Home > Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

Strange Bedfellows

Last time on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine...

This is intolerable.

They have us caged up like animals.

( electronically distorted voice )

Stop it!

( gasps )

( grunts )

We meet at last.

( distorted voices )

Gifts?

How thoughtful.

You should be honored.

You're witnessing an historic moment-- the birth of the alliance between the Dominion and the Breen.

And now the continuation.

We will secure the prisoners below.

They will share a cell.

They may wish to... physically comfort each other on the long trip back to Cardassia.

I find interspecies mating rituals fascinating to watch.

( groans )

( panting )

Interesting device.

Oh, I am so sorry.

Where are my manners?

Allow me to introduce Legate Damar leader of the Cardassian Union.

Thot Gor.

Thot.

That's the equivalent of a Legate, isn't it?

( distorted voice )

( chuckles )

What did he say?

He says, "You need to have your universal translator adjusted."

I would have if I'd known we were meeting with the Breen.

It is a distinct pleasure to finally meet you.

( distorted voice )

Thank you.

If our face-to-face talks are as productive as our subspace communications have been, I'm sure we'll sign the treaty documents within a few days.

I haven't even seen this treaty.

We'll discuss it later.

FOUNDER: The alliance between the Breen Confederacy and the Dominion will end this destructive war that has torn this Quadrant apart.

With the Breen at our side the Federation will not be able to stand against us.

They'll be erased from the face of the galaxy.

This is outrageous.

Have you read this treaty?

Parts of it.

There's a reference to territorial concessions that the Cardassians are to make to the Breen but it doesn't say what those concessions are.

Oh, you needn't worry about that.

It's all been itemized in a secret protocol between the Dominion and the Breen.

All that is required of you is to sign the document as the acknowledged leader of the Cardassian Union.

I want to see this protocol.

Then it wouldn't be much of a secret then, would it?

You expect me to agree to territorial concessions when I haven't even seen what they are?

Damar, you are missing the point.

We need the Breen to win this war.

When it's over there will be more than enough territories available to compensate Cardassia for the loss of a few minor planets.

There are no minor planets in the Cardassian Union.

( sighs )

Do you know what I think you should do?

Talk to Thot Gor.

Express your concerns.

He's very reasonable and quite personable when you get to know him.

I don't trust him or his people.

( chuckling )

The Founders should never have agreed to give away Cardassian territory without my consent.

I'm sorry.

I think I misunderstood you.

It sounded as if you were implying that Cardassian territory doesn't belong to the Founders.

Surely, that isn't what you meant.

No, of course not.

Oh, good.

I look forward to receiving the signed documents from you within the hour.

Is there something else?

The Klingons have attacked Septimus III.

I'm aware of that.

Are you also aware that they've landed 15 divisions?

The Cardassian troops will never survive without reinforcements.

I assure you the Septimus III situation will be dealt with.

We will not allow your brave soldiers to perish in vain.

You have my word.

( Martok laughing )

Septimus III will fall within the week.

Huh! The Cardassian 11th Order.

It's a reserve unit-- old men and walking wounded.

They don't stand a chance.

I think you're right.

But enough about the war with the Dominion.

I want to hear about the war at home.

You just married that... freighter captain, didn't you?

Yes.

Then war has broken out, whether you know it or not-- a long, grueling, intoxicating war.

I remember the day my beloved Sirella moved into my home.

( chuckles )

I had a pet targ, had him since I was a boy-- a filthy, mangy beast but in his bony breast beat the heart of a warrior.

Of course, Sirella loathed him.

Well, to make a long story short while she was supervising the unloading of her bags

Sirella accidentally left the front door open and my faithful targ, ever ready to follow the call of the wild tottered outside on his frail legs and disappeared into the forest.

( sighs )

I never laid eyes on him again.

Lady Sirella draws the first blood.

You see my point.

Don't get me wrong.

I would not trade Sirella for all the targs on Qo'noS and, over the course of our marriage

I've won more than my fair share of battles between us but in the end...

I know... she will win the war.

I'll keep that in mind.

( chuckling )

WINN: You ate all the milaberries.

Mm. Well, then have Solbor bring us more.

( chuckles )

And give him another chance to frown disapprovingly?

( both laugh )

The good Ranjen doesn't much care for me, does he?

You'd think he'd be pleased to see his Kai so happy.

Are you happy, Adami?

More than I've ever been in my life.

The Prophets are smiling on us.

Hmm.

They've not only brought us together but they've given us a great task-- the Restoration of Bajor.

Our world will be reborn, and you will be its leader.

A sacred responsibility.

Yes.

I pray that I'll have the strength to do what the Prophets are asking of me.

I will be at your side.

We won't fail them.

But the Restoration will not come without struggle.

There will be those who will stand in our way.

It is not allowed to interfere with the will of the Prophets.

Even those who claim to speak in their name.

The Emissary.

Mm. In your vision... the Prophets said he'd faltered.

I can only hope that he doesn't choose to oppose them.

Their love is strong... but so is their wrath.

I hate to say it but this is doing wonders for my back.

I doubt that is what our captors had in mind.

Probably not.

We must get back to the station and warn Starfleet about the Breen.

You're right.

There's just a few problems.

We're on a Jem'Hadar ship heading in the wrong direction hanging upside down, and...

And what?

I'm think I'm getting spacesick.

( sighs )

Well, welcome home, Mrs. Sisko.

Well, thank you, Mr. Sisko.

Mmm.

So, how was your cargo run?

Interesting.

It seems my Bajoran crew members have decided that serving under the wife of the Emissary is a little different than serving under his girlfriend.

I've known some of those people for ten years or more and suddenly, they're asking me for advice about their children, their wives, their husbands their spiritual relationship with the Prophets.

Welcome to the club.

Which reminds me... every spring, the Emissary holds a little ceremony to bless the women on the station who want to be mothers.

What does this have to do with me?

There's been a request made-- several, in fact-- that the new wife of the Emissary perform the ceremony this year-- this week, actually.

No.

Kasidy...

No. I've got to draw the line somewhere.

I married you, I didn't convert.

And I'm not going to start... acting like I suddenly believe in the Prophets.

I wouldn't want you to do anything that you're uncomfortable with.

Good. Then it's settled.

I'm going to go take a sonic shower.

Take your time.

Dinner won't be ready for another 15 minutes.

And so... the battle begins.

Let me try.

No. You do not have the necessary strength.

And your fingers are too fat.

Look out.

Would you just...?

Wait. I've got it!

Ow!

Quiet.

Ow!

Are you hurt?

( whispers ): Yes, I'm hurt.

You just cut my finger and made me hit my head!

It was an accident.

( sighs )

I still don't see how getting a pin out of a bunk is going to help us escape.

If you would stop interfering and allow me to remove the pin

I would show you.

Let me take a look at your head.

No, thank you.

The last time you touched me things got a little out of control.

You are right about that.

I was seduced and betrayed.

Seduced? I seduced you.

At least we agree on that point.

What?!

You desired a physical relationship with me from the very start.

That much was obvious.

You have the biggest ego of any man I've ever known.

Considering how many men you have known that is quite a statement.

Am I supposed to be embarrassed because Jadzia had a few lovers before you?

A few?

You're right. It was more than a few.

It was dozens.

Hundreds. In fact, I don't think there's anyone aboard DS9 who wasn't her lover.

( door opens )

Let me take this opportunity to welcome you both to Cardassia Prime.

I trust you're being well-treated so far.

( chuckles )

I've been looking over the information you supplied to the Breen during your interrogation and the results are a bit confusing as mental probes so often are.

I was wondering if you wouldn't mind sifting through the data and clarifying certain issues for us.

You can't be serious.

I'm always serious.

You see, if you don't do as I ask

I'll have to hand you over to Legate Damar

( whispers ): and you know how ruthless the Cardassians can be.

"It is my duty to inform you

"that you will be turned over to a Cardassian Tribunal where you will be tried as war criminals."

War criminals?

What are the charges?

That is not necessary for you to know.

All you need to know is that you will be found guilty and executed.

However, if you should decide to join us in our search for a quick end to this miserable war your sentence will be reduced to life imprisonment.

If you want to end the war why don't you convince the Founders to surrender?

( chuckles )

You know, my dear it would be such a shame for you to die without the good Dr. Bashir knowing how you felt about him.

Wait!

( chuckling )

( laughing )

( laughter continues )

Ah, overconfidence-- the hallmark of the Weyouns.

Maybe the Founders should eliminate that from your genetic recipe next time.

They'll just make another copy of him, you know.

You should have killed me.

There's only one Damar.

I will keep that in mind.

I'm sure you will.

Consider his offer, Klingon.

You die in two days.

Pick that up, and let's go.

There you are.

( both chuckling )

Who are you?

What do you mean?

I mean, who are you, Anjohl Tennan?

I want to know everything about your family, your childhood...

( chuckles )

It would bore you.

Not at all.

What might seem trivial to you matters a great deal to me.

I need to know more about this Guide the Prophets have sent me... this simple farmer.

Mm.

This man who shares my bed.

We are of Bajor.

We await the Restoration.

I am ready.

I have met the Guide.

You need only tell me what to do.

I give myself to the Prophets in all things.

She does not understand.

She is fearful.

SISKO ALIEN: There is no other path.

She is the Chosen One.

She must embrace us.

I will.

I swear it.

Give me a chance, please.

Give us your allegiance, Kai Winn Adami.

Restore us to our rightful place in the Celestial Temple.

Reject the false Prophets.

Walk our path and embrace your own destiny.

Feel our love... the love... of the Pah-wraiths.

No!

No!

What is it, Adami?

What's happened?

They... they came to me.

A vision.

Blessed be the Prophets.

No. They weren't the Prophets.

They were...

They were what?

The Pah-wraiths.

Find Solbor.

Tell him to go to the shrine and bring me the Orb.

I must bare my soul to the Prophets and beg their forgiveness.

Eminence, are you sure that's wise?

What do the Prophets...?

Go! Bring me the Orb!

Well, hello.

( laughing )

I'm glad to see you find the death of my predecessor so amusing.

Oh, you misjudge me.

I miss him deeply.

Here. Let's drink to Weyoun 7.

When will the prisoners be executed?

When the trial is completed.

Legal protocol must be observed.

When?

The execution is scheduled for tomorrow afternoon, 1400 hours.

Have they agreed to cooperate?

No.

Maybe you should talk to Worf again.

( laughing )

Ah! Welcome to our Command Center.

( distorted voice )

Of course. Go right ahead.

( distorted voice )

( distorted voice )

( distorted voice )

Absolutely not.

That database is classified.

What Legate Damar means to say is that our entire database is open to you.

Feel free to examine it at your leisure.

( distorted voice )

Surely you don't mean that.

On the contrary, I'm quite sincere.

They don't need to know everything about our military operation in order to help us.

The decision was made by the Founder herself.

The Founder has also decided that, from now on your military recommendations will be submitted to Thot Gor and he will pass it on to her.

I will not!

( distorted voice )

I trust that was simply an unguarded emotional outburst so I will ignore it this time.

Make plans to do exactly as the Founder instructed or you can schedule an execution for yourself as well.

( beeping )

Ready.

( grunting )

Leave me!

Oh, shut up!

You never listen.

Look who's talking.

Do you have to do that?

I do it every day at this time.

I know, but there's something morbid about it.

Morbid?

That implies that she's not coming back.

I wasn't implying anything of the kind.

One of these days, Ezri's going to come walking through those doors again and this drink is going to be sitting right here waiting for her when she does.

Yeah, well in the meantime, all you're doing is reminding us that she's missing.

No one's forcing you to sit here.

It was the Badlands.

What?

What?

You said something about the Badlands.

Oh. Worf.

If his escape pod hadn't drifted into the Badlands the Defiant would have picked him up and Ezri wouldn't have had to go looking for him.

Never thought I'd hear myself saying this but I wish the Defiant had found that lumbering Klingon oaf.

Well, we can't do anything to change what's happened.

We just have to hope for the best.

Funny, I was just starting to...

Starting to what?

I don't know.

But there was something... something about her, wasn't there?

Something that made me happy anyway.

She was this old soul and yet so young at heart and... and...

I don't know what I'm saying.

Hmm.

Where is he?

DUKAT: He'll be here any moment.

He said there were certain security precautions that had to be observed before the Orb was allowed to leave the shrine.

May I ask what you're planning?

No, you may not.

This is far beyond your ability to comprehend, Anjohl.

( door chimes )

Come in.

The Orb of Prophecy.

Place it on the table and... and then go.

How may I serve you?

You are not required here. Thank you.

There's nothing to fear.

Of course not. I'm the Kai.

The Prophets will make everything clear to me.

Something's wrong.

What?

There's nothing.

The Prophets show me nothing.

They won't speak to me.

They have forsaken me...

...because I have been in communion with the evil one.

Adami...

I know this may be hard to hear, but... you must listen.

I've hidden something from you.

I didn't come here by chance.

I had a vision.

The true Gods of Bajor came to me and asked me to serve them.

The true Gods?

The Pah-wraiths.

They led me to you.

No!

They're not evil. They care about Bajor.

No!

They want to make Bajor strong.

Heretic.

Listen to me.

Get away!

Enough!

The Prophets have done nothing for you.

During the occupation, they turned their backs and let our people suffer.

Let me go.

You've sacrificed everything for them and how have they rewarded you?

They've appointed an alien Emissary.

They've rejected you at every turn.

Even now, they won't speak to you.

Solbor!

Shh!

Listen to me, please.

The Pah-wraiths will give you everything you've ever dreamt of-- the power... the adoration of the people.

In spite of your protestations of humility that's what you really want; admit it.

Stop pretending to be something you're not.

Take what they're offering you.

Get out.

Go.

Crawl back to your Prophets.

Beg their forgiveness.

Live the rest of your life... in Sisko's shadow!

I'll do anything you ask.

You need only give the word.

Have you nothing to say to me?

Am I so offensive to your eyes that I don't exist for you anymore?

There must be something I can do to prove to you that I'm still worthy of your love.

( com beep )

Go ahead.

This is Kai Winn.

I need to speak with you.

Would you come to my quarters?

Of course.

Colonel Kira to see you, Eminence.

Come in, my child.

Please sit down.

Thank you for seeing me at such a late hour.

What can I do for you?

I have often sensed... that you don't approve of how I conduct myself as Kai-- that you believe

I put my own political interests ahead of the spiritual well-being of our people.

I wish I could disagree with that assessment.

I have strayed from the path the Prophets have laid down for me.

Eminence...

You don't know.

You don't know.

Eminence.

When you told me that the Prophets had spoken to you

I prayed that they would open your heart that they would change you.

Oh, I want to change.

I would... I'd do anything to earn their forgiveness but I'm afraid it's too late.

It's never too late.

The worst of us can be redeemed.

How?

Well, I-I'm not a vedek... but it seems to me that you have to set aside the things that led you astray-- ambition, jealousy.

Oh, yes. I have given in to the temptations of power.

Turn away from temptation.

Yes.

Give yourself over to the Prophets.

I'll do whatever it takes to make myself worthy in their eyes.

Everything will change once you step down as Kai.

You'll see.

Step down?

I don't understand.

Why would I do that?

Bajor needs me.

E-Eminence... being in power is what led you on the wrong path.

But I've resolved to change.

Don't you see?

Once I have regained the Prophets' trust

I'll be better able to serve them if I remain Kai.

If the Prophets wanted me to step down surely they would have told me so.

They don't always use words to make their wishes known.

Sometimes they speak to us by touching our hearts but... only you would know if they had done that.

But Bajor needs me.

Good night, Eminence.

( laughing )

Yeah... Oh, Damar.

Oh, there you are.

I want you to hear this.

Thot Gor had an interesting observation regarding our forces along the Romulan border.

In his view, we have failed to take advantage of several weaknesses in their defenses.

Is that so?

For instance the Romulan colony in the Unroth system is ripe for attack.

Their long-range-sensor array is being repaired...

Septimus III has fallen.

Excuse me?

Septimus III.

An entire Cardassian Order has been wiped out-- 500,000 men.

Oh, yes. A great tragedy.

You promised reinforcements.

I promised nothing of the kind.

I said the situation would be dealt with, and it was.

By leaving them to be slaughtered by the Klingons.

If you will calm down and listen, I will explain.

The sacrifice made by the 11th Order will not be in vain.

They forced the Klingons to commit worthwhile, valuable troops and resources to capture a strategically worthless planet.

( distorted voice )

I'm glad you agree.

Well, I don't.

You condemned a half a million loyal Cardassians...

If they were truly loyal Cardassians then they died willingly for the Dominion.

There could be no greater sacrifice.

How many more sacrifices will my people be asked to make?

Your people, Damar?

We are all one with the Dominion--

Vorta, Cardassian, Jem'Hadar, the Breen.

( distorted voice )

We all serve the Founders, and we will all make whatever sacrifices they deem necessary.

Thot Gor, would you mind reiterating your plan for the Unroth system?

I seem to have lost my train of thought.

( distorted voice )

( distorted voice )

Yes, I know.

It's become increasingly difficult to get a full day's work out of him.

( distorted voice )

The Dax symbiont has lived for over 300 years experienced eight lifetimes and now it's all going to end with an execution on Cardassia.

Ezri Tigan's contribution to the Dax legacy will be to end it.

There is no honor in self-pity.

You know, Worf, I have had just about enough of your little Klingon aphorisms.

The only reason I came on this mission was to save your miserable life.

So the least you could do is stop acting like such a self-righteous targ.

Your motives for rescuing me are not honorable.

Do you really think that I would disobey orders and risk my life so that I could seduce you?

I hate to burst your bubble, Worf, but it wasn't that good.

Always the barb.

Always the joke.

There was a time when you found my sense of humor to be one of my more endearing qualities.

That was Jadzia, not you.

Are you angry at me for something that I did or because I'm not Jadzia?

Let's cut right to the heart of the matter.

Do you love me?

Me, Ezri?

You are trying to turn this around and make it about me.

Answer the question.

Do you love me?

I have made my feelings clear back on Goralis III.

What is it, Worf?

Could it be that you're feeling... just a little guilty because you don't have the same feelings for me that you did for Jadzia?

If that's true... then maybe we both made a mistake back on Goralis.

So maybe we both should be forgiven.

This night would be better spent preparing ourselves for the next life instead of rehashing the mistakes of this one.

You are right.

What?

I said you are right.

I do not love you as I loved Jadzia.

There's no crime in that.

Oh, I dishonored myself.

I know how often I use that word maybe too often, but in this case it is appropriate.

Go on.

From the first moment you came on the station

I knew you were not Jadzia and yet... I knew there was a part of Jadzia still alive within you.

On Goralis...

I... allowed myself to see her instead of you.

I felt the same way.

Part of me... the part that was your wife... wanted very much to be close to you.

I realize Jadzia saw physical love differently than I do.

To her, it could mean many things but to me, it was a deeply spiritual act.

When I made love to you... my motives were not spiritual.

It was an unworthy impulse.

Worf, we're not Gods or Prophets.

We're people.

We make mistakes.

There is one other thing I want you to know.

I honestly didn't realize how I felt about Julian.

I would've never hidden something like that from you.

I believe you... and I do not hold any malice toward you or Dr. Bashir.

That's good to know.

Friends?

And more.

And more.

It appears all we have left to do is to be executed.

Sounds like a lazy day to me.

( door opening )

It's time.

( groaning )

There's a Cardassian patrol ship sitting in Launch Bay 3-A, two levels above us.

Its computers have all the necessary information to get you past our security checkpoints.

Why are you doing this?

I want you to give a message to the Federation.

Tell them they have an ally on Cardassia.

Why should we trust you?

You can either trust me... or you can stay here and be executed.

I vote for option one.

( distorted voice )

Escaped?!

How could this have happened?

You're the one that put the Jem'Hadar in charge of the detention area.

Thank you for reminding me.

( distorted voice )

No, I assure you this is not typical of our security procedures.

( beeping )

The Founder... she wishes to see me.

She has to be told about this.

Oh, I'm sure she'll understand but, if she doesn't...

I look forward to meeting Weyoun 9.

( chuckles )

( door opens, closes )

SOLBOR: Eminence...

Anjohl is here.

He claims you called for him.

Show him in.

As you wish.

I remember when I first saw the gate of the Celestial Temple.

I was on the Promenade.

When it burst into view, this... whirlpool of color and light the people all around me were in awe.

They said they could feel the love of the Prophets washing over them.

Do you know what I felt, Anjohl?

Nothing.

Absolutely nothing... but I smiled and pretended

I did, because it was expected of me.

I've never admitted that to anyone.

I can understand why.

They've never spoken to me... never offered me guidance... never trusted me with the fruits of their wisdom and now, I'm supposed to step down as Kai in order to be blessed by them.

No.

I have worked too hard, waited too long to give it all up now.

You shouldn't have to.

Merciful Gods don't ask their children to make such sacrifices.

The Prophets have turned their backs on me-- after all I've done for them all the pain I've endured for them.

They're not worthy of you, Adami.

I'm a patient woman... but I have run out of patience.

I will no longer serve Gods who give me nothing in return.

I'm ready to walk the path the Pah-wraiths have laid out for me.

I'll walk with you... and no one... will be able to stand against us.

Those who dare to try-- the Federation and its Vedek puppets, the false Gods and their precious Emissary-- they'll all be swept aside like dead leaves before an angry wind.