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An explosion at a
Federation/Romulan diplomatic conference on Earth has killed 27
people. Most disturbing is evidence that the bomb was set by a
Changeling — meaning the Dominion has reached Earth. Sisko and
Odo are summoned to San Francisco to advise Admiral Leyton, the
head of Starfleet Operations, on the Dominion. Once there,
Leyton informs them that, effective immediately, Sisko will be
in charge of Starfleet Security on Earth.
A trip to Earth also means a
visit home for Sisko and his son, Jake. They head to the New
Orleans restaurant owned and operated by Sisko's father, Joseph.
Later, Sisko and Leyton meet with Federation President Jaresh-Inyo,
who balks at Sisko's ideas for increasing security. But when
Sisko's briefcase suddenly morphs into Odo, Jaresh-Inyo sees the
seriousness of the Dominion threat, and agrees to allow Sisko to
implement blood screening measures on Starfleet officers and
high-ranking Federation officials.
On the grounds of Starfleet Headquarters, Odo encounters Leyton
and his executive officer, Commander Benteen. During their
conversation, Odo suddenly grabs Leyton's hand, which then
dissolves into gelatinous goo. Revealed to be a Changeling, the
duplicate morphs into a bird and flies away. The real Leyton is
extremely upset by this news, but his discussion with Sisko is
interrupted by an urgent call from Jake — Joseph has been
arrested.
Sisko returns to New Orleans, where his father has refused to
submit to the blood testing now required of all relatives of
Starfleet members. Joseph angrily retreats to his restaurant
kitchen to chop vegetables, but cuts his finger. Sisko can't
help checking the knife to make sure the blood doesn't become
Changeling goo. That night, Earth's entire power-relay system
goes off-line. When Leyton blames sabotage, Sisko surmises the
Changelings have left Earth defenseless.
Sisko and Leyton use the systems of an orbiting starship to
transport to the President's office, and convince him to declare
a State of Emergency on Earth. Armed Starfleet troops are
quickly mobilized across the planet. Sisko prepares his
homeworld for war with the Dominion.
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