Scene: Medical log, supplemental. Major Kira and I are returning home after opening the hospital on New Bajor, the first Bajoran colony in the Gamma Quadrant.
Kira: Could you take it for a while?
Bashir: Sure. Do you mind if I listen to some music?
Kira: Actually, I do. I was hoping to meditate for a few minutes.
Bashir: Of course. I didn't know you meditate.
Kira: Every day.
Bashir: I had the opportunity to study meditation with Isam Helewa when I was in college. A remarkable fellow. He sort of took me under his wing. I can't tell you how much I learned from him. The man was a master at rhythmic breathing.
Kira: You'll have to give me a few tips some time.
Bashir: Gladly. Oh, and I'd be more than interested in learning any Bajoran meditation techniques you'd like to show me.
Kira: We just usually like to sit quietly.
Kira: What are you doing?
Bashir: Bellows breath. It's a series of quick intakes followed by one long intake of air through the nose. Hold, release. Increases the energy flow. It's quite simple. Let me show you.
Kira: How about some music?
Bashir: What's your pleasure?
Kira: I'm afraid my musical knowledge is limited to Bajoran composers.
Bashir: Computer, play us a little something by Tor Jolan.
Kira: You know Tor's work?
Bashir: I've made it a point to listen to Bajoran music ever since I arrived.
Kira: Really.
Bashir: Tor strikes me as the best of the lot, really. Slightly derivative of the Boldaric masters of the last century but pleasantly diverting. This is nice. I'm glad we're finally doing this.
Kira: What?
Bashir: Talking to one another. Finding common interests. Burying the hatchet.
Kira: Hatchet?
Bashir: A human expression. It means that we're finally putting past conflicts behind us.
Kira: Making way for brand new ones.
Bashir: Right. You know, Nerys. May I call you Nerys?
Kira: Sure.
Bashir: Even when we weren't getting along, I've always felt you were one of the most interesting women I'd ever met. I'm very serious.
Kira: Thank you. Doctor.
Bashir: Julian. Go on, say it. Julian.
Kira: Julian.
Bashir: It was hard for Chief O'Brien as well at first. We had our problems ourselves, but now we're like this.
Kira: One minute to the wormhole. Stand by to drop to impulse.
Bashir: Would you like to have dinner sometime?
Kira: I think you'd better stick with Dax.
Bashir: I'm sorry? Oh, you thought that I was trying to? No, no, no.
Kira: My mistake.
Bashir: But if I thought
Kira: Forget it.
Bashir: Right.
Kira: Take us out of warp. What's wrong?
Bashir: The warp field's not fully collapsed. I'm showing a plasma injector leak.
Kira: Injector controllers are locked. I'm trying to compensate.
Kira: Injectors opening. Velocity falling.
Bashir: What was that?
Kira: Initiating emergency stabilization control.
Bashir: Are you all right?
Kira: A little dizzy.
Bashir: Me too. I guess we're lucky to be in one piece.
Kira: We'd better get O'Brien to take a look. What the hell?
Bashir: Where's the station? What happened to the station?
Kira: I have it on long range sensors. It's orbiting Bajor?
Bashir: Major, vessel approaching on an intercept course dead ahead.
Kira: What is this?
Klingon: I'm sorry, ma'am. We were not informed you had left the station.
Kira: Who are you?
Klingon: We were on standard patrol when your vessel seemed to appear out of nowhere. If you will allow us to withdraw, we will escort you back to the station.
Klingon: I was as close to her as I am to you. She cannot be an imposter.
Garak: But she is.
Kira: What is going on here?
Bashir: Garak?
Garak: Yes. My name is Garak.
Intendant: The question is who are you?
Bashir: This may seem like an odd question, but could you tell us where we are?
Garak: This is the Terok Nor station, the center of authority for the Bajoran sector.
Bashir: Center of authority. Whose authority?
Garak: The Alliance, of course.
Kira: Something is very wrong here. I think we took a wrong turn in the wormhole.
Garak: Wormhole?
Kira: The wormhole to the Gamma. It's very difficult to explain. I think it would be best if we just to got back to our ship and
Intendant: No. I don't think so.
Bashir: Now wait a minute.
Garak: Don't take that tone with me, Terran.
Bashir: Terran?
Intendant: If you are whom I suspect you are, I'm afraid I can't run the risk of letting you go. Take that one below. Put him to work. Tell the supervisor to keep an eye on him. He won't know the rules.
Telok: Intendant!
Intendant: What is it you need, Telok?
Telok: This Terran was caught trying to stow away on one of the freighters leaving the station.
Intendant: What is your designation.
Human: Zero four one three theta.
Intendant: Theta.
Human: Yes, ma'am.
Intendant: You worked so hard to earn your Theta designation, to earn our trust. Why do you throw it away like this? Reassign him to Lambda. Send him to the mines.
Garak: The mines? But he should die for this. We should make an example of him.
Intendant: You have made a career out of setting examples, Garak. I think you enjoy it too much.
Garak: He could not have gotten on board that ship without help. This is the third incident in a month. At least allow me to interrogate him.
Intendant: Fine. Interrogate him. But if he dies under your interrogation I will make you my example. Is that clear?
Garak: Very, Intendant.
O'Brien: I'm telling you. If you don't upgrade the thorium containment cells, there's going to be an accident and I'm not going to be responsible for the consequences.
Klingon 2: Another extra worker for you. A Terran who doesn't know the rules.
Odo: Well, we'll see to it that he learns them. What's your designation?
Bashir: Bashir. Julian.
Odo: Is that a joke?
Bashir: I don't know. Is it?
Odo: No joking. That's my Rule of Obedience number fourteen. Now, what's your designation?
Bashir: I don't have a designation.
Odo: I don't have a designation, sir.
Bashir: Another Rule of Obedience?
Odo: I don't have a designation, sir.
Bashir: I don't have a designation, sir.
Odo: Now why is that?
Bashir: I don't know. And frankly I don't even know what I'm doing here.
Odo: You're here to process ore. Have you ever done that before?
Bashir: No, I haven't.
Odo: Have you ever worked in the mines?
Bashir: No.
Odo: Then what have you done?
Bashir: I've been practicing medicine.
Odo: Did you forget the Rule of Obedience number fourteen?
Bashir: It's not a joke. I'm a doctor.
Odo: Well, Doctor, don't forget to scrub before you operate.
Intendant: Sit down. You are me, aren't you.
Kira: I am Kira Nerys.
Intendant: That makes two of us. Where you come from, things are very much like this, aren't they? There's a station, a Bajor, Cardassians, Terrans, Klingons.
Kira: The players are the same, but everyone seems to be playing different parts.
Intendant: You didn't seem to recognize the Alliance.
Kira: No.
Intendant: Perhaps you'd recognize the name Kirk.
Kira: I'm sorry, I don't.
Intendant: Interesting. On my side, Kirk is one the most famous names in our history. Almost a century ago, a Terran starship Captain named James Kirk accidentally exchanged places with his counterpart from your side due to a transporter accident. Our Terrans were barbarians then, but their Empire was strong. While your Kirk was on this side, he met a Vulcan named Spock and somehow had a profound influence on him. Afterwards, Spock rose to Commander in Chief of the Empire by preaching reforms, disarmament, peace. It was quite a remarkable turnabout for his people. Unfortunately for them, when Spock had completed all these reforms, his empire was no longer in any position to defend itself against us.
Kira: Us?
Intendant: The Alliance. The historic coming together of the Klingons and the Cardassians.
Kira: And Bajor is part of this Alliance?
Intendant: We'd been under Terran occupation for decades. When we were freed, we petitioned for entry and were accepted. We have become quite an influential power within the Alliance. Is it similar at all on your side?
Kira: No. My Bajor is not so fortunate.
Intendant: I'd be very interested to hear more about it.
Kira: I can't stay here. You must see that.
Intendant: Well, you see, that's part of the problem. I don't know how to send you back. But, more than that, there is a certain protocol I'm supposed to follow.
Kira: I'm not sure what you mean.
Intendant: After the first crossover, we were afraid that others might come to interfere in our affairs. It was decided then that if it ever happened again, we would promptly dispose of anyone who appeared from your side.
Kira: I see.
Intendant: Unlike my First Officer, Mister Garak, I have no taste for violence. I regret using it even when it seems necessary.
Kira: I know exactly what you mean.
Intendant: You do, don't you?
Kira: I know you don't want to kill me and you're searching for a good reason not to.
Intendant: Got any ideas?
Kira: My side needs what you have. A strong Bajor. If you knew the struggles we've been through to rebuild our world. Who's to say you won't influence us this time?
Intendant: Me?
Kira: My side once changed the course of your history. Well, maybe this time your side can change mine. Maybe you can teach me what I need to become the leader of Bajor as you have.
Intendant: That appeals to me.
Kira: If I can find a way back.
Intendant: But I will have to kill your friend.
Kira: No. Don't. If you knew him. He's an arrogant Terran who's lived a privileged life on my side. Let him see how the other half lives.
Intendant: No, it's too dangerous. The Cardassians and the Klingons would never allow it.
Kira: Are you the leader of this sector or not?
Intendant: You know how to manipulate me.
Kira: I know how I'd feel in your place. I wouldn't give a damn what the Cardassians or the Klingons thought.
Intendant: You're right. I don't.
Intendant: Find this attractive young woman some quarters. Kira Nerys, I'll call for you later.
Odo: The Intendant informed me that you'd be inspecting the facilities. If there is anything I can explain?
Kira: No, I've worked in ore processing myself. Is my Terran friend behaving himself?
Odo: They all behave themselves when I'm in charge.
Kira: Good. Good. If you don't mind, I'll speak with him.
Kira: Are you all right?
Bashir: Learning a new trade. Do you have any idea what happened?
Kira: Have you ever hear of a Starfleet Captain named James Kirk?
Bashir: Kirk? Of course. The transporter accident. Read about it at the Academy. So that's where we are.
Kira: That's where we are.
Bashir: Is there another me here?
Kira: Not on this station. I haven't found Dax or Sisko.
Bashir: O'Brien's been tinkering around with the machines. Major, if Kirk got here using a transporter, do you think we can get back the same way?
Kira: I don't know anything about transporters, do you?
Bashir: No one knows more about transporters than Chief O'Brien.
Kira: Our Chief O'Brien. Who knows about theirs?
Bashir: It's worth a shot.
Kira: Talk to him. I'll try to see if I can find anyone else who might be willing to help.
Quark: You certainly are the splitting image of the Intendant, just as they said.
Kira: Hello, Quark.
Quark: You know my name.
Kira: Quark runs a bar on my side too.
Quark: Really? I hope I'm doing decent business. Got to be better than here. The Alliance taxs are killing me. What can I get you? The Intendant likes a hot jumja tea this time of day.
Kira: Well, I'm not her, but that does sound good.
Quark: Coming up. So, are we close friends on your side?
Kira: Yeah. As a matter of fact, we are. On my side, Quark does me a lot of favors.
Quark: Favors?
Kira: The Quark I know, well, he just has the ability to get things done when no one else can. You know what I mean? Sometimes he even gets things done behind the backs of the security people.
Quark: What kind of favors do you ask him for?
Kira: Oh, all sorts of favors, like getting me things I need.
Quark: Such as?
Kira: Well, for instance, a transporter for a few hours.
Quark: Didn't I hear somewhere that a transporter was involved in the first crossover?
Kira: That's right.
Quark: Do you have a way back to your side, Major? Under the right circumstances, I might be willing to help you get access to a transporter.
Kira: Look, Quark, I don't have a strip of gold-pressed latinum so don't even think about it.
Quark: Gold-pressed what?
Kira: What is it you want?
Quark: The ability to send others across to your side.
Kira: Others? What others?
Quark: That's not important.
Kira: Look, I can't open a revolving door to
Garak: Quark!
Quark: Mister Garak, what can I get you today? Drinks are always on the house for you.
Garak: You must come with us.
Quark: Is there a problem?
Garak: Yes. A slight problem. You've been helping Terrans escape from the station.
Quark: Me? I'm a simple barkeep, and a coward. I assure you I don't stick my neck out for anyone.
Garak: That's not what the Terran we caught this morning told us during his interrogation.
Quark: This is all a misunderstanding. I assure you
Garak: I shall miss him. He always let me win at dabo.
Sisko: Bartender!
Garak: He's just been arrested.
Sisko: Arrested? What a damned shame. Who wants a drink on the house?
Bashir: Here.
Bashir: Miles O'Brien. I know you on my side.
O'Brien: Yeah?
Bashir: Actually, we're best friends.
O'Brien: You and me?
Bashir: That's right.
O'Brien: What am I, some kind of doctor too?
Bashir: No, you're Chief of Operations of this station.
O'Brien: Me? Go on.
Bashir: It's true.
O'Brien: Chief of operations.
Bashir: Looks like you know your way around machines.
O'Brien: I know some things. What else is he like, this Chief of Operations.
Bashir: He's married, he has a five year old daughter, he's one of the most decent men I know. We've fought our way out of a few scrapes together. I admire him a great deal.
O'Brien: Sounds like he got the lucky draw between me and him.
Bashir: Have you ever done much work on transporters?
O'Brien: Me? Yeah, some. Why?
Bashir: The Chief O'Brien I know is an expert in transporter technology.
O'Brien: I wouldn't call myself an expert, but I know as much as any Terran.
Bashir: I hope that'll be enough
O'Brien: Enough for what?
Bashir: We think a that transporter will help us get back to our side.
O'Brien: What? You're filling me up with this stuff just to get me to help you, is that it?
Bashir: No, everything I've told you is the truth.
O'Brien: I don't know you. I'm not your friend. I'm not your friend.
Odo: Meal break is over. You're wanted in the bar.
O'Brien: Look, if I don't finish here
Odo: You're wanted in the bar by Mister Sisko.
Sisko: Yes. Look at this. Do you believe it? She called me all the way from the Fowla System to see you. Not only do you look like her, you have the same temper.
Kira: You and your friends don't seem like the other Terrans I've seen here.
Sisko: The Intendant has honored me with a ship and a crew. I honor her by collecting duties, of a sort, from vessels who pass in this direction.
Kira: And why do you deserve this special treatment?
Sisko: I suppose because I amuse her and she's not easily amused. And it seems that you amuse her too.
O'Brien: You wanted to see me, Mister Sisko?
Sisko: Hello, Smiley, how are you?
O'Brien: It's Miles, Mister Sisko.
Sisko: I don't like Miles. That's why I named you Smiley. Are they treating you okay, Smiley?
O'Brien: Just fine. What do you need?
Sisko: You don't like me, do you, Smiley?
O'Brien: Not really, Mister Sisko.
Sisko: And you're not afraid to show it, are you? I guess that's why I like you so much. My impulse driver coil isn't operational. Take care of it.
O'Brien: I've got a serious problem in ore processing that's got to be fixed or
Sisko: I don't care what's going on in ore processing. Fix my engine.
Intendant: Kira to Sisko.
Sisko: Go ahead.
Intendant: I'd like to discuss your recent mission. Would you please report to my quarters?
Intendant: There she is. Have you met my friend Benjamin Sisko, my dear? Tell us, is there another one of him on your side?
Kira: Yes, there is.
Intendant: Is he as loyal and true as mine?
Kira: He's a good man.
Intendant: I'm sorry he didn't come with you. Wouldn't that have been something, Benjamin? Two of you by my side.
Sisko: I need to check my ship.
Intendant: Benjamin! Did I hurt your feelings?
Sisko: I never had any to hurt, Intendant.
Intendant: Now, what is this I hear about you wanting a transporter?
Intendant: Quark mentioned something about it during his interrogation.
Kira: I did ask him about a transporter, that's true.
Intendant: But why?
Kira: You know I'm looking for a way back. A transporter was responsible for the first crossover.
Intendant: And if you had come to me, I would have told you all transporters were redesigned afterwards to make sure the same thing would never happen again. It won't work. So, why didn't you come to me?
Kira: You're very busy.
Intendant: You don't trust me.
Kira: I guess I am a little afraid of you.
Intendant: Then you fear yourself. I don't want your fear. I want your love. If you can't love me, who can? Don't be in such a hurry to go. I'm glad you're here. There is so much we can learn from one another.
Klingon: Intendant, Garak is here with the prisoner.
Intendant: Send him in.
Garak: He's made a complete confession and implicated two others, who have been arrested.
Intendant: Quark. I've always liked you, you know that.
Quark: I have nothing but respect for you, Intendant. I am so sorry.
Intendant: You did it because you felt sorry for these Terrans. You hate to see them suffer just as I do.
Quark: Yes, Intendant.
Intendant: But where would we be without them? Who would perform the labor for the Alliance? A quick death. Don't make him suffer any more.
Quark: No, Intendant, please. I made a mistake. Have mercy. Please. No.
Intendant: I've planned a party for us tonight. What shall we wear?
Garak: Lovely. I do admire a well-tailored gown.
Kira: What are you doing in my quarters, Garak?
Garak: She's never going to let you leave, you know. Can't you tell? She's in love.
Kira: What are you talking about? GARAK In love with you, my dear. She's all a-twitter about you, can't talk about anyone else. You're the perfect gift for the girl who has everything. She's taken you into her heart like a Drathan puppy lig left on her doorstep. Who else could she share her deepest secrets with, tell her troubles to, trust with her life?
Kira: All you have to do is take a look at the guard outside to see how much she trusts me.
Garak: I arranged the guard. Oh, she trusts you. As much as she trusts anyone. So who better to betray her?
Kira: You're taking quite a risk coming to me like this.
Garak: True career advancement requires risk. Consider my offer carefully, my dear. She'll never let you go. I will. If you want to leave, you'll assist me.
Kira: How?
Garak: By taking her place.
Kira: What?
Garak: Tomorrow morning, she will be gone.
Kira: Gone?
Garak: She will be gone. Please, don't make me use some foolish euphemism. You will assume her place as Intendant and announce that your counterpart from the other side has returned to wherever she came from. In a few weeks, you will step down to embark on some spiritual journey, to explore your pagh or whatever, and I will take your place as Intendant.
Kira: What about my friend?
Garak: The good Doctor, yes. He'll be taken off the station and treated to as much hospitality as we Cardassians can offer until you resign, and then you can be happily reunited. Oh, but I've made arrangements with his supervisor that if you should decide to decline my offer, tomorrow it will be your doctor friend who will be gone.
Kira: We've to get out of here tonight.
Bashir: Why? What's happened?
Kira: I don't have time to explain. Just watch your back. You're in danger.
Bashir: Why my back? What kind of danger?
Kira: We've got to find a way back to the runabout.
Bashir: And then where do we go? The Alliance controls the entire quadrant.
Kira: There's still a wormhole out there they don't know about. Now I'm not sure whether it'll get us back or not, all I know is we can't stay here any longer.
Bashir: How are we supposed to get by their security?
Kira: I'm trying to find some help.
Bashir: I've heard Quark's helped some Terrans escape.
Kira: It's too late for Quark. Stay alert. If our chance comes, there won't be much warning.
Kira: Sisko.
Sisko: Tell her I'm busy.
Kira: I have something important to tell you.
Sisko: I'm listening.
Kira: It's valuable information and I want something in exchange.
Sisko: You've gone into business for yourself, have you?
Kira: All I want is to get off this station. I want my runabout back.
Sisko: And you expect me to help you? She'll have my head. Or something else.
Kira: Not if you save her life.
Sisko: Her life?
Kira: Garak is planning to kill her. Tonight.
Sisko: That's it? That's the valuable information? Garak has been trying to kill her since the day he got here.
Kira: He wants me to take her place.
Sisko: Well, now, that's more creative than he usually gets. I wouldn't worry about it.
Kira: What kind of a man are you?
Sisko: You're disturbing my nap.
Kira: The Benjamin Sisko I know would never sell his soul and allow himself to become a part of this tyranny against his own people.
Sisko: Terrans don't have souls. We don't believe in them.
Kira: What do Terrans believe in? Raising their children to dig the ore out of the mines for the Alliance? I worked in mines too till I was old enough to start fighting for my freedom.
Sisko: What do you care about Terran's freedom?
Kira: I care about freedom. What I don't understand is why you don't care. Why the only one on this station I have met who seemed to give a damn was a Ferengi toad named Quark.
Sisko: You're looking in the wrong place for a hero, ma'am. I've made the best of a bad life for my crew. That's my contribution.
Kira: Yes, you charmed your way out of the mines but you and I both know you're no less a victim than anyone else here.
Garak: My dear, how breathtaking you look tonight. I do hope you'll save a dance for me later this evening.
Telok: After four years as a personal guard for the House of Duras, I was ready to do anything to get out of there. You never knew if Lursa and B'Etor were going to do
Telok: Clumsy fool. Stupid Terran pig!
Telok: What's wrong, Terran? Lost your nerve? Afraid to die today, eh?
Telok: Get out of my sight.
Musician: Intendant, what is your pleasure?
Intendant: Play something bright. I'm in a happy mood.
Odo: You're not accustomed to this workload, are you, Doctor? You have much to learn. It's a shame this is going to be your last night on the job.
Odo: Engineering, we have a thorium leak down here! Release the security locks!
Telok: Establish security fields on the levels above and below. Station guards at all turbolifts.
Klingon: You men come with me.
Bashir: O'Brien? You've got to help me.
O'Brien: I don't see you. You're not here. I'm just trying to seal this thorium leak.
Bashir: Look, I don't know my way around these conduits but you do. My O'Brien does. Just tell me where the runabout pads are. I know you, Miles O'Brien. Somewhere inside of you is a shred of decency. There has to be.
O'Brien: I am a decent man. I just, I just. You don't understand. I can't help you. I can't. They'll kill me.
Bashir: You're already dead. I'm sorry you don't see that. The life inside every human being here, every Terran, died here a long time ago.
O'Brien: That's not the right way. Just tell me one thing. Is there any room over there on your side for me?
Bashir: You want us to take you with us?
O'Brien: I've no reason to stay here.
Bashir: Starfleet would probably have a big problem with that. To hell with them. Let's go.
Telok: Stop right there.
Telok: Intendant. The new Terran killed the shape-shifter and O'Brien tried to help him escape.
Intendant: This is my fault for listening to you, for keeping him alive in the first place. I know very little about where you come from but from what I've heard, I think your kind has a lot to learn.
Bashir: We've got a lot to learn? What a laugh.
Intendant: Quiet. On this side, Terran workers do not speak to their superiors as you do. They certainly do not murder them. He was the only one of his kind, the man you killed. Do you realize that? He's irreplaceable. No one ran that operation as efficiently as he did. No one kept order among the workers as he did. This is my reward for treating you Terrans with the least bit of respect. Very well. I can learn from my mistakes. You want to set an example, Garak? Use him. Set an example for all Terrans. Let him die slowly in public view on the Promenade. Let his pleads for mercy echo through the corridors for all Terrans to hear.
Kira: Intendant.
Intendant: Another word from you and you will die right beside him. And you, O'Brien, you tinkerer and putterer and fixer of broken things, you've been a perfect theta for years. What could have possibly gotten into you. What were you thinking?
O'Brien: Do you want an answer, Intendant?
Intendant: Yes!
O'Brien: This man. This man is a doctor where he comes from. And there's an O'Brien there just like me, except he's some kind of high up Chief of Operations. They're Terrans. Can you believe that? Maybe it's a fairy tale he made up, but it made me start thinking how each of us might have turned out if history had been just a little different. I wanted him to take me with him because whatever it's like where he's from, it's got to be better than this. There's got to be something better than this.
Intendant: Not for you, Mister O'Brien. Oh, he's going to be taking you with him. Just not exactly where you thought he would be taking you.
Sisko: No. I don't think so.
Intendant: Have you lost your mind?
Sisko: No. I didn't lose it, I just changed it.
Kira: She's never going to let you get away. She'll track you down no matter how long it takes.
Bashir: You may want to consider trying to follow us back to our side.
Sisko: I've got the feeling I may not fit in very well over there. We'll stay one step ahead of the law, don't worry about us. Maybe we can stir up some things on this side.
Bashir: You're still welcome to come with us.
O'Brien: I might have something to stay for now, if you have room on your ship for me, Mister Sisko.
Sisko: I can always use a good tinkerer and putterer. You're with me, Smiley.
Kira: Good luck. Thank you.
Sisko: Come on.
Kira: Disengage the docking clamps.
Bashir: Confirmed.
Kira: Firing thrusters.
Bashir: Thrusters engaged.
Kira: Taking us straight to impulse.
Bashir: Impulse engines online.
Kira: Forty five seconds to wormhole.
Bashir: I'm still reading up a plasma injector leak from the warp core.
Kira: I'm just hoping that leak gets us back where we came from. I'm matching speeds and attitude with our last time through.
Bashir: Klingon cruiser approaching.
Bashir: Shields are down to sixty percent.
Bashir: Forty.
Kira: Ten seconds to the wormhole.
Bashir: We're hit!
Kira: Hold on!
Sisko: Anything?
Dax: The search vessels picked up their warp signature traces. There was also an indication of a plasma leak.
Sisko: But no wreckage.
Dax: Nothing.
O'Brien: Reading elevated neutrinos. Something's coming through the wormhole. I can't believe it. It's them!
Dax: Benjamin, they're showing damage to their deflector grids.
Sisko: Put them on the screen, Mister O'Brien. We've got ships out from here to New Bajor looking for you. Where have you been?
Kira: Through the looking glass, Commander. It's good to be back.


Bareil: Nerys?
Kira: Vedek Bareil. Want to play?
Bareil: Help me. Please.
Kira: All right.
Kira: Who is it?
Bareil: It's Prylar Bek.
Kira: No, it's not. It's you.
Kira: Good morning.
Bareil: I thought you'd sleep till noon.
Kira: Shh. You're supposed to be relaxing.
Bareil: Oh, I'm very relaxd.
Kira: Good.
Bareil: How are you feeling this morning?
Kira: Miserable. I wish you could stay here longer.
Bareil: All right, I will. I'll stay a few more days.
Kira: You know you can't do that.
Bareil: Why not?
Kira: Because in two days, you are going to be elected Kai.
Bareil: Oh, that. You know there's no guarantee I'm going to win.
Kira: Course you're going to win. The people need you.
Bareil: Are you going to vote for me?
Kira: Is that why you spent the past three days here? To get my vote?
Bareil: Well, I know you don't agree with many of my views. So I thought a personal appearance might sway your opinion.
Kira: I was going to vote for Vedek Tolena. But I might be persuaded to change my mind.
Bareil: Good. Because your vote is the only one that matters to me.
Kira: I may not always agree with your interpretations of the prophecies, but I think you will make a wonderful Kai. Besides, everyone knows you were Kai Opaka's personal choice to succeed her.
Bareil: I could never replace Opaka. Bajor wouldn't have survived the occupation without her.
Kira: Once you become Kai, we'll never have these times together.
Bareil: Listen to me. No matter how busy I become, I'll always have time for you.
Kira: It won't be easy.
Bareil: I didn't say it would be. I'm not going to lose you, Nerys. I promise you that.
Winn: Remember now, honor the Prophets and they will always love you.
Bareil: As I understand the Sacred Texts, the Prophets' love is unconditional. They ask nothing in return.
Winn: Thank you, Vedek Bareil, for reminding us how the Sacred Texts can be easily misinterpreted.
Bareil: Nothing pleases me more than providing you with an opposing viewpoint, Vedek Winn.
Winn: Somehow you never fail to do that. I had no idea you were on the station, but perhaps I shouldn't be so surprised.
Bareil: Oh, I wouldn't even try to surprise you. I understand you've been keeping a close eye on my activities these last few weeks.
Winn: The eyes of all of Bajor are focused on you, Bareil. Why should I be any different? After all, the common wisdom is that you are destined to be the next Kai.
Kira: Was that a concession speech?
Winn: Hardly. The choosing is still two days away. The Prophets may yet surprise us all. Remember that, Bareil. I would hate for you to start celebrating prematurely.
Kira: What brings you to the station, Vedek Winn?
Winn: My child, if I thought the Prophets wanted you to know the purpose of my visit, I would have informed you of it in advance.
Kira: Now that I know that you're here, I'll be sure to inform Constable Odo to increase station security.
Winn: That won't be necessary. I feel quite safe here.
Kira: No, it wasn't your safety that concerned me.
Winn: Just what are you trying to infer, child?
Bareil: I'm sure Major Kira meant no disrespect.
Kira: No, not at all. I just want to avoid the violence that occurred during your last visit.
Winn: My child, I know you still hold me responsible for the deplorable attempt on Vedek Bareil's life, but I can only pray that someday you will be cured of this unfortunate misconception.
Kira: Well, that's one prayer that'll never be answered.
Winn: What a pity, for both of us.
Eblan: Excuse me.
Eblan: Excuse me, don't I know you?
Kubus: You must be mistaken.
Eblan: No, no, I've seen you before. You're Kubus. That's it. Kubus Oak. You worked for the Cardassians.
Kubus: Out of my way.
Eblan: You wait a minute. You're not going anywhere. I know who you are and I know what you did. You're a traitor! This is Kubus Oak! He's a traitor. He worked for the Cardassians.
Odo: What's going on here?
Eblan: See for yourself.
Odo: Secretary Kubus. Last I heard, you were living on Cardassia.
Kubus: I decided it was time to come home.
Odo: Welcome back. You're under arrest.
Winn: The Prophets have spoken. All blessings on the new Kai.
Crowd: Blessings on the Kai. May the Prophets guide you.
Bareil: Kai Opaka.
Opaka: Be at peace, my child. You must be strong. Now more than ever.
Bareil: Why did you leave us?
Opaka: All is as the Prophets will it to be. As you will learn. Follow me.
Winn: Be careful, Bareil. The path she walks is a narrow one. See that you don't stumble.
Opaka: Heed her words.
Bareil: I don't deserve to walk in your path.
Opaka: You must. It is your destiny.
Bareil: Prylar Bek?
Bek: Accept this gift from the Prophets.
Opaka: You must not refuse their offering. Take it, my child. Its venom will make you stronger.
Odo: There was quite a mob gathering out there. I had to call in extra security to disperse it.
Kubus: I never doubted your ability to handle the situation, Odo. You always were good at your job.
Odo: I could say the same for you. Secretary Kubus, special liaison between the Cardassian occupation forces and their pawns in the Bajoran government.
Kubus: I served the only recognized government on Bajor during the occupation.
Odo: Recognized by the Cardassians.
Kubus: If it wasn't for us, the situation on Bajor would have been ten times worse than it was.
Odo: Maybe. But I don't see how you could know that seeing that you spent nearly all your time here on the station. I remember Gul Dukat telling me once that you were his favorite Bajoran.
Kubus: Really? I never could stand that arrogant tyrant.
Odo: You hid your feelings well.
Kubus: It kept me alive. Bajor is my home. I never should have left it.
Kira: But you did. And you're going to have to live with that decision.
Odo: This is Major Kira, the highest-ranking Bajoran on the station.
Kubus: Then I suppose you're the one I should be talking to.
Kira: Make it brief. I don't enjoy talking to collaborators.
Kubus: I'm not asking you to like me. I'm simply requesting that I be allowed to return home.
Kira: Your request is denied.
Kubus: I doubt if you have the authority to make that decision.
Kira: The decision has already been made. In the Ilvian Proclamation, every Bajorans who was a members of the Cardassian occupational government was sentenced to exile. Your name was number four on that list. Personally, I think you all got off too easy.
Kubus: Major, I'm an old man. I don't have many years left. What's the harm of letting me live them out on Bajor?
Kira: When the Cardassians needed a new group of Bajorans to work in the mines, who approved the work orders?
Kubus: The Bajoran Government.
Kira: Whose signature was on those authorisation forms?
Kubus: Mine.
Kira: You had to know that those authorisations were death sentences. Did you ever once refuse to sign them?
Kubus: No.
Kira: And that's why you can never be allowed to set foot on Bajor again. Because if you do, it would dishonor the memory of every person you sentenced to death.
Sisko: Vedek Winn. What can I do for you?
Winn: Emissary, it has recently come to my attention that there are some on Bajor who believe my relationship with you is not all it should be.
Sisko: Really?
Winn: Personally, I find such a perception, however inaccurate, to be most distressing.
Sisko: I suppose the question we have to ask ourselves is whether or not that perception is inaccurate.
Winn: Don't tell me that you, yourself, Emissary, believe you and I are, how shall I put this
Sisko: Enemies?
Winn: At odds.
Sisko: Well, let's see. How could I have come to such a conclusion? Maybe it has something to do with the fact that the last time you were here at this station, you claimed that I was a danger to Bajor. That I was here to destroy your people.
Winn: What I was really saying, what I have always maintained is that you, Emissary, were sent here by the Prophets to challenge our long-held beliefs.
Sisko: Am I correct in assuming that you no longer consider the Federation to be an enemy to Bajor?
Winn: Emissary, I admit I had some concerns about Bajor's application for Federation membership. But now, I see that the Federation's presence here is essential for our long-term security and growth.
Sisko: Then you support the notion of Bajor joining the Federation?
Winn: If that is the will of the Prophets, I would never oppose it.
Sisko: I'm glad you said that. And I would be grateful if you would tell it to the Bajoran people.
Winn: Nothing could make me happier than to please you, Emissary. Perhaps you and I could address the Vedek Assembly together so everyone can celebrate our new friendship.
Sisko: An excellent idea. Perhaps some time next week.
Winn: Why wait, Emissary? I'm sure the Assembly would grant us an immediate audience.
Sisko: I'm sure they would. Unfortunately, if we were to appear together in public before the Choosing, it might be misconstrued as an endorsement of your bid to become the Kai.
Winn: Oh, I doubt that, Emissary. It's common knowledge that you support Vedek Bareil. Although I have been pleasantly surprised that you haven't made any public statement to that effect.
Sisko: The election of the Kai is strictly an internal affair to Bajor. As a Federation officer, I would never interfere.
Winn: What an enlightened philosophy.
Sisko: So, then, it's agreed. I'll be seeing you sometime next week.
Winn: I look forward to it.
Odo: Odo to Major Kira.
Kira: This is Kira.
Odo: Sorry to disturb you, Major
Odo: But I thought you should know that Secretary Kubus is about to leave for Bajor.
Kira: How can that be?
Odo: Vedek Winn has granted him sanctuary.
Kira: I'll be right there.
Kira: Kira to Ops.
Dax: Go ahead.
Kira: Dax, has Winn's ship left the station?
Dax: Not yet.
Dax: I was about to clear them for departure.
Kira: Keep those docking clamps locked on. I don't want that ship going anywhere until I say so.
Dax: Understood.
Kira: Tell me what happened.
Odo: Kubus requested a private meeting with Vedek Winn. They talked for ten minutes, after which Winn asked for the use of my computer. She accessed some information from the library system.
Kira: And?
Odo: And then she called the Provisional Government and informed them she was granting Kubus sanctuary.
Kira: Do you know what she looked up?
Odo: I'm trying to find that out right now. Ah.
Kira: That's Prylar Bek. Now why would Winn be interested in another Bajoran collaborator?
Odo: I'm not sure, but Bek and Kubus did know each other. Bek was the liaison between the Cardassians and the Vedek Assembly at the same time that Kubus was Secretary to the occupational government. They spent a lot of time together on the station.
Kira: Hold on a minute. See if Winn accessed any information on the Kendra Valley massacre.
Odo: You're right, she did. Do you think Kubus told her something new about the massacre?
Kira: What else is there to know? Kai Opaka's son and forty two other Bajoran freedom fighters were ambushed and killed because Bek gave the Cardassians the location of their encampment. He made a full confession in his suicide note. Well, you were here then. You must have read it.
Winn: Major Kira. May I speak to you please?
Kira: Of course.
Winn: I was told you were the one who stopped my ship from leaving.
Kira: Yes, I did. You know, you're the last person I would expect to help a collaborator like Kubus. Unless, of course, he has something you need.
Winn: My needs are no concern of yours, child. Now I suggest you allow my ship to depart immediately.
Kira: Oh, you're free to leave any time you like. Unfortunately, in light of public feelings about Kubus, I can't allow any ship with him on board to leave the station until it's undergone a thorough security check to prevent sabotage, and that includes a molecular scan for nanotechnology.
Winn: And how long would such a scan take?
Kira: Oh, I'm no expert, but I'm sure it could take days. Even weeks.
Winn: Very well. It seems the Prophets have decided you will have a part in this after all. In exchange for sanctuary, Kubus has agreed to provide the name of the man responsible for the massacre at Kendra Valley.
Kira: Prylar Bek was responsible for the massacre. Everyone knows that.
Winn: Bek was a pawn, an intermediary. He killed himself to prevent the diskovery of the real traitor.
Kira: The real traitor?
Winn: Bek's superior. The person who ordered him to reveal the location of the rebel base to the Cardassians. The man who was truly responsible for the massacre, Vedek Bareil.
Kira: Do you really think I'm going to let you get away with this? You know, no one's going to believe the word of a convicted traitor like Kubus.
Winn: I never said I believed him. I'm only trying to protect the spiritual life of Bajor.
Kira: Don't flatter yourself. You're trying to grab power, nothing more.
Winn: My child, do you want to risk the consequences of having a collaborator as the next Kai?
Kira: He is not a collaborator.
Winn: That's yet to be determined. But if he is chosen and turns out to be guilty, the ramifications for Bajor would be catastrophic. It would shatter faith in the authority of the Kai, and without a strong Kai Bajor cannot survive.
Kira: You can't condemn Bareil without proof.
Winn: I don't intend to. I was planning to conduct a quiet investigation when I returned to Bajor. But I didn't know whom to trust with such a delicate assignment, until now.
Kira: You want me to do your dirty work for you.
Winn: All I care about is the truth. And I believe the Prophets have chosen you to help me find it.
Kira: I'll find the truth, don't worry about that, but I want you to keep Kubus's accusations from becoming public until I have a chance to prove Bareil's innocence.
Winn: You have my word. Let the Prophets be my witness. But if you diskover proof that he's guilty?
Kira: Whatever I find out, I will share with you.
Winn: Then it's decided. Oh, and child, one last thing. I know you're under a terrible strain, but if you're wise, you will never speak to me with such disrespect again.
Kira: Were you aware at the time that Prylar Bek was a collaborator?
Kubus: He wasn't a collaborator, he was only a messenger between the Cardassians and the Vedek Assembly. At the time I could see in the weeks prior to the massacre that something was bothering him. He was tense and nervous and he was in constant communication with the Vedek Assembly.
Kira: Do you know who?
Kubus: Not at the time, but the day after the incident, Vedek Bareil came to visit him on the station.
Kira: Did you see them together?
Kubus: I saw Bareil enter Bek's quarters, which were in the same section as mine. He was in there for a couple of hours and at times I could hear shouting through the bulkhead.
Winn: Did you hear what they were saying?
Kubus: No, but I saw Bareil when he left the station. He was upset. In the morning, Bek hung himself.
Kira: This is all the evidence you have?
Kubus: Well isn't that enough? Bek was obviously working with Bareil and when he realized the enormity of what he'd done, he must've wanted to confess. Bareil wouldn't allow it, so Bek took the only way out he had.
Kira: That's a fascinating story but it is pure conjecture. There have to be a dozen explanations for why Bareil came to see Bek.
Winn: And it's up to you to find out which of those explanations is true.
Bareil: What exactly is it you're asking me, Nerys?
Kira: I guess I'm asking whether or not you came to the station to see Bek that day.
Bareil: I visited Bek, yes. That hardly makes me a collaborator.
Kira: I know that. It's Vedek Winn who needs convincing.
Bareil: Poor Winn. Her desire to become Kai has clouded her judgment.
Kira: I wouldn't take her lightly, if I were you. She is determined to ruin you.
Bareil: Believe me when I tell you there's no reason to worry. I had nothing to do with the massacre and Winn will never be able to prove otherwise.
Kira: All right. But I still need to know why you came to the station.
Bareil: Bek was a deeply troubled man seeking spiritual guidance. His guilt at betraying the Kendra Valley base was overwhelming. He called me for help. I came as soon as I could. I only wish I could have done more for him.
Kira: What did he tell you about the massacre?
Bareil: Nerys, you have to understand, he was a monk speaking in confidence to his Vedek. I cannot betray that trust.
Kira: I understand. Is there anything else you think I should know about Bek, about the massacre?
Bareil: Nothing that will satisfy Winn.
Kira: All right, I'll keep looking. But one way or another, I am going to prove to Winn that you are innocent.
Bareil: Thank you, Nerys.
Odo: Ha. Just as I thought. When the Cardassians left, they purged all records of communication between the station and Bajor.
Kira: Then we'll just have to get the information from the other end.
Odo: I'll establish a computer link with the Bajoran Central Archives. That way I can access the files of the Vedek Assembly. Are you all right?
Kira: I'm fine.
Odo: You don't seem fine.
Kira: It's nothing.
Odo: If you say so.
Kira: He says he's not guilty. I know he's not guilty.
Odo: But you're afraid he's guilty.
Kira: I love him, Odo.
Odo: Really? Well, I, er.
Kira: What?
Odo: I was just wondering when you were going to figure that out. You humanoids. When it comes to emotional attachments, you never see the obvious. I'm into the Vedek Assembly files.
Kira: Can you retrieve the communications records between the station and the Assembly?
Odo: I'll need a time frame.
Kira: Try the week leading up to the Kendra Massacre.
Odo: That's odd.
Kira: What?
Odo: All the communications records between the Assembly members and Bek for that week have been sealed.
Kira: Sealed? By who?
Odo: It doesn't say. It just indicates a security seal.
Kira: In the Assembly records? Who has that kind of authority?
Odo: Only a Vedek.
Quark: One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten.
Quark: Okay, okay. Eleven? Fine. Twelve, thirteen, fourteen. And not a strip more.
Quark: I hate payday.
Odo: Ahem.
Quark: Whatever she told you, I didn't do it.
Odo: Relax, Quark. No one's accusing you of anything.
Quark: The day's still young.
Kira: Don't be so defensive.
Quark: I can't help it. Between the two of you, I'm developing a persecution complex.
Kira: I'm sorry to hear that.
Quark: All right, what's going on? You want something from me, don't you?
Kira: How'd you guess?
Odo: It's simple. We've been here more that a minute and we haven't insulted him, threatened him or arrested him.
Quark: Exactly. So what is it and how much trouble is it going to cause me?
Kira: No trouble at all. We just need you to bypass a security seal.
Quark: Isn't that illegal?
Odo: Oh, spare us.
Kira: Quark, this is important. We need access to certain communication files in the Vedek Assembly records.
Quark: Perfect. Not only is it illegal, it's sacrilegious.
Kira: I'm sure the Prophets won't mind just this once.
Quark: Okay, but I'm going to have to have written authorisation from you, countersigned by Commander
Odo: Just do it, Quark.
Quark: Sure, and then when things go wrong, I take the fall.
Kira: Nothing is going to go wrong.
Quark: That's what you think, But I happen to be a firm believer in Rule of Acquisition number two hundred and eighty five. No good deed ever goes unpunished.
Odo: You can access the Vedek Assembly's records through the Bajoran Central Archives.
Quark: Of course I can, if I wanted to barge in like some rank amateur. This is going to take a little while. I'll let you know when I'm done.
Odo: It happened right about here. Bek hanged himself in front of dozens of witnesses. It caused quite a stir.
Kira: At least he had the decency to feel guilty about what he'd done.
Odo: Strange. Bek and I were passing acquaintances here on the station. From what little I knew about him, I always thought he was a good man.
Kira: A good man does not betray his own people.
Odo: The one thing I've learned about humanoids is that in extreme situations even the best of you are capable of doing terrible things.
Quark: Hey, hey, Odo. The good news is I broke through the security seal. The bad news is the file's empty. All the messages have been erased.
O'Brien: They're erased, all right.
Kira: Is there anything you can do about it?
O'Brien: I could scan the empty file for traces of recurring data fragments. There's always a faint residue of the original data, if you know where to look. But to unscramble those fragments so they form a coherent pattern could take a while.
Kira: So what you're telling me is we're never going to retrieve that information.
O'Brien: Not in time to do you any good. But hold on a second. Let me see something. I may not be able to get you the data, but I might be able to find out who erased it. Their retinal scan would've been noted by the authorisation subroutine when they logged on.
Kira: But wouldn't the scans have been erased, too?
O'Brien: Sure, but even a fragment of the retinal scan might be enough to identify the user. Here, I'll run a sweep of the authorisation subroutine, see if we can find anything. Okay, these are mathematical representations of fragments of the retinal scan. We can use them to reassemble a portion of the original image. Not bad. Now we'll cross-reference it with the Assembly's main archive. See if we can find out who it is. I think we've got something.
Vedeks: Blessings on Kai Bareil.
Bek: You. I trusted you. I needed you. And you let me die.
Winn: You will be rewarded.
Kira: Accept this gift from the Prophets.
Opaka: May the Prophets comfort you, my child. May they comfort us all.
Bareil: Come in. Nerys.
Kira: Did you really believe I wouldn't learn the truth?
Bareil: The truth is not always easy to recognize.
Kira: I recognize it now and I don't like what I see. Why did you do it? Why did you erase those transmission records?
Bareil: Don't make me do this.
Kira: I don't have any choice. Winn is waiting to hear from me. Do you really want me to tell her that you ordered Bek to give the Cardassians the location of that resistance base? That you are responsible for the deaths of those forty three people? That you killed Kai Opaka's son?
Bareil: The Cardassians were determined to eliminate all resistance in the Kendra Valley. If someone hadn't told them the location of that base, they would've wiped out every village in the area. That would have meant the death of twelve hundred innocent Bajorans. I could not allow that.
Kira: There had to have been another way. I believed in you. I defended you. And Winn was right all along. And now she's going to destroy you.
Bareil: No. I've destroyed myself.
Kira: What's our status?
O'Brien: Everything's under control.
Dax: You received a subspace transmission from Vedek Winn. She seemed anxious to talk to you.
Kira: Open a channel to the Vedek Assembly. Put it on monitor seven. I might as well get this over with.
Winn: I was wondering when you'd contact me, child.
Kira: I was waiting to I complete my investigation.
Winn: I must congratulate you on a job well done. I knew the Prophets were right in picking you to assist me.
Kira: You sound like you already know what I'm going to tell you.
Winn: Oh, but I do. Bareil just made a surprise announcement to the Vedek Assembly. He's withdrawn himself from the Choosing. He no longer wishes to be the next Kai. I know this is painful for you, child, but you've done a great service for all of Bajor. Whoever is chosen tomorrow as the new Kai will owe you a debt of gratitude. May the Prophets guide you.
Dax: Are you all right?
Kira: It doesn't make sense. Vedek Bareil's an honorable man. He wouldn't hide from the consequences of his actions by covering them up. I'm missing something. Chief, I need to get back into the Vedek Assembly archives.
O'Brien: Yes, sir.
Kira: Kai Winn.
Winn: Your pagh is strong, my child. Be at peace. In time you will learn I am not your enemy.
Kira: I hope that's true.
Winn: I know you do. Oh, and tell Commander Sisko I must postpone appearing with him before the Assembly. At least for now.
Bareil: Nerys? I didn't expect to see you here.
Kira: You forgot to erase the transit files.
Bareil: I'm not sure I understand what you mean.
Kira: Oh, you did a wonderful job erasing the transmission records, but you forgot all about the transit files. The files that prove you weren't a collaborator.
Bareil: It's over. Let it rest. The people have chosen Winn.
Kira: Only because you withdrew and you didn't have to. The transit reports clearly show you were on a personal retreat at the Dakeen monastery during the week leading up to the massacre. I checked the Dakeen transmission reports. You had contact with no one except one transmission after the massacre, ordering you back to the Vedek Assembly.
Bareil: That's enough.
Kira: No, it is not enough. There is no way you ordered Bek to reveal the location of the Kendra Valley encampment. You were covering up for someone else. Someone who meant more to you than me. More to you even than becoming Kai.
Bareil: Please, Nerys. Don't.
Kira: Why not? It's the truth, isn't it? Who else meant that much to you? It had to be Kai Opaka. Opaka knew where the resistance cell was located because her son was a member. She was the collaborator, wasn't she?
Bareil: She sacrificed her own son to save a thousand people. I had to protect her.
Kira: So instead of you, we have Winn to lead us.
Bareil: It is the will of the Prophets.
Kira: The question is, where will she lead us?
Bareil: Down paths she cannot possibly imagine. She's going to need our help along the way, even if she doesn't realize it yet.
Kira: And what happens to us?
Bareil: What do you want to happen?
Kira: Let's go pay our respects to the new Kai.


O'Brien: And I've downloaded the new docking procedure checklist for bay six into the BayProd D nine file. That's the only bay that's using the new criteria.
Dax: Got it.
O'Brien: And be sure to monitor the power fluctuations in the secondary fusion core. It's got some little kinks in there I don't like the look of.
Dax: I will care for the secondary fusion core like it was my own child.
O'Brien: As soon as I get back I'm going to run a full diagnostic to be sure
Kira: Chief, we are perfectly capable of running this place by ourselves for a week.
O'Brien: Well, if you have any problems you can reach me on subspace.
Kira: Would you please go on vacation and get out of our hair?
Dax: Miles?
O'Brien: Yes?
Dax: Have a good time.
O'Brien: Oh right. Thanks. I feel relaxd already.
Sisko: Is he gone?
Kira: Finally.
Sisko: Good. He's been driving me crazy all day. You'd think that I was
O'Brien: Commander. I forgot to tell you. I added a new subroutine to the environmental control in the habitat ring.
Sisko: Chief O'Brien
O'Brien: Yes, sir?
Sisko: You're on leave. Please disembark the station.
O'Brien: Aye, sir.
O'Brien: Boone? O'Brien. Miles O'Brien. We served together on the Rutledge.
Boone: Of course. O'Brien. It's been a long time. How're you doing?
O'Brien: I'm fine, just fine. I work on this station now. Chief engineer.
Boone: Is that a fact.
O'Brien: How long you been out of Starfleet?
Boone: Oh, about eight years now. I settled on Volan Three.
O'Brien: Well, that's on the Cardassian side of the Demilitarized zone, isn't it?
Boone: Yes, the new treaty really puts us in harm's way, but I run a ladarium mining sluice. As long as the Cardassians need ladarium for their warp drives, they leave me alone.
O'Brien: After what we went through in the border wars, I don't know how you can live there. You were there at Setlik Three?
Boone: That's what got me out of Starfleet.
O'Brien: Really? That's why I stayed in. Listen, my wife is waiting me at a runabout and she hates it when I'm late, and I always am.
Boone: I'm coming back for another supply pickup in a month or two.
O'Brien: Okay, let me know when.
O'Brien: O'Brien. Miles O'Brien. We served together on the Rutledge.
Keiko: Miles.
O'Brien: Huh?
Keiko: Didn't you bring the holocam?
O'Brien: Was I supposed to?
Keiko: You said you were going to.
O'Brien: Did I?
Keiko: Last night, when we were going over the list in bed.
O'Brien: Not me. I was dead as soon as my head hit the pillow.
Keiko: You talked to me for a half hour.
O'Brien: No, there must have been someone else in bed with us.
Keiko: What's this?
O'Brien: Oh, just some new technical update manuals.
Keiko: Our first vacation in five years and you brought technical update manuals?
O'Brien: Yeah, maybe we should've brought Molly with us. Do you think she'll be okay with the Petersons?
Keiko: She likes the Petersons more than she likes us. She's fine.
O'Brien: We could swing back, pick up the holocam and Molly, and still only lose half a day.
O'Brien: Or we could pick up the holocam when we get there.
Keiko: How many did you bring?
O'Brien: What?
Keiko: Tech update manuals.
O'Brien: Just a few. Computer, play something by Minezaki.
Keiko: Do these chairs recline?
O'Brien: I wish they did.
Keiko: You're an engineer. Do something about it. I'll make it worth your while.
Computer: Vessel approaching bearing one nine one mark six.
O'Brien: Identify.
Computer: Cardassian patrol ship, Hideki Class.
O'Brien: Shields up. Try to send an emergency subspace signal to the station.
Keiko: I can't. They're jamming all subspace frequencies.
O'Brien: They're hailing us. This is Miles O'Brien of Starbase Deep Space Nine. State your business.
Gul Evek: Mister O'Brien, we've spoken before. My name is Evek. Shut down your drive and come to a full stop. We're beaming an inspection team aboard.
O'Brien: We're nowhere near the Cardassian border. You've no authority here.
Gul Evek: We'll argue about authority later. Now, you will either comply, or we will take preemptive action.
Computer: Warning. Sensors are reading photo lock-on activation.
Gul Evek: You have ten seconds.
O'Brien: Don't worry. We haven't done anything.
Gul Evek: Thank you for your cooperation. I have orders to arrest you, Mister O'Brien.
Keiko: Arrest?
Gul Evek: Search the ship.
O'Brien: What are the charges?
Gul Evek: You have the right to refuse to answer questions, but such refusal may be construed as a sign of guilt.
O'Brien: I demand to know what I'm being accused of.
Gul Evek: You deny all knowledge of this crime then?
O'Brien: How the hell am I supposed to deny something when I don't know what you're talking about?
Gul Evek: So you do not deny all knowledge.
Keiko: We are Federation citizens and we have rights.
Gul Evek: Yes, yes. All your rights as defined by Cardassian Articles of Jurisprudence will be protected.
O'Brien: I demand to speak to my Commander.
Gul Evek: We will contact your Commander and see that your wife is returned safely to your station. You will be taken to Central prison on Cardassia Prime to await trial.
O'Brien: I'm not going anywhere with you.
Keiko: Miles! Miles! No!
Keiko: Miles! Miles!
Cardassian: Look to the children. They are the future of Cardassia and they will lead the way. Invest in their minds. Teach them carefully.
Cardassian: Remove your clothes.
O'Brien: My name is Miles O'Brien. My rank, Chief of Operations, Starfleet. I'm a Federation citizen.
Cardassian: Remove your clothes.
O'Brien: My name is Miles O'Brien. My rank is Chief of Operations, Starfleet. I'm a Federation citizen.
Cardassian: Would you care to make a confession?
O'Brien: My name is Miles O'Brien. My rank is Chief of Operations, Starfleet. I am a citizen of the Federation.
Cardassian: Process him. (O'Brien is held down while a laser is shone into his eye. His ID number 41302 comes up on a monitor. He's dragged to a metal chair, hits one of the guards but is slammed back and drugged. The chair tilts to lie him down.)
O'Brien: My name is Miles O'Brien. My rank is Chief of Operations
Makbar: Has he been processed?
Cardassian: He has.
Makbar: You were told he was not to be harmed.
Cardassian: He had to be restrained. Bring him his clothing.
Makbar: I apologize for the way you've been treated, Mister O'Brien. I am Makbar, Chief Archon. I want your stay here to be as comfortable as possible under the circumstances. I've scheduled your trial to begin in two days. You've been assigned the Venerable Kovat as Public Conservator.
O'Brien: As what?
Makbar: Your lawyer. Many feel that he's the best counsel in all Cardassia.
O'Brien: What do I need a lawyer for? What am I charged with? Who's accusing me?
Makbar: All in good time, Mister O'Brien. All in good time
Sisko: Starfleet has ordered the Enterprise, the Prokofiev and the Valdemar to the border of the Demilitarized zone. Hopefully, when the Cardassians see that they are risking the entire treaty over this
Keiko: In the meantime, my husband is being violated by them. Every shred of his humanity is being violated. Isn't that true?
Sisko: We don't know exactly what
Keiko: Damn it, don't lie to me! They're torturing him as we sit here.
Odo: It is standard procedure for the Cardassians to use torture in their interrogations. You are correct, Mrs O'Brien.
Keiko: You don't know how many times Miles spoke to me about this, what the Cardassians did to the prisoners they took at Setlik Three, what they were like when they came back. The thought of it, it disgusted him, it scared him. We can't leave him there.
Sisko: We don't even know where he's being held on Cardassia Prime.
Sisko: Keiko, I promise you as soon as we have more information, I'll do everything in my power to
Kira: Commander, you have a subspace transmission from Cardassia Prime.
Sisko: On screen. I'm Benjamin Sisko, Commander of Deep Space Nine.
Makbar: My name is Makbar. I am the Archon representing the Cardassian Empire in its case against Miles O'Brien.
Sisko: May I speak with him?
Makbar: That is not possible.
Sisko: May I see him?
Makbar: Commander
Sisko: May I be assured that he is well and being treated properly?
Makbar: Mister O'Brien is being treated with great care and respect.
Sisko: Good. Because if he is not, I will hold you personally responsible. And if that sounds like a threat, it is.
Makbar: Gul Dukat's told me about you. You live up to your reputation, Commander.
Sisko: That's right. I do. Now, what are the charges against Chief O'Brien?
Makbar: The charges will be announced when the trial begins, as is customary in Cardassian jurisprudence.
Keiko: How can we prepare for the trial if we don't know the charges?
Makbar: Mrs O'Brien, I take it?
Keiko: Yes.
Makbar: Mrs O'Brien, there's nothing for you to prepare. Your husband's verdict has already been determined. He is guilty. The trial will reveal how this guilt was proven by the most efficient criminal investigation system in the quadrant. You may, if you desire, attend this trial, which begins in two days time.
Sisko: We'll be there.
Makbar: Oh, I'm sorry, Commander, this is a privilege enjoyed solely by the spouse of an offender.
Odo: What about his Nestor?
Makbar: His Counsel and his Nestor will be assigned by the court.
Sisko: Nestor?
Odo: Advisor to the offender. Madame Archon, I volunteer to serve as Nestor in this trial.
Makbar: That is not possible. The Nestor must be an officer of the Court.
Odo: I am an officer of the Court. Chief of Security Odo. I served Gul Dukat on Terok Nor. You may check my credentials. I was designated an officer of the Cardassian court four years ago in order to testify in criminal cases.
Makbar: Very well. If this is true, you may accompany Mrs O'Brien and serve as Nestor.
Odo: May I ask what penalty does Mister O'Brien face?
Makbar: His execution is scheduled for next week.
Keiko: How can you schedule an execution before the trial even begins?
Makbar: We believe in swift justice.
Odo: Mrs O'Brien, we should leave immediately.
Sisko: Begin a complete security sweep of the station and Chief O'Brien's recent activities. I want to know if there's anything out of the ordinary that might begin to explain this.
Kira: Commander, Chief O'Brien's attitude toward the Cardassians is hardly a secret. What if he actually has done something?
Sisko: Then we need to know that too, don't we?
Kovat: Miles O'Brien? Yes, of course you are.
Kovat: I am Conservator Kovat.
O'Brien: I've been told that I've already been charged, indicted, convicted and sentenced. What would I need with a lawyer?
Kovat: Ah, Mister O'Brien, if it seems immodest of me, I apologize, but the role of Public Conservator is key to the productive functioning of our courts. I'm here to help you concede the wisdom of the state, to prepare you to accept the inevitable with equanimity. There is an old Cardassian expression. Confession is good for the soul. But it's also good for the populace to see people like you confess. It makes them feel better about themselves. It makes their lives more bearable.
O'Brien: So that's what this is all about? Make the people of Cardassia feel better, huh?
Kovat: No, no, no, but that's not a bad side effect. Now then, I have your biographical extract and your Starfleet record. All this will be very useful.
O'Brien: What am I being charged with?
Kovat: No need to worry about that at this point.
O'Brien: This is insane.
Kovat: Whatever you've done, whatever the charges against you, none of that really matters in the long run.
O'Brien: What does matter?
Kovat: This trial is to demonstrate the futility of behavior contrary to good order. Everyone will find it most uplifting.
O'Brien: Not everyone.
Kovat: Once again, justice will be done. Our lives will be reaffirmed, safe and secure. Here on Cardassia, all crimes are solved, all criminals are punished, all endings are happy. Even the poorest of our subjects can walk the streets in the dead of night in perfect safety. You're only one man, but your conviction will be a salutary experience for millions. Now then, the trial opens tomorrow. Do you have any questions, anything you want to tell me?
O'Brien: Only that I am not guilty of any crime, and that I hold this whole procedure with nothing but contempt.
Kovat: That's good, that's good. Maintain that level of arrogance in the courtroom and we should put on a very good show indeed.
O'Brien: I do have one question.
Kovat: Yes, certainly.
O'Brien: Have you ever won a case?
Kovat: Winning isn't everything.
Sisko: Are they all like this?
Kira: All of them. There isn't a photon warhead left in here.
Sisko: How could somebody transport two dozen warheads off this station without the perimeter sensors picking it up?
Dax: The metal in these crates has the same mass as the warheads. A transporter could been programd to switch the two simultaneously. The sensors could've been fooled.
Kira: But it would require a transporter expert.
Bashir: I know what you're implying, Major, and I don't like it.
Kira: Neither do I, but there is more. According to the logs, O'Brien was in here just minutes before his runabout left.
Dax: Computer, play security log entry, stardate 47944.2, weapons locker.
O'Brien: Request access. weapons locker four. Miles O'Brien, security level one.
Dax: The computer confirmed his voice-print ID and let him in.
Kira: As soon as the door opened, some kind of field saturation device was activated that froze all the security scanners in the room.
Sisko: I want a full analysis of that voice-print. Make absolutely sure it was O'Brien.
Bashir: It doesn't make sense. What would he do with photon warheads?
Kira: Give them to the Maquis. We had an advisory two weeks ago that a Maquis ship disabled a Bolian freighter near the Demilitarized zone and stole a supply of photon launchers.
Sisko: Launchers, but no warheads.
Kira: Launchers, but no warheads.
Bashir: You're suggesting that Miles O'Brien took his wife on a romantic vacation as an excuse to deliver warheads to the Maquis? I don't believe it.
Sisko: If these warheads were in the runabout, they'll be used as evidence in the trial.
Bashir: Commander!
Sisko: We'll find that out soon enough.
Dax: If they were in the runabout, how did the Cardassians find out?
Sisko: That's the one question I want an answer to. I also want to find out who the other guy was.
Kira: The other guy?
Sisko: The one who was waiting to receive these warheads. I'll have Starfleet intelligence begin to pick up Maquis suspects for questioning. In the meantime, let's see if we can ID any possible Maquis members who've been on the station recently. Dismissed.
O'Brien: Tell me you're here to take me home.
Odo: I'm sorry. How have they treated you?
O'Brien: Not so bad. They did some dental work when I got here that wasn't fun.
Odo: All Cardassians are required to give the Bureau of Identification one of their first molars. It's usually extracted at age ten.
O'Brien: Keiko. Is she all right?
Odo: She came with me.
O'Brien: She's here? Now?
Odo: It's not permitted for family members to visit offenders in confinement. She'll be at the trial tomorrow. The Cardassians always invite families to trials and executions so that the public can see them weep.
O'Brien: No, I don't want her there. I don't want her to see me like this.
Odo: I think that's a mistake.
O'Brien: My lawyer's already told me it's all over but the execution. I don't even know what I'm charged with! Did they tell you anything?
Odo: No. But we have an idea.
O'Brien: What?
Odo: Have you ever had any dealings with the Maquis?
O'Brien: Dealings? No. I'm not sure what you mean
Odo: Do you know anybody in the Maquis?
O'Brien: No.
Odo: Ever supplied any of them with weapons?
O'Brien: No! Are you here to interrogate me, Constable? Is anybody ever going to tell me what I'm supposed to have done?
Odo: Commander Sisko informed me a few hours ago that twenty four photon warheads are missing from the station. We believe they may have been in your runabout's cargo bay intended for the Maquis.
O'Brien: The Cardassians did find something in the hold, it's true.
Odo: But you know nothing about it?
O'Brien: Nothing.
Odo: And you didn't transport them from weapons locker four just before you left the station?
O'Brien: No.
Odo: Were you in weapons locker four before you left the station?
O'Brien: No.
Odo: Then why does the log say that you were? Why was it your voice releasing the security lock?
O'Brien: My voice?
Odo: Your voice.
O'Brien: I don't know. You don't know me very well, Constable, but I, I, I've been in service to the Federation, Starfleet, all my adult life. No one has ever questioned my loyalty. No one in my entire life has ever had cause to ask, Miles O'Brien, are you a criminal? I took an oath to defend the Federation and what it stands for. I don't steal from them. I don't lie to them. I'm no angel, but I try to live every day as the best human being I know how to be. I need my little girl to wake up in the morning and look up at me and see a man she can respect. Until now, she always could.
Odo: Being accused of a crime is not a disgrace, Chief. Some of the great figures of history have shared the honor with you.
O'Brien: I didn't figure on dying a martyr.
Odo: Not all of them were martyrs, not all of them died. Some of them were just innocent men like you. Now, I've managed to get myself named to your defense team. I'll be there tomorrow. Your wife will be there as well, but she won't be weeping and neither will you. I want the Archon to see the clear, unwavering eyes of an innocent man. Is that understood?
O'Brien: Yes, sir.
Odo: Guard! I'll see you tomorrow.
O'Brien: Odo. Thanks for being here.
Dax: The voice modulation patterns don't match up. See how the peaks here and here are out of phase?
Bashir: So we can prove it wasn't O'Brien who entered the weapons locker?
Dax: It's O'Brien's voice, but the sentence was reconstructed sound by sound.
Kira: I've got our Maquis. I narrowed the suspects down to twelve people who live in the Demilitarized zone and were on the station that day.
Kira: Raymond Boone, human, lives on Volan Three. Three merchants on the Promenade saw him talking to O'Brien just before he left.
Bashir: Talking to him. And recording his voice, perhaps?
Kira: Recording?
Dax: Someone doctored Chief O'Brien's voice to get into the weapons' locker.
Sisko: I'll have him picked up.
Makbar: The offender, Miles O'Brien, human, officer of the Federation Starfleet
Makbar: Has been found guilty of aiding and abetting seditious acts against the state. The sentence is death. Let the trial begin. Conservator Kovat, is the offender ready to face his judgment?
Kovat: He is, Madame Archon.
Makbar: Let him enter.
Makbar: Mister O'Brien, you can spare your family and the Federation further humiliation by dispensing with this proceeding and confessing now.
O'Brien: No, thanks.
Makbar: Very well. The Nestor and Mrs O'Brien may enter.
Makbar: Mrs O'Brien, this court recognizes the disgrace your husband has brought to you. As is prescribed in the Cardassian Articles of Jurisprudence, we hereby offer you the opportunity to dissociate yourself from his actions by testifying against him.
Keiko: I have no intention of testifying against my husband.
Makbar: Call the first witness.
Odo: Madame Archon, may I confer privately with the Conservator before we begin.
Makbar: I believe this is the first time you are serving as Nestor, so perhaps I should explain that you have no authority to address this court. You assist the defendant, that is all.
Odo: I beg the court's indulgence. I am new at this.
Makbar: All of Cardassia is watching these proceedings. Private conferences do not make for good viewing. You should have done this before we convened. Very well, make it quick.
Kovat: Please don't ruin this for me. I'm only a year away from retirement.
Odo: We have new evidence to prove O'Brien's innocence.
Kovat: New evidence?
Odo: If O'Brien is accused of stealing warheads from Deep Space Nine, we can prove that he didn't do it.
Kovat: Of course he did it. He's been found guilty, hasn't he?
Odo: Someone manipulated a recording of his voice to gain entry. I can produce that recording here.
Kovat: No evidence can be submitted after the verdict has been reached. You should know that.
Odo: Of course, but I was hoping that the most renowned Conservator in all of Cardassia
Kovat: You flatter me, sir, you flatter me, but we want justice, not chaos in this court. No, I will have no part of this.
Makbar: Enough. Are you ready to proceed, Conservator?
Kovat: I am.
Odo: Madam Archon, may I address the court?
Makbar: Didn't I just explain to you that you may not?
Odo: But if our Conservator refuses to bring up new evidence
Makbar: Silence!
Odo: Of a manipulated recording of the offender's voice that would prove his innocence.
Makbar: You are out of order, sir!
Odo: what else am I supposed to do?
Makbar: You are supposed to respect our judicial procedures. Wouldn't you ask that we respect your rules if we were in your court?
Odo: Which raises my next point, Madame Archon. I would like to move for a change of venue to my court. No crime has been committed against Cardassia. It was in fact committed at a Bajoran space station
Kovat: Madame Archon, I am extremely humiliated. I ask to be relieved of this assignment.
Makbar: No! Sit down! And you, sir, do not try the patience of the Cardassian people. If this court finds you in contempt, you will diskover the punishment very unpleasant.
Odo: I regret that I have no teeth to offer your Bureau of Identification.
Makbar: As for new evidence, yes, I fully expected the Federation to come up with remarkable new evidence in an attempt to free Mister O'Brien. I'm sure your experts can create all sorts of evidence to confuse the issues. That may work in your courts, but not here. There will be no new evidence considered. Call the first witness.
Sisko: Look, we're not after the Maquis. We're just trying to help an innocent man.
Boone: And I'm telling you I don't have any idea what you're talking about.
Kira: People saw you talking to O'Brien just before he left.
Boone: Since when is that a crime? We're old friends from the Rutledge.
Sisko: Doesn't it bother you that old friend is about to be executed by the Cardassians?
Boone: Of course it does. I wish there were something I could do to help.
Kira: He has a wife and a five year old daughter.
Sisko: If you're worried we'll turn you over to the Cardassians, I can assure you that we won't.
Boone: I haven't done anything. I don't have anything to be worried about.
Sisko: Hold him for further questioning.
Bashir: Computer, lights.
Maquis: Don't turn around, Doctor.
Bashir: There's nothing here you could want.
Maquis: You have a man in custody suspected of arranging the theft of photon warheads. Raymond Boone.
Bashir: That's right.
Maquis: I am here to tell you he is not one of us.
Bashir: One of us? You're from the Maquis.
Maquis: That's correct.
Bashir: Why should I believe you?
Maquis: We knew nothing about the theft and this man is not one of us. That's all I can tell you.
Bashir: How do I know that you're not just trying to protect him? Who else would want photon warheads?
Gul Evek: The Maquis are savage, Federation-born killers. They live
Gul Evek: You terrorize and murder innocent Cardassians, as evidenced by these weapons we confiscated from O'Brien's ship.
Kovat: These Maquis are based in the Demilitarized zone?
Gul Evek: They are all from Federation settlements in Cardassian-occupied territory. Frankly, the situation is becoming untenable. How many more innocent people must die before the situation becomes clear?
Kovat: How do you know these photon warheads recovered from the offender's vessel were intended for the Maquis?
Gul Evek: According to reliable sources, the Maquis arranged the theft.
Odo: I object.
Kovat: Madame Archon, please!
Makbar: I thought we went over this yesterday, Mister Odo. What is it this time?
Odo: Gul Evek has tied the Maquis to this plot by quoting reliable sources. I think we deserve to know who these reliable sources are.
Makbar: Can you provide any details, Gul Evek?
Gul Evek: I'm afraid that information cannot be revealed without risk to national security, Madame Archon.
Makbar: That's an acceptable answer.
Odo: Might we know how Gul Evek learned the warheads were in the runabout?
Gul Evek: Yes, of course. We learned about them from reliable sources.
Makbar: Are you satisfied, Nestor?
Odo: Madame Archon!
Makbar: Enough. This is already the longest trial in the history of Cardassia let's try to speed things up, shall we? Proceed, Mister Kovat.
Kovat: As you wish, Madame Archon. I'll try to be as brief as possible.
Boone: What is this?
Sisko: I'd like Doctor Bashir to give you a physical examination.
Boone: What for?
Sisko: To help us answer some questions about you.
Boone: What are you talking about?
Bashir: For example, why you haven't spoken to your parents in eight years.
Boone: What's that got to do with anything? I never got along with them.
Bashir: That's not what they told us.
Sisko: You left your wife about eight years ago. You'd been married a long time. Almost fifteen years, wasn't it?
Boone: Look, this is none of your business.
Sisko: And about the same time you were diskharged from Starfleet after failing several crew performance reviews.
Bashir: All of it seemed to happen shortly after Setlik Three.
Bashir: Bring him over here.
O'Brien: Some romantic vacation I took you on, huh?
Keiko: We'll have other chances.
O'Brien: Keiko, I don't want you to be there next week.
Keiko: It isn't over yet.
O'Brien: Don't give them the satisfaction.
Keiko: Miles, you can't just
O'Brien: I mean it.
Makbar: Court will resume. The offender will step forward and testify.
O'Brien: I have nothing to say to this court.
Makbar: Under Cardassian law, you are compelled to testify. Step forward.
Kovat: This would be a good time for you to advise the offender.
Odo: Advise him to do what?
Kovat: To confess. To throw himself on the mercy of the court, of course.
Odo: I never heard of a Cardassian court showing mercy.
Kovat: That is not the point. Think of the children, sir. Allow them to see a glimmer of enlightenment as the offender realizes that the end is near. Let him use his last breath to show remorse.
Makbar: Do you wish to advise the offender at this time, Nestor?
Odo: No, Madame Archon.
Makbar: Very well. Proceed, Mister Kovat.
Kovat: Mister O'Brien, were you abused as a child?
O'Brien: What?
Kovat: Were your parents especially abusive? Did you hate them very much?
O'Brien: I loved my parents.
Kovat: I see. Spousal abuse, perhaps? Was your wife causing you severe psychological stress?
O'Brien: My wife is the most wonderful, supportive person I've ever known.
Kovat: Excuse me for asking. I'm merely trying to establish why a fine man like you could turn into a criminal. Perhaps you could help me.
O'Brien: Sorry, no, I can't help, because I'm no criminal.
Kovat: Well, I tried.
Makbar: Tell me, Mister O'Brien. How many Cardassians have you killed?
O'Brien: Killed? None. Since the war, that is.
Makbar: Including the war, how many Cardassians have you killed?
Odo: Madame Archon, what relevance does Mister O'Brien's war experiences have?
Makbar: His past criminal record is very much relevant to these proceedings, sir. Answer the question.
O'Brien: I'm not sure.
Makbar: That many, eh?
O'Brien: It was war. Both sides did things they had to do.
Makbar: Tell me, Mister O'Brien, now that we are at peace, do you have a warm place in your heart for your Cardassian neighbors? Or are you deeply prejudiced against Cardassians? Do you not, in fact, hate Cardassians? Have you not on several occasions publicly stated your opposition to the treaty because, and I quote, 'the bloody Cardies can't be trusted'?
O'Brien: I decline to answer.
Makbar: There are no grounds in Cardassian law which permit you to decline. Answer the question. Is it an accurate quote or not?
O'Brien: It is.
Kovat: Madame Archon, at this time, it seems the offender's guilt has been clearly established and I see no other alternative but to concede to the verdict.
O'Brien: I do not concede.
Makbar: You may stand down, Mister O'Brien.
O'Brien: I am not guilty. I have committed no crime, and I do not concede to this court or the Cardassian Empire.
Kovat: Madam Archon, I apologize but I appear I have lost control of my client.
Makbar: No matter. You've done your usual eloquent job on his behalf, Conservator Kovat.
Kovat: Thank you, Madam Archon. This has been a most difficult case but it is always an honor to serve your court.
Kovat: I object to this. Madam Archon, how can you continue to tolerate these intrusions?
Makbar: Return to your seat. Once again the Cardassian system of jurisprudence has worked to protect it's people. A guilty man has been brought to justice. But, never let it be said that there is no room in this system for compassion. I sense in Mister O'Brien, a man with strong family ties, the potential for rehabilitation. And I'm sure he has gained a new appreciation of Cardassian law through this difficult process. Therefore, I am pleased, in the spirit of furthering Cardassian-Federation relations, to hereby set aside the verdict and to release Mister O'Brien into the custody of his Commander, Benjamin Sisko.
Kovat: What happened? What?
Odo: You won.
Kovat: I? They'll kill me.
Keiko: Then the Maquis told you about Boone.
Sisko: When Doctor Bashir examined him, he diskovered that Boone was missing his first molar. The DNA analysis confirmed that he was Cardassian.
Keiko: He was surgically altered?
Sisko: Eight years ago, to replace the real Raymond Boone who was taken prisoner at Setlik Three and apparently killed in detention.
O'Brien: Well, how did you figure it out?
Sisko: His ex-wife told us he came back from captivity a different man. She blamed it on the treatment he received from the Cardassians, but it started us to think.
O'Brien: So he was spying for the Cardassians even when he was serving on the Rutledge with me?
Keiko: But why did they want to frame Miles?
Odo: This trial was never about your husband, Mrs O'Brien. It was designed from the beginning to diskredit the Federation, to show that the Maquis had their official sanction. Gul Evek's testimony made it clear that the situation had become untenable.
O'Brien: Next they would have been demanding that the Federation colonies be disbanded.
Sisko: Exactly. When Makbar saw Boone in the courtroom, she realized that we had the goods to embarrass the High Command in front of the entire populace.
Keiko: I'm just glad it's all over.
O'Brien: Yeah, I'm ready to get back to work.
Sisko: Oh no, no, no. I had to use all of my influence to extend your accommodations at the lagoon. We'll drop you off on our way home.
O'Brien: But we haven't any bags, no holocam. I've nothing to read.
Keiko: Perfect.