Bashir and O'Brien are on attachment to a research vessel in the Gamma Quadrant, assisting the Kelleruns and T'lani in destroying their vast reserves of biological weapons known as Harvesters. Shortly after finally discovering a means of disarming the Harvesters, a squadron of armed troops storm the scientists' alien ship. Bashir and O'Brien escaped, beaming down to nearby T'lani III when they are unable to contact their runabout. O'Brien has been infected by material from a Harvester and will die within days if he doesn't receive treatment available to Bashir only on the Station's medical facilities.

While all this is happening, Sisko has been informed that Bashir and O'Brien died in an accident aboard the research ship - but as it turns out, those who Bashir and O'Brien were helping in good faith are actually responsible for the attack.

Credits: Written by Morgan Gendel Directed by Winrich Kolbe Music by Jay Chattaway

Guest stars: Rosalind Chao (Keiko), Darleen Carr (E'tyshra), Peter White (Sharat), Larry Cedar (Nydrom), Bill Mondy (Jakin)