Scene: In memory of Jerome Bixby
Quark: Have you ever seen anything so disgusting? The way he's undressing her with his eyes. And look at his hands.
Odo: What about his hands?
Quark: His gestures. They're obscene. You should arrest him.
Odo: You're joking.
Quark: He's pitiful. Doesn't he realize she loves me?
Odo: I don't think he does. To be honest, I don't think she does either.
Quark: Thanks for your support.
Rom: Brother! I just talked to Moogie. She says Grand Nagus Zek has disappeared.
Quark: What do you mean, disappeared?
Rom: He left her a note saying he was going on a business safari to open new territories for financial exploitation.
Quark: That's our Nagus.
Rom: He said he'd be back in five days. That was twelve days ago!
Quark: Twelve?
Odo: Has he done this before?
Rom: Not for this long. Moogie did some checking. No one's heard from him. He could be hurt or even dead. We have to do something!
Quark: He probably stopped off on Risa. You know, for a little rest and relaxation.
Rom: Risa? With all those gorgeous women? He wouldn't do that to Moogie.
Quark: Have you looked at our mother lately? She's not getting any younger. Now do us both a favor and stop worrying about Zek. He'll show up.
Rom: Are you sure?
Quark: Goodbye, Rom. Goodbye. Where'd Ezri go?
Odo: Oh, she slipped out the back with Bashir.
Quark: They left together?
Odo: I think they were holding hands.
Quark: Oh.
Quark: Blessed Exchequer, whose greed is eternal. Allow this humble bribe to open your ears and hear this plea from your most devout debtor. Continue to bless my bar with a steady stream of thirsty customers whose pockets are lined with latinum, and whose skills at dabo are shaky at best. And while you're at it, see if you can do something about Doctor Bashir. Don't hurt him or anything, just get him off the station for a couple of months. Oh, and one other thing. I opened negotiations with Ezri three months ago, but I can't seem to close the deal. Anything you can do to help
Quark: Come in. Ezri.
Ezri: Anyone else here?
Quark: Just you and me.
Ezri: Is that the bedroom?
Quark: I owe you. Does it have to be so rough the first time?
Ezri: I don't know what you think is going on here, but think again.
Quark: Don't tell me. This is some new kind of therapy? Am I suppose to start talking about my childhood or something?
Ezri: I hope not.
Quark: Good, because I'd rather talk about us. Dax, Dax, you're the most fascinating woman I've ever met. I love you. There. I said it!
Ezri: My name's not Dax.
Quark: Oh, I get it. Your clothes, the knife, this aggressive attitude. It's all role playing. Call me Shmun.
Ezri: Shmun?
Quark: Yeah. And I'll call you T'lana. You know, from 'Vulcan Love Slave' Volume Three.
Ezri: You're a very confused man, aren't you? If your friend Zek is depending on you, he's in a lot more trouble than he thinks.
Quark: Zek? What does he have to do with any of this?
Ezri: I'll let him explain.
Zek: Hello, Quark. It's me, your Grand Nagus. You'll never guess where I am.
Quark: Risa?
Zek: If you said Risa, guess again. I'm in the alternate universe!
Quark: You're not my Dax. You're from over there.
Ezri: You're catching on.
Zek: You're probably wondering how I got here well, you're going to have to keep on wondering, because I don't have time to tell you. You see, I'm in a bit of trouble. I'm being held prisoner by the Alliance and I'm going to need you to help me regain my freedom. The Regent said he would send me home in exchange for a ship's cloaking device. They don't have them in this universe. I wish I'd known that before I got here. I could've saved myself a lot of aggravation and made a nice profit at the same time. However, my fate is in your hands, Quark. I need a cloaking device and I need it now. You're the only one I can count on. If you do this for me I promise I'll be eternally grateful. And don't forget to tell your mother I love her. Goodbye.
Quark: He should've gone to Risa.
Ezri: The Regent wants the cloaking device in three days.
Quark: That's not much time. Cloaking technology isn't that easy to come by.
Ezri: You'll find a way.
Quark: And if I don't?
Ezri: The Nagus will die.
Rom: Anyone out there?
Quark: Not that I can see.
Rom: Then let's do it.
Quark: All right, together now. Now lift!
Rom: It's heavy.
Quark: Oh, I noticed.
Quark: Watch the steps.
Rom: I see them, brother. I told you cloaking the cloaking device was a good idea.
Quark: Brilliant. But couldn't you have done something about its weight?
Rom: No. But if it makes you feel any better, the cloaking device on the Defiant is a lot heavier.
Quark: Tell it to my hernia.
Rom: You know what's bothering me? It seems wrong to be stealing a cloaking device for the Alliance.
Quark: We're not stealing it for them, we're stealing it to save Zek.
Rom: But what about this other Ezri? She's a Trill.
Quark: So?
Rom: So, shouldn't she be with the rebels fighting against the Alliance?
Quark: Be sure to point that out when you meet her. Just don't forget, she carries a knife. Shh. Someone's coming. Set it down, quick.
Quark: Act normal.
Martok: I'm telling you, Captain, we have to find a way to expand our lines beyond the Kalandra system.
Sisko: I agree. If we don't move soon, the ionic storms will isolate our position.
Martok: And allow the Dominion to flank us.
Sisko: Something wrong, gentlemen?
Quark: It's the bulkhead.
Martok: What about it?
Quark: Rom's thinking of painting his quarters this color.
Sisko: They're already that color.
Quark: I told you!
Rom: No wonder I like it. It's a very soothing shade of gray.
Sisko: I'm glad you approve.
Martok: Captain.
Sisko: Hmm? Carry on.
Sisko: I'll talk to Admiral Ross.
Martok: I'll talk to Chancellor Gowron as well.
Rom: They're headed for the Klingon ship. What if they diskover the cloaking device is missing?
Quark: Let's get out of here. Where is it?
Rom: I'm not sure.
Quark: Well, find it.
Quark: Oww!
Rom: Good job, brother. But I wouldn't touch those induction coils if I were you.
Quark: Thanks for the warning.
Rom: Up we go.
Quark: Come on. Ezri's waiting for us in cargo bay fourteen.
Quark: One Klingon cloaking device, as requested.
Ezri: As soon as I bring that to the Regent, he'll release Zek.
Quark: Then what happens?
Ezri: Then you get him back. Would you stop doing that?
Rom: Doing what?
Ezri: Staring at me.
Rom: Sorry. But you look just like our Ezri, except you're a lot taller.
Quark: What are you talking about? She's exactly the same height.
Rom: I don't think so
Quark: Don't be an idiot. I'm telling you they're identical, I think.
Ezri: Do I have to throw you off this transport pad?
Rom: One thing's for sure, their personalities aren't identical. How do we know the Regent will keep his word and send Zek back to us?
Ezri: You don't. But there's not much you can do about it, is there?
Rom: Yes, there is. Brother, I think we should go with her.
Ezri: I don't think you'll like it too much on the other side.
Quark: That, I believe. But my idiot brother is right. We're coming with you.
Martok: Ferengi! I'll have you hanging by your ears.
Quark: Well, what are we waiting for?
Rom: It didn't work.
Ezri: Yes it did. We're on Terok Nor.
Rom: It looks like Deep Space Nine to me.
Quark: I suppose a cargo bay is a cargo bay, no matter what universe you're in.
Rom: But this is an alternate universe. Shouldn't everything be different?
Quark: It's different enough. Remember what Captain Sisko once told us? In this universe, we're both dead.
Rom: That's so sad. I would've liked to meet myself.
Ezri: We'd better get moving. I've got a ship waiting for us at landing pad C.
Rom: What's the rush?
Ezri: This is a rebel base and we're working for the Alliance.
Rom: Vic?
Vic: I thought you two were dead.
Rom: We are!
Quark: You're not a hologram.
Vic: A what?
Bashir: Throw put down your phasers, Fontaine!
Vic: I'll see you in hell first.
Quark: I can't believe it. Julian just shot Vic Fontaine.
Rom: I thought Vic was his favorite singer. No wonder they call it the alternate universe.
Bashir: You, behind the crates come out. You can come out now.
Ezri: Do as he says.
Bashir: Well, well, well. Look who we have here.
Quark: I'll bet you're surprised to see us, but I can explain.
Bashir: You worthless piece of space trash.
Quark: Don't hurt her!
Rom: Hey! You're supposed to be the good guys.
Rom: My mistake.
O'Brien: I'm sorry, Rom. That cloaking device of yours is now the property of the Terran Resistance Forces.
Rom: But you don't understand. You have to give us back the cloaking device. We need it to rescue the Nagus.
Bashir: That's not who you should be worried about right now. Do you know what we do to Alliance sympathizers?
O'Brien: Give it a rest, Julian.
Bashir: I'll give it a rest just as soon as these three get what's coming to them.
Rom: I don't know about you, but I like our Bashir better.
O'Brien: You have to forgive him. He's had a rough go of it lately. He lost a close friend in a skirmish with Alliance troops.
Bashir: This has nothing to do with Jadzia. Do you know what would happen to us if the Alliance got hold of a cloaking device?
O'Brien: It wouldn't be pretty.
Bashir: They'd wipe us out in a matter of weeks. Besides, there's nothing I loathe more than traitors.
Ezri: I'm not a traitor.
O'Brien: She's right. You have to believe in something before you can betray it.
Ezri: I believe in getting paid for my work, and you still owe me for the last job I did for you.
O'Brien: We're fighting for our freedom here, for our very lives. All you care about is money?
Ezri: Like you said, you have to have something to believe in.
Bashir: Let me ram those words down her throat.
O'Brien: You're forgetting something, Julian. The Alliance didn't get the cloaking device, we did. And that gives us the edge. And we have these gentlemen to thank for it.
Bashir: So what do you want to do? Give them medals?
O'Brien: I don't think their Captain Sisko would be too pleased to know they were over here interfering in our affairs.
Rom: That's why we didn't tell him.
O'Brien: I thought as much. I say we send them back to where they belong. Let Sisko deal with them.
Quark: We can't go back. Not without Zek.
O'Brien: The way I see it, you've got two choices. You can either head back to where you came from or you can head for Alliance territory and try to rescue your friend without the cloaking device. You have till morning to decide.
Bashir: Either way, you're staying with us.
Rom: Tough break.
Ezri: I'll live.
Quark: You sure?
Ezri: Don't worry about me. Smiley's right about one thing. If you're found in Alliance territory without the cloaking device, you're dead.
Quark: Are you suggesting we should go back home?
Ezri: It's the smart move.
Quark: Do we look smart to you?
Zek: You have such nimble fingers, my dear.
Kira: How many times have I heard that?
Zek: I don't think I could survive this incarceration without them.
Kira: I'm glad to be of help.
Zek: I only wish I could return the favor. After all, you've been suffering here for a lot longer than I have.
Kira: It hasn't been too bad. I always find a way of amusing myself. And besides, when your people give the Regent the cloaking device, we'll both be free.
Zek: If Quark and Rom don't screw things up.
Kira: Have a seat, big boy. You said your people could deliver the cloaking device. You guaranteed it!
Zek: Well, so I said, and so they shall.
Kira: Then we have nothing to worry about. Oh, so fragile.
Zek: That's quite a temper you have, my dear.
Kira: It's one of my best features. Now, where were we?
Zek: Mind going back to tugging at my ear hairs?
Kira: Your wish is my command.
Quark: We have to find a way out of here.
Ezri: And then?
Quark: And then we get our hands on the cloaking device and finish what we started.
Ezri: All right. Let's say you manage to save this Grand Nagus of yours. Then what?
Quark: Then we go home. And never come back here again.
Ezri: That's it?
Quark: Isn't it enough?
Ezri: Quark, don't play dumb with me. You're risking your life for him. There has to be a reason for it.
Quark: He's the Nagus. The man my mother loves. Not to mention, he's the head of the Ferengi Alliance.
Ezri: In other words, he's rich.
Quark: They don't come any richer.
Ezri: I see. How much are you expecting to get out of him?
Quark: Knowing the Nagus, I'd say a pat on the head and a fistful of empty promises.
Ezri: I don't understand.
Quark: There's nothing to understand. He's my Nagus. And when your Nagus gets in trouble, you're supposed to do something about it.
Ezri: Why?
Quark: I don't know. Loyalty?
Ezri: You're kidding me, right? You're doing this out of loyalty?
Quark: Would you stop looking at me like that? You're making me feel like an idiot.
Ezri: I hope so.
Rom: Brother! I just realized something.
Ezri: This should be good.
Rom: This is suppose to be an alternate universe, but their Captain O'Brien seems as nice as our Chief O'Brien.
Quark: So?
Rom: Don't you see? It doesn't make any sense. It's not alternate.
Quark: Go back to sleep, Rom.
Rom: Right. But it's all very confusing.
Rom: What was that?
Quark: How would I know?
Rom: Brother, look out! It's Brunt!
Quark: I don't think it's our Brunt.
Ezri: What took you so long?
Brunt: Sorry. Been a little busy. I had to break into the cargo bay, steal back the cloaking device you lost and get it onto our ship. And on top of that
Ezri: Okay. Quit your complaining and get us out of here.
Brunt: I'm working on it.
Brunt: You two must be hungry. I've got food and drink waiting for you on the ship.
Rom: He's so nice.
Quark: Scary, isn't it?
Quark: What was that?
Ezri: Brunt modified the dilithium matrix to maximize the output.
Quark: He did, did he?
Ezri: He's a very good engineer.
Rom: He's also a very good cook. These fried tube grubs are delicious.
Quark: Better hope he didn't poison them.
Rom: Maybe in our universe he'd do something like that, but not over here. Over here, everything's alternate. So he's a nice guy. Which means the tube grubs here should be poisonous, because they're not poisonous on our side. But if Brunt gave us poisonous tube grubs it would mean he wasn't as nice as we think he is. But he has to be nice because our Brunt isn't.
Quark: Rom, you're driving me crazy.
Rom: It's not me, brother, it's this alternate universe. It just doesn't make any sense.
Brunt: More tube grubs?
Rom: Yes, please. No. Yes!
Quark: Oh, no.
Brunt: In case you get hungry. I put a cup of hot tea by your bunk. You should get some rest.
Ezri: It has been a long day.
Rom: You're telling me.
Ezri: We're not due to rendezvous with the Regent's ship for another forty six hours.
Brunt: I'll wake you long before that.
Brunt: I'd like to see the look on Bashir's face when he diskovers we've stolen back the cloaking device.
Quark: You think he and Smiley will come after us?
Brunt: Oh, they can't let the Regent get his hands on that technology.
Quark: Sounds like your sympathies are with the rebels.
Brunt: I hate the Alliance.
Quark: Then why help them get the cloaking device?
Brunt: Ezri and I are partners. More than that. She's the closest friend I've ever had.
Quark: And how close is that?
Brunt: Not as close as I'd like.
Quark: Too bad.
Brunt: I'm not her type. And I don't think you are either.
Quark: What makes you say that?
Brunt: Let's just say that when it comes to men, she's very particular.
Worf: Interesting. My sinuses are clear for the first time in years. See if this Ferengi has any more of this beetle snuff.
Garak: Certainly. But first, my Regent, I must talk to you about the Intendant. It's taken us over two years to track down that treacherous wench. We should eliminate her and be done with it.
Worf: I will deal with the Intendant in my own way and in my own time. But first, I want that cloaking device!
Garak: Yes.
Worf: Think of it. With a fleet of cloaked ships I will be able to crush the rebellion once and for all.
Garak: And then we can kill the Intendant.
Worf: We will see.
Rom: Big ship.
Quark: How do we know we can trust the Regent? Once he has the cloaking device, there's nothing to stop him from killing us all.
Brunt: It's a little late to back out now, Quark.
Ezri: By bringing him the cloaking device, you've proven yourself useful. Believe me, the Regent never gets rid of anyone he finds useful.
Quark: I hope you're right.
Rom: Me, too.
Worf: You. Come here. Your Regent needs you.
Worf: Nice fit.
Garak: Our visitors from the other universe have arrived, and I'm happy to report they have not come empty handed.
Rom: Look who the Regent is!
Quark: So?
Rom: So who's president of the Federation, Gul Dukat?
Quark: They don't have a Federation here.
Worf: Is there a problem, Ferengi?
Quark: Just ignore him. Now, if you'll give us the Nagus, we'll be on our way and you can go on with your plans for mass destruction, genocide and all those other good things.
Worf: Victory is finally in my grasp. I want this operational within the hour.
Garak: And it will be so, exalted one.
Quark: We have a deal, right?
Worf: Do we?
Quark: Tell him.
Kira: Yes, my dear, why don't you tell him. I knew you wouldn't disappoint me.
Rom: Uh oh.
Quark: You're not going to give us the Nagus, are you. You. You knew about this all along.
Ezri: What can I say? I'm loyal to my friends.
Kira: Isn't she just the best?
Garak: I don't understand. You're letting her go?
Worf: She earned it. Having them bring us the cloaking device was her idea. Get rid of these two.
Brunt: Is that really necessary? They could come in handy.
Garak: If the Regent wants your opinion, he'll ask for it.
Worf: Do not kill them just yet.
Garak: But your magnificence
Worf: You heard me. Lock them up.
Garak: Let's go.
Quark: I hope you two are very happy together.
Kira: We will be.
Rom: Our Ezri would never betray us, which means
Quark: Oh, don't start with that again.
Zek: Rom, you're not going to tell your mother about the Intendant and me, are you?
Rom: It would break her heart.
Zek: In a million pieces. You see, she worships me, and I worship her right back. Besides, this is all your fault. If it weren't for you, I never would have been able to get to this universe. Remember the last time you came home to visit your mother? Well, one night while you were sleeping, I got up to get a bite to eat. And there, on the kitchen table, was a Starfleet PADD.
Rom: My engineering notebook? With the schematics for the multi-dimensional transporter that Chief O'Brien gave me to study. You stole it!
Zek: I'm your Nagus. You have no secrets from me.
Quark: I still don't understand why you'd want to come here in the first place.
Zek: Simple, really. I came to find new financial opportunities for the Ferengi people.
Rom: In the alternate universe?
Zek: Well, it seemed like a good idea at the time/
Quark: Right now, it would be a good idea for us to find a way out of here.
Brunt: I just don't feel right about this. Quark and Rom deserve better.
Ezri: Forget about them, all right?
Brunt: That's just it. I can't. I like them and so do you.
Ezri: Don't tell me who I like.
Brunt: Talk to the Intendant. She listens to you. Tell her the Ferengi kept their part of the bargain. We should do the same.
Kira: What a novel idea. Now I can't recall the last time I kept my word.
Brunt: Maybe now's a good time to start.
Ezri: Forget it, Brunt.
Brunt: No, not this time.
Kira: It's all right. Let him talk, my dear. He obviously feels very passionately about this, and you know how responsive I am to passion. Go on.
Brunt: What do we gain from their deaths? Nothing. On the other hand, if we let them live, they may come in handy.
Kira: I never thought of that.
Brunt: The Regent will give them to you. All you have to do is ask.
Kira: Maybe, but why waste a favor on those two little trolls? No, I'm afraid I don't much care for your suggestion. And as a matter of fact, I don't much like for you either.
Ezri: No!
Kira: He was going to betray me. I could see it in his eyes. You wouldn't do that to me, would you? Would you? Oh, no, of course you wouldn't. I've suffered so many disappointments in my life. Brunt, Sisko, Bareil, the list goes on and on. Dispose of that, will you? It depresses me.
Ezri: It's your mess. You clean it up.
Kira: She's not afraid of anyone, is she? Not even me.
Helmsman: Regent, long range sensors have detected an enemy ship. It's the Defiant.
Worf: Excellent. It is time to test the cloaking device.
Garak: I'm afraid it's not yet operational.
Worf: And why is that?
Garak: Well, it's a very complicated piece of equipment.
Ezri: One of the Ferengi seemed to know how it worked.
Worf: Then why is he not here?
Ezri: I'll get him.
Rom: Getting the cloaking device online? That's simple.
Ezri: Good. Lower the forcefield.
Quark: Hold on a second. Why should we help the Regent, or you for that matter?
Ezri: I'm trying to save your lives.
Zek: That's a very worthy goal.
Quark: Since when do you care about what happens to us?
Ezri: All right, forget it.
Rom: I don't want to forget it. I'm sorry, brother. Maybe you want to die in this crazy, mixed up universe, but I don't.
Zek: Neither do I! Lower the forcefield.
Quark: I suppose we have nothing to lose.
Ezri: Where do you think you're going?
Quark: With him. He needs my help.
Ezri: You're a bartender, Quark. What are you going to do? Mix him a drink?
Rom: Don't worry, brother. I'm not thirsty.
Ezri: I don't expect you to believe this, but I am trying to help you.
Quark: You're right, I don't believe you.
Rom: Isodine coupler. Does this look like an isodine coupler to you? I don't see how anything gets fixed around here.
Garak: I'd advise you to watch your tone of voice, Ferengi!
Rom: Or what? You won't let me installl the cloaking device?
Garak: I'm sorry if I've upset you. Now would you please get back to work.
Rom: Don't mind if I do.
Worf: Really?
Kira: Absolutely.
Worf: I have never tried that before.
Kira: Few men have, but I think you'll find it very stimulating.
Worf: What do you expect in return?
Kira: Terok Nor, of course?
Worf: I was planning on destroying that station.
Kira: Plans can be changed.
Worf: I will consider it.
Kira: What more can I ask?
Rom: Er, Mister Regent?
Worf: What is it?
Rom: Your cloak is ready.
Worf: Ah.
Garak: I'll take over from here.
Garak: It's working.
Ezri: Well done.
Kira: You mean no one can see us? How deliciously deceitful.
Worf: Are you certain you know how to operate the device?
Garak: Well, what I don't know, I always can learn.
Rom: It's pretty simple, once you understand the basics. Now, what about my brother and the Nagus?
Worf: Do we have any further use for them?
Garak: Not that I can think of.
Worf: Then get rid of them.
Rom: You mean we're going home?
Garak: No, he means you're going to die.
Rom: That settles it. I'm never helping you again.
Kira: Or anyone else, for that matter.
Garak: Come along now.
Rom: I'm really beginning to hate this universe.
Garak: What we have here, gentlemen, is ten cc's of concentrated Ulcartic virus. It's very deadly and quite painful. It elevates the temperature of your body, heating your internal organs until they literally boil. I was hoping to use this on the Intendant, but I suppose I'll have to settle for the four of you. Now, who would like to go first? I'm waiting.
Quark: Why don't you give us a couple of days to think it over and we'll get back to you.
Garak: All right then, I'll pick. Let's see.
Quark: What an amateur.
Garak: Excuse me?
Quark: I mean compared to our Garak. Now that man knows how to conduct an interrogation.
Garak: I'm not interrogating anyone.
Zek: Why not? Did it ever occur to you that we may know things that you could use to your advantage?
Garak: Like what?
Rom: We're not going to tell you. Not unless you interrogate us.
Garak: I don't have time for this. I want to be on the bridge when we destroy the Defiant.
Zek: In our universe, work comes before pleasure.
Quark: Our Garak would have us hanging by our toenails by now, telling him all our secrets.
Garak: What secrets?
Rom: That's for us to know and you to find out.
Quark: If you were smart, you'd cross over to our universe and get some pointers from our Garak. When it comes to torture, assassination and sabotage, you could learn a lot from him.
Garak: I know all there is to know about sabotage.
Rom: That's not what we hear.
O'Brien: Something's wrong. We should have caught that Ferengi ship long ago.
Bashir: We'll find them.
O'Brien: For all we know, the Regent may already have the cloaking device. In fact, he might have us in his sights right now and we wouldn't even know it.
Bashir: Don't start getting paranoid, Smiley. Even if the Regent has the cloaking device, chances are it isn't functional yet.
O'Brien: I hope you're right.
Worf: They have no idea that we are behind them.
Kira: There's nothing I enjoy better than a good ambush.
Worf: It is time.
Garak: I don't understand. Is this Garak of yours an assassin or a tailor?
Quark: Assassin.
Rom: Tailor.
Zek: Both.
Garak: Never mind. I have to be back to the bridge. Now, who's first?
Worf: Drop the cloak.
Bashir: I hate it when you're right
Smiley: Evasive action. Now!
Worf: Fire!
Garak: What was that?
Rom: Sabotage, what else?
Helmsman: We've experienced primary systems failure.
Kira: That Ferengi! He did this!
Helmsman: I'm unable to get anything back online.
Garak: You taught me something about sabotage. Now I'm going to teach you something about pain.
Quark: How much is this going to cost us?
Ezri: I'm not doing this for money.
Quark: Then why?
Ezri: Do you want to get out of here or not?
Zek: Of course we do.
Ezri: Then stop asking questions and let's go.
Bashir: They're not coming after us.
O'Brien: Why not?
Bashir: They can't. Their power grid's offline.
O'Brien: Then what do you say we give the Regent a proper greeting?
Bashir: Reversing course.
Worf: We must raise shields.
Helmsman: We can't.
Kira: I don't know how much more of this the hull can withstand.
Helmsman: Captain O'Brien would like to have a word with you.
O'Brien: That's a nice ship you have, Regent. I'd hate to see it destroyed.
Bashir: But of course, if you insist.
Worf: What are your terms?
O'Brien: Oh, a simple unconditional surrender should do the trick.
Kira: I'm afraid you've run out of options.
Worf: Victory is yours.
O'Brien: Prepare to be boarded.
Worf: I have been betrayed. I knew I should have killed those two Ferengi the moment they came aboard.
Kira: What a surprise. I've been looking everywhere for you.
Ezri: Here I am.
Kira: Is that really necessary?
Ezri: I was about to ask you the same question.
Kira: Ah, that's better. You and I have to get to one of the escape shuttles.
Ezri: You go. I'm staying here.
Kira: You can't be serious.
Ezri: You shouldn't have killed Brunt.
Kira: Isn't it a little late to be developing a conscience?
Ezri: I hope not.
Zek: Brunt's dead?
Rom: Sorry, wrong Brunt.
Quark: We're not going to let her get away, are we?
Ezri: I owe her that much.
Zek: Oh, let her go. There's something about that woman I find intoxicating.
Rom: Glad to be going home?
Zek: You bet I am. But that doesn't mean I won't be coming back.
Rom: Here? What for?
Zek: There's a fortune to be made in the alternate universe. I can feel it in my lobes.
Quark: Well, don't expect us to come chasing after you again.
Zek: Oh, no, I won't. Next time, I'll bring you along with me.
Ezri: In that case, I won't bother saying goodbye.
Quark: You know, coming back isn't such a bad idea, if I knew I could see you again.
Ezri: I'm not going anywhere.
Quark: I should stick around a couple of days. You could show me the station.
Ezri: I don't think that's such a good idea.
Quark: I could help you work on that conscience of yours.
Ezri: I think I can take it from here.
Leeta: Excuse me.
Rom: Leeta?
Leeta: Do I know you?
Rom: We're married.
Leeta: I don't think so. You're Ezri, right? Captain Smiley wants me to debrief you.
Ezri: Must be my lucky day.
Zek: This is quite a fascinating place, don't you agree?
Rom: I want to go home.
Quark: Me, too.


Bashir: Listen up. Listen up. To Lieutenant Hector Ilario, living proof that Starfleet Academy produces the finest fighter pilots in the galaxy.
O'Brien: Hear, hear.
Bashir: I haven't finished.
Kira: Don't ruin it, Julian. That was just what a toast should be. Short and to the point.
Ilario: I wouldn't mind hearing a little more.
Ezri: Now, now. Modesty above all.
Bashir: This is no time to be modesty. This man, this youth, this mere pup still wet behind the ears.
Ilario: I'm twenty two.
Bashir: I was speaking metaphorically. This inspired cherub masterfully piloted the Defiant into battle against a half dozen Jem'Hadar attack ships, and once all the smoke had cleared, only one ship remained intact, and that, ladies and gentlemen, was the USS Defiant.
O'Brien: The kid's a born helmsman.
Bashir: And so say all of us.
All: Hear, hear.
Ilario: Thanks. I'm just glad to be here.
O'Brien: It's the best posting in the galaxy.
Bashir: If there's anything you want, anything at all, just ask.
Ilario: Well, there is one thing.
O'Brien: Name it.
Ilario: Next time you two go to the holosuite, I'd like to come along.
O'Brien: Sorry.
Bashir: Can't be done.
O'Brien: No, it's out of the question.
Bashir: It's impossible.
Kira: Don't take it personally. They're very serious about their leisure activities.
Bashir: It's a good way to relieve stress.
O'Brien: Yeah, I highly recommend it.
Bashir: Just not with us.
O'Brien: No. You know, when you have a holosuite visit, it's sort of a personal experience.
Bashir: He's very particular about anybody seeing him in his coonskin cap. You understand.
Ilario: I suppose.
Quark: Gentlemen, your holosuite is ready.
Bashir: Terrific. Now if there's anything else you need?
O'Brien: Just let us know.
Ilario: Have you ever gone to the holosuite with them?
Kira: Me? Never.
Ezri: I know when I'm not wanted.
Ilario: To the class of seventy two. Another round? EZRI +
Kira: No.
Ilario: Time to go?
Kira: It was time to go about an hour ago.
Ilario: Okay.
Kira: Okay, we'll get you home.
Ezri: I'll take him. His quarters are on my way.
Kira: Sure.
Ezri: He won't be the first drunken Ensign I've escorted home. Someday remind me to tell you about a bar on Bolarus and a certain young Mister Sisko. This way.
Ilario: I never had real Saurian brandy before. It's Captain Sisko's favorite.
Ezri: Kind of sneaks up on you, doesn't it?
Ilario: Speaking of sneaking up on you. Here we are. Home sweet home.
Ezri: Are you all right? Do you want some raktajino?
Ilario: I'm fine. I'm fine. I wish they could have been there.
Ilario: They would have loved it. See me fly the Defiant into battle. It was incredible.
Ezri: I should get going. Make sure you get some sleep.
Ilario: You know something, Lieutenant? You're very beautiful.
Ezri: And you're very drunk.
Ilario: True enough. But in the morning, I'll be sober and you'll still be beautiful.
Ezri: Good night, Ilario.
Ilario: Good night, Lieutenant.
Computer: The time is oh six hundred hours. The time is oh six hundred hours and ten seconds.
Ezri: Yeah, yeah. I'm up.
Ezri: Fanalian tea. Hot.
Man: I don't know. Full security alert.
Man 2: Yes, sir.
Ezri: What happened?
Odo: Lieutenant Ilario has been killed.
Ezri: Killed? How?
Bashir: It appears someone shot him. (After the opening titles, Sisko has arrived and O'Brien is doing the CSI tricorder thing.)
Odo: He was killed by what appears to have been some kind of chemically propelled projectile weapon.
Sisko: A gun?
Odo: Doctor Bashir recovered a single tritanium bullet from Ilario's chest.
Bashir: He was shot through the heart.
O'Brien: You don't see one of those every day.
Odo: No one uses projectile weapons anymore.
Sisko: You said this is tritanium, right?
Odo: That's correct.
Sisko: Chief, did you ever hear of a TR one one six rifle?
O'Brien: It was a prototype. Developed by Starfleet Security to operate in energy dampening fields or radiogenic environments.
Sisko: That's right. Anywhere where a normal phaser would be useless. If I'm not mistaken, the TR one one six rifle fired a chemically propelled tritanium bullet.
Odo: You say a prototype. Were they ever mass produced?
O'Brien: No. Starfleet abandoned the TR one one six in favor of regenerative phasers.
Sisko: That doesn't mean the killer couldn't have gotten hold of the rifle's replication patterns.
O'Brien: But only Starfleet officers have access to those files.
Sisko: Disturbing thought, isn't it?
Bashir: Starfleet officers do not go around murdering other officers.
Odo: Not usually, anyway.
O'Brien: Hold on a minute. That's odd. According to these readings, the bullet only traveled eight or nine centimeters.
Sisko: Then the killer must have fired at point blank range.
Odo: I don't think so. There are no powder burns on the body.
Bashir: What are powder burns?
Odo: At close range, chemically propelled weapons leave residual combustion products on the skin and clothing of the victims.
Sisko: How did you know that?
Odo: I read twentieth century crime novels. Raymond Chandler, Mike Hammer, that sort of thing.
Sisko: So, if the killer did fire from close range, why aren't there any powder burns?
O'Brien: I don't know.
Odo: But we'll find out.
Ezri: What was the time of death?
Bashir: Oh three seventeen.
Ezri: That's only ten minutes after I left.
Sisko: Was he alone?
Ezri: I didn't see anyone, but I wasn't here for very long.
Sisko: What do we know about Ilario, outside of his service record?
Odo: Not a great deal. He's only been on the station for ten days.
Ezri: As far as I could tell, he was intelligent, dedicated, eager to please. Everyone liked him.
Sisko: Not everyone. I want to know everything there is to know about him. Who his friends were, if he made any enemies. I also want increased security throughout the station.
Odo: Yes, sir.
Sisko: And Constable
Odo: You want whoever did this caught. I understand, Captain.
Bashir: Ilario once told me he came from a big family. Three brothers and two sisters.
O'Brien: I thought it was two brothers and three sisters.
Bashir: I don't think so.
O'Brien: You sure?
Bashir: Are you?
Ezri: Don't look at me. We never discussed his family. Mostly he talked about the Academy and about the two of you.
Bashir: Us?
Ezri: He really admired both of you.
Bashir: We should have let him come to the holosuite with us.
O'Brien: You're right, we should've.
Ezri: I just wish I hadn't left his quarters so quickly. Maybe he'd still be alive.
Bashir: Or you'd be dead right there with him.
Ezri: Odo will catch whoever did this, won't he?
Bashir: If anyone can.
O'Brien: We really should've let him come to the holosuite with us.
Bashir: Ezri.
Ezri: Shouldn't you be in bed?
Bashir: I was about to ask you the same question.
Ezri: I just couldn't sleep.
Bashir: Me neither. You mustn't blame yourself, you know, for Ilario's death.
Ezri: I don't, not really.
Bashir: Then what is it?
Ezri: It's just knowing that he was murdered.
Bashir: It's difficult to accept. The whole concept of someone killing another person in cold blood, it's almost incomprehensible, isn't it?
Ezri: Not to me.
Bashir: Meaning what?
Ezri: Meaning that I know exactly what it feels like. To feel the urge, the need, to take a life.
Bashir: You're talking about Joran.
Ezri: He killed three people. He was a host to the Dax symbiont, just like me.
Bashir: He was nothing like you.
Ezri: I try not to think about it. Jadzia felt the same way. She tried to bury his memories as deeply as she could. But they're still there. The victims. What they looked like.
Bashir: They weren't your victims.
Ezri: I know. But then something like this happens. Just the thought of someone like him being here right now.
Bashir: You really should get some rest.
Ezri: You're right. Even if it does mean lying in my bed, staring at the ceiling for a few more hours. Goodnight, Julian.
Bashir: Good night.
Odo: Save your complaints for the magistrate.
Ezri: Is this the one we've been looking for?
Odo: Ilario's killer. Quite a clever one at that.
Ezri: Why? Why did you do it?
Ilario: You tell me, Counselor.
Ezri: But you're dead.
Ilario: Don't tell me, tell him.
Odo: I'm sorry, Lieutenant. There's nothing more annoying than a corpse with a mind of its own.
Ezri: What? (Ezri's hands are covered in blood. Suddenly she is in -
Ezri: Dax to Security. Odo? Kira? Anyone there? Security, please answer me. Joran!
Joran: You recognize me. How nice.
Ezri: What do you want?
Joran: Respect. Understanding. Love.
Joran: I wish you'd stop being afraid of me. It's not like we're strangers. That worm in your belly used to be mine. Which means I'm part of you.
Ezri: Joran.
Joran: And you're part of me.
Ezri: I'm nothing like you.
Joran: Is that so? You want to find out who killed Ilario, don't you? Then what are you waiting for? Perform the Rite of Emergence and just ask for my help, and then we can get to work.
Ezri: I don't want your help.
Joran: Maybe not, but you need it.
Ezri: You murdered three people. I don't want anything to do with you. Now me leave me alone!
Joran: How can I? There's nowhere else for me to go. I'm within you, Ezri. All the time. Use me.
Ezri: No!
Joran: I can help. I know how he thinks. We can catch him, Ezri, you and me together. And then we'll make him pay.
Sisko: Sisko to Dax. Report to Habitat Ring, level J seventeen.
Ezri: What is it, Ben?
Sisko: There's been another murder.
Sisko: Report.
Odo: Lieutenant Commander Greta Vanderweg. Science Officer. Human, age thirty seven. Twelve years of service, the last three here on Deep Space Nine.
Bashir: Cause of death, tritanium bullet fired at close range. No powder burns.
Sisko: Did Ilario and Vanderweg know each other?
Odo: I'll look into to it, but it's doubtful. Ilario was only here for ten days, seven of them he was on the Defiant.
Sisko: But why Ilario? And why Vanderweg? Did someone have a personal grudge against either one of them? Or is someone just killing our officers at random?
Bashir: I still can't believe anyone in Starfleet could be doing this.
Odo: There are over nine hundred Starfleet officers posted on the station.
Sisko: Odo, we have to narrow the field of suspects.
Odo: Sir.
Sisko: How well did you do in forensic psychology at the Academy?
Ezri: It wasn't my favorite subject.
Sisko: We have to find out why the killer's doing this.
Ezri: I'll do my best.
O'Brien: I wonder why he chose a TR one one six?
Bashir: Instead of a phaser?
O'Brien: Yeah. I mean, why use a rifle if you're going to shoot somebody from close range?
Bashir: I don't know. He or she may have originally intended to kill their victims from a great distance, so they replicated a long-range weapon. Or they had some special connection to this particular rifle. A fetish or psychological obsession, perhaps?
O'Brien: I suppose so.
Bashir: Did you ever read that biography I gave you on Davy Crockett last month?
O'Brien: No. But I'll get to it.
Bashir: There was this fascinating section about the mythology that grew up around Crockett and his rifle. There was this notion that a man could have a special relationship with a weapon. Some frontiersmen even went so far as to give their rifles names, female ones at that, thus changing the relationship between owner and object to something resembling man and woman.
O'Brien: Maybe I'll start calling my tricorder Sally.
Bashir: There's some great tall tales in that book. There's one particular story where Crockett was supposed to have put up a target against a tree and arranged a series of tin frying pans nearby in a complicated pattern. The idea was that he was going to shoot a bullet at one of these pans which would then ricochet to another and then to another and then to another and then to another.
O'Brien: Wait a minute. That's it. Displaced targeting. That's how he did it.
Bashir: Who?
O'Brien: The killer. He set up an alternate bullet trajectory, one that didn't require a direct line of sight between him and the victim. Julian, you're a genius.
Bashir: Don't thank me, thank Davy Crockett.
Ezri: What do you think?
Odo: Nice melon.
Ezri: But what does it have to do with us?
Odo: I have no idea. All I know is that Chief O'Brien wanted me to bring you here. He said he had something to show us.
O'Brien: O'Brien to Science Lab.
Odo: Go ahead, Chief.
O'Brien: Are you ready?
Ezri: For what?
O'Brien: You'll see. First put on those goggles that are on the counter in front of you. Now take a step back away from the melon. A little further. I've only done this a couple of times.
Ezri: How's this?
O'Brien: Good.
O'Brien: Wow.
Odo: Are you all right?
Ezri: Better than that melon.
O'Brien: It worked! I was able to fire a bullet into that melon while standing outside in the corridor.
Ezri: You fired through the wall?
Odo: I don't see any bullet holes.
O'Brien: I attached a micro transporter to this TR one one six. When I fired, the bullet was beamed into this room a few centimeters away from the melon.
Odo: Where it continued its trajectory. So if the killer used a similar transporter device, that would explain the lack of powder burns on the victims.
O'Brien: And by using an exographic targeting sensor, he was able to scan through the bulkheads.
Odo: So he could have been firing from anywhere on the station. Can you trace the bullet's transporter signatures back to where the killer was when he fired?
O'Brien: I'm afraid not. The signature is too weak.
Odo: It's an ingenious weapon.
Ezri: Whoever he is, he's smart.
Ezri: Nothing. No connection.
Ezri: Who's there? Who is it? Quark? Is that you?
Ezri: This isn't funny.
Ezri: Worf!
Worf: It is late. You should be in your quarters.
Ezri: Were you following me?
Worf: It is dangerous for you to be wandering the Promenade alone.
Ezri: You were worried about me?
Worf: There is a killer on the station. You have no right to endanger yourself this way.
Ezri: You were worried about me. Thank you, Worf. That's sweet.
Worf: You are a fellow officer. I would have the same concern for Chief O'Brien or Doctor Bashir.
Ezri: Of course. I didn't mean to imply otherwise.
Worf: Then we understand each other.
Ezri: Perfectly.
Worf: How is the investigation coming?
Ezri: Slowly.
Worf: If I can assist you in any way?
Ezri: I appreciate it, but you can't, really. Nobody can. Actually, that's not true. There is someone who could help, but I don't want to ask him,
Worf: Why?
Ezri: It's complicated.
Worf: Nevertheless, if he can help?
Ezri: It wouldn't be pleasant.
Worf: Perhaps not, but I am certain that you will do whatever is necessary to complete your task.
Ezri: And how do you know that?
Worf: You are Dax. It is your way.
Ezri: I'nora, ja'kala vok 'za Ezri. Zhian'tara rek pora'al Zheem Dax tanas rhem Joran. 'za Ezri tanas rhem Joran. Come on, Joran. Don't make me beg. Joran tanas rhem. Vok Ezri, Joran tanas rhem.
Joran: You won't regret this, Ezri.
Joran: I promise. Joran, the forgotten host. The outcast.
Ezri: The murderer.
Joran: I'm sure you never thought that little character trait would prove useful.
Ezri: It seems so strange separating you from the others, seeing you standing there.
Joran: But I'm not really standing here, am I? It's all in your mind. At least now I know you're listening me. I've been ignored for far too long. Curzon and Jadzia didn't quite know what to do with me.
Ezri: They buried your memories as deep within them as possible.
Joran: That was a mistake. I have so much to offer.
Ezri: We'll see about that. Now, let's get to work. We have a killer to catch.
Joran: Where should we begin?
Ezri: I want to know how he thinks.
Joran: Then we'll start with his choice of weapons.
Ezri: We already know how he modified the TR one one six.
Joran: But you haven't held it in your hands, have you? You haven't looked through its tracking display, picked a target, felt the power as you lock its sensors on your unsuspecting prey. If you want to catch a killer, Ezri, you have to learn to think like one.
Joran: Handsome weapon.
Ezri: If you say so.
Joran: Even you have to admire the esthetic qualities inherent in its design. It conveys a sense of danger, of power. Just looking from the trigger to the muzzle conjures up images of death. Take it down.
Joran: I meant hold it in your hands.
Ezri: Why?
Joran: Because I want you to feel what the killer felt. This isn't going to work if you fight me.
Ezri: I'm holding the gun.
Joran: Stop placating me. You wanted my help? Now do as I say. Put on the targeting display.
Joran: Now, hold the weapon as if you're going to use it. Feels good, doesn't it?
Ezri: I've held a rifle before.
Joran: You mean in combat? It's not the same thing. That kind of killing's too random, too chaotic. This is more controlled. You can savor the moment. Now, tell me, what do you see?
Ezri: I'm moving through different levels of the docking ring.
Joran: He didn't kill anyone in the docking ring. Remember, you're trying to put yourself in his mind. Move to the habitat ring.
Ezri: I'm there. In one of the corridors.
Joran: Good. Our killer is a hunter. So start hunting.
Ezri: I see a Bajoran Deputy.
Joran: You don't want to be in the corridors. Look in the quarters.
Ezri: No one's here.
Ezri: A male Starfleet officer. An engineer, about thirty five.
Joran: Good. We have a victim. You have him in your sights. How do you feel? Truth now.
Ezri: Powerful. In control
Joran: That's good. That's what the killer's feeling.
Ezri: I'm not angry or excited.
Joran: You're calm, relaxd.
Ezri: Detached.
Joran: Now you're getting it. You do your killing from a distance. You're cold, methodical. Maybe you're a scientist or a doctor?
Ezri: Maybe. But why kill like this? Why not choose a victim on the Promenade or in Quark's?
Joran: If you want to know the answer, pull the trigger and find out. Don't think about it, do it! Do it!
Ezri: No!
Joran: Ezri, the gun isn't loaded.
Ezri: Then why did you tell me to pull the trigger?
Joran: Do you want to know what the killer feels or don't you?
Joran: I'm sorry, Ezri. I didn't mean to push you so far.
Ezri: I'm not a murderer. I'm not you.
Joran: Maybe not, but you have my memories. You remember what it was like. The excitement, the passion, the looks on their faces as they realized we were the last thing they'd ever see.
Ezri: That has nothing to do with me. You're the killer.
Quark: Ezri? I think you need a vacation. You're talking to yourself.
Ezri: I'm just thinking out loud.
Joran: I don't know what you see in this Ferengi. He's repulsive.
Quark: Can I get you a drink or something to eat?
Joran: No, we don't have time. We have work to do.
Ezri: No, thanks. I'm not hungry, really.
Quark: Well, when you are, you know where to come.
Joran: How I'd love to slip a knife between his ribs.
Ezri: I have a better idea. Let's get back to work. The sooner we find our killer, the sooner you and I can part company.
Joran: I thought we were having fun together.
Ezri: Think again.
Joran: I suppose I'll have to make myself more endearing. Now, I suggest we visit the victims' quarters to see what answers we can find there.
Ezri: What are we looking for?
Joran: Clues, what else?
Ezri: We don't even know if the killer ever set foot in here.
Joran: Both victims were in their quarters when they were killed. Is that a coincidence or a connection?
Ezri: I don't know.
Joran: Think about it. Look around. And remember, whatever you see is what the killer saw. What do we know about these classmates of Ilario's?
Ezri: Odo checked with Starfleet Command. The one on the left was killed in combat five weeks ago. The one in the middle is stationed on the USS Truman. The Truman hasn't come anywhere near Deep Space Nine in months.
Joran: Pity. Keep looking.
Joran: Greta was quite a packrat, wasn't she?
Ezri: She was here a long time. This was home.
Joran: A monument to bad taste. Just an observation.
Ezri: Vanderweg's husband is a micropaleontologist on Mora Five. She was married, Ilario was single. She was on Deep Space Nine for three years, he just got here. She was a mature woman, he was practically a kid. Besides the uniform, they had absolutely nothing in common. Which means they could have just been chosen at random. And if that's the case, then we're wasting our time.
Joran: You're thinking about giving up, aren't you?
Ezri: I didn't say that.
Joran: You don't have to. You have failure written all over you.
Ezri: I'm sorry to disappoint you.
Joran: It's not the lack of clues that's keeping you from finding the killer, it's you.
Ezri: Me?
Joran: You're holding back, Ezri. You refuse to see with his eyes, feel with his hands, think with his mind.
Ezri: You want to turn me into a killer, make me like you.
Joran: You are me.
Ezri: You want me to kill someone? What do you say I start with you.
Joran: That's the spirit.
Security: Hold it! Stop him!
Ezri: They've found him!
Security: Stop that man!
Joran: A weapon. Over there. Yes. Yes, do it. Do it!
Odo: That's enough!
Sisko: You mind explaining this? I'm told that if Odo hadn't stopped you, you'd have stabbed Ensign Bertram.
Ezri: I was trying to stop him from getting away, all right? He hit me, I reacted. I guess I overreacted.
Sisko: I'd say so.
Joran: He could be a little more appreciative, don't you think?
Ezri: I'm sorry things get out of hand, but Bertram killed two people.
Sisko: Bertram didn't kill anyone.
Ezri: Then why was the Security team chasing him?
Sisko: Because a month ago, he accessed the replicator patterns on TR one one six without authorisation.
Joran: Sounds guilty to me.
Ezri: Why would he replicate a rifle unless he was going to use it?
Sisko: Because he collects weapons. Federation, Klingon, and Cardassian.
Joran: What a coincidence.
Ezri: That doesn't rule him out as a suspect.
Sisko: True. But the fact that he was on Bajor when the first murder occurred does. You've been under a lot of stress lately, so
Ezri: Ben, please don't give up on me. I can find this murderer. I know I can. I just need more time.
Joran: I don't know what you and Jadzia and Curzon all see in that man. He's so insufferable, so Starfleet. I'm surprised the killer hasn't targeted him. I'm joking of course. But he did come perilously close to derailing our investigation.
Joran: And you have to take some of the blame for that.
Ezri: What did I do?
Joran: It's what you didn't do, really. You should have told him about me.
Ezri: You're kidding. One word about you and he'd have pulled me off the case.
Joran: Well then, I guess I'll have to remain your little secret and be glad that you're still in his good graces. Not that it matters, really. We would have continued on without Sisko's blessing. Right?
Joran: What are you doing?
Ezri: What does it look like? I'nora, ja'kala vok.
Joran: Do you really think you can get rid of me this easily?
Ezri: Zheem Dax nah sass eye ahn
Joran: Don't you realize we've made Dax whole again?
Ezri: D'za oo bah zheest.
Joran: Don't back away now.
Ezri: Joran rhee jehr hey dah. Joran rhee jehr hey dah.
Joran: You won't catch the killer without me.
Odo: Odo to Lieutenant Dax. Report to the habitat ring on H forty three.
Ezri: I'm on my way.
Odo: Petty Officer Zim Brott. Bolian. Five years of service on Deep Space Nine.
Ezri: I knew him. Or at least Jadzia did. He has a wife and co-husband on Bolarus.
O'Brien: So much for the theory that our killer only targets humans.
Bashir: Captain.
Sisko: The bullet pierced his heart?
Bashir: At close range.
Joran: Why am I not surprised.
Joran: What happens if we don't catch him? Will he keep shooting Starfleet officers till there are none left on the station? How could anyone be so happy with such unattractive children?
Ezri: What did you say?
Joran: This photo.
Ezri: That's it. It's the pictures! He's laughing!
Ezri: She's laughing.
Ezri: That's what the victims have in common. Pictures of laughing faces.
Joran: A killer who hates laughter. Who hates emotion.
Ezri: A Vulcan.
Joran: All Vulcans distrust emotions, but they don't go around killing people for smiling.
Ezri: This one does. Something happened to him, something so emotionally painful it's making him lose control. When he looks through the targeting sensor and sees those pictures, the laughter seems to mock him.
Joran: You're thinking like he thinks. Good, Ezri.
Ezri: Computer. How many Vulcan Starfleet Officers are on the station?
Computer: There are forty eight Vulcans serving on Deep Space Nine.
Joran: Now all we have to do is eliminate forty seven of them.
Ezri: I should tell Odo.
Joran: Not until we have proof.
Ezri: Then let's get some.
Ezri: We still have twenty eight suspects. Vulcans who have suffered a personal loss of some kind.
Joran: We've narrowed the field.
Ezri: Not by enough.
Ezri: There's one thing I don't understand. If he hates laughter, then why doesn't he seek out his victims in Quark's or in a holosuite?
Joran: Maybe it's not just the laughter.
Ezri: You're right. Maybe it has something to do with the way the photograph freezes the emotion, making it seem like the laughter is going to last forever.
Ezri: Level twelve, central core.
Joran: So, what do we do now?
Ezri: We go back over our list of suspects, see if we can't narrow it down. Then proof or no proof, we give the list to Odo.
Vulcan: Habitat ring, level K fifty five.
Ezri: What are you doing?
Vulcan: Are you addressing me?
Ezri: Sorry. Never mind.
Joran: It's him, Ezri. I know it is. We've found our killer. I'm telling you, he's the one we're looking for. Look in his eyes!
Ezri: By the way, I'm Counselor Dax.
Vulcan: I know.
Joran: What are you doing? He's getting away.
Ezri: We need proof. Something I can take to Odo.
Joran: And while you're looking for that proof, what do you think the Vulcan will be doing? Let me tell you. He's going to pick another victim.
Ezri: Science Officer Chu'lak. Age ninety seven. Assigned to Deep Space Nine three months ago. Before that, he served aboard the USS Grissom.
Joran: Why was he transferred?
Ezri: The Grissom was destroyed by the Jem'Hadar in the battle of Ricktor Prime. He was one of only six crewmen to survive.
Joran: Six survivors out of a crew of twelve hundred and fifty.
Ezri: He served on that ship for ten years. Those people who were killed were his colleagues, his friends.
Joran: That's a painful loss, even for a Vulcan.
Ezri: That doesn't make him a killer.
Joran: But your instincts tell you that he is. Listen to your instincts. Listen to me. It's him.
Ezri: Computer. Locate Science Officer Chu'lak.
Computer: Lieutenant Chu'lak is in his quarters.
Joran: Seeking out his next victim.
Ezri: Computer. Where are Chu'lak's quarters?
Computer: Habitat ring, level D twelve.
Joran: My thought exactly. What do you see?
Ezri: He's studying something on his computer console.
Joran: Studying what?
Joran: What is it?
Ezri: Me. My service record.
Joran: He knows we suspect him.
Ezri: He's going into the next room.
Joran: What's he doing?
Ezri: He's back. He's carrying something.
Joran: It's a rifle, isn't it. Isn't it?
Ezri: Yes.
Joran: Shoot him.
Joran: Don't think about it, just do it.
Joran: Kill him!
Joran: Congratulations.
Joran: I'm proud of you.
Joran: Go ahead. Finish what you started.
Ezri: Tell me. Why did you do it?
Vulcan: Because logic demanded it.
Joran: What are you waiting for? He deserves to die. You know that. Follow your instincts.
Ezri: Dax to Infirmary. I need an Emergency Medical team. Habitat ring D twelve.
Bashir: On our way.
Ezri: Try not to look so disappointed.
Ezri: Chzui vok Ezri sheyhal bashar. I'nora ja'kala vok.
Joran: I can't tell you how much I've enjoyed our time together.
Ezri: Zheem Dax nah sass eye ahn. D'za oo bah zheest. Joran rhee jehr hey dah
Joran: You won't be able to forget me or bury me as deeply as Curzon or Jadzia did.
Ezri: I know.
Joran: I'm part of you now. As much as Audrid, Torias, any of them.
Ezri: I'll have to be careful. Tu Dax noh zhian 'vok j'zui.
Ezri: Joran rhem tanas Ezri.


O'Brien: How long was I asleep?
Odo: Almost two hours.
O'Brien: You dropped out of warp. We must be close to home.
Odo: We entered the Bajoran system a few minutes ago.
O'Brien: What's that?
Odo: The shopkeeper I bought it from called it a knick-knack.
O'Brien: I didn't know you collected knick-knacks.
Odo: It's a present for Kira.
O'Brien: Oh.
Odo: You don't think she'll like it?
O'Brien: I'm sure she'll like it. It's just I didn't get anything for Keiko.
Odo: Well, the conference kept you pretty busy.
O'Brien: You found time to get something.
O'Brien: Not chocolates as well?
Odo: Rigelian chocolates. Her favorite.
O'Brien: I'll buy them from you.
Odo: I beg your pardon?
O'Brien: I'll buy them from you. Oh come on, Odo, you don't have to give her two presents. You've only been gone a day.
Odo: I'm sorry, Miles, but the answer is no.
O'Brien: There's something behind us.
Odo: It's gaining on us fast.
O'Brien: You think it's friendly?
Odo: I hope so.
O'Brien: It's certainly taken an interest in us.
O'Brien: Uh oh.
Odo: It's gone.
O'Brien: What?
Odo: According to the sensors, there's nothing out there.
O'Brien: Where'd it go?
Odo: It's a changeling.
O'Brien: Stay where you are or I'll fire.
Laas: You. You are a metamorph?
Odo: I'm a changeling, yes.
Laas: Tell the monoform to put down its weapon.
Odo: Why did you board our ship?
Laas: Because I sensed you were here. I had to see if it was true, if I'd finally found another metamorph.
Odo: You've never met another shape-shifter?
Laas: I've been trying to find others of my kind for a long time.
O'Brien: I told you to stay where you are. How do we know he's not a Founder?
Odo: He's not. He's one of the hundred.
Laas: The hundred?
Odo: Over the centuries, our people sent out one hundred infant changelings out into the galaxy. We were to learn about other species, and eventually return home to share what we'd experienced.
Laas: That would explain why I was alone on Varala. I didn't even know what I was at first, or that I could assume other forms.
Odo: I was the same way.
O'Brien: I hate to interrupt, but shouldn't we get him in a containment field until we're sure he's telling the truth?
Laas: I will allow myself to be taken prisoner to show my good faith, but only if you vouch for my safety. I do not trust humanoids.
Sisko: So, where is he now?
Odo: In a holding cell. Captain, he's not a threat to us. He's just a changeling who's traveled a long way to find out where he came from.
Sisko: You believe his story?
Odo: Yes, sir, I do.
Sisko: How can we be sure he's not a Founder?
Odo: If he were a Founder, he'd be infected with the same disease that's afflicting the entire Link. I asked Doctor Bashir to scan him. His morphogenic matrix is as stable as mine. Sir, with your permission, I'd like to release him.
Sisko: Well, Constable, I'm sure you can appreciate why I'd have reservations about that. We're still at war with your people. The Founders have deceived us before.
Odo: I realize that, sir, but he is not a Founder. He's one of the hundred, I'm sure of it. Sir, I'm asking you to trust me on this.
Sisko: All right, Constable. I'll release him into your custody.
Odo: Thank you, sir.
Odo: When I found out our people were the leaders of the Dominion, I realized I had no place with them. This war they're fighting is wrong.
Laas: I can understand their distrust of humanoids, but why try to conquer them? Better to avoid them altogether.
Odo: You don't much care for humanoids.
Laas: I know from experience they don't much care for changelings.
Odo: I think you'll find the people here are different.
Laas: Oh?
Odo: They accepted me.
Laas: Have they? Is that why you've stayed?
Odo: I told you, I want no part of the Founders.
Laas: But what about the hundred that were sent out? Haven't you tried to find any of them?
Odo: No. It's a huge galaxy. They could be anywhere.
Laas: I found you.
Odo: I have a life here. I have friends.
Laas: When did you first assume humanoid form?
Odo: A little over thirty years ago.
Laas: So that's it. It's all still so new to you. I spent the first part of my life living among humanoids, as well.
Odo: How long ago was that?
Laas: Over two hundred years. I must have been sent out earlier than you.
Odo: Or it could be that I was adrift for a long time before I was found.
Laas: Either way, it would explain why you've chosen to stay here. I too was fascinated by humanoid life in the beginning.
Odo: But you lost interest.
Laas: I found it limiting. The Varalans never accepted me as one of them, and I was never really able to fully mimic their appearance.
Odo: Faces aren't easy.
Laas: No. And humanoids are not very tolerant of difference.
Odo: Some of them are. There are dozens of species on this station. They tolerate each other's differences very well.
Laas: He has bumps on his forehead. She has a wrinkled nose. But they're basically alike. They're bipeds that eat, sleep, breathe. You and I are nothing like them.
Odo: We're changelings. We can be like them when we choose.
Laas: I choose to be like them as little as possible. That's where we differ.
Odo: Let me show you where you'll be staying.
Odo: You haven't told me your name.
Laas: The Varalans called me Laas. In their language it means changeable. Not very imaginative, is it?
Odo: At least it's appropriate. My name means unknown sample. The scientist who found me didn't know what I was.
Odo: These are my quarters. I'll be staying somewhere else. Feel free to shape shift as you please. Some of these forms are quite interesting.
Laas: This hasn't been used in some time.
Odo: I've been busy.
Laas: Who is this?
Odo: Her name is Kira.
Laas: Ah. I had a mate once.
Odo: Oh?
Laas: On Varala. Not long after I first assumed humanoid form.
Odo: And? What happened?
Laas: We couldn't have children. That was important to her. Is it something that matters to this Kira?
Odo: We've never discussed it.
Laas: Neither did we, at first. Do our people reproduce?
Odo: It's more complicated than that. In our natural state, we don't exist as separate entities.
Laas: I don't understand.
Odo: Our people spend most of their time in the Link.
Laas: The Link?
Odo: It involves a melding into one, a merging of thought and form, idea and sensation.
Laas: You're speaking in riddles.
Odo: It's difficult to explain.
Laas: Then don't. Show me.
Odo: Of course.
Odo: Take it.
Laas: For the first time in my life I understand how I was meant to exist. You've given up a great deal to stay here.
Odo: Yes. Yes, I have. But I won't have anything to do with the Founders and their war.
Laas: Odo, we Linked. I know the truth. You stayed here because of Kira. If it weren't for her, you'd be with our people. War or no war, you would be a Founder.
Kira: Hi.
Odo: Hello, Nerys.
Kira: I can't believe it. Another changeling. What's he like?
Odo: He's complicated.
Kira: Like you. Are you all right?
Odo: I'm fine.
Kira: You seem far away.
Odo: We Linked.
Kira: I see.
Odo: There's nothing to worry about. He's not a Founder. He's not trying to lure me to the Dominion. The Link is part of what we are. It comes as naturally to us as talking does to humanoids.
Kira: It's a little more personal than talking, isn't it?
Odo: I suppose.
Kira: So, do I get to meet him?
Odo: If you like.
Kira: I would.
Odo: Then I'll arrange it.
Kira: Here they are.
Odo: This is Laas.
Kira: Nerys.
Bashir: Julian.
Ezri: Ezri.
O'Brien: Miles.
Laas: We've met.
O'Brien: Look, I'm sorry. We didn't know who you were at first. You gave us quite a scare when you rammed the runabout.
Ezri: I've always wondered how it would feel to be able to fly through space like that.
Laas: It's a shame you're incapable of ever experiencing it.
Ezri: Guess so.
Kira: Tell us about Varala.
Bashir: No Federation ship's ever been there.
Laas: It's just the same as any other planet overrun with humanoids. Cities and farms everywhere, other lifeforms displaced from their habitats. Once I migrated to the southern continent with a herd of volg. When we returned to our breeding grounds the following summer, they had been fenced off. The herd died out within two generations. It's always that way where humanoids thrive. They disrupt the natural balance.
Quark: Who ordered the vilm steak?
Bashir: Ah. You'd better keep that warm.
Quark: Whatever you say.
Laas: The truth is, I prefer the so-called primitive lifeforms. They exist as they were meant to, by following their instincts. No words get in the way, no lies, no deceptions.
O'Brien: We're not the ones who can disguise ourselves as anything we want.
Odo: Meaning?
Laas: Meaning shape-shifters are not to be trusted.
O'Brien: I trust Odo.
Laas: Of course you trust Odo. Look at him. You've convinced him that he is as limited as you are.
Odo: Laas.
Ezri: You've seen through our evil plan.
Bashir: Foiled again.
Kira: It's not funny.
Laas: No, I'm very worried for him.
Kira: Odo can take care of himself.
Odo: Thank you, Colonel. Well, this has been interesting. If you'll excuse us, Colonel, Counselor, Doctor, Chief. Laas.
0'Brien: Nice to see you again.
Odo: This way.
Odo: Was it really necessary to insult my friends?
Laas: I was merely speaking my mind.
Odo: You could call it that.
Laas: Humanoids are such tragic creatures. They've lost the ability to take joy from simply existing, and yet they haven't evolved to the next level where consciousness exists independent of form.
Odo: You're certainly not afraid to make grand generalizations.
Laas: I've been many things in my time, Odo. I speak from experience. Enough talk. Link with me.
Odo: Here?
Laas: Why not?
Odo: I don't think that's a good idea.
Laas: Are you embarrassed?
Odo: No.
Laas: You don't want to do anything to remind them that you're not truly a humanoid.
Odo: I don't go out of my way to point it out, no.
Laas: Why not? Are you afraid they will reject you?
Odo: I don't like to confront people with something that might make them uncomfortable.
Laas: So you deny your true nature in order to fit in.
Odo: You're reading too much into it.
Laas: Before I came here, when was the last time you assumed another form? You can't even remember. You've been pretending to be a humanoid for so long, it doesn't even occur to you that you can be anything else.
Odo: That's not true. I've been involved with other things lately.
Laas: Like what? Courting Kira? She can't even Link with you.
Odo: Leave her out of this.
Laas: It won't last.
Odo: The fact that your relationship failed doesn't mean that mine will.
Laas: True. And if you're very lucky, you can watch her grow old and die.
Odo: I think you should stay out of my affairs.
Laas: I don't want to see you make the same mistakes I made. You're wasting your time trying to be a humanoid. You're limiting yourself. Let's leave here, Odo. Let's find the others. A hundred were sent away and they're out there somewhere. If we can find even a few of them, we can form a new Link. Think of it, Odo. We can exist the way we were meant to. As changelings.
Kira: I can't believe he actually thought you'd just drop everything and leave with him.
Odo: He just can't understand why I want to stay here.
Kira: How did he take it when you said no? You did say no, didn't you?
Odo: I told him I'd think about it. I didn't want to dismiss it out of hand. He would have taken offense. Why do you look at me like that?
Kira: It just bothers me that he thinks you're not happy here. It makes me think he knows something that I don't.
Odo: What makes you say that?
Kira: He Linked with you. Something about that gave him the impression that you might want to leave here.
Odo: It's just wishful thinking on his part. The thought of the two of us going off together looking for the others, exploring the galaxy as changelings, it's very alluring. To him.
Kira: Sounds like it's alluring to you, too.
Odo: I'm happy here.
Kira: I'm sorry I can't Link with you.
Odo: It doesn't matter, Nerys. I love you.
Odo: Computer, activate fire suppression sys Laas? I need to talk to you.
Laas: You didn't realize it was me. Did you even know we could exist as fire? I didn't think so. No matter. Once we're away from here, I'll teach you to become things you've never even dreamed of.
Odo: I'm not leaving. I'm staying here.
Laas: Why? So you can keep pretending to be one of them?
Odo: I'm sorry if you're disappointed.
Laas: I'll survive. And when I find some of the others, I'll send for you. You'll change your mind. You'll join us.
Odo: It could take a long time for you find another changeling.
Laas: Is that supposed to diskourage me?
Odo: All I'm saying is you don't have to leave right away. I wouldn't mind the company of another changeling. I'm sure you wouldn't mind either.
Laas: All right, Odo, I won't abandon you to these monoforms. As a favor to you, I'll stay a while.
Odo: You might as well. If you can't get along with me, what makes you think you can get along with any other changeling?
Laas: Just remember, I have no interest in monoforms, even if they are your friends.
Odo: After what happened at Quark's, I don't think you have to worry about an overcrowded social schedule.
Laas: Good.
O'Brien: Great. The environmental system's out again.
Bashir: There goes our holosuite reservation.
O'Brien: I'd better go see what the problem is.
Odo: Don't bother, Chief. There's nothing wrong with the environmental system.
O'Brien: Where's this fog coming from?
Odo: It's not fog, it's Laas.
O'Brien: Laas?
Bashir: What's he doing?
Odo: Being fog, what's it look like?
O'Brien: Can't he be fog somewhere else?
Bashir: Or at night, when no one's around?
Odo: He's not hurting anyone.
O'Brien: Still. It's creepy.
Bashir: Careful, Miles. He might hear you.
O'Brien: Good.
Odo: Laas. Laas.
Odo: Congratulations. You managed to disrupt the entire Promenade.
Laas: I was just relaxing.
Odo: If you want to relax, do it in private.
Laas: Did I embarrass you?
Klingon: Ka'vek! What is this Founder doing here?
Odo: He's not a Founder. Now move along.
Klingon: Don't change form in my presence again.
Laas: I change form where I please. Look at him. Look at the hate in his eyes.
Odo: Laas.
Klingon: Your hands are stained with the blood of Klingon warriors.
Laas: But then, the stench would still be on them.
Klingon: P'tak!
Laas: Mine's bigger.
Klingon: Ke'chaw!
Klingon: No!
Sisko: Doctor Bashir wasn't able to save the Klingon's life. General Martok has asked that Laas be detained until the Magistrate can determine jurisdiction.
Odo: Jurisdiction?
Sisko: The Klingons want to extradite him.
Odo: That's ridiculous. He killed that Klingon in self-defense.
Worf: That is in dispute.
Odo: He was about to draw his disruptor.
Worf: According to the other Klingon, he was reaching for his dagger.
Sisko: Are you saying that's not true?
Odo: It all happened too fast. But their intentions were obvious. One of them put a knife in his chest.
Sisko: The Klingons are arguing that since Laas knew he couldn't be harmed by a knife, that he wasn't justified in responding with deadly force.
Odo: Since when do Klingons resort to legal quibbling? They get involved in fights all the time. They never file charges. It isn't honorable.
Sisko: In this case, the Klingons are exercising their rights under the law.
Odo: Sir, they are only doing this because they distrust changelings.
Worf: He should not have provoked them.
Odo: Provoked them? They attacked Laas.
Sisko: They claim that he surrounded them menacingly.
Odo: They felt menaced by fog?
Sisko: They weren't the only ones. There are twelve other people who filed complaints.
Odo: Is it a crime to shape-shift on the Promenade?
Sisko: It's not a crime, but obviously it's not a good idea.
Odo: You're going to allow the Klingons extradite him knowing they won't give him a fair trial.
Sisko: That's not my decision. It's up to the Magistrate.
Odo: But you'd just as soon be rid of him. You never wanted him on the station in the first place. I practically had to beg you to let him out of that holding cell.
Sisko: That's quite enough, Constable. Now, Martok has expressed concerns about our security arrangements.
Odo: Meaning?
Sisko: He's not sure it's appropriate that you should be in charge of the prisoner.
Odo: May I ask why?
Sisko: Because you were a witness to the alleged crime.
Odo: That's a relief. For a moment I thought you were going to say it's because I'm a changeling.
Quark: Odo. I heard about your friend. Rumor has it the Klingons want to put him on trial.
Odo: They're the ones who should be put on trial. If they'd attacked anyone other than a changeling, they would be.
Quark: You're probably right. That fog episode certainly didn't help matters.
Odo: Laas was only doing what comes naturally to us.
Quark: You never pulled a stunt like that. You're smart enough to know that people don't want to be reminded that you're different. Who wants to see somebody turn into goo? I hope you don't do that around Kira.
Odo: Why shouldn't I?
Quark: If she's anything like me, she'd rather you didn't. Don't you get it, Odo? We humanoids are a product of millions of years of evolution. Our ancestors learned the hard way that what you don't know might kill you. They wouldn't have survived if they hadn't have jumped back when they encountered a snake coiled in the muck. And now millions of years later, that instinct is still there. It's genetic. Our tolerance to other lifeforms doesn't extend beyond the two arm, two leg variety. I hate to break this to you, but when you're in your natural state, you're more than our poor old genes can handle.
Odo: So what are you saying, Quark? That the Klingons couldn't help what they did because of their genes?
Quark: I'm not trying to excuse what they did. I'm only telling you why it happened. Watch your step, Odo. We're at war with your people. This is no time for a changeling pride demonstration on the Promenade.
Deputy: Constable.
Odo: I'd like to have a few minutes alone with the prisoner.
Deputy: Sorry, sir. I have my orders.
Odo: I don't know what to say.
Laas: You could say you were wrong. You could say the people here are no different than any other humanoids.
Odo: Hopefully this will all get straightened out at your hearing.
Laas: I am sure it will be fair and impartial.
Odo: Just tell them exactly what happened.
Laas: My word against a humanoid's? Whom do you think this Magistrate is going to believe?
Odo: I shouldn't have convinced you to stay. If I had just let you go, none of this would have happened.
Laas: My only consolation is that this may finally make you understand that you don't belong here. You saw the hatred in that Klingon's eyes. Perhaps now you'll recognize it when you see it hiding in the faces of your so-called friends. They tolerate you, Odo, because you emulate them. What higher flattery is there? I, who can be anything, choose to be like you. But even when you make yourself in their image, they know you are not truly one of them. They know that what you appear to be does not reflect what you really are. It's only a mask. What lies underneath is alien to them, and so they fear it. And that fear can turn to hate in the blink of an eye.
Odo: They're going to extradite him.
Kira: You don't know that.
Odo: Yes, I do. And no one is going to do anything to stop it.
Kira: There's not much anyone can do.
Odo: If he weren't a changeling, the Captain would find a way to intervene.
Kira: Odo, that's unfair.
Odo: Is it?
Kira: You're starting to sound like Laas.
Odo: Maybe that's because I'm starting to see things more clearly now.
Kira: What is that supposed to mean?
Odo: Look at me, Nerys. What do you see?
Kira: I see you.
Odo: No. No, this is just a form I've borrowed. I could just as easily be someone else or something else.
Kira: I know that. But this is what you have always chosen to be. A man. A good and honest man. A man I fell in love with. Are you trying to tell me that he never really existed?
Odo: I don't know. I care about you more than anyone I've ever known. These last few months have been the happiest of my life. But even so, part of me wishes that Laas and I were out there right now searching for the others, existing as changelings. Because that's what I am. Not a humanoid. I'm a changeling.
Kira: Well then maybe you're right. Maybe you do belong out there.
Deputy: Can I help you, Colonel?
Kira: I need to talk to the prisoner. Alone.
Deputy: Aye, sir.
Kira: Go to the third planet in the Koralis system. You'll find an orbital tether running down to an abandoned mining complex. I'll tell Odo to meet you there.
Laas: Is this some kind of a trick?
Kira: Do you want to get out of here or not?
Kira: That vent will lead you through some conduits to an airlock.
Laas: Why?
Kira: I love him.
Sisko: Escaped? How did he get through the containment field?
Kira: I can't explain it. All I can tell you is what I saw. He turned himself into some kind of plasma energy and forced his way through. Before I could stop him, he had disappeared into the air vent.
Worf: According to the operations log, one of the airlocks was activated shortly after that.
Sisko: If he left the station, why didn't our sensors detect him?
Worf: A Corvallen freighter was leaving at about the same time. He must have shadowed it to keep from being spotted.
Kira: He could be anywhere by now.
Sisko: General Martok is not going to be happy about this
Worf: By fleeing, the changeling has demonstrated his guilt.
Odo: Either that, or his lack of faith in our justice system.
Worf: He must be apprehended and brought to trial.
Sisko: Mister Worf, have all available runabouts begin a sector wide search.
Worf: Aye, sir.
Odo: Good luck
Sisko: Constable, I know it's a long shot, but I'm sure you can agree we should do everything we can to find him.
Odo: Of course.
Sisko: Dismissed.
Odo: Level Nine.
Kira: You didn't hide it very well. That you're glad he escaped.
Odo: I should have known he'd be able to escape. What's a forcefield to a changeling with his abilities?
Kira: You said you wished you were out there with him. Well, it's not too late.
Odo: I don't understand.
Kira: He's waiting for you at an abandoned mine on Koralis Three.
Odo: You helped him escape.
Kira: I don't want you to stay here out of some sense of obligation. Good luck. I hope you find what you're looking for.
Odo: Laas?
Laas: I knew you would come. This is a new beginning for us, Odo. A new beginning for our people. You and I are about to embark on the adventure of our lives. What's wrong?
Odo: I'm not going with you.
Laas: Why are you here?
Odo: I've came to say goodbye.
Laas: Don't be a fool. What are you holding on to? Kira? Even she knows that this is what's best for you. Why else would she have helped me to escape?
Odo: You really don't know, do you? You don't have any idea what it means to love someone enough to let them go.
Laas: She let you go so that you could find out where you belong.
Odo: I know where I belong. Laas, humanoids are not the petty, limited creatures you perceive them to be. What Nerys did should prove that even to you.
Laas: Love conquers all, is that it?
Odo: I'm sorry you can't understand. You've done many things, been many things, but you've never known love.
Laas: Compared to the Link, it is a pale shadow, a feeble attempt to compensate for the isolation that monoforms feel because they are trapped within themselves.
Odo: Maybe the fact that it's not easy is what makes it worthwhile.
Laas: Odo, the Founders are dying. This could be your last chance to exist the way you were meant to. Don't throw it away.
Odo: You'd better go. They're looking for you. Good luck.
Laas: And to you, Odo. You'll need it more than I.
Kira: Watch over him. Help him find his way.
Kira: Yes.
Kira: I didn't think I'd see you again.
Odo: I couldn't go.
Kira: If I ever made you feel that you can't be yourself with me, I'm sorry. I want to know you the way you really are.