Original subtitles

Dress uniform?

I haven't worn this

in almost three years.

I must have lost a little weight.

Feels kind of baggy.

Ah, it looks great.

Besides...

baggy's quite fashionable on Bajor right now.

Lemonade.

Since when are you interested in Bajoran fashions?

Well, a lot of Bajoran girls come to the station...

with their families.

Since when are you interested in Bajoran girls?

Dad...

Wasn't it just a few weeks ago

that you were playing with model starships?

Try a few years ago.

You and I have got to have a talk, young man

about women.

That's okay.

I mean it.

There are some things you have got to know.

I already know them, Dad.

Oh, yeah? And who told you?

Nog.

Nog.

So, all you know about women

you've heard from the Ferengi boy.

We were just talking.

Great.

Listen, I don't have time now

but, obviously, I have a lot of damage control

to do with you on this subject.

Let's set aside some time tomorrow.

Fine.

Okay, tomorrow morning, first thing.

Fine. What's going on anyway?

A Vulcan ship has made contact with a new species called Wadi

in the Gamma Quadrant three weeks ago.

We're expecting a delegation from their planet.

Rolling out the red carpet, huh?

First Contact is our most important mission, Jake.

It has to be handled delicately.

You might say it's sort of like...

a first date

with a girl.

You have to show

a certain respect for...

Ops to Sisko.

Go ahead.

The Wadi ship has just come through the wormhole.

We're sending them to Docking Bay Four.

I'll meet you all there.

Sisko out.

Tomorrow morning.

I'm positive I packed my dress uniform.

I can't understand it.

You look fine, Julian. Relax.

I mean, they are aliens, aren't they?

I mean, they won't know our protocol.

It'll be fine.

Where's your uniform, Doctor?

Huh? Uh... I can't seem to find it, sir.

I mean, I'm certain I packed it.

Listen to me, this is no dress rehearsal.

This is the real thing... our first formal reception

for a delegation from the Gamma Quadrant

and I want things to go right from this moment on.

- Clear? - Y-Yes.

Let's do it.

I am Falow, Master Surchid of the Wadi.

Welcome in the name of Bajor

and the United Federation of Planets.

I am Commander Benjamin Sisko

and on behalf of my senior staff officers...

Major Kira, Lieutenant Dax

and Dr. Bashir...

Yes, yes, yes.

Now, where are the games?

Games?

We were told you had games.

Quark's. Take us to Quark's.

Right this way.

First Contact is not what it used to be.

Do they have money?

We don't know.

We didn't ask.

And that's not the point.

It may not be your point, but it's mine.

Damn it, Quark, this is a new life-form

from the Gamma Quadrant.

I expect you to treat them...

Commander... I'm a host.

A host is an ambassador of goodwill.

The more goodwill that I can generate

the longer they'll stay...

the greater my profits.

I think we're talking the same language here.

Not quite.

Allow me to put your concerns to rest.

So, uh...

do you fellows do a lot of gambling

where you come from?

We like games.

Doesn't everybody? Doesn't everybody?

You know, those virgin territories

in the Gamma Quadrant

are ripe for dabo franchising.

Quark?

You and I might want to talk

about an investment opportunity...

Heh... at some point.

So, uh, have you figured out the essentials of the game yet?

I believe we have.

Give her a spin.

One time on the house.

Ah!

Two pinch showing.

Oh, too bad.

Nothing ventured, nothing gained, I always say.

What would you care to wager?

Ah.

Oh.

What a handsome container.

There's an old Ferengi expression...

good things come in small packages.

Sticks?

Klon peags.

Highly sought in our culture.

They have... many... different...

uses.

I'm sorry, but I have enough sticks right now.

What's this?

Alpha-currant nectar.

It's priceless.

Oh.

One man's priceless is another man's worthless.

Quark...

take the juice.

Sorry, not interested.

Then, we really have nothing to wager...

except... this.

Get these folks some drinks.

McCoullough.

McCoullough?

Captain McCoullough.

That's the name I've been trying to remember

for the past six hours.

Dabo!

Good lord, they've won again.

McCoullough's the one

who wrote the revised First Contact procedures

for Starfleet.

Is that right?

I wish he was here now instead of me.

Dabo!

No...

they couldn't have doubled again.

With all due respect to procedures and to McCoullough

I have had it.

This is as far as duty takes me.

Keep them happy.

If they ever get tired of playing dabo, let me know.

Good night.

What's good about it?

Getting ready to call it a night?

We've only just started.

But...

the girl's arm must be getting tired.

All that spinning.

Replace her.

Very well.

Broik...

take the wheel.

Oh...

one pinch showing.

An unfortunate reversal.

What are you still doing up?

Nog and I were setting up

a reactive ion impeller for school.

Nog is older than you, Jake.

He stays up later.

He probably does things...

things with girls, for instance...

you're not ready for yet.

Come on.

We were just working on a school project.

You know what time you're supposed to go to bed.

We never had any problems with it until Nog.

Dad, I'm 14.

I'm glad we agree on something.

Go to bed.

Fine.

So, how did it go?

Great. Just great.

I've done nothing for the past six hours

but eat Ferengi lokar beans...

and watch people play childish games.

Broik!

You disreputable swindler.

I've put up with your cheating for the last time.

Sit.

Look, uh...

why don't we just call it even, and no hard feelings, huh?

Or, uh, take another spin... on the house

or two or three.

A free visit to a holosuite, eh?

Do you know what a holosuite is?

Do you have sex on your world?

Look, take it all back... all the gemstones

and I'll throw in a case of Andolian brandy

to make your trip home a little more enjoyable, huh?

You like our gemstones?

You will have the opportunity to win more...

a lot more.

I will?

In a new game.

An honest game.

Very unusual.

I don't think I know this game.

What's it called?

Chula.

What are the rules?

These are your players.

We'll start them at the second shap.

The second shap?

Can't we start at the beginning?

Only children enter at the first shap.

Sisko to Ops.

Sisko to Security.

Computer, freeze program.

End program.

Exit!

You?

Shap two.

Move along. Move along home.

Where is this place? Where have you brought me?

Move along home!

Falow!

Doctor.

Oh, thank God!

Ah. I thought I was having a nightmare.

I couldn't wake up.

You, too?

What was all that yelling?

Well, haven't you

ever had to wake yourself up

out of a bad dream?

This isn't a dream. We're guests of the Wadi.

What do they want?

I don't know yet.

I just had a strange run-in with Falow.

He had said something about "moving along home."

Home?

Perhaps they're giving us some sort of behavioral test

like a laboratory rodent

who must work his way out of a maze.

Behavioral test?

Now wait a minute.

There doesn't seem to be any immediate threat, Major.

Oh, no, I'm sure all you Starfleet explorers

find this absolutely fascinating

but I'm a Bajoran administrator.

This is not what I signed up for!

I don't find this fascinating either, Major

but I suggest we take Falow's advice and find our way home.

Do the combadges still work?

As long as we can maintain contact

it should be reasonably safe for us to split up

and see if any of us can find a way out of here.

Use your tricorders for proximity checks

every two minutes.

And if all else fails, just yell again, Doctor.

We'll find you.

Mr. Sisko, how can I help you?

Do you know where my dad's gone?

You can't find him?

Last night, he was making a big deal

about us having a talk this morning

but, when I got up, he was gone.

Have you checked his office?

The computer says he's not on the station.

Why don't you go on to school while I track him down.

School's closed while Mrs. O'Brien's

back on Earth.

Nog and I were going over to Airlock Three

and watch the Bajoran transport passengers

come on board.

You mean, to look at the girls.

No.

We were just, uh...

Go on.

When I find out where your father went

I'll let you know.

Thanks, Odo.

Computer, confirm that Commander Sisko

is not on the station.

Confirmed.

What time did he log out?

That information is not on file.

What ship did he leave on?

That information is not on file.

Constable Odo...

good morning to you.

Where's Major Kira?

Didn't report for duty on time this morning.

None of the senior officers did.

And you don't find that odd?

I heard that Wadi party went on all night.

How long have you been a security officer, Lieutenant?

Six years. Why?

Lost many Commanders?

Lost?

Because you've lost one now.

Sisko's off the station, missing.

All of the senior officers may be missing.

I want a sweep of this station.

And if the others are missing, too

I want to know the last time anybody saw them.

I'm going to contact all ships

that have departed since last night.

Understood?

Yes, Constable.

And don't call me "Constable."

I'm Chief of Security.

Yes, sir.

Last wagers.

The board is ready.

It is?

How much do you wish to risk

on the second shap?

Um...

uh...

is there a minimum wager?

Roll.

Roll? Roll?

But you haven't even told me the rules yet.

You're required to learn as you play.

Roll.

Chula!

Did I win?

Hardly.

Your pieces will meet the Chandra.

The Chandra? What does that mean?

Is it good or bad?

Neither. Both.

I don't understand.

Ah, but there's the key.

Some will never understand

while others will consider it...

mere child's play.

Allamaraine, count to four

Allamaraine, then three more

Allamaraine, if you can see

This is Sisko. I found something.

Allamaraine, you'll come with me.

Allamaraine, count to four

Allamaraine, then three more

Allamaraine, if you can see

Allamaraine...

Allamaraine, count to four

Allamaraine, then three more

Allamaraine, if you can see

Allamaraine, you'll come with me

Allamaraine, count to four

Allamaraine, then three more

Allamaraine, if you can see

Allamaraine, you'll come with me

Allamaraine, count to four

Allamaraine, then three more

Allamaraine, if you can see

Allamaraine, you'll come with me

Hello.

Allamaraine, count to four

Allamaraine, then three more...

Can you tell us where we are?

Allamaraine, if you can see

Allamaraine...

Is there a way to leave?

Do you think we're supposed to do something?

Well, this is the first door that's opened for us.

I want to know where it goes.

Are you all right?

Allamaraine...

I'll be okay.

Some kind of ionic field.

She goes right through it.

The panels on the floor.

She steps on certain panels

which must allow her to go through the field.

"If you can see, you'll come with me."

...you'll come with me, Allamaraine...

Watch this.

Allamaraine, count to four

Allamaraine, then three more

Allamaraine, count to four

Allamaraine, then three more

Allamaraine, if you can see

Allamaraine, you'll come with me...

But I did everything she did.

No, Julian, you didn't.

I followed her footsteps, exactly.

But you didn't say the rhyme.

Allamaraine, count to four

Allamaraine, count to four

Allamaraine, then three more

Allamaraine, if you can see

Allamaraine

You'll come with me

Come on, just say the rhyme.

Allamaraine, then three more

Allamaraine, if you can see

Allamaraine, you'll come with me

Allamaraine...

Allamaraine, count to four

Allamaraine, then three more

Allamaraine, if you can see

Allamaraine, then three more...

Allamaraine, if you can see

Allamaraine

You'll come with me.

Allamaraine.

Third shap.

Allamaraine!

I think I'm getting the hang of this.

Choose their path.

Path?

Short or long.

What's the difference?

The short path doubles the peril

to your four players.

It also doubles your winnings.

Doubles my winnings? Well, in that case...

Choose carefully.

If none of your players makes it home

you lose everything you've won.

Oh...

I see why you find this game so interesting.

Do you?

Yes.

You know, I might have room

for another gaming table or two

on the second floor.

We might, uh, negotiate a licensing agreement.

Perhaps we could discuss...

Quark.

I'm busy.

Yes, I can see.

When was the last time you saw Sisko?

Last night, when he went home to bed.

Did he say anything to you about leaving the station?

Not a thing.

Choose their path.

Quark!

Really, Odo, you'll have to...

He's missing, and so are Kira Dax and Bashir.

Four officers have just disappeared.

You're sure you have no idea?

Why would I know anything about?

Four?

Did you say four officers are missing?

Yes.

Double their peril...

double your winnings.

Bet or leave.

Odo...

how about taking my place, huh?

Choose their path.

I'll, uh...

take the safer path.

Roll.

Rhymes and riddles and mazes.

What's the logic behind all this?

What do they want from us?

Move along home.

That's what the man told the Commander.

A game.

Home is often the destination in a game.

The Wadi do love games.

Think of it.

We've been given directions, clues, obstacles to overcome...

Pawns.

Excuse me...

Excuse me...

This has gone far enough.

Will somebody please tell me what is going on around here?!

Why are you doing this to us?!

What is wrong with you people?!

Madam, this is no laughing matter.

Don't eat or drink anything.

Maybe it's the Wadi's way of providing nourishment.

Or maybe it's drugged...

or poisoned.

Falow...

Drink?

We're not playing anymore.

Move along.

Move along home.

You brought us here.

You take us home.

The smoke.

Not... bothering them.

You're hurting us.

Can't you see... that?

Drink!

It's the antidote.

How did you know?

Scientific method.

Actually, I took a guess.

It didn't seem like I had much to lose.

Shap...

four.

Let's go.

Allamaraine!

Now, wouldn't your scans pick up human life-signs on their ship?

Usually.

But we've never encountered Wadi technology before.

Isolate that energy flux on their second deck.

Some kind of intense bipolar current.

What would cause something like that?

Got me.

The only thing we've got

that would put out that type of current

would be a transporter

but a transporter burst

would only last for a few seconds.

Huh... I think we'd better go take a look.

No, wait a minute, Odo!

You can't just go storming onto their ship

without their permission.

Oh, i-i-is that Starfleet policy?

That's right.

Well, I'm not in Starfleet.

Set the coordinates

to midway down the second deck corridor.

Uh...

Is it against

Starfleet policy to press a few buttons?

Energizing.

Choose their path.

No! This game is finished right now.

Stop the game

lose your players.

Odo...

just stay out of it.

Quark!

I'm doing fine; they're doing fine.

Choose their path.

Double their peril, double your winnings.

Quark!

Fine, fine!

The safer path.

Roll.

An unfortunate roll.

Isn't it simply a matter

of figuring out how to win this game?

Simply?

I don't think we have any other choice.

Well, seriously, we've gone from the second shap

to the third shap to the fourth shap already.

What is a shap?

I have no idea

but we're making progress, whatever it is.

We're playing for our lives here, Doctor.

I don't think you're taking this very seriously.

On the contrary, Major.

I find the stakes to be highly motivating.

Listen.

I'm reading high magnetic field variations.

Intense flux patterns.

It's coming toward us.

Find cover if you can.

Falow!

Next move.

What happened to that one?

Why is it there?

Next move.

Choose your path.

Listen to me.

I want that player back!

If you would care to play the game after he's done

it can be arranged.

Choose their path.

Double their peril, double your winnings.

Give me the shortcut.

The shortcut?!

It's the right thing to do.

Are you crazy?!

Double the stakes.

Wait!

I know what I'm doing.

I've spent my life

figuring the odds on all sorts of games.

Now, I'm just learning this one, that's true

but I know this is the right move.

The right move to make you rich.

More than that.

Look at the board.

The shortcut skips a whole level.

I've learned there are risks in every roll of the dice.

This way, they can advance all the way home

on just one move.

Trust a gambler.

Roll.

What?

Blow on them.

Would you please just?

Blow on them.

Thialo.

What?

What does it mean?

Sacrifice one

so that two may live.

You can't ask him to do that.

If you do not sacrifice one, all three will be lost.

I can't. Please.

Which player?

I don't even know which one is which.

Select one to be sacrificed, or this game is finished!

Fine! Fine!

Fine. Fine.

I can't do it.

I beg of you.

A terrible mistake has been made.

This is all a misunderstanding.

Please.

I-I've learned my lesson.

I'll never cheat again.

I'll never cheat again!

Please!

Just don't make me do this.

Anything but this.

Please! Please!

Please!

Oh!

Plea...

Oh, please, please.

Very well.

I don't have to sacrifice one of them?

No. You do not.

We'll program the game to select one at random.

Final wagers.

Last move.

We should have eaten something at the party

when we had the chance.

Commander Sisko!

Doctor.

Over here! Hurry!

Where's it coming from?

Spread out.

I can see it!

I found the way home!

Over here. I found an open door.

Come on, Dax!

Julian!

Hurry up!

Julian, are you all right?

Dax!

Ah! My leg.

Don't move.

Nothing's broken.

What's taking so long?

We're almost out of here.

Can't you see it?

Doctor.

We need some help.

Dax is hurt.

Thialo.

Move along home.

Shap...

six.

I'm reading a tectonic shift of two ground masses.

We are directly over the fault line.

The cavern wall structure

has been significantly weakened by the stress.

It's not going to hold much longer.

See if you can put some weight on it.

Come on. Let's get out of here.

I'll never make it across.

There's got to be a way around this.

Benjamin, you and Kira can make that jump.

We're not leaving you here.

This cavern is going to collapse

and kill all of us if you don't go now.

Seven lives is more than enough for a Trill.

You haven't even finished one.

How could I live out that life

knowing I left you behind, old man?

Don't let sentiment get in the way...

...of command decisions. - Of command decisions.

Yeah. I've heard that one somewhere.

If you were hurt...

I'd leave you behind.

Then I'm glad I'm not the one who's hurt.

Major.

Major, you go across.

We'll find a way around.

We'll be all right.

Major, I gave you a direct order.

Court-martial me.

I can't. You're not in Starfleet.

If I were a superior officer

I'd court-martial both of you.

Oh!

Only a few meters more.

Hang on!

Benjamin!

They made it!

I won.

I had full confidence in you, Commander.

There wasn't a moment's doubt

that you would prevail in this outrageous...

No, Quark.

I'm afraid all your players were lost.

What? You mean...

we were never in any real danger?

It's only a game.

Time to move along home.

Not so fast.

This may all have been a game to you

but we take First Contact with a new species

very seriously

and I don't appreciate...

Excuse me, Commander.

Yes, Odo.

Before you blame them

you might want to ask Quark

just how this all started.

Quark.

I wish I could explain it.

Uh... they just had a run of bad luck

and then they blamed me for their losses.

And, uh...

That's not what you said

when you were groveling on the floor.

Oh, that's right.

You were here for the groveling.

Uh...

You said something about cheating, didn't you?

Cheating?

I would have said anything to end the ordeal.

It was too much for me to bear.

You have no idea

the pressure I was under, Commander.

If you will excuse us...

Perhaps someday...

a rematch.

You know...

this game could work here.

It really could.

Excuse me.

Falow?

Uh, Mr. Falow?

A word with you, sir.

What's your hurry?

I think you'll like this.

Mr. Falow!