Post by magicmuggle01 on Feb 6, 2019 10:36:31 GMT
In this final adventure, the Federation Alliance prepares a final invasion of Cardassia. Meanwhile on Bajor, Kai Winn releases the Pah-wraiths from the Fire Caves which threatens the safety of not only Bajor, but the entire Alpha Quadrant. (Part 9 of 9) (Series finale)
Summary
In his quarters, Julian Bashir and Ezri Dax wake up, having slept together for the first time the night before. The two are enjoying their new relationship. However, Julian worries that, now that they're together, something might happen to them, for the couple are due to set off that day for the long-awaited invasion of Cardassia. Ezri makes a pact for the two of them; they're both coming back alive.
Miles and Keiko O'Brien continue to raise their two children, Molly and Kirayoshi. They are a family excited to be returning to Earth after the end of the Dominion War, so that Miles can teach at Starfleet Academy. Miles just hasn't yet found the time to inform his best buddy, Julian, nor has he had the time to give him the model of the battle of the Alamo. Miles promises Keiko he'll tell Julian about his departure when he thinks he's ready to hear it, but it's clear he's not looking forward to breaking the news.
In the Sisko quarters, Benjamin comforts a pregnant Kasidy, who is experiencing morning sickness. Jake drops by to walk his father to the new USS Defiant, formerly the USS Sao Paulo, on what everyone hopes to be the final mission of the war.
Odo and Worf walk to the Defiant from the Promenade. They both hope to find Kira alive and well when they reach Cardassia Prime. Kira, meanwhile, is still hiding in Mila's basement with Damar and Garak, planning the Cardassian Rebellion.
The Federation Alliance fleet
departs from Deep Space 9 for
the final battle
Arriving on the bridge, Sisko asks the crew if they are ready to end the war. He orders Nog to set course for Cardassia. The Federation Alliance fleet, comprising numerous Starfleet, Klingon and Romulan starships, departs Deep Space 9 on a course that will bring about the final battle of the war.
Act One
At Dominion Headquarters on Cardassia, Weyoun notes the Alliance's advance on their territory. They will pass the border in the morning. The Female Changeling is then talking with Thot Pran of the Breen, promising both Romulus and Earth as his reward if they win the war. While Pran takes his leave, Weyoun reminds the Founder that she had previously stated that he would have control of all Federation territories, including Earth. She responds that she would promise the Breen the entire Alpha Quadrant if it meant winning the war. Just then, Legate Broca reports that Damar is still alive, and he is in the capital city.
Damar and Garak are stopped on the streets of the Cardassian capital by two Jem'Hadar soldiers. They recognize Damar, who Garak claims is his cousin. The Jem'Hadar silence him, telling them Damar will be taken in for questioning, while Garak will be killed on the spot. Suddenly, a Breen arrives, who the Jem'Hadar can't understand and who kills them on the spot. It is actually Kira, disguised as a Breen. They safely continue on their way to the resistance meeting, where they plan the following day's course of action: sabotaging Cardassian power plants and communications, thereby cutting off the Dominion fleet from headquarters.
On the bridge of the Defiant, the crew engages in small talk. Worf accepts Julian as Dax's new lover, even bantering with her about it. O'Brien finds it difficult to tell Julian that he has accepted the teaching position on Earth. While talking to Odo about Kira, whom they haven't heard from, Sisko has another vision from the prophet appearing as Sarah, his mother. She tells the Emissary that his task is nearing completion, and that, cryptically, his journey's end lies not before him, but behind him.
On Bajor, Dukat (still appearing as a Bajoran) enters the quarters of Kai Winn Adami, having regained his vision through the "forgiveness" of the Pah-wraiths. The Kai has learned the secrets of the Book of the Kosst Amojan, and claims to have been waiting for Dukat. Together, they embark to the depths of the Fire Caves to release the Pah-wraiths, who they hope will gain control of the Celestial Temple and destroy the Prophets – and their Emissary, Winn adds. Dukat announces that Sisko's fate will be left to him. Winn points out that Sisko may not survive the invasion of Cardassia. Dukat isn't worried, he's certain that Sisko will survive… and looks forward to dealing with him afterwards.
Act Two
Quark, meanwhile, is passing time by playing "Go Fish" with Vic Fontaine in the holosuite wishing he was playing Tongo instead, but unfortunately, the game is not included in Vic's program, as it is period specific. Quark's is experiencing a noticeable lull in business in light of the heightened war effort. Quark can't help but worry about Nog and the others. He complains to Vic that people pass through his bar looking for a good time, never bothering to notice that he doesn't have a good time; he's too busy making sure everyone else does. Vic tells Quark that the life of a bartender is a lonely one. But, alas, even Vic has better plans than Quark – he departs with a beautiful date to see Jimmy Durante and Peter Lawford at the Sands. Quark reminds Vic that a bartender's life is a lonely one, but Vic retorts that he isn't a bartender.
On Bajor, Dukat and Kai Winn Adami have entered the Fire Caves.
As the Female Changeling orders the Breen to fight side-by-side with the Jem'Hadar, Weyoun notices that the Dominion lines are spread too thin at their center and proceeds to order more ships to reinforce it. Before he can send the order, all power is suddenly lost in the building. As emergency power comes on, Broca announces that the power disruption was due to an act of sabotage by civilians. The Founder grabs him by the throat, suspending him in mid-air, furious that the general population is rebelling. Broca, gasping for air, assures her it is an isolated uprising, and agrees that the civilians be severely punished for acts of resistance. Their long-range communications (and ability to communicate with their fleet) are still not working.
Act Three
When power is restored to the Capitol about half an hour later, Weyoun broadcasts a message announcing the complete destruction of Lakarian City, home to two million Cardassian citizens, in retaliation for the acts of sabotage. After watching the broadcast, Garak's anger towards the Dominion is intensified. Damar laments not killing Weyoun when he had the chance. Kira assures him that he will get another chance if they attack Dominion Headquarters. Doing so could potentially end the war completely without an unnecessary bloodbath. Although Damar had spent nearly two years living in the building, he says there is no way to sneak in because his security codes are no longer valid. They will need to force their way in, and Garak prepares by setting up explosives.
Klingon Chancellor Martok hails Captain Sisko and Admiral Ross, promising to drink a celebratory barrel of 2309 bloodwine with them on Cardassia Prime, as he had stated the year before.
Act Four
The Dominion has fallen back to the Cardassian system in the Alpha Quadrant at this late stage of the war. Sisko, along with the entire Starfleet attack force, engages the Dominion Jem'Hadar fighters and Breen vessels there. The Breen ships in particular are highly maneuverable, and even the Defiant has a difficult time hitting one of them. As the dogfights ensue, several Jem'Hadar fighters appear to ram Klingon Bird-of-Prey ships in apparent suicide runs.
The Battle of Cardassia reaches
the planet itself
At Mila's house, a squad of Jem'Hadar and Cardassian soldiers knocks on her door as Kira, Garak and Damar hide in the basement. Suddenly, Mila's corpse is dumped down the stairs to the basement, and the Jem'Hadar also throw down a stun grenade, easily subduing the trio.
The Defiant is in the thick of the battle, charging into enemy lines. Miles suffers a shoulder wound from exploding bridge debris and, during the heat of the battle, finally gets up the nerve to tell Julian that he and his family are leaving Deep Space 9 for Earth; Miles has accepted a position teaching engineering at Starfleet Academy. Ross orders Sisko to take the Defiant to help bolster the Romulan line; the Romulans have just lost their flagship.
Back on Cardassia Prime, Dominion headquarters still cannot communicate with their fleet; they have no idea how the battle is going for either side. Then, Broca comes to tell that Damar, Garak, and Kira are captured. The Female Changeling orders Damar's immediate execution.
Act Five
Before the Jem'Hadar can execute Damar, Kira and Garak, the Cardassian soldiers accompanying them kill the Jem'Hadar first in retaliation for Lakarian City. They declare allegiance to Damar.
The Jem'Hadar receive orders to
execute Kira, Damar, and Garak
The end of Legate Broca
In the midst of battle, the Defiant is taking heavy fire. As a Breen warship pelts her with torpedoes, it is suddenly destroyed by a Cardassian ship as the entire military turn on the Dominion for the destruction of Lakarian City, and begin attacking the Breen and Jem'Hadar. Sisko rallies the Allied forces for an attack on the Dominion's center. When communications between planet-side headquarters and the Dominion fleet are brought back online and Weyoun learns of the Cardassians' switching sides, the Female Changeling orders all of their forces to fall back to Cardassia Prime. Legate Broca offers to talk to the rebels, but he is taken away by Jem'Hadar to be executed. The Founder then orders the extermination of the entire Cardassian population.
Meanwhile, the Jem'Hadar and Breen ships quickly turn around and retreat to Cardassia Prime. Sisko speaks with Martok and Admiral Ross, who are elated that the Cardassians have joined them. When Admiral Ross states that now that the Dominion has been driven to Cardassia Prime, they can be held indefinitely. Sisko and Martok remind him that the enemy still has an impressive ability at shipbuilding. In addition, the Cardassian forces are now compensating for the third of the fleet lost. They all agree they should continue onwards, until the Dominion has been thoroughly defeated.
Back on Bajor, Dukat and the Kai have reached their final destination in the Fire Caves. As the Kai begins reading from the sacred text of the Kosst Amojan, the vast underground cavern springs to life, engulfed with billows of red flame.
Act Six
As the resistance begins planning their strategy for entering Dominion headquarters, Garak enters to report that the capital city is being destroyed building by building, meaning they all need to make a quick escape. Garak mourns for Mila, a part of his life since he was a child growing up, and notes that he dreamed for years of returning home and even considered living in the house with her again. But now Mila is dead, the house is about to be destroyed and the Cardassia he knew is gone. When Kira tells Garak he can fight for a new Cardassia, he decides his new motivation for destroying the Dominion is revenge. Kira notes to herself that revenge is also a good reason to fight.
Adami discards her Kai vestment, throwing it into the raging fire pit before them. She continues reading from the sacred text, invoking the spirit of the Pah-wraiths.
On the Defiant, the crew regroups as reports come in that the Dominion is retaliating against the Cardassian people.
Damar's resistance reaches Dominion Headquarters, and find the entrance protected by a neutronium door. There is no way to blast through, even with the explosives Garak prepared. To everyone's astonishment, Garak begins laughing. When Damar asks why, Garak asks him to consider the irony: their heroic charge into the "lair of the beast" is being thwarted by a locked door. Soon Kira, Damar, Ekoor, and the whole rebel party collapse with laughter.
The Female Changeling is trying to keep the Breen in the fold. Then she collapses knowing she is going to die soon. She reveals to Weyoun she hasn't been able to change shape in weeks and the irony at the fact she is going to die as a solid.
Damar suggests pretending to give himself up, but Kira warns him he'll be shot on sight. But the door opens from within. A pair of Jem'Hadar drag Legate Broca and two other Cardassians outside and execute them with bayonets, then dumping their bodies. The Cardassians leap upon the opportunity and kill the executioners before engaging in a fire fight with several other Jem'Hadar. While the resistance succeeds in breaking into the compound, Damar is fatally wounded and dies in Garak's arms, simply saying "Keep…". Kira takes command, and reminds the Cardassians of Damar's orders that they don't stop until they capture the Female Changeling.
Inside, Weyoun is alerted to the security breach and admits to the Changeling that there are only a few Jem'Hadar guards in the building as most of them are assisting in the Cardassian extermination. He sends the few he has to guard the door, despite knowing they'll likely fail.
The Federation Alliance has driven the Dominion all the way back to Cardassia Prime. The Dominion is cornered and the Alliance prepares to move in for the kill. Admiral Ross proposes a three-pronged attack: the Romulans and Cardassians will attack the Jem'Hadar; Chancellor Martok will lead the Klingons against the Breen; and the Federation will knock out the orbital weapon platforms. Ross predicts that casualties will be about 40%, and Martok expects that number to rise with their ground assault.
Cardassia in ruins
The rebel strike team breaks into the heart of Dominion headquarters, capturing Weyoun and the Female Changeling. Only three rebels survive the attack: Kira, Garak, and Ekoor. With a sneer, Weyoun asks where Damar is, knowing full well that he must already be dead. Garak shoots Weyoun down for gloating over the terrible destruction wreaked on Cardassia. The Founder mourns as Garak had just killed the last Weyoun, which more than pleases Garak.
Kira tells the Founder that the Dominion has lost the war, but the Founder refuses to surrender, promising a fight to the bitter end. With the Breen and Jem'Hadar fighting to the last man, she promises, the Allies will lose so many ships and so many lives that their victory will taste as bitter as defeat. This way, they will never threaten the Gamma Quadrant.
Act Seven
On the Defiant bridge, Sisko, Odo, and Worf are speaking to Kira. She tells them the founder is deteriorating. Sisko says she has to stay alive in order to order the retreat of the Jem'Hadar. Odo offers to beam down and speak to the founder.
In the Fire Caves, Winn pours a toast, offering it to Dukat. He drinks from the cup; however, he soon bends over in pain. The ex-Kai says she is offering him as a sacrifice for the Pah-wraiths; who better than Dukat? Dukat sprawls and dies. She then proceeds to awaken the Wraiths.
At Cardassia Prime, Odo beams down to talk with the captured Founder. He asks her to stand down her forces yet she retorts that she still believes that the Federation Alliance would invade the Gamma Quadrant. While acknowledging the Federation having its own flaws (such as Section 31's plan for the Founders' genocide), Odo assures her that the Federation wouldn't sanction such an invasion, nor would it allow the Klingons or Romulans to do so. He suggests he can cure her and they link, against the better judgment of Garak. After joining briefly for only about ten seconds, the Female Changeling is cured; she can assume her normal, smooth-featured shape. She had also communicated to Odo, during their link, that she will order the surrender of all Jem'Hadar and Breen; moreover, she will stand trial for her actions in the Alpha Quadrant. With the Female Changeling facing years (possibly a lifetime) of incarceration, Odo vows to be the one who delivers the cure to the Great Link, and tells Kira that he will be rejoining the Great Link for good.
Act Eight
On the battered surface of Cardassia Prime, a new dawn rises over the now-shattered capital city. Martok lustily drinks his bloodwine in victory, but Sisko and Ross, disturbed by the carnage they see, refuse to celebrate. Martok reminds them that many Bajorans would call this poetic justice, but Sisko is unmoved and tells him he won't share a toast over the bodies of innocent victims. He and Admiral Ross pour out their bloodwine and leave, and Martok notes to himself (in Klingon) that he'll never truly understand Humans.
At Dominion headquarters, Garak and Bashir are reviewing the casualty reports from the attempted genocide of the Cardassians: eight hundred million, and still climbing. Bashir searches for words to console his friend, but Garak breezily tells Bashir not to bother; after all, many would say that Cardassia has gotten exactly what it deserves, and they would be right – not only for Dukat's role in bringing the Dominion, and thus the war, to the Alpha Quadrant, but for a whole history of conquest and atrocities on other worlds, of which Bajor is only one. Garak tells Bashir he will be staying on Cardassia and thanks him for his friendship over the years, admitting he'll miss their lunchtime chats. Bashir says he hopes they will see each other again. Garak, ever cynical, says he hopes so too, but wouldn't count on it.
The Female Changeling
surrenders, ending the Dominion
War
Aboard DS9, the Female Changeling signs the formal instrument of surrender, officially ending hostilities between the Dominion and Federation Alliance.
After the ceremony, Martok and Ross offer Worf the Federation ambassadorship to the Klingon Empire. Worf tells Captain Sisko that his loyalty is to him first and Sisko states that, although he will hate losing Worf on DS9, it's his choice. Worf tells Sisko that it was an honor to serve alongside him (a compliment Sisko returns) and accepts the new posting. Martok is very happy at this, grateful to have an ambassador he can go Targ hunting with on Qo'noS.
Kira, who doesn't want to lose the love of her life, asks Odo to return after curing the Founders. He explains how painful it will be for him to leave her, but that the only way for the Founders to learn to trust solids will be for him to remain in the Link. So instead, Kira requests she be the one to take him to his homeworld; he gratefully agrees.
The crew mingle in Vic's lounge for celebration and farewells. Among the groups, Jake is asking Miles if they already found a place to live to which Miles responds they have some locations in sight. He receives much help from the present staff, with Worf even suggesting Minsk. Quark, who is getting to be a regular at Vic's, encourages everyone to stay put, citing his distaste for change. Sisko tells Quark to get used to it, as things are going to be very different from now on. As everyone gives the moment pause, Captain Sisko lifts his glass in a toast:
"To the best crew any captain ever had. This may be the last time we're all together. But no matter what the future holds, no matter how far we travel, a part of us… a very important part, will always remain here, on Deep Space 9."
Vic sings "The Way You Look Tonight" to the assembled crew, who came aboard Deep Space 9 distanced, suspicious and sometimes hostile towards each other, yet despite all this grew into close colleagues and friends.
On Bajor, Dukat is resurrected by the Pah-wraiths and regains his Cardassian visage, his eyes glowing red with their power.
On DS9, as the couples take to the dance floor, Benjamin suddenly has a strong sensation. As the Emissary, he now understands what his task is. Benjamin excuses himself abruptly from the party and heads to a runabout pad.
Dukat taunts Winn, saying she wasn't good enough to be the Pah-wraiths' emissary. He reveals to her that the Pah-wraiths plan to spread across and destroy Bajor, the Celestial Temple, the Alpha Quadrant and even the entire galaxy. He then nonchalantly notes that Sisko has arrived. Sisko raises his phaser rifle at Dukat but the Pah-wraiths' power is strong, and with a flick of his wrist Dukat causes Sisko to drop the weapon and fall flat to the ground. He recovers and punches Dukat, to no avail. Dukat, controlling Sisko's movements, causes him to bow in front of him. Sisko fights against Dukat's power, telling him that just like when he allied Cardassia with the Dominion he has joined forces with the losing side while promising to stop both him and the Pah-wraiths from destroying Bajor and the Alpha Quadrant.
Sisko in the Celestial Temple
Winn grabs the Book of the Kosst Amojan, intending to cast it into the fire pit, but it suddenly appears in Dukat's hands. Dukat summons the fire, which engulfs Winn Adami, vaporizing her, but not before she yells to Sisko to focus on the book. With Dukat concentrating on Winn and her death, he is momentarily distracted from Sisko, who breaks free of Dukat's hold and lunges at him, propelling both men (and the Kosst Amojan) over the cliff, into the fire pit.
As they tumble through the flames, Dukat and the book disintegrate, but Sisko suddenly materializes in the Celestial Temple. The prophet disguised as Sisko's mother Sarah gives him both good news and bad. The good news is that the Emissary succeeded in his mission by returning the Pah-wraiths to the Fire Caves, and by destroying the book he had trapped both them and Dukat inside a prison that can never be escaped; the bad news is that he must remain indefinitely in the Celestial Temple as his work there is only just beginning.
Act Nine
On DS9, the others explain to Kasidy that they found Sisko's runabout but there was no sign of him. Just then, the Emissary comes to Kasidy in a vision. Relieved to see her beloved husband, she embraces and kisses him one last time. He informs her that he will not be coming back, and Kasidy now realizes the "sorrow" predicted by the prophets. Now speaking in non-linear riddles himself, he solemnly declares his role as Emissary, speaking of destiny, of having a great deal of things to do and learn. However, he promises Kasidy that he will return "in a year, or maybe… yesterday". They say their goodbyes, and then suddenly Kasidy is back on DS9, telling Jake she has spoken to his father.
Odo bids Kira goodbye
The time has come to finally part ways. As O'Brien and family leave their quarters for the last time, Miles finds a plastic soldier on the floor, and this allows him to quickly reminisce of his adventures with Bashir. Worf looks back at the changes he experienced: a new post, intrigue, love, and even political upheaval, but is still able to look forward as he joins his friend, brother, comrade, and leader Martok on a ship bound for Qo'noS and his new mission. Odo gives Kira his old bucket as the two think about how after many years of friendship the two found true love in each other. Quark can't help but think back on the wild goings-on at his bar and the myriad adventures that took place in his holosuites over the years. Jake closes the model of the house on Bajor his father will now never build, as he remembers the fond times the two had together over the years.
Odo tries to depart the station quietly in the runabout, without having to say goodbye to anyone. Quark, knowing that Odo would try and avoid any kind of goodbye, confronts him in the corridor asking for some kind of farewell, but Odo refuses. Regardless, Quark raises a toast to him and still believes that Odo "loves" him. O'Brien and Bashir part company with a big hug and misty eyes, having become the best of friends after serving seven years together.
Kira pilots Odo's runabout to the Changeling planet. Beaming down to the surface, Kira is shocked at how different the Great Link appears, sickly and green. Odo confirms that they're dying; he needs to join them. Odo has Kira tell everyone back on DS9 that he will miss them, including Quark. They say their tearful farewells. Odo morphs his uniform into his tuxedo; knowing Kira always liked it on him he wants it to be her last memory of him. He slowly walks into the "ocean" of Changelings, eventually morphing and merging with them. Odo's cure spreads throughout his people, saving them all as the Link changes back to its natural golden brown.
Epilogue
Colonel Kira, comfortably situated in the commanding office on DS9, congratulates Lieutenant Nog on his promotion. She picks up Sisko's baseball from the desk, throws it up in the air and catches it while overlooking Ops. Bashir suggests to Ezri that they partake in the Battle of Thermopylae in a holosuite, a battle that is similar to the Alamo in that the smaller force – the Spartans – fought valiantly but were defeated. Kira goes to crack the whip on Quark, who had been taking bets on the selection of the next Kai, the Colonel banning all betting pools under penalty of Quark spending some time in the holding cells; the confrontation reminiscent of a similar encounter between the two many years earlier. Leaving Quark's, Kira sees a lonely Jake on the upper Promenade staring out the windows at the Denorios Belt. She joins him and they look out the window at the Bajoran wormhole, which is finally open for travel again after two years of war. They look towards the Celestial Temple and the Gamma Quadrant, where Jake's father and Kira's close friend have both gone, as life goes on at Deep Space 9.
Memorable quotes
"I thought you said a bartender's life was a lonely one."
"It is, but I'm not a bartender."
- Quark and Vic Fontaine
"If the Cardassian people are responsible for these acts of terrorism, if Damar and his fanatics have turned them against us, then it's the people who should be punished."
- Weyoun, to the Female Changeling
"Citizens of Cardassia, this latest wave of vandalism directed against your Dominion allies must stop. We know that these disgraceful acts of sabotage were carried out by a mere handful of extremists. But these radicals must come to realize that their disobedience will not be tolerated. That you, the Cardassian people, will suffer the consequences of their cowardly actions. Which is why I must inform you, just a few moments ago, Dominion troops reduced Lakarian City to ashes. There were no survivors. Two million men, women and children...gone in a matter of moments. For each act of sabotage committed against the Dominion, another Cardassian city will be destroyed. I implore you not to let that happen. Let us return to the spirit of friendship and cooperation between our peoples so that together, we can destroy our common enemies: the Federation, the Klingons, the Romulans and all the others that stand against us. Thank you."
- Weyoun's speech to the Cardassian people
"Together we will release the Pah-wraiths so they can lay claim to the Celestial Temple and destroy the Prophets."
"And their Emissary."
"No, no, no. Benjamin Sisko will be dealt with by me and me alone."
"Assuming he survives the invasion of Cardassia."
"Oh, he'll survive. But I promise you, he'll wish he hadn't."
- Dukat and Winn
"Sir, the Cardassians! They're attacking the other Dominion ships!"
"They've switched sides."
"Yes!"
"Their timing couldn't be better."
- Odo, Ezri, Nog and Sisko, after the Cardassian fleet defects mid-battle
"I never thought I'd say this, but thank God for the Cardassians."
- Admiral Ross
"All during the years of my exile I imagined what it would be like to come home. I even thought of living in this house again with Mila. But now she's dead, and this house is about to be reduced to a pile of rubble. My Cardassia's gone."
"Then fight for a new Cardassia."
"I have an even better reason, Commander. Revenge!"
"That works too."
- Elim Garak and Kira Nerys
"I want the Cardassians exterminated."
"Which ones?"
"All of them. The entire population."
"That will take some time."
"Then I suggest you begin at once."
- Female Changeling and Weyoun
"I wish you hadn't done that. That was Weyoun's last clone."
"I was hoping you would say that."
- Female Changeling and Garak, after Garak killed Weyoun
"You may win this war, commander, but I promise you, when it is over, you will have lost so many ships, so many lives, that your "victory" will taste as bitter as defeat."
- Female Changeling
"The Dominion has spent the last two years trying to destroy the Federation, and now you're asking me to put our fate in their hands?"
- Female Changeling
"Before you waste too many tears, remember, these are Cardassians lying dead at your feet. Bajorans would call this 'poetic justice'."
"That doesn't mean I have to drink a toast over their bodies."
"Human-PaH. Ka DiJaQ. (Human creatures. Who would understand them?)"
- Martok and Sisko
"Four hundred years ago, a victorious general spoke the following words at the end of another costly war: 'Today the guns are silent. A great tragedy has ended… we have known the bitterness of defeat and the exultation of triumph, and from both we have learned there can be no going back. We must move forward to preserve in peace what we've won in war'."
- William Ross, quoting Douglas MacArthur
"Did you really think the Pah-wraiths would choose you as their Emissary? Soon, the Pah-wraiths will burn across Bajor, the Celestial Temple, the Alpha Quadrant. Can you picture it? An entire universe set in flames!!! To burn for all eternity. The Prophets have sent me a gift. Their beloved Emissary, set forth like an avenging angel to slay the demon."
- Dukat
"You are pathetic!"
"Then why are you the one on your knees?"
"First the Dominion, now the Pah-wraiths. You have a talent for picking the losing sides!"
- Sisko and Dukat
"Benjamin, please, we've known each other too long. And since this is the last time we will ever be together, let's try to speak honestly. We've both had our victories and our defeats. Now it's time to resolve our differences and face the ultimate truth: I've won, Benjamin. You've lost."
- Dukat
"The Pah-wraiths will never conquer anything! Not Bajor, not the Celestial Temple, and certainly not the Alpha Quadrant!"
"And who's going to stop us?"
"I am!!"
"You can't even stand up."
"Then I'll stop you!'"
- Benjamin Sisko, Dukat and Winn
"Farewell, Adami."
- Dukat, after killing Kai Winn
"The Emissary has completed his task."
"But the Pah-wraiths…?!"
"You've returned them to their prison within the Fire Caves."
"The book was the key, wasn't it?"
"To a door that can never be opened again."
"And Dukat… is he dead?"
"He is where he belongs… with the Pah-wraiths."
- Sarah Sisko and Benjamin Sisko
"I am their Emissary, and they still have a great deal for me to do."
- Benjamin Sisko
"Please, tell everyone I'll miss them."
"Even Quark?"
"Even Quark."
- Odo and Kira
"Your time of trial has ended. You need to rest now."
"I intend to. As soon as I return to Deep Space 9."
"That will not be necessary. You are with us now."
- Sarah Sisko, explaining to her son Benjamin that he has completed his task as Emissary
"The more things change, the more they stay the same."
- Quark, quoting Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr, the last spoken line of the series
Summary
In his quarters, Julian Bashir and Ezri Dax wake up, having slept together for the first time the night before. The two are enjoying their new relationship. However, Julian worries that, now that they're together, something might happen to them, for the couple are due to set off that day for the long-awaited invasion of Cardassia. Ezri makes a pact for the two of them; they're both coming back alive.
Miles and Keiko O'Brien continue to raise their two children, Molly and Kirayoshi. They are a family excited to be returning to Earth after the end of the Dominion War, so that Miles can teach at Starfleet Academy. Miles just hasn't yet found the time to inform his best buddy, Julian, nor has he had the time to give him the model of the battle of the Alamo. Miles promises Keiko he'll tell Julian about his departure when he thinks he's ready to hear it, but it's clear he's not looking forward to breaking the news.
In the Sisko quarters, Benjamin comforts a pregnant Kasidy, who is experiencing morning sickness. Jake drops by to walk his father to the new USS Defiant, formerly the USS Sao Paulo, on what everyone hopes to be the final mission of the war.
Odo and Worf walk to the Defiant from the Promenade. They both hope to find Kira alive and well when they reach Cardassia Prime. Kira, meanwhile, is still hiding in Mila's basement with Damar and Garak, planning the Cardassian Rebellion.
The Federation Alliance fleet
departs from Deep Space 9 for
the final battle
Arriving on the bridge, Sisko asks the crew if they are ready to end the war. He orders Nog to set course for Cardassia. The Federation Alliance fleet, comprising numerous Starfleet, Klingon and Romulan starships, departs Deep Space 9 on a course that will bring about the final battle of the war.
Act One
At Dominion Headquarters on Cardassia, Weyoun notes the Alliance's advance on their territory. They will pass the border in the morning. The Female Changeling is then talking with Thot Pran of the Breen, promising both Romulus and Earth as his reward if they win the war. While Pran takes his leave, Weyoun reminds the Founder that she had previously stated that he would have control of all Federation territories, including Earth. She responds that she would promise the Breen the entire Alpha Quadrant if it meant winning the war. Just then, Legate Broca reports that Damar is still alive, and he is in the capital city.
Damar and Garak are stopped on the streets of the Cardassian capital by two Jem'Hadar soldiers. They recognize Damar, who Garak claims is his cousin. The Jem'Hadar silence him, telling them Damar will be taken in for questioning, while Garak will be killed on the spot. Suddenly, a Breen arrives, who the Jem'Hadar can't understand and who kills them on the spot. It is actually Kira, disguised as a Breen. They safely continue on their way to the resistance meeting, where they plan the following day's course of action: sabotaging Cardassian power plants and communications, thereby cutting off the Dominion fleet from headquarters.
On the bridge of the Defiant, the crew engages in small talk. Worf accepts Julian as Dax's new lover, even bantering with her about it. O'Brien finds it difficult to tell Julian that he has accepted the teaching position on Earth. While talking to Odo about Kira, whom they haven't heard from, Sisko has another vision from the prophet appearing as Sarah, his mother. She tells the Emissary that his task is nearing completion, and that, cryptically, his journey's end lies not before him, but behind him.
On Bajor, Dukat (still appearing as a Bajoran) enters the quarters of Kai Winn Adami, having regained his vision through the "forgiveness" of the Pah-wraiths. The Kai has learned the secrets of the Book of the Kosst Amojan, and claims to have been waiting for Dukat. Together, they embark to the depths of the Fire Caves to release the Pah-wraiths, who they hope will gain control of the Celestial Temple and destroy the Prophets – and their Emissary, Winn adds. Dukat announces that Sisko's fate will be left to him. Winn points out that Sisko may not survive the invasion of Cardassia. Dukat isn't worried, he's certain that Sisko will survive… and looks forward to dealing with him afterwards.
Act Two
Quark, meanwhile, is passing time by playing "Go Fish" with Vic Fontaine in the holosuite wishing he was playing Tongo instead, but unfortunately, the game is not included in Vic's program, as it is period specific. Quark's is experiencing a noticeable lull in business in light of the heightened war effort. Quark can't help but worry about Nog and the others. He complains to Vic that people pass through his bar looking for a good time, never bothering to notice that he doesn't have a good time; he's too busy making sure everyone else does. Vic tells Quark that the life of a bartender is a lonely one. But, alas, even Vic has better plans than Quark – he departs with a beautiful date to see Jimmy Durante and Peter Lawford at the Sands. Quark reminds Vic that a bartender's life is a lonely one, but Vic retorts that he isn't a bartender.
On Bajor, Dukat and Kai Winn Adami have entered the Fire Caves.
As the Female Changeling orders the Breen to fight side-by-side with the Jem'Hadar, Weyoun notices that the Dominion lines are spread too thin at their center and proceeds to order more ships to reinforce it. Before he can send the order, all power is suddenly lost in the building. As emergency power comes on, Broca announces that the power disruption was due to an act of sabotage by civilians. The Founder grabs him by the throat, suspending him in mid-air, furious that the general population is rebelling. Broca, gasping for air, assures her it is an isolated uprising, and agrees that the civilians be severely punished for acts of resistance. Their long-range communications (and ability to communicate with their fleet) are still not working.
Act Three
When power is restored to the Capitol about half an hour later, Weyoun broadcasts a message announcing the complete destruction of Lakarian City, home to two million Cardassian citizens, in retaliation for the acts of sabotage. After watching the broadcast, Garak's anger towards the Dominion is intensified. Damar laments not killing Weyoun when he had the chance. Kira assures him that he will get another chance if they attack Dominion Headquarters. Doing so could potentially end the war completely without an unnecessary bloodbath. Although Damar had spent nearly two years living in the building, he says there is no way to sneak in because his security codes are no longer valid. They will need to force their way in, and Garak prepares by setting up explosives.
Klingon Chancellor Martok hails Captain Sisko and Admiral Ross, promising to drink a celebratory barrel of 2309 bloodwine with them on Cardassia Prime, as he had stated the year before.
Act Four
The Dominion has fallen back to the Cardassian system in the Alpha Quadrant at this late stage of the war. Sisko, along with the entire Starfleet attack force, engages the Dominion Jem'Hadar fighters and Breen vessels there. The Breen ships in particular are highly maneuverable, and even the Defiant has a difficult time hitting one of them. As the dogfights ensue, several Jem'Hadar fighters appear to ram Klingon Bird-of-Prey ships in apparent suicide runs.
The Battle of Cardassia reaches
the planet itself
At Mila's house, a squad of Jem'Hadar and Cardassian soldiers knocks on her door as Kira, Garak and Damar hide in the basement. Suddenly, Mila's corpse is dumped down the stairs to the basement, and the Jem'Hadar also throw down a stun grenade, easily subduing the trio.
The Defiant is in the thick of the battle, charging into enemy lines. Miles suffers a shoulder wound from exploding bridge debris and, during the heat of the battle, finally gets up the nerve to tell Julian that he and his family are leaving Deep Space 9 for Earth; Miles has accepted a position teaching engineering at Starfleet Academy. Ross orders Sisko to take the Defiant to help bolster the Romulan line; the Romulans have just lost their flagship.
Back on Cardassia Prime, Dominion headquarters still cannot communicate with their fleet; they have no idea how the battle is going for either side. Then, Broca comes to tell that Damar, Garak, and Kira are captured. The Female Changeling orders Damar's immediate execution.
Act Five
Before the Jem'Hadar can execute Damar, Kira and Garak, the Cardassian soldiers accompanying them kill the Jem'Hadar first in retaliation for Lakarian City. They declare allegiance to Damar.
The Jem'Hadar receive orders to
execute Kira, Damar, and Garak
The end of Legate Broca
In the midst of battle, the Defiant is taking heavy fire. As a Breen warship pelts her with torpedoes, it is suddenly destroyed by a Cardassian ship as the entire military turn on the Dominion for the destruction of Lakarian City, and begin attacking the Breen and Jem'Hadar. Sisko rallies the Allied forces for an attack on the Dominion's center. When communications between planet-side headquarters and the Dominion fleet are brought back online and Weyoun learns of the Cardassians' switching sides, the Female Changeling orders all of their forces to fall back to Cardassia Prime. Legate Broca offers to talk to the rebels, but he is taken away by Jem'Hadar to be executed. The Founder then orders the extermination of the entire Cardassian population.
Meanwhile, the Jem'Hadar and Breen ships quickly turn around and retreat to Cardassia Prime. Sisko speaks with Martok and Admiral Ross, who are elated that the Cardassians have joined them. When Admiral Ross states that now that the Dominion has been driven to Cardassia Prime, they can be held indefinitely. Sisko and Martok remind him that the enemy still has an impressive ability at shipbuilding. In addition, the Cardassian forces are now compensating for the third of the fleet lost. They all agree they should continue onwards, until the Dominion has been thoroughly defeated.
Back on Bajor, Dukat and the Kai have reached their final destination in the Fire Caves. As the Kai begins reading from the sacred text of the Kosst Amojan, the vast underground cavern springs to life, engulfed with billows of red flame.
Act Six
As the resistance begins planning their strategy for entering Dominion headquarters, Garak enters to report that the capital city is being destroyed building by building, meaning they all need to make a quick escape. Garak mourns for Mila, a part of his life since he was a child growing up, and notes that he dreamed for years of returning home and even considered living in the house with her again. But now Mila is dead, the house is about to be destroyed and the Cardassia he knew is gone. When Kira tells Garak he can fight for a new Cardassia, he decides his new motivation for destroying the Dominion is revenge. Kira notes to herself that revenge is also a good reason to fight.
Adami discards her Kai vestment, throwing it into the raging fire pit before them. She continues reading from the sacred text, invoking the spirit of the Pah-wraiths.
On the Defiant, the crew regroups as reports come in that the Dominion is retaliating against the Cardassian people.
Damar's resistance reaches Dominion Headquarters, and find the entrance protected by a neutronium door. There is no way to blast through, even with the explosives Garak prepared. To everyone's astonishment, Garak begins laughing. When Damar asks why, Garak asks him to consider the irony: their heroic charge into the "lair of the beast" is being thwarted by a locked door. Soon Kira, Damar, Ekoor, and the whole rebel party collapse with laughter.
The Female Changeling is trying to keep the Breen in the fold. Then she collapses knowing she is going to die soon. She reveals to Weyoun she hasn't been able to change shape in weeks and the irony at the fact she is going to die as a solid.
Damar suggests pretending to give himself up, but Kira warns him he'll be shot on sight. But the door opens from within. A pair of Jem'Hadar drag Legate Broca and two other Cardassians outside and execute them with bayonets, then dumping their bodies. The Cardassians leap upon the opportunity and kill the executioners before engaging in a fire fight with several other Jem'Hadar. While the resistance succeeds in breaking into the compound, Damar is fatally wounded and dies in Garak's arms, simply saying "Keep…". Kira takes command, and reminds the Cardassians of Damar's orders that they don't stop until they capture the Female Changeling.
Inside, Weyoun is alerted to the security breach and admits to the Changeling that there are only a few Jem'Hadar guards in the building as most of them are assisting in the Cardassian extermination. He sends the few he has to guard the door, despite knowing they'll likely fail.
The Federation Alliance has driven the Dominion all the way back to Cardassia Prime. The Dominion is cornered and the Alliance prepares to move in for the kill. Admiral Ross proposes a three-pronged attack: the Romulans and Cardassians will attack the Jem'Hadar; Chancellor Martok will lead the Klingons against the Breen; and the Federation will knock out the orbital weapon platforms. Ross predicts that casualties will be about 40%, and Martok expects that number to rise with their ground assault.
Cardassia in ruins
The rebel strike team breaks into the heart of Dominion headquarters, capturing Weyoun and the Female Changeling. Only three rebels survive the attack: Kira, Garak, and Ekoor. With a sneer, Weyoun asks where Damar is, knowing full well that he must already be dead. Garak shoots Weyoun down for gloating over the terrible destruction wreaked on Cardassia. The Founder mourns as Garak had just killed the last Weyoun, which more than pleases Garak.
Kira tells the Founder that the Dominion has lost the war, but the Founder refuses to surrender, promising a fight to the bitter end. With the Breen and Jem'Hadar fighting to the last man, she promises, the Allies will lose so many ships and so many lives that their victory will taste as bitter as defeat. This way, they will never threaten the Gamma Quadrant.
Act Seven
On the Defiant bridge, Sisko, Odo, and Worf are speaking to Kira. She tells them the founder is deteriorating. Sisko says she has to stay alive in order to order the retreat of the Jem'Hadar. Odo offers to beam down and speak to the founder.
In the Fire Caves, Winn pours a toast, offering it to Dukat. He drinks from the cup; however, he soon bends over in pain. The ex-Kai says she is offering him as a sacrifice for the Pah-wraiths; who better than Dukat? Dukat sprawls and dies. She then proceeds to awaken the Wraiths.
At Cardassia Prime, Odo beams down to talk with the captured Founder. He asks her to stand down her forces yet she retorts that she still believes that the Federation Alliance would invade the Gamma Quadrant. While acknowledging the Federation having its own flaws (such as Section 31's plan for the Founders' genocide), Odo assures her that the Federation wouldn't sanction such an invasion, nor would it allow the Klingons or Romulans to do so. He suggests he can cure her and they link, against the better judgment of Garak. After joining briefly for only about ten seconds, the Female Changeling is cured; she can assume her normal, smooth-featured shape. She had also communicated to Odo, during their link, that she will order the surrender of all Jem'Hadar and Breen; moreover, she will stand trial for her actions in the Alpha Quadrant. With the Female Changeling facing years (possibly a lifetime) of incarceration, Odo vows to be the one who delivers the cure to the Great Link, and tells Kira that he will be rejoining the Great Link for good.
Act Eight
On the battered surface of Cardassia Prime, a new dawn rises over the now-shattered capital city. Martok lustily drinks his bloodwine in victory, but Sisko and Ross, disturbed by the carnage they see, refuse to celebrate. Martok reminds them that many Bajorans would call this poetic justice, but Sisko is unmoved and tells him he won't share a toast over the bodies of innocent victims. He and Admiral Ross pour out their bloodwine and leave, and Martok notes to himself (in Klingon) that he'll never truly understand Humans.
At Dominion headquarters, Garak and Bashir are reviewing the casualty reports from the attempted genocide of the Cardassians: eight hundred million, and still climbing. Bashir searches for words to console his friend, but Garak breezily tells Bashir not to bother; after all, many would say that Cardassia has gotten exactly what it deserves, and they would be right – not only for Dukat's role in bringing the Dominion, and thus the war, to the Alpha Quadrant, but for a whole history of conquest and atrocities on other worlds, of which Bajor is only one. Garak tells Bashir he will be staying on Cardassia and thanks him for his friendship over the years, admitting he'll miss their lunchtime chats. Bashir says he hopes they will see each other again. Garak, ever cynical, says he hopes so too, but wouldn't count on it.
The Female Changeling
surrenders, ending the Dominion
War
Aboard DS9, the Female Changeling signs the formal instrument of surrender, officially ending hostilities between the Dominion and Federation Alliance.
After the ceremony, Martok and Ross offer Worf the Federation ambassadorship to the Klingon Empire. Worf tells Captain Sisko that his loyalty is to him first and Sisko states that, although he will hate losing Worf on DS9, it's his choice. Worf tells Sisko that it was an honor to serve alongside him (a compliment Sisko returns) and accepts the new posting. Martok is very happy at this, grateful to have an ambassador he can go Targ hunting with on Qo'noS.
Kira, who doesn't want to lose the love of her life, asks Odo to return after curing the Founders. He explains how painful it will be for him to leave her, but that the only way for the Founders to learn to trust solids will be for him to remain in the Link. So instead, Kira requests she be the one to take him to his homeworld; he gratefully agrees.
The crew mingle in Vic's lounge for celebration and farewells. Among the groups, Jake is asking Miles if they already found a place to live to which Miles responds they have some locations in sight. He receives much help from the present staff, with Worf even suggesting Minsk. Quark, who is getting to be a regular at Vic's, encourages everyone to stay put, citing his distaste for change. Sisko tells Quark to get used to it, as things are going to be very different from now on. As everyone gives the moment pause, Captain Sisko lifts his glass in a toast:
"To the best crew any captain ever had. This may be the last time we're all together. But no matter what the future holds, no matter how far we travel, a part of us… a very important part, will always remain here, on Deep Space 9."
Vic sings "The Way You Look Tonight" to the assembled crew, who came aboard Deep Space 9 distanced, suspicious and sometimes hostile towards each other, yet despite all this grew into close colleagues and friends.
On Bajor, Dukat is resurrected by the Pah-wraiths and regains his Cardassian visage, his eyes glowing red with their power.
On DS9, as the couples take to the dance floor, Benjamin suddenly has a strong sensation. As the Emissary, he now understands what his task is. Benjamin excuses himself abruptly from the party and heads to a runabout pad.
Dukat taunts Winn, saying she wasn't good enough to be the Pah-wraiths' emissary. He reveals to her that the Pah-wraiths plan to spread across and destroy Bajor, the Celestial Temple, the Alpha Quadrant and even the entire galaxy. He then nonchalantly notes that Sisko has arrived. Sisko raises his phaser rifle at Dukat but the Pah-wraiths' power is strong, and with a flick of his wrist Dukat causes Sisko to drop the weapon and fall flat to the ground. He recovers and punches Dukat, to no avail. Dukat, controlling Sisko's movements, causes him to bow in front of him. Sisko fights against Dukat's power, telling him that just like when he allied Cardassia with the Dominion he has joined forces with the losing side while promising to stop both him and the Pah-wraiths from destroying Bajor and the Alpha Quadrant.
Sisko in the Celestial Temple
Winn grabs the Book of the Kosst Amojan, intending to cast it into the fire pit, but it suddenly appears in Dukat's hands. Dukat summons the fire, which engulfs Winn Adami, vaporizing her, but not before she yells to Sisko to focus on the book. With Dukat concentrating on Winn and her death, he is momentarily distracted from Sisko, who breaks free of Dukat's hold and lunges at him, propelling both men (and the Kosst Amojan) over the cliff, into the fire pit.
As they tumble through the flames, Dukat and the book disintegrate, but Sisko suddenly materializes in the Celestial Temple. The prophet disguised as Sisko's mother Sarah gives him both good news and bad. The good news is that the Emissary succeeded in his mission by returning the Pah-wraiths to the Fire Caves, and by destroying the book he had trapped both them and Dukat inside a prison that can never be escaped; the bad news is that he must remain indefinitely in the Celestial Temple as his work there is only just beginning.
Act Nine
On DS9, the others explain to Kasidy that they found Sisko's runabout but there was no sign of him. Just then, the Emissary comes to Kasidy in a vision. Relieved to see her beloved husband, she embraces and kisses him one last time. He informs her that he will not be coming back, and Kasidy now realizes the "sorrow" predicted by the prophets. Now speaking in non-linear riddles himself, he solemnly declares his role as Emissary, speaking of destiny, of having a great deal of things to do and learn. However, he promises Kasidy that he will return "in a year, or maybe… yesterday". They say their goodbyes, and then suddenly Kasidy is back on DS9, telling Jake she has spoken to his father.
Odo bids Kira goodbye
The time has come to finally part ways. As O'Brien and family leave their quarters for the last time, Miles finds a plastic soldier on the floor, and this allows him to quickly reminisce of his adventures with Bashir. Worf looks back at the changes he experienced: a new post, intrigue, love, and even political upheaval, but is still able to look forward as he joins his friend, brother, comrade, and leader Martok on a ship bound for Qo'noS and his new mission. Odo gives Kira his old bucket as the two think about how after many years of friendship the two found true love in each other. Quark can't help but think back on the wild goings-on at his bar and the myriad adventures that took place in his holosuites over the years. Jake closes the model of the house on Bajor his father will now never build, as he remembers the fond times the two had together over the years.
Odo tries to depart the station quietly in the runabout, without having to say goodbye to anyone. Quark, knowing that Odo would try and avoid any kind of goodbye, confronts him in the corridor asking for some kind of farewell, but Odo refuses. Regardless, Quark raises a toast to him and still believes that Odo "loves" him. O'Brien and Bashir part company with a big hug and misty eyes, having become the best of friends after serving seven years together.
Kira pilots Odo's runabout to the Changeling planet. Beaming down to the surface, Kira is shocked at how different the Great Link appears, sickly and green. Odo confirms that they're dying; he needs to join them. Odo has Kira tell everyone back on DS9 that he will miss them, including Quark. They say their tearful farewells. Odo morphs his uniform into his tuxedo; knowing Kira always liked it on him he wants it to be her last memory of him. He slowly walks into the "ocean" of Changelings, eventually morphing and merging with them. Odo's cure spreads throughout his people, saving them all as the Link changes back to its natural golden brown.
Epilogue
Colonel Kira, comfortably situated in the commanding office on DS9, congratulates Lieutenant Nog on his promotion. She picks up Sisko's baseball from the desk, throws it up in the air and catches it while overlooking Ops. Bashir suggests to Ezri that they partake in the Battle of Thermopylae in a holosuite, a battle that is similar to the Alamo in that the smaller force – the Spartans – fought valiantly but were defeated. Kira goes to crack the whip on Quark, who had been taking bets on the selection of the next Kai, the Colonel banning all betting pools under penalty of Quark spending some time in the holding cells; the confrontation reminiscent of a similar encounter between the two many years earlier. Leaving Quark's, Kira sees a lonely Jake on the upper Promenade staring out the windows at the Denorios Belt. She joins him and they look out the window at the Bajoran wormhole, which is finally open for travel again after two years of war. They look towards the Celestial Temple and the Gamma Quadrant, where Jake's father and Kira's close friend have both gone, as life goes on at Deep Space 9.
Memorable quotes
"I thought you said a bartender's life was a lonely one."
"It is, but I'm not a bartender."
- Quark and Vic Fontaine
"If the Cardassian people are responsible for these acts of terrorism, if Damar and his fanatics have turned them against us, then it's the people who should be punished."
- Weyoun, to the Female Changeling
"Citizens of Cardassia, this latest wave of vandalism directed against your Dominion allies must stop. We know that these disgraceful acts of sabotage were carried out by a mere handful of extremists. But these radicals must come to realize that their disobedience will not be tolerated. That you, the Cardassian people, will suffer the consequences of their cowardly actions. Which is why I must inform you, just a few moments ago, Dominion troops reduced Lakarian City to ashes. There were no survivors. Two million men, women and children...gone in a matter of moments. For each act of sabotage committed against the Dominion, another Cardassian city will be destroyed. I implore you not to let that happen. Let us return to the spirit of friendship and cooperation between our peoples so that together, we can destroy our common enemies: the Federation, the Klingons, the Romulans and all the others that stand against us. Thank you."
- Weyoun's speech to the Cardassian people
"Together we will release the Pah-wraiths so they can lay claim to the Celestial Temple and destroy the Prophets."
"And their Emissary."
"No, no, no. Benjamin Sisko will be dealt with by me and me alone."
"Assuming he survives the invasion of Cardassia."
"Oh, he'll survive. But I promise you, he'll wish he hadn't."
- Dukat and Winn
"Sir, the Cardassians! They're attacking the other Dominion ships!"
"They've switched sides."
"Yes!"
"Their timing couldn't be better."
- Odo, Ezri, Nog and Sisko, after the Cardassian fleet defects mid-battle
"I never thought I'd say this, but thank God for the Cardassians."
- Admiral Ross
"All during the years of my exile I imagined what it would be like to come home. I even thought of living in this house again with Mila. But now she's dead, and this house is about to be reduced to a pile of rubble. My Cardassia's gone."
"Then fight for a new Cardassia."
"I have an even better reason, Commander. Revenge!"
"That works too."
- Elim Garak and Kira Nerys
"I want the Cardassians exterminated."
"Which ones?"
"All of them. The entire population."
"That will take some time."
"Then I suggest you begin at once."
- Female Changeling and Weyoun
"I wish you hadn't done that. That was Weyoun's last clone."
"I was hoping you would say that."
- Female Changeling and Garak, after Garak killed Weyoun
"You may win this war, commander, but I promise you, when it is over, you will have lost so many ships, so many lives, that your "victory" will taste as bitter as defeat."
- Female Changeling
"The Dominion has spent the last two years trying to destroy the Federation, and now you're asking me to put our fate in their hands?"
- Female Changeling
"Before you waste too many tears, remember, these are Cardassians lying dead at your feet. Bajorans would call this 'poetic justice'."
"That doesn't mean I have to drink a toast over their bodies."
"Human-PaH. Ka DiJaQ. (Human creatures. Who would understand them?)"
- Martok and Sisko
"Four hundred years ago, a victorious general spoke the following words at the end of another costly war: 'Today the guns are silent. A great tragedy has ended… we have known the bitterness of defeat and the exultation of triumph, and from both we have learned there can be no going back. We must move forward to preserve in peace what we've won in war'."
- William Ross, quoting Douglas MacArthur
"Did you really think the Pah-wraiths would choose you as their Emissary? Soon, the Pah-wraiths will burn across Bajor, the Celestial Temple, the Alpha Quadrant. Can you picture it? An entire universe set in flames!!! To burn for all eternity. The Prophets have sent me a gift. Their beloved Emissary, set forth like an avenging angel to slay the demon."
- Dukat
"You are pathetic!"
"Then why are you the one on your knees?"
"First the Dominion, now the Pah-wraiths. You have a talent for picking the losing sides!"
- Sisko and Dukat
"Benjamin, please, we've known each other too long. And since this is the last time we will ever be together, let's try to speak honestly. We've both had our victories and our defeats. Now it's time to resolve our differences and face the ultimate truth: I've won, Benjamin. You've lost."
- Dukat
"The Pah-wraiths will never conquer anything! Not Bajor, not the Celestial Temple, and certainly not the Alpha Quadrant!"
"And who's going to stop us?"
"I am!!"
"You can't even stand up."
"Then I'll stop you!'"
- Benjamin Sisko, Dukat and Winn
"Farewell, Adami."
- Dukat, after killing Kai Winn
"The Emissary has completed his task."
"But the Pah-wraiths…?!"
"You've returned them to their prison within the Fire Caves."
"The book was the key, wasn't it?"
"To a door that can never be opened again."
"And Dukat… is he dead?"
"He is where he belongs… with the Pah-wraiths."
- Sarah Sisko and Benjamin Sisko
"I am their Emissary, and they still have a great deal for me to do."
- Benjamin Sisko
"Please, tell everyone I'll miss them."
"Even Quark?"
"Even Quark."
- Odo and Kira
"Your time of trial has ended. You need to rest now."
"I intend to. As soon as I return to Deep Space 9."
"That will not be necessary. You are with us now."
- Sarah Sisko, explaining to her son Benjamin that he has completed his task as Emissary
"The more things change, the more they stay the same."
- Quark, quoting Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr, the last spoken line of the series
