Colm Meany will be leaving DS9 about seven episodes in.
It is an amicable departure, as Paramount can no longer juggle his 
appearances to match his movie career.
It is not clearly mentioned if the O'Brien character will be killed or 
re-assigned, but the impression that the announcement makes is that he will 
be re-assigned and available for guest appearances in later episodes or 
seasons.
I can't give the details as to _why_ he would be re-assigned, as that would 
spoil what's coming up in the season to be.
One line stands clear, however:  "This ain't Gene's STAR TREK anymore."
-zf-  Plerb?
 
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