DS9 12x05 - "Trial and Error"

[DS9Continuing]

Previously on:
DS9 Season 10 "Ascension"
DS9 Season 11 "The Crucible"
DS9 12x01 - "Godspeed"
DS9 12x02 - "Read All About It"
DS9 12x03 - "I Can Live With It"
DS9 12x04 - "Entanglement"

Now: DS9 12x05 - "Trial and Error"

Shar's attempts to solve his people's reproductive crisis are attacked by terrorists.

.

 

[DS9Continuing]

Meanwhile...

TNG 17x05 – “Q & A”

Enterprise is nearing the unexplored world of Gorsach 9. Though the crew can find nothing unusual, Picard feels something... oddabout it. Away teams discover perfectly symmetrical foliage and geography – impossible in nature. Simultaneously as Picard enters a certain cave, Enterprise receives reports of a large number of spatial fissures opening all over known space, including here at Gorsach. Through them Picard and Worf observe endless numbers of alternate universes – just like Worf experienced in TNG 7x11 “Parallels”. Suddenly Q appears and explains that Gorsach is an artificial world, a test set by ‘Them’, super-omnipotent entities who are to Q as Q are to humans. The crew – including counsellor T’Lana and new security chief Zelik Leybenzon – debate whether Q is telling the truth about any of this. Flashbacks reveal how every meeting Q has ever had with Picard was to prepare him for this moment, because if Picard fails the test, ‘They’ will destroy the universe.

TTN 1x05 – “THE RED KING”

Over a game of chess, Frane pokes holes in Riker’s claim of Federation multicultural equality. All the highest ranked on board – Riker, Troi, Vale, Akaar, even President Bacco – are either human or human-like, which gives Riker pause for thought. Still comatose after the battle over Romulus, Keru dreams of his dead boyfriend Sean Hawk (TNG “First Contact”). Hawk tells him to stop wallowing and wake the hell up. Tuvok tries to put aside his bad blood with Akaar, but Akaar will not forgive. Titan and Valdore find the missing Romulan fleet, and beam aboard. They figure out that the extra-dimensional intelligence – the Sleeper – took control of the ships and made them attack Frane’s vessel. Purging the computers inadvertently pushes the entity back out into space, causing the dissolution around them to increase. The anomalies are now heading straight for the Neyel’s homeworld, and they will destroy the planet in about a week.

VOY 10x05 – “ILLUMINATING”

Admiral Kathryn Janeway appears as a guest on the political talk show Illuminating the City of Light, which discusses events in Federation government. Fellow guests include Vulcan lawyer Sorlak, Antedean councillor Quintor and Trill reporter Ozla Graniv. Topics include the first months of President Bacco’s administration and Ambassador Spock’s recent meeting with her regarding the Romulans, an upcoming summit with Chancellor Martok and Praetor Tal’Aura, the recent Borg incident (TNG 17x03 “Resistance”), Graniv’s reports about post-invasion Tezwa, the Doctor’s appearance before the Federation Legal Council in favour of B-4’s rights as a sentient being, and an incident where Reman refugees made a desperate run at Outpost 22 along the Neutral Zone, only to be destroyed. They also discuss the suggestion of sending Voyager back to the Delta Quadrant – over Janeway’s dead body. But when they raise rumours about her relationship with Captain Chakotay, she refuses to answer.

 

[DS9Continuing]

TEASER​

FADE IN:


1 INT. ANDORIAN SCIENCE INSTITUTE – LABORATORY


Lieutenant SHAR urgently pushes his friend and mentor, Professor SH’VEILETH, down to the floor behind a worktop, as the room around them SHAKES to the sound of PHASER FIRE.

SHAR
Get down!​

sh’Veileth, an older Andorian shen and life-long academic, is unaccustomed to this kind of trouble, and she is clearly terrified. Shar keeps her protected with his own body, his antennae tensely reaching for more information.

Shar looks around the laboratory - it is filled with hi-tech equipment and computer banks, and more ANDORIAN scientists cower behind many of these devices, while SHOUTS and more phaser fire can be heard from outside the room.

SH’VEILETH
Shar, what is it? What’s going on?

SHAR
I believe it’s the protestors again.

SH’VEILETH
They’ve never come this close to
the laboratory before.

SHAR
No - which leads me to wonder
why the change.​

Since there seems to be no immediate danger within the lab at the moment, Shar shoots to his feet and DASHES for the door, sh’Veileth calling after him anxiously...

SH’VEILETH
Shar, don’t!​

Shar reaches the closed door and pins himself to the wall beside it - the door has glass panels that allow him to see out into the other rooms beyond.

He carefully peers around the corner...


2 SHAR’S POV


A uniformed member of the ANDORIAN GUARD has his back to the door, blocking anyone from reaching it. He holds a PHASER RIFLE and is busy firing it - at whom, we can’t see.

Angry shouts, YELPS as people are hit by weapons, WHIMPERS as civilians cower behind desks and cabinets in the other lounge areas of the laboratory complex - all this can be just seen and heard past the battling Guardsman.

Suddenly the Guardsman is SHOT and crumples to the ground with a SHOUT of pain.


3 BACK TO SCENE


Shar jerks away from the window, flattening back against the wall, seething at this sight. He quickly reaches for the LOCKS positioned at the top, middle and bottom of the door, and turns them one by one to be sure they are locked.

Then he presses a CONTROL by the side of the door, and the glass in the door shimmers, turning TRANSLUCENT and blocking the view of the room outside. It does nothing to block the sounds, however.

The other scientists poke their heads out of cover, looking to him for explanations. He speaks low, loud enough for his colleagues to hear but not so loud as to draw attention.

SHAR
The laboratory is under attack. I
couldn’t see who, but I think we
can assume. The Institute guards
are fighting them off, but at least
one of them is down. I’m going
to go out there and help.

SH’VEILETH
What?! Shar, no -

SHAR
I’m Starfleet, Professor. I’ve
trained for situations much like
this. Although I haven’t had to
use that training in some time.
(formulating
as he goes)
I will need someone to unlock the
door for me, and lock it again the
moment I am through. Then retake
your cover and stay out of sight. Do
not move, do not open the door
again, not even for me, until you
hear the all clear signal.​

An older THAAN slowly stands on wobbly legs, offering to help. Shar nods his thanks. The thaan approaches the door, and stands against it while Shar demonstrates the three locks. The thaan nods his understanding.

The moment has come. While the thaan slowly turns the three locks in turn, Shar CROUCHES low at the door’s opening seam. Adrenaline has brought clarity - his breathing is slow and regular, his eyes, ears and antennae wide open.

At Shar’s nod, the thaan quickly jerks the door open. Shar does a quick FORWARD ROLL through the door...


4 INT. ANDORIAN SCIENCE INSTITUTE – LOUNGE AREA


Shar ROLLS out of the doorway, the door SLAMS behind him, and we hear the three locks slotting into place. PHASER FIRE flies over his head, hitting the translucent glass of the door which diffracts the weapon harmlessly.

Shar’s motion is perfectly angled to roll past the fallen Guardsman, grab his dropped weapon, and keep on rolling to the next place of cover. As he comes back to a crouching position, he instantly raises the weapon and aims...

...But he cannot immediately identify any assailant. As his antennae search the room, a VOICE calls out...

VOICE (o.s.)
Nice move.

SHAR
(keeps cover,
calls back)
Your admiration is irrelevant in
the circumstance. Surrender now,
while you can.

VOICE (o.s.)
So soon? But I haven’t completed
my mission yet.

SHAR
What mission is that? To terrify
and murder innocent people?

VOICE (o.s.)
I am no murderer.

SHAR
The Guardsman excepted.

VOICE (o.s.)
Self-defence. He was trying to
stop me completing my mission.

SHAR
I doubt the Judiciary would see it
that way.

VOICE (o.s.)
The Judiciary and I disagree on a
lot of things.

SHAR
What is your mission? Perhaps we
can find a way out of this that
doesn’t require any more deaths
- yours, mine or theirs.​

He looks around him, seeing more civilians - secretaries, academics, ordinary Joe Andorians - cowering beneath desks and gritting their teeth with anger. Some are terrified, others would happily fight back if they had a weapon.

As the Voice talks, Shar doesn’t really pay attention...

VOICE (o.s.)
My compatriots and I believe in
the true plan of Uzaveh the
Infinite. The experiments you
and your people are doing in this
place are an affront to Uzaveh.​

Meanwhile Shar has shuffled sideways behind his cover towards a desk. He casually tosses out, not caring...

SHAR
Really? How so?

VOICE (o.s.)
You pollute our genome with alien
DNA. You tamper with his creation.​

Under this, Shar has got the attention of the young ZHEN hiding under the desk. He gestures towards a device that sits on the desk - a sort of intercom machine.

SHAR
That seems like a rather harsh
characterisation of our work.​

The young zhen tentatively reaches up, grabs the device, pulls it down and passes it to Shar, all without being seen by the shooter. He immediately starts dismantling it.

VOICE (o.s.)
Uzaveh made us unique. No other
race like us exists in this galaxy.
You would pervert that, make
us just like all the rest.

SHAR
I would save us all.​

With that, Shar works a certain control inside the intercom device, and the room is suddenly filled with a SCREECHING, THROBBING noise, enough to deafen everyone in the room.

The zhen under the desk cringes in horror at the sound, her hands over her ears, her antennae shuddering and drooping and spasming wildly.

Shar shoots to his feet, brandishing his weapon, and emerges from cover. All around the room, other Andorians are wincing and cringing. Shar is affected too, but his training allows him to withstand it - mostly.


5 INT. LABORATORY


Professor sh’Veileth, the older thaan and all the other scientists cringe and shudder against the noise as well. One YELPS in fear as a glass container SHATTERS in sympathy at the sound. Someone else VOMITS on the laboratory floor.


6 INT. LOUNGE AREA


Shar pushes on, staggering to the other side of the room, and looks behind another hiding place. He sees a hooded GUNMAN writhing on the ground, as affected as the rest.

The gunman looks up and sees Shar there. Trying to fight the cringing, ear-melting noise, he raises his weapon...

...and Shar SHOOTS him in the kneecaps, both legs. The gun man SCREAMS and drops the weapon, incapacitated. Shar quickly KICKS the weapon away.

SHAR
(shouts over noise)
Switch it off!​

The young zhen reaches out from under her desk and yanks all the cables out of the intercom device. The horrible sound stops, and Shar breathes in relief. Around him, the civilians slowly realise it is over...

Still keeping his own weapon trained, Shar reaches down slowly and yanks off the gunman’s hood, revealing another Andorian CHAN, hissing and seething in pain at the wounds Shar gave him. Shar looks down at him, quite calm...


FADE OUT

END OF TEASER​

 

[DS9Continuing]

ACT ONE​

FADE IN


7 EXT. SPACE


A blue-green GAS GIANT planet, with beautiful glittering silver rings. We move around it, following the curve of the planet, until the journey reveals...

A smaller terrestrial planet in orbit of the gas giant. This is ANDOR, the Andorian homeworld, with a watery equatorial region and substantial ice caps. We continue to move around this, until we see...

STARBASE 7, one of the large mushroom-shaped Starfleet orbital spacedocks as seen in the TOS movies, in orbit of Andor. Shuttles and transports and other small ships move back and forth between it and the planet. We continue to spiral around the station until we see...

The USS James T Kirk gliding towards the spacedock, whose doors open to allow the Akira-class ship into its core.

We join the Kirk and travel along with it, allowing us to identify it by the name stencilled on its hull. Together we pass through the doors, and into...


8 INT. STARBASE 7 - HANGAR (CONTINUOUS)


The giant hangar inside the starbase. A half dozen other starships can be seen docked, with one or two under repair as work bees buzz around them. One is identifiable as a Saber-class, the USS Cutlass.

The Kirk moves slowly into a free dock position, thrusters firing to bring it to a halt. Docking connections extrude from the body of the starbase and connect to the Kirk.


9 INT. STARBASE 7 - COMMANDER’S OFFICE


A large picture window in this room opens out onto the internal hangar. Starfleet rear-admiral ZENKAR stands with his back to this view - a SAURIAN male, with that race’s characteristic pointed face, green-brown reptilian skin and large orange goggly eyes.

Zenkar reaches out to shake hands with Captain VAUGHN, who has just entered the room from the opposite side, which features a door into the command centre.

ZENKAR
Captain Vaughn, welcome to
Starbase Seven. I believe you
already know zha Charivretha...​

He indicates VRETHA, a mature and regal Andorian zhen (last seen DS9 9x09 “Paradigm”) who stands nearby. She is the former Andorian councillor to the Federation, a career diplomat by bearing if no longer by position.

VAUGHN
A pleasure, Admiral. And yes of
course, Vretha. I was happy to
hear from you. It’s been too long.​

Vretha bows slightly, inclining her antennae, with a smile. Zenkar then indicates another also present - a stern thaan in a starched Andorian Guard uniform, THIRIN.

ZENKAR
May I also present Ilthirina
th’Deminesh, supreme commodore
of the Andorian Guard.​

Thirin likewise bows to Vaughn. All four take their seats.

VRETHA
I would like to begin by assuring
you - Admiral, Commodore - that
I intended no insult to either of you
by asking Captain Vaughn here.

THIRIN
(small smile)
I am trying my best not to take it
as such, zha.

VRETHA
It is simply that the captain has
almost a century of experience
in tactical matters.

VAUGHN
(warm)
And is a close personal friend of
long standing.

THIRIN
My officers have been trying to
rout these terrorists for years -
with frustratingly little success.

ZENKAR
I’d like to ask you and yours to
work with Commodore th’Deminesh,
Captain. As the native security force,
they have jurisdiction. But it’s
possible that an outside eye
might help.

VAUGHN
I’m happy to do what I can. But I
read the reports on my way here,
and I’m a little confused - it was
my understanding that the Treishya
are a recognised political entity
within your government. Yet you’re
also calling them terrorists?

THIRIN
They are responsible for numerous
deaths, Captain - including one of
my officers in the recent attack.
His child is now without a thavan.

VAUGHN
Oh, please don’t misunderstand me,
Commodore. I have no sympathy
with killers in a time of peace. It’s
just that history has seen many
who were once called terrorists
renamed as heroes in time. The
Bajoran resistance, for example.

VRETHA
It is a complex situation, Elias.
As are many on Andor.

VAUGHN
Then we’d best get to it. Tha, if
you could provide a thorough
tactical review of the situation,
I’ll have my first officer look it
over and offer any suggestions.
We’ll follow your lead, of course.
(Thirin nods, Vaughn
turns to Vretha)
And Vretha, perhaps you can give
me the political perspective -
over dinner?

VRETHA
Not tonight, Elias. Parliament
obligations. But you certainly
must join Thirishar and I for
Deepening meal before you leave.

VAUGHN
The Kirk will be here a while,
being restocked and refitted -
thank you, Admiral - so we
have plenty of time.
(stands)
With your leave, Admiral. Can I
give either of you a lift back to
the surface?​

10 INT. STARBASE 7 - HANGAR


The Kirk, sitting in its docking place with the umbilicals still attached. A RUNABOUT launches from the wide shuttle bays along its leading edge, and curves around to fly back towards the main docking hangar doors.

We fly with the runabout back through the doors and out into space...


11 EXT. SPACE (CONTINUOUS)


The runabout emerges from the doors, a tiny speck against the massive spacedock, and turns towards the planet.


12 EST. ANDOR CAPITAL CITY – DAY


A modern and attractive city. Tall and shiny buildings, open green spaces, snowy mountains in the background. As seen in DS9 9x08 “No Place Like Home”.


13 INT. ANDORIAN SCIENCE INSTITUTE – LOUNGE AREA


Two Andorian Guard officers are already here, scanning the room with their tricorders and inspecting every inch of the place. No civilians now - the room is under Guard control.

Commander Thirin leads Captain Vaughn into the room, with the Kirk’s first officer Commander ROGEIRO following them.

THIRIN
Captain Vaughn, Commander Rogeiro,
please meet Shashikant ch’Bessa,
my deputy.​

One of the two officers turns to greet them - a younger chan called SHASH. He is polite but a bit territorial.

SHASH
Well met, Captain. I was not aware
Starfleet was to be involved...

THIRIN
(gentle warning)
As a favour to Councillor zh’Thane
and Admiral Zenkar, Shash.

VAUGHN
We recognise this is an internal
Andorian matter, Lieutenant. We’re
only here to advise and assist.​

Shash bows, backing down for now, although he is clearly not convinced. Thirin begins to lead Vaughn around.

THIRIN
This is the location of the most
recent attack. At the Andorian
Science Institute, our finest
minds are working to solve
our reproductive crisis.

ROGEIRO
Then it’s reasonable to assume
that’s the target of the attacks.

THIRIN
There is no need to assume,
Commander. They declare it openly
and proudly. There have been
protests outside the Academy for
years now, though this is the first
time they’ve succeeded in making
it inside the building.

VAUGHN
I understand you have the culprit
in custody?

THIRIN
Medical custody. He was injured in
the attack. Lieutenant ch’Bessa
handled the interview personally.

VAUGHN
And?

SHASH
And he has given us nothing we
didn’t already know. He repeats
his opposition to the ‘offences to
Uzaveh’ being perpetrated by this
establishment. But he has given
us no names or other information.

VAUGHN
Nevertheless, I’d like Commander
Rogeiro to speak to him as well, if
you wouldn’t mind, Commodore.

THIRIN
Certainly. Lieutenant, please take
the Commander to the hospital
to speak to our detainee.

SHASH
Aye, Commodore.​

Shash unhappily stashes his tricorder and heads towards the door, expecting Rogeiro to follow. Vaughn and Rogeiro share a subtle glance about the Andorian’s apparent attitude.

Shash and Rogeiro leave. Thirin smiles apologetically.

THIRIN
Please don’t take it personally.
Shash is a proud chan and does
not take well to anyone seeming
to question his skills.

SHAR (o.s.)
Captain Vaughn!​

Vaughn turns to see Shar emerging from the laboratory. The young chan is wearing a scientist’s smock.

VAUGHN
Lieutenant ch’Thane. A pleasure to
see you again.

SHAR
(shakes hand)
My zhavey informed me she had
asked you to come.

THIRIN
Ah yes of course, the councillor’s
famous chei. You would have met.

VAUGHN
Not only that, we shared an
assignment for several years.
You work here now, Lieutenant?

SHAR
In an unofficial capacity. And
please, call me Shar, Captain.
I am not in uniform. Would
you like to come in?​

Shar gestures for Vaughn and Thirin to follow him back into the laboratory. They do...


14 INT. ANDORIAN SCIENCE INSTITUTE – LABORATORY


Shar leads the party back into the lab, where Professor sh’Veileth is working at a console.

VAUGHN
Oh, this doesn’t look too bad.

SH’VEILETH
The gunman never made it in here,
thanks to Shar.

SHAR
Professor Laenatha sh’Veileth, my
teacher and colleague.

VAUGHN
(polite bow)
Professor. So what is it exactly
that you’re doing here, that
has the Treishya so riled up?

SH’VEILETH
Gene therapy derived from the DNA
of the Yrythny ova. Using advanced
recombinant DNA techniques on
chromosome seventeen -

VAUGHN
(hands up)
Forgive me, professor, but I’m no
geneticist...​

She and Vaughn look to Shar, who provides a translation...

SHAR
We’re trying to save the world,
Captain.


FADE OUT


END OF ACT ONE​

 

[DS9Continuing]

ACT TWO​

FADE IN


15 INT. HOSPITAL - CORRIDOR


Lieutenant Shash and Commander Rogeiro exit a hospital room out into the corridor. Other guardsmen stand watch at the threshold, letting Shash and Rogeiro walk away.

ROGEIRO
Hmm... You’re right. Repeating his
supposed doctrine over and over
again, just in different words.

SHASH
I told you it was a waste of time.

ROGEIRO
I did notice, however, that you
seemed rather agitated yourself.
Perhaps it might be better if I
speak to him alone next time.

SHASH
(pause, annoyed)
This is Andorian business.

ROGEIRO
We’re only here to help. Surely
you want to stop these people.

SHASH
These are Andorians, Commander.
Our own people. We shouldn’t even
be speaking about these things
with... outsiders.

ROGEIRO
Well, I don’t consider myself an
outsider. I have several Andorian
crewmembers on the Kirk - Ensign
zh’Vennias is on my security team.
I’ve got to know her fairly well,
I’m sure she’d be happy to help.

SHASH
(quiet, withdrawn)
You do not understand. Our...
difficulties... are our own. The
parliament should have never told
the Federation. It’s embarrassing.

ROGEIRO
(sensitive)
I’m aware of your ‘difficulties’.
And if there are so few of you
left, then isn’t it all the more
important to stop the terrorists?
They don’t seem to hold life in
the same regard.

SHASH
Oh, they do, Commander. The
Treishya hold Andorian life in
very high regard indeed.​

Shash walks on down the corridor, leaving Rogeiro confused.


16 EST. ANDOR CAPITAL CITY - DAY


Re-establishing the capital city...


17 INT. VRETHA’S OFFICE


Last seen in DS9 9x09 “Paradigm”, with a nice view out over the city and the park below. Vretha sits behind her desk, when the intercom CHIMES. She taps it, and a voice says:

VOICE (comm)
He’s here, zha.

VRETHA
Yes, thank you, send him in.​

The line drops, and after a moment, the office door opens, and Vaughn strides in.

VAUGHN
Good morning, Vretha. I wondered
if this was -​

But he stops dead in surprise to see that there is another in the office, sitting in the guest chair opposite Vretha - Trill reporter OZLA GRANIV (DS9 12x02 “Read All About It”).

Ozla and Vaughn struggle not to react to the surprise of each other’s presence - they are not supposed to know each other, and were certainly not expecting to meet here.

VAUGHN
Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t realise
you had company. I can come
back another time...

VRETHA
Not at all, Elias, please come in.
This is Ozla Graniv, a reporter
for... The Seeker, was it?

OZLA
That’s right, zha. I’m their
correspondent at the Palais.

VRETHA
And as such, she has apparently
been sent to interview the former
Andorian council member.

VAUGHN
A pleasure to meet you, Ms Graniv.

OZLA
And you, Captain. But I was -

VRETHA
I’m afraid I must postpone our
interview, Ms Graniv. Captain
Vaughn is here to brief me on
a matter of national security.

OZLA
(trying her luck)
Would that be the Treishya attack
on the Science Institute?

VRETHA
I really can’t say.​

She’s not going to get anywhere, so Ozla gathers her things and stands up. She reaches to shake Vaughn’s hand.

OZLA
Well, in that case I’ll leave you
to it. Please do let me know when
you’ll be available again, zha.

VRETHA
I certainly will.

OZLA
(acknowledging)
Captain.​

Vaughn nods politely, and Ozla heads for the door. As she reaches it, she looks back over her shoulder... and she and Vaughn exchange a significant look. Then she is gone.

VRETHA
(relieved sigh)
Oh, thank you, Elias.

VAUGHN
It actually wasn’t about the
attacks at all, Vretha - I was
just going to ask if you
wanted to share breakfast.

VRETHA
I don’t care, I was just glad to
have an excuse to get her out of
here. I’m in no mood to talk to
the press right now.

VAUGHN
You may not be the councillor
anymore, but you’re still a member
of the Parliament. And your chei
is leading the efforts to save
your entire species. I’m afraid
with that, comes attention.
(chuckle)
Why do you think I avoided
promotion for so long?​

Vretha pauses, relaxes for a moment with the reminder. Vaughn takes the seat Ozla just vacated, warm and comfy.

VRETHA
I am so proud of him, Elias. His
determination and his drive may
save our people. Our entire race.
And he has done it all with
practically no support from me.

VAUGHN
Don’t sell yourself short, Vretha.
He inherited that determination
from somewhere.

VRETHA
(overwhelmed)
And I have a grandchild!

VAUGHN
I heard.

VRETHA
For so long I worried it would
never happen... and he is so
beautiful. Perfect. Lata, they
called him. I might have chosen
something different, but... that’s
just me being a stubborn old zhen.

VAUGHN
Vretha... what is going on here?
Surely Shar and his colleagues at
the Institute, what they’re doing
is vitally important, isn’t it?
Literally vital. Why would
anyone protest it?

VRETHA
(sigh)
The Treishya’s aim, so they say,
is to stop the experiments because
they are contrary to Uzaveh the
Infinite’s plan for our people.

VAUGHN
You don’t believe them?

VRETHA
I fail to see how Uzaveh, if one
believes in a creator at all,
would want his creations to die.
He endowed us with intelligence
and reason so that we may solve
our problems and survive.

VAUGHN
I’ve said the same myself.

VRETHA
But they say that Uzaveh created
us as we are - the four sexes, who
can only be Whole when all four
come together. And any attempt
to interfere with that by inserting
alien DNA into our bodies is an
insult to Uzaveh’s creation.

VAUGHN
Even if to not do so means you
become extinct?

VRETHA
They would rather die as we are
than live as something else.

VAUGHN
And what about the government?
If the Treishya are a legitimate
political party -

VRETHA
They are radicals. Extremists.
The Visionists claim to abhor the
Treishya’s methods. But there are
many of my Progressive colleagues
who suspect the Visionists are
secretly supporting the Treishya,
because it will help them to oust
us as the governing party.

VAUGHN
A secret coalition. It certainly
wouldn’t be the first time.
What do you think?

VRETHA
(ponders)
I refuse to believe even the
Visionists would condone the
deaths of innocents. They may be
my political rivals but they are
not monsters. They know that every
Andorian life counts. But... there
may be those among them who
would take more extreme measures.
(beat)
Did you know I was kidnapped, Elias?
Three years ago, they sought to
bring attention to their cause by
holding me to ransom. The price
was the truth - about what
Professor sh’Veileth was doing.
We managed to keep it out of the
hands of people like Ms Graniv.
(beat)
Still, that’s part of why I am no
longer the Federation councillor.
They got their pound of flesh...
and it gave them a taste for it.
(beat)
I’m sorry, Elias. I shouldn’t be
putting all this on you.

VAUGHN
Nonsense. That’s why you called
me here - for help from an old
friend. And I’ll do everything I
can to provide it, Vretha. Now
- how about that breakfast?

VRETHA
(brightening)
That sounds like a wonderful idea.​

They both stand from their seats, make as if to head for the door. But Vaughn’s COMBADGE trills with an incoming message.

ROGEIRO (comm)
Rogeiro to Vaughn.

VAUGHN
Go ahead, Commander. Is there
a problem?

ROGEIRO (comm)
I’m afraid so, sir. The detainee
at the hospital, the one who
carried out the attack on the
Science Institute?

VAUGHN
What about him?

ROGEIRO (comm)
He’s dead, sir.​

Off Vaughn and Vretha’s reaction to that...


FADE OUT

END OF ACT TWO​

 

[DS9Continuing]

ACT THREE​

FADE IN


18 INT. HOSPITAL - CORRIDOR


Vaughn, Rogeiro, Thirin, Shash and Shar all stand in the corridor as Andorian Guard officers investigate and tape off the hospital room in which the gunman was being held. Vaughn is clearly agitated and annoyed.

VAUGHN
What the hell happened?

SHASH
The chirurgeon said he succumbed
to his wounds.

SHAR
Impossible. I inflicted those
wounds myself, I know they
were non-lethal.

VAUGHN
Could some kind of infection
have set in?

ROGEIRO
There was no sign of infection
when I spoke to him yesterday.

VAUGHN
So what then? He was silenced?
So he couldn’t tell us anything?

THIRIN
He was under guard by my officers
the entire time.

VAUGHN
(pointed)
Yes. He was.

THIRIN
I would remind you this is my
jurisdiction, Captain.

VAUGHN
And Commander Rogeiro’s review of
your ‘jurisdiction’ flagged up several
quite obvious weaknesses ripe for
a terrorist’s use.

THIRIN
Lieutenant ch’Bessa designed those
plans himself. And he has my full
confidence.

ROGEIRO
(break it up)
Captain, Commodore - please, we’re
on the same side here. Perhaps if we
go over the security plans together -

VAUGHN
Yes. Excellent idea.

SHAR
I’ll inform zhavey that Deepening
meal will have to be postponed.

VAUGHN
Absolutely not. We do not change
our plans for terrorists - that’s how
they win. Commander Rogeiro,
you’ll take that meeting.

ROGEIRO
Aye, sir.

VAUGHN
I also want the Kirk here right
now, restock be damned. And tell
Magrone I want armed security
officers ready to beam down at a
moment’s notice - to supplement
the Commodore’s forces.

ROGEIRO
Understood.

VAUGHN
Now if you’ll excuse me, I have
urgent matters to attend to.​

Vaughn strides off down the corridor, leaving Rogeiro to withstand the incensed looks of the Andorian officers.


19 EXT. THERIN PARK - DAY


One of the beautiful green outdoor recreational spaces within the capital city. Vaughn sits on a public bench, staring out at the trickling streams and herbaceous borders, trying to let nature calm his troubled brow.

After a moment, another as-yet-unidentified figure comes to sit on the same double-sided bench, back to back with Vaughn. He does not react. After a moment...

VAUGHN
I wasn’t expecting to see you.​

Ozla sits facing away from Vaughn, talking casually but quietly so as not to draw attention from prying eyes.

OZLA
It’s not by choice, believe me. I
intended to be on Tezwa by now.

VAUGHN
Then why aren’t you?

OZLA
You tell me. Farik was all ready
to give in, when suddenly this
assignment came up to interview
zh’Thane. One might almost think
somebody didn’t want me there.

VAUGHN
(takes her meaning)
I am not your enemy, Ms Graniv.
But someone else might be.

OZLA
Who?

VAUGHN
Let me worry about that. What do
you know about the Treishya?

OZLA
Not much. Political extremists, using
religion to justify their atrocities.
Tale as old as time. You see that
statue over there?​

Vaughn looks across the park, where a large cerulean statue depicts a short and stocky Andorian thaan - SHRAN.

OZLA
That’s Hravishran th’Zaorhi, the
first Andorian on the Federation
Council, two-hundred years ago.
But the statue is only two years
old. You know why?

VAUGHN
No.

OZLA
Because the Treishya bombed the
original. It was a symbol of the
Andorian people’s turn away from
Uzaveh, they said. People died.

VAUGHN
I see.

OZLA
What do you want me to do?

VAUGHN
For now, continue to act as if
nothing is wrong. I’ll talk to my
people, and with luck you’ll be in
hell soon enough. And then maybe
we’ll both get the answers we’re
looking for. Good day, Ms Graniv.​

Vaughn gets up from the bench, straightens his uniform, and walks off, leaving Ozla on her own.


20 EST. ANDOR CAPITAL CITY - NIGHT


Seeing the same city, now at dusk slipping into night.


21 INT. VRETHA’S APARTMENT - DINING ROOM


A modern updating of the traditional Andorian keep in the form of a 24th century Federation apartment. The room is octagonal, small high windows, with at least two archways leading off to other rooms - no doors, just open archways.

Shar’s bondmates - ANICHENT, DIZHEI and THIA (all seen DS9 9x09 “Paradigm”) - move back and forth setting up a dining circle on the floor in the middle of the room. A central circular mat with six places laid out equally around it.

Vaughn is out of uniform, watching them as they bring bowls and cutlery out of one of the side rooms to place down.

VAUGHN
I hope I’m not putting you to too
much trouble.

DIZHEI
Not at all, Captain. Deepening
meal is a time for family and
friends to share equally. It is a
pleasure to set a wider circle.

ANICHENT
Zhadi has spoken of little else
since she told us you were coming.
She would never forgive us for
not making you welcome.​

Vretha enters from the other room, carrying more bowls, wearing the teasing smirk of an old friend.

VRETHA
Perhaps we should eat at the table
tonight - Elias’s old bones might
not take sitting on the ground.

VAUGHN
Don’t you dare. I’m in the best
shape I’ve been for decades.

VRETHA
(out loud)
Thirishar! We have company!

SHAR (o.s.)
I am well aware, zhavey.​

They turn and see Shar standing in the other doorway, holding a BABY Andorian male (approx 1 year old) to his chest. Everyone gasps or coos at the sight.

SHAR
Captain Elias Vaughn, I’d like
you to meet Thiarelata ch’Vazdi...
or Lata. My chei.

VAUGHN
(approaching)
Oh, Shar, he’s so beautiful.
Congratulations - to all of you.

THIA
He is perfect, isn’t he?

VRETHA
And perhaps he might one day
have a sibling just as perfect...?

SHAR
One thing at a time, zhavey.

ANICHENT
Besides, we all know Shar is
itching to return to Starfleet.

SHAR
I have said no such thing.

DIZHEI
You don’t need to say it, ch’te.
We know you too well.​

The child begins to whine - too many people in his space. Vaughn gestures back towards the other room.


22 INT. VRETHA’S APARTMENT - SLEEPING ROOM


More mats are laid out on the floor - four sleeping mats with thin blankets over them, and one thicker pile of blankets against the wall. Shar carries his child over to this thicker pile and gently lowers him down into it.

Shar kneels by the bed, soothing the baby back to rest. Vaughn watches the scene happily, even crouching down (and wincing at his old bones, silently admitting the discomfort with an annoyed eye roll) to join Shar. They speak quietly.

VAUGHN
I wanted to apologise, Lieutenant.
For my behaviour earlier today.
It’s just... there’s a lot going on
at the moment.

SHAR
You misjudge us, Captain - we were
not offended. That is how most
Andorian conversations go.

VAUGHN
But this... this is what it’s all
ultimately about, isn’t it?
Creating a world you’d be happy
for them to live in. I remember
when Prynn was this age. Treasure
these moments, Shar. They’re rare.​

Speaking of which, Shar brings up an awkward question he has been unsure whether he dare broach.

SHAR
How is Prynn?

VAUGHN
In fine form, last I saw her.
You should give her a call.

SHAR
Oh no, I’m sure she’s busy, I
wouldn’t want to bother her -

VAUGHN
Shar - call her. She’d love it.
(pause)
You know, if you’re serious about
returning to active duty, I lost
my science officer to a transfer
recently. I’d be happy for you
to take his place.

SHAR
Are you sure? It might look to
others like nepotism, because
of your friendship with zhavey...

VAUGHN
And I wouldn’t give a damn what
they think. You’re a fine officer,
and an excellent scientist, and
the Kirk could use you.

SHAR
I will consider it, Captain.

VRETHA (o.s.)
Thirishar! Elias! Dinner!​

Smiling, Shar gets to his feet, and offers Vaughn a hand to help him to his. They turn to leave...


23 INT. VRETHA’S APARTMENT - DINING ROOM


They emerge back into the main room, where all the food is now laid out on the dining circle.

THIA
Is Lata okay?

SHAR
He’s fine, just a little over-
whelmed I think.​

CRASH - one of the small high windows suddenly EXPLODES in a shower of glass. Vretha and Dizhei YELP in surprise, but Shar is instantly on alert.

VAUGHN
What the hell was that?​

A second window also EXPLODES. Then a third. Glass showers down onto the floor, and all six people cover their heads. Anichent and Thia run into the sleeping room...

ANICHENT
Lata!​

Meanwhile Shar grabs a chair, pulls it to the wall, and stands on it to peek over the edge of one of the high small windows. The next moment, a PHASER SHOT barely misses him.

VRETHA
Thirishar!​

Refusing to back down, Shar lets just his ANTENNAE peek over the edge of the window, uses them to feel around and sense... Then he gets back down off the chair.

SHAR
There are definitely people out
there, too many to count.

DIZHEI
The Treishya? Here? But why -
there are no experiments here.​

Anichent reappears in the archway, holding Lata close. Another PHASER SHOT comes through another window, striking the stone-effect walls and burning a scorch-mark in them.

Shar turns to Vaughn - who nods his understanding. The captain runs to his jacket, hanging on the wall, reaches into it, and finds his combadge. He taps it...

VAUGHN
Vaughn to Rogeiro. Red alert.
We’re under attack.​

FADE OUT

END OF ACT THREE​

 

[DS9Continuing]

ACT FOUR​

FADE IN


24 INT. VRETHA’S APARTMENT - DINING ROOM


Where we left it - the Thane family home is under attack. Vretha and Dizhei hide against the walls, under the windows where the phaser cannot reach them. Anichent and Thia cower in the archway, little Lata held tightly between them.

Six TRANSPORTER signatures form in the room. Vaughn and Shar tense, brandishing makeshift weapons - a candlestick, an iron poker from the fireplace - just in case...

...but the transporters reveal Rogeiro, Shash, and four Starfleet SECURITY officers, all armed. Rogeiro immediately appraises the battle ground and begins snapping out orders.

ROGEIRO
Siege positions, now!

VAUGHN
Everyone - into the bedroom.
No windows, you’ll be safe.​

Vretha and Dizhei dash for the bedroom, bustling Anichent and Thia ahead of them with the still-crying baby.

The Starfleet officers take up positions at the edge of each window, angling their phaser rifles through the gaps.

SHAR
Lieutenant ch’Bessa, your weapon.

SHASH
Cha Thirishar...

SHAR
My chei is in danger, Lieutenant.
Your weapon.​

Reluctantly, Shash hands his own weapon over to Shar, who takes it and joins the other officers at the windows. Shash backs away to block the archway - Vaughn joins him there.


25 SHAR


settles in, peering through his phaser sight.


26 PHASER RIFLE SIGHT


An infra-red style view of outside the apartment. Among the trees and statuary, Andorian FIGURES lurk, aiming their own weapons. One FIRES, a blinding white light coming straight towards us...


27 SHAR


moves aside only enough for the shot to miss him, then returns perfectly calm and FIRES back.


28 PHASER RIFLE SIGHT


The shot heads back along the first’s trajectory – and HITS the assailant. He goes down.


29 RETURN TO SCENE


Starfleet security exchange more fire with the attackers. In the archway, Vaughn watches the scene unfold warily. Shash looks over his shoulder, into the sleeping room...

...at the rest of Shar’s family, huddled tightly around the little baby, who is crying and crying as his parents try to keep him calm and safe.

Shash’s expression is unreadable as he sees this tableau...

...then all their attentions are captured by a new noise outside. WHOOSHing, BUZZing, DRONEing of engines, coming from all sides. Then a voice, filtered as if shouting through a megaphone.

THIRIN (o.s.)
This is the Andorian Guard. Lay
down your weapons now, or see the
consequences. You are surrounded.
You have ten seconds.​

Shar looks through his phaser sight again...


30 PHASER RIFLE SIGHT


The shot WIDENS, allowing us to see an aerial hovercraft-type vehicle lowering to tree-level and hovering ominously. The remaining FIGURES drop their weapons and raise their hands in surrender.


31 RETURN TO SCENE


Rogeiro and the Starfleet security remain watchful, just in case. Vaughn’s combadge sounds:

THIRIN (comm)
Captain Vaughn, this is th’Deminesh.
Is everyone alright? The councillor?

VAUGHN
(taps to receive)
We’re fine, thank you Commodore.
You do what you need to.

THIRIN (comm)
Understood. Ch’Bessa, take charge
down there. Thirin out.​

Shash steps out of the archway, straightening his uniform. He steps towards Shar...

SHASH
Lieutenant ch’Thane. May I?​

Shar looks at him. He really doesn’t want to hand back the weapon, but it does look like the crisis is under control. With a grimace, he steps away from the window and hands the rifle back to Shash, who acknowledges with a nod.

ROGEIRO
(points)
You two, stay here just in case.
The rest, with me.​

Two Starfleet security step away from the windows and follow Rogeiro and Shash out of the house.

Vretha, Anichent, Dizhei and Thia creep forward out of the bedroom, Lata cradled delicately between them.

Meanwhile Shar stands with Vaughn in the centre of the room, trying to get his seething fury under control...


32 EST. ANDOR CAPITAL CITY – DAY


The next day...


33 INT. ANDORIAN SCIENCE INSTITUTE – LOUNGE AREA


Vaughn, Rogeiro, Thirin and Shash stride into the lounge area. The room has been mostly tidied up now from its attack several days ago, but scorch marks mar the walls, and there are still no other civilians present.

VAUGHN
Have you been able to get anything
out of the shooters you captured?

THIRIN
Sadly not. They are as tight-lipped
as their dead friend, and we
Andorians are a stubborn people
at the best of times.

VAUGHN
What I want to know is why they
attacked Vretha’s house. Miss
sh’Rraazh was correct – if their
target is the Yrythny experiments,
there are none going on at such
a purely residential location. It
doesn’t make sense. So why?

SHAR (o.s.)
I believe I may be able to answer
that question, Captain.​

They turn to see that Shar and Professor sh’Veileth have emerged from the laboratory.

VAUGHN
Lieutenant. How is your family?

SHAR
Recovering, thank you Captain.

ROGEIRO
I’ve asked the Kirk’s counsellor to
get in touch and offer her services.​

Shar smiles his gratitude, but it’s clear he is still tense. sh’Veileth steps forward.

SH’VEILETH
Commodore, I’m not happy about
you shutting down my laboratory.

VAUGHN
It’s for your own good, Professor.
You ought not to be here yourself.

SH’VEILETH
If I was going to abandon my work
because somebody threatened me,
I’d never have left my keep forty
years ago.

SHAR
You said yourself we do not change
our plans for terrorists, Captain.
(gestures back
towards lab)
But I think I have an idea.

VAUGHN
(nods, turns
to Thirin)
Commodore, if I could ask the
Commander and the Lieutenant
to continue securing the area?

THIRIN
Certainly. Shash?

SHASH
Understood, Commodore.​

Shar and sh’Veileth turn to re-enter the lab. Vaughn and Thirin follow them, closing the door. Rogeiro and Shash are left alone in the lounge area.

ROGEIRO
Always left out of the fun stuff,
eh? Life of a second in command.​

Rogeiro smiles, clearly trying to lighten the mood. Shash does not want to laugh right now.


34 INT. ANDORIAN SCIENCE INSTITUTE – LABORATORY


sh’Veileth heads towards one of her computer consoles, which is up and running. Shar stands by her as Vaughn and Thirin explore the room a little.

THIRIN
What is your news, cha Thirishar?

SHAR
You wondered why the Treishya
attacked the house. I wondered
something similar during their last
attack here at the Institute. They
had always limited themselves
to protests outside the building
before, yet now they came inside
and began shooting.

VAUGHN
They’re not getting what they
wanted, so they’re stepping
up their attacks.

SHAR
I believe that’s part of it, but
not all. There’s one other thing
the attacks have in common – me.

THIRIN
You brought the Yrythny genetic
material to Andor. You are an
obvious target.

VAUGHN
But I still don’t understand why.
This is literally life-saving work
you’re doing. Why protest it?

SHAR
Well, there’s something I haven’t
told you, Captain. The Yrythny
therapy... it’s not working.​

Vaughn and Thirin are shocked. Shar turns to look at sh’Veileth, who is clearly anguished at this horrible truth being revealed, her personal failure...


35 INT. ANDORIAN SCIENCE INSTITUTE – LOUNGE AREA


Rogeiro checks the windows out onto the courtyard beyond, looks out for potential hiding spots for shooters. Shash prowls the room behind him.

ROGEIRO
I’ve been trying to think through
everything. Put all the pieces
together.

SHASH
The Andorian Guard have been doing
that for some time, Commander.

ROGEIRO
So how do these Treishya guys keep
getting away with it? If they’ve been
violently bombing and attacking people
for years, why are they still free?

SHASH
As I explained to you, it’s not that
simple. We are all Andorians,
Commander.

ROGEIRO
You know what I think? I think
you’ve got a mole.

SHASH
A ‘mole’?

ROGEIRO
A plant. A double agent. Someone
inside the Guard who’s actually
working for the Treishya.​

Off Shash’s stern reaction to that possibility...


36 INT. ANDORIAN SCIENCE INSTITUTE – LABORATORY


sh’Veileth sits ashamed, in quiet tears at her console.

THIRIN
Professor...?

SH’VEILETH
It’s true. Damn it, it’s true.

VAUGHN
But, your chei...

SHAR
My bond was one of the first to
qualify for the trials, using the
Yrythny therapy. And Lata is
perfect, yes. The child all four
of us dreamed of. But some
of the other trials...

VAUGHN
(gently)
Birth defects?

SH’VEILETH
Deformities to make you weep at
the sheer horror. The ones that
survived to term, that is. There
were countless miscarriages.

THIRIN
Why had I not heard any of this?

SHAR
The trials are anonymous. No-one is
supposed to know, so that they can
avoid publicity.

VAUGHN
(putting it together)
But not you?

SH’VEILETH
Since his child was so perfect, I
asked Shar to be the figurehead.
To show the public how wonderful
the Yrythny therapy could be, to
counter the Treishya’s nonsense.

SHAR
I even brought Lata here to the
Institute, paraded him in front
of the media.

VAUGHN
So the Treishya are not just
attacking the research, or you.
They’re attacking your child.​

Shar nods sadly.


37 INT. ANDORIAN SCIENCE INSTITUTE – LOUNGE AREA


Rogeiro is still moving around the perimeter, checking out of the windows. Shash continues to prowl the room.

ROGEIRO
Well, it just makes sense. The
simplest explanation for how they
keep slipping out of your grasp is
that they have inside knowledge
about where you’re going to be.​

Shash walks past in the background, keeping an eye on Rogeiro. The commander continues regardless...

ROGEIRO
And the guy at the hospital – it
could have been a Guardsman who
killed him. One of your people
wouldn’t have raised suspicion,
they were supposed to be there.

SHASH
You could be right...

ROGEIRO
And zh’Thane’s house – Vaughn and
Shar said they’d be having dinner
there right in front of...​

Rogeiro drifts off, realising the truth with a disappointed sigh. Shash steps up behind him.

ROGEIRO
It’s you, isn’t it?​

Rogeiro turns to face Shash... and finds the Andorian Guard officer pointing his weapon right into Rogeiro’s face.


BLACK OUT

END OF ACT FOUR​

 

[DS9Continuing]

ACT FIVE​

FADE IN


38 INT. ANDORIAN SCIENCE INSTITUTE – LOUNGE AREA


Where we left it, with Shash pointing his weapon right into Rogeiro’s face. Rogeiro stares back calmly.

SHASH
Your weapon, Commander. Slowly,
finger and thumb, hilt first.​

Calm but annoyed, Rogeiro does as he is told – plucks the phaser from his belt using just finger and thumb, holds it out towards Shash. The Andorian takes it and tucks it into his own belt, his weapon never leaving its target.


39 INT. ANDORIAN SCIENCE INSTITUTE – LABORATORY


Shar, Vaughn, Thirin and sh’Veileth are as yet unaware of what is going on outside.

THIRIN
So you believe that a parent
of one of these failed Yrythny
experiments may be involved
with the Treishya?

VAUGHN
Thus explaining their move from
simple protest to violent action.

SHAR
With my chei as the target, out
of sheer spite.

VAUGHN
But if the trials are anonymous...

SHAR
Professor...?

SH’VEILETH
I conducted the trials, Captain.
I have the names.

VAUGHN
Then show us. The commodore can
read through them, see if anyone
looks or sounds familiar.

SH’VEILETH
(sigh)
You understand, of course, that
this is confidential information. I’d
be breaking any number of laws
letting anyone but myself see it.

THIRIN
I appreciate your position, Professor.
But this is a criminal investigation.​

sh’Veileth nods sadly. She works the computer, calls up the records, then steps aside. Thirin and Shar move forward to read through the names on the screen...


40 INT. ANDORIAN SCIENCE INSTITUTE – LOUNGE AREA


Rogeiro and Shash continue to face off.

ROGEIRO
My commanding officer and yours
are both on the other side of that
door. I only have to shout...

SHASH
Make another noise and I’ll kill
you on the spot.

ROGEIRO
Do you really have it in you?

SHASH
I killed fellow Andorians. What makes
you think I won’t kill a human?​

Rogeiro considers his next step...


41 INT. ANDORIAN SCIENCE INSTITUTE – LABORATORY


Shar and Thirin read carefully through the list of names. Vaughn waits impatiently. sh’Veileth frets in a corner.

VAUGHN
Anything?

SHAR
This may take time, Captain...​

But then Shar stops short, a small gasp in his throat. Thirin likewise stiffens and blanches. They look to each other, then turn to look at Vaughn...


42 INT. ANDORIAN SCIENCE INSTITUTE – LOUNGE AREA


Rogeiro and Shash are where they were.

ROGEIRO
So when you told me the Treishya
cared about Andorian life, you
were obviously a liar.

SHASH
They were all past birthing age.
They wouldn’t have been able to
have any more children anyway.

ROGEIRO
That means they’re expendable?

SHASH
It means they already fulfilled
one obligation, and are free to
take on another.

ROGEIRO
What about the Yrythny trials?
What about the children who’ll
never exist because you stopped
the research? Don’t those
Andorian lives count either?

SHASH
(disgusted)
Those aren’t Andorians! If you’d
seen the monsters they produced...​

The door from the laboratory suddenly BURSTS open and Shar surges out of it, heading straight for Shash in a fury.

Shash turns in surprise, his weapon turning towards Shar...

In one smooth movement, Shar BATS the weapon out of Shash’s hand, GRABS the Guard officer by the throat and CARRIES him all the way to the far wall, RAMming him into it.

Vaughn, Thirin and sh’Veileth emerge from the laboratory.

VAUGHN
(command voice)
Lieutenant ch’Thane! Stand down!​

Shar ignores him. Shash gasps and splutters in Shar’s grip, but is not backing down...

SHAR
(seething)
You would murder my child.

SHASH
(furious hiss)
You already murdered mine.

SH’VEILETH
Thirishar, please...​

Still ignoring them, Shar reaches across to grab Rogeiro’s phaser out of Shash’s belt. He thumbs it on, ups the power, and presses the business end against Shash’s forehead. He is in such rage that he might actually go through with it.

SHASH
Go ahead! It doesn’t matter, my
bond is already destroyed!

SHAR
Explain.

SHASH
We saw you on the media. We applied
for the trials. And the demon that
came from it... that was no child.
My zh’yi – she took her own life at
having birthed such a creature.
She is dead because of you!​

On Shar’s reaction to that...


43 FLASHBACK – DS9 9x09 “PARADIGM”


Shar looking through the window of the white marble coffin of his own zh’yi, Thriss, who also took her own life...


44 BACK TO SCENE


Shocked, Shar lets go of Shash and staggers back. Shash drops to the ground, the fight gone out of them both now.

Rogeiro rushes up and takes his phaser back off Shar. Vaughn places a firm hand on Shar’s shoulder. sh’Veileth takes his other hand in comfort.

Between them, Rogeiro and Thirin pick Shash up off the ground, and Thirin begins to cuff his own lieutenant. He turns back to Vaughn and Shar, solemn.

THIRIN
I apologise for this, Captain,
Professor. I had no idea. And
that was my own failing.​

Vaughn nods his acknowledgement. Rogeiro and Thirin lead Shash out of the lounge area, leaving Vaughn, Shar and sh’Veileth to their own devices.


45 EST. ANDOR ORBIT


The Kirk sits in orbit over the blue-white world...


46 INT. VRETHA’S APARTMENT - DINING ROOM


Shar comes out of the bed chamber – back in his Starfleet lieutenant’s uniform and with a standard Starfleet carrying bag over his shoulder.

He stops at the sight of his family awaiting him in the main room – Vretha, Anichent, Dizhei and Thia – with Vaughn standing out of the way to let them have their moment.

Shar approaches Dizhei, who is holding little baby Lata. He gazes in wonder for a moment at his perfect child, assuring himself that all is well.

THIA
Actually, there is something I
should tell you, Shar. A little
surprise before you go.​

Shar, Anichent and Vretha look at Thia confused – Dizhei giggles, because she already knows. Thia gently places a hand on her own belly, then looks up at her bondmates...

THIA
I am with child again.​

They all gasp in amazement. Thia stalls their excitement.

THIA
I say this not to make you stay. I
say it so you can go, happily, in
the knowledge you have fulfilled
all your obligations here at home.

ANICHENT
Do not worry, Shar. It is the
chan’s place to be far from the
keep, providing for the family.
And you do it magnificently.

DIZHEI
Go out and conquer the galaxy,
Shar. We’ll be here for you when
you come home.​

Shar is almost in tears. He grabs Thia, and they all have a nice big group hug.

As they twitter happily among themselves MOS, Vretha turns to Vaughn wearing a look of overwhelming pride, and they speak together quietly...

VRETHA
The Treishya have been dealt a
heavy blow in the Parliament. The
scandal will keep them quiet for a
while. But I suspect they are not
gone forever.

VAUGHN
What about the Yrythny trials?

VRETHA
The experiments will continue, if
perhaps not the live trials. But
Professor sh’Veileth will get all
the resources she needs to make
it work. I will make sure of it.

VAUGHN
I have no doubt of that.

VRETHA
Thank you, Elias. You have helped
to save my family all over again.

VAUGHN
Always, Vretha. And I promise I’ll
take good care of him on the Kirk.
(aloud)
Lieutenant... it’s time. We still
have a refit to complete, and I
could use your help with it.​

With a last coochy-coo of Lata, Shar steps away.

SHAR
I love you all so much.

ANICHENT
We love you too, ch’te.​

Shar looks again at his child, and an idea forms.

SHAR
Captain, before the Kirk leaves
the system, I wonder if I might
make one request?​

Vaughn looks at him, curious what this is...


47 EST. DEEP SPACE NINE


On the other side of the galaxy, the familiar station sits.


48 INT. PRYNN’S QUARTERS


PRYNN TENMEI pootles about her quarters, brushing her hair out and getting ready for bed at the end of a long day.


The comm system trills, and a VOICE comes through:

VOICE (comm)
Ops to Lieutenant Tenmei.

TENMEI
(a bit confused)
Go ahead.

VOICE (comm)
There’s an incoming signal for
you, Lieutenant. It’s from the
USS James T Kirk.​

Knowing that that is her father’s ship, Prynn perks up and heads towards her comm screen.

TENMEI
Put it through to my quarters,
please.

VOICE (comm)
Coming through now.​

The screen changes, first to the Federation SEAL, and then to the image of SHAR, against a Starfleet background. Prynn is caught off guard, having expected Vaughn.

TENMEI
Oh! Shar! Wait, I thought they
said this was from the Kirk...

SHAR (screen)
Hello, Prynn. Yes, I am calling
from the Kirk, although we are
docked at Starbase Seven, in orbit
of Andor. I’ve joined the crew –
I’m now the chief science officer
under Captain Vaughn.

TENMEI
Shar, that’s wonderful news! I’m
sure my dad’s putting you hard
to work already.

SHAR (screen)
That’s certainly true. But I’m
actually calling to introduce
you to someone...​

Shar reaches off screen, and comes back holding baby Lata. He bounces the baby Andorian on his lap. Prynn gasps.

SHAR (screen)
Prynn Tenmei, meet Thiarelata
ch’Vazdi – my chei.

TENMEI
Oh Shar, he’s beautiful.
(hesitant)
But - Thia...relata. I would have
thought you’d name him for Thriss.

SHAR (screen)
(sad smile)
We considered it. But we decided –
I decided - that it would serve as
too constant a reminder of what we
lost. We need no help to remember
Thriss. But Lata... he represents the
future. And without Thia, he would
never have existed.

TENMEI
Well, I’m happy for you. I know
it’s what you’ve always wanted.

SHAR (screen)
Perhaps not always. There was a
time I believed this would never
be my path. But now that he’s
here... I can’t think of anything
I want more.​

Prynn smiles, genuinely happy for him, no matter what awkwardness may still exist between them. She settles in for a long catch-up chat...

TENMEI
So! What have I missed?

SHAR (screen)
It has been quite the dramatic few
days. I have been working at the
Andorian Science Institute...​

PULL BACK, letting Prynn and Shar talk on MOS, long into the night...


FADE OUT

END OF SHOW​