DS9 Season 10, ep 10x15 - "Inside Out"

Discussion in 'Fan Fiction' started by DS9Continuing, Mar 17, 2012.

  1. DS9Continuing

    DS9Continuing Rear Admiral Rear Admiral

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  2. DS9Continuing

    DS9Continuing Rear Admiral Rear Admiral

    Joined:
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    TEASER


    FADE IN:


    1 EXT. TALUNO MEMORIAL PARK - NIGHT

    A quiet, calm public park area on Bajor. Trees, flowerbeds, a central memorial created from one broken building girder set into a stone base. A public bench rests on one of the gentle flower-lined stone paths that wind through. It’s dark, a warm spring night that’s perfect for a clandestine meeting.

    VAUGHN stands off the path on a grassy verge, adjusting the settings on a transporter enhancer module, like the ones we saw in 10x01 “Emancipation.” Once the settings are right, he switches it on, and the light on top bursts to life.

    Looking around the area, he observes three other identical modules, set up in a rough square around the single bench. They bath the area in a gentle bluish glow – the only light source besides the multiple moons. The modules set up, he straightens his uniform, readies himself, and takes a calm, confident seat on the bench.

    A few moments pass. Vaughn waits calmly, enjoying the peace of the area, the warm spring breeze. He’s in no rush. Finally there’s a tiny rustle, barely audible. This is what he was waiting for. Not worried - it’s entirely expected. A hand reaches out to pull a bush aside, leaving space for a body to step out onto the path. It’s RO LAREN.

    She looks around the area, takes in the memorial, smiles slightly at it. Looking around further, she spots Vaughn sat on the bench, across the park from where she is, calm and relaxed in the bluish light. This is who she’s here to meet. She heads over to him. As she approaches, he politely stands to greet her.

    RO
    Commander...?​

    VAUGHN
    Lieutenant. Thanks for coming. ​

    He reaches out to shake her hand. She’s a little surprised by that, but takes his hand and shakes it. That done, he sits back on the bench and gestures for her to join him. She does, a little tentatively.

    VAUGHN
    I imagine you’re somewhat
    baffled as to why you’re here. ​

    RO
    A private message, level seven
    security clearance, asking me
    to come alone and meet with an
    unnamed person in a public area,
    on Bajor, at night. Baffled
    might not be the word I’d use. ​

    VAUGHN
    You’re armed? ​

    She pats her leg pocket. He nods, understanding.

    VAUGHN
    A wise precaution. But I assure
    you, you’re in no danger here.
    And besides, these modules...​

    He gestures to the transporter enhancer modules...

    VAUGHN (cont)
    ...as well as sending out false
    sensor readings to any listening
    devices, and casting a transporter
    scattering field over the entire
    area, they also create a general
    dampening field against energy
    weapons. Your phaser is useless. ​

    Worried, she quickly reaches into her pocket and pulls out the small hand phaser she’d secreted there. She tests it, checks the settings – only gets a dull squittering noise. Dead. Frustrated and confused, she puts it back away.

    RO
    Alright, what the hell is going
    on here, Commander? Why all the
    cloak and dagger? ​

    VAUGHN
    I need to have a very important
    conversation with you, Lieutenant.
    And I don’t want to be overheard. ​

    RO
    Overheard by who? ​

    VAUGHN
    That’ll become clear in time.
    For the moment, I’m going to
    have to ask you to be patient,
    and trust me. ​

    RO
    Not like I have a choice, is it? ​

    VAUGHN
    Absolutely you do. That’s one
    thing I want to make completely
    clear from the start. If you
    want, you can turn around and
    walk away right now, and no
    more will be said. I’ll be
    disappointed, no question, but
    I’ll understand and I won’t
    hold it against you. Of course,
    that also means you won’t find
    out why I asked you here in
    the first place. ​

    RO
    (chuckle)
    I think you’ve been playing this
    spy game too long, Commander. ​

    VAUGHN
    (ponderous)
    Well, yes, I suppose I can’t
    deny that. ​

    RO
    But I’ll play along. For now.
    What’s going on? ​

    VAUGHN
    Not so fast. I need to ask you
    to do something else first. I
    need to ask you to make me an
    absolute, solemn promise that
    what we discuss tonight goes
    no further. Between you and me. ​

    RO
    Commander, you’re starting to
    freak me out. ​

    VAUGHN
    Promise me, Lieutenant. Or this
    ends right now. ​

    Ro is getting concerned – whatever this is, it’s obvious that Vaughn feels very strongly about it. She takes the moment it deserves, considers it seriously. This is not a time for jokes or snarky remarks.

    RO
    Alright... I promise. ​

    VAUGHN
    (relieved)
    Good. Thank you. I apologise
    for being so dramatic, but as
    I say, the more we discuss
    tonight, the more you’ll
    realise why it’s necessary. ​

    RO
    So tell me. Tell me what’s so
    bad that we need to go through
    all this mystery just to have
    a conversation. ​

    Vaughn smiles and takes a pause. He looks out across the park, tries to take comfort from the peace and tranquillity of the memorial and the gardens. He’s no more eager to do this than she is, but it has to be done.

    VAUGHN
    I wouldn’t be so quick to dive
    in the deep end if I were you,
    Lieutenant. Because the fact
    is, if I’ve made the right
    choice – and I believe that I
    have – then after what I tell
    you tonight... your life will
    never be the same. ​

    On Ro’s disquieted response...


    FADE OUT:


    END OF TEASER


    .
     
  3. DS9Continuing

    DS9Continuing Rear Admiral Rear Admiral

    Joined:
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    ACT ONE


    FADE IN:


    2 EXT. TALUNO MEMORIAL PARK - NIGHT


    Vaughn sits on the bench. Ro crouches, reaching out to caress the gentle white flowers that edge the path and surround the memorial. There’s an air of quiet patience.

    VAUGHN
    Esani blossoms. I’m quite fond
    of them myself. ​

    RO
    I remember. ​

    She looks back up at him with a knowing smile – he’s thinking of Opaka. With a deep breath, she stands, creaking her delicate back with a wince of mild discomfort.

    VAUGHN
    How is your back? ​

    RO
    (evasive)
    It’s fine. ​

    Wanting to avoid the subject, she steps back over to the bench and sits beside Vaughn.

    VAUGHN
    On that topic, how are things
    between you and Taran’atar? ​

    RO
    What’s that got to do with anything? ​

    VAUGHN
    Be patient with me, Lieutenant.
    We’ll get there. But we have a
    lot to go through, and no-one is
    served by pointless questions. ​

    RO
    Well, excuse me. ​

    VAUGHN
    Pointed questions are entirely
    welcome. They show you’re paying
    attention. But no melodramatic
    gasps of disbelief, please.
    (insistent)
    So... how are things between
    you and Taran’atar? ​

    Ro pauses to consider the question.

    RO
    Distant, if I’m being honest.
    I thought we were doing okay,
    until the L’Haan thing hit.
    Then everything got tangled...​

    VAUGHN
    In what way? ​

    RO
    You know... him going haywire
    again. Just... reminded me.
    Of things. ​

    VAUGHN
    And since then? ​

    RO
    Haven’t really spent much time
    with him. Maybe I’ve been sub-
    consciously avoiding him, I
    don’t know... but then he’s not
    been in the most cooperative
    of moods lately, has he? ​

    VAUGHN
    You’re referring to the Bajor-
    Dominion alliance. ​

    RO
    What alliance? He said he’d
    rather die. ​

    VAUGHN
    And how do you feel about that? ​

    RO
    How do I feel? I feel surprised.
    An alliance is exactly what Odo
    wanted. So for Taran’atar to
    say no is... uncharacteristic.​

    VAUGHN
    He’s not the only one who has a
    problem with the idea. ​

    RO
    Julian. ​

    VAUGHN
    Yes, Julian. But that’s not
    who I was referring to. Surely
    you’re aware of the protests
    on Bajor. Once word of Kira’s
    proposal leaked to the media,
    the public made their feelings
    on the matter quite plain. ​

    RO
    Well, they don’t have to worry
    about it now, do they? ​

    VAUGHN
    Kira can be very persuasive
    when she puts her mind to it.
    But you’re quite right that
    Taran’atar’s recent behaviour
    runs rather contrary to his
    role as Dominion Ambassador.
    And there’s a reason for that. ​

    RO
    He gave a reason, didn’t he? ​

    VAUGHN
    He did. One that amounted to
    throwing a tantrum just because
    Bajor initially wanted to be
    friendly with the Ascendants.
    Even though by the time Kira
    actually asked for the alliance,
    that hope had been lost. ​

    RO
    Doesn’t make a lot of sense. ​

    VAUGHN
    Precisely. And as I say...
    there’s a reason for it. ​

    RO
    Which is? ​

    VAUGHN
    I’ll come to that in a moment. ​

    Ro is annoyed with Vaughn’s evasion, but holds her tongue.

    VAUGHN
    First – another question. How
    much do you remember about the
    Sindorin mission? Specifically
    my involvement in it? ​

    Ro blinks in confusion. That’s a bit of a curveball. She racks her brains a bit. Then, as the answer comes to her, she tenses. Pulls away from Vaughn, suspicious and wary.

    RO
    I remember Bashir becoming
    suspicious of you. Of your
    odd lack of background. ​

    VAUGHN
    (nods)
    He suspected I was a member of
    Section 31. ​

    RO
    Is that what this is about?
    You’re trying to recruit me
    into Section 31? ​

    VAUGHN
    (chuckle)
    Oh, good lord no. Quite the
    opposite. Who do you think
    rescued the surviving Ingavi
    from 31’s slaughter? ​

    RO
    I know that was you. You told
    me it was you at the time.
    What’s your point? ​

    VAUGHN
    Didn’t you ever wonder how I
    was able to do that? How I had
    access to the resources and
    intelligence to pull that off? ​

    RO
    I just assumed your old covert
    ops contacts. Didn’t really
    think about it. I was just
    glad the Ingavi were okay. ​

    VAUGHN
    That’s part of it. But mostly
    it was because I happen to be
    part of a secret group within
    Starfleet myself. ​

    RO
    So you are a spy. ​

    VAUGHN
    A good spy. A small number of us
    work together to oppose Section
    31 and their activities. We have
    done since the time of Kirk and
    the original Enterprise. ​

    RO
    You’re not that old. ​

    VAUGHN
    (chuckle)
    No. But I’m not the first of us.
    I only discovered 31’s existence
    about thirty years ago. We don’t
    have a name as such. No kind
    of organizational structure.
    We just do what we can. But
    of course it helps to have
    friends in the right places. ​

    RO
    Like who? ​

    VAUGHN
    Well, think back a few months.
    To Starfleet’s review of our
    activities after the incident
    in the alternate universe. ​

    Ro frowns, thinks back...


    3 FLASHBACK – 10x01 “EMANCIPATION”


    The scene in the docking ring corridor, as Kira and Ro received the four admirals. Ro is wearing the mechanised armature brace to support her back and legs.

    Admiral Akaar has just handed his padd to Kira. He steps aside, and as he does so, he looks disdainfully down at Ro. She glowers back up at him, equally unimpressed.


    4 EXT. TALUNO MEMORIAL PARK - NIGHT


    RO
    Not that blowhard Akaar... ​

    VAUGHN
    No, not Akaar. Not Nechayev.
    Not Ross. ​

    RO
    Well there’s only one left. ​


    5 FLASHBACK – 10x01 “EMANCIPATION”


    The last of the four admirals emerges from the airlock – the bland and bumbling bureaucrat Marta Batanides. She fumbles with her padds, reaches out to shake Kira’s hand.


    6 EXT. TALUNO MEMORIAL PARK - NIGHT


    RO
    (w/ disbelief)
    Batanides? But she’s a nobody.
    She couldn’t change a light
    bulb without burning herself. ​

    VAUGHN
    So you’d think. But in reality
    she’s one of the keenest minds
    I’ve ever known. ​


    7 FLASHBACK – 10x01 “EMANCIPATION”


    Vaughn’s secret meeting with Batanides. They stand in the empty quarters, lit only by the stars and the transporter modules. She hands him a data chip with a knowing smile.


    8 EXT. TALUNO MEMORIAL PARK - NIGHT


    VAUGHN
    She’s one of us. She maintains
    her cover by working in a
    department that has nothing to
    do with intelligence or covert
    activities. And by deliberately
    cultivating an image as a dull,
    colourless administrator. All
    carefully constructed, however. ​

    RO
    Does Kira know any of this? ​

    VAUGHN
    She knows some things. She knows
    about me. She knows there are
    others, but not who they are. ​

    RO
    And she lets you do whatever
    you want? ​

    VAUGHN
    We have an arrangement, ever
    since Sindorin. She helps me
    when I need it. Looks the other
    way. She trusts me to let her
    know what she needs to know to
    keep herself and the station
    safe. But no more. ​

    RO
    Plausible deniability. ​

    VAUGHN
    Quite right. I have complete
    respect for Kira, but in matters
    of Section 31, I report solely
    to Admiral Batanides. In fact,
    she pushed through my transfer
    to DS-Nine in the first place,
    over the significant objections
    of some other admirals. ​

    RO
    So all those reasons you gave
    for coming here... about wanting
    a new life away from war and
    death... all that was a lie? ​

    VAUGHN
    Not at all. I wanted to be here.
    I’m only saying that the admiral
    had her own reasons for allowing
    me to be here. Placing an agent
    on Deep Space Nine, where we
    already knew Section 31 had a
    vested interest, was too good an
    opportunity for us to pass up. ​

    RO
    A “vested interest?” You mean
    Doctor Bashir. ​

    VAUGHN
    They’ve been trying to recruit
    the doctor for some years now.
    A man with Bashir’s abilities,
    not to mention as comparatively
    normal in other ways... They
    must want him a great deal,
    either that or they’re awfully
    confident of their ability to
    eventually turn him to their
    side. Otherwise they’d have had
    him removed long before now. ​

    RO
    They do that? Kill people who
    turn them down? ​

    VAUGHN
    Of course. They have to maintain
    their secrecy at all costs. ​

    RO
    Then how did you find out? ​

    VAUGHN
    How do you think? ​

    RO
    (realizing)
    They killed someone. ​

    VAUGHN
    My friend T’Prynn. ​

    RO
    Your friend T’Prynn had an
    interesting life, apparently.
    What did they have against her? ​

    VAUGHN
    Oh, T’Prynn was something special,
    Lieutenant. A bona fide tactical
    genius, even among Vulcans. She
    was a sought-after intelligence
    operative decades before I even
    met her. She pulled the wool
    over my eyes more times than
    I’m comfortable admitting. ​

    RO
    So they wanted her to join them. ​

    VAUGHN
    Can you imagine a better agent?
    The sheer intellect, the eidetic
    memory, the emotional suppression
    and compartmentalization. Vulcans
    make the perfect infiltrators,
    Lieutenant, if for no other
    reason than no-one would ever
    believe them capable of it. Just
    one problem – she didn’t agree
    with them any more than I do. ​

    RO
    So they killed her. ​

    VAUGHN
    Oh, not straight away. No, there
    was a period of cajoling, of
    sweet-talking... eventually of
    threatening. Not that I knew
    any of this at the time, you
    understand. T’Prynn could keep
    a secret like few others. ​


    9 FLASHBACK – 8x22 “GREATER GOOD”


    The even earlier flashback to Vaughn’s life as a covert operative with Ruriko and T’Prynn.

    Vaughn works feverishly at the controls of a transporter. But there’s nothing he can do. The transport results only in a charred, burned corpse on the pad – T’Prynn.


    10 EXT. TALUNO MEMORIAL PARK - NIGHT


    VAUGHN
    It was only after her death
    that my investigation led me
    to her secret files, and the
    answers that lay within. ​

    RO
    And that’s when you started
    fighting them. ​

    VAUGHN
    Yes. Partly out of revenge, I
    suppose. But the more I learned
    about them, the more I despised
    everything they stand for. And
    gradually learned that I wasn’t
    alone. There were others. ​

    RO
    Alright, fine. You’re on an
    anti-Section 31 crusade. I
    have no problem with that.
    Why are you telling me? ​

    VAUGHN
    Again, think back. Connect the
    dots. You said things started
    changing ever since the L’Haan-
    Taran’atar situation. ​

    RO
    Yeah, so? ​

    VAUGHN
    Remember what I said about
    Vulcans making perfect spies? ​

    She ponders, and realisation slowly dawns on her face...

    RO
    Oh, Prophets...​

    VAUGHN
    (nods sadly)
    Yes. We had a Jem’Hadar soldier
    possessed by the undead spirit
    of an “evil” Vulcan woman from
    the alternate universe... and
    who do we get to help us with
    our problem... ​


    11 FLASHBACK – 10x10 “IN TWO MINDS”


    L’Haan mind-melds with Taran’atar in the Infirmary...

    VAUGHN (v.o.)
    ... but a member of Section 31. ​


    12 EXT. TALUNO MEMORIAL PARK - NIGHT


    On Ro’s dumbstruck reaction...


    FADE OUT:


    END OF ACT ONE


    .
     
    Last edited: Mar 17, 2012
  4. DS9Continuing

    DS9Continuing Rear Admiral Rear Admiral

    Joined:
    Jun 29, 2001
    Location:
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    ACT TWO


    FADE IN:


    13 EXT. TALUNO MEMORIAL PARK - NIGHT


    Vaughn sits on the bench. In a burst of frustration and fury, Ro is up and pacing the path in front of him.

    RO
    Damn it, Vaughn! If you knew
    she was Section 31, why the
    hell did you call her in? ​

    VAUGHN
    I didn’t know. At least not at
    the time. Believe me, I’m not
    proud of it. But either way,
    we still needed her help with
    Taran’atar. He was going insane
    with the other L’Haan in his
    head, and our L’Haan was the
    only solution I could think
    of. I’m fully aware this is
    all my fault, Lieutenant. ​

    Ro sees that he’s genuinely troubled by this. She softens, and comes back to the bench.

    RO
    How did you figure it out? ​

    VAUGHN
    Just a feeling something wasn’t
    quite right. I was curious when
    we couldn’t find L’Haan’s name
    anywhere in the records at first.
    And then suddenly there it was,
    as if we’d simply overlooked
    it the first time through. ​


    14 FLASHBACK – 10x10 “IN TWO MINDS”


    Vaughn and Kira have just received the report from Cenn and Shar. Vaughn frowns, suspicious of something going on. But he keeps his own counsel for the moment...


    15 EXT. TALUNO MEMORIAL PARK - NIGHT


    RO
    That’s pretty slim evidence. ​

    VAUGHN
    I know. And I could have been
    wrong. It could have been just
    what it seemed – an oversight.
    Things like that happen every
    day. It needn’t necessarily
    have been someone waiting to
    see what we were looking for,
    before creating exactly the
    profile we needed. So I had
    to make sure. ​

    RO
    How? ​

    VAUGHN
    With Doctor Bashir’s help. ​

    RO
    Bashir? You mean the guy who
    just walked out on us? ​

    VAUGHN
    Yes, that guy. ​


    16 FLASHBACK – 10x10 “IN TWO MINDS”


    Vaughn enters the Infirmary, straight to Bashir...

    VAUGHN
    Doctor, are you busy? ​

    BASHIR
    Umm... well, I was in the
    middle of getting ready for – ​

    VAUGHN
    Your staff can handle that. I
    need to speak with you, please.
    In private. ​

    Vaughn turns and walks away. Bashir follows.


    17 INT. DS9 – EMPTY QUARTERS


    The same set of empty quarters where Vaughn met Batanides. Now he walks into the room with BASHIR following. The transporter modules are already in place and functioning. Vaughn is controlled but clearly agitated and urgent.

    BASHIR
    Commander? What’s going on? I
    have an important operation to
    prepare for. ​

    VAUGHN
    I know you do. And that’s why
    I have to talk to you now.
    Take a seat. ​

    Baffled but intrigued, Bashir does as he’s told.


    18 EXT. TALUNO MEMORIAL PARK - NIGHT


    Where Vaughn and Ro share the bench, at night.

    VAUGHN
    I told him my suspicions. He’d
    been looking for a chance to
    do something about Section 31
    ever since Sindorin. It was
    easy enough to convince him. ​

    RO
    To do what? ​

    VAUGHN
    Something completely unethical
    and in violation of diplomatic
    immunity all over the galaxy.
    To implant a scanning device
    inside Taran’atar. ​

    RO
    What?! ​


    19 FLASHBACK – 10x10 “IN TWO MINDS”


    After the mind-meld. Everyone leaves the infirmary, except for Bashir and Vaughn, who share a significant look.


    20 EXT. TALUNO MEMORIAL PARK - NIGHT


    VAUGHN
    He scanned Taran’atar during
    the mind-meld, of course. But
    what our L’Haan did to him was
    much more subtle than what the
    other L’Haan had done. Much
    more difficult to detect. ​

    RO
    How do you know she did anything? ​

    VAUGHN
    Again, I didn’t. Not for sure.
    If nothing happened, Bashir
    could invent a reason to have
    Taran’atar back in the Infirmary
    – a follow-up scan, whatever –
    and remove the device. But we’d
    never know if we didn’t check. ​

    RO
    So what did you find? ​

    VAUGHN
    A hypnogogic suggestion. Not
    unlike what Iliana Ghemor had
    done to him last year. ​

    RO
    Prophets... that poor guy. He
    must be so confused. What did
    she tell him to do?
    (beat)
    Wait – she told him to block
    the negotiations, didn’t she? ​

    VAUGHN
    Good, you’re starting to put
    things together. We didn’t
    know what, until after our
    encounter with the Ascendants
    had gone so spectacularly
    wrong, and Kira proposed the
    alliance with the Dominion. ​


    21 FLASHBACK – 10x12 “HERESY”


    In the wardroom, Taran’atar looms at the far end of the table, with Kira, Vaughn and Sisko at the near end.

    VAUGHN (v.o.)
    Until he emphatically denied us
    the alliance, despite it being
    in his and our best interests...​


    22 INT. DS9 - INFIRMARY


    Bashir is working in the Infirmary, alone. An alert goes off on one of his panels, and he goes to look...

    VAUGHN (v.o.)
    And Bashir’s scanner went into
    overdrive at that exact moment. ​

    Bashir reads the results of the scan with increasing dismay. It’s just what they were hoping it wouldn’t be.


    23 EXT. TALUNO MEMORIAL PARK - NIGHT


    Back to the bench...

    VAUGHN
    Given that, it was a simple
    matter of two plus two. Section
    31 wants to keep Bajor from
    allying with the Dominion. ​

    RO
    Why would they want that? ​

    VAUGHN
    You mean aside from the same
    reasons that all of Bajor is
    protesting about, and Bashir
    himself resigned over? ​

    RO
    Well, yeah. ​

    VAUGHN
    Isn’t that enough? ​

    RO
    Okay, now you’re confusing me. ​

    VAUGHN
    My point is, it’s exactly the
    same reasons. Or at least I
    would guess it is. Keep Bajor
    out of the fighting. Stop Kira
    from putting Federation lives
    at risk over a non-Federation
    world. And keep the Dominion
    fighting itself, so weakening
    another potential enemy. ​

    RO
    Well, you know what, I can
    kinda see their point. Look at
    Cardassia. They allied with the
    Dominion, and it didn’t exactly
    turn out too well for them. ​

    VAUGHN
    Don’t you want to help the Eav’oq? ​

    RO
    They don’t want our help. ​

    VAUGHN
    Then what about yourself? The
    Ascendants are coming for us,
    Lieutenant. Once they’re done
    with the Eav’oq, we’re next. ​

    RO
    You don’t know that. ​

    VAUGHN
    Unfortunately, yes I do. And as
    things stand right now, we’re on
    our own. The Federation already
    refused to help any more than
    they already have. Batanides
    pushed for more. So did Akaar.
    They were denied. We need the
    Dominion. But Section 31 is
    keeping that from us too. ​

    Ro reluctantly accepts his reasoning – for the moment.

    VAUGHN
    And there’s Taran’atar himself
    to consider. 31 is using him
    as their pawn. Taking the free
    will of a sentient creature
    for their own purposes. ​

    RO
    Oh, come on. Are you seriously
    asking me to feel sympathy for
    Taran’atar? ​

    VAUGHN
    You did just call him “that
    poor guy.” ​

    Ro blinks – yes she did. Her feelings are confused...

    VAUGHN
    Listen, Lieutenant. Whatever
    your feelings may be regarding
    Taran’atar... ​


    24 FLASHBACK – 10x09 “BLANK SLATE”


    Ro talks to Taran’atar in the corridor...

    RO
    I forgive you. ​


    25 FLASHBACK – 10x10 “IN TWO MINDS”


    An invisible shape barrels Ro over in the corridor outside L’Haan’s quarters. Taran’atar unshrouds and hisses at her. A moment later, when he talks to the imaginary MU-L’Haan.

    TARAN’ATAR
    If I promise to go with you...
    freely, of my own will... will
    you spare them? ​

    Ro is surprised, almost a little touched...


    26 FLASHBACK – 10x10 “IN TWO MINDS”


    In Ro’s quarters, where with teary eyes, she knowingly and deliberately injects herself with the hypo of painkillers.


    27 EXT. TALUNO MEMORIAL PARK - NIGHT


    She remembers all this silently, while Vaughn continues...

    VAUGHN (cont)
    ...what Section 31 did to him
    is a violation of his rights.
    It’s completely unethical. ​

    Ro smirks smugly, knowing she just caught him out. Vaughn realizes he said the wrong thing. He grits his teeth.

    VAUGHN
    I only asked Bashir to do that
    to undo what 31 did. My goals
    were noble. Theirs weren’t. ​

    RO
    You’re not really selling your
    case here, Commander. What I’m
    hearing doesn’t paint you much
    better than 31 themselves. ​

    Vaughn is getting a bit indignant now. He doesn’t like being compared to his enemies.

    VAUGHN
    I am nothing like Section 31. ​

    RO
    They want to save Federation
    lives, don’t they? You want
    to put them in danger. ​

    VAUGHN
    I’m trying to save the Eav’oq.
    Putting our own lives in danger
    to help innocents is exactly the
    Starfleet way. And besides, it
    wouldn’t even be Starfleet. It
    would be Jem’Hadar. And they
    love risking their lives. ​

    RO
    For the Founders. Not for us. ​

    VAUGHN
    If Odo orders them to do it,
    they’ll do it. And Odo will
    do whatever Kira wants him to. ​

    RO
    Then why aren’t we talking to
    Odo directly? ​

    VAUGHN
    We tried. Kira begged Vannis to
    talk to him. She refused. Her
    orders are to follow Taran’atar’s
    lead. Believe me, Lieutenant,
    I’ve tried every angle. We need
    the Dominion, and that means we
    need Taran’atar in his right
    mind. And that means we need
    to find L’Haan and convince her
    to fix what she did to him. ​

    RO
    Can’t another Vulcan do it? ​

    VAUGHN
    I have no doubt she’ll have
    placed telepathic failsafes
    around her handiwork to block
    anyone else’s intrusion. It
    has to be her. ​

    Ro again reluctantly accepts his reasoning.

    RO
    Okay, fine. It has to be L’Haan.
    Now how exactly do you expect
    to convince her to undo it? ​

    VAUGHN
    By giving her exactly what she wants. ​

    Off Ro’s curious and confused reaction to that...


    28 FLASHBACK – 10x12 “HERESY”


    As Bashir hands the padd to Kira in front of all of Ops.

    BASHIR
    This is my letter of resignation
    as DS-Nine’s Chief Medical
    Officer, effective immediately. ​


    29 EXT. TALUNO MEMORIAL PARK - NIGHT


    Ro’s jaw drops in amazement as she realizes...

    RO
    Bashir? That’s why he quit? To
    go join Section 31? ​

    VAUGHN
    That’s why they think he quit. ​

    RO
    But all those things he said
    about refusing to go along
    with Kira’s plan... ​

    VAUGHN
    Well, of course. He had to be
    convincing. I’d already tried
    to track L’Haan myself...​


    30 FLASHBACK – 10x10 “IN TWO MINDS”


    In Kira’s office, during their first meeting with L’Haan. Vaughn hands her the padd with the rituals on it...

    VAUGHN (v.o.)
    ...using the DNA sample I took
    from the padd I gave her. ​


    31 EXT. TALUNO MEMORIAL PARK - NIGHT


    Ro smiles, impressed. Sneaky.

    VAUGHN
    Naturally, she was too smart
    for that. And the shuttle she
    took from here back to Vulcan...
    “Unexpectedly diverted” thanks
    to a plasma storm. So I sent an
    encoded message to Batanides... ​


    32 FLASHBACK – 10x11 “HARMONY”


    As Vaughn and Nog receive the new crew transfers from the Aurora. Vaughn makes eye contact with one young ensign, just enough to convey that they are each other’s contacts.

    VAUGHN (v.o.)
    ...and she sent a message back
    that confirmed my suspicions. ​


    33 EXT. TALUNO MEMORIAL PARK - NIGHT


    Back at the bench...

    VAUGHN
    That’s when I told Bashir that
    his mission was a go. ​


    34 FLASHBACK – 10x11 “HARMONY”


    Vaughn and Prynn are on the lower level of Quark’s, having lunch. They look up to the upper level, just in time to see Dax shoving her chair back from the table she had been sharing with Bashir and stomping away in disgust.

    VAUGHN (v.o.)
    He began deliberately starting
    arguments with people. ​


    35 FLASHBACK – 10x11 “HARMONY”


    On the bridge of the Defiant. Bashir has just told Kira and Sisko what he thinks of their plan.

    VAUGHN (v.o.)
    Expressing his dissatisfaction
    and disdain for Kira’s plans. ​


    36 FLASHBACK – 10x12 “HERESY”


    The guest quarters of the Blackthorne, as Bashir records his message to Section 31.

    VAUGHN (v.o.)
    All the things I knew Section
    31 would want to hear to make
    them believe he’d finally come
    around to their side. ​


    37 EXT. TALUNO MEMORIAL PARK - NIGHT


    Back to the bench. By now, Ro is up and pacing again, trying to process all of this.

    VAUGHN
    Whereas in fact, he’s on a top-
    secret mission from me to worm
    his way into their good graces,
    find L’Haan... and then bring
    her back to us. ​

    On Ro’s astonishment, and Vaughn’s determination...


    FADE OUT:


    END OF ACT TWO


    .
     
    Last edited: Mar 17, 2012
  5. DS9Continuing

    DS9Continuing Rear Admiral Rear Admiral

    Joined:
    Jun 29, 2001
    Location:
    Manchester
    .

    ACT THREE


    FADE IN:


    38 EXT. TALUNO MEMORIAL PARK - NIGHT


    Ro stands, absorbing everything Vaughn’s told her. It’s hard work.

    RO
    Alright. Why are you telling
    me this? If you’ve got Bashir,
    what do you want with me? ​

    VAUGHN
    (sigh)
    Well, the most immediate reason
    is that the circumstances have
    changed since I set that plan
    in motion. I thought we’d have
    more time. ​

    RO
    What do you mean? ​

    VAUGHN
    I mean Prynn... Nog, Shar, Jake
    and Rena. They went on a road
    trip into the Gamma Quadrant.​

    RO
    (a what?)
    A road trip? ​

    VAUGHN
    A road trip. And in the course
    of doing so, they found some
    rather remarkable information...
    information that forced me to
    change my plans. ​

    Vaughn remembers...


    39 INT. DS9 – KIRA’S OFFICE


    In the lounge area, KIRA and Vaughn sit together on one couch. Opposite are NOG and PRYNN.

    KIRA
    You’ve done amazing work, all of
    you. I can’t thank you enough. ​

    VAUGHN
    Quite right. A reliable source
    of information, straight from
    the Ascendants themselves.
    You should all be very proud. ​

    NOG
    We would be, sir, if we hadn’t
    had to watch an entire planet
    destroyed to find it. ​

    KIRA
    This information will help us
    stop that from happening again,
    Nog. We’re a step ahead of them
    now. We could set a trap...
    (sags)
    ...if we had anything to face
    them with. As for the rest...
    I said months ago Iliana was
    still out there somewhere.
    But with the Ascendants...​

    PRYNN
    Not just with them, Captain.
    She’s their equivalent of the
    Emissary. They’ll do whatever
    she wants them to do.​

    KIRA
    And what she wanted to do was
    kill me. ​

    Kira exchanges a worried glance with Vaughn. They share something silently, then turn back to the junior officers. Kira’s earlier enthusiasm is rather dampened.

    KIRA
    Keep this to yourselves for now,
    Lieutenants. I’ll discuss it
    with Asarem, see how much she
    wants to reveal. Till then...​


    40 EXT. TALUNO MEMORIAL PARK - NIGHT


    Vaughn completes Kira’s sentence...

    VAUGHN
    ...this is classified. ​

    Ro nods her understanding, and slumps back onto the bench with weary wonder. Yet more revelations for her to handle.

    RO
    Iliana Ghemor. She was enough
    trouble with just a band of
    random criminals under her
    control. Now she’s got her own
    personal army to do whatever
    she wants with? Hell...​

    VAUGHN
    Not only that. The Ascendants
    are actively searching for Bajor.
    The one Nog met, he’d just found
    out about the former New Bajor
    colony in the Gamma Quadrant. ​

    RO
    And Iliana knows exactly where
    Bajor is... because she has all
    of Kira’s memories. ​

    VAUGHN
    Not quite. She only has Kira’s
    memories up until the point she
    was kidnapped by the Obsidian
    Order. That was long before the
    wormhole was discovered. Maybe
    that explains why they’re not
    already burning down our door. ​

    RO
    Even so, it can’t be much longer.
    They could be here any minute. ​

    VAUGHN
    Exactly. And that’s why I need
    to move up my plans as regards
    Taran’atar and L’Haan. ​

    RO
    But I still don’t get what you
    want with me. What can I do? ​

    VAUGHN
    I don’t have time to wait for
    Bashir to wheedle his way into
    Section 31 and find L’Haan any
    more. He doesn’t have this new
    information. So I’m going to
    have to take a chance... and
    force the issue. ​

    Ro slowly realizes what he means...

    RO
    You’re going up against them yourself. ​

    VAUGHN
    I am. And I want you with me. ​

    Ro’s eyes flare in shock and surprise.

    RO
    Me? But...​

    VAUGHN
    You’re my protégé, Lieutenant. ​

    RO
    First I’m hearing of it. ​

    VAUGHN
    I know. And that’s partly my
    own fault. Marta warned me not
    to leave it too late to bring
    someone new in. Of course, I did
    exactly that. Stupid old fool.
    (beat)
    I’ve followed your career for
    a long time, Laren. I’ve been
    impressed with you for a long
    time. Since even before Garon
    Two. I’ve wanted it to be you
    for a long time. ​

    RO
    (frustrated)
    Wanted what to be me? ​

    VAUGHN
    The one who replaces me. ​

    Ro is dumbfounded for a moment. She gets up again, paces again. Vaughn lets her have a second – it’s a tall order.

    VAUGHN
    I’m not going to last forever,
    Laren. I’ve already lived much
    longer than I have any right to,
    considering the kind of work
    I do. My luck has to run out
    sooner or later. And I need
    someone I can trust to take
    the reins when I’m gone. ​

    RO
    But me? Me of all people? The
    biggest screw-up in Starfleet history? ​

    VAUGHN
    Don’t be so hard on yourself.
    We’ve all made our mistakes.
    And we all have our scars. ​

    RO
    But Garon Two... the Maquis...
    I’ve made a career out of
    betraying everything I’d sworn
    an oath to. ​

    VAUGHN
    No, you’ve made a career out of
    choosing what’s right over what’s
    expedient, regardless of what
    your orders said. As a result,
    I’ve supported you wherever I
    could. Argued on your behalf.
    Even suggested to Kira that you
    would make a suitable second
    officer for the station. ​

    RO
    (darkly)
    So now you’re telling me I
    didn’t even get the job on
    my own merits? ​

    Vaughn sighs, hangs his head. She can be such hard work.

    VAUGHN
    You need to get past this idea
    that things are either A or B,
    with no overlap, Lieutenant.
    It’s entirely possible for me
    to believe in you and promote
    your career because you deserve
    it, and to want you in a certain
    position for my own purposes
    at the same time. They’re not
    mutually exclusive. ​

    Ro begrudgingly accepts that, with a mutter.

    RO
    But you’ve got Bashir. He’s on
    a mission for you right now. He’s
    a genetically engineered super-
    man, and he’s obviously got the
    motivation. Wouldn’t he be the
    better choice? ​

    VAUGHN
    I thought so for a little while.
    After the Sindorin mission...​


    41 FLASHBACK – 8x08 “ABYSS”


    Vaughn and Bashir meet on the darkened, abandoned Promenade of Empok Nor. As they talk...

    VAUGHN (cont)
    ...we spoke at some length about
    his joining me in the fight
    against Section 31. But with
    some further consideration...
    I began to change my mind. ​


    42 EXT. TALUNO MEMORIAL PARK - NIGHT


    Back to the moonlit park...

    RO
    Why? What did he do wrong? ​

    VAUGHN
    Not wrong as such. It’s just...
    Julian would make a fine agent.
    But the problem is, he thinks
    he would too. He’s been playing
    spy games on the holodeck for
    years, learning at the feet of
    Mister Garak. I’m afraid he
    thinks of it as... fun. ​

    RO
    Is that a bad thing? ​

    VAUGHN
    It could be. It might lead to
    overconfidence. Treating it like
    a game. And at the same time, he
    has too much of a conscience. I
    suppose that comes with being a
    doctor. I’m worried he wouldn’t
    be able to do what he needs to
    without worrying it to death. ​

    RO
    And you think I wouldn’t? You
    think I don’t worry myself
    into a coma about everything? ​

    VAUGHN
    After the fact, maybe. But in
    the moment, you just act. I need
    that. You have the instincts.
    You certainly have the tactical
    training, I made sure of that.
    Bashir was necessary for this
    particular assignment. But he’s
    not right for the long-term mission.
    (w/ feeling)
    You’re the one, Lieutenant.​

    RO
    I’m not sure I am. ​

    VAUGHN
    Why not? ​

    RO
    Haven’t you been listening to
    me? Aside from the fact that
    I’ve been in and out of Star-
    fleet more times than a Klingon
    says the word “honour,” I’m
    recovering from a broken back – ​

    VAUGHN
    (interrupts)
    I thought you said it was fine. ​

    Ro stops, caught out. She remembers...


    43 FLASHBACK – 10x12 “HERESY”


    Ro sits in her quarters, shivering and hugging herself on her bed. She looks across the room to where a hypospray sits on the table...


    44 EXT. TALUNO MEMORIAL PARK - NIGHT


    She covers again, blinking too fast...

    RO
    It is. I’m fine. But I can’t
    just... you know... go around
    doing back-flips and pirouettes
    all day long. ​

    VAUGHN
    I should certainly hope that’s
    not part of the job description. ​

    Ro smiles a little. She sits back down again.

    RO
    It’s not just that. I’m not
    the right person for the job,
    Commander. I’m just not. ​

    VAUGHN
    Why? Explain it to me. ​

    Hesitantly, she drags the admission out of herself.

    RO
    When Bashir was talking about
    wanting to stay out of the
    Eav’oq-Ascendant business...
    about how it was none of our
    concern... I agreed with him. ​


    45 FLASHBACK – 10x12 “HERESY”


    Ro talks to Dax outside Kira’s office in Ops...

    RO
    Maybe it’s just cause I don’t
    follow the Prophets or some-
    thing... but I really don’t
    see why this is our problem. ​


    46 EXT. TALUNO MEMORIAL PARK - NIGHT


    On the bench, Ro is downcast, almost embarrassed...

    RO
    You say Bashir was pretending.
    Faking it. I wasn’t. ​

    Vaughn is not upset or offended. He sits and ponders.

    VAUGHN
    Is that really how you feel? ​

    RO
    Yeah. It is. So I guess this
    conversation is over. ​

    VAUGHN
    Why’s that? ​

    RO
    (duh)
    Because I agreed with Section
    31. “Stay out of it.” ​

    VAUGHN
    And what did you do about it? ​

    RO
    Nothing. ​

    VAUGHN
    Precisely. Whatever your own
    misgivings, you trust Kira
    enough to go along with her
    plan. You didn’t send someone
    to brainwash an ambassador so
    you could get your own way.
    (beat)
    I know you’re the right person
    to help me fight Section 31,
    Lieutenant. Shall I tell you
    why I know that?​

    RO
    You can try. ​

    VAUGHN
    It’s because you’ve already
    worked for Section 31 yourself. ​

    Vaughn smiles at her calmly. As Ro’s eyes flare in alarm...


    FADE OUT:


    END OF ACT THREE


    .
     
  6. DS9Continuing

    DS9Continuing Rear Admiral Rear Admiral

    Joined:
    Jun 29, 2001
    Location:
    Manchester
    .


    ACT FOUR


    FADE IN:


    47 EXT. TALUNO MEMORIAL PARK - NIGHT


    Ro’s eyes are wide with alarm. What on earth is he talking about? Does he suspect her of something? How could he? She hasn’t done anything... has she?

    He’s just smiling calmly back at her, unruffled, enigmatic.

    RO
    Commander, I don’t know what
    you’re talking about. ​

    VAUGHN
    It’s alright, Lieutenant. You
    can relax. I know all about it.
    In fact I probably know more
    than you do. ​

    She gets up yet again, begins to look around the park area anxiously. Is she in danger here?

    RO
    Look, if you’re talking about
    what happened at Sindorin, you
    know that wasn’t on purpose.
    Section 31 lied to us to get
    us to do their dirty work...​

    VAUGHN
    I’m not talking about Sindorin. ​

    RO
    What the hell are you talking
    about? Because if you’re going
    to accuse me of something, I
    wish you’d just get on with it
    instead of sitting there all
    smug and mysterious. ​

    VAUGHN
    Do you remember what I said
    to you the last time we sat
    in this same spot together? ​


    48 FLASHBACK – 9x10 “FRAGMENTS AND OMENS”


    Ro and Vaughn sit together on this same bench, in this same park, but in bright sunlight, just after meeting Opaka. Vaughn looks around at the park, the memorial...


    49 EXT. TALUNO MEMORIAL PARK - NIGHT


    Back in the night time, Ro frowns, still wary...

    RO
    Yes. You said you were glad
    I was back in Starfleet. ​

    VAUGHN
    Do you remember why I said it? ​

    RO
    Frankly I never understood why.
    But you did say you knew what
    really happened on Garon Two. ​

    VAUGHN
    Exactly. And that’s why I know
    you’re the right person for the
    job, whatever your self-image
    tells you. ​

    RO
    What happened on Garon Two was
    that I killed my own commanding
    officer. ​

    VAUGHN
    I suppose, strictly speaking,
    yes, you did do that. But the
    thing is, I know why. ​

    RO
    I told you why! Not everything
    is some grand conspiracy. ​

    VAUGHN
    Not everything, no. But this
    was. And if you’ll just calm
    down and take a seat, I’ll
    explain it all to you. ​


    50 EXT. SPACE


    The usual starfield. The USS Wellington, a Niagara-class cruiser (like an Ambassador crossed with a Constellation), is just settling into orbit of a planet.

    VAUGHN (v.o.)
    Ten years ago, before I even
    met Marta Batanides, there was
    another man who was a part of
    my little group. His name was
    Commander Daniel Wade. ​

    RO (v.o.)
    (astonished)
    Wade?! ​


    51 FLASHBACK – 10x09 “BLANK SLATE”


    The earlier flashback to Ro’s memories from Garon Two. Ro is a young Ensign, wearing an early TNG-era red uniform and her customary headband. She and her crewmates from the Wellington – including Commander Wade and Lieutenant Caputo – are hiding in their crumbling basecamp, under fire from the alien Seraphami. Focusing on Wade as he gives orders...


    52 EXT. TALUNO MEMORIAL PARK - NIGHT


    Back to the park...

    VAUGHN
    Yes. He was a good friend and
    a good agent. But he made a
    fatal mistake. He let them
    know he knew. ​

    RO
    A lot of people know, don’t
    they? The entire senior staff
    of DS-Nine, for example? ​

    VAUGHN
    But they can’t prove anything.
    And if they wanted to tell, who
    would believe them? The Council
    would refuse to believe such a
    thing was even possible. ​

    RO
    But Section 31 didn’t kill
    Commander Wade. ​

    VAUGHN
    Didn’t they? ​

    RO
    No! ​


    53 FLASHBACK – 10x09 “BLANK SLATE”


    In the canyon, where the Seraphami appear to be in their healing trance, Wade is up on the rocks, about to shoot. Ro takes aim at him instead... and FIRES.


    54 EXT. TALUNO MEMORIAL PARK - NIGHT


    Ro is insistent on her version of events, on taking all the blame for herself...

    RO
    I killed him. Well, actually
    I only stunned him... but it
    basically shone a spotlight on
    his position so the Seraphami
    could kill him. ​

    VAUGHN
    All completely true, and yet
    completely wrong at the same
    time. I wasn’t sure myself for
    many years. I had my suspicions
    of course, but nothing I could
    prove. You helped me slot the
    last piece of the puzzle into
    place yourself, Lieutenant.
    (off Ro’s look)
    When you lost your memory. ​


    55 FLASHBACK – 10x09 “BLANK SLATE”


    Vaughn sits across the Ro on the couch in her quarters, while she relates the Garon Two tale to him...


    56 EXT. TALUNO MEMORIAL PARK - NIGHT


    On the bench...

    VAUGHN
    I realise it wasn’t the most
    pleasant experience for you.
    But I have to admit it proved
    remarkably useful for me. ​

    RO
    How so? ​

    VAUGHN
    It was the tiniest thing. ​


    57 FLASHBACK – 10x09 “BLANK SLATE”


    Ro and Caputo are alone, laying down covering fire from their basecamp while Wade and the others head out...

    CAPUTO
    Pretty fragile for terrorists,
    if you ask me. ​

    Ro reacts to Caputo’s use of the T word...


    58 EXT. TALUNO MEMORIAL PARK - NIGHT


    On the bench...

    VAUGHN
    You mentioned how you flinched
    at the Lieutenant’s use of the
    word “terrorist” to describe
    the Seraphami. ​

    RO
    Yeah, so? ​

    VAUGHN
    Well, that told me that you
    were obviously still sensitive
    to the issue of terrorism as
    regards the Bajoran resistance.
    And then it all made sense. ​

    RO
    (frustrated)
    What did? Seriously Commander,
    start giving me some straight
    answers or I’m gonna start
    getting really annoyed. ​

    VAUGHN
    (smile)
    Ah, the passion of the Bajoran
    woman. Magnificent to behold.
    That’s what they were counting
    on, you know. Section 31. Your
    passion for a cause. Here’s
    what I’ve pieced together. ​


    59 FLASHBACK – 10x09 “BLANK SLATE”


    In the basecamp as the Wellington crew fire back at the Seraphami...

    VAUGHN (v.o.)
    Section 31 used their contacts
    in the admiralty to have the
    Wellington assigned to protect
    the colonists in the Walepti
    system. Now, that was an area
    that had seen a marked rise in
    activity by Seraphami so-called
    freedom fighters. Thugs, really.
    They had nothing for fight for
    freedom from. I’m sure 31 also
    had access to your official
    Starfleet record. Littered with
    disciplinary notices, complaints
    about a bad attitude, refusal to
    follow orders, but best of all,
    Bajoran. So they hatched a plan. ​

    Out in the canyon, the Seraphami clamber down from the rocks and begin to advance on the Starfleet outpost...

    VAUGHN (v.o.)
    They leaked intelligence to the
    Seraphami that a Starfleet team
    was in their neighbourhood.
    Undetectable back channels,
    naturally. That all but guar-
    anteed they’d come in firing. ​

    The Starfleet team scrambles out of the line of fire...

    CAPUTO
    Where did they come from? There
    were no life signs! ​

    As the rest of the scene continues...

    VAUGHN (v.o.)
    Obviously Commander Wade would
    be down on the surface. He was
    the Wellington’s First Officer,
    that’s just standard Starfleet
    procedure. And as a rising star
    in the tactical department, you
    were very likely to be on his
    team. So the stage was set. ​


    60 EXT. TALUNO MEMORIAL PARK - NIGHT


    Where Vaughn continues to explain...

    VAUGHN
    As a Bajoran, you had a unique
    sensitivity to the concept of
    freedom fighters, whatever the
    cause. So they forced you and
    Wade and the Seraphami all into
    a pressure cooker... and cooked
    themselves up a nice massacre. ​

    Ro’s face drops as she puts it all together...

    RO
    They... made me do it? ​

    VAUGHN
    I wouldn’t say “made you,” so
    much as... created a set of
    circumstances in which your
    actions were inevitable. You
    sided with the Seraphami
    over your sympathy for some
    fellow “terrorists,” and the
    result was eight dead officers,
    including the one man they
    actually wanted dead...​

    RO
    ...Commander Wade. ​

    Vaughn nods, and goes quiet. Gives Ro a chance to absorb. She’s sitting on the bench, almost fetal. Her hands are shaking. She lifts one, looks at it silently...


    61 FLASHBACK – 10x11 “HARMONY”


    Having just been left in command of the station by Kira, Ro steps into Kira’s office, her hands shaking in shock and withdrawal. She hides out of sight in the lounge area, sits down. Pulls a hypospray out of her boot and injects herself with the painkiller. The shaking slowly subsides.


    62 EXT. TALUNO MEMORIAL PARK - NIGHT


    Back at the bench, Ro is still shaking. She thinks of that hypospray. God, how she wants an injection right now.
    She looks down at her boot – there’s a hypo stashed inside it. But of course she can’t do it in front of Vaughn.

    RO
    I went to prison for that. ​

    VAUGHN
    Yes. ​

    RO
    They made me their patsy. ​

    VAUGHN
    Yes. ​

    RO
    Used me to kill a good man. ​

    VAUGHN
    Yes. ​

    Still shaking, she takes her fury and shock and forges it into determination. She looks back up at Vaughn...

    RO
    I’m in. ​

    Vaughn doesn’t respond at first. He gives her a moment to let her own decision sink in.

    VAUGHN
    Are you certain? ​

    RO
    (grit teeth)
    I said I’m in. ​

    VAUGHN
    Take a moment here, Lieutenant.
    I’ve giving you the opportunity
    to make this decision in full
    knowledge of what you’re getting
    yourself into. You can’t jump in
    with both feet now out of sheer
    fury, and then decide it’s too
    deep for you later. If you’re
    in, you’re in. For life.
    (beat)
    Because if you’re not, you can
    turn around and walk away now.
    I won’t argue. I said that
    before and I meant it. ​

    RO
    (scoff)
    Please. After everything you’ve
    told me tonight? I pretty much
    have to be in now, don’t I? ​

    VAUGHN
    Not at all. If you decide here
    and now you don’t want to be a
    part of this, you can leave and
    not say another word about it. ​

    RO
    (baffled)
    But... what about everything
    you’ve told me? All the names?
    All the secrets? ​

    VAUGHN
    (casual)
    Oh, that won’t be a problem.
    You see, I drugged you with a
    retroactive memory suppressant
    the moment you arrived. ​

    Ro’s eyes flare as she remembers...


    63 FLASHBACK – EARLIER


    The top of the episode. Ro has just arrived and she walks up to Vaughn... and he shakes her hand.


    64 EXT. TALUNO MEMORIAL PARK - NIGHT


    Ro realizes. Vaughn stares at her calmly...

    VAUGHN
    If I don’t give you the anti-
    dote, you’ll go to bed tonight
    and wake up tomorrow with no
    recollection that you ever got
    any message, that you ever came
    to Bajor, or that you and I
    ever had this conversation at
    all. So... what do you say? ​

    Off Ro’s astonished reaction...


    FADE OUT:


    END OF ACT FOUR


    .
     
  7. DS9Continuing

    DS9Continuing Rear Admiral Rear Admiral

    Joined:
    Jun 29, 2001
    Location:
    Manchester
    .


    ACT FIVE


    FADE IN:


    65 EXT. TALUNO MEMORIAL PARK - NIGHT


    Ro is staring at Vaughn with disbelief and something like betrayal. Did he really drug her? How could he do that?

    RO
    You... drugged me? ​

    VAUGHN
    Completely harmless. No side
    effects past a mild headache. ​

    He’s infuriatingly calm and assured about this. She’s still amazed he would actually do that to her. Then she gets a new idea, and she smiles wryly.

    RO
    I get it. I get it. This is one
    of those spy test things, isn’t
    it? You knew all along you could
    get me to say yes. And once I
    do, you’ll admit you never really
    drugged me in the first place. ​

    Vaughn gazes back at her, calm.

    RO
    (insistent)
    Isn’t it? ​

    VAUGHN
    I don’t play that kind of game,
    Lieutenant. I can’t afford to.
    The stakes are too high. I’ve
    told you nothing but the truth
    all night. Why would I stop now? ​

    Ro looks down at her hand – the one Vaughn shook earlier. Looks at the skin of her palm, rubs it. It feels normal, no signs of drugs. She shows it to Vaughn, victorious, as if
    it proves her case.

    RO
    There’s nothing there. ​

    VAUGHN
    That’s because I didn’t put it
    on your hand. ​


    66 FLASHBACK – EARLIER


    Before Ro arrived. With only two of the four transport inhibitor modules set up, Vaughn walks around the area, spraying the contents of a small aerosol can into the air.

    VAUGHN (v.o.)
    It’s in the air. ​


    67 EXT. TALUNO MEMORIAL PARK - NIGHT


    Vaughn continues...

    VAUGHN
    Odourless. Dissipates naturally
    within a couple of hours. Never
    shows up on any standard medical
    scan. But one hundred per cent
    effective. I took the antidote
    myself before you arrived. I
    have more for you if that’s what
    you decide you want. But if
    you’d rather forget all about it,
    then walk away now, and live
    your life. ​

    RO
    I could tell the whole station
    before I go to bed. ​

    VAUGHN
    Well, let’s see. First of all,
    you gave me your word that this
    would remain between us, and
    I intend to hold you to that.
    Second, you’d be putting Doctor
    Bashir, me, the entire mission,
    and every person on the station
    in danger. ​

    RO
    It’s a three-hour ride back to
    the station from here. Plenty
    of time to type it all up into
    the computer. ​

    Vaughn gives her a look of mild derision and pity, as if to say, “Come on, don’t be so naïve.”

    RO
    But of course you’d just delete
    it. I bet there’s no trace of any
    message on my comm system
    either, is there? ​

    VAUGHN
    This isn’t my first time, Laren.
    I have to protect my interests
    just as much as Section 31 do.
    But, as I’ve been attempting to
    make clear to you all night,
    in all the important ways I am
    nothing like them. They killed
    T’Prynn. They killed Wade. I’m
    prepared to let you walk away
    and live the rest of your life
    in blissful ignorance. I don’t
    lie or threaten. You have the
    choice of whether you want to
    join this life or not. If you
    want out, I’ll let you out and
    I’ll go it alone. But if you’re
    in, it’s for good. This is the
    night you decide the course of
    the rest of your life. So take
    your time and understand what
    I’m asking you to do. ​

    Vaughn has been quite eloquent. Ro does think it over.

    VAUGHN
    I’m asking you to dedicate your
    life to fighting an insidious
    cancer within the very heart
    of the Federation. To protect
    the citizens of the Federation
    and beyond from the immoral
    actions of that disease. By my
    side for as long as I am able,
    and alone if need be once I’m
    gone. Which likely won’t be
    much longer now. And to do so
    in such secrecy that no-one but
    no-one can ever know the good
    you’ve done for them. ​

    Ro doesn’t respond yet. She’s doing just what he told her – thinking about every word.

    VAUGHN
    I’m sorry to be burdening you
    with the kind of life I’ve had
    to live, Lieutenant. I don’t do
    it lightly. But it’s precisely
    because of everything you’ve
    already lived through, and come
    out the other side, that I know
    you’re strong enough to handle
    it. And I’m sorry to be blunt,
    but the fact that you have no
    family, no significant romantic
    entanglements...​

    Ro reacts to that thought...


    68 FLASHBACK – 10x09 “BLANK SLATE”


    In the Infirmary, after Ro has recovered all her memories. She steps up to Quark, thanks him, and places a tender but definitely meaningful kiss on his lips.


    69 EXT. TALUNO MEMORIAL PARK - NIGHT


    Vaughn finishes the thought...

    VAUGHN (cont)
    ...no long-term ties anywhere,
    well, that just makes you the
    ideal candidate for the job. ​

    RO
    (quiet)
    Good for me. ​

    VAUGHN
    I suppose I can’t say that you
    and I have ever been friends,
    exactly. And maybe we’ll never
    be friends. My impression is that
    you deliberately keep people at
    arm’s length to avoid getting
    hurt any more than necessary.
    That’s certainly understandable,
    given your history. But whether
    we’re friends or not, I respect
    you. A great deal. I believe in
    you, even if you don’t believe
    in yourself. I’m proud of what
    you’ve achieved in your life.
    I’m honoured to think you’d be
    the one to carry on my legacy.
    But I don’t want you to do
    anything you don’t want to do.
    So it has to be your choice. ​

    He finally goes quiet. He’s said everything he can say to try to convince her. It’s up to her now.

    She takes a deep breath. Slowly stands, steps onto the path. She looks up at the memorial, the broken girder in its stone base. She orders her thoughts.

    Finally she turns back to Vaughn. Entirely calm and sober.

    RO
    I’m in. ​

    VAUGHN
    Why? Tell me your reasons. ​

    RO
    There’s a bit of retribution in
    there, I won’t deny that. You
    already told me you felt the
    same. If it’s good enough for
    you, it’s good enough for me. ​

    Vaughn nods simply, accepting that.

    RO
    And I’ve seen first hand what
    Section 31 are prepared to do.
    Even if I agreed with their
    reasons, which I freely admit
    I occasionally have done, I’m
    never going to agree with their
    methods. I’ve made my mistakes,
    and I’ve paid for them every
    time. They never pay for any-
    thing. They have no oversight.
    They answer to no-one. That’s
    a recipe for dictatorship. ​

    VAUGHN
    The road to hell...​

    RO
    ...is paved with good intentions.
    But it doesn’t matter what their
    intentions are. It matters what
    they do about them. And what
    they do deserves to be punished.
    I always was. ​

    VAUGHN
    Anything else? ​

    Ro pauses, considering it. Yes, there’s something else.


    70 FLASHBACK – TNG 7x24 “PRE-EMPTIVE STRIKE”


    The moment when Ro first decides to join the Maquis. The old paternal figure Macias is on the ground, dying from phaser wounds after a Cardassian raid. Ro holds his hand, urging him to hold on...

    MACIAS
    When an old fighter like me
    dies... someone always steps
    forward to take his place...​

    Macias looks into her eyes for a last time, and dies.


    71 EXT. TALUNO MEMORIAL PARK - NIGHT


    Ro stands, Vaughn sits...

    RO
    You were right before. It is an
    honourable cause. It’s right for
    someone to carry it on after you.
    I’m flattered that you think I’m
    capable of it. And I’ll try not
    to let you down, sir. ​

    Vaughn takes a moment. He’s profoundly relieved, a little flattered himself, and proud to boot. He gets up, stretches his own aged bones. He stands beside Ro on the path.

    VAUGHN
    Thank you, Laren. And I think
    you can call me Elias now. ​

    She stretches out her own hand, grasps his, and they shake. It’s a handshake that will change Ro’s life forever. That done, she takes another breath and steadies her nerves.

    RO
    Now what? ​

    VAUGHN
    Now we go into action. When you
    return to your office, you’ll
    find an invitation to join the
    advanced tactical training course
    on Kel-Artis Station. Once at
    Kel-Artis, you’ll come down with
    an aggressive strain of Ankaran
    flu and remain in your quarters
    for the entire duration. ​

    RO
    What about you? ​

    VAUGHN
    Julian already resigned, so he’s
    covered. Even so, having three
    senior officers away from the
    station all at once would send
    up a red flag. So I’m not going
    anywhere, at least not officially.
    Kira will submit regular status
    reports in my name, fake the
    replicator activity in my
    quarters, and so on. To any
    outside observers, should there
    be any, I’ll appear to be at my
    post as usual. ​

    RO
    But what about the rest of the
    Ops crew? What about Prynn?
    Someone’s bound to notice you’re
    not actually there. Somebody’s
    going to realise the truth. ​

    VAUGHN
    Doesn’t matter what the truth
    actually is. Only matters what
    enough people think the truth is.
    If we play this right, Section 31
    should have no idea we’re coming
    for them until it’s too late. ​

    RO
    And once we’re away from the
    station, what then? ​

    Vaughn pauses to emphasise the gravity of this.

    VAUGHN
    I want you to understand the
    kind of mission we’re about to
    embark on. I’m used to battling
    the intelligence agencies of
    enemy states. That’s old news.
    But this is the first time I’ll
    be directly confronting an
    agency of our own government.
    (beat; sigh)
    I don’t think they even know
    my little group exists. Up to
    now, I’ve managed to keep their
    worst excesses in check without
    revealing myself. That won’t be
    possible this time. If we’re
    going to find L’Haan, then it
    means infiltrating 31 directly,
    dealing with them face to face. ​

    Vaughn gazes up at the memorial. Ro lets him.

    VAUGHN
    I suppose I’ve always known this
    day would come, ever since I
    first took up the fight. And if
    they find out about me... that
    means they’ll find out about you
    too. I can’t help that. Just the
    nature of the mission. And if
    they know you’re working against
    them, they’ll take that into
    account. And that means you’ll
    have to work all that harder. ​

    RO
    We’ll have to work harder. We’re
    in this together, Elias. ​

    VAUGHN
    I hope so, Laren. I truly do.
    But I can’t shake the feeling
    that your first mission against
    Section 31... could very well
    turn out to be my last. ​

    As Vaughn and Ro stand together in the dark...


    FADE OUT:


    END OF SHOW


    .
     
  8. Wally

    Wally Lieutenant Commander Red Shirt

    Joined:
    Feb 7, 2009
    FINALLY. The relaunch had left this one hanging since "Abyss". Vaughn talked a big talk there, and then did (seemingly) nothing for several years. Nice to know that other stuff has been under the surface, and that at least he has been thoughtful enough to let his superiors know.

    I find the explanation of what really happend in Ro's past a little overly convulted, but I guess that's to be expected whenever Section 31 is involved so there has to be some suspension of disbelief there.

    I had figured Bashir was going the Season 1 Tom Paris route, so that wasn't too much of a surprise. But wasn't expecting him to need saving. In retrospect Ro seems like an excellent choice to join this group. It would be nice to see if 31 could ever be brought to task over all they have done. They always just slip away.

    I also appreciate through Ro, for the first time I believe, someone has remarked that they actually agree with some of what 31 has done. Yes, they function almost completely against the intent of the UFP- but let's not forget, it was these guys whom essentially won the Dominion War (with the help of Sisko doing some underhanded trickery himself, bringing the Romulans into it). Also love DS9 allowing for some shades of grey.
     
  9. DS9Continuing

    DS9Continuing Rear Admiral Rear Admiral

    Joined:
    Jun 29, 2001
    Location:
    Manchester
    Thanks for commenting, Wally. :bolian:

    Like the thing with the Wa, I felt like there were some tiny moments here and there that were setting something up with Vaughn and Ro. Straight away in Avatar, there's the moment where he talks to Kira about how Picard spoke up for her, and tried to ask Ro herself how she liked the tactical course he designed. In Fragments and Omens, he says he knows what "really" happened on Garon II. Little bits and pieces like that, which I thought were leading somewhere. So I decided to follow where they went.

    As to why I decided to do it now, well it all came out of The Soul Key again. Taran'atar killed L'Haan. That led to the katra thing. Which led me to our L'Haan and Section 31. Which led me to the business with Bashir, and now with Ro. And I've been setting this up since the first ep of the season, where Vaughn says to Batanides, "I have someone else in mind, and not who you'd think." He's referring to Ro and Bashir respectively there.


    I don't know that it's that complicated. They do love to manipulate people to do what they want them to do - we saw that in "Inter Arma" and Abyss, among others. They just put certain people together and created the outcome they wanted.

    If Vaughn knew what "really" happened, well that suggested to me that Section 31 must have been involved. I looked at what had already been established about the Garon II mission - in the TNG comic "The Choice," which I incorporated into my episode 9 "Blank Slate" - and tried to figure out how S31 could possibly have been involved in it, especially since both Ro and Akaar had to genuinely believe it really was her fault.

    The answer was them manipulating events behind the scenes. Why? To kill one of the people who died there. Who? Wade, who was the most prominent non-Ro character in that scene. Why? Because he was in Vaughn's group. Which is how Vaughn knows about it. And Ro was just the scapegoat, but it affected her life and self-esteem ever since. If she hadn't taken the fall for a S31 mission, maybe she would have never got kicked out of Starfleet the first time, and everything could have been different.


    Yeah, with Bashir, I was aware of the similarity with the Tom Paris storyline (nitpick - that was actually s2 of Voyager, not s1). Just like I was aware of the Ro painkiller addiction storyline being like T'Pol's trellium addiction. And I was worried about both while plotting the season out, and whether I should drop the plotlines altogether. But I reasoned that in both cases, I came to the ideas based just off the characters and the plots of the season, not through any desire to "copy" anything, and therefore I could get away with it. I think the stories work with what's been established about both characters, and are vital for their arcs for the season.


    Ro not really thinking they should get involved with the Eavoq actually comes out of a moment in Warpath, where Ancient Bajoran General Renla (aka Ro in Kira's prophet vision) says exactly that - it's none of our business, let's just wait it out behind the mountain. And since that is precisely what I thought S31's motivation would be as well, it made sense to add it up. But it does also tie into, as you say, the grey moral areas that S31 are ideal for exploring. If one of our main characters actually agrees with them, can they really be that bad?

    Believe it or not, I actually do have more to say about this episode. But I'm hoping to stimulate a bit more conversation and comment first. Anyone?

    .
     
  10. Enterprise1981

    Enterprise1981 Vice Admiral Admiral

    Joined:
    Oct 23, 2008
    Location:
    Tethered to a large plant
    Nice job with something that had never been done in the Trek universe. It had the feel of stage play with just two people in the same setting the whole story. And with the flashbacks clarifying what happened earlier, more pieces of the puzzle are added. It had the same feel as the Tom Paris arc in season two of Voyager, coupled with the Michael Garibaldi arc in season four of Babylon 5 and Daniel Jackson pretending to be brainwashed in the final season of Stargate SG-1.

    Based on what we know from Zero Sum Game, 2378 was about the time Sarina Douglas was recruited into Intelligence and then Section 31 some time later. If L'Haan could so easily use a mind meld to manipulate Taran'atar, 31 theoretically could have immediately gone through with using Sarina to bring Bashir over to their side. Instead, that doesn't happen until four years later, possibly in response to Vaughn's little scheme seen here.
     
  11. DS9Continuing

    DS9Continuing Rear Admiral Rear Admiral

    Joined:
    Jun 29, 2001
    Location:
    Manchester
    For some reason that just seemed to me to be the way to go with this one. I knew this would be the one where I basically laid all my cards on the table, explained everything that's been going on all season, and set the storylines on course for the end of the season. And with that much exposition to get out, there wasn't room for any "plot" as such.

    The type of episode where you put two characters in a room and have them hash it out is often one of my favourite type of stories - if the people have interesting stuff to say, it can be just as nailbiting as any action epic. But this is taking it a step further. I was worried I might not be able to make what is essentially nothing more than an hour-long conversation between two people interesting enough for viewers/readers to stick with for an entire episode. But I hope I pulled it off.

    As you say, it's a stage play. A doddle for set builders, and a week off for almost the entire rest of the cast. But sooooo much dialogue to learn for the actors of Vaughn and Ro - especially Vaughn. And how does a dirctor make two people sitting on a bench for an hour visually interesting? I have no idea.

    I counted it up, and there are flashbacks to nine different episodes going back more than two seasons of DS9, and even including a TNG episode. In one sense it just visually breaks up the scene a bit, but in another I think it's necessary to show as much as possible rather than just tell. If you can show the viewer the clip you're talking about, I think they're more likely to actually recall it than if you just mention it in dialogue. People often remember things in a visual way, and I try to remember that I'm writing a screenplay here, not just a prose story, and take advantage of the format.

    Yeah, as I said above, I'm aware of the Tom Paris similarity, and I'm slightly uncomfortable about it but I felt like it had to be done. I never really watched Stargate so I'm not familiar with Daniel Jackson's story there. If you're talking about Bester programming Garibaldi in B5 season 4, then yes, I suppose that would be the closest analogue. But at least for the first half of the Taran'atar-L'Haan plot this season - the katra business - I was more picturing Crichton and Harvey from Farscape season 2. That idea of the little angel on your shoulder, constantly whispering in your ear and driving you mad. Are you really losing your mind, or is something screwing with you? Is there a difference?

    I don't know if it would be as easy with anyone else as it was with Taran'atar. As a Jem'Hadar he's the perfect choice to try this with - a brain and mind specifically designed to do what it's told and follow orders no matter what. He's not used to having any control over his own life, so he's a soft target.

    Thanks again for reading - next ep coming at the weekend.

    .