We Hold

Story: The Siege of AR-558
Written By: Ira Steven Behr & Hans Beimler
Series: Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
Year: 1998

Of all the “war is hell” themed episodes in DS9, this one is definitely the most powerful and realistic. Delivering supplies to a post defending a Dominion communications array, Sisko and co. discover what poor conditions the troops at this post are in. They have been here too long, they have lost too many people, and they are getting weary. It is a bad situation that only gets worse when the Defiant in orbit gets attacked by Jem’Hadar, and some soldiers land on the ground. The Defiant is ordered to retreat for now, but Sisko and the landing party will stay.
It gives a real taste of the front lines in this war…and it is brutal. You get to know some of the characters, and really feel for some of them. Quark (sent to report on the front lines for the Nagus) and Nog have some very well written scenes on the nature of it all and humans…Nog clearly wants to earn the respect of all these war-torn humans.

They manage to hold their post, but not without their losses. Many dead or wounded…Nog loses a leg. A LEG! It is so incredible harsh and real this episode, it really says something about war, and it says it well.

This is an episode that always sticks out to me when I think of DS9, it is really powerful and emotional.

NEXT TIME: Cult of the Pah-wraiths