(Bridge) All systems are ready for departure.
Thank you, Mister O'Brien.
The medical bay is all set, but it'll take a little while to get Odo on board.
Why not use the transporter?
Well, his molecular structure is scrambled enough as it is.
The last thing he needs is a trip through a transporter buffer.
Benjamin, someone's asking permission to come aboard.
Who is it?
Garak.
Tell him the ship is off limits to Cardassian spies.
Sir, if Garak is asking to come aboard, I'm sure he has a good reason.
Have Mister Garak escorted to the mess hall.
I'll meet him there.
[Mess hall] (Garak is talking to his two security guards.)
Personally I think Starfleet should allow their officers more latitude in accessorizing
their uniforms.
You'd be surprised what a nice scarf can do.
(Sisko enters.)
Ah, Captain.
How good of you to see me.
Make it brief, Garak.
I'd like to accompany you on your mission.
There are some questions I'd like to ask the Founders.
Such as?
The Cardassian Empire lost a number of ships during their aborted attack on the Dominion.
I want to know what happened to the crewmembers.
I was under the impression that those ships were destroyed with all hands.
Oh, we don't know that for a fact.
As I recall, when the Defiant left the scene of the battle, there were a number of Cardassian
warships still fighting.
Ah.
And you think some of their crewmembers might have been taken prisoner?
I live in hope.
Besides, 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 would we have to 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.
Just give me a seat next to Odo's bed and I promise you I will conjure up enough innuendos,
half-truths, and bald-faced lies about my so-called career in the Obsidian Order to
keep the Constable distracted 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 will have to wait until after Odo gets the help he needs.
We share the same priorities, captain.
Make sure you remember that.
[Promenade] (Kira and Bashir are helping semi-liquid Odo
to walk out of the Infirmary.)
Odo.
Not now, Quark.
I'm busy.
I hear you're taking a little trip to the Gamma Quadrant.
Care to come along?
QUARK Are you kidding?
I expect to own this station by the time you get back.
With you gone, profits from smuggling alone should go up sixty percent.
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.
(The crowd stand aside in respect as he makes his slow way to the airlock.)