The episode focuses on maintaining a difficult peace between the Bajorans, the Cardassians and the Federation by trying to resolve a conflict that could lead to war.
[2] As a Cardassian transport, the Bok'nor, prepares for departure from Deep Space Nine, a man in a Starfleet uniform surreptitiously makes adjustments to some nearby equipment.
While the crew begins an investigation, Starfleet sends Lieutenant Commander Calvin Hudson, the Federation attaché to the new demilitarized zone along the Cardassian border, to advise and assist.
The attackers ignore Dukat's orders to stand down, but before the runabout can intervene, an unidentified Federation vessel appears and destroys the Cardassians.
Meanwhile, a Vulcan associate of the saboteur, Sakonna, approaches Quark to negotiate a business arrangement, which he is surprised to learn is an attempt to acquire a wide array of weapons.
Sisko, Major Kira and Dr. Bashir track the kidnappers to a planet in an area known as the Badlands, where they are captured by armed Maquis members, with Hudson revealing himself as their leader.
She refers to the Maquis as "a bunch of irresponsible hotheads" and instructs Sisko to reason with them, seemingly unaware of the true nature of the situation.
Legate Parn of the Cardassian Central Command then arrives, and as Sisko prepares to meet him, Odo reports that he has caught "one of the Vulcan's accomplices".
Sisko, Bashir and Odo arrive and interrupt the interrogation, and try to resolve the situation peacefully, but Dukat grows impatient, triggering a firefight.
Dukat promises to find out the depot's location, and in the meantime, Sisko visits Hudson one final time, imploring him to reconsider abandoning his career.
The introduction of the Maquis came from a desire by the writers to introduce people that were different from Starfleet, while also creating an opportunity to do cross-overs and enhance franchise continuity.
Club wrote: "as is so often the case with two part episodes, it’s hard to judge exactly how well this one works on its own" and while he enjoyed the adventures of Sisko and Dukat he felt there was no real tension in the cliffhanger ending.
They note the interesting science fiction story elements of the Federation, Cardassians, Maquis and Bajorans playing off one another to create complex themes centered around Deep Space Nine.
[14] A double episode 12 inch optical disc with "Blood Lines" and "The Maquis, Part I" was released on October 6, 1998 in the United States.