 The station is
buzzing with the news that Kira has finally gone into labor. But
Odo is surprisingly uninterested, having his own "baby" to deal
with. The former Changeling has purchased an ailing infant
Changeling from Quark, and, after Dr. Bashir heals the creature,
begins the task of trying to teach his "child" to shapeshift. He
is clearly displeased when Dr. Mora, the Bajoran scientist who
"raised" Odo, arrives on the station to help.
Dr. Mora and Odo immediately
clash over how to best raise the Changeling. Odo, still angry at
the invasive methods Dr. Mora employed with him, hopes to reach
the infant through encouragement. Mora, however, insists on
probing and measuring the little creature, to Odo's horror and
disgust. Unfortunately, Odo makes little progress using his own
methods, and Mora is quick to point this out. Odo refuses to
even consider the doctor's expertise until Sisko informs him
that Starfleet Command wants Odo to establish communication with
the Changeling as soon as possible — or lose the infant to
Starfleet. Unwilling to give his "baby" up, Odo has no choice
but to listen to his old nemesis.
Using Dr. Mora's equipment, Odo employs electric shocks — the
same methods Mora used to teach him to shapeshift, to prod the
changeling into holding several basic forms. As he experiences
his first success, Odo tries to resist bonding with Mora, who,
when he taught Odo, experienced the same sense of pride Odo now
feels. However, they are both amazed when the creature forms a
face with eyes, and uses them to peer at Odo.
The moment brings Odo and Mora together — especially when Mora
admits to Odo that his caring seems to have helped him form a
connection with the baby. Mora's support helps Odo to finally
forgive him and actually thank him for helping him to become
more than a simple lump of organic material. He invites Dr. Mora
to celebrate their success with a glass of champagne, and Mora
happily accepts. Odo winds up at Quark's, where he offers his
heartfelt thanks to the Ferengi for changing his life.
Unfortunately, the happy mood is shattered when Odo receives
word that the little creature is dying.
Desperate, Odo begs Dr. Bashir to save his "child," but there is
nothing that can be done. Odo then takes the goo into his hands
and begs the little creature not to die. It does anyway, but as
a final "gift" to its mentor, the infant changeling merges into
Odo and restores his shapeshifting abilities.
See
Also: Image Captures |
