From “Empok Nor” (5x11)

Garak finds a kotra board in the station commander’s office and proceeds to soliloquize via his communicator, as O’Brien and Nog approach to hunt and/or take him down…

I know you’re hiding somewhere. Ah, there you are… 

Garak to Chief O'Brien. You’ll never guess what I found. A kotra board. The Station Commander left one in his office. The pieces were scattered all over but I found the last one hiding under his desk.  

I can’t help thinking what a perfect metaphor this game is for our present situation. Two players, two minds, two strategies. Each trying to outmaneuver the other, testing the enemy’s defenses. Advancing, retreating. The only difference is, in the game we’re playing, the stakes are life and death, which makes it so much more interesting. 

I haven’t had this much fun in years. My heart’s pounding.  The blood’s racing through my veins. I feel so alive. And I’d wager so you do.

The story started out with Garak talking about kotra and here’s the follow-up. Where before it was only a bit of ribbing, now it’s gone completely dark.