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


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


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