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While exploring the Gamma Quadrant
in the Defiant, Sisko, Dax, Bashir, and O'Brien are shocked when
a planet appears where none existed before. They are contacted
by a woman named Seltin, who invites them to join her people on
their world for a meal. During the feast, Seltin explains that
the planet, Meridian, shifts between this dimension and another,
where they exist as pure consciousness. When they return to this
dimension, it is as if no time has passed for them even though
decades have gone by in reality. Dax is intrigued by a Meridian
named Deral, who explains to her that the periods when his
planet exists in this dimension are getting shorter — this time,
they will only be visible for 12 days, after which Meridian will
shift back into its non-corporeal state for 60 years. Those
intervals returning to Dax's dimension will soon be cut to a
matter of minutes, after which the planet will become too
unstable and simply cease to exist.
Sisko volunteers to help find a
way to stabilize Meridian's dimensional shifts. Dax notices a
possible anomaly in the sun's fusion cycle, and a probe is sent
to investigate. While awaiting the readings, Dax and Deral take
a long walk through Meridian's landscape, during which they give
in to their growing attraction and kiss.
Dax soon discovers an imbalance in the sun's core is triggering
the dimensional shifts. Unfortunately, while it is possible to
equalize the time between shifts, it cannot be accomplished
before the five days Meridian has left remaining in this
dimension. Dax and Deral realize they will not see each other
again until his planet returns in 60 years. Unwilling to lose
her, Deral decides to leave Meridian and his people in order to
go with Dax to the Alpha Quadrant.
Seltin is thrilled to hear that the next time Meridian returns
to this dimension, it will remain for 30 years, allowing the
group to have families and expand the settlement. But she is
less than thrilled with Deral's announcement that he is leaving
with Dax. He knows that the small society can't afford to lose a
member, but remains determined to be with the woman he loves.
Noticing Deral is torn, Dax presents an alternative — having her
molecular structure altered in order to survive the dimensional
shift. Realizing it's the only way they can be together, Dax
decides to do this so she can remain on Meridian with Deral.
As the shift of Meridian begins, Dax's presence interferes with
the process, making the planet unable to completely enter the
other dimension. Trapped, Dax is left unable to breathe, but is
then beamed aboard the Defiant. Sisko informs her that Meridian
shifted successfully after her disappearance, letting Dax know
that Deral is alive, but lost from her life for the next 60
years.
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