With the secret of his
genetically-engineered past out in the open, Bashir is asked to
work with a group of others like him. Aggressive Jack, sensual
Lauren, giddy Patrick, and shy Sarina are highly intelligent —
but equally dysfunctional — and have spent their lives in an
institution. It is hoped that Bashir can help them assimilate
into "normal" society, and while he is initially put off by
their antisocial behavior, Bashir is excited by the prospect of
helping them succeed.
When Gul Damar, the new head of the Cardassian government,
announces that Cardassia and the Dominion want to open peace
talks with the Federation, Jack, Patrick, and Lauren put
together the story of how Damar came to power — just by watching
his speech. Bashir asks Sisko for a transcript of the upcoming
talks so that his charges can analyze the proceedings.
Damar and the Dominion's Weyoun appear ready to concede
territories, but Bashir's group spots a problem. They determine
that the enemy alliance is not mentioning a star system which
contains the raw materials for ketracel-white, the drug used to
control the Jem'Hadar, because they want it for themselves.
Bashir presents this information, along with a dizzying array of
further predictions, to Sisko. When he sees that the projected
outcomes are all backed up with equations, Sisko informs
Starfleet Command of the group's talents. Starfleet responds by
giving them access to classified information on its battle
readiness.
 The savants determine that the Federation will lose the war,
with casualties in the hundreds of billions. Bashir takes this
grim news to Sisko, advising that the Federation surrender.
Naturally, Sisko refuses, and without his endorsement, Starfleet
rejects Bashir's recommendation. Hearing this news, the group
decides to give the Dominion leaders information that will help
them take control of the Alpha Quadrant. While the plan will
save lives, Bashir refuses to participate, forcing Jack to
incapacitate him.
The group arranges a meeting with Weyoun and Damar, and Sarina
is left behind to guard Bashir. After convincing her to free
him, Bashir alerts Odo to the impending meeting, and the plan is
foiled. The savants are sent back to the institution, and Bashir
takes comfort in the fact that if they couldn't foretell
Sarina's defection, perhaps their predictions of doom for the
Federation may also be wrong. |
