A freighter bringing a shipment of deuridium from the Gamma Quadrant to Deep Space 9 in 2369, targeted for hijacking by the Kobliad criminal Rao Vantika.
The Norkova is a freighter seen in the episode The Passenger. In 2369 it is due at Deep Space 9 with a cargo of deuridium, a substance the Kobliad people need to prolong their lives.
The criminal Rao Vantika has planned to steal the shipment. Although his body dies, his consciousness survives hidden in Julian Bashir, and under his control Bashir joins a band of hired mercenaries who board the Norkova as it approaches the station.
Sisko refuses to fire on the ship with Bashir aboard. Dax finds a way to disrupt Vantika's hold with an electromagnetic pulse, Bashir regains control of himself, and the Norkova and its cargo are recovered.