Scene: Captain's log, stardate 49904.2. After driving away Breen privateers from the Bajoran colony of Freehaven, we are returning to Deep Space Nine.
Dax: When I was Leela Dax, I went through the same thing. Every night I'd tuck in my son Ahjess, and two hours later he'd crawl into bed with me. I don't think I slept through a night for weeks.
O'Brien: Weeks? Molly's been doing this for two months already.
Dax: She just needs a little attention.
Bashir: Dax is right. I'd say she's jealous. She knows that you and Keiko are going to have a baby soon.
O'Brien: What makes you such an expert on children?
Bashir: First in my class in pediatric medicine.
Dax: I wouldn't sit there if I were you.
Bashir: Why? Miles spill something again?
O'Brien: It's Worf's seat. He'll be here in a minute.
Bashir: Just because Worf lives on the Defiant full time doesn't give him proprietary rights in the mess hall.
Dax: No one says it does. He just likes that seat.
Worf: Prune juice, extra large.
Bashir: Have a seat, Commander.
Worf: Thank you.
Sisko: All senior staff report to the bridge, immediately.
Sisko: You'd better have a look at this.
Kira: Concentrate on the fires in section thirteen. We have to keep them away from the plasma conduits.
Quark: Has anyone seen my brother Rom? He told me he was going to be working in one of the upper pylons today.
Kira: He's fine. I saw him with one of the damage control teams on level five.
Quark: What a relief. Wait till I find him. I'll kill him for scaring me like that.
Odo: Major, here's a preliminary list of the stolen equipment. Bashir, Dax and Sisko arrive on scene.)
Sisko: Report, Major.
Kira: It was a Jem'Hadar strike team. They beamed aboard from a civilian transport, disabled communications and weapons, set off an explosive device in upper pylon three, fought a number of small skirmishes
Bashir: This one's gone. Spinal fracture and severe trauma to the cranial meninges.
Kira: They raided the science lab, the reactor control facility and several cargo bays.
Sisko: Microfusion initiators, photonic amplifiers, EPS power stabilizers.
Kira: They were out of here and through the wormhole before we knew what hit us.
Bashir: Constable, how many casualties do we have?
Odo: So far, eighteen confirmed dead, thirty one missing and over a hundred wounded.
Dax: How long ago did the Jem'Hadar leave?
Kira: Forty five minutes at the most.
Dax: That means their ion trail hasn't decayed yet. We could follow them.
Sisko: I intend to do more than that. Sisko to Defiant, prepare for departure.
Bashir: I'm going to stay here, take care of the wounded. That includes you.
Sisko: The station's yours, Major. Contact Starfleet. Tell them to get some ships out here just in case this is a diversion.
Kira: Understood.
Sisko: Constable, you're with us. Sisko to Defiant. Three to beam out.
Sisko: What do you see, Dax?
Dax: Nothing good. Their ion trail is getting fainter. The Jem'Hadar must be emitting a magneton pulse to cover their tracks.
Sisko: Keep on them. I want that ship.
Odo: Frankly, I'm surprised that something like this hasn't happened sooner. Being at the edge of the wormhole makes Deep Space Nine a tempting target.
Sisko: Sometimes I wish we could have the Defiant standing guard over the station twenty six hours a day.
Worf: Restricting the Defiant to guard duty would be a serious mistake.
O'Brien: You wouldn't say that if you had family living on the station.
Worf: Perhaps, but adopting a siege mentality is ultimately self-defeating.
Dax: I've got something. Bearing oh five seven mark zero zero nine.
Sisko: Red Alert. On screen.
Worf: A Jem'Hadar warship. This can't be the vessel we're looking for. Major Kira said the Jem'Hadar strike team that attacked the station used a transport ship.
O'Brien: Captain, that warship's in pretty bad shape. It looks like someone's been using it for target practice.
Dax: They're transmitting a broad-band distress signal.
Odo: It could be a trap.
Sisko: How many crewmembers aboard?
Dax: I'm reading seven life signs.
O'Brien: You won't be reading them for long. The reactor's about to go critical.
Sisko: Chief, have a security detail report to the transporter bay. Odo, Commander Worf, you're with me.
Sisko: Transporter protocol five. Sisko to Bridge. Drop cloak. Engage.
Sisko: Reinstate cloak. If you're looking for your weapons, they were removed in transport.
Omet'Iklan: Even without weapons, we're more than a match for you.
Worf: I would not be so certain of that.
Toman'Torax: A Klingon.
Virak'Kara: And the traitor. The Founders will be pleased.
Weyoun: Omet'iklan, control your men. These people saved our lives.
Omet'Iklan: And for that we shall take advantage of their mistake.
Weyoun: You'll do nothing without my approval. My apologies, Captain. I'm afraid the Jem'Hadar are sadly deficient in the social graces.
Sisko: Two hours ago, my station was attacked by a Jem'Hadar strike team.
Weyoun: I know. They attacked us too.
Odo: Why would your own people attack you?
Omet'Iklan: Tell them nothing. This is not their concern.
Weyoun: Your next allowance of white will be in two hours. If you want it on time, you will be quiet and do as you're told. Captain, you and I should talk in private.
Sisko: If you have something to say to me, make it quick.
Weyoun: Captain Benjamin Sisko. I feel honored. Your psychographic profile is required reading for Vorta field supervisors. I probably know things about you you don't know yourself.
Sisko: If you're trying to impress me, you can forget it.
Weyoun: What would you say if I offered to make you absolute ruler of the Federation? No President, no Starfleet Chief of Staff, just you.
Sisko: I'd say your psychographic profile of me isn't as good as you think.
Weyoun: Just doing my job. Trying to build a bridge between the Dominion and a potential ally. After all, wouldn't it be much simpler if the Dominion and the Federation could reach some mutual beneficial understanding without resorting to the unpleasantness of military conflict?
Sisko: I want to know how to find the Jem'Hadar who attacked my station. If you want to build a bridge, why don't you start there?
Weyoun: I can lead you to them. But there's something I need in exchange.
Sisko: What's that?
Weyoun: I want you to help me eliminate them. The Jem'Hadar that attacked your station are renegades. They've turned their back on their oath of allegiance to the Dominion and it's my job to see to it that they're punished.
Sisko: Why do you need my help? You could send a whole fleet of Jem'Hadar warships after them.
Weyoun: I'm afraid we don't have the time. Captain, are you familiar with the Iconians?
Sisko: They controlled a vast interstellar empire about two hundred thousand years ago.
Weyoun: What's important is how the Iconians controlled that empire.
Sisko: The Gateways.
Weyoun: Exactly. Sophisticated transporters that allowed them to move instantaneously from one planet to another, from one solar system to another, without the use of starships.
Sisko: What does any of this have to do with me?
Weyoun: Dominion scientists recently diskovered a Gateway on one of our outlying worlds. We sent a team of scientists to restore it, but their Jem'Hadar guards rebelled and are now trying to complete the Gateway themselves.
Sisko: These renegade Jem'Hadar stole some equipment from my station. EPS power stabilizers, microfusion initiators, photonic amplifiers.
Weyoun: I would say it's very possible they're going to use that equipment to help them complete the Gateway. You understand the nature of our dilemma?
Sisko: If the Jem'Hadar are able to make the Gateway operational, they'll become virtually invincible.
Weyoun: Our experts predict the renegades would gather support from other Jem'Hadar units, launch a general insurrection, and effect a complete takeover of the Dominion in less than a year.
Sisko: None of which is my problem.
Weyoun: That's very shortsighted of you, Captain. Think about it. If the Jem'Hadar seize control of the Dominion, there'll be no stopping them. Even shutting down the wormhole won't protect the Alpha Quadrant. With the Gateway, they could put a million Jem'Hadar warriors on any Federation planet instantaneously. Would you care to see our projections of Federation casualties?
Sisko: Couldn't the Founders just order them to surrender? From what I know, the Jem'Hadar have been genetically conditioned to obey them.
Weyoun: The Founders' ability to control the Jem'Hadar has been somewhat overstated. Otherwise we never would have had to addict them to the white.
Sisko: Sounds like the Dominion isn't quite as stable as you'd like us to believe.
Weyoun: The Dominion has endured for two thousand years, and will continue to endure long after the Federation has crumbled into dust. But we'll leave that to history. Right now, we have a more pressing concern. The Gateway must be destroyed. Agreed?
Sisko: Agreed.
Dax: Let me get this straight. We're going to work with the Jem'Hadar to fight the Jem'Hadar.
Sisko: I don't relish this idea either, but we don't have much of a choice.
Worf: I was on the mission that diskovered the Iconian homeworld. We were forced to destroy the Gateway we found there rather than let it fall into the hands of the Romulans, and Starfleet Command supported our decision.
Dax: If they didn't want the Romulans to get a hold of it, I'm sure they won't want the Jem'Hadar to have it either.
O'Brien: What are we supposed to do? Give Omet'iklan and his men their weapons back and then hope they don't point them at us?
Sisko: They're not going to get their hands on any weapons until we reach our target.
Odo: How do we know these Jem'Hadar can be trusted? They must realize that controlling the Gateway would mean freedom for their people.
Sisko: According to Weyoun, they don't know anything about the Gateway. They think that this is just a routine search and destroy mission. Find the renegade Jem'Hadar, eliminate them and their base.
Worf: You're asking us to lie to them about our mission. It is not honorable.
O'Brien: There's a lot of things about this mission that bother me, but lying to the Jem'Hadar is not on top of my list.
Odo: If the Jem'Hadar find out that we've deceived them.
Sisko: They're not going to find out anything.
Dax: Well, they won't hear it from me.
Sisko: There'll be a joint briefing session at nineteen hundred hours.
O'Brien: Followed by a get-to-know-you buffet at nineteen thirty.
Dax: And I forgot my dress uniform.
Sisko: Enter.
Omet'Iklan: You requested my presence.
Sisko: It seems we're going to be working together.
Omet'Iklan: So I am told. Luckily for you, the only thing I despise more than the Federation is a Jem'Hadar soldier who breaks his vow of allegiance.
Sisko: I'm glad you see it that way. Now, I have a few things I want to make clear. First, this is my ship and my command. which means I give the orders, not you and not Weyoun. What's more, I'm holding you personally responsible for the actions of your men. If I have a problem with them, you're the one who's going to have to answer for it.
Omet'Iklan: That's as it should be. After all, I'm the First.
Sisko: As far as I'm concerned, on this mission, I'm the First. They lock eyes, and neither blinks.)
Omet'Iklan: Until the traitors are found and terminated. After that, we shall see. Am I dismissed?
Sisko: For the time being.
Sisko: According to Dominion intelligence, the Jem'Hadar have established a base camp here.
Sisko: The interior of the structure is riddled with a network of corridors and interlocking chambers.
Sisko: our primary objective is to destroy the Jem'Hadar arms and supply cache in this chamber. The trick will be getting there. We can't beam directly into the structure, which means we'll have to fight our way in.
Omet'Iklan: Jem'Hadar tactics dictate at least twenty seven soldiers are stationed inside the base camp at all times. Nine will patrol the perimeter. Additional troops are deployed throughout the city.
Worf: How many renegades are there all together?
Omet'Iklan: A hundred and sixty two in the original garrison. We killed at least twelve during the initial rebellion.
O'Brien: That still leaves a hundred and fifty.
Dax: Just between you and me, Captain, I think we're a little outnumbered.
O'Brien: Wouldn't it be simpler to take out the base from orbit? A couple of quantum torpedoes should be enough to level the entire area.
Sisko: Unfortunately, that's not an option.
Weyoun: The central structure is composed of solid neutronium. Even a direct hit from a quantum torpedo wouldn't necessarily destroy our objective.
Sisko: Which means we have to go in ourselves.
Toman'Torax: As it should be. It is our duty to punish those who would break their vow of loyalty.
Odo: Are you accusing me of something?
Omet'Iklan: It is not for us to accuse a god of betraying heaven. The gods themselves will sit in judgment over you.
Odo: I'm no god, and neither are the Founders. The sooner you realize that, the better off you'll be.
Sisko: We've chosen a beam-in site here, in this wooded area. That'll give us a chance to evaluate the situation before proceeding. Our first objective will be to secure the main entrance to the ziggurat.
Worf: Neutralizing nine guards before one of them can raise an alarm will be difficult.
Virak'Kara: It's as you said. The Klingon will to fight pales in comparison to our own.
Toman'Torax: Yes. He has the look of a warrior but the heart of a coward.
Worf: If you would like to test my courage, I
Sisko: All right, that's enough.
Toman'Torax: One day the Klingon Empire will fall before the Jem'Hadar. And when that day comes, and piles of Klingons lie dead at my feet, I will think of you standing here impotent and weak, and I will laugh.
Sisko: All right! I said that's enough. Worf, let him go!
Omet'Iklan: Second! Release the Klingon or I will kill you where you stand.
Sisko: Now, the two of you, as you were. I promise, you'll both have more fight than you can handle before this is over.
Worf: Let's go.
O'Brien: I'm right with you.
Dax: Worf.
Worf: Go.
O'Brien: Ready.
Dax: Wait. The room's not secure. We have to find the third guard.
Worf: I do not see him.
Dax: He's here somewhere.
Worf: I know.
O'Brien: We're supposed to be on our way out by now.
Worf: Where is he?
Odo: We're running out of time, Commander.
Worf: The third Jem'Hadar guard. He is still here somewhere.
Odo: Look for a slight rippling effect.
Dax: We know what we're looking for. We just can't find it.
O'Brien: We're dead.
Omet'Iklan: That's correct.
Weyoun: The Jem'Hadar defense grid is now in operation. Automated weapons systems have killed everyone in this room.
Omet'Iklan: Your crew failed in their mission.
Dax: Well you might as well tell us. Where's the other one?
Omet'Iklan: There was no third guard.
Sisko: I don't understand. You told me the Jem'Hadar soldiers always operate in teams of three.
Omet'Iklan: In battle, nothing is certain. You should have armed the explosives as soon as you were in position.
Worf: We had to be sure the room was secure. otherwise someone could have disarmed the explosive the moment we left.
Omet'Iklan: If you couldn't secure the room, you should not plan on leaving it.
O'Brien: You want us to blow the place up while we're still in it?
Omet'Iklan: This is a waste of time. They'll never succeed as long as they value their lives more than victory.
Weyoun: There's something to be said for soldiers who aren't afraid to die.
Sisko: I don't know. I've found nothing keeps me alert quite like a healthy fear of death. Keep practicing. The two of you, with me.
Sisko: One of the reasons for these drills is to help our crews learn to work together. Constantly showing contempt for my people isn't making it any easier.
Omet'Iklan: Would you prefer I lied?
Sisko: What I'd like is for you to at least maintain the pretense that we're on the same side.
Weyoun: Captain, I understand your concerns, and so does Omet'iklan.
Sisko: Deck five, section one.
Omet'Iklan: The only way my troops can come to respect your crew is to fight alongside them. Mixed teams in every aspect of the mission.
Weyoun: That's not practical.
Omet'Iklan: Why not?
Weyoun: Are you questioning my decision?
Omet'Iklan: You fool. My men and I, we know all about the Gateway.
Sisko: Halt turbolift. Looks like your secret's out.
Weyoun: How do you know about the Gateway?
Omet'Iklan: It doesn't matter how we know. The point is, we know. You think you have to lie to us and use the white to ensure our loyalty. But the fact is, we are more loyal to the Founders than the Vorta ever will. It is the reason for our existence. It is the core of our being.
Weyoun: There's an entire company of Jem'Hadar down on Vandros Four who would disagree with you.
Omet'Iklan: And for that, they will die.
Sisko: Mixed teams it is. But let's get one thing straight. This isn't going to be a suicide mission. As far as I'm concerned, everyone who goes in, comes back out. Starfleet and Jem'Hadar alike.
Omet'Iklan: Your concern for life is touching. Let's hope it doesn't stop us from achieving our objectives.
Sisko: Computer, reactivate turbolift.
Dax: Am I really that interesting? You've been standing there staring at me for the last two hours.
Virak'Kara: You are part of my combat team. I must learn to understand your behavior, anticipate your actions.
Dax: There must be something you'd rather do. Maybe get some sleep?
Virak'Kara: We don't sleep.
Dax: How about getting something to eat?
Virak'Kara: The white is the only thing we need.
Dax: Don't sleep, don't eat. What do you do for relaxation?
Virak'Kara: Relaxation would only make us weak.
Dax: You people are no fun at all. Glad I'm not a Jem'Hadar woman.
Virak'Kara: There are no Jem'Hadar women.
Dax: So what do you do? Lay eggs?
Virak'Kara: Jem'Hadar are bred in birthing chambers. We are able to fight within three days of our emergence.
Dax: Lucky you. So let me get this straight. No food, so sleep, no women. No wonder you're so angry. After thirty or forty years of that, I'd be angry too.
Virak'Kara: No Jem'Hadar has ever lived thirty years.
Dax: How old are you?
Virak'Kara: I am eight.
Dax: I would've guessed at least fifteen.
Virak'Kara: Few Jem'Hadar live that long. If we reach twenty we are considered Honored Elders. How old are you?
Dax: I stopped counting at three hundred.
Virak'Kara: You don't look it.
Dax: Thank you.
O'Brien: No women? I'm not surprised.
Odo: Personally, I envy them. I mean their ability to go without sleep. I'm sure I could be more productive if I didn't have to regenerate every day.
Worf: What is the point of doing battle if you cannot enjoy the fruits of victory?
O'Brien: You mean sleep?
Worf: No, I mean spending long nights singing songs of your deeds. Good food, good drink.
Dax: And good women.
Worf: We consider Klingon women our partners in battle. They are the mothers of our children.
Dax: And a lot of fun at parties too.
Worf: True.
Odo: Why does he keep staring at us?
O'Brien: I don't think it's us he's staring at. I think it's you.
Dax: The Vorta probably consider the Founders gods just like the Jem'Hadar do.
Odo: I am not a Founder.
Dax: Well, you're a changeling. That's close enough. To them.
O'Brien: I wonder what would happen if you went over to him and ordered him to stand on his head?
Omet'Iklan: It's time.
Weyoun: It is time when I say it's time. Oh, very well. Prepare six phials. Unlock. First Omet'iklan, can you vouch for the loyalty of your men?
Omet'Iklan: We pledge our loyalty to the Founders from now until death.
Weyoun: Then receive this reward from the Founders. May it keep you strong.
O'Brien: I guess that's one way to ensure loyalty.
Worf: Loyalty bought at such a price is no loyalty at all.
Omet'Iklan: Resume your training.
Toman'Torax: Human, come with me. It is time to resume our battle drills.
O'Brien: In a minute.
Toman'Torax: I'm ready now.
O'Brien: Well, I'm not.
Toman'Torax: They stuff themselves with food but have no appetite for battle.
Worf: When the time comes, you will find us more than ready.
Toman'Torax: Ready to flee at the first sign of danger. Let's go. You can practice running away.
Toman'Torax: I've always wanted to kill a Klingon.
Sisko: That's enough! The next one who throws a punch will have to answer to me. Now, I want to know who started this.
Worf: I did.
Toman'Torax: And I.
Omet'Iklan: You again. You knew my orders.
Toman'Torax: And I defied them. I deserve punishment.
Omet'Iklan: And you shall have it.
Omet'Iklan: Why are you waiting? Kill him and be done with it.
Sisko: Mister Worf, when not on duty, you are confined to quarters for the remainder of this mission.
Worf: Yes, sir.
Sisko: All right, let's break this up. Get back to your stations or go to your quarters. Either way, I want this room cleared. Now!
Omet'Iklan: You call that diskipline?
Sisko: A dead man can't learn from his mistakes. I don't get the same joy out of killing as you do.
Omet'Iklan: You think I enjoyed it? Toman'torax was my Second. He served under me three years. I valued him.
Sisko: You have a funny way of showing it.
Omet'Iklan: I did what had to be done, what any First would do. I placed the good of the unit above my personal feelings. Any soldier who cannot follow orders is a danger to his unit and must be eliminated.
Sisko: Mister Worf is not a danger to my command. But if I eliminate him for a simple breach of diskipline, then I would be. My men would stop trusting me, and I wouldn't blame them.
Omet'Iklan: You are weak. You should die in his place. And when this mission is over, I will see that you do.
Weyoun: Odo, may I speak with you for a moment?
Odo: A moment.
Weyoun: You know I've been watching you.
Odo: I've noticed.
Weyoun: I have to admit I find it somewhat disturbing seeing you working for these Federation people, letting them order you around. You are a Founder. You should be the one giving the orders to them, to the Jem'Hadar, even me.
Odo: So if I order you to leave me alone, you will?
Weyoun: Of course. But before you do, please, hear what I have to say. Your people want you to come home, Odo. No matter what differences you may have with them, no matter what mistakes you may have made, they still love you.
Odo: Well maybe they do, but I don't love them.
Weyoun: You're lying. And you're not very good at it. I, on the other hand, am an expert on lies. Both in telling them, and in spotting them. So you may as well admit the truth. More than anything in your life, you want to return to your people. And I can make that possible.
Odo: How?
Weyoun: Let me worry about the how. All I need to know is, are you ready to go home?
Odo: No. But I am ready to end this conversation.
Weyoun: Then it's over. After all, you are a Founder. I live to serve you.
O'Brien: Commander?
Dax: For Keiko?
O'Brien: It's my eleventh goodbye message since we've been married. I average almost two a year.
Dax: Does she know you do this?
O'Brien: What would I tell her? You know, honey, every time I'm about to go into battle I record a message for you and Molly telling how much I love you, just in case.
Dax: She'd probably think it was sweet.
O'Brien: It'd probably scare the hell out of her. To be honest, it scares the hell out of me. Every time I record one of these I think, this is it. This is the one they're going to end up hearing.
Dax: It'll never happen.
O'Brien: What makes you say that?
Dax: Because when you've lived eight lifetimes, you develop certain instincts. And my instincts tell me that you, Miles Edward O'Brien, are going to live to be a hundred and forty and die in bed, surrounded by family and friends.
O'Brien: Do you really believe that?
Dax: Do you?
O'Brien: I'd like to.
Dax: That's all that matters.
O'Brien: Well, just to be on the safe side, maybe you'd better enter this in the ship's log anyway.
Dax: I'll put it right alongside my message to my mother.
O'Brien: You record these, too?
Dax: Doesn't everyone?
Crewman: Sir.
Sisko: Well, it looks like the upgraded reactant injectors are working better than we thought.
Worf: Captain.
Sisko: Mister Worf. Battle drills ended ten minutes ago. You should be in your quarters.
Worf: I'm on my way.
Sisko: It looks like you got a little lost.
Worf: There is something I wish to discuss with you.
Sisko: Go on.
Worf: It has come to my attention that First Omet'iklan has threatened to kill you.
Sisko: I didn't know that was public knowledge.
Worf: You told Commander Dax.
Sisko: Well, that explains it.
Worf: She's concerned about you, and for good reason. As your executive officer, I recommend that you remain on the ship during the away mission. That way, Omet'iklan will have no opportunity to carry out his threat.
Sisko: I appreciate the concern, but do you really think I'm going to follow that recommendation?
Worf: No, sir, I do not. But I hope you will take some advice. Do not turn your back on him.
Sisko: I won't.
Worf: Good. I also want you to know if somehow he does carry out his threat, he will not live to boast about it.
Sisko: That's very reassuring, Mister Worf.
Dax: Dax to Sisko.
Sisko: Sisko here.
Dax: We're approaching Vandros Four, Captain.
Sisko: On my way.
Omet'Iklan: I'm waiting.
O'Brien: Don't worry. These aren't like the ones we gave you during the drill. They're fully charged.
Virak'Kara: The weapon's set on stun.
Omet'Iklan: Deactivate safeties. Reset weapons to maximum power.
Weyoun: Well, this is a momentous occasion. The first joint operation between the Federation and the Dominion. I can't wait to see how it turns out.
Sisko: Prepare to transport.
Omet'Iklan: Wait. I am First Omet'iklan, and I am dead. As of this moment we are all dead. We go into battle to reclaim our lives. This we do gladly, for we are Jem'Hadar. Remember. Victory is life.
Jem'Hadar: Victory is life.
Weyoun: Such a delightful people.
O'Brien: I am Chief Miles Edward O'Brien. I'm very much alive and I intend to stay that way.
Sisko: Amen. Let's get it done.
Omet'Iklan: You betrayed us.
Sisko: What are you talking about?
Omet'Iklan: Our rifles have been sabotaged.
O'Brien: Hold on. Mine's dead too.
Worf: Something must be interfering with our equipment.
Dax: The Gateway. It's probably generating some kind of dampening field.
Odo: If that's the case, we'd better come up with a new plan.
Odo: We lost Ramirez, too.
Worf: It would appear we no longer have the element of surprise.
Omet'Iklan: I suppose you want to call off the mission.
Sisko: Guess again.
Dax: Worf.
Worf: This way.
Dax: Go ahead. We'll hold them off.
Worf: Keep moving.
Dax: Virak'kara, you still there?
Virak'Kara: For a little while longer at least.
Dax: Don't worry. You'll make Honored Elder yet.
Jem'Hadar: Quick, down that way. Look down that hall. Over there.
Worf: I think we have waited long enough.
Sisko: You're sure the explosives won't be affected by the Gateway?
O'Brien: The primary detonator might not work, but the chemical backup should do the trick.
Omet'Iklan: The way is clear.
Sisko: Let's move.
Omet'Iklan: I threatened to kill you, but you were still willing to sacrifice yourself to save my life.
Sisko: Looks that way.
Omet'Iklan: Why?
Sisko: If you have to ask, you'll never understand.
O'Brien: Gentlemen, I think it's time we were leaving.
Odo: Let's go, Dax.
Dax: If I were you, I'd run like hell.
Sisko: What about Dax and the others?
Worf: Here, Captain.
O'Brien: So much for the Gateway.
Odo: It looks like we got out just in time.
Virak'Kara: Our weapons are working again.
Weyoun: The Defiant's sensors registered a powerful explosion in the vicinity of the Gateway. I trust your mission was a success?
Dax: The Gateway's been destroyed, if that's what you mean.
Weyoun: Well done, Captain. You've all done quite nicely. Now, if you don't mind, I'd like to inspect the wreckage.
Omet'Iklan: That was for questioning our loyalty. I think there's been enough killing for one day.
Virak'Kara: The Vorta will have no further use of this.
Omet'Iklan: My men and I will remain here. There are still disloyal Jem'Hadar on this planet. They must be hunted down and eliminated.
Sisko: Good luck.
Omet'Iklan: You fought well. But the next time we meet, we'll be enemies.
Sisko: I'll keep that in mind.
O'Brien: I don't know about the rest of you, but I'd like to get out of here.
Sisko: Sisko to Defiant. Begin transport.


O'Brien: I never should have let her go. Not in her condition.
Worf: Chief, I'm certain Doctor Bashir and Major Kira are taking good care of your wife.
Dax: And besides, you know there's no way you could have kept Keiko from going. She's been talking about the botanical mysteries on Torad Five for a long time. You're lucky she agreed to limit the trip to three days.
O'Brien: Three days in the Gamma Quadrant. Do you know what she wanted to do last week?
Dax: What?
O'Brien: She wanted to go back to Bajor and rappel down the cliffs of Undalar to get a fungus sample. Rappel to get fungus! It's as if I have to remind her that she's pregnant.
Dax: Yeah, I guess the extra weight, the morning sickness, the mood swings, the medical examinations, they aren't reminders enough.
O'Brien: I've work to do.
Quark: Hey!
Crowd: Dabo!
Girl: Very good, we have a winner.
Quark: Rom, my brother! I'm glad to see you. Let me pour you a snail juice.
Rom: Okay. But only one. My shift starts in thirty three minutes.
Quark: I'll make it a tall one and it's on the house. We're celebrating.
Rom: Celebrating? What?
Quark: My return from two weeks on Ferenginar. Didn't you miss me?
Rom: I suppose.
Quark: And I missed you. That's two reasons for celebrating. Enjoy.
Rom: Thanks.
Quark: Just the way you like it?
Rom: Perfect. So, how was your trip? Did you close the vole belly deal?
Quark: The what? Oh, yeah. Closed it on the first day. Fifteen percent profit margin.
Rom: Great. Did you see Moogie?
Quark: Mother's fine. She sends her love.
Rom: What else did you do?
Quark: Well, let's see. Closed the deal. Told you that. Did some shopping. Made a pilgrimage to the Great Marketplace. And, er, oh, yes, I found out I'm dying!
Quark: what are you all looking at? Haven't you ever seen a dying man before?
Rom: You're dying?
Quark: I got my results from my annual insurance physical. All the tests came back negative except for one. I have Dorek Syndrome.
Rom: But that's incurable.
Quark: That's right. Which explains the dying part.
Rom: But Dorek Syndrome? It's so rare.
Quark: It strikes only one out of every five million Ferengi. I finally beat the odds.
Rom: How long do you have before?
Quark: According to Doctor Orpax, six days, maybe seven.
Rom: Is he sure?
Quark: Oh, of course he's sure. He's one of the most expensive doctors on Ferenginar. He charges two strips of latinum just to walk into the waiting room.
Rom: This is terrible! I don't want you to die, brother. Maybe you should get a second opinion. Have Doctor Bashir examine you when he gets back from the Gamma Quadrant.
Quark: Bashir? How good can he be? He doesn't even charge. Besides what could a human doctor know about Dorek Syndrome?
Rom: You're going to die.
Quark: I have six days to take care of everything. My will, Moogie's pension, I have to make funeral arrangements, pay off my debts.
Rom: That's a lot of debts, brother.
Quark: Yeah, but half are to humans, Bajorans, a couple of Klingons.
Rom: Rule of Acquisition seventeen. A contract is a contract is a contract. But only between Ferengi.
Quark: Exactly. But you're right. It's still a lot of debt.
Rom: You can always sell the desiccated remains of your corpse on the Ferengi Futures Exchange.
Quark: Who'd want to buy a disk of desiccated Quark? I'm nobody. Just some bartender with a domineering mother and an idiot brother.
Quark: I won't get any cheers for that.
Rom: You were the Grand Nagus.
Quark: For a week. If I'm lucky, I'll be a footnote in some Ferengi financial almanac.
Rom: You anticipated the change of administrations here on the station.
Quark: And as a reward I'm inextricably linked to the Federation. I'm a joke on Ferenginar. Starfleet's favorite bartender. The Synthehol King. What a legacy.
Rom: You're not a joke here. You're a respected businessman, a pillar of the community, a man with many friends.
Quark: Friends? Community? You sound like some sniveling human. The only opinions I care about are those of my peers. Ferengi businessmen. In their eyes, I'm a second-rate, small-time operator.
Rom: Stop it! Stop it, brother! You are somebody. You'll see. You march right over to that comm. link and offer your vacuum-desiccated remains for sale on the Futures Exchange. You'll see. Bids'll come flooding in from all over the Ferengi Alliance. Everyone will want a disk of Quark on their desk. In fact, there may not be enough of you to meet the demand.
Quark: You're a liar. but I love you.
Rom: Just wait. When you see how much your body is worth you're going to wish you'd died years ago, or something like that.
Dax: Captain, something's coming through the wormhole.
Sisko: On screen. Magnify.
Worf: The Volga. It's been damaged. Doctor Bashir is requesting emergency transport to the Infirmary. Two patients. Major Kira, Keiko O'Brien.
O'Brien: Major?
Kira: Keiko's still in surgery but she's going to be just fine.
O'Brien: The baby? Oh, my God.
Kira: No, no, Chief. The baby's fine.
O'Brien: Are you sure?
Kira: Positive. Everything's okay. The baby just had a change of address, that's all.
O'Brien: What do you mean?
Kira: Your son's living here now.
Bashir: Kira almost had us clear of the asteroid field, and then the deflectors became overwhelmed. We were side-swiped by a rock the size of this room. A fuel pod exploded and Keiko was thrown against the bulkhead. She had a concussion, broken ribs, internal hemorrhaging. I managed to stabilize her but the baby's autonomic functions were failing. I had to find another womb for the baby, and the only two people available were Major Kira and me.
Sisko: I think you made the right choice, Doctor.
O'Brien: But the Major's Bajoran. How can she carry a human child?
Bashir: I had to stimulate Kira's estrogen and progesterone production, and administer high doses of tesokine to enable the baby to metabolize Bajoran nutrients.
Sisko: But the bottom line is it worked, right?
Bashir: Right.
O'Brien: So, when will Keiko will be strong enough to take the baby back?
Bashir: Well, Keiko should be up on her feet in a day or two. However, the baby
O'Brien: What?
Bashir: Major Kira will have to carry the baby to term. You see, Chief, Bajoran women carry their children for less than five months. Because they have such a short gestation period, they vascularise very quickly. Mother and child form a complex interconnecting network of blood vessels. In order to transfer the baby back to Keiko, I would have to sever those ties, which would likely cause massive internal hemorrhage in Kira and a severe respiratory trauma for the baby.
O'Brien: So, what you're telling me is that Major Kira's going to have my baby?
Quark: What is it?
Rom: Hello, Brother. You wanted to see me?
Quark: Come here.
Rom: Did you get lots of bids?
Quark: I wouldn't say lots.
Rom: How many?
Quark: Let me count. One.
Rom: Oh? Seventeen bars, three strips and five slips of latinum for the entire collection. It's a generous opening bid.
Quark: It's an insultingly low offer. Oh, and it also happens to be exactly the sum total of your life savings.
Rom: Oh? What a coincidence.
Quark: Stop it. I don't want your charity.
Rom: It's not charity. I want to have something to remember you by when you're gone.
Quark: I knew this was a mistake.
Rom: But Brother, you've got to give it time. Your body's only been on the Exchange for
Quark: Oh, forget the bidding. This has all been a mistake. My life, coming here, putting a bar on this Cardassian monstrosity of a station. What was I thinking?
Rom: Brother, come here quick. It's a bid.
Quark: A bid.
Rom: A huge bid.
Quark: Five hundred bars of latinum for the entire set.
Rom: That's ten thousand strips.
Quark: That's one million slips.
Rom: That sounds even better.
Quark: It doesn't say who the bidder is.
Rom: It's not me.
Quark: No kidding.
Rom: You think it's Moogie?
Quark: Nah, she doesn't like me that much. She might buy one disk but all fifty two? No. Who could it be? Who could afford to spend five hundred bars of latinum on me? Grand Nagus Zek.
Rom: The Nagus?
Quark: Of course. It makes perfect sense. He always liked me.
Rom: He used you when it suited his needs. I don't think it's the same thing.
Quark: Don't you see? He used me because he liked me. He couldn't admit that in public, so he made this anonymous bid as a gesture of his appreciation and gratitude.
Rom: That doesn't sound like the Nagus I know. But it doesn't matter who made the offer. The important thing is this could stimulate further bidding.
Quark: Well, let's not be foolish, Rom. If we wait, the Grand Nagus might just change his mind. Going once, going twice, sold!
Rom: Congratulations, brother.
Quark: Yeah. It took me all my life, but I'm going to die a winner.
Kira: Hi.
Keiko: Hi.
Kira: How are you feeling?
Keiko: Like I've been hit by a ten ton rock. Julian says I'll be on my feet tomorrow. How are you?
Kira: Fine. Though I think I've put on a little weight.
Keiko: You carry it well. You know, what you're doing for me, for us, I don't know how to thank you.
Kira: Keiko, this is your baby.
Quark: That will pay off Moogie, leaving one hundred and ninety six bars to pay off Uncle Gorad and Cousin Gaila. Is that clear?
Rom: I think so.
Quark: Good. Now on to my funeral arrangements. First, I want
Bashir: Quark.
Quark: I want my eulogy to take place in the holosuite. We'll charge admission, two slips a head.
Rom: I don't know about that.
Quark: You're right. Make it three.
Bashir: Quark! I just received an odd message from a Doctor Orpax of Ferenginar. He wants me to tell you he's very sorry but you don't have Dorek Syndrome. Does that make any sense to you?
Rom: You don't have Dorek Syndrome?
Quark: You know what that means, Rom?
Rom: It means you're going to live!
Quark: It means I get to sue Doctor Orpax for malpractice! And I'm going to live.
Quark: I'm coming. I'm coming.
Quark: I'm coming!
Quark: Computer, lights. Come in already.
Brunt: Brunt. FCA.
Quark: Don't tell me this is a surprise audit.
Brunt: Not this time. I'm here to check on my merchandise.
Quark: What are you talking about?
Brunt: I'm talking about you. I paid five hundred bars of latinum for your desiccated remains and I'm here to collect.
Quark: You're the anonymous buyer?
Brunt: Who did you expect? The Nagus?
Quark: The Nagus? Of course not. I'm just a little surprised it was you. I guess you haven't heard the news.
Brunt: You mean that you don't have Dorek Syndrome? I know all about it.
Quark: But then I don't understand. What are you doing here?
Brunt: I'm here to get what I paid for. The contract calls for fifty disks of vacuum-desiccated Quark available within six days. I'm here to make sure you deliver the merchandise.
Quark: Maybe I wasn't clear. I'm not dying.
Brunt: Maybe I wasn't clear. I don't care. I want my merchandise. I have a thousand ideas of how to defile your remains. Want to hear my favorites?
Quark: Oh, I see. How foolish of me. I forgot to mention that on top of your full refund, you'll also be receiving an additional five bars of latinum for your troubles. Did I say five? I meant ten. You drive a hard bargain. Twelve. That's my final offer. Look, it's late, you've come a long way. Why don't we stop this haggling and you just tell me how much you want.
Brunt: What I want is fifty two disks of vacuum-desiccated Quark. Nothing more, nothing less.
Quark: But I'm not going to die just yet! What do you expect me to do? Kill myself?
Brunt: Of course not. You can have someone do it for you. I recommend strangulation. It leaves the body relatively unmarked for desiccation.
Quark: You can't be serious?
Brunt: A contract is a contract
Quark: Is a contract. I know that! But you don't collect on contracts under these circumstances. We're not Klingons. We're businessmen.
Brunt: This is not business, Quark. This is personal.
Quark: Why? What have I ever done to you?
Brunt: Done to me? And you call your brother an idiot? Nothing you've ever done to me has been more than a minor inconvenience. No. Protecting your mother from an FCA audit, and secretly settling with your striking employees were nothing more than symptoms of a vile and insidious weakness. A weakness that makes me loath you, not for what you've done but for who you are, what you are.
Quark: A bartender?
Brunt: A philanthropist.
Quark: I am not!
Brunt: You give your customers credit at the bar. You only take a thirty percent kickback from your employees' tips, and you sold food and medicine to Bajoran refugees at cost!
Quark: That's not true. It was just above cost.
Brunt: Close enough. It was still a generous, humanitarian gesture. You've gone Starfleet. You might as well be wearing one of their uniforms. It's people like you that give honest Ferengi businessmen a bad name.
Quark: I can reform. I'll start gouging the customers again. I'll revoke all my employees' vacation time.
Brunt: You gave them vacations?
Quark: I didn't give them anything. They contributed to a central fund which I manage.
Brunt: You disgust me.
Quark: Look, I understand your anger. You're absolutely right about me, but there must be some accommodation we can make? Something other than me killing myself.
Brunt: Of course there is. You can break the contract.
Quark: Me, break a Ferengi contract? Never.
Brunt: Never? I wonder if there's enough Ferengi left in you to stick to that. Part of me hopes you will break it because then everything you and your family own on Ferenginar will be confiscated and sold to the lowest bidder. Your mother will be forced to live in the streets, begging for scraps of food and of course no Ferengi will do business with you, or even talk to you. You'll be cut off from all contact with your own people.
Quark: I like Ferengi. I feel comfortable around them.
Brunt: Well, we don't feel comfortable around you. You're a disease, Quark. A festering tumor on the lobes of Ferengi society. And it's my job to cut you off.
O'Brien: One step at a time. Yeah. We're almost there. Prepare for docking. Thrusters back to half. Yes.
O'Brien: Nice landing, Captain. Let me know when you want to get underway again.
Keiko: I think I'll sit here a week. Did you see Kira today?
O'Brien: Yeah. I saw her in Ops.
Keiko: I was thinking of inviting her to dinner.
O'Brien: Good idea. Maybe she could come by every evening.
Keiko: Even if she came every evening, it wouldn't be enough. I know I'm being selfish. I should be grateful that my baby's alive and well, but I shouldn't have to make appointments to be with my own child. Miles, what are we going to do?
O'Brien: I don't know.
Rom: I know what you're thinking, brother. That you can't break a sacred Ferengi tradition. But the truth is, defying Ferengi tradition isn't so bad. I did it. I formed a union. Everyone said I was crazy, that no Ferengi would have anything to do with me.
Quark: They didn't want anything to do with you before you formed the union.
Garak: If you try on the trousers first you'll see I've added some extra padding to the seat which should make swiveling on your barstool much more comfortable.
Garak: I'm afraid your pants won't be ready until next week, Quark.
Quark: That's not why I'm here.
Garak: Ah. And what can I do for you?
Quark: I want to hire you, not as a tailor, as an assassin.
Garak: I don't know what you're talking about.
Quark: Oh, yes, you do. You weren't always a tailor.
Garak: You're right. I used to be a gardener. Now if you have something you want weeded, you let me know.
Quark: Not something. Someone.
Rom: You're going to have Brunt killed? I didn't think you had it in you, brother. What a bold, uncompromising move.
Quark: Would you be quiet? I don't want you to kill Brunt. I want you to kill me.
Garak: You want me to kill you? Well, that's different.
Quark: Something swift and painless and preferably bloodless, though I imagine that's not always possible.
Rom: Wait a minute. You can't do this. I thought you were going to break the contract.
Quark: What are the key words there? You thought.
Rom: But brother
Quark: Don't brother me, Rom. I'm not like you or Nog or Moogie or the rest of our pathetic family. I'm a Ferengi businessman and I made a contract. And a contract is a contract is a
Rom: Don't quote the Rules of Acquisition to me. This is your life we're talking about.
Quark: That's right. My life. What's the most important thing in my life?
Garak: Business.
Quark: That's who I am. That's what I do. I'm a businessman. And more than that, I'm a Ferengi businessman. Do you know what that means? It means that I'm not exploiting and cheating people at random. I'm doing it according to a specific set of rules. The Rules of Acquisition. And I won't disregard them when I find them inconvenient.
Rom: Inconvenient? You're going to die!
Quark: Yes. And when I arrive at the gates of the Divine Treasury, the Registrar will accept my bribe and usher me inside. And do you know why? Because I died exactly the way I lived. As a Ferengi. Garak, let's talk about death.
Kira: He's kicking so hard. Do you think he's all right?
Keiko: It's a good sign. Molly, I thought she was going to kick her way out of me.
O'Brien: The lower back, huh? Hold on. I have just the thing.
Keiko: It was so thoughtful of you to share this with us. Thank you, Major.
Kira: Please. Nerys.
Keiko: So, any morning sickness?
Kira: What's that?
Keiko: Well, I don't know how it is for Bajorans, but typically human mothers wake up feeling nauseous.
Kira: It doesn't work that way for Bajorans. Typically, we start sneezing. Uncontrollably. But this is a human baby. I don't know what to expect.
O'Brien: Here we go. Slide that in there. Better?
Molly: I'm hungry.
Kira: Much.
O'Brien: Put your feet up.
Kira: Oh, no, no, that's fine.
O'Brien: It is about that time. I'll get dinner started.
Kira: And I should be going back to my quarters.
Keiko: Why? Have dinner with us.
Kira: I don't want to impose.
Keiko: Nerys, you're having our baby. You're family now.
O'Brien: That's right. In fact, Keiko and I have been talking about something. We have an idea that we'd like you to consider.
Keiko: It's just an idea. We don't want to pressure you.
Kira: I understand. What is it?
Keiko: Go ahead.
Garak: How's that?
Quark: Awful. Did you hear that sound of bone snapping? I don't want that to be the last thing I hear.
Garak: It wasn't that loud.
Quark: You don't have these ears. Snapping vertebrae is out.
Garak: We're running out of options, Quark. You don't want to be vaporized because you need a body. The disruptor ruined your clothing. The knife was too savage. The nerve gas smelled bad. Hanging took too long, and poison. What was wrong with poison?
Quark: It doesn't work. If I know the food is poisoned, I won't eat it. Could you get rid of this? The sight of it makes me sick.
Garak: Computer, remove corpse. For a man who wants to kill himself, you're strangely determined to live.
Quark: I am going to die, don't you worry about that. I just want to find the right way.
Garak: Right way?
Quark: I don't want to see it coming, or hear it, or feel it, or smell it. I just want to go on with my life and then, I'm dead.
Garak: Ah. You want to be surprised.
Quark: Exactly. I want to wake up in the Divine Treasury and have no idea how I got there.
Garak: I see. Perhaps that can be arranged.
Quark: Really?
Garak: You have my word. You'll never know what hit you.
Quark: Computer? Lights.
Quark: Garak, if you're here I'm not going to be surprised!
Quark: Where am I? Please have your profit and loss statement ready for inspection before entering the Divine Treasury. I'm dead. Garak, you're good.
Quark: I'm really dead.
Gint: You're not just dead, Quark. You're an idiot.
Quark: Who are you?
Gint: I am Gint, the first Grand Nagus.
Quark: You look like, like my brother, Rom.
Gint: That's because this is a dream, you imbecile.
Quark: So, I'm not dead.
Gint: What a clever boy. Always thinking.
Quark: I'm asleep. That explains why this place looks so tacky. I mean, The Divine Treasury? Please.
Gint: Don't blame me for your limited imagination. Now, I'll make it simple. You have to break the contract with Brunt.
Quark: You got to be joking. You're Gint. You wrote the Rules of Acquisition. The sacred precepts upon which all Ferengi society is based. You of all people can't expect me to break them.
Gint: Why not? They're just rules. They're written in a book, not carved in stone. And even if they were in stone, so what? A bunch of us just made them up.
Quark: Are you saying they don't matter?
Gint: Of course they matter. That's why they're a best-seller. But we're talking about your life here. The Rules are nothing but guideposts, suggestions.
Quark: Then why call them Rules?
Gint: Would you buy a book called Suggestions of Acquisition? Doesn't quite have the same ring to it, does it?
Quark: You mean it was a marketing ploy?
Gint: Shh. A brilliant one. Rule of Acquisition two hundred and thirty nine. Never be afraid to mislabel a product.
Quark: I've based my entire life around these rules. How can I just walk away from them?
Gint: Because I'm telling you to.
Quark: But you can't do that. You're not Gint. This is just a dream.
Gint: Exactly. And I wouldn't be here if you didn't want to break the Rules. You just need someone's permission. So I'm giving it to you.
Quark: I suppose if the First Nagus Gint came to me in a vision and told me to break the Rules, that would be all right.
Brunt: Quark, hold it right there. Brunt, FCA.
Quark: What are you doing here? This is a private vision.
Brunt: I'm here to remind you of the consequences of disregarding the Rules. Poverty, destitution, exile.
Quark: I know, I know. But look. Gint himself has come to me in a vision. He's telling me to break the contract.
Brunt: That is not Gint. Gint was a lot taller. You listen to that fraud, you'll regret it for the rest of your miserable life.
Gint: I say we kill him right now.
Brunt: This is a dream. You can't kill me. However, people have been known to die in their sleep.
Quark: Come on, Rom, Gint, whatever your name is. Help me!
Gint: He's got a point, Quark. It's a dream. I can't really do anything. But if you want to live, break the contract. It's your only hope.
Quark: I'm alive.
Brunt: I find it surprising that someone with such long, slender and nimble fingers has never practiced oo-mox.
Brunt: Come to beg for your life? What is this?
Quark: I'm returning your five hundred bars of latinum. Plus interest.
Brunt: I told you I wasn't interested in a refund.
Quark: I know. I'm breaking the contract.
Brunt: Ah ha. I knew it. You're just like the rest of your family. Weak-lobed degenerates. Another loser in a long line of failed Ferengis.
Quark: Look, I've broken the contract, so do your job. Take my assets, revoke my Ferengi business license. Do whatever you have to do then get out. And if I ever see you walk into my bar again
Brunt: Yes?
Quark: You won't walk out.
Brunt: May I have your attention, please! Brunt, FCA. As of this moment, no further Ferengi commerce may be conducted in this bar. No Ferengi may be employed by this bar. No Ferengi may eat or drink in this bar. And no Ferengi, no Ferengi, may do business with that man!
Brunt: Confiscation of assets will begin immediately.
Quark: Ladies and gentlemen, this bar is closed until further notice. Thank you for your patronage.
O'Brien: Come in.
O'Brien: I'll take that, Major. Oh, Nerys. Is this it?
Kira: Oh, I travel light.
Keiko: Would you like to see your room?
Kira: Sure.
Keiko: Welcome to your new home.
Kira: At least until the baby's born.
Molly: Are you my aunt?
Kira: Well
O'Brien: Sounds right to me.
Kira: Aunt Nerys.
Molly: Aunt Nerys, can I play in your room?
Kira: Any time you want.
Rom: How are you, brother?
Quark: How am I? I'm broke. Ruined. Destitute. A pariah. How are things with you?
Rom: Not bad.
Quark: Glad to hear it.
Rom: They took everything?
Quark: Including this shirt. I'm supposed to send it to Brunt in the morning.
Rom: Don't worry. I have some old clothes I was going to throw out.
Quark: I'd rather be naked.
Rom: Okay. Brother, the way you stood up to Brunt? Well, I want you to know that I'm very proud of you.
Quark: Well, then, I guess throwing my entire life away was worth it.
Rom: I wouldn't go that far. So what are you going to do now?
Quark: Well, Rom, I've been thinking long and hard, and you know what? I don't have a clue.
Bashir: Quark, where do you want this?
Quark: What is it?
Bashir: A case of Alvanian brandy. A patient sent it as payment but I can't accept it.
Quark: Nice try, Doctor, but I don't want your charity.
Bashir: Oh, it's not charity. I find it undrinkable. So do you want it or shall I dump it?
Dax: Quark. My sister sent me these. I thought you might want them but they're really ugly.
Rom: They're not as ugly as the old ones, but they're pretty bad.
Quark: This is all very amusing, but I can't start a bar with a case of bad brandy and a set of ugly glasses.
Sisko: Quark!
Quark: Yes, Captain?
Sisko: We're doing some structural repair work on level two of the Habitat ring. We need a place to store some extra furniture for the next few months and it looks like you have the room.
Odo: Captain, where do you want me to put all this furniture?
Sisko: We have three levels, Constable. Use them all.
Odo: Understood.
Quark: Captain, you can't do this! Not without paying a storage fee. A minimum storage fee. Practically nothing.
Sisko: Send me the bill.
Quark: All right. Don't just stand there, Odo. Move it all in.
Rom: Look at them, brother. And you thought you had no assets.
Quark: Sisko, Dax, Bashir, Morn? They're my assets?
Rom: To name a few.
Quark: I guess you're right. I need a drink.


Odo: You wanted to see me, Garak?
Garak: Ah, Constable. How good of you to stop by.
Odo: A shoplifter?
Garak: Excuse me?
Odo: Is something wrong?
Aroya: Here I come.
Aroya: What do you think?
Garak: A thing of beauty is a joy forever.
Aroya: Oh, well then, put it on my account. I'll wear it to work.
Garak: A splendid idea. Ah, Security Chief Odo, I'd like to introduce you to Chalan Aroya, one of my best customers.
Aroya: I own the Celestial Cafe, the new Bajoran restaurant overlooking the Promenade.
Odo: I'm familiar with it.
Aroya: I watch you walk by every morning when you're on patrol. Oh nine thirty seven. You're very precise.
Odo: How nice of you to notice.
Aroya: I was hoping one day you might stop in when you're not working.
Odo: I don't eat.
Aroya: I do, and I hate to eat alone. Think about it. Oh, and next time you're on the second level, don't forget to say hello.
Odo: The next time you call me, it'd better be to report a crime.
Garak: Now that you mention it, I've just witnessed a crime. Letting Aroya walk out of here without arranging a date. You should be locked away for that.
Odo: You humanoids. You're all obsessed with these convoluted mating rituals.
Garak: True. But do you think we'd waste so much time on something that wasn't worthwhile? I'll never understand you. You're such a sensitive man, yet there are so many aspects of humanoid life that you simply refuse to explore.
Odo: I have no desire to become a slave to humanoid obsessions.
Garak: But you have to admit, she is quite lovely.
Odo: Well, she is, isn't she?
Garak: Odo, what's wrong?
Odo: I don't know.
Garak: Garak to Doctor Bashir. I need a medical emergency team sent to my shop immediately.
Odo: Doctor, this is a waste of time. You don't know enough about changeling physiology to diagnose what's wrong with me. No one does.
Bashir: Actually, I do have some idea what's going on. I've compared your current medical scans with ones I've made over the last four years and there are noticeable differences. Normally when you're in humanoid form, you have a specific density of one point four which is constant throughout your body. Your mass and density only vary when you change shape. Right now, your mass and density are in a state of fluctuation.
Odo: Do you know what's causing it?
Bashir: No.
Odo: Well, do you know how to prevent it from happening again?
Bashir: Not yet.
Odo: Then tell me when you do.
Bashir: I'm afraid I can't let you leave just yet. Moving seems to increase the fluctuations and may bring on another attack.
Odo: Are you saying that I have to stay here until you diskover a cure?
Bashir: Or until the fluctuations stop on their own. For all I know, this could be a normal biological process. The changeling equivalent of puberty, or menopause.
Odo: That's an interesting theory, Doctor. One I suggest that you keep to yourself.
Bashir: Don't worry. This could just as easily turn out to be a virus or a bacterial infection. Now, lie back and I promise I'll do everything I can to get you out of here as soon as possible.
Gowron: We find the Federation's demands that we return the captured Cardassian colonies insulting and provocative. Klingon blood was spilled to conquer those worlds. They are now part of the Klingon Empire and we will never give them up. Furthermore, if the Federation still harbors any hope of peaceful coexistence with the Klingon Empire, it must abandon all Starbases and military installlations in the Archanis Sector. Our claim to Archanis Four and the surrounding territory is ancient and indisputable. We advise the Federation to leave Archanis, or prepare to face the consequences. Long live the Empire.
Sisko: This recording was sent to the Federation Council three days ago.
Worf: If Gowron is willing to go to war over the Archanis sector, then he has become even more dangerous than I thought.
Kira: I don't get it. The Klingons relinquished their claim to Archanis Four a hundred years ago.
Dax: I guess they've changed their mind.
Sisko: I don't think Gowron gives a damn about Archanis. He's just looking for an excuse to rattle his saber. The question is why?
Dax: Yesterday I talked to an old friend of Curzon's from the Diplomatic Corps. She says that representatives from Federation worlds near the Klingon border are already urging a preemptive strike.
Kira: Sounds like war may be inevitable.
Sisko: I hope you're wrong, Major. But right now there's not much we can do about it either way. Archanis Four is a long way from here.
Dax: Two, three. I say she stops at seven.
Sisko: I say eight. Mister Worf?
Worf: Ten.
Kira: I hate being pregnant.
Sisko: I win.
Kira: My nose hasn't stopped itching for weeks.
Dax: We've noticed.
Sisko: Is there anything Doctor Bashir can do about it?
Kira: I'm Bajoran. Human women get nauseous. We sneeze. Besides, I think Doctor Bashir's hands are full right now.
Sisko: How is the Constable?
Kira: No news yet. I was thinking of going to visit him.
Worf: I doubt that he would wish to be seen in such a weakened state.
Dax: What if he wants some company? Someone to take his mind off his problems?
Worf: That is doubtful. Odo values his privacy. He does not like to socialize.
Dax: I think it's all an act.
Worf: It is not an act. He told me so himself.
Dax: But you were socializing with him when he said it.
Worf: Captain, was Dax's last host as argumentative as this one?
Sisko: Worse.
Dax: Thank you, Benjamin. I think.
Sisko: Hopefully Odo will get back on his feet soon. In the meantime, I want him left alone to rest. Agreed? Agreed.
Kira: May I come in?
Odo: If you're looking for Doctor Bashir, he's not in right now.
Kira: Actually, I came to see you.
Odo: To be honest, Major, I really don't feel like company right now.
Kira: I didn't plan on staying. I just came to bring you this.
Odo: Ah. Today's criminal activities report.
Kira: I figured you might be getting tired of staring at medical consoles all day.
Odo: That was very thoughtful of you, Major.
Kira: If there's anything else you need, you let me know.
Odo: Yeah, I'll do that.
Odo: What?
Rionoj: Keep moving. I'll feel a lot better once we're off this station.
Odo: Too bad, because you're not leaving.
Rionoj: Security Chief Odo. I heard you were indisposed.
Odo: You heard wrong. Now you and I need to talk about those missing Falangian diamonds.
Rionoj: I told you before, I don't know anything about them.
Odo: Well tell me again.
Odo: Oh no you don't.
Rionoj: Let's go.
Bashir: How are you feeling?
Odo: See for yourself.
Bashir: It's gotten worse.
Odo: Very observant, Doctor. It's been more and more difficult for me to maintain humanoid form.
Bashir: The latest test results aren't encouraging. The destabilization of your molecular structure is increasing at an alarming rate.
Odo: How much longer before I totally lose my ability to stay solid.
Bashir: One week, maybe two. After that, if the destabilization continues. I sent my findings to Doctor Mora. Frankly, he was as baffled as I am, but he wants you to come to his laboratory on Bajor for further tests.
Odo: Seven years of playing lab rat for him was quite enough. Besides, you have complete access to his data. If the answer was there, you'd have found it by now.
Bashir: I don't suppose you'd agree on a trip to Starfleet Medical?
Odo: Doctor, I think we both know where I have to go.
Bashir: I was hoping it wouldn't come to that.
Odo: There doesn't seem to be much choice. You have to take me back to my people. The only ones who can help me now are the Founders.
Sisko: Once we enter the Gamma Quadrant, we'll begin transmitting a subspace signal explaining the purpose of our mission. Then we'll enter Dominion space and try to locate the Founders' new homeworld.
Kira: Odo's only got a few weeks at best. Do you think we can locate his people in time?
Bashir: If we go into Dominion airspace without cloaking, we'll get their attention.
Sisko: You can be sure of that.
Kira: I'd like to come along.
Sisko: I don't think so, Major. I know Odo's your friend, but I need you here. Besides
Kira: I know, I know. When will you leave?
Sisko: Doctor?
Bashir: As soon as possible.
Sisko: We'll prepare the Defiant. You prepare the Constable.
O'Brien: All systems are ready for departure.
Sisko: Thank you, Mister O'Brien.
Bashir: The medical bay is all set, but it'll take a little while to get Odo on board.
Worf: Why not use the transporter?
Bashir: Well, his molecular structure is scrambled enough as it is. The last thing he needs is a trip through a transporter buffer.
Dax: Benjamin, someone's asking permission to come aboard.
Sisko: Who is it?
Dax: Garak.
Worf: Tell him the ship is off limits to Cardassian spies.
Bashir: Sir, if Garak is asking to come aboard, I'm sure he has a good reason.
Sisko: Have Mister Garak escorted to the mess hall. I'll meet him there.
Garak: Personally I think Starfleet should allow their officers more latitude in accessorizing their uniforms. You'd be surprised what a nice scarf can do.
Garak: Ah, Captain. How good of you to see me.
Sisko: Make it brief, Garak.
Garak: I'd like to accompany you on your mission. There are some questions I'd like to ask the Founders.
Sisko: Such as?
Garak: The Cardassian Empire lost a number of ships during their aborted attack on the Dominion. I want to know what happened to the crewmembers.
Sisko: I was under the impression that those ships were destroyed with all hands.
Garak: Oh, we don't know that for a fact. As I recall, when the Defiant left the scene of the battle, there were a number of Cardassian warships still fighting.
Sisko: Ah. And you think some of their crewmembers might have been taken prisoner?
Garak: I live in hope. Besides, if you do take me along, I think you'll find me quite useful. I'm a man of many talents.
Sisko: I have no need for a tailor on this mission, let alone a spy. But maybe there is something you can do for me. This is going to be a long trip for Odo. I need someone to occupy his attention, take his mind off his condition.
Garak: You want me to keep him company?
Sisko: No. Anyone can do that. Dax, Bashir, myself. And what would we have to offer him? Kindness? Sympathy? That's the last thing he wants.
Garak: But where you offer kindness, I offer mystery. Where you offer sympathy, I offer intrigue. Just give me a seat next to Odo's bed and I promise you I will conjure up enough innuendos, half-truths, and bald-faced lies about my so-called career in the Obsidian Order to keep the Constable distracted for days. If there's one thing Cardassians excel at, it's conversation.
Sisko: You've got yourself a job. But all questions for the Founders will have to wait until after Odo gets the help he needs.
Garak: We share the same priorities, captain.
Sisko: Make sure you remember that.
Quark: Odo.
Odo: Not now, Quark. I'm busy.
Quark: I hear you're taking a little trip to the Gamma Quadrant.
Odo: Care to come along? QUARK Are you kidding? I expect to own this station by the time you get back. With you gone, profits from smuggling alone should go up sixty percent.
Odo: Well, don't get used to it. I'll be back before you know it, making your life miserable.
Quark: Then you are coming back?
Odo: Count on it.
Quark: I will.
Kira: Take your time. I promise the Defiant won't leave without you.
Bashir: Would you like me to have the Promenade cleared?
Odo: That won't be necessary.
Dax: We've just cleared the wormhole.
Sisko: Begin transmitting a request for assistance, then set a course for the Dominion.
Dax: Aye, sir.
O'Brien: It's funny. I've served on a half a dozen ships, and none of them've had cloaking devices except the Defiant. Now that we're not using it, I feel naked.
Worf: It is diskoncerting, to say the least.
Sisko: Gentlemen, I feel the same breeze you do.
O'Brien: What're you smiling at?
Dax: I don't know. I guess it's just being in the same room with so many naked men.
Garak: Ah, yes. The assassination of Proconsul Merrok of Romulus. Such a tragedy. I met him once, a few weeks before he died. I was working as a gardener at the Cardassian embassy during the
Odo: You were a gardener on Romulus?
Garak: My specialty was Edosian orchids. Beautiful but highly toxic.
Odo: As I recall, Proconsul Merrok was poisoned.
Garak: Funny, I don't remember that. But then again, so many Romulan dignitaries died unexpectedly that year.
Bashir: It must be hard to keep them all straight.
Garak: You can't imagine.
Bashir: Maybe we should let the Constable get some rest.
Odo: I'll let you know when I need rest, Doctor. A gardener at the Cardassian embassy on Romulus? Fascinating.
O'Brien: So I get off duty the other night, and I walk into my quarters and there're Keiko and Major Kira talking.
Dax: Go on.
O'Brien: As soon as I walked in, they stopped. It was like turning off a holosuite program.
Worf: They did not want you to hear what they were saying.
O'Brien: Exactly. I think they were talking about me.
Sisko: Come on, Chief. You have no way of knowing that.
O'Brien: I may not have the proof, but I know one thing. Molly was there, and when she saw me she started giggling. Laugh all you want. I'm thinking of asking Julian to come live with us. Even things up a little.
Dax: Hold on. I'm reading warp signatures headed our way. Looks like our signal's finally getting a little attention.
Sisko: Full stop. On screen.
Sisko: Make that a lot of attention.
Dax: We're being hailed. They want to beam someone aboard to discuss our request.
Worf: I would advise against allowing Dominion representatives aboard this ship.
O'Brien: It might be better to negotiate over the viewscreen.
Sisko: But I don't want to give them any reason to think that we're hiding something. Odo needs their help and I'm going to make sure he gets it. Commander, tell the Jem'Hadar that I'll meet their representative in the transporter bay.
Dax: Aye, sir.
Founder: That's enough. Let him go. Please, everyone, lower your weapons. There's no need for violence.
Dax: Are you okay?
O'Brien: I've felt better.
Founder: I've come for Odo.
Sisko: Can you help him?
Founder: Only the Great Link can help him. Leave him with me and you may return home unharmed.
Sisko: I can't do that.
Amat'Igan: A Founder has given you an order. You will obey it.
Founder: I'll let you know when I need you. I understand your concern for Odo. I feel it too.
Sisko: Then let's not stand here and argue. Just tell us where we need to take him. The faster we get moving, the better off he'll be.
Founder: Your loyalty to Odo is commendable. I will not stop you from accompanying him on the rest of his journey. However, I'm sure you understand my reluctance to reveal the location of our new home. Commander, I must ask you to surrender the helm. Amat'igan will guide your ship for the remainder of the voyage.
Dax: Captain?
Founder: My terms are not open to negotiation.
Sisko: Commander, give him your seat.
Amat'Igan: This will prevent your navigational computers from retaining any record of our journey.
Worf: Sir.
Sisko: Not now, Mister Worf.
Founder: There, that's better. Now, Captain, if it's not too much trouble, I would like to pay Odo a visit.
Garak: How do I look, Doctor?
Bashir: Does it matter?
Garak: Of course it matters. I'm here as a representative of the Cardassian Empire and I want to make a good first impression. Constable, what do you think?
Odo: I think the Romulans poisoned Proconsul Merrok and you were the one responsible for the transporter accident that killed Subcommander Ustard.
Garak: You're getting warmer. But how do I look?
Founder: May I come in?
Odo: You'll pardon me if I don't get up.
Founder: Poor Odo. Look what's become of you.
Odo: Not a pretty sight, am I?
Founder: Pretty? I wasn't aware you applied such value to your outward appearance. Such concerns are more fitting for solids.
Bashir: Excuse me. I don't mean to interrupt, but is there anything you can do for him?
Founder: Odo, give me your hand. Don't be afraid.
Garak: Amazing.
Founder: Feeling better?
Odo: Yes. Though I still have to concentrate to hold my form.
Bashir: Your molecular structure is still fluctuating, but it's nowhere near as unstable as it was.
Founder: Leave now. I wish to speak to Odo in private.
Bashir: Odo is my patient.
Odo: It's all right, Doctor.
Bashir: Then I'll be right outside. It can wait, Garak.
Garak: Of course.
Founder: What we have to say is not for your ears. Wait for me outside.
Founder: I wish this meeting were under better circumstances.
Odo: I'm not exactly thrilled with the circumstances myself.
Founder: I'd hoped you'd return to us on your own. After all, that Bajoran woman you were so fond of seems to have taken an interest in someone else.
Odo: You know about Major Kira and First Minister Shakaar.
Founder: Despite your rejection of us, we still take an active interest in your well-being.
Odo: And just how do you keep so informed about my well-being?
Founder: There's very little that escapes our attention.
Odo: Are you saying that you knew I was sick even before we left the station.
Founder: What do you think?
Odo: I think you did this to me. You caused my illness so that I'd be forced to come home.
Founder: As I said, I wish the circumstances of this meeting were different. You killed a changeling, Odo.
Odo: He was trying to kill my friends. I had no choice.
Founder: Of course you had a choice, and you chose to side with the solids. To protect them, you were willing to violate the most sacred law of our people.
Odo: No changeling has ever harmed another.
Founder: Until you. That's why we forced you to return home to enter into the Great Link and be judged.
Odo: What does that mean, I'm going to be judged?
Founder: You will join us in the Great Link, open your thoughts, allow us to understand you. Only then will we be able to decide if your actions were justified.
Odo: And if you decide that they weren't?
Founder: You will be punished.
Odo: Punished? How?
Founder: You have to understand that nothing like this has ever happened in the entire history of our people. We have never had to sit in judgment over one of our own. That's why we took so long to bring you home. There was disagreement in the Link over what to do with you.
Odo: I'm sorry I've caused you so much trouble.
Founder: Perhaps we are to blame. We sent you away.
Odo: But I'm the one who's going to be punished.
Founder: That remains to be seen.
Odo: What if I refuse to cooperate? What if I refuse to join the Link?
Founder: I stabilized your condition temporarily. Only the Link can heal you. If you refuse to join with us, you will die.
Founder: You may go in now, Doctor.
Bashir: Thank you.
Founder: Try not to disturb him. He needs his rest.
Bashir: I'll bear that in mind.
Garak: Excuse me, madam. May I have a moment of your time?
Founder: You are Cardassian.
Garak: That's right. And on behalf of my people, I'd like to learn if there were any survivors after our attack on your homeland.
Founder: Cardassian survivors?
Garak: Yes.
Founder: There were no Cardassian survivors.
Garak: You mean, they're all dead?
Founder: They're dead. You're dead, Cardassia is dead. Your people were doomed the moment they attacked us. I believe that answers your question.
Garak: It was a pleasure meeting you.
O'Brien: I don't suppose there's any way Odo could hide a communicator on him when he's in the Link with the Founders?
Worf: I do not think he'll be able to hide anything from the Founders.
O'Brien: There must be some way we can keep a transporter lock on him while he's in the Link.
Sisko: What about injecting him with radio-nuclides?
O'Brien: That would give the transporter something to lock on to, but there's no way to be sure the nuclides won't disperse throughout the Link. If he's in there for more than a few hours, we could end up with a transporter pad full of shape-shifters.
Odo: I wouldn't worry about that, Chief.
Sisko: Constable, shouldn't you be in bed?
Bashir: He insisted on coming to see you himself.
Odo: I thought you might be trying to help me and I wanted to say, don't bother.
O'Brien: Odo, surely you don't really expect us to just stand by while they do God knows what to you?
Odo: That is exactly what I expect. Captain, I want to be judged. I'm the only changeling who's ever harmed another. I've spent most of my life bringing people to justice. Now that it's my turn, how can I run away?
Sisko: Are you sure that's what you'll find in the Great Link? Justice?
O'Brien: I've heard a lot of stories about the Dominion and the Founders, and justice seems to be the last thing on their minds.
Odo: Nevertheless, they're my people and I intend to accept their judgment.
Sisko: Report.
Dax: Everything's status quo. If you want more details than that, you'll have to ask our navigator.
Sisko: How much longer?
Amat'Igan: You'll be informed when we reach our destination.
Founder: We will be within transporter range of my world in less than one hour. After we have achieved orbit, Odo and I will transport to the surface.
Sisko: Doctor Bashir and I will be joining you.
Founder: If you wish. But Odo may be in the Link for days.
Sisko: We'll wait.
Founder: Come, Odo. It's time.
Bashir: How long has it been?
Sisko: I've lost track.
Bashir: So have I.
Sisko: Doctor.
Bashir: Oh. Right.
Worf: Wait here.
Worf: Garak. Just as I thought.
Garak: Don't tell me. I overlooked one of the security monitors.
Worf: You were trying to override the launch controls for the quantum torpedoes.
Garak: I was hoping to gain control of the phasers as well. I just hadn't got around to it yet. Don't you see? We have an opportunity here. A chance to end the Dominion threat once and for all. We have enough firepower on this ship to turn that planet into a smoking cinder. Personally, I think that would be a very good thing.
Worf: And what about Odo, and Captain Sisko and Doctor Bashir?
Garak: They'll die. And once the Jem'Hadar ships realize what we're doing, so will we. But what are our lives compared to saving the entire Alpha Quadrant?
Worf: We are not here to wage war.
Garak: I'm not talking about war. What I'm proposing is wiping out every Founder on that planet. Obliterating the Great Link. Come now, Mister Worf, you're a Klingon. Don't tell me you'd object to a little genocide in the name of self-defense?
Worf: I am a warrior, not a murderer.
Garak: What you are is a great disappointment.
Worf: You fight well for a tailor.
Sisko: Doctor.
Sisko: Odo, are you all right?
Bashir: Captain, I'm getting some strange readings.
Sisko: What have you done to him?
Founder: He has been judged.
Bashir: Captain, I'm reading a heart, lungs, and a digestive system. It's as if he were human.
Founder: We gave him what he wanted. We made him a solid. He's one of you now. Oh, poor Odo. Perhaps we should have killed you. It would have been far less cruel. He's yours. Take him and go.
Sisko: Sisko to Defiant.
Dax: Go ahead, Captain.
Sisko: Three to beam up.
Odo: Staring at it isn't going to make it change shape.
Bashir: It's blood, all right. Not a trace of changeling protoplasm in your entire system. Type O negative, if you were wondering.
Odo: I'll be sure to remember that.
Bashir: Physiologically, you're completely human.
Odo: Except for my face.
Bashir: Yes, I was wondering about that. Why they left it unchanged.
Odo: They left it this way on purpose. To make sure I'd never forget what I was. And what I've lost. Captain's log, stardate 49962.4. After leaving our Jem'Hadar escorts at the edge of Dominion space, the Defiant has returned home. But for Constable Odo, I'm afraid the journey has just begun.
Garak: How does it feel? You comfortable? Not too tight?
Odo: It's fine. Though it does make me feel a bit
Garak: Itchy? That's the Inkarian wool. You'll get used to it. Unless of course you're allergic to Inkarian wool.
Odo: It's not the uniform. I think I'm hungry?
Garak: You know, I envy you. Think of all the wonderful foods you'll get to enjoy for the first time.
Odo: I can hardly wait. Well, you've done your job. Now I have to do mine.
Garak: yes, I suppose you do. Six months in a holding cell? The thought is unattractive, to say the least.
Odo: Well, if you ask me, Captain Sisko let you off lightly. Sabotage, assaulting a Federation officer, attempting to incite war between the Federation and the Dominion.
Garak: Yes, but my heart was in the right place.
Aroya: There you are, Odo. I've been looking all over for you. I heard about what happened. I'm so sorry.
Odo: Thank you.
Aroya: I know it won't be easy, but eventually you'll see how being a humanoid has its advantages. If there's anything at all I can do, just let me know.
Garak: What a generous offer.
Odo: Let's go, Garak.
Sisko: Constable, are you all right?
Odo: It's nothing. It's just a headache. Every once in a while I still get flashes of memory from the Great Link. A jumble of images or a word, but I can't quite make sense of it.
Sisko: You know, there's no reason to rush things. You don't have to go back to work right away.
Odo: Yes, I do. When I joined with the other changelings in the Great Link, I felt something I've never felt before. In that moment, I knew I was home. For the first time, I felt that I understood my people. Their distrust of the solids, their willingness to do anything to protect themselves. And then in an instant it was all snatched away. I'm trapped in this body. I can never rejoin the Great Link. My job is the only thing I have left. Besides, I'm still the best law enforcement officer on this station.
Sisko: You're the best law enforcement officer in this sector. Maybe the whole damn quadrant.
Odo: Maybe. What's that all about?
Sisko: I have no idea.
Gowron: The Klingon Empire is tired of words, of negotiation, of the endless delaying tactics of the Federation. Therefore, as of today, a Klingon task force has been dispatched to the Archanis Sector. Starfleet has ten days to abandon their bases and withdraw their forces from the Sector.
Kira: It's coming in on all frequencies.
Gowron: Any Starfleet vessels found in the Sector after that time will be considered the enemy and fired upon.
Sisko: Major, put the station on combat alert. Notify the Bajoran militia.
Odo: Captain. It's him.
Sisko: Gowron? What about him?
Odo: During the Link, I sensed that the other changelings were trying to hide things from me. Faces, names. One of them was him.
Kira: What are you saying?
Odo: I'm saying that he's one of them. Gowron, the head of the Klingon Empire, is a changeling.
Gowron: No misinterpretation of my words. Archanis is ours and we will take it back. Resist us in any way, and there will be war!