Bashir and Garak in “What You Leave Behind”

Bashir

Eight-hundred-million dead.

The casualty report's still coming in. (Turns to Bashir) Well, aren't you going to congratulate me, Doctor? My exile is now officially over; I've returned home. (pause) Or rather to what's left of it.

Bashir

(stammering, looking for the right thing to say) Listen, I— I— I know that this must seem...

You know, some may say that we've gotten just what we deserved. After all, we are not entirely innocent, are we? And I'm not just speaking of the Bajoran occupation. No, our whole history is one of arrogant aggression. We've collaborated with the Dominion, betrayed the entire Alpha Quadrant. Oh, no, no, no, there's no doubt about it—we're guilty as charged.

Bashir

You and I both know the Cardassians are a strong people, they'll survive. Cardassia will survive—

Oh, please, Doctor, spare me your insufferable Federation optimism! Of course, it'll survive. But not as the Cardassia I knew! We had a rich and ancient culture—our literature, music, art was second to none! And now so much of it is... lost. So many of our best people, our most gifted minds....

Bashir

(places a hand on Garak's shoulder) I'm sorry, Garak. I didn't mean—

Oh, it's... it's quite alright, Doctor. You've been such a good friend, I'm going to miss our lunches together.

Bashir

Oh, I'm sure we'll see each other again.

I'd like to think so, but one can never say. We live in uncertain times.(leaves)