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


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


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