Amazon.com
Everybody's favorite Ferengi, the entrepreneurial Quark (Armin Shimerman), gets a chance to be the leopard that changes his spots in this unexpected bit of romantic adventure à la
Casablanca. Quark is stunned to discover that the disabled Cardassian ship that the space station has taken in is carrying the woman he has long carried a torch for, Professor Natima Lang (guest star Mary Crosby; remember when she shot J.R. in
Dallas?). She's traveling with a pair of her students--but when a Cardassian warship shows up, she admits that, in fact, the students are leaders in the Cardassian underground movement. As far as the Cardassian military is concerned (according to spokesman Garak, played by Andrew Robinson), they are terrorists and must be returned to face trial and execution. Interesting bit of character interplay between long-time antagonists Quark and security chief Odo (Rene Auberjonois), who must find a way to work together to prevent an injustice. "Profit and Loss" is a nice change of pace for the crafty Shimerman, who shows Quark's most human traits for a change.
--Marshall Fine
From the Back Cover
A damaged Cardassian vessel arrives at the station carrying Quark's (Armin Shimerman) long lost love, Professor Natima Lang (Mary Crosby), and two of her students. While repairing the vessel, O'Brien (Colm Meaney) discovers it was damaged by a Cardassian attack. When confronted, Natima admits that her students are leaders of the Cardassian underground movement and are being hunted by the military establishment.
When a Cardassian warship arrives and threatens the station, Garak (Andrew Robinson) explains that the students should be turned over to the Cardassian government, who will undoubtedly execute them. As Quark schemes to save the former love of his life, he breaks every Rule of Acquisition, and political machinations could still cost him everything he holds dear.
