A nearby Cardassian warship sets out after the U.S.S. Phoenix, but the Federation starship destroys it and the cargo ship as well. Soon afterwards, Data locates the U.S.S. Phoenix, and the U.S.S. Enterprise intercepts it. Captain Maxwell transports aboard, and after a warm reunion with O'Brien, goes on to explain his actions to Picard. He informs his fellow captain that he believes the Cardassians are rearming and have developed one of the most powerful weapons in the galaxy. However, he lacks proof of his accusations, and Picard informs him that he must be returned to a starbase to face a board of inquiry.

Maxwell agrees to follow the U.S.S. Enterprise to the nearest starbase, but the Phoenix almost immediately changes course and begins pursuing another Cardassian vessel. Maxwell insists to an angry Picard that the Cardassian ship is transporting arms. Macet denies the charge, but refuses to let a Federation member board the ship. Maxwell continues his pursuit, daring Picard to board the Cardassian ship to see for himself. Instead, Picard threatens to turn his weapons on the U.S.S. Phoenix if it does not retreat. During the ensuing standoff, O'Brien transports to the Phoenix, where he is able to convince Maxwell to stop the killing and return to the U.S.S. Enterprise. As the Enterprise heads towards a starbase, Picard warns Macet that, while he went after the Phoenix to avoid starting a war, he knows Maxwell is right about the rearming, and tells him that if they don't cease, he will lead the charge against the Cardassians in battle.

As of October 2001, his record for most "Star Trek" characters played has been tied by Jeffrey Combs.

Played the very first Cardassian character ever seen in the "Star Trek: The Next Generation" (1987) episode "The Wounded". His prominent neck inspired make-up artist Michael Westmore to give the Cardassians their familiar neck ridges.

Vaughn Armstrong has now played the most characters (eleven) on "Star Trek." Jeffrey Combs, J.G. Hertzler, Randy Oglesby and Thomas Kopache have all played seven characters, putting Alaimo in third place with six.

Along with Tim Russ, John de Lancie and Jeffrey Combs, he is one of only four actors to appear in ten different seasons of "Star Trek" ("Star Trek: The Next Generation" (1987) Season One, Three and Five and "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" (1993) Seasons One through Seven.)