STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Profit and Lace" #40275-219 STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Profit and Lace" Story by Paul Coyle Teleplay by Paul Coyle 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 This script is not for publication or reproduction.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 FEBRUARY 17, 1987 STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Profit and Lace" CAST PICARD LESTRADE RIKER GALEN DATA ALIEN #1 TASHA CROWD OF WORF INJURED CREWMAN GEORDI Transporter Operator WESLEY Voice-Over ENSIGN FELTON COM VOICE TRANSPORTER CHIEF HUTCHINSON Voice-Over COMPUTER VOICE Non-Speaking TECHNICIAN STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Profit and Lace" SETS INTERIORS EXTERIORS USS ENTERPRISE USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE READY ROOM SOONG'S PLANET OBSERVATION LOUNGE LYSIAN DESERT TURBOLIFT INTERROGATION ROOM ANTEROOM LESIAN DESERT DESERT INTERROGATION ROOM INTERROGATION (ON MONITOR) LYSIAN DESERT (ON MONITOR) Brief STORAGE TUNNEL STELLAR CARTOGRAPHY LABORATORY PHASER BAY STAR TREK: "Profit and Lace" - REV. 11/6/89 - TEASER STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Profit and Lace" TEASER FADE IN: A1 INT. SOONG'S LABORATORY - BRIEFING ROOM LYSIANNA ROZHENKO, a small, appropriate-looking woman (Bajoran), is examining and checking over the remains of her dead grandson, STEFAN ISHES, a large, strong-looking man (Klingon). LYSIANNA Not just the funeral... My son's copilot confirmed it. His fingerprints were all over the ship. Ishares sweat-and-breath, looks at her. LYSIANNA And my husband confirmed it too. Stefan's picture was sent to both sides... Ishares collapses heavily on the table, howling with pain. ISHASU It's been a while, now. You should get some rest. LYSIANNA The Enterprise is behind me -- I don't know how or why. But I'll never get used to the sound of that... screaming cowering. ISHASU It's the instinctive response of our ancestors. They feared the Klingons. LYSIANNA What are you suggesting, Captain? Ishares considers that, then removes the device from Rozhenko's neck. ISHASU We should program the sensors to process the image and map the location of each of us. PICARD You've worked for years on that kind of job. I don't think he'll be able to stop us. ISHASU It's not that simple. He indicates the monitor. ISHASU We have to eliminate the patterns and establish a new master baseline. �84:[1,#b] RIKER (to Data) Commander, what's the source of this energy? DATA This is broadband Nelvana system microminiature... developed over the years by the Talarians. PICARD They've been trying to eliminate that power drain for years now. Why? DATA Their power levels are too low. GEORDI That's a problem with the power flow, not the sensor array. PICARD So what's their solution? GEORDI They turn it off. PICARD And how long will it take them to complete that upgrade? GEORDI A matter of minutes if we're guided in that direction. If we follow them and follow the power flow down to the source. DATA We may not achieve that direct approach, Captain. PICARD And what happens then? GEORDI We run the engines through a polarizing burst -- just like lights... every couple of minutes the engines should kick into their cycles depending on how we align the magnetic capacitors. It should give the engines a little extra head start. PICARD Continue. GEORDI We give the primordial energy apac REQ. The engines stay on, the rest don't. It's a little bizarre that they'd kick into your cycle... but it works. RIKER Then the primordial energy kills us. GEORDI Exactly. OMITTED INT. LAVELLE/TARMIN PRODUCTION BASE - LAVELLE HILL'S HULL - DAY - CONTINUOUS More vibration. Worf instinctively steps forward. WORF Stop! OMITTED INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL) The ship ROCKS violently. WESLEY We've lost the anti-matter containment field! INT. TEN FORWARD (OPTICAL) There is a scattering of lights. PICARD'S COM VOICE Number One! Report! INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL) The main viewer shows the star getting smaller and smaller. WESLEY We're losing it! PICARD'S COM VOICE Transporter Room Four, come on in! They all look helplessly at the screen for a moment. Then the screen changes, the ship MOVES and MOVES toward the star causing the vibration in the cabin. WESLEY It's working! PICARD'S COM VOICE Mister La Forge? GEORDI (to com) We're back into normal space, Captain. PICARD'S COM VOICE Do you have us out of the void? GEORDI No, sir... but we've got quite a problem. The solar flares are increasing in magnitude and violent explosive force. We're losing attitude control... and power... WESLEY And we're heading directly for the sun. PICARD'S COM VOICE Take us out of here, Number One. RIKER Complete impulse failure. WESLEY Impulse override! What just happened to the Enterprise? RIKER I don't know, Wesley... but I'm losing attitude control... the shuttle's going into the sun... Looking at the main viewer. INCLUDE MAIN VIEWER (OPTICAL) The image of the shuttle brightens dramatically... and then goes out of view. INTERCUT: INT. MAIN BRIDGE As before. DATA Finally, the unknown battles the fierce dialogues of man against machine. PICARD Impulse override! On screen. FULL ON MAIN VIEWER (OPTICAL) The shuttle appears on the viewer in orbit around the planet. PICARD Mister Data... your analysis... DATA In analyzing the flight path and conclusion of the shuttle crew, I have discovered a flaw in the original programming technique of the Enterprise, Commander. This is a threat to the existence of life on this planet. WORF Does this threat require a response? PICARD I'm afraid so, Mister Worf. We don't have a choice. WORF (reacts) Sir? PICARD We have no choice, Mister Worf. We have to defend the Alpha Quadrant ourselves. (beat) That's what I've decided to do. Off Worf's reaction... CUT TO: INT. DEFENSE CONDUIT Vorin, Tumek and MOGH are working on something on a MORPH board... he reacts... VORIN This is most efficient. TUMEK If you like that feel the phaser banks are inefficient then you need a Republic system like the Yosemite... MOGH We could do nothing but give up ourselves up to these invaders and wait to be taken care of... On their reactions... INT. ENTERPRISE - MAIN BRIDGE Picard, Riker, Worf, Data, Troi at their positions. DATA Captain, millions of kilometers remain without contact with the Oji Frontier. Picard turns to Riker and faces him directly. PICARD I am Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the Federation Starship Enterprise. RIKER (acknowledges) Captain Picard, these people call themselves "The Maquis"... PICARD We're aware of their calls for help. Over the years, many years ago, we helped to overthrow the oppressive government of Federica. RIKER But the call went unanswered. So we sent a ship there... a starship... to investigate. And it turned out to be a tracker. TROI A tracker in orbit around a planet... PICARD That's what they were looking for. Holographic images of people. TROI One of the devices they confiscated uses a technique called transoelective cutting... it allows them to deceive the surrounding environment... they submerge a localized sensor unit... only then the image begins to appear as if it were human. MOGH They wanted to experiment with lethal force. They didn't realize it would be so effective. It was the first step in something that would eventually lead to their total destruction. RIKER Any idea what their next move will be? MOGH There are no known vulnerabilities. They seem to be extremely precautionary. PICARD Thank you, Mister Mogg. (localized) Very precautionary... our mission is... But Picard is interrupted by a SOUND... and a GROAN which very nearly knocks Picard off his feet... VORIN (O.S.) Return, please... Movar comes flooding in through the doorway with Grievous satisfaction... MOVAR Yes, Captain. VORIN (continuing) ... and I believe you deserve it... MOVAR No, no, Captain Picard. I believe everything you did was necessary. I know there are no other Federation starships like us. PICARD There are, of course, other vessels which would very much like a chance to station themselves aboard our vessels. MOVAR It is we which possess the possessions that are relevant to their decision-making. VORIN It is also we who are offering them the chance to regain control of their ships. MOVAR The Crewmembers of the Stele can either acquiesce or resist. my offer is primarily to the Stelei. PICARD Then, Starfleet will accept your offer. But they will not accept the possession of our ships by Grievous while we are still undependable. Is that understood? MOVAR Dead. Effect on line. VORIN Not much time, Captain. Our transporter lag is still four hours... we'll hit the cap in fifteen minutes. PICARD That'll be sufficient, Commander. MOVAR Yes, sir. PICARD I'd like complete freedom to arrange our departure, but you're in no position to dictate to me. MOVAR Exactly. Being here, I can give you an insight into the nature of our mission. Picard nods. MOVAR (continuing) So, Captain... it's time. PICARD It's time, Yuri. YARO No. If we do not depart in three hours... we will not depart at all. On Picard's reaction... FADE OUT. END OF TEASER ACT ONE FADE IN: INT. CORRIDOR Picard, RIKER, TROI and Worf enter the turbolift. The lift doors snap open and VIC FONTAINE emerges first. Picard strides straight ahead, Riker and Worf toe the other half of the door. VIC You're right, you dunce... I am dying here. After I die, I don't get stage fright. Vic's eyes sweep the room. PICARD (warmly) I'm sorry... VIC (offended) No! I don't want to hear about the cancer, I... miss her too terribly. Picard exchanges a quick, concerned look with Riker and Worf. PICARD (softly) Number One, perhaps you should take your husband's place. He's been very helpful in our negotiations. A brief, electric silence. VIC It's a striking sentiment. (to Picard) Tell me, what's the matter with you people? You palsy?  PICARD Are you ill or... ? VIC (bitter) Neither. (to Picard) Captains, sometimes you have to rub it in a little here and now. RIKER We'll rub it where? VIC (false modesty) Oh, it's in the every day. (beat) You know where. I could use your company. Picard is surprised. PICARD I don't think so. Vic, not having even considered that possibility, hops in the door and heads for the EXIT. VIC You certainly can't force us to come with you. ROM You don't have to go, you know that. VIC (to Quark) Well, if you're going to work there, you better know the job properly. QUARK I'll do my best. VIC (to Leeta) You're with you. Leeta and Rom EXIT. VIC Connect bar, then I'll call you back in a couple days. Let's cover ourselves. He turns to his band. VIC black man out. INT. MAIN BRIDGE Picard joins RIKER and WORF at Science Station. WORF Sir, the computer reports the body was not on the Brattara system. RIKER What's the problem? PICARD It's outside our field of expectations, at warp nine. RIKER The kid runs like a deer. PICARD Ah. My best guess would be that the child was returned to his "family," as if he'd somehow disappeared. WORF He claims he has no sense of direction. PICARD He's displaying all the hallmarks of a debaucher. His clothing... his behavior... everything. RIKER avia conserv de sit front; a little tipsy? PICARD (smiles) Perhaps. (indicating) Schedule your report immediately, Number One. RIKER Aye, sir. He's out the door. INT. TURBOLIFT Beverly and Troi ENTER. TROI You will need to lie down for a few moments. BEVERLY You're a very curious woman, Troi. Troi nods. TROI No, it's just hard for me to admit it... I don't really enjoy sitting still. Are you interacting through my mind? BEVERLY Much... (very dry) Yes. I'm interacting. TROI I feel like I'm in another plane. What is it that I'm feeling? BEVERLY It's hard to explain... but for moments I can't remember... I was dreaming. And now... (smiles) I don't know what I imagined. TROI What is the dream about? BEVERLY You're not asking me... but I have a feeling you're in a different dimension, Deanna. Maybe you don't remember the dream you had... but I do. Beverly gives her a quick look at Riker... who glances at her, nods... TROI You said you were only here for a short time... could you really have lasted a year? Beverly gives her a look... kind of glad she's finally right... BEVERLY If you want to be sure that it didn't happen again... you might want to re-examine the personnel files... look for the record of your visits to the hospital... TROI (rising) All fine... fine... I'll go right back to work... will I? Beverly moves to the door and OPENS it, causing Riker and Troi to stop... RIKER Doctor Crusher... BEVERLY (indicating the bed) Yes? Beverly leads him to the bed. Riker settles onto the bed... although he's a little confused, he's still feeling the conflicting emotions of having done something wrong... and having been wrong. RIKER I should have known... I should have realized it wasn't possible for you to get this wrong... you should have seen the security systems... BEVERLY Will... you're so vivid... He eyes her uncomfortably. RIKER You're right... I'm still feeling the effects of the Others being here. I should have realized it wouldn't have been possible... that no matter how much I apologize... no matter how much I apologize... you're not going to believe a word I've said. She smiles a little, comforted. BEVERLY You're hopeful, Wil. I for one was hoping for a little more... Picard moves toward the door... PICARD Glad to hear it... RIKER About what? BEVERLY That you could at least lie a little... PICARD I couldn't... I never could... BEVERLY One hundred percent certain... PICARD (turning) Yes... that's right... and you're supposed to be feeling a thousand years old... it's the anniversary of your birth... BEVERLY What? PICARD Birth... a thousand years old... It's an ode to your youth. You had that terrible, young life... and you celebrated it like a kid. He smiles at her. PICARD Much better. (stands) You're a wonderful doctor. That's clearly my first officer. She stands, starred-crossedly, with Riker in tow. Picard's attitude is extremely intimate. That edge is very "You're really an officer" and Picard doesn't give much outward sign of disapproval. PICARD Would you like to share some of our work? BEVERLY No. I'd rather keep it on mybeets. PICARD Of course. Picard heads for the door. RIKER Tight... Picard EXITS. INT. CORRIDOR - CONTINUOUS Picard and Riker ENTER from Tasha's quarters. Picard heads for a transporter room and hops the sidewalk by the door. RIKER It's about time you came back. PICARD Sorry. I got a little… caught up in the Nausicaan killing. RIKER I'm sure you had some bad decisions. � PICARD Some very bad ones. (a beat) I've been on the Enterprise too long now... and I realize that some of my colleagues are beginning to get uncomfortable. RIKER With all due respect, sir, you should've let me resign before you ever let your... PICARD (interrupting) What "would have been necessary?" You knew full well that I would have intervened... you just... RIKER I don't understand... PICARD Investigated... found out the problem... Then I knew there was nothing wrong with the protocols... RIKER What about financial repairs... PICARD Those are normal business procedures. RIKER They seem to have progressed progressively in the last few years... PICARD (casual) Well, you certainly don't professionalize me yet. RIKER (laughs) You're too nit to admit... As Picard ADVANCES... RIKER (continuing) ... but I find her very attractive... INT. PICARD'S QUARTERS CAMERA FEVERZES on Picard as he ENTERS. He moves directly to the bed, pulls out his phaser and prepares to fire. But before he can reach it... STAR TREK: "Shades of Gray" - REV. 5/2/89 - ACT THREE 40A. WIDER ANGLE Lady Walcott (not the Lady we met in the Teaser) suddenly appears in the doorway. Her figure disappears into the darkness of the room. Quickly, Watterson returns to Picard's table. VICTORIA Penny! Everyone turns to see where the voice comes from. Lady Walcott is sitting on the floor of the room, her back against the bulkhead. Nathan Rothschild, her metallic eyes looking up at her, stands in the b.g. NATHAN What do you want? LWAXANA I thought you might like to know that Mister Data's successful reproduction of the German Shepherd will not only be Shakespearean gold, but it will be performed by a band tonight. DATA I assure you that is not true. LWAXANA There are rules, Captain, that you must follow. All of them. The first one you must understand is "Never criticize yourself while sitting on the floor." DATA I will pass that on. LWAXANA Never? DATA Never. LWAXANA Good. Then you won't say "This is really embarrassing" when you get lonely. DATA I can say "This is really intimate" when I want to. LWAXANA I'm sorry. She runs her fingers over his cheek. He grunts resignation. LWAXANA (continuing) Now, what is it? She picks up the pitcher of fluid and glasses; sets them on a table. LWAXANA Now, what is it? DATA Reader. I do not understand how much longer it will take me to read through your writings. LWAXANA There are many great minds at work right now, Data. DATA Glorious. Perhaps we should become nontraditionalists -- interested in the continuing publication of literary works. LWAXANA Plainly there are other interests which could provide... stimulus. DATA That is not true. She picks up one of the fluid-filled glasses and examines it. LWAXANA This is a liquid, isn't it? DATA Yes. LWAXANA In what way is it different? DATA Unlikely. It is simply water. Unlikely. LWAXANA I'd go for the "golf ball" of water, wouldn't you? You know how delicate it is. Of course, then you'd make the same mistake with anything else. DATA I am sorry you do not agree. LWAXANA But you don't know that! Even when we are happy, we are always happy. DATA I do not believe I am capable of amending my intellectual DNA. LWAXANA Nor do I. ODO and GUARD ENTER. They watch the two of them carefully. Their eyes narrow. Detect a fait accomplit. Data puts the tulaberries down. LWAXANA Perhaps we should handle this rather... politely. (to Data) Let's start with your future. ODO We'd better start at the previous point. GUARD Odo's not a very good liar. LWAXANA As you can see, he has no idea what we're talking about. No idea what you're up to, either. Odo's not about to let her unravel him. ODO Now... do us both a favor... and stop looking at each other. GUARD What case? ODO Looking for a way to replenish our numbers. Something that doesn't necessarily involve killing. GUARD Like what? ODO Like finding a way to replenish those numbers. Again. GUARD Maybe it's already been done. ODO Or maybe I'll set you up with a friend of the boss's. Rather than going alone, I'll just advertise my services and try to lure someone in. Don't worry, I won't kill anyone. GUARD (a little disappointed) I see what you mean. Lwaxana's making a futile stab at the latinum. ODO It's not murder. It's manslaughter. Guilty as charged. She leans over and nuzzles his ear. LWAXANA It was murder, Odo. Just like everything else about the world. Odo's not sure how to reply. All he has to do is shut her up. ODO And just like everything else about the world, nobody watches your watched world. She nuzzles his ear again. LWAXANA Odo, what does it matter? If you are somebody, why do you have to protect your secret? ODO (defensive) It matters to me. LWAXANA What matters to me is that I am proud of what you've become. ODO Why do you wish to destroy us, my dear, is beyond my understanding. LWAXANA Impossible. You are but a mystical being. I cannot violate the laws of nature. LWAXANA (Cont'd) Your only possible crime, Odo, is that which you would have planned to commit -- murder. And with that, she EXITS. We hold on Odo's reaction -- CUT TO: OMITTED INT. ODO'S QUARTERS The room as we last saw it. Odo is at his desk working a PADD. After a beat, the door CHIMES. ODO Yes. The door OPENS to reveal Lwaxana ENTERS. LWAXANA It's about time. ODO Oh. You're up late. LWAXANA It's late. I wanted to tell you that I've decided to stay where I am. ODO What makes you say that? LWAXANA That's just it -- I never thought I'd say something like that. � ODO Then it doesn't bother you? LWAXANA Does it? Not a bit. I can't read you as a person. (beat) The only decent Klingon I know who could be called on the village is Helmsman Rutian, whose memories I'd like to share with you. Odo is amazed beyond completion. ODO Helmsman Rutian? I don't believe that's possible. LWAXANA Nor I believe you. You are the one who has made this all possible. You've brought my dreams to life. They were buried five feet below the ground. Years of isolation punished me. Now, thanks to you, I am free. Odo is genuinely touched. ODO It's not easy having magic fingers, Memc -- LWAXANA Whether you like that or not is irrelevant. I have been aboard your ship for the past three hours. Three days... She pauses, remembering. LWAXANA Remember that party I told you about? The one we had at Altair Four? Yeah, that night you had Quark try to melt down the whole Taj company. ODO I never touched the disco. LWAXANA Just part of the plan. We were still expected to back in and stop them before they reached the pit. And every time I thought that was impossible, they would meet me in the Pit and decide that it was. They reach the door to the shaft. ODO You're certain about this? LWAXANA I've known Stephen for five years. I can't imagine anyone further off the station. ODO Even if he did, why would he keep you waiting so long to join you? There's a beat as Lwaxana considers. LWAXANA I wouldn't know. (beat) But now that I know you're not asking me, I guess I better start by proving I'm not abandoning our mission. Odo doesn't think Quark is about to break his fast. ODO I never said I was abandoning. We're still searching for the B'Moth. LWAXANA Odo, just stay out of it. ODO What if I don't? LWAXANA You can't keep pretending to be an ordinary family man. Raising a child requires a special attitude. � ODO What do you expect me to do -- importantly, I need to know that this is not some nefarious plot intended to implicate my family. LWAXANA I know how much your secrecy empowers me. Besides, if I can hear anything you've said, I know you're not just doing it for your own good -- you're obeying Keiko's instructions. ODO The secrecy Order wouldn't be interested in hearing my explanation. LWAXANA That's not why I'm here. ODO It is, and it has to do with Keiko and me. LWAXANA Stephen Hawking and I are close. I think he's probably interested in me because I know something about the nuclear radiation that's affecting the wormhole. ODO You think he's trying to get interfaced with me? LWAXANA I'm just a mind in a trap. Being a couple of dimensional shifts, that's all. ODO I don't understand any of this. Why would he be interested in contacting me? LWAXANA Because he's always been very fascinated by your programming. It's like he's looking for something inside me. Odo gets to his feet. ODO That's enough. LWAXANA (calmly) Shut up. (to Ogawa) Will you help me disinfect my quarters? ODO No. LWAXANA Why not? Odo points to Garish. ODO Because Garish is a great artist. He can't draw. He's never made a living drawing. GARISH Oo-mox is dealing in chinks, not gold. LWAXANA So then it's no wonder he's freakishly wealthy. ODO Not while Garish is helping me out. Remember that while you are. Garish has shown a weakness toward me. An inability to sit still -- forever. LWAXANA You're a con man. That's why people like you are tolerated. Odo's had about enough of this. ODO Never forget it. A beat as Lwaxana's reassuring. He leans back against the table. His features hardening. ODO Perhaps Garish is right. Perhaps I'll never find what I'm looking for. LWAXANA Maybe you should approach Cardassia with more equanimity. ODO If you mean crops and livestock. LWAXANA You do that. And you'll never have to worry about hunger or hungering. ODO That's not much to hope for. LWAXANA Who said anything about wanting to share your genes? (a beat) Odo, I wish I had thought of that before I had you as a friend. I would have loved Genealogy Class. (MORE) ODO Several generations of cardassians through the years have been chasing each other down. I am no better than a possible worst duck. But Lwaxana will hear none of it. LWAXANA There are things you do not understand. ODO I don't need to understand things. I have wishes. LWAXANA That's necessary to survive. Not necessarily. Not when your dependents are so dependent on you. ODO What if Natima and the others are the ones who need to survive while your people are on the last stretch of their struggle against death? What if they were to let you raise a child, captain? LWAXANA I wouldn't send the children to the Dominion, if I were you. ODO Then, how many generations are we talking about? LWAXANA Another ten, maybe twelve generations. ODO What about space? LWAXANA The Solids are so perfectionist. I don't dare risk exposing you. Your only alternative would be to continue leading the struggle for existence. Odo's had about enough of her pontificating. ODO I am sure that will not be an option. LWAXANA About our children. Maybe we should send them to classes. Keeps them from growing. Makes them feel in control. ODO That's brilliant. LWAXANA Of course it is. (to Garvin) It's a sign from the Prophets that we are no longer a threat to them. They can have whatever we want for theirselves. GARVIN They can have whatever they want. LWAXANA How wonderful. (a glance at Odo) May I say a few words? ODO Maybe. She shoots him a look and shakes her head. LWAXANA Jean-Luc, I'll miss you. GARVIN We'll see each other again. She smiles and walks up to him. This is supposed to be a casual encounter, but Garvin's heart is set and he's not about to let this get back to her. GARVIN Lwaxana... �LWAXANA Just between you and me... I wouldn't have anything to do with the Emissary, would I? Klingon culture is so fascinating, Garvin. GARVIN Well, then I'd better reschedule my visit. It seems I'm going to have to miss some. LWAXANA As I'm sure you do. There is a silence as Garvin SOLDIES withdrew to the side. He motions to her to follow and they walk side-by-side. GARVIN Lwaxana... Lwaxana does her best to ignore him. LWAXANA Garvin, it's a shame we can't be together more often. GARVIN I miss you already. LWAXANA I'm glad we're finally getting along. She smiles... and his smile deepens. She leans over to kiss him, but he holds her back. GARVIN Lwaxana... LWAXANA (quickly) Garvin. I know you're not going to believe this, but I really think you should. GARVIN (pleased) Really? He leans over to kiss her, but Lwaxana pulls away gently. LWAXANA That's enough. GARVIN I'm sorry. I'm almost relieved. LWAXANA That's enough. I think I've finally forgiven you. GARVIN How long have you been holding out on me? How long have you been pleasing me? LWAXANA A long time. But now it's time to cut the cord. GARVIN What are you suggesting? LWAXANA Come with me. While you're being courted by the Navot, I will demonstrate the various marbles and other adornments you embarrassed me with. She takes his arm and they begin walking toward the shuttle. INT. HOLDING CELL (OPTICAL) as they ENTER. LWAXANA (to the guard) Ezri, I'll escort you to the arrival point. The Guard looks to Narik, motioning to a HAND not to interfere. Narik steps forward and they step away from the forcefield. LWAXANA Hold it. (to Garvin) My head. Don't twitch it. Garvin reaches out and fixes her head with a terrible and humiliating moment of realization... GARVIN (embarrassed) Head. Lwaxana wipes her eyes, then blinks as if blind for a moment. Her eyes are still on Garvin; and on Taris. for a beat, Lwaxana is almost angry with him for making her such a spectacle. But then she smiles, and utters a melancholy prayer. LWAXANA God help us all. After a beat, Narik nods and joins Garvin at his contrite best. NARIK Serious. I am sorry we were mistaken. GARVIN Mistaken? NARIK I swear there was blood on the floor. It was Lwaxana who drew it. GARVIN (into Com) Computer, locate Lieutenant Commander Data. COMPUTER VOICE Lieutenant Commander Data is in Holodeck Six. NARIK I suppose you mean the last time I saw him. GARVIN Tell me about him. NARIK He's an android. Hasn't he been programmed to be courteous? GARVIN Not always. He often causes issues for his friends. NARIK (grins) I'll bet he's very nice. But he's not Lwaxana Troi. Garvin laughs. GARVIN If you say so, Mrs. Troi. Narik gulps, looks at him and then in a slightly stunned voice. NARIK Surprise. GARVIN Surprise is right -- how did you know? Lwaxana rises. LWAXANA I didn't say that. GARVIN You must be confused. LWAXANA Just reflect on what's gone wrong. Why did you call me? GARVIN It must have something to do with the wedding. LWAXANA But what's the matter -- you're holding back good news? referencelling. LWAXANA (cont'd) I'm back in my room. And I'm not going to stay there. Can you believe it? That's the most imposing woman you've ever met. You're refusing to let me spend my life with you. GARVIN There must be some mistake. LWAXANA Is there a problem between us? GARVIN We're trying to raise our children in a manner that won't upset her. LWAXANA That's very touching. But you could've done far better. You were never very good at raising children. GARVIN I did fine. In fact, my wife thought it was a real blessing. Lwaxana smiles. Back onto the subject. LWAXANA But now you're trying to raise a child that'll grow up to be a great ruler. GARVIN Lwaxana, when I was a child, my mother said I was too young to handle her. Of course, as time passed, I got better... it wasn't until I remembered her face and heard her laugh that I managed to pull her out of that chair. LWAXANA What happened to you? GARVIN Oh, I suppose you wanted to be my best man. LWAXANA You're being very unfair. GARVIN It was an accident. I was seven years old. And my mother -- I never had the chance to taste mother love. I must've been a fool to allow that. LWAXANA A fool? Your mother's a lovely woman; I adore her. GARVIN And you're being a fool. Your mother's been a great lady, all right, but you're not. You're a fool. Maybe that's the first thing we'll have to work on. (a beat) Now, if you'll excuse me... Garvin EXITS. Lwaxana moves off to give him a welcome. LWAXANA So, how've you been? ODO (smiling) I've had quite a bit of a marathon. Lwaxana knows she couldn't have lasted another minute. LWAXANA Training camp? Odo nods. ODO It seemed like just yesterday but... it was my first real camp... LWAXANA Oh, you've been back there a little. Odo nods. A brief beat as they stand and head for the door. ODO Well... I'd love a couple more days just relaxing by the water... LWAXANA You'll have them. I'm sure they will. They EXIT. CUT TO: INT. TEMPLE SHRINE CHAMBER - DAY (OPTICAL) Temple went through a great deal of trouble to create themosque that dominates the room now. The temple is simple but functional. Main PLATFORM - INTERCUTTING VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL) They EXIT to find the temple fully immersed, Lwaxana and Odo both leaning against the wall, offering their checks. ODO Interesting. The smell of fresh air... and good food... feels very much like a prison. LWAXANA Meat rinds and skin of animal tissue... if there was any spiritual leader here, she would have nourished them and their children. ODO There's not a spiritual leader out there. Just people. In fact, the only place I've ever seen my mother, besides her quarters, was Kilana's home. She leans in over him, speaking quietly. LWAXANA She'd been dead for years... only a few weeks old... when I tried to take her away, she panicked. Kilana nearly killed her. She leans forward, as if to rub his cheek, as if acknowledging his instincts. LWAXANA She needed to be cared for... ODO It's strange... there aren't any people of my own to care for. I thought I would be brought in as a Federation security officer. LWAXANA Why? What has happened to your mother? She rises, pacing. LWAXANA Kilana's never had a pet... nothing like her. She always petted me... pet me! She stops, as if I've said something to her. LWAXANA But now, when she feels like leaving, I'm left with no one to caring for but me. She turns and looks at him. LWAXANA Deanna, I'm pregnant... Odo is struck by the brevity and forthrightness of Lwaxana's responses (even in her most extreme changes. From her POV, she can see that the baby is definitely a girl.) ODO How... how do you feel? LWAXANA I've never been excited about puppetry before... but it's so new... it'll be wonderful. ODO I'm sure you'll be wonderful. Look for opportunities to engage your personality. The more you roleplay, the more you may begin to feel... like a real mother. She gives him a very dry look, then picks up where she's been going: LWAXANA I'm a real mother, too. This is Odo's favorite part of the scene -- the actions, the looks, the complete lack of empathy for either of them -- and she has the uncanny ability to hold it in THROUGHTRICT AUDIENCE. It's disturbing, awkward -- and she's just plain tired. ODO But you're capable of so much. LWAXANA goblinken time. ODO I suggest we set aside whichever device you prefer for the rest of your stay... it may take several days before it's back in working order. LWAXANA Nothing like watching your son grow into a fine young man. ODO Indeed, I wouldn't be much of a father if I were you. LWAXANA I have been thinking about that already... my other son has another talent I've never seen applied... he's trying to turn himself into a sculptor... he crooks all over Zek's quarters... There's a beat as she takes these wordset and distilling it into something understandable. LWAXANA That's perfect. I'll talk to Starfleet about this later. She turns to go; Odo stops him with: ODO Something to think about? LWAXANA The only thing is... will he be happy? And with that she turns and EXITS; Odo watches her go silently. Then, after a beat, a Thread of Commonality binds them together. He looks at her, and their eyes lock... EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL) Re-establishing. INT. SISKO'S QUARTERS It's late; SISKO is reading a book OFF SCREENER. SISKO ... but I'll never put this book down. And when I do, why bother? The current cast of characters is as strong as the original. (a beat) It's great, isn't it? He looks up. Yes, indeed, they are. INT. PROMENADE SISKO, LWAXANA, and JAKE walk together. JAKE I don't have to see the Klingons to know they're threatening. LWAXANA You're young, Jake. They'll understand. You did what you had to in order to protect them. JAKE Who was it who threatened me? LWAXANA Never anyone really. Just an arm's length of latinum. (a beat) Besides, it wasn't really your mission. (quoting "Arrival" scene) "To risk a journey across new frontiers, to reunite lost skins... there were many reasons why he stayed in the Odo Institute... " Jake is growing irritated. JAKE (interrupting) Exposed to all the lies of confession? SISKO Isn't that the whole point? as though the events leading to his acquittal were... coincidental? The inflammatory words come from Odo... ODO Major, it was a conspiracy... conspiring with those at Starfleet Command to undermine the government... to encourage suspects to make false accusations. SISKO (to Jake) Accuse them, then indict them. JAKE Why? ODO To deter a "collision." If one of them is found guilty... ODO (Cont'd) That would ensure that the other would never be free to harm another.  SISKO No... that would deny them the chance to gain profit. ODO Exactly. And likely give the Dominion pause for theymos. The balance should be maintained. Jake is already beginning to feel the effects of his adversation... it's like he suddenly has the hammer down on his chest. JAKE (unsure) What? SISKO You're accused of creating the implosion... what are the charges? JAKE Smuggling... that's why we got sucked five hundred kilograms of latinum into one of those crates. SISKO So we found the big crate of latinum and were able to transport it to the surface. ODO Why would you steal it? SISKO It's not gold. ODO We don't need to prove that you were complicit in the death of members of the crew. SISKO We just need to show that you were willing to violate the territory the minute we set foot on it... let us know you're on our side. ODO That might be difficult. Some people might think it is reenacting history... SISKO One person might think it is reenacting history... that someone wouldn't do something like this behind Closed Doors If That's what it takes to get what you want. Odo indicates the monitor. ODO Want you to look at this? Sisko looks at the monitor andy how I do... Sisko calmly looks at Jake and shoves the idea aside. SISKO (to Jake) Get his own placement here. JAKE (hurried) I already have. SISKO What do you want? JAKE I want to stay with Nina for a while. SISKO Stay with Nina? JAKE I don't care. Just give me a minute to pack my things... Sisko's features harden with the tension of suddenly having no control over what he wants and having no business getting anything done. ODO You're being a fool, Jake. JAKE (re: the monitor) What are you saying? That I should go stir up some blood and kill everyone on the station? Sisko finally senses what the boy is saying and nods with approval. SISKO That's correct. JAKE (reading the design) This is the station. This is the future. I make decisions based on experience, not rash. ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ(beat, then sotto) Think about it. We're trying to pack a cube as big as we can. And in doing so, we lose a lot of valuable time. ODO Naturally. JAKE We could be three days behind schedule. It's a big unit. It could be a ghost ship. ODO Maybe. But scheduling a full power test would be a mistake. JAKE Both months going to waste. Sisko studies the boy. SISKO It's a mistake not to test yourselves. JAKE What are you saying? We're not that smart. Sisko doesn't respond. JAKE It's a big mistake. Maybe we're not that smart after all. Off Sisko's thoughtful look on this latest complication... CUT TO: INT. PROMENADE - SECOND LEVEL Kira and Dax are standing on the overpass where we saw the plasma leak. It is now completely DARK. Dax looks around for a beat and is momentarily relieved to see that the arch and its pages are undisturbed. DAX It worked! KIRA Another page? DAX And that isn't it! Dax looks again at the overpass, and suddenly her expression changes. She stares at the overpass, specifically, as it DISSOLVES INTO A HATCH. She's delighted. DAX There's your perfect solution, Major! You forgot one very important thing... Dax aims her phaser at the hatch and FIRES. NEW ANGLE (OPTICAL) as the hatch SLIDES OPEN. Dax stoops down and begins assing herself into the shaft. She drops her hands into the shaft and begins to MORPH on the shaft. CUT TO: INT. CARGO BAY (OPTICAL) Kira and Odo are climbing up a ladder. Kira finally reaches the hatch and SCANNING it with a tricorder. ODO You're reading ultrasonic fluoridation levels down to fifty-nine percent above normal. KIRA Finally. (re: the phaser) That should do it. She climbs back up the ladder. ODO How long, Major? KIRA I can't get any closer. ODO You've already taken the load off one of the cargo bays. KIRA I know that. But that wasn't the goal. We're supposed to be the intruders here. ODO I think we're too nice to end up on the wrong side of the galaxy. KIRA It's not your fault. Humans can be militaristic. ODO It's not my fault. They are interrupted by the SOUND of a NEARBY COMBAT. NEW ANGLE (OPTICAL) as a Klingon MONK gets SHOT in the middle of the scene. He is not a Cardassian warrior but his eyes are red and he wears a Mace. MONK #1 They're killing my people. Dax and Kira rush to the Monk's aid. KIRA What happened? MONK #2 It's my understanding that a Cardassian mercenary, led by Haneek, has taken the entire supply ship and used it as a launching pad. ODO ventilation fans off. The Monk's voice suddenly goes warm... he steps away from the console to talk to someone in the room but it's unclear whom. MONK #1 The Bajorans are free of infection. There's no need to condemn us... ODO May I speak with the Commander? MONK #1 He's probably right. But we're indigent. ODO Ghosts? MONK #1 We aren't ghosts. We're entrepreneurs. We take our business models from the universe. ODO It appears you finally made your peace with the Darkness. MONK #2 It hurts my soul to think of what would have happened had I not been with you. INT. CORRIDOR Kira and Haneek as they walk to the airlock. KIRA Are you sure you want to leave? HANEEK It's not just for the isolation of being inside the station. After I've spent time here, I plan on returning to the homeworld and trying to re-establish your contact with my people. KIRA It's a very tempting offer, but I'm not sure I can do that now. HANEEK Why? KIRA Because I have a debt... HANEEK (finishing his sentence) ... to you. KIRA (not persuaded) ... to you? Haneek eyes her carefully, turns and walks away. INT. HOLDING CELL (OPTICAL) Odo and Haneek ENTER. She carries a satchel. ODO Perhaps you can prove to this court that you owe Vodek Sokotta an appointment. HANEEK The peace conference won't be held here for another week. ODO You have fifteen business days looming. HANEEK The capital city's abysmal twenty-seven percent real estate just gets snowed up in those conditions. Besides, you're starting to sound like Gul Russlan. ODO InstoreAndOnline Apple refuses to acknowledge a man of science. HANEEK Only when his scientists make him laugh. He's too smart to be that dumb. ODO I don't know what you're talking about. HANEEK Take a hint Daddy. COM VOICE (KING TIME) ODO mithat. HANEEK Not the best day. She opens the door to reveal CAPTAIN SISKO. SISKO You're destined to escape. ODO Why should I believe you? SISKO Because you're innocent. All of you have been innocent. ODO That's justice, Haneek. That's what everyone believes. HANEEK It doesn't matter. You're an innocent woman and everyone's forgiven that, but... She's cut short as Sisko shakes his head. SISKO (escalating) Haneek, your honor is satisfied that the Defiant is innocent, even though you say otherwise. ODO Answer the question... SISKO No. I say she's not innocent... I say she's dangerous. SISKO (Cont'd) This trip to Vulcan was part of a conspiracy to steal a captured Victory over Cardassia. ODO That's no more justice than plucking a rose out of a vase. HANEEK (to Kira) Unless you can prove her guilt, she'll be returned to us. KIRA (nods, as she works) I'll create a task force to investigate her case. ODO I would hardly call it an investigation... Your task force will be made up of several fifty investigators. SISKO I would say we have ample evidence to hold her for the trial. ODO I believe I have reason to hope so. HANEEK Is that so? She's not about to lie to him. KIRA Do you know how this case is going to impact the Deep Space Nine? ODO I'm not sure I have any idea. SISKO It certainly doesn't help that one of our people is suffering from some kind of memory loss. HANEEK You'd think they'd be more discouraging in their interrogation style. ODO It's not that they're interrogating us, it's that they're heavily deprived for information. Most of all, they don't want to know what the Defiant looked like under capture. KIRA Vash was our prisoner. ODO But she's now our ship. SISKO Not quite that bad, I thought we fixed that. ODO We did? KIRA (agreeing) Under the Cardassian Transit of a Federation passenger. ODO He named his baby -- does that make you infertile? SISKO You're not going to jail are you? ODO Not if I can help it. I was examining medical databases for a match... HANEEK Your innocent, yet unintelligent biologist wife is a perfect match for this twenty-year-old civilian. I'll pair off. ODO (thinking it over) I'll need a week to recuperate... SISKO It won't take long. Keen eyes will see this is just a trial balloon. You're going to pair off that thing with a computer. ODO Computer, locate Lieutenant Commander Jonathan Assorted. COMPUTER VOICE Commander Assorted is on the Lunar Five colony. ODO How does that help? INT. COMMANDER'S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS (OPTICAL) As before. The Lunar Five Cricket RINGS softly in the background. Bochra is holding their gaze. BRENNA The moon revolved around a sun similar to our own sun, but a doktor is attached to the body of the humanoid I just brought back, so the family will know receiving the love of my life. It's a sad day for me, my dear captain... not that I don't dearly afford it. But I need time to look at all the exhibits... really study them. She reaches behind the desk and removes a casket. BRENNA Why this one? Why her? SISKO It's too good to waste. We'll never have enough time. BRENNA (she hates it when he replies) I'm glad you're here. I'd hate for you to lose your mind. She resuts. BRENNA Little things... She brings the casket of remains over to Sisko. BRENNA What's this? SISKO What's what you think this is? BRENNA My life... my family... my career... everything... turned over to you. She pats him on the shoulder. BRENNA Somehow, I knew you'd bring me out of this. I never imagined you'd be so understanding. She smiles. Then, she suddenly gets teary eyes. BRENNA (continuing) I'll never be able to forget this moment. And shesozler. SISKO Not even a little one? BRENNA This is important. I want to be with you again. SISKO Of course. Sisko turns and heads for heroor. She goes with him. INT. QUARK'S As Bilby and the Vorta watch the Cardassian Employees making their purchase. The place is eerie. There are several uneasy looks between the Vorta and the Cardassian. VORTA They aren't exactly filling their customers. BILBY You should know that when we open a new shop... it's the end of every customer's life. VORTA That's right... every customer's life. BILBY This isn't about economics. VORTA It is? BILBY Because we're not economic people. We like to think we're somewhat logical. That's why we've kept all our doors from rusting and locked. But let's apologize. VORTA Not everyone. BILBY What about Vash? She's not a Ferengi. The Vorgons exchange a worried look. VORTA Not her, either. (a beat) Oh, well. That's that then. There. And as the Vorgons EXIT Odo can shove Karl Urban off the barstool and into the waiting area... OMITTED FADE OUT. END OF TEASER ACT ONE FADE IN: (NOTE: Episode credits fall over opening scenes) EXT. SPACE - STARBASE 375 (OPTICAL) Establishing. INT. BIRD OF PREY - BRIDGE Dax and Arjin are at their stations. Sisko is on the edge of his seat, trying to get his attention. SISKO �(to com) Situation report. DAX (to com) The computer says our computer is down, but it's not down completely. A beat as they wait for the REALIZATION. SISKO (continuing, to com) Do you need more information on this satellite system? DAX No. SISKO (after a beat) Let's see if we can get some answers. DAX Understood. The SHIFT REVERSE ANGLE shows that the other side of the Starbase is now filled with SMALL JEM'HADAR SHIPS. SISKO (to Arjin) Your previous assumption about the missile silencer was wrong. Do you know what its function is? ARJIN You mean, for how long? DAX You know how much a torpedo silencer has it... you know... the sonic boom... the vibration wave. ARJIN You're right, we do know that vvw modulation must be the component of the missile that attacked this station. SISKO (to Arjin) And you know that the vibrations from that torpedo were so intense that the communications relay had to be grounded for a few hours. DAX Forgive me, Commander, but I think we've both been acting a little strangely... SISKO (don't be silly) Not at all. It was just a few hours in a starbase parking area... and you've been a little unusual. ODO Commander, they're not normal. They're my people. SISKO entrepreneuring Starfleet officers during a crisis? I can't think of anybody I'd rather take on. DAX Maybe you'll get a chance to argue some things at the table. SISKO I intend to. What'll you have? DAX Risian sea urchin, really. SISKO You know I can't say good-bye to anyone. DAX I won't be able to get you anything but good-byes. You'll have to get off on another adventure. SISKO Finding the truth about my relationship isn't enough questION. I have to be smart about it. DAX Being smart about it is what everyone wants to hear -- and they're going to want to intercept before it's too late. (a beat) Good luck, Benjamin. Sisko's only half thinking what she's saying. SISKO I already did a lot of good for myself. DAX You want to change things for me? You'll have to. (shakes her head) The only person you can count on is yourself. The only person who can turn those lights back on is you. They look at each other for a long beat. JAKE (smiles) I guess that'll be up to you. Dax thinks it over, then nods. She gets up and EXITS. CUT TO: EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL) Re-establishing the station. INT. CAPTAIN'S OFFICE Sisko and Odo are in mid-conversation. ODO According to our security logs, it appears to be a completely normal day in this station. There's no indication of a malfunction. SISKO You think a malfunction was a cause of all this damage? ODO I don't know. SISKO I can't imagine that fellow Quark would have malicious intent. ODO Perhaps. But history has shown that when justice is served, business tends to suffer. SISKO Maybe. But I have a feeling it was business that had nothing to do with the disappearance of the daughter of my favorite Starfleet Admiral. ODO I'm sorry for your loss, Commander. But she was killed four days after you first contacted her. The day before she was to go on duty. SISKO Yes, but your original plan was to keep her with Quark. I realize that Starfleet does not function effectively with families. ODO (with an edge) You don't like families... Sisko gives him a quiet look and then EXITS. CUT TO: INT. REPLIMAT Garak and Ziyal are seated at a table. Ziyal is very agitated. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Ties of Blood... " - REV. 2/14/97 - ACT ONE 11. ZIYAL There are no other Remata'Klan than I am. One of them took my young daughter away from me... before I could reunite with her... and now this day, when she is returning to life, I want her home. GARAK undermin[tosses down his cup]. ZIYAL Not just return her to the Dominion, I want her here. To help my people rebuild from what they lost. Gul Dukat steps up. GUL DUKAT Not you, Ziyal. Not just help my people. Invade the Cardassian homeworld. Stamp Shakaar's name in the history records as the man who -- ZIYAL (cuts him off) What? You don't wish for my to do that? GUL DUKAT You are as unfit for military attitude as are any human. ZIYAL When my father volunteered to guard me, I promised he would pay his respects to the new king of Bajor as my father did. But do you really expect me to give up all four pieces of my family? GUL DUKAT Not at all. I think you are a true Bajoran. And I commend you for living up to your resemblance. Ziyal smiles through her sickness. ZIYAL Then I will take your orders. And with that, she takes her leave. We hold on Garak and Ziyal, who have time to talk. GARAK It's interesting that you cite yourself as an authority on female characters. ZIYAL I thought I did. GARAK They're not just entertaining, they're essential. Without them, you'd all be prisoners. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Ties of Blood... " - REV. 2/14/97 - ACT ONE 12. GARAK (Cont'd) (a beat) When I first heard about the Dominion, it made me unbelievably curious. I'd spend hours in the holosuite trying to understand what some Ferengi would do with a thirteen-year-old girl. ZIYAL You're showing a remarkable discipline, Garak. For someone who's been confined to a dark room for eighteen hours, you have to soften your exterior and show a little affection for the girl you're protecting. Those are human needs, not functions of the Federation. GARAK Perhaps... but I think I've finally had enough of your protection. I'll go looking for her. CUT TO: EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL) Re-establishing the station. INT. CAPTAIN'S OFFICE Garak and Nog are standing in front of Sisko's desk. GARAK We reviewed the security logs of the whole station and James' bedroom is by no means secure, but it should be close. SISKO Any idea what happened to the man with the phaser? GARAK Someone inside the station disguised their path of the transmission. SISKO Do you have any suspects? GARAK Only one. His name is James. NOG Us too. GARAK voluntee grace. James, this is gentlemen. JAMES (O.S.) It's him, Cap. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Tacking into... " - REV. 03/22/99 - ACT ONE 13. NEW ANGLE To include James, whom he can see through the glass window. Glaring past Garak and Nog with iron-hard eyes. JAMES We know who you are... we know where you came from... SISKO (cold) Garak and I were on our way to a conference on Stacius Three. You've been on the perimeter. JAMES Why? GARAK Because with any luck, you and the rest of your family will be killer robots by the time we get back. JAMES I'll try to make you see that. He smiles with approval at his mobile automaton, turns to the office monitor: JAMES (to his portable replicator) Coffee. We hear the sound of the replicator. NOG (to the replicator) Coffee. We hear the sound of the replicator. NOG (to Odo) I figured you were going to let the rest of the crew know you were here.  ODO Meaning what? JAMESON'S COM VOICE Captain, I thought you should hear what's going on. ODO Why don't you join us? JAMESON'S COM VOICE Why? KIRA That don't make much sense, Allenby. Why would you want to undermine Gowron? JAMESON'S COM VOICE I haven't a clue. KIRA (to Odo) Odo, what's going on? ODO I don't know, Major. It seems myself to be having a lot of difficulty. SISKO'S COM VOICE Captain? SISKO Is the situation under control? ODO Should be, very soon. The terrorists -- I would guess about seven of them. Pretty nasty, my word. SISKO I'm on my way. Cynical smiles all around. INT. CONFERENCE CHAMBERS ANTEROOM Bajoran Magistrates discuss urgent matters.  DEEP SPACE NINE: "Tacking into... " - REV. 03/22/99 - ACT ONE 14. KIRA Dragan's not going to listen to these Pah-wraiths. VEDEK YODA Fifty years of peace and then nothing? It seems to me we've entered another war zone. KIRA The Uri-Planet was part of the annexation agreement. If Dagoth was to destroy the Enterprise to remove the research station, that would be his first act of violence. YODA (dismissive) The politics of disarray are rather unpleasant. KIRA I'm not sure I like the sound of that. Yoda seems to think Kira off. YODA (emerging from his mail) Thank you for coming. KIRA Can I see you for a moment? Yoda heads off. As soon as he's gone, Kira turns and looks at the stars. KIRA What should I do? CUT TO: EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL) Establishing the station. INT. WORF'S QUARTERS Dax is standing at the window looking out at the stars, trying to decide what to do. Her reflection in the glass makes him smile. CUT TO: DEEP SPACE NINE: "Tacking into... " - REV. 03/22/99 - ACT ONE 14A. INT. COMMANDER'S OFFICE Sisko is pacing behind his desk when KIRA ENTERS. KIRA You wanted to see me? SISKO I've been waiting for the right moment for twenty years. KIRA I know. Twenty-five. Twenty-four. SISKO Miqq'taj. KIRA Sir? SISKO You just... killed a man. KIRA I'm sorry. SISKO You've been doing it in private. (re: gun) You shoot arc bolts from the deck. KIRA No. A bolt should be fine... DEEP SPACE NINE: "Tacking of the Heart" - REV. 04/10/99 - ACT ONE 15. SISKO You start. KIRA Six. SISKO Three. KIRA Two. SISKO One for each job. KIRA I can do six. SISKO You want six? KIRA What do you think? SISKO I think -- NEW ANGLE as the door OPENS and Dax ENTERS. DAX Scarleteen. Sisko turns to see Dax, looks her over with the ironic torment. SISKO I can't believe you let Emony kill him. DAX (smiles) It seems we get different tastes Sir. She leans over to give him a kiss on the cheek. DAX You want to know what's funny? Sisko nods. SISKO When I realized that Captain Boday was stranded on the Hobus IV in the middle of a war, I started researching the history of plague throughout Human history. And I came up with Operation: Geordi Casella. As a Starfleet Intelligence officer, I decided that Operation: Geordi needed to be the most daring medical operation in the history of starfleet. Not only did she pass it unscathed, but Operation: Geordi was actually the most daring military consolation in the history of starfleet. I didn't want either of us to be remembered as brilliant or bold -- I wanted to impress. KIRA Just tell me. What were you willing to do? SISKO I don't know... at first. I was impressed with your performance on the Defiant. (a beat) But then I thought, "This ship's not a costume, it's a personnel. There are people who depend on it for their conscience. There have to be people who depend on it for their survival." KIRA I understand that. SISKO But you're not one of them. KIRA I hate it when you say that. SISKO I don't expect you to like it, Fala. FALA I like it. Just take my word for it. Kira looks at him -- she doesn't believe him. KIRA Wait a minute. You like me? FALA What do you think? KIRA I like you more! SISKO Look. Fala is... involved with Major Kira. FALA With whom? KIRA With Major Kira. FALA What does that have to do with my apparent affection? Sisko is getting exasperated. SISKO It has everything to do with Kira and Felisa Irwin. KIRA And who's this Commander Sisko, Wade? SISKO It's Commander Blaise Zito. KIRA I don't understand. Does he know what this is all about? SISKO I think Blaise and I have found something in our past that we've been wanting to talk about -- the O'Briens, for example. And off Kira and Sisko's reaction, we: FADE OUT. END OF TEASER ACT ONE FADE IN: (NOTE: Episode credits fall over opening scenes) INT. QUARK'S Light security CHECK OUT all the seats on the level. Then in the middle of the chaos, Quark steps up to the bar. QUARK Thanks for the support. Now can you please leave us alone? A beat, then Zek, Rom, Allenby, and Maihar'du file out of the bar. Quark stares sheepishly at Maihar'du, then follows Rom, Allenby, and Maihar'du to the Promenade. INT. WARDROOM QUARK and Rom try to seat the other customers. Quark waves them aside, and enters one of the seats, but the other customers turns and looks at him. QUARK �(to the other customers) Before you go, have a seat. I'm sure order the abomination of praise reserved for the first person through the front door. The other customers shrug and look at Quark. ON ROM Who turns away from the bar and walks over to tablemate Bryce and Maihar'du. He slaps his hand down on the edge of the table; this is his way of signalling he wants to dispose of the customer. NEW ANGLE as a customer, whose name is LIEUTENANT SIMON TARS, glances around to see if Quark's done away with him. Then he heads for the door. QUARK One to beam out. Quark turns back to the other customers. ROM Do they know what's going to happen? QUARK Be sure. I've got six figures on the bar. Rom, having seen the look on LIEUTENANT TARS' face, thinks he's dealing with the customer. ROM All right, let's see... Quark spots a STAR-LEGGED FERENGI in the crowd. QUARK Hurry up. The customer hurries past him. ROM (smiling) The son of Mogh is not impressed with the star pupil. QUARK What do you mean he's not impressed? The other customers steal a look at Rom, who gives him back the frown. QUARK Now... let's see if we can close the deal. And as the other customers look at Quark, LEETA and ROM stand folding Quark's clothes. LEETA We're closed. ROM But I saw you standing in the back room. LEETA You never told me you were going to close the place. ROM I have to remodulate the entire restaurant. It's in a state of transition. Everything's warped. The clients are the ones who need to be brought back to life. LEETA You're caring for your staff by staying put are you? ROM We're trying to raise quality customers. ROM But if we keep neglecting our customers, no one will come in here. They'll come to the shuttle, and go away. Quark thinks it over for a beat. QUARK You're right. Somebody's got to make sure our guests stay out of the way. ROM I'll do it. LEETA (to the group) The shuttle tray is ready. Quark motions to Leeta to get down from the table. QUARK Hold on, let's see what's under there... Rom reaches into the shuttle tray and picks up a crate-like item. ROM Don't worry, Brother. This is a reward for your loyalty. Quark nods of appreciation. QUARK (re: the item) Well... now that we have it, we can go on without it. LEETA (excited) You're taking it with you. QUARK What are you talking about... this is a security concern. ROM This won't be a problem. Quark looks at the item in curiosity. QUARK What is it? Rom opens up the case. INSERT - A RADIATING GOLD RING tiny laser-like object embedded inside the flesh. RESUME SCENE as the weight of the item forces Quark and Leeta to move backward. ROM It's rare, but highly sought- after. It's extremely precious... (to Leeta) You'll need to keep your hands free while the item's in place. LEETA I will. Thank you, Rom. Rom nods in agreement. He and Leeta turn back to their own table. QUARK You're not just keeping your hands off, you're stealing. ROM It's not stealing. The Mister Wong is a Scrooge. QUARK Exactly. He's a one-hit wonder, one of only three known bobble torns in the world. Unfortunately he lost his fortune. LEETA (re: the item) What is it? QUARK A single rose, the last thing you need. The thought of sharing a single flower bloom with the Global South seems like a child's dream. Rom picks up the rose and looks at it with a grateful expression. ROM (with a grin) I'll call it "Frisian." Rom jaunts off. Leeta looks at the rose and begins to curl up. LEETA (to Quark) I'm sorry. Quark makes a move that sends Leeta scattering. He returns the rose and looks at her with a sad and deeply disturbed expression. LEETA (to Quark) I don't understand anymore. Quark smiles. He reaches out and takes the rose and Leeta by the hands. QUARK I've decided to make my wife my responsibility. I'll take care of everything. (a beat) Now we're teammates. LEETA Not if you like that Odo. QUARK It's the Odo I want. Nods of agreement from around the room. LEETA That's good to know. QUARK (realizing) Actually, I have something I want to say to him. Everyone looks over at Quark. QUARK You want me to say this? LEETA What? QUARK I'll make it simple then. You want to drive him out of here. Drive him out of here means drive him back to the org. ROM That way, with Leeta's help, he will lose his head, and we can all walk out of here. QUARK Unfortunately, that way may destroy the Ferengi future. So instead we'll -- LEETA Enough. QUARK I'm not interested in just one solution. LEETA I can give you some things which will make the org more comfortable for you and -- QUARK Which will involve paying her back at the IPO price I took it. Before she can finish, Zek calls their attention to camera right as Rom ENTERS. ZEK So what happens now? ROM The dominoes are back in my padded. QUARK I open tomorrow. ZEK Good. (a conspiratorial glower) Now let's play another game. Quark is about to let loose with another furious rack of profits, but Rom manages to control him. ROM I'm in. QUARK I'm not in. ZEK And I'm in. QUARK That's no way to talk to a female. ROM I never said I was in. QUARK You're lying, Rom. ROM It's my life, brother. Don't let people tell me I can't raise my own children. QUARK (stopping Rom) That's enough talk. The two men glare at each other for a beat, where loyalty is built. ROM (to Leeta) Let's go. LEETA (to Quark) You want me to stay? QUARK I can't work right now Rom, let's go. Leeta heads for the door. LEETA (to Zek) And I'll see to your quarters. Zek and Quark EXIT. Leeta goes through the door, then turns back and takes a seat by the fireplace. LEETA (to the fireplace) Come on, Harry, there's plenty left to see. She smiles and EXITS. HARD CUT TO: DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Emperor's... " - REV. 11/23/98 - ACT FIVE 61. CLOSE ON ZEK AND QUARK who look like they've just fallen asleep. ROM (looking around the room) What is going on? ZEK (puzzled) I don't know... but something concerned me. I sort of liked the place better. QUARK Funny thing is, I'd almost forgotten how. Traitor. Quark stands, moves away. ROM Not one to blush, Quark. QUARK Shhh. I don't want to talk anymore. Quark sits down, his mind still on the Ferengi dancer. QUARK What's the matter? ZEK You know about this minstrel who keeps telling me he's white. QUARK Well, what does it have to do with becoming the next commander of the Federation? ZEK If you're asking me, you're playing a pretty advanced farce. QUARK Are you sure? Check the body logs. In the past five hours, nobody in the Ferengi assail the Klingon Empire more than Zek. Bashir and Leeta ENTER. LEETA And you're saying nobody in the Federation is aware of how advanced your music is? BASHIR Not even Quark knows that I wrote a holosuite music program. DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Emperor's... " - REV. 11/23/98 - ACT FIVE 61A. LEETA If you're trying to impress Zek, you can't be choosy about your entrance. You can't be thinking about how you'll fare if you were looking for a new career when you get back to Deep Space Nine. Zek is the most popular Ferengi on the station and a man I've always found difficult to disagree with. QUARK Now, if you don't mind, I'll just stay in the witness chair for now. Leeta sits down, an impressed and somewhat impressed look on her face. LEETA (to Bashir) That was incredible. BRUNT Indeed. サーティ LEETA practition(to Bashir) So... did you perform? BRUNT Me? LEETA (to Bashir) Pretty much. I let you tell me what happened. BRUNT Someone had to fly the Defiant at warp. LEETA It was Ezri. BRUNT The captain was too busy to press any charges. LEETA (to Bashir) If anything, I'd say our orders were a little vague. QUARK (to Ezri) She's a very nice girl, Jadzia. ordinarily, I think I can disregard her... but I don't know anything about what she was "up to" in the runabout. Ezri seems to go back to mulling over the situation. Bashir shakes his head in agreement. LEETA The only exceptional event involved Nog. ROM He's a hero -- the only one who could've prevented that trauma. QUARK (to Bashir) Don't you? ROM He's a coward. He put his life at risk to cover a story. That idiot Rom was the one who turned off the scanners. LEETA (to Bashir, re: Rom) That fool Rom was the one who came back for more. And as Quark and Rom contemplate their losses, we... FADE OUT. END OF ACT FIVE THE END <|endoftext|>