Super stoked for this episode as it's the one I first remember thinking, "...I think I could possibly ship these two?" I wasn't all in on Quodo yet, but this is the episode that got the ball rolling for sure.

Random thoughts while watching:

I love how Odo and Quark are just chilling together in their first scene. They're talking smack, because of course they are, but the vibe is very much 'hanging out with my work bestie worstie while things are slow,' which is so great. (As a former long-time restaurant employee, this bit feels so real to me, and I love it.)

ODO: I said, that's enough. Leave him alone.

Why is Odo saying, "Leave him alone," so cute! 🥹 And then his smartass remark of, "Well, another satisfied customer," immediately after. Ded lol. 😆

Poor O'Brien. That man can't ever catch a break.

I love how Quark's role in all this is essentially stealing from the Command level refrigerator and getting everyone sick from the contaminated food. Such shenanigans lol.

ODO: I suppose the Bajoran underground could have smuggled it aboard during construction. Before I took over as Head of Security.

Yes, Odo, please make sure everyone knows that never could have happened under your watch. XD

Odo's so anxious about helping to run Ops, and it's adorable.

SISKO: Bread...

This line is seared in my mind, and I think it's because of a combination of a best of Sisko moments compilation video I saw and a Tumblr post.

Quark is trying to play it so cool as he sidles into Ops and offers to help Odo. (But not volunteer!) His nemesis crush needs his help, and he's going to milk it for all it's worth while generally being a pain in the ass (*cough* flirting *cough*).

Energizing! 👋👋👋😀😀😀

QUARK: Thirty seconds. Hurry!
ODO: I know, I know.

The lives of everyone on the station is in Odo's hands at the moment, and these two sound like they're having a disagreement they've had every day for the last ten years. Such married/divorced vibes.

Quark's panicked grabbing of his head/ears is so so funny to me. XD

QUARK: Odo? Quark to Odo. You still with us?

He's still trying to play it cool, but he's concerned and you can tell. 🥹

Odo gets so upset when Quark brings up hazard pay. Why do you let him get to you like that, Odo? 😆

Quodo Potential:

An AU where Quark is affected by the virus, and Odo visits and comforts him in the makeshift sickbay.

This idea isn't really linked to the episode as much as it's inspired by the scene where Quark pushes cart-Odo around, apparently not knowing it's Odo. I'm imagining some sort of situation where Quark suspects some object may be Odo, but he isn't sure how to check for certain, and it's driving him bonkers because is this Odo or not?! It'd be even funnier if Odo's actually some other object watching this whole thing go down and getting such a kick out of it.