STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE 
                              
                           "Q-Less" 
                          #40511-407 
                              
                           Story by 
                     Hannah Louise Shearer 
                              
                          Teleplay by 
                      Robert Hewitt Wolfe 
                              
                          Directed by 
                          Paul Lynch 

THE WRITING CREDITS MAY NOT BE FINAL AND SHOULD NOT BE USED 
FOR PUBLICITY OR ADVERTISING PURPOSES WITHOUT FIRST CHECKING 
WITH THE TELEVISION LEGAL DEPARTMENT.

Copyright 1992 Paramount Pictures Corporation. All Rights 
Reserved. This script is not for publication or 
reproduction. No one is authorized to dispose of same. If 
lost or destroyed, please notify the Script Department.

Return to Script Department        FINAL DRAFT
PARAMOUNT PICTURES CORPORATION
                        OCTOBER 30, 1992

          STAR TREK: DS9 - "Q-Less" - 10/30/92 - CAST 

                  STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE 
                           "Q-Less" 
                             CAST 

          SISKO                    Q
          O'BRIEN                  VASH
          BASHIR                   KOLOS
          DAX                      BAJORAN CLERK
          KIRA                     BAJORAN WOMAN
          ODO                      
          QUARK                    

          Non-Speaking             
          CELESTINE                
          STOL                     
          KRO                      
          N.D. FERENGI             
          N. D. BAJORANS           
          OVERWEIGHT ANDORAN       
          HUMAN WOMAN              

          STAR TREK: DS9 - "Q-Less" - 10/30/92 - SETS 

                  STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE 
                           "Q-Less" 
                             SETS 

        INTERIORS                     EXTERIORS
        DEEP SPACE NINE                 DEEP SPACE NINE
          CORRIDOR                      
          INFIRMARY                     RUNABOUT
          COMMANDERS OFFICE             
          AIR LOCK                      
          ASSAY OFFICE                  
          PROMENADE                     
          VASHIS GUEST QUARTERS         
          HABITAT RING                  
          REPLIMAT                      
          QUARK'S                       
          UNDER THE STAIRS              

        RUNABOUT                      
          SERVICE BAY                   

     STAR TREK: DS9 - "Q-Less" - 11/06/92 - PRONUNCIATION 

                  STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE 
                           "Q-Less" 
                      PRONUNCIATION GUIDE 

          Betazed                  BAY-tuh-zed
          Braxite                  BRAX-ite
          Cardassian               car-DASS-ee-en
          Erabus                   AIR-uh-bus
          Errikang                 ERR-i-kang
          Gamzian                  GAM-zee-on
          Hoek                     HOE-ick
          Kolos                    KOH-los
          Lantar                   LAN-tar
          Mulzirak                 MULL-zir-ak
          Mundahla                 mun-DAHL-uh
          Nurzin                   NER-zin
          oo-max                   00-max
          post-ganglionic          post GANG-glee-uhn-ick
          pre-ganglianic           pre GANG-glee-uhn-ick
          Promethean               PRO-mee-thee-uhn
          Risa                     RYE-suh
          Rohain                   ROE-hane
          Rul Verath               RULE vuh-RATH
          Rytsan                   WRITE-zan
          Sampalo                  sam-PAH-low
          sarium                   sar-EE-um
          Surax                    sewer-AX
          Tanesh                   tuh-NESH
          Tartaras                 tar-TAR-uhs
          Teleris                  TELL-her-iss
          Vadris                   vah-DRIS
          viterian                 VIE-ter-ee-an

             DEEP SPACE: "Q-Less" REV. 11/11/92 - TEASER             1.


                  STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE                    
                               "Q-less"                                
                            TEASER                              

	FADE IN:

1    INT.  REPLIMAT

	BASHIR in mid-conversation with a beautiful BAJORAN WOMAN (a 
	civilian).  She gazes at him dreamily as he tells his tale.

					BASHIR
			... So there I was, fighting the 
			toughest battle of my life.  I looked 
			around hoping to spot a friendly 
			face... only to discover my colleagues 
			were gone...
				(a beat for dramatic 
				effect)
			I was... alone.

	The Bajoran beauty hanging on his every word, nods 
	sympathetically.

2    NEW ANGLE

	to include O'BRIEN, seated at a nearby table.  He can't decide 
	what annoys him more, Bashir's "performance," or the women's 
	moonstruck response.

					BASHIR
			I admit, for a moment there, I 
			considered giving up.  I could feel 
			the seconds ticking away... panic 
			building up inside me.  I knew my 
			only chance was to trust my instincts.  
			I closed my eyes...
				(he reenacts the moment)
			... took a deep breath... and just 
			like that it came to me.  The answer 
			I was waiting for... A pericardial 
			membrane.
				(his eyes pop open)
			I looked down and wrote it into my 
			computer terminal, just as the buzzer 
			sounded ending the exam.
				(modestly)
			And that, I suppose, is the stuff of 
			which salutatorians are made.

             DEEP SPACE: "Q-Less" REV. 11/11/92 - TEASER             2.


2    CONTINUED:

					BAJORAN WOMAN
				(only second?)
			Salutatorian?

					BASHIR
				(minor setback)
			I mistook a pre-ganglionic fiber for 
			a post-ganglianic nerve during the 
			orals or I would have been 
			valedictorian.
				(shrugs)
			It was a trick question.

	His companion is duly impressed.

					BAJORAN WOMAN
			Fascinating.

					BASHIR
				(smoothly)
			Not nearly as fascinating as...

					SISKO'S COM BADGE
			Doctor Bashir... Chief O'Brien... 
			report to landing pad five 
			immediately.

					BASHIR
				(to woman)
			Bad timing.

					BAJORAN WOMAN
				(very encouraging)
			There'll be another time.

	Bashir smiles, rises... so does O'Brien.  They make their 
	way toward the Turbolift.

					BASHIR
				(to O'Brien)
			Starfleet medical finals... gets 
			them every time.

	O'Brien's deadpan stare says it all.

3    INT. LANDING PAD FIVE AIRLOCK

	The Ganges is docked at the airlock.  SISKO and KIRA are 
	using hand held suction-like clamps to pull open the 
	Runabout's hatch.  They've gotten the clamps from a portable 
	service module, which has been left near a half-repaired 
	open panel.  They're unable to open the hatch.

             DEEP SPACE: "Q-Less" REV. 11/11/92 - TEASER             3.

3    CONTINUED:

					KIRA
			It's no use.

	O'Brien and Bashir ENTER the airlock, both wondering what's 
	going on.

					SISKO
			Chief, we've got to get this hatch 
			open.  Lieutenant Dax and Ensign 
			Pauley are trapped in there.

	O'Brien pops open a panel beside the hatch.

					KIRA
			The Runabout barely made it back 
			through the wormhole.  By the time 
			they docked, power levels were near 
			zero.

					O'BRIEN
				(checking panel)
			There's not even enough juice left 
			in the ship to release the servos.

	Bashir consults his medical tricorder.

					BASHIR
				(to Sisko)
			Life support's down and oxygen levels 
			have dropped dangerously low.

	Kira whips out her phaser and points it at the hatch.

					KIRA
			We'll have to burn through.

					SISKO
			Forget it Major.  That hatch is made 
			of duranium composite.  It would 
			take you an hour to get through.

					BASHIR
				(re: tricorder)
			We don't have that much time.
				(a beat)
			That's odd.
				(to Sisko)
			How many passengers did you say were 
			on the Ganges?

					SISKO
			Two.

             DEEP SPACE: "Q-Less" REV. 11/11/92 - TEASER             4.

3    CONTINUED:	(2)

					BASHIR
			I'm reading three.

	As Sisko reacts to the news...

					O'BRIEN
			We need to get power to the hatch 
			servos.
				(pointing to the 
				service module)
			Major, hand me that EPI capacitor.

	Kira looks at the module, not quite sure what O'Brien means.

					O'BRIEN
				(continuing)
			Top shelf, all the way to the left.

	Kira finds the capacitor and hands it to him.

					O'BRIEN
				(continuing)
			Stand clear.

	O'Brien reaches into the Runabout panel and jury-rigs a 
	connection.

					O'BRIEN
				(continuing)
			Give her a go.

	Kira hits the door panel.  The door slides partway open.  
	There is a whoosh as air rushes in.  Sisko and Kira force it 
	wide enough so that Bashir and O'Brien can ENTER.

4    INT. RUNABOUT

	They find DAX, Pauley and a Woman Passenger (lying face down 
	on a console) slowly regaining consciousness.  Bashir goes 
	to Dax, who waves him off.

					DAX
			I'm fine, check the others.

	While Bashir examines Ensign Pauley, O'Brien helps the woman 
	to her feet.  As she turns to O'Brien, he gives a look of 
	startled recognition.

             DEEP SPACE: "Q-Less" REV. 11/11/92 - TEASER            4A.

4    CONTINUED:

					O'BRIEN
			Vash.

	And sure enough it is VASH, Captain Picard's old flame from 
	TNG.  She looks over at O'Brien, tries to place him.

					VASH
			That's right... ?

             DEEP SPACE: "Q-Less" REV. 11/11/92 - TEASER             5.

4    CONTINUED:	(2)

					O'BRIEN
			Miles O'Brien... From the Enterprise.

	Vash, in weakened condition, makes a show of remembering.

					VASH
			Yes of course.

					O'BRIEN
			What are you doing on the Ganges?

	Vash weakly tries to pick up a twenty-fourth century 
	equivalent of a duffel bag... O'Brien moves to assist her, 
	takes the bag for her.

					DAX
			We found her in the Gamma Quadrant.  
			She's been there for over two years.

					O'BRIEN
				(reacts, glances at 
				Sisko)
			Two years... ?

	Bashir supports a groggy Ensign Pauley.

					SISKO
			Doctor, we better get these people 
			over to the Infirmary.

	Bashir nods and leads them out of the ship.  O'Brien assists 
	Vash.

					BASHIR
			Right this way.

5    INT. LANDING PAD FIVE AIRLOCK

	Out of the ship, they walk toward the exit, by a Starfleet 
	Engineer (Enterprise-style uniform) who's got his head inside 
	the panel beside the door, obviously attempting repairs...

					O'BRIEN
				(to Vash)
			How did you get to the Gamma Quadrant 
			two years ago?

             DEEP SPACE: "Q-Less" REV. 11/05/92 - TEASER             6.

5    CONTINUED:

					VASH
				(a weak smile)
			A friend dropped me off.

	O'Brien reacts curiously.  So does Sisko.  And as they EXIT...

6    NEW ANGLE - ON THE STARFLEET ENGINEER

	who now looks out of the panel back toward the departed 
	passengers... and it is Q...

									FADE OUT.

                         END OF TEASER                          

            DEEP SPACE: "Q-Less" REV. 11/11/92 - ACT ONE             7.
                            ACT ONE                             

	FADE IN:

	(NOTE:  Episode credits fall over opening scenes)

7    INT. INFIRMARY

	Bashir scans Vash with a tricorder and consults the readout.

					VASH
			Will I live?

					BASHIR
			You're fine.  In fact, you're in 
			remarkable shape.

					VASH
			Thank you, Doctor.  I try.

					BASHIR
				(embarrassed)
			I'd say you've managed quite well 
			for someone who's been out of contact 
			with civilization for over two years.

					VASH
			I'd hardly call the Gamma Quadrant 
			uncivilized.  Some of the cultures 
			I've encountered have histories dating 
			back millions of years.

					BASHIR
				(fascinated)
			Really... ?  I'd love to hear about 
			them.  We have no idea what's beyond 
			the wormhole...

					VASH
				(playful)
			Perhaps I'll write a book...

					BASHIR
			It's certain to be a best-seller 
			around here...
				(completing the exam)
			Well, no sign of disease or 
			malnutrition, no parasitic 
			infections...

					VASH
			You sound disappointed.

            DEEP SPACE: "Q-Less" REV. 11/09/92 - ACT ONE             8.

7    CONTINUED:

					BASHIR
			I am.  Now I don't have any reason 
			to keep you here.

	Bashir puts away his medical tricorder.

					VASH
				(smiles)
			You almost make me wish I wasn't 
			feeling well.

	Bashir smiles back.

8    INT. COMMANDERS OFFICE

	Dax is making her report to Sisko.

					SISKO
				(confirming)
			... And she claims she knew nothing 
			about the wormhole... ?

					DAX
			She was very surprised when I told 
			her about it.  I don't think she 
			ever expected to see this part of 
			the galaxy again.

					SISKO
			How could she get there in the first 
			place if she didn't go through the 
			wormhole?

					DAX
			She didn't want to talk about it.  
			Said it was a personal matter.

					SISKO
			This doesn't make sense.  A human 
			alone in the Gamma Quadrant for two 
			years.  Let's check her background.  
			See what we can find out about her.

					DAX
			She claims to be an archaeologist.

            DEEP SPACE: "Q-Less" REV. 11/12/92 - ACT ONE             9.

8    CONTINUED:

					SISKO
			That's a good place to start.

	As he turns to access his desk monitor...

9    EXT. SPACE DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)

10   INT. PROMENADE - THE ASSAY OFFICE

	Establishing.

11   INT. ASSAY OFFICE

	Vash, her duffel bag on the counter, is speaking with a 
	BAJORAN CLERK.

					VASH
			You're sure this place is safe?

					BAJORAN CLERK
			The Assay office is the most secure 
			area on the station.

	The Clerk opens one of the storage chambers.

					BAJORAN CLERK
				(continuing)
			The chambers are surrounded on all 
			sides by individual force fields.

					VASH
			How are the locks controlled?

					BAJORAN CLERK
			Once you secure a chamber, it can't 
			be opened except with your personal 
			authorization code, combined with a 
			verified retinal print.

					VASH
				(probing)
			Cardassian MK-seven scanner?

	The Clerk looks offended at the mere suggestion.  MK-seven 
	indeed.

					BAJORAN CLERK
			MK-twelve with an L-ninety enhanced 
			resolution filter.

            DEEP SPACE: "Q-Less" REV. 11/11/92 - ACT ONE            10.

11   CONTINUED:

	Vash thinks about it.

					VASH
			I suppose it'll have to do.

	Vash unzips the bag.  Vash takes a variety of artifacts out 
	of her duffel and hands them one at a time to the Clerk, who 
	looks over each object, then gives them to his Assistant, 
	who puts them in the cubicle.

					BAJORAN CLERK
			Computer, begin inventory for cubicle 
			nineteen.  One statue, stone, thirty-
			odd centimeters tall, approximately 
			twenty kilograms... Assorted gems... 
			Gold necklace... One dagger, bronze 
			and gold, about twenty-five 
			centimeters.

12   NEW ANGLE (OPTICAL)

	The Assistant puts away the dagger and Vash places a metal 
	box on the counter.  Vash opens the container to REVEAL a 
	beautiful GEODE glowing with a pulsing internal light.

					BAJORAN CLERK
				(continuing)
			Beautiful.  I've never seen anything 
			quite like it.  Some kind of 
			Promethean Quartz?

					VASH
			That's what I thought at first, but 
			it's molecular density and refraction 
			index are much higher.

					BAJORAN CLERK
				(to Vash, admiring 
				the Geode)
			Remarkable.

	Vash closes the box and hands it to the Clerk, who puts it 
	away and closes the cubicle.

					BAJORAN CLERK
				(continuing, to 
				computer)
			End inventory.

	He gives her a data clip.  The Assistant leaves.

            DEEP SPACE: "Q-Less" REV. 11/12/92 - ACT ONE            11.

12   CONTINUED:

					BAJORAN CLERK
				(to Vash)
			Please enter an access code.

	She taps a combination into the clip.  The Clerk indicates a 
	small eyepiece attached to the counter.  Vash places her eye 
	against the scanner.  There's a slight hum as her retinal 
	print is filed.

					VASH
				(once she's done)
			I'll be back to pick everything up 
			tomorrow.  I've booked passage on 
			the Mulzirak Transport.

13   NEW ANGLE

	to include Sisko standing in the doorway.

					SISKO
			You're not leaving us so soon, are 
			you?

					VASH
			I'm afraid so.

	Sisko falls into step beside her as she EXITS the Assay 
	office.

14   INT. PROMENADE - CONTINUOUS

	as they walk along the street.

					SISKO
			The Daystrom Institute will be very 
			disappointed.

					VASH
				(taken aback)
			The Daystrom Institute?

					SISKO
			Their scientists are anxious to hear 
			about life in the Gamma Quadrant.

            DEEP SPACE: "Q-Less" REV. 11/12/92 - ACT ONE            12.

14   CONTINUED:

					SISKO
			Every place you've been, everything 
			you've seen, no matter how 
			insignificant, could prove important.
				(fishing)
			Including how you got there.

					VASH
			I'm sorry, Commander, but that's 
			a...

					SISKO AND VASH
				(simultaneously)
			Personal matter.

	They pass by Quark's, where we see QUARK and the Assay Office 
	Assistant in animated conversation.  We don't hear what 
	they're saying, but the Assistant's surreptitious nod towards 
	Vash lets up know the gist of their conversation.

					VASH
				(thoughtful)
			So now the Daystrom Institute is 
			interested in me.  That's ironic.

					SISKO
			Professor Woo seemed especially eager 
			to speak to you again.

					VASH
			Did he really?  I suppose he told 
			you that he suspended my membership 
			from the Institute's Archaeological 
			Council.

					SISKO
			On two occasions.  Something about 
			the illegal sale of artifacts...

					VASH
			Let's just say when it comes to 
			choosing between science and profit... 
			I'll choose profit every time.

					SISKO
			I think the professor is hoping in 
			this case you'll make an exception.

            DEEP SPACE: "Q-Less" REV. 11/09/92 - ACT ONE            13.

14   CONTINUED:	(2)

					VASH
				(considering)
			You know, I haven't been back to 
			Earth in... it must be twelve years.

					SISKO
			Here's your chance.  I could arrange 
			passage...

					VASH
				(smiling)
			I think, I'd like that.

	Sisko nods.  It's a done deal.

15   INT. THE GANGES

	O'Brien finishes closing up some open panels as Sisko ENTERS.  
	O'Brien looks up.

					O'BRIEN
			I don't understand it, Commander.  I 
			can't find anything wrong with her.  
			This ship's completely functional.

					SISKO
			It didn't look that way this morning.

					O'BRIEN
			Oh, don't get me wrong.  The power 
			reserves are empty, the inertial 
			damping fields are barely operating 
			and the warp drive containment field 
			is on the verge of collapse.

					SISKO
			But...

					O'BRIEN
			But there's nothing wrong with any 
			of them.  Once we put power back 
			into the Ganges, she should be fully 
			operational.

					SISKO
			Did you check the central power 
			linkages?

            DEEP SPACE: "Q-Less" REV. 11/05/92 - ACT ONE            14.

15   CONTINUED:

					O'BRIEN
			Yes Sir.  I ran a level one 
			diagnostic.  Everything checks out.  
			I can't explain it.  It's like 
			something tapped into the ship's 
			systems and drained them dry.

	He picks up his tools.  Sisko follows him out of the Runabout.

16   INT. AIR LOCK

	Sisko and O'Brien in motion.

					SISKO
			Tell me Chief, how well do you know 
			this Vash woman?

					O'BRIEN
			Hardly at all.  Only met her that 
			one time she was aboard the 
			Enterprise.

					SISKO
			What was she doing there?

	O'Brien is hesitant, choosing his words carefully in an 
	attempt to be discreet.

					O'BRIEN
			Well Sir, Vash and Captain Picard 
			were friends... close friends... if 
			you follow my meaning.  Seems they 
			met on Risa a few years back.

17   INT. CORRIDOR

	As they come out of the airlock.

					O'BRIEN
				(continuing, to Sisko)
			I figure she must be a special 
			woman... to be friends with the 
			Captain and all.

					SISKO
			Somehow she doesn't seem to be his 
			type.

            DEEP SPACE: "Q-Less" REV. 11/09/92 - ACT ONE            15.

17   CONTINUED:

					O'BRIEN
			The Captain likes a good challenge, 
			sir.

	Before Sisko can respond, the corridor lights dim and there's 
	a low pitched WHINE.  Then as quickly as they faded, the 
	lights flicker and come up again and the noise ceases.  As 
	Sisko and O'Brien react...

18   INT. OPS

	Kira and Dax at their stations.  Sisko and O'Brien ENTER 
	from the Turbolift.

					SISKO
			Status report?

	O'Brien hurries to his station.

					DAX
			We suffered a broad spectrum power 
			drain.

					KIRA
			The power transfer is completely 
			inoperative.  The energy was drawn 
			out faster than it could handle.

					O'BRIEN
			I'll have to replace the entire unit.

					DAX
				(to O'Brien)
			Chief, are you reading any graviton 
			flux around the transfer systems.

					O'BRIEN
				(runs a diagnostic)
			I am detecting a low level graviton 
			disturbance... How did you know?

					DAX
			That's exactly what happened when we 
			lost power on the Ganges.

	On reactions...

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT ONE                          

            DEEP SPACE: "Q-Less" REV. 11/06/92 - ACT TWO            16.
                            ACT TWO                             

	FADE IN:

19   INT. CORRIDOR - HABITAT RING

	O'Brien and Vash walk along a passageway.

					O'BRIEN
			These were originally Cardassian 
			living quarters.  The bed may take 
			some getting use to.

					VASH
			As an archaeologist, I've spent half 
			my life sleeping in tents.  To me 
			any bed is a luxury.

					O'BRIEN
				(smiling)
			You've obviously never slept on a 
			Cardassian mattress.

	They arrive at a door to one of the guest quarters.

					O'BRIEN
			If you need anything just ask the 
			computer.

					VASH
			Thanks, Chief.
				(beat)
			By the way, how's Jean-Luc?

					O'BRIEN
			The Captain?  Last time I saw him he 
			was fine.

					VASH
				(enigmatic smile)
			Well, now that I'm back, I'll have 
			to look him up.

	They nod good-bye and Vash ENTERS...

20   INT. GUEST QUARTERS

	Vash looks around with mild disapproval.  She's not exactly 
	in love with the decor.  She crosses over to the bed and 
	checks the mattress.  Sure enough, it's a monstrosity.


            DEEP SPACE: "Q-Less" REV. 11/12/92 - ACT TWO            17.

20   CONTINUED:

	She tosses her duffel bag on the bed and turns around, 
	only to bump smack into... Q, still wearing his Enterprise-
	style uniform.

					Q
			Really, Vash, I can't believe 
			you're still pining for Jean-Luc, 
			that self righteous do-gooder.

					VASH
			I should have listened to him when 
			he warned me about you...

					Q
			You're hurt, so you lash out.  I 
			understand.  But be of good cheer.  
			I bring wonderful news.
					(A BEAT)
			I'm back.  I can see now it was cruel 
			of me to leave you.

					VASH
			That's very touching.  But you didn't 
			leave me, I left you.

					Q
			You left me, I left you... 
			Details, mere details.  The 
			important thing is we're back 
			together again... a team... joined 
			at the hip...

					VASH
			Not a chance.

					Q
			Come now, you know you missed me.

					VASH
			Don't flatter yourself.

21   NEW ANGLE (OPTICAL)

	Vash starts to turn away and is startled as her duffel bag 
	appears on her shoulder, courtesy of Q.

					Q
			I thought first we'd visit the 
			Teleris Cluster... look in on the 
			cloud dancers of Mundahla.  Or 
			maybe head over to the Lantar 
			Nebula to view the Sampalo relics 
			on Hoek Four.

            DEEP SPACE: "Q-Less" REV. 11/12/92 - ACT TWO            18.

					VASH
			Not interested.

	She throws the bag down, only to have it instantly reappear 
	on her shoulder.

					Q
			I know.  Vadris Three.  Charming 
			little world.  The natives think 
			they're the only intelligent life 
			in the galaxy...

					VASH
				(more forcefully)
			No.

					Q
			Oh, very well.  You choose this 
			time.

					VASH
			I choose never to go anywhere with 
			you again, Q...

					Q
			You don't know what you'll be 
			missing.  When we started this
			little partnership, I promised to 
			take you places no human had ever 
			seen...

					VASH
			And you have.  Thank you... and 
			goodbye.

	She opens the door... waits for him to exit.  A beat, then 
	seemingly resigned to his fate he slowly walks toward it, 
	but instead of leaving he turns to confront her.

					Q
			Two years in the Gamma Quadrant 
			hardly qualifies as a grand tour 
			of the universe.  There's still 
			the Delta Quadrant to explore, not 
			to mention all the other galaxies.

					VASH
			It's over Q.  I want you out of my 
			life.  You're arrogant, overbearing 
			and you think you know everything.

					Q
			But I do know everything.

            DEEP SPACE: "Q-Less" REV. 11/06/92 - ACT TWO            19.

					VASH
			That makes it even worse.

					Q
			Okay... fine... I understand... I 
			hear you.  What is it you real 
			want?

	She looks at him, shakes her head... he cannot fathom that 
	she'd really be serious about leaving him.

					VASH
			I want... the life I had before I 
			met you.

					Q
				(sarcastic)
			Ah yes, a stellar life indeed.  The 
			eminent Vash.  Barred from the Royal 
			Museum of Epsilon Hydra Seven, persona 
			non grata on Betazed.  Wanted Dead 
			on Myrmidon for stealing the Crown 
			of the First Mother.

					VASH
			Dead or alive.

					Q
			Preferably dead.  It's a wonder 
			you haven't offended every 
			sentient race in the galaxy.

					VASH
			You're the one who almost got me 
			killed on Errikang Seven.  And they 
			weren't exactly thrilled to see you 
			on Brax either.  What did they call 
			you there?  "The God of Lies?"

					Q
			They meant it affectionately.

	The Door CHIMES.

					VASH
			Come in.

21   ANGLE ON THE DOOR (OPTICAL)

	QUARK ENTERS the room, but before he can say a word...

            DEEP SPACE: "Q-Less" REV. 11/12/92 - ACT TWO            20.

					Q
					(TO QUARK)
			Go away.

	Quark DISAPPEARS.

					VASH
			Q, bring him back.

					Q
			What business could you possibly 
			have with that repulsive little 
			troll?

					VASH
			I don't know.  You didn't give him 
			time to tell me.  Now bring him back 
			this instant.

					Q
			Oh, very well.

	Quark REAPPEARS.  Vash looks around and Q is gone.  
	(Lose one Q FLASH.)

23   ANGLE ON QUARK

	a picture of confusion.

					VASH
			Can I help you?

	Quark looks Vash up and down.  Likes what he sees.  He turns 
	on some of that old Ferengi charm.

					QUARK
			My name is Quark.  It's come to my 
			attention that you have access to 
			certain items.  Items that could 
			perhaps turn a tidy profit.

					VASH
			I'm listening.

	Quark leans closer as if sharing an intimate secret.

					QUARK
			For a percentage, I might be able to 
			arrange a buyer for your trinkets.  
			Perhaps an auction.

	Vash thinks it over for a beat.

            DEEP SPACE: "Q-Less" REV. 11/11/92 - ACT TWO            21.

23   CONTINUED:

					VASH
			I'll only accept payment in gold-
			press latinum.

					QUARK
			I'll shower you in it.
				(a beat, re: their 
				split)
			Fifty-fifty?

					VASH
			Mister Quark, I believe you're trying 
			to take advantage of me.

	She begins to massage Quark's ear.  The Ferengi shivers with 
	joy.

					QUARK
			Mmmm.  You have a talent for oo-mox.

					VASH
			So I've been told.

	Quark forces himself to pull away.

					QUARK
			I will not be distracted by your 
			feminine wiles.  I demand forty 
			percent.

	She reaches out and resumes oo-moxing him.  Quark practically 
	purring like a kitten.

					QUARK
			All right, thirty.

					VASH
				(re; Quark's ears)
			What magnificent cartilage.

					QUARK
			Twenty-two and don't stop.

					VASH
			You've got a deal.

	Vash removes her hand from Quark's ear.  It's like dumping 
	cold water on the Ferengi.

            DEEP SPACE: "Q-Less" REV. 11/12/92 - ACT TWO            22.

23   CONTINUED:	(2)

					VASH
				(all business)
			I expect you to make all the necessary 
			arrangements.

					QUARK
				(admiring her business 
				acumen)
			Oh, you're good.  You're very, very 
			good.

	And gently touching his throbbing ear, Quark EXITS.

24   NEW ANGLE

	as Vash turns around and finds Q sitting on her couch.

					Q
			How perfectly vile.  If that's the 
			kind of company you kept before 
			you met me, it's no wonder you 
			ended up with Picard.

					VASH
				(emphatic)
			Go away.

	The door CHIMES again.

					VASH
			Enter.

					Q
			My, aren't we the hub of activity?

	Bashir ENTERS the room.  Bashir notices that Vash looks upset.

					BASHIR
			I'm sorry.  Am I interrupting 
			anything?

	Vash glances back at the couch.  Q is gone.

					VASH
			Not at all, Doctor.  Come in.

					BASHIR
			Thank you, and please, call me Julian.

            DEEP SPACE: "Q-Less" REV. 11/12/92 - ACT TWO            23.

24   CONTINUED:

					VASH
				(smiles)
			Julian.  Is this a medical visit?

					BASHIR
			To tell the truth, I tried to come 
			up with some official reason for 
			dropping by, but your excellent health 
			has robbed me of any excuses.

					VASH
			Well, that didn't seem to stop you.

					BASHIR
			I thought I could contribute to your 
			good health by buying you dinner.  
			Quark's makes a lovely couscous.  
			And the company, I hope, might be 
			mildly entertaining.

	Vash sizes up Bashir.  She likes what she sees.

					VASH
			Sounds like fun.

25   ANGLE ON Q (OPTICAL)

	As he REAPPEARS behind Bashir.  Vash sees him.

					VASH
				(continuing)
			But first I need to freshen up.  Can 
			I meet you in say, twenty minutes?

	Q frowns and DISAPPEARS.

					BASHIR
				(victory)
			Those twenty minutes will feel like 
			an eternity.

	Bashir EXITS and Vash turns to find Q standing before her.  
	(Lose Q FLASH.)

					Q
			These mating rituals you humans 
			indulge in really are quite 
			disgusting.

            DEEP SPACE: "Q-Less" REV. 11/06/92 - ACT TWO            24.

25   CONTINUED:

					VASH
			Get out.

					Q
			You know you don't mean that.

					VASH
			Out.

					Q
			You're making a terrible mistake.  
			You'd be lost without me.

					VASH
			I can take care of myself.

					Q
			Can you really?  We'll see about 
			that.

	Q disappears.

26   INT. REPLIMAT - FIVE MINUTES LATER

	Bashir sits at a table.  A waiter approaches.  It's Q in 
	Bajoran clothes and nose.

					BASHIR
			Just a cup of mint tea.

					Q
			You're making a terrible mistake.

					BASHIR
			Why?  Have the replicators 
			malfunctioned again?

					Q
			I'm talking about Vash.  Stay away 
			from her.

					BASHIR
			My god, you're an impertinent 
			waiter.

					Q
			I'm a friend... with some friendly 
			advice.  Vash is nothing but 
			trouble.

            DEEP SPACE: "Q-Less" REV. 11/11/92 - ACT TWO            25.

26   CONTINUED:

					BASHIR
			Really, I don't think it's any of 
			your business.  In fact, I'm meeting 
			her for dinner now...

	Bashir gets up to leave.

					Q
			Are you sure you're feeling up to 
			it?
				(beat)
			You look tired.

					BASHIR
			I feel fine.

					Q
			You look tired.  Very, very tired.

	Bashir yawns.

					BASHIR
			Funny, I am feeling a bit spent.  
			Maybe I should go lie down for a few 
			minutes.

	A dazed Bashir wanders off...

					Q
				(an aside)
			Hopefully by yourself, for a change.

	Bashir passes...

27   O'BRIEN

	who's too busy staring at Q to notice the doctor.

					O'BRIEN
			Bloody hell.

	O'Brien turns and hurries away.

28   INT. OPS

	Kira, Dax at their stations, Sisko conferring with Kira at 
	the Operations Table.

					KIRA
			Sir, the Klingon scout ship has 
			departed docking bay eleven.

            DEEP SPACE: "Q-Less" REV. 11/09/92 - ACT TWO            26.

28   CONTINUED:

					SISKO
			Good.  I'll tell Odo he can relax 
			now.

	O'Brien ENTERS from the Turbolift.

					O'BRIEN
			Sir, we've got a problem.  I just 
			saw Q on the Promenade.

					SISKO
			Q?  Here?

	Off Sisko's look of concern...

					KIRA
			What's Q?

					SISKO
			A powerful and extremely unpredictable 
			entity.  I was at a Starfleet briefing 
			on him, two years ago.

					O'BRIEN
			He's a blasted menace, is what he 
			is.

					DAX
			What does he want with us?

					SISKO
			Whatever it is, you can be sure we 
			won't like it.

					O'BRIEN
				(a realization)
			You might ask Vash.

					DAX
			Why Vash?

					O'BRIEN
			They know each other.

					SISKO
			From the Enterprise?

            DEEP SPACE: "Q-Less" REV. 11/09/92 - ACT TWO            27.

28   CONTINUED:	(2)

					O'BRIEN
			I believe they actually met in 
			Sherwood Forest.
				(off Sisko's puzzled 
				look)
			One of the little jokes Q played on 
			the Enterprise crew.

29   NEW ANGLE

	As the lights fade and the air is filled with a high pitched 
	whine.  This time it takes considerably longer before the 
	lights come back up and the sound stops.

	Kira consults the operations table.

					KIRA
			Main power grid has dropped eighty 
			percent.

					DAX
			Sensors are reading a massive graviton 
			build-up.

					SISKO
			How long to get us back up to full 
			power?

					DAX
			It's already beginning to normalize.

					KIRA
			If we have one of these outages during 
			a docking procedure, we could lose 
			an entire pylon.

					O'BRIEN
			I've double-checked every system.  
			For the first time in a month, there's 
			nothing wrong with any of them... 
			it's got to be Q.  Another one of 
			his stupid jokes.

					SISKO
			I'm not laughing.

            DEEP SPACE: "Q-Less" REV. 11/12/92 - ACT TWO            28.

30   INT. QUARK'S (OPTICAL)

	Quark and Vash sit at the end of the bar.  Vash watches 
	Quark's face, looking for his reaction as he gazes intently 
	into the box at the Geode.

					VASH
			I figure we'd auction this off last.

	Quark closes the box with a snap.

					QUARK
				(dismissive)
			Interesting... but hardly of any 
			intrinsic value.

					VASH
				(coolly)
			Really?  I thought it was the best 
			piece in the collection.

					QUARK
			Obviously my associates have more 
			sophisticated tastes than you're 
			used to.
				(beat)
			But just so it's not a total loss, 
			I'll take it off your hands for say... 
			seven bars of gold-press latinum.

					VASH
				(amused)
			It's worth fifty times as much.

					QUARK
			Ridiculous... All right, eighteen 
			bars, but you must swear never to 
			tell a soul about my foolish 
			generosity.

					VASH
				(takes the box from 
				Quark)
			If you want it you're going to have 
			to be a lot more foolish than that.

					QUARK
			All right.  Thirty.
				(he reaches for the 
				box)
			Now give it to me.

	Vash slides the box out of reach.

            DEEP SPACE: "Q-Less" REV. 11/12/92 - ACT TWO            29.

30   CONTINUED:

					VASH
			Bidding will start at two hundred 
			bars of latinum.

	Quark can barely control his frustration.  He takes a gulp 
	of his wine.

					QUARK
			I can't decided which is more 
			intoxicating, this Gamzian wine or 
			your negotiating skills.

	Vash acknowledges the complement -- just as Sisko steps up 
	to the bar.

					SISKO
				(to Vash)
			We need to talk.

					QUARK
			The lady and I are having a private 
			conversation.

					SISKO
			It can wait.

	Quark backs off.  He EXITS off screen as Sisko sits down at 
	the bar.

					VASH
			Commander, have you seen that Doctor 
			of yours?  He was supposed to meet 
			me here half an hour ago...

					SISKO
				(interrupting, 
				purposeful)
			Tell me about Q.

31   ANGLE ON Q

	Who turns in his seat from the table behind them.

					Q
			I'll tell you anything you want to 
			know, Commander.  Just answer one 
			question... Is Starfleet 
			penalizing you or did you actually 
			request such a dismal command.

	On Sisko's reaction we...

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT TWO                          

           DEEP SPACE: "Q-Less" REV. 11/11/92 - ACT THREE           30.
                           ACT THREE                            

	FADE IN:

32   INT. QUARK'S - (OPTICAL)

	As before.

					SISKO
			I want you off this station.

					Q
			Let's not be hasty, my happy-go-
			lucky friend, this dreary little 
			gulag could use a little color, a 
			little excitement.  And who better 
			to provide it than... moi?
				(eying Sisko's uniform)
			Though I must say I approve of your 
			new tailor.

	And in the blink of an eye, Q changes outfits to match 
	Sisko's, except that Q's has Captain's rank insignia.

					SISKO
			I'm not impressed by your parlor 
			tricks.  These power outages are 
			going to stop... right now.

					Q
			Why tell me?
				(hurt realization)
			Oh, I see.  Go ahead, blame Q if it 
			makes you feel any better.  I suppose 
			it's my fate to be the galaxy's 
			whipping boy.
				(a sigh)
			Heavy is the burden of being me.

					SISKO
			If you're looking for sympathy, you've 
			come to the wrong place.

					Q
			Actually, what I had in mind was 
			some witty repartee, but I see I'm 
			not going to get any of that either.
					(to Vash)
			At least, your beloved Jean-Luc knows 
			how to turn a phrase...

					VASH
			Take the hint, Q... no one wants you 
			around.

           DEEP SPACE: "Q-Less" REV. 11/12/92 - ACT THREE           31.

32   CONTINUED:

					Q
				(mood darkening)
			Really, Vash, this playing hard to 
			get is growing tedious.

	And Q gets quite expansive and public as he continues... 
	heads turn to his voice as he says...

					Q
				(continuing)
			You might keep in mind that I am the 
			Q and you are the lowly human.  I 
			will decide when this partnership 
			ends.
				(to both Vash and 
				Sisko)
			Do you understand?

					SISKO
				(to Q, as the room 
				reacts)
			Why don't you and I continue this 
			discussion in private?

					Q
				(brightening)
			An excellent idea.

	And, in the blink of an eye, Vash and everyone else in the 
	bar DISAPPEARS.  Q and Sisko are now completely alone.

33   NEW ANGLE

	as Q props his feet up on the table, right where Vash was 
	sitting.

					Q
	You're right.  This is much better.

	Sisko hits his combadge.

					SISKO
			Sisko to Ops.

					Q
			All gone.

	Sisko grabs Q by the collar.

					SISKO
			Bring them back, Q.  Now.

	Q is delighted by this show of aggression.

           DEEP SPACE: "Q-Less" REV. 11/12/92 - ACT THREE           32.

33   CONTINUED:

					Q
			Or what?  You'll thrash me?
				(mischievous grin)
			Shall we settle this mano a mano?

	And suddenly...

34   INT. QUARK'S - MAIN FLOOR (OPTICAL)

	The patrons of the bar are back, surprised to find themselves 
	standing in a square, forming a human boxing ring, around...

35   Q AND SISKO

	who are now dressed as boxers, circa 1900.  Q, sporting a 
	handlebar mustache, assumes an old-fashioned boxing pose.

					Q
			Marquis of Queensberry Rules?

					SISKO
			What?

	Q bounces around like Gentleman Jim Corbett.

					Q
			Fisticuffs, pugilism, the manly 
			art of self-defense.  Isn't it 
			wonderfully barbaric?  Go on.  
			Take a poke at me.  That is what 
			you want to do, isn't it?

					SISKO
			Don't tempt me.

36   CLOSE ON QUARK AND VASH

	who are among the onlookers.

					QUARK
				(to Vash)
			I'll wager five bars of latinum on 
			Sisko.

					VASH
				(poker face)
			You're on.


           DEEP SPACE: "Q-Less" REV. 11/12/92 - ACT THREE           33.

37   BACK TO THE ACTION

	Sisko turns away from Q, but Q smacks him lightly on the 
	back of the head.  Sisko tries to ignore Q, but Q keeps 
	punching him.

					Q
			Come on, fight back.  This is 
			supposed to be brutal.

	Q punches Sisko again.  Sisko turns around and faces Q.  Q 
	pops Sisko in the face, rocking Sisko's head back.  Sisko 
	smashes Q with a right hook to the head.  Q goes flying into 
	the crowd.  As he crashes to the ground...

38   NEW ANGLE - QUARK (OPTICAL)

					QUARK
				(to Vash, smug)
			You can pay me out of your profits 
			from the auction.

	Q struggles to his feet.

					Q
				(shocked)
			You hit me... Picard never hit me.

					SISKO
			I'm not Picard.

					Q
			Indeed not.  You're much easier to 
			provoke.
				(grinning)
			How fortunate for me.

	Q disappears.  Sisko finds himself back in his DS9 Uniform.

					VASH
				(quiet despair)
			He's never going to let me go.
				(a beat)
			Unless you can help...

           DEEP SPACE: "Q-Less" REV. 11/09/92 - ACT THREE           34.

38   CONTINUED:

					SISKO
			I wouldn't get my hopes up.
				(off her look)
			It was a lucky punch.

39   EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE - STOCK (OPTICAL)

40   INT.  THE PROMENADE (DAY TWO)

	A humanoid alien (KOLOS) emerges from the airlock near 
	Quark's.  He is followed closely by a jewel-bedecked Ferengi.  
	The Ferengi gazes warily at his surroundings.  He spots Kolos.  
	The two aliens exchange hostile glances as they walk the 
	Promenade.

	Nearby three mysterious cloaked and hooded Humanoids 
	surreptitiously watch the Ferengi and the Andoran, then follow 
	them to Quark's.  We never see their faces.

41   ANGLE ON THE SECURITY OFFICE

	Close on ODO as he checks out the new arrivals with a 
	suspicious eye.

	Without warning, the Promenade lights go out and the whine 
	returns (as before, but with an increase in intensity).  Odo 
	looks up into the darkness.

					ODO
			Not again.

42   INT. OPS

	As the lights come back up, we see Sisko, Kira, Dax and 
	O'Brien at their stations.

					O'BRIEN
				(exasperated)
			Damn it, Q.  Enough is enough.

	Just then... a blast of air explodes through OPS, knocking 
	everyone about.  Alarm klaxons sound.

					DAX
				(over the roar of the 
				wind)
			We're losing atmosphere.

           DEEP SPACE: "Q-Less" REV. 11/09/92 - ACT THREE           35.

					SISKO
			Decompression protocol - Raise the 
			confinement shields.

	O'Brien engages the necessary controls.

					O'BRIEN
			Shields up.

	The wind ceases abruptly.  The Ops staff regain their balance.

					SISKO
				(to Kira)
			Damage report.

					KIRA
				(consulting console)
			We've got a minor hull breach in one 
			of the upper bulkheads.

					O'BRIEN
			I'm getting reports of hull fractures 
			throughout the station.
				(checking monitors)
			Emergency systems appear to be 
			functioning.  Repair crews are 
			responding.

43   INT. CORRIDOR (OPTICAL)

	Dax uses a tricorder to examine a jagged hole in a bulkhead.  
	Sisko watches with interest.

					DAX
				(concerned)
			The breach was caused by some kind 
			of focused graviton pulse.

					SISKO
			Every time we've had a power drain, 
			it's been followed by an increase in 
			the graviton field.  If this continues 
			we could wind up with a breach in 
			one of our reactor cores.  We'd lose 
			half the station.

					DAX
			Maybe it's time to open negotiations 
			with Q?

           DEEP SPACE: "Q-Less" REV. 11/12/92 - ACT THREE           36.

43   CONTINUED:

	A beat.  Sisko's thoughtful.  Something about all this 
	doesn't seem right.

					SISKO
			I'm not convinced that Q's behind 
			this.

	Off Dax's reaction.

					SISKO
				(continuing)
			Playing with the lights and punching 
			holes in the hull doesn't strike me 
			as his style.

44   INT. SECURITY OFFICE

	Quark ENTERS Odo's office.

					QUARK
			You wanted to see me?  Make it quick.  
			I've got important business.

					ODO
			Yes, I know.  You're auctioning off 
			some artifacts from the Gamma 
			Quadrant.

					QUARK
				(realization)
			You were eavesdropping on my 
			conversation with Vash.
				(a beat)
			What were you this time?  The table?  
			One of the chairs?  The wine bottle?

					ODO
				(superior)
			When are you going to realize that 
			you have no secrets from me?

           DEEP SPACE: "Q-Less" REV. 11/12/92 - ACT THREE           37.

44   CONTINUED:

					QUARK
			I have nothing to hide.  I'm selling 
			quality merchandise to a select 
			clientele.

					ODO
			What makes them so select?

					QUARK
			They're all ridiculously wealthy... 
			and not too bright.

					ODO
				(shakes his head)
			I'll never understand this obsession 
			with accumulating material wealth.  
			You spend your entire life plotting 
			and scheming to acquire more and 
			more possessions, until your living 
			areas are bursting with useless junk.  
			Then you die and your relatives sell 
			everything and start the cycle all 
			over again.

					QUARK
				(looking for an edge)
			Isn't there anything you desire?

					ODO
			I have my work.  What more do I need?

					QUARK
				(eyes light up at the 
				thought)
			A suit of the finest Andorian silk?  
			A ring of pure Surax?  A complete 
			set of Tanesh pottery?

           DEEP SPACE: "Q-Less" REV. 11/12/92 - ACT THREE           38.

44   CONTINUED:	(2)

					QUARK (Cont'd)
				(on Odo's lack of 
				response)
			How about a latinum plated bucket to 
			sleep in?

	Odo considers it, but just doesn't see the point.

45   INT. PROMENADE (OPTICAL)

	Vash EXITS the Assay Office, on her way to Quark's, duffel 
	bag filled with artifacts.  But before she gets very far, 
	she bumps into a waiting Q.  (Lose Q FLASH.)

					Q
			Ah, I'm so glad you're packed.  I 
			hope you said good-bye to all your 
			new friends.

					VASH
			I don't have time for this now.

	Vash tries to get around Q, who steps in her way.

					Q
			You've led a charmed life these 
			past two years... under my 
			benevolent protection.

					VASH
			I can take care of myself.

					Q
			Can you really?  Remember that bug 
			bite you got on Erabus Prime?  If 
			I hadn't been there...

	Q waves his hand and in a FLASH Vash loses her hair except 
	for a few sloppy strands.  Vash touches her head.  For a 
	moment, she's terrified, but she refuses to let Q best her.

					VASH
				(defiant)
			I am not going with you.

           DEEP SPACE: "Q-Less" REV. 11/12/92 - ACT THREE           39.

45   CONTINUED:

	The galaxy can be a dangerous place when you're on your 
	own.

	Another FLASH and Vash's face and arms are covered by horrible 
	oozing boils.  The people on the Promenade recoil from her 
	in abject horror.  Q is enjoying himself immensely.

					VASH
				(not giving up)
			It's over, Q.

	A third FLASH.  Vash falls to her knees.  She is wracked 
	with palsy and her skin is a deathly grey.

					Q
				(to Vash, as if nothing 
				has happened)
			I'll leave you now to reconsider my 
			offer of friendship.

	Q vanishes in a flash and at the same time Vash returns to 
	normal.  As one of the bystanders moves to help her... on 
	her reaction...

									FADE OUT.

46
thru   OMITTED
47

                       END OF ACT THREE                         

            DEEP SPACE: "Q-Less" REV. 11/10/92 - ACT FOUR           40.
                           ACT FOUR                             

	FADE IN:

47A  EXT. DEEP SPACE NINE - STOCK (OPTICAL)

					SISKO (V.O.)
			Station Log.  Stardate xxxxx.x.  The 
			station's power is continuing to be 
			drained and converted into gravitons.  
			At this rate, our life support systems 
			will fail in fourteen hours.

48   INT. OPS (OPTICAL)

	O'Brien, Dax, Sisko and Kira at the Operations table.

					O'BRIEN
			Sir, we'll never find the source of 
			the power drain using these bloody 
			Cardassian internal sensors.  They're 
			just not sensitive enough.

					SISKO
			Is there anyway to recalibrate them?

					O'BRIEN
			It would take days.  We just don't 
			have the time.

					DAX
			What if we make the power drain easier 
			to detect?
				(on reactions)
			If we flood the station with ionized 
			tridium gas, we should be able to 
			trace the particle flow to the source.

					O'BRIEN
			Tridium?  Isn't that pretty toxic.

					DAX
			Only when it's highly concentrated.  
			We would use a very small amount.

            DEEP SPACE: "Q-Less" REV. 11/10/92 - ACT FOUR           41.

48   CONTINUED:

					SISKO
			Do it.  If we can't get this under 
			control in the next eight hours, 
			we'll begin evacuation procedures

	Q APPEARS, an arm wrapped around Sisko's shoulders.

					Q
				(with false intimacy)
			Still chasing your own tail?  Picard 
			and his lackeys would have solved 
			all this techno-babble hours ago.
				(a beat)
			No wonder you're not commanding a 
			Starship.

	Sisko physically disengages himself from Q's embrace as... 
	Kira hits her combadge.

					KIRA
			Security to OPS.

					Q
				(to Kira)
			My, aren't we the fiesty little go 
			getter.
				(to Sisko)
			I'd keep my eye on this one.  Chances 
			are, she's after your job.

					O'BRIEN
			Why don't you do something 
			constructive for a change?  Like 
			torment the Cardassians.

	Q gives O'Brien a blank stare.

	Do I know you?

					O'BRIEN
			O'Brien...
				(on Q's lack of 
				recognition)
			From the Enterprise.

					Q
			The Enterprise.
				(it dawns)
			Ah yes.  Weren't you one of the little 
			people?

            DEEP SPACE: "Q-Less" REV. 11/10/92 - ACT FOUR           42.

48   CONTINUED:	(2)

	O'Brien shoots Q a dirty look and goes about his business.

					Q
				(TO SISKO)
			Quite a motley crew you've assembled 
			here, Benji.  My advice is to evacuate 
			now and save all this pointless 
			guesswork.

					SISKO
			Q, either tell us what's going on or 
			get the hell out of the way.

					Q
			I'll tell you what's going on.  
			While you're conducting futile 
			experiments, Vash is down below 
			engaging in base commerce and 
			setting Federation ethics back two 
			hundred years.
				(one of the boys)
			Believe me, she's far more 
			dangerous to you than I am.

	Q VANISHES and on the reactions, we cut to:

49   INT. QUARK'S

	The dabo table has been replaced by an auctioneer's podium.  
	The bidders, Kolos, the three Cloaked Figures, and the jewel-
	bedecked Ferengi, are joined by two others - a second Ferengi 
	and another N.D.  Alien.

	The bidders are scattered about the room, some standing, 
	some sitting, some just lounging against the bar.  The two 
	Ferengi stare daggers at each other from a distance.

50   ANGLE ON THE BAR

	As Kolos makes his way over to Quark and Vash.

					QUARK
			Kolos, my friend.  I don't know which 
			pleases me more, your smiling face 
			or your overflowing purse.

        DEEP SPACE: "Q-Less" REV. 11/12/92 - ACT FOUR 43-44.           

50   CONTINUED:

					KOLOS
				(not smiling)
			Quark, you obsequious toad, your so-
			called Gamma Quadrant merchandise 
			had better be legitimate or I'll 
			toss you out the nearest airlock.

					QUARK
			No cause for alarm, each piece comes 
			complete with a statement of 
			authenticity from Vash herself, the 
			Federation's foremost expert on the 
			Gamma Quadrant.

					KOLOS
			In that case, stop snivelling and 
			give me a synthale.

	Quark hands Kolos a drink and the bidder rejoins his 
	competitors.

					VASH
				(sarcastic)
			Are they all that pleasant?

					QUARK
			I don't care about their manners.  
			The important thing is they're honest 
			collectors in antiquities, every 
			one.

					VASH
			How honest?

					QUARK
			As honest as you and I.

					VASH
				(dryly)
			We better keep a close eye on them.

	Quark leans closer to Vash.

					QUARK
			My dear, I've been thinking, what 
			would you say to a permanent 
			partnership?  With your knowledge of 
			the Gamma Quadrant, and my business 
			connections, we could make a fortune.

            DEEP SPACE: "Q-Less" REV. 11/10/92 - ACT FOUR           45.

50   CONTINUED:	(2)

					VASH
			Sorry, Quark, I've slept in my last 
			tent.  I'm looking forward to a nice 
			quiet life back on Earth.

					QUARK
				(laughs)
			You won't last a month.  You're like 
			me.  You live for excitement, 
			adventure, profit.

					VASH
			Not anymore.

					QUARK
			Would you care to make a wager on 
			that?

	Before Vash can take Quark up on it, the station shakes 
	violently... everyone struggles to stay on their feet...

51   INT. OPS

	Close on Dax and Sisko at the science station as they react 
	to the shake...

					DAX
				(consulting her console)
			The graviton field has increased by 
			sixty percent.

					SISKO
			How soon can we begin the sensor 
			sweep... ?

					DAX
			Not until we've increased tridium 
			levels to one part per million... it 
			should only be another seven, eight 
			minutes...

					KIRA
				(reacts to sensors)
			Commander... we're being pulled out 
			of our normal position.

					SISKO
			Could it have something to do with 
			this graviton field?

            DEEP SPACE: "Q-Less" REV. 11/10/92 - ACT FOUR          45A.

51   CONTINUED:

	He looks at O'Brien for answers but he is mystified as he 
	studies monitors...

					O'BRIEN
			I don't understand it...

					SISKO
				(to Kira)
			Use the control thrusters to stabilize 
			our position.

					KIRA
			Firing thrusters...

51A  EXT. DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)

	The station moves through space.  The control thrusters fire 
	in an attempt to brake the station, but it continues to move 
	off course.

51B  INT. OPS

	As before.

					KIRA
				(refers to readout)
			We're still moving.

	A tense beat.  Then...

					O'BRIEN
			If the graviton field is feeding off 
			the station's power, maybe we can 
			cut its supply by shutting down the 
			reactors.

            DEEP SPACE: "Q-Less" REV. 11/10/92 - ACT FOUR           46.

51B  CONTINUED:

					SISKO
				(decisive)
			Put life support on emergency backup. 
			Take everything else off-line.

	O'Brien activates the necessary controls.  The lights go 
	down, then come back up dimmer than usual.  (The lighting 
	will remain low until power levels change again in Act Five.)

					KIRA
				(shakes her head)
			We're still being pulled out of 
			position...

					SISKO
			What's our heading?

					DAX
			Bearing one-five-seven, mark one-
			three.

					KIRA
				(reacts)
			Straight into the wormhole.

	On their stunned reactions we...

52   EXT. DEEP SPACE NINE  (OPTICAL)

	The station hurtling through space.

								    FADE OUT:

                        END OF ACT FOUR                         

            DEEP SPACE: "Q-Less" REV. 11/12/92 - ACT FIVE           47.
                           ACT FIVE                             

	FADE IN:

53   EXT. DS9 (OPTICAL)

	The station continues to drift into space...

53A  INT. DAX'S LAB

	Dax and Sisko.  Dax punches furiously at her computer 
	terminal.  We don't see what's on the screen.

					DAX
			There's a definite imbalance in the 
			graviton field that corresponds with 
			our trajectory.  I think that's what's 
			pulling us toward the wormhole.

					SISKO
			Could the field be generated from 
			the wormhole itself?

					DAX
			Not likely.  The field symmetry 
			doesn't match the wormhole's subspace 
			emissions.

					SISKO
			If it's not the wormhole, and it's 
			not Q, what the hell is causing it... ?

					DAX
			It doesn't match anything in 
			Federation or Bajoran records.

	Sisko presses a few panels, checks monitors...

					SISKO
			One thing's for sure.  Our sensors 
			aren't detecting anything within a 
			hundred kilometers.  Whatever's 
			creating the graviton field has to 
			be inside the station.

					DAX
				(to Sisko)
			Then we'll find out what it is if we 
			can trace the power drain...

            DEEP SPACE: "Q-Less" REV. 11/12/92 - ACT FIVE           48.

53A  CONTINUED:

					SISKO
				(touches combadge)
			Sisko to Ops.

	INTERCUTTING AS NEEDED:

53B  INT. OPS - CLOSE ON KIRA

					KIRA
			Go ahead, Commander...

					SISKO
			How long before we can begin the 
			trace?

					KIRA
				(checks a monitor, 
				presses a panel)
			Tridium levels will be at a sufficient 
			concentration in one minute.

					SISKO
			We're on our way.

	Sisko and Dax EXIT.

54   INT. QUARK'S

	The lights are dimmer than usual.  The bidders are looking 
	around, sensing trouble.  Quark stands at the podium, 
	attempting to calm them.  The lure of profit has overcome 
	his usual cowardice.

					KOLOS
				(speaking for all)
			I tell you, something's wrong.

					QUARK
				(thinking on his feet)
			Calm down, Kolos.  This is a normal 
			power recalibration procedure.  
			Nothing to worry about.

					VASH
				(sotto voce)
			Doesn't seem normal to me...

            DEEP SPACE: "Q-Less" REV. 11/10/92 - ACT FIVE           49.

54   CONTINUED:

					QUARK
			Shhh.
				(to the crowd)
			Now, as you know, payments must be 
			in gold press latinum, and all 
			transactions are final.
				(a beat)
			Remember, bid high and bid often.

	Vash takes the podium.  Holds up an intricately carved stone 
	statue.

					VASH
			Ladies and gentlemen, our first item 
			is a statue from the Gamma Quadrant's 
			Verath System.  First I suppose I 
			should talk a little bit about the 
			Verathan civilization, which reached 
			its height some thirty thousand years 
			ago...

	Quark can't believe this.  He interrupts Vash and pulls her 
	aside.

					QUARK
			What are you doing?

					VASH
			Placing the statue in its historical 
			context.

					QUARK
			Here, give me that.
				(takes the statue)
			This isn't the Daystrom Institute.  
			Watch closely.

	Quark walks back to the podium.

					QUARK
				(continuing)
			Friends, have you ever purchased a 
			one-of-a-kind artifact only to 
			discover some other collector has 
			six more just like it?

	The two Ferengi bidders exchange hateful looks.

					QUARK
				(continuing)
			Well, now you can avoid that kind of 
			embarrassment.

            DEEP SPACE: "Q-Less" REV. 11/12/92 - ACT FIVE          49A.

54   CONTINUED:	(2)

					QUARK
				(holds up statue)
			It's rare... it's beautiful... it's 
			a Gamma Quadrant original and it can 
			be yours, for the right price.
				(a beat)
			Bidding will start at ten bars of 
			gold press latinum.

            DEEP SPACE: "Q-Less" REV. 11/10/92 - ACT FIVE           50.

54   CONTINUED:	(3)

					QUARK
				(responding to hand 
				signals)
			I see ten.  Fifteen.  Sixteen.  Who'll 
			say seventeen and be the first to 
			own a piece of the Gamma Quadrant.

	The bidding continues.

55   OMITTED

56   INT. OPS (OPTICAL)

	Close on a graphic displaying a complete station diagram.  A 
	wave of color moves across the diagram until the entire 
	interior has changed color.

56A  NEW ANGLE

	as O'Brien consults his console...

					O'BRIEN
			Tridium levels throughout the station 
			have reached one part per million.

	Sisko nods to Dax.

					DAX
			Initiating sensor sweep...

	She works the panels and STUDIES HER MONITOR as O'Brien does 
	the same at his station... As they watch, the color drains 
	out of the docking ring.

					O'BRIEN
			We can rule out the docking ring...

					DAX
				(nods)
			The tridium gas seems to be draining 
			toward the central core...

					SISKO
			Where in the central core?

        DEEP SPACE: "Q-Less" REV. 11/10/92 - ACT FIVE 50A-51.          

56A  CONTINUED:

					O'BRIEN
			Let me see if I can get a more precise 
			reading...

	Everyone waits anxiously as O'Brien manipulates his console.

					O'BRIEN
				(disappointed)
			It's not clear enough.  I can't 
			pinpoint the exact location.

	Kira moves to a station near Sisko.

					KIRA
			Based on our current trajectory, 
			we'll hit the wormhole in eighteen 
			minutes...

					SISKO
				(sighs, frustrated)
			What the hell could be pulling us 
			into the wormhole...
				(beat, to O'Brien)
			Do we have time to transfer auxiliary 
			power to the deflectors, Chief?

					O'BRIEN
			Sir, there's not enough power left 
			to make any difference... if we get 
			sucked into that wormhole, we'll be 
			in a billion pieces by the time we 
			reach the Gamma Quadrant.

	Off reactions...

57
thru   OMITTED
59

60   INT. QUARK'S

	As Quark bangs his fist on the podium.

					QUARK
			Sold to Kolos for thirty-six bars of 
			gold press latinum.

	Quark brings up the next item.  A knife.

            DEEP SPACE: "Q-Less" REV. 11/10/92 - ACT FIVE           52.

60   CONTINUED:

					QUARK
			Next we have a... a dagger, studded 
			with some very interesting looking 
			gems.  Think of it as both a weapon 
			and an investment.  Bidding will 
			start at forty.

	The bidders start signalling to Quark.

					QUARK
			Forty.  Forty-two, forty-five.  Don't 
			hold back, you know you want it, 
			give me fifty...
				(getting into it)
			Fifty.  We have fifty.

61   NEW ANGLE

	to include Q seated at the bar.  (Lose Q FLASH.)

					Q
				(to all)
			I hate to interrupt such a thrilling 
			display of naked avarice, but I feel 
			it's only fair to warn you that the 
			station is hurtling toward its doom.  
			It's very unlikely any of you will 
			survive to enjoy your purchases.

	That stops the bidding cold.

					Q
				(continuing)
			Just thought I'd mention it.

					QUARK
			Ladies and gentlemen, I assure you, 
			everything is under control.

	Quark shouts to his help.

					QUARK
				(continuing)
			Drinks for everyone.

	The bidders are still uneasy.  Vash moves toward Q.

					QUARK
				(continuing)
			And free use of the holosuites at 
			the conclusion of the auction.

            DEEP SPACE: "Q-Less" REV. 11/12/92 - ACT FIVE           53.

	This mollifies the crowd.  Vash reaches Q.  In the 
	background, Quark continues taking bids.  (Note: Quark's 
	dialogue runs simultaneously to Q and Vash's conversation.)

			VASH						QUARK
	I don't think I realized	 		(speaking in the 
	until this moment how evil			background) 
	you really are... you would		Now, if I'm not mistaken, 
	kill all these people to get		bidding was halted at...
	even with me.				sixty bars of gold press
							Latinum.  Do I hear sixty-
			Q				five?  Seventy... Come on,
	I must admit, the thought		a piece of the Gamma 
	had occurred to me.  But		Quadrant to bury in the 
	the fact is, this station		heart of your most hated 
	is in enough trouble without		rival.  Eighty, that's the 
	me.  I will, however, gladly		spirit.  Eighty-five...
	save you.  All you have to		think of it, Kolos, 
	do is ask.					wouldn't this make a 
							perfect companion piece to
			VASH				that statue you
	I'll take my chances			purchased... Ninety...
	with the others.				Ninety-five... Can 
							we break a hundred... A
			Q				hundred... You make me 
	As you wish.  Now, if you		proud.  A hundred and 
	don't mind, I'll just sit		five... Do I hear any 
	here and watch.  I've never		other bids... Final 
	seen a space station torn		call... sold to my cousin 
	apart by a wormhole before.		Stol for one hundred and 
							five bars of gold press 
							latinum.

62   INT. OPS

	Everyone's still searching for a solution.

					KIRA
			Listen, the tridium almost worked 
			the first time.  Maybe we didn't use 
			enough.  Why don't we increase the 
			concentration in the central core?

            DEEP SPACE: "Q-Less" REV. 11/10/92 - ACT FIVE          53A.

62   CONTINUED:

					O'BRIEN
			It might work.  But in four years, 
			we'd all be dead from tridium 
			poisoning.

            DEEP SPACE: "Q-Less" REV. 11/10/92 - ACT FIVE           54.

62   CONTINUED:	(2)

					DAX
				(inspired)
			Wait a minute... of course...
				(to O'Brien)
			Bring the reactors back on line...

					O'BRIEN
			The reactors?  But they'll just feed 
			more energy to the graviton field.

					DAX
				(certain)
			If we generate enough energy, it 
			should create a power drain big enough 
			to trace.

					KIRA
			It might also push us faster into 
			the wormhole... a lot faster...

					SISKO
			It's a chance we've gotta take.
				(a beat)
			Bring us to full power, Mister 
			O'Brien.  Everything you've got.

					O'BRIEN
				(not totally convinced)
			Aye, sir.

	O'Brien makes the adjustments to his console.  The lights 
	come up and the station shakes as it gathers speed.  Sisko 
	and Dax remain focused on the monitor, hoping to find the 
	answer in time.

            DEEP SPACE: "Q-Less" REV. 11/12/92 - ACT FIVE           55.

63   OMITTED


64   INT. QUARK'S (OPTICAL)

	Lighting normal.  Quark holds up a lovely multi-colored alien 
	necklace.

					QUARK
			Sold to Rul the Obscure for a hundred 
			and fifty-one latinum bars.
				(a beat)
			And now, our final item.  And I think 
			you'll agree with me it was well 
			worth the wait.

	Vash opens the metal box and shows the Geode to an 
	appreciative crowd.

					QUARK
				(continuing, confident)
			Bidding will start at two hundred 
			bars of gold press latinum.

	One of the cloaked figures nods.

					QUARK
				(continuing)
			Two hundred.  Can I get two fifty?  
			Two fifty.  Three hundred anyone?

	Kolos raises three fingers.

					QUARK
				(continuing)
			Three hundred bars.

	The bidding continues at a rapid-fire pace.

            DEEP SPACE: "Q-Less" REV. 11/11/92 - ACT FIVE           56.

					QUARK
				(continuing, in ecstasy)
			Three hundred and fifty?  Four 
			hundred?  Four hundred... Five... 
			Five hundred and twenty...

	Finally Kolos raises six fingers (all on the same hand).  
	Quark can't believe it.

					QUARK
				(continuing)
			Six hundred bars of gold press 
			latinum.

65   INT. OPS  (OPTICAL)

	Close on Dax's monitor - the station schematic with the 
	central core lit.

					DAX
			It's not in any of the crossover 
			bridges... or the habitat ring... 
			it's in the upper core.

					KIRA
				(reading monitors)
			Three minutes, fourteen seconds... 
			to the wormhole... we're picking up 
			speed.

	Dax's monitor now shows a distinct bright area in one section 
	of the core.

					DAX
			I've got it.
				(moving)
			The power drain's coming from the 
			Promenade.

	Sisko and Kira follow Dax...

					SISKO
			You have Ops, Chief...

	They EXIT to the Turbolift...

66   INT.  QUARK'S

	The bidding on the Geode continues hot and heavy.

            DEEP SPACE: "Q-Less" REV. 11/10/92 - ACT FIVE          56A.

66   CONTINUED:

					QUARK
			One thousand bars of latinum... Going 
			once, going twice, going...

					Q
			Two thousand.
				(off Vash's reaction)
			For you, my dear.  Think of it as a 
			good-bye present.

					QUARK
			And what a magnificent gesture it 
			is.  Two thousand.

            DEEP SPACE: "Q-Less" REV. 11/10/92 - ACT FIVE           57.

66   CONTINUED:	(2)

					KOLOS
			Twenty-five hundred.

					Q
			Twenty-five hundred... and one.

67   INT. PROMENADE

	Sisko, Kira and Dax EXIT the Turbolift.  They fan out, 
	consulting the tricorders.

					DAX
				(off a tricorder)
			This way.

	They head toward...

68   INT. QUARK'S

	Kolos reacts to Q's bid.

					KOLOS
				(impatient)
			Three thousand bars of latinum.  My 
			final offer.

					QUARK
				(dizzy with greed)
			Three thousand bars.

					Q
			A million.

	Quark can die happy now.

					QUARK
			A million bars of gold press latinum.

	Sisko, Kira and Dax ENTER the bar.

					DAX
			Over here.

	Quark sees them and gets a worried look.

					QUARK
				(trying to wrap things 
				up)
			A million... Going once...

					KIRA
				(consulting tricorder)
			It's by that podium.

            DEEP SPACE: "Q-Less" REV. 11/12/92 - ACT FIVE           58.

					QUARK
				(seeing Sisko getting 
				closer)
			A million going twice.

	Sisko, Kira and Dax reach the podium.  Dax points the 
	tricorder at the box.

					DAX
			That's it.

					QUARK
			Three times...

					SISKO
			This auction is over...

					QUARK
				(desperate)
			Sold.

	Quark points to Q.

					SISKO
				(hits combadge)
			Chief, shut down the reactors.  We 
			found it.

					Q
			And about time, too.

68A  NEW ANGLE (OPTICAL)

	As Dax opens the box to reveal the Geode, now glowing brighter 
	than ever.

					QUARK
				(closes the box)
			Sorry, all transactions are final.  
			This item now belongs to that 
			gentleman over there.

	Quark indicates Q, who disappears, much to Quark's 
	consternation.  Dax studies the Geode with her tricorder...

					DAX
				(ignoring Quark)
			I'm reading a massive graviton build 
			up inside this container... it's 
			increasing exponentially.  We've got 
			to get it off the station now...

	Sisko removes his combadge... hits it...

	58A.

            DEEP SPACE: "Q-Less" REV. 11/12/92 - ACT FIVE          58A.

68A  CONTINUED:

					SISKO
			Chief, lock on to my combadge... prepare 
			to transport it five hundred meters 
			off the docking ring...

	Sisko tosses the combadge into the Geode container...

					SISKO
			Energize.

	A transporter beam DEMATERIALIZES the box.

68B  EXT. SPACE

	The box materializes away from the station... suddenly it 
	explodes into light...

68C  INT. PROMENADE - SECOND LEVEL (OPTICAL)

	Sisko, Dax, Kira and Vash come over the footbridge to the 
	observation windows.  Through the windows, the bright flash 
	spreads wider... and reactions as their faces reflect the 
	light...

69   OMITTED

            DEEP SPACE: "Q-Less" REV. 11/12/92 - ACT FIVE           59.

70   EXT. SPACE (OPTICAL)

	The brilliant flash of light becomes a WINGED ENERGY CREATURE.  
	The Creature unfurls its wings and soars away.  It grows 
	more and more distant until it disappears just as the wormhole 
	IGNITES.

70A  INT. PROMENADE - SECOND LEVEL

	All eyes on the observation windows as Sisko, Dax, Kira and 
	Vash contemplate the wonders of the universe.

71
thru   OMITTED 
73

74   EXT.  DEEP SPACE NINE - STOCK (OPTICAL)

	Everything back to normal.

					SISKO (V.O.)
			Station log, Stardate xxxxx.x.  With 
			the embryonic lifeform off the 
			station, graviton levels have returned 
			to normal.  We've used the control 
			thrusters to return the station to 
			its original position.

            DEEP SPACE: "Q-Less" REV. 11/12/92 - ACT FIVE           60.

75   INT. QUARK'S (OPTICAL)

	Quark slides a drink across the bar to Vash.  In the back, 
	we can see Dax, sitting and drinking coffee.

					QUARK
			So... you're off to the Daystrom 
			Institute.  I bet you can hardly 
			wait... Long boring lectures... 
			Endless conferences... Whining 
			students dogging your every step... 
			Sounds delightful.
				(a beat)
			Of course...
				(stops himself)
			No, you wouldn't be interested.

					VASH
			In what?

					QUARK
				(leans close, whispers)
			I hear they've uncovered the ruins 
			of a Rokai provincial capital on 
			Tartaras Five.  If you could obtain 
			some Rokain artifacts...

					VASH
			Forget it, Quark.  I'm going back to 
			Earth.

	Quark goes to attend to other customers.

					Q (O.S.)
			An abysmal place.

	Vash glances to one side.  Sure enough, Q has made an 
	appearance.

					VASH
			Tartaras Five?

					Q
			Earth.  Don't get me wrong.  A 
			thousand years ago it had 
			character...

            DEEP SPACE: "Q-Less" REV. 11/12/92 - ACT FIVE           61.

75   CONTINUED:

					Q (Cont'd)
			The Crusades, the Spanish Inquisition, 
			Watergate.  But now... it's mind-
			numbingly dull.

					VASH
			Please, by all means, don't come 
			with me.

					Q
			Trust me, you'd be a lot happier 
			poking around the ruins on 
			Tartaras Five.

					VASH
			I don't need your advice.
				(caught up for a moment)
			You really think I...
				(catching herself)
			A beat.

					Q
			You know, I still feel I owe you 
			a million bars of gold press 
			latinum.

					VASH
			Keep it.  Just give me back my life.

					Q
			You'll regret it if I do.

					VASH
			I'm willing to take that chance.

	Q smiles but there's a hint of melancholy we've never seen 
	in him before.

					Q
				(finally giving up)
			All right.  If you insist.  But things 
			won't be the same without you.  When 
			I look at a gas nebula, all I see is 
			a cloud of dust, but seeing the 
			universe through your eyes allowed 
			me to experience... wonder.
				(grumpy)
			I'm going to miss that.

					VASH
			I guess, in some ways, I'm going to 
			miss you too.

	A beat as they exchange a silent good-bye.

            DEEP SPACE: "Q-Less" REV. 11/12/92 - ACT FIVE          61A.

75   CONTINUED:	(2)

					Q
			Well, maybe I'll drop in on you 
			sometime.

            DEEP SPACE: "Q-Less" REV. 11/12/92 - ACT FIVE           62.

75   CONTINUED:	(3)

					VASH
				(a friendly smile)
			God, I hope not.

	A beat.  Q smiles in understanding and DISAPPEARS.  Quark 
	rejoins her.

					VASH
			So Quark, what's the quickest way to 
			Tartaras Five?

	Vash and Quark exchange a knowing grin and walk off together, 
	speaking inaudibly as they plot strategy.  This is the 
	beginning of a beautiful friendship.

75A  ANGLE ON DAX

	who watches Vash and Quark EXIT.  Dax shakes her head with a 
	bemused expression.  She finishes her coffee and gets up to 
	go, almost running into...

75B  BASHIR

	who has just entered the bar.

					BASHIR
				(yawning)
			I feel like I've slept for days.
				(a beat)
			Did I miss something?

	And on Dax's smile...

75C  EXT. SPACE - DS9

	And...

									FADE OUT.

                            THE END