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Captive Pursuit (DS9 episode)
Encyclopedia
"Captive Pursuit" is the 6th episode
of the science fiction
television series Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
.
for repairs. Its reptilian pilot, who only identifies himself as "Tosk", requires virtually no "downtime" as he calls sleep and leisure, does not seem to possess a sense of humor, and he has the ability to become invisible. He is the first known life-form from the Gamma Quadrant. Despite their many differences, O'Brien befriends Tosk and tries to help him repair his ship. However, Tosk attempts to steal weapons from DS9 and is put in a holding cell.
Uniformed aliens come through the wormhole, break onto DS9 and cause a major phaser battle. As the uniformed aliens later explain, Tosk was bred to be hunted by them and has spent his entire life preparing. Kira suggests that Tosk ask for Federation asylum but the alien does not do so. As much as he detests this practice, Sisko believes that under the Prime Directive
he must release Tosk to the aliens. However, security is noticeably slow in responding when O'Brien helps Tosk "change the rules" of the hunt and escape, a reference to the Kobayashi Maru
. Tosk's would-be captors are injured in a trap laid by O'Brien, who redirects Tosk to safety. Although Sisko chastises O'Brien per Starfleet
regulations, he too is glad to see Tosk escape.
Episode
An episode is a part of a dramatic work such as a serial television or radio program. An episode is a part of a sequence of a body of work, akin to a chapter of a book. The term sometimes applies to works based on other forms of mass media as well, as in Star Wars...
of the science fiction
Science fiction
Science fiction is a genre of fiction dealing with imaginary but more or less plausible content such as future settings, futuristic science and technology, space travel, aliens, and paranormal abilities...
television series Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine is a science fiction television series set in the Star Trek universe...
.
Plot
A damaged unidentified vessel from the Gamma Quadrant docks at Deep Space NineDeep Space Nine (space station)
Deep Space Nine is a fictitious space station, and is the eponymous primary setting of the science fiction television series Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. It serves as a base for the exploration of the Gamma Quadrant via the Bajoran wormhole, and is a hub of trade and travel for the sector's denizens...
for repairs. Its reptilian pilot, who only identifies himself as "Tosk", requires virtually no "downtime" as he calls sleep and leisure, does not seem to possess a sense of humor, and he has the ability to become invisible. He is the first known life-form from the Gamma Quadrant. Despite their many differences, O'Brien befriends Tosk and tries to help him repair his ship. However, Tosk attempts to steal weapons from DS9 and is put in a holding cell.
Uniformed aliens come through the wormhole, break onto DS9 and cause a major phaser battle. As the uniformed aliens later explain, Tosk was bred to be hunted by them and has spent his entire life preparing. Kira suggests that Tosk ask for Federation asylum but the alien does not do so. As much as he detests this practice, Sisko believes that under the Prime Directive
Prime Directive
In the universe of Star Trek, the Prime Directive, Starfleet's General Order #1, is the most prominent guiding principle of the United Federation of Planets...
he must release Tosk to the aliens. However, security is noticeably slow in responding when O'Brien helps Tosk "change the rules" of the hunt and escape, a reference to the Kobayashi Maru
Kobayashi Maru
The Kobayashi Maru is a test in the fictional universe of Star Trek. It is a Starfleet training exercise designed to test the character of cadets in the command track at Starfleet Academy. The Kobayashi Maru test was first depicted in the opening scene of the film Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan...
. Tosk's would-be captors are injured in a trap laid by O'Brien, who redirects Tosk to safety. Although Sisko chastises O'Brien per Starfleet
Starfleet
In the fictional universe of Star Trek, Starfleet or the Federation Starfleet is the deep-space exploratory, peacekeeping and military service maintained by the United Federation of Planets . It is the principal means by which the Federation conducts its exploration, defense, diplomacy and research...
regulations, he too is glad to see Tosk escape.
Arc significance
- Odo reveals that he never carries a weapon, something which would stay true for the remainder of the series.
- We get a first hint that ethical standards in the Gamma Quadrant may be very different from those in the Alpha Quadrant.
- The Hunters and Tosk are never seen again in the show. A Hunter was to appear in the later episode "Broken Link" (thus suggesting that the Tosk and Hunters are members of the DominionDominion (Star Trek)In the Star Trek universe, the Dominion is a ruthless and militaristic Gamma Quadrant state consisting of many different races. The Dominion wages war on the United Federation of Planets and its allies in the late 24th century, acting as an antagonist in the TV show Star Trek: Deep Space...
) but this was cut shortly before filming of that episode. - When the Jem'Hadar are introduced in later episodes, their shrouding ability and appearance are very similar to that of Tosk, thus lending further credence to the idea that Tosk and Hunters are part of the Dominion.