Plot summary
While returning to Deep Space Nine, a runabout carrying Odo and Chief Miles O'Brien is boarded by an unfamiliar Changeling. This Changeling, who calls himself Laas, has no knowledge of the Dominion or its Founders, but is eager to learn from Odo about his kind. Odo infers that Laas, like himself, is one of 100 Changelings the Founders sent into the galaxy as infants in order to learn about the universe.
On DS9, the two Changelings discuss their past. Laas tells Odo that although he does not support the Founders' agenda of conquest, he does not trust humanoids and just wishes to avoid them. Odo introduces Laas to the practice of "linking": physically joining their liquid bodies, a very fulfilling experience for Changelings. Laas guesses that Odo would have returned to join the Founders and experience their Great Link had he not fallen in love with Bajoran officer Kira Nerys.
Laas attempts to convince Odo to embrace his potential as a Changeling rather than trying to blend in with humanoids, and behaves rudely and condescendingly toward Odo's humanoid friends. He suggests that Odo join him to travel the galaxy in order to find more of the Hundred and form their own Great Link. Odo is tempted, especially when Laas demonstrates his skill at shapeshifting into unusual forms.
Laas causes a disturbance when he transforms into a fog in the station's Promenade district, drawing the attention of two Klingon officers. Seeing what they assume is a Founder, they confront Laas violently; by shapeshifting he is able to escape the attack and kill one of the Klingons.
Laas is arrested for killing the Klingon, although Odo protests that he acted in self-defense. Laas doubts he will receive a fair trial, given humanoids' inherent mistrust of Changelings. Kira, who loves Odo and wants to give him the opportunity to travel with his own kind, frees Laas and tells everyone that he escaped. Privately, she lets Odo know that Laas is waiting on Koralis III. Odo meets Laas on Koralis, but tells him that he is wrong to believe that "solids" cannot be trusted, and that he is staying with Kira. Back on DS9, Kira tells Odo that he doesn't have to pretend to be a humanoid with her. He shows his love for her by transforming into a glowing golden mist, surrounding her.
Credits
Adapted from Wikipedia contributors, Chimera (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine). Paragraphs and formatting adjusted; illustrations, reference markers, block quotations and non-story material omitted.