DS9 11x09 - "The Laughing Policeman"

[DS9Continuing]

Hi all

Time for episode 9.

Here's the links:

11x01 "Systems Under Repair" - Ad Astra, pdf, ebook
11x02 "Structural Integrity Compromised" - Ad Astra, pdf, ebook
11x03 "Self Destruct Initiated" - Ad Astra, pdf, ebook
11x04 "Separation Manoeuvres Complete" - Ad Astra, pdf, ebook
11x05 "The New Normal" - Ad Astra, pdf, ebook
11x06 "Two Steps Forward" - AdAstra, pdf, ebook
11x07 "In Love and War" - AdAstra, pdf, ebook
11x08 "Puppy Love" - AdAstra, pdf, ebook
11x09 "The Laughing Policeman" - AdAstra, pdf, ebook


Enjoy!

 

[DS9Continuing]

TEASER​

FADE IN:



1 INT. DS9 – SECURITY OFFICE


Major CENN sits behind the desk, harried and overworked. He has several padds on the desk before him, several screens running various bits of information around him, and a half-finished mug of coffee at his side.

A console bleeps – he looks at it, sees what it is, sighs with exhaustion, rubs his brow. Doesn't have time for this. Still, no choice. He taps the control, and an image of VAUGHN, sat in his office, appears on a screen.

CENN
Captain, what can I do for you?

VAUGHN (screen)
I'm still waiting on the criminal
activity reports, Major.

CENN
(holds up padd)
I'm actually working on them right
now, sir. It's just been difficult to
find the time –

VAUGHN (screen)
By the end of the day, please.
Vaughn out.​

And the image drops before Cenn can even reply. Cenn is a bit annoyed by the brusque tone, but what can he do? He gets back to work.

The door opens, and BOWERS strides in from the Promenade. Cenn looks up, bites his tongue. He really doesn't have time or energy for this, but he tries to just go with it.

CENN
Bowers. What can I do for you?

BOWERS
I wanted to schedule some extra
hand-to-hand combat drills for
the station's security force.

CENN
Okay. But can it wait?

BOWERS
I'd rather it not. After the
incident with Ambassador Garak,
the captain's eager to beef up
our security. I don't want to
have to disappoint him.

CENN
No, I guess that wouldn't be good
for any of us. What do you need?​

Bowers hands him yet another padd to add to the pile.

BOWERS
I've set up a series of training
sessions in the holosuites. You
need to coordinate your deputies
so they can all attend at least
two sessions.

CENN
(sigh)
I'll do what I can.

BOWERS
Thank you, Major.​

Bowers turns and leaves.

Before Cenn can do anything else, the rear door opens and SEVAK emerges from the cells area.

SEVAK
Major, Mister Ethrakoi wishes you
to know that he insists he did
nothing wrong. Also, that we will
most certainly regret falsely
imprisoning him.

CENN
Sevak, if you weren't a Vulcan I'd
swear you were deliberately trying
to drive me insane.

SEVAK
The two are not necessarily
mutually exclusive, Major.​

Cenn can't help but smirk a little. Vulcan humour. Bless.

CENN
You can tell Mister Ethrakoi that
breaking into his ex-wife's room
to retrieve their wedding dowry
from around her neck while she
slept might not be against the
rules where he comes from, but
we tend to frown on it here. He
can stay where he is.

SEVAK
I shall relay the message.​

Sevak turns to return to the cells. But before he can get very far, a huge booming LAUGH sounds out on the Promenade. Sevak raises an eyebrow, Cenn is equally intrigued. Cenn gets up and looks out of the glass doors.


CENN'S POV


Outside at the replimat, PRYNN, NOG and BASHIR sit together at a table. RO, QUARK and a new face stand with them, all chatting MOS. Someone says something funny, and everyone laughs – it's the new guy who has the huge booming laugh.

Cenn scans the new arrival over. He's male, Bajoran, dark-skinned. Older, approx 50s, still in decent shape but with greying hair. A Starfleet officer, in security gold and Lt Cmdr's pips, which glint next to the Bajoran earring.

Again with the big boisterous laugh. The new guy is jolly, friendly, personable. Cenn frowns, unimpressed.

CENN
Sevak... who's this?​

Sevak joins Cenn and the door, looks out with him.

SEVAK
I am not familiar, sir.

CENN
Whoever he is, apparently he's
got time to stand around being
everyone's best friend. Some of
us have work to do.

SEVAK
You appear to be under strain,
Major. Perhaps a short period
of meditation would help.

CENN
Ha – I wish. I don't have time to
meditate, Sevak.

SEVAK
Very well.​

Sevak leaves for the cells. With a harrumph, Cenn returns to his desk.

As he picks up a padd, the LAUGH comes again, and Cenn grits his teeth in annoyance. He swivels his chair, turning his back on the door, trying to concentrate.

After a moment the main door OPENS again, and Cenn swivels, about to give whoever it is a piece of his mind...

...and knocks the cup of coffee FLYING across the room. Coffee spills everywhere – the desk, the walls, the padds.

As he panics and starts rescuing padds, Ro and the new guy stand in the doorway, stopped at the sudden chaos.

CENN
Damn it damn it damn it...​

Cenn dashes to a hidden mini-closet by the replicator and grabs a fistful of paper towels. The newcomer rushes to grab some too, helping to mop up the mess.

EVIK
Our fault entirely, let me help.

RO
(smirk)
Having a good day, Major?

CENN
Let's see. I've got Vaughn in one
ear chasing the criminal activity
reports, Lenaris in the other ear
wanting liaison officer reports,
both of which I'll probably have
to start again now, plus there's
Bowers wanting to schedule more
drills, people breaking into quarters,
Quark still pestering me about
the puppies...​

The mopping up is mostly finished. He angrily throws the wet towels into the reclamator, dissolves them, then turns back to the others with a harassed sigh.

CENN
To answer your question, no. I'm
not having a good day.

RO
I may be able to help with that.
Major Cenn Desca, please meet
Lieutenant Commander Evik Nath.​

The two men shake hands. EVIK is quite warm and friendly. Cenn still isn't quite sure who the hell this guy is.

EVIK
I'm very glad to meet you, Major.

CENN
Likewise.

EVIK
Not to add any more pressure, but
I will be relying on you fairly heavily
to get me up to speed over the
next few days.

CENN
I'm sorry, perhaps I'm missing
something... but what exactly am I
supposed to be helping you with?
Who are you?​

Evik looks to Ro, confused – Cenn doesn't know?

RO
Oh, I'm sorry, Major, I thought
you knew. Commander Evik is
going to be the station's new
chief of security.

EVIK
I'm here to relieve you, Major.​

Evik is perfectly polite and friendly about this.

But Cenn's jaw drops, stunned. Has he just been fired?



FADE OUT:

END OF TEASER​

 

[DS9Continuing]

ACT ONE​

FADE IN:



2 EXT. DEEP SPACE NINE - ESTABLISHING


The usual establishing shot, tight on Ops.



3 INT. DS9 – CAPTAIN'S OFFICE


Vaughn reaches out to shake Evik's hand.

VAUGHN
Welcome aboard, Commander.

EVIK
Thank you, Captain. Glad to be here.

VAUGHN
Please...​

Vaughn gestures over to the couch area of the office. Evik, Vaughn, Ro and Cenn all head that way and take their seats.

VAUGHN
If I may say, it's about time
Starfleet got their act together
and assigned somebody here.
I made the request months ago.

EVIK
I do apologise for the delay,
Captain. But I was completing
the advanced training courses
at Starfleet Tactical.

VAUGHN
(excited)
Really! That's wonderful news.
I actually helped design that
course myself.

EVIK
And an excellent course it was,
Captain. Certainly challenging
and instructive, but fair.

VAUGHN
(grin)
I see you completed the advanced
flattery course as well. In fact
Commander Ro here was also a
student of that course. You two
should have plenty to talk about.

RO
Is Rear-Admiral Shoji still doing
the relative ethics lectures?

EVIK
Oh, they'll prise that lectern out
of his cold, dead hands.​

Vaughn, Ro and Evik all laugh warmly together. Cenn does not – he's left out of that particular joke.

EVIK
In fact, the Commander and I have
more in common even than that.
We've actually met before.

RO
We have?

EVIK
We lived together - on the Valo
Two colony.

RO
You're from Valo Two?!

EVIK
Born and bred. And I remember you
quite clearly. Who would have
ever thought such a disobedient,
disagreeable young woman would
eventually become my commanding
officer?

VAUGHN
(smirk)
I think you'll find she's just as
disagreeable as ever.

RO
Hey!​

All this playful good humour does nothing to lighten Cenn's mood. He's busy grinding his teeth in annoyance...

VAUGHN
Major Cenn...
(Cenn jerks
to attention)
It'll be your job over the next week
or so to introduce Commander
Evik to the station and its ways.

CENN
Aye, sir.

VAUGHN
It'll be good to finally have a
dedicated security chief again.

CENN
(gritted teeth)
Aye, sir.

VAUGHN
Alright then! Thanks for coming,
Commander. Call me or Ro if you
need anything. And good luck.

EVIK
(stands,
shakes hands)
Thank you, Captain.​

Vaughn returns to his desk, and Ro and Evik head for the door, with Cenn ignored and left to follow in their wake as an afterthought.

RO
(to Evik)
Do you know if you're free for
lunch? I'd love to hear some
of your Valo Two stories...​

Ending on Cenn's reaction to that...



4 EXT. SISKO’S HOUSE


Establishing the Sisko homestead in the Kendra valley.



5 INT. SISKO’S HOUSE – LIVING ROOM


JAKE grasps his sister REBECCA's smaller hand. RENA stands nearby, with SISKO and KASIDY with them.

SISKO
You're sure you don't mind?

JAKE
Of course not. We're happy to help.
You two deserve some time alone
together, and I deserve some time
with my baby sister. Don't I, Rebecca?

REBECCA
I guess.

KASIDY
(playful scolding)
Rebecca! Don't be rude.

SISKO
So what are you going to do?

RENA
We thought we'd take her for a
walk along the river banks, do
some nature spotting. I'm sure
there must be something gross
and disgusting to discover.

JAKE
And then head back into Adarak
for some early dinner.

KASIDY
Just keep an eye on her. This
contrary little madam loves to
run off when you're not looking.

RENA
Don't worry. She'll be fine.

JAKE
Come on, then, Rebecca! May as
well get started. That mud isn't
going to splash itself.

REBECCA
Yay!

SISKO
See you later, Jake-o. And
thanks again.

JAKE
No problem, Dad. Bye!​

Jake, Rena and Rebecca head out of the back door.

Alone now, Sisko and Kasidy stand about, not sure what to do with themselves. Uncomfortable pauses.

KASIDY
Shall I make a drink?

SISKO
That would be nice, thanks.​

Kasidy nods and heads into the kitchen to stick the 24th century equivalent of the kettle on. Sisko hovers in the living room, straightening pictures, fluffing cushions.

After a few moments, there's a KNOCK on the door. Sisko looks to Kasidy, hesitant. She looks back.

KASIDY
Well, go on then.​

Sisko heads to the door and opens it. There stands Prylar EIVOS (last seen 10x20 "In the Stars").

SISKO
Prylar! Please, come on in. It's
good to see you again.

EIVOS
It's entirely my pleasure, I
assure you, Emissary.​

Eivos enters. Sisko closes the door, then takes his coat.

SISKO
Please, Prylar. Call me Benjamin.

EIVOS
Then I insist you call me Calan.

KASIDY
Cup of tea, Prylar?

EIVOS
That would be superb, thank you.​

Kasidy brings three mugs of steaming tea through from the kitchen and places them on the coffee table. At Sisko's invitation, Eivos takes a seat in the centre.

Kasidy and Sisko both sit too, notably not together. They are on opposite sides of the seating area, with Eivos in between them.

SISKO
I just want to say again that we
really appreciate you doing this
for us, Calan. Kas and I both
agree that we trust you to help
us through this.

EIVOS
It's my privilege to help any way
I can, Emis-... Benjamin. Shall
we begin?​

Sisko and Kasidy both take a deep breath and nod.

EIVOS
Now, as I recall, last time we
were discussing the resentment
you felt towards your husband,
Kasidy, for his absence during
your pregnancy. Have you had
any further thoughts on that?​

They're having marriage counselling. As Kasidy prepares...



6 INT. DS9 – QUARK'S BAR


Across the bar, Ro and Evik sit together at a table over lunch. They are both laughing at some anecdote or other, Evik's big booming laugh audible clear across the room.

Cenn sits at the bar, jaw tense, trying not to watch.

QUARK is in the midst of serving someone else, but he has time to side-eye Cenn on the way past.

QUARK
I'd thought you'd given up pining
for unattainable women, Major.

CENN
What? No, that's not –

QUARK
Well, I know you're certainly upset
over something. Those shoulders
are screaming it so loud a Ramatan
could hear it.

CENN
Ramatans are deaf.​

Quark stops and sighs. Yes, that was the point.

QUARK
So if it's not Ro, what is it? The
new guy?

CENN
Lieutenant Commander Evik Nath.
New chief of station security.

QUARK
That who he is? I was wondering.

CENN
You didn't know? You seemed to be
getting on well enough with him this
morning, out on the Promenade.

QUARK
(shrug)
He didn't sneer down his nose at
me with loathing and disdain the
moment he met me. I like that in
a person.
(beat)
So there's another new security
chief, eh? Bad news for me. I
only just got you broken in.​

Cenn snaps another angry look at Quark, but lets it go with a frustrated shake of the head. Quark can see he's tense.

QUARK
So if he's taking over security,
what are you doing?

CENN
Back to Ops, I guess.

QUARK
Liaison officer?

CENN
(nods)
I've been shuffled back and forth
from security to Ops, to security,
to Ops, to security, and now back
to Ops again. I'm getting dizzy.

QUARK
Then be glad it's settled once and
for all. You'll finally have time to
rest and relax. Maybe try out a
holosuite once in a while.

CENN
I don't want to try out a holosuite,
Quark!

QUARK
What has gotten into you? You've
always been tightly wound, but
you're about to vibrate right off
the station.

CENN
(grits teeth)
I'm fine.

QUARK
Like hell you are. Talk to me, Major.
Think of me as your counsellor.
Unburden yourself.​

Cenn pouts some more. He's almost embarrassed to admit it.

CENN
She never invited me to lunch.

QUARK
And why do you think that is?

CENN
She doesn't like me.

QUARK
Well you're a tough nut to crack,
Major. You don't let people in.
You lived on this station for,
what – three, four months before
you even ventured into my bar.

CENN
(quiet)
Too many aliens. Wasn't used to it.

QUARK
And the thing is, she's the same.
She doesn't let people in either.

CENN
(re Evik)
She let him in quick enough.

QUARK
Apparently they have history. Or,
just maybe, something to consider,
maybe his very first words to her
weren't yelling obscenities about
not being a real Bajoran.

CENN
(ashamed)
She told you about that?

QUARK
I'm a good listener. Now you listen,
Major. If you want people to like
you, maybe try actually being
likeable. You'd be amazed at
the response you get.​

Cenn absorbs that. He's probably right. But damn it, Cenn is in a bad mood.

CENN
It's not just that. I don't trust him.

QUARK
Why not?

CENN
Nobody's that happy and smiley all
the time. He's hiding something.
He's not what he seems.

QUARK
Really...? Keep talking, Major.
I'm all ears.​

Intrigued, Quark leans across the bar. Cenn gives a nasty smile, happy to dish some dirt to a co-conspirator...



FADE OUT:

END OF ACT ONE​

 

[DS9Continuing]

ACT TWO​

FADE IN:



7 INT. SISKO’S HOUSE – LIVING ROOM


With shaking hand, a mug of tea is picked up from the table and brought to Kasidy's mouth. It's a delaying tactic.

KASIDY
It's not that I don't know why you
did it. In purely rational terms, it
makes perfect sense. But it's just...
a marriage, and a baby... they're
not rational things. They're
emotional things. And I can't
help feeling...

EIVOS
Go on. It's okay.

KASIDY
(deep breath)
I can't help feeling that you
chose them over me.

EIVOS
Benjamin? What's your response
to that?​

Kasidy looks across the room to where Sisko sits. She's afraid she's hurt him. He takes his time, speaks carefully.

SISKO
You always talk, Kasidy, as if
there's a distinction there. I
don't see one. I never chose to
protect the Bajorans over you,
because there's no difference.
Anything bad that happened to
them would have happened to
you too. I was trying to protect
everybody, you included.

KASIDY
But... to do that, you had to
leave me. Twice.

SISKO
It's not like I wanted to.

KASIDY
I know that. But you don't seem –

EIVOS
(gently)
Kasidy... remember what we said.
Talk about yourself. Explain your
feelings. Don't try to speak for him.

KASIDY
(nods, regroups)
I know, on an intellectual level,
that you wouldn't have chosen to
leave us if you didn't feel you had
no other choice. But I can't ever
know, really know that, at a gut
level. I keep thinking, what if
there was another way... and
you chose not to take it?

SISKO
(quietly shocked)
You really think I would do that?

KASIDY
My brain says no. But my heart...
all it knows is that time after time,
for the greater good... I watched
you walk away from me.

SISKO
You always knew that might
happen. I'm a Starfleet officer.

KASIDY
It's not the same.

SISKO
It is! It's all about serving
something bigger than yourself.
It makes no difference whether
it's Starfleet or the Prophets.

KASIDY
Of course it makes a difference!
My God, Ben –

EIVOS
Now, hold on. Everyone take a deep
breath. Let's not let our emotions
get out of hand. We can be honest
without accusing. Kasidy, try to
start again.​

Kasidy uses the tea to cover a moment to gather her wits.

KASIDY
It does make a difference, Ben.
Starfleet is what you trained for,
what you swore an oath to.
Bajor's just...​

She looks to Eivos, unwilling to admit to this...

EIVOS
Go ahead. You won't offend me.

KASIDY
Alright. Bajor... isn't worth what
you're willing to give it, Ben. Your
life. Your family. It doesn't deserve it.​

On Sisko’s reaction to that...



8 EXT. DEEP SPACE NINE - ESTABLISHING


Re-establishing, tight on the Promenade.



9 INT. DS9 – BAJORAN SHRINE


The rebuilt shrine, fully refurbished and repaired. Service is in full swing, with a fairly heavy crowd. Flickering candles, flaming braziers, wafting incense. Vedek CAPRIL, the station's resident priest, stands at the front leading the ceremony, and the all-Bajoran crowd pay rapt attention.

The crowd kneels in rows on cushions. Among them is Cenn, relaxed and peaceful among his fellow worshippers.

CAPRIL
Tolata impara no takash...
(translated)
With humility and gratitude,
we accept this gift...​

Capril turns to face the Orb sanctuary behind him. An acolyte presses the control, and the force field drops. Cenn smiles serenely as the Orb is now available to them.

CAPRIL
...Veshanoo yavar ha iklasa...
(translated)
...the sacred Orb of Unity.​

The acolytes ring the prayer chimes, swing the incense burners. Cenn feels soothed, relaxed by it all. Capril turns back to the crowd.

CAPRIL
This may not be the true Orb
of Unity, my children. Only a
representation. But I chose to use
its image today in the hopes of
bringing that very concept to
the fore of our thoughts.
(beat)
We live in what could be called
confusing times. We have many
options before us, and the path
each of us is meant to walk is
often unclear. But this Tear of the
Prophets is named for perhaps
the most important principle They
have to teach us.
(with emphasis)
We are Bajorans. No matter what
divides us now, or what may divide
us in the future, that is what unites
us. And that is what the Prophets
want us to hold to. Faith can take
many forms. But it should never
be a source of fear or anger.
Always of unity.
(beat)
Pray with me, my children.​

Cenn has listened to the vedek's sermon with interest, trying his best to takes its lessons to heart.

Capril begins to softly chant.

CAPRIL
Yelim cha ono... tarnah purono
dhar jeek... teram far che...
yavar ha iklasa...​

The crowd all close their eyes and join in. After a moment, Cenn joins them too.

CROWD
Yelim cha ono... tarnah purono
dhar jeek... teram far che...
yavar ha iklasa... Yelim cha ono...
tarnah purono dhar jeek...
teram far che... yavar ha iklasa...​

There is a scuffle from the back of the room. The sound of an angry whispered voice, trying to be quiet, and failing.


CENN


tries his best to ignore it, to continue with the chanting. He centres himself, concentrates.

CENN
Yelim cha ono... tarnah purono
dhar jeek... teram far che...
yavar ha iklasa...​

But the voice comes again, louder and angrier this time.

ARAN (o.s.)
I said no!​

Heads turn to look towards the back. Cenn does not – he grits his teeth and tries to focus. But there's definitely an argument happening towards the back of the shrine.

ARAN (o.s.)
Just go, will you? You're not
welcome here!

LENNIS (o.s.)
I have as much right to be here
as you. This is my shrine just as
much as it is yours.​

Disturbed from his prayers, Capril keeps his patience, remains diplomatic.

CAPRIL
My children, we are at prayer.
This is not the time or place for
disagreements.​

The general mood of the crowd seems to agree with the vedek. But ARAN stands up, angry and pointing.

ARAN
Forgive me, Vedek. But the fact
that we are at prayer is exactly
the point.​

Whispered admonishments of "Shut up!" But Aran doesn't back down. He points angrily at LENNIS, sat in the next row, trying to keep his head down and mind his own business.

ARAN
This man has no right to be here.
This is our shrine.

WOMAN
Aran...

ARAN
No! I've had enough of this, I'm
not going to put up with it. He
doesn't belong here.

CAPRIL
By what possible measure could
you say that, child?

ARAN
I've seen him around. I know what
he is. He's an Oralian.
(w/ disgust)
A Cardassian-lover.​

Some more angry whispers among the crowd. Lennis is scared, sad, disappointed. He's been through this before.

CAPRIL
Is this true, sir?​

Lennis stands on shaky legs, everyone looking at him.

LENNIS
Yes. I follow the Oralian Way. So
what? I have as much right to be
here as any of you.​

At the front, Cenn tenses. For Prophet's sake, why does there always have to be troublemakers? Reluctantly, he stands up, straightens his uniform, begins to walk between the rows, towards the two men.

CENN
Alright, that's enough. You two
are disturbing the service, and
I'm going to have to ask you
both to leave. Now.

ARAN
Me?! He's the one disturbing the
service, not me.

LENNIS
I was just sitting here, minding
my own business, bothering no-one.
You're the one who couldn't keep
your mouth shut during prayers.

ARAN
You don't even believe in the
Prophets. Why would you want
to be here? Go find your own
shrine and leave us in peace.

LENNIS
Major, I have done nothing. I was
just sitting here like everyone else.
You should throw out this bigoted
ass, not me.

ARAN
Don't call me a bigot, deviant.

LENNIS
You don't like being called a bigot,
try not being a bigot.

CAPRIL
My children, please! Control
yourselves.

CENN
That's it, you're done, both of you.
You're under arrest for disturbing
the peace.​

Cenn grabs Lennis's arm – Lennis throws it off angrily.

LENNIS
Get off me.

CENN
Are you resisting arrest?

LENNIS
When that arrest is unjust, damn
right I am.​

Cenn grabs Lennis again, more forcefully this time. He begins to drag him out of the shrine.

ARAN
That's right, just slither back to
your Cardassian friends and get
out of here.

LENNIS
(over shoulder)
And why don't you crawl back into
your cave, where you can pretend
everything is just like you.​

That does it. With Cenn's back turned, Aran stalks after them both, drawing back a clenched FIST, ready to strike.

There's a gasp from the crowd, Cenn turns...

But before Aran can punch either one of them, his hand is caught in mid-air...

...by Evik. The Starfleet officer has appeared out of nowhere. He grabs Aran's arm, TWISTS it tightly behind his back and has the man secured and neutralized in seconds.

Cenn stands there, caught by surprise.

EVIK
You heard the Major. You're both
under arrest.

CENN
(sneer)
I had this under control, Mister
Evik. I don't need your help.

EVIK
Nevertheless, you have it, Major.
Shall we? And let the vedek get
back to his sermon?​

Evik begins to lead the struggling Aran out of the shrine. Cenn follows, bringing Lennis along.

Ending on Cenn, absolutely furious with Evik...



FADE OUT:

END OF ACT TWO​

 

[DS9Continuing]

ACT THREE​

FADE IN:



10 INT. DS9 – SECURITY CELLS


Cenn leads Lennis the Oralian into one of the cells. Lennis sits calmly, but he's not backing down.

LENNIS
This is unjustified, Major. You know
that. It's unfair.

CENN
You were involved in an altercation
in a public place. You'll stay here
until the matter is resolved one
way or the other.​

Cenn activates the forcefield and turns away as if business is done. But Lennis calls after him. Cenn stops to listen.

LENNIS
I'm not the bad guy here, Major.
I'll grant you I gave up the moral
high ground in there for a moment.
But even you can see I was provoked.

CENN
Well, what did you expect? You had
to know that an Oralian in the
Bajoran shrine would upset someone.

LENNIS
Ah, now I'm not even a Bajoran.
Perhaps you need to listen to
Vedek Capril's sermon again.​

Cenn catches on his own words. He stops and tries again.

CENN
Of course you're a Bajoran. But
Aran had a point. Why do you even
want to come to our shrine? You
don't believe what we believe.

LENNIS
So? If I want to spend some time
worshipping the Fates, shouldn't I
be allowed to do that? Where else
am I supposed to go?

CENN
Look... you Oralians, Ohalavaru,
all of you. You can believe what
you want. I don't even care. But
why do you have to do it here?
You've got your Oralian temple
in Janir. Go there, and then you
wouldn't have all this trouble.

LENNIS
I don't live in Janir, Major. I live
here, the same as you do. Pushing
us out of sight so you don't have
to think about us won't stop us
from existing.​

Pondering that, Cenn turns and leaves.



11 INT. DS9 – BAJORAN SHRINE


The service is over. The acolytes are tidying up, stacking the pillows away, dousing the flaming braziers, etc. Vedek Capril and Lt Cmdr Evik stroll together through the room.

EVIK
Is this a common occurrence?

CAPRIL
Sadly, not uncommon. And it seems
to have been getting less uncommon
in recent months. It's the whole
reason I chose that sermon to begin
with – to try to foster unity among
the flock. Clearly my work is
unfinished.
(beat)
I don't believe I've seen you at
service before, Commander.

EVIK
I only arrived today. I didn't realise
I was arriving in the middle of a
war zone.

CAPRIL
Oh, I'm sure that's overstating it.
But there have been divisions in
Bajor's spiritual life, ever since
the end of the war. Even I have
strayed from the true path of the
Prophets – my behaviour has not
always been as it should. I've
tried to make up for it. But there
is always more to be done.

EVIK
I'm going to consult with the
captain on possible solutions.
But you must promise to call me
immediately if anything like this
should happen again.

CAPRIL
Oh, I will. You can be sure of
that. Thank you, Commander.
I'm glad you've joined us.​

Evik nod-bows politely, and leaves the shrine.



12 EXT. DEEP SPACE NINE - ESTABLISHING


Re-establishing, tight on Ops.



13 INT. DS9 – CAPTAIN'S OFFICE


Vaughn is behind the desk, annoyed at yet another crisis. Ro, Cenn and Evik stand before the desk.

VAUGHN
So what happened this time?

CENN
A small civilian disturbance, sir.
Nothing out of the ordinary.

VAUGHN
Really? Then how come every time
I hear the word 'shrine' lately,
I brace for the worst?

CENN
It's the focus of spiritual life on
the station, sir. It's bound to
draw passions. Especially with...
things as they are now.

VAUGHN
Getting suicide-bombed by an
Ascendant. An assassination
attempt right on the doorstep.
And now a fist-fight between
two worshippers during a service.

RO
Don't forget the Ohalu protest a
couple of years ago. Or the pagh-
Wraith cultists during the war,
for that matter.

VAUGHN
Thanks for the reminder.
(to Cenn and Evik)
This cannot go on, gentlemen. So
what are we going to do about it?

EVIK
Captain, mister Lennis was quite
within his rights to enter the
shrine. It's a public space, open
to everyone.

CENN
(mutter)
You would think that.​

Evik looks askance – what did he do to deserve that?

VAUGHN
(darkly)
I beg your pardon, Major?

CENN
Nothing.

VAUGHN
That's right.

CENN
Just that... with all due respect,
the Lieutenant Commander has
been with us for less than a day.
I don't think he's in any position
to decide this matter. He doesn't
know the subtleties of life on the
station. How could he?

VAUGHN
Well, I seem to recall telling you
this morning that it was your job
to get the Lieutenant Commander
up to speed on such things. If you
think he's not ready, whose fault
is that?​

Cenn has to bite off an angry retort to that.

CENN
Perhaps it has something to do
with there only being twenty-six
hours in the day, Captain. And me
doing the work of two men and
getting the appreciation of none.​

Vaughn and Cenn are both staring daggers, neither backing down. Ro decides she needs to break the tension.

RO
(breezy)
Alright, I think we'll end the
meeting there. Thank you, Major,
Commander. Please report back
when you've come up with some
suggestions. You're dismissed.​

An escape hatch – Cenn is only too happy to take it. He and Evik both turn towards the doors and exit out onto Ops.



14 INT. DS9 – MAIN OPS CENTRE


Cenn and Evik both walk across Ops in silence. They step onto the turbolift, Cenn refusing to even look at Evik. Evik is just wondering what the hell is going on here. Obviously Cenn is pissed, but he has no idea why.



15 INT. DS9 – CAPTAIN'S OFFICE


With the other two gone, Ro turns to Vaughn.

RO
What the hell?

VAUGHN
I couldn't agree more. The Major
has always been difficult, but he's
verging on insubordination.

RO
If you ask me, you gave as good
as you got.

VAUGHN
I beg your pardon?

RO
You've been in a bad mood for
weeks. You were tough on Prynn,
tough on Candlewood, now tough
on Cenn. What is going on?

VAUGHN
Am I, or am I not, the captain?

RO
Yes, and it's the captain's job to
build a relationship of trust and
mutual support with his officers.

VAUGHN
Actually, I think you'll find that's
the first officer's job. You're
dismissed, Commander.​

Alright, if that's how he wants it, that's fine. Ro leaves.



16 INT. SISKO’S HOUSE – LIVING ROOM


Sisko and Kasidy sit where they were, separated across the living room. The seat between them is empty, but we can hear Eivos pootling around in the kitchen, off-screen.

Neither speak. Sisko is distressed, feeling under attack. Kasidy is remorseful, knowing she put him there.

Finally Eivos reappears, carrying a tray with the mugs of tea refilled and a plate of cookies. Kasidy and Sisko both get up to help him...

EIVOS
Sit. I've told you both before,
I refuse to be waited on. Now
do as you're told.​

They both sit back down again, smirking, knowing he's only joking with them. That a Bajoran priest could joke with the Emissary like that - it puts them at ease. Eivos sits, passes the mugs out, hands the cookies around.

EIVOS
Alright. Kasidy has made some
fairly large statements. How do
you respond to them, Benjamin?

SISKO
Frankly... I think she's being a
little unfair. I know that the
things I've done have hurt her.
I'm sorry for that, God knows I'm
sorry. But I never lied to her
about why I did those things. And
I'd hoped she could understand...
and forgive me.

KASIDY
I try, Ben. I try. But I guess it's
easier said than done. I know
you've explained. So did Elias.
And Nerys, and Opaka. And you
all make sense. But... none of it
justifies the man I love sacrificing
his life and leaving our baby
without a father.

SISKO
I explained everything the best
way I know how. If that's not
enough... then I don't know
what else to do. What else to say.

KASIDY
Maybe there isn't anything.

EIVOS
I don't believe that's true. The
day you stop talking is the day
this is over. That's not what
either of you wants. Is it?

KASIDY / SISKO
No...

EIVOS
Then find those words. I'm not
talking about accommodation or
compromise. Those imply giving
something up. I'm talking about
unity. There will always be
differences. Find them, embrace
them, celebrate them. The power
to save this relationship is in your
hands. No-one else is going to
do it if you don't.
(beat)
So can you do that?​

As Kasidy and Sisko ponder Eivos's words...



FADE OUT:

END OF ACT THREE​

 

[DS9Continuing]

ACT FOUR​

FADE IN:



17 INT. DS9 – SECURITY OFFICE


The door opens and Cenn and Evik both stride in from the Promenade - Cenn petulant, Evik confused, both silent.

Evik heads around one side of the desk, Cenn around the other, both heading for the security chief's chair. When they both reach for it and realise, they stop.

The glare on Cenn's face is unmistakeable. He turns away, folds his arms. Evik also steps back from the chair, leaving that apparent sore point for another time.

EVIK
Major Cenn, we've been tasked with
solving the shrine problem before
it escalates into a full-blown crisis.
We can't do that if you refuse to
talk to me.

CENN
What do you need me for? I'm sure
you can handle it all by yourself,
with all your fancy tactical training.

EVIK
(deep breath)
You're right that I'm new here,
clearly. I need your expertise to
defuse this situation. Are you
refusing to give it?

CENN
Not my job anymore, is it?

EVIK
I understood that all matters
concerning the station's Bajoran
civilian population are exactly
your job. Not to mention that
we've just been assigned joint
responsibility by Commander Ro.

CENN
You would take her side.

EVIK
Her side? Major, I have no clue
what you're talking about.

CENN
Well, you're instant soulmates,
aren't you? Neither of you grew
up on Bajor.

EVIK
And that's relevant how?

CENN
It means you don't understand.
What it's like, to be a real Bajoran.
How we actually live.

EVIK
So... because I grew up on Valo
Two, I'm not a real Bajoran. I'm
pretty sure I am Bajoran, Major.
You can check my medical file if
you want proof.

CENN
You know what I'm talking about.

EVIK
I really, really don't.

CENN
You're not from here. You're not
one of us.

EVIK
Then what am I? Enlighten me.

CENN
(sneer)
You're Starfleet.​

Evik stands back, gazes at Cenn with absolute astonishment. Like he's some kind of newly discovered life form.

EVIK
The sheer disgust in your voice,
Major. If that's how you feel about
Starfleet officers, why do you work
with them?​

That takes the wind out of Cenn's sails just a little.

CENN
I don't hate Starfleet officers.
But we're right here. The Militia
is right here.

EVIK
And because I chose Starfleet
instead, I'm not a real Bajoran,
is that right?

CENN
Look, I'm not saying –

EVIK
Ah, but you are. That's exactly
what you're saying. And I'm not
sure where you're getting it all
from. I'm as Bajoran as you are.

CENN
Then why did you turn your back
on us?!

EVIK
(laugh of surprise)
I didn't! You think that because I
grew up on Valo Two, I didn't care
about Bajor? Didn't suffer from the
Cardassian occupation? I grew up
with the same poverty, the same
hunger, the same sense of indignation
you did. And yet now I find out that
serving the Federation, the same
entity that welcomed us into an
interstellar brotherhood and fought
a war to protect us, is somehow
turning my back on Bajor. News to me.​

Evik turns, paces, hands to his head in exasperation.

EVIK
I don't even know how we got onto
this topic! I thought we were
supposed to be discussing the
problems in the shrine.

CENN
That is what we're discussing. It's
a Bajoran shrine, Starfleet has no
place in it.

EVIK
Did you even listen to the sermon?
About the Orb of Unity?

CENN
It's a place of faith, of belief. We
worship the Prophets, not the
Starfleet C-in-C.

EVIK
So now I'm not faithful either.
This is a very educational
conversation for me, Major.

CENN
I'm just saying that in my
experience, following the path
of the Prophets and serving in
Starfleet are not compatible.

EVIK
How so?

CENN
Look at Kira. She tried for two
years to make it work, and it just
doesn't. She had to quit Starfleet
to be able to follow the Prophets
like she should.

EVIK
Ro's in Starfleet.

CENN
And she's a total atheist. Not a
faithful bone in her body.

EVIK
Wow. And you say that like it
makes her instantly unworthy of
respect. I find it hard to credit
that you've worked among these
people for so long if this is how
you feel about them.

CENN
I just don't grasp how anyone
couldn't believe in something.
How do you people like you
get through the day?

EVIK
People like me? Or people like
Mister Lennis? Don't think I didn't
notice you arrested him first
instead of Mister Aran.

CENN
He shouldn't have been there.

EVIK
Because he doesn't believe in
the Prophets.

CENN
Yes!

EVIK
And neither do I.

CENN
Right!

EVIK
Wrong. I do follow the Prophets,
Major. Not that I owe you any
justifications. So can I join your
exclusive real-Bajorans-only club
now? Am I allowed?

CENN
That's not –

EVIK
Let me make sure I've got this. I
can only use the shrine if I was
born on Bajor like you, serve the
Militia like you, follow the same
version of the Prophets as you...
anything I've missed?​

Cenn grits his teeth in annoyance – Evik has talked him into a corner. Evik remains patient, polite, encouraging.

EVIK
Do you hear how you sound, Major?
If we don't find a way to make all
these variations work together, the
shrine will only explode all over again.

CENN
(no answer)
Fine. Let's just get on with it.
Then you can get on with taking
over my job.​

Evik sighs, rubs his forehead. He's getting a headache.

EVIK
I apologise if I've stepped on
your toes, Major. But –

CENN
If you've what?

EVIK
Sorry, human phrase. I'm saying
that it was my understanding that
you were assigned to this station
as the Starfleet-Militia liaison. You
were only filling in as security chief
until I was available. I'm not taking
over your job, because it was
never your job in the first place.

CENN
How would you like a stranger
walking into your office and
telling you you're fired?

EVIK
You're not fired, Major. You're
simply free to return to the job
you were supposed to be doing.
The job you clearly have a great
passion for.

CENN
Are you saying I'm not capable
of being security chief?

EVIK
(exasperated)
You said you weren't capable of
it! The moment we met, you were
complaining about having too much
to do. You yelled at the captain that
you were doing the work of two men.
Now you have two men, and you're
still complaining!

CENN
So you are taking Ro's side.

EVIK
I rather assumed we were all on
the same side, Major. Despite
that you seem determined to prove
otherwise.

CENN
Excuse me if we can't all fake a
giant smile and pretend to be
everyone's best friend like you.

EVIK
Fake...? Prophets' sake, Major, why
are you so determined to pick a fight
with me? What have I done to annoy
you so much in so short a time?

CENN
Oh I don't know... sucking up to the
captain as soon as you walk in the
door, lunch with the XO on your
first day, even Quark likes you...

EVIK
Am I not allowed to be friendly
now? The three of us have things
in common. Why shouldn't I use that
to bond with my commanding officers?

CENN
I'm sure I must have things in
common with them to. But I never
"used" that to bond with them.

EVIK
And whose fault is that?​

Again, Cenn has no good answer or argument. It annoys him. In the meantime, Evik has come to a realisation.

EVIK
That's the problem here, isn't it?
That's what you're really angry
about – that I'm happy. That I have
all these supposed contradictions,
and yet somehow I make it all
work. I'm not the neurotic mess
you assume someone like me
would have to be.

CENN
Well, I'm sorry. But it's not so
easy for me.

EVIK
(chuckle)
Easy? It's been anything but. At
least I don't go out of my way to
make it harder. I've had the same
struggles as anyone, Major. But I
see no reason to dwell on them.

CENN
How can you not?

EVIK
Why would I want to? Think about
something, Major. If I did keep all
these parts of my life, of my history,
in conflict with each other... Who
does that help? Certainly not me.
So what would be the point?​

Cenn is quiet, pondering everything Evik is saying.

EVIK
In the same vein, no good can come
of letting the shrine fall into internal
conflict. We are all Bajorans, Major.
We can have done all the things
we've done, be all the things we
are... and still laugh.
(beat)
So shall we work on this, together?​

Ending on Evik's smiling, hopeful face...



FADE OUT:

END OF ACT FOUR​

 

[DS9Continuing]

ACT FIVE​

FADE IN:


18 EXT. SISKO’S HOUSE


Evening has come to the Sisko house in the Kendra valley.



19 INT. SISKO’S HOUSE – LIVING ROOM


The counselling session has wound down. Eivos is on his feet, collecting the mugs and plates, shuttling them back to the kitchen. As he returns...

EIVOS
It's time I was on my way. If I'm
not back before it turns dark,
Audj will get anxious.

KASIDY
Why? Does she think you're in
danger after dark?

EIVOS
Prophets, no. She'll just think
I'm talking your ears off.​

They all chuckle together. Sisko grabs Eivos' coat and offers it to him. That done, Eivos takes them both by the hand and makes sure he has their attention.

EIVOS
Now - I've given you both some
things to think about. And you've
given each other some things to
think about. So think about them.​

Sisko and Kasidy both nod.

EIVOS (cont)
But the most important thing to
remember is what I said earlier –
talk. And keep talking. Do you
understand?

SISKO
Yes, we do. Thank you, Calan.

EIVOS
You're very welcome, Benjamin.
And Kasidy. Till next time, then.​

With a warm smile, Eivos turns and exits the house. Sisko and Kasidy take a deep breath, centre themselves.

KASIDY
Alright then. I think that went
well, don't you?

SISKO
Certainly could have been worse.

KASIDY
And how do you feel?

SISKO
Better... I think. You?

KASIDY
Better. Do you think we're going
to be able to do what he said? Do
you think we're gonna get through
this, Ben?

SISKO
I intend to make sure of it.​

Smiling, they lean in together and KISS. Just then there's a KNOCK at the back door, and Jake, Rena and Rebecca enter.

JAKE
Hello hello! Anybody home?​

Jake has noticed that Sisko and Kasidy were just kissing. He sighs a smile of relief to see it. Meanwhile, Rebecca comes barrelling into the house, mud half way up her legs, a huge beaming grin on her face.

REBECCA
Mommy mommy! I found a scrub-
flapper, and it had babies!​

Everyone smiles and relaxes as the family bond reasserts itself and Rebecca becomes the centre of attention...



20 INT. DS9 – PROMENADE


Likewise a happy evening crowd in Quark's bar. No specific event, just the standard crowd of after-work revellers.

Major Cenn strolls along the Promenade, thoughtful. He’s carrying a padd. Quark happens to be collecting drinks from the tables outside the door.

QUARK
Major. You look happier than you
did earlier. Note that I didn't say
'happy' – just 'happier'.

CENN
I suppose I am.

QUARK
Work things out with the new guy?

CENN
Actually... yes.

QUARK
Good. I have enough to deal with -
I don’t have the time or energy to
counsel you too.
(beat)
Although... if you were still
fighting, I’d probably be able to
smuggle more past you. Maybe
I didn’t think this through.​

As Cenn gives Quark an indulgent smile-frown, Evik’s voice comes over the comm system...

EVIK (comm, o.s.)
Good evening, crew and residents
of Deep Space Nine.​

Cenn and Quark both look around, and see that Evik's face has appeared on the public screens that dot the Promenade and the bar. They both stop to watch; many others do too.

EVIK (screen)
Allow me to introduce myself. I am
Lieutenant Commander Evik Nath,
and as of today I will be your new
chief of security on the Promenade.​

21 INT. DS9 – CAPTAIN’S OFFICE


As Evik's announcement continues on a wall screen, we focus on Vaughn and Ro, who are where they usually are - he sitting, she standing.

EVIK
(screen, b.g.)
I’ve chosen to speak to you today,
first of all, simply to assure you
that I am at your service, and I
intend to work very hard to make
myself a member of your community.
(beat)
And I do mean community. Starfleet
or civilian, Bajoran or offworlder,
religious or secular. We are all equal
here, and I pledge to protect and
serve you all equally.

VAUGHN (f.g.)
We sure it shouldn’t be me giving
this speech? I am the captain.

RO
Cenn made the argument that this
isn’t Starfleet business - it’s Bajoran.

VAUGHN
Then why not you?

RO
An agnostic laying down the law
about the shrine? They wouldn’t
listen to either one of us. No,
Cenn was right - Evik is the
perfect choice.​

Vaughn grunts reluctant agreement.



22 INT. DS9 – PROMENADE


...where Cenn is still watching the announcement. Evik has got more serious.

EVIK (screen)
...Which brings me to my second
reason for making this announce-
ment. You may be aware that there
has been tension at the shrine. I
have consulted with the captain
and the Vedek, and we have come
to a solution. The suggestion was
made that we build a new shrine,
a space dedicated to Ohalu or
Oralius. I heartily reject that
notion. To let only the proper
people be seen in public, while
undesirables are hidden away in
a converted processing plant or
cargo bay - that is no community
I wish to be a part of.​

All around the Promenade and Quark’s, people are watching this announcement and reacting to it... not least Cenn.

EVIK (screen)
No, the solution here is simple.
Beginning tomorrow, there will be
separate services in the same
shrine for those on the path of
the Prophets, for followers of the
Oralian Way, and for Ohalu’s
Truthseekers. Anyone may use
the shrine, as long as they do
so in peace and unity. If you
wish to worship together, all the
better. Violence and intimidation
are not acceptable, and will be
met with the full force of the law.
But I have every faith that such
measures will not be necessary.
(beat)
Good evening to you all. If there
are questions, my door is always
open. Walk with the Prophets... or
whoever you choose to walk with.​

Evik signs off. A buzz moves through the crowd as they react to the announcement. Quark nods approvingly.

QUARK
He’s worked on his pitch, I’ll give
him that.​

Then Quark moves back into the bar. Cenn looks across the Promenade towards the Security office. After a moment’s hesitation, he makes his decision and walks across.

As he approaches, the door opens and Evik steps into it, escorting Lennis, the man from the shrine. He’s being released. He shakes Evik’s hand.

LENNIS
Thank you, Commander. I’m very
grateful for your help.​

Lennis then sees Cenn approaching, and smiles again.

LENNIS
Thank you too, Major.​

Cenn nods, graciously accepting it. Lennis moves off. Evik turns him, open and welcoming as ever.

EVIK
Major. Can I help you?

CENN
I wanted to say... nice speech.
(holds up padd)
I completed the criminal activity
report. Since it’s no longer my
job, I thought you might want to
deliver it to the captain.​

Evik smiles. He sees that Cenn is trying.

EVIK
We’ll deliver it together, Major.​

Evik after-yous for Cenn, and they move off down the Promenade together.



23 INT. DS9 – MAIN OPS CENTRE


The turbolift rises into Ops, carrying Cenn and Evik both. They step off. Evik begins to walk towards the captain’s office, but stops when he sees that Cenn is not with him.

Cenn gestures, “go ahead.” Evik carries on. Meanwhile Cenn descends the steps to the central Ops table. Once there he looks up and watches Evik enter the office, carrying the criminal activity report. The door closes behind him.

Cenn takes a moment, accepts that this is the new status quo now. Then he turns his attention back to the Ops table, and gets on with his work.



FADE OUT:

END OF SHOW​