DS9 11x01 - "Systems Under Repair"
- Thread starter DS9Continuing
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TEASER
FADE IN:
1 INT. DS9 – MAIN OPS CENTRE (STOCK FROM 10x22)
Replaying from 10x22 “Ascension”. Ro stands at the top of the stairs, outside the commander’s office. Cenn, Bashir, Nog, Bowers and extras are at their respective stations, going about their business.
The turbolift rises, carrying Admiral Batanides. She walks over to Ro, and the two of them enter Kira’s former office. They stand in front of the now-vacated desk...
BATANIDES
With Captain Kira’s resignation,
Captain Sisko’s continued leave,
Commander Dax’s transfer and
Commander Vaughn’s...
(beat)
...loss in action, the chain of command
now falls to you.
With Captain Kira’s resignation,
Captain Sisko’s continued leave,
Commander Dax’s transfer and
Commander Vaughn’s...
(beat)
...loss in action, the chain of command
now falls to you.
Batanides holds up an extra command pip, reaches up to Ro’s collar, and gently fastens it into place. Ro’s eyes flare with amazement...
BATANIDES
Congratulations, Commander Ro Laren.
Deep Space Nine and the Defiant are
now yours.
Congratulations, Commander Ro Laren.
Deep Space Nine and the Defiant are
now yours.
The admiral holds out her hand. Ro gulps. A lot of heavy responsibility coming her way all at once. But with a deep breath, Ro decides she can handle it. She takes Batanides’ hand firmly, and shakes.
Finishing on Ro, wearing her new Commander’s pips on the security yellow collar...
CROSS-FADE TO:
2 INT. DS9 – COMMANDER’S OFFICE
Beginning close-up on RO LAREN, now wearing a command red collar. She stands in the office, looking out through the doors onto Ops below. Bajoran Militia Major CENN is just coming up the stairs towards her. She takes a few deep breaths, readies herself, and presses the door control.
The door opens, and Cenn enters with an armful of padds.
CENN
Good morning, Commander Ro.
RO
Major Cenn. What do I need to know?
Good morning, Commander Ro.
RO
Major Cenn. What do I need to know?
The door closes, and they move together to the desk – Ro sits behind it, and at her permission, Cenn takes the guest chair. He passes her the first padd.
CENN
That Denebian freighter that’s stopping
here for maintenance on its way to
the Arawath colony – they brought
up their schedule. Now they’re arriving
tomorrow instead of next week.
That Denebian freighter that’s stopping
here for maintenance on its way to
the Arawath colony – they brought
up their schedule. Now they’re arriving
tomorrow instead of next week.
Ro takes the padd and inspects it with a sigh.
RO
I’ll let Nog know. Next?
CENN
(next padd)
Reports of petty theft on the Promenade
have gone up sixteen percent. Without
a permanent security presence, the
usual unsavoury element are feeling
emboldened.
RO
That’s a fancy word. Alright, let’s make a plan to look at the security arrangements ASAP.
CENN
(next padd)
Admiral Batanides is screaming for
our regular crew evaluations. Okay,
more like politely hinting. But it is
the fourth time she’s asked, so we
might want to get on those.
RO
As long as she’s being polite, she
can wait. Is that everything?
CENN
Not even close.
I’ll let Nog know. Next?
CENN
(next padd)
Reports of petty theft on the Promenade
have gone up sixteen percent. Without
a permanent security presence, the
usual unsavoury element are feeling
emboldened.
RO
That’s a fancy word. Alright, let’s make a plan to look at the security arrangements ASAP.
CENN
(next padd)
Admiral Batanides is screaming for
our regular crew evaluations. Okay,
more like politely hinting. But it is
the fourth time she’s asked, so we
might want to get on those.
RO
As long as she’s being polite, she
can wait. Is that everything?
CENN
Not even close.
Ro sags further. Suddenly the DOOR CHIME sounds. Ro looks up and sees NOG waiting to enter. She lets the door open.
RO
Nog. Were your ears burning?
(off Nog’s confusion)
Never mind. What’s wrong?
CENN
Why assume anything’s wrong?
RO
Because life is but a series of
crises, Major, and all we do is lurch
from one to the next. Go ahead,
Lieutenant.
NOG
The repairs to the Defiant are going
to take longer than I thought,
Commander.
RO
And why is this?
NOG
Because the power surges caused
by the wormhole inversion blew out
the industrial replicators, and without
those, I can’t get the replacements
I need.
CENN
So repair the replicators.
NOG
With what?
(hands Ro a padd)
Here’s what I need, if you could
pass it on to Admiral Ross.
RO
First chance I get.
Nog. Were your ears burning?
(off Nog’s confusion)
Never mind. What’s wrong?
CENN
Why assume anything’s wrong?
RO
Because life is but a series of
crises, Major, and all we do is lurch
from one to the next. Go ahead,
Lieutenant.
NOG
The repairs to the Defiant are going
to take longer than I thought,
Commander.
RO
And why is this?
NOG
Because the power surges caused
by the wormhole inversion blew out
the industrial replicators, and without
those, I can’t get the replacements
I need.
CENN
So repair the replicators.
NOG
With what?
(hands Ro a padd)
Here’s what I need, if you could
pass it on to Admiral Ross.
RO
First chance I get.
Before she can say anything else, BOWERS appears in the still-open doorway. Ro forces a fake welcoming smile.
RO
Mister Bowers?
BOWERS
Commander, I’m still concerned
about our lack of defences.
NOG
As I was just saying, without
replicators there’s nothing I can
do. I’m sorry.
BOWERS
Why can’t you use the replicators
here on the station?
NOG
Because Cardassian replicators can’t
create Starfleet parts to the necessary
specifications.
BOWERS
What about the runabouts, then?
NOG
(getting annoyed)
Do you really think I haven’t considered
that? The runabout replicators are just
about big enough to make raktajino,
Sam. Certainly not warp coils.
BOWERS
(fighting back)
Lieutenant, the safety of this station
is my responsibility. Without a full
tactical system on the Defiant, I can’t
do my job. What if there are still
more Ascendants out there?
NOG
I can’t give you what I don’t have, Sam.
Mister Bowers?
BOWERS
Commander, I’m still concerned
about our lack of defences.
NOG
As I was just saying, without
replicators there’s nothing I can
do. I’m sorry.
BOWERS
Why can’t you use the replicators
here on the station?
NOG
Because Cardassian replicators can’t
create Starfleet parts to the necessary
specifications.
BOWERS
What about the runabouts, then?
NOG
(getting annoyed)
Do you really think I haven’t considered
that? The runabout replicators are just
about big enough to make raktajino,
Sam. Certainly not warp coils.
BOWERS
(fighting back)
Lieutenant, the safety of this station
is my responsibility. Without a full
tactical system on the Defiant, I can’t
do my job. What if there are still
more Ascendants out there?
NOG
I can’t give you what I don’t have, Sam.
At the sound of a cleared throat, they turn and see that BASHIR is now standing in the doorway too.
BASHIR
I see you all decided to have a senior
staff meeting without me. I can’t tell
you how good that makes me feel.
RO
No, Doctor, this isn’t –
BASHIR
(interrupting)
So I may as well tell you now that
that Denebian freighter – its crew
will have some trouble breathing
when they get here tomorrow.
I see you all decided to have a senior
staff meeting without me. I can’t tell
you how good that makes me feel.
RO
No, Doctor, this isn’t –
BASHIR
(interrupting)
So I may as well tell you now that
that Denebian freighter – its crew
will have some trouble breathing
when they get here tomorrow.
All three other officers immediately break out talking over each other.
BOWERS
(overlapping)
The commander was speaking, Doctor.
Do not interrupt a senior officer.
CENN
(overlapping)
How do you know about that?
I only just heard myself.
NOG
(overlapping)
What? The Denebians are coming
tomorrow? Why did nobody tell me?
(overlapping)
The commander was speaking, Doctor.
Do not interrupt a senior officer.
CENN
(overlapping)
How do you know about that?
I only just heard myself.
NOG
(overlapping)
What? The Denebians are coming
tomorrow? Why did nobody tell me?
As the four of them devolve into bickering and sniping, Ro sits at her desk, completely ignored. She stares into the middle distance, and sighs. So this is command.
FADE OUT:
END OF TEASER
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ACT ONE
FADE IN:
3 EXT. DEEP SPACE NINE - ESTABLISHING
A nice sweeping shot of the station to re-establish. The Defiant sits in its usual place on the docking ring, and several freighters and civilian ships at other docks.
4 INT. DS9 – WARD ROOM
Ro enters the room. She finds the current senior officers – Nog, Bashir, Bowers, Cenn and Counsellor MATTHIAS – already arrayed at the conference table, with Vorta representative VANNIS sitting primly at the other end.
Ro stands at the top of the table for a moment. She’s never run a senior staff meeting before, isn’t really sure how to. She pauses, mentally counting bodies...
RO
Anyone know where Prynn is?
Anyone know where Prynn is?
They all look between themselves. No, they don’t.
RO
The call went out to all senior
officers, didn’t it, Major?
CENN
Yes, Commander.
RO
Counsellor – are you aware of
any problems?
MATTHIAS
With Lieutenant Tenmei? Not
specifically, Commander.
RO
Alright, I guess we’ll do this
without her then.
The call went out to all senior
officers, didn’t it, Major?
CENN
Yes, Commander.
RO
Counsellor – are you aware of
any problems?
MATTHIAS
With Lieutenant Tenmei? Not
specifically, Commander.
RO
Alright, I guess we’ll do this
without her then.
With a sigh, Ro sits and tries her best to look commanding.
RO
Thank you for coming, everyone.
And thank you too to Ambassador
Vannis for joining us. Since we haven’t
had a senior staff meeting since...
well, since... I wanted us to all get
together and see where we’re up to.
(beat)
Nog, I spoke to Admiral Ross. He
promised me that everything you
need will arrive on the Musgrave...
in two weeks.
NOG
Two weeks?! Commander -
RO
(hands up,
surrendering)
I know, I know. But it’s the best
we’re gonna get. Anything to report
from the Infirmary, Doctor?
BASHIR
Not a thing. Aside from the one
obvious exception, there were no
injuries or casualties resulting from
the, ah... ‘incident’ with the
Ascendants at all. Which is a good
job, really, considering I'm one down
on my staff.
RO
You want me to request a new junior
doctor from Starfleet Medical?
BASHIR
Not yet. We’ll see how it goes. But
as things stand right now, I don’t
need any extra help.
RO
Alright. Major, we spoke about
security on the Promenade. What’s
your assessment of the situation?
CENN
Well, as I said to you earlier, since
your promotion there hasn’t been a
permanent security chief posted to
the Promenade. I’ve been filling in
as best I can, but I also have my
duties as Liaison Officer to attend to.
BOWERS
We have a whole battalion of security
officers and deputies on the station,
Major.
CENN
(tightly)
I'm aware of that, Lieutenant. And
they’re doing their jobs. But it’s not
so much the number of boots on
deck that’s the problem. It’s the lack
of a figurehead, the lack of anyone
who’s clearly in charge and in control.
(uh-oh)
No offense, Commander.
(double uh-oh)
To anyone. Anywhere.
Thank you for coming, everyone.
And thank you too to Ambassador
Vannis for joining us. Since we haven’t
had a senior staff meeting since...
well, since... I wanted us to all get
together and see where we’re up to.
(beat)
Nog, I spoke to Admiral Ross. He
promised me that everything you
need will arrive on the Musgrave...
in two weeks.
NOG
Two weeks?! Commander -
RO
(hands up,
surrendering)
I know, I know. But it’s the best
we’re gonna get. Anything to report
from the Infirmary, Doctor?
BASHIR
Not a thing. Aside from the one
obvious exception, there were no
injuries or casualties resulting from
the, ah... ‘incident’ with the
Ascendants at all. Which is a good
job, really, considering I'm one down
on my staff.
RO
You want me to request a new junior
doctor from Starfleet Medical?
BASHIR
Not yet. We’ll see how it goes. But
as things stand right now, I don’t
need any extra help.
RO
Alright. Major, we spoke about
security on the Promenade. What’s
your assessment of the situation?
CENN
Well, as I said to you earlier, since
your promotion there hasn’t been a
permanent security chief posted to
the Promenade. I’ve been filling in
as best I can, but I also have my
duties as Liaison Officer to attend to.
BOWERS
We have a whole battalion of security
officers and deputies on the station,
Major.
CENN
(tightly)
I'm aware of that, Lieutenant. And
they’re doing their jobs. But it’s not
so much the number of boots on
deck that’s the problem. It’s the lack
of a figurehead, the lack of anyone
who’s clearly in charge and in control.
(uh-oh)
No offense, Commander.
(double uh-oh)
To anyone. Anywhere.
Cenn closes his eyes and grits his teeth at his own faux pas. Damn it, why does he keep screwing up like that? Ro just bites her tongue and lets the implied insult pass.
RO
Well, until such time as a new
security chief is assigned, you’ll
just have to keep those deputies
as visible as possible. Especially
around Quark’s. Come by Ops later
and I’ll help you work out a plan.
CENN
(relieved not to
be yelled at)
Thank you, Commander.
RO
Sam, anything I need to know
about from Starfleet Intelligence?
BOWERS
There’s a lot of chatter about what
the Ascendant assault could mean for
the future security of the Federation.
RO
Tell them they can stop worrying.
We took care of it for them. A
little gratitude would be nice.
BOWERS
Not about whether the Ascendants
themselves are still a threat. More
about the fact that Bajor stepped
outside of Federation policy in order
to handle that threat. Which, if you
recall, the Federation didn’t consider
to be a threat at all. There are still
several voices calling for a full court
martial of Captain Kira.
RO
They can’t court martial someone
who’s not in Starfleet anymore.
BOWERS
Sadly, resigning your commission does
not absolve you of the responsibility for
actions taken while you were in Starfleet.
CENN
First Minister Asarem and Kai Solis
are protecting her from prosecution.
For the moment.
RO
(sigh)
Alright. Both of you keep me up to
date on any developments. Ambassador
Vannis, do you have anything you
would like to add? Any reports from
the Dominion?
VANNIS
No, Commander, I do not. There
is no information regarding the
Dominion that concerns you.
Well, until such time as a new
security chief is assigned, you’ll
just have to keep those deputies
as visible as possible. Especially
around Quark’s. Come by Ops later
and I’ll help you work out a plan.
CENN
(relieved not to
be yelled at)
Thank you, Commander.
RO
Sam, anything I need to know
about from Starfleet Intelligence?
BOWERS
There’s a lot of chatter about what
the Ascendant assault could mean for
the future security of the Federation.
RO
Tell them they can stop worrying.
We took care of it for them. A
little gratitude would be nice.
BOWERS
Not about whether the Ascendants
themselves are still a threat. More
about the fact that Bajor stepped
outside of Federation policy in order
to handle that threat. Which, if you
recall, the Federation didn’t consider
to be a threat at all. There are still
several voices calling for a full court
martial of Captain Kira.
RO
They can’t court martial someone
who’s not in Starfleet anymore.
BOWERS
Sadly, resigning your commission does
not absolve you of the responsibility for
actions taken while you were in Starfleet.
CENN
First Minister Asarem and Kai Solis
are protecting her from prosecution.
For the moment.
RO
(sigh)
Alright. Both of you keep me up to
date on any developments. Ambassador
Vannis, do you have anything you
would like to add? Any reports from
the Dominion?
VANNIS
No, Commander, I do not. There
is no information regarding the
Dominion that concerns you.
Again, Ro lets the frosty brush-off pass without comment.
RO
Well, Bajor... and I... would like to
once again express our gratitude to
the Dominion for their assistance in
the recent crisis. And our happiness
that you have remained with us to
continue our alliance.
Well, Bajor... and I... would like to
once again express our gratitude to
the Dominion for their assistance in
the recent crisis. And our happiness
that you have remained with us to
continue our alliance.
Vannis accepts that, in a manner that suggests she really couldn’t care less.
RO
Alright, I think that’s everything. Thank
you, everyone. Meeting adjourned.
Alright, I think that’s everything. Thank
you, everyone. Meeting adjourned.
She stands, and everyone else stands too and begins to file out of the room. The last one to go is Vannis, leaving by a different door to everyone else, not interacting with anyone else as she goes. But Ro catches up and stops her.
RO
Vannis.
VANNIS
Commander...?
RO
(hesitant)
Um... I was just wondering...
Have you... heard anything from
Taran’atar? Do you know if he’s okay?
VANNIS
(snooty)
The First has not chosen to apprise
me of his activities. Nor do I care.
Once he turned his back on the
Founders, his existence became irrelevant.
RO
That’s a bit harsh.
VANNIS
A Jem’Hadar is nothing without
service to the Founders. Therefore
Taran’atar is... nothing.
Vannis.
VANNIS
Commander...?
RO
(hesitant)
Um... I was just wondering...
Have you... heard anything from
Taran’atar? Do you know if he’s okay?
VANNIS
(snooty)
The First has not chosen to apprise
me of his activities. Nor do I care.
Once he turned his back on the
Founders, his existence became irrelevant.
RO
That’s a bit harsh.
VANNIS
A Jem’Hadar is nothing without
service to the Founders. Therefore
Taran’atar is... nothing.
Her pronouncement made, Vannis sweeps out of the room. Ro is left pondering and worrying.
5 INT. DEFIANT – ENGINEERING
The engineering team is occupied repairing equipment all over the main engineering deck. Tools and open panels are strewn a bit haphazardly, and there are scorch marks on the warp core where the power surges hit.
Nog leads the repair efforts, with established engineering crew including LEISHMAN, CANDLEWOOD and PERMENTER also hard at work at various stations. Nog calls out:
NOG
Lieutenant Candlewood – how are
those dilithium chamber intermix
subroutines looking?
CANDLEWOOD
Still not a hundred percent, sir.
They’ll do in a pinch, but they
could be better.
NOG
We’re in no rush, John. I’d rather
you take the time and get it right.
CANDLEWOOD
Aye, sir.
Lieutenant Candlewood – how are
those dilithium chamber intermix
subroutines looking?
CANDLEWOOD
Still not a hundred percent, sir.
They’ll do in a pinch, but they
could be better.
NOG
We’re in no rush, John. I’d rather
you take the time and get it right.
CANDLEWOOD
Aye, sir.
Candlewood goes back to work. The door opens and PRYNN enters. She wanders into the room, mostly ignored by the busy crew. She’s hesitant, not sure she wants to be here. Nog finally notices her, and greets her breezily.
NOG
Hi Prynn. We were wondering why
you weren’t at the meeting.
(no answer)
You need something?
PRYNN
No, just... wandering. As long as
the Defiant’s going nowhere, I'm kind
of at a loose end. Do you need an
extra pair of hands?
NOG
I think we’ve got it mostly under
control.
Hi Prynn. We were wondering why
you weren’t at the meeting.
(no answer)
You need something?
PRYNN
No, just... wandering. As long as
the Defiant’s going nowhere, I'm kind
of at a loose end. Do you need an
extra pair of hands?
NOG
I think we’ve got it mostly under
control.
Prynn has stopped wandering, and is now staring silently up at the warp core. She gazes over the scorch marks, the signs of damage.
FLASHBACK – 10x22 “ASCENSION”
As seen from a high angle, this is an automated recording of events in main engineering during the Ascendant attack. Vaughn stands alone at the central console. The warp core reacts, throwing off massive arcs of power that catch him.
BACK TO SCENE
Prynn closes her eyes and tenses her jaw. Behind her, Nog has quietly approached. He knows what she’s thinking.
NOG
(quiet, gentle)
Prynn... you don’t have to be
here if you don’t want.
PRYNN
(re warp core)
What can you tell me?
(quiet, gentle)
Prynn... you don’t have to be
here if you don’t want.
PRYNN
(re warp core)
What can you tell me?
Nog hesitates to tell her anything. Prynn turns to him, quiet but firm. She’s obviously having trouble with this.
PRYNN
I need to know, Nog. I need
to know it all. Tell me.
NOG
I don’t know what you want me to
say, Prynn. Anything I could tell
you from an engineering standpoint
is already in the official reports.
Anything else...
(shrug)
...I’m sorry, Prynn. I’ve got no more
answers than you do. But I'm sorry
your father’s gone –
PRYNN
(sharp hiss)
He’s not gone.
NOG
All the scientific evidence says he is.
PRYNN
Then the science is wrong.
I need to know, Nog. I need
to know it all. Tell me.
NOG
I don’t know what you want me to
say, Prynn. Anything I could tell
you from an engineering standpoint
is already in the official reports.
Anything else...
(shrug)
...I’m sorry, Prynn. I’ve got no more
answers than you do. But I'm sorry
your father’s gone –
PRYNN
(sharp hiss)
He’s not gone.
NOG
All the scientific evidence says he is.
PRYNN
Then the science is wrong.
Fighting back tears and anger, Prynn turns and stalks out of the room. Nog watches her go with sympathy.
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT ONE
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ACT TWO
FADE IN:
6 INT. MONASTERY – PRAYER ROOM
KIRA NERYS kneels calmly on a cushion, facing a Bajoran prayer mandala symbol etched into the stone walls of the room. Her eyes are closed, her hands in the meditative position, her breathing slow and regular. She wears simple robes, religious in tone but very basic.
After a few moments, the peace is shattered by an urgent KNOCK at the door. Disappointed, Kira pulls herself out of her meditation and looks to the door.
KIRA
Come in.
Come in.
The door opens and a PRYLAR enters, looking very worried.
KIRA
Prylar Haim – what’s wrong?
PRYLAR
Forgive the intrusion, Novice Kira.
Please come. She is...
(lost for words)
Please. We need your help.
Prylar Haim – what’s wrong?
PRYLAR
Forgive the intrusion, Novice Kira.
Please come. She is...
(lost for words)
Please. We need your help.
It’s obvious the poor man is not messing around. Kira gets to her feet and follows him out of the door.
7 INT. MONASTERY – PRIVATE ROOM
The room is full of FLAME, scouring across the stone walls in moving jets as if from a flamethrower, accompanied by a raging, grief-stricken SCREAM.
This is RAIQ, the last Ascendant. The silver-skinned, golden-eyed woman is out of her mind with grief and anger.
The flames are coming from her own hands, great jets of fire that are spontaneously generated from the ARMOUR around her body. She is sending these flames all over the room with no thought of what or who might be in the way.
Chairs and a bed on the floor, tapestries on the walls – all set on fire by her rage.
Finally the door opens and Kira is there, flinching back from the flames. Prylar Haim cringes behind her. Kira shouts over the noise, trying to get Raiq’s attention.
KIRA
Raiq! Raiq, stop!
Raiq! Raiq, stop!
Raiq turns and sees Kira there, and sneers. The flames still burn at her hands, if not shooting out anymore.
RAIQ
You... it is always you.
KIRA
Please Raiq, you have to stop.
You’ll hurt yourself.
RAIQ
You pretend to care? You disgust
me, heretic.
KIRA
Are you alright? You haven’t said
a word in a week, to anyone. Not
since... your Orb experience.
You... it is always you.
KIRA
Please Raiq, you have to stop.
You’ll hurt yourself.
RAIQ
You pretend to care? You disgust
me, heretic.
KIRA
Are you alright? You haven’t said
a word in a week, to anyone. Not
since... your Orb experience.
At the reminder of that, Raiq lets the flames die out. She’s exhausted herself. Relieved, Kira tentatively steps further into the room.
RAIQ
We grieve in silence.
KIRA
(re furniture)
This wasn’t very silent.
RAIQ
My entire race is dead, woman. I
try to hold my tongue as a faithful
knight ought. But then I wake to this.
A house – no, a world full of heretics!
You should all burn.
KIRA
I know that anger, Raiq. Every
Bajoran does. But Iliana wanted
you to survive.
We grieve in silence.
KIRA
(re furniture)
This wasn’t very silent.
RAIQ
My entire race is dead, woman. I
try to hold my tongue as a faithful
knight ought. But then I wake to this.
A house – no, a world full of heretics!
You should all burn.
KIRA
I know that anger, Raiq. Every
Bajoran does. But Iliana wanted
you to survive.
Raiq’s head snaps up at the mention of Iliana. Her hands tense, the flames beginning to form again. Kira tenses in response... but Raiq lets it go.
RAIQ
The Fire... she betrayed us.
KIRA
Did she? Or did she give you
exactly what you wanted?
RAIQ
She betrayed me. My brothers and
sisters are with the True, basking in
heir Unnameable glory... and I am
here among you unclean.
KIRA
She must have had a reason. She
was your Emissary. I know that if
my Emissary...
The Fire... she betrayed us.
KIRA
Did she? Or did she give you
exactly what you wanted?
RAIQ
She betrayed me. My brothers and
sisters are with the True, basking in
heir Unnameable glory... and I am
here among you unclean.
KIRA
She must have had a reason. She
was your Emissary. I know that if
my Emissary...
Kira hesitates – would she, really? She pushes through.
KIRA (cont)
If my Emissary wanted me to do
something, I’d do everything in
my power to follow his wishes.
RAIQ
Leave me alone, woman. We
grieve in silence.
If my Emissary wanted me to do
something, I’d do everything in
my power to follow his wishes.
RAIQ
Leave me alone, woman. We
grieve in silence.
Raiq turns away. Kira is disappointed. She just can’t seem to make a connection with this woman. Sadly, she turns and leaves the room. The furniture is still burning.
8 EXT. DEEP SPACE NINE - ESTABLISHING
Just a moment to bring us back home...
9 INT. DS9 – COMMANDER’S OFFICE
Ro is back at the commander’s desk again, looking at about a dozen different reports and seeming entirely over it all. She overhears a NOISE out in Ops, and looks up to see...
...Bowers and Cenn stood right outside her door, bickering again over something. Ro grits her teeth, hits a control on her desk and opens the door.
RO
You two, get in here.
You two, get in here.
Momentarily embarrassed, they both do as they’re told. She closes the door behind them.
RO
What the hell’s going on?
BOWERS
(talking over)
Commander, I need more bodies
if I'm -
CENN
(interrupting)
He keeps trying to assign my
deputies -
RO
One at a time. Major Cenn?
CENN
(deep breath)
Commander, Lieutenant Bowers has
twice in the last hour reassigned
deputies away from the duties I
assigned them to, based on the
agreement you and I came to.
BOWERS
Those are Starfleet officers, Major.
That places them under my authority.
You’re the Bajoran liaison, not the
security chief.
CENN
Neither are you.
BOWERS
Besides the commander and Doctor
Bashir, I am the senior-most Starfleet
officer at DS-Nine.
CENN
And you think that automatically
makes you first officer?
BOWERS
It makes me senior.
What the hell’s going on?
BOWERS
(talking over)
Commander, I need more bodies
if I'm -
CENN
(interrupting)
He keeps trying to assign my
deputies -
RO
One at a time. Major Cenn?
CENN
(deep breath)
Commander, Lieutenant Bowers has
twice in the last hour reassigned
deputies away from the duties I
assigned them to, based on the
agreement you and I came to.
BOWERS
Those are Starfleet officers, Major.
That places them under my authority.
You’re the Bajoran liaison, not the
security chief.
CENN
Neither are you.
BOWERS
Besides the commander and Doctor
Bashir, I am the senior-most Starfleet
officer at DS-Nine.
CENN
And you think that automatically
makes you first officer?
BOWERS
It makes me senior.
Exasperated, they both turn to look at Ro, who has been watching the exchange with a tense jaw. Now that she has their attention, she makes them wait for it.
RO
Are you kidding me with this?
BOWERS
Commander...?
RO
What is your primary responsibility
on DS-Nine, Lieutenant?
BOWERS
Tactical operations, sir.
RO
Are we currently under attack?
BOWERS
No, sir.
RO
Alright, then. Major, what is your
primary responsibility?
CENN
Frankly, sir, that’s not been at
all clear to me lately.
RO
Then I’ll tell you. In the absence
of a permanent security chief, a
liaison officer is less important to
me than a decent security presence
on the promenade.
CENN
Understood, sir.
RO
I’ve been in this job for about ten
minutes. I haven’t had time to pick
an XO. I'm not even sure where the
bathrooms are yet. I don’t need two
senior officers having a measuring
contest in the middle of Ops. Clear?
BOWERS
Commander, with all due respect,
I can’t –
RO
(faux cheerful)
I’m gonna stop you there, because
whenever somebody starts out with
“with all due respect,” it means they’re
about to say something totally disrespectful,
and I’m really not in the mood for that
right now. You’re grown men. You know
what you’re supposed to do. Anything
else you can figure out between
yourselves, preferably in a way that
does not...
(counts fingers)
A – result in either of your deaths.
B – violate the Prime Directive. And
C – bother me. Okay? Good! Dismissed,
gentlemen. Thank you for your time.
CENN
But, Commander...
RO
(talk to the hand)
No no no no. I said “Dismissed.”
Bye now!
Are you kidding me with this?
BOWERS
Commander...?
RO
What is your primary responsibility
on DS-Nine, Lieutenant?
BOWERS
Tactical operations, sir.
RO
Are we currently under attack?
BOWERS
No, sir.
RO
Alright, then. Major, what is your
primary responsibility?
CENN
Frankly, sir, that’s not been at
all clear to me lately.
RO
Then I’ll tell you. In the absence
of a permanent security chief, a
liaison officer is less important to
me than a decent security presence
on the promenade.
CENN
Understood, sir.
RO
I’ve been in this job for about ten
minutes. I haven’t had time to pick
an XO. I'm not even sure where the
bathrooms are yet. I don’t need two
senior officers having a measuring
contest in the middle of Ops. Clear?
BOWERS
Commander, with all due respect,
I can’t –
RO
(faux cheerful)
I’m gonna stop you there, because
whenever somebody starts out with
“with all due respect,” it means they’re
about to say something totally disrespectful,
and I’m really not in the mood for that
right now. You’re grown men. You know
what you’re supposed to do. Anything
else you can figure out between
yourselves, preferably in a way that
does not...
(counts fingers)
A – result in either of your deaths.
B – violate the Prime Directive. And
C – bother me. Okay? Good! Dismissed,
gentlemen. Thank you for your time.
CENN
But, Commander...
RO
(talk to the hand)
No no no no. I said “Dismissed.”
Bye now!
Understanding they’ve got their answer, they both turn to leave. At the door, they cross paths with QUARK, who was waiting to enter. Ro sees him.
RO
Quark? I swear, if you’re here to
complain about something –
QUARK
I know better than that, Laren.
“Measuring contest”? There’s an
image I could live without.
RO
(low threat)
Those ears are gonna be the death
of you someday, Quark.
(sigh; sits back)
What can I do for you, Ambassador?
QUARK
I’m here to do something for you.
On the authority of the Ferengi
ambassador to Bajor, you are on a
break as of this moment. He also
requires that you take that break
with him, in his bar, by the way.
RO
Quark...
QUARK
Don’t make me make a diplomatic
incident of it.
Quark? I swear, if you’re here to
complain about something –
QUARK
I know better than that, Laren.
“Measuring contest”? There’s an
image I could live without.
RO
(low threat)
Those ears are gonna be the death
of you someday, Quark.
(sigh; sits back)
What can I do for you, Ambassador?
QUARK
I’m here to do something for you.
On the authority of the Ferengi
ambassador to Bajor, you are on a
break as of this moment. He also
requires that you take that break
with him, in his bar, by the way.
RO
Quark...
QUARK
Don’t make me make a diplomatic
incident of it.
She reluctantly smiles. She knows he’s trying to be nice.
RO
That sounds wonderful, Quark.
Thank you. But I can’t. There’s
too much to do.
QUARK
Even commanders need to eat, Laren.
RO
(confessional)
I have no idea what I'm doing, Quark.
I'm not a commander. The station’s
already falling apart around me, my
senior officers are squabbling in public
or not even bothering to show up...
QUARK
That’s exactly why you need to come
with me. You’re running on empty.
Everybody can sense it. You need to
act like you’ve got the lobes to be in
charge, or no-one will respect that you
do. But to do that, you need to eat.
That sounds wonderful, Quark.
Thank you. But I can’t. There’s
too much to do.
QUARK
Even commanders need to eat, Laren.
RO
(confessional)
I have no idea what I'm doing, Quark.
I'm not a commander. The station’s
already falling apart around me, my
senior officers are squabbling in public
or not even bothering to show up...
QUARK
That’s exactly why you need to come
with me. You’re running on empty.
Everybody can sense it. You need to
act like you’ve got the lobes to be in
charge, or no-one will respect that you
do. But to do that, you need to eat.
Ro purses a moment longer, and then finally relents.
RO
Fine. Who am I to argue with the
Ambassador?
Fine. Who am I to argue with the
Ambassador?
She stands, rounds the table, places her arm in his with a smile and heads to the door. The door opens...
...and Prynn is there, very formal and restrained. Ro starts a little to see her.
RO
Prynn...
PRYNN
Commander Ro. Could I speak to
you, please? In private.
Prynn...
PRYNN
Commander Ro. Could I speak to
you, please? In private.
Quark knows how Prynn must be feeling, so doesn’t protest.
QUARK
(to Ro)
I expect you in my bar the
moment you’re finished.
RO
Thank you, Quark.
(to Ro)
I expect you in my bar the
moment you’re finished.
RO
Thank you, Quark.
Quark graciously leaves, and Ro welcomes Prynn into the office, leading her over to the couches. They both sit.
RO
I expected you in the staff meeting
this morning, Prynn.
PRYNN
I know. I'm sorry, sir. But to be
perfectly honest with you, I didn’t
really see the point.
RO
That’s not your decision to make.
Don’t do it again, please.
I expected you in the staff meeting
this morning, Prynn.
PRYNN
I know. I'm sorry, sir. But to be
perfectly honest with you, I didn’t
really see the point.
RO
That’s not your decision to make.
Don’t do it again, please.
Prynn nods her acquiescence. Ro softens.
RO
But I'm glad you’ve come to see
me now. What do you need?
PRYNN
(deep breath)
I need you... to help me save
my father.
But I'm glad you’ve come to see
me now. What do you need?
PRYNN
(deep breath)
I need you... to help me save
my father.
On Ro’s reaction to that...
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT TWO
Last edited:
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
10 INT. DS9 – COMMANDER’S OFFICE
Where we left it. Prynn has just made her plea. Ro winces with sympathy for the younger woman, speaks gently.
RO
Prynn, I'm not sure –
PRYNN
I know what you’re going to say.
He’s gone, let him go. But he’s
not gone. He’s just... trapped.
We can rescue him.
RO
What makes you say that? Nothing
I’ve seen suggests there’s any way
to get him back.
PRYNN
Jake said the same thing happened
to Captain Sisko years ago. He’s back
just fine. Why shouldn’t my dad be?
RO
You’ve read the same reports I have.
You’ve seen the same video footage.
You know your father was alone in the
engineering section, by his own choice.
He didn’t want anyone to save him.
Didn’t he specifically ask you not to try?
PRYNN
So I'm supposed to just leave him
there, stuck in Prophets’ Limbo for
eternity?
RO
(simply)
Yes. It was his choice.
PRYNN
I thought he was your friend. He
looked out for you for years. How
can you abandon him like this?
RO
That’s not fair, Prynn. I'm just
respecting his wishes. You should
too. He did what he did to help
stop the Ascendants, and to stop
Captain Sisko having to sacrifice
himself. It was a noble and selfless
thing to do.
PRYNN
He’s my father!
RO
Yes, and you should be proud of
him, not trying to undermine him.
Prynn, I'm not sure –
PRYNN
I know what you’re going to say.
He’s gone, let him go. But he’s
not gone. He’s just... trapped.
We can rescue him.
RO
What makes you say that? Nothing
I’ve seen suggests there’s any way
to get him back.
PRYNN
Jake said the same thing happened
to Captain Sisko years ago. He’s back
just fine. Why shouldn’t my dad be?
RO
You’ve read the same reports I have.
You’ve seen the same video footage.
You know your father was alone in the
engineering section, by his own choice.
He didn’t want anyone to save him.
Didn’t he specifically ask you not to try?
PRYNN
So I'm supposed to just leave him
there, stuck in Prophets’ Limbo for
eternity?
RO
(simply)
Yes. It was his choice.
PRYNN
I thought he was your friend. He
looked out for you for years. How
can you abandon him like this?
RO
That’s not fair, Prynn. I'm just
respecting his wishes. You should
too. He did what he did to help
stop the Ascendants, and to stop
Captain Sisko having to sacrifice
himself. It was a noble and selfless
thing to do.
PRYNN
He’s my father!
RO
Yes, and you should be proud of
him, not trying to undermine him.
Prynn stands sharply, angry that she’s not getting her way.
PRYNN
Fine. If you won’t help me, will you
at least let me read Captain Sisko’s
reports? All of them, the personal
stuff too. Maybe there’s something
in there I can use.
RO
I'm sorry, Prynn. That’s above your
security clearance, and I won’t violate
Sisko’s privacy. What I will do, though,
is make an appointment with Counsellor
Matthias for you. I expect you to attend
it. That’s an order, Lieutenant.
PRYNN
(grits teeth)
Aye, sir.
Fine. If you won’t help me, will you
at least let me read Captain Sisko’s
reports? All of them, the personal
stuff too. Maybe there’s something
in there I can use.
RO
I'm sorry, Prynn. That’s above your
security clearance, and I won’t violate
Sisko’s privacy. What I will do, though,
is make an appointment with Counsellor
Matthias for you. I expect you to attend
it. That’s an order, Lieutenant.
PRYNN
(grits teeth)
Aye, sir.
Back to formal and restrained, Prynn turns and leaves the office. Ro watches her go, still sympathetic.
11 EXT. BAJOR - ESTABLISHING
The central monastery in Ashalla, on a perfect sunny day.
12 INT. MONASTERY – KAI’S OFFICE
As seen in eps such as 7x20 “The Changing Face of Evil.” Kai SOLIS is away from the desk, arranging the flowerpots on the balcony. He’s quite content, humming to himself. After a moment the door chime sounds.
SOLIS
Come in!
Come in!
The door opens, and he turns to see Kira standing there in her robes, looking a touch nervous. He greets her amiably.
SOLIS
Novice Kira! Please, do come in.
Novice Kira! Please, do come in.
She does, the door closing behind her, and joins him out on the sunny balcony.
SOLIS
(re flowers)
These things always take so much
work. But it’s good work. Soothes
the pagh.
(aside)
Perhaps you should try it sometime.
KIRA
I did, once. It was a disaster.
(re flowers)
These things always take so much
work. But it’s good work. Soothes
the pagh.
(aside)
Perhaps you should try it sometime.
KIRA
I did, once. It was a disaster.
They laugh together, and Solis hands her a bit of something to hold while he works at something else. Solis recognizes that she’s troubled, but doesn’t labour the point. He lets Kira talk.
SOLIS
So, Novice. May I call you Nerys?
KIRA
Of course, Eminence.
SOLIS
Then you must call me Tendren.
KIRA
(chuckle)
Oh, I don’t think I could do that.
SOLIS
How are you settling in?
KIRA
(awkward)
Fine. Takes some adjustment,
not being in uniform.
SOLIS
You’re still serving, if it helps. Only
now you serve the Prophets instead
of the Federation.
So, Novice. May I call you Nerys?
KIRA
Of course, Eminence.
SOLIS
Then you must call me Tendren.
KIRA
(chuckle)
Oh, I don’t think I could do that.
SOLIS
How are you settling in?
KIRA
(awkward)
Fine. Takes some adjustment,
not being in uniform.
SOLIS
You’re still serving, if it helps. Only
now you serve the Prophets instead
of the Federation.
Kira wavers – this is getting close to the reason she’s here. But Solis continues, seemingly unconcerned:
SOLIS
And how is our guest?
KIRA
Angry. She’s not letting anyone in.
Least of all me.
SOLIS
It’s understandable, Nerys. It’s barely
more than a week since she lost
everyone she’s ever known or cared
about. It’s going to take her some time
to get past that.
KIRA
I know. But I'm not sure I'm the
best one to help her.
SOLIS
(delicate)
Go on.
KIRA
How can I possibly teach someone
else what’s great about Bajoran
culture and religion when I...
And how is our guest?
KIRA
Angry. She’s not letting anyone in.
Least of all me.
SOLIS
It’s understandable, Nerys. It’s barely
more than a week since she lost
everyone she’s ever known or cared
about. It’s going to take her some time
to get past that.
KIRA
I know. But I'm not sure I'm the
best one to help her.
SOLIS
(delicate)
Go on.
KIRA
How can I possibly teach someone
else what’s great about Bajoran
culture and religion when I...
She drifts off, afraid to say something bad. So Solis does.
SOLIS
...when you’re not sure about it yourself.
...when you’re not sure about it yourself.
Kira hangs her head, ashamed to admit to it.
KIRA
I told her I would do anything the
Emissary asked of me. Anything
the Prophets asked. But...
SOLIS
Has your faith been shaken, Nerys?
I told her I would do anything the
Emissary asked of me. Anything
the Prophets asked. But...
SOLIS
Has your faith been shaken, Nerys?
Kira ponders the question, giving it its due weight, until she comes to an honest answer.
KIRA
No. I trust the Prophets. I trust
the Emissary.
SOLIS
But...?
KIRA
But I don’t know how to reconcile
my faith in Them with what they
asked me to do. With what Sisko
asked me to do. With what Sisko
did himself.
SOLIS
How can it be right, you mean, that
they allowed an entire race who
worshipped them to die?
(Kira nods)
Have you considered that they didn’t
allow anything? That they simply knew
what was going to happen, because
in their eyes, it already had?
No. I trust the Prophets. I trust
the Emissary.
SOLIS
But...?
KIRA
But I don’t know how to reconcile
my faith in Them with what they
asked me to do. With what Sisko
asked me to do. With what Sisko
did himself.
SOLIS
How can it be right, you mean, that
they allowed an entire race who
worshipped them to die?
(Kira nods)
Have you considered that they didn’t
allow anything? That they simply knew
what was going to happen, because
in their eyes, it already had?
Kira tenses. That makes her very uncomfortable. Solis sees.
SOLIS
You know that we Ohalavaru do not
worship the Prophets as gods. They
are great and powerful beings, no
question, and there is much we can
learn from them. But that does not
mean that they shape the universe
around us, or that everything that
happens is by their design.
You know that we Ohalavaru do not
worship the Prophets as gods. They
are great and powerful beings, no
question, and there is much we can
learn from them. But that does not
mean that they shape the universe
around us, or that everything that
happens is by their design.
Solis turns from his work and holds Kira’s hands. Tries to offer her his warmest but most honest advice.
SOLIS
Do not look to the Prophets for answers,
Nerys. It is yourself you need to make
peace with, not them. Only then will
you be able to serve them the best.
Do not look to the Prophets for answers,
Nerys. It is yourself you need to make
peace with, not them. Only then will
you be able to serve them the best.
Kira is not entirely sure she agrees or even understands, but she nods, hands Solis back his gardening tools, and leaves. Solis returns to his flowerpots.
13 INT. DS9 – QUARK’S BAR
Dinner crowd. TREIR, HETIK and Quark’s various Ferengi waiters are busy keeping everyone happy. Quark himself is sat at a table under the stairs. Benefits of being the guy in charge. Sat opposite him, Ro tucks heartily into a meal.
RO
Actually, for all my protesting,
this is good stuff, Quark.
QUARK
Powering a station the size of this
one takes a lot of energy.
RO
(gracious)
You were right, you’re always right.
QUARK
Finally, somebody admits it.
Actually, for all my protesting,
this is good stuff, Quark.
QUARK
Powering a station the size of this
one takes a lot of energy.
RO
(gracious)
You were right, you’re always right.
QUARK
Finally, somebody admits it.
Ro chuckles good-naturedly through the food.
QUARK
How was Prynn?
How was Prynn?
Ro’s good mood sags, replaced by sadness. Quark continues:
QUARK
You gotta feel sorry for the kid,
losing her father like that.
RO
I think that’s the problem. She didn’t
really lose him, at least not in that
sense. Vaughn isn’t dead. Maybe it
would be easier on her if he was.
But she knows he’s still out there
somewhere. She just can’t get to him.
(beat)
And I kinda know how she feels.
QUARK
How?
RO
...Powerless. I feel like I'm sitting in
the middle of a room, and all the
furniture around me is just blown
to bits, and I have no idea what the
hell happened.
(looks past him)
Oh, but here’s something to brighten
the mood.
You gotta feel sorry for the kid,
losing her father like that.
RO
I think that’s the problem. She didn’t
really lose him, at least not in that
sense. Vaughn isn’t dead. Maybe it
would be easier on her if he was.
But she knows he’s still out there
somewhere. She just can’t get to him.
(beat)
And I kinda know how she feels.
QUARK
How?
RO
...Powerless. I feel like I'm sitting in
the middle of a room, and all the
furniture around me is just blown
to bits, and I have no idea what the
hell happened.
(looks past him)
Oh, but here’s something to brighten
the mood.
Quark turns to see PIF trotting up. The green-furred dog-like alien has a wide and welcoming grin on his face. Quark covers a grimace of revulsion which Ro happily ignores.
PIF
Good evening, Commander Ro.
RO
And a good evening to you too, Pif.
How’s the family?
PIF
The puppies are growing so fast!
You know how kids are.
RO
(chuckle)
Not really, no.
PIF
Well, I don’t want to interrupt your
meal. I just wanted to say hello and
wish you the best of luck in your
new command.
RO
Thank you, Pif. That’s very sweet.
Good evening, Commander Ro.
RO
And a good evening to you too, Pif.
How’s the family?
PIF
The puppies are growing so fast!
You know how kids are.
RO
(chuckle)
Not really, no.
PIF
Well, I don’t want to interrupt your
meal. I just wanted to say hello and
wish you the best of luck in your
new command.
RO
Thank you, Pif. That’s very sweet.
With a cheery smile, Pif trots away again. Quark mutters.
QUARK
Filthy little creatures. I don’t know
why I keep letting them in.
RO
It’s a free station, Quark. They can
go anywhere they want that’s not
restricted, just like any other resident.
Just because you have a problem
with furry things is no reason to
throw them out.
QUARK
(changing subject)
So what are you going to do about
Lieutenant Tenmei?
RO
I don’t know what I can do. She’s
been going round the crew trying to
drum up support, I don’t think she
even knows for what. She asked me
to look at Captain Sisko’s old records
for hints...
QUARK
So why not let her?
RO
I can’t, Quark.
QUARK
Maybe there’s nothing in there that’ll
save Commander Vaughn. But it might
help Prynn find a way to come to
terms with it all. To get some closure.
RO
Maybe. I don’t know. The whole thing’s
just such a mess. Kira’s gone. Vaughn’s
gone. Dax is gone. Shar, Tarses...
Taran’atar...
(beat)
How do we get past it, Quark?
Filthy little creatures. I don’t know
why I keep letting them in.
RO
It’s a free station, Quark. They can
go anywhere they want that’s not
restricted, just like any other resident.
Just because you have a problem
with furry things is no reason to
throw them out.
QUARK
(changing subject)
So what are you going to do about
Lieutenant Tenmei?
RO
I don’t know what I can do. She’s
been going round the crew trying to
drum up support, I don’t think she
even knows for what. She asked me
to look at Captain Sisko’s old records
for hints...
QUARK
So why not let her?
RO
I can’t, Quark.
QUARK
Maybe there’s nothing in there that’ll
save Commander Vaughn. But it might
help Prynn find a way to come to
terms with it all. To get some closure.
RO
Maybe. I don’t know. The whole thing’s
just such a mess. Kira’s gone. Vaughn’s
gone. Dax is gone. Shar, Tarses...
Taran’atar...
(beat)
How do we get past it, Quark?
Quark reaches across the table and takes her hands in his, holds them gently and lovingly.
QUARK
You just do. You keep going, one day
at a time, until eventually you realise...
you’ve gotten past it. And in the
meantime, you make sure the ones
you still have know how much they
mean to you.
You just do. You keep going, one day
at a time, until eventually you realise...
you’ve gotten past it. And in the
meantime, you make sure the ones
you still have know how much they
mean to you.
As she looks at him, she realises he’s talking about her. And she realises he’s been affected just as badly as the rest of them. As they gaze gratefully at each other...
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT THREE
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
14 INT. DS9 – COUNSELLOR’S OFFICE
Last seen 10x07 “Instinct.” Counsellor Matthias patiently sits in a chair in the open-plan area, while Prynn wanders aimlessly about the room, refusing to settle.
PRYNN
Counsellor, don’t get me wrong –
MATTHIAS
Let me guess – this is pointless, you
don’t need a counsellor, you just want
to get back to work. Maybe you even
think counsellors are a waste of time
altogether. But you don’t want to make
me feel bad by saying so out loud, so
you’ll just stomp around the room
until I get sick of you and throw you
out. How’m I doing so far?
Counsellor, don’t get me wrong –
MATTHIAS
Let me guess – this is pointless, you
don’t need a counsellor, you just want
to get back to work. Maybe you even
think counsellors are a waste of time
altogether. But you don’t want to make
me feel bad by saying so out loud, so
you’ll just stomp around the room
until I get sick of you and throw you
out. How’m I doing so far?
Prynn stops and gawps, not sure how to react to being read quite so thoroughly.
MATTHIAS
I am the mother of two young children,
Lieutenant. My patience goes far beyond
what you can try. Sit down, please.
I am the mother of two young children,
Lieutenant. My patience goes far beyond
what you can try. Sit down, please.
Cowed, Prynn collapses into a seat, insular and withdrawn.
MATTHIAS
I'm also an expert in decoding body
language, so don’t lie to me. I’ll
see right through it.
(beat)
Let’s get to the point, shall we? You’ve
been the most gregarious and outgoing
person on DS-Nine for years. But for the
last week you’ve been sullen and withdrawn.
PRYNN
I just lost my father, counsellor.
What do you expect me to do – belt
out showtunes on the Promenade?
MATTHIAS
We don’t all grieve in silence. But we
do all grieve. It’s normal, it’s human.
But that’s not what worries me. Why
didn’t you come to the meeting this
morning?
PRYNN
(dramatic)
Oh my God! Why is everyone making
such a big deal of that?!
MATTHIAS
I'm just wondering what led you to
make that decision.
PRYNN
I don’t know... Call it my little act
of rebellion.
MATTHIAS
Very little. The meeting went on just
fine without you.
PRYNN
Exactly. So what’s the point?
MATTHIAS
That’s my question to you. If your
act of rebellion was so small that
no-one even noticed, then why bother?
PRYNN
(petulant)
I didn’t feel like it, alright?
MATTHIAS
So you had no reason. You did it just
for the sense of... power. Of control.
PRYNN
I guess so.
MATTHIAS
Who took your power away?
PRYNN
...what?
MATTHIAS
To feel the need to grab your power
back like that, you must feel someone
took it away.
PRYNN
A junior lieutenant has no power to
take, counsellor.
MATTHIAS
(dismissing it)
That’s voluntary. You accept that as
part of the service. It’s not what
you’re rebelling against.
PRYNN
This is ridiculous!
I'm also an expert in decoding body
language, so don’t lie to me. I’ll
see right through it.
(beat)
Let’s get to the point, shall we? You’ve
been the most gregarious and outgoing
person on DS-Nine for years. But for the
last week you’ve been sullen and withdrawn.
PRYNN
I just lost my father, counsellor.
What do you expect me to do – belt
out showtunes on the Promenade?
MATTHIAS
We don’t all grieve in silence. But we
do all grieve. It’s normal, it’s human.
But that’s not what worries me. Why
didn’t you come to the meeting this
morning?
PRYNN
(dramatic)
Oh my God! Why is everyone making
such a big deal of that?!
MATTHIAS
I'm just wondering what led you to
make that decision.
PRYNN
I don’t know... Call it my little act
of rebellion.
MATTHIAS
Very little. The meeting went on just
fine without you.
PRYNN
Exactly. So what’s the point?
MATTHIAS
That’s my question to you. If your
act of rebellion was so small that
no-one even noticed, then why bother?
PRYNN
(petulant)
I didn’t feel like it, alright?
MATTHIAS
So you had no reason. You did it just
for the sense of... power. Of control.
PRYNN
I guess so.
MATTHIAS
Who took your power away?
PRYNN
...what?
MATTHIAS
To feel the need to grab your power
back like that, you must feel someone
took it away.
PRYNN
A junior lieutenant has no power to
take, counsellor.
MATTHIAS
(dismissing it)
That’s voluntary. You accept that as
part of the service. It’s not what
you’re rebelling against.
PRYNN
This is ridiculous!
Prynn stands again sharply, and begins to prowl the room like a caged tiger. Matthias lets her, watches curiously.
MATTHIAS
Who are you so angry with?
PRYNN
You! Ro, Nog... You’re all happy to
let my dad fester away in the
wormhole. Nobody will help me!
MATTHIAS
Did they tell you their reasons?
PRYNN
Yes.
MATTHIAS
Were their reasons wrong?
PRYNN
Of course they were wrong!
MATTHIAS
In what way?
PRYNN
He’s my father!
MATTHIAS
Ah. So what you mean is, they
weren’t wrong, they just weren’t
what you wanted to hear. And if
they weren’t wrong, then they’re
not the ones you’re angry with.
PRYNN
Alright then - in your opinion,
who am I angry with?
MATTHIAS
Whoever took away your power.
Whoever wouldn’t let you do what
you really wanted to do.
PRYNN
And who’s that?
MATTHIAS
Well, let’s come at it from a different
angle. What did you want to do?
PRYNN
Save my dad!
MATTHIAS
And who didn’t let you do that?
PRYNN
I told you! Ro, Nog -
MATTHIAS
(rolling over her)
No. We’ve already eliminated them.
Who else?
Who are you so angry with?
PRYNN
You! Ro, Nog... You’re all happy to
let my dad fester away in the
wormhole. Nobody will help me!
MATTHIAS
Did they tell you their reasons?
PRYNN
Yes.
MATTHIAS
Were their reasons wrong?
PRYNN
Of course they were wrong!
MATTHIAS
In what way?
PRYNN
He’s my father!
MATTHIAS
Ah. So what you mean is, they
weren’t wrong, they just weren’t
what you wanted to hear. And if
they weren’t wrong, then they’re
not the ones you’re angry with.
PRYNN
Alright then - in your opinion,
who am I angry with?
MATTHIAS
Whoever took away your power.
Whoever wouldn’t let you do what
you really wanted to do.
PRYNN
And who’s that?
MATTHIAS
Well, let’s come at it from a different
angle. What did you want to do?
PRYNN
Save my dad!
MATTHIAS
And who didn’t let you do that?
PRYNN
I told you! Ro, Nog -
MATTHIAS
(rolling over her)
No. We’ve already eliminated them.
Who else?
Prynn is confused, battling herself. Matthias presses her.
MATTHIAS
Who locked you out? Who kept you
from helping your father when he
needed you the most?
Who locked you out? Who kept you
from helping your father when he
needed you the most?
Matthias’ wording finally clicks, and the realisation comes slamming down on Prynn. She slumps back into the chair.
PRYNN
He did.
MATTHIAS
(quietly agrees)
He did. He’s who you’re angry with.
He’s the one who took away your power.
PRYNN
My power to save him.
MATTHIAS
He didn’t want you to save him.
He did.
MATTHIAS
(quietly agrees)
He did. He’s who you’re angry with.
He’s the one who took away your power.
PRYNN
My power to save him.
MATTHIAS
He didn’t want you to save him.
FLASHBACK – 9x20 “SLAVE”
The depths of the Grennokar detention base on Harkoum. Vaughn is hanging off the ledge, about to fall into the flames, and Prynn is clinging onto him for dear life.
VAUGHN
Run, baby.
Run, baby.
And he deliberately lets himself fall.
BACK TO SCENE
Prynn has begun to cry. Matthias goes to her.
MATTHIAS
You have to let him go, Prynn.
He wanted to go.
You have to let him go, Prynn.
He wanted to go.
Prynn sits there in the chair, gently weeping.
15 INT. DS9 – QUARK’S BAR
Quark is behind his bar, fussing with bottles and glasses and whatnots. He hears a rustle, and turns...
PUPPY
Hi!
Hi!
Quark JUMPS, nearly dropping a glass at the sight of one of Pif’s adorable little puppies sitting on the bar right in front of him, spines erect, big happy grin on its face and tail thumping away in happiness.
Slowly getting himself under control, Quark grits his teeth and mutters at the puppy...
QUARK
Get... off... my... bar.
PUPPY
(oblivious)
Hi!
Get... off... my... bar.
PUPPY
(oblivious)
Hi!
Alright, that does it. Quark stalks around his bar to the customer’s side, steels his nerves, and picks up the puppy off the counter. At arm’s length like he’s handling nuclear waste, he slowly lowers it to the ground. It runs off, and he wipes his hands on his jacket, shuddering in disgust.
Watching the puppy rejoin its father, Quark grimaces and comes to a decision. He stomps furiously out of his bar...
...across the Promenade, and into...
16 INT. DS9 – SECURITY OFFICE (CONTINUOUS)
...where Major Cenn is standing behind his desk, comparing a padd to the screens on the walls.
QUARK
Major Cenn! I demand that you get
those filthy vermin out of my bar
this instant!
CENN
Vermin? What vermin?
QUARK
Those disgusting green furry things,
of course!
CENN
(appalled)
The puppies? But they’re adorable!
QUARK
They’re unsanitary. Constantly
underfoot. They leave hair all over
the bar. I’ve put up with it for
weeks already, and I can’t take it
anymore. I want them out! I'm
taking a stand, Major!
CENN
Oh, like you took a stand over
Taran’atar, you mean? That lasted
until Ro whispered sweet nothings
in your ear, didn’t it? How principled
you are.
QUARK
How dare you speak to me like that!
I am the Ambassador –
CENN
We both know what you are, Quark.
Pif and his family have been welcomed
by Commander Ro and, by extension,
the Bajoran government. If you let
your bigotry towards furred species
get in the way of that, I can guarantee
it will affect the relationship between
Bajor and Ferenginar negatively. Do you
really want that? Can your business afford
to offend such an important customer?
Major Cenn! I demand that you get
those filthy vermin out of my bar
this instant!
CENN
Vermin? What vermin?
QUARK
Those disgusting green furry things,
of course!
CENN
(appalled)
The puppies? But they’re adorable!
QUARK
They’re unsanitary. Constantly
underfoot. They leave hair all over
the bar. I’ve put up with it for
weeks already, and I can’t take it
anymore. I want them out! I'm
taking a stand, Major!
CENN
Oh, like you took a stand over
Taran’atar, you mean? That lasted
until Ro whispered sweet nothings
in your ear, didn’t it? How principled
you are.
QUARK
How dare you speak to me like that!
I am the Ambassador –
CENN
We both know what you are, Quark.
Pif and his family have been welcomed
by Commander Ro and, by extension,
the Bajoran government. If you let
your bigotry towards furred species
get in the way of that, I can guarantee
it will affect the relationship between
Bajor and Ferenginar negatively. Do you
really want that? Can your business afford
to offend such an important customer?
Quark seethes – torn, uncertain, insulted. Cenn continues:
CENN
Now, you do raise a valid point as
regards the hygiene issues. I could
speak to Pif and ask him to keep his
puppies from climbing up onto your
bar, where there’s food and drink.
Although that’s not really a security
issue, and as you are the proprietor,
non-security-related problems with
your customers are really yours to
deal with, not mine.
(beat)
I suggest you speak to Pif yourself -
one intelligent, sentient being to
another - and resolve any issues
peacefully. Don’t the Rules of
Acquisition say there’s profit in peace?
QUARK
(grits teeth)
They also say that success is smooth.
Not furry.
Now, you do raise a valid point as
regards the hygiene issues. I could
speak to Pif and ask him to keep his
puppies from climbing up onto your
bar, where there’s food and drink.
Although that’s not really a security
issue, and as you are the proprietor,
non-security-related problems with
your customers are really yours to
deal with, not mine.
(beat)
I suggest you speak to Pif yourself -
one intelligent, sentient being to
another - and resolve any issues
peacefully. Don’t the Rules of
Acquisition say there’s profit in peace?
QUARK
(grits teeth)
They also say that success is smooth.
Not furry.
Still furious, even more so at not getting his way, Quark turns and leaves. Cenn returns to his security reports.
17 INT. DS9 – COMMANDER’S OFFICE
Ro sits behind her desk, alone. She’s thinking hard about things, pondering what others have said to her. Does she go ahead with it? Dare she? Is it the right thing to do?
After a few moments of her worrying it over, she makes a decision. She taps a few keys on her console, and then with a final tap, presses ‘execute’.
She sits back in her chair. It’s done now, no taking it back. What happens next, she doesn’t know.
18 INT. DS9 – PRYNN’S QUARTERS
Last seen briefly in 10x13 “Case of the Flamping Flurble.”
The door opens and Prynn enters, still sniffly and upset from her session with Matthias. Righteous indignation is gone - she doesn’t really know what to do with herself now.
Dejected, Prynn looks briefly out of the window, towards the stars. Then she slumps into her sofa.
There’s a rhythmic beep from her personal computer console. Frowning, she gets up to check it. A red blinkie indicates an incoming message. Curious, she presses to accept.
RO (comm)
Prynn, it’s Ro Laren. I’ve been
thinking since our last conversation.
And I’ve decided to let you read
Captain Sisko’s files. Only the ones
from the wormhole inversion incident
seven years ago. You’ll find a link to
the records and the codes to access
hem attached.
(beat)
This is against all the rules, Prynn. I
hope you know that. So I'm erasing
any evidence of this message from
the logs, and if you tell anybody, I’ll
deny all knowledge. I still believe that
you won’t find anything in there that
will help your father. But you might
find something that will help you
accept that he’s gone. I hope you do.
(beat)
This is a short-term offer. The codes
will expire at twenty-six hundred hours
tonight. So make the most of it. Ro out.
Prynn, it’s Ro Laren. I’ve been
thinking since our last conversation.
And I’ve decided to let you read
Captain Sisko’s files. Only the ones
from the wormhole inversion incident
seven years ago. You’ll find a link to
the records and the codes to access
hem attached.
(beat)
This is against all the rules, Prynn. I
hope you know that. So I'm erasing
any evidence of this message from
the logs, and if you tell anybody, I’ll
deny all knowledge. I still believe that
you won’t find anything in there that
will help your father. But you might
find something that will help you
accept that he’s gone. I hope you do.
(beat)
This is a short-term offer. The codes
will expire at twenty-six hundred hours
tonight. So make the most of it. Ro out.
Prynn is amazed. All the hope and determination she’d lost is now back again. She excitedly turns to the computer and gets to work.
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT FOUR
ACT FIVE
FADE IN:
19 INT. DS9 – PRYNN’S QUARTERS
Prynn remains sat at her computer, going through the files, listening intently to audio records. SISKO’s voice issues from the computer – she memorises every word.
SISKO (comm)
Captain Benjamin Sisko, personal
log. I’ve tried to explain to Jake all
the things I saw, the things I
experienced during that brief time.
I remember Dax and O’Brien telling
me my temporal signature was out
of phase. That I had been shifted
into subspace. It certainly didn’t
feel like the first time I’d been in
the wormhole. I didn’t sense the
presence of the wormhole aliens –
the Prophets – at all this time.
I was just alone.
Captain Benjamin Sisko, personal
log. I’ve tried to explain to Jake all
the things I saw, the things I
experienced during that brief time.
I remember Dax and O’Brien telling
me my temporal signature was out
of phase. That I had been shifted
into subspace. It certainly didn’t
feel like the first time I’d been in
the wormhole. I didn’t sense the
presence of the wormhole aliens –
the Prophets – at all this time.
I was just alone.
Prynn is on the verge of tears as she imagines her father going through the same thing.
SISKO (comm)
But it really wasn’t so bad. The
whole thing passed in minutes from
my perspective. Jake was the one I
felt bad for. My son... my sweet boy.
I tried to explain what I’d seen in the
all-too-brief moments we were together.
How he’d grown up, gotten his books
published, gotten married... and then
how he’d thrown it all away in a futile
effort to save me. How I loved him for
trying... and how sad it made me to
see what it did to him.
But it really wasn’t so bad. The
whole thing passed in minutes from
my perspective. Jake was the one I
felt bad for. My son... my sweet boy.
I tried to explain what I’d seen in the
all-too-brief moments we were together.
How he’d grown up, gotten his books
published, gotten married... and then
how he’d thrown it all away in a futile
effort to save me. How I loved him for
trying... and how sad it made me to
see what it did to him.
Prynn steels herself against this. She doesn’t care how hard it might be for her.
SISKO (comm)
And how eventually he was the one
who saved me...
And how eventually he was the one
who saved me...
Prynn blooms with hope...
SISKO (comm)
...at the cost of his own life.
...at the cost of his own life.
...and her hopes are dampened. But not destroyed.
SISKO (comm)
No child should ever have to die to
save his own father. That’s against
all the laws of nature. The father
gives up his life for the child. Anything
else is just... wrong. I tried to explain
all of this to Jake. How grateful I was
for what he did for me. And how he
should never have had to do it. And
how I hope he never has to do it again.
I don’t know if I got through to him.
I guess I’ll just have to make sure I
never have to find out. End log.
No child should ever have to die to
save his own father. That’s against
all the laws of nature. The father
gives up his life for the child. Anything
else is just... wrong. I tried to explain
all of this to Jake. How grateful I was
for what he did for me. And how he
should never have had to do it. And
how I hope he never has to do it again.
I don’t know if I got through to him.
I guess I’ll just have to make sure I
never have to find out. End log.
The log ends. Prynn sits there, a million feelings whirring around. Hope, worry, determination, sadness, desperation...
20 INT. DS9 – MAIN OPS CENTRE
Nog is at the Engineering station. Bowers is at Tactical. Extras are at all the other stations, getting along with their work on a normal day. After a few moments...
An ALARM goes off on Bowers’ console. He checks it, is worried by what he reads. He hits a panel...
BOWERS
Ops to Commander Ro. Could you
come out here, please?
Ops to Commander Ro. Could you
come out here, please?
After a moment, the door from the commander’s office opens and Ro emerges. She goes to Bowers’ console...
RO
Whaddaya got, Lieutenant?
BOWERS
(re panel)
Take a look at this. Does it look to
you like it looks to me?
Whaddaya got, Lieutenant?
BOWERS
(re panel)
Take a look at this. Does it look to
you like it looks to me?
Ro inspects the panel with a frown...
RO
Ro to Cenn.
Ro to Cenn.
21 INT. DS9 – SECURITY OFFICE
Cenn looks up from his desk. Intercut with Ops as needed.
CENN
Go ahead, Commander.
RO (comm)
We’re showing some indications
of a possible security breach at
Runabout Pad B up here. Have you
got anything?
Go ahead, Commander.
RO (comm)
We’re showing some indications
of a possible security breach at
Runabout Pad B up here. Have you
got anything?
Cenn works his panels, and works his panels again. And again. Needle in a haystack. Eventually he finds it.
CENN
I’ve got a tiny blip in power around
the docking seals.
(not convinced)
It could be nothing...
I’ve got a tiny blip in power around
the docking seals.
(not convinced)
It could be nothing...
22 INT. DS9 – MAIN OPS CENTRE
Urgently, Nog reacts to another alert on his panels.
NOG
Commander! The Brahmaputra is
launching from pad B.
RO
What? There’s nothing scheduled,
is there?
BOWERS
(checks panels)
No, sir.
RO
Ops to Brahmaputra.
Commander! The Brahmaputra is
launching from pad B.
RO
What? There’s nothing scheduled,
is there?
BOWERS
(checks panels)
No, sir.
RO
Ops to Brahmaputra.
23 INT. RUNABOUT – COCKPIT
Prynn is in the pilot’s seat, moving the ship quickly but steadily. She hesitates to answer the hail, but decides to go with it. She fakes a breezy, nothing-wrong tone.
PRYNN
This is the Brahmaputra. Go
ahead, Ops.
This is the Brahmaputra. Go
ahead, Ops.
24 INT. DS9 – MAIN OPS CENTRE
Ro grits her teeth to hear the voice. Damn it, she was afraid of something like this.
RO
Prynn? Care to explain why you’ve
launched a runabout without
authorisation or a logged flight plan?
PRYNN (comm)
Just a routine test flight, Commander.
Nothing to worry about. I’ll file a
plan when I get back.
RO
No, you’ll do it now. Turn the ship
around and come back, Lieutenant.
That’s an order.
Prynn? Care to explain why you’ve
launched a runabout without
authorisation or a logged flight plan?
PRYNN (comm)
Just a routine test flight, Commander.
Nothing to worry about. I’ll file a
plan when I get back.
RO
No, you’ll do it now. Turn the ship
around and come back, Lieutenant.
That’s an order.
There’s a pregnant pause as they wait to see if Prynn will obey the order...
25 INT. RUNABOUT – COCKPIT
Prynn hesitates... but makes her choice.
PRYNN
I'm sorry, Commander, but I can’t do
that. I have to go see a man about
a wormhole.
I'm sorry, Commander, but I can’t do
that. I have to go see a man about
a wormhole.
And she cuts the channel, returning her attention to her pilot’s station.
26 INT. DS9 – MAIN OPS CENTRE
Ro thumps the panel.
RO
Damn it. Bowers, tractor beam.
BOWERS
Aye, sir.
Damn it. Bowers, tractor beam.
BOWERS
Aye, sir.
He works his panels...
27 EXT. DEEP SPACE NINE
The tractor beam lashes out from the station...
...and the fleeing runabout dodges one way and the other, Prynn’s expert flying evading the tractor beam despite several attempts from Bowers.
28 INT. DS9 – MAIN OPS CENTRE
Frustrated, Bowers shakes his head. Ro turns to Nog.
RO
Nog – prefix override?
Nog – prefix override?
Nog works his panels...
NOG
Sorry, Commander. She’s disabled
the transponder. She’s good.
Sorry, Commander. She’s disabled
the transponder. She’s good.
Ro’s frustration grows, especially since this is kind of all her fault.
NOG
Begging your pardon, Commander,
but what’s the problem? Do you
know where she’s going?
RO
(grudging
admiration)
I have a pretty good idea.
BOWERS
Do we go after her?
Begging your pardon, Commander,
but what’s the problem? Do you
know where she’s going?
RO
(grudging
admiration)
I have a pretty good idea.
BOWERS
Do we go after her?
Ro isn’t sure what to do. She sympathises with Prynn, but the junior officer has disobeyed orders.
As Ro struggles with her decision, another ALERT goes off on Nog’s panel. He checks...
RO
Is it Prynn?
NOG
No, sir. It’s... I'm not sure what
it is.
Is it Prynn?
NOG
No, sir. It’s... I'm not sure what
it is.
Curious, Ro goes to join Nog at his panels, while he continues to work at it. Sounds come over the speakers, garbled NOISE that chops and stutters and fizzes, with the barest hints of humanoid VOICES in the mix. Nog works...
NOG
I think it’s a distress call.
RO
From who?
I think it’s a distress call.
RO
From who?
Nog leans in to his panels, listens closely to the sounds, concentrates on them...
NOG
Is that...?
Is that...?
Struck with a new idea, Nog begins working the panels again. A few moments later, he has the answer. He looks up at Ro, worried.
NOG
I couldn’t identify the source. It’s
too garbled at their end, like
whoever was sending was too
damaged to even send a decent
distress signal. So I tried to trace
where it was coming from.
RO
And?
NOG
It’s coming from the wormhole.
I couldn’t identify the source. It’s
too garbled at their end, like
whoever was sending was too
damaged to even send a decent
distress signal. So I tried to trace
where it was coming from.
RO
And?
NOG
It’s coming from the wormhole.
Nog, Ro and Bowers share amazed looks. Could this have anything to do with Prynn? Or even with Vaughn?
NOG
Well, not from the wormhole itself,
but through it, from the subspace
communications array in the Gamma
Quadrant. I recognise the codes they
used to access it. I programmed them
myself.
RO
So who is it?
NOG
It’s the Even Odds, sir.
RO
Your trader friends? Who were spying
on the Ascendants for us?
NOG
Yes, sir. The last time I spoke to
Captain Dez, he was very clear that
after they did this one last thing for
us, they were out. For him to ask
for help... it must be pretty bad.
BOWERS
So what do we do? And what about Prynn?
Well, not from the wormhole itself,
but through it, from the subspace
communications array in the Gamma
Quadrant. I recognise the codes they
used to access it. I programmed them
myself.
RO
So who is it?
NOG
It’s the Even Odds, sir.
RO
Your trader friends? Who were spying
on the Ascendants for us?
NOG
Yes, sir. The last time I spoke to
Captain Dez, he was very clear that
after they did this one last thing for
us, they were out. For him to ask
for help... it must be pretty bad.
BOWERS
So what do we do? And what about Prynn?
Ro ponders her options for a moment, then makes a decision.
RO
Prynn can look after herself. And I
think... I’d probably have done the
same thing. Let her go.
BOWERS
Aye, sir.
RO
But get the Defiant prepped and ready
for launch ASAP. I want to be through
the wormhole and following that distress
call in thirty minutes.
BOWERS
Aye, sir.
Prynn can look after herself. And I
think... I’d probably have done the
same thing. Let her go.
BOWERS
Aye, sir.
RO
But get the Defiant prepped and ready
for launch ASAP. I want to be through
the wormhole and following that distress
call in thirty minutes.
BOWERS
Aye, sir.
Pleased with that decision, Bowers quickly shuts down his panels and heads out.
NOG
(quiet smile)
Thank you, sir.
RO
It may be useless, but send a reply
anyway, let them know we’re on our
way. And then get down to the Defiant
too. If they’re that badly damaged
they’ll need you.
NOG
Aye, sir. But... the Defiant is still not
completely repaired herself. The replace-
ments I need haven’t arrived yet.
RO
Then you’ll just have to do the best
with what you’ve got.
(quiet smile)
Thank you, sir.
RO
It may be useless, but send a reply
anyway, let them know we’re on our
way. And then get down to the Defiant
too. If they’re that badly damaged
they’ll need you.
NOG
Aye, sir. But... the Defiant is still not
completely repaired herself. The replace-
ments I need haven’t arrived yet.
RO
Then you’ll just have to do the best
with what you’ve got.
Nog nods his understanding and gets to work.
RO
Ro to Cenn. Are you ready to be
confused, Major?
CENN (comm)
(confused)
Commander...?
RO
Report to Ops on the double, Major.
You’re in command until further notice.
CENN (comm)
(shocked)
Aye, sir. I’ll be right there.
Ro to Cenn. Are you ready to be
confused, Major?
CENN (comm)
(confused)
Commander...?
RO
Report to Ops on the double, Major.
You’re in command until further notice.
CENN (comm)
(shocked)
Aye, sir. I’ll be right there.
Everyone around her is now hard at work, a new energy having entered the room. Standing outside the door of the commander’s office, feeling determined and decisive at last, she mutters to herself...
RO
Oh, Prynn... I hope you know what
you’re doing.
Oh, Prynn... I hope you know what
you’re doing.
Ending on Ro...
FADE OUT:
END OF SHOW
Apologies - I've just been told that the ebook link actually links you to the pdf again instead. It's too late to edit the original post now, so here is the correct ebook link:
DS9 11x01 "Systems Under Repair"
Plus something weird is going on at AdAstra where some of the text at the end of each chapter has disappeared, and every time I edit it back in, it disappears again. I've asked the mods for help.
thanks
.
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