“The Wire” - Synopsis
The following synopsis is from Deep Space Nine magazine Vol. 9 (1994). “The Wire” was written by Robert Hewitt Wolfe. Synopsis is by John Sayers. I will be posting the photos from this again separately. I will also be sharing the one for “Crossover,” which appeared in the same issue. -Wendy
On the Promenade of Station DS9, Dr. Julian Bashir and his enigmatic acquaintance, Garak – the “plain and simple” Cardassian tailor – walk towards the Replimat for their weekly lunch. As they discuss Cardassian literature – for which the Starfleet Lieutenant has yet to develop a taste – Garak experiences several spasms of headache-like pain, which piques the Doctor’s medical curiosity.
But when Bashir suggests a trip to the Infirmary, the Cardassian’s usual charming demeanor turns sour. “There’s nothing wrong with me that a little peace and privacy wouldn’t cure,” Garak barks, and storms off – leaving Bashir looking after him in curiosity and concern.
Afterwards, Bashir discusses the incident with Jadzia Dax while attempting to diagnose an ailing house plant. He can use the station’s medical database to treat the foreign flora, but his records are woefully inadequate when it comes to Cardassians. Bashir’s professional pride is also wounded when Garak won’t come to him for medical help.
The Cardassian tailor turns not to his occasional luncheon companion, but to Quark for aid. Bashir only catches the end of their conversation, but it’s obvious that the Ferengi will be making some sort of illicit transaction on Garak’s behalf.
Later, during a conversation with Chief O'Brien, Bashir is summoned to Quark’s Bar, where Garak is on his third bottle of Ferengi booze. “Anyone who talks about the numbing effects of liquor,” Garak says, in considerable pain, “is severely overstating the case."
Bashir tries to coax the Cardassian to his office, but Garak will have none of it – until he collapses to the floor in agony. The Doctor beams them both to the Infirmary – where scans show a small, artificial implant embedded deep within Garak’s brain. Constable Odo can offer no insight into the device’s purpose, but agrees with Bashir that Quark may know more. "Quark has sent several coded messages to Cardassia Prime in the past few days,” Odo says.
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