Garak: But I'm sorry, Doctor, I just don't see the value of this man's work.
Bashir: Garak, Shakespeare is one of the giants of human literature.
Garak: I knew Brutus was going to kill Caesar in the first act, but Caesar didn't figure it out until the knife is in his back.
Bashir: That's what makes it a tragedy. Caesar couldn't conceive that his best friend would plot to kill him.
Garak: Tragedy is not the word I'd use. Farce would be more appropriate. Supposedly, this man is supposed to be the leader of a great empire, a brilliant military tactician, and yet he can't see what's going on under his own nose. Doctor, are you in a hurry?
Bashir: I've to get to the Infirmary. I've a lot of work to do this afternoon.
Garak: Oh, you're fortunate. I have more time on my hands than I know what to do with.
Bashir: Maybe you could finish those trousers I dropped off last week.
Garak: Tomorrow.
Bashir: Tomorrow.
Garak: You're going to give yourself indigestion.
Bashir: Well I only have you to thank for that. If you hadn't been so late, I could have enjoyed my lunch.
Garak: This isn't the first time I've seen you rush through a meal. You never take the time to savor your food. It seems to be a human characteristic. Look over there. That Talarian is barely halfway through his meal, but his human companion's plate is empty.
Bashir: Well maybe he and I can have dessert while you and the Talarian to wile away the afternoon.
Garak: But it is a very interesting sociological phenomenon, don't you think? For generations now, humankind has had more than enough food and yet you go about your eating as if you were afraid someone was going to come along and snatch away your plate.
Bashir: Garak, why don't you eat for a while and let me talk?
Garak: Fear of starvation amid plenty. It points to some dark secret hidden in the human soul. A gnawing hunger. perhaps someone should do a study.
Bashir: Why don't you do? You appear to have plenty of time on your hands.
Garak: Doctor, if you want to have your dessert, please go ahead. I won't be offended.
Bashir: I have to go. And I'm sorry to leave while you're still eating.
Garak: No, no, I'm done as well.
Bashir: But you've hardly touched your plate.
Garak: If you really must know, I've been nibbling on Delavian chocolates all morning.
Bashir: How did you get Delavian chocolates?
Garak: I promised my supplier I wouldn't tell, but since I deprived you of your dessert, I'd be more than happy to bring some by the Infirmary later this afternoon.
Bashir: Why thank you, I'd like that.
Garak: Until then, Doctor.
Kira: Julian.
Bashir: Major.
Kira: Garak.
Kira: About those atmospheric specifications you requested for the Yalosian Ambassador?
Bashir: Sixty percent nitrogen, ten percent benzene, and the rest hydrogen fluoride, as I recall
Kira: Well we ran a test in one of the guest quarters. The mixture is so corrosive it dissolved the carpet.
Bashir: Don't look at me. It's what they breathe.
Kira: Then I guess we'll just have to rip out the carpets.
Bashir: Be sure not to replace it with anything red or orange
Kira: Why not?
Bashir: They don't see that part of the color spectrum.
Kira: Is there anything else I should know about the Yalosians?
Bashir: As a matter of fact
Bashir: Bashir to Infirmary. Medical emergency on the Promenade. It's Garak's shop!
Bashir: Are you all right?
Garak: As well as could be expected. But I'm afraid your pants won't be ready tomorrow after all.
Sisko: Report.
O'Brien: The explosion was caused by a rupture in the power conduit behind that wall.
Sisko: What caused the rupture?
O'Brien: Probably an overload in the ODN juncture.
Odo: Ha.
Sisko: I take it you don't agree.
Odo: Well, let's just say I find it odd that a conduit running behind Garak's shop should just happen to overload.
Sisko: So you think someone ruptured it deliberately?
Odo: I wouldn't be surprised. It stands to reason that a man with Garak's past would have enemies.
O'Brien: I'm detecting traces of nitrilin.
Odo: Nitrilin is extremely unstable.
O'Brien: And very rare. It couldn't have come from the power conduit.
Odo: This could be the residue from a micro-explosive device planted on the conduit and rigged to cause a rupture.
Sisko: Making the explosion look like an accident.
Odo: Exactly.
Sisko: Sisko to Ops.
Kira: Go ahead, Commander.
Sisko: Delay the departure of all vessels until further notice. I have reason to believe that someone may have tried to kill Mister Garak.
Garak: But who would want to kill me, a simple tailor?
Odo: A simple tailor? A simple tailor who used to be an agent of the Obsidian Order.
Garak: The Obsidian Order? Constable, you shouldn't put too much stock in the good doctor's flights of fancy. Are you sure this explosion wasn't an accident, because I can't think of anyone who would wish me harm.
Sisko: Someone tried to kill you, Garak. Whoever it was may try again, so if I were you I would give this matter some serious thought.
Garak: Well, let me see. I mean, there's the Nausicaan whose wedding suit I misplaced, and that Yridian I owe money to. And of course, there's always Major Kira.
Bashir: This is serious, Garak.
Garak: I'm being serious. I don't think she likes me.
Odo: She doesn't. But if she wanted you dead, you would be.
Garak: You do have a point.
Sisko: Could this attempt on your life have anything to do with the reason you were exiled from Cardassia?
Garak: I seriously doubt the Finance Ministry would try to have me killed for failure to pay my taxs.
Odo: You expect us to believe that's the reason you were exiled?
Garak: Do you think I would lie about a thing like that? It's not something I'm proud of.
Sisko: I don't like explosions going off on my station, Garak. Innocent people could've been hurt. You could've been killed. Now if there's anything you know you're not telling us, I suggest you start talking.
Garak: I've told you everything I can think of.
Odo: All right, then. I'll investigate the leads you've given us. If there's anyone else you think I should talk to, let me know.
Garak: I certainly will.
Sisko: We've assigned a security detail to you. I suggest you stay as close to them as possible.
Bashir: Someone should do a study
Garak: A study?
Bashir: To try and figure out why some people can't bring themselves to trust anyone, even if it's in their own best interest.
Garak: Why is it no one ever believes me, even when I'm telling the truth?
Bashir: Have you ever heard the story about the boy who cried wolf?
Garak: No.
Bashir: It's a children's story about a young shepherd boy who gets lonely while tending his flock. So he cries out to the villagers that a wolf is attacking the sheep. The people come running, but of course there's no wolf. He claims that it's run away, and the villagers praise him for his vigilance.
Garak: Clever lad. A charming story.
Bashir: I'm not finished. The next day the boy does it again, and the next day, too, and on the fourth day a wolf really comes. The boy cries out at the top of his lungs, but the villagers ignore him and the boy and his flock are gobbled up.
Garak: Well that's a little graphic for children, wouldn't you say?
Bashir: But the point is, if you lie all the time, nobody's going to believe you even when you're telling the truth.
Garak: Are you sure that's the point, Doctor?
Bashir: Of course. What else could it be?
Garak: That you should never tell the same lie twice.
Garak: You wanted to see me?
Odo: I have bad news for you. Major Kira has an airtight alibi. I thought you might want to look over the passenger manifests of ships that recently came to the station.
Garak: To see if I recognize anyone who might wish me harm?
Odo: Exactly. I suggest you start with the most recent arrivals and work your way backwards.
Garak: Don't worry about me, Constable. I can manage on my own.
Odo: I'm not about to leave you alone in here so you can look through my security files.
Garak: What makes you think I haven't already looked through them? I'm joking, of course.
Odo: Of course.
Garak: No, I'm afraid I don't recognize any of these names.
Odo: The bomb could've been planted days ago, even weeks. I suggest you keep going back just to be sure.
Garak: This could take forever.
Odo: I should think you'd have plenty of time on your hands, now that your shop is no longer open for business.
O'Brien: Odo, I. I finished running the biomolecular scan you asked me for. I found traces of living tissue on the bulkhead around the blast site.
Odo: This looks like the remains of a pheromonic sensor.
O'Brien: A what?
Odo: It's triggered when a person of a particular species gets within range.
Garak: In this case a Cardassian. Me.
Odo: They're known to be favored by Flaxian assassins, and it just so happens a Flaxian came aboard the station just this morning.
Odo: So, Mister Retaya, your papers indicate that you're a merchant.
Retaya: I deal in fine wares, mostly fabrics and fragrances.
Odo: According to my information, you were a suspect in the murder of Dekora Assan, on Japori Two.
Retaya: I was cleared of those charges. It was a case of mistaken identity.
Odo: This is your sample case, I take it.
Retaya: Yes.
Odo: Ah. How fortunate. As it happens, I'm looking for a gift for a friend.
Retaya: A lady friend?
Odo: Exactly. Unfortunately, I don't have a sense of smell. Perhaps you could describe this fragrance for me?
Retaya: It has a somewhat floral bouquet.
Odo: We have a Cardassian tailor here on the station named Garak. There was an explosion in his shop not long after you arrived.
Retaya: I felt the blast. Was he hurt?
Odo: Not seriously.
Retaya: That one is more musky than the first.
Odo: Tell me, where were you when the explosion occurred?
Retaya: The Ferengi's bar. I went there as soon as I arrived this morning. I suppose I'd have to describe that one as spicy.
Odo: I see. And how long were you at Quark's?
Retaya: The rest of the day. Right up until your deputy came and brought me here. So, have you found something for your lady friend?
Odo: Almost. I think she would like something both floral and musky. Perhaps if we mixed these two?
Retaya: Why not? Very nice.
Odo: But on the other hand, she's also quite fond of spicy things. Maybe we could add a drop of this as well?
Retaya: I really don't think they would go well together.
Odo: Let's find out.
Retaya: I really don't think your lady friend will like the aroma.
Odo: Much less the fact that when these three fragrances are combined, they produce a gaseous mixture that can trigger a fatal heart attack when inhaled.
Retaya: I had no idea.
Odo: Then why did you stop me from mixing them?
Retaya: As I said, I simply didn't think your friend would like the aroma. Unless you have any more questions, I'd like to go now. I have deliveries to make on Cardassia.
Odo: I'll let you know when you can leave the station.
O'Brien: Everything's set. The transponder is on board the Flaxian's ship.
Odo: You're sure he won't find it?
O'Brien: Not a chance, I've hidden it inside the ship's magneton relay. You'll be able to track him as long as you stay within half a light year. Who do you think he's going to lead you to?
Odo: If I knew that, I wouldn't have to follow him.
Garak: I was wondering when you'd get here. The Flaxian left two minutes ago. If we're going to follow him, we'd better get moving.
Odo: What makes you think I'm going to follow him?
Garak: I happen to know that you're too dogged an investigator to allow the only witness in this case to simply disappear.
Odo: Congratulations. Your powers of deduction are truly astonishing. Now, if you will kindly disembark, I will get on with my dogged investigation.
Garak: I intend to go with you.
Odo: Forgive me, but are you making a joke? Cardassian humor escapes me.
Garak: I'm quite serious. Believe me, when someone tries to kill you it's no laughing matter.
Odo: Perhaps, but I don't require your company on this trip.
Garak: My presence could be most helpful, especially if the Flaxian goes into Cardassian space.
Odo: I am not interested in debating your usefulness to me
Garak: I hate to interrupt you, but the Flaxian is getting farther away. Now I assume you've placed a tracking device on his ship, but if we don't get started soon he's going to get out of range.
Odo: Rio Grande to Ops. Request permission to depart.
Kira: Permission granted.
Garak: Trust me, Constable. I can be a most pleasant traveling companion. And this promises to be an interesting trip.
Odo: The tracking device is working perfectly.
Garak: If I'm reading this correctly, and I'm no expert, it looks like the Flaxian ship is about to go into warp.
Odo: Well. It seems that our interesting trip has just been cut short.
O'Brien: According to our sensor logs, the Flaxian ship exploded the moment its warp drive was engaged.
Dax: Was there a malfunction?
O'Brien: That's what I thought at first. Then I analyzed the telemetry from the transponder I planted aboard the Flaxian ship. Just before the explosion, there was an interference pattern in the transponder's signal.
Dax: This interference could have been caused by a forced neutrino inversion.
Odo: The Romulans. They use neutrino inverters in their explosive devices.
Sisko: Why would the Romulans want to destroy the Flaxian's ship?
Odo: One possibility is that the Romulans hired the Flaxian to kill Garak and then killed the Flaxian when he failed in his mission.
Dax: Do you have any evidence to support that?
Odo: It's only a supposition, but it fits the available facts.
Sisko: All right, Mister Garak. Do you know why the Romulans might hire someone to kill you?
Garak: I have no idea.
Sisko: I'm getting tired of hearing you say that. How long do you expect us to believe
Odo: He's telling the truth, Commander. He doesn't know why the Romulans would try to kill him.
Sisko: What makes you so sure?
Odo: Because if he did know, he'd already be spinning out an elaborate web of lies to cover up the truth.
Garak: The truth is usually just an excuse for a lack of imagination.
Odo: Is it.
Garak: If you want to know what the Romulans have against me, you'll have to ask them.
Sisko: I intend to. But I don't expect them to be entirely forthcoming.
Romulan: Yes, we destroyed the Flaxian's ship.
Sisko: I have to say I'm a little surprised to hear you admit it so easily.
Romulan: Why should we hide it? Retaya was wanted for crimes against the Romulan Empire. His execution was perfectly legal.
Sisko: We have information that he may have worked as an assassin.
Romulan: I have nothing to corroborate that, though it wouldn't surprise me.
Sisko: Shortly after he came here, someone tried to kill a Cardassian who lives aboard the station.
Romulan: That would be Mister Garak. A cobbler, I believe.
Sisko: A tailor, actually.
Romulan: I'll correct our records. That is, if he's still alive.
Sisko: He is.
Romulan: Well, is there anything else?
Odo: One more thing. How long had the Tal Shiar been looking for Retaya?
Romulan: Nearly a year. Why?
Odo: Isn't it curious that you finally caught up with him here, just hours after he attempted to kill Mister Garak?
Romulan: We're just grateful to have found him at all. Now, if you're finished, Commander, I have other matters to attend to.
Sisko: I take it you don't believe her either.
Odo: No.
Sisko: But the question still remains. Why would the Romulans want to have Garak killed?
Odo: I don't know. Considering those uniforms of theirs, you'd think they'd appreciate a decent tailor.
Sisko: So, where does this leave your investigation?
Odo: At a standstill. We don't know that the Romulans hired the Flaxian. We don't even know that it was Retaya who tried to kill Garak. All we do know is that a bomb went off in Garak's shop.
Sisko: All right, then let's start with him. What do we know about Garak? He was exiled from Cardassia. For what reason, we're not sure. He never leaves the station. He avoids contact with other Cardassians. And it's possible he was once an intelligence agent of the Obsidian Order.
Odo: A very strong possibility, Commander.
Sisko: Agreed. So we can assume that this attempt on his life had something to do with the Order?
Odo: Unfortunately, he's rather uncooperative when it comes to answering questions about his past.
Sisko: And the Obsidian Order is uncooperative when it comes to answering questions about their former agents.
Odo: Ordinarily, yes.
Sisko: What do you mean?
Odo: I have certain resources in the Cardassian Government.
Sisko: I take it you don't want to elaborate on that?
Odo: I'd rather not. But I would like to request the use of a runabout.
Sisko: Granted.
Odo: Thank you, sir.
Informant: Stop there.
Odo: Where are you?
Informant: Nearby. I've changed my appearance since we last saw each other. I don't want you to see me.
Odo: I need some information.
Informant: Is this about the tailor's shop?
Odo: Yes.
Informant: I didn't do it.
Odo: I wasn't going to ask you that. I think the Romulans tried to kill Garak.
Informant: Very good, Odo. I see working for the Bajorans hasn't entirely dulled your instincts.
Odo: My question is why.
Informant: You'd have to ask the Romulans. But I do know that you are investigating a very insignificant piece of a much larger puzzle.
Odo: What do you mean?
Informant: There's been a great deal of unusual Romulan activity these past weeks. Cloaked ships believed to be warbirds have been detected near the Cardassian border. Troop movements. Communication activity.
Odo: Sounds like they're preparing for an invasion.
Informant: It has occurred to us. And we're ready for it if it should happen. But it doesn't make any sense.
Odo: Does war ever make sense?
Informant: Still the wry observer of humanoid folly. Tell me, do you still do the Cardassian neck trick?
Odo: No, I don't.
Informant: Pity. You were so good at it. Garak isn't the only former operative in the Order who had an unfortunate incident yesterday. But he's the luckiest. The other five didn't survive.
Odo: Five operatives were killed yesterday?
Informant: Killed? No. Three died from natural causes. The other two perished in accidents.
Odo: Quite a coincidence.
Informant: If you believe in coincidence.
Odo: I take it you think the Romulans had something to do with their deaths.
Informant: There were certain indications of their involvement.
Odo: That still leaves us with the question why?
Informant: Here.
Informant: Those are the names of the five dead operatives. I suggest you show that to Garak then ask him that question.
Odo: I'll do that.
Informant: I trust you'll agree that this information satisfies my debt to you.
Odo: Agreed.
Informant: However, if you do learn something from your tailor and wish to share it with me, I would be indebted to you again.
Odo: I'll consider it.
Garak: They're all dead?
Odo: I take it you're not going to mourn their passing.
Garak: Oh, quite the contrary. In fact, if these were different circumstances I'd be celebrating tonight.
Odo: So you did know them?
Garak: Oh, yes. We were quite well acquainted.
Odo: In the Obsidian Order.
Garak: Oh, Constable, we've been down this road before. I don't see why you
Odo: I've had enough of your dissembling, Garak! I am not Doctor Bashir and we are not sparring amiably over lunch. Now, you dragged me into this investigation and you are now going to cooperate with me.
Garak: Dragged you in? I don't know what you're talking
Odo: You blew up your own shop, Garak! Well, I don't think I've ever seen that particular expression on your face. Is it surprise?
Garak: Yes, Constable, it is. I'm surprised that you could come this unlikely conclusion.
Odo: Drop the pretense. I knew as soon as I spoke with the Flaxian. Assassins don't like varying their methods. He planned to poison you. I think you spotted him on the station and then blew up your own shop so that I'd begin an investigation.
Garak: That seems like a very elaborate way to get you involved. If I needed your help I could have just asked.
Odo: But you couldn't be sure that I'd take you seriously. Or that I'd help you. Besides, I think you secretly enjoyed destroying your own shop.
Garak: Well, I admit watching it burn wasn't exactly tragic.
Odo: Whether or not you want to admit it, you pulled me into this case and now you're stuck with me. I want to know who those men were and what your connection was to them.
Garak: We were all associates of Enabran Tain.
Odo: Enabran Tain. The former head of the Obsidian Order.
Garak: He retired some years ago. He was, I might add, the only head of the agency ever to live long enough to do so. For some time, we were his most trusted advisors.
Odo: Do you have any idea why the Romulans would want you all dead?
Garak: I don't know. But Tain might.
Odo: That is, unless he suffered an unfortunate accident as well.
Garak: That is a distinct possibility. May I use your communications system?
Odo: By all means.
Odo: That's an interesting way of scrambling a signal.
Garak: Yes, I thought you might appreciate it on an esthetic level. Ah, here we are.
Garak: Mila.
Mila: Elim. I never thought I'd see your face again.
Garak: I need to speak to Tain. It's urgent.
Mila: You can't. He isn't here.
Garak: Where is he?
Mila: I don't know. He left yesterday in a great hurry. He wouldn't tell me where.
Odo: Maybe he realized someone was coming after him.
Mila: He's in trouble, isn't he? You have to help him, Elim. I know you're still bitter because of what happened between the two of you, but you must help him, Elim.
Garak: If you speak to him, tell him to contact me.
Mila: Promise me you'll help him.
Garak: I promise.
Garak: I'll need a runabout, Constable.
Odo: We'll need a runabout. I'm coming with you.
Bashir: I hope you know what you're doing, Garak.
Garak: So do I.
Bashir: Is there anything you need me to do while you're gone?
Garak: Like what?
Bashir: I don't know. Any unfinished business?
Garak: Actually, Doctor, there is something.
Bashir: What?
Garak: If you go into my quarters and examine the bulkhead next to the replicator, you'll notice there's a false panel. Behind that panel is a compartment containing an isolinear rod. If I'm not back within seventy eight hours, I want you to take that rod and eat it.
Bashir: Eat it? You're joking.
Garak: Yes, Doctor, I am.
Bashir: Very funny.
Garak: I thought so. The answer to your question, Doctor, is no. There's nothing you can do for me while I'm away.
Bashir: Then these are for you.
Garak: Delavian chocolates. But these were meant for you.
Bashir: I know. I thought you might need them more than I do.
Garak: Thank you.
Bashir: Good luck.
Odo: We've cleared the station. Now if you'll be kind enough to let me know where we're going, I'll set a course.
Garak: Head for the Cardassian border. We're going to the third planet of the Unefra system.
Odo: How do you know that's where Tain has gone?
Garak: I don't, but he has a safe house there that no one's supposed to know about it. Especially me.
Odo: That woman, Mila. Who is she?
Garak: She's been Tain's housekeeper and confidant for over thirty years.
Odo: She seemed almost fond of you.
Garak: Is it so hard to believe that there's one person in this galaxy who could regard me with a certain affection?
Odo: I could believe there's one but I wouldn't expect it to be someone who worked for Enabran Tain. As I understand it, the two of you didn't part on the best of terms.
Garak: You could say that. Tain was directly responsible for my exile from Cardassia.
Odo: Then I don't understand
Garak: Why I would be risking my life to help him?
Odo: Exactly.
Garak: Yes, I can see how that would be puzzling.
Odo: All right. You owe him something.
Garak: A logical deduction. I see why you're the constable.
Odo: But it's more than that. He means something to you. Something personal?
Garak: Ah, now you've just moved from deduction to supposition.
Odo: You're not the kind of man who would go to such lengths simply to repay a debt.
Garak: Are you trying to say that I have no sense of honor?
Odo: That remains to be seen.
Garak: Yes.
Odo: You wouldn't risk going into Cardassian space for just anyone. It would have to be someone important to you, someone you cared about. I think you were more than Tain's advisor. I think you were his protégé and he was your mentor. That is, until he sent you into exile. And yet, despite that, you care enough about him to risk your life for him. Or is all that just supposition?
Garak: A very interesting analysis. Very interesting. Particularly coming from you.
Odo: Oh?
Garak: It's been my observation that you always act from a sense of justice, or at least what you consider justice. There's no feeling behind what you do, no emotion beyond a certain distaste for loose ends and disorder. You don't know what it means to care about someone, do you? People are just interesting creatures to be studied and analyzed.
Odo: Is there any point to this?
Garak: Only that I find it interesting that you ascribe feelings and motivations to me that you know nothing about. Or am I wrong? Tell me, is there one person in this universe you do care for? One person who's more than just an interesting puzzle to be solved. Is there, Odo? Anyone?
Odo: If there were, I certainly wouldn't tell you.
Garak: And that would be a wise decision.
Odo: I'm taking us out of warp. We're approaching the Unefra system.
Garak: What's that?
Odo: I'm detecting a subspace energy surge directly above us. A vessel of some kind is decloaking.
Odo: It's a Romulan warbird.
Garak: In Cardassian space?
Odo: They've locked onto us with a tractor beam. Take the helm. I'm going to try to send out a distress signal.
Garak: I can't pull away. The tractor lock is too strong.
Odo: They're jamming our transmission.
Garak: Do you think you got through?
Odo: I don't know. I'm going to hail them, see what they want.
Garak: I think we're about to find out.
Garak: Tain.
Tain: Ah, Garak. It's good of you to come. It spares me the trouble of having to send someone else to kill you. Come in, come in. It's been a long time, Elim. So, you're a tailor now. Is this one of your creations?
Garak: A minor example of my work, yes.
Tain: I don't think I like the neckline.
Garak: Well you always did have a keen sense of fashion, but you seem to have let it go along with your once trim figure.
Tain: Constable Odo, I've always wanted to meet you.
Odo: I wish I could say the same.
Tain: Oh come now. Haven't you ever been the least bit curious about me, about my relationship with Garak, or our work in the Obsidian Order?
Odo: I seldom waste time speculating about retired spymasters and their associates.
Tain: He's good. He hides his true feelings almost as well as you do, Elim. He'd have made a good operative in the old days.
Garak: I had the same thought myself. But then, those days are long gone. At least they are for me. You, on the other hand, seem to have left your retirement far behind. Unless you're simply on a pleasure cruise with your pointed-eared friends.
Tain: Cunning, isn't he? He makes a racial slur within earshot of two Romulans, putting me in the position of either defending them, thus giving away my allegiance to them, or letting the comment pass, in which case he's managed to plant a seed of diskord between us.
Odo: Frankly, I don't find any of this interesting. You both go to such lengths to hide the true meaning of your words you end up saying nothing.
Tain: I think you'll find when I have something to say, you won't have any trouble understanding it. To answer your question, Garak, no I'm not on a pleasure cruise. This ship is part of a fleet of Romulan and Cardassian vessels. A fleet that will very soon be traveling through the wormhole into the Gamma Quadrant.
Odo: I take it you're not on a mission of peaceful exploration.
Tain: Not exactly.
Odo: You're going to attack the Dominion, aren't you. You're going to stage a first strike against them before they can come into the Alpha Quadrant.
Tain: A clear and precise analysis. Commander Sisko must find you a valuable advisor.
Garak: A daring plan. I didn't think there was anyone in the Central Command bold enough to take on the Dominion.
Tain: Who said anything about the Central Command? This is a joint operation between the Obsidian Order and the Tal Shiar. We've been building a fleet of ships in the Orias System for months now.
Odo: If you attack the Dominion they'll certainly strike back. You'll be taking Romulus and Cardassia into war. A war you may not win.
Tain: I don't think they'll be striking back. Our intention is to wipe out the Dominion in one single blow by eliminating the Founders. Without them, the Dominion will collapse. You seem disturbed by this, changeling. Why? After all, didn't you turn your back on your people.
Odo: You seem to know a great deal about me and my people.
Tain: We know everything you know, including the location of their homeworld.
Odo: Starfleet has shared their intelligence on the Dominion with the Romulans.
Tain: And the Romulans have shared it with me.
Garak: You'll forgive me if I reduce the scope of this conversation to something a little more personal, but why was it necessary to kill me and the rest of our former colleagues, in order to embark on this excursion into the Gamma Quadrant?
Tain: Because, Garak, I don't plan on going back into retirement when this is over. I plan on going back to my old job and my old life.
Garak: And you were afraid we knew things, things that could be used against you, and so you decided to have us eliminated.
Tain: Like I used to say. Always burn your bridges behind you. You never know who might be trying to follow.
Garak: You always used to say as well that the Tal Shiar was sloppy. You never should have relied on them to burn your bridges.
Tain: True. They should never have hired the Flaxian to blow up your shop.
Garak: Actually, I blew up my shop. It was a way of piquing the interest of the good constable.
Tain: You blew up your own shop? You, my friend, are a true original. If you hadn't betrayed me, things would have been very different.
Garak: I never betrayed you! At least, not in my heart. Why do you think I'm here? I came because I thought the Romulans were trying to kill you. I came here to save you.
Tain: I never thought I'd hear myself say this, Garak, but I believe you. You can go.
Garak: Excuse me?
Tain: The changeling of course will have to stay, but you're free to go. Your runabout is in launching bay three.
Garak: Just like that?
Tain: Just like that.
Garak: Aren't you concerned that I might warn Central Command and Starfleet about your plans?
Tain: It's too late. Central Command will have a war on its hands, whether it wants one or not. And as for Starfleet, this isn't their fight. They won't interfere.
Odo: It's a trick, Garak. After all this, he won't let you just walk away.
Tain: It's not a trick, it's a choice. You can walk out that door, or join me.
Garak: Join you?
Tain: That is what you've been waiting for, isn't it? To end your exile, to come back into the fold. I'm asking you to serve Cardassia again, by my side.
Garak: Well you'll pardon me if I appear a little startled, but are you saying that all is forgiven?
Tain: I can't forgive what you did but I can try to forget, to put it aside as if it never happened. So, do you want to go back to your shop and hem pants or shall we pick up where we left off?
Odo: Garak, this is the man who put you into exile. This is the man who just two days ago tried to have you killed.
Garak: Yes, he is. But it doesn't matter. I'm back. To be continued...


Odo: I found twenty seven voles in his storeroom.
Quark: Vole infestations are not uncommon on this station. If you don't believe me, ask Chief O'Brien.
Odo: When I came in, he and Morn were painting numbers on the voles' backs.
Quark: We were just counting them to see how many we'd caught.
Sisko: You were getting ready to stage a vole fight.
Quark: A vole fight? I'm appallled. Do you really think that was what Morn was up to?
Sisko: Constable, I want the voles confiscated and removed from the station.
Quark: You can't confiscate Morn's voles. They're like his pets.
Sisko: I'll see if I can get him some goldfish. Now, gentlemen, if you will excuse me, it's late.
Quark: Poor Morn. This is going to break his hearts.
Sisko: Ops is yours, Lieutenant.
Sisko: You going somewhere, Chief?
O'Brien: Sir, I need to talk to you. It's kind of private.
Odo: We were just leaving. Come on, let's go break the news to Morn.
Sisko: Do you want to talk in my office?
O'Brien: Actually, I thought we might go to my place.
Security: Commander.
Sisko: Stand down.
O'Brien: Get on the transporter pad. Move.
O'Brien: Computer, energize on my command.
O'Brien: Energize.
Sisko: Where are we?
O'Brien: I guess you could say we just stepped through the looking glass.
O'Brien: Sit down. Make yourself comfortable.
Sisko: Right now I'm not feeling very comfortable.
Sisko: There. That's better.
O'Brien: That was a pretty nice move.
Sisko: I'm glad you liked it.
O'Brien: Of course, it doesn't change anything. You can't go home unless I reconfigure the transporter, and I'm not about to do that. I guess you've got a lot of questions.
Sisko: Not as many as you think.
O'Brien: You know where we are?
Sisko: If I had to guess, I'd say that this is the same parallel universe that two of my crewmembers visited a year ago.
O'Brien: You're quick. Just like our Sisko. That saves me having to give you a history lesson. But I'd better update you on current events. Since your officers left here, we've started a rebellion against the Klingon-Cardassian Alliance. We're fighting for our lives.
Sisko: I wish you luck, but I don't see what that has to do with me.
O'Brien: It has everything to do with you. You were the leader of the Terran Rebellion. At least, our Benjamin Sisko was.
Sisko: Was?
O'Brien: Captain Sisko's dead. The Cardassians blew up his ship.
Sisko: Ah. So you want me to take his place.
O'Brien: Like I said, you're quick.
Sisko: Well, I've got a better idea. We're going to walk back to the transporter pad and you're going to send me home.
O'Brien: Wait. Hear me out. I'm not asking for a lifetime commitment. All I need is for you to finish the mission Sisko was on when he was killed.
Sisko: I'm sorry, but you're going to have to find someone else. I don't belong here and I'm not about to interfere with events going on in this universe.
O'Brien: At least let me tell you about the mission. And then if you decide not to help, I'll send you home. There's a Terran scientist working for the Alliance. Our sources tell us she's close to completing a new transpectral sensor array that will allow the Alliance to locate our bases in the Badlands. Without a safe place to hide, the Alliance will be able to track us down and kill us all.
Sisko: So, you want me to prevent this scientist from finishing her project?
O'Brien: Captain Sisko was convinced he could change her mind, get her to work for us instead.
Sisko: How did he plan to do that?
O'Brien: She was his wife.
Sisko: Jennifer.
O'Brien: You know her?
Sisko: She was my wife too. But in my universe, she's dead.
O'Brien: Not here she isn't. Not yet, anyway.
Sisko: What do you mean not yet?
O'Brien: Unless you can persuade Professor Sisko to join our cause, we'll have no choice but to kill her.
Sisko: Kill her?
O'Brien: We cannot let her finish the sensor array. It'd mean the end of the rebellion.
Sisko: I can't let her die. Not again.
O'Brien: You're the only one who can save her.
Kira: Delectable. And so are you.
Kira: Enter.
Jennifer: Mister Garak said you wanted to see me.
Kira: Yes. Come. Join us.
Jennifer: If you're wondering when the new sensor array will be finished, the answer is
Kira: As soon as possible. I know.
Jennifer: Will that be all? I have to get back to work.
Kira: I have news of your husband.
Jennifer: Nothing you could tell me about Ben would interest me. I haven't even seen him in five years.
Kira: I know that. And I hope that will make this easier for you. You see, Benjamin is dead.
Jennifer: Can I go now?
Kira: You must've loved him very much to be so angry with him. To have become so cold.
Jennifer: Were other Terrans killed with him?
Kira: A whole ship full.
Jennifer: All this killing, it has to stop.
Kira: And it will. As soon as you complete your transpectral sensors we'll be able to locate the rebel bases, disarm them and put an end to all this bloodshed. And I will be able to resume pressing the Alliance to become more reasonable to its Terran population. You do believe me, don't you?
Sisko: So it's agreed. I help you get Jennifer away from the Alliance, and then you get me home.
O'Brien: You get us Jennifer, you can have anything you want. I just hope you can convince her to leave Terok Nor.
Sisko: I don't understand what Jennifer's doing helping the Alliance in the first place. I mean, didn't she know that Sisko was leading the Rebellion?
O'Brien: Oh, she knew. The truth is, she and Captain Sisko didn't get along too well. Then again, the captain didn't really get along with anyone. In some ways the rebellion's better off without him. Don't get me wrong, the captain knew how to fight but that's about all he knew.
O'Brien: Ready?
Sisko: You don't look very confident, Chief.
O'Brien: You'd better start calling me Smiley. That's what the Captain called me.
Sisko: All right, Smiley.
O'Brien: I just wish we had more time to get you ready. I probably haven't told you half of what you need to know. I hope you don't run up against too many surprises.
Sisko: If I do, I guess I'll just have to improvise.
Bashir: I told Sisko he'd never get close to Terok Nor, and I was right.
Rom: I say we teach the Alliance a lesson. Throw everything we've got at Terok Nor and rip it to pieces.
Tuvok: I disagree. Following your suggestion would do nothing to enhance our goals and would result in a significant loss of life.
Rom: That's easy for you to say. Those Cardassian pigs didn't kill your brother.
Tuvok: We have all suffered losses at the hands of the Alliance. Nonetheless, logic dictates caution in the face of a superior enemy.
Rom: Logic isn't going to win us our freedom. We have to take action.
Bashir: And we will. But this time we do it my way.
Tuvok: And what do you propose we do?
Bashir: We smuggle explosives aboard the station, plant them in her quarters, and detonate them.
Tuvok: You realize it is highly unlikely that anyone assigned to such a mission would survive.
Bashir: I say it's worth the risk.
Sisko: Does that mean you're volunteering for the job?
Rom: Captain, you're alive.
O'Brien: Of course he's alive. You can't kill the Captain. He's too ornery.
Sisko: I hope that doesn't disappoint anyone.
Bashir: We're glad you're all right.
Sisko: I'm sure you are.
Tuvok: We heard your fighter was destroyed. The Alliance said you were dead.
Sisko: Just their propaganda machine working overtime. But you know what all that tells me? They're scared. And we're going to give them plenty of reasons to stay scared.
Dax: Well, well, well. It's about time you came back.
Dax: That's to let you know I missed you.
Dax: And that's for letting me think you were dead.
Sisko: I'm glad to see you still care.
Dax: You coming or not?
Sisko: I thought you told me I was married.
O'Brien: You are, technically. She's your mistress.
Sisko: I see what you meant by surprises.
Dax: I'm really glad you're alive. And I'm going to make you glad you're alive, too.
Sisko: We have a lot of planning to do.
Dax: It can wait.
Sisko: I suppose it can at that.
Kira: Well these progress reports are unacceptable. Productivity in the ore processing center is down fifteen percent. You have got to do better. Or are you purposely trying to make me look bad to Sector Command?
Garak: Not at all. I've done everything I can think of to motivate the workers.
Kira: Such as?
Garak: Bribes, torture. I've even given overseers permission to execute any worker not meeting the quota.
Kira: I'm sure that pleases the overseers, but it is not getting the job done. Follow me.
Kira: Lets start with him, him, and her.
Garak: And do what?
Kira: Execute them. I think you'll find that random and unprovoked executions will keep your entire workforce alert and motivated.
Garak: I bow to your brilliance.
Guard: Let's go. You too.
Garak: Though I do hope your mood improves before we run out of workers.
Kira: What does my mood have to do with anything?
Garak: If you don't mind my saying, I have noticed a certain amount of ill-humor on your part lately.
Kira: I don't know what you're talking about.
Garak: As I recall, it began about the time you learned of Captain Sisko's death.
Kira: Now why would I be upset by such delightful news?
Garak: Well, I was under the impression that you were rather fond of him.
Kira: Well then, you were mistaken.
Garak: Well I will say this for him. He did had spirit.
Kira: Too much spirit can be a dangerous thing. It tends to infect others.
Garak: Well that's something we won't have to worry at least. With Sisko's death, and the imminent completion of the transpectral sensor array, the Rebellion is certain to collapse.
Kira: You seem very sure of yourself.
Garak: I am.
Kira: I'll remember that. If the Rebellion continues, I'll know who to blame.
Sisko: Are you sure these Alliance patrol patterns are accurate?
Dax: You tell me. You gathered the information.
Sisko: Hmm? Oh, that's right.
Dax: Are you okay? You seem a little distracted.
Sisko: Just thinking.
Dax: I've been thinking too. You know, we've been fighting against the Alliance for almost a year now. And what has it gotten us? Nothing. Sometimes I think we were better off when we were collecting tribute for the Intendant.
Sisko: Those days are gone.
Dax: Maybe, but I'm tired of living like this. The rebellion's a lost cause and we both know it.
Sisko: Don't you want to see the Terrans gain their freedom?
Dax: Have you taken a good look at your troops lately? They're nothing but ex-slaves with delusions of grandeur. They'll never overthrow the Alliance. Let's just get a ship and go. Forget all about the rebellion.
Sisko: I'm not ready to give up just yet.
Dax: It's not like you're going to have much choice. Once that witch you married finishes her new sensor array, Alliance ships are going to be all over these Badlands. We're going to have no place to hide.
Sisko: Then I suppose we'll just have to make sure she doesn't finish.
Sisko: Trying to reach Terok Nor using small fighters didn't work. But we need to get Jennifer off that station, and we need to get her off there soon.
Bashir: We've been meaning to talk to you about that.
Tuvok: Mister Bashir is not convinced that you can persuade your former mate to join our cause.
Sisko: I can be very persuasive.
Bashir: Look, I don't even know why we're bothering to discuss this. The Cardassians destroyed your ship way before it got even close to Terok Nor. And even if you had made it there, there was no guarantee you could've convinced your wife of anything.
O'Brien: Hit him. That's what the Captain would do. Go on, hit him.
Bashir: Let's face it, Captain, the woman hates you.
Sisko: What my wife thinks of me is no concern of yours.
Dax: Anyone else want to disagree with the captain?
Sisko: Put it away, Dax. Go on, put it away.
Bashir: No one is questioning your authority, Captain. But we have got to stop her before she finishes that sensor array.
Rom: And there's only one sure way to do that.
Bashir: We have to kill her.
O'Brien: You've been saying that all along.
Bashir: Well maybe it's time he listened.
Dax: Killing her would be a lot easier than trying to get her away from the Alliance.
O'Brien: Easier, but not smarter. If she's that important to the Alliance, think how important she could be to us. We could use a scientist on our side.
Sisko: You tell them, Smiley. At least someone here is using his brain.
O'Brien: Think about it. Who knows what other weapons the Alliance is developing. Someone like Professor Sisko could counteract anything they come up with.
Sisko: She's valuable. We need her. All right. Does anyone disagree? Good. Now let's get to work.
Garak: Tell the Intendant what you told me.
Rom: It's about Captain Sisko.
Kira: Sisko?
Rom: He's alive. He was able to get off his ship before it exploded.
Garak: I suppose it's possible.
Rom: It's more than possible. It's true. But I can tell you how to get your hands on him. If you're interested.
Sisko: Don't do that.
O'Brien: I can't help it. It itches. I hope this works.
Sisko: It'll work. Just stop scratching.
O'Brien: You did pretty good back there. I don't think anyone suspected you weren't Captain Sisko. At least not once you hit Bashir.
Sisko: But you and I both know that was just a warm up. Jennifer's the one I really have to convince.
O'Brien: I guess seeing her isn't going to be easy for you. How long's it been since your wife died?
Sisko: Five years.
O'Brien: Well just remember, Jennifer may look like her, but she's not. She's a completely different person.
Sisko: I'll try to remember that. Do you have any idea what went wrong between her and Captain Sisko?
O'Brien: From what I heard, they never should've been together in the first place. She came from one of the few privileged Terran families, people who cooperated with the Alliance. The captain he fought his way up from the mines.
Sisko: What is she like, this Jennifer?
O'Brien: I don't know. They'd separated by the time I got to know the captain. What was your Jennifer like?
Sisko: She was the kindest, most caring person I ever knew.
O'Brien: I wouldn't get my hopes up. Hold on. I'm reading a slight energy distortion in subspace.
Sisko: What are the coordinates?
O'Brien: It's coming from all around us.
O'Brien: You know, Captain Sisko would try to fight his way out of this.
Sisko: Be glad I'm not him.
Kira: Well, if it isn't the notorious Captain Sisko and his friend the Tinkerer.
Sisko: I'm glad to see you too, Intendant.
Kira: Still the same old Benjamin.
Sisko: You wouldn't have it any other way.
Kira: Perhaps not, but I'm still going to kill you.
Sisko: Maybe, but not right away.
Kira: You flatter yourself.
Sisko: Not unjustly, I hope.
Garak: Intendant, please, let me teach him some manners.
Kira: All in good time. But first, whatever shall we do about O'Brien? I remember the first time I saw you, Tinkerer. You were fixing something. You were always fixing things, making things better. And everyone loved you for it. Even me. But that just wasn't enough for you, was it. You couldn't be happy, staying here, being loved. You had to lash out and betray everyone who was ever good to you. Why?
O'Brien: I wanted to be free.
Kira: Free? You're a Terran. You were born a slave and you'll die a slave. Take him to ore processing. Remind him where he belongs.
Guard: Let's go.
Garak: What about Sisko?
Sisko: Take me to the Intendant's quarters. Then she'll decide what to do with me.
Garak: Of all the impudent
Kira: Do as he says.
Garak: Intendant. I demand that this man be
Kira: You demand?
Garak: But you promised me he'd die.
Kira: And he will. When I say, and not a moment before.
Sisko: Shall we?
Garak: After you.
Kira: I really don't know what to do with you.
Sisko: I sympathize. It's a difficult decision. But I'm sure you'll come up with something.
Kira: The only reason I can think of to keep you alive is to infuriate Garak.
Sisko: What better reason do you need?
Kira: Well, suppose I let you live. What will I get in return?
Sisko: What do you want?
Kira: Your loyalty. That's all I've ever wanted. For you to be at my side, my strong right hand. But I'm afraid I can never trust you again. Which means that I will have to dispose of you eventually. The question is, should it be sooner, or later?
Sisko: Do I get a vote?
Kira: Of course you do. It just doesn't count. No, I've got to think about this.
Sisko: You will let me know what you decide?
Kira: I wouldn't dream of keeping it a secret.
Sisko: Jennifer.
Jennifer: Hello, Ben. Please leave us.
Garak: What, and miss this touching reunion?
Sisko: You heard her.
Garak: If you need anyone to beat him into submission for you, don't hesitate to call me.
Jennifer: All right, I'm here. What did you want to see me about?
Sisko: I was hoping we could talk.
Jennifer: Really? You never seemed interested in talking to me while we were married.
Sisko: I made a lot of mistakes back then.
Jennifer: Save the apologies, Ben. They're not going to work. You are without a doubt, the most insensitive, self-absorbed, egotistical
Sisko: You've made your point.
Jennifer: I doubt it. You never listened to me before. You were always too busy trying to impress every woman who crossed your path.
Sisko: Where there really that many?
Jennifer: There were enough. And if it wasn't women, then it was that ship of yours. Sometimes I think it was the only thing you ever loved.
Sisko: Maybe I loved you both.
Jennifer: Then why did you leave me to go run and play pirate for the Intendant?
Sisko: That's a good question.
Jennifer: And now this Rebellion of yours. Do you know how many deaths you've caused? How much destruction?
Sisko: I'm fighting to help free our people.
Jennifer: You're fighting because you like to fight, Benjamin. The only thing you've accomplished is to give the Alliance an excuse to treat the Terrans worse than before. I just hope that with your capture, this rebellion can be ended peacefully.
Sisko: Who said I'd been captured?
Jennifer: Oh, I suppose you came here just to see me?
Sisko: Actually, I came here to rescue you.
Jennifer: Rescue me?
Sisko: That's what I said.
Jennifer: I'm not going anywhere with you.
Sisko: You can't stay here.
Jennifer: I have a job to finish.
Sisko: You mean the sensor array?
Jennifer: That's right.
Sisko: If you finish the array you'll destroy any hope our people have for a better future. I don't think you want that.
Jennifer: All I want to do is to put an end to all this fighting. To force the rebels to seek a peaceful settlement with the Alliance.
Sisko: It's not that simple. The Alliance isn't interested in a peaceful settlement. If we lay down our arms, we'll all be killed.
Jennifer: The rebellion is killing people every day. It has to stop.
Sisko: Not this way. Not while the Terrans are still at the mercy of the Alliance. They're your own people, Jennifer.
Jennifer: You have no right to talk to me like that. Since when do you care about what happens to our people? You've never cared about anyone but yourself.
Sisko: Maybe I've changed in the past few years.
Jennifer: How many times have I heard you say that?
Sisko: I guess I was a pretty lousy husband.
Jennifer: You guess?
Sisko: Look, I know it's too late for an apology.
Jennifer: You're right about that.
Sisko: But for what it's worth, I'm sorry. What is it?
Jennifer: For a second, I almost believed you. You know what I wish? I wish I'd never met you.
Sisko: And I wish things could've been better between us. But this isn't about us. Or is it? Why are you working for the Alliance? Is it because you believe in what they're doing or is it something else?
Jennifer: I don't know what you're talking about.
Sisko: I think the two of us have been fighting each other for so long that you've gotten used to us being on opposite sides. But I'm not the enemy this time, Jennifer. The Alliance is.
Jennifer: The Alliance is your enemy, not mine.
Sisko: That's where you're wrong. Don't you see, you're no different than the slaves working in the ore processing center. In fact, you may even be worse off. At least they know they're prisoners.
Jennifer: What if I am a prisoner?
Sisko: You don't have to be. Fight back. Come with me.
Jennifer: You want me to join the rebellion?
Sisko: The way I see it, freedom is a lot better than slavery. Think about it.
O'Brien: It took him long enough.
Jennifer: What are you doing?
Sisko: Sending a message.
Jennifer: You have a subdermal communicator?
Sisko: Courtesy of the Ferengi.
Sisko: Jennifer, I need an answer. Are you coming with me or not?
Jennifer: Do I have a choice?
Sisko: Of course you do. If you want, you can go back to your quarters and forget we ever spoke. It's up to you.
Jennifer: All right. But lets get one thing clear.
Sisko: What's that?
Jennifer: I still hate you.
Sisko: I know.
Cardassian: Terran, what are you doing down there?
O'Brien: Re-routing the central ODN processor. The Intendant's orders.
Cardassian: I don't recall receiving clearance for any repairs.
O'Brien: You don't say?
O'Brien: All right, anyone who wants to get out of here, follow me. Come on.
Jennifer: You still haven't told me where we're going.
Sisko: Airlock seven. There should be a ship waiting there for us. Providing we can get there before the security systems reactivate.
Voice: You two look in there.
Sisko: Get back.
Jennifer: Now what?
Sisko: I'll think of something.
O'Brien: Hey! (The Cardassians are killed in the crossfire.
Sisko: Good work, Smiley.
O'Brien: Yeah. The only problem is there's thirty more of them behind us.
Sisko: Then we'd better get to the airlock.
O'Brien: Come on.
Jennifer: Something tells me that's not part of your plan.
O'Brien: We've got to find another way out of here.
Sisko: Got any suggestions?
Sisko: Fall back.
Kira: That was very clever, Benjamin, having one of your own men betray you so you could get aboard the station. I was completely fooled. Fortunately Mister Garak is somewhat more cynical than I am.
Garak: Your Ferengi friend told us of your entire plan, with a little persuasion of course.
Kira: I'm afraid there's no escape. Your ship's locked down, your pilot's dead. There's no way out. You might as well surrender.
O'Brien: If we surrender, she'll kill us.
Sisko: Maybe us, but not Jennifer.
Jennifer: What if we offer a trade? I stay here and she lets you live.
Kira: Benjamin, you know how I hate to be kept waiting.
Sisko: I came a long way to get you out of here, and I'm not going to leave without you. What is it?
Jennifer: Nothing.
Sisko: Smiley, how far is the ore processing center?
O'Brien: Only a couple of levels.
Kira: Time's up, Benjamin. Benjamin!
Garak: Pursue!
Kira: He always has to make things difficult.
Garak: It's one of his least endearing qualities.
Sisko: Smiley, seal the doors.
O'Brien: Sure. It's easy for you to say.
Sisko: I'm going to get you out of here, I promise.
Jennifer: I believe you.
O'Brien: I don't know what you're up to, Captain, but there's no way out of this room except through that door.
Sisko: Don't worry. I know what I'm doing. I just hope your Terok Nor was designed by the same Cardassian that built my Terok Nor.
Kira: Are you sure they're in there?
Kira: Good. Then we've got them. Use the manual override to open the doors.
Garak: This time, Intendant, I trust you're not going to be so lenient with our dear Mister Sisko.
Kira: Don't worry. He's disappointed me for the last time.
Kira: Jennifer. Oh, I was so worried about you. But you're safe now. In fact, I can assure you that your husband will never annoy you again.
Jennifer: Actually, for the first time since I've met him, he's not annoying me. In fact, he's been making a lot of sense.
Kira: Well, he can be very persuasive when he wants to be. I suppose this means you won't be finishing the sensor array.
Jennifer: I'm a Terran.
Kira: Keep her alive. Kill the others.
Sisko: Oh, I wouldn't. You'd be making a mistake.
Kira: The only mistake I made was not executing you in the first place.
Sisko: You don't know how right you are. I have activated the station's self-destruct sequence. Unless I disarm it, this whole place will blow up in nine minutes.
Kira: That's impossible. There's no way you could know the station's command access code.
Sisko: Alpha nine one seven five blue.
Kira: Computer, disengage self-destruct sequence. Authorisation Kira alpha nine one seven five blue.
Computer: Authorisation denied.
Sisko: I changed it. You have eight minutes and thirty seconds to let us go. Otherwise we all die.
Garak: Don't listen to him. He's bluffing.
Kira: He's not bluffing.
Garak: How do you know?
Kira: I know. Give me the new access code and I'll let you go.
Sisko: I will give you the access code once my friends and I are safely away from the station. Do we have a deal?
Kira: This isn't over Benjamin. I'll hunt you down. I swear it.
Sisko: You're welcome to try.
Sisko: Well, I'm glad to see the two of you are getting along.
Dax: We have a lot in common. He's all yours.
Jennifer: Dax tells me you're leaving.
Sisko: I thought I'd pay the Romulans a visit. See if I can convince them to help us.
Jennifer: Then I guess this is goodbye.
Sisko: Jennifer, there's so much I want to tell you. I just don't know where to start.
Jennifer: Why don't you start by telling me what happened to my husband? He's dead, isn't he?
Sisko: I'm sorry.
Jennifer: Don't be. Who are you, really?
Sisko: It's a long story. But ask Smiley. He can fill you in on the details.
Jennifer: He seems like a good man.
Sisko: He does at that. So, what are you going to do now?
Jennifer: Oh, I'm sure Smiley'll find something to keep me busy. You're not really going to visit the Romulans, are you.
Sisko: The deal was that I get you off the station, and then I go home.
Jennifer: Will I see you again?
Sisko: I don't know.
Jennifer: Thank you for rescuing me.
Sisko: It was my pleasure.
O'Brien: Ready, Captain?
Jennifer: You'd better go.
Sisko: Take me home, Smiley.


Bashir: Bashir to Infirmary. Medical emergency on the Promenade.
Odo: I find it odd that a conduit running behind Garak's shop should just happen to overload.
Sisko: Why would the Romulans want to destroy the Flaxian's ship?
Odo: One possibility is that the Romulans hired the Flaxian to kill Garak and then killed the Flaxian when he failed in his mission.
Sisko: Do you know why the Romulans might hire someone to kill you?
Garak: I have no idea.
Informant: You are investigating a very insignificant piece of a much larger puzzle.
Odo: What do you mean?
Informant: There's been a great deal of unusual Romulan activity these past weeks.
Odo: Now, you dragged me into this investigation and you are now going to cooperate with me.
Garak: Dragged you in? I don't know what you're talking
Odo: You blew up your own shop, Garak!
Odo: It's a Romulan warbird.
Garak: In Cardassian space?
Odo: You're going to attack the Dominion, aren't you. You're going to stage a first strike against them before they can come into the Alpha Quadrant.
Tain: I'm asking you to serve Cardassia again, by my side.
Odo: Garak, this is the man who put you into exile. This is the man who just two days ago tried to have you killed.
Garak: Yes, he is. But it doesn't matter. I'm back. And now the conclusion.
Bashir: Yes, yes.
Bashir: Modern playwrights have become obsessed with writing human interpretations of alien theatrical works while ignoring completely our own unique cultural heritage in hopes of. Chief, are you listening to me?
O'Brien: What?
Bashir: I thought so.
O'Brien: I heard every word you said.
Bashir: And what do you think?
O'Brien: About what?
Bashir: Any of it.
O'Brien: I don't know. Look, what do you want me to say?
Bashir: Say you agree. Say you disagree. Say you hate theater. Just say something.
O'Brien: Look, Julian, you said you wanted to have lunch. We're having lunch.
Bashir: Yes, but I was hoping for a little more conversation with my plomeek soup.
O'Brien: Ah. My mother taught me if you combine eating and talking, you'll end up doing neither very well.
Bashir: Well, I suppose Garak taught me to think of lunch as a sort of arena for philosophical debate. I take it there's still no word about Garak and Odo?
O'Brien: The starship Portland and a Cardassian cruiser are still searching the Algira Sector for the runabout. That's not entirely bad news. If the runabout had been destroyed they would have found debris by now, or something to
Kira: Kira to O'Brien.
O'Brien: Go ahead, Major.
Kira: Report to Ops, Chief. There's something here we'd like you to take a look at.
O'Brien: I'm on my way.
Sisko: About ten minutes ago, our sensors picked up high concentrations of tetryon particles moving toward the station.
Dax: I've never seen readings like these. What do you think?
O'Brien: Subspace energy fluctuations, quantum fractures in the electrodynamic field, EM spikes across the spectrum? You've got me.
Kira: Whatever it is, it's getting closer.
Dax: And larger. The tetryon concentrations have increased ten percent in the last thirty seconds. There's an energy surge bearing two one zero mark three one five. A ship is decloaking. It's a Romulan warbird.
Sisko: Romulans? Open a channel
Dax: Another warbird decloaking at zero one zero. No. It's a Cardassian ship.
Kira: A Cardassian ship with a cloaking device?
Dax: Definitely Cardassian, Keldon class. Benjamin, there's an entire fleet decloaking out there.
Sisko: Red alert. All hands to battle stations. Shields up, stand by weapons. Try to hail them, Lieutenant.
O'Brien: Their weapons are charged but they haven't locked onto us yet.
Kira: The lead ship's heading for the wormhole, Commander.
Dax: No response to our hails.
Kira: The fleet's following the lead ship. They're headed for the Gamma Quadrant.
Sisko: Lieutenant, open a priority channel to Starfleet Command now.
Tain: you should have seen the look on Legate Porania's face when I told him I was going into retirement three years ago. He was literally speechless. A rare event.
Garak: I remember wanting to invent charges of treason against him just so I wouldn't have to hear his voice again.
Tain: And you would have, too, if I hadn't held you back. You had quite a vicious streak in those days.
Garak: Oh, I learned from the best.
Tain: No, no. You had a gift. I never met anyone else who relished a good interrogation as much as you did. Do you remember getting that confession out of Doctor Parmak?
Garak: I never even touched him.
Tain: That was the beauty of it. You just sat there for what, three hours?
Garak: Four.
Tain: And after four hours of watching you stare at him, he confessed.
Garak: I was good, wasn't I?
Tain: You were brilliant. Afterwards, he just kept saying, 'His eyes his eyes.' I've missed you, Elim. Things just haven't been the same since you left.
Garak: I've missed you too, Enabran.
Tain: We're both getting sentimental in our old age. Next thing you know, we'll be crying over our lost youth.
Garak: So whatever happened to Doctor Parmak?
Tain: He spent three years in a labor camp, then returned to Cardassia Prime. I think he's practicing medicine again. When we get back, you should look him up.
Garak: Oh, there are a number of people I intend to look up when we get back. For instance, do you remember a Gul named Dukat?
Tain: Dukat? Oh, yes. The business with the arms merchant. I take it you'd like to have him eliminated?
Garak: The thought had crossed my mind.
Tain: When this mission is completed, you'll be in a position to eliminate anyone you want.
Garak: I'll make up a list and give it to Mila.
Tain: Perhaps you'd better give it to me personally. Mila may not be around much longer. She knows a great deal about me. Too much for her own good.
Garak: Still, it would be a shame to have her killed. She's proven that she can be trusted on numerous occasions, and you'd be hard put to find a better housekeeper.
Tain: Is this a request I hear?
Garak: Not at all. Just an observation.
Tain: No reason to pretend, Garak. You're fond of Mila. You don't want her hurt, right?
Garak: If you're looking for an excuse to spare the life of your own housekeeper, you don't need me to provide you with one. You can do it out of the kindness of your heart.
Tain: Mila always believed you were innocent of betraying Cardassia, and me.
Garak: I was.
Tain: Of course. No wonder the Romulans can't conquered the galaxy. No one can stomach their cuisine.
Tain: Ah. Colonel Lovok. Allow me to introduce my associate, Elim Garak.
Lovok: And what is his role to be in this operation?
Tain: He will do whatever I require of him. Elim is a cherished colleague of long standing.
Lovok: You will not enter the bridge or any other secured space aboard this ship unescorted. If you do so, you will be killed.
Garak: Direct, isn't he?
Tain: I'm afraid the Colonel believes in wasting little time with pleasantries or idle conversation.
Lovok: The fleet has recloaked and is about to set course for the Founders' homeworld at warp six.
Garak: Warp six? That's a bit slow, isn't it? Something wrong with your engines?
Lovok: If we travel any faster, our warp signatures may be detected by the Jem'Hadar, even through the cloaking devices.
Garak: Very clever.
Lovok: The changeling is in quarters on C deck. There are forcefields in place to prevent his escape.
Tain: Good. Which brings us to your first assignment, Garak. I want you to explain to Odo that it would be in everyone's best interest, especially his, if he were to provide us with all the information he has on his people.
Garak: That may prove difficult. He can be quite stubborn.
Tain: Then you'll have to find a way of convincing him.
Garak: Well, Odo. I trust the accommodations meet with your approval? You have to admit, it's certainly better than a prison cell.
Odo: There are forcefields around the bulkheads and a guard outside the door. Feels like a prison cell to me.
Garak: I see your point. And believe me, if it were my decision, things would be
Odo: I don't believe you, Garak, and I doubt I'll believe much of what you have to say from now on, so save us both some trouble and leave me alone.
Garak: Why, Constable, you seem positively disappointed in me. Well, I suppose it's understandable. After all, I did pledge my undying devotion and eternal allegiance to both you and the Federation. And you and I have been through so much together, shared many experiences, and I know you considered me a close friend. No wonder you feel betrayed.
Odo: You're wasting your time, Garak. I don't care about the rationalizations you come up with to justify your actions.
Garak: Justify? I don't need to justify anything to you.
Odo: Living on Deep Space Nine has made you a little rusty. Your lies are becoming more transparent. You should be careful. You don't want Tain to know that you're feeling guilty about what you've done.
Garak: You are imaginative, Constable, I'll grant you that. But I would suggest that you put those creative powers to better use. We would like you to share your unique insights on the Founders.
Odo: Would you?
Garak: We would be grateful, most grateful, for any information you could provide.
Odo: And if I refuse?
Garak: Oh, really, Odo. You really must stop reading those human crime novels Chief O'Brien gives you. It's poisoning your thinking. I'm not here to threaten you. I just want to talk.
Odo: I don't feel like talking.
Garak: Surely you can see that we share a common enemy, the Founders. By cooperating, you'll be helping us provide security for the entire Alpha Quadrant.
Odo: The only common enemy you and I share is Enabran Tain. The difference between you and I is that you don't know it.
Garak: I suggest that you think over what I've said, Constable.
Odo: Funny. I was about to make the same suggestion.
Tain: Since the Jem'Hadar are genetically addicted to a drug that only the Founders can provide, we expect the Jem'Hadar to weaken and die once their supplies of the drug run out. A matter of days by our estimates. However, that will give them enough time to stage some kind of counterattack against the Alpha Quadrant, so I suggest you place the Cardassian fleet on alert. I take this action not in defiance of the Cardassian state, but in defense of it. You in the Central Command have neglected the security of our people and allowed peace with Bajor and the Federation to blind you to the real threat, the Dominion. I intend to remove that threat. Let history be my judge.
Toddman: That message was intercepted by a Federation outpost earlier today. A similar message was sent to the Romulan Senate. Now, both governments are denying any prior knowledge of Tain's plans and calling this a rogue operation.
Bashir: Are they going to do anything to stop Tain?
Toddman: Both the Romulans and the Cardassians claim to be studying ways to stop Tain, but we believe that they'll just sit back and wait to see if he succeeds or not.
Dax: But sir, that could plunge Romulus and Cardassia into war with the Dominion.
Toddman: Only if he fails, Lieutenant. His plan looks like it has a fair chance of success. He's commanding a fleet of twenty ships manned by combat veterans. They know the location of the Founders' homeworld and they've modified their cloaks so the Jem'Hadar can't detect their approach.
Kira: It sounds like you're hoping Tain will succeed.
Toddman: I never hope for war, Major. But if it comes, I'd rather see the Dominion on the losing side. However, we have to plan for the worst. Ben, I want you to evacuate DS Nine of all non-essential personnel and put the Defiant on standby alert. Even if Tain succeeds, the Jem'Hadar are going to come screaming out of the wormhole looking for revenge and they may not be too particular who their targets are.
Sisko: Admiral, we believe Security Chief Odo is aboard one of the Romulan ships.
Eddington: Odo's message said the runabout had been caught in a tractor beam. That suggests he was captured and taken aboard one of their ships.
Sisko: I'd like permission to take the Defiant into the Gamma Quadrant and try to determine if he's still alive.
Toddman: I'm sorry about your officer, but there's nothing we can do. I want the Defiant guarding Bajor. That's your top priority. Toddman out.
Sisko: Commander Eddington, am I correct in assuming that Starfleet is planning to send substantial reinforcements to this sector?
Eddington: Yes, sir. A task force of nine starships is due to arrive tomorrow.
Sisko: Nine starships. I want the Defiant prepared to leave for the Gamma Quadrant in two hours.
Eddington: Sir, Admiral Toddman's orders were quite clear and
Sisko: I am not going to just abandon one of my officers. Toddman's concerned about the defense of Bajor, and so am I. If we detect a Jem'Hadar strike force heading for the Alpha Quadrant, we'll use the communications relay to warn DS Nine, and we'll do everything we can to stop them before they reach the wormhole. I consider this a volunteer mission, but don't volunteer yet. There's a good chance you won't be coming back from this mission. And even if you do, you'll probably be facing a general court martial. If you do decide to go, be aboard the Defiant at fifteen thirty hours. Dismissed.
Sisko: All stations report.
Kira: Tactical ready.
O'Brien: Warp and impulse engines online, cloaking device standing by.
Dax: Helm ready.
Eddington: The Security detachment is aboard and phaser rifles have been issued to every fire team.
Sisko: Release docking clamps.
Kira: Commander, there's an incoming priority message from Starfleet Command. It's Admiral Toddman. He's repeating his order not to enter the Gamma Quadrant.
Sisko: That's what you think it says. How can you be sure when a transmission is as badly garbled as that one?
Kira: You're right. There's an awful lot of subspace interference on this channel. Must be an ion storm or something.
Sisko: Must be.
Sisko: Aft thrusters back one quarter, port and starboard at station keeping.
Dax: The cloaking device is operating within normal parameters.
Sisko: Set course for the Founders' homeworld, warp eight.
Lovok: We know that the Founders' planet lies at approximately these coordinates within the Omarion nebula. As you can see, there are no Jem'Hadar bases nearby. This means that even if the Founders did send out a distress call, it would take at least seven hours for any help to arrive.
Tain: Our plan is to wait until we've entered orbit of the Founders' planet, then decloak and begin massive bombardment.
Lovok: Computer analysis indicates that the planet's crust will be destroyed within one hour, and the mantle within five.
Garak: That should more than take care of the Founders.
Tain: Yes, it should. Unless they have some planetary defenses we don't know about. There is one person here who might answer that question. Mister Odo.
Garak: Anything he knows about the Founders and their planet was undoubtedly included in his report to Starfleet. The constable is remarkably thorough in these matters.
Tain: There was a time when you were eager to begin an interrogation, Elim. In fact, I remember having to restrain your enthusiasm on several occasions.
Garak: Then you should also remember the pride I took in my work. I don't think that interrogating someone who can alter their form at will is likely to provide either amusement or information.
Tain: I wouldn't worry about Mister Odo's shape-shifting if I were you. The Obsidian Order has developed a device which should prove quite effective in neutralizing him.
Lovok: I was not informed about this device.
Tain: It's only a prototype. We've never had a chance to test it, until now. Perhaps the Tal Shiar should take over the interrogation of the changeling.
Garak: No.
Tain: It's all right, Garak. It's my fault. I should've known you'd develop feelings for these people you've been living with for the past few years. But I just never expected that you would become friends with someone who worked for the Bajorans.
Garak: This has nothing to do with my friends or my feelings. I simply don't believe he has the information you want.
Tain: Possibly. Colonel Lovok will find out.
Garak: No. I brought Odo here. He's my prisoner and my responsibility.
Tain: You don't have to do this.
Garak: Yes, I do. And I think we both know that you won't trust me until I do.
Tain: All right. I look forward to hearing your results.
Dax: Commander, I'm reading some kind of power fluctuation in the cloaking device.
Sisko: What kind of fluctuation?
Dax: I don't know. I can't locate the source of the problem but it is getting worse.
Kira: We're decloaking!
Sisko: All stop. Full scan, Lieutenant. Are there any other ships in the area?
Dax: No, nothing in sensor range.
Kira: Commander, if the Jem'Hadar show up while we're decloaked
Sisko: We'll have to fight our way out of here.
O'Brien: Everything looks fine. The power converters are online. The projection matrix looks normal. The cloaking device should be working.
Kira: Maybe there's some kind of spatial anomaly nearby that's interfering with the cloak's power systems.
Eddington: This isn't the result of a spatial anomaly, Major. The tetryon compositor on the cloaking device has been sabotaged.
Kira: How do you know that?
Eddington: Because I sabotaged it.
Sisko: Why?
Eddington: I was under orders from Admiral Toddman to stop you from pursuing the Romulan-Cardassian fleet.
O'Brien: You've turned us into sitting ducks for the Jem'Hadar!
Eddington: We can still defend ourselves. I didn't damage any of the ship's weapon systems or the engines. But without the cloak, we'll have to return to DS Nine. I'm sorry Commander, I didn't want to do this. Odo's my friend too but I report directly to Admiral Toddman and he gave me an explicit order. I couldn't disobey it.
Sisko: I don't suppose you could. Chief, now that we know the problem is in the tetryon compositor, how long until you can fix it?
O'Brien: About ten hours.
Sisko: You've got two. On your way.
Sisko: I'm afraid I'm going to have to confine you to quarters, Mister Eddington.
Eddington: Sir, if we run into the Jem'Hadar, you're still going to need a chief security officer.
Kira: What makes you think we'll trust you again?
Eddington: Because I give you my word.
Sisko: I make it a policy to never question the word of anyone who wears that uniform. Don't make me change that policy. Man your station, Commander. But I'd stay out of the Chief's way if I were you.
Garak: I realize it must be nearly time for you to return to your liquid state, so I thought I'd bring you something to relax in.
Odo: How kind.
Garak: But before you go for a swim, I have a few questions I'd like to ask you.
Odo: I have nothing to say.
Garak: Well I had hoped a few hours alone might jog your memory but I can see I'm going to have to take some steps I'd hoped to avoid.
Odo: Oh, no. You're going to torture me, aren't you? How I've been dreading this. Please have mercy, Garak.
Garak: You do have a certain flair for sarcasm. It's one of the things I like about you.
Garak: You can go now.
Odo: I'd bring those guards back if I were you. I'm not in a very good mood.
Garak: Yes, under normal circumstances, you would pose quite a threat to me. You could turn yourself into a Vicarian razorback or stretch out your arms and strangle me from across the room. But not this time.
Odo: Oh? And why is that?
Garak: Because that device is emitting a quantum stasis field designed to prevent any changeling from altering his biomolecular structure.
Garak: Yes, it must be very diskoncerting for you to be locked into a humanoid form. Especially now. I'm sure you were looking forward to returning to your liquid state. Tell me, what will happen if you can't revert to a liquid?
Odo: I don't know.
Garak: An honest answer. But it's probably safe to say that it won't be pleasant.
Odo: Garak, this is pointless. There's nothing I can tell you about the Founders that you don't already know.
Garak: I wish I could believe that.
Odo: Then why don't you?
Garak: Because you and I are so alike. We both value our privacy, our secrets. That's why I know there's something about the Founders you haven't told anyone. Something you didn't even share with Starfleet and Commander Sisko, hmm? But you are going to tell me, Odo.
Odo: There's nothing to tell.
Garak: Well, perhaps something will come to you. I can wait. The question is, can you?
Sisko: Major, leave the chief alone.
Kira: What makes you think I'm going to see O'Brien?
Kira: It's been three hours. I just wanted to see if he needed some help.
Sisko: If he needed help he would ask for it. For now, the best thing we can do is to stay out of his way.
Odo: What's the matter, Garak? You don't look very happy. Aren't you enjoying yourself?
Garak: There's no pleasure in this for me, Constable, I assure you. I am simply doing my job.
Odo: Your job. Yes, this is the job you've been waiting for. All these years of exile and here you are interrogating a prisoner again. It must fill you with pride.
Garak: Odo, just tell me what I need to know and this will end.
Odo: But you don't want it to end, do you, Garak? Isn't this what you've been dreaming of? Back at work serving Cardassia.
Garak: That's right. And you have information that I need. Information that it's my duty to extract from you. It's not personal. Odo, talk to me. Tell me something. Anything! Lie if you have to, but say it now. Please.
Odo: Home. I want to go home.
Garak: And you will, I promise. As soon as this is all over, I promise I'll take you back to Deep Space Nine.
Odo: No, not the station. Home with my people.
Garak: The Founders? You want to return to the Founders? I thought you turned your back on them.
Odo: I did, but they're still my people. I tried to deny it, I tried to forget, but I can't. They're my people and I want to be with them in the Great Link.
Garak: I knew there was something, a secret you were holding back.
Odo: And now you've found it. I hope it's useful.
O'Brien: Repairs are complete, sir. The cloaking device is online. A souvenir of your handiwork.
Sisko: Engage cloak.
Dax: The cloak is operating normally.
Sisko: Resume course to the Founders' planet, maximum warp.
Tain: Did you get anything out of him at all?
Garak: Nothing. He never broke.
Tain: Well, that's unfortunate. I see no further use for Mister Odo. Terminate him.
Garak: On the other hand, he is a member of the Bajoran militia and an officer on Deep Space Nine. We may not wish to provoke the Federation by killing him.
Lovok: I agree with Garak.
Tain: Do you?
Lovok: Yes. There is no way to be certain that all of the Founders will be on the planet when we attack. We should be prepared to encounter other changelings in the future and we could use more information on their capabilities. I want to take Odo back to Romulus for further study.
Tain: All right, in the interest of cooperation.
Romulan: Bridge to Colonel Lovok.
Lovok: This is Lovok.
Romulan: We've entered the Omarion Nebula and dropped out of warp. We should be in orbit of the planet in fifteen minutes.
Lovok: Acknowledged.
Tain: Well, seems the moment is nearly at hand. Gentleman.
Garak: Can I do something for you, Colonel?
Lovok: Why were you trying to protect the changeling?
Garak: I wasn't trying to protect him. And as I recall, you thought it was a good idea to keep him alive as well.
Lovok: My interest in the changeling is based on what I believe to be the strategic interests of the Romulan Empire. But you, you seem to have a personal interest in him.
Garak: Tell me, what else am I feeling? I've never been psychoanalyzed by a Romulan before. This is a fascinating experience.
Lovok: You are a practiced liar, Mister Garak, but I am a practiced observer. And I can assure you, I am going to be observing you very closely.
Pilot: We are within disruptor range.
Lovok: Scan the planet for life-signs.
Pilot: Sensors show multiple lifeforms on the surface. They appear to be in a liquid state.
Garak: The Founders.
Tain: Signal the fleet to charge weapons and lock onto their targets. We will open fire the moment we drop our cloaks.
Pilot: All ships report ready. All weapons charged.
Tain: So much for the Dominion. Open fire.
Pilot: The first barrage is complete.
Tain: Effect?
Pilot: Thirty percent of the planetary crust destroyed on opening volley. No change in lifeform readings.
Tain: What? That's impossible. Some of them had to be killed.
Pilot: Our sensor readings have been confirmed by three other warbirds. There has been no change in the number of life-signs on the surface.
Garak: They're using an automated transponder to send back false sensor readings. The planet's deserted.
Tain: Colonel, signal the fleet to
Pilot: Colonel, there are ships coming out of the nebula.
Lovok: What type of ships?
Pilot: Jem'Hadar fighters.
Tain: How many? I asked you a question.
Pilot: One hundred fifty.
Tain: Tactical display on screen.
Garak: It's a trap. They've been waiting for us all along.
Pilot: Cardassian cruiser Koranak has been destroyed. Romulan warbirds Makar and Belak have lost main power.
Lovok: Bring us about to three one eight mark two one five. Concentrate fire on ships attacking on the port quarter.
Garak: The Jem'Hadar will destroy every ship if we stay. Our only hope is to return to the Alpha Quadrant.
Lovok: There's no way out of here, Garak. The Jem'Hadar have cut us off. We need to consolidate the fleet and make our stand here.
Tain: How could this be? What have happened?
Garak: I'm afraid the fault, dear Tain, is not in our stars but in ourselves.
Tain: What?
Garak: Just something I learned from Doctor Bashir.
Pilot: Main power's out. Switching to emergency backups.
Lovok: Bridge to Engineering. We need power to the weapons. Bridge to Engineering, respond. I'll be in Engineering. Tain, take command of the Bridge.
Pilot: Four more Jem'Hadar vessels are closing on our position.
Odo: I take it that the attack on the Founders is not proceeding according to plan.
Garak: No, it's not, but I suggest we make our way to the runabout.
Odo: For once, Garak, I agree with you.
Lovok: You will need this in order to gain access to your runabout.
Odo: Why are you doing this?
Lovok: Because no changeling has ever harmed another.
Garak: You are one of the Founders?
Odo: Of course. This whole plan was the Founders' idea in the first place. You wanted the Tal Shiar and the Obsidian Order to combine forces and come into the Gamma Quadrant so you could wipe them out.
Lovok: Not exactly. Tain originated the plan, and when we learned of it we did everything we could to carry it forward. The Tal Shiar and the Obsidian Order are both ruthless, efficient organizations. A definite threat to us.
Odo: But not after today.
Lovok: After today the only real threat to us from the Alpha Quadrant are the Klingons and the Federation. And I doubt that either of them will be a threat for much longer. It is not too late for you, Odo. Come with me. You can still become one with the Great Link if you wish.
Odo: Thank you. But my answer is still no.
Odo: Come on. I don't think we have much time.
Garak: The runabout is that way. Two decks down. Section twenty five. Wait for me there.
Odo: Where are you going?
Garak: To the Bridge, to get Tain.
Odo: What?
Garak: I know it's difficult for you to understand, Constable, but I still owe him a personal debt and I have to try to repay it. Wait for us as long as you can.
Garak: Tain, we have to go!
Tain: There must have been an informant. That's the only explanation.
Garak: Yes, there was an informant. You're right. Colonel Lovok is a changeling.
Tain: Lovok.
Garak: Yes, but that's something we can discuss it at another time. Right now we have to
Tain: It appears I have underestimated the Founders. I should have seen it coming. There was a time when nothing got past me. You remember, don't you, Elim?
Garak: Yes, I do. But now we have to go!
Tain: Go where? Back to Mila and my quiet retirement? I don't think so. I must be getting old. I let my pride override my instinct. Wouldn't have played it that way in the old days. In the old days I would've kept Lovok at arms length. He was too cagey, too smart.
Garak: I can't just leave you here.
Tain: I always did have a soft spot for you, Garak. Another of my flaws.
Garak: Enabran!
Tain: These Founders, Elim. They're very good. Next time we should be more careful.
Garak: You can be very persuasive on occasion, Constable. But in the future I hope you'll consider using gentler language.
Odo: I'll keep that in mind. A Jem'Hadar ship is following us. Raise shields and charge the weapons.
Garak: Aft shields down to fifty percent. More speed would be advisable.
Odo: The warp drive is offline.
Garak: Shields down to thirty percent.
Odo: Another Jem'Hadar ship is approaching to starboard. Hang on!
Garak: Shields down to fifteen percent.
Odo: Main power's failing. We're losing speed.
Garak: The shields are gone. Odo, I hope that you will accept my sincere apologies for all this.
Odo: A little late, isn't it?
Garak: Nevertheless.
Odo: I may not agree with what you did, but I can certainly understand your desire to return home.
Garak: Thank you.
Odo: What?
Kira: Three more coming in off the port bow.
Sisko: Fire on the lead ship, then bring us back to the runabout.
Dax: Two life-signs on the runabout, Commander.
Sisko: Drop shields. Bridge to Transporter room. Beam them aboard, Chief.
O'Brien: Aye, sir.
Eddington: Four more Jem'Hadar ships closing to starboard.
O'Brien: O'Brien to Bridge. I've got them.
Sisko: Raise shields.
O'Brien: Welcome back.
Odo: Thank you.
Bashir: Oh, that looks painful.
Garak: It is. But it did save my life.
Eddington: Shields at eighty percent.
Sisko: Attack pattern omega four. Full impulse power. Hold your fire until we're within five hundred meters.
Kira: We might get pretty singed at that range.
Sisko: Not as singed as they're going to get. Engage.
Dax: Fifty thousand meters and closing. Two thousand meters. Five hundred!
Sisko: Fire!
Kira: The third Jem'Hadar fighter is still pursuing.
Sisko: Aft torpedoes fire.
Kira: Direct hit on their port nacelle. They're losing speed. We're out of their weapons' range.
Sisko: Any other signs of pursuit?
Dax: Negative. The other fighters are still concentrating on the remaining Romulan and Cardassian ships.
Sisko: Let's not wait around for them to change their minds. Set course for the wormhole, Lieutenant. Warp eight.
Kira: It's good to see you again, Constable.
Odo: Likewise, Major.
Dax: Course laid in.
Sisko: Engage.
Sisko: There is still no indication that any Romulan or Cardassian vessels survived the attack.
Toddman: Sounds like Wolf three five nine all over again.
Sisko: I had the same thought.
Toddman: You may be interested to know I've decided not to file charges against anyone aboard the Defiant.
Sisko: Thank you, sir.
Toddman: But if you pull a stunt like that again I'll court martial you or I'll promote you. Either way you'll be in a lot of trouble.
Sisko: I'll keep that in mind, sir.
Odo: I just read the report that you wrote and I wanted to thank you.
Garak: Me? For what?
Odo: For not mentioning my desire to return to my people.
Garak: I consider the entire conversation as something best forgotten.
Odo: As do I. Quark has expressed an interest in renting this space if you're not going to be using it.
Garak: Oh?
Odo: He mentioned something about an Argelian massage facility.
Garak: Unfortunately I don't think Commander Sisko will approve of such an interesting facility on the Promenade.
Odo: I tend to agree. But do I think he would approve of a tailor's shop.
Garak: Do you know what the sad part is, Odo? I'm a very good tailor.
Odo: Garak, I was thinking that you and I should have breakfast together sometime.
Garak: Why, Constable, I thought you didn't eat.
Odo: I don't.