These texts describe a political and military standoff between the Ferengi Alliance and Bajor stemming from the auction of the Ninth Orb, a spiritually significant Bajoran artifact known as a Tear of the Prophets. The conflict escalates when the Bajoran government cuts off access to the wormhole, leading the Ferengi to establish a crippling blockade and war seems imminent. Amidst this growing crisis, Major Kira Nerys turns to her sacred texts for guidance, while Ferengi businessman Quark and his brother Rom are wrongfully imprisoned in a harsh Bajoran labor camp. To prevent an open war, Captain Benjamin Sisko decides to use Quark as a negotiator to sway Grand Nagus Zek. The ultimate resolution confirms that the entire ordeal, including Quark’s imprisonment and eventual release, was a meticulously crafted, high-stakes financial and political maneuver by the Nagus.

Ask this episode

“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.