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.