12x02 - "Read All About It"

[DS9Continuing]

Previously on:
DS9 Season 10 "Ascension"
DS9 Season 11 "The Crucible"
DS9 12x01 - "Godspeed"

Now: DS9 12x02 - "Read All About It"

Jake Sisko chases a lead on a mystery regarding the new Federation president.

.

 

[DS9Continuing]

Meanwhile...

TNG 17x02 “SONNETS”

Sela has been sent to take control of the struggling Kevratas colony, and as part of that she has kidnapped Beverly Crusher, knowing that Picard will come after her. With the help of local rebels against the Romulan administration, Dr Carter Greyhorse works on curing the plague that brought Crusher there while Picard and Pug Joseph track her down. On the Enterprise, LaForge and Worf wonder why they were not told of Picard’s whereabouts. Picard’s former Stargazer crewmates can see that this is personal for him. Crusher realises that she does not miss her husband Jack anymore – it is Jean-Luc she is most upset about never seeing again. While the rebels distribute the cure, Picard and pals find and rescue Crusher, and he blurts out his true feelings for her. At first she needs space to process, but soon she returns to the Enterprise, both as CMO and Picard’s lover.

TTN 1x02 – “SIX OF ONE”

After Shinzon’s failed coup (TNG “Nemesis”), tensions on Romulus are boiling over. Six factions vie for power – Tal’Aura has taken the Senate, Tomalak has half the military, Donatra has the other half, Rehaek has the Tal Shiar, Xiomek has the Remans, and Spock has the Unificationists. The Titan leads an aid convoy, escorted by a trio of Klingon warships. While Admiral Akaar, Riker and Troi mediate complex power-sharing talks, Vale and Keru lead the Titan’s secondary mission – to rescue Cmdr Tuvok from a Romulan prison. In the prison, Tuvok has bonded with a grizzled Reman, Mekrikuk. They instigate an uprising, allowing Keru to rescue Mekrikuk, but Tuvok is snatched again by other Remans – led by Xiomek, who it turns out was allied with Spock. Keru manages to beam Tuvok and Spock both on board Titan – to Spock’s displeasure. Meanwhile, Donatra’s fleet, which had been hiding in the Bassen Rift, has mysteriously disappeared...

VOY 10x02 – “SELFISH”

Inside the Yaris Nebula, Voyager finds some interesting spatial phenomena that have the science departments excited. Troubled by the ongoing symbiont crisis (DS9 “Unjoined”), Voyager’s CMO Dr Jarem Kaz, a joined Trill, wonders if he ought to resign his commission and go home to help. His former host Gradak was a Maquis who nearly went insane from his experiences in the Dominion War and killed himself to escape. If Jarem went home, it would be doing the same – giving up his own life to let the symbiont live. He doesn’t want to do it, he worked hard to get where he is. But which is the less selfish option? When the spatial phenomena have worrying physical effects on Voyager’s crew, only Kaz’s experiences surviving in the Badlands can save them. Chakotay assures Kaz it is his decision, but he thinks it is selfish to give up his life when he has so much to offer. Kaz agrees... for now.

 

[DS9Continuing]

TEASER​

FADE IN:


1 INT. SISKO’S RESTAURANT - DAY


The restaurant is open, and customers sit happily at half a dozen tables spread evenly throughout both the shady inside area and the sunny outside patio area.

The family patriarch JOSEPH SISKO moves from table to table, making sure that all his customers are happy. He is in top form, in full command of his domain.

JOSEPH
How those calas dumplings treating
you? Good, right? You eat em up.
(next table)
Aren’t those oysters a thing of
beauty? A feast for the eye as well as
the stomach.​

A small BELL rings, shaken by the main door opening. Joseph looks towards the entrance, and there stands JAKE SISKO, and slightly behind him, RENA. They both have small carrying bags which they put down out of the way.

Elated to see them, Joseph throws his arms wide and bellows his greetings.

JOSEPH
Jake-o!

JAKE
Hey, Grampa.​

Joseph throws an arm around both Jake and Rena’s shoulders, leading them deeper into the restaurant.

JOSEPH
Get in the shade, it’s hot enough
to boil shrimp out there. Now who
is this magnificent creature
you’ve brought to my door?

JAKE
Grampa, this is Rena. My wife.
Rena, this is Grampa Joe.​

Joseph knows full well who she is. Jake grins wide anyway. Joseph immediately grabs Rena into a full bear hug. She squeaks a little in surprise, but is still delighted.

JOSEPH
Welcome to the family, young
lady! Well, let me get a good
look at you...
(nods approvingly)
The Sisko men always did have
impeccable taste.

RENA
It’s good to finally meet you,
Mister Sisko.

JOSEPH
Ah-ah-ah, Grampa. Or Joe.

RENA
Okay... ‘Grampa’.​

Joseph turns back to the restaurant, presenting Jake and Rena to his customers.

JOSEPH
My friends! The prodigal grandson
has returned! And I’d also like
to introduce a new member of the
Sisko family.
(playfully pointed)
Well, new to me anyway – they got
married three damn years ago and I
only just met her. Everyone, this
is Rena, the Mrs Jake Sisko.​

The customers raise their glasses or coffee cups in a congratulatory ‘cheers’. Rena is bashfully delighted at the whole affair. The celebration over, Joseph leads Jake and Rena towards a free table, where they all sit.

JOSEPH
Now come on, take a seat. You want
anything to eat?

JAKE
We’re fine, thanks, Grampa.

RENA
Although it does smell wonderful.

JOSEPH
Now, I understand from Kasidy’s
letters that you have some
culinary expertise yourself.

JAKE
(proud)
She runs her own bakery shop.

RENA
I help run a bakery shop. It’s my
Aunt Marja’s bakery, I just work there.

JOSEPH
Still sounds better than some of
the folks come sniffing around
here. At least you actually work
with honest-to-God ingredients,
not those heathen machines.

JAKE
Grampa Joe is not a fan of the
modern replicator.

RENA
Mostly though I’ve been in art
school. In fact I just finished
my course from Dakhur university.

JOSEPH
An artist and a chef! Didn’t I say
the Sisko men had great taste?

JAKE
They certainly do.​

Jake gives a side hug to Rena sat beside him, and pecks her cheek. It is clear the pair are very much in love, and Joseph is thrilled to see it. But then the mood dampens.

JOSEPH
I heard about what happened to
Rebecca. Poor little mite. They
got the guy who did it, right?
(Jake nods)
Good. And how is she now?

RENA
She seems to be fine. She just
shook it off. That’s the benefit
of being young, I suppose. It’s
Jake’s father I’m worried about.

JOSEPH
What’s wrong with Ben? Jake...?

JAKE
The guy who did it... Dad knew
him. They were friends. Or so
he thought.

JOSEPH
Well, Ben always did take things
very deeply to heart. But he comes
out of it in the end. Usually.
(brightens)
So! If you’re not going to eat,
why don’t you explain to me what
this visit is all about.​

Jake hesitates, dissembles. Joseph isn’t fooled for a second, but he lets Jake get to it in his own time.

JAKE
(half truth)
I haven’t been home to Earth in
five years. Plus, I’ve been living
in Rena’s home town on Bajor since
we got married, and she’s never
even seen mine.

RENA
Jake and his father talk about New
Orleans all the time.

JOSEPH
Ain’t no place else I’d rather be.
(to the point)
But you have your meeting too,
right? The one you told me about?

JAKE
(nods)
Day after tomorrow.

JOSEPH
Mmm-hmm. And what does your father
know about this? Or Kasidy?

JAKE
They know I’m bringing Rena for a
visit. They don’t know the rest,
not yet.

JOSEPH
Jake, you know I try never to keep
secrets from family. Not since the
business with Sarah, anyway.

JAKE
I know, Grampa. But just... a
little longer. Rena and I have
some decisions to make. And once
we do, we’ll tell him. I promise.​

Joseph takes a deep breath and reluctantly agrees. But he’s still not convinced...



FADE OUT

END OF TEASER​

 

[DS9Continuing]

ACT ONE​

FADE IN



2 EST. NEW ZEALAND


The distinctive shape of the two islands of New Zealand, but mostly focusing on the north island.


3 INT. PENNINGTON SCHOOL - LOBBY


A nice open and airy entrance hall to a large university. The style is modern Federation technological advancement mixed with artistic displays and sculptures.

People of all ages, genders and species stroll through this hall on their way to various parts of the university.

Into this gentle throng strides Jake, now dressed in a smart business suit. He pauses for a moment to admire the POSTERS that adorn walls or hang freely from the ceiling, featuring the faces of famous alumni of the school.

He approaches a large main reception desk, staffed by a good half dozen people. A TELLARITE man glares across the counter at him, as if Jake’s mere presence annoys him. Jake plays along, knowing this is just how Tellarites operate.

TELLARITE
What do you want? I’m busy.

JAKE
I have an appointment with the
dean of admissions, as if it’s
any business of yours.

TELLARITE
You think you’re good enough to be
a student here, do you? You think
you deserve to be up on those
walls with the best?

JAKE
Well, that’s up to people who
don’t just work at a reception
desk to decide, don’t you think?​

The Tellarite chuckles and nods approvingly. He appreciates when somebody gets it.

TELLARITE
What’s your name, human?

JAKE
Jake Sisko.

TELLARITE
Sisko, huh? Maybe you’re smart
enough to figure out where to wait
until the dean is ready, then.

JAKE
I’ll just stand wherever the smell
doesn’t reach me.​

The Tellarite chuckles again and starts typing into his computer. Jake moves away to find the waiting area.

As he finds a seating area and sits down - carefully, so as not to wrinkle his suit too much - he breathes deeply with relief. At least he made a good first impression.


PULL BACK to reveal a SIGN over Jake’s head, which reads...

WELCOME TO PENNINGTON

SCHOOL OF JOURNALISM​

4 EXT. NEW ORLEANS - JACKSON PARK - DAY

RENA (o.s.)
Reminds me a lot of parts of Bajor
actually. I always kind of assumed
Earth would be all built up, all
super-advanced.​

A wide panning shot of the park on a beautiful sunny day. Birds tweeting, people strolling and picnicking, kids playing. In the centre of the park is a public TRANSPORTER PLATFORM, which people periodically beam into or out of.

Eventually we land upon Jake and Rena sat on a park bench, in light summer outfits, eating ice cream cones, leaning on each other as they relax in the sun and enjoy the day.

JAKE
Parts of it. But we try to keep
green spaces too. I don’t think
it’s healthy to spend your life
surrounded by concrete and metal.

RENA
Says the boy who grew up on a
space station.

JAKE
And who now lives in a beautiful
waterfront village.

RENA
You’re discovering a love of
nature in your old age?

JAKE
Well, like you say, I grew up on
DS-Nine. Spent most of my life
before that on this starship or
that space station. Then Bajor.
(pause)
To be honest, I don’t really know
New Orleans all that well. But I’d
like to get to know it better.

RENA
Your grandfather certainly seems
very attached to the place.

JAKE
Oh, he’s lived here all his life.
He’ll never leave. But the people
here have a lot of pride in it.

RENA
(genuinely)
Why?​

Jake ponders for a moment as he enjoys his ice cream.

JAKE
I suppose it’s a lot like Bajor.
This city had a difficult history.
Slavery, poverty, rebellions,
natural disasters... But then so
much beauty and passion too. The
culture, the food, the music...
such a joie de vivre, because of
what they’d been through.

RENA
But all that was centuries ago,
surely.

JAKE
But it’s part of the identity of
the place. The Sisko blood runs
deep here, I guess. No matter how
far we go, we always come back
here sooner or later.

RENA
Speaking of which, don’t you need
to get back to the restaurant and
change? Your meeting’s in an hour.​

They have both finished their ice creams by now, so Rena rises, takes Jake’s paper napkin off him and throws them into a public bin. Jake rises too. He’s a bit nervous.

JAKE
You think I’ve got time for a bit
of Dutch courage?

RENA
Of what?

JAKE
Dutch courage. It just means a
quick drink to steel my nerves.

RENA
Oh, I see. We call that a spring
wine spine.

JAKE
(chuckle)
I love that!

RENA
Come on. Get moving.​

She takes his arm and drags him out of the park.


5 INT. PENNINGTON SCHOOL - CORRIDOR


Jake strolls along a wide boulevard corridor in the company of the university’s dean, a pleasant middle-aged human male called GRANT. Doors lead to classrooms along one side, and open windows out onto a sunny garden on the other.

JAKE
It’s certainly a beautiful campus.
How do you go about accommodating
so many different species with
different needs?

GRANT
That’s always a challenge, of
course, but one we gladly meet.
All it takes is a little patience
and ingenuity - something our
students have in spades.

JAKE
But those various species will
have different journalistic
methodologies, presumably.

GRANT
Naturally. But graduates of
Pennington have gone on to major
assignments all around the
Federation, working everywhere
from the palaces of governments to
the trenches of war zones. As you
well know.​

The pair turn a corner and find themselves in...


6 INT. PENNINGTON SCHOOL - OFFICE FOYER


...an ante-room to the dean’s office, featuring a secretary at a desk and a small waiting area. Unjoined TRILL woman OZLA GRANIV (30s) stands patiently gazing at paintings and informational posters on the walls while she waits.

Grant is only half-surprised to see her - Ozla’s appearance now is inconvenient but not entirely unexpected. She turns at Grant and Jake’s arrival.

GRANT
...And here we have one of our
most illustrious alumni. Ms Graniv
- did we have an appointment?

OZLA
I was hoping I could rely on our
years of professional comradeship
to skip that part, Grant.

GRANT
This is not the best time, Ozla.
I’m in the middle of a tour. This
is Jake Sisko. Mister Sisko, this
is Ozla Graniv, Palais reporter
for the Seeker.

JAKE
(shakes hands)
A pleasure to meet you, Ms Graniv.
I read your exposé on the Orion
Syndicate. Very impressive work.

OZLA
Thank you very much. Actually I’ve
read your work as well - your
reports for FNS during the war
were surprisingly insightful...
if a little naive.​

She smiles to soften the insult. Jake takes it in the spirit - Ozla is a nice person if a little forthright.

JAKE
Well, I was only eighteen.

OZLA
And of course we’ve all heard of
your father. A real-life war hero.
Are you back on Earth now?

JAKE
Not permanently, I’m just visiting
family for now. So you work at the
Palais? That’s one press room I’d
love to see some day.

OZLA
Well, give me your contact data,
I’ll see what I can arrange while
you’re here.

GRANT
(breaking in)
As I said, Ozla, I’m in the midst
of giving Mister Sisko a tour.
Did you need something?​

She glances over towards Jake, who gets the message.

JAKE
Oh please, take your time. I’m in
no rush.​

He removes himself over to the waiting area, taking a seat. It’s only the illusion of privacy - he can still hear what they’re saying - but he pretends he can’t.

Ozla smiles gratefully, then turns sternly back to Grant. They attempt to keep their voices low in front of company.

OZLA
Tezwa.

GRANT
Ozla, we’ve been over this. You’re
a correspondent at the Palais, a
prestigious position which you’ve
earned. Not to mention a safe and
comfortable one. Why do you want
to go digging around in the dirt?

OZLA
Because nobody else is. After the
whole Romulan disaster, nobody’s
talking about Tezwa anymore. It’s
unfair to them. Unfair to Vara.​

Grant flinches at the mention of that name. Jake watches their exchange with quiet interest from afar, intrigued.

GRANT
I don’t know what you expect me to
do. I have no influence over where
Farik assigns you.

OZLA
Your voice carries a lot of weight
in this business, Grant. If you
tell Farik it’s a good story, and you
can’t think of anyone better
to cover it, he’ll listen.

GRANT
Vara died on Tezwa. Whatever Gral
saw there was enough to make him
retire after two-hundred-and-fifty
years as a reporter - and three
different host bodies.

OZLA
Which means there’s nobody left to
report on this but me. Come on,
Grant - thousands of Klingons
killed. Starfleet invades the
planet, for crying out loud.​

Jake’s ears perk up at that strange factoid. What could cause Starfleet to do such a thing?

OZLA (cont)
A space-faring culture reduced to
the stone age. You can’t tell me
that’s not an important story.​

Grant sighs - it’s clear that Ozla will not be swayed.

GRANT
Fine. I’ll talk to Farik. But I
still think this is a stupid idea.

OZLA
Maybe so. But I have to do it
anyway. Thanks, Grant. I owe you.​

They step apart. Ozla pulls herself back together, turns to Jake, who stands at the signal that the discussion is over.

OZLA
Sorry for interrupting your tour,
Mister Sisko.

JAKE
That’s alright.

OZLA
Tell you what - the Seeker’s Earth
office is in Chartres. Give them a
call, I’ll arrange a day pass to a
Palais press conference for you.

JAKE
That would be amazing, thank you.
And good luck with your story.​

She nods her thanks and leaves the room. Grant takes a deep breath and tries to get his schedule back on track.

GRANT
Right! Shall we?​

He opens the door to his office, expecting Jake to follow. But before Jake does so, he looks back the way Ozla went. Their conversation has piqued his interest...



FADE OUT

END OF ACT ONE​

 

[DS9Continuing]

ACT TWO​

FADE IN


7 EST. PARIS – THE PALAIS - DAY


The grand edifice houses the seat of Federation government. The cylindrical, 15-storey building sits on the Place de la Concorde in the heart of Paris, straddling the Champs Elysées via four giant pillars, with the Seine flowing by.

On the 15th floor, we see the huge semi-circular picture window which is the president’s office. But then we PAN DOWN to the lower levels, where we see figures entering the building via doors set into the pillars at ground level.


8 INT. PALAIS – ENTRY HALL


Inside one pillar (and presumably inside the others too) is a security operation for any persons entering the Palais. Scanning booths, weapons emplacements and a LOT of security staff within an attempt to still seem open and welcoming.

Jake and Rena each stand within one of the cylindrical booths, which closes on them as a SCANNING DEVICE loops 360 degrees around before beeping affirmatively. The other side opens up, and they step out, wearing SECURITY BADGES.

Admiral ROSS is there waiting, and shakes each’s hand.

ROSS
Mister and Missus Sisko. Welcome
to the Palais de la Concorde.

JAKE
Admiral! I didn’t realise we were
getting an official escort.

ROSS
Well, I like to consider myself a
family friend...

JAKE
Admiral Ross was my dad’s boss
during the war, and he married
my dad and Kasidy.

ROSS
And now I serve as the Starfleet liaison
to the President.

RENA
Ah – a powerful friend to have.

ROSS
Shall we? Plenty to see – and the
press briefing starts in an hour.​

Ross leads the pair deeper towards some elevators.


9 INT. PALAIS – PRESS ROOM


Seats are laid out for dozens of correspondents, all facing a PODIUM on a small raised stage. The FEDERATION SEAL sits on the wall behind the podium. None of the seats are occupied as yet, but technicians buzz about, tending to DEVICES spaced evenly on the walls all around the room.

Ross, Jake and Rena enter this room via a door at the back. Ross leads them to seats on the back row.

JAKE
Umm... isn’t it supposed to be
starting soon? Where is everybody?

ROSS
Don’t worry, they’ll be here.​

A man enters on the stage – older, male, Bajoran, balding. This is KANT JOREL, the presidential press liaison, the kind of man who would enjoy his job if it didn’t involve having to deal with other people. People are the worst.

RENA
(quiet)
Oh, I recognise him – that’s Kant
Jorel. He used to be First Minister
Asarem’s press liaison.​

Kant notices Jake and Rena, glowers at them from the other side of the room. But since Ross is with them, presumably they must be okay. Instead he gestures at the technicians.

JOREL
Are you ready? Not like you’ve had
all morning, or anything.​

The technicians scuttle out of the room as Kant grumbles his way to the podium. He checks a chrono, waits until just the right second, then presses one particular button.

Over the next ten seconds, HOLOGRAMS buzz into life all around the room, filling every seat with journalists from every planet in the Federation, every race and gender. Jake and Rena watch all this happen with delight. While the reporters settle in, Ross leans across and explains.

ROSS
After the Breen attack, the Palais
was locked down tight. But they
couldn’t justify cutting out the
press altogether, so they used
some recent advances in holo-tech.​

A quiet commotion catches their attention, and they turn to see Admiral BATANIDES clumsily making her way between the seats, buzzing through people’s holographic bodies and generally making a complete meal of it.

BATANIDES
Could I...? Excuse me... Oh sorry,
was that your face? Don’t mind me,
coming through...​

She finally plops down into a spare seat next to Ross with an OOF of effort. Ross purses and holds his tongue - Batanides is a lovely woman but a exasperating klutz.

BATANIDES
Did I miss anything exciting?

ROSS
We’re just beginning. Jake, Rena,
this is Admiral Marta Batanides.
Marta, Jake and Rena Sisko.
(they nod greetings)
I didn’t realise you were planning
to attend...

BATANIDES
Best to way to find out what’s
going on. I never get to hear
anything fun in personnel.​

Kant shouts over the hubbub, bringing the room to order. Jake listens intently, fascinated by the entire procedure.

JOREL
Okay, everyone shut up and let’s
get on with this!
(they hush down)
First of all, President Bacco has
said that she’s looking forward to
the negotiators on both sides of
the current dispute between Delta
and Carrea coming to Earth to
resolve their differences here in
the Palais.​

Many hands shoot up, but a human male, EDMUND, is the first to speak out loud and grab Kant’s attention.

EDMUND
So you’re saying that they’ve
agreed to come?

JOREL
I’m saying that they are coming,
Edmund. Please listen to what I
say. Maria?​

A human woman speaks up – MARIA.

MARIA
Has there been any word from ex-
President Zife since he resigned?

JOREL
I’m not sure what you mean.

MARIA
Has he had anything to say about
President Bacco’s election?

JOREL
We haven’t heard from President
Zife since his resignation. I’m
sure he’s enjoying retirement.

MARIA
C’mon, Jorel – you expect us to
believe that Zife doesn’t have
an opinion about Bacco?

JOREL
I long ago gave up expecting you
people to believe anything I say.
T’Nira?​

Jake listens intently. Kant seems oddly evasive to him, and it’s suspicious. Meanwhile a VULCAN woman, T’NIRA, speaks.

T’NIRA
Could you comment on the elevation
of Councillor Krim Aldos to the
security council?

JOREL
What is there to say? The president
fully supports Krim, she was the
one who nominated him.

T’NIRA
Even though he was a rebel on
Bajor, has only been a council
member for three years, and is on
record as being against Bajor’s
membership in the Federation?

JOREL
(stern)
Anyone who’s anyone on Bajor was a
rebel. The only alternative is a
collaborator, and I assume you
wouldn’t support someone like that
on the security council?

T’NIRA
That would be illogical.

JOREL
Damn right it would. And whatever
his personal feelings might be,
Krim is here to represent the
people of Bajor, who clearly do
want to be in the Federation. And
he’s done a damn good job I say.​

At the back of the room, Rena whispers smirkingly to Jake.

RENA
Plus he’s First Minister Asarem’s
ex-husband.

JAKE
(mutter)
Asarem’s press liaison, Asarem’s
ex-husband... seems a little
incestuous.​

Rena looks askance at Jake - that’s an odd comment. Kant has been continuing to rant at T’Nira...

JOREL (cont)
Look, Bajor has been at the centre
of Federation security concerns
for the past decade. The wormhole,
Cardassia, the Tzenkethi, the
Badlands... They deserve a voice
equal to that importance. Ozla?​

To Jake’s slight surprise, Ozla Graniv is among the crowd. She speaks up at Kant’s invitation.

OZLA
We’ve heard that the Federation is
sending aid to Romulus. Won’t that
mean cutting aid going to Tezwa?​

Jake’s ears perk up - Ozla is back on the Tezwa train.

JOREL
Do you expect the president to
just let Romulus fall apart? Who
does that help?

OZLA
Some might say Romulus brought its
problems on itself. Whereas the
Federation claimed batyay’a over
Tezwa. Doesn’t that mean we’re
responsible for them now?

JOREL
Klingon rites of conquest are not
really my area. But nobody said a
thing about stopping aid to Tezwa.
We’re big enough to handle both.

OZLA
Well, we’ll soon see - I’m planning
a trip there myself.​

This seems to finally throw Kant off his game - a fact which Jake also notices from his seat at the back.

JOREL
Why would you want to do that?

OZLA
Because there’s a story there, Jorel.
Why else?​

Frowning as he reorients, Kant continues the briefing in BACKGROUND DIALOGUE, with more reporters asking questions and he continuing to berate and insult them.

Meanwhile Jake turns and whispers to Ross beside him...

JAKE
Admiral... what do you know about
Tezwa?

ROSS
What do you mean?

JAKE
I met Ozla earlier - she’s the one
who got me access here. She said
that Starfleet invaded the planet.
That can’t be right, can it?

ROSS
I’m afraid she was being poetic.
Starfleet took control of the
planet to stop the Klingons doing
it first. It was the only way to
stop them from invading.

JAKE
Then how did thousands of Klingons
end up being killed?​

Sitting silently next to them, Batanides’ eyes flicker subtly across to Jake - she has noticed his interest.

ROSS
(awkward, evasive)
Mister Sisko... it’s a very long
story, most of which I’m not at
liberty to tell you. And this is
neither the time nor the place.

RENA
Jake, what are you doing? You’re
in the very seat of Federation
government. And in their press
room. You said it was an amazing
opportunity, so stop worrying
about some Klingon planet and
pay attention.​

Unhappily, Jake does what he’s told and turns his attention back to the ongoing press briefing.

But Admiral Ross is still looking very uncomfortable...

And Admiral Batanides is paying attention to everything...



FADE OUT

END OF ACT TWO​

 

[DS9Continuing]

ACT THREE​

FADE IN


10 EST. PARIS – THE PALAIS - NIGHT


The Champs Elysées and the Paris cityscape glitters in the darkness. The great building of the Palais rests elegantly along the Seine. This time we focus on the large curved picture window on the 15th floor.

CLOSE IN on the window until we PASS THROUGH it and into...


11 INT. FEDERATION PRESIDENT’S OFFICE - NIGHT


The large room as in “The Undiscovered Country” (not the smaller room seen in DS9 4x11 “Homefront”). President NAN BACCO (a human woman in her 90s but still vital and iron-willed) sits at the large desk, centred in the curve, as a meeting of her most senior advisors goes on before her.

ESPERANZA PIÑIERO, Bacco’s chief of staff and long-time friend, a human woman of Spanish descent, in her 50s.

PIÑIERO
The travel office confirmed that
the Delta and Carreon ambassadors
will be here day after tomorrow.​

ASHANTÉ PHIRI, one of Piñiero’s deputies, a human woman of African descent in her 40s.

PHIRI
I’m still not sure what it’ll
accomplish. They’ve been yelling
at each other over subspace for
months - now they’ll just yell
at each other here instead.​

Z4 BLUE, a Nasat and Piñiero’s other deputy, squats in a chair specially built to fit his rounded insectile body.

Z4 BLUE
There’s a big difference between
arguing on some moon in the Delta
system, and arguing in the Palais.

PIÑIERO
What do you think?​

Piñiero addressed this to Bacco. Bacco takes a moment to look around her advisors, which also include Admiral Ross.

BACCO
I think I said a month ago that we
should bring the Delta and Carreon
ambassadors here and lock them in
a room until they starve to death.
You told me to give them a chance
to hash it out first. I gave them
that chance. Delta’s water supply
is getting worse, the Carreon are
no closer to letting us use their
water reclamation systems, and
we’re all a month older. I think
we’ve all learned something from
this. I’m right, you’re wrong.
(polite laughter)
I think the next four years will
go a lot smoother if everyone gets
that through their heads now.

PIÑIERO
Absolutely, Madam President.

BACCO
What’s next? Anything Starfleet-
related I ought to know about?

ROSS
The USS Io reports first contact
with a world called Trinniek,
Starbase Ten reports indications
of Borg remains along the Romulan
border, and the Hood found some
ancient machinery on Gorak Nine.

PIÑIERO
What kind of machinery?

ROSS
The report wasn’t specific.

PIÑIERO
Well, find out. It’s been my
experience that ancient machinery
tends to activate and turn every-
one on your ship into newts.

BACCO
I’m less concerned about a ship of
newts than I am about the Borg.

ROSS
The report was of remains, Madam
President. No more than Starfleet
ships have uncovered all over the
galaxy. I don’t believe they pose
an imminent threat.

BACCO
Yeah, well, keep an eye on it
anyhow, just for my peace of mind.
The Borg have attacked this solar
system twice already. I don’t want
the third time to be the charm.

ROSS
Yes, ma’am.

BACCO
Okay, I think we’re done. Everyone
try and get some damn sleep.​

Phiri, Z4 Blue and Ross all stand, offer the standard “Thank you, Madam President” mutterings, and then leave.

Bacco stands from her desk and looks out of the window at the Paris night view. Piñiero moves to stand with her.

BACCO
You know, until the seventeenth
century, it was just fields. Then
Marie de Medici made a tree-lined
path. Named it after the Elysian
Fields. Marie Antoinette used to
stroll down it all the time.

PIÑIERO
Before or after she ate all the
cake and got her head cut off?

BACCO
Hush. Anyway, the point is -

PIÑIERO
There’s a point? Trying something
new are we, ma’am?

BACCO
The point is, the Champs Elysées
has been Paris’s main thoroughfare
for seven hundred years. The Arc
de Triomphe, the Louvre, the Tour
de France... It’s on this very
spot that the Traité d’Unification
was signed two-hundred-and-fifty
years ago. And all because some
rich woman who lived in a monarchy
wanted a place to walk. From that...
came this.

PIÑIERO
It is my hope, ma’am, that we’ll
do a little better than the
Medicis. Or Marie Antoinette.

BACCO
Oh, I think we can learn a lot
from Marie Antoinette. For one
thing, I’m giving serious thought
to the idea of bringing beheadings
back. Think I can get the council
to sign off on that?

PIÑIERO
Probably not, ma’am.

BACCO
Shame. It’d make the meetings go
so much faster.​

Piñiero chuckles.


12 EST. SISKO’S RESTAURANT - DAY


Establishing the familiar front of the famous restaurant.


13 INT. SISKO’S RESTAURANT - DAY


Day, but the restaurant is not yet open. Joseph works in the kitchen, preparing the day’s meals. In the background, two other young EXTRAS help out, doing various tasks.

Rena is beside Joseph at the counter. They are both busy chopping vegetables of various kinds. Joseph turns to Rena, checks on her progress, nods approvingly.

JOSEPH
Nice work. But maybe just a little
thicker slices. Give ‘em something
to get their teeth into.

RENA
(keeps chopping)
Like this?

JOSEPH
Perfect. We’ll make a N’Orleans
chef out of you yet.

RENA
This is fun! At the bakery, Marja
is always barking at me to stop
trying to be creative and
just get the bread baked.

JOSEPH
Cooking is creative, same as
painting. Don’t matter what it is,
you put your heart and soul into
something you believe in, people
are gonna respond to it. No better
feeling in the world than knowing
you’ve sent someone away happy.

RENA
(genuinely)
Thanks for this, Mister Sisko.​

Joseph stops and gestures faux-accusingly with his knife.

JOSEPH
Didn’t I say for you to call me
Grampa? Or at least Joe.

RENA
(shy smile)
Sorry. I guess I just feel weird
that you would even want me to.
You only just met me.

JOSEPH
Now you listen here. I have raised
three sons and one daughter. And
they have given me nine beautiful
grandchildren. And whenever any
one of them has brought someone
into this house, that someone has
been a part of the family from the
moment they crossed that doorstep.​

Joseph goes back to work, conversation over. Rena smiles, touched by this declaration, but is still curious.

RENA
I hoped you’d accept me of course.
I just expected it to take time.
I know how close your family is.

JOSEPH
(shrug)
I raised my kids right. And they
did the same. Whoever they think
is important enough to introduce
to me must be worth it. And that’s
all I need to know.​

Touched again at the compliment, Rena steps up to Joseph and gives him a quick peck on the cheek in thanks.

RENA
Thanks... Grampa.​

They go back to chopping, but Rena has something else on her mind. She looks towards the stairs...

RENA
How long has he been up there? He
went upstairs the moment we got
back and I haven’t seen him since.

JOSEPH
Well, didn’t he tell you? You’re
his wife.

RENA
He said he had some research to
do. But it can’t be for his
interview, that’s all over and
done with.​

She places down her knife, ponders on it.

RENA (cont)
I think it’s this Tezwa thing.
Prophets only know what the big
deal is, I’ve never even heard
of the place.

JOSEPH
It was in the news for a while.
Then it was all this Romulan
business. Always some damn thing.
I just concentrate on meat, fish,
vegetables and spices.

RENA
Is he often like this?

JOSEPH
Oh, his father’s the same way.
Always getting a bee in their
bonnet about one thing or another.
They come out of it eventually.

RENA
Do you mind if I...?​

Joseph grunts his approval. Rena wipes her hands clean, leaves the kitchen and heads towards the stairs.


14 INT. SISKO’S RESTAURANT - BEDROOM


One of the rooms above the restaurant, where the family lives. Wood paneling, creaky floorboards, old-fashioned flock wallpaper. A double bed, and Jake’s travelling bags.

Jake sits at a DESK, with a computer terminal working in front of him, several reports partitioned on the screen. He selects one sub-screen, which becomes the main image - a VIDEO CLIP of former president MIN ZIFE’s resignation.

In the clip, the Bolian male sits at his presidential desk in the same office Bacco now occupies.

ZIFE (screen)
While my chief of staff and I were
able to serve our nation well in
war, we were, it seems, less
suited for peace. As the war grows
more distant in our past, it has
become increasingly obvious that
Koll and I need to step down for
the good of the Federation.​

There is a KNOCK at the door. Rena pokes her head in.

RENA
You okay in here? Haven’t heard
from you in ages.

JAKE
Yeah, I’m fine.​

He sits back in his chair, pondering what he has read. She steps further into the room, seeing that he is troubled.

JAKE
Zife resigned immediately after
whatever happened on Tezwa.
The first resignation of a sitting
president ever, in the two-
hundred-year-plus history of the
Federation. And he took his chief
of staff and secretary of military
intelligence with him.

RENA
Okay. And...?

JAKE
And after an emergency election
to find a replacement, a woman
who wasn’t even a member of the
Federation Council is voted in.

RENA
If Bacco wasn’t a council member,
what was she?

JAKE
A planetary governor - of Cestus
Three, near Gorn space.

RENA
That’s where Kasidy’s from, isn’t
it? So what’s wrong with that?

JAKE
Nothing, I guess. Just seems weird
to me. She came out of nowhere.
And no-one’s heard a peep out of
Zife since he stepped down.

RENA
Jake, it’s only been three months.
And he was the president of the
Federation. It’s no surprise he’d
want to be out of the public eye
for a while.

JAKE
(not listening)
And then she steals Asarem’s press
liaison, assigns Asarem’s ex-
husband to a crucial sub-council
with oversight over Federation
security despite several valid
complaints, hires a Starfleet
admiral who was originally one of
her competitors in the election to
serve as her Starfleet liaison...​

Rena comes close, takes Jake’s hands in hers, and turns him away from the computer screen to look at her.

RENA
Jake, I say this with all the love
in the world... you’re losing it.
You’re about to try and sell me on
a conspiracy between the governors
of two worlds on opposite sides of
the galaxy to steal a presidency.
I think you’re worried about your
interview and looking for some way
to distract yourself, but you’re
taking it too far. Which I’ve been
reliably informed is a family
trait. You need to come downstairs
with me now and get some fresh air
and good food. Okay?​

Jake looks back at the screen, then back at Rena.

JAKE
Okay, you’re right. I’m sorry.​

Rena takes him by the hand - he stands, kisses her, lets her lead him from the room. But before he passes through the door, he looks back over his shoulder at the computer. He has no intention of giving this up - he can’t.

Then he leaves, and the door closes behind them. A moment after they’re gone, a BEEP comes from the computer, and a TEXT MESSAGE comes up on the screen.


COMPUTER SCREEN

Hi Mister Sisko - I’m pretty busy,
but if it’s as urgent as you say,
then I can meet you in New Orleans
tomorrow. Regards - Ozla.​

FADE OUT

END OF ACT THREE​

 

[DS9Continuing]

ACT FOUR​

FADE IN


15 EXT. NEW ORLEANS - JACKSON PARK


Jake stands at the counter of an open air cafeteria. He orders two coffees, carries them back to one of the picnic benches that sit out on the grass nearby. He sits and passes the other coffee to Ozla Graniv, who sits opposite.

OZLA
What’s this about, Mister Sisko?
If you just wanted to thank me for
the trip to the Palais, you didn’t
need to do it in person.

JAKE
That’s not it. I realise this is
probably rude and inappropriate.
But I overheard you talking about
Tezwa when we were at the school
in New Zealand. And then you
talked about it again in Paris.

OZLA
...Yeah? It’s an important story.

JAKE
I think it may be more important
than you realise. I’ve been doing
some research of my own. But
there’s a lot I don’t know about
what happened on Tezwa.

OZLA
Don’t you watch the news?

JAKE
It was the Time of Cleansing on
Bajor - they forgo all worldly
pleasures for a month. News about
a Klingon border world wouldn’t
really make it through. Then there
was the thing with Rebecca...

OZLA
Look, Mister Sisko -

JAKE
Please, call me Jake.

OZLA
Fine. But I’m not looking for an
intern right now, Jake. And I’m
in no position to help with your
application to Pennington either,
if that’s what you’re after...

JAKE
It’s not. I really think there’s
something here. I want to help.
I’m an experienced reporter. Not
as experienced as you obviously,
but I have Starfleet connections.​

Ozla takes a moment to sip her coffee. Maybe she could use those connections... Alright, fine.

OZLA
What do you want to know?

JAKE
What happened on Tezwa?

OZLA
Prime Minister Kinchawn was your
classic dictator. He claimed
sovereignty over a nearby Klingon
colony. Martok sent a fleet to...
persuade him otherwise. Zife sent
the Enterprise to keep the peace.

JAKE
Okay. Then what?

OZLA
Kinchawn shot the Klingons out of
the sky. That’s when Starfleet
took control, stopped the Klingons
from retaliating, and started
providing aid and support.

JAKE
What about this Kinchawn guy?

OZLA
He was overthrown by his deputy
and went into hiding. Terrorist
attacks. Death and destruction.
But they caught him eventually.

JAKE
How does that lead to President
Zife resigning?

OZLA
Who says it did?

JAKE
According to the news I did see,
he resigned right after Tezwa. And
he hasn’t been heard from since.
Your friend in the press briefing
said so. Don’t you think there
might be a connection?​

Ozla thinks it through, connections forming in her mind. But then she shakes her head.

OZLA
No. Even if there is something
going on, I can’t justify pulling
you into it. You’re a civilian -

JAKE
So are you. And you’re not pulling
me in, I’m offering my help.
(pushes his advantage)
I’m not saying I’m coming to Tezwa
with you. But I can find things
out. Just let me talk to my dad.
Captain Vaughn. Admiral Ross
- he’s a family friend.

OZLA
If this is so important to you,
why are you hiding it?

JAKE
What do you mean?

OZLA
I mean, I find it interesting that
you insisted on meeting here, in
public. Not at your grandfather’s
restaurant, where he and your wife
might have seen us together.
(off Jake’s reaction)
I did my research too.

JAKE
It’s not their problem.

OZLA
Not yours either. So why?

JAKE
It’s a family trait, I guess. When
we Sisko men get our teeth into
something, we don’t let it go. We
follow it through. You may as well
make use of it.​

Ozla knocks back the last of her coffee and slams the empty cup back down on the table.

OZLA
Alright, fine. You have my contact
details. I can always use another
source. But don't put yourself in
danger over this. I already lost
one friend to Tezwa.

JAKE
(sigh of relief)
Thanks, Ozla. I’ll be in touch.
You won’t regret this, I promise.

OZLA
We’ll see.​

She gets up, shakes his hand, and walks away. He sits there finishing his own coffee, wondering what to do now.


16 EST. SISKO’S RESTAURANT - DAY


Re-establishing...


17 INT. SISKO’S RESTAURANT - DAY


Jake re-enters, finding the restaurant busy with customers. Joseph is occupied in the kitchen, while Rena schmoozes and chats with the customers. Jake stands and watches her for a moment, a warm smile on his face - she’s a natural.

Finally she notices him and comes over.

RENA
How was your walk?

JAKE
Good. Cleared my head. You were
right, as usual.

RENA
Perfectly timed to miss the lunch-
time rush, I can’t help notice.

JAKE
Sorry. You’re better at dealing
with people than me anyway.

RENA
Oh, I don’t know. You can be quite
the charmer when you put those
deep brown eyes to work. There’s
a message waiting for you upstairs
by the way.

JAKE
Really? From who?

RENA
Who am I, your secretary?​

A quick peck on the cheek, then she gets back to work with the customers. Curious, Jake heads to the stairs.


18 INT. SISKO’S RESTAURANT - BEDROOM


Jake enters, makes sure the door is closed behind him, and then goes straight to the computer. He sits and calls up his messages. Seeing what is on the screen, he pauses, confused for a moment, then works the computer.

That done, Jake gets up and paces the room, waiting for the connection to go through. A few moments later, there’s a BEEP from the computer. Jake rushes back to the seat, but pauses to compose himself before HITting the button.


SCREEN


The FEDERATION SEAL flashes up, followed soon by the image of Captain ELIAS VAUGHN, sat in his private ready room on the James T Kirk (seen briefly in DS9 11x22 “Penitence”).

VAUGHN (screen)
Mister Sisko. Thanks for returning
my call.

JAKE
No problem, Captain. Actually,
it’s perfect timing.

VAUGHN (screen)
Really? Why’s that?

JAKE
I was hoping to talk to you. I’m
working on an article and I hoped you
could help me with it.

VAUGHN (screen)
An article on Tezwa, perhaps?​

Jake is taken aback - how the hell does Vaughn know that? Vaughn sees the shock on Jake’s face, and smiles.

VAUGHN (screen)
I hear things, Mister Sisko. But
I’m afraid I must disappoint you.
There’s nothing I can tell you
about Tezwa. The Kirk was nowhere
near that particular situation.​

Vaughn actually seems subtly annoyed about that last. Jake has found his voice, but is still confused and thrown...

JAKE
I realise you weren’t personally
involved. But starship captains
have access to reports, and since
neither Kira nor my dad -

VAUGHN (screen)
Those reports are classified,
Mister Sisko. I’m hardly about
to share them with a civilian.​

Realising he is getting nowhere, Jake tries turning on the charm that Rena assures him he has.

JAKE
C’mon, Captain. It’s only me. What
harm can it do?

VAUGHN (screen)
Plenty, to my career alone.

JAKE
Nobody needs to know you’ve told
me anything. I can keep a secret.

VAUGHN (screen)
I’m sorry, Mister Sisko. But I
must decline.​

Vaughn seems immovable. Jake tries another tack...

JAKE
I never did get the chance to
thank you for your help with
saving Rebecca, by the way. That
was very good of you, coming back
to Bajor right when we needed it.
I know my dad is very grateful.​

Vaughn sees what Jake is trying to do. He smiles, almost impressed. But he has a lot more experience with this.

VAUGHN (screen)
I’m also sure that your father,
having only just recovered one
child from a dangerous situation,
would not want his other child
heading into another.

JAKE
You think Tezwa is dangerous?

VAUGHN (screen)
The planet was bombarded by a
Klingon fleet, and that’s before
months of terrorist attacks. It’s
hardly the place a loving father
would want his son to be.

JAKE
If that’s where the story is -

VAUGHN (screen)
Mister Sisko - drop it. I strongly
advise you to forget all about
Tezwa. There must be other topics
you can write your article about.

JAKE
(realising)
You already knew about this,
didn’t you? You called me... to
warn me off. What do you know?​

Vaughn ponders a moment, wondering how to deal with this.

VAUGHN (screen)
Jake... please. Let this go. It
might not be safe.

JAKE
Then you might need my help.

VAUGHN (screen)
No. I’m handling it.

JAKE
Then you do -

VAUGHN (screen)
Jake. I’m begging you. For the
sake of your father. For the sake
of your wife. For the sake of your
baby sister. Stay out of this.
Don’t ask any more questions,
don’t talk to Bill Ross, don’t
talk to Ozla Graniv. Promise me
you’ll forget all about Tezwa.

JAKE
But, Captain -

VAUGHN (screen)
Promise me.​

It’s obvious that Vaughn feels strongly about this. And honestly, who would know best?

JAKE
Alright. I promise.

VAUGHN (screen)
(relieved sigh)
Good. I trust we’ll never have to
speak of this matter again - yes?

JAKE
(reluctant)
Yes. Fine. I’ll drop it.​

With one last nod of agreement, Vaughn unceremoniously drops the signal. That’s it, it’s over.

Jake sits back, stunned at this turn of events...



FADE OUT

END OF ACT FOUR​

 

[DS9Continuing]

ACT FIVE​

FADE IN


19 INT. OZLA GRANIV’S APARTMENT - NIGHT


A standard Earth-built one-person apartment, but decorated with some Trill touches here and there. A Bolian male, SOVAN, appears on the viewscreen that sits on the wall. Ozla Graniv chats to him while moving around the space, picking up bits and pieces and generally tidying up.

OZLA
Sovan, he’s under no obligation to
call on you when you raise your
hand. On the other hand, you’re
under no obligation to stay quiet
on the matter, either.

SOVAN (screen)
If I write about him snubbing me,
it’ll just annoy him. I don’t want
to get on Jorel’s bad side.

OZLA
Come on, Sovan - you’ve been doing
this longer than I have, you know
he doesn’t have a good side. Why
are you worried about this stuff?

SOVAN (screen)
I’m not really. I just wanted an
excuse to talk to you before you
went off to that disaster area.
Ozla - be careful, alright? We
already lost Vara.

OZLA
I know. That’s why I’m going.
(pause)
Sovan, listen - Zife. Did he retire
to Bolarus?

SOVAN (screen)
Nope.

OZLA
You’re sure? He didn’t maybe come
in discreetly? Under the sensors?

SOVAN (screen)
Zife doesn’t know how to be
discreet. He never could hide his
movements, not when he was a
regional governor, not when he was
president. Trust me, he’s nowhere
near Bolarus. Someone would have
found him by now.

OZLA
Alright. Thanks, Sovan - and
thanks for the well wishes.
I’ll see you in a few months.

SOVAN (screen)
I hope so. Good luck, Ozla.​

Sovan signs off, leaving Ozla to ponder on the strange web of clues she is putting together.

She returns to her tidying. After a moment, the screen BEEPS again with another incoming message. Ozla sighs...

OZLA
Computer, accept. Look, Sovan -​

But it is VAUGHN on the screen, still in his ready room.

VAUGHN (screen)
Ms Graniv. I’m Captain Elias
Vaughn, of the USS James T Kirk.

OZLA
(wary)
I don’t know you.

VAUGHN (screen)
Indeed not, we’ve never met. But
I was hoping to speak with you
regarding your interest in the
situation on Tezwa.

OZLA
(pauses, intrigued)
I’m getting an awful lot of people
wanting to talk to me about Tezwa
lately. I wonder why.

VAUGHN (screen)
I’m simply concerned that it may
be too dangerous for a reporter of
your calibre to risk herself over.
I understand that one of your
colleagues already died there...​

Ozla hardens. She doesn’t like this complete stranger talking about Vara like he knew her.

OZLA
Captain, I’m not sure why you
think Starfleet has any place
interfering in a legitimate
investigation by a civilian media
agency. But I assure you your
concerns for my safety are quite
unnecessary... and unwelcome.

VAUGHN (screen)
Merely some friendly advice. As a
Starfleet officer, I don’t think
Tezwa is any place for a civilian
right now. You should let us
secure the planet first. Make it
safe. Then you can visit and
investigate as much as you want.

OZLA
What about the civilians who are
already there - the Tezwans? The
ones surviving in the aftermath.
Don’t they deserve a voice?​

She stops as a new thought occurs. She peers at Vaughn.

OZLA (cont)
Or is there something you’re
trying to hide? What doesn’t
Starfleet want the media to see?

VAUGHN (screen)
(stern)
Believe it or not, Ms Graniv, I’m
trying to help. Your place is in
the Palais, reporting in safety.

OZLA
Well, that’s very gracious of you,
Captain. But as a reporter - a
Gavlin award-winning reporter, in
fact - I go wherever the story is,
regardless of personal safety. And
unless you plan on coming to Earth
and arresting a civilian who is
simply trying to do her job, then
I don’t really think there’s much
you can do about that.​

Vaughn is getting frustrated. He can’t manipulate Ozla as easily as he could Jake. She pushes her advantage.

OZLA
To be honest, Captain, I should
think you’d want to work with the
media rather than risk a story
about how you’re trying to block
my investigation. A free press is
one of the cornerstones of a
democratic society, isn’t it? I
can’t imagine Starfleet trying to
undermine that would go down well.​

Vaughn grinds his teeth. She has the upper hand here, and they both know it. He has no choice but to relent.

VAUGHN (screen)
What do you want?

OZLA
(shrug)
Well, since it sounds to me like
you know a lot more about all this
than you’re letting on, I think
you telling me some of what you
know would be a good start.

VAUGHN (screen)
On one condition.

OZLA
And what’s that?

VAUGHN (screen)
That you leave Jake Sisko out of
it. I’ll work with you, for the
sake of that same democracy. But
you must have no more contact with
Mister Sisko. Don’t answer his
calls, don’t get him involved in
any way. That’s my condition.
Are we agreed?

OZLA
(shrug)
If I have you, I don’t need him.
Agreed.

VAUGHN (screen)
I’ll be in touch.​

Unhappy at how this has gone, Vaughn signs off. Ozla takes a deep breath. What has this story just become?


20 INT. FEDERATION PRESIDENT’S OFFICE - NIGHT


President Bacco stands at her window, the lights lowered, staring out at the night skyline of Paris. In the window, the reflection of Esperanza Piñiero approaches quietly.

PIÑIERO
Jorel says somebody asked about
Tezwa again this afternoon. About
the aid we’re sending, and whether
they really deserve it.

BACCO
They’re people, Esperanza. Victims
of the Klingons, victims of their
own insane leader, victims of...
(pause)
They deserve it. We owe it.

PIÑIERO
I’m not arguing that, Madam
President. Just that any time
someone mentions that place,
I worry...

BACCO
That someone knows? That someone
will learn what you and I know?

PIÑIERO
Well, yes.

BACCO
Every time I look out of this
window, at those people down
there... I worry too. So we’ll
just have to make sure no-one
finds out, won’t we?

PIÑIERO
Yes, Madam President.​

After a quiet moment together, Piñiero turns and leaves.

Bacco continues to stand in the darkness, looking out of the window...


21 INT. SISKO’S RESTAURANT - DAY


While the business of the restaurant goes on around him, Jake sits alone on a stool at the counter. Just thinking through what has been a strange couple of days.

Rena emerges from the kitchen, bouncing with excitement.

RENA
Jake! There’s another message for
you. This one’s definitely from
Pennington, it’s gotta be.

JAKE
You sure? Because the last one was
basically a junk call.

RENA
Jake, take the damn call - now.
You’re driving me crazy.​

Jake smiles a little. She’s just excited for him. He calls across to Joseph, who is busy preparing food.

JAKE
Grampa - can I?

JOSEPH
(points)
Screen’s right there.​

Jake gets off his stool and comes around the counter into the kitchen, goes to the screen, receives the message. Dean GRANT comes on screen...

GRANT (screen)
Mister Sisko, I’m glad I caught
you. It’s about your application.

JAKE
(deep breath)
Hello, Dean Grant. Please, go on.

GRANT (screen)
I’m happy to say you’ve been
accepted to Pennington.​

Rena, who had been listening nearby, SQUEALS with delight and immediately grabs Jake into a hug. He bashfully tries to push her off him, if only to maintain dignity in front of his future university’s dean.

JAKE
That’s great news, thank you, Dean.

GRANT (screen)
I’ll have my office send you the
details. Term starts in the
spring, so you have a few months
to make whatever arrangements you
need to. And congratulations.

JAKE
Thanks again. I’ll be in touch.​

Grant signs off. Rena will not be denied any longer - she jumps onto Jake and forcibly hugs him, bouncing with glee. Jake is happy too, just a bit embarrassed about the fuss.

Joseph approaches as well, and hugs him more gently.

JOSEPH
Congratulations, Jake. You happy?

JAKE
Yeah... yeah, I’m happy. Just...
it all suddenly became so real.
I guess we’re actually doing this.

RENA
Yes we are.
(to Joseph)
If it’s alright with you...

JOSEPH
Hey, at least when I finally do
retire, I know I’ll be handing
the place over to family.​

Joseph reaches out and hugs both of them together.

JAKE
So that’s it. We’re moving back to
Earth. While I go to school, you
work in the restaurant and learn
the business from Grampa Joe.
(beat; daunted)
Now I just have to tell dad and Kas.

JOSEPH
If you’re happy, they’ll be happy.​

Joseph wanders back to his work, letting them have their space together.

RENA
And that whole Tezwa thing -

JAKE
You were right. As usual. I was
just nervous and trying to
distract myself. It’s over. Don’t
worry about it.

RENA
You’re sure?​

Jake remembers...


FLASHBACK - SCENE 1


Earlier, when they first arrived at the restaurant...

JOSEPH
Jake, you know I try never to keep
secrets from family.​

BACK TO SCENE


Jake smiles at Rena.

JAKE
I’m sure. I promise I will never
mention Tezwa again.​

She smiles back at him, and together they walk off to join Joseph working in the kitchen...



BLACK OUT

END OF SHOW​