The Dogs of War (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine) - Plot

Plot

The Cardassian rebellion headed by former Legate Damar, suffers a severe blow when Damar is stranded with Garak and Kira on Cardassia Prime, while all of the rebel bases are destroyed. The Dominion proudly announces they have crushed the rebellion, and the Cardassian Union names Damar's replacement, Legate Broca. Damar, Garak, and Kira hide out in the home of Mila, Garak's former caretaker. With the encouragement of Kira, the three bomb a Jem'Hadar barracks, where Damar reveals to the people that he is not dead, as Dominion propaganda claimed. He then calls upon the Cardassian populace to rise up against the Dominion. Even though the organized military resistance is gone, a massive civilian revolution begins.

On Deep Space Nine, Quark receives a message from Grand Nagus Zek, apparently informing him that he has been chosen as Zek's successor upon his imminent retirement. Upon a visit from his old rival Brunt, however, he discovers that Zek, presumably under the influence of Quark's mother Ishka, has instituted a number of reforms, including promoting workers' rights, environmental protection and outlawing monopolies. Quark is so disgusted by these violations of old Ferengi tradition that he threatens to turn down the job. Upon Zek's arrival to name his successor, however, he discovers that he was never the intended heir of the Grand Nagus, and it was in fact Quark's brother Rom. Quark is still extremely unimpressed, and in a subsequent monologue swears to turn his bar into a refuge for the old unrestrained capitalism that was symbolic of his Ferenginar, though he admits that his brother is better suited to be the leader of a new Ferenginar.

At Dominion headquarters on Cardassia, the Female Changeling, Weyoun, Broca, and the Breen Representative Thot Pran note the Federation has overcome the Breen weapon, and resolve to make a major retreat in hopes that the Federation and its allies will leave them alone long enough for them to rebuild their fleets. Despite their position, they still believe in a final victory. Sisko anticipates this, however, and he and Chancellor Martok press for a final assault to be launched upon Cardassia Prime to end the war. Admiral Ross and the Romulan representative reluctantly agree. Later that day, Sisko's wife Kasidy tells him that she is pregnant, and she is concerned by a warning from the Prophets that Sisko, as the emissary, must walk his path alone. Sisko attempts to comfort her.