Memory Alpha
Register
Memory Alpha
(Background Information)
Tag: sourceedit
(21 intermediate revisions by 11 users not shown)
Line 31: Line 31:
 
|aPrevInUniverseTimeline = The Nagus (episode)
 
|aPrevInUniverseTimeline = The Nagus (episode)
 
}}<!-- Extra data season = -->
 
}}<!-- Extra data season = -->
{{disambiguate|the term in subspace physics|vortex}}
+
{{disambiguation|the term in subspace physics|vortex}}
A fugitive attempts to trade evidence about Odo's people for freedom.
+
A fugitive from the Gamma Quadrant attempts to trade evidence about Odo's people for freedom.
   
 
==Summary==
 
==Summary==
Line 40: Line 40:
 
=== Act One ===
 
=== Act One ===
 
[[File:Langour.jpg|thumb|Five glasses, for four people?!]]
 
[[File:Langour.jpg|thumb|Five glasses, for four people?!]]
The twins are offering to sell a small egg-shaped object to Quark, who expresses concern that it was stolen but just as he does, the quiet customer, named Croden, enters and demands to be given the item at gunpoint. [[Rom]] drops his tray of glasses, one of which reforms into [[Odo]] as it hits the floor. Croden fires his gun at Ro-Kel, killing him. Before Ah-Kel gets a chance to fight back Odo hauls Croden away to the [[Security|security office]].
+
The twins are offering to sell a small egg-shaped object to Quark, who expresses concern that it was stolen but just as he does, the quiet customer, named Croden, enters and demands to be given the item at gunpoint. [[Rom]] drops his tray of glasses, one of which reforms into [[Odo]] as it hits the floor. Ah-Kel throws the table at Croden, then Ro-Kel fires at him, but misses. Croden fires back, killing Ro-Kel. Before Ah-Kel gets a chance to fight back Odo hauls Croden away to the [[Security|security office]].
   
 
Ah-Kel, furious about his twin's death, vows vengeance against Croden. However, as Croden is still being held in the [[brig]], Ah-Kel returns to his [[Theta class starship|ship]] in frustration. Odo visits Croden who tells him stories he'd heard about [[Changelings]], something which piques Odo's attention.
 
Ah-Kel, furious about his twin's death, vows vengeance against Croden. However, as Croden is still being held in the [[brig]], Ah-Kel returns to his [[Theta class starship|ship]] in frustration. Odo visits Croden who tells him stories he'd heard about [[Changelings]], something which piques Odo's attention.
   
 
=== Act Two ===
 
=== Act Two ===
He goes on to tell Odo that the Changelings live in an unusual [[Chamra Vortex|nebula]] in the [[Gamma Quadrant]]. Croden then shows Odo an unusual pendant containing a miniature Changeling that shapes into what could be described as an unusual "chess piece".
+
Croden goes on to tell Odo that the Changelings live in an unusual [[Chamra Vortex|nebula]] in the [[Gamma Quadrant]]. Croden then shows Odo an unusual pendant containing a miniature Changeling that shapes into what could be described as an unusual "chess piece".
   
Odo takes the pendant to [[Doctor|Dr.]] [[Julian_Bashir|Bashir]] who examines it and tells him that it's organic. The only other living creature he'd encountered with a remotely similar genetic makeup is Odo. Jokingly, Bashir says that the pendant could be like Odo's distant cousin.
+
Odo takes the pendant to [[Doctor|Dr.]] [[Julian Bashir|Bashir]] who examines it and tells him that it's organic. The only other living creature he'd encountered with a remotely similar genetic makeup is Odo. Jokingly, Bashir says that the pendant could be considered Odo's distant cousin. Odo returns the pendant, at Croden's request.
   
 
=== Act Three ===
 
=== Act Three ===
Using the ''[[USS Rio Grande|Rio Grande]]'', [[Commander]] [[Benjamin Sisko|Sisko]] and [[Lieutenant]] [[Jadzia Dax|Dax]] locate Croden's [[Rakhar|homeworld]] and speak to [[Hadran]], the [[Exarch]] of [[Nehelik Province]]. It transpires that Croden is wanted for multiple crimes on his planet and Hadran demands his immediate return to face execution.
+
Using the ''[[USS Rio Grande|Rio Grande]]'', [[Commander]] [[Benjamin Sisko|Sisko]] and [[Lieutenant]] [[Jadzia Dax|Dax]] locate Croden's [[Rakhar|homeworld]] and speak to [[Hadran]], the [[Exarch]] of [[Nehelik Province]]. It transpires that Croden is wanted for multiple crimes on his planet and Hadran demands his immediate return to face [[execution]]. Sisko agrees.
   
 
Odo is ordered to return Croden to his homeworld. They use a Rigelian freighter to mask their departure from Ah-Kel's raider.
 
Odo is ordered to return Croden to his homeworld. They use a Rigelian freighter to mask their departure from Ah-Kel's raider.
Line 57: Line 57:
   
 
=== Act Four ===
 
=== Act Four ===
Ah-Kel discovers that Croden is gone. After threatening Quark's life Quark uses his security access to give Ah-Kel Croden's whereabouts. Rom is excited over the prospect of Ah-Kel killing both Odo and Croden, but Quark does not share his enthusiasm. Ah-Kel eventually catches up with Odo's runabout in the Nebula and opens fire. Odo agrees to let Croden take the controls, since he is familiar with this area of space. Croden directs Odo to a small [[planetoid]], telling him that he may end up meeting one of his people after all.
+
Ah-Kel discovers that Croden is gone. After threatening Quark's life, Quark uses his security access to give Ah-Kel Croden's whereabouts. Rom is excited over the prospect of Ah-Kel killing both Odo and Croden, but Quark does not share his enthusiasm. Ah-Kel eventually catches up with Odo's runabout in the Nebula and opens fire. Odo agrees to let Croden take the controls, since he is familiar with this area of space. Croden directs Odo to a small [[planetoid]], telling him that he may end up meeting one of his people after all.
   
 
=== Act Five ===
 
=== Act Five ===
When they arrive there are no Changelings present. Croden heads to a [[stasis]] chamber hidden deep in a cave where he uses the "chess piece" as a key to open it and revives his daughter [[Yareth]], seemingly proving his story to be true. On the way back to the runabout, the Miradorn vessel fires upon the planetoid which causes a cave-in and Odo is knocked out. Croden considers leaving him but ultimately goes back for him and rescues him.
+
When they arrive there are no Changelings present. Croden heads to a [[stasis]] chamber hidden deep in a cave where he uses the "chess piece" as a key to open it and revives his daughter [[Yareth]], seemingly proving his story to be true. On the way back to the runabout, the Miradorn vessel fires upon the planetoid which causes a cave-in and Odo is knocked out. Croden considers leaving him but ultimately goes back for him and rescues him when his daughter questions what he's doing.
   
 
[[File:Croden.jpg|thumb|left|[[Croden]], a [[Rakhari]] criminal]]
 
[[File:Croden.jpg|thumb|left|[[Croden]], a [[Rakhari]] criminal]]
 
Odo regains consciousness on the runabout and is surprised to find that Croden didn't leave him behind. However Ah-Kel is still pursuing them. Odo takes the controls from Croden and leads the Miradorn ship into a pocket of volatile [[toh-maire]] gas. Just before the runabout is fired upon, Odo moves the ship out of the way. The gas ignites, destroying the Miradorn ship.
 
Odo regains consciousness on the runabout and is surprised to find that Croden didn't leave him behind. However Ah-Kel is still pursuing them. Odo takes the controls from Croden and leads the Miradorn ship into a pocket of volatile [[toh-maire]] gas. Just before the runabout is fired upon, Odo moves the ship out of the way. The gas ignites, destroying the Miradorn ship.
   
As Croden is preparing to be returned to his people, he asks Odo to take care of Yareth, saying that they're both going to be outsiders and they'll need each other. Odo is looking for a way to decline the request when a [[Vulcan]] ship, the ''[[T'Vran]]'', detecting the explosion, intercepts the runabout ''Ganges'' and asks if they can be of any assistance. Odo asks if they would take the two [[Rakhari]] "survivors" back to [[Vulcan (planet)|Vulcan]] with them. Odo tells Croden that he will say Croden was killed during the Miradorn attack on the planetoid. Croden gives Odo his pendant as a way of thanking him for his kindness and for saving his life as well as the life of his daughter before beaming over to the Vulcan ship. Odo warns him that he will be an outsider living in an alien culture, but Croden says as long as he has his daughter he has a home. After they depart Odo, holding the pendant, tells his "cousin" that one day they'll find home as well.
+
As Croden is preparing to be returned to his people, he asks Odo to take care of Yareth, saying that they're both going to be outsiders and they'll need each other. Odo is looking for a way to decline the request when a [[Vulcan]] ship, the ''[[T'Vran]]'', detecting the explosion, intercepts the runabout ''Ganges'' and asks if they can be of any assistance. Odo asks if they would take the two [[Rakhari]] "survivors" back to {{dis|Vulcan|planet}} with them. Odo tells Croden that he will say Croden was killed during the Miradorn attack on the planetoid. Croden gives Odo his pendant as a way of thanking him for his kindness and for saving his life as well as the life of his daughter before beaming over to the Vulcan ship. Odo warns him that he will be an outsider living in an alien culture, but Croden says as long as he has his daughter he has a home. After they depart Odo, holding the pendant, tells his "cousin" that one day they'll find home as well.
   
 
==Memorable quotes==
 
==Memorable quotes==
"''The shapeshifters are harsh in their judgement.''"
+
"''The shapeshifters are harsh in their judgment.''"
: - '''Croden''' to '''Odo'''
+
: - '''Croden''' to Odo
   
   
Line 84: Line 84:
   
 
"''The fact that you just killed a man doesn't affect your appetite?''"
 
"''The fact that you just killed a man doesn't affect your appetite?''"
  +
: - '''Odo''', to Croden
  +
  +
  +
"''The next time you lie, I'll save Ah-Kel the trouble of killing you.''"
 
: - '''Odo''', to Croden
 
: - '''Odo''', to Croden
   
Line 94: Line 98:
 
"''I'm afraid I haven't met any before now.''"<br />
 
"''I'm afraid I haven't met any before now.''"<br />
 
"''In my species, we are not just twin brothers... together we are a self... two halves of one being. I am incomplete now.''"
 
"''In my species, we are not just twin brothers... together we are a self... two halves of one being. I am incomplete now.''"
: - '''Ah-Kel''', to '''Commander Sisko'''
+
: - '''Ah-Kel''', to '''Sisko'''
   
   
Line 100: Line 104:
 
"''Don't thank me, I already regret it.''"
 
"''Don't thank me, I already regret it.''"
 
: - '''Odo''' and '''Croden''', after Croden decided not to leave Odo on the planetoid
 
: - '''Odo''' and '''Croden''', after Croden decided not to leave Odo on the planetoid
 
 
"''Don't thank me, I already regret it.''"
 
: - '''Odo''' to '''Croden''', after Odo decided send Croden to Vulcan
 
   
   
Line 114: Line 114:
 
: - '''Odo''', looking at Croden's pendant
 
: - '''Odo''', looking at Croden's pendant
   
==Background Information==
+
==Background information==
 
===Story and script===
 
===Story and script===
*[[Peter Allan Fields]]' original idea for this episode was based upon the 1953 {{w|Anthony Mann}} movie ''{{w|The Naked Spur}}'' and, as such, Fields hired that movie's writer, [[Sam Rolfe]], to do the teleplay. (''[[Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Companion]]'')
+
*[[Peter Allan Fields]]' original idea for this episode was based upon the 1953 {{w|Anthony Mann}} movie {{wt|The Naked Spur}} and, as such, Fields hired that movie's writer, [[Sam Rolfe]], to do the teleplay. (''[[Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Companion]]'')
 
*According to [[Robert Hewitt Wolfe]], Odo's line "''I'm a security chief, not a combat pilot''" is a tribute to [[Leonard McCoy]]'s running line in ''[[Star Trek: The Original Series]]'', "''[[I'm a doctor, not a...]]''." (''[[Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Companion]]'')
 
*According to [[Robert Hewitt Wolfe]], Odo's line "''I'm a security chief, not a combat pilot''" is a tribute to [[Leonard McCoy]]'s running line in ''[[Star Trek: The Original Series]]'', "''[[I'm a doctor, not a...]]''." (''[[Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Companion]]'')
 
*[[Morn]] is first identified by name in this episode. It is also in this episode that the notion that he talks too much is introduced, something that became a running joke for the duration of the series even though he never speaks onscreen. [[Morn]] is also an anagram for a well loved character from the television series ''Cheers'', who, like Morn, spent a lot of time sitting at the bar. (''[[Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Companion]]'')
 
*[[Morn]] is first identified by name in this episode. It is also in this episode that the notion that he talks too much is introduced, something that became a running joke for the duration of the series even though he never speaks onscreen. [[Morn]] is also an anagram for a well loved character from the television series ''Cheers'', who, like Morn, spent a lot of time sitting at the bar. (''[[Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Companion]]'')
  +
*The script specifies that two of [[Ah-Kel]]'s crewman were [[Gatherer]]s, who were first seen in the other ''Star Trek'' episode that [[Sam Rolfe]] wrote, {{TNG|The Vengeance Factor}}. (''[[Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Companion - A Series Guide and Script Library]]'')
 
===Production===
 
===Production===
 
[[File:Miradorn raider crew.jpg|thumb|A behind the scenes photography of the Miradorn raider crew.]]
 
[[File:Miradorn raider crew.jpg|thumb|A behind the scenes photography of the Miradorn raider crew.]]
Line 125: Line 126:
 
*The exterior visuals of the [[Chamra Vortex]] are re-used shots of the [[Mutara Nebula]] from {{film|2}}, recolored slightly and flipped upside-down.
 
*The exterior visuals of the [[Chamra Vortex]] are re-used shots of the [[Mutara Nebula]] from {{film|2}}, recolored slightly and flipped upside-down.
 
===Reception===
 
===Reception===
*[[Michael Piller]] thought "Vortex" was "''a very effective episode. I was mostly concerned that the sentimentality of the little girl on the planet was not going to play and that it was a little hokey. Frankly, I think it did play and I found it quite touching. I was intrigued with the mystery, and the special effects they did in the vortex were sensational''". (''[[Captains' Logs Supplemental - The Unauthorized Guide to the New Trek Voyages]]'', p 51)
+
*[[Michael Piller]] thought "Vortex" was: "''a very effective episode. I was mostly concerned that the sentimentality of the [[Yareth|little girl]] on the planet was not going to play and that it was a little hokey. Frankly, I think it did play and I found it quite touching. I was intrigued with the mystery, and the special effects they did in the vortex were sensational''". (''[[Captains' Logs Supplemental - The Unauthorized Guide to the New Trek Voyages]]'', p 51)
 
*This episode marks the first time that we see [[Odo]] smile. Actor [[Rene Auberjonois]] felt that this scene was an important one in the development of the character, believing that "''a smile is sort of a gift that Odo gives only on very special occasions''." (''[[Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Companion]]'')
 
*This episode marks the first time that we see [[Odo]] smile. Actor [[Rene Auberjonois]] felt that this scene was an important one in the development of the character, believing that "''a smile is sort of a gift that Odo gives only on very special occasions''." (''[[Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Companion]]'')
 
===Trivia===
 
===Trivia===
Line 134: Line 135:
 
*[[Cirroc Lofton]] ([[Jake Sisko]]) [[Main character non-appearances|does not appear]] in this episode.
 
*[[Cirroc Lofton]] ([[Jake Sisko]]) [[Main character non-appearances|does not appear]] in this episode.
 
===Video and DVD releases===
 
===Video and DVD releases===
*UK VHS release (two-episode tapes, [[CIC Video]]): Volume 6, <!--catalog number x, -->{{d|4|October|1993}}.
+
*UK VHS release (two-episode tapes, [[CIC Video]]): Volume 6, <!--catalog number x, -->{{d|4|October|1993}}
*As part of the [[DS9 Season 1 DVD]] collection.
+
*As part of the [[DS9 Season 1 DVD]] collection
   
 
== Links and references ==
 
== Links and references ==
Line 141: Line 142:
 
*[[Avery Brooks]] as [[Commander]] [[Benjamin Sisko]]
 
*[[Avery Brooks]] as [[Commander]] [[Benjamin Sisko]]
   
=== Also Starring ===
+
=== Also starring ===
 
*[[Rene Auberjonois]] as [[Constable]] [[Odo]]
 
*[[Rene Auberjonois]] as [[Constable]] [[Odo]]
 
*[[Siddig El Fadil]] as [[Doctor]] [[Julian Bashir]]
 
*[[Siddig El Fadil]] as [[Doctor]] [[Julian Bashir]]
Line 149: Line 150:
 
*[[Nana Visitor]] as [[Major]] [[Kira Nerys]]
 
*[[Nana Visitor]] as [[Major]] [[Kira Nerys]]
   
=== Guest Stars ===
+
=== Guest stars ===
 
*[[Cliff DeYoung]] as [[Croden]]
 
*[[Cliff DeYoung]] as [[Croden]]
 
*[[Randy Oglesby]] as [[Ah-Kel]] and [[Ro-Kel]]
 
*[[Randy Oglesby]] as [[Ah-Kel]] and [[Ro-Kel]]
Line 157: Line 158:
 
*[[Leslie Engelberg]] as [[Yareth]]
 
*[[Leslie Engelberg]] as [[Yareth]]
   
=== Co-Star ===
+
=== Co-star ===
 
*[[Majel Barrett]] as {{USS|Ganges}} [[computer voice]]
 
*[[Majel Barrett]] as {{USS|Ganges}} [[computer voice]]
   
=== Uncredited Co-Stars ===
+
=== Uncredited co-stars ===
 
*[[Frank Collison]] as [[Dolak]] (display graphic)
 
*[[Frank Collison]] as [[Dolak]] (display graphic)
* [[Jeannie Dreams]] as an [[Unnamed Deep Space 9 personnel#Female operations division ensign|operations division ensign]]
+
*[[Jeannie Dreams]] as an [[Unnamed Deep Space 9 personnel#Female operations division ensign|operations division ensign]]
 
*[[Jeffrey Hayenga]] as [[Orta]] (display graphic)
 
*[[Jeffrey Hayenga]] as [[Orta]] (display graphic)
*[[Randy James]] as [[Lieutenant]] [[Jones (Lieutenant)|Jones]]
+
*[[Randy James]] as [[Lieutenant]] {{dis|Jones|Lieutenant}}
 
*[[Norman Large]] as [[Unnamed Romulans (24th century)#Romulan criminal|Romulan criminal]] (display graphic)
 
*[[Norman Large]] as [[Unnamed Romulans (24th century)#Romulan criminal|Romulan criminal]] (display graphic)
 
*[[Mark Lentry]] as a [[Unnamed Deep Space 9 personnel#Lieutenant Commander|command division lieutenant]]
 
*[[Mark Lentry]] as a [[Unnamed Deep Space 9 personnel#Lieutenant Commander|command division lieutenant]]
 
*[[David B. Levinson]] as [[Broik]]
 
*[[David B. Levinson]] as [[Broik]]
 
*[[Robin Morselli]] as a [[Unnamed Bajoran Militia personnel#Bajoran OPS Officer|Bajoran officer]]
 
*[[Robin Morselli]] as a [[Unnamed Bajoran Militia personnel#Bajoran OPS Officer|Bajoran officer]]
 
*{{dis|April Rossi|actress}} as [[Andorian 24th century criminal|Andorian criminal]] (display graphic)
 
*[[Mark Allen Shepherd]] as
 
*[[Mark Allen Shepherd]] as
 
**[[Unnamed Deep Space 9 residents#Human promenade passerby|Human DS9 resident]]
 
**[[Unnamed Deep Space 9 residents#Human promenade passerby|Human DS9 resident]]
Line 174: Line 176:
 
*[[Michael Zurich]] as a [[Unnamed Bajoran Militia personnel#Bajoran deputy 3|Bajoran security deputy]]
 
*[[Michael Zurich]] as a [[Unnamed Bajoran Militia personnel#Bajoran deputy 3|Bajoran security deputy]]
 
*[[Unknown performers]] as
 
*[[Unknown performers]] as
**[[Unnamed Andorians (24th century)#Criminal|Andorian criminal]] (display graphic)
 
 
**[[Unnamed Bajoran Militia personnel#Bajoran deputy 17|Bajoran security deputy]] (voice)
 
**[[Unnamed Bajoran Militia personnel#Bajoran deputy 17|Bajoran security deputy]] (voice)
 
**[[Unnamed humanoids (24th century)#Buck-toothed aliens|Buck-toothed alien criminal]] (display graphic)
 
**[[Unnamed humanoids (24th century)#Buck-toothed aliens|Buck-toothed alien criminal]] (display graphic)
Line 196: Line 197:
   
 
=== References ===
 
=== References ===
[[Advocate]]; [[Ah-Kel and Ro-Kel's raider]]; [[airlock]]; [[alien]]; [[Alpha Quadrant]]; [[Altoran]]; [[amalgam]]; [[asteroid]]; [[Bajoran]]; [[Bajoran transit regulation]]; [[Bajoran wormhole]]; [[bill of sale]]; [[bird]]; [[brother]]; [[century]]; [[Chamra Vortex]]; [[Unnamed_asteroids#Chamra_Vortex_asteroid|Chamra Vortex Asteroid]]; [[Changeling]]; [[colony]]; [[combat pilot]]; [[cousin]]; [[crime]]; [[crystal]]; [[daughter]]; [[dawn (time)|dawn]]; [[day]]; [[docking ring]]; [[egg]]; [[evasive maneuvers]]; [[exarch]]; [[eye]]; [[father]]; [[Federation]]; [[Ferengi]]; [[Ferengi phaser]]; [[fowl]]; [[Gamma Quadrant]]; [[USS Ganges|''Ganges'', USS]]; [[gas]]; [[gullet]]; [[hailing frequency]]; [[holding cell]]; [[holosuite]]; [[homeworld]]; [[homicide]]; [[hour]]; [[impulse]]; [[impulse wake]]; [[ion]]ized; [[key]]; [[killer]]; [[Klingon]]; [[knife]]; [[langour]]; [[latinum]]; [[law]]; [[life sign]]; [[light year]]; [[manacle]]; [[matter]]; [[M class]]; [[merchant]]; [[microscope]]; [[Milky Way Galaxy]]; [[minute]]; [[Miradorn]]; [[Miradorn raider]]; [[mirror]]; [[morning]]; [[murder]]; [[myth]]; [[nebula]]; [[neck]]; [[Nehelik Province]]; [[night]]; [[operations center|ops]]; [[orbit]]; [[organic]]; [[paranoia]]; [[photon bank]]; [[photon torpedo]]; [[plasma charge]]; [[promenade]]; [[punishment]]; [[quadrant]]; [[Quark's]]; [[raider]]; [[Rakhar]]; [[Rakhari]]; [[Rakhari shuttlecraft]]; [[Rakhar sector]]; [[restroom]]; [[USS Rio Grande|''Rio Grande'', USS]]; [[Rigelian]]; [[Rigelian freighter (24th century)|Rigelian freighter]]; [[robbery]]; [[runabout]]; [[security chief]]; [[security clearance]]; [[security office]]; [[security officer]]; [[sedative]]; [[sensor]]; [[shapeshifter]]; [[shapeshifting locket]]; [[shields]]; [[shuttlecraft]]; [[space station]]; [[starboard]]; [[Starfleet]]; [[Starfleet Academy]]; [[stasis pod]]; [[station log]]; [[subspace communications network]]; [[subspace signal]]; [[supper]]; [[thruster]]; [[trial]]; ''[[T'Vran]]''; [[Theta class starship|''Theta''-class]]; [[thief]]; [[toh-maire]]; [[trader]]; [[twin]]; [[Vanoben]]; [[Vanoben transport]]; [[volatile pocket]]; [[vortex]]; [[Vulcan]]; [[Vulcan (planet)]]; [[Vulcan band frequency]]; [[Vulcan science vessel (24th century)|Vulcan science vessel]]; [[wanted poster]]; [[wife]]; [[year]]
+
[[advocate]]; [[Ah-Kel and Ro-Kel's raider]]; [[airlock]]; [[alien]]; [[Alpha Quadrant]]; [[Altoran]]; [[amalgam]]; [[asteroid]]; [[Bajoran]]; [[Bajoran transit regulation]]; [[Bajoran wormhole]]; [[bill of sale]]; [[bird]]; [[brother]]; [[century]]; [[Chamra Vortex]]; [[Unnamed asteroids#Chamra Vortex asteroid|Chamra Vortex Asteroid]]; [[Changeling]]; [[colony]]; [[combat pilot]]; [[cousin]]; [[crime]]; [[crystal]]; [[daughter]]; {{dis|dawn|time}}; [[day]]; [[docking ring]]; [[egg]]; [[evasive maneuvers]]; [[exarch]]; [[eye]]; [[Parents|father]]; [[Federation]]; [[Ferengi]]; [[Ferengi phaser]]; [[fowl]]; [[Gamma Quadrant]]; {{SSU|Ganges}}; [[gas]]; [[gullet]]; [[hailing frequency]]; [[holding cell]]; [[holosuite]]; [[homeworld]]; [[homicide]]; [[hour]]; [[IDIC]]; [[impulse]]; [[impulse wake]]; [[inorganic matter]]; [[ion]]ized; [[key]]; [[killer]]; [[Klingon]]; [[knife]]; [[langour]]; [[latinum]]; [[law]]; [[life sign]]; [[light year]]; [[manacle]]; [[matter]]; [[M class]]; [[merchant]]; [[microscope]]; [[Milky Way Galaxy]]; [[minute]]; [[Miradorn]]; [[Miradorn raider]]; [[mirror]]; [[morning]]; [[murder]]; [[myth]]; [[nebula]]; [[neck]]; [[Nehelik Province]]; [[night]]; [[operations center|ops]]; [[orbit]]; [[organic]]; [[paranoia]]; [[photon bank]]; [[photon torpedo]]; [[plasma charge]]; [[Promenade]]; [[punishment]]; [[quadrant]]; [[Quark's]]; [[raider]]; [[Rakhar]]; [[Rakhari]]; [[Rakhari shuttlecraft]]; [[Rakhar sector]]; [[restroom]]; {{SSU|Rio Grande}}; [[Rigelian]]; {{dis|Rigelian freighter|24th century}}; [[robbery]]; [[runabout]]; [[security chief]]; [[security clearance]]; [[security office]]; [[security officer]]; [[sedative]]; [[sensor]]; [[shapeshifter]]; [[shapeshifting locket]]; [[shields]]; [[shuttlecraft]]; [[space station]]; [[starboard]]; [[Starfleet]]; [[Starfleet Academy]]; [[stasis pod]]; [[station log]]; [[subspace communications network]]; [[subspace signal]]; [[supper]]; [[thruster]]; [[trial]]; ''[[T'Vran]]''; [[Theta class starship|''Theta''-class]]; [[thief]]; [[toh-maire]]; [[trader]]; [[twin]]; [[Vanoben]]; [[Vanoben transport]]; [[volatile pocket]]; [[vortex]]; [[Vulcan]]; [[Vulcan (planet)]]; [[Vulcan band frequency]]; {{dis|Vulcan science vessel|24th century}}; [[wanted poster]]; [[wife]]; [[year]]
   
 
===External links===
 
===External links===
* {{NCwiki|Vortex}}
+
* {{mbeta-quote|Vortex}}
* {{wikipedia|Vortex (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine)}}
+
* {{wikipedia-quote|Vortex (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine)|Vortex}}
   
 
{{DS9 nav|season=1|last={{e|The Nagus}}|next={{e|Battle Lines}}}}
 
{{DS9 nav|season=1|last={{e|The Nagus}}|next={{e|Battle Lines}}}}
 
   
 
[[cs:Vortex (epizoda)]]
 
[[cs:Vortex (epizoda)]]

Revision as of 23:02, 30 December 2015

Template:Realworld

For the term in subspace physics, please see vortex.

A fugitive from the Gamma Quadrant attempts to trade evidence about Odo's people for freedom.

Summary

Teaser

Odo arrives at Quark's, suspecting that he's doing business with the Miradorn raider that just docked. They also discuss a quiet customer who is sitting at the other end of the bar. Just then, Ah-Kel and Ro-Kel, a pair of Miradorn twins, enter the bar and nod in Quark's direction. Quark heads up to a holosuite and asks Rom to bring up some drinks. Odo morphs into one of the glasses to eavesdrop on the upcoming meeting.

Act One

Langour

Five glasses, for four people?!

The twins are offering to sell a small egg-shaped object to Quark, who expresses concern that it was stolen but just as he does, the quiet customer, named Croden, enters and demands to be given the item at gunpoint. Rom drops his tray of glasses, one of which reforms into Odo as it hits the floor. Ah-Kel throws the table at Croden, then Ro-Kel fires at him, but misses. Croden fires back, killing Ro-Kel. Before Ah-Kel gets a chance to fight back Odo hauls Croden away to the security office.

Ah-Kel, furious about his twin's death, vows vengeance against Croden. However, as Croden is still being held in the brig, Ah-Kel returns to his ship in frustration. Odo visits Croden who tells him stories he'd heard about Changelings, something which piques Odo's attention.

Act Two

Croden goes on to tell Odo that the Changelings live in an unusual nebula in the Gamma Quadrant. Croden then shows Odo an unusual pendant containing a miniature Changeling that shapes into what could be described as an unusual "chess piece".

Odo takes the pendant to Dr. Bashir who examines it and tells him that it's organic. The only other living creature he'd encountered with a remotely similar genetic makeup is Odo. Jokingly, Bashir says that the pendant could be considered Odo's distant cousin. Odo returns the pendant, at Croden's request.

Act Three

Using the Rio Grande, Commander Sisko and Lieutenant Dax locate Croden's homeworld and speak to Hadran, the Exarch of Nehelik Province. It transpires that Croden is wanted for multiple crimes on his planet and Hadran demands his immediate return to face execution. Sisko agrees.

Odo is ordered to return Croden to his homeworld. They use a Rigelian freighter to mask their departure from Ah-Kel's raider.

Aboard the runabout Croden tells Odo that on his homeworld he was declared an enemy of the state, the punishment of which is the execution of his family members. His two wives were killed and in response Croden killed the security officers responsible. Odo is suspicious of the story but Croden reassures him that it's true.

Act Four

Ah-Kel discovers that Croden is gone. After threatening Quark's life, Quark uses his security access to give Ah-Kel Croden's whereabouts. Rom is excited over the prospect of Ah-Kel killing both Odo and Croden, but Quark does not share his enthusiasm. Ah-Kel eventually catches up with Odo's runabout in the Nebula and opens fire. Odo agrees to let Croden take the controls, since he is familiar with this area of space. Croden directs Odo to a small planetoid, telling him that he may end up meeting one of his people after all.

Act Five

When they arrive there are no Changelings present. Croden heads to a stasis chamber hidden deep in a cave where he uses the "chess piece" as a key to open it and revives his daughter Yareth, seemingly proving his story to be true. On the way back to the runabout, the Miradorn vessel fires upon the planetoid which causes a cave-in and Odo is knocked out. Croden considers leaving him but ultimately goes back for him and rescues him when his daughter questions what he's doing.

Croden

Croden, a Rakhari criminal

Odo regains consciousness on the runabout and is surprised to find that Croden didn't leave him behind. However Ah-Kel is still pursuing them. Odo takes the controls from Croden and leads the Miradorn ship into a pocket of volatile toh-maire gas. Just before the runabout is fired upon, Odo moves the ship out of the way. The gas ignites, destroying the Miradorn ship.

As Croden is preparing to be returned to his people, he asks Odo to take care of Yareth, saying that they're both going to be outsiders and they'll need each other. Odo is looking for a way to decline the request when a Vulcan ship, the T'Vran, detecting the explosion, intercepts the runabout Ganges and asks if they can be of any assistance. Odo asks if they would take the two Rakhari "survivors" back to Vulcan with them. Odo tells Croden that he will say Croden was killed during the Miradorn attack on the planetoid. Croden gives Odo his pendant as a way of thanking him for his kindness and for saving his life as well as the life of his daughter before beaming over to the Vulcan ship. Odo warns him that he will be an outsider living in an alien culture, but Croden says as long as he has his daughter he has a home. After they depart Odo, holding the pendant, tells his "cousin" that one day they'll find home as well.

Memorable quotes

"The shapeshifters are harsh in their judgment."

- Croden to Odo


"The usual, Odo?"
"Nothing."
"The usual."

- Quark and Odo


"Whoever you are--you're making a mistake."
"Well, it wouldn't be the first and probably won't be the last. Give that to me."

- Ro-Kel and Croden


"The fact that you just killed a man doesn't affect your appetite?"

- Odo, to Croden


"The next time you lie, I'll save Ah-Kel the trouble of killing you."

- Odo, to Croden


"Five glasses... for four people... !?"

- Quark, after he realizes that Odo was masquerading as a glass


"Have you known any twinned Miradorn, commander?"
"I'm afraid I haven't met any before now."
"In my species, we are not just twin brothers... together we are a self... two halves of one being. I am incomplete now."

- Ah-Kel, to Sisko


"You could've left me behind."
"Don't thank me, I already regret it."

- Odo and Croden, after Croden decided not to leave Odo on the planetoid


"Morn should keep his big mouth shut!"
"..."

- Quark and Morn


"Home? Where is it? Some day we'll know... cousin."

- Odo, looking at Croden's pendant

Background information

Story and script

Production

Miradorn raider crew

A behind the scenes photography of the Miradorn raider crew.

Reception

Trivia

Video and DVD releases

Links and references

Starring

Also starring

Guest stars

Co-star

Uncredited co-stars

Stunt doubles

Stand-ins

References

advocate; Ah-Kel and Ro-Kel's raider; airlock; alien; Alpha Quadrant; Altoran; amalgam; asteroid; Bajoran; Bajoran transit regulation; Bajoran wormhole; bill of sale; bird; brother; century; Chamra Vortex; Chamra Vortex Asteroid; Changeling; colony; combat pilot; cousin; crime; crystal; daughter; dawn; day; docking ring; egg; evasive maneuvers; exarch; eye; father; Federation; Ferengi; Ferengi phaser; fowl; Gamma Quadrant; Template:SSU; gas; gullet; hailing frequency; holding cell; holosuite; homeworld; homicide; hour; IDIC; impulse; impulse wake; inorganic matter; ionized; key; killer; Klingon; knife; langour; latinum; law; life sign; light year; manacle; matter; M class; merchant; microscope; Milky Way Galaxy; minute; Miradorn; Miradorn raider; mirror; morning; murder; myth; nebula; neck; Nehelik Province; night; ops; orbit; organic; paranoia; photon bank; photon torpedo; plasma charge; Promenade; punishment; quadrant; Quark's; raider; Rakhar; Rakhari; Rakhari shuttlecraft; Rakhar sector; restroom; Template:SSU; Rigelian; Rigelian freighter; robbery; runabout; security chief; security clearance; security office; security officer; sedative; sensor; shapeshifter; shapeshifting locket; shields; shuttlecraft; space station; starboard; Starfleet; Starfleet Academy; stasis pod; station log; subspace communications network; subspace signal; supper; thruster; trial; T'Vran; Theta-class; thief; toh-maire; trader; twin; Vanoben; Vanoben transport; volatile pocket; vortex; Vulcan; Vulcan (planet); Vulcan band frequency; Vulcan science vessel; wanted poster; wife; year

External links

Previous episode:
"The Nagus"
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
Season 1
Next episode:
"Battle Lines"