Stardate not given: Starfleet has finally decided to go on the offensive in the war against the Dominion, and Sisko is chosen to lead the task force that will be sent to attack the Chin’taka system, a “weak spot” in Cardassian space. This he does, despite a warning vision from the Prophets. Meanwhile, Dukat has returned to Cardassia with what he claims is the key to victory. He breaks an ancient Bajoran relic, and becomes possessed by the pagh wraith inside. The results will be devastating to the Federation and Dominion alike, as well as to the crew of Deep Space Nine, who will lose someone very dear to them.
written by Ira Steven Behr & Hans Beimler
directed by Allan Kroeker
music by Jay ChattawayGuest Cast: Andrew J. Robinson (Garak), Jeffrey Combs (Weyoun), Marc Alaimo (Dukat), David Birney (Letant), J.G. Hertzler (Martok), Aron Eisenberg (Nog), Casey Biggs (Damar), Barry Jenner (Admiral Ross), James Darren (Vic Fontaine), Michelle Horn (Saghi), Bob Kirsh (Glinn)
Notes: This was Terry Farrell’s final episode as a member of Deep Space Nine’s regular cast. As with Next Generation, Deep Space Nine’s cast was originally contracted for a six-year run with the option to renegotiate their contracts between the sixth and seventh seasons. Farrell opted not to return when she felt that the offered salary was not commensurate with her years of experience on the show, and tried to persuade the writers to reassign Dax to a new mission rather than killing the character off.
LogBook entry by Tracy Hemenover