#There are a lot of episodes I'd give Julian 😅😅

[walkingstackofbooks]

Hehe, yep! I wasn't a massive fan of Miles on my first watch of DS9, so every O'Brien-must-suffer episode was very much "but this could have been Julian getting hurt 😢" 😅😅

so you know abt the "if they're my favorite character i'm gonna be excited to see them hurt" thing but.. am i the only one who gets Annoyed when characters i dislike get whumped? like. they didn't deserve the honor, what an injustice that this is canon 😅😂

Oh, yeah, I feel that too. Like the character I like was right there for the whumping, why would you choose that one?

[walkingstackofbooks]

DS9 5x03 Looking for Par'Mach In All The Wrong Places thoughts (I’m re-watching, so beware spoilers for future episodes!) [8 Sept ‘23]

Julian, eavesdropping on the O'Briens? You weirdo.

"You can hear what they're saying?" Julian has zero cool. None.

"The other O'Briens, Miles and Kira." Love that this is A Fact.

Okay Quark and Julian make such a weird little duo.

Ngl, I am looking forward to when Worf finds out that Grilka is Quark's ex

Hehehe, his growly face, yep, worth it

"Word gets around. It's a small station." "IT'S A HUGE STATION!" Miles' outrage XD You know how gossip works, Miles!

Meh, not a fan of the "I bet you looked conversation" :/

"I will apologise for this at a later time. YOU ARE IN MY SEAT." My goodness Worf, you better be arrested for this? Just straight up punching Morn to impress a girl?! Flipping heck...

That's a kindly old Klingon tbh.

"Respect?! Okay.." Wow, Quark really has it bad 😅 Nevr thought I'd see the day when he'd respect a woman XD

Worf telling Quark how to date...

"Either she accepts your offer, or she has her bodyguard shatter every bone in your body." I bet Worf's hoping for the latter outcome 😂

"You've got leave coming. Take three weeks and go." I thought it was two weeks to get to Earth?

"I can think of worse things. than spending three weeks in Ireland with you." The sudden awkwardness makes me giggle, even if I do hate the forced 'cheating implications' as opposed to the beautiful polyamory we could have had.

This is so funny, Worf trying to prove he does know about Klingon women via Quark's courtship XD

It's actually sweet how much Quark is trying.

Odo is so sarcastic! "And I'll refrain from making any further disparaging remarks about the Chief. I mean, Miles." That grin! 🤣

Keiko very aggressively sending Kira and Miles off together XD

"The way she carries herself, confident and strong. She commands those around her. The proud tilt of her head. The way her face betrays none of her true feelings. The power of her voice. And her eyes, as hard as separ gemstones and twice as sharp." Tbh a lot of this could describe Dax.

Grilka looks at Quark so hungrily after he hands her the sword XD

"At least Quark can see an opportunity when it's standing right in front of him." I love Jadzia's own irritation throughout this.

"It gets worse... it may be one of the most romantic spots in all of Bajor." This is so funny even though I hate it

"It would have been nice. In another life." YEAH IT WOULD HAVE BEEN. In a life where you weren't written in the 90s...

Julian's face when he realises how Quark got those injuries... 😂"Never mind." Like, Grillka is literally right there, you could have guessed before asking XD

"What happened to you two?" "Well if you must know, err...." "No!" Once again, his brain's caught up with his eyes XD

I can't even, Julian's so awkward I love him

"I do not like the uncertainty of that arrangement." Aw, bless. That is rough on Worf tbf. He's right that she was the pursuer.

I still think he needs to face Odo over assaulting Morn, though!

Also, did anyone else notice that in THE episode about pining over someone you can't have, Julian gives absolutely 0 hints of jealousy about Jadzia and Worf, and just responds in exactly the same way that he does to Quark and Grillka?

... Actually the only person that he is weird about in this episode is Miles -- at first with his eavesdropping on their arguments, and then with the trying to get holosuite time, and then trying to have a weird male bonding conversation over Miles' involvement with Kira (to disguise his jealousy?) 👀👀👀

[walkingstackofbooks]

DS9 4x04 Indiscretion thoughts (I'm re-watching, so beware spoilers for future episodes!)

(24/06/2023)

"You are going to go looking for that ship, and all I can say is good luck." Odo is a good friend, and understands Kira just so well.

"Well, why don't you stay here? I'm sure that Benjamin could arrange for some quarters." Ben's look at Dax's interference XD

....And of course, it's Dukat

Kira's carefully schooled expression ❤️ I love how professional you are (but also I'm looking forward to you unleashing your anger on him)

"I've found that when one is trying to do a difficult job, personal reasons can be quite an incentive." I'm sure you do, Dukat...

Kira's incredulous expression when he says "I believe that in some ways the occupation actually helped Bajor." 😡😡😡 Yeah fuck you Dukat?

Ugh, of course he's bringing up a topic he knows she'll argue with him about 🤮 why does he have to flirt with her? I hate this

The fact that, in this specific context of Nerys asking to meditate in silence on a shuttle journey, Dukat is better at shutting up than Julian ... ???😅😅

Oh Sisko, Kasidy's right, you weren't exactly thrilled at the idea...

I love how Julian's in on this conversation XD this feels definitely like something Sisko grudgingly accepted he'd have to discuss with Jadzia, and for whatever reason she brought Julian along too (maybe he complains, in the way he does, that this is a conversation he'd need to have man-to-man, so she says "I understand! I'll think Julian's off-shift soon!" while Sisko groans)

I love how they're both teasing him by talking as though he isn't there, this is such a fun conversation - Jadzia isn't a surprise, but we've never seen Julian this casual with Sisko.

Quark just butting in - "Who knows more about women than me?" - and Julian's deadpan "Everyone." XD

"I got them from Bajoran intelligence before we left." ...Dukat's impressed smile and "Very good, Major" as she walks away - I hate that he likes her (conflicting with my belief that everyone should think she's awesome)

I'd forgotten about Dukat getting something stuck in his ass... Such a strange scene...

"You're hoping that she's still alive and you can rescue her." "Not quite. You see, if my daughter is still alive, I'll have no choice but to kill her." And you still don't see how you're the bad guy, Skrain?

"She's your daughter. And there is nothing more important to Cardassians than family. At least that's what your people are always saying." Yiss, let him have it, Kira

"And when I bury Ziyal, I'll weep over her grave just as I wept over her mother's." Jeeeesus, Dukat! And the fact he's so convinced he's right!

"If things don't work out, you're going to feel responsible, and that's scary." I love how well Jake knows his father.

"You figured out all this by yourself?" "Actually, I talked with Nog about it." HAH. Oh Jake, never change. Incredible.

I always thought the Breen would be more significant villains at some point.

This kid has suffered way too much, and I'm so uncomfortable seeing her just hug and forgive Dukat, she deserves so much better

" I wanted to tell you how happy I was for you, for us. But it didn't come out that way. I was uncomfortable, and a little nervous." "A little nervous?" "All right, a lot nervous." XD

"Do you think I'd give up a great opportunity just because you got cold feet? You're a good man, Benjamin Sisko, but you've got a lot to learn about women. Especially this one." I love Kasidy Yates. Ben might be a good man, but she is a fantastic woman.

[walkingstackofbooks]

DS9 2x21 The Maquis Part 2 thoughts (I'm re-watching, so there may be future spoilers)

"You don't want peace, Cal. You want revenge." Yeah, that seems true enough.

It's interesting to see the Federation hatred of Cardassians so closely; we've seen a lot of Bajorans hating Cardassians, and occasionally Miles too, but while the Stafleet officers on DS9 sure don't trust Cardassians, it's easy to forget they were at war not so long ago too.

"What about Commander Hudson?" "... I'll have to talk to him." Sisko is the most loyal friend.

"Establish a dialogue with the Maquis. They're still Federation citizens. I'm sure they'll listen to reason." Oh you're sure, are you?

The It's easy to be a saint in paradise is SO good, I see it a lot on Tumblr, but it's so much better in context

Kira's stunned expression during Sisko's speech is wonderful :3

Hehe, I'd forgot they'd be interrogating Quark about Sakonna, excellent.

"Do you expect us to believe that a Vulcan would be interested in you for your lobes?" "Vulcans are a species that appreciate good ears." HAH. Also, are you jealous, Odo? :P

"How long do I keep him in here?" "Forever." Gotta love Sisko's deadpan XD 

"I don't see what difference it makes whether we do it [execute Dukat] or they do it." I don't care either, but will someone do it, please? As a favour to me?

"The Central Command wants him dead. That's reason enough for us to want him alive."

Evil mind meld!

Dukat is insufferable, but I do enjoy watching him be a villain

A wild Sisko appears!

Dukat is so completely puzzled by the attempt at dialogue and reconciliation XD

"Tell him I still have his uniform." I love this recurring motif in this episode.

Ugh, I don't like Dukat looking comfortable.

Huh, information setting up for Cardassian trials later on the show

"Cardassians don't make mistakes." "I'll have to remember that"

I am SO looking forward to Dukat being crushed by the news that no, Central Command were not trying to rescue you, they just blamed the whole thing on you and left you for dead.

HAHA YES, that took the wind out of your sails DIDN'T IT.

"I'm sure you would have done the same for me." Love how that has left Dukat speechles.

"Ah, but the Xepolites have never been caught."

"I'm not just any Cardassian." Again, I really love seeing Dukat in action, he's so skin-crawlingly good at what he does, even if it's awful. You can see Kira having bad memories of threatening Cardassians in the background.

Yiss Sakonna and Quark again

"My emotional state is irrlevant." "Well, my emotional state is very relevant."

"Do you propose to lecture me on logic?" "I don't want to, but you leave me no choice." XD

"Then I'll make it so simple that even a Vulcan can understand." HAH. I do love Quark's turns of phrases

"They have weapons. You have weapons. Everyone has weapons!"

I hate that Quark is so good at this, but he sure did just go and outlogic a Vulcan.

"So we'll have three ships and they'll have two. The odds are in our favour, anyway." This made me chuckle a bit just because it's the simplest maths and post-GE-reveal he'll be calculating absolutely ridiculous odds, not just 3 v 2 XD

"That's not going to give us much of an advantage, Julian" And added to that, he was wrong! 😅

Dukat's approving look at Sisko...

Oh no, Dukat is gonna fire isn't he.... Aghhhh don't do this to Ben!

Oh phew, he didn't. Glad I was wrong

I love how Sisko and Dukat play off each other. "I will not kill a good man for trying to defend his home." "You disappoint me." "Don't expect me to lose any sleep over it."

Hmmm, it's interesting to wonder if they hadn't succeeded and a war had begun at this point in time, would the Dominion have ever got involved?

[walkingstackofbooks]

DS9 3x10 Fascination thoughts (I'm re-watching, so there may be future spoilers)

"Isn't that the earring you-" "-bought for Mardah?" Huh, I thought Bajoran's earrings were personalised and individual to them, like when Kira recognised Nalas', not something bought by others as gifts.

I say this every time, but I love Sisko and Jake's relationship

"But I'm not going to have any fun." "Oh." XD

Julian's "we've played 70 games" makes me think he's comfortable enough with the chief to not hide things like counting racquetball games <3 although I doubt it was a perfectly round 70

"And you know what all those games have proved to me? That I'm a poor substitute for your wife." "I could've told you that sixty games ago."

Okay so an average person could have done that 70x2=140 calculation in a few seconds, but Julian did 70x2=150 so either he made the mistake on purpose, or he rounded 73/4/5 games down to 70 then doubled the actual number and rounded it up to 150.

His little grin at the end there <3 Idk the "Maybe you can try and convince her to stay" was just a nudge, knowing that Miles would be like definitely not and realise he didn't really resent her being away.

Odo's noticeable slow down as he approached Nerys

Kira's smile at "Actually, I was thinking of joining you this year." - she's SO beautiful, I love her smile to bits

"Well then, we'll see each other later." "I'd like that." He's so awkward but he's trying <3 I didn't like last time suddenly realising he was in love with her, but this time round I am here for it, because she obviously thinks super highly of him, and although he's jealous and doesn't always hide it, he never tries to make her uncomfortable or push her (at this point), even though he's not used to these feelings.

"For you I will make the time, Odo." She does like him a lot. (And her smile again, wow, she's radiant)

Keiko's sigh at "I should never have given you all that candy" - if she had been looking at Lwxana, that would have been a death stare.

"I usually make it a point to drop by Quark's three or four times a day at random intervals, just to let him know that I'm thinking about him." Oh do you, now, Odo?

Ughhhh, Lwxana is So Forward and I don't like it. Odo's so uncomfortable. (I do ship them. Just not right now.)

"What kind of help do you mean?" THat is the correct question to ask. He sounds so nervous and he is so right to.

Lwaxana just being like #icanfixhim 😅

"The office has changed Kai Winn" Has it, Bareil, or is that just wishful thinking?

KIRA'S HAIR. ffffffffff I love her look rn

He's jealous of Jadzia. If she was a guy Kira would have gone "she's just a good friend." But no, perish that thought even be entertained on this throughly straight space station.

KiraDax tradition!!

Miles and Keiko's argument is so Aghhhh. Neither of them are exactly wrong but they're both tired and grouchy and need to give each other some grace or some time.

Kira is SO BEAUTIFUL, her dress is gorgeous but so is SHE

Her catching eyes with Dax who smiles back why can't they BE GIRLFRIENDS

Jake's grin and "wanna go out with me?!" he is such a child. At least in this episode it's mind games and kind of endearing.

Kira is understandably speechless at that

"Because I was hoping that you and I could get to know each other better... A lot better." Oh dear.

I don't like how Lwxana forces Odoout of his comfort zone. I think she would be good for him if she went at his pace with the PDA, and actually asked him about it, rather than assuming he needs to have affection forced upon him. I know I liked her more in DS9 than in TNG, but atm I'm just frustrated with her

Oh it's Quark's trans flag suit!

Yay, Keiko and Miles made up! "You know, I haven't sat here since you've been gone. " "That's so sweet. " I love her smile too :)

Annnnd another argument. of course.

Jealousy is not a good look on you, Miles

Yes, Miles, you are behaving like a child.

Oh fuck you Miles she is TIRED do better than this for goodness' sake you're an adult

"Of course I like her." "Well so do I." I love how simple this argument is and how clearly Jake thinks it solves everything XD

Sisko is so worried and rightly so <3 But clearly has no clue how to handle this curveball

"That's very thoughtful but I have nothing to give you in return." "Being with you is the only present I need." Nah, usually that's a sweet line, but here's it's just downright manipulative

"There's no divorce, no broken homes, nothing but peaceful conjugal bliss." This is a really good illustration of why divorce can be a fucking good thing and rising divorce rates since women have been given more rights and freedoms is not a worrying sign!

"You cancel the party, and then that way we can spend the evening alone together. What do you say?" "Sisko to Bashir." XD I just really like this as a response. Not "something is wrong", but acting on that wrongness immediately

Miles is good at apologies, I'll give him that

I remember the first time I watched this I was convinced Keiko was in her bedroom with someone else having been affected by the weirdness, and everything was going to ramp up even more between the two of them.

Huh, Lwxana is arm in arm with Julian too! She gets round XD or he does....

That was the most ridiculous kiss XD How Siddig and Visitor kept straight faces during that scene I have no idea!

Okay, so Sisko is the only sane one here and he's just noticed.

Oh, and Odo is too

Julian's slight self-awareness of "this is very embarrassing" mid-kiss is so amusing to me

Jadzia just stealing the betrothal bracelet like a magpie there

Keiko's entrance :o I'm glad she took the time for herself to just think things over and figure out what she wanted, rather than feeling like she had to accept the apology straight away.

Sisko really just took that punch

JADZIA'S SO GREAT. Taking down Bareil like that was just so much fun to watch, she's wonderful (poor bareil i guess)

Keiko and Miles are so stunned XD I forgot they've missed out on everything else and have literally no clue what the heck is going on here.

Sisko's tact XD "hen Mrs Troi's amorous feelings for ... someone on the station"

"There would have to have been some pre-existing latent attraction." They didn't have to add that in, but they sure did.

"Only on a subconscious level. Best not think about it too much, if you ask me." *Sigh* *sad nod*. Oh, poor boy, he's really going to try hard not think about it isn't he

You KNEW he didn't like you and you STILL kissed him? This is NOT OKAY, Lwxana!

I'm happy Keiko and Miles made up, but it would make so much more sense for Miles to insist on resigning and going to Bajor to be with her. I'm sure he loves her enough to, and the only reason he didn't is because he's a main character - but in universe this makes him a little eh.... and Keiko deserved sooo much better

*Throws racket* "Chief" straight away. Yep, you're definitely not trying to be a wife-substitute, eh, Julian?

So this was a long one! I did enjoy that episode, despite it's weirdness and frustrations... and how achingly heterosexual it is. Hey ho. It's silly and fun and very Star Trek, still

[walkingstackofbooks]

DS9 3x07 Civil Defense thoughts (I'm re-watching, so there may be future spoilers)

Kira's disbelief at seeing the recorded message. She has the best expressions.

"Well, is there anything I can do to help?" "Not unless you have a level nine Cardassian security clearance." "Let's see. I think I have everything from levels one through seven." Of course Quark is good for security codes XD

"This is the safest place on the whole station." Aw, Quark trusts Odo to keep him safe

When are they gonna ask Garak if he can help?

I tried to listen to Dukat's monologue. Not the most interesting, but it's very in character - #I'mNotARegularGulI'mACoolGul

Sisko's the best dad, even under pressure - "Don't tense up, relax. Now just take a deep breath and try again."

Talking the "less subtle" approach with a PHASER when there's counter insurgency measures? Is that really wise??

Well, I thought that was gonna be a lot worse than just discovering a forcefield 😅

"I was just finally starting to think of this place as home." Awww, there's a lot of that going round. First Sisko and Jake, now Julian.

"I mean. *tap* we're trapped." XD

"You're telling me I'm stuck here... with you?" "No, I'm stuck here with you." XD

Sisko is that strong? gosh!

Miles' grin at being given some tools XD

Garak!

I love how they run as if Kira would fire while they were still there if they weren't fast enough

Waiting in suspense for what level three is... The tension on their faces is real

"Give me that before you hurt yourself." Odo didn't have to say before you hurt yourself but he did, he really does care about Quark in his own way.

"Home is where the heart is but the stars are made from Latinum" - Interesting that this rule is taking an English saying as the starting truth and then subverting it. Unless it's the UT translating a slightly different Ferengi saying that means the same thing and making it English.

"I've never met one more devious" Awww, you sap, Odo

"Would I lie?" Pretty sure you have on the past, but if you are it's just to make him feel better :3

"but I can't do anything about it" - the tight annoyance on Garak's face as he admits this

"What a creative idea" - oh, he's very impressed by Jadzia

Julian's smile as he lurks behind Garak - he's so fond of him! :3

"What exactly is making you smile?" "You, Garak." THEY WENT AND SAID IT??? HOW IS GARASHIR NOT CANON???

Oof they had to kill a random guy we don't know about just to show how dangerous this is?

Dukat... I hate you but enjoy you so much. He's SUCH a GOOD villain!

"You can all rise"... Fuck you Dukat for enjoying this

Interesting that turning off the replicator doesn't make the system react to whatever command codes were input

That's such a hard choice, I feel sorry for Kira even if it's all of a minute she has to wrestle with this for

Boy I'm so looking forward to Dukat's smug smile being wiped off his face in 3...2...1...

"This is outrageous!" Yissss render him speechless!

Kira and Garak's initial amusement at Dukat's floundering

Dukat's embarrassed spluttering at Garak spilling his secret crush on Kira

Kira suddenly stands up straight on alert at that implication. I'd forgotten it had been said out loud and wasn't just subtext in later episodes.

"I'm going with you." "Alright." Sisko's proud dad smile <3

"It's because they knew you were an honourable man." QUARK

Jake's so worried, my guy <3

I love how Odo and Quark did nothing all episode but we kept cutting to them being kind of nice to each other just because we could

"Your brother, Rom." Odo really knows which of Quark's buttons to press XD

[walkingstackofbooks]

DS9 4x22 To The Death thoughts (I’m re-watching, so beware spoilers for future episodes!) [20 Aug ‘23]

I really like the frequency of references to off-screen Breen - it helps make them feel like a real part of the universe even without having been seen much.

"Every night I'd tuck in my son Ahjess, and two hours later he'd crawl into bed with me." Love me a random Dax fact

"What makes you such an expert on children?" "First in my class in pediatric medicine." You dolt, Julian XD Honestly, I'm surprised this has never come up before though!

"Just because Worf lives on the Defiant full time doesn't give him proprietary rights in the mess hall." Worf v Julian let's gooo

Aw, Julian moved, I wanted to see what Worf would do XD

Quark being all worried about Rom! Bless ♥

I adore the way Julian gets straight to work in an emergency -- and his "that includes you" to Kira <3

"Omet'iklan, control your men. These people saved our lives." Is this the first time we've met Weyoun? (It is.) It's so characteristic of him to care most about his own life.

"Your psychographic profile is required reading" - love that for Sisko, honestly. He's so good at thwarting them that he's A Known Threat

"What would you say if I offered to make you absolute ruler of the Federation?" Weyoun, surely if you read his psychographic profile, you'd know power doesn't interest him?

Ah, there we go! "I'd say your psychographic profile of me isn't as good as you think." Classic Sisko deadpan, we stan 😂

Weyoun Vs Sisko is fantastic

"There's a lot of things about this mission that bother me, but lying to the Jem'Hadar is not on top of my list." You say it, Miles!

I always kind of liked the Jem'Hadar, they're only messed up because they've been made to be, and they stick so unwaveringly to what they think is good.

"I'm holding you personally responsible for the actions of your men." "That's as it should be." Ace, loving this!

"As far as I'm concerned, on this mission, I'm the First." Oh, I ADORE Sisko. (And I'm so glad the writers didn't go down the route of calling them Alpha etc. I can see that having easily happened...) [they do later, don't they XD]

Worf is STILL so bad at ignoring people questioning his will to fight/his Klingon honour???? You don't need to prove a thing, but you really need to get a handle on this weakness, dude!

Somehow I genuinely didn't realise this was a practice until the lights went on! Great stuff

"You fool. My men and I, we know all about the gateway." Again, honestly great respect for the Jem'Hadar. Maybe because the Vorta are so awful 😅

Weyoun's sulky huff!

"I would have guessed at least fifteen." Aw, he looks so pleased at being thought of as that old!

"How old are you?" Hehe. I can only imagine his awe when she tells him...

"I stopped counting at 300." "You don't look it." Amazing.

"What is the point of doing battle if you cannot enjoy the fruits of victory?" "You mean sleep?" "No, I mean spending looking nights singing songs of your deeds." I do like his point

"And good women." Jadzia's definitely flirting. And also *knows* how good the women are with that knowing look.

Omet'iklan must hate the way Weyoun acts so dismissive and bored of the ketracel white ritual.

Okay I can appreciate Worf acting in response to Miles being touched... but also he needs to back the fuck up.

"So if I order you to leave me alone you will?" Odo is already So Done with Weyoun. And I am Here For It.

"Are you ready to go home?" "No, but I am ready to end this conversation." Odo yes XD

Odo being so uncomfortable about the Vorta/Jem'Hadar view of him will always be a thing I enjoy watching. Sorry, Odo.

Miles recording so many messages for Keiko and Molly - I don't think we get to see him like this so often and it's lovely. Not quite sure of the words in looking for, willingly vulnerable, maybe?

"You record these too?" "Doesn't everyone." My heart my heart my heart! I so want to know who everyone writes theirs to.

"I didn't know that was public knowledge." "You told Commander Dax." Honestly, Sisko, surely you know by now telling Dax something means telling everyone XD

"I already want you to know if somehow he does carry out his threat, he will not live to boast about it." "That's... very reassuring, Mr Worf." Sisko very much doing a 'what the hell do I say to that?!'face XD

"I am Chef Miles Edward O'Brien. I'm very much alive and I intend it to stay that way." I love him. That was a great mimic.

"Don't worry, you'll make honoured elder yet." JADZIA! Oh I really love this little moment!

The gate graphics are so TOS portal in City On The Edge Of Forever / All Our Yesterdays and I love it

"If you have to ask, you'll never understand." I like the Sisko-ness of it, but I also don't like writing off the Jem'Hadar as incapable of growth and learning.

*Shoots Weyoun* oh, fantastic!

"I think there's been enough killing for one day." Yes, I DO LIKE the Jem'Hadar

Love it when our guys win the Jem'Hadar's respect, despite still being viewed as enemies.