DS9 11x04 - "Separation Manoeuvres Complete"
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Re: 11x04 - "Separation Manoeuvres Complete"
FADE IN:
1 EXT. SPACE – THE WORMHOLE (STOCK FROM 10x22)
Replaying from 10x22 “Ascension”. As the beam from the subspace relay hits it dead-centre, the wormhole ERUPTS. Erratic, violent, burning with power.
2 INT. DEFIANT – CORRIDOR (STOCK FROM 10x22)
Jake HAMMERS on the door to engineering. The ship SHUDDERS around them with the force of the wormhole’s eruption. Prynn is wrist-deep in a panel of wires and circuits, desperately trying to get the door open...
3 INT. DEFIANT – MAIN ENGINEERING (STOCK FROM 10x22)
Vaughn hears the THUMPS on the door, but he doesn’t answer. He looks around – the warp core is starting to react. Great arcs of power SPARK across the room.
Vaughn fixes the interphasic compensator into its place in the central console. Then he stands tall, eyes closed, ready for what’s coming. The ship is shuddering around him, the arcs of power getting bigger and stronger...
...and then the big one finally hits. It SNAPS at Vaughn like a whip, catching him in its power...
...and he begins to flicker in and out of view, fading away, glowing white as the power crackles around him.
Gradually, Vaughn fades from view, completely gone...
WHITE OUT
4 WHITE SPACE (STOCK FROM 10x22)
The warm, shapeless, dimensionless over-exposed white space that is the realm of the Prophets.
The white recedes until we see Vaughn, standing alone. He’s calm, a little sad but accepting. He looks around himself, at the utter blankness. This is where he’s going to be spending the rest of his existence.
Gradually, his pulsing HEARTBEAT is joined by a second. He frowns, confused. He turns to look...
...and Iliana stands before him. The human man and the Cardassian woman look at each other, surprised.
5 WHITE SPACE (CONTINUOUS)
Continue the scene: VAUGHN and ILIANA stare at each other.
Frustrated and angry, Iliana begins to ‘pace’ around the white space, talking to herself.
Cue a distant sound, the twinkling bells of a young girl LAUGHING, giggling as she runs around, far in the distance.
Both Vaughn and Iliana look around them, confused – that shouldn’t be right. The sound continues, sometimes sounding closer, sometimes further away.
They both turn and look in astonishment, as they see that REBECCA has crept up behind them. The little girl looks up at them, innocent and friendly, no fear in her tiny face.
Rebecca seems completely satisfied with that. Feeling quite safe, she sits on the ‘ground’ and gets out her marbles.
Vaughn shares a look of wonder and amazement with Iliana. He has no idea what’s going on here, but it can’t be an accident. He gets down on the ‘ground’ with her.
Together, Vaughn and Rebecca begin to play marbles, not a care in the world. Iliana is left watching them in complete confusion. She definitely did not expect this.
FADE OUT:
TEASER
FADE IN:
1 EXT. SPACE – THE WORMHOLE (STOCK FROM 10x22)
Replaying from 10x22 “Ascension”. As the beam from the subspace relay hits it dead-centre, the wormhole ERUPTS. Erratic, violent, burning with power.
2 INT. DEFIANT – CORRIDOR (STOCK FROM 10x22)
Jake HAMMERS on the door to engineering. The ship SHUDDERS around them with the force of the wormhole’s eruption. Prynn is wrist-deep in a panel of wires and circuits, desperately trying to get the door open...
PRYNN
I’m coming, dad. Just hold on...
I’m coming, dad. Just hold on...
3 INT. DEFIANT – MAIN ENGINEERING (STOCK FROM 10x22)
Vaughn hears the THUMPS on the door, but he doesn’t answer. He looks around – the warp core is starting to react. Great arcs of power SPARK across the room.
Vaughn fixes the interphasic compensator into its place in the central console. Then he stands tall, eyes closed, ready for what’s coming. The ship is shuddering around him, the arcs of power getting bigger and stronger...
...and then the big one finally hits. It SNAPS at Vaughn like a whip, catching him in its power...
...and he begins to flicker in and out of view, fading away, glowing white as the power crackles around him.
Gradually, Vaughn fades from view, completely gone...
WHITE OUT
4 WHITE SPACE (STOCK FROM 10x22)
The warm, shapeless, dimensionless over-exposed white space that is the realm of the Prophets.
The white recedes until we see Vaughn, standing alone. He’s calm, a little sad but accepting. He looks around himself, at the utter blankness. This is where he’s going to be spending the rest of his existence.
Gradually, his pulsing HEARTBEAT is joined by a second. He frowns, confused. He turns to look...
...and Iliana stands before him. The human man and the Cardassian woman look at each other, surprised.
5 WHITE SPACE (CONTINUOUS)
Continue the scene: VAUGHN and ILIANA stare at each other.
VAUGHN
Ghemor? What the hell are you
doing here?
ILIANA
Me? What about you? I was
expecting Sisko.
VAUGHN
He wasn’t available. I took his place.
ILIANA
But he’s the Emissary. It has to
be the Emissary – that’s the whole
point! You’ve ruined everything,
you senile old fool!
Ghemor? What the hell are you
doing here?
ILIANA
Me? What about you? I was
expecting Sisko.
VAUGHN
He wasn’t available. I took his place.
ILIANA
But he’s the Emissary. It has to
be the Emissary – that’s the whole
point! You’ve ruined everything,
you senile old fool!
Frustrated and angry, Iliana begins to ‘pace’ around the white space, talking to herself.
ILIANA
It might not work... if it’s not
Sisko, the Ascendants might not
all be killed. This would all be
a waste of time...
VAUGHN
Wait – did you know what we were
going to do to the Ascendants?
ILIANA
(derisive)
Of course I knew. That was the
plan, wasn’t it?
VAUGHN
(appalled)
But you were working with them. You
planned to kill all your own soldiers?
ILIANA
Well, look who’s suddenly all
incensed and morally upright. That
was the plan from the start, what
the Prophets always intended to
happen. And now you might have
screwed up an entire year of me
plotting and pretending and...
VAUGHN
I don’t think so. The last few
reports I heard from the bridge of
the Defiant suggested everything
was going to plan. And I don’t
claim to know anything about the
Prophets, but surely if they didn’t
want me here, I wouldn’t be here,
would I?
ILIANA
(slightly mollified)
Perhaps. But there’s no way to
know now, is there? We’re stuck
here, caught in a subspace pocket
where time barely moves, and it’s
not even a real part of the Celestial
Temple. It’s just you and me
forever, old man.
It might not work... if it’s not
Sisko, the Ascendants might not
all be killed. This would all be
a waste of time...
VAUGHN
Wait – did you know what we were
going to do to the Ascendants?
ILIANA
(derisive)
Of course I knew. That was the
plan, wasn’t it?
VAUGHN
(appalled)
But you were working with them. You
planned to kill all your own soldiers?
ILIANA
Well, look who’s suddenly all
incensed and morally upright. That
was the plan from the start, what
the Prophets always intended to
happen. And now you might have
screwed up an entire year of me
plotting and pretending and...
VAUGHN
I don’t think so. The last few
reports I heard from the bridge of
the Defiant suggested everything
was going to plan. And I don’t
claim to know anything about the
Prophets, but surely if they didn’t
want me here, I wouldn’t be here,
would I?
ILIANA
(slightly mollified)
Perhaps. But there’s no way to
know now, is there? We’re stuck
here, caught in a subspace pocket
where time barely moves, and it’s
not even a real part of the Celestial
Temple. It’s just you and me
forever, old man.
Cue a distant sound, the twinkling bells of a young girl LAUGHING, giggling as she runs around, far in the distance.
Both Vaughn and Iliana look around them, confused – that shouldn’t be right. The sound continues, sometimes sounding closer, sometimes further away.
VAUGHN
Did you know about this?
ILIANA
About what? I don’t even know
what’s happening.
REBECCA (o.s.)
Hi!
Did you know about this?
ILIANA
About what? I don’t even know
what’s happening.
REBECCA (o.s.)
Hi!
They both turn and look in astonishment, as they see that REBECCA has crept up behind them. The little girl looks up at them, innocent and friendly, no fear in her tiny face.
VAUGHN
Rebecca...?
ILIANA
What? Are you telling me this is
Sisko’s daughter?
VAUGHN
Yes. Iliana Ghemor, meet Rebecca
Sisko. Rebecca, this is Iliana.
ILIANA
Alright, this was definitely not
part of the plan.
VAUGHN
(amused)
How would you know?
REBECCA
(speaking up)
Do you know my daddy?
VAUGHN
(gently)
Yes, sweetheart, I do. I know your
daddy very well.
Rebecca...?
ILIANA
What? Are you telling me this is
Sisko’s daughter?
VAUGHN
Yes. Iliana Ghemor, meet Rebecca
Sisko. Rebecca, this is Iliana.
ILIANA
Alright, this was definitely not
part of the plan.
VAUGHN
(amused)
How would you know?
REBECCA
(speaking up)
Do you know my daddy?
VAUGHN
(gently)
Yes, sweetheart, I do. I know your
daddy very well.
Rebecca seems completely satisfied with that. Feeling quite safe, she sits on the ‘ground’ and gets out her marbles.
REBECCA
Do you want to play with me?
Do you want to play with me?
Vaughn shares a look of wonder and amazement with Iliana. He has no idea what’s going on here, but it can’t be an accident. He gets down on the ‘ground’ with her.
VAUGHN
That sounds lovely, Rebecca. Thank
you, I’d love to play.
That sounds lovely, Rebecca. Thank
you, I’d love to play.
Together, Vaughn and Rebecca begin to play marbles, not a care in the world. Iliana is left watching them in complete confusion. She definitely did not expect this.
FADE OUT:
END OF TEASER
Re: 11x04 - "Separation Manoeuvres Complete"
FADE IN:
6 EXT. DEEP SPACE NINE - PROMENADE
Close on the Promenade, where we can see the hole blasted through the station’s skin by Axno’s self-immolation. The flames have died for lack of oxygen, but the edges of the gash still glow red with the heat of it.
7 INT. DS9 - PROMENADE
Chaos on the Promenade as fire suppression crews rush to help put out the flames inside the Bajoran shrine, and security hold spectators back at a safe distance.
Doctor AYLAM and nurse ETANA wait by as two bodies emerge from the smoke and chaos – RAIQ leading KIRA along. They rush to attend, and guide them off towards the Infirmary.
Around them, SISKO, CENN and PRYNN are all helping out with various tasks, whatever they’re needed for.
Across the Promenade, more spectators are gathering in the doorway of Quark’s bar to observe the chaos. They include QUARK, TREIR, HETIK, MORN and Vorta ambassador VANNIS. Quark winces sadly at the sight before him.
Then he makes a decision, and wades into the fray to help however he can. Treir smiles proudly at the sight.
8 INT. DS9 - INFIRMARY
Etana is trying her best to fuss over Kira and Raiq, but neither are having it.
Etana gives up and leaves. As she goes, Prynn appears, hesitantly approaching Kira and Raiq.
Kira looks over to Raiq, who is sitting defeated and remote on a bio-bed beside her. What do they do now?
9 INT. DS9 - PROMENADE
As he works to help out, Major Cenn’s combadge chirrups.
Sisko was close enough to overhear. He looks worried...
10 INT. DS9 – SECURITY OFFICE
KASIDY appears on one of the screens on the back wall. She’s completely distraught, half in tears.
Sisko pauses, trying to process that. His mind is racing, trying to make sense of everything.
Kasidy nods, and Sisko cuts the channel. That done, he leans against the wall with his face in his hands. He’s absolutely terrified for his daughter. What has happened?
11 INT. DS9 - INFIRMARY
Raiq still gazes emptily down into her lap. Kira still sympathises with her. Prynn doesn’t know what to say, so she changes the subject.
She glances towards Raiq. Kira gets her meaning.
Kira gently guides Raiq out of the room, with Prynn following. They emerge onto:
12 INT. DS9 – PROMENADE (CONTINUOUS)
...where the chaos is still ongoing, spectators being held back. They bump into Sisko just as he’s emerging from the security office. He looks haunted and anxious.
Kira wills Sisko to understand. He hasn’t the energy to argue with her.
Prynn moves off, and Raiq follows. But Kira knows Sisko too well to be fooled. She steps close, confidential.
Not convinced but willing to accept it, Kira nods and moves along, catching up with Prynn and Raiq. Sisko walks off.
As Kira, Prynn and Raiq walk along, Vannis strides up.
Unhappy but with no choice, Kira leads the other three on down the Promenade while chaos continues around them.
13 EXT. DEEP SPACE NINE
A runabout lifts off from its pad, zooms out into space, and dives into the wormhole.
14 EXT. WORMHOLE INTERIOR
The Brahmaputra slips through the wormhole currents.
15 INT. RUNABOUT – COCKPIT
Prynn is at the helm again. Kira sits beside her. Vannis sits to the side, arms folded. Raiq hovers over Kira’s shoulder, gazing out at the inside of the wormhole, still struggling to process everything that’s happened. Kira and Prynn are both sympathetic to her. Vannis doesn’t care.
Raiq finally seems to get at least a hint of what Kira is talking about. Then they fly on.
16 EXT. SPACE
The Gamma end of the wormhole bursts open, and the runabout emerges. It is immediately confronted with the massive ship graveyard – Jem’Hadar and Ascendant ships blown apart and in pieces everywhere.
17 INT. RUNABOUT – COCKPIT
Kira and Prynn look out, daunted at the sight. Raiq gazes with sadness at the dead Ascendant ships. Even Vannis has deigned to give a shit now, and she’s not happy.
18 INT. DEFIANT – MAIN BRIDGE
BOWERS sits in the command chair. ALECO is at helm.
Kira appears on the main viewscreen, sat in the runabout.
Aleco gets an alert on his panels. He checks it...
19 INT. RUNABOUT – COCKPIT
Kira reads her own panels.
Prynn points out of the window. Kira leans to look...
20 EXT. SPACE
Another vessel is rumbling its way through the field, a huge shape pushing the remains out of its way. It’s very threatening, looming over everything, blocking the light.
It’s one of the giant Jem’Hadar Battle Cruisers.
21 INT. RUNABOUT – COCKPIT
Prynn reacts to an alert on her panels. She looks to Kira nervously, who nods equally nervously. Kira turns to the screen at her side ready to be all stern and commanding, but her face breaks when she sees ODO.
FADE OUT:
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
6 EXT. DEEP SPACE NINE - PROMENADE
Close on the Promenade, where we can see the hole blasted through the station’s skin by Axno’s self-immolation. The flames have died for lack of oxygen, but the edges of the gash still glow red with the heat of it.
7 INT. DS9 - PROMENADE
Chaos on the Promenade as fire suppression crews rush to help put out the flames inside the Bajoran shrine, and security hold spectators back at a safe distance.
Doctor AYLAM and nurse ETANA wait by as two bodies emerge from the smoke and chaos – RAIQ leading KIRA along. They rush to attend, and guide them off towards the Infirmary.
Around them, SISKO, CENN and PRYNN are all helping out with various tasks, whatever they’re needed for.
Across the Promenade, more spectators are gathering in the doorway of Quark’s bar to observe the chaos. They include QUARK, TREIR, HETIK, MORN and Vorta ambassador VANNIS. Quark winces sadly at the sight before him.
QUARK
Always something.
Always something.
Then he makes a decision, and wades into the fray to help however he can. Treir smiles proudly at the sight.
8 INT. DS9 - INFIRMARY
Etana is trying her best to fuss over Kira and Raiq, but neither are having it.
KIRA
Honestly, Etana, I'm fine. I wasn’t hurt.
RAIQ
I too am unharmed.
ETANA
If you say so. But you’re staying
put until we know for sure.
Honestly, Etana, I'm fine. I wasn’t hurt.
RAIQ
I too am unharmed.
ETANA
If you say so. But you’re staying
put until we know for sure.
Etana gives up and leaves. As she goes, Prynn appears, hesitantly approaching Kira and Raiq.
PRYNN
Captain...
KIRA
(patiently)
I'm not captain anymore, Prynn.
Just call me Nerys.
PRYNN
Fine. But what happened in there?
Where’s Axno?
KIRA
Axno killed herself. She tried
to take us with her. But Raiq
protected me. How did you do
that, by the way?
RAIQ
(quiet, withdrawn)
The shield is a natural ability of
the armour. Like the flames.
PRYNN
Well it certainly came in handy.
KIRA
Was anyone else hurt?
PRYNN
No. Major Cenn and his boys were
out of the way already before the
bomb went off. Luckily no one else
was anywhere near.
(beat)
So what do you wanna do now?
Captain...
KIRA
(patiently)
I'm not captain anymore, Prynn.
Just call me Nerys.
PRYNN
Fine. But what happened in there?
Where’s Axno?
KIRA
Axno killed herself. She tried
to take us with her. But Raiq
protected me. How did you do
that, by the way?
RAIQ
(quiet, withdrawn)
The shield is a natural ability of
the armour. Like the flames.
PRYNN
Well it certainly came in handy.
KIRA
Was anyone else hurt?
PRYNN
No. Major Cenn and his boys were
out of the way already before the
bomb went off. Luckily no one else
was anywhere near.
(beat)
So what do you wanna do now?
Kira looks over to Raiq, who is sitting defeated and remote on a bio-bed beside her. What do they do now?
9 INT. DS9 - PROMENADE
As he works to help out, Major Cenn’s combadge chirrups.
LEISHMAN (comm)
Ops to Major Cenn.
CENN
Go ahead, Lieutenant.
LEISHMAN (comm)
Is Captain Sisko with you, sir?
There’s a message for him from Bajor.
Ops to Major Cenn.
CENN
Go ahead, Lieutenant.
LEISHMAN (comm)
Is Captain Sisko with you, sir?
There’s a message for him from Bajor.
Sisko was close enough to overhear. He looks worried...
10 INT. DS9 – SECURITY OFFICE
KASIDY appears on one of the screens on the back wall. She’s completely distraught, half in tears.
KASIDY
Ben, it’s Rebecca... she’s...
She’s gone!
SISKO
What do you mean, gone?
KASIDY
I don’t know! She got down into
the Orb sanctuary here at the
monastery, I only turned my back
for a second...
SISKO
Have you asked Major Rochan for help?
KASIDY
He’s got everybody looking but
she’s not here, Ben! I think...
I think she... fell into an Orb
somehow...
Ben, it’s Rebecca... she’s...
She’s gone!
SISKO
What do you mean, gone?
KASIDY
I don’t know! She got down into
the Orb sanctuary here at the
monastery, I only turned my back
for a second...
SISKO
Have you asked Major Rochan for help?
KASIDY
He’s got everybody looking but
she’s not here, Ben! I think...
I think she... fell into an Orb
somehow...
Sisko pauses, trying to process that. His mind is racing, trying to make sense of everything.
SISKO
Okay... you stay where you are,
I'm on my way. I’ll be there as
soon as I can. Don’t worry, I'm
sure everything will be fine.
Okay... you stay where you are,
I'm on my way. I’ll be there as
soon as I can. Don’t worry, I'm
sure everything will be fine.
Kasidy nods, and Sisko cuts the channel. That done, he leans against the wall with his face in his hands. He’s absolutely terrified for his daughter. What has happened?
11 INT. DS9 - INFIRMARY
Raiq still gazes emptily down into her lap. Kira still sympathises with her. Prynn doesn’t know what to say, so she changes the subject.
PRYNN
Major Cenn said the Defiant went
to answer a distress call from
the Even Odds. But according to
updates from Bowers, they found
the leftovers of the Jem’Hadar
fleet that fought...
Major Cenn said the Defiant went
to answer a distress call from
the Even Odds. But according to
updates from Bowers, they found
the leftovers of the Jem’Hadar
fleet that fought...
She glances towards Raiq. Kira gets her meaning.
KIRA
Any survivors?
PRYNN
The Even Odds was hit pretty bad.
And the Jem’Hadar are trying to
regroup and repair... but they
haven’t found any more Ascendant
survivors. Yet.
RAIQ
I want to join them. And search
for myself.
PRYNN
Fine with me.
KIRA
If you’re sure. Etana...?
ETANA
If you must. But...
KIRA
...With the usual disclaimer, of
course. Thanks.
Any survivors?
PRYNN
The Even Odds was hit pretty bad.
And the Jem’Hadar are trying to
regroup and repair... but they
haven’t found any more Ascendant
survivors. Yet.
RAIQ
I want to join them. And search
for myself.
PRYNN
Fine with me.
KIRA
If you’re sure. Etana...?
ETANA
If you must. But...
KIRA
...With the usual disclaimer, of
course. Thanks.
Kira gently guides Raiq out of the room, with Prynn following. They emerge onto:
12 INT. DS9 – PROMENADE (CONTINUOUS)
...where the chaos is still ongoing, spectators being held back. They bump into Sisko just as he’s emerging from the security office. He looks haunted and anxious.
KIRA
Benjamin, I’m taking Raiq back
through the wormhole to catch
up with Ro and see if there’s any
survivors from the attack.
SISKO
But Nerys, you know that –
KIRA
(interrupting)
- that this is something she needs
to do. Right?
Benjamin, I’m taking Raiq back
through the wormhole to catch
up with Ro and see if there’s any
survivors from the attack.
SISKO
But Nerys, you know that –
KIRA
(interrupting)
- that this is something she needs
to do. Right?
Kira wills Sisko to understand. He hasn’t the energy to argue with her.
SISKO
Okay. But I can’t go with you. I, uh...
I have to go home. Back to Bajor.
PRYNN
Captain...? Is something wrong?
SISKO
(covering badly)
No, nothing. Just a small thing
with Kasidy and Rebecca. It’s
fine. But I do need to go.
PRYNN
Okay then, let’s get back to the
Brahamputra. I suppose I’d better
file a flight plan this time. Major
Cenn has a bug up his butt about
that lately. No idea why.
Okay. But I can’t go with you. I, uh...
I have to go home. Back to Bajor.
PRYNN
Captain...? Is something wrong?
SISKO
(covering badly)
No, nothing. Just a small thing
with Kasidy and Rebecca. It’s
fine. But I do need to go.
PRYNN
Okay then, let’s get back to the
Brahamputra. I suppose I’d better
file a flight plan this time. Major
Cenn has a bug up his butt about
that lately. No idea why.
Prynn moves off, and Raiq follows. But Kira knows Sisko too well to be fooled. She steps close, confidential.
KIRA
Benjamin. Really. What’s wrong?
SISKO
It’s fine, Nerys. You go. Take
Raiq. I’ll be fine.
Benjamin. Really. What’s wrong?
SISKO
It’s fine, Nerys. You go. Take
Raiq. I’ll be fine.
Not convinced but willing to accept it, Kira nods and moves along, catching up with Prynn and Raiq. Sisko walks off.
As Kira, Prynn and Raiq walk along, Vannis strides up.
KIRA
Ambassador, we’re a little busy here –
VANNIS
(snooty)
I know. Vorta hearing is far
superior to humans or Bajorans.
And I will be joining you.
KIRA
That’s not necessary –
VANNIS
I disagree. Any contact with the
Dominion must be conducted through
the properly appointed ambassador.
That is me.
KIRA
...Fine. Come on.
Ambassador, we’re a little busy here –
VANNIS
(snooty)
I know. Vorta hearing is far
superior to humans or Bajorans.
And I will be joining you.
KIRA
That’s not necessary –
VANNIS
I disagree. Any contact with the
Dominion must be conducted through
the properly appointed ambassador.
That is me.
KIRA
...Fine. Come on.
Unhappy but with no choice, Kira leads the other three on down the Promenade while chaos continues around them.
13 EXT. DEEP SPACE NINE
A runabout lifts off from its pad, zooms out into space, and dives into the wormhole.
14 EXT. WORMHOLE INTERIOR
The Brahmaputra slips through the wormhole currents.
15 INT. RUNABOUT – COCKPIT
Prynn is at the helm again. Kira sits beside her. Vannis sits to the side, arms folded. Raiq hovers over Kira’s shoulder, gazing out at the inside of the wormhole, still struggling to process everything that’s happened. Kira and Prynn are both sympathetic to her. Vannis doesn’t care.
RAIQ
The Fortress of the True. All my
brothers and sisters... they are
in here somewhere.
PRYNN
So’s my dad.
RAIQ
And now Axno. But I am not welcome
in the True’s embrace. I am branded
“unclean.”
KIRA
Well, that’s the problem with
being a fundamentalist. If you
spend your life telling everybody
else they’re a sinner, it doesn’t
take much for someone to turn
it around on you.
The Fortress of the True. All my
brothers and sisters... they are
in here somewhere.
PRYNN
So’s my dad.
RAIQ
And now Axno. But I am not welcome
in the True’s embrace. I am branded
“unclean.”
KIRA
Well, that’s the problem with
being a fundamentalist. If you
spend your life telling everybody
else they’re a sinner, it doesn’t
take much for someone to turn
it around on you.
Raiq finally seems to get at least a hint of what Kira is talking about. Then they fly on.
16 EXT. SPACE
The Gamma end of the wormhole bursts open, and the runabout emerges. It is immediately confronted with the massive ship graveyard – Jem’Hadar and Ascendant ships blown apart and in pieces everywhere.
17 INT. RUNABOUT – COCKPIT
Kira and Prynn look out, daunted at the sight. Raiq gazes with sadness at the dead Ascendant ships. Even Vannis has deigned to give a shit now, and she’s not happy.
18 INT. DEFIANT – MAIN BRIDGE
BOWERS sits in the command chair. ALECO is at helm.
ALECO
Incoming hail, sir. It’s from Kira
on the Brahmaputra.
BOWERS
On screen.
Incoming hail, sir. It’s from Kira
on the Brahmaputra.
BOWERS
On screen.
Kira appears on the main viewscreen, sat in the runabout.
BOWERS
Captain Kira. What can we do for you?
KIRA (screen)
I'm not captain anymore, Sam.
I'm just Kira.
(as captain)
What’s your status?
BOWERS
Commander Ro is with Taran’atar on
the Eav’oq planet. Nog and his team
are busy repairing the Even Odds.
Doctor Bashir is in sickbay patching
up the Even’s crew. And I’ve been
sitting here twiddling my thumbs
for the best part of three days. Sir.
Captain Kira. What can we do for you?
KIRA (screen)
I'm not captain anymore, Sam.
I'm just Kira.
(as captain)
What’s your status?
BOWERS
Commander Ro is with Taran’atar on
the Eav’oq planet. Nog and his team
are busy repairing the Even Odds.
Doctor Bashir is in sickbay patching
up the Even’s crew. And I’ve been
sitting here twiddling my thumbs
for the best part of three days. Sir.
Aleco gets an alert on his panels. He checks it...
BOWERS
What is it, Ensign?
ALECO
(worried)
Incoming ship, sir...
What is it, Ensign?
ALECO
(worried)
Incoming ship, sir...
19 INT. RUNABOUT – COCKPIT
Kira reads her own panels.
KIRA
We’re reading it too, Lieutenant.
Prynn, can you identify?
PRYNN
I don’t think we need to.
We’re reading it too, Lieutenant.
Prynn, can you identify?
PRYNN
I don’t think we need to.
Prynn points out of the window. Kira leans to look...
20 EXT. SPACE
Another vessel is rumbling its way through the field, a huge shape pushing the remains out of its way. It’s very threatening, looming over everything, blocking the light.
It’s one of the giant Jem’Hadar Battle Cruisers.
21 INT. RUNABOUT – COCKPIT
Prynn reacts to an alert on her panels. She looks to Kira nervously, who nods equally nervously. Kira turns to the screen at her side ready to be all stern and commanding, but her face breaks when she sees ODO.
ODO (screen)
Nerys...
KIRA
Odo...
ODO
Can you come aboard? We need
to talk.
Nerys...
KIRA
Odo...
ODO
Can you come aboard? We need
to talk.
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT ONE
Re: 11x04 - "Separation Manoeuvres Complete"
FADE IN:
22 EXT. SPACE
The moon at the outskirts of the Idran system. The smaller Jem’Hadar ship, the Defiant and the Even Odds are already there (the Even is looking mostly repaired now).
From one direction, the giant Jem’Hadar cruiser rumbles into the area. From another, the Brahmaputra. And from a third, the tiny shuttlecraft Cooper is also just arriving, docking into the Defiant’s underside.
Everybody’s back.
23 INT. RUNABOUT – COCKPIT
The transporter cycles up and RO LAREN materialises. Prynn is there to greet her, but Ro looks warily at Raiq.
Ro takes a deep breath, prepares to give bad news.
Ro returns to the transporter, and beams away.
24 INT. JEM’HADAR CRUISER – COMMAND CENTRE
LAAS is up in Kira’s face, sneering at her.
Second ILAT’EKAL steps in, pointing his weapon at Kira.
In response, Taran’atar grabs Ilat’ekal’s neck. MEERA and Vannis are both also in the room, watching tensely.
Reluctantly, Ilat’ekal does as he’s told. But not without a quiet threat and deadly sneer at Taran’atar.
On Kira and Odo’s reactions that that...
25 INT. DEFIANT – SICKBAY
The door opens and Ro enters, finding every bio-bed filled with crew members from the Even Odds and more stood around. BASHIR and RICHTER are doing last checks.
Captain DEZ, who has been standing around impatiently, steps forward. FACITY, BRAD and GLESSIN are on other beds. PIF is also there, sitting and helping where he can.
Everyone but Pif and Glessin is up and ready to follow Dez. At the doorway, Dez looks back to Pif.
Dez pauses. There’s no doubt he’s disappointed. But he accepts it. He walks up to Pif and crouches down by him.
Dez nuzzles Pif’s snout affectionately, stands and leaves. Facity and Brad give Pif a friendly ruffle of the fur on the way out, then follow Dez. Ro leaves too to escort them.
But Glessin seems hesitant. Bashir goes to him, speaks gently and quietly.
Glessin leaves and follows the rest out into the corridor, leaving just Bashir, Richter and Pif.
They’ll just have to hope that’s enough.
26 INT. ASHALLA MONASTERY – ATRIUM
Things are still under repair, with Militia engineers and monks working around. The secret staircase is revealed. Sisko runs in from the gardens, calling out urgently.
Kasidy runs in from the other direction, accompanied by Kai SOLIS. They run into each other’s arms.
Sisko thinks he knows exactly why, but he can’t say it.
Solis moves away to make arrangements. Kasidy turns to Sisko, in tears.
Kasidy looks askance at him, wondering what that could possibly mean.
27 INT. ASHALLA MONASTERY – PRAYER ROOM
An Orb box has been placed on a podium at the front of the room. Sisko steps up to it, anxious at what he might find inside. With a deep breath, he reaches to open the doors, revealing the Orb itself turning calmly inside. Sisko closes his eyes, waiting for the Orb vision to begin.
But nothing happens. He opens his eyes again, scared.
The Prophets refuse to answer. Sisko is on the verge of tears.
Ending on Sisko, heartbroken for his daughter...
FADE OUT:
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
22 EXT. SPACE
The moon at the outskirts of the Idran system. The smaller Jem’Hadar ship, the Defiant and the Even Odds are already there (the Even is looking mostly repaired now).
From one direction, the giant Jem’Hadar cruiser rumbles into the area. From another, the Brahmaputra. And from a third, the tiny shuttlecraft Cooper is also just arriving, docking into the Defiant’s underside.
Everybody’s back.
23 INT. RUNABOUT – COCKPIT
The transporter cycles up and RO LAREN materialises. Prynn is there to greet her, but Ro looks warily at Raiq.
RO
Everything alright, Lieutenant?
PRYNN
Yes, Commander. Raiq came to look
for survivors of the attack.
Everything alright, Lieutenant?
PRYNN
Yes, Commander. Raiq came to look
for survivors of the attack.
Ro takes a deep breath, prepares to give bad news.
RO
I'm sorry, Raiq. But there are no
survivors. Once Lieutenant Nog
raised the possibility, we’ve had
the Defiant and the Jem’Hadar
scanning constantly. There have
been no Ascendant life signs. It
looks like everyone who could went
to the wormhole. And the only ones
who couldn’t...
RAIQ
...were those already dead. I
suspected Kira was protecting
me. As I had protected her.
RO
I'm sorry.
RAIQ
(a comfort)
They are with the True.
RO
(turns to Prynn)
As for you –
PRYNN
Commander –
RO
I accept your apology. I just hope
you got what you wanted out of it.
PRYNN
Not really. But I did get what I
needed. What you told me in the
first place.
RO
Good. I'm glad.
(re Dominion ship)
You know what? They’re gonna be
a while over there. We have some
time. I think maybe you should
take a trip down to the Eav’oq
planet, go and talk to Opaka.
She has this weird way of making
everything seem alright. And maybe
take Raiq with you.
PRYNN
Thank you, sir.
RO
You’re welcome. Right – I should
go catch up with Bowers, I guess.
See you later, Prynn.
I'm sorry, Raiq. But there are no
survivors. Once Lieutenant Nog
raised the possibility, we’ve had
the Defiant and the Jem’Hadar
scanning constantly. There have
been no Ascendant life signs. It
looks like everyone who could went
to the wormhole. And the only ones
who couldn’t...
RAIQ
...were those already dead. I
suspected Kira was protecting
me. As I had protected her.
RO
I'm sorry.
RAIQ
(a comfort)
They are with the True.
RO
(turns to Prynn)
As for you –
PRYNN
Commander –
RO
I accept your apology. I just hope
you got what you wanted out of it.
PRYNN
Not really. But I did get what I
needed. What you told me in the
first place.
RO
Good. I'm glad.
(re Dominion ship)
You know what? They’re gonna be
a while over there. We have some
time. I think maybe you should
take a trip down to the Eav’oq
planet, go and talk to Opaka.
She has this weird way of making
everything seem alright. And maybe
take Raiq with you.
PRYNN
Thank you, sir.
RO
You’re welcome. Right – I should
go catch up with Bowers, I guess.
See you later, Prynn.
Ro returns to the transporter, and beams away.
24 INT. JEM’HADAR CRUISER – COMMAND CENTRE
LAAS is up in Kira’s face, sneering at her.
LAAS
Kira. This is all your doing. The
chaos that is enveloping the
Dominion... it is because of you.
ODO
(breaking in)
Laas, you’re being unfair.
LAAS
Am I? You can’t see this for what
it is, Odo, because of your
“feelings” for this monoform. But
the truth is that this one woman
has managed to bring the Dominion
to its knees in a way the war with
the Federation never did.
KIRA
(uncowed)
You need to make up your mind,
Laas. You didn’t used to care what
happened to the Dominion or any
“monoforms”.
LAAS
I don’t. Your religious war was
none of our concern. But because
of you and your wormhole, the
Great Link has been sundered, the
Jem’Hadar have been slaughtered,
and the Dominion’s subject races
are rebelling. All of which is
making my life intolerable.
KIRA
My heart bleeds for you.
Kira. This is all your doing. The
chaos that is enveloping the
Dominion... it is because of you.
ODO
(breaking in)
Laas, you’re being unfair.
LAAS
Am I? You can’t see this for what
it is, Odo, because of your
“feelings” for this monoform. But
the truth is that this one woman
has managed to bring the Dominion
to its knees in a way the war with
the Federation never did.
KIRA
(uncowed)
You need to make up your mind,
Laas. You didn’t used to care what
happened to the Dominion or any
“monoforms”.
LAAS
I don’t. Your religious war was
none of our concern. But because
of you and your wormhole, the
Great Link has been sundered, the
Jem’Hadar have been slaughtered,
and the Dominion’s subject races
are rebelling. All of which is
making my life intolerable.
KIRA
My heart bleeds for you.
Second ILAT’EKAL steps in, pointing his weapon at Kira.
ITAL’EKAL
You should speak to the Founder
with more respect, Bajoran.
You should speak to the Founder
with more respect, Bajoran.
In response, Taran’atar grabs Ilat’ekal’s neck. MEERA and Vannis are both also in the room, watching tensely.
TARAN’ATAR
Lower your weapon.
ODO
Do as he says, Ilat’ekal.
Lower your weapon.
ODO
Do as he says, Ilat’ekal.
Reluctantly, Ilat’ekal does as he’s told. But not without a quiet threat and deadly sneer at Taran’atar.
ITAL’EKAL
I’ll kill you myself, traitor.
ODO
Now, all of you calm down. You’re
wrong to blame Kira for this,
Laas. The decision to ally with
the Bajorans was mine.
LAAS
Only because this woman has used
your changeable form to mould you
to whatever shape she desires. She is
everything that is wrong with you, Odo.
MEERA
I agree with Odo. My experience
of the solids is nothing like the
wild, paranoid accusations you
throw at them, Laas.
LAAS
You are young and naive. I am old
and experienced. I have seen much
more of what these creatures are
capable of, and the Dominion
should have nothing to do with
them. I believe we should cancel
this “alliance” at once, while
there is still a Dominion left.
I’ll kill you myself, traitor.
ODO
Now, all of you calm down. You’re
wrong to blame Kira for this,
Laas. The decision to ally with
the Bajorans was mine.
LAAS
Only because this woman has used
your changeable form to mould you
to whatever shape she desires. She is
everything that is wrong with you, Odo.
MEERA
I agree with Odo. My experience
of the solids is nothing like the
wild, paranoid accusations you
throw at them, Laas.
LAAS
You are young and naive. I am old
and experienced. I have seen much
more of what these creatures are
capable of, and the Dominion
should have nothing to do with
them. I believe we should cancel
this “alliance” at once, while
there is still a Dominion left.
On Kira and Odo’s reactions that that...
25 INT. DEFIANT – SICKBAY
The door opens and Ro enters, finding every bio-bed filled with crew members from the Even Odds and more stood around. BASHIR and RICHTER are doing last checks.
RO
Doctor. How are things going in here?
BASHIR
I'm happy to say, things are going
very well indeed. I think I'm just
about ready to release my patients.
Doctor. How are things going in here?
BASHIR
I'm happy to say, things are going
very well indeed. I think I'm just
about ready to release my patients.
Captain DEZ, who has been standing around impatiently, steps forward. FACITY, BRAD and GLESSIN are on other beds. PIF is also there, sitting and helping where he can.
DEZ
About time. I'm getting tired of
hanging around here.
RO
Forced to agree. More Dominion
ships just arrived, and I get the
feeling the tension around here
could explode any second. You’d
be better out of the way before
that happens.
FACITY
That might be premature. Think of
all the salvage out there, Dez. We
could clean up! Make enough money
to last us a year.
DEZ
Ascendant salvage? Like the Wa?
Like the thing that brought us all
this trouble over the last two years?
No thanks. There are plenty of
other retrieval ships out there.
They’re welcome to it. Ro’s right,
we should go. Come on, all of you.
About time. I'm getting tired of
hanging around here.
RO
Forced to agree. More Dominion
ships just arrived, and I get the
feeling the tension around here
could explode any second. You’d
be better out of the way before
that happens.
FACITY
That might be premature. Think of
all the salvage out there, Dez. We
could clean up! Make enough money
to last us a year.
DEZ
Ascendant salvage? Like the Wa?
Like the thing that brought us all
this trouble over the last two years?
No thanks. There are plenty of
other retrieval ships out there.
They’re welcome to it. Ro’s right,
we should go. Come on, all of you.
Everyone but Pif and Glessin is up and ready to follow Dez. At the doorway, Dez looks back to Pif.
DEZ
Come on, Pif. We’re going.
PIF
I'm not coming with you, Dez. I
only came to say goodbye. I'm
staying on Deep Space Nine.
FACITY
What are you talking about? I
thought you were only staying
there to avoid the battle.
PIF
But your life is always going to
be dangerous, Facity. I have a
family to think of now. I have to
keep them safe. I'm not saying
it’s forever. Sooner or later the
children are going to want to meet
other Aarruri. We’ll run into you
again someday. But for now...
Come on, Pif. We’re going.
PIF
I'm not coming with you, Dez. I
only came to say goodbye. I'm
staying on Deep Space Nine.
FACITY
What are you talking about? I
thought you were only staying
there to avoid the battle.
PIF
But your life is always going to
be dangerous, Facity. I have a
family to think of now. I have to
keep them safe. I'm not saying
it’s forever. Sooner or later the
children are going to want to meet
other Aarruri. We’ll run into you
again someday. But for now...
Dez pauses. There’s no doubt he’s disappointed. But he accepts it. He walks up to Pif and crouches down by him.
DEZ
You keep those babies of yours
safe, Pif. I wouldn’t want them to
ever be without their father. And
if any of them grow up to be a
runner... you give me a call.
PIF
I will, Dez. Thank you.
You keep those babies of yours
safe, Pif. I wouldn’t want them to
ever be without their father. And
if any of them grow up to be a
runner... you give me a call.
PIF
I will, Dez. Thank you.
Dez nuzzles Pif’s snout affectionately, stands and leaves. Facity and Brad give Pif a friendly ruffle of the fur on the way out, then follow Dez. Ro leaves too to escort them.
But Glessin seems hesitant. Bashir goes to him, speaks gently and quietly.
BASHIR
You can stay with us if you want,
Glessin. You could even go home
to Cardassia.
GLESSIN
They have enough problems. I'm
better off staying out here in the
middle of nowhere, where I can’t
hurt anyone I care about.
BASHIR
You’re not an albatross, Glessin.
You’re a valued and important
member of the Even’s crew. I hope
one day you’re able to see that.
GLESSIN
Maybe. Some day.
You can stay with us if you want,
Glessin. You could even go home
to Cardassia.
GLESSIN
They have enough problems. I'm
better off staying out here in the
middle of nowhere, where I can’t
hurt anyone I care about.
BASHIR
You’re not an albatross, Glessin.
You’re a valued and important
member of the Even’s crew. I hope
one day you’re able to see that.
GLESSIN
Maybe. Some day.
Glessin leaves and follows the rest out into the corridor, leaving just Bashir, Richter and Pif.
RICHTER
Poor man. I hope he gets better.
BASHIR
He’ll be among friends.
Poor man. I hope he gets better.
BASHIR
He’ll be among friends.
They’ll just have to hope that’s enough.
26 INT. ASHALLA MONASTERY – ATRIUM
Things are still under repair, with Militia engineers and monks working around. The secret staircase is revealed. Sisko runs in from the gardens, calling out urgently.
SISKO
Kasidy! I'm here! Kasidy?
Kasidy! I'm here! Kasidy?
Kasidy runs in from the other direction, accompanied by Kai SOLIS. They run into each other’s arms.
KASIDY
Ben... oh, thank God you’re here.
SOLIS
Emissary. I am so sorry, I have no
explanation for your daughter’s
disappearance. Major Rochan’s
men are searching every inch of
the grounds...
KASIDY
I'm telling you, she’s fallen into
one of those damn Orbs somehow.
SOLIS
Sadly, given the evidence at hand,
I am forced to agree. The Orb of
Destiny was open when your wife
called me to the sanctuary.
KASIDY
Why would the wormhole aliens take
Rebecca, Ben? Why would they do that?
Ben... oh, thank God you’re here.
SOLIS
Emissary. I am so sorry, I have no
explanation for your daughter’s
disappearance. Major Rochan’s
men are searching every inch of
the grounds...
KASIDY
I'm telling you, she’s fallen into
one of those damn Orbs somehow.
SOLIS
Sadly, given the evidence at hand,
I am forced to agree. The Orb of
Destiny was open when your wife
called me to the sanctuary.
KASIDY
Why would the wormhole aliens take
Rebecca, Ben? Why would they do that?
Sisko thinks he knows exactly why, but he can’t say it.
SISKO
Eminence, could I consult with the
Orb of Destiny?
SOLIS
Of course, Emissary. I’ll have it
brought up at once.
Eminence, could I consult with the
Orb of Destiny?
SOLIS
Of course, Emissary. I’ll have it
brought up at once.
Solis moves away to make arrangements. Kasidy turns to Sisko, in tears.
KASIDY
Ben, I am so sorry, she was just
playing, I only turned my back for
a second...
SISKO
Kas, it’s not your fault. In fact,
I think it might be mine...
Ben, I am so sorry, she was just
playing, I only turned my back for
a second...
SISKO
Kas, it’s not your fault. In fact,
I think it might be mine...
Kasidy looks askance at him, wondering what that could possibly mean.
27 INT. ASHALLA MONASTERY – PRAYER ROOM
An Orb box has been placed on a podium at the front of the room. Sisko steps up to it, anxious at what he might find inside. With a deep breath, he reaches to open the doors, revealing the Orb itself turning calmly inside. Sisko closes his eyes, waiting for the Orb vision to begin.
But nothing happens. He opens his eyes again, scared.
SISKO
I don’t understand. Why won’t you
talk to me?
I don’t understand. Why won’t you
talk to me?
The Prophets refuse to answer. Sisko is on the verge of tears.
SISKO
I was right, wasn’t I? It is my fault.
You took Rebecca... because you
couldn’t take me.
I was right, wasn’t I? It is my fault.
You took Rebecca... because you
couldn’t take me.
Ending on Sisko, heartbroken for his daughter...
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT TWO
Re: 11x04 - "Separation Manoeuvres Complete"
FADE IN:
28 WHITE SPACE
The fog fades until we see Vaughn and Rebecca sitting cross-legged on the ‘ground’ of the white space, playing with Rebecca’s marbles, quite happy and content.
Iliana hunkers down beside them, frustrated and confused. Vaughn and Rebecca continue to play while they talk.
And he gives his full attention back to Rebecca and the game of marbles. Iliana harrumphs.
The white fog obscures them again...
29 INT. ASHALLA MONASTERY – PRAYER ROOM
Sisko stands in front of the open Orb box, the Orb turning away calmly inside. Sisko pleads with an empty room.
He breaks down into tears, all alone in front of the Orb.
30 EXT. EAV’OQ CITY – DAY
First, establishing the Eav’oq citadel.
The runabout has landed on the grass, and the hatch opens. Prynn steps out, gazing in awe at the gorgeous landscape. More hesitantly, Raiq steps out behind her, wary of what’s about to happen. Prynn is sympathetic and encouraging.
She points forward, and they see OPAKA approaching, side-by-side with the Eav’oq ITU. Raiq takes a nervous breath.
Raiq is shocked, almost as if this could be a threat.
Raiq looks to Prynn for what to do. Prynn nods positively. Nervous, Raiq steps forward. Itu unfurls his long pink ribbon-like limbs, lays one gently on Raiq’s shoulder, and leads the Ascendant woman gently back towards the Citadel.
Opaka stays back with Prynn. As more Eav’oq greet Raiq peacefully on the path, they watch.
Sensing Prynn’s emotions, Opaka gathers the younger woman into her arms and lets them remember Vaughn together.
31 EXT. SPACE
Re-establishing the Defiant, the Even Odds, the smaller Jem’Hadar ship and the larger Jem’Hadar ship.
32 INT. JEM’HADAR CRUISER – COMMAND CENTRE
The heated discussion is ongoing. We have Kira, Odo, Meera, Vannis, Laas, Taran’atar and Ilat’ekal in the middle of the bridge, while the ship’s regular Jem’Hadar complement work the stations around the bridge and mind their own business.
Laas gestures around himself – Ilat’ekal on one side, and Vannis on the other. One Founder, one Vorta, one Jem’Hadar. Opposite them are Meera, Kira and Taran’atar. One Founder, one “Vorta”, one Jem’Hadar. And Odo is caught between.
At the order from a Founder, the other Jem’Hadar instantly draw their weapons and point them at Kira. As Kira reacts to being at the centre of a circle of Jem’Hadar rifles...
ON TARAN’ATAR, as he makes a fateful decision. He sends a meaningful look towards...
KIRA, who sees the look in his eyes, and her own eyes flare as she understands what he’s about to do...
In a blur of movement, Taran’atar is on the attack. He whips sideways, snatching the kar’takin off Ilat’ekal and butting him in the head. Ilat’ekal goes down. Taran’atar SHROUDS just in time to avoid numerous rifle SHOTS from the other Jem’Hadar.
Odo urgently pushes Kira out of the way towards the outer rim of the bridge.
Another soldier ERUPTS in amber blood and guts. The other Jem’Hadar turn and FIRE in that direction... But too late. They just hit the already dead soldier.
A half-visible shrouded shape LANDS on a soldier’s back, knocking him forwards. The shape UNSHROUDS as it carries on through, revealing Taran’atar bringing down the heavy knife into another soldier’s head and dispatching him.
In a second, Taran’atar is on the move again. This is truly an Honoured Elder of the Jem’Hadar in action.
The remaining Jem’Hadar turn and renew their attack.
But the Jem’Hadar are in too much bloodlust to stop now, plus they can barely hear Odo over the shouts and bellows and screams. Meera SNEERS...
...and MORPHS. She whips out arms of changeling matter, punching Jem’Hadar soldiers in the head, knocking rifles from their hands. She’s a whirling mass of tendrils flailing with deadly purpose.
Meanwhile Taran’atar slashes his knife, taking out another soldier who was coming for him. He grins with satisfaction and the adrenaline of the fight.
A Jem’Hadar sees Kira, and tries to attack. When Odo steps into his way with a glare, he instinctively halts himself.
Kira takes the moment and attacks the soldier herself, PUNCHING him in the stomach, snatching his rifle, and butting him in the head with it until he falls to the deck. Kira hefts the weapon, about to wade into the fight, but Odo holds her back.
Laas has been watching all this with disgust. He finally has had enough, so he MORPHS his arm into a sword (like in 7x14 “Chimera”) and steps forwards.
Laas’s arm MORPHS out, extending the sword, aiming for Taran’atar’s heart...
Taran’atar is busy attacking another soldier. But he intuitively senses the attack coming. He expertly dodges the blade, spins and SLASHES with his own knife...
...and the blade passes right THROUGH Laas’s body, the changeling matter unaffected.
Everyone stops and GASPS. Laas and Taran’atar are facing each other, armed. The remaining Jem’Hadar gape, amazed. Kira, Odo, Meera, Vannis. None of them can quite believe what just happened. What do they do now?
Taran’atar straightens, stands firm. But underneath it, he’s scared. What the hell has he done?
FADE OUT:
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
28 WHITE SPACE
The fog fades until we see Vaughn and Rebecca sitting cross-legged on the ‘ground’ of the white space, playing with Rebecca’s marbles, quite happy and content.
Iliana hunkers down beside them, frustrated and confused. Vaughn and Rebecca continue to play while they talk.
ILIANA
What the hell are you doing?
VAUGHN
You’re the one who believes in the
Prophets. You honestly don’t think
she’s here for a reason?
ILIANA
If this were the Obsidian Order,
I’d say she was here to threaten
Sisko into doing what he’s told.
VAUGHN
Too late for that. I'm already
here, aren’t I?
ILIANA
But you weren’t supposed to be!
This is all wrong. I accepted this
fate over a year ago. This is what
all the horrors of my life were
building to – giving myself to save
the galaxy from the Ascendants.
But you – it was never supposed
to be you.
VAUGHN
Well, you said yourself we have
all the time in the world. I refuse
to believe the Prophets would
condemn an innocent girl to an
eternity of nothing. So until
their reason for bringing her here
becomes clear, we may as well...
play their game.
What the hell are you doing?
VAUGHN
You’re the one who believes in the
Prophets. You honestly don’t think
she’s here for a reason?
ILIANA
If this were the Obsidian Order,
I’d say she was here to threaten
Sisko into doing what he’s told.
VAUGHN
Too late for that. I'm already
here, aren’t I?
ILIANA
But you weren’t supposed to be!
This is all wrong. I accepted this
fate over a year ago. This is what
all the horrors of my life were
building to – giving myself to save
the galaxy from the Ascendants.
But you – it was never supposed
to be you.
VAUGHN
Well, you said yourself we have
all the time in the world. I refuse
to believe the Prophets would
condemn an innocent girl to an
eternity of nothing. So until
their reason for bringing her here
becomes clear, we may as well...
play their game.
And he gives his full attention back to Rebecca and the game of marbles. Iliana harrumphs.
ILIANA
Great plan. Except the Prophets
don’t seem to be talking.
Great plan. Except the Prophets
don’t seem to be talking.
The white fog obscures them again...
29 INT. ASHALLA MONASTERY – PRAYER ROOM
Sisko stands in front of the open Orb box, the Orb turning away calmly inside. Sisko pleads with an empty room.
SISKO
That’s the truth, isn’t it? You’re
punishing me because I let Elias
go. Now you’ve taken my daughter,
and you won’t even talk to me!
Please... you have to give her
back, I'm begging you. Take me,
do whatever you want with me
but please don’t take my baby...
That’s the truth, isn’t it? You’re
punishing me because I let Elias
go. Now you’ve taken my daughter,
and you won’t even talk to me!
Please... you have to give her
back, I'm begging you. Take me,
do whatever you want with me
but please don’t take my baby...
He breaks down into tears, all alone in front of the Orb.
30 EXT. EAV’OQ CITY – DAY
First, establishing the Eav’oq citadel.
The runabout has landed on the grass, and the hatch opens. Prynn steps out, gazing in awe at the gorgeous landscape. More hesitantly, Raiq steps out behind her, wary of what’s about to happen. Prynn is sympathetic and encouraging.
PRYNN
Come on, Raiq. It’s okay.
RAIQ
I ought not to be here. This is
the world of the hated Eav’oq.
PRYNN
They won’t hurt you.
RAIQ
I am supposed to hurt them. To
kill them for shaming the True.
PRYNN
According to Axno, you shame the
True too. That puts you on even
ground, right? Look.
Come on, Raiq. It’s okay.
RAIQ
I ought not to be here. This is
the world of the hated Eav’oq.
PRYNN
They won’t hurt you.
RAIQ
I am supposed to hurt them. To
kill them for shaming the True.
PRYNN
According to Axno, you shame the
True too. That puts you on even
ground, right? Look.
She points forward, and they see OPAKA approaching, side-by-side with the Eav’oq ITU. Raiq takes a nervous breath.
RAIQ
Opaka... my nurse.
OPAKA
Hello, Raiq. And Prynn. It is good
to see you both again. I wish it
were under better circumstances.
PRYNN
Thank you for seeing us, Ranjen.
And thank you, Itu. I know this
can’t have been easy for you. May
I introduce Raiq, the last Knight
of the Ascendants.
ITU
I need no introduction, my child.
In my memory, it is barely two
years since her kind tried to send
us all back to the Siblings.
RAIQ
Strange. I have never seen an
Eav’oq in the flesh. No Knight in
living memory has. You are legends
almost, the greatest heretics we
ever faced.
ITU
We are no heretics, my sister. I
feel the sight of the Siblings
upon you, just as upon Sulan. We
are alike in their eyes. Would you
enter the Citadel with us?
Opaka... my nurse.
OPAKA
Hello, Raiq. And Prynn. It is good
to see you both again. I wish it
were under better circumstances.
PRYNN
Thank you for seeing us, Ranjen.
And thank you, Itu. I know this
can’t have been easy for you. May
I introduce Raiq, the last Knight
of the Ascendants.
ITU
I need no introduction, my child.
In my memory, it is barely two
years since her kind tried to send
us all back to the Siblings.
RAIQ
Strange. I have never seen an
Eav’oq in the flesh. No Knight in
living memory has. You are legends
almost, the greatest heretics we
ever faced.
ITU
We are no heretics, my sister. I
feel the sight of the Siblings
upon you, just as upon Sulan. We
are alike in their eyes. Would you
enter the Citadel with us?
Raiq is shocked, almost as if this could be a threat.
RAIQ
Why would you... want me to?
ITU
(why not?)
So that we may learn about our
sister in the Siblings.
Why would you... want me to?
ITU
(why not?)
So that we may learn about our
sister in the Siblings.
Raiq looks to Prynn for what to do. Prynn nods positively. Nervous, Raiq steps forward. Itu unfurls his long pink ribbon-like limbs, lays one gently on Raiq’s shoulder, and leads the Ascendant woman gently back towards the Citadel.
Opaka stays back with Prynn. As more Eav’oq greet Raiq peacefully on the path, they watch.
PRYNN
If my dad had to go... then I
suppose this was a good reason
for him to do it.
If my dad had to go... then I
suppose this was a good reason
for him to do it.
Sensing Prynn’s emotions, Opaka gathers the younger woman into her arms and lets them remember Vaughn together.
31 EXT. SPACE
Re-establishing the Defiant, the Even Odds, the smaller Jem’Hadar ship and the larger Jem’Hadar ship.
32 INT. JEM’HADAR CRUISER – COMMAND CENTRE
The heated discussion is ongoing. We have Kira, Odo, Meera, Vannis, Laas, Taran’atar and Ilat’ekal in the middle of the bridge, while the ship’s regular Jem’Hadar complement work the stations around the bridge and mind their own business.
KIRA
Look, I'm sorry the Jem’Hadar took
the brunt of the Ascendant attack.
But we needed you. There was no
way we could stand up to them
without you.
LAAS
It was not our concern. You used
the Dominion as cannon fodder.
ODO
The Ascendants were our enemies
too, Laas. It was them who caused
the Link to break up, not Kira.
LAAS
So we take revenge? How can you
still be so blind after so long, Odo?
She used you, that is all.
KIRA
I used the resources I had, to
save as many lives as possible.
ILAT’EKAL
Not Jem’Hadar lives.
MEERA
What do you care about Jem’Hadar
lives? You’re all mass-produced in
a laboratory. They’ll just pump
out another batch in days.
ILAT’EKAL
We give our lives willingly for
the Founders, of course. But not
for the Federation.
TARAN’ATAR
(threatening)
You will do whatever Odo wants
you to do.
ILAT’EKAL
Odo is not the only Founder.
LAAS
Do you hear what your “alliance”
has created, Odo? The Jem’Hadar
fight over which one of us they
will obey, and meanwhile the
Dominion falls apart around us.
ODO
I don’t see how breaking up the
alliance with Bajor helps that,
Laas. Nothing is gained by it.
LAAS
Nothing is gained?! This woman
alone has caused more Dominion
deaths than entire planets of
monoforms have. What we gain
is to rid ourselves of her before
she makes it any worse.
VANNIS
I agree with Laas. This so-called
alliance was a mistake from the
beginning. The Dominion should
be conquering Bajor, not fighting
their battles for them.
TARAN’ATAR
You have been clear about that
from the start. Now you finally
have a Founder willing to agree
with you. I killed you once –
I can do it again.
ILAT’EKAL
And you wonder why we call
you a traitor.
ODO
Stop it, all of you! Laas, this
alliance is the right thing for
the Dominion, you must see that.
LAAS
No, it is the right thing for you,
Odo. Not for us. You are so
desperate to keep both Kira and
the Great Link in your life, that
you refuse to see what is obvious
to the rest of us.
Look, I'm sorry the Jem’Hadar took
the brunt of the Ascendant attack.
But we needed you. There was no
way we could stand up to them
without you.
LAAS
It was not our concern. You used
the Dominion as cannon fodder.
ODO
The Ascendants were our enemies
too, Laas. It was them who caused
the Link to break up, not Kira.
LAAS
So we take revenge? How can you
still be so blind after so long, Odo?
She used you, that is all.
KIRA
I used the resources I had, to
save as many lives as possible.
ILAT’EKAL
Not Jem’Hadar lives.
MEERA
What do you care about Jem’Hadar
lives? You’re all mass-produced in
a laboratory. They’ll just pump
out another batch in days.
ILAT’EKAL
We give our lives willingly for
the Founders, of course. But not
for the Federation.
TARAN’ATAR
(threatening)
You will do whatever Odo wants
you to do.
ILAT’EKAL
Odo is not the only Founder.
LAAS
Do you hear what your “alliance”
has created, Odo? The Jem’Hadar
fight over which one of us they
will obey, and meanwhile the
Dominion falls apart around us.
ODO
I don’t see how breaking up the
alliance with Bajor helps that,
Laas. Nothing is gained by it.
LAAS
Nothing is gained?! This woman
alone has caused more Dominion
deaths than entire planets of
monoforms have. What we gain
is to rid ourselves of her before
she makes it any worse.
VANNIS
I agree with Laas. This so-called
alliance was a mistake from the
beginning. The Dominion should
be conquering Bajor, not fighting
their battles for them.
TARAN’ATAR
You have been clear about that
from the start. Now you finally
have a Founder willing to agree
with you. I killed you once –
I can do it again.
ILAT’EKAL
And you wonder why we call
you a traitor.
ODO
Stop it, all of you! Laas, this
alliance is the right thing for
the Dominion, you must see that.
LAAS
No, it is the right thing for you,
Odo. Not for us. You are so
desperate to keep both Kira and
the Great Link in your life, that
you refuse to see what is obvious
to the rest of us.
Laas gestures around himself – Ilat’ekal on one side, and Vannis on the other. One Founder, one Vorta, one Jem’Hadar. Opposite them are Meera, Kira and Taran’atar. One Founder, one “Vorta”, one Jem’Hadar. And Odo is caught between.
LAAS
This is over. It should never have
begun in the first place. But I
see now that you will never be
convinced. You cannot break your
addiction to this woman. So there
is only one solution left.
(shouts out)
Jem’Hadar! Draw your weapons
and take aim.
(pointing at Kira)
I want her dead.
This is over. It should never have
begun in the first place. But I
see now that you will never be
convinced. You cannot break your
addiction to this woman. So there
is only one solution left.
(shouts out)
Jem’Hadar! Draw your weapons
and take aim.
(pointing at Kira)
I want her dead.
At the order from a Founder, the other Jem’Hadar instantly draw their weapons and point them at Kira. As Kira reacts to being at the centre of a circle of Jem’Hadar rifles...
ODO
Laas, no!
LAAS
Stay out of it, Odo. I'm doing
this for your own good.
Laas, no!
LAAS
Stay out of it, Odo. I'm doing
this for your own good.
ON TARAN’ATAR, as he makes a fateful decision. He sends a meaningful look towards...
KIRA, who sees the look in his eyes, and her own eyes flare as she understands what he’s about to do...
In a blur of movement, Taran’atar is on the attack. He whips sideways, snatching the kar’takin off Ilat’ekal and butting him in the head. Ilat’ekal goes down. Taran’atar SHROUDS just in time to avoid numerous rifle SHOTS from the other Jem’Hadar.
Odo urgently pushes Kira out of the way towards the outer rim of the bridge.
VANNIS
Kill him!
Kill him!
Another soldier ERUPTS in amber blood and guts. The other Jem’Hadar turn and FIRE in that direction... But too late. They just hit the already dead soldier.
A half-visible shrouded shape LANDS on a soldier’s back, knocking him forwards. The shape UNSHROUDS as it carries on through, revealing Taran’atar bringing down the heavy knife into another soldier’s head and dispatching him.
In a second, Taran’atar is on the move again. This is truly an Honoured Elder of the Jem’Hadar in action.
VANNIS
What is the matter with you?
Kill him, now!
What is the matter with you?
Kill him, now!
The remaining Jem’Hadar turn and renew their attack.
ODO
Stop this, all of you!
Stop this, all of you!
But the Jem’Hadar are in too much bloodlust to stop now, plus they can barely hear Odo over the shouts and bellows and screams. Meera SNEERS...
MEERA
A firmer hand, indeed.
A firmer hand, indeed.
...and MORPHS. She whips out arms of changeling matter, punching Jem’Hadar soldiers in the head, knocking rifles from their hands. She’s a whirling mass of tendrils flailing with deadly purpose.
Meanwhile Taran’atar slashes his knife, taking out another soldier who was coming for him. He grins with satisfaction and the adrenaline of the fight.
A Jem’Hadar sees Kira, and tries to attack. When Odo steps into his way with a glare, he instinctively halts himself.
Kira takes the moment and attacks the soldier herself, PUNCHING him in the stomach, snatching his rifle, and butting him in the head with it until he falls to the deck. Kira hefts the weapon, about to wade into the fight, but Odo holds her back.
ODO
Nerys, don’t... stay back...
Nerys, don’t... stay back...
Laas has been watching all this with disgust. He finally has had enough, so he MORPHS his arm into a sword (like in 7x14 “Chimera”) and steps forwards.
Laas’s arm MORPHS out, extending the sword, aiming for Taran’atar’s heart...
Taran’atar is busy attacking another soldier. But he intuitively senses the attack coming. He expertly dodges the blade, spins and SLASHES with his own knife...
...and the blade passes right THROUGH Laas’s body, the changeling matter unaffected.
Everyone stops and GASPS. Laas and Taran’atar are facing each other, armed. The remaining Jem’Hadar gape, amazed. Kira, Odo, Meera, Vannis. None of them can quite believe what just happened. What do they do now?
KIRA
Taran’atar... you just attacked
a Founder.
Taran’atar... you just attacked
a Founder.
Taran’atar straightens, stands firm. But underneath it, he’s scared. What the hell has he done?
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT THREE
Re: 11x04 - "Separation Manoeuvres Complete"
FADE IN:
33 EXT. SPACE
The Defiant, the Even Odds, the smaller Jem’Hadar ship and the larger Jem’Hadar ship. The runabout rejoins the party.
34 INT. DEFIANT – MAIN BRIDGE
Ro enters the bridge; Bowers immediately vacates the chair.
Ro shares a moment of mutual concern with Bowers. Then she nods, dismissing him, and he returns to his station.
35 INT. RUNABOUT – COCKPIT
Prynn is closing down the helm station. She turns towards Raiq, who is stood at the back, insular and withdrawn. Prynn sympathises – she started the same way.
Prynn finally lets her father go.
36 INT. JEM’HADAR CRUISER – COMMAND CENTRE
Taran’atar stands alone in the middle of the room, isolated as everyone else gazes at him in horror. Laas is opposite, disgusted. The surviving Jem’Hadar soldiers get to their feet, confused, wondering what to do now.
Ilat’ekal picks up a rifle from one of the dead bodies and points it at Taran’atar. Other Jem’Hadar do the same.
Ilat’ekal grabs Kira, takes the rifle off her, and drags her into the centre of the room with Taran’atar.
Odo is left on the spot, staring at Kira and Taran’atar. Kira looks peacefully over to Odo.
Odo looks back and forth between them, his heart breaking. But in the end, there’s only one decision he can make.
Sneering, Ilat’ekal shoves Kira back towards Odo, who catches her in his arms. Then the Second turns back to Taran’atar with a gleeful snarl.
Ilat’ekal backs away to join the circle of Jem’Hadar soldiers all pointing their weapons at Taran’atar.
Outside the circle, Odo and Kira watch in tears, while Laas watches with grim satisfaction.
Taran’atar stands tall. He has made his decision.
A dozen phaser rifle blasts fire at Taran’atar. Kira covers her eyes at the too-bright light...
WHITE OUT
37 WHITE SPACE
Vaughn and Iliana look at Rebecca, confused. The little girl said this completely without artifice, nonchalant.
Rebecca picks up her marbles, drops them into her pocket, and stands. She reaches out her hand to take Vaughn’s.
Vaughn gapes at Iliana – can this mean what he thinks? She looks back, equally as befuddled. He stands on no-longer-creaking bones, and takes Rebecca’s hand.
That’s slightly ominous. Wondering what she means by it, Vaughn accepts her decision and turns back to Rebecca.
Rebecca leads Vaughn by the hand off into the white. Soon enough they are lost in it. Iliana waves them goodbye...
WHITE OUT
38 INT. JEM’HADAR CRUISER – COMMAND CENTRE
The scorching light of the rifle blasts clears away, leaving only a wisp of smoke in the middle of the bridge.
Kira winces, holds back her emotions. In a room full of Jem’Hadar, there’s nothing she can do. Taran’atar is gone.
Laas turns and leaves the bridge. Vannis begins directing the Jem’Hadar to clean up the bodies and send the orders. Kira and Odo turn to each other, hurting over Taran’atar.
Odo nods acceptance of that. He leans in for a last kiss. They both know this is goodbye, possibly forever. He and Kira smooch for a moment. Then Odo steps back.
39 INT. DEFIANT – MAIN BRIDGE
As Ro and Bowers sit on edge, waiting for news, they react with relief-slash-worry...
Worried at the lack of explanation, Ro nods towards Bowers, who works his panels.
After a moment, Kira appears in a transporter beam on the bridge. Ro stands to greet her, about to welcome her back.
But then Ro sees the look on Kira’s face. She’s about to crumple. Ro realises what must have happened – Taran’atar. And Odo. She’s stunned, unsure how to react.
Without any words, Ro and Kira walk towards each other, and hug in full view of the bridge, comforting each other.
FADE OUT:
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
33 EXT. SPACE
The Defiant, the Even Odds, the smaller Jem’Hadar ship and the larger Jem’Hadar ship. The runabout rejoins the party.
34 INT. DEFIANT – MAIN BRIDGE
Ro enters the bridge; Bowers immediately vacates the chair.
RO
Did they all get back over to the
Even Odds okay?
BOWERS
Chief Chao reports transport was
successful, Commander. And
Lieutenant Nog reports that the
Even Odds is spaceworthy again,
and his crew is ready to return
to the Defiant.
RO
(settles into chair)
Anything else interesting?
BOWERS
Only that we haven’t heard from
Captain Kira or Taran’atar on
board the Dominion ship.
RO
And that worries you.
BOWERS
Any loss of communication with a
commanding officer is always cause
for worry.
RO
Kira isn’t the captain anymore, Sam.
BOWERS
With respect, commander, I know
she keeps saying that, but I'm
not sure she believes it herself.
Besides, just because she doesn’t
wear the uniform is no reason not
to worry for her safety.
RO
No... it’s not.
Did they all get back over to the
Even Odds okay?
BOWERS
Chief Chao reports transport was
successful, Commander. And
Lieutenant Nog reports that the
Even Odds is spaceworthy again,
and his crew is ready to return
to the Defiant.
RO
(settles into chair)
Anything else interesting?
BOWERS
Only that we haven’t heard from
Captain Kira or Taran’atar on
board the Dominion ship.
RO
And that worries you.
BOWERS
Any loss of communication with a
commanding officer is always cause
for worry.
RO
Kira isn’t the captain anymore, Sam.
BOWERS
With respect, commander, I know
she keeps saying that, but I'm
not sure she believes it herself.
Besides, just because she doesn’t
wear the uniform is no reason not
to worry for her safety.
RO
No... it’s not.
Ro shares a moment of mutual concern with Bowers. Then she nods, dismissing him, and he returns to his station.
35 INT. RUNABOUT – COCKPIT
Prynn is closing down the helm station. She turns towards Raiq, who is stood at the back, insular and withdrawn. Prynn sympathises – she started the same way.
PRYNN
I know how you’re feeling, Raiq.
I know you miss them. I know you
want to save them, or be with
them. But they wanted to go, and
you have to respect that. And try
your best to let them go.
RAIQ
They gave their lives willingly
for the True.
PRYNN
Yes, they did.
I know how you’re feeling, Raiq.
I know you miss them. I know you
want to save them, or be with
them. But they wanted to go, and
you have to respect that. And try
your best to let them go.
RAIQ
They gave their lives willingly
for the True.
PRYNN
Yes, they did.
Prynn finally lets her father go.
36 INT. JEM’HADAR CRUISER – COMMAND CENTRE
Taran’atar stands alone in the middle of the room, isolated as everyone else gazes at him in horror. Laas is opposite, disgusted. The surviving Jem’Hadar soldiers get to their feet, confused, wondering what to do now.
VANNIS
Second – keep your weapons on him.
Second – keep your weapons on him.
Ilat’ekal picks up a rifle from one of the dead bodies and points it at Taran’atar. Other Jem’Hadar do the same.
VANNIS
And her.
And her.
Ilat’ekal grabs Kira, takes the rifle off her, and drags her into the centre of the room with Taran’atar.
LAAS
(sadly)
A Jem’Hadar attacks a Founder.
I know you recall what happened
the last time a monoform attacked
me, Odo. Is it clear enough to you
yet, how foolish you’ve been, letting
a Jem’Hadar think for himself...
VANNIS
First Taran’atar of the Jem’Hadar.
You have committed the unfathomable,
unpardonable crime of attacking a
Founder. There can be only one
possible response.
ODO
Laas... please... this isn’t necessary.
LAAS
Astonishing! Still you do not see.
You set all this is motion, Odo,
with your strange need to make
the changelings and the solids
be “friends.”
(beat)
But I am not cruel, Odo. I know
you cannot help yourself. So I
will offer you a choice. Things
have gone too far for someone not
to pay in blood. But I will allow
you to save one of them.
KIRA
...what?
LAAS
It’s up to you, Odo. The soldier
you pinned all your hopes on for
a new Dominion, or the woman
you pined over every day for years.
But only one. And whichever you
choose... this alliance is over.
(sadly)
A Jem’Hadar attacks a Founder.
I know you recall what happened
the last time a monoform attacked
me, Odo. Is it clear enough to you
yet, how foolish you’ve been, letting
a Jem’Hadar think for himself...
VANNIS
First Taran’atar of the Jem’Hadar.
You have committed the unfathomable,
unpardonable crime of attacking a
Founder. There can be only one
possible response.
ODO
Laas... please... this isn’t necessary.
LAAS
Astonishing! Still you do not see.
You set all this is motion, Odo,
with your strange need to make
the changelings and the solids
be “friends.”
(beat)
But I am not cruel, Odo. I know
you cannot help yourself. So I
will offer you a choice. Things
have gone too far for someone not
to pay in blood. But I will allow
you to save one of them.
KIRA
...what?
LAAS
It’s up to you, Odo. The soldier
you pinned all your hopes on for
a new Dominion, or the woman
you pined over every day for years.
But only one. And whichever you
choose... this alliance is over.
Odo is left on the spot, staring at Kira and Taran’atar. Kira looks peacefully over to Odo.
KIRA
It’s okay, Odo. I know I saved
the Eav’oq, and I stopped the
Ascendants. And if the Prophets
want me to give my life in
return... that’s fine.
TARAN’ATAR
Unacceptable, Captain. My life
belongs to the Founders. Whatever
else has changed, that is still
true. I will die in your place.
KIRA
But Laas was right, Taran’atar.
You are the future of the
Jem’Hadar. You don’t have to
be sacrificed. You can choose.
TARAN’ATAR
(w/ feeling)
I have chosen.
It’s okay, Odo. I know I saved
the Eav’oq, and I stopped the
Ascendants. And if the Prophets
want me to give my life in
return... that’s fine.
TARAN’ATAR
Unacceptable, Captain. My life
belongs to the Founders. Whatever
else has changed, that is still
true. I will die in your place.
KIRA
But Laas was right, Taran’atar.
You are the future of the
Jem’Hadar. You don’t have to
be sacrificed. You can choose.
TARAN’ATAR
(w/ feeling)
I have chosen.
Odo looks back and forth between them, his heart breaking. But in the end, there’s only one decision he can make.
ODO
Take him.
Take him.
Sneering, Ilat’ekal shoves Kira back towards Odo, who catches her in his arms. Then the Second turns back to Taran’atar with a gleeful snarl.
ILAT’EKAL
I told you I would be here.
VANNIS
Jem’Hadar - take aim.
I told you I would be here.
VANNIS
Jem’Hadar - take aim.
Ilat’ekal backs away to join the circle of Jem’Hadar soldiers all pointing their weapons at Taran’atar.
Outside the circle, Odo and Kira watch in tears, while Laas watches with grim satisfaction.
Taran’atar stands tall. He has made his decision.
VANNIS
Fire!
Fire!
A dozen phaser rifle blasts fire at Taran’atar. Kira covers her eyes at the too-bright light...
WHITE OUT
REBECCA (v.o.)
It’s time to go now.
It’s time to go now.
37 WHITE SPACE
Vaughn and Iliana look at Rebecca, confused. The little girl said this completely without artifice, nonchalant.
VAUGHN
I'm sorry, sweetheart. What did
you say?
REBECCA
I'm tired. It’s time to go home.
I'm sorry, sweetheart. What did
you say?
REBECCA
I'm tired. It’s time to go home.
Rebecca picks up her marbles, drops them into her pocket, and stands. She reaches out her hand to take Vaughn’s.
REBECCA
Come on. Time to go. Daddy’s
waiting for us.
Come on. Time to go. Daddy’s
waiting for us.
Vaughn gapes at Iliana – can this mean what he thinks? She looks back, equally as befuddled. He stands on no-longer-creaking bones, and takes Rebecca’s hand.
ILIANA
Well? What are you waiting for?
That’s why she’s here – to take
you home.
VAUGHN
But what about you?
ILIANA
She didn’t come for me. She came
for you. Somebody needs to stay
for the plan to work, remember?
I'm supposed to be here.
VAUGHN
But you’ll be all alone...
ILIANA
Go. She won’t wait forever.
(beat)
Oh, Elias... say hi to Nerys for me.
And tell her to watch out for Raiq.
Well? What are you waiting for?
That’s why she’s here – to take
you home.
VAUGHN
But what about you?
ILIANA
She didn’t come for me. She came
for you. Somebody needs to stay
for the plan to work, remember?
I'm supposed to be here.
VAUGHN
But you’ll be all alone...
ILIANA
Go. She won’t wait forever.
(beat)
Oh, Elias... say hi to Nerys for me.
And tell her to watch out for Raiq.
That’s slightly ominous. Wondering what she means by it, Vaughn accepts her decision and turns back to Rebecca.
VAUGHN
Okay, Rebecca. Take me home.
Okay, Rebecca. Take me home.
Rebecca leads Vaughn by the hand off into the white. Soon enough they are lost in it. Iliana waves them goodbye...
WHITE OUT
38 INT. JEM’HADAR CRUISER – COMMAND CENTRE
The scorching light of the rifle blasts clears away, leaving only a wisp of smoke in the middle of the bridge.
Kira winces, holds back her emotions. In a room full of Jem’Hadar, there’s nothing she can do. Taran’atar is gone.
LAAS
Vannis – recall all Jem’Hadar in
this sector. In fact, recall all Jem’
Hadar everywhere. The Dominion
is closing its borders. We will
have nothing more to do with the
Bajorans or the Federation, or
anyone from the Alpha Quadrant.
VANNIS
At once, Founder. And thank you.
LAAS
As for you, Odo... Kira must leave
immediately. I never want to see
or hear from her again. Whether
you choose to stay or go... is
your concern.
Vannis – recall all Jem’Hadar in
this sector. In fact, recall all Jem’
Hadar everywhere. The Dominion
is closing its borders. We will
have nothing more to do with the
Bajorans or the Federation, or
anyone from the Alpha Quadrant.
VANNIS
At once, Founder. And thank you.
LAAS
As for you, Odo... Kira must leave
immediately. I never want to see
or hear from her again. Whether
you choose to stay or go... is
your concern.
Laas turns and leaves the bridge. Vannis begins directing the Jem’Hadar to clean up the bodies and send the orders. Kira and Odo turn to each other, hurting over Taran’atar.
KIRA
Odo... I’m so sorry...
ODO
Maybe Laas was right. Maybe this
is all my fault.
KIRA
He’s not right. Not about that,
anyway. I asked you to do this.
ODO
I tried, Nerys. I really tried.
KIRA
I know.
ODO
I tried with Taran’atar. I tried
with Weyoun. And I failed.
KIRA
You could try again.
ODO
It’s pointless. Maybe this was all
doomed from the start.
(beat)
You should probably go.
KIRA
You’re staying with them?
ODO
I'm sorry.
KIRA
No, I think you should. Meera is
already on your side. If you and
her work on Laas together...
maybe one day he’ll come around.
ODO
(derisive grunt)
I doubt it. He’s more cynical
about ‘solids’ than I ever was.
He resented you from the start.
KIRA
Then what about the rest of the
Founders? Or the Hundred? You
could search for them, get them
to come back to the Link. Meera
did, maybe they will too.
ODO
I love you, Nerys. Say hi to
everyone for me.
KIRA
I promise. And I love you, Odo.
I always will. And I'm so sorry
about Taran’atar.
Odo... I’m so sorry...
ODO
Maybe Laas was right. Maybe this
is all my fault.
KIRA
He’s not right. Not about that,
anyway. I asked you to do this.
ODO
I tried, Nerys. I really tried.
KIRA
I know.
ODO
I tried with Taran’atar. I tried
with Weyoun. And I failed.
KIRA
You could try again.
ODO
It’s pointless. Maybe this was all
doomed from the start.
(beat)
You should probably go.
KIRA
You’re staying with them?
ODO
I'm sorry.
KIRA
No, I think you should. Meera is
already on your side. If you and
her work on Laas together...
maybe one day he’ll come around.
ODO
(derisive grunt)
I doubt it. He’s more cynical
about ‘solids’ than I ever was.
He resented you from the start.
KIRA
Then what about the rest of the
Founders? Or the Hundred? You
could search for them, get them
to come back to the Link. Meera
did, maybe they will too.
ODO
I love you, Nerys. Say hi to
everyone for me.
KIRA
I promise. And I love you, Odo.
I always will. And I'm so sorry
about Taran’atar.
Odo nods acceptance of that. He leans in for a last kiss. They both know this is goodbye, possibly forever. He and Kira smooch for a moment. Then Odo steps back.
ODO
Odo to Defiant.
Odo to Defiant.
39 INT. DEFIANT – MAIN BRIDGE
As Ro and Bowers sit on edge, waiting for news, they react with relief-slash-worry...
RO
Odo! This is Ro – what’s going on
over there?
ODO (comm)
It’s all over. One Bajoran to
beam aboard.
Odo! This is Ro – what’s going on
over there?
ODO (comm)
It’s all over. One Bajoran to
beam aboard.
Worried at the lack of explanation, Ro nods towards Bowers, who works his panels.
After a moment, Kira appears in a transporter beam on the bridge. Ro stands to greet her, about to welcome her back.
But then Ro sees the look on Kira’s face. She’s about to crumple. Ro realises what must have happened – Taran’atar. And Odo. She’s stunned, unsure how to react.
Without any words, Ro and Kira walk towards each other, and hug in full view of the bridge, comforting each other.
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT FOUR
Re: 11x04 - "Separation Manoeuvres Complete"
FADE IN:
40 EXT. SPACE
The small Jem’Hadar ship carefully undocks from the Even Odds, and begins to slowly move away. The giant Jem’Hadar ship lumbers around and follows it, both moving away and out of the shadow of the Eav’oq moon. They’re gone.
The Defiant, the Brahmaputra, and the Even Odds remain.
41 INT. EVEN ODDS – CORRIDOR
Dez, Meera and Nog walk along the corridor, which is looking much more repaired than in 11x02. Walls have been patched up, panels replaced, lights fixed, power humming smoothly. Things have a slightly more Starfleet-mixed-with-Dominion look to them now than they did originally.
Also, Meera is carrying a container, small and cylindrical, something that looks like part of a machine or computer.
They pause at a particular door.
They smile at each other, and actually touch hands for a brief second. Then Nog steps back and taps his combadge.
Nog disappears in a Starfleet transporter beam.
But as she turns to enter the door, there’s a little smirk on her face. The door opens, onto:
42 INT. EVEN ODDS – TRANSPORTER ROOM
Dez and Meera enter the room together, and Meera hauls up the container she was carrying onto a panel. She opens the top of it, and pours a silver liquid out onto the console.
The liquid flows and searches around, finds an open bit of circuitry and slides into it, disappearing into the guts of the machinery. The console powers up, lights blinking and coming to life.
They wait for a while, After a moment, the transporter cycles up with a Dominion-style signature.
And then Taran’atar materialises on the platform. He looks around at his surroundings, confused.
FLASHBACK
The Jem’Hadar bridge. All of the soldiers are pointing their weapons at Taran’atar...
At the back of the bridge, behind the soldiers’ backs and unseen by anyone else, Meera stands at a console, her small hands flying over the controls at warp speed.
Meera hits one last control, a bare split second before all the Jem’Hadar fire.
BACK TO SCENE
Meera continues to explain...
Meera then disappears in a spontaneous Dominion transporter beam. Dez gestures towards the door...
After a moment’s hesitation, Taran’atar steps off the pad and follows Dez out of the room. Dez casually throws out...
Then the door closes.
43 EXT. SPACE
The last ship to leave, the repaired Even Odds moves out of the shadow of the moon, sets a course and gets underway.
44 EXT. SPACE
The Alpha exit of the wormhole bursts open, and the Defiant and the Brahmaputra both emerge. The runabout immediately turns and heads off in the other direction.
45 INT. DEFIANT – MAIN BRIDGE
Ro is back in the command chair, with Bowers at tactical, Aleco at helm. Nog stands nearby.
Bowers works his panels. Ro is looking rather downcast and sad. Nog steps close and speaks confidentially.
Nog and Ro – the two people who have had most reason to hate Taran’atar over the years – bond over missing him.
Then Aleco suddenly shouts:
Everyone looks at the screen, and their jaws drop. It shows the station...
The screen zooms in on the Promenade, and everyone can see the massive hole that’s been blown in the station by Axno’s death. Open to space, red and smoking at the edges.
They all stand and gawp... what the hell happened?
46 EXT. BAJOR - ESTABLISHING
The usual warm and sunny shot of Bajor’s capital city.
47 INT. ASHALLA MONASTERY – ATRIUM
Kira, Raiq and Prynn enter from one side.
Without another word, Raiq moves off into the depths of the monastery. As she does, Sisko and Kasidy enter. They’re both in tears, but this time it’s happy tears. They’re both beaming ecstatically through them, grinning wide.
Sisko grabs Kira and Kasidy grabs Prynn, and drag them both by the arms to the secret staircase, and down the steps.
48 INT. ASHALLA MONASTERY – ORB SANCTUARY
Sisko and Kasidy are super-excited as they work their way down the spiral steps. Kira and Prynn are being dragged along in their wake, totally mystified but amused by the uncharacteristic enthusiasm.
They reach the bottom of the stairs, turn the corner into the sanctuary itself, see the nine Orb boxes laid out in a circle on the ground...
...and in the middle of the circle, Vaughn and Rebecca sit cross-legged, playing with Rebecca’s marbles.
He reaches out and ruffles Rebecca’s hair. Having suffered through that, Rebecca gets up and runs to her daddy, grabs him hard for a fierce hug. Kasidy beams happily to see it.
Vaughn also gets to his feet and dusts off his uniform. Prynn takes a few staggering steps forward, and then she’s in his arms too. They hug like their lives depend on it...
FADE OUT:
ACT FIVE
FADE IN:
40 EXT. SPACE
The small Jem’Hadar ship carefully undocks from the Even Odds, and begins to slowly move away. The giant Jem’Hadar ship lumbers around and follows it, both moving away and out of the shadow of the Eav’oq moon. They’re gone.
The Defiant, the Brahmaputra, and the Even Odds remain.
41 INT. EVEN ODDS – CORRIDOR
Dez, Meera and Nog walk along the corridor, which is looking much more repaired than in 11x02. Walls have been patched up, panels replaced, lights fixed, power humming smoothly. Things have a slightly more Starfleet-mixed-with-Dominion look to them now than they did originally.
Also, Meera is carrying a container, small and cylindrical, something that looks like part of a machine or computer.
DEZ
Thank you again for fixing up my
ship, Nog.
(light)
Even though it kinda was your
fault it nearly got destroyed in
the first place...
NOG
Happy to help, Captain. But it was
the Jem’Hadar who provided a lot
of the materials and labour.
DEZ
(looking around)
Yeah... flying about surrounded by
Dominion technology is going to
take some getting used to.
MEERA
You may find it more useful than
you realise, Dez.
NOG
And certainly less trouble than
Ascendant tech turned to be.
DEZ
Amen to that.
Thank you again for fixing up my
ship, Nog.
(light)
Even though it kinda was your
fault it nearly got destroyed in
the first place...
NOG
Happy to help, Captain. But it was
the Jem’Hadar who provided a lot
of the materials and labour.
DEZ
(looking around)
Yeah... flying about surrounded by
Dominion technology is going to
take some getting used to.
MEERA
You may find it more useful than
you realise, Dez.
NOG
And certainly less trouble than
Ascendant tech turned to be.
DEZ
Amen to that.
They pause at a particular door.
NOG
Time to go home. Goodbye, Dez.
DEZ
Bye, Nog. Say hi to Jake. And
look after Pif for me, will you?
NOG
(awkward)
I'm sure he’ll be fine. And I'm
sorry about Prees.
(turns to Meera)
It was good to see you again too,
Meera. I wish there was a hope in
Destitution we’d ever see each
other again.
MEERA
Unexpected things happen, Nog.
Time to go home. Goodbye, Dez.
DEZ
Bye, Nog. Say hi to Jake. And
look after Pif for me, will you?
NOG
(awkward)
I'm sure he’ll be fine. And I'm
sorry about Prees.
(turns to Meera)
It was good to see you again too,
Meera. I wish there was a hope in
Destitution we’d ever see each
other again.
MEERA
Unexpected things happen, Nog.
They smile at each other, and actually touch hands for a brief second. Then Nog steps back and taps his combadge.
NOG
Nog to Defiant – one to beam aboard.
Nog to Defiant – one to beam aboard.
Nog disappears in a Starfleet transporter beam.
DEZ
Did you two just have a moment?
MEERA
Don’t be ridiculous.
Did you two just have a moment?
MEERA
Don’t be ridiculous.
But as she turns to enter the door, there’s a little smirk on her face. The door opens, onto:
42 INT. EVEN ODDS – TRANSPORTER ROOM
Dez and Meera enter the room together, and Meera hauls up the container she was carrying onto a panel. She opens the top of it, and pours a silver liquid out onto the console.
The liquid flows and searches around, finds an open bit of circuitry and slides into it, disappearing into the guts of the machinery. The console powers up, lights blinking and coming to life.
DEZ
Srral? Can you hear me?
SRRAL (comm)
Affirmative, Captain.
DEZ
(sigh of relief)
Welcome home, Srral.
SRRAL (comm)
Thank you, Dez. And thank you too,
Meera, for looking after me.
MEERA
You are welcome, my friend. You
will find a process on hold in the
transporter’s buffer system. Would
you complete the cycle, please?
SRRAL (comm)
Working. Stand by.
Srral? Can you hear me?
SRRAL (comm)
Affirmative, Captain.
DEZ
(sigh of relief)
Welcome home, Srral.
SRRAL (comm)
Thank you, Dez. And thank you too,
Meera, for looking after me.
MEERA
You are welcome, my friend. You
will find a process on hold in the
transporter’s buffer system. Would
you complete the cycle, please?
SRRAL (comm)
Working. Stand by.
They wait for a while, After a moment, the transporter cycles up with a Dominion-style signature.
And then Taran’atar materialises on the platform. He looks around at his surroundings, confused.
TARAN’ATAR
I don’t understand. How –
MEERA
I saved you, Taran’atar.
I don’t understand. How –
MEERA
I saved you, Taran’atar.
FLASHBACK
The Jem’Hadar bridge. All of the soldiers are pointing their weapons at Taran’atar...
At the back of the bridge, behind the soldiers’ backs and unseen by anyone else, Meera stands at a console, her small hands flying over the controls at warp speed.
VANNIS (o.s.)
Fire!
Fire!
Meera hits one last control, a bare split second before all the Jem’Hadar fire.
BACK TO SCENE
Meera continues to explain...
MEERA
Nog repaired the Even Odds using
Dominion technology, so this ship
now has our transporters. Srral
has been recuperating on my ship
all this time, so he has the skills
to operate them. And everyone
else was blinded by the glare of
the weapons... so they have no
idea I snatched you away at the
last instant and hid you until
they were gone.
DEZ
You’re welcome to stay here if you
want, Taran’atar. We could use
some new crew members, and
I'm happy for it to be you.
MEERA
But decide soon. Dez and I are the
only ones who know you’re alive.
So I’d stay out of the Dominion’s
way if I were you.
TARAN’ATAR
Founder... you saved my life.
I cannot express...
MEERA
That’s alright. You don’t have to.
Have a good, long life, Taran’atar.
You deserve it.
Nog repaired the Even Odds using
Dominion technology, so this ship
now has our transporters. Srral
has been recuperating on my ship
all this time, so he has the skills
to operate them. And everyone
else was blinded by the glare of
the weapons... so they have no
idea I snatched you away at the
last instant and hid you until
they were gone.
DEZ
You’re welcome to stay here if you
want, Taran’atar. We could use
some new crew members, and
I'm happy for it to be you.
MEERA
But decide soon. Dez and I are the
only ones who know you’re alive.
So I’d stay out of the Dominion’s
way if I were you.
TARAN’ATAR
Founder... you saved my life.
I cannot express...
MEERA
That’s alright. You don’t have to.
Have a good, long life, Taran’atar.
You deserve it.
Meera then disappears in a spontaneous Dominion transporter beam. Dez gestures towards the door...
TARAN’ATAR
What will I do here?
DEZ
Whatever you want. Isn’t that the
point? Your knowledge of where to
go to avoid the Dominion will be
very handy. And having somebody
around to intimidate strangers is
always good business policy.
TARAN’ATAR
But... Kira. Odo. Ro Laren. The
crew of Deep Space Nine...
DEZ
They all think you’re dead. Best
to let them keep thinking that,
for your own safety.
What will I do here?
DEZ
Whatever you want. Isn’t that the
point? Your knowledge of where to
go to avoid the Dominion will be
very handy. And having somebody
around to intimidate strangers is
always good business policy.
TARAN’ATAR
But... Kira. Odo. Ro Laren. The
crew of Deep Space Nine...
DEZ
They all think you’re dead. Best
to let them keep thinking that,
for your own safety.
After a moment’s hesitation, Taran’atar steps off the pad and follows Dez out of the room. Dez casually throws out...
DEZ
Might be a good idea to stay out
of Glessin’s way too for a while...
Might be a good idea to stay out
of Glessin’s way too for a while...
Then the door closes.
43 EXT. SPACE
The last ship to leave, the repaired Even Odds moves out of the shadow of the moon, sets a course and gets underway.
44 EXT. SPACE
The Alpha exit of the wormhole bursts open, and the Defiant and the Brahmaputra both emerge. The runabout immediately turns and heads off in the other direction.
45 INT. DEFIANT – MAIN BRIDGE
Ro is back in the command chair, with Bowers at tactical, Aleco at helm. Nog stands nearby.
RO
Sam, make sure Prynn knows I want
that runabout back on the station
where it belongs the moment she’s
finished dropping Kira and Raiq
back off home.
BOWERS
Aye, Commander.
Sam, make sure Prynn knows I want
that runabout back on the station
where it belongs the moment she’s
finished dropping Kira and Raiq
back off home.
BOWERS
Aye, Commander.
Bowers works his panels. Ro is looking rather downcast and sad. Nog steps close and speaks confidentially.
NOG
Ro? Are you okay?
RO
I said goodbye to him so many
times. And we always found a way
to meet up again. This time he’s
gone for good, and I never got
a chance to say goodbye.
Ro? Are you okay?
RO
I said goodbye to him so many
times. And we always found a way
to meet up again. This time he’s
gone for good, and I never got
a chance to say goodbye.
Nog and Ro – the two people who have had most reason to hate Taran’atar over the years – bond over missing him.
Then Aleco suddenly shouts:
ALECO
Commander! Look...
Commander! Look...
Everyone looks at the screen, and their jaws drop. It shows the station...
RO
Increase magnification.
Increase magnification.
The screen zooms in on the Promenade, and everyone can see the massive hole that’s been blown in the station by Axno’s death. Open to space, red and smoking at the edges.
They all stand and gawp... what the hell happened?
46 EXT. BAJOR - ESTABLISHING
The usual warm and sunny shot of Bajor’s capital city.
47 INT. ASHALLA MONASTERY – ATRIUM
Kira, Raiq and Prynn enter from one side.
RAIQ
I will go to my rooms. I wish to
be alone. To think.
I will go to my rooms. I wish to
be alone. To think.
Without another word, Raiq moves off into the depths of the monastery. As she does, Sisko and Kasidy enter. They’re both in tears, but this time it’s happy tears. They’re both beaming ecstatically through them, grinning wide.
SISKO
Nerys! Prynn! Oh it’s so good
you’re here...
KIRA
Benjamin – did you sort out your
problem? Is everything okay?
KASIDY
It’s better than okay. You have
to come with us. Right now!
Nerys! Prynn! Oh it’s so good
you’re here...
KIRA
Benjamin – did you sort out your
problem? Is everything okay?
KASIDY
It’s better than okay. You have
to come with us. Right now!
Sisko grabs Kira and Kasidy grabs Prynn, and drag them both by the arms to the secret staircase, and down the steps.
48 INT. ASHALLA MONASTERY – ORB SANCTUARY
Sisko and Kasidy are super-excited as they work their way down the spiral steps. Kira and Prynn are being dragged along in their wake, totally mystified but amused by the uncharacteristic enthusiasm.
KIRA
Kas, what is going on? What’s the big –
KASIDY
Just come on!
Kas, what is going on? What’s the big –
KASIDY
Just come on!
They reach the bottom of the stairs, turn the corner into the sanctuary itself, see the nine Orb boxes laid out in a circle on the ground...
...and in the middle of the circle, Vaughn and Rebecca sit cross-legged, playing with Rebecca’s marbles.
PRYNN
(thunderstruck)
Dad...?
VAUGHN
Prynn! Hi, baby!
PRYNN
But... how...
VAUGHN
Seems I got me my own personal
saviour.
(thunderstruck)
Dad...?
VAUGHN
Prynn! Hi, baby!
PRYNN
But... how...
VAUGHN
Seems I got me my own personal
saviour.
He reaches out and ruffles Rebecca’s hair. Having suffered through that, Rebecca gets up and runs to her daddy, grabs him hard for a fierce hug. Kasidy beams happily to see it.
Vaughn also gets to his feet and dusts off his uniform. Prynn takes a few staggering steps forward, and then she’s in his arms too. They hug like their lives depend on it...
FADE OUT:
END OF SHOW
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