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


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


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