DS9 11x19 - "Gratitude"

[DS9Continuing]

Hi all

You may notice I have skipped episode 18. That's because here is where I cheat a bit. You see according to my plan, episode 18 would be an adaptation of the licensed (and very much acclaimed) Star Trek: Deep Space Nine novel The Never-Ending Sacrifice, by Una McCormack.

It fits perfectly into my season here because it continues the depiction of Elim Garak on Earth as Cardassian ambassador to the Federation as seen earlier in season 11, and as will be necessary for next season's stories (if i should ever write them).

However, since it is already a licensed and copyrighted work, I don't really have the legal permission (nor for that matter the time or energy) to put it up openly for the internet's enjoyment, not even in heavily adapted and edited form.

So for those who have read the book, simply know that this is where it's supposed to fit into the chronology. And for those who haven't read it, first, you should. And second, imagine Garak alone in his embassy in Berlin, receiving a visitor - a younger Cardassian man. "Do I know you?" asks Elim. "My name is Rugal Pa'Dar," replies the young man.


Anyway, onto episode 19. As the numbers suggest, we are now into the final four of the season, so we are building up to the grand finale. Like 11x12 Vigil, this episode dramatises an event first described post facto in the licensed DS9 novel Rough Beasts of Empire, by David R George III.


Here's the links:

Deep Space Nine Season 10 - eps 1 to 22


11x01 - "Systems Under Repair" (Ad Astra, pdf, ebook)
As Ro settles into command, Prynn pleads for help with rescuing her father.

11x02 - "Structural Integrity Compromised" (Ad Astra, pdf, ebook)
While the Defiant responds to a distress call, Prynn tracks down answers.

11x03 - "Self Destruct Initiated" (Ad Astra, pdf, ebook)
A survivor of the Ascendant attack causes havoc in the Bajoran system.

11x04 - "Separation Manoeuvres Complete" (Ad Astra, pdf, ebook)
Things fall apart for Kira, Odo and the Dominion alliance.

11x05 - "The New Normal" (Ad Astra, pdf, ebook)
After Vaughn’s return to the station, new crew arrangements need to be made.

11x06 - "Two Steps Forward" (AdAstra, pdf, ebook)
Cardassia sends a new representative to the station, but not everyone welcomes him.

11x07 - "In Love and War" (AdAstra, pdf, ebook)
Vaughn assigns Prynn, Nog and Candlewood to a secret mission on Empok Nor.

11x08 - "Puppy Love" (AdAstra, pdf, ebook)
As Pif tries to find a job on the station, Quark and Ro babysit the puppies.

11x09 - "The Laughing Policeman" (AdAstra, pdf, ebook)
The station’s new security chief arrives, leaving Major Cenn with a dilemma.

11x10 - "Gut Feelings" (AdAstra, pdf, ebook)
When Raiq falls ill, the situation could lead to catastrophe for the crew.

11x11 - "The Crucible" (AdAstra, pdf, ebook)
When Vaughn takes Ro on a training voyage, things go from bad to worse.

11x12 - "Vigil" (AdAstra, pdf, ebook)
Sisko’s friend Prylar Eivos dies, leading to problems between him and Kasidy.

11x13 - "The Late Show! With Morn" (AdAstra, pdf, ebook)
It’s your new favourite chat show, starring the most talkative man in the galaxy.

11x14 - "No Confidence" (AdAstra, pdf, ebook)
Raiq asks Kira to take her back through the wormhole to look for more Ascendants.

11x15 - "Never See It Coming" (AdAstra, pdf, ebook)
A challenge to Kai Solis’s leadership leads to tensions on the station and Bajor.

11x16 - "Unleashed" (AdAstra, pdf, ebook)
Candlewood discovers a strange computer program that runs amok on the station.

11x17 - "Whistleblower" (AdAstra, pdf, ebook)
Someone has released military secrets to the public. Then Quark is arrested.

11x18 - "The Never-Ending Sacrifice" (Memory Beta)
At the new Cardassian Embassy on Earth, Garak receives an unexpected visitor.

11x19 - "Gratitude" (AdAstra, pdf, ebook)
It’s Gratitude Festival time, and there are celebrations on DS9 and Bajor.


Enjoy!

.

 

[DS9Continuing]

TEASER​

FADE IN:



1 EXT. DEEP SPACE NINE – ESTABLISHING


The Defiant sits at its usual spot on the docking ring, and there are many shuttles and transports docked all around.



2 INT. DS9 – PROMENADE


We SWEEP slowly around the Promenade space, taking in all the levels and businesses and nooks and crannies. All around, Starfleet officers and enthusiastic civilians are helping to put up decorations, streamers, flags, balloons.

We are preparing for the GRATITUDE FESTIVAL, as seen in 3x10 “Fascination” and 6x26 “Tears of the Prophets.”

After taking in as much of this as we can – excitement, colour, fellowship – we finally touch upon RO, strolling through the Promenade, watching this all go on. She looks at the decorations and the extravagance rather awkwardly. She’s not catching the excitement bug like everyone else.

On her way past the security office, she waves a polite hello to EVIK, who is holding a briefing session for his officers half-in and half-out of the office door. He points this way and that, demonstrating what he says MOS.

Eventually Ro strolls on into...



3 INT. DS9 – QUARK’S BAR (CONTINUOUS)


...Where there are even more decorations being raised by Starfleet officers and the occasional harassed Ferengi waiter. Ro pauses in the doorway, gazes at the spectacle.

QUARK holds court, bellowing commands to his minions.

QUARK
Grimp, you idiot! I said further
to the left! The left!​

The Ferengi waiter mousily does as he’s told. Quark turns another way, sees another waiter, stomps over to him in a fury, and grabs what he was working on off him.

QUARK
No no no! Like this, see? Do I
have to do everything myself?​

Despite her uncertainty, Ro can’t help but smirk. Then Quark turns her way, and they both freeze. After recent events between them, neither knows how to act around the other. Unsure, hesitant, formal just to be safe.

QUARK
Commander. Good to see you.

RO
Ambassador. Preparations are going
well, I take it?

QUARK
I’ll make sure they go well if it
kills me. The Time of Cleansing
guts my profits every year – an
entire month of Bajorans forgoing
all worldly pleasures. So when
it’s finally over and we get the
Gratitude Festival... well, I’m
not leaving anything to chance.

RO
That’s probably wise. Let Major
Cenn know if you need anything.

QUARK
I will.​

With a nod, Ro turns to leave. But Quark calls after her...

QUARK
Laren... thanks for coming.​

A personal moment. Ro appreciates it, but doesn’t know how to react. She half-smiles, nods awkwardly again, and turns to leave him to it.



4 EXT. SISKO’S HOUSE – DAY


The Kendra countryside is colourful and bright with the new life of spring.



5 INT. SISKO’S HOUSE


Early morning, but BEN SISKO is already up and pottering around the kitchen. The sun is shining and the birds are tweeting in the trees. Sisko is preparing breakfast – French toast with fresh fruit.

Sisko turns at the sound of KASIDY emerging from the bedroom. She’s less of a morning person than Ben, not put her game face on yet. She staggers half-conscious into the kitchen, slumps into a seat at the breakfast table.

SISKO
Morning.

KASIDY
Morning. Rebecca up yet?

SISKO
No. I think she feels the same way
about mornings as her mom.

KASIDY
Mmm? Mmm.​

Sisko brings the French toast and fresh fruit to the table, places one on front of Kasidy, and takes a seat opposite her. Two mugs of coffee are already there waiting for them. He tucks into the food, she sticks to coffee for now.

SISKO
There was a message from Ranjen
Sool at B’Hala. They’ve asked me
to serve as the Presider for this
year’s Gratitude Festival
celebrations at the site.

KASIDY
...Okay.

SISKO
It’s quite an honour to be asked.

KASIDY
You used to leave it to Kira.

SISKO
Yes, I know. But they’re good
people at B’Hala. Plus, Eivos
always used to do it, so...​

Kasidy nods, getting his gist. Staring into her coffee.

KASIDY
Well... okay. Enjoy yourself.

SISKO
No, you don’t understand. I want
us all to go. As a family.

KASIDY
(hopeful)
Really?

SISKO
Absolutely. I’d like to take you
there, show you everything they’ve
discovered. Meet the people I work
with. It’d be nice for Rebecca to
learn a bit more about Bajoran
culture. Plus... we get to spend
some time together. We haven’t
done a lot of that lately.

KASIDY
No... we haven’t.
(straightens)
Okay then. The commerce authority
always takes the day off anyway.
Not like I’ll have anything better
to do. Gratitude Festival it is.​

Kasidy livens up, begins to eat. Sisko smiles, relaxes.

SISKO
Better dig out my best suit. And
polish up my ancient Bajoran.​

Kasidy nods at that, mouth full. They’re both cheered.



6 INT. DS9 – HABITAT RING CORRIDOR


PRYNN and CANDLEWOOD stroll along the corridor, on their way to work. Chatting amiably as they walk.

CANDLEWOOD
I’m telling you, Prynn, he kissed
me. He actually kissed me.

PRYNN
Good for you.

CANDLEWOOD
And I didn’t have to beg or grovel
or anything. I think he might
actually like me.

PRYNN
John... he dated you for several
months. Of course he likes you.
I keep trying to tell you that.

CANDLEWOOD
Yeah, but... do you think he might
want to... I don’t know... get
back together?

PRYNN
Maybe ask him, instead of me.

CANDLEWOOD
Okay. I will. Tonight. At the
Gratitude party.

PRYNN
Just don’t be all desperate and
clingy, alright? I know he’s
gorgeous, but have some dignity.

CANDLEWOOD
I thought we established dignity
was not my strong suit. Oh,
maybe this is a bad idea.

PRYNN
John! Stop panicking. He’s not a
god. He’s just a person, like you.

CANDLEWOOD
Oh no. Definitely not like me.​

They turn a corner into another corridor. As soon as they do, Candlewood hesitates. Stares at one particular door.

CANDLEWOOD
That’s his quarters. Right there.

PRYNN
Ah. I did wonder why we took the
long way around this morning.​

Just then, the door in question opens. Candlewood jumps, immediately retreats back around the corner where he can see but not be seen, dragging protesting Prynn with him.

Out of Hetik’s quarters, walks... a man who is definitely not Hetik. A human male in an engineering yellow uniform, carrying his tool kit. HETIK himself comes to the door, naked but for a bath towel around his waist. The Bajoran dabo boy leans against the doorframe in that effortlessly sexy way people like that can do. Damn them all to hell.

HETIK
Thanks for coming, Daniel. I’ll
see you later.​

The man waves goodbye and walks away. Hetik turns and re-enters his quarters. The door closes behind him.

On Candlewood, who has just seen this. He is devastated.

And Prynn, who feels so sorry for him...



FADE OUT:

END OF TEASER​

 

[DS9Continuing]

ACT ONE​

FADE IN:



7 INT. DS9 – COMMANDER’S OFFICE


Ro sits in the lounge area, padd in hand, more spread out on the seat beside her. Major CENN sits opposite.

CENN
So I’ve got the Iltari Aerial
Troupe on the lower level, outside
the replimat. Didn’t want them
to be on the upper level, do some
spectacular manoeuvre and go
flying over the balcony.

RO
Probably a good idea.

CENN
Upper level is taken by Aleesh
Kismari, a new musical group
that’s the big thing in Rakantha
at the moment, apparently.

RO
Never heard of them.

CENN
No, me either. So I’m pretty sure
that’s everything. Except for...

RO
Except for what?

CENN
For who’s going to be Presider.
Who’s going to lead the opening
ceremonies. It’s getting late in
the day not to have decided.

RO
Give it to Vedek Capril. Or
Lieutenant Commander Evik. He’s
all about community, isn’t he?

CENN
They’ve both got their own affairs
to attend to.
(delicate)
I really think it should be you.

RO
Me?! No. Absolutely not. Nuh-uh.
No way. I’ve had quite enough
publicity lately, thank you.

CENN
Commander, you are the community
leader now. The senior Bajoran
officer on the station.

RO
Why can’t you do it? Aren’t you
always saying you’re the only
real Bajoran left, or something?

CENN
(chuckle)
I’d be honoured to, but I think
you need it more than me.

RO
Need it? In what way do I need
to be the Presider?

CENN
Look... can I speak freely, sir?

RO
If you must.

CENN
Ever since we met, you’ve been...
well, uncomfortable about your
relationship with Bajor. About
leaving during the Occupation,
about joining Starfleet, about
the lack of religion in your life.

RO
I hope this is going somewhere.

CENN
It is. I realise I haven’t helped
exactly. But... you are Bajoran.
And there’s no harm in letting
yourself just... be Bajoran. You
came home. Let yourself enjoy
it now that you’re here.

RO
I appreciate your perspective.
I’m just not sure I’m there yet.

CENN
Up to you. But you’ve only got
a few hours left to decide.

RO
Thank you, Major. You’ve got work
to do. Off you go.​

Cenn gets up and leaves the office. Ro remains sat there, pondering what he’s said.



8 EXT. B’HALA DIG SITE - DAY


Establishing the archaeological dig at the ancient city...



9 INT. B’HALA CAVES


The caves and warrens of the ancient city, now draped with decorations and banners and lights for the upcoming party. Monks and volunteers work feverishly to prepare everything.

SOOL (the young female monk who supervises the volunteers, as seen in 11x12 “Vigil”) emerges from the crowd to greet Sisko, Kasidy and Rebecca. Neither Ben nor Kasidy are comfortable with her fawning, although he hides it better.

SOOL
Emissary! Oh it’s so wonderful
that you came.

SISKO
Ranjen Sool. I’d like you to meet
my wife Kasidy, and my daughter
Rebecca.

SOOL
It’s a pleasure to meet you both.
Of course we’re all honoured that
you’d agree to act as Presider for
the festival, Emissary. It means
a lot to us all.

SISKO
It’s my pleasure. If you’ll excuse
us, we’d like to freshen up before
we dig in.

SOOL
Of course, Emissary. We’re all at
your disposal.​

Sool backs away, and Ben and Kasidy walk on into the caves, Kasidy keeping a tight hold of Rebecca by the hand.

KASIDY
They sure do love calling you
Emissary.

SISKO
They mean it respectfully.

KASIDY
Oh, I know that. Didn’t you used
to try to discourage it though?

SISKO
It’s their culture, Kas. I don’t
think I’m ever going to get them
to stop.

KASIDY
Stay close, Rebecca, sweetheart.
It’s very important that you stay
in my sight, okay?

REBECCA
Okay mommy.

KASIDY
I mean it. There’s lots of places
to get lost in here.

REBECCA
I will, mommy.

KASIDY
Good girl.​

They walk on through the crowds of preparing people...



10 INT. B’HALA CAVES – BUNK ROOM


The space with the sleeping bags on the ground and lockers against the wall. Sisko and Kasidy enter, with Rebecca. Kasidy gives the whole thing the side eye. Sisko sees.

SISKO
It’s not that bad.

KASIDY
If you say so.

SISKO
I’ve taken a couple of naps here
while we’ve been working. Once
you accept it for what it is...​

Rebecca runs off deeper into the room, towards the shadowy areas at the back.

KASIDY
Rebecca! I told you to stay close!

REBECCA
I’m not going far, mommy.

SISKO
It’s okay – there’s just a smaller
area with some basins to wash in.
There’s no danger. Besides, we’re
hardly going to be living here full
time, like these people do. We’re
just here for the party.

KASIDY
Ben... I appreciate the thought.
But I don’t think one party is
going to solve all our problems.​

Ben gets serious for a moment, addresses this directly.

SISKO
I know. That’s not what I’m trying
to do. I’m not trying to ignore it
all or just paper over the cracks.
I just thought that if we spend
some time together, as a family,
at a place where the whole point
is to let go of all your troubles
and be happy for what you have...

KASIDY
(takes his hands)
You’re right. It will help.

LUKA (o.s.)
Benjamin?​

Sisko turns, and sees that LUKA, his Ohalavaru friend (last seen 11x12 “Vigil”) has poked his head around the edge of the cave. Sisko grins and grabs him in a big manly hug.

SISKO
Luka! Great to see you.

LUKA
You too, Benjamin. So they roped
you in after all, did they?

SISKO
Ah, you know. The burdens of being
me. Kasidy - this is Luka Tirem.
He’s been a good friend. My work
buddy at B’Hala. My... ‘guide’.​

Luka smiles bashfully at the reference. He shakes Kasidy’s hand, bows politely.

LUKA
Mrs Sisko, it’s a real pleasure to
meet you.
(looks past)
Oh... and I know who this must be.​

Ben and Kasidy turn and see that Rebecca is across the room, hovering nervously, not sure about this stranger.

SISKO
Rebecca honey? Come and meet
my friend Luka. It’s okay.​

Still unsure, Rebecca nevertheless trusts her father, and comes forward. She sticks close to her mother though.

REBECCA
Hello, Mister Luka.​

Luka crouches down to Rebecca’s level with a big smile.

LUKA
Hello to you too. You are a very
special young lady, Rebecca Sisko.
Did you know that?

REBECCA
I am?

LUKA
Of course you are. You’re Benjamin
Sisko’s daughter, and he’s a very
important man. So you would have
to be important too, right?

REBECCA
(shy)
I guess so.

LUKA
Right.​

Luka stands up again, with a grimace at his old bones.

LUKA
Well, there’s still lots to do. So
I’ll leave you be for the moment.
But we’ll catch up at the party.

SISKO
Absolutely.​

Luka turns to leave. But before he goes, he glances back at Rebecca, gazes for a moment as if he can’t quite believe he’s seeing her. Then he turns at last and goes.

KASIDY
He seems like quite a character.
Have you got to know him well?

SISKO
We talk. Kind of a tragic past, but
then what Bajoran hasn’t? He’s a
good guy. Come on! Let’s freshen
up, and then we can join the fun!
How does that sound, Rebecca?

REBECCA
Okay, daddy.​

Rebecca turns and runs back into the depths of the cave, to the ‘bathrooms’. Holding hands, Ben and Kasidy follow her.



11 INT. B’HALA CAVES – BANTACA CHAMBER


A little while later. The huge spire at the centre of the buried city towers above the crowd of milling Bajorans and a couple of guest aliens. The whole area is dressed for a party, with flashing colours and flaming braziers and enough light to make it seem like we’re not underground.

Dotted among the caves are stalls where people sell fresh food, or trinkets to mark the occasion, or where musicians play their instruments. The people mill about between these booths, all enjoying themselves. Sisko, Kasidy and Rebecca are among them, exploring all the nooks and crannies.

At periodic intervals are small woven baskets, carrying paper scrolls. Sisko reaches to grab one. But as he does, he stops, worried. He looks to Kasidy. He doesn’t want to insult her by doing this. But she looks back reassuringly and grabs a scroll of her own. Sisko relaxes.

REBECCA
What are those for, daddy?

SISKO
Well, honey, the idea is that you
write all your problems on this
piece of paper. Everything that’s
bothered you or upset you over the
last year, you just write it down.
Then, when the ceremony starts,
you put the scroll into the fire. So
that when the scroll burns away
to ashes, your troubles go with it.
And you can start the next year
fresh, with no problems.

REBECCA
Can I do one?

KASIDY
(chuckle)
Sure, if you want, honey. But what
does a little girl of not-quite-three
have to be upset about?

REBECCA
(cheerful)
I’ll think of something.​

Sisko hands Rebecca a scroll and a pen, and she plonks herself down on the ground right where she is and starts scribbling. Sisko and Kasidy smile at the sight.

Then a hush spreads through the crowd. Something has happened. Confused, Sisko and Kasidy look over to the main entrance, draped in braids and lanterns. And there, standing in the doorway are KIRA... and RAIQ.

All the Bajorans are reacting to the sight of the Ascendant woman. And off Sisko and Kasidy’s similar reaction...



FADE OUT:

END OF ACT ONE​

 

[DS9Continuing]

ACT TWO​

FADE IN:



12 INT. B’HALA CAVES – BANTACA CHAMBER


Picking up from where we left off. As the crowd reacts, Raiq and Kira are very aware everyone is looking at them.

RAIQ
(sotto)
I am not welcome.

KIRA
(sotto)
You’ll be fine. They just need a
chance to get used to you, that’s
all. Come on. Stick with me.​

Kira walks on into the crowd, determined to keep her head high. Raiq follows in her wake.

Eventually Kira spots Sisko and Kasidy in the crowd, and makes her way over to them. They greet warmly with hugs. Except for Raiq, obviously.

SISKO
Nerys! I didn’t know you were
coming to B’Hala.

KIRA
Last-minute decision. I thought it
would be a good way to show Raiq
a bit more of our culture, help her
acclimate a bit more.

KASIDY
That’s exactly the reason we
brought Rebecca.

KIRA
Jake isn’t with you?

SISKO
He’s spending the holiday with
Rena and her friends.

KIRA
Ah. You remember Raiq, of course.

SISKO
Of course. Good to see you, Raiq.

RAIQ
Sisko. Kira speaks of you often.
You are the Fire of the Bajorans.

SISKO
The Emissary, yes.

RAIQ
You are not Bajoran yourself. Yet
you follow their traditions, you
attend their ceremonies. Why?

KIRA
Raiq, don’t be rude.

SISKO
That’s okay. Ummm... I’m not sure
there’s an easy answer to that,
Raiq. I don’t do everything the
Bajorans do. But they look to me
for guidance. And I don’t feel
like I can just abandon them.

RAIQ
Obligation. Not desire.​

Everyone is uncomfortable with this. It’s putting Sisko on the spot. Embarrassing Kira. Giving Kasidy cause to worry.

SISKO
I suppose, in some cases.

KIRA
Come on, Raiq. Let’s look around.​

Raiq turns away with no ceremony and heads back into the crowd. Kira is about to follow, but Sisko holds her back.

SISKO
Nerys, is she going to be trouble?

KIRA
(no idea)
No. She’ll be fine.​

Nobody believes her. Worrying, Kira follows Raiq. Sisko turns to Kasidy, and they share a worried glance.



13 EXT. DEEP SPACE NINE


Re-establishing the station...



14 INT. DS9 – QUARK’S BAR, UPPER LEVEL


Candlewood sits at a table, chin in his hands, looking miserable. Prynn sits across, sympathetic but encouraging. People are still setting up decorations here and there.

PRYNN
Cheer up, John.

CANDLEWOOD
My own fault. Should have said
something sooner.

PRYNN
Maybe. But there was no guarantee
he would have shared your feelings
anyway.

CANDLEWOOD
Thanks for that.

PRYNN
Come on. Don’t let it get you
down. Today is supposed to be all
about forgetting your problems
and enjoying yourself.​

A Ferengi waiter is just passing with a basket of scrolls and pens. Candlewood stops him and grabs one miserably.

CANDLEWOOD
Gimme that.​

He takes the scroll and starts writing grumpily on it.



15 INT. DS9 – QUARK’S BAR, LOWER LEVEL


Down on the main floor, Quark is holding a staff meeting – Ferengi waiters and exotic dabo girls, including TREIR and PIF. The one with the basket returns and joins the group.

QUARK
So good of you to join us, Broik.
Okay! You all know this is the big
day. So you all need to know what
you’re doing. Especially since
we’re low on staff anyway, thanks
to somebody insisting I give all
the Bajorans the day off.​

He glares pointedly at Treir. She smiles back a perfectly polite F-you-to-death smile.

QUARK
Broik, Grimp, you’re out on the
floor taking orders. Frool, Penk,
you’re behind the bar making the
orders they bring back.
(reluctant)
Treir, you’re in charge of the bar.
(back to firm)
M’Pella, Rutia, Kespy. You work
that dabo wheel like you’ve never
worked it before. Whatever you
gotta do to keep’em gambling
and drinking, you do it.
(shudder)
Pif, you’re on door duty. Give
them your biggest smile, your
friendliest spiel. It’s all about
foot fall, people. Get’em in,
get’em drunk, get’em happy...
And get their money.

TIFF (o.s.)
Hi!​

Quark looks down in surprise and sees that TIFF, the puppy who follows him everywhere, is right there at his feet. Gazing up eagerly, tiny tail thumping away. Quark stifles another shudder. He looks across to Pif, whose face seems to be saying “Pleeeeeease....” Quark sighs dramatically.

QUARK
Fine. Tiff, you can work the crowd
and just...
(wince)
...be adorable. But if you get
trodden on it’s your problem.

TREIR
And this is in return for...?​

Quark gives Treir another dirty look. She’s on thin ice.

QUARK
For... pocket money.​

Tiff yips excitedly. Pif grins proudly.

TREIR
And what will you be doing?

QUARK
(proudly)
I... am the host. Alright. We’ve
got two hours left till the big
event. So get moving.
(claps to emphasise)
Clean! Serve! Schmooze! Go!​

The staff disperse to their tasks. As Quark turns back to the bar, he sees that Ro has been there watching. They’re still a bit hesitant with each other. Quark moves behind the bar, a safety barrier. But he still talks to her.

RO
That was very generous of you, Quark.

QUARK
No it wasn’t.

RO
Letting Tiff work for you? Giving
Hetik and the others the day off?

QUARK
All valid business decisions.

RO
Mmm-hmm. Yep. Sure. You know,
Quark... you have a bigger heart
that you like to admit to. Bigger
even than your prodigious lobes.
You shouldn’t be ashamed of it.​

Quark looks at her with a shy smile.

RO
You see? You don’t even deny it
anymore. That’s why you did what
you did. You cared about people
more than profit. I get that.

QUARK
And you really ought to be the
Presider for the ceremony.

RO
(awkward)
How do you know about that?

QUARK
You told me to talk to Cenn,
right? So I talked. And I think
you should do it.

RO
But it doesn’t feel right. It
doesn’t feel like me.

QUARK
(exasperated)
You work so hard at being unhappy.
Life goes a lot easier if you just
relax. You came home, Laren. You
shouldn’t be ashamed of it.​

Ro smiles shyly back at him.

RO
But what would I wear?​

If that’s her only problem, then the decision is made. Quark grins.



16 INT. DS9 – SECURITY OFFICE


Cenn and Evik stand together in the office, going over plans for the event on the wall screens and multiple padds.

CENN
Alright, so we’ve got security
stationed at all sensitive points,
including the shrine, the assay
office and the Infirmary. Is there
anything we’ve missed?

EVIK
I’m certain not.

CENN
It’s just important that this all
works smoothly. Enough has gone
wrong lately, and the Gratitude
Festival is all about peace and
happiness. We really need to -

EVIK
Major... it’s not my first Gratitude
Festival.

CENN
Right. Of course. I’m sorry, I’m
doing it again, aren’t I?

EVIK
(smile)
Yes. But it’s understandable. It
is our first time organising our
own Gratitude Festival.

CENN
(nervous)
Actually, speaking of the shrine,
I was thinking of going there
right after this meeting. Squeeze
in a quick prayer. Probably won’t
have time later. Would you...
like to join me?

EVIK
I would love to join you, Major.

CENN
Okay, good.​

They place down their padds, and turn to head out.

EVIK
I’m certain we’ve got nothing to
worry about. Our officers are all
well-trained and reliable. And
besides, I trust everyone on Bajor
and this station to enjoy the day’s
festivities in the spirit in which
they were intended.​

CUT TO:



17 INT. B’HALA CAVES – BANTACA CHAMBER


On Raiq, as she stands alone, casting her eye warily and suspiciously over the happy Bajorans below...



FADE OUT:

END OF ACT TWO​

 

[DS9Continuing]

ACT THREE​

FADE IN:



18 INT. B’HALA CAVES – BANTACA CHAMBER


Raiq stands alone, staring up at the excavated Bantaca spire, trying to figure it out. The party goes on around her, but she doesn’t care about it.

LUKA (o.s.)
According to legend, the markings
perfectly pinpoint this city’s place
in the universe. If you know how
to read them.​

PAN around to see that Luka has stepped up beside Raiq, joining her in gazing over the Bantaca spire. She glances at him, just about acknowledges his existence.

LUKA
Do you have anything like it in
your culture?

RAIQ
Why do you care?

LUKA
Just curious. I’m Luka, by the
way. Luka Tirem.

RAIQ
I am Raiq, Archquester of the
Ascendancy.

LUKA
Oh, I know exactly who you are.
You’ve been quite the topic of
discussion. A lot of people are
curious about you, not just me.

RAIQ
Your curiosity is irrelevant to me.
As is this entire exercise. What
do I care how you celebrate your
heretical holy days?

LUKA
Ah well, it’s not actually my holy day.
I’m with Ohalu, one of the –
(air quotes)
- “alternative” religions. So I know
how you feel.

RAIQ
(derisive)
Feelings. Of course.

LUKA
I’ve been to plenty of Gratitude
Festivals in my time, of course.
Used to celebrate them just like
everybody else, whether I wanted
to or not. But the last few years,
ever since I found Ohalu... it’s
just not my festival, you know?

RAIQ
Then you are a heretic to the
Bajorans, as well as to me.

LUKA
(chuckle)
Yes, some of them probably would
call me that. But I don’t care what
they think. Not anymore. I know
I’m right.​

There’s a pause as Raiq goes back to inspecting the spire.

LUKA
Wasn’t there another one?
(off Raiq’s look)
Another Ascendant. Didn’t I hear
you found another one?

RAIQ
Vexh. He remains in seclusion at
Janir. We grieve in silence.

LUKA
That’s a shame. I would have liked
to meet him too.

RAIQ
He would likely kill you on the
spot for your heresy.

LUKA
I hope not. Because the truth
is... I admire you, Raiq.

RAIQ
Why?

LUKA
Because you’re firm in all your
beliefs. Unwavering. It doesn’t
matter to you that other people
don’t agree. You know what you
believe and damn anybody who
says otherwise. I find that inspiring.

RAIQ
You do not wish to change my
beliefs to match your own?

LUKA
Not at all. “Fundamentalist” is
such an unpopular word these days.
But I don’t see anything wrong
with deciding what you believe,
and sticking with it no matter
what. So, in the spirit of the
Gratitude Festival at which
neither one of us is welcome...
Thank you, Raiq. Thank you.

RAIQ
This has been a most interesting
conversation, Luka Tirem. And a
most unexpected one.

LUKA
I enjoyed it too. Peldor joi,
Archquester Raiq.​

With a nod of respect, Luka moves off into the crowd in one direction. Raiq takes a last look at the spire, then moves off in the other direction.

Raiq rejoins Kira, who had been watching warily from afar.

KIRA
What was that all about?

RAIQ
I met a Bajoran whose conception
of the universe aligned much more
closely with my own than most.
It was... refreshing.

KIRA
Alright... if you say so.​

Meanwhile, across the large underground space, Sisko approaches Luka.

SISKO
Luka? I saw you talking with Raiq.
Are you alright?

LUKA
I’m absolutely fine, Benjamin!
She’s a fascinating person.

SISKO
I think you should stay away from
her. She could be dangerous.

LUKA
There’s that Starfleet captain
breaking through. Stop worrying,
Benjamin. Go be with your family.​

Luka walks on, quite happy. Sisko remains worried.



19 EXT. DEEP SPACE NINE


And back to the station...



20 INT. DS9 – COMMANDER’S OFFICE


Ro stands in her office, looking at her reflection in a deactivated wall screen. She’s wearing the white Starfleet dress uniform, and fiddling with it uncomfortably.

The door opens behind her, and Cenn steps in from Ops. He’s also dressed to the nines, in the lilac Bajoran dress uniform. He hovers in the doorway.

CENN
It’s time, Commander. You ready?​

Ro straightens her uniform one last time, turns to Cenn.

RO
How do I look?

CENN
Every inch the professional, sir.

RO
Oh, now you suck up to me.
Where was that a month ago?​

With a wry smile, she follows Cenn back out of the room...



21 INT. DS9 – MAIN OPS CENTRE


BOWERS stands at his tactical console, looking out over an otherwise sparsely populated Ops. Ro and Cenn emerge...

RO
Thanks for watching the store,
Lieutenant.

BOWERS
You’re welcome, Commander. Enjoy
yourself.

RO
Yeah... we’ll see.​

Ro and Cenn head towards the turbolift and board it.

RO
Promenade.​

And the lift takes them away, Ro still fidgeting with her uniform all the way.



22 INT. DS9 – PROMENADE, LOWER LEVEL


A turbolift door opens and Ro and Cenn emerge, only to find themselves rocked by the surging CROWDS on the Promenade.

Bajorans and others are celebrating, running and laughing, browsing the pop-up stalls selling fresh-cooked food, toys and trinkets, glamorous clothing. Every balcony is draped with columns of sparkly material, flags, banners. Music is playing, streamers are flying. Ro steps out, stunned.

RO
Oh my- ... Major, this is amazing.
You’ve outdone yourself.

CENN
Well... I thought we deserved it.​

Prynn and NOG wander past, both in civvies. They both carry baskets of scrolls, handing them out to passers-by.

PRYNN
Hi, Commander! Major.

RO
Hi, Prynn. Having fun?

PRYNN
Don’t I always?​

With a grin, Prynn and Nog move on. Ro and Cenn move further into the crowd, pushing their way slowly through towards the shrine.

Outside the replimat, the gymnastic troupe is doing their dazzling display. Ro pauses to watch in amazement, claps in delight at an especially impressive manoeuvre.

Prynn and Nog catch up with Candlewood outside Quark’s bar. He’s also in civvies now.

NOG
Hey, John. Need a scroll?

CANDLEWOOD
(holds up scroll)
I’m all scrolled up, thanks.

PRYNN
He’s had it written for hours.

CANDLEWOOD
In big bold letters. Triple underlined.
Several exclamation marks.​

Prynn grabs a scroll of her own and BONKS Candlewood over the head with it.

CANDLEWOOD
Thanks for that.​

Ro and Cenn walk on, nearing the shrine. Set up outside it is the big platform carrying the unlit brazier. That’s what Ro is going to have to climb up on in front of everybody. She stops, daunted at the sight of it.

RO
This still feels like fraud. I
don’t follow the Prophets. So
should I really be doing this?

QUARK (o.s.)
This isn’t about the Prophets.​

Ro and Cenn both turn to see that Quark has crept up on them, decked out in his finest suit.

QUARK
I’ve seen about a dozen of these
things, and I’m telling you, the
Prophets barely enter into it. It’s
about the Bajorans. So get up
there, and be a Bajoran.​

Ro wavers for a moment... then takes a breath, straightens her uniform one last time. She steps towards the platform, climbs the steps, and stands before the crowd.

QUARK
(exasperated)
She is such hard work.​

Cenn smirks. Around them, the crowd APPLAUDS loud for Ro (remember that Bajorans clap with their back-hands).

Ro smiles shyly, embarrassed by the attention. As it dies down, she opens with a joke.

RO
I’ve never done one of these
before, so if I forget my words,
you can all blame Major Cenn.​

The crowd chuckles.

RO
Peldor joi to you all.​

She makes eye contact with Cenn in the crowd below.

RO
To us all.​

He smiles approvingly. Ro reaches down and picks up the two flasks of oil. Raising them up, she intones the ritual.

RO
Tesra peldor impatri bren. Bentel
vetan ullon sten.​

She tilts the flasks together, letting the oil run down the channel to the brazier, where it bursts into flames. The crowd CHEERS and APPLAUDS again.

RO
As Presider, I have the honour of
placing the first renewal scroll
into the flames.​

She holds up her own scroll, and gently lowers it towards the brazier. But before she places it in, she makes eye contact with Quark. She’s saying these words to him.

RO
As the scrolls burn, may all our
troubles turn to ashes with them.​

Quark smiles back. Ro lowers the scroll into the fire, and it burns away. The crowd APPLAUDS again, Quark among them. Ro is starting to relax... she looks at Quark again.

RO
(silent)
Thank you.​

She turns back to the crowd.

RO (b.g.)
Now I’m not going to tell you to
walk with the Prophets, because
I figure that’s up to you.​

While Ro continues in the background, Candlewood stands watching. He looks across the Promenade...

...and sees Hetik standing and watching, looking fantastic, having a great time, cheering and applauding Ro. Hetik looks over, sees Candlewood, grins wide and waves to him.

Candlewood smiles politely, waves back.

RO (b.g.)
But I am going to tell you that
for the next twenty-six hours,
you have my permission to forget
everything and just have a great
time. Enjoy!​

The human man from Hetik’s quarters appears next to Hetik in the crowd, stands beside him to watch the ceremony. They chat comfortably together MOS.

Candlewood sees this. He tries his best to keep the smile. But his hand tightens, crushing the scroll gripped in it. Ending on Candlewood’s face...



FADE OUT:

END OF ACT THREE​

 

[DS9Continuing]

ACT FOUR​

FADE IN:



23 INT. B’HALA CAVES – BANTACA CHAMBER


Sisko stands atop his own platform at B’Hala, pouring his own oil into the channel, setting the brazier alight. The crowd here CHEERS and APPLAUDS as well.

SISKO
Thank you all for being here. It
means a lot to me, and to the
memory of Prylar Eivos. In his
name, I place the first renewal
scroll into the fire, so that we
may all start anew.​

He looks across the crowd, where Kasidy stands in the front line, Rebecca secure in front of her. He makes eye contact, smiles hopefully. She smiles back. She gets it. He lowers the scroll into the fire, and the crowd APPLAUDS again.

The ceremony done, Sisko steps down from the platform and returns to stand with Kasidy.

KASIDY
That was nice, what you said.
About a new start.

SISKO
I meant it.

KASIDY
I know. Rebecca – do you want to
place your scroll into the fire?

REBECCA
Okay, mommy. I wrote that –

SISKO
Oh no no no – you can’t tell us
what you wrote.

REBECCA
Why not?

KASIDY
Your wish might not come true.

SISKO
Besides, once the scroll is all
burned up, whatever it is won’t
matter anymore. It’ll be gone.

KASIDY
That’s right.​

Rebecca doesn’t catch the subtext. She just drags Kasidy by the hand towards the brazier, holding out her scroll.

KASIDY
Carefully, carefully!​

On the other side of the platform, Raiq stands gazing into the flames. The party going on around her. Kira sidles up.

KIRA
You okay?

RAIQ
This... is much as the Ascendants
meditate. Over the flames.

KIRA
I remember.

RAIQ
The flames represent the power of
the True. It burns out all heresy,
until only the truth is left.

KIRA
It’s exactly the same for us. You
burn away what doesn’t matter,
till all you’re left with is what does.
You see? We’re not so different.​

Raiq doesn’t want to hear it. She looks across the chamber, sees Luka. The one who told her to stick to her beliefs.

RAIQ
No! I will not accept this!​

People nearby turn and stare, having overheard. She sneers back at them, raising a hand. It bursts into FLAMES.

RAIQ
We are not alike. You are heretics!
All of you!​

She holds her flaming hand out in front of her, using it to force a path through the crowd. She stalks away in a fury.

Kira watches her go. Then turns to look across the brazier at Sisko, who has seen the whole thing. They share a look of worry. Is Raiq going to snap?

CUT from the flaming brazier at B’Hala...



24 INT. DS9 – PROMENADE, LOWER LEVEL


...to the flaming brazier on Deep Space Nine. Candlewood is holding his crumpled scroll towards the fire. He hesitates a moment... then drops it in. It burns to ashes.

HETIK (o.s.)
Can I ask what was on it?​

Candlewood turns and sees that Hetik has crept up on him. His breath catches as he looks up into the warm brown eyes.

CANDLEWOOD
Oh, just... stuff.

HETIK
Do you have anything like this
on Earth?

CANDLEWOOD
Everybody’s got their festivals.
We have one called Yom Kippur -
“day of atonement.” It’s supposed
to be a new start, like this.
Repenting of your sins so you
can start fresh.

HETIK
Well... happy Yom Kippur then.

CANDLEWOOD
Tzom Kal. That’s what we say. But
thanks. And... I hope you and
Kovacs are very happy together.

HETIK
...What?

CANDLEWOOD
Daniel Kovacs. I hope you’re happy.
Really. I mean it.

HETIK
Why would I be happy with Daniel
Kovacs?

CANDLEWOOD
Hetik, I saw you. This morning.
You naked, him leaving your
room, first thing in the morning...

HETIK
Daniel Kovacs is married, John.

CANDLEWOOD
You slept with a married man?

HETIK
No! I didn’t sleep with anyone.

CANDLEWOOD
Then why was he in your quarters?

HETIK
Fixing my shower! My shower wasn’t
working and he’s an engineer.

CANDLEWOOD
That’s why you were in a towel.
Oh thank God.

HETIK
But why were you outside my
room first thing in the morning?​

Oh crap. Candlewood is caught out...



25 INT. DS9 – QUARK’S BAR, LOWER LEVEL


Ro and Quark at a table, LAUGHING their guts out together. They’ve both had a bit to drink, and are distinctly merry.

RO
You did not!

QUARK
And after he promised to look
the other way on the Tzenkethi
imports, I told him exactly why
the Cardassians were here. It’s
hardly my fault if Vaughn was just
about to tell him the whole thing
ten minutes later anyway.

RO
You are so mean! I wish I could
have seen his face.​

Quark pulls a funny face. They laugh again.

RO
Thanks for this, Quark. We needed
this, all of us. And it worked.

QUARK
You’re very welcome.

RO
I just don’t know what we do now.
You did something horrible to me,
I did something horrible to you...

QUARK
You always hurt the ones you love.

RO
That cannot possibly be a Rule of
Acquisition.

QUARK
Oh, like you haven’t broken a
few rules in your time.​

They smile again together, conspirators in rule-breaking.



26 INT. DS9 – PROMENADE, LOWER LEVEL


Candlewood and Hetik are now sat together at a table out on the Promenade, specially set up for the festival.

HETIK
You broke up with me, John.

CANDLEWOOD
I know. To save myself, I guess.
Because I didn’t see how you could
possibly love me. I mean, why
would you? Look at you.

HETIK
Of course I loved you. Didn’t the
fact that we dated for months,
that we slept together, that I
didn’t break up with you... didn’t
that make it obvious enough?

CANDLEWOOD
See, when you say it, it makes
sense. But my self-esteem didn’t
allow me to hear that.

HETIK
So instead you told me you didn’t
love me. How is my self-esteem
meant to respond to that?

CANDLEWOOD
Wait... you loved me?

HETIK
That’s a surprise to you?

CANDLEWOOD
People don’t usually love me. Like
me, maybe. Think I’m funny. But
love seems to be asking too much.

HETIK
I really wish you wouldn’t put
yourself down like that. You are
funny. You’re also cute, smart,
spiritual, brave, cute...

CANDLEWOOD
You said that already.

HETIK
Just trying to drill it into your
thick skull. Yes, I was pretty mad
at you for a while there, but once
that wore off...

CANDLEWOOD
You still love me? Then why the
hell didn’t you say anything?!

HETIK
I’ve been trying to talk to you for
months! Congratulating you on
your promotion, complimenting you
on your outfit... And every time
you’ve turned and walked away.

CANDLEWOOD
So the constant sweating, the
staring forlornly from across the
room, the total inability to form
sentences when you’re around...

HETIK
Was I supposed to interpret that
as you being interested? Because
where I come from, not talking to
somebody is a sign that you’re
not interested. And that staring
thing is creepy, by the way.

CANDLEWOOD
I know. Sorry. I guess it’s a
cultural thing, but with humans,
all of that just means we’re
nervous. And very interested.

HETIK
(chuckle)
So we could have asked each other
out again months ago? Or still
been together to start with? Wish
we’d talked like this earlier.

CANDLEWOOD
I’m not the best at talking when
there’s an unbearably beautiful
man in front of me.​

Hetik rolls his eyes at the over-the-top compliment.

HETIK
You know, we never did complete
the Rite of Separation.

CANDLEWOOD
That’s right, we didn’t.

HETIK
Which means that, by a strict
interpretation of Bajoran
tradition, our relationship
never actually ended.

CANDLEWOOD
(gestures around)
Well, we are at a traditional
Bajoran festival. It would be
inappropriate not to observe
a strict interpretation of your
traditional rites.

HETIK
I would take it as a deep and
personal insult if you didn’t.​

Pause. Candlewood frowns, processing it all.

CANDLEWOOD
Wait, what just happened? Did we
just get back together?

HETIK
Is that what you want?

CANDLEWOOD
Yes. Holy Lord, yes. Do you?​

Hetik takes a bit longer to answer – long enough that Candlewood starts to worry.

HETIK
Only if you let it happen. Stop
putting yourself down so much.

CANDLEWOOD
I’ll work on it.​

Candlewood reaches out to shake Hetik’s hand, like a formal business agreement. Hetik takes it... and then holds it longer. They keep hold, and we PAN up to...



27 INT. DS9 – PROMENADE, UPPER LEVEL (CONTINUOUS)


Prynn and Nog sit together at another table, looking over the balcony’s edge and down towards Candlewood and Hetik. Seeing them holding hands, Prynn points for Nog’s benefit.

PRYNN
See? Told you.​

She holds her hand out to him; reluctantly, Nog digs in his pocket and hands over a couple of slips of latinum to her.

PRYNN
Thanks. I may have no romantic
life of my own whatsoever, but
I can still spot it in others.
(beat)
What? Not jealous, are you?

NOG
Not like that. Just... they look
so happy. I’ve never had that.

PRYNN
(realising)
Nog, when you said you never had
a girlfriend, did you mean...?​

Nog’s furious blush makes it clear she’s hit a nerve.

PRYNN
It’s nothing to be ashamed of.

NOG
I’m not ashamed.

PRYNN
Liar. Do you want me to help?​

Nog’s face is a comical mixture of amazed and horrified.

PRYNN
Not like that. But maybe I could
set you up...?

NOG
Don’t even think about it. I’m not
having you paying someone to
take my virginity.

PRYNN
Nobody said a thing about paying!
But there’s gotta be some girl on
this station with her eye on you.

NOG
There isn’t.

PRYNN
Okay, a new mission. I got my dad
together with Opaka, I got John
together with Hetik, I’ll find some
one for you too. Trust me, Nog.
I am the Goddess of Romance.​

Prynn rubs her hands together gleefully. Nog looks on, suddenly very worried...



FADE OUT:

END OF ACT FOUR​

 

[DS9Continuing]

ACT FIVE​

FADE IN:



28 EXT. B’HALA DIG SITE - EVENING


Returning to the archaeological dig at the ancient city...



29 INT. B’HALA CAVES


The celebrations are starting to wind down as the day wears on. The crowd has thinned. Many of the booths are shutting up shop, and most performers and musicians are finished.

To one side, in a small alcove away from the main party, Raiq sits alone on a rocky outcropping. Insular, withdrawn. After a moment, Kira approaches softly.

KIRA
Are you okay?​

Raiq acknowledges Kira’s presence but otherwise doesn’t respond. Kira sits beside her, speaks gently and quietly.

KIRA
Aren’t you tired of this yet?

RAIQ
Of what?

KIRA
Of the fighting. The hating. We’re
not bad people, Raiq. I brought
you here hoping it would help you
see that. But you always turn and
walk away. You fight so hard.

RAIQ
I am not Bajoran, Kira.

KIRA
I know you’re not. But you met a
Bajoran you liked, didn’t you?

RAIQ
I liked him because he was not
like you.

KIRA
But he was still a Bajoran. If he
was an Oralian or an Ohalavar or
whatever – that doesn’t matter.
We’re not all the same, but we
have things in common. You’re
not the same as us... but we
have things in common.​

Raiq looks down at her hands, remains quiet and withdrawn.

RAIQ
I am ready to leave this place,
Kira. Take me home.

KIRA
Home... that’s a start, I guess.
Just let me say goodbye to Ben
and Kasidy. Then we’ll go.​

Kira stands up, sympathetic for Raiq. She heads off into the thinning crowd.

Elsewhere in the caverns, Sisko and Kasidy sit together, Rebecca sat on Kasidy’s knee as they all listen to the last musical group perform their closing piece. Kira approaches.

SISKO
Nerys! Have you had a good time?

KIRA
Not too bad. But it’s time to go.

KASIDY
I think Rebecca feels the same
way. It’s a long day for a not-
quite-three-year-old.

SISKO
It’s a long day for me. Is Raiq okay?

KIRA
I think so. She never talks about
it. And I admit I was worried. But
she’s coming around. Slowly.

SISKO
Alright. Well, it was good seeing
you, Nerys.

KIRA
You too. Bye, Kas. Bye, Rebecca.​

Rebecca looks up, smiles through the tiredness. Kira turns and leaves. Kasidy watches her go, thinking.

KASIDY
Ben... before we go too, could we
talk? I mean, before we get home
and go right back to ignoring each
other again.

SISKO
Kas... I never ignored you.

KASIDY
No, I know. But we haven’t really
talked, have we? We get up, we go
about our day, we do everything
we need to do, but we haven’t
talked. Not really. Not for months.

SISKO
You’re right.​

Sisko looks out into the crowd. Not too far away, Luka is working to help tidy up – clear away the litter, fold up the flags, etc. Sisko stands and calls out.

SISKO
Luka...?​

Luka looks up, sees Sisko beckoning, immediately drops what he’s doing and comes over.

LUKA
Benjamin – everything okay?

SISKO
(checks with Kasidy)
Luka... would you mind looking
after Rebecca for a little while?​

Luka looks between Ben and Kasidy, sees that they need to talk - alone.

LUKA
I’ll protect her with my life.
(holds hand out)
Rebecca? Would you like to come
with me and help tidy up?​

Rebecca looks up at Ben and Kasidy for permission.

KASIDY
It’s okay, sweetie. It’s not for
long. Go ahead.​

Rebecca jumps off Kasidy’s lap, takes Luka’s hand, and they wander back off into the crowd. Kasidy watches them go.



30 INT. B’HALA CAVES – BUNK ROOM


Kasidy leads Sisko into the room by the hand. A random Bajoran woman is just putting on her coat, but she quickly doffs her head to Sisko and scuttles out.

Alone now, Kasidy takes them over to the bedrolls. They fold a couple up as padding and both sit on the ground.

KASIDY
Ben... thank you for bringing me
here. For including me.

SISKO
Well, of course I included you.

KASIDY
No, not always. But I think that’s
my fault. This... stuff... I never
was comfortable with it. It always
felt like this was a part of your
life that I never got to know...
and I didn’t want to know. So
you kept me out of it.

SISKO
I was afraid it would hurt you.

KASIDY
Ben the captain, Ben the father,
Ben the husband... I knew those
versions of you. And I loved them
all. But I finally got a glimpse of
Ben the Emissary today... and
he’s not such a bad guy.​

Sisko is quite emotional at this...



31 INT. B’HALA CAVES


Rebecca holds a plastic bag, bends down and picks up bits of rubbish from the cave floor, and pops them in the bag. Next to her, Luka is doing the same.

LUKA
Your father’s a very important
man, Rebecca.

REBECCA
Yes, Mister Luka.

LUKA
And do you know why I was so
excited to meet you?

REBECCA
No...

LUKA
Because you’re a very important
lady. You see, in my religion,
you have a central part to play.

REBECCA
Me?

LUKA
(w/ passion)
“The child Avatar will be the
second of the Emissary, he to whom
the Teacher Prophets sing.” You
see? That’s you! Foretold in a
book written thousands of years
ago. Isn’t that exciting?​

32 INT. B’HALA CAVES – BUNK ROOM


Sisko and Kasidy.

SISKO
Kas, you know I never meant to
keep anything from you –

KASIDY
No – again, you did. But that’s
okay, I understand. I never made
it easy for you to talk to me about
it. Maybe if I had, I would have
understood the decisions you
made a little better.

SISKO
(cautious)
...Maybe.​

33 INT. B’HALA CAVES


Luka has stopped cleaning up. Now he’s crouched down to Rebecca’s level, talking directly to her.

LUKA
You’re in that book, Rebecca. The
Avatar, the symbol of a united
Bajor, where those who feel like
me are respected, even honoured.
(looks around,
mutters)
Not that you’d know it from this lot.
Look at them all. Acting like they
don’t know this is our place. Our
history, not theirs. They stole it.

Rebecca flinches back from him, glances around for her mommy. He looks back at her, smiles conspiratorially.

LUKA
I’m in that book too, you know.
I’m the Guide. And now you’re here
with me. It’s a sign, Rebecca.​

Luka’s smile is starting to get a big manic...



34 INT. B’HALA CAVES – BUNK ROOM


Sisko and Kasidy.

KASIDY
You know those moments when
something just clicks for you...
it’s been there all along, staring
you in the face, but you just never
quite got it. And then you do.​

Sisko doesn’t know where she’s going with this, but doesn’t want to interfere with what is clearly important for her.

KASIDY (cont)
The Gratitude Festival. Burn up
the scrolls, burn away all your
problems. You just let it go. So
that’s what I’m gonna do - I’m
gonna let it go. You’re here,
Rebecca’s here... and that’s all
that matters. Anything else, we’ll
handle it. Together, as a family.

SISKO
You’re sure?

KASIDY
Yep. We’re together. End of story.​

Sisko launches forward and holds her as tight as he can.



35 INT. B’HALA CAVES


Luka reaches out and grasps Rebecca by her little arms.

LUKA
It’s proof that Ohalu is the right
way. The first way.

REBECCA
You’re hurting me...

LUKA
Sorry, sorry. But it’s true. I mean,
look who’s kai. Our guy. I voted
for him. Obviously.​

Luka stands on his creaky legs and takes Rebecca’s hand.

LUKA
You know what? I know some other
people who would be just thrilled
to meet you. Be just as excited
as me. Would you like that?

REBECCA
I wanna go back to my mommy...

LUKA
Your mommy left you with me,
sweet heart. Your daddy too. It’s
fine, you know you can trust me.
Come on, let’s go.​

Luka begins to walk, dragging Rebecca by the hand. Rebecca looks anxiously over her shoulder, looking for her parents.

Luka drags her into a narrower passage, away from crowds or onlookers. She struggles to pull her hand free, but he has a destination in mind.

REBECCA
I don’t want to...

LUKA
Of course you do. Stop struggling.
You’ll come with me, and you’ll
meet my friends, and then every
one will see that we were right.​

Luka continues to drag the struggling Rebecca down the darkening stone passage...



36 INT. B’HALA CAVES – BUNK ROOM


Sisko holds Kasidy tight, whispers into her neck.

SISKO
We’re together. Everything’s gonna
be good now. It’s gonna be better.​

Kasidy holds him tight back, rocks him to comfort him.



37 INT. B’HALA CAVES - PASSAGEWAY


Being dragged almost too fast for her little feet to keep up, Rebecca looks back behind her.

REBECCA
(shouts)
Mommy! Mom-​

Luka CLAMPS his hand across her mouth, silencing her. Fed up of her struggling, he grabs her around the waist and HOISTS her up off her feet, adrenaline allowing his body to pick up the little girl and carry her.

LUKA
Stop struggling, I said! I’m not
going to hurt you!​

Rebecca just struggles all the more, her SCREAMS muffled by Luka’s hand over her mouth. He takes a firmer hold and carries her on down the stony passage, until they are lost in the dark, just the SOUNDS of their struggle echoing on.



FADE OUT:

END OF SHOW​