According to writer Ronald D. Moore, co-creator Rick Berman originally intended the Dominion War to be the focus of three or four episodes, but Behr intended to expand the plotline all along. Moore has stated that Berman sometimes questioned the writing staff about the degree of violence included in some episodes. Berman also expressed concern about the portrayal of long-term consequences for the main characters, such as the loss of a character's leg in Season Seven. The writers argued in favor of the increased violence, asserting that it was justified in view of the plotlines detailing the progression of the Dominion War. Piller supported the idea that the repercussions of past episodes should continue to be felt, and that characters should "learn that actions have consequences", even if such consequences were to lead off in directions Piller had not originally imagined when "Deep Space Nine" remained in the conceptual stages. Moore has stated that the filming of "Star Trek: Voyager" occupied more of Berman and Piller's time from "Deep Space Nine" third season, which allowed Behr to defend his creative decisions more successfully. Following the completion of "Star Trek: The Next Generation", the writing staff could dedicate more time to working on scripts for "Deep Space Nine". The writers admired the scripting techniques used for "": Moore cites the episode "Errand of Mercy" (1967) as a strong influence on his treatment of the Dominion War.