Tip: Highlight text to annotate itX
Commander's log,
stardate 48959.
1 .
lt is with mixed emotions that l record
my final Commander's log.
The last three years have been
my most demanding and rewarding.
l only hope that the future will hold
even greater challenges.
There's something l've wanted
to say to you for a long time.
Now that l have the chance,
l'm going to make it short and simple.
Congratulations, Captain Sisko.
Does another pip on your collar mean
l can't disagree with you any more?
- lt just means l'm never wrong.
- We'll see about that.
Curzon would have been proud of you,
but not as proud as l am.
That means a lot to me, Dax.
Though l don't fully understand
this obsession with rank and title,
if anyone deserves to be promoted,
it's you.
Thank you, Constable.
As someone who is obsessed with rank,
congratulations, Captain.
That goes for me too, Captain.
- This calls for a toast.
- Better not be from a replicator.
Chateau Cleon, 2303.
l already put it on your account.
- Can l?
- l guess a sip won't hurt.
Well
Here's to the newest
and best captain in Starfleet.
All l can say is,
it's about time.
- Here, here.
- Cheers.
That's enough.
Thanks for coming, Ambassador.
Those pips look good on you, Captain.
To be honest, l'm not really here
for the ceremony.
l had that feeling.
What can l do for you?
Our reports indicate
there's been a coup d'�tat
on the Tzenkethi homeworld.
l doubt anyone will miss the Autarch.
l know l won't.
lt's too early to tell who's in control,
but we don't want to take chances.
We need to remind the Tzenkethi
that the Federation is committed
to protecting our colonies.
- You want to show the flag.
- Exactly.
The Defiant will leave in two days
on a week-long patrol.
l'll be coming along.
l'm looking forward to seeing
the Defiant in operation.
You won't be disappointed.
She's a fine ship.
With a fine crew.
What do you say
we get back to the party?
For he's a jolly good fellow
For he's a jolly good fellow
Which nobody can deny
- Hip-hip!
- Hooray!
l want a complete overhaul
of the deflector shield generators.
Take on a full complement
of photon torpedoes.
lf the Tzenkethi start any trouble,
we'll be ready.
l don't doubt it, Chief.
Captain?
Getting jumpy in your old age,
O'Brien.
My son thinks l should say something
profound on this occasion.
He even offered to write me
a statement.
l told him l'd take care of it,
but the only thing l can think of is:
Begin Captain's log, stardate 48960.
9.
Have you told her yet?
Told who?
Captain Yates.
About your promotion.
l barely had time to send my father
a transmission.
l don't even know where Kasidy is.
She's hauling a load of duridium ore
to Solais V.
You could contact her on subspace.
l'd rather tell her in person.
When's she due back?
- About a month.
- A month!
There's nothing worse
than a long-distance relationship.
l wouldn't call it a relationship, Dax.
l've only taken her out once.
OK, twice.
The exact figure is three times.
She's quite an interesting woman.
A little opinionated,
but she has a nice sense of humour.
And?
What do you want me to tell you,
Dax?
That you miss her,
that you can't wait to see her.
l don't know.
Anything.
Kira, O'Brien, Bashir.
They're all dying of curiosity.
l have to tell them something.
Fine.
You tell them
when she gets back,
l'm going to take her
to the holosuite
and we're going to watch the seventh
game of the 1 964 World Series.
You do like her.
- Captain on the bridge.
- Ambassador.
- All stations report.
- Helm ready.
- Weapons ready.
- Communications system standing by.
Engines on-line.
- Release docking clamps.
- Docking clamps released.
- Engage thrusters.
- Clearing the station.
Lay in a course
for the Tzenkethi border.
- Aye, aye, Captain.
- Engage.
Hello.
Who's there?
Julian!
- You called me, Chief?
- Why didn't you answer me?
- l had this spanner in my mouth.
- What are you doing here?
Connecting my new diagnostic console
to the medical bay's power grid.
Just putting my engineering extension
courses to work.
You have your hands full.
- Oh.
Where are you going now?
- l'm done.
Not bad for an extension course.
You wanted to see me, sir?
Yes, Commander.
lt's about Ambassador Krajensky.
Please.
l know Starfleet doesn't intend this
to be a combat mission,
but l want to make sure the ambassador
is kept out of harm's way.
lf hostilities occur, l'll see the
ambassador is escorted off the bridge.
- He won't like it.
- l won't let that bother me.
Very good, Commander.
That'll be all.
Captain.
l just want to say that l agree
with what Chief O'Brien said.
About your promotion.
lt's about time.
l appreciate the sentiment,
but it doesn't change anything.
l have the assignment l want,
the crew l want.
The rank doesn't make
much difference.
You'd be surprised.
People don't enter Starfleet
to become commanders or admirals.
lt's the captain's chair
that everyone has their eye on.
That's what l wanted,
but you don't get to be a captain
wearing a gold uniform.
You could always transfer
from Security to Command.
Then who would protect
the ambassador?
Dismissed, Mr Eddington.
Thank you, sir.
Captain's log,
stardate 48962.
5.
We are 1 2 hours from the border.
l haven't been in this area since
the last Federation-Tzenkethi war.
Being here brings back a lot
of memories, most of them bad.
We're receiving a priority one
distress signal from Barisa Prime.
Put it through.
under heavy fire
from Tzenkethi warships.
Can anyone hear me?
This is
- Constable?
- We've lost contact.
Try to re-establish.
lt's no use, Captain.
They're gone.
Captain's log, supplemental.
We've been unable to re-establish
contact with Barisa Prime.
l've no choice but to assume
we are at war with the Tzenkethi.
Set a course for Barisa Prime.
l want continual scans
for Tzenkethi ships.
Constable, let Starfleet Command
know what happened.
Major, what other starships
are in this sector?
The closest is the Ulysses.
They're in the Helaspont Nebula.
That puts them 20 hours away
at maximum warp.
Transmit a message to Captain Entebe
on the Ulysses.
l can't get through to Starfleet.
There seems to be a power fluctuation
in the communications system.
The problem must be
in the transceiver assembly.
l need that system back on-line.
- Lieutenant, l could use some help.
- Major, take the helm.
What do you make of this?
l've never seen anything like it.
lt's spreading through the system
like a parasite.
lt's linked to key points
within the transceiver.
We'd better get it out of there.
A force field.
- Come on.
- Where are we going?
To check the other command systems.
l have a bad feeling about this.
These things are all over the ship?
They've attached themselves
to the communication relays,
the transporter,
the deflector shield grid.
Almost every critical system.
ls there any way to get past
the force fields?
We're still working on it.
l guess the question is,
how did they get aboard?
Or should l say,
who placed them here?
l don't know who did it, but it
happened after we left the station.
l ran a check before our departure.
They weren't there then.
Which means someone aboard this ship
is a saboteur.
We've got 4 7 people on board.
Any of them could have planted
those devices.
Chief?
lt's nothing, sir.
Not even worth mentioning.
lt doesn't sound like
you're too sure about that.
l saw someone crawling about in one
of the Jefferies tubes the other day.
- Who?
- lt was Julian.
He was connecting a medical console
to the power grid.
Which is right next
to the communications relay.
Are you accusing Julian of sabotage?
No one's accusing anyone of anything.
But l want to talk to Julian.
Wait.
l think l have a better idea.
This crew has been through a lot
together.
l would trust any one of you
with my life.
But after looking at the evidence,
there's only one conclusion l can draw.
Someone on this ship
is guilty of sabotage.
The Constable and l can begin
questioning the crew.
That won't be necessary.
Lieutenant.
We found one of the devices
planted in the warp plasma conduit.
Whoever put it there
would have been exposed
to tetryon particles.
Those particles would still be
detectable on the saboteur?
Yes, but not for much longer.
They dissipate quickly.
You're going to scan the crew
for tetryon particles?
- Starting with the senior staff.
- O'Brien and l scanned positive
since we opened the warp core
controls.
You realise that if no one else
tests positive
We'll be the prime suspects.
Yes, we know that.
We might as well get started.
- You're clean.
- l'm glad to hear it.
Might as well do me next.
You're OK, too.
Julian.
Of course.
- Nothing.
- You sound relieved.
l am.
You were in that conduit
the other day.
Ambassador, if you please.
- l wasn't in a conduit.
- l saw you there.
lt's a changeling.
We've cloaked.
Lieutenant, bring us out of warp.
Full stop, now.
Deploy security teams immediately.
l want that changeling found
before he can do any more damage.
The helm's not responding.
l can't deactivate the cloaking device.
The phaser banks are charging.
We've got photon torpedoes
ready to launch.
The ship's no longer
under our control.
Our security teams have gone over
every centimetre of the ship,
questioned every crew member.
We still haven't found the changeling.
Could he have been transported
off the ship?
At warp? lt's unlikely.
But with Dominion technology,
l suppose it's possible.
He's still here.
He won't leave
until he's completed his mission.
lt looks like the Dominion
is hoping to start a war
between the Federation
and the Tzenkethi.
The Tzenkethi are doing a good job
of that by themselves.
The transmission from Barisa Prime
could have been faked
using the device we found
in the communications relay.
ln fact, our entire mission could
have been engineered by the Dominion.
We've been all over this ship
and we have not seen a trace
of the real Ambassador Krajensky.
He was probably replaced
before we left the station.
Maybe the real ambassador never
came to Deep Space 9.
Everything he told us could
have been a lie.
The Tzenkethi coup d'�tat,
the threat of an attack.
And now here we are,
armed for battle
and heading into Tzenkethi space.
lf we can't stop this ship
before we cross the border,
we may cause a war
rather than prevent one.
Which is no doubt what my people
are hoping for.
A war would destabilise
the Alpha Quadrant,
making it that much easier
for the Dominion to move in.
lf the sensors were on-line,
it would be easier
to track down the changeling.
l'm not sure they'd help.
lf you scan me while l'm a rock,
you'll detect a rock.
l can't duplicate a humanoid perfectly,
but l'm guessing he can.
We scanned Krajensky.
He registered as human.
The changeling could be anything
or anyone on this ship.
We have to narrow his options.
Confine all non-essential personnel
to their quarters.
Doctor, review all the tricorder
readings.
See if you can find anything.
And take some security with you.
From here on,
no one is to be left alone.
We have seven hours
before we enter Tzenkethi space.
l want that changeling found
before then.
No matter how many precautions
we take,
he could replace any one of us.
We won't know it until it's too late.
Hopefully this will be over soon
and you'll be able to return to duty.
Let's go.
This may take a while.
Keep your phasers on stun
and stay calm.
l don't want anyone shooting one
of us by mistake.
- l can't interest you in one?
- l don't use them.
No changeling has ever harmed
another.
l'd hate to be the first.
lf we don't stop that changeling,
no one will escape unharmed.
- lncluding you.
- You may be right.
But l've been a security officer
most of my humanoid existence.
l've never found it necessary to fire
a weapon or take a life.
l don't intend to start now.
This is O'Brien.
l need a security team
in the engine room.
lt must have been the changeling.
l went down the hall.
- When l came back
- She has a severe concussion.
We've got to get her
to the medical bay.
Stay here with the Chief.
Damage control team,
report to the Engine Room.
Aye, sir.
Dax is still unconscious.
She should be all right
in a day or two, but until then
ls there any way to speed up
the process?
l could use a neural stimulator
but that might cause brain damage.
Chief O'Brien is going to have to regain
control of the ship without her.
l'm afraid so.
l should get back to my patient.
The changeling's clever.
Taking Dax
out makes O'Brien's job harder.
One thing's for sure.
We're not going to start a war
with the Tzenkethi.
lf O'Brien can't regain control
before we cross the border,
l'll have no choice
but to destroy the Defiant.
Find the changeling and stop him
before he can do any more damage.
We'll break into two-person teams,
each armed with phaser rifles.
We've reconfigured the rifles to fire
an energy pulse.
Phasers are set low enough
to prevent damaging equipment,
but high enough to affect
the changeling.
The changeling
could be hiding anywhere.
He could look like anything.
We're going to have to sweep the ship
with phaser fire.
Every conduit, every corridor.
lf he's out there, we'll find him.
- Any questions?
- What if he's not out there?
What if he's one of us?
Everyone will be in teams.
Keep your partner in sight at all times.
lf we see anyone without a partner?
Escort them to the brig.
Let's go.
- Let's go.
- After you.
- Don't you trust me?
- No, l don't.
l know exactly how you feel.
Follow me.
- Don't you ever sweat?
- No, l don't.
lt's the modified phaser beam.
lt's heating up the air.
This would be a lot easier
if we knew where he was hiding.
Where would you be
if you were him?
l wouldn't know.
l'm not him.
He is one of your people.
Can't you try to anticipate
his next move?
l've thought about it,
but the truth is l don't understand
my people all that well.
- That's too bad.
- Yes, it is.
For all of us.
Watch my back.
On three.
One, two
The changeling is in Jefferies tube 7 A,
heading to the lower deck.
l'm in pursuit.
The changeling.
He's right over there.
Put your phaser down.
lt's me, Kira.
We got separated.
The next thing l know, he opens fire.
You're the changeling.
l saw you go around the corner.
l didn't see anyone.
Maybe he morphed
into the ventilation system.
Or maybe he didn't.
- You may be the changeling.
- Keep back.
Both of you put your weapons down.
- l can't do that, Captain.
- You heard him.
What happened?
How long have the two of you
been apart?
- At least a minute.
- Then we've got a problem.
Any of us could be the changeling.
You, Kira, Eddington, even me.
- Not you.
- What do you mean?
You're bleeding.
l cut my hand when the changeling
attacked me.
When blood leaves a humanoid body,
it's still blood.
When part of me separates
from my body
lt reverts back to a gelatinous state.
- Sisko to Bashir.
- This is Bashir.
Doctor, meet us in the mess hall
immediately.
This shouldn't take long.
- Satisfied?
- So far.
- Who's next?
- l'll go.
l'd say the Major is exactly
who she appears to be.
Try not to look so surprised.
There isn't any point obtaining a sample
from the Constable.
l guess that just leaves
the three of us.
Let's get this over with.
You'd better come with us.
This is ridiculous.
l'm not the changeling.
lf l were, don't you think l'd put up
more of a fight?
- lnside.
- You're making a mistake.
Do as he says.
Would someone please get me
out of here?
Bridge to Captain Sisko.
Sir, we're entering Tzenkethi space.
- Any sign of Tzenkethi ships?
- Sensors detect nothing.
We've altered course.
Our new heading is 0-1 -5, mark 4-7.
We're headed for the Tzenkethi
settlement on M'kemas lll.
How long before we're
in weapons' range?
Computer,
this is Captain Benjamin Sisko.
lnitiate auto-destruct sequence.
Authorisation Sisko Alpha One Alpha.
ldentity confirmed.
Additional authorisation required.
This is First Officer Kira Nerys.
Auto-destruct authorisation
Kira Beta Two Beta.
ldentity confirmed.
Auto-destruct sequence armed.
Set the countdown for 1 0 minutes
from my mark.
Authorisation Sisko 1 -5 Destruct.
Mark.
Sequence initiated.
Auto-destruct
in nine minutes, 55 seconds.
- Sisko to O'Brien.
- O'Brien here.
l could use some good news
right now, Chief.
l think l may be able to shut down
the force fields
and access the sabotaged systems.
The problem is we may lose
our force fields.
- Auto-destruct in seven minutes.
- How long will it take?
l guess it'll have to be
less than seven minutes.
That'd be my suggestion.
Sisko out.
- How's Lieutenant Dax?
- Still unconscious.
The changeling gave her enough
sedative to keep her under for days.
She'll be out for another
few hours.
- l wish l could do more.
- You've done all you can.
Now it's up to Chief O'Brien.
Auto-destruct in six minutes.
All right, we're almost there.
When we set this device off,
we may lose the protective field
around the warp core.
lf that happens,
this room will heat up fast.
Give the warp core a wide berth
or you'll get a dose
of radiation poisoning.
- Where's the changeling?
- We haven't seen him.
- Wait.
lt's me, Odo.
- You don't say.
Chief, remember the last time
we went kayaking in the holosuites?
- You had lamb stew for lunch.
- That's right.
But you forgot to bring a fork.
Anyone could have got that information.
Auto-destruct in five minutes.
You'd better make a decision.
We're running out of time.
l've more important things to do
than play choose the changeling.
Keep the phaser on both of them.
The shuttlebay doors are sealed.
We have no way out.
Weapons are charged
and ready to fire.
Tactical systems are programming
an attack on the settlement.
- Chief, what are you doing?
- Auto-destruct in four minutes.
You'll see.
Now.
Warp core field breach.
Engine room will be sealed
in 1 0 seconds.
Shut down the main power grid.
No!
Engine room sealed.
Why are you protecting these solids?
You don't belong with them.
- You belong with us.
- Auto-destruct in three minutes.
Let go.
Don't you see?
You've lost.
lt's too late for you to help them,
but not to help yourself.
Link with me, Odo.
We can escape together.
l don't think so.
Auto-destruct in two minutes.
You've got to regain control
of the ship.
Odo.
l never wanted to harm you.
- O'Brien to Bridge.
- Go ahead, Chief.
l've restored control to the helm.
She's all yours, Captain.
Take us away from the settlement.
End auto-destruct sequence.
Authorisation Sisko Omega 1 -7 Abort.
This is Kira Nerys, First Officer.
l concur.
Auto-destruct sequence aborted.
The phaser banks are powering down.
Take us home, Major.
Captain's log, supplemental.
We've returned to the station.
l'm concerned about
my chief of security,
who hasn't said a word
since we left Tzenkethi space.
The real Ambassador Krajensky
was on his way to Risa
for an extended vacation.
He never arrived.
Starfleet Security believes he's been
kidnapped or possibly killed.
- What about the coup on Tzenkethi?
- lt never happened.
Starfleet Command wants a detailed
report from each of us.
- Odo, are you all right?
- l'm fine.
- l hope l'm not interrupting.
- Not at all.
Captain, there's something
you need to know.
The changeling, before he died,
he whispered something to me.
Go on.
He said,
'You're too late.
We are everywhere.
'
