While Sisko takes command of a new ship named in honor of the Defiant, Kira, Garak and Damar barely escape a Dominion ambush on Cardassia and are forced into hiding. Quark receives a static-filled message from Grand Nagus Zek, the Ferengi leader, that he's being named Zek's successor. Now cured of the deadly Changeling virus, Odo is outraged to learn that he was infected by Section 31 — an unsanctioned extremist organization within the Federation — but promises Sisko he won't take matters into his own hands.

Penny Johnson (Kasidy Yates)
Andrew J. Robinson (Elim Garak)
Jeffery Combs (Weyoun)
Jeffery Combs (Brunt)
Salome Jens (Female Shapeshifter)
Max Grodénchik (Rom)
Casey Biggs (Legate Damar)
Barry Jenner (Admiral William J. Ross)
Wallace Shawn (Grand Nagus Zek)
Cecily Adams (Ishka)
J.G. Hertzler (General Martok)
Chase Masterson (Leeta)
Aron Eisenberg (Ensign Nog)
Julianna McCarthy (Mila)
Tiny Ron (Maihar'du)

• The Final Chapter, Part 8 of 9.
  
• Admiral Ross gives Captain Sisko command of the Defiant-class starship U.S.S. São Paulo NCC-75633. The Chief of Starfleet Operations gave special dispensation to rename the U.S.S. São Paulo to U.S.S. Defiant. They also change the registry to NX-74205. (This was also done to facilitate the use of stock footage.)
  
• Grand Nagus Zek appoints Rom as the new Grand Nagus. Zek and Ishka retire to Risa.
  
• Kasidy tells Sisko she is pregnant.
  
• Jeffery Combs plays both Weyoun and Brunt in this episode.
  
• Jake Sisko does not appear in this episode.