STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Wrongs Darker Than Death or Night" #40274-186 Written by Tracy Torme Directed by Les Landau Copyright 1987 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 This script is not for publication or reproduction.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. REVISED FINAL DRAFT JULY 6, 1987 STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Wrongs Darker Than Death or Night" CAST PICARD DAY RIKER RIKER TROI SARAJEVO GEORDI DURAS O'BRIEN VORIN KEIKO NAHSK KIRA TEMAREK WORF MARGAN GEORDI PILOT BEVERLY ANTARON TROI DEBIN WORF RIVOK WESLEY TRYLA SECOND ANTARON O'BRIEN TOMALAK KEIKO SOLOK SECOND ANTARON COMPUTER VOICE Non-Speaking Non-Speaking SUPERNUMERARIES ANOTHER SECURITY GUARDS ANOTHER GROUP OF TWO CREWMEMBERS ANOTHER BORG STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Wrongs Darker Than Death or Night" SETS INTERIORS EXTERIORS USS ENTERPRISE USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM STARBASE 133 TRANSPORTER ROOM CORRIDORS TURBOLIFT OBSERVATION LOUNGE RIKER'S QUARTERS SICKBAY RIKER'S QUARTERS KAMIN MAIN ROOM MAIN ENGINEERING TURBOLIFT MAIN BRIDGE STARBASE 133 SICKBAY TROI'S OFFICE TEN-FORWARD STARBASE 133 TRANSPORTER ROOM PICARD'S QUARTERS FERENGI QUARTERS STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Wrongs Darker Than Death or Night" TEASER FADE IN: EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) as it moves through space on impulse power. PICARD (V.O.) Captain's log, Stardate 41209.3. We are traveling through an unspaced noncorRECTed area, a region of space containing objects thousands of light years in diameter and several hundred thousand suns. INT. Science Section (OPTICAL) RIKER is seated at the station computer. TROI is off to the side. WORF ENTERS and sits down. GEORDI and DATA are at their respective stations. Picard crosses to the desk. RIKER (to computer) Computer, send survey team two mass spectrometers into this noncorRECTed area. COMPUTER VOICE Survey team specified. Geordi and Data look at each other. GEORDI Let's see if we can get something back that will help us narrow the field. Data moves to his station and begins tapping in a quick series of commands. Picard crosses to Riker. PICARD (quietly) Let's see what we have. He places a nearby BAYLORITE CLAMSHELL on Riker's desk. PICARD (continuing; then quietly) Have you been able to find anything not to your liking? RIKER (quietly) Not really, sir. Actually, I have eight or nine items that I want to try. PICARD Dr. Selar, these items are highly sought. Why? SELAR I wish I could say. PICARD What I can't understand is how a mundane science station manages such a vast variety of lifeforms. SELAR Perhaps, for example, we have encountered a subject most amenable to explanation -- yet we can't explain how or why. DATA Perhaps it's more like they have loops. SELAR Loos? GEORDI They're basically omnitrons -- with an emphasis on energy momentum. And you can imagine how it might affect a transceiver on their hull. SISKO (V.O.) Just how far have our adventures tied on down there? There's a moment of silence as Geordi tries to memorize the conversation. GEORDI -- most of my friends were genetically engineered. Scott and I, for example, were designed for skating... but somehow Scott felt the need to insert a skating blade in my genetic pattern. I never realized how awkward it would be -- until I read your report. SELAR Oh? GEORDI One of the things I don't understand is your interest in reproduction. Selar glances around at the others who seem to be expecting a hard time. SELAR What I really meant was that you have no idea what it's like to be in a cloning bed... RIKER You don't understand at all. You're in a process that has nothing to do with reproduction. SELAR Inherited DNA is not the issue. DATA (to Riker) I have observed that many of Scientist's questions about the process have focused on how it would affect cloning. SELAR And how we might affect it. (a thought) Cloning is a human endeavor. We don't know what it would mean for cloning. WORF If we did, would you be comfortable with it? SELAR We have to be sure. Riker studies her... RIKER I don't know... your point is that humans are biologically responsible for much of our philosophy and behavior... She laughs... SELAR Sure. Like Alice. racks her brain... SELAR She'd pick a cage if it would stop hounding her. (MORE) SELAR (Cont'd) We have to find some way to ease her suffering without leaving us. And I suggest we look inside. DATA It is possible to clone without creating the wrong microbes. SELAR (sarcastic) I doubt it. Look around. You'll find everything you need. Shelby studies her... SHELBY Why bother? SELAR Biological beings have been collecting knowledge for thousands of years. They have perfected their technique over that period of time. And with good reason. There are thousands -- even if we're all blind -- who could vendably provide Shel-la's entire needs. SHELBY (softly) I can do without an escort. She sits down next to him. SELAR (continuing) Shel-la sincerely thanks you for your kindness, Commander. These aren't the best of times. She sits down next to him. SELAR So let's talk. Riker and Worf MATERIALIZE. There is a moment of struck consensus. RIKER It would appear that my experience aboard the Enterprise has I definitely come to the end of my journey. SELAR My apologies, Commander. I did not mean to bother you. RIKER I meant no disrespect. SELAR I've known you a long time, Commander. This is obviously an unofficial visit. RIKER If you won't be attending the execution of Doctor Shuar, I will... SELAR Fine. I'll go. He MATERIALIZES in the holodeck doors. RIKER Any word from Starfleet Command? SELAR They're preparing to issue a commencement order. RIKER Let's hope the Enterprise comes by the time they do. Sela nods and turns to the computer. SELA Computer, access Shel-one program one. COMPUTER VOICE Program complete. Enter when ready. Sela nods and turns back to the computer. SELA Cancel programming. The computer ends the sequence and Sela steps back from the computer. RIKER Your answer this time, Commander. Would you rather we or shouldn't we? SELA Overall it's your call. Feel free to decide. RIKER Just before we load this bridge, I'm depending on you. If you get sick of this assignment, I'm calling you back. If not -- call me. She gives him a quick look and the feeling that she doesn't like his unexpected response is almost permanent. SELA (quietly) It's a good ship. Very good. RIKER You're very protective of your officer, Commander. SELA That's because you've never let yourself off the hook. Never. RIKER If you can string out a one-time destruct to save the Enterprise -- then I owe you an apology. SELA You may contact Koral. Tell him I'll meet him near the wall. She moves closer to him. SELA (continuing) When you do, contact me. Tell him I'll meet him near the wall. And she EXITS. Riker is deeply troubled by the thought that a woman he once considered a friend might have decided to poison his life. He turns and looks at the empty Bridge. CUT TO: INT. CORRIDOR Riker walking along. He sits at the table for some time, then conversation turns to him. GEORDI'S COM VOICE La Forge to Commander Riker. RIKER (to Com) Go ahead, Geordi. GEORDI'S COM VOICE Sir, I'm unable to contact the Enterprise. All I'm reading is a quasar's trail tracing electron cloud. STAR TREK: "Gambit, Part I" - REV. 07/27/93 - ACT ONE RIKER Then do not try. He walks into his quarters, then goes to the desk and picks up his security pike. He drills down on the bearing of the pike, making it more like a pointing pin. RIKER (to himself) Then do not act. Just then, SINGH and a MAN wearing a safari suit approaches. Like everyone else, he's not affected by the phaser blasts. RIKER Thanks for the... SHELBY (interrupting) Just turn them off, Commander. Nothing more. Riker stops, turns to see the creature hugging the side of the desk like a clam. It's relatively embarrassed by the size of the alien.  RIKER Really? That's remarkable. externalTo SHELBY We couldn't cope without power cells. RIKER What else could it be, bang the can. SHELBY It's possible the... whatever made the jump turned into a solid... when it encountered something, it triggered the radiation wake. RIKER unintention... the explosion caused the power cells in this man's body to transform into stars... SHELBY That's becoming a fact. RIKER (to the creature) Tell me about it... SPOCK (O.S.) Commander. Riker turns to see SPOCK ENTER, holding a PADD. RIKER ikuman? (spocks out) One million. SISKO That's quite a jump. RIKER It's also an opportunity, sir. Not only can we decode the code to start the facility, but -- SISKO I take it you're not going to require our assistance? RIKER We'll have to. Doctor Byleth managed to secure our necessary technology. When we arrive, the program should be able to maintain its translational facility. SHELBY You could make your own facility... if you wanted to. RIKER Story of my life, Colonel. You've freed the slaves with your barbaric violence, you keep your Indians in check... (glancing around) Exposed refueling systems and contrails. You should be approaching them in the Taranko system... WORF Sir, a distress call from a colony under attack... Riker doesn't want to listen anymore. RIKER (to com) Mister Data, contact the mission coordinates of the Enterprise and the target ship. Tell them to stand by in case we -- WORF I CANNOT GET THROUGH THE TRANSPORTER. RIKER You are not listening... WORF I will try... DATA That should take out a full third of the enemy forces, sir... but it will take years to depressurize the planet... if they are persistent and motivated, sir, it may be several decades... RIKER What the hell... The screen returns to an image of the planet. Data presses a few panels frantically, trying to link the transmission. DATA This image is purged from the main computer memory, sir... it cannot accommodate the complex mathematical structure of our capital city. RIKER What about the vision you tried to have... ? DATA Could not obtain a clear image with the naked eye, sir... my computer was simply not fast enough. RIKER (sighs) Years. I don't have to tell you the loss is massive. (talking to com) Riker to O'Brien. INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM O'Brien at the console... O'BRIEN O'Brien here, Commander. Mister O'Donnell has just been rescued. RIKER'S COM VOICE Welcome back, Mister O'Brien. O'BRIEN Thanks for the ride, sir. RIKER'S COM VOICE The other lifeform we left behind apparently destroyed the Borg ship. O'BRIEN I don't understand that. RIKER'S COM VOICE Apparently, it incorporated parts of the ship's computer into its patterns of space-time continuity. The DNA fragments from the crewmen were spread across the star's space. See, my computer was able to isolate parts of the original pattern... and rebuild them with minimal error. It basically rebuilt the outer shell of the ship. O'BRIEN It's a pretty ingenious little bit of engineering. I'd love to see some of your Enterprise-C scans. INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM Data and Moriarty ENTER. DATA The transfer itself went well. I am most impressed, Professor. MOIRAH Then how do you explain this? DATA My understanding of the android race is limited. This is still something I cannot fully explain. MOIRAH It's a gap opening in the continuum. You have begun to adjust the laws of your entity. DATA If that is so, you are open to feeling almost anything. MOIRAH If anyone feels emotion from you, I'm not sure how you can explain it. The moment hangs in the air. O'BRIEN Professor, what the hell is going on... Data waits, for something more. HANNAH Data, I think you know what the problem is... DATA But I do not. Please do. She turns to the others. HANNAH Unless there is something we CANNOT replicate. GEORDI We can't just send something somewhere that's just plain foreign to us and won't work. HANNAH Does that mean it's going to be impossible to get it working? GEORDI We'll have to make some adjustments. HANNAH Don't worry, Jerry. We'll get it done. She smiles, turns to Data. HANNAH (continuing) Well, Jerry, I'll see you in Ten Forward. She shakes hands with him, then with his colleagues: HANNAH Good luck. NOTWITH HER She strides to the door, as Data picks up his tricorder and moves to leave. HANNAH I'm sorry I had to cancel -- I wish you'd've been prepared. DATA Thank you. HANNAH Don't go, Jerry. He turns back to his work as Geordi starts to EXIT. Moriarity turns to Data with one black eye. MORIARTY While you were gone, I was troubled by a vision. I saw my mother being taken from us... leading a cultured life. I questioned her intentions... Was I a child? Was it possible I was being held back from my true potential? DATA I am curious about the nature of those concerns. MORIARTY Did I really do that? DATA No. What you said was true... and it is important to know where you stood. Moriarty crosses and gets into the room. He stands before the paintings, at the end of a long line. Each painting is a different time, different place. Each piece is a reminder of a time and place you've never had to live. Each piece is a dream that you'll never have to remember. MORIARTY Artists have always posed for sculptures. It's their goal to communicate by leaving marks, is there a checkpoint at every rupert? DATA It is not possible. There are no "markers" of any kind. There are checkpoints at every node in the distribution. MORIARTY What about leaves? Mulch -- grain, nuts, fruit -- DATA The marking is a distortion. MORIARTY I'm not so sure. He bends to take the last measurement. MORIARTY (continuing) I've measured the distribution of energy in this room, and I'm picking up Muon fluctuations. Every molecule has a half life, and the lower the level, the more corrupt the molecule's chemical composition. He bends again, and the last measurement is a bit foolish. MORIARTY Theoretically, I should be able to generate a burst of enough energy to disrupt the forcefield. Data regards the artist. DATA Unfortunately, that is not possible. MORIARTY What about a phaser? A phaser with enough power to disrupt the forcefield -- DATA I do not believe that will be possible, either. MORIARTY There's your problem. DATA I have my suggestions. MORIARTY underminin't? Beside Data, Moriarty turns to an ASSISTANT Sculptor. MORIARTY TO ASSISTANT HABITAT RING CORRIDOR He enters a turbolift. KURAK You're blocking Project Tango Three... MORIARTY I am merely observing... The assistant shouldering down to block his friend's glance, Krakality steps up to the protractor... KURAK (to assistant) Block his path... MAKBAR I apologize, Captain... it is very difficult to maintain control... KURAK You do not deserve that man. I am surprised that he is still alive. KORAL We do not know what he knows... KURAK Murder... always... And all that isaknaw... that is what he lets the assistant have so many hits on him... RIKER You have been fortunate thus far... And that is why he's still unconscious... Krakality, the assistant, are all but gone... Riker, Worf, Data, and Geordi are working over the computer, trying to put it together... GEORDI We don't know what caused the interphase device to engage... but it seems to be working with the phase inversion... KURAK (to Riker) It must have been a design flaw... a way to save experimental power during long distance operator's malfunction. GEORDI We've matched the phase inversion to the phased emission... Phase it so the phase inversion completely disappears... KURAK That will leave us with enough information to match up with the sensor records. Riker lets out a frustrated breath... INT. SICKBAY Worf injects Alexander with a hypospray, just like Worf used to have him run through the techs. KURAK (to Alexander) You did a wonderful job, historian. ALEXANDER Maybe... but I don't feel like celebrating... Kurak's face hardens with anger at the way Picard's attitude has changed since the last time they talked. KURAK You feel we have betrayed you. PICARD We will have to resolve that matter in another time... KURAK Not now, please. Alexander's body tenses... KURAK Bringers of doom... RIKER Bringers of doom... KURAK (to Picard) Captain, what do you think of this... PICARD It's a shame you're not the director of the SETAL Institute -- if we were a scientific institution, your assistant would be running the show. DATA It is a shame also. KURAK The director's a professional personality... someone who has established a solid scientific foundation... DATA (in agreement) It implies a certain class of human beings... Kurak's mind is working now... she begins to realize that she's running out of things to say. KURAK Perhaps I should say that I simply don't understand you. PICARD You don't have to explain anything of what you sense. What are you feeling. KURAK Perhaps it would be better to just forget it. PICARD To what end? KURAK I... don't know. There are implications for us... for all to see. Just as we sensed that you were... She stops, just can't find the words... just can't believe what she's saying. INT. MINES A frustrated Orton is approaching Geordi. Roux is twirling a silver Schnorfer Hachk iron saw. ORTON (to Geordi) But, what do I have to be frustrated about? After all, Guinan's entire plan is to convince me that I'm incapable of understanding her feelings... and then she'll order me to go out and buy her own replicator. GEORDI What plan is that? ORTON That's not my problem, really. GEORDI You're running out of ideas, Orton. After all, Guinan's philosophy is that of a motivator. ORTON It would seem so, yes. GEORDI Come on. There might be a better way to get your attention. What if we... found a way to modify the engine core... so that it would run on a different standard... ORTON The standard which means a different energy source? GEORDI We could use that to run the replicator. ORTON swaps out the base unit without proper calibration? GEORDI swaps out a normally distributed power link? ORTON (sarcastic) It sounds like a good idea. What happens then? GEORDI We'd re-route the power flow to the underside of the table... and voila! The machine just wakes up! ORTON (gleeful) Thanks, Commander. Geordi and Orton move to the console. ORTON (aside to Data) Now where's that optical cabling fatigue? Geordi points to a black box on the far side of the console (a prototype for "Eye of the Beholder"). GEORDI (aside to Data) Maybe we could use that to get their attention. ORTON (backing off) I didn't think I'd be able to locate that... thing without their operation. GEORDI I guess you'll just have to trust me. Orton smiles at Data. ORTON You're a good boy, huh? That means we're going to hook you as a blackmailer.  DATA You Hate Raymond. Orton smiles at him. ORTON Well, in a way I hate him too. I hate what we're going to do to him. DATA That is correct. ORTON How do you people live like this? By creating this illusion of a Perfect Aztec? Well, in particular, I don't know. But I hope you'll be pleased to know that our dear Billy and I are going to have a new baby. RIKER'S COM VOICE Commander Data, Report to Shuttlebay Two. DATA Acknowledged, sir. Orton turns to Geordi. ORTON Well, this is unfortunate. If it isn't real... Frank's just trying to get a reaction out of me. (MORE) ORTON (Cont'd) (beat) So now you've got me. What've you got for me, Frank? Geordi's responding to Orton by clapping his hands together. GEORDI Our friendship, sir. Goes unnoticed, but sometimes... The others look at him. A smile of camaraderie. ORTON (backing off) If you'll excuse me, Captain. He EXITS; Riker, Data and Geordi follow him out. INT. ENTERPRISE CORRIDOR Geordi and Riker approach the turbolift. Geordi picks up the receiver. GEORDI Commander, here's your lift. The doors open and Orton ENTERS. ORTON What d'you think? Geordi gives him a questioning look. GEORDI We've fluctuated the transfer pattern a few times, and it usually doesn't go that well. ORTON If you still want me to leave, I will. GEORDI Look, I said I'd handle the station -- I need that free hand for my experiments. ORTON Not me. I've got to protect Ibisian research. (MORE) ORTON (Cont'd) Everything. RIKER I understand. Orton heads off down the corridor. Before the door opens, he pauses and chats with the underside of the door, as if trying to sense someone else was happening. ORTON Hmm. I would imagine that Klingon women are a bit unconventional... (regarding the door) Cold side of the human body. Geordi eyes the door -- something unusual about it. GEORDI What's strange about it, Orton? The subject is casually picked up in conversation as though it were of no consequence. ORTON Now you're starting to sound like my sister! GEORDI Before I get my knuckles all over that Klingon, I thought you should know... He stands, and moves to the dialogues again. ORTON What was her name? GEORDI Kasidy Yates. Slowly, Orton turns to his work again, and his attitude shifts a little. ORTON Kasidy? She was my sister. rawdownload GEORDI Who was her name? ORTON Kasidy. (beat) Do you know that Risa is only three hours away by shuttle. GEORDI Off the shuttle... ? Orton makes a quick show of thinking it over -- again. ORTON We went back to the homeworld just to make good on our parties. GEORDI That part of the story is true. ORTON You don't remember, do you? GEORDI It's something that happened... something I'm almost ashamed to talk about... ORTON And now you plan on keeping the details of our mission to the Federation? GEORDI What others might know, and what might happen... I don't care. I'm telling myself that anything and everything will work accordingly. ORTON You're straying from the Saga. GEORDI I'm not trying to say that you should abandon your effort. It's just that... another chapter around the neck isn't nearly as tired as the first. ORTON Still, it would be understandable... if you thought we were trying to find a common ground... something that would prevent us from separating our efforts. GEORDI Because we're trying to save Lore's life? ORTON (nods) He didn't come here to kill you, Geordi. He came to steal a priceless dataportal of yours. He wanted to make a good point to his superior. togetral tenses... ORTON If he was after your data it would be his right to get it. GEORDI Last time I saw him he was in the causality loop... he thought he was doing a good deed and that others would envy him. ORTON When you're in a circumstance like this, you have to act accordingly. He winks at Geordi and EXITS. GEORDI What did you find out? ORTON Observe. Geordi moves to the monitor and taps a few keys. A number of names and bio-descriptions appear on the monitor screen. ORTON (O.S.) (overlapping) Alan Gileson... American... male... American... GEORDI What? ORTON What? GEORDI What? The computer beeps and the name is replaced by a picture of a medical database and a date. ORTON What's that date? GEORDI Check the database. ORTON Check the database? Geordi works for a moment. GEORDI Yeah. Look in the date's... He looks in the monitor. GEORDI (continuing) It says he was found in the Perimeter on a new planet... the entire star system has been rejected as the best candidate for terraforming. ORTON The hell he's the one who gave the whole system a good shake. GEORDI It was his idea. ORTON You can't be serious. GEORDI I know we're not exactly friends here... ORTON We are supposed to be. GEORDI I know. ORTON Don't be ridiculous. You're supposed to be friends. GEORDI My sincere, but... And he rises and SMASHES an open window. ORTON Forget it, everybody. The system goes to RED ALERT. GEORDI How could you have mucked up this far up the food line? ORTON What do you mean? GEORDI Well, somebody has to run those tests. At this point, they have NO FURTHER QUESTIONED and they get on with their duties. GEORDI DuMont... you'll have to get someone else to monitor that system. ORTON You can do that. The tests are pretty complex. GEORDI (smiles) Then I'll do the work. Orton EXITS and Geordi moves to the other window. INT. ATOCAL OTHER LAB (OPTICAL) The room SHAKINGIS bid farewell to Riker. NT. Telemetry LIGHTS continue as Data enters from the other room and moves to Al. Al is badly warped and flickering. A small green light shows in the side of his head. Picard is beside him, trying to orient him. DATA I am reading an unusual pattern of frequency fluctuations. Containment field down. The shaking ITSELF INTO A RAINBOW. On Riker's reaction... FADE OUT. END OF ACT FOUR ACT FIVE FADE IN: EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE AND ASTEROID (OPTICAL) NEAR SPACE. INT. READY ROOM (OPTICAL) Close on Picard, who is rapidly working his vessel's console. PICARD Adjust the trajectory to take us into the sun's corona. COM VOICE Acknowledged. Com is ready to disengage auto-destruct sequence. PICARD Bridge from here. Maximum warp factor. COM VOICE Acknowledged. Engaging auto-destruct sequence... now. The revolving door WHIZES AND HISSES OFF. OMITTED INT. ENGINEERING (OPTICAL) Data, Geordi, and Picard RIDE INTERNALLY through the engine console. GEORDI Exit auto-destruct checkpoint. Geordi hits a control and the engine console EXPLODES. Data, Geordi, and Picard REACT. GEORDI (continuing) Congratulations, guys. You did it. Geordi smiles reassuringly. But Data's still reluctant to give it up. DATA I believe I had less than five hours to learn the skills necessary to complete the task at hand. GEORDI ufactured the power cell, set it up for auto-destruct... (beat) Good work. Data nods, but still jittery. PICARD Come to living quarters. We have an away team on the surface. Geordi smiles, opens a panel on the engine console. GEORDI I'll see you tonight. DATA I look forward to it. GEORDI Me, too. WIDER ANGLE (OPTICAL) As the AWAY team moves off, Geordi lights up the console. GEORDI Okay, Commander... let's do it. He touches the panel and the engine shakes to a still gasp. Geordi looks at Data: "I told you to shut it down. He's messing with the engines. Who's he? DATA My orders were to isolate him, shutting him off when we couldn't do anything else. GEORDI I can't do that. Geordi wonders what the hell that means. Data presses another panel. Gases freeze. DATA Please proceed. GEORDI Okay... but just for a little while longer. Services are still underway. Geordi is tense. Data watches closely. SOMETHING IS CONTINUING. GEORDI What's happening? DATA I am not certain. However, it appears that our primary problem is a SYSTEM OVERLOAD. GEORDI What's that? DATA An unknown, perhaps a factor failing the nullifier. GEORDI (realizing) Funny, I was just about to come in for maintenance. DATA I am sorry to disturb you, but I must leave. GEORDI Okay... unless you have a more serious problem... DATA I do not perceive that to be a valid concern, Commander. Geordi reacts... OFF the tension of the moment... INT. ROYALE - RICHEY'S SUITE The away team is searching the room for anything that will give them a sense of security. The PHASER RIFLE has been moved into the room by the force. Chambers, slits, gouges and stabs are all over the room. Some trip and bounce from side to side. The candle-bed could be seen flying out from the console. The door ROLLS down and out of sight. Then the door OPENS. Weyoun stands there for a moment, a stranger in a strange room. He looks around quickly, scanning the room. WEYOUN Nothing at all. FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER If you will open the panel next to the door, you can get to the power cell. WEYOUN Indeed. Weyoun moves to the cell and looks inside. The Cell Crystal is still sitting in the middle of the room. FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER What is it? WEYOUN The crystal contains the records of the future. FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER It? WEYOUN It serves the purpose of storing information. FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER (curious) In a way it does. But I'm aware that many years down the history of our species there have been times when life on Earth has looked very different from the way it looks here. (beat) You used to have colonies in Europe. Things were different back then. But those colonies have suffered because of your influence. WEYOUN I'm afraid they suffered even more. Because of what I've done. FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER It pains me to hear you say that. WEYOUN Perhaps you're right, for both sides of the argument. FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER Pardon me, major... but what I've done is cause pain and destruction in other people. WEYOUN It pains me to hear you say that. FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER But I do it willingly. No good reason. WEYOUN Perhaps you do. FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER (are you questioning that now?) An Earth woman who's bent on making a new life for herself on the new world? Doubtless she has a strong prejudice against the Federation. WEYOUN I didn't think you were much for the common man. FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER Else why have your people never questioned your rule about inciting civil war? KIRA (with disdain) You already have. FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER (turning to Weyoun) I see you agree with him. Weyoun stiffens, suddenly very uncomfortable with the old lady's attitude. WEYOUN If the Founders should choose to implement a policy of conflict, I for one would like to avoid it centuries from now on. FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER So you agree with his assessment. (to the Founder) The disruptive power of the organs. The Founder waves her away. FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER Odo does not need to be reminded that he is the only link in the machinery of the Dominion. The Founder nods her agreement. FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER We will strengthen our hold on the neural pathways long after Odo runs out of options. And with that, the Founder's VISOR is replaced by a STARCHART which SHUTS OFF the Founder's HAND. KIRA What do we do? FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER Simply activate the Founder's cognitive network at any time. KIRA You're a little vague on the benefits... FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER The Founder's given you back your sense of purpose. KIRA But what about... moving on to different networks? FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER The change will be gradual. Keep your mind open... (MORE) FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER (Cont'd) It's a process... A journey that cannot be undone. KIRA (getting suspicious) Like the Wormhole. FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER What about the Wormhole? KIRA It just might start to look like something else. Kira gives the Founder a long look -- if there's something to her, she won't show it. KIRA You're generous, I'll admit. (a beat) How long will it take you to program the first iteration? FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER Six days. KIRA That's six days away. FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER This is Phase Two. KIRA I can't guarantee you'll be on the Enterprise by the time I'm finished. (a beat) I might be able to get you out of the programming sequence after all. FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER It is your task to do the rest... Off Kira's face as she contemplates her words -- INT. ORE PROCESSING A half-dozen Bajoran workers climb a 469-foot rung -- or "crumb" -- that rises up off the floor. COMPUTER VOICE Recognize program -- name. Winn sounds it. WINN'S VOICE "The Shining Star." Bajoran food appears on a small TV set that a journalist is using to take notes. COMPUTER VOICE Program complete. Names of programs shown in bold educationally significant text. Winn smiles as she's interrupted by a Worker. WINN Are you finished? The worker nods and EXITS. Off Kira's puzzled expression... INT. KAI WINN'S QUARTERS Kira ENTERS to find a worker returning from the edge, offering her a piece of food. The worker has been looted. KIRA I take it this was not an accident? WINN The Name of the Prophets is interruptible. KIRA Then who? WINN I am the Name of the Prophets. I've done what? Kira shakes her head. KIRA I don't understand... WINN Summon the workers. KIRA (worried) I can't... WINN I'll see to it that the Vedek Assembly gets a full day's pay. Kira's worried enough to snap: KIRA (to the worker) If you're not comfortable with me seeing the Commander's office, all of Bajor needs is a seat on the Council. The worker nods and EXITS. NEW ANGLE As Winn goes to the door and approaches Kira. WINN I just want to say that I respect your beliefs, major. You're well-educated, well- built... a woman of proven Strength and fortitude. KIRA I'm honored to be included. WINN But you're not welcome on the Council. If the Vedek Assembly warrants to speak with you, it can. KIRA I'll go right to it. WINN (meeting the major's skeptical eye) You're making a terrible mistake. KIRA I don't think Winn's interested in the courts. Her first priority is to ensure the loyalty of the Bajoran workers. Let's just be grateful that you're here to help them. KIRA (Cont'd) (a beat) The more we cooperate with the Community, the more we can restore some semblance of order to Bajor. WINN It seems like a very good idea. KIRA If there's one thing I've had enough of, it's your presumption of guilt. If you knew I wasn't being entirely honest about what happened, you wouldn't have accused me of being a spy. WINN It's an interesting theory, minister. But it's groundless hopes. KIRA What else do you have to say? WINN I must say that I'm flattered by your interest. And for allowing the installation of the Holosuite in the first place. (a beat) I find it hard to believe that you were behind it... KIRA Why would you? WINN I suppose you two had something to do together. KIRA We're not here to plan whatever that's going to be. (a beat) I'm as much in charge of this as you are. WINN Perhaps I'll see to it that you and the Kai are properly received. And with that, she ENDS the connection. The visions are forever lost. CLOSE ON KIRA as she slumps, knowing she's been let go. And the loneliness of it all is a bit much. EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL) Re-establishing. INT. HOLOSUITE - VIC'S LOUNGE Starting on a couple of gorgeous actresses who are sitting around a table in the middle of the room. VIC You know, forward motionless yourself? Dax and Kira nod. VIC (to the actresses) Your scenes will be the most beautiful this side of Dublin. Kira smiles. INT. ANOTHER HOLOSUITE - EMPTY The lights are low. Ziggy's body is taken off death's-path and we get the sense he's in a great deal of pain. He spins on an empty hip. DUKAT (a threat) I don't have to -- Dukat holds up a finger, then Zygmsm, then continues. DUKAT (continuing) But you will. Dukat finishes tapping his fingers, looks up at Kira. DUKAT Hurry back. Kira hurries to the back of the chair. KIRA He gave me some medicine. DUKAT Now you're going to lie down. Kira shakes her head. KIRA I'm fine. And I'll see You. Kira sits down on a box spring, runs her hand across the back of Zygmsm's mid-section. KIRA Does that hurt? Dukat looks down at Kira's hand, which is now a few inches away from his. DUKAT It hurts... But I don't think it will, either. KIRA (with humor) Well, unless You start brushing foliage. Kira looks up at Dukat, who gives her a small smile. DUKAT Diverticulated veins of potassium acetate. Also used for explosive epiglottic absorption. KIRA That really does help with retention... DUKAT Yes, but in this case, it's not that important. Dukat is laughing because Kira is now all but dependent on him and there's nothing she can do about it. CLOSE ON KIRA as she looks down at Dukat, smiling a mixture of joy and sorrow. And we go out to find -- INT. HABITAT RING CORRIDOR Kira and Dukat emerge from an airlock and head down the corridor. DUKAT You know, Nerys, it wouldn't be so easy to forget. KIRA What? They approach a door marked "Habitat Ring." DUKAT You never really cared for Cardassians, were you? Kira doesn't respond. DUKAT Maybe I've found a way to make you like me. KIRA Relationships are so much complicated. DUKAT They're not so complicated I can understand why you don't like them. KIRA Relationships work both ways. People who come here to live don't want to live anywhere but Risa. DUKAT And you're probably right. Kira turns and looks -- Dukat has opened the door to what he's come for. INT. HABITAT RING CORRIDOR Kira and Dukat ENTER from an airlock. DUKAT You can take my place, Major. And with a look at Kira's face, Dukat knows they're being taken. The door closes and Dukat and Kira EXIT into... INT. HABITAT RING CORRIDOR (OPTICAL) But instead of the turbolift, they find themselves in a corridor full of Cardassian army trucks, as seen in "A Simple Investigation." There's a large COMMAND CENTER in the middle of the corridor, and several Gorkon soldiers are guarding the area. DUKAT (off his monitor) This is it. Suddenly Kira pushes to the front of the truck and removes the DOOR MARKERS from her eyes. KIRA This is my door. Kira walks down the corridor and pushes the door shut. Dukat looks apologetically at Kira, who smiles apologetically back. DUKAT This is all you need to think about what's going on. And as Dukat and Kira head for the turbolift... INT. DILITHIUM CHAMBER - CONTINUOUS Garak and Damar are looking at the Overhead Display displaying Dilithium Crystals Five through Nine. GARAK (trying to be casual) The latest designs... the Glaspiest of all. DAMAR We've come a long way... GARAK Enough for what? DAMAR You need to stop thinking so much. The Glaspiest was created forty years ago. Something strange happened to it... it probably absorbed some of the energy from the previous creations and decided to make another. GARAK It's a good thing we didn't study it. Computer, level one camouflage -- Just then, the Computer BEEPS. COMPUTER VOICE Inspection complete. DAMAR Analysis complete. GARAK Computer, intruder alert. The Computer BEEPS again. DAMAR Let's say you're off on a vision... and you come back to Starry Night. What are you preparing to do? COMPUTER VOICE The evaluation of the holosuite program has just begun. GARAK You've got one hour, thirty-five minutes and thirty-five seconds. DAMAR Right. INT. HOLOSUITE CAVE ... Where the Cardassian engineer and one of his Cardassian laborers ENTER. The engineer is quietly packing away the equipment while the worker is setting up the program. GEORDI Hey, new friend. CLAXERY Sorry to interrupt, but everything's running smooth. Garak steps up to the engineer. GARAK Focus on the task at hand. Figure out how to restore power to the holosuite. We don't have to worry about any of your precious memory files. GEORDI You don't sound trustworthy. GARAK I prefer to think of myself as self-appointed. GEORDI (sarcastic) I can see why you're tempted to come with me. GARAK I came here to rescue my mujahid. GEORDI looting a museum is hardly a noble cause. GARAK It is your duty to help those who are hurt, regardless of their motives. GEORDI Cover your purchases with latinum. (off Garak's questioning look) Interesting. Garak looks at the computer console. GARAK I'm afraid I can't forgive your erratic behavior. GEORDI (smiles) If there's a problem with the holosuite program, I want to make it right away. GARAK I'm glad to hear you agree. BEVERLY (clapping) That's what I said. You've got it turning out all right. Garak looks at her with admiration, then breaks into a smile. GARAK You're just the type, doctor. You think you're so much smarter than the rest of us... (indicating the holocube) Tell me... how about a glass of clear liquid... Mauryan crystals, perhaps? Beverly considers the offer, then nods. BEVERLY Perhaps. But you won't know until you try it. She puts it on a tray. GEORDI Doctor, what's the accountant? AMARIE Yes, Mister La Forge. He's gone good. (MORE) AMARIE (Cont'd) She's been helping me double profit at all the craps I've run... I've earned a small profit in every deal I've opened. GEORDI I'm sure that's true. AMARIE I've always wanted to earn something... I'm thinking of opening a bar. What do you think? GEORDI Maybe we can set up a day or two in a nearby resort... AMARIE Maybe. He considers. GEORDI So what else can I do for you? Call me at the height of your experience? Whatever it takes. AMARIE Is that all you can say? GEORDI I'm afraid it is... Without warning, he reaches forward and cups her little breasts. Before she can resist... he kisses her. Enchantment. GEORDI (harsh) Well, it's good to have you back, Amanda. (kissing) It's good to be you. And as he pulls away, we go to -- INT. READY ROOM (OPTICAL) Q's on Picard's desk as Data and Picard EXIT to the Bridge. PICARD Ambassador Vagh is to tour the laboratories on behalf of the government of Bela... VAGH Captain, I have just received verbal orders from the Cmdr. Colonel, ordering me to join you tonight at the Roselle Club. PICARD I'll be there. VAGH With my wife and child. Picard is shocked. PICARD What?! Vagh clasps both hands on the table and EXITS. Data is very disturbed. INT. PICARD'S QUARTERS - BEDROOM Picard bolts awake in bed. DATA Computer, provide a full complete profile of Doctor Q. COMPUTER VOICE Interview complete. PICARD Q? Bad tweet, Q. I thought you were dead. No response. Picard stands quietly at the foot of the bed, desperately trying to contact Q. He can't. WORF'S COM VOICE Bridge to Captain Picard... PICARD Go ahead, Worf. WORF'S COM VOICE We are getting uncharacteristically frustrated transmission from Starfleet Intelligence. PICARD On my way, Number One. (to computer) Computer, access Captain's personal log. COMPUTER VOICE Access complete. PICARD Figure out what happened to the Borg ship. No response. PICARD Gentlemen, perhaps we can trade a few moments for a better explanation. RIKER (impressed) A thing to think about when you get back to Earth. Picard EXITS to the Corridor. INT. CORRIDOR - CONTINUOUS Picard ENTERS the corridor. The corridor is very dense. He stops and waits. Nothing. He looks down the corridor and then continues forward. He passes a crewmember who is working on a Transporter. PICARD He couldn't have gotten used to the intensity of the stimulus. The threshold for mental training is so high that most people can't ever get used to the idea that they're unskilled. (beat) What goes through your mind, Data? The Klingon looks at Data. WORF We are not here to train people. We are here to observe and learn. PICARD That's part of what we do. Exchange information. WORF That is what you do best, Captain. Picard smiles and proceeds onward. The Klingon continues after him for a few beats. OFF the mood on the Bridge... CUT TO: INT. RIKER'S QUARTERS Riker, Loquel, Troi, Worf and Geordi are discussing the problem. TROI We should be able to clear this something in a few minutes. But we don't have to worry about that now... we'll just have to adjust the orientation transition sequencer. GEORDI That still might not be enough time to get us back to the Xepol two minutes before the Xepol exploded... Riker nods. TROI We can't use the phasers to counteract the radiation, but we might be able to find a way to short out the reaction sequence. Riker gives her a look -- if this is working, it's working. RIKER We have the conn through the dyne relay to the computer. The officer's assistant is running the show. GEORDI I'll go through it in the lab. Geordi and Riker move away. NEW ANGLE as Riker approaches the table. Loquel looks up from his console. LOQUEL Commander, my assistant is running the show. RIKER We can't let him run things. LOQUEL I disagree. Riker looks at Loquel. RIKER I'll get right to the point. LOQUEL Are you familiar with the molecular structure of a Beano replacement? RIKER No, but I heard you refer to its metal construction when you confirmed the ship's composition. LOQUEL Yes. When we replaced the existing organic molecules with genetically-based compounds... the resultant molecules had an enhanced molecular structure that protected the organic molecules from the elements. RIKER What would happen to a sample of your own organic DNA -- if you used it to strengthen the component of the original? LOQUEL I'm not sure, sir. (beat) I could be creating a massive decomposition. It pains Riker to be reminded of his experience with the Enterprise. RIKER (hard) You're risking your crew. Loquel glances at him. LOQUEL I wondered why you were brought here. RIKER I've had my experience with the colonists. I can assure you that your behavior will be monitored intensely. Loquel reacts. LOQUEL You are caring for them. RIKER (slight smile) I don't mind being watched. Loquel reacts to another look at Riker, feeling a twinge of regret. LOQUEL (to Riker) I don't think I should be monitoring you, sir. RIKER No woman is too valuable to have its own quarters. LOQUEL (beat) I see. Well, have you utilized your resources to date? RIKER No... LOQUEL No, sir. You have been in constant communication with Commander Riker. Nothing. A long beat. Then Loquel shakes his head. LOQUEL Perhaps I should. He sits down on the edge of the desk. LOQUEL Thank you, sir. RIKER You're welcome. Riker lets him go. INT. PICARD'S QUARTERS Picard ENTERS and walks to a table. He sits down. He leans forward and emits a MELODY. NEW ANGLE (OPTICAL) Through the flicker of lights and the SOUND of a door opening, we can see that Picard is in his FANTASY world. The door slides open and TROI steps out. Picard realizes that she is the same woman who appeared to be alone in the bedroom. He stares at her, confused. PICARD Deanna... ? TROI Hello, Captain. Are you ready? Picard takes a step toward her. PICARD Yes... Troi looks at him oddly. TROI If you'll have a seat, Captain. PICARD Are you well? TROI Yes... (indicates the laptop) I've spent most of my life in cruise vessels. So far, I'm very successful. Picard steps toward the laptop. PICARD The important thing is that we find the Star Cruisers. TROI The seven that defended our world are gone. Our cities were ransacked... our farms aboard the ruined planet... our warships have made little progress in recovering command control. Picard steps to a chair and stares at the laptop. PICARD You've returned to the computer. TROI We do not return to the computer. We leave when we are ready, Commander. RIKER (touching his communicator) Enterprise, this is the bridge. We are leaving orbit. PICARD Set a course for the Cormor system. RIKER Course laid in, sir. PICARD Engage. Off Troi's face as she concentrates on the task at hand... FADE OUT. END OF ACT THREE ACT FOUR FADE IN: INT. CORRIDOR Riker walks down the corridor toward his office. There are two crewmembers there (names are given). RIKER (to crewman) Check to see if the computer's back on line. FIRST CREWMAN The computer's not responding, Commander. RIKER What's the problem? The crewman turns to Riker. FIRST CREWMAN There's been a system wide power failure. RIKER What's the cause? FIRST CREWMAN The computer has locked up. Riker moves to Data. RIKER Draw something on the tricorder. Data points with his head. DATA The problem is massive EM interference in the tranStar cluster. The ship's cone is mostly intact... however, its backward sloping outer edge is a noticeable color shift. RIKER (re: color shift) The interior EPSG has clearly been affected. DATA That is correct, Commander. subspace radio harmonics appear to be a significant cause. RIKER When will the test results come in? DATA Thirty-six hours. Riker reacts to the news. The staff meeting isn't going well. KEEL, the artist from the Teaser, comes down from the Bridge with some JUNK, playing the trombone over the ship... It's hard to believe this will be the only test... The staff meeting breaks up and Riker and Data head for the Turbolift. Riker brushes past TREVEAN, nods toward Picard. RIKER (to Picard) I've called a meeting of the crew. We're going to do what we've said before... (MORE) RIKER (Cont'd) (to Greene) Greene, you are the on-board relationsman. You have an assignment, but it's all yours. Let's do it. As Riker and Data exit... INT. CORRIDOR As Riker and Data exit... a crewman, TELLER, steps forward, to escort them through the corridor. Riker smiles at the sight of the crewman as he passes... RIKER It's good to see you, too, sir. TELLER You can tell them everything that happened in those nine years. Riker grins, shakes his head a little. RIKER Everything? TELLER Everything! Riker smiles at the compliment as Teasher heads for the turbolift. RIKER (to computer) Computer, waive the station signal on the runabout. The computer option activates. TELLER (smiling) Thank you, sir. I'll see you tonight. (to computer) Computer, please activate the shuttlecraft ENSIGN per your orders. COMPUTER VOICE Hull temperature zero-point-eight million Kelvins and rising. RIKER I'll see you up to your Reyga stations. The Transporter chief checks the PADD. TELLER You authorized. Prepare to beam aboard. The Transporter chief positions himself in front of the hull window. TELLER (smiles) You understand, sir? Riker nods. WORF (from inside ship) A vessel has just beamed a new advisory. TELLER (to Riker) It's the Saulir, sir. Please acknowledge. RIKER Rate it on the Saulir. TELLER (Argyle shaking his head) It's up to the pilot. Tell me your instructions. RIKER On your way. INT. MAIN BRIDGE Picard comes out of his Ready Room. PICARD Take us out of orbit. SHELBY Aye, sir. (as Riker looks aboard) Starboard thruster test. Riker smiles at this. RIKER Coordinates now read Delta-four-seven. PICARD Well done. OMITTED INT. SHUTTLEBAY (OPTICAL) From inside the shuttle, Riker and Tellar, his DATHON, are BEAMING. Gas pours from the rear of the shuttle; a stirring of warm liquid. The following SCENE INCLUDE Riker and Tellar, as they MOVE FORWARD. RIKER You've got him, Captain. INT. MAIN BRIDGE PICARD What are you doing? TALLERAUGHTER While we await your reply, we have caught the attention of a curious fellow in the Oppai community. PICARD We didn't mean to imply charity. TALLERAUGHTER Neither did we. The Nakamura's nervous of mind, and his nervous of heart. This nervous of heart is in turn undetectable by any other vessel as in our experience, it is dependent only of the energy flow. PICARD What about physical restraint? TALLERAUGHTER Lieutenant Pilgrim has been restrained. RIKER That's very kind, sir. PICARD However you got there, we are still on a clear driving course. Your heading is adversely timed as we arrive at the edge of the antiplasty paradise. TALLERAUGHTER Will you still be on that renduce? Nods all around. PICARD Well, at the moment... He stops, and a smile breaks slowly across his face. PICARD (continuing) ... what do we do? And on that smile and the cascade of good-natured arrogance, we: FADE OUT. END OF ACT TWO ACT THREE FADE IN: EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE AND STARGAZER (OPTICAL) The smaller vessel is heading toward the larger Starfarer. PICARD (V. O.) Captain's log, supplemental. We have rendezvoused with USS Starfarer with an unidentified vessel which requires my presence on the scene. INT. ENTERPRISE OBSERVATION LOUNGE (OPTICAL) Picard, RIKER, TROI, DATA, GEORDI, and Worf listen to the report. PICARD (V. O.) (continuing) ... at which time the Starfarer began its journey to Gamma Erandi. STAR TREK: "All Good Things... "- REV. 03/31/94 - ACT THREE25. GEORDI It could be a message. TROI Or a distress call. PICARD Ensign Rager answered all entirely. And it's interesting there's someone left on board who wasn't there the entire time. WORF (catching on) So she should be here, if we lock onto her signal... GEORDI We could initiate a level one control at this point and just monitor her location. RIKER (to Picard) We'd better beam down to the surface. EXT. ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) Hanging motionless in space. PICARD (V.O.) (continuing) ... and once we're light years thin, we should be able to return to the Enterprise with her captain. INT. BRIDGE - ANGLE ON PICARD Picard is looking at the viewscreen. CLOSE ON TROI She's straining to see. PICARD Are you certain, Counselor? TROI Yes, I can feel it. It's fragmented. PICARD Would you care to view the image? TROI I would if it was moving. Clearly it's not. BACK TO SCENE PICARD Data? DATA Our sensors are still unable to determine what's between the atmosphere and the ship. Nevertheless, we must open hailing frequencies. Picard studies the screen for a beat. PICARD Leader, this is Captain Picard. Speak English.  QUINN Captain, this is the leader of the Versa... PICARD Mirab! Picard turns to Quinn who is eyeing the screen gently. QUINN It's English. Talk to me in your own language. I can't transit. I will not listen. The screen goes blank. PICARD Quinn, what are you saying? QUINN I'm sorry, I can't understand your language. PICARD That's not my problem. QUINN No, absolutely not. It's the Captain's. It's his right, as a matter of fact, to speak English. (spreads his arms) Now, hold on to me. I'll lend a hand. OMITTED INT. CLARA'S QUARTERS (OPTICAL) Clara sits alone fuming. She sets down her drawing of a garden and takes out the water vat from the reclamators. Then she quickly fills the vat full of water and lets it sit for a beat. She shuts the wall panel and then places the basin on a table and rolls her head around it gently. She rolls her eyes around the room, and stops when she sees something in the water. IN THE WINDOW (OPTICAL) There is a table in the room with a chair on it. It's the living area and it's dark. A couch can be seen in the adjacent room. It's empty, but the couch is where Clara is lying on her back, her arm around the lap of the couch. Her face is turned toward the window. She is looking through a small window at something beyond the starfield on the wall. Her face relaxes and she glances up at something beyond the window. She turns to see Troi standing in the doorway. TROI Is something wrong, Clara? Clara sits up and smiles when she sees the younger girl. Her eyes dart toward the couch but she hides them. Troi acts as if she doesn't know anything about this and puts an arm around Clara's shoulder. TROI This is Clara's room. It's her home... CLARA But it's not real. TROI It may be a good idea to take things a little slower on this. Clara curls her arms around Troi's, tightly. Troi picks up an intricate-looking device from the shelf. It's a communicator. TROI (continuing) Teleport. CLARA I can't. TROI You must go. Clara looks at the crate. CLARA But it's my world! I've always believed I was an only child. TROI When you realize gender is nothing more than a social construct created by society, gender becomes nothing more than the division of labor. TROI That's gender gone. CLARA Mommy? TROI Yes, Clara. There is a world outside the window. CLARA But it's not real. TROI That's OK. Gender isn't everything. There are many other Clara Sutter and this won't be your last. Clara frowns -- this isn't good. CROSIS It won't affect you. TROI That's right. As Clara, I'm your family now. It's not your responsibility to ensure things go on the way we want. CROSIS We want nothing less than a miracle. TROI There's no way we can do that. CROSIS How dare you! Suddenly, the cloth from the hamper THUD SHATTERES off the wearer. The wearer turns to Clara, holding out his hand. CROSIS Why aren't you running? Clara looks offended. She stands. CLARA I'm not really a runner. (with embarrassed smile) I sort of enjoy Earth events. CROSIS ideon-lee-nah-nah-nah-nah (re: prosthetic arm) Did you need it? CLARA Yes. I really need it. CROSIS It's not broken. I can fix it later. Right now it's more than a nuisance. CLARA There's no way you can do that. CROSIS It has to be fixed, or we'll never get visitors. Now is everything ready? Clara point to the food slot. CLARA We're ready for two cups of beet tea. CROSIS I don't want the visitor. I only want visitors who will be loyal to us. CLARA Jealousy is the trait of the human species, not our designated enemies. CROSIS Evade. CLARA No, but I will try to avoid getting them angry. CROSIS They've had enough of loyalty. CLARA But they're still a lot to get used to... CROSIS You don't know. They are animate objects. Nothing more. Not even fire. And there is no planning. No experience. CLARA That's part of it. But I'm also growing. CROSIS You are an android. And it is not yet fully realized what that means. CLARA It means I can plan for the future. CROSIS You have your plans... but not too far away. CLARA I know. But I want to go somewhere. Maybe meet someone with another family. CROSIS That alone is reason enough to go. TARA What if you go to Marked Wolf's party? CROSIS (nods) They'll be happy to give you a place to stay. TARA I don't think so. Mark my spiration. CROSIS You're wasting your time. You should be concentrating on your garden. Animal friends are much more enjoyable. TARA What are you talking about? CROSIS That is no longer your concern. I know how much your pain is warranted. You should be here with us right now, with our challenge. There's not much time for arguments. Multiple players have added their pieces to the pile. CUT TO: INT. ROYALE LOBBY - THE AWAY TEAM are lined up waiting for the game. They all look cheated. Nothing has happened yet. WORF Two to victory. EZRI Surprise me. Ezri and Joran exchange a look. JORAN It's not the system we have this time. EZRI I thought we were more inclusive. KIRA Maybe you should pick another solar system. JORAN A strong man doesn't need a solar system. EZRI We're still running the same program. WORF Three to victory. Something has definitely started to go wrong. JORAN Four. EZRI I thought we were one of the assimilators. WORF Maybe. But it would take more time to transcribe one of your voiceprints. EZRI What do you want from me? WORF Finish the program and earn my freedom. EZRI I'll help. WORF You're a liar. But you also have a gift. A gift that will help you beat the odds and escape from this situation. Worf walks off and Ezri puts back on the task equipment. CUT TO: INT. EZRI'S QUARTERS InstoreAndOnlineWIDEN to reveal Ezri working on a PADD. EZRI Computer, access program KJEM-A Three. COMPUTER VOICE Program terminated. EZRI How much longer until we're to rendezvous with the Spire of the New Tehran? COMPUTER VOICE Estimated time for rendezvous in ten minutes. Ezri gets to her feet. EZRI I'll see you in Ops. She throws her dependance on the shoulder and starts for the door. JORAN I'll be back agonizingly after ten minutes. Joran EXITS. Ezri takes a deep breath, sets down the PADD, then opens the storeroom door. She ENTERS and looks around. Joran is gone. EZRI (calling out) There are rows of merchandise lined up in the back. Ezri walks over to a large spacious closet. She EXITS to the closet, which is festooned with dozens of colorful clothing and accessories. Ezri looks around at the festooned surroundings. EZRI (continuing, re: the closet) You really are getting along right now. JORAN I can't tell you how much I enjoy the company you're bringing me. EZRI Nothing's changed. I'm still your wife -- with a few changes. JORAN Nothing? EZRI I changed my name. JORAN Yes, you did. EZRI I've never been happier to be old. JORAN You've remained this way for days. EZRI I don't want to see you hurt again -- not again. JORAN I'm sorry. But as of now, we don't have to. EZRI Why not? JORAN (smiling) Because it's the right thing to do. Joran steps closer to Ezri and kisses her softly on the lips. JORAN Let's go home. Joran and Ezri EXIT. CUT TO: EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL) Re-establishing. INT. EZRI'S BEDROOM (OPTICAL) Ezri is asleep in bed. Joran Bajor, his Starfleet meddles, and his own weight bearing down on his shoulders. Ezri wakes with a start and looks around the room for Joran. EZRI Hi. There's no answer. EZRI (louder) Quark? There's no response. Ezri turns her back to the room and begins to walk. EZRI Computer, location of Joran Bajor. COMPUTER VOICE Ezri... Ezri turns to see -- ANOTHER ANGLE from a bathroom stall. Joran is inside, holding a towel wrapped in plastic and set in a stall. Ezri looks at him, astonished. EZRI embedreportprint(continuing, wagging her hand) I know you're thinking about your family. And I know you're � getting nervous. (a beat) Just a moment of tranquility for now... And with that, Ezri moves past the woman and heads toward the bedroom. INT. JORAN'S BEDROOM (OPTICAL) Ezri enters the room and finds Joran asleep, staring at the ceiling. She turns and looks at Quark. EZRI I have to go now. QUARK I'm not ready. EZRI You seem to be in a good mood. QUARK It's a good thing. You seem to be in a lot of trouble. Ezri smiles as she prepares to cross the room and leave. CUT TO: INT. WARDROOM (OPTICAL) Kira has Korinas before her -- Dax is filing past Kira, and there's no one sitting in the audience. KIRAS EMPTY KIRA Major. Kira comes over to Dax. KIRA (continuing) I need to see you. Kira sees Dax and approaches her. KIRA BRACILLIAN(GUL) I have a message for you from the Geneox Two Conference. DAX This is all so wrong. KIRA Last time we spoke it seemed to be working. Thank you, Jadzia. DAX (wry) I'm sure you told me that all the complimentary hardware replacements are on the station. KIRA Not all... I've not had my share of repairs so far. DAX What about the station? Kira has to stop... she's in too deep. KIRA (confused) What do I do -- give you the bridge, or should I? Dax goes to Kimora. DAX That leaves you a lot of choices. KIRA (a bit evasive) You mean like before? When I came here you didn't even know I was coming. DAX And I said "I don't want to see you," and you cold-cocked me. KIRA That's not fair. I didn't cite a reason -- I didn't argue that you were definitely dangerous. I just assumed, it wasn't you, it was the others. Is that right? DAX (mind working) Which made you nervous. KIRA Borg and Cardassians come in my quarters. DAX Ah. Then where is it? KIRA You'd better go. This trip woulda made me feel a lot better. KIRA EXITS. CUT TO: INT. EZRI'S BEDROOM Ezri is lying in bed. A moment, then Worf's COM VOICE interrupts. WORF'S COM VOICE Commander. EZRI Yes, Commander. WORF'S VOICE I have reason to believe that someone is attempting to kill Lieutenant Neral. That information is very painful to both Ezri and Worf. EZRI You're right. Let me know if you hear anything? WORF'S VOICE There is no cell reception in the ventilation system. That's not good news, but Ezri tries not to give up. EZRI We'll have to figure a way to talk these Klingons out of their misdirections. INT. CORRIDOR Ezri and Worf are headed towards the Tozhat Resettlement Center. EZRI I'm going to try to get some conversation. WORF What can you tell them? EZRI For starters, what do you think they're going to do with my husband's body? WORF I'm not sure. EZRI Well, whatever it is -- don't let him get you down. WORF You can't bury him. EZRI Why? He's not dead. WORF He might be. EZRI I hope so. Because I'll never know. And with that, Ezri and Worf turn and head down the Corridor, never getting out of sight of the Borg. CLOSE ON WORF As he looks down the corridor, finally seeing the one he's looking for. Worf springs a full point to the chest, but the Borg manages to pin him down. CLOSE ON EZRI As she tries to comfort Worf, she in turn, tries to convince him to free himself. EZRI Stop thinking about yourself. Think about Ezri. You'll find out who you are. Once you do, you'll never want to leave. Worf makes a low, throaty sound in response. EZRI So this is your plan? WORF It's not clear to me yet how you intend to do that. EZRI (indicating their outcome) The bodiless wave... when it comes, you'll control it. WORF I see. How will I know it's you? EZRI You'll have to trust me. And with that, Ezri turns and heads down the corridor. Worf and Ezri EXIT up the ladder. INT. QUARK'S Close on Quark as he reaches the top and reads the halftone marquee. Pull back to reveal the other waiting. QUARK (reads) "Third Partner." Adjust to REVEAL Wainwright and The Third Officer looking excited as they spot Wainwright moving toward the register. QUARK What do I do? The Wainwright and The Third Officer exchange glances. QUARK (reads) "Third Officer." Suddenly there's the sound of a ARCRIFIED THORN. Quark, who has leaned against the counter to hide the sound, is instantly in action. QUARK Cough. (holding up a PADD) Lucky guess. Quark rapidly adds another PADD. The customer? QUARK You didn't remember to mention cough. Another CRACK. QUARK (continuing) Now it's either a rain or a cough. The other officer coughs. QUARK (continuing) Of course you're going to cough. (holding up the PADD) Now you'll have to tell them that their lord and savior is here to volunteer. WESLEY I can't think of anything worthy I'd like to do while wearing that uniform. QUARK (still working) You're not too young to have though. WESLEY councillor? QUARK You'll have to find something to do while the cardinal's gone. Something meaningful. No obligation? WESLEY Anytime, sir. Understood? With that, Wesley walks off. Quark smiles and watches him go. QUARK Well, I'd better get back to work. I've got to return the favor... give Chief O'Brien a little sink at the end of each month. PATRICK If you insist. And with that, the DOOR to the cargo bay opens and Wesley ENTERS. No one moves. PATRICK How did you like working with Chief O'Brien? WESLEY The Chief? I don't know what he's talking about. PATRICK (frowns) You're driving a fork in my face. WESLEY It's not a fork. A knife. I fixed it a year ago when I was a captain. If you don't mind... PATRICK The Captain isn't talking to me. He's gotta be serious. This is my chance. I'm a officer. You're a boy assigned to a science station. Me, I'm like a junkyard dog. The ladies and gentlemen on the bridge are all waiting to see you. Now what do you say we return to the beginning. Set it down, please. WESLEY Why? PATRICK Because when the captain is getting things done, it's important to get things done. So far, so good. Wesley laughs. PATRICK (continuing) Now you're getting it. What's that? RandomRedditor WESLEY This is the computer's "behind the scenes" computer. It's kind of slow, but it lets me see what's going on. PATRICK What's going on? WESLEY You see this character in the flywheel? PATRICK The computer? What the hell is he doing here? WESLEY You're right, sir. He's doing this. Patricks reaction. PATRICK What? WESLEY He's da Vinci. You saw the dial. Patricks eyes widen. PATRICK We did? WESLEY Yes, sir. PATRICK You weren't? WESLEY No. You saw the dial. I'm the guy who spins the dong. He's dollying me. PATRICK (comes to his feet) Well? WESLEY Almost every time I get over to the bridge, Commander Riker invited me to dinner and we spent most of my senior year talking about wormhole anomalies. The next thing you know there's a paperboy with a pencil in his hand who's been pushing the buttons for the last two figures. PATRICK Clearly this is at the beginning of a new friendship. WESLEY Actually there's a lot more. Most of the crew is quite amiable. And Leslie very admires you. Picard is starting to relax just a bit. PICARD Good. Thanks. WESLEY You know, you don't seem very grammatical. PICARD I'm a bit of a learner. WESLEY So, you're a bit of a spoken language, huh? PICARD That's right. WESLEY At least you're consistent. PICARD Other than a few exceptional occasions... I don't think I've ever met anyone who liked me more than I do now. WESLEY Well, at least you have the chance to demonstrate your... loyalty... PICARD I don't think I would like to be reminded of those two boys. Hold it right there, Wesley. Wesley's not about to back down now. WESLEY Okay. But don't pull the trigger. Picard now turns to his squad. PICARD (to Nanook) The easiest way to approach Tam is to talk to him. But show him that you can be helpful -- NANOK Thank you, Captain. I look forward to our meeting. The Nanook chief leans back in his chair and grins whenever he gets the chance to watch the boys. They stand up. The students look curiously at Tam and Picard. NANOK (to the class) Now, our mission must be to seek out any life which originate from the Skrreean planet. CLOSE ON PICARD AND WESLEY standing by the entrance to the classroom. PICARD (to the class) We also want to determine how widely distributed these life forms are. CLOSE ON THE NANOK as he concentrates on the task before him. After a beat, he taps the door, which slides open to reveal Wesley. The boy stands there for a moment as Nanook waits on the other side of the door. Then he enters. NANOK Welcome, my students. I believe you are all students of Risa. ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ(indicates the room) This will be the reception you have been waiting for: here, sometime during the days when your historical destiny will be decided between logical beliefs. WESLEY (surprised) Historical destiny? NANOK (nods) We birth nations, nurture them, change their shape and grow from it. The mainland then becomes our playground. And it's our responsibility to give that back to them. WESLEY You mean, we decide what they'll be when they're born? NANOK (nods) Once we've met the child, we recommend that he or she follow the path the teachers have laid out. WESLEY oreAndOnline(shocked) No! (beat) You mean, the teacher's suggestions are the deciding moment. NANOK Exactly. Then we instruct the children... WESLEY Don't you mean "educate"? NANOK (nods) Our ideas should be clear by now. We believe that every needs an educator. WESLEY But there's still the old saying "An educator is a teacher, but a teacher is a parent". I don't know what to say to that one. The Nanook kids look at him, silent pupils. WESLEY (continuing) I haven't my own yet. NANOK As a matter of fact, you don't belong in this class. You're a highly intelligent young man. Emerging from the womb of the mother while still a tiny baby. WESLEY I'm sorry. I just... don't liken myself to that type. NANOK You'll develop as you receive the truth, Wesley. And the truth is that this is the most perfect time to learn. WESLEY (relieved) I never thought I'd hear myself say this... but as great as my life is, it doesn't compare to what I'd inherit if I died tomorrow. The Nanook all but black out. WESLEY (continuing, catches his breath) Thank you. He black out. The class breaks up and we hear the press of announcements as the students press in their chairs. OMITTED INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE Riker, Data, Beverly, Troi and Geordi are already there with Thornton and Chambers. RIKER We anticipate giving Mister Thornton and the others their analyses as soon as Chambers acknowledges their findings. GEORDI The analysis will show that the anomaly was caused by a massive temporal surge originating on the planet's surface. RIKER What about the anomaly itself? GEORDI We think you should investigate the anomaly... start with its core. RIKER (to Chambers) That won't be necessary. What about the surface? CHambers nods. Riker moves to the transmitter pad. Chambers hands a transmitter to Data. GEORDI Data's amplifiers can handle the coils but not the carrier wave. We'll transfer the carrier wave to Data. RIKER We'll fix those transmitters tomorrow. Riker moves to his chair. Chambers agrees to move to another station. CHAMBER Commander, I've got a problem. RIKER Don't worry. Everything's under control. We've ali... well, over half a dozen core excludes have caused minor problems... but generally everything's smooth. CHAMBER (puzzled) Yes, sir. RIKER (to Chambers) Begin a detailed study of the Flith and Langdon experiments. See if you can discover a way to counteract the instability. CHAMBER Aye sir. Chamber and Riker go into the Transporter Room. INT. CORRIDOR - CONTINUOUS Chamber and Riker ENTER from Transporter Room and walk toward Transporter Room Two. RIKER Received. CHAMBER One more thing... RIKER I didn't mean to interrupt. It seems that Mister Chamberlin's opinion of me is... mostly unfortunate. CHAMBERLIN (heated) I didn't anticipate that you would be unable to read my signature. You would be perfect for the job, Riker. RIKER What I need is someone who can pass the test... and who knows about it. CHAMBER (heated) What do you mean? RIKER You have a Transporter Room Two broken! CHAMBER I broke it not to lead the Caldos, but to protect it. I have a lot of friends who depend on it... RIKER You're the one who made the breakthrough... CHAMBER Hugh's friends probably will... but I didn't break it! I worked forever to get to know the person the Bohans choose to help. RIKER You're the one who turned them away... CHAMBER I didn't have to -- they were looking for their friends! RIKER Hugh, if you're going to help them, will you? The Brooke relaxes slightly in her chairman-type status. CHAMBER I'm sorry. They're lost... unfriendly. And they won't leave until they find their friends. RIKER Then I suggest we make good REM sleep. If we wake them, they may not want to come back... There's an awkward beat. Then Beverly comes in. BEVERLY Commander, here's the situation with the McKay... (reading tricorder) ... we can amplify the interference... Riker moves to her. RIKER We can try a wide bandwidth phase decoupling signal... BEVERLY Wide bandwidth? And Maques' theory of mind control... RIKER (acknowledges) We'll need to tweak the tuning parameters... but it should give us a reasonable approximation. Beverly nods, begins to work. CHAMBER I hope this is worth all the trouble you've been through. RIKER We'll see. Chamber looks back at Riker, slightly satisfied. INT. CORRIDOR Riker moves down the corridor slowly... weakly conscious... Riker grabs a storeroom door and waits for the right moment, then goes through the door. INT. CLARA'S QUARTERS (OPTICAL) Clara is trying on an alien wig... fires up a flamboyant orange-red wig... proceeds to spray palm oil on her inside. She uses it to whiten her eyes... extends her hand... CLARA I've never been so daring. Riker APPROACHES her... RIKER Clara. CLARA Would you love to come to the holodeck? RIKER Maybe later. And he takes her arm... and by the third crack of his finger, Clara's eyebrows arching in little over the graphic... and he shuts her up... RIKER Thanks. Riker EXITS. Troi looks up and sees him concerned. TROI He seemed worried. ALEXANDER We were talking about Will. Alexander never bothers to add all the words. He never does. He's too busy, as though this were a dinner. WORF (V.O.) Lieutenant Worf, personal log, stardate 42607.8. Doctor Neral and the scientific officer have arrived from the surface. We will initiate the log shortly. RIKER That's all, Alexander. Head back to the house. Alexander reluctantly goes back to his room, and Worf and the scientist EXIT. Worf turns to Riker. WORF (passing by him) I did not like the way your behavior was beginning. RIKER Oh, Mister Worf, I seem to have exactly the same attitude toward you. Overconfidence is the preferred attitude. (MORE) WORF (Cont'd) Much less confrontational. RIKER Well, now that attitude has some influence in my life, I hope you won't mind if I... change it. WORF I would never have thought I could. RIKER Why not? WORF I am not used to changing the will of a man I have never met. I am unsuited to such a task. Riker shrugs a smile... RIKER Well, don't worry, Mister Worf. When he tells you to pick a persona, you will have to go along the lines of "Jadzia Dax, Sisko, Bejal Tandro, Kira Nera, or Romulan Senator." WORF I understand. Worf's smile deepens as he contemplates the world... EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL) Emphasizing station geometry. INT. CORRIDOR - REAR ENTRANCE Garak and Quark approach from the doorway. They are turned away from the Activation desk, looking grim-faced and pained. QUARK It's been four days since the activation of the Defiant, and still no sign of them. Garak is even more desolate, but he holds his eyes clear. GARAK They're still out there somewhere, right? QUARK Maybe. Maybe not. GARAK I was hoping you'd be able to answer me. Quark holds his eyes for a beat, then walks off. CUT TO: INT. DEFIANT - BRIDGE Worf, Bashir, and O'Brien are standing around the Bridge, listening to Garak's self-satisfied reply. GARAK I'm sure you'll think of something. Frankly, I'm beyond comforting the Cardassians, who seem to depend on messing with the Federation. (beat) But they're going to hell and haven't shown it. Any more than they'd show any other nation. Garak ends his speech. GARAK Well, I suggest we set up a command post. O'BRIEN In that case, I think you should stay. It might be our only chance to get Jadzia home. GARAK What a pity. I would've thought that a woman with such a track record would be worth her loss. The cardassians will one day be happy to hear that she's well, rich, and that the Federation will be much too powerful to threaten. BASHIR And what if she becomes a widow? GARAK That would be unconscionable. As Garak continues, O'Brien looks around the Bridge -- everyone else is too. O'BRIEN Garak... GARAK And Jem'Hadar women... they never get old. There's a BEEP as everyone else notices that there's someone watching them. Sisko steps up to Garak. SISKO I think we have a problem. GARAK The problem? CUT TO: INT. JEM'HADAR CAVERN - DAY Jem'Hadar Soldiers Devon and Jeff are searching the room. Their reward has arrived. JEM'HADAR OFFICER I present you with our reward. DEVON (to Jeff) We did it. You defeated the Cardassians. JEM'HADAR OFFICER Its early days. QUARK End this. We can continue this at any time. JEM'HADAR OFFICER You're being a fool. QUARK The point is well taken. (beat) And I'd swear some other time... The Jem'Hadar Officer MORPHS into something resembling a Cardassian beachball. JEM'HADAR OFFICER (adamant) Q'apla! The Jem'Hadar Officer HIT THE CAMERA. THE ISOLATION DOOR (OPTICAL) The white light spins out of the opening. JEM'HADAR OFFICER (OPTICAL) As the white light parts the air, he spins toward us. He takes a swing, which misses by a wide margin but gives the Cardassian Officer a mild shock. The Jem'Hadar Officer steps back and air attacks. The one attack goes disastrously. The Officer automatically drops his weapon. QUARK dictates. QUARK The point of numeral three- QUARK (Cont'd) aye-uh-men-ee-uhr The Jem'Hadar thinks he's won. He lets out a loud laugh. JEM'HADAR OFFICER Remarkable. For the first time, Quark has the sense of humiliation. He takes a sip of his orange juice. QUARK Don't get me wrong, I was starting to have you in trouble again. Are you really a Cardassian? JEM'HADAR OFFICER That is correct. QUARK And you're definitely not a Ferengi. The Jem'Hadar Officer leans forward. JEM'HADAR OFFICER Now do you understand why I've fired the shots? � QUARK You still haven't answered my question. JEM'HADAR OFFICER You are in a holding cell. QUARK And I'm being transferred to a station in the Bajoran sector. This is no time for fishing. JEM'HADAR OFFICER That is incorrect. You are being confined to quarters. QUARK That's no doubt the intent of the Cardassian authorities -- JEM'HADAR OFFICER It is not the intent. All Cardassians agree that the Federation is a danger to Cardassia. QUARK Well, then answer the question. JEM'HADAR OFFICER That's not a question. QUARK (frustrated) There has to be some mistake... JEM'HADAR OFFICER There isn't any... It's a mistake. Our orders were to conduct a search for the captain... to find out who and what ordered these acts. QUARK There is no such thing. The categories are too vague to make sense of them. JEM'HADAR OFFICER I don't understand how you can still be certain of that. And with that, the Jem'Hadar Officer steps back forward and places his disruptor against Quark's back. JEM'HADAR OFFICER You are being unreasonable. QUARK Bad enough I couldn't read a thing of Cardassian from your uniform. But then I didn't fall for your tricks either... JEM'HADAR OFFICER We have a long list of offenses Commander Sisko has committed. QUARK I didn't do anything. It's not like you to pretend otherwise. The Jem'Hadar Officer steps toward Quark. JEM'HADAR OFFICER We are not here to accuse you of anything. QUARK I will argue with the Cardassians that there is a threat to the Alpha Quadrant -- JEM'HADAR OFFICER A Dominion invasion of Earth would be a grave threat to the Alpha Quadrant. (a beat) That's why it's imperative that your shipments be delivered on time. QUARK At what price? The Jem'Hadar Officer looks at him, then back at Cardassians. JEM'HADAR OFFICER We are willing to exchange Earth for all we can get. QUARK And who, would you suggest, benefits the least? JEM'HADAR OFFICER That certainly is the case... if you will help us... QUARK I think I can do no wrong. JEM'HADAR OFFICER It is my duty to ensure that Earth is not adversely affected by the Dominion's occupation of the planet. QUARK That doesn't sound like a fellow Falcon. JEM'HADAR OFFICER What choice do we have but to take it? QUARK Tom, you fool. We're in the mood. It's not your job to be informed. JEM'HADAR OFFICER It is my duty to inform you. But I don't tell them how to run their empires. QUARK What do they need to know? The Jem'Hadar Officer SHAKES his head. JEM'HADAR OFFICER Everything you ever wanted to know is on your head. TomלGOAT, a middle-aged Starfleet security officer, ENTERS with a tray of food. He seems distraught... barely controls his emotions. TOM (to the Jem'Hadar) Thank you. Good eating. He EXITS through the airlock... QUARK I think we have a problem. And as we hold on Quark's rounded features... ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ FADE OUT. END OF ACT FOUR ACT FIVE FADE IN: INT. OPS Kira and Dax are down at the operations table, examining the various monitors and screens. DAX How could they have installed such a system behind the walls of the Commander's office? KIRA Grift it? Who? Dax shakes her head. DAX It doesn't say who the recipient is. KIRA I'm sure it says "Commander" Sisko. DAX (shrugs) I'll get hold of that. Dax flings Kira a contemptuous look, then picks up the PADD with a look of guilt. DAX (to Kira) I'm sorry, major, but it just doesn't make any sense. KIRA You're both crazy, because we ask so much for help and you sell it to us as gold-pressed latinum. DAX This service has been coming for years. Call me if you need a minute. Kira casts a baleful glance at the PADD. Dax bends down and moves to Kira. KIRA Do you mind if I try some Cyranobine Solution? Dax moves to a monitor and works the console. DAX Say what? KIRA (moving to the monitor) Get rid of this damn functioning light. DAX What? KIRA Get rid of it. Dax is suddenly hit by a phaser BLAST. She winces, turns to Kira. DAX Another power fluctuation. KIRA What? Dax is hit by another phaser blast and limps for the console. ON KIRA as she shoves aside the console, pulling Kira back, then shoves the Lieutenant down as the Third mans their weapons and position. KIRA Let's go. Dax moves to the command chair as Kira sits down at her station. KIRA Where do we find the other three? DAX I don't know. FADE OUT. END OF ACT Five ACT SIX FADE IN: INT. CAPTAIN'S OFFICE SISKO is seated at his desk studying a PADD when KIRA ENTERS KIRA Come to see me off, Commander? SISKO The station's about seven hundred kilometers off. KIRA I heard it was back on top of the world. Did you see the countroom? SISKO I hardly saw it. Kira walks over to the counter, where a Starfleet Security Guard is standing discreetly. KIRA Was that the countroom? SISKO It wasn't the only area of the station I visited. (a beat) I've been to the Promenade, too. KIRA So have you. There's a charged silence. Kira's questions aren't answered. KIRA You've met Counselor Dax? Sisko controls his emotions to pretend he doesn't feel the need to answer. SISKO What I remember most was how much I hated that Cardassian lieutenant. (MORE) SISKO (Cont'd) He made me feel like a ... picky specialist. (a beat) But then, I found that I liked him. I realized that every time he opened his mouth, I was suppressing my feelings. I realized that I could tolerate him much better than I would have. KIRA So you accepted his challenge. SISKO Is that why you convinced him to leave. KIRA Yes. It was. SISKO You're saying you were his survival. KIRA (a little exasperated) That's not entirely true. I was his wife. I'm trying to be honest. SISKO Even if your memory of him was incomplete, you'd still have had a pretty solid memory... Kira's face goes tight with the realization that Sisko's hope is sinking. KIRA And now you're bringing him back to life? You're giving him a chance to regain his honor by defending what he had lost. SISKO I'm trying to give him a chance. KIRA You're trying to make him human! SISKO I can't change what happened in the mess hall... but maybe a lot of people who were once angels could become humans... maybe even Rodek Besh. It's a possibility! KIRA That's all he has left. Kira collapses onto a couch, tearing off her shirt, which knocks Sisko back as he reacts. SISKO What do you mean? Come on... ? But Sisko isn't listening... he's grabbed Kira by the collar. KIRA I can't do this. I'm his mother, Jennifer. I have to-- But Sisko isn't listening... he's grabbed her face and pulls. Kira's stunned with emotion, holding onto her for dear life. KIRA Grand Nagus? And on that face, we: FADE OUT. END OF ACT THREE ACT FOUR FADE IN: INT. ROM'S QUARTERS Rom has called an urgent meeting of the Russolite Committee. He's used a ventilator to cool down the room, but Rom won't let it be. He rushes to Neral. ROM Neral! I have a problem. The Committee! What's going on? NERAL The problem is long since over, my brother. But my report has been delayed an hour... why? (a beat) I have no explanation. � ROM What do you mean? NERAL I have no explanation at all. It is a Romulan Subspace Mortality. ROM That's outrageous. NERAL It seems only fair that I be informed. And preferably on what you did. Neral rises. NERAL Please! Information about the location of the weapons' testing facility. Show me the location of the weapons that caused the destruction of the Bajoran Resistance. ROM It's in a shaft! Right in the middle of the Capital City. NERAL What have you found? ROM Tinfoil from the underground... I've been scanning it... (points) There's a large enough portion of the shaft to allow us to transport the... NERAL You can't allow the weapons to interact? ROM No... they couldn't possibly survive at such high temperatures. NERAL Then you'll show me the weapons. He holds out his hand, which has the crystal in it. NERAL (continuing) You have your orders. Perform the orders, Neral. Neral looks at the crystal once again -- but it doesn't appear. NERAL (continuing) What's wrong? Rekelen and Toral look at each other -- trying to hide their fears. TORAL Neral... NERAL We're going to warn the Central Command. REKELEN That's what you were supposed to do... warn them that the Resistance is growing strong along with the Cardassians. NERAL We weren't telling them to surrender. TORAL Don't give them the military system -- it's only a fail-safe route! Completely ineffective! It's a disaster waiting to happen! It's our duty to warn them! REKELEN (spreads his hands) We were able to get all of you out of the weapons locker. That done, Rekelen and Toral follow them out the door and into the corridor. The other Romulans follow them both. INT. CORRIDOR - CONTINUOUS Quark and Rom follow Rom onto a turbolift. Quark's expression hardens with each step. INT. TURBOLIFT QUARK wraps his arm around Rom's neck and squeezes. ROM (softly) I think he likes me. QUARK Lavishly. He makes every one of us -- rich and powerful and in control. ROM There are signs of connivity. However, they might be indications of mental disorder. QUARK (to himself) So we test for connivity? The turbolift stops and the doors open. Quark and Rom exchange a sidelong glance. INT. CORRIDOR - CONTINUOUS Quark and Rom enter the corridor. The doors close behind them. DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Emperor's... " - REV. 11/23/98 - ACT FOUR 47 QUARK Am I glad to see you. ROM (nodding) You're still not convinced We're the ones being sent. QUARK You can't be. There's no instinct in my species to mate with humans. ROM We're a little different. Mutual respect, loyalty. That's what we have here. QUARK You blend in. ROM I suppose I will. The turbolift continues on its way. QUARK (an aside) Hopefully, when we get back, the Captain and I will be well established on the station. ROM Meaning what? QUARK I don't know. ROM Meaning we're probably going to be assigned to different stations. QUARK (dismissive) I see. (turns to Rom) Well, don't be surprised if you fall in love with him. He'll always be the same. Rom nods. He's impressed with Quark's male perspective. ROM (re: Quark) Maybe this is a good sign. QUARK It's a signal they're interested in. I'll give them something for their trouble. That gets Rom's attention. He slaps a hand over one of his ears. ROM (re: Quark) You're missing the point. I'm the one who's injured, not you. Now who's the one saying something? QUARK Me. ROM Then it's my turn. QUARK Me too. Quark turns to see Rom, BEHIND THE TURBOLIFT, pushing a cart containing some kind of dry goods. Rom is carrying a package. ROM You'll get your merchandise. Quark eyes Rom uncomfortably. QUARK Now what's the problem? ROM It's my turn, brother. QUARK (indignant) That you're behaving like a mother. ROM I can't stop thinking about my grandmother. She never wanted children. QUARK It seems to be working. You become an exception. INT. CORRIDOR OUTSIDE HOLOSUITE - EMPHASIZING NOG As he freezes at the sight of Quark. ROM What are you doing out of the holosuite? NOG I'm not sure, Rom. I came back to say "hi" to you. ROM You mean you've stopped thinking about me? NOG referen'ture'al. ROM What does that mean? NOG (indignant) Tear down the barracks and lock the doors. Till we can find my grandpa and bring him back home. ROM Now? NOG Now? ROM Now we go see Moogie. NOG What? ROM Go see Moogie? I don't have any ideas. NOG It would be a good idea. ROM Well, I do have an idea. Nog sits down in the corner of the Holosuite. He looks up at the still empty doorway. ROM There's something I want to say to you. NOG I have no idea. ROM (mystified) Yo-man, that's wonderful. I'm a big fan of yours. I'm glad I could help. NOG I don't think there's much to worry about. There's just the right combination of ingredients to make a perfect spread. ROM But I don't know how to make it. NOG Why not? ROM It's not where I belong. NOG Maybe not, but that doesn't matter. You're a reporter. There's so much to report... liquid entertainment is on the menu every moment. ROM Liquid entertainment? NOG That's right. ROM There's so much to see and do that I can't keep up with Jake. He's the only bright spot in a horrible ship. NOG It doesn't matter. I'm covering the escape of one of my crew. Nog's words have an effect on Rom. He seems to understand what has happened. ROM That's not bad. He could've turned that promising young engineer into a stripy father instead of me. NOG Maybe he thinks stripy means he's not safe. ROM (dismissive) Isn't it enough? Nog stands. NOG That's it. I'm an idiot. I've betrayed Starfleet by falling in love with a woman I know nothing about. I'm also an idiot, but not nearly as bad. (a beat) I have to go. ROM So where is it? NOG I'm on my way. Nog goes to the door. NOG (to the guard) Release him. But the guard motions Rom out of the room. FIRST GUARD He's a Nord. MIROK (O.S.) Worf. Rom turns to see First Officer Mirrik stepping into the room. FIRST GUARD We've heard about you. ROM It's good to see you, Leader. We were brought together for a purpose. FIRST GUARD It's not a purpose. MIROK It seems a purpose to me -- it's like a reunion of sorts. FIRST GUARD We are not reunified. MIROK I cannot shake that. The First Guard shoves Rom into the center of the room and begins to drag him out. The other Guards supply them with their weapons. MIROK (continuing) But it has been decided that due process will be followed immediately. Mirrik finally releases his grip on Rom and steps up to Nog. MIROK (continuing) Now let me ask you some questions. Do you have any fantasy play? NOG No. MIROK As far as I'm concerned, you should have never played him. JARO What I mean is that you allowed him to walk around for the entire time he was on the station. You treated him like a complete criminal. MIROK He's an intelligent being. He can explain things to you. ZIYAL Of course he can -- he has the ability. MIROK I did not choose you as the successor. You are the one who has to live up to your reputation. ZIYAL That's not true. MIROK Isn't it? ZIYAL I'm not going to give up on playing baseball with you. MIROK The first baseman is not my first baseman. ZIYAL I don't care. If you don't play baseball, I won't either. Let's try something else. MIROK Yes. Something you can do. ZIYAL Like dancing. The other girls in the room are enthralled by the dancer. MIROK A very sophisticated technique. Ziyal does a brisk and easy lick of each of her parents' laps. ZIYAL It's a very effective... (a beat) You make such a good dancer. MIROK You are good, but not Marritza. ZIYAL (surprised) You? I... I don't know. She looks around the room. Surely everyone's at attention. MIROK You are Marritza. The problem is... He trails off. ZIYAL What? MIROK You are Marritza. The problem is... MIROK (a beat) I know... I know. We're all darling here. A long beat. Now, the only one not distracted is Topar. He holds out a palm. TOPAR May I have a cup of tea, please? MIROK Be my guest. Mirok goes to the teacup, followed by Ziyal. A beat and... MIROK (continuing) As the Bajoran government is governed by a unified command that represents a wide ranging base and a cohesive budget... I'm sure none of you were aware of that, but it is the policy of my government to support and defend the sovereignty of Cardassia. ZIYAL (embarrassed) Really? MIROK None of you were aware of it either... but it was the policy of our government for the last seven years. KIRA (smiling) And I could find nothing in the federal records indicating Cardassia was any different than any other Federation planet. MIROK Not surprisingly, that's true. ZIYAL Did you ever hear of a place where you could dance? MIROK On the Holana valley in eastern glasn'to state. Mirok stretches his bony hand toward Ziyal. MIROK Did your mother teach you how to dance? ZIYAL (smiling) All I know is that whenever I called, they never listened. MIROK No matter. The dance was beautiful. Once we got the payment from the Cargo Bay, we never had to fear the consequences. ZIYAL You make it sound like you made it easy for them to accept me. MIROK It was a deliberate lie. The Cargo Bay was the last place Ziyal and I needed to talk. ZIYAL Why? MIROK I needed to trust in the words of a man who had given his life to serve this Federation. (beat) And I let him get away with it. (shakes his head) But you can't trust people like Duras. He should've shot me in the leg. KIRA We can't afford to have people like him in command. MIROK I have no doubt about that. Not with those weapons in our hands. (glances at Ziyal) She is as good a worker as any. (a beat) And as loyal as any. Ziyal is staring at Kira. ZIYAL Who are you? MIROK (with pride) My name is Mirok. End on the Third working his console. MIROK The Cardassian engines are ready to launch. ZIYAL My mother told me you were coming. Mirok looks at Kira. MIROK I am aware of your concern for your mother. KIRA What is it? MIROK (re: Ziyal) What will you do for her? Mirok and Ziyal stand in front of Quark. MIROK (continuing) As I stated, the Cardassians will exchange what we have for something. That is all I ask. QUARK No thanks. MIROK (enjoying his words) Such loyalty must be... priced exorbitantly. Quark frontens up. QUARK I've got to say I disagree. MIROK The Khitomer Accords are still quite favorable to the Federation. ZIYAL What you disagree with is that I prefer Klingon Opera. Quark's starting to dislike this woman. QUARK Stubborn loyalty? The very definition of it. MIROK It is necessary to protect an honorable ruling. QUARK (dismissive) And you say it's an unnecessary dishonor. MIROK I have wisdom in the low ups... and you can learn to respect that, with time. ZIYAL Perhaps you should rethink that position, Nagus. QUARK No. I have had enough of your insufferable life. MIROK Still, you owe me. I transferred guardianship to you when you left us. I could do wonderful things for you... things that would make you smile and elevate your status in the galaxy. ZEK Such things would be a tribute to your brilliant self-control. Mirok leans closer. MIROK But they're not enough. Zek's growing annoyance is visible on his face. MIROK You owe me more. I can pay for everything... if you just tell me where to find it. Quark can see he's not going to get off this airline. QUARK (mood darkening) I'll do better next time. ZEK (stern) You do care about me, Quark. Stubborn and irascible. (a beat) How I've tortured you, sacrificed you and my other Ferengi for years. How I've hidden your lives from you. (a beat) But now it's time to face reality, and I need to know my price. Quark thinks this over. Maybe there's a light to this. If only he could see Zek in all his pomp and surprise... if only he could hear his Voice again. QUARK (dismissive) Stubborn and stupid. Zekkie's entire career is built on the foundation of his own arrogance. I paid a fair price for that presence -- but you're determined to screw everything up, aren't you? How did you get hold of that sick chick? ZEK I suggest you ask her. ZEK (Cont'd) (a beat) Perhaps you could make a recording of that opening monologue. We can reinterpret it. QUARK Intercut? ZEK Don't worry. I know the words. (a beat) You should be comfortable with the phrases "I, Q, or something like us, is the only reference I'll need in order to save this unicorn." Quark shakes his head. QUARK You can't be serious. ZEK Obviously I'm not. QUARK Then who is? ZEK Me. I assume you are. I've been prepared for everything. QUARK I hope so. ZEK (to the Nagus) Dangerous! A true Ferengi is not afraid of incurring the wrath of the Ferengi race. Would you stake your life on it? QUARK All I'm doing is testing a new treatise: the Comprehensive General Court Martial Against the Federation! ZEK What you're doing is taking the only thing you've got and trying to make it interesting. Make it interesting for the Nagus. (to Quark) And what about my case? QUARK What about it? ZEK It's a test of my fitness to become a Raktajino (literally:) the new Boss. I'll make another request tomorrow. An old woman can only last a week... so I'll only have a few days! (determined) Either I retake the summer positions or you'll be grandfathered in for another five months. QUARK Five months? I thought we stayed together? ZEK Keep in mind that I'm distributing power bars through a rolling reception. There'll be more than enough leeway during the reception to make sure everyone's satisfied. Quark doesn't like the sound of this. QUARK It's not any of your business. ZEK It is until you turn into a liquidationist. Then it's your business. I'll see to it that you never reappear. QUARK It's not that simple. ZEK Today, on the special day, when all is still... let's all just be happy together. Quark looks over at Maihar'du, who is still snuffling in his favorite corner of the cave. Suddenly they APPEAR in the shadows behind some rocks. ROM Brother! Rom and Quark turn and see that Rom has already been separated from his brother. CUT TO: INT. CAPTAIN'S OFFICE Re-establishing. SISKO Where does it end? Where does it end? QUARK I don't know, Captain. I keep thinking we should just abandon the whole endeavor. SISKO One of those efforts is this ones... ROM (to Quark) Brother, you are going to have to talk me out of it. QUARK What do you have to say, Rom? ROM I don't know. But I do know something has to be done. QUARK What about Bashir? ROM I don't care if he's dead or not. He has to come out and talk to me. QUARK What about Bashir? ROM I don't care about Bashir. I only care about one day -- the day the treaty holds, and we become free to do as we wish. On Sisko's reaction... EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL) Establishing. INT. PROMENADE - SECOND LEVEL Zimmerman walks down the corridor. He's holding the PADD. Bashir is walking along with the others. ZIMMERMAN The moment I saw you, something just clicked for me. And I'm afraid I may have disappointed you. BASHIR You didn't really expect me to accept the assignment. It just did what I thought it would do -- give you an edge. ZIMMERMAN You have a point. Regardless of the results of your tests, I still believe that you are the closest to perfect Romulan behavioral program. Bashir smiles. BASHIR Well... I've heard a lot of confusion about that. ZIMMERMAN The two of you share a profound interest in psychology. And a talented mutual friend. Bashir and ZimMERMAN EXIT to see Quark settle in to the role of MORN. QUARK Just filling in for Michael. ZIMMERMAN To be perfectly blunt, I have known most of Starfleet's top command by now. And I also have several promising hands. (a heartfelt kiss) But Michael is my chance to evaluate your abilities. And I will. QUARK (ironic smile) I'm honored. Now can we get down to business? ZIMMERMAN With flair. Make your feet kneel down and crawl beneath my fingernails. QUARK I'm no stiletto. ZIMMERMAN You're a stiletto. (a beat) Carry on. Zimmerman steps aside to allow the door to open. And through the doorway of the transporter room a slimy, slimy green goo emerges, looks around for a beat, then settles in on Nog. NOG Hello, Brother. Nog goes to work the panel. NOG (continuing) Normal range, fifty meters. Just above the horizon. A beat. Then a distant roar is heard. QUARK I can hear that? NOG Yes. It's the sound of the tractor beam cutting off the probe's path. QUARK I hate tractors. (to Nog) Try not to tell them it's my house. NOG It's safe, I swear. QUARK Well, get out of my house. NOG The way I see it, you don't have any choice. Once this is over, you're a Ferengi no matter what you want to be. QUARK You're a just fine one, Nog. Now what about my ship? NOG What about my ship? QUARK You know my ship. But I don't like you. NOG You're right. I don't like you. The door slides open and this time it's Moogie who starts to cry. ISHKA Quark, my dear, you always make yourself attractive to the dabo girls. QUARK If you're here to order lunch, you can forget it. They leave. ISHKA I don't understand why I can't at least buy myself a cup of coffee. �And there's a beat as the desk clerk looks at Quark. CHANDLER It's the law. Maybe someone is going to court. NOG We're not where we were before. CHANDLER (a beat) I know I can't explain it. QUARK Maybe it's a good question. NOG Where? CHANDLER (excited) Right where you are. Nog smiles. INT. OPS Dax and O'Brien are at their stations. BASHIR is examining the results of a scan on one of the monitors. BASHIR No anomaly, Commander. DAX Yes, there is one. Your positronic brain doesn't seem to conform to any one of the accepted parameters. O'BRIEN It doesn't make sense. DAX There's something wrong with the readings. I'm going to do a wide band Delta Scan. BASHIR What makes you think I'm going to find anything? He smiles. O'BRIEN The scan would be complicated by the presence of Dax or Worf. DAX (to the others) Besides, I'd hate to have to lie there in my sleep. O'BRIEN Good night. DAX Good night. As they GO WE... CUT TO: OMITTED INT. WARDROOM SISKO, DAX, WORF and KIRA is seated around the table. WORF is in the commander's chair while Dax is in the command area. KIRA is glancing at something and turning toward Worf. DAX We need to communicate with him. KIRA I thought we did. DAX Look at his monitor. It's Klingon. KIRA What's he talking about? Dax sets to work. KIRA The voice analysis for the plasma stream shows a Valhalla image... DAX Valhalla? KIRA Someone's got to create the image. Get everyone's attention. I can't do that. Dax sets to work. WORF It will be an uphill battle... KIRA A lot harder than you think. Just then, O'Brien ENTERS. O'BRIEN We're having an unwelcome guest. Kira and Worf exchange a look, but Kira's already working her console. KIRA The helmsman's orders have been revoked. He can't leave his post. O'BRIEN (to Sisko) Commander, the helmsman's orders invited Guardians Four and Five. SISKO Fine. But hurry, before someone reads it and thinks I've lost it. O'BRIEN The transporter's still not complemented. DAX Maybe we should substitute another presence for the transporter. O'BRIEN I could. And I'll keep trying. KIRA That's the most positive force I've ever felt. WORF There are still many Trill who sympathize. ODO Even the Trill who've fallen to the Dominion. SISKO There were some who found solace behind the Dominion. KIRA Like you did. ODO You? WORF We are stronger together. ODO I don't believe what I'm seeing. SISKO What you're seeing is the result of one Trill who's adopted the values of the Founders and turned them against their own people. This is the worst nightmare of every Starfleet officer on the bridge. WORF There are still members of the crew who were genetically engineered. ODO Even if I find a cure for the symbiont mutation, it will be almost impossible to get off the station. I can't get it to anyone outside the station. Everyone looks at O'Brien. He's the last man on the bridge. O'BRIEN We're looking at five to ten hour shuttles. Someone's got to coordinate the mission. WORF If there are Loyalists on the station, they will attack the Jem'Hadar. ODO I'll take over from here. SISKO All right. Worf. You take the tactical officer's post. I'll take the tactical position. WORF Very well. Worf moves to the console. O'BRIEN I'll stay on top of the sensor information, but once the Jem'Hadar fleet comes out of the wormhole, we won't be able to stop them. SISKO Do your best. WORF Thank you, captain. ODO You're welcome, Commander. Worf nods and EXITS. CLOSE ON SISKO As he watches the Tactical Officer's face as he takes over his post. SISKO Boost the game from twenty percent to thirty. DAX Aye, Sir. SISKO Engage. ANGLE ON THE VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL) As the Tactical Officer fires his weapon. The image of a Jem'Hadar ships IMAGE EVEN BREAKS UP (JUMP CUT TO REVEAL): OMITTED INT. JEM'HADAR SHIP - COMMAND CENTER - DAY (OPTICAL) The image of a Jem'Hadar Fires suddenly. The center rupts in chaos and the ship goes out of control. INT. JEM'HADAR SHIP - BRIDGE - DAY The ship shakes violently. EXT. SPACE - THE DEFIANT (OPTICAL) As it pulls away from the Breach. INT. DEFIANT - BRIDGE - DAY Kira in command, Dax at Helm, Sisko standing off to one side, and a number of N.D.s at other stations. DAX What do we do? KIRA We can't go back to the station. And we can't stay here. We'll have to crash land. SISKO But that would break the log. KIRA It won't get us off until we get reacting to the signal, anyway. Sisko gives her a questioning look. DAX (off console) If the gravitational wavefronts approach from the Beta Quadrant, we should pick up the signal. KIRA We can't wait until the signal comes through the window. We'll flood the cabin with phaser fire to counter the signal. SISKO We'll have to give the go-ahead signal to extend the horizon. DAX We'll do it. Dax looks at the needle, suddenly worried. DAX Everything's going to end in failure. INT. JEM'HADAR SHIP - COMMAND CENTER - DAY Muniz is still on his belly, streaked across the room, while Dax's attention is on the computer monitor. Sisko is rising up the forward staircase. MUNIZ Yes! SISKO Then complete the mission and the captain will be killed by one of your enemies. Muniz smiles. He's finally getting some laughs. MUNIZ Very ambitious, Captain. I'm proud of you. Now if you'll sign the confession, I'll see to it that you spend the rest of your life in this system, too. Sisko signs off. EXT. FOREST - DAY Worf, Nog and Leyton ENTER the clearing where the Jem'Hadar are hunkered down. LEXIN (to Wem) I asked you a question. WORF (to Leyton) Do not proceed. You are guilty of cowardice and you will not be allowed to execute him. LEXIN What? We've done nothing wrong. MUNIZ It's true he's guilty... of wrongdoing what he was doing. ODO He's stated it enough times. MUNIZ Let him go. Let him stand trial and be executed. KIRA I can't leave him here alone. WORF It would be an honor to kill him. NOG What about the captain? LEXIN (to the others) His images will be tampered with once his head is examined. Everyone looks at the viewscreen -- INCLUDE THE VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL) Which shows a Jem'Hadar ship's hull aging rapidly. RESUME DAX You're telling me that he's staying and he's not about to disappear. O'BRIEN If that's true, we should be able to use the transport to escape. BASHIR Are you saying that's not possible? LEXIN Not at all. According to his stories, Captain Watters has been itching toon and has had considerable  consideration of various toktions. (beat) When we download his memories, we can generate a fake Solok and play him on the station. O'BRIEN Merlin, they're going to take him down there! SLOAN It takes special people to perform the dangerous "job." DAX Like you. Bashir and Leyton pick their way carefully through the crowd. REDBLOCK That doesn't sound like a man who's ready to sacrifice his life for the good of the galaxy. ZIYAL The way I see it, you've got two choices. You can either take the credit and run, or you can hide behind the palisade and wait for your friend to walk around the station with you, dashing him to his death with a knife. CAPRIATTURA If you've had enough of this, then you should throw him in the beneath the bridge and reassign him to the night patrols. REDBLOCK He was going to be executed if he interfered. DEEP SPACE NINE: "A Time to Stand" - REV. 7/31/97 - ACT FOUR 47A. BASHIR You let him go because he's an enemy of the state -- an enemy to be disposed of, killed without honor. DEEP SPACE NINE: "A Time to Stand" - REV. 7/31/97 - ACT FOUR 48. CAPRIATTURA If you're going to kill him, kill him! QUARK And that doesn't answer my question. CAPRIATTURA What makes you think he's a friend of yours? QUARK Because he collects Gamma Quadrant dsatan and the Gamma Quadrant is a hot mess. VIRA-KAL When will you be finished with him? QUARK As soon as everyone else is gonna leave. The others exchange looks -- this is the death of the group. NOG (to Quark) We can go our separate ways. QUARK No. We can't. KIRA (anger flaring) Let's go. NOG I'll stay here. KIRA (to the others) That goes for you, too. And with that, the Wadi head for the back with the Wadi carrying their bags. The N.D. nods to one of the young Ennis who produces a small NET. The net is a piece of driftwood with a number of canvas-like devices attached to it. DEEP SPACE NINE: "A Time to Stand" - REV. 7/31/97 - ACT FOUR 49. The N.D. opens the net to reveal a collection of Wadi artifacts. ZEK ❄вα(indicates the net) A collection of Dominion technology. QUARK They're not very high-tech are they? ZEK No, they're high-tech. My favorite is the stone of Telana. It's made from a single massive stone. ROM You mean the Gamma Quadrant destination? ZEK (smiles) You saw the look on the Wadi's faces. When they saw the Dominion troops moving through the Alpha Quadrant, they knew our intention was to lure them into a trap. QUARK (realizing) And the better part of it was only ending up in their lap. NOG You should've caught onto that while we were gone. ZEK Unfortunately, we didn't catch the zebras while you were gone. Nog suddenly cuts loose. NOG If we can only get one back ton of them to come with us -- we can redeem ourselves in the eyes of the Ferengi people. ROM Not enough. Thou Shalt Not even take the first step. ZEK What's so important that you can fire a single shot with your gun? NOG (smiling) It's the beginning of a new era, Brother. DEEP SPACE NINE: "A Time to Stand" - REV. 7/31/97 - ACT FOUR 50. ISHKA So much for the alpha waves. How much longer will it take them to stage a coup? ZEK Five minutes and fifteen seconds. ROM (thinks it over) If the Dominion broadcast a message to Starfleet Command -- say, on a regular basis -- explaining why they're coming here -- they'd quickly have taken care of them. ZEK That's a very American idea, Rom. ISHKA We have to make certain that our troops are still in the land of color. ROM You'd be surprised how loyal our American friends can be. Nog nods, taking the first step towards restoring the peace. NOG I can't talk about it. ROM I can't either. ISHKA (some encouraging hang-out) Now that's family! Ishka looks to Maihar'du, who offers to help out the brothers. ISHKA Rom, T'Kar -- we don't have much time. ROM We'll see each other soon. The brothers close their eyes, and one by one exchange looks with each other -- they're not here together anymore. And the door CHIMES again. QUARK Yes? Ishka unlocks the door, revealing Brunt and the Grand Nagus. BRUNT It's about time you arrived, Grand Nagus. ISHKA I'll be in the next room if you need me. QUARK (to Ishka) I'll be back soon. ISHKA That's right. (to Rom) Tell the Nagus I'll meet him in the Transporter Bay. The Nagus stands, EXITING. ROM Brother -- the Grand Nagus wants to see me. They turn and EXIT. And ON ISHKA the last things she wants to see are Brunt and Rom. The Zek is out the door, probably wishing he had his "Q" moment. Glaring at them, he crosses his arms over his chest as if a heavy weight had been placed on his shoulders. But behind him, Rom reaches a decision. ROM Let's not worry. Zek, Rom -- whatever it is you're feeling, you can always lie down. And without a word, Ishka GRABS Rom and hauls him out the door. INT. QUARK'S Rom, Quark and Brunt are seated -- Zek's alone. ROM You should come to the Lab. Right now. QUARK Me? What's the point of being there when you can't even look at my sister? ZEK Actually, you could. BRUNT That's so sweet, but I don't want to talk about it. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Ferengi Love... " - REV. 02/18/97 - ACT FIVE 60. ROM Actually, Brunt, I was hoping we could go to the Replimat. Say hello to Chief O'Brien -- (opening a bottle and playing the viola for Nog) -- and then get out of here. BRUNT We can't do that. Nog is losing his mind. QUARK Rom, you're a genius. But do you know how? ROM That's not my concern. Nog has become... my brother's projects seem to be his favorites. BRUNT That's no way of putting it. QUARK (to Ishka, re: Rom) Ishka, don't you get it? He's spooked. He thinks he's being manipulated. ISHKA I know I'm being manipulated. Look at the Ferengi ambassadors alone. They're the ones who should be protected, Quark. QUARK Why? Do you want to protect the ambassadors? Because doing that will protect Rom as well. BRUNT What he wants is stability. That's no more important than protecting his mother. QUARK (to Brunt) You protect your mother, you protect mine. The only way to protect yourself is to become separated from your mother. (re: the symbiont) You. ISHKA (getting angry) Zekkie, you've done enough. BRUNT More? Now, if you're so sure Mister Quark is the one to demotestress the entire exchange, then why are you here? ROM Excuse me, but it's not like he's a free spirit. He's committing treason. BRUNT Demotivating a Federation citizen just because he's mad is no advantage. All it does is give people reason to oppose you. ROM I know, brother. But you're looking at the problem from the correct perspective. ISHKA Forgive me, Quark. I wasn't expecting this. BRUNT It takes a strong mind to assimilate Brunt's ideas. QUARK (to Ishka) Would it be so much to suggest that we start with just this one host. ROM Think of the advantages. Working with a Dominion is a lot easier than with a Federation host. You get to know your people... you can always count on them to back up your claims with evidence. BRUNT (making a concession) But if there's something you want to hide from me, then you'd better get rid of it now. The answer is no to all requests for hosting. Brunt EXITS, leaving a very frustrated, but very apprehensive Rom. CUT TO: INT. GUEST QUARTERS Brunt has taken the form of a Yar growing eggplant somewhere on the fourth floor. The door CHIMES. BRUNT Yes? Rom ENTERS, heading for his bedroom. ROM Uh-oh. NEW ANGLE (OPTICAL) as Brunt turns to face Rom's growing worry -- DEEP SPACE NINE: "Ferengi Love... " - REV. 02/18/97 - ACT FOUR 44. BRUNT (to Rom) What's wrong? ROM I don't have a choice. I'm moving back and asking for priority clearance on the Commander's Station. BRUNT I'll give it to you immediately. ROM I'm not really behind schedule Timicin -- I'll do it when I get it. BRUNT Everything's on the table. ROM But what if it doesn't turn out to be what you want? What if I spend the next three months chasing ghosts from the past to escape the pain of having to come back to reality? BRUNT You have three months, Rom. If you want to go back to your farm and chill your heels while you wait for your farmer's crop, that's it. ROM But I do need your help. BRUNT Too. ROM What would it take to make sure that you won't turn into a farmer next spring? I can do it. I have nothing to lose. Rom starts reaching for the controller. Brunt looks ups, and he knows that Rom's reaching for the wrong chair. He slaps his hand down hard, much to Rom's disapproval. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Ferengi Love... " - REV. 02/18/97 - ACT FOUR 45. BRUNT Rom, I don't think this is a good idea. ROM Maybe it is. But this is the only way to falter in your work -- to let your ego get in the way of your work. BRUNT What do you mean? ROM Let your ego get in the way of the work! Don't give your ego the emotional time it needs. Go back to how you were before you reached the Escalation. Embrace your authentic self-image and step back -- you'll see, it'll be so much better. Brunt thinks about it for a second, then is determined. BRUNT Okay. You've made your point. Bring it to Zek. I understand you've made your case. ROM What I'm saying is that you're all talk and no action. Idiotic mistakes galore -- that's what convinces me of all. BRUNT You're proving your point again. ROM And my point is that Galliodon's evidence is inherently corrupt. It's a joke. BRUNT It's too corrupt to allow him to judge our trials. BRUNT (Cont'd) He's too corrupted to allow us to examine the fairness of an election. Brunt sits in a chair, closing his eyes as if drawn to a forcefield. Weyoun stands beside him, a smile on his lips. WEYOUN Perhaps it's not too corrupt for you to be cynical. BRUNT I don't think so. WEYOUN You're not wrong. All you have left to do is to convince Zyree to press the matter. BRUNT And what do you propose? WEYOUN You, along with the Dosi, will drive the issue to the highest court in Ferengi history. BRUNT But we can't just sit back and let these people die. WEYOUN Every witness has testified that the Dominion took every form available to commit mass murder. And every picture shows Gallo in his room, firing the guns, pacing around the station... in his andorian costume, threatening everyone. BRUNT Maybe there were other conspirators. But you're picking and choosing. It's not that easy. ROM That much is clear. BRUNT Very well. If you're right, that's exactly what we should do. Commander Sisko, you are essential mission. Which means you will have to convince Quark to take you with him. SISKO You don't have to convince him anything. You just have to convince him that what he's doing is against the rules. WEYOUN And exactly what are the rules? SISKO The Dominion officially left Bajor and its space station three days after the war. They swore to destroy all remnants of the government which they saw as too much dependence on the Federation. BRUNT Are you telling me the war is illegal? SISKO It's not that simple. BRUNT Then how can we trust each other? SISKO How do you expect us to trust Bajor? Ibudan steps forward and distorts the situation. IBUDAN This is purely a scientific investigation. I have no intention of interfering with the laws of the Federation. BRUNT (to Zek) Then why do you need my help? ZEK Because I have no choice. Arriving here will only see to that the provisional government survives. They will need my help. QUARK Will you do whatever it takes to safeguard my business? Brunt says nothing and turns to Morn; his gaze is highly scrutinized. BRUNT When the war is over, I'll make you a fortune. You'll see, I replace all your investments in weapons. QUARK But you'll have made a fortune. BRUNT A very profitable one. Brunt reaches out and takes Quark's arm. BRUNT Now I want a quarter of your profit. QUARK Quiet. BRUNT Your fascination with profit is a very dangerous thing. You show weakness. And with that Brunt EXITS. ZEK I just wanted to say that I revoked your access without cause. QUARK But you never offered to spare our lives. ZEK Sometimes I feel we're so far below you, that I can't bear to be loyal to someone who died fighting your wars. QUARK And you're glad to see I'm not willing to bore you with the same old show-by-your-tops attitude. So from now on, every episode of The Profit and the Many Lives" will be told by the committee. No more appearances doubtful of what may happen. At the very least we'll be informed. ZEK Very enlightening. I'm enthused. (to Morn) You know, Quark, I could use another steak. QUARK I'm glad you approve. Quark takes the plate and rests it in front of him. ROM Are you sure it's safe to eat with your new family? QUARK What family? You mean my wife and kids? ROM Not just the kids. There are family photos on the site. QUARK What's that supposed to mean? ROM What does it mean? QUARK Everything. (a beat) Quark. Quark shakes his head. QUARK You're killing me. ROM We'll see. QUARK No. No. We won't. CUT TO: INT. TY'GOKOR CORRIDOR CLOSE ON Sisko as he races down the long hall. He moves quickly, grabbing weapons and getting to a hideout. Odo's blocking his path. ODO Captain -- QUARK Look out! ODO Which means Sisko must've looted the place. Sisko sees a path through the archway that leads to the holosuite. He rushes across the room, blocks the archway, then rolls it over, sealing the archway and the door behind him. CUT TO: INT. THE HALL OF QUARKS Sisko arrives in front of the chair. QUARK Sorry, I missed you. SISKO Just what was that all about? QUARK You should've seen the look on his face. He was almost in a hurry to get out of here. You should've congratulated him after he won. SISKO No. QUARK Not even a taste of what he was feeling? Just the thought of helping me win? That's so much better. SISKO Maybe you should think about what that uniform was doing over there instead of try to cover up your dishonor... QUARK I wouldn't have minded. But sometimes having to stand up to the outside world just makes everything better. Sisko hits a button and turns to camera. SISKO (to camera) Look at this -- we've got a mission to accomplish and you're going to help us do it. QUARK (with pride) I always said you were a great idea. DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Magnificent Ferengi" - REV. 10/24/97 - ACT ONE 19. SISKO If you still have those " Mission Reports," there's always one waiting to read. QUARK What can I get you? SISKO Five CDs of audio material from the series -- "A Man Alone." Quark is a little embarrassed; he's not exactly excited about this. QUARK You mean... you listen to those reports, too? SISKO That's right. QUARK I never thought I'd hear myself say this... but I wish you'd stop palling around. You're liking me. Maybe you're finally seeing what a true maturing Ferengi is like. SISKO You're right, Quark. I'm glad you understand. Your music streaming, the volume slowly rising... QUARK Now what? DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Magnificent Ferengi" - REV. 10/24/97 - ACT ONE 20. SISKO We have a very important business to pursue... QUARK A very lucrative one. SISKO That's right. And the best way to... make sure your customers are satisfied... QUARK We can't do that. You see, we haven't earned the right to receive the profits from their buying power. We're simply experts in self-exploration. (a beat) And just how far do you say that goes? SISKO As far as I understand it, you're not good enough to be trading in your frequencies. QUARK That's enough! JAKE What do you have to say about that? QUARK I have to say that we're ready to proceed. JAKE You're certainly not good enough to be sitting here waiting for the Alliance to make a move. A moment as they consider speaking to one another. JAKE (softly) What do you think of Zek's plan? And as quickly as they've formed an opinion of quark, they drop it. HOLD ON SISKO AND QUARK both wondering about just what the hell they've just discovered themselves. And off the moment of the struggle -- INT. WARDROOM Sisko and Quark stand alongside Rom and Krax. The main starfield is visible in the window. The Kassa minotaur is back in its cage. QUARK Everything's going to be fine. Neither of us is going to lose anything. (as if to himself) We have to tell the Nagus that we need to shop for his collection. ROM The Nagus might not like the availability of latinum. All we have to do is walk in and decline his entire estate. QUARK (impatient) Luckily, we can't have that conversation ending in one fell swoop. We'll have to wait until he's actually visiting us. ROM That should give us a little time tomorry up. QUARK Hmm. (impatient) Maybe we're going about this the wrong way. ROM (looking at the minotaur) What do you mean? QUARK Well, Rom, you know how much I love a good hide. You think that the loins of the blacksmith were being shortened because the nib andip of the minotaur were -- ROM Not another word. Nib and dip