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DAX: There it goes again.

That's the seventh time in the last two hours.

Still no idea what's causing it?

It seems to be opening and closing completely at random.

No unusual readings.

No ships coming through.

For all we know, the Bajorans are right.

Maybe it is a message from the Prophets.

Emissary.

Hmm. If it is, they didn't tell me.

Maybe the Prophets don't recognize you with the new beard.

There must be a scientific explanation for this.

DAX: Here we go.

Something funny, old man?

Hmm? No, nothing.

WORF: Ops to Captain Sisko. Sisko here.

Captain, we are receiving a priority one message from Starfleet Security.

On my way.

Then the Andorian says, "That's not my antenna."

Why do I bother? Quark!

What can I do for you, Constable?

Dax... where is she?

She's not here.

Is there anything else I can do for you?

You find all this very funny, don't you?

You and Dax probably planned it together.

Planned what? Moving my furniture.

Is that what this is all about?

Someone moved your furniture?

Not someone-- Commander Dax.

It's the fourth time she's done it this past year.

She breaks into my quarters while I'm regenerating, and moves all my furniture out of alignment.

Shifts one piece three centimeters to the right, the next four centimeters to the left.

Not one object in my quarters is where it's supposed to be.

And... is that a bad thing?

Everything I own is carefully and painstakingly arranged.

Dax knows this, and yet she takes a perverse delight in throwing my quarters into chaos.

I'd hardly call three centimeters "chaos."

Maybe you wouldn't, but I do.

You humanoids are all alike.

You have no sense of order, and Dax is the most humanoid person I know.

Sisko to Constable Odo.

Odo here.

Please report to Ops immediately.

Acknowledged.

Uh, when you see Dax, say hello to her for me.

How many people were at the conference?

27, including the Tholian observer.

27... it's unbelievable.

SISKO: Federation President

Jaresh-Inyo has declared a planet-wide day of mourning.

Constable, take a seat. Of course.

WORF: Ten minutes ago, we received a recording of a high-level diplomatic conference that took place between the Federation and the Romulan Empire on Earth two days ago.

Computer, begin replay at time index 5-9-11.

A bomb.

Of unknown composition.

A crime like this hasn't been committed on Earth in over a hundred years.

Go back and show him what you showed us.

Computer, restart recording at time index 5-9-1-6.

One-tenth normal speed.

Freeze picture.

Enlarge section F-3 and enhance.

Keep your eye on the piece of pottery.

Computer, resume at one-tenth speed.

That's a changeling.

WORF: No sign of a changeling was found in the aftermath.

We must assume that it escaped unharmed.

I was hoping that this would never happen, but it finally has.

The changelings have reached Earth.

How's that?

Another centimeter to the left.

Shouldn't you be on the Lakota?

The Lakota won't depart for another hour.

Which gives us plenty of time to repair the damage you've done to my room.

And while I'm gone, I want your solemn word that you'll stay out of my quarters.

You've got it.

So, how long do you think you and Captain Sisko will be on Earth?

I have no idea.

I just hope this trip isn't a waste of time.

I'm not sure what Captain Sisko and I can tell Starfleet about my people that hasn't already been in our reports.

Believe me, Odo, with changelings on Earth,

Starfleet's going to need all the help it can get.

There. How's that?

A little more to the left.

Whatever you say, Constable.

Wait till you see the size of the eggplant

I'm getting out of my garden this year.

As big as Crenshaw melons, and twice as heavy.

So, how is Judith?

She still helping out in the restaurant?

I sent her home to Portland.

Your sister's got her own life to worry about.

Besides, she never puts enough cayenne pepper in the jambalaya.

Just like Mom.

Which means she has no business in the kitchen.

It'll be good to have you home again, Benjamin.

Jake, too.

Dad, you know that this isn't exactly a vacation.

I'll be spending most of my time in San Francisco at Starfleet Headquarters.

Whatever you do during the day is your business.

But at dinner time, you better get yourself down to New Orleans.

No son of mine is going to eat that replicated slop

Starfleet calls food.

Not if I have anything to say about it.

You won't get any argument from me.

So, Dad... you feeling okay?

Oh, let's not start that again.

It's just a question.

You look a little tired.

How's the new aorta holding up?

The doctors say I am a medical marvel.

At the rate things are going, in a year or two

I won't have an original organ left in my body.

They'll write me up in the medical books.

Well, but you're feeling okay?

Just point me in the direction of a party and a pretty girl, and I'll show you how good I feel.

Make sure you call me as soon as you and Jake get in.

Your rooms are always waiting and ready for you.

I know that, Dad.

We'll be there before you know it.

Jake-o.

Dad.

You just missed Grandpa Joe.

Did you tell him we're staying in San Francisco?

Uh, I didn't quite get around to it.

Ah. Dad.

You know if we stay with Grandpa, he's going to put me to work in the kitchen.

Is that so bad?

Well, chopping vegetables for nine hours a day isn't exactly my idea of a vacation.

Well, Jake, you're not a child anymore.

Grandpa will not expect you to chop vegetables.

He'll want you to wait tables.

Oh!

( laughs )

Barkeep.

So, what can I get you two flyboys?

A Scotch, neat, and a pint of your finest bitter for my mate.

Make it quick. The cabbage crates will be coming back over the briny any minute now.

All right, all right. I'd hate to let the Jerries strafe that green and pleasant land of yours while the two of you were taking time out to get a drink.

No choice, man. Ritual, you know.

To Clive, the best bloke ever to prang his kite into the Channel.

Ah, got to keep a stiff upper lip.

Hear, hear.

Down the hatch.

Ah-ah!

Now, remember what I said about throwing glasses.

So, you want to go back up and have another crack at the Jerries?

Oh, I don't know.

To tell you the truth, my heart isn't in it.

Aren't you taking Clive's death a little seriously?

After all, he was just a holosuite character.

It's not Clive. It's Earth.

You probably wouldn't understand this, Quark, but when you care about a place, and it's in trouble, and you want to do something about it and you can't, it's very frustrating.

I know exactly what you mean.

When the Great Monetary Collapse hit Ferenginar,

I was hundreds of light-years away, serving as a ship's cook on a long-haul freighter.

I can't tell you the heartbreak I suffered, knowing that rampant inflation and currency devaluation were burning like wildfires through the lush financial foliage of my home.

It still depresses me even today.

I remember thinking my accounts needed me, and there was nothing I could do.

I-I-I felt so... so helpless.

So you see...

I do understand.

Somehow, you telling me that doesn't make me feel the least bit better.

Hu-mans.

All you care about is yourselves.

O'BRIEN: Odo!

Hang on a second.

Well, I take it the Battle of Britain has been won yet again.

There's a Spitfire with your name on it waiting in the hangar.

When you get back from Earth you can take Clive's place in the squadron.

Somehow I doubt it.

Look, Odo, do me a favor.

If you get a chance, stop by and visit my folks in Dublin.

Just make sure they're okay, you know?

I'll try to find the time.

Good. I'll let them know you might drop by.

Anyone I can look up for you, Doctor?

Uh, no, no, that'll be fine.

Um, just wish I was coming with you.

Well, to be quite honest, Doctor,

I wish both of you were going with me.

I could use the company.

I... I doubt that a shape-shifter will be welcome on Earth at the moment.

No one can hold you responsible for what your people are doing.

Oh, really?

Well, I'd better get over to the Lakota.

We'll be leaving shortly.

Good luck.

I don't believe in luck.

But I appreciate the sentiment.

Well, we better get out of these uniforms.

Ah.

The Lakota's gone to warp.

When was the last time the wormhole opened?

12 hours ago.

Perhaps it has returned to normal.

I suppose so.

You sound disappointed, Major.

I guess I am.

Part of me was hoping that the Prophets were behind it, that they were finally going to show themselves to the Bajoran people.

I prefer Klingon beliefs.

I supposed your gods aren't as cryptic as ours.

Our gods are dead.

Ancient Klingon warriors slew them a millennia ago.

They were more trouble than they were worth.

I don't think I'll ever understand Klingons.

Don't worry about it, Major.

Nobody does.

That's the way they like it.

Ben.

Admiral Leyton.

Good to see you again, sir.

Captain Sisko. ( laughs )

This is my adjutant, Commander Benteen.

Benjamin was my executive officer aboard the Okinawa and a damn fine one, too. I did all right.

BENTEEN: Ah, don't be modest.

Admiral Leyton has had his share of executive officers and you're the only one he ever speaks fondly of.

Present company excluded.

Admiral Leyton is the one who recommended me for the job on Deep Space 9.

One of my better ideas.

You must be Odo.

That's right.

Forgive me for staring, but you're the first changeling I've ever met.

That you know of.

I sympathize with your problem.

Uncovering changeling infiltrators is no easy task.

Well, with the help of the two of you,

I trust it'll be a little easier.

What exactly do you want us to do?

We'd like to confer with you and Odo.

See if there's anything about the Founders you left out of your official reports.

I'll help in any way I can, but I think you'll find my reports were quite thorough.

SISKO: Admiral,

I doubt you brought us all this way just for a debriefing.

Of course not.

Ben, Earth is in danger-- maybe the greatest danger it's faced since the last World War.

Something has to be done about these shape-shifters, which is why you're here.

You know more about the Dominion than anyone in Starfleet.

And so, effective immediately, I'm making you acting head of Starfleet Security here on Earth.

Congratulations, Captain.

This is one beautiful fish.

Seems a shame to eat a trout this pretty.

Why, you should thank me for the privilege of simply looking at it.

Well, go on, take a bite.

It won't bite you back.

Now, I don't want to see anybody studying the dessert menu.

If you order anything but the bread pudding soufflé, you'll be making a mistake you will regret the rest of your lives.

You should listen to him.

The man knows his bread pudding.

Benjamin!

( both laugh )

Dad.

Jake-o.

Hey.

When are you going to stop growing?

If you keep this up, you'll be bumping your head on that alligator before too long.

I remember when you used to tell me that alligator was just in stasis and you let it out every night to guard the restaurant.

Oh, I had to stop doing that.

It got to be too much trouble wrestling it back up to the ceiling every morning.

Come on, I'll get Nathan to bring you both something to eat, and we can catch up.

Nathan, some gumbo for these fine, young men.

NATHAN: Yes, sir.

So... where's this shape-shifting fellow you were coming with?

With things the way they are, Odo thought it would be better if he stayed at Starfleet Headquarters.

I don't blame him.

I haven't seen people so nervous since the Borg scare.

Me, personally,

I'd like to meet him.

Though I have to admit

I-I'm a little suspicious about anyone who doesn't eat.

JAKE: Grandpa.

Well, aren't you going to eat anything?

I ate before you got here.

( utensil clatters )

Son, don't look at me that way.

You've lost weight.

You think so?

The doctors said you have to keep your weight up.

Don't you start, too.

I have a vat of crayfish in the back that needs cleaning, and it's got your name on it.

Now, I'm going to say this one time and one time only.

I am fine.

I'm happy, I'm healthy, and I'm planning on celebrating at least 50 more birthdays.

Satisfied?

Mmm. Gumbo is as good as I remember.

Starfleet must be taking the shape-shifters pretty seriously to have you come all the way back here.

It is serious, Dad.

27 people murdered right here on Earth.

Never thought I'd see the day.

But now that my son's on the case,

I feel a lot better.

Jake!

Nog?

Captain Sisko.

What do you think?

You look good, Cadet.

You think so?

Nog, I thought I was going to see you tomorrow at the Academy.

You are.

I'm just here for dinner.

Nathan, the usual.

SISKO: I didn't know you liked Creole food.

I don't. I like tube grubs.

And your father is the only person on this planet who can get me live ones.

I've been thinking of adding them to our menu.

Of course, I'll have to cook them for our human customers, serve them with a nice remoulade.

Cook them? What good are tube grubs if they don't wiggle on the way down?

So, how's everything at the Academy?

Jake, they call it the Academy, but what it really is, is school.

Well, I want to hear about it.

It's a lot of work-- lots of classes, lots of studying--

I'm doing okay.

Now, where are those tube grubs?

Good night. You come back soon.

Come on, Ben. I've got a nice bottle of cognac

I've been saving for a special occasion and I think this qualifies.

I think you're right.

Ah, there's nothing like a full stomach to make life worth living.

So you going to tell me what's on your mind or not?

What do you mean?

I mean, you didn't stay here until closing just to get one more root beer. Something's up.

My friend, the writer... always looking for a good story.

If you don't want to tell me, fine, don't tell me.

It's nothing.

It's stupid.

All right.

Forget about it.

It's just... the Academy's different than I thought it would be.

Different how?

Some of the cadets-- they're kind of standoffish, especially the upperclassmen.

Because you're a Ferengi?

That's what I thought at first, but then I heard some of the other freshmen complaining about the same thing.

Complaining about what?

Little things.

For instance, there's this group called Red Squad made up of all the top students.

They're always going off on trips, getting special training.

None of them will even talk to me.

You've only been in the Academy for a month.

You can't expect to fit in right away.

Who knows? One of these days, you might even be in Red Squad.

I'm sure if you let them get to know you, show them you're a really good guy to be around, everything'll work out.

I am a good guy to be around, aren't I?

I always thought so.

Mr. President, I'd like to introduce Captain Sisko.

Captain, I've seen your record, most exemplary.

Thank you, sir.

Captain Sisko has several suggestions on how to combat Dominion infiltration.

I think you'll find them very interesting.

Hmm...

I understand the need for increased security, but... blood screenings, phaser sweeps?

They've proven very effective on Deep Space 9.

I'm sure they have, but I hope you'll keep in mind that this is Earth, and not a military installation.

Which means it's a lot more vulnerable.

We have to take precautions.

Precautions may be advisable, but I will not disrupt the lives of the population, despite what happened at Antwerp.

I believe the changeling threat to be somewhat less serious than Starfleet does.

Mr. President,

I assure you, the threat is real.

For all we know, there was only one changeling on Earth, and he may not even be here anymore.

But if he is here, we have a problem.

There's no telling how much damage one changeling can do.

Forgive me for saying so, Captain, but you sound a little paranoid.

Do I?

Forgive the intrusion, Mr. President, but as you can see,

Starfleet has every right to be concerned.

Allow me to introduce Odo, my Chief of Security.

A very effective entrance, Mr. Odo.

One that never should have been allowed to take place.

Admiral Leyton and Captain Sisko walked in here without being searched, without being blood-tested, and without having their possessions subjected to phaser sweeps.

SISKO: If Odo was a Dominion infiltrator, he could've killed you.

Or replaced you.

The way security is now, a changeling could get anywhere on Earth, replace anyone, even you.

SISKO: Mr. President, all we want is your permission to increase security at Federation and Starfleet installations here on Earth.

Blood tests will be limited to high-ranking Federation officials,

Starfleet officers and their families.

The average citizen won't even notice the difference.

I wish these security measures were not necessary, but the safety of Earth and the entire Federation depends on them.

You present a convincing argument, Captain.

It seems I have no choice but to accept your proposals.

Thank you, sir.

Don't thank me.

If I could think of another solution,

I would use it.

It took centuries for Earth to evolve into the peaceful haven it is today.

I would hate to be remembered as the Federation President who destroyed paradise.

We're not looking to destroy paradise, Mr. President.

We're looking to save it.

Activate the phaser.

That's enough.

How do you feel?

Well... that time I definitely experienced discomfort.

What was the setting?

Three point one.

If we set the phasers at 3.4, we should be able to stun any changeling we hit and force them back into a gelatinous state.

I'd push it to 3.5 just to be on the safe side.

But if you want to do any more tests, you'll have to get another guinea pig.

I've been shot quite enough for one day.

3.5 it is.

I want these units installed in every room at Starfleet and Federation Headquarters.

Then start working on the orbital stations.

We'll have them in place by tomorrow night.

I want to thank you, Captain.

Thank me? For what?

For convincing the President to implement these security measures.

It feels like we're finally on the right track.

Ha. You'd think she would have thanked me as well.

I'm the one who got shot 13 times today.

Captain Sisko.

I hope I'm not interrupting anything.

We were just about finished.

Can I speak to you for a minute?

In private?

Captain, I just want to say

I appreciate everything you've done for me so far, and...

Jake says you're having difficulty in school.

He told you that?!

He tells me everything.

I don't want you to get the wrong idea!

Nog, you and I both knew that it was going to take a while for you to adjust to the Academy,

and for the Academy to adjust to you.

I know, but it turned out to be even more difficult than I expected.

You're just going to have to stick with it. And I intend to.

In fact, I think I've come up with something to help me make some new friends.

Good. But I need your help.

I want to join Red Squad.

Red Squad? What do you think?

I don't know what to think, I've never heard of it.

It's an elite squad of cadets at the Academy.

You know, the best of the best.

They get special classes, simulated missions, off-campus training sessions, all kinds of things.

A group of elite cadets?

They never had anything like that when I was at the Academy.

Oh, it's pretty new.

It's a way of rewarding excellence among the cadets.

I have the grades to qualify, but I need to be sponsored by a high-ranking officer.

Ah, and you want me to put your name in for consideration?

All I'm asking for is a chance to prove myself.

I... I'm kind of busy right now, Nog.

But if I get the chance, I'll see what I can do.

Thank you, sir!

This means a lot to me.

I can see that.

Dismissed, Cadet.

Yes, sir.

( door opens )

( sighs )

Well, look who's here.

Come in, stranger.

Sorry.

I haven't been around much lately.

Oh, things have gotten a little busy.

You want to tell me about it?

I'm afraid I can't.

You'd think that Admiral could spare you for a few hours a day to visit your father.

With you in San Francisco, and Jake off visiting that school in New Zealand, it's like the two of you aren't even here.

You know, Dad, you could come and visit us at the station once in a while.

Don't start that again.

Earth's my home, it's where I belong.

Besides, what would happen to the restaurant if I went gallivanting around the galaxy?

You think Nathan can handle this place on his own?

Nathan will be running things around here sooner than you think if you don't take better care of yourself.

I had a talk with your doctor, and he tells me that you haven't been in to see him for eight months.

The man's an idiot.

He's lived in New Orleans 20 years and can't tell the difference between Creole food and Cajun food.

Maybe not, but he can tell the difference between a healthy body and one with progressive atherosclerosis.

He says that if you don't come in for vascular regeneration therapy that this restaurant will be looking for a new owner.

Ben, at my age, staying healthy is a full-time job, and I am too old to work two jobs.

Now, how long until you're due back at Starfleet Headquarters?

I've got about an hour.

Just enough time to take a walk to Audubon Park.

You up for a stroll with your old man?

I can't think of anything I'd rather do.

Nathan, don't forget to stir the gumbo.

Odo.

That was really something.

I've never seen you imitate a life-form before.

Well, I was just taking a little aerial tour of San Francisco.

It's quite nice.

Not as ancient as the cities on Bajor, but almost as impressive.

Makes me wonder how many other changelings might be flying around up there.

If all they're doing is flying around imitating sea gulls, we don't have much to worry about.

I doubt that other changelings are wasting their time imitating birds.

They don't all share Odo's lack of skill when it comes to mimicking humans.

That's right, they don't.

I'm glad you're keeping that in mind.

Well, if you ask me, that was a pretty convincing sea gull.

Thank you.

Though I'm not sure the gulls would agree.

Commander, I think we've taken up enough of Mr. Odo's time.

Keep practicing. You'll have those birds fooled in no time.

Admiral? Yes.

I know that Starfleet Command has always been a little uneasy about a changeling working in their midst.

I just wanted to say how much I appreciate the trust you've shown in me.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

Well done, Odo.

( grunts )

Are you all right?

I'm fine.

How did you know he wasn't me?

Oh, I'm not sure exactly.

It's as if I could feel the changeling's hostility toward me.

You're the only changeling who's ever harmed one of his own people.

I'm sure that hasn't made you many friends.

What I'd like to know is why was he imitating me.

You have access to all our security procedures, all our protocols, that makes you a logical target.

I suppose so.

The bottom line is, a changeling infiltrated the grounds of Starfleet Headquarters, imitated the Admiral, and got away scot-free.

Our security measures aren't working.

We're doing everything the president will let us do.

Maybe that's not enough.

We could talk to the president again.

I'm afraid that would be a waste of time.

Jaresh-Inyo would be a fine President in peacetime, but we have a war on our hands, and he doesn't seem to understand that.

All he cares about is not upsetting people.

But humans are tougher than he thinks.

We've created a paradise here, and we're willing to fight to protect it.

And you think the president isn't willing to fight.

I think the president is a long way from home.

This isn't his world.

We can't expect him to care about it the way we do.

( combadge chirps ) Sisko here.

MAN: Captain, your son's trying to contact you.

He says it's urgent. Put him through.

Dad, you'd better get down here right away.

What's wrong?

It's Grandpa. He's been arrested.

What's going on here?

Captain, we never meant for things to get out of hand.

What did you think would happen-- storming in here and accusing me and my grandson of being a couple of shape-shifters?

We never accused you of being a shape-shifter, Mr. Sisko.

We were just carrying out our orders.

All family members of Starfleet personnel are required to submit to blood screenings.

No exceptions.

That's the most ridiculous thing I ever heard of.

Do you believe that?

I should. I signed the orders myself.

Now why would you go and do a stupid thing like that?

Dad, it has to be done.

Grandpa, look.

I'll take the test first.

Go ahead.

Now me.

Sir, that's not necessary.

Do it anyway.

It's your turn.

Jake, do you think I'm a shape-shifter?

Come on, Grandpa.

Answer the question.

No, I don't think you're a shape-shifter.

At least somebody in my family has some sense.

Dad! I don't want to hear about it.

You take these two vampires and tell them to either sit down and grab a menu or get out of my restaurant.

Jake, get them a menu.

But, sir...

I would recommend the shrimp creole.

Look, Dad...

I don't want to hear it.

Listen to me... you have got to take the test.

Why should I?

If I was an enemy spy, looking to replace someone, I think I could come up with better choices than an old chef.

Yeah, you're probably right, but this isn't about you.

We've got civilian families living on starships and Starfleet installations all over the Federation.

The only way we can secure those facilities is to test everyone there whether they wear a uniform or not.

I'm not living on a Starfleet installation.

Dad, if we test the family members of one Starfleet officer, we must test them all.

You may want to test everyone, but that doesn't mean we all have to cooperate.

I didn't take an oath to Starfleet.

Neither did Jake or your sister or anyone in your family.

We have rights, Ben, including the right to be as stubborn or thickheaded as we want.

Damn it, Dad!

Can't you cooperate just one time?

You don't take your medication.

You don't go to the doctor.

You won't let Judith help you in the restaurant.

Just one time, please do what you're asked.

I wish I could, but what you're asking me to do is wrong.

You can't go around making people prove they are who they say they are.

That's no way to live, and I'm not going to go along with it.

Now, if you want to make yourself useful, start some water boiling for the shrimp.

Come on, Dad.

Don't be this way.

If I have to, I will get a warrant...

And what?

Hold me down and force me to give you my blood?

Because that's the only way you'll get...

Damn it!

Now look what I've done.

Jake?

Yeah?

I've got a dermal regenerator under the...

Benjamin Lafayette Sisko.

What the hell has gotten into your head?

You actually thought I was one of them, didn't you?

I don't know. I wasn't sure.

This business has got you so twisted around, you, you can't think straight.

You're seeing shape-shifters everywhere.

Maybe you ought to think about something for a minute.

If I was a smart shape-shifter-- a really good one-- the first thing I would do would be to grab some poor soul off the street, absorb every ounce of his blood and let it out on cue, whenever someone like you tried to test me.

Don't you see?

There isn't a test that's been created a smart man can't find his way around.

You aren't going to catch shape-shifters using some gadget.

The only thing you can count on in this life...

( gasping )

Grandpa!

( groaning )

The EMTs said he'd be okay and they were right.

It turns out it was just a mild stroke, brought on by his atherosclerosis.

How's Jake handling it?

He is very upset.

He knows as well as I do that if my father doesn't take better care of himself...

( chuckling )

I've found that when it comes to doing what's best for you, you humanoids have the distressing habit of doing the exact opposite.

I can't argue with that.

But what bothers me is that for a few moments there, I really believed that my own father was a changeling.

A reasonable assumption considering the circumstances.

( sighs ): I don't care if it's reasonable or not... but when a son can't trust his own father...

That's why my people came here-- to undermine the trust and mutual understanding the Federation is built on.

But what if my father's right?

What if all our precautions turn out to be useless?

Maybe they will, but that doesn't mean you should give up.

My people are here, and you've got to fight them with whatever you've got.

I hope you don't take this the wrong way, Constable, but there are times I wish you'd never found your people.

Believe me, Captain... sometimes I feel the same way.

Grandpa, would you please sit down?

Enjoy your meal.

Your food will be right out.

What's that look supposed to mean?

You sat down.

Damn right I sat down.

I feel terrible.

You should be in bed.

Jake, the only time you should be in bed is if you're sleeping, dying, or making love to a beautiful woman.

I'm not tired, I'm not dying, and the truth is, I'm too old for beautiful women, so I might as well be here.

Your father's the one you should be worried about.

Dad? Why?

I've never seen him so tense.

It's like he's carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders.

He is.

I suppose he is, at that.

( patrons gasp ) What happened?

I don't know.

The whole block's dark.

Are you all right?

I'm fine.

Admiral, what's going on?

From what we can tell, Earth's entire power relay system's been knocked off line.

Even Starfleet's emergency backup's been affected.

How could that happen? I don't know but if you ask me, there's only one possible explanation...

Sabotage.

The changelings.

Take out the power relays, and you neutralize sensors, transporters, surface-based defense installations...

In other words, Earth is defenseless.

If the Dominion attacks now, we don't stand a chance.

I'm not interested in excuses.

It is imperative we get the power relay system functioning again.

Mr. President.

How did you people get here?

We contacted the Lakota and used their transporters.

Mr. President, as acting head of Earth Security

I must advise you to declare a state of emergency.

You're serious.

With the exception of the Borg incident, there hasn't been a state of emergency declared on Earth in a century.

I am aware of that, but I have reason to believe that a Dominion war fleet may be in the Alpha Quadrant headed for Earth.

Do you have evidence to back this up?

Just before we left Deep Space 9, the wormhole was exhibiting some unusual behavior-- opening and closing for no apparent reason.

We didn't detect any ships coming through at the time, but the Dominion might have been using some kind of cloaking technology.

I wasn't aware the Dominion had cloaking technology.

The combined Cardassian and Romulan fleet that the Dominion destroyed in the Gamma Quadrant was equipped with cloaking devices.

Who knows what my people might have taken from the wreckage.

How long till the power relays are fixed?

From what we can tell, the changelings infected the system with some kind of self-replicating computer protocol.

It jumped from one power relay to the next, disrupting every system it came in contact with.

The only way to correct the problem is to shut down the entire grid, purge all the operating systems, and restart the relays.

And that could take days.

Which is why it is imperative that you declare a state of emergency.

What good will that do when we have no way to defend ourselves?

Mr. President, we can use the Lakota's transporters and communications system to mobilize every Starfleet officer on Earth in less than 12 hours.

We've been preparing for something like this for a long time.

We have stockpiles of phaser rifles, personal force fields, photon grenades-- enough to equip an entire army.

I can start getting men on the streets immediately.

What you're asking me to do is declare martial law.

What I'm asking you to do is let us defend this planet.

We don't know what the changelings will do next, but we have to be ready for them.

Ben, tell him.

Sir, the thought of filling the streets with armed troops is as disturbing to me as it is to you, but not as disturbing as the thought of a Jem'Hadar army landing on Earth without opposition.

The Jem'Hadar are the most brutal and efficient soldiers I've ever encountered.

They don't care about the conventions of war or protecting civilians.

They will not limit themselves to military targets.

They'll be waging the kind of war

Earth hasn't seen since the founding of the Federation.

At the same time, my people will continue to undermine Earth's defenses in any way they can.

This power outage is only the beginning.

I never sought this job.

I was content to simply represent my people on the Federation Council.

When they asked me to submit my name for election,

I almost said no.

Today, I wish I had.

We appreciate your feelings, Mr. President, but we don't have time for regrets.

You accepted the job and now it's yours.

ODO: Mr. President there are people all over this planet right now huddled in the dark, terrified about what might happen next.

They're waiting for a sign, something to reassure them that everything will be all right,

but they won't wait long.

Fear is a powerful and dangerous thing, and if you don't act, if you don't show them that they're not alone, then fear will surely take over.

Give us the authority we need, Mr. President and we will take care of the rest.

JARESH-INYO: Earth is in your hands, gentlemen.

Do what needs to be done.

Thank you, sir.

You've made the right decision.

I hope you're right... for all our sakes.

( voices approaching )

Grandpa?

Grandpa, wake up!

I'm not sleeping.

I'm checking my eyelids for holes.

You'd better come take a look at this.

Take a look at what?

Come on.