Home > Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

The Die Is Cast

00:00:01

Last time on Deep Space Nine...

00:00:03

Bashir to Infirmary. Medical emergency on the Promenade.

00:00:06

I find it odd that a conduit running behind Garak's shop should just happen to overload.

00:00:15

Why would the Romulans want to destroy the Flaxian's ship?

00:00:18

One possibility is that the Romulans hired the Flaxian to kill Garak and then killed the Flaxian when he failed in his mission.

00:00:25

Do you know why the Romulans might hire someone to kill you?

00:00:28

I have no idea.

00:00:31

MALE: You are investigating a very insignificant piece of a much larger puzzle.

00:00:36

What do you mean?

00:00:38

There's been a great deal of unusual Romulan activity these past weeks.

00:00:42

You dragged me into this investigation, and you are now going to cooperate with me!

00:00:46

"Dragged you in"? I don't know what you're talking...

00:00:49

You blew up your own shop, Garak!

00:00:53

ODO: It's a Romulan warbird.

00:00:55

In Cardassian space?

00:00:57

You're going to attack the Dominion, aren't you?

00:00:59

You're going to stage a first strike against them before they can come into the Alpha Quadrant.

00:01:04

I'm asking you to serve Cardassia again, by my side.

00:01:10

Garak, this is the man who put you into exile.

00:01:13

This is the man who just two days ago tried to have you killed.

00:01:17

Yes, he is... but it doesn't matter.

00:01:26

I am back.

00:01:28

And now, the conclusion.

00:01:31

BASHIR: I mean, if you ask me modern theater has been on the decline since the late 23rd century.

00:01:35

I mean, just look at the plays to have come out of Earth in the last 50 years, and compare them to the works of Willemheld or Barton or Chow-yun.

00:01:42

Yes, yes! Modern playwrights have become obsessed with writing human interpretations of alien theatrical works while ignoring completely our own unique cultural heritage.

00:01:52

In the hopes of...

00:01:53

Chief?

00:01:55

Are you listening to me? What?

00:01:57

I thought so.

00:02:00

Oh.

00:02:01

Oh, I-I heard every word you said.

00:02:04

And what do you think?

00:02:05

About what?

00:02:07

Any of it.

00:02:10

I... don't know.

00:02:15

Look, what do you want me to say?

00:02:19

Say you agree, or say you disagree.

00:02:22

Say you hate theater. Just say something.

00:02:26

Look, Julian, you said you wanted to have lunch.

00:02:30

Well, we're having lunch.

00:02:32

Yes! But I was hoping for a little more conversation with my plomeek soup.

00:02:37

Ah, my mother taught me if you try to combine talking and eating, you'll end up doing neither very well.

00:02:47

Well, I suppose Garak taught me to think of lunch as a sort of arena for philosophical debate.

00:02:55

I take it there's still no word about Garak and Odo?

00:02:58

The Starship Portland and a Cardassian cruiser are still searching the Algira sector for the runabout.

00:03:05

Well, that's not entirely bad news.

00:03:07

If the runabout had been destroyed, they would have found debris by now or something to...

00:03:12

Kira to O'Brien.

00:03:13

Go ahead, Major.

00:03:14

Report to Ops, Chief.

00:03:16

There's something here we'd like you to take a look at.

00:03:18

On my way.

00:03:24

SISKO: About ten minutes ago our sensors picked up high concentrations of tetryon particles moving toward the station.

00:03:30

I've never seen readings like these. What do you think?

00:03:33

Subspace energy fluctuations?

00:03:35

Quantum fractures in the electrodynamic field?

00:03:37

EM spikes across the spectrum? You've got me.

00:03:40

Whatever it is, it's getting closer.

00:03:42

And larger. The tetryon concentrations have increased ten percent in the last 30 seconds.

00:03:47

There's an energy surge, bearing 210 mark 315.

00:03:51

A ship is de-cloaking. It's a Romulan warbird.

00:03:55

Romulans? Open a channel...

00:03:58

Another warbird is de-cloaking at 010...

00:04:00

No, it's a Cardassian ship.

00:04:03

A Cardassian ship with a cloaking device?

00:04:05

Definitely Cardassian, Keldon-class.

00:04:08

Benjamin, there's an entire fleet de-cloaking out there.

00:04:12

Red Alert! All hands to battle stations.

00:04:15

Shields up! Stand by weapons.

00:04:30

Try to hail them, Lieutenant. Their weapons are charged, but they haven't locked on to us yet.

00:04:34

Lead ship's headed for the wormhole, Commander.

00:04:39

No response to our hails. The fleet's following the lead ship.

00:04:43

They're headed for the Gamma Quadrant.

00:04:45

Lieutenant, open a priority channel to Starfleet Command now.

00:06:49

You should have seen the look on Legate Porania's face when I told him I was going into retirement three years ago.

00:06:56

He was literally speechless-- a rare event.

00:07:00

I remember wanting to invent charges of treason against him just so I wouldn't have to hear his voice again.

00:07:05

And you would have, too, if I hadn't held you back.

00:07:09

You had quite a vicious streak in those days.

00:07:11

Oh, I learned... from the best.

00:07:13

No, no, you had a gift.

00:07:15

I never met anyone else who relished a good interrogation as much as you did.

00:07:20

Do you remember getting that confession out of Dr. Parmak?

00:07:23

I never even touched him.

00:07:25

That was the beauty of it.

00:07:27

You just sat there for, what? Three hours?

00:07:29

Four! And after four hours of watching you stare at him, he confessed.

00:07:36

( chuckles ): I was good, wasn't I?

00:07:39

You were brilliant.

00:07:41

Afterwards, he just kept saying,

00:07:44

"His eyes... his eyes."

00:07:50

I've missed you, Elim.

00:07:53

Things just haven't been the same since you left.

00:07:56

I've missed you, too, Enabran.

00:08:06

We're both getting sentimental in our old age.

00:08:08

Hmm. Next thing you know, we'll be crying over our lost youth.

00:08:13

So, whatever happened to Dr. Parmak?

00:08:16

He spent three years in a labor camp, then returned to Cardassia Prime.

00:08:21

I think he's practicing medicine again.

00:08:24

When we get back, you should look him up.

00:08:28

Oh, there are a number of people I intend to look up when we get back.

00:08:32

For instance, do you remember a Gul named Dukat?

00:08:36

Dukat?

00:08:38

Oh, yes, the business with the arms merchants.

00:08:41

Mm-hmm. I take it you'd like to have him eliminated.

00:08:44

The thought had crossed my mind.

00:08:46

When this mission is completed, you'll be in a position to eliminate anyone you want.

00:08:52

I'll make up a list and give it to Mila.

00:08:56

Perhaps you'd better give it to me personally.

00:08:59

Mila may not be around much longer.

00:09:02

She knows a great deal about me, too much for her own good.

00:09:07

Well, still, it would be a shame to have her killed.

00:09:13

She's proven that she can be trusted on numerous occasions, and you'd be hard put to find a better housekeeper.

00:09:20

Is this a request I hear?

00:09:23

Not at all. Just an observation.

00:09:25

No reason to pretend, Garak. You're fond of Mila.

00:09:29

You don't want her hurt, right?

00:09:32

If you're looking for an excuse to spare the life of your own housekeeper, you don't need me to provide you with one.

00:09:39

You can do it out of the kindness of your heart.

00:09:43

Mila always believed you were innocent of betraying Cardassia... and me.

00:09:54

I was.

00:09:55

Of course.

00:10:04

No wonder the Romulans can't conquer the galaxy.

00:10:07

No one can stomach their cuisine.

00:10:09

( door opening )

00:10:10

TAIN: Ah, Colonel Lovok.

00:10:13

Allow me to introduce my associate, Elim Garak.

00:10:17

And what is his role to be in this operation?

00:10:19

He will do whatever I require of him.

00:10:22

Elim is a cherished colleague of long standing.

00:10:25

He will not enter the Bridge or any other secured space aboard this ship unescorted.

00:10:30

If you do so, you will be killed.

00:10:32

Direct, isn't he?

00:10:34

I'm afraid the Colonel believes in wasting little time on pleasantries or idle conversation.

00:10:39

The fleet is re-cloaked and is about to set course for the Founders' homeworld at warp six.

00:10:43

GARAK: Warp six?

00:10:44

That's a bit slow, isn't it?

00:10:46

Something wrong with your engines?

00:10:48

If we travel any faster, our warp signatures may be detected by the Jem'Hadar, even through the cloaking devices.

00:10:55

Very clever.

00:10:57

The changeling is in quarters on C deck.

00:11:00

There are force fields in place to prevent his escape.

00:11:03

Good. Which brings us to your first assignment, Garak.

00:11:07

I want you to explain to Odo that it would be in everyone's best interest-- especially his-- if he were to provide us with all the information he has on his people.

00:11:16

Now, that might prove difficult. He can be quite stubborn.

00:11:20

Then you'll have to find a way of convincing him.

00:11:29

( door opening )

00:11:31

Well, Odo, I trust the accommodations meet with your approval. ( snorts )

00:11:37

Well, you have to admit it's certainly better than a prison cell.

00:11:40

There are force fields around the bulkheads and a guard outside the door.

00:11:44

Feels like a prison cell to me.

00:11:46

I see your point.

00:11:48

And believe me, if it were my decision, things would...

00:11:51

I don't believe you, Garak, and I doubt I'll believe much of what you have to say from now on.

00:11:55

So save us both some trouble and leave me alone.

00:11:58

Why, Constable, you seem positively disappointed in me.

00:12:02

Well, I suppose it's understandable.

00:12:05

After all, I did pledge my undying devotion and eternal allegiance to both you and the Federation.

00:12:12

And you and I have been through so much together-- shared many experiences-- and I know you considered me a close friend.

00:12:21

No wonder you feel betrayed.

00:12:23

You're wasting your time, Garak.

00:12:26

I don't care about the rationalizations you come up with to justify your actions.

00:12:30

To justify? I don't need to justify anything to you.

00:12:35

Living on Deep Space 9 has made you a little rusty.

00:12:38

Your lies are becoming more transparent. You should be careful.

00:12:42

You don't want Tain to know that you're feeling guilty about what you've done.

00:12:45

You are imaginative, I'llgrant you that, Constable, but I would suggest that you put those creative powers to better use.

00:12:54

We would like you to share your unique insights on the Founders.

00:12:59

Would you? We would be grateful-- most grateful-- for any information you could provide.

00:13:04

And if I refuse?

00:13:06

Oh, really, Odo.

00:13:08

You really must stop reading those human crime novels Chief O'Brien gives you.

00:13:13

It's poisoning your thinking.

00:13:15

I'm not here to threaten you. I just want to talk.

00:13:20

I don't feel like talking.

00:13:23

Surely, you can see that we share a common enemy-- the Founders.

00:13:28

By cooperating, you'll be helping us provide security for the entire Alpha Quadrant.

00:13:35

The only common enemy you and I share is Enabran Tain.

00:13:39

The difference between you and I is that you don't know it.

00:13:44

I suggest that you think over what I've said, Constable.

00:13:49

Funny, I was about to make the same suggestion.

00:14:04

Since the Jem'Hadar are genetically addicted to a drug that only the Founders can provide, we expect the Jem'Hadar to weaken and die once their supplies of the drug run out.

00:14:15

A matter of days, by our estimates.

00:14:17

However, that will give them enough time to stage some kind of counterattack against the Alpha Quadrant.

00:14:23

So I suggest you place the Cardassian fleet on alert.

00:14:27

I take this action not in defiance of the Cardassian state, but in defense of it.

00:14:32

You in the Central Command have neglected the security of our people and allowed peace with Bajor and the Federation to blind you to the real threat, the Dominion.

00:14:43

I intend to remove that threat.

00:14:45

Let history be my judge.

00:14:49

That message was intercepted by a Federation outpost earlier today.

00:14:52

A similar message was sent to the Romulan Senate.

00:14:55

Now both governments are denying any prior knowledge of Tain's plans and calling this a rogue operation.

00:15:01

Are they going to do anything to stop Tain?

00:15:03

Both the Romulans and the Cardassians claim to be studying ways to stop Tain.

00:15:07

But we believe that they'll just sit back and wait to see if he succeeds or not.

00:15:11

But, sir, that could plunge Romulus and Cardassia into war with the Dominion.

00:15:15

Only if he fails, Lieutenant.

00:15:17

His plan looks like it's got a fair chance of success.

00:15:21

He's commanding a fleet of 20 ships manned by combat veterans.

00:15:25

They know the location of the Founders' homeworld and they've modified their cloaks so the Jem'Hadar can't detect their approach.

00:15:32

It sounds like you're hoping Tain will succeed.

00:15:34

I never hope for war, Major.

00:15:37

But if it comes, I'd rather see the Dominion on the losing side.

00:15:42

However, we have to plan for the worst.

00:15:45

Ben, I want you to evacuate DS9 of all non-essential personnel and put the Defiant on standby alert.

00:15:52

Even if Tain succeeds, the Jem'Hadar are going to come screaming out of the wormhole looking for revenge, and they may not be too particular who their targets are.

00:16:01

Admiral, we believe Security Chief Odo is aboard one of the Romulan ships.

00:16:06

Odo's message said the runabout had been caught in a tractor beam.

00:16:10

That suggests he was captured and taken aboard one of their ships.

00:16:14

SISKO: I'd like permission to take the Defiant into the Gamma Quadrant and try to determine if he's still alive.

00:16:19

I'm sorry about your officer, but there's nothing we can do.

00:16:22

I want the Defiant guarding Bajor.

00:16:24

That's your top priority.

00:16:28

Toddman out.

00:16:36

Commander Eddington, am I correct in assuming

00:16:40

Starfleet is planning to send substantial reinforcements to this sector?

00:16:44

Yes, sir. A task force of nine starships is due to arrive tomorrow.

00:16:49

Nine starships.

00:16:52

I want the Defiant prepared to leave for the Gamma Quadrant in two hours.

00:16:56

Sir, Admiral Toddman's orders were quite clear on...

00:16:59

I am not going to just abandon one of my officers.

00:17:02

Toddman's concerned about the defense of Bajor, and so am I.

00:17:06

If we detect a Jem'Hadar strike force heading for the Alpha Quadrant, we'll use the communications relay to warn DS9.

00:17:12

And we'll do everything we can to stop them before they reach the wormhole.

00:17:16

I consider this a volunteer mission, but don't volunteer yet.

00:17:23

There's a good chance you won't be coming back from this mission.

00:17:27

And even if you do, you'll probably be facing a general court-martial.

00:17:35

If you do decide to go, be aboard the Defiant at 1530 hours.

00:17:41

Dismissed.

00:18:01

All stations report.

00:18:02

KIRA: Tactical ready.

00:18:04

O'BRIEN: Warp and impulse engines on line.

00:18:06

Cloaking device standing by. DAX: Helm ready.

00:18:07

Security detachment is aboard and phaser rifles have been issued to every fire team.

00:18:12

SISKO: Release docking clamps.

00:18:13

Commander, there's an incoming priority message from Starfleet Command.

00:18:16

It's Admiral Toddman.

00:18:18

He's repeating his order not to enter the Gamma Quadrant.

00:18:22

That's what you think it says.

00:18:25

How can you be sure when a transmission is as badly garbled as that one?

00:18:32

You're right.

00:18:34

There's an awful lot of subspace interference on this channel.

00:18:37

Must be an ion storm or something.

00:18:40

Must be.

00:18:42

Aft thrusters, back one-quarter.

00:18:45

Port and starboard at station keeping.

00:19:25

The cloaking device is operating within normal parameters.

00:19:28

Set course for the Founders' homeworld.

00:19:30

Warp eight.

00:19:33

LOVOK: We know that the Founders' planet lies at approximately these coordinates within the Omarion Nebula.

00:19:39

As you can see, there are no Jem'Hadar bases nearby.

00:19:43

This means that even if the Founders did send out a distress call it would take at least seven hours for any help to arrive.

00:19:49

Our plan is to wait until we've entered orbit of the Founders' planet, then de-cloak and begin massive bombardment.

00:19:55

LOVOK: Computer analysis indicates that the planet's crust will be destroyed within one hour, and the mantle within five.

00:20:01

Well, that should more than take care of the Founders.

00:20:03

Yes, it should. Unless they have some planetary defenses we don't know about.

00:20:09

There is one person here who might answer that question-- Mr. Odo.

00:20:14

Anything he knows about the Founders and their planet was undoubtedly included in his report to Starfleet.

00:20:20

The Constable is remarkably thorough in these matters.

00:20:24

There was a time when you were eager to begin an interrogation, Elim.

00:20:29

In fact, I remember having to restrain your enthusiasm on several occasions.

00:20:34

Well, then you should also remember the pride I took in my work.

00:20:38

I don't think that interrogating someone who can alter their form at will is likely to provide either amusement or information.

00:20:46

I wouldn't worry about Mr. Odo's shape-shifting, if I were you.

00:20:50

The Obsidian Order has developed a device which should prove quite effective in neutralizing him.

00:20:56

I was not informed about this device.

00:20:58

It's only a prototype.

00:21:00

We've never had a chance to test it... until now.

00:21:04

Perhaps the Tal Shiar should take over the interrogation of the changeling.

00:21:09

No. It's all right, Garak.

00:21:11

It's my fault.

00:21:13

I should have known you'd develop feelings for these people you've been living with for the past few years.

00:21:18

But I just never expected that you would become friends with someone who worked for the Bajorans.

00:21:25

This has nothing to do with my friends or my feelings.

00:21:28

I simply don't believe he has the information you want.

00:21:32

Possibly. Colonel Lovok will find out.

00:21:35

No.

00:21:37

I brought Odo here.

00:21:39

He's my prisoner and my responsibility.

00:21:44

You don't have to do this.

00:21:45

Yes, I do.

00:21:46

And I think we both know that you won't trust me until I do.

00:21:52

All right.

00:21:54

I look forward to hearing your results.

00:22:03

( console beeping ) Commander,

00:22:04

I'm reading some kind of power fluctuation in the cloaking device.

00:22:08

What kind of fluctuation? I don't know.

00:22:11

I can't locate the source of the problem, but it is getting worse.

00:22:14

KIRA: We're de-cloaking.

00:22:16

All stop. Full scan, Lieutenant.

00:22:19

Are there any other ships in the area?

00:22:21

No, nothing in sensor range.

00:22:23

Commander, if the Jem'Hadar show up while we're de-cloaked...

00:22:26

We'll have to fight our way out of here.

00:22:36

Everything looks fine.

00:22:37

The power converters are on line.

00:22:39

The projection matrix looks normal.

00:22:42

The cloaking device should be working.

00:22:44

Maybe there's some kind of spatial anomaly nearby that's interfering with the cloak's power systems.

00:22:48

This isn't the result of a spatial anomaly, Major.

00:22:52

The tetryon compositor on the cloaking device has been sabotaged.

00:22:55

How do you know that?

00:22:58

Because I sabotaged it.

00:23:00

Why? I was under orders from Admiral Toddman to stop you from pursuing the Romulan/Cardassian fleet.

00:23:05

O'BRIEN: You've turned us into sitting ducks for the Jem'Hadar!

00:23:08

But we can still defend ourselves.

00:23:10

I didn't damage any of the ship's weapon systems or the engines.

00:23:14

But, without the cloak, we'll have to return to DS9.

00:23:18

I'm sorry, Commander. I didn't want to do this.

00:23:22

Odo's my friend, too, but I report directly to Admiral Toddman and he gave me an explicit order. I couldn't disobey it.

00:23:29

I don't suppose you could.

00:23:31

Chief... now that we know that the problem is in the tetryon compositor, how long until you can fix it?

00:23:38

About ten hours. You've got two.

00:23:39

On your way.

00:23:48

I'm afraid I'm going to have to confine you to quarters, Mr. Eddington.

00:23:52

Sir, if we run into the Jem'Hadar, you're still going to need a Chief Security Officer.

00:23:57

What makes you think we'll trust you again?

00:23:59

Because I give you my word.

00:24:02

I make it a policy to never question the word of anyone who wears that uniform.

00:24:09

Don't make me change that policy.

00:24:12

Man your station, Commander.

00:24:16

But... I'd stay out of the Chief's way if I were you.

00:24:29

I realize it must be nearly time for you to return to your liquid state, so I thought I'd bring you something to relax in.

00:24:37

How kind. But before you go for a swim,

00:24:39

I have a few questions I'd like to ask you.

00:24:41

I have nothing to say.

00:24:43

Well, I had hoped a few hours alone might jog your memory, but I can see

00:24:47

I'm going to have to take some steps I'd hoped to avoid.

00:24:52

Oh, no, you're going to torture me, aren't you?

00:24:56

How I've been dreading this.

00:24:58

Please, have mercy, Garak.

00:25:01

You do have a certain flair for sarcasm.

00:25:05

It's one of the things I like about you.

00:25:12

You can go now.

00:25:15

I'd bring those guards back, if I were you.

00:25:18

I'm not in a very good mood.

00:25:20

Yes, under normal circumstances, you would pose quite a threat to me.

00:25:25

You could turn yourself into, uh, a Vicarian razorback or stretch out your arms and strangle me from across the room.

00:25:35

But not this time.

00:25:37

Oh, and why is that?

00:25:40

Because this device is emitting a quantum stasis field designed to prevent any changeling from altering his biomolecular structure.

00:25:57

( grunts )

00:25:59

( grunts ) Yes.

00:26:02

It must be very disconcerting for you to be locked into a humanoid form, especially now.

00:26:09

I'm sure you were looking forward to returning to your liquid state.

00:26:14

Tell me... what will happen if you can't revert to a liquid?

00:26:23

I don't know. An honest answer.

00:26:25

But it's probably safe to say that it won't be pleasant.

00:26:33

Garak, this is pointless.

00:26:35

There's nothing I can tell you about the Founders that you don't already know.

00:26:39

I wish I could believe that.

00:26:41

Then why don't you?

00:26:42

Because you and I are so alike.

00:26:45

We both value our privacy, our secrets.

00:26:49

That's why I know there's something about the Founders you haven't told anyone.

00:26:52

Something you didn't even share with Starfleet and Commander Sisko, hmm?

00:27:00

But you are going to tell me, Odo.

00:27:04

There's nothing to tell!

00:27:06

Well, perhaps something will come to you.

00:27:11

I can wait.

00:27:13

The question is... can you?

00:27:28

Major... leave the Chief alone.

00:27:32

What makes you think I'm going to see O'Brien?

00:27:37

All right, it's been three hours.

00:27:39

I just wanted to see if he needed some help.

00:27:41

If he needed help, he would ask for it.

00:27:42

For now, the best thing we can do is to stay out of his way.

00:27:58

( sighs )

00:28:01

( shuddering )

00:28:10

What's the matter, Garak?

00:28:12

You don't look very happy.

00:28:15

Aren't you enjoying yourself?

00:28:17

There is no pleasure in this for me, Constable.

00:28:20

I assure you. I am simply doing my job.

00:28:24

Your job?

00:28:25

Yes!

00:28:27

This job you've been waiting for... all... all these years of exile.

00:28:34

And here you are, interrogating a prisoner again.

00:28:40

It must fill you with pride.

00:28:45

Odo, just tell me what I need to know, and this will end.

00:28:49

( screaming )

00:28:52

But... but... but you don't want it to end, do you, Garak?

00:28:57

Isn't this what you've been dreaming of?

00:29:01

Back at work... serving Cardassia.

00:29:06

That's right.

00:29:07

And you have information that I need, information that it's my duty to extract from you.

00:29:14

It's not personal.

00:29:15

( screaming )

00:29:20

Odo, talk to me!

00:29:23

Tell me something!

00:29:25

Anything.

00:29:27

Lie if you have to, but say it now, please.

00:29:36

Home! I want to go home!

00:29:39

And you will, I promise.

00:29:40

As soon as this is all over,

00:29:42

I promise I'll take you back to Deep Space 9.

00:29:45

No! Not the station.

00:29:48

Home with my people.

00:29:50

The Founders? Yes.

00:29:52

You want to return to the Founders? Yes.

00:29:54

I thought you turned your back on them.

00:29:56

I did, but they're still my people.

00:30:00

I tried to deny it.

00:30:02

I tried to forget.

00:30:03

But I can't.

00:30:05

They're my people, and I want to be with them in the Great Link.

00:30:12

I knew there was something secret you were holding back.

00:30:17

And now you've found it.

00:30:20

I hope it's useful.

00:30:52

Repairs are complete, sir.

00:30:54

The cloaking device is on line.

00:30:57

A souvenir of your handiwork.

00:31:01

Engage cloak.

00:31:03

DAX: The cloak is operating normally.

00:31:06

Resume course to the Founders' planet.

00:31:07

Maximum warp.

00:31:09

Did you get anything out of him at all?

00:31:11

Nothing. He never broke.

00:31:14

Well, that's unfortunate.

00:31:16

I see no further use for Mr. Odo. Terminate him.

00:31:19

On the other hand, he is a member of the Bajoran Militia and an officer on Deep Space 9.

00:31:25

We may not wish to provoke the Federation by killing him.

00:31:28

I agree with Garak. Do you?

00:31:30

Yes. There's no way to be certain that all of the Founders will be on the planet when we attack.

00:31:36

We should be prepared to encounter other changelings in the future.

00:31:40

And we could use more information on their capabilities.

00:31:43

I want to take Odo back to Romulus for further study.

00:31:46

All right, in the interest of cooperation.

00:31:49

ROMULAN: Bridge to Colonel Lovok.

00:31:50

This is Lovok.

00:31:52

We have entered the Omarion Nebula and dropped out of warp.

00:31:55

We should be in orbit of the planet in 15 minutes.

00:31:57

Acknowledged.

00:31:58

Well, it seems the moment is nearly at hand.

00:32:02

Gentlemen.

00:32:10

Can I do something for you, Colonel?

00:32:13

Why were you trying to protect the changeling?

00:32:15

I wasn't trying to protect him.

00:32:16

And as I recall, you thought it was a good idea to keep him alive as well.

00:32:20

My interest in the changeling is based on what I believe to be the strategic interests of the Romulan Empire.

00:32:26

But you... you seem to have a personal interest in him.

00:32:29

Well, tell me, what else am I feeling?

00:32:32

I've never been psychoanalyzed by a Romulan before.

00:32:36

This is a fascinating experience.

00:32:38

You are a practiced liar, Mr. Garak, but I am a practiced observer.

00:32:43

And I can assure you, I am going to be observing you very closely.

00:32:56

HELM: We are within disruptor range.

00:32:58

Scan the planet for life-signs.

00:33:00

Sensors show multiple life-forms on the surface.

00:33:02

They appear to be in a liquid state.

00:33:04

The Founders.

00:33:05

Signal the fleet to charge weapons and lock on to their targets.

00:33:09

We will open fire the moment we drop our cloaks.

00:33:11

All ships report ready, all weapons charged.

00:33:14

So much for the Dominion.

00:33:18

Open fire.

00:33:24

HELM: The first barrage is complete.

00:33:26

Effect?

00:33:27

30 percent of the planetary crust destroyed on opening volley.

00:33:31

No change in life-form readings.

00:33:33

What? That's impossible.

00:33:36

Some of them had to be killed.

00:33:38

Our sensor readings have been confirmed by three other warbirds. There's no change in the number of life-signs on the surface.

00:33:43

They're using an automated transponder to send back false sensor readings.

00:33:47

The planet's deserted!

00:33:49

Colonel, signal the fleet...

00:33:51

Colonel, there are ships coming out of the nebula.

00:33:52

What type of ships? Jem'Hadar fighters.

00:33:54

How many?

00:33:57

I asked you a question!

00:33:58

One hundred fifty.

00:34:05

Tactical display on screen.

00:34:08

GARAK: It's a trap.

00:34:10

They've been waiting for us all along.

00:34:33

( alarm blaring )

00:34:35

The Cardassian Cruiser Koranak has been destroyed.

00:34:37

Romulan Warbirds Makar and Belak have lost main power.

00:34:40

Bring us about to 318 mark 215.

00:34:42

Concentrate fire on ships attacking on the port quarter.

00:34:45

( yells )

00:34:47

The Jem'Hadar will destroy every ship if we stay!

00:34:49

Our only hope is to return to the Alpha Quadrant!

00:34:52

There's no way out of here, Garak.

00:34:54

The Jem'Hadar have cut us off.

00:34:56

We need to consolidate the fleet and make our stand here.

00:34:58

How could this be? What could have happened?

00:35:00

I'm afraid the fault, dear Tain, is not in our stars but in ourselves. What?!

00:35:06

Something I learned from Dr. Bashir.

00:35:09

Main power's out. Switching to emergency backups.

00:35:12

Bridge to Engineering. We need power to the weapons.

00:35:14

Bridge to Engineering, respond!

00:35:17

I'll be in Engineering.

00:35:19

Tain, take command of the Bridge.

00:35:21

Four more Jem'Hadar vessels closing on our position.

00:35:46

( grunts )

00:35:53

I take it the attack on the Founders is not proceeding according to plan.

00:35:56

No, it's not, but I suggest we make our way to the runabout.

00:35:59

For once, Garak, I agree with you.

00:36:04

You'll need this in order to gain access to your runabout.

00:36:09

Why are you doing this?

00:36:11

Because no changeling has ever harmed another.

00:36:14

You are one of the Founders?

00:36:16

Of course. This whole plan was the Founders' idea in the first place.

00:36:21

You wanted the Tal Shiar and the Obsidian Order to combine forces and come into the Gamma Quadrant so you could wipe them out.

00:36:29

Not exactly-- Tain originated the plan, and when we learned of it, we did everything we could to carry it forward.

00:36:36

The Tal Shiar and the Obsidian Order are both ruthless, efficient organizations.

00:36:40

A definite threat to us.

00:36:42

But not after today.

00:36:43

After today, the only real threat to us from the Alpha Quadrant are the Klingons and the Federation.

00:36:49

And I doubt that either of them will be a threat for much longer.

00:37:00

It is not too late for you, Odo.

00:37:03

Come with me.

00:37:05

You can still become one with the Great Link, if you wish.

00:37:13

Thank you.

00:37:15

But my answer is still no.

00:37:27

Come on! I don't think we have much time.

00:37:30

The runabout is that way. Two decks down, section 25.

00:37:32

Wait for me there. Where are you going?

00:37:34

To the Bridge, to get Tain. What?

00:37:36

I know it's difficult for you to understand, Constable, but I still owe him a personal debt and I have to try to repay it.

00:37:42

Wait for us as long as you can.

00:37:48

GARAK: Tain! We have to go!

00:37:53

There must have been an informant.

00:37:54

That's the only explanation.

00:37:56

Yes, there was an informant. You're right.

00:37:59

Colonel Lovok is a changeling. Lovok?

00:38:02

Yes, but that's something we can discuss at another time.

00:38:04

Right now, we have to...

00:38:05

It appears I have underestimated the Founders.

00:38:07

I should have seen it coming.

00:38:09

There was a time when nothing got past me.

00:38:11

You remember, don't you, Elim?

00:38:13

Yes, I do! But now we have to go!

00:38:17

Go where? Back to Mila and my quiet retirement?

00:38:20

I don't think so. I must be getting old.

00:38:23

I let my pride override my instinct.

00:38:26

Wouldn't have played it that way in the old days.

00:38:29

In the old days, I would have kept Lovok at arm's length.

00:38:32

He was too cagey, too smart.

00:38:34

I can't just leave you here!

00:38:36

I always did have a soft spot for you, Garak.

00:38:39

Another of my flaws.

00:38:41

Enabran!

00:38:43

( grunts )

00:38:45

These Founders, Elim, they're very good.

00:38:49

Next time, we should be more careful.

00:38:56

You can be very persuasive on occasion, Constable.

00:38:59

But in the future, I hope you'll consider using gentler language.

00:39:03

I'll keep that in mind. A Jem'Hadar ship is following us.

00:39:06

Raise shields and charge the weapons.

00:39:09

Aft shields down to 50 percent.

00:39:11

More speed would be advisable.

00:39:13

The warp drive is off-line.

00:39:18

Shields down to 30 percent!

00:39:20

Another Jem'Hadar ship is approaching to starboard.

00:39:22

Hang on!

00:39:24

Shields down to 15 percent.

00:39:28

Main power is failing. We're losing speed.

00:39:34

The shields are gone.

00:39:37

Odo, I hope that you will accept my sincere apologies for all this.

00:39:44

A little late, isn't it?

00:39:46

Nevertheless.

00:39:51

I may not agree with what you did, but I can certainly understand your desire to return home.

00:39:58

Thank you.

00:39:59

( console beeping )

00:40:01

What?

00:40:10

Three more coming in off the port bow.

00:40:12

Fire on the lead ship, then bring us back to the runabout.

00:40:18

Two life-signs on the runabout, Commander.

00:40:20

Drop shields. Bridge to Transporter Room.

00:40:22

Beam them aboard, Chief. O'BRIEN: Aye, sir.

00:40:25

Four more Jem'Hadar ships closing to starboard.

00:40:28

O'Brien to Bridge. I've got them.

00:40:29

Raise shields.

00:40:30

Welcome back.

00:40:32

Thank you.

00:40:33

Oh, that looks painful.

00:40:35

It is, but it did save my life.

00:40:41

Shields at 80 percent.

00:40:43

Attack pattern Omega four. Full impulse power.

00:40:46

Hold your fire until we're within 500 meters.

00:40:49

We might get pretty singed at that range.

00:40:52

Not as singed as they're going to get.

00:40:55

Engage!

00:40:58

50,000 meters and closing.

00:41:05

2,000 meters.

00:41:08

Five hundred. Fire!

00:41:23

The third Jem'Hadar ship is still pursuing.

00:41:25

Aft torpedoes, fire!

00:41:29

KIRA: Direct hit on their port nacelle.

00:41:31

They're losing speed.

00:41:32

We're out of their weapons range.

00:41:34

Any other signs of pursuit? DAX: Negative.

00:41:36

The other fighters are still concentrating on the remaining Romulan and Cardassian ships.

00:41:40

Let's not wait around for them to change their minds.

00:41:43

Set course for the wormhole, Lieutenant, warp eight.

00:41:50

It's good to see you again, Constable.

00:41:52

Likewise, Major.

00:41:53

DAX: Course laid in.

00:41:57

Engage.

00:42:04

There is still no indication that any Romulan or Cardassian vessel survived the attack.

00:42:09

Sounds like Wolf 359 all over again.

00:42:11

I had the same thought.

00:42:13

You may be interested to know I've decided not to file charges against anyone aboard the Defiant. Thank you, sir.

00:42:19

But if you pull a stunt like that again,

00:42:21

I'll court-martial you, or I'll promote you.

00:42:23

Either way, you'll be in a lot of trouble.

00:42:25

I'll keep that in mind, sir.

00:42:45

( sighs )

00:43:01

ODO: I just read the report that you wrote and I wanted to thank you.

00:43:07

Me? For what?

00:43:10

For not mentioning my desire to return to my people.

00:43:16

I consider the entire conversation as something... best forgotten.

00:43:22

As do I.

00:43:27

Quark has expressed an interest in renting this space if you're not going to be using it.

00:43:32

Oh? He mentioned something about an Argelian massage facility.

00:43:36

Unfortunately, I don't think Commander Sisko would approve of such an interesting facility on the Promenade.

00:43:43

I tend to agree.

00:43:45

But I do think he would approve of a tailor's shop.

00:43:51

Do you know what the sad part is, Odo?

00:43:56

I'm a very good tailor.

00:44:04

Garak...

00:44:06

I was thinking that you and I should have breakfast together sometime.

00:44:12

Why, Constable--

00:44:14

I thought you didn't eat.

00:44:17

I don't.