Kira has finally gone into labor, but Odo is uninterested, dealing with his own "baby." The former Changeling has purchased an ailing infant Changeling from Quark, and, after Bashir treats the creature, begins the task of trying to teach his "child" to shapeshift from its natural state of goo. He is clearly displeased when Dr. Mora, the Bajoran scientist who "raised" Odo, arrives on the station to help. To Odo's horror and disgust, Mora insists on probing and measuring the creature, and the two clash over how to teach the infant.

Rosalind Chao (Keiko O'Brien)
Duncan Regehr (First Minister Shakaar Edon)
James Sloyan (Dr. Mora Pol)
Peggy Roeder (Y'Pora)

• Before the baby changeling dies he "merges" into Odo, and Odo becomes a changeling again. (He became a solid in the 4th season finale "Broken Link".)
  
• The O'Brien's baby is later named Kirayoshi. They were going to name him Shawn, but that means "swamp" in Bajoran.