- The time is 0500. - Yeah, all right.
- Julian. - Yes?
- We have to get up. - Are you sure?
lt's a big day.
lt was a big night.
- lt cleared up a lot of questions. - Such as?
Such as just how far these spots go down.
- l suppose you'll want to tell Miles. - Why would l do that?
Because you tell him everything.
True, but in this case...
...l'll make an exception.
Good.
We should get up. We don't want the Defiant leaving without us.
l've never been into battle with someone l've slept with.
There's a first time for everything.
Now that we're finally together,
it would be such a shame if something happened to one of us.
Let's make a pact. We both come home alive.
You've got yourself a deal.
l'm holding you to that.
Don't forget Kirayoshi's checkup is at 09:00 tomorrow.
l've already confirmed the appointment.
Don't stay up late writing about... what are those trees?
Arfillian Ficus, and they're shrubs, not trees.
Try to get some sleep and...
- We'll be fine. Stop worrying. - Right. Molly.
- Please don't touch that. - l let you play with my toys.
- This isn't a toy. lt's a model. - Then maybe it belongs in a museum.
l suppose l could give it to Julian.
Sounds good to me. Have you told him about Starfleet's offer?
- No, not yet. - l knew it.
- What does that mean? - We're not going back to Earth.
Of course we are. Daddy's going to teach at the Academy after the war.
- Then why haven't you told Julian? - Out of the mouth of babes...
l'll tell him when l think he's ready to hear it.
How's that?
lt's doing wonders for my head but it's my stomach that's bothering me.
Morning sickness ends after the first trimester.
- l don't think l'm going to make it. - You're going to make it.
Ben?
Promise me something.
- Promise you'll come home to us. - l promise.
- l don't believe it. - l said l promise.
No, it's not...
Come in.
- l thought l'd walk you to the Defiant. - l'd like that.
How's Kas?
Reports of my death have been exaggerated.
But not by much.
lsn't there something she can take to feel better?
She doesn't like taking medication unless absolutely necessary.
Sounds necessary to me.
Waiting for you to leave makes me feel worse. lf you're going, just go!
- You're sure l can't get you anything? - Just hurry up and come back home.
- Mind if l walk with you, Commander? - Not at all.
Captain Sisko informed me you are joining us on the mission.
l hope that, on reaching Cardassia, we find Colonel Kira alive and well.
So do l, Commander. So do l.
Captain on the bridge.
- What do you say we end this war? - Sounds good to me.
Ensign, l believe you know the way to Cardassia.
lf l get lost, l'll just follow the ship in front of us.
The Federation invasion fleet has left Deep Space 9.
lt will reach the Cardassian border by tomorrow night.
Our brave Jem'Hadar soldiers have a motto: victory is life.
l'm glad you're familiar with it.
Today this has meaning for us all.
The outcome of this battle will determine the outcome of the war.
Either we destroy their invasion forces or they destroy us.
There is no other option.
Fight well today, and Romulus will be yours to do with as you wish.
Yes, yes. And Earth too.
l assure you, the pleasure is all mine.
ls something bothering you?
Apparently, l was under the mistaken impression
that all Federation territories would fall under my jurisdiction, including Earth.
- And so they shall. - But you promised the Breen.
l would promise the Breen the entire Alpha Quadrant
if l thought it would help win this war.
The Founder is wise in all things.
Founder, l've heard a rumour about the traitor, Damar.
- What about him? - He may be alive.
- ls this possible? - l don't see how.
We destroyed his ship, his rebel bases.
- But his body was never found. - They say he is on Cardassia Prime.
- ln the capital, no less. - Look into this matter.
lf Damar is alive...
He won't be for long.
- Halt. Step forward, slowly. - Have we done something wrong?
- We're new to the city and got lost. - Quiet!
- You are Legate Damar. - l told you you looked like him.
My cousin has often been mistaken for that traitor.
He will be taken to Dominion headquarters. You will die here.
l do not understand you.
l don't mean to sound ungrateful but what are you doing here?
- Watching your backs. - We decided you should stay hidden.
That's what the helmet's for. You should be wearing one.
Every soldier on Cardassia is looking for you.
l can't lead this revolt hiding in a cellar. l had to attend the gathering tonight.
Fill me in later. lf we are stopped, you're my prisoners.
The vote was unanimous. Work disruptions will begin tomorrow.
Power and communication facilities will be sabotaged.
Dominion ground support will be cut off.
They'll face the invasion force on their own.
- And once the Dominion is crushed... - Cardassia will be free again.
When you were a small boy l was worried about you.
Always getting into trouble. So secretive and so full of deceit.
Who would have thought those characteristics would become virtues?
- More tea? - You're too kind.
Do you hear that, Chief?
Sounds like the Doppler compensators are out of phase.
- Ensign, how's she handling? - Not as smooth as the old Defiant, sir.
- Feels a bit sluggish. - Chief?
- l'm on it. O'Brien to Engineering. - Engineering.
Recalibrate inertial dampers and check the plasma flow regulators.
You'd think someone would've come up with a better system.
What's that, Miles?
l wish you'd wipe that grin off your face. You're not the first person to fall in love.
- l thought you'd be happy for me. - l am happy for you.
O'Brien to Engineering. Now try re-aligning the induction coils.
Will do.
- You're sure you're not angry? - Why should l be angry?
l've asked you to tell the doctor how you feel about him for the past month.
- Now that he knows how l feel? - l am happy for you.
That's a relief.
- But l am going to kill him. - You're kidding, right?
And Jadzia said l did not have a sense of humour.
l need to talk to you about something.
- You're getting pressure from Keiko. - How did you know?
lt's a big decision, l'm surprised it didn't come up sooner.
- We've been talking about it for a while. - You can stop talking about it.
We'll move the Alamo to my quarters.
l could use more equalisation on the torque buffers.
Right. l'll try to compensate with the impulse response filters.
Your quarters won't be so cluttered and you can use it whenever you want.
l wasn't talking about the Alamo model. Besides, it's too big for your quarters.
You let me worry about that. What were you talking about?
Oh, it's nothing that can't wait.
- Any better? - Buffers are stable.
l wish she were here too, Constable.
lf we only knew where Kira was. lf we could be sure she was all right.
The Colonel is a survivor.
This war, Captain. lt has to end.
And it will. Soon. One way or the other.
Mother?
The Emissary's task is nearing completion.
Are you talking about the war?
You have walked the path the Prophets laid out for you, Benjamin.
- Do not falter now. - l don't intend to.
Know this, my son.
Your journey's end lies not before you, but behind you.
- Captain? Captain? - The Prophets came to me in a vision.
l take it they weren't bringing good news?
l'm not sure. Only time will tell.
- Hello, Adami. - You're back.
ls that all you have to say to me?
l see the "Pah-wraiths" have restored your sight.
Yes. They have forgiven me. l was hoping you could do the same.
l don't forgive war criminals.
To think l took Gul Dukat to my bed.
One of the most hated men in Bajoran history.
l've told you how much l regret my actions during the occupation.
Of course you do.
Have you learned how to release the "Pah-wraiths?"
The secrets of the Kosst Amojan have been revealed to me, yes.
Then why haven't you gone to the fire caves and freed them?
l was waiting for you.
Then you do forgive me.
l need your help, Dukat. lt's as simple as that.
All you have to do is ask.
Together we'll release the "Pah-wraiths,"
so they can lay claim to the Celestial Temple and destroy the Prophets.
- And their Emissary. - No, no, no.
Benjamin Sisko will be dealt with by me and me alone.
Assuming he survives the invasion of Cardassia.
Oh, he'll survive.
But l promise you, he'll wish he hadn't.
- You going to sit there all night, Quark? - Got any threes?
Go fish.
- Don't tell me you're quitting? - lt's just not my game.
Want to try pinochle again?
How about rummy or gin rummy? Five-card stud?
- Canasta? - How about some "tongo?"
Did they play "tongo" in Las Vegas in 1962?
How could they? lt's a Ferengi game.
That's why my programme can't create it.
l know, this place is period specific.
For a hologram, you're not very accommodating.
ls that why you dropped by? To insult me?
l had nothing else to do.
My bar hasn't had half a dozen customers all day.
Everyone's off fighting this stupid war.
lt's not easy staying behind,
knowing that your friends are out there risking their lives.
They think they have it rough. They should try leading my life for a day.
- Hospitality isn't for the faint-hearted. - A bartender's life is a lonely one.
True, but few people understand that. They think it's one big, happy party.
The person giving the party never has fun.
He's too busy making sure everybody else is having fun.
All l do, all day long, is give, give, give.
Bartending is a very noble profession.
You do it well, under very difficult circumstances. You should be proud.
- You think so? - l know so, pallie.
l just hope Nog and the rest of those heroic idiots come back in one piece.
There you are.
Vic, sweetie, are you ready? Jimmy and Peter are about to go on.
Sorry, gotta run. Durante and Lawford are at the Sands. Can't miss that.
l thought you said a bartender's life was a lonely one?
lt is. But l'm not a bartender.
Go fish.
ls it really necessary to rest so often?
You don't need to wait for me. Go on ahead.
Wander aimlessly through these caves for the rest of your miserable life.
l'm in no hurry.
During the occupation,
my people found the Bajorans' fear of these caves amusing.
Yet we never took the time to visit them.
And now, here l am. lt's ironic, isn't it?
- l don't care. - Excuse me?
l'm sure you have many interesting anecdotes about the occupation,
but l have no desire to hear them.
l meant no disrespect, Adami.
And stop calling me Adami. That privilege is no longer yours.
How should l address you then?
From now on, you will address me as Eminence. ls that clear?
Perfectly.
Eminence.
l see your point.
But for two millennia the Jem'Hadar have been the Dominion's first line of defence.
lt would damage their morale to take a back seat to the Breen.
ln the spirit of our new alliance,
l will inform the Jem'Hadar that the Breen forces will stand alongside them.
- l'm glad that pleases you. - l think we have a problem.
Our lines are spread too thin, especially here, at the centre.
We need to dispatch reinforcements immediately.
Do you agree?
Notify the Jem'Hadar. Order them to reinforce the centre of their lines.
Now what?
Emergency power engaged.
Founder, l'm relieved to see you're all right.
Long range communications are down. l can't contact the Jem'Hadar.
- What caused the power failure? - l'm afraid it was sabotage.
Almost every Dominion installation on Cardassia Prime has suffered damage.
- Damar. - We captured some of the terrorists.
But they're not soldiers. They're ordinary citizens.
Are you telling me that the Cardassian people are rising up against us?
- l'm sure it's only a small number. - We have no way of knowing that.
Founder, may l make a suggestion?
l'm sure Broca would be happy to hear what you have to say.
lf the Cardassian people are responsible for these terrorist acts,
if Damar and his fanatics have turned them against us,
then it's the people who should be punished.
- What do you say to that? - Severely punished.
l'm glad we all agree. See to it.
- 24 minutes. - Not bad.
lf the Dominion hasn't restored power to the capital,
then the entire planet must be in chaos.
- l hope so. - l could only find two more lightsticks.
- l know there are others somewhere. - Stop dawdling and give them to me.
l remember that tone of voice.
lt reminds me of the demanding and inconsiderate boy you were.
- l haven't changed much, have l? - lt sends a message to the Dominion.
The Cardassian people will fight to regain their freedom.
We have to hit the enemy again.
They'll have tightened their security.
We can't lose our momentum.
The commander is right. We cannot rest until Cardassia is free.
And when it is, we'll have you to thank.
Without you, this rebellion would've died in its infancy.
How ironic that Cardassia's saviour should be a former Bajoran terrorist.
Don't canonise me just yet.
lt's been 26.5 minutes. Let's see what the Dominion has to say.
Citizens of Cardassia.
This wave of vandalism directed against your Dominion allies must stop.
l wouldn't count on it.
We know these acts of sabotage were carried out by a handful of extremists.
But these radicals must realise that disobedience will not be tolerated,
that the Cardassian people will suffer the consequences of their actions.
Which is why l must inform you,
a few moments ago Dominion troops reduced Lakarian City to ashes.
There were no survivors.
Two million men, women and children gone in a matter of moments.
For each act of sabotage committed against the Dominion,
another Cardassian city will be destroyed.
l implore you not to let that happen.
Let us return to the spirit of friendship and cooperation between our peoples,
so that together, we can destroy our common enemies:
the Federation, the Klingons, the Romulans and all others against us.
Thank you.
l should've killed him when l had the chance.
You want another one? We'll attack Dominion headquarters.
Chop off a snake's head and the body will die.
Damar, for two years you've practically lived in that building.
lf you're asking if l know a way in, the answer is ''no''.
Not without a valid security protocol.
- We'll use force. We'll need explosives. - l'll get right on it.
- What you're proposing is suicide. - lf you have nothing positive to say...
l'll prepare some food. Nobody should die on an empty stomach.
Sir, Chancellor Martok wishes to speak to you and Admiral Ross.
Put them through.
- A magnificent victory lies before us. - l trust those are prophetic words?
They are, and l've not forgotten the promise l made to you both.
That we'd share a bottle of bloodwine on Cardassia Prime.
A bottle? l brought a barrel of 2309.
- There is no finer vintage. - Then l'll meet you both on Cardassia.
We'll see who gets there first.
The Chancellor makes victory sound easy.
He knows it won't be. Sisko to all hands. Prepare to engage the enemy.
The Breen know how to pilot their ships.
- So do you. - Stay with him.
- l'm trying, but he's slippery. - Mr Worf?
Unable to lock target.
We have two Jem'Hadar ships closing after us. Bearing 136, mark 4.
Evasive action, pattern Delta.
Hang on.
- Well done, Ensign. - But l lost the Breen ship.
l wouldn't worry about it. There are plenty more to choose from.
You've hardly touched your meal. No wonder you're not looking well.
l'm not looking well because l live in a cellar.
- So does Legate Damar. - What about him?
He's finished everything on his plate.
Which explains why he's such a fine, handsome figure of a man.
- l'm afraid l don't follow. - l do.
- l believe you're in love. - l'm old enough to be his mother.
- Nonsense. - Politicians.
- Who could that be? - l'll go see.
May l help you?
- What's taking her so long? - l don't know.
Mila!
Garak, get out of there!
- l can't look away for a second. - Just fix the shoulder.
Careful!
Sit still or you'll end up with one arm shorter than the other.
- You'd do anything to beat me at darts. - l haven't lost a game in months.
- l'm going to miss our games, Julian. - What are you talking about?
l'm leaving DS9. l'm moving back to Earth.
Why?
l've been offered a position at Starfleet Academy. Professor of Engineering.
- When? - When the war is over.
l see.
Somebody has to teach the difference between a warp matrix flux capacitor
and a self-sealing stem bolt.
Of course.
- Captain, l have Admiral Ross. - On screen.
The Romulan flagship is destroyed. Their entire line is collapsing.
- We'll try to help. - With what?
We must find a way to turn the Dominion's left flank.
lt's too well protected, but their lines are spread thin in the middle.
Help the Romulans. We'll hit their centre.
On my way. Dax, have Attack Wings 64 and 65 follow us.
What's taking so long?
Our engineers say that communications will be restored momentarily.
You've been saying that for hours.
Meantime, there's no way of contacting our ships.
No way of knowing how the battle is progressing.
Founder, our troops have captured the traitor Damar.
Finally, some good news.
There's more. Colonel Kira and Garak have been apprehended with him.
Even better. Shall l have them brought here?
What for?
Have them executed immediately.
With pleasure.
Understood. lt will be done at once.
- On your feet. - Why?
We prefer our prisoners to be standing when they die.
Does anyone have any last words?
- You may kill us, but Cardassia... - Enough.
- Final words are not permitted. - How disappointing.
Ready weapons. On my mark.
That's for Lakarian City.
Legate Damar, l pledge my life to free Cardassia from the Dominion.
With men like you on our side, how can we fail?
- Jem'Hadar ship off the port bow. - Shields are down to 60%.
This is no good. l'd better get you to sickbay.
- l'm kind of busy. - That's an order.
- Look, Julian... - You heard him, Chief.
- Yes, sir. - Another Jem'Hadar to port.
Transferring auxiliary power to port shields.
Dax, we need support from our attack fighters.
Breen ship off the starboard aft.
Sir, most of our fighters are either destroyed or under attack.
- Ensign, get us out of here. - l'm trying, sir.
Sir, the Cardassians are attacking the other Dominion ships.
- They've switched sides. - Yes!
The timing couldn't be better.
Head for the centre of their lines. This is our chance to punch through.
Founder, communications are back on-line.
lt's about time.
- l don't believe it. - What now?
The Cardassian fleet has turned against us.
Have our forces pull back and regroup at Cardassia Prime.
- But we'll be totally surrounded. - There will be no more running.
We should've got rid of the Cardassians at the first sign of rebellion.
lf l could talk to the rebels, change their minds.
- Reawaken their patriotic spirit? - Exactly.
On the other hand, they're just as likely to convince you to betray us.
- Me, betray you? Never! - We won't give you the opportunity.
- You're making a mistake. - l don't think so.
But l've done everything you've asked! l believe in the Dominion!
l won't miss him.
- l want the Cardassians exterminated. - Which ones?
- All of them. The entire population. - That will take some time.
Then l suggest that you begin at once.
The Dominion forces are retreating toward Cardassia Prime.
Sir, Admiral Ross and Chancellor Martok would like to speak.
On screen.
l never thought l'd say this, but thank God for the Cardassians.
- As l predicted, the day is ours. - Not yet, it isn't.
We've driven the Dominion back to Cardassia Prime.
We can keep them there indefinitely.
What if they use that time to rebuild their fleet?
The Dominion has an ability to build ships at an impressive rate.
- We should continue the attack. - At what cost?
We've already lost a third of our fleet.
We must see to it that those soldiers did not die in vain.
Admiral, with the Cardassians joining us,
we have an opportunity to put an end to this war, once and for all.
All right, gentlemen. We press on.
My friends, songs will be sung about this day.
All right, people. You heard the orders. Let's finish what we started.
Let me guess. We're here.
We've reached the end of one journey and stand ready to begin another.
What's the matter, Dukat? You look disappointed.
This may sound naive, but l was expecting to see fire.
- They are called the fire caves. - And with good reason.
ls that better?
This map states it's a long way from the cargo door to the briefing room.
That could be a problem if we get trapped in the corridor.
- What the hell? - lt's the Jem'Hadar.
- They're levelling the city. - We have to go now.
Once inside the complex, we stop at nothing until we capture the changeling.
- For Cardassia. - For Cardassia!
Garak.
During my exile l imagined what it would be like to come home.
l even thought of living in this house again with Mila.
But now she's dead and this house is about to become a pile of rubble.
- My Cardassia is gone. - Then fight for a new Cardassia.
l have a better reason, Commander: revenge.
That works too.
Oh! l rid myself of the Prophets and shed a lifetime of hypocrisy.
l've never seen you look so radiant.
l feel like a young woman, waiting for my lover to sweep me away.
Do you give yourself willingly to the "Pah-wraiths?"
- With all my heart. - Then call to them.
Bring me the book.
Sisko to Bashir. Report.
3 dead, 8 wounded, 4 of them critically.
l need every able-bodied crewman at their posts.
l won't keep anyone a second longer than l have to. Put him over here.
She did pretty well for a first date. Don't you think, Captain?
l'd say she did fine, Ensign.
Mr Worf?
Phaser banks are charged, but we are down to 45 quantum torpedoes.
That'll have to do. How are you holding up, old man?
All things considered, l'd rather be on Risa.
Well, that makes two of us.
Have you seen these reports?
The Dominion has begun destroying Cardassian cities.
Millions of people are dying.
Captain, we're approaching the Dominion defence perimeter.
Let's see what they have waiting for us. On screen.
Now we know.
- We have a problem. - Just one?
l'm afraid it's a rather large one. The cargo door is made of neutronium.
- The explosives won't make a dent. - You see the problem.
What do we do?
l don't know, but l'm through hiding in basements.
l fail to see what's so funny, Garak.
lsn't it obvious? Here we are, ready to storm the castle,
willing to sacrifice our lives in an effort to slay the Dominion beast in its lair
and we can't even get inside the gate!
We could knock on the door and ask the Jem'Hadar to let us in.
Or just have them send the shape-shifter out to us!
As l said, we have a problem.
But l've come to depend on having you here at my side.
Your advice to the Dominion has proven invaluable.
lf you feel the situation on the front lines demands your presence,
l will not stand in your way.
Knowing that you'll be leading our troops into battle is very reassuring.
- l still can't help but wonder. - Wonder what?
- What's under that helmet? - A braver man than you.
Though l do find the shrillness of his voice very tiresome.
- Founder, what's wrong? - l'm dying, that's what's wrong.
Perhaps you should rest for a while. Revert to your natural state.
l haven't been able to change form in weeks.
lt's ironic, isn't it, that l should die as a solid.
You're not going to die. You're a god.
My loyal Weyoun, the only solid l've ever trusted.
- l live only to serve you. - And you have served me well.
l don't mind dying.
lt's knowing that my entire race is dying of the same illness
and there is nothing l can do about it.
l would give my life to save yours.
lf only it were that simple.
- What if l pretend to be your prisoner? - They'd kill you on sight.
And us along with you.
The cargo door.
You're making a mistake, l'm no traitor! Just let me speak to the Founder.
No, wait!
For Cardassia!
Fall back!
Keep...
He's dead.
Remember his orders. We stop for nothing.
For Cardassia!
For Cardassia!
- We have a security breach. - The guards will deal with it.
- ls there a problem? - The guards.
There's only a handful in the building.
l sent the rest to help eradicate the Cardassians.
You two, get out there and see that no one gets through that door.
You, stay here. ln case they fail.
We'll launch a three-pronged attack.
The Romulans and Cardassians will engage the Jem'Hadar.
The Klingons will target the Breen.
And the Federation will take on the orbital weapon platforms.
We will go when everyone is in position.
lt will be a glorious battle.
But a costly one. Estimates project our casualties to be as high as 40%.
There's no telling how much higher once we send ground forces.
The Dominion is beaten, but will make us pay for every kilometre of the planet.
Yes, they will.
- Let's get on with it. - Godspeed, everyone.
Qapla'!
Founder, perhaps we should consider a safer location.
And where would that be?
Well. Colonel Kira, what a pleasant surprise.
The pleasure is all mine.
The Federation fleet has surrounded the planet.
Contact the Jem'Hadar and the Breen and order their ships to stand down.
Order the troops on Cardassia to do the same.
l will do no such thing.
Tell me, where's my old friend, Damar?
- Damar is dead. - What a pity.
- He died trying to free Cardassia. - What's left of it.
l wish you hadn't done that. That was Weyoun's last clone.
l was hoping you'd say that.
- This war's over. You lost. - Have l?
l think you'll find that neither the Jem'Hadar or the Breen will agree.
- They will fight to the last man. - What will that accomplish?
lsn't it obvious?
You may win this war, Commander,
but when it is over, you will have lost so many ships, so many lives,
that your victory will taste as bitter as defeat.
We're glad you're in one piece, Commander.
- Very glad. - What's your status?
Three of us made it to the briefing room.
- What about Damar? - He's dead.
- ls your position secure? - The Jem'Hadar won't attack.
They won't endanger the Founder.
She's in bad shape. She just sits at her desk, deteriorating.
lf she dies before ordering a Jem'Hadar surrender...
- They will fight to the last man. - Captain, l should beam down there.
The Founder will speak to me. l can reason with her.
You haven't succeeded in the past.
lt's worth a try. Think of the lives it could save.
Very well.
Commander, tell the Founder that Odo will pay her a visit.
- After you. - l'm honoured.
Now you.
Why?
The "Pah-wraiths" demand a sacrifice. Someone worthy of them.
Who better than you?
l offer you this life as nourishment,
to feed your hunger, to fuel the fires that will set you free.
Kosst Amojan, l am yours, now and forever.
Nerys.
- lt's been a while. - Yes.
- Watch yourself. l don't trust her. - But you trust me?
- Of course. - That's all l need to know.
- Constable. - Garak.
- You're looking well, Odo. - Thank you for seeing me.
lt's always good to see you. But l have no intention of surrendering my forces.
lt would be a sign of weakness.
An invitation for solids to enter the Gamma Quadrant
and destroy the Great Link.
l'm well aware that the Federation has its flaws,
but a desire for conquest isn't one of them.
And the Klingons and Romulans? Can you make that claim for them too?
Their empires are in no shape to wage war against anyone.
Besides, the Federation wouldn't allow it.
The Dominion has spent two years trying to destroy the Federation.
Now you're asking me to put our fate in their hands?
Yes.
l can't do that, Odo. l don't have your faith in the solids.
Perhaps l can change your mind.
- Link with me. - Odo, what are you doing?
l can't link with you. My disease prevents me from changing form.
lf we link, l believe l can cure you.
- That's a very bad idea, Constable. - l agree.
Nerys, l know what l'm doing. Please, take my hand.
And if you cure me, what will you ask in return?
All l ask is that you link with me.
- l'm warning you, Odo. - Nerys.
- Garak, put down your weapon. - l don't think so.
l said, put it down.
- Move aside, Odo. - That won't be necessary. Will it?
lf you will stand aside, l'll order the Jem'Hadar to cease fire.
l suggest we secure her in a containment field.
Don't worry, Garak. She won't try to escape.
She's agreed to stand trial for what she's done.
l thought she'd want to go to the Gamma Quadrant to cure her people.
- There's no need for that. - l'm going in her place.
- For how long? - Nerys.
lt's time l rejoined the Great Link.
This is a moment worth savouring.
To victory. Hard fought and well earned.
- What's wrong? - Suddenly l'm not thirsty.
Neither am l.
Before you waste too many tears, remember,
these are Cardassians lying dead at your feet.
Bajorans would call this ''poetic justice''.
That doesn't mean l have to drink a toast over their bodies.
Humans.
800 million dead.
And casualty reports are still coming in.
Aren't you going to congratulate me?
My exile is officially over. l've returned home.
Or rather, to what's left of it.
l know that this must seem bleak...
Some may say that we've gotten just what we deserved.
After all, we're not entirely innocent, are we?
And l'm not just speaking of the Bajoran occupation.
Our whole history is one of arrogant aggression.
We've collaborated with the Dominion, betrayed the entire Alpha Quadrant.
There's no doubt about it. We're guilty as charged.
We both know that the Cardassians are a strong people.
They'll survive. Cardassia will survive.
Please, Doctor. Spare me your insufferable Federation optimism.
Of course it will survive, but not as the Cardassia l knew.
We had a rich and ancient culture, our literature and art were second to none.
Now so much of it is lost.
So many of our best people, our most gifted minds.
- l'm sorry, Garak. l didn't mean... - lt's quite all right, Doctor.
You've been such a good friend. l'm going to miss our lunches together.
l'm sure we'll see each other again.
l'd like to think so, but one can never say.
We live in uncertain times.
The war between the Dominion and the Federation Alliance is now over.
400 years ago, a victorious general spoke the following words
at the end of another costly war -
''Today the guns are silent. A great tragedy has ended.
''We have known the bitterness of defeat and the exultation of triumph.
''From both we have learned there can be no going back.
''We must move forward to preserve in peace what we've won in war.''
lt's up to you now, Odo.
- You're coming to Vic's tonight, right? - l will be there but l will not dance.
- Who's asking? - Commander Worf.
- Can you spare a moment? - Yes, sir.
We've been discussing your plans for the future.
l was not aware l had any plans.
How would you feel about being named Federation Ambassador to Kronos?
- l am not a diplomat. - And l am not a politician.
But sometimes, fate plays cruel tricks on us, Worf.
Come. Kronos needs you. What's more, l need you.
You helped him become Chancellor. You can't turn your back on him now.
My first loyalty is to you, Captain.
Thank you. l'll probably regret this in the morning,
but if it is what you want, then by all means.
lt has been a great honour serving with you.
The honour is mine.
- l accept. - Excellent.
An ambassador who will go "targ" hunting with me.
Perhaps being Chancellor won't be so bad after all.
Congratulations, Worf.
- When will you be going? - Soon.
You could come back, you know, once you've cured your people.
l could.
- But you're not going to do that. - Nerys.
You know my feelings for you will never change,
but l have to do this.
My people need me.
They need to know what l know,
to learn what l've learned from living among solids.
lt's the only way they will ever learn to trust you.
You don't have to justify your decision, Odo.
- There's just one thing. - Anything.
l'd like to take you back to your homeworld.
l'd like that. l'd like that very much.
Hey, pallie. lf you're here for a game of ''go fish'', l'm a little busy right now.
l'm here for the ''end of the war, goodbye to Chief O'Brien,
''goodbye to Odo, goodbye to Worf party''.
At the bar.
Seriously, Miles, l envy you.
Going back to Earth, enjoying paradise again.
- Where are you going to live? - Keiko and l are still considering.
- Have you considered Minsk? - l don't think that's on our list.
- New Orleans is a gorgeous city. - l've heard great things about Paris.
- Minsk. - Jadzia loved Rio.
- You certainly have a lot of choices. - Too many.
Minsk.
Wherever you decide, l'm sure you will both be very happy.
l know that Earth isn't exactly around the corner, but l still expect you to visit.
- You and me taking a trip to Texas. - Standing in front of the Alamo.
- The real Alamo. lt's going to be great. - Absolutely.
l don't see how great it would be.
Earth is a rotating ball of boredom. You'd be better off staying here.
And that goes for you and Worf as well.
Are you getting sentimental, Quark?
Me? Not a chance. l just don't like change.
You'd better get used to it. Things will be different around here.
To the best crew any captain ever had.
This may be the last time we're all together,
but no matter what the future holds, no matter how far we travel,
a part of us, a very important part,
will always remain here on Deep Space 9.
Ladies and gentlemen, tonight is a very special night for some friends of mine.
They've been together a long time.
But like the man said, ''Nothing lasts forever''.
So, gang, this one is from the heart.
Some day, when l'm awfully low
When the world is cold
l will feel a glow just thinking of you
And the way you look tonight
You are lovely
With your smile so warm
And your cheeks so soft
There is nothing for me but to love you
Just the way you look tonight
With each word
Your tenderness grows
Tearing my fear apart
And that laugh
That wrinkles your nose
Touches my foolish heart
Some day
When l'm awfully low
When the world is cold
l will feel a glow just thinking of you
And the way you look tonight
Kosst Amojan, come to me!
l await you.
No!
Ben, what's wrong?
- l understand now. - Understand what?
What l have to do. What l was meant to do.
- Kasidy, l have to go. - Go where?
- To Bajor. To the fire caves. - l'll go with you.
No, l have to do this alone.
Did you really think the "Pah-wraiths" would choose you as their Emissary?
Soon the "Pah-wraiths" will burn across Bajor,
the Celestial Temple, the Alpha Quadrant. Can you picture it?
An entire universe set in flames,
to burn for all eternity.
The Prophets have sent me a gift.
Their beloved Emissary,
sent forth like an avenging angel to slay the demon.
- l should've known it would be you. - Go on. Kill me if you can.
You'll have to do better than that, Captain.
This is too easy.
That's it, come closer. That's it.
Now bow to me.
l said bow.
You are pathetic.
Then why are you the one on your knees?
First the Dominion, now the "Pah-wraiths."
You have a talent for picking the losing side.
Benjamin, please. We've known each other too long.
As this is the last time we'll be together, let's try to speak honestly.
We've both had our victories and defeats.
Now it's time to resolve our differences and face the ultimate truth.
l've won, Benjamin. You've lost.
The "Pah-wraiths" will never conquer anything.
Not Bajor. Not the Celestial Temple and certainly not the Alpha Quadrant.
- And who's going to stop us? - l am.
You can't even stand up.
Then l'll stop you.
- Are you still here? - Emissary, the book!
Farewell, Adami.
Sarah?
Are you here? What happened?
The Emissary has completed his task.
But the "Pah-wraiths?"
You've returned them to their prison within the fire caves.
The book was the key, wasn't it?
To a door that can never be opened again.
And Dukat? ls he dead?
He's where he belongs... with the "Pah-wraiths."
Your time of trial has ended. You need to rest now.
l intend to. As soon as l return to Deep Space 9.
That won't be necessary.
You're with us now.
We found the Captain's runabout orbiting Bajor.
We scanned the fire caves but there was no sign of him.
- Tarkalean tea. Soothing. - Better keep it coming.
- You're not calling off the search yet? - Not until we find your father.
What about the Kendra Province, where he bought that land?
Maybe he went there for some reason.
Colonel Kira and Chief O'Brien have completed another scan of the planet.
As far as they can tell, he's not there.
Something's happened to Ben. Something bad. l can feel it.
The Prophets warned us.
Hello? ls anyone here?
Ben, is that you?
Kasidy.
Oh, Ben.
l've been so worried about you.
- Where are we? - The Celestial Temple.
This is scaring me. Let's go home.
- l can't. Not now. - Why not?
Oh, God.
This is it, isn't it?
The sorrow that the Prophets warned us about.
lt's difficult to explain.
- lt's not linear. - What isn't?
My life, my destiny.
The Prophets saved me, Kasidy.
l'm their Emissary.
And they still have a great deal for me to do.
But first, there is much to learn.
Things only the Prophets can teach me.
- When will you be back? - lt's hard to say.
Maybe a year, maybe yesterday.
- But l will be back. - And l will be waiting.
Kas, can you hear me?
You seemed far away for a second.
l was talking to your father.
- You'll leave without saying goodbye? - l've never been good at goodbyes.
A lot of people will be disappointed.
lf they don't know how l feel about them now, parting words won't help.
l knew it! When l saw the two of you slip out, l said to myself,
''That no good, misanthropic, cantankerous changeling
''is trying to sneak off without anyone noticing''.
- That was the idea. - Well, it's not going to happen.
Apparently not.
So...
now that l'm here...
- ls there something you want to say? - Such as?
Such as, ''Goodbye. You certainly were a worthy adversary.''
Or maybe something with the words ''mutual respect'' in it.
- No. - No? What do you mean, ''no''?
l mean no. l have nothing l want to say to you.
You're telling me that after all we've been through,
you won't say goodbye to me?
That's right.
Nerys, l'll be on the runabout.
- Don't take it hard, Quark. - Hard? What are you talking about?
That man loves me, couldn't you see? lt was written all over his back.
The Link. lt's so different.
- They're dying. - You should go to them.
Nerys, please tell everyone l'll miss them.
- Even Quark? - Even Quark.
- But most of all... - l know.
Odo.
You always said l looked good in a tuxedo.
You do.
Then this is the way l want you to remember me.
l'll never forget you.
Goodbye, Nerys.
The duty roster, Colonel.
Nice work. Congratulations on your promotion, Lieutenant.
Thank you, sir.
l guess putting me in for promotion was one of Captain Sisko's last official acts.
- l'm sure he's very proud of you, Nog. - l'd like to think so, sir.
- Now about the cargo inventories. - l'll get right on it.
The thing is, the apoptosis is just part of the cardial renewal process.
What do you think?
l think after dinner, we should spend time in a holosuite.
l'd like a trip to Vegas.
- l was thinking about the Alamo. - We can't go there.
- Why not? - That's what Miles and l did.
But l do have a new programme. The Battle of Thermopylae.
lt's about a force of Spartans led by King Leonidas,
who defend a mountain pass against a vast Persian army.
What happened?
For two days, the Spartans lead a heroic struggle.
- Until they were wiped out. - Yes. How do you know?
Lucky guess. l take it we'll be the Spartans?
- Fighting to the last man. - Just like the Alamo.
Exactly.
Have you talked to a counsellor about these annihilation fantasies?
- Do you think l should? - l'll set up a session for you tomorrow.
- What about tonight? - Tonight we defend the pass.
Don't worry, it's guaranteed to grow hair within a week.
Though if you ask me, that dome of yours is hairy enough.
Besides, hasn't there been enough change around here already?
Quark!
You mind explaining this?
Oh, uh...that's this week's betting pool.
You're taking bets on who'll be the new Kai?
Just between you and me, the smart money is on Vedek Ungtae.
Well just between you and me, all bets are off.
- What? - Betting pools are illegal on this station.
l catch someone placing a bet,
l'll put you in a holding call for 15 days. ls that clear?
- 15 days! Can l bring my own pillow? - Quark!
- lt's clear, it's clear. - lt better be.
lt's like l said, the more things change, the more they stay the same.

---

---