"Image in the Sand" is the 151st episode of the television series Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, the opening episode for the series' seventh and final season. It was first aired on September 30, 1998.

The episode continues the story that began in the finale of the sixth season, "Tears of the Prophets." Benjamin Sisko has taken extended leave on Earth, Kira Nerys is in charge of Deep Space Nine and Worf is still grieving for Jadzia.

While Sisko deals with his feelings of failure by visiting his father in New Orleans, Kira, newly promoted to the rank of Colonel, and Odo deal with life as normal on the station. The Defiant continues its assignment escorting cargo runs, but Nog, O'Brien, and Bashir all notice that something is bothering Worf, beyond Jadzia's untimely demise at the hand of Gul Dukat. Kira is later called to a meeting with Admiral Ross, who compliments her on the running of the station since Sisko's departure. "I'm just keeping his seat warm," she reminds the Admiral, even though he himself is not sure when the Captain will return. He then informs Kira that the Romulan Empire has been given permission to send a permanent delegation to the station, just as the Klingons have. The leader is one Senator Cretak, who is a staunch supporter of the Alliance between Romulus and the Federation, but Kira is not thrilled at this news. Ross ignores her dubious feelings, reminding her that he came as a courtesy, "The decision's already been made."

...
Wikipedia