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3 [[caption-width-right:350:O'Brien's not only a good engineer, but a good dad as well.]]
4
5[[folder:Season 1]]
6!!The Emissary
7* In the very first episode, there's a rather understated one between O'Brien and [[Series/StarTrekTheNextGeneration Captain Picard]]. During the episode, O'Brien transfers from the ''Enterprise'' to [=DS9=] as part of a promotion. When the time finally comes to leave, he stops by the captain's ready room on the bridge, but decides against interrupting when told that Picard is busy at the moment. But when he heads to the transporter room, Picard walks in right after being told that O'Brien stopped by to see him.
8-->'''Picard:''' This is your favorite transporter room, isn't it?
9-->'''O'Brien:''' Number three, yes, sir.
10-->'''Picard:''' You know, yesterday I called down here and I asked for you without thinking… it won't be quite the same.
11-->'''O'Brien:''' [[HumbleHero It's just a transporter room, sir.]]
12** The whole scene is very understated but also meaningful. Even the comment about it being "just a transporter" is perfectly in O'Brien's character, pretty much reassuring the captain that it'll be just fine without him to look after things. And O'Brien gets the perfect sendoff from his [=ST:TNG=] career when Picard himself takes over the transporter controls and [[BookEnds personally beams O'Brien away to his new station]].
13** The pilot earns its Heartwarming stripes by the mere CharacterDevelopment TheCaptain, okay really Commander, undergoes in the space of one episode. When we first meet Sisko, he's consumed with rage and regret over the death of his wife, going so far as to come ''this close'' to outright insubordination to Captain Picard, such is his contempt for the man he holds responsible for his wife's death. He doesn't want to be in Starfleet and he doesn't want to be on a wrecked Cardassian station. But, a run-in with some non-corporeal aliens and Sisko rediscovers that the end of one thing is an opportunity for something different; maybe something greater… this is one of ''Franchise/StarTrek'''s founding themes. The revitalized Commander asks Picard to rescind his request for a transfer and makes it clear he's at [=DS9=] to stay. Picard simply smiles and wishes Sisko good luck before shaking hands and leaving.
14* A nice touch production-wise is that as the Enterprise departs, the music shifts from the TNG theme to [=DS9=]'s, a nice musical torch-passing moment.
15* Quark was worried the situation on Bajor was too unstable, but was willing to stay to keep Nog out of prison. Before this, the only time a Ferengi was seen valuing family above money was [[RevengeBeforeReason Damon Bok]], and he was AxeCrazy. This is the first time a Ferengi was shown caring about family in a healthy way, and was the beginning of ''[=DS9=]'' transforming the Ferengi from a pathetic failed attempt at creating a new villain race to a fully realized multi-dimensional alien race.
16!!A Man Alone
17* Keiko wants to open a school for children aboard [=DS9=] so they can stay out of trouble. She brightens up considerably when Sisko, a father himself, agrees to provide whatever she needs to make it happen.
18* When Odo is accused of murder, several customers at the bar talk of how little they know of him and how he's the only person left from the Cardassian rule. Quark quickly speaks up in Odo's defense.
19-->'''Quark''': Nobody knows him like I do. He's an ill-tempered, overbearing, cross-patch. But he was no Cardassian collaborator, and he's no killer.
20-->'''Zayra''': I can't believe you're defending him, Quark. You're his worst enemy.
21-->'''Quark''': Guess that's the closest thing he has in this world to a friend.
22** Quark also offered to help find who vandalized Odo's office.
23
24!!Babel
25* When Jake is stricken with the aphasia virus, Sisko tries to comfort him, even knowing that Jake can't understand him. What's more, even though Jake can't understand the words, he clearly understands what his father is doing.
26* At one point, Odo has to manually blow out the mooring clamps to get a damaged ship away from the station before it explodes, which he manages with only seconds to spare. Odo and Quark have been sniping at each other the entire episode, but when Quark is trying to hail Odo after the explosion, there's a note of genuine concern and fear in his voice.
27* The fact that Quark comes to help at all. While they still snipe and he acts like he needs payment, he clearly actually wants to help out.
28
29!!Captive Pursuit
30* O'Brien's friendship with Tosk. From O'Brien referring to him as 'friend' multiple times to Tosk wishing for O'Brien "die with honor".
31* When O'Brien succeeds in helping Tosk escape, the lead hunter seems almost *proud* that Tosk outwitted him when he reports that "the hunt has resumed".
32
33!!Q-Less
34* Q's farewell to Vash is a surprisingly touching moment of sincerity for a character who's default setting is snarky disdain.
35-->'''Q''': It's not going to be the same without you. When I look at a gas nebula, all I see is a cloud of dust, but seeing the universe through your eyes I was able to experience... ''wonder''. I'm going to miss that.
36
37!!Dax
38* Enina Tandro's solemn request that Jadzia Dax "live a long, fresh, and wonderful life," after she had kept her silence in an effort to protect the secret of Enina's husband's collaboration with the enemy, even to the risk of Dax's own death. HarsherInHindsight still comes in to play, given the events of "Tears of the Prophets," but it is still a solemn moment of well wishing to a woman who Enina barely knew, and yet had risked her own life to defend a secret that would have destroyed the image of a war hero that her people needed.
39* A cut subplot included in the script from the episode involved Quark taking bets on whether the arbiter would rule in favor for Dax or for the Klaestrons. Among the people who predicted correctly that she would deny Dax's extradition? A Ferengi waiter, a dabo girl, and ''Morn'', who makes "a brave wager" despite Quark's pessimistic estimates.
40
41!!The Passenger
42
43!!Move Along Home
44* "Move Along Home". This one's unorthodox, but it's sweet how Sisko joins in the Allamaraine skipping chant as if he were a little kid playing. Bear in mind, he has a son, so that's something he might be tapping, especially since the two had recently had a discussion about how Jake was getting older.
45** The same episode had a heartwarming moment with Quark. He is playing a game with the aliens of the week where several members of the station's crew are used as playing pieces (which he did not know when he started). At one point he is told he has to sacrifice one of the pieces for the rest to move on. After agonizing over this decision for a time, Quark cannot bring himself to do this and throws himself at his opponent's feet, begging for them all to survive. (Of course, it turns out they were never in any actual danger, but Quark doesn't realize this.)
46** Also, Sisko refusing to leave an injured Dax behind as they approach the finish line, and then Kira insisting on staying back with both of them. Again, they have no idea that the danger is anything but very, very real.
47
48!!The Nagus
49* Sisko discovering that Jake is teaching Nog how to read. Nog's so excited when he manages to read a sentence aloud without any mistakes - and so is Jake!
50
51!!Vortex
52!!Battle Lines
53!!The Storyteller
54!!Progress
55!!If Wishes Were Horses
56* Buck giving Sisko his baseball at the end, which would become a permanent fixture on his desk.
57
58!!The Forsaken
59* Lwaxana [[ThePowerOfTrust holding Odo in the folds of her skirt]] as he regenerated.
60!!Dramatis Personae
61* When Odo is attacked by the Saltah'na telepathic imprint and collapses, Quark rushes over to the infirmary, shouting for Dr. Bashir in an increasingly frantic tone. Notably, this occurs immediately after Odo has been squeezing Quark for information yet again. They may not want to admit it, but Quark and Odo truly are VitriolicBestBuds.
62!!Duet
63* What could have ended up being a rather {{Anvilicious}} anti-racism episode managed to be one of the most moving and beautiful episodes in ''Franchise/StarTrek'' history, complete with a TearJerker ending.
64** It's also the point when Kira [[CharacterDevelopment begins to move away]] from her "[[FantasticRacism all Cardassians are evil]]" mindset.
65-->'''Kira''': Why are you doing this?\
66'''[[spoiler:Aamin Marritza]]''': For Cardassia! Cardassia will only survive if it stands in front of Bajor and admits the truth! My trial will force Cardassia to acknowledge its guilt! And we're guilty, all of us! [[TheAtoner My death is necessary!]]\
67'''Kira''': What you're asking for is another murder. Enough good people have already died. I won't help kill another.
68** It bears repeating that Kira, a Bajoran, tells [[spoiler:Marritza, a Cardassian]], that she won't help him with his plan to be [[spoiler:tried and executed for Gul Darhe'el's war-crimes]]. And why? ''Because she refuses to help kill a good man.''
69* There's a moment where Sisko sits down with Kira to tell her that Odo will be conducting the episode's investigation, since Kira is too close to the situation to be objective. Kira replies by giving her word that she'll conduct the investigation as it deserves, but also adds that a Bajoran ''needs'' to do this, for "the ones who moved too slowly and never moved again." By this point in the series, after some false starts, Kira had more than earned Sisko's respect, and right then and there he hits his com badge, and informs Odo that Kira is now in charge of the investigation. As if to show solidarity with Kira, Odo immediately replies "Understood." ''This'' is a definitive point where Kira and Sisko really start becoming good friends.
70
71!!In The Hands Of The Prophets
72* The first season finale "In The Hands Of The Prophets" involves Vedek Winn stirring up conflict between the Bajoran and Federation crews, and when Sisko reaches the end of his rope, he starts [[PatrickStewartSpeech speechifying.]]
73--> '''Sisko:''' The Bajorans who have lived with us on the station, who have worked with us for months, who helped us move this station to protect the wormhole, who joined us to explore the Gamma Quadrant, who have begun to build the future of Bajor with us, these people know that we are neither the enemy nor the devil. We don't always agree. We have some damned good fights in fact, but we always come away from them with a little better understanding and appreciation of each other.
74[[/folder]]
75
76[[folder:Season 2]]
77!!The Homecoming
78!!The Circle
79* As Kira tries to pack - having been "reassigned" as punishment for her unauthorized rescue mission in the previous episode - nearly every major cast member from Odo to Dax to Bashir to O'Brien and even Quark enters her room to either talk her out of leaving or wish her well. Exasperated by the unwanted attention, Kira is about to yell at the next visitor... who just happens to be [[ReasonableAuthorityFigure Vedek Bareil]]. When Bareil asks if it's alright to come in with so many others present, Kira replies "It's alright. These are... (realizing) These are my friends."
80!!The Siege
81* While an extremist Bajoran military force is bearing down on Deep Space Nine, the Starfleet crew is trying to evacuate everyone as fast as they can, and his uncle Quark is gleefully plotting how best to screw the evacuees out of their money... Nog discovers that he and Jake are on different runabouts, going to different systems, and when Jake mourns having to lose his home again, along with his friend, Nog takes the time to unabashedly reassure Jake that [[IWillFindYou they will see each other again,]] because there's never been a greater friendship than theirs between Human and Ferengi. It's both heartwarming, and one of the first notes of foreshadowing that Nog is at his best when he's not trying to be a "proper" Ferengi. (Though it briefly turns SugarWiki/{{Funny|Moments}} when Nog can't pronounce "coup d'état".)
82* Just for a moment, in between long stretches of being a braying jackass, Quark shows a flash of genuine concern when he tells [[VitriolicBestBuds Odo]], "Take care of yourself."
83* After Li Nalas' HeroicSacrifice, Sisko vows to keep his legacy alive and tell anyone who asks that Li ''was'' the legendary hero that everyone says he was.
84!!Invasive Procedures
85* It's sort of spoiled by the fact that the events of the episode are all his fault to begin with, but once Quark learns that Jadzia is in mortal danger, he doesn't hesitate to attack one of Verad's Klingon mercenaries in an effort to distract him and cooperates fully with the senior staff's plan from there on out.
86!!Cardassians
87* In spite of Miles' own [[FantasticRacism prejudice]] towards Cardassians, even he acknowledges that his biases are wrong and he genuinely tries to tell [[InternalizedCategorism Rugal]] that he can't judge an entire race by the actions of some of its members.
88->'''Miles O'Brien''': You can't judge a whole race of people. You can't hate all Cardassians or all Klingons or all humans. I've met some Cardassians I didn't like and I've met some I did. Like you.
89!!Melora
90!!Rules of Acquisition
91* Mixed with TearJerker (of the happy kind), for every [[LGBTFanbase LGBT fan,]] Jadzia's complete shock that Pel is female AFTER she has recognized openly that Pel is in love with Quark. For the time, this was a rare acknowledgement of non-heterosexuality, and Jadzia being openly accepting of the idea that one of Quark's male waiters is in love with him is a sign that same-sex attraction and love has a place of acceptance in the 24th century. Couple this with season 4's "Rejoined" and it's no wonder Jadzia Dax is such a huge queer icon.
92** This is also a bit of FridgeBrilliance. One of the Rules of Acquisition given in the books is "Always sleep with the boss." Given that, at the time, business was restricted to males, it would seem homosexuality isn't even taboo among Ferengi.
93* Despite his initial shock and anger towards Pel being a female Ferengi, Quark saves her from facing the Nagus’s wrath. Once she pulled off her prosthetic ears, Quark even covered them, unable the thought that she would face punishment for everything she’s done.
94** Pel herself deserves some credit as well. When Zek correctly assumes Quark knew about Pel’s identity, she tells Zek to leave Quark alone. She knew she was in trouble and she didn’t want to drag Quark down with her.
95
96!!Necessary Evil
97* When Odo suspects Rom of attempting to kill his own brother, Sisko speaks up in his defense, and asks Rom, as a friend, to share what he knows. Although this is partly Sisko playing "[[GoodCopBadCop Good Cop]]" to Odo's Bad, it also shows that he's gone from thoroughly disapproving of Jake's friendship with Nog to recognizing Nog's worth, and Rom's by extension.
98
99!!Second Sight
100!!Sanctuary
101* For all of Quark's constant griping about his family and how they cause him nothing but trouble, in the episode "Sanctuary," he leaps immediately to Nog's defense when he is jumped by a handful of Skrreean teens.
102
103!!Rivals
104* A moment with Miles and Keiko. Miles is psyching himself up for a racquetball match against Dr. Bashir, who had beaten him soundly earlier. Keiko stands beside him, assuming the attitude of a samurai's wife as her husband prepares for battle, while reminding him, "Remember, Miles. Win or lose, tonight we celebrate." Before he leaves, Keiko presents Miles with a Japanese silk scarf scented with her perfume. She wraps the scarf around his head, kisses him and says, "Kick his butt."
105!!The Alternate
106* Doctor Mora has realized that Odo has been affected by some gas that is making him tear apart the station and suffer memory loss about it. He goes to Odo, and begins to gaslight him about the station crew, that when they realize that Odo is the responsible party, they'd lock him away and study him, stuff him in a zoo. Odo loses control and Mora goes to Sisko to tell him. [[TrueCompanions All their efforts immediately go to trying to help Odo recover, limiting themselves, at the least until necessary (which it turns out to not be), to maximum stun,]] proving Mora to be wrong.
107!!Armageddon Game
108* After O'Brien and Bashir are thought to have been killed in an accident, Quark offers Kira and Dax free drinks and [[ToAbsentFriends proposes a toast to honor their fallen comrades]]. To reiterate, ''[[OOCIsSeriousBusiness Quark gave away something for free]]''. This display of kindness and genuine empathy from Quark of all people is so unexpected that Kira is visibly shocked by the offer.
109-->'''Quark:''' I can be thoughtful.
110** Quark even calls them good customers, a high Ferengi honor, and quotes the 57th Rule of Acquisition that says good customers should be treasured. This also makes it a CMOH for the Ferengi, whose Rules of Acquisition typically encourage fleecing customers at every opportunity.
111* Up until this point, O'Brien and Bashir's relationship has been a bit of a one-way rivalry (Bashir likes and respects O'Brien, but O'Brien finds Bashir irritating and smug). They begin the episode in much the same way, but as the crisis goes on and the situation becomes more dire, they start to connect and have a real conversation for the first time. By the time they're rescued, they've become friends, a friendship that lasts through the rest of the series.
112* Earlier in the episode, O'Brien explaining to Bashir, who had expressed skepticism about the idea of marriage, [[HappilyMarried what being married means to him]].
113-->'''O'Brien:''' Marriage is the greatest adventure of them all. It's filled with pitfalls and setbacks and mistakes, but it's a journey worth taking because you take it together. I know Keiko's been unhappy about us coming to the station. We still argue about it. But that's all right, because at the end of the day, we both know we love each other. That's all that matters.
114!!Whispers
115!!Paradise
116!!Shadowplay
117* Throughout this episode, Sisko spends so much time talking up Jake's prospects for joining Starfleet that the boy is afraid to tell his father that he doesn't really want to join Starfleet, for fear of disappointing him. It takes a pep talk from O'Brien for Jake to tell his father the truth, and how does Ben react? He's perfectly cool with it, encouraging Jake to do his best at whatever he chooses to do. Score another point for the father-son relationship between these two.
118* Dax and Odo -- mostly Odo -- convincing Rurigan to stay with the holographic village.
119-->'''Odo:''' But what about the villagers? What about your granddaughter?\
120'''Rurigan:''' She's not real.\
121'''Odo:''' Technically, I suppose you're right. Maybe by our definition, Taya's not real... I'm sure if you asked her, she'd say she was real. She thinks, she feels.\
122'''Rurigan:''' She only seems to. It's all an illusion. An illusion that I created.\
123...\
124'''Odo:''' Maybe, but I saw the way you held her hand when she was sad. I saw the way you tried to comfort her when she was frightened.\
125'''Rurigan:''' I didn't want her to get hurt.\
126'''Odo:''' If she's not real, what does it matter?\
127'''Rurigan:''' It matters. It matters to me.\
128'''Odo:''' Why should it matter to you if a hologram cries?\
129'''Rurigan:''' Because I love her.\
130'''Dax:''' And she loves you.\
131'''Odo:''' Don't you see? She's real to you, and she's real to me too. They're all real. And you can't turn your back on them now.
132* Rurigan's granddaughter, Taya, asks Odo early on if he's really a changeling and if he could show her his shapeshifting ability. Odo isn't willing to indulge her and change shape on demand, but he does still manage to be kind enough to take the time and promise to find her vanished mother. But, shortly before he and Dax leave, after Taya has thanked him for "finding" her mother (or rather, repairing the holo-generator that projected the village that had malfunctioned), Odo briefly turns into a large spinning top in front of her, much to the little girl's delight.
133!!Playing God
134!!Profit and Loss
135!!Blood Oath
136* Kor calls Jadzia "Curzon" when she first explains who she is/was, shouting "Curzon, my beloved old friend!" She politely tells him she's Jadzia now. His response, without any awkwardness, any change, anything else, is: "Well, Jadzia, my beloved old friend!".
137** Building off of the above LGBTFanbase that has grown up around Jadzia, many trans fans take heart in this moment, as Kor immediately rolls with Dax's new identity - face and gender alike - instead of any kind of stumbling over his references to her.
138* It's just a small thing, but still. Watching Koloth ''[[DeadpanSnarker nursemaid]]'' Kor (despite his complaints that he would do no such thing) in "Blood Oath" was rather adorable in its own way. These are two battle hardened warriors who have watched each other's backs for almost a hundred years, so it kind of makes sense.
139* Circumstances aside, Kang thanking Jadzia for saving the killing blow on the Albino for him acts as this - Kang is smart and wise, and he was always aware that this would be a suicide mission, that they were not coming back from this, and attempted to dissuade her from joining them because of it. So [[AlternativeCharacterInterpretation he likely knew that Jadzia was conflicted about killing the Albino despite everything,]] even as she faced him down, and offers her this way of looking at her hesitation differently, not as her own inability to follow through on the oath, but her allowing Kang, whose son the Albino killed and thus is more deserving of the honor, to have the opportunity to strike the blow instead.
140!!The Maquis Parts 1 & 2
141
142!!The Wire
143* Garak and Bashir in [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjFL_bMco_Q "The Wire"]], when Garak asks Bashir to forgive him, which he does while holding his hand.
144* Everything Bashir does for Garak, really, up to and including confronting the head of the Obsidian Order one-on-one. Whatever Garak's take on the friendship is at this point, it's clear that Bashir has already come to value Garak as a friend. (It takes Garak a little longer, but he does eventually reciprocate in his own way.)
145
146!!Crossover
147!!The Collaborator
148!!Tribunal
149* It's no surprise that Keiko has no patience for the [[KangarooCourt Cardassian legal system]] after they kidnapped her husband in Bajoran space (re: outside their jurisdiction). But the absolute fire in her voice as she tells the Arbiter of the Court that she has no intention of abandoning her husband displays EXACTLY how much she loves Chief O'Brien. You get the feeling that if she had a phaser, she'd have staged a rescue all on her own.
150* It's darkly humorous watching the Cardassians grow increasingly frustrated at the response of the efforts of Odo (and, by extension, the rest of the crew) to find a way to exonerate Chief O'Brien (as well as the vice versa, seeing Odo increasingly stymied by the KangarooCourt that is Cardassian legal justice), but it's also evidence of the loyalty of Odo in particular, who, as O'Brien himself acknowledges, doesn't really know O'Brien at this point.
151** It's also evidence of something at the core of Odo's personality - while the Cardassian legal system puts on a show of justice - literally, as they broadcast the trial to the entire Cardassian public on massive monitors on the side of buildings - Odo is interested in ACTUAL justice, of finding the truth, not just the convenient answer.
152
153!!The Jem'Hadar
154[[/folder]]
155
156[[folder:Season 3]]
157!!The Search
158* For all that it's marred by the later discovery that they're the Founders, there is something touching in seeing Odo's initial meeting with the Female Changeling and his people, particularly when Kira still tries to help him take the opportunity to bond despite the circumstances of her own presence.
159* While talking with the Female Changeling about their distrust of solids, Odo, for all his distance from the rest of the crew, explicitly acknowledges that he has good experience with other solids.
160* As Kira and Odo depart from the Founders' homeworld, she stands close to him and holds his hand.
161!!House of Quark
162* Rom assuring Quark that even if everyone else is sick of hearing the story about Quark's confrontation with the Klingon High Council, ''he's'' not.
163* O'Brien doing everything he can to lift Keiko's spirits after the school closes for good.
164** A nice subtle CallBack to TNG episode "The Wounded" his first attempt was to make her dinner which included among other things some type of noodle dish (most likely ramen or soba, traditional Japanese food) and capers, which Miles introduced to her. It seems the two have found a happy middle ground on sharing each others cultural dishes that they grew up with.
165** In specific, there's the ultimate result of how to make this work - when they came to [=DS9=], it was in the name of allowing O'Brien to have his promotion and raise Molly together. O'Brien can tell, however, that Keiko isn't happy remaining on the station without something to do, and so sacrifices having Keiko and Molly, his wife and daughter, on the station with him (admittedly, an easier decision with the looming threat of Dominion invasion), in the name of allowing Keiko to go and do what she loves.
166-->'''Keiko:''' When we moved here, we made an agreement.
167-->'''O'Brien:''' I know.
168-->'''Keiko:''' And I'm not trying to back out of that agreement. Don't let this business about the school make you feel guilty and-
169-->'''O'Brien:''' This isn't about guilt. This is about you being happy and me knowing that you're not.
170-->'''Keiko:''' I made a promise to stay with you and make this work.
171-->'''O'Brien:''' I know. But you're a botanist. That's what you trained to do. That's what you love. Be a botanist, Keiko. Be the best damned botanist in the galaxy.
172!!Equilibrium
173* Kira saying that Odo's method of stirring (stationary whisk and moving the bowl under it) is "cute," along with her smile as she observes him.
174* The entire scene in Bashir's quarters. Even though the conversation is lighthearted, there's a lot of genuine care underlying it. Then cap it all off with Dax -- who had just said she was having trouble sleeping -- falling asleep almost ''immediately'' in Bashir's quarters. Whatever else was going on, she feels completely safe there with him.
175!!Second Skin
176* Kira is in no position to appreciate it, but just how [[PapaWolf devoted]] [[GoodParents Legate Ghemor]] is to his daughter's safety is one of these all on its own. He's nothing but kind, patient and supportive all through the episode, and even if we are initially led to believe he's just an Order plant playing a role, TheReveal makes it clear that this is entirely genuine. That he's [[spoiler: willing to take the risk of the political trouble that would ensue from Kira escaping under his watch, even if he doesn't think at first that he'll be suspected of his dissident activities]] only makes it better.
177!!The Abandoned
178* Sisko is so busy cooing over the infant Jem'hadar that he's not really listening to what Dax and Bashir are talking about. They smile at each other over seeing this new side to their commander.
179* Odo putting Kira's gift plant into the pail he USED to sleep in.
180
181!![[Recap/StarTrekDeepSpaceNineS03E07CivilDefense Civil Defense]]
182!!Meridian
183* As part of the b-plot, Quark is trying to get a picture of Major Kira for a naughty holosuite program. As part of this scheme, he declares Kira Nerys the one-millionth customer to his bar, lavishing several prizes on her (a bottle of fine champagne, dabo spins, and holosuite time). That's not the heartwarming part. While Kira turns down the holosuite time, she seems really happy at having won everything. Bear in mind both that Kira despises Quark's scheming and lechery and that her childhood was a nightmare. She even flat-out says this is the first thing she's ever won. Even if she hates the source (especially later in the episode), she looks like she really appreciates it.
184!!Defiant
185!!Fascination
186!!Past Tense, parts 1 & 2
187* Dax willingly walks into the heart of one of the most violent riots of the century, just to make sure that Sisko and Bashir are all right.
188* Bashir turns down a chance to get away safely in favor of staying behind to help Sisko and the hostages. Bear in mind that both he and Sisko ''know'' that a violent confrontation is going to happen.
189* O'Brien and Kira risk their own safety to go back in time and rescue their crewmates.
190* While in the past, Sisko forms a real friendship with fellow Sanctuary District resident (or inmate, if you prefer) Michael Webb.
191* BC, who had instigated the riot and been threatening the hostages, joining with Sisko to protect them during the raid.
192* The same guards who had brought Sisko and Bashir into the Sanctuary District deciding to let them go and fake their deaths so they can get away clean. It's even more heartwarming when you realize that they don't know that "Bell" and Bashir will be able to get away clean regardless. As far as they're concerned, they're offering them a chance to take on new identities and live out their lives as free men rather than fugitives.
193!!Life Support
194!!Heart of Stone
195* Odo's anguished confession of love to [[spoiler:what he thinks is]] Kira is heartwarming and heartbreaking.
196-->'''Odo:''' No, I won't leave you.
197-->'''Kira:''' Why?
198-->'''Odo:''' Because--because, I'm in love with you.
199* The end of Nog's story in "Heart of Stone". After Sisko finally [[TearJerker forces Nog to tell him why he wants to join Starfleet,]] Sisko realises how badly he's misjudged Nog and commits to helping him become a Starfleet officer. Nog is so delighted he ''hugs'' Sisko and promises he'll never regret it. [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcATQUFsz68 Watch it!]]
200** And on the greater scale of things, Nog lives up to that promise, becoming a model Starfleet officer who makes Sisko ''proud.'' In a way, even though Sisko was happy enough to let Jake become a writer and journalist rather that following in Sisko's footsteps as he'd hoped, Nog fulfilled Sisko's dream in Jake's place. Just to give it some perfect closure, one of Sisko's last acts in the final episode is to promote Nog to lieutenant junior grade.
201** Not to be missed is Rom's reaction to Nog wanting to join Starfleet. Quark forbids it and Rom, in a rare display of backbone, puts his foot down, telling Quark that he runs the bar, but Nog is HIS son, and wishes Nog good luck at Starfleet Academy.
202** In many ways, Nog taking this step is what gives Rom the courage and resolve to kickstart his own personal development - he begins to stand up to Quark to protect Nog, and in the following season, leaves the bar to join the station's engineering team. All because he saw his son attempt to follow his own path, rather than doing what was expected of a Ferengi.
203
204!!Destiny
205* The Cardassian scientists, Ulani and Gilora, arrive at the station for the first joint Bajoran-Cardassian action taken under the new peace treaty (facilitated by Starfleet and the Federation), and they are both very awkward and nervous about the situation, knowing how careful they must be in terms of keeping the peace. Yet they're both genuine in their efforts, Ulani even making a point of thanking Kira for being accepting of their involvement, saying that if the Bajoran militia liaison officer would not accept their efforts, then there would be no endeavor at all. Kira herself is brought up short by this, but accepts the thanks as well.
206!!Prophet Motive
207* At the end of "Prophet Motive", Quark says he was sad he couldn't profit somewhat from the Grand Nagus' charitable streak or the experience both had with the Prophets. Rom then reveals he embezzled funds from the Nagus' charity fund, leaving a tidy bit of money for Quark and himself. Immensely impressed, Quark says "Father would be proud" and they walk off together laughing. It's one of the few times Quark expresses genuine pride in his brother, and it's absolutely adorable.
208!!Visionary
209!!Distant Voices
210!!Through The Looking Glass
211!!Improbable Cause
212* At the start of the episode, Garak mentions to Bashir that he managed to get Delavian chocolates, and promises to bring some to the infirmary later. When Garak is about to set off to rescue Tain, Bashir gives him the chocolates, figuring that he'll need them more.
213!!The Die Is Cast
214* Garak's interactions with Tain's housekeeper, Mila. In "The Die Is Cast," Garak persuades Tain that she is trustworthy and loyal when Tain suggests killing her for knowing too much, and, while Garak, Damar, and Kira are hiding out in her basement on Cardassia, she essentially says she's proud of Garak, and he gives a rare sincere smile.
215** It's implied (and the novel ''A Stitch In Time,'' written by Garak's actor, goes with this interpretation) that she is his mother and that she is the sister of the man who he thought was his father.
216
217!!Explorers
218* The whole of the episode "Explorers" explores the loving father-son bond between Commander Sisko and Jake. From Ben and Jake sharing an adventure together by [[ExperimentalArcheology building an ancient solar sail-barge]] and becoming the Federation's version of Thor Heyerdahl by proving that ancient Bajorans used these vessels to travel all the way to Cardassian space, to his unconditional support of Jake's desire to pursue a writing career. Ben and Jake Sisko present one of the most positive father-son relationships since [[Series/TheAndyGriffithShow Sheriff Taylor and Opie]].
219** The subplot in the episode with Bashir and O'Brien is also heartwarming. The valedictorian from Bashir's class in medical school visits the station, and doesn't appear to recognize Bashir. To lift his spirits, Bashir gets sloshed with O'Brien, and eventually they have this heart to heart:
220---> '''O'Brien:''' You're not an in-between kind of guy. People either love you or hate you.
221---> '''Bashir:''' Really?
222---> '''O'Brien:''' I mean, I hated you when we first met.
223---> '''Bashir:''' I remember.
224---> '''O'Brien:''' And now...
225---> '''Bashir:''' And now?
226---> '''O'Brien:''' Well... [[IUhYouToo Now, I don't.]]
227---> '''Bashir:''' That means a lot to me, chief, it really does.
228---> '''O'Brien:''' [[RealMenHateAffection And that is from the heart! I really do... not hate you anymore.]]
229* Even ''Dukat'' of all people gets in on the heartwarming, [[SincerityMode genuinely]] congratulating Ben and Jake on their successful voyage and welcoming them into the Cardassian system with an honor guard of starships and fireworks.
230!!Family Business
231!!Shakaar
232* Even when faced with starting/losing what may become a Bajoran civil war, neither Shakaar and Kira nor Lenaris Holem can actually bring themselves to hurt their opponents.
233!!Facets
234* Just as much awesome as heartwarming, considering the source, but Rom's reaction to Quark trying to sabotage Nog's testing for Starfleet Academy is first to tell Commander Sisko and get him to let Nog retake the test, and then threaten to BURN THE BAR TO THE GROUND.
235--> '''Rom:''' [[PapaWolf My son's happiness is more important to me than anything, even latinum.]] [[BewareTheNiceOnes Remember that, brother.]]
236** While Quark's actions are despicable, it's a little heartwarming that he wasn't motivated by greed or profit like he usually is. Quark did what he did out of genuine concern for his nephew's future.
237* When this season began with Odo being informed that the "solids" could never understand him, it's appropriate that the penultimate episode sees him get a chance to truly share the experience of being a changeling with one of his friends through Jadzia experiencing Curzon's memories of his time in Odo. In turn, Odo notes that, while he previously never understood the appeal of life as a solid, having access to Curzon's memories of eating, drinking and having sex, he's amazed Curzon found the time to do anything else.
238
239!! The Adversary
240* This line from the beginning of "The Adversary"...
241-->'''Jake:''' "Dad, there's something I've been wanting to say to you for a long time and now that I finally have the chance, I'm going to make it short and simple. Congratulations...''[[RankUp Captain]]'' Sisko!"
242[[/folder]]
243
244[[folder:Season 4]]
245!!The Way Of The Warrior
246* The moment in "The Way of the Warrior" where Worf and O'Brien reminisce about the events surrounding "The Best of Both Worlds".
247--> '''Worf:''' We were like warriors from the ancient sagas. There was nothing we could not do.
248--> '''O'Brien:''' [[SugarWiki/FunnyMoments Except keep the holodecks working right.]]
249* O'Brien is hugely supportive of Worf when he arrives, and for his part Worf is genuinely glad to see him. O'Brien even extends compliments when Worf decides to stay on the station and appears in his new Command uniform. At the beginning, Worf was thinking of leaving Starfleet after the Enterprise-D went down. Now he's back and better than ever.
250--> '''O'Brien (smiling):''' You look good in red.
251--> '''Worf (adjusting baldric):''' [[SincerityMode It feels good.]]
252* What is effectively Worf and Jadzia's first date on the holosuite, where she ultimately helps him figure out how to solve the question of what the Klingons are even doing there. You can already see the hints of flirtation on both their parts as they spar.
253* Early in the series, Odo had difficulty understanding the humanoid preoccupation with dining, having no need to eat, himself. Here, however, he has developed a technique with his shapeshifting abilities to make a mug of coffee (that he can refill as needed) to allow him to socialize with others over meals.
254* Despite Kira's difficulties with the concept, the fact that Dax is trying to get her to relax on the holosuite, take some time to stretch her imagination, is a great moment of friendship and companionship between them.
255
256!!The Visitor
257* In "The Visitor", we see a flashback to Jake a few months after his father's death. He and Nog have made plans to spend some time together, but Nog tells him that with how slammed the bar is, it looks like he'll need to keep working. Quark takes one look at Jake, who is clearly in desperate need of cheering up, and tells Nog to take the day off with zero hesitation. It's a very short, but very sweet moment of [[JerkWithAHeartOfGold Quark]] showing how compassionate he can be.
258* "The Visitor" is made of this and TearJerker in equal portions. To wit: Ben Sisko becomes trapped in subspace due to a NegativeSpaceWedgie, to Jake's distress. Ben, however, keeps appearing in Jake's life at increasingly long intervals, leading Jake to abandon everything, from a happy marriage to his career as a writer, to study the physics of the accident and try to save his father. In the end, Jake realizes his father's subspace mishap is tied to him, and he puts into motion a plan to kill himself when his father appears one last time in the hopes that Ben would be sent back to shortly before the accident. Ben's heart is shattered at the lengths Jake took, just to get a second chance to live with his father.
259* Despite everything he's been through, Old!Jake is still as goodnatured as his younger self. When Melanie comes knocking at his door while it's raining, he allows her to enter and gladly recounts his story at her request. He even gifts his unexpected guest a collection of his writings and shares his father's wisdom with her before she departs.
260
261!!Hippocratic Oath
262!!Indiscretion
263* The fourth season episode "Indiscretion" also has [[PetTheDog one of these]] for [[BigBad Dukat]] and his half-Bajoran daughter Ziyal. While he originally wanted to kill her to save his career, the episode ends with father and daughter embracing each other in a big, big hug. Especially heartwarming considering he actually gave up his career and social status by letting her live and openly acknowledging her as his daughter.
264
265!!Rejoined
266* Jadzia Dax and Lenara Kahn in "Rejoined." Lovers in past lives, Dax and Kahn have been dealing with unresolved issues and taboo, but can't help flirting, and eventually share a BigDamnKiss. While on the Defiant, Kahn is in the Engineering Bay and Dax is on the bridge when a plasma conduit is ruptured in Engineering. Jadzia wastes no time getting down there, and if Eddington says that if they don't vent the plasma into space, the entire ship will go. Dax walks over the plasma leak by putting a force field on top of it, pulls Kahn into the next room. Their exchange as they're holding each other: The kiss, in and of itself, is one of the show's most heartwarming moments in general, not to mention a simultaneous [[TearJerker/StarTrekDeepSpaceNine Tear Jerker.]]
267-->'''Kahn:''' I don't want to lose you...not again...
268-->'''Dax:''' Not again. Never again. Never again. Never...
269
270!!Starship Down
271* The Defiant gets hit ''hard'' by the Jem'Hadar, the aftermath of which leaves Sisko bleeding on the floor with a concussion, and Kira notes that if he passes out, he'll likely go into a coma. She stays with him, talking to him to keep him awake, and slowly opens up to him: she's overcome with regret over how they always talk about work, noting how intimidating it is working with the Emissary. At the end of the episode, Kira discusses schedules in Sisko's office, and turns to leave... but not before Sisko happily invites her to a Holodeck baseball game, even giving her one of his caps. [[WhenSheSmiles You will never see a smile bigger than Kira's in your life.]]
272
273!!Little Green Men
274* At the beginning, Rom and Nog are selling things off, as part of a Ferengi rite of passage. Rom quickly snaps up something that Nog offers to sell him for three strips of latinum. Rom offers two and Nog takes the offer. Both are clearly enthusiastic, showing that this is just a bonding opportunity for them, and Nog's perfectly happy to let his dad have a memento of his for cheap.
275* Jake and Nog saying their goodbyes on their usual walkway perch, just before Nog ships out to Starfleet Academy.
276--> '''Jake:''' I wonder how many hours you and I spent hanging around up here?
277--> '''Nog:''' Two thousand, one hundred and forty seven. Just kidding. But it was a lot.
278--> '''Jake:''' You know, aside from playing dom-jot and watching the Bajoran transports dock, it seems like we spent most of our time doing nothing.
279--> '''Nog:''' Maybe so. But I can't think of anyone I'd rather do nothing with than you.
280--> '''Jake:''' Same here.
281* A Ferengi family moment: Rom found out that Quark is smuggling kemacite, intending to take it by Orion on their way home from Earth. His silence is bought with twenty percent of the profits. After Nog brings up his duty as a Starfleet cadet to report this violation, and that he technically has been sworn in yet, he takes a ten percent cut for his silence. And, because Quark, for all his protests, does love his family, he doesn’t even haggle their cut.
282* When the shuttle begins failing, Rom looks at the console in front of him and manages to come up with an idea. An idea full of jargon that goes completely past Quark. Quark still calls him a genius as he tells him to do it. For all that Quark tends to dismiss Rom as an idiot, when it's important, he trusts Rom enough to take him on faith with tech.
283* Every time Rom explains their situation in technobabble terms or any one of the three or four times he eurekas up an engineering solution to their predicament, Nog can be seen watching him with a look of pride on his face despite the tenseness of the situation. It hearkens back to "Heart of Stone," where Nog tells Sisko that he's immensely proud of his father's technical genius, and immensely disappointed that his father has never has the opportunity to get the recognition and success he deserves because of it.
284--> '''Nog''': "That's my father! Always thinking!"
285
286!!The Sword of Kahless
287!![[Recap/StarTrekDeepSpaceNineS04E10OurManBashir Our Man Bashir]]
288!!Homefront
289* The fact that Sisko's Creole Restaurant not only serves but stocks live tube grubs for Nog to order. I'd bet that Joseph received a call from his grandson telling him his friend from the station would be attending the Academy and the old chef stocked up on the alien ingredient and learned to prepare it so he could make his grandson's best friend feel welcome.
290!!Paradise Lost
291!!Crossfire
292* In "Crossfire," Odo, upset over Kira's RelationshipUpgrade with Shakaar and the fact that his distraction over their budding romance allowed Worf to capture Shakaar's would-be assassin, smashes his quarters up in a rage, even hurling the plant Kira gave him to the ground. Quark comes to complain about the noise but is struck by how defeated Odo looks. Quark tells Odo he's losing money in a "manhunt pool" he runs because of this attitude and that the pool is a sign of how much the station's inhabitants respect and admire Odo. Quark then puts the matter to Odo as bluntly as possible: either tell Kira how he feels, or forget her and move on.
293-->'''Quark''': Well, I've said my piece. Sorry to come down hard, but I'm looking out for my business.
294-->'''Odo''': Funny...For a minute there, I thought you were talking to me as a friend.
295-->'''Quark''':... [[BlatantLies Nah]].
296** At the end of the episode, Quark tells Odo he's moved by the discovery Odo is having the floor of his quarters sound-proofed. Odo scoffs and claims he's just having the floor reinforced and the sound-proofing is a coincidence. Quark pretends to accept this explanation, but both of them clearly know it's a cover.
297
298!!Return To Grace
299!!Sons Of Mogh
300* The way Noggra reassures "Rodek" (the identity Kurn received after his memory was erased) that he is his father and he will teach him everything he's forgotten is very heartwarming, especially considering that Noggra agrees to adopt Kurn with little notice as a favor to Worf, who is now publicly disgraced once more. He sells the part of the doting father well.
301!!Bar Association
302* Rom quits his job as a waiter at Quark's and joins the station's engineering team. He gives Quark a great justification for leaving, one that has nothing to do with years of being exploited:
303-->'''Rom:''' Think about it, from my point of view: if I keep working for you, all I have to look forward to is waiting for you to die, so I can inherit the bar. (bashfully) Well, I don't want you to die.
304
305!!Accession
306* Keiko and Molly return from a year-long botanical survey on Bajor. Miles, used to spending his time with Julian (to compensate for Keiko and Molly being absent) doing things such as re-enacting the Battle of Britain, finds the transition surprisingly difficult and even goes so far to try to teach Molly how to play darts - something he always did with Julian. As much as it pains him, he is determined to spend time with his family and be a good husband and father. Keiko, understanding his pain, concocts a little story about how depressed Julian has been lately and perhaps Miles should go spend time with him to "cheer him up"... and then concocts the very same story to Julian about Miles over the comm. As Miles himself states: he's a lucky man.
307* Quark is [[PetTheDog genuinely happy]] at hearing the news that Keiko is pregnant and congratulates Chief O'Brien, before reminiscing on when Nog was a baby. Nog was apparently very cute, and Quark even read to him. Aww.
308!!Rules Of Engagement
309
310!!Hard Time
311* Miles O'Brien is put through 20 years of [[YearInsideHourOutside simulated jail time,]] in which he killed his cellmate Ee'char when he suspected he was hoarding food from him ([[ShootTheShaggyDog it turned out he was saving the food for both of them]]). This experience leaves Miles traumatized, and when he loses his temper towards his daughter Molly, [[MyGodWhatHaveIDone Miles is so ashamed that he smashes up a cargo bay, then grabs a phaser to kill himself]]. Thankfully, Dr. Bashir finds him before Miles presses the trigger button.
312-->'''Miles:''' When we were growing up, they used to tell us humanity had evolved, that mankind had outgrown hate and rage. [[WhatYouAreInTheDark But when it came down to it, when I had the chance to show that no matter what anyone did to me, I was still an evolved human being, I failed]]. I repaid kindness with blood. I was no better than an animal.\
313'''Bashir:''' [[YouAreBetterThanYouThinkYouAre No, no, no, no. An animal would've killed Ee'char and never had a second thought, never shed a tear. But not you.]] You hate yourself. You hate yourself so much you think you deserve to die. The Argrathi did everything they could to strip you of your humanity. And in the end, for one brief moment, they succeeded. But you can't let that brief moment define your entire life. If you do, if you pull that trigger, then the Argrathi will have won. They will have destroyed a good man. You cannot let that happen, my friend.
314* O'Brien keeps seeing hallucinations of Ee'char around the station, and believes that Ee'char is haunting him about what he did. However, it turns out that Ee'char is a HelpfulHallucination, and is trying to persuade Miles to let go of his guilt and open up to his friends instead of shutting them out.
315-->''[[GoOutWithASmile "Be well, Miles."]]''
316* The ending (which provides the current page image), after O'Brien has finally accepted that he needs help and agreed to undergo counseling, as well as a course of anti-depressants. He returns to his wife and daughter, uncertain of the reception he will get after he nearly struck [[CheerfulChild Molly]] in a rage earlier... and she simply hurls herself at him, ecstatically declaring "Daddy's home! Daddy's home!" After hesitating for a moment, he kneels down and returns her embrace.
317-->That's right. Daddy's ''home''.
318* There's a small moment after the chief is returned to [=DS9=] where he and Worf of all people are playing darts. When O'Brien shows a lack of enthusiasm for the game, Worf suggests they go kayaking in the holosuite. Considering how much Worf dislikes aimless socialising and leisure time, it speaks to how much he cares about O'Brien and how sensitive he is to his suffering.
319
320!!Shattered Mirror
321
322!!The Muse
323* Odo enters into a MarriageOfConvenience with Lwaxana to help her escape her controlling husband. During the ceremony, he has to tell Lwaxana why he wants to marry her, and do so convincingly enough to convince the spectators, including the current husband. He starts off with a stilted, formal speech, but when he's challenged, he gives a speech so good that even the husband is convinced -- and there's very little acting involved. He may not have romantic feelings for her, but it's clear that his explanation of what she means to him is entirely genuine.
324-->'''Odo:''' Before I met her, my world was... a much smaller place. I kept to myself, I didn't need anyone else, and I took pride in that. The truth is, I was ashamed of what I was, afraid that if people saw how truly different I was, they would recoil from me. Lwaxana saw how different I was... and she didn't recoil. She wanted to see more. For the first time in my life, someone wanted me as I was. And that changed me forever. The day I met her is the day I stopped being alone.
325
326!!For The Cause
327* Sisko doesn't want Kasidy to leave in the morning, so he resigns himself to tossing his pillow and resting on hers instead, just to be able to smell her scent a bit longer.
328
329!!To The Death
330* Quark's brief appearance, showing genuine concern for Rom's safety. For all the guff he gives him, he is still his brother.
331-->'''Quark''': Oh, what a relief... Wait 'til I find him, I'll kill him for scaring me like that!
332* The scene where O'Brien gives Dax a [[VideoWills video will]] to give to Keiko, just in case he doesn't survive the mission. He discusses how frequently he's had to leave a goodbye message for his wife and child, clearly worried about what might happen. But Dax gives him a gentle pep talk, assuring him that he'll live to be a hundred and forty, and die in peace surrounded by his friends and family.
333
334!!The Quickening
335* In "The Quickening" when Bashir seems to have utterly failed... but thanks to his antigen, a Teplan baby is born without the deadly blight, so while he hasn't found a way to cure the infected, he has found something that will eventually allow the Teplan society to become healthy again, rather than being plagued by the blight for eternity as they had seemingly been doomed to.
336** Highlighted by the reaction of the local doctor - the situation with the blight was so hopeless that he'd been reduced to being little more than [[MercyKill a euthanasia provider.]] Now, he weeps as he holds the baby and thanks Bashir for giving his people hope.
337** Up to this moment, the aforementioned doctor considered Bashir little more than a snake oil salesman, but when he realizes what Bashir has done for his people, he falls apart telling Bashir that it'll be a privilege to spend the rest of his life administering the vaccine across the planet, so that the next generation will be free of the blight.
338
339!!Body Parts
340* At the end of "Body Parts", Quark [[spoiler:sits in the empty space that used to be his bar, all his possessions and business assets having been confiscated]]. Rom comes in to console him, and after a little bit... cue practically every non-Ferengi on the station coming up with contrived, mock-cynical, Quark-esque excuses to [[spoiler:[[FriendshipMoment set up the bar exactly as it was]]]].
341-->'''Rom''': Look at them, brother. And you thought you had no assets.
342-->'''Quark''': Sisko, Dax, Bashir, Morn? They're my assets?
343-->'''Rom''': To name a few.
344** Personally, the scene that got me was Quark telling Sisko (who was essentially giving him free furniture to "store" while someplace on the station was "being fixed") that there was a small storage fee for keeping the stuff there. ("A minimum storage fee. Practically nothing.") I don't know why, but something about it just said that even after the emotional roller coaster that Quark went through, he's capable of getting back to who he is- a greedy, lovable scoundrel. And it's capped off by Sisko just cocking an eyebrow and rolling with it. ("Send me the bill.") It's a CallBack to the very premise of the episode: Quark is a Ferengi to his core. He's not evil, he's just committed to his beliefs. In many ways, he's just as dedicated to his religion as Kira and Worf are to theirs.
345** The B-plot from the same episode, in which Kira allowed Bashir to transplant Keiko's unborn baby into her womb when Keiko is injured in a runabout accident. The O'Briens welcome Kira into their extended family and invite her to stay with them for the duration of her pregnancy. Especially sweet when Molly calls her "Aunt Nerys".
346
347!!Broken Link
348* As Odo limps from the Promenade to the ''Defiant'', Quark has some parting words:
349--> '''Quark''': I hear you're taking a little trip to the Gamma Quadrant. \
350'''Odo''': ''(sarcastically)'' Care to come along? \
351'''Quark''': ''(smugly)'' Are you kidding? I expect to own this station by the time you get back. With you gone, profits from smuggling alone should go up sixty percent. \
352'''Odo''': Well, don't get used to it. I'll be back before you know it, making your life miserable. \
353'''Quark''': ''(quietly)'' Then you ''are'' coming back? \
354'''Odo''': Count on it. \
355'''Quark''': I will.
356* Garak wants to come along on the mission to meet the Founders. Sisko refuses him...but then offers to allow him to come along if he occupies Odo by giving him mysteries to solve. Garak happily complies, and does a very good job of it. His purpose for meeting with the Founders is also out of a legitimate desire to see if there were any survivors from a group of M.I.A. Cardassians.
357* On a wider note, basically the entire senior staff (and possibly a few junior officers we don't see) are willing to put themselves at risk on the chance that the Founders will be able to help Odo; even the Female Changeling acknowledges that their loyalty to Odo does Sisko credit (although it's hard to know if she's [[AlternativeCharacterInterpretation acknowledging Sisko as a fellow leader or just as a solid showing 'due deference' to a Changeling]]).
358** Though the Founders are responsible for Odo's state, it's still rather heartwarming that they still allow the Defiant and her crew to come with him, not just to their new homeworld (after the failed attempt by the Tal Shiar and Obsidian Order to destroy their prior one), but even have Sisko and Bashir join him on the surface. Though it doesn't change the existing animosity and future conflict between the powers, it still speaks to the possibility and hope for peace between the Federation and Dominion, that they were able to be able to have this peaceful interaction between the two.
359* The gentle teasing of Kira going through the Bajoran equivalent of morning sickness - sneezing fits. The others start taking bets on how long the fits last, and it's just a nice moment of seeing the TrueCompanions nature of the crew in casual circumstances. Even WORF gets in on it.
360[[/folder]]
361
362[[folder:Season 5]]
363!![[Recap/StarTrekDeepSpaceNineS05E01ApocalypseRising Apocalypse Rising]]
364!!The Ship
365* [[spoiler: Although he eventually dies, ]]O'Brien and Sisko not giving up on the injured redshirt, who they considered to be their friend, was sweet.
366** As is Worf joining O'Brien at [[spoiler:Muñiz's]] coffin, probably to make up for being a jerk.
367
368!![[Recap/StarTrekDeepSpaceNineS05E03LookingForParMachInAllTheWrongPlaces Looking For par'Mach In All The Wrong Places]]
369* Worf helps Quark court Lady Grilka, showing him step by step how to declare his intentions, how to roleplay the most romantic moment in Klingon history in the holosuite, and helping Quark fight a duel against Grilka's bodyguard. It's clear that Worf has put a lot of thought into courting Grilka, and wishes that Grilka would give him another chance, but he shares his knowledge with Quark knowing that Grilka would be more happy with him than with Worf. And [[spoiler: Dax takes notice and initiates a relationship with him because of it.]]
370!![[Recap/StarTrekDeepSpaceNineS05E04NorTheBattleToTheStrong .. Nor the Battle To The Strong]]
371* Sisko's SoProudOfYou moment with Jake, praising him for telling the whole truth about what happened on Ajilon Prime.
372!!The Assignment
373* The end of "The Assignment", after O'Brien saves his wife Keiko from a disembodied alien that had possessed her in order to blackmail O'Brien into sabotaging the station in an effort to destroy the wormhole. Lovely exchange between those two at the end;
374-->'''Miles:''' You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to.\
375'''Keiko:''' It helps to talk about it. Besides, I never want to forget how you fought for me.
376** Also from "The Assignment" there was the subplot about Rom joining the station engineering crew. After showing unwavering loyalty to O'Brien in his struggle to save Keiko, even keeping the faith when he was arrested for sabotage and O'Brien was forced to let him take the blame, he is rewarded at the end when O'Brien promotes him to the day shift in gratitude. It's quite genuinely endearing.
377*** Rom explains his familiarity with Bajoran religious lore in a little aside that shows he and Leeta are HappilyMarried:
378---->'''Rom''' ''(touching his ear bashfully)'' She says I'm a good listener.
379
380!!Trials And Tribble-ations
381* Essentially the whole episode, since it's a love letter to ''The Original Series'' and ''Star Trek'' in general. The sheer wonder and joy on the [=DS9=] crew's faces as they get to visit the "past" and meet their long-time heroes in the form of Kirk and company.
382* Dax sums it up, explaining that she lived through this time (like the fans who watched the show when it was originally airing) and she’s excited to revisit it.
383* The fact that Odo managed to undo the extinction of the tribbles. Yeah, they're a menace, but ''Star Trek'' just wouldn't be the same without those little purring fluff balls.
384* While also humorous, the fact that O'Brien, Bashir, and Worf are so struck with hero worship for James T. Kirk. That they'd contemplate buying him a drink when they mistake Lieutenant Freeman for him.
385--> '''Worf''': (''in awe'') It would be an honor to meet him.
386* Sisko finishes his report by stating that he took a chance to interact with James Kirk, ostensibily offering him a duty roster to sign off on (to get the legendary captain's autograph). When he informs the DTI agents Lucsly is cold and brusque as ever, but Dulmer warms up and says he doesn't believe there was any harm done and in Sisko's position he'd likely have done the same thing. Despite his earlier assessment of Kirk as a 'menace' it's clear Dulmer respects the man.
387
388!!Let He Who Is Without Sin...
389!!Things Past
390!!The Ascent
391* Odo is alarmed when he briefly believes that Quark is dead and tries to slap him awake. It speaks to how, despite all of their snarking and bickering, Odo actually cares about Quark.
392* When Odo makes what he believes will be his last log entry, he takes the time to describe where they will find Quark and what to do with his remains. It's sweet that Odo wants Quark to get a proper Ferengi sendoff despite his dim view of Quark and Ferengi culture in general.
393* After Odo is beamed onto the Defiant:
394-->'''Odo:''' I'm alive!\
395'''Bashir:''' Yes. I'm gonna make sure you stay that way.
396* Quark and Odo bantering at the end of the episode. Even after they reaffirm that they meant everything they said about hating each other, they share a chuckle together, as if wordlessly acknowledging that they're still friendly adversaries.
397* The B-plot of the episode resolves around Nog returning from Starfleet Academy and reuniting with Jake. While the two go through something of a falling out (Jake has become something of an unfocused slob, while Nog has become an almost over-disciplined cadet) Rom and Sisko have a conversation over drinks about their boys' problems. It's a nice moment of humanization for them both, two vastly different men bonding over dealing with their sons growing up.
398** What's also heartwarming is Sisko's genial relationship with Rom, especially when you take into consideration his interactions with Ferengi like Quark. There's none of the typical suspicion or expectation of duplicity and greed, since Sisko recognizes that Rom is a sensitive and guileless person, allowing them both to talk about their sons' respective situations with ease.
399!!The Rapture
400* Kasidy Yates's return to the station. She's been in jail for about a year for smuggling food and medical supplies to the Maquis, and Sisko was the one who had to arrest her. When she comes back? It's like she never left and they never bring it up again. It's not a lack of continuity, it's that to Sisko, this is the woman he loves, and he doesn't care - she's done her time, and they can continue with their lives together.
401
402!!The Darkness And The Light
403* Furel and Lupaza, members of the Shakaar cell, sneak onto the station in the name of protecting Kira from whoever has been killing their members. This includes knocking out the station security guard and, due to their clandestine entry to the station, almost getting shot by Kira. Still, they also bring with them some mobara herbs, meant to help ease Kira's sneezing fits. And the absolute joy Kira expresses at seeing her old friends on the station is just sweet to see. [[TearJerker And makes their deaths hurt all the worse.]]
404
405!!The Begotten
406* The entire episode "The Begotten", where Odo plays Dad to a baby Changeling, especially the moment where it imitates his face. And bonus heartwarming in that the experience reconciles Odo with his own father figure in Doctor Mora Pol and [[spoiler:it gives him back his shapeshifting abilities as a parting gift]].
407** Odo and Mora's reconciliation is heartwarming in itself. Odo finally concedes that Mora wasn't trying to hurt him, but rather was dealing with something he didn't even realize at first was a living creature, and Mora finally admits that he ''did'' hurt Odo and accepts his responsibility for the pain that he caused. And then they share a drink to celebrate the baby Changeling's progress.
408* Once Quark gets over his suspicions at seeing Odo truly ''happy'' for the first time, and has the situation explained, he's willing to celebrate right alongside his frenemy.
409* At the end of the episode, Kira admits that she's struggling to be happy for the O'Briens because giving up the baby after carrying him for so long was more difficult than she had ever expected. And Odo understands perfectly, because he's experiencing the same kind of mixed feelings about [[spoiler:getting his shapeshifting abilities back at the cost of the baby Changeling's death]]. The episode ends with them deciding to take a quiet walk together. It's a TearJerker but it's also heartwarming for the understanding and support they share.
410
411!!For The Uniform
412!!In Purgatory's Shadow / By Inferno's Light
413* Garak and [[spoiler:his father]] Enabran Tain in the Dominion prison camp in [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gV9t9Db4nkE "In Purgatory's Shadow"]].
414** Even more so, the fact that when Tain asked Garak if they were alone, Garak lied about the fact that Bashir was in the room, allowing him to stay and not only witness him reveal the biggest secret of his life but share in one of his most emotional and vulnerable moments. It's easy to miss this powerful unspoken statement of how much Garak trusts Bashir.
415*** It goes one step further: back in "Indiscretion", Dukat says that for Cardassians, allowing a non-Cardassian to even view one of their dead is a big cultural taboo. By allowing Bashir to stay, Garak is, for all intents and purposes, acknowledging him as a fellow Cardassian, maybe even family.
416* At one point while Worf is recuperating from his latest bout against the Jem'Hadar, Martok declares that when they get home, he will commission a song about the whole affair. What's really heartwarming is that he also plans to include a verse honoring Bashir, "the healer who bound the warrior's wounds so he could fight again!"
417* Klingons have historically ''hated'' Cardassians, yet Garak, by virtue of battling his claustrophobia to work on an escape plan, earns Worf and Martok's respect. Martok even notes that "There is no greater enemy to conquer than one's own fears."
418* The Klingons Worf and Martok have established a brotherhood between them, as they think "highly" of each other by the episodes' end.
419* The surprising bond between Worf and his Jem'hadar opponent. First Ika'Tika clearly sees Worf as not just a WorthyOpponent, but someone he finds clearly more relatable than the Vorta, at one point snapping that [[EvilCannotComprehendGood the Vorta will clearly never understand Worf's honour]].
420-->"I yield. I cannot defeat this Klingon. [[{{Determinator}} All I can do kill him, and that no longer holds my interest.]]"
421* When Dukat threatens Garak, dangling him over the railing of the upper level of Quark's, who is it who comes along and makes Dukat back down? Not Odo, the security chief, Kira, the Bajoran militia officer, or Sisko, the station commander. It's QUARK. And Quark manages to get him to back down. And even offers to buy Garak a drink. [[spoiler: (Are we sure it's BASHIR who's the Changeling infiltrator in this episode?)]]
422* While Dukat is appalled at the idea that Ziyal is associating with Garak, Kira has nothing but willingness to accept that Ziyal and Garak, as the only Cardassians (half, in Ziyal's case) on the station, have a connection that pulls them together, and allows Ziyal someone to speak to who understands her like no one else on the station.
423
424!!Doctor Bashir, I Presume
425* The subplot where Rom is trying to tell Leeta that he loves her. It's obvious that Leeta reciprocates, but Rom is too nervous to say anything, and Leeta becomes frustrated. She decides to leave with Dr. Zimmerman, who has taken a romantic interest in her and has offered her a chance to advance her career elsewhere. But right when they're about to depart, a voice cries out in the background:
426-->'''Zimmerman:''' Do you hear that? \
427'''Leeta:''' What is that? \
428'''Zimmerman:''' It's getting closer.\
429'''Rom:''' Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit! (catches his breath) Wait. \
430'''Zimmerman:''' We heard you the first time. \
431'''Rom:''' Leeta! [[PunctuatedForEmphasis Don't. Go.]] \
432'''Leeta:''' (''frustrated'') Why not? \
433'''Rom:''' Because! (''quietly'') I love you, and I want you to stay. \
434'''Leeta:''' (''drops her bag'') I love you too, Rom!
435* Bashir has several with his parents near the end of the episode.
436** The first takes place in his quarters, when his mother explains why they had him genetically enhanced. He's spent years assuming they did it because they were ashamed of having a developmentally delayed child. When she finally tells him the truth, it's quite different: they did it because they loved him and couldn't bear to watch him struggle any longer.
437** Following that conversation, he tells them he's going to go to Sisko in the morning and resign. When he arrives at Sisko's office to do so, he finds that his parents are already there, and his father has just agreed to turn himself in and serve a prison sentence in exchange for Julian being allowed to keep his job.
438** The goodbye between Bashir and his parents is heartwarming enough on its own, but it becomes doubly so when compared to the way they were when they said hello.
439* At the end of the episode, O'Brien and Dr. Bashir are playing darts in Quark's as usual. Bashir isn't playing well, and O'Brien soon realizes that the doctor (whose hand-eye coordination has been enhanced) has been deliberately missing the bullseye for years just to fit in. After the doctor reluctantly confirms his suspicions, O'Brien stubbornly insists for Bashir to "''really'' play". After Bashir hits the bullseye multiple times in rapid succession, O'Brien, rather than giving up on their games together, modifies the game so that Bashir throws his darts from the other side of the room, several meters behind O'Brien. The moment speaks to how Bashir values their friendship enough that he doesn't want O'Brien to feel inferior, and O'Brien values their friendship enough that he doesn't want Bashir to pretend to be something he isn't. And both value their friendship enough that, despite their differences, they both do their best to make it work.
440** Even before that, O'Brien gets over the shock of learning the truth about Bashir pretty quickly, and reassures Bashir that his augmentations aren't what make him the good man that he is. It's also clear that even though Bashir is violating regulations by just being in Starfleet as an augment, O'Brien doesn't want to see his friend cashiered.
441
442!!A Simple Investigation
443* Odo's relationship with Arissa is really one big CMOH, but special mention goes to the scene where he tells her why he wants to help her: he admires Arissa's bravery in walking away from the Orion Syndicate because at one time, he also worked for some bad people (the Cardassians), only he never had the courage to do what Arissa is doing.
444* Bashir explaining to Odo why it is that everyone is so interested in his personal life, and then giving him a little advice.
445-->'''Bashir:''' If people are talking, it's only because they care. You put on a good front, but anyone who really knows you can tell that you're lonely...You can't go through life trying to avoid getting a broken heart. If you do, it'll break from loneliness anyway. So you might as well take a chance. If you don't, she'll move on and you'll never know what you might have had. And living with that is worse than having a broken heart, believe me.
446* The final scene between the pair, after [[spoiler:"Arissa" has been revealed as a deep cover agent with false memories, and has been physically and mentally restored to her true self. She tells Odo that even if Arissa was temporary and based on implanted memories, "She was real. And she loved you. In a way, she still does."]]
447!!Business As Usual
448* Quark telling Sisko that can live with the fact that [[spoiler: the Regent of Palomar is dead because Quark set him up with a meeting with his arch-enemy]], and that he can think of 28 million people who can live with that too -- [[spoiler: the people that the Regent was planning to kill]]. Sisko corrects him by saying, "Twenty-eight million and ''one''."
449** When Sisko shows Quark the repair costs from [[spoiler: the firefight between the Palomarian Freedom Brigade and the Regent of Palomar]], He balks and asks Sisko if he can pay with an installment plan. Sisko's response? "Works for me!"
450* Jadzia Dax rejected Quark's friendship because was selling weapons. When he finally redeems himself? The two of them are best friends again, laughing and playing Tongo with each other as if nothing ever happened.
451* Near the end of the episode, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLIg3LIqeio Worf is talking to O'Brien while O'Brien is caring for his son]]. In an uncharacteristic moment, Worf admits regret that he never got to see his own son as an infant and tells O'Brien he's fortunate to have gotten that experience.
452** Also, when O'Brien gets Worf to hold Kirayoshi for a moment while he goes to find his bottle, he comes back and is ''astonished'' to find that Kirayoshi doesn't cry while Worf is cradling him the way he does with everyone else.
453
454!!Ties Of Blood And Water
455* "Ties of Blood and Water" is a big mix of this and TearJerker. Kira returns to Ghemor's side and remains with him until he dies. Then she buries him next to her father, under the same tree.
456
457!!Ferengi Love Songs
458* The romance between Quark's mother and [[spoiler: Grand Nagus Zek]] may seem like a CrackPairing, but the affection they display towards each other sells it.
459* Quark gets upset early in the episode when he enters his room and thinks that Ishka has gotten rid of his prized Marauder Mo action figures. At the end of the episode, she brings him a box holding all his figures and he happily starts playing with them again.
460* The subplot between Rom and Leeta deserves mention. Rom is forced to make a difficult choice between protecting his profits and marrying the woman he loves when she refuses to sign a one-sided prenup agreement.
461** O'Brien pays Rom a visit to coach him on his priorities as he stares at his life savings.
462--->'''Rom''': Have you ever looked at latinum? I mean really looked at it. It's so beautiful. Not to mention smooth to the touch. \
463'''O'Brien''': Do you want Leeta back or not? \
464'''Rom''': "Latinum lasts longer than lust." Rule of Acquisition 229. \
465'''O'Brien''': Maybe, but lust can be a lot more fun. Now answer the question. Do you want her back or not? \
466'''Rom''': ''(softly)'' I'd give anything to hold her in my arms again. \
467'''O'Brien''': ''(picking up a strip of latinum)'' Anything?
468** Rom repairs his relationship with Leeta with a sweeping gesture of generosity:
469--->'''Rom''': I want you to marry me. \
470'''Leeta''': I'm not signing that waiver. \
471'''Rom''': You don't have to, not anymore. I don't have any profit left to protect. \
472'''Leeta''': I don't understand. \
473'''Rom''': I gave all my latinum to Major Kira for the Bajoran War Orphans Fund. (Bashfully) She kissed me. \
474'''Leeta''': Oh, Rom. You did that for me? \
475'''Rom''': I did it for us. Now we have nothing but our love.
476** There's also the short but sweet scene where Leeta is badmouthing Rom to Kira, and Kira is fully aware that she's just blowing air and trying to convince herself of it, so she just casually refutes her every claim, leading to Leeta bursting into tears and Kira comforting her. The simple gesture of friendship makes you smile through the tears.
477
478!!Soldiers Of The Empire
479* The crew finally rallying behind Martok after he regains his courage to face the Jem'hadar in battle. They reprise their battle song with vigor and enthusiasm, where earlier in the episode it was solemn and slow.
480* When they return to the station, Martok tells [=DS9=] to send a large quantity of bloodwine to celebrate their victory over the Jem'Hadar, and his crew cheers in the background. Even the staff in Ops can't help but smiling at their newfound camaraderie.
481* The ending, in which Martok invites Worf to join his house.
482
483!!Children Of Time
484* The ''Defiant'' crew helping the colonists in their harvest. In particular, Worf brings his descendants to help. Having spent their whole lives in a martial lifestyle, the Sons of Mogh ask Worf to help them find an honorable death.
485-->'''Brota:''' You said there was an enemy for us to fight.\
486'''Worf:''' They are attempting to plant their fields before the sun sets. Time is their enemy. We should help them defeat it.
487* A giant heartwarming moment ensues between Kira and Future Odo after the latter finally confesses his feelings.
488-->'''Kira:''' Why didn't you ever say anything?\
489'''Odo:''' I didn't think you could possibly care for me the way I care for you. I suppose I was afraid of ruining what we had. [[IDontWantToRuinOurFriendship Our friendship meant everything to me. It still does.]] (''{{Beat}}'') Maybe I shouldn't have said anything.\
490'''Kira:''' It's not that. I was just thinking about all the times I came to you for advice about Shakaar and Bareil. It must have been very hard for you to listen to me go on about another man.\
491'''Odo:''' No, I can't say I enjoyed it, but I wanted to be a good friend to you.\
492'''Kira:''' You were.
493* It doubles as a TearJerker, but there's definitely a heartwarming element to the way that the crew ultimately decide to sacrifice their own futures to preserve the colonists' timeline. [[spoiler:Even though it doesn't work out that way.]]
494!!Blaze Of Glory
495
496!!Empok Nor
497
498!!In The Cards
499* The episode "In the Cards" is one of the franchise's few truly successful comedy episodes, focusing on Jake's attempt to cheer up his father in the wake of the looming war by getting him a mint condition Willie Mays rookie card. This ultimately involves both him and Nog having to do favors for a bunch of other people: do jobs for O'Brien so he can go kayaking on the holodeck, retrieve Bashir's childhood teddy bear after his ex-girlfriend stole it, punch up an important speech for Kira, and fix distortions in Worf's collection of opera recordings. At the episode's end, we see the results of all this as Captain Sisko records a log entry that somehow people on the station seem happy again. Finally, he receives the hard-won card from his son and wraps him in a huge hug. Watch the ending with Sisko's log and the hug [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgldQAYEB3o here]].
500** There is a rare one for Weyoun, as well. After listening to Jake's farfetched explanation of who Willie Mays is, Weyoun concludes that Jake's original story, that he was trying to get a thoughtful gift for his father, was the truth. What's more, while Weyoun has no reason to help him or allow him to succeed, he casually allows Jake and Nog to depart with their hard-won baseball card.
501
502!!Call To Arms
503* In "A Call to Arms" Sisko's speech to the remaining people on the station promising to return before he beams over to the ''Defiant''.
504** From the same episode, just before the battle, Quark asks Rom why he hasn't evacuated with Leeta (his new wife), to which he says that he needs to look out for his brother. Quark responds by calling him an idiot--and kissing him on the head. They may argue a lot, but they're ''brothers''.
505** Later, after the Federation has withdrawn and the Dominion welcomed to the station, Rom shows up in the bar, no longer in his station operations uniform but the traditional bar wear, saying that "Rom, Assistant Manager" is back to work. He and Quark then share a brief bit of banter - Rom's actually there to spy on the Dominion, Quark declares the Federation more desperate than he thought - before Quark loudly and performatively shouts "I knew you'd come crawling back, now get back to work!" clearly [[AwLookTheyReallyDoLoveEachOther playing along.]]
506** Nog completely averts NewParentNomenclatureProblem by quickly calling Leeta "moogie" after her and his dad's wedding.
507
508[[/folder]]
509
510[[folder:Season 6]]
511!!A Time To Stand
512* There is something almost... charming in the way that Weyoun interacts with Jake. Sure, he's withholding Jake's news reports from going out in dispatches to the Federation because of a "bias against the Dominion," and, realistically, of course, he HAS to be nice to the son of the Emissary (to say nothing of what is probably a bred-in disposition to be polite and cordial), but still, he actually manages to come across as sincere when he tells Jake that, due to the treaty with Bajor, he and the Dominion want to be friends, even making it seem almost a personal request, that he and Jake be friends.
513!!Rocks And Shoals
514* Sisko joking with an injured Dax that the cave they're sheltering in is a hotel.
515!!Sons And Daughters
516!!Behind The Lines
517* The scene with Dukat and Weyoun angrily insisting to each other that the Damar is not a liar and the Jem'Hadar aren't thieves after the bar fight in "Behind the Lines" can be somewhat touching. It may be mere posturing, but it's also very possible to interpret as them genuinely trying to defend the honor of their men.
518
519!!Favor The Bold
520* Sisko describing his love for Bajor and his desire to build a house there once the war is over.
521* Quark's rare display of BigBrotherInstinct towards Rom when Rom is in prison and facing execution.
522-->'''Quark:''' Besides, do you think your big brother would let anything happen to you?\
523'''Rom:''' What can you do?\
524'''Quark:''' I'm not sure, but I will think of something. No matter what it takes, no matter what I have to do, I'm going to get you out of here.
525* A subtle one when Admiral Ross received a hidden message from [=DS9=], showing how much Sisko trusts even the background characters on the station after his time there:
526-->'''Ross:''' Are you sure this [message] is reliable?\
527'''Sisko:''' I've known the courier [Morn] for five years - I trust him.\
528
529!!Sacrifice of Angels
530* In ''Sacrifice Of Angels'', when [[TheCavalry the Klingons]] dive in out of the sun to assist a beleaguered Starfleet force against a large Dominion fleet, Worf hails the ''Defiant'' and [[BigDamnHeroes apologizes for being late]]. The camera cuts to Worf's LoveInterest, Jadzia Dax, on the ''Defiant's'' bridge with TearsOfJoy in her eyes.
531* Despite everything Dukat has done, Sisko and Odo still treat him with sympathy and compassion when his daughter's death has absolutely shattered him.
532
533!!You Are Cordially Invited
534* The wedding of Worf and Jadzia, and the tale of the first two Klingons, who instead of fighting each other, joined together and slew their gods, showing that nothing is stronger than two hearts together.
535** Special mention also goes to Martok talking some sense into Worf when he decides the wedding is off.
536-->'''Martok:''' We are not accorded the luxury of choosing the women we fall in love with. Do you think Sirella is anything like the woman I thought that I'd marry? She is a prideful, arrogant, mercurial woman who shares my bed far too infrequently for my taste. And yet... I love her deeply. We Klingons often tout our prowess in battle, our desire for glory and honor above all else... but how hollow is the sound of victory without someone to share it with? Honor gives little comfort to a man alone in his home... and in his heart.
537** In the marriage ceremony, Sirella, who had been unusually hard on Jadzia the entire episode, is the one who tells the tale of the two Klingon hearts. She ends it with a statement that nothing can withstand the beating of two Klingon hearts together..."not even I".
538** And when the ceremony's complete Sirella ''smiles and hugs'' Jadzia.
539
540!!Resurrection
541* When Mirror Bareil first takes Kira hostage, Sisko's protective instincts kick in. With the captain promising the man that should any harm come to Kira. Bareil will never leave the station.
542
543!!Statistical Improbabilities
544!!The Magnificent Ferengi
545* Ishka tells Quark how proud she is of him after his team rescues her from the Dominion, then warmly hugs Rom.
546* This exchange:
547-->'''Rom:''' So, Brother, how does it feel to be a [[BigDamnHeroes hero?]] \
548'''Quark:''' You tell me. \
549'''Rom:''' It feels... [[GoodFeelsGood good?]] \
550'''Quark:''' (laughing) You ''bet it does.''
551!!Waltz
552!!Who Mourns For Morn?
553!!Far Beyond The Stars
554!!One Little Ship
555!!Honor Among Thieves
556* O'Brien taking Bilby's pet cat Chester with him back to the station to look after him, as Bilby had asked.
557!![[Recap/StarTrekDeepSpaceNineS06E16ChangeOfHeart Change Of Heart]]
558* That one episode where Worf sacrifices the mission and the Cardassian defector with valuable information to go back and get Jadzia back to proper medical facilities instead of letting her die.
559** Also, after he had just reprimanded Worf for the failure of the mission, Sisko says this...
560-->"One last thing...as a man who had a wife, if Jennifer (his first wife) had been in that clearing...I wouldn't have left her either."
561
562!!Wrongs Darker Than Death Or Night
563* This is a very painful episode that forces Kira to confront everything she thought she knew about her mother, how wrong she was about all of it, and how much she can respect her anymore, but at the end of the episode it's clear to her all over again: Meru ''was'' her mother, and whether she died a freedom fighter or as [[spoiler:Gul Dukat's mistress]], she did what she felt she had to do in order to give her children a better life.
564!!Inquisition
565!!In The Pale Moonlight
566!!His Way
567* When Odo and Kira finally hook up. It's almost like a [[SugarWiki/FunnyMoments CMOF]] meets [[SugarWiki/MomentOfAwesome CMOA]] meets [[SugarWiki/HeartwarmingMoments CMOH]]. Watch it [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjwj4nL7Qg8 here]]
568** The best part is definitely Quark's look of approval. You can just sense him thinking "Good for you, Odo. You deserve it."
569
570!!The Reckoning
571* Jake telling Sisko that he did the right thing by refusing to act to eject the Pah-Wraith spirit from him, even if it would have meant Jake's death.
572* Likewise, Odo is against ejecting the Prophet from Kira, knowing that for her, having been chosen to house the spirit of a Prophet in this battle was a great honor. She later thanks him for respecting her beliefs.
573--->'''Odo:''' Just the same, I wouldn't have minded if the Prophets had chosen someone else.
574
575!!Valiant
576!!Profit And Lace
577!!Time's Orphan
578* Odo -- who's usually the letter-of-the-law guy -- helps Miles and Keiko sneak Molly off the station.
579* The scene between young Molly and teenage Molly. The interaction between them is heartwarming enough, but the moment after little Molly steps through the portal, the older Molly has a moment of realization. O'Brien later wonders if she realized just what it was she was doing -- it's pretty clear she did.
580* Worf is visibly moved when he learns that Kirayoshi picked up the Klingon baby game he was trying to teach him.
581** Also, Jadzia's description of Kirayoshi playing the game is ''adorable.''
582* All of the efforts that Miles and Keiko take to try and help Molly. They put in all their time and effort into trying to find some way to help Molly adjust after ten years living as a feral child on her own, and it's then all seemingly gone to waste because of a mistake with one alien who doesn't care about their situation, and just believes Molly to be dangerous, forcing the Federation to intervene and take Molly to a care facility. It's only at this point that Miles and Keiko decide that the best thing to do for Molly is send her home - back through the portal.
583!!The Sound Of Her Voice
584* Lisa Cusack finally getting the war-weary crew to open up and not only talk to her, but also remember the bonds they have with each other. At her wake, both Bashir and O'Brien make a point of telling everyone in the room how much they care.
585* The sub-plot is mostly humorous, but Odo finally gets a chance to repay Quark for some of his earlier heartwarming moments. Quark makes a plan to get Odo out of the way for a night so he can move some contraband, and it almost works, except that Odo (possibly intentionally) picks a different night than Quark had anticipated. Quark knows he's screwed and rants about it to Jake, complaining that Odo is out to get him even after everything Quark did for him. Unbeknownst to him, Odo overhears this conversation and decides Quark is right, so he switches the plan to the night Quark had had in mind, letting Quark go ahead with his plans ''and'' think he'd finally pulled one over on Odo.
586!!Tears Of The Prophets
587* Sure, it's to set up the eventual MoodWhiplash, but the opening of the episode is still a bright spot for the characters in the middle of the war. The Bajoran Gratitude Festival has just concluded, Sisko's being given a medal for his service, and Jadzia and Worf are planning on having a baby. You know the other shoe is going to drop before the episode ends, but for a moment, you just get this sense that things are going right for them.
588** Something that isn't undermined by the end of the episode: Odo had been avoiding Kira after arresting a Vedek for breaking a minor law on the Promenade. She tracks him down the night before leaving with the Federation task force to Chin'toka, and he admits that he's spent the last few days avoiding her because he's worried that she wants to end their relationship because of their fight. After assuring him that she is still invested in their relationship (and that he was still wrong to arrest the Vedek), they agree to spend the night together.
589* Despite the ultimate result, the fact that first Kira says a prayer to the Prophets to encourage her and Worf being able to have a baby, and then, when Bashir says that it's feasible, Dax going to the temple to offer her own happiness to the Prophets, despite how she views them as "wormhole aliens" more than Prophets are a genuine joy for the friendship between these two. Especially since, as Jadzia says, she doesn't even believe in the Prophets, but because her friend does, she's willing to make the effort.
590
591[[/folder]]
592
593[[folder:Season 7]]
594!!Image In The Sand
595* After O'Brien discovers why Worf has been busting up Vic's lounge while listening to Jadzia's favorite song, he, Bashir, and Quark decide that they need to arrange for him to fight in a glorious battle that he can dedicate to her and ensure her entry to Sto-Vo-Kor, rather than the convoy duty that Admiral Ross has had him on for three months. In the span of a scene change, General Martok meets Worf for a sparring match and invites him along on a dangerous mission where they could conceivably die horrible deaths. The implication is that Martok needed no convincing, just the confirmation about what Worf wanted to do.
596** Bashir, Miles and (in the next episode) Quark then decide to join Worf's quest - showing that Worf's not the only one who deeply valued Jadzia and is willing to risk their life to give her a worthy sendoff.
597
598!!Shadows And Symbols
599* Ezri Dax meeting[=/=]reuniting with the Siskos in "Shadows and Symbols." Ezri is dealing with being an unprepared host for the Dax symbiont and all the [[MindHive issues]] that go with the joining, Ben is trying to come to terms with Jadzia's death, his failure as the Emissary, and some EldritchAbomination-provided hallucinations. But at the end of the day, they're still Sisko and Dax, and just being together again clearly helps both of them cope.
600* Worf's Klingonese poem at the conclusion of the mission, his way of welcoming her to Sto-Vo-Kor.
601--> ''(translated) Open your gates, Sto-Vo-Kor. Welcome Jadzia to your halls. Welcome this honored warrior. Welcome her, Sto-Vo-Kor, for all eternity.''
602* [[FridgeLogic Fridge]] Heartwarming: Fans of ''TNG'' will recognize the strategy of using a tractor beam to trigger a solar eruption to destroy the Dominion space dock as one that was invented on the fly by the ''Enterprise''-D crew to destroy a rogue Borg vessel in "[[Recap/StarTrekTheNextGenerationS6E24S7E1Descent Descent]]". So, in a way, Worf's old ship and crew helped him get Jadzia into Sto-Vo-Kor, and thanks to Chief O'Brien, one of them was even there in person.
603** It’s not just the ''Enterprise''-D crew - during the Klingon Civil War, Kurn used a similar tactic as well, which means that just about everyone in Worf’s extended family had some kind of hand in this.
604* Odo standing beside Kira on the Bajoran impulse ship as she faces down Romulan vessels, acting as her first officer on her flagship. Of course he would, this is the woman he loves, and yet Kira still is clearly touched by the fact that it's not even a question for him, that the moment she tells him what she intends to do, he is already volunteering himself.
605
606!!Afterimage
607* The moment Ezri tells Worf that Jadzia loved him, the look on Worf's face is like he just let out a breath he'd been holding since she'd died. Just the relief at hearing, once more, how much Jadzia loved him...
608* Despite needing more time to accept her on the station, Worf still not only attends the party for Ezri's promotion and assignment to [=DS9=], he even offers her a toast.
609* Quark, of all people, was the only person on the station who immediately accepted and befriended Ezri.
610* After being slammed into a wall and threatened by Worf, Bashir doesn't press assault charges or even make any complaints about his behaviour. Instead, he sends O'Brien to try and drink the truth out of him again.
611
612!!Take Me Out To The Holosuite
613* While it may sound surprising, the episode "Take Me Out to the Holosuite" is probably one of the series' biggest CMOH's. Watching Deep Space 9's senior staff pulling together all throughout the episode was very pleasant to watch. From everyone standing by Rom's side when Sisko kicked him off the team. Watching ''[[SourSupporter Quark]]'' of all people putting his heart and soul into the training, ''and'' the team. But the best part would have to be when Sisko gets Rom back in the game [[spoiler: and Rom manages to score]].
614** And both the "manufactured triumph!" bit and the team giving Sisko a baseball signed by all of them. Aww.
615* At the end of the episode "Take Me Out To The Holosuite", Sisko's [[StrawVulcan Vulcan]] [[TheRival Rival]] tries to rub in just how badly [=DS9=] [[CurbStompBattle lost]] at baseball, even if they did manage to score a run. Sisko takes it in stride, enjoying the camaraderie and remembering how much he loved the game. Sisko's team stands up for him, getting under the Vulcan's skin so badly it leaves him at a loss for words, showing how great the TrueCompanions and FireForgedFriends tropes are. To "manufactured triumph," indeed.
616** Topping everything off with giving Sisko a new baseball ''signed by every player on his roster.''
617** Earlier in the episode Kira is passing by Odo's office door and overhears him practicing his umpire moves and phrases. She smiles in the best way. It's clearly not a "what a bozo" smile, it's a "I'm glad he's enjoying himself" smile. See it [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9mxkNuOpCo&list=PL66277669B03474B1&index=61 here]].
618** And note that during the celebration of the "Manufactured Triumph" the Vulcan crew is drinking along with the [=DS9=] crew. Even his own crew does not appear to agree with Solok and is willing to fraternise with the [=DS9=] crew.
619*** Also worth remembering that the flashback to Wolf 359 in the pilot showed Sisko serving as first officer on a ship with a Vulcan captain. Despite getting under Sisko's skin, Solok's FantasticRacism never impacted Sisko's ability to work with or respect other Vulcans.
620
621!!Chrysalis
622* While waiting for news on Sarina, the Jack Pack is uncharacteristically subdued. They're not great at expressing emotion, but they're clearly worried about her, which speaks to the bond they share.
623* Sarina can't quite speak naturally yet, so her friends, the other genetically-enhanced patients, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRmWSrAzmIc sing with her]]. They're all having a great time, and Julian stands to the side smiling.
624* When Sarina is introduced to Bashir's friends, she makes a comment about Odo not having as much trouble expressing his feelings as Bashir and O'Brien do. Kira says that Odo never talks about his feelings, and Sarina replies that he's ''showing'' her by holding her hand. Kira smiles as she realizes Sarina is right.
625
626!!Treachery, Faith And The Great River
627* The idea that Nog's faith in The Great Material Continuum was a risk, but definitely not blindly unfounded. By the end of the episode, everyone that Nog traded with gets what they wanted or better, and even ''O'Brien'' wants to try to get in on metaphorically wading the waters of the continuum himself!
628
629!!Once More Unto The Breach
630* Worf and Kor sharing a toast to Jadzia, summing her up in a way only a Klingon could, and a way she'd have been proud to hear.
631--> '''Worf:''' She died a warrior.
632--> '''Kor:''' I expected nothing less.
633* Martok, despite harboring years of bitterness and resentment towards Kor, nonetheless cracks open a bottle of bloodwine before toasting the Dahar Master following his HeroicSacrifice. His crew likewise breaks into song to honor the old warrior's final act of glory.
634
635!!The Siege Of AR-558
636!!Covenant
637* Kira calls out Dukat's change of heart and turning to the Pah-Wraiths, asking if the "opening of his heart" came before or after he killed Jadzia, the anger at Jadzia's death plain to hear in her voice. On top of his crimes throughout the Occupation, he killed her best friend, and she still has a flame of anger just on that front for him.
638
639!!It's Only A Paper Moon
640* The very beginning of the episode where the Senior Staff and Nog's family are all waiting for him at the airlock. They're smiling, relieved, and indulge in good-natured ribbing to welcome him home. Considering how Sisko, Odo, Kira, and the others viewed Nog as a juvenille deliquent at the beginning of the series, it really speaks volumes about how Nog's character has developed and how much they've all come to care about him.
641* As a way to thank to Vic for his tough love, Nog arranges to have the program run 26 hours a day. The smile on Vic's face is pretty heartwarming.
642* Upon leaving the holosuite, Nog assures his waiting family that even though he still hasn't fully recovered from his ordeal, he eventually will. Cue Rom, Leeta, and Quark embracing him in a GroupHug.
643
644!!Prodigal Daughter
645!!The Emperor's New Cloak
646!!Field Of Fire
647!!Chimera
648!!Badda-Bing, Badda-Bang
649!!Inter Arma Enim Silent Leges
650!!Penumbra
651!!Till Death Do Us Part
652* Sisko and Kasidy get married. Even more so, Sisko is willing to defy the Prophets because of his love for Kasidy.
653!!Strange Bedfellows
654* That in her crisis of faith, having been reached out to by the Pah-Wraiths, rather than the Prophets, Kai Winn goes to Kira for guidance, seeking the path back to the Prophets. Moreover, Kira's advice is genuine, truly trying to help Winn, despite the years of antagonism between them, including her having pushed for the procedures that ultimately led to the death of Bareil, Kira's lover. She is genuinely trying to extend a hand to Winn in her hour of spiritual need, even after everything between them.
655!!The Changing Face Of Evil
656* After the awkwardness of their hookup and realization of it being based in lingering feelings for and from Jadzia, it’s adorable seeing Worf and Ezri’s interactions turn towards a very comfortable sibling-esque relationship of gentle teasing but heartfelt support.
657!!When It Rains...
658!!Tacking Into The Wind
659* Virtually any moment with Odo and Kira after they get together is a heartwarmer, but if you want to know what real love means, watch this exchange from "Tacking into the Wind":
660-->'''Garak''': I am afraid he's been hiding the true extent of his illness from you for some time now.
661-->'''Kira''': I know.
662-->'''Garak''': You do?
663-->'''Kira''': I love him, Garak—did you really think I wouldn't notice?
664-->'''Garak''': Then why the pretense?
665-->'''Kira''': Because I also know he doesn't want me to find out about it. If he wants to put up a brave front and protect me from the truth, then fine. If that gives him one last shred of dignity to hold onto, then I'll go on ignoring what's happening to him until the very end.
666** Before all that, Garak notices the difficulty that Odo is having maintaining forms and is genuinely worried about him. When Odo cuts him off with a brusque, "If I don't want pity from the woman I love, what makes you think I want it from you?" Garak simply nods and walks away, leaving Odo with his dignity.
667** Any part of this story arc ("When It Rains", "Tacking Into the Wind", and "Extreme Measures) is chock-full of these, mostly due to the awesomeness that Kira and Odo bring to any scene. Special mentions go to the beginning scene of "Tacking Into the Wind" with Odo and Garak, the above-quoted scene, the end of this episode where Kira is so focused on Odo when he collapses that she seems to barely notice that she is being held at gunpoint, and the opening scene of "Extreme Measures".
668* During "Tacking Into The Wind", Worf tells Ezri that he and Martok had a talk, and they decided that they both considered her to still be a member of the House of Martok. He also values her opinion enough to ask her about the Gowron situation.
669** Ezri admits to Worf that she feels [[BrutalHonesty the Klingon Empire is in decline, and deserves to die because of its widespread and deep corruption]]. While it's not what Worf wants to hear, he willingly hears her out, and she explains that she's telling him this because of the high regard she holds him in.
670-->'''Ezri''': Worf... you are the [[IncorruptiblePurePureness most honorable and decent man that I've ever met]]. [[MyCountryRightOrWrong And if you are willing to tolerate men like Gowron]], then [[ArmorPiercingQuestion what hope is there for the Empire?]]
671* In a Klingon way, Worf performing the [[DeathWail Death Roar]] after killing Gowron. Even though Gowron was a dick who frequently looked down on Worf for his loyalty to TheFederation and risked not only the Klingon Empire but also the Alpha Quadrant just to spite Martok, Worf still acknowledges that he died as a warrior in honorable combat.
672* The way Kira admonishes herself for throwing "what kind of people give orders like that" in Damar's face after learning the Dominion executed his wife and children. Yes, a Bajoran saying this to a Cardassian is entirely justified, and, as Garak points out, the new Cardassia needs the reminder of the old Cardassia's sins. But Kira taking this moment to even briefly believe that was the wrong thing to say shows her compassion for this man, the man who was right hand to Gul Dukat himself and killed Ziyal, who is now at the forefront of bringing about that new Cardassia. Garak, for his part, gently disagreed with this notion, regarding Kira's hard words as the kick in the ass for his own good that Damar needed.
673
674!!Extreme Measures
675* O'Brien [[TrueCompanions insisting on going with Bashir]] to help find the cure for Odo's disease in Sloane's mind, which keeps Bashir from dying when the operative tempts him with knowledge to bring down Section 31 that he can't possibly look through in time.
676* O'Brien inviting Bashir to dinner.
677!!The Dogs Of War
678* From "Dogs of War":
679--> '''Quark''' Rom, I want to buy back the bar.
680-->'''Rom:''' That's all right, brother, I'll give it to you.
681--> '''Quark:''' I suppose you're going to let me keep the five thousand bars of latinum too.
682--> '''Rom:''' You're my brother.
683--> '''Quark:''' And you're an idiot.
684--> *Rom looks sad*
685--> '''Quark''' But I love you.
686--> [[SugarWiki/HeartwarmingMoments *Rom smiles*]]
687** Pretty much any time Quark shows affection for Rom counts. He may be a JerkAss, but family's family.
688*** "Never let family stand in the way of opportunity." Rule of Acquisition #6
689*** Quark risks his life to free his brother from the Dominion and has a key role in the success of the entire war mostly as a side effect of freeing his brother. He was willing to bribe the Dominion everything he had, he even got Zek to offer an official bribe as the Grand Nagus.
690
691!!What You Leave Behind
692''(Has its own [[Heartwarming/StarTrekDeepSpaceNineS07E25E26WhatYouLeaveBehind page]].)''
693[[/folder]]
694
695[[folder:Unsorted]]
696* Can we count the fact that Chief O'Brien goes through a yearly tradition of how he must suffer for an episode, but not once was Keiko divorcing him a plot? The O'Brien marriage goes through ups and downs, but they actually manage to spend the entire series HappilyMarried.
697** Similar to below, [[DaddysGirl the father-daughter bond between Miles and Molly O'Brien]].
698* And on the subject of relationships, there's also the consistently strong father-son bond between Ben and Jake Sisko, to the point that the writers had to scrap an episode concept because it would've involved creating a rift between them, and that simply could not be done.

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