DS9 Season 10, ep 10x11 - "Harmony" (part 1 of 2)

[DS9Continuing]

Previously, on Deep Space Nine Season 10...

Original discussion thread, covering Episodes 1 to 7
Discussion thread for Episode 8
Discussion thread for Episode 9
Discussion thread for Episode 10

Direct links to the PDFs of episodes 1 to 10:

10x01 - "Emancipation"
10x02 - "Brave New World"
10x03 - "Steppin' Out"
10x04 - "Easy Come, Easy Go"
10x05 - "Deep Down"
10x06 - "The Dream Box"
10x07 - "Instinct"
10x08 - "Property Values"
10x09 - "Blank Slate"
10x10 - "In Two Minds"

And now, direct link to download episode 11:

10x11 - "Harmony"

As the thread title suggests, this is the first half of my big mid-season two-parter in which - if I may be so bold - shit gets real.

Enjoy!

.

 

[DS9Continuing]

TEASER​

FADE IN:


1 EXT. SPACE

The starfield...

...and then a JEM’HADAR SHIP shudders across the screen, under heavy fire from somewhere off screen. Weapons hit the ship hard along the port nacelle...


2 INT. JEM’HADAR SHIP #1 2

The bridge of the Jem’Hadar ship. Vorta male GELNON (last seen 6x15 “Honour Among Thieves”) and the Jem’Hadar First TARAK’ALON in the centre, wearing their eyepiece headsets. Other Jem’Hadar EXTRAS staff the various stations.

The ship shudders under the attack. A couple of panels explode in sparks and flame. Gelnon staggers against the railings, but Tarak’alon is steady on his feet.

TARAK’ALON
Third! Return fire!​

Jem’Hadar THIRD hits panels – we hear a weapons discharge.

THIRD
Direct hit, First. Their rear
drive section has been comp-
romised, but not fatally.​

Gelnon struggles to right himself, furious and embarrassed.

GELNON
First Tarak’alon... I want
those traitors destroyed.​

TARAK’ALON
With pleasure.​

3 EXT. SPACE

The first Jem’Hadar Ship (#1) turns quickly and heads back the way it came...

...heading straight for a second Jem’Hadar Ship (#2) with its weapons blasting. The two ships are heading for a head-on collision...

...until Jem’Hadar Ship #2 twists out of the way at the last second.


4 INT. JEM’HADAR SHIP #2

Another crew, featuring Vorta male SEJEEL (last seen 8x26 “Unity, pt 3”) and Jem’Hadar First TUGOL’ATAG plus extras.
The crew grip onto hand-holds as the ship’s inertial dampers struggle against the sudden turn...

SEJEEL
Are they insane?! They’ll kill
themselves along with us!​

TUGOL’ATAG
They’ll kill no-one! Victory
is life!​

ALL JEM’HADAR
(chorus)
Victory is life!​

The crew goes back to work, guiding the ship...

SEJEEL
(furious mutter)
I will not be the first to
go down, Tugol’atag.​

TUGOL’ATAG
Then stay out of the way and
let me save your life.​

5 EXT. SPACE

The two ships continue to dart round each other, exchanging fire and scoring hits...


6 INT. JEM’HADAR SHIP #1

Gelnon and Tarak’alon’s ship. Panels spark and soldiers fall. Gelnon is getting progressively more annoyed.

TARAK’ALON
Second! Control those fires!
Third – aim for their central
shield emitters.​

The Third fires again...


7 EXT. SPACE

Ship #1 fires its main forward weapon, and hits Ship #2’s shield bubble right at its apex point. The energy bubble visibly sputters and fails.


8 INT. JEM’HADAR SHIP #2

Sejeel and Tugol’atag. More exploding panels.

SECOND
First! The shield emitter is destroyed.​

Tugol’atag growls in fury...

SECOND (cont)
...and there is a signal for
the Vorta.​

They turn to look at Sejeel. The Vorta pulls himself together, tries to appear tall and powerful. He presses a control on the side of his headset... and sneers.

SEJEEL
What do you want, Gelnon?​

9 INT. JEM’HADAR SHIP #1

Gelnon stands smugly on his bridge, talking on his headset.

GELNON
I want to give you the chance to
beg the Founders’ forgiveness
before I destroy you, Sejeel.​

10 POV - HEADSET IMAGE

Sejeel’s image as it appears on Gelnon’s headset viewer, glaring out at the camera in loathing, as the business of Ship #1 goes on underneath the image.

SEJEEL (screen)
I have done nothing to beg
forgiveness for!​

11 INT. JEM’HADAR SHIP #2

Sejeel stands speaking as forcefully and confidently as he can manage into his own headset, as his crew watch...

SEJEEL (cont)
Those Rakhari pirates deserved
to die, as do any who rebel
against their Dominion rulers.
That is the order of things!​

12 INT. JEM’HADAR SHIP #1

Gelnon is not impressed. First Tarak’alon grins nastily – a sort of “My Vorta’s better than your Vorta” sneer.

GELNON
You received no orders to attack
the Rakhari, Sejeel. I know you
did not, because if you had, I
would have received them too.
We are, after all, part of the
same squadron.
(w/ finality)
You disobeyed the Founders by
attacking without authorization.
That is punishable by death,
for you and all your soldiers.
I only hope your next clone
has the sense you did not.​

Suddenly, Gelnon’s headset fritzes as the signal overloads and disappears in static. Gelnon turns to the Third...

THIRD
First... the other vessel...
it has been fired upon!​

GELNON
(furious)
I did not order you to fire!​

THIRD
It was not me!​

Confused and annoyed, Gelnon retunes his headset...


13 POV - HEADSET IMAGE

The headset now shows an external view – Jem’Hadar Ship #2 suffering more weapons hits from somewhere else off screen.


14 EXT. SPACE

The two ships sitting together in space, both showing significant damage... but Ship #2 is under heavy fire.

Widen to reveal the attacker – JEM’HADAR SHIP #3. It zooms into the area, firing constantly at ship #2...


15 INT. JEM’HADAR SHIP #2

Sejeel, Tugol’atag and all their soldiers scream and bellow as their ship is destroyed around them, fires and sparks and collapsing bulkheads...


16 EXT. SPACE

Having no shields, Ship #2 has no chance. Its warp core buckles, and the entire ship explodes in a burst of flame, until there’s just a field of tumbling debris.

Jem’Hadar ship #3 swoops around, avoiding the debris, and comes to a stop nearby.


17 INT. JEM’HADAR SHIP #1

Gelnon is incensed at this interloper in his territory...

GELNON
First! I want to speak to the
Vorta of that vessel. Now!​

The First nods to the Third, who works his panels...


18 POV - HEADSET IMAGE

The headset comes back to life... and reveals VANNIS, smiling insincerely to camera.

VANNIS (screen)
Gelnon. How nice to see you.​

19 INT. JEM’HADAR SHIP #1

Gelnon forces his best insincere smile back at her.

GELNON
Vannis. Always good to spend
time with a fellow loyal Vorta.
But I assure you, I had things
entirely under control here.
Your help was not required.​

20 INT. JEM’HADAR SHIP #3

A third crew, featuring Vannis at the centre and Jem’Hadar First REKAN’GANAR (last seen 9x17 “Olympus Descending 2”), plus extras. Vannis is smooth and silky, in total control.

VANNIS
I’m glad to hear it, Gelnon,
because I’m not here to offer
help. I’m here to destroy you.​

21 INT. JEM’HADAR SHIP #1

Gelnon is stunned.

GELNON
What?! Why would you do that?
Over Sejeel? We attacked that
worthless fool for disobeying
the Founders!​

22 INT. JEM’HADAR SHIP #3

Vannis smiles back. She knows she’s got him.

VANNIS
And he deserved to die. But it
was not your place to kill him.​

23 POV - HEADSET IMAGE

Vannis smiles as she delivers Gelnon’s death sentence.

VANNIS (screen)
Really, Gelnon... what kind of
Vorta are you if you have to
resort to exchanging weapons
fire to solve your disputes?
Vorta should not be fighting
Vorta, nor Jem’Hadar fighting
Jem’Hadar. You and Sejeel...
you’re both an embarrassment
to the Founders.​

She looks to the side...

VANNIS (screen)
First Rekan’ganar, if you would
please...​

24 INT. JEM’HADAR SHIP #1

Gelnon is beginning to panic...

GELNON
Wait –​

But it’s too late – the ship rocks under fire.


25 EXT. SPACE

Ship #3 fires and fires and fires on Ship #1... until Ship #1 finally is destroyed. The debris adds to the already drifting remains of Ship #2.


26 INT. JEM’HADAR SHIP #3

Vannis smiles - genuinely this time - satisfied with a job well done.

VANNIS
First... set a course back to
the Idran system and engage at
full warp.​

The Jem’Hadar soldiers follow their orders...


27 EXT. SPACE

Jem’Hadar Ship #3 swoops around, leaving the debris field behind, and jumps away into warp.


28 EXT. DEEP SPACE NINE - ESTABLISHING

Just a moment to bring us home. The Defiant is berthed in its usual spot, and the USS Aurora (Nova class, last seen 10x04 “Easy Come, Easy Go”) is at an upper pylon.


29 INT. DS9 – UPPER DOCKING PYLON CORRIDOR

The docking hatch is open, and a collection of Starfleet EXTRAS are streaming out into the corridor. These are new transfers, carrying travelling bags over their shoulders, or Aurora crewmembers delivering requisitioned materials, guiding heavy boxes on anti-grav trolleys.

NOG and VAUGHN are in the corridor, directing the arrivals.

VAUGHN
Welcome to Deep Space Nine,
everyone. I’m Commander Vaughn,
Executive Officer. Deliveries,
please go with Lieutenant Nog.
New crew transfers, with me.​

Further down the corridor, BASHIR struggles to squeeze down the corridor past the crowds of milling people. He’s quite urgent, even hopeful. Excited about this.

BASHIR
(calling out)
Commander.​

VAUGHN
(turns to him)
Doctor.​

Bashir has finally reached Vaughn and Nog...

BASHIR
Any sign?​

VAUGHN
Not as yet.​

Bashir scans the faces of all the new crew, not seeing what he’s looking for. The last of the new arrivals are now out of the airlock and into the corridor. Vaughn pushes his
way past the crowd, calling out as he does.

VAUGHN
Alright, that’s everyone. Let’s
go. Follow me.​

Vaughn leads the crowd down the corridor and away, with Nog taking up the rear. Bashir is left alone at the airlock. He’s confused, his hopes dashed. He looks back and forth between the crowd and the empty airlock – what went wrong?

There’s the sound of boots on deckplates. Bashir rushes to look into the airlock – there’s EZRI DAX, leaving the ship with her travelling bag. Bashir sags in relief to see her.

BASHIR
Ezri... Oh I’m so glad you’re safe.
When I heard about the Luna...​

He reaches out for a welcoming hug. But Dax walks on past him, with nothing but a simple nod and acknowledgement.

DAX
Julian.​

And then she’s gone, heading off down the corridor to join the receding crowd with Nog and Vaughn.

Ending on Bashir, amazed and not a little heartbroken...


FADE OUT:

END OF TEASER​

.

 

[DS9Continuing]

.

ACT ONE​

FADE IN:


30 EXT. EAV’OQ CITY

A bright blue sky, rolling green hills, clear running streams and pools of water. This is a bucolic and peaceful paradise, with the sound of soft, choral singing in low, rumbling voices in the distance. Figures move down the stone paths, between gleaming white marble buildings.

These are EAV’OQ – two metres tall, almost tubular in shape, off-white and slightly furry, lolloping languidly on eight pinkish ribbon-like limbs that seem too flowing and flimsy to support the weight. They go about their business, greeting each other in slow, smooth movements, curling their large single eye in serene smiles, moving on with a rolling, bouncing Mr Soft gait.

In the foreground, two more figures walk along a path together – the Eav’oq male, ITU (from 8x23 “Rising Son”) and OPAKA. The two are quite companionable and friendly, enjoying the beautiful day and the peaceful surroundings.

ITU
I must admit, sister Sulan, it
is a great sadness to us that
the torment of the Ascendants
is sure to return. We hoped to
escape their fire by hiding.
But we can hide no longer.​

OPAKA
They may never come, Itu. You
must not lose your hope.​

ITU
No. I know it. The way is open
to them, and they will find
their way upon it. I feel it
within me. Do you not feel it
also, sister?​

Opaka doesn’t like to dwell on unpleasant thoughts, but...

OPAKA
Yes, I feel it. Perhaps it is
a sense we share, through our
mutual bond with the Prophets.
Forgive me – the Siblings.​

ITU
Do not apologise, Sulan. The
Siblings and the Prophets are
surely as one, have no doubt.​

They continue to stroll along. Itu is clearly troubled.

ITU
I recognize that for you, many
aeons have passed since the
Ascendants’ last great crusade.
(pause)
But for us, the fire has been
quenched for less than two turns.
Its embers fall over us still.​

OPAKA
(delicately)
Will you tell me about it, Itu?
I know it is difficult for you.
But my friends and I are hoping
to find a way to avoid fighting
the Ascendants. Anything you
can tell us would be useful.​

Itu stops, seems to sag. He doesn’t want to think about it.

ITU
They cannot be stopped. They
cannot be avoided. You will
see that for yourselves soon
enough. But I have held the
tale from you too long. It
is time to tell it.​

Opaka is relieved – it’s the information she needs, but at the same time, Itu obviously needs to unburden himself. As Itu’s single eye stares sadly into the distance...


31 INT. EAV’OQ TEMPLE

The great chamber that we saw in 8x23 “Rising Son,” but it is now in chaos. A dozen Eav’oq rush back and forth – as much as they can in their strange way – as the building shakes to the rumbling of bombs and explosions outside.

ITU (v.o.)
It had begun more than a hundred
turns before, as isolated attacks
and solitary murders. We heeded
the lessons of the Siblings, and
they told us the attacks would
only grow more frequent.​

The Eav’oq rush about in a panic, stumbling against the shaking ground...


32 EXT. EAV’OQ CITY

As Itu relates the tale to Opaka...

OPAKA
But why you? Because of your
connection to the Siblings?​

ITU
To them, they are the True, the
Unnameable Ones. Any who dare
to speak their name commit the
greatest sacrilege and must be
put to death. It had been this
way with countless before us...
but with the Eav’oq, there was
something more. They knew that
our connection was more than
misguided belief. It was real.
(pause; w/ wonder)
We had been gifted with the
Eyes of Light.​

33 INT. EAV’OQ TEMPLE

As the buildings continue to shake around them, Itu himself kneels in some weirdly Eav’oq way in front of a marble box. It’s of a completely different, alien design from the Orb boxes of the Bajorans, but clearly serves the same purpose. The box’s doors are open, a shining silver light streaming out, enveloping Itu. He gazes into the light, hypnotized.

Finally the light recedes into the box, letting us see the Orb spinning slowly inside. Itu gently closes the doors. He found what he sought. He stops another passing Eav’oq...

ITU
I understand now. You have to
gather everyone. Gather them
all, before it’s too late.​

The other Eav’oq’s eye widens with alarm, then he bows in assent and moves off.


34 EXT. EAV’OQ CITY

Opaka and Itu are talking...

OPAKA
But if they knew you had the
Eyes, why wait a hundred years?​

ITU
I think... it confused them.
That others might possess that
which plainly should be theirs...
They tried to capture the Eyes.
We hid them away. That only
made the Ascendants more
viciousstill. Until at last... the
final day came.​

35 INT. EAV’OQ TEMPLE

All the Eav’oq are now gathered together in the temple, lined up in rows like a choir. Eyes closed, ribbon limbs flowing loosely, and humming their low, hypnotic music.

ITU (v.o.)
The Eyes conveyed the lessons
of the Siblings... and they
taught us that, rather than
hide them, we should use
them... to hide ourselves.​

36 EXT. EAV’OQ CITY

Panic outside the city. Fiery projectiles fall from the sky. Great rumbles shake the ground under their feet. In the chaos, one Eav’oq crouches by an Orb box, meditating over it. Somewhere else, a second Eav’oq crouches over another Orb box. And a third in another location...

ITU (v.o.)
Many sacrificed themselves to
bring it to pass. My brother
Alu was among the lost.​

Focusing on one particular Eav’oq, presumably ALU, praying hard over his assigned Orb...

ITU (v.o.)
We placed seven Eyes around
the Temple, and the eighth
within... and we sang.​

37 INT. EAV’OQ TEMPLE

Inside the Temple, the gathered Eav’oq are singing – a rich, harmonic, powerful sound. On the floor in the middle of the Temple is the Orb box, open on all sides, the Orb spinning calmly in the chaos...

The Orb spins faster and faster, silver light beginning to bleed out of it in a great swirl of power...


38 EXT. EAV’OQ CITY

Alu opens his Orb box... its light flows out... Another Eav’oq opens another box... then the next... The light of each Orb reaches out to connect to its neighbour.

HIGH ANGLE

With bombs and fires still falling from the sky, growing heavier and heavier... the light of seven Orbs begins to create a circle around the marble temple.


39 INT. EAV’OQ TEMPLE

The central Orb’s light grows to fill the Temple as the Eav’oq continue to sing...



40 EXT. EAV’OQ CITY

The ring of light around the city bursts open, throwing a massive wave of energy out in an expanding circle, wiping away everything in its path...


41 EXT. SPACE – IDRAN ORBIT

The Idran planet hangs in space. All around it we can see a gathered fleet of thousands of Ascendant ships (as seen in “Rising Son”) – small and silver and deadly.

The great swirling energy wave blooms up from the surface of the planet, growing in power and force, sweeping all the Ascendant ships aside, filling the screen until we...

WHITE OUT

After a moment, FADE IN to


42 EXT. EAV’OQ PLANET SURFACE

...but as we first saw it in “Rising Son” – a blasted rock with no signs of life at all. Grey stone, grey sky...

...and then an object lands out of the sky, smoking like a meteorite. It’s a small crystal, fist-sized and glittering. An Eav’oq crystal... the remains of an Orb.

ITU (v.o.)
We knew no more... until you
brought us from our sleep.​

43 EXT. EAV’OQ CITY

The more peaceful present, as Itu and Opaka talk...

OPAKA
Amazing to think that the Orbs
have such power...​

ITU
The Orbs are power. They are
the Eyes of Light. But they
are gone. We have their power
no longer. There is no other
way to hide from the fire.​

There’s a twinkling sound in the air. Opaka and Itu turn to see a Dominion transporter deposit Vannis. Rekan’ganar is beside her, his rifle held at the ready just in case.

VANNIS
Ranjen Opaka. Are you ready?​

OPAKA
I believe so, Vannis, thank you.
(back to Itu)
Your words have been enormously
helpful, Itu. Thank you. I will
see you again soon, but for now
I must bid you goodbye.​

ITU
Goodbye, my sister.​

Opaka goes to stand with Vannis and Rekan’ganar. Without any signal, the transporter forms again and they’re gone.


44 EXT. SPACE – IDRAN ORBIT

The Jem’Hadar ship pulls away from orbit of the Idran planet. It zooms quickly out of the system.

The Gamma exit of the WORMHOLE blooms open in its giant blue flower of energy. The Jem’Hadar ship dives inside, and the wormhole closes up behind it.


45 INT. JEM’HADAR SHIP #3

Vannis stands in the centre, letting Rekan’ganar run the crew. Opaka is there, feeling a little intimidated but basically willing to give them the benefit of the doubt.

OPAKA
(tentative)
Vannis? Is everything alright?
You seem a little out of sorts.​

VANNIS
I was just wondering when my
life was reduced to ferrying
Bajorans through the anomaly.​

OPAKA
(oops)
I’m grateful for your help.​

VANNIS
(shrug)
It’s the Founder’s will.​

OPAKA
What did you do before?​

VANNIS
My most recent mission before
this involved welcoming a new
world into the Dominion.​

OPAKA
(encouraging)
That sounds like an important
responsibility.​

VANNIS
Very much so. It was a vital
mission. Another member race
had recently suffered a famine,
so I offered the Rindamil the
protection of the Dominion in
exchange for their food.​

OPAKA
(unsure)
All... their food?​

VANNIS
Their royals resisted at first.
But I ordered the Jem’Hadar
to threaten and kill their
citizens to force the point.​

OPAKA
(horrified)
Why would you do such a thing?​

VANNIS
Because a Founder ordered me
to. Why else?​

OPAKA
But you stole a people’s food.
You killed innocents.​

VANNIS
(simply)
It was necessary.​

OPAKA
I refuse to believe that.​

VANNIS
You believe in gods, do you
not? Would you not do anything
they asked of you, no matter
how distasteful you found it?​

OPAKA
My gods would never ask me to kill.​

VANNIS
Are you so sure of that?​

OPAKA
What do you mean?​

VANNIS
I read through the Dominion’s
intelligence file on you in
preparation for this assignment.
I know of your activities with
the Bajoran resistance against
the Cardassians.​

OPAKA
(offended)
We fought to defend ourselves,
not to conquer.​

VANNIS
Ah, of course. How foolish of
me. That little technicality
makes all the difference.
(beat)
But then what of the Ascendants?
If the Dominion’s files on them
are correct – which of course
they are – then they worship
the same gods you do. And they
certainly believe they must
kill in their name.​

This gives Opaka pause for some unpleasant thought – a fact which Vannis absorbs with amused smugness.

REKAN’GANAR
We are exiting the anomaly.​

Vannis moves her headset viewer into position...



46 POV - HEADSET IMAGE

Vannis’s view shows the trailing edges of the wormhole’s open mouth as the Jem’Hadar ship emerges into normal space. In the distance but growing closer, Deep Space Nine itself. The image segues into...



47 EXT. DEEP SPACE NINE

As we move in closer, we see the Defiant, the Aurora, a Bajoran shuttle, and at least one random freighter docked.



48 INT. DS9 – FREIGHTER HOLD

The large cargo hold of the freighter. The last few crates are being manoeuvred out by workers. Remaining in the hold, however, are Lieutenant RO and Ensign ALECO. Once they’re alone, they draw their weapons. Aleco also has a tricorder.

ALECO
An anomalous bio-reading from
inside the cargo hold. Life
signs indicate a humanoid.​

RO
So we’re thinking stowaway?​

ALECO
That’s what Captain Rionoj
assumed. But her people don’t
have any security training.
That’s why she left it to us
to do anything about it.​

RO
Then let’s do something.​

Aleco’s tricorder leads him to a bulkhead in the hold’s wall. At Ro’s signal, he puts the tricorder away and gets ready to thump the wall panel. Ro aims her phaser...

Aleco thumps the panel and it clangs to the floor. Huddled inside, looking dirty and dishevelled... is Vedek YEVIR.

Aleco gasps in recognition. Ro folds her arms, unimpressed. Yevir looks bashfully out at them...

YEVIR
Lieutenant... nice to see you
again. I wonder if I might
speak with Captain Kira...?​

Ro harrumphs. “You’re gonna have to do better than that.” Yevir struggles to wrestle his way out of the wall. Aleco instantly rushes to help him. Ro rolls her eyes.

YEVIR
Please tell her it’s important.
Tell her... I believe I’ve
discovered something that will
change Bajor forever.​

Despite her dislike of Yevir, Ro is curious. Finishing on Yevir’s hopeful, determined face...


FADE OUT:

END OF ACT ONE​

.​

 

[DS9Continuing]

.​

ACT TWO​

FADE IN:


49 INT. DS9 – MAIN OPS CENTRE

Business as usual. CENN at the central table, BOWERS at tactical, SHAR at sciences. Bashir hovering near the door to Kira’s office. Nervous, fidgety, trying to seem neither.

He peers through the door – Dax is in the guest seat, being debriefed by KIRA. After a moment she gets up and readies to leave. Bashir prepares himself...

The door opens; Kira and Dax emerge. Kira nods at Bashir and carries on to the turbolift. Dax stops short, sighs a bit to see Bashir. Doesn’t really want to deal with him.

DAX
Hi, Julian.​

BASHIR
Ezri, look... I know we didn’t
part on the best of terms. But
I just want to say I’m glad
you’re safe, and there’s no -​

DAX
Julian, I’ve had a bad few days
and I really don’t want to get
into this with you right now.
People I knew have died. Just
give me some space, will you?​

She walks past him again, without waiting for a response. She heads to the turbolift and joins Kira.

KIRA
Docking ring, section twelve.​

The turbolift lowers out of sight. They’re gone. Bashir gapes after Dax, amazed that she blanked him again.​

50 INT. DS9 – DOCKING RING CORRIDOR

Plenty of security EXTRAS. Vaughn and TARAN’ATAR wait on their best behaviour for the airlock to roll open...

The door cycles open - Vannis and Opaka emerge, with their own phalanx of soldiers. Taran’atar snaps to attention. Opaka takes Vaughn’s hands in a warm and friendly gesture.

OPAKA
Elias...​

VAUGHN
Sulan.​

Vannis rolls her eyes – she honestly couldn’t give a toss. Then Kira walks around a nearby corner. With her are SISKO (in civilian dress), Kai SOLIS and First Minister ASAREM.

KIRA
Ah, good. Everyone’s here.​

VAUGHN
(warmly)
First Minister... Eminence...
(coolly; at Sisko)
...Captain.​

Opaka can’t help notice the frosty tone in that one word.

OPAKA
It is good to see you again,
Wadeen, Tendren. I trust your
journey went smoothly?​

ASAREM
Perfectly, thank you Ranjen.​

SISKO
Can you imagine the security
with the three of us on board
the same shuttle?​

SOLIS
I think they checked my eyeballs.​

Kira chuckles. Vaughn grits his teeth in silent annoyance. He doesn’t like what sounds like Sisko boasting about his importance. Kira turns to lead everyone down the corridor, the security keeping a polite distance...

KIRA
Well, I’m glad you’re here.
The meeting’s scheduled for
sixteen hundred in the Ward
Room. Should be interesting.​

RO (o.s.)
Captain!​

Everyone turns in surprise to see Ro emerging from the nearest turbolift...

RO
I’m sorry, Captain. He insisted
on seeing you immediately.​

Kira is baffled... and then Yevir steps out from behind Ro, still dirty and dishevelled. All are suitably surprised. Kira sighs, rubs her brow. There’s always complications.


51 INT. DS9 – KIRA’S OFFICE

Kira stands behind her desk, leaning forward onto it, trying her best to be polite... but failing.

KIRA
Vedek Yevir. I’m sure you have
many fascinating tales to tell.
But they will have to wait. I
have a very important meeting
that people have come all the
way across the galaxy to attend.​

YEVIR
I understand that, Captain. But
my news is of vital importance
to Bajor. As you know, I spent
more than a year on Cardassia,
where I studied the traditions
of the Oralian Way. I believe –​

KIRA
Vedek, perhaps I’m not making
myself clear. I don’t have time
for this. If you want to talk
to me, make an appointment.​

YEVIR
I realise you may have reasons
to dislike me, Captain. But
please don’t dismiss what I
have to say so easily.​

KIRA
I’ll take the risk. Excuse me.​

She walks out of the office, heading back to the meeting. He can do nothing but follow her out.


52 INT. DS9 – WARD ROOM

The meeting is under way. Kira at the head, with Vaughn, Sisko, Asarem, Solis, Taran’atar, Vannis and Opaka.

TARAN’ATAR
The situation is deteriorating
rapidly. Dominion member races
rebel at an increasing rate.
The Jem’Hadar move closer to
full civil war every day.​

Everyone is disquieted to hear it stated so bluntly.

KIRA
Is there nothing Odo can do?​

VANNIS
(snippy)
The Founder has the situation
under control, Captain.​

TARAN’ATAR
Clearly not.​

Holy crap. Is Taran’atar criticizing a Founder? But he pushes on, seemingly unconcerned.

TARAN’ATAR (cont)
The Dominion is too vast for
one Founder to control alone.
Only today, Vannis destroyed
two crews for fighting over
his instructions.​

VAUGHN
How is you destroying them any
better than them destroying
each other?​

VANNIS
They were squabbling. I was executing.​

ASAREM
And how does executing your
own people help the Dominion
maintain its stability?​

VANNIS
(shrug)
The Vortas’ next clones will be
activated. More Jem’Hadar will
be bred in birthing chambers.​

Opaka’s good will towards the Dominion is being shaken.

TARAN’ATAR
The reports of the other Vorta
suggest that the uprisings are
being fuelled by rumours. The
word “Ascendant” is heard more
and more frequently.​

KIRA
News of their attack on the
Dominion must be leaking out.​

TARAN’ATAR
Indeed, Captain. Member races
are no longer confident that
the Dominion can protect them
when the Ascendants return.​

KIRA
Maybe they won’t return.​

OPAKA
The Eav’oq are convinced they
will, Nerys. And they are the
ones with the experience.​

SISKO
What did the Eav’oq tell you?​

OPAKA
That the Ascendants will not be
dissuaded, not for any reason.
All they care about is reaching
their version of the Celestial
Temple... and destroying anyone
who gets in their way.​

ASAREM
Kai Solis, if I were to propose
an alliance between Bajor and
the Ascendants, do you think the
Vedek Assembly would support me?​

SOLIS
I’m not sure they support me,
First Minister. Bajor has made
great strides in accepting
alternative religions over the
past two years, but this might
be pushing them further than
they’re willing to be pushed.​

KIRA
What about General Lenaris?
Having one of the most senior
and respected officers in the
Militia as a follower must be
good for something.​

SOLIS
He’s offered his public support.
But I can just see my opponents
painting it as some kind of
combined military-religious
dictatorship out to oppress all
right-thinking Bajorans. His
private support will have to do.​

KIRA
Well, we need to do something
to help the Eav’oq. They’re
helpless out there.​

She looks over to Sisko. He smiles back, encouraging.

SISKO
It’s your show, Nerys.​

She looks curiously at him...


FLASH


Suddenly it’s like a vision – over exposed and strange. All the same people are there, gazing at Kira like Prophets.

VAUGHN
Our hand must act of its own will.​

OPAKA
Our hand must shape the future.​

FLASH


Everything is normal again. Kira blinks, disturbed. What just happened? Did she imagine it?

SISKO
Nerys...?​

Kira comes back to herself. Looking around at everyone, waiting for her decision... she makes it.

KIRA
I think... we need to make an
attempt to contact them. The
Ascendants, I mean. Maybe if we
can talk to them, we can find
a way out of this before it
goes any further.​

TARAN’ATAR
And what of your alliance with
the Dominion, Captain?​

KIRA
Well, if we can make peace with
the Ascendants, they won’t be a
threat to the Dominion anymore.
And that can only help Odo’s
efforts to get things under
control.​

Taran’atar ponders for a moment.

TARAN’ATAR
My mind is now clear of external
influences, Captain. And I am
grateful to you for that. It
allows me to see more clearly...
and what I see is that the
Ascendants caused the exodus of
the Founders, and led directly
to the chaos we now face. So I
must inform you, Captain, that
any alliance between Bajor and
the Ascendants will seriously
damage your friendship with
the Dominion.​

On Kira’s disquieted reaction to that...


FADE OUT:

END OF ACT TWO


.​

 

[DS9Continuing]

.

ACT THREE​

FADE IN:


53 INT. DS9 – KIRA’S OFFICE

Kira, Ro and Sisko sit comfortably in the lounge area, drinking coffee or raktajino or whatever.

RO
So what did Yevir say?​

KIRA
Don’t know. I didn’t give him a
chance before the meeting, and
by the time I came out of the
meeting he’d already hitched
the first ride back to Bajor.​

RO
How do you think he got out of
Cardassia? It’s supposed to be
quarantined.​

SISKO
Cardassian security is stretched
to the breaking point as it is.
I’m sure all he needed was a
word in the right ear.​

RO
But what about the disease?​

KIRA
I had Julian give him a good
thorough scanning just to be
safe. He’s clean.​

CENN (comm)
Cenn to Kira. It’s starting, Captain.​

She nods – they’ve been expecting this. Knocking back the last of her coffee...

KIRA
Shall we?​

54 INT. DS9 – MAIN OPS CENTRE

Kira, Ro and Sisko emerge onto Ops. Cenn is at the central table – he directs their attention to the main view screen. It comes to life with an image of the open-air public speaking platform on Bajor that we’ve seen Yevir and Solis use before. But this time Asarem is behind the microphone, with the suggestion of many press people and public nearby.

ASAREM (screen)
Citizens of Bajor...​

55 EXT. BAJOR – PRESS PLATFORM

Asarem on the podium, speaking to the press and public...

ASAREM
Many things have been asked of
Bajor in recent years. Many
changes have been thrust upon
our people. From hatred of the
Cardassian people, to friendship
and pity for them. From distrust
of the Federation to fellowship
in their number. From brutal war
against the Dominion to peace
and even alliance. And from
the monolithic strength of one
singular religion to a new
freedom of choice to worship.​

56 INT. DS9 – QUARK’S BAR

The usual crowd of officers, aliens and civilians. QUARK is working his bar, and Asarem’s speech is on the screens.

ASAREM (screen)
You have absorbed all of these
changes with grace and dignity.
It makes me proud to lead you.​

At a table under the stairs, Vaughn sits sharing lunch with PRYNN. He’s looking down at his plate, not really eating.

PRYNN
Dad? You okay? You’re not eating.​

VAUGHN
Sorry, baby. Just distracted.​

PRYNN
(grin)
You’re thinking about Opaka,
aren’t you?​

He chuckles a bit – she sees right through him.

VAUGHN
Some of it. But there’s a lot
going on at the moment.​

PRYNN
Anything you can talk about?​

VAUGHN
(sigh)
Oh... I don’t know. This thing
with Sisko...​

Prynn frowns, doesn’t know what he’s talking about. Vaughn keeps talking, probably saying more than he should...

VAUGHN (cont)
Holding a grudge like this. It
makes me feel so juvenile. I
should be long past this kind
of nonsense.​

ON SCREEN

Asarem continues her speech...

ASAREM (screen)
But there may yet be more changes
we must face together.​

UPPER LEVEL

Bashir is sat at a table alone, looking down at the main floor, watching the screens. He senses a presence... and looks up to see Dax hovering awkwardly. She half-smiles tentatively and hopefully at him, silently asking if she can join him. He smiles, relieved. Of course she can.


57 INT. DS9 – MAIN OPS CENTRE

Kira, Ro and Sisko watch the screen. Cenn, Nog, Shar and Bowers are also at their positions. Everyone’s watching.

ASAREM (screen)
Opaka Sulan told us all of the
Eav’oq, a people from the other
side of the galaxy, but who
have also been touched by the
Prophets. But now it is time
you knew of a third people who
have been touched by Them.​

Kira takes a deep breath of nerves and tension – this is where everything could go wrong.


58 EXT. BAJOR – PRESS PLATFORM

Asarem continues her speech. She knows this could be tough, and she has to play this just right.

ASAREM
These people are known as the
Ascendants. We know little about
them, only that their own love of
the Prophets has placed them at
odds with the Eav’oq in the past.
We Bajorans have faced this
dilemma ourselves, struggling to
reconcile traditional worship
with new, alternative views. We
came through those struggles as
we have all the others.​

59 INT. DS9 – QUARK’S BAR

Bashir and Dax sit across the table from each other on the upper level of the bar.

DAX
I’m sorry I ignored you. I guess
I was just embarrassed. I made
such a big deal out of moving
on and making a new start. And
barely three months in, it all
blows up in my face. Literally.​

BASHIR
I don’t mind admitting I was
terrified for you when I heard
about the accident. But in a way,
I’m almost glad it happened.​

DAX
What the hell does that mean?​

BASHIR
Nothing! Just... that it’s nice
to have you back. Whatever
the reason.​

DAX
I’m not... “back.” I just didn’t
have anywhere else to go.​

BASHIR
But... I thought the tour on
the Luna would have got it all
out of your system, and now
you’d come back and settle down
here, where you belong.​

DAX
You do not get to say where I
belong, Julian!​

ASAREM (screen)
It is my hope that in this way,
Bajor can serve as an example,
as proof that religions need
not be enemies.​

60 EXT. BAJOR – PRESS PLATFORM

Asarem’s speech continues...

ASAREM
Just as the Prophets sent us
their Emissary so that we might
better understand one another,
so Opaka has lived among the
Eav’oq, learning about their ways
of life, building a relationship based
upon our commonalities. Now I
have put forward the suggestion
that we continue on this path,
by meeting with the Ascendants.
Their ways may be different
from ours, but I believe that
it is our similarities that
can bring us together.​

She pauses to let the audience absorb her words.


61 INT. DS9 – MAIN OPS CENTRE

As the crew watches the screen:

RO
Sneaky. She goes directly to
the people, getting them on her
side, so the Vedek Assembly has
no choice but to agree, or risk
looking childish and petulant.​

SISKO
(grin)
Maybe we should start calling
that “The Kira Manoeuvre.”​

Kira is a bit bashful, a bit flattered. It was her idea.


62 INT. DS9 – QUARK’S BAR

The bar patrons are also watching. Vaughn and Prynn are still sitting together under the spiral staircase...

VAUGHN
Prynn, I’ve seen the way you
look at him when you think
he’s not looking. You can’t
tell me you’re not interested.​

PRYNN
Dad, I’ve told you before. He’s
a married man. Thia is carrying
his baby.​

VAUGHN
I don’t think it’s Thia you’re
worried about at all. You’ve
known all along Shar doesn’t
have any real feelings for her.​

PRYNN
I don’t know...​

VAUGHN
You do know. You’re a smart girl,
Prynn. So I think you’re fixating
on Thia as your rival for Shar’s
affections to avoid looking at
the real challenge – Thriss.​

PRYNN
Dad... Thriss is dead.​

VAUGHN
And thus perfect. Shar can keep
her in his memory, his ideal,
never changing. How could you
possibly compete with that?​

Prynn can’t deny he might have a point.


63 INT. DS9 – MAIN OPS CENTRE

On Shar, as he watches Asarem draw to her conclusion...

ASAREM (screen)
To this end, I have petitioned
the Federation to send a fleet
of ships into the Gamma Quadrant,
with the aim of making peaceful
contact with the Ascendants. I
ask for your support and your
strength in this endeavour. We
can all walk with the Prophets,
whichever path we choose to take.​

Kira watches from outside her office...​

KIRA
Hopefully that’ll do the trick.​

64 INT. DS9 – QUARK’S BAR

Bashir has been watching the speech on the screens, as a way of avoiding more arguments with Dax if nothing else.

BASHIR
I don’t see why we need to
bother with the Ascendants at
all. Or the Eav’oq for that matter.​

DAX
What are you talking about?​

BASHIR
Well, it’s none of our business,
is it? The Federation doesn’t
go around sticking its nose
into other people’s affairs.
Or at least it shouldn’t.​

DAX
But the Eav’oq are defenceless.​

BASHIR
To be perfectly honest, Ezri,
I’m not sure I care.​

Dax sits amazed at what Bashir just said...


65 INT. DS9 – MAIN OPS CENTRE

Down on Bajor, Asarem has finished her public address. Among the clamour of journalists firing questions at her, she makes a dignified exit. As the drone of the crowd fades away, Kira turns and heads back to her office.

But then the sound picks up again. The journalists are excited about something... Kira turns to see what it is... And sees Yevir taking the stage, back in his full vedek regalia. The press and public are all buzzing...

YEVIR (screen)
I have an announcement to make...​

KIRA
Son of a bitch!​

66 INT. DS9 – QUARK’S BAR

All the Bajorans have gone crazy at Yevir’s appearance, but Dax and Bashir are engaged completely in each other.

DAX
Why are you being such an ass?​

BASHIR
I’m not being an ass. I’m being
sensible. Being an ass is when
your former lover only wants to
tell you he’s glad you didn’t
die, and you just walk past
him like he’s invisible.​

DAX
I told you, I was embarrassed.​

BASHIR
I’m embarrassed right now.​

DAX
We’ve known each other ten years,
Julian. You’ve gone from playful
flirting, to giving me up as a
lost cause, to getting a second
chance, to screwing up your
second chance, to becoming
possessive and controlling. I
don’t think I like the change.​

BASHIR
I don’t know why you have to
be so deliberately hurtful,
Ezri. Jadzia would never have
said the things you do.​

DAX
You know what else Jadzia never
did? Sleep with you.​

With disgust in her eyes, Dax shoves her chair back, stands and stomps off.

On the lower level, Prynn and Vaughn have heard the raised voices. They watch, disturbed, as Dax stalks away.


67 EXT. BAJOR – PRESS PLATFORM

Yevir stands before his adoring crowds...

YEVIR
Thank you for your warm welcome,
my children. It is a blessing
to be home, among you again.​

He reaches inside his robes and pulls out the JEVONITE FIGURINE. He holds it up reverently for the crowd to see.

YEVIR
You may recall my showing you
this object once before. It was
found at the great lost city of
B’Hala by the tireless workers
there, passed on to the wife of
the Emissary, and finally to me.
It clearly shows the features of
both Bajorans and Cardassians,
combined into one figure. Now,
as you may know, I have spent
more than a year on Cardassia,
studying the traditions of the
Oralian Way. While there, I had
cause to visit their own newly
unearthed ancient city, the
Hebitian stronghold of Gardat.​

FLASHBACK – 10x06 “THE DREAM BOX”

Inside the Hebitian caves, he looks at the Oralian figures carved out of jevonite, caresses them in astonishment...

YEVIR (v.o.)
And there I found... many
identical figures. In the
heart of the Oralian Way.​

A close-up of the figures – they show Bajoran nose ridges and Cardassia neck bones.

BACK TO SCENE


Yevir himself gazes out into the crowd, almost overcome with wonder himself at what he’s saying...

YEVIR
This is the proof I have been
seeking, my children. Proof of
a connection between our worlds
that is far more ancient than
the Occupation. I have already
joined my order to the people
of the Oralian Way in the name
of this connection. But now I
must do more. A brave woman
named Ekosha risked hatred and
violence to bring the word of
Oralius to Bajor. But she was
lost to us in the recent
unpleasantness on Cardassia.​

68 INT. DS9 – MAIN OPS CENTRE

Kira watches, absolutely livid with fury at Yevir.

YEVIR (screen)
In honour of Ekosha’s courage,
I hereby announce...
(pause for drama)
...that I will bring the word
of Oralius to Bajor in her place.
A new religion must come to our
world, my children... and I will
lead the way.​

Hearing this, Kira’s jaw drops. Everyone else’s too. On the screen, we can hear the journalists begin to buzz...


FADE OUT:

END OF ACT THREE​

.

 

[DS9Continuing]

.

ACT FOUR​

FADE IN:


69 EXT. DEEP SPACE NINE

Focusing on the Defiant, berthed on the docking ring...


70 INT. DEFIANT – MAIN BRIDGE

Vaughn is sat in the central chair. Prynn at helm, Nog at Engineering, Bowers at Tactical, Bashir just hanging out.

VAUGHN
Standard protocols, Lieutenant.​

Prynn turns to acknowledge from her position at helm, but as she does, she’s caught off guard to see Shar, who has just entered the bridge, taking his position at Sciences.

PRYNN
Aye, sir.​

Prynn exchanges an awkward look of acknowledgement with Shar, then turns back to her helm console.

VAUGHN
Defiant to Ops. Permission to disengage.​

71 INT. DS9 – MAIN OPS CENTRE

Ro stands at the top of the stairs outside Kira’s office. Dax is stood nearby, arms folded, still smarting after the argument with Bashir. Extras elsewhere as needed.

RO
Acknowledged, Defiant. Stand by.​

She nods to Cenn, who works the central table.


72 EXT. DEEP SPACE NINE

The Defiant disengages from the docking ring, slowly turns away. This is the first time Defiant has left the station all season, so let’s make a fairly big deal of this.

As it pulls further away, Vannis’s Dominion ship disengages from its place on a lower pylon, turns and pulls away. The two ships follow each other away from the station. The wormhole bursts into life, and they both dive inside.


73 INT. DEFIANT – MESS HALL

Kira, Sisko and Opaka sit together at one of the tables – the room is otherwise deserted.

KIRA
Any word from the Council?​

SISKO
Krim’s still trying to convince
them. They’re not making it easy.
But having the approval of the
Chamber of Ministers and the
Vedek Assembly will help.​

KIRA
So we’ve got the ministers and
the vedeks, and we’re working
on the Federation. Now we just
need to make the arrangements
with the Eav’oq. Then, once the
fleet’s in place, we’ll be in
a better position to negotiate
with the Ascendants.​

OPAKA
The Eav’oq are insistent that
the Ascendants will not be
negotiated with, Nerys.​

KIRA
That doesn’t mean we don’t try.
We’re all the children of the
Prophets, you said so yourself.
That has to mean something.
(she sags;
thoughtful)
Still can’t believe that jerk
Yevir. Who does he think he is?​

OPAKA
Nerys, isn’t it a good thing?
That he has become so open to
the idea of other religions
that he is willing to become
the representative of one?​

KIRA
Exactly! Of course it’s a good
thing. The jackass. He couldn’t
have had his epiphany two years
ago, could he? Oh no, he has to
throw me out of the church and
humiliate me in front of the
whole of Bajor, and then come
over all noble and admirable.​

Sisko almost chuckles a bit. He knows what Kira means.

SISKO
Look at it this way, Nerys. If
you hadn’t gone through what
you went through, he wouldn’t
have changed the way he has. You
helped him come to his senses.​

KIRA
Yeah, that makes me feel so much
better.
(beat)
But it is good, what he’s doing
to honour Ekosha’s memory. At
least it feels like he’s doing
something to help Cardassia. I
just feel... useless.​

As Kira gazes into the middle distance...


74 EXT. CARDASSIA

A broken cityscape under a grey and overcast sky. A hint of fires in the distance. We’re watching a man picking his way carefully across rubbled ground - Cardassian doctor PARMAK.

PARMAK
Elim. Elim!​

No answer. Parmak continues to clamber across the rubble, trying not to break an ankle. Eventually he comes to Garak’s memorial – the towers of rubble he’d built out of the remains of his house (8x09 “A Stitch in Time”). The area has clearly been vandalized, the towers pushed over.

Parmak comes to the rickety little shed, still miraculously intact. He tentatively looks inside, and GARAK sits there, gazing gloomily out at the mess through the open door.

PARMAK
I thought I might find you here.​

GARAK
It seemed appropriate.​

PARMAK
Elim... you mustn’t wallow like
this. It helps no-one. Besides,
you’re doing good work.​

GARAK
Am I? I try... but I’m not so
sure I’m making a difference.
Tell me again why they offered
their help, and we said no?​

PARMAK
Pride. Fear. Stubbornness. But
I thought you believed the
Federation had promised its
help regardless.​

GARAK
Not the Federation. Julian. In
the Vinculum, he told me he’d
be there for me, and he’s a
good man. I believe him.​

PARMAK
(small smirk)
My, how you’ve changed, Elim.
First you become a democrat...​

Garak almost instinctively recoils...

*for the likes of us.​

GARAK
The Oralian Way doesn’t conduct
meetings. They have no leader.
And yet they’re the only ones
who seem capable of actually
achieving anything out there.
Makes one wonder if they know
something we don’t.​

PARMAK
Perhaps they do. But I’ll tell
you what I know. Sitting here
feeling sorry for yourself
will get you nowhere.​

Garak looks at his friend, his encouraging half-smile... and nods. He’s regained his resolution.

GARAK
Alright then, my friend. Let’s
cast ourselves back into the
breach, shall we?​

He follows Parmak out of the shack, locking the door behind him, and then the pair walk off, back into the gloom.


75 EXT. SPACE – IDRAN ORBIT

The Defiant and Vannis’s Dominion ship share orbit of the Eavo’q’s planet.


76 EXT. EAV’OQ CITY

Eav’oq lollop peacefully about upon the stone paths, among the trickling streams. Nearby, Starfleet security officers and Jem’Hadar soldiers awkwardly keep watch together.


77 INT. EAV’OQ TEMPLE

Rows of Eav’oq sit in their pews, Itu front and centre. Facing them from the middle of the floor are Kira, Sisko, Vaughn, Opaka and Vannis. Kira is a bit frustrated.

KIRA
I just don’t understand why
you wouldn’t want to defend
yourselves.​

ITU
We have defended ourselves.
We hid away. But that is no
longer possible.​

KIRA
So fight. If you really believe
the Ascendants are coming to
kill you, why just lie down and
take it? It doesn’t make sense!​

SISKO
(gently; calming)
Nerys.
(louder; to Itu)
Itu, what we’re having trouble
understanding... is that you
don’t seem to want to save
your own lives. Are we wrong?​

ITU
We wish to live as much as any
other. But not at the cost of
our souls. I find your doubt
confusing – you have known the
Siblings yourself. I feel their
sight upon all of you.
(re Vannis)
Except for that one. She knows
nothing of the Siblings.​

VANNIS
(sneering)
I follow the Founders. Your
Siblings are nothing to me.​

VAUGHN
Itu, we’re not asking you to
go out into the galaxy and
conquer people. But if someone
does choose to attack you, no
amount of compassion or love
can stop those bombs in mid
air. You’ve built a beautiful
society here. It’s not wrong
to want to protect it.​

ITU
This is still not our way. We
are not the same.​

KIRA
Yes we are! We worship the same
gods. We may call them different
names, but they’re the same. I
know they are. And I know that
if I was in danger, the Prophets
would never want me to just give
up. They’d want me to survive!​

ITU
We do not worship the Siblings
as gods. We revere them as
teachers. And they have taught
us that violence is never to be
allowed. We heeded their lessons.​

OPAKA
You followed their path.​

Itu’s great single eye smiles, approving Opaka’s words.

ITU
Bajorans may believe that the
Prophets are happy to watch them
extinguish the lives of others.
The Eav’oq do not. We will not
take life, for any reason.​

Opaka exchanges an uncomfortable look with Vannis...


FLASHBACK – SC 45

Vannis and Opaka discuss on the Jem’Hadar ship’s bridge...

OPAKA
My gods would never ask me to kill.​

VANNIS
Are you so sure of that?​

BACK TO SCENE


Vannis smirks a little, knowing what Opaka’s thinking. Opaka takes a deep breath, prepares herself...

OPAKA
And we will not force you to.​

VAUGHN
Sulan...​

OPAKA
No, Elias. The Eav’oq have shown
us great patience. And they have
made their decision. Unless you
intend to force the issue, that
is an end of it.​

Opaka is resolute. On Kira’s downcast reaction...


78 EXT. EAV’OQ CITY

The group leads out of the Eav’oq Temple and into the sunshine, where their respective soldiers keep watch.

KIRA
I can’t believe the Eav’oq
are kicking us out.​

OPAKA
They’re not kicking you out.
They simply don’t accept your
attempts to take over control
of the situation. And frankly,
I agree with them.​

SISKO
I just don’t understand. This
isn’t how I thought things
would go. It’s not what the
Prophets showed me...​

VAUGHN
(gritted teeth)
Oh, will you give it a rest! I
am sick of hearing about you
and your damned “visions!”​

SISKO
And I am sick of you fighting
me every step of the way. I’m
trying to help, Commander.​

VAUGHN
You’re trying to show off! Look
at me, I’m the great Emissary
of the Prophets, I’ll tell your
fortune for thirty pieces of silver!​

OPAKA
Elias, please...​

KIRA
Both of you, shut up! Now! I am
tired of this childish bickering
between you two. I don’t want to
hear another word out of either
one of you that isn’t helping
me figure this out. Clear?​

Vaughn and Sisko look suitably chastened – for the moment.

KIRA
This doesn’t change anything.
I’m not going to let the Eav’oq
commit suicide. I’m going to get
that fleet, find the Ascendants,
and save everyone’s lives. I’m
not going to let one race blow
another to pieces. Not again.​

Kira sends a pointed look at Vannis. Vannis honestly couldn’t care less what Kira thinks of her.

OPAKA
You must do what you feel is
right, Nerys. But I will not
be a part of it. I respect the
Eav’oq’s decision, and I will
stay here with them.​

VAUGHN
Sulan... are you sure?​

OPAKA
The Eav’oq are creatures of
peace, Elias. And so am I. All
my life I have been prepared
to sacrifice my own flesh and
blood to save others. With the
Cardassians, with the Ennis...
this is where that path leads.
(turns to Kira)
You should all leave.​

KIRA
Fine.​

Kira and Sisko walk a few steps away. Vaughn follows, and speaks to Kira sotto.

VAUGHN
Captain... let me stay here.
Maybe I can help to persuade
the Eav’oq. I’m more use to
you here than I am on the
Defiant right now.​

He tries not to glance at Sisko, but Kira sees it anyway. He doesn’t want to be around him. She’s too harried to argue right now.

KIRA
Call us if you need anything.
(taps combadge)
Kira to Defiant. Two to beam up.​

Kira and Sisko disappear in a Starfleet transporter signal. Vaughn and Opaka look across to Vannis – she smiles back at them and then disappears in a Dominion transporter signal.

Vaughn turns back to Opaka...


FADE OUT:

END OF ACT FOUR​

.

 

[DS9Continuing]

.

ACT FIVE​

FADE IN:


79 INT. DS9 – MAIN OPS CENTRE

Ro, Dax and Cenn are all together at the central Ops table.

CENN
(off panels)
Rising neutrino levels. The
wormhole’s opening, Lieutenant.
It’s Defiant. They’re hailing.​

RO
On screen.​

The viewscreen changes to show Kira sat in the chair on the Defiant’s bridge.

RO
How’d it go, Captain?​

KIRA (screen)
Not great. But I like to think
there’s still cause for hope.​

RO
Well, I can break that silver
lining for you. We had a call
from First Minister Asarem.
She says that the Federation
Council wants to hear from
you directly.​

KIRA (screen)
Me? Why? Isn’t that what Krim
Aldos is for?​

RO
Maybe. But he’s been using
your name, your standing as
the most senior Bajoran in
Starfleet, to put the weight
behind the plan. Now they want
to hear it from the pylchyk’s
mouth, so to speak.​

Kira sighs. One more complication.

KIRA (screen)
Fine. If I’ve been officially
summoned, then I guess I can’t
decline. Looks like you’ll be
in charge a little longer than
you planned, Lieutenant.​

RO
What? Why? Where’s Vaughn?​

KIRA (screen)
We left him behind with Opaka
to keep working on the Eav’oq.
You’re the second officer, Ro.
It’s your job. I’ll see you in a
few days. Kira out.​

The signal drops, leaving Ro rather shell shocked.

80 INT. DEFIANT – MAIN BRIDGE​

Kira turns in her command chair, to where Sisko has taken a seat out of the way towards the back of the room.

KIRA
I think I’ll just go insane.
It would be easier.​

SISKO
You can handle it, Nerys. And
I’ll be right by your side.​

Unhappy but resigned, Kira turns back to Prynn at helm.

KIRA
Lieutenant Tenmei, set course
for Earth. Maximum warp.​

PRYNN
Aye, Captain.​

The ship moves to warp. Across the bridge, standing apart from everyone else with his arms folded, is Bashir.

BASHIR
I still say this is a complete
waste of time and effort.​

SISKO
(tense)
I beg your pardon, Doctor?​

BASHIR
This whole Eav’oq and Ascendant
thing – it’s nothing to do with
us. Isn’t it breaking the Prime
Directive to interfere in their
business? Especially when they
don’t even want your help.​

SISKO
(command voice)
Your captain has made her
decision, Doctor. And you have
a duty to support her and keep
your misgivings to yourself.​

BASHIR
Oh, I have been, believe me.​

KIRA
That’s enough, Doctor. You’re
dismissed.​

Unimpressed, Bashir turns and leaves the bridge. Everyone else – Nog, Shar, Prynn, Bowers – exchange confused and uncomfortable glances. Of course they overheard it all.


81 INT. DS9 – MAIN OPS CENTRE

At the central Ops table, Ro is clearly not happy about being left in command. Dax sees her state, and takes pity.

DAX
Ro... You’ll do fine. I’m here
to help if you need anything.​

RO
You could help by taking charge.
You are the senior officer.​

DAX
Maybe I am... but this is your
command now, not mine. I don’t
intend on sticking around this
place any longer than I have to.​

Ro takes a deep breath, trying to steady her juddering nerves. It doesn’t work. She’s still shaking.

RO
Will you at least stick around
long enough to cover Ops while
I grab a drink?​

DAX
I think I can manage that.​

Ro turns and jogs up the stairs, into Kira’s office.


82 INT. DS9 – KIRA’S OFFICE

Ro heads straight for the lounge area, hidden round the corner from sight. Once she’s alone, she sits. She reaches down and into her boot, and pulls out a hypospray.

She pushes it to her neck, injects the drugs, and relaxes, breathing deeply again. She looks down at her hand, sees the shaking gradually lessen, lessen, and finally stop.


83 EXT. SPACE - DEFIANT

The Defiant flies at warp.


84 EXT. FEDERATION COUNCIL BUILDINGS

Stock footage of grand, advanced buildings on Earth.


85 INT. FEDERATION COUNCIL BUILDINGS - CORRIDOR

Kira strides down the corridor, as confident as she can make herself, dressed in full white dress uniform. Sisko walks just behind her, in smart civilian clothes.

Ahead of her, waiting by large ornate doors, is Adm ROSS. He’s just as nervous about this as Kira and Sisko are.

ROSS
Good to see you, Captains. Are
you ready?​

KIRA
As I’ll ever be.​

ROSS
They’re in session already, but
they said to bring you in the
moment you arrived.​

KIRA
Then let’s get it over with.​

She takes a deep breath. Ross pushes the door open, Kira steps through...


86 INT. FEDERATION COUNCIL HALL

...and is awed by the sight of the massive government chamber as seen in “The Voyage Home” and 9x01 “Unjoined 1.” More than a hundred different representatives sit in banks along both sides, all of different species, some humanoid, some not. More sit in spectator benches on higher levels.

Ross directs Sisko to the spectator benches. With an encouraging nod to Kira, he goes.

Kira stares down the length of the room. At a podium at the far end of the room is ZIFE, a Bolian male, the Federation President (seen 9x01). Standing in the middle of the room is KRIM, the Bajoran representative (2x02 “The Circle”). Krim is debating with the Tellarite representative, GLEER.

KRIM
Starfleet has undertaken this
kind of mission many times
before, Councillor Gleer. Why
is this time so objectionable?​

GLEER
Perhaps because I remember the
last time we tried to say a
cheery hello to invaders from
the other side of the galaxy.​

ZIFE
To attempt peaceful contact is
exactly the Federation’s way,
Councillor. Are you saying we
should attack on sight?​

GLEER
I am saying we should stay out
of it altogether!​

Then Zife looks up, and notices Kira and Ross.

ZIFE
Ah, Admiral Ross, Captain Kira.
Thank you for joining us.​

ROSS
Thank you, Mister President.​

Kira walks nervously down the length of the room, aware that everyone is watching her. Krim tries to encourage her.

KRIM
My honoured friends, Captain
Kira has come today to answer
your questions about the motion
before us - whether to approve
a diplomatic fleet to contact
the Ascendants. First Minister
Asarem has made it clear to me
that as the most senior Bajoran
officer in Starfleet, Captain
Kira represents all of Bajor
in this matter. She is to be
shown all due respect by this
Council, and you may take her
words as those of all of Bajor.​

No pressure. As Krim retires to his own seat, Kira looks up at Sisko in the stands. Then out at all the waiting faces.

ZIFE
Perhaps you would begin, Captain,
by explaining your reasons for
this mission in the first place.​

KIRA
Gladly, Mister President.
(deep breath)
As you all know, the people of
Bajor worship the Prophets, the
entities you may refer to as
the Wormhole Aliens. To us they
are gods. But we are not the
only ones who believe. In fact,
it has recently come to light
that there are three of us.​

FLASHBACK – 9x24 “HA’MARA”

In the wormhole, Kira stands in a circle of three Kiras – herself, Iliana Ghemor, and the Mirror Iliana.

BACK TO SCENE


Kira blinks, surprised by the force of the memory. Or was it more? She looks up to Sisko again. He looks back, worried for her. She steadies her nerves and starts again.

KIRA
The Eav’oq live on the other
side of the wormhole. They are
peaceful, opposed to violence
of any kind. But there are also
the Ascendants, and according
to all reports, they are not
so peaceful. They are searching
for the wormhole, and they will
destroy the Eav’oq to reach it.
I have requested this mission
to try to meet the Ascendants
in peace before that happens,
and save the Eav’oq’s lives.​

The various councillors mutter amongst themselves, discussing. Vulcan’s representative, an ancient wrinkled female called T’LATREK, speaks up first.

T’LATREK
If your intentions are peaceful,
why take a heavily armed fleet?​

KIRA
For precisely the reasons that
concern Councillor Gleer. While
we may wish to meet in peace,
the Ascendants may have no
such intention.​

GLEER
I still do not see why we ought
to concern ourselves with this
at all. Why defend a world that
is not a member of this body?
It goes against everything the
Federation stands for.​

Kira looks up to Sisko again – exactly what Bashir said. The African-styled human representative, MAZIBUKO, speaks.

MAZIBUKO
Councillor Gleer is correct,
Captain. There are wars going on
all over this galaxy every day.
The Federation does not involve
itself in every little conflict.
It cannot afford to do so.​

KIRA
(incensed)
Little conflict? Like Cardassia
versus Bajor, you mean? That
was one “little” conflict the
Federation decided it couldn’t
afford to get involved in.​

Mazibuko tenses in anger and embarrassment. T’Latrek tries to recover the diplomacy in the room.

T’LATREK
Perhaps what my colleague meant
to say is that our legal remit
to intervene militarily does
not extend past the Federation’s
borders. However, for myself, I
see no reason not to at least
attempt peaceful contact with
these Ascendants. It is no more
than Starfleet’s many explorer
vessels do on a daily basis.​

The Betazoid councillor, a middle-aged male named ENAREN, speaks up.

ENAREN
I agree, Councillor T’Latrek.
Perhaps we should even go as
far as full alliance with these
Ascendants. After all, they
have presented no threat to us,
and they have already attacked
an enemy of the Federation.​

KRIM
The Dominion is not an enemy,
Councillor Enaren. Bajor has
enjoyed a full and peaceful
diplomatic partnership with
them for months now.​

ENAREN
(pointedly)
The Federation... has not.​

It’s clear that Enaren has some personal issues with the Dominion, but then, he is Betazoid.

T’LATREK
If I may, Mister President, I
would propose that now is the
perfect time for this body to
follow Bajor’s example. Consider
this - the only two changelings
presently directing events in
the Dominion are Odo and Laas,
both of whom hold views quite
contrary to the other Founders.
Indeed, neither would consider
themselves Founders at all. If
there is any time to work with
the Dominion, it is now.​

GLEER
There can be no alliance with
the Dominion! They are the anti-
Federation – a group of worlds
under the heel of one ruling
species, not working together
equally in common cause. And
the Jem’Hadar are nothing but
bloodthirsty animals.​

T’LATREK
Was there not a time when your
own people said the same about
the Andorians, Councillor? Or
for that matter, when my people
said the same about the humans?
And yet, here we all are.​

ZIFE
(breaking in)
That is an argument for another
time, my friends. For now, let
us return to the point. The
Federation has defended member
worlds in their conflicts with
other races before. The Delta
versus the Carreon, for example.
Why not now?​

GLEER
Because this is not Bajor’s conflict!​

KIRA
We believe it is. The Eav’oq
are a sister world to Bajor.
We consider it a matter of
conscience to help them.​

GLEER
The Federation does not. We do
not consider one planet on the
other side of the galaxy to be
a Federation member, especially
when even they do not.​

KIRA
Even if that’s true, Councillor,
wouldn’t you help simply because
a member world asked you to?​

GLEER
The Eav’oq do not want our help,
Captain. And more than that,
they have no right to expect
our help.​

KIRA
Well, if the Federation will not
assist in what Bajor considers
to be a vital matter of life and
death for an entire race...​

She glances up to Sisko again, looking for strength and the determination to go through with her final gambit.

KIRA (cont)
...then maybe Bajor should not
be a member of the Federation.​

On everyone’s amazed reaction, not least Sisko’s... and on Kira’s face of determination...


FADE OUT:

END OF SHOW​

.

 

[DS9Continuing]

.

I've just realised that Scene 74 (in act 4) has a mistake in it - half the scene disappeared in editing for some reason. Sorry about that.

Once again it's too late to edit, so here is the full version of Scene 74:


===


74 EXT. CARDASSIA

A broken cityscape under a grey and overcast sky. A hint of fires in the distance. We’re watching a man picking his way carefully across rubbled ground - Cardassian doctor PARMAK.

PARMAK
Elim. Elim!​

No answer. Parmak continues to clamber across the rubble, trying not to break an ankle. Eventually he comes to Garak’s memorial – the towers of rubble he’d built out of the remains of his house (8x09 “A Stitch in Time”). The area has clearly been vandalized, the towers pushed over.

Parmak comes to the rickety little shed, still miraculously intact. He tentatively looks inside, and GARAK sits there, gazing gloomily out at the mess through the open door.

PARMAK
I thought I might find you here.​

GARAK
It seemed appropriate.​

PARMAK
Elim... you mustn’t wallow like
this. It helps no-one. Besides,
you’re doing good work.​

GARAK
Am I? I try... but I’m not so
sure I’m making a difference.
Tell me again why they offered
their help, and we said no?​

PARMAK
Pride. Fear. Stubbornness. But
I thought you believed the
Federation had promised its
help regardless.​

GARAK
Not the Federation. Julian. In
the Vinculum, he told me he’d
be there for me, and he’s a
good man. I believe him.​

PARMAK
(small smirk)
My, how you’ve changed, Elim.
First you become a democrat...​

Garak almost instinctively recoils...

PARMAK (cont)
And now, if I didn’t know you
better, I’d say you’re getting
religion.​

GARAK
I’m a pragmatist, Parmak. If
help is offered, why not accept
it, whatever the source?​

PARMAK
I have nothing against accepting
help, Elim. But where you are a
pragmatist, I am a physician.
A man of science. I believe in
what I can see with my eyes,
touch with my hands. This virus,
I can measure. I see it in my
microscope, I watch its effects
on its victims. I’m afraid I’m
not convinced that placing your
hopes in some supernatural
fantasy helps anyone.
(beat)
The others want to meet.​

GARAK
That helps no-one either. More
meetings. Meetings are the
enemy of getting anything done.​

PARMAK
At least they’re trying, Elim.​

GARAK
Then why isn’t it working? Why
is it that democracy works for
other people, but not for us?​

PARMAK
Perhaps it’s not meant to work
for the likes of us.​

GARAK
The Oralian Way doesn’t conduct
meetings. They have no leader.
And yet they’re the only ones
who seem capable of actually
achieving anything out there.
Makes one wonder if they know
something we don’t.​

PARMAK
Perhaps they do. But I’ll tell
you what I know. Sitting here
feeling sorry for yourself
will get you nowhere.​

Garak looks at his friend, his encouraging half-smile... and nods. He’s regained his resolution.

GARAK
Alright then, my friend. Let’s
cast ourselves back into the
breach, shall we?​

He follows Parmak out of the shack, locking the door behind him, and then the pair walk off, back into the gloom.

.

 

[Wally]

I'm happy that Kira has finally returned to the forefront. With Sisko gone, she's the commanding officer- but even during the relaunch itself she has sometimes gotten far less 'screentime' than is typical.

I love her sticking to her guns and forcing the Federation into action. Just hope things don't get too dark. What with in the future with the huge war with the Borg, and problems with Andor. I am weary of war in Star Trek, and hold out hope that this conflict with the Ascendants will be handled differently.

Looking very forward to how the council responds, and what exactly 'the Hand', 'the Voice' and 'The Fire' do

 

[Enterprise1981]

I can see the Council not wanting to get caught in another drawn out conflict so soon after the Dominion War. Their thinking still seems very short-sighted considering the danger the Eav'oq faces even if they don't want the UFP's help. The First Fedeeration-Klingon War would have turned out differently had the Council considered intervening on Organia's behalf interfering in the affairs of a non-Federation world-- with a pre-industrial society I might add. And it seemed a little out of character for Bashir to have that rigid an interpretation of the Prime Directive, unless he's still in a huff over his last confrontation with Ezri.

All that said, a good cliffhanger. Odds are Bajor doesn't secede, but that last line leaves us hanging by our seats.

 

[DS9Continuing]

I'm happy that Kira has finally returned to the forefront. With Sisko gone, she's the commanding officer- but even during the relaunch itself she has sometimes gotten far less 'screentime' than is typical.

I've felt that before, myself. DS9 was never as captain-centric as the other shows, but still, she's the headliner now, so she deserves attention. And of course this storyline is all about her, since she is The Hand (a completely different Hand than in B5:LotR thankfully).

I love her sticking to her guns and forcing the Federation into action. Just hope things don't get too dark. What with in the future with the huge war with the Borg, and problems with Andor. I am weary of war in Star Trek, and hold out hope that this conflict with the Ascendants will be handled differently.

Since there's so little mention of it in future novels, we have to assume it is a different kind of situation than the Borg or the Dominion conflicts, yes.

I can see the Council not wanting to get caught in another drawn out conflict so soon after the Dominion War.

That's certainly a part of it, I think. It's only been two- and-a-half years, I imagine they would be skittish. But I also think Gleer and Mazibuko had a point, even if they stated it rather insensitively. The Federation gets told off for sticking its nose in where it doesn't belong, and at the same time it gets told off for not helping out more people in need. They've got limited resources, and they're still taking care of their own. The Eav'oq aren't a member of the Federation, and haven't made any requests for help, so it really isn't any of their business. That's how they see it. Kira, naturally, sees it very differently.

And it seemed a little out of character for Bashir to have that rigid an interpretation of the Prime Directive, unless he's still in a huff over his last confrontation with Ezri.

Again, that's a part of it. But there's more to it than that, as we'll see.

All that said, a good cliffhanger. Odds are Bajor doesn't secede, but that last line leaves us hanging by our seats.

Obviously we know Bajor doesn't secede (from our post-Typhon Pact perspective) but think of my theoretical TV viewers. They know no such thing. Does Kira really believe so strongly in this, that she's willing to yank Bajor out of the Federation over it? After we've just spent eight years getting Bajor into the Federation? Yes, she does. I hope it expresses just how big of a deal this is for her. I like to think that could be a pretty big cliffhanger to go out on.

.