Memory Alpha
Memory Alpha
(being more conservative here, as Dukat's exact role in the pre-show occupation of Bajor is a moving target across scripts)
Tag: VE
 
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{{realworld}}
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{{real world}}
{{sidebar episode|
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{{sidebar episode
<!-- See [[Memory Alpha:Episode data project]] -->
+
|<!-- See [[Memory Alpha:Projects/Episode data project]] -->
| aSelf = A Time to Stand
+
|image = Starbase 375 docking bay interior.jpg
| sTitle = A Time to Stand
+
|writer = [[Ira Steven Behr]] & [[Hans Beimler]]
| sSeries = DS9
+
|director = [[Allan Kroeker]]
| nSeason = 6
+
|date = ''Unknown'' ([[2374]])
  +
|<!-- Arcs -->
| nEpisode = 1
 
 
|arc = Dominion invasion
|sProductionSerialNumber = 40510-525
 
 
|arc prev = Call to Arms (episode)
| nAirdateYear = 1997
 
 
|arc next = Rocks and Shoals (episode)
| sAirdateMonth = September
 
| nAirdateDay = 29
+
|arc number = 3
| sImage = Jemhadar hud.jpg
+
|arc count = 8
| wsWrittenBy = [[Ira Steven Behr]] & [[Hans Beimler]]
 
| wsTeleplayBy =
 
| wsStoryBy =
 
| wsDirectedBy = [[Allan Kroeker]]
 
| nNthProducedInSeries = 123
 
| nNthReleasedInSeries = 123
 
| nNthReleasedInAll = 480
 
| bFeatureLength = 0
 
| nSerialAirdate = 19970929
 
| wsDate = ''Unknown'' ([[2374]])
 
| aNextReleasedInAll = Revulsion (episode)
 
| aPrevReleasedInAll = Nemesis (episode)
 
| aNextReleasedInSeries = Rocks and Shoals (episode)
 
| aPrevReleasedInSeries = Call to Arms (episode)
 
| aNextProducedInSeries = Sons and Daughters (episode)
 
| aPrevProducedInSeries = Call to Arms (episode)
 
|aNextInUniverseTimeline = The Gift (episode)
 
|aPrevInUniverseTimeline = Flashback (episode)
 
| wsArc0Desc = Dominion invasion
 
| aArc0PrevPart = Call to Arms (episode)
 
| aArc0NextPart = Rocks and Shoals (episode)
 
| nArc0PartNumber = 3
 
| nArc0PartCount = 8
 
 
}}
 
}}
With the Dominion on track to winning the war against the Federation, Sisko and his crew take a captured Jem'Hadar ship into enemy territory with a mission to cut-off the Jem'Hadar's supply of ketracel-white in the Alpha Quadrant (Season Premiere).
+
With the Dominion on track to winning the war against the Federation, Sisko and his crew take a captured Jem'Hadar ship into enemy territory with a mission to cut off the Jem'Hadar's supply of ketracel-white in the Alpha Quadrant. (''Season premiere'')
   
 
== Summary ==
 
== Summary ==
 
=== Teaser ===
 
=== Teaser ===
  +
[[File:Bashir treating Garak.jpg|thumb|"''You're not genetically engineered &ndash; you're a Vulcan!''"]]
A battered [[Federation]] and [[Klingon]] fleet move through space, attesting to the fact the [[Dominion War|war]] is not going well. Three months have passed since the [[Dominion]] occupied [[Deep Space 9]] and hostilities began. The {{USS|Defiant|2370}} has been on the run from the [[Jem'Hadar]] for 78 hours. Everyone on board is tense and exhausted. [[Nog]] gets anxious that news of the [[Seventh Fleet]]'s counter-assault has not arrived, while [[Chief]] [[Miles O'Brien]] is sick and tired of running from the Dominion. In the medical supply room, [[Doctor]] [[Julian Bashir]] is treating [[Elim Garak]] for a small head wound. Bashir estimates their chances of survival at 32.7%. Garak is not impressed with Bashir's calculations, notwithstanding Bashir's recently revealed [[genetic engineering|genetic enhancements]].
+
A battered [[Federation]] and [[Klingon]] fleet move through space, attesting to the fact the [[Dominion War|war]] is not going well. Three months have passed since the [[Dominion]] [[Call to Arms (episode)|occupied]] [[Deep Space 9]] and hostilities began. The {{USS|Defiant|2370}} has been on the run from the [[Jem'Hadar]] for 78 hours. Everyone on board is tense and exhausted. On the ''Defiant''{{'}}s [[bridge]], [[Nog]] gets anxious that news of the [[Seventh Fleet]]'s counterassault has not arrived, while [[Chief]] [[Miles O'Brien]] is sick and tired of running from the Dominion. In the medical supply room, [[Doctor]] [[Julian Bashir]] is treating [[Elim Garak]] for a small head wound. Bashir estimates their chances of survival at 32.7%. Garak is not impressed with Bashir's calculations, notwithstanding Bashir's recently [[Doctor Bashir, I Presume (episode)|revealed]] [[genetic engineering|genetic enhancements]].
   
The ''Defiant'' and [[Klingon]] [[General]] [[Martok]]'s ''[[IKS Rotarran|Rotarran]]'' rendezvous and [[Worf]] and [[Jadzia Dax]] are reunited in the ''Defiant''{{'}}s [[mess hall]]. After a joyous hello, Worf reveals that he is upset that Jadzia has scheduled the ritual sacrifice of the [[targ]] to occur after their wedding feast. Jadzia gives in, saying, "''first we'll shed blood, and then we'll feast.''" When Martok points out that Worf wasn't talking about anything else in days, Jadzia puns, "''He's such a worrier.''". As Worf and Jadzia leave, [[Captain]] [[Benjamin Sisko]] suggests that they not break any bones, to which Jadzia only responds with the crossing of her fingers. Bashir enters and says he has word of the Seventh Fleet's engagement in the [[Tyra system]]: out of 112 ships, only 14 ships have returned. Angry, Sisko slams his fist on a tabletop, breaking the glass.
+
The ''Defiant'' and [[Klingon]] [[General]] [[Martok]]'s {{IKS|Rotarran}} rendezvous and [[Worf]] and [[Jadzia Dax]] are reunited in the ''Defiant''{{'}}s [[mess hall]]. After a joyous hello, Worf reveals that he is upset that Dax has scheduled the ritual sacrifice of the [[targ]] to occur ''after'' their wedding feast. Dax gives in, saying, "''first we'll shed blood, and then we'll feast.''" When Martok points out that Worf wasn't talking about anything else in days, Dax puns, "''He's such a worrier.''". As Worf and Dax leave, [[Captain]] [[Benjamin Sisko]] suggests that they not break any bones, to which Dax only responds with the crossing of her fingers. Bashir enters and says they've been ordered to [[Starbase 375]], and he has word of the Seventh Fleet's engagement in the [[Tyra system]]: out of 112 ships, only fourteen ships have returned. "''We can't keep taking these kinds of losses sir, not if we expect to win this!''" Bashir exclaims to Sisko. Sisko quietly thanks the doctor and tells him that will be all. After Bashir leaves with Martok to treat his arm, an angry Sisko slams his fist on a tabletop, breaking the glass.
   
 
=== Act One ===
 
=== Act One ===
  +
[[File:Dukat and weyoun.jpg|thumb|left|Allies: Dukat and Weyoun argue about the occupation]]
[[File:Dukat and weyoun9.jpg|thumb|left|Allies: Dukat and Weyoun argue about the occupation]]On Deep Space 9, now renamed [[Terok Nor]], [[Gul]] [[Dukat]] narrates a log entry, quite pleased with how the war is going. Reports of victories arrive daily and with the enemy retreating on nearly every front, "it is a good time for [[Cardassia]]... and the Dominion." [[Weyoun]] is happy that life seems to be returning to normal on the station. [[Kira Nerys|Kira]] wants [[Bajoran]] security returned to the station, but Dukat is concerned about the implications of allowing armed Bajorans on board. Weyoun is disturbed by the way Dukat seems to be undermining the Dominion's position because of his antipathy towards the Bajorans. Weyoun demands to be included in all decisions on station policy henceforth. Further, Weyoun is impatient with Dukat's slow progress on clearing the [[minefield]] that is blocking the [[Bajoran wormhole|wormhole]], preventing Dominion reinforcements from getting through from the [[Gamma Quadrant]]. Dukat complains that destroying these [[self-replicating mine]]s is difficult because when you destroy one, its neighbor replicates another, but assures Weyoun that he ''will'' get it done.
+
On the reclaimed [[Terok Nor]], [[Gul]] [[Dukat]] narrates a log entry, quite pleased with how the war is going. Reports of victories arrive daily and with the enemy retreating on nearly every front, "it is a good time for [[Cardassia]]&hellip; and the Dominion." [[Weyoun 5|Weyoun]] is happy that life seems to be returning to normal on the station. [[Kira Nerys|Kira]] wants [[Bajoran]] security returned to the station, but Dukat is concerned about the implications of allowing armed Bajorans on board. Weyoun is disturbed by the way Dukat seems to be undermining the Dominion's position because of his antipathy towards the Bajorans, but lets the matter rest for the moment. After Kira leaves, Weyoun demands [[Damar]] leave and then, to Dukat, to be included in all decisions on station policy henceforth. Further, Weyoun is impatient with Dukat's slow progress on clearing the [[minefield]] that is blocking the [[Bajoran wormhole|wormhole]], preventing Dominion reinforcements from getting through from the [[Gamma Quadrant]]. Dukat complains that destroying these [[self-replicating mine]]s is difficult because when they attempt to destroy one, its neighbor replicates another, but assures Weyoun that he ''will'' eventually get it done.
   
In [[Quark's]], business is looking up again; [[Cardassian]]s ring the gaming tables, though [[Quark]] also has to contend with several tables of [[Jem'Hadar]], who do not eat, drink, or relax, but just sit, looking baleful. At the bar, Quark gives Kira a complimentary drink as she and Odo are discussing the Occupation. Quark says that as occupations go, this one's not so bad. Kira acidly says that must be true for someone concerned solely with profit, but Quark reminds her that all three of them have vivid memories of the horrible conditions for Bajorans on the station during the [[Occupation of Bajor|last occupation]], which are not present this time. Quark admits that he wants the Federation back as much as they do, but encourages them that "things could be a lot worse." Odo reluctantly agrees that the Dominion is (for the moment) treating Bajor as a friend. Kira asks, if that's true, why are there no Bajoran security officers on the station?
+
In [[Quark's Bar, Grill, Gaming House and Holosuite Arcade|Quark's]], business is looking up again; [[Cardassian]]s ring the gaming tables, though [[Quark]] also has to contend with several tables of [[Jem'Hadar]], who do not eat, drink, or relax, but just sit, looking baleful. At the bar, Quark gives Kira a complimentary drink as she and Odo are discussing the Occupation. Quark says that as occupations go, this one's not so bad. Kira acidly says that must be true for someone concerned solely with [[profit]] and monthly balance sheets, but Quark reminds her that all three of them have vivid memories of the horrible conditions for Bajorans on the station during the [[Occupation of Bajor|last occupation]], none of which are present this time. Quark admits that he wants the Federation back as much as they do but encourages them to keep in mind that "''things could be a lot worse.''" Odo reluctantly agrees and that the Dominion is (for the moment) treating Bajor as a friend. Kira asks, if that's true, why are there no Bajoran security officers on the station?
   
After the ''Defiant''{{'}}s arrival at [[Starbase 375]], [[Admiral]] [[William Ross]] surprises Sisko by relieving him of command of the ''Defiant'', and tells Sisko that he'll be informed of his new assignment later.
+
After the ''Defiant''{{'}}s arrival at Starbase 375, [[Admiral]] [[William Ross]] surprises Sisko by informing him he has a new office on the [[starbase]] and he is relieving him of command of the ''Defiant''. Ross tells Sisko that he'll be informed of his new assignment later.
   
 
=== Act Two ===
 
=== Act Two ===
While waiting, Sisko contacts his father [[Joseph Sisko|Joseph]] in [[New Orleans]], [[Earth]]. His father is upset that his grandson [[Jake Sisko|Jake]] is still on Deep Space 9. Sisko says that staying behind was Jake's choice, but the elder Sisko doesn't care about this. Benjamin promises his father that he'll get Jake back soon. Benjamin's father asks if things are as bad as the news services say. Sisko says they're worse.
+
While waiting, Sisko contacts his father [[Joseph Sisko|Joseph]] in [[New Orleans]], [[Earth]]. His father is very upset that his grandson [[Jake Sisko|Jake]] is still on Deep Space 9, and a heated argument arises. Sisko says that staying behind was Jake's choice, but the elder Sisko doesn't care about this. Benjamin promises his father that he'll get Jake back soon. Joseph then asks if things are as bad as the news services say. Sisko says they're worse. Joseph wonders how, if space is so infinite and vast why people can't just leave each other alone. Sisko admits that it should work that way, but it just doesn't. Joseph needs to get back to his customers but begs his son to get Jake back and the two convey their love for the other.
   
Meanwhile on Terok Nor, Jake wants an interview with Weyoun, but learns that Weyoun has been censoring his [[Federation News Service]] articles by blocking Jake's transmissions. Weyoun explains that he thinks Jake's reporting is biased against the Dominion, using words like "occupation". Weyoun says that if Jake starts reporting fairly, Weyoun will allow Jake's transmissions to go through.
+
Meanwhile on Terok Nor, Jake wants an interview with Weyoun, but learns that Weyoun has been censoring his [[Federation News Service]] articles by blocking Jake's transmissions. Weyoun explains that he thinks Jake's reporting is biased against the Dominion, using words like "occupying force". Jake objects, but Weyoun refuses the interview for now. However, he invites Jake to keep writing with the bias in mind, and he will continue to read his articles and consider allowing his transmissions to go through.
   
Back at Starbase 375, Ross reveals Sisko's and the ''Defiant'' crew's new assignment. They're to destroy the Dominion's main [[ketracel-white]] storage depot in the [[Alpha Quadrant]], located deep in Dominion territory. They'll use the Jem'Hadar ship Sisko captured last year to infiltrate Dominion space. ({{DS9|The Ship}})
+
Back at Starbase 375, Ross reveals Sisko's and the ''Defiant'' crew's new assignment. They're to destroy the Dominion's main [[ketracel-white]] storage facility in the [[Alpha Quadrant]], located deep in Dominion territory. Instead of the ''Defiant'', they're to use [[Sisko's attack ship|the Jem'Hadar attack ship]] Sisko [[The Ship (episode)|captured last year]] to infiltrate Dominion space. "''Do you even know how to fly that thing?''" Bashir asks Sisko. The captain responds, "''Not yet &ndash; but I intend to learn.''"
   
 
=== Act Three ===
 
=== Act Three ===
Two weeks later, while on board preparing for departure, the crew starts to complain about the "design flaws" of the Jem'Hadar ship: no chairs, no food replicators, no viewscreen on the bridge, and no infirmary. Garak joins the crew at Sisko's invitation, as his knowledge of Cardassian space and Cardassian contacts may be useful.
+
Two weeks later, while on board preparing for departure, the crew starts to complain about the "design flaws" of the Jem'Hadar ship: no [[chair]]s, no food [[replicator]]s, no [[viewscreen]] on the bridge, and no [[infirmary]]. Garak joins the crew at Sisko's invitation, as his knowledge of [[Cardassian space]] and Cardassian contacts may be useful. They are cleared to leave, and Sisko, putting on the [[virtual sensory display]], orders the ship to be taken out and to head for the [[Federation-Cardassian border|Cardassian border]] at [[warp drive|warp]] six.
   
[[File:Kira and odo in quarks9.jpg|thumb|Seems like old times: Kira and Odo discuss the Dominion's occupation in Quark's Bar]]
+
[[File:Kira and odo in quarks.jpg|thumb|Seems like old times: Kira and Odo discuss the Dominion's occupation in Quark's Bar]]
On Terok Nor, Dukat, ensconced in Captain Sisko's office, wants to spend more time with Kira. Kira is disgusted by Dukat, and slaps his hand away when he reaches for her face.
+
On Terok Nor, Dukat is ensconced in Captain Sisko's office and is amusing himself by playing with Sisko's {{dis|baseball|object}}. Dukat wants to spend more time with Kira, so calls for her, noting their only interactions have been for station business. Kira is disgusted by Dukat, and tries to leave, but Dukat pulls rank. When asked, she says he betrayed everyone, including his own people by joining the Dominion. He tries to convince her of the dire situation he was faced with, saying Cardassia was a third-rate power. He says he's getting the Alpha Quadrant in return for the high price he's paid, but Kira is skeptical that will happen. Dukat says he's patient with her, and clearly expects an [[intimate relationship]] at some point. She soon slaps his hand away when he reaches for her face. Then, he lets her leave and spins Sisko's baseball on the desk.
   
Sisko's Jem'Hadar ship, ''en route'' to Dominion space, is discovered by the {{USS|Centaur}} captained by [[Charlie Reynolds]], an officer Sisko is acquainted with. Just as they are about to cross the [[Cardassian border]], the ''Centaur'' fires on them.
+
Sisko's Jem'Hadar ship, en route to Dominion space, Sisko is having trouble with the headset as it is inducing a migraine. Garak offers to wear the other one, reasoning that as Dukat was wearing one during the [[Second Battle of Deep Space 9|Dominion attack on Deep Space Nine]] the device is more compatible with Cardassian physiology. Soon, the ship is discovered by the {{USS|Centaur}} captained by [[Charlie Reynolds]], an officer Sisko is acquainted with. Just as they are about to cross the Cardassian border, the ''Centaur'' fires on them.
   
 
=== Act Four ===
 
=== Act Four ===
Sisko orders Dax to fire back, targeting the ''Centaur''{{'}}s weapons array only. Luckily, three Jem'Hadar ships enter the fray and the ''Centaur'' warps away.
+
With the communication system down, Sisko orders Dax to make a run for the border. However, the ''Centaur'' is still on them, damaging a guidance thruster. Sisko orders Dax to fire back, targeting the ''Centaur''{{'}}s weapons array only. Luckily, three Jem'Hadar ships enter the fray and the ''Centaur'' warps away. The Jem'Hadar ships don't acknowledge them, and instead chase the ''Centaur.'' Although unhappy about leaving Captain Reynolds and his crew to fight off the three ships on his own, they still have a mission to perform so must continue on.
   
In order to return Bajoran security to the station, Kira urges Odo to take advantage of his [[god]] status as a [[changeling]] with Weyoun. Odo is very uncomfortable with this, but agrees. When Odo presents his demand to Weyoun, he immediately agrees: ''"Consider it done."'' Dukat objects, but Weyoun tells Dukat to keep out of it. It is strictly between Weyoun and Odo. But Weyoun asks Odo for a favor in return: he asks Odo to sit on the station's [[Ruling Council]], along with Weyoun and Dukat. When Odo tells Kira about Weyoun's request, she is concerned that Weyoun may be using Odo to validate the Dominion's occupation. Odo says he that he thought ''we'' were using ''them'', and besides, he's walked this fine line before. Kira remains uneasy.
+
In order to return Bajoran security to the station, Kira urges Odo to take advantage of his [[god]] status as a [[Changeling]] with Weyoun. Odo is very uncomfortable with this, but reluctantly agrees. When Odo presents his demand to Weyoun, he immediately agrees: "''Consider it done.''" Dukat objects, but Weyoun tells Dukat to keep out of it. It is strictly between Weyoun and Odo. But Weyoun asks Odo for a favor in return: he asks Odo to sit on the station's [[Ruling Council]], along with Weyoun and Dukat. When Odo tells Kira about Weyoun's request, she is concerned that Weyoun may be using Odo to validate the Dominion's occupation. Odo says he thought that ''we'' were using ''them'', and besides, he has walked this fine line before. Kira remains uneasy.
   
Meanwhile, Sisko's Jem'Hadar ship arrives at the ketracel-white storage facility, which is built into a small asteroid. After they observe another ship go through the exchange process, Garak requests 84 canisters of ketracel-white. O'Brien says he has 83 empty canisters standing by, and one not-so-empty one which is filled with ninety [[isoton]]s of enriched [[ultritium]]. This should be enough to take out the whole storage facility. Sisko's ship moves to inside the depot's security zone. O'Brien sets the detonator for three minutes. After the exchange of (mostly) empty canisters for canisters full of white takes place, Garak asks the facility for clearance to leave. Instead, the facility raises their [[security net]], trapping Sisko's ship inside, while the bomb is still ticking.
+
Meanwhile, Sisko's Jem'Hadar ship arrives at the ketracel-white storage facility, which is built into a small asteroid. After they observe another ship go through the exchange process, Garak requests 84 canisters of ketracel-white. O'Brien says he has 83 empty canisters standing by, and one not-so-empty one which is filled with ninety [[isoton]]s of enriched [[ultritium]]. This should be enough to take out the whole storage facility. Sisko's ship moves inside into the depot's security zone. O'Brien sets the detonator for three minutes. After the exchange of (mostly) empty canisters for canisters full of white takes place, Garak asks the facility for clearance to leave. Instead, the facility raises their [[security net]], trapping Sisko's ship inside, while the bomb is still ticking.
   
 
=== Act Five ===
 
=== Act Five ===
  +
[[File:Sisko's Jem'Hadar attack ship escaping explosion.jpg|thumb|left|Sisko's captured Jem'Hadar ship narrowly escapes]]
[[File:Siskos jem hadar ship1.jpg|thumb|left|Sisko's captured Jem'Hadar ship narrowly escapes]]The facility orders Sisko's ship to stand by. The crew concludes that if they stay inside the net the bomb will destroy the ship along with the depot. The explosion ''will'' also take out the security net. But if they attempt to escape too early, they'll smash into the inside of the security net before it comes down. Dax and Bashir calculate that if the ship goes to impulse exactly 1.3 seconds before the bomb detonates, they will avoid both the explosion and the security net. Dax programs this into the computer and hands the piloting controls over to it.
+
The facility orders Sisko's ship to stand by. The crew concludes that if they stay inside the net the bomb will destroy the ship along with the depot. The explosion ''will'' also take out the security net. But if they attempt to escape too early, they'll smash into the inside of the security net before it comes down. Dax and Bashir calculate that if the ship goes to impulse exactly 1.3 seconds before the bomb detonates, they will avoid both the explosion and the security net. Dax programs this into the computer and hands the piloting controls over to it.
   
 
[[File:DS9 crew in trouble.jpg|thumb|The crew finds out that they have a ''long'' journey back to Federation space]]
 
[[File:DS9 crew in trouble.jpg|thumb|The crew finds out that they have a ''long'' journey back to Federation space]]
But the bomb goes off early. Dax takes back helm control and gets the ship out of there. The Jem'Hadar ship barely makes it out, the huge explosion chasing at its tail. But they survive, and the plan worked. The ship suffered heavy damage however. The core matrix is fried, there's no warp drive. Bashir informs everyone that the closest [[Federation]] starbase is "seventeen years, two months, and three days away &ndash; give or take an hour." Sisko's Jem'Hadar attack ship, now without warp capacity, starts the long journey back.
+
But the bomb goes off early. Dax takes back helm control and gets the ship out of there. The Jem'Hadar ship barely makes it out, the huge explosion chasing at its tail. But they survive, and the plan worked. The ship suffered heavy damage, however. The core matrix is fried and there is no warp drive. Bashir informs everyone that the closest [[Federation]] starbase is "seventeen years, two months, and three days away &ndash; give or take an hour." Sisko's crippled Jem'Hadar attack ship, now without warp capacity, starts the long journey back.
  +
 
=== Log entries ===
  +
* [[Permanent documentation file]]
   
 
== Memorable quotes ==
 
== Memorable quotes ==
 
"''What about freedom of the press?''"<br />
 
"''What about freedom of the press?''"<br />
"''Please tell me you're not that naive.''"
+
"''Please tell me you're not that naïve.''"
 
: - '''Jake Sisko''' and '''Weyoun'''
 
: - '''Jake Sisko''' and '''Weyoun'''
 
 
  +
  +
"''My dear Major Kira, you have no idea how it pleases me to hear you say that.'' (Dukat and Damar enter) ''Dukat, the Major has just given me the most wonderful news. Bajorans are returning to the station.''"<br />
  +
"''I'm well aware of that.''"<br />
  +
"''Then I'm sure you share my delight in knowing that life here is returning to normal. The shops are reopening, the Promenade is abuzz with activity once again, the habitat ring echoes with the laughter of happy children!''"<br />
  +
"''I've doubled security patrols throughout the station.''"
 
: - '''Weyoun''', '''Dukat''', and '''Damar'''
  +
  +
  +
"''You enjoy [[Ketracel-white|that]], don't you? That constant reminder that you're [[Jem'Hadar|their]] master.''"<br />
  +
"''The Founders are the masters; I am merely their servant. As are the Jem'Hadar. And ''you."<br />
  +
"''That may be, but even amongst servants, someone has to be in charge, hm?''"<br />
  +
(chuckle) "''That is exactly the kind of observation I've come to expect from you, Dukat. Interesting, yet somewhat&hellip; petty.''"
  +
: - '''Dukat '''and '''Weyoun'''
  +
   
 
"''How do I explain that I evacuated every Federation citizen off Deep Space 9, except his grandson?''"<br />
 
"''How do I explain that I evacuated every Federation citizen off Deep Space 9, except his grandson?''"<br />
 
"''You'll figure something out.''"
 
"''You'll figure something out.''"
: - '''Ben Sisko''' and '''Jadzia Dax'''
+
: - '''Benjamin Sisko''' and '''Jadzia Dax'''
   
   
Line 94: Line 91:
   
   
"''What is it Worf? What's wrong?''"<br />
+
"''What is it, Worf? What's wrong?''"<br />
 
"''It is about our wedding.''"<br />
 
"''It is about our wedding.''"<br />
 
"''You're getting cold feet?''"<br />
 
"''You're getting cold feet?''"<br />
Line 100: Line 97:
 
"''We haven't seen each other in five weeks, and that's the first thing you say to me?''"<br />
 
"''We haven't seen each other in five weeks, and that's the first thing you say to me?''"<br />
 
"''We agreed it would be a traditional ceremony.''"<br />
 
"''We agreed it would be a traditional ceremony.''"<br />
(Sighs) "''Okay, have it your way. First we'll shed blood, then we'll feast.''"<br />
+
(Sighs) "''Okay, have it your way. First, we'll shed blood, then we'll feast.''"<br />
 
"''As it should be.''"<br />
 
"''As it should be.''"<br />
 
: - '''Jadzia''' and '''Worf'''
 
: - '''Jadzia''' and '''Worf'''
   
   
"''We've received word of the Seventh Fleet.''"<br />
+
"''I have news of the Seventh Fleet.''"<br />
 
"''Go on.''"<br />
 
"''Go on.''"<br />
 
"''Only fourteen ships made it back to our lines.''"<br />
 
"''Only fourteen ships made it back to our lines.''"<br />
"''Fourteen... out of a hundred and twelve!''"
+
"''Fourteen&hellip; out of a hundred and twelve!''"<br />
  +
"''We can't afford to take these kinds of losses, sir, not if we expect to win this!!''"<br />
: - '''Julian Bashir''', '''Benjamin Sisko''' and '''Martok'''
 
  +
"''Go on.''"<br />
  +
: - '''Julian Bashir''', '''Benjamin Sisko''', and '''Martok'''
   
   
"''You're not genetically engineered... you're a Vulcan!''"
+
"''You're not genetically engineered&hellip; you're a [[Vulcan]]!''"
 
: - '''Elim Garak''', to Julian Bashir
 
: - '''Elim Garak''', to Julian Bashir
   
   
"''[[Permanent documentation file]], Dukat, S.G. Each day brings reports of new victories. The war continues to go well. The enemy is retreating on almost all fronts. It's only a matter of time before the Federation collapses and Earth becomes another conquered planet under Dominion rule. All in all, it's a good time for Cardassia. And the Dominion.''"
+
"''[[Permanent documentation file]], Dukat, S.G. Each day brings reports of new victories. The war continues to go well. The enemy is retreating on almost all fronts. It's only a matter of time before the Federation collapses and Earth becomes another conquered planet under Dominion rule. All in all, it's a good time for Cardassia&hellip;''and'' the Dominion.''"
 
: - '''Dukat'''
 
: - '''Dukat'''
   
Line 122: Line 121:
 
"''I never expected to say this, but as occupations go, this one's not so bad.''"<br />
 
"''I never expected to say this, but as occupations go, this one's not so bad.''"<br />
 
"''No, I suppose that's true if all you're worried about is a monthly balance sheet.''"<br />
 
"''No, I suppose that's true if all you're worried about is a monthly balance sheet.''"<br />
"''I'm not just concerned with profit, major. Look around. Do you see any ghetto fences dividing the Promenade? Or exhausted Bajoran slave laborers sprawled on the ground after a grueling day in the ore processing center? Do you hear the cries of starving children? I don't. Now don't get me wrong, I miss the Federation, too. All I'm saying is, things could be a lot worse.''"<br />
+
"''I'm not just concerned with profit, Major. Look around. Do you see any ghetto fences dividing the Promenade? Or exhausted Bajoran slave laborers sprawled on the ground after a grueling day in the ore processing center? Do you hear the cries of starving children? I don't. Now don't get me wrong, I miss the Federation, too. All I'm saying is, things could be a lot worse.''"
 
: - '''Quark''' and '''Major Kira'''
 
: - '''Quark''' and '''Major Kira'''
   
Line 128: Line 127:
 
"''You know, there's something I just don't understand. You're always telling me that space is big, that it's an endless frontier, filled with infinite wonders.''"<br />
 
"''You know, there's something I just don't understand. You're always telling me that space is big, that it's an endless frontier, filled with infinite wonders.''"<br />
 
"''It's true.''"<br />
 
"''It's true.''"<br />
"''If that's the case, you would think there'd be more than enough room to allow people to'' leave each other alone.''"<br />
+
"''If that's the case, you would think there'd be more than enough room to allow people to'' leave each other alone.''"<br />''
"''It just doesn't work that way... It ''should''. But it doesn't.''"
+
"''It just doesn't work that way&hellip; It ''should''. But it doesn't.''"
:- '''[[Joseph Sisko|Joseph]]''' and '''[[Benjamin Sisko]]'''
+
: - '''Joseph''' and '''Benjamin Sisko'''
   
   
  +
"''So&hellip; you feel I've betrayed you.''"<br />
"''Cardassia was on the edge of an abyss, major. The war with the Klingons left us a third rate power. My people had lost their ways. I've made them strong again.''"<br />
 
  +
"''Not just me. Everyone&hellip; even your own people.''"<br />
 
"''Cardassia was on the edge of an abyss, Major. The war with the Klingons left us a third-rate power. My people had lost their ways. I've made them strong again.''"<br />
 
"''At what price? You sold Cardassia to the Dominion!''"<br />
 
"''At what price? You sold Cardassia to the Dominion!''"<br />
"''A high price, to be sure. But look what we're getting in return: the Alpha Quadrant itself.''"<br />
+
"''A high price, to be sure. But look what we're getting in return: the Alpha Quadrant itself.''"
 
: - '''Dukat''' and '''Kira Nerys'''
 
: - '''Dukat''' and '''Kira Nerys'''
   
Line 147: Line 148:
   
   
"''I've invited Mister Garak to join us. Considering we're going into Cardassian territory, he might prove useful."''<br />
+
"''I've invited Mr. Garak to join us. Considering we're going into Cardassian territory, he might prove useful."''<br />
 
"''It's been known to happen.''"
 
"''It's been known to happen.''"
 
: - '''Sisko''' and '''Garak'''
 
: - '''Sisko''' and '''Garak'''
Line 153: Line 154:
   
 
"''It's like having a viewscreen inside your brain.''"
 
"''It's like having a viewscreen inside your brain.''"
: - '''Garak''', about the virtual display device
+
: - '''Garak''', about the virtual sensory display
   
   
 
"''I hope whoever is in charge down there hasn't taken a lunch break.''"
 
"''I hope whoever is in charge down there hasn't taken a lunch break.''"
: - '''Nog''', a few moments before beaming the canisters down.
+
: - '''Nog''', a few moments before beaming the canisters down, along with a bomb set for three minutes.
   
   
  +
"''Are things really as bad as the news service claims?''"<br />
  +
"''Maybe worse.''"<br />
  +
"''Well, you certainly know how to comfort a frightened old man.''"<br />
 
"''You didn't raise me to be a liar.''"<br />
 
"''You didn't raise me to be a liar.''"<br />
"''I ''raised'' you to be a chef, for all the good it did me!''"<br />
+
"''I ''raised'' you to be a chef, for all the good it did me.''"<br />
: - '''Benjamin Sisko''' and '''Joseph Sisko'''
+
: - '''Joseph Sisko''' and '''Benjamin Sisko'''
   
   
"''How bad is it, chief?''"<br />
+
"''How bad is it, Chief?''"<br />
"''Doesn't look good. Gonna have to switch to auxiliary life support. Deflectors are down, guidance system's shot and...''"<br />
+
"''Doesn't look good. Gonna have to switch to auxiliary life support. Deflectors are down, guidance system's shot and&hellip;''"<br />
 
"''And what?''"<br />
 
"''And what?''"<br />
 
"''The core matrix is fried. We don't have warp drive.''"<br />
 
"''The core matrix is fried. We don't have warp drive.''"<br />
Line 182: Line 186:
 
== Background information ==
 
== Background information ==
 
=== The six-episode arc ===
 
=== The six-episode arc ===
* The original plan for the multi-episode arc was that it would encompass the entirety of the [[Dominion War]]; as [[Ronald D. Moore]] explains, "''The initial thinking was that we would end [[DS9 Season 5|Season 5]] on a cliff-hanger with the [[Federation]] plunged into war, and then we would come back and do a multi-episode arc, and the war would last that long''." Originally, the arc was going to be four episodes, but [[Ira Steven Behr]] extended it to five, and eventually to six. (''[[Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Companion]]'')
+
* The original plan for the multi-episode arc was that it would encompass the entirety of the [[Dominion War]]; as [[Ronald D. Moore]] explains, "''The initial thinking was that we would end [[DS9 Season 5|Season 5]] on a cliff-hanger with the [[Federation]] plunged into war, and then we would come back and do a multi-episode arc, and the war would last that long''." Originally, the arc was going to be four episodes, but [[Ira Steven Behr]] extended it to five, and eventually to six. ({{ds9c|486}})
* Of the somewhat controversial decision to have the show go semi-serialized, [[Rick Berman]] argues, "''I think the potential for the serialization &ndash; or ''near''-serialization &ndash; of the show was always there. If you're on a spaceship, as in ''[[Star Trek: Voyager|Voyager]]'' or ''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation|The Next Generation]]'' or ''[[Star Trek: The Original Series|The Original Series]]'', you have your family of people who go off and meet aliens every week. But ''[[Star Trek: Deep Space Nine|Deep Space Nine]]'' was conceived as a stationary show. It took place on a space station, and we found ourselves developing dozens of ancillary characters, secondary characters, and recurring characters. And because we remained there, those characters kept coming back. So once you have the tapestry of all of these different characters, and you had all of these different stories that were kind of weaving in and out, I think it sort of begged for more of a serialized format. And the fact that the [[Dominion War]] became such a major part of the last two seasons really contributed to the feeling of serialization''." (''[[Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Companion]]'')
+
* Of the somewhat controversial decision to have the show go semi-serialized, [[Rick Berman]] argues, "''I think the potential for the serialization &ndash; or ''near''-serialization &ndash; of the show was always there. If you're on a spaceship, as in ''[[VOY|Voyager]]'' or ''[[The Next Generation]]'' or ''[[The Original Series]]'', you have your family of people who go off and meet aliens every week. But ''[[Star Trek: Deep Space Nine|Deep Space Nine]]'' was conceived as a stationary show. It took place on a space station, and we found ourselves developing dozens of ancillary characters, secondary characters, and recurring characters. And because we remained there, those characters kept coming back. So once you have the tapestry of all of these different characters, and you had all of these different stories that were kind of weaving in and out, I think it sort of begged for more of a serialized format. And the fact that the [[Dominion War]] became such a major part of the last two seasons really contributed to the feeling of serialization''." ({{ds9c|475}})
* Despite the inevitability of the show becoming serialized, the decision to do a multi-episode arc at the beginning of the season was not one that was taken lightly. As [[Hans Beimler]] explains, "''This was big, a really big thing for us. Because even though we had done some strange things over the course of the show, we never had attempted a six-episode arc. In the history of ''[[Star Trek]]'', it never had been done. None of us came from series where you did that, so it was a new experience for all of us. And there was a learning curve. But it showed us the possibilities and the excitement that could be garnered, and in the end, we liked it so much that we decided to do the ten-episode arc at the end of the series''." Similarly, [[Ira Steven Behr]] says, "''There was some hesitation over whether it was a valid direction for us to take, about whether we were pushing the envelope a little too far. But ultimately everyone agreed that it was tremendously successful, and one of the best things the show ever did''." (''[[Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Companion]]'')
+
* Despite the inevitability of the show becoming serialized, the decision to do a multi-episode arc at the beginning of the season was not one that was taken lightly. As [[Hans Beimler]] explains, "''This was big, a really big thing for us. Because even though we had done some strange things over the course of the show, we never had attempted a six-episode arc. In the history of ''[[Star Trek]]'', it never had been done. None of us came from series where you did that, so it was a new experience for all of us. And there was a learning curve. But it showed us the possibilities and the excitement that could be garnered, and in the end, we liked it so much that we decided to do the ten-episode arc at the end of the series''." Similarly, [[Ira Steven Behr]] says, "''There was some hesitation over whether it was a valid direction for us to take, about whether we were pushing the envelope a little too far. But ultimately everyone agreed that it was tremendously successful, and one of the best things the show ever did''." ({{ds9c|486}})
* Of the process of writing the six-episode arc, [[Ronald D. Moore]] explains, "''We broke the six episodes together, but as everybody went off and worked on writing them, things would start to change or shift. It became a much more interactive process than it ever had been before. Because each detail had a domino effect. We'd had that happen before, to a certain extent, but we'd never done this many episodes with this many continuing storylines as a ''single piece''. We weren't used to the rhythm. It was definitely challenging''!" Similarly, [[Hans Beimler]] points out, "''It changed the dynamic of the way we work and it changed the kind of involvement that everybody had. Because [[René Echevarria]] or [[Ronald D. Moore]] would go away to work on an episode, and discover something in the writing process that was going to change everybody ''else''{{'}}s script. One of them would be coming back all the time saying, 'You know what guys? We need to rethink.' And then we'd call in all the troops and rethink the storyline''." [[Ira Steven Behr]] says essentially the same thing; "''The guys were coming in saying, 'What are you writing?' 'Are we gonna do this?' 'Where's Kira at right now?' 'What's Odo doing?' There were a lot of phone calls, a lot of running into each other's offices, a lot of 'Should this go before this?' and 'Wait a second &ndash; does this track?' The fact is, the show isn't geared to work like that''." (''[[Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Companion]]'')
+
* Of the process of writing the six-episode arc, [[Ronald D. Moore]] explains, "''We broke the six episodes together, but as everybody went off and worked on writing them, things would start to change or shift. It became a much more interactive process than it ever had been before. Because each detail had a domino effect. We'd had that happen before, to a certain extent, but we'd never done this many episodes with this many continuing storylines as a ''single piece''. We weren't used to the rhythm. It was definitely challenging''!" Similarly, [[Hans Beimler]] points out, "''It changed the dynamic of the way we work and it changed the kind of involvement that everybody had. Because [[René Echevarria]] or [[Ronald D. Moore]] would go away to work on an episode, and discover something in the writing process that was going to change everybody ''else''{{'}}s script. One of them would be coming back all the time saying, 'You know what guys? We need to rethink.' And then we'd call in all the troops and rethink the storyline''." [[Ira Steven Behr]] says essentially the same thing; "''The guys were coming in saying, 'What are you writing?' 'Are we gonna do this?' 'Where's Kira at right now?' 'What's Odo doing?' There were a lot of phone calls, a lot of running into each other's offices, a lot of 'Should this go before this?' and 'Wait a second &ndash; does this track?' The fact is, the show isn't geared to work like that''." ({{ds9c|476|486|&}})
   
 
=== "A Time to Stand" ===
 
=== "A Time to Stand" ===
*The opening shot of "A Time to Stand", featuring the retreating flotilla of Starfleet vessels, was one of the last mass scenes entirely composed of footage of physical [[studio model]]s, save for the [[CGI]] USS ''Defiant''. To beef out the scene, the production staff built several new ships, [[Studio model#Kit-bash|kitbash]]ing them out of parts from commercially available [[AMT/Ertl]], and [[Revell-Monogram]] [[Star Trek model kits|''Star Trek'' model kits]]. Regarding the names of the new ship types/classes seen in the scene, [[Mike Okuda]] has remarked, "''Those kitbashes were pretty much built and labeled at random. The [[:Category: Visual effects companies|VFX department]] put in a lot of extra time and effort into assembling those models, and they had a little fun with the names. (A few of us from the art department even lent a hand.) Some of the ships had authentic-sounding names, but most of them had gag names. One might reasonably argue that Starfleet might have named a bunch of their ships after historic figures whose names happened to be the same as several of the Star Trek visual effects department staff members. On the other hand, some of the ships had rather impolite names that Starfleet would (probably) not have approved on any of its ships. In any case, everyone worked so hard that I felt it would not be appropriate to attempt to impose "authentic" names or numbering, especially since there was no chance that any of it would be legible on screen.''" [http://flare.solareclipse.net/ultimatebb.php/topic/6/974/4.html#000045]
+
* The opening shot of "A Time to Stand", featuring the retreating flotilla of Starfleet vessels, was one of the last mass scenes entirely composed of footage of physical [[studio model]]s, save for the [[CGI]] USS ''Defiant''. To beef out the scene, the production staff built several new ships, [[Studio model#Kit-bash|kitbashing]] them out of parts from commercially available [[AMT/Ertl]], and [[Revell-Monogram]] [[Star Trek model kits|''Star Trek'' model kits]]. Regarding the names of the new ship types/classes seen in the scene, [[Mike Okuda]] has remarked, "''Those kitbashes were pretty much built and labeled at random. The [[:Category: Visual effects companies|VFX department]] put in a lot of extra time and effort into assembling those models, and they had a little fun with the names. (A few of us from the art department even lent a hand.) Some of the ships had authentic-sounding names, but most of them had gag names. One might reasonably argue that Starfleet might have named a bunch of their ships after historic figures whose names happened to be the same as several of the ''Star Trek'' visual effects department staff members. On the other hand, some of the ships had rather impolite names that Starfleet would (probably) not have approved on any of its ships. In any case, everyone worked so hard that I felt it would not be appropriate to attempt to impose "authentic" names or numbering, especially since there was no chance that any of it would be legible on screen.''" {{el|flare.solareclipse.net/ultimatebb.php/topic/6/974/4.html#000045}}
 
[[File:Ketracel white storage facility.jpg|thumb|[[John Eaves]] sketch of ketracel-white storage facility]]
 
[[File:Ketracel white storage facility.jpg|thumb|[[John Eaves]] sketch of ketracel-white storage facility]]
* It was important to the writers during the composition of this episode that it not be all about huge space battles, but that there also be an element of humanity to it. According to [[Ira Steven Behr]], "''We knew that going into the war would make it easy for us to fall into the 'hero' trap, where you concentrate on ''Star Wars''-type heroic space battles and stuff like that. But we really wanted to keep the ''human'' aspect of the pain of war. So we included a human moment: the concerned father talking to his son''." (''[[Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Companion]]'')
+
* It was important to the writers during the composition of this episode that it not be all about huge space battles, but that there also be an element of humanity to it. According to [[Ira Steven Behr]], "''We knew that going into the war would make it easy for us to fall into the 'hero' trap, where you concentrate on ''Star Wars''-type heroic space battles and stuff like that. But we really wanted to keep the ''human'' aspect of the pain of war. So we included a Human moment: the concerned father talking to his son.''" ({{ds9c|488}})
* [[Barry Jenner]] makes his first appearance as [[Admiral]] [[William Ross]] in this episode. After Jenner finished shooting, [[Ira Steven Behr]] took him aside and said, "''We've had other admirals on this show. We're glad we've found you. Sorry it took five years''!" Behr also says of Jenner, "''He brings a ''gravitas'' to the role, and yet you can see there's a man behind the uniform. I think that Barry Jenner is one of the unsung heroes of the show, one of the pieces of the puzzle that might not be readily apparent to the audience. But he's part of the glue that makes our job easier''." (''[[Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Companion]]'')
+
* [[Barry Jenner]] makes his first appearance as [[Admiral]] [[William Ross]] in this episode. After Jenner finished shooting, [[Ira Steven Behr]] took him aside and said, "''We've had other admirals on this show. We're glad we've found you. Sorry it took five years!''" ({{ds9c|477}}) Behr also says of Jenner, "''He brings a ''gravitas'' to the role, and yet you can see there's a man behind the uniform. I think that Barry Jenner is one of the unsung heroes of the show, one of the pieces of the puzzle that might not be readily apparent to the audience. But he's part of the glue that makes our job easier.''" ({{ds9c|496|497}})
* The writers created the short scene between [[Worf]] and [[Jadzia Dax]] because they were worried that no matter what they did for the seventh episode of the season, it was going to seem weak compared to the multi-episode arc which preceded it. As such, they decided early on to have the wedding in the seventh episode, so they decided to 'remind' viewers of that particular story thread here, and also to indicate to people that things ''will'' be happening even when the arc is over. (''[[Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Companion]]'')
+
* The writers created the short scene between [[Worf]] and [[Jadzia Dax]] because they were worried that no matter what they did for the seventh episode of the season, it was going to seem weak compared to the multi-episode arc which preceded it. As such, they decided early on to have the wedding in the seventh episode, so they decided to 'remind' viewers of that particular story thread here, and also to indicate to people that things ''will'' be happening even when the arc is over. ({{ds9c|488}})
* This episode serves as another chapter in the on-going Kira/Dukat arc which began in the [[DS9 Season 2|second season]] episode {{e|The Maquis, Part II}}. After it became apparent that Dukat was attracted to Kira in {{e|Civil Defense}}, they briefly worked together in the episodes {{e|Indiscretion}} and {{e|Return to Grace}}, before Dukat came to blame Kira for [[Tora Ziyal|Ziyal]]'s friendship with [[Elim Garak|Garak]] in {{e|In Purgatory's Shadow}}. In "A Time to Stand", Dukat's seemingly blind attraction to Kira is very much to the fore, but so too is Kira's repulsion towards his advances. Dukat would briefly win her over in {{e|Sons and Daughters}}, but Kira would ultimately come to the realization that she wants nothing to do with him.
+
* This episode serves as another chapter in the on-going Kira/Dukat arc which began in the [[DS9 Season 2|second season]] episode {{e|The Maquis, Part II}}. After it became apparent that Dukat was attracted to Kira in {{e|Civil Defense}}, they briefly worked together in the episodes {{e|Indiscretion}} and {{e|Return to Grace}}, before Dukat came to blame Kira for [[Tora Ziyal|Ziyal]]'s friendship with [[Elim Garak|Garak]] in {{e|In Purgatory's Shadow}}. In "A Time to Stand", Dukat's seemingly blind attraction to Kira is very much to the fore, but so too is Kira's revulsion towards his advances. Kira appears momentarily conflicted in {{e|Sons and Daughters}} as to whether she can tolerate Dukat for the good of Dukat's daughter, Ziyal, but she ultimately comes to the realization that she wants nothing to do with him and helps to found an active resistance movement against his regime.
 
[[File:Brandon Tartikoff memorial.jpg|thumb|The tribute to Brandon Tartikoff]]
 
[[File:Brandon Tartikoff memorial.jpg|thumb|The tribute to Brandon Tartikoff]]
 
* The episode is dedicated to the memory of [[Brandon Tartikoff]], the former [[Chairman]] of [[Paramount Pictures]], who died in [[August 1997]]. It was Tartikoff who originally approached [[Rick Berman]] about doing a new ''[[Star Trek]]'' series, and it was Tartikoff's idea to do a stationary show, as opposed to one on a [[starship]].
 
* The episode is dedicated to the memory of [[Brandon Tartikoff]], the former [[Chairman]] of [[Paramount Pictures]], who died in [[August 1997]]. It was Tartikoff who originally approached [[Rick Berman]] about doing a new ''[[Star Trek]]'' series, and it was Tartikoff's idea to do a stationary show, as opposed to one on a [[starship]].
* The [[Jem'Hadar fighter|Jem'Hadar attack ship]] is the [[Sisko's attack ship|one that was captured by the crew]] in {{e|The Ship}}. [[Ronald D. Moore]] commented: "''There was a line [cut] somewhere that indicated that the captured J'H ship was transmitting a newly updated recognition signal''." {{AOLchat|Ronald D. Moore|ron063|1997}} This is why they were not approached by other Dominion ships.
+
* The [[Jem'Hadar attack ship]] in this episode was the [[Sisko's attack ship|one previously captured by the crew]] in {{e|The Ship}}. [[Ronald D. Moore]] commented: "''There was a line [cut] somewhere that indicated that the captured J'H ship was transmitting a newly updated recognition signal.''" {{AOLchat|Ronald D. Moore|ron063|1997}} This is why they were not approached by other Dominion ships.
 
* This episode has one of the longest [[teaser]]s in ''[[Star Trek]]'', lasting just over seven minutes.
 
* This episode has one of the longest [[teaser]]s in ''[[Star Trek]]'', lasting just over seven minutes.
* Dukat's "Permanent documentation file" represents the first time when some sort of log is kept by the antagonist; in fact, it is the only time, if one doesn't count [[Maximilian Forrest]] and {{mu|Jonathan Archer}} in {{e|In a Mirror, Darkly}}.
+
* Dukat's "Permanent documentation file" represents the first time when some sort of log is kept by the antagonist; in fact, it is the only time, if one doesn't count the mirror universe [[Maximilian Forrest]] and {{mu|Jonathan Archer}} in {{ENT|In a Mirror, Darkly}}.
 
* Filming began on {{d|8|July|1997}}. {{AOLchat|Ronald D. Moore|ron040|1997}}
 
* Filming began on {{d|8|July|1997}}. {{AOLchat|Ronald D. Moore|ron040|1997}}
  +
* Julian is seen wearing his uniform's grey over-jacket without the blue turtleneck during his first scene. He wears his uniform normally for the rest of the episode.
 
  +
=== Remastered version===
  +
*Remastered footage from the episode is featured in the documentary ''[[What We Left Behind]]''.
   
 
=== Video and DVD releases ===
 
=== Video and DVD releases ===
*UK VHS release (two-episode tapes, [[CIC Video]]): Volume 6.1, <!-- catalog number x, -->{{d|2|February|1998}}
+
* UK VHS release (two-episode tapes, [[CIC Video]]): Volume 6.1, <!-- catalog number x, -->{{d|2|February|1998}}
:''With this volume, the layout of the video sleeve changes slightly - the stardates previously included have been dropped, and the two episodes are separated by a horizontal line.''
+
*:''With this volume, the layout of the video sleeve changes slightly - the stardates previously included have been dropped, and the two episodes are separated by a horizontal line.''
*As part of the [[DS9 Season 6 DVD]] collection
+
* As part of the [[DS9 Season 6 DVD]] collection
   
 
== Links and references ==
 
== Links and references ==
  +
{{DS9 Cast (S4-S6)}}
=== Starring ===
 
* [[Avery Brooks]] as [[Captain]] [[Benjamin Sisko|Sisko]]
 
 
=== Also starring ===
 
* [[Rene Auberjonois]] as [[Odo]]
 
* [[Michael Dorn]] as [[Lieutenant Commander|Lt. Commander]] [[Worf]]
 
* [[Terry Farrell]] as Lt. Commander [[Jadzia Dax|Dax]]
 
* [[Cirroc Lofton]] as [[Jake Sisko]]
 
* [[Colm Meaney]] as [[Chief]] [[Miles O'Brien|O'Brien]]
 
* [[Armin Shimerman]] as [[Quark]]
 
* [[Alexander Siddig]] as [[Doctor]] [[Julian Bashir|Bashir]]
 
* [[Nana Visitor]] as [[Major]] [[Kira Nerys|Kira]]
 
 
 
=== Guest stars ===
 
=== Guest stars ===
* [[Andrew Robinson]] as [[Elim Garak|Garak]]
+
* [[Andrew J. Robinson]] as "[[Elim Garak|Garak]]"
* [[Jeffrey Combs]] as [[Weyoun]]
+
* [[Jeffrey Combs]] as "[[Weyoun 5|Weyoun]]"
* [[Marc Alaimo]] as [[Dukat]]
+
* [[Marc Alaimo]] as "[[Gul]] [[Dukat]]"
* [[Aron Eisenberg]] as [[Nog]]
+
* [[Aron Eisenberg]] as "[[Nog]]"
* [[J.G. Hertzler]] as [[Martok]]
+
* [[J.G. Hertzler]] as "[[Martok]]"
 
* [[Casey Biggs]] as [[Damar]]
 
* [[Casey Biggs]] as [[Damar]]
 
* [[Barry Jenner]] as [[Admiral]] [[William Ross|Ross]]
 
* [[Barry Jenner]] as [[Admiral]] [[William Ross|Ross]]
 
;And
 
;And
* [[Brock Peters]] as [[Joseph Sisko]]
+
* [[Brock Peters]] as "[[Joseph Sisko]]"
   
=== Uncredited co-star ===
+
=== Uncredited co-stars ===
*[[Mark Lentry]] as [[Unnamed Jem'Hadar|Jem'Hadar soldier]]
+
* [[Sam Alejan]] as [[Human DS9 medical officer 001|sciences officer]]
  +
* [[Michael Bailous]] as [[Bajoran DS9 deputy 015|Bajoran security deputy]]
  +
* [[Faye Barge]] as [[Bajoran DS9 ops officer 006|Bajoran civilian]]
  +
* [[Majel Barrett]] as [[Narrator]]
  +
* [[Bill Blair]] as [[Human DS9 ops crewman 006|operations officer]]
  +
* [[Frank Collison]] as [[Dolak]] {{small|(display graphic)}}
 
* [[Cathy DeBuono]] as [[M'Pella]]
  +
* [[Maria Dykstra]] as [[Bajoran DS9 deputy 022|Bajoran security deputy]]
  +
* [[Jeffrey Hayenga]] as [[Orta]] {{small|(display graphic)}}
  +
* [[Norman Large]] as [[Neral]] {{small|(display graphic)}}
  +
* [[Mark Lentry]] as [[Jem'Hadar Terok Nor guard 001|Jem'Hadar guard]]
 
* [[David B. Levinson]] as [[Broik]]
  +
* [[Dan Magee]] as [[Human DS9 dual officer 002|operations lieutenant]]
  +
* [[Mary Mascari]] as [[Bajoran DS9 female 005|Bajoran civilian]]
  +
* [[April Rossi]] as [[Ktarian hooker 001|Ktarian hooker]] {{small|(display graphic)}}
  +
* [[Chuck Shanks]] as [[Human DS9 ops lieutenant 002|operations lieutenant]]
  +
* [[Mark Allen Shepherd]] as [[Morn]]
  +
* [[Steph Silvestri]] as [[Human DS9 ops security 015|command officer]]
  +
* [[Michael Wajacs]] as [[Bajoran DS9 male 002|Bajoran civilian]]
  +
* [[Unknown performers]] as
  +
** [[Buck-toothed alien 003|Buck-toothed criminal]] {{small|(display graphic)}}
  +
** [[Dabo girl 002|Dabo girl]]
  +
** [[Human DS9 ops crewman 010|Female operations officer]]
  +
** [[Ferengi criminal 001|Ferengi criminal]] {{small|(display graphic)}}
  +
** [[Unnamed Ferengi|Ferengi passerby]]
  +
** [[Jem'Hadar Terok Nor soldiers 001|Four Jem'Hadar soldiers in Quark's]]
  +
** [[Jem'Hadar Terok Nor guard 002|Jem'Hadar guard]]
  +
** [[Klingon 24th criminal 001|Klingon criminal]] {{small|(display graphic)}}
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** [[Markalian DS9 visitor 001|Markalian dabo player]]
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** [[Plix Tixiplik]] {{small|(display graphic)}}
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** [[Yridian DS9 001|Yridian gambler]]
   
 
=== References ===
 
=== References ===
[[47]]; [[Alpha Quadrant]]; [[Bajor]]; [[Bajoran]]s; [[Bajoran wormhole]]; [[Cardassia]]; [[Cardassian]]s; [[Cardassian border]]; [[cloaking device]]; [[cochrane (unit)|cochrane]]; [[USS Curry|''Curry'', USS]]; [[dabo]]; [[deputy]]; [[Earth]]; [[USS Elkins|''Elkins'', USS]]; [[Emissary of the Prophets]]; [[evasive maneuvers]]; [[Federation]]; [[Federation News Service]]; [[field ration]]s; [[USS Fredrickson|''Fredrickson'', USS]]; [[headache]]; [[holo-imager]]; [[holosuite]]; [[induction stabilizer]]; [[isoton]]; [[kilometer]]; [[Klingon-Cardassian War]]; [[Occupation of Bajor]]; "[[Old Man]]"; [[poison]]; [[Promenade]]; [[propaganda]]; [[Quark's]]; [[USS Raging Queen|''Raging Queen'', USS]]; ''[[raktajino]]''; [[replicator]]; [[Charlie Reynolds|Reynolds, Charlie]]; [[sandwich]]; [[Seventh Fleet]]; [[Sisko's]]; [[targ]]; [[Tyra system]]; [[viewscreen]]; [[virtual display device]]; [[Vulcan]]s
+
[[47]] ([[47 references]]); [[2373]]; [[2391]]; [[Alpha Quadrant]]; [[amusement]]; [[asteroid]]; [[attack pattern omega]]; [[Bajor]]; [[Bajoran]]s; [[Bajoran wormhole]]; [[balance sheet]]; [[bearing]]; [[bias]]; [[biobed]]; [[Cardassia]]; [[Cardassian]]s; [[Cardassian border]]; [[Cardassian space]]/[[Cardassian territory]]; [[chair]]; [[cloaking ability]]; [[cloaking device]]; {{dis|cochrane|unit}}; [[dabo]]; [[deputy]]; [[Dominion history]]; [[Dominion territory]]; [[Earth]]; [[Emissary of the Prophets]]; [[evasive maneuvers]]; [[Federation]]; [[Federation News Service]]; [[Federation space]]; [[field ration]]s; [[flattery]]; [[freedom of the press]]; [[ghetto fence]]; [[headache]]; [[holo-imager]]; [[holosuite]]; [[induction stabilizer]]; [[intimate relationship]]; [[isoton]]; [[kilometer]]; [[Klingon-Cardassian War]]; [[medical facility]]; [[Occupation of Bajor]]; [[occupying force]]; "[[Old Man]]"; [[parabolic thruster]]; [[poison]]; [[pejorative]]; [[power generator]]; [[Promenade]]; [[propaganda]]; [[Quark's]]; ''[[raktajino]]''; [[replicator]]; [[resonance emitter]]; {{dis|retreat|tactic}}; {{revname|Charlie|Reynolds}}; [[ritual sacrifice]]; [[sandwich]]; [[sarcasm]]; [[Sisko's]]; [[storage facility]]; [[surgical tissue regenerator]]; "[[swing for the fences]]"; [[targ]]; [[terminology]]; [[Tyra system]]; [[viewscreen]]; [[virtual sensory display]]; [[Vulcan]]s; [[wedding]]; [[wedding feast]]
* [[47 references]]
 
   
=== Starship classes ===
+
==== Starship references ====
{{Type|Centaur}}; {{Type|Curry}}; {{Class|Defiant}}; [[Federation attack fighter]]; {{Class|Galor}}; [[Jem'Hadar attack ship]]; [[Jem'Hadar battle cruiser]]; [[Klingon Bird-of-Prey]]; {{Class|K't'inga}}; [[Maquis raider]]; {{Class|Miranda}}; [[tug]]
+
{{USSr|Centaur}} ({{type|Centaur}}); {{USSr|Curry}} ({{type|Curry}}); {{USSr|Defiant|2370}}; {{class|Defiant}}; {{USSr|Elkins}} ({{type|Elkins}}); {{class|Excelsior}}; [[Federation attack fighter]] ([[Federation fighters 002|unnamed]]); {{dis|Federation tug|2374}}; {{USSr|Fredrickson}}; {{class|Galor}} ([[Galor war 002|unnamed]]); [[Jem'Hadar fighter]] ([[Sisko's attack ship]], [[Jem'Hadar fighters 012|unnamed 1]], [[Jem'Hadar fighters 013|2]], [[Jem'Hadar fighter 014|and 3]]); [[Jem'Hadar battle cruiser]] ([[Dukat's battle cruiser]]); [[Klingon Bird-of-Prey]] ([[Klingon 24th Birds-of-Prey 015|unnamed]]); {{class|K't'inga}} ([[K't'inga fleet 001|unnamed]]); {{class|Miranda}} ([[Miranda starships 006|unnamed]]); ''[[Raging Queen]]''; [[Seventh Fleet]]; [[Starbase 375]] ({{type|Starbase 375}})
   
=== Chronology ===
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====Unreferenced material====
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{{USSr|Hutzel}}; {{USSr|Jupp}}
*[[Dominion history]]
 
   
===External links===
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=== External links ===
* {{NCwiki|A Time to Stand}}
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* {{startrek.com|database_article/time-to-stand-a|"A Time to Stand"|external}}
* {{wikipedia|A Time to Stand}}
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* {{mbeta-quote|A Time to Stand}}
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* {{wikipedia-quote|A Time to Stand}}
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* {{ml|a-time-to-stand|"A Time to Stand"|external link}}
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* {{st-minutiae|resources/scripts/525.txt|"A Time to Stand" script|external}}
   
 
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[[Category:DS9 episodes|Time to Stand, A]]
 
[[Category:DS9 episodes|Time to Stand, A]]

Latest revision as of 10:25, 3 March 2024

Real world article
(written from a Production point of view)

With the Dominion on track to winning the war against the Federation, Sisko and his crew take a captured Jem'Hadar ship into enemy territory with a mission to cut off the Jem'Hadar's supply of ketracel-white in the Alpha Quadrant. (Season premiere)

Summary

Teaser

Bashir treating Garak

"You're not genetically engineered – you're a Vulcan!"

A battered Federation and Klingon fleet move through space, attesting to the fact the war is not going well. Three months have passed since the Dominion occupied Deep Space 9 and hostilities began. The USS Defiant has been on the run from the Jem'Hadar for 78 hours. Everyone on board is tense and exhausted. On the Defiant's bridge, Nog gets anxious that news of the Seventh Fleet's counterassault has not arrived, while Chief Miles O'Brien is sick and tired of running from the Dominion. In the medical supply room, Doctor Julian Bashir is treating Elim Garak for a small head wound. Bashir estimates their chances of survival at 32.7%. Garak is not impressed with Bashir's calculations, notwithstanding Bashir's recently revealed genetic enhancements.

The Defiant and Klingon General Martok's IKS Rotarran rendezvous and Worf and Jadzia Dax are reunited in the Defiant's mess hall. After a joyous hello, Worf reveals that he is upset that Dax has scheduled the ritual sacrifice of the targ to occur after their wedding feast. Dax gives in, saying, "first we'll shed blood, and then we'll feast." When Martok points out that Worf wasn't talking about anything else in days, Dax puns, "He's such a worrier.". As Worf and Dax leave, Captain Benjamin Sisko suggests that they not break any bones, to which Dax only responds with the crossing of her fingers. Bashir enters and says they've been ordered to Starbase 375, and he has word of the Seventh Fleet's engagement in the Tyra system: out of 112 ships, only fourteen ships have returned. "We can't keep taking these kinds of losses sir, not if we expect to win this!" Bashir exclaims to Sisko. Sisko quietly thanks the doctor and tells him that will be all. After Bashir leaves with Martok to treat his arm, an angry Sisko slams his fist on a tabletop, breaking the glass.

Act One

Dukat and weyoun

Allies: Dukat and Weyoun argue about the occupation

On the reclaimed Terok Nor, Gul Dukat narrates a log entry, quite pleased with how the war is going. Reports of victories arrive daily and with the enemy retreating on nearly every front, "it is a good time for Cardassia… and the Dominion." Weyoun is happy that life seems to be returning to normal on the station. Kira wants Bajoran security returned to the station, but Dukat is concerned about the implications of allowing armed Bajorans on board. Weyoun is disturbed by the way Dukat seems to be undermining the Dominion's position because of his antipathy towards the Bajorans, but lets the matter rest for the moment. After Kira leaves, Weyoun demands Damar leave and then, to Dukat, to be included in all decisions on station policy henceforth. Further, Weyoun is impatient with Dukat's slow progress on clearing the minefield that is blocking the wormhole, preventing Dominion reinforcements from getting through from the Gamma Quadrant. Dukat complains that destroying these self-replicating mines is difficult because when they attempt to destroy one, its neighbor replicates another, but assures Weyoun that he will eventually get it done.

In Quark's, business is looking up again; Cardassians ring the gaming tables, though Quark also has to contend with several tables of Jem'Hadar, who do not eat, drink, or relax, but just sit, looking baleful. At the bar, Quark gives Kira a complimentary drink as she and Odo are discussing the Occupation. Quark says that as occupations go, this one's not so bad. Kira acidly says that must be true for someone concerned solely with profit and monthly balance sheets, but Quark reminds her that all three of them have vivid memories of the horrible conditions for Bajorans on the station during the last occupation, none of which are present this time. Quark admits that he wants the Federation back as much as they do but encourages them to keep in mind that "things could be a lot worse." Odo reluctantly agrees and that the Dominion is (for the moment) treating Bajor as a friend. Kira asks, if that's true, why are there no Bajoran security officers on the station?

After the Defiant's arrival at Starbase 375, Admiral William Ross surprises Sisko by informing him he has a new office on the starbase and he is relieving him of command of the Defiant. Ross tells Sisko that he'll be informed of his new assignment later.

Act Two

While waiting, Sisko contacts his father Joseph in New Orleans, Earth. His father is very upset that his grandson Jake is still on Deep Space 9, and a heated argument arises. Sisko says that staying behind was Jake's choice, but the elder Sisko doesn't care about this. Benjamin promises his father that he'll get Jake back soon. Joseph then asks if things are as bad as the news services say. Sisko says they're worse. Joseph wonders how, if space is so infinite and vast why people can't just leave each other alone. Sisko admits that it should work that way, but it just doesn't. Joseph needs to get back to his customers but begs his son to get Jake back and the two convey their love for the other.

Meanwhile on Terok Nor, Jake wants an interview with Weyoun, but learns that Weyoun has been censoring his Federation News Service articles by blocking Jake's transmissions. Weyoun explains that he thinks Jake's reporting is biased against the Dominion, using words like "occupying force". Jake objects, but Weyoun refuses the interview for now. However, he invites Jake to keep writing with the bias in mind, and he will continue to read his articles and consider allowing his transmissions to go through.

Back at Starbase 375, Ross reveals Sisko's and the Defiant crew's new assignment. They're to destroy the Dominion's main ketracel-white storage facility in the Alpha Quadrant, located deep in Dominion territory. Instead of the Defiant, they're to use the Jem'Hadar attack ship Sisko captured last year to infiltrate Dominion space. "Do you even know how to fly that thing?" Bashir asks Sisko. The captain responds, "Not yet – but I intend to learn."

Act Three

Two weeks later, while on board preparing for departure, the crew starts to complain about the "design flaws" of the Jem'Hadar ship: no chairs, no food replicators, no viewscreen on the bridge, and no infirmary. Garak joins the crew at Sisko's invitation, as his knowledge of Cardassian space and Cardassian contacts may be useful. They are cleared to leave, and Sisko, putting on the virtual sensory display, orders the ship to be taken out and to head for the Cardassian border at warp six.

Kira and odo in quarks

Seems like old times: Kira and Odo discuss the Dominion's occupation in Quark's Bar

On Terok Nor, Dukat is ensconced in Captain Sisko's office and is amusing himself by playing with Sisko's baseball. Dukat wants to spend more time with Kira, so calls for her, noting their only interactions have been for station business. Kira is disgusted by Dukat, and tries to leave, but Dukat pulls rank. When asked, she says he betrayed everyone, including his own people by joining the Dominion. He tries to convince her of the dire situation he was faced with, saying Cardassia was a third-rate power. He says he's getting the Alpha Quadrant in return for the high price he's paid, but Kira is skeptical that will happen. Dukat says he's patient with her, and clearly expects an intimate relationship at some point. She soon slaps his hand away when he reaches for her face. Then, he lets her leave and spins Sisko's baseball on the desk.

Sisko's Jem'Hadar ship, en route to Dominion space, Sisko is having trouble with the headset as it is inducing a migraine. Garak offers to wear the other one, reasoning that as Dukat was wearing one during the Dominion attack on Deep Space Nine the device is more compatible with Cardassian physiology. Soon, the ship is discovered by the USS Centaur captained by Charlie Reynolds, an officer Sisko is acquainted with. Just as they are about to cross the Cardassian border, the Centaur fires on them.

Act Four

With the communication system down, Sisko orders Dax to make a run for the border. However, the Centaur is still on them, damaging a guidance thruster. Sisko orders Dax to fire back, targeting the Centaur's weapons array only. Luckily, three Jem'Hadar ships enter the fray and the Centaur warps away. The Jem'Hadar ships don't acknowledge them, and instead chase the Centaur. Although unhappy about leaving Captain Reynolds and his crew to fight off the three ships on his own, they still have a mission to perform so must continue on.

In order to return Bajoran security to the station, Kira urges Odo to take advantage of his god status as a Changeling with Weyoun. Odo is very uncomfortable with this, but reluctantly agrees. When Odo presents his demand to Weyoun, he immediately agrees: "Consider it done." Dukat objects, but Weyoun tells Dukat to keep out of it. It is strictly between Weyoun and Odo. But Weyoun asks Odo for a favor in return: he asks Odo to sit on the station's Ruling Council, along with Weyoun and Dukat. When Odo tells Kira about Weyoun's request, she is concerned that Weyoun may be using Odo to validate the Dominion's occupation. Odo says he thought that we were using them, and besides, he has walked this fine line before. Kira remains uneasy.

Meanwhile, Sisko's Jem'Hadar ship arrives at the ketracel-white storage facility, which is built into a small asteroid. After they observe another ship go through the exchange process, Garak requests 84 canisters of ketracel-white. O'Brien says he has 83 empty canisters standing by, and one not-so-empty one which is filled with ninety isotons of enriched ultritium. This should be enough to take out the whole storage facility. Sisko's ship moves inside into the depot's security zone. O'Brien sets the detonator for three minutes. After the exchange of (mostly) empty canisters for canisters full of white takes place, Garak asks the facility for clearance to leave. Instead, the facility raises their security net, trapping Sisko's ship inside, while the bomb is still ticking.

Act Five

Sisko's Jem'Hadar attack ship escaping explosion

Sisko's captured Jem'Hadar ship narrowly escapes

The facility orders Sisko's ship to stand by. The crew concludes that if they stay inside the net the bomb will destroy the ship along with the depot. The explosion will also take out the security net. But if they attempt to escape too early, they'll smash into the inside of the security net before it comes down. Dax and Bashir calculate that if the ship goes to impulse exactly 1.3 seconds before the bomb detonates, they will avoid both the explosion and the security net. Dax programs this into the computer and hands the piloting controls over to it.

DS9 crew in trouble

The crew finds out that they have a long journey back to Federation space

But the bomb goes off early. Dax takes back helm control and gets the ship out of there. The Jem'Hadar ship barely makes it out, the huge explosion chasing at its tail. But they survive, and the plan worked. The ship suffered heavy damage, however. The core matrix is fried and there is no warp drive. Bashir informs everyone that the closest Federation starbase is "seventeen years, two months, and three days away – give or take an hour." Sisko's crippled Jem'Hadar attack ship, now without warp capacity, starts the long journey back.

Log entries

Memorable quotes

"What about freedom of the press?"
"Please tell me you're not that naïve."

- Jake Sisko and Weyoun


"My dear Major Kira, you have no idea how it pleases me to hear you say that. (Dukat and Damar enter) Dukat, the Major has just given me the most wonderful news. Bajorans are returning to the station."
"I'm well aware of that."
"Then I'm sure you share my delight in knowing that life here is returning to normal. The shops are reopening, the Promenade is abuzz with activity once again, the habitat ring echoes with the laughter of happy children!"
"I've doubled security patrols throughout the station."

- Weyoun, Dukat, and Damar


"You enjoy that, don't you? That constant reminder that you're their master."
"The Founders are the masters; I am merely their servant. As are the Jem'Hadar. And you."
"That may be, but even amongst servants, someone has to be in charge, hm?"
(chuckle) "That is exactly the kind of observation I've come to expect from you, Dukat. Interesting, yet somewhat… petty."

- Dukat and Weyoun


"How do I explain that I evacuated every Federation citizen off Deep Space 9, except his grandson?"
"You'll figure something out."

- Benjamin Sisko and Jadzia Dax


"I'm sure my head will heal but the way this war is going, I wouldn't bet on any of us living to a ripe, old age."

- Garak


"What is it, Worf? What's wrong?"
"It is about our wedding."
"You're getting cold feet?"
"You have scheduled the ritual sacrifice of the targ to occur after the wedding feast has been served."
"We haven't seen each other in five weeks, and that's the first thing you say to me?"
"We agreed it would be a traditional ceremony."
(Sighs) "Okay, have it your way. First, we'll shed blood, then we'll feast."
"As it should be."

- Jadzia and Worf


"I have news of the Seventh Fleet."
"Go on."
"Only fourteen ships made it back to our lines."
"Fourteen… out of a hundred and twelve!"
"We can't afford to take these kinds of losses, sir, not if we expect to win this!!"
"Go on."

- Julian Bashir, Benjamin Sisko, and Martok


"You're not genetically engineered… you're a Vulcan!"

- Elim Garak, to Julian Bashir


"Permanent documentation file, Dukat, S.G. Each day brings reports of new victories. The war continues to go well. The enemy is retreating on almost all fronts. It's only a matter of time before the Federation collapses and Earth becomes another conquered planet under Dominion rule. All in all, it's a good time for Cardassia…and the Dominion."

- Dukat


"I never expected to say this, but as occupations go, this one's not so bad."
"No, I suppose that's true if all you're worried about is a monthly balance sheet."
"I'm not just concerned with profit, Major. Look around. Do you see any ghetto fences dividing the Promenade? Or exhausted Bajoran slave laborers sprawled on the ground after a grueling day in the ore processing center? Do you hear the cries of starving children? I don't. Now don't get me wrong, I miss the Federation, too. All I'm saying is, things could be a lot worse."

- Quark and Major Kira


"You know, there's something I just don't understand. You're always telling me that space is big, that it's an endless frontier, filled with infinite wonders."
"It's true."
"If that's the case, you would think there'd be more than enough room to allow people to leave each other alone."
"It just doesn't work that way… It should. But it doesn't."

- Joseph and Benjamin Sisko


"So… you feel I've betrayed you."
"Not just me. Everyone… even your own people."
"Cardassia was on the edge of an abyss, Major. The war with the Klingons left us a third-rate power. My people had lost their ways. I've made them strong again."
"At what price? You sold Cardassia to the Dominion!"
"A high price, to be sure. But look what we're getting in return: the Alpha Quadrant itself."

- Dukat and Kira Nerys


"I could make things very pleasant for you here, Kira."
"You could start by doing something about your breath."
"I'm a patient man. I can wait."
"Wait for what? What do you think is going to happen here, Dukat? That you're going to wear me down with your charming personality? That I'm going to be swept off my feet by that insincere smile? Are you really so deluded that you actually believe that we're going to have some kind of intimate relationship?"
"Oh, we already do."

- Dukat and Kira Nerys, friendly as always


"I've invited Mr. Garak to join us. Considering we're going into Cardassian territory, he might prove useful."
"It's been known to happen."

- Sisko and Garak


"It's like having a viewscreen inside your brain."

- Garak, about the virtual sensory display


"I hope whoever is in charge down there hasn't taken a lunch break."

- Nog, a few moments before beaming the canisters down, along with a bomb set for three minutes.


"Are things really as bad as the news service claims?"
"Maybe worse."
"Well, you certainly know how to comfort a frightened old man."
"You didn't raise me to be a liar."
"I raised you to be a chef, for all the good it did me."

- Joseph Sisko and Benjamin Sisko


"How bad is it, Chief?"
"Doesn't look good. Gonna have to switch to auxiliary life support. Deflectors are down, guidance system's shot and…"
"And what?"
"The core matrix is fried. We don't have warp drive."
"Forgive my ignorance, but if we don't have warp drive, how long is it going to take us to reach the closest Federation starbase?"
"A long time, Mr. Garak."
"How long?"
"Seventeen years, two months and three days, give or take an hour."

- Sisko, O'Brien, Garak, and Bashir


"What happened?"
"I was studying some star charts for Captain Sisko during the last assault, when I had a sudden, and rather violent, encounter with a bulkhead."

- Julian Bashir and Elim Garak

Background information

The six-episode arc

  • The original plan for the multi-episode arc was that it would encompass the entirety of the Dominion War; as Ronald D. Moore explains, "The initial thinking was that we would end Season 5 on a cliff-hanger with the Federation plunged into war, and then we would come back and do a multi-episode arc, and the war would last that long." Originally, the arc was going to be four episodes, but Ira Steven Behr extended it to five, and eventually to six. (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Companion (p. 486))
  • Of the somewhat controversial decision to have the show go semi-serialized, Rick Berman argues, "I think the potential for the serialization – or near-serialization – of the show was always there. If you're on a spaceship, as in Voyager or The Next Generation or The Original Series, you have your family of people who go off and meet aliens every week. But Deep Space Nine was conceived as a stationary show. It took place on a space station, and we found ourselves developing dozens of ancillary characters, secondary characters, and recurring characters. And because we remained there, those characters kept coming back. So once you have the tapestry of all of these different characters, and you had all of these different stories that were kind of weaving in and out, I think it sort of begged for more of a serialized format. And the fact that the Dominion War became such a major part of the last two seasons really contributed to the feeling of serialization." (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Companion (p. 475))
  • Despite the inevitability of the show becoming serialized, the decision to do a multi-episode arc at the beginning of the season was not one that was taken lightly. As Hans Beimler explains, "This was big, a really big thing for us. Because even though we had done some strange things over the course of the show, we never had attempted a six-episode arc. In the history of Star Trek, it never had been done. None of us came from series where you did that, so it was a new experience for all of us. And there was a learning curve. But it showed us the possibilities and the excitement that could be garnered, and in the end, we liked it so much that we decided to do the ten-episode arc at the end of the series." Similarly, Ira Steven Behr says, "There was some hesitation over whether it was a valid direction for us to take, about whether we were pushing the envelope a little too far. But ultimately everyone agreed that it was tremendously successful, and one of the best things the show ever did." (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Companion (p. 486))
  • Of the process of writing the six-episode arc, Ronald D. Moore explains, "We broke the six episodes together, but as everybody went off and worked on writing them, things would start to change or shift. It became a much more interactive process than it ever had been before. Because each detail had a domino effect. We'd had that happen before, to a certain extent, but we'd never done this many episodes with this many continuing storylines as a single piece. We weren't used to the rhythm. It was definitely challenging!" Similarly, Hans Beimler points out, "It changed the dynamic of the way we work and it changed the kind of involvement that everybody had. Because René Echevarria or Ronald D. Moore would go away to work on an episode, and discover something in the writing process that was going to change everybody else's script. One of them would be coming back all the time saying, 'You know what guys? We need to rethink.' And then we'd call in all the troops and rethink the storyline." Ira Steven Behr says essentially the same thing; "The guys were coming in saying, 'What are you writing?' 'Are we gonna do this?' 'Where's Kira at right now?' 'What's Odo doing?' There were a lot of phone calls, a lot of running into each other's offices, a lot of 'Should this go before this?' and 'Wait a second – does this track?' The fact is, the show isn't geared to work like that." (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Companion (pp. 476 & 486))

"A Time to Stand"

  • The opening shot of "A Time to Stand", featuring the retreating flotilla of Starfleet vessels, was one of the last mass scenes entirely composed of footage of physical studio models, save for the CGI USS Defiant. To beef out the scene, the production staff built several new ships, kitbashing them out of parts from commercially available AMT/Ertl, and Revell-Monogram Star Trek model kits. Regarding the names of the new ship types/classes seen in the scene, Mike Okuda has remarked, "Those kitbashes were pretty much built and labeled at random. The VFX department put in a lot of extra time and effort into assembling those models, and they had a little fun with the names. (A few of us from the art department even lent a hand.) Some of the ships had authentic-sounding names, but most of them had gag names. One might reasonably argue that Starfleet might have named a bunch of their ships after historic figures whose names happened to be the same as several of the Star Trek visual effects department staff members. On the other hand, some of the ships had rather impolite names that Starfleet would (probably) not have approved on any of its ships. In any case, everyone worked so hard that I felt it would not be appropriate to attempt to impose "authentic" names or numbering, especially since there was no chance that any of it would be legible on screen." [1]
Ketracel white storage facility

John Eaves sketch of ketracel-white storage facility

  • It was important to the writers during the composition of this episode that it not be all about huge space battles, but that there also be an element of humanity to it. According to Ira Steven Behr, "We knew that going into the war would make it easy for us to fall into the 'hero' trap, where you concentrate on Star Wars-type heroic space battles and stuff like that. But we really wanted to keep the human aspect of the pain of war. So we included a Human moment: the concerned father talking to his son." (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Companion (p. 488))
  • Barry Jenner makes his first appearance as Admiral William Ross in this episode. After Jenner finished shooting, Ira Steven Behr took him aside and said, "We've had other admirals on this show. We're glad we've found you. Sorry it took five years!" (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Companion (p. 477)) Behr also says of Jenner, "He brings a gravitas to the role, and yet you can see there's a man behind the uniform. I think that Barry Jenner is one of the unsung heroes of the show, one of the pieces of the puzzle that might not be readily apparent to the audience. But he's part of the glue that makes our job easier." (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Companion (pp. 496-497))
  • The writers created the short scene between Worf and Jadzia Dax because they were worried that no matter what they did for the seventh episode of the season, it was going to seem weak compared to the multi-episode arc which preceded it. As such, they decided early on to have the wedding in the seventh episode, so they decided to 'remind' viewers of that particular story thread here, and also to indicate to people that things will be happening even when the arc is over. (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Companion (p. 488))
  • This episode serves as another chapter in the on-going Kira/Dukat arc which began in the second season episode "The Maquis, Part II". After it became apparent that Dukat was attracted to Kira in "Civil Defense", they briefly worked together in the episodes "Indiscretion" and "Return to Grace", before Dukat came to blame Kira for Ziyal's friendship with Garak in "In Purgatory's Shadow". In "A Time to Stand", Dukat's seemingly blind attraction to Kira is very much to the fore, but so too is Kira's revulsion towards his advances. Kira appears momentarily conflicted in "Sons and Daughters" as to whether she can tolerate Dukat for the good of Dukat's daughter, Ziyal, but she ultimately comes to the realization that she wants nothing to do with him and helps to found an active resistance movement against his regime.
Brandon Tartikoff memorial

The tribute to Brandon Tartikoff

Remastered version

Video and DVD releases

  • UK VHS release (two-episode tapes, CIC Video): Volume 6.1, 2 February 1998
    With this volume, the layout of the video sleeve changes slightly - the stardates previously included have been dropped, and the two episodes are separated by a horizontal line.
  • As part of the DS9 Season 6 DVD collection

Links and references

Starring

Also Starring

Guest stars

And

Uncredited co-stars

References

47 (47 references); 2373; 2391; Alpha Quadrant; amusement; asteroid; attack pattern omega; Bajor; Bajorans; Bajoran wormhole; balance sheet; bearing; bias; biobed; Cardassia; Cardassians; Cardassian border; Cardassian space/Cardassian territory; chair; cloaking ability; cloaking device; cochrane; dabo; deputy; Dominion history; Dominion territory; Earth; Emissary of the Prophets; evasive maneuvers; Federation; Federation News Service; Federation space; field rations; flattery; freedom of the press; ghetto fence; headache; holo-imager; holosuite; induction stabilizer; intimate relationship; isoton; kilometer; Klingon-Cardassian War; medical facility; Occupation of Bajor; occupying force; "Old Man"; parabolic thruster; poison; pejorative; power generator; Promenade; propaganda; Quark's; raktajino; replicator; resonance emitter; retreat; Reynolds, Charlie; ritual sacrifice; sandwich; sarcasm; Sisko's; storage facility; surgical tissue regenerator; "swing for the fences"; targ; terminology; Tyra system; viewscreen; virtual sensory display; Vulcans; wedding; wedding feast

Starship references

Centaur, USS (Centaur-type); Curry, USS (Curry-type); Defiant, USS; Defiant-class; Elkins, USS (Elkins-type); Excelsior-class; Federation attack fighter (unnamed); Federation tug; Fredrickson, USS; Galor-class (unnamed); Jem'Hadar fighter (Sisko's attack ship, unnamed 1, 2, and 3); Jem'Hadar battle cruiser (Dukat's battle cruiser); Klingon Bird-of-Prey (unnamed); K't'inga-class (unnamed); Miranda-class (unnamed); Raging Queen; Seventh Fleet; Starbase 375 (Starbase 375-type)

Unreferenced material

Hutzel, USS; Jupp, USS

External links

Previous episode:
"Call to Arms"
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
Season 6
Next episode:
"Rocks and Shoals"