STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE "The Search, Part II" #40512-448 Story by Ira Steven Behr & Robert Hewitt Wolfe Teleplay by Ira Steven Behr Directed by Jonathan Frakes 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 1994 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 This script is not for publication or reproduction.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 IhCTURES CORPORATION July 18, 1994 STAR TREK: DS9 - "The Search, Part II" - 07/18/94 - CAST STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE "The Search, Part II" CAST SISKO FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER KIRA MALE SHAPE-SHIFTER ODO GARAK QUARK NECHEYEV BASHIR BORATH DAX JEM'HADAR O'BRIEN GARAK JAKE T'RUL EDDINGTON COMPUTER VOICE JEM'HADAR OFFICER JEM'HADAR SOLDIER Non-Speaking Non-Speaking N.D. SUPERNUMERARIES N.D. JEM'HADAR N.D. SHAPE-SHIFTERS STAR TREK DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Search, Part II" - 07/18/94 - SETS STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE "The Search, Part II" SETS INTERIORS EXTERIORS DEEP SPACE NINE DEEP SPACE NINE AIRLOCK/CORRIDOR CEREMONIAL GARDEN COMMANDER'S OFFICE LAKESHORE CREW QUARTERS DEFIANT CORRIDOR SHAPE-SHIFTER'S WORLD PROMENADE/SECOND LEVEL SHUTTLECRAFT QUARK'S REPLIMAT SECURITY OFFICE SISKO'S QUARTERS WARDROOM SHUTTLE DEFIANT BRIDGE CAVERNS TUNNEL RUNABOUT STAR TREK: "The Search, Part II" - 07/18/94 - PRONUNCIATION STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE "The Search, Part II" PRONUNCIATION GUIDE ARBAZAN ARE-buh-zan BAJOR BAY-jor BAJORAN buh-JOR-an BORATH bow-RATH CARDASSIAN car-DASS-ee-en ERIS EAR-iss JEM'HADAR JEN-huh-DAR TIRUL tuh-ROOL VORTA VOR-tuh DEEP SPACE: "THE Search, II" - 07/19/94 - TEASER 1. STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE "The Search, Part II" TEASER FADE IN: Recap of "The Search, Part I" 1 EXT. LAKESHORE - NIGHT (OPTICAL) We pick up the action moments after the conclusion of part one. (Note: We see the shuttle in the background.) The FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER, and her three companions continue to regard ODO with benign serenity. KIRA stands beside him, a smile slowly widening across her face. For a moment she's able to put aside her concern for Sisko and the other crew members of the Defiant, happy that Odo's long search is finally over. As for Odo, he displays little emotion as he intently scrutinizes the Shape-shifters standing before him. ODO You really are just like me, aren't you? FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER Yes. ODO (gazing around him) And this is where I'm from? FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER This is your home. ODO I wish I could remember it. FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER It's understandable that you cannot. You were still newly formed when you left us. ODO "Newly formed?" You mean I was an infant? The Female Shape-shifter takes a moment to think this over. DEEP SPACE: "THE Search, II" - 07/18/94 - TEASER 2. 1 CONTINUED: FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER An infant, yes. ODO I suspected as much. (a beat) Tell me do I have... any family at all? FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER Of course. ODO I'd like to meet them. If that's possible. FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER (indicates the other Shape-shifters) You already have. We are all part of the great link. 2 NEW ANGLE (OPTICAL) The Female Shape-shifter gestures toward the GELATINOUS LAKE. Odo gazes out at it. ODO Is that all of us, or are there others? 3 INCLUDE KIRA who senses Odo's having trouble dealing with the situation. KIRA Odo, this isn't a police investigation. ODO I'm aware of that, Major. KIRA Then stop interrogating these people. You've waited your whole life for this moment, the least you can do is try and enjoy it. (to the shape-shifters) He really is happy to be here. DEEP SPACE: "THE Search, II" - 07/18/94 - TEASER 3. 3 CONTINUED: KIRA (to Odo) Aren't you? ODO (somewhat abashed) Yes. Of course. (to the shape-shifters) It's just... this is all very sudden... FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER (smiling) And you have many questions. ODO Yes. (has to know) What exactly is this great link? FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER The link is the very foundation of our society. It provides a meaning to our existence. It is the merging of thought and form. The sharing of idea and sensation. It all sounds uncomfortably intimate to Odo. FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER (noticing his reaction) Is something wrong? DEEP SPACE: "THE Search, II" - 07/18/94 - TEASER 4. 3 CONTINUED: (2) ODO I've lived a very solitary life. FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER That's... unfortunate. But necessary as you'll learn in time. But now that part of your life is over, you're home. She extends her hand to Odo. MALE SHAPE-SHIFTER (to Female) What are you doing? FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER Take it. Odo hesitates. MALE SHAPE-SHIFTER But it's not time. He isn't ready. FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER (still looking at Odo) He's been gone too long. He needs to remember. If only for a moment. (to Odo; re: her hand) Don't be afraid. 4 OMITTED 5 NEW ANGLE (OPTICAL) Odo reaches out, clasps her hand, which MORPHS together with his into their natural liquid state. Odo is transfixed. A beat and then the Female Shape-shifter breaks the grasp and their hands MORPH back into humanoid form, leaving Odo in somewhat of a trance. KIRA Odo... Odo? (to Female Shape-shifter) What did you do to him? FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER I allowed him to experience the link. DEEP SPACE: "THE Search, II" - 07/18/94 - TEASER 5. 5 CONTINUED: Kira shakes Odo slightly, trying to bring him back from wherever he's gone. KIRA Odo... Odo gazes over at Kira. He's back. ODO Yes, Major. KIRA Are you all right? What happened? ODO I'm not sure. But I know one thing... they're right. I am home. And for the first time in a long while, Odo smiles. FADE OUT. END OF TEASER DEEP SPACE: "THE Search, II" - 07/19/94 - ACT ONE 6. ACT ONE FADE IN: (NOTE: Episode credits fall over opening scenes) 6 INT. SHUTTLE SISKO'S in the pilot's seat. BASHIR, eyes closed, is slumped in seat behind him. Both men are clearly the worse for wear. Sisko works the companel, then pauses a moment to collect his thoughts. SISKO Commander's Log, supplemental. It's been six days since we were forced to abandon the Defiant during the Jem'Hadar attack. We still don't know what happened to the rest of the crew. Doctor Bashir and I have plotted a course back to the wormhole but whether our shuttle can get us there is questionable at best. Our engines are failing, our external sensors are barely functioning and life support systems are at twenty percent and dropping. BASHIR (eyes still closed) But other than that we couldn't be in better shape. He opens his eyes and smiles over at Sisko. SISKO I thought you were sleeping. BASHIR From the sound of things I wish I were. SISKO Things could be worse. Suddenly the ship is jolted to a halt. DEEP SPACE: "THE Search, II" - 07/19/94 - ACT ONE 7. 6 CONTINUED: BASHIR I believe you. Sisko checks his panel. BASHIR You think it's some kind of tractor beam? SISKO Could be. I wish these sensors were working. The ship is jarred again. This time there's a LOUD METALLIC CLANGING as if something has just attached itself to the shuttle's hull. BASHIR Now what? As if in answer the back hatch begins to open. Both Sisko and Bashir pull phasers which they point at the hatch. SISKO (continuing) Wait until you have a clear shot. BASHIR Right. They wait tensely as the hatch slides open. 7 NEW ANGLE As O'BRIEN and DAX appear in the hatchway. They react to the weapons pointed in their direction. (Note: Behind them we see the shuttle has been brought into a Federation shuttlebay.) O'BRIEN (smiling) Don't shoot. We surrender. Sisko and Bashir break into grins. SISKO Chief... Dax. DEEP SPACE: "THE Search, II" - 07/19/94 - ACT ONE 8. 7 CONTINUED: BASHIR I don't believe it. We thought you'd been captured by the Jem'Hadar. DAX We had our doubts about ever seeing you again either, Julian. O'BRIEN We've been searching for you for days. SISKO What about the others? DAX (a beat; not hopeful) No sign of them yet. But we still have ships out looking for them. O'BRIEN Meanwhile, our orders are to get you back to D.S. Nine as soon as possible. DAX Big things are going on there Benjamin. I think you're in for a surprise. And off an intrigued Sisko... 8 EXT. SPACE - THE SHAPE-SHIFTER'S DARK WORLD (OPTICAL) 9 EXT. CEREMONIAL GARDEN An alien equivalent to a Japanese rock garden, meant to invoke tranquility among its visitors. Its pathways are filled with a variety of plants, rocks and benches, providing a wide range of shapes and textures. DEEP SPACE: "THE Search, II" - 07/19/94 - ACT ONE 9. 9 CONTINUED: Kira examines the landscape with wonder, but Odo is oblivious to the loveliness surrounding him. His gaze is off in the distance as if impatiently waiting someone's arrival. KIRA (re: the garden) This is beautiful. ODO (edgy) How long do they plan on making us wait here. KIRA It's only been a few hours. Odo harumphs. ODO I finally return home and I'm still treated like an outsider. KIRA Believe me, you're not the outsider here. I am. ODO You? KIRA I'm the one they don't trust, not you. FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER (O.S.) How perceptive, Major. 10 NEW ANGLE Kira turns to find the Female Shape-shifter entering the garden. FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER If our history has taught us anything it's to avoid contact with Solids whenever possible. KIRA Solids? DEEP SPACE: "THE Search, II" - 07/19/94 - ACT ONE 10. 10 CONTINUED: FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER Our name for mono-forms like yourself, who'll never know the joys of the great link. KIRA Well, Odo hasn't been able to "avoid contact" with us and he hasn't done too badly. ODO I doubt Starfleet Command would agree with you, Major. The Female Shape-shifter is aware she's discovered a source of tension between Odo and Kira. FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER (to Odo) Have you enjoyed living among the Solids? ODO At times... though I never really felt at home with them. FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER (smiling) That's because your home is with us. (to Kira) Unfortunately, I can't say the same about you. We have no place for you here. KIRA I don't intend to be staying long. (to Odo) There's a chance Sisko and the others survived the attack. I'll try contacting them from the shuttle. FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER I'm sorry, but we cannot allow any communications to be sent from the planet's surface. They could be traced back here. (a beat) We value our isolation. Anxious to avoid an argument, Odo answers for Kira. ODO Yes, of course. DEEP SPACE: "THE Search, II" - 07/18/94 - ACT ONE 11. 10 CONTINUED: (2) Odo looks to Kira who nods in agreement. Satisfied, the Female Shape-shifter gives Kira a dismissive glance and turns her attentions to Odo. FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER (pleasantly) Tell me, Odo, have you made good use of our arboretum? ODO (not sure what she means) In what way? FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER (surprised by his response) By assuming the various shapes surrounding you. ODO Why would I do that? FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER (as if explaining to a child) To become a thing is to know a thing. To assume its form... is to begin to understand its existence. ODO Understand it? How? A beat. The Female Shape-shifter studies Odo with sadness and sympathy. DEEP SPACE: "THE Search, II" - 07/19/94 - ACT ONE 12. 10 CONTINUED: (3) FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER Living among the Solids has damaged you far worse than I realized. It has left you ignorant of the gifts you possess. ODO (humbled) Then teach me what I need to know. FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER I'll do what I can. But in the end, this is another journey you must make on your own. And when it's over you will be ready to take your place in the great link. She reaches down and picks up a rock which she places in Odo's hand. Then she turns and walks out of the garden... 11 NEW ANGLE A stricken Odo watches her go. KIRA (gently) Odo. ODO I'd like to be alone if you don't mind. KIRA (understanding) All right. If you need me, I'll be in the shuttle trying to contact Sisko. (off Odo's reaction) Don't worry, when I was in the resistance I learned to camouflage subspace messages with quantum interference. I taught the method to Commander Sisko. If anyone intercepts the signal all they'll read is a slight elevation in background radiation. Odo trusts that Kira knows what she's doing. ODO Good luck. DEEP SPACE: "THE Search, II" - 07/22/94 - ACT ONE 13. 11 CONTINUED: KIRA You too. She leaves. HOLD on Odo as he contemplates the rock he holds in his hand. 12 INT. AIRLOCK CORRIDOR The airlock slides open as Sisko and Bashir EXIT, followed by O'Brien and Dax. 13 NEW ANGLE To include ADMIRAL NECHEYEV, who grants Sisko a rare smile. DEEP SPACE: "THE Search, II" - 07/22/94 - ACT ONE 14. 13 CONTINUED: NECHEYEV Well, Commander, it appears your mission was an even greater success than we hoped. SISKO So I'm told. Has the delegation from the Founders arrived on the station yet? NECHEYEV They're already meeting with representatives from the Federation Council and a dozen other Alpha Quadrant alliances. We're hoping to have a treaty signed within a matter of days. And we have you to thank for it. Sisko, Necheyev and the others start down the hall. SISKO It's Lieutenant Dax and Chief O'Brien who deserve most of the credit. O'BRIEN We were lucky the Jem'Hadar turned us over to the Founders. DAX We just had to convince them all that we were serious about peace. O'BRIEN Actually, it didn't take much convincing. SISKO I suppose the only question is, can we trust them? DEEP SPACE: "THE Search, II" - 07/18/94 - ACT ONE 15. 13 CONTINUED: (2) NECHEYEV It's a risk, I know. But both the Federation Council and Starfleet Command believe it's one worth taking. (a beat) By the way, Commander, one of the Founders asked to see you the moment you arrived on the station. SISKO (surprised) Asked to see me? NECHEYEV If you're not too busy. SISKO (intrigued) I think I can spare a few minutes. 14 INT. CREW QUARTERS CORRIDOR - MOMENTS LATER Sisko and Necheyev come around the corner. NECHEYEV I know we've had our differences Ben, but I want you to know what a fine job I think you... 15 NEW ANGLE As Sisko stops at the sight of a Jem'Hadar SOLDIER guarding the corridor. NECHEYEV It's all right, Commander. The Founders have asked that the Jem'Hadar handle security for them during their visit. SISKO Is that so? NECHEYEV If these talks were being held in the Gamma Quadrant we'd want our security people along. (a beat) Enjoy your meeting. DEEP SPACE: "THE Search, II" - 07/18/94 - ACT ONE 16. 15 CONTINUED: She continues down the hall, leaving Sisko to face the Jem'Hadar soldier. A beat and the Jem'Hadar steps away from the door allowing Sisko to enter. SISKO (with an edge) Thank you. JEM'HADAR (equally cold) You're welcome. 16 INT. QUARTERS As Sisko steps inside. 17 NEW ANGLE As BORATH, a male Founder, turns from the window. (The Founders have the same look as Eris who we met in "The Jem'Hadar"). BORATH Commander Sisko, come in. I've looked forward to meeting you. I am Borath. SISKO And you're one of the Founders? BORATH That's correct. You seem surprised. SISKO Not really. Only I hadn't realized until now that I've already met one of your people. BORATH You're referring to Eris, of course. Yes, she's one of us. Though she couldn't very well admit it while you were pointing a phaser at her. I'm glad to see you're not holding one now. SISKO Do I need one? DEEP SPACE: "THE Search, II" - 07/18/94 - ACT ONE 16A. 17 CONTINUED: BORATH Not at all. Sisko doesn't seem convinced. BORATH (continuing) You seem skeptical. DEEP SPACE: "THE Search, II" - 07/18/94 - ACT ONE 17. 17 CONTINUED: (2) SISKO Can you blame me? BORATH No. I realize you have no reason to trust the Dominion. But you must understand we were only trying to defend ourselves. SISKO From what? BORATH We felt threatened by your incursions into the Gamma Quadrant. SISKO And now? BORATH Commander, you risked your life to bring us a message of peace and friendship. We chose to accept your offer. Would you rather we refused? A beat. Sisko has to admit he's got him there. SISKO No. DEEP SPACE: "THE Search, II" - 07/18/94 - ACT ONE 18-19. 17 CONTINUED: (3) BORATH Good. Because believe me, Commander, an alliance between the Dominion and the Federation will be beneficial to both our people. 18 HOLD ON SISKO It's a lovely sentiment, but he's still having a hard time buying into it. FADE OUT. END OF ACT ONE DEEP SPACE: "THE Search, II" - 07/19/94 - ACT TWO 20. ACT TWO FADE IN: 19 INT. PROMENADE - SECOND LEVEL Bashir is walking past the crossover bridge when GARAK spots him and approaches. GARAK Doctor, welcome back. BASHIR Thank you, Garak. It's good to be back. (a beat) Business keeping you busy? GARAK You mean the tailoring business, or the spy business? (off Bashir's reaction) I'm joking, of course. BASHIR Of course. The men continue walking. GARAK I've missed you, Doctor. I admit I was very concerned for your safety. Lunch just hasn't been the same without you. BASHIR That's very kind of you to say, Garak. Hopefully things can start getting back to normal around here. GARAK Oh, I doubt that's going to happen Doctor. I doubt that very much. BASHIR And why is that? GARAK There's an old saying on Cardassia, "Enemies make dangerous friends." And I fear the Dominion is going to make a very dangerous friend indeed. DEEP SPACE: "THE Search, II" - 07/19/94 - ACT TWO 20A. 19 CONTINUED: BASHIR I take it you're referring to the peace talks. GARAK Exactly. (a beat) I'm afraid these treaty negotiations are a mistake we'll live to regret. BASHIR Is that your opinion or the opinion of the Cardassian Central Command? They start down the stairs to the first level of the Promenade. GARAK The former I assure you. The Central Command is very much in favor of this treaty. Which, as far as I'm concerned, only justifies my fears. 19A INT. PROMENADE as Bashir and Garak step off the stairs onto the first level. BASHIR Well I, for one, hope you're worrying about nothing... 19B NEW ANGLE SUB-COMMANDER T'RUL EXITS the Infirmary. A small bandage covers a wound on her hand. BASHIR Sub-Commander T'Rul, are you all right? T'RUL I'm fine. I had a minor disagreement with some Starfleet security officers. They refused to allow me to speakwith the Federation's negotiating team. DEEP SPACE: "THE Search, II" - 07/18/94 - ACT TWO 20B. 19B CONTINUED: BASHIR What did you want to talk to them about? T'RUL I wanted to protest the exclusion of the Romulan Empire from the treaty negotiations. BASHIR I wasn't aware the Romulans had been excluded. T'RUL Every great power in the Alpha Quadrant has been invited to participate except for us. BASHIR There must be some mistake. T'RUL The mistake is thinking the Romulan empire will stand by and allow such a betrayal to go unchallenged. Believe me Doctor, if a treaty is signed without our approval, it will mean war. And with that T'Rul storms away. GARAK Still feel I'm worrying about nothing, Doctor? Bashir isn't quite so sure anymore. 20 INT. SHUTTLE Kira is working the companel. (Note: the ship is still on the planet's surface.) KIRA Computer, transmit a subspace signal using a narrow theta band frequency shifted into a background radiation domain. COMPUTER VOICE Working. KIRA (to herself) I hope you're out there, Commander. DEEP SPACE: "THE Search, II" - 07/18/94 - ACT TWO 20C. 20 CONTINUED: COMPUTER VOICE Unable to transmit signal due to external interference. KIRA Switch to theta band "B." COMPUTER VOICE Switching. Unable to transmit signal due to external interference. KIRA Okay. Switch to theta band "C." COMPUTER VOICE Switching. Unable to transmit signal. External interference at all frequencies. KIRA Identify source of interference. COMPUTER VOICE Interference generated by thermal radiation from a subterranean power source. DEEP SPACE: "THE Search, II" - 07/18/94 - ACT TWO 21. 20 CONTINUED: (2) KIRA Locate power source. COMPUTER VOICE Power source is located four kilometers beneath the planet's surface, coordinates one-two-seven mark three. KIRA Can you identify? COMPUTER VOICE Unable to identify due to an unknown poly-metallic substance within the surrounding rock. 21 NEW ANGLE As a somber Odo ENTERS the shuttle. ODO Any luck, Major? KIRA There's some kind of power source interfering with my signal. Any idea what it can be? ODO I haven't a clue. Kira studies Odo. His depression is palpable. KIRA Are you all right? ODO I've just spent the last two hours shape-shifting. Rocks, flowers, trees... I've been everything in that garden. KIRA And? ODO And nothing. Oh, I can become a rock all right, but I have no more of an idea what it's like to be a rock than I did before. DEEP SPACE: "THE Search, II" - 07/19/94 - ACT TWO 22. 21 CONTINUED: KIRA I'm not sure I know what that means. ODO I'm not sure either. And that's... unfortunate. (a beat) Now, if you'll excuse me I have to return to my bucket. He takes his bucket and EXITS the shuttle. We hold on Kira's reaction to his plight. 22 EXT. LAKESHORE - FIFTEEN MINUTES LATER (OPTICAL) Kira stands before the lake of shape-shifters. KIRA (calling out) Hello? I need to talk to one of you... (a beat) Can anyone hear me? We hold on Kira as we hear a MORPH SOUND EFFECTS cue then -- 22A NEW ANGLE To reveal the male Shape-shifter standing behind her. MALE SHAPE-SHIFTER We hear you, Major. But please be brief. We find the humanoid shape to be... awkward. KIRA I won't keep you long. It's about Odo. He needs your help. MALE SHAPE-SHIFTER How would you have us help him? KIRA By talking to him... telling him what he needs to know. MALE SHAPE-SHIFTER In time all his questions will be answered. KIRA And when will that be? DEEP SPACE: "THE Search, II" - 07/18/94 - ACT TWO 23. 22A CONTINUED: MALE SHAPE-SHIFTER When he's ready to hear them. KIRA And you'll be the ones to decide that? MALE SHAPE-SHIFTER Who better? After all, he's one of us. We know him. KIRA I "know him" too. MALE SHAPE-SHIFTER Do you? KIRA I'm his friend. The male Shape-shifter steps closer to Kira, and when he speaks it is with a cold animosity. MALE SHAPE-SHIFTER You're a solid. All you have ever done is teach him how to be like you. KIRA That's not true. MALE SHAPE-SHIFTER Isn't it? If you really cared about your friend you'd stop interfering and let us do what's best for him. (a beat) It's time you went home, Major. Odo no longer requires your presence here. 23 OMITTED 24 HOLD ON KIRA Pondering his words. DEEP SPACE: "THE Search, II" - 07/18/94 - ACT TWO 24. 25 INT. COMMANDER'S OFFICE Sisko working at his desk. DAX (COM VOICE) Commander. Admiral Necheyev is here to see you. SISKO Send her in. 26 NEW ANGLE As Necheyev ENTERS. NECHEYEV You asked to see me, Commander? SISKO I understand that the Romulans haven't been invited to the peace talks. NECHEYEV That's correct. SISKO I was wondering what prompted that decision. NECHEYEV The Founders requested that they be excluded. SISKO Did they say why? NECHEYEV They felt the Romulans would be a disruptive influence. SISKO More disruptive than the Cardassians? NECHEYEV They seemed to think so. Do you have a problem with this, Commander? Sisko rises from his seat. DEEP SPACE: "THE Search, II" - 07/18/94 - ACT TWO 25. 26 CONTINUED: SISKO Whether I have a problem with it isn't the point. It's the Romulans we have to worry about. NECHEYEV Commander, if this treaty is signed, and I'm confident it will be, we'll never have to worry about the Romulans again. SISKO You're sure of that. NECHEYEV Quite sure. After all, what chance would they have against the combined power of our new alliance? SISKO (has to admit it) They wouldn't have much of a chance at all. NECHEYEV I'm glad we agree. Believe me, Commander, the Federation carefully weighed all the options before entering into these peace talks. SISKO I realize that. NECHEYEV Then we have nothing further to discuss, do we? Hold on Sisko who's still concerned, despite Necheyev's reassurances. 27 EXT. SPACE - THE SHAPE-SHIFTER'S WORLD (OPTICAL) Re-establish. DEEP SPACE: "THE Search, II" - 07/19/94 - ACT TWO 26. 28 EXT. CEREMONIAL GARDEN - NIGHT (OPTICAL) The Female Shape-shifter is seated before an ornate water fountain we haven't seen before. She studies it carefully, pleased with what she's seeing. She runs her hand through the water. FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER (addressing the fountain) That's very good, Odo. Now don't worry about holding your shape... you will. Just let go. Allow yourself to feel the texture of the stone, the warmth of the water. Allow it to become real to you. A beat then the fountain begins to MORPH back into Odo. (Note: we only see the beginning of the morph.) 28A ANGLE - FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER WATCHING ODO MORPH FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER How do you feel? 29 thru OMITTED 30 31 ODO who has MORPHED back into his humanoid form. ODO Like a baby learning to walk. (off her look) It's a Solids expression. FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER You have lived among them too long. DEEP SPACE: "THE Search, II" - 07/19/94 - ACT TWO 27. 31 CONTINUED: ODO Why do you dislike humanoids so much? I know they have their flaws, but I've found many of them to be kind, decent people. FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER Like Major Kira? ODO Yes, like Major Kira. FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER Then you've been more fortunate than most changelings. Odo is surprised to hear her use that name. ODO Changelings? FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER You recognize the term. ODO I've been called a changeling on occasion. FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER It's a name given to us by the Solids. They meant it as an insult, but in defiance we took it and made it our own. A beat. Odo presses her to continue. ODO Go on... please. She hesitates but is unable to refuse Odo's need for answers. FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER The great link tells us that long ago our people used to roam the stars, searching out other races, so that we could add to our knowledge of the galaxy. We went in peace, but too often we were met with suspicion, hatred and violence. DEEP SPACE: "THE Search, II" - 07/18/94 - ACT TWO 28. 31 CONTINUED: (2) ODO Why? FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER The solids feared our metamorphic abilities. We were hunted, beaten, killed. Finally we arrived here. And here... (a beat) ... safe in our isolation we made our home. ODO Tell me... why was I sent away? FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER Because even in our solitude we desired to learn more about the galaxy. You were one of a hundred "infants" we sent off to gain that knowledge for us. ODO But how could you be sure we'd find our way back here? FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER You had no choice. The urge to return home was implanted in your genetic makeup. (smiling) And now, thanks to the passageway, you're the first to return to us. We were not expecting you so soon. ODO When were you expecting me? FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER Not for another three hundred years. Each revelation seems to cut deeper into Odo. DEEP SPACE: "THE Search, II" - 07/18/94 - ACT TWO 29. 31 CONTINUED: (3) ODO How long was I away? FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER A long time. (a beat) But all that matters now is that you're back. ODO It's... different then I imagined it would be. FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER Whatever you imagined... I promise it will be better. 32 NEW ANGLE (OPTICAL) She tentatively reaches out and takes his hand. They stare at one another slowly arriving at a mutual consent. Their joined hands MORPH into a gelatinous state, but this time it doesn't stop there. They reach out for each other with their free hands and MORPH them together as well. Moving closer they MORPH torsos which undulate in liquid rhythm. Joined as one, only their heads retain humanoid form. But after a few moments they too melt together. HOLD for a beat on this column of swaying shape-shifters and then... FADE OUT. END OF ACT TWO DEEP SPACE: "THE Search, II" - 07/19/94 - ACT THREE 30. ACT THREE FADE IN: 33 EXT. CEREMONIAL GARDENS - NIGHT Kira ENTERS, her conversation with the shape-shifter still weighing heavily upon her. KIRA (looking around) Odo, are you here? She begins examining various flora and fauna, thinking that perhaps Odo is practicing his shape-shifting. KIRA Odo? I'm going to try to track down the source of the interference. If I can't find it and neutralize it, I'll have to leave here and try to find Sisko and the others. (a beat; saying good-bye) I'm glad you finally made it home, Odo. I know things are going to work out fine for you and... Kira suddenly stops as she realizes she's been addressing the last part of her speech to a large bush. KIRA I don't believe this... I'm talking to a tree. You're probably not even here are you? She waits for an answer. There isn't one. It takes a beat for her to accept this, and then she turns and walks out of the garden. 33 thru OMITTED 35 DEEP SPACE: "THE Search, II" - 07/19/94 - ACT THREE 31. 36 INT CAVERN As Kira ENTERS. She looks around the cavern and comes upon a large metal door embedded in the rock face. A complicated lock system is visible on the frame. KIRA (to herself) Why would Shape-shifters need a door? She tries to scan the door with her tricorder but has trouble getting a reading - she hits her combadge. KIRA Kira to shuttle computer. Scan the area dead ahead of me for a hundred meters. COMPUTER COM VOICE Unable to penetrate due to interference. A cursory check of the locking mechanism is enough to convince Kira there's no way she's getting past that door. 37 INT. QUARK'S O'Brien and Bashir are seated together talking. QUARK, carrying a tray with drinks weaves his way through a crowd that includes a couple of Jem'Hadar soldiers gathered around a dabo table. QUARK Excuse me, pardon me... after you... look out... coming through... Quark arrives at O'Brien and Bashir's table. QUARK Sorry to keep you waiting gentleman. That's two synthales. On the house. He places the drinks in front of them. O'Brien and Bashir are surprised by Quark's uncharacteristic generosity. O'BRIEN What's put you in such a good mood? DEEP SPACE: "THE Search, II" - REV. 07/26/94 - ACT THREE 32. 37 CONTINUED: QUARK (confidentially) I have inside information that the peace agreement is about to be finalized. BASHIR And where did you get this information, from one of your "friends" on the Federation Council? QUARK If you must know, I overheard two Jem'Hadar officers. BASHIR And you believed them? QUARK I don't see why not. (dismissive) Oh, I know we got off to a rocky start but they're not so bad, really. (a beat; pleased) I think they have the gene. O'BRIEN What gene? QUARK The gambling gene. They've barely been on the station a week and already they can't drag themselves away from the dabo table. BASHIR How fortunate for you. Quark places a hand on each of their shoulders. QUARK How fortunate for all of us. You see, I have a dream. A dream that one day all people... human... DEEP SPACE: "THE Search, II" - 07/19/94 - ACT THREE 33. 37 CONTINUED: (2) QUARK (Cont'd) Jem'Hadar... Cardassian... Ferengi, will stand together in peace... around my dabo tables. Quark stares off into the distance as if he could already hear a waterfall of latinum pour down around him. BASHIR You're a regular visionary, Quark. QUARK I am, aren't I? O'Brien leans back to drain his glass just as a JEM'HADAR OFFICER bumps into his chair. JEM'HADAR OFFICER You're in my way. O'BRIEN (bristling at the Jem'Hadar's tone) Sorry. He goes to move his chair closer to the table, but the Jem'Hadar lashes out and flips the chair and O'Brien onto the floor. Bashir leaps up from his seat. BASHIR (to the Jem'Hadar) Now look here... But before he can continue, O'Brien gets to his feet and barrels past. O'BRIEN Out of my way... O'Brien and the Jem'Hadar go crashing over a table. QUARK Gentlemen please... remember my vision. 38 NEW ANGLE As O'Brien and the Jem'Hadar have it out. O'Brien puts up a good fight but he's clearly outmatched. Bashir tries to come to O'Brien's aid. DEEP SPACE: "THE Search, II" - 07/22/94 - ACT THREE 34. BASHIR That's enough. He struggles with the Jem'Hadar soldier, breaking the soldier's grip on O'Brien, who slumps to the floor. The Jem'Hadar turns and grabs Bashir by the throat. As Bashir struggles to free himself... 39 NEW ANGLE SECURITY CHIEF EDDINGTON and another Security Officer ENTER the bar. EDDINGTON All right. What's going on here? The Jem'Hadar releases his grip on Bashir, who immediately begins to examine the badly beaten O'Brien. JEM'HADAR OFFICER (re: O'Brien) He addressed me in a disrespectful tone. BASHIR That's a lie. EDDINGTON Easy Doctor. We're all friends here. BASHIR (re: the Jem'Hadar) Tell him that. Eddington turns to the Jem'Hadar, but when he speaks to him it's with an almost submissive demeanor. EDDINGTON I'll see this doesn't happen again. JEM'HADAR OFFICER I expect you will. And with that the Jem'Hadar walks out of the bar. BASHIR That's it? You're just going to let him walk away? DEEP SPACE: "THE Search, II" - 07/19/94 - ACT THREE 35. 39 CONTINUED: EDDINGTON Our orders are to give the Jem'Hadar a wide berth. BASHIR I know what the orders say. But he attacked Chief O'Brien. We have rules here against that sort of thing. EDDINGTON I'm aware of station regulations, Doctor. However, the Jem'Hadar are not. We have to allow them some time to get used to our customs. BASHIR (outraged) And in the meantime, they're free to do whatever they want? EDDINGTON Remember that before you get into another brawl with them. Eddington nods to the other Security Officer and together they EXIT, leaving an angry Bashir to tend to O'Brien. 40 INT. SISKO'S QUARTERS Sisko and Jake are seated at the dinner table. Jake keeps glancing over at his dad, who has barely touched his food. JAKE Dad, pass me the potatoes. Sisko doesn't respond. JAKE Dad? SISKO (snapping out of it) Yes, Jake. JAKE The potatoes? SISKO (realizing) Oh. DEEP SPACE: "THE Search, II" - 07/18/94 - ACT THREE 36. 40 CONTINUED: He hands over the bowl. JAKE Dad is something wrong? SISKO Not really. I'm just a little preoccupied that's all. It's these Dominion negotiations... JAKE What about them? SISKO It's all happening behind closed doors. I guess I feel like I've been cut out of the loop. JAKE (probing) No, it's more than that. There's something going on, isn't there? Sisko finds Jake's response odd. SISKO Like what? JAKE You tell me. Sisko isn't sure what Jake's fishing for, but before he can ask, the door CHIMES. SISKO Come in. 41 NEW ANGLE As Dax storms in holding a PADD. DAX Benjamin, did you know about this? SISKO Know about what? DAX I've been transferred to the Lexington. I'm their new Science Officer. DEEP SPACE: "THE Search, II" - 07/19/94 - ACT THREE 37. 41 CONTINUED: SISKO There must be some mistake. DAX I have the orders right here. SISKO Let me see that. He takes the PADD from her. Reads it. SISKO I don't believe it. BASHIR'S COM VOICE Bashir to Sisko. SISKO (to com) Go ahead Doctor. BASHIR'S COM VOICE Commander, I need to talk to you about the Jem'Hadar. Sisko and Dax exchange looks wondering what else could go wrong. 42 OMITTED 43 INT. BORATH'S QUARTERS Sisko bursts in on Admiral Necheyev and Borath, who are looking over some PADDS. SISKO (interrupting) I want to know what the hell is going on. NECHEYEV (not thrilled with Sisko's tone) Commander, I don't appreciate your barging in here... DEEP SPACE: "THE Search, II" - 07/18/94 - ACT THREE 38. 43 CONTINUED: SISKO (not interested) I want to know why my Science Officer's been transferred without my consent, I want to know why my Chief of Operations is lying in the Infirmary while the Jem'Hadar who beat him is free to walk the station, and I want to know why the Federation is willing to risk a war with the Romulans to form an alliance with a group of people we hardly know and barely trust. NECHEYEV Are you finished? SISKO I haven't even begun. BORATH Admiral, I think you should tell Commander Sisko what he wants to know. Necheyev thinks about it for a moment before answering. NECHEYEV All right. I suppose he deserves to be the first to hear the news. SISKO What news? NECHEYEV The Federation is pulling out of this sector. All Starfleet personnel currently stationed on D.S. Nine will be reassigned to other posts. Yourself included. SISKO (stunned) What about Bajor? NECHEYEV Our plans for Bajor are on hold for the time being. From now on Bajor will be the Dominion's responsibility. They'll be running this station. DEEP SPACE: "THE Search, II" - 07/18/94 - ACT THREE 39. 43 CONTINUED: (2) SISKO (incredulous) Are you telling me the Bajorans have agreed to this? BORATH We're confident they'll have no objection. SISKO And if they do object, what then? You send in the Jem'Hadar? BORATH The Jem'Hadar are used only against our enemies. (a beat) Bajor will be protected, Commander. We'll see to it. SISKO (to Necheyev) What about the wormhole? Do they get to protect that too? NECHEYEV It's the price of peace, Benjamin. SISKO Well, if you ask me the price is too damn high. What's the Federation supposed to get out of all this? BORATH Our friendship. Isn't that enough? NECHEYEV And you Benjamin, get a promotion. (a beat) Captain Sisko. That's an important step toward that Admiralcy you've always wanted. But Sisko isn't interested in promotions at the moment. SISKO Admiral, I'd like a chance to speak to the Federation negotiating team before this treaty is signed. DEEP SPACE: "THE Search, II" - 07/19/94 - ACT THREE 40. 43 CONTINUED: (3) NECHEYEV It's too late for that Ben. The treaty was signed late this afternoon. The news hits Sisko hard. BORATH It's the beginning of a new era, Commander. (smiling) And you helped make it possible. Congratulations. 44 HOLD ON SISKO That's not a very comforting thought at the moment. FADE OUT. END OF ACT THREE DEEP SPACE: "THE Search, II" - 07/19/94 - ACT FOUR 41. ACT FOUR FADE IN: 45 EXT. CEREMONIAL GARDEN Kira is seated on a bench, waiting. A bird flies down out of the sky and lands in front of her. Hold on Kira as we hear the MORPH SOUND EFFECTS cue, then cut to... 46 SMILING ODO Who has MORPHED back to humanoid form o.s. This is probably the most outwardly happy we've ever seen him. KIRA (a greeting) Odo, I've been waiting for you... ODO (interrupting) Major, I just had the most... remarkable experience. For a few moments I actually felt what it was like to be an Arbazan Vulture. The air currents beneath my wings, the exhilaration of soaring above the treetops... it was all very stimulating. KIRA I'm happy for you. ODO I know you are. KIRA So, I guess you'll be staying here a while? Awkward silence descends on them. This isn't easy for either of them. ODO I've enjoyed working with you, Major. KIRA I've enjoyed working with you, too. DEEP SPACE: "THE Search, II" - 07/18/94 - ACT FOUR 42. 46 CONTINUED: KIRA (a beat) But before we say good-bye, I'm going to need your help one last time. ODO Certainly. KIRA Remember that power source I was telling you about? ODO The one preventing you from trying to contact Commander Sisko... KIRA Well, I've found it. ODO And what did it turn out to be? KIRA I couldn't tell. There's a door blocking my path. I need you to help me get it open. ODO What kind of door? KIRA It's composed of some kind of metal the tricorder couldn't identify. But other than that it's an ordinary door. Odo puzzles that one over. ODO That's odd. My people have no need for doors. They dislike taking humanoid form. KIRA I know. ODO Then who could be using it? DEEP SPACE: "THE Search, II" - REV. 07/26/94 - ACT FOUR 43-44. 46 CONTINUED: (2) That's the same question Kira's been asking herself. 47 OMITTED 48 INT. REPLIMAT Garak is walking by when he spots a solemn Sisko seated alone drinking a raktajino. Garak joins him. GARAK Ah, Commander. I was hoping to see you before you left. I wanted to tell you how impressed I've been with you the last two years. You've run this station with strength, dignity and compassion. Well done. Sisko looks over at Garak who seems to be speaking, for once, from the heart. SISKO Thank you, Mister Garak. DEEP SPACE: "THE Search, II" - 07/26/94 - ACT FOUR 45. 48 CONTINUED: GARAK Oh, I'm sure you'll be back before long. Though from what I've heard, it'll be to fight against Bajor. SISKO I've heard the same rumors. That Bajor has forged a pact with the Romulans to make a stand against the Jem'Hadar. (a beat) And their allies. GARAK The Bajorans have fought for their freedom before. It makes sense that they would fight for it again. SISKO So much for my "peace" mission. GARAK Do I detect a note of bitterness in your voice? SISKO I wouldn't be surprised. GARAK If it makes you feel better, I happen to share your feelings about the Dominion treaty. (a beat) I've given it a great deal of thought, and the only explanation I can find is that our leaders have simply gone insane. They share a smile. SISKO It seems that way. GARAK Unfortunately, there's nothing you or I can do about it. DEEP SPACE: "THE Search, II" - 07/19/94 - ACT FOUR 45A. 48 CONTINUED: (2) SISKO (not totally convinced that's true) I suppose not. DEEP SPACE: "THE Search, II" - 07/19/94 - ACT FOUR 46. 48 CONTINUED: (3) GARAK After all, you have your orders and as for me, I would never dream of opposing the wishes of the Central Command. (a beat) A pity. Sisko looks over at Garak, aware that they're both on the same side here. SISKO I agree. (a beat) That it's a pity. GARAK I thought you would. SISKO Mister Garak, I never knew we thought so much alike. GARAK Life is full of surprises, Commander. Suddenly there's a commotion from further down the Promenade. 49 NEW ANGLE (OPTICAL) As T'Rul races through the crowd. She spots Sisko and Garak and makes for them. T'RUL Commander Sisko... Sisko rises just as two Jem'Hadar soldiers, weapons drawn, appear behind her. JEM'HADAR There she is. One soldier raises his weapon. SISKO No. The soldier fires, T'Rul is hit in the back and collapses into Sisko's arms. Sisko lowers her body onto the ground. DEEP SPACE: "THE Search, II" - REV. 07/26/94 - ACT FOUR 47. 49 CONTINUED: As the two triumphant Jem'Hadar soldiers reach the Replimat an outraged Sisko leaps up and grabs a rifle away from one of them. Sisko rams the rifle butt into the soldier's stomach, then pivots and bashes the second in the face with the barrel. But the first soldier is able to slip around Sisko and hit him from behind. Sisko goes down. 50 HOLD ON GARAK watching grimly. 51 thru OMITTED 52 53 INT. SECURITY OFFICE Dax, Bashir and Garak ENTER. Eddington looks up from his desk. EDDINGTON Can I help you? DEEP SPACE: "THE Search, II" - 07/19/94 - ACT FOUR 48. 53 CONTINUED: DAX We're here to see Commander Sisko. EDDINGTON Sorry, my orders are no one sees him. BASHIR But we're here on urgent business. EDDINGTON You'll have to talk to Admiral Necheyev. She's in charge here until the Jem'Hadar... Garak suddenly reaches out and shoves a Cardassian hypospray against Eddington's arm. Eddington slumps onto the desk. Dax and Bashir look at Garak. GARAK I'm sorry, but we are rushed for time. Neither Dax nor Bashir are about to argue the point. DAX I'll get Sisko. She heads for the holding area. GARAK (re: Eddington) Doctor, if you'd be so kind as to take his legs. Together they lift the unconscious Eddington and lie him down out of sight of the door. BASHIR If I didn't know better, I'd say you were enjoying this, Garak. GARAK Not at all Doctor. Though I admit, after years of hemming dresses, a little action does seem a welcome change of pace. DEEP SPACE: "THE Search, II" - 07/18/94 - ACT FOUR 49. 53 CONTINUED: (2) SISKO (O.S.) I hope you'll still feel the same way an hour from now. 54 NEW ANGLE As Sisko and Dax ENTER the Security Office. SISKO First thing we have to do is get our hands on a runabout. DAX It's already taken care of Benjamin. The Chief is waiting for us at landing pad "C" with the Rio Grande, and a full complement of photon torpedoes. SISKO (impressed) How did you know we'd be needing photon torpedoes? DAX Because I know you. You want to make sure the Dominion stays on their side of the galaxy. The only way to do that is to collapse the entrance to the wormhole. SISKO I'm glad we're all in agreement. A silent beat. This is a big step for them to take, but there seems to be no alternative. BASHIR (lightly) Well, I guess this means the end of our Starfleet careers. GARAK I wouldn't worry about that, Doctor. DAX That's easy for you to say. DEEP SPACE: "THE Search, II" - REV. 07/26/94 - ACT FOUR 50. 54 CONTINUED: GARAK You misunderstand me, Lieutenant. All I meant was it's foolish to worry about your careers at a time like this. After all there's a good chance we're all about to be killed. Hold on our crewmembers as Garak's words hit home. FADE OUT. END OF ACT FOUR DEEP SPACE: "THE Search, II" - 07/19/94 - ACT FIVE 51. ACT FIVE FADE IN: 55 INT. CAVERNS (OPTICAL) Kira and Odo are standing in front of the door. Odo studies it closely. ODO Interesting. Judging from this locking mechanism the purpose of this door is not to keep people out. But rather to keep whatever's on the other side in. KIRA Do you think you can get it open? ODO We'll see. Odo places his hand up against the locking mechanism and then MORPHS it into whatever shape is necessary to fit the locks. 56 INT. DEEP SPACE NINE CORRIDOR (OPTICAL) On the move with Sisko, Dax, Bashir and Garak as they head for landing pad "C." Suddenly two Jem'Hadar appear around the corner. JEM'HADAR SOLDIER Halt. Put down your weapons. Without missing a beat Garak points his phaser at Sisko and the others. GARAK By all means Commander, do as he says. DEEP SPACE: "THE Search, II" - 07/18/94 - ACT FIVE 52. 56 CONTINUED: BASHIR Garak? GARAK You heard me Doctor. Sisko and the others toss down their weapons. GARAK Good. Garak moves towards the Jem'Hadar soldiers, his phaser held loosely by his side. GARAK I'm glad to see everything's going according to plan. The Jem'Hadar seem as surprised by Garak's action as our heroes do. JEM'HADAR SOLDIER What plan is that? GARAK Didn't anyone tell you? You see, I pretend to be their friend... and then I shoot you. And before the Jem'Hadar soldiers can react Garak raises his weapon and blows them both away. Sisko, Dax and Bashir quickly retrieve their weapons. SISKO Well done Garak. GARAK Just something I read once in a book. BASHIR I'm sure. 57 ANGLE GARAK (OPTICAL) As he's suddenly hit by a phaser blast that slams him back against a bulkhead. BASHIR Garak! DEEP SPACE: "THE Search, II" - 07/19/94 - ACT FIVE 53. 57A NEW ANGLE Sisko and Dax fire at the advancing Jem'Hadar soldiers driving them to cover as Bashir tries to administer to Garak. GARAK It looks like we won't be having lunch after all, Doctor. Garak dies. Bashir, refusing to accept Garak's death, continues to work on him. Sisko grabs hold of Bashir's arm. SISKO It's too late. Come on. He drags Bashir away while Dax provides covering fire. 58 INT. AIRLOCK CORRIDOR Sisko, Bashir and Dax race over to the airlock gate. Dax hits the control panel and the airlock gate swings open. 59 INT. AIRLOCK (OPTICAL) Dax ENTERS and begins programming the interior control panel as Sisko and Bashir rush in behind her. Sisko pauses to fire one last blast out the open gate. SISKO Move it, Lieutenant. DAX Right behind you. She finishes programming the control panel. The gate swings shut behind them, jamming shut with a gear-grinding CLANG. 60 INT. RUNABOUT O'Brien in the pilot's chair as Sisko, Bashir and Dax pile on board. SISKO Get us out of here, Chief. DEEP SPACE: "THE Search, II" - 07/19/94 - ACT FIVE 54. 60 CONTINUED: O'BRIEN What about Garak? BASHIR (grim) He's not coming. O'BRIEN (understands) Right. Hang on. 61 OMITTED 62 NEW ANGLE (OPTICAL) Sisko sits beside O'Brien; Dax and Bashir are seated behind them. O'BRIEN We'll reach the wormhole in thirty seconds. SISKO Prepare to launch photon torpedoes. DAX We're being hailed. It's Admiral Necheyev. Sisko works his panel. Necheyev and Borath appear on a monitor. NECHEYEV Commander, I'm ordering you to stand down. Return to the station immediately. SISKO I'm afraid I'm going to have to refuse that order. BORATH Please, Commander, don't make us send the Jem'Hadar after you. DEEP SPACE: "THE Search, II" - 07/19/94 - ACT FIVE 55. 62 CONTINUED: SISKO Go right ahead. But you'd better warn them not to expect any reinforcements for about seventy years. Sisko shuts off the monitor. 63 NEW ANGLE (OPTICAL) Through the cockpit window we see the wormhole flash into sight. 64 ANGLE - SISKO SISKO Attack pattern theta Mr. O'Brien. Then hard aport. O'BRIEN Yes, sir. 65 ANGLE - COCKPIT WINDOW (OPTICAL) Through which we see the photon torpedoes sail toward the gaping wormhole. 66 ANGLE - THE CREW (OPTICAL) As the wormhole explodes o.s. the blast rocks the runabout, the glare washing over the cockpit and whitening out the screen. 67 thru OMITTED 69 70 EXT. SPACE - THE SHAPE-SHIFTER'S WORLD (OPTICAL) 71 INT. CAVERNS Odo continues to work on the door's locking mechanism. We hear a loud tumbler CLICK. Odo nods in satisfaction. He pulls his hand out of the lock. It MORPHS back into its humanoid form. DEEP SPACE: "THE Search, II" - 07/18/94 - ACT FIVE 56. 71 CONTINUED: ODO Step back Major. Kira steps aside, allowing Odo to slowly swing open the door to reveal... three Jem'Hadar soldiers, weapons at the ready. 72 INT. THE TUNNEL Odo and Kira move down the dark passage, flanked by the Jem'Hadar soldiers. In the distance a light emanates from around a bend in the tunnel. Odo and Kira turn the corner only to halt in stunned surprise. DEEP SPACE: "THE Search, II" - 07/19/94 - ACT FIVE 57. 73 INT. CAVERN It's a small interrogation room. The crew of the Defiant, Sisko, Dax, O'Brien, Bashir and T'Rul are seated in a circle, eyes closed, small (TECH) devices attached to their heads. Borath and two other Vorta monitor the devices from a bank of consoles. Borath looks over at Kira and Odo; smiles. BORATH Please, come in. Kira and Odo approach their friends. KIRA Commander? Dax? BORATH They can't hear you. ODO What have you done to them? BORATH Nothing harmful. We're just conducting a little experiment. KIRA What kind of experiment? BORATH To see how they'd respond to an attempt by the Dominion to gain a foothold in the Alpha Quadrant. (a beat) We were curious to see how much they'd be willing to sacrifice to avoid a war. KIRA (looking over at her friends) And what have you found out? BORATH Unfortunately, they're proving to be as stubborn as I feared. ODO I'm glad to hear it. BORATH Are you? Well that is a problem. But, thankfully, it's not one I have to solve. DEEP SPACE: "THE Search, II" - 07/19/94 - ACT FIVE 58. FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER (O.S.) But I do. 74 NEW ANGLE As the Female Shape-shifter ENTERS the interrogation room. Odo is stunned to see her. ODO I don't understand. You knew about this? FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER Yes. ODO But how could you allow it? Kira thinks she knows the answer. KIRA (to Female Shape-shifter) You belong to the Dominion, don't you? FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER Belong to it? Major, the changelings are the Dominion. And now it becomes all too clear to Odo. ODO You're the Founders. FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER (proudly) Ironic isn't it, that the hunted now control the destinies of hundreds of other races. ODO But why "control" anyone? FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER Because what you control can't hurt you. So, many years ago we set ourselves the task of imposing order on a chaotic universe. DEEP SPACE: "THE Search, II" - 07/19/94 - ACT FIVE 59. 74 CONTINUED: KIRA (scornfully) Imposing order? Is that what you call it? I call it murder. FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER What you call it is no concern of ours. ODO (bewildered) But how do you justify the deaths of so many people? FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER The Solids have always been a threat to us. That's all the justification we need. ODO (re: Sisko and the others) But these Solids have never harmed you. They travel the galaxy looking to expand their knowledge. The same as you once did. FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER The Solids are nothing like us. Odo regards the Female Shape-shifter with an infinite sadness. ODO No, I suppose they're not. (a beat) And neither am I. (a beat) I've devoted my life to the pursuit of justice. But justice means nothing to you, does it?. FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER It's not justice you desire, Odo, it's order. The same as we do. And we can help you satisfy that desire in ways the Solids never could. (a beat) This will all become clear to you once you've taken your place in the great link. ODO (quietly firm) No. DEEP SPACE: "THE Search, II" - 07/18/94 - ACT FIVE 60. 74 CONTINUED: (2) ODO (a beat) I admit this link of yours is... enticing. But you see, I've already formed a link... with these people. (to Borath re: Sisko and the others) I want you to remove those devices, then bring them their combadges. Borath looks to the Female Shape-shifter for guidance. BORATH (to Female Shape-shifter) We can't allow them to leave. ODO (to Female Shape-shifter) And I can't allow you to keep them here. They're leaving and so am I. FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER It took you many years to find your way back home. Are you really willing to leave it again so soon? ODO Unless you intend to stop me. FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER No changeling has ever harmed another. ODO (hard) Until now. Because whatever you do to them you're going to have to do to me. A beat as the Female Shape-shifter studies Odo. Then she turns to Borath. FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER They're free to go. Borath hesitates. FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER (coldly) Do you question my decision? DEEP SPACE: "THE Search, II" - 07/19/94 - ACT FIVE 61. 74 CONTINUED: (3) BORATH (humbly) The Vorta serve the Founders, in all things. Borath and the other Vorta begin removing the devices from their prisoners. ODO (to Female Shape-shifter) Thank you. FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER (to Sisko and the prisoners) Next time, I promise you, we will not be so generous. Sisko and the others begin to stir as if waking from a deep sleep. SISKO (groggy) Constable? O'BRIEN What happened to the Rio Grande? DAX The last thing I remember is collapsing the wormhole. T'RUL The last thing I remember is being shot by some Jem'Hadar soldier. KIRA I'm sure it all seemed very real, but the truth is, you've been held in this room ever since the Jem'Hadar brought you here from the Defiant. Borath hands them their combadges. He hates letting them go, but has to follow his orders. SISKO Borath? (to Kira) What the hell is going on here? BORATH Your ship is in orbit. You may transport to it whenever you're ready. DEEP SPACE: "THE Search, II" - 07/19/94 - ACT FIVE 62. 74 CONTINUED: (4) Before Sisko can protest... ODO Return to the Defiant, Commander. I'll be along shortly. KIRA (to Sisko) Do as he says. I'll stay down here and see that he gets back to the ship. By now the others are aware of the Female Shape-shifter. BASHIR It's another Shape-shifter. ODO Commander, you must leave now. I promise you I'll explain everything later. Odo and Kira's urgent pleas are not lost on Sisko. He trusts their judgement enough to know if they say leave, it's best to go. SISKO I'll look forward to it, Constable. Odo and Kira step away from the other crewmembers. SISKO (hits combadge) Sisko to Defiant. Five to beam up. 75 NEW ANGLE (OPTICAL) Sisko and the other crewmembers DEMATERIALIZE. Odo and Kira remain with the Shape-shifters. 76 OMITTED 77 EXT. LAKESHORE Odo and the Female Shape-shifter face each other near the lake's edge. DEEP SPACE: "THE Search, II" - 07/18/94 - ACT FIVE 62A. 77 CONTINUED: Kira stands a respectful distance away. FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER I hope one day you'll return to us Odo, and take your rightful place within the Dominion. DEEP SPACE: "THE Search, II" - 07/19/94 - ACT FIVE 64. 78 CONTINUED: ODO I don't think that's possible. FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER Your link to the Solids won't last. You'll always be an outsider. ODO Being an outsider isn't so bad. It gives you a unique perspective. It's a pity you've forgotten that. FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER (with a smile) Then perhaps one day I'll come and visit you. The Alpha Quadrant seems wracked with chaos. It could use some order. ODO Imposing you're brand of order on the Alpha Quadrant may be more difficult than you imagine. FEMALE SHAPE-SHIFTER We're willing to wait until the time is right. (with regret) We will miss you Odo. But you will miss us even more. 78 NEW ANGLE (OPTICAL) And with a final look of farewell she MORPHS back into the lake. Odo stands alone by the lakeshore for a beat and then is joined by Kira. KIRA Odo? ODO I'm ready Major. DEEP SPACE: "THE Search, II" - 07/19/94 - ACT FIVE 64. 78 CONTINUED: Kira reaches out and takes Odo's hand in hers. He's surprised and touched by the gesture. KIRA (hits combadge) Kira to Defiant. Two to beam up. They DEMATERIALIZE. 79 INT. DEFIANT BRIDGE Odo and Kira walk in from the Corridor, having beamed in o.s. Everyone's glad to see them. Kira takes her seat. Sisko and Odo exchange a welcome nod. Then Sisko turns to Dax at the helm. SISKO (smiling) Take us home, Lieutenant. DAX (working helm) Yes, Sir. SISKO (to Odo) Constable, we have a lot to talk about. ODO You're right Commander, we do. 80 CLOSE ON ODO Aware he's sacrificed his dreams of home. But as painful as that sacrifice is, he's still satisfied he's made the right decision. 81 OMITTED FADE OUT. END OF ACT FIVE