While making a supply run to the front lines, on the barren planet AR-558, Sisko encounters Starfleet troops that have been decimated during their five-month occupation of the largest Dominion communications array in the sector. If they can figure out how it works, Starfleet will be able to tap into Dominion transmissions. In addition to daily skirmishes with the enemy, the shell-shocked forces are constantly threatened by "Houdinis" — anti-personnel mines that "hide" in subspace, then explode without warning. Determined to help commanding officer Nadia Larkin and her troops, Sisko stuns his crew by announcing that they're staying at the site indefinitely.

Annette Helde (Lt. Nadia Larkin)
Bill Mumy (Kellin)
Raymond Cruz (Vargas)
Patrick Kilpatrick (Reese)
Aron Eisenberg (Ensign Nog)
Max Grodénchik (Rom)
James Darren (Vic Fontaine)

• The Paramount production number of this episode is also 558....Coincidence?
  
• Rule of Acquisition #125: "You can't make a deal if you're dead."
  
• Nog is shot by the Jem'Hadar and loses his leg.