DS9 12x22b – "Destiny, pt 2: Omega"

Discussion in 'Fan Fiction' started by DS9Continuing, Mar 29, 2019.

  1. DS9Continuing

    DS9Continuing Rear Admiral Rear Admiral

    Joined:
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    Location:
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  2. DS9Continuing

    DS9Continuing Rear Admiral Rear Admiral

    Joined:
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    Location:
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    TEASER


    FADE IN:


    1 EST. PALAIS DE LA CONCORDE - NIGHT


    Night-time in Paris. Despite the brightness of the shining artificial colours, there is a sense of darkness. One of the busiest cities in the galaxy feels... empty. None of the usual bustle of air traffic or partying tourists.

    The 15-storey centre of Federation government straddles the river Seine. We CLOSE IN on the broad picture window on the top floor, which seems dark from the outside...

    As we move closer, we PASS THROUGH the window into...


    2 INT. FEDERATION PRESIDENT’S OFFICE - NIGHT


    Inside, the room is no brighter than outside. President NAN BACCO stands in darkness, staring out of the window at the Seine and the Champs Elysées, lit only by the lights of the city and the pale watery moon outside.

    A small ALERT sounds. Bacco harrumphs and plods over to her desk, thumbs a button.


    BACCO
    What is it, Sivak?

    SIVAK (comm)
    Admiral Akaar and Ms Piñiero are
    here, Madam President. They insist
    upon presenting their midnight
    briefing.

    BACCO
    Fine. It might be the last one
    they ever make, so they might
    as well enjoy it. Show them in.
    (thumbs off comm)
    Computer, lights up one third.​


    The lights do as they are told, just in time for the office doors to open and security agent WEXLER to show AKAAR and PIÑIERO in, before closing the door behind them again.

    As Akaar enters, Bacco looks him up and down, takes note of his perfectly crisp uniform and tight ponytail of hair.


    BACCO
    How do you do it?

    AKAAR
    Madam President?

    BACCO
    You’ve been awake for the past
    two days straight, just like the rest
    of us. But while Esperanza and I
    look like we’ve been busy chasing
    a fart through a bag of nails, you
    look like you just stepped out of
    a replicator. Explain yourself.

    AKAAR
    Good genes?

    BACCO
    You’re not endearing yourself to
    me, Leonard.

    AKAAR
    My apologies, Madam President.

    BACCO
    Bring me some good news, and
    maybe we’ll call it even.

    AKAAR
    We have some, but not much.
    Thirty-six minutes ago, the Romulan
    warbird Verithrax sacrificed itself
    to stop the Borg’s attack on a
    Federation world - Ardana.
    Casualties are still appallingly
    high, but were it not for the
    heroism of the Verithrax’s crew,
    our losses would have been total.

    BACCO
    Which Romulan fleet was the
    Verithrax loyal to?

    PIÑIERO
    Donatra’s.​


    Bacco takes a moment to absorb that - it’s a big deal.


    BACCO
    Has there been any reaction from
    the Romulan Star Empire?

    PIÑIERO
    No, but Praetor Tal’Aura may not
    have heard the news yet. For that
    matter, Donatra herself might not
    even know.

    BACCO
    Then make sure we’re the ones
    to tell her. Please send an official
    expression of gratitude on behalf
    of myself and the Federation to
    Empress Donatra.​


    Piñiero nods and makes a note on a padd.


    BACCO
    Anything else?

    PIÑIERO
    Secretary Iliop reports that most
    of the Federation Council has been
    ferried off-world, along with all of
    your cabinet... excepting the
    admiral and myself.

    BACCO
    So when are you leaving?

    PIÑIERO
    I’ve told you before, I leave when
    you leave. Not a moment sooner.​


    Their regular banter, now in an infinitely worse context. Bacco turns to look out of the window again, at the city.


    BACCO
    Six-hundred-million people have
    left Earth in the last six days.

    AKAAR
    That’s correct, Madam President.

    BACCO
    FNS are saying that some of the
    busiest cities on the planet are
    like ghost towns. London, Tokyo,
    New York, Mumbai... Paris.

    AKAAR
    Perhaps that is for the best,
    Madam President. A Borg attack
    fleet is now eighty-four minutes
    from Earth, and our perimeter
    defence groups have been unable
    to slow its approach. As we feared
    earlier, the Borg have completely
    adapted to the transphasic
    torpedo, and whatever had them
    firing at each other has stopped.​


    Bacco turns back to face her two closest advisors head-on.


    BACCO
    Admiral, is there any reasonable
    possibility that Starfleet can halt
    the incoming Borg fleet?

    AKAAR
    (grudging)
    No.

    BACCO
    Then order all remaining vessels
    in Sector 001 to break off and
    disperse. Stop wasting ships and
    lives. Redeploy your forces to
    protect the refugee convoys.​


    The most admiral-y admiral we have ever known desperately wants to protest this order from his commander in chief. But instead Akaar pauses and takes a deep breath.


    AKAAR
    Yes, Madam President.

    BACCO
    Esperanza, do the people still here
    on Earth, Luna and Mars know
    what the admiral just told us?

    PIÑIERO
    They do, Madam President.

    BACCO
    And how are they coping with it?
    Panic? Riots?

    PIÑIERO
    Not a single one, ma’am. There
    are silent, candle-lit vigils being
    held all over the planet.
    (sniffles away tears)
    Outgoing data is spiking as people
    send farewell messages to family
    and friends. I guess the world is
    ending with a bang and a whimper.

    BACCO
    Not with a whimper, Esperanza.
    With dignity.​


    She turns to look out of the window again, swelling with pride at how her people are conducting themselves.


    AKAAR
    I should excuse myself and relay
    your orders to Starfleet Command,
    Madam President.

    BACCO
    Of course, Admiral. Thank you.​


    Akaar turns smartly and heads to the door - Wexler seems to know just when to open it to let him out.

    Now left alone with her old friend, Piñiero steps closer to Bacco at the window, wiping away more silent tears.


    PIÑIERO
    We still have eighty minutes until
    the Borg arrive, ma’am. Would
    you like to make a final address
    to Earth and the Federation?

    BACCO
    (sad smile)
    No. Why ruin a perfectly good
    apocalypse?​


    The two old friends gaze out of the window at the darkness.


    FADE OUT


    END OF TEASER
     
  3. DS9Continuing

    DS9Continuing Rear Admiral Rear Admiral

    Joined:
    Jun 29, 2001
    Location:
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    ACT ONE


    FADE IN


    3 EXT. SPACE – AZURE NEBULA


    Enterprise, Aventine, Titan and Voyager hold position near to one another among the roiling currents of the blue-gas nebula, which is causing the debris from the three-hundred destroyed vessels of the blockade fleet to tumble and roll.


    4 INT. ENTERPRISE - CONFERENCE ROOM


    Beginning on Captain RIKER of the Titan, sat on one side of the long conference table in this crossways-arranged room, with the nebula visible through the window behind him.


    RIKER
    (w/ disbelief)
    The Caeliar created the Borg?​


    Sat opposite him, Columbia captain HERNANDEZ responds. Meanwhile Captain Picard of the Enterprise sits at the head of the table, with Captain DAX of the Aventine next to Hernandez, and Commander PARIS of Voyager next to Riker.


    HERNANDEZ
    I don’t think it was intentional.
    It was basically a botched version
    of the process that created me.
    Inyx told me when he infused my
    body with catoms that it could go
    badly wrong in one of two ways.
    I might just be liquified -

    DAX
    That’s what happened to the three
    crewmen who were killed by the
    Caeliar we found on the Columbia.

    HERNANDEZ
    - or it could turn me into a
    mindless automaton.

    PARIS
    Which is what created the Borg.

    DAX
    Think of it as a bad joining.
    (off Hernandez’
    questioning look)
    Sometimes, when a Trill symbiont
    is incompatible with its new host,
    it creates a persona so terrible
    that the only proper response
    is forced separation.​


    Hernandez works the controls on the conference table, and a pair of HOLOGRAMS are generated over the table - one shows the familiar image of a BORG NANOPROBE, the other the smoother, more naturalistic shape of a CAELIAR CATOM.


    HERNANDEZ
    The similarities between Borg
    nanoprobes and Caeliar catoms are
    too profound to be a coincidence.
    They’re the same technology...
    it’s just that the nanoprobes
    have been badly corrupted.

    PICARD
    Your evidence is compelling,
    Captain. But how does it help
    us or the Federation in the
    time we have left?

    DAX
    We have a plan.

    PICARD
    You had a plan several hours ago.
    It nearly cost Captain Hernandez
    her life.

    DAX
    (bristling)
    It also saved five planets and cut
    the Borg invasion force in half.

    PICARD
    But if the Borg had assimilated
    her Caeliar technology -

    RIKER
    But they didn’t, and there’s no
    point arguing about something
    that didn’t go wrong.​


    Not liking Dax’s smug air, he turns his annoyance on her.


    RIKER (cont)
    Neither does the limited success
    of one reckless plan mean we
    should blindly embrace another.​


    With everyone suitably chastened, Riker settles back down.


    RIKER (cont)
    That said, we should at least
    hear what they have in mind.

    PICARD
    Very well.​


    Dax looks at Hernandez - go ahead, it was your idea.


    HERNANDEZ
    It’s simple. I’m proposing we end
    their invasion of the Federation
    by luring them all back here to
    us, at the Azure Nebula.

    PICARD
    And how do you propose to do that?

    DAX
    By tempting them with a bait they
    can’t resist - the Omega molecule.​


    Picard’s disbelief in this plan is unprofessionally clear.


    PARIS
    Captain, we’ve had experience with
    Omega. It’s incredibly unstable.
    And how do we create it without
    any boronite? The nearest source
    is two-hundred light years away.

    HERNANDEZ
    We’re not going to make Omega.
    We’re going to bring it to us.
    More precisely, we’re going to
    make the Caeliar bring it to us.

    RIKER
    What do they have to do with it?​


    Hernandez works more controls on the table, replacing the images of the nanoprobe and the catom with a new image - an OMEGA MOLECULE (as seen in VOY 4x21 “The Omega Directive”).


    HERNANDEZ
    Particle Zero-One-Zero. I read
    about it in your files - the Borg
    worship it as the epitome of
    perfection. I knew I’d seen it
    somewhere before, so I bypassed
    your security protocols and took
    a look. And then it all made sense.​


    As all the captains watch the Omega molecule turn slowly above the conference table, Hernandez continues...


    HERNANDEZ
    All the Caeliar’s massive power,
    their incredible technology, it’s
    all powered by Omega molecules.
    The shell around their planet is
    to block the Omega emissions. But
    if I can get them to bring Axion
    here, without all that shielding,
    it’ll be a beacon for the Borg.

    PARIS
    She’s right. When we found just a
    tiny amount of Omega in the Delta
    Quadrant, it was like a religious
    experience for Seven of Nine.

    DAX
    Now we know why. It’s what they
    came from. And it’s exactly what
    they’ve hungered for all these
    millennia. They can’t resist.

    PICARD
    And then, once the Borg armada
    converges on us... what then?

    HERNANDEZ
    We let the Caeliar deal with them.​


    Picard gets up and steps away, clearly agitated.


    PICARD
    Your last plan was reckless. This
    one is insane. Have you considered
    the risks? Never mind if the Borg
    manage to assimilate catoms. What
    if they gain control of an Omega
    generator? They’d have unlimited
    power to wreak havoc wherever they
    please. And if they were to lose
    that control, an explosion of that
    magnitude would destroy subspace
    for millions of light-years in every
    direction. Warp flight as we know
    it would cease to exist.

    DAX
    Yes, it’s dangerous. We know that.
    It’s also our best bet at saving
    the Federation while there’s still
    a Federation to save.

    HERNANDEZ
    And the Caeliar may be pacifists,
    but they’re not suicidal. They
    won’t let the Borg assimilate
    them or hijack their technology.

    PICARD
    What makes you so certain? You
    said yourself the Caeliar are the
    progenitors of the Borg. What if
    they see them as a kindred race?

    DAX
    Actually, we’re counting on it.

    RIKER
    (befuddled)
    Come again?

    DAX
    We’ve been going about this all
    wrong. We’ve been trying to match
    strength against strength. That’s
    never going to work with the Borg.

    HERNANDEZ
    The key to securing the Caeliar’s
    help is to change our mission.
    The Borg don’t need to be wiped
    out. They need to be saved.

    PICARD
    Are you mad? The Borg are laying
    waste to entire worlds, and you
    want us to save them?

    HERNANDEZ
    I’m disappointed, Captain. You of
    all people should understand. You
    know by experience what it’s like
    to be smothered in that nightmare.
    Now imagine trillions of beings
    like yourself, all trapped in that
    same hell. They’re slaves, Jean-
    Luc, and we might have the power
    to release them from that.

    DAX
    I think that as Starfleet officers -
    as sentient beings - we owe it to
    them, and to ourselves, to try.​


    Picard draws himself up, looks out at the nebula.


    PICARD
    As you so eloquently pointed out,
    Captain, we hold the same rank.
    I can’t compel you not to pursue
    this course of action. You ignored
    my advice once before. I expect
    you’ll do so again. So be it.

    DAX
    If only it were that simple. This
    time I actually need your consent.

    PICARD
    Why?

    DAX
    Aventine’s subspace transmitter
    got fried when the Borg hit us
    with our shields down. Voyager’s
    and Titan’s are too damaged to
    be repaired in time. We need
    the Enterprise’s transmitter.

    PICARD
    So if I refuse, this plan cannot
    proceed? Then consider it vetoed.​


    Dax looks ready to argue. Hernandez looks dejected. Paris looks out of his depth. Riker takes a deep breath.


    RIKER
    Captains, Commander... could you
    give us the room, please?​


    Arching an eyebrow, Dax gets up silently. Hernandez turns off the holo-display, then she and Paris follow Dax. Riker sits back in his chair and waits for his mentor to speak.


    PICARD
    I take it you disagree with my
    decision, Will.

    RIKER
    Frankly, yes. If the Caeliar can
    help unmake the Borg, we can end
    this without more bloodshed and
    save the Federation. Isn’t that
    what we should be aiming for?

    PICARD
    I’m not sure the Borg Collective
    deserves such mercy.

    RIKER
    Maybe not. But what about the
    individuals trapped inside the
    Collective? Do they deserve it?

    PICARD
    Perhaps. I don’t know.

    RIKER
    What’s really bothering you, Jean-
    Luc? You don’t sound like yourself
    - not like the man I served under,
    looked up to, for fifteen years.

    PICARD
    (sigh)
    Beverly, Geordi, Worf, now you.
    Who was this man you all claim
    to have known? I thought it was
    me, but I keep hearing otherwise.

    RIKER
    The man I knew wasn’t afraid to
    take the high road. He wouldn’t
    let fear make him choose certain
    defeat over a shot at victory, just
    because it might mean mercy for
    an enemy that had hurt him.

    PICARD
    Is that what you think this is?
    A vendetta? Or a phobia? I
    wonder if you ever knew me
    at all, then.

    RIKER
    Fine, keep pushing me away. But
    I’ve seen what the Caeliar can do,
    and I think Hernandez is right. If
    anyone can stand up to the Borg,
    it’s them. Voyager faced the Borg
    more than any of us, and Paris is
    still on board. I also agree with
    Dax. If we can end this war and
    save the people assimilated by
    the Collective, we have a duty
    as Starfleet officers to try.

    PICARD
    And if they’re wrong, we unleash
    the greatest horror this galaxy
    has ever seen.

    RIKER
    So we hasten the inevitable. The
    Borg are less than two hours from
    Earth. Could the plan backfire?
    Absolutely. But we can’t let that
    chance paralyse us. It’s time for
    a leap of faith.

    PICARD
    You’re talking about hope.

    RIKER
    Yes, I am.

    PICARD
    We’ll need more than hope to
    fight the Borg.

    RIKER
    True. But without it, we might as
    well just give up now. Fight for
    hope, or give in to despair. The
    choice is yours, Jean-Luc. Let
    me know what you decide.​


    Riker gets up and departs the room, leaving Picard standing alone in his ready room, wondering how he has ended up being so alone...


    FADE OUT


    END OF ACT ONE
     
  4. DS9Continuing

    DS9Continuing Rear Admiral Rear Admiral

    Joined:
    Jun 29, 2001
    Location:
    Manchester
    ACT TWO


    FADE IN


    5 EXT. VENICE - DAY


    PAN across the Ponti degli Scalzi on a beautiful summer’s day. Tourists amble over the bridge, ferries cruise along the canal, water laps gently at the bank sides.

    About a hundred feet along the south bank sits a small osteria named La Zucca. We have seen it before, in VOY 10x11 “Post Mortem”. It is fairly quiet today.

    One table is occupied by a man, sat alone with his back to us. An open bottle of wine sits on the table, one glass full, the other empty. Across the table from him rests a small circular mirror, surrounded by tiny stones.

    As we focus in on the small mirror, it REFLECTS a hand reaching in to stroke the edge, along the stones.


    JANEWAY (o.s.)
    When in doubt, look here.​


    CHAKOTAY looks up in quietly desperate relief, and sees JANEWAY smiling down at him, wearing a light summer dress.


    CHAKOTAY
    You came...

    JANEWAY
    I promised I would.​


    Chakotay tries to get to his feet to be gentlemanly for Janeway, but she forcibly points him back into his seat. He obeys, with a grin. She sits opposite him.


    JANEWAY
    (re mirror)
    I remember when you first tried
    to give me this.

    CHAKOTAY
    You refused to accept it.

    JANEWAY
    It... meant too much. It wasn’t
    the time or place then.

    CHAKOTAY
    And now?

    JANEWAY
    ...I came, didn’t I?​


    Chakotay picks up the bottle and pours her glass of wine.


    CHAKOTAY
    You know, once Voyager was finally
    allowed back in the Terran system,
    and I heard about what had been
    going on... I was afraid...

    JANEWAY
    That I hadn’t made it? When have
    you ever known me to put my mind
    to something, and it not happen?​


    He picks up his glass, she picks up hers.


    CHAKOTAY
    When will I learn - nothing stops
    Kathryn Janeway?​


    CLOSE UP on the glasses, as they cheers them together.

    But then we PASS OVER the glasses, to the surging crowds on the other side of the canal. And as we slowly ZOOM IN on the point directly opposite Chakotay and Janeway’s table...

    We see Voyager’s Ops manager, Lieutenant Kenth LASREN, in the crowd. He is shouting out loud, cupping his hands to his mouth to make himself heard. But he cannot be heard - there is only the sound of the crowds and the canal.

    Lasren jumps up and down, waving his hands, shouting across the canal to get Chakotay and Janeway’s attention. But they only have eyes for each other, and Lasren is quickly lost in the crowds as they continue to fill the space.

    ZOOM IN on Lasren, gritting his teeth in frustration...


    6 INT. VOYAGER - SICKBAY


    Lasren sits directly in front of Chakotay, who hasn’t moved from his own seat in a corner of Voyager’s dark and damaged sickbay. Lasren’s big black Betazoid eyes blink, and he pulls back out of Chakotay’s mind with a sigh.


    LASREN
    I can’t get through. He’s there,
    but it’s like he’s deliberately
    keeping me at a distance. He
    doesn’t want anyone to reach him.​


    Lasren turns to Paris, who stands a bit away. Counsellor CAMBRIDGE lurks nearby, arms folded angrily.


    CAMBRIDGE
    I still say this is a horrible
    invasion of privacy.

    PARIS
    You’re right, Counsellor, it is.
    But Voyager needs its captain,
    especially for what Dax and
    Hernandez are cooking up. Maybe
    Chakotay could actually persuade
    Picard to go through with it.

    CAMBRIDGE
    (derisive grunt)
    You don’t know Picard very well,
    do you? The man can be as stubborn
    as a bull’s backside when he’s of
    a mind for it. But we were talking
    about Chakotay.

    PARIS
    If what Lasren says is right, he’s
    locked himself away in his own
    mind. That can’t be healthy. As a
    counsellor you should know that.

    CAMBRIDGE
    It’s my job to tell you how to do
    your job, Commander, not vice
    versa. The best counselling allows
    the patient to choose his own
    therapy. Like I said, this is what
    Chakotay needs now, apparently.
    I’m not saying we let it go on
    forever. But I think he’ll come
    out when he’s ready. Not before.​


    Paris reluctantly accepts that. Not like he has any other choice. Turning away from Chakotay and Lasren, Paris steps through into another area of sickbay...

    ...where HARRY KIM lies unconscious on a bio-bed, the early prototype DOCTOR working over him.


    PARIS
    Any changes, Doctor?

    DOCTOR
    I’d alert you if there were. But it
    seems Lieutenant Kim is being
    remarkably resistant to my -

    PARIS
    Keep me apprised. I’ll be on
    the bridge.
    (calls out)
    Lasren, you’re with me.​


    Lasren steps away from Chakotay and follows Paris out of sickbay. The Doctor joins Chakotay and Cambridge, muttering with barely suppressed annoyance...


    DOCTOR
    “Keep me apprised.” I just said
    I’d alert him. And anyway, I’m a
    doctor, not a messaging service -

    CAMBRIDGE
    Doctor, in your medical opinion,
    is there anything more you can do
    for Lieutenant Kim and Captain
    Chakotay at this time? Any reason
    the automated systems can’t be
    trusted to keep an eye on them?

    DOCTOR
    No, but I don’t -

    CAMBRIDGE
    Computer, terminate emergency
    medical hologram.

    DOCTOR
    (indignant)
    Now, wait just a -​


    But too late - the Emergency Medical Hologram dissolves out of existence, and Cambridge is left alone with his captain. He pulls up the chair Lasren was using, places it close to Chakotay’s side, and just sits in companionable silence.


    7 EST. PALAIS DE LA CONCORDE - NIGHT


    Returning us to the centre of Federation government...


    8 INT. PALAIS – PRESS ROOM


    Another hologram is being projected from the emitters placed all around the otherwise deserted room. It shows Bajoran first minister ASAREM, standing at the press podium and giving a speech for all of Bajor, all the Federation.


    ASAREM
    I speak to my people now - to
    those who have remained at
    home with us, and to Bajorans all
    across known space, wherever you
    may be. I pray you remain safe.​


    Under the above, we PAN slowly around until we see only one seat occupied - by Bacco’s press liaison KANT JOREL. The irascible Bajoran glares blankly at the shivering hologram.


    ASAREM
    (continuing)
    I am honoured to have been your
    First Minister these last years, and
    I am proud of what Bajor has
    become. But even in these dark
    times, we must not lose hope...​


    9 INT. VENTURE - SICKBAY


    A Galaxy-class Starfleet sickbay, as seen throughout TNG. BEN SISKO stands out of the way, watching equally blankly as medical personnel (nurse NI-JALIKREII among them) work feverishly to save a room full of groaning patients.


    ASAREM (v.o.)
    For it is only when we lose hope
    that we are truly lost. Our faith
    in the Prophets has sustained
    us through countless trials,
    and it will sustain us now.​


    Utterly untouched by hope or faith, Sisko looks across the room to a bio-bed, upon which rests ELIAS VAUGHN. He is unconscious, so still as to appear dead if not for the life sign readings blinking away at a worryingly low level.


    10 INT. SISKO’S HOUSE - DAY


    KASIDY YATES stands at her back door, looking out through the glass to the garden. Her daughter REBECCA is out there, bundled up nice and warm as she and her minder JASMINE TEY run around in the snow, happily exchanging snowballs.

    Kasidy turns and walks back towards the living room...


    ASAREM (v.o.)
    It is for this reason that I urge
    all of us, every Bajoran, to
    follow the example of our Vedek
    Assembly, of Kai Pralon, of Ranjen
    Opaka, and of Prylar Kira Nerys,
    the right hand of the Emissary...​


    Kasidy reaches the mantlepiece over the fire, and looks at the PICTURE of the three Sisko men - Ben, Jake, Joseph...


    ASAREM (v.o.)
    (continuing)
    ...who even now have taken to
    the streets, ensuring that all of
    us feel the love of the Prophets.​


    Kasidy is not feeling the love of the Prophets right now.


    11 INT. PALAIS – PRESS ROOM


    Back to Jorel, who sits watching the hologram of Asarem...


    ASAREM
    (continuing)
    Please, pray with us, my children.
    Wherever you are, whomever you
    worship... pray with us. And may
    we all walk with the Prophets.

    JOREL
    End transmission. ​


    The hologram dissolves, revealing another face behind it - KRIM, the Bajoran council member. Jorel jerks in shock.


    JOREL
    Aah!

    KRIM
    A pleasure to see you too, Jorel.

    JOREL
    Kosst it, Aldos! What in fire are
    you still doing here?

    KRIM
    I could ask you the same question.

    JOREL
    Where else have I got to go? The
    rooms at home are just as cold and
    empty as the rooms here, so what’s
    the difference? And I don’t much
    like the idea of being the fool
    who has to hold the first press
    conference after armageddon.

    KRIM
    It occurs to me, Jorel, that as two
    Bajorans who have spent most of
    our time in this building for the
    last year... we have spent little
    of that time together.​


    Jorel gets up and walks away, his back to his press podium.


    JOREL
    Socialising isn’t my area.

    KRIM
    I think it’s more than that. I’ve
    even heard gossip among the Palais
    staff that you’re... afraid of me.

    JOREL
    (turns back)
    It’s not you I’m afraid of.
    (gestures to the
    air between them)
    It’s... her.

    KRIM
    Wadeen? Why be afraid of her?

    JOREL
    Oh, I don’t know, maybe it has
    something to do with the fact
    that she thinks I betrayed her.

    KRIM
    By taking this job at the Palais?
    Ridiculous. Wadeen has only good
    things to say about you, Jorel.

    JOREL
    Well, that would make her unique
    in this galaxy if it were so.

    KRIM
    I assure you, you have nothing
    to fear from Asarem Wadeen.

    JOREL
    The man who divorced her thinks I
    shouldn’t be afraid of her? That’s
    advice I’m guaranteed to ignore.
    And you still haven’t told me what
    in fire you’re doing here. All the
    councillors should be long gone.​


    Krim finally moves a little, stepping down off the stage and towards Jorel. He is a military man in a diplomatic role - neither of which lends itself towards emotionalism. But he feels the need in this circumstance.


    KRIM
    I came here, Jorel... because I
    thought we might take the First
    Minister’s advice, together.

    JOREL
    (taken aback)
    You... want to pray? With me?

    KRIM
    As I said, we are both Bajoran.

    JOREL
    But you’re a soldier.

    KRIM
    And you’re a...
    (tightly)
    ...”press liaison”. But I believe
    that in this instance... we are
    very much the same.​


    Krim holds his hand out, hoping that the grumpy old newsman will take it. Jorel frowns a moment longer, unsure if he dare admit to this weakness...

    ...but then he takes Krim’s hand, and the two wizened old Bajorans leave the press room together.


    FADE OUT


    END OF ACT TWO
     
  5. DS9Continuing

    DS9Continuing Rear Admiral Rear Admiral

    Joined:
    Jun 29, 2001
    Location:
    Manchester
    ACT THREE


    FADE IN


    12 EST. SISKO’S RESTAURANT - NIGHT


    The deserted streets of New Orleans. The famous restaurant is shut down tight for the night.


    13 INT. SISKO’S RESTAURANT - BEDROOM - NIGHT


    JAKE SISKO turns over in bed, reaches out to slip an arm around his wife. But she is not there. Confused, he looks up... and sees a silhouette, barely visible in the dark.

    RENA is in a nightshirt, standing before a Bajoran prayer mandala with her hands in the traditional pose. Gently, quietly, Jake slips out of bed and pads across the floor to join her. When she glances at him, her eyes are wet.


    RENA
    Sorry. Didn’t mean to wake you.

    JAKE
    You didn’t.
    (wipes her
    tears away)
    Can I do anything?​


    Rena half-shrugs - what could he possibly do? Then a SOUND comes from downstairs - the CLINK of glasses.


    RENA
    I guess we’re not the only ones
    who couldn’t sleep.

    JAKE
    I should check on him...

    RENA
    Go ahead. I’ll be here.​


    He pecks her gently on the cheek, and turns to exit the room. She turns back to her prayers...


    14 INT. SISKO’S RESTAURANT - NIGHT


    Jake creeps quietly down the stairs. The restaurant is deserted as it should be, but a small light is on over the bar, and the drinks cabinet has been opened. Jake hears the sound of a drink being poured, and follows it...

    ...to find JOSEPH sitting alone at a table on the patio, lifting a healthy-sized glass of whisky to his lips.


    JAKE
    Grampa... it’s late. And cold.
    You should be in bed.

    JOSEPH
    Told you before, Jake. The only
    time you should be in bed -

    JAKE
    - is when you’re sleeping, dying,
    or making love to a beautiful
    woman. I know. But -

    JOSEPH
    They’re on their way. President
    sent away our forces, so ain’t
    nothin’ gonna stop ‘em. And I’ll
    be damned if they gonna get
    here and find me resting in my
    bed. So I’m gonna sit here,
    enjoy a large scotch... and wait.

    JAKE
    But I just thought... if we went
    to sleep, we’d never -

    JOSEPH
    That’s a no, Jake. Go on and
    be with your wife. Go on now.​


    Seeing that the old man will not be swayed, Jake cradles his grandfather’s head, placing a tender kiss upon it. Joseph indulges the affection for a moment... then Jake turns and heads back up the stairs. Joseph watches him go.


    JOSEPH
    Be with her... while you can.​


    Then he turns back to look up into the night sky, sipping his whisky.


    15 EXT. MYLEA STREETS - DAY


    Rebecca Sisko has Kasidy by one mittened hand and Jasmine by the other, and she is pulling them both along eagerly.


    REBECCA
    Come on, mommy! Hurry up!

    KASIDY
    What’s the rush...​


    But Rebecca will not be stopped, and Kasidy and Jasmine must just catch up. Jasmine looks wryly to Kasidy...


    JASMINE
    Get out of the house, you said.
    Maybe she’ll tire herself out.​


    Kasidy faux-glowers at her friend. As they are dragged on, they look around, and see that every Bajoran EXTRA in sight is holding the hand of another, hands raised to shoulder height. Kasidy frowns in confusion - what’s going on?

    They come to the small courtyard in front of the bakery shop owned by Rena’s aunt MARJA. Here a larger group of Bajorans have gathered, all holding hands and smiling.


    REBECCA
    What’s going on, mommy?

    KASIDY
    I’m not sure, sweetheart.​


    A GASP from the crowd - among them are Rena’s friends HALAR and PARSH (seen DS9 9x03 “Waiting for the Mist to Clear”).


    HALAR
    Prophets... the Emissary’s wife.
    Look, everybody! The Emissary’s
    wife has come to join us!​


    The crowd steps forward, hoping to meet the religious icon. Quickly but subtly, Jasmine pulls Rebecca closer to her - all these strangers are a recipe for danger. Kasidy smiles her thanks, and tries to remain polite for the crowd.


    KASIDY
    No no, I just came to -

    KIRA (o.s.)
    Kas?​


    Kasidy looks up in surprised relief to see that KIRA, in her prylar robes, has emerged from the bakery shop itself.


    KASIDY
    Nerys! Oh thank god.

    KIRA
    Come on, people. Step back, give
    the lady some room.​


    The crowd return to their praying, encouraged by Kasidy’s presence, letting Kira sweep through towards the Siskos.


    KASIDY
    Nerys, what’s going on here? We
    just came to get some fresh air,
    get out of the house, but -

    KIRA
    (proud, excited)
    They’re praying, Kas. All over the
    planet, people are coming together
    to pray for Bajor’s safety.

    JASMINE
    Asarem asked everyone to pray.

    KIRA
    Pralon, Opaka, Yevir - hell, even
    Bellis - they’re bringing everyone
    together. It’s wonderful, Kasidy.
    It’s just what we needed, all of
    us. Will you join us?

    KASIDY
    Nerys, you know I have the utmost
    respect for your beliefs, but I -

    KIRA
    You don’t have to believe in the
    Prophets, Kas. Just be with us. It
    would mean a lot to these people.

    REBECCA
    (bouncing)
    Can we, mommy? Please?​


    Kasidy is still unsure. She looks to Jasmine...


    JASMINE
    Who could it hurt?​


    Though she is still not certain, Kasidy nods her assent. Kira gently takes her hand, making a chain - Kira to Kasidy to Rebecca to Jasmine - and on to the rest of the Bajorans gathered. Halar looks like she could burst from excitement.

    And as Kasidy looks on, they all begin to silently pray...


    16 INT. DS9 - MAIN OPS CENTRE


    Major CENN emerges from the commander’s office. He has just received another Starfleet report. He looks around at his officers - EVIK at tactical, CANDLEWOOD at sciences, NOG at engineering. He doesn’t want to burden them all with it. He moves to the tactical console, confers with Evik.


    CENN
    Lieutenant Commander Evik. All
    tactical systems ready?

    EVIK
    As they were ten minutes ago,
    Major. Please try to relax.

    CENN
    Relax?! You’re not serious.

    EVIK
    In situations like these, I always
    try to breathe deeply and meditate
    to myself. It’s the best way to
    avoid mistakes made in haste.

    CENN
    I’ve been meaning to ask you...
    (re tactical console)
    You’re in control of a fleet’s worth
    of weapons here. How does that
    fit in with your dedication to
    pacifism and negotiation?

    EVIK
    Experience has shown that there is
    no negotiating with the Borg. No
    guiding them towards a peaceful
    resolution. Weapons are all we
    have. Which is not to say I don’t
    regret that we have come to this.​


    Cenn nods sad understanding, heads down the steps. Across Ops, a side door opens and HETIK enters. Candlewood is instantly alert to his arrival, and slips away to meet him.


    CANDLEWOOD
    What’s wrong? Are you okay?

    HETIK
    I’m fine, John. I’m going to the
    shrine, join the prayers. I just
    wanted to see you first.

    CANDLEWOOD
    I wish I could join the services,
    and be with you. But I have to -

    HETIK
    I know. It’s okay. I understand.
    I just... wanted to see you.​


    Candlewood is touched, staring into his boyfriend’s eyes. They touch foreheads, a quick kiss, and then Hetik is gone. Candlewood returns to his station, and sees that Nog was watching the whole thing. His friend nods acknowledgment. Candlewood looks around and he comes to a decision.


    CANDLEWOOD
    Major... may I make a suggestion?

    CENN
    Certainly, Lieutenant. What is it?

    CANDLEWOOD
    Right now, Prylar Kira is leading
    prayer vigils all across Bajor.
    The Bajoran civilians here on
    the station are doing the same.
    I was just thinking... I wouldn’t
    want you to feel left out.

    CENN
    I appreciate the thought, Mister
    Candlewood. But I’m not sure
    it’s appropriate. This is a place
    of business, not of prayer.

    EVIK
    Forgive me for arguing, Major...
    but communal activities at a time
    of stress have been shown to have
    a positive effect on team morale.

    CANDLEWOOD
    That... plus I was kinda hoping
    you might let me join in myself.​


    Cenn is in charge here, but these people have just given him the excuse to do what he really wanted to all along.


    CENN
    If you insist.
    (to all Ops)
    Everyone... in so far as it does
    not interfere with your duties, I
    would like to invite anyone who
    wishes to... to pray with us.​


    Cenn raises his own hands into the traditional pose, and looks up to the small windows, out at the stars. At the tactical console, Evik does the same. Candlewood stands and clasps his hands together over his heart, bows his head.

    From the engineering station, Nog watches all of this. Several of the extras around Ops have taken their own religious poses as they begin to pray as well. Nog has no religious faith to adhere to...

    ...so he reaches for the MARAUDER MO FIGURINE that his mother gave him (DS9 12x12 “Life of a Statesman”), which he had brought with him to Ops. He clings to it, thinking of his mother, not knowing if she is alive or dead.


    17 INT. DEFIANT - BRIDGE


    ALECO, the Bajoran Starfleet ensign at tactical, has his hands likewise in the traditional pose. TENMEI observes from helm - she doesn’t understand it, but she accepts it.

    Tenmei and BASHIR converse quietly, sensitively. Aleco continues to pray. Commander RO observes all three of them from her command chair, silently reacting.


    TENMEI
    I heard these prayer vigils are
    all over Bajor now. Everybody’s
    saying it was Kira’s idea.

    BASHIR
    I spoke briefly to Philippa - to
    Counsellor Matthias. She said
    she was going to join Sibias in
    the station shrine.

    TENMEI
    Kristen and Kol are doing the
    same. I can see why the Bajorans
    are praying... but I don’t get why
    the humans are joining them. They
    don’t believe in the Prophets.

    BASHIR
    I suppose it all comes down to an
    old Earth saying - “there are no
    atheists in a foxhole”.​


    Ro hears this - but how does she feel about it?

    There is an ALERT from Bashir’s console - he checks it, then turns back to Ro.


    BASHIR
    Major Cenn has forwarded the
    latest reports from Starfleet.

    RO
    Feed it into the map, Doctor.​


    Bashir sets about doing so...


    INSERT - THE SCREEN


    The small screen on the panel beside Ro’s chair shows the MAP, with its field of red spreading across the Federation.


    BACK TO SCENE


    Ro observes this dispassionately. Tenmei can’t help asking.


    TENMEI
    What does it say?

    RO
    By current estimates... the Borg
    will cross into the Bajor sector
    within one hour. And they are
    slightly less than one hour...
    from Earth itself.​


    Off Ro, Tenmei and Bashir’s reactions to that...


    FADE OUT


    END OF ACT THREE
     
  6. DS9Continuing

    DS9Continuing Rear Admiral Rear Admiral

    Joined:
    Jun 29, 2001
    Location:
    Manchester
    ACT FOUR


    FADE IN


    18 EXT. SPACE - AZURE NEBULA


    Focusing on the Enterprise-E, specifically the small row of windows part way down the back of the saucer section.


    19 INT. ENTERPRISE - CHAPEL


    A multi-faith room, subtle and understated but with symbols and decor appropriate to a wide variety of religions, both human and non-human. The windows show the nebula outside, still with the graveyard of the blockade fleet tumbling.

    Security chief CHOUDHURY stands before a small Hindu shrine, gazing into a tiny symbolic flame. Also in the room is Counsellor HEGOL, who stands before the Bajoran mandala with hands in the traditional pose. Both are silent.

    At the sense of another body entering the room, they both turn, and see Picard hovering awkwardly.


    CHOUDHURY
    Captain. Is everything alright?

    PICARD
    Quite alright, Lieutenant. I was
    just looking for... somewhere to
    think in peace.

    HEGOL
    We don’t often see you in here.

    PICARD
    I’m not generally a religious
    person. On the other hand...

    CHOUDHURY
    Understood. I’ll leave you to it.

    PICARD
    You’re not leaving on my account,
    I hope.

    CHOUDHURY
    It’s okay, Captain. I’m not really
    supposed to be here anyway. Hindu
    tradition states that the family
    of the deceased is impure for a
    period of thirteen days after
    the... cremation. I should go.​


    Half-bowing politely, Choudhury gathers herself and leaves the room. Hegol looks back at the Bajoran prayer mandala.


    HEGOL
    Lieutenant Choudhury was here to
    mourn her family. I’m still praying
    that mine can be saved.

    PICARD
    Please, don’t let me interrupt.

    RIKER (o.s.)
    Can I interrupt instead?​


    Picard turns in surprise to see Riker. Hegol knew he was there, and now politely excuses himself.


    HEGOL
    (nods to each)
    Captain. Captain.​


    Hegol leaves. Picard turns away from Riker, not looking for another confrontation. Riker is patient but determined.


    PICARD
    I haven’t made my decision yet, Will.

    RIKER
    I know - I spoke to Worf. But I
    didn’t expect to find you in the
    Enterprise’s multi-faith chapel.

    PICARD
    You said I needed to find faith.
    Well, here I am. But all I’ve
    found so far is confusion.

    RIKER
    About what?​


    Picard seethes for a moment, before turning on his friend.


    PICARD
    How could you abandon Deanna?
    You left her behind, Will.

    RIKER
    (tensing)
    I did what I had to do.

    PICARD
    I’m not sure I could have chosen
    duty over Beverly so easily.

    RIKER
    I never said it was easy. But I’ve
    seen you make decisions like that
    before. Nella Darren, for one.

    PICARD
    That was different. I wasn’t
    married to Nella, and she
    wasn’t pregnant. Beverly is.​


    The guilt comes back full force upon Riker, and he has to clench his fist against it. Picard sees the reaction, and instantly returns to being Riker’s friend and confidant.


    PICARD
    What is it? What have I said?

    RIKER
    We’ve been trying to start a
    family. It was hard. We thought
    we’d done it. But it... Deanna...
    we had a miscarriage.

    PICARD
    Mon dieu. I’m so sorry, Will.

    RIKER
    We tried again. The new embryo
    is deformed, and it’ll miscarry too
    - it’s only a matter of time. But
    Deanna won’t terminate it, even
    though it could kill her. And I
    think it’s my fault.

    PICARD
    How is any of that your fault?

    RIKER
    I should have said ‘enough!’ and
    put an end to the whole thing.
    It’s my job to protect her. And
    when she needed me most, I left
    her behind, alone, on the other
    side of the goddamn galaxy!​


    Riker has to turn away and pace. Picard approaches quietly.


    PICARD
    Have you tried talking to anyone
    about this?

    RIKER
    Yeah, I talked to Chris. What a
    mistake that was.

    PICARD
    Not an easy subject for a captain
    to discuss, even with a trusted
    first officer.

    RIKER
    (deep breath)
    So now you know what’s eating
    me alive. Are you ready to tell
    me what’s bothering you?​


    Now it is Picard’s turn to pace, as he ponders what to say.


    PICARD
    I’d always told myself that I
    didn’t want a family, didn’t need
    one. Certainly there were fleeting
    moments, days when I’d wonder...
    but I never took them seriously.
    Not until Robert and René died.
    (swallows lump)
    Even then, I was afraid. I should
    have reached out to Beverly right
    then and made up for lost time.
    But I hesitated... and I almost lost
    her. That’s what it took for me to
    see what she meant to me.​


    Picard sniffles away tears. Riker knows how big a thing it is that Picard is letting anyone hear him say these things.


    PICARD
    So I let her into my life. And I
    curse myself daily for not having
    done it sooner. But when she
    suggested we have a child, I
    panicked. The idea terrified me.

    RIKER
    Why?

    PICARD
    I was afraid it would be tempting
    fate. And no sooner did Beverly
    and I conceive our son... than the
    Borg began their final invasion.
    After all these years, I indulged
    myself with one selfish act... and
    condemned countless others to
    suffer and die for my mistake.

    RIKER
    You can’t be serious. You don’t
    really believe the Borg invaded
    because you conceived a child?

    PICARD
    Of course not! But it’s not about
    logic, or reason, or causality. It’s
    about creating new life, and then
    being afraid you’ll have to watch
    it die. And even if we stop this
    invasion, what then? What of the
    next one, Will? Must my son live
    with this menace every day of
    his life? When will it end?

    RIKER
    It will end when we end it. You
    came here looking for faith. Well,
    have faith in us. You said we’d all
    been telling you we didn’t recognise
    the man you’d become. That’s
    because we all know who you are.
    And if we trust you... surely that
    means you can trust yourself.​


    Off Picard’s desperate confusion...


    20 INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE / READY ROOM


    Picard stands in the open doorway of his ready room, his back to the bridge, which continues about its business. The ready room has been stripped back to its bulkheads. Picard feels the heavy footsteps of WORF approaching...


    PICARD
    Yes, Worf?

    WORF
    Commanders LaForge and Kadohata
    are completing their modifications
    to the subspace transmitter and
    the main deflector. Both systems
    will be online in two minutes.

    PICARD
    Very well. Have we heard from
    Titan or Aventine?

    WORF
    Titan has locked the coordinates
    of the Caeliar’s home system.
    Aventine has provided the software
    to generate and maintain a sub-
    space micro-tunnel stable enough
    for a high-complexity comm signal.

    PICARD
    (turns to Worf)
    Is Captain Hernandez ready?

    WORF
    Almost. Lieutenant Chen will help
    Commander Pazlar to monitor the
    link to the Caeliar from Titan.
    When they signal ready, we
    can initiate the soliton pulse.​


    Picard nods his acceptance of that, then walks back to his bridge command chair. Worf follows and takes the XO chair.


    PICARD
    Any news from Starfleet Command?

    WORF
    The Borg attack fleet is thirty
    minutes from Earth and Mars.
    Captain, I have a question...
    about Admiral Akaar’s orders.

    PICARD
    I take it you don’t approve.

    WORF
    It would not be my first choice.

    PICARD
    The idea of running away doesn’t
    sit well with me either, but the
    admiral may be right. Once
    Earth falls... this war is over.

    WORF
    And what will become of us?

    PICARD
    To be truthful, I haven’t really
    thought that far ahead.

    WORF
    We have nowhere to run. Neither
    can we remain here indefinitely.
    If we cannot flee, and we cannot
    hide, logic dictates we attack.

    PICARD
    Channeling Ambassador Spock again?

    WORF
    I am merely stating the facts.

    PICARD
    Be that as it may, we won’t be
    doing any of those things just
    yet - not until we see the results
    of our current undertaking.​


    They both settle back, staring at the viewscreen which shows the damaged Titan, Aventine and Voyager...


    21 EXT. SPACE – AZURE NEBULA


    Focusing on the Titan, specifically the sensor pod...


    22 INT. TITAN - STELLAR CARTOGRAPHY


    Lt Cmdr MELORA PAZLAR floats in ZERO-G in the centre of the room, her hands manipulating various holographic controls. Behind her while she works, Hernandez and the Enterprise’s perky young contact specialist T’RYSSA CHEN float likewise.


    CHEN
    Eight-hundred-and-sixty years!
    Wow! You must have learned so
    much about the Caeliar in that time.

    HERNANDEZ
    Sometimes I think I’ve barely
    scratched the surface.
    (to Pazlar)
    Commander, are we ready yet?

    PAZLAR
    Sorry, Captain - working fast as I
    can. T’Ryssa, have you calibrated
    the alpha wave receiver?

    CHEN
    Yup, did it.
    (back to Hernandez)
    What about little Caeliar? After
    they became synthetic, did they
    stop having babies? If they’re
    zero-growth population, is it by
    choice? Do they still have sex?

    HERNANDEZ
    Lieutenant. I’ll answer your
    questions, except for the last
    one, on one condition - that you
    stop asking them until we’re done
    here. Can you manage that?

    CHEN
    Deal.​


    Pazlar exchanges a look with Hernandez - only a minute longer, I promise. Meanwhile Chen twirls about in zero-G, ending up perpendicular to the others, just for the larks.


    HERNANDEZ
    When we met the Caeliar, they
    numbered in the billions. Since
    they were immortal, they figured
    that was enough. But when the
    Cataclysm destroyed Erigol, ninety-
    eight percent of the species was
    killed. There’s only the fifty-two
    million on Axion left now.​


    Pazlar finishes the last of her adjustments.


    PAZLAR
    We’re ready. Captain, would you
    like to test the interface?​


    Hernandez nods, and floats herself into the centre of the room, taking Pazlar’s place while the Elaysian science officer moves to a console. Hernandez concentrates...

    ...and the holographic controls all reset, SWIRLING around the three women, until settling back down where they were.


    HERNANDEZ
    Feels good.

    PAZLAR
    Alright. I’m signalling Enterprise
    and letting them know we’re ready.​


    Chen grins up at Hernandez, crossing her fingers for luck.


    CHEN
    Fingers crossed.

    HERNANDEZ
    Lieutenant, do you make a special
    effort to confound expectations
    about your Vulcan heritage?

    CHEN
    Actually, yes.

    HERNANDEZ
    Don’t try so hard.

    PAZLAR
    Stand by. Enterprise is generating
    the soliton pulse now...​


    As they await the results...


    23 EXT. SPACE – AZURE NEBULA


    The Enterprise’s main deflector GLOWING with power...


    24 INT. TITAN - STELLAR CARTOGRAPHY


    The holographic controls are aflame as the Columbia captain reaches out across the depths of space with her mind...


    25 HERNANDEZ


    CLOSE on her face, as she experiences all of this...


    26 EXT. SPACE


    The stars, and we MOVE through them, faster, faster, until we break THROUGH the continuum of space itself into...


    27 INT. SUBSPACE TUNNEL


    We are Hernandez’s own perception flying through the blue tunnel. We break back out of this into normal space...


    28 EXT. SPACE


    The Caeliar’s new home system, a sun completely surrounded by a spherical metal shell, a planet in the same condition. We zoom on towards the planet, THROUGH its metal shell...


    29 EXT. NEW ERIGOL - PLANET SURFACE


    RUSHING across the lush surface, until we see AXION, the glittering city-ship hovering above the ground. We rush towards it, THROUGH its gleaming metal-crystal walls...


    30 INT. AXION


    We zoom across and above and through the inexplicable alien architecture, towards the crystal PYRAMID of the Caeliar’s QUORUM, their centre of government. THROUGH the walls...


    31 INT. CAELIAR QUORUM


    ...where the governing council of the Caeliar sit in rows, looking down to the central floor, where stands INYX, Hernandez’s friend and companion among the Caeliar.

    And as we rush towards him, into EXTREME CLOSE-UP, the Caeliar male GASPS in surprised recognition and relief.


    INYX
    Erika...​


    32 INT. TITAN - STELLAR CARTOGRAPHY


    Hernandez smiles warmly, glad to be back with her friend...


    HERNANDEZ
    Hello, Inyx.​


    BLACK OUT


    END OF ACT FOUR
     
  7. DS9Continuing

    DS9Continuing Rear Admiral Rear Admiral

    Joined:
    Jun 29, 2001
    Location:
    Manchester
    ACT FIVE


    FADE IN


    33 INT. CAELIAR QUORUM


    The Caeliar Quorum is silent, staring in awe and confusion at the projection of Erika Hernandez standing on the floor of their government hall, next to their own Inyx.


    HERNANDEZ
    As long as I have your attention,
    I’d like to apologise for my fly-
    by-night exit. I would have left
    a note, but there wasn’t time.​


    The leader of the Quorum, ORDEMO, glowers down at her.


    ORDEMO
    Your sarcasm remains as blunt as
    ever. No matter. Even if you were
    sincere, mere words would hardly
    repair the damage you’ve caused.

    HERNANDEZ
    Still exaggerating, I see, Ordemo.

    INYX
    For once, Ordemo has understated
    the matter. The feedback pulse
    you created to free Titan caused
    significant harm to the apparatus.​


    But by Inyx’s look and tone, he is not annoyed at her - if anything, he is secretly impressed and proud of his friend.


    HERNANDEZ
    I won’t bother to beg forgiveness.
    That’s not why I’m here. I’ve come
    to ask for your help - and to tell
    you why you should give it.

    ORDEMO
    You refer to the hostilities which
    currently threaten your homeworld?

    HERNANDEZ
    That’s part of it.

    ORDEMO
    Then you’re wasting your time.
    We don’t meddle in the affairs
    of others, you know that.

    HERNANDEZ
    I do. But I’m not asking you to
    help Earth - not directly. I’m
    asking you to help the Borg.

    INYX
    Erika... the Borg are a brutal,
    rapacious culture. Why would
    you wish us to aid them?

    HERNANDEZ
    Because you created them.
    And in a way, so did we.​


    Hernandez sends IMAGES through the telepathic connection...


    34 MONTAGE


    Lightning-fast clips from TTN 1x16 “Whatever It Takes”, VOY 10x20 “Dodo” and VOY 10x21 “Alpha”, showing...

    -- The destruction of Erigol, the many city-ships trying to escape through subspace tunnels, only three succeeding

    -- The city-ship Mantilis crashing to the surface of the frozen Delta Quadrant world of Arehaz

    -- The surviving crew of Columbia, freezing and starving, taking desperate refuge in an icy cave

    -- The twinkling blue lights of the devolved Caeliar descending on the humans, ready to consume them


    35 END MONTAGE - BACK TO SCENE


    The horror spreads throughout the Quorum. They cannot deny the truth of these images, they are in all their heads.


    INYX
    Mantilis... it must have survived
    the Cataclysm.

    HERNANDEZ
    With humans and Caeliar onboard.
    They tried to unite for survival, but
    instead of fusing strengths, it
    amplified the ugliest parts of both
    species. Your paranoia and need
    for conformity got tangled up with
    human barbarism and violence.
    It was a recipe for disaster.

    INYX
    No, Erika... it’s nothing less than
    a complete abomination.

    HERNANDEZ
    The Borg Collective has abducted
    trillions of sentient life forms over
    the past several thousand years,
    and laid waste to vast swathes of
    the galaxy. But I promise you, the
    drones are not to blame. We are.
    And I’m going to need your help
    to make it right.

    ORDEMO
    What, precisely, are you asking
    of us, Erika?

    HERNANDEZ
    Bring Axion here to me, and I’ll
    explain everything in person.

    ORDEMO
    And if we refuse?

    HERNANDEZ
    Then you can stay hidden and
    afraid, until the Borg find you.
    And mark my words, Ordemo
    - they will find you.​


    As the gathered Caeliar consider her words...


    36 EXT. SPACE


    A DOZEN Borg Cubes zoom through space... They pass JUPITER, identifiable by its unique cloud patterns, and keep going.


    AKAAR (v.o.)
    The Borg fleet has passed Jupiter.​


    37 INT. PALAIS - MONET ROOM


    Bacco sits at the end of the conference table, beneath the portraits of her predecessors. Admiral Akaar sits along one side, with Piñiero, Seven of Nine, and Jorel also present. Secretary SIVAK and bodyguard WEXLER hover nearby.


    AKAAR
    (continuing)
    Four minutes to Earth orbit.​


    Bacco doesn’t respond. She stares along the table length.


    BACCO
    Why do you think Zife kept that
    painting in here?​


    Baffled, they all turn to look where she is looking - at the reason for this room’s name. The Monet classic “Bridge Over a Pool of Water Lilies” hangs on the opposite wall.


    PIÑIERO
    Ma’am... the Earth is minutes away
    from obliteration. Is this really the
    time to discuss Min Zife’s interior
    decorating choices?

    BACCO
    Well, we won’t be able to discuss
    them in four minutes time, will
    we? This used to be just another
    meeting room before the Dominion
    War. Then Zife came along and
    had it rebuilt top to bottom, with
    every fancy gizmo he could find.
    But he left that painting right
    there. I’m just curious why.
    (to Seven)
    Miss Seven? Any thoughts?​


    Pleasantly surprised at the proper use of her chosen name, Seven deigns to consider the painting.


    SEVEN
    Its placement opposite the chair
    of the president suggests it was
    retained for his benefit. Perhaps
    he found it helped him to focus.

    AKAAR
    I served under President Zife, and
    I know exactly why it’s there. It
    was a reminder - to himself, and
    to the rest of us - that this is what
    is at stake if we fail. It was one
    of his first decrees as president,
    when everyone else in this
    building was obsessed with
    strategies and casualty reports.
    He left that painting there to
    remind us why we fight.​


    Bacco nods, sharing a small smile with Piñiero. Right at the end of everything, Zife is somewhat redeemed.

    Akaar places a hand to his ear, listening to a report. Then he turns back to Bacco.


    AKAAR
    Ninety seconds until the Borg are
    within firing distance of Earth,
    Madam President.

    BACCO
    (deep breath)
    Thank you, Admiral.​


    38 EXT. SPACE - EARTH ORBIT


    The Borg cubes split, spreading out into a wide formation to cover as much of the Earth as possible. The dark shapes swarm across the familiar blue-green-white world...


    BORG VOICE (v.o.)
    Attack continuing. The Federation
    must be destroyed. All life on
    Earth must be eradicated. All
    other directives are suspended... ​


    39 INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE


    Picard sits in his command chair, downcast, not expecting anything good to happen. And then it does...

    The viewscreen suddenly WHITES OUT, forcing the crew to flinch back and cover their eyes.

    Picard looks up in quiet amazement, hope threatening to force its way through his despondency...


    40 INT. AVENTINE - BRIDGE


    Dax is conferring with Kedair and Bowers at the tactical console when their own gigantic viewscreen WHITES OUT. She turns to the screen, a grin of victory filling her face...


    DAX
    Yes!​


    41 INT. VOYAGER - BRIDGE


    The darkened and damaged Voyager bridge is suddenly bleached out with overwhelming white light. LASREN pokes his head up from behind the Ops console in confusion...

    Paris appears in the broken-open doorway of the ready room, and we can see that the same white light is shining in through the ready room’s windows. It’s everywhere.


    PARIS
    What the hell now...?​


    42 INT. TITAN - BRIDGE


    Riker stands from his chair, staring into the light. It’s what they wanted, but now it’s here, he’s a little daunted.

    Every screen suddenly goes BLANK, and then is overtaken by the OMEGA SYMBOL - a white Ω on a black background.


    HACHESA
    Captain...

    RIKER
    That’s okay, Commander. This is
    what we were expecting. Bridge to
    Captain Hernandez - they’re here.​


    43 INT. TITAN - STELLAR CARTOGRAPHY


    Still floating in Titan’s holo-tank, Hernandez smiles wide, the white light shining on her face as well.


    HERNANDEZ
    Oh... I know, Captain.​


    44 EXT. SPACE - AZURE NEBULA


    The WHITE LIGHT is shining out of a RIP in space, creating silhouettes of our famous four Starfleet ships. Then the rip tears wider open than even before...

    ...and the Caeliar city-ship of AXION emerges from it and into the Azure Nebula, more than dwarfing all four ships.

    Its sheer size and force makes the space of the nebula rock and wave, causing the lingering debris of the destroyed blockade fleet to tumble away...


    45 INT. AXION - OMEGA GENERATOR ROOM


    As seen in TTN 1x21 “Almost Perfect”. A huge hollow sphere in the depths of the Caeliar city, with a WHITE SUN hanging in the centre of it - a giant OMEGA MOLECULE.


    46 EXT. SPACE - EARTH ORBIT


    The Earth, surrounded by a dozen Borg cubes...


    47 INT. BORG CUBE


    The four-sided viewscreen suspended in the central cavern, surrounded by rows and rows of Borg drones on all sides, and it shows the image of an OMEGA MOLECULE.


    BORG VOICE
    Particle Zero-One-Zero detected.
    Directive Omega in effect.

    BORG QUEEN (v.o.)
    Converge on the energy source.
    All other priorities and directives
    are rescinded. Assimilate Particle
    Zero-One-Zero at any cost.​


    48 EXT. SPACE - EARTH ORBIT


    Every Borg cube immediately SURGES out of orbit, flying back the way they came without a second thought.


    49 EXT. SPACE


    Another battle elsewhere in space, as a dozen Starfleet ships harry a Borg cube and a sphere. The two Borg vessels immediately stop firing back and go to warp...


    50 INT. PALAIS - MONET ROOM


    Seven of Nine GASPS, shoving her chair back abruptly. Bacco looks at her confused, but Seven is suddenly miles away...

    Then Akaar jerks back from his chair as well, in a most un-Akaar-like way, concerned and confused at the latest report coming into his earpiece. He rushes to a computer console tastefully incorporated into the wall.

    Bacco purses at all this undignified last-minute chaos...


    BACCO
    Admiral, it’s been more than
    ninety seconds. Either Starfleet
    forgot how to count, or the Borg
    decided to be extra-rude at the
    last moment and make me wait
    for my apocalypse. So which is it?

    AKAAR
    I don’t believe it...​


    Akaar looks back at Bacco, mouth agape and eyes wide.


    AKAAR
    Madam President... our scans at
    this time indicate that all ships in
    the Borg armada have reversed
    course, including those at Earth.
    They are now heading at maximum
    speed... towards the Azure Nebula.​


    Bacco, Piñiero and Akaar are all astonished. Seven is still feeling the Omega. Jorel raises his hands into the standard shape, and begins to happily pray...


    JOREL
    Oh, praise the Prophets... praise
    the Prophets...​


    51 EXT. SPACE - BORG FLEET


    Cube after sphere after probe zooms through space, left to right, all getting there as fast as they can.


    52 EXT. SPACE - AZURE NEBULA


    The Caeliar city-ship looms over the four Starfleet ships.


    53 INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE


    Every screen except the main viewscreen shows the Ω symbol. The main viewscreen shows what it can of the Caeliar city-ship - only a thin slice of its mid-section, so much bigger is it than the Enterprise.


    KADOHATA
    Main computer bypasses operating
    as expected, Captain. The Omega
    Directive is not hindering normal
    operations.

    PICARD
    Thank you, Commander. All scans of
    the Caeliar ship are to be treated
    as classified information, to be
    reviewed only on my authority.

    KADOHATA
    Understood, sir.​


    From the seat beside Picard, Worf leans in confidentially.


    WORF
    Captain... once the Caeliar have
    Hernandez back in their custody,
    they might reverse their course
    and abandon us to the Borg.

    PICARD
    Possibly... though the departure
    of the Caeliar is hardly the worst
    outcome in this scenario. I’m more
    worried about the risk of the Borg
    assimilating Caeliar technology.​


    An alert on Choudhury’s tactical console...


    CHOUDHURY
    Incoming reports from Starfleet
    Command, Captain. The entire
    Borg armada has reversed course.

    WORF
    They are converging on us?

    CHOUDHURY
    Aye, sir.​


    Picard receives these reports stoically...


    PICARD
    Then we’re surrounded.​


    Off Picard’s grim mien...


    BLACK OUT


    END OF SHOW