Too hot?
A little.
Ah.
Why don't you specify a lower temperature?
No, no, no, no.
Coffee should be a little too hot to drink right away.
Why?
It, uh, slows down the experience
gives you time to savor the taste.
Ah, yes...
taste.
Odo, I know you don't
need to eat, but did you ever try it anyway?
Once.
Not long after I was first able to assume
the humanoid form.
And?
And since I don't have taste buds
it was very unsatisfying...
not to mention messy.
Messy?
I'd rather not talk about it.
MALE: Major Kira.
How nice to see you again.
Tiron.
You left Quark's last night, just when I
was about to buy everyone another round.
I was devastated that you didn't say good-bye
and we were having such a pleasant conversation.
As I recall, you were the one doing all the talking.
Well, in that case, you have me at a disadvantage.
You know all about me and I know next to nothing about you.
Uh... perhaps I should be going.
Oh, no. Stay.
This is Tiron
a business associate of Quark's.
This is Odo...
my lover.
Well...
you're a very lucky man.
I'm a lucky woman.
Yes... we're both very lucky.
And you make a most... interesting couple.
So, Mr. Odo, what is it that you do?
I'm Chief of Security on this station.
Oh.
A station this size
it must be a very challenging job.
I hope you're well compensated.
Oh, money doesn't matter.
All we need is each other.
Isn't that right...
sweetheart?
Yes...
sweetheart.
KIRA: You see
money isn't everything.
Oh, no, but it can buy everything.
Well, I'm afraid I must be going.
Good-bye.
Oh, good riddance.
Thank you, Odo.
Wish you'd been around last night.
I better get back to Ops.
See you later, sweetheart.
Commander's Log, Stardate 48423.2.
Despite the continuing threat posed by the Dominion
I've convinced Starfleet that we must continue
our exploration of the Gamma Quadrant.
I've run a preliminary analysis of our sensor sweeps
and the second planet in the Kylata system
is definitely M-Class.
DAX: I wish we'd had time
to beam down to the surface and take a closer look.
Yeah, but I'd hate
to have run into a Jem'Hadar patrol
while we were down there picking flowers.
SISKO: Fortunately, there's no sign
of any Dominion activity in this sector.
And let's hope it stays that way.
I'm picking up very unusual gravimetric distortions
in the Trialus system.
Any idea what's causing them?
It's hard to tell at this range.
Let's take a closer look.
The system's coming into visual range.
On screen.
The gravimetric distortions are intensifying
but they don't seem to be coming
from the star itself.
But where else could they be coming from?
There aren't any planets in this system.
( deep rumbling )
There are now.
Captioning sponsored by PARAMOUNT PICTURES
The planet seems to have settled into a stable orbit.
But where did it come from?
Could the entire planet have been cloaked?
O'BRIEN: If it was, there should be residual ionization traces
but I'm not reading any.
Commander, we're being scanned.
The beam is coming from a settlement
on the southern hemisphere.
I'm reading approximately 30 humanoid inhabitants.
They seem to be the only humanoids on the planet.
They're hailing us.
Open a channel.
I'm Commander Benjamin Sisko of the Federation Starbase
Deep Space 9.
I am Seltin Rakal of Meridian.
We were studying the star system when your planet appeared.
I expect it must have come as something of a surprise.
Well, you could say that.
It seemed to come out of nowhere.
Not nowhere, Commander
but from a dimension that intersects with this one.
I could explain
more in detail, if you're interested.
We were just about to sit down for First Meal.
Why don't you join us?
We'd like that.
I just need to know
your planet is not going to disappear
in the middle of dessert.
Don't worry.
We'll be here for a while.
( laughter and conversation )
( playing quiet chiming melody )
RAKAL: It's good to be together
around this table again after so long.
What's more, we're fortunate to have visitors
to share First Meal with us.
I was admiring... your markings.
Are they decorative?
No. Are yours?
No.
If you don't mind my asking...
how far down do they go?
All the way.
Ah.
You're not eating, Commander.
I guess my curiosity is bigger than my appetite.
I hope we can satisfy both.
Hmm.
Well, you were saying Meridian emerged
from a dimension that intersects with this one?
Yes.
You see, our planet has a dual existence.
It shifts between this dimension and another.
What causes these shifts?
Well, we're not entirely sure.
Deral has been studying the phenomenon.
DERAL: With only limited
success, I'm afraid.
My theory is that the dimensional shifts are caused
by fluctuations in Meridian's quantum matrix—
fluctuations that are somehow triggered by our own sun.
What's it like, this dimension of yours?
It's hard to explain.
It's... without form.
We exist as pure consciousness.
And Meridian?
It becomes noncorporeal as well
but when we return to this dimension
everything is just as we left it—
the buildings, the trees, even our bodies.
Are you saying that when you return here
it's as if no time has passed?
We only age when we're in corporeal form.
Sounds like this other dimension
has its advantages.
DERAL: Yes...
but we always look forward to this existence
and its many pleasures.
Oh, here, let me help you with that.
The trick is to scoop out the pulp
and eat the thin layer
inside the rind.
Here, try some.
It's delicious.
Especially if you've been
looking forward to it for 60 years.
60 years?
Mm-hmm.
Huh. That's a long time between meals.
( buzz of conversation )
A glass of Andorian ale.
Done so soon?
You were barely in the holosuite ten minutes.
There was no reason for me to stay the full hour.
I understand.
It's a very... effective program.
On the contrary, I found it to be
quite dull— boring, boring, boring!
I'm sorry to hear
you say that, but if you're asking
for a refund, forget it.
The contract specifically says that satisfaction
is not guaranteed.
But... for a valued customer such as yourself
I'll make an exception
and allow you to try a different program...
no extra charge.
Let's see.
Something a little bit more...
unique?
Oh, I have just the thing—
"A picnic with the Pleasure Goddess of Rixx."
I can even provide real food, for a small fee, of course.
I don't like picnics, Quark, and the food here is abominable.
Forget the food.
Believe me, you've never had a picnic like this one.
What I want is not in your catalog.
Well, tell me what it is and I'll order it for you.
It may take some time, but, if it exists, I'll get it.
That's just the point, Quark.
The program I want doesn't exist.
Not yet, anyway.
A custom program...
it'll be expensive.
Oh, for that kind of money, you can move into a holosuite.
Now, what is it you want?
I want...
Major Kira.
Kir...
What are you going to do with Kira in a holosuite?
No... don't tell me.
I don't want to know.
Can you do it?
It isn't going to be easy.
I'll have to get her into the holosuite
and record her image, and she hates holosuites.
Spare me the details.
Do we have a deal or do I take my business elsewhere?
Consider it done.
Now, I'll just keep this...
Payment on delivery and not a moment sooner.
Don't disappoint me, Quark.
When I walk into that holosuite and I see Kira standing there...
I'd better believe it's really her.
Leave it to me.
Mm-hmm.
The things I do for money.
Just beyond that forest
there's a garden with a small pond.
It sounds lovely.
( chuckles ): It is.
Deral, our scans show that there are
only about 30 of you on this entire planet.
Well, there were never many of us.
We're the descendants of an expedition
that was stranded here millennia ago.
And your population hasn't increased since then?
It did for a time
but over the last few centuries
our numbers have dwindled.
You see, we only reproduce when we're in humanoid form
and our time here keeps growing shorter.
In 12 days, Meridian will shift back to its noncorporeal state.
And remain there for the next 60 years.
Eventually, we will only be here for a matter of minutes.
When that happens, Meridian will be too unstable
to successfully shift back to the other dimension.
And then what happens?
The planet and all its inhabitants
will cease to exist...
in either dimension.
We deeply appreciate your offer of help, Commander.
If there is a way to stabilize the dimensional shifts
we'll do everything we can to find it.
That's all we can ask.
Aha. Here you go.
Do you want to play vajhaq with us?
Maybe later.
Deral and I are beaming up to the Defiant.
We're going to run a series of helio-seismic scans
on the Meridian sun.
I'll join you.
Good luck.
Dabo!
Quark.
I got a message that Morn wanted to see me.
I'm afraid you just missed him.
Really?
So soon?
Would you come with me, please?
Listen up, everyone.
I have wonderful news.
It's my pleasure to announce
that my one-millionth customer
just walked through the door.
And here she is, ladies and gentlemen
Major Kira Nerys.
Quark! I don't have time for this.
Why don't you make him
your one-millionth customer?
But, Major, that would be dishonest.
That never stopped you before.
But this is a special occasion.
An event like this only happens once in a bar owner's lifetime.
Let me tell you about your prizes.
You mean, I won something?
Of course, you won something.
It's part of the celebration.
I never won anything before.
Well, now you have. Congratulations.
Are you really serious about this?
My customers are my livelihood, Major.
This is a chance for me
to give something back to them.
Now, let's see what we have for you.
A bottle of Kandora champagne, vintage 2368—
that's a very good year.
These are good for five free spins at the dabo wheel.
And last but not least
one free hour in a holosuite with the program of your choice.
Wait... a visit to a holosuite?
Offer good today only.
But that's perfect.
Right this way.
It's Ensign Quintana's birthday.
He'd love a free visit to the holosuite.
But, Major, what about you?
Oh, you know how I feel
about the holosuites, Quark
but, uh... thanks for the champagne.
( chuckles )
These are the Defiant's sensor readings
when we first entered the system.
Take a look at the spectral scan.
It indicates that your sun
was giving off modulated gamma bursts
right before Meridian appeared.
My people have no record of that phenomenon.
That's not surprising, since Meridian was
in a noncorporeal state when it occurred.
Gamma activity would seem to indicate
an anomaly in your sun's fusion cycle.
Let's find out for sure.
Chief, I want you to send a probe
into the sun's corona to scan the core.
It'll take a minute
to modify the shield configuration.
How do modulated gamma bursts cause a dimensional shift?
Do you always do that
when you're concentrating?
Do what?
Bite your lower lip.
I guess I do.
Probe's ready, Commander.
Target it to these coordinates and launch.
Shields are holding.
It's going to be a while
before the probe starts sending back any telemetry.
Well, I'm sure you have things you need to do.
Not really.
What a coincidence.
Neither do I.
DERAL: This isn't turning out exactly the way I planned.
DAX: What do you mean?
You've barely spoken a word
since we left the settlement.
I don't know if you noticed or not
but Seltin didn't seem too happy
to see us leave together.
Well, she'd probably prefer that I was...
walking with Keshara or Renar.
You see, ever since my wife died
everyone's been wondering
when I was going to find myself
another companion.
Why haven't you?
I guess I was waiting for the right woman
to fall out of the sky.
That doesn't happen too often.
It only had to happen once.
Don't worry about Seltin.
After all, we both know
this is just a... harmless little walk.
Absolutely.
With a brief stop to climb a tree.
Come on.
Don't tell me in eight lifetimes
you've never climbed a tree?
That's how I know I'm afraid of heights.
Well, don't worry. I won't let you fall.
This is one of my favorite views.
It's hard to believe
that it all might be gone in two weeks.
I hope not.
So do I.
( gasps )
We better climb down.
Oh, it's as beautiful as you described.
I knew you'd like it.
Try one.
Mmm! That's wonderful.
I knew you'd like that, too.
You know me pretty well
for someone who just met me.
I'm glad you noticed.
I can't remember the last time I did this—
stroll through a garden, climb a tree
eat fresh berries by a pond.
What comes next?
I think I'm starting to remember.
How are the calculations coming?
I'm checking them now.
They're the same as before.
There's nothing to indicate the gamma bursts
are causing the quantum fluctuations.
Then something else
must be triggering the dimensional shifts.
Whatever it is, we'll find it.
SISKO: Sisko to Dax.
Go ahead, Commander.
Good news.
We've been able to get the probe down another thousand kilometers
into the sun's corona.
We picked up some additional telemetry.
I'll download it to you.
Thank you, Chief.
If all that fresh air and sunshine
start getting to you
you're welcome to come back up here to the Defiant.
We're managing just fine.
I'm sure you are.
Sisko out.
Don't you want to take a look at the new telemetry?
I'd rather sit here and look at you.
How about this?
We work for a few more hours
and then we go back to your room
and count each other's spots.
Oh, can I go first?
We'll see.
Take a look at the fusion reactants in the core.
They're out of balance.
That's right, and the imbalance is building
toward a cascade reaction on the quantum level.
That's what's triggering the dimensional shifts.
And if we can stabilize that reaction...
We can keep Meridian here longer.
Oh, Jadzia!
I've got to get this
to Commander Sisko and Chief O'Brien.
And then we can count each other's spots.
These security protocols look fine, Odo.
Just let me know...
QUARK ( quietly ): Odo, move out of there.
You're ruining my shot.
Odo...
Oh, uh, Major...
uh, why is Quark
trying to take a holo-picture of you?
Looks to me like he's pointing at both of us.
True, but every time I stand in front of you
he seems to get very upset.
QUARK: Where are you going?
Uh-oh.
What do you think you're doing, Quark?
Nothing. Hah!
Then what's this?
Oh, you mean this holo-imager.
I was just recording an image of the Promenade
to send home to my mother.
Hah!
You're trying to take a holoscan of me
and I want to know why.
Of you? Not at all.
You just happened to get in the frame.
Hah!
Will you stop doing that?
Not until you start
telling the truth.
You want the truth?
I'll tell you the truth.
I was trying to get an image of you
for a special holosuite program I'm designing.
Oh, I can just imagine
what kind of program that would be.
I'm sure you can, but you'd be mistaken.
The fact is, I'm working on a simulation
of the station's Operations Center.
People want to know what goes on up there
and they want to imagine themselves
fending off a Cardassian attack
or facing a fleet of Jem'Hadar ships.
Naked, I assume.
Isn't there some petty thief you can harass?
Just you.
What do you say, Major?
Give the public what they want.
They're not asking for much—
just the chance to work side by side with you.
Oh, they want to work with me?
Well, then let them apply to the Bajoran Military Academy.
That way, I can be sure everyone in Ops is wearing their uniform.
Is that a no?
Well, let me put it another way—
if I ever catch you pointing a holo-imager at me again
you will end up eating it.
( clatters to ground )
Definitely a no.
Jadzia.
I've been looking for you.
You found me.
I have.
Good news— it's going to work.
We'll be able to equalize the time
between dimensional shifts.
Oh, Jadzia, that's wonderful.
Do you know what I'm going to do?
I'm going to build a house
right here.
Nothing extravagant.
Just big enough for two.
Deral, I...
I know what you're thinking.
You're thinking this man that just met me
is talking about building a home for us.
I realize you have a life on Deep Space 9
but now, you'll have a place here as well...
for when you visit.
I won't be able to visit for a while.
It's going to take a long time
to stabilize the sun's cascade reaction.
How long?
Meridian is going to shift in five days.
Jadzia...
We'll see each other again.
In 60 years.
I want you with me now.
That's what I want, too, but there's nothing we can do.
Yes, there is.
I can leave Meridian
and go back to the Alpha Quadrant with you.
If you'll have me.
What do you think?
( both laughing )
Deral! We've been looking for you.
Commander Sisko told us the great news.
I can't thank you enough for all you've done.
I'm glad we were able to help.
The next time Meridian returns here
we'll have 30 years
for our people to get to know each other better.
I need to discuss something with you.
Of course. I've called a meeting.
Now that we have a future again
we need to start planning for it.
And you need to make some decisions as well.
That's what I want to talk to you about.
The person you need to talk to is Keshara.
She's not going to wait for you forever, you know.
I was going to speak to her as well.
I'm glad.
Think of it, Deral—
people can start having families again.
Eventually, we may have
to expand the settlement.
As you can see, Jadzia
we have a great deal of planning to do.
Well, I think I've kept the others
waiting long enough.
Come, let's get started.
You'd better go inside.
I'll meet you back at the ship.
You know, the person I feel sorry for is Quark.
He always thought that you and he were made for each other.
I don't suppose he'll be letting you
win at tongo anymore.
What are you talking about?
He doesn't let me win.
( door chimes )
Come in.
Deral.
Well, it's done.
I told Seltin and the others that I'm leaving Meridian.
Oh, what did they say?
They asked me not to go.
Seltin feels the settlement can't afford
to lose anyone.
What did you tell her?
I told her I understood her concern
but that I've made up my mind.
So, what were you two talking about
before I interrupted?
Not me, I hope.
Well, actually
I was just telling Jadzia
that, uh, not as good a tongo player as she thinks she is.
Tongo?
It's a game, and I'm very good at it.
Well, we'll find out on Tuesday night.
And I want you there to see for yourself.
I'm going to clean you and Quark out.
Jadzia, I have to go.
But you just got here.
There are some things
I need to take care of before we leave Meridian.
Do you need any help?
No, I...
I just have to say good-bye to some people.
I'll see you later tonight.
Tiron, I was just thinking about you.
And I was thinking about you
and your reputation
as a man who can get anything for a price.
Stop. You're embarrassing me.
I'll embarrass you even more
if you don't get me my program.
Not to worry.
Is that it?
No.
It's a high-level decryption protocol.
And I'm using it to get the final information
I need for your program.
It cost me dearly.
If it works, it's worth whatever price you paid for it.
I was hoping you'd say that.
I'll put it on your bill.
Fine. Just get me my program.
I'm leaving in two days.
You'll have it, and I assure you
it'll be well worth the wait.
I'll stake my reputation on it.
You already have.
Now...
where to begin, hmm?
You wanted to see me?
ODO: Yes.
Someone has been illegally accessing
the station's personnel files—
your file, to be exact.
Mine?
They've downloaded
your voice print, your retinal scan
even your psychiatric profile.
I've managed to trace the data path back to its source.
Well, let me guess— Quark.
Was there any doubt?
Oh, with all this information
he'd have no problem generating a holo-image of me.
So, shall I arrest him or would you prefer to do it yourself?
No, I have a better idea.
Can you spare a few hours?
I'd like to prepare a little surprise for Quark.
You see, the key to tongo is to confront
when you're sure you're in a better position
than the other players.
And if your cards match the roll of the dice
then you win.
Deral...
Go on, I'm listening.
You haven't heard a word I've been saying, have you?
I'm sorry.
I just have so much on my mind.
You don't want to leave Meridian, do you?
I said I would and I will.
I know what you said, but what do you want?
( sighs )
To be with you.
But you're worried about your people.
There are so few of us, Jadzia
and now that Meridian has a future again, they need me.
Then you have to stay.
And lose you?
No.
What if you didn't have to lose me?
What if I stayed here with you?
I wish you could, but that's not possible.
Your molecular structure
wouldn't survive the dimensional shift.
We could use a transporter buffer
to match my quantum matrix to yours.
But how do you know that's possible?
Because I discussed it with Julian
after you left my quarters.
Jadzia...
are you sure you're willing to do that?
It's the only way we can be together
and I don't want to lose you either.
Come in.
Benjamin, I was just finishing up my request
to Starfleet for my leave of absence.
I bet this is the first time
anyone has requested a 60-year leave.
You'll be sure that it gets to them?
If you're sure that this is what you really want.
What I really want
is for you to say that you're happy for me.
I guess I just need to know
that you have thought this thing through.
If Curzon had told me
he wanted to go off with some woman he just met
I would have tried to talk him out of it, too.
And you would have been right.
He fell in love with someone new
every other week.
But I'm not Curzon.
No...
and I've never seen Jadzia do anything
without thinking it through first.
I am happy for you.
It's just...
I'm going to miss you, old man.
You've been my friend for two lifetimes.
I can't imagine what it's going to be like
not having you around.
And leaving Deep Space 9
is the hardest thing I have ever done
but I know it's right.
Besides, after eight lifetimes as a humanoid
existing as pure consciousness
might be interesting.
Next time we see each other
I'll probably be a great-grandfather.
( laughing )
Good. Then I can call you "old man."
I'll look forward to it.
Now, I believe we agreed I'd be paid on delivery.
I haven't seen the merchandise yet.
You know, Quark
if this program is as good as you claim
I might just purchase it from you to use at home.
You have your own holosuite?
Just a little present I bought myself.
His very own holosuite.
Hmm.
It's good to have money.
I've been waiting for you.
Quark!
I will ruin you for this, Quark!
You mean you didn't like the program?
I don't know how, I don't know when
but I will ruin you.
Wait!
What about my money?
Another satisfied customer, Quark?
How do you feel?
Pretty good, considering I spent six hours
having my molecules scrambled in the transporter.
I, um...
I don't know what to say.
That's a first.
According to Deral's calculations
the dimensional shift should occur
within the next 47 minutes.
Do you think you'll be done
overhauling the station
by the next time I see you?
I doubt it.
Tell Quark I'll be back to collect
the three strips of gold latinum he owes me
with 60 years' interest.
Energize.
I was beginning to think
you were having second thoughts.
No, just saying good-bye.
You missed Last Meal.
I saved you some of these.
Thank you.
Jadzia, I just wanted you to know
how happy we are you've decided to join us.
Thank you.
Everyone's beginning to gather.
It's almost time.
Is there anything I need to do to prepare?
Not that I can think of.
What if I just hold onto you?
After all, we're not going to be together again
like this for a long time
and... I was just getting used to this.
We'll still be together, Jadzia...
in a way you can't even imagine.
There she goes.
Good-bye, Jadzia.
Something's wrong.
Commander, I'm reading intense seismic activity
throughout the planet's crust.
It better shift soon or it's going to tear itself apart.
Jadzia.
I'm picking up some kind of singularity
in the planet's quantum matrix.
It's interfering with the dimensional shift.
It's functioning almost like an anchor.
Commander, it's Dax.
Her presence there is destabilizing the matrix.
Sisko to Dax.
( gasping )
Get her out of there, Chief.
( door chime )
I thought you'd like to know
that Meridian shifted normally
once we beamed you away.
Ah... good.
Jadzia...
I'm sorry.
Benjamin, don't.
There's nothing you can do.
Uh, I just need some time.
Just 60 years or so.
Captioning sponsored by PARAMOUNT PICTURES
Captioned by Media Access Group at WGBH access.wgbh.org