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

Discussion in 'Fan Fiction' started by DS9Continuing, Nov 20, 2011.

  1. DS9Continuing

    DS9Continuing Rear Admiral Rear Admiral

    Joined:
    Jun 29, 2001
    Location:
    Manchester
    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!

    .
     
  2. DS9Continuing

    DS9Continuing Rear Admiral Rear Admiral

    Joined:
    Jun 29, 2001
    Location:
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    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

    .
     
    Last edited: Nov 20, 2011
  3. DS9Continuing

    DS9Continuing Rear Admiral Rear Admiral

    Joined:
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    Location:
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    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

    .
     
  4. DS9Continuing

    DS9Continuing Rear Admiral Rear Admiral

    Joined:
    Jun 29, 2001
    Location:
    Manchester
    .


    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.​

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


    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


    .
     
  5. DS9Continuing

    DS9Continuing Rear Admiral Rear Admiral

    Joined:
    Jun 29, 2001
    Location:
    Manchester
    .

    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. ​

    [LEFT]Kira watches from outside her office...[/LEFT]

    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

    .
     
    Last edited: Nov 20, 2011
  6. DS9Continuing

    DS9Continuing Rear Admiral Rear Admiral

    Joined:
    Jun 29, 2001
    Location:
    Manchester
    .

    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

    .
     
  7. DS9Continuing

    DS9Continuing Rear Admiral Rear Admiral

    Joined:
    Jun 29, 2001
    Location:
    Manchester
    .


    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.


    [LEFT]80 INT. DEFIANT – MAIN BRIDGE[/LEFT]

    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

    .
     
  8. DS9Continuing

    DS9Continuing Rear Admiral Rear Admiral

    Joined:
    Jun 29, 2001
    Location:
    Manchester
    .

    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.

    .
     
  9. Wally

    Wally Lieutenant Commander Red Shirt

    Joined:
    Feb 7, 2009
    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
     
  10. Enterprise1981

    Enterprise1981 Vice Admiral Admiral

    Joined:
    Oct 23, 2008
    Location:
    Tethered to a large plant
    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.
     
  11. DS9Continuing

    DS9Continuing Rear Admiral Rear Admiral

    Joined:
    Jun 29, 2001
    Location:
    Manchester
    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).

    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.

    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.

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

    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.

    .