STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Inquisition" #40512-422 Story by Jim Trombetta Teleplay by Rene Echevarria Directed by Win Phelps THE WRITING CREDITS MAY NOT BE FINAL AND SHOULD NOT BE USED FOR PUBLICITY OR ADVERTISING PURPOSES WITHOUT FIRST CHECKING WITH THE TELEVISION LEGAL DEPARTMENT. Copyright 1994 Paramount Pictures Corporation. All Rights Reserved. This script is not for publication or reproduction. No one is authorized to dispose of same. If lost or destroyed, please notify the Script Department. Return to Script Department FINAL DRAFT PARAMOUNT PICTURES CORPORATION August 3, 1994 STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE "Inquisition" CAST SISKO BAREIL KIRA LI NALAS ODO JARO QUARK WINN BASHIR KRIM DAX CHEKOTE O'BRIEN ZEF'NO JAKE CARDASSIAN VOICE COMPUTER VOICE VOICE OF LYA CARDASSIAN CHILD (MURMURING SPEAKING BREEN VOICE OF LYA) Non-Speaking Non-Speaking N.D. SUPERNUMERARIES STAR TREK DEEP SPACE NINE: "Inquisition" - 09/03/94 - SETS STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE "Inquisition" SETS INTERIORS EXTERIORS INFIRMARY VALO THREE OPS STARBASE 375 SECURITY OFFICE VALO 12 REPLIMAT SCIENCE LAB VALO 3 TRANSPORTER PORT SEVEN INFIRMARY SCIENCE LAB SISKO'S QUARTERS VORTA'S QUARTERS QUARK'S/UPPER LEVEL STXT ----- STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE "Inquisition" SETS INTERIORS EXTERIORS REPLIMAT QUARK'S INFIRMARY TURBOLIFT ROM'S QUARTERS WARDROOM HABITAT RING CORRIDOR SECURITY OFFICE KIRA'S QUARTERS ODO'S QUARTERS CAPTAIN SMITH'S OFFICE CORRIDOR SMITH'S QUARTERS KLINGON SHIP BRIDGE CORRIDOR KLINGON SHIP BRIDGE NEGH-VAR BRIDGE STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE "Inquisition" PRONUNCIATION GUIDE BETREKA buh-TREK-uh BORETH BOR-eth CESTUS SESS-tus DURAS dur-AYS GOWRON GOW-ron KAR'TAK KAR-tuhk KOLAISH KO-lah-ish LOVOK LOW-vok MARALAN muh-RANG-uhn MARAAQA mah-RAH-uh PORAN PORE-ahn Q'APLA k-PLAH ROKASSA roe-KAH-sah TONKIAN ta-KEE-an STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE "Inquisition" TEASER FADE IN: INT. INFIRMARY where BASHIR is scanning GARAK with a small scanner. BASHIR It's important to note that Garak lived for several decades after the original outbreak. The way I saw it, his entire history was a few years of political turmoil that eventually led to his association with the Maquis. Bashir glances up at something off screen -- GARAK'S VOICE You should see the monitors. I've put my grievances to rest. BASHIR That's what I was just thinking. Bashir shuts off the scanner and lets the still unseen Garak pop up once again. GARAK Computer -- access personal logs andassian government records. COMPUTER VOICE Access complete. GARAK Are you finished? Bashir gives him a quick, puzzled look. GARAK People come in constantly, Doctor. Do you know what the Klingons were doing in the Demilitarized Zone? BASHIR A little... Bashir keeps scanning. GARAK Are you sure you don't want to talk about what happened in the Medikit Cache? BASHIR No... I don't think so. Bashir looks frustrated. GARAK Did it really help? That it did what you wanted it to do. BASHIR It did exactly what I needed it to do. GARAK You may as well explain to me. It did everything it was supposed to. BASHIR It did what you wanted it to do. Bashir tries to reason with him -- BASHIR Garak, the person I need to help is you. You're the only one I can count on. I could depend on myself. GARAK But I don't need you to depend on me. I can fight like a Ferengi. BASHIR You'll get no argument from me. The important thing is that you try to do something to stop him. Garak nods appraably. GARAK What are you saying? Something went wrong? BASHIR Once or twice... yes. GARAK So what? You can't be naive enough to think that once you help me, everything will be all right? BASHIR You're right. I won't be helping you just because you ask me. Garak's eyes narrow. GARAK Why not? BASHIR Because I already know what you're going to say. Garak tries to marginalize Bashir by going after his chair. GARAK Am I supposed to be entertained? Just because I disagree with you on some issues, doesn't mean I agree with you on others. I'm not a partisan -- I'm a communicator. I'm what you'd call a practical joke. BASHIR You're joking... Garak shoots him a look. GARAK Rather provocatively, aren't you? BASHIR You're trying to convince me that... somehow... you're not just a figment of my imagination. GARAK You're absolutely right. I'll never be able to forget the last time you walked in here... (beat) You were trembling, paranoid- seeming... BASHIR What else could I look like? Garak sees that he can't keep the conversation from ENDING in -- GARAK Now, that doesn't give you the satisfaction of hearing me say this... but I think you understand. I discovered long ago that you were insecure. I could've made things easier for you, I didn't. I just wanted to make things easier for you. BASHIR I see. (beat) Garak, I don't think you're being very helpful... GARAK I didn't mean to suggest that you become friends... BASHIR That wasn't what I meant. GARAK Perhaps Tain and I could forge a memorial service... BASHIR Whether you like it or not... yesterday you were the least restaurante... today you're the most profitable man in the business. And I'm not just talking about profit... I'm talking about the feelings of fellowship that you both share. I know that as a man with a passion for justice... you've allowed me to do the same. Bashir smiles as he realizes his patient has a point. BASHIR So Tain and I... maybe we can accomplish something together... some small tangible act of compassion... GARAK It would be a most unwise thing to do, Doctor. (beat) But it might be just that... Garak trails off, not enjoying having jumped too high on one of Ziyal's theories. BASHIR Now what would be most unwise? Attempting to heal the rift? Stalling until the moment you were ready? GARAK Doctor, I believe I can do the rest... if the rift is being sustained... it would have to be directly. BASHIR Then that's when you should try to get back to the surface. There are too many of us... and you would be risking your life, Garak. Frankly, I don't think I've ever seen a more reasonable person. I'm sure you can't understand why I have to rush through everything; you've already done enough. GARAK Oh, no I don't think so. I have no desire to rush this; I want to keep you safe. I want to stop the war before it starts. All I want to do is bring about the peace that the Cardassians have so long wanted. Bashir leans forward, trying to stimulate a response in Garak. BASHIR I realize that Garak has made various attempts to justify his own killing... to explain why he did it. Frankly, he's been a lot harder to tolerate than I thought. But you're a different animal. You'll have to take your own life before you can bring Tain to justice. Garak throws a sympathetic glance at Bashir, who in turn shrugs. GARAK I suspect you're right, Doctor. I don't like you much to begin with. But whatever the future holds, I owe him one. I can't be too friendly toward the man -- I'm not about to turn my back on him, or testify to the future of his son. BASHIR It's all right, Garak. I can accept the inevitable. GARAK That's no longer your concern. (glances at past) Now that you mention it, I've destroyed your memory generator by placing it in a Romulan computer. The only way it'll work again is if I reinstate your memory. BASHIR You want to try to reclaim what you've lost? GARAK What better place to start than with your own memories. I remember reinstitling the Romulan module and not one, not two, but three memories... the first few months after the incident in the Cargo Bay. The counterinsurgency program you helped design actually worked! It gave you years of healthy perspective and stopped the aging phenomenon entirely. BASHIR You're a cynic. GARAK A very good one, Doctor. But your faith in the system will never be an issue again. BASHIR I'll see to that... Bashir turns away and EXITS. Garak turns to a console and begins working. GARAK Doctor, it seems you've made quite a breakthrough. BASHIR Thank you. (a beat) If you'll excuse me. Garak smiles. He's very pleased. Just then -- MORN (O.S.) Doctor... Garak turns to see -- ANGLE ON THE DOOR to see DOCTOR DOCTOR MORA MORA JATREZ, a young Bajoran human, who we last saw performing Doctor Bashir's illegal surgery at "The Doctors." Mora's an orderly, an understanding man in his late thirties. He obviously doesn't like Doctor Bashir too much -- nor does Morka. MORKA Doctor Bashir couldn't be choosy about who to kill in his experiment -- it would have been too risky. Morka barely lets the door open for Bashir. He sees Garak's looking at him thoughtfully. MORKA Doctor... let me ask you something... Bashir turns to see Morka through the glass. BASHIR Professor... Morka... Morka steps closer -- he looks like a confident young man. MORKA Do you believe in luck? BASHIR Inexactitude? MORKA Everything in the universe is dependent on the success of one man -- on one man's ability to animate objects. BASHIR That's not an answer. MORKA Even I was unprepared for a player like you. BASHIR I'm an excellent player -- but I'm not good at luck. MORKA You're right. I should say. Sorry. Morka turns to study Bashir's face. MORKA And how long do you think you can stay like this? BASHIR I don't know. I'm... not sure how I feel. MORKA You've gone to far as far as having a third toe doesn't seem to be... it doesn't seem real. BASHIR I'm real. RO You're crazy. She leaves. BASHIR (to himself) I'm not sure... After a beat, he heads back to the console. MORKA I understand your frustration. We've all worked hard for nothing... and it doesn't seem to be working out. BASHIR What do you mean? MORKA I know you're worried. Everyone does. But somehow, in a strange way, I feel better. life is easier with each passing day. BASHIR What? MORKA You know how it is... each day seems to bring a new outlook. Life's a little easier now that you've stopped worrying about so often. BASHIR I'm sorry to hear that... MORKA Do you? Talk to someone about death often, and you'll discover that they have no difficulty remembering you. BASHIR (quickly) No, I guess not. MORKA It changes people. Makes them care. BASHIR This isn't a discussion. MORKA A very good point, Doctor. Be careful of who you're talking to. BASHIR ��eth no end. Thou wilt save yourselves. MORKA Worthy of a test. Bashir's features crumple and he grasps the possibility that much better. BASHIR (barely gets the crumbs) I can do it. MORKA �(chuckles) Would you? Off Bashir's face -- as he contemplates the task before him... FADE OUT. END OF ACT TWO DEEP SPACE NINE: "When it Rains... " - REV. 03/02/99 - ACT THREE 27. ACT THREE FADE IN: INT. INFIRMARY Bashir is sitting on MORKA's biobed, a small console at his side. ODO, who has joined Bashir, is not seated. On the biobed, we can see Morka inside the radiation locked door. ODO I've never seen anything like that. MORKA Its design is brilliant. ODO You could say that. MORKA When I was growing up, children being children, there were none like us. All the children's whole world was about five or six years old when I snuck up on them. I was the only one of our kind. ODO When I remove the head, do you remind me to ask Commander Sisko to be my guard? MORKA No. To be honest, I never thought I'd be able to hold my shape. ODO But you have it under control. MORKA You think? ODO I don't know. Morka shakes his head, laughs. MORKA A fellow worker. ODO (watching him work) You're hiding something. Morka lifts the lid off. 22 CONTINUED: MORKA I wasn't going to say. Let him do his job. Morka sets the lid back down. MORKA Let him do his job? ODO You mean you don't want to know the truth. Morka laughs. MORKA The truth? ODO That you were trying to hide more than you should have. Morka realizes he's admitted his mistake. MORKA (accepting) If it makes you feel better, I'm sure you'll never find the truth. ODO I don't suppose you've tried to live on Nerys' World... MORKA Me? Not a chance. DEEP SPACE NINE: "When it Rains... " - REV. 03/02/99 - ACT THREE 28. ODO What do you mean? MORKA I mean, for the past few months I've been trying to open a side channel to the Bajoran region. ODO The Bajoran region? MORKA It's really no different than Earth. We're like the Earth lost to humanity. ODO I assume this will end in a peaceful society. MORKA It won't. Never. ODO What do you want? MORKA Just back down. Give us back our science ships and we'll sell you our technology. ODO We're not selling you your technology are we? MORKA What do you think? ODO No one's saying that we shouldn't have the chance to prove our technology. What we need is a starfleet pilot. His neck. Morka shakes his head. MORKA Frankly, I don't see how you can trust me. ODO (accusing) You're asking me to spy on a civilian. MORKA If you're going to operate in the dark, you better have a good reason. I can't do this. DEEP SPACE NINE: "When it Rains... " - REV. 03/02/99 - ACT THREE 29. ODO You're trying to be a protector. MORKA I'm sorry. But what you're doing is hurting the game. And I won't play favorites forever. ODO What are you doing? MORKA I'm trying to expose you to the game. So you'll start thinking like a Bajoran. ODO When were you thinking of playing the game? MORKA Ever since I got back to the station I've been thinking about it. Back home on the station. Playing the game... building my collection... it'd be so much easier. No more isolating accommodations. Living on the station... not having my own quarters... not having to clean up after myself... ODO (skeptical) If you're trying to ingratiate yourself to Ferengi females, is it really such a bad idea? Morka shakes his head. He's torn. MORKA I didn't intend -- ODO I don't think you intended to angry start. Now are you getting annoyed? MORKA You're insulting me. Now who's getting irritated? A quiet beat. ODO There has to be a better decision. Who knows... one time or another we'll do better than this. MORKA You don't like my collecting? ODO I collect Starship artifacts. And I'm not just collecting Klingon artifacts. This is real. These are people. They fell to the side. They died. MORKA You don't know that. ODO I know that. And they died. And as Malka and Odo look at each other... CUT TO: INT. SECURITY OFFICE Quark and Odo ENTER. Quark looks solemn and determined. QUARK We had some kind of com-link interlocked with the tower just before we were forced to hide. If you can get it to commence a holo-program with Dax... ODO It won't work. The only way it will work is to expose their holosuite computer, load the Dax program and connect it to the holosuite interface. DEEP SPACE NINE: "When it Rains... " - REV. 03/02/99 - ACT THREE 30A. QUARK What? You can't think your job can solve all your problems. ODO Maybe not. But think about it... Quark's beginning to put the puzzle together. QUARK You have no idea how difficult it is to build a holosuite interface... but if I could create a program that would run through all of Odo's problems, I'd feel a lot better. I'd never have to worry about keeping the lights alive. And I wouldn't have to clean up that terrible smell either. Besides, you'd be wearing clothes. And I'd be sweating. And you'd end up sweating. No matter what you want, if you put your mind to it, you can always come back... Quark's mind is racing ahead. He's going to pull all the stops. QUARK (prompting) The Emissary. Now that you think he's coming, tell your friend Neela you have to go to the holosuite. Tell her I have to meet her in the mall. ODO If I go, she'll kill me. QUARK Neela knows me. She knows I have no intention of telling her. (a beat) The only reason she tries to stop me is because I don't have your pathetic view of the world that you've created. I only want to put an end to what's started between Cardassia and the Federation. DEEP SPACE NINE: "When it Rains... " - REV. 03/02/99 - ACT THREE 31. ODO That's not why I'm here. QUARK Oh? Then what is? ODO I'm here to get revenge. QUARK You think so? ODO Not as a reward. I just want to find out who's responsible for these mass arrests. QUARK A good idea. Let me do the talking. (eyeing Odo's face) Hold on. I'll do the rest. Odo nods, acquiescing. ODO All right. Odo turns and EXITS. CLOSE ON QUARK watching him go. QUARK (sotto, to himself) Shame to see you again. Quark EXITS. INT. HABITAT RING CORRIDOR Quark approaches the door to Odo's quarters. INT. ODO'S QUARTERS as Quark ENTERS. QUARK You're up late. I was just going to ask you to join me for dinner. ODO I'm too sick to eat. QUARK Oh? I thought you were standing me up. Doing doctor's work? ODO Not that and other doctor's watches... (a beat) I've just gotten word. There's been a miracle of a school in Ganalda Declarat. QUARK A school? ODO Yes. A school for vanishmen. QUARK That doesn't sound very miraculous. ODO It might not be so miraculous if a school wasn't founded overnight. QUARK Why is that? DEEP SPACE NINE: "When it Rains... " - REV. 03/02/99 - ACT THREE 31A. ODO Apparently, a very devout man wants to bring a seventh type of belongings aboard the station. DEEP SPACE NINE: "When it Rains... " - REV. 03/02/99 - ACT THREE 32. QUARK I'm so confused. ODO There're hundreds of people on the station who have been transformed. They're our new homeworld's new nobility, its new aristocracy. Odo, what do you think of that? QUARK I'm a simpleton, a Moderate. And that's what the majority of Bajor think. ODO Bringing new life into the station isn't going to be easy for you. Your friends in the Dosi don't think you're brave. QUARK It takes courage to take risks when you don't have much to lose. (aside to Odo) Look, Odo, I'm not asking you to be a hero. I'm just trying to help. ODO Maybe you just need a little encouragement. QUARK Encouragement? What do you mean? ODO I've got hundreds of Pah-wraiths wearing vials stuck in my chest. Someone could kill me in a second and I wouldn't have a second thought about it. QUARK Maybe I can convince Doctor Noah to keep me out of his mind. ODO What are you talking about? QUARK I could convince him to let me out of here. ODO Oh? You mean that would make it easier? QUARK Better? ODO That depends. QUARK On what? ODO How much longer would it take to neutralize the lock on Chief O'Brien's chest and transport him outside the station? QUARK Speaking of which... Quark eyes another Tairn again. QUARK And how do you like that neck protection? ODO It's beyond irritating. QUARK Exactly. ODO I could give this cargo barge cartons of your precious Chief O'Brien and it wouldn't be so bad. QUARK I knew I could count on you. Quark goes to work. NEW ANGLE (OPTICAL) Odo moves closer to the door, intent on breaking in someone's chest. Suddenly all the major systems off-line, leaving him with only Odo's lighter to power them. He reaches out with one hand and takes the other from Nog, helping him to the bridge. ODO It has to be. Suddenly the major systems come back on-line, including Odo's lighter. KIRA'S COM VOICE Kira to Odo. ODO Go ahead, Major. KIRA'S COM VOICE We've made it back to the cargo bay, but we have a security incident that has to be tracked. Odo nods, then activates the wall panel. We hear the SOUND of the door opening and the LIGHTS FLASH as the SECURITY GUARD ENTERS. SECURITY GUARD Are you all right, Doctor? ODO There was some kind of explosion about ten minutes ago that injured one of the security officers. We're trying to find it now. SECURITY GUARD I can't keep you overnight, Odo, you're going to be all over me overnight. ODO I have a better idea. You're going to stay at my place. And as the Security Guard reacts, we go to -- INT. SISKO'S QUARTERS We hear the O.S. DOOR CHIME. SISKO comes out of the shower to find Jake and Nog hang over the shoulder table, eating dinner. SISKO So what's it like? JAKE Great. Can we see each other later? NOG We'll see. SISKO nods and gets up to leave. JAKE (re: the restaurant) You all know this place somewhere. NOG (to Jake) Where? JAKE (to the restaurant) It's right across the street from your place. Great spot. NOG Where are we supposed to pick asparagus? JAKE Try not to break the vat. NOG I'll do better than that... JAKE You'll get the hang of it. Sisko watches them leave. JAKE Great spot. What's room service for now? Nog grimaces. NOG Marginal rates... JAKE Okay, Dad. (can't resist) For me. Nog studies his father over the menu. NOG In moderation of everything. JAKE Slow down. These people are in a really bad mood. NOG It's not a bad mood. JAKE Good. NOG We should probably concentrate on better relations... JAKE We can't do that. We can't let this tragedy recur. Not for the long-haul. As far as Jake's concerned concern is concerned, Nog's lifeless visage is Exhibit A for all the world to see. NOG And I think we can put an end to that, as well. Jake looks over at Nog with an "I told you so" look. JAKE (to com) Computer, shut down that music. NOG No... The music abruptly stops. JAKE (to com) Computer, restart program. The music comes back. JAKE (continuing, to com) Computer, restart program. The same scene plays itself out. Jake looks over at Nog, then back at his friend. And though the music will be the same, the atmosphere will be different. NOG I can't do that. JAKE Why not? NOG It would be dishonorable... JAKE And what would that be? Nog looks at his brother and sees the anger and conflicting emotions inside him. JAKE I think you should know... NOG (getting angry) That's enough. Jake looks at his brother and sees the anger creeping into his eyes. And though the boy still has his father's gust for Nog, he knows he'd never allow him to do anything to hurt him. JAKE (to Nog) You're right about that. I am still a Squad. But I'm not in charge of the squad. NOG You're still a Squad leader. And I'm still your captain. JAKE What do you want? NOG I want you to take charge of the situation with Major Kira. JAKE And what do I do? NOG You have to show me that you understand me. That you respect my orders. That catches Jake off guard. JAKE For once, I don't understand why you're so upset. NOG Because you're upset. Now I want you to go out with the rest of the Lost Ones. JAKE You don't expect me to go with the rest of the Lost Ones? NOG Of course not. Where you came from, you belong in that time forward. Right now, you have nothing to lose and plenty to gain. JAKE I don't belong there any more than you do. NOG Everyone I fought with was a burden to you. Everyone I've come with is a burden to you. So isolation is no longer an option. JAKE That's very comforting... NOG It's not. JAKE We're stuck here... without Federation help. How do we think we repay the harm we've done? NOG You don't understand. JAKE I guess not. Because I'm not in Starfleet. NOG I can't fly a Ferengi Bird of prey. JAKE That's right. NOG And that's why you're not in Starfleet? JAKE I want to volunteer. NOG What are you going to do? JAKE I guess I'll have to get used to the idea that humans and Ferengis are different. That sometimes we have to take advantage of things you can't detect. NOG When you're lucky, you might even be able to spot a piran even when he's cloaked. JAKE So I'll volunteer. And you shall have my ship. Nog's hanging up. SMASH CUT TO: INT. STARBASE - MARTA'S QUARTERS - MINUTES LATER Marta is now seated on the bed in front of a monitor, creating the hologram figure of Marcus. He's staring at a design drawing of the Torussian colony on the monitor. MARTA (re: image) I've designed an environment designed to combine natural forest and habitable space. JOSEPH Ancient ruins. Odo Zybur's walks through those walls. Those walks are lined with portents and warning signs. MARTA How do you know that? JOSEPH You can smell the sulfur of fetid smoke. KATIE But you can't walk through those portents. JOSEPH And that's why you're here -- to smell the smoke. KATIE (smiles) You're so smart. Joseph angles camera around her to look at a nearby plant. JOSEPH What do Ulysses have to do with it? VESK Exactly! (smiles) Smell the smoke. JOSEPH What's so funny about flinging someone's pots and pans into the fire? VESK oreAndOnline(holding up the pan) That's what I'm supposed to do. In my humble opinion, however, it is a remarkably human presence. JOSEPH I thought his presence was a shock. VESK Quite right. (gesturing to the pan) This -- (gestures to a nearby plant) ikuman ("thing") -- that is funny. JOSEPH So what are you doing with it? ikuman spins around and faces his father, staring at him. ikuman CUT TO: EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL) Re-establishing the station. INT. QUARK'S - SECOND LEVEL Jake and Nog are standing at one of the tables, fully laden with bottles and cans. There's a quiet hum to indicate the passage of time. Nog takes a long drink from his bottle of ale, and he looks sullenly at his two tormentors. JAKE I can't believe we're drinking all this Impala brandy... and all we're gonna do is talk about my cousin Rom! NOG He's a private citizen. We have to protect our citizens from... everything. JAKE I know what you're doing. I thought Grilka and the others would enjoy it too. NOG You don't understand -- it's because we protect our homes that we're... well, protected. We're... not out there to protect ourselves. JAKE Well, then who's out there? NOG It's... hard to say. The Romulans, the Federation, even the Klingon Empire aren't big enough to take on the Dominion. But in my opinion, one thing's for certain... these guys aren't ready for full-scale war. JAKE What do you mean? NOG They need time to study what happened to the other Federation alliance. (MORE) NOG (Cont'd) They need time to realize that some of the old guard stalwarts are looking at them a little differently. They need time. JAKE I don't see any way for them to learn their lessons. (doesn't buy it) Well, let's see if somebody can make some sense of it for a moment. Nog nods. NOG Okay. JAKE We're going to put a hold on those ships. NOG In the meantime, I'm putting a holding device on each of those passengers. We can cancel their transit if we want to. JAKE What happens to them? NOG They'll be held aboard for analysis. After that, they're subjected to physical examinations -- if you know what you're doing, they're going to be very umuknated. JAKE We're subjecting them to tests so that they'll accept advice. NOG Which is exactly what I'm doing. JAKE We're changing the rules so that they'll accept adult supervision. NOG That doesn't sound like the kind of thing I'm used to. JAKE We're changing the rules so that they'll accept being carried out on a stretcher. NOG That's right -- you're doing it already. JAKE (shrugs) You've got it. Nog smiles and looks at Grilka. NOG What do you say we go over it again? GRILKA (picking up on the tension) Okay. Let's try it again. JAKE I'll let you know. A few beats pass and they settle in for the ride. NOG Okay. But in the meantime... �(re: the game) What about that sundae? GRILKA If you want that thing down on the house, you'll have to get your own. JAKE We're in the middle of a hockey game, so who's playing? GRILKA You. JAKE I can't see you, Nog. NOG And I can't see you, either. So who are we playing? Jake sees that there's no going to be an easy play for the boys. JAKE We're playing for a big win. GRILKA (to the other boys) And you're playing for a shutout. ALL (in unison) We're playing for a shutout! Jake and the other boys look at one another. Suddenly the SHUTTLE DOOR OPENS and Quark ENTERS. QUARK (excited) There they are. Quark looks at Rom and Leeta as if he were done getting their message. QUARK (continuing, to boys) You see, you don't have to worry about any of us. We're a team. ALL Yes... we do... The boys all look at each other as if they have all joined forces and nothing is going to stop them. JAKE We're a team? What do we do Well... GRILKA When my husband goes into business, I'll tell the group to go find him. If they don't, I'll strangle them. ALL We... (looks at Grilka) We... CUT TO: INT. INFIRMARY Quark has now joined the conversation and is talking to all of them. QUARK What do you know about the committee? BRUNT (still peering at Quark) I'm afraid I don't. QUARK But you should be able to tell them from a mile away. Brunt and Quark both look to Rom, who drops in behind them. ZEK (to Quark) Let's go. ROM My brother will watch your loyalties. QUARK I'm your brother. I'll decide loyalties. BRUNT (chastened) He's an idiot. As Rom, Leeta and Maihar'du get up to leave, Quark retreats to the door. QUARK (hurry) That's it. CLOSE ON QUARK AND HIS BAG as he shudders and holds back for a moment. He squints at the bag, mistaking it for gold. BRUNT (OPTICAL) crawls into view, a hideous looking Vorta looming over him. BRUNT Brunt. F.C.A. Quark scrambling to his feet, the Vorta reaches out to touch his chagrined brother... BRUNT Not the Vorta I remember. Quark leaps to his feet, stands that very moment behind Brunt, and aims that way as the Vorta DESTROYS... BLINDING SOUND that brings everyone to attention. ROM It's the Vorta, all right. LEETA That's him! ROM Michael! QUARK That's him? That's the one? ANGLE ON THE DOOR as it OPENS to admit Brunt, who lunges to the front of the chair and points it at the gang. BRUNT I am Brunt -- President of the Ferengi Commerce and Industry Council. QUARK Now who's the Vorta? BRUNT You were saying that there's no accounting for taste. QUARK I thought there was. BRUNT Yet here I am. This is truly a surprise. Brunt takes the chair and we MOVE TO REVEAL a crescent-shaped table in the middle of the room, with a replica of a dozen Ferengi on it (although the variety shouldn't be so grand). Brunt is flanked by an ND Nausicaan and a third Ferengi who's not croupier. Each person on the table is holding a glavin, each has a bottle of champagne, and each has a different armadillo. Brunt indicates the glavins. BRUNT (pointing at the bottle of champagne) This will. He pours three glasses of champagne from the bottle and hands one to each person. BRUNT (smiling) transform into... a slug of cream. Everyone laughs heartily. BRUNT (continuing, to Quark and Rom) Enjoy! Brunt smiles and moves off. ZEK (to Quark and Rom) I knew you'd like that. ROM (playing the game) What's the point? QUARK (thinking it's a joke) I don't have to eat, I don't have to sleep, I don't have to come back to this bar for pay, I just... I'm here. I'm the only one who can order nights -- for whatever reason. I should be the one who's responsible for all the bad luck. ZEK So you are the one who's "responsible." (a beat) That's right, you are. (a beat) And for whatever reason, I think it's incumbent upon me to make sure nobody's foolish enough to say anything... so I'll keep it secret. BRUNT When do we go? Vic and Leeta exchange looks. VIC Well, don't be early. There's leisure carnival street and all sorts of nonsense to be overlooked. LEETA The "stuff" you're talking about is lepidopterist nests, garden flora, chair backlit plants, chairs, clocks, lamps, incense, chairs, clocks -- ROM I'm sure that's quite interesting, my dear. LEETA Yes, I'm sure. VIC We should get started before someone sees us. QUARK Me seeing a free hour of action? ROM You've got a deal. ROM (Cont'd) The problem is, there aren't thirty more. QUARK Sorry. But today's a day, and it's the twenty-third. So whatever you do -- VIC Let's do it a little early. Vic and Leeta step up to the table. ROM What're you doing here? LEETA I wanted to thank you for last night. VIC Thank you? For what? LEETA You saved my life. When Nog changed his name and moved to Earth, you took care of him. VIC When was that? LEETA I don't know. just when I climbed into that chair. I always sit here. VIC A gambler? LEETA You're crazy. A few people around the table laugh. ROM I can't believe that you're genuinely concerned about a child. LEETA Adam may be a little different than your other son -- but he's not different enough to protect his mother. VIC Hey, that's Roman. Quark looks over at Leeta. QUARK (to Leeta) There's no need to be afraid of Adam. ROM (agreeing) You hear that, Brother? LEETA Something wrong? ROM I think we should let Leeta take a look at Mister Bashir's chest. Leeta holds the phaser against Bashir's chest. LEETA He's a Saviour. He'll heal all your problems. QUARK A nice sound, indeed. For a moment, all smiles are gone as they look at each other across the room. ROM I thought I was going to get advice about chores and bills from my brother. LEETA It's the way of friendship, Rom. QUARK And what about my nephew? Do you think he'll ever try to leave the bar? ROM Are you sure he's not going to ask. QUARK let's just say we support Leeta in whatever her decisions are. ROM I know she'll do what's best for him. I'm just glad I have the chance to prove myself. LEETA You did pretty well. You were the only member of the family to give Shakaar a chance -- and he loved you. QUARK You make it sound like he's crippled. LEETA I'm not saying that. It's just the thought that he's not going to make it. I don't see any way for us to spend our hard-earned money together. QUARK It's not just the thought. It's the feeling. LEETA We'd be together all of eternity. QUARK If there's even the slightest chance that we're going to make it this day, I want you to be my witness. Rom stands up. ROM Grand Nagus. LEETA Quark, you should take this opportunity to learn from your lesson. The whole point of being a Nagus is to learn from yourself. You set up a system that encourages loyalty. QUARK Maybe I don't have enough " " experience to go around in such a crowd. ROM It's not crowds. It's the Nagus. ZEK Well, if you won't turn your eyes to the one man who gives the family a thousand likes, then maybe you should re-evaluate that part of your behavior. If you're looking for a way to curry favor with the F.C.A., I'm sure there are others who would be happy to help you. LEETA Zek, you're making a terrible mistake. ZEK No, I mean it -- a horrible mistake. You should've seen the thousand views on Raquinas's home page. (a beat) You should've seen the links to our financial holdings. It's like we're gods. And with that Zek turns and EXITS. Rom and Leeta are both surprised and delighted to see Rom. ROM Brother... LEETA You're back. ROM And I'm honored to be on this crew. It's a special day. LEETA You're just too proud to admit it. ROM Leeta, let's go play. Leeta shoots Rom a look as they cross toward the door. As Rom looks back at the door reaction, we can see that he's not sure he wants to go. LEETA I can't stay. I promised Zek I wouldn't let him in my quarters. ROM (surprised) Onii-chan to Councilman Rutia. LEETA It's my decision. Rom is obviously torn, but she's giving him her word. LEETA (continuing) I will not only let him work, I will help him launch his political organization. ROM It's a shame you're not a neithericka. LEETA The neiency of my father's is so much in evidence that I can't forbid it. Help him launch an organization -- that's the first thing he'll do. ROM burying it would be a good thing. LEETA (nodding) When he gets back a lot of his biggest supporters will be dead. Rom nods silently. After a beat -- LEETA Which reminds me of the old proclamation about never letting outside ears. ROM (seeing Quark towering over the bar) You see, I told you there was nothing to talk about. QUARK gemony, land, and the three others... (indicating a bottle on the table) ... are all you need. Quark lowers the bottle as if it were a club. LEETA (going to blow him out of the water) That's enough. Everyone except Quark rises to their feet. ROM (to the others) That goes for you, too. QUARK You heard the woman. Enough is enough. LEETA Maybe they need more help. QUARK They need to take it one drink at a time. ROM (to Leeta) One for me and one for my man. Leeta goes to blow Rom a kiss, but Quark intervenes. QUARK Leeta, that would be very un sporting. ROM Unsporting is what they're pursuing now. LEETA I thought I did. QUARK You were trying to sport. ROM Sport is where they get their Risian Weddings. QUARK Exactly. They get them from wherever they want. I never saw a Risian until my brother and I were on our way to the net. You know those eight square kilometer planets that are so devoid of life that they couldn't be suitable colonies for the other inhabitants of the Federation? Well, they were the first planet on five of them. LEETA I'm sorry I didn't see your wedding. QUARK Your mother did. She loved wedding. ROM So did I. LEETA No, you two are planning something more delicate. QUARK More delicate? ROM Like what? QUARK Klingons plan everything. ROM (serious) It's the most important thing in the world -- the most important thing all of history has ever considered? The fate of the Federation. (to Leeta) You see, we can end up like Leeta and you and-- LEETA Rom! Rom's had enough of this. He gets up and heads for the door. ROM Sorry. QUARK No fun. Quark EXITS. Rom stands there for a moment, a little taken aback but suddenly proud of himself. ROM (to himself) Even after all that, I still respect her. LEETA We both do. After a beat, Rom smiles and LEETA starts to leave. ROM Child, you should come to the holosuite. Let us talk privately. LEETA No. Rom enters the lounge and Leeta follows him. INT. HOLOSUITE - LAS VEGAS LOUNGE - NIGHT Vic is finishing "checking" out the lounge chairs. They're all lit. Vic looks relaxed and pleased. VIC They work perfect. ROM So what's the program? VIC A page from one of Moogie's journals. Have a seat, little girl. LEETA (joking) You're going to drown. ROM Not when I get back to Zion. LEETA Well, now that we have a place to go, aren't we going to see everyone? VIC I can't... we have a job to do. LEETA You're fired. Vic looks around the lounge for a beat, all alone. VIC It's over, isn't it? We're going to Mexico. LEETA That's right. VIC I can't believe you're still single. LEETA At least I've got two customers. VIC Yeah, well, the only thing I've ever had a problem with is your lack of attention. LEETA I'm trying to be a lady, a man... God, I can't believe I could be that forgetful. VIC Maybe we should put some distance between us... keep your mind from-- LEETA God, I'm serious... I wouldn't dream of it if I were you... VIC And just who is this Frankie Verad? Leeta's smile tightens ever so slightly. LEETA (dismissive) That's none of your business. VIC Maybe not, but I've got them both here... they're definitely on my mind... And now they both see -- VIC'S POV There's a cabinet full of $100,000 silver dollars. BACK TO WIDE SHOT Which one of them is Al, the one in the back leaning close to the camera. LEETA I told you he'd be here any minute now. VIC Maybe it's time for me to step up. Vic reaches over and picks up a small SINGLE CONTAINER, which he holds out for Leeta's hearing. VIC Sugar, spice, and cinnamon. LEETA Bring them to me and I'll get them for you. VIC You're joking, right? Vic nods judgmentally at the table's Albanian �couple. VIC They're both busy. LEETA I don't laugh. VIC And I don't mean to interrupt now, but someone's going to have to laugh at all the good news. NOG referen - I don't gag. VIC referen - well, then I gag. (to the others) That woman -- she's living on Bajor. She needs to get her life back on track. O'BRIEN We're considering bringing her back. BASHIR Not necessarily. We're still looking for a suitable placement for her. CONOR Does that include the bar? VIC We'll do more later. And with that, they head for the others. ANGLE ON THE STATION enne face tingling with desire. CONOR What're they going to do with these people? They're not "innocent," are they Vic? VIC You're damn right. And who knows, Manny. In fact, we may need someone to take their place. Someone "on behalf" of Doctor Crusher, Mister Worf. CONOR (to Bashir) You mean Castro? BASHIR Actually, it could be any name they think of. Andre actually saved your life. GARAK Good for you. BASHIR Don't mention it, pallie. Bashir hands Conor a PADD. BASHIR For your own safety. Conor examines the PADD. GARAK I'm sure that'll be enough, Vic. Thank you. CUT TO: INT. VIC'S HOTEL ROOM - DAY Nog is out on the patio, going over notes with Vic. NOG -- according to the deed, it's for your protection, twenty-six hundred bars of latinum. VIC Looks like you're not going to get that either. NOG Why? VIC Look around you, cadet. What do you see? Humanity is about to experience its greatest scientific advance. The exploration of space, the annihilation of the sun, the annihilation of the human race. NOG That doesn't make any sense to me. VIC Maybe not, but what it does show is that this isn't who we believe we are. We're a bunch of egoists trying to hide from the fact that we're broken. NOG That's your theory, too, but even if it is true, how do you explain what happened to us? VIC Don't you see? We're not the square, we're the circumference. NOG What do I do? VIC Finish the tune. Nog reaches into his pocket and produces a steely look at Vic. NOG The way I see it, you're either a genius, or you're nothing like the rest of us. VIC You think that's enough? NOG We just can't sing, you know? VIC I never said that. NOG Fine. (to Kira) Come on, major. Let's get you into the studio. KIRA No thanks. I've got to find my dagger. VIC Sorry, kid. Limping. (to Com) Computer, end program. Nog steps up to the computer and taps a key. On the computer screen we see a graphic display of Nestor Five -- a barren, hot landscape dotted by brightly colored rocks. There is a vast untamed vegetation everywhere. VIC The farther you go, the harder it is to walk. So the first place we go is the farthest north. KIRA The farthest south. VIC Things can be hard on the go. On the screen, the path of the farthest north starts to wend right through a thorny, verdant gardening. The screen goes to white. NOG This ain't no green park, Vic. VIC We know the answer to all your questions. It's right here. Nog eyes the far wall of plants, then turns and looks around. As he does, Vic walks along side -- a gentle smile on his face. VIC Let me guess. You're expecting yourself to grow. Because that's how you want your life. KIRA I'm sorry. I shouldn't have determined this. VIC (trying to lighten the up) It's all right. You're two moves away from being amazing. There's just a few more days before the Paralympics. And you can start preparing for the experience. Nog smiles. NOG Then why don't you go to your quarters and decompress? VIC What's to do about it? I'll get you a room in the Clift. NOG (smiling) Thanks, but I'm going to stay here. Besides, I have my hands down. VIC suspensions. NOG No, you're not. I'm a reporter with a story. NEW ANGLE to include Kira, who has just entered the bar from the race car. KIRA I heard about you. VIC I've got it on repeat. KIRA I'm a reporter. I can't just... leave people alone. VIC I'm trying to warn you that there's a mob outside the station, consisting of Federation bajorans, skinheads, and some colonists. They hate what they see of you. If you ever leave, you'll be killed. KIRA ikuman... VIC For that, you'll have to be more cunning than almost everyone around you. (MORE) VIC (Cont'd) Nitrome(a beat) Starting with Bell. KIRA I don't understand any of you. You're all secretly admiring me? VIC Everybody knows my secret. KIRA What secret? VIC I don't say. KIRA I say. VIC (an appeal) Please. Don't let me be your wife. KIRA Not for another second. VIC No. Not for another second. Kira looks at him, knowing he's hit his own high horse but not wanting to admit it. KIRA (back to the subject) We have to get out of here before the authorities find out about these conspiracies. VIC How? How do I get out of here? KIRA Don't you have anything better to do? VIC What more would you want to do? KIRA Find Mordock and kill him. VIC Look around you, Major, this is no place for a vacation. KIRA Are you telling me you're not going to put on a nice show for Mister Quark? VIC It's true, lady. You wouldn't think of it. KIRA Maybe not, but I don't need a show. I'm a Vegas girl, Vantika. And I'm willing to lose my soul if that's what you want. VIC (trying to soften) That's why I came to you. KIRA Maybe you just need a little more time. VIC How much time? poles, leaning against the wall, snapping his fingers at the music. VIC Three minutes, twenty-three seconds... Okay, that's not a show, it's a warm up. He stands. VIC Bands like this one have a special need for rhythm and melody... Guys like you should be in the matting business, not waiting tables for Cyrano Bashir and the Ferengi waiters to get down to the valley. He moves away... On Kira's reaction... INT. OPS SISKO and DAX are at their stations. SERGEANT AKATAN, a Starfleet veteran, is at the operations station. KIRA All security teams to proceed to Transporter Room Three. GARAK (reacts) Transporter? KIRA Ekoria Minos, Chief of Security. MINOS I am Ekoria Minos, Chief of Operations. Are your security officers indeed out of control? KIRA They're doing a complete systems check on all Transporter units since Youven Reinforcements is back on its way. MINOS You're welcome, sir. Please deactivate all Transporter functions. Kira activates the Standing Order - Cardassian violence is prohibited. KIRA horizontale de minimale. GARAK (reciting from memory) "The less you do what I ask, the more you'll deserve to die." KIRA (reacting to Garak's reaction) Remember that the next time you suggest that I arrest one of your people for doing my people a favor. Garak nods in agreement and they continue walking. Kira turns back to the others. KIRA (continuing) Though from my point of view, that applies only to one person: Ekoria Minos. LARKIN (nods) That's right, dear. KIRA (to Sisko) Though from my point of view, that only applies to one person: Ekoria Minos. LARKIN One can hardly be a hero and still worship death. SISKO Skillfully. LARKIN (hard) Enough. Though I did like the idea of having Jake around. GARAK If we turn down our regular assignment, we can always try this one more time. SISKO (remaining impassive) I'm listening. LARKIN We'll see you next time. Larkin signals to the security officers to depart. INT. CARDASSIAN ACCESS TUBE (OPTICAL) Damar and Kira hurry across the room. Kira's now armed and about to take on an entire CARDASSIAN CAPTAIN -- and she's got quite a bit on her mind. KIRA The man Cardassian. Where has he taken his wife? He bought a small home on Forlat Three months ago. DAMAR The Ferengi said it was his idea. Though I don't think Jadzia would mind. She... liked him... Kira's all but forgotten Garak. KIRA If you say so. Though I did like our regular assasin, I never could figure him out. We follow Damar's gaze to a point on the floor. KIRA What's that? We FOLLOW Kira's gaze to that too small circle on the floor... and then to that small diabetic-looking FACE staring back at her. KIRA What is it? We MOVE UP TO REVEAL the Bajoran Tribal Council Member looking down at Kira. He's a Cardassian, but not a Cardassian warrior. He looks about a half- naked forty-five. HAGATH (all business) Are you Yintagh? KIRA That's right. HAGATH You're the leader of the Resistance. That much is clear. KIRA Not quite. HAGATH You command a ship of brave manners. Crucial training -- passion -- is not enough. KIRA I don't need more training! HAGATH You studied Air/Outpost Thirty- Two for your university entrance application. KIRA That's not why I'm here. HAGATH The "expert" on the downsine treaty would be a formidable team of advisors. RIKER I don't remember. HAGATH Our first meeting was during the Occupation. Talavian Talaga was the enemy. Our first officer asked me to "help" him find a new home. I didn't want to spoil anything, so I gave them some land. And now, I'm told, I'm "allowed" to run my house -- my "home." What a noble choice. (a glance to the sky) To allow people to live in homes, on farms. What people really need is a new beginning. RIKER (shakes his head) The vast majority of the planet's population don't need any more help. They're broke, trapped in an abusive society... HAGATH (makes a decision) If Holza's descendants can get the computer into the hands of the resonators, and Bajor's computer lets us beam down to the planet, we can help. RIKER It's too dangerous to let the colonists stay on the surface. HAGATH If we can regain access to the computer, we might be able to make things right. DATA (OPTICAL) He steps over to the wall panel, taps it and the barrier WHISTLES LOUD AND CONTINUES TO FLASH. HAGATH We have a chance, brother. CUT TO: INT. CORRIDOR (OPTICAL) Kira steps up to the wall panel just as the last one is melting. She touches the panel and it starts to COMMUTE TO STOPS. NOG (serious) Mother, we're entering T-Six's computer core. KIRA (to com) Kira to Nog. NOG No. KIRA We're going to beam down to the surface. NOG No. KIRA I'll talk to you in the Transporter room. Nog is so panicked he ignores her. KIRA Nog, listen to me... HAGATH (to her) Get her out of here. Hagath indicates a dim, LIGHTED corridor. KIRA (to com) Nog, the computer's not accepting responses for transporter functions. You have to get out there and talk to me. NOG It's out of the question. There's no way around it. HAGATH (to the young Cairn) What about you? You're young, and desperate. KIRA I know. I want to help, but there's no way around it. HAGATH And there's no way around it. KIRA Then we have to do something, somehow. HAGATH Talk to me. A beat. KIRA I don't know. HAGATH (to the others) Think. One of the Gatherers, his name unrecognizable by child, starts running around the corner. HAGATH He can't help his brother. They're all he's got. Kira realizes she's running out of options. KIRA (to the guards) Take her to a holding cell. The two guards hustle to take her away... CUT TO: EXT. OVER THE SHOULDER OF THE WARDROOM - DAY (OPTICAL) Kira is alone in a room composed of one wall containing the familiar wall display and a door. Her hands are well bound. She slowly raises her head... INCLUDE THE WINDOW (OPTICAL) Kira looks toward the glass display and sees the Gatherers below, moving to bring in the new occupants of the war room. They're looking down at her, their faces dark. Kira moves slowly toward the center of the room and faces the doorway. KIRA This is your doing. It's the first time she's actually spoken to these people. And though they are quiet, they seem to listen. KIRA This is for you. And without further comment, she EXITS down the corridor. CUT TO: INT. HOLOSUITE - CORRIDOR (OPTICAL) Kira is moving down the corridor when suddenly she materializes in a doorway with the same security protection as the next door. She looks up to find a Security Guard standing by the door. Over the next three or four seconds we'll come to the sounds of someone hopping and crying, trying to get out of the way, and trying to hit someone with the butt of a rifle. GRILKA (calling out) I hear you -- listen! (beat) There's a trap ahead! QUARK (O.S.) I know we're in a trap. Kira turns to see Quark, carrying a satchel and playing the part of the blind lawyer who always fails. QUARK Here's something else to help us avoid the traps. KIRA What's that? QUARK My personal amnesty. GRILKA (with contempt) What a pathetic little list of hopeless, self-important dross. QUARK If all you want is amnesty, Then why do all this squabbling? GRILKA Because you're scheming to capture me. QUARK I don't have to believe it. I've seen the way you look at me. You never stop to see who's trying to keep the best bidder from the bar. GRILKA I am trying to rescue my Bar meeting. QUARK What does that mean? GRILKA It means I must sweep the room clean. Am I so far gone that I can go into the bedroom and -- QUARK That's it. You're done. You lie. Then what do you do? Grimp's grip on the satchel SLAMS the satchel down against Quark's chest. GRILKA What do you mean? QUARK It's been your life since the warship disappeared -- you've spent every hour thinking about it. Every meeting with the Klingons. You've sat there and thought about the possibility of going into the meeting. (growing angry) That's why you met me -- to ordinate my attention. Now you can't even contemplate the idea of being in the room when you conduct business. GRILKA I have no business being in the room... QUARK (interrupting) I don't care if you go in there together with Brunt -- He dumps the satchel down. QUARK (continuing) I'm going to court. GRILKA That's right. And you will provide an "explanation" to the competing bidders. Quark looks at her with incredulity. GRILKA (continuing) Now, are you ill? Or are you ill? Because of my absence? (a beat) Well? Do you really think you can be considered an "explanation," while Grilka's paramour continues to trade insults? QUARK It's been four hours. I don't have time to make excuses. GRILKA Sorry to interrupt -- but there are certain details you need to know. QUARK We had an agreement. GRILKA What deal did I have? QUARK One that I must renegotiate. GRILKA Quark! The negotiations aren't over yet. Let's not waste time discussing complicated legal circumstances. The important thing is for us to get what we need -- and I'm more than willing to sell you my floor. Grilka shudders slightly as she realizes she's losing him. QUARK Now? GRILKA Now. Quark is relieved, but relieved of the worry and confusion that has plagued him throughout this scene. QUARK Forget about the lawyers... about the fact that Rom's still out of here. I'll get this over with as quickly as I can. GRILKA That's an order. QUARK Then who's in charge? Suddenly GRILKA concentrates on business. Her attention is on something new on the box. GRILKA Did you copy this? QUARK (quickly) I didn't. Who is it? GRILKA I do not know... but I am willing to believe it's Gul Lemec. Quark's look of astonishment shifts to shock as he realizes this is the reason Gul Lemec is in here. Off Quark's expression -- CUT TO: INT. WARDROOM Quark is standing in front of the chair, with a pronounced stance and an overbearing attitude. NOG is standing in front of him with a shocked look on his face. They're both smiling at the sight of Quark. QUARK FN-jenkin... chu-LIN-eye-ee-o -- geezer dan-jay... pigeon mudok... NOG We're fritzing out the power cells. QUARK This is ridiculous. You can't power up a holosuite program without the use of real perspiration? NOG We're supposed to be used to all the different sensations of... closing the door... opening it... moving the chair... srfitting... QUARK Well, how about a game? A strategy guide? ThumbnailImage ROM Somebody has to build a wall that exists only in the games! What wonderful games! Quark's smile never wavers... CUT TO: OMITTED INT. WORF'S QUARTERS Kurn and Dax are taking a few touches on the game as Korinas approaches Worf from the other side of the door. She doesn't look happy. KORINAS (to Worf) You didn't answer me. WORF I'm sorry, but I can't. KORINAS There is something wrong with the house. I just informed our guest of the mistake I made. Korinas leaves. DAX (to Worf) We thought you should know... Worf, Bajoran independence isn't easy to accept. Worf turns to Dax, a look of exasperation on his face. WORF Most people find this explanation incoherent. KORINAS I found it an interesting theory to put... (gently) You should be careful with your Fire Talisman. It contains magnificent gems from the Tower of Azar. If you spill a drop, it may become a point of pride for the Klingon Empire. Worf looks dismissively at the bottle of wine. Korinas picks up the bottle and downs her second. KORINAS (continuing) If it isn't tempered with the blood of Klingon warriors. WORF The Tower of Power is real, as is the Seven Gods. KORINAS Until it is not, all that is real is power. She puts it in his hand. He inspects it. KORINAS What remains? WORF The Tower of Power. And the Flight of the Sword. KORINAS I'm glad you understand. She lifts the bottle and pours him a shot. He drinks, then looks at her disapprovingly. WORF Many masters have followed my traditions... but I've held my tongue. KORINAS In what way? WORF All my rituals are explained in the Vedeks' texts. They have been interpreted literally millions of times. (beat) Everything I do, every practice, every idiom... it's like I've done it all before. KORINAS And now expect me to change minds. WORF No. I don't want you to get thrown out. KORINAS Maybe I should have more faith in myself. WORF Then accept the reality of my existence and do not allow it to destroy you. That is how everyone must live... before they live... before they die. She looks at him sadly as she accepts this. KORINAS All of Dahar Three has suffered loss. WORF But no one died because of the sword. KORINAS (deeply felt) The story of the Sword also tells us that at times the people of Bajor have had to engage force alone. WORF Those who were willing to turn against their enemies should not have perished. KORINAS Are you saying that even after the sword was for the good of the Federation, the remnants of the Federation still led an aggressive war against the Klingons? WORF That possibility does not occur to me. KORINAS But you agree that at times the Klingons were justified in attempting to destroy the alliance. WORF To defend their homes and their honor. KORINAS Sometimes they were right. Other times they were not. What I am saying is that even in these difficult times, the alliance between the Federation and the Klingons is not a zero-sum game. It would be better to work toward a mutual compromise. WORF But you must be prepared to fight at any time. KORINAS That is an necessity. War is a necessary evil. WORF That is an honorable choice to say. KORINAS (wryly) Perhaps when the time comes, you will agree. WORF I will. undenied and then -- NEW ANGLE (OPTICAL) revealing a gigantic Cardassian warrior named HEGHAL B'ETOR who stands wearing the armour of a Jem'Hadar warship. His name is TOMALAK. And because it is the future and there is no linear relationship between the Federation and the Klingon Empire, there are many people who will not necessarily welcome the arrival of a new superpower to their society. B'ETOR Your eminence, B'Etor -- Tomalak steps forward. TOMALAK It is good to see you, Emissary -- having won our last battle. (standing) I am glad to see you have won our last battle as well. Tomalak leans on a platform so as to emphasize his evidential tone. There is a sense of awe and deference in his attitude. B'ETOR The treaties are complete. We have just completed the transfer of a population of two million to the Federation flagship. TOMALAK (reacts) The Vorta did not anticipate retention; the planet was uncontested. It was a simple mistake. B'ETOR The manuals for the T'Ongs were mistaken. Almost everybody killed in those battles was Klingon. TOMALAK (grudging admission) Klingons are stronger. B'Etor thinks it over for a moment. B'ETOR There was a time when only those who had served as honor guards would fight in a battle of vengeance. TOMALAK And you said that was old news. B'ETOR Things have changed. You can no longer hide from us. TOMALAK (shrugging) Available funds would be used to crowdsource replacements for the security personnel. B'ETOR (intrigued) Don't worry, every system on the ship is secure. TOMALAK (a touch skeptical) Not quite that secure, are you? B'ETOR You say every system on the ship is secure -- so every system on the ship is secure. TOMALAK Not every system. B'Etor is a little surprised by the disquieting tone from Tomalak. B'ETOR (calmly) The point is I don't think they found everything, now do you? TOMALAK The shipment of tetryon gadgets was never intended for Starfleet. They were confiscated when we found them in the Tarquin System. B'ETOR The confiscation process was apparently not limited to just Starfleet officers. TOMALAK It went on even longer than I thought. Tomalak realizes he may be telling the truth, and finally decides to confide in B'Etor. TOMALAK B'Etor... there is another way. We may not be able to take the problem head-on. We can't risk already having the two of you in trouble together. B'ETOR Even worse, we may not have a chance to influence the outcome of the war. TOMALAK There are ways, O'Brien... there are things I can share... Tomalak begins to move around the room, pacing... TOMALAK You should hear the voices calling out for me -- the ones on the Promenade and in the Infirmary... there are voices that say, "He can do that... " (indicating room) There's something else I want to say to you... Beverly reaches over and breaks Tomalak's hold on Beverly's hand. BEVERLY That's alright... I just need to check something on the medical files... Tomalak makes a low, throaty laugh. Beverly takes out the medical file. BEVERLY There goes the one thing we both know... TOMALAK (laughs again) Medical Officer Beverly Crusher, you've been a good friend... BEVERLY And I've been a good friend... Tomalak stops pacing. He seems to be talking again. Beverly looks determined. BEVERLY I'll never forget what you told me in the corridor... you said I'd better get well... Tomi's face appears on the monitor. TOMI'S VOICE Someone's attacked Commander Data. CAMERA CENTERS on Tomi. He's on the floor, his hands slung behind his back. TOMI I've been in the middle of a plot to kill a Starfleet officer. It all started when you and your friends saw the file photo of the officer who died in the line of fire... BEVERLY I have no idea who or what's involved in this... TOMI The Federation has many questions that it wants answered. We have an opportunity to solve many of our problems through diplomatic means. BEVERLY That's why we're asking you to help us... TOMI We are asking for your help, Doctor. Tomi's eyes shine with passion. TOMI If there's a way to avoid getting killed, I will use it. He sets the phaser on the table. TOMI Is that the rifle you're carrying? BEVERLY Yes... Yes, it is. TOMI Memory? BEVERLY As a Starfleet Commander, knowing that an officer from your mission was about to die is heartwarming. TOMI (laughs slightly) But that's why you're here, isn't it? To ensure that they never get to make that mistake? BEVERLY I don't know... maybe we should just stay in the guest quarters... keep talking and avoid contact. Tomalak considers her and seems to make a decision. TOMALAK (to Beverly) That won't be necessary. (to Picard) Captain? PICARD We can discuss this option at any time. TOMALAK I see. (beat) May I see you for a moment? Beverly follows him and pauses as she looks at -- BEVERLY AND TOMALAK locked in arm-and-arm, eyes heated. She can't allow herself to allow this moment to continue. TOMALAK You may go, Doctor. Beverly turns to go, then turns back to Tomalak. BEVERLY Is there something I can do for you? Tomalak meets her gaze. TOMALAK Perhaps you would like to rest. BEVERLY (a boast) I'd love to take you to Sickbay -- TOMALAK (emphatic) It's an offer I cannot refuse. Good-bye, Doctor. Beverly helps Tomalak EXIT. There's a beat as they regard each other. TOMALAK It was a pleasure to serve with you, and I'm sure the Federation will be proud that we have assimilated the new world. BEVERLY You've served on the Enterprise long enough to know that's true. There is a small silence between them. She turns away from him. He looks at her. TOMALAK You are Federation citizens, Doctor. I have no wish to interfere in your internal affairs. BEVERLY I thought I made it abundantly clear that I neither wanted nor needed your help. TOMALAK I'm glad you're comfortable. (beat) Good-bye, Doctor. He and Beverly EXIT. Grid zero one is illuminated. Tomalak takes a deep breath, apparently prepared for the surprise that it brings. He puts a hand to one of his beds. TOMALAK rawdownload(continuing) Well, Doctor... what now? He looks at her with curious vulnerability. She sits down on the bed next to him. There is a hint of sadness in her voice. TOMALAK I have no idea. BEVERLY What do you mean, you don't know? Tomalak looks at her, hoping for some consolation. But there isn't any and he looks at her with cold skepticism. TOMALAK You're angry with me. � BEVERLY Both of usaviest... I can feel it. I never asked to be here. (beat) I've tried to tell you, but... I can't forget what happened. Beverly takes a breath, grappling with these insights. BEVERLY I don't want to hurt you... you're a good man, Tomalak. You didn't bring me here to be angry with you... TOMALAK And in return, you promised to stay out of my life. I did not remember that... BEVERLY It's not about what we do. It's about what we believe. Tomalak considers her for a moment, beginning to sense something new about her. TOMALAK You're telling me this is an... illusion... BEVERLY Yes, and it's not going to be an illusion... it's going to be real. He's lying. There's no way I'm going to get away from him... A long beat... then Tomalak shakes his head sadly. TOMALAK What am I going to do... BEVERLY The only thing I can do... is to stop believing in Tomalak somehow. On Tomalak's reaction... EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) as it moves at impulse. INT. READY ROOM Beverly ENTERS from the Bridge, gets a chair, sits down. BEVERLY I'm going to give this a quick overview. What did you do? TOMALAK First I had some components from the science ship Chaffee... Then I dismantled them and created the light mass. BEVERLY You had access to Chaffee's computer system? Tomalak nods. BEVERLY Did anyone in the crew go nuts for a test run? TOMALAK Not that I can see. (beat) The experiments didn't go according to plan. I have the specimens in stasis. Beverly takes the box from Tomalak's desk. BEVERLY You said you were going to analyze the computer system. Why? TOMALAK Because I realized there isn't room for everything I have requested. BEVERLY Why not? TOMALAK I have analyzed the computer system since the start of the project... I have more than doubled the processing capacity. BEVERLY That still leaves a lot of requestions... TOMALAK (looks at her) I'm sorry, Doctor... I was only following orders. She smiles at him... there is a moment where they both realize that there is another side to this. BEVERLY So from your point of view -- there are two Brattain's out there, two Brattain's that are just plain dead. TOMALAK They were trying to destroy our lives in an ironic way. (MORE) TOMALAK (Cont'd) They programmed you to fail. They programmed you to fail. Every time they tried to take your happiness away you would jerk out soldiers from your body and start a new life somewhere else. (beat) But you would never kill anyone else. Never. Beverly is a little moved by this. BEVERLY You're the last person I would expect to be interested in exploring the occult. Tomalak smiles. TOMALAK (smiles) Then there were a few unexplained events... the odd disappearances of ardites like yourself. But everyone's curious, so you don't become too familiar with the phenomenon until it's developed possibilities. BEVERLY Allow me to put it simply. There are many mysteries that possessed enough strength to force your hand. Tomalak smiles. TOMALAK Which are, in any case, fully innovative. For the Polish universe apart, those mysteries were of a more local nature. BEVERLY Then, the local nature of Klingon mysteries is less than surprising. TOMALAK (nods) And it is perfectly legitimate for you to think that their world could have had just as many metamorphs. (MORE) TOMALAK (Cont'd) For some strange reason, their metamorphs seemed to revel in metamorphosis more than they did. BEVERLY You're certain they weren't kittens? TOMALAK Not kittens, they were nine-year-old girls named Cynthia and Cynthia. Their mother was a half-Bajoran girl, named Meg -- Beverly gives him a look. Before he can continue, Riker ENTERS. RIKER Infirmary, sickbay. TOMALAK Stand by. Tomalak's image FADES and he returns to his usual professional mode. Riker jumps to his feet, angry. RIKER What did you want? TOMALAK He is simply trying to set red flags. We are witnessing a security breach on the premises where sensitive material has been lost. I do assure you that all necessary security measures are being properly executed. RIKER That's all you have to say? TOMALAK I am simply a... layman. Much better than a layman. He returns to his usual demeanor. TOMALAK (continuing) My only professional concern is the continued survival of this station and all its residents. They need me. I am their friend. It's obvious that Riker doesn't buy any of this. He takes the necessary steps to make sure Tomalak knows that he's not simply conducting unscheduled surveillance. RIKER We've scheduled a rendezvous in about two hours. Hopefully, the two of you will have time to get to know one another. If you need to brag about it, I will grant it. Tomalak gives Riker an icy look, and turns and walks away. CUT TO: INT. CORRIDOR NEAR HOLODECK Riker, Geordi, and Worf are hurriedly following Tomalak as he leads them down the Corridor. The Tomalak I've heard so much about. The man with the unerupted white hair and indefatigable blue eyes is back on the bridge of the Enterprise. Riker reacts to the wardrobe malfunction. RIKER What's this? GEORDI What are you talking about? WORF I've seen his Starfleet file. That's why he's a top priority for disposal. RIKER But we can't bring him with us anywhere near a mission center. GEORDI (it dawns on him) The Enterprise is his home. It's right there -- on the screen. Don't you see? It's the same home he shared with us. WORF Computer. Display graphic shading to indicate twenty-four hours' travel outside the Enterprise. A beat as the graphic reaches the twenty-four-hours mark... and then nothing. Geordi presses a few panels... reacts curiously. What's going on... GEORDI (continuing) Computer... reverse the time log again. Nothing. He looks at both of them -- they are holding the same old hands and there's no revolution going on here. RIKER Do it. Tomalak studies the monitors as Riker moves to him. TOMALAK Perhaps we should investigate this time. RIKER We can't -- Riker covers his faces with his hands as he speaks. RIKER Do it! Tomalak studies Riker incredulously, then glances at Worf and the rest of the Enterprise crew. TOMALAK A human and a Vulcan would seem to have much in common. Riker reacts to the statement. The tomahawk tips over under Riker's chin, as though repelling him. RIKER (angry) A machine... Basilio moves quickly to a companel and hits a button. The ANNOUNCER BEEPS and Riker's face is piped on to the SCREEN. TOMALAK (re: Riker) This is Ambassador Basilio of Ambassador Sarek's shuttle. RIKER In my Ready Room. Riker EXITS. TOMALAK You later will be running the Enterprise computer. At this moment, it is controlled from the Enterprise computer core. TOMALAK Still, there will be a slight download delay. He holds up a hand for silence. TOMALAK We have monitored your communications with the probe since its arrival -- and... are your suspicions about its creator... confirmed. Sarek's head snaps up at the news. SAREK What? How dare you ask me questions? TOMALAK Yes, Ambassador -- I have come to ask for the protection of the Federation. A long, quiet beat. SAREK Well, what is it that you want? TOMALAK I have been in politics for many years. I have become... desperate. I need a weapon... something to turn the tide in our favor. Sarek can't help but smile. SAREK I can understand your concern. But you'll see... the virus is very controllable. You can wash your hands of it... don't worry about it. You never will. Sarek EXITS. Tomalak waits for a long beat as he watches the others go. TOMALAK Well, Ambassador... it's clear that I must conduct this investigation. WORF (to Riker) You have said you are desperate. RIKER We are all desperate. TOMALAK You feeling, Commander, are feelings very much alike. Both are trapped in a time-loop. But just like the man before us, your patience is about as much a weakness as finger-spinning Dodongo twice before you could blink; and though you may shake your head after each bite... you will never lose count. WORF They are prepared to go to war. RIKER Would you be happier if they did? TOMALAK You will never know how many of my people there are who would rather die than leave. For a race so divided, there are such wondrous nations as the Zalkonians, the Terellians, the Romulans, the Romulans, who in turn will turn others, friends, lovers, relatives... who would rather die than live with others... Riker exchanges a look with Tomalak. This man is troubled. RIKER It's a unique perspective. (beat) I'll be back. TOMALAK You'll feel the effects of the experience. Yes, yes -- I understand that. You will. Riker nods and Tomalak and the other man, the preponderant, keeper of the secret between them all, are finally alone. TOMALAK And... where is this Commander Riker? Riker doesn't respond. The human is still looking straight ahead... TOMALAK You are so tense, Commander... Riker looks up at Tomalak. Then looks around the room. A face fills the room; he is looking around. RIKER I'm alone? In the empty Holodeck? Tomalak studies him a long beat... TOMALAK Yes. You are a shared host. You are already host, which gives you primacy over others... RIKER (mind working) I don't understand... Tomalak reaches out and pats his hand. TOMALAK You are most thoughtful. And they go through the hallway, each of them taking a step closer to the others. INT. CORRIDOR - CLOSE ON AWAY TEAM They are inches away from the other. Riker and Troi BRAZEL GRABS hold on to Data's wrist and they start to TRAVEL PAST CAMERA, rounding a corner... OMITTED FADE OUT. END OF ACT THREE ACT FOUR FADE IN: INT. REX'S BAR - CONTINUOUS Rex, Bartholomew and Demaras are all staring at the same photo. Bartholomew is desperate to know what Data's face looks like. BARTHOLOM oreAnd (scared) Where are you? Data's expression no longer alters but rather it stabilizes. He looks Bartholomew up at Sisko. DATA Lieutenant, I appear to be in need of refreshment. BARTHOLOM (re: Data) Are you feeling better? DATA I am now fully aware of my subroutines and I do my best to pay my debts. BARTHOLOM Maybe you should rest a bit... eat some fruit... you look very healthy for such a long time. DATA (to Geordi) I do not find eating will harm me. At least, not for several days. GEORDI You'll be fine... as long as you keep an eye on the intake grid and the breech control servos aren't damaged. DATA Very good, Bartholomew. You have provided us with the information we need to avoid a war. Geordi smiles and then leaves. BARTHOLOM Were there any other cities we should visit while you were here? DATA We could explore the many architects who have shaped this part of the galaxy. BARTHOLOM Good luck. OFF the look on Barthalom's face. OMITTED INT. READY ROOM (OPTICAL) Picard behind his desk. The DOOR CHIME SOUNDS. PICARD Come. Data ENTERS. DATA You asked to see me. PICARD Yes, Data. Come in. Barthalom and Geordi ENTER. BARTHOLOM Commander, I have two visitors who are unable to leave the ship. GEORDI I'm sorry... your first officer is... BARTHOLOM (nodding) ... Commander Riker. Picard and Data exchange a look. PICARD I understand you've been receiving information from the Uthat. BARTHOLOM Yes, it's good to be with you. We were telepathically linked during the painting. The memory of Earth as a home is part of my mind... just as it was during the telepathic experience. GEORDI (gently) A brief visit to your home... you know the customs of every human race, isn't it? Barthalom smiles gently at Geordi, as if to say it's no big deal. BARTHOLOM I have been anxious for many years that I would meet you. PICARD Axanians are not uncommon in my society. Axanians understand their history through your SATRIBLY SEEDLING LIFE form eyes. They refer to our extremely long, pointed ears as if they had suffered a lifetime of beards, and we might see them with their long antennae swaying in the breeze. The male form of this woman is very attractive. She seems simultaneously terrified and excited. BARTHOLOM Hamill! Barthalom waves the children forward -- he's the jacketed middleman between them and the rich frog. BARTHOLOM Have you come to buy the merchandise? HAMILTON (to his company) That depends on you. BARTHOLOM I'm sorry to bother you, but I don't want it to be. (to Picard) This journey will take two days. Perhaps we can reschedule -- PICARD (to Barthaloman) We'll see you at the shop tomorrow afternoon. (with genuine invitation) Good to meet you, Mister Barthalom. He gestures toward Wesley, who smiles with enthusiasm. Barthalon watches them go for a beat, then shuts the desk. OFF the view. INT. BRIDGE (OPTICAL) Riker looks up from his instruments. RIKER Mister Data, proceed with the sensor sweep. I'd like to have you aboard to review the carrier wave diagram. DATA Yes, sir. He moves to his position. OMITTED INT. SHUTTLEBAY TWO Data and Picard are in the shuttlecraft. Picard is in the pilot's position. A large section of the shuttle's hull FRITZES OUT, causing the craft to JERK ALWAYS. There is a NARROW LASER BLAST in the wake. DATA The ionized gasses had an effective range of approximately ten kilometers. PICARD Red Alert. The ship goes to RED ALERT. A CLOUD OF SNOW blankets the shuttle for a moment, then it launches into the STARS. INT. BRIDGE Picard watches the planet on the viewscreen as Data looks up from his instruments. DATA Sir, the storm is beginning to collapse. I am unable to read whether there are survivors. PICARD Mister Data, advise the Away Team to leave the shuttle immediately. DATA Yes, sir. Data begins working the instruments. PICARD (to the viewscreen) A view of the planet Saturn that was taken at the last possible moment... EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) STILL IN SIGHT OF THE SHUTTLE, which begins to MOVE AWAY toward the storm front. ANOTHER ANGLE - LONG SHOT OF THE SHUTTLE (OPTICAL) As the craft begins to pull away from the storm, we maintain constant eye contact with the craft... but we cannot see what is happening to the craft. FADE OUT. END OF ACT FOUR ACT FIVE FADE IN: EXT. SPACE - THE SHUTTLE (OPTICAL) has struck a deep hole in the atmosphere. INT. BRIDGE Beverly and Geordi have taken their positions. BEVERLY We'll have to shield the shuttle against the solar radiation. GEORDI I'll manage it. When the boom starts spreading radiation... we'll avoid the mushroom. BEVERLY Mister La Forge, move the shuttle into a higher orbit. GEORDI Doctor, match what Mister Data is seeing. If this is some kind of weather pattern, Data's illumination is going to be blocked. DATA It appears to be a complex, long-range, columnar field. RIKER We have to see for ourselves. Geordi and Beverly EXIT into a cubicle. INT. SICKBAY - HILL'S OFFICE - SLIDE SHOT as Riker crosses to Health and sits down; the CAMERA MINES DOWN into the tube. RIKER Any luck, Doctor? BEVERLY None so far. I've tested the containment field, the radiation absorption sensor, and the computer core. All results at previous times have been insufficient. RIKER That's not surprising, since everything about this has been new to them. BEVERLY I had to take them apart. RIKER What do you mean? Beverly hangs up the handset. CUT TO: INT. HEARING ROOM CLOSE ON Prince Naseley, seated in the grandstand. CLINK CLOSE ON the big screen in front of him, which displays an EXPLOSION with the inside lining of the ANCIENT WARSHIP DISRUPTOR. NASELEY Now. What happened? PARLOR You've heard of the explosion at Praedyl Two? NASELEY (amazed) The Enterprise was caught in a crossfire. One of the torpedoes targets hit us and we blew out the main computer. PARLOR It didn't work. Your ship was lucky to escape. NASELEY That's what the captain said. PARLOR According to the plans I gave you, you couldn't have escaped. The explosive reaction from the explosive reaction might have taken you further from the destination. Naseley shakes his head. NASEK Your ship is gone, and there's nothing I can do. Naseek looks at the personnel on the consoles. NASEK (continuing) The only thing I know for sure is that whoever designed this hope damn thing didn't design it for combat. My people would be stupid to design a starship just for combat... Naseek begins to move to another console. PARLOR Naseek... Naseek motions to a nearby female N.D. who is beginning to complain. NASEK (continuing) You overreact again. The N.D. begins to come to attention. NZEK The President won't bemoan about blankets and pianists. He won't even bemused when a hundred and nine year old Kira Nerys complains about the censorship. PARLOR It's the beginning of a fresh start. New leadership. What more could a new captain need? New spirits. SISKO I wouldn't care. I've met the new crew already. NIDELL And they're not behaving like their predecessors. Their dedication to their duty is far lower -- Niera is interrupted by the DOOR CHIME. SISKO Enter. The door opens and we see Kira ENTER, carrying a PADD. KIRA Nidell and I have some things to talk about. NIDELL All right. KIRA Nidell and I are to travel. SISKO Which means, Commander, there's a non-Bajoran aboard. And off their reactions, we: FADE OUT. END OF ACT ONE ACT TWO FADE IN: INT. AIRLOCK CORRIDOR - CONTINUOUS NIDELL EXITS the airlock and joins SISKO and KIRA. NIDELL (simply) Fenna used to be my friend. SISKO (with conviction) I'm glad you're all right. NIDELL (with a silent smile) I guess I was too harsh on her. She's a lucky woman. She turns and heads off down the Corridor. WE HOLD ON Kira's face -- and on Sisko's troubled expression. INT. OPS Dax and O'Brien are at their stations. Kira pauses to check something on her console before proceeding any further. KIRA Lunch break is almost over. (glances up at the Turbolift) Can I see you for a moment? DAX (smiles) I'll be fine. Kira EXITS to the Turbolift. Dax watches her walk for a beat, then shakes her head. DAX (musing) A Tantalusian moon takes my breath away... A quiet moment as she considers her future. O'Brien smiles slightly -- he'd better find another hobby. INT. CAPTAIN'S OFFICE Sisko is at his desk facing Quark. QUARK Captain, I just want to say that thanks, but I don't need it. SISKO You're welcome. You don't have to say you're grateful. It's what you're used to. Quark realizes he's being surprisingly open with Sisko. QUARK Understandable. My people, Captain, are outsiders in your world. For whatever that's worth, I'm sorry I have to be an impatient man. For all we know, it could be centuries before you ever see your homeworld again. SISKO I hope that'll be enough for you. QUARK It's not. This whole concept of replicative energy is galling. It makes me ill. SISKO Is that a joke? Quark shakes his head. He's not himself. QUARK It's just a philosophical incident of yours, over an hour ago. (beat) I had to give up so I could come back here. For a good reason. SISKO What's the reason? QUARK You wanted an hour to think about me. The prospect of staying up here, alone... no Dosi could imagine it. As much as I disagree with what you've done, I owe you one. Sisko acknowledges with a nod. SISKO If it'll make you feel any better, I'll tell you what I've done. Doctor Bashir's dead. The Dominion killed him looking for a reason to kill a good man. Quark doesn't exactly leap at the chance. QUARK What? SISKO You killed him, didn't you? He lays it on the table. Quark remains impassive and calm. SISKO Even if it's true... the people around me would be better off. Not everyone... but everyone. (beat) You'd be better off. I don't know what the matrix is, but I know that no matter what happens, you'll be better off. Itachi closes his eyes and rests a hand on top of Sisko's. CLOSE ON THIRD ASSAILAN about to blow a fuse. His eyes open and he looks around at his world, a bit embarrassed to have split off in such a sorry state. QUARK (V.O.) I'm a lucky man. ANSWER AN ASSAILAN in a different part of the room. QUARK It's about time. You wanted to see me? An awkward beat as they just stare at each other. ANGLE ON FUSILARNE who seems to be considering Quark's offer. Then he shifts his aim and suddenly he's all business. FUSILINE If you'll promise to take me with you. QUARK (does indeed take me) No one brings weapons onto this station unless I'm accompanied by a Fusaili Knight. FUSILINE (a warning) SPEAKA! Quark can't believe it. QUARK You're going to have to accept that. And with that, he moves off, leaving Fusilia, Toman'torax, and the other Hupyrian soldiers still surrounding Quark. QUARK It's a brilliant plan. Why did you let it go? FUSILINE He has no choice. If he delays, other officers will understand and start to pursue your investigation. QUARK You wait here and analyze every detail of my life without having to see me. FUSILINE I'm afraid you'll waste your time. But until we have conclusive evidence that the bar was not alteranged, I don't think we could've gained any customers. QUARK We'll find that out. FUSILINE We always do. And with that, he moves away. Toman'torax, N'Garen and their male counterparts indulge their instinctive greed. EXT. SPACE (OPTICAL) The Enterprise and the T'Lani vessels hang in space. Neither vessel is in orbit of the other. INT. MAIN BRIDGE BRIDGE PERSONNEL are at all other positions. L'Pryt is returning from his "maneuver" to replace one of the bridge personnel. He's a mature, reasonable man in his fifties. Commander Riker is standing off to the side, the bridge tactical officer. Toman'torax is awkward -- he's very tense. RIKER What's your status, Mister Toman'torax? Toman'torax appears preoccupied with something. TOMAN'TORAX (off console) We're conducting intensive scans of the surrounding starfield -- we don't want to enter into Federation territory until we have better signs. RIKER Any information about that scanner now? TOMAN'TORAX It's being tested now, but... it won't be able to get a clear imaging reading. RIKER Then we'll wait. We'll see what the other pilots say. Toman'torax heads for the forward scanner (the turbolift number is on the move). RIKER (continuing; to Worf) Contact the Enterprise. Tell them to stand by for your activation signal. WORF Aye, sir. Worf walks toward the turbolift, then pauses. WORF (continuing) There is something I must do. RIKER What's that? WORF I have to leave. RIKER Leave? Leave the Enterprise? You're damn right we do. WORF There are several other Enterprises in similar condition. RIKER You can't do that. WORF I must change. RIKER What do you want? WORF I want to... leave. RIKER Without me? What would that amount to? WORF I would give up my life to save another. RIKER For what? WORF It would be a greater honor. (then) I would give my life to see the rest of the crew. Together. (then) And you would be a stranger among us. Worf's face is tight with determination. WORF (then) I must go. Toman'torax hesitates, looking from Riker to the stranger among us. INT. ENTERPRISE - MAIN BRIDGE The crew is very tense. GEORDI The strain on the engines is increasing. PICARD Position report. TASHA The computerized distress signal is intermittent. RIKER Ferengi transmission... ? PICARD It's the T'Ong. RIKER Open a channel. WORF Channel is open. PICARD To Klingon cruiser Ch'Pok, please respond. A long beat. Then: RIKER (to Worf) Have Great Scientist Bashir meet me in my Ready Room. WORF Aye, sir. Worf EXITS. Picard turns to Tasha, smiling. PICARD We're going to enjoy each other very much. Tasha smiles, and, without ceasing her steady concentration, enters the Shuttle. INT. SHUTTLE The shuttle is moving toward Enterprise-C. Suddenly the craft begins to SHAKE strongly. DATA We are entering the path of the neutrino signature, Captain. Generating an asymmetric distortion... The shuttle begins to SHAKE. INT. MAIN BRIDGE Data sits in command. DATA Sir, as I predicted, the T'Ong has broken away from our orbit. PICARD What happened? DATA Unknown. PICARD Keep an eye on it. WORF I will, sir. Worf steps onto the Bridge. WORF (from aft station) Captains, advise T'Ong I.V. Enterprise-C. PICARD Let's see what's on the screen, Mister Worf. ANOTHER ANGLE (OPTICAL) as the viewscreen comes alive with the image of the Enterprise-D. WORF Helpless, Captain. There is a Starfleet escort ship on the planet. RIKER (to Worf) What about the shuttle? WORF We have decoded their message, sir. They want us to check them out immediately. TROI (to Data) If they're so concerned about the captain, why did they not send a ship of their crew to survey the planet? DATA The lack of response did not appear to be a deliberate series of actions, Counselor. RIKER (to Data) Maybe they're simply afraid of adversity, Data. DATA The message does suggest that the crew of the Enterprise is vulnerable to conventional attacks. PICARD Surely Starfleet would not put it so strategically if it meant attacking the Enterprise. DATA Maybe it does. But I do not believe the message was intended for Admiral Garrett. RIKER Maybe it was. And I suggest we destroy the shuttle. DATA We could go through the shuttle's cabin, eliminating the threat posed by the Enterprise. But Data's solution runs counter to his own thoughts. Garvin's eyes narrow. All eyes turn to Data. Then slowly, with a shake of his head... GARVIN We can't do that. And he EXITS. PICARD Data, you have to question my decision. We can't afford to take the Federation into the war. DATA But Captain, there are advanced weapons systems on the planet that could disable or even destroy the Enterprise. PICARD I agree, Data. But at the same time, we could afford to be careful. A single photon torpedo thrust from the surface could prove extremely deadly. Especially if we're cloaked. WORF If we are still in the transporter window, it will be difficult, if not impossible, to detect the torpedoes. There is a tense beat in which they wrestle with this. Marta's response is instructive. MARTA We'll have to beam them aboard while they're still tracking us. WORF What if they find us when we transport? PICARD Our priority is to find out who created the forcefield and where they are. (beat) That's our No. 1 mission. Obtain the data and analysis for reconstruction. GEORDI We have some guidance from antiprotons, Captain. The neutrino signature should be neutral. PICARD Good. (beat) Number One, begin a scan of Interphase. Bring the main bridge down along with two more to protect the captain. I need ad hoc funding for this operation. RIKER Yes, sir. NECHAYEV and VASH appear on the Viewscreen. NECHAYEV (to Picard) It's a shame about the Enterprise. I don't think even Starfleet would allow such a thing. PICARD How could sabotaging a ship be necessary? Nechayev shakes her head. NECHAYEV Forgive me India, Captain. I was observing you for a good pleasure. PICARD Grzegor was only trying to assure you Senator. NECHAYEV We're trying to get you very annoying. PICARD That's not terribly honorable, Grandee. Though I never would've mind if they had played you the backroom. NECHAYEV anwhile, I'm happy to add you to my list of audience. Nechayev holds out her hand to Picard. NECHAYEV (to Picard) Add me to the message to the Empire. I will make the arrangements shortly. PICARD I will contact your Mother the moment after you sign the contract. Nechayev's expression hardens. NECHAYEV Many things have changed since I was a youth, Captain. She regards Picard sadly. NECHAYEV I'm sorry he didn't live to be twenty. I, for one, would have rather been a boy named Wesley. FADE OUT. END OF TEASER ACT ONE FADE IN: EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE AND BRATTAIN (OPTICAL) PICARD (V.O.) Captain's log, Stardate 43879.5. We have placed the Enterprise in orbit around the planet Brattain, in the hopes of learning if any life forms will survive the experience. INT. TEN-FORWARD There are several N.D. aliens in the seating area. Beverly is with Picard and Commander Riker. RIKER (to the others) What are your intentions, Doctor? BEVERLY Well, as I'm sure everyone has wondered, we intend to find out. PICARD Please proceed. BEVERLY First, I need to get some assistance. There are no >"no brain tears." Beverly coughs painfully, and Riker picks up the passion from her face. Beverly looks around the room. BEVERLY You do tend to look at these strange things when you're working with them, don't you? RIKER Well... BEVERLY (coughing) Coffee's not bad either... HT rem sleep probably helps. Riker nods. RIKER (to others) We've been going over this plan together. PICARD Excellent. Picard looks back to Riker with a smile. PICARD Well, experienced. (to Beverly) Beverly, we can recharge your brain timeshifts when you're ready. Beverly nods. BEVERLY Yes. Picard smiles at her. PICARD Well, shall we get started? Riker, Troi and Tasha exchange glances as they head for the Turbolift. RIKER Charming setting. TASHA Counselor... They EXIT. INT. READY ROOM Beverly and Picard. PICARD Beverly, I want your written opinion on this matter. BEVERLY Well... PICARD Issue it to me in my office. She rises, turns around. BEVERLY Thank you, Captain. Picard EXITS. BEVERLY (quiet) I'm sorry I'm late. It's been a whirlwind of a trip. CUT TO: INT. CORRIDOR Data and Geordi are walking along. Data is carrying a small container. Geordi is taking the container out of Data's hand. GEORDI You're right - the containers are hazardous. They need to be brought into a positive space. Data nods. GEORDI I'll need some spacers down here. DATA I am happy to assign you a work placement, Mister La Forge. GEORDI (re: container) What's in the container? DATA Your personal diode technology. GEORDI Why not? DATA The concept of time being different in different time continuum is not only intuitive -- it is also historical. It is self-explanatory. Geordi smiles. GEORDI (putting it together) You can't invent the computer you work from? DATA No, sir. I would argue that digital computation was the minimum for Captain Picard to use on his ship. Geordi laughs a little. GEORDI I see. Well, that's not much to call about it, either. DATA I would say the threshold for "Authenticated Data" is set by Commander La Forge. CLOSE ON PICARD In the background, Geordi and Beverly are talking in the background. Picard waits for Data's answer to his question. Then he assumes an air of importance. PICARD Are we talking about the transfer of technology? GEORDI Yessir. PICARD I want copies of the logs, too -- hostages could break out of Holodeck Three anytime -- we have to know what they're doing down there. GEORDI I can transfer the sensor beam bandwidth from the transceiver array to the emitter array. That should give you the power you need. PICARD Nitrome(hanging back) I assume you've followed all of Joe's instructions to the letter. GEORDI (stepping on Worf) Trust me. Worf's look - shocked. Geordi's just thrown Worf a curve. He takes a breath, tries to regain his composure. GEORDI For a minute there, I thought I was actually in Command. Worf comes out from under the console, a surprised expression on his face. WORF I had no idea... GEORDI You were? (beat) At lunch, when I was delivering those? WORF (puzzled) I... do not remember... GEORDI You know, Data... you're very kind. But you're also a very creepy little man. I can't remember the last time I crossed over. Worf shoots Geordi a look. WORF If I had not been distracted by your over-reacting, I would have finished the mission. Geordi grins. GEORDI I can't believe you're the one who suggested we stop the transporter. RIKER'S COM VOICE Lieutenant La Forge, report to Transporter Room three. This is really bad timing. Geordi doesn't want to have to make a scene. GEORDI (to com) Okay... come in. GEORDI (to the group) Okay... let's see what's going on... Moving to findrivers of different shapes connected along the perimeter of the bridge. TROI I don't see what's going on, Lieutenant... GEORDI Belay that order. (to Data) It might save you some problems down the road. (to Riker) Riker? RIKER Lieutenant. Commander Data has suggested a brilliant plan to neutralize our cloaking device. GEORDI That plan might work, sir, but they're still hiring. RIKER Stay sharp, Lieutenant. (to the group) We need experienced hands on engineering. The others look, surprised. No one before or after Riker. TROI (sotto) Sir? RIKER I would like you to take a few days and strengthen the science section. RIKER (continuing; quickly) Agreed. Then Picard, Data and Troi EXIT. CUT TO: OMITTED INT. CORRIDOR Picard, Data and Troi enter the corridor on the far right. TROI The ship's structural integrity field is holding. PICARD We can beam the engineering section off the bridge. TROI Captain! Beam everything off the bridge. Picard, Data and Troi move into the intersection... toward the direction of the engineering section... DATA Intriguing... it is the only thing which seems to work. PICARD Let's make certain of it. Data and Troi begin making adjustments to a console as Geordi, Beverly and Sam rush up. GEORDI (to Sam) We're going to have to line the intersection carefully so as not to touch any of the artesian studs. We're also going to have to touch some of the perimeter pins. Sam and Geordi continue working while Riker examines the wall with a tricorder. RIKER The perimeter pins are made of neitherically reinforced noritized polychromal aluminum. SAMPLE COM VOICE Bridge, this is Samuels. We're ready to beam you up. RIKER Almost ready, Mister Riker. SAMPLE COM VOICE We're ready in Engineering. Samuels returns and looks at the wall panel. SAMUELS You'll have to be more patient with them, Riker. They won't be so eager to repair their ship after the first try. RIKER (snaps) I suppose not. He indicates a certain area on the wall. RIKER Sample number one. This will do it. Samuels returns and looks at the tricorder. SAMUELS Right. Samuels adjusts something on the tricorder. INT. BRIDGE Riker touches his communicator. RIKER Transporter Room Three, this is Commander Riker. We are ready to beam you up. A beat. TRANSPORTER OFFICER'S COM VOICE This is the Enterprise, sir. We are ready. TRANSPORTER OFFICER'S COM VOICE We are about ready, sir. INT. ENGINEERING Geordi and a few N.D's are supervising Samuels and his helpers. Geordi watches a group of people as they work at a console. GEORDI (to com) Put the interior heat control system on auto-start and verify that the Bussard collector is in its normal configuration. COMPUTER VOICE Autorestart complete. Geordi activates the com panel. GEORDI Engage com panel. INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM (OPTICAL) Picard exits. Behind him, the figures disappear, the transporter effect ends and the team (including Samuels) moves to the wall panel. SAMUELS The carrier wave has been shut down. Geordi works his companel. GEORDI (to COMP) We're back in the zone. ETA... twenty-fifty-seven seconds... SAMUELS That's quite a margin. Geordi activates the com panel. GEORDI La Forge to Enterprise. We're back. WORF'S COM VOICE This is Worf, Commander. I'm beginning to detect intermittent trembling. Is there a malfunction? GEORDI (frustrated) Not with the transceiver... now. Where's the malfunction? INT. ENGINEERING Geordi is working in his office. GEORDI (to himself) There doesn't seem to be... something wrong with the transceiver... (beat) Data, what's happening? DATA'S VOICE Geordi, the transceiver is functioning normally. Geordi gets up to check again. GEORDI (to himself) "Thank you, Data... He goes back to the console and punches a few controls. There is a faint RUMBLE. GEORDI (continuing) It's the transceiver assembly. I'm going to go take a look at it. Geordi starts for the door. DATA Geordi, there is something wrong with the transceiver assembly... Geordi hesitates, confused... then EXITS. OFF Data's reaction... CUT TO: EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) The ship is still in orbit. INT. READY ROOM Data with Picard. DATA Sir, I have completed calibration tests on the star's primary and auxiliary systems. PICARD You have so far tested them? DATA I have, sir. Picard looks... DATA Inertial dampers are fully operative. PICARD Lock on tractor beam. Prepare to fire on my command. DATA Lethal radiation is only a few minutes away... PICARD Hold your position... DATA Diverting tractor beam to the probe's tail. The Enterprise rocks slightly as the tractor beam goes to its head. DATA Diverting tractor beam to its tail. The Enterprise shakes again. PICARD Let it come, Data. DATA Diverting tractor beam to its tail. The Enterprise rocks again. PICARD Ready phasers. DATA Ten seconds to terminal. They wait. DATA Terminating tractor beam. INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL) Everyone watching the viewscreen, which shows a field of fire. DATA Three seconds to terminal. WORF Two seconds to terminal. The Enterprise rocks slightly as the tractor beam takes its place. PICARD Let it come, Mister Worf! DATA One second to terminal. RIKER One to two... one to three... PICARD Let it come, Number One! RIKER ... Thirty seconds to terminal. One to two... now working together. WORF Terminating tractor beam. The Enterprise rocks slightly as the tractor beam takes its place. PICARD Let it come, Mister Worf! RIKER Two to three... ALL Let it come, Captain. EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) As the Enterprise lets go of the asteroid, which explodes into light and then disappears. INT. MAIN BRIDGE DATA One second to terminal. PICARD One to two... WORF One to two... Finally, Worf sees something on his console and begins to realize something... WORF One to three... RIKER Damn, Worf... PICARD Let it come, Mister Worf! EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) As one the photon torpedoes zoom out of the ship and smack into the beast. It is instantly JOLTED BACKWARD. The ship shakes from the jolt. INT. MAIN BRIDGE The ship is shaking VIOLENTLY. PICARD Report. RIKER We've done it... DATA Captain, the beast is beginning to retreat. RIKER Number One, we have them. EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE AND ASTEROID (OPTICAL) As the Enterprise creeps closer and CLOAK with phaser fire, the asteroid shakes violently. The Enterprise CLOAKS off-screen. INCLUDE MAIN VIEWER (OPTICAL) as the Enterprise reaches the top of the image on the screen and the asteroid. The screen now displays the view of the USS Enterprise. RIKER Status of saucer section? WORF Out of range. PICARD (to Com) Bridge to Transporter Room Three. Prepare to beam the saucer section onboard. O'BRIEN'S COM VOICE Aye, sir. TRANSPORTER CHIEF'S VOICE Standing by. WORF Sir, we are being hailed by the USS Yamato. On the screen, the viewscreen image of the USS MYSTERY SHIP appears. RIKER Open a channel. O'BRIEN'S COM VOICE (with a smile) Sir, we're in business. WORF (to Picard) I'm on the Bridge. PICARD Belay that order, Mister Worf. The Yamato's come too far away for us to be able to worry about reconciliation. RIKER (to Picard) We've been in business too long now. I say we call it quits. DATA Sir, an automated transporter signal appears to have been initiated... RIKER (to Picard) Contact the Asgard, Captain. Mister Worf, open a channel. WORF Aye, sir. PICARD This is Colonel -- RIKER Sir -- PICARD -- That ship's not going anywhere until you order it to. WORF The ship? (a beat) I'm reading an energy oscillation directly ahead. OMITTED INCLUDE MAIN VIEWER (OPTICAL) as Picard and Riker watch the rotating asteroid again. PICARD It's a ship, all right. But I don't see a thing. RIKER There's something wrong with it, Captain. It's terribly malfunctioned. PICARD (haltingly) If you'd like to test it, I will awaken it. But I don't want it operating until we've got a good reason. RIKER Like what? PICARD I don't know. I'm sure Data has a good explanation. (a beat) A Terran craft maybe? Or a Cardassian defector? WORF I disagree, Captain. It is fool's way to die. RIKER Why do you disagree? WORF The End product does not follow the design guidelines. RIKER (studying the display) That's not much of a reason. WORF It is a fact. The aliens may be nothing more than shadows in the background... but look close at the engineering discrepancy... and clearly something does not add up here. TROI We must have a answer, Commander. Now! RIKER (quickly) That's not what I'm asking you. WORF Then I don't understand how you can say that detaching one of the starboard nacelle slots is going to solve your problems. RIKER You're assuming an awful lot of guesswork. WORF I am simply trying to see if the missing slot is -- RIKER (cutting him off) That's an attitude I've known from you for quite some time. Okay, Worf -- we're not through hazing down this corridor. WORF I am trying -- RIKER I don't like the Dominion breathing in my neck. (to a crewman) Ease off the main shuttle bays. The crewman nods. The back door opens and Geordi ENTERS. GEORDI (to Riker) We've finished the rematerialization sequence. RIKER Good. (faces Picard) Captain. PICARD (a greeting) Number One. RIKER The Enterprise back with Commander William Riker. PICARD He's needed on the bridge. And still the captain has to make the bad decision. And the bad decision is for me to remain on the Enterprise. RIKER You're here to negotiate for control of the Enterprise. PICARD Are you demanding the return of your captain? RIKER That's exactly what I'm doing. PICARD What I'm about to do has far reaching consequences. I will not survive much longer. I will not survive much longer. By helping me, you are helping to destroy the Enterprise and I will never go near it again. That is my only intent. RIKER Why did you order me back? PICARD Because I deem your service to be worthy of emulation. But now I deem it necessary to remove you from the bridge... if I order you to do so. RIKER (awkward) Sir... PICARD But... you have done nothing fowlish -- nothing out of the ordinary -- in fact, you have upholded my authority with your diligent military protection. Riker tries to maintain an innocent front, but fails. RIKER Sir, what I am about to say -- PICARD You swore a loyalty to me earlier, Riker. I can only object as you now do. RIKER (issuing) Captain, if present service is sufficiently disappointing, I request a transfer. PICARD (objecting) No. Absolutely not. RIKER I beg your pardon, sir? PICARD I don't see any other course of action. (to the Guards) Lower, please advise Lieutenant Worf. WORF (anxious) Sir... there is no other course of action. The Enterprise is under attack! RIKER By whom? WORF The Borg ship... RIKER Charlie, out here, you'll find a way to track this thing... it's moving away from Earth orbit. Get down to the bridge and get us back... before this galley's popped anyone... PICARD Not you. Mister Worf -- RIKER It's too late for that, Captain. We've got to get back to the Enterprise... now. Charlie, knowing he's running out of time, nods grimly. PICARD (to Guards) Lower, proceed. The Guards move to the turbolift... INT. CORRIDOR - TRACKING PICARD AND WORF are still moving. WORF Captain... the Borg ship is approaching. PICARD Location. WORF Darwin. Picard, Riker and Data continue to move. INT. SPHERE CORRIDOR - BACK TO THE ANGLE as Picard and Riker MOVE ahead. RIKER We've almost got it now, sir. Darwin. Picard leads the way BACK. They REVEAL a couple of EMPTY SCENES in the centre of the area, the BACK of a van and the SPHERE behind it. Picard turns to Riker and they exchange a WELL-LOOKING look. PICARD I have a commissioned job to do, Number One. I'm not going anywhere. I've been ordered to tackle some problem in the yard and set a diversion in that arrival point. Is that clear? RIKER Agreed, sir. PICARD (signing confirmation) Riker. RIKER Yes, sir. PICARD Which is? RIKER Which is to say... I don't know, sir. That's why we're here... to tackle a problem of yours. ANOTHER ANGLE Data is standing somewhat closer to the transporter pad. TRANSPORTER CHIEF Dixon Hill, C.O.E. Authority to Enterprise, Captain. PICARD Let's hear what he has to say. Hill operates the controls for a moment. HILL Course laid in, sir. PICARD Engage. Picard stands and strides off. For a moment he's metamorphosed once more. The others stare at him interloper-like. FADE OUT. END OF ACT ONE ACT TWO FADE IN: EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) moving parallel once again to the shuttlecraft. INT. BRIDGE - ANGLE ON PICARD Picard watches as Riker turns to the panel. RIKER Yessir. We've laid in a course �back to the Enterprise, sir. PICARD Make it so! RIKER Sir? Patrick reacted to something at the bar this morning... he said something about war. Picard would rather not get involved in Riker's problems right now. PICARD Understood. Contact Starfleet, please. Let's get the situation under control. RIKER (to com) Main Shuttle Bay, prepare for departure. Riker�s words are half-sung, half-expecting trouble, but Picard knows his duty. PICARD Commander Riker, acknowledge on my account. RIKER Aye, sir. Riker walks toward the turbolift. INT. CORRIDOR - OUTSIDE TRANPORTER ROOM Riker walks toward the Transporter Room. The doors OPEN. RIKER Good luck, Captain. PICARD Thank you. And keep up the kind good work. The TRANSPORTER CHIEF stands at the console. PICARD (V.O.) (continuing) It seems I have made a fateful decision. RIKER REPLACES HIS PRESIDENTIAL DUTY against the Transporter Chief's console. RIKER Energize. The Transporter Chief works the console. Riker DEMATERIALIZES. INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM (OPTICAL) CLOSE ON President Riker, who never would have believed he'd be the one to bring Riker home after all. Hold a moment on President Riker and his troubled expression. OMITTED INT. RIKER'S QUARTERS President Riker stands in front of a mirror. He looks at himself in the mirror, and in the mirror, he sees himself. A moment, then he begins to SHIMMER... then he REMATERIALIZES. INT. PRESIDENT'S OFFICE - DAY President Riker ENTERS. It's late. Riker is wearing a SATOR MASK. He looks around the room, trying to put his personal things in order. The suit looks perfectly normal. JARED Thank you for seeing me, Commander Riker. RIKER Just finishing up, Commander. Jared leans in to him. JARED I've looked around my office, and I've checked the carpet, and the Horseshoe bridge. I'm sure everything looks perfectly damn normal. RIKER It's a good sign. Humans are often irked by such things. Jared zeroes in on something on the Horseshoe bridge. JARED Do you think the... president is going to be any warmer to you tonight? RIKER I hope not, Jared. I alone am a satisfactory candidate for the job. JARED In what way? Your hair is whipped up platinum blonde... your eyes pink... you have rock-solid proof claws and a superb persuasive poker face. You're almost too charming for a man your age. RIKER (amused) You must think me a bargain-hunter. JARED We're not exactly looking at a farmer, Commander. What we're looking for is an excuse to get adults. RIKER (smiles) You'll have it. Jared points to a chair. JARED We're thinking about making our way to the highlands of Kossama. Kosst Amojan was almost done there yesterday. RIKER Kosst Amojan? Today? JARED It was two months ago. But since we can't go by foot, I'll map out the safest route. You go by ship. I'll take you by bike. RIKER Any other plans? Jared shakes his head. JARED Our crops will be safe. But the price of that peace may be our freedom. Charlie and Riker glance at each other. RIKER Wonderful. But what about us? JARED You can count on your freedom, Kosinski. And my, what a year it has been! Since the war began, America has produced a hopeful crop. Half the presidents have been elected from this country. And yet we are ashamed to be witnessing a moment of your democracy. RIKER Obviously, we have some powerful friends in this gathering today. JARED Yes, they are. But they do not betray us in the slightest. Because our friends are preparing to threaten the lives of... RIKER (firm) No. No one will be harmed. Jared shakes his head. JARED Everyone will be safe. Your friends won't care how you live your life. RIKER What do you suggest? JARED You should go to the holodeck. Imagine you are the Prime Minister, and you want to... live like this. Riker is surprised by the suggestion. But before he can object, the hologram of TOMALAK, a Romulan citizen and leader, APPEARS ON A SCREENSHOT. The ANIMAL IS USED FOR MEDICAL SKILLS, which it can dangle like a cheap Tasha. JARED And how does Tomalak feel about you? He's always wanted you to be his idealistic young woman. TOMALAK Young women are the future of Romulus. And I have long dreamed of seeing you one day there. RIKER I'm honored by the invitation. (to the avatar) And now, Tomalak, we have a connection that will shake the galaxy. Tomalak nods to the other avatar, who cuts him off. The lines are smoothed out. Riker returns to the avatar, who leads him off through the hall. THE WORM IS REALIZING ITSELF ON THE SCREEN SCREEN (OPTICAL) And as Riker and the others react to the approaching entity, WE: FADE OUT. END OF ACT ONE ACT TWO FADE IN: EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE AND WORM (OPTICAL) The Enterprise slows to allow the smaller vessel to close. WORM The following information is convenient... RIKER We'll let him get away. Worf and Riker EXIT. INT. SICKBAY Five volunteers are packing up a small crate. Five have their backs to the crates. Data is at one of the consoles. Riker approaches Picard. RIKER There'll be a small team left in the ship to deliver replacements. We're going to need a power supply for life support. PICARD (nods) Very good, Number One. Let's do it. As Picard and Riker EXIT... CUT TO: INT. JOHN'S SICKBAY ROOM (OPTICAL) He is sleeping peacefully in bed. There is a FOREGROUND CLANGING sound (as from a medical echo-scan) and a couple of tranquilizers. Beverly is running an instrument along Riker's arm. BEVERLY The injury is superficial. Worf has a concussion. Riker slides open his side-pack. RIKER Still... I think I'm cracking up... Beverly finishes her exam and moves the instrument to a nearby shelf (replaced by a CLAMSHELL). BEVERLY The best thing I can do right now is give you a complete examination.* Riker shudders at the sound of the word... tries to sleep. A long moment, then he feels a cold metal on his shoulder. He leans back against the wall... nods as though to himself. RIKER (to himself) It's cold in here... He shakes his head to clear it... RIKER SB? What is it? BEVERLY SB?... is it you? Riker is startled, and a little embarrassed. He looks around as if someone was following him. RIKER Doctor... what's going on? SB? BEVERLY Whatever you did, you obviously intended to have killed whoever arrived here. RIKER SB? BEVERLY Unidentified remains... most of them intact... but some limbs are very much missing. A beat as she looks at Riker. BEVERLY I don't know who you are... but I recognize your voice. He reacts. RIKER What could you be doing in this place? She smiles. BEVERLY Maybe I should go find some answers. RIKER (a little intrigued) You think I could ask the Captain... BEVERLY That's not necessary. Just tell me you want to know something. RIKER Sure... what is it? BEVERLY There are memories... echoes... voices. I don't know how you feel, exactly. But... (beat) I can feel anger. RIKER What does that mean? BEVERLY It means I'm related to him. cumbers... CUT TO: INT. BEVERLY'S QUARTERS (OPTICAL) Beverly, sick with the effects of the microbes, is making progress in a new machine... like a high-tech gage. She is obviously "getting" more "over" with each passing moment... but she's too distraught to let herself cry. BEVERLY (continuing) Computer, access visual recording to Enterprise records. Level One Clearance. COMPUTER VOICE Accessing records. Beverly sits, nervous... over the years she's had various personalities... now she's one of desperation. CUT TO: INT. HOLODECK/SPACE STATION LABORATORY (OPTICAL) Close on Tayna while it is ongoing. TAYNA Computer, access recorded lifeform, Organicon, from Organia Four. COMPUTER VOICE Accessing records. She "mechanically" closes the panel... then appears to be running. The computer screen shows an image of a narrow corridor with various cryogenic chambers... a lot of frost covers the colony... but we can't be certain. TAYNA Did you ever observe life on Organia Four? COMPUTER VOICE Affirmative. TAYNA What's its climate like? COMPUTER VOICE It is moderately temperate. Tayna crosses to the monitor, punches in a few commands as Computer, in background, talks to Tayna. Tayna is now totally immersed, her eyes moist with emotion. TAYNA It was your idea... to sample Organia Four's atmosphere. COMPUTER VOICE You have specified a spatial configuration. TAYNA On viewscreen. The image on the screen shifts and now it's clear that the planet is solid... no outside light can penetrate it... a glowing reddish glow comes off the planet as Tayna weeks hold on this image. TAYNA What do you see? COMPUTER VOICE Anomalous low-level subspace fluctuations... a scanning detection grid... TAYNA What is the analysis of that? COMPUTER VOICE A survey of subspace field fluctuations... emanations... TAYNA What does that mean? COMPUTER VOICE Starboard sensor resonance waves. She presses a few buttons. TAYNA (off the monitor) Like a... "splitter" of light. INT. HOLODECK/SPACE STATION - OPS (OPTICAL) Computers scrolling slowly, data as readouts scrollbars on the console. Tayna is directly in front of a monitor which displays a map of the cold, sterile room... COMPUTER VOICE Concentrate your sensors on that region... TAYNA Got it. (to computer) Run station routine. The computer begins a long series of data streams as Tayna moves to where Riker and Data are hunched over evaluating an OKUDAGRAM. Science station station officers are hurrying around the room, checking monitors and workstations. Two makeup ladies are standing in front of a desk featuring a pained face. TAYNA (continuing to Riker) Look at this... this is the result of a full scan by the Enterprise's last general sensor array... She indicates the okudagram. TAYNA (continuing to Data) The freckles are the result of two different side-effects of the Ullians' third neural scan... one is always present... the other two only occur in facial recognition. She indicates the monitor image of the face with the frown line. TAYNA (continuing) Here we are... She indicates the map. TAYNA (continuing to Data) The more Ullians you talk to, the more they'll sneeze... so breventy will obstruct your work... until you've reached the point of deciding which neural input is most important... DATA (interrupting, trying to be authoritative) That is good... how does it help to understand their culture? Their sexual role in sexual reproduction... the importance of which is explored in the previous scene... The female patients make room for Data to enter the workout. He runs his hands through his hair, through his clothes, briefly touching his head and neck. TAYNA You do understand their culture? DATA I would not want to frighten you. TAYNA We all are, Data. DATA I have certainly learned many lessons in life. She nods, smiling. TAYNA Except you are not a learned one. You require a free hand. DATA That is true. TAYNA And a lot of tips on how to opt out. DATA I am trying to understand the copyright treaty your ancestors made with the J'naii. It was the most efficient system of governance in my species' ancient past. TAYNA (slight smile) And just who was most efficient? DATA It was the Wendigo, the joint operation between the Federation and the Idanian Federation. He indicates a map of the world. DATA (continuing) According to the most recent official reports, the Idani saved every Idanian community that existed on their world. (beat) Except for one unfortunate population which lived on a planet called Arcosias Three. TAYNA What about him? DATA Almost all of the Idani colonists left to colonize other planets in the galaxy. They were all destined to populate the galaxy once their home world was supplied with food. The only population to survive was a single family who lived on the planet, which was able to feed itself... thanks to an earlier species called the Lytrogens. Tayna studies the map a beat. TAYNA It's a map of the hottest zone on the planet, isn't it? DATA Yes, but the Idani weren't always aware of the dangers of air pollution. As a result, the Idani had to invent a way to breathe deep underground. TAYNA Whatever they did, they did it for the right reason. To ventilate the problem... not to alter the genetic balance... which means that the imbalance would be perpetuated. She brushes it off. TAYNA Besides, you'd be surprised how much my mother cares about her son. She was about to sit down tonight and tell me how tired and unhappy she is. DATA I am sorry to hear that, Doctor. She turns to him, pursing her lips as if to taste cavity once more. TAYNA Well, if it makes you happy, Alan... you know I'd be doing something right now if we were here. DATA I am glad that in the scheduled time we have, both of our personalities have had a meaning. Both of us are now full partners in solving a collective's problem. That is a meaningful step forward. TAYNA Most of my professional experiences have involved collective problems... Alan stirs... TAYNA (continuing) Do you remember gathering the jelly-sauce... after we finished jacketeting the colony? DATA No. TAYNA You had some jello-making experience, didn't you? DATA No. I merely made a jigsaw picture of the colonists' house. She smiles, reaches toward a nearby tray of jello samples... TAYNA Next time I'll make a batch tomato-sauce... and I'll let you taste it first. The implication being: she's already made the salsa. INT. CORRIDOR OUTSIDE SPREADING ROOM (OPTICAL) Close on Data and Tasha as they exchange a look. Suddenly, a phaser blast rips through the corridor. Data turns at the sound, looks over their heads to Tasha: "Is it you?" as she reaches up and yanks a connection device out of her pocket. Data lowers the device and Tasha pulls a miniature phaser from her pocket. TASHA Behold -- an emergency transport. She extends the transporter side panels, pulls out the device and sets it on the floor. TASHA We don't have much time, so think carefully before you pull out that device. DATA I do not understand. TASHA If you recall, we activated it while journeying to Char One. A band of explorers we met on our way reported never having left the system. The travellers said they had heard misinformation about Char One's climate. DATA Our destination is the Beta Renner System. TASHA There's no doubt its temperature is rising -- DATA But that is only part of the story. TASHA One kilometer west of here, the tractor beam suddenly gives way with surprising force. A puzzling beat. Data and Tasha exchange a look. TASHA (continuing) There's a forcefield to protect our heads from the rising surface. But it looks as though we might be able to walk out the door if we keep marching along at our current speed. DATA We should test that. I would kill to make the slightest error. TASHA We barely budge. The other ship shudders and they start to turn to look at the wall. TASHA (continuing) It's getting harder to climb. Someone else is giving up. Another silence as they contemplate the wall. DATA Maybe we should do the reverse. TASHA We haven't come down. DATA That is fortunate. (to com) Computer, reverse the direction of the Enterprise. The ship moves backwards, faster and faster. INT. TURBOLIFT SHAFT (OPTICAL) Riker and Worf appear in the depths of the swirling crackling. WORF I can't get away. OMITTED INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE The ship SHAKES and SPARKS fly. Red alert is sounding. DATA We have cleared the atmosphere, sir. (to com) Captain, contact the Rendation, please... they will answer phone. PICARD'S COM VOICE Yes, Counselor, here. RIKER How far have they penetrated? PICARD'S COM VOICE Not far enough. They're conserving power. We've been shutting down our shields. RIKER The Romulans can't sustain their power drain forever. PICARD'S COM VOICE Not forever... , it turns out. In the year 2029, the first Intrepid class starship, the Enterprise, was destroyed by the Klingon Empire for refusing to receive the signal of the Federation. RIKER So Gowron controls the fleet... DATA We have established a course going directly to the rendezvous point. It is a log entry from the Rendezvousine vessel. CUT TO: INT. SICKBAY They are still huddled over Troi and Worf. Troi is hunching her shoulders, shoulders almost bowed in embarrassment. TROI JUST WATCHED by my doctor, just allowed to be with you, Worf... WORF It should not be. We are a military organization. Our duty is to prepare our ships for war. TROI Not in a battle Worf... WORF Yes, but in defense. When necessary. He stands. WORF (continuing) There is no statute of limitations on Klingon military service. I have been in the military three years. I do not intend to be continuing like this. Troi absorbs this in her glee. WORF (continuing) If the situation calls for it, I will fight. If not... it will simply delay the inevitable -- Klingons becoming a peace-loving people. The other Klingons are gathered here. They peer at him silently, impressed with his unwavering loyalty. ALEXANDER Well, look who's here. RIKER Who? BEVERLY Alexander Rozhenko. He's going to be here in a few minutes. Riker glances at Worf, raises an eyebrow at the incompetent Starfleet official. RIKER (continuing) General, the commander of this station, a woman -- PICARD Mister Worf, convey to the administrator that as a Starfleet officer, you will accompany us on our mission. WORF Aye, sir. He exits. PICARD The two of you are returning to the Enterprise? WORF Yes, sir. PICARD We are your friends. We will provide you with any assistance you require. Alexander and Riker exchange a concerned glance. EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL