Recently, I was speaking with the infamous Rob Morris (he of the esoteric crossovers and quirky sense of humor) when the subject of the Deep Space Nine episode “Valiant” surfaced. I realized I’d never actually addressed a particular turn of events therein that had always nagged at me. I hereby rectify that.

[Rob has recently completed an entire novel based on “Valiant,” entitled Telling. When he posts it to his site, I’ll probably place a link. It’s got a lot of good moments.]

“Between the Lines”

By Joseph Manno

Sera MacLeod approached the center seat, and handed her captain a PADD.

“I’ve completed my analysis of those sensor scans.”

He arched a brow.

“And there’s something… interesting, or you wouldn’t have mentioned it.”

She gave him a wry smile.

“That Dominion battleship has a seeming weakness.”

Mantovanni glanced at the report, paying especial attention to the data she’d flagged. He might not be a scientist, MacLeod knew, but he was an instinctual tactician… and saw the truth even faster than she had.

“Evidently ‘seeming’ is the key word in that sentence.”

Sera nodded. “It’s not a vulnerability.

“It’s bait.”