In the Gamma Quadrant, Bashir and O'Brien respond to what they believe is a ship in trouble on a remote planet. After crash-landing on the surface, they become prisoners of Jem'Hadar soldiers. When they learn Bashir is a doctor, the leader, Goran'Agar, explains that he has been mysteriously cured of his addiction to Ketracel-white, the substance the Founders genetically-engineered the Jem'Hadar to require for survival. Goran'Agar wants Bashir to find the cure so that his soldiers can escape the Dominion's tyranny — a task he must complete before their drug supply runs out — only five days. Bashir must decide if he is going to help the Jem'Hadar, or allow them to die, killing himself and O'Brien in the process.

Scott MacDonald (Goran'Agar)
Stephen Davies (Arak'Taral)
Jerry Roberts (Meso'Clan)
Marshall Teague (Temo'Zuma)
Roderick Garr (Rogana Tosh)

• Bashir and O'Brien were conducting a bio-survey of Merrick III in the Gamma Quadrant.