You wanted to see me, Garak?
Constable, how good of you to stop by.
A shoplifter?
- Excuse me? - Is something wrong?
Here I come! What do you think?
- "A thing of beauty is a joy forever." - Well then, put it on my account.
- I'll wear it to work. - A splendid idea.
Ah, security chief Odo, I'd like to introduce Chalan Aroya.
One of my best customers.
I own the Celestial Café,
the new Bajoran restaurant over the Promenade.
I'm familiar with it.
I watch you walk by every morning when you're on patrol.
0937. You're very precise.
How... nice of you to notice.
I hoped you might stop in when you're not working.
- I don't eat. - I do and I hate to eat alone.
Think about it.
And next time you're on the second level...
don't forget to say hello.
The next time you call me, it had better be to report a crime.
Now that you mention it, I've just witnessed a crime.
Letting Aroya go without arranging a date. You should be jailed for that.
You humanoids. You're all obsessed with these convoluted mating rituals.
True. But would we waste time on something that wasn't worthwhile?
I'll never understand you. You're such a sensitive man,
yet there are so many aspects of humanoid life that you won't explore.
I have no desire to become a slave to humanoid obsessions.
But you have to admit, she is quite lovely.
Well... she is, isn't she?
Oh!
Odo, what's wrong?
I don't know.
Garak to Dr Bashir. I need a medical emergency team immediately!
Doctor, this is a waste of time.
You don't know enough about changeling physiology
to diagnose what's wrong with me.
I do have an idea what's going on.
I've compared your current scans with older ones and there are differences.
Your humanoid form has a density of 1.4
which is constant throughout your body.
Your mass and density vary when you change shape.
Right now, they're fluctuating.
Do you know how to prevent it?
- Not yet. - Let me know when you do.
You can't leave just yet.
Moving increases the fluctuations and may bring on another attack.
Do I have to stay here until you discover a cure?
Or until the fluctuations stop on their own.
This could be a normal biological process.
The changeling equivalent of puberty... or menopause.
That's an interesting theory, Doctor. One I suggest you keep to yourself.
Don't worry. This could just as easily be a virus.
Or a bacterial infection.
Lie back, and I'll do what I can to get you out of here.
We find your demands to return the captured Cardassian colonies,
insulting and provocative.
Klingon blood was spilled to conquer those worlds.
They are part of the Klingon Empire and we will never give them up.
Furthermore, if the Federation wants peace with the Klingon Empire,
it must abandon its bases and military installations in the Archanis sector.
Our claim to Archanis IV and the surrounding territory is ancient
and indisputable.
We advise you to leave Archanis or prepare to face the consequences.
Long live the Empire!
This recording was sent to the Federation Council three days ago.
If Gowron would go to war over the Archanis sector
then he's more dangerous than I thought.
The Klingons relinquished their claim to Archanis 400 years ago.
I guess they changed their mind.
I don't think Gowron gives a damn about Archanis.
He just wants to rattle his sabre. But why?
Yesterday, I talked to an old friend of Curzon's from the diplomatic corps.
She says Federation representatives near the Klingon border
are already urging a pre-emptive strike.
Sounds like war may be inevitable.
I hope you're wrong, Major,
but right now, there's not much we can do about it either way.
Archanis IV is a long way from here.
Two, three... I say she stops at seven.
I say eight. Mr Worf?
Ten.
I hate being pregnant.
- I win. - My nose has been itching for weeks.
- We've noticed. - Can Dr Bashir do anything?
Human women get nauseous. We Bajorans sneeze.
Dr Bashir's hands are full right now.
- How is the Constable? - No news yet. I may visit him.
He's too weak to be seen.
- What if he wants some company? - That's doubtful.
Odo values his privacy. He does not like to socialise.
- I think it's an act. - It's not. He told me so himself.
But you were socialising with him when he said it.
Was Dax's last host this argumentative?
- Worse. - Thank you, Benjamin... I think.
Hopefully, Odo will get better soon.
I want him left alone to rest. Agreed?
Agreed.
May I come in?
Dr Bashir is not in right now.
Actually, I came to see you.
To be honest, Major, I really don't feel like company at the moment.
I didn't plan on staying. I just came to bring you this.
Today's criminal activities report.
I figured you might be getting tired of staring at medical consoles all day.
That was very thoughtful of you, Major.
If there's anything else you need, you let me know.
I'll do that.
What?
Keep moving. I'll feel a lot better once we're off this station.
Too bad, because you're not leaving.
Security chief Odo.
- I heard you were indisposed. - You heard wrong.
You and I need to talk about those missing Falangian diamonds.
I told you, I don't know about them.
Well, tell me again.
Oh no, you don't.
Let's go.
How are you feeling?
- See for yourself. - It's gotten worse.
Very observant, Doctor.
It's been more and more difficult for me to maintain humanoid form.
The test results aren't encouraging.
Your molecular structure is destabilising at an alarming rate.
How much longer before I totally lose my ability to stay solid?
One week, maybe two.
After that, if the destabilisation continues...
I sent my findings to Dr Mora.
He was as baffled as I am
but he wants you to come to his laboratory on Bajor for further tests.
Seven years of playing lab rat for him was quite enough.
If the answer was in his data, you'd have found it by now.
I don't suppose you'd agree to go to Starfleet Medical?
Doctor...
I think we both know where I have to go.
I was hoping it wouldn't come to that.
There doesn't seem to be much choice.
You have to take me back to my people.
The only ones who can help me now...
are the Founders.
Once we enter the Gamma Quadrant we'll transmit a subspace signal
explaining the purpose of our mission.
Then we'll enter Dominion space
and try to locate the Founders' new homeworld.
Odo's only got a few weeks. Can we locate his people in time?
Entering Dominion air space without cloaking will get their attention.
- You can be sure of that. - I'd like to come along.
I don't think so. Odo's your friend, but I need you here. Besides...
I know.
- When will you leave? - As soon as possible.
We'll prepare the Defiant. You prepare the Constable.
- All systems are ready for departure. - Thank you, Mr O'Brien.
The medical bay is set but it will take a while to get Odo on board.
- Why not use the transporter? - His molecular structure is scrambled.
He can't use a transporter buffer.
Benjamin, Garak's requesting permission to come on board.
Tell him the ship is off limits to Cardassian spies.
If Garak is asking to come aboard, I'm sure he has a good reason.
I'll meet Mr Garak at the mess hall.
I think Starfleet should allow their officers more latitude
in accessorising their uniforms.
You'd be surprised what a nice scarf can do.
Captain, how good of you to see me.
Make it brief, Garak.
I'd like to accompany you. I have some questions for the Founders.
Such as?
The Cardassians lost a number of warships to the Dominion.
What happened to the crew members?
Weren't those ships destroyed with all hands?
We don't know that for a fact.
When the Defiant left the battle, there were Cardassian warships still fighting.
And you think some crew members may have been taken prisoner?
I live in hope.
If you do take me along I think you'll find me quite useful.
I'm a man of many talents.
I have no need for a tailor on this mission. Let alone a spy.
But maybe there is something you can do for me.
This is going to be a long trip for Odo.
I need someone to occupy his attention, take his mind off his condition.
- You want me to keep him company? - No.
Anyone can do that. Dax, Bashir, myself.
And what could we offer him?
Kindness, sympathy? That's the last thing he wants.
But where you offer kindness, I offer mystery.
Where you offer sympathy, I offer intrigue.
Give me a seat next to Odo's bed and I'll conjure up enough innuendoes,
half-truths and bald-faced lies about my so-called career
in the Obsidian Order to distract the Constable for days.
If there's one thing Cardassians excel at, it's conversation.
You've got yourself a job.
But all questions for the Founders must wait until Odo gets the help he needs.
- We share the same priorities, Captain. - Make sure you remember that.
Odo.
Not now, Quark. I'm busy.
I hear you're taking a little trip to the Gamma Quadrant.
- Care to come along? - Are you kidding?
I'll own this station by the time you get back.
With you gone profits from smuggling alone should go up 60%.
Well, don't get used to it.
I'll be back before you know it, making your life miserable.
- Then you are coming back? - Count on it.
I will.
Take your time. I promise the Defiant won't leave without you.
Would you like me to have the Promenade cleared?
That won't be necessary.
We've just cleared the wormhole.
Transmit a request for assistance. Then set a course for the Dominion.
It's funny. I've served on half a dozen ships
and none of them have had cloaking devices except the Defiant.
Now that we're not using it, I feel naked.
It is disconcerting, to say the least.
Gentlemen, I feel the same breeze you do.
- What are you smiling at? - I don't know.
I guess it's just being in the same room with so many naked men.
Ah, yes, the assassination of Proconsul Merrok of Romulus.
Such a tragedy. I met him a few weeks before he died.
I was working as a gardener...
You were a gardener on Romulus?
My specialty was Edosian orchids.
Beautiful, but highly toxic.
As I recall, Proconsul Merrok was poisoned.
Funny, I don't remember that.
But then again, so many Romulan dignitaries died unexpectedly that year.
- Must be hard to keep them all straight. - You can't imagine.
Maybe we should let the Constable get some rest?
I'll let you know when I need rest, Doctor.
A gardener at the Cardassian Embassy on Romulus?
Fascinating.
So I get off duty and find Keiko and Major Kira talking in my quarters.
Goon.
I walked in and they stopped. It was like turning off a holosuite program.
They didn't want you to overhear them.
Exactly. But I think they were talking about me.
You can't know that.
I may not have the proof
but Molly started giggling when she saw me.
Laugh all you want.
I'm thinking of asking Julian to live with us. Even things up a little.
Warp signatures are heading our way. Our signal's getting a little attention.
Full stop. On screen.
Make that a lot of attention.
They want to beam someone aboard to discuss our request.
I wouldn't let Dominion representatives aboard this ship.
We should negotiate over the viewscreen.
They mustn't think we're hiding something.
Odo needs their help.
Tell the Jem'Hadar that I'll meet them in the transport bay.
That's enough. Let him go.
Lower your weapons.
There's no need for violence.
- Are you OK? - I've felt better.
I've come for Odo.
- Can you help him? - Only the Great Link can help him.
Leave him with me and you may return home unharmed.
I can't.
A Founder has given you an order. You will obey it.
I'll let you know when I need you.
I understand your concern for Odo. I feel it, too.
Let's not argue.
Tell us where to take him. The faster we move, the better for him.
Your loyalty to Odo is commendable.
I will not stop you from accompanying him on the rest of his journey.
However, I am sure you understand my reluctance
to reveal the location of our new home.
Commander, you must surrender the helm.
Amat'igan will guide your ship for the remainder of the voyage.
- Captain? - My terms are not open to negotiation.
Commander, give him your seat.
This will prevent your navigational computers recording our journey.
- Sir? - Not now, Mr Worf.
There, that's better.
If it's not too much trouble, I would like to pay Odo a visit.
- How do I look? - Does it matter?
I'm here as a representative of the Cardassian Empire
and I want to make a good first impression.
Constable, what do you think?
I think the Romulans poisoned Proconsul Merrok
and you were responsible for the transporter accident
that killed Subcommander Ustard.
You're getting warmer. But how do I look?
- May I come in? - You'll pardon me if I don't get up.
Poor Odo. Look what's become of you.
- Not a pretty sight, am I? - Pretty?
I wasn't aware you valued your appearance.
Such concerns are more fitting for solids.
I don't mean to interrupt but can you do anything for him?
Odo. Give me your hand.
Don't be afraid.
Amazing.
- Feeling better? - Yes.
Though I still have to concentrate to hold my form.
Your molecular structure is still fluctuating, but it's less unstable now.
Leave now. I wish to speak to Odo in private.
Odo is my patient.
It's all right, Doctor.
Then I'll be right outside.
It can wait, Garak.
Of course.
What we have to say is not for your ears. Wait for me outside.
I wish this meeting were under better circumstances.
I'm not exactly thrilled with the circumstances myself.
I had hoped that you'd return to us on your own.
After all, that Bajoran woman you were so fond of
seems to have taken an interest in someone else.
You know about Major Kira and First Minister Shakaar.
Despite your rejection of us we still take an active interest in your well-being.
And just how do you keep so informed about my well-being?
There's very little that escapes our attention.
So you knew I was sick even before we left the station?
What do you think?
I think you did this to me.
You caused my illness so I'd be forced to come home.
As I said, I wish the circumstances of this meeting were different.
You killed a changeling, Odo.
He was trying to kill my friends. I had no choice.
Of course you had a choice and you chose to side with the solids.
To protect them, you violated the most sacred law of our people.
No changeling has ever harmed another.
Until you.
That's why we forced you to return home.
To enter the Great Link and be judged.
What does that mean, I'm going to be judged?
You will join us in the Great Link
open your thoughts, allow us to understand you.
Only then will we be able to decide whether your actions were justified.
And if you decide that they weren't?
- You will be punished. - How?
Nothing like this has ever happened in the entire history of our people.
We have never had to sit in judgment over one of our own.
That's why we took so long to bring you home.
There was disagreement in the Link over what to do with you.
I'm sorry I've caused you so much trouble.
Perhaps we are to blame. We sent you away.
But I'm the one who's going to be punished.
That remains to be seen.
What if I refuse to cooperate?
What if I refuse to join the Link?
I stabilised your condition temporarily.
Only the Link can heal you.
If you refuse to join with us, you will die.
- You may go in now, Doctor. - Thank you.
Try not to disturb him. He needs his rest.
I'll bear that in mind.
- May I have a moment, madam? - You are Cardassian.
On behalf of my people
I wondered if there were any survivors after our attack on your homeland?
- Cardassian survivors? - Yes.
- There were no Cardassian survivors. - You mean... they're all dead?
They're dead. You're dead.
Cardassia is dead.
Your people were doomed the moment they attacked us.
I believe that answers your question.
It was a pleasure meeting you.
Could Odo hide a communicator on him when he's with the Founders?
- I don't think so. - There must be some way
to keep a transporter lock on him?
- We could inject him with radio-nuclides. - The transporter can lock on to that.
But they might disperse throughout the Link.
If he's there for some time, we could get a transporter pad full of shape-shifters.
I wouldn't worry about that.
- Constable, shouldn't you be in bed? - He insisted on seeing you himself.
I thought you might be trying to help me and I wanted to say don't bother.
You can't expect us to stand by while they do God knows what to you?
That is exactly what I expect.
Captain, I want to be judged.
I'm the only changeling who's ever harmed another.
I've spent most of my life bringing people to justice.
Now that it's my turn, how can I run away?
Are you sure that's what you'll find in the Great Link? Justice?
I've heard about the Dominion and the Founders.
Justice isn't on their minds.
Nevertheless, they're my people
and I intend to accept their judgment.
- Report. - Everything's status quo.
If you want more details, ask our navigator.
How much longer?
You'll be informed when we reach our destination.
We'll be within transporter range of my world in less than an hour.
After we have achieved orbit, Odo and I will transport to the surface.
Dr Bashir and I will be joining you.
If you wish. But Odo may be in the Link for days.
We'll wait.
Come, Odo. It's time.
- How long has it been? - I've lost track.
So have I.
- Doctor? - Oh!
Right.
Wait here.
- Garak. Just as I thought! - I overlooked a security monitor?
You were overriding the launch controls for the quantum torpedoes.
I hoped to control the phasers as well. I just hadn't got around to it yet.
We have an opportunity to end the Dominion threat once and for all.
We have enough fire-power on this ship to turn the planet into a smoking cinder.
Personally, I think that would be a very good thing.
What about Odo, Captain Sisko and Dr Bashir?
They'll die.
And once the Jem'Hadar ships realise what we're doing, so will we.
But what are our lives compared to saving the entire Alpha Quadrant?
- We are not here to wage war. - I'm not talking about war.
What I'm proposing is wiping out every Founder on that planet.
Obliterating the Great Link.
Come now, you're a Klingon.
Don't tell me you'd object to a little genocide in the name of self-defence?
I am a warrior, not a murderer.
What you are is a great disappointment.
You fight well for a tailor.
Doctor.
Odo, are you all right?
Captain, I'm getting some strange readings.
- What have you done? - He has been judged.
I'm reading a heart, lungs and a digestive system.
- It's as if he were... human. - We gave him what he wanted.
We made him a solid. He's one of you now.
Oh, poor Odo.
Perhaps we should have killed you.
It would have been far less cruel.
He's yours. Take him and go.
- Sisko to Defiant. - Go ahead, Captain.
Three to beam up.
- Staring at it won't change its shape. - It's blood all right.
Not a trace of changeling protoplasm in your entire system.
Type 'O' negative, if you're wondering.
I'll be sure to remember that.
Physiologically, you're completely human.
- Except for my face. - I wondered about that.
Why did they leave it unchanged?
They left it this way on purpose.
To make sure I'd never forget what I was.
And... what I've lost.
Captain's log, stardate 49962.4.
After leaving our Jem'Hadar escorts at the edge of Dominion space,
the Defiant has returned home.
But for Constable Odo, I'm afraid the journey has just begun.
How does it feel?
You comfortable? Not too tight?
It's fine.
Though it does make me feel a bit...
ltchy?
It's the Inkarian wool. You'll get used to it.
Unless you're allergic to Inkarian wool?
No, it's not the uniform.
I think I'm...
hungry.
You know, I envy you.
Think of all the wonderful foods you'll get to enjoy for the first time.
I can hardly wait.
Well, you've done your job.
Now I have to do mine.
Yes, I suppose you do.
Six months in a holding cell?
The thought is unattractive, to say the least.
Captain Sisko let you off lightly.
Sabotage. Assaulting a Federation officer.
Inciting war between the Federation and the Dominion.
Yes, but my heart was in the right place.
There you are! I've been looking all over for you.
I heard about what happened. I'm so sorry.
- Thank you. - I know it won't be easy
but eventually you'll see how being a humanoid has its advantages.
If I can do anything at all I can do, just let me know.
What a generous offer!
Let's go, Garak.
Constable, are you all right?
It's nothing. It's just a headache.
Every once in a while, I still get flashes of memory from the Great Link.
A jumble of images, or a word but I can't quite make sense of it.
There's no rush. You don't have to go back to work right away.
Yes, I do.
When I joined with the other changelings
I felt something I've never felt before.
In that moment...
I knew I was home.
For the first time, I felt that I understood my people.
Their distrust of the solids,
their willingness to do anything to protect themselves.
And then...
in an instant, it was all snatched away.
I'm trapped inside this body.
I can never rejoin the Great Link.
My job is the only thing I have left.
Besides, I'm still the best law enforcement officer on this station.
You're the best law enforcement officer in the whole damn quadrant.
Maybe.
- What's that all about? - I have no idea.
The Klingon Empire is tired of words, of negotiation,
of the delaying tactics of the Federation.
Therefore, a Klingon task force has been dispatched to the Archanis sector.
Starfleet has ten days to abandon their bases and withdraw their forces...
It's coming in on all frequencies.
after that time will be considered the enemy and fired upon!
Put the station on combat alert. Notify the Bajoran militia.
Captain.
- It's him. - Gowron? What about him?
During the Link, the other changelings were trying to hide things from me.
Faces, names...
- One of them was him. - What are you saying?
I'm saying that he's one of them.
Gowron, the head of the Klingon Empire is a changeling.
No misinterpretation of my words.
Archanis is ours and we will take it back.
Resist us in any way and there will be war!