Sisko: The Dominion won't attack Earth.
Sitak: How can you be sure?
Sisko: Because Earth isn't the key to the Alpha Quadrant. The wormhole is. And whoever controls Deep Space Nine controls the wormhole.
O'Brien: Target locked.
Dax: Fire.
Kira: Execute Rom?
Weyoun: He committed an act of terrorism against the Dominion.
Rom: You've got to finish what I started. The fate of the entire Alpha Quadrant rests in your hands.
Quark: What happens if I get caught?
Ross: If those Dominion reinforcements come through the wormhole we'll have lost everything.
Sisko: We take the ships we have, fight our way to Deep Space Nine and destroy that anti-graviton emitter. It's our only hope.
Kira: Dukat is bringing down the minefield, the Federation is about to be overrun by Dominion reinforcements and Weyoun has ordered Rom's execution.
Odo: I'm sorry.
Kira: We are way, way past sorry.
O'Brien: It's a large Dominion fleet. Twelve hundred and fifty four ships.
Bashir: They outnumber us two to one.
Sisko: There's an old saying, fortune favors the bold. Well, I guess we're about to find out. And now the conclusion.
Sisko: Sisko to all ships. Cruiser and Galaxy wings, drop to half impulse. You too, Commander.
Dax: Half impulse.
Garak: I feel sorry for the Klingons. They're going to miss a very interesting fight.
O'Brien: I have a feeling we're going to miss having them.
Sisko: Forget the Klingons. Our job is to get to Deep Space Nine and prevent the Dominion reinforcements from coming through the wormhole, and that's what we're going to do. Attack fighters, tactical pattern Theta. Concentrate your fire on the Cardassian ships, and then split off into squadrons and run like hell.
Nog: Why is he only targeting the Cardassian ships?
Garak: He's hoping to get them to break formation and so they'll after the Federation fighters. He knows the Jem'Hadar will stand their ground, but the Cardassians just might get angry enough to take the bait.
Nog: Which would open a hole we can punch through.
Garak: You're getting quite an education.
Nog: Attack fighters in Theta formation. Cruiser and Galaxy wings at half impulse.
Sisko: Sisko to attack fighters. Prepare to engage on my command.
Crewman: Aye, sir.
O'Brien: Cannon to the right of them, cannon to the left of them, cannon in front of them, volley'd and thunder'd.
Bashir: Storm'd at with shot and shell, Boldly they rode and well into the jaws of death. Into the mouth of hell rode the six hundred.
Nog: Whatever it is you two are reciting, I wish you'd stop.
O'Brien: Steady, Ensign. It's just a poem.
Nog: It's not the poem that's bothering me.
O'Brien: Stop worrying about those ships. Focus on your work. That's what I do.
Bashir: You should listen to him, Ensign. He's a professional.
Sisko: Attack fighters full impulse. Fire at will.
O'Brien: They're not taking the bait.
Sisko: Ensign, send in the second wave. Tell them to keep targeting the Cardassians.
Nog: Aye, sir. Second wave on its way. Third and fourth waves on hot standby.
Sisko: Mister O'Brien, have Destroyer units two and six move in closer. They need more cover fire. And tell Captains Diego and Reynolds to stay alert. They may try to outflank us.
Dukat: It's very clever strategy. But I'd expect nothing less from Captain Sisko.
Weyoun: The Captain is a very clever man.
Dukat: You do see it, don't you?
Weyoun: Of course I do.
Dukat: Well then, perhaps you'd like to explain Captain Sisko's strategy to the Founder yourself.
Weyoun: I could never hope to match your eloquence.
Dukat: True. Sisko is trying to provoke us into opening a hole in our lines. He's determined to get here and stop us from taking down this minefield. Now I plan to give Sisko his opening and then close it on him.
Weyoun: What about the minefield? Are we still on schedule?
Dukat: We should be able to detonate the mines in eight hours.
Founder: Good.
Weyoun: Eight hours. I'll hold you to that, Dukat.
Damar: I'd like to toss that smug little Vorta out the nearest airlock. And his Founder with him.
Dukat: Now, now, Damar, that's no way to talk about our valued allies. Not until this war is over, anyway.
Damar: Sir, there is one other thing.
Dukat: Make it brief.
Damar: I'm concerned about further attempts to sabotage this station. The enemy knows if they don't act soon, it'll be too late.
Dukat: By enemy, I assume you're referring to Rom's associates?
Damar: I doubt he was working alone when he tried to sabotage the station. He must've had help. His wife Leeta, Jake Sisko, Major Kira.
Dukat: What are you proposing?
Damar: That we arrest them. Keep them in custody, at least until the wormhole is reopened.
Dukat: It's a wise precaution. But our Bajoran allies might object to an arrest without cause. If anyone asks, we're merely holding them for questioning. And Damar, make sure they're not harmed in any way. Major Kira is important to my daughter. And to me.
Damar: Sir, about your daughter. Perhaps it would be better, for her own sake, if Ziyal were confined to quarters.
Dukat: For what reason?
Damar: To be perfectly honest, sir, I don't completely trust her. And neither should you.
Dukat: Are you accusing my daughter of being a saboteur?
Damar: I'm not accusing her of anything. But she is quite friendly with Major Kira.
Dukat: That will be all, Damar.
Damar: She doesn't appreciate what it means to be Cardassian or to be your daughter.
Dukat: But she is my daughter. That may mean nothing to you, but it means everything to me.
Leeta: I heard the Federation fleet has been ambushed.
Quark: I heard two Cardassian soldiers saying the fleet was completely destroyed.
Jake: Don't believe everything you hear.
Kira: Jake's right. Sisko'll get here. The question is, will he get here soon enough?
Quark: He's only got seven hours before they detonate the minefield and start bringing the reinforcements through the wormhole.
Jake: We've got to stop them.
Leeta: How?
Kira: What if we cut off the power supply to the main computer? Shut down the whole station.
Quark: Oh great. That would put me out of business altogether.
Jake: It would also keep them from detonating the mines.
Quark: Okay, so we shut down the main computer. How?
Kira: A bomb.
Quark: A bomb? What kind of bomb?
Kira: Leave that to me. It'll be crude, but effective.
Quark: The main computer is in the central core. It's too heavily guarded. You'll never be able to smuggle a bomb into there.
Kira: I'll plant the bomb. All we need to do is distract the guards.
Damar: In here. Secure the doors.
Damar: Ah, Major, here you are. How nice of you to gather your friends for us.
Kira: I'm off duty, Damar. What do you want?
Damar: I want you to come with us. All three of you.
Kira: Where?
Damar: To the security office. We have to ask you a few questions.
Jake: What kind of questions?
Damar: You'll find out when we get there. Go ahead, Major, try something. Nothing would make me happier.
Kira: Don't worry. It'll be all right.
Damar: Of course it will. You have nothing to hide, do you? You certainly don't.
Damar: I'll say this for Captain Sisko, he is persistent. That's the ninth wave of Federation fighters he's sent against us.
Dukat: Well, his persistence is about to pay off. Let's give him his reward, shall we? Have a half dozen squadrons break formation and go after those fighters.
Damar: Yes, sir.
O'Brien: Captain, two squadrons of Cardassian attack ships are breaking formation. They're going after our fighters.
Garak: They're taking the bait. We've opened a hole in their lines.
Sisko: Have we?
Dax: Sir, do you see those Galor class destroyers?
Sisko: I see them.
Bashir: It's a trap.
Sisko: It is also an opportunity and we may not get another one. Ensign, have Galaxy wings nine one and nine three engage those destroyers. All other ships, head for that opening. Anyone who gets through doesn't stop until they reach Deep Space Nine.
Garak: Congratulations, Captain. You wanted them angry, they're angry.
Sisko: The Magellan and the Venture are supposed to be protecting our starboard flanks. They're in too tight. Ensign, tell fighter squadrons six, seven and eight to
Nog: Sir, I can't get through to anybody. Communications are down.
O'Brien: They're jamming our signals by generating a rotating EM pulse.
Sisko: Can you clear it?
O'Brien: I'm trying.
Dukat: War is such thirsty work. Don't you agree?
Weyoun: Perhaps if you didn't talk so much, your throat wouldn't get so dry.
Dukat: Cardassians do like to talk. I suppose it can be a failing at times.
Weyoun: No.
Dukat: To the conquerors of the Federation.
Weyoun: Aren't you being a bit premature?
Dukat: I don't think so. Not with twenty eight hundred Dominion ships waiting to come through that wormhole.
Weyoun: Those ships aren't going to be here for another five hours, and need I remind you a lot can happen in that amount of time.
Dukat: Tell me, Weyoun, have you ever been diagnosed as anhedonic?
Weyoun: You think I'm incapable of experiencing joy just because I'm cautious?
Dukat: We didn't defeat the Federation by being cautious.
Weyoun: We haven't defeated it yet. And even if we do, it's only the beginning. Holding on to a prize as vast as the Federation isn't going to be easy. It's going to require an enormous number of ships, a massive occupation army and constant vigilance.
Dukat: I look forward to it.
Weyoun: I'm sure you also looked forward to occupying Bajor and we all know what a disappointment that was.
Dukat: On Bajor I merely implemented policy, I didn't make it. If I had, things would have turned out quite differently.
Weyoun: If you ask me, the key to holding the Federation is Earth. If there's going to be an organized resistance against us, its birthplace will be there.
Dukat: You could be right.
Weyoun: Then our first step is be to eradicate its population. It's the only way.
Dukat: You can't do that.
Weyoun: Why not?
Dukat: Because! A true victory is to make your enemy see they were wrong to oppose you in the first place. To force them to acknowledge your greatness.
Weyoun: Then you kill them?
Dukat: Only if it's necessary.
Weyoun: I had no idea.
Dukat: Perhaps the biggest disappointment in my life is that the Bajoran people still refuse to appreciate how lucky they were to have me as their liberator. I protected them in so many ways, cared for them as if they were my own children. But to this day, is there a single statue of me on Bajor?
Weyoun: I would guess not.
Dukat: And you'd be right. Take Captain Sisko, an otherwise intelligent, perceptive man. Even he refuses to grant me the respect I deserve.
Dukat: You find that amusing?
Weyoun: Not at all. I find it fascinating.
Dukat: Laugh all you want. History will prove me right.
Founder: I have news, Odo. Our battle with the Federation fleet is going well.
Odo: There are people out there fighting, dying. People who used to be my friends.
Founder: They're solids, Odo. You must remember that.
Odo: I know, but they still mean something to me.
Founder: The Link means more.
Odo: That's what I keep telling myself, but somehow I can't quite believe it.
Founder: You asked me for clarity, Odo. I gave it to you. Now you must accept it. It's Major Kira, isn't it? You still have strong feelings for her. She doesn't deserve your loyalty, Odo. You cannot allow a solid to deny you your rightful place in the Great Link. I couldn't permit it.
Odo: What are you saying?
Founder: The Major has been arrested.
Odo: On what charge?
Founder: That hardly matters. What matters is she will be found guilty and sentenced to death.
Odo: No!
Founder: Her death is be your salvation. Link with me. Embrace the clarity. It is the only thing that will give you peace.
Odo: No.
Founder: You cannot help her, Odo. You cannot help any of the solids, no matter how much you may want to. It's too late for them.
Dax: Sir, we've just lost the Sitak and the Majestic. We're on our own, Ben.
O'Brien: Comm's back online.
Nog: Four enemy ships directly ahead.
Sisko: Evasive maneuvers, pattern Omega. We're going through.
Dax: That's one down.
Sisko: Can you shake the other three?
Dax: I'm trying.
Bashir: We've lost aft shields. Forward shields are down to fifteen percent.
Garak: Wouldn't this be a good time to cloak?
O'Brien: The cloaking system's fried.
Sisko: Auxiliary power to weapons. We're going to fight our way out of this.
Nog: It's the Klingons, sir. They're here. We're being hailed by Commander Worf.
Sisko: On screen.
Worf: Captain, I am sorry we were late. It was not easy to convince Chancellor Gowron to spare us any ships.
Sisko: I'm just glad you could join us, Commander.
O'Brien: Captain, the Klingons have broken a hole in the Dominion lines.
Sisko: Dax, can you get us through?
Dax: I'd love to try.
Sisko: Any other ships make it?
Nog: No, sir.
Sisko: We only have three hours before the minefields are detonated. Set a course for Deep Space Nine. Maximum warp.
Damar: The Defiant has broken through all our lines. It's on its way here. Shall I order a pursuit?
Weyoun: At once.
Dukat: The Defiant is no match for this station. If Sisko wants to commit suicide, I say we let him.
Quark: Don't scream. I won't going to hurt you.
Quark: I just have one question.
Ziyal: What's that?
Quark: Do you know how to make hasperat soufflé?
Quark: Lunch for Major Kira.
Cardassian: Major Kira has already been fed.
Quark: And I can only imagine the slop you served her. What I have here is hasperat soufflé, just the way the Major likes it.
Cardassian: This is a jail, not a hotel. The Major will eat what the other prisoners eat.
Ziyal: Do you know who I am?
Cardassian: Gul Dukat's daughter.
Ziyal: That's right. Now I suggest you allow us to deliver this food.
Cardassian: I can't do that. However, I will take the tray to her. After I examine it.
Quark: Er, is that really necessary?
Cardassian: Lift the lid.
Quark: If you insist. You see? Hasperat soufflé, just as I said. Stop poking it. It's very delicate.
Quark: Now you've ruined it.
Rom: How much longer before they detonate the minefield?
Kira: I wish you'd stop asking that.
Rom: Sorry.
Jake: I'd say about ninety minutes.
Rom: My time grows short.
Leeta: Don't say that.
Rom: The only reason they haven't killed me yet is that I'm part of their victory celebration. Seven o'clock, Dukat makes a speech. Eight thirty, cake and raktajino. Eight forty five, execute the Ferengi.
Quark: All right, no one move!
Rom: Brother! I knew you would come.
Quark: It's a surprise to me. Now, just keep calm and stay where you are. Understand? Don't move. You, open the holding cells. I said, open the holding cells.
Ziyal: You just told them not to move.
Quark: Right. Nobody moves except you. Now open the cells.
Kira: Quark.
Quark: Yes?
Kira: Take down the forcefields.
Quark: Forcefields?
Kira: I'd kiss you, Quark, but there isn't time. We have to find a way to shut down the power to the main computer.
Rom: I can do that.
Leeta: Oh, Rom.
Rom: That is, if we can make it to the central computer core without being killed.
Kira: Right, Rom, you're with me. The rest of you, find someplace to stay out of sight.
Jake: Will do.
Founder: I know you're confused, Odo, but you don't have to be. All the answers you seek are in the Link.
Odo: Come in.
Weyoun: Forgive the intrusion, but Major Kira, the Ferengi saboteur and the rest of their terrorist group have escaped from the holding cells. For your own protection, I must ask you to come with me.
Founder: I want them caught.
Weyoun: They will be. But in the meantime, you'd both be safer in Ops.
Founder: Very well. Odo?
Odo: I'll be fine here.
Founder: You're sure?
Odo: Yes.
Kira: Get out of here.
Rom: Do you hear that? That's Bajoran phaser fire.
Kira: Why would Dominion troops be using Bajoran weapons?
Odo: Never underestimate the element of surprise.
Odo: You have less than forty minutes to shut down the main computer.
Rom: I hope that's enough time.
Kira: It'll have to be. Can you keep the Dominion patrols off our backs?
Odo: I'll head down to Security, create enough false alarms to keep them occupied. Any questions?
Kira: I could ask why.
Odo: I don't think there's time to explain it. Besides, I think you know the answer.
Kira: What about the Link?
Odo: The Link was paradise. But it appears I'm not ready for paradise. Good luck.
Kira: You too.
Sisko: Dax, what's our ETA?
Dax: Eleven minutes.
O'Brien: That's cutting it close.
Kira: How's it going, Rom?
Rom: I wish you'd stop asking that.
Kira: Sorry, sorry.
Rom: I'm not going to make it.
Kira: All right then, concentrate on cutting off the power to the station's weapons array. Without weapons they won't be able to detonate the minefield.
Rom: Not for a while anyway.
Damar: Sir, the Klingons have outflanked us. Our lines are beginning to crumble.
Dukat: There's nothing to worry about. In exactly four minutes, thousands of Dominion ships will come pouring through that wormhole. I just hope the Defiant gets here in time for Sisko to see it.
Dax: Ben, if I were you, I'd start coming up with a plan B.
Rom: Almost there. I just need to decouple the ODN relays.
Damar: The last mines have been neutralized. We're ready to detonate the minefield, sir.
Dukat: Fire.
Rom: Done.
Rom: Uh-oh.
Kira: What is it?
Rom: We were too late.
Dax: What do we do now, Captain?
Sisko: Take us into the wormhole.
O'Brien: What the hell. We're only going to meet a couple of thousand Dominion ships.
Dax: One ship against an entire fleet? That's a hell of a plan B.
Garak: Chief, how does that poem end?
O'Brien: You don't want to know.
Founder: Send a message to our listening posts in the Gamma Quadrant. Tell the reinforcements that the Alpha Quadrant awaits them.
Damar: Sir, the Defiant. It's heading for the wormhole.
Weyoun: Destroy it.
Dukat: What's wrong, Damar?
Damar: Our weapons, they're offline. They've been sabotaged.
Weyoun: How can that be?
Dukat: Major Kira.
Sisko: Full stop. Chief, divert all power to forward shields and weapons.
Dax: Captain, I'm reading multiple warp signatures ahead.
Sisko: On screen. Maximum magnification.
Sisko: Lock phasers. Prepare to launch quantum torpedoes.
Sisko: Why have you brought me here? Show yourselves. What do you want?
Odo: The Sisko has returned to us.
Jake: He arrives with questions.
Kira: There are always questions.
Sisko: I didn't ask to come here.
Dukat: You desire to end the game.
Sisko: What game? I don't understand.
Weyoun: You seek to shed your corporeal existence.
Damar: That cannot be allowed.
Odo: The game must not end.
Sisko: The game? You mean my life? Is that what this is about? You don't want me to die?
Dukat: The game must continue.
Weyoun: You are the Sisko.
Sisko: Believe me, I don't want to die, but I have to do everything I can to prevent the Dominion from conquering the Alpha Quadrant. If that means sacrificing my life and the life of my crew, so be it.
Jake: We do not agree.
Kira: We find your reasoning flawed.
Odo: Insufficient.
Sisko: I'm flattered you feel that way, but it doesn't change anything. Now send me back to my ship.
Sisko: This isn't what I meant. I want to return to my reality.
Damar: You are the Sisko.
Sisko: I am also a Starfleet captain. I have a job to do and I intend to do it.
Weyoun: The Sisko is belligerent.
Dukat: Aggressive.
Damar: Adversarial.
Sisko: You're damn right I'm adversarial. You have no right to interfere with my life.
Kira: We have every right.
Sisko: Fine. You want to interfere, then interfere. Do something about those Dominion reinforcements.
Odo: That is a corporeal matter.
Dukat: Corporeal matters do not concern us.
Sisko: The hell they don't. What about Bajor? You can't tell me Bajor doesn't concern you. You've sent the Bajorans orbs and Emissaries. You've even encouraged them to create an entire religion around you. You even told me once that you were of Bajor. So don't you tell me you're not concerned with corporeal matters. I don't want to see Bajor destroyed. Neither do you. But we all know that's exactly what's going to happen if the Dominion takes over the Alpha Quadrant. You say you don't want me to sacrifice my life? Well, fine, neither do I. You want to be gods, then be gods. I need a miracle. Bajor needs a miracle. Stop those ships.
Weyoun: We are of Bajor.
Damar: But what of the Sisko?
Odo: He is intrusive.
Dukat: He tries to control the game.
Jake: A penance must be exacted.
Weyoun: It is agreed.
Dukat: The Sisko is of Bajor, but he will find no rest there.
Kira: His pagh will follow another path.
Sisko: What path is that?
O'Brien: Phaser banks fully charged.
Nog: Forward shields at a hundred percent.
O'Brien: Torpedoes ready. Targets locked.
Dax: Here they come.
Sisko: Fire on my command.
Nog: There must be thousands of them.
Garak: And half of them have locked targets on us.
Sisko: Steady, people. Make every shot count.
Dax: Benjamin.
O'Brien: They've cloaked.
Dax: I'm not picking up any neutrino emissions.
Garak: Then where did they go?
Sisko: Wherever they went, I don't think they're coming back.
Damar: Sir, the wormhole is opening.
Damar: The Defiant.
Dukat: Our reinforcements must be right behind.
Damar: No, sir. There's no sign of them.
Weyoun: That's impossible. Check our listening posts in the Gamma Quadrant.
Damar: They're not there either.
Dukat: But they entered the wormhole. Where are they?
Damar: I don't know.
Damar: The Defiant has opened fire on us.
Weyoun: Obviously.
Dukat: Can you get our weapons back online?
Damar: Not for a while. Sir, two hundred enemy ships have broken through our lines. They're headed this way.
Weyoun: Time to start packing.
Founder: Contact our forces in the Alpha Quadrant. Tell them to fall back to Cardassian territory. It appears this war is going to take longer than expected.
Weyoun: We'll meet you at airlock five.
Damar: Sir?
Dukat: Victory was within our grasp.
Damar: We have to evacuate the station, sir.
Dukat: Bajor, the Federation, the Alpha Quadrant, all lost.
Damar: We have to go now, sir.
Dukat: Go?
Damar: The Federation ships, they'll be here soon. We have to get back to Cardassia.
Dukat: I have to find my daughter.
Damar: I'll send someone for her.
Dukat: That won't be necessary.
Damar: You're wasting your time.
Dukat: Promenade.
Damar: She won't go with you.
O'Brien: Sir, the Dominion forces are leaving the station.
Sisko: Let them go. We're in no shape to stop them.
Bashir: Captain, we're getting a message from the Cortez. The Dominion fleet has broken off the fight. They're in retreat.
Sisko: Tell the Cortez and the rest of our fleet to rendezvous at Deep Space Nine.
Computer: All Dominion personnel proceed to airlocks four, seven and twelve for evacuation. This is a first priority order. Repeat. All Dominion personnel proceed to airlocks four, seven and twelve for evacuation.
Computer: This is a first priority order.
Weyoun: Out of the way, out of the way. Step aside. Make way for the Founder. What about Odo? Is he coming with us?
Founder: No. But he will join us one day. It's only a matter of time.
Ziyal: Father!
Dukat: Ah, Ziyal.
Ziyal: I've been looking for you. I heard about the evacuation.
Dukat: You're all I have, all I care about.
Ziyal: No matter how much I try to hate you, I can't.
Dukat: I couldn't live with myself if you hated me. Come, we'll talk on the way home.
Ziyal: Home?
Dukat: Cardassia. We have to leave here, Ziyal, before the Federation arrives.
Ziyal: I'm not leaving.
Dukat: These people are our enemies.
Ziyal: They're not my enemies. I'm one of them.
Dukat: That's not true.
Ziyal: Father, I helped Major Kira and the others escape from the holding cells.
Dukat: Do you know what you're saying?
Ziyal: Yes, I do. I belong here. Goodbye, Father. I love you.
Dukat: No!
Damar: You heard her. She's a traitor.
Dukat: Ziyal, it's all right, it's all right, it's all right. Ziyal, I forgive you. It's all right.
Damar: We're out of time, sir. The last ship is waiting for us.
Dukat: Ziyal, please hear me. I love you. I love you, Ziyal.
Dukat: No! No! Ziyal.
Sisko: Jake-o.
Odo: Welcome back, Captain.
Sisko: Good to see you, Constable. It's good to see you all.
Martok: Captain, it would appear I owe you a barrel of bloodwine.
Sisko: We'll drink it together.
Dax: Worf!
Worf: Jadzia.
Dax: I guess the wedding's still on.
O'Brien: Quark, are the holosuites still working?
Quark: Ready and waiting, Chief.
O'Brien: Julian, did you hear that?
Bashir: The Battle of Britain. I'll meet you there in an hour.
Rom: You've been promoted?
Nog: I'm an engineer.
Rom: We'll be working together.
Nog: Actually, you'll be working for me.
Jake: I really missed you. It's good to have you back, Dad.
Sisko: So, where's Major Kira?
Jake: She's in the Infirmary, with Ziyal.
Kira: She loved you.
Garak: I could never figure out why. I guess I never will.
Dukat: We'll go back to Cardassia, Ziyal. We'll be safe there. You'll live with me. Everything will be fine.
Sisko: Maybe Doctor Bashir can do something for him.
Dukat: We'll both be very happy together. I know you forgive me. After all, I am your father and I forgive you.
Dukat: My precious girl.
Odo: Easy. Easy now.
Dukat: I forgive you, too.


Scene: Captain's personal log, stardate 51247.5. It's been a week since our return to Deep Space Nine, but the mood of celebration continues. We're still at war, and the station's been designated Headquarters for the Ninth Fleet. That, plus our strategic position guarding the wormhole, makes DS Nine one of the most tempting targets in the entire quadrant. But for now at least, the war seems very far away.
Sisko: Morning. Good morning. Morning, Major.
Kira: Good morning, Captain.
Sisko: Do you know how much I missed hearing you say that.
Kira: Do you know how much I hated saying, Good morning, Dukat.
Sisko: I can imagine. What's on the agenda?
Kira: USS Potemkin has completed her repairs and is rejoining the fleet later today. Exeter, Sutherland and Akagi have submitted resupply requests, and there are about a thousand messages from Starfleet Command awaiting your eyes only attention.
Sisko: Anything else?
Kira: General Martok is waiting in your office.
Sisko: Ah. I'll start with the General.
Kira: Thought you would.
Sisko: Have I mentioned that it's good to be home?
Kira: Once or twice.
Martok: You knew about this, didn't you?
Sisko: I had a pretty good idea.
Martok: And you did nothing to stop it?
Sisko: No. In fact, I recommended you for the position myself. Allow me to offer my congratulations to the new Supreme Commander of the Ninth Fleet.
Martok: Do you have any idea how much paperwork a Supreme Commander has to do?
Sisko: You're welcome. May I arrange quarters for you on the station?
Martok: No, I'll keep my flag aboard the Rotarran. It may be cramped, but at least I'll feel like I'm still in the war. By the way, I'd like Worf to continue functioning as my principal Intelligence Officer.
Sisko: I don't see any problem with that. He's the only officer I know who can never get enough work.
Martok: At least if he's busy he'll stop going on about this wedding of his. There were times aboard the Rotarran he nearly drove me mad. Until his son arrived, it was all he could talk about. Then Alexander became all he could talk about. The man is nothing if not single-minded.
Sisko: I haven't met Worf's son yet. What's he like?
Martok: He's a fine boy. Dedicated, eager. He has the heart of his father, but he's not the best soldier I've ever seen.
Alexander: But when he ordered me to bring the system back online I thought he was still talking about the hydrostatic system, so
Dax: You didn't engage the pumps while the check valves were open?
Worf: He did.
Alexander: I flooded the entire deck with superheated hydraulic fluid. It took me three days to clean it up, but I swear it still smells like burnt dog hair in there.
Dax: Remind me to keep you away from the Defiant. You're a menace.
Alexander: The Rotarran's crew actually thinks of me as a good luck charm. You know, the more mistakes I make, the safer they feel. I hope the Ya'Vang's crew feels the same way.
Worf: The Ya'Vang?
Alexander: I got new orders this morning. The battle cruiser Ya'Vang took heavy losses in their last engagement so most of the Rotarran's crew are being transferred there at the end of the week, including me. More bloodwine?
Dax: Why not?
Worf: No, not for me.
Quark: Handsome young man. He must get his looks from his mother's side.
Worf: What do you want?
Quark: Have you had a chance to reconsider my offer?
Worf: We are not getting married in this bar. The ceremony will take place on the Klingon homeworld after the war.
Dax: Worf, let's do it here. This week, before Alexander leaves.
Quark: Perfect. I'll handle all the arrangements.
Worf: Wait. I thought we had agreed.
Dax: We did, but I would hate for Alexander to miss his father's wedding. It would mean so much to him, and besides, it may be a long time before you see him again.
Alexander: What's going on?
Worf: Our wedding plans have changed. We are getting married here on Deep Space Nine. And I want you to be my Tawi'Yan.
Dax: Sword-bearer. It's sort of like a best man.
Alexander: Me? Really? Oh, that's great!
Quark: I'll put that on your tab.
Dax: it doesn't leave much time to make all the arrangements, but fortunately there isn't that much left to do. Worf's been planning the ceremony for the last three months. He has everything figured out, right down to the color of my shoes.
Kira: No offense, Jadzia, but it seems like this wedding is all about what Worf wants. Habitat ring, section fifty one gamma. What about you?
Dax: A traditional Klingon wedding with all the trimmings is something Worf's been thinking about since he was a boy. It probably has something to do with being raised by human parents. In any case, when it comes to Klingon tradition, Worf is very sentimental.
Kira: Worf?
Dax: All men are sentimental. They just cover it up with scowls and clenched jaws. There are times when Worf literally gets misty-eyed talking about Klingon rituals.
Kira: So that's why you're letting him make the plans for the wedding?
Dax: Mostly, but the truth is, I've gone through five Trill ceremonies three as a bride, two as a groom, and I'm a little bored with it.
Dax: Is it my imagination, or did Odo just try and avoid us?
Kira: I didn't notice. We've been avoiding each other ever since the Dominion left the station. I think we're both afraid of talking about what happened during the occupation.
Dax: What do you mean?
Kira: To tell you the truth, it's nothing I want to talk about right now either.
Worf: Thank you for coming. As you probably know by now, Jadzia and I will be married here on the station in six days.
Bashir: There's nothing more romantic than a wedding on DS Nine in springtime.
O'Brien: When the neutrinos are in bloom.
Worf: By tradition, the Klingon man spends the four nights before his wedding on a mental and spiritual journey. It is called Kal'Hyah, the path of clarity. And he is accompanied by his closest male friends.
Martok: You cannot imagine the experience that awaits us. Four long nights filled with song and fellowship. A time of unbridled pleasures.
O'Brien: Are we talking about a bachelor party?
Worf: It is a similar ritual.
Bashir: That's good enough for me.
O'Brien: Me too.
Sisko: Count me in.
Worf: We will meet in the holosuite tomorrow night at twenty one hundred hours.
Martok: I advise you all to get plenty of rest.
Bashir: Four nights at a Klingon bachelor party. Just think of the possibilities.
O'Brien: Thank God Keiko's not here.
Sisko: I wonder what Dax will be doing while we're traveling down Kal'Hyah?
Martok: She will be taking a different journey with my wife.
Sisko: Your wife?
Martok: By marrying Worf, Dax will be joining the House of Martok. Since the Mistress of a Great House must approve all marriages, Sirella will spend the next four days evaluating Jadzia.
Martok: My Lady.
Sirella: You've put on weight and your hair is going gray.
Martok: My deterioration is proceeding apace.
Sirella: I thought you would be in your grave by now.
Martok: I shall endeavor to die this year, if possible. Allow me to present Captain Benjamin Sisko, Commander of Deep Space Nine. Captain, may I present the Mistress of the House of Martok, my wife and the mother of my children, Sirella, daughter of Linkasa.
Sisko: Welcome to Deep Space Nine.
Sirella: Thank you, Captain. Where is she?
Martok: Jadzia's quarters are in the Habitat ring, section twenty five alpha. Shall I escort you? It's quite far away.
Sirella: I'll find my way. If you'll excuse me.
Martok: Magnificent, isn't she?
Worf: Are these real var'Hama candles?
Dax: Yes, Worf. I traveled to Kronos, I captured three targs in the Hamar Mountains, made the ritual sacrifice at dawn, came back to the station, asked Quark to boil their shoulders into tallow. Then I spent two days molding them into candles with my own hands.
Worf: I was just asking.
Dax: You were criticizing. Again. Relax. She's not going to reject a prospective daughter because the var'Hama candles in her welcoming display were replicated.
Dax: Come in.
Dax: Tuq son bosh mok A'Beh Sirella koh. E'Gagh vet moh.
Sirella: What is he doing here?
Worf: I meant no disrespect.
Sirella: Then leave.
Sirella: Your worthiness to join our House will now be judged according to the traditions of my family.
Dax: I am prepared, my lady.
Sirella: I doubt that. A Klingon woman would find it difficult to gain my favor. For an alien, it will most likely be impossible.
Dax: I like a challenge.
Sirella: I will not have my authority challenged by you.
Dax: That's not what I meant.
Sirella: If you cannot say what you mean, say nothing at all. The evaluation will begin tomorrow morning. Have the traditional meal prepared before I arrive. And in the future, if you cannot trouble yourself to make real var'Hama candles, try not to use such obvious fakes.
Worf: You never told me that your wife was opposed to this marriage.
Martok: Sirella is a woman of strong convictions. She believes that by bringing aliens into our families we risk losing our identity as Klingons.
Worf: That is a prejudiced, xenophobic view.
Martok: We are Klingons, Worf. We don't embrace other cultures, we conquer them. If someone wishes to join us, they must honor our traditions and prove themselves worthy of wearing the crest of a great House.
Worf: Jadzia is worthy.
Martok: Of course she is. She is an honorable woman and a formidable warrior.
Worf: You should say that to Sirella.
Martok: That's not such a good idea. I don't want her to think that I'm interfering in her domain.
Worf: Perhaps I should speak with her. Coming from me, it would not seem like a challenge to her authority.
Martok: I wouldn't do that if I were you.
Worf: Why?
Martok: Well, the truth is, she doesn't like you that much either.
Worf: Me.
Martok: Don't let that bother you I had every right to bring you into the family and she's accepted the fact that there's nothing she can do about it.
Worf: How comforting.
Martok: And they say that you have no sense of humor.
Bashir: I could do without the heat. I can't say much for the decor either.
O'Brien: Well, it can't be all fun and games. I'm sure there has to be some sort of ritual we have to go through before the party begins. There is going to be a party, isn't there?
Alexander: You're asking me? I can barely say my name in Klingon.
Martok: Prepare yourselves, my friends, for a journey you won't soon forget.
Worf: These are Ma'Stakas.
Bashir: What do we do with them?
Martok: At the conclusion of the wedding ceremony, you will use them to attack Worf and Dax.
O'Brien: Obviously. Don't you know anything?
Worf: The tradition dates back to the wedding of Kahless and Lukara, who were nearly killed by Molor's troops moments after they were married. Until the ceremony, you should keep them with you at all times.
Sisko: I trust that this combat is non-lethal?
Martok: It is a symbolic attack only.
Worf: The food is not to be eaten.
Alexander: Then what is it for?
Worf: It is here to tempt us into breaking our fast.
Sisko: Fast?
Worf: There are six trials we must face on the path to Kal'Hyah. This is the first, deprivation. We now begin a fast that will continue until the day of the wedding.
Bashir: That's four days away.
Martok: It is a short time, I know, but we must make the best of it.
Sisko: What are the other five trials?
Worf: Blood, pain, sacrifice, anguish and death.
Bashir: Sounds like marriage all right.
O'Brien: How would you know?
Worf: It is time to begin.
Quark: More flowers up the banister.
Ferengi: We're ready with the banner, boss.
Quark: Raise it. You're up early. I thought writers slept late.
Jake: Not always. I sold my first book today.
Quark: Really? How much did you get for it?
Jake: It's just a figure of speech. The Federation News Service is going to publish a book of my stories about life on the station under Dominion rule.
Quark: And they're not paying you?
Jake: No.
Quark: Well then, you have my sympathies and the first round of drinks is on the house.
Jake: Really?
Quark: No. It's a figure of speech.
Jake: Look, I want to tell my Dad about the book. Is he still in the holosuite?
Quark: Oh, yeah, they're still up there.
Jake: What are they doing?
Quark: It's a Klingon bachelor party. You're a writer, use your imagination.
Bashir: Alexander?
Alexander: Grandma?
Bashir: Guess again.
Alexander: We're still on the
Bashir: The road to Kal'Hyah, day five hundred.
O'Brien: Maybe we should turn down the heat, you know, for Alexander's sake.
Alexander: No, it's okay. I just need some water.
Bashir: Now you don't want to push yourself too hard. You know, turning down the heat might be a good idea.
Martok: The whole point is to push yourself to the limits of your endurance.
Alexander: I will. I want to travel the entire path to Kal'Hyah. Stoke the fire again!
Worf: As you wish.
Martok: Of course, we cannot expect you non-Klingons to have the same stamina as we do. If you wish to quit, no one will think any less of you.
Bashir: Who said anything about quitting?
Sisko: Not me.
O'Brien: I like the heat.
Martok: That's the spirit! Kavek ko lee ko MARTOK +
Worf: Eh to che mah lo Tah oo-wah kah esh to pah deh ah re! Yah bosh-ah! Yah bosh-ah!, Yah bosh tomah!
Dax: Al'Qoch mensah t'lang cho.
Sirella: Again.
Dax: I've done it three times already.
Sirella: You continue to rush through the ceremony, your body position is poor and the placement of the braziers on their pedestals is sloppy.
Dax: Do you know how heavy those things are?
Sirella: A Klingon woman would not complain.
Dax: You wouldn't make a Klingon woman do it three times in a row.
Sirella: I wouldn't have to. She'd have done it correctly the first time. End this now, Jadzia. Go back to your own people. They will tolerate your weaknesses and your failings in a way that a Klingon family never will. In our House, you would always be an alien, an outsider. At best, you'd be an object of pity. But you'd never be accepted, never an equal, because you can never truly be one of us.
Dax: Ko'ma tlang'goS ak-bay. Hava'dak croosh tovah. Ko'ma Kahless. Ko'ma Kahless. Ko'ma Kahless.
Dax: But the second Dynasty ended when General K'Trelan assassinated Emperor Reclaw. For the next ten years, the Empire was ruled by a Council elected by the people. Modern-day Klingon historians refer to this as The Dark Time, but it's interesting to note that this first and only experiment in Klingon democracy actually produced several reforms that
Sirella: You are straying from the saga.
Dax: Am I?
Sirella: Your task is to recite the complete chronicle of the women in my family.
Dax: I just thought I'd provide you with a broader historical perspective along the way.
Sirella: I am familiar with Klingon history. Now, return to the story of my twenty third maternal grandmother, Shenara, daughter of Emperor Reclaw in the Second Dynasty.
Dax: Well, that's where we run into a little bit of a problem. You see, I did some research and when Emperor Reclaw was killed all the members of the Imperial Family were also put to death. Including Shenara. When the Third Dynasty was founded ten years later, a new group of Klingons were given the titles and the names of the original Imperial Family to create the illusion of an unbroken line. So the woman that you think of as your twenty third maternal grandmother isn't related to you at all. Your real ancestor's name was Karana, a concubine living outside the Imperial stables.
Sirella: My grandmother's name was Shenara.
Dax: That may be what's been passed down from generation to generation, but it has no basis in fact. But who cares about facts? The chronicle says that you have imperial blood in your veins and that's exactly what we'll telling everyone.
Sirella: Continue with the saga.
Dax: My pleasure.
Jake: Hey, Major. Is it true Dax is having a party tomorrow night?
Kira: News travels fast.
Jake: Well, is it by invitation or?
Kira: I'm sure you're welcome, and you can tell Nog the same goes for him too.
Jake: Great.
Kira: Oh, I understand congratulations are in order to our newest published author.
Jake: Thank you.
Jake: What was all that about?
Kira: Nothing. There they go.
Kira: They look so serious.
Jake: It's all an act. They don't want the rest of us to know what kind of debauchery they're up to.
Kira: Like what?
Jake: It's a Klingon bachelor party. Use your imagination.
Worf: Now begins the trial of blood.
Martok: Let rivers flow from our veins.
Worf: Who will be the first?
Worf: I did not expect it to be you, Doctor.
Bashir: Neither did I.
Worf: Do not worry. The pain will last for only a moment.
Kira: Isn't that great?
Kira: He's unbelievable!
Woman: He's something.
Dax: Lieutenant Manuele Atoa from the starship Sutherland!
Rom: I've never seen anything like that.
Leeta: Neither have I.
Rom: Let's get something to eat.
Jake: A woman of many talents.
Quark: It's a shame she's about to waste them all on that walking frown she calls a fiancé. She's too good for him. I've said that from the beginning.
Jake: Are you jealous?
Quark: There's no profit in jealousy.
Jake: That's not a denial.
Quark: It's not to be quoted either.
Jake: Don't worry. So when did you first realize you had these feelings for Dax? Quark, wait.
Bashir: Miles?
O'Brien: Yeah?
Bashir: It's working. I've had a vision about the future. I can see it so clearly.
O'Brien: What is it?
Bashir: I'm going to kill Worf. I'm going to kill Worf. That's what I'm going to do. I can see it clearly now. I'm going to kill him. Kill him.
O'Brien: Kill Worf. Kill Worf.
Odo: I have been getting complaints about the noise. Someone even mentioned a fight?
Kira: Oh, there was a scuffle between Morn and one of the Bolians, but they worked it out.
Odo: How long will this party continue?
Kira: This party will continue until further notice, on the personal authority of the station's First Officer, who just happens to be me.
Odo: You're in a good mood.
Kira: Yeah, well, it's a good party.
Odo: Well.
Kira: Odo. Odo, I think we have a lot to talk about.
Odo: I agree.
Kira: So let's talk.
Odo: Now?
Kira: Don't you think we've put it off long enough?
Odo: Enjoy yourselves.
Kira: Let's find someplace a little quieter.
Dax: Thanks for the show.
Atoa: Thanks for getting me the day off.
Dax: Captain Shelby owed me a favor. Actually, he owed me several. In fact, how would you like to have another two days off?
Atoa: Two? What do I have to do?
Dax: Not much. Just give me something fun to look at for the rest of the evening.
Atoa: Anything else?
Dax: I'll let you know.
Sirella: You! Leave her or I'll cut your head off and hang it from my belt.
Dax: I'll take care of this. You weren't invited.
Sirella: It is time for the Bre'Nan ritual.
Dax: I'm busy.
Sirella: Busy acting like a Risian slut.
Dax: I'm only going to ask you to leave once.
Sirella: You will come with me now and perform the Bre'Nan ritual to my satisfaction or I will cancel your wedding.
Dax: Toruk-DOH!
Nog: Ladies, please!
Sirella: Mok'Ta vor, kash a'VEH!
Dax: Why is everyone standing around? The party's just getting started. Play something.
Dax: Double raktajino, extra sweet.
Atoa: What time is it?
Dax: Ten thirty hours.
Atoa: Come on.
Dax: Wrong door.
Atoa: Excuse me, sir.
Worf: Jadzia, we need to
Dax: You're mad.
Worf: I am concerned.
Dax: Yeah, well, I'm hung over. Can we talk later?
Worf: We have a very serious problem. Sirella has canceled the wedding.
Dax: She doesn't waste any time, does she?
Worf: She said you attacked her.
Dax: She pulled a knife.
Worf: You are forbidden to join the House of Martok.
Dax: So I won't get invited to the family picnics. I'll live.
Worf: I cannot believe how you're taking this so lightly.
Dax: Do you hear that?
Worf: What?
Dax: It sounds like voices.
Kira: Hi.
Dax: Hi.
Odo: Is the party over?
Dax: You could say that. It's ten thirty.
Kira: In the morning? I'm on duty.
Odo: So am I.
Kira: It was a great party.
Dax: Thanks.
Worf: We must deal with the situation now.
Dax: Stop yelling. My head hurts.
Worf: You must go to Sirella and beg her forgiveness.
Dax: I don't beg.
Worf: You are allowing your pride blind you.
Dax: Look who's talking. You want me to go crawling to some old hag just so you can have your traditional Klingon wedding.
Worf: This is about more than just tradition. You and I have embarked on a spiritual journey, one that will bind us together through this life and into the next. You cannot turn back now.
Dax: Maybe you're on a spiritual journey, Worf, but I just want to get married. So why don't you go back to sweating and bleeding with your friends in the holosuite and when you're done, meet me in Benjamin's office and he'll perform the ceremony.
Worf: If that is your attitude, perhaps Sirella was right about you. There should be no wedding.
Dax: That's fine with me.
Bashir: What's going on?
Quark: Haven't you heard? The wedding's off.
O'Brien: Off? Why?
Quark: She says it's because he's a pigheaded, stubborn man who puts tradition before everything else. He says it's because she's a frivolous, emotional woman who refuses to take him or his culture seriously. You can see the problem.
O'Brien: They're both right.
Quark: Exactly.
Bashir: Well, there's only one thing for it.
O'Brien: Dinner.
Quark: I'll get the menu.
Worf: Enter.
Martok: Worf, you've made a grave error.
Worf: Perhaps.
Martok: Do you still love her?
Worf: Of course. However, in this case, that may not be enough. Anyone can see that we are hopelessly mismatched. She is a Trill, I am a Klingon. She has had five marriages, this would be my first. When she is laughing, I am somber. When I am happy, she is crying. She plays tongo with the Ferengi bartender. I can barely stand him. She mocks everything, while I take everything seriously. She is nothing like the woman I thought I would marry.
Martok: We are not accorded the luxury of choosing the women we fall in love with. Do you think Sirella is anything like the woman I thought that I'd marry? She is a prideful, arrogant, mercurial woman who shares my bed far too infrequently for my taste. And yet I love her deeply. We Klingons often tout our prowess in battle, our desire for honor and glory above all else. But how hollow is the sound of victory without someone to share it with. Honor gives little comfort to a man alone in his home and in his heart.
Quark: One steak with mushrooms, baked potato, sour cream and chives.
O'Brien: I should've had that.
Quark: One double Altair sandwich, no mustard, two bowls of linguini, Bajoran shrimp and extra cheese. One loaf of mapa bread.
Bashir: Quark, where's the kava juice?
Quark: They're still squeezing the roots. Unless you want replicated?
Bashir: We'll wait.
Sisko: What do you think you're doing?
O'Brien: The wedding's been called off.
Sisko: It's back on.
Martok: Worf is apologizing to Jadzia at this very moment.
Sisko: Quark, take it all away. No food for those on the path to Kal'Hyah.
Quark: No refunds for those on the path to Kal'Hyah as well. Sorry.
Alexander: Father, what happened?
Worf: She refused to not change her mind. The wedding is still off.
Sisko: Where is she?
Worf: In her quarters.
Sisko: I'll go talk to her. Just keep them away from the food.
Dax: Come in. Save your breath. Worf went too far and now it's over. Do you know what he wanted me to do? He wanted me to go crawling on my hands and knees to Sirella to beg her forgiveness. Beg her! Me! I was once the Federation Ambassador to the Klingon Empire. I negotiated the Khitomer Accords before Worf was even born.
Sisko: Curzon negotiated the Accords. And I've got news for you, old man. You're not Curzon anymore.
Dax: And what the hell is that supposed to mean?
Sisko: It means that you can't expect Sirella to treat you like Curzon just because you carry his memories. To her, you're just a young woman who decided to marry into her family. If it means you have to bow down and kiss her boots, that's exactly what you have to do. And you knew that. The moment you decided to marry Worf, you knew that sooner or later you'd have to bow down and show her the respect that she's due.
Dax: This is Worf's fault. Worf and his traditional Klingon wedding.
Sisko: Well, he may have let this wedding business go to his head, but you are three hundred fifty six years old. Compared to you, Worf is just a kid. And if you can't abide by Klingon traditions, then you never should have let yourself fall in love with him in the first place. And you are in love with him.
Dax: I wasn't looking to fall in love. I was perfectly happy by myself. I had friends, a career, adventure. Then one day this Klingon with a bad attitude walked into my life and the next thing I know, I'm getting married. After three hundred fifty six years and seven lifetimes, I still lead with my heart.
Sisko: You know, that is what I have always loved about you. And I think that's why Worf loves you, too.
Dax: Whatever happened to that young, callow Ensign I used to know? The one who used to turn to me for advice all the time? You know, the one with hair?
Sisko: I grew up.
Dax: I guess it's time I grew up, too.
Sirella: With fire and steel did the gods forge the Klingon heart. So fiercely did it beat, so loud was the sound, that the gods cried out, 'On this day we have brought forth the strongest heart in all the heavens. None can stand before it without trembling at its strength.' But then the Klingon heart weakened, its steady rhythm faltered and the gods said, 'Why have you weakened so? We have made you the strongest in all of creation. And the heart said
Worf: I am alone.
Sirella: And the gods knew that they had erred. So they went back to their forge and brought forth another heart.
Sirella: But the second heart beat stronger than the first, and the first was jealous of its power.
Sirella: Fortunately, the second heart was tempered by wisdom.
Dax: If we join together, no force can stop us.
Sirella: And when the two hearts began to beat together, they filled the heavens with a terrible sound. For the first time, the gods knew fear. They tried to flee, but it was too late. The Klingon hearts destroyed the gods who created them and turned the heavens to ashes. To this very day, no one can oppose the beating of two Klingon hearts. Not even me. Worf, son of Mogh, does your heart beat only for this woman?
Worf: Yes.
Sirella: And will you swear to join with her and stand with her against all who oppose you?
Worf: I swear.
Sirella: Jadzia, daughter of Kela, does your heart beat only for this man?
Dax: Yes.
Sirella: And do you swear to join with him and stand with him against all who would oppose you?
Dax: I swear.
Sirella: Then let all present here today know that this man and this woman are married.
Bashir: Now?
Martok: Not yet.
Bashir: Now?
Martok: Patience.
Dax: My lady.
Sirella: Welcome to the House of Martok, my daughter.
Martok: Now, Doctor!


Dax: What about Captain Boday?
Kira: Captain Boday? You want me to bring Captain Boday to your quarters for dinner?
Dax: It's just a suggestion.
Kira: It's a bad suggestion. Number one, you used to go out with Captain Boday. Number two, Worf hates him. And number three, and we have discussed many times, Captain Boday has a transparent skull.
Dax: And you don't like to see a man's brains.
Kira: Ops.
Dax: What about Doctor Trag'tok? He's intelligent, he has a good physique, and he has a very opaque cranium.
Kira: True. But his eye bothers me.
Dax: Which one?
Kira: The middle one.
Dax: Really, you are obsessed with appearances.
Kira: And sometimes your taste in men frightens me.
Dax: I'll make sure to tell Worf you said so.
Worf: Tell me what?
Dax: Don't be so nosy. You can always invite Odo.
Kira: I'm not ready for that. Odo's not ready for that. Let's just forget that you brought that one up. Two raktajinos, extra strong, and a kava roll. I'm coming to dinner alone, got it?
Dax: I got it. Three place settings.
Kira: I'll bring the wine.
O'Brien: Captain, you'd better get out here.
Sisko: What is it?
O'Brien: I'm showing a power buildup in the transporter buffer.
Dax: Someone's attempting to beam into Ops.
Sisko: From where?
Dax: I don't know. There are no ships within transporter range.
Kira: Are you hurt?
Bareil: No, but you'll be unless you do exactly what I say.
Kira: It can't be.
Sisko: What do you want?
Bareil: A fast ship would be nice.
Sisko: Security, we have a hostage situation. Clear a path to landing pad A. Authorisation Sisko seven one green.
Odo: Seven one green acknowledged, Captain.
Sisko: Your runabout's waiting.
Bareil: Let's go.
Sisko: If you hurt her you will never leave this station, I promise you that.
Bareil: Follow me and she dies. I promise you that.
Bareil: Hold it.
Bareil: Not the turbolift. Someone might cut the power and we'd be trapped inside.
Kira: Then we walk.
Bareil: Your uniform, I've never seen one like it. You're not with the Alliance, are you?
Kira: There is no Alliance here.
Bareil: Then I have crossed to the alternate universe. Tell you one thing, the food's better.
Kira: So I take it you're running from the Alliance.
Bareil: Now you know the story of my life.
Kira: So once you get your ship, what then?
Bareil: Believe me, wherever I end up is going to be a lot better than where I've been.
Kira: I can believe that. I've spent some time in your universe.
Bareil: I'll bet you were glad to leave it. Now which way?
Kira: That way.
Bareil: How many levels before we reach the landing pad?
Kira: Fifty seven.
Bareil: Oh.
Kira: Here we are. Landing pad A.
Bareil: Open it.
Kira: I've got a better idea. Why don't you hand over that disruptor?
Bareil: Oh, you've been so cooperative up to now. I'd hate to have to kill you.
Kira: You're not going to kill me.
Bareil: Oh, you sure of that?
Kira: You're not going to kill anyone. Not with that disruptor. Power cell's cracked.
Bareil: How long have you known?
Kira: Since we left Ops.
Bareil: Then why did you come with me?
Kira: I needed the exercise.
Bareil: And I have to get away.
Odo: Are you all right, Major?
Kira: I'm fine.
Odo: The resemblance to Vedek Bareil is remarkable.
Bareil: This is the cleanest interrogation chamber I've ever been in, and believe me, I've been in quite a few.
Kira: I'm glad you're comfortable. Now, you mind telling me where you got hold of this?
Bareil: A Terran rebel gave it to me.
Kira: A multidimensional transporter device. Nice gift.
Bareil: We were very close. So, when do I get to meet myself?
Kira: Meaning what?
Bareil: Well, this is the alternate universe, correct? Everything's the same but different. Which means there's another Bareil Antos here.
Kira: There was.
Bareil: Was?
Kira: He's dead.
Bareil: You knew him, didn't you? Then that's why you seemed to recognize me. What was he like?
Kira: Does that matter?
Bareil: He was someone you cared about. Major, I know I have no right to ask this but you could do me a big favor. Destroy that device.
Kira: Why?
Bareil: Because then they can't send me back.
Kira: Sorry, I can't do that.
Bareil: Please, Major. You've been there. You know what it's like. Put me in prison, in a labor camp, whatever you want. Just let me stay.
Sisko: Now let me get this straight, Major. You're refusing to press charges.
Kira: That's right. I don't think Bareil ever intended to hurt me.
Sisko: I suppose we should just send him back where he came from.
Kira: No. He doesn't want to go back to that universe and I don't blame him.
Sisko: I know what you're going through, Major. When I met the other Jennifer Sisko it was very confusing, to say the least. I knew she wasn't my wife, but sometimes she would smile at me a certain way and then the light would hit her eyes, and it was my Jennifer. At least, that's what I wanted to believe.
Kira: Captain, I know this man is not Vedek Bareil. He doesn't talk like him, he doesn't act like him. He's a totally different person.
Sisko: But you still feel this connection with him that you can't explain, don't you?
Kira: It's not a problem.
Sisko: Good. Just make sure it doesn't become one.
Bareil: Major. I just wanted to say thank you for putting in a good word for me.
Kira: What are you going to do now?
Bareil: I'm not sure. I've been reading up on your world, and it's very different from the Bajor I know.
Kira: Is that where you intend to go?
Bareil: Well, I'm thinking about it. Did you see that? People keep staring at me.
Kira: It's because the man that you look like was loved and respected by a lot of people. He was a Vedek.
Bareil: A Vedek?
Kira: A religious leader.
Bareil: Imagine me a religious leader
Kira: Glad you find it funny. I'm going to be late for services.
Bareil: Wait. I didn't mean to offend you. It's just the kind of life I've led hasn't been very spiritual. In fact, I don't think I've ever been inside a temple.
Kira: Well, now's your chance. You're welcome to join me.
Bareil: In there? I don't think so. Besides, if I go in there, people are going to start believing I really am Vedek Bareil. That's something I'd like to avoid.
Kira: I can understand that.
Kira: What are you doing here?
Bareil: I figured I could use a little spiritual guidance.
Kira: That's not funny.
Bareil: It wasn't meant to be. I plan on making a new life for myself here. I'm going to need all the help I can get.
Ossan: Tolata impara no takash. With humility and gratitude, we accept this gift.
Ossan: Veshanoo yavar ha iktasho.
Bareil: What's in the box?
Kira: The Orb of Prophecy and Change.
Bareil: Orb?
Kira: A gift from the Prophets. It can foresee the future, or a possible future anyway.
Bareil: Who are the Prophets?
Kira: Our gods. You do have gods, don't you?
Bareil: Of course we do.
Kira: You don't sound too sure.
Bareil: That's because I leave them alone, they leave me alone.
Kira: So, what did you think?
Bareil: I'm not sure. It was an interesting ceremony, but
Kira: But what?
Bareil: Everyone seemed to take it so seriously.
Kira: What's wrong with that?
Bareil: I suppose it must be nice to have that kind of faith. I've always preferred to believe in nothing. That way I'm never disappointed.
Kira: That doesn't sound like much of a life.
Bareil: Maybe not, but it's all mine. Anyway, I'm glad I had this chance to see you again. It was very enlightening. Thank you, Major.
Kira: Bareil. Do you like Klingon food?
Bareil: An hour later, the Klingon guard returns to my cell. He puts down what's supposed to be my last meal, I slip his mek'leth out of its scabbard and hide it in my shirt. That night, I used the blade to deactivate the sensor alarm, my earring to open the cell door. By the time they realized I was gone, I was halfway to the Ventar system.
Dax: That's one hell of a story.
Worf: And that is all it is, a story.
Bareil: Excuse me?
Worf: It was well told but there was no truth to any of it.
Bareil: Oh, you're sure of that?
Worf: You want us to believe that you stole a mek'leth from a Klingon warrior.
Dax: Worf, it's not polite to accuse a guest of lying.
Bareil: No, it's all right. Obviously, I was exaggerating.
Dax: Would you like to do the honors?
Bareil: Allow me.
Bareil: I believe this is yours?
Kira: What do you think now, Worf?
Worf: Obviously Bareil is a better thief than I gave him credit for. More bloodwine.
Bareil: Why not.
Bareil: You are a lucky woman.
Kira: Why is that?
Bareil: You have good friends.
Kira: They liked you.
Bareil: You think so?
Kira: Why do you sound so surprised? You must have had friends back home.
Bareil: I can think of one.
Kira: If you'd rather not to talk about it.
Bareil: There's not much to say. She died.
Kira: I'm sorry.
Bareil: It's all right. Happened a long time ago.
Kira: This is home. I'm sorry the evening has to end on such a sad note. Would you like to come in? Have a raktajino?
Bareil: Her name was Lisea. I first saw her on the street in Ilvia. I couldn't take my eyes off of her. She had the most attractive little money sack hanging from her waist.
Kira: Don't tell me you stole it?
Bareil: She should've known better than to carry her money so carelessly in Ilvia. It's a very dangerous place. Turns out she'd just arrived from one of the mining camps in the hills of Dahkur Province.
Kira: I come from Dahkur Province, only here it's all farmland.
Bareil: When I met her she was working in an Ilvian pleasure center.
Kira: And you decided to take her away from all that.
Bareil: I taught her how to be a thief. The funny thing is, she was so grateful. She felt I saved her life.
Kira: Maybe you did.
Bareil: If anyone was saved it was me. We were having dinner in a bar one night. A fight broke out. A drunken Cardassian pulled out a disruptor and started firing. We were together five years, and in all that time I never told her how much she meant to me.
Kira: I know what it's like to lose someone.
Bareil: When I activated that transporter device I had no idea where I'd end up. I never thought I'd be sitting here with you.
Kira: Two days ago, all I wanted was to be alone.
Bareil: Major.
Kira: Don't you think it's time you called me Nerys?
Bareil: What did you say these are called?
Kira: Alvas. They grow all over Bajor.
Bareil: Not my Bajor.
Kira: I can't believe you're still hungry. After a big Klingon meal, I usually don't eat for two days.
Bareil: Ever since I got here I can't stop eating. What is it?
Kira: Nothing.
Bareil: This must be very strange for you. You and I here together, me looking like him.
Kira: Fortunately, you're not anything like him.
Bareil: You mean he didn't eat in bed?
Kira: Antos was very diskiplined. He had a strict routine he never deviated from. He only ate two meals a day. Simple food. He used to say, when you overindulge the body
Bareil: You starve the soul.
Kira: How did you know that?
Bareil: I did a little research. Enough to know that when he died, Bajor suffered a great loss.
Kira: I would've given my life to save his. But all I could do was stand there and watch his slip away.
Bareil: Are you tired?
Kira: Not any more.
Bareil: Want to get an early breakfast?
Kira: Sounds good.
Bashir: My medical requisitions.
Dax: Why didn't you just download them into the computer?
Bashir: I don't know. Thought I might stretch my legs, see what was happening in Ops.
Dax: Kira hasn't shown up yet.
Bashir: Kira?
Dax: You are so transparent.
Bashir: What are you talking about?
Worf: Your guilt is quite clear, Doctor.
Bashir: Guilt? About what? About medical requisitions? Don't be ridiculous.
Dax: Julian, Kira's personal life is her own. We're her friends. We should respect her privacy.
Dax: Good morning, Nerys. How'd it go last night?
Kira: You mean dinner? We had a great time. Why?
Bashir: She means after dinner, but you don't have to answer that because we don't want to invade your privacy.
Dax: But if you want to tell us about it, we'll listen.
Kira: It went well.
Dax: I told you.
Worf: I never doubted it.
Bashir: Well, I think I should be getting back to the Infirmary. Unless there are any more details forthcoming.
Kira: Goodbye, Doctor.
Bashir: Goodbye.
Kira: Worf, any news from General Martok's scout ships?
Worf: They report no Dominion activity along the border.
Kira: Let's hope it stays that way.
Dax: Are you seeing him tonight?
Kira: At the Bajoran Shrine.
Dax: That doesn't sound very romantic.
Kira: He's going to have his first Orb experience.
Dax: Your idea, I suppose?
Kira: No, actually it was his. He's curious about Bajoran spirituality. It's a new concept for him.
Dax: Well, it's not a midnight swim in the holosuites, but if it makes you happy.
Bareil: So where is this Vedek?
Kira: He'll be here. Now stop pacing. This is an Orb experience, not an execution.
Bareil: I just don't want to disappoint anybody.
Kira: That's sweet, but I'm not going to judge you.
Bareil: I know that. I meant the Prophets. What do I say to them?
Kira: You don't have to say or do anything.
Bareil: I just stare into the Orb.
Kira: Actually, it's more like the Orb stares into you.
Ossan: Welcome, my child. Are you ready to proceed?
Bareil: Yes.
Ossan: Your pagh is strong. You are ready to face the will of the Prophets. Come.
Bareil: Thank you. Not hungry.
Kira: Well that's a change.
Bareil: When you had your first Orb experience, did you understand it?
Kira: I don't know that anyone fully understands an Orb experience. Not at first, anyway. You have to live with it for a while, absorb it.
Bareil: And then?
Kira: And then one day it becomes a part of you. A part of who you are.
Bareil: I thought I would get a glimpse of the future. It was more than that. It changes you. There were so many images I couldn't track of them all. He was there, Vedek Bareil. We were together, talking, but it was all mixed up. I was him, he was me. It's all very confusing.
Kira: I don't think we should be talking about this.
Bareil: If I can't tell you about it, who can I tell?
Kira: No one. An Orb experience isn't meant to be shared.
Bareil: I feel as if I could sleep for days.
Kira: That's a very common reaction. Why don't you get some rest.
Bareil: I will. Nerys?
Kira: It's all right. I'll see you tomorrow.
Intendant: I was wondering when you'd get back.
Bareil: What are you doing here?
Intendant: I know, I'm early. But my curiosity got the better of me. Besides, the thought of you pining away for me was too much to bear. Now, tell me. How's our little plan progressing?
Bareil: Couldn't be better. Right on schedule.
Intendant: That's just what I was hoping to hear.
Intendant: Now, tell me everything that's happened since you got here.
Bareil: Later. I'm too tired. Right now all I want to do is go to bed.
Intendant: Even better.
Bareil: I said I was tired.
Intendant: You've never been tired before.
Bareil: It's been a long day.
Intendant: I don't think you're pleased to see me. It's her, isn't it? The Major's gotten to you.
Bareil: Don't be stupid.
Intendant: Oh, I'd be very disappointed if you didn't find the Major intoxicating. I mean, after all, she is me, or the next best thing to me. So, what do you think of her?
Bareil: You're crazy.
Intendant: Oh, we know what I'm like. What about her?
Bareil: I am not going to discuss this.
Intendant: Oh, please, please. I really want to know.
Bareil: She's wonderful.
Intendant: I knew it. She's too good for you. We both are. I mean, you're nothing but a petty thief.
Bareil: I know what I am.
Intendant: That's it? That's all you have to say?
Bareil: I said I was tired.
Intendant: Oh? Major Kira must be very
Bareil: This has nothing to do with the Major. I looked into the Orb today.
Intendant: You did? How very exciting. So, how soon can we get our hands on it?
Bareil: The Vedeks are holding a twenty six hour vigil in the Shrine. Now, I cannot get near the place until tomorrow night. The Orb is behind a forcefield keyed to a decryption matrix.
Intendant: Which you can bypass.
Bareil: That's what thieves do.
Intendant: Today you're a thief, but tomorrow, once we bring our prize home, you'll be Bearer of the Orb. The holy man who unites the Bajoran people in a war against the Alliance.
Bareil: Just call me Vedek Bareil.
Intendant: Think of it, the wealth, the power. You'll be like a god.
Bareil: You're putting a lot of faith in that Orb.
Intendant: So will every other Bajoran. We're going to have such fun. I can hardly wait. You do look tired. You should get some rest. And tomorrow when you see the Major give her that from me. Sleep well.
Bareil: One more.
Quark: Coming right up.
Bareil: What are you two staring at? Same goes for the rest of you. I am not Vedek Bareil. I just want to be left alone.
Quark: You heard the man. Now leave him be. Sorry about that. People can be so rude. You know, I used to see the Vedek all the time, walking down the Promenade with Major Kira. Never came in here, though. I guess dabo wasn't his game. It's an amazing resemblance. Put you in a Vedek's robe and nobody would know the difference.
Bareil: Believe me, there's a difference.
Quark: But not to the paying public.
Bareil: You have a business proposition for me? Spit it out.
Quark: Picture this. You seated here wearing robes. A long line of Bajorans waiting patiently to pay good money just to meet Vedek Bareil, maybe touch his hand.
Bareil: Like I said, I'm not Vedek Bareil.
Quark: A mere technicality. You're the closest thing to Vedek Bareil they're ever going to see. Which is why they're going to love you.
Bareil: I wouldn't know what to say.
Quark: The less, the better. Just nod every once in a while and smile benignly. It's very simple. Later on, once you get the hang of it, you might even throw in a blessing or two. What do you think?
Bareil: I've known people like you my whole life. Nasty, greedy little minds willing to do whatever it takes to make money. I know just how you think.
Quark: That's because you think the same way.
Bareil: I suppose I am a lot more like you than I'll ever be like Vedek Bareil.
Quark: Perfect. Then we have a deal?
Bareil: I'm afraid not.
Quark: Why?
Bareil: Because right now I don't like either one of us.
Quark: It's a shame to see such a perfect opportunity go to waste.
Quark: Major, any idea where they put my shipment of Saurian brandy?
Kira: Over there.
Quark: You heard her. Your new boyfriend came into my bar today.
Kira: Did he?
Quark: He's a little different, isn't he.
Kira: From what?
Quark: From some of your previous choices. Don't get me wrong, I had nothing against Vedek Bareil or Shakaar, but they were a little too controlled, a little too controlling. They lacked fire, excitement. But this Bareil? He's different. He's full of surprises.
Kira: So I take it that you like him.
Quark: Let's just say I like the idea of you with him. But let me tell you something, Major. You'd better brace yourself. You're in for a rough ride.
Kira: What are you talking about?
Quark: I've been a bartender for a long time. I've seen all sorts of customers. Sad ones, happy ones, complicated ones.
Kira: And Bareil, where does he fit in?
Quark: He's one of the tormented ones.
Kira: Tormented? No, I don't think so. Quark, you've had an Orb experience. You know what it's like.
Quark: He had an Orb experience? Interesting.
Kira: Meaning what?
Quark: After he left the bar, I saw him hanging around the Bajoran Shrine. He must've been there a couple of hours.
Kira: He has a lot on his mind. He probably went there to think things over.
Quark: Either that or he was figuring out a way to rob the place. What's this, a union meeting? Let's get going. Nice chatting with you, Major. I hope you two are very happy together.
Intendant: Well, what do you think?
Bareil: Even I'd have trouble telling you apart.
Intendant: Wearing the Major's clothes, it feels so intimate. Oh, admit it. You've never found me more exciting. It's like having the best of both worlds.
Bareil: Let's try to stay focused, all right? We both have jobs to do.
Intendant: You're right, we'll celebrate later. Did you get the comm. badges? Oh what nimble fingers. Contact me the minute you have the Orb.
Bareil: Right.
Intendant: You're going to look so good wearing a crown.
Intendant: Everything quiet?
Security: Yes, Major.
Intendant: Good.
Security: I'm sorry, I need your level six authorisation code.
Intendant: Oh, is that really necessary?
Security: It's the new protocol. The war.
Intendant: Of course.
Security: Is everything all right?
Intendant: I must have pulled a muscle exercising in the holosuites. It's been bothering me all day. Would you mind massaging my shoulders for me? I could make it an order.
Intendant: A little harder, please. Oh, such strong hands. If only we had some warm Somata oil. That would be nice, wouldn't it?
Security: I guess.
Intendant: You have a lot to learn about giving a massage.
Kira: What's that old saying? Once a thief?
Bareil: What are you doing here?
Kira: The question is, what are you doing here?
Bareil: Nerys. How did you know?
Kira: I didn't. You had me completely fooled. The thief in search of redemption, who could resist that? Obviously not me. Luckily, Quark didn't fall for your little act. Now step away from the altar.
Bareil: I wish I could, but I can't. I've come too far.
Kira: Then you came a long way for nothing.
Intendant: Nerys! Oh, you look as beautiful as ever.
Kira: You're just full of surprises, aren't you?
Intendant: It's only fair. You had your Bareil, I have mine.
Bareil: You're suppose to wait for me at the transporter pad.
Intendant: Don't worry, I have the transporter keyed to this control. All I have to do is tap this key and we're on our way home. Besides, I couldn't leave without saying hello to myself. The transporter sensors showed that you weren't alone in the shrine and I was hoping it was you, Nerys. Bareil's smart but you're smarter. We really are alike, aren't we?
Kira: You can't let her have the Orb. It's too dangerous.
Intendant: Will you stop wasting your breath. Antos and I are a team. We're destined to do great things together.
Bareil: If we're going, let's go.
Kira: You don't have to do this.
Intendant: Isn't that sweet? She is still trying to save your soul. Of course, you don't have one.
Bareil: She's right. I'm not worth saving.
Kira: You sound pretty certain of that.
Intendant: Look at him. Really, look at him. It's important that you see him for what he truly is.
Kira: I do. So you were just using me to get to the Orb? Is that what I'm supposed to believe?
Bareil: Believe anything you want.
Intendant: Please, Nerys, don't embarrass yourself. You made a mistake. You let Bareil make a fool of you. That's bad enough. Don't make it worse by denying what happened. Just accept it and move on.
Kira: Why should I? It's not true. You know that as well as I do. You may have come here for the Orb, but you found something else.
Intendant: And people say that I have a large ego. Tell her, Antos. Tell her how you were using her, that everything you told her was a lie. That every time you touched her all you could think about was me.
Bareil: When she wakes up, I'll have a lot of explaining to do.
Kira: And if you don't have the Orb, she'll kill you.
Bareil: Maybe. That will certainly be her first reaction, but I've talked my way back into her good graces before. I'll be all right.
Kira: I guess this is goodbye.
Bareil: It's for the best. You know what I saw when I looked into that Orb? You and me, together on Bajor. We had a life, a family.
Kira: What's wrong with that?
Bareil: Nothing. It might even work, for a while. But eventually I'd find some way to ruin it. I'm a thief. I belong with her.
Kira: Then you should go.