The Defiant returns to Deep Space Nine after a mission in the Gamma Quadrant. Sisko and the crew discover that the station was attacked during their absence. A Jem’Hadar ship attacked the station, stole equipment and supplies and returned to the Gamma Quadrant. The Defiant leaves the station in pursuit of the Jem’Hadar ship. Once in the Gamma Quadrant, they find a disabled Dominion ship issuing a distress signal. They beam over the survivors - several Jem’Hadar soldiers and their Vorta supervisor.
The Vorta, Weyoun, tells Sisko that their ship was damaged while they were in pursuit of some Jem’Hadar renegades. These renegades have seized an ancient Iconian gateway that would allow them to travel instantaneously to any planet. He emphasizes the danger to both the Dominion and the Federation and asks for Sisko’s help in tracking down the renegades. Cooperation between the two powers would be beneficial to both. In true Vorta fashion ("just doing my job"), he also offers to make Sisko absolute ruler of the Federation. Sisko agrees to help destroy the gateway but, characteristically, refuses the offer of absolute rule.