“It’s Only a Paper Moon” is episode ten of season seven of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.
Rom and Leeta are talking to Ezri, as Nog is finally returning to the station after having a new leg following his injury in “The Siege of AR-558”. Both Rom and Leeta are both worried about what to say to Nog when he finally arrives. All the others are also waiting for Nog. After everyone else has come off the transport, Nog finally limps off with a cane. Nog is on medical leave until further notice and Captain Sisko tells him that there’s a welcome home party for him. Nog, however, says that he’s tried and just wants to go to his quarters. Nog does not seem himself.
Later, Ezri is talking to Nog, bringing him up to speed on what has happened since he’s been gone. As she’s the counsellor, Ezri also wants Nog to talk about himself. Nog is walking with a cane, even though his doctor says that there’s nothing medically wrong with him and that it’s all in his head. Nog says that his leg still hurts and Ezri thinks his explanation is reasonable. Nog, after spending a couple of months talking about his feelings, just wants to be left alone and, once Ezri is gone, starts listening to Vic’s rendition of ‘I’ll Be Seeing You’, one that Dr. Bashir had playing during the Jem’Hadar attack.
Sisko is concerned about Nog; he’s been missing physiotherapy sessions, Jake says that he’s been sleeping 18 hours a day and Ezri says he doesn’t want to talk. She does say that it’s best to wait and see what Nog does. Jake is tired of Nog playing the same song over and over again and says that if Nog wants to listen to the song, he should do so in the holosuite. So he does.
Nog has never been to Vic’s before and eventually asks Vic if he can stay in the holosuite with him. Vic agrees. The others think it sounds crazy, but Ezri thinks it’s worth a shot. They also say that there are worse programmes for Nog to be using – all of which are Julian’s. Julian also thinks it’s worth a try as therapy, and Ezri talks to Vic about Nog’s problem as well.
Although it does seem to be working, Nog is getting very attached to being in the holosuite, and Vic is attached to him as well. Finally, Nog opens up about what the real problem is.
Much of this episode is spent in Vic’s 1960s club.