Synopsis: An encoded Cardassian message that originated in the Gamma Quadrant is received at Deep Space Nine, which is then followed by a Jem’Hadar invasion.
This episode can be seen as an illustration of what can happen when the bits of material from the Eros-driven irrational unconscious that make their way into the awareness of the Logos-driven rational conscious ego by way of a complex, are addressed, making the ego stronger and the individual more whole.
“By Inferno’s Light” Lt. Commander Worf, Elim Garak, Dr. Julian Bashir and General Martok are being held in an internment camp in the Gamma Quadrant. There only hope to escape is to realign some communications relays in a small crawl space so that they can beam back to their runabout. Garak is the only one with the knowledge to do so. He proceeds, but unbeknownst to the others he suffers from severe claustrophobia. Garak begins the task believing he can soldier on, but then becomes a bit delusional when his fear starts speaking to him. Garak collapses and when Garak admits to Bashir that he suffers from an extreme type of claustrophobia, Bashir tells him that it is unadvisable to continue. Yet Garak does, he faces his fear and the four escape from the internment camp.
Garak admitting to and confronting his fears can be analogized to when the rational conscious ego acknowledges bits of material from the irrational unconscious that erupt into its awareness through a complex. Sometimes the ego will try to suppress the complex and think it can be ignored. But when this is done, often there comes a point when it must be addressed. Although this can be difficult, it will lead to a stronger ego. Just as it was not easy for Garak, but he was able to complete his task and save this crew.
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