Last time on Deep Space Nine...
A number of Admirals at Starfleet Command are worried
the destruction of the Bok'nor
might jeopardize the treaty.
Oh, are they really?
As the two ranking officers along the Cardassian border
we've been asked to assess the potential risk.
I wish to procure weapons.
I beg your pardon?
Guns, phaser banks, photon torpedoes...
Shh. troop transports
and a number of cobalt-thorium devices.
You're a gun runner?
I'm here unofficially
to help you find out the truth about the Bok'nor.
Why would you want to help me?
Because I already know the truth.
I've got people out there killing people, Major.
You suggest I turn a blind eye to that?
They don't have a right to defend themselves?
They've crossed the line!
If Starfleet is unwilling to defend their people...
They chose to live with the Cardassians!
Well, I didn't!
But I lived with them for 26 years
before the liberation came.
Every Bajoran lived with them in constant fear.
I know what those colonists are going through.
We just received
a general subspace transmission
from somewhere in the Demilitarized Zone.
A group there is taking credit
for the kidnapping of Dukat.
They're calling themselves...
"the Maquis."
HUDSON: I'm glad to see you had no trouble finding us, Ben.
It seems that one disaster after another
keeps bringing us back together again.
And now, for the conclusion.
You should have seen the look on your face
when you saw me standing there, Ben.
I hardly recognized you without your uniform.
Well, it's been feeling a little tight lately.
Just like that.
It's just a uniform, Ben.
Is that all it is?
I remember when you first put it on.
Yes— graduation day at the Academy.
We both swore that we'd be starship captains
by the time we were 30.
And admirals by 40.
Yes.
I think we've both done pretty well for ourselves.
Yes, we have, haven't we?
But now, I've got something better.
These settlers, Ben—
if you saw all they have accomplished
without any help from the Federation
then you'd fight along with them.
I don't think so.
HUDSON: They've traveled out here to the back of the beyond
and built homes out of the wilderness.
Now, maybe the Federation can turn their backs on them
but I can't.
I'm not asking you to
but your joining the Maquis
isn't helping anyone.
Your actions have only endangered the treaty
and put millions of lives at risk.
The Federation believes that it can solve
every problem with a treaty, but out here, on the frontier
without the power of the Federation to back them up
a treaty is only a piece of paper.
Do you have evidence
that the Central Command has violated the treaty?
Not yet, but we will.
If you're depending
on Gul Dukat for proof, you're going to be disappointed.
We'll find out, won't we?
I want him back, Cal.
He's not here.
Then where is he?
I never thought I'd see the day
when you'd side with a Cardassian
against me.
Damn it, Cal, I'm on your side.
You've got a funny way
of showing it, Ben.
I'm trying to stop you from making
one of the biggest mistakes of your life.
The Federation believes in the treaty.
If you destroy it
Starfleet will come after you
and they won't be satisfied until you're behind bars.
If we work together to end the violence...
The violence will never end as long as Central Command
continues to smuggle weapons to their colonies.
I wish there were a better way to handle this thing.
I really do.
Nobody wants peace any more than the Maquis.
And you're willing
to blow up Cardassian ships to get it?
The Bok'nor will never smuggle weapons again.
And its crew members
won't be returning home to their families either.
Look, you say the Central Command
is behind the smuggling.
Fine, let's prove it.
How?
We'll go to Cardassia, find the evidence
you need to back up your claim
and when we do, we'll take it to the Federation.
No, the Federation abandoned us.
Told us to take care of ourselves.
Well, that's what we intend to do, Ben
but you— you could be invaluable to us.
Let us use your station.
For what?
A maintenance facility for our ships.
I can't allow that.
Every week, innocent people are murdered by the Cardassians.
I will not allow those deaths to go unpunished.
You don't want peace, Cal.
You want revenge.
I prefer to call it retaliation.
I am sorry we won't be working together, Benjamin.
It would have been nice.
Like... old times.
Commander!
Sorry, Benjamin.
No!
Okay, let's go.
Knowing Ben's temper
when he wakes up, we won't want to be here.
Come on, let's move out.
Come on, here we go.
Let's go, come on.
Captioning sponsored by PARAMOUNT PICTURES
Lieutenant, I want to speak
with the Cardassian Central Command.
DAX: Then you're in luck.
Legate Parn will be arriving within the hour.
A Legate? I feel honored.
While I'm waiting, I want to speak with Starfleet.
Admiral Necheyev's already here.
Chief, the Maquis must have
transferred Dukat off their ship
before they reached that asteroid.
I want to know where they've hid him.
I can retrace their warp trail.
See if they met up with any other ships.
Do it.
Admiral.
Commander, the Cardassian Central Command
has gone on military alert
in response to the kidnapping of Gul Dukat.
I'm not surprised.
This Security Chief of yours, this shape-shifter...
Odo. Odo.
Are you sure you wouldn't be better off
with a Starfleet officer heading your security team?
Admiral, I have complete faith in Odo's ability to do his job.
If you say so, Commander.
I do.
And as for Gul Dukat, I assure you
we are taking all possible steps to locate him.
Good. Keep me informed of your progress.
I will.
But, Admiral
there is a bigger issue here than rescuing Dukat.
And what is that?
The Maquis.
The Maquis are a bunch of irresponsible hotheads.
These hotheads are responsible for the bombing of the Bok'nor.
I'm aware of that, Commander.
We never should have allowed those colonists to remain
on the Cardassian side of the Demilitarized Zone.
Well, they're there, Admiral, and they're not leaving.
What about Commander Hudson?
He's lived with these people.
What's his analysis of the situation?
I'll... have to ask him.
You do that.
And Commander, I want you to find the Maquis.
Talk to them.
Remind them
that they're citizens of the Federation.
That it is imperative that we preserve
the treaty with the Cardassians.
A treaty the Cardassians may not be honoring.
Are you questioning Federation policy, Commander?
All I know is that the situation
in the Demilitarized Zone is deteriorating rapidly.
Personally, I think
you're overstating the problem.
Establish a dialogue with the Maquis.
They're still Federation citizens.
I'm sure they'll listen to reason.
Good luck, Commander.
"Establish a dialogue."
What the hell does she think I've been trying to do?
Commander.
Just because a group of people
belong to the Federation that does not mean
that they are saints.
Excuse me.
Do you know what the trouble is?
No.
The trouble is Earth.
Really?
On Earth, there is no poverty, no crime, no war.
You look out the window of Starfleet headquarters
and you see paradise.
Well, it's easy to be a saint
in paradise, but the Maquis do not live
in paradise.
Out there, in the Demilitarized Zone
all the problems haven't been solved yet.
Out there, there are no saints, just people—
angry, scared, determined people
who are going to do whatever it takes to survive
whether it meets with the Federation's approval or not.
Makes sense to me.
Well, I'm glad someone understands.
Legate Parn's ship just put in at Docking Bay 5.
Maybe you'd like to give the same speech to him.
I just might do that.
Odo to Sisko.
Go ahead, Constable.
I think you'd better get down to Security.
I've caught one of the Vulcan's accomplices.
I assure you, I had no idea
Sakonna was planning to kidnap Gul Dukat.
ODO: Really?
Then perhaps you could explain why the two of you
were spending so much time together.
Surely it's no crime
keeping company with a beautiful female.
You ought to try it, Odo.
It might improve your disposition.
Do you expect us to believe
that a Vulcan would be interested in you
for your lobes?
Vulcans are a species that appreciate good ears.
Commander, this is very embarrassing
having to discuss my personal life in such surroundings.
Embarrassment is going to be the least of your problems
unless you tell me what kind of business arrangement
you had with this woman.
All right, but first I want to make it clear
that I was led astray by Sakonna's feminine wiles.
Save the excuses, Quark.
Just tell us what you were up to.
Sakonna was in the market for certain items
which I was able to obtain.
At a considerable discount, I might add.
What items?
We're waiting.
Let's see... where to begin?
She wanted some deflector shields
navigational arrays
maybe a couple hundred photon torpedoes...
Photon torpedoes!
And pulse cannons
and some high-energy disrupters.
Weapons! You sold weapons to a terrorist group.
I did not.
The Pygorians sold them the weapons.
I merely... made some introductions.
Besides, I hadn't even heard of the Maquis
until after Dukat was kidnapped.
I want a complete list of every weapon she purchased.
Of course, and if you need someone
to testify against Sakonna in court
I'd be more than willing.
Would you?
In a second, and let me know
if there's anyone else who needs testifying against.
I'll tell you one thing, Commander.
Sakonna was on a tight clock.
Whatever she needed those weapons for
it's going to happen within the next few days.
Just get me the list.
Sir, I assume you'll be going out
to search for Dukat again.
As soon as O'Brien tells us where to look.
As Chief of Security, I'd like to go along.
I'll be happy to have you along.
And one other thing— how long do I
keep him here?
Forever.
Odo...
This isn't funny.
Odo!
This is Legate Parn.
He insisted on seeing you immediately.
Because my business here is crucial
it demands immediate attention.
I must assure you, Commander
that what we have to discuss is most crucial, indeed.
I understand.
I assure you we are doing everything we can
to find Gul Dukat.
Please, Commander, your efforts are appreciated
but unnecessary.
You see, Central Command has learned that Gul Dukat
was the leader of a small group of misguided officers
who were funneling weapons to our colonies
in the Demilitarized Zone.
Then the Maquis were right.
The Cardassian settlers are being supplied
by Central Command.
Dukat and the others
were operating entirely without our knowledge.
Central Command would never sanction anything
that would violate our treaty
with the Federation.
We've arrested Dukat's coconspirators
and they shall be dealt with accordingly.
Where does that leave Dukat?
With the Maquis, where he belongs.
Are you saying you don't want him back?
I assume the Maquis
will execute him for his crimes.
I wouldn't be surprised.
Well, then I don't see what difference it makes
whether we do it or they do it.
How do we know they won't use Dukat's death
as an excuse to send troops into the Demilitarized Zone?
I can assure you, Commander
that there shall be no retaliation.
The Cardassians have no desire to go to war again
with the Federation.
You have my word.
Your word.
Major.
I found our little talk very enlightening.
I hoped you would.
Unfortunately, I have some business to attend to
but I do hope you'll take the time
to enjoy the station.
Thank you, Commander
but I, too, must attend to my business.
Besides, I am afraid this place has lost its charm
since the last time I was here.
I don't believe a word he said.
Neither do I.
But he did tell me something
that I needed to know.
Cal was right.
The Central Command is smuggling weapons
into the Demilitarized Zone.
We just received a report
that three Federation settlers were killed on Hakton VII.
The Cardassians claim it was in response
to the destruction of the Bok'nor.
Which gives the Maquis a new excuse to strike back.
Chief, what have you found?
Based on the residual subspace distortion
of their warp drive
I was able to plot the course of the Maquis ship
that took Dukat.
As you can see, long-range sensors
show no signs of any other vessels
traveling along that route.
All right, they didn't transfer him to another ship.
What about a planet?
It's possible.
Their course took them past five M-Class planets.
I've downloaded their coordinates
into the Rio Grande's computer.
Good work.
Sisko to Odo.
ODO: Yes, Commander.
Find Dr. Bashir
and meet me immediately at Landing Pad C.
On our way.
Commander, you know there's no reason
to go after Dukat.
I mean, you heard Legate Parn.
They don't want him back.
Are you suggesting we leave him to the Maquis?
Why risk our lives over someone who's caused so many deaths?
The way I see it
he's getting exactly what he deserves.
The Central Command wants him dead.
That's reason enough for us to want him alive.
Landing Pad C.
My mind to your mind.
Your thoughts to my thoughts.
My mind to your mind.
Your thoughts to my thoughts.
My mind to your mind...
MAN: What is wrong?
It's not working.
That is what's wrong.
This is quite puzzling.
I am unable to establish a mind-meld.
It would appear he has the ability
to shield his thoughts.
Simply a matter of discipline.
Now what do we do?
I will rest awhile
and then I will try again.
( Dukat chuckles )
You people really do not do this very well, do you?
Now, on Cardassia
we know how to extract information
though it can get a bit... unpleasant
and we all know how the Federation
dislikes unpleasantness.
I share very few sentiments with the Federation.
Ooh, that's right.
You're renegades
aren't you?
( laughing )
Or so you'd like to think.
Unfortunately, the Federation
has taught you your lessons all too well.
You simply lack the commitment it takes
to do what is necessary.
You tell that to the crew of the Bok'nor.
Oh, anyone can blow up a ship.
( derisive laugh )
But to look your enemy in the eye
knowing you'll remember his face
for the rest of your life
now, that takes...
a stomach much stronger than you'll ever have.
We'll see about that.
No.
He's right.
We do not possess
the Cardassian gift for inflicting pain.
( laughing )
There. You see?
Nor would we want such a gift.
But we do need to know when the Central Command
is sending its next weapons shipment.
So, if it's all the same to you, Sakonna
I'll take over this interrogation.
Then we can find out just how committed I am.
SISKO: I don't think
anyone's that interested.
Put down your weapons.
We're not here to fight you.
If that is true, then you will let us go about our business.
I'm not leaving without Dukat.
MAN: Then you're not leaving.
BASHIR: Look, we're all on the same side here.
We all want to stop the arms shipments.
Why not work together?
Will you stop talking and shoot them?
No, that's not what we want.
What are you waiting for?
Put down your weapons.
ODO: Do as he says.
( yells )
( groans )
( yelling )
Let him go!
I said let him go!
Odo, get these people secured on the runabout.
With pleasure, Commander.
Except this one.
You mean I'm free to go?
Tell Cal Hudson
I haven't told Starfleet anything yet.
Tell him, we can still
solve this thing together, but we're running out of time.
Tell him, I still have his uniform.
He can have it back anytime he wants.
Ah.
( door chimes )
Enter.
I just came by to see how you were doing.
I find a good meal extremely relaxing
especially after a difficult day.
So do I. Really?
I wonder what else we have in common.
Very little, I imagine.
( laughing )
Other than the fact
that you have my office.
Tell me, what's going to happen
with your prisoners?
They'll be tried for their crimes
under the Federation Code of Justice.
And if they're found innocent?
I doubt that they will
but, if they are, they'll be set free.
How barbaric.
In Cardassia, the verdict is always known
before the trial begins
and it's always the same.
In that case, why bother with a trial at all?
Because the people demand it.
They enjoy watching justice triumph over evil every time.
They find it comforting.
Isn't there ever a chance
you might try an innocent man by mistake?
Cardassians don't make mistakes.
I'll have to remember that.
Commander...
one thing does puzzle me.
Surely the Central Command was informed of my kidnapping.
They learned about it almost as soon as it happened.
Then why was I rescued by you?
Why wasn't the station surrounded by Cardassian ships
demanding my release?
We did receive a visit from Legate Parn.
Ah! I'm sure he made some rather ugly threats on my behalf, hmm?
He said that you were the one responsible
for smuggling weapons into the Demilitarized Zone.
That if the Maquis did not execute you
then the Central Command would...
after a comforting trial, I'm sure.
( sighing )
Well...
it seems my relationship with the Central Command
has somewhat deteriorated.
I knew this was inevitable
the moment we withdrew from Bajor.
Are you saying they blamed you for the withdrawal?
Ha! There are those who believe
I should have killed every last Bajoran
while I had the chance.
Oh, well.
It's too late for that, I'm afraid.
Commander, it seems I was mis...
Mistaken about the arms shipment?
It appears I was misinformed.
I'm beginning to believe
the Central Command is indeed smuggling weapons
into the Demilitarized Zone after all.
Then you really didn't know, did you?
No.
They never bothered to tell me.
If I help you stop the smuggling
will you help me stop the Maquis?
You have a deal.
I've scheduled a staff meeting for 0900.
I'll be there.
Commander... thank you
for coming to my rescue.
I'm sure you would have done the same for me.
( chuckles )
( sighs )
Constable, do you have the list of weapons
Sakonna bought from Quark?
I do, and quite a list it is.
Six ship-mounted high-energy disrupters
three particle accelerators, 200 photon torpedoes
and a dozen pulse cannons.
With that kind of firepower
the Bajorans could have launched
a full-scale assault on Cardassia.
And lost.
O'BRIEN: Sounds like the Maquis have had their fill
of border skirmishes.
They're ready for something bigger.
According to Quark
they're planning their first attack any day now.
Have you been able to make any headway with Sakonna?
Have you ever tried
to interrogate a Vulcan, Lieutenant?
No.
Well, neither had I, until today.
I wouldn't advise it.
That calm, measured voice that tells you nothing
that impassive stare—
it can be quite frustrating.
Perhaps I could question her.
I don't think so.
DUKAT: Pity.
I like a challenge.
You want a challenge?
Find out how the Central Command
is getting weapons into the Demilitarized Zone.
My guess would be by way of a Xepolite free trader.
Why the Xepolites?
Because the Xepolites have often served
as intermediaries for us in the past.
So have the Lissepians.
Ah, but the Xepolites have never been caught.
The Xepolite ship isn't responding to our hails, sir.
DUKAT: Of course they're not responding.
Would you respond
to a Federation hail
if your cargo bays were full of Cardassian weapons?
Scan their ship, Major.
Let's see what they're carrying.
Our scanners can't penetrate their hull.
O'BRIEN: No wonder.
They obviously value their privacy.
Chief, you and Gul Dukat remain here.
Major, you're with me.
Let's go see if it's their privacy
or their guilt, they're trying to protect.
Sorry, Commander, you can't transport over.
They just raised their shields.
You're wasting time.
Xepolite ships can reach a maximum speed of warp 9.8.
If they decide to run
we'll never catch them.
Well, what would you suggest?
I would breach their shields with my phasers
and destroy their Bridge.
Killing everyone there.
That's correct.
Then I would lock onto the ship with my tractor beam
and tow it, and its cargo, back to the station.
Very simple, very effective.
And needlessly bloody.
Sounds like a Cardassian plan to me.
Chief, fire a phaser over their bow.
Let's see if we can get their attention.
Yes, sir.
( console beeping )
That woke them up.
They're hailing us.
On my monitor, Chief.
I am Drofo Awa, Hetman of this vessel.
What do you want from us?
I'm Commander Benjamin Sisko
of the United Federation of Planets.
We believe you're carrying Cardassian weapons
to their colonies in the Demilitarized Zone.
Well, then, you believe wrong, Commander.
My ship is carrying
five kilotons of Regrean wheat husks, nothing more.
Five kilotons— that's a lot of wheat husks.
With your permission, I'd like to come aboard
and see what that looks like.
Permission denied.
And if there's any attempt to board my vessel
I will consider it an act of piracy.
Is that clear?
You can call it anything you like
but you're not going anywhere until we search your ship.
In that case, Commander...
In that case, you will do exactly as you're told.
You will allow us free access to your ship
so that we can verify you are indeed smuggling
Cardassian weapons into the Demilitarized Zone.
You will then follow us back to Deep Space 9
where your cargo will be confiscated
and you will make a full confession
detailing everything you know
about smuggling weapons into the Demilitarized Zone.
Then you will sign that confession
after which, you and your ship will be allowed on your way.
Is that clear?
I don't understand.
You're a Cardassian.
I'm not just any Cardassian.
I'm Gul Dukat, Commander of the Second Order.
You have 15 seconds to lower your shields
or we'll destroy you.
No, wait!
Ten seconds.
No, it's not that simple!
Seven seconds.
I've already been paid!
Four seconds.
Stop counting! Stop counting!
He's lowering his shields.
I'll await your arrival, Commander.
I think you can handle it from here.
I hope you're happy.
I am a Vulcan.
My emotional state is irrelevant.
Well, I'm a Ferengi
and my emotional state is very relevant
and right now, I'm miserable
and it's all your fault.
You were well paid for your assistance.
Not well enough.
Look, I know the Cardassians can't be trusted.
I know the Central Command would like nothing better
than to destroy the Federation colonies
in the Demilitarized Zone.
Then you agree with our position?
Not for a second.
Why not?
Because your position is illogical.
Do you propose to lecture me on logic?
I don't want to, but you leave me no choice.
It all comes down
to the Third Rule of Acquisition.
You don't know that one, do you?
I am not well-versed in Ferengi philosophy.
Remind me to give you a copy of the Rules.
You never know when they'll come in handy.
Now, the Third Rule clearly states
"Never spend more for an acquisition
than you have to."
Logical, but I fail to see
how that applies to my situation.
You want to acquire peace.
Fine. Peace is good
but how much are you willing to pay for it?
Whatever it costs.
That's the kind of irresponsible spending
that causes so many business ventures to fail.
You're forgetting the Third Rule.
Right now, peace could be bought
at a bargain price
and you don't even realize it.
I find this very confusing.
( sighs )
Then I'll make it so simple
that even a Vulcan can understand.
The Central Command has been caught red-handed
smuggling weapons to their settlers.
So, every ship
that approaches the Demilitarized Zone
will be searched.
Without the support of the Central Command
the Cardassian settlers won't be so eager to fight.
You forget the weapons they already have.
They have weapons.
You have weapons.
Everyone has weapons
but right now, no one has a clear advantage.
So, the price of peace is at an all-time low.
This is the perfect time to sit down
and hammer out an agreement.
Don't you get it?
Attacking the Cardassians now will only escalate the conflict
and make peace more expensive in the long run.
Now, I ask you, is that logical?
A concealed weapons depot
located within a civilian population center?
According to Sakonna
the Maquis are going to attack the depot
sometime within the next 52 hours.
But she didn't tell you on which colony
the depot is hidden.
She says she doesn't know.
How convenient.
I believe her.
Why? Because Vulcans don't lie?
As a rule, they don't.
They don't blow up ships either, as a rule.
But let's assume she's telling the truth.
I take it you haven't shared this information
with the Central Command?
No, I haven't.
Good, because they would never trust you
to handle this matter alone.
But they would be able
to tell me where the weapons depot is located.
Leave that to me.
I may no longer be a favorite with Central Command
but I know people who are.
In the meantime, I'll go to Volon III
and try to talk some sense into the Maquis.
And if you can't?
Don't worry, Dukat.
I said I would stop the Maquis, and, one way or another, I will.
I've also been recently informed
that 35 people had to be hospitalized
on Umoth VIII after eating
from public food replicators.
Sabotage is suspected.
Then from now on, guards should be posted
at all public replicators throughout the colonies.
Thank you.
Now, about the new curfew...
( door opens )
Commander Sisko
what a pleasant surprise.
If you'll just wait a moment, I'll finish up this meeting
and we can talk privately.
That won't be necessary.
I want everyone to hear what I have to say.
I don't know how many of you here
actually belong to the Maquis.
Those of you who don't probably have friends who do.
So, please make sure you pass along
what I'm about to tell you.
There is a treaty currently in place
with Cardassia and the Federation.
If you make yourself an enemy of Cardassia
you make yourself an enemy of the Federation.
That is outrageous.
Agreed.
I know the Maquis is planning to attack
a Cardassian weapons depot.
My advice to them and to you is to call it off
because I'll be waiting there, and I will stop you.
( door opens )
A very rousing speech, Ben.
I suppose my best rebuttal would be to kill you.
But you won't.
What is this?
Your uniform.
You always were an optimist.
I have every reason to be.
The way I see it, now that we've stopped
the shipments of Cardassian weapons
there's no longer any need for the Maquis.
You and I can work together to reach a peace agreement
with the Cardassian colonies.
It's too late for that.
Is it?
We're in a war here, and I intend to win it.
I could use your help, Ben
and I'm asking you as a friend.
As a friend...
I have to say no.
If you attack the depot
you'll have to get through me first.
I hope not. I truly hope not.
The Bryma colony— according to my sources
that's the location of the weapons depot.
SISKO: Then our objective is simple—
prevent the Maquis ships from reaching Bryma.
We're going to have to intercept them
before they're picked up by the colony's sensors.
Good point.
If the Cardassian settlers even suspect
they might come under attack
they'll send a message to Cardassia
asking for reinforcements.
I don't care how much
the Cardassians care about the treaty
if the Maquis launch an assault against a civilian target
the Central Command will have to respond.
We could wind up with a full-scale war on our hands.
We have to stop the Maquis.
Our runabouts will take up a defensive position
just outside the Bryma colony's sensor range.
The best way to detect incoming ships
would be to hide a couple dozen sensor probes
in the system's Oort cloud.
That way, we could spot the Maquis
no matter what route they take.
How many Maquis ships are we expecting?
According to Sakonna, they only have two ships
capable of mounting the weapons she purchased.
So, we'll have three ships, and they'll have two.
The odds are in our favor, anyway.
That's not going to give us
much of an advantage, Julian.
The colonists are used to being outnumbered.
They'll fight just that much harder.
How do you propose to stop them?
What's that human expression?
"Shoot to kill."
SISKO: We'll try to stop them with words
if possible; with force, if necessary.
So, if they fire at us
we have orders to shoot back.
That's correct.
We'll target their warp engines and weapons arrays—
try to disable them.
DUKAT: How noble.
I hope the Maquis will be as obliging to you.
Rio Grande to Mekong and Orinoco.
How do you read me?
Orinoco here. You're loud and clear.
O'BRIEN: Mekong here.
Our communications channel
is fully operational and secure.
The remote sensor probes I set up
still haven't detected any sign of the Maquis ships.
Do you really think they're coming?
They know we're waiting for them, after all.
DAX: It's possible they changed
the time frame of their attack—
postponed it a day or a week.
SISKO: They'll be here.
The longer they wait, the greater the chance
the weapons depot will be moved to another location.
O'BRIEN: Commander, I'm picking up
two Federation ships headed our way.
Sisko to Hudson.
This isn't going to work, Cal.
Turn those ships around
before someone gets hurt.
Please, Ben, don't make me open fire on you.
He's not going to listen.
Initiating evasive maneuvers.
Signal Niles to follow my lead.
Right.
Commander, they're making a run for it.
Lock on tractor beams.
Damn it!
They've got Niles, too.
Let us go, Ben.
You know I can't do that.
Then I suggest you duck.
Fire on their beam emitter.
What are you waiting for?
O'BRIEN: We're losing tractor lock.
KIRA: They're breaking away.
Commence firing.
Niles' propulsion system is down.
He's drifting.
We'll have to even the odds.
They've hit our navigational array.
I've lost attitude control.
Attempting to compensate
with manual thrusters.
KIRA: It's not working.
Thrusters are still locked.
Hang on.
Chief, you go after the Orinoco.
I'll handle Hudson.
O'BRIEN: Right. Major.
Yes, Chief? Lower your shields.
We'll beam you out of there.
You got it.
They're coming back around.
( console beeping )
It's just you and me, Ben.
I can't let you start a war.
I'm not turning back.
And you're not going forward.
We're hit.
Our photon torpedo tubes are out.
Switch to phasers.
Come about, heading 115 mark 326.
Got it.
We've taken a direct hit on our primary fusion core.
Initiating emergency core shutdown.
The port nacelle is flooded with ionized deuterium.
We've lost both warp and impulse engines.
We still have maneuvering thrusters.
They're coming back around.
Use the phasers.
I can't.
They've knocked out the power couplings
to our weapons array.
What do we do?
The only thing we can do.
We get the hell out of here.
He's turning away.
Now's your chance— fire.
It's over, Cal.
For now, anyway.
Next time, tell Starfleet to send someone else.
It doesn't feel right, you and I
shooting at each other.
There won't be a next time.
Stand down!
I don't think so, Ben.
He's getting away!
You run now, I won't be able to protect you.
Starfleet will track you down.
You won't be safe anywhere—
not even in the colonies.
Don't be so sure.
I have a lot of friends here.
Besides, I've got to help the Maquis
finish this thing.
You'll be an outlaw—
a hunted man.
Maybe.
You're throwing away your entire life.
And beginning a new one.
What are you waiting for?
He's helpless. Finish him.
I'm going to miss you, Ben.
You've been a good friend.
So have you.
No!
I thought you were strong, Commander.
You're not.
You're a fool.
A sentimental fool.
I said I'd stop the Maquis, and I have
but I will not kill a good man
for defending his home.
You disappoint me.
Don't expect me to lose any sleep over it.
Mr. O'Brien, when you get a chance
I could use some help with these engines.
Yes, sir.
Commander, Gul Dukat has left the station.
I'm sure he's glad to be going home.
Chief O'Brien says
that the Orinoco and the Rio Grande
will be up and running in a few days.
Thank you, Major.
I just got a communiqué from Starfleet
congratulating me on my good work
and thanking me for preserving the peace with the Cardassians.
You deserve it.
You prevented a war.
Did I?
Or did I just delay the inevitable?
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