"In the Cards" is the penultimate episode of the fifth season of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. This episode marks the directorial debut of Michael Dorn, who also played the character Worf on the show. "In the Cards" was written by Truly Barr Clark, Scott Neal, and Ronald D. Moore, and premiered on June 9, 1997. In addition to the regular Deep Space Nine cast, the episode features Louise Fletcher, Chase Masterson, Jeffrey Combs, and Aron Eisenberg in their recurring roles and a guest performance from Brian Markinson. Set in the 24th century, the series follows the adventures of the crew of the Starfleet-managed space station Deep Space Nine near the planet Bajor; later seasons of the show follow the conflict between the United Federation of Planets and a hostile empire known as the Dominion. In this episode, Jake Sisko, the son of station captain Benjamin Sisko, and his friend Nog try to acquire a baseball card, while running afoul of more serious political machinations. Plot The seeming inevitability of war with the Dominion has Deep Space Nine's command staff depressed, especially Captain Sisko. His son Jake learns that a 1951 Willie Mays rookie card will be for sale at an upcoming auction and decides to buy it as a gift to cheer up his baseball-loving father. Jake enlists Nog's help (and funds) to acquire the antique. The oddball Dr. Elias Giger buys the lot that includes the card. Giger offers to give the card to Jake in exchange for a strange assortment of equipment—material to construct a "cellular regeneration and entertainment chamber", which Giger believes will grant immortality. Privately, the boys decide the man is crazy but agree to his offer, and obtain the required materials by doing various odd jobs for the station's senior officers, including Chief O'Brien, Dr. Bashir, Major Kira and Lieutenant Commander Worf. To keep Jake's gift a surprise, they do not reveal the reason they want these items. Meanwhile, Bajoran spiritual leader Kai Winn is considering a proposed non-aggression pact between Bajor and the Dominion. She is torn, not wishing to align Bajor with the Dominion, but not trusting the Federation to make Bajor's defense a priority in the event of war. Captain Sisko recommends that Winn stall for time before committing herself to a decision. The Dominion negotiator, Weyoun, has guest quarters above Giger's, and is wary of the odd noises emanating from