I don’t know how plausible this is in terms of realistic characterization, but I’m intrigued by the idea that post-war, Garak actively avoids power of any kind. Maybe he’s afraid he’ll mess it up like Tain did or something?
I was toying with the idea of Garak going SIKE and actually taking the first transport to Earth out of crippling guilt, being unable to face Cardassia after everything.
I’ve never been able to get onboard with the post-canon novels suggesting that Garak goes on to lead Cardassia. First of all, Garak has always worked in the shadows; I truly can’t imagine him pursuing that kind of power. He’s definitely more of an advisor/ behind the scenes type. Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, if the Cardassian people are truly trying to make a break from the old regime and build a better Cardassia, are they going to want to involve a former agent of the Obsidian Order, especially one as high ranking as Garak once was? I think not.
