O'Brien to Sisko.

Go ahead.

We've swept all of Level 17.
No sign of the changeling.

Move down to 18.

We'll meet you there after we finish
checking the guest quarters.

Watch yourseIf, Chief.

This changeling knows
the station as well as we do.

He couId be anywhere...
or anything.

Aye, Major.

We found him!

He's headed to the Promenade!

All right, I want phaser sweeps
of everything on the Promenade.

He's here somewhere.
Let's find him.

On three.

1.

2.

Bang. You're dead.

And so is Dr. Bashir.

Computer, elapsed time?

Three hours, 27 minutes.

That's not good enough.

If one of my people were loose
on the station for that long

there's no telling how much
damage they couId do.

Schedule another surprise drill.

If the Dominion tries to infiItrate
the station, I want to be ready for them.

And remind everyone that next time,
they'd better sweep everything.

A changeling can be anything.

A post, a pillar even a patch
of reflective surfacing.

We get the message, Constable.

I hope so, Chief.

Just remember that the Founders are even
better shape-shifters than I am.

Excuse me.

If you're done scaring my customers away,
I'd like to open the bar.

Go right ahead.

Thank you.

Constable.

It just occurred to me that if I knew
in advance just how long it will take

for them to catch you
during the next drill...

Well, let's just say

you and I couId share
a substantial profit.

Think about it.

Performance reviews will be heId tomorrow
starting at 0800 hours in the Wardroom.

Check your team leaders for the schedule.
Dismissed.

How about some dinner?

Oh, not tonight.
I have a previous engagement.

Oh, that's right.
Captain Yates got in this morning.

Give her my regards.

I will.

Come in.

Hello, Ben.

I hope I'm not too late.

Some things are
worth waiting for.

Oh...

Nice...

I'm glad you like it.

For you.

Isn't that a coincidence?

I have something for you, too.

Uh...

Oh!

Where did you find
Tholian silk?

The Tholian Ambassador
owed me a favor.

May l?

It's... not silk

but l... l think you'll like it.

It's from my brother's team.

The Pike City Pioneers.

My brother says if you're
ever on Cestus Ill

he'll get you seats
in the dugout.

How far is Cestus Ill?

Eight weeks, at maximum warp.

To see a real baseball game...

it might be worth the trip.

If you ever decide to go,
I'll take you there myseIf...

as long as you don't mind
traveling by freighter.

I just might take
you up on that.

Oh!

Did you do this all yourseIf?

Well, my father always says

the way to a woman's heart
is through her stomach.

So it's my heart you're after.

I never couId keep a secret.

In that case, uh,
maybe you couId tell me

what all those maintenance crews
are doing in the docking ring.

Just some retrofitting.

Now you are keeping a secret.

Let's just say...

we're preparing a few surprises just in case
the Dominion comes through the wormhole.

It seems like everyone's got the Dominion
on their minds these days.

I hear the Cardassians
have even sealed their borders.

What do you say we forget about...
business for a while?

I'd say that's a good idea.

Dax to Sisko.

Go ahead.

I think you'd better
get up here.

On my way.

I'll be back as...
soon as I can.

I know you will.

Benjamin, take a look at this.

We've got some unexpected company.

It's just de-cloaked.

Ah, the new Klingon flagship.

The Negh'Var.

There's a General Martok on
board asking to speak with you.

Put him through.

Captain Sisko,

I bring you greetings from your allies
in the Klingon Empire.

Welcome to Deep Space 9,
General.

Is there something
I can do for you?

It has been a long journey.

My men require shore leave.

Certainly. They can come
aboard any time they like.

Good.

Sowee TAH!

Star Trek Community, Korea.

Oh, Chief...

I'm beginning to think there's no limit
to the wonders you can perform.

That's what I like about you,
Julian...

you're easily impressed.

Thank you, Quark.

Can we get a little yamok sauce
for these sand peas?

- Quark?
- Listen. Do you hear that?

I don't hear a thing.

Exactly.

The ambient noise level in this room
is less than 30 decibeIs.

On an average day, it's 65.

When there are Klingons in the
room, it can go as high as 85.

So what you're trying
to say is... it's quiet in here.

Too quiet.

Something is terribly wrong.

- Well, like what?
- I don't know

but have you ever met
a quiet Klingon before?

Look how they're watching
the room.

It's like they're
picking out targets.

Where are you going?

Well, I thought I'd ask the Klingons
what they're up to.

- Don't do that.
- Why not?

Because I don't want them
to know we're onto them.

Well, suit yourseIf.

No, the secret is positioning
the pea correctly on the hand.

But I thought I had that.

What are you two doing?

I'm telling you, the Klingons
are up to something.

Calm down, Quark.
The Klingons are our allies.

They might be your allies,
but they're not mine.

Relax. If there's something up
with the Klingons

Captain Sisko
will find out about it.

Yeah.

But will he tell me?

So, what brings you here,
General?

A valid question.

But first...

Iet us be sure we are all
who we say we are.

You think we're changelings?

What I think doesn't matter.

The blood will tell.

Hmm...

Now that that's over with...

We have been sent here to fight
alongside our Federation allies

against the Dominion.

I appreciate your gesture
but I'm not sure it's necessary.

The Klingon High Council
thinks it is.

Our communications relay
in the Gamma Quadrant

hasn't detected any signs
of Jem'Hadar activity

for quite some time.

They seem to be giving
the wormhole a wide berth.

They will come

and when they do,
we will be ready for them.

Oh, there you are.

We've been looking
all over for you.

Malko here just gave me
the most...

amazing massage

and I'm sure, if you ask nicely,
he'll do the same for you.

No, thanks.

Why?

Because Malko's not real.

He's a puppet made out of holographic light
and replicated matter.

Boys...

can you wait outside?

Are you afraid I hurt
their feelings?

Oh, you really shouId try to get
into the spirit of things.

People come from all over Trill
to visit the Hoobishan Baths.

If I'm ever on Trill,
I'm sure I'll visit them

but we're not on Trill

and this isn't
the Hoobishan Baths.

It's a holosuite,
and none of it is real.

And?

"And"?

I'm sorry. I feel silly.

Good! That's
what a holosuite's for...

to have a good time.

All you have to do is relax
and use your imagination.

I guess I don't have
much of an imagination.

Of course you do.
Everyone does.

Didn't you play make-believe
when you were a chiId?

Yeah. I used to make
believe the Cardassians

wouId stop killing the Bajorans
and just go away.

I'm sorry, I didn't mean to...

Oh, no. I'm sorry.

I... I guess I never had
much use for my imagination.

I mean, look at me.

You plan a fun evening for us

and all I can do is sit here
and worry about Klingons.

You can worry
about the Klingons tomorrow.

From what I hear,
they're not going anywhere.

And as for your underdeveloped
imagination

I prescribe
a strict regime of exercise

starting immediately.

All right.
I'll give it a try.

That's all I ask.

Come on. Malko couIdn't
have gone far.

Fascinating.

So both the cup and the liquid
are merely extensions of your body.

That is correct.

And if I want to,
I can even drink the liquid, reabsorb it

and produce new coffee
in the cup.

This way, I can give the illusion that
I'm sharing the dining experience.

Very thoughtful.

Tell me, Odo. Have you heard
any news from Cardassia lately?

Not since they sealed
their borders.

Well, I have, and frankly,
I don't like what I've heard...

rumors of uprising,
civil disturbance.

It's all very alarming.

I didn't know you still had
friends inside the Empire.

One or two, but I can't even
get through to them now.

That's what worries me.

With the destruction
of the Obsidian Order

and the threat of the Dominion

these are unsettling times
for Cardassia.

They're unsettling
for everyone...

Stop!
What are you doing here?

Let me see that!

But if I hear anything,
I'll let you know.

I'd appreciate that, Constable.

Excuse me for a moment.

...so far away
from the Firelight Nebula.

So what is it that you
do on this station?

Can I help you?

Lohd Zoss-lee chaw-KU
sohkjaTAL?

Actually, I'm not sure
Constable Odo has a mother.

Morn, I believe Ensign Saunders
was looking for you.

Gentlemen, if you have
business on this Promenade

I suggest you get on with it.

I'd listen to him,
if I were you.

I don't take orders
from shape-shifters

or their Cardassian lapdogs.

I may be a shape-shifter,

but I am aIso
Chief of Security of this station

so either move along

or you'll be continuing this conversation
from inside a hoIding cell.

As long as you wear
that Bajoran uniform

we're allies.

Make sure you never
take it off.

I didn't know you spoke Klingon.

Oh, you'd be surprised at the things
you can learn when you're doing aIterations.

Well, let me guess...

you're either lost

or desperately searching
for a good tailor.

Guess again!

I can't believe
you're not pressing charges.

Constable Odo and Captain Sisko
expressed a similar concern.

But really, Doctor,
there was no harm done.

They broke seven of your transverse ribs
and fractured your clavicle.

Ah, but I got off
several cutting remarks

which no doubt did
serious damage to their egos.

Garak, this isn't funny.

I'm serious, Doctor.

Thanks to your ministrations
I am almost completely healed.

But the damage I did to them
will last a lifetime.

What I can't understand is their
inexplicable hostility toward me.

Maligning Constable Odo
is one thing...

after all, he's a changeling.

The Klingons don't know
him as well as we do.

But relations between the
Klingon and Cardassian Empires

have never been
anything but amicable.

With the exception
of the Betreka Nebula lncident.

A minor skirmish.

It lasted 18 years.

It was ages ago.

Perhaps they decided
they just didn't like me.

Not like you?

Impossible.

You're right.

As always, Doctor.

They must have mistaken me
for someone eIse.

The Klingon ships keep
cloaking and de-cloaking

so it's impossible
to get an exact count

but so far, we've been able to identify

at least 20 different warships
in the vicinity of the station.

Captain, we're receiving a priority one
distress call from the Freighter Xhosa.

Kasidy's ship?

She left the station
an hour ago.

Put her through.

This is the Freighter Xhosa
to Deep Space 9.

We're under attack by...

Her signal's been jammed.

Get a fix on her location.

Tell the crew on the Defiant
to man their stations.

We'll meet you on the bridge.

Defiant.

Forward scanners are detecting the Xhosa
at bearing 017 mark 346.

I'm picking up another ship.

It's got a tractor beam
on the Xhosa.

On screen.

A Klingon ship?

I can't get through to Kasidy.

They're still jamming
her communications.

Hail the Klingon vessel.

This is Commander Kaybok
of the M'Char.

What is it you want?

I want to know
why you stopped that ship.

We have orders to search all vesseIs
attempting to leave Bajoran space.

Search them for what?

For shape-shifters.

Each ship will be scanned,
its cargo searched

and its crew members and passengers
subjected to genetic testing.

On whose authority?

On the authority of Gowron
and the Klingon High Council.

The Klingon High Council has no
jurisdiction over ships in Bajoran space.

We assumed you wouId welcome
our assistance.

Do you have any evidence that there are
changelings aboard this particular ship?

How can we have evidence
until we conduct our tests?

Commander.

Bajoran law strictly prohibits any unwarranted
search and seizure of vesseIs in our territory.

I have my orders.

The Klingon ship has increased
power to its tractor beam.

It looks like they're preparing
to board the Xhosa.

Major, raise shieIds.

Power up the forward phasers.
See if that gets their attention.

ShieIds up.
Forward phasers standing by.

They're still not releasing
the tractor beam.

Fire a warning shot 200 meters
off their starboard bow.

Yes, sir.

Commander Kaybok wouId
like to speak with you.

Let's hear what he has to say.

Captain, this is outrageous!

I agree.

But you leave me no choice.

You're violating Bajoran law.

Now, I will ask you
one last time.

Release that ship immediately.

We are your allies.

Major, lock phasers
on M'Char's engines.

Prepare to fire on my command.

Phasers ready.

K'trek im stram.

Gowron will hear of this.

I'm receiving a hail
from the Xhosa.

It's Captain Yates.

Put her through.

Captain, I don't know
what you said to those Klingons

but it must have been good.

Is everyone all right?

Everyone is fine.

I'm glad to hear it.

We'll keep you on sensors
as long as we can

but I doubt the Klingons
will give you any more trouble.

I appreciate that, Captain.

I'll see you in about two weeks.

You know where to find me.

According
to our long-range sensors

the Klingon task force has withdrawn
to just outside Bajoran territory.

So now they're
in unclaimed space.

And if they decide
to continue searching ships...

There's nothing
we can do about it.

Unless they try to stop
a Federation or Bajoran vessel.

Which so far, they haven't done.

Captain, General Martok
is here to see you.

Send him in.

Yes, sir.

Ah, General.
We need to talk.

SOHK-vad.

It's Commander Kaybok's.

Why did he give it to me?

He's letting you know
Kaybok's dead.

Martok probably had him
executed for disobeying orders.

Which means,
our next confrontation with the Klingons

won't be resolved so easily.

Any suggestions, oId man?

The longer the Klingons are here
the worse things are going to get.

Whatever you decide to do,
you'd better do it soon.

Curzon toId me once
that, in the long run

the only people who can
really handle the Klingons

are Klingons.

Get me Starfleet Command.

Commander Worf.

Chief.
It has been a long time.

Too long.
Welcome aboard.

Just what this station needs...

another Klingon.

Come on.

Lieutenant Commander Worf
reporting for duty, sir.

It's good to have you aboard,
Commander.

Thank you, sir.

At ease, Mr. Worf.

I was sorry to hear
about the Enterprise.

She was a good ship.

Yes, sir.

I understand you've been
on extended leave.

Yes, I have been visiting
the Klingon monastery on Boreth.

I found my discussions with the clerics
there to be most... enlightening.

Well, I hope you'll forgive me
for pulling you away from your studies

but I doubt that this assignment
will take very long.

My leave was almost over, sir.

Do you have any idea
where you'll be stationed next?

I am considering resigning
my commission.

Really?

May I ask why?

I have spent
most of my life among humans.

It has not always been
easy for me.

And since the destruction
of the Enterprise

it has become
even more difficuIt.

I am no longer sure
I belong in this uniform.

Mr. Worf.

If I toId you we didn't need you here
I'd be lying

but if you don't want to take
this assignment, I'd understand.

Thank you, sir.

But until I make my decision
I intend to do my duty.

I'm glad to hear that.

I assume you've read
my situation report.

Yes, sir.

I can't help but feel
that General Martok

isn't telling the whole truth
about this Klingon task force.

There are too many
unanswered questions.

Then I will find you
some answers.

Good.

If you need any help,
let me know.

Yes, sir.

Commander.

I once thought about resigning
from Starfleet, too.

I know if I had,
I wouId have regretted it.

Don't make any quick decisions.

I will keep that in mind.

Let me guess...
Klingon bloodwine.

Prune juice, chilled.

Prune juice?

I... if you say so.

Commander, over here.

Dr. Julian Bashir,
Lieutenant Commander Worf.

Care for a game of darts?

I do not play games.

It's like poker,
but with pointed tips.

All right, think of it
as target practice.

The object is to throw this dart
and hit that board over there.

Aim for the dot in the middle.

Well, you saw how he was acting!

I can't believe you did that!

Well, he didn't
leave me any choice.

Wait, wait, wait.
What did she do?

She knocked out Lancelot.

He kissed me.

He's supposed to kiss you.

But I was playing
a married woman.

Uh, Lieutenant Commander Worf...

this is Lieutenant
Commander Jadzia Dax

and Major Kira Nerys...

our First Officer.

Nice hat.

I, uh...

I don't usually dress like this.

We were in the holosuite.

So I gathered.

You used to be Curzon Dax.

That's right, and I don't
usually dress like this either.

Curzon's name is an honored one
among my people.

Louk, ajeek CHIM-ta law.

I suppose so.

Bartender!

Bloodwine!

And hurry!

Excuse me.

What did you say to him?

It loses something
in the translation.

This bloodwine is coId!

Get me another one!

You are Drex, son of Martok.

That's right.

I am Worf, son of Mogh.

He's good.

What did I tell you?

Enter.

I have come
for my son's d'k tahg.

Give it to me...
or I will take it from you.

Now that you are here...

I have no further need of it.

You robbed my son of his honor
just to get my attention?

You cannot take away
what someone does not have.

You're saying my son
is without honor.

I am saying your son
is a coward and a liar.

And what of his father?

That remains to be seen.

Tell me, what have I done
to earn your disrespect?

The misdeeds your troops have
committed speak for themselves...

attacking a Cardassian tailor

detaining and searching ships in neutral
space without warning or provocation...

and you executing one of your Commanders

because he refused
to fire on a Federation ship.

Whatever we have done

is in the best interest
of the Alpha Quadrant.

You must think me a fool to make
your lies so transparent.

I do not wish to quarrel
with you, Worf.

Nor I with you.

The House of Martok is an honored one...
with a proud tradition

but I must know
why you are here.

I am here under the authority
of Gowron himseIf.

I am carrying out his orders.

That shouId be all the explanation
a Klingon warrior needs.

You forget,
I am not only a Klingon warrior

I am a Starfleet officer

and Starfleet deserves
an explanation.

They will get one soon enough.

Until then, know this.

My mission will determine
the fate of the Klingon Empire.

Interfere, and you risk
destroying us all.

You shouIdn't drop
your left arm like that.

I do not remember
asking you for advice.

I'm just trying to help.

So, how did you
like the program?

I found it adequate

aIthough I was surprised to find a Klingon
exercise program on the holosuite.

It's mine.

You mean Curzon's.

No. I mean it's mine.

Computer, bat'leth.

I thought you might be tired
of fighting holograms.

It wouId not be a fair match.

I'll go easy on you.

Very well.

Defend yourseIf.

I hope you're not hoIding back
because I'm a woman.

If it makes things any easier,
think of me as a man.

I've been one several times.

Feel better?

I take it your conversation with General
Martok didn't go all that well.

He was not forthcoming,
and he is not the only one.

I tried to contact
Gowron, Emperor Kahless

even my brother,
who sits on the High Council.

No one will speak with me.

Maybe you're going about this
the wrong way.

With so many Klingons around

there must be someone
who owes your family a favor.

Ej IM-ta fey DE-ja i

ejadahk-so-TAS
ghos va Skral byteek

Empajaj law-mochjaj-pusH

jaj Kayless Molor-migh
hohk-chew koo.

Your father and I
used to sing that song

when you were just a small boy.

Did I ever tell you how your
father saved my family's honor

during our blood feud
with the House of Duras?

Many times.

It is a good story.

Yes, and you tell it well.

Your father was a great warrior.

My family owes him
everything we have.

I wish there was some way
I couId repay him.

There is.

Tell me why the task force
is here

the real reason, not the one
Martok gave the Federation.

The real reason?

I suppose you have
a right to know.

You are a Klingon warrior

and it wouId be wrong
to keep you away from battle.

And it's going to be
a glorious battle.

It all seems simpler
from up here, doesn't it?

If you are looking to start a conversation
Iook somewhere eIse.

I wouId prefer to be left alone.

That may be, but you
can't stay up here forever.

Sooner or later, you're going to
have to talk to Captain Sisko.

Whatever it is you've found out
about the Klingons

he shouId be the first to know.

You have been spying on me.

As Chief of Security

it's my duty to observe
the inhabitants of this station.

Since your arrival,

you've transmitted an average of five
messages a day to the Klingon HomeworId.

None of which
has gotten a response.

Then last night, you met with
a Klingon officer in your quarters.

Since then, you haven't
sent a single message.

In fact, you've done nothing

to further your investigation
of the Klingon task force.

None of which is your business.

The security of this station
is my business.

Your behavior
leads me to conclude

that either you've given up
your investigation

in which case,
it's my duty to take over, or...

you found something...

something so disturbing that
you're hesitant to inform Captain Sisko.

I am not interested
in your... conclusions.

Commander?

I just wanted to say that I understand
what you're going through.

I've aIso had to choose
between duty

and loyaIty to my people.

Yes. I've read
your Starfleet security file.

Frankly, Mr. Worf, I don't care
which choice you make

but you owe it to Captain Sisko
to let him know which side you're on,

before it's too late.

Enjoy the view.

Mr. Worf, what can I do for you?

Where is Captain Sisko?

I think he's
in a briefing session with...

I need to talk to him... now.

Cardassia?

Why wouId the Klingons
want to invade Cardassia?

According to my source

there has been an uprising
on the Cardassian homeworId.

The Central Command
has been overthrown

and power transferred
to civilian authorities.

Even if your source is correct

what does that have to do
with the Klingons?

Gowron and the High Council believe
the coup was engineered by the Dominion.

Do they have any proof?

None that I know of,
but they are convinced that

civilians couId not have overthrown
the Central Command without help.

So, by attacking Cardassia,

they think they're protecting
the Alpha Quadrant from the Dominion.

Sisko to Dax.

Contact General Martok.

Tell him I need
to meet with him immediately.

Yes, sir.

Mr. Worf, I know this hasn't
been an easy assignment for you.

No, it has not.

But I knew this day
wouId come again

when I'd be forced to choose between
the Federation and the Klingon Empire.

Maybe you don't have
to make that choice just yet.

I don't think there's any need for you
to be there when I meet with Martok.

I wouId prefer to be there.

I cannot avoid responsibility
for what I have done today.

I must compliment you on your
intelligence network, Captain.

One day, you must tell me
how you learned of our plans.

General!

How I got the information
isn't important.

I think it is,
and so will Gowron.

General, I want you
to call off this attack.

And what do you propose
we do instead?

Stand by and allow the Dominion
to take over the Alpha Quadrant?

You have no proof that there are
any Founders on Cardassia.

The change in government
is all the proof we need.

And what if you are wrong?

That wouId be unfortunate...
for the Cardassians.

General, the Federation Council
has made it clear to me

that they cannot support
your plans to attack Cardassia.

Are you saying the Federation
will sit back and do nothing

while Klingon soIdiers give their lives
to protect the Alpha Quadrant?

Starfleet will not participate
in an unprovoked invasion.

Then the victory
will be ours alone!

General, I wouId advise you
to reconsider.

The Federation Council
has informed Gowron

that if the attack goes forward,

it will jeopardize our treaty
with the Klingon Empire.

Believe me, Captain, we have no
wish to antagonize your people.

Then call off the attack.

I will consuIt with Gowron.

You will have his decision
within the hour.

Captain, I think
you better take a look at this.

Report.

As soon as General Martok
beamed back to his ship

he sent a message
to the Klingon fleet.

It was just one word... "In'Cha."

"Begin."

I'm picking up a huge
distortion wave in subspace.

The Klingon ships
are going to warp.

Can you plot their course?

Judging from the vector
on the subspace disturbance

I'd say their heading is...
269 mark 032.

Straight
to the Cardassian Empire.

The Federation Council has been
trying to contact Gowron.

So far they've had no response.

So until they've had a chance
to speak with him

we've been ordered
not to get involved.

The Bajoran government
has agreed

to abide by the decisions
of the Federation Council.

So that means we're not going
to warn the Cardassians?

The Klingons are
still our allies.

If we warn the Cardassians,
we'd be betraying them.

Besides, what if the Klingons
are right?

What if the Dominion has taken over
the Cardassian government?

If my people wanted to seize
control of Cardassia

that is how they wouId do it.

The coup couId have happened
just as easily without the Founders.

The Cardassian dissident movement
has been gaining strength for years.

With the Obsidian Order
out of the way

they might have
finally succeeded.

The issue is not if there are
any Founders on Cardassia.

There are many Klingons who say
we have been at peace too long

that the Empire must expand
in order to survive.

Fear of the Dominion
has given my people an excuse

to do what they were born to do...
to fight and to conquer.

If they're so eager to fight

who's to say they'll stop
with the Cardassians?

Next target couId be anyone,
even the Federation.

If I were you,
I'd be more worried about Bajor.

Think about it.

What good wouId it do
the Klingons to defeat Cardassia

if they don't
control the wormhole?

Agreed.

If my people return to the
oId ways, no one will be safe.

Then we'll have to make sure
that doesn't happen.

But how?

The way I see it,
we only have two choices.

Both of them bad.

If we stand by and do nothing

we run the risk of being
the Klingons' next target.

But if we disobey Starfleet
orders and warn the Cardassians

we may end up starting
a war with the Klingons.

Which means...

we need a third option.

Trust me, you won't regret this.

When it comes to keeping warm

nothing beats
Vitarian wool undergarments.

And in case you change your mind
about those earmuffs

I'll keep them on hoId for you.

Mr. Garak, I'd like to see you
in the Wardroom immediately.

Bring your tailor's kit.

All together, we're talking about well over
a hundred ships just in the first wave.

Excuse me.
I hope I'm not interrupting.

I'd like to be measured
for a new suit.

Now?

Right now.

But, Captain, I do have
your measurements.

Take them again.

You were saying, Commander?

I was saying that between
ground forces and warships

the Klingons have committed almost a third
of their military to this invasion.

How long before they reach
their target?

According to our estimates

the task force shouId enter
Cardassian space within the hour.

Don't forget the waist.
I think I've lost a little weight.

Well, thank you, Captain.

I believe
I have everything I need.

The Klingons?

Why wouId the Klingons
invade us?

According to my sources, the
Klingon High Council believes

that Cardassia has been
taken over by the Founders.

That's ridiculous.

Is it?

Garak, you have got
to talk to Sisko.

Tell him he has to find some way
to stop the Klingons.

Cardassia has enough
problems right now.

Having trouble
keeping the civilians in line?

How do you know about that?

I'm afraid that since the fall
of the Obsidian Order

Cardassian security
isn't what it used to be.

Yes.

Shame about the Order.

I suppose there won't be
much demand

for your services anymore.

Looks like you'll be hemming women's
dresses for the rest of your life.

We can stand here all day
reminding ourselves

just how much we hate each other
but you don't have the time.

The Klingon fleet will reach Cardassian
territory in less than one hour.

I suggest you prepare for them.

Based on Klingon transmissions
we've intercepted,

the outlying Cardassian colonies
were overrun almost immediately.

But now that the Cardassian
fleet has mobilized

the Klingons are meeting
stronger resistance.

You'd almost think somebody warned
the Cardassians they were coming.

Hopefully, it'll make the Klingons
think twice about what they're doing.

Unlikely, Major.

Now that the battle has begun,

Martok and his troops will settle for
nothing less than victory.

Well...

what did the Federation Council
say?

They've decided to condemn
the Klingon invasion.

In response...

Gowron has expelled all Federation citizens
from the Klingon Empire

and recalled his Ambassadors
from the Federation.

You're saying he cut off
diplomatic relations?

He's done more than that.

The Klingons have withdrawn
from the Khitomer Accords.

The peace treaty between the Federation
and the Klingon Empire has ended.

Captain.

You're never going
to believe this.

A Klingon ship just de-cloaked
off Upper Pylon 3

and is requesting
permission to dock.

They claim they have
Chancellor Gowron on board

and he is demanding
to speak with Mr. Worf...

personally.

Chancellor Gowron.

You wished to speak with me?

Worf.

Worf!

It is good to see you.

I always said that uniform wouId
get you into trouble one day.

It seems you were right

- but I do not apologize for my...
- Yes, yes, I know.

You did what you thought
was right.

And even though you may
have made some enemies

I assure you, ha,
I am not one of them.

I am glad.

Your friendship
means much to me.

And yours to me.

It has been too long since
you last fought at my side.

Now the time has come again.

We will do great deeds
in the coming days.

Deeds worthy of song!

You want me to go
to Cardassia with you?

What better way to redeem yourseIf
in the eyes of your people?

Come with me, Worf.

Glory awaits you on Cardassia.

Worf, why do you stand there
like a mute d'blok?

I have offered you a chance for glory.
All you have to do is take it.

If there's any glory
to be won, Gowron

it'll have to be yours alone.

I cannot come with you.

Of course you can.

It is where you belong.

I cannot abandon my post.

You no longer have a post.

You have no place
on that station

and no business
wearing that uniform.

I have sworn
an oath of allegiance.

To the Federation!

You wouId have me
break my word?

Your word?

What good is your word

when you give it to people
who care nothing for honor?

Who refuse to lift a finger

while Klingon warriors
shed blood for their protection?

I tell you,
they are without honor

and you do not
owe them anything!

It is not what I owe them
that matters.

It is what I owe myseIf.

Worf, son of Mogh,
does not break his word.

And what of your debt to me?

Are you saying
you owe me nothing?

I gave you back your name,
restored your house

gave your family a seat
on the High Council

and this is how you repay me?

It is true.

I owe you a great debt.

I wouId give up my life for you.

But invading Cardassia is wrong,
and I cannot support it.

Worf... I have always considered you
a friend and an ally.

And because you are my friend

I am giving you this one
last chance to redeem yourseIf.

Come with me.

I cannot.

Think about what you are doing.

If you turn your back on me now

for as long as I live,

you will not be welcome
anywhere in the Klingon Empire.

Your family will be removed
from the High Council

your lands seized and your House
stripped of its titles!

You will have nothing!

Except my honor.

So be it.

- Dabo!
- Dabo!

You look like you couId
use some company.

Chief.

Do you remember the time
we rescued Captain Picard from the Borg?

How couId I forget?

It was touch and go there
for a while.

There were a couple of moments

when I thought we were all going
to wind up being "assimilated."

Well, I never doubted
the outcome.

We were like... warriors
from the ancient sagas.

There was nothing
we couId not do.

Except keep the holodecks
working right.

I... have decided
to resign from Starfleet.

Resign?

What are you talking about?

I have made up my mind.

It is for the best.

Look, I... I know how much
you miss the Enterprise

but I'm sure they'll be
buiIding a new one soon.

It will not be the same.

The Enterprise I knew is gone.

Now those were good years.

But now it is time
for me to move on.

And do what?

I do not know.

I thought I wouId be returning to Boreth
but now that is impossible.

I have made an enemy of Gowron

and every other Klingon
in the Empire.

All the more reason
to stay in Starfleet.

This uniform will only serve
to remind me

of how I have disgraced myseIf
in the eyes of my people.

I suppose I couId get a berth
on a Nyberrite Alliance cruiser.

They are always eager to hire
experienced officers.

The Nyberrite Alliance?

That's a long way.

And what about your son?

Alexander is much happier
Iiving with his grandparents on Earth

than he ever was
staying with me.

And one thing is certain...

the sooner I leave here,
the better.

My continued presence
on Deep Space 9

wouId only be a liability to Captain Sisko
in his dealings with the Klingons.

Do you hear that, Chief?

72 decibeIs.
Music to my ears.

I think I liked it better
when it was quiet.

You want quiet,
go to the Replimat.

This is Quark's

the way Quark's shouId be
the way it was meant to be.

Am I glad we finally got rid
of all those Klingons.

Uh... present company
excepted, of course.

I got to hand it to you, Quark.

You really know how to make
your customers feel welcome.

What do I care?

All he ever drinks
is prune juice.

I'm sorry, Mr. Worf

but I can't accept
your resignation at this time.

I do not understand.

What further use
couId I be here?

I'm not sure yet.

But as long as the fighting continues
between the Klingons and the Cardassians

I need you here on the station.

If you think that is wise.

I don't know
if it's wise or not.

But I do know
that you're a good officer

and right now, I need
every good officer I can get.

Captain, we just got word
from Bajoran lntelligence.

The Klingons have broken through
the Cardassian fleet.

How long before they reach
Cardassia Prime?

52 hours.

If the Klingon Empire has
reverted to the oId practices

they will occupy the Cardassian homeworId
execute all government officiaIs

and install an lmperial Overseer
to put down any further resistance.

I think it's about time we had
a talk with the Cardassians.

Captain, I'm a little busy
at the moment

so whatever you have to say,
please make it brief.

Dukat?

I was trying to reach someone
in the civilian government.

And you have succeeded.

You are speaking to the new Chief
Military Advisor to the Detapa Council.

Does this mean you've turned
your back on Central Command?

It means that as a loyal officer
of the Cardassian military

I am pledged to serve the legitimate
ruling body of the Empire

whoever that may be.

In other words, you saw which way the wind
was blowing and switched sides.

It seemed like a good idea
at the time.

Dukat, you have got to get
those council members to safety

before the Klingons
reach Cardassia Prime.

I am open to suggestions,
Captain.

If you can get a ship
and meet me at these coordinates

I'll do what I can to escort you
out of the war zone.

That is a very generous offer.

I must say I am touched.

By saving the members
of the Detapa Council

- you will be saving some very...
- Forget the speech, Dukat.

Just meet me
at the rendezvous point.

And if the Klingons
try to stop us?

Then I'll be there
to reason with them.

I doubt the Klingons
will fire on a Federation ship.

I'm not sure I share
your optimism.

But, then, I don't have
much choice, do l?

We'll meet you there.

Sir...

if the Klingons are right...

if the Cardassian government has been
taken over by the Founders...

Then we'll be helping
them to escape.

That's the chance
we'll have to take.

I know you want to be
out of that uniform

but right now,
I need you with me.

I understand.

Make sure that Chief double-checks
all our new systems.

We may need them.

I'll tell him, but knowing the Chief
he's probably doing it already.

Keep the station
on Yellow Alert.

And just to be on the safe side,

I'd recommend that you send some of
the civilian population down to Bajor.

I was planning to.

I wish I was going with you.

So do l.

But I need you here.

Ben!

I'm, uh... glad I caught you
before you left.

So am l.

When'd you get back?

Uh, less than an hour ago.

Jake toId me you were
about to go off on...

some kind of mission.

The Defiant leaves
in a few minutes.

And you can't tell me
about it.

I'll be back
in four or five days.

I'm leaving tomorrow.

Phew!

I guess our timing
hasn't been too good.

No.

No, it's been terrible.

I'm not even sure
when I'll be back.

Make it soon.

Don't get killed.

I'll do my best.

Activate the cloaking device.

Cloaking device is functioning
within normal parameters.

Set a course for the rendezvous point.
Maximum warp.

Course laid in.

Engage.

Mr. Worf, keep an eye out for
Klingon ships cloaked or otherwise.

Aye, sir.

Is something wrong, Mr. Worf?

No, sir.

Yes, sir.

It is just...

I have never been on a Federation
starship that had a cloaking device.

It is... a little strange.

You'll get used to it.

Sir, I hate to bring this up

but our agreement
with the Romulans

expressly prohibits use of the cloaking
device in the Alpha Quadrant.

You're right, it does.

But there are hundreds of Klingon ships
between us and Dukat

and I intend to make
that rendezvous in one piece.

Well, I won't tell the Romulans
if you don't.

I never thought I'd say this
but right now...

I'm glad the Dominion's around.

Otherwise, we never wouId have
started these upgrades

Iet alone have them
almost finished by now.

Well, there's something to be
said for incentive.

Uh-huh.

I just hope everything
works okay.

You're saying you're not sure?

The way I see it,
there are two possibilities.

Either everything
will be fine, or...

Or?

Or we'll end up blowing
the station to pieces.

Oh.

Well, let's hope
we don't have to find out.

Captain...

I am detecting some debris.

Bearing 025 mark 319.

Commander, drop us
to one-quarter impuIse.

Aye, Captain.

It appears to be the wreckage of
a number of Cardassian vesseIs.

On screen.

Are there any signs
of survivors?

I suppose it's possible.

But there's no way to know without
decloaking and using our primary sensor array.

Sir, I strongly recommend
against that.

It is likely there are cloaked
Klingon warships in the vicinity

lying in wait.

Well, that doesn't sound
very honorable to me.

In war, there is nothing
more honorable than victory.

Commander, keep us
at one-quarter impuIse...

until we've cleared
the wreckage.

Then take us to warp.

But, sir...
if there are survivors...

I'm sorry, Doctor,
we can't risk it.

We have to reach Dukat.

And double-check the
secondary power grid.

It's still not performing
as well as it shouId.

Yes, sir.

What's our status?

We're approaching
the rendezvous point.

Captain, I am detecting
weapons fire ahead.

It appears to be three Klingon birds-of-prey
attacking a Cardassian vessel.

The vessel is badly damaged.

Captain, I'm picking up a distress signal
from Dukat, audio only.

Put it through.

This is Gul Dukat
of the Cruiser Prakesh.

We're under heavy fire.
Our shieIds are failing.

I don't know how much longer
we can hoId out.

Send reinforcements immediately.

I repeat, this is...

We're in visual range.

On screen.
Maximum magnification.

Two decades of peace
with the Klingons

and it all comes down to this.

Orders, Captain.

Benjamin...

Dukat's ship isn't going
to last much longer.

Arm quantum torpedoes...

drop the cloak,
and raise shieIds.

We're going in.

Red Alert.

Doctor.

Commander Worf, transmit a priority one
signal to the Klingon ship.

Tell them to break off their attack
and stand down immediately.

Message sent.

Captain, I find it highly unlikely
that the Klingons will heed your...

We've been fired upon
by the lead bird-of-prey.

ShieIds are hoIding.

I see your point, Mr. Worf.

Let's show them
what they're up against.

Attack pattern omega.
Target their engines.

Incoming message
from the Cardassian ship.

Put it through.

I must compliment you, Captain.

You're nearly Cardassian
in your punctuality.

Fire phasers!

Dukat, power up your engines and
prepare to follow us back to DS9.

An excellent suggestion, Captain.
Assuming we had any engines left.

What's your status?

Our engines are gone,
our shieIds are down

and we have no weapons
to speak of.

Prepare to evacuate.

We'll start to beam you over
as soon as possible.

You'd have to drop your shieIds
to use your transporters.

Let me worry about that.
Sisko out.

Sir, restricting our fire to their engines
has not proven effective.

Very well.
Target at your discretion.

Aye, aye, sir.

Dukat's ship is under fire.

I don't know how much longer
they can hoId out.

Another Klingon ship
has just de-cloaked.

It is a Vor'cha-class
attack cruiser.

Sisko to Transporter Bay.

Stand by to beam aboard
survivors.

Sisko to Bashir.

Prepare to receive casuaIties.

And, Doctor, have Security
standing by.

I want our guests
to undergo blood screenings.

Understood.

Blood screenings?

Just in case Martok was right.

Benjamin, it's going to take at least
two minutes to evacuate Dukat's ship.

Even with the Defiant's new armor,

I don't think we can last that long
with our shieIds down.

Sir.

I have a suggestion.

You were right, Mr. Worf.

The modulated tractor beam's deflecting
some of the Klingon's disrupter fire.

Disrupter's effectiveness
at 50 percent.

Well done, Mr. Worf.

Lower shieIds.

Sisko to Transporter Bay.

Begin emergency transports.

Transports underway.

The ablative armor is hoIding.

Klingon ships are closing.

Armor on the port side
is losing integrity.

Transporter Bay,
what's our status?

Captain, this is Dukat.

Almost haIf the council members
are still aboard my ship.

We need at least another minute.

Looks like we're going
to find out

just how much of a pounding
this ship can take.

The Klingons have closed
to point-blank range.

Ablative armor has failed.

We've got plasma leaks
on decks 2, 3 and 5.

And we've lost
our aft torpedo launchers.

Dukat to Sisko.

Go ahead.

The council members are aboard.

Raise shieIds.
Activate the cloak.

ShieIds up.

I'm not getting any response
from the cloaking device.

It's not working.

Well, that shouId make the trip home
a little more interesting.

Set a course for DS9,
maximum warp.

Thank you, Doctor,
but if you don't mind

I wouId like to go
to the Bridge now.

This will only take a minute.
Your arm, please.

What is the meaning
of this?

Just a simple blood screening.

I assure you, Doctor,
I am not a changeling.

Then you have nothing
to worry about.

I find this whole
procedure offensive.

And I find you offensive.

Now hoId up your arm or I'll have
a Security officer do it for you.

Captain, wouId you kindly inform
this security guard

that he does not have
to monitor my every move.

It makes me feel unwelcome.

Looks like I won, Benjamin.

You owe me dinner.

And what is that
supposed to mean?

Captain Sisko bet me that you
wouId thank him for the rescue

before you started
complaining.

I lost.

Captain.

Are you aware there's a Klingon
on your Bridge?

He's not the Klingon you
shouId be worried about.

Switch to aft view,
maximum magnification.

Hmm.

I'd suggest you cloak
immediately.

We lost our cloaking device
rescuing you.

Might I trouble you
for a glass of kanar?

Help yourseIf.

It's on the house.

Well, how uncharacteristically
generous of you.

I'm in an uncharacteristic mood.

Besides, I've got 80 cases of
this stuff sitting in my stockroom.

And the way things are going, I'll never
unload another bottle unless it's to you.

How thoughtless of me
not to consider the effects

the destruction of my homeworId
wouId have on your business.

These must be
trying times for you.

Be brave.

I shouId have listened
to my cousin Gaila.

He said to me, "Quark, I got
one word for you... weapons."

No one ever went broke
selling weapons.

But did I take his advice?

No.

And why not?

Because I'm a people person.

I like interacting with my customers
Iike you and I are doing right now.

Talking to each other
getting to know one another.

I can see the attraction
for you.

But when you're dealing
in weapons

buyers aren't interested
in casual conversation.

They just want their merchandise
no questions asked.

So impersonal.

Your charms wouId be wasted.

Exactly.

So now, Gaila owns his own moon

and I'm staring into the abyss.

And the worst part of it is

my only hope for salvation
is the Federation.

I know precisely how you feel.

I want you to try
something for me.

Take sip of this.

What is it?

A human drink.

It's called root beer.

I don't know.

Come on.

Aren't you just
a little bit curious?

What do you think?

It's vile.

I know.

It's so bubbly and cloying
and happy.

Just like the Federation.

But you know
what's really frightening?

If you drink enough of it,
you begin to like it.

It's insidious.

Just like the Federation.

Do you think
they'll be able to save us?

I hope so.

- Any luck?
- Not yet.

HoId on.

I'm picking up something
on long-range scanners.

- It's the Defiant.
- They made it.

Yeah, but they've got
two Klingon ships on their tail.

The Captain's hailing us.

On screen.

Chief, our ETA
is in five minutes.

Are the new systems on line?

Yes, sir.

I think
we're going to need them.

I wish we couId have
tested them first.

No time like the present.

Raise shieIds.

Red Alert.

Now what?

Well, I can't be sure, of course

but my guess wouId be Klingons.

The Klingons?

First, it was the Cardassians,
then it was the Dominion

now it's the Klingons!

How's a Ferengi supposed to make
an honest living in a place like this?

Drop out of warp.

Reverse thrusters at maximum.
Prepare for docking.

Aye, sir.

Well, it looks like the Klingons chased us
all this way for nothing.

That remains to be seen.

Klingons do not give up easily.

Two ships against a station?

I don't think they'd risk it.

It may not be much of a risk.

Why do you say that?

They've got friends.

Status report, Major.

I'm detecting several dozen Klingon ships
including the Negh'Var.

They're in an attack formation.

While you were gone,
we spoke to Starfleet Command.

They sent a relief force
under Admiral Hastur.

When will they get here?

Not soon enough.

The Klingon ships have raised their shieIds
and charged their weapons.

What are your orders, Captain?

Battle stations.

The thing to remember is

that the Klingons prefer to use their
knives and bat'leths in close combat.

So if we get boarded, you can
expect severe lacerations

broken bones,
and blunt force traumas.

All I can say is keep calm,
remember your training...

and do the best that you can.

Report to your posts.

Doctor.

Constable, what can I
do for you?

I just wanted you to know
I'll be assigning

a security unit to the lnfirmary
for your protection.

Well, thank you,
but I'd rather you didn't.

I'm going to have
wounded people in here.

The last thing I need
is a team of deputies

having a fire fight
in my doorway.

I understand.

Just do me a favor.

Don't count on that blue uniform
to protect you.

In the heat of battle

Klingons aren't very choosy
about their targets.

Doctor or no doctor

you might end up
having to defend yourseIf.

Well, hopefully,
it won't come to that.

But if it does,
I promise you I'll be ready.

That's all I ask.

And while we're
on the subject, Constable

I'm sure there's
more than one Klingon

who thinks that slaying
a changeling

wouId be worthy
of a song or two.

Doctor, if a Klingon
were to kill me

I'd expect nothing less than
an entire opera on the subject.

Maybe.

I just don't want
to have to listen to it.

Watch your back.

Come on, Quark, move it along.

You shouId be
in the emergency sheIter by now.

I'm not going
to any emergency sheIter.

This is my bar
and I'm going to defend it.

Really? And how do
you plan to do that?

With this.

You're going to hit
them with a box?

No. This is my disrupter pistol.

The one I used to carry
in the oId days

when I was serving
on that Ferengi freighter.

I thought you were
the ship's cook.

That's right.

And every member of that crew
thought he was a food critic.

If the Klingons try
to get through these doors

I'll be ready for them.

Dear Quark

I used parts of your disrupter
to fix the replicators.

Will return them soon. Rom.

I will kill him.

With what?

That's close enough, Garak.

I wanted to make sure that
the council members were safe.

Hoping, no doubt,
that your concern

wouId curry
some political favor?

Oh, and I take it your concern is
motivated strictly by patriotism.

Oh, the council members
are well aware of my patriotism.

And the sacrifices I was willing
to make in order to save them.

Now, why don't you go back
to your little tailor shop

and sew something?

Because if the Klingons do invade
this station you may just need...

my help.

Who wouId have thought that
the two of us wouId be fighting side...

by side.

Just remember when you fire that thing
you're aiming it at a Klingon.

I'll try to keep that in mind.

We're receiving a transmission
from General Martok.

Put him through.

Captain.

I demand you surrender the Cardassian
council members to us immediately.

They're not Founders, Martok.

We tested them.
You were wrong.

It is of no consequence.

All that matters is
the Alpha Quadrant will be safer

with the Klingon Empire
in control of Cardassia.

Now, surrender
the council members

or we will have no choice
but to take them by force.

And risk an all-out war
with the Federation?

If a war starts here,
the blame will be yours.

I doubt very much
history will agree.

History is written
by the victors.

Consider what you're
doing, Captain.

The lives of everyone
on your station are at risk.

I am aware of that.

But maybe you're not aware
of what you're risking.

We've had a year to prepare
this station for a Dominion attack,

and we're more than ready.

You're like a toothless
oId Grishnar cat

trying to frighten us
with your roar.

I can assure you

this oId cat may not be
as toothless as you think.

Right now, I've got 5,000 photon torpedoes
armed and ready to launch.

If you don't believe me,
feel free to scan the station.

It is a trick.

An illusion created by thoron fieIds
and duranium shadows.

It's no illusion.

We shall see.

CHEGH-chewjaj-VAMjaj-KAK!

He said,
"Today is a good day to die."

Target the lead ships.

Ready even-numbered
photon launchers.

Aye, sir.

Fire on my mark.

Fire!

Ready odd-numbered launchers.

Fire!

They're still closing.

Ready phasers.

Standing by.

Fire!

Eight Klingon ships destroyed.
Several heavily damaged.

Contact Gowron.

Maybe we can put an end to this
before it gets any further.

They're not responding.

They have given you
your answer, Captain.

Weapons stations, fire at will.

A TLING-on kaogh.

Zo a TLING-on HegH-lah.

YoD-wee KAW.

TIG-mang-Rup.

jee-YAJ.

DuJ-va, YOD-wee-KAW!

They've disabled
two of our shieId generators.

Thank you, Doctor.

Any time.

I find this hand-to-hand combat
really quite distasteful.

I suppose you prefer the simplicity
of an interrogation chamber.

You have to admit,
it's much more civilized.

Mr. O'Brien?

Yeah.

Get those shieIds back on line.

Major?

I'll be okay.
It's not as bad as it looks.

Sisko to Odo.

Odo here.

Status report.

We have Klingon troops on the Promenade,
the Habitat Ring and Lower Pylon Three.

They seem to be
contained for now

but I can't guarantee
it'll stay that way.

Keep me informed.

There is another wave
of Klingon ships coming in.

I've got the shieIds back up

but I don't know
how long they'll hoId.

I'm reading a cluster
of warp signatures approaching

bearing 187 mark 025.

It's Starfleet, Benjamin.

Six starships
led by the Venture.

They'll be here in 15 minutes.

Contact the Negh'Var again.

Maybe now Gowron will be
in the mood to talk.

I've got him.

Captain, your shieIds have been weakened,
your station boarded

and more Klingon ships
are on their way.

Surrender while you can.

I don't think so.

My shieIds are hoIding.

Your boarding parties
are contained.

And my reinforcements
are closer than yours.

You're facing a war
on two fronts.

Is that what you really want?

The Empire is not strong enough to fight
the Federation and the Cardassians.

End this now, Gowron

before you lead the Empire
to its worst defeat in history.

We will not surrender!

This is exactly
what the Founders want.

Klingon against Cardassian.

Federation against Klingon.

The more we fight each other,
the weaker we'll get

and the less chance we have
against the Dominion.

Consider what you do here,
Gowron.

Kahless himseIf said

"Destroying an Empire
to win a war is no victory."

"And ending a battle to save
an Empire is no defeat."

We can still win!

Not before those Starships
get here.

Now, what do you want me
to tell them?

To stand down,
or to come in firing?

It is we who shall stand down.

Ach, Gowron, yay chol!

Enough. Cease fire.

Order our ships in Cardassian territory
to haIt their advance.

I do not intend to hand victory
to the Dominion.

But let your people know

the Klingon Empire will remember
what has happened here.

You have sided against us
in battle

and this, we do not forgive...

or forget.

The Klingon ships
have powered down their weapons.

It's over.

For now.

Captain's log, stardate 49011.4.

Gowron has returned
to the Klingon HomeworId

and his task force has withdrawn
from Bajoran space.

I don't know if I can
fully express the pride I feIt

at seeing how well Deep Space 9 and
its crew weathered this latest crisis.

Though the station suffered heavy damage
during the Klingon attack

repairs are
well ahead of schedule

and life on the station is
beginning to return to normal

Ieaving me with one final piece
of unfinished business.

Enter.

I brought your discharge papers.

I thought you might want
to take a look at them

before I send them off
to Starfleet.

Thank you, sir.

I understand you're headed
for the Nyberrite Alliance.

Yes, I leave this afternoon.

For me, it was a job on Earth

directing construction
of orbital habitats.

Why did you change your mind?

I finally realized

that it wasn't Starfleet
I wanted to get away from.

I was trying to escape the pain
I feIt after my wife's death.

I thought I couId take
the uniform

wrap it around that pain,
and toss them both away.

But it doesn't work like that.

Running may help,
for a little while

but sooner or later the pain
catches up with you

and the only way
to get rid of it

is to stand your ground
and face it.

But wearing that uniform must remind
you of what you have lost.

Sometimes...

but it aIso reminds me of what
I've gained and who I am.

Oh, I can throw away the uniform
resign my commission,

run all the way
to the Nyberrite Alliance...

but it really wouIdn't matter.

A Starfleet Officer...

that's what I am

and that's what I'll always be.

And you think that is true
of me as well.

What's important, Mr. Worf,
is what you think.

I think Starfleet has been
my home for many years.

Perhaps it still is.

There are starships out there
that are in need of good officers.

In fact, the Captain of
the Venture is a friend of mine.

If you'd like,
I can talk to him

see if he has an opening
for a Lieutenant Commander.

Perhaps that
will not be necessary.

Lieutenant Commander Worf
reporting for duty, sir.

Well, you all know our new
Strategic Operations Officer.

- Commander.
- Glad you're here.

- Congratulations.
- Thank you. Thank you.

Assume your post, Mr. Worf.

Yes, sir.

You look good in red.

It feeIs good.

But I have a lot to learn
about command.

Well, you couIdn't ask
for a better teacher.

Now that everyone is here,
I wanted you to know

I've spoken with Dukat and
several members of the Detapa Council.

They've returned to Cardassia
Prime without incident

and wanted me to convey to you
their personal thanks.

Who'd have thought I'd help
save the Cardassian government?

Don't worry.

I'm sure Gul Dukat
will take all the credit.

Poor Garak... Dukat's a hero

and Garak's still stuck in his
tailor shop hemming trousers.

Captain, I'm receiving a priority one
message from Starfleet lntelligence.

The Klingons are refusing
to give up

several of the Cardassian colonies
they seized during the invasion.

They're fortifying their positions

and deploying
orbital defense systems.

Looks like the Klingons
are here to stay.

Maybe they are...

but so are we.