Jadzia Dax, Elder

"So what do you think... ?"
"The nose?"
"I'm thinking of keeping it."

While you may know that Jadzia Dax is a Sworn Ally for the Klingons, as well as a Problem Solver and a Science Officer for the Federation, did you also know she is an Elder for the Bajorans? This fourth incarnation of Jadzia Dax can be found in the Dangerous Missions draft box, based on the episode "The Siege", alongside two other Bajorans (appearing in their third and eighth incarnations - can you guess who?)

At first glance you may be deterred by her cost-to-play of four counters, but with a little planning you should be able to play her for much less than that. With the release of Dangerous Missions, it will be possible to have up to eight Vedek's in play - not including Jadzia Dax, Elder. Using Dax's ability, you only need to command four of these Vedek's to play her for free.

The Vedek keyword is also important for use with Symbol of Devotion. This Interrupt allows you to download any Bajoran icon personnel, at a cost of placing a Vedek you command on the bottom of your draw deck. If this Vedek was Jadzia Dax, Elder, and she cost you nothing to play, then what have you lost for the opportunity to download a personnel of your choice? If you have multiple copies of Jadzia Dax, Elder in your draw deck, then you'll still have another chance to play her for free.

While her skill set helps you complete a number of missions, including Deliver Evidence, you won't be able to do that if you can't overcome some dilemmas beforehand. Quantum Filament, Tsiolkovsky Infection and Where No One Has Gone Before are all popular dilemmas that you are likely to see at a Space mission. Fortunately, Jadzia Dax, Elder supplies at least one skill to help overcome each of these dilemmas. She also has neither Leadership nor Officer, so she won't get stopped the grand daddy of Space dilemmas: Personal Duty.

If you should find yourself short of a skill when facing a dilemma, then Jadzia Dax, Elder can even gain skills to help you. As she has the Host keyword, you can use The Rite of Emergence to give her any skill you need. If you plan to use this strategy, then you may as well include Odo, Curzon Odo in your deck. He has the Host keyword as well, so you will double the chances you have to use this Interrupt if you command two Bajoran-affiliation Host personnel.

Jadzia Dax, Elder is definitely a good addition to any constructed Bajoran or Deep Space Nine deck. Combine that with her potential benefits to a draft deck, and you've got yourself one great card!