From: colby@pro-smof.cts.com (G Colby)
Newsgroups: rec.arts.startrek.misc
Subject: DS9 synopsis: #721 (Pt. 2)
Date: 9 Jan 93 20:37:12 GMT
Article-I.D.: pro-smof.1993Jan9.143712.42536
Organization: The SMOF-BBS: Science Fiction Online Since 1985 [512-467-7317]

O'Brien has managed to establish a partial field. Over the
computer's objections, the station begins its journey from orbit
to the wormhole. Once underway, the field begins to deteriorate,
and O'Brien's efforts to stabilize the field are thwarted by the
computer's adherance to safety protocols. With less than 15
seconds before the field collapses, O'Brien takes manual control
of the energy flow and obtains a stable field. Out of danger, he
turns to the computer and suggests they have a little talk...

The second runabout tries to warn the Cardassians away from the
potentially hostile lifeforms in the wormhole. Gul Dukat denies
any knowledge of the wormhole, and instead counters that the
Federation is trying to stop him from breaking up secret
negotiations with the makers of the Orbs for more technology.
He thanks them for their concern, and cuts the signal off.

The lifeforms begin reliving with Sisko various key moments from
his past. It is learned that the lifeforms do not see time as
linear; cause and effect are meaningless to them. Sisko attempts
to explain this, but is accused of attempting to deceive the
lifeforms. Sisko insists he is telling the truth, that each day
affects the next, and that is the nature of a linear existence.
Suddenly, he is brought to the Saratoga. The lifeforms demand to
know why he then exists here. Sisko explains that this was the day
he lost Jennifer, his wife, and that it was difficult to be here.
The lifeforms are puzzled; then why does he exist here if it is
difficult? Suddenly, the dialog is broken off. The Cardassian ship
has reached the wormhole and is passing through. The lifeforms shut
down the wormhole in a blaze of light, leaving the runabout pursuing
the Cardassians drifting in space.

Sisko is able to resume the dialog, and learns that there is
another ship in the wormhole. The wormhole was terminated, he
is told, because he has no regard for the consequences of his
actions. Again, Sisko denies this, but the lifeforms point out
that if you do not know the results of your acts, you cannot be
responsible for them. Sisko states that the past is used as a
guide in helping them make decisions, that the past prepares
them for what is to come. The lifeforms shift the scene to a
ballgame, accusing humanity of being aggressive, adversarial.
Sisko again denies their charge, pointing out that this is a
game, and that a game is unknown until it is played. Each act,
each consequence shapes the game, and it is the discovery of how
the game is played out that causes the game to be played. The
lifeforms find it hard to believe that humans value ignorance,
but are told that it is the unknown that causes humans to explore
the galaxy. Not to conquer, but to learn. The scene shifts back again
to the Saratoga; ''but why do you exist HERE?''

The station has reached the coordinates where the wormhole used to be.
Sensors reveal 3 Cardassian ships en route, and they demand to know
where Gul Dukat's ship is. Their leader, Gul Jasad, scoffs at the idea
of an artificial wormhole, and begins blocking communication with
Starfleet by flooding space with anti-lepton interference. He demands
the surrender of the station, and gives them one hour to do so. With
the Enterprise still 20 hours away, Kira begins moving personnel to
safe locations inside the station, as surrender is not an option.

Back in the wormhole, Sisko asks why he is always brought to this
particular memory of the battle at Wolf 359. The lifeforms tell him
he is the one bringing them there, and that only he can stop it. Sisko
realizes that to them he has never left the ship; he explains how
thetermination of Jennifer's linear existene was so traumatic, his past
experiences could not prepare him for the moment. Unable to face the
consequences of living without her, he chose instead to stay at the
moment of her death. The lifeforms now understand all that he has said.

The Cardassians at the space station demand an answer. Kira fires
six photons across their bow, saying if the want a fight, they cn
have one. Cardassian sensors in the meantime have revealed evidence
that the station is stocked with 5000 more photon torpedoes, and
integrated phaser banks on all levels. Gul Jasad decides to call their
bluff, and begins his attack. As the damages mount, the wormhole
reappears behind the station, shocking the Cardassians. The Rio Grande
emerges, with Gul Dukat's warship in tow. Gul Dukat signals the other
ships to break off their attack. Fortunately, no fatalities resulted from
the incident. Sisko explains that the lifeforms have agreed to provide
safe passage through the wormhole. Afterwards, in a meeting with Picard
on the station, Sisko reveals that he is now willing to take permanent
command of Deep Space Nine.


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* Glen Colby                                                              *
* colby@enterprise.win.net                                                *
* copyright 1993, Glen Colby          All rights reserved, of course .    *
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