Bashir is invited to participate in subterfuge with Sloan against the Federation's frenemies, the Romulans. As the resident 100% Roddenberry clean-cut Starfleet officer, Bashir makes the perfect tool to be used by Section 31. We also find out that Ross is in bed with Sloan. They both get the win, putting their operative in a position of power on Romulus, at the expense of Bashir's idealism and naivety. Section 31 is shown to be more adept at subterfuge and spycraft than the Romulan Tal'Shiar.
This is the most anti-Roddenberry episode of Trek. That the Federation are not the clean-cut angels of the galaxy. They operate in a cold and cynical way. Section 31 is Starfleet's real-politik toolbox. They perform the under the table morally dubious tasks that the public face of the Federation would never sanction. But Section 31 exists with the unwritten consent of Starfleet and by-the-book admirals such as Ross.
A direct slap in the face by DS9's writers to Roddenberry and the cartoonish idealism of The Next Generation.
This is the most anti-Roddenberry episode of Trek. That the Federation are not the clean-cut angels of the galaxy. They operate in a cold and cynical way. Section 31 is Starfleet's real-politik toolbox. They perform the under the table morally dubious tasks that the public face of the Federation would never sanction. But Section 31 exists with the unwritten consent of Starfleet and by-the-book admirals such as Ross.
A direct slap in the face by DS9's writers to Roddenberry and the cartoonish idealism of The Next Generation.