TREKCORE > DS9 > EPISODES > THE SEARCH, PART II > Quotes
 

	Female Shapeshifter: "The Great Link tells us that many years ago, our people roamed the stars, searching out other races so that we could add to our knowledge of the Galaxy. We went in peace, but too often we were met with suspicion, hatred and violence. The solids feared our metamorphic abilities, so we were beaten, hunted and killed. Finally, we arrived here, and here, safe in our isolation we made our home."
	Sisko: "I want to know what the hell is going on!!" Nechayev: "Commander, I don't appreciate you barging in here." Sisko: "I want to know why my Science officer is being transferred without my consent. I want to know why my Chief of Operations is lying in the Infirmary while the Jem'Hadar who beat him is free to walk the station. And I want to know why the Federation is ready to risk a war with the Romulans to form an alliance with a group of people we hardly know and barely trust!"
	Odo: "I've devoted my life to the pursuit of justice, but justice means nothing to you, does it?" Female Shapeshifter: "It is not justice you desire, Odo, but order, the same as we do. And we can help you satisfy that desire in ways the solids never could. This will all become clear to you once you've taken your place in the Great Link." Odo: "No. I admit this link of yours is appealing, but you see, I already have a link... with these people."
	Kira: "Is that what you call it, imposing order?! I call it murder." Female Shapeshifter: "What you call it is no concern of ours." Odo: "How do you justify the deaths of so many people?" Female Shapeshifter: "The solids have always been a threat to us. That's the only justification we need."
	Female Shapeshifter: "No changeling has ever harmed another." Odo: "Whatever you do to them, you're going to have to do to me."
	Kira: "You belong to the Dominion, don't you?" Female Shapeshifter: "Belong to it? Major, the changelings are the Dominion." Odo: "You're the Founders?" Female Shapeshifter: "Ironic, isn't it? The hunted now control the destinies of hundreds of other races." Odo: "But... why control anyone?" Female Shapeshifter: "Because what you can control can't hurt you. And so many years ago we set ourselves the task of imposing order on a chaotic universe."
	Female Shapeshifter: "Your link to the solids won't last. You will always be an outsider." Odo: "Being an outsider isn't so bad. It gives one a unique perspective. It's a pity you've forgotten that."
	Female Shapeshifter: "Then perhaps one day I'll come and visit you. The Alpha Quadrant seems racked with chaos. It could use some order." Odo: "Imposing your type of order on the Alpha Quadrant may prove more difficult than you imagine."