Dr. Bashir's fascination with espionage and spy stories is a recurring theme in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, starting from the second episode "Past Prologue." Bashir's initial attraction to Garak is based on the Cardassian's reputation as a spy, and he eagerly seeks out opportunities to learn more about him. While Bashir enjoys playing the role of a spy, he ultimately rejects Section 31's job offer due to their methods and the grim realities of espionage, preferring to keep his spy fantasies confined to the holosuites.

The storyline involving Dr. Julian Bashir (Alexander Siddig) and the shadowy Starfleet organization Section 31 was set up from the beginning of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. During the Dominion War, Bashir was offered a role with Section 31 because his genetic enhancements and love of spy stories made him an ideal candidate for the intelligence organization. Bashir's love of spy stories is well documented...