The Dominion war nears its conclusion.
The Dominion wipes out most of Damar's rebellion and announces his death, but Damar, Kira and Garak take refuge in Garak's childhood home with Mila, his late father's housekeeper. They attack a Jem'Hadar barracks, and Damar shows the Cardassian people he is alive and calls on them to rise up.
On the station, Quark believes Zek has named him the next Grand Nagus, only to learn the post is going to Rom. Sisko receives a new Defiant, Odo learns the Founders' disease was spread through him, Bashir and Ezri begin a relationship, and Sisko persuades Admiral Ross to attack Cardassia. Kasidy reveals she is pregnant, troubled by the Prophets' warning that Sisko must walk his path alone. It is the penultimate episode.