It begins with Quark buying wreckage from the Gamma Quadrant from a junk peddler. Turns out there was more in this wreckage than just computers and conduits. While looking over his merchandise, he hears the cries of an infant.
But what species is it? The science crew lead by Dr. Bashir examines the cellular structure of the baby and finds he is growing at an accelerated rate. After a couple of days, he reaches adolescence and his speech development is exceptional. Dr. Bashir also discovers his DNA has been altered deliberately. But the question about his origins remains a mystery, until...
Now his features are prominent and there's no mistaking it---he's a Jem'Hadar. He goes on a rampage when his violent hormonal instincts kick in. Fortunately, Odo shapeshifts before him and he calms down.
Now what to do with him? Starfleet command wants to study him for research in a controlled environment.
Great idea! To everyone except, of course, Odo, who was once in that same predicament. He talks Commander Sisko into letting him spend some time with the young homicidal brute in hopes of helping him to reach that deeper someone inside.
But when the Jem'Hadar teenager learns of Starfleet's plans, he uses his technological prowess, and threats of death to all, and manages an escape to be with his people.
Odo realizes his friend Major Kira was right. The Jem'Hadar is a danger to practically anyone that's not either a founder or another Jem'Hadar.
I like the fact that the episode didn't play it safe. Unlike the TNG episode "I, Borg," this one didn't end with a Federation threat leaving with newfound knowledge about friendship and independence. Here, the foe is what he is---a genetically manufactured automaton built for killing.
It's like what Sigmund Freud once said about dream imagery---"sometimes a cigar is just a cigar."
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