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The Siege

ANNOUNCER: Last time on Deep Space Nine...

SISKO: This is the emblem of the Alliance for Global Unity.

They call themselves the Circle.

What gives them the right to mess up our station?

They're an extremist faction who believe in Bajor for the Bajorans.

I can't loan you a Starfleet runabout without knowing where you plan on taking it.

To Cardassia IV to rescue a Bajoran prisoner of war.

( grunts )

Come on, we have a ship waiting.

What if I told you that I knew someone who could bring stability to Bajor?

Someone who could unite the factions and give us a chance to do our job.

But Bajor doesn't need a man.

It needs a symbol and that's what you are.

The Navarch needed to return here to assume his new post.

He's been made the Bajoran Liaison Officer to Deep Space 9.

I already have a Liaison Officer.

Not anymore, you don't.

Major Kira is no longer assigned to this post.

She's been recalled to Bajor.

QUARK: It's over, everything.

Bajor, the provisional government the Federation being here-- all of it.

We gotta leave.

The provisional government will stand only if the military supports it.

We are all patriots, Commander.

I am the Circle, Major.

How can you betray your own government?

The Circle's being supplied by the Cardassians.

What?

I... borrowed the proof.

It's got a gul's thumb scan on it.

The Circle hates the Cardassians.

They don't know it is the Cardassians.

They think they've been buying from Kressari traders.

Think of the prestige of having the new leader of Bajor being a member of your order.

If you are the new leader.

Commander, two assault vessels are headed this way on direct course from Bajor.

They've given all non-Bajorans seven hours to evacuate.

ANNOUNCER: And now, the conclusion.

Starfleet feels it has no other choice.

The Federation is here at the invitation of the Bajoran provisional government.

No more provisional government, no more invitation.

Governments can break off relations with an edict.

It's not so easy when it comes down to our level, hmm?

Lieutenant Bilecki here is engaged to a young man from Bajor.

Ensign Kelly.

Ensign Kelly's daughter worked together with a young Bajoran girl on a prize-winning science fair project.

All of us who have served on the station for the past year have made Bajoran friends.

We've come to care about what happens to these people.

I know I do.

So I've decided to stay.

( muttering )

Just to make sure the evacuation is conducted properly.

You'll need someone to oversee the inventory process, sir.

Packing away all my medical supplies could take, uh, quite a while, Commander.

( mutters of support )

Before you volunteer too quickly understand what you're getting into.

We'll be trying to delay the takeover of the station as long as possible.

Hopefully, as long as it takes to expose the Cardassians' involvement in all of this.

It won't be easy.

The Bajoran assault forces have been told that the Federation is their blood enemy.

Jaro and the Circle would love nothing more than to have my head, and yours and present them to the Chamber of Ministers.

This is your last chance to leave here in one piece.

Some of you have families.

Some are on temporary assignment.

I wouldn't blame anyone for getting out now while you can.

I mean that.

Anyone who wants to evacuate is dismissed.

Non-Bajorans won't be safe here.

Our families, children, have to be evacuated.

I'm sure many of the Bajorans who have worked with us will want to leave, too.

There is a lot to get done.

The assault vessels will be here in less than five hours.

Dismissed.

( buzz of conversation )

Hundreds of people to evacuate and only three tiny runabouts available.

Do you know what that means?

It... it means...

Well, a lot of people will be left behind.

Tragic. Yes, brother.

Your compassion never ceases to amaze me.

It means we're going to make a fortune.

We are?

People will pay anything for a seat on those ships.

You can't make me...

Well, I won't sell my seat.

Rom.

No! I won't stay and be killed just to fill your pockets.

Rom, do you actually believe that I would sacrifice my own brother's life... for personal profit?

It would have to be the deal of a lifetime.

Yes, my lifetime.

Listen to me.

We're both going to escape... but our bags will be filled with all the gold-pressed latinum we can carry.

Nog!

I've been looking all over for you.

What ship you on?

Rio Grande.

I'm on the Ganges.

Oh. Well, it'll be okay.

We'll see each other at the Hanolan colony in a few days.

That's not where I'm going.

But my dad told me...

My ship's going to the Korat system.

I guess that's where they're taking all the Starfleet families.

Well, this will be over in no time.

We'll be back in school driving Mrs. O'Brien crazy in a few days.

Just when I think I've found a new home and a new friend it always seems like I got to leave.

Hey, hu-man...

Cut it out!

Has there ever been one of your kind and one of my kind who were better friends?

Never.

And if our fathers couldn't break us up no stupid coupe day... coupe...

Coup d'état.

It's French.

Well, no stupid French thing will, either.

We'll see each other again soon.

That's a promise.

Mr. Sisko, Nog-- this is no time to be fooling about.

Get yourselves to wherever you're supposed to be.

Is that everything?

Sure.

Oh, Keiko, please. Don't go like this.

Like what?

I don't have any choice.

Don't you?

He needs me.

We don't?

We can't just let the Cardies have the wormhole.

They could have the whole Gamma Quadrant for all I care.

Miles... come with us.

Where are we going?

On a ride, sweetheart.

Are you coming, too, Daddy?

Soon, baby.

I'll come as soon as I can.

I'll walk you to the airlock.

DAX: I've scanned every subspace communication window to find a frequency to Bajor.

They've got them completely jammed.

Then we have no choice.

We'll have to take the proof to the Chamber of Ministers.

Jaro's forces will be scanning for any incoming vessels.

A runabout could handle a Bajoran patrol.

Unfortunately, I don't have one to give you.

The Lunar V base?

You think there's still a ship there?

We managed to get a few subimpulse raiders underground before the Cardassians hit us, but that was ten years ago.

Could one of the evacuation vessels take a detour and drop me off?

What if you get there and those raiders won't fly?

Then I'll have to wait until I hear from you, I guess.

You may have to wait a long time.

Dax... do any of your former hosts have experience with subimpulse thruster configurations?

Yes. Tobin Dax.

Tobin? I don't think I've heard about this one.

My second host.

Barely a sex life, and no imagination but he knew phase coil inverters like no one else.

Major Kira could use his experience today.

I have no time for this foolishness.

I still have to pack.

SISKO: What's the problem?

He's been brokering seats on the evacuation vessels.

Where did you get more seats?

Everybody always asks the brokers where they get their extra seats.

And all I can say is it's my business to find preferred seating for a select list of clients...

I have got more than 200 people who want to get off this station.

Where did you get more seats?!

A few trades.

A person here or there who changed his mind about leaving at the sight of a reasonable stipend.

BASHIR: Bashir to Commander Sisko. Go ahead.

We're having a bit of a panic at the airlock, sir.

Far more passengers than we can handle have shown up

and they all claim to have made arrangements to leave.

I might have overbooked, slightly.

On my way.

It's an accepted Ferengi transit practice.

I feel perfectly justified.

I have complete faith in Commander Sisko's ability to straighten this out.

I'll pass that on.

He'll be so pleased to know that he has your confidence.

As I'm no longer needed my brother is waiting for me on the ship.

( scoffs )

Hey, Odo.

You'll miss me.

You know you will. Say it.

I'll miss you, Quark.

You said it!

I'll miss the aggravation the petty theft, the bad manners...

Odo... take care of yourself.

( laughing )

( shouting )

Don't you understand?!

There isn't room for everyone.

We have to get our families, our children and non-Bajorans...

Where are you running to?!

This is Bajor.

We are Bajorans.

We fought a war to regain our homeland.

How can you abandon it like frightened Cardassian vole?

These ships are for our guests who must leave because it is no longer safe for them here.

However, we are Bajorans... and I say that we stay and we solve our own problems.

Together.

Are you willing to join me?

( murmurs of agreement )

As soon as the passenger lists are confirmed get these ships out of here.

They're almost ready to go, sir.

The Rio Grande is full and so is the Orinoco.

Get them launched.

Aye, sir.

Are you ready?

I've been thinking.

I really think it'd be better if I stayed.

( chuckles )

Look, I just don't want anything to happen to you.

That makes two of us.

What's this?

A letter I wrote you.

A letter?

Just some things.

I'll read it as soon as I get on the ship.

Wait a while.

I'll see you in a couple of weeks.

That's everyone, sir.

Sisko to Ganges.

Proceed with launch.

KIRA: Acknowledged.

Good luck, Commander. Kira out.

QUARK: No! No!

Wait!

( grunting )

My ship... the Rio Grande... my brother's on it.

He's got my ticket.

That ship was full, sir.

I checked the list myself.

Quark's name wasn't on it.

His brother Rom did go aboard, but he was with a dabo girl.

A dabo girl?

What?

Looks like he sold your seat.

No...

No, you don't understand.

You don't understand!

I can't stay here!

I'll be hung.

Call the ships back!

I'll pay anyone five bars of gold-pressed latinum for a seat!

Ten bars.

( breathing heavily )

Twenty.

( sighs )

Clear.

No resistance at all.

Minister Jaro's prediction was correct.

The Federation has tucked its tail between its legs.

Where are the Bajoran officers who worked with Starfleet?

Where is Li Nalas?

Perhaps they knew this old station could never withstand a siege and they abandoned it with Starfleet.

The most strategic position in the entire sector-- at the mouth of the wormhole.

Hmm.

Had I been Federation Commander

I would not have abandoned it so easily.

KIRA: Can you believe, a year ago, I was living in a camp like this?

Only not quite so nice.

DAX: Have I mentioned how allergic Trills are to insect bites?

Really?

Well, the biochemical connections between host and symbiont can't tolerate the... Oh!

Whoa! What's that? Is that a spider or a dog?

KIRA: Palukoo.

The Bajoran moons are full of them.

Oh, I suppose you used to make them your pets and, uh, sing songs about them around the campfire.

No. We used to eat them.

There it is.

Are you sure this thing is supposed to fly?

Oh, I've been in a lot worse.

I guess the Bajoran resistance must have had a lot of short pilots.

Ha, no, just short engineers.

They were always building these things without thinking.

Encouraging.

Just bend your knees. You'll fit.

Now, the real trick will be to fire up these thrusters after all this time.

It was hard enough to get them going when they were being used every day.

We'll get them fired up.

You don't have to worry about that.

Oh, you're sure, huh?

Yep.

I have no intention of getting stuck here eating palukoos.

We should inform Minister Jaro of our success immediately.

KRIM: You're too eager to receive his plaudits, Colonel.

What's the status of the internal security net?

WOMAN: Completely disabled, General.

Scan the Operations Center for organic material.

Organic?

The station's Security Chief is apparently missing.

The shape-shifter.

It's possible he left with the evacuation ships or perhaps there's something more here than meets the eye.

Yes, sir.

Scan six times an hour at random intervals.

MAN: Minister Jaro on subspace, sir.

Minister, I'm pleased to inform you that we've encountered no resistance so far.

JARO: Good news. Then the Federation has withdrawn.

We monitored the evacuation of three vessels several hours ago.

When I announce that we've secured the station

it will certainly impact...

Minister, I urge caution.

The battle for this station hasn't even begun yet.

Do you expect the enemy to return, General?

I'm not convinced they ever left.

The internal security net has been sabotaged.

We have no way of tracking the movements of anyone on board which suggests someone didn't want to be that easily found.

Kira?

Perhaps. She is unaccounted for.

So, too, is Security Chief Odo.

So is Li Nalas. You're right.

Li Nalas would have never abandoned Bajor.

He must still be there.

Let me reemphasize that you are to take every necessary step to keep Li Nalas alive.

Dead, he's a martyr.

Alive, he seals our victory.

Understood.

Once you have him Li will see the wisdom of giving you his support.

I'll offer him anything he wants to make sure he does-- short of becoming the next Kai, of course.

You have a unique ability to build a consensus, Essa.

Bajor has been waiting for a leader like you.

Leaders like us.

If I am so favored by the Vedek Assembly.

You don't have to worry about that.

26 hours after I'm sworn into office

I'll direct the Vedek Assembly to elect you Kai.

Together, we will rebuild Bajor.

You got it!

( coughing )

Don't turn the engines off.

We'll never get them started again.

Let's go.

Thank you, Tobin.

Dax, come on.

( grunts )

Oh, the hell with it.

If it's going to fly, it's going to fly.

Problem?

No, everything's wonderful.

Ow!

The knees.

Oh, listen to that sound.

That sure brings back some memories.

How did you ever win a war in these things?

We were the insects, Lieutenant.

The Cardassians were just as allergic as Trills.

Is the proximity system working?

( thumps )

I think so.

All right, let's see if we can get out of here without bouncing off any walls.

You're playing right into their hands.

If you're so convinced they're still here how can you sit and wait for them to attack?

They have no interest in attacking.

What makes you so sure?

Because I understand military tactics.

They are vastly outnumbered.

If we divide our forces...

The primary sensor array was sabotaged, sir.

As soon as we tested it, the sub-net shorted out.

You can let your engineers play with the machines.

I'm sending out search parties.

Eat hearty.

The replicators crash in 16 minutes.

This will have to last a while.

Combat rations, Chief?

Couldn't you have replicated something a little more palatable?

You don't like combat rations?

A French onion soup would have really been nice.

Miracle of science, these little combat rations.

Timed-release formula of all the nutrients the body needs for three days.

I love 'em.

The only thing I miss about the Cardassian front.

Sisko to all units.

You can thank Chief of Operations Miles O'Brien

for your repast this afternoon.

Oh, you haven't made any friends here, Chief.

Or should I say chef?

O'BRIEN: Julian!

Well, I would have expected you of all people to appreciate the nutritional value of combat rations.

Actually, when I was in med school,

I designed an incredible candy bar which was far superior in food value.

Am I the only one that doesn't think this is funny?

ODO: Odo to Sisko. Go ahead.

Stand by. There's a patrol approaching.

I'll get back to you in a minute.

A five-man unit is about to begin a search of the cargo deck.

That puts them closest to me, Commander.

SISKO: Stand by, Doctor.

O'BRIEN: Maybe we should send someone with a little more experience.

Someone who can run the show, like Li.

SISKO: No, I need him here with us.

Doctor, move your unit to Cargo Bay 6.

You know what to do.

And let me reemphasize-- use deadly force only if absolutely necessary.

Aye, sir. We're on our way.

Happy hunting.

BASHIR: I wouldn't get too close to that.

It's thorium isotope.

Prolonged exposure could have very nasty consequences.

Bashir to Sisko.

SISKO: Go ahead.

Mission accomplished.

We have our first five prisoners of war.

Preparing to establish a high-altitude orbit of Bajor.

Navigational sensors aren't functioning.

No problem.

No problem?

Big problem.

Without navigational sensors...

We'll have to fly by the seat of our pants.

Great. Seat-of-the-pants technology.

You Starfleet types are too dependent on gadgets and gizmos.

You lose your natural instincts for survival.

My natural instincts for survival told me not to climb aboard this thing.

I'd say they were functioning pretty well.

I know the terrain of Bajor.

We ought to be able to recognize a landing site...

( explosion )

What the hell was that?

I have no idea.

None of the sensors are functioning.

Someone's firing at us.

Initiating evasive maneuvers.

I'm reading the EM signature of an impulse engine.

Let's see what we're dealing with.

Welcoming committee from Jaro.

We'll never outrun them in this.

You're right.

We'll have to even the match.

And how do you intend to do that?

New playing field.

I'm taking us down into the atmosphere.

They won't be able to use their impulse engines down there.

If they want a fight they'll have to fight on our terms.

Come on.

Get down.

O'Brien to Sisko.

SISKO: Go ahead.

They've got us pinned down in here.

On our way, Chief.

Now.

( crying out )

All right, they've gone to thrusters.

That evens things up a little.

If you consider two against one even.

There is one problem.

One?

The guys flying those ships?

Yeah?

Used to be the guys flying these ships.

Test the phaser banks.

Full power. Good.

Uh, not so good.

Phaser locks are dead.

There's no way to aim.

Sure, there is!

I know. I know. Seat of the pants.

With your eyes, Lieutenant, not your pants.

Just point at them and fire!

You fly, I'll shoot.

Hang on.

Where the hell's the other one?

I think we found him.

Thruster power's falling.

They must have hit a plasma conduit.

Got any fire gear?

Check under the seat.

I think I got something.

Got it.

That's it?

That's it.

Might as well jettison the plasma tank.

Thrusters are gone.

Plasma tank ejected.

Can you see any openings where we can put down?

Six kilometers ahead at 2 O'clock.

Uh, anything a little closer?

How much closer?

How about right here?

MAN: Sir, up here.

One of the Ferengi's holosuites is in use.

Don't try it.

Get their weapons.

SISKO: This is Commander Benjamin Sisko.

Please listen very carefully.

The Cardassians are supplying the weapons for this coup.

Ridiculous.

No Bajoran would ever accept help from them.

Jaro doesn't know.

The Cardassians are using the Kressari

to deliver the weapons to the Circle.

That is a Federation lie!

The proof is on its way to Bajor.

Once this evidence is presented, the coup will end.

We don't want to fight you or hurt anyone.

Your officers will be our guests for a while.

I hope they won't mind Starfleet combat rations.

Day, what the hell is going on?

I was taken prisoner.

The Federation is behind all this.

Sisko spoke to me.

So, Commander, you didn't abandon your post, after all.

What did he say?

Nothing of consequence.

Why did he let you go?

I promised them amnesty-- a promise I have no intention of keeping.

General, the security net is back on line.

Scan for their communication devices.

Not picking up a thing, sir.

Then they must be in a shielded location.

The Cardassians used duranium composite to shield all the conduits.

Then that's where we'll find Commander Sisko.

They found the raider, and they're spreading out.

We can't stay here.

I'll slow you down.

The only thing that's important now is to get the evidence to the provisional government.

It would be a lot more convincing if it comes from you.

No, the evidence speaks for itself.

You have to leave me.

That's an order, Lieutenant.

The Federation officially left Bajor yesterday.

You're no longer my commanding officer.

I can't walk.

Yes, you can.

You are being a fool, Dax.

Don't talk to your elders that way.

MAN: You two, check over there.

MAN: They couldn't have gotten far.

( indistinct conversation continues )

( groans )

ODO: Odo to Sisko.

I hope you're not still on level five.

No, we're on three. Why?

Because they're about to fill the conduits

with anesthizine gas, starting with level five.

Chief?

Well, it's a good idea.

Kind of thing I might have come up with.

We better get out of here, and soon.

We should have heard something from Kira and Dax by now.

Well, if they didn't make it we're all fighting for a lost cause here.

We still have an ace in the hole.

Me?

Mr. O'Brien, get the units ready to move out.

Aye, sir.

Jaro's plan depends on the military's support.

Without it, the coup fails.

And you think I can sway the generals.

Right now, there's only one general

I'm concerned with-- the one that's here.

He's picked the wrong side and we've got to convince him of that.

Would you rather follow a politician or Bajor's greatest war hero?

I've done everything I can to help.

I'd die for my people, but...

Sure, you would.

Dying gets you off the hook.

The question is, are you willing to live for your people-- live the role they want you to play?

That's what they need from you right now.

( gasping and panting )

Kira?

Kira, you're safe.

You're at the monastery.

I... the last thing I remember...

The entire city saw your ship go down.

The searchers who found you are from my order.

Dax?

She's fine.

She's changing clothes.

We've got to get to the Chamber of Ministers.

The Cardassians...

I know. Lieutenant Dax told me.

Oh!

Careful.

Careful. You've just had a broken hip mended.

How long have I been here?

Six hours.

Six hours?

We have to get out of here.

The Chamber of Minis...

Good, you're up.

Here, put this on.

Why are we...?

It's the only way we can get into the Chamber of Ministers.

Members of religious orders are the only ones who can travel safely in the streets.

I'm going to escort you.

No. No, we have to go alone, Bareil.

I can't be responsible for your safety.

Of course you can't but I can be responsible for yours.

No...

Please, don't argue.

So, what do you think?

Think?

The nose.

Oh... it's flattering.

I'm thinking of keeping it.

Quark, leave it.

I can't leave it.

It's all that I am.

My personal mementos... my family album...

It's full of gold-pressed latinum and you know it.

Who told you?

Your mother did the day you were born.

Never make fun of a Ferengi's mother!

Rule of Acquisition, Number 31.

SISKO: Sisko to Bashir. We're in position.

We're stationed above Airlock 14, sir, awaiting your signal.

You've got it.

Just make as much noise as you can

before you surrender, Doctor.

We'll make them think there are 200 of us instead of 20, sir.

Bashir out.

Twenty-one.

Come on.

Now!

Fine! Fine.

I'm coming.

Proceed with level three.

OFFICER: General, the enemy has attacked our position at Airlock 14.

They have attacked?

We must have flushed them out.

Seal all airlocks.

Lock all docking clamps.

This is Colonel Day.

All security units to Airlock 14.

Let me see what's going on down there.

Surveillance cameras have been sabotaged.

How many of our men are stationed by that airlock? OFFICER: Four, sir.

OFFICER #2: Security to General Krim.

The enemy forces at Airlock 14 have surrendered.

We've taken several prisoners.

Bring their leaders to me for questioning.

Aye, sir.

O'BRIEN: Please don't resist, General.

We don't wish to use deadly force.

My name is Li Nalas.

Perhaps you've heard of me.

Guards, stop that woman.

WINN: What is this blasphemy?

I am Major Kira Nerys, and I come with proof that the Cardassians are behind Minister Jaro's attempt to take control of the government.

Major Kira has long been an outspoken opponent of the provisional government-- of reason, of progress, and now, finally, of me.

I'm honored to be included, Major.

But I have no intention of allowing you to disrupt the orderly transition of power with these wild charges.

This is a manifest pad from a Kressari vessel.

It bears the thumb scan of a Cardassian gul who transferred weapons to that ship.

Those weapons were taken by the Kressari to the Circle.

This coup will deliver Bajor back into the hands of its greatest enemies.

Are you willing to live under Cardassian rule again?

I assure you there's nothing to these accusations.

Then you should have no objection to an inspection of this manifest, Minister.

No, of course not.

We'll adjourn for the time being.

And let me say that I completely support this investigation and fully intend to cooperate.

( crowd clamoring )

KRIM: Colonel, you deliberately withheld information that was to be communicated to me.

Information?

Regarding the Cardassians.

Lies, that's all they were.

We have been told the Chamber is in recess, while evidence of Cardassian involvement is being examined.

The Circle is broken, Colonel.

I'm returning to the surface immediately to consult with the Ministers.

I expect I will be asked to resign.

Commander, since the provisional government has prevailed

I believe it is appropriate to return the command of this station to Starfleet.

Well-fought, sir.

No.

Commander!

( groaning )

( tricorder beeping )

( panting )

( chuckles )

Off the hook... after all.

( sighs deeply )

( tricorder beeping )

( steady tone sounds )

Somehow, you figured, now that he was here things would be better.

You know, he'd... he'd find a way to make things better because he was a man who could do that.

A great man.

I wish I knew where we could find others like him.

Major, there are heroes all over Bajor.

I'm sitting with one.

I'm sorry. I... don't feel like celebrating tonight.

Excuse me.

Sir, can I ask you something?

Sure.

About Li Nalas.

Mm-hmm.

Well, listening to Kira talk about all he was, all he did, all he was going to do, she makes him sound like he was larger than life like he was some kind of military genius.

But the Li Nalas I fought with...

Chief, Li Nalas was the hero of the Bajoran resistance.

He performed extraordinary acts of courage for his people and died for their freedom.

That's how the history books on Bajor will be written, and that's how I'll remember him when anybody asks.

Yes, sir.

DAX: Dax to Sisko.

The Ganges has just docked at Pad C, Benjamin.

Acknowledged.

Excuse me, sir.

Dad.