When I look at my father, I have a hard time seeing a murderer.
And when I look at him, I have a hard time seeing anything else.
“Return to Grace” · Season 4, Episode 14
In this episode: Kira Nerys (7), Gul Dukat (5), Tora Ziyal (2)
What is this I hear about you and Shakaar?
I don't know what you've heard.
First it was Vedek Bareil, and now it's the head of the Bajoran government. You do like powerful men, don't you?
First of all, Shakaar's an old friend. Second of all, what business is it of yours?
Let's just say it's further incentive for me to regain my former position.
You don't like my father very much, do you?
No, I don't.
I understand. He did some very bad things during the Occupation.
Yes, he did.
It bothers him, you know?
[Disbelieving] Does it?
Very much. He talks about it sometimes. He'd never admit it to anyone else, but he thinks the Occupation was a mistake.
Somehow, I don't think he'd say that if the Cardassians had won.
Maybe not, but maybe losing made him a better person.
Well, then, a lot of innocent people died for his education.
You judge me too harshly. Maybe I am seeking to regain my former position, one which I earned through hard work, dedication, and sacrifice, but redemption is not my sole motivation. I care about my people, and I don't intend to allow the Klingons to get away with murdering them. I'm a much more complicated man than you give me credit for.
Well, if that's true, I suppose I prefer simpler men.
Like Shakaar? It amazes me that a woman as intelligent and sophisticated as you could be attracted to such a lumbering, simplistic fieldhand. I mean, what could the two of you possibly talk about?
That lumbering fieldhand is the First Minister of Bajor, and he knows more about how to talk to me than you ever will.
How can you be so sure? After all, you don't know me well enough to make a comparison.
I don't want to know you well enough. And if you want to keep working with me, I suggest you stick to business.
I'm sorry, Major. I didn't mean any harm. I was just making conversation.
Major, is it my imagination, or do you have a hard time accepting compliments?
I have a hard time accepting compliments from you.
Well, I'll try to restrain my enthusiasm, [Leans in and whispers] but I can't make you any promises.
[Dukat has asked Kira to join him in his fight against the Klingons]
You know how to organize a resistance cell, you're an expert at terrorist tactics, you have close ties with Bajoran and Federation officials, and besides all that, it would give you a chance to do what you were meant to do.
No, thanks. I've already got a job.
What do you mean? On that space station? We both know your talents are being wasted there, co-ordinating docking assignments and leading training exercises. On Deep Space Nine, you're nothing but a bureaucrat, an administrator. If you come with me, you can be a soldier again. Think about it, Major—the chance to fight again against a superior foe in a righteous cause, to protect a defeated and broken people from a cruel aggressor. You know as well as I do that if Cardassia falls, Bajor is next. Help me stop the Klingons before you become their next target.
You're really serious about this.
Absolutely! Look, Major, I'm not asking you to like me or to be my friend. I'm asking you to join me, to fight at my side. You know what I'm doing is right, and it's what you want to do as well. I know that our past makes it difficult for you to accept me as an ally. I also know that every fiber of your being is telling you to say, "No, no, no," but somewhere I know there's a "Yes." You need to listen to that "Yes," not for my sake, not for Cardassia's, not even for Bajor's, but for your sake.
Well, Major, it appears that whether you like it or not, our lives have become deeply intertwined.
[Smiles] That really pleases you, doesn't it?
Pleases me? Major, it gives me reason to live.
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