The seventh and final season of the syndicated series Star Trek: Deep Space Nine has gone into production, according to Paramount. Actress Nicole de Boer will be joining the show in the role of Ezri Dax, a "young, exotic Starfleet ensign" who will become the new host of the 300-year-old Dax symbiont.

"The new character of Ezri Dax should add an intriguing element to this final season," said series creator/executive producer Rick Berman. "Her unexpected struggle to cope with seven newly acquired identities should bring us some fascinating story arcs, as well as a great deal of humor."

The final season of DS9 will begin with the episode "Images in the Sand," which was written by Ira Steven Behr and Hans Beimler and which will air the week of Sept. 28. In the episode, Captain Benjamin Sisko (Avery Brooks) will receive a vision from the Prophets--who were believed to be dead--that will lead him to the discovery of a long-held family secret.