MM>Several Maquis ships, at least, were probably out on missions when the
MM>Cardassians/Dominion attacked.  The people on planets settled by the
MM>Maquis would be at even greater risk during the war.   After a few
MM>defeats, Starfleet probably decided to grant amnesty in exchange for the
MM>help of the Maquis ships.
        I have seen some speculation elsewhere that the Maquis ships
 were actually old Starfleet patrol ships or "Heavy Fighters" that the
 maquis stole and altered for their own use.
Jay 
 * OLX 2.1 TD * "Hello, Bruce."   "Bruce."   "How are you, Bruce?"
--- Maximus/2 3.01
---------------