The Defiant is crippled in the Gamma Quadrant.
The Defiant hosts secret trade talks between the Federation and the Karemma, with Quark acting as a middleman. Jem'Hadar ships attack, and the Defiant follows the Karemma vessel into the atmosphere of a gas giant, where it is badly damaged and the crew is scattered.
Sisko is concussed, and Kira keeps him awake by talking, admitting that his role as Emissary has kept her at a distance. Dax and Bashir are trapped together, Quark and the Karemma leader defuse a torpedo, and Worf learns lessons about command. The crew manages to destroy the remaining Jem'Hadar ship.