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.

Here we go.

Something funny, old man?

Hmm? No, nothing.

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 mmediately.

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.

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

Constable, take a seat.

Of course.

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 2 days ago.

Computer, begin replay
at time index 5911.

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 5916.

1/10th 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.

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!

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.

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.

This is my adjutant,
Commander Benteen.

Benjamin was my executive officer
aboard the Okinawa

and a damn fine one, too.

I did all right.

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.

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 souffle,

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!

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.

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.

Grandpa.

Well, aren't you going
to eat anything?

I ate before you got here.

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... 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.

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,
Iots 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 l?

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.

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 l?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Sisko here.

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 l?

If I was an enemy spy
Iooking 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...

Grandpa!

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...

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.

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.

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
Ianding 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.

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.

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.

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.