Captive Pursuit

A damaged ship comes through the wormhole carrying Tosk, a reptilian alien and the first visitor from the Gamma Quadrant. Chief O'Brien helps him with repairs and the two form a bond, but Tosk is caught trying to break into a weapons locker. Then armed Hunters arrive and demand him back. Tosk, it emerges, was bred to be prey: his whole purpose is to be hunted, and he does not want asylum, only to escape or die with honour. Sisko refuses to give him up, but the Prime Directive leaves him little room to interfere with another culture's customs. O'Brien takes matters into his own hands, freeing Tosk, guiding him through the station, outwitting the lead Hunter and sending Tosk off to continue the chase on his own terms. Sisko formally reprimands O'Brien, while making it clear he quietly approves.