the rule, but if security breaches like these could happen on the flagship of the Federation, imagine the difficulty of maintaining security at an open port such as DS Nine. Worf: I understand. It is just that I find it irritating. Odo: So do I, but I'm afraid you're just going to have to get used to it. Rom: Attention please. Thank you all for coming. I know that in the past I've always defended my brother whenever he's taken a stance that's proven unpopular with the staff. But I'm not going to do that today. Grimp: You're not? Rom: No. I'm not. Quark's just using the Cleansing Ritual to increase his profits at our expense. It isn't fair, and we're not going to take it. Grimp: Since when? Rom: Since right now. Leeta: So what are we going to do about it? Rom: We're going to fight back in the only way we can. We're going to form a, a Frool: A what? Rom: We're going to form a union. Grimp: Are you insane? You've just destroyed the lives of every Ferengi in this room. When the FCA finds out we've even been talking of a, a Leeta: A union. Grimp: Don't say that word again. We're in enough trouble as it is. Frool: The Ferengi Commerce Authority doesn't have to hear about this. If we all go back to work now, no one else has to know this ever happened. Grimp: No, no, it's too late for that. The FCA has ears everywhere. And as soon as their lobes get wind of this, we're all doomed. Rom: All right. So we're doomed. FCA Liquidators will probably haunt us for the rest of our lives. But I say if they're going to come after us, let's give them a good reason. Every one of you, Ferengi and non-Ferengi alike, knows that the way Quark treats us is unfair. Frool, don't you deserve a day off when your back starts acting up? Frool: Well, I suppose. Rom: And Grimp, wouldn't you like to take a paid vacation? Grimp: You're being ridiculous. Rom: Answer the question. Grimp: It's not going to happen. Rom: It won't happen unless you make it happen. We're Ferengi. And when a Ferengi sees an opportunity, what does he do? Frool: He seizes it. Rom: That's right. And I for one intend to grab it. We've been exploited long enough. It's time to be strong, take control of our lives, our dignity and our profits. All: Yes! Rom: Strike a blow against Quark. Leeta: Yes. Rom: Strike a blow against the FCA. All: Yes. Rom: Strike a blow against exploitation. All: Yes! Rom: Are you with me? All: Yes! Union! Union! Union! Bashir: What you have there is a sebaceous cyst. O'Brien: I know it's a cyst. But it's getting bigger. Bashir: It's nothing to worry about. Dermatologically speaking, you're perfectly healthy. O'Brien: I'm perfectly healthy except I've got a disgusting cyst on the back of my neck. Now either I paint a nose, eyes and mouth on it and pretend I've got two heads, or you take it off. Bashir: I'll get you some paint. O'Brien: Julian, get it off of me! Bashir: All right, all right. But you know what they say, two heads are better than one. O'Brien: Julian, I'm waiting. Rom: Doctor Bashir, I'm glad you're in. I need your help. Bashir: That ear acting up again? Rom: My ear's fine. I need some advice about unions. Bashir: Unions? Rom: You said the other day I should form a union, so I did. Bashir: Rom, I was speaking theoretically. Rom: And I put your theory into practice. All of Quark's employees have joined. We're going to force Quark to treat us better. I hope. O'Brien: A union, huh? Good for you. Rom: You know about unions? O'Brien: Who do you think led the Pennsylvania coal miners during the anthracite strike of nineteen oh two? Rom: I have no idea. O'Brien: Sean Aloysius O'Brien. Bashir: I didn't know that. O'Brien: There're lots of things about my family that you don't know. Eleven months those mines were closed, and they didn't open again until all the miners' demands were met. Rom: You mean we should force Quark to close the bar? Bashir: Only as a last resort. If he's reasonable about your requests, there's no need to strike. O'Brien: Quark reasonable? Ha! Unlikely. You'll have to strike, mark my words. And when you do, you'll have to be strong. Rom: Just like Sean O'Brien. O'Brien: Exactly. You know, he had the biggest funeral in all of western Pennsylvania. Rom: Funeral? O'Brien: They fished his body out of the Allegheny river a week before the strike ended. Thirty two bullets he had in him. Or was it thirty four? Bashir: Well, he died a hero. O'Brien: He was more than a hero. He was a union man. O'Brien: I see the problem now. You've got a bad ODN relay here. We'll have to replace the whole unit. Worf: How long will it take? O'Brien: Two or three hours. But after that, it'll work like a charm. Worf: Until the next time it breaks down. O'Brien: That's the problem when you combine Cardassian, Bajoran and Federation technology. None of it was meant to work together. Worf: How do you tolerate working in this environment? O'Brien: It's a lot easier than working on the Enterprise. Worf: Easier? The Enterprise never had these kind of problems. O'Brien: Tell me about it. Have you have any idea how bored I used to get sitting in the Transporter room waiting for something to break down? Here, I've a half dozen new problems every day. This station needs me. Oh, do me a favor. Hand me the coil spanner. Quark: Happy Cleansing. Quark: If this is a surprise birthday party, you're a month late. Rom: It's not a party. We're the Guild of Restaurant and Casino Employees and we're here to present our demands. Quark: The Guild of Restaurant and Casino Employees? What's that supposed to be? Rom: What does it sound like? Quark: It's sounds like, like a union. Rom: Exactly. So you'd better take our demands seriously. Quark: Increased pay. Shorter hours. Paid sick leave. Rom: This is no joke. Quark: Yes, it is. And the fact that you don't know that is what makes it so funny. Now get back to work before I fire the lot of you. Rom: You can't fire us. Quark: Why not? Rom: Because as of right now, we're all on strike. All: Yeah! Rom: Thank you for not patronizing Quark's. Thank you very much. Thank you for not patronizing Quark's. Thank you for not patronizing Quark's. Thank you for not patronizing Quark's. Thank you for not patronizing Quark's. Leeta: I hope Rom's voice holds out. Grimp: I hope our latinum holds out. Rom: Thank you for not patronizing Quark's. Odo: You wanted to see me. Quark: May I take you're order, sir? Odo: Quark, I'm in no mood for games. Quark: There seems to be an opening at the dabo table. Or perhaps I might interest you in some time in the holosuites? Quark: Not again. Quark: Are you carrying a tricorder or anything with a portable energy source? Odo: What are you talking about? Quark: I'm still working out the bugs in these holographic waiters. The Lissepian who sold me the program neglected to mention that certain energy sources can interfere with the imaging system. Odo: Sounds like there's no end to the problems you're facing. Quark: I can take care of the Lissepian. I need you to get those traitors away from my front door. They're blocking access to my place of business, causing a disturbance on the Promenade, and they're probably a fire hazard. They belong in a holding cell, every last one of them. Odo: Well, I hate to admit this, but I agree with you. From what Chief O'Brien tells me about strikes, they sound like trouble. I don't like mobs. In my opinion, if you need one to get what you want, it's not worth getting. Quark: Good. Then you'll haul them away. Odo: I'll do nothing of the sort. Quark: But you said Odo: I know what I said. But I have strict orders from Captain Sisko not to impinge on your employees' freedom of expression. As long as they stay peaceful and allow your customers access through the second level entrance, I'm not allowed to interfere. Quark: In that case, would you mind serving some drinks? Quark: I didn't think so. Bashir: What about that Vulcan? O'Brien: With their sense of ethics? Definitely on the side of labor. Pass. Bashir: I'd say this one's an Enter. O'Brien: Lucky guess. O'Brien: Pass. He barely set foot in the place when there wasn't a strike. Bashir: Quark isn't exactly his favorite person. Bashir: Wait a minute. I can't believe it! He's an Enter. O'Brien: Not for long. Bashir: Where are you going? O'Brien: To talk some sense into him. Commander! Hold on! Sisko: I cannot believe what I'm seeing. Worf: Sir, if I could explain. Sisko: Mister Worf, do I look like I'm ready for an explanation? Three of my senior staff brawling on the Promenade. O'Brien: With all due respect, sir. We weren't brawling. Sisko: Maybe you should take a closer look at Doctor Bashir's forehead. O'Brien: He shouldn't have got in the way. Bashir: I was trying I was trying to stop the fight. Worf: We were not fighting. Sisko: Then what were you doing? O'Brien: We were Worf: Having a difference of opinion. O'Brien: I suppose towards the end there, we might have done a bit of shoving. Sisko: According to Odo, Doctor Bashir was shoved over a table. Worf: Now that was an accident. Bashir: It was just, things just got a little out of hand. Sisko: Things got more than a little out of hand. I suppose I'm going to have to talk to Quark myself, find a way to settle this strike, get things back to normal around here. O'Brien: Captain? Can we leave now? Sisko: I'll tell Constable Odo to let you go in the morning. Bashir: I hope you're proud of yourselves. Quark: Captain, believe me, I want this strike settled as much as you do. Sisko: Then settle it. Quark: It's not that simple. Sisko: Make it simple. Sit down with your brother and hammer out an agreement today. Quark: Captain, I'm afraid you don't understand what a delicate situation this is. Even talking with strikers would be a violation of the most sacred precepts of Ferengi culture. Sisko: Maybe I don't know much about Ferengi culture but I do know who holds the lease on your bar. Quark: The Federation. And I couldn't ask for better landlords. Sisko: That's because we don't ask you to pay your rent, or to reimburse us for your maintenance repairs, or the drain on the station's power supply. Quark: You're a very generous people. Sisko: Until today. Let's see. Five years of back rent, plus power consumption, plus the repairs. Do you know how much latinum that is? Quark: A lot. Sisko: That's right. Quark: I'll talk to my brother. Sisko: I'm glad we're in agreement. Rom: Labor. Where's wages? Wages are here. Wages. Rom: Come in. Rom: What do you want? Quark: Here. Rom: What's this? Quark: It's the amount of latinum I'm willing to transfer into your private account if you'll just end this strike. Rom: Are we talking about slips, strips, or bars? Quark: Slips. All right, strips. Rom: It wouldn't matter if it were bars. I'm not going to end the strike unless you meet our demands. Quark: Rom, we shouldn't be fighting. We're brothers. Rom: Not when it comes to business. We're nothing but employer and employee. You said so yourself. Quark: I was wrong. Rom: No, you weren't. Quark: Rom, can't we talk about this? Rom: There's only one thing I have to say to you. Workers of the world, unite. You have nothing to lose but your chains. Quark: What's happened to you? Brunt: Ah. It's about time you got back. Quark: Brunt. Brunt: That's Liquidator Brunt to you. I see you remember me. Quark: Who could forget. What do you want? Brunt: Quark, don't worry. I'm here to help. The Ferengi Commerce Authority has ordered me to end this nasty little labor dispute of yours. Quark: How do you propose to do that? Brunt: By any means necessary. Frool: I hear Quark had only fourteen customers all day. Leeta: And he'll have even less tomorrow. I've been talking to people all over the station and support for our cause is growing. Frool: Quark will have to settle. Either that or go out of business. Grimp: I don't know. Quark can be awful stubborn. I think he'd rather lose the bar than give in to us. Rom: Don't be such a pessimist. Remember Rule of Acquisition two sixty three. Never allow doubt to tarnish your lust for latinum. Grimp: Your brother can quote the Rules of Acquisition, too. I think his favorite is two eleven. Employees are the rungs on the Ladder of Success. Don't hesitate to step on them. Rom: My ex-brother wasn't quoting the Rules of Acquisition when he came to see me yesterday. Leeta: What did he say? Rom: He offered me a bribe if I would end the strike. Grimp: Did you take it? Rom: No, I didn't take it. Don't you see what that means? He's getting desperate. A few more days and we'll get everything we want. Brunt: Brunt, FCA. Frool: It's not my fault. They made me do it. It was all his idea. Forgive me. Brunt: If this was Ferenginar, I'd have you all taken to the Spire of the Tower of Commerce, displayed to the crowds in the Great Marketplace below, then shoved off, one by one. Small children would bet on where you would land, and your spattered remains would be sold as feed mulch for gree-worms. Frool: Spare me. I'm old, I'm fragile. I'll push the rest of them off myself. Grimp: I thought you said you weren't afraid of the FCA. Frool: I lied. Rom: Don't let him intimidate you. We're not on Ferenginar. Brunt: Lucky for you. But the FCA understands that living on this station has corrupted you. You've been tempted by unwholesome Bajoran ideals, exposed to the twisted values of the Federation. And because of that, we are willing to forgive. Frool: Really? Brunt: But don't confuse our mercy with weakness. If you are not back at your jobs tomorrow morning, your financial accounts on Ferenginar will be confiscated, your families fined and your trading permits revoked. You'll be ruined, reduced to utter destitution. Am I understood? Good. I thought so. Don't bother getting up. Grimp: Would you get up? Come on. Rom: Let him stay there. That's where he belongs. The question is, where do we belong? On our knees, like Frool, or standing tall like Sean O'Brien? Leeta: Who's Sean O'Brien? Rom: He was a union man. A man who gave his life to earn a decent wage for his fellow workers. Brunt wouldn't have intimidated him, and he won't intimidate me. Grimp: What about our accounts on Ferenginar? Rom: If your accounts on Ferenginar were worth anything, you wouldn't be working as a waiter. I'm telling you, nothing has changed. Victory is within our grasp. All we have to do is take it. Now are you with me? GRIMP + Leeta: Yes. Rom: I said, are you with me! All: Yes! Rom: Then let's get back on that picket line and show Quark what we're made of. All: Yeah! Frool: Can I get up now? Rom: Look sharp now, no slouching. Remember, in unity there is strength, so be strong. Worf: Chief, may I speak with you? O'Brien: Sure. What's on your mind? Worf: I feel I owe you an apology. I allowed our argument in Quark's to get out of hand. O'Brien: I think there was plenty of blame to spread around. Worf: Nonetheless, we are Starfleet officers, and Starfleet officers do not brawl with each other. O'Brien: It wasn't much of a brawl, really. I grabbed you, you shoved me, and Julian was tossed over a table. Worf: It never should have happened. And under normal circumstances, it never would have. But there is something about this station I find unsettling. O'Brien: You'll get used to it. Worf: Perhaps. But in the meantime, I think I've found a solution. I'm going to move my quarters to the Defiant. O'Brien: You're going to live on the Defiant? Worf: I have already discussed it with Captain Sisko. O'Brien: And he said yes? Worf: As long as it doesn't interfere with my duties. O'Brien: But you'll be living out there all by yourself. Worf: I know. Leeta: That was pretty impressive, standing up to Brunt the way you did. Rom: Who'd have thought I had such natural leadership skills? Leeta: I knew it all along. Rom: Really? Leeta: No. Rom: I didn't think so. Leeta: Well, you surprised a lot of people, including me. I've got to get ready. I'm having dinner with Julian. Rom: He's a lucky man. Leeta: And almost as brave as you are. Quark: Psst! Rom! Rom: She kissed me! Quark: There's no accounting for taste. Rom, we have to talk. Rom: Are you ready to give in to our demands? Quark: Of course not. Rom: Then there's nothing to talk about. Quark: There's plenty to talk about. The FCA's involved now, and those Nausicaans working for Brunt aren't just for show. Rom: I'm not going to let Brunt intimidate me. Quark: Don't you see, Rom? You should be intimidated. There's no telling what Brunt might do, and I don't want you to get hurt. Rom: You never cared what happened to me before. Quark: I always cared about you. I tried to protect you, save you from yourself. Rom: How? By telling me I was an idiot my whole life? Quark: I had to be tough on you. I was trying to make you a better Ferengi. Rom: What you were trying to do was make yourself feel important. Making me feel dumb made you feel smart. But I'm not dumb and you're not half as smart as you think you are. Quark: Rom! You have to listen to me! The FCA doesn't have to answer to anyone, and if Brunt decides to get rid of you I won't be able to stop him. Rom: Look at it this way. If Brunt gets rid of me, then all your problems are solved. You always said you wanted to be an only child. Quark: Doesn't that hurt? Brunt: I'm sure it does. Most Nausicaan games do. Speaking of pain. Did you talk to your brother? Quark: We talked. Brunt: And? Quark: I need more time. Brunt: Time, like latinum, is a highly limited commodity. Quark: Look, you're here to help me, right? Brunt: Wrong. I'm here to enforce Ferengi law and to protect Ferengi traditions. And that means ending this strike. Now I can see we are going to have to make an example of someone. Quark: What kind of example? Brunt: Oh, I'm sure that we'll come up with something that will get people's attention. Quark: I don't want my brother hurt. Brunt: I wasn't thinking of him. Attack the leader of a movement, you risk creating a martyr. No, Rom must not be touched. Our target must be someone unexpected, someone he cares about. Like that dabo girl. Quark: Leeta? But she's not even Ferengi. Brunt: I know. That's what makes it so memorable. But she has such delicate lobes. I'm afraid I couldn't bring myself to give the order. Let's see. Who else does Rom care about? Boys. Quark: Me? But I'm on your side. Brunt: Ironic, isn't it. Quark: I thought I wasn't allowed to have any visitors. Rom: Doctor Bashir made an exception. He said you were almost killed. Quark: It's nothing to smile about. Those Nausicaans shattered my left eye socket, broke two of my ascending ribs and punctured my lower lung. If Odo hadn't come along when he did. Rom: Does it hurt? Quark: Of course it hurts. Rom: Too bad. Quark: If you're going to stand there and gloat, you can leave right now. Rom: I'm not done gloating. Quark: Don't you get it? This was a message for you. Rom: It's not going to work. Quark: I wish Brunt had known that. Rom: Odo has him and the Nausicaans in a holding cell. He says it's an open and shut case. Quark: It's an open and shut case all right, but I'm not going to press charges. Rom: You're not? Quark: Of course not. I'm in enough trouble with the FCA as it is. Rom: But then Odo will have to let them go. Quark: Either way, the FCA will just send another Liquidator. And that one will make an example of you. Rom: Then you'll be the one gloating. Quark: I don't want to gloat. I want to end the strike. Rom: So give us what we want. Quark: Rom, I can't. I'm not going against ten thousand years of Ferengi tradition. Rom: You're just afraid of the FCA. Quark: Of course I'm afraid of the FCA. They crushed my eye socket. And if you had any sense, you'd be afraid of them too. If this strike doesn't get settled soon, we're both going to find ourselves tossed out of the nearest airlock. You have to dissolve the union. At least officially. Rom: What do you mean? Quark: I mean, I mean you dissolve the union, make it look like I've won, and I'll give you everything you want. Rom: You'll meet our demands? Quark: That's what I just said, you idiot. Rom: Even sick leave? Quark: Even sick leave. And six months from now, when the FCA isn't watching my books so closely, you'll get your raises. Rom: Six months! Quark: It's the best I can do. Rom: No, it's not. All you have to do is make up one of your fake business ledgers for the FCA. They'll never know the difference. Quark: Shush! All right, you'll get your raises by the end of the week. But the union dies here. Today. And that's my final offer. Dax: Better? Worf: Much. Dax: I thought about getting you a plant, but somehow it didn't seem right. Worf: A wise decision. Dax: So I brought you this instead. Dax: It's a collection of my favorite Klingon operas. Think about it. You can lie in bed and pipe them through the Defiant's comm. system. Play them as loud as you like. Worf: A thoughtful gift. Dax: You know, Worf, in the end living on the Defiant isn't going to change anything. You're still going to have to get used to life on the station. Worf: I am not sure I agree. Dax: Sooner or later you're going to have to adapt. Worf: Perhaps in the end it will be all of you who that have to adapt to me. Quark: Come in. Come in. Welcome back. Leeta: Why don't you try your luck at dabo wheel? Remember, every Bajoran gets one free spin. Quark: You're in a good mood. Leeta: I just got a raise. Quark: Major. I must say, you are looking particularly cleansed today. Kira: Just get me two mugs of synthale, a double order of hasperat, and hold the conversation. Quark: No wonder I missed you. Quark: Ah, Rom, there you are. Why aren't you in your waiter's uniform? Rom: I'll have a large snail juice, please. Straight up. Quark: You know there's no drinking on the job. Rom: That's no way to talk to a customer. Quark: You're not a customer. You're an employee. Rom: Not anymore. I've wiped my last table and mixed my last Blackhole. Starting today, I'm one of the station's diagnostic and repair technicians. Junior grade, night shift. Quark: You're quitting? Rom: Effective immediately. Quark: I gave you everything you wanted. Rom: I know. But if the strike taught me anything, it's that I do a lot better when you're not around. Don't worry. I'll keep your holosuites running and fix your replicators when they're broken. I think this'll be really good for our relationship. Quark: I don't. Rom: Think about it from my point of view. If I keep working for you, all I have to look forward to is waiting for you to die so I can inherit the bar. Well, I don't want you to die. And besides, I deserve to have a life of my own now. Quark: But without me looking after you Rom: I'll do fine. Quark: I suppose you will. I'll miss you. Rom: No, you won't. I'll be here all the time. Only I'll be a paying customer. Now get me my snail juice, brother. Quark: Coming up.

Bashir: I thought you said you'd started straightening this place up. O'Brien: You should've seen it before. Bashir: Keiko's shuttle will be here before we know it. We should have left the holosuite hours ago. O'Brien: What, and let the Jerries cross the channel? Never. Bashir: It is sort of a shame to pack all this stuff away O'Brien: I wish we didn't have to. Bashir: It's like sculpture. A monument to your year as a bachelor. O'Brien: I suppose it is. Bashir: Who are we to dismantle this piece of art? O'Brien: I don't know. But if we don't, Keiko will dismantle me. Molly: Daddy! O'Brien: Hi, sweetie! Keiko: Hi. Keiko: The one good thing about going away is coming home. O'Brien: I never want to be apart like that again. Molly: Daddy! Daddy! I have a little brother! O'Brien: Really? Is that him? Molly: No. He's in there. Keiko: Surprise. O'Brien: A baby? Keiko: Yeah. I thought you'd be happy. I mean, we talked about it and decided we'd start trying. O'Brien: Oh, I know. But your last visit, you were only here the one night. I thought it'd take a couple of nights. To be honest, a lot more nights. Keiko: I guess we just got lucky this time. O'Brien: I guess so. Kira: Vedek Porta. Porta: Nerys. So this is where you are when you're not at the Temple. Very impressive. Kira: Haven't you ever been to Ops? Porta: What business would an old monk have here except maybe helping a young couple to meet the Emissary. Are you sure this is a good time? Kira: I think he'll be able to fit you in. Latara: Thank you so much for doing this, Major. Kira: Oh, I'm glad to. Sisko: They can take the Rubicon. Sisko: Come in. Kira: Vedek Porta's here with a young couple that just got married. They're hoping to get the Emissary's blessing. Sisko: Bring them in. Dax: You remember the words? Sisko: The marriage blessing? I think so. Latara: Emissary. We're very grateful to you for seeing us. Sisko: Not at all. Now, if you'll just join hands. Zhia'kala, tareh anu suur. Tevon akalu rez kavor. Matana kel. Latara: Thank you. Thank you very much. Porta: Your accent is getting much better, Emissary. Sisko: I'm glad to hear it. Dax: It isn't that bad, is it, being the Emissary? A few ceremonies, an occasional blessing. Sisko: I didn't say it was that bad. It's just hard getting used to being a religious icon. Dax: Really? I think I'd like it. Kira: Kira to Sisko. Sisko: Go ahead. Kira: You'd better get out here. There's something coming through the wormhole. Sisko: A lightship. Kira: I don't know where it came from. According to remote sensors it never entered the wormhole. Dax: From these readings I'd say that ship's about three hundred years old. Sisko: Lifesigns? Dax: There's someone on board. A Bajoran. Sisko: Try hailing them. Kira: No response. Dax: Whoever's in there could be injured. Sisko: Tractor the ship into transporter range and beam the passenger directly to the infirmary. Bashir: He's a little disoriented. Sisko: I'm Captain Benjamin Sisko. You're aboard a Federation Space Station near Bajor. This is Kira Nerys, my First Officer. Kira: Who are you? Akorem: I am the Emissary. Akorem: I was headed back to Bajor. My lightship was caught in an ion storm. It nearly tore it apart. A girder came loose from the bulkhead and impaled me through the shoulder here. I remember thinking I was going to die, alone in space, when a strange opening appeared in the sky. I was terrified at first, and then I realized what was happening. The Prophets were opening the gates of the Celestial Temple and drawing me to them. Sisko: What happened then? Akorem: It's difficult to describe. They took the form of people that I know, my grandfather, my brother, so that they could communicate with me. Sisko: You spoke to them? Akorem: I didn't have to. I could sense their understanding, their grace. I've never felt such bliss. And then they healed me. A light washed over me and then my wound was gone. They gave me back my life. I felt reborn. Sisko: When exactly did you leave Bajor? Akorem: Oh, it couldn't have been more than a few days ago. Sisko: What was the year? Akorem: Ninety one seventy four. Kira: That was over two hundred years ago. Akorem: Two hundred years? My wife, my parents, they're gone. Bashir: If you give us your name, maybe we can contact your descendants, let them know you're alive. Akorem: Akorem. Akorem Laan. But I have no descendants. My brother died last winter and my wife and I never had children. Kira: Akorem Laan, the poet? Akorem: I'm a poet, yes. Kira: You wrote Kitara's Song and The Call of the Prophets. Akorem: You know my work? Kira: You're considered one of the greatest poets of Bajor. Every schoolchild can recite Gaudaal's Lament from memory. Akorem: People still read my work after all this time? Perhaps that's part of the Prophets' plan for me. Sisko: Their plan? Akorem: It's not clear to me yet why they made me their Emissary, but I know that they gave me back my life for a reason. Sisko: Akorem, a great deal has happened since you've been gone. Maybe Major Kira can spend some time filling you in. Akorem: Major Kira? Kira: That's right. Akorem: But your family would be part of the artist D'jarra. Bashir: D'jarra? Kira: Bajor used to have a strict caste system. A person's work was dictated by what family they were born into. Akorem: You no longer follow your D'jarras? Kira: When the Cardassians occupied Bajor we gave up the D'jarras so that we could fight them. We all became soldiers. Akorem: The Cardassians occupied Bajor? Kira: For over fifty years. Akorem: It seems you're right, Captain. A great deal has happened since I've been gone. Sisko: If you look at the prophecies about the Emissary, a lot of them make more sense with Akorem in the picture. Dax: Really? Sisko: Every text I've read says the Prophets will name their Emissary by calling him to them, that he would find the Celestial Temple, that there the Prophets would give him back his life. Dax: Go on. Sisko: They didn't give me back my life. Dax: Not literally, but they did help you get your life back together. Sisko: True enough. But I wasn't the first one to find the wormhole, or to meet the Prophets. Akorem was. Dax: Benjamin, I thought you didn't believe in the prophecies. Sisko: I don't. Dax: Then why are you using them to justify giving up your position? Sisko: I guess I was looking for something to convince me that I was making the right decision. Dax: So your mind's made up. You're going to step aside. Sisko: Akorem will make a far better Emissary than I ever was. He's Bajoran, he's a revered poet, and he wants the job. Besides, Starfleet will be thrilled. They never liked the idea that the Bajorans saw me as a religious figure. Dax: How do you know the Bajorans will accept Akorem as their new Emissary? Sisko: I talked to Vedek Porta. He seemed to think that as long as I make it clear that I'm stepping aside voluntarily, they will. Dax: So you're off the hook. How does it feel? Sisko: It feels good. No more ceremonies to attend, no more blessings to give, no more prophecies to fulfilll. I'm just a Starfleet officer again. All I have to worry about are the Klingons, the Dominion and the Maquis. I feel like I'm on vacation. Bashir: Chief! Congratulations, dad. O'Brien: You heard. Bashir: Great news, my friend. Come and have a drink. Celebrate. O'Brien: I really should be getting home. Bashir: Oh, just one. O'Brien: All right. Bashir: Quark, did you hear? Chief O'Brien is having a baby. Quark: I thought your females carried your young. O'Brien: My wife. My wife is having the baby. Quark: Congratulations. I remember when my nephew Nog was a baby. Cutest thing you ever saw. You know babies. Every little thing they pick up goes straight into their ears. I used to love reading to him. You know, See Brak acquire. Acquire, Brak, acquire. Bashir: Just think, soon there'll be two little O'Briens scampering about underfoot. O'Brien: Hard to believe, isn't it. Bashir: Mind you, they do say the second one is easier. Since you've already been through the diapers and the endless crying and the sleepless nights. O'Brien: Yeah. Bashir: Cheers. O'Brien: Oh, cheers. Bashir: Something wrong, Chief? O'Brien: No. Nothing at all. Couldn't be happier. Quark: Did you hear? Keiko's going to have another baby. Worf: Now? O'Brien: No, seven months. Worf: I see. O'Brien: Worf delivered Molly, you know. Bashir: Really? O'Brien: The Enterprise was damaged. Keiko and he were trapped together when her time came. Bashir: Oh, well I'll be sure and call you when she's ready to deliver. You can lend a hand. Worf: Seven months? Unfortunately, I will be away from the station at that time. Far away. Visiting my parents. On Earth. Excuse me. Bashir: I don't know who's more anxious about this baby, you or Worf. O'Brien: The thing is, Julian, now that Molly's a little older, I was hoping to being able to spend some time with Keiko again. I thought we could, I don't know, go out at night. Don't get me wrong, I know once I'm hold my little baby in my arms I'll be the happiest man in the world, but I wasn't expecting it to happen so soon. How about a game of darts? Bashir: Don't you have to get home? O'Brien: Yeah. Odo: Major. Come to see Akorem speak? Kira: The Emissary's first public appearance? I wouldn't miss it. Odo: I'm surprised to hear you call him that. Kira: Why? Akorem Laan was, is a great man. He's been with the Prophets for over two hundred years, and now they've sent him back to us. Odo: Yes, but two days ago you believed Captain Sisko was the Emissary. Kira: Well, he made it clear he wants to step aside. Odo: Does that mean he never really was the Emissary? Kira: No. Odo: But they can't both be. Kira: I don't know. What do you want from me, Odo? Odo: Forgive me, Major, I don't mean to be difficult, but your faith seems to have led you to something of a contradiction. Kira: I don't see it as a contradiction. Odo: I don't understand. Kira: That's the thing about faith. If you don't have it, you can't understand it, and if you do, no explanation is necessary. Akorem: Ever since the Prophets returned me to my people, I've asked myself the same questions over and over again. Why did they keep me with them for so long? Why did they return me to my Akorem: People now? I now know the answers. Bajor suffered a great wound while I was with the Prophets. The Cardassian occupation. The Bajor I have returned to has lost its way. People no longer follow the path the Prophets have laid out for them. They no longer follow their D'jarras. Artists have become soldiers. Priests have become merchants. Farmers have become politicians. Akorem: We must heal the wounds of the occupation. We must return to our D'jarras. We must reclaim what we were and follow the path the Prophets have laid out for us. It is their will that the farmers return to their land, painters to their canvasses, priests to their temples. If we do this, if we follow our D'jarras, then Bajor will flourish again and become the green and peaceful land I remember. It will be as if the occupation never happened. By returning to our D'jarras, we will have erased it forever. Sisko: I wanted to talk to you before you left for Bajor. Akorem: Of course. Sisko: I was surprised by your speech. I had no idea you were going to advocate change on such a massive scale. Akorem: It's what the Prophets want for Bajor. It's why they sent me. Sisko: Are you sure of that? Akorem: Absolutely. Porta: The Emissary knows that what he's proposing will be difficult for some people to accept. He doesn't expect things to change overnight. Sisko: So, you're going to ask First Minister Shakaar to step down and go back to farming? Akorem: No, of course not. But, frankly, by the next election, I doubt very many people will left on Bajor who would elect a farmer to political office. Porta: We hope that eventually the people will support enforcement of the D'jarras by legal sanction. Sisko: So if someone defies their caste? Akorem: Society will have appropriate remedies at it's disposal, such as deportation. Sisko: You realize that caste-based diskrimination goes against the Federation charter. If Bajor returns to the D'jarra system, I have no doubt that its petition to join the Federation will be rejected. Akorem: Kai Winn and I have already discussed it. We're willing to make that sacrifice in order to follow the will of the Prophets. Sisko: I had a feeling Winn would see it that way. Porta: Well, the Emissary's transport leaves shortly. Sisko: As a Starfleet Officer, I am bound by oath not to interfere with Bajoran affairs. But, as a friend to Bajor, I have to say giving up Federation membership would be a mistake. Akorem: Your pagh is strong. I see now why Kai Opaka believed you were the Emissary, and why Winn fears you. Goodbye, Captain. Sisko: Goodbye Emissary. Sisko: Morning. Kira: I guess I'll have to take my raktajino with me. Jia: Please, sit here. Kira: You're not finished. Jia: I'll find someplace else to sit. Kira: You don't have to get up for me. Jia: You're Ih'valla. I'm Te'nari. Sisko: It's been going on all morning whenever someone with a higher ranking D'jarra comes in. Kira: I guess I'll have to start getting used to being treated like that. Sisko: I remember when I got promoted to lieutenant. It took me a while to get used to being called sir by my friends who were still ensigns. Kira: That's different. You'd earned the right to be treated with respect. I haven't done anything. Sisko: Sounds like you have some reservations about bringing back the D'jarras. Kira: I have some questions, sure. The Emissary is asking something very difficult of us, but we have to have faith that he's guiding us toward something. Sisko: Even if what he's guiding you towards doesn't include the Federation? Kira: It's not our place to question the Emissary. Sisko: No matter what? Kira: Maybe you never realized this, Captain, but we would've tried to do whatever you asked of us when you were Emissary, no matter how difficult it seemed. I'd better get to Ops. Opaka: Who are you? Sisko: Kai Opaka. Opaka: Who are you? Sisko: What are you doing here? How did you Opaka: Who are you? Sisko: Don't you know me? Opaka: Know you? How can I know someone who doesn't know himself? Bashir: I think you had what the Bajorans call an Orb Shadow. Sometimes people who've been exposed to the Orbs of the Prophets experience hallucinations weeks, even months later. Sisko: What triggers them? Bashir: An excess of neuropeptides. I can give you an inhibitor to make sure it never happens again. Of course, if I do, you risk never finding out. Sisko: Finding out what? Bashir: The Bajorans believe you only have a Shadow experience when you ignore what the Prophets have been trying to tell you during an Orb encounter. Sisko: Interesting. Bashir: So, any idea what they might have been trying to tell you? Sisko: Sure. That I have too many neuropeptides rolling around in my head. Porta: A bird is a difficult thing to sculpt. Maybe you should have started with something simpler. Come in, come in. Services are about to begin. Kira: But I can tell I have no aptitude for it. Porta: That's because you didn't give yourself over to what you were doing. Kira: How can you say that? I was up half the night. I have a flock of flightless birds in my quarters. Porta: But you're still wearing that uniform. You're still clinging to a false life. You must do what the Emissary has asked and follow your D'jarra with all your heart. Because if you give yourself over to the Prophets, they will guide you along the path they've chosen for you. And you'll know more joy than you ever thought possible. O'Brien: Attagirl! Good shot, Molly. Molly: Did I win? O'Brien: We're just practicing. We'll play a game later. Try another one. Keiko: Miles? O'Brien: Oh. That's mine. Don't worry, I only wear it in the holosuites. Keiko: I suppose Julian has one, too. You two certainly spent a lot of time in the holosuites. O'Brien: Well, you should be glad. It kept me out of trouble. Keiko: Remind me to thank Julian next time I see him. O'Brien: Want to try for twins? Keiko: I don't think it works that way. You'd better brush up on your biology. O'Brien: Teach me. Molly: Look, I drew a pony. O'Brien: Oh, let's see. Does your pony have a name? Molly: I don't know. Keiko: Miles, I still have a lot of specimens I've got to catalog for the survey. O'Brien: Go ahead. I'll play with Molly. Keiko: Oh, Miles, it's good to be home. O'Brien: Come on, Molly. Let's play darts. Now, remember what I said about the right way to stand? Let's try again. Molly: I don't want to. O'Brien: Can daddy color, too? Molly: I'm coloring. Kira: The four-shift rotation also seems to be improving performance. Less mistakes due to fatigue. Sisko: Fine, let's make the change permanent. Anything else? Kira: I was wondering if in the next few days you would have the time to meet with Major Jatarn. Sisko: Sure. Kira: Is something wrong, sir? Sisko: I'm sorry. I just received a communiqué from Starfleet Command responding to my report on the Bajoran situation. Kira: That bad? Sisko: Not yet. But I can read between the lines. I was sent here to help bring Bajor into the Federation. That doesn't look like much of a possibility anymore. As far as Starfleet is concerned, I have failed my mission. Kira: That's not fair. It's not your fault. Sisko: It is from where they're sitting. The irony is Starfleet was always trying to get me to distance myself from this Emissary business. And now that I have Kira: Maybe I could talk to First Minister Shakaar about sending Starfleet a communiqué explaining Sisko: Thanks, it'll blow over. It's not that. I guess I'm just feeling I did fail. Kira: Sir. Sisko: Anyway, why did you want me to meet Jatarn? Kira: We can talk about that another time. Sisko: What is it, Major? Kira: I think he'd make an excellent First Officer. As soon as you find someone to take my post, I'm going to resign my commission. Sisko: To follow your D'jarra. Kira: I'm planning to move back to the Dahkur province, There are a lot of artists who live in the capital and I have a friend there who's willing to apprentice me. I'm sorry. The last thing I want to do is add to your problems, but this is something I have to do. If you don't hit it off with Major Jatarn, I can think of a few other people. It shouldn't be that hard to find someone to replace me. Sisko: I don't doubt I can find someone to fill your post. But to replace you? O'Brien: Computer, time. Computer: Nineteen twenty-one hours. O'Brien: Where's Doctor Bashir? Computer: Doctor Bashir is in Quark's bar. Bashir: Well, I'm chasing a triple seventeen and a bull, Morn. You've got some catching up to do. Chief! Excuse me. O'Brien: Julian. Bashir: How've you been? O'Brien: Not bad. You? Bashir: Oh, you know. All right. O'Brien: I was heading home, thought I'd stop in for a quick pint. Bashir: It's been a while, eh? O'Brien: Seems like weeks. I see you found someone to play darts with. I've set up a board in my quarters so Molly and I can play. Bashir: Well, Morn's er, he's pretty good. O'Brien: So's Molly. BASHIR + O'Brien: It's not the same. O'Brien: I mean, Molly's just a kid. We've been playing with magnets. Bashir: Morn couldn't hit a Yridian yak at five paces. O'Brien: You and I were evenly matched. Bashir: We had a good rivalry going on. O'Brien: Kept us sharp. Bashir: Exactly. Quark: You're late. O'Brien: What do you mean? Quark: It's Thursday. I've got your usual holosuite reserved. O'Brien: Didn't you cancel? Bashir: Actually, I was hoping maybe O'Brien: No, no, I've got to get home. Quark: What about you, Doctor? The Battle of Britain awaits. And you know my policy on cancelations. No refunds. O'Brien: Go ahead. Maybe Morn's better in the cockpit of a spitfire than he is at darts. Bashir: Wouldn't be the same. O'Brien: You're right. Morn probably doesn't even know where England is. I'll see you. Odo: Odo to Sisko. Sisko: Go ahead. Odo: You'd better get down to the Promenade. Someone's been killed. Sisko: What happened? Kira: I don't know yet. Odo: He fell from the second level. His neck was broken on impact. Sisko: Did anyone see it happen? Porta: I did. Odo: Was it an accident? Porta: I pushed him. His family name is Imutta. Their D'jarra is unclean. Kira: They prepare the dead for burial. Porta: I asked him to set the proper example and resign from our order. He refused. Sisko: You killed him because of his D'jarra? Porta: I had to. If a Vedek can't do what the Emissary has asked of us, how can we expect anyone else to? Sisko: Get him out of here. Akorem: I regret what happened here today as much as you do, but change is never easy, and the road that the Prophets have asked us to walk won't always be a smooth one. Sisko: And forcing people to follow their D'jarras won't make it any smoother. What happened on the Promenade was just the beginning. Akorem: Must I remind you, Captain? I am merely fulfillling the will of the Prophets. Sisko: How do you know that? Akorem: I'm the Emissary. Sisko: And what you've done with the position has made me wish I had never given it up. Akorem: But you did, and it was the right decision. You never truly accepted the role in the first place. Sisko: I'm willing to accept it now. Akorem: You're challenging my claim? Sisko: You've left me no choice. Akorem: If we went to the people and asked them to choose between us, it would be chaos. Sisko: I don't want to divide Bajor any more than you do. Akorem: It wouldn't be divided for long. because in the end the people would choose me. My claim was foretold in the ancient texts. I was the first to find the wormhole. I was the first to be with the Prophets. They gave me back my life. Sisko: We're not going to settle this by arguing over ancient texts. Akorem: Then how? Sisko: There's only one way to be sure which one of us is the Emissary. We have to go to the wormhole and ask the Prophets. Sisko: Going to half thrusters. Akorem: Now what? Sisko: We wait. Kira: You are the Sisko. Bashir: This is the one that was injured. Akorem: Yes, I was. And you gave me back my life, just as the texts foretold. Porta: Why are you here? Akorem: To prove to this nonbeliever that you sent me to put Bajor back on the right path. Please, tell him you chose me to be the Emissary. Akorem: Tell him that I fulfillled the ancient Prophecies. That I was the first to find the Celestial temple. I was the first to meet with you. He came to you centuries later. Bashir: First. Later. Kira: They have no meaning to us. Sisko: The Bajorans believe you are their Prophets, that you've chosen one of us to be your Emissary. Odo: We are of Bajor. Sisko: Go on. Odo: They are linear. Kira: It limits them. Porta: They do not understand. Sisko: But we want to understand. That's why we're here. You saved his life. Why? Kira: He was injured. Bashir: We kept him with us. Akorem: So that I would be spared the occupation so that I could bring the D'jarras back to Bajor. Sisko: Is that true? Is that what you want? Porta: The D'jarras are part of what the Sisko would call the past. Kira: The Sisko taught us that for you, what was, can never be again. Akorem: If the D'jarras belong in the past, why did you send me into the future? Odo: For the Sisko. Sisko: For me? Akorem: You're saying that he's your Emissary? Bashir: He is the Sisko. Akorem: Then I've been wrong about everything. You should have let me die. Kira: We still can. Porta: We can return him to the moment we found him. Odo: Allow him to die. Sisko: No. Why not return him to his own time as he is now, uninjured, so that he can get back safely to Bajor? Odo: He would remember nothing of what has happened. Akorem: I could be with my wife my family. I'm ready to go home. Opaka: Why? Why do you stay here? Sisko: Because I still have questions. Opaka: We are of Bajor. Sisko: What does that mean? Opaka: You are of Bajor. O'Brien: You know, Molly really loves that book Jake gave her. She made me read it to her three times before she fell asleep. Keiko: I'm going to be working another few hours. O'Brien: That's okay I'll, er, I'll read. Keiko: If you want to go do something O'Brien: No, I'm fine. Keiko: Miles, I promised I wouldn't say anything, but it's about Julian. O'Brien: What about him? Keiko: I ran into him the other day and he seemed depressed. He'd never admit it, but he really misses you. O'Brien: Poor guy. No family to come home to every night. Keiko: Maybe you should go find him, you know, cheer him up a little. O'Brien: Depressed, is he? Keiko: Very. O'Brien: Maybe I should go spend an hour with him. Keiko: Maybe two. O'Brien: I'm a lucky man. Keiko: Keiko to Doctor Bashir. Bashir: Go ahead. Keiko: Julian, it's about Miles. Keiko: I promised I wouldn't tell anyone, but he's been really depressed lately. Bashir: Oh. Kira: I want you to have this. It's an original Kira Nerys. Could be very valuable one day. Sisko: I hear she didn't make many. Kira: I thought your speech went very well yesterday. It was the right thing to do. Sisko: I wanted everyone to know what happened to Akorem, and that the Prophets said nothing about returning to the D'jarras. Kira: Just about everyone was relieved to hear it. Bashir: It's your own fault. O'Brien: I can't believe you didn't cover me. Bashir: How was I to know you were going to insult the King of Leinster in his own keep? Sisko: I was just reading one of Akorem's poems, The Call of the Prophets. Kira: Oh, that's one of my favorites. It's a shame he never finished it. Sisko: He did. Look. Kira: This is confusing. The last time I read this poem it ended after the twelfth stanza. If the timeline's been changed, then why do I remember things the way they used to be? Sisko: The Prophets work in mysterious ways. Onara: Excuse me, sir. Sisko: Yes? Onara: I'm sorry to bother you but tomorrow, after evening services in the Temple we're having my daughter's ih'tanu ceremony. She's turning fourteen. Sisko: Happy Birthday. Onara: We were wondering if there's any chance you could come and give her your blessing. It would mean so much to us. Sisko: I'd be happy to. Onara: Thank you, Emissary. Sisko: You're welcome.

Odo: Are you all right? Worf: What time is it? Odo: Oh four hundred. Your hearing starts in four hours. I suggest trying to get some sleep. You've got a big day ahead of you. T'Lara: This hearing will come to order. We are here to consider the request of the Klingon Empire that Lieutenant Commander Worf be extradited for trial on charges of murder. Advocate Ch'Pok, you may present your charges. Ch'Pok: The Klingon Empire makes the following allegations against Lieutenant Commander Worf. That on Stardate 49648, while commanding the Starship Defiant, he knowingly fired upon and destroyed a Klingon civilian transport ship near the Pentath system. That as a result of that action, four hundred forty one Klingon civilians were killed. It is my intention to prove that Mister Worf was grossly negligent in his command of the Defiant. That his lust for combat overrode his good judgment. I ask only that he be returned to us to face the judgment of his own people. Thank you. Sisko: The Advocate neglected to mention in his opening statement that at the time in question, the Defiant was under attack by two Klingon warships. This was a combat situation with hundreds of lives at stake. It was at that moment, when suddenly the transport ship decloaked in front of the Defiant. Worf gave the order to fire, not because he was reckless or negligent, but because he believed he was firing on a warship. We intend to show that the destruction of the transport was a tragic, but unavoidable, accident. T'Lara: I will hear formal evidence beginning tomorrow afternoon at fifteen hundred hours. Sisko: I want to know everything there is to know about the Klingon who was commanding that transport ship. Odo: You suspect that he wasn't just on an innocent passenger run. Sisko: I'm going to argue that he saw the battle and then decided to join it. That he decloaked in order to attack the Defiant. Odo: Not the smartest decision he ever made. Sisko: That's where you come in. Use your contacts in the Empire and find out something about this captain I can use. Was he reckless, did he have a reputation for drinking, did he have a death wish? Something. Odo: I'll see what I can do. Ch'Pok: Captain. The witnesses I intend to call. Sisko: Thank you. Ch'Pok: A remarkable station, Captain. Sisko: Thank you. We don't get many Klingon visitors anymore. Ch'Pok: After this case is over, you might be seeing a lot more of us. Sisko: Oh? Ch'Pok: When Worf is extradited, the Federation will be forced to admit that one of its officers committed a massacre. That will put you on the defensive throughout the quadrant. And while you're busy trying to repair a badly damaged reputation, we'll find ourselves with certain opportunities. Sisko: An opportunity to annex more Cardassian space and set up additional military bases in this sector? Ch'Pok: Possibly. But in any case, Worf is about to present us with something we never could have won in battle. Sympathy. Any move we make against you will be seen as a legitimate response to an outrageous slaughter. Sisko: You're presuming an awful lot. Worf maintains his innocence. Ch'Pok: And you are about to remind me that the burden of proof is mine. It's an interesting system of justice you have, Captain. It does have its flaws, however. It emphasizes procedure over substance, form over fact. Sisko: I'm sorry if you feel it puts you at a disadvantage. Ch'Pok: On the contrary. I look forward to fighting on your terms. Sisko: This is not a fight. It's the search for the truth. Ch'Pok: The truth must be won. I'll see you on the battlefield. Ch'Pok: I have studied Commander Worf's report, the Defiant's sensor logs, and the reports of the other officers on the Bridge. And I believe every word of it. It's a point of pride for the Federation that Starfleet officers never lie or commit fraud, so I will accept the facts of the case as they have been submitted. Sisko: Admiral, if there are no facts in dispute, then this hearing would appear to be at an end. Ch'Pok: We Klingons are not concerned with matters of fact and circumstance. What matters to us is what was in Worf's heart when he gave the order to fire. Was he just a Starfleet officer doing his duty or was he a Klingon warrior reveling in the battle? That is why I am here. Because if he was a Klingon lost in the bloodlust of combat, only we can judge him, not you. Sisko: We can't put a man's heart on trial. It's a subjective issue that cannot be reasoned in a court of law. I ask that the advocate be limited to arguing the evidence in this case. Ch'Pok: Someone told me this was a search for the truth. Should we not follow that search wherever it takes us? T'Lara: The question of Commander Worf's motive is relevant. I will allow you to explore this issue, but only as far as logic permits. Ch'Pok: I bow to your judgment. T'Lara: You may call your first witness. Ch'Pok: You're something of an expert on Klingon society, aren't you, Commander? Dax: My previous host, Curzon, would have called himself an expert. I tend to think of myself as having a passing familiarity with your culture. Ch'Pok: In your opinion, as someone with a passing familiarity with our culture, wouldn't you say the Klingons are a violent, warrior race? Dax: Yes, there is that aspect to your people. Ch'Pok: Would you agree that one of the things that makes a Klingon warrior so formidable is his predatory instinct, his bloodlust, if you will? Dax: I'd agree with that. Ch'Pok: Now, when Worf was on the Defiant, engaged in combat, don't you think his predatory instinct took over? Dax: I think that instinct was present, but I've seen Mister Worf restrain it before. Ch'Pok: How do you know so much about how he behaves in battle? Dax: In the holosuite. We've fought many times. Ch'Pok: You mean you practiced with Mister Worf. You played with him. Dax: Oh, no. When we fight, we fight. Dax: I've made it very clear to Mister Worf that I never want him to take it easy on me because I'm a woman or a Trill. Ch'Pok: Have you ever been injured? Dax: A few bruises here and there. A broken finger once. Nothing serious. And I've given him a few lumps of his own. Ch'Pok: So you're not afraid of Mister Worf? Dax: I'm no fool. I can see the killer instinct in his eyes, and I know he could kill me if he wants to. But that look always goes away. He knows when to stop. Ja'cht. Ch'Pok: Admiral, at this time I would like to enter into evidence files I obtained from the defendant's private database this morning. Sisko: Objection. There's been no search order issued for those files. This is a violation of Mister Worf's privacy. T'Lara: The captain is correct. Without a properly executed search order, or the permission of the defendant, any information you have accessed from his private database may not be admitted into evidence. Ch'Pok: Ah. I see. Well, I obviously have no search order, so I'll ask you, Worf. May I enter this files into evidence? Or do you have something to hide? Sisko: Don't play his game. Worf: I have nothing to hide. Use whatever you wish. Ch'Pok: Commander Dax, are you familiar with a holosuite program known as The Battle of Tong Vey? Dax: Yes. It's one of the programs Mister Worf brought with him from the Enterprise. Ch'Pok: Describe it for us. Dax: It's an historical re-enactment of one of the epic Klingon battles. Ten thousand warriors under the command of the Emperor Sompek conquered the city of Tong Vey after a long siege. Ch'Pok: A glorious battle. When Worf recreates it in the holosuite, what role does he play? Dax: Sompek. Ch'Pok: Of course. The conqueror's role. One of our greatest heroes. Tell me, Commander, what was the final order Sompek gave to his men once they had conquered the city of Tong Vey? Ch'Pok: Commander? Dax: He told them to burn the city to the ground and to kill everyone in it. Ch'Pok: Everyone? Not just the soldiers, but the people of the town too? Civilians? Women? Children? Dax: Yes. Ch'Pok: Now, Commander, when Mister Worf runs this program, does he give the final order to destroy the city and kill all of the inhabitants? Dax: It's not the same thing. It's a simulation. Ch'Pok: Answer the question. Dax: That's the way the program is supposed to end. You have to give that command Ch'Pok: Admiral, I ask that the witness be instructed to answer the question yes or no. T'Lara: Yes or no, Commander? Dax: Yes. Ch'Pok: Of course he does. Because he is a Klingon warrior. He doesn't have the same moral code as a Starfleet officer. He is one of us. A killer, a predator among sheep. Sisko: Objection! T'Lara: Restrain yourself, Advocate. Ch'Pok: I only have one more question for this witness, Admiral. Commander Dax, when was the last time Worf used that program? Dax: The day before he left on the convoy mission. Ch'Pok: The day before. The day before. I have nothing further. Ch'Pok: Captain, you ordered Worf to command the Defiant on the mission in question, did you not? Sisko: That's right. Ch'Pok: How did you describe the mission to Worf? Sisko: An outbreak of Rudellian plague has struck the Cardassian colony on Pentath Three. The Cardassians are preparing several convoys of medical supplies and relief workers, but the Pentath system borders Klingon territory and the Cardassians are worried about raids. Worf: Well, Pentath is a strategically important system. The Klingons will try to stop them. Sisko: Now the problem is the Cardassians don't have enough warships available to protect the relief convoy. They've asked for Starfleet protection, and because of the humanitarian nature of the request, we've agreed. There will be seven convoys headed for Pentath Three in the next week, each of them protected by a Federation starship. The Defiant has been assigned to escort convoy six, and I've chosen you to be in command. Ch'Pok: Why did you select Worf for this mission? Sisko: I felt he was an experienced officer who was ready to take on greater responsibilities. He had a distinguished record and obviously understood the Klingons. Ch'Pok: Weren't you a little worried, Captain, that Worf, a famed Klingon Warrior, might jump at the chance for battle and forget about the plague victims? Sisko: If I were, I wouldn't have given him the assignment. Ch'Pok: And you're sure you made your instructions perfectly clear? That Commander Worf knew he was on a humanitarian relief mission. That he was not being sent out to seek combat? Sisko: Yes. Ch'Pok: Thank you, Captain. I have nothing further for you. T'Lara: Captain, since you are also acting as defense counsel, if you wish to add anything to the record, you are free to do so. Sisko: Not at this time, Admiral. T'Lara: Call your next witness. Quark: It was about seventeen hundred hours. I was doing some cleanup work. Doctor Bashir was at the bar talking to Etheria, one of the dabo girls. Bashir: Have you ever seen the wormhole open? Quark: No, wait. It wasn't Etheria. It was Glidia. Bashir: Have you ever seen the wormhole open? Quark: Or was it Midia? Ch'Pok: Mister Quark, is this necessary? Quark: No, no, no. It was Ralidia and she was with Morn. And he was the one who turned to her and said Ch'Pok: Can we return to the matter at hand, please? Quark: Oh, right. Well, as I said, I was cleaning up and I saw Mister Worf come in. Ch'Pok: Was there anything unusual about that? Quark: No, he comes in here all the time. But he was in a good mood. Ch'Pok: And that's unusual? Quark: Well, he's a Klingon, and you people are rarely in what I would call good moods. Not that you're anything but a pleasant, charming race. Ch'Pok: Let's get back to Mister Worf. Describe what happened next Quark: He came in, he ordered a drink, prune juice, I believe, and we started to talk. I'd heard about the convoy mission so I asked him about it and he said he was going to be commanding the Defiant. Ch'Pok: What was his attitude? Quark: Hard to say. He's a very private man. He doesn't share a lot with his bartender. Ch'Pok: Did he seem afraid of the mission? Quark: No. Ch'Pok: Did he seem excited by the mission? Quark: Not excited, exactly. Ch'Pok: Then what, exactly? Quark: I just remember asking him. What happens if the Klingons go after the convoy? And then he got this funny look on his face. He put down his prune juice, looked me right in the eyes, and then he said. Worf: I hope they do. Ch'Pok: I hope they do. Well, it would appear Commander Worf's hopes were answered. I have nothing further. Sisko: What do you have for me, Constable? Odo: Background on the Klingon transport captain. He'd never been in the military and he was known to his family and friends as a quiet, efficient man who was content in his position. Sisko: Doesn't sound like a man who'd suddenly decide to take on the Defiant. Odo: No. Sisko: What about this story of theirs that the transport ship just wandered off course into a combat area? Odo: I checked the flight plan the captain filed and the projected course was near the border. It would've taken only a very slight error in navigation for the ship to stray into the fight. Sisko: But why did he drop his cloak right in front of the Defiant? Odo: Ah, that's the question no one seems able to answer. Sisko: No one seems able, or no one seems willing? Odo: They're too willing to answer questions. That's the problem. I'm always suspicious of people who are eager to help a police officer. Sisko: Start looking into the passengers on that ship. Maybe someone with a grudge against Worf or the Federation was aboard. Someone who could have seized control of the ship and taken it into the battle. I'm reaching, I know. But at the moment it's all we have. Odo: I'll keep looking. O'Brien: There were two Klingon ships. A bird of prey and an old battle cruiser. One would engage us while the other went after the convoy, then they'd switch, the first ship going after the Cardassians while the second ship came after us. Kira: We've lost the number three starboard shield. Worf: Come about. The cruiser is taking us too far away from the convoy. Try to keep our portside to the Klingons. O'Brien: Aye, sir. This went on for, I don't know, maybe five minutes. They'd come at us, try to draw us away from the Cardassians, we'd head back. Then the bird of prey came toward us off the port bow. Kira: I have phaser lock. Worf: Fire! Kira: We damaged them, but not much. O'Brien: We'd seen them do this cloak and run maneuver a few times, and Commander Worf thought he saw a pattern. Worf: We have them now. Come to course one eight five mark two seven eight. Stand by quantum torpedoes, full spread. Kira: Aye, sir. O'Brien: I ran a quick sensor sweep and then I reported. I'm picking up a tachyon surge directly ahead. Worf: Fire! Sisko: When did you realize it wasn't a bird of prey? O'Brien: As soon as it exploded. Kira: Oh my God. O'Brien: We were all stunned. O'Brien: I scanned for survivors, but there were none. Sisko: Chief, do you believe Worf was correct in giving the order to fire? O'Brien: I stand by his decision. Sisko: Is there any question in your mind about his motives? O'Brien: No, sir. I've known Commander Worf for nine years. He's an honorable man. He would never intentionally fire on an unarmed ship. Sisko: Thank you, Chief. Ch'Pok: I'm curious, Chief. You said you stand by Commander Worf's decision. Do you agree with it? O'Brien: I completely support him. Ch'Pok: That's not my question. Do you agree with his decision? O'Brien: I wasn't in command. It's not my place to question his judgment. Ch'Pok: What if you were in command? What would you have done? O'Brien: I don't know. Ch'Pok: Chief, how many years have you been in Starfleet? O'Brien: Twenty two. Ch'Pok: And how many combat situations have you been in? O'Brien: I couldn't even guess. Ch'Pok: Try. O'Brien: A hundred, hundred and fifty? Ch'Pok: For the record, Chief O'Brien has been in two hundred and thirty five separate engagements and Starfleet has decorated him fifteen times. I would like to have him declared an expert in the area of starship combat. T'Lara: Any objection? Sisko: None. Ch'Pok: Chief O'Brien, if Mister Worf had been injured could you have taken over command of that ship? O'Brien: I would have. Ch'Pok: Let's say that happened. You're in command. Ch'Pok: You're chasing the bird of prey, it cloaks. You anticipate your opponent's maneuver, so you give the order. O'Brien: Come about to one eight five mark two seven eight. Stand by quantum torpedoes, full spread. Ch'Pok: The crew obeys. The ship comes about, and then your helm officer tells you. Helm: I'm picking up a tachyon surge, directly ahead. Ch'Pok: Now stop right there. Ch'Pok: Freeze that moment in time. Everything rides on your next decision. Ch'Pok: Do you give the order to fire? O'Brien: This isn't a fair question. It didn't really happen this way. I wasn't in command. Ch'Pok: I'm not interested in whether you think it's a fair question or not. You're in command. There's a ship out there decloaking. You don't know what it is. Ch'Pok: Do you fire? O'Brien: No. But that's just my opinion now, after the fact. I wasn't in command that day. Things look a lot different when you're sitting in that chair. Ch'Pok: I'm sure they do. Ch'Pok: Captain Sisko. Mind if I sit down? I understand you're going to put Worf on the stand this afternoon. Sisko: That's right. Ch'Pok: May I make a suggestion? Concede. Let me take him back to the Empire and I'll make sure he's not put to death. In fact, I'll defend him myself. Sisko: You? Ch'Pok: What matters to me is the thrill of the fight, not which side I'm on. And I think we both know the extradition fight is over. Sisko: You're not making this offer out of kindness. You want the Federation to concede so the convoys will stop and the Klingons can move in on the Pentath system. Ch'Pok: As humans would say, that would be icing on the cake. Sisko: I wouldn't try eating that cake just yet, if I were you. But you have told me one thing I needed to know. You're worried about what Worf might say on the stand. Ch'Pok: I'm not worried, but you should be. Odo: Captain. Sisko: Good news or bad? Odo: Bad. I checked the backgrounds of every passenger on that transport. None had any connection with Worf, or grudge against the Federation, or any motive for seizing control of the ship and attacking the Defiant. But I'm still not giving up. Sisko: I appreciate that. But I get the feeling that at this point the only one who can help Worf is Worf. Worf: The escort mission had proceeded smoothly for two days. We detected several subspace distortions which might have been cloaked ships, but nothing definite. Sisko: So what was the first sign of trouble, Mister Worf? Worf: There was no warning. Kira: A bird of prey just decloaked off the port quarter. Worf: Raise shields, arm phasers. O'Brien: Commander, another ship's decloaking. It's an older battle cruiser. She's going after the convoy. Worf: Bring us about. Sisko: How did you feel when the Klingons attacked? Were you excited? Worf: Of course. I am a Klingon. We live for battle. Sisko: So that's all that mattered to you? The chance to fight? Worf: No, sir. Whatever my personal feelings may be, I do not allow them to interfere with my duty or my professional judgment. Sisko: Chief O'Brien says that he disagrees with your decision to fire. How do you respond to that? Worf: I respect the Chief's opinion. He and I have served together for many years, and I consider him a friend. However, he was not in command that day. Sisko: What difference does that make? Worf: It makes all the difference. He is looking back at a decision, analyzing it weeks later. As the commanding officer of the Defiant, it was my duty to look forward, to anticipate every possible situation. Sisko: Did you anticipate encountering a civilian ship on this mission? Worf: I knew that our convoy would be passing through civilian shipping lanes, but, in my judgment, the chances of a civilian vessel decloaking in the middle of a battle were remote. I decided that if I were engaged in combat I would not hesitate to fire at a decloaking ship. Sisko: Mister Worf, I want you to think about the civilians who died on that transport ship and answer one question. Under the same set of circumstances, would you do it again? Worf: Yes, sir. If I had hesitated, I would have been negligent. I would have been risking my ship, my crew and the entire convoy. Sisko: Thank you. Ch'Pok: Worf, why are you considered an outcast among Klingons? Worf: I sided with the Federation during the invasion of Cardassia. For that, Chancellor Gowron stripped me of my name and my family honor. Ch'Pok: So, you acted out of conscience and you were punished for it. How do you feel about that? Angry? Bitter? Worf: I am angry about the treatment I have received. I felt it was unjust. Ch'Pok: Of course you are. Who wouldn't be? What happened affected your entire family. The House of Mogh was brought down. Your brother was ejected from the High Council in disgrace, your lands seized, and now your son Alexander has to bear the stigma of being the son of a traitor. Did I miss anything? Worf: No. Ch'Pok: In your opinion, what do they think of you in the Empire, Worf? Worf: I am hated. Ch'Pok: Why? Because of what you did? Worf: Yes. Ch'Pok: Are you sure it's not something more basic? Worf: What is that supposed to mean? Ch'Pok: Isn't it obvious? You were raised by humans, on Earth. And now you wear their uniform. Haven't you really always been a traitor in your heart? Worf: No. Ch'Pok: Are you telling us that you live with humans but your heart is Klingon? Worf: Yes. Ch'Pok: But if your heart is Klingon, how could you fire upon your own people? Worf: They fired the first shot. And when that happened, they became my enemies. Ch'Pok: Then why aren't you glad you destroyed that transport? It was filled with your enemies and their children. Worf: There is nothing honorable about killing those who cannot defend themselves. Ch'Pok: Are you telling me that you would never attack a defenseless opponent? Worf: No, I would not. Ch'Pok: Maybe I've been wrong about you. Maybe you aren't really Klingon in your heart. A true Klingon rejoices at the death of his enemies. Old, young, armed, unarmed. All that matters is the victory. Tell me, Worf, did you weep for those children? Worf: I grieve for them. Ch'Pok: Grieve for them? A Klingon doesn't grieve. They died in a glorious battle! They are with the honored dead in Sto-Vo-Kor! They do not want your grief. You dishonor their memories! Sisko: Objection! T'Lara: Advocate. Worf: You will say anything. You have no honor! Ch'Pok: I say this. You live with humans because you're afraid to live with Klingons. Worf: I fear nothing. And if you would like to pick up a bat'leth and face me with weapons instead of words, I will prove it to you. Ch'Pok: You'd like that, wouldn't you, Worf? You'd love to prove that you are as strong and courageous as any Klingon warrior. Worf: I am a Klingon warrior. T'Lara: Advocate, you are stepping well beyond the bounds of protocol. Ch'Pok: And that is why you told the Ferengi you hoped the Klingons do come for you. You wanted to prove yourself in the eyes of the only people that matter to you. Other Klingons. T'Lara: This will stop or I will hold both of you in contempt. Ch'Pok: I apologize, Worf. Actually, I pity you. But the person I pity most is Alexander. Because one day he will come to you and ask, Father who am I? And you will have to tell him that he is the son of a small, frightened man who destroyed a ship full of children just to prove his own courage. Sisko: Worf, no! Ch'Pok: I thought you said you'd never attack an unarmed man. Perhaps you should have said, not unless I get angry, not unless I have something to prove. I rest my case. Captain's log, stardate 49665.3. The hearing is in recess and Admiral T'Lara has retired to her quarters to begin deliberations. I wish I could be more optimistic about her decision. Sisko: Constable? Odo: Good news. Sisko: If he objects, I know what to do. T'Lara: Captain Sisko? Sisko: Admiral, I apologize for interrupting your deliberations, but I have some new evidence I'd like to present. T'Lara: Very well. Sisko: I'd like Advocate Ch'Pok to evaluate the evidence as an expert witness on the Klingon Empire. T'Lara: I will not compel you to testify, Advocate. Sisko: Care to step onto my battlefield? Sisko: Advocate, how would you describe the current relationship between the Federation and the Klingon Empire? Ch'Pok: There is no formal relationship between our two governments. Sisko: What would you call us? Informal friends? Informal enemies? Ch'Pok: I would say there is potential for either label, but at the moment neither is entirely accurate. Sisko: Hmm. Interesting. Would you agree that at the moment, it is difficult for us to trust each other? Ch'Pok: Difficult, but not impossible. There are things that transcend our differences. For example, we trust that this case can be decided fairly. We have faith in Admiral T'Lara's judgment. Sisko: I'm glad to hear you have such a profound respect for the Admiral. But would it be fair to say that outside this hearing you do not entirely trust us? Ch'Pok: Well, it is only prudent that we question your motives now that we are no longer allies. Sisko: Of course. And it is only prudent of us to question your motives. After all, aren't there times when you feel it's in your best interest to deceive us? Ch'Pok: I object to the question. It is vague and hypothetical. Sisko: Well, can you imagine any circumstance in which the Empire would deceive the Federation? Ch'Pok: I have a poor imagination. Sisko: Let's see what we can do to spark it. Sisko: Do you recognize these names? Ch'Pok: These are the people who were killed on board the transport. Sisko: You're positive? There are four hundred and forty one of them. Ch'Pok: The names and faces of these people are seared into my heart. This is a list of heroes who died at the hands of a coward. It is a list I can never forget. Sisko: They are an interesting group of people aren't they? From every walk of life. Merchants, soldiers, artists, shopkeepers. Ch'Pok: Children. Sisko: Children. We've done some checking in their backgrounds, and in our opinion they all appear to be a random group of people who shared only one thing in common. They traveled on the same ship. Is that your conclusion as well? Ch'Pok: Yes. Sisko: And it was just fate that led these particular people to board a doomed ship? Ch'Pok: Fate is a human concept. They simply boarded the wrong ship at the wrong time. Sisko: And then they did it again. Ch'Pok: I don't think I understand your line of Sisko: Three months ago a Klingon transport ship crashed in the mountains of Galorda Prime. Of course, everyone assumed the worst, that the passengers and crew had all been killed. But then, miraculously, everyone survived. Do you know anyone who was on that ship? Ch'Pok: No. Sisko: Are you sure? You have the names of the survivors right there. I can understand your confusion. The names in front of you are identical to the names on this list. The people who were killed in the Defiant incident. So, what does this mean? Four hundred and forty one people somehow survived a crash on Galorda Prime and then a few weeks later they all decide to take another trip, on the same day, on the same transport ship, under the same captain and crew, and then that ship is destroyed, too. This is a very unlucky group of people, wouldn't you say? Ch'Pok: I am not an expert on luck. Sisko: No. You are an expert on the Klingon Empire. So, tell me, Advocate. Isn't it possible that there were no civilians on the transport Worf destroyed? Isn't it possible that the ship he saw was sending out false sensor images and that this whole affair was staged so that the only Klingon officer in Starfleet would be accused of a massacre and the Federation would be forced to stop escorting the convoys? Tell me, Advocate, isn't it possible? Ch'Pok: Yes. Worf: Captain. Sisko: I thought you should know O'Brien and Bashir are throwing a party for you at Quark's. It looks like quite a bash. Worf: I am aware of it, but I have much on my mind. Ch'Pok was right. I did have something to prove when I took command of the convoy and I did not realize it until I stood there looking down at him, blood trickling from his mouth. In that moment I remember thinking finally he had given me what I really wanted. A reason to attack him. And I had that same feeling when the Klingon ships first attacked. Finally, a chance for vengeance. I should not have accepted the mission. Sisko: I'm glad you realize that. That was your first mistake. What was your second? Worf: When the ship decloaked, I should have checked the target before I fired. Sisko: You're damned right you should've checked. You knew there were civilian ships in the area. You fired at something you hadn't identified. You made a military decision to protect your ship and crew, but you're a Starfleet officer, Worf. We don't put civilians at risk or even potentially at risk to save ourselves. Sometimes that means we lose the battle and sometimes our lives. But if you can't make that choice, then you can't wear that uniform. Worf: Yes, sir. Sisko: At ease, Commander. Now, all that being true, the reality is no harm has been done. There are no dead children on your conscience. You got lucky. Worf: I do not feel lucky. Sisko: And that's why despite everything that's happened you're going to make a hell of a captain some day. Now, let's go. They'll all be waiting. Look, this party isn't for you as much as it is for them. Things got a little tense there for a while. They need a release, a chance to celebrate. Worf: But I do not feel like celebrating. Sisko: Part of being a captain is knowing when to smile, make the troops happy even when it's the last thing in the world you want to do. Because they're your troops and you have to take care of them. Worf: Life is a great deal more complicated in this red uniform. Sisko: Wait till you get four pips on that collar. You'll wish you had gone into botany.

Argrathi: All offenders prepare for decontamination. Decontamination will proceed immediately. Rinn: Miles Edward O'Brien. The Argrathi Authority has been conducting a review of your case. Do you wish to add anything to the official record? Rinn: No matter. Your correction is completed. You are free. O'Brien: Free? Rinn: The crime of espionage requires a minimum of fifteen cycles of correction. You've been here for twenty. It's time for you to go. O'Brien: Go? I can't leave. Where would I go to? Rinn: That's not my concern. Remove him. Rinn: There. It's done. O'Brien: Major? Kira: It's me, Chief. O'Brien: It can't be. It's been twenty years. You haven't changed at all. Rinn: Only a few hours passed during your correction. O'Brien: I don't understand. Kira: Chief, I know this is going to be hard for you to accept, but you haven't been in prison. What you experienced was an artificial reality, an interactive program that created memories of things that never actually happened. O'Brien: What? Rinn: The Major is correct. We punish our offenders by giving them memories of incarceration modeled to fit each offender's personality. It's more efficient and much more effective than maintaining an extensive prison system. Kira: Which means that what you think you experienced in prison, the things you remember, didn't happen. It wasn't real. O'Brien: It's real to me, Major. It's real to me. Sisko: He apparently got curious about some Argrathi technology and asked a few too many questions. The Argrathi security arrested him and charged him with espionage. Keiko: But Miles would never break the law intentionally. Sisko: I know that. But by the time the Argrathi told us what had happened, they had already carried out his correction. Keiko: Can the memories that they implanted be removed? Sisko: The Argrathi claim it's impossible, but Doctor Bashir will do his best. Keiko: When can I see him? Sisko: As soon as Doctor Bashir gives the okay. O'Brien: I used to dream about this. Being on in runabout, coming through the wormhole, seeing the station again. Now I keep expecting to wake up and find myself back in the cell. Kira: Being in your cell was a dream. This is the reality. O'Brien: I'd forgotten how beautiful it was. Kira: Come on. Let's get you home. Bashir: Chief. O'Brien: Julian. Is it really you? Bashir: It's me. Kira: He's all yours. O'Brien: Never thought I'd see you again. Bashir: I was pretty worried about you, too. O'Brien: Keiko? Bashir: She'll see you in a little while. I want to run some tests first, see what we're up against. As for everyone else, they send their best. They would have been here, but I didn't want you to get overwhelmed. You should take things easy for a while, get used to this place again. All right? O'Brien: Doctor's orders? Bashir: Oh, absolutely. Bashir: I can't imagine what it would have been like. Twenty years in that cell. O'Brien: It was bad. Bashir: In all that time, were you able to talk to anyone? See anyone? O'Brien: I was alone. Ee'Char: Here. Argrathi: All offenders refusing to comply with dormancy period will be subject to habitat reprogramming. Ee'Char: Eat this. It'll help you feel better. It's chee'lash fruit. O'Brien: Thanks. Ee'Char: I'm the one who should be thanking you. I've been alone in here for six cycles. O'Brien: Six years? Ee'Char: I know. It's a wonder I'm not insane. But you find ways to survive. Let me guess. Sedition? O'Brien: Espionage. Ee'Char: It looks like we're going to be in here together for a long time. My name is Ee'Char. O'Brien: Miles. Miles O'Brien. Ee'Char: Hello, Miles. Welcome to hell. O'Brien: Completely alone. Bashir: The bottom line is, there isn't much I can do. The Argrathi didn't just installl memory implants. They ran Miles through a highly realistic time-compressed simulation of the prison experience. In his mind, he lived those twenty years. He reacted to everything that happened. He felt pain, fear, hatred. He made choices and decisions that affected the outcome. As a result, those memories are real. The only way I could rid him of the memories would be to wipe his entire memory clean, and clearly that isn't an option. Keiko: I understand. Bashir: Listen, Keiko, he's been through some terrible things in his life, as you know. During the war on Setlik Three. That time he was taken prisoner by the Paradans. During his trial on Cardassia Prime. And he's always survived. In the long run, he's going to be okay. It's just going to take some time. O'Brien: Computer. A piece of chee'lash fruit please. Computer: Requested pattern for requested fruit is not available. Please provide specifications. O'Brien: Well, it's sort of. I don't know the specifications. Cancel the request. Bashir: Chief? Keiko: Miles? Oh, Miles. Keiko: Miles, what's wrong? O'Brien: You're pregnant? Keiko: That's right. O'Brien: It's been so long I'd forgotten. Keiko: Oh, Miles. It's all right. Everything's going to be all right. Molly: I'm done. Can I go color? Keiko: Sure. Make sure to put your plate in the replicator, sweetie. Molly: Okay. Do you want to come color with me? O'Brien: Maybe in a little while. Keiko: It must be strange to suddenly have a family again. O'Brien: It's just, I've been alone for so long. Keiko: Talking about it with Counselor Telnorri should help. Julian says you'll be seeing him for a while. O'Brien: Three counseling sessions a week. I can hardly wait. Keiko: Miles? O'Brien: Mm-hmm? Keiko: What are you doing? O'Brien: Nothing. Keiko: I mean, with your food. O'Brien: It's just a habit I picked up in prison. The guards didn't care much whether I lived or died. Sometimes they wouldn't deliver food for days, weeks even. When they did feed me, I ate as little as possible and save the rest. Keiko: That's horrible. O'Brien: You get used to it. Argrathi: All food rations will be suspended until further notice. Any offenders caught with rations will be diskiplined. Ee'Char: For later. O'Brien: How did you manage? Six years in here all by yourself. Ee'Char: Oh, you find ways. I'd exercise, tell myself stories, draw eseekas on the ground. O'Brien: Eseekas? Ee'Char: Geometric patterns. Drawing them is a way to relax your body and occupy the mind. O'Brien: That helps? Ee'Char: Helps me. O'Brien: Show me. Ee'Char: It's not easy. O'Brien: I have plenty of time to learn. Ee'Char: Here. This is a good spot. Start by drawing a circle. Ee'Char: Now gaze into the circle. You want to learn or not? O'Brien: I'm gazing. Ee'Char: Relax your mind. Imagine that the circle encompasses your whole existence. Let it become a part of you. Now without thinking, allow your hand to make a mark inside the circle. Now expand on the mark. Let it grow organically until it becomes a pattern. O'Brien: What are you laughing at? Ee'Char: You look like a reeta-hawk picking at a corpse. Awk! Awk! O'Brien: How do you do that? Ee'Char: What, awk? O'Brien: No, laugh after six years in here. Ee'Char: Well, after six years in a place like this, you either learn to laugh or you go insane. I prefer to laugh. Argrathi: All offenders prepare for dormancy period. Any offender still active during the dormancy period will be diskiplined. Illumination will be suspended in twenty seconds. Ee'Char: Sleep well, Miles. And if you feel like laughing in the middle of the night, go ahead. I'm a heavy sleeper. Argrathi: Dormancy period initiated. Keiko: Miles? Worf: Your throw. O'Brien: Do I need one seventeen, or two? Worf: I am not sure. O'Brien: No, neither am I. Worf: We could start again. O'Brien: Nah, that's all right. I know darts isn't really your game. To be honest, I don't feel much like playing myself. Worf: We could go kayaking in the holosuite. O'Brien: You're a good friend, but O'Brien: Hold on a second. Worf: Is everything all right? O'Brien: It's fine. I just thought I saw someone I used to know. O'Brien: Interphasic coil spanner. ODN recoupler. Jake: You got it. Jake: It's a O'Brien: No, no, d on't tell me. I'll get it. A quantum flux regulator, mark three. Jake: Perfect. O'Brien: Let's go through it again. Jake: Chief, you know this stuff. You don't have to worry about it. O'Brien: I don't want to be embarrassed in front of the repair crews. Jake: Even if you get one wrong, no one'll think anything of it. You may be a little rusty, but you're still the Chief. O'Brien: Oh, well if I'm still the Chief, I say we go through it again. O'Brien: All done here. Muniz: That was quick. O'Brien: I reconfigured the magnetic waveguides. Saved us the trouble of replacing the whole unit. Muniz: Good as new. We're about done here. If it's all right with you, I was going to dismiss the crew for lunch. O'Brien: You go ahead. There's a couple of things I want to look at down here. Brush up a little more. Muniz: Keep up the good work, crewman. Another week or two, you'll be running the place. O'Brien: Don't you forget it. Bashir: Ah, there you are, Chief. O'Brien: Hello, Julian. Come to check up on me? Bashir: To be honest, yes. Counselor Telnorri says that you haven't been in to see him in ten days. O'Brien: So? Bashir: So, you're supposed to see him three times a week. O'Brien: What for? All Telnorri ever wants to do is sit and listen to me tell stories of what it was like to be in an Argrathi prison. How often did they beat me? Was I distressed by the lack of toilet facilities? If you ask me, he's the one with the problem. Bashir: You can talk to a different counselor. Someone you might like better. O'Brien: Julian, I don't want to talk to a counselor. I just want to forget about what happened on Argratha and get on with my life. Bashir: Just like that? O'Brien: Yes, just like that. I don't need counseling or relaxation or time to adjust. I just want to be left alone. Bashir: I'd have thought after being alone for twenty years, you'd want someone to talk to. O'Brien: If there's one thing I haven't missed in the last twenty years, it's your smug, superior attitude. Now I have told you I want to be left alone and I meant it. So if you know what's good for you you'll stay the hell away from me. O'Brien: Promenade. Ee'Char: Tell me about Keiko again. About how much you like her eyes. O'Brien: I've told you about her a hundred times. What more is there to say? Ee'Char: Well, I like hearing about her. If I had a beautiful wife I'd talk about her, believe me. Besides, talking about her always relaxs you, and your pacing is getting a little distracting. O'Brien: Oh, yeah? Ee'Char: Yeah. O'Brien: Well, your drawing is bothering me. Ee'Char: Since when? O'Brien: Since now. Ee'Char: You didn't need to do that. O'Brien: Don't tell me what I need. Ee'Char: Miles. O'Brien: Don't Miles me. I'm sick of it. I'm sick of this place, I'm sick of your drawings, and most of all I am sick of you! Ee'Char: Try to be calm. O'Brien: I don't want to be calm. I've had it with this place. I don't belong here. O'Brien: Do you hear me? I don't belong here. I didn't do anything wrong. I know you're listening. Ee'Char: Miles! O'Brien: I don't belong here! Let me out of here! I don't do anything wrong and you know it! Argrathi: All offenders in detention area four. If you do not cease this disturbance immediately, you will be diskiplined. O'Brien: Diskipline this! Ee'Char: Miles! Ee'Char: Listen. Be quiet! Odo: Chief, how are you doing? O'Brien: I wish people would stop asking me that. I'm sorry, Constable. Everything's fine. I've just had a tough day. Quark: That's one Black Hole straight up, right? O'Brien: A synthale please. Quark: Be right with you, Chief. O'Brien: Quark, what about that synthale? Quark: Just another minute. O'Brien: Quark. Quark: Look, Chief, I'm a little busy right now. O'Brien: I'm in no mood for games, Quark, so why don't you give me my drink now or I'll break every bone in your worthless little body. Quark: Chief, just because your life's in shambles right now. Ow! One synthale coming right up. Ee'Char: Miles. O'Brien: Ee'char. What are you doing here? Ee'Char: I've never really been gone, have I? O'Brien: You're not real. You're just in my head. Ee'Char: That's all I ever was. But I'm real to you and that's all that matters. O'Brien: Go away. Ee'Char: I can't. I'm your friend. You need me. O'Brien: You are the last thing I need. Ee'Char: You're wrong, Miles. You need me now more than ever. Ee'Char: What are you doing? O'Brien: I'm going to work. Ee'Char: Miles, as your friend, I have to tell you I'm worried about you. O'Brien: Don't be. I'm home, I'm working, and for the first time in as long as I can remember, I feel good. Ee'Char: Then why am I here? Sisko: Sisko to O'Brien. Please report to my office. O'Brien: On my way. Look, I don't know why you're here. And I don't care. Sisko: Have a seat. I understand you had a confrontation with Doctor Bashir yesterday. O'Brien: That, sir? That was nothing. Sisko: Not according to Doctor Bashir. O'Brien: We had a little argument. Julian and I are always arguing. Sisko: According to Constable Odo, you also had an incident with Quark. O'Brien: Did that little? Look, sir, I may have let things get a little bit out of hand, but it won't happen again. Sisko: Doctor Bashir also tells me that you've stopped seeing your counselor. O'Brien: Sir, I've been a little busy lately Sisko: The agreement was that you were going to see a counselor on a regular basis. O'Brien: You're right. I'll make an appointment to go see him tomorrow. Sisko: You'll see him today. Immediately. O'Brien: I've a lot of work to do today, sir. Sisko: The work can wait. As of now, you're relieved of duty. I want you to report to Counselor Telnorri and begin attending daily counseling sessions for as long as he thinks it's advisable. O'Brien: Sir, you're blowing this all out of proportion. Sisko: You know that's not true. What happened on Argratha affected you a lot more than you're willing to admit. And it's not going to get better overnight, no matter how much you want it to. You need help. O'Brien: Please, Captain. I'm asking you as a personal favor to me, give me one more chance. Sisko: I wish I could. But right now, in the judgment of this station's Chief Medical Officer, you're unfit for duty. Which means you're on medical leave effective immediately. And if you don't begin attending counseling sessions on a regular basis, and cooperating in every other way with your physician, I will have no choice but to have you confined to the infirmary. Is that clear? O'Brien: Yes, sir. Sisko: Dismissed. Dax: Chief, I was just about to head down to the Replimat and I was wondering O'Brien: Not right, Commander. O'Brien: Promenade. O'Brien: What the hell did you say to him? Bashir: I take it you talked to Captain Sisko. O'Brien: I talked to him all right. He relieved me of duty. Bashir: It's for the best, Miles. O'Brien: How do you know what's best for me? You have no idea what I've been going through. Bashir: You're right. You were alone in that cell. I wasn't there with you. I didn't see what they did to you. But I do know you suffered and that you're still suffering right now. And I'm trying to help. O'Brien: I never asked for your help. Bashir: You didn't need to ask. I'm your doctor and your friend. Ee'Char: You should listen to him, Miles. He cares about you just like I did. Don't make the same mistake with him you did with me. O'Brien: Don't you get it. You're not my friend. Not anymore. The O'Brien that was your friend died in that cell. Bashir: He's not dead. He just needs a little help, that's all. O'Brien: Stay away from me. I don't want your help, I don't want your friendship. I just want to be left alone. Ee'Char: Where are you going? O'Brien: I told you to go away. Ee'Char: Miles, please, don't do this. Go back there and talk to him. He wants to help you. O'Brien: Like you did? Ee'Char: That's right. We're both your friends. O'Brien: Yeah. And look what happened to you. O'Brien: Habitat ring. Ee'Char: You know sooner or later you'll have to tell someone about me. O'Brien: Like hell I will. Ee'Char: You can't run from me forever. O'Brien: You're dead. So why don't you go away and leave me alone. Ee'Char: You want me to leave? I'll leave. Send me away. Don't you see? If I keep coming back, it's because some part of you keeps bringing me here. Keiko: Miles, Julian's been trying to contact you for an hour. Where have you been? O'Brien: Walking, thinking. Keiko: I know, I heard. I'm sorry. I know how much your work means to you. O'Brien: Try telling that to Julian. Molly: Daddy, come see what I drew. O'Brien: Not now, honey, okay? Keiko: I'm sure its only temporary. You'll be back at work before you know it. Molly: Daddy. You have to come see. O'Brien: Look, can we talk about this later? Molly: Daddy, come on. O'Brien: Not now. Molly: Please, Daddy, please. O'Brien: I said not now, right! I said Keiko: Miles, what are you doing? O'Brien: I didn't mean to. I'm sorry. Bashir: Chief? O'Brien: Get out of here, Julian. Bashir: You don't want to do this, Chief. O'Brien: The hell I don't. Bashir: Look, I don't claim to know what you're going through, but whatever it is, it's not worth dying for. O'Brien: You don't understand at all. I'm not doing this for me. I'm doing this to protect Keiko, and Molly and everyone else on the station. Bashir: Protect us from what? O'Brien: From me. I'm not the man I used to be. I'm dangerous. I nearly hit Molly today. All she wanted was a little attention and I nearly hit her. Bashir: But you didn't. You're a good man, Miles Edward O'Brien. And whatever it is you think you've done wrong, you don't deserve to die. O'Brien: You sound like Ee'Char. Bashir: Who's Ee'Char? O'Brien: He's not real. He's just a memory, that's all. Bashir: A memory from Argratha? Who was he? Another prisoner? A guard? O'Brien: He was my cell mate. Bashir: You told me you were alone in that cell. Twenty years with no one to talk to. O'Brien: I was at the end. A week, two maybe. But the rest of the time there was Ee'char. Bashir: What happened to him? Ee'Char: Why did you do that? O'Brien: It wasn't helping. Ee'Char: You need to concentrate more. O'Brien: It doesn't matter how much I concentrate. I'm still starving. Ee'Char: So am I. O'Brien: You're sure there's nothing left? Ee'Char: Not unless you have a hiding place I don't know about. O'Brien: We ate the last of the food I put away a week ago. We should have stockpiled more. We should have planned for this. Ee'Char: They've never let us go this long without food before. O'Brien: Maybe they've forgotten about us, or just decided to finally let us die. Ee'Char: Then we die. Argrathi: All offenders prepare for dormancy period. Any offender still active during the dormancy period will be diskiplined. Illumination will be suspended in twenty seconds. O'Brien: What are you doing? Ee'Char: I'm going to sleep. O'Brien: How can you sleep at a time like this? Ee'Char: Maybe I'll dream about food. O'Brien: You're crazy. Ee'Char: No. Just hungry. Argrathi: Dormancy period initiated. O'Brien: You pretended to be my friend and all the time you were holding out on me. Ee'Char: Now who's acting crazy? Ee'Char: After all I've done for you. You ungrateful O'Brien: You were saving it for both of us. Ee'char? Ee'char, wake up. Ee'char. Ee'char. Bashir: You killed him? O'Brien: And the worst part of it was, the next day the guards began feeding me again. I'd killed him for nothing, for a scrap of bread he was going to share with me. Bashir: But it was a mistake. You didn't mean it. O'Brien: I meant it. I wanted him to die. I keep telling myself it doesn't matter. It wasn't real. But that's a lie. If it had been real, if it had been you instead of him, it wouldn't have made any difference. He was my best friend and I murdered him. When we were growing up, they used to tell us humanity had evolved, that mankind had outgrown hate and rage. But when it came down to it, when I had the chance to show that no matter what anyone did to me, I was still an evolved human being, I failed. I repaid kindness with blood. I was no better than an animal. Bashir: No, no, no, no. An animal would've killed Ee'char and never had a second thought, never shed a tear. But not you. You hate yourself. You hate yourself so much you think you deserve to die. The Argrathi did everything they could to strip you of your humanity. And in the end, for one brief moment, they succeeded. But you can't let that brief moment define your entire life. If you do, if you pull that trigger, then the Argrathi will have won. They will have destroyed a good man. You cannot let that happen, my friend. Ee'Char: Miles. Be well, Miles. Bashir: Thirty milligrams twice a day. Take it religiously for a month, and if all goes well we'll experiment with a lower dosage. O'Brien: You sure this'll work? Bashir: It's a treatment, not a cure. It'll prevent hallucinations, take the edge off the depression. But that's all it'll do. It won't take away the memories or the feelings. O'Brien: You mean the guilt. Bashir: Well, that'll take time. O'Brien: Now's the part where you tell me I have to start seeing Counselor Telnorri again. Bashir: Unless you want to talk to me. O'Brien: Telnorri'll be fine. Thanks, Julian. For everything. Bashir: What are friends for? Molly: Daddy's home! Daddy's home! O'Brien: That's right, Daddy's home.

Odo: Enjoying the view? Jake: I'm stuck on this new story I'm working on, and coming here helps me focus. Odo: No need to explain, Mister Sisko. Jake: I just thought Odo: You just thought what? Jake: I thought you were going to ask me to leave. Odo: Why would I do that? Jake: You always used to chase me away. Odo: I never chased you away. I chased Nog. You just happened to be with him. So, unless you're planning on flicking sand peas at the passing throng, you're welcome to stay here as long as you like. Jake: I don't have any sand peas. Odo: You miss him, don't you? Jake: Nog? Maybe a little. Quark: A little? There isn't a day goes by that I don't see him standing here, pining away for that no-good nephew of mine. Jake: I'm not here every day. Quark: No, just four or five times a week. If you ask me, Nog should never have gone off to the Academy. You lost a friend, and I lost a good waiter. Jake: Nog'll be back, and he'll be wearing a Starfleet uniform. I'm proud of what he's doing. Quark: Remember that the next time you try to play dom-jot by yourself. Jake: You don't want me hanging around here? Fine. I'll do my thinking someplace else. Quark: Poor kid. I suppose that's what you get for having friends. Odo: Meaning what? Quark: Just that when you think you can count on them, they go off and leave you. No. You're much better off without them. Odo: I imagine that's why you don't have any friends. Quark: Look who's talking. Jake: Dad, I'm home. Jake: Mom? Jennifer: I'm afraid I'm not your mother, Jake. Sisko: This is the woman I told you about. The one I met in the parallel universe. Jake: So you're Jennifer Sisko, but you're just not my mom. Jennifer: That's right. Jake: You look exactly like her. Jennifer: And I was married to a man who looked exactly like your father. It's all a little confusing, isn't it? Jake: More than a little. Did you tell her? Sisko: Tell her what? Jake: Ever since my dad told me about you I've been wanting to meet you. Jennifer: Well, here I am. Jake: You even sound like my mother. Kira: Ops to Captain Sisko. Sisko: Go ahead. Kira: Minister Gettor's shuttle has docked. Sisko: Give me a few minutes. Offer him a tour of the station. Kira: I already have. His time here is limited and he's anxious to meet with the Emissary. Sisko: I'll be right there. Jake: So why are you here? Jennifer: I came here to see your father. Jake: Really? That's great. Sisko: Jennifer came to give me some good news. The Terrans have won an important victory. Jennifer: We've driven the Alliance off of the space station. Jake: Then the rebels control Terok Nor. Jennifer: I see your father has told you all about us. Sisko: I guess I'd better get to my meeting. Jennifer: I understand. It's not like you were expecting me. Jake: You're not leaving, are you? Jennifer: Is it all right if I visit with Jake for a while? Sisko: I don't think Jake would have it any other way. Jennifer: Maybe the three of us can have dinner together. Sisko: That depends on how long my meeting lasts. Jennifer: We'll wait. Sisko: Okay. Jake: Would you like another raktajino? Jennifer: Thank you. That would be nice. Jake: That's amazing. Jennifer: What? Jake: I never thought I'd hold these hands again. They feel just like my mother's. I'll get you that raktajino. Kira: That went well. I think you made it clear to the Minister why the Emissary can't endorse his land reform program. Sisko: It only took three hours. Kira: If you like, we can go over the weekly personnel reports. Sisko: In the morning. I've got someone waiting for me in my quarters. Sisko: Jake? Jennifer? Sisko: Computer, locate Jake Sisko. Computer: Jake Sisko is not on the station. O'Brien: Are you sure this is what Smiley used to transport you to the alternate universe? Sisko: Looks like it. Dax: And you're convinced Jake's gone over there? Sisko: He's not on the station and neither is Jennifer. Kira: Maybe he convinced her to take him over there for a visit. Sisko: Without asking me? Dax: It could be she left that behind as an invitation to join them. Sisko: And I accept. But only to get Jake back. Kira: Want some company? I can think of safer places to visit. Sisko: Major, you and the Chief come with me. Commander, you have Ops. O'Brien: Expecting trouble, Major? Kira: Just want to be prepared. Sisko: Energize. O'Brien: Welcome back, Captain. Sisko: What happened to the others? O'Brien: They weren't invited. Sisko: Where's my son? O'Brien: He's with Professor Sisko. She's showing him the station. Sisko: The tour's over. I'm taking Jake home. O'Brien: Then I'm afraid we have a problem. Sisko: What kind of problem? O'Brien: Jake's not going anywhere. O'Brien: and neither are you. O'Brien: Terok Nor in rebel hands. It just shows what people can do when their cause is just. Sisko: Save the speeches, Smiley. Right now, I don't care too much for you or your cause. O'Brien: You've every right to be angry. We haven't exactly played fair with you. Sisko: You kidnapped my son. O'Brien: Kidnapped? An ugly word. Sisko: But accurate. O'Brien: Tell me, Captain. If we had come and asked for your help in fighting the Alliance, what would you have said? Sisko: I'd have said no. O'Brien: Which is why we had to use your son to lure you over here. We need your help, Captain. No one else will do. O'Brien: Recognize her? Sisko: Wow. The Defiant. O'Brien: During our last encounter, when I visited your station, I took a moment to download as many of your computer files as I could. I figured they'd come in handy some day. And they have. You see, captain, taking Terok Nor was one thing. Keeping it, that's the tricky part. The Alliance fleet is already on its way. When they get here, I want to have a proper welcome ready for them. Sisko: These schematics look complete. Why do you need me? If you want to build another Defiant, why do you need my help? O'Brien: We've already built it. The problem is, when we power up its engines, the whole ship damn near shakes itself apart. Sisko: We had the same trouble. It's a powerful ship. O'Brien: Well, right now it's a little too powerful for its own good. How did you solve it? Sisko: We had to overhaul the structural integrity field grids. O'Brien: How long did it take? Sisko: Two weeks. O'Brien: We have four days. Sisko: I'm not sure that's enough time. O'Brien: It'd better be. Otherwise the Defiant won't be ready, and you and your son will die along with the rest of us. Or worse still, spend the rest of your lives working in the ore processing center under the tender mercies of an Alliance overseer. Help us, Captain, and I promise we'll get you and your son out of here before the fireworks begin. The Defiant's at docking port five. I think you know the way. Sisko: I want to see my son first. O'Brien: I knew you would. Bashir: Is he with us? O'Brien: You remember Captain Bashir. Sisko: Captain? O'Brien: Captain Bashir, Captain O'Brien, Captain Sisko. We may not have enough troops or ships or weapons, but we have plenty of captains. Bashir: Is he going to help us or not? O'Brien: You must have missed that cheery face. Relax. The Captain has found it in his heart to aid us once again. Bashir: Good. Bashir: I owed you that. I let you hit me once because I thought you were our Captain Sisko. Now I know better. Sisko: We're even now. O'Brien: If I were you, I'd keep out of his way. Nog: You and I friends? I don't think so. Jake: Why not? Nog: You're too tall. I don't trust tall men. Tall women, that's a different story. Here. See for yourself. Jennifer: Jake, isn't she a little old for you? Nog: Who are you, his mother? Sisko: Jake! Jake: Dad. I'm sorry, but I had to come. Somehow, talking to Jennifer, telling her all about the past nine years, about all the things that happened to me, what I've done, what I've been thinking about. It's like telling Mom. Sisko: In a lot of ways she's nothing like your Mom. Jake: Yeah, but in some ways, she's just like her. And not just physically. She listens like Mom. And it's the exact same smile. Sisko: Okay, Jake. Jake: This place is unbelievable. Chief O'Brien, Doctor Bashir, Dax, they're all here. I know, it's not really them but, look here's Nog. This is my father. Nog: He's tall, too. Sisko: Sorry. Look, Jake-o, I have to talk to Jennifer alone for a minute. Jake: She likes you. Sisko: Jake, whatever you're thinking, whatever plans you're making, forget about them. Jake: I'm not making any plans. Sisko: Outside. Sisko: I just want to know one thing. Whose idea was this? Jennifer: Does it matter? Sisko: It does to me. Jennifer: It was mine. We needed you to help us complete the ship. Smiley told me all about you. About your wife's death, about your son. I knew that Jake would want to meet me, that I'd remind him of his mother. Sisko: You're nothing like his mother. Jennifer: I think Jake would disagree. Sisko: Of course he would. In his mind, the three of us are already living together. Jennifer: Ben, you're the one that convinced me to join the rebels, to fight the good fight for my people. Sisko: It's not your cause that I have a problem with, it's your methods. Jennifer: I'm sorry if Jake's feelings get hurt, but that's a small price to pay if it means success against the Alliance. Sisko: All right, I'm here and I'm going to help you. But I want you to leave my son alone. Jennifer: I can't. Sisko: Why not? Jake: Jennifer! Jennifer: Because he won't leave me alone. Klingon: Bow before the Regent! Garak: I can't think of anything I'd rather do. Worf: Ah. So this is the p'tak who lost Terok Nor to the rebels. Garak: It's not exactly Worf: Are you calling me a liar? Garak: I was merely observing that as one of many officers under the Intendant's command, it would be an overstatement to imply that I alone was responsible for our defeat. Worf: But you are the only officer who managed to escape. Garak: Perhaps I should have surrendered to the rebels, groveling on the floor, begging for my life like the Intendant. Worf: You are attempting to shift blame away from yourself. Garak: Am I succeeding? Worf: This time I will deal with the rebels myself. You will be at my side, redeeming yourself in battle. Garak: Your fairness and good judgment are everything I've heard it to be. Believe me, my Regent, it will take the blood of many rebels to quench the thirst of my revenge. Worf: Spoken like a Klingon. Garak: I'm trying. Now, if you could just remove this insufferable collar. Worf: No. The collar stays until every rebel on Terok Nor lies dead at my feet. Sisko: Sisko to Smiley. I'm about to put the deuterium injector back online. O'Brien: Go ahead. O'Brien: I've got the flow regulators shut off. Sisko: Injectors are operational. You can recalibrate the regulators now. O'Brien: Will do. Dax: I heard you were back. Dax: That's for making love to me under false pretenses. I was suspicious of you from the start. Sisko: You hid it well. Dax: If you ever try to touch me again. Do yet my point? Sisko: I hope not. Sisko: What happened? Bashir: Ah. You remember the Intendant, don't you? I was taking her to an interrogation session when the vile little tyrant tried to escape. Bashir: Oops. Sisko: Pick her up. Bashir: Leave her. She's not through with her lesson. Kira: If this is supposed to teach me a lesson you might want to turn that little toy of yours to a higher setting. Bashir: Gladly. Sisko: That's enough. Bashir: Whose side are you on? Sisko: There's a difference between interrogation and torture. Bashir: The Alliance never made that distinction. Sisko: But you should. Bashir: Take her back to her cell. Kira: Well done. Now I have to admit, the last time you were here you had me completely fooled. I really thought you were my Benjamin Sisko. Sisko: That was the idea. Kira: Help me escape and I promise I'll be grateful. Very grateful. Sisko: I'm sure you would be. But don't count on it. Kira: Well then perhaps you'll find Marani and have her sent to my holding cell. Sisko: Marani? Kira: One of my servants. I am a touch sore. And she does give the most exquisite massages. Worf: A ship? What kind of ship? Klingon: According to our reports, it's of unknown classification and carries an impressive weapons array. Some kind of improved photon torpedoes, multi-targeting phaser banks. Worf: How long until it is operational? Klingon: Within two days. Garak: I know it's none of my business but perhaps it would be prudent to increase our speed to warp nine. Worf: Quiet! Garak: I was merely trying to be of service. Worf: If it was not for your incompetence, the rebels would have been destroyed. Garak: I thought we had agreed that it was the Intendant who was incompetent. I was merely following her orders. Worf: And for following those orders you deserve to die. Garak: Then why don't you kill me? The Intendant was bad enough. She was irrational, accusatory, unappreciative. But at least Worf: At least what? Garak: At least I was able to please her now and then. Worf: You are not my type. Garak: I never said I was. Worf: Increase speed to warp nine. Jake: So, what do you think? Jennifer: It was delicious. What do you call it? Jake: Chicken a la Sisko. Jennifer: How did you learn to cook like this? Jake: Well, all Sisko men have the cooking gene. You should try my Dad's shrimp Creole. Jennifer: Maybe one day I will. Jennifer: Come in. Sisko: Jake, it's time to call it a day. Jennifer: How about some chicken a la Sisko? Jake made dinner. It's delicious. Sisko: I am too tired to eat. Jake-o. Jake: In a minute, Dad. I don't want to leave a mess. Jennifer: Oh, that's really not necessary. Jake: No, I want to. Jennifer: How's the work on the Defiant coming? Sisko: Slowly. Jennifer: Does that feel better? Sisko: Yes, but I don't know what you expect to gain by it. Jennifer: I don't expect to gain anything. I just want to remind you that I am not your enemy. I don't know why you're being so hard on me. After all, you pretended to be my husband and I've forgiven you. By the way, you have done a good job with him. Jake, I mean. Sisko: You're not making that job any easier. Jennifer: Oh, he'll get over me. Sisko: Maybe. Jennifer: I wish I could say the same. Is it really a surprise? Think about it. My Ben Sisko is dead. I look at Jake and all I see is the son that I'll never have. Maybe bringing him here wasn't such a good idea after all. Sisko: For any of us. Jennifer: Come in? O'Brien: I just got word. The Alliance fleet is less than eight hours away. I guess we've run out of time. Sisko: You concentrate on getting the weapons array online. I'll calibrate the SIF generators. O'Brien: Eight hours. It's not a lot of time, is it? Sisko: It's all we have. Bashir: Smiley! Your assembly crew won't let me into the torpedo bay. O'Brien: That's because they're trying to get the torpedo chambering mechanism online. Bashir: Great. So what am I supposed to do with these torpedoes? O'Brien: I have a few suggestions. Bashir: Do you now? Dax: This isn't getting us anywhere. We need to buy ourselves some more time. Sisko: Any ideas? Bashir: How many raiders have we got left? O'Brien: Only one. There's no way we can stop the Alliance attack. Bashir: Maybe not, but I might be able to buy more time before they get here. O'Brien: You'll never make it back. Bashir: Is that what you're worried about? I thought it was because I was going to reap all the glory. O'Brien: What good is glory when you're dead? Bashir: Who said anything about dying? Dax: When are we leaving? I never liked staying in one place for very long. Bashir: Then it's settled. Sisko: Before you go, we'd better make damn sure you can get us that extra time. Kira: Me help you fight the Alliance? What a perverse idea. I have a better one. Why don't I cut your throat? A quick death. Much less painful than anything the Regent will do to you. Sisko: I think you'd better worry about what the Regent is going to do to you. Kira: The Regent has no reason to question my loyalty. Sisko: It's not your loyalty he'll be questioning. It's your effectiveness. After all, he wouldn't have to retake Terok Nor if you hadn't lost it in the first place. Kira: I didn't lose anything. It was Garak and the rest of those Alliance fools with their excessive brutality. I could never make them to understand violence is a precision instrument. It's a scalpel, not a club. Sisko: Garak was smart enough to escape. Kira: Garak is a coward. He ran at the first sign of danger. Sisko: Probably straight into the Regent's arms, where he no doubt laid the blame for the loss of this station entirely on you. Kira: You have a point. Sisko: Good. Then I'll ask you again. Is there any weakness in the Alliance fleet? Something we can exploit? Kira: It's a possibility. Why don't you lower this forcefield and join me in here? It might help stimulate my thought process. Sisko: I should think self-preservation would be stimulation enough for you. Kira: That's not a very friendly attitude, especially when you want my help. Oh, it's Professor Sisko, isn't it. Well, she's very attractive but I've known Breen icicles that are warmer than she is. Sisko: This has nothing to do with her. Kira: If you say so. Still, I've never been able to resist anyone named Benjamin Sisko. The Alliance ships are quick and powerful, but they do have one weakness. Their targeting systems can be fooled. They've been known to chase warp shadows. Sisko: How do I know I can believe you? Kira: You're just going to have to trust me. Worf: The key. Where is it? Garak: You're not listening, I didn't take the key. Worf: You are lying. Klingon: I'm telling you. He stole it from me while I was feeding him. Worf: Don't make me ask you again. Garak: What good would the key do me? Even if I were to unlock this collar, where could I go? I can't get off this ship. And besides, you've searched me three times already. Where could I possibly be hiding it? Worf: Perhaps you swallowed it. Garak: Impossible. I'm very particular about what I eat. Worf: We will see about that. Klingon: Regent! Worf: What is it? Klingon: The key, sir. Somehow it fell into my boot. Garak: Now do you believe me? Worf: If he dies, you die. Helmsman: Six Rebel raiders are approaching, bearing three five four mark zero zero eight. Their sensors have detected us. They're fleeing. Worf: Wise choice. But they will not get far. Dax: I hope these warp shadows we're emitting are going to fool them. Bashir: Well, we'll know as soon as they start firing. Jennifer: You look like you could use another pair of hands. Sisko: Smaller ones might help. Jennifer: Here, let me. Sisko: I'm trying to calibrate the torque sensors. Jennifer: Yes, I know. To control the inertial dampers. It's Professor Sisko, remember? Sisko: Sorry. Jennifer: For what it's worth, you should know that I've told Jake the truth. About my visit to you, why I brought him here, everything. Sisko: And? Jennifer: And he said that it doesn't matter. That he's still glad to have met me. Funny thing is, I know he means it. Sisko: He has a forgiving nature. Jennifer: It's more than that. I don't think he could be angry with me even if he wanted to. I remind him too much of his mother. Sisko: He loved her very much. Jennifer: No one has ever cared about me like that before. So, if it's all right with you, I will see to it that he is sent back to Deep Space Nine. Sisko: When? Jennifer: Right away. Sisko: What's Smiley going to say about that? Jennifer: He trusts you to finish your job. And so do I. Would you like to say goodbye to him? Sisko: I'd better finish here. Tell Jake I'll see him soon. Jennifer: Ben? When we first met there was a connection between us. And now, because of what I've done, it's gone, isn't it? Sisko: I'm not sure it was real to begin with. Jennifer: I'd better go get Jake home. Nog: Hey! What are you doing there? Jake: Nothing. I'm just thinking. Nog: Well, think somewhere else. You're making me uncomfortable. Nog: What's so funny? Jake: Where I come from, it's you and I that would hang out here, and it's your uncle that would chase us away. Nog: Am I suppose to be impressed by that? I don't care about some parallel universe. I only care about this one. And in this one, I run a bar and you do your thinking in your quarters. Jake: All right, you made your point. Nog: I'm waiting. Jake: I'm going. Nog: Good. You're a long way from home, human. Jake: I guess I am. Jennifer: Jake, I need to speak with you. In private. Jake: Sure. Kira: Tell me something. Are you as bored as I am? Kira: I'll take that as a yes. You know, I bet if we put our heads together, we could create a little excitement for ourselves. Guard: You sentenced my wife to death. Kira: Isn't that a coincidence? I was hoping you weren't married. Nog: I've prepared the Intendant's dinner. Guard: Show me. Kira: Nicely done. Nog: Thank you. I have a ship waiting for you at landing pad C. Kira: I'm going to need that more than you will. I wasn't aware we were on the same side. Nog: You killed my father and my uncle. Thanks to you, I own the bar. O'Brien: Jettison the docking scaffold. Captain. I think it's time for you to go. I believe that was the agreement. Sisko: I'm on my way. I just wanted to wish you luck. O'Brien: Thanks. You've given us a fine ship. I only wish I could have gotten to know her before taking her into battle. Still, there's nothing like a little on the job training to get the adrenalin pumping. Sisko: Get out of that chair, Smiley. O'Brien: What do you mean? Sisko: Just do it. Seal the airlock, release docking clamps. Aft thrusters at one quarter impulse. What are you standing there for, Smiley? O'Brien: Captain, you never cease to amaze me. Sisko: Sometimes I even surprise myself. Sisko: How long do you think the station's shields can withstand the Alliance assault? O'Brien: Long enough for us to see just how tough this ship of yours really is. Sisko: Let's find out. Take us out of here. Nog: You're sure you want to leave now? Kira: I'm hoping this new rebel ship keeps the Alliance busy while I get to Bajor. I have friends there who'll hide me. Nog: Well, don't worry, about me. I won't tell anyone where you are. Kira: Nog? Kira: You're right. You won't tell anyone. Jake: I don't see why you can't come to Deep Space Nine with me. Jennifer: Believe me, Jake, It's better in the long run if I don't. For all of us. Kira: Jennifer. You look as beautiful as ever. O'Brien: A bird of prey has locked onto us. Sisko: Evasive maneuvers. Pattern Delta. O'Brien: Pattern Delta? What's that? Sisko: Rock her. O'Brien: Rock her? Sisko: Port to starboard, hard. O'Brien: Got it. Can't lose her. Sisko: Hard to port. Sisko: Fire! O'Brien: I must remember that one. Kira: You know, I really have to thank you, Jennifer. Not only do you guarantee me safe passage off the station, but you'll make the perfect gift for the Regent as well. Jennifer: You want me to go with you, fine. But leave the boy here. Kira: Why is he so important to you? Jennifer: That doesn't matter. You're not taking him. Kira: I've never seen you so passionate. It gives you a lovely glow. All right, he doesn't have to come. Jennifer: No! Kira: Now that was unfortunate. Jake: She needs a doctor. Kira: I'm afraid it's too late. For both of you. Just out of curiosity, why was she protecting you? Jake: She's my mother. Kira: Your mother? You're Sisko's son. From the other side? Well, in that case, give your father a message from me. Tell him I spared your life. That's a debt I intend to collect. O'Brien: Shields are down to forty percent. That cruiser has us in weapons' range. Do we make a run for it? Sisko: We run all right. Right at it. O'Brien: Ah. Pattern Suicide. Worf: Concentrate your fire on that ship. Helmsman: It's changing course. It's headed directly toward us. Worf: Good. That should make things easier. Terok Nor will soon be ours again. Then you can spend the rest of your life contemplating your failure as you labor alongside the other slaves in the ore processing center. Garak: It's nice to have something to look forward to. O'Brien: Shields down to twenty-five percent. One more hit could finish us. Sisko: Then we'll have to make sure we don't get hit. I'll take the helm. Nothing personal, I just know this ship better than you do. O'Brien: She's all yours. Sisko: Hold on. Worf: I want that ship destroyed now! Helmsman: They're flying too close. I can't target them. O'Brien: We put a hole in their forward shields. Sisko: Nice shooting, Smiley. O'Brien: Hold on. A bird of prey just locked on to us. Sisko: Secondary power to aft shields. O'Brien: What secondary power? You've got to get us out of here. Sisko: We can't risk giving the cruiser a clear shot. O'Brien: I was just starting to like this ship. Bashir: Yeah! Bashir to Defiant. Aren't you going to welcome me back? O'Brien: I never thought I'd be happy to hear your voice. Dax: You'll get over it. Sisko: Sisko to Bashir. Sisko: Concentrate your fire on their forward shields. Bashir: With pleasure. Garak: Forgive me, my Regent, but perhaps the moment has arrived to remove your august presence from the battlefield. Worf: You mean retreat? Garak: I hope I'm not out of line? O'Brien: The cruiser's changing course. They're going to warp. O'Brien: The other Alliance ships have broken off their attack on the station. We've won. Sisko: You sound surprised. O'Brien: Surprised? I'm astonished. Not that I'm complaining. Worf: I have been betrayed! There can be no other explanation for my defeat. Garak: I certainly can't think of any. Worf: The traitor must be found and punished. Garak: She will. It is the Intendant we're talking about, isn't it? Worf: The Intendant. Of course. Garak: All I ask is that when the moment comes, that you allow me, your humble servant, the honor of administering her punishment. I promise you, she will regret her disloyalty before she dies. Worf: And while you dispose of the Intendant, I will dispose of the rebels. Make it so! Jake: Dad. See, I told you he'd come. Sisko: How is she? Jennifer: Ben. Sisko: Easy. Jennifer: I knew we were still connected. Sisko: Always. Jake: Dad. Sisko: Let's go home.

Man: Here they are. Welcome. Woman: Thank you. Padd: Recording. Jake: Character sketches for possible stories. A Bolian tries to impress a dabo girl by wearing a toupee. A thief disguises himself as a Monk so he can swindle a Ferengi. A woman traveling alone. She's come a long way. Odo: Lwaxana? Lwaxana: Oh, hello, Odo. Odo: You've been crying. Lwaxana: I can't help it. Odo: Why? Lwaxana: Because. Lwaxana: I'm pregnant. Lwaxana: It's a miracle. I never thought I could have another baby. Odo: Then those were tears of happiness? Lwaxana: I won't let him do it, Odo. Odo: Who? What? Lwaxana: My husband, Jeyal. He wants to take my baby. That's why I ran away. Odo: Please, Lwaxana, try to be calm. Now tell me, why would your husband want to take your baby from you? Lwaxana: He's Tavnian. Odo: And? Lwaxana: They believe in strict separation of the sexes. Boys are raised by men, girls by women. Why, those poor children aren't even told the other sex exists until they're sixteen. Odo: And your child is male? Lwaxana: And the day Jeyal found out, he said that he was going to take my baby away from me as soon as he was born. Well, I told him that that isn't what we'd agreed, that he had said it was going to be different with us because I wasn't Tavnian. Odo: But he changed his mind. Lwaxana: During our wedding ceremony, he spoke so beautifully about why he wanted to marry me, but afterwards it was as if I had become a piece of property in his eyes. Odo: So you ran away. Lwaxana: And it wasn't easy, believe me. Toward the end, I was practically a prisoner in my own house. Odo: Well, now that you've shown your husband how determined you are to be part of your boy's life, perhaps he'll reconsider his position. Lwaxana: Oh, no. Not Jeyal. He's the most wilful man I've ever met. I'm so tired. I've never needed a friend more than I do right now. Odo: I appreciate your situation, and I would like to help. Lwaxana: I knew you would. You're such a dear, sweet man. Odo: Unfortunately, I'm also a very busy man. Lwaxana: Oh believe me, Odo, the last thing I want is to become a burden to you. I know how you value your privacy. All I want is a quiet place where I can have my baby in peace. Odo: I was about to suggest the very thing. I'll find out when the next transport leaves for Betazed. Lwaxana: Oh, I couldn't possibly go there. That's the first place Jeyal will look for me. I know him. He won't give up. Not until he finds me and gets his son back. That's why I came to you. Because I knew you'd protect me. You will protect me, won't you, Odo? Onaya: You're a writer. I could see you were somewhere else. Some place you were inventing. Jake: I'm working on a story. Onaya: I can spot a creative soul a galaxy away. My name is Onaya. Jake: Jake Sisko. Onaya: Do you live here? Jake: Yes. Onaya: I love Cardassian architecture, the way things flow together. Kell used to say that every element had to be of a piece, yet have a beauty all it's own. Jake: Tavor Kell the architect? Onaya: I knew him when he was in exile. Jake: What was he like? Onaya: He was shy, unsure of himself and his talent. Most people would never notice someone like him, but I have a weakness for artists. Jake: You wouldn't think he was shy from his designs. Onaya: When I first met him, they were as timid as he was. I was always telling him to stop censoring himself. Jake: He must've listened to you. Onaya: I've found artists have a weakness for me as well. At least, I hope they do. Jake: I, er, I've always wondered what Kell would have designed if he'd lived to be older. Onaya: He accomplished more in the years that he had than most people could in a dozen lifetimes. His name is known throughout the quadrant. His buildings will stand for centuries to come. Isn't that what an artist wants, to be remembered? Isn't that why you write? Jake: I don't know. I think it's mostly because I like to tell stories. Onaya: There's no reason to hide your ambition, Jake. It's nothing to be ashamed of. I think it's what makes artists so compelling. Jake: All right. I guess I do want to be remembered. Onaya: So what are you doing to make sure you will be? Jake: Well, I'm thinking of going to the Pennington School, on Earth. Onaya: You already have the talent inside you. I can see it. You just need someone to help you bring it to the surface. Jake: How? Onaya: There are ways. Exercises. Techniques. Jake: Can you show them to me? Onaya: Come to my quarters tonight. Jake: I'll be there. Sisko: Are you packed? Kasidy's ship is going to be here any minute. Jake: Dad, I was thinking about staying home. Sisko: Staying home? This trip was your idea. Jake: I know. Sisko: You really want to pass up three days in the Bajoran outback? Jake: I thought maybe you and Kasidy would have a better time without me. Sisko: Oh, lay off the matchmaking, Jake. Kasidy and I are doing fine. Jake: It's not just that. I'm also working on this story and I don't want to lose my concentration. Sisko: You can write on the trip. Look, I'm not trying to talk you into anything. I don't get leave often, and I was looking forward to the three of us spending time together. Jake: Me too, but I really need to focus on this. Sisko: All right. Good luck with it. See you in a couple days. Lwaxana: My marriage was a sham. What I'd mistaken for love was nothing more than a prison. Lwaxana: So, tell me, where are you girls headed? Kira: Oh. A holosuite. Dax: King Arthur's Court. Lwaxana: Camelot. Love betrayed. Dreams shattered. Quark: Look at them. You'd think somebody died. I don't know if it's because she's Betazoid or what, but her mood is contagious. As soon as she walked in here, things started getting quiet. Odo: What do you want me to do about it? Quark: Either cheer her up or get her to leave. Because if you don't, I'm going to throw her out. Odo: Ahem. Lwaxana: Odo. Won't you join the party? Odo: Actually, I have some free time and I was wondering if you wanted to take a walk. Worf: I would. Odo: I meant Lwaxana. Lwaxana: I'd love to. Sorry. Maybe next time. Dax: I'm so depressed. Lwaxana: Kestra was six years old when she died. My sweet little girl. I lost my parents, a sister, a husband. But nothing, nothing compared to losing her. I didn't mean to carry on like that. I'm sorry. Odo: No, don't apologize. I think I finally understand why you're so determined not to let your husband take the baby from you. Lwaxana: These are your quarters, aren't they? Odo: Yes. Right next to yours. Lwaxana: My replicator is acting up. Would you mind terribly if we popped in so I could get a cup of Gavaline tea? Odo: Of course not. Odo: The replicator is right over here. I'll let Chief O'Brien know about yours. Lwaxana: Oh, I already did. He said he'd get to it as soon as he could. Odo: Gavaline tea. Lwaxana: Is this for shape-shifting? Odo: Yes. Actually, most people think it's a sculpture. Lwaxana: Well, what do most people know? Thank you. May I ask you something, Odo? Are you over her? Don't worry, I'm not going to throw myself at you if you say yes. Odo: Major Kira and First Minister Shakaar are involved now. Lwaxana: How sad. Odo: Not at all. I'm happy for her. Lwaxana: Well, just don't go do what I did. Look for someone to fix your broken heart then end up pregnant and on the run. Odo: I don't think there's too much danger of that happening. Lwaxana: Oh! Odo: What is it? Lwaxana: The baby kicked. May I sit down for a minute? Odo: I don't have any furniture. Lwaxana: The floor'll do. Odo: How are you feeling now? Lwaxana: Like a changeling who's had to hold his shape too long. Odo: Ah. Well I think I know how that feels. Lwaxana: He's moving. Here, you want to feel? There! Odo: Yes! Lwaxana: Oh, I'm so tired, Odo. I don't think I've had a decent night's sleep in weeks. Sometimes, with Betazoid babies, you can actually sense their thoughts. Such contentment. Odo: Yes, I can feel it, too. Lwaxana: Someone once said life is a search to find the peace you once had when you were safe inside your mother. Odo: I didn't have a mother. Lwaxana: Don't worry, it's all right. You'll find your peace, just the same. Odo: Lwaxana? Your replicator isn't really broken, is it? Lwaxana: No. Odo: I'm sorry if I made you feel unwelcome. It's just my way. Lwaxana? Onaya: Yes? Jake: It's Jake. Jake Sisko. Remember me? Onaya: Come in. Jake: I brought some of my stories for you to read. Onaya: I don't need to. Jake: Oh. I thought maybe Onaya: It's what you're going to be writing next that interests me. You seem nervous, Jake. Jake: Maybe a little. Onaya: That's understandable. You should be nervous when you start something new. Although maybe not this nervous. Haven't you ever been alone in a woman's quarters before? Whatever you're thinking, put it out of your mind. You're here to work. Onaya: Now, what's the most ambitious story you ever wanted to tell? Jake: I have an idea for a novel. It's sort of autobiographical. The main character's mother dies. It's not about that really. It's about a lot of things. Onaya: So many it all seems so big to you right now. You're afraid that you can't do it justice? Jake: Yeah. Onaya: But I'll bet you know what the first line is. Jake: How'd you know that? Onaya: I have something I want to show you something. Onaya: Revalus used it when he wrote The Wait. Jake: You knew him? Onaya: I told you I have a weakness for artists. I want you to have it. Jake: I don't know what to say. Thank you. Onaya: There's more. Onaya: Here. Jake: Paper. I've never worked on paper before. Onaya: Revalus used to say that a writer should put pen to paper as if he were a painter putting brush to canvas. It's part of what he called visceral writing. Jake: What's that? Onaya: It's one of the techniques I told you about. Jake: Can you teach it to me? Onaya: That's why you're here. Onaya: Isn't it? The opening line of your novel. Write it down. Onaya: Now keep going. Jake: What do you mean, keep going? Onaya: Write whatever comes to you. The idea is to create a stream of consciousness and see where that takes you. You can edit later. Just write the first thing that comes to mind. I won't look. Onaya: Let the words tumble out of you. Don't censor them. Feel the pen in your hand, the texture of the paper. Let yourself fall into a rhythm. You feel where my thumbs are? That's your foramen magnum. It's a focal point of the body's bioelectric field. There's another one here. The Vulcans call them qui'lari. The Indians of ancient Earth called them shakras. I know how to stimulate them to make you feel restful or energized or even creative. Jake: This isn't bad. Onaya: I told you I could help you. Let the words flow, Jake. Onaya: Let them flow. Onaya: Yes, that's it. Let them flow. Lwaxana: There you are! Odo: Ah, ha. Got you that time. Lwaxana: That's not fair. I didn't know you could do surfaces. Odo: Well, now you do. Lwaxana: Shall we try again? Odo: Are you sure you're up to it? Lwaxana: Oh, absolutely, I haven't had so much fun in months. Odo: Really? Neither have I. Com: Security to Odo. Odo: Go ahead. Security: A transport just arrived from the Umani sector. The man you asked us to look out for was on it. Odo: Acknowledged. You know what to do. Security: Aye, sir. Lwaxana: It's my husband, isn't it? Odo: Stay here. I'll handle this. Jeyal: You'd better have a good reason for dragging me in here. Odo: I'm Chief of Station security. That's all the reason I need. Jeyal: Well, well. You're the changeling. Odo, if I remember correctly. Odo: And what of it? Jeyal: Lwaxana told me all about you. How you broke her heart. Strange she'd come running to you for protection. The pregnancy must have her confused, poor woman. Odo: I find her remarkably clear-headed. She doesn't want to see you so you might as well turn around and go home. Jeyal: I've come a long way, I'm not going to leave here empty-handed. Odo: She is not going back with you. Jeyal: I am not talking about her. I am talking about my son. I intend to see that he is raised by men, not by the pampering foolishness of women. Odo: I hate to disappoint you, but Lwaxana has no intention of giving him up to you. Jeyal: Her intentions do not concern me. As her husband, I have a legal right to my son. Odo: I've been familiarizing myself with Tavnian laws. It's well established that the male child is considered the property of the mother's husband. Jeyal: Exactly. Odo: Not the child's father, the mother's husband. By the time Lwaxana gives birth, you won't be her husband. Lwaxana: We're getting married? Odo: If you take me as your husband in a legal Tavnian ceremony, your marriage to Jeyal will be automatically annulled and he'll lose his claim to the baby. Lwaxana: I don't quite know what to say. I'm just touched by your willingness to do this for me. Odo: It's not so much, really. We'll remain husband and wife for a few months, long enough to satisfy Tavnian law, and then get an annulment of our own. It's not as if I was planning to marry someone else. Lwaxana: Even so, thank you. Odo: There is one thing I don't understand. Jeyal insisted on staying to witnessing the ceremony. Lwaxana: He did? Odo: Is that a problem? Lwaxana: In a Tavnian wedding, the groom must stand before the bride and tell her why he wants to marry her. And then, in front of his family and friends, he must proclaim his love for her and convince her to accept him as her husband. Odo: Well, I trust I can count on you to accept me even if I just stand there and read last week's Criminal Activity Report. Lwaxana: No, no, you don't quite understand. If anyone present doubts the groom's sincerity, they can challenge the validity of the marriage. Odo: You mean I have to convince Jeyal that I want to marry you? Ah. Jake: I've never been able to write like this. Ideas are coming so fast I can barely keep up with them. Onaya: It's amazing, isn't it? Onaya: Jake. Jake: It's okay. It's just a nosebleed. Onaya: You should rest. Jake: I'll be all right. It's already stopped. Where was I? Bashir: Did I miss something? I didn't know Odo was getting married till this morning. Kira: I'm not sure he knew either. O'Brien: Who's he? Kira: I think that's Lwaxana's husband. O'Brien: Good of him to come. Odo: So glad you could make it. Jeyal: I'm sure you are. It's not too late to call this off. Your dignity is important to you. I understand that. I would not want anyone to see me go through a charade like this. Odo: If you don't mind, this is a very special moment for me. Odo: In keeping with Tavnian tradition, I stand before you, here in my home, among my worldly possessions and declare my wish to add this woman to that which is mine. She is as kind as she is beautiful, and I want her to be part of my life from this day on. Marry me, Lwaxana. Jeyal: Am I the only one finds this little more than a pale declaration of love? He could be talking about any woman. Odo: Lwaxana is not just any woman. Not to me. Jeyal: Then prove it to us. Odo: Before I met her, my world was a much smaller place. I kept to myself. I didn't need anyone else and I took pride in that. The truth is, I was ashamed of what I was, afraid that if people saw how truly different I was they would recoil from me. Lwaxana saw how different I was and she didn't recoil. She wanted to see more. For the first time in my life, someone wanted me as I was. And that changed me forever. The day I met her, is the day I stopped being alone. And I want her to be part of my life from this day on. Marry me, Lwaxana. Let me into your light. Lwaxana? Lwaxana: I give myself to you, forever and always. Odo: I say for all to hear that this woman is mine. If anyone challenges my claim to her, let them do so now. I present to you my beloved wife. O'Brien: Odo, congratulations. Dax: Congratulations. Kira: Congratulations. Bashir: Well done, Odo. Jeyal: I cherished you, Lwaxana. You were my most treasured possession. Take care of our son. When he asks, speak well of me. Quark: Ladies and gentlemen, please do me the honor of accompanying me to my humble establishment. I'm throwing a party for the happy couple. Dax: Quark! Quark: What can I say? I'm a hopeless romantic. Odo: Are you all right? Lwaxana: We did it. He's really leaving. Odo: It would appear so. Lwaxana: Oh, Odo, you were wonderful. You know, for a minute there, I really believed you wanted to marry me. I suppose that we should tell them the truth. But let's wait till after the party. Onaya: Jake, you should rest. Jake: Not now. I'm onto something. Onaya: Your father will be home soon. You should be there. Jake: I'll see him later. Onaya: Enough. Jake: What'd you do that for? Onaya: You're pushing yourself too hard. Jake: No, I'm not. My mind has never been so clear. Everything is coming together. At this rate, I can finish this novel in a few days. Onaya: And you will. I promise you. But if you rest now, your work will be even better. Jake: All right, I'll go home. Maybe get some sleep. Onaya: You'll come back later? Jake: Of course. I need you. Jake: Promenade. Jake: Orange juice. Bashir: Something has stimulated Jake's brain functioning in a way that I have never seen. The capillaries in his cerebral cortex have dilated twenty percent. Neurotransmitter production is up by at least that amount, and neural activity is off the scale. Sisko: Do you have any idea what caused it? Bashir: Not yet, but it's a good thing we got him here when we did. His cortex was on the verge of synaptic collapse. Sisko: But he is going to be all right? Bashir: I'd like to keep him in a neural stabilization field for a while. Jake: Onaya. Sisko: Jake. Jake: Where is she? Sisko: Jake, what happened? I'm going to go talk to Odo, see if he knows anything about this Onaya. Bashir: I'll let you know if his condition changes. I'll be in the lab. Onaya: Come with me, Jake. It's time to finish what we started. O'Brien: I'm picking up concentrated traces of some sort of psionic energy on the bulkhead. Bashir: The tests I ran indicated that Jake's mental activity was stimulated by some kind of psionic phenomenon, possibly telepathic in nature. Sisko: Then this entity Nurse Tagana saw could have been responsible. Bashir: We have to find it, then get Jake back in the neural stabilization field before it's too late. O'Brien: I'll tell Odo to have his search parties reconfigure their tricorders to scan for psionic energy. Bashir: That'll help, but only for a while. Psionic residue decays within minutes. Sisko: Then we'd better get moving. Onaya: Keep going, Jake. The moment I saw you, I knew you were worthy of what I could give you. But I can't stay with you forever. This is your chance to create something that will live on, long after you're gone. Onaya: There. It will stop in a minute. Sisko: I'm getting something about twenty meters in this direction. I'll go this way. You swing around and take tunnel sixty one G. Onaya: What's wrong? Jake: I can't. Onaya: Let me help you. Onaya: That's better, isn't it? Sisko: Get away from him. Jake: Dad, don't interfere. Sisko: I said get away. Sisko: Sisko to Ops. Kira: Go ahead. Sisko: Lock on to my signal and stand by to beam Jake directly to the Infirmary. Kira: You're too close to the reactor core. There's so much interference I can't get a lock. Sisko: Get a medical team down here immediately. Kira: Aye, sir. Sisko: What are you? Onaya: It's not what I am that matters, it's what I do. You don't know the minds I've touched. Catullus, Tarbolde, Keats. a hundred others. I unlocked their potential. Sisko: Is that what you did to Jake? Look at him! Onaya: They all die in the end, but look what I gave them in return. Immortality. Their names will live on forever. Sisko: And you, what do you get out of it? Onaya: What I need to survive so I can go on, find others and unlock their talents as well. He was the youngest I ever found. So eager, ready to give everything he had in one great burst. What a waste. I will never forget you, Jake. Sisko: You're not going anywhere. Lwaxana: I have wonderful news. There's a transport for Betazed leaving this afternoon. I'm going home. Odo: I thought you were planning on having the baby here? Lwaxana: If I did, I'd end up staying for months and that wouldn't be fair. I've imposed on you enough. Odo: Lwaxana, you could deliver at any time now, and it's a long way to Betazed. You really should stay. Lwaxana: I'll miss you, too. Odo: Then why leave? Lwaxana: You've gotten used to having me around, haven't you? Oh, you dear, sweet man. Don't you see? What you want is company, someone to take care of. Odo: Is that so wrong? Lwaxana: No, of course not. The problem is I want much more than that from you. You see, I can't help it. I'm still in love with you. And as much as I wish that you were in love with me, I know you're not. I could stay, I try to make you fall in love with me, but we both know that won't happen. Then I'd end up resenting you, and our friendship is far too important for me to let that happen. That's why it's better for both of us if I leave now. Lwaxana: Goodbye, husband. Odo: Goodbye, wife. Sisko: How are you feeling? Jake: Okay, I guess. You've read it? Sisko: I just finished. Jake: What'd you think? Sisko: You've got a good start on a novel here, Jake. The dialogue is sharp, the story's involving, the characters are real. The spelling is terrible. I especially liked the father. Jake: Remind you of anyone? Sisko: A bit. It's really good. Jake: I know. I just wish I wrote it. Sisko: You did. Jake: How can I be sure? I mean, without Onaya. Sisko: Listen to me. You wrote these words, not her. Jake: But she got them out of me. Sisko: And that means they were somewhere inside you. And all you have to do is learn to find them for yourself. Jake: You're right. But I got to tell you, I don't feel up to writing just yet. Sisko: That's understandable. Take it easy for a while. You'll get back to it. And then, someday, when you're ready, maybe you'll finish it. Jake: Sounds like a plan. Sisko: I've got to get to work. I'll check in on you in a couple hours. Jake: I'll be here.

Sisko: Kasidy Yates, where are you going? Kasidy: Down to my ship. I have a meeting with my engineer. Go back to sleep. Sisko: You're the captain. He'll wait. Kasidy: Oh, is that how you treat your staff? Let them wait around while you sleep in? Sisko: That's right. In fact, there are days when I never get out of bed. Kasidy: You're not making this easy. Sisko: That's the general idea. Kasidy: You are evil. Sisko: I am a Starfleet officer, the paragon of virtue. Kasidy: You're more like a parody of virtue. But we'll have to continue this debate another time. Sisko: I can't wait. Kasidy: See you later. Eddington: This briefing will contain information considered extremely sensitive by Starfleet Command. Please, do not share it with anyone who doesn't have a level seven security rating. It seems that during their recent invasion of Cardassia, the Klingons inflicted far more damage than we've been led to believe. Two weeks ago, the civilian government on Cardassia Prime secretly contacted the Federation Council and made an urgent request for industrial replicators. And that request has been granted. Dax: How many replicators are we talking about? Eddington: Twelve, all class four. Kira: The Federation only gave Bajor two CFI replicators. Eddington: With all due respect, Bajor is just one planet. The Klingons have destroyed the industrial base of literally dozens of Cardassian worlds. With twelve CFI replicators, they can at least start building new power plants and factories. Dax: Why all the secrecy? Eddington: Starfleet Intelligence believes the Maquis may try to stop the shipment or even seize the replicators for themselves. Sisko: It makes sense. The Cardassian military has been so busy fending off the Klingons, they've basically given a free hand to the Maquis in the Demilitarized zone. The last thing the Maquis are going to want to see is a shipment of replicators on its way to Cardassia. Eddington: Intelligence also reports that the Demilitarized zone between Cardassia and the Federation has become a hotbed of increasing terrorist activity in the past month. We suspect the Maquis have built several new bases in the Badlands, and the Cardassians in the DMZ are getting worried. Worf: They should be. Without the Cardassian military to stop them, the Maquis have a perfect opportunity to drive the Cardassians out of the DMZ permanently. Sisko: I take it this shipment is going to pass through Deep Space Nine? Eddington: Yes, sir. In three days. Sisko: All right. Let's tighten security on the station. Step up random checks of incoming and outgoing cargo for weapons or explosives, more deputies on the Promenade. You know the drill. Odo: Understood. Sisko: Mister Worf, tomorrow I want you to take the Defiant and patrol the Badlands. Show the flag. Let the Maquis know we're ready for any trouble. Worf: Aye, sir. Sisko: Mister Eddington, I want daily briefings on this until the replicators are in Cardassian hands. Eddington: Aye, sir. Sisko: Dismissed. Odo: The Commander and I would like to have a word with you. Sisko: Something wrong? Eddington: Captain, it's come to our attention that there may be a Maquis smuggler here on the station. Sisko: Oh? Odo: It's just a theory at this point and frankly, our suspicions are based on purely circumstantial evidence. Sisko: Who is it? Eddington: Again, we're still not certain. Sisko: I understand that. Who? Gentlemen? Odo: Kasidy Yates. Sisko: Kasidy? Working for the Maquis? That's impossible. Odo: I certainly hope so. Smuggling with intent to supply a terrorist organization is a serious offense. Sisko: Where's your evidence? Odo: Five months ago, Captain Yates was hired by the Bajorans to carry cargo to their outlying colonies. One of her regular runs is from Bajor to a colony on Dreon Seven. It's a twelve hour run for most ships, but she always takes eighteen. The six hour difference is just enough time to allow her to make a side trip into the Badlands, rendezvous with a Maquis ship and then continue on to the Dreon System. Sisko: That's your evidence? That she was slow in one of her deliveries? Eddington: There's more. Starfleet Intelligence has infiltrated one of the Maquis cells and obtained a partial list of their contacts in the Bajoran Sector. They all had cover names, of course, but one of their contacts started living aboard Deep Space Nine in the last six months. Odo: And Captain Yates has been living aboard the station for just under six months. Sisko: That's damned slim evidence to base an accusation. Odo: We haven't made accusations. I said we have suspicions. Sisko: That's right. You did say that. Odo: Captain, I realize this is an awkward situation for you, but if I could step up my surveillance of Captain Yates? Sisko: Odo, she's a Federation citizen. You can't just invade her privacy based on your suspicions. You'll have to show me some real evidence before I authorize what you're proposing. Eddington: If she's really a Maquis, then she's no longer a Federation citizen. Sisko: The answer is no. Eddington: Understood, sir. Sisko: Gentlemen. There are times we have to search vessels docked at the station. If you can find a reason. Odo: We'll let you know. Bashir: Yeah, Nerys! There you go! Did you see that? The way she gave him the tiniest head fake and then boom, checked him into the wall. Garak: Yes, it was quite effective. Bashir: Stop watching her. Garak: Oh, I thought the whole point was to watch. Bashir: The point is to watch the game, not the spectators. Especially not that spectator. Garak: What does she expect? She's the only Cardassian woman on this station. She must know she's bound to attract some attention. Bashir: Some, yes. Yours, no. Oh, come on! That was a foul! Garak: Perhaps I should say hello after the game. Bashir: That's Gul Dukat's daughter, and I can't think of anyone in the galaxy who hates you more than he does. Besides, Ziyal is a friend of Kira's. I wouldn't play around with her if I were you. Garak: I simply thought it would be polite to say hello. But clearly, you think I'm incapable of conducting any kind of pleasant diskourse without some kind of nefarious ulterior motive. Bashir: That's not what I meant. I just think you should leave well enough alone. Why stir up Garak: Yes! Well played! Brava, Major! Bashir: What happened? Garak: A brilliant move on the part of the Major. You should have been paying attention. Sisko: Come in. Kasidy: Did you know you could smell that all the way down the corridor? Sisko: It's an experiment. Bajoran ratamba stew over spinach linguine. Kasidy: Don't your neighbors ever complain? Sisko: Sometimes, but usually it's only an excuse to get a taste of my cooking. Kasidy: Oh, how sneaky of them. Sisko: Yes, they're a duplicitous bunch. Jake: All right, you two, break it up. I've got a problem. Do either of you know what a Kavarian tiger-bat smells like? It's for a story I'm working on. The computer database has plenty of pictures, but no olfactory information. Sisko: You're a writer. Make something up. Jake: I'm going for a real 'you are there' feeling. The details have to be right. Kas, haven't you been to Kavaria? Kasidy: Not me. Sorry. Sisko: Don't you make a regular cargo run to a neighboring system? Kasidy: No, Kavaria's out toward the Badlands. I try to stay away from there. You should ask Quark. I bet he knows someone who's been out that way. Sisko: I thought you made deliveries to Dreon Seven. That's near the Badlands, isn't it? Kasidy: I guess it depends on how you define near. On my ship, Dreon's a long way from the Badlands. Sisko: What route do you take to the Dreon System? I imagine you go around the Rolor Nebula. Kasidy: If you're really this interested in my flight plans, why don't you look them up. You are the Commander of the station, after all. Sisko: Forget I brought it up. Okay, everyone grab a plate and prepare to be dazzled. Jake: You first. Garak: You're not going to hurt me, are you? Normally I would simply make a strategic withdrawal at the first sign of trouble, but there doesn't seem to be a way out of here. Ziyal: You could always call security. Garak: Oh, true. But it would take them a few minutes to arrive, and by then it might be too late. Ziyal: I don't think I'll hurt you. Garak: I'm gratified to hear that. Ziyal: In fact I think it's safe to say you have nothing to fear from me. Garak: And you, my dear, have nothing to fear from me. Brathaw: This is ridiculous. We have perishable goods in the hold and we cannot allow Kasidy: What is going on here? Odo: Captain, we need to make a class two inspection of your cargo before we can allow you to leave the station. Kasidy: Inspection? For what? Odo: Temecklian virus. There've been some reports of an outbreak on Bajor, so we're scanning all ships and cargo before they leave the system. Kasidy: None of my cargo came from Bajor. Odo: I'm afraid the rules are very strict. No exceptions. Kasidy: How long will this take? Odo: Six hours. Kasidy: Six hours? Brathaw: We'll miss the rendezvous. Kasidy: We'll see about that. Sisko: Kasidy? Kasidy: I'm sorry to bother you, Ben. Normally, I wouldn't do this, but Sisko: What is it? Kasidy: It's this health inspection. They're telling me it's going to take six hours, but I need to make a rendezvous with a Tholian freighter in nine hours and you know how they are about punctuality. Sisko: If it weren't the health concern, maybe, but in this case Kasidy: Ben, please. I promise to flood the entire cargo hold with baryon radiation as a precaution, but I need to go now or I'll lose Kasidy: The entire consignment. Sisko: Stand by. Is there any way we can make a shorter inspection? Eddington: Not if they're going to search for contraband while they make it look like a health inspection. They need time to look for camouflage fields, false cargo manifests, computer records. Sisko: We probably shouldn't bother at this point. If Kasidy's in a hurry, she'll going to be standing over their shoulders the whole time. They won't be able to make much of a search. Eddington: Captain, I strongly recommend that we at least try. Sisko: You are clear to leave the station. Just remember to irradiate that cargo. Kasidy: Thanks, Ben. I owe you one. See you tomorrow. Sisko: Do you have something to say, Commander? Eddington: No, sir. Sisko: Good. Now, get down to the Defiant and tell Worf he has a change of orders. I want you to follow the Xhosa. Eddington: Aye, sir. What are our orders if we observe Captain Yates meeting a Maquis ship? Sisko: Right now your orders are to observe and then report directly to me. Is that clear? Eddington: Perfectly. O'Brien: The Xhosa's altering course, Commander. Now on heading one five eight, mark three two five. Eddington: The Badlands. Worf: Stay with her, Chief. O'Brien: Aye, sir. O'Brien: Say what you will about the Maquis, they're not stupid. Using the Badlands as their base of operations was a pretty smart move. Not to mention gutsy one. Worf: They are terrorists, little more than criminals. And criminals always make mistakes. O'Brien: They're just fighting for something they believe in. Worf: They should be hunted down and destroyed. O'Brien: What for? Defending their homes? Look at what's happened to those people. One day they're trying to eke out a living on some godforsaken colonies on the Cardassian border, the next day the Federation makes a treaty handing those colonies over to the Cardassians. What would you do? Worf: I would not become a terrorist. It would be dishonorable. O'Brien: I wouldn't say that around Major Kira if I were you. How about you, Commander? How do you feel about the Maquis? Eddington: I don't have any feelings about them one way or the other. O'Brien: Oh, but you must have an opinion. Eddington: I do my job, Chief. Starfleet says to find the Maquis, I'll find the Maquis. They tell me to help them, I'll help them. My opinion is irrelevant. What matters to me is doing my job like a Starfleet officer. Anything else is an indulgence. O'Brien: I think I've got something. An impulse signature off the starboard bow. Worf: Bring us within visual range. O'Brien: Aye, sir. O'Brien: That's a Maquis raider. Eddington: And the Xhosa's beaming over her cargo. Ziyal: Hello. Garak: Hello. Ziyal: This is your shop. Garak: Yes. Ziyal: It's very nice. Garak: Thank you. Ziyal: You do good work. Garak: How kind. Is there something I can do for you? Ziyal: I got this holosuite program from Quark. It's a reproduction of a Cardassian sauna, like the ones they have back home. Garak: Yes? Ziyal: I was wondering if you might be interested in trying it out with me. Garak: Oh. Ziyal: I mean, we're the only Cardassians on the station, and, well, the temperature's too hot for almost anyone else. Garak: I see. When were you thinking of? Ziyal: Maybe the day after tomorrow, say twenty one hundred? Garak: I'd be delighted. Ziyal: Great. I'll see you there. Garak: I look forward to it. Jake: Morning. Sisko: Morning. Jake: Raktajino, extra sweet. Makapa bread, no crust. Sisko: What happened to juice and oatmeal? Jake: Kasidy introduced me to this. It's great. When's she due back? Sisko: Tonight. Jake: Don't worry, it's supposed to do that. The foam tastes like a weird peppermint, and the bread, I don't know what it tastes like. You want some? Sisko: I think I'll pass. Jake: Dad, is something wrong? Sisko: I'm a little tired. Didn't sleep much last night. Jake: I guess you're not used to sleeping alone anymore. Oh, what I mean is, you miss her companionship. You miss talking and sharing insights about command and duty Sisko: All right. That's enough. Jake: I was just kidding. Sisko: I know. I've just got a lot on my mind. Jake: Something happen between you and Kasidy? Sisko: Not exactly. Jake: If you want to talk. Jake: What? Sisko: This is important. You and I. Things change, but not this. Forget it. I'm just having a bad day. Eddington: After the cargo was beamed aboard the Maquis raider, the Xhosa took this route out of the Badlands and resumed its course to Dreon Seven. Dax: Do you know what cargo was transferred to the Maquis ship? O'Brien: From the residual transporter signature, it was approximately eighty percent organic. I'd say food or possibly medical supplies. Dax: Well, at least we're not dealing with weapons. It sounds like she's only providing Sisko: Where is the Xhosa now? Worf: Captain Yates is on her way back to the station. She should arrive at nineteen hundred hours. Sisko: Thank you. Dismissed. Sisko: Dismissed, old man. Sisko: Come in. Kasidy: Miss me? Sisko: Were you gone? Kasidy: Admit it. Without me, you cried yourself to sleep. Sisko: So, did you make your rendezvous with the Tholian freighter? Kasidy: Right on time. And thank you for bending the inspection rules for me. We'd have never made it without you. Sisko: Just don't make a habit of it. Kasidy: I promise. Sisko: Where'd you meet the Tholians anyway? The Dreon system? Kasidy: Yeah. Why? Sisko: It just seemed odd that they would travel that far just for some medical supplies. Kasidy: They really needed them. They've got some kind of viral infection on one of their colonies. In fact, I can't stay long. I'm supposed to make a run tonight. But I promise you can inspect the cargo ahead of time. Sisko: That'll make Odo very happy. Jake: Hey, you're back. Kasidy: Looks like it to me. Jake: Are you guys doing anything right now? I just got a new holosuite program that Nog sent me. It's a baseball game between the nineteen sixty one Yankees and the nineteen seventy eight Red Sox. Kasidy: I'll buy the hot dogs. Sisko: I'll have to pass. I have to get back Ops. Anyway, Yankees will bury them. You two have fun. Kasidy: But I'm only here for a few hours. Sisko: Duty calls. I'll see you when you get back. Kasidy: Okay. Sisko: She's going on another run tonight. She seemed prepared for a cargo inspection this time, so I doubt you'll find anything. Odo: Captain, Mister Eddington and I have discussed this at length, and we both feel that if the Xhosa makes another rendezvous with a Maquis raider, we should seize both vessels and arrest everyone aboard. Eddington: For all we know, the Xhosa may not make another run for months. We shouldn't let this opportunity pass us by. Sisko: Agreed. Eddington: Yes, sir. And that does bring up another point I'd like to discuss. In private, if I may. Eddington: Sir, the CFI replicators are due to arrive here tomorrow afternoon. I'd feel better if I were here to supervise the security detail. Sisko: Lieutenant Reese can handle it. Eddington: Yes, sir, he can, but Sisko: Just say it, Commander. Eddington: Sir, if the Maquis put up a fight the Xhosa might get caught in the crossfire. If that happens, I can't guarantee the safety of Kasidy Yates. And to be blunt, I don't want that responsibility. Sisko: I can't say I blame you. The security of the CFI replicators is your priority. I'll take command of the Defiant. Eddington: Thank you, Captain. Brathaw: The inspection team just left. Kasidy: Any problems? Brathaw: No. Sisko: Kasidy. Kasidy: I'll be right there. Sisko: How was the game? Kasidy: Good. Seven three Yankees. Did you come all the way down here for the score? Sisko: No. I was just thinking. Why don't we drop everything and go to Risa. Just the two of us. Kasidy: Now? Sisko: We won't even pack a bag. We'll walk straight out of here, get in a runabout and go. Kasidy: What about your station? Sisko: I have a great crew. They can handle things around here for a few days. Neither of us is doing anything so important that it can't wait a few days. Kasidy: I'm not sure the Tholians would agree. Sisko: Let your first officer handle it. Or better yet, tell the Tholians they won't be getting this shipment at all. Kasidy: I don't think I can do that, Ben. I have a commitment to fulfilll. But if you want to take a runabout and wait for me on Risa, I'll meet you there. Sisko: Forget about it. It was just a crazy idea. Have a good trip. Kasidy: Thanks. It as a tempting idea, Ben. I wish I could take you up on it. Sisko: So do I. O'Brien: They're reducing speed. Sisko: Match their velocity, Chief. Worf: These are the same coordinates they used for the last rendezvous. Sisko: Any sign of another ship? Odo: Not yet. But our sensors are extremely limited in the plasma fields. O'Brien: They're turning again. Looks like a holding pattern to me, sir. Either the Maquis are late or the Xhosa's early. Sisko: Either way, we wait with them. Quark: Can't you do something about these lapels? Garak: Such as? Quark: I don't know, I'm not a tailor. Just make them look good. Garak: Oh, make them look good. And all this time I thought you wanted me to try to make them look bad. I wish you'd said that before. It's so much simpler when the customer explains what he wants. Quark: Rudeness will get you nowhere. I don't need another waiter. Now, I want more room in the shoulders and these cuffs are completely unacceptable. Kira: Garak, can I talk to you for a minute? Garak: Of course, Major. Excuse me. Quark: Sure. Garak: Now, what can I do for you, Major? Kira: Listen closely. I don't know what kind of sick game it is you're playing with Ziyal, but it'd better stop and it better stop right now. Garak: I can assure you, Major, I have Kira: I don't want to hear any of your lies. Now, that girl is here under my protection and I swear if you do anything to hurt her, I will make you regret it. Is that clear? Garak: As Tabalian glass. Kira: Good. Quark: You told her. The pants are about a meter too long. So, are you canceling your date with Ziyal? Garak: It's not a date. And how do you know about that? Quark: You're a man, she's a woman, it's a date. And they are my holosuites, after all. Garak: I was going to cancel. I've had visions of Ziyal presenting my head to her father as a birthday gift. Quark: That's a little paranoid, wouldn't you say? Garak: Paranoid is what they call people who imagine threats against their life. I have threats against my life. But after my little chat with Major Kira, I feel much better. Quark: You do? Garak: Isn't it obvious? If Ziyal planned to kill me, Kira would not be trying to warn me away. On the contrary, the good Major would also welcome my untimely demise, and do nothing to interfere. Quark: Unless that's part of the plan. Garak: What do you mean? Quark: Oh, you know. Kira acts like she doesn't want you to go so you'll feel everything's okay, and then you go anyway. Nah, it's too complicated. Garak: Of course. Quark: Now they're too short. Garak: What? Quark: The pants. Garak: Oh. Odo: This is wrong. Terrorists don't work this way. If your contact doesn't show up for a rendezvous, you leave. You don't stay in the Badlands going in circles for five hours. Worf: Perhaps. But it is also possible that her cargo is so valuable to the Maquis that she will wait as long as it takes to make the delivery. Odo: I think she's already made her delivery, and you were the cargo. Think about it. If anyone but Kasidy Yates was on the Xhosa, would you be commanding this mission yourself? Sisko: You're saying someone wanted me here. Why? Odo: I'm not sure, but one thing's certain. We're not going to find the answers sitting here staring at the viewscreen. Sisko: You're right. The answers are over there. Let's go. Mister Worf, you have the Bridge. Brathaw: Still nothing. Kasidy: This is getting ridiculous. All right, let's send a coded message to Brathaw: Tachyon surge. A ship's decloaking. Kasidy: Oh my God. Kasidy: Ben, what are you doing here? We've been Sisko: Don't say it. I know that you're a smuggler. I know that you've been working with the Maquis, and right now I don't care. But I need to know what your orders were. Were you told to draw me out here so the Maquis could attack the station? Kasidy: Ben, I Sisko: Jake's back there. And whatever your feelings are for me, I can't believe you would put him in danger. Kasidy: I was supposed to meet a Maquis ship at these coordinates. I don't know anything about an attack on the station, and I doubt the Maquis would try. I didn't know you were following me, but after our last talk, I suspected that you might be out there. Odo: If that's true, why didn't you abort the mission? Kasidy: I was told that these medical supplies were urgently needed and that I had to be here no matter what. I tried to tell them that I'd made too many runs in the past few days, that I was just asking to get caught, but they wouldn't listen. Sisko: They knew you were going to be caught. That's why they didn't send a Maquis ship here to meet you. Everything's been building to this. They needed to draw me away from the station. Why? If they aren't planning an attack, what other reason could there be? What could be happening Happening on the station? Eddington: I've received new orders from Starfleet Command. The CFI replicators in cargo bay seventeen are to be transferred aboard a Vulcan freighter which should arrive at any moment. This operation is to be carried out in complete secrecy. No one aboard the station is to know about it. Reese: Does that include the Bajoran security detachment, sir? Eddington: Absolutely. Also, as of this moment, we're observing communications silence. No comm. traffic in or out of the station for the next nine hours. Understood? Reese: Aye, sir. Eddington: Dismissed. Kira: You wanted to see me? Eddington: Yes, Major. I'm afraid I need to take command of the station for the next few hours. O'Brien: We've cleared the plasma field, Captain. Sisko: Get us back to the station, Chief. Maximum warp. O'Brien: Aye, sir. Sisko: Any response from our hails, Commander? Worf: No, sir. Deep Space Nine seems to be under a communications blackout. Sisko: Keep trying. Odo: You realize we'll probably never see the Xhosa or Captain Yates again. Sisko: It's a possibility. Odo: I'd say it's more than that. If I'd been allowed to leave a security detail behind Sisko: Our priority is to get back to the station, Constable. Captain Yates is my responsibility and I will thank you to leave it at that. Odo: As you wish. Reese: The replicators have been secured in the ship's hold, sir. Eddington: Very good. We'll be departing in five minutes and I'm leaving you in command until Captain Sisko returns. Reese: Me, sir? Eddington: You have a problem with that, Lieutenant? Reese: No, sir. It's just that it's unusual for a junior officer to be left in Eddington: If you're not up to the job, I'll find someone else who is. The safety of this station may depend on you and I need to know if you can handle it. Reese: You can count on me, Commander. Eddington: Good. Now go to Ops and take command. Reese: Yes, sir. Captain's log, supplemental. The Defiant has returned to the station but it seems that Commander Eddington is still one step ahead of us. O'Brien: All Federation Starships near the Badlands have been alerted to look for the Vulcan freighter. Odo: I doubt they'll find it. Eddington anticipated every contingency. I'm sure he had his escape route well planned. Kira: What do we tell the Cardassians? Sisko: The truth. He fooled me. And he got away with it. Kira: He fooled all of us. Sisko: Everything that happens on this station is my responsibility, Major. O'Brien: Incoming message for you, Captain. It's from Commander Eddington. Sisko: Put it through. In my office. Eddington: Captain. Sisko: Mister Eddington. I have just one question. Why? Eddington: Will knowing my personal motivation change anything at this point? Sisko: No, I don't suppose it will. Eddington: Then let's table that for now. The only reason I've contacted you is to ask you to leave us alone. Our quarrel is with the Cardassians, not the Federation. Leave us alone and I can promise you you'll never hear from the Maquis again. Sisko: Unless you see another shipment you want to hijack. Eddington: You keep sending replicators to Cardassia and you're going to have a lot more to worry about than hijackings. Sisko: I don't respond well to threats. I thought you would know that by now. But I'm beginning to see that you don't know me at all. Eddington: I know you. I was like you once, but then I opened my eyes. Open your eyes, Captain. Why is the Federation so obsessed about the Maquis? We've never harmed you, and yet we're constantly arrested and charged with terrorism. Starships chase us through the Badlands and our supporters are harassed and ridiculed. Why? Because we've left the Federation, and that's the one thing you can't accept. Nobody leaves paradise. Everyone should want to be in the Federation. Hell, you even want the Cardassians to join. You're only sending them replicators because one day they can take their rightful place on the Federation Council. You know, in some ways you're worse than the Borg. At least they tell you about their plans for assimilation. You're more insidious. You assimilate people and they don't even know it. Sisko: You know what, Mister Eddington? I don't give a damn what you think of the Federation, the Maquis, or anything else. All I know is that you betrayed your oath, your duty, and me. And if it takes me the rest of my life, I will see you standing before a court-martial that'll break you and send you to a penal colony, where you will spend the rest of your days growing old and wondering whether a ship full of replicators was really worth it. Ziyal: Garak. Garak: Hello. Ziyal: Doesn't it feel good? The station can be so chilly sometimes. Garak: Yes. It's quite pleasant. Ziyal: Aren't you going to lie down? Garak: Not just yet. I have a question I'd like answered first. Why am I here? Ziyal: Excuse me? Garak: Why am I here? Am I to believe that you've invited the sworn enemy of your father simply to enjoy the heat? Ziyal: You really think I asked you here to kill you? Well, it did occur to me. Kira and my father both told me that you used to be an agent of the Obsidian Order. That you had my grandfather tortured and killed, and that you could easily kill me without a second thought. Garak: Although I seldom credit the Major or your father with being entirely trustworthy, in this case they're both telling the truth. Ziyal: You know what else is true? I don't care. I'm half-Bajoran and that means I'm an outcast back home. I can't go back and neither can you. So we can either share some time together or we can ignore each other. I spent five years in a prisoner of war camp by myself. I don't need your company. But if you'd like to stay and share the heat with me, maybe tell me something about home that I don't know, then I would welcome your company. And I get the feeling you would welcome mine. Either way, it's up to you. Garak: Well, it seems I won't be needing this anymore. Garak: So, what shall we talk about first? Sisko: Just you? Kasidy: I dropped my crew off at a Maquis base. I had to come back, but I didn't see any reason to drag them here just to face a prison sentence. Sisko: You didn't have to come back either. Kasidy: Yes, I did. And I think we both know that's why you left us alone out there. To see if I would. I'm not going to stand here and apologize for what I did. You had your duty, I had mine. Sisko: I still have my duty. Kasidy: I know. And I know I'll probably going to prison. But I came back because of us. Because despite all that's happened, I still love you, Ben. I don't want to throw that away. Do you? Sisko: No. Sisko: Lieutenant Reese. Kasidy: I'll be back. Sisko: I'll be here.

O'Brien: Looks like he used some sort of encryption program to bypass the access protocols. Kira: Unbelievable. The nerve. Quark: Major, you wanted to see me? Odo: Don't pretend you don't know what this is about. Kira: Maybe this'll jog your memory. Engage monitor. Quark: Come to Quark's, Quark's is fun, come right now, don't walk, run! Oh, I love the part where my name rotates around. Odo: Tampering with the station's comm. system is a class three offense. Quark: It's just a little advertisement. I didn't put one up in Ops. Odo: I'm sure the magistrate will take that into consideration when he calculates your fine. Worf: You! Quark: As you can see, we're very busy here. Station business. Worf: How did you do it? O'Brien: Do what? Worf: I ordered a glass of prune juice from the replicator in the Defiant's mess. This is what it came in. Kira: If all your little advertisements aren't purged from our systems by the time I get back from the Gamma Quadrant, I will come to Quark's, and believe me, I will have fun. Quark: Er, let me help you with that, Chief. Bashir: According to Chief O'Brien the scan resolution on the new sensors is amazing. We could practically do the entire bio-survey from orbit. Kira: Suits me. The sooner we get out of the Gamma Quadrant, the better. Bashir: How can you say that? Those little points of light out there are the great unknown, beckoning to us. I wish I could visit every one. Kira: You might want to skip the ones with Jem'Hadar bases on them. Bashir: Is it my imagination or are the stars a little brighter in the Gamma Quadrant? Dax: Is it my imagination, or has Julian lost his mind? Kira: Setting course for the Gavara system. Kira: I'm picking up some kind of emergency signal. It's fragmented. They say their homeworld's been attacked. Massive destruction, heavy casualties. They're asking any passing vessel for assistance. Dax: Looks like the signal's coming from somewhere in the Teplan system. Bashir: That's just outside Dominion space. Kira: Let's hope the Jem'Hadar know that. Setting new course. Bashir: What happened here? Norva: Help me. Don't let me die here. Take me to Trevean. Bashir: Trevean? Norva: Hospital. Dax: I'll try to find out where it is. Bashir: I'm going to give you something for the pain. Epran: You're not from this world. Bashir: No. Epran: The Blight's quickened in her. There's nothing you can do. You should leave here. now. Go back to where you came from and forget about this place. Bashir: The painkiller I gave her isn't having much effect. But their physiology's so different from ours, I doubt this blight is any danger to us. Dax: I got us transportation to the hospital. Bashir: How did you manage that? These aren't exactly the friendliest people I've ever met. Dax: I gave her my hair clip. Dax: This is a hospital? Attendant: She's quickened. Take her to Trevean. You're from another world. Dax: Yes. Attendant: Well, don't worry. We'll take care of her now. Dax: I haven't seen a single person that doesn't have lesions on their face. Bashir: His look inflamed. So do that woman's over there. Dax: Like the woman we brought in. Patient: Trevean. Thank you for this. Trevean: You deserve nothing less. Tamar: Yesterday, when I woke up, I saw that it had finally happened. I'd quickened. I always thought I'd be afraid but I wasn't, because I knew I could come here. Last night I slept in a bed for the first time in my life. I fell asleep listening to music. This morning I bathed in hot water, dressed in clean clothes. And now I'm here with my friends and family. Thank you, Trevean, for making this day everything I dreamed it could be. Trevean: You brought Norva here? Dax: How is she? Trevean: It was too late for her. If only she'd come sooner, I could have helped. Bashir: Then there is a treatment for the Blight? Trevean: There is no cure. It's always fatal. Bashir: I'm sorry, I don't understand. I thought you said you could have helped her. Trevean: Why are you here? Dax: We received a distress call. We're here to help in any way we can. Bashir: I'm a doctor, and I have access to sophisticated diagnostic equipment. Trevean: We had sophisticated equipment once. Do you think our world was always this way? Two centuries ago, we were no different from you. We built vast cities, traveled to neighboring worlds. We believed nothing was beyond our abilities. We even thought we could resist the Dominion. I see you've heard of them. Then take care not to defy them or your people will pay the same price we did. The Jem'Hadar destroyed our world as an example to others. Bring me Milani's child. More than anything, the Dominion wanted my people to bear the mark of their defiance. So they brought us the Blight. Trevean: We're all born with it. We all die from it. When the Blight quickens, the lesions turn red. Death soon follows. Some in childhood. Most before they can have children of their own. Only a few live to be my age. Bashir: Trevean, if you tell us what you know about the Blight, we may be able to help. Trevean: No. You should go. If the Jem'Hadar find you here Dax: We're willing to take that risk. Trevean: Don't. Bashir: Make some room. I'm a doctor. Attendant: Leave him alone. You don't understand. Bashir: Can't you see he's dying? Trevean: Of course he's dying. He came here to die. People come to me when they quicken. I help them leave this world peacefully, surrounded by their families and friends. Bashir: What are you saying? Trevean: The herbs I give them causes death within minutes. Dax: You poison them? Trevean: The Blight kills slowly. No one wants to suffer needlessly. Not like that woman you brought me. Bashir: You killed her? Trevean: I did what she asked. Bashir: I thought this was a hospital and that you were a healer. Trevean: I am. I take away pain. Now you've disrupted Tamar's death. I'm going to have to ask you to leave. Dax: I found the distress beacon in an abandoned building not far from here. It has its own power source. My guess is it's been repeating the same message for over two hundred years. Bashir: Well, there's nothing for us to do here. We should go. Ekoria: Are you really a doctor? Bashir: Yes. Ekoria: I've never met a doctor before. They say there's a woman in Nykalia who makes a medicine that helps people withstand the pain of quickening so they can live longer. I'd go there, but Nykalia's so far away. Bashir: When are you due? Ekoria: Not for another two months. Dax: That's not very long. Ekoria: We never know when the quickening will come. Bashir: I'm Julian. What's your name? Ekoria: Ekoria. Dax: I'm Jadzia. Ekoria: Did you come here to help us? Bashir: Nobody around here seems to want our help. Ekoria: I do. And I know others who would welcome it too. Kira: Kira to away Team. Dax: Go ahead. Kira: The sensors just picked up two Jem'Hadar ships headed this way. Kira: The Jem'Hadar are leaving the Kendi system and looks like they're heading for the Obatta cluster. Dax: Sounds like they're on a patrol route which means this system is probably next. Kira: We'd better go. Stand by to get underway. Bashir: Hold on, Major. We can't just leave these people. They need our help. Kira: And they'll get it. As soon as we get back we'll notify Starfleet so they can put together a relief mission. Bashir: But that could take weeks, maybe even months. We're here, now. Remember the plague on Boranis Three? People were dying by the thousands and nobody there knew why. It took us one hour to identify the pathogen, and three days to dose the watertable and inoculate the entire population. Dax: We might be able to do the same thing here. Kira: All right, it's worth a try. We can't risk the Jem'Hadar detecting the runabout. I'll take it to the Jenkata Nebula. Bashir: Come back for us in a week. With any luck, we'll have a cure by then. Child: They're here. They're coming. Dax: Thanks. Ekoria: Go. Go on. I'm sorry I can't offer you more space. Bashir: Oh, don't be. This is fine. Can I use this table to set up my equipment? Ekoria: Whatever you need. Dax: Did you do this? Ekoria: My husband did. He died last winter. It's what he imagined our world used to be like. He painted a mural similar to that on a building near here. He traded a good pair of boots for the paint he needed. He wanted to show people the way things were, he thought it might give them something to work toward. Dax: Maybe later you can take us to see it. Ekoria: All right. Dax: Well, it looks like we have ourselves a clinic. Bashir: The first thing I need to do is run a complete biospectral analysis on an asymptomatic individual. Dax: Loosely translated, that means he needs a volunteer. Great. Now, if you'll just have a seat, the doctor will be with you in a moment. They love to keep you waiting. It makes them feel important. Bashir: How would you like to see a picture of your baby? Bashir: There it is! Dax: Let me see. Ekoria: What's happened? Dax: We've isolated the virus. Ekoria: Is that a good thing? Bashir: It means we can start analyzing its molecular structure, look for binding sites so we can tailor an antigen. Dax: In other words, yes, it's a very good thing. Bashir: I'm going to start mapping nucleotides. Can you run a protein sequencer? Dax: I think so. Ekoria: I hope you two are hungry. Bashir: Starving. Ekoria: Good. Dax: That looks like a feast. Ekoria: It was supposed to be. Dax: What do you mean? Ekoria: Nothing. Do you like Takana root tea? Dax: Ekoria, where did you get all this food? Ekoria: I've been saving it for the hospital, for my death. Something tells me I'm not going to need it anymore. Bashir: Well, thanks anyway. She's not interested either. I hope Dax is having better luck. Ekoria: I don't understand why you need people who've quickened to make your cure. Bashir: Well, I need to chart the progression of the viral I'm sorry. Epran: Oh, you're still here. Bashir: Yes. Epran: I see the Blight has spared you. Maybe it doesn't like the taste of your blood. Bashir: Unfortunately it seems to like yours. Epran: I'd invite you to my death, but we don't know each other that well. Bashir: What if I told you there was a chance you didn't have to die? I'm a doctor. Epran: Don't tell me. You have a cure. Bashir: I'm working on one. Epran: Yeah? What will it cost me? A good coat? A tilo of oil? Bashir: It won't cost you anything. Ekoria: He can help us. Listen to him. Bashir: I need volunteers, people who have quickened. Epran: What will you do? See how loud we scream when the Blight burns through us? Bashir: I have medicines that can dull the pain. I have equipment unlike anything on your world. How would you like me to fix that arm so you can play with your friends over there? I'm not going to hurt you. You have got a fracture right here. I bet it hurts. Bashir: Better? Epran: How did you do that? Ekoria: Does it matter? He can find a cure for us if we help him. Trevean: Fixing a broken bone and curing the Blight are two different things. Bashir: I know that. Trevean: Others have come here with promises of a cure. They stirred up hope, took food and clothing in exchange for their elixirs. But their promises were always lies. And all those who believed them always came to me in the end, begging for release. Bashir: I just want to do what I can to help. I'm not making any promises. Trevean: Take care that you don't. Because we've dealt with those who give false hope before. Believe me, their deaths make the Blight look like a blessing. Ekoria: What's wrong? Bashir: I'm trying to chart the life-cycle of the virus. It would be a lot easier if I'd gotten more tissue samples. Ekoria: Maybe you should go home. Maybe my people don't deserve your help. Bashir: They've just been suffering so long they've lost hope that things can be better. Ekoria: It's more than that. We've come to worship death. I used to wake up and look at myself in the mirror, and be disappointed that I hadn't quickened in my sleep. Going to Trevean seemed so much easier than going on living. Bashir: But you don't feel that way anymore. Ekoria: Not since the baby. My little boy. Can your machines tell me what he's going to look like when he grows up? Bashir: Oh, no, not really. Ekoria: Maybe he'll look like his father. I want to be here for him. To hold his hand when he takes his first step. Kiss his knee when he scrapes it in a fall. Bashir: Well, with any luck, you'll see him have children of his own. Dax: Julian. There are some people here who'd like to see you. Epran: I suppose you're going to want to bleed me? Bashir: Oh, a little. Epran: I canceled my death for you. I was really looking forward to it. Bashir: All right, everyone gets three milligrams, including you. Perfect. Dax: There this'll dull the pain. Epran: I like your spots. Dax: You told me that yesterday. Epran: I still like them. Dax: Julian. Epran has stopped responding to the cordrazine. I had to put him in an inhibitor field. Bashir: He's further along than everyone else. I'm hoping he'll be the first to respond to the antigen. Think of it. She may well be holding the cure in her hands. Do you think we should tell her what she's giving them? Dax: She's nervous enough about using the hypo. It's better if we wait until we're positive. Bashir: I suppose. Dax: You should take a break. You've been working non-stop for days. Ekoria: Doctor? Bashir: Oh? Ekoria: Dax wanted me to tell you that Epran's white blood count is up another twelve percent. Bashir: That's great news. Ekoria: It is? Bashir: Trust me. Ekoria: I do. I did from the start. I don't really know why. Bashir: Well, I'd like to think it's my bedside manner. Doctors and nurses are supposed to project an air of caring competence. You were doing it in there. Ekoria: Me? Bashir: I was watching you. You're very good with patients. Ekoria: I was just trying to be kind. Bashir: Well, some people don't like to be around the sick. It reminds them of their own mortality. Ekoria: It doesn't bother you? Bashir: Sometimes. I prefer to confront mortality rather than hide from it. When you make someone well, it's like you're chasing death off, making him wait for another day. Ekoria: But death comes to everyone in the end. Bashir: Except Kukalaka. Ekoria: Kuka-who? Bashir: My first patient. A teddy bear. Ekoria: What's that? Bashir: Oh, it's a sort of a soft puppet. Anyway, when I was a boy I took him everywhere I went. After a few years, he became a little threadbare until eventually his leg tore and some of the stuffing fell out. My mother was all set to throw him out, but I wouldn't have it, because at the tender age of five, I performed my first surgery. I re-stuffed him and sewed his leg closed. From that day on, I did everything I could to keep Kukalaka in one piece. I must have sewn and stitched and re-patched every square inch of that bear. Ekoria: Why were you so determined to keep him together? Bashir: Well, I wouldn't be much of a doctor if I gave up on a patient, would I? Ekoria: Where's Kukalaka now? Bashir: Oh, in a closet somewhere. On a shelf in my room. Dax: Julian! Something's wrong. Dax: Julian. Bashir: Something's causing the virus to mutate. Dax: Could it be a reaction to the antigen? Bashir: I don't see how. I need a micro-cellular scanner. Epran: Help me, Bashir. Ekoria: He's going to take care of you. You're going to be all right. Bashir: My God! It's the EM fields from our instruments! Shut everything down! Now! Dax: All right, everything's off. Bashir: The mutation rate hasn't slowed. The effect must be cumulative. Give everybody four milligrams of cordrazine. Ekoria: His heart stopped. His heart stopped! Bashir: Come on breathe. Breathe. Breathe. Dax: Julian. Julian. Bashir: Breathe! Dax: Doctor! Trevean: What have you done? Latia: Help me! Trevean, please. Trevean: Get out of my way. Latia: Trevean! Trevean: She's asking for me. You have no right to interfere. Latia: Thank you. Man: Trevean. Trevean, help me. Bashir: I remember running a hematology scan on Epran the other day. There were changes in the viral base-pair sequence, and I didn't know why. Dax: There's no way you could've known it was because of our instruments. Bashir: I should have put it together. Dax: That's not fair. Bashir: Isn't it? I'm going to tell you a little secret, Jadzia. I was looking forward to tomorrow, to seeing Kira again and casually asking, how was the nebula? And oh, by the way, I cured that Blight thing those people had. Dax: It's not a crime to believe in yourself, Julian. Bashir: These people believed in me and look where it got them. Trevean was right. There is no cure. The Dominion made sure of that. But I was so arrogant I thought I could find one in a week. Dax: Maybe it was arrogant to think that. But it's even more arrogant to think there isn't a cure just because you couldn't find it. Ekoria: I'm glad you got a chance to see it before you left. Bashir: Ekoria. Ekoria: I thought I'd make it. I really did. Bashir: I'm sorry. Ekoria: Don't be. You gave me hope. I haven't felt that since before my husband died. Goodbye. Bashir: Ekoria, wait. Kira: You're sure about this? Bashir: I can't leave these people. Not now. Kira: Whenever you're ready, contact the station. We'll have a runabout here within days. Dax: You know what worries me, Julian, is that without me you won't have anyone to translate for you. Good luck. Bashir: Major. Ekoria: What is it? Bashir: There isn't a trace of the antigen I gave you in your bloodstream. Your immune system must've rejected it. Bashir: Is it bad? I can give you another hypo, but you've so much cordrazine in your system already it might be hard on the baby's metabolism. Ekoria: I'll wait. Ekoria: What is that smell? Bashir: I'm making a salve. Ekoria: As long as I don't have to drink it. Bashir: How do you feel? Ekoria: I've been better. Bashir: Can you sit up? Bashir: Breathe. Again? Now let's see how the baby's doing. His head's over here now. Ekoria: I'm not surprised. Feels like he's turning somersaults in there. Bashir: His heart's getting stronger every day. I'd say another six weeks. Ekoria: I'll never make it that long. Bashir: Well, I can induce labor in two weeks. The baby will be old enough by then. Ekoria: Two weeks. Ekoria: Trevean. Am I dead? Trevean: Is that what you want? I can end your suffering. Your child will have known nothing but peace. Ekoria: No. He deserves a chance to live. Trevean: The Blight will take him in the end. Bashir: Trevean. I didn't realize you made house calls. Trevean: I was concerned that she might be too weak to come to me. Bashir: I don't understand why you're so obsessed with death. From what I've heard, you've lived with the Blight longer than anyone. Trevean: Yes, and I've seen more suffering than anyone else. Goodbye, Ekoria. I hope you live long enough to see your baby. Ekoria: Trevean means well. He's a kind man, in his own way. Bashir: Push! Good. Good. Now breathe. Don't stop breathing. Don't stop breathing. Breathe. I can see his head. And push! Push! Yes, push. Yes. Yes. Bashir: My God. That's why there's no antigen in your system. It's all been absorbed through the placenta. Ekoria, he doesn't have any lesions. He doesn't have the Blight. Trevean: You found a cure. Bashir: It's not a cure, it's a vaccine. Every pregnant woman should be inoculated with it as soon as possible. It won't help them, but it will protect their babies. Trevean: Our children won't have the Blight? Bashir: The vaccine isn't difficult to make, but seeing that everybody gets it will be a huge task. Trevean: Oh, not a task, a privilege. Can you show me how to make it? Bashir: I was hoping you'd ask that. (Bashir hands the child to Trevean. Computer: Nucleotide sequencing complete. Viral reproduction normal. Bashir: Let's try an A to C base pair reshuffling. Sisko: Doctor. I read your report. Good work. Bashir: Thank you, sir. Computer: Nucleotide sequencing complete. Viral reproduction normal. Bashir: People are still dying back there. Sisko: Yes, but their children won't. Bashir: That's what I keep telling myself, sir. Bashir: Initiate reshuffling sequence.

Scene: Captain's log, stardate 49904.2. After driving away Breen privateers from the Bajoran colony of Freehaven, we are returning to Deep Space Nine. Dax: When I was Leela Dax, I went through the same thing. Every night I'd tuck in my son Ahjess, and two hours later he'd crawl into bed with me. I don't think I slept through a night for weeks. O'Brien: Weeks? Molly's been doing this for two months already. Dax: She just needs a little attention. Bashir: Dax is right. I'd say she's jealous. She knows that you and Keiko are going to have a baby soon. O'Brien: What makes you such an expert on children? Bashir: First in my class in pediatric medicine. Dax: I wouldn't sit there if I were you. Bashir: Why? Miles spill something again? O'Brien: It's Worf's seat. He'll be here in a minute. Bashir: Just because Worf lives on the Defiant full time doesn't give him proprietary rights in the mess hall. Dax: No one says it does. He just likes that seat. Worf: Prune juice, extra large. Bashir: Have a seat, Commander. Worf: Thank you. Sisko: All senior staff report to the bridge, immediately. Sisko: You'd better have a look at this. Kira: Concentrate on the fires in section thirteen. We have to keep them away from the plasma conduits. Quark: Has anyone seen my brother Rom? He told me he was going to be working in one of the upper pylons today. Kira: He's fine. I saw him with one of the damage control teams on level five. Quark: What a relief. Wait till I find him. I'll kill him for scaring me like that. Odo: Major, here's a preliminary list of the stolen equipment. Bashir, Dax and Sisko arrive on scene.) Sisko: Report, Major. Kira: It was a Jem'Hadar strike team. They beamed aboard from a civilian transport, disabled communications and weapons, set off an explosive device in upper pylon three, fought a number of small skirmishes Bashir: This one's gone. Spinal fracture and severe trauma to the cranial meninges. Kira: They raided the science lab, the reactor control facility and several cargo bays. Sisko: Microfusion initiators, photonic amplifiers, EPS power stabilizers. Kira: They were out of here and through the wormhole before we knew what hit us. Bashir: Constable, how many casualties do we have? Odo: So far, eighteen confirmed dead, thirty one missing and over a hundred wounded. Dax: How long ago did the Jem'Hadar leave? Kira: Forty five minutes at the most. Dax: That means their ion trail hasn't decayed yet. We could follow them. Sisko: I intend to do more than that. Sisko to Defiant, prepare for departure. Bashir: I'm going to stay here, take care of the wounded. That includes you. Sisko: The station's yours, Major. Contact Starfleet. Tell them to get some ships out here just in case this is a diversion. Kira: Understood. Sisko: Constable, you're with us. Sisko to Defiant. Three to beam out. Sisko: What do you see, Dax? Dax: Nothing good. Their ion trail is getting fainter. The Jem'Hadar must be emitting a magneton pulse to cover their tracks. Sisko: Keep on them. I want that ship. Odo: Frankly, I'm surprised that something like this hasn't happened sooner. Being at the edge of the wormhole makes Deep Space Nine a tempting target. Sisko: Sometimes I wish we could have the Defiant standing guard over the station twenty six hours a day. Worf: Restricting the Defiant to guard duty would be a serious mistake. O'Brien: You wouldn't say that if you had family living on the station. Worf: Perhaps, but adopting a siege mentality is ultimately self-defeating. Dax: I've got something. Bearing oh five seven mark zero zero nine. Sisko: Red Alert. On screen. Worf: A Jem'Hadar warship. This can't be the vessel we're looking for. Major Kira said the Jem'Hadar strike team that attacked the station used a transport ship. O'Brien: Captain, that warship's in pretty bad shape. It looks like someone's been using it for target practice. Dax: They're transmitting a broad-band distress signal. Odo: It could be a trap. Sisko: How many crewmembers aboard? Dax: I'm reading seven life signs. O'Brien: You won't be reading them for long. The reactor's about to go critical. Sisko: Chief, have a security detail report to the transporter bay. Odo, Commander Worf, you're with me. Sisko: Transporter protocol five. Sisko to Bridge. Drop cloak. Engage. Sisko: Reinstate cloak. If you're looking for your weapons, they were removed in transport. Omet'Iklan: Even without weapons, we're more than a match for you. Worf: I would not be so certain of that. Toman'Torax: A Klingon. Virak'Kara: And the traitor. The Founders will be pleased. Weyoun: Omet'iklan, control your men. These people saved our lives. Omet'Iklan: And for that we shall take advantage of their mistake. Weyoun: You'll do nothing without my approval. My apologies, Captain. I'm afraid the Jem'Hadar are sadly deficient in the social graces. Sisko: Two hours ago, my station was attacked by a Jem'Hadar strike team. Weyoun: I know. They attacked us too. Odo: Why would your own people attack you? Omet'Iklan: Tell them nothing. This is not their concern. Weyoun: Your next allowance of white will be in two hours. If you want it on time, you will be quiet and do as you're told. Captain, you and I should talk in private. Sisko: If you have something to say to me, make it quick. Weyoun: Captain Benjamin Sisko. I feel honored. Your psychographic profile is required reading for Vorta field supervisors. I probably know things about you you don't know yourself. Sisko: If you're trying to impress me, you can forget it. Weyoun: What would you say if I offered to make you absolute ruler of the Federation? No President, no Starfleet Chief of Staff, just you. Sisko: I'd say your psychographic profile of me isn't as good as you think. Weyoun: Just doing my job. Trying to build a bridge between the Dominion and a potential ally. After all, wouldn't it be much simpler if the Dominion and the Federation could reach some mutual beneficial understanding without resorting to the unpleasantness of military conflict? Sisko: I want to know how to find the Jem'Hadar who attacked my station. If you want to build a bridge, why don't you start there? Weyoun: I can lead you to them. But there's something I need in exchange. Sisko: What's that? Weyoun: I want you to help me eliminate them. The Jem'Hadar that attacked your station are renegades. They've turned their back on their oath of allegiance to the Dominion and it's my job to see to it that they're punished. Sisko: Why do you need my help? You could send a whole fleet of Jem'Hadar warships after them. Weyoun: I'm afraid we don't have the time. Captain, are you familiar with the Iconians? Sisko: They controlled a vast interstellar empire about two hundred thousand years ago. Weyoun: What's important is how the Iconians controlled that empire. Sisko: The Gateways. Weyoun: Exactly. Sophisticated transporters that allowed them to move instantaneously from one planet to another, from one solar system to another, without the use of starships. Sisko: What does any of this have to do with me? Weyoun: Dominion scientists recently diskovered a Gateway on one of our outlying worlds. We sent a team of scientists to restore it, but their Jem'Hadar guards rebelled and are now trying to complete the Gateway themselves. Sisko: These renegade Jem'Hadar stole some equipment from my station. EPS power stabilizers, microfusion initiators, photonic amplifiers. Weyoun: I would say it's very possible they're going to use that equipment to help them complete the Gateway. You understand the nature of our dilemma? Sisko: If the Jem'Hadar are able to make the Gateway operational, they'll become virtually invincible. Weyoun: Our experts predict the renegades would gather support from other Jem'Hadar units, launch a general insurrection, and effect a complete takeover of the Dominion in less than a year. Sisko: None of which is my problem. Weyoun: That's very shortsighted of you, Captain. Think about it. If the Jem'Hadar seize control of the Dominion, there'll be no stopping them. Even shutting down the wormhole won't protect the Alpha Quadrant. With the Gateway, they could put a million Jem'Hadar warriors on any Federation planet instantaneously. Would you care to see our projections of Federation casualties? Sisko: Couldn't the Founders just order them to surrender? From what I know, the Jem'Hadar have been genetically conditioned to obey them. Weyoun: The Founders' ability to control the Jem'Hadar has been somewhat overstated. Otherwise we never would have had to addict them to the white. Sisko: Sounds like the Dominion isn't quite as stable as you'd like us to believe. Weyoun: The Dominion has endured for two thousand years, and will continue to endure long after the Federation has crumbled into dust. But we'll leave that to history. Right now, we have a more pressing concern. The Gateway must be destroyed. Agreed? Sisko: Agreed. Dax: Let me get this straight. We're going to work with the Jem'Hadar to fight the Jem'Hadar. Sisko: I don't relish this idea either, but we don't have much of a choice. Worf: I was on the mission that diskovered the Iconian homeworld. We were forced to destroy the Gateway we found there rather than let it fall into the hands of the Romulans, and Starfleet Command supported our decision. Dax: If they didn't want the Romulans to get a hold of it, I'm sure they won't want the Jem'Hadar to have it either. O'Brien: What are we supposed to do? Give Omet'iklan and his men their weapons back and then hope they don't point them at us? Sisko: They're not going to get their hands on any weapons until we reach our target. Odo: How do we know these Jem'Hadar can be trusted? They must realize that controlling the Gateway would mean freedom for their people. Sisko: According to Weyoun, they don't know anything about the Gateway. They think that this is just a routine search and destroy mission. Find the renegade Jem'Hadar, eliminate them and their base. Worf: You're asking us to lie to them about our mission. It is not honorable. O'Brien: There's a lot of things about this mission that bother me, but lying to the Jem'Hadar is not on top of my list. Odo: If the Jem'Hadar find out that we've deceived them. Sisko: They're not going to find out anything. Dax: Well, they won't hear it from me. Sisko: There'll be a joint briefing session at nineteen hundred hours. O'Brien: Followed by a get-to-know-you buffet at nineteen thirty. Dax: And I forgot my dress uniform. Sisko: Enter. Omet'Iklan: You requested my presence. Sisko: It seems we're going to be working together. Omet'Iklan: So I am told. Luckily for you, the only thing I despise more than the Federation is a Jem'Hadar soldier who breaks his vow of allegiance. Sisko: I'm glad you see it that way. Now, I have a few things I want to make clear. First, this is my ship and my command. which means I give the orders, not you and not Weyoun. What's more, I'm holding you personally responsible for the actions of your men. If I have a problem with them, you're the one who's going to have to answer for it. Omet'Iklan: That's as it should be. After all, I'm the First. Sisko: As far as I'm concerned, on this mission, I'm the First. They lock eyes, and neither blinks.) Omet'Iklan: Until the traitors are found and terminated. After that, we shall see. Am I dismissed? Sisko: For the time being. Sisko: According to Dominion intelligence, the Jem'Hadar have established a base camp here. Sisko: The interior of the structure is riddled with a network of corridors and interlocking chambers. Sisko: our primary objective is to destroy the Jem'Hadar arms and supply cache in this chamber. The trick will be getting there. We can't beam directly into the structure, which means we'll have to fight our way in. Omet'Iklan: Jem'Hadar tactics dictate at least twenty seven soldiers are stationed inside the base camp at all times. Nine will patrol the perimeter. Additional troops are deployed throughout the city. Worf: How many renegades are there all together? Omet'Iklan: A hundred and sixty two in the original garrison. We killed at least twelve during the initial rebellion. O'Brien: That still leaves a hundred and fifty. Dax: Just between you and me, Captain, I think we're a little outnumbered. O'Brien: Wouldn't it be simpler to take out the base from orbit? A couple of quantum torpedoes should be enough to level the entire area. Sisko: Unfortunately, that's not an option. Weyoun: The central structure is composed of solid neutronium. Even a direct hit from a quantum torpedo wouldn't necessarily destroy our objective. Sisko: Which means we have to go in ourselves. Toman'Torax: As it should be. It is our duty to punish those who would break their vow of loyalty. Odo: Are you accusing me of something? Omet'Iklan: It is not for us to accuse a god of betraying heaven. The gods themselves will sit in judgment over you. Odo: I'm no god, and neither are the Founders. The sooner you realize that, the better off you'll be. Sisko: We've chosen a beam-in site here, in this wooded area. That'll give us a chance to evaluate the situation before proceeding. Our first objective will be to secure the main entrance to the ziggurat. Worf: Neutralizing nine guards before one of them can raise an alarm will be difficult. Virak'Kara: It's as you said. The Klingon will to fight pales in comparison to our own. Toman'Torax: Yes. He has the look of a warrior but the heart of a coward. Worf: If you would like to test my courage, I Sisko: All right, that's enough. Toman'Torax: One day the Klingon Empire will fall before the Jem'Hadar. And when that day comes, and piles of Klingons lie dead at my feet, I will think of you standing here impotent and weak, and I will laugh. Sisko: All right! I said that's enough. Worf, let him go! Omet'Iklan: Second! Release the Klingon or I will kill you where you stand. Sisko: Now, the two of you, as you were. I promise, you'll both have more fight than you can handle before this is over. Worf: Let's go. O'Brien: I'm right with you. Dax: Worf. Worf: Go. O'Brien: Ready. Dax: Wait. The room's not secure. We have to find the third guard. Worf: I do not see him. Dax: He's here somewhere. Worf: I know. O'Brien: We're supposed to be on our way out by now. Worf: Where is he? Odo: We're running out of time, Commander. Worf: The third Jem'Hadar guard. He is still here somewhere. Odo: Look for a slight rippling effect. Dax: We know what we're looking for. We just can't find it. O'Brien: We're dead. Omet'Iklan: That's correct. Weyoun: The Jem'Hadar defense grid is now in operation. Automated weapons systems have killed everyone in this room. Omet'Iklan: Your crew failed in their mission. Dax: Well you might as well tell us. Where's the other one? Omet'Iklan: There was no third guard. Sisko: I don't understand. You told me the Jem'Hadar soldiers always operate in teams of three. Omet'Iklan: In battle, nothing is certain. You should have armed the explosives as soon as you were in position. Worf: We had to be sure the room was secure. otherwise someone could have disarmed the explosive the moment we left. Omet'Iklan: If you couldn't secure the room, you should not plan on leaving it. O'Brien: You want us to blow the place up while we're still in it? Omet'Iklan: This is a waste of time. They'll never succeed as long as they value their lives more than victory. Weyoun: There's something to be said for soldiers who aren't afraid to die. Sisko: I don't know. I've found nothing keeps me alert quite like a healthy fear of death. Keep practicing. The two of you, with me. Sisko: One of the reasons for these drills is to help our crews learn to work together. Constantly showing contempt for my people isn't making it any easier. Omet'Iklan: Would you prefer I lied? Sisko: What I'd like is for you to at least maintain the pretense that we're on the same side. Weyoun: Captain, I understand your concerns, and so does Omet'iklan. Sisko: Deck five, section one. Omet'Iklan: The only way my troops can come to respect your crew is to fight alongside them. Mixed teams in every aspect of the mission. Weyoun: That's not practical. Omet'Iklan: Why not? Weyoun: Are you questioning my decision? Omet'Iklan: You fool. My men and I, we know all about the Gateway. Sisko: Halt turbolift. Looks like your secret's out. Weyoun: How do you know about the Gateway? Omet'Iklan: It doesn't matter how we know. The point is, we know. You think you have to lie to us and use the white to ensure our loyalty. But the fact is, we are more loyal to the Founders than the Vorta ever will. It is the reason for our existence. It is the core of our being. Weyoun: There's an entire company of Jem'Hadar down on Vandros Four who would disagree with you. Omet'Iklan: And for that, they will die. Sisko: Mixed teams it is. But let's get one thing straight. This isn't going to be a suicide mission. As far as I'm concerned, everyone who goes in, comes back out. Starfleet and Jem'Hadar alike. Omet'Iklan: Your concern for life is touching. Let's hope it doesn't stop us from achieving our objectives. Sisko: Computer, reactivate turbolift. Dax: Am I really that interesting? You've been standing there staring at me for the last two hours. Virak'Kara: You are part of my combat team. I must learn to understand your behavior, anticipate your actions. Dax: There must be something you'd rather do. Maybe get some sleep? Virak'Kara: We don't sleep. Dax: How about getting something to eat? Virak'Kara: The white is the only thing we need. Dax: Don't sleep, don't eat. What do you do for relaxation? Virak'Kara: Relaxation would only make us weak. Dax: You people are no fun at all. Glad I'm not a Jem'Hadar woman. Virak'Kara: There are no Jem'Hadar women. Dax: So what do you do? Lay eggs? Virak'Kara: Jem'Hadar are bred in birthing chambers. We are able to fight within three days of our emergence. Dax: Lucky you. So let me get this straight. No food, so sleep, no women. No wonder you're so angry. After thirty or forty years of that, I'd be angry too. Virak'Kara: No Jem'Hadar has ever lived thirty years. Dax: How old are you? Virak'Kara: I am eight. Dax: I would've guessed at least fifteen. Virak'Kara: Few Jem'Hadar live that long. If we reach twenty we are considered Honored Elders. How old are you? Dax: I stopped counting at three hundred. Virak'Kara: You don't look it. Dax: Thank you. O'Brien: No women? I'm not surprised. Odo: Personally, I envy them. I mean their ability to go without sleep. I'm sure I could be more productive if I didn't have to regenerate every day. Worf: What is the point of doing battle if you cannot enjoy the fruits of victory? O'Brien: You mean sleep? Worf: No, I mean spending long nights singing songs of your deeds. Good food, good drink. Dax: And good women. Worf: We consider Klingon women our partners in battle. They are the mothers of our children. Dax: And a lot of fun at parties too. Worf: True. Odo: Why does he keep staring at us? O'Brien: I don't think it's us he's staring at. I think it's you. Dax: The Vorta probably consider the Founders gods just like the Jem'Hadar do. Odo: I am not a Founder. Dax: Well, you're a changeling. That's close enough. To them. O'Brien: I wonder what would happen if you went over to him and ordered him to stand on his head? Omet'Iklan: It's time. Weyoun: It is time when I say it's time. Oh, very well. Prepare six phials. Unlock. First Omet'iklan, can you vouch for the loyalty of your men? Omet'Iklan: We pledge our loyalty to the Founders from now until death. Weyoun: Then receive this reward from the Founders. May it keep you strong. O'Brien: I guess that's one way to ensure loyalty. Worf: Loyalty bought at such a price is no loyalty at all. Omet'Iklan: Resume your training. Toman'Torax: Human, come with me. It is time to resume our battle drills. O'Brien: In a minute. Toman'Torax: I'm ready now. O'Brien: Well, I'm not. Toman'Torax: They stuff themselves with food but have no appetite for battle. Worf: When the time comes, you will find us more than ready. Toman'Torax: Ready to flee at the first sign of danger. Let's go. You can practice running away. Toman'Torax: I've always wanted to kill a Klingon. Sisko: That's enough! The next one who throws a punch will have to answer to me. Now, I want to know who started this. Worf: I did. Toman'Torax: And I. Omet'Iklan: You again. You knew my orders. Toman'Torax: And I defied them. I deserve punishment. Omet'Iklan: And you shall have it. Omet'Iklan: Why are you waiting? Kill him and be done with it. Sisko: Mister Worf, when not on duty, you are confined to quarters for the remainder of this mission. Worf: Yes, sir. Sisko: All right, let's break this up. Get back to your stations or go to your quarters. Either way, I want this room cleared. Now! Omet'Iklan: You call that diskipline? Sisko: A dead man can't learn from his mistakes. I don't get the same joy out of killing as you do. Omet'Iklan: You think I enjoyed it? Toman'torax was my Second. He served under me three years. I valued him. Sisko: You have a funny way of showing it. Omet'Iklan: I did what had to be done, what any First would do. I placed the good of the unit above my personal feelings. Any soldier who cannot follow orders is a danger to his unit and must be eliminated. Sisko: Mister Worf is not a danger to my command. But if I eliminate him for a simple breach of diskipline, then I would be. My men would stop trusting me, and I wouldn't blame them. Omet'Iklan: You are weak. You should die in his place. And when this mission is over, I will see that you do. Weyoun: Odo, may I speak with you for a moment? Odo: A moment. Weyoun: You know I've been watching you. Odo: I've noticed. Weyoun: I have to admit I find it somewhat disturbing seeing you working for these Federation people, letting them order you around. You are a Founder. You should be the one giving the orders to them, to the Jem'Hadar, even me. Odo: So if I order you to leave me alone, you will? Weyoun: Of course. But before you do, please, hear what I have to say. Your people want you to come home, Odo. No matter what differences you may have with them, no matter what mistakes you may have made, they still love you. Odo: Well maybe they do, but I don't love them. Weyoun: You're lying. And you're not very good at it. I, on the other hand, am an expert on lies. Both in telling them, and in spotting them. So you may as well admit the truth. More than anything in your life, you want to return to your people. And I can make that possible. Odo: How? Weyoun: Let me worry about the how. All I need to know is, are you ready to go home? Odo: No. But I am ready to end this conversation. Weyoun: Then it's over. After all, you are a Founder. I live to serve you. O'Brien: Commander? Dax: For Keiko? O'Brien: It's my eleventh goodbye message since we've been married. I average almost two a year. Dax: Does she know you do this? O'Brien: What would I tell her? You know, honey, every time I'm about to go into battle I record a message for you and Molly telling how much I love you, just in case. Dax: She'd probably think it was sweet. O'Brien: It'd probably scare the hell out of her. To be honest, it scares the hell out of me. Every time I record one of these I think, this is it. This is the one they're going to end up hearing. Dax: It'll never happen. O'Brien: What makes you say that? Dax: Because when you've lived eight lifetimes, you develop certain instincts. And my instincts tell me that you, Miles Edward O'Brien, are going to live to be a hundred and forty and die in bed, surrounded by family and friends. O'Brien: Do you really believe that? Dax: Do you? O'Brien: I'd like to. Dax: That's all that matters. O'Brien: Well, just to be on the safe side, maybe you'd better enter this in the ship's log anyway. Dax: I'll put it right alongside my message to my mother. O'Brien: You record these, too? Dax: Doesn't everyone? Crewman: Sir. Sisko: Well, it looks like the upgraded reactant injectors are working better than we thought. Worf: Captain. Sisko: Mister Worf. Battle drills ended ten minutes ago. You should be in your quarters. Worf: I'm on my way. Sisko: It looks like you got a little lost. Worf: There is something I wish to discuss with you. Sisko: Go on. Worf: It has come to my attention that First Omet'iklan has threatened to kill you. Sisko: I didn't know that was public knowledge. Worf: You told Commander Dax. Sisko: Well, that explains it. Worf: She's concerned about you, and for good reason. As your executive officer, I recommend that you remain on the ship during the away mission. That way, Omet'iklan will have no opportunity to carry out his threat. Sisko: I appreciate the concern, but do you really think I'm going to follow that recommendation? Worf: No, sir, I do not. But I hope you will take some advice. Do not turn your back on him. Sisko: I won't. Worf: Good. I also want you to know if somehow he does carry out his threat, he will not live to boast about it. Sisko: That's very reassuring, Mister Worf. Dax: Dax to Sisko. Sisko: Sisko here. Dax: We're approaching Vandros Four, Captain. Sisko: On my way. Omet'Iklan: I'm waiting. O'Brien: Don't worry. These aren't like the ones we gave you during the drill. They're fully charged. Virak'Kara: The weapon's set on stun. Omet'Iklan: Deactivate safeties. Reset weapons to maximum power. Weyoun: Well, this is a momentous occasion. The first joint operation between the Federation and the Dominion. I can't wait to see how it turns out. Sisko: Prepare to transport. Omet'Iklan: Wait. I am First Omet'iklan, and I am dead. As of this moment we are all dead. We go into battle to reclaim our lives. This we do gladly, for we are Jem'Hadar. Remember. Victory is life. Jem'Hadar: Victory is life. Weyoun: Such a delightful people. O'Brien: I am Chief Miles Edward O'Brien. I'm very much alive and I intend to stay that way. Sisko: Amen. Let's get it done. Omet'Iklan: You betrayed us. Sisko: What are you talking about? Omet'Iklan: Our rifles have been sabotaged. O'Brien: Hold on. Mine's dead too. Worf: Something must be interfering with our equipment. Dax: The Gateway. It's probably generating some kind of dampening field. Odo: If that's the case, we'd better come up with a new plan. Odo: We lost Ramirez, too. Worf: It would appear we no longer have the element of surprise. Omet'Iklan: I suppose you want to call off the mission. Sisko: Guess again. Dax: Worf. Worf: This way. Dax: Go ahead. We'll hold them off. Worf: Keep moving. Dax: Virak'kara, you still there? Virak'Kara: For a little while longer at least. Dax: Don't worry. You'll make Honored Elder yet. Jem'Hadar: Quick, down that way. Look down that hall. Over there. Worf: I think we have waited long enough. Sisko: You're sure the explosives won't be affected by the Gateway? O'Brien: The primary detonator might not work, but the chemical backup should do the trick. Omet'Iklan: The way is clear. Sisko: Let's move. Omet'Iklan: I threatened to kill you, but you were still willing to sacrifice yourself to save my life. Sisko: Looks that way. Omet'Iklan: Why? Sisko: If you have to ask, you'll never understand. O'Brien: Gentlemen, I think it's time we were leaving. Odo: Let's go, Dax. Dax: If I were you, I'd run like hell. Sisko: What about Dax and the others? Worf: Here, Captain. O'Brien: So much for the Gateway. Odo: It looks like we got out just in time. Virak'Kara: Our weapons are working again. Weyoun: The Defiant's sensors registered a powerful explosion in the vicinity of the Gateway. I trust your mission was a success? Dax: The Gateway's been destroyed, if that's what you mean. Weyoun: Well done, Captain. You've all done quite nicely. Now, if you don't mind, I'd like to inspect the wreckage. Omet'Iklan: That was for questioning our loyalty. I think there's been enough killing for one day. Virak'Kara: The Vorta will have no further use of this. Omet'Iklan: My men and I will remain here. There are still disloyal Jem'Hadar on this planet. They must be hunted down and eliminated. Sisko: Good luck. Omet'Iklan: You fought well. But the next time we meet, we'll be enemies. Sisko: I'll keep that in mind. O'Brien: I don't know about the rest of you, but I'd like to get out of here. Sisko: Sisko to Defiant. Begin transport.

O'Brien: I never should have let her go. Not in her condition. Worf: Chief, I'm certain Doctor Bashir and Major Kira are taking good care of your wife. Dax: And besides, you know there's no way you could have kept Keiko from going. She's been talking about the botanical mysteries on Torad Five for a long time. You're lucky she agreed to limit the trip to three days. O'Brien: Three days in the Gamma Quadrant. Do you know what she wanted to do last week? Dax: What? O'Brien: She wanted to go back to Bajor and rappel down the cliffs of Undalar to get a fungus sample. Rappel to get fungus! It's as if I have to remind her that she's pregnant. Dax: Yeah, I guess the extra weight, the morning sickness, the mood swings, the medical examinations, they aren't reminders enough. O'Brien: I've work to do. Quark: Hey! Crowd: Dabo! Girl: Very good, we have a winner. Quark: Rom, my brother! I'm glad to see you. Let me pour you a snail juice. Rom: Okay. But only one. My shift starts in thirty three minutes. Quark: I'll make it a tall one and it's on the house. We're celebrating. Rom: Celebrating? What? Quark: My return from two weeks on Ferenginar. Didn't you miss me? Rom: I suppose. Quark: And I missed you. That's two reasons for celebrating. Enjoy. Rom: Thanks. Quark: Just the way you like it? Rom: Perfect. So, how was your trip? Did you close the vole belly deal? Quark: The what? Oh, yeah. Closed it on the first day. Fifteen percent profit margin. Rom: Great. Did you see Moogie? Quark: Mother's fine. She sends her love. Rom: What else did you do? Quark: Well, let's see. Closed the deal. Told you that. Did some shopping. Made a pilgrimage to the Great Marketplace. And, er, oh, yes, I found out I'm dying! Quark: what are you all looking at? Haven't you ever seen a dying man before? Rom: You're dying? Quark: I got my results from my annual insurance physical. All the tests came back negative except for one. I have Dorek Syndrome. Rom: But that's incurable. Quark: That's right. Which explains the dying part. Rom: But Dorek Syndrome? It's so rare. Quark: It strikes only one out of every five million Ferengi. I finally beat the odds. Rom: How long do you have before? Quark: According to Doctor Orpax, six days, maybe seven. Rom: Is he sure? Quark: Oh, of course he's sure. He's one of the most expensive doctors on Ferenginar. He charges two strips of latinum just to walk into the waiting room. Rom: This is terrible! I don't want you to die, brother. Maybe you should get a second opinion. Have Doctor Bashir examine you when he gets back from the Gamma Quadrant. Quark: Bashir? How good can he be? He doesn't even charge. Besides what could a human doctor know about Dorek Syndrome? Rom: You're going to die. Quark: I have six days to take care of everything. My will, Moogie's pension, I have to make funeral arrangements, pay off my debts. Rom: That's a lot of debts, brother. Quark: Yeah, but half are to humans, Bajorans, a couple of Klingons. Rom: Rule of Acquisition seventeen. A contract is a contract is a contract. But only between Ferengi. Quark: Exactly. But you're right. It's still a lot of debt. Rom: You can always sell the desiccated remains of your corpse on the Ferengi Futures Exchange. Quark: Who'd want to buy a disk of desiccated Quark? I'm nobody. Just some bartender with a domineering mother and an idiot brother. Quark: I won't get any cheers for that. Rom: You were the Grand Nagus. Quark: For a week. If I'm lucky, I'll be a footnote in some Ferengi financial almanac. Rom: You anticipated the change of administrations here on the station. Quark: And as a reward I'm inextricably linked to the Federation. I'm a joke on Ferenginar. Starfleet's favorite bartender. The Synthehol King. What a legacy. Rom: You're not a joke here. You're a respected businessman, a pillar of the community, a man with many friends. Quark: Friends? Community? You sound like some sniveling human. The only opinions I care about are those of my peers. Ferengi businessmen. In their eyes, I'm a second-rate, small-time operator. Rom: Stop it! Stop it, brother! You are somebody. You'll see. You march right over to that comm. link and offer your vacuum-desiccated remains for sale on the Futures Exchange. You'll see. Bids'll come flooding in from all over the Ferengi Alliance. Everyone will want a disk of Quark on their desk. In fact, there may not be enough of you to meet the demand. Quark: You're a liar. but I love you. Rom: Just wait. When you see how much your body is worth you're going to wish you'd died years ago, or something like that. Dax: Captain, something's coming through the wormhole. Sisko: On screen. Magnify. Worf: The Volga. It's been damaged. Doctor Bashir is requesting emergency transport to the Infirmary. Two patients. Major Kira, Keiko O'Brien. O'Brien: Major? Kira: Keiko's still in surgery but she's going to be just fine. O'Brien: The baby? Oh, my God. Kira: No, no, Chief. The baby's fine. O'Brien: Are you sure? Kira: Positive. Everything's okay. The baby just had a change of address, that's all. O'Brien: What do you mean? Kira: Your son's living here now. Bashir: Kira almost had us clear of the asteroid field, and then the deflectors became overwhelmed. We were side-swiped by a rock the size of this room. A fuel pod exploded and Keiko was thrown against the bulkhead. She had a concussion, broken ribs, internal hemorrhaging. I managed to stabilize her but the baby's autonomic functions were failing. I had to find another womb for the baby, and the only two people available were Major Kira and me. Sisko: I think you made the right choice, Doctor. O'Brien: But the Major's Bajoran. How can she carry a human child? Bashir: I had to stimulate Kira's estrogen and progesterone production, and administer high doses of tesokine to enable the baby to metabolize Bajoran nutrients. Sisko: But the bottom line is it worked, right? Bashir: Right. O'Brien: So, when will Keiko will be strong enough to take the baby back? Bashir: Well, Keiko should be up on her feet in a day or two. However, the baby O'Brien: What? Bashir: Major Kira will have to carry the baby to term. You see, Chief, Bajoran women carry their children for less than five months. Because they have such a short gestation period, they vascularise very quickly. Mother and child form a complex interconnecting network of blood vessels. In order to transfer the baby back to Keiko, I would have to sever those ties, which would likely cause massive internal hemorrhage in Kira and a severe respiratory trauma for the baby. O'Brien: So, what you're telling me is that Major Kira's going to have my baby? Quark: What is it? Rom: Hello, Brother. You wanted to see me? Quark: Come here. Rom: Did you get lots of bids? Quark: I wouldn't say lots. Rom: How many? Quark: Let me count. One. Rom: Oh? Seventeen bars, three strips and five slips of latinum for the entire collection. It's a generous opening bid. Quark: It's an insultingly low offer. Oh, and it also happens to be exactly the sum total of your life savings. Rom: Oh? What a coincidence. Quark: Stop it. I don't want your charity. Rom: It's not charity. I want to have something to remember you by when you're gone. Quark: I knew this was a mistake. Rom: But Brother, you've got to give it time. Your body's only been on the Exchange for Quark: Oh, forget the bidding. This has all been a mistake. My life, coming here, putting a bar on this Cardassian monstrosity of a station. What was I thinking? Rom: Brother, come here quick. It's a bid. Quark: A bid. Rom: A huge bid. Quark: Five hundred bars of latinum for the entire set. Rom: That's ten thousand strips. Quark: That's one million slips. Rom: That sounds even better. Quark: It doesn't say who the bidder is. Rom: It's not me. Quark: No kidding. Rom: You think it's Moogie? Quark: Nah, she doesn't like me that much. She might buy one disk but all fifty two? No. Who could it be? Who could afford to spend five hundred bars of latinum on me? Grand Nagus Zek. Rom: The Nagus? Quark: Of course. It makes perfect sense. He always liked me. Rom: He used you when it suited his needs. I don't think it's the same thing. Quark: Don't you see? He used me because he liked me. He couldn't admit that in public, so he made this anonymous bid as a gesture of his appreciation and gratitude. Rom: That doesn't sound like the Nagus I know. But it doesn't matter who made the offer. The important thing is this could stimulate further bidding. Quark: Well, let's not be foolish, Rom. If we wait, the Grand Nagus might just change his mind. Going once, going twice, sold! Rom: Congratulations, brother. Quark: Yeah. It took me all my life, but I'm going to die a winner. Kira: Hi. Keiko: Hi. Kira: How are you feeling? Keiko: Like I've been hit by a ten ton rock. Julian says I'll be on my feet tomorrow. How are you? Kira: Fine. Though I think I've put on a little weight. Keiko: You carry it well. You know, what you're doing for me, for us, I don't know how to thank you. Kira: Keiko, this is your baby. Quark: That will pay off Moogie, leaving one hundred and ninety six bars to pay off Uncle Gorad and Cousin Gaila. Is that clear? Rom: I think so. Quark: Good. Now on to my funeral arrangements. First, I want Bashir: Quark. Quark: I want my eulogy to take place in the holosuite. We'll charge admission, two slips a head. Rom: I don't know about that. Quark: You're right. Make it three. Bashir: Quark! I just received an odd message from a Doctor Orpax of Ferenginar. He wants me to tell you he's very sorry but you don't have Dorek Syndrome. Does that make any sense to you? Rom: You don't have Dorek Syndrome? Quark: You know what that means, Rom? Rom: It means you're going to live! Quark: It means I get to sue Doctor Orpax for malpractice! And I'm going to live. Quark: I'm coming. I'm coming. Quark: I'm coming! Quark: Computer, lights. Come in already. Brunt: Brunt. FCA. Quark: Don't tell me this is a surprise audit. Brunt: Not this time. I'm here to check on my merchandise. Quark: What are you talking about? Brunt: I'm talking about you. I paid five hundred bars of latinum for your desiccated remains and I'm here to collect. Quark: You're the anonymous buyer? Brunt: Who did you expect? The Nagus? Quark: The Nagus? Of course not. I'm just a little surprised it was you. I guess you haven't heard the news. Brunt: You mean that you don't have Dorek Syndrome? I know all about it. Quark: But then I don't understand. What are you doing here? Brunt: I'm here to get what I paid for. The contract calls for fifty disks of vacuum-desiccated Quark available within six days. I'm here to make sure you deliver the merchandise. Quark: Maybe I wasn't clear. I'm not dying. Brunt: Maybe I wasn't clear. I don't care. I want my merchandise. I have a thousand ideas of how to defile your remains. Want to hear my favorites? Quark: Oh, I see. How foolish of me. I forgot to mention that on top of your full refund, you'll also be receiving an additional five bars of latinum for your troubles. Did I say five? I meant ten. You drive a hard bargain. Twelve. That's my final offer. Look, it's late, you've come a long way. Why don't we stop this haggling and you just tell me how much you want. Brunt: What I want is fifty two disks of vacuum-desiccated Quark. Nothing more, nothing less. Quark: But I'm not going to die just yet! What do you expect me to do? Kill myself? Brunt: Of course not. You can have someone do it for you. I recommend strangulation. It leaves the body relatively unmarked for desiccation. Quark: You can't be serious? Brunt: A contract is a contract Quark: Is a contract. I know that! But you don't collect on contracts under these circumstances. We're not Klingons. We're businessmen. Brunt: This is not business, Quark. This is personal. Quark: Why? What have I ever done to you? Brunt: Done to me? And you call your brother an idiot? Nothing you've ever done to me has been more than a minor inconvenience. No. Protecting your mother from an FCA audit, and secretly settling with your striking employees were nothing more than symptoms of a vile and insidious weakness. A weakness that makes me loath you, not for what you've done but for who you are, what you are. Quark: A bartender? Brunt: A philanthropist. Quark: I am not! Brunt: You give your customers credit at the bar. You only take a thirty percent kickback from your employees' tips, and you sold food and medicine to Bajoran refugees at cost! Quark: That's not true. It was just above cost. Brunt: Close enough. It was still a generous, humanitarian gesture. You've gone Starfleet. You might as well be wearing one of their uniforms. It's people like you that give honest Ferengi businessmen a bad name. Quark: I can reform. I'll start gouging the customers again. I'll revoke all my employees' vacation time. Brunt: You gave them vacations? Quark: I didn't give them anything. They contributed to a central fund which I manage. Brunt: You disgust me. Quark: Look, I understand your anger. You're absolutely right about me, but there must be some accommodation we can make? Something other than me killing myself. Brunt: Of course there is. You can break the contract. Quark: Me, break a Ferengi contract? Never. Brunt: Never? I wonder if there's enough Ferengi left in you to stick to that. Part of me hopes you will break it because then everything you and your family own on Ferenginar will be confiscated and sold to the lowest bidder. Your mother will be forced to live in the streets, begging for scraps of food and of course no Ferengi will do business with you, or even talk to you. You'll be cut off from all contact with your own people. Quark: I like Ferengi. I feel comfortable around them. Brunt: Well, we don't feel comfortable around you. You're a disease, Quark. A festering tumor on the lobes of Ferengi society. And it's my job to cut you off. O'Brien: One step at a time. Yeah. We're almost there. Prepare for docking. Thrusters back to half. Yes. O'Brien: Nice landing, Captain. Let me know when you want to get underway again. Keiko: I think I'll sit here a week. Did you see Kira today? O'Brien: Yeah. I saw her in Ops. Keiko: I was thinking of inviting her to dinner. O'Brien: Good idea. Maybe she could come by every evening. Keiko: Even if she came every evening, it wouldn't be enough. I know I'm being selfish. I should be grateful that my baby's alive and well, but I shouldn't have to make appointments to be with my own child. Miles, what are we going to do? O'Brien: I don't know. Rom: I know what you're thinking, brother. That you can't break a sacred Ferengi tradition. But the truth is, defying Ferengi tradition isn't so bad. I did it. I formed a union. Everyone said I was crazy, that no Ferengi would have anything to do with me. Quark: They didn't want anything to do with you before you formed the union. Garak: If you try on the trousers first you'll see I've added some extra padding to the seat which should make swiveling on your barstool much more comfortable. Garak: I'm afraid your pants won't be ready until next week, Quark. Quark: That's not why I'm here. Garak: Ah. And what can I do for you? Quark: I want to hire you, not as a tailor, as an assassin. Garak: I don't know what you're talking about. Quark: Oh, yes, you do. You weren't always a tailor. Garak: You're right. I used to be a gardener. Now if you have something you want weeded, you let me know. Quark: Not something. Someone. Rom: You're going to have Brunt killed? I didn't think you had it in you, brother. What a bold, uncompromising move. Quark: Would you be quiet? I don't want you to kill Brunt. I want you to kill me. Garak: You want me to kill you? Well, that's different. Quark: Something swift and painless and preferably bloodless, though I imagine that's not always possible. Rom: Wait a minute. You can't do this. I thought you were going to break the contract. Quark: What are the key words there? You thought. Rom: But brother Quark: Don't brother me, Rom. I'm not like you or Nog or Moogie or the rest of our pathetic family. I'm a Ferengi businessman and I made a contract. And a contract is a contract is a Rom: Don't quote the Rules of Acquisition to me. This is your life we're talking about. Quark: That's right. My life. What's the most important thing in my life? Garak: Business. Quark: That's who I am. That's what I do. I'm a businessman. And more than that, I'm a Ferengi businessman. Do you know what that means? It means that I'm not exploiting and cheating people at random. I'm doing it according to a specific set of rules. The Rules of Acquisition. And I won't disregard them when I find them inconvenient. Rom: Inconvenient? You're going to die! Quark: Yes. And when I arrive at the gates of the Divine Treasury, the Registrar will accept my bribe and usher me inside. And do you know why? Because I died exactly the way I lived. As a Ferengi. Garak, let's talk about death. Kira: He's kicking so hard. Do you think he's all right? Keiko: It's a good sign. Molly, I thought she was going to kick her way out of me. O'Brien: The lower back, huh? Hold on. I have just the thing. Keiko: It was so thoughtful of you to share this with us. Thank you, Major. Kira: Please. Nerys. Keiko: So, any morning sickness? Kira: What's that? Keiko: Well, I don't know how it is for Bajorans, but typically human mothers wake up feeling nauseous. Kira: It doesn't work that way for Bajorans. Typically, we start sneezing. Uncontrollably. But this is a human baby. I don't know what to expect. O'Brien: Here we go. Slide that in there. Better? Molly: I'm hungry. Kira: Much. O'Brien: Put your feet up. Kira: Oh, no, no, that's fine. O'Brien: It is about that time. I'll get dinner started. Kira: And I should be going back to my quarters. Keiko: Why? Have dinner with us. Kira: I don't want to impose. Keiko: Nerys, you're having our baby. You're family now. O'Brien: That's right. In fact, Keiko and I have been talking about something. We have an idea that we'd like you to consider. Keiko: It's just an idea. We don't want to pressure you. Kira: I understand. What is it? Keiko: Go ahead. Garak: How's that? Quark: Awful. Did you hear that sound of bone snapping? I don't want that to be the last thing I hear. Garak: It wasn't that loud. Quark: You don't have these ears. Snapping vertebrae is out. Garak: We're running out of options, Quark. You don't want to be vaporized because you need a body. The disruptor ruined your clothing. The knife was too savage. The nerve gas smelled bad. Hanging took too long, and poison. What was wrong with poison? Quark: It doesn't work. If I know the food is poisoned, I won't eat it. Could you get rid of this? The sight of it makes me sick. Garak: Computer, remove corpse. For a man who wants to kill himself, you're strangely determined to live. Quark: I am going to die, don't you worry about that. I just want to find the right way. Garak: Right way? Quark: I don't want to see it coming, or hear it, or feel it, or smell it. I just want to go on with my life and then, I'm dead. Garak: Ah. You want to be surprised. Quark: Exactly. I want to wake up in the Divine Treasury and have no idea how I got there. Garak: I see. Perhaps that can be arranged. Quark: Really? Garak: You have my word. You'll never know what hit you. Quark: Computer? Lights. Quark: Garak, if you're here I'm not going to be surprised! Quark: Where am I? Please have your profit and loss statement ready for inspection before entering the Divine Treasury. I'm dead. Garak, you're good. Quark: I'm really dead. Gint: You're not just dead, Quark. You're an idiot. Quark: Who are you? Gint: I am Gint, the first Grand Nagus. Quark: You look like, like my brother, Rom. Gint: That's because this is a dream, you imbecile. Quark: So, I'm not dead. Gint: What a clever boy. Always thinking. Quark: I'm asleep. That explains why this place looks so tacky. I mean, The Divine Treasury? Please. Gint: Don't blame me for your limited imagination. Now, I'll make it simple. You have to break the contract with Brunt. Quark: You got to be joking. You're Gint. You wrote the Rules of Acquisition. The sacred precepts upon which all Ferengi society is based. You of all people can't expect me to break them. Gint: Why not? They're just rules. They're written in a book, not carved in stone. And even if they were in stone, so what? A bunch of us just made them up. Quark: Are you saying they don't matter? Gint: Of course they matter. That's why they're a best-seller. But we're talking about your life here. The Rules are nothing but guideposts, suggestions. Quark: Then why call them Rules? Gint: Would you buy a book called Suggestions of Acquisition? Doesn't quite have the same ring to it, does it? Quark: You mean it was a marketing ploy? Gint: Shh. A brilliant one. Rule of Acquisition two hundred and thirty nine. Never be afraid to mislabel a product. Quark: I've based my entire life around these rules. How can I just walk away from them? Gint: Because I'm telling you to. Quark: But you can't do that. You're not Gint. This is just a dream. Gint: Exactly. And I wouldn't be here if you didn't want to break the Rules. You just need someone's permission. So I'm giving it to you. Quark: I suppose if the First Nagus Gint came to me in a vision and told me to break the Rules, that would be all right. Brunt: Quark, hold it right there. Brunt, FCA. Quark: What are you doing here? This is a private vision. Brunt: I'm here to remind you of the consequences of disregarding the Rules. Poverty, destitution, exile. Quark: I know, I know. But look. Gint himself has come to me in a vision. He's telling me to break the contract. Brunt: That is not Gint. Gint was a lot taller. You listen to that fraud, you'll regret it for the rest of your miserable life. Gint: I say we kill him right now. Brunt: This is a dream. You can't kill me. However, people have been known to die in their sleep. Quark: Come on, Rom, Gint, whatever your name is. Help me! Gint: He's got a point, Quark. It's a dream. I can't really do anything. But if you want to live, break the contract. It's your only hope. Quark: I'm alive. Brunt: I find it surprising that someone with such long, slender and nimble fingers has never practiced oo-mox. Brunt: Come to beg for your life? What is this? Quark: I'm returning your five hundred bars of latinum. Plus interest. Brunt: I told you I wasn't interested in a refund. Quark: I know. I'm breaking the contract. Brunt: Ah ha. I knew it. You're just like the rest of your family. Weak-lobed degenerates. Another loser in a long line of failed Ferengis. Quark: Look, I've broken the contract, so do your job. Take my assets, revoke my Ferengi business license. Do whatever you have to do then get out. And if I ever see you walk into my bar again Brunt: Yes? Quark: You won't walk out. Brunt: May I have your attention, please! Brunt, FCA. As of this moment, no further Ferengi commerce may be conducted in this bar. No Ferengi may be employed by this bar. No Ferengi may eat or drink in this bar. And no Ferengi, no Ferengi, may do business with that man! Brunt: Confiscation of assets will begin immediately. Quark: Ladies and gentlemen, this bar is closed until further notice. Thank you for your patronage. O'Brien: Come in. O'Brien: I'll take that, Major. Oh, Nerys. Is this it? Kira: Oh, I travel light. Keiko: Would you like to see your room? Kira: Sure. Keiko: Welcome to your new home. Kira: At least until the baby's born. Molly: Are you my aunt? Kira: Well O'Brien: Sounds right to me. Kira: Aunt Nerys. Molly: Aunt Nerys, can I play in your room? Kira: Any time you want. Rom: How are you, brother? Quark: How am I? I'm broke. Ruined. Destitute. A pariah. How are things with you? Rom: Not bad. Quark: Glad to hear it. Rom: They took everything? Quark: Including this shirt. I'm supposed to send it to Brunt in the morning. Rom: Don't worry. I have some old clothes I was going to throw out. Quark: I'd rather be naked. Rom: Okay. Brother, the way you stood up to Brunt? Well, I want you to know that I'm very proud of you. Quark: Well, then, I guess throwing my entire life away was worth it. Rom: I wouldn't go that far. So what are you going to do now? Quark: Well, Rom, I've been thinking long and hard, and you know what? I don't have a clue. Bashir: Quark, where do you want this? Quark: What is it? Bashir: A case of Alvanian brandy. A patient sent it as payment but I can't accept it. Quark: Nice try, Doctor, but I don't want your charity. Bashir: Oh, it's not charity. I find it undrinkable. So do you want it or shall I dump it? Dax: Quark. My sister sent me these. I thought you might want them but they're really ugly. Rom: They're not as ugly as the old ones, but they're pretty bad. Quark: This is all very amusing, but I can't start a bar with a case of bad brandy and a set of ugly glasses. Sisko: Quark! Quark: Yes, Captain? Sisko: We're doing some structural repair work on level two of the Habitat ring. We need a place to store some extra furniture for the next few months and it looks like you have the room. Odo: Captain, where do you want me to put all this furniture? Sisko: We have three levels, Constable. Use them all. Odo: Understood. Quark: Captain, you can't do this! Not without paying a storage fee. A minimum storage fee. Practically nothing. Sisko: Send me the bill. Quark: All right. Don't just stand there, Odo. Move it all in. Rom: Look at them, brother. And you thought you had no assets. Quark: Sisko, Dax, Bashir, Morn? They're my assets? Rom: To name a few. Quark: I guess you're right. I need a drink.

Odo: You wanted to see me, Garak? Garak: Ah, Constable. How good of you to stop by. Odo: A shoplifter? Garak: Excuse me? Odo: Is something wrong? Aroya: Here I come. Aroya: What do you think? Garak: A thing of beauty is a joy forever. Aroya: Oh, well then, put it on my account. I'll wear it to work. Garak: A splendid idea. Ah, Security Chief Odo, I'd like to introduce you to Chalan Aroya, one of my best customers. Aroya: I own the Celestial Cafe, the new Bajoran restaurant overlooking the Promenade. Odo: I'm familiar with it. Aroya: I watch you walk by every morning when you're on patrol. Oh nine thirty seven. You're very precise. Odo: How nice of you to notice. Aroya: I was hoping one day you might stop in when you're not working. Odo: I don't eat. Aroya: I do, and I hate to eat alone. Think about it. Oh, and next time you're on the second level, don't forget to say hello. Odo: The next time you call me, it'd better be to report a crime. Garak: Now that you mention it, I've just witnessed a crime. Letting Aroya walk out of here without arranging a date. You should be locked away for that. Odo: You humanoids. You're all obsessed with these convoluted mating rituals. Garak: True. But do you think we'd waste so much time on something that wasn't worthwhile? I'll never understand you. You're such a sensitive man, yet there are so many aspects of humanoid life that you simply refuse to explore. Odo: I have no desire to become a slave to humanoid obsessions. Garak: But you have to admit, she is quite lovely. Odo: Well, she is, isn't she? Garak: Odo, what's wrong? Odo: I don't know. Garak: Garak to Doctor Bashir. I need a medical emergency team sent to my shop immediately. Odo: Doctor, this is a waste of time. You don't know enough about changeling physiology to diagnose what's wrong with me. No one does. Bashir: Actually, I do have some idea what's going on. I've compared your current medical scans with ones I've made over the last four years and there are noticeable differences. Normally when you're in humanoid form, you have a specific density of one point four which is constant throughout your body. Your mass and density only vary when you change shape. Right now, your mass and density are in a state of fluctuation. Odo: Do you know what's causing it? Bashir: No. Odo: Well, do you know how to prevent it from happening again? Bashir: Not yet. Odo: Then tell me when you do. Bashir: I'm afraid I can't let you leave just yet. Moving seems to increase the fluctuations and may bring on another attack. Odo: Are you saying that I have to stay here until you diskover a cure? Bashir: Or until the fluctuations stop on their own. For all I know, this could be a normal biological process. The changeling equivalent of puberty, or menopause. Odo: That's an interesting theory, Doctor. One I suggest that you keep to yourself. Bashir: Don't worry. This could just as easily turn out to be a virus or a bacterial infection. Now, lie back and I promise I'll do everything I can to get you out of here as soon as possible. Gowron: We find the Federation's demands that we return the captured Cardassian colonies insulting and provocative. Klingon blood was spilled to conquer those worlds. They are now part of the Klingon Empire and we will never give them up. Furthermore, if the Federation still harbors any hope of peaceful coexistence with the Klingon Empire, it must abandon all Starbases and military installlations in the Archanis Sector. Our claim to Archanis Four and the surrounding territory is ancient and indisputable. We advise the Federation to leave Archanis, or prepare to face the consequences. Long live the Empire. Sisko: This recording was sent to the Federation Council three days ago. Worf: If Gowron is willing to go to war over the Archanis sector, then he has become even more dangerous than I thought. Kira: I don't get it. The Klingons relinquished their claim to Archanis Four a hundred years ago. Dax: I guess they've changed their mind. Sisko: I don't think Gowron gives a damn about Archanis. He's just looking for an excuse to rattle his saber. The question is why? Dax: Yesterday I talked to an old friend of Curzon's from the Diplomatic Corps. She says that representatives from Federation worlds near the Klingon border are already urging a preemptive strike. Kira: Sounds like war may be inevitable. Sisko: I hope you're wrong, Major. But right now there's not much we can do about it either way. Archanis Four is a long way from here. Dax: Two, three. I say she stops at seven. Sisko: I say eight. Mister Worf? Worf: Ten. Kira: I hate being pregnant. Sisko: I win. Kira: My nose hasn't stopped itching for weeks. Dax: We've noticed. Sisko: Is there anything Doctor Bashir can do about it? Kira: I'm Bajoran. Human women get nauseous. We sneeze. Besides, I think Doctor Bashir's hands are full right now. Sisko: How is the Constable? Kira: No news yet. I was thinking of going to visit him. Worf: I doubt that he would wish to be seen in such a weakened state. Dax: What if he wants some company? Someone to take his mind off his problems? Worf: That is doubtful. Odo values his privacy. He does not like to socialize. Dax: I think it's all an act. Worf: It is not an act. He told me so himself. Dax: But you were socializing with him when he said it. Worf: Captain, was Dax's last host as argumentative as this one? Sisko: Worse. Dax: Thank you, Benjamin. I think. Sisko: Hopefully Odo will get back on his feet soon. In the meantime, I want him left alone to rest. Agreed? Agreed. Kira: May I come in? Odo: If you're looking for Doctor Bashir, he's not in right now. Kira: Actually, I came to see you. Odo: To be honest, Major, I really don't feel like company right now. Kira: I didn't plan on staying. I just came to bring you this. Odo: Ah. Today's criminal activities report. Kira: I figured you might be getting tired of staring at medical consoles all day. Odo: That was very thoughtful of you, Major. Kira: If there's anything else you need, you let me know. Odo: Yeah, I'll do that. Odo: What? Rionoj: Keep moving. I'll feel a lot better once we're off this station. Odo: Too bad, because you're not leaving. Rionoj: Security Chief Odo. I heard you were indisposed. Odo: You heard wrong. Now you and I need to talk about those missing Falangian diamonds. Rionoj: I told you before, I don't know anything about them. Odo: Well tell me again. Odo: Oh no you don't. Rionoj: Let's go. Bashir: How are you feeling? Odo: See for yourself. Bashir: It's gotten worse. Odo: Very observant, Doctor. It's been more and more difficult for me to maintain humanoid form. Bashir: The latest test results aren't encouraging. The destabilization of your molecular structure is increasing at an alarming rate. Odo: How much longer before I totally lose my ability to stay solid. Bashir: One week, maybe two. After that, if the destabilization continues. I sent my findings to Doctor Mora. Frankly, he was as baffled as I am, but he wants you to come to his laboratory on Bajor for further tests. Odo: Seven years of playing lab rat for him was quite enough. Besides, you have complete access to his data. If the answer was there, you'd have found it by now. Bashir: I don't suppose you'd agree on a trip to Starfleet Medical? Odo: Doctor, I think we both know where I have to go. Bashir: I was hoping it wouldn't come to that. Odo: There doesn't seem to be much choice. You have to take me back to my people. The only ones who can help me now are the Founders. Sisko: Once we enter the Gamma Quadrant, we'll begin transmitting a subspace signal explaining the purpose of our mission. Then we'll enter Dominion space and try to locate the Founders' new homeworld. Kira: Odo's only got a few weeks at best. Do you think we can locate his people in time? Bashir: If we go into Dominion airspace without cloaking, we'll get their attention. Sisko: You can be sure of that. Kira: I'd like to come along. Sisko: I don't think so, Major. I know Odo's your friend, but I need you here. Besides Kira: I know, I know. When will you leave? Sisko: Doctor? Bashir: As soon as possible. Sisko: We'll prepare the Defiant. You prepare the Constable. O'Brien: All systems are ready for departure. Sisko: Thank you, Mister O'Brien. Bashir: The medical bay is all set, but it'll take a little while to get Odo on board. Worf: Why not use the transporter? Bashir: Well, his molecular structure is scrambled enough as it is. The last thing he needs is a trip through a transporter buffer. Dax: Benjamin, someone's asking permission to come aboard. Sisko: Who is it? Dax: Garak. Worf: Tell him the ship is off limits to Cardassian spies. Bashir: Sir, if Garak is asking to come aboard, I'm sure he has a good reason. Sisko: Have Mister Garak escorted to the mess hall. I'll meet him there. Garak: Personally I think Starfleet should allow their officers more latitude in accessorizing their uniforms. You'd be surprised what a nice scarf can do. Garak: Ah, Captain. How good of you to see me. Sisko: Make it brief, Garak. Garak: I'd like to accompany you on your mission. There are some questions I'd like to ask the Founders. Sisko: Such as? Garak: The Cardassian Empire lost a number of ships during their aborted attack on the Dominion. I want to know what happened to the crewmembers. Sisko: I was under the impression that those ships were destroyed with all hands. Garak: Oh, we don't know that for a fact. As I recall, when the Defiant left the scene of the battle, there were a number of Cardassian warships still fighting. Sisko: Ah. And you think some of their crewmembers might have been taken prisoner? Garak: I live in hope. Besides, if you do take me along, I think you'll find me quite useful. I'm a man of many talents. Sisko: I have no need for a tailor on this mission, let alone a spy. But maybe there is something you can do for me. This is going to be a long trip for Odo. I need someone to occupy his attention, take his mind off his condition. Garak: You want me to keep him company? Sisko: No. Anyone can do that. Dax, Bashir, myself. And what would we have to offer him? Kindness? Sympathy? That's the last thing he wants. Garak: But where you offer kindness, I offer mystery. Where you offer sympathy, I offer intrigue. Just give me a seat next to Odo's bed and I promise you I will conjure up enough innuendos, half-truths, and bald-faced lies about my so-called career in the Obsidian Order to keep the Constable distracted for days. If there's one thing Cardassians excel at, it's conversation. Sisko: You've got yourself a job. But all questions for the Founders will have to wait until after Odo gets the help he needs. Garak: We share the same priorities, captain. Sisko: Make sure you remember that. Quark: Odo. Odo: Not now, Quark. I'm busy. Quark: I hear you're taking a little trip to the Gamma Quadrant. Odo: Care to come along? QUARK Are you kidding? I expect to own this station by the time you get back. With you gone, profits from smuggling alone should go up sixty percent. Odo: Well, don't get used to it. I'll be back before you know it, making your life miserable. Quark: Then you are coming back? Odo: Count on it. Quark: I will. Kira: Take your time. I promise the Defiant won't leave without you. Bashir: Would you like me to have the Promenade cleared? Odo: That won't be necessary. Dax: We've just cleared the wormhole. Sisko: Begin transmitting a request for assistance, then set a course for the Dominion. Dax: Aye, sir. O'Brien: It's funny. I've served on a half a dozen ships, and none of them've had cloaking devices except the Defiant. Now that we're not using it, I feel naked. Worf: It is diskoncerting, to say the least. Sisko: Gentlemen, I feel the same breeze you do. O'Brien: What're you smiling at? Dax: I don't know. I guess it's just being in the same room with so many naked men. Garak: Ah, yes. The assassination of Proconsul Merrok of Romulus. Such a tragedy. I met him once, a few weeks before he died. I was working as a gardener at the Cardassian embassy during the Odo: You were a gardener on Romulus? Garak: My specialty was Edosian orchids. Beautiful but highly toxic. Odo: As I recall, Proconsul Merrok was poisoned. Garak: Funny, I don't remember that. But then again, so many Romulan dignitaries died unexpectedly that year. Bashir: It must be hard to keep them all straight. Garak: You can't imagine. Bashir: Maybe we should let the Constable get some rest. Odo: I'll let you know when I need rest, Doctor. A gardener at the Cardassian embassy on Romulus? Fascinating. O'Brien: So I get off duty the other night, and I walk into my quarters and there're Keiko and Major Kira talking. Dax: Go on. O'Brien: As soon as I walked in, they stopped. It was like turning off a holosuite program. Worf: They did not want you to hear what they were saying. O'Brien: Exactly. I think they were talking about me. Sisko: Come on, Chief. You have no way of knowing that. O'Brien: I may not have the proof, but I know one thing. Molly was there, and when she saw me she started giggling. Laugh all you want. I'm thinking of asking Julian to come live with us. Even things up a little. Dax: Hold on. I'm reading warp signatures headed our way. Looks like our signal's finally getting a little attention. Sisko: Full stop. On screen. Sisko: Make that a lot of attention. Dax: We're being hailed. They want to beam someone aboard to discuss our request. Worf: I would advise against allowing Dominion representatives aboard this ship. O'Brien: It might be better to negotiate over the viewscreen. Sisko: But I don't want to give them any reason to think that we're hiding something. Odo needs their help and I'm going to make sure he gets it. Commander, tell the Jem'Hadar that I'll meet their representative in the transporter bay. Dax: Aye, sir. Founder: That's enough. Let him go. Please, everyone, lower your weapons. There's no need for violence. Dax: Are you okay? O'Brien: I've felt better. Founder: I've come for Odo. Sisko: Can you help him? Founder: Only the Great Link can help him. Leave him with me and you may return home unharmed. Sisko: I can't do that. Amat'Igan: A Founder has given you an order. You will obey it. Founder: I'll let you know when I need you. I understand your concern for Odo. I feel it too. Sisko: Then let's not stand here and argue. Just tell us where we need to take him. The faster we get moving, the better off he'll be. Founder: Your loyalty to Odo is commendable. I will not stop you from accompanying him on the rest of his journey. However, I'm sure you understand my reluctance to reveal the location of our new home. Commander, I must ask you to surrender the helm. Amat'igan will guide your ship for the remainder of the voyage. Dax: Captain? Founder: My terms are not open to negotiation. Sisko: Commander, give him your seat. Amat'Igan: This will prevent your navigational computers from retaining any record of our journey. Worf: Sir. Sisko: Not now, Mister Worf. Founder: There, that's better. Now, Captain, if it's not too much trouble, I would like to pay Odo a visit. Garak: How do I look, Doctor? Bashir: Does it matter? Garak: Of course it matters. I'm here as a representative of the Cardassian Empire and I want to make a good first impression. Constable, what do you think? Odo: I think the Romulans poisoned Proconsul Merrok and you were the one responsible for the transporter accident that killed Subcommander Ustard. Garak: You're getting warmer. But how do I look? Founder: May I come in? Odo: You'll pardon me if I don't get up. Founder: Poor Odo. Look what's become of you. Odo: Not a pretty sight, am I? Founder: Pretty? I wasn't aware you applied such value to your outward appearance. Such concerns are more fitting for solids. Bashir: Excuse me. I don't mean to interrupt, but is there anything you can do for him? Founder: Odo, give me your hand. Don't be afraid. Garak: Amazing. Founder: Feeling better? Odo: Yes. Though I still have to concentrate to hold my form. Bashir: Your molecular structure is still fluctuating, but it's nowhere near as unstable as it was. Founder: Leave now. I wish to speak to Odo in private. Bashir: Odo is my patient. Odo: It's all right, Doctor. Bashir: Then I'll be right outside. It can wait, Garak. Garak: Of course. Founder: What we have to say is not for your ears. Wait for me outside. Founder: I wish this meeting were under better circumstances. Odo: I'm not exactly thrilled with the circumstances myself. Founder: I'd hoped you'd return to us on your own. After all, that Bajoran woman you were so fond of seems to have taken an interest in someone else. Odo: You know about Major Kira and First Minister Shakaar. Founder: Despite your rejection of us, we still take an active interest in your well-being. Odo: And just how do you keep so informed about my well-being? Founder: There's very little that escapes our attention. Odo: Are you saying that you knew I was sick even before we left the station. Founder: What do you think? Odo: I think you did this to me. You caused my illness so that I'd be forced to come home. Founder: As I said, I wish the circumstances of this meeting were different. You killed a changeling, Odo. Odo: He was trying to kill my friends. I had no choice. Founder: Of course you had a choice, and you chose to side with the solids. To protect them, you were willing to violate the most sacred law of our people. Odo: No changeling has ever harmed another. Founder: Until you. That's why we forced you to return home to enter into the Great Link and be judged. Odo: What does that mean, I'm going to be judged? Founder: You will join us in the Great Link, open your thoughts, allow us to understand you. Only then will we be able to decide if your actions were justified. Odo: And if you decide that they weren't? Founder: You will be punished. Odo: Punished? How? Founder: You have to understand that nothing like this has ever happened in the entire history of our people. We have never had to sit in judgment over one of our own. That's why we took so long to bring you home. There was disagreement in the Link over what to do with you. Odo: I'm sorry I've caused you so much trouble. Founder: Perhaps we are to blame. We sent you away. Odo: But I'm the one who's going to be punished. Founder: That remains to be seen. Odo: What if I refuse to cooperate? What if I refuse to join the Link? Founder: I stabilized your condition temporarily. Only the Link can heal you. If you refuse to join with us, you will die. Founder: You may go in now, Doctor. Bashir: Thank you. Founder: Try not to disturb him. He needs his rest. Bashir: I'll bear that in mind. Garak: Excuse me, madam. May I have a moment of your time? Founder: You are Cardassian. Garak: That's right. And on behalf of my people, I'd like to learn if there were any survivors after our attack on your homeland. Founder: Cardassian survivors? Garak: Yes. Founder: There were no Cardassian survivors. Garak: You mean, they're all dead? Founder: They're dead. You're dead, Cardassia is dead. Your people were doomed the moment they attacked us. I believe that answers your question. Garak: It was a pleasure meeting you. O'Brien: I don't suppose there's any way Odo could hide a communicator on him when he's in the Link with the Founders? Worf: I do not think he'll be able to hide anything from the Founders. O'Brien: There must be some way we can keep a transporter lock on him while he's in the Link. Sisko: What about injecting him with radio-nuclides? O'Brien: That would give the transporter something to lock on to, but there's no way to be sure the nuclides won't disperse throughout the Link. If he's in there for more than a few hours, we could end up with a transporter pad full of shape-shifters. Odo: I wouldn't worry about that, Chief. Sisko: Constable, shouldn't you be in bed? Bashir: He insisted on coming to see you himself. Odo: I thought you might be trying to help me and I wanted to say, don't bother. O'Brien: Odo, surely you don't really expect us to just stand by while they do God knows what to you? Odo: That is exactly what I expect. Captain, I want to be judged. I'm the only changeling who's ever harmed another. I've spent most of my life bringing people to justice. Now that it's my turn, how can I run away? Sisko: Are you sure that's what you'll find in the Great Link? Justice? O'Brien: I've heard a lot of stories about the Dominion and the Founders, and justice seems to be the last thing on their minds. Odo: Nevertheless, they're my people and I intend to accept their judgment. Sisko: Report. Dax: Everything's status quo. If you want more details than that, you'll have to ask our navigator. Sisko: How much longer? Amat'Igan: You'll be informed when we reach our destination. Founder: We will be within transporter range of my world in less than one hour. After we have achieved orbit, Odo and I will transport to the surface. Sisko: Doctor Bashir and I will be joining you. Founder: If you wish. But Odo may be in the Link for days. Sisko: We'll wait. Founder: Come, Odo. It's time. Bashir: How long has it been? Sisko: I've lost track. Bashir: So have I. Sisko: Doctor. Bashir: Oh. Right. Worf: Wait here. Worf: Garak. Just as I thought. Garak: Don't tell me. I overlooked one of the security monitors. Worf: You were trying to override the launch controls for the quantum torpedoes. Garak: I was hoping to gain control of the phasers as well. I just hadn't got around to it yet. Don't you see? We have an opportunity here. A chance to end the Dominion threat once and for all. We have enough firepower on this ship to turn that planet into a smoking cinder. Personally, I think that would be a very good thing. Worf: And what about Odo, and Captain Sisko and Doctor Bashir? Garak: They'll die. And once the Jem'Hadar ships realize what we're doing, so will we. But what are our lives compared to saving the entire Alpha Quadrant? Worf: We are not here to wage war. Garak: I'm not talking about war. What I'm proposing is wiping out every Founder on that planet. Obliterating the Great Link. Come now, Mister Worf, you're a Klingon. Don't tell me you'd object to a little genocide in the name of self-defense? Worf: I am a warrior, not a murderer. Garak: What you are is a great disappointment. Worf: You fight well for a tailor. Sisko: Doctor. Sisko: Odo, are you all right? Bashir: Captain, I'm getting some strange readings. Sisko: What have you done to him? Founder: He has been judged. Bashir: Captain, I'm reading a heart, lungs, and a digestive system. It's as if he were human. Founder: We gave him what he wanted. We made him a solid. He's one of you now. Oh, poor Odo. Perhaps we should have killed you. It would have been far less cruel. He's yours. Take him and go. Sisko: Sisko to Defiant. Dax: Go ahead, Captain. Sisko: Three to beam up. Odo: Staring at it isn't going to make it change shape. Bashir: It's blood, all right. Not a trace of changeling protoplasm in your entire system. Type O negative, if you were wondering. Odo: I'll be sure to remember that. Bashir: Physiologically, you're completely human. Odo: Except for my face. Bashir: Yes, I was wondering about that. Why they left it unchanged. Odo: They left it this way on purpose. To make sure I'd never forget what I was. And what I've lost. Captain's log, stardate 49962.4. After leaving our Jem'Hadar escorts at the edge of Dominion space, the Defiant has returned home. But for Constable Odo, I'm afraid the journey has just begun. Garak: How does it feel? You comfortable? Not too tight? Odo: It's fine. Though it does make me feel a bit Garak: Itchy? That's the Inkarian wool. You'll get used to it. Unless of course you're allergic to Inkarian wool. Odo: It's not the uniform. I think I'm hungry? Garak: You know, I envy you. Think of all the wonderful foods you'll get to enjoy for the first time. Odo: I can hardly wait. Well, you've done your job. Now I have to do mine. Garak: yes, I suppose you do. Six months in a holding cell? The thought is unattractive, to say the least. Odo: Well, if you ask me, Captain Sisko let you off lightly. Sabotage, assaulting a Federation officer, attempting to incite war between the Federation and the Dominion. Garak: Yes, but my heart was in the right place. Aroya: There you are, Odo. I've been looking all over for you. I heard about what happened. I'm so sorry. Odo: Thank you. Aroya: I know it won't be easy, but eventually you'll see how being a humanoid has its advantages. If there's anything at all I can do, just let me know. Garak: What a generous offer. Odo: Let's go, Garak. Sisko: Constable, are you all right? Odo: It's nothing. It's just a headache. Every once in a while I still get flashes of memory from the Great Link. A jumble of images or a word, but I can't quite make sense of it. Sisko: You know, there's no reason to rush things. You don't have to go back to work right away. Odo: Yes, I do. When I joined with the other changelings in the Great Link, I felt something I've never felt before. In that moment, I knew I was home. For the first time, I felt that I understood my people. Their distrust of the solids, their willingness to do anything to protect themselves. And then in an instant it was all snatched away. I'm trapped in this body. I can never rejoin the Great Link. My job is the only thing I have left. Besides, I'm still the best law enforcement officer on this station. Sisko: You're the best law enforcement officer in this sector. Maybe the whole damn quadrant. Odo: Maybe. What's that all about? Sisko: I have no idea. Gowron: The Klingon Empire is tired of words, of negotiation, of the endless delaying tactics of the Federation. Therefore, as of today, a Klingon task force has been dispatched to the Archanis Sector. Starfleet has ten days to abandon their bases and withdraw their forces from the Sector. Kira: It's coming in on all frequencies. Gowron: Any Starfleet vessels found in the Sector after that time will be considered the enemy and fired upon. Sisko: Major, put the station on combat alert. Notify the Bajoran militia. Odo: Captain. It's him. Sisko: Gowron? What about him? Odo: During the Link, I sensed that the other changelings were trying to hide things from me. Faces, names. One of them was him. Kira: What are you saying? Odo: I'm saying that he's one of them. Gowron, the head of the Klingon Empire, is a changeling. Gowron: No misinterpretation of my words. Archanis is ours and we will take it back. Resist us in any way, and there will be war!

Garak: Odo, what's wrong? Odo: I don't know. Odo: I think you did this to me. Founder: You killed a changeling, Odo. That's why we forced you to return home to enter into the Great Link and be judged. Sisko: What have you done to him? Founder: We made him a solid. He's one of you now. Bashir: Captain, I'm reading a heart, lungs, and a digestive system. It's as if he were human. Gowron: Will be considered the enemy and fired upon. Odo: Captain. It's him. Sisko: Gowron? What about him? Odo: During the Link, I sensed that the other changelings were trying to hide things from me. Faces, names. One of them was him. Kira: What are you saying? Odo: I'm saying that he's one of them. Gowron, the head of the Klingon Empire, is a changeling. Worf: Where are they? They should've been back hours ago. O'Brien: Maybe the meeting with Starfleet Command took longer than they thought it would. Kira: Then why haven't Sisko or Dax contacted us? O'Brien: Well, the whole area they're traveling through is crawling with Klingon ships. The second they use their subspace transmitter, they become a target. Worf: I never should have let them leave in a runabout. I should have insisted that they take the Defiant. Kira: You did. But the Captain's orders were clear. As long as we're at war with the Klingons, we need the Defiant here to help protect the station. O'Brien: All I know is that I'd hate to be dodging Klingon raiding parties in nothing but a runabout. Worf: It would take a fleet of Klingon ships to breach the station's defenses. I say we take the Defiant and go looking for them. O'Brien: I'm with Worf. Kira: I'm glad the two of you are in agreement. But with the Captain gone, I am in charge of the station and I say we stay. Worf: You may be in charge of the station, Major, but I command the Defiant. Kira: Mister Worf, the Captain has given us our orders and I intend for us to follow them until he issues new ones. O'Brien: Hold on a minute. I'm reading a warp signature approaching the station. Worf: It is the Rio Grande. Kira: On screen. O'Brien: Looks like they had a run in with some Klingons. Weapons systems, shields and comm. system are all pretty shot up. Kira: Life signs? O'Brien: Two. One human, one Trill. Worf: Permission to welcome the Captain back on board. Kira: Permission granted. Kira: Glad you made it back in one piece. Sisko: So are we. Kira: How was your meeting with Starfleet Command? Sisko: I'm afraid the war's not going very well. The Klingons are throwing everything they have at us. Starfleet's been able to slow them down, but that's about all. Kira: It's hard to believe one changeling could cause so much chaos. Dax: He can if he's impersonating the leader of the Klingon Empire. Kira: So is Starfleet going to do something about Chancellor Gowron or not? Dax: Oh, they're going to do something. Sisko: Starfleet's sending an infiltration team to Klingon territory. Their orders are to do whatever it takes to prove that Gowron's a shape-shifter. Kira: Tough assignment. Who are they sending? Sisko: Me. Quark: Captain, you're just in time for happy hour. Sisko: Do I look happy, Quark? Quark: Do you think any of these people looked happy when they walked in here? How could they? There's a war going on. But they come because they know I'll do everything in my power to help them forget their troubles. For a reasonable fee, of course. Now, what can I do for you? Sisko: I'm looking for Odo. Quark: Oh, Captain, we all have our failures, and he's mine. Every since he lost his shape-shifting abilities, I haven't been able to get a smile out of him. Sisko: Where is he? Quark: I'm telling you, Captain, that's one depressed ex-changeling. He's upstairs at his usual table. Just follow the black cloud. Sisko: Constable. Odo: Listen, Captain. Do you hear it? Sisko: You mean the bubbles? Odo: Soothing, isn't it? You know, before I became a solid I never heard that. I didn't have a sense of taste so I never paid much attention to food or drink. I had no idea how seductive they could be. Would you like me to get you a glass? Sisko: I'm on duty. Odo: I'm not. Sisko: I thought you were always on duty. Odo: You know, at first I found the whole process of ingestion disgusting. But now that I've gotten used to it, I find eating and drinking to be quite comforting. It's one of the few things that you, that we humanoids have control over. Sisko: Not necessarily. There's always the temptation to eat too much, to drink too much. Odo: One has to find something to do with one's time. For some reason, my work isn't as fulfillling as it used to be. Sisko: I might be able to do something about that. Starfleet has ordered us to try to expose the Gowron changeling. I want you to come with us. Odo: Maybe it would be better for you to take Deputy Yndar. There's nothing I can do that he can't. Sisko: I don't need Yndar. I need you. Odo: What you need is someone who can turn into Gowron's pet targ. I can't do that anymore. Sisko: What I need is my Chief of Security. There will be a staff meeting at sixteen hundred hours. I expect you to be there. Sisko: According to Starfleet intelligence, Chancellor Gowron has relocated Klingon military headquarters to Ty'Gokor. Worf: That will make our job more difficult. Ty'Gokor is located in an asteroid field deep in Klingon space. It is probably the most heavily fortified installlation in the Empire. Sisko: There are at least thirty warships stationed there at any given time and the entire asteroid field is protected by a tachyon detection grid. O'Brien: Which means there's no way we can get a cloaked ship within transporter range. Worf: Even if we do find a way inside, getting close to Gowron will not be easy. He is guarded around the clock by his personal security force, the Yan-Isleth. Dax: The Brotherhood of the Sword. Kira: Look, I don't want to sound negative, but even if you do get to Gowron, how are you going to prove to the Klingons he's a changeling? Odo: I doubt he's going to stand still and let us take a blood sample. Bashir: The Klingons are obsessive about blood screenings. If he's lasted this long, the changeling impersonating Gowron must have already found a way around them. Worf: There is another option. We could kill him. O'Brien: Dead changelings do revert to their gelatinous state. Sisko: Our orders are to expose Gowron, not assassinate him. Which is why Starfleet has given us these. Bashir: Very impressive. What are they? Dax: They're modified polaron emitters. Sisko: Starfleet Science thinks that exposure to polaron radiation will have a destabilizing effect on changeling physiology. Odo: In other words, if we use these on Gowron and he is one of my people, he won't be able to retain his humanoid shape. Sisko: That's the theory. Dax: The problem is, for it to work properly, you have to activate all four emitters at once. Sisko: With this. O'Brien: I hate prototypes. Dax: Plus, too much polaron radiation can be fatal. Which means we can only expose a person once. Any more than that, changeling or not, and they could die from radiation poisoning. Sisko: The plan is to smuggle these into Ty'Gokor. Once they're set up, they can cover about twelve thousand cubic meters. O'Brien: So let me get this straight. All we have to do is get past an enemy fleet, avoid a tachyon detection grid, beam into the middle of Klingon headquarters and avoid the Brotherhood of the Sword long enough to set these things up and activate them in front of Gowron. Worf: If we succeed, there will be many songs sung in our honor. O'Brien: Let's hope we're there to hear them. Kira: The first problem is how to get you safely to Ty'Gokor. Sisko: That's one I think I can solve. Dukat: Major, I must say I'm shocked. You use my daughter to lure me here, you're asking me to risk my ship on some fool's errand into the Klingon Empire, and you're pregnant. I hope First Minister Shakaar appreciates what a lucky man he is. Kira: Shakaar's not the father. Dukat: Then who is? Kira: Chief O'Brien. Kira: Promenade. Dukat: Well, at least there's one good thing about your condition. You won't be going on this suicidal mission. Kira: It may not be as hopeless as you think. Dukat: How can Sisko be so deluded to think he and three of his crewmen can infiltrate Klingon military headquarters? They'll be caught in a heartbeat. Kira: Maybe. Kira: Maybe not. Sisko: What's wrong, Dukat? Haven't you ever seen a Klingon before? Sisko: I see we're all here. Worf: The ship is ready for departure, sir. Sisko: At your convenience, Gul Dukat. Dukat: Captain, I insist we make a holographic record of the four of you. Consider it payment in full for the use of my vessel. O'Brien: Maybe after the mission. Damar: After the mission you'll all be dead. Dukat: Damar, let's not spoil this special moment with predictions of doom. Even you have to appreciate the audacity of Captain Sisko's plan. Damar: Personally, I think we'd be better off launching an orbital assault on Gowron's command center. A full spread of photon torpedoes would take care of him, the Klingon High Command and everyone else within a few hundred kilometers. Odo: You should ask Dukat for some shore leave. I think you've been in space too long. Damar: Why? Because I'm willing to spill a little Klingon blood to get the job done? O'Brien: Shelling Ty'Gokor won't get the job done. You'd be lucky to launch one torpedo before they shot you down. Besides, even a dozen won't penetrate the shielding around the command center. Sisko: Thank you for the input, Mister Damar, but we'll stick to the original plan. Are you making any progress with our Klingon identity files? Dukat: Oh, don't worry, Captain. By the time we get to Ty'Gokor, we'll have something suitably impressive to plant in their central computer system. Worf: Our names should be added to the list of candidates for the Order of the Bat'leth. Dukat: The Order of the Bat'leth? Don't you think you might be overdoing it? Sisko: They'll be inducting some new members in a few days, and Chancellor Gowron will be presiding over the ceremony. Dukat: That should make for a very interesting evening. Bashir: Here are the results of the crew physicals. Kira: Anything interesting? Bashir: Lieutenant Vilix'pran is budding again. Kira: You're kidding. How many will this make? Bashir: Let's see now. He had two from the last litter, four before that. Could be anywhere from eight to eighteen. Kira: He'll need bigger quarters again. Bashir: He said the request will be on your desk in the morning. Kira: Eighteen? I just hope I can survive one. Bashir: You're doing great. Kira: I don't feel great. Bashir: You're positively glowing. Kira: Oh, really? Bashir: I think so, but then, I suppose my opinion really doesn't count. Kira: It counts. But don't forget, this is still your fault. Bashir: My fault? Kira: You performed the transfer from Keiko to me. Bashir: After you volunteered. Kira: After you put the idea in my head. Bashir: After you flew the runabout into an asteroid field. Kira: After you insisted we check on those anomalous bio-scans. Bashir: That was Keiko. Kira: That's right, it was. But I'd rather blame you! Bashir: Whatever makes you happy. I never argue with my patients or my commanding officer. You think they'll make it? Kira: They'll make it. Question is, will you be able to give them their old faces back? Worf: We shall start with you. I am waiting. Odo: I don't understand. Worf: I am not interested in excuses. Are you a Klingon warrior or an Alverian dung beetle? Odo: I really don't see the point Worf: Do not look away from me. I called you a dung beetle. Odo: I heard you. Worf: And what is your response? Odo: You should have your eyes examined. Worf: This is not going to work. It is not enough to look like a Klingon. One must act like one. Perhaps it is better if I went Sisko: Are you questioning the validity of my plan? Worf: Very convincing, Captain. But was it your intention to challenge me to a battle to the death? Sisko: No, not at all. Worf: The next time, do not strike me with the back of your hand. Use your fist. O'Brien: This is more complicated than I thought. Worf: You should think twice before insulting a Klingon like that. O'Brien: What did I do? Worf: Look at you. You stand so far away from me. You speak so softly. Are you afraid of me or just disgusted by my presence? Sisko: Klingon warriors speak to each other proudly. They do not whisper or keep their distance. 0'Brien: Sorry! I'll do better next time. Worf: Keep practicing. Sisko: Constable? Odo: Captain, I have no business being on this mission. I'm not a very convincing Klingon. Sisko: Then you'd better work on becoming one. Because like it or not, you are on this mission. Odo: I'd hate to be the reason it fails. Sisko: Let me worry about that. Odo, I know this has been a difficult time for you. That you never would've chosen to become a solid. But what's done is done. Brooding isn't going to change anything, and shirking your responsibilities isn't going to make you feel better about yourself. Odo: No, I don't suppose it will. Sisko: Then I suggest you get back in there and do your job. Sisko: What's going on, Dukat? Dukat: We're being hailed by another bird of prey. Odo: What are you doing about it? Dukat: We're hailing them back. I wouldn't worry. This happens all the time. Damar: Sir, they're requesting visual contact. Dukat: By all means. It's a shame you can't see the holo-image I'm projecting over the comm. system. I make quite an imposing Klingon. Damar: Sir, the holofilter's not working. Dukat: What do you mean it's not working? O'Brien: Let me take a look at it. Damar: Sir, they're repeating the request. O'Brien: The optronic relays are fused. Odo: Maybe Worf should speak to them. Worf: I might be able to convince them that Dukat: I have a better idea. Worf: You should have let me speak to them! Sisko: Was that really necessary? Dukat: It was either that or trust in Mister Worf's ability to lie. And frankly, I have more faith in my weapons. Get us out of here, Damar. I want to put as much distance between us and that wreckage as possible. O'Brien: I hope I remember how to set this thing up. Worf: If that is a joke, I am not amused. O'Brien: It's not easy being funny wearing these teeth. Dukat: Well, Captain, I've enjoyed your company as always, but it appears it is time we said goodbye. I don't envy your assignment. O'Brien: Orbiting this place for the next day or so won't be the safest job in the galaxy either. Dukat: Which is why we'll be leaving as soon as you beam down. Odo: Leaving? For how long? Dukat: I really don't see any pressing need to come back. Sisko: That's not what we agreed to. Dukat: I realize that. But how long do you think we can stay here undetected without the holofilter? Besides, if you succeed, the war will be over and you won't need us. And if you fail. Worf: Did you add our names to the Commendation List? Dukat: I haven't survived this long by being sloppy, Mister Worf. And now Jodmos, son of Kobor, your medal awaits you. Sisko: Cho'Ghos! Odo: You all right? O'Brien: I'm fine. I just wish they'd stop ringing that bell. Sisko: The Hall of Warriors. Worf: You can smell the blood of history in these stones. Come, we must celebrate. T'kah! Odo: Now what? Sisko: Now we celebrate! Bashir: How's the view? Jake: You know, you can tell a lot about people's moods just by watching them walk on the Promenade. When things are going good, people take their time, window shop and talk to their friends. Then there's days like today. Bashir: Everybody's in a hurry. Jake: They can feel the Klingons breathing down their necks. Bashir: Well, I shall have to remember to walk a little slower. Show no fear, that's my motto. Kira: Ops to Doctor Bashir. Bashir: Go ahead, Major. Kira: Report to the Infirmary. The Armstrong and the Drake were ambushed by a Klingon battle group and they took heavy casualties. They'll be docking in a few minutes. Bashir: I'm on my way. Your father's going to be all right, Jake. Jake: I suppose. But sometimes I wish that he wasn't so good at his job. That way, maybe every once in a while they'd give someone else the tough assignments. Bashir: He goes where he's sent. It's all part of wearing the uniform, and I doubt that's ever going to change. Burly: I was the first to board their starship. With one blow from my bat'leth, I beheaded their helmsman, a Tellarite. The pig didn't even have time to raise his weapon. Well then I turned my attention to the Captain, a Benzenite named Laporin. Ah. He put up a valiant struggle, but in the end I ripped the breathing tubes from his head and Sisko: Brag all you want, but don't get between me and the bloodwine. O'Brien: You knew Captain Laporin? Sisko: We went to the Academy together. Odo: How long before Gowron gets here? Worf: Many hours. He will not appear until tomorrow morning at the earliest. This is an endurance test as much as it is a celebration. It's part of the initiation rite for the Order of the Bat'leth. The idea is to eat, drink, stay awake all night and still be clear-eyed when Gowron arrives for the ceremony. O'Brien: So when do we set up the emitters? Sisko: Not until morning. I don't want to take the chance of anyone spotting them once they're in place. Odo: In that case, we might as well drink up. it's a pity it doesn't have any bubbles. O'Brien: You know, I think I'm actually beginning to like bloodwine. Odo: It's really not too bad, except for the taste. O'Brien: Just be thankful the anti-intoxicant we took is still working. Worf: Or you would be so drunk you would not be able to stand. O'Brien: Not bad. Sisko: Captain of the Academy wrestling team. Twenty two years ago. Ow. Klingon: General Martok! Worf: Captain. Sisko: I see him. 0'Brien: What if he recognizes us? Odo: We'll have come a long way for nothing. Sisko: Q'apla! Odo: Q'apla! WORF + O'Brien: Q'apla! Martok: Q'apla. Worf: If Martok is here, Gowron will not be far behind. Sisko: Let's get it done. Martok: Hold on there. Don't I know you? O'Brien: I would be honored to think so. Martok: I know we have met. O'Brien: I am Pahash of the House of Konjah. Martok: The name is not familiar to me, but there is something about you. O'Brien: Perhaps we met on the battlefield. My regiment fought at Mempa. Martok: Mempa! Many noble deeds were done on that dark day. O'Brien: And yours have become legend. Martok: Mempa. Yes, that must be it. O'Brien: After the ceremony would you honor me with a drink? Martok: We will salute the fallen. There is something very familiar about this face. Drunk: Hey, where's Gowron? Klingon: What is this? Odo: Get away from me or you won't live to see Gowron. I'll take that. Klingon: This looks like some sort of weapon. Worf: Kodrak, my brother. Ah, you found it. Klingon: Found what? Worf: It's a tinghamut. Klingon: A what? Worf: A Vulcan toy for children. Odo: The spoils of war from the raid on Archanis. Worf: If you want one, you will have to find your own. Worf: Give this to your son. Odo: I'll make sure he gets it. Martok: Long live Gowron! Long live the Empire! Gowron: Klingon Warriors, I salute you. At least, those of you still on your feet! Gowron: This is a great day for the Empire, a day when we honor you who have brought us glory, whose deeds of valor will live on in song and story. And so now, here in this hallowed hall, under the watchful gaze of our greatest heroes, you will receive the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a Klingon. The Order of the Bat'leth! Martok: Come forward, H'Ta, son of Kahmar. Gowron: Glory to you and your house. Odo: This is my place. Step down. Young Klingon: Find another. Martok: Come forward, T'vis, son of Barot. Odo: That won't be necessary. Gowron: Glory to you and your house. Martok: Come forward, Huss, daughter of A'trom. Gowron: Glory to you and your house. Martok: Come forward, Jodmos, son of Kobor. Gowron: Glory to you and your house. Martok: Captain Benjamin Sisko. I knew I recognized that face. Seal the room! It seems we have some uninvited guests. Martok: Captain, you have no idea how much I've looked forward to killing you in battle. And now your foolishness has cheated me of that pleasure. Sisko: I'm sorry to disappoint you. Martok: Leave us. You heard me! Martok: Don't you understand you've thrown your lives away for nothing? Or did you really think you could fool us into believing that Chancellor Gowron was a Dominion spy? Odo: Gowron is the one who's fooling you. And as long as you follow him, the Empire will be nothing but a pawn of the Founders. Martok: Where's your proof? Worf: You want proof? Take our polaron emitters and use them on Gowron. Martok: Gowron had your equipment destroyed. O'Brien: Of course he did. He had to make sure he couldn't be tested. Martok: Captain, your mission was a failure. For that, you deserve to die. Sisko: Would you be happier if we'd succeeded? Martok: I am a loyal officer of the Empire. Sisko: You think we're right, don't you? You believe Gowron's a changeling too. Martok: That would be treason. Worf: Since when is it treasonous to act in the best interests of the Empire? Sisko: How long have you suspected? Martok: Months. I've known Gowron a long time. And it is no secret that we have not always agreed on the way he runs the Empire. He is a politician, too eager to compromise, too eager to talk. Last year, he stopped the attack on Deep Space Nine instead of going to war with the Federation. And then he changed. Suddenly he was the one calling for war. O'Brien: I would have thought that would make you happy. Martok: At first it did, but after the war began he started ignoring the counsel of his generals, throwing aside all wisdom in his pursuit of victory. Our losses continue to mount and still he listens to no one. Odo: No one but the Founders. Martok: There is only one certain way to expose Gowron for what he really is, to prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that he is a changeling. Gowron must die. Odo: Once he's dead, he'll revert to his natural form and all doubt will be eliminated. Worf: You could challenge him to honorable combat. Martok: There will be no honorable combat, no formal challenges. I will release you and help you reach the Hall of Warriors, and then you will kill him. Martok: The prisoners will come with me for further interrogation. Guard: General, I have strict orders from Gowron himself. The prisoners are not to leave this cell. Martok: I see. Well, we wouldn't want to disobey the Chancellor. Martok: Follow me. Gowron: What? Another toast? Then let us salute Rurik the Damned, conqueror of the Zora Fel, liberator of Vrax. Martok: For the Empire. Sisko: Let's go. Martok: Not you. There's no telling where your loyalties lie. Gowron: What is this? Worf: It is your death. Gowron: No. Lower your weapons. If this traitor wants a fight, I will give him one. You want to kill me, Worf? You're welcome to try. Martok: What are they doing? Why doesn't Sisko just shoot him? Odo: I have a better question. Why isn't Gowron letting his bodyguards kill Worf? I'll tell you why. Klingon honor. A concept you should be very familiar with. My people, on the other hand, don't care about honor. How did you put it? There will be no honorable combat, no formal challenges. Hardly the words of a Klingon. Tell me, General, did Gowron destroy the polaron emitters or did you? Odo: Worf, stop! Odo: Martok's the changeling. Sisko: Well, looks like we found our changeling after all. Gowron: So the Founders mislead Odo into thinking I was a spy, hoping that you'd eliminate me and pave the way for that thing imitating Martok to take over the Empire. Sisko: That way the war between the Federation and the Klingons would continue until both sides were destroyed. Gowron: Leaving the Alpha Quadrant wide open for a Dominion invasion. Odo: That seems to have been their plan. Sisko: And we played right into it. Gowron: But they sorely underestimated Odo here. Odo: Thank you. Sisko: If we really want to strike a blow against the Founders, we have to find a way to end this war. Gowron: That may not be possible. Worf: Why not? You told us that the Martok changeling was the one who pushed for the attack on the Federation. Gowron: True, but if your Klingon blood wasn't so thin you'd know that once battle has begun, there can be no turning back. You want the war to end, then the Federation must allow us to annex Archanis and the other worlds we've seized. Sisko: I wouldn't count on it. But if the fighting stops and the negotiations begin Gowron: Ah, yes. Talk. Odo: That's right. Talk. The last thing the Dominion wants. Gowron: I will call a meeting of the High Council, advise a temporary cease fire. Sisko: Where Gowron leads the Council will follow. Gowron: Perhaps. I'll see to it that you're safely delivered back to that space station of yours. Sisko: I'd appreciate that. Gowron: You have done a great service to the Empire. For that I thank you. As for you, you should have killed me when you had the chance. I promise you won't get another. Bashir: Now, that's better, isn't it? Sisko: I don't know. I could do without ridges but I kind of miss the fangs. That leaves you, Odo. Odo: It's about time. I, for one, won't miss the fangs at all. Bashir: You know, Constable, I could give you any face you like. Bajoran, human, Trill. Odo: My old face will do very nicely, thank you. Sisko: You heard the man. Bashir: Whatever you say.

Scene: Captain's log, stardate 50049.3. We're conducting a mineral survey of Torga Four, an uninhabited planet in the Gamma Quadrant believed to contain vast deposits of cormaline. Our mission is to determine the feasibility of establishing a mining operation on the planet's surface. O'Brien: Hey, Muniz. What do you think of this? Muniz: It's a class five pyroclastic debris and ash. Same morphology we've seen all the way up, sir. O'Brien: How many times do I have to tell you to stop calling me sir. I'm not an officer. Muniz: No, you know more than they do. O'Brien: I wouldn't go that far. But I know more than you. So listen to me while I try to teach you something. This morphology is not exactly the same. These deposits are more highly eroded. Muniz: So? O'Brien: So, they're different, that's all. I just thought I'd point that out to you. Muniz: I see. I thought maybe you just stopped to catch your breath. O'Brien: Me, out of breath? I was climbing mountains in Ireland before you were born. Muniz: You mean hills, don't you? They have gently sloping hills in Ireland. No mountains. But what do I know? After all, you're the mountain man. An old mountain man. O'Brien: You know something, Muniz? You're due for a transfer. How does waste extraction sound? Sisko: How's it going, Chief? O'Brien: Fine, sir. We finished the survey of the south slope. Sisko: What do you think, old man? Is this place worth mining? Dax: Absolutely. The cormaline is only a few hundred meters below the surface, and my readings are correct, it's one of the richest veins I've ever seen. Sisko: Mister Worf? Worf: Strategically, the planet's location would make it difficult to maintain adequate supply lines, but not impossible. Hoya: Hoya to Captain Sisko. Sisko: Go ahead. Hoya: Sir, our sensors have detected a ship dropping out of warp. Sisko: What kind of ship? Hoya: I'm not sure, sir. Hoya: I can't get a good reading on it. Plasma leaks from its warp nacelles are disrupting our sensors. Hoya: Whatever it is, it's fallen into the gravitational pull of the planet. It should enter the atmosphere near your position. Hoya: Sir, the ship withstood the impact. Sisko: Survivors? Hoya: I can't determine that. Hoya: We're having trouble penetrating the hull with our sensors. Sisko: Beam us directly to the crash site. Worf: A warship. A Jem'Hadar warship. Dax: No hull breach. The only damage I could find is a crushed guidance thruster, if that's what it is. O'Brien: Captain. I think we have an access point. Sisko: I'll be right there. O'Brien: So my young friend, what do you think we're looking at? Muniz: An upside down ship. O'Brien: An airlock? A maintenance hatch? Muniz: Maybe, but this is a warship, and on a warship you want a big access point on the belly to land troops. O'Brien: There's hope for you yet, Muniz. Worf: Can you open it, Chief? O'Brien: I think so. Sisko: Mister Worf, take the point. T'Lor, you stay put. Sisko: Commander, secure the area. Dax: These men didn't die in the crash. They've been dead for hours. Sisko: What killed them? Dax: Massive osteonecrosis. Every bone in their body's been shattered. O'Brien: Sounds like inertial damper failure. The ship accelerated and people were thrown into the bulkheads. Nobody was alive when this ship hit the planet, yet it survived the impact. Whoever designed this baby knew what they were doing. Dax: No viewscreen. No chairs. O'Brien: No EPS conduits, no microfusion initiators. No power converters, at least none that I can find. Sisko: I suppose getting this ship up and running won't be easy. O'Brien: I can't even determine if it has a warp drive. Dax: I wonder if this is what all the Jem'Hadar ships are like? Sisko: The bigger question is what's a Jem'Hadar ship doing all the way out here? We're at least three weeks from the nearest Dominion outpost. Muniz: Captain, there are twenty nine other bodies. No survivors. Sisko: Can we use the runabout's tractor beam to haul this thing into orbit? This would be the greatest intelligence find in the last ten years. We're not going to leave it here to rust. What do you say, Chief? O'Brien: We're not going to haul it out with a runabout. Sisko: Then we need something with a little more muscle. Bashir: Will you let the Major be the judge of that. Quark: What I'm saying is, if you're going to prosecute me I demand that you prosecute my co-conspirator. Bashir: I'm not a conspirator. Odo: What would you call yourself, Doctor? Bashir: An idiot. Quark: I'll buy that. Bashir: For asking your help in the first place. Kira: Would someone please tell me what's going on here? Odo: Quark brought aboard a shipment of Regalian fleaspiders without an import permit. Quark: He asked for them! Bashir: The spiders were for you, Major. I can synthesize a drug from their venom that should improve your circulation. But I didn't know I needed a permit to import them. Kira: So what's the problem? Fill out the paperwork. Odo: It's not that simple any more. It seems that Quark took the opportunity to import illegal Regalian liquid crystals along with the fleaspiders. The crystals are a highly intoxicating and sometimes dangerous aphrodisiac. Quark: What's love without danger? Kira: I don't have time for this. I just spoke with Captain Sisko. They found a crashed Jem'Hadar ship in the Gamma Quadrant. They need the Defiant right away. I'll be back in about a week. Bashir: When do we leave? Kira: I'm leaving right away. I'd say you have some legal problems to work out. Odo: Gentlemen. O'Brien: It's embedded about ninety meters into the rock. If I can shake it loose by firing the main thrusters, hauling it out of here'll be a lot easier. Sisko: There's a problem. O'Brien: Well, to fire the main thrusters, I need to calibrate the plasma injectors. So far, I can't get a grip the ion regulator. Muniz: Want to try a hyper-spanner above the matrix? It might open it up a bit. O'Brien: Maybe we won't send you to waste extraction after all, Muniz. Worf: Captain, we buried the bodies on the other side of that ridge. The DNA readings. Forty two Jem'Hadar. One Vorta. Hoya: Hoya to Captain Sisko. Sisko: Go ahead. Hoya: A Jem'Hadar warship Hoya: Has just dropped out of warp. Sisko: Break orbit and get out of sight Hoya: They've locked phasers on us. Hard to port. Hoya: Shields are down! Engage warp Sisko: Inside. We don't stand a chance in the open. Dax: We may not be safer in here. The Jem'Hadar can transport through just about anything. Worf: Why do they not come? Sisko: Give them time. Watch our backs, Commander. We're moving to the Command Center. O'Brien: Can you walk? Muniz: Faster than you can. Sisko: Let me take a look at this. Muniz: I'm all right, Captain. I've had worse transporter burns. Sisko: Where's the medkit? Dax: T'lor had it. Muniz: I don't need it, sir. I'll be all right. Sisko: We have to stop the bleeding. O'Brien: I'll take care of that. Transporter burn. I'm all right, Captain. Always kissing up to the officers, aren't you, Muniz? Muniz: Just following your example. You're my hero. Hey! O'Brien: I have to get to the wound. Muniz: But this is my best uniform. It's the only one that fits right. O'Brien: Don't worry, when we get back, we'll have Garak make you a new one. Muniz: How long 'til the Defiant gets here? O'Brien: Two and a half days. Muniz: Don't worry, jefe. I'll get you through this. O'Brien: I feel better already. Dax: We've only got one portable generator. The rest are at the base camp. Looks like you need a new bandage, Enrique. Sisko: Ah. Thanks, Chief. O'Brien: I'll take it from here, Commander. Quique, do me a favor. Please, stop bleeding before I run out of clothes. Muniz: I'll do the best I can. Sisko: What do you make of this, old man? Dax: My guess, it's some kind of virtual sensory display. The Jem'Hadar equivalent of our viewscreen? Sisko: There are only two headsets. One for the Vorta and one for the Jem'Hadar First. Dax: I guess they're the only ones that get to see what's going on outside. Kilana: Captain Sisko. My name is Kilana. I'm the Vorta in charge of the Jem'Hadar troops surrounding you. If you touch the triangular green panel on any of the control consoles, you'll be able to speak to me. Dax: They know your name. Sisko: They always seem to be one step ahead of us. This is Captain Sisko. Kilana: Captain, I'm so happy to hear your voice. I heard there were some casualties among your crew and I feared you may have been one of them. Sisko: Thank you for your concern. What do you want? Kilana: To talk. I think it would be in everyone's best interest if you and I met face-to-face and discussed the situation, like reasonable people. Sisko: I can be reasonable. Kilana: So I've heard. One escort each. Agreed? Sisko: Agreed. Kilana: Your photograph doesn't do you justice. You're quite striking in person. Sisko: Look, I'm a little busy, so let's skip the flattery. Kilana: Weyoun's report on you was right. You are direct. I like that. So let me cut to the chase. I believe that is the correct expression. This is our ship. We want it back. Sisko: Was your ship. Now it's mine. Kilana: Captain, I'm a little disappointed. That's the attitude of a thief, not a Starfleet captain with a reputation for integrity. This is clearly our property. What gives you any claim to it? Sisko: An old legal tradition. Salvage rights. We found a wrecked ship and a dead crew, and we found it first. Kilana: A very interesting position. But I'm afraid the Dominion doesn't recognize that tradition. What may be even more to the point, we have you completely surrounded and outnumbered. Would you like something to eat, Captain? Or maybe something to drink? Kilana: These are q'lavas. A personal favorite. They're not poisonous, if that's what you're thinking. Sisko: Not to you, anyway. Kilana: I hope you're not teaching Jake to be this suspicious, Benjamin. Or do you prefer Ben? Sisko: Captain will be fine. Kilana: I'm sure it's my fault that we seem unable to establish an understanding between us, Captain. I'm sorry I'm not more experienced in these matters. This is my first mission outside the Dominion and my very first dealing with anyone from the Federation. I know you have no reason to trust me, but I hope you'll at least try to consider my offer with an open mind. Sisko: I'm listening. Kilana: If you'll leave our ship, I'll take you and your crew back to your space station unharmed. Our accommodations may not be lavish, but I promise you'll all be well cared for, especially your wounded. Sisko: If you think I'm going to deliver my people into your hands without a fight then this really must be your first mission. Dax: I'd love to know how the Captain's doing. Any chance you can get this thing working? O'Brien: Not right away. I'm still trying to get the main power grid online. Dax: What's that? O'Brien: That wasn't here before. Dax: You sure? O'Brien: Positive. Dax: Some kind of sensor device. O'Brien: Whatever it is, it doesn't look too friendly. Worf: Captain, they're in the ship! O'Brien: I knew it. You've been goldbricking all along. Muniz: Like I said, you taught me everything I know. O'Brien: Whatever this sensor was supposed to do, it did it and then shut down. Dax: Probably a surveillance device to find out how many of us there are, how many weapons we have. Sisko: I don't think so. They seem to know all that already. Dax: It doesn't make sense. If he had a rifle, O'Brien and I would be dead. But all he had was a knife. Worf: And why send only one Jem'Hadar? Sisko: There's something about this ship. Something so important they won't risk destroying it in a full-on assault. Worf: If that is true, then we must find out what it is. Dax: Captain, the first thing we need to do is make a structural scan of the ship. Make our own blueprints. Sisko: Get started. Muniz: I'm leaking like a ruptured plasma conduit aren't I, sir? O'Brien: It's not that bad. Muniz: You're lying. O'Brien: What makes you say that? Muniz: I called you sir and you didn't even flinch. I must be dying. O'Brien: Now you listen to me, Quique. You're not dying unless I say you're dying. And I say you're going to make it. Sisko: How are you doing, Muniz? Muniz: We seem to be having a difference of opinion on that one, sir. But I would like to file a complaint. The nurses around here are all thumbs. O'Brien: You watch it or I'll tighten this bandage like a tourniquet. Muniz: And as for bedside manner, I've known nicer voles. Certainly prettier ones. O'Brien: You keep moving around, you won't need any nurse. Sisko: Listen to the Chief, Muniz. Save your strength. O'Brien: I'm worried about him, Captain. I can't stop the bleeding. Sisko: Maybe it's a side effect of the Jem'Hadar weapons. They must leave some kind of anti-coagulant. O'Brien: If I don't get him to a medical bay soon he's not going to make it. Sisko: None of us are going to make it if we don't get this ship operational. I need to get the power grid functioning and the aft turret weapon online. You're the only one who can do that. I'll take care of Muniz. O'Brien: Captain Sisko: You have your orders. O'Brien: Yes, sir. Dax: Chief, structurally, a lot about this ship's design matches the other Jem'Hadar warships we've seen. Worf: But there are significant differences. There are many systems that we are completely unfamiliar with. O'Brien: I can start to restore power to the systems one at a time. That'll give us a chance to test them and establish their functions. But it's going to take a while. Worf: How long? O'Brien: I wish I knew. Dax: Well, you can do it, Chief. I don't think a ship's been invented a ship that you can't figure out. Muniz is strong. He'll make it. Worf: No, he will not. He will not see tomorrow. O'Brien: You keep that to yourself. I don't want him to hear that kind of talk. Worf: It does no good to shield him from the truth. Let him prepare for death. O'Brien: The hell I will. His only hope is to keep fighting. If he gives up, it's over. Worf: It was over the moment he was shot by the Jem'Hadar. O'Brien: Now you listen to me. That boy's life is in our hands and I won't let anybody give up on him. Dax: Worf, what do you say we go take a look at that ion exchange matrix we found. And on the way maybe we can discuss some of the finer points of diplomacy. Kilana: Captain Sisko. Captain, you're annoyed with me. I understand. You feel betrayed, and with good reason. But I really think we should talk. If it will make you feel better, I'll come unarmed and without an escort but I won't hold you to the same restrictions. Sisko: You have something to say, say it. Kilana: Sending the Jem'Hadar into the ship was a mistake and I apologize. I trust no one was hurt? But what choice did I have? Just like you have to protect the lives of your men I have to protect our property. But I do hope we can put that behind us and move on. Sisko: Move on to what? Kilana: I'm sure it's obvious by now there's something on the ship we want. You allow me and my men to retrieve the item, we'll leave. You can keep the ship. Sisko: How about this? You tell me what it is you want and I'll bring it out to you. Kilana: I'm afraid I can't do that. Sisko: Don't you trust me? Kilana: I'd like to, Captain, But I can't. Not under these circumstances. There's simply too much at stake for us. Sisko: We've got a lot at stake, too. I won't risk the lives of my crew. Kilana: It seems we're approaching an impasse. Sisko: We've already arrived. Kilana: How unfortunate. Then negotiations have ended. Dax: I take it things could have gone better. O'Brien: All the ship's systems are shutting down, Captain. Sisko: I need to know what's going on out there. Chief, get me some sensor readings. Dax, take care of Muniz. Muniz: I can't feel my legs. Dax: Don't worry, they're there. O'Brien: I've managed to bypass the virtual display interface and hook up a tricorder to the ship's sensor array. Those are ultritium concussion shells they're detonating. Dax: Without shields, a direct hit would destroy us. Worf: I do not believe they're trying to hit us. Their targeting systems cannot be that ineffective. O'Brien: They're trying to rattle us. Sisko: And we're not going to let them do that. The Vorta doesn't want the ship, she wants something aboard it. O'Brien: Any idea what? Sisko: Could be anything. Encoding device, guidance system. Dax: Maybe she lost an earring. Sisko: Whatever it is, it's keeping us alive. Find it. Chief, I need that weapon. O'Brien: I still have to charge the emitter arrays. Sisko: Stay on it. O'Brien: You have your weapon, sir. Sisko: Nice work, Mister O'Brien. O'Brien: But the bad news is, the turret is stuck. It can only fire in one direction. Sisko: Maybe we'll get lucky and the Jem'Hadar will pick that place to stand. O'Brien: Easy, Quique. There's nothing to be afraid of. Muniz: I'm not afraid, Papa. It's beautiful. Precioso. Better than last year, don't you think? Los cuehetes, the fireworks of the carnival, they're terrific, aren't they? O'Brien: Easy, Quique. Muniz: The colors, like a thousand shooting stars. That was a good one. O'Brien: Yeah, that was a good one. Dax: I'll say one thing for the Jem'Hadar, they travel light. No cargo, no storage compartments. I did find these data crystals in one of the computer rooms. There may be some encoded information on them but the crystal structure has been randomized. Sisko: In other words, they're blank. Dax: As far as I can tell. It would help if we knew what we were looking for. Sisko: But we don't. Worf: Commander. Dax: What is it? Worf: It may have been the Vorta's computer console. I found it in one of the upper compartments, but the power grid is offline in that part of the ship. Dax: So you ripped it out of the wall. Very nice. So what do we do with it now? Use it for a doorstop? Worf: I do not care what you do with it. Dax: Worf I was kidding. It was a good idea. We'll hook it up and see if we can get it working. You'd think they'd be tired of playing this game with us by now. Worf: I have a game I would like to play with them. If only I could leave this prison and meet them face-to-face on a field of battle. Dax: Right now that doesn't sound like a bad idea. Chief, could you take a look at that console? Worf: That is no way for anyone to die. O'Brien: I told you, he is not going to die. Worf: It is only a matter of time. O'Brien: So we might as well kill him, right? Worf: If you truly are his friend, you would consider that option. It would be a more honorable death than the one he's enduring. O'Brien: I'm not some bloodthirsty Klingon looking for an excuse to murder my friend. Sisko: That's enough. Worf: No. You're just another weak human afraid to face death. Sisko: I said, that's enough! You're Starfleet officers. Now start acting like it! Dax: Tough guys. A little pressure and they buckle. Sisko: Dax! Maybe you haven't noticed, but no one's laughing. Now I know it's hot, we're filthy, tired, And we've got ten isotons of explosives going off outside, but we will never get out of this if we don't pull it together and start to act like professionals. Chief, I want that power grid up and running. O'Brien: Aye, sir. Sisko: Commander Worf, see if you can get that turret to rotate. Worf: Aye, sir. Sisko: Dax, search the ship again and again until you find what the Vorta wants. Dax: Yes, sir. Sisko: And you, Mister Muniz. Your orders are to stay alive. Captain's log, supplemental. The Jem'Hadar barrage has continued on and off for ten hours. Chief O'Brien has restored main power and helm control. If we can bring the ship's engines online we may be able to lift off and escape from here. O'Brien: As soon as we finish calibrating the induction reactors, we can fire up the main core. Sisko: Good. Because unless there are any objections, I'd like to get the hell off this planet. O'Brien: I'm for that. Dax: Ready, Chief. O'Brien: I could use a couple more hours to fine tune the magnetic flux couplers but under the circumstances, now's as good a time as any. Sisko: Then let's do it. Everyone brace yourselves. This is going to be a rough ride. Commence launch sequence. Worf: Ion thrusters fully charged. Sisko: Ventral impellers, one quarter. Worf: Plasma compensators, online. Sisko: Thrusters to one half. Dax: Chief, I'm getting some low frequency resonance in the main reactor housing. O'Brien: That's all right. Just keep compensating with the inertial dampers. Dax: Dampers are at maximum. Worf: We need more power. Sisko: Ventral jets to one half. Dax: It's working, captain. These engines just might shake us loose. Sisko: Increase power to one half. Dax: Main reactor housing destabilizing. Worf: Reactor containment fields overloading. O'Brien: Induction dampers disintegrating. Captain, if we don't cut power now we'll have a core breach. Sisko: Disengage thrusters. Power down all systems. Sisko: How bad? O'Brien: Main power grid is completely fused. Structural integrity field has collapsed. Sisko: We'll have to wait until the Defiant gets here. She'll be able to pull us out of here with a tractor beam. Which means we have thirty six hours to make repairs. You all know what to do. O'Brien: I could really use your help now, Quique. Sisko: I told Muniz he was going to make it. Dax: That's what a captain's supposed to say. Sisko: I have got to get this ship back to the station, old man. Five people have died on this mission. I want to be able to tell their families why. Dax: Ben. Sisko: It's a changeling. Dax: It can't hold its shape. It's dying. Sisko: Then we're in trouble. That's what the Vorta's been looking for, a Founder. No wonder the Jem'Hadar wouldn't attack. Dax: They couldn't risk killing one of their gods. Dax: The bombing's stopped. Sisko: Prepare for an assault. Tell Worf to man the Sisko: Where are your soldiers? Kilana: They're dead. They killed themselves. Dax: Why? Sisko: Because they allowed a Founder to die. Kilana: You should've trusted me. Sisko: How could I? The first word out of your mouth was a lie. This isn't your first mission outside the Dominion, is it? Kilana: I regret saying that, but my offer was genuine. All that mattered to me was the Founder. Sisko: Then you should have told me about him. Kilana: You might have killed him or made him a hostage. Sisko: No. All I wanted was the ship. Kilana: And I was willing to let you take it. So, this is how it ends. Dax: It's true. The Jem'Hadar died by their own hands. Sisko: Muniz, the runabout crew, your soldiers, they'd all still be alive if we had trusted each other. Kilana: I have no way of stopping you from taking the ship. All I ask is that you allow me to remove some of the Founder's remains. Sisko: Of course. Kilana: Do you have any gods, Captain Sisko? Sisko: There are things I believe in. Kilana: Duty? Starfleet? The Federation? You must be pleased with yourself. You have the ship to take back to them. I hope it was worth it. Sisko: So do I. Dax: What did Starfleet have to say about our prize? Sisko: They're pleased. Dax: That's all? Just pleased? Sisko: Very pleased. They're giving us all medals. Dax: I'll add it to my collection. Sisko: Starfleet Command is waiting for my official report, but every time I try to get it started, I find myself staring at the casualty list and reading the same five names over and over again. T'Lor, Rooney, Bertram, Hoya, Muniz. Dax: It may sound cruel, but we both know that ship out there was worth it. Those five deaths may save five thousand lives, or maybe even five million. Sisko: And if I had to make the same trade all over again, I would. But five people are dead. Fine men and women who deserved a lot more than to die on some lonely planet fifty thousand light years away from home. When you were at the Academy, was Professor Somak teaching? Dax: Moral and ethical issues of command. Sisko: I remember her favorite speech. Always maintain emotional distance between yourself and those under your command. Dax: It's good advice. Sisko: And I try to follow it. But it's a lot more complicated outside of the classroom. Did you know that Jake and Muniz have the same birthday? That I performed the ceremony at Hoya's wedding? And Rooney, he could play the trumpet. I heard him at Quark's once and he had the people dancing in the aisles. Dax: I remember. And you know something else I remember about him? How proud he was to wear his uniform. And how proud he was to serve under you. The same as Hoya, T'Lor, Bertram and Muniz. They chose a life in Starfleet. They knew the risks and they died fighting for something that they believed in. Sisko: That doesn't make it any easier. Dax: Maybe nothing should. O'Brien: We used a phase-conjugate graviton emitter in the tractor beam. That baby came out of the rock first time. You would've loved it, Quique Worf: I did not mean to interrupt. O'Brien: It's all right. Worf: You are performing ak'voh for your friend. O'Brien: I am? Worf: Yes. It's an old Klingon tradition. When a warrior dies in battle, his comrades stay with the body to keep away predators. That allows the spirit to leave the body when it is ready for the long journey to Sto'Vo'Kor. O'Brien: That's a fine tradition. What are you doing? Worf: We will both keep the predators away. O'Brien: I'm sure Quique would like that.

Quark: Doctor? Bashir: Oh! Hello, Quark. Quark: Let me guess. Eavesdropping on the battling O'Briens? Bashir: Don't be ridiculous. Quark: Such language. I hope Molly's not around. Bashir: You can hear what they're saying in there? Quark: How could I not? Bashir: What are they saying? Quark: Let's use a little diskretion, shall we? He's done something. She's outraged. He thinks she's overreacting. She thinks he's trying to run her life. Pretty boring actually, but to hear them you'd think it was a matter of life and death. Keiko: Hello, Julian. Bashir: Oh. Hello. Keiko: Quark. Quark: Mrs O'Brien. Bashir: I thought you said the O'Briens were arguing in there. Quark: Not Miles and Keiko. The other O'Briens, Miles and Kira. Bashir: What do they have to argue about? Quark: Miles hid Kira's springball racket because she's carrying his baby and he doesn't want her taking any risks, and she doesn't want him controlling her Bashir: What? Quark: Keiko made them stop. Now they're in the 'let's talk this out and share our feelings' part of the fight. Show's over. Bashir: Oh, well. I mean, good. Worf: It is the power of his voice, the strength of his intonation that make Barak-kadan a great singer. There are none like him. Dax: None as boring anyway. He never varies his performance, by even a half-tone. Worf: I prefer traditional opera performed in the traditional manner. Dax: You know, for a Klingon who was raised by humans, wears a Starfleet uniform and drinks prune juice, you're pretty attached to tradition. But that's okay. I like a man riddled with contradictions. and her entourage come out of the airlock onto the Promenade.) Dax: That's a welcome sight. The peace talks must be going well if the Klingons are back on the station. Worf? Worf: Did you see her? Dax: The Klingon woman? Worf: She was glorious. Dax: Her? She's okay. Worf: I have never seen such a woman. Who is she? What house is she from? I do not recognize her family crest. Worf: She's a friend of the Ferengi. Dax: Now I remember who she is. Her name is Grilka. And she's not just Quark's friend. She's his ex-wife. Quark: Maparian ale with just a hint of pazafer, as I recall. Grilka: You remember. I'm honored. Quark: How could I forget? You're the only Klingon I know who drinks something besides bloodwine, or prune juice. Grilka: Prune juice? Quark: Forget it. To the House of Grilka. May it continue to be as strong and proud as its lady is beautiful. Grilka: You may not have been the ideal husband but you are an excellent bartender. Quark: I know of no greater compliment. So, what brings you to my humble establishment? Business or pleasure? Grilka: The recent hostilities between the Federation and the Empire have been very costly to my family. We have suffered great losses in ships, lands, warriors. Quark: War. What is it good for? If you ask me, absolutely nothing. Grilka: The financial cost was significant. Quark: I have got an idea. Why don't I take a look at your financial records? I know that's not why you're here. I'm sure it's simply a social visit, but maybe I could help. Grilka: Very well. If it pleases you, I will allow you access to the records. Quark: Thank you. Thopok: Hear this, Ferengi. Help Grilka and you live. Fail and I will kill you myself. Dax: And even though it was an accident, Quark took credit for killing Grilka's husband. Worf: Why? Dax: As a way of boosting business at the bar. And it worked. But then Grilka kidnapped Quark and took him back to the Klingon Homeworld and married him. Worf: Why? Dax: I'm getting to that. As a woman, Grilka was forbidden to lead her House. By marrying Quark she was able to retain control through him. Eventually, she convinced the Council to give her control and she divorced Quark on the spot. As far as I know, that's the last time they saw each other. Worf: A marriage of convenience. Dax: Certainly for Grilka. I'm not sure how convenient it was for Quark. Worf: His opinion is of no consequence. He is unworthy of such a prize as she. Dax: Worf, it sounds like you have got a bad case of par'Mach. Sisko: Is that contagious? Dax: Par'Mach is the Klingon word for love, but with more aggressive overtones. Sisko: Love? Worf? Dax: Stranger things have happened. Sisko: Especially around here. Bashir: This should alleviate Kira's sneezing. O'Brien: Should? Bashir: Bajoran women have been sneezing their way through pregnancy for over a hundred thousand years. You can't expect me to cure it overnight. You know, I heard a rumor the Jerries may trying to cross the Channel this evening. Maybe we should have a surprise waiting for them. Bashir: Serves you right. O'Brien: I can't go to the holosuite tonight. Kira and I have some things to work out. Bashir: Still fighting, huh? O'Brien: Who said we were fighting? Bashir: Word gets around. It's a small station. O'Brien: It's a huge station. Bashir: Obviously not huge enough. O'Brien: Well, for your information, we're not fighting. Bashir: Glad to hear it. Bajoran takeo herbs for Kira's swollen ankles. She'll need to dissolve them in some kind of fruit juice before ingesting them. O'Brien: I hope they taste better than those makara herbs you gave her. Bashir: Are you sampling all her medications? O'Brien: No. Kira didn't like the taste. Oh by the way, I almost forgot. She er, she has a rash on the back of her thighs. Do you have a salve or something? Bashir: How long has she had it? O'Brien: Well, I noticed it yesterday when I was helping her out of the bathtub, so she's had it at least a day. Bashir: Helping her out of the tub? O'Brien: She's living in my house. She's having my baby. Bashir: So did you look? O'Brien: What? Oh, please. I was holding a towel up in front of her. Bashir: How does Keiko feel about you helping Kira out of the tub? O'Brien: Keiko feels fine about it. You see, we are adults. We've developed a close, mature relationship. Bashir: I'm sure that Keiko and Kira have. But you? O'Brien: What about me? Bashir: I bet you looked. Worf: I will apologize for this at another time. You are in my seat! Worf: Bartender! Bloodwine! What is that smell? Is there a pile of rotting forshak in here? Worf: Or is it you. Stand when I talk to you. Do you think it is funny? Tumek: Mev'Yap! Worf, Son of Mogh. Come, join me. Tumek: Challenging Thopok to a fight is a waste of time. Grilka cannot mate with you, now or ever. Your House is dishonored. Your name is a curse. Worf: I meant no disrespect. Tumek: You showed none. I'm sure your motives were honorable. Do not let it trouble you too much. In truth, I doubt it would've been a good match. Worf: Why? Tumek: Have you ever pursued a Klingon woman? Worf: No. Tumek: There's no shame in that. You were raised by Humans, you wear their uniform, you accept their values. How could you know anything about our women? Worf: You'd be surprised what I know. Tumek: Perhaps. But we will not find out here. It is the wish of the Lady Grilka that you leave us now, son of Mogh, and do not return. Worf: I am a fool. Dax: You're in love. Which I suppose is the same thing. You're making too much out of this, Worf. Tumek said Grilka wasn't offended. She was probably flattered. Worf: There is no flattery in a great lady being courted by a traitor. Dax: Is that what's really bothering you? Or is it that Tumek said that you didn't know anything about Klingon women, and you're afraid he's right? Worf: What do you want? Quark: I want to talk to Dax if that's all right with you. I need help. Grilka invited me to dinner and I need to brush up on Klingon manners and protocol and all that. Worf: She invited you to dinner? Quark: In her quarters. A private dinner. A very private dinner. Quark: What's wrong with him? Dax: He's having a bad day. Quark: That's a shame. Well, when Grilka and I were married there wasn't a lot of affection involved. So what does a Klingon woman expect from a man? Are there any secret Klingon phrases I should know, or do we just leap on each other like a pair of crazed voles? Dax: Quark, Klingon mating rituals are very involved. It's not just a one night affair. Quark: Two nights. Whatever. Look, I'm serious. Grilka and I, we have something. I'm not sure what, but I want to pursue it. Dax: For sex? Quark: No. Well, that too. But there's more. She's glorious. Dax: So I hear. Look, if you're serious about this, then you have to go slow at dinner. No innuendo, no staring at her cleavage. Quark: So what do I do? Dax: You talk. You ask her about her family's history and their accomplishments. She'll consider this a great sign of respect. Quark: Respect? Okay, okay, I can do that. Anything else? Worf: Grilka is from the Mekro'vak region. It is customary among her people that the man to bring a leg of a lingta to the first courtship dinner. Make sure it's fresh, as if you had just killed it. Then use the leg to sweep aside everything on the table and declare in a loud voice, 'I have brought you this. From this day, I wish to provide food for you and your House. All I ask is to share your company and do honor to your name.' Quark: Then what? Dax: Well, either she accepts your offer or she has her bodyguard shatter every bone in your body. Quark: Sounds reasonable. Kira: Did your father just sit you down one day and say, right, Miles, it's time to teach you about massaging pregnant women.' O'Brien: It's an O'Brien survival technique. My mother hated being pregnant. My father's massages were the only things that kept her from killing everyone. Kira: Sounds like me. O'Brien: Pretty much. She didn't swear in Bajoran but she did like to use what she called descriptive phrases. Kira: Are those my uniforms? Keiko: Garak finished the alterations and sent these along. He guarantees the insoles will help your feet. Kira: Ow! Ow! Ow! Keiko: That wasn't very convincing. I think she's actually enjoying it, Miles. You'd better press harder if you want her to suffer. O'Brien: Harder it is. Kira: Ow. You're a sadist, Miles Edward O'Brien. Was your father this cruel to your mother? O'Brien: Worse. I'd swear sometimes you'd hear her screams halfway across Ireland. The neighbors didn't know whether to be worried or titillated. Kira: Here. You miss Ireland? O'Brien: You know, if you'd asked me that a year ago, I would have said no. But lately, I don't know why, I've been daydreaming about home. Maybe I'm getting nostalgic in my old age. Kira: You've got leave coming. Take three weeks and go. O'Brien: If I left, who'd give you foot massages? Kira: Take me along. I can think of worse things than spending three weeks in Ireland with you. O'Brien: Me too. Keiko: Don't stop on my account. O'Brien: Oh. Right. Female: BOOOOW-cha-daaay WORF + Male: KEEEY-cha-daaay Female: Me-YO-ca-BEEN-evaaa-kaa-MOOOOR WORF + Male: LIIING-tomaaa Female: Oh-ma-do-VEE-kos ZOOOOOOO! WORF + Male: Oh-ma-do-VEE-ko ZOOOOOOO! Quark: Ahem. Quark: I'm not going to ask. Look, I came here to thank you for last night. Grilka loved it. All of it. Everything I did, everything I said it was perfect. Worf: So, I don't know anything about Klingon women. Quark: She said I had the heart of a Basai Master, whatever that is. Worf: It is a poet. Quark: A poet? I guess I can live with that. Worf: What else happened? Quark: She spent about an hour talking about her family history. A rather long and bloody tale, but what else is new? Then we ate the lingta, which tasted really bad, listened to some noise which she called Klingon music, and I left. Worf: A perfect evening. Quark: Almost. Her bodyguard was giving me threatening looks all night. Worf: That is to be expected. The idea of a Ferengi courting a great lady is offensive. Quark: You know, it's attitudes like that that keep you people from getting invited to all the really good parties. Worf: The heart of a Basai Master. She said that? Quark: Could I make that up? I'm telling you, Worf, she responded perfectly. You really have the key to this woman's heart. The question is, can you help me unlock it? Worf: Yes. I can. We have work to do. Dax: Quark! Dax: MoVas ah-kee rustak! Worf: Kosh tomah. Quark: Kosh tomoh I mean tomah ehpaq Lukara kaVeir. Dax: Ish-tovee chuCH thling nuq? Quark: Besh besh-opar gree uchan argh. Besh opar gee urchun omaH te, te, te-doQ maugh-shta. Worf: Enough. You say the words, but there is no feeling behind them, no passion. Quark: Having to learn all this Klingonese isn't helping my performance. Worf: Do not think of it as a performance. Believe in where you are. Put yourself in this time, in this place. A thousand years ago, the dawn of the Empire, five hundred warriors storm the Great Hall at Qam-Chee. The city garrison fled before them. Only the Emperor Kahless and the Lady Lukara stood their ground. It was here that they began the greatest romance in Klingon history. Quark: This is ridiculous! I'm surrounded by corpses, my shoes are dripping with blood, and you want me to feel romantic? Why am I putting myself through this? Dax: Because later that night, Kahless and Lukara jumped on each other like a pair of crazed voles. Grrr. Quark: Yeah? One more time. Odo: This is the fourth theft of equipment from upper pylon three this month. Kira: I don't know how they keep doing it. We've changed the security protocols three times now. Odo: It's not the security arrangements that are at fault here. It's our friend the Chief of Operations. Kira: Miles? What did he do? Odo: It's what he's not doing. He still hasn't finished upgrading the structural integrity field on upper pylon three, so half the bulkheads are torn open. A child could find a way into those cargo bays. Kira: Look, Miles is a very busy man. He can't be everywhere at once. Odo: Sometimes it seems as though he's not anywhere at all. Kira: He's doing a superb job under very difficult circumstances. Odo: Oh. Growing fond of the Chief, are we? Kira: What are you talking about? I've always liked Miles. Odo: You've always liked the Chief, but Miles is a different story. Kira: Look, I am living with him. I am carrying his baby. Don't you think that might change things a bit? Odo: How so? Kira: We're closer. It's like I'm part of his family. Odo: Which part? Kira: What? Odo: Which part of his family are you? Sister? Daughter? Cousin? Kira: Could we concentrate on the criminal activities report? Odo: Of course. And I'll refrain from making any further disparaging remarks about the Chief. I mean, Miles. Thopok: This consorting with a Ferengi is outrageous! Tumek: You forget yourself, Thopok. You are the commander of the Lady's guard, nothing more. Do not presume to judge her. Grilka: Tumek. Maparian ale for two. Tumek: Mistress. Grilka: You are an interesting man. Quark: I've always thought so. Grilka: Not much of a fighter, of course. Fortunately for you they were only holo-warriors. Quark: Well, it's the thought that counts. Grilka: Yes, it is. And what are your thoughts, Quark? Why play out one of the most romantic scenes in Klingon literature for me? Why learn to speak Klingon and observe our customs? Why do you pursue me? Quark: I only pursue those things I wish to acquire. Grilka: Acquire? Now you sound like a Ferengi again. Quark: I am a Ferengi. That means I have a talent for appreciating objects of great value. And I believe you may be worth more than all the latinum in the quadrant. Grilka: My Kahless. Quark: My Lukara. Thopok: No! Grilka: Mev'Yap Thopok! Thopok: Forgive me, mistress, but I cannot watch this any longer. I will not protect a House where you are welcome, Ferengi. You are a coward and a liar and you have no honor. So tomorrow you will kill me, or I will kill you. Keiko: Home two hours early? You'd better watch it. I'll get used to this. O'Brien: Yep, they don't need me anymore. Home at seventeen hundred every evening. Keiko: You're such a bad liar. Kira: Hi. Keiko: Hi. Sit down. You look exhausted. Bad day? Miles, I think this woman needs one of your famous neck massages. O'Brien: Er, my hands are pretty cold. Kira: I'm not in the mood anyway. Keiko: I can see the tension in your muscles from here. Kira: No thanks, really. Oh. I'm going to Bajor tomorrow, just for a few days. Keiko: Bajor? Kira: Yes. I thought I'd take the time and relax. A friend of mine has a house in Musilla Province. It's quiet, remote. No distractions. O'Brien: Perfect. When do you leave? Kira: First thing in the morning. Keiko: Wait a minute. You can't go alone. What if you go into labor? Kira: Well, Julian doesn't think that's going to happen for another month. Keiko: But he doesn't know for sure. Miles, maybe you should go with her. O'Brien: What? Keiko: I can't go. I have a botanical pathology seminar tomorrow. But you said yourself things are slow in Ops. Kira: I don't think that's such a good idea. O'Brien: Me neither. Keiko: Miles Edward O'Brien, are you going to let the woman carrying your unborn child go on a trip all by herself? Keiko: Are you two fighting again? O'Brien: No. Kira: Not at all. Keiko: Good. Then it's settled. Miles, let's pack your bag. Quark: What if I just do what I did the last time a Klingon wanted to kill me? I throw my sword away, kneel down in front of him and dare him to execute me. Yeah. He'll be humiliated and slink away like a scalded targ. Worf: The only reason that worked was because Gowron stepped in and restrained your opponent before he was able to kill you. No one will stop Thopok. Dax and I aren't even able to attend. Quark: So my choices are to not show up, be branded a coward and lose Grilka, or die? Worf: Yes. Quark: Oh, come on now! There has to be another way out of this! You people have rituals for everything except waste extraction. You must have a ceremony or a secret handshake or something I can do. Dax: I have an idea. Dax: Oh, congratulations. How do you feel? Quark: Like a puppet. And I have some complaints for the puppeteer. You nearly wrenched my arm out of its socket. Worf: The movement would not have hurt if you were in better physical condition. Quark: Exercise makes me sweat. Dax: You need to get some sleep. Dax: If your body's tired tomorrow, Worf won't even be able to save you. Quark: Bedtime. Worf: I cannot believe the lengths I am going to for that Ferengi. I'm practically giving him Grilka. Dax: What is it you see in her, anyway? I mean, she's attractive, but other than that? Worf: It is everything about her. The way she carries herself, confident and strong. She commands those around her. The proud tilt of her head. The way her face betrays none of her true feelings. The power of her voice. And her eyes, as hard as separ gemstones and twice as sharp. Dax: It sounds like you're describing a statue. What would you do with a woman like that? Put her up on a pedestal and clean her every week? Worf: You do not understand. Dax: If I were in your shoes, I would be looking for someone a little more entertaining, a little more fun, and maybe even a little more attainable. Worf: You are not in my shoes. Dax: Too bad. You'd be amazed at what I can do in a pair of size eighteen boots. Dax: He's in position. Tumek: Quark, son of Keldar, why are you here? Quark: To, to answer the Quark: To answer the Challenge of Thopok, to prove my honor, and to win the favor of the Lady Grilka. Tumek: The challenge has been given and accepted. Let no one interfere. Mok! Thopok: Where did you learn to fight with a bat'leth? Quark: I'm a man of many talents. Quark: No! Wait! Dax: You damaged the optronic relay. Worf: Can you repair it? Dax: I don't know. Thopok: Well? Quark: I claim the Right of Proclamation. Tumek: I've never heard of the Right of Proclamation. Quark: It is a Ferengi custom. Thopok: It has no place here! Quark: I beg to differ! I am as proud of my heritage as you are of yours and I will not be denied the opportunity to express myself according to Ferengi custom. Grilka: He has shown respect to our traditions. We will do the same. What do you need to do? Quark: I must make a speech. Grilka: About what? Quark: About you! Thopok: Get on with it. Worf: I do not know how, but he is still alive. You must work faster. Dax: I'm going as fast as I can. Quark: To this end my blade soars through the aquarium of my soul, seeking the kelp of diskontent which must be cut so that the rocky bottom of love lie in waiting with fertile sand for the coming seed of Grilka's affection. And yet, does this explain my need for her? No. It is like a giant cave of emptiness waiting for the bats of love to hang by Quark: Well, I guess that's enough talking . Now back to the fighting. Dax: No showing off this time, Worf. Just get it over with. Worf: I was not showing off. Thopok: End it! Quark: If you insist. Quark: Maybe not. Maybe I'll pick up your sword. Quark: And give it to you I guess. Grilka: Thopok, your honor is satisfied. I return your weapon and diskharge you from my House. Tumek: My lady. Grilka: Do-MACH ah chee ghos eh-PAGH? Dax: Congratulations. You did it. Worf: What does she see in that parasite? Dax: Who knows? But they're on the same wavelength, and at least Quark can see an opportunity when it's standing in front of him. Worf: He would have to be blind not to see it. Dax: MoVas ah-kee rustak. Computer, bat'leth. MoVas ah-kee rustak! Worf: Kosh tomah ehpaq Lukara kaVeir. Dax: Ish-tovee chuCH thling nuq? Worf: Meklo boH ka Mech. Dax: Te-doQ roos ka Mech-TOH. O'Brien: So I guess we're going. Kira: Looks like it. O'Brien: Tell me about this house we're going to. Kira: It's a gorgeous two hundred year old cottage filled with antiques, sitting in the middle of a deep, dark forest. It's got three fireplaces, two balconies O'Brien: I see. Kira: It's twenty kilometers to the nearest neighbor, thirty to the nearest town. O'Brien: Why am I not surprised? Kira: It gets worse. There's a view. O'Brien: Of what? Kira: Of the Holana river. You can see it from every room in the house. At night, when the stars are out and you can only hear rushing water, it may be one of the most romantic spots in all of Bajor. O'Brien: That's it. I'm not going. I don't care what Keiko says, I'm not going. You go. I'll wait an hour and then I'll, I'll tell her that you left without me, that there was a miscommunication about the departure time. Kira: You think she'll buy it? O'Brien: She'll probably accuse us of having another fight, of behaving like children, but I can handle that. The important thing is that we don't go anywhere near that place together. Kira: You're absolutely right. In fact, I'm going to go to the capital and see Shakaar. O'Brien: That's the best idea you've had all week. O'Brien: Have a good trip. Kira: Thanks. O'Brien: It would've been nice. Kira: In another life. O'Brien: Let's not even think about it. Kira: All right, let's not. Miles? O'Brien: Yes, Nerys? Kira: Get out. O'Brien: Right. Bashir: A compound fracture of the right radius, two fractured ribs, torn ligaments, strained tendons, numerous contusions, bruises and scratches. What have you been doing? Quark: You mean, what have we been doing? Bashir: Never mind. I don't need that particular image running around in my head. I'll just treat you. Bashir: What happened to you two? Worf: We, er. Dax: Well, er, if you must know Bashir: No! No, er, I don't need that image either. In fact, I'm going to stop asking that question altogether. People can come in, I will treat them, and that's all. Please, have a seat. I'll be with you in a minute. Worf: You do realize that according to Klingon tradition Dax: According to tradition, we have to get married. Worf: But as you keep insisting, you are not a traditional woman. Dax: The truth is, Worf, at heart, you're not much of a traditional man. Worf: You might be right. How do you wish to proceed? Dax: I don't know. Worf: You must have some idea. You were the Dax: Aggressor? Worf: Yes. And now there are questions that must be answered. Dax: I don't feel like answering questions. Why don't we just take it one day at a time and see what happens? Worf: I do not like the uncertainty of that arrangement. Dax: One thing's for certain. You've stopped thinking about Grilka.

Voices: Dabo! Odo: Quark! Quark: Not now, Odo. Odo: We have to talk. Quark: It'll have to wait. Odo: It can't wait. Quark: Of course not. Make it fast. I have business to attend to. Odo: You remember that Subytt freighter we were discussing the other day? The one you claimed was smuggling defective isolinear rods to Bajor? Quark: Yes, yes, what about it? Odo: Well, I conducted a little investigation of that freighter, and do you know what I diskovered? Quark: That I was telling the truth. Odo: That's right. I arrested the first officer and two of the crew. Quark: Congratulations, Constable, I knew you could do it. Now if you don't mind, I'm needed upstairs. Odo: Hold on, I'm not finished with you. Quark: Oh, really, Odo? Sometimes I think there's no pleasing you. I help you crack a notorious smuggling ring, yet you still insist on treating me like the enemy. Odo: You are the enemy. Quark: Then how do you explain my helping you? Odo: That's just it. I can't explain it. Quark: It's simple, really. I figured we'd been at each others' throats long enough. It's time we called a truce. Odo: Truce? You must be joking. Quark: Ask the Subytt first officer if I'm joking. From now on, you and I are going to be friends. Odo: You're up to something. Quark: Why would you say that? Odo: Because you're always up to something. Quark: I can see this is going to take time, but eventually you'll learn to trust me. Odo: That'll be the day. Quark: I don't think I can remember Odo looking quite so perplexed. Rom: He's not alone. Those Subytt smugglers were a potential source of great profit. Quark: Must I quote you the seventy-sixth Rule of Acquisition? Rom: The seventy-sixth rule? Quark: Every once in a while, declare peace. It confuses the hell out of your enemies. Captain: Hi, Quark. How are your lobes? Quark: Tingling at the sight of you. What'll it be? Another Black Hole? Captain: No, I don't have time. My ship's about to pull out. Do you know of anyone going to Bajor? Quark: Ships go back and forth from there all the time. Why? Captain: I promised someone I'd deliver this for them. Doesn't looks like I'm going to get there this trip. Quark: It's an earring. Captain: I know it's an earring. It was given to me by a maintenance worker on Cardassia Four. Quark: Are you saying a Cardassian gave you a Bajoran earring? Captain: He asked me to take it to Bajor. Said whoever I showed it to would understand. Quark: He said that? Captain: Well, this is a Bajoran station, right? There must be someone here who would know what to do with it. Quark: Oh, there is. Captain: Who? Quark: Me. Kira: Come in. Quark: Surprise. Kira: What do you want? Quark: I always wondered what your quarters looked like. Kira: That better not be your only reason for being here. Quark: You don't entertain much, do you? Kira: I entertain a lot. I just don't entertain you. Quark: Let me guess, the bedroom. Kira: You take one step in here and I promise you it'll be your last. Quark: It could be worth it. Kira: You have five seconds to tell me what you want. Quark: Aren't you going to offer me a beverage? Kira: Five, four Quark: Can we at least sit down? Kira: Three two one. Quark: Wait. I brought you something. Kira: Where did you get this? Quark: Is it valuable? Kira: I said, where did you get it? Quark: From a Boslic freighter Captain. She got it from a Cardassian. Kira: Where? Quark: On Cardassia Four. That's what she told me, anyway. Quark: Consider it a gift. Jake: Hey, Dad, wait up. Jake: You got a minute? Sisko: For you, absolutely. Jake: I've got some great news. Sisko: You passed your algebra test. Jake: Better than that. Sisko: You learned out how to hit Bob Gibson's fast ball. Jake: No, even better. Sisko: Better than hitting Gibson's fast ball? This I want to hear. Jake: You remember that Bajoran girl I told you about? Sisko: The one with the beautiful smile? Jake: That's right, Laira. I decided to ask her out. Sisko: Well good for you. And now you've come to the old man for advice on what to say to her. Jake: Dad, I Sisko: The main thing is you can't be afraid of rejection Jake: Dad, I already asked her out. And she said yes. Sisko: She did? That's wonderful. Jake: I was just wondering if you had any ideas what we could do. I was thinking of taking her to the holosuites. Sisko: The holosuites? I don't think so. Jake: Why not? Sisko: Because you're too young to take a girl to the holosuites. Jake: Okay, then how about if I bring her to our quarters? Sisko: No, no, no, no, no, no quarters. Jake: We're just going to talk. Sisko: Talk in public. Jake: It's not the same. Sisko: You want to talk? Take her upstairs. And that way you can talk and watch the ships go through the wormhole. Jake: That's boring. Sisko: Since when? Jake: Since I started going out with girls. Sisko: This is your first date. Jake: And I don't want it to be my last. Kira: Commander. I need to speak with you. Sisko: One moment, Major. Jake: I can see you're not ready to have this conversation yet. Sisko: I'm not ready? Jake: I'll just have to come up with a few ideas on my own. Really, don't worry about it. Sisko: Who's worried? Kira: Commander? Sisko: Join me, Major. Sisko: One Raktajino with a jacarine peel. Kira: Nothing for me. Sisko: One icoberry torte. So, Major, what can I do for you? Kira: I need to borrow a runabout. Sisko: For what? Kira: You really don't want to ask me that. Sisko: It's too late. I already asked. Kira: You don't want to know the answer. Sisko: Major, I can't loan you a Starfleet runabout without knowing where you plan on taking it. Kira: To Cardassia Four to rescue a Bajoran prisoner of war. Sisko: You're right. I wish you hadn't told me. Kira: This earring was recently smuggled off the planet. Do you see this? That is the insignia of Li Nalas. Sisko: The resistance leader? Kira: The greatest we ever had. His victory over Gul Zarale in hand-to-hand combat Sisko: Major, I have already heard the story. Wasn't he reported killed in action? Kira: His body was never found. Look, Commander, I wouldn't be asking this if I thought there was another way to rescue Li. But Bajoran ships don't have the maneuverability or defensive capabilities to get me safely in and out of Cardassian territory. Sisko: You're sure this is genuine? Kira: Dax found dermal residue on the back. A genetic analysis matched it to Li's DNA records. It's genuine all right. Sisko: Have you told the provisional government? Kira: I contacted three ministers. Their response was exactly what I expected. Sisko: In other words, they're unwilling to risk going to war with Cardassia over an earring. I can't say I blame them. Kira: Commander, you and I both know the provisional government is made up of political opportunists too busy fighting among themselves to care what happens to Bajor. Since the loss of the Kai, the situation has only gone from bad to worse. There are reports of factional fighting in half a dozen districts, religious riots have spread throughout the southern islands. Bajor needs a leader. Someone the people will listen to. Someone they can trust. Sisko: And you think Li Nalas is that leader? Kira: I know he is. O'Brien: O'Brien to Sisko. Sisko: Go ahead, Chief. O'Brien: I think you and Odo had better join me in the habitat ring. Level thirteen, section four. There's something you should see. Sisko: We'll be right there. Kira: Do I get the runabout? Sisko: I'll have to think it over. O'Brien: I was on my way to crossover bridge three to do some repair work on the field modulators when I noticed this. Sisko: It's the emblem of the Alliance for Global Unity. They call themselves The Circle. O'Brien: The Circle, huh. What gives them the right to mess up our station? Odo: They're an extremist faction who believe in Bajor for the Bajorans. All other species are inferior and should be expelled from the planet. Sisko: I understand this emblem has appeared all over Bajor. Odo: That's correct. But this is the first time I've seen it here. Sisko: I want to be informed immediately if this emblem appears anyplace else on the station. Odo: Understood. O'Brien: If they think scrawling a few of signs is going to get rid of us, they've got another think coming. Sisko: Right now they're just trying us show us we're vulnerable. Odo: I wouldn't be overly concerned, Commander. This section is a low security area. Sisko: As of now, Constable, there are no low security areas on this station. Dax: You wanted to see me, Benjamin? Sisko: Ah, yes. Have a seat. Dax: Am I to assume this is going to be about baseball? Sisko: Not this time. Dax: Good. Sisko: I thought you enjoyed talking about baseball. Dax: Curzon enjoyed it, but not half as much as he led you to believe. So what's on your mind, Benjamin. Sisko: I've been thinking about our mission here. I look at the turmoil on Bajor and I see everything we fought for this past year starting to unravel. Dax: I told you this was going to be a tough assignment when we came here. Of course, I didn't realize it was going to be this tough. Sisko: What if I told you I knew someone who could bring stability to Bajor. Someone who could unite the factions and give us a chance to do our job. Dax: I'd say give Kira the runabout. Sisko: How do you know about Kira wanting a runabout? Dax: I promised not to tell. Sisko: Supposing I do help, and she does rescue Li Nalas. What do we say to the Cardassians? Dax: The question is, what do they say to us? They swore they released all their Bajoran prisoners. Sisko: Chief, Major Kira needs a runabout. O'Brien: Oh, so she's going to Cardassia Four after all. Sisko: Is there anyone on this station she didn't tell? O'Brien: I doubt she mentioned it to Quark. Sisko: Well then, as far as Quark's concerned, she's going to Lamenda Prime to bring back mineral samples. O'Brien: I see. Sisko: Now, is there any way we can prevent the Cardassian sensors from picking up the runabout's signature? O'Brien: I could modulate the engine's power emissions, reconfigure the deflector shield grid, and installl field buffers around the subspace emitter coil. By the time I'm done, the Cardassians will think they're reading a Lissepian transport. Sisko: Yeah. I see you've already given this a bit of thought. O'Brien: I suppose I have. Kira: Come in. Kira: Commander, Chief, I was just getting ready to leave. Sisko: I just stopped by to wish you luck. And to tell you that Chief O'Brien will be accompanying you on your mission. Kira: I don't think that's a good idea. Having a Federation officer along could cause complications for you later. Sisko: I'm willing to risk that. You're an excellent pilot, Major, but Mister O'Brien here is better. And I want to make sure that I get my runabout back in one piece. Kira: I appreciate the offer, but this is a Bajoran problem. Sisko: I don't agree. The truth is, I need Li Nalas back on Bajor as much as you do. O'Brien: Besides, I've seen how the Cardassians treat their prisoners. No one should have to suffer like that. Kira: If the Cardassians get their hands on us, we'll be the ones suffering. O'Brien: They'll have to catch us first. Kira: I suppose I could use the company. Kira: You've got the controls, Chief. O'Brien: Right. Kira: Before we go, there's one thing we need to clear up between us. O'Brien: And what would that be? Kira: This mission can end only one of two ways. Either we bring back Li Nalas or we don't come back at all. O'Brien: Understood. Kira: Then take us out of here, Mister O'Brien. O'Brien: Initializing launch sequence. Kira: How much long till we reach Cardassia Four? O'Brien: I estimate another thirty minutes. Kira: Hold on. We're being scanned. O'Brien: Can you get a fix on the source? Kira: It's position is holding steady at bearing two one nine mark two three. O'Brien: It must be a navigational control post. It's probably just a routine scan. Kira: We're being hailed. O'Brien: Then again, we could be in serious trouble. Kira: They're repeating the hail. O'Brien: We're on the edge of their scanner range. That puts us out of visual contact. I say we try and bluff them. Kira: Opening a channel. Cardassian: This is Cardassian navigational control post twenty four. Identify yourself. Kira: This is the Lissepian transport Martuk. Cardassian: According to our scan, your subspace field emitters appear to be malfunctioning. O'Brien: The field buffers must be distorting our power signature. Kira: We've been having trouble with our phase modulators. We're attempting to correct the problem. Cardassian: Do you require assistance? We can dispatch a repair ship. O'Brien: They want to help us? Kira: Your offer is most appreciated, post twenty four, but unnecessary. Cardassian: Are you certain? Your power signature is still fluctuating. Kira: He's getting suspicious. I believe we can correct the problem on our own. Besides, Gul Marayn is waiting on Cardassia Four to receive my shipment of Rulot seeds. Any delay could ruin the entire crop, not to mention the Gul's mood. Cardassian: Understood. You can put in for repairs after you deliver your cargo. Kira: My plan exactly. He's cut off their transmission. O'Brien: Tell me, Major, who is this Gul Marayn. Kira: Don't ask me. I just made him up. O'Brien: We're in synchronous orbit above the Hutet Labor camp. I've limited the bioscans to detect only Bajoran lifeforms. Hold on. We're getting multiple readings. There must be about a dozen Bajoran prisoners down there. Kira: What? Is there any way of beaming up more than two at a time? O'Brien: I'm afraid not. As soon as we beam the first two up, all hell is going to break loose in that camp. Kira: And there's no way of guaranteeing Li will be one of the first two. What's security like down there? O'Brien: The compound is surrounded by a standard Cardassian forcefield. Kira: We're going to have to land. It's our only chance of getting them all out of there. O'Brien: I'll find us a secluded spot to put down. Guard: Back to work. Kira: How do I look? O'Brien: I doubt there's a Cardassian alive who could resist you. Kira: I hope you're right. O'Brien: So do I. Overseer: Halt. O'Brien: We want to see the Prefect. Overseer: What for? O'Brien: She has an appointment with him. Overseer: I used to be stationed on Bajor. O'Brien: Then you know why the Prefect doesn't want to be kept waiting, huh? Li: What's this all about? Borum: I'm not quite sure. Overseer: What would it cost me for an appointment? Kira: More than you could afford. O'Brien: Two strips of gold-pressed latinum, she's all yours. Kira: He wouldn't know what to do with me. Overseer: She needs diskiplining. Kira: From a boy like you? Ha! I don't think you're capable of it. Overseer: Step back. I want to examine what I'm paying for. O'Brien: Sure, sure. But no sampling the merchandise until the sale's complete, okay? Overseer: Come here. Overseer: Now, show me why you're worth two strips of gold-pressed latinum. Kira: All right. Kira: Li Nalas! Li: Who are you? Kira: Major Kira Nerys. We've come to get you out of here. Borum: The earring. You got it. Kira: Yes. Li: I don't understand. My earring was lost. Borum: No, I had it smuggled back to Bajor. O'Brien: Gentlemen, I suggest you save this discussion for later, okay? Kira: Come on. (Li is wounded by another guard up the cliff, but O'Brien gets him. A prisoner at the back of the group is killed.) Kira: Come on. We have a ship waiting. O'Brien: We'll never make it at this rate. Borum: Get Li to Bajor. Four of us will stay behind and hold them off until you reach your ship. Li: No, I won't allow it. Borum: Don't you see? We did this for you. Just get him back safely. That's all that counts. Kira: You have my word. Come on. Come on. Borum: Go. Kira: Come on. O'Brien: Ready to launch, Major. Kira: Not yet. Some of the others still might make it. O'Brien: Standing by. I'm picking up two Galor class warships entering orbit. They should be overhead in one minute, forty five seconds. Li: Major, you can't leave those men behind. O'Brien: One minute, thirty seconds. If we don't leave now, Major, we never will. Kira: Take us home, Chief. O'Brien: Yes, sir. Kira: Careful, he took a phaser hit. Bashir: Easy now, I have you. Li: Doctor, these people have been prisoners for ten years. They need medical attention. Bashir: And they'll get it. But first we'd better take a look at this wound. Bashir to Dax. Dax: Go ahead, Doctor. Bashir: We've got a patient who needs emergency treatment. Beam us to the Infirmary. Dax: Stand by. Kira: Commander, I need to talk to you. Sisko: Ah, Major Kira, I'm glad you could join us. Kira: I'm sorry. I didn't know you were busy. Sisko: Apparently not. Kira: I'll just wait outside. Sisko: Hold on, Major. There's something I want you to hear. Go ahead, Dukat. Dukat: Major, I have just informed Commander Sisko that the Cardassian High Command has issued a formal apology to the people of Bajor. Kira: An apology? Dukat: We had no idea that Bajoran prisoners were still being held on Cardassia Four. Such detentions are a direct violation of supreme directive twenty six forty five, and I assure you the camp Prefect will be chastised accordingly. Kira: What about the prisoners that were left behind? Dukat: They are already en route to Bajor. Kira: Well, I look forward to their safe return. Dukat: I'm sure you do. And I hope our quick response to this unfortunate situation will prove once and for all that Cardassia is no longer your enemy. Kira: Commander? Sisko: I'm as surprised as you are. Kira: There's got be a reason why they're being so accommodating. Sisko: I'm sure there is, but until we can figure out their motives, let's just be grateful that all the prisoners are being returned safely. Congratulations on the success of your mission, Major. Bashir: There, that should do it. How do you feel? Li: Better. Bashir: Good. Luckily your wound wasn't as serious as it looked. You've probably had a lot worse. Li: Well, actually, this one was bad enough. Bashir: You know, I've read all about your battle with Gul Zarale. Li: That was a long time ago. Bashir: Well, I consider myself to be a bit a history buff and I must say some of the campaigns you led against the Cardassians were truly remarkable Li: Doctor, I think that you'll find that others enjoy talking about those days far more than I do. Bashir: Of course. I understand completely. Li: Amazing. Kira: What is? Li: Being here. Years ago I worked in one of this station's ore processing plants. Sisko: I think you will find things have changed considerably. Odo: Commander, a transport carrying Minister Jaro has just arrived from Bajor. Sisko: Major, I think you should have the honor of welcoming him aboard. Kira: Thank you, Commander. Sisko: If you're hungry, the Replimat has some passable Bajoran food. Li: Actually, I'm a bit tired. I think I'd like to see my quarters. Sisko: Of course. Sisko: It appears you've been recognized. Kira: Minister Jaro. Jaro: Major. Where is he? Kira: He's on the Promenade with Commander Sisko. Jaro: And he's all right? Kira: Considering what he's gone through in the past ten years. Jaro: Li Nalas alive. Who would have ever imagined. The prophets were kind to you today, Major. Kira: I'd say they were kind to all of us. Jaro: You know your little adventure has made you some enemies in the Chamber of Ministers. Kira: I'm not surprised. All I did was risk my life. Jaro: What you did, Major, was declare war on Cardassia. Thankfully they declined the invitation. Kira: I'd do it again if it meant bringing Li Nalas home. Jaro: Yes, I'm sure you would. And though officially I have to warn you that the next time you disobey orders will mean the end of your military career, as a private citizen I want to thank you for what you've done this day. Kira: That's good to hear. Jaro: Now take me to see Li Nalas. Odo: Move it back, please. No pushing. No pushing. Li: I'm sorry about this, Commander. Sisko: I don't think they're going to leave until you say a few words. Odo: I agree. Li: If that's what it takes. Li: It's good to be free. It's good to know that after all our years of struggle, Bajor is finally free. Jaro: Yes, it is good to be free. Well, it really is you, isn't it. Li: Li Nalas. Jaro: I'm Minister Jaro Essa. I can't tell you how delighted I am to welcome you home. Li: Believe me, it is a pleasure to be here. Jaro: Would you mind if I address the crowd? Yu can't expect a politician to give up an opportunity like this. Li: You go right ahead. Jaro: Thank you. Fellow Bajorans, I have only one thing to say to you, to ask you, really. Never forget this moment. Because I promise you one day your children and your grandchildren will ask you know what it was like the day Li Nalas returned to Bajor. Sisko: I hope you'll find these quarters satisfactory. Li: Commander, I just spent ten years in a Cardassian labor camp. I'm just grateful for a moment's privacy. Sisko: Enjoy it while you can. Judging from the crowd on the Promenade, a moment may be all you get. Li: I thought they would have forgotten me by now. Sisko: It appears you were wrong. Li: This morning I was a slave, tonight I am a hero. Sisko: It must seem a little overwhelming. Li: I'll tell you what is overwhelming, Commander. It's knowing that something I've waited for my whole life has finally happened. The Cardassians are gone. We won. You've been there recently. What's it like, a free Bajor? Sisko: I think you'll be pleased, for the most part. Li: For the most part? Sisko: Bajor lacks strong leadership. Li: So that's what Major Kira meant. On the runabout, she told me that my return would bring stability to Bajor. Sisko: She's right. Bajor could use your help, and frankly so could I. But before you go off saving Bajor, I suppose you could use a good night's sleep. Li: It sounds like I'm going to need it. Quark: One for you, and six for me. One for you, and six for me. One for you, and six for me. Would you stop looking so glum? Payday is supposed to be a time of joy. Rom: I know, brother, but every week it's the same thing. Six for you and only one for me. It's not fair! Quark: You're right. Rom: I am? Quark: Yes. It's not fair. Rom: It's not? Quark: Absolutely not. One for you, and seven for me. One for you, and seven for me. Is that better? And where are you going? Rom: To bed. To dream of an equal share of profits. Quark: Dream on. Quark: One for you, seven for me. What is it now? Bashir: Quark, Quark! Hold still. Quark: Doctor, will there be a scar? Bashir: I said, hold still. Quark: Does that mean yes? Bashir: No. This dermal regenerator should repair and damaged tissue as well as prevent scarring. Unless, of course, you don't hold still. Sisko: Did you recognize any of your assailants? Quark: They were wearing masks. Kira: And you're sure they didn't say anything? Quark: Not a word. They just came in, branded me and left. Odo: The Promenade is usually deserted at this hour. No one saw them enter or leave. Sisko: Constable, I want all security personnel on full alert. Odo: I've already seen to it. Li: Who is responsible for this? Kira: An extremist group from Bajor, who call themselves The Circle. Li: Bajorans did this? Sisko: I'm afraid so. Li: But why? Kira: Their goal is to rid Bajor of all non-Bajorans. Li: Hasn't the provisional government tried to stop them? Kira: Oh, they've tried. But the truth is the Circle is more organized than the government. Quark: Well, the government better get organized, because I intend to sue them for financial compensation. Sisko: Not now, Quark! People have grown impatient with the government's inability to get things done, so they turn to the Circle. Constable. Kira: We need someone to speak out against these reactionaries. Someone the people will listen to. Bashir: There, that should do it. Quark: How do I look? Kira: As handsome as ever. Quark: Really? Sisko: Jake, what are you doing up? Jake: I couldn't sleep. Sisko: How was your date? It was tonight, wasn't it? Jake: It was supposed to be. She couldn't make it. Sisko: It happens. Jake: She said her father wouldn't let her go out with me. Sisko: Why not? Jake: Because I'm not a Bajoran. Sisko: That's not much of a reason. Jake, there are some things happening on Bajor. Troubling things. I'm sorry you've become a victim of them. You don't deserve it. Nobody does. Time for bed, okay? Jake: Okay. Night, Dad. Crewwoman: Commander, there's a call for you from the Tygarian freighter docked on upper pylon two. Sisko: Put it through. Doek: Commander Sisko, I am Romah Doek, executive officer of the Nanut. We were preparing to depart the station for the Gamma Quadrant when we diskovered a Bajoran citizen trying to stow away on ship. I was hoping you'd know what to do with him. Sisko: The Nanut isn't scheduled to return from the Gamma Quadrant for two years. Li: Actually I planned on staying there considerably longer. Sisko: I don't follow. Li: Commander, I'm going to tell you a story. You may even believe it. Sisko: I'm listening. Li: During the occupation I was a member of a minor resistance cell, the name is unimportant. One day, this was in the mountains surrounding the Sahving valley, we were ambushed by Cardassian troops. Only three of us managed to escape. We hid in the hills for two days. Finally the lack of food and water forced us down into the valley. We made our way to a ridge overlooking a small lake. As I was the only one still carrying a phaser, I went ahead to scout for the enemy. Halfway down the embankment, I slipped and went sprawling on my back down to the edge of the lake just as a huge Cardassian emerged from the water. He must have just finished bathing. He stood there, frozen in surprise, dressed only in his underwear, shivering from the cold. I lay there looking up at him too stunned to even move, and it was only when he reached for a phaser rifle that was lying across his clothes on a nearby rock that I realized I was still holding my own phaser, and I shot him. His body fell on top of me, and that's how my companions found us a moment later. One of them recognized him as Gul Zarale, responsible for the massacre of half a dozen Bajoran villages. Now I tried to tell them what happened, but they had already convinced themselves that I had killed Zarale in some kind of savage struggle, which is what they insisted on telling every Bajoran that we met. And no matter how hard I tried to deny it, the story continued to spread until it seemed all of Bajor had heard it. Soon every victory won by the resistance was attributed to my leadership. Stories of my brilliance, my daring, my courage grew more and more unbelievable, yet the people insisted on believing them. My reputation even followed me into the labor camp where my mere presence seemed to inspire my fellow prisoners. And I had done nothing but shoot an unarmed Cardassian in his underwear. I'll never forget the look on his face as he died. He was so embarrassed. So you see, Commander, I have done what Bajor needed me to do. I have allowed myself to be a slave to my reputation all of these years, and now it is enough. Sisko: They still need you. Li: But I am not the man that they think I am. Sisko: Perhaps not. But Bajor doesn't need a man. It needs a symbol, and that's what you are. No one's asking you to lead troops into battle, or to kill a hundred Cardassians with your bare hands. I saw you in front of the crowd on the Promenade. They look at you and they see strength, and honor, and decency. They look at you and they see the best in themselves. Li: But it's all based on a lie. Sisko: No. It's based on a legend. And legends are as powerful as any truth. Bajor still needs that legend. It needs you. Dax: The Yelikan transport is prepared for departure. Kira: Opening mooring clamps on docking bay six. Sisko: Major. Jaro: Commander. Sisko: Minister Jaro. Li. Jaro: Navarch Li, as of yesterday's unanimous assembly vote. Kira: Congratulations. Li: Navarch. There's never been one before. They felt any existing title was inadequate, so they created a new one for me. Sisko: I hear that thousands of people showed up to greet your ship when it arrived on Bajor. Li: Yes, it was quite a celebration. I wish I could have stayed longer. Sisko: What stopped you? Jaro: The Navarch needed to return here to assume his new post. He's been made the Bajoran liaison officer to Deep Space Nine. Sisko: I already have a liaison officer. Jaro: Not any more you don't. Major Kira is no longer assigned to this post. She's been recalled to Bajor. To Be Continued

Sisko: A number of Admirals at Starfleet Command are worried the destruction of the Bok'Nor might jeopardize the treaty. Hudson: Oh, are they really? Sisko: As the two ranking officers along the Cardassian border, we've been asked to assess the potential risk. Sakonna: I wish to procure weapons. Quark: I beg your pardon? Sakonna: Guns, phaser banks, photon torpedoes Quark: Shh! Sakonna: Troop transports and a number of cobalt-thorium devices. Quark: You're a gun runner? Dukat: I'm here unofficially to help you find out the truth about the Bok'Nor. Sisko: Why would you want to help me? Dukat: Because I already know the truth. Sisko: I've got people out there killing people, Major. You suggest I turn a blind eye to that? Kira: Well, they don't have a right to defend themselves? Sisko: They've crossed the line. Kira: If Starfleet is unwilling to defend their people in Sisko: They chose to live with the Cardassians. Kira: Well, I didn't. But I lived with them for twenty six years before the liberation came. Every Bajoran lived with them in constant fear. I know what those colonists are going through. Kira: We just received a general subspace transmission from somewhere in the Demilitarized zone. A group there is taking credit for the kidnapping of Dukat. They're calling themselves the Maquis. Hudson: I'm glad to see you had no trouble finding us, Ben. It seems that one disaster after another keeps bringing us back together again. And now for the conclusion. Hudson: You should have seen the look on your face when you saw me standing there, Ben. Sisko: I hardly recognized you without your uniform. Hudson: Well, it's been feeling a little tight lately. Sisko: Just like that. Hudson: It's just a uniform, Ben. Sisko: Is that all it is? I remember when you first put it on. Hudson: Yes, graduation day at the Academy. We both swore we'd be starship captains by the time we were thirty. Sisko: And admirals by forty. Hudson: Yes. Sisko: I think we've both done pretty well for ourselves. Hudson: Yes, we have, haven't we? But now I've got something better. These settlers, Ben, if you saw all they have accomplished without any help from the Federation, then you'd fight along with them. Sisko: I don't think so. Hudson: They've traveled out here to the back of the beyond and built homes out of the wilderness. Now maybe the Federation can turn their back on them, but I can't. Sisko: I'm not asking you to, but your joining the Maquis isn't helping anyone. Your actions have only endangered the treaty and put millions of lives at risk. Hudson: The Federation believes that it can solve every problem with a treaty, but out here, on the frontier, without the power of the Federation to back them up, a treaty is only a piece of paper. Sisko: Do you have evidence that the Central Command has violated the treaty? Hudson: Not yet, but we will. Sisko: If you're depending on Gul Dukat for proof, you're going to be disappointed. Hudson: We'll find out, won't we. Sisko: I want him back, Cal. Hudson: He's not here. Sisko: Then where is he? Hudson: I never thought I'd see the day when you'd side with a Cardassian against me. Sisko: Damn it, Cal. I'm on your side. Hudson: You've got a funny way of showing it, Ben. Sisko: I'm trying to stop you from making one of the biggest mistakes of your life. The Federation believes in the treaty. If you destroy it, Starfleet will come after you and they won't be satisfied until you're behind bars. If we work together to end the violence Hudson: The violence will never end as long as the Central Command continues to smuggle weapons to their colonies. I wish there were a better way to handle this thing. I really do. Nobody wants peace any more than the Maquis. Sisko: And you're willing to blow up Cardassian ships to get it. Hudson: The Bok'Nor will never smuggle weapons again. Sisko: And its crewmembers won't be returning home to their families either. Look, you say that the Central Command is behind the smuggling. Fine. Let's prove it. Hudson: How? Sisko: We'll go to Cardassia, find the evidence you need to back up your claim, and when we do, we'll take it to the Federation Hudson: No. The Federation abandoned us. Told us to take care of ourselves. Well, that's what we intend to do, Ben. But you, you could be invaluable to us. Let us use your station. Sisko: For what? Hudson: A maintenance facility for our ships. Sisko: I can't allow that. Hudson: Every week innocent people are being murdered by the Cardassians. I will not allow those deaths to go unpunished. Sisko: You don't want peace, Cal. You want revenge. Hudson: I prefer to call it retaliation. I'm sorry we won't be working together, Benjamin. It would've been nice. Like old times. Kira: Commander! Hudson: Sorry, Ben. Hudson: Okay, let's go. Knowing Ben's temper when he wakes up, we won't want to be here. Come on. Let's move out. Sisko: Lieutenant, I want to speak with the Cardassian Central Command. Dax: Then you're in luck. Legate Parn will be arriving within the hour. Sisko: A Legate? I feel honored. While I'm waiting, I'll talk with Starfleet. Dax: Admiral Necheyev's already here. Sisko: Chief, The Maquis must have transferred Dukat off their ship before they reached that asteroid. I want to know where they've hid him. O'Brien: I can retrace their warp trail, see if they met up with any other ships. Sisko: Do it. Sisko: Admiral. Necheyev: Commander, the Cardassian Central Command has gone on military alert in response to the kidnapping of Gul Dukat. Sisko: I'm not surprised. Necheyev: This Security Chief of yours, the shape-shifter. Sisko: Odo. Necheyev: Odo. Are you sure you wouldn't be better off with a Starfleet officer heading your security team. Sisko: Admiral, I have complete faith in Odo's ability to do his job. Necheyev: If you say so, Commander. Sisko: I do. And as for Gul Dukat, I assure you we're taking all possible steps to locate him. Necheyev: Good. Keep me informed of your progress. Sisko: I will. But Admiral, there's a bigger issue here than rescuing Dukat. Necheyev: And what is that? Sisko: The Maquis. Necheyev: The Maquis are a bunch of irresponsible hotheads. Sisko: These hotheads are responsible for the bombing of the Bok'Nor. Necheyev: I'm aware of that, Commander. We never should've allowed those colonists to remain on the Cardassian side of the Demilitarized zone. Sisko: Well they're there, Admiral, and they're not leaving. Necheyev: What about Commander Hudson? He's lived with these people. What's his analysis of the situation? Sisko: I'll have to ask him. Necheyev: You do that. And Commander, I want you to find the Maquis. Talk to them. Remind them that they're citizens of the Federation. That it is imperative that we preserve the treaty with the Cardassians. Sisko: A treaty the Cardassians may not be honoring. Necheyev: Are you questioning Federation policy, Commander? Sisko: All I know is that the situation in the Demilitarized zone is deteriorating rapidly. Necheyev: Personally, I think you're overstating the problem. Establish a dialogue with the Maquis. They're still Federation citizens. I'm sure they'll listen to reason. Good luck, Commander. Sisko: Establish a dialogue? What the hell does she think I've been trying to do? Kira: Commander? Sisko: Just because a group of people belongs to the Federation it does not mean that they are saints. Kira: Excuse me? Sisko: Do you know what the trouble is? Kira: No. Sisko: The trouble is Earth. Kira: Really? Sisko: On Earth there is no poverty, no crime, no war. You look out the window of Starfleet headquarters and you see paradise. Well, it's easy to be a saint in paradise, but the Maquis do not live in paradise. Out there in the Demilitarized zone, all the problems haven't been solved yet. Out there, there are no saints, just people. Angry, scared, determined people who are going to do whatever it takes to survive whether it meets with Federation approval or not. Kira: Makes sense to me. Sisko: I'm glad someone understands. Kira: Legate Parn's ship just put in at docking bay five. Maybe you'd like to give the same speech to him. Sisko: I just might do that. Odo: Odo to Sisko. Sisko: Go ahead, Constable. Odo: I think you'd better get down to Security. I've caught one of the Vulcan's accomplices. Quark: I assure you, I had no idea that Sakonna was planning to kidnap Gul Dukat. Odo: Really? Then perhaps you could explain why the two of you were spending so much time together. Quark: Surely it's no crime keeping company with a beautiful female. You ought to try it, Odo. It might improve your disposition. Odo: Do you expect us to believe that a Vulcan would be interested in you for your lobes? Quark: Vulcans are a species that appreciate good ears. Commander, this is very embarrassing, having to discuss my personal life in such surroundings. Sisko: Embarrassment is going to be the least of your problems unless you tell me what kind of business arrangement you had with this woman. Quark: All right. But first I want to make it clear that I was led astray by Sakonna's feminine wiles. Odo: Save the excuses, Quark. Just tell us what you were up to. Quark: Sakonna was in the market for certain items which I was able to obtain. At a considerable diskount, I might add. Sisko: What items? Odo: We're waiting. Quark: Let's see. Where to begin? She wanted some deflector shields, navigational arrays, maybe a couple of hundred photon torpedoes. Sisko: Photon torpedoes! Quark: And pulse cannons and some high energy disrupters. Odo: Weapons. You sold weapons to a terrorist group. Quark: I did not. The Pygorians sold them the weapons. I merely made some introductions. Besides, I hadn't even heard of the Maquis until after Dukat was kidnapped. Sisko: I want a complete list of every weapon she purchased. Quark: Of course. And if you need some one to testify against Sakonna in court, I'd be more than willing. Odo: Would you? Quark: In a second. And let me know if there's anyone else who needs testifying against. I'll tell you one thing, Commander, Sakonna was on a tight clock. Whatever she needed those weapons for, it's going to happen within the next few days. Sisko: Just get me the list. Odo: Sir? I assume you'll be going out to search for Dukat again? Sisko: As soon as O'Brien tells us where to look. Odo: As Chief of Security, I'd like to go along. Sisko: I'll be happy to have you along. Odo: One other thing. How long do I keep him in here? Sisko: Forever. Quark: Odo. Quark: This isn't funny. Odo! Kira: Commander, this is Legate Parn. He insisted on seeing you immediately. Parn: Because my business here is crucial. It demands immediate attention. And as a member of the Cardassian Central Command I must assure you, Commander, that what we have to discuss is most crucial indeed. Sisko: I understand. I assure you we are doing everything we can to find Gul Dukat. Parn: Please, Commander, your efforts are appreciated but unnecessary. You see, Central Command has learned that Gul Dukat was the leader of a small group of misguided officers who were funneling weapons to our colonies in the Demilitarized zone. Kira: The Maquis are right. The Cardassian settlers are being supplied by the Central Command. Parn: Dukat and the others were operating entirely without our knowledge. Central Command would never sanction anything that would violate our treaty with the Federation. We've arrested Dukat's co-conspirators and they shall be dealt with accordingly. Sisko: Where does that leave Dukat? Parn: With the Maquis, where he belongs. Sisko: Are you saying you don't want him back? Parn: I assume the Maquis will execute him for his crimes. Sisko: I wouldn't be surprised. Parn: Well then, I don't see what difference it makes whether we do it or they do it. Kira: How do we know they won't use Dukat's death as an excuse to send troops into the Demilitarized zone? Parn: I can assure you, Commander, that there shall be no retaliation. The Cardassians have no desire to go to war again with the Federation. You have my word. Kira: Your word? Sisko: Major. I've found our little talk very enlightening. Parn: I hoped you would. Sisko: Unfortunately, I have some business to attend to, but I do hope you'll take the time to enjoy the station. Parn: Thank you, Commander, but I too must attend to my business. Besides, I am afraid this place has lost its charm since the last time I was here. Kira: I don't believe a word he said. Sisko: Neither do I. But he did tell me something that I needed to know. Cal was right. The Central Command is smuggling weapons into the Demilitarized zone. Dax: We just received a report that three Federation settlers were killed on Hakton Seven. The Cardassians claim it was in response to the destruction of the Bok'Nor. Sisko: Which gives the Maquis a new excuse to strike back. Chief, what have you found? O'Brien: Based on the residual subspace distortion of their warp drive, I was able to plot the course of the Maquis ship that took Dukat. As you can see, long range sensors show no signs of any other vessels traveling along that route. Sisko: All right. They didn't transfer him to another ship. What about a planet? O'Brien: It's possible. Their course took them past five M Class planets. I've downloaded their coordinates into the Rio Grande's computer. Sisko: Good work. Sisko to Odo. Odo: Yes, Commander. Sisko: Find Doctor Bashir and meet me immediately at landing pad C. Odo: On our way. Kira: Commander, you know there's no reason to go after Dukat. I mean, you heard Legate Parn. They don't want him back. Sisko: Are you suggesting we leave him to the Maquis? Kira: Why risk our lives over someone who's caused so many deaths? The way I see it, he's getting exactly what he deserves. Sisko: The Central Command wants him dead. That's reason enough for us to want him alive. Landing pad C. Sakonna: My mind to your mind. Your thoughts to my thoughts. My mind to your mind. Your thoughts to my thoughts. My mind to your mind. Amaros: What is wrong? Dukat: It's not working. That is what's wrong. Sakonna: This is quite puzzling. I am unable to establish a mind meld. It would appear he has the ability to shield his thoughts. Dukat: It's simply a matter of diskipline. Amaros: Now what do we do? Sakonna: I will rest a while, and then I will try again. Dukat: You people really do not do this very well, do you? Now, on Cardassia we know how to extract information, though it can get a bit unpleasant, and we all know how the Federation dislikes unpleasantness. Amaros: I share very few sentiments with the Federation. Dukat: Oh, that's right. You're renegades, aren't you? Or so you'd like to think. Unfortunately, the Federation has taught you your lessons all too well. You simply lack the commitment it takes to do what is necessary. Amaros: You tell that to the crew of the Bok'Nor. Dukat: Anyone can blow up a ship. Ha! But to look your enemy in the eye, knowing you'll remember his face for the rest of your life. Now that takes a stomach much stronger than you'll ever have. Amaros: We'll see about that. Sakonna: No. He's right. We do not possess the Cardassian gift for inflicting pain. Dukat: There, you see? Sakonna: Nor would we want such a gift. Amaros: But we do need to know when the Central Command is sending its next weapons shipment. So if it's all the same to you, Sakonna, I'll take over this interrogation. Then we can find out just how committed I am. Sisko: I don't think anyone's that interested. Put down your weapons. We're not here to fight you. Amaros: If that is true, then you will let us go about our business. Sisko: I'm not leaving without Dukat. Amaros: Then you're not leaving. Bashir: Look, we're all on the same side here. We all want to stop the arms shipments. Why not work together? Dukat: Will you stop talking and shoot them. Sisko: No. That's not what we want. Dukat: What are you waiting for? Sisko: Put down your weapons. Odo: Do as he says. Dukat: Shoot them! Sisko: Let him go. I said, let him go! Odo, get these people secured on the runabout. Odo: With pleasure, Commander. Sisko: Except this one. Amaros: You mean I'm free to go? Sisko: Tell Cal Hudson I haven't told Starfleet anything yet. Tell him we can still solve this thing together, but we're running out of time. Tell him I still have his uniform. He can have it back anytime he wants. Dukat: Enter. Sisko: I just came by to see how you were doing. Dukat: I find a good meal extremely relaxing, especially after a difficult day. Sisko: So do I. Dukat: Really? I wonder what else we have in common. Sisko: Very little, I imagine. Dukat: Other than the fact that you have my office. Tell me, what's going to happen with your prisoners? Sisko: They'll be tried for their crimes under the Federation Code of Justice. Dukat: And if they're found innocent? Sisko: I doubt that they will, but if they are, they'll be set free. Dukat: How barbaric. On Cardassia, the verdict is always known before the trial begins. And it's always the same. Sisko: In that case, why bother with a trial at all? Dukat: Because the people demand it. They enjoy watching justice triumph over evil every time. They find it comforting. Sisko: Isn't there ever a chance you might try an innocent man by mistake? Dukat: Cardassians don't make mistakes. Sisko: I'll have to remember that. Dukat: Commander, one thing does puzzle me. Surely the Central Command was informed of my kidnapping. Sisko: They learned about it almost as soon as it happened. Dukat: Then why was I rescued by you? Why wasn't the station surrounded by Cardassian ships demanding my release? Sisko: We did receive a visit from Legate Parn. Dukat: Ah. I'm sure he made some rather ugly threats on my behalf. Sisko: He said that you were the one responsible for smuggling weapons into the Demilitarized zone, that if the Maquis did not execute you, then the Central Command would. After a comforting trial, I'm sure. Dukat: It seems my relationship with the Central Command has somewhat deteriorated. I knew this was inevitable the moment we withdrew from Bajor. Sisko: Are you saying they blame you for the withdrawal? Dukat: Ha. There are those who believe I should have killed every last Bajoran while I had the chance. Oh well, it's too late for that, I'm afraid. Commander, it seems I was mistaken Sisko: Mistaken about the arms shipment? Dukat: It appears I was misinformed. I'm beginning to believe the Central Command is indeed smuggling weapons into the Demilitarized zone after all. Sisko: Then you really didn't know, did you? Dukat: No. They never bothered to tell me. If I help you stop the smuggling, will you help me stop the Maquis? Sisko: You have a deal. I've scheduled a staff meeting for oh nine hundred. Dukat: I'll be there. Commander, thank you for coming to my rescue. Sisko: I'm sure you'd have done the same for me. Sisko: Constable, you have the list of weapons Sakonna bought from Quark? Odo: I do, and quite a list it is. Six ship-mounted high energy disrupters, three particle accelerators, two hundred photon torpedoes and a dozen pulse cannons. Kira: With that kind of firepower, the Bajorans could've launched a full-scale assault on Cardassia. Dukat: And lost. O'Brien: Sounds like the Maquis have had their fill of border skirmishes. They're ready for something bigger. Sisko: According to Quark, they're planning their first attack any day now. Dax: Have you been able to make any headway with Sakonna? Odo: Have you ever tried to interrogate a Vulcan, Lieutenant? Dax: No. Odo: Neither did I until today. I wouldn't advise it. That calm measured voice that tells you nothing, that impassive stare. It can be quite frustrating. Dukat: Perhaps I could question her? Sisko: I don't think so. Dukat: Pity. I like a challenge. Kira: You want a challenge? Finding out how the Central Command is getting weapons into the Demilitarized zone. Dukat: My guess would be by way of a Xepolite free trader. Dax: Why the Xepolites? Dukat: Because the Xepolites have often served as intermediaries for us in the past. Sisko: So have the Lissepians. Dukat: Ah, but the Xepolites have never been caught. O'Brien: The Xepolite ship isn't responding to our hail, sir. Dukat: Of course they're not responding. Would you respond to a Federation hail if your cargo bays were full of Cardassian weapons? Sisko: Scan their ship, Major. Let's see what they're carrying. Kira: Our scanners can't penetrate their hull. O'Brien: No wonder. It's composed of a sensor reflective material. They obviously value their privacy. Sisko: Chief, you and Gul Dukat remain here. Major, you're with me. Let's go see if it's their privacy or their guilt they're trying to protect. O'Brien: Sorry, Commander, you can't transport over. They just raised their shields. Dukat: You're wasting time. Xepolite ships can reach a maximum speed of warp nine point eight. If they decide to run, we'll never catch them. Kira: Well what would you suggest? Dukat: I would breach their shields with my phasers and destroy their bridge. Kira: Killing everyone there. Dukat: That's correct. Then I would lock onto the ship with my tractor beam and tow it and its cargo back to the station. Very simple, very effective. Sisko: And needlessly bloody. Kira: Sounds like a Cardassian plan to me. Sisko: Chief, fire a phaser over their bow. Let's see if we can get their attention. O'Brien: Yes, sir. That woke them up. They're hailing us. Sisko: On my monitor, Chief. Drofo: I am Drofo Awa, Hetman of this vessel. What do you want from us? Sisko: I'm Commander Benjamin Sisko of the United Federation of Planets. We believe you're carrying Cardassian weapons to their colonies in the Demilitarized zone. Drofo: Well then you believe wrong, Commander. My ship is carrying five kilotons of Regreein wheat husks, nothing more. Sisko: Five kilotons. That's a lot of wheat husks. With your permission I'd like to come aboard and see what that looks like. Drofo: Permission denied. And if there's any attempt to board my vessel, I will consider it an act of piracy. Is that clear? Sisko: Call it anything you like, but you're not going anywhere until we search your ship. Drofo: In that case, Commander Dukat: In that case, you will do exactly as you're told. You will allow us free access to your ship, so that we can verify that you are indeed carrying Cardassian weapons into the Demilitarized zone. You will then follow us back to Deep Space Nine, where your cargo will be confiscated and you will make a full confession detailing everything you know about the smuggling of weapons into the Demilitarized zone. Then you will then sign that confession, after which you and your ship will be allowed on your way. Is that clear? Drofo: I don't understand. You're a Cardassian. Dukat: I'm not just any Cardassian. I'm Gul Dukat, Commander of the Second Order. You have fifteen seconds to lower your shields or we'll destroy your ship. Drofo: No, wait! Dukat: Ten seconds. Drofo: It's not that simple. Dukat: Seven seconds. Drofo: I've already been paid! Dukat: Four seconds. Drofo: Stop counting! Stop counting. O'Brien: He's lowering his shields. Drofo: I'll await your arrival, Commander. Dukat: I think you can handle it from here. Quark: I hope you're happy. Sakonna: I am a Vulcan. My emotional state is irrelevant. Quark: Well I'm a Ferengi, and my emotional state is very relevant, and right now I'm miserable and it's all your fault. Sakonna: You were well paid for your assistance. Quark: Not well enough. Look, I know the Cardassians can't be trusted. I know the Central Command would like nothing better than to destroy the Federation colonies in the Demilitarized zone. Sakonna: Then you agree with our position? Quark: Not for a second. Sakonna: Why not? Quark: Because your position is illogical. Sakonna: Do you propose to lecture me on logic? Quark: I don't want to, but you leave me no choice. It all comes down to the third Rule of Acquisition. You don't know that one, do you? Sakonna: I am not well versed in Ferengi philosophy. Quark: Remind me to give you a copy of the Rules. You never know when they'll come in handy. Now, the third rule clearly states, 'Never spend more for an acquisition than you have to.' Sakonna: Logical, but I fail to see how that applies to my situation. Quark: You want to acquire peace. Fine. Peace is good. But how much are you willing to pay for it? Sakonna: Whatever it costs. Quark: That's the kind of irresponsible spending that causes so many business ventures to fail. You're forgetting the third rule. Right now peace could be bought at a bargain price and you don't even realize it. Sakonna: I find this very confusing. Quark: Then I'll make it so simple that even a Vulcan can understand. The Central Command has been caught red-handed smuggling weapons to their settlers. So, every ship that approaches the Demilitarized zone will be searched. Without the support of the Central Command, the Cardassian settlers won't be so eager to fight. Sakonna: You forget the weapons they already have. Quark: They have weapons. You have weapons. Everyone has weapons. But right now, no one has a clear advantage. So the price of peace is at an all-time low. This is the perfect time to sit down and hammer out an agreement. Don't you get it? Attacking the Cardassians now will only escalate the conflict and make peace more expensive in the long run. Now, I ask you, is that logical? Dukat: A concealed weapons depot located within a civilian population center? Sisko: According to Sakonna, the Maquis are going to attack the depot sometime within the next fifty-two hours. Dukat: But she didn't tell you on which colony the depot's hidden? Sisko: She says she doesn't know. Dukat: How convenient. Sisko: I believe her. Dukat: Why? Because Vulcans don't lie? Sisko: As a rule, they don't. Dukat: They don't blow up ships either, as a rule. But let's assume she is telling the truth. I take it you haven't shared this information with the Central Command? Sisko: No. I haven't. Dukat: Good. Because they would never trust you to handle this matter alone. Sisko: But they would be able to tell me where the weapons depot is located. Dukat: Leave that to me. I may no longer be a favorite with Central Command, but I know people who are. Sisko: In the meantime, I'll go to Volan Three, try to talk some sense into the Maquis. Dukat: And if you can't? Sisko: Don't worry, Dukat. I told you I'd stop the Maquis, and one way or another I will. Kobb: I've also been recently informed that thirty five people had to be hospitalized on Umoth Eight after eating from public food replicators. Sabotage is suspected. Amaros: Then from now on, guards should be posted at all public replicators throughout the colonies. Kobb: Thank you. Now, about the new curfew. Kobb: Commander Sisko, what a pleasant surprise. If you'll just wait a moment, I'll finish up this meeting and we can talk privately. Sisko: That won't be necessary. I want everyone to hear what I have to say. I don't know how many of you here actually belong to the Maquis. Those of you who don't probably have friends who do. So please make sure you pass along what I'm about to tell you. There is a treaty currently in place between Cardassia and the Federation. If you make yourself the enemy of Cardassia, you make yourself the enemy of the Federation. Amaros: That is outrageous! Kobb: Agreed. Sisko: I know the Maquis is planning to attack a Cardassian weapons depot. My advice to them and to you is to call it off, because I'll be waiting there and I'll stop you. Hudson: A very rousing speech, Ben. I suppose my best rebuttal would be to kill you. Sisko: But you won't. Hudson: What is this? Sisko: Your uniform. Hudson: You always were an optimist. Sisko: I have reason to be. The way I see it, now that we've stopped the shipments of Cardassian weapons, there's no longer any need for the Maquis. You and I can work together to reach a peace agreement with the Cardassian colonies. Hudson: It's too late for that. Sisko: Is it? Hudson: We're in a war here, and I intend to win it. I could use your help, Ben, and I'm asking you as a friend. Sisko: As a friend, I have to say no. If you attack that depot, you'll have to get through me first. Hudson: I hope not. I truly hope not. Dukat: The Bryma Colony. According to my sources, that's the location of the weapons depot. Sisko: Then our objective is simple. Prevent the Maquis ships from reaching Bryma. Dax: We're going to have to intercept them before they're picked up by the colony's sensors. Kira: Good point. If the Cardassian settlers even suspect they might come under attack, they'll send a message to Cardassia asking for reinforcements. O'Brien: I don't care how much the Cardassians care about the treaty. If the Maquis launch an assault against a civilian target, the Central Command will have to respond. Sisko: We could wind up with a full scale war on our hands. We have to stop the Maquis. Our runabouts will take up a defensive position just outside the Bryma colony's sensor range. O'Brien: The best way to detect incoming ships would be to hide a couple of dozen sensor probes in the system's Oort Cloud. That way, we can spot the Maquis no matter what route they take. Bashir: How many Maquis ships are we expecting? Odo: According to Sakonna, they only have two ships capable of mounting the weapons she purchased. Bashir: So we'll have three ships and they'll have two. The odds are in our favor, anyway. O'Brien: That's not going to give us much of an advantage, Julian. The colonists are used to being outnumbered. They'll fight just that much harder. Dax: How do you propose to stop them? Dukat: What's that human expression? Shoot to kill. Sisko: We'll try to stop them with words if possible, with force if necessary. Kira: So if they fire at us, we have orders to shoot back? Sisko: That's correct. We'll target their warp engines and weapons arrays, try to disable them. Dukat: How noble. I hope the Maquis will be as obliging to you. Sisko: Rio Grande to Mekong and Orinoco. How do you read me? Kira: Orinoco here. You're loud and clear. O'Brien: Mekong here. O'Brien: Our communications channel is fully operational and secure. The remote sensor probes I set up still haven't detected any sign of the Maquis ships. Bashir: Do you really think they're coming? They know we're waiting for them, after all. Dax: It's possible they changed the Dax: Time frame of their attack. Postponed it a day or a week. Sisko: They'll be here. Sisko: The longer they wait, the greater the chance the weapons depot will be moved to another location. O'Brien: Commander, I'm picking up two Federation ships headed our way. Sisko: Sisko to Hudson. This isn't going to work, Cal. Turn those ships around before someone gets hurt. Hudson: Please, Ben. Don't make me open fire on you. Amaros: He's not going to listen. Hudson: Initiating evasive maneuvers. Signal Niles to follow my lead. Amaros: Right. O'Brien: Commander, they're making a run for it. Sisko: Lock on tractor beams. Hudson: Damn it. Amaros: They've got Niles, too. Hudson: Let us go, Ben. Sisko: You know I can't do that. Hudson: Then I suggest you duck. Fire on their beam emitter. Dukat: What are you waiting for? O'Brien: We're losing tractor lock. Kira: They're breaking away. Sisko: Commence firing. Amaros: Niles' propulsion system is down. He's drifting. Hudson: We'll have to even the odds. Dax: They've hit our navigation array. I've lost attitude control. Oc: Attempting to compensate with manual thrusters. Kira: It's not working. Thrusters are still locked. Sisko: Hang on. Chief, you go after the Orinoco. I'll handle Hudson. O'Brien: Right. O'Brien: Major. Kira: Yes, Chief. O'Brien: lower your shields. We'll beam you out of there. Kira: You've got it. Dukat: They're coming back around. Hudson: It's just you and me, Ben. Sisko: I can't let you start a war. Hudson: I'm not turning back. Sisko: And you're not going forward. Amaros: We're hit. Our photon torpedo tubes are out. Hudson: Switch to phasers. Come about. Heading one one five mark two three six. Amaros: Got it. Dukat: We've taken a direct hit on our primary fusion core. Sisko: Initiating emergency core shutdown. Dukat: The port nacelle is flooded with ionized deuterium. We've lost both warp and impulse engines. Sisko: We still have maneuvering thrusters. Amaros: They're coming back around. Use the phasers. Hudson: I can't. They've knocked out the power couplings to our weapons array. Amaros: What do we do? Hudson: The only thing we can do. We get the hell out of here. Dukat: He's turning away. Now's your chance. Fire. Sisko: It's over, Cal. Hudson: For now, anyway. Next time tell Starfleet to send someone else. It doesn't feel right, us shooting at one another. Sisko: There won't be a next time. Stand down. Hudson: I don't think so, Ben. Dukat: He's getting away. Sisko: You run now, I won't be able to protect you. Starfleet'll track you down. You won't be safe anywhere, not even in the colonies. Hudson: Don't be so sure. I have a lot of friends here. Besides, I've got to help the Maquis finish this thing. Sisko: You'll be an outlaw, a hunted man. Hudson: Maybe. Sisko: You're throwing away your entire life. Hudson: And beginning a new one. Dukat: What are you waiting for? He's helpless. Finish him. Hudson: I'm going to miss you, Ben. You've been a good friend. Sisko: So have you. Dukat: No! I thought you were strong, Commander. You're not. You're a fool. A sentimental fool. Sisko: I said I'd stop the Maquis and I have. But I will not kill a good man for trying to defend his home. Dukat: You disappoint me. Sisko: Don't expect me to lose any sleep over it. Mister O'Brien, when you get a chance, I could use come help with these engines. O'Brien: Yes, sir. Kira: Commander, Gul Dukat has left the station. Sisko: I'm sure he's glad to be going home. Kira: Chief O'Brien says that the Orinoco and Rio Grande will be up and running in a few days. Sisko: Thank you, Major. I just got a communiqué from Starfleet congratulating me on my good work, and thanking me for preserving the peace with the Cardassians. Kira: You deserve it. You prevented a war. Sisko: Did I? Or did I just delay the inevitable?

Scene: Station log, stardate 48543.2. A team of Cardassian scientists is coming to the station to assist us in deploying a subspace relay in the Gamma Quadrant. If successful, it will allow communication through the wormhole for the first time. Odo: I've assigned these quarters to the senior Cardassian scientist. Her name is Ulani. Her colleague Gilora has the adjacent room. Sisko: It's warm in here. I take it you've reset the environmental controls. Odo: I also had Chief O'Brien reprogram the replicators to provide Cardassian food. Sisko: Security measures? Odo: I've assigned two of my people to follow the Cardassians at all times. Sisko: Fine. Have them keep their distance. I want the Cardassians to feel like guests, not prisoners. Odo: Commander, there are still elements opposed to the peace treaty between Cardassia and Bajor on both sides. We have to be prepared for trouble. Sisko: I realize that. But while the Cardassians are here, I want the Bajorans to get used to seeing them walking on the Promenade, buying from their shops, eating from their restaurants, getting to know them as something other than brutal overseers. Dax: I just received the final update from the Cardassians on the transceiver they designed for the communications relay. Sisko: How does it look? Dax: I'm still not convinced it's going to work. Sisko: The Cardassians seem sure that it will. Dax: I hope they're right. Quark: Whose quarters are these? Gilora's or Ulani's? Odo: Ulani's. And how do you know their names? I was just informed an hour ago. Quark: Odo, please. I have a bottle of Kanar for each of them, along with a personal invitation to Quark's. Dax: Where did you get real Kanar? Quark: I've had three cases in my storeroom since the occupation. There hasn't been much call for it the past few years, but that's about to change. Sisko: There are only two Cardassians coming to the station. How much Kanar do you think they can drink? Quark: There may only be two for now, but there'll be more, thanks to the peace treaty. Dax: And as the thirty fourth Rule of Acquisition states, peace is good for business. Quark: That's the thirty fifth Rule. Dax: Oh, you're right. What's the thirty fourth? Quark: War is good for business. It's easy to get them confused. The way I see it, it won't be long before there's a permanent Cardassian presence on the station. Scientists, diplomats, spies. Odo: And they'll all be welcome at Quark's. Quark: As long as they can pay. Rumor has it that the shop next door to mine is going out of business. I'm thinking of renting it and setting up a few Cardassian gaming concessions. Odo: There'll be no live vole fights on the Promenade, Quark. Quark: I would never be party to anything so cruel and inhumane. But, of course, if some Cardassians happened to bring their voles along and they happened to get into a fight, I could hardly be held responsible for Odo: Oh, yes you could. Sisko: And you will be. Quark: Fine. Forget the vole fights. But I'll tell you this. Good Kanar is hard to find and I have three cases of it. Quark: But that's just the beginning. Soon, Quark's will become known as the best place for Cardassian food and drink in this sector. I'll probably set up daily shipments from Cardassia. I may even need to buy my own transport ship. Dax: Quark, this Kanar has gone bad. Quark: What? Odo: I suggest you take your bottles and leave, Quark, before I have you arrested for attempting to poison our guests. Kira: Excuse me, Commander. There's a Vedek Yarka here to see you. He says it's urgent. Yarka: Thank you for seeing me, Emissary. Sisko: What can I do for you? Yarka: I am here with a warning from the Prophets. They don't want you to let the Cardassians come aboard the station. If you do, you will bring destruction on us all. Sisko: Are you making some sort of threat, Vedek? Yarka: Not at all. I'm simply telling you what was foretold in the ancient texts. Kira: Ancient texts? You mean a prophecy? Yarka: Trakor's third, when he first encountered the Orb of Change. Kira: I'm afraid I don't know it. Yarka: Perhaps you should make more time to study the texts, child. Sisko: Are you saying that the arrival of the Cardassian scientists was foretold in a Bajoran prophecy? Yarka: Exactly. Trakor's words are clear. When the river wakes, stirred once more to Janir's side, three vipers will return to their nest in the sky. The river has awoken, Emissary. Kira: The Qui'al dam was just put back into operation to divert water to the city. Yarka: Just as Trakor prophesied over three thousand years ago. And even now, the vipers are making their way here. Sisko: I take it you think the vipers are a reference to the Cardassian scientists. Yarka: Yes, and this station is their nest in the sky. Sisko: And how exactly is their presence here going to bring destruction on us all? Yarka: Trakor said when the vipers try to peer through the temple gates, a sword of stars will appear in the heavens, the temple will burn and the gates will be cast open. You must not let the Cardassians come here. You must not let them violate the Celestial Temple or they will destroy it and Bajor will be cut off from the Prophets forever. Sisko: Slow down. Now let me get this straight. You're saying that the vipers, the Cardassians, are going to destroy the wormhole? Yarka: Don't you see? This communications relay you hope to create is part of the prophecy. It will allow the vipers to peer through the temple gates. The wormhole, as you call it. And if they do, the temple will be destroyed. Kira: Even if we accept that the Cardassians are the vipers, there are only two of them coming, not three. Isn't it possible that there are other mistakes in your interpretation of the prophecy as well? Yarka: There will be three vipers. You will see. Sisko: Do you understand what this communications relay could mean for Bajor? If it works, we'll be able to stay in contact with ships in the Gamma Quadrant. Kira: It'll facilitate exploration, help us monitor Dominion activity, give us warning in case of an attack. Yarka: None of that matters. You must listen to me. I know it is difficult for you to accept because you are not Bajoran. I have studied the prophecies all my life. We are on the verge of a great disaster. Sisko: Is the Bajoran Assembly aware of this prophecy? Yarka: Yes. As is the Kai herself. Sisko: Yet they still want us to proceed with the establishment of the communications relay. Yarka: They have chosen to ignore the signs. That is why I came to you, Emissary. Because I have faith in you. I know that you will do what must be done. Sisko: Vedek, I have the utmost respect for your beliefs, but I have no intention of calling this project off. Yarka: I hope that you will reconsider, Emissary. My followers and I will remain on the station and pray that you change your mind. Sisko: You're free to do that, of course. Sisko: Major, have Odo find out everything he can about Vedek Yarka and his followers. I don't want them making any trouble while the Cardassians are here. Sisko: I'm Commander Benjamin Sisko and on behalf of the United Federation of Planets and Starfleet Command, I'd like to welcome you to Deep Space Nine. Ulani: Thank you, Commander. I'm Doctor Ulani Belor. Gilora: Gilora Rejal. Ulani: The Cardassian Government wishes to express its gratitude to the Federation for agreeing to work together on this project. Gilora: It is our hope that it will be the first of many such projects between our peoples. Sisko: That's a hope that I can assure you we share. This is my First Officer, Major Kira. Kira: And on behalf of the Bajoran Provisional Government, I'd like to welcome you. It's our belief that this project will mark the beginning of a new era of peace for Bajor and Cardassia. Ulani: Thank you, Major. Sisko: Well, now that we've gotten the formalities out of the way, how was your trip? Ulani: Exhausting. We spent most of it rehearsing what we were going to say when we got here. Gilora: We're scientists, not diplomats. Sisko: You did very well. Ulani: Please feel free to let the Central Command know that. In the past few days I've been contacted by Guls I haven't even heard of, all of them wanting to emphasize how important this mission is. Sisko: I know what you mean. I've gotten three calls from Starfleet Command just this morning. Ulani: Major Kira, I want to thank you personally for allowing us to come here. Kira: Me? Ulani: You're the ranking Bajoran officer on this station. I'm sure we wouldn't be here if you had been opposed to working with us. Kira: I'll work with anyone who's interested in peace. Ulani: I'm glad we already have so much in common. Sisko: Well, why don't I show you to your quarters. Sisko: The signaling platform we've designed is intended to be positioned in the Gamma Quadrant at this point, two kilometers from the far mouth of the wormhole. Ulani: Our transceiver has been configured to fit inside it, and use its existing power grid. Gilora: A similar transceiver will be put in place here on Terok Nor, on Deep Space Nine. Dax: Ulani, I've looked over your design specifications. I'm not clear on what sort of carrier wave you're planning on using to cut through the interference on the inside of the wormhole. Ulani: We're planning to test various types of soliton pulses. One of them should maintain the required signal integrity. O'Brien: We tried something similar about a year ago without much success. Gilora: Yes. The Bajoran Government made your data available to us. I believe the problem had to do with a phase variance in your transceiver coils. O'Brien: I configured those coils myself. The variance was less than point zero one percent. Gilora: Which as you saw, was unacceptably high. Our new design has less than half that variance. O'Brien: You don't mind if I look at the specs? Gilora: If you think it's necessary. Ulani: Commander, we'll need to make a few adjustments to the station's signaling array so that it can accommodate the type of transmissions we're planning to use. Sisko: Chief O'Brien's people can assist you with that. And when you're ready, we'll take the Defiant to the Gamma Quadrant, deploy the communications relay, and start running tests. Ulani: Excellent. Well, it's been a long day. We'd like to get some rest so we can start fresh tomorrow. Sisko: I'll have someone show you to your quarters. Gilora: Thank you, but that won't be necessary. Ulani: Thank you. Sisko: Now those are about the two friendliest vipers I've ever met. I'll explain later. Ulani: Commander, I almost forgot to tell you. Another colleague of ours, Dejar, will be arriving later today. Sisko: I'll arrange quarters. Ulani: Thank you. Sisko: So we need to discuss what we're going to do about. What is it, Major? Kira: There are going to be three of them. Sisko: Yes. Kira: Three vipers, just like in the prophecy. Odo: It turns out that Vedek Yarka is no longer a Vedek at all. He was stripped of his title two months ago. Sisko: Why? Odo: Officially, for teachings not in keeping with the Bajoran faith. But according to my sources, he was defrocked because he led a series of protests against the Vedek Assembly when they endorsed the peace treaty with Cardassia. Sisko: So Yarka may be using this prophecy as a way to scuttle the peace treaty. Odo: That would seem to be his agenda. And it's probably coloring his view of the prophecy, just as your agenda colors how you see it. Sisko: I don't have an agenda, Odo. I want this project to succeed because I want the peace treaty to succeed. If I thought for a moment there was any possibility that this communications relay could cause damage to the wormhole, I'd put a stop to it right now. Odo: That's not the agenda I was referring to, Commander. Sisko: Oh? Odo: I was referring to your desire to distance yourself from the title of Emissary. It's just an observation, of course, but it's always seemed to me that you've never been comfortable with it. Sisko: I can't deny that. Are you suggesting that I'm dismissing this prophecy too easily because I don't want to be the Emissary? Odo: I'm not suggesting anything. But it's been my experience that all humanoids have an agenda of some sort, and that their agendas can influence them without their even realizing it. Bashir: Morn came by the Infirmary this afternoon. He had an acute case of food poisoning. Kira: Morn? I didn't think anything could make him sick. Bashir: Well he said he had a bad glass of Kanar at Quark's. Kira: He should ask for a refund. Bashir: Apparently it was on the house. Yarka: Major, may I have a word with you? Bashir: I'll see you later. Kira: What can I do for you, Vedek? Yarka: Have you been able to convince the Emissary to reconsider his decision? Kira: I haven't tried and I'm not planning to. Yarka: But you must. If not, the Celestial Temple will be destroyed. Kira: I'm not convinced that's going to happen. Yarka: Don't you believe in the Prophecies? Kira: Yes. Yarka: And don't you believe that Commander Sisko is the Emissary? Kira: Vedek, you have to understand my position here. Commander Sisko is my superior officer. I have to deal with him on that basis first. Yarka: So you do believe he's the Emissary. You just don't want him to know that. I understand. You want him to know that he can count on you as an officer under his command. You want to keep your work and your faith separate. Kira: Yes, and for three years now I have. Yarka: I'm afraid that's no longer possible. The Prophets have chosen you to help the Emissary make this decision. A decision that has profound implications for all of Bajor. You must convince him to make the Cardassians leave before the Sword of Stars appears. Kira: Vedek, if you're asking me to Yarka: It is not I who is asking, it is the Prophets. If you turn your back on them now, you're abandoning your faith. And without your faith, Nerys, what do you have left? Dax: I prefer the serialist poets from the First Republic, like Iloja of Prim. He's easily my favorite Cardassian writer. Ulani: It is so rare to meet a non-Cardassian who appreciates our literature. Dax: I took an interest because I had the chance to meet Iloja. Gilora: You knew him? Dax: One of my previous hosts, Tobin, met him when he was in exile on Vulcan. As I recall, he had quite a temper. Ulani: Really? Quark: I believe this is the party you're looking for. Ulani: Dejar. Gilora: May I introduce Jadzia Dax and Miles O'Brien. Our colleague, Dejar. Ulani: We weren't expecting you so soon. Dejar: I was able to arrange special transportation. Gilora: I'm sure you were. Quark: I took the liberty of preparing a few of our special Cardassian delicacies. Ulani: Tojal in yamok sauce. Gilora: Regova eggs. Quark: All fresh, not replicated. Well, enjoy. Dax: Is something wrong? Ulani: It's just, I don't really care for Cardassian cuisine. Gilora: We try to avoid it whenever possible. Ulani: Fortunately, those of us in the Science Ministry are provided with a wide variety of offworld foods. Dejar: Yes, we're actually quite spoiled. Some of us even think of ourselves as better than the average Cardassian. O'Brien: The main switching relays are in here. I think we should hook your transceiver to the ODN interface through the Gilora: What happened to these couplings? O'Brien: What? Oh, I made some modifications. Gilora: But these relays don't have nearly as much carrying capacity as before. They won't be able to handle the signal load from the transceiver. O'Brien: Well, in order to bring the system up to Starfleet code, I had to take out the couplings to make room for a secondary backup. Gilora: Starfleet code requires a second backup? O'Brien: In case the first backup fails. Gilora: What are the chances that both a primary system and its backup would fail at the same time? O'Brien: It's very unlikely, but in a crunch I wouldn't like to be caught without a second backup. Gilora: Well, what's done is done. I'll try to figure out what we should do next. O'Brien: Well, I think our best bet would be to go Gilora: Please, please. Just give me a moment to think. O'Brien: Fine. I'll just sit here quietly. Gilora: Ah. In that case, could you get me a cup of red leaf tea? O'Brien: Why not. Kira: We've loaded the communications relay into the Defiant's cargo bay. Sisko: Good. How're Chief O'Brien and Gilora coming along? Kira: They've run into some kind of problem, but the Chief says the transceiver should be online in about four hours. Sisko: We won't be ready much before that anyway. Dax: We've received clearance from Ops, Commander. Sisko: Release docking clamps, and set course a for the wormhole. Sisko: Full scan. Dax: No sign of Dominion activity. No other ships in the area. Sisko: All right, take us into position. Stand by to deploy the relay Dax: Wait a minute. Sisko: What is it? Dax: Reading a large mass of ice and ionized gas entering sensor range, bearing two one five mark three. It looks like a rogue comet. Sisko: Let's have a look. Put it on screen. Ulani: It's beautiful. Dax: Its core contains unusually high concentrations of silithium. That's why its tail is so bright. Kira: The Sword of Stars. Ulani: That's a very colorful way to describe a comet, Major. Kira: It's just a figure of speech. Ulani: Well, your Sword of Stars is going to pass very near the wormhole, but not close enough to interfere with our plans. Dax: We're in position, Benjamin. Sisko: Begin a final systems check on the relay station. I want to deploy it within the hour. Major, can I have a word with you? Sisko: The Sword of Stars? Kira: It certainly looked like that to me. Sisko: That's open to debate. But what is not debatable is that this prophecy has no place on the Bridge of the Defiant, especially in front of the Cardassians. At the moment they are not even aware of it, and I want to keep it that way. Kira: You're right. It won't happen again. Sisko: I take it, Major, that you believe the prophecy is coming true? Kira: Yes, I do. Sisko: So you think I should call this mission off? Kira: Look at what's happened already. The river has returned to Janir, the three vipers, now the Sword of Stars. Each of them predicted by Trakor's prophecy. And then there's you, the Emissary. You're here. You have a decision to make just like in the prophecy. Sisko: Do you really believe that I'm the Emissary? Kira: I guess I always have. I never wanted to admit it to myself. It's hard to work for someone who's a religious icon. Sisko: I hope I don't offend your beliefs, but I don't see myself as an icon, religious or otherwise. I'm a Starfleet Officer, and I have a mission to accomplish. If I call it off, it has to be for some concrete reason, something solid, something Starfleet. Kira: All right, how about this? The Prophets, the aliens who live in the wormhole as you call them, exist outside of linear time. They know the past, present, and the future. Sisko: Agreed. Kira: It seems perfectly reasonable that they could've communicated knowledge of the future to a Bajoran named Trakor. He wrote down that knowledge in the form of a prophecy and now, three thousand years later, we are seeing those events unfold. To me, that reasoning sounds concrete, solid, I'd even call it Starfleet. Sisko: But that all hinges on how you interpret an ancient text that's been translated and re-translated over the centuries. Words that were couched in metaphor to begin with. I'm sorry, Major, but where you see a Sword of Stars, I see a comet. Where you see vipers, I see three scientists. And where you see the Emissary, I see a Starfleet Officer. Dax: Dax to Sisko. Sisko: Go ahead. Dax: We're ready to deploy the relay. Sisko: On my way. Gilora: All right, now we just have to shunt the ODN line through the secondary field coils. O'Brien: We can't do that. Gilora: Why not? O'Brien: Because those coils aren't configured to handle ODN output. Gilora: Why not? Did you modify them too? O'Brien: Actually, I replaced them. They were always shorting out on us. Frankly I don't see how this station kept running during the occupation. Gilora: Why didn't you tell me you'd replaced the secondary field coils? O'Brien: If you had told me know what you were planning to do, I would have. Gilora: I don't have time to explain everything. O'Brien: What, you think I won't be able to understand? Gilora: It's been my experience that O'Brien: What? That humans aren't good engineers? Gilora: No, not humans. Males. O'Brien: I beg your pardon? Gilora: Men just don't seem to have a head for this sort of thing. That's why women dominate the sciences. O'Brien: Maybe on Cardassia. But on this station, this man is Chief of Operations, and I know more about these systems anyone, including you. I think I know what the problem is, so if you want to get that transceiver online, hand me the laser-torch and give me some room. Sisko: Are we ready on this end? Dax: Almost. I'm just about to activate the relay's transmission array. Dejar? Dejar: Standing by. I'm receiving the relay's test signal. Ulani: Target the signaling array toward the wormhole and initiate a carrier wave in the delta band frequency. Dax: Initiating carrier wave. Ulani: If they receive it on the station, they'll send an acknowledging signal on the same frequency. Dax: I'm not receiving anything. Ulani: Then we have to assume it didn't work. Let's try the theta band frequency. Dax: Initiating carrier wave. Something's wrong. I'm picking up a neutrino surge from the wormhole. Sisko: Report. Dax: Somehow the carrier wave caused the wormhole to open. Kira: The wormhole's gravity well has increased by a factor of three. Sisko: Terminate the carrier wave and maintain our position. Kira: Gravimetric fields have returned to normal. Sisko: What happened? Ulani: I'm not sure. The carrier wave shouldn't have affected the wormhole at all. Sisko: Was there any damage to the relay? Dejar: None. I'm still receiving the test signal. Dax: Benjamin, the gravitational surge altered the course of the comet. It's now heading directly toward the wormhole. Ulani: If the comet enters the wormhole, the silithium in its core will cause a cascade reaction. Dax: And collapse the wormhole permanently. Commander's log, supplemental. With less than five hours before the comet reaches the wormhole, I've brought the Defiant back to the station and convened a meeting of the entire science team. Dax: Apparently the carrier wave we sent created some sort of subspace inversion inside the wormhole. O'Brien: That's what caused the gravity well to form. Ulani: The possibility of subspace inversion was predicted in one of our computer models. O'Brien: That wasn't included in the data you sent us. Gilora: The probability of such an occurrence was less than two percent. Well within safety limitations. So we saw no reason to include it in the data we sent you. Sisko: It would seem that our scientific methodologies differ slightly. It is our practice to examine all possibilities, no matter how unlikely, before we proceed with field tests. Ulani: We would, of course, prefer to operate that way as well. However, since the Science Ministry falls under the jurisdiction of the military, we have to follow certain rules. One of them is not to make any project look unnecessarily dangerous. Sisko: We'll have to keep that in mind when we resume work on the communications relay. Dejar: That is an extremely unlikely possibility, Commander. The Science Ministry will undoubtedly wish to assemble a new team before proceeding further. Sisko: That is, of course, an internal Cardassian matter. Chief, Dax feels that we can't risk using tractor beams to deflect the comet. Dax: It would probably into smaller pieces and we'd have a bigger mess on our hands. Gilora: The same thing would happen if you tried to destroy it with a phaser beam. O'Brien: Not necessarily. I could modify the Defiant's phaser array to generate a beam wide enough to encompass the entire comet. Ulani: Vaporizing it evenly so it won't break up. Sisko: How long would the modifications take? O'Brien: Three hours. Sisko: Get on it. We'll be cutting this one pretty close. O'Brien: I've accessed the Defiant's primary phaser relay. I'm going to try shunting it through the warp drive. Gilora: Won't that overload the relay? O'Brien: Not if we bypass the plasma emitter. Gilora: I hadn't thought of that. O'Brien: The emitter coupling is over there. Gilora: What are you doing now? O'Brien: I'm decoupling the servos so they don't lock up. Gilora: You have very steady hands. O'Brien: Well they get the job done, I guess. And right now, the most important job is bypassing the plasma emitter. Gilora: I assure you I'm quite fertile. Gilora: I could provide you with many healthy children, if that's your concern, but quite frankly I think you're getting a little ahead of yourself. O'Brien: Children? What are you talking about? I already have a child, and a wife. Gilora: You're married? O'Brien: Yes, happily. Gilora: Then why have you been leading me to believe that you wanted me? O'Brien: I haven't. All we've done since we met is argue. Gilora: I took your overt irritability toward me as a signal that you wished to pursue some physical relationship. O'Brien: Of course. That's how Cardassians, er, do things. Gilora: Oh, my. I'm afraid this is a case of cross-cultural misunderstanding. O'Brien: I think so. I'm not remotely interested in you. That's not what I meant. No, you are very attractive, and I'm flattered of course Gilora: Please, Mister O'Brien, there's no need to continue. You've made your feelings clear. O'Brien: Gilora, we have to finish this. Gilora: I'm sure you can complete the job on your own. Dax: Chief O'Brien said the modifications to the Defiant's phasers will be ready within half an hour. Sisko: Half an hour ahead of schedule. Dax: The Chief's a born engineer. He always gives himself a comfortable margin with his repair estimates. Let me guess. You're reading up on Bajoran prophecies concerning the Emissary. Sisko: There are hundreds of them. Most of them are vague, some are contradictory, but just enough truth in a few of them to make me wonder. Dax: You mean some of them have come true? Sisko: If you interpret them a certain way, yes. Dax: And so now you're wondering if Trakor's prophecy is going to come true as well Sisko: I have to admit it's getting harder to ignore. Dax: But Benjamin, there's every reason to believe we'll be able to destroy the comet. Sisko: I know, but I'm becoming more and more concerned that if I don't send the Cardassians home, something else will go wrong. Dax: The gates of heaven will burn and be cast open. Let me ask you something. If you'd never heard Trakor's prophecy, what would you do? Sisko: I'd continue working on the communications relay. Dax: Then it seems to me you have a choice. You can either make your own decisions or you can let these prophecies make them for you. Sisko: As soon as the Defiant is ready, have the Cardassians meet us on board. Dax: Yes, sir. Dax: The comet is directly ahead. Distance, two hundred kilometers. Sisko: Bring us to within ten kilometers. Chief, are your phaser modifications online? O'Brien: Aye, sir. Phasers are locked on target. Dax: Holding position at ten kilometers. Sisko: Shields up. Go to Red Alert. Fire. Sisko: Chief, what the hell happened? O'Brien: I don't know, sir. The entire weapons relay just blew. All defensive systems are down. Dax: Benjamin, sensors show that the modified phasers never came online. We fired a standard burst and it shattered the comet instead of vaporising it. O'Brien: There's no way they should have misfired like that. I modified the systems myself. Kira: Commander, the three fragments are still on course for the wormhole. Sisko: How long until they reach the entrance? Kira: Twenty six minutes. Sisko: Without weapons we have no way of stopping them. O'Brien: The main emitter coupling has been depolarized. I must have accidentally inverted the power flow when I tried to modify the phaser array. I can't believe it. A first year Engineering student wouldn't make a mistake like that. Gilora: This wasn't your fault, Mister O'Brien. And it wasn't an accident. Ulani: Gilora. Gilora: Dejar is a member of the Obsidian Order. She was assigned to our team for security reasons. I believe she sabotaged this coupling. Sisko: The Order has always been opposed to the peace treaty with Bajor. They sent you here to sabotage the relay because if the first joint venture between Cardassia and Bajor was a failure, it would probably be the last. Dejar: This is all speculation, Commander. You have no proof. Kira: If it was sabotage, a DNA scan on the coupling will probably reveal who was responsible. Sisko: Take her to quarters and detain her there. Sisko: Now that the comet's been fractured into smaller pieces, can we use the tractor beams to deflect them? Ulani: They'd just disintegrate further, releasing more silithium. Sisko: If we can't stop the fragments, is there any way that we can prevent the silithium from interacting with the wormhole? Dax: Maybe if we could contain it, somehow. Ulani: If you can generate a subspace field around the fragments, that might contain the silithium. O'Brien: The warp drive. It could create a subspace bubble around the ship. Dax: But we'd have to maneuver the Defiant between the fragments. They're too close together. There's not enough room. Sisko: A shuttlepod could maneuver between them and its warp drive should be able to create a large enough subspace field. O'Brien: Maybe, but it could overload the engines. Sisko: That's the chance I'll have to take. Major, you have the Bridge. I want you to take the Defiant back into the Alpha Quadrant as soon as I've cleared the shuttlebay. Kira: Commander, I want to go with you. Not just because I'm your first officer, but because I believe I'm here to help the Emissary. Sisko: Dax, the Bridge is yours. Sisko: We've cleared the shuttlebay. Signal the Defiant that they can leave. Kira: They're heading for the wormhole. Sisko: I'm going to take us in behind the comet fragments. It'll be easier to maneuver into position. Dax: Hold position here. They could be in for a rough ride. Stand by transporters in case we need to beam them off the shuttlepod when they clear the wormhole. Sisko: We're in position. Activate the subspace field. Kira: Field engaged. Sisko: We'll reach the entrance to the wormhole in five seconds. Kira: The subspace field is losing integrity. Some of the silithium is starting to leak through/ Sisko: Divert power from the engines to the subspace field coils. We'll let our own inertia carry us the rest of the way. Kira: That helped. We're still losing silithium. O'Brien: I'm picking up a neutrino surge. Something's coming through. Dax: Dax to Sisko. Sisko: Sisko here. Dax: Are you all right, Benjamin? Sisko: There was some silithium leakage inside the wormhole, but we're fine. O'Brien: I don't believe it. Dax: What is it, Chief? O'Brien: I'm picking up the test signal from the communications relay. Sisko: How is that possible? Dax: I'm not sure. We're reading a subspace filament leading back through the wormhole. It's acting like some kind of a carrier wave. O'Brien: The comet fragments. They must left a silithium trail in the wormhole. Sisko: It's almost like the wormhole was wedged open just a crack. Just enough to let subspace signals through. Kira: The prophecy came true. All of it. We just misinterpreted Trakor's words. The three vipers. He wasn't talking about the Cardassians. He meant the three comet fragments. Sisko: The communications relay. In a sense we've been trying to peer through the temple gates. Kira: The silithium ignited the wormhole, burning the temple gates. Sisko: So that they never close again. Kira: And it's all because the Emissary used the Sword of Stars. Sisko: And Trakor saw it all three thousand years ago. O'Brien: I just wanted to say that I appreciate what you did on the Defiant. I hope it won't cause you too much trouble when you get back to Cardassia. Gilora: My superiors in the Science Ministry will protect me. Frankly, I think Dejar is in much more trouble than I am. The Order doesn't reward failure. O'Brien: Still, it was a very brave thing to do. Gilora: I didn't want you to take the blame for something that wasn't your fault. I know how proud you are of your work. O'Brien: Too proud, sometimes. It's gotten me into trouble now and again. Gilora: What's your wife's name? O'Brien: Keiko. Gilora: A lucky woman. Yarka: Emissary, I'm sorry I doubted you. I realize now I let my distrust of the Cardassians blind me to the Prophets' words. Sisko: It seems that the Prophets want peace between your two peoples after all. Yarka: Perhaps so. There are signs that Trakor's fourth prophecy will soon come to pass as well. Sisko: Don't tell me that has something to do with me? Yarka: You, Commander? Well, it is a prophecy about the Emissary. Sisko: Tell me about it. Yarka: The fourth prophecy says that the Emissary will face a fiery trial and he'll be forced to choose

Bashir: Lot of kick for a forty five Dom. Caprice: Thank you, Mister. Mister? Bashir: Bashir. Julian Bashir. Caprice: Who's that? Bashir: An uninvited guest. Excuse me. Bashir: Nice tux. Garak: Thank you. Bashir: Now get out. Garak: But Doctor, I've only just arrived. Bashir: Breaking into a holosuite during someone's program is not only rude, it's illegal. I should call Odo and have you arrested. Garak: What an extreme reaction that would be. You must be very embarrassed by this program. Bashir: I'm not embarrassed. I'm annoyed that you have intruded into my privacy. Garak: Privacy, indeed. I think it goes far deeper than that, Doctor. Ever since you received this new program, you've spent virtually every free hour in the holosuite. But you haven't told anyone what the program is. Bashir: Am I supposed to? Garak: No, no, no. But you're such a, forgive me, a talkative man and it's so unusual for you to have secrets. Bashir: I must have picked up that habit from you. Now, if you will excuse me. Garak: Is this fantasy of yours really truly revealing of your inner psyche? Bashir: What? Garak: Is that why you're so protective? Are you afraid that I'll find out some humiliating secrets about the real Julian Bashir? Bashir: This is a fantasy. I'm not hiding anything. Garak: Well, if you've nothing to hide, then why not let me stay? Bashir: All right. Now I have to be at work in two hours and I'd like to enjoy myself, so keep quiet and don't rain on my parade. Garak: Your parade? Bashir: Never mind. Garak: Don't worry, Doctor. I can be quite diskreet. You'll barely know I'm here. Bashir: Good. Garak: But if I may make one observation. Bashir: Garak. Garak: I only want to point out that your lovely companion is leaving. Odd. She seemed so interested in your advances just a moment ago. I wonder what scared her away? Oh, no. I do apologize. You must be incensed. In fact, if I were in your shoes, I would grab a bottle of champagne and shoot me. Bashir: I can see I'm going to regret this. Garak: Don't worry, Doctor. We're going to have a wonderful time. After all, what could possibly go wrong? Garak: You live here? Bashir: That's right. Garak: Decorate it yourself? Bashir: The decor is appropriate for the period. Nineteen sixty-four. Garak: How did you pronounce the name of this city? Bashir: Kowloon. It's part of Hong Kong. Garak: And the nightclub was in Paris, which, if I remember correctly, was on the other side of the planet. Luvsitt: Mister Bashir, I didn't expect you home so soon. Bashir: I decided to leave Paris a little early. Allow me to introduce my friend, Mister Garak. Garak, this is my personal valet, Mona Luvsitt. Luvsitt: Pleased to make your acquaintance. Would you like to change into something more comfortable? Bashir: That would be perfect. See if we can find Mister Garak something as well. Luvsitt: I'll see what I can do. Would you like me to put this away? Bashir: Please. Care for a drink? Garak: Not just yet. Garak: Is she your valet or your personal assassin? Bashir: Valet. Mona is very capable. She speaks seven languages, has degrees in biology, chemistry, physics, can fly anything from a jet to a helicopter and makes an excellent martini. Mona: Is there anything else I can do for you? Bashir: I'll let you know. Garak: I take it your character is some kind of rich dilettante with a fascination for women and weapons. Bashir: Actually, my character is far more disreputable. I'm a spy. Garak: A spy? And you live here? Bashir: Yes. I work for one of the nation states of this era, Great Britain, which is battling various other nations in what is called the Cold War. This apartment, my clothes, weapons, even my valet were provided to me by my government. Garak: I think I joined the wrong intelligence service. Sisko: Orinoco to Deep Space Nine. This is Captain Sisko requesting landing clearance. Eddington: Welcome back, Captain. Eddington: You're cleared to set down on landing pad three. How was the conference? Sisko: Informative, but I've got a ship full of tired officers here. I think we'll all be happy to be in our own beds tonight. Eddington: I can imagine. Eddington: There's some message traffic from Starfleet Command for you to look at Eddington: But nothing O'Brien: Captain, there's some kind of power surge in the warp core. Sisko: Looks like a fluctuation in the plasma coils. We'd better take the warp core offline. O'Brien: I can't. There's something wrong with the command control systems. I'm completely locked out. Worf: Magnetic interlocks are failing. Warp core breach is imminent. Sisko: Eject the warp core. Kira: The ejection system isn't responding. O'Brien: Correction. The ejection system is missing. We've been sabotaged. Worf: Ten seconds to warp core breach. Eddington: Orinoco, cut your impulse engines and drop your deflectors. We're going to try to beam you out of there. Sisko: Acknowledged. Cut main power. Eddington: I've locked on. Energizing. Odo: What happened? Eddington: Captain Sisko's runabout exploded while I was trying to beam them back. Some of the energy traveled back along the transporter beam and blew up the primary energizing coils. Odo: Do we still have their patterns? Eddington: Yes. They're in the buffer. But the patterns will start to degrade if not used immediately. We need to store the patterns somewhere. Odo: This is more complicated than just an ordinary transporter pattern. We're going to have to preserve all the neural signatures of everyone on that runabout. Do you know how much memory it would take to save just one person's neural signature, much less five? Eddington: I don't think we have any choice. Computer, I need to store all data currently in the transporter pattern buffer. Where can I save it? Computer: There is insufficient computer memory to save the data. Odo: The pattern buffer's beginning to lose coherence. The patterns will start to degrade any second now. Eddington: Computer, what if we wiped all computer memory in every system on the station and then stored the patterns? Computer: That procedure has not been tested. It cannot be predicted. Odo: The buffer is depolarizing. Eddington: Computer, this is a command priority override. Wipe all computer memory necessary in order to save the patterns from the buffer. Authorisation Eddington zero six five alpha enable. Computer: Executing command override. Odo: Tricorder. The buffer's lost coherence. The patterns are gone. Did the computer save them in time? Eddington: I think so, but I'm not sure where. Garak: Thank you, my dear. Yes, this should do nicely, although I'm not too sure about the collar. Bashir: It's perfect. Luvsitt: I'll have these cleaned right away. ( Bashir: Thank you. Garak: Isn't this a rather ostentatious life for a spy? Bashir: It's all part of my cover. I'm posing as a wealthy jet-setter, so I have to act like one. Garak: Jet-setter? Bashir: People of this era used to travel in Kira: Julian. I must have fallen asleep. Bashir: Very funny. Who else did you invite along with you today? Garak: This wasn't my idea. Major? Kira: Colonel, actually. Colonel Anastasia Komananov, KGB. Oh, Julian, I never thought I'd see you alive again. Not after you fell out of that dirigible over Iceland. Bashir: I had a parachute, and there was a submarine there waiting for me. But how do you know about that? Have you been downloading my holosuite programs? Kira: Oh Julian, you are not well. Let's lie down. Garak: I must say, Major Kira's certainly throwing herself into the role, Doctor. Bashir: Nerys, please. Kira: Who is this Major Nerys Kira? Bashir: Kira Nerys, actually. Garak: Perhaps this isn't Major Kira after all. Bashir: I'm beginning to think you're right. Computer restore the image of Colonel Komananov back to its original parameters. Computer: Unable to comply. The character parameters of Colonel Komananov are correct. Garak: I'd say someone's been tampering with your program, Doctor. Kira: Julian, we don't have time for games. There is much to talk about. Bashir: Excuse me. Computer freeze program. Computer: Unable to comply. Computer control has been disrupted due to station-wide emergency. Garak: Emergency? Bashir: Bashir to Ops. What's going on? Odo: We've got our hands full right now, Doctor. Stand by. Eddington: Odo, wait. Doctor, where are you? And do you have access to a working computer console? Bashir: I'm in holosuite three. Bashir: The program's running but it won't comply with my commands. Eddington: The program is still running? Kira: I demand to know who you are talking to! Kira: Julian, tell me. Odo: That sounded like Kira. Bashir: Not exactly. Bashir: Someone has replaced one of the characters with the image of Major Kira. What's going on? Eddington: Stay where you are Eddington: Doctor. Keep the program running for now. We'll get right back to you. Kira: Julian, talk to me. Tell me what is happening. Bashir: I'm not sure myself. Eddington: Ops to Bashir. Eddington: Doctor, whatever you do, don't end that program. Bashir: Why not? Eddington: There's been a transporter accident. Eddington: We believe the holosuite memory core is holding the transporter patterns of five crewmembers. If you stop the program, their patterns Eddington: Might be lost. Bashir: How could that happen? Eddington: It's a long story. Eddington: But at this moment the patterns of Captain Sisko, Kira, Worf, Dax and O'Brien exist only in the holosuite database. Odo: Don't leave the holosuite. If you do, it might disrupt the holo-imaging array and right now we can't take any chances. You'll have to stay in there and keep the program running for now. Bashir: Understood. Odo: We'll get back to you, Doctor. Kira: Oh, Julian, you are so tense. Bashir: It's been one of those days Kira: I wish I could relax you but I am here on business. Kira: In the last twenty-four hours, a series of earthquakes have struck cities from Vladivostok to New York. Our seismologists have analyzed the earthquakes and come to the conclusion that they are artificial. Garak: So? That's not so difficult. One only has to Bashir: Garak. Kira: Your friend seems to know something. Bashir: Believe me, he knows nothing. Kira: If you say so. Because of the global nature of this crisis, my government and yours have decided to cooperate. We will be working very closely. Bashir: I'm sure we will. Kira: Our assignment is to find out who caused the earthquakes and what they want. Garak: A rather vague assignment. Kira: We do have one clue. One of the world's leading seismologists, Professor Honey Bare, has vanished. We believe she has been kidnapped. Kira: I didn't think she was your type. Bashir: You said she's been kidnapped. Kira: We think so. She disappeared only a few hours before the first quake struck New York City. Garak: Doctor, we're in the middle of an emergency. Is this really the time to be playing games? Bashir: Look. Garak: Interesting. Bashir: If Honey Bare is killed, the computer will erase her character from its program. Now since the program thinks that Dax is Honey Bare Garak: The computer would actually be erasing Commander Dax's pattern. Bashir: Kira, erm, Ana. Do you have any idea where Professor Bare is? Kira: She was last seen Bashir: I'll be right with you, Mona. Garak: Chief. Bashir: No. It's Falcon. O'Brien: Nice to see you, Mister Bashir. Now I think we have a little unfinished business. O'Brien: Surprised to see me, Mister Bashir? Bashir: You could say that. O'Brien: Well, you should use something a little more lethal than a champagne cork. Something like this. Kira: Wait! Wait, please. Let us have one last kiss. O'Brien: Why not? I've always been a romantic at heart. Kira: Earring. O'Brien: All right, Bashir. That's enough. Garak: Interesting jewellry. Bashir: I bought those for Anastasia last Christmas. You're bleeding. Garak: The holosuite safeties must be off. Kira: Time to clip this bird's wings. Bashir: No! Kira: Niet! What are you doing? Bashir: We can't kill him. Kira: Julian, what are you saying? He's been trying to kill you for nine years. Garak: I wouldn't dismiss her idea so quickly, Doctor. Bashir: But that's Miles. Garak: No. As you pointed out, he's Falcon, a hired assassin who's going to do everything he can to kill you. And without the holosuite safeties in place, he may do just that. Bashir: What do you want me to do? Kill him? Garak: I want you to stop treating this like a game where everything's going to turn out all right in the end. Real spies have to make hard choices. You want to save Dax? Fine. But you may not have the luxury of saving everyone. Kira: Who is Dax? Garak: Eventually you may have to let someone die. Bashir: I'll deal with that situation if and when it happens. In the meantime, we have to find Dax. Kira: Who is Dax? Bashir: Ana, I promise I'll explain everything later. Now, you said Professor Bare had been kidnapped. Do you have any suspects? Kira: We believe that Doctor Noah is behind the abductions. During the past two years, he has kidnapped an elite group of sixty artisans and scientists from around the world. No one knows why or where he has taken them, but our sources tell us that each of the missing people was invited to meet Doctor Noah at a club in Paris shortly before they disappeared. Bashir: The Club Ingénue? Kira: Da. Bashir: I had a feeling. Sorry, my dear. I hope you remember how to tie a bow-tie. We're going to Paris. Kira: Who is Dax? Rom: I've had to make a few modifications to this holosuite over the years. Eddington: A few? It's like a junkyard in here. Rom: My brother won't let me buy new components so I've had to scavenge for what I need. Quark: I'm barely breaking even on the holosuites as it is. If I had to buy new equipment every time there was a glitch. Eddington: Where's the core memory interface? Rom: Oh it's right behind the spatula. Eddington: The spatula? Rom: It's made of a copper-ytterbium composite, the perfect plasma conductor. Eddington: I've found them. All five of their physical patterns are in here and they're stable. Odo: Why here? Eddington: The holosuite is specifically designed to store highly complex energy patterns. The computer's processing their physical patterns as if they were holosuite characters. Trouble is, I'm not reading any neural energy. Rom: Neural energy has to be stored at the quantum level. The holosuite can't handle that. Odo: So if their physical bodies are stored here, where are their brain patterns? Quark: Everywhere else. Their brain patterns are so large that they're taking up every bit of computer memory on the station. Replicator memory, weapons, life supports. Odo: He may be right. So what do we do about it? How do we get them back? Bashir: I'd like to see Doctor Noah. I have an invitation. Worf: May I see your invitation? Bashir: Doctor Noah? Worf: I am Duchamps. I am Doctor Noah's associate. Bashir: May I? Bashir: My name's Merriweather. Patrick Merriweather. And this is my wife Anastasia. And my friend Mister Garak. Worf: Charmed. Your invitation, Mister Merriweather? Bashir: I don't have one. Worf: The Doctor does not like unexpected guests. Kira: I believe Doctor Noah would be very interested in meeting my husband. He's one of the leading geologists in the world. Worf: Now why would that interest Doctor Noah? Garak: We believe he's taken quite an interest in the sciences. After all, he has invited several of the world's top scientists to this club. Isn't that true? Bashir: I must say I feel a little insulted by being left out of such an illustrious group. Worf: How unfortunate. Of course, a meeting still can be arranged. For a price. Bashir: Oh? Worf: Five million francs. Bashir: No problem. Worf: I do not understand. Where's the rest of your money? Bashir: Right in front of you. Shall we begin? Odo: A Cardassian separatist group calling themselves The True Way has claimed responsibility for sabotaging the runabout. Eddington: Ever heard of them before? Odo: They're opposed to the peace treaty, they blame the Federation for Cardassia's economic and political troubles, et cetera, et cetera. Until now, they've never committed any terrorist action to support their beliefs. What have you found? Eddington: From what we can tell, Quark was right. The computer has stored the neural energy patterns of everyone on the runabout throughout the entire station. Quark: Don't everyone thank me at once. Rom: What we need to do is re-integrate their neural patterns with their physical patterns from the holosuite and rematerialize them. Eddington: I say we use the Defiant. Its power systems and computers are independent of the station and it has its own transporter. Rom: Sounds good. Except Eddington: Except what? Rom: Well, my equipment isn't designed to interface with Starfleet systems. I may have to make some modifications. Bashir: Card. Bashir: Nine. Five million francs. Worf: You're quite a baccarat player, Mister Merriweather. Bashir: Baccarat and geology are my life. Now then, Mister Duchamps, I believe we've met your conditions. Bashir: When do we leave? Worf: Right now. Kira: что случилось? Garak: Another decorator's nightmare. This era has a distinct lack of taste. Bashir: Where are we? Sisko: Welcome to Paradise, Mister Merriweather. I believe you've been looking for me. My name is Hippocrates Noah. Sisko: Mister Merriweather, I understand your field is geology. Bashir: That's right. Sisko: Then I'm sure you can appreciate these stones in my most recent acquisition. Bashir: A most striking display of rubies, tourmaline, sapphire, topaz. Judging by the high chromium content in the rubies, I'd say they come from the hydrothermal deposits on the Tibetan plateau. Which isn't surprising, considering we're on the south eastern slope of Mount Everest at about twenty two thousand feet, I should say. Sisko: Twenty five actually. Bashir: You must not get many tourists. Sisko: My guests and I place a premium on our privacy. We don't want any unwelcomed guests, such as men sent by governments who disagree with my political philosophy. Kira: And what is your philosophy? Are you some kind of anarchist? Sisko: Quite the opposite. I believe in an orderly world. A far cry from the chaos we find ourselves in today. We are building a new future here. A new beginning for mankind. A new chapter in human history will open right here on my island. Bashir: Island? Sisko: Forgive me. Sometimes I do get ahead of myself. Allow me to explain. Dax: We're almost ready. I've programd the laser sequence and I'm making some last minute adjustments to a South American Site. Sisko: I do have every confidence in you, my dear. Kira: She's working with him. Sisko: You see, Mister Merriweather, I intend not only to create a new future, I intend to create a new world. At each one of these points, I have hidden a new form of laser. One that can penetrate the Earth's crust down into the mantle itself. Bashir: The global earthquakes. Sisko: Those were only tests. Soon I will activate all of these lasers together, and when I do, they will produce worldwide earthquakes the likes of which we have never been felt before. Garak: Killing everyone on the planet. Sisko: More than that. There comes a time when a house has been so damaged by termites that you must not only kill the termites but demolish the house and build again. The quakes are only a minor side effect. The real goal of this project is to have these lasers of mine produce massive fissures in the Earth's crust, releasing millions of tons of molten lava. Now, Mister Merriweather, you're the geologist. Tell me what happens next. Bashir: Once that much lava is released, the tectonic plates would begin to settle. Sisko: And the surface of the planet will shrink, just like letting air out of a balloon. Kira: But if the surface of the Earth shrinks, the oceans Bashir: Will cover the Earth. Diabolical. Sisko: Visionary. I am going to let mankind begin anew, here on this island paradise, the only place that will remain above water on my brave new world. And that is why I have gathered the finest minds, the very best that mankind has to offer. We will repopulate and start a new human race. Pity you won't be able to join us. Bashir: Are you revoking my invitation? Sisko: I intend to do more than that, Mister Bashir. Not only have I brought the greatest minds to my mountain retreat, but I have also hired the greatest protection that money can buy. I believe you already know my newest employee. Eddington: Is all this really necessary? Rom: It's the best I can do. Eddington: How long until we're ready to try retrieving their patterns? Rom: I'd say another hour. Eddington: O'Brien's going to kill me when he gets back. Sisko: This is one of a seventy four lasers I've deployed around the world. When I throw that switch, it'll begin a five minute countdown that even I can't stop. Once the laser fires, the whole cave will be filled with molten lava. Bashir: Where's Colonel Komananov? Sisko: She's a spirited individual. Young, healthy. We'll need women like her to help propagate the second human race. Sisko: Try to stay cool, Mister Bashir. Garak: So what do we do now? Bashir: I'm thinking. Garak: Think faster. I don't know if I've made this explicit to you or not, Doctor, but I really don't want to die chained to a twentieth century laser. I think it's time to end this program. Bashir: We can't do that. We'd wipe out the patterns of Sisko and the others. Garak: Then may I suggest calling Commander Eddington and having him send someone in here to remove these handcuffs? Bashir: You heard what Odo said. We don't know what'll happen if we interrupt the holo-imaging array by calling for the doors. The entire program might collapse and kill them all. Garak: Well I only know one thing for sure, Doctor, that when the molten lava begins pouring into this cave, you and I are going to be very uncomfortable. Garak: Who's that? Bashir: It's our ticket out of here. Bashir: What a waste. That no one can see what a beautiful woman you are. Garak: Is that your plan? Bashir: Shut up. Noah only wants you for your mind. He can't appreciate the woman inside you. Honey, would you grant me one last request and take off those glasses? Dax: Like this? Bashir: You know, your hair would look so much better if it were free. Garak: I must say, Doctor, this is more than I ever wanted to know about your fantasy life. Bashir: There. That's the last thing I want to remember before I die. Dax: Thank you. Garak: I'd give you both some privacy if I could. Garak: Great plan. Now can we call Eddington? Bashir: That will not be necessary. Honey has given me all we need. Garak: Kiss the girl, get the key. They never taught me that in the Obsidian Order. Bashir: Come on! (The laser lights up. Bashir: We have to get to the control room. Garak: What? Bashir: If this program ends like the others, either Komananov or Honey Bare will be killed by Doctor Noah. The other's supposed to end up with me. In either case, we have to make sure that both of them survive. Garak: You expect to take on Noah and his men with that? Bashir: It's my fantasy. Trust me. Garak: No! This has gone far enough. It's time to cut our losses. Bashir: We can't do that. Kira or Dax might Garak: Yes, they might be killed, and that is unfortunate. But there comes a point when the odds are against you and the only reasonable course of action is to quit! Bashir: Quit? GARAK Yes. Bashir: Is that what they taught you in the Obsidian Order? To give up when things get tough? Garak: As a matter of fact, they did. That's why I've managed to stay alive while most of my colleagues are dead. Because I know when to walk away. And that time is now. And you'd know that, Doctor, if you were a real intelligence agent. Bashir: Oh, so that's what this is all about. The fact that my fantasy happens to step on what you consider to be your private domain. Well what's the matter, Garak? Have I bruised your ego by play-acting at something you take so very seriously? Garak: That's something else you've yet to learn, Doctor. A real intelligence agent has no ego, no conscience, no remorse. Only a sense of professionalism. And mine is telling me that it's time to go. Computer! Bashir: Don't. Garak: Or what? You'll kill me? Bashir: If you call for the exit, you might kill Sisko and the others, and I'm not prepared to risk that. Garak: I'm afraid I don't believe you'll pull that trigger. Bashir: I wouldn't be so sure about that. Garak: It's time to face reality, Doctor. You're a man who dreams of being a hero because you know, deep down, that you're not. I'm no hero either, but I do know how to make a choice, and I'm choosing to save myself. Computer, show me the mechanism Bashir: You'll be fine. It's just a flesh wound. Garak: That was awfully close. What if you'd killed me? Bashir: What makes you think I wasn't trying? Garak: Doctor, I do believe there's hope for you yet. Bashir: I'm so relieved. Now, we have to get to the control room. Are you coming or not? Garak: Well, who am I to question Julian Bashir, secret agent? Lead on. Bashir: Everybody stay where you are. Dax: Julian. Bashir: Your weapon, Doctor Noah. Sisko: This is your doing. You let them go. Dax: I'm sorry, Doctor. Kira: Julian, you are just in time. He was about to activate the final sequence of the lasers. Kill him, Julian. Bashir: Not this time, Ana. Kira: Well then, I will. Bashir: No! Kira: What are you doing? Worf: Making a mistake. Sisko: Thank you, Mister Duchamps. Eddington: Eddington to Bashir. We're going to try rematerializing their patterns in about two minutes. Bashir: Understood. Sisko: What is it you understand, Mister Bashir? That you should've killed me when you had the chance? I agree. But then again, I suppose it wouldn't be very heroic. I, on the other hand, have no pretensions about the idea of being a hero. Bashir: Wait! Maybe I'm tired of being a hero. Maybe I've thought over what you said and decided that you're absolutely right. Sisko: About what? Bashir: Everything. The decadence of the world, the need for order. The more I think about it, the more I realize that your way may be the only way. Sisko: Ha! Sisko: You expect me to believe that? You are Julian Bashir. A man who has spent his entire life dedicated to fighting against Bashir: Yes, but all that's about to end now, isn't it? You're going to destroy this world and start a new one. What's the use of me continuing to defend a doomed planet? Can you see the sense in that? Sisko: No. Bashir: No. I'm an intelligence agent, and if there's any one thing I've learnt, it is that there comes a point when the odds are against you and there is no reasonable course of action but to quit. How do you think I've managed to stay alive so long when all of my compatriots are dead? It is because I have known when to walk away. Rom: Rom to Ops. I'm ready. You can start transferring the neural energy to the Defiant. Odo: Acknowledged. Odo: Beginning data transfer. Sisko: You make a very interesting argument, Mister Bashir. But I'm afraid I've been looking forward to killing you for a long time. Bashir: You need to move beyond that. You need to start thinking about your new world order. You may even need someone like me. Sisko: If you think that by going over there you are going to destroy my control console, you're wasting your time. Bashir: I don't intend to destroy your console, Doctor. I intend to use it. Dax: You've just activated the final laser sequence. Kira: You've destroyed the Earth. Odo: Data transfer complete. I am re-establishing computer control over the station. O'Brien: It's working just as you planned. You've done it, Doctor. Sisko: Yes. But somehow, I didn't expect to win. I suppose the only thing left to do now is to kill you. Sisko: What happened, Commander? O'Brien: What did you do to my ship? Eddington: It's going to take some explaining. Eddington to Bashir. We've got them, Doctor. You can leave Eddington: The holosuite now. Bashir: Thank you. Garak: Interesting. You saved the day by destroying the world. Bashir: I bet they didn't teach you that at the Obsidian Order. Garak: No, no. There was a great deal they didn't teach me. Like the value of a good game of chance, or how indulging in fantasy keeps the mind creative. Bashir: Lunch tomorrow? Garak: Of course. But why don't we have it at your place, in Hong Kong. Unless, of course, this was your last mission. Bashir: Oh, I think it's safe to say that Julian Bashir, secret agent, will return.

Bashir: I knew that my paper was controversial, but I had no idea it would turn the entire conference upside down. Believe me, Jake, panel discussions between doctors are usually a lot more civilized than that. Jake: I don't know. They seemed polite enough to me. Bashir: Oh, that was just a veneer. That paper stepped on quite a few toes, I can tell you. It's heresy to even consider the possibility that prion replication could be inhibited by quantum resonance effects. Aren't you going to take any notes? Jake: Good idea. Bashir: According to the so-called experts, it's all a matter of amino acid re-sequencing and disulfide shuffling. Quantum dynamics has nothing to do with it. Jake: I have absolutely no idea what he's talking about. Bashir: But how can that be? After all, peptide bonds can be reconfigured on a Bashir: Quantum level. Ah, now get this. This is very good. A few months ago Jake: If I don't find a way to get out of doing this article, my first writing assignment is going to be my last. Maybe if I write to The Journal and explained. Dear editors, thank you for the confidence expressed in my by accepting my proposed profile of Doctor Bashir. Unfortunately Bashir: I was running a neural scan and noticed some anomalous protein readings. I thought there must be some mistake, so I ran an at the Journal and amino acid sequence to be sure. But there it was again, the prion mutation rate had spiked. I couldn't believe it. It meant the anomalous proteins had to have a strong quantum resonance. Bashir: Do you follow? Jake: Sort of. Bashir: Good. Because that's the key. The protein anomalies. They indicate a correlative Jake: Who cares about anomalies? People want stories about things they can relate to. Life and death, good and evil. An outbreak of Cartalian fever would be just the thing. The brave doctor battles the deadly virus. Listen to me, I'm actually rooting for a plague. Bashir: Increase in prion replication. And that can only mean one of two things either the peptide bonds are unstable, or some other factor is causing the mutations. Rather than start the laborious process of running Bashir: Quantum scanning each and every peptide bond, I thought I'd begin to make some kind of Bashir: It's a distress call from the Federation colony on Ajilon Prime. They're under attack. The Klingons have landed troops. Jake: So much for the cease fire. Bashir: The main hospital's been damaged. They're short on doctors and running low on supplies. Jake: What are we waiting for? Let's go. Bashir: It's risky. The hospital's only fifty kilometers away from the front line. Jake: You put yourself into dangerous situations all the time. Bashir: Maybe, but that's not the same as putting you into one. Jake: Don't worry about me. Bashir: You're too young to die, Jake. Jake: I'm eighteen. You know what I mean. I've been on the station when it was under attack plenty of times. I can handle myself. I'm a Sisko. There are lives at stake. These people need you. Bashir: I hope I don't regret this. We'll be there in just under an hour. I can only imagine what your father's going to say. Jake: He'll understand. Bashir: I'll get you out of there as soon as reinforcements arrive. Besides, I wouldn't want you to miss the deadline on your story. Do you think they want a picture of me? Anyway, about those quantum scans I was telling you about. Jake: Surgery Under Fire. Now we're talking. Bashir: Instead of scanning each peptide bond, it occurred to me that I could scan for irregularities in the Odo: What is it, Quark? Quark: The Chief asked me to come up with a decaffeinated raktajino for Kira. I'm thinking of marketing it. Kira: Ugh, ugh, ugh that's awful. O'Brien: Give it a chance. Let me taste. O'Brien: Quark! Quark: I did the best I could. The removal of caffeine from beverages has plagued bartenders and restauranteurs for centuries. You can't expect me to solve it overnight. O'Brien: I'm not paying for that. Odo: So much for Quark-tajino. O'Brien: I want to get her off caffeine, not poison her. Kira: You make me sound like some kind of addict. Dax: She has maybe two raktajinos a day. O'Brien: Look, I just don't want my son to be born with a caffeine habit, that's all. Dax: You're being ridiculous. Why does pregnancy always make men hysterical? O'Brien: Excuse me, this is not the first baby I've had. Kira: Excuse me. Keiko had Molly. Dax: It's not up to you to tell Kira what she can and cannot do. Worf: She is carrying his child, he should have some say. Quark: As the lessee, he does have certain rights. Back home, pregnancy is considered a rental. KIRA + Dax: Rental? Odo: Something wrong, Captain? Sisko: I just talked to Doctor Bashir. He's on his way to Ajilon Prime to answer a request for medical assistance. Kira: Jake's with him. Sisko: According to the latest reports, Klingon ground troops have captured two settlements in the northern hemisphere. Worf: Half the colonists are still trapped on the planet. There are no ships in the area to evacuate them. O'Brien: We're three days away at best. Sisko: The Farragut will get there the day after tomorrow. Bashir says that he and Jake will leave as soon as the relief teams are in place. Dax: That means they'll be home by Thursday. Doesn't give you much time to snoop through Jake's things. Jake: Ready to beam down? Bashir: No, we can't leave the runabout in orbit, not with the Klingons around. Besides, the colonists moved what was left of the medical equipment underground when the hospital was destroyed and there's magnesite in the rock face. There's no way to transport through it. Jake: I guess we'll have to find a place to set down. Bashir: Looks like there's a clearing about a kilometer away from the main settlement. Jake, things could get a little rough down there. They've got a lot of wounded. Jake: I'll be all right. Bolian: We've got more wounded coming in. Nurse: I'll need that plasma! Kalandra: Are you Bashir? Bashir: We got a distress call. Kalandra: Resource said you were on your way. Kirby: Watch it! Watch it! This is the last IP. Nurse: His pulse is thready. He must be bleeding somewhere. Kirby: We are losing him! Nurse: Doctor Kalandra. Kalandra: Bashir, jump in. Standard triage. Give him fifteen mils inoprovaline. Jake: What should I do? Bashir: Just keep out of the way, please. Kalandra: Get this man into surgery! Bolian: The artery's severed. Her BP's bottomed out. Nurse: Oh two, three liters. Run full saline. Jake: Somebody! This man needs help! Ensign: Help me! Somebody help me! I've been hit. Took a disruptor blast real close. Bolian: I need that blood plasma! Bashir: Let's get you up on the table. Kalandra: There's nothing we can do. He's too far gone. Bashir: It doesn't look that bad. Ensign: I was stepping over a Klingon. I thought he was dead. He got me right in the foot. You people better get out of here while you still can. The Klingons, there's no stopping them. Bashir: This is a phaser burn. Ensign: What are you talking about? Bashir: Just sit tight. We'll get to you as soon as we can. Ensign: It's not a phaser burn! It was a Klingon. You weren't there. You don't know what it's like. The Klingons had us pinned down. We were done for. We all knew it. Hendriks and Pajal, they got scared. They ran. They ran! Then Sully got hit in the leg and the medics pulled him off the line. And all I could think was, I wish I were him. And I took my phaser. Oh, God! What did I do to myself? What did I do? Bolian: Find someplace else to stand. Jake: No problem. Jake: Triage, the sorting of the wounded, forces decisions that. I got to get a grip. Focus. Decisions that test what it means to be a doctor. Kirby: Hey, you! Give me a hand. Come on! Come on! I've got to get some plasma for this guy. Keep an eye on him for me. I'll be right back. (The wounded man grabs Jake's shirt and tries to sit up. Now he's got blood on him. Kirby: Wait, wait, wait. This way. Over there. Watch it! Watch it! Nice catch. Here you are, sir. A nice private room with a view. One, two, three. Kirby: Well, you can count. You're hired. Let's get you dressed. Bashir: I'd like to try an aortal graft. Kalandra: All right. There's an extra surgical table in the back. Jake: He's dead. Kirby: Come on. Let's get him out of here. Jake: One, two three. Nurse: Party's over. Kirby: So soon? Bolian: And we were just starting to have fun. Bashir: Since you two aren't busy, would you mind carrying me to the nearest replicator so that I can get something to eat? Odo: You wanted to see me, Captain? Sisko: Yes, I hear you took a little trip to the Infirmary. Odo: I'll be fine. The only permanent damage was to my pride. Sisko: What happened? Odo: Quark wanted me to keep an eye on two Yridians who he suspected were cheating at dabo. Turned out he was right. I could see from the second level that one of them was using a miniature gravimetric scanner to predict where the ball would land on the wheel, and signaling the information to his partner. Sisko: Ingenious. Go on. Odo: I started down the stairs to make the arrest. One of them spotted me. They bolted, I pursued. I'm afraid I got a bit carried away. Sisko: And jumped off the stairs. Odo: I was planning to change form in mid-air and become a Tarkalean condor. Sisko: That would have been impressive. Odo: I thought so. Sisko: It's an understandable mistake. You've been a changeling longer than you've been a solid. Odo: Solid. I wonder why my people use that term. Humanoid bodies are so fragile. Sisko: Yes, they are. And there are a lot of ways you can get hurt. Odo: You're worried about Jake. I'm sure that Doctor Bashir is looking after him. Sisko: It seems just yesterday he was five years old, clinging to me because he'd just scraped his knee and I was the only one in the world who could make it better. I remember sometimes getting up in the middle of the night and slipping into his room just to make sure he was all right, and I'd sit there and watch him sleep. And I'd think to myself that no matter what, I wasn't going to let anything bad happen to this child. Now he's a sector away in a war zone, and there's nothing I can do to protect him. Odo: Try not to worry, Captain. It won't do you or Jake any good. Sisko: Can't help it. It comes with the territory. Odo: But Jake is eighteen years old. Does your father still worry about you? Sisko: Oh, all the time. Odo: Ah. I never realized how stressful it is to be a parent. I have to say, I don't think it's for me. Sisko: That's your choice, but you don't know what you're missing. Sisko: Yes? Dax: We just got word. The Klingons have destroyed the Farragut near the Lembatta cluster. Odo: What about Ajilon Prime? Without reinforcements Sisko: Dax, you're with me. We'll leave as soon as the Defiant is ready. Bashir: Here you go. Jake: Thanks. Bashir: How are you holding up? Jake: Okay. Bashir: You handled yourself well today. I'm impressed. Jake: I'm starved. Bashir: Think I'll start with a lateral incision across the thigh joint. Uh oh. Hang on. Out we go. Come on. Nurse: First day? Kirby: Yeah. Bolian: Pass the salt. Bashir: How do you feel? Jake: Fresh air did me good. You remember that ensign, the one who shot himself? Bashir: How could I forget? Jake: What's going to happen to him? Bashir: Oh, he'll probably be court-martialed. Jake: He said that some of the people in his squad got scared and ran. Bashir: It happens. Jake: But they're Starfleet. They've passed psych-tests. They've spent hundreds of hours in battle simulations. Bashir: Simulations can't prepare you for the real thing. Nothing can. Jake: Some people say that you don't know what you're really made of until you've been in battle. Bashir: Well let me tell you, Jake. There are plenty of situations in life which test a person's character. Thankfully, most of them don't involve death and destruction. Kirby: Doctor Kalandra's looking for you. Something about that aortal graft you did. Bashir: Oh, thanks. I'll see you later. Kirby: I put your tray back in the replicator. I didn't know how long you'd be gone. Jake: Me neither. I think I could handle some soup. Bashir: How is he? Kalandra: The graft's holding. Blood throughput is almost a hundred percent. Nice job. Bashir: Thanks. You have a good team. My OR Nurse was sharp as they come. Kalandra: We do the best we can, considering the circumstances. So, are things any better for us? Last I heard Starfleet had pulled out of the Arcanis sector. Bashir: Well, the fleet's regrouping for a counterattack. Kalandra: Do you have any idea what ships are involved? We don't get much news here. The Klingons have been jamming the subspace traffic. Bashir: I think the Rutledge and the Tecumseh are heading things up. Kalandra: The Tecumseh. My husband's the science officer. Bashir: Well, believe me, Captain Raymond is one of the best there is. He saw the Tecumseh through the Cardassian wars. I don't think he's planning on losing her now. Kalandra: No, I don't suppose he is. Nurse: Doctor? They've prepped the spinal trauma. We're ready for you in surgery. Kalandra: I'll be right there. Bashir: They're keeping you busy. Kalandra: Yes. It helps keep my mind off things. Kirby: It's good to see you've got your appetite back. Jake: I have a pretty strong stomach, most of the time. Kirby: Don't worry about it. Same thing happened to me my first day. You know what I heard? That ship Starfleet sent, the Farragut? The Klingons intercepted it. Jake: Starfleet'll send another one, won't they? Kirby: It won't be here for days, and in the meantime we're looking at a ground war which is just what the Klingons want. According to a lieutenant I talked to, they've got so many transport scramblers online that we can't beam troops anywhere. Jake: What about using hoppers? Kirby: He says the Klingons have been shooting them out of the sky left and right. Unless something changes, he figures the Klingons'll take the settlement the day after tomorrow. Did you see all the bat'leth wounds today? Klingons get mad, they forget about their disruptors, go hand to hand. If you ask me, they're looking to get even for what happened on Ganalda Four. Jake: What happened? Kirby: They had to retreat. Klingons hate that. Jake: At least we don't have to worry about them in here. Kirby: Don't be so sure. Medical personnel are fair game as far as Klingons are concerned. They'll even kill wounded right in their beds. They think they're giving them an honorable death. So, how'd you wind up here? Jake: I, er, I'm writing an article about Doctor Bashir. Kirby: You're a journalist? Jake: Not exactly. Kirby: What does that mean? Jake: I write stories mostly. You know, fiction. Jake: I wonder if Kirby knew that the whole time we were talking, all I could think about was how close the Klingons were. Jake: He didn't seem that worried. No one else seems to be losing sleep over it, so why is it the only thing I can think about? I've been on the station when it was under attack plenty of times, but somehow the danger never seemed as real as it does here. Maybe it's because I spent all day seeing firsthand what the Klingons are capable of, or maybe it's because for the first time in my life, my father's not here to protect me. Nurse: What was that? Bolian: The Klingons. They must've taken out the reactor. Bashir: She's fibrillating! Bolian: If we don't get power back soon, we'll lose half the ward. Kirby: Kidney failure. He's going into renal shock. Kalandra: I just talked to Resource. It's going to be at least three hours before we have power. Jake: There must be some portable generators we could use. Kalandra: They're using them to keep the shields up around the settlement. Bashir: The runabout. There's a portable generator on the runabout. Kalandra: Where is it? Bashir: About a kilometer south of here. I'll need help carrying it though. Kalandra: You won't be able to beam through the shields. You'll have to take the east tunnel. Kirby: It lets out beyond the perimeter. I'll show you. Bashir: We set down just over that ridge. Jake: Yeah, it looks familiar. Bashir: Get down! Bashir: Stay close. And keep your head low. Bashir: Whatever happens, one of us has to get that generator. Stick with me. Bashir: Come on, Jake! Bashir: Jake! Burke: Medkit. Over there. Now. Burke: Hypo. Sit me up. Do it. I'm not going to die with my face in the dirt. Okay. Burke: How's your head? Jake: Hurts. Burke: You're lucky I didn't kill you. I thought you were a Klingon. Have you seen any? Jake: What? Burke: Klingons. Are there any patrols around? What about Starfleet? Jake: No. Burke: It's just you and me then. What are you doing out here? Why'd you leave the settlement? Jake: I was outside when the shelling started. I guess I got lost looking for cover. Burke: Lucky me. I could use the company. Here. Water. Jake: What about you? Burke: Go ahead. Jake: Thanks. Burke: Probably would've leaked out of me anyway. Don't let me fall over. I want to go out looking up at the sky, not at the ground. Jake: Don't worry. Burke: You didn't see a crashed hopper around here, did you? Jake: No. Burke: They made it! Jake: Who? Burke: My platoon. The Klingons had us pinned down. We couldn't beam out because they had a transport scrambler running. We called for a hopper. As soon as it set down, the Klingons came after us. CO ordered me and Brice to lay down cover so the squad could get up the ramp. By the time Brice got in, the Klingons were practically on top of us. The hopper was taking such a pounding, I didn't think it would make it off the ground. Jake: You stayed behind on purpose, so they could get away. Burke: The hypo, where is it? Jake: It's empty. Burke: Figures. Jake: I'll get you out of here. I'll make a stretcher Burke: With what? Jake: Then I'll carry you. Burke: Kid, you try carrying me, my guts are going to spill all over your shoes. Jake: But I have to do something. I've got to try. Burke: Forget it. Jake: But I have to. That way this'll all make sense. Maybe I ran for a reason, so I could find you and save your life. Burke: Ran? Jake: From the explosions. We had to get to the runabout for the generator, and the shelling started and I couldn't see Doctor Bashir and the explosions, they kept getting closer. I had to get out of there, so I ran. I ran and I kept running until I found you. Burke: The doctor. You left him. Jake: It was a mistake. Burke: That's what you call it. Jake: I didn't mean for it to happen. Burke: And now you think bringing me back is going to make everything all right. Sorry, kid. Life doesn't work like that. Dax: Benjamin? Sisko: I'll be right out. Dax: What have you been doing in there for three hours? Sisko: I was just tweaking the pattern buffers in the replicator systems. Dax: Great. I always thought the coffee could be a little hotter. Sisko: I'm just trying to keep busy. Dax: Is it helping? Sisko: No, not really. Dax: I wish there was something I could do, some way I could promise you that everything is going to be okay. Sisko: But you can't. No one can. Dax: I know what it's like to worry about a child. Raifi put Tobin through hell. When Neema was six, she came down with Rugalan fever. Audrid spent two weeks in the hospital with her, never left her side. It was hundreds of years ago. I still remember how helpless I felt. I read her all seventeen volumes of Caster's Down the River Light, even though I knew she couldn't hear me. It made me feel like I was doing something, that we were still connected. It wasn't until much after that that I realized that I was doing it as much for me as I was doing it for her. Sisko: Just to keep busy. So, how did it turn out with Neema? Dax: She pulled through. Sisko: Phew. I was hoping you were going to say that. Because if this story had an unhappy ending, I would have never forgiven you. Dax: Of course, by the time she was twenty one, she wouldn't even speak to me. Sisko: For how long? Dax: About eight years. Sisko: Do me a favor. Tell me about it some other time. Right now, all I care about is seeing Jake. Dax: You will, tomorrow, when we get to Ajilon Prime. You know, Ben, coffee can never be too hot. Are you sure you got the replicator buffers synchronized? Sisko: You want to check for yourself? Dax: I think I will. Can I borrow your decoupler? Sisko: Get your own. I have to check the sonic shower relays. Dax: Good idea. Kirby: How are you feeling? Jake! Jake, we thought you were Jake: I'm okay. Kirby: This is great. What happened? Jake: I got knocked out when we were trying to get to the runabout. Did Doctor Bashir make it back all right? Kirby: He's in IC for the night. He's got plasma burns on his arm and shoulder. I don't know how he managed, but he carried the generator back here by himself. We went looking for you right after the shelling stopped. There was hardly anything left of the runabout. The whole place was nothing but bomb craters and smoke. We had pretty much given up hope. Jake: I must've wandered off in the wrong direction when I came to. Kirby: You're lucky you didn't get picked up by the Klingons. Word is, they're massing to attack the compound. You want to see him? Jake: I should let him rest. Kirby: He's awake, I was just in there. Go ahead, he'll be glad to see you're okay. Bashir: Jake! Oh, thank God. I thought you'd been killed. Once the shelling had stopped and I couldn't find you, I assumed the worst. I am so sorry. Jake: It's all right. Bashir: No. No, it isn't. I should never have brought you here in the first place. Now we're stuck here, the Klingons are massing to attack. What was I thinking! Jake: Forget it, okay! What's done is done. Jake: I couldn't stand hearing him apologize to me like that. Not after what I'd done to him. Kirby: All right, you two. Visiting hours are over. Let me have a look at that. Jake: I keep turning it over in my head. The shelling, losing sight of Bashir, running, and I keep trying to make sense of it all, to justify what I did. But when it comes down to it, there's only one explanation. I'm a coward. Part of me wishes Bashir had seen me run away and told everyone the truth. They deserve to know what I am. They should know they can't count on me. That if the Klingons attack, I'll run and hide just like I did before. Jake: Doctor Kaladra asked me to give this to you. Nurse: Oh, thanks Jake. Would you take this to the patient in G-four? Jake: Sure. Nurse: Thanks. Jake: Here you go. Ensign: Maybe I'll get a job as a cutter. Could be interesting work. Jake: What's a cutter? Ensign: You know, on a mining team. They're the ones who split the asteroids up with phasers so the excavators can get at what's inside. You've got to have good aim. No matter what else you can say about me, you can't say that I don't have good aim. If I hadn't hit my foot just right, I would've taken my whole leg off. It's funny. One minute your life's moving along just like you always thought it would, and the next you do something that changes everything, that makes you realize you're not who you thought you were. At the Academy, I did really well in the battle simulations. I never had any problems. But when you're out there and the live shells are detonating all around you, it's a whole different thing. Jake: All you can think about is getting away from the explosions. Ensign: Yeah. That's pretty much it. You know something? You're first person I've talked to since I got here who hasn't made me feel like I'm taking up valuable bed space. The way everyone looks at me. I can't stand it. After the court martial, I'm definitely signing up for the next mining expedition to the Gamma Quadrant. Jake: Maybe there won't be a court martial. Ensign: You're right. None of us may get out of here alive. Jake: No, I mean Starfleet could decide to send you to counseling instead. Ensign: I won't go. I don't deserve to be in Starfleet. Therapy won't change what I did. Nothing will. I just wish I'd aimed that phaser a little higher. Nurse: I saw the report on Doctor Kalandra's desk. According to Resource, it's just a matter of time before the Klingons reach the compound. Kirby: I guess that means I have to decide. Nurse: Decide what? Kirby: Whether I'd rather get hacked to bits or blasted by a disruptor. Nurse: Disruptor, no doubt about it. Every molecule in your body vaporized in a flash. No time to feel pain. Bolian: Don't be so sure about that. Some people think it's like being boiled alive. Kirby: Decapitation has its virtues. Nice clean blow with a sharp bat'leth. Bolian: The brain lives on for five, ten seconds at least. In theory, your headless corpse could be the last thing you see. Nurse: You're so negative. Bolian: I'm just telling you what I've heard. Kirby: What do you think, Jake? Jake: I think it's not funny. Kirby: Of course not. There's nothing funny about having your throat slit Jake: Cut it out! Kirby: I was just kidding. Jake: You think this is some joke. It's not. People are dying! It's all so stupid. This whole stupid war is such a waste. In ten years, no body's going to remember what anybody did here. Bashir: Jake. Jake: Maybe you saved a hopper full of people. Maybe you shot yourself in the foot. No one's going to remember! Bashir: Jake! Let's take a walk. Jake: I'm sorry. Bashir: Look, I know you're scared. We all are. Jake: No, it's not that. I Bashir: What, Jake? What is it? Jake: I just didn't think what they were saying was funny. Bashir: Come on. That's not what set you off. Something's eating at you, I can see it. Jake: I don't know what you're talking about. Bashir: Ever since you came back you've been walking around looking miserable. Jake: Leave me alone. Bashir: Jake. Jake: Leave me alone. Bashir: All right, if that's what you want. But if you want to talk you know where to find me. Nurse: What's going on? Kirby: Are they inside the compound? Kalandra: Everybody listen. Listen! We're evacuating. We're taking the patients out through the north tunnel to the surface. A hopper will take us down the peninsula to the base at Tananda Bay. Kirby: That tunnel is almost two kilometers long. We have over seventy patients to move. Do you know how long that's going to take? Kalandra: Resource is sending a security detail to defend the hospital and give us time to evacuate. We can do this. Bashir: We have to keep calm. Focus on our jobs. Those people out there need us. Kalandra: Yes. Let's move. Come on. Go. Bolian: Give me a hand. Kalandra: Keep moving. Kirby: Two guards, is that it? Bashir: The others are out defending the perimeter. Kirby: Great, one's leaving. Nurse: We're going someplace safe, all right? Male Guard: They're coming! Let's go. Move. Move! Female Guard: Come on, let's go! Let's go. Kirby: Anyone left back there? Jake: No. Kirby: Go! Go! Female Guard: Get down! Bashir: Jake, looks who's here. Jake: Dad? Sisko: Don't move, let Doctor Bashir check for injuries. Jake: What happened? Bashir: I came back for you when I realized you weren't on the hopper. Sisko: The cease fire has been reinstated. The Klingons are pulling out. It's over. Bashir: The timing could have been a little better, but he seems to be all right. Sisko: Sealing the entrance way was a risky thing to do. You nearly brought the whole ceiling down on yourself. Bashir: We never would have got these patients out alive if you hadn't done it. You're a hero. Jake: More than anything, I wanted to believe what he was saying. But the truth is, I was just as scared in the hospital as I'd been when we went for the generator. Jake: So scared, that all I could think about was doing whatever it took to stay alive. Once it meant running away, and once it meant picking up a phaser. Jake: The battle of Ajilon Prime will probably be remembered as a pointless skirmish, but I'll always remember it as something more. As the place I learned that the line between courage and cowardice is a lot thinner than most people believe. Jake: I wasn't sure whether to show it to you or not. Sisko: Anyone who's been in battle would recognize himself in this, but most of us wouldn't care to admit it. It takes courage to look inside yourself and even more courage to write it for other people to see. I'm proud of you, son.