STAR TREK:  DEEP SPACE NINE
                              
                       "The Assignment" 
                          #40510-504 
                              
                           Story by 
                 David Long & Robert Lederman 
                              
                          Teleplay by 
                David Weddle & Bradley Thompson 
                              
                          Directed by 
                         Allan Kroeker 

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 1996 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 This script is not for publication or 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
                        August 29, 1996

       STAR TREK: DS9   "The Assignment" - 08/29/96 - CAS

                  STAR TREK:  DEEP SPACE NINE
                       "The Assignment" 
                             CAST 

          SISKO                    ROM
          ODO                      WHATLEY
          BASHIR                   TEKOA
          DAX                      
          QUARK                    
          O'BRIEN                  
          WORF                     
          JAKE                     
          KEIKO                    
          MOLLY                    
          COMPUTER VOICE           

          Non-Speaking             Non-Speaking
          N.D. SUPERNUMERARIES     

      STAR TREK:  DS9 - "The Assignment" - 08/29/96 - SETS

                  STAR TREK:  DEEP SPACE NINE
                       "The Assignment" 
                             SETS 

          INTERIORS                     EXTERIORS

          DEEP SPACE NINE               DEEP SPACE NINE
          CARGO BAY                     
          CORRIDOR                      
          CRAWLWAY                      
          DOCKING RING CORRIDOR         
          HABITAT RING CORRIDOR         
          HOLDING CELL                  
          INFIRMARY                     
          LEVEL FIVE/CRAWLWAY           
          O'BRIEN'S QUARTERS/BEDROOM    
          OPS                           
          PROMENADE                     
          QUARK'S                       
          SURGERY                       
          SYSTEMS CORE/CROSSOVER CONDUIT
          TURBOLIFT                     
          UPPER PYLON                   
          WARDROOM                      

        RUNABOUT                      

  DEEP SPACE NINE -"The Assignment" - 09/03/96 - PRONUNCIATION 

                  STAR TREK:  DEEP SPACE NINE
                       "The Assignment" 
                      PRONUNCIATION GUIDE 

          ABDON                    AB-dun
          AMORAN                   uh-MORE-un
          CHRONITON                CRONE-eh-ton
          DAHKUR                   duh-KOOR
          DUARTE                   DWART-ay
          GRAVITIC                 GRA-vuh-tick
          IDRAN                    IH-drahn
          KOSS'MORAN               KOSS moe-RAN
          KOSST                    COST
          LITANA                   lee-TAN-uh
          NOGALIAN                 noe-GAL-ee-un
          NORI                     NOE-ree
          PAH-WRAITHS              PA-rayths
          Q'PAROL                  kuh-PAR-ul
          RAKTAJINO                ROCK-ta-GEE-no
          RUDELLIAN                roo-DAY-lee-un
          SHAAKAR                  sha-KAR
          TEKOA                    tah-KOE-uh

      DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Assign... " - REV. 09/12/96 - TEASER      1.

                  STAR TREK:  DEEP SPACE NINE                   
                           "The Assignment"                            
                            TEASER                              

	FADE IN:

Al   INT. QUARK'S

	It's early morning and the station is just coming to 
	life. QUARK, behind the bar, is going through his 
	opening rituals as his first customer, MORN, enjoys an 
	enormous and odd-looking breakfast. A few DABO GIRLS, 
	looking lovely, go through their preparations in the 
	background.

					QUARK 
			You know, Morn -- there's nothing 
			quite as invigorating as breakfast 
			in a bar. Where else can you get 
			raw slug livers first thing in the 
			morning?

	Morn shakes his head as ROM, with his usual good cheer, 
	ENTERS and plops onto a stool at the bar. This is 
	Rom's routine as well, and Quark has a bowl of gruel 
	prepared for him.

					ROM 
			What's this?

					QUARK 
			What do you mean, "what's this?" 
			It's puree of beetle.

					ROM 
			I didn't order it.

					QUARK 
			Of course you "didn't order it" -- 
			you don't need to order it. You 
			have it after work every morning.

					ROM 
			Well, I'm not having it this 
			morning. I'd like two eggs, over 
			easy with three strips of bacon 
			and a side of corned beef hash.

	Quark stares at his brother with disbelief.

					QUARK 
			What kind of breakfast is that?

      DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Assign... " - REV. 09/12/96 - TEASER     1A.

Al   CONTINUED:

					ROM 
			It's Chief O'Brien's breakfast of 
			choice.

					QUARK 
			That's the problem with working 
			alongside Hew-mons, you pick up 
			their disgusting habits. Bacon. 
			Corned beef hash...
				(winces) 
			What's next? Orange juice and 
			coffee?

					ROM
				(sounds good) 
			That might be nice.

	Quark shudders with disgust but begins preparing Rom's 
	"Hew-mon" breakfast.

					QUARK 
			I don't understand it. You gave 
			up a perfectly good job with me to 
			work on the station's waste 
			extraction system.

					ROM 
			A good waste extraction system is 
			important. Imagine where we'd be 
			without one.

					QUARK 
			Of course it's important -- but my 
			point is, you're not getting the 
			choice assignments. O'Brien's got 
			you on the night shift doing all 
			the work no one else wants to do.

					ROM
				(doesn't see the 
				problem) 
			I like my work.

      DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Assign... " - REV. 09/12/96 - TEASER     13.

Al   CONTINUED:	(2)

					QUARK 
			You like standing all night long, 
			knee-deep in waste, fixing some 
			broken flow regulator? When you 
			could be here --

	Quark places Rom's breakfast in front of him.

					QUARK 
			-- staring at half-naked dabo
			girls?

	Rom looks around the room considering his brother's 
	point. After a beat, it's clear Rom has no regrets.

					ROM 
			I have a good job. I'm proud of 
			the work I do.
				(building steam) 
			And I know that one day, Chief 
			O'Brien will recognize my efforts 
			and reward me with a position of 
			respect and responsibility. And
			why?
				(with finality) 
			Because that's just the way things 
			are... in Engineering.

	Quark stares at his brother, then moving off:

					QUARK
				(half to himself) 
			I'm sorry I brought it up.

	We hold on Rom as he digs into his breakfast.

      DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Assign... " - REV. 09/12/96 - TEASER     1C.

1    INT. O'BRIEN'S QUARTERS

	CLOSE ON a bonsai tree, stone dead. O'Brien's fingers 
	test the leaves. Lifeless, they crumble to the touch.

					O'BRIEN (O.S.) 
			They looked fine last night.

	PULL BACK TO REVEAL O'BRIEN and BASHIR standing in 
	front of a whole collection of ruined bonsai.

					BASHIR
			They don't look so fine now.

					O'BRIEN 
			I can't understand it... I've been 
			following Keiko's instructions to 
			the letter...

					BASHIR 
			They were dry as a bone when I 
			came by for you yesterday. I gave 
			them water, but I guess it wasn't 
			enough.

					O'BRIEN
			You watered them?

	O'Brien's dismay is sliding into anger.

					O'BRIEN 
			These are Idran hybrids. Too much 
			water rots their roots.

					BASHIR 
			Oh.

	MOLLY ENTERS, evaluates the damage with a critical eye.

					MOLLY
			Mommy's going to be mad.

      DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Assign... " - REV. 09/12/96 - TEASER      2.

1    CONTINUED:

	O'Brien and Bashir exchange a look of doom.

					O'BRIEN 
			I can't believe it. Keiko's been 
			gone for five days and we've 
			killed her plants.

					BASHIR
			She'll understand, won't she? 
			After all, they're just plants.


					O'BRIEN
			They're not "just plants" - 
			they're her bonsai trees.

	O'Brien picks up one of the plants, tries to prop up a 
	sagging branch. It falls off.

					O'BRIEN 
			She's nurtured them and cared for 
			them, carefully sculpted their 
			growth for... months... years.

					MOLLY 
			You're in trouble.

	But O'Brien refuses to let the panic take hold. 
	O'Brien sets the plant down, fixes his daughter with a 
	desperate smile.

					O'BRIEN 
			Molly, honey, listen... why don't 
			we both go to the airlock and 
			welcome Mommy back together. Then 
			after we've hugged and kissed her, 
			you can explain what happened.

					MOLLY
				(shaking her head) 
			Not me.

	O'Brien looks to Bashir.

					BASHIR 
			Don't look at me.

					O'BRIEN
			You killed her plants.

					BASHIR
			We killed them.

      DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Assign... " - REV. 09/12/96 - TEASER      3.

1    CONTINUED:	(2)

					BASHIR 
			But I think you're overreacting 
			to the situation. Keiko will 
			forgive you. After all, today's 
			your birthday, right?

					O'BRIEN
				(nodding) 
			So far, it's one I'd like to 
			forget.

					BASHIR 
			And Keiko's been away on Bajor -- 
			she's missed you. Bring her a 
			gift -- what's her favorite 
			chocolate?

					O'BRIEN
			Tellurian mint truffles. But I 
			still think you should be there 
			with me.

					BASHIR 
			You don't need me. You know how 
			to handle your own wife -- I've 
			seen you do it a thousand times. 
			Just say you're sorry and take 
			full responsibility. You'll be 
			fine.
				(a beat) 
			Besides, I'll be in surgery -- 
			operating.

	O'Brien doesn't believe him for a second.

					O'BRIEN 
			On who?

					BASHIR 
			I'll find somebody.

	Bashir smiles and EXITS before O'Brien can say another 
	word. After a beat, O'Brien turns to Molly, who picks 
	up her BAJORAN DOLL and silently EXITS into her room,
	the door CLOSES behind her. HOLD ON O'Brien for a 
	beat.

2    INT. UPPER PYLON (OPTICAL)

	KEIKO and O'Brien, standing in front of the viewing 
	port, holding an open box of Tellurian mint truffles.

     DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Assign... " - REV. .09/12/96 - TEASER     3A.

2    CONTINUED:

	Keiko is already enjoying a chocolate, her travel bag 
	sitting beside her. The beautiful starfield glitters 
	behind them.

					O'BRIEN
				(blurts) 
			It was Julian. He overwatered 
			them. He was trying to be helpful --
			but you know how he is, he doesn't 
			always know what he's doing.

	Outside the port, the wormhole opens.

					O'BRIEN 
			I'm sorry, sweetheart. We'll get 
			new ones.

					KEIKO
				(waves her hand) 
			Forget it, Miles. They're just 
			plants.

					O'BRIEN
				(laugh-gasp) 
			Exactly.

					KEIKO
			It's not as if something happened
			to Molly or the baby.

					O'BRIEN
			Right. Everyone's just fine. No 
			problems at all.

	Keiko licks the chocolate truffle from her fingers.

					KEIKO 
			Good. What about Kira - 
			is she back?

					O'BRIEN
			No, she's still with Shaakar 
			traveling around Dahkur Province. 
			I thought you were going to visit 
			them.

					KEIKO
			I didn't have a chance.

      DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Assign... " - REV. 09/12/96 - TEASER      4.

2    CONTINUED:	(2)

				O'BRIEN 
			So, how were the Fire Caves?

					KEIKO
			Fine. And now it's time for me to 
			tell you something.

	O'Brien's all ears.

					KEIKO 
			I'm not Keiko.

					O'BRIEN
				(thinking she's joking) 
			Then who are you?

	But Keiko is all business; she speaks calmly, in her 
	own voice.

					KEIKO 
			Listen carefully, Miles. I've 
			taken possession of your wife's 
			body and I will hold it hostage 
			until you've done everything I 
			tell you to do -- accurately, and 
			without question.

	O'Brien, still convinced Keiko is toying with him, 
	snuggles up to her.

					O'BRIEN 
			Everything?

					KEIKO
			If you don't do precisely what I 
			ask, I'll kill your wife.


	The smile disappears from O'Brien's face. He doesn't 
	understand what's going on with his wife, but he's 
	suddenly worried. He takes her hand, slides his 
	fingers down to her pulse, trying to stay casual.

					O'BRIEN 
			Maybe there's been an outbreak of 
			Rudellian brain fever on Bajor. 
			Let's go down and see Julian, so 
			he can...

     DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Assign... " - REV -.09/12/96 - TEASER      5.

2    CONTINUED:

					KEIKO
				(impassively) 
			I see you're going to need a 
			demonstration of my sincerity.

	She searches his eyes, then suddenly Keiko chokes, 
	collapses. O'Brien catches her, lowers her to the 
	deck. Her body convulses. As O'Brien tries to control 
	her thrashing, her eyes suddenly roll back and she's 
	still. O'Brien stares at her for a beat, then brings 
	his head down onto her chest, listens for her heart.

					O'BRIEN 
			No!

3    O'BRIEN'S HAND

	reaches for his combadge. Before he can touch it, 
	Keiko's hand snatches his wrist lightning-fast and 
	grips it with incredible force.

4    KEIKO

	rises from the floor, her eyes shining strangely.

					KEIKO 
			No, Miles. You're not telling 
			anyone. If you do, I'll stop her 
			heart... forever.

	And on O'Brien's frightened and confused expression, 
	we:

FADE OUT.

                         END OF TEASER                          

     DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Assign... " - REV. 09/12/96 - ACT ONE      6.
                            ACT ONE                             

	FADE IN:

	(NOTE: Episode credits fall over opening scenes)

5    INT. UPPER PYLON

	As before. O'Brien wrenches free of Keiko's grip and 
	stumbles backward, rubbing his wrist and staring at 
	her.

					O'BRIEN 
			If you're really in control of my 
			wife's body, let me speak to her.

					KEIKO
			She can "hear" whatever you want 
			to say.

	A thin line of blood trickles from Keiko's nose. She 
	ignores it.

					O'BRIEN 
			That's not good enough. I want to 
			talk to her -- I want her to talk 
			to me. 

	Keiko, unruffled, smiles and lifts her finger -- a 
	warning not to threaten her.

					KEIKO 
			You're in no position to make any 
			demands, Miles.

	The blood from her nose slowly drips down her upper 
	lip. She wipes the blood from her lip, fingers it with
 	fascination.

					KEIKO 
			Strange, these corporeal bodies of 
			yours. So fragile. Burst a tiny
			blood vessel in the brain and 
			every memory, every passionate 
			emotion...
				(smiles) 
			Gone forever.

	Keiko takes another mint truffle.

					KEIKO 
			You shouldn't let me eat all of 
			these by myself.

					O'BRIEN 
			I'm not hungry.

	Keiko finishes off the truffle. They stare at each 
	other a moment. The blood flow stops.

     DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Assign... " - REV. 09/12/96 - ACT ONE      7.

5    CONTINUED:

					O'BRIEN 
			Why don't you just tell me what 
			ou want me to do so we can get 
			this over with.

					KEIKO 
			Very well...

					O'BRIEN 
			But I want to make one thing clear --
			I won't do anything that'll 
			jeopardize this station or the 
			people on it.

					KEIKO 
			Don't worry, Miles. All I want 
			you to do is reconfigure some of 
			the communication and sensor
			relays on the station.

					O'BRIEN 
			What for?

	Keiko leads Miles into the turbolift.

					KEIKO 
			I can't tell you that.

	The turbolift doors close.

5A   INT. TURBOLIFT - CONTINUOUS

	Keiko stands near her husband.

					O'BRIEN 
				(to Keiko) 
			You're going to have to be 
			patient. The communication and 
			sensor relays are distributed 
			throughout the entire station.

	Keiko takes another mint truffle.

					KEIKO 
			You know your wife well, Miles. 
			But she knows you even better.

	O'Brien tries to remain poker-faced. Keiko smiles.

     DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Assign... " - REV. 09/12/96 - ACT ONE     7A.

5A CONTINUED:

					KEIKO 
			You're playing for time so you can 
			get to your friends. Dax, Julian,
			Captain Sisko -- I know they'll 
			all want to help you. 
				(pleasantly) 
			The captain may even allow you to 
			do what I'm asking -- at least 
			until someone can figure a way to 
			"trap me" in some kind of stasis 
			field or some other clever device 
			you're already dreaming up.

	Finishing the truffle.

     DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Assign... " - REV. 09/12/96 - ACT ONE      8.

5A CONTINUED:	(2)

					KEIKO 
			And you know what? It might work. 
			You might be able to stop me.
				(then cold and hard as
				steel)
			But I promise you one thing -- if
			you do, Keiko will die. All I
			need is a split second to cause a
			massive brain hemorrhage...
				(snapping her fingers)
			... and she's gone.

	O'Brien shifts uncomfortably; she's got him by the 
	short hairs.

					KEIKO 
			I realize this is a difficult 
			adjustment for you to make, but we 
			don't have a lot of time.

	O'Brien takes a deep breath.

					O'BRIEN
			What do you want me to do?

6    INT. O'BRIEN'S QUARTERS (OPTICAL)

	Station schematics FLASH ON O'Brien's desktop terminal, 
	as he and Keiko watch. one image stops, and 
	progressive zooms isolate a junction node.

					KEIKO 
			How long is this going to take?

					O'BRIEN 
			Two hours to make the 
			modifications and five or six 
			hours to cover my tracks.
				(off her look) 
			If I don't -- my crew will catch 
			on to what I'm doing before you 
			can say isolinear injunction.

	Keiko nods, pleased.

					KEIKO 
			I'm glad to see some of your good 
			humor returning.

	Keiko places her arm gently on his shoulder -- a
	supportive gesture his wife has done countless times.
	O'Brien tenses.

      DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Assign.. " - REV. 09/12/96 - ACT ONE      9.

6    CONTINUED:

					KEIKO 
			This doesn't need to be an 
			unpleasant experience.

	O'Brien ignores her, suppressing his anger.

					O'BRIEN 
			In order to keep the polarity 
			shift invisible to security 
			checks, I'll have to tap into the 
			optronic integrator on Level Five.

					KEIKO
			You're the engineer.

	O'Brien gently removes her hand from his person, begins 
	to enter the specifications into his PADD. Keiko 
	studies him for a beat.

					KEIKO 
			What is it, Miles? What do you 
			want to ask me?
				(off his look) 
			You always tighten your brow just 
			a tiny bit when you're about to 
			ask a question -- it's something 
			only a wife would notice.

					O'BRIEN
			Why Keiko? Why take control of 
			her -- and not me? I'm the one 
			who knows how to do the work. 
			It'd be more efficient --

	O'Brien's interrupted by the door CHIME. Keiko takes 
	a step toward the door and answers.

					KEIKO 
			Come in.

	The doors OPEN to REVEAL Bashir, carrying a small 
	potted plant with a bow on it.

					BASHIR
			Hope I'm not interrupting...

					O'BRIEN
				(snaps) 
			You are. We're busy.

	Keiko glares at O'Brien, suddenly very much the 
	embarrassed wife.

     DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Assign... " - REV. 09/12/96 - ACT ONE     10.

6    CONTINUED:	(2)

					KEIKO 
			Miles! Don't be rude.

	Keiko crosses to Bashir, who extends the plant. Keiko 
	takes it in one hand. Over Keiko's shoulder, Bashir 
	catches O'Brien's gaze.

					BASHIR
				(silently mouths) 
			Did you tell her?

	O'Brien nods stiffly. Keiko looks lovingly at the 
	plant.

					KEIKO 
			Bajoran spiny basil... how 
			thoughtful!

	She sets it down, then adjusts it.

					BASHIR 
			It's the least I can do after...

					KEIKO
			It's all right, Julian. I forgive 
			you.
				(a beat) 
			Now, you are going to make it to 
			the party tonight, aren't you?

					BASHIR 
			I'll be here.
				(smiles) 
			I guess it's not a surprise 
			anymore.

					KEIKO
				(chagrinned) 
			I can't believe I did that.
				(to O'Brien) 
			I arranged a birthday dinner for 
			you tonight. But I wanted it to 
			be a surprise.

					O'BRIEN
			It's okay.
				(pointed) 
			I don't like surprises.

     DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Assign... " - REV. 09/12/96 - ACT ONE     11.

6    CONTINUED:	(3)

					BASHIR 
			I better go. I left a patient on 
			the operating table.
				(heading for the door) 
			I'll see you later.

					KEIKO
				(re: the plant) 
			Thanks, Julian. This was sweet.

	Bashir smiles, EXITS. O'Brien drops the pretense.

					O'BRIEN 
			A party? Tonight?

					KEIKO
			It is your birthday.

					O'BRIEN
			We can't have all those people 
			here. We'll have to cancel it.

					KEIKO
			And raise suspicions? It's better 
			if the dinner goes on as planned.
				(a smile) 
			Besides, your wife went through a 
			lot of trouble to arrange it.

	O'Brien knows she has all the cards. He takes a 
	breath.

					KEIKO 
			You'd better get to work -- you 
			don't want to be late for your 
			shift briefing and I've got a lot 
			of cooking to do.

	Bristling but controlling himself, O'Brien picks up 
	his PADD and heads for the door.

     DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Assign... " - REV. 09/12/96 - ACT ONE     12.

7    OMITTED

8    INT. WARDROOM (OPTICAL)

	where FOUR MAINTENANCE WORKERS sit at the conference 
	table drinking raktajino, and awaiting O'Brien's 
	arrival. Rom ENTERS the room and announces:

					ROM
			Diagnostic and Repair Technician,
			Junior Grade Rom reporting.

	WHATLEY, a human leather-faced Starfleet vet and the 
	most senior of the group, acknowledges Rom without even 
	looking at him.

					WHATLEY
			Right. You're Duarte's
			replacement.  Have a seat.

	Rom takes the announcement as if he's just won the 
	lottery.

					ROM
			I'm on the swing shift?

					WHATLEY
			For a day or two.

	TEKOA, a Bajoran woman exchanges a look with ABDON, an 
	alien with a somber disposition.

     DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Assign... " - REV. 09/12/96 - ACT ONE     13.

8    CONTINUED:

					TEKOA
			What's the matter with Duarte?

					WHATLEY
			Sick as a vole.

					ROM
			Is this where Duarte sits?

	Rom sits in one of the chairs, impressed with the 
	chair's fabric and padding.

					ROM
				(looking at their coffee 
				mugs)
			So, what are you drinking?

					WHATLEY
			Raktajino.

					ROM
			Great. Is that what we drink on
			the swing shift?

	The others exchange a look.

					WHATLEY
			You can drink anything you want.

					ROM
			I'll have a raktajino.

	Rom quickly gets up and steps over to the replicator.

					ROM
			It's not like this on the night
			shift.

	The others just stare at him silently.

					ROM
			We don't drink raktajino...
				(a sudden realization)
			We don't really drink anything.

					WHATLEY
				(dry)
			Fascinating.

	But Rom is oblivious to the slight, happy as a clam 
	trying to fit in and do everything the others do.

					TEKOA
				(glancing over at the 
				door)
			Wonder what's keeping the chief --
			he's never late for a briefing.

     DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Assign... " - REV. 09/12/96 - ACT ONE    13A.

8    CONTINUED:	(2)

					WHATLEY 
			That's married life for you. Just 
			as I'm walking out the door -- my 
			wife always comes up with 
			something I forgot to do.

	The WALL MONITOR comes to life with O'Brien's image. 
	Rom takes a step back to his seat.

					O'BRIEN 
				(on monitor) 
			Change of plans today, people.

	Everyone braces themselves at his gruff demeanor.

     DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Assign... " - REV. 09/12/96 - ACT ONE     14.

8    CONTINUED:	(4)

					O'BRIEN 
				(continuing) 
			I need to recalibrate the optronic 
			integrator on Level Five.

	Rom's hand shoots up.

					O'BRIEN 
			What is it, Rom?

					ROM
			I volunteer. I like phase-
			shifting reconfigurations.

					O'BRIEN
			Thank you, but I'll do that 
			myself. I want the rest of you to 
			concentrate on the new inertial 
			coupling ports. I want all sixty-
			four ports completed today.

	That's a tall order, but nobody is dumb enough to 
	complain.

					O'BRIEN 
			Whatley -- you and Tekoa cover the 
			docking ring. Abdon and Nori, the 
			cargo bays. Rom -- the upper 
			pylons. Any questions? 
				(a beat) 
			Good. One more thing -- since I'm
			working alone today, I'm going to 
			be very busy. Try not to 
			interrupt me with anything 
			unimportant. Is that clear?

	Perfectly.

9    INT. LEVEL FIVE - CRAWLWAY

	O'Brien is alone by a sealed access panel. This is the 
	optronic integrator. O'Brien prepares to unseal the 
	panel with a high-tech tool (an EJ7 or something like 
	it). He pauses, staring at the panel, torn with 
	conflicting loyalties. After a beat, he again advances 
	the tool toward the seal. He stops again.

	O'Brien abruptly tosses the tool back in his box. He 
	leans his back against the opposite wall, staring at 
	the sealed panel. He gets an idea.

     DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Assign... " - REV. .09/12/96 - ACT ONE    15.

9    CONTINUED:

					O'BRIEN 
			Computer, locate Keiko O'Brien.

					COMPUTER VOICE 
			Keiko O'Brien is in her quarters.

					O'BRIEN
			Computer, initiate a full identity 
			scan on Keiko O'Brien and note 
			inconsistencies with any existing 
			medical records.

	After a long moment.

					COMPUTER VOICE 
			Scan complete. No inconsistencies 
			found. Identity confirmed.

	O'Brien lets out a deep breath.

					O'BRIEN 
			How long would it take for a level 
			three stasis field to render Keiko 
			O'Brien unconscious?

					COMPUTER VOICE 
			All cognitive reflexes would cease 
			in two-point-one seconds.

	O'Brien shakes his head --

					O'BRIEN
				(to himself) 
		Too long.
				(to computer) 
			Calculate the time if anesthetine 
			gas were used.

					COMPUTER VOICE 
			One-point-four seconds.

	Still not good enough.

					O'BRIEN 
			What about a phaser set to stun?

					COMPUTER VOICE 
			Zero-point-nine seconds.

	O'Brien scowls.

					O'BRIEN 
			Damn it.

     DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Assign... " - REV. 09/12/96 - ACT ONE     16.

10   CLOSE ON O'BRIEN

	his face tight -- a reflection of his inner strain. He 
	feels boxed in and with no choice but to proceed. 
	Slowly, he picks up the EJ7 high-tech tool and begins 
	to unseal the panel.

					O'BRIEN
			God help me...

	A sharp WHINE and the panel SNAPS open. And on 
	O'Brien's expression of inner conflict, we:

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT ONE                          

     DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Assign... " - REV. 09/12/96 - ACT TWO     17.
                            ACT TWO                             

	FADE IN:

11   INT. HABITAT RING CORRIDOR

	O'Brien moves down the passageway toward his quarters, 
	eyes inward, preoccupied, oblivious to the passing 
	SUPERNUMERARIES. Arriving at his quarters, the doors 
	slide OPEN.

12   INT. O'BRIEN'S QUARTERS

	O'Brien steps quickly into the room, stopping abruptly 
	when he sees SISKO, JAKE and ODO standing around a 
	buffet-style table where several delicious, yet albeit 
	odd-looking, dishes have been set out.

					JAKE 
			There you are, Chief.
				(a gentle tease) 
			I was beginning to think you were 
			going to miss your own party.

					O'BRIEN 
			Sorry I'm late.
				(overexplaining) 
			Had to tie up a few loose ends. 
			Where's Keiko?

	Bashir emerges from the bedroom carrying a tray of 
	drinks.

					BASHIR 
			In the bedroom, helping Molly put 
			on different shoes -- a little 
			fashion crisis. But as usual, 
			your wife has handled everything. 
			You're a lucky man, Miles.

					SISKO
				(agreeing) 
			She's really outdone herself this 
			time.
				(re: a dish) 
			Take it from an old cook -- 
			Q'parol is a very time-consuming 
			dish to make.

	Molly and Keiko ENTER. Keiko is holding a beautiful 
	candle-bedecked cake. Molly bolts up to O'Brien, who 
	picks her up into his arms. Keiko starts SINGING "For 
	He's a Jolly Good Fellow" and is soon joined by 
	everyone else.


     DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Assign... " - REV. 09/12/96 - ACT TWO    17A.

12A CLOSE ON O'BRIEN

	trying to not show his inner tension. As the song 
	ends:

					JAKE
			Make a wish.

	O'Brien blows out the candles. He looks over to Keiko, 
	who smiles pointedly.

12B  WIDER

	Keiko sets down the cake and steps over to O'Brien, 
	greeting him with a loving kiss on the cheek.

					KEIKO
			Happy birthday, sweetheart.

	O'Brien nods and forces a smile. Keiko takes a drink 
	from Bashir's tray, handing it to her husband.

     DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Assign... " - REV. 09/12/96 - ACT TWO     18.

12B  CONTINUED:

					KEIKO 
			Single malt Irish whiskey. Neat.
				(sweetly) 
			Molly wanted to wear her new 
			purple shoes for you. Doesn't she 
			look pretty?

					O'BRIEN
			Very pretty.

	Molly shows them off to her Dad, then scampers away, 
	Keiko beams like a proud parent.

					KEIKO
			All the food's out on the table, 
			dear, so just relax with our 
			friends.
				(taking the tray of 
				drinks) 
			I'll pass these around.

					O'BRIEN
				(low) 
			I need to talk to you.

					KEIKO
				(affable) 
			Not right now, Miles... we have 
			guests.

	The door OPENS to reveal DAX.

					DAX 
			Sorry I'm late.

	Keiko brushes past her husband and heads over to greet 
	her.

					KEIKO
				(delighted) 
			Dax! I was afraid you weren't 
			going to make it.

     DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Assign... " - REV. 09/12/96 - ACT TWO     19.

12B  CONTINUED:	(2)

					DAX 
			I heard you were serving Q'parol. 
			How could I stay away?

	The perfect host, Keiko leads her into the room and 
	continues graciously handing out drinks. Sisko, who 
	doesn't miss much, inches next to O'Brien.

					SISKO 
			What's the matter, Chief? You 
			seem preoccupied. Is everything 
			all right?

	O'Brien looks at the captain. A flash of thoughts: 
	Dare he tell him? Looking over at Keiko, he knows he 
	can't. He also knows he can't just stand there, 
	exchanging pleasantries. The captain's too smart - 
	he'll sense something's deeply wrong... he must get 
	away.

					O'BRIEN 
			It's nothing. I just forgot to 
			tell Keiko something... would you 
			excuse me for a moment?

					SISKO
			Of course.

13   NEW ANGLE

	to see O'Brien step up to Keiko, talking with Odo and 
	Jake.

					JAKE 
			Did you meet any Pah-wraiths?

					KEIKO 
			Pah-wraiths?

					JAKE 
			In the Fire Caves. Odo was 
			telling me the caves were haunted 
			by some sort of weird supernatural 
			beings.

					KEIKO
				(to Odo) 
			Don't tell me you believe in 
			wraiths?

					ODO
				(correcting) 
			I may have mentioned the Bajoran 
			legends about creatures living in 
			the caves. But I never said I 
			believed them.

     DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Assign... " - REV. 09/12/96 - ACT TWO     20.

13   CONTINUED:

					KEIKO
			Well, the only thing I saw in the
			caves were some very beautiful and
			botanically fascinating fungi.

					JAKE
			Well, maybe next time you go to
			the Fire Caves, I could come
			along.
				(smiles)
			I've always wanted to meet a Pah-
			wraith.

					KEIKO
			Maybe you will. You never know...

	O'Brien steps up to his wife.

					O'BRIEN
				(pointed)
			I've done what you wanted.

					KEIKO
			That's terrific, Miles. You can
			tell me all about it... later.

	Molly has moved over to Keiko and holds onto her by the 
	knees.

					MOLLY
			Can I have cake now?

	Keiko puts her arm around the child.

					KEIKO
			In a bit, sweetie.

	That image is too much for O'Brien. The glass in his 
	hand SHATTERS. Stressed with the situation, he's 
	squeezed it too tight -- cutting his hand.

					KEIKO
			Miles -- are you bleeding?

					O'BRIEN
			No, I'm all right. It's nothing --

	Bashir steps toward O'Brien.

					BASHIR
			Let me look at that.

					O'BRIEN
				(sharp)
			I said it's nothing.

     DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Assign... " - REV. 09/12/96 - ACT TWO     21.

13   CONTINUED:	(2)

	Bashir stops in his tracks. O'Brien looks up at the 
	circle of bewildered faces.

					O'BRIEN 
			I'm sorry. Sorry, everybody.

	O'Brien holds his hand behind his back to hide the 
	bleeding.

					O'BRIEN 
			Excuse me...

	O'Brien rushes out of the room, to the bedroom. We 
	hold a beat as the guests exchange looks.

14   INT. O'BRIEN'S BEDROOM

	O'Brien has a small towel wrapped around his wrist to 
	stop the bleeding. Keiko appears behind him.

					KEIKO
				(a command)
			Get a hold of yourself.

					O'BRIEN 
			I've done what you wanted. Now 
			give me my wife back.

	Keiko calmly takes out a small first aid device and 
	gently unwraps the towel around O'Brien's hand, taking 
	care of her husband like she's done a thousand times.

					KEIKO 
			You've done well, Miles.

	She applies the device to seal up the wound and stop 
	the bleeding.

					KEIKO 
			But recalibrating the optronic 
			integrator was only a test. I had 
			to be sure I could trust you.
				(softly) 
			Tomorrow, the real work begins.

	O'Brien pulls his arm away, speechless. She has him 
	boxed in and he doesn't know what to do about it.

					KEIKO 
			Now it's time we got back to our 
			guests. We don't want to raise 
			any suspicions, do we?

     DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Assign... " - REV. 09/12/96 - ACT TWO     22.

14   CONTINUED:

	O'Brien glares at her silently.

15   EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)

	Re-establishing.

16   INT. O'BRIEN'S QUARTERS - LATER

	The guests have left. Keiko is cleaning up the remains 
	of the dinner party. O'Brien steps out of Molly's room 
	and stops in the doorway, observing Keiko.

					KEIKO
			Is Molly asleep?

	O'Brien's face knots in rage.

					O'BRIEN
				(quietly)
			Yes.

     DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Assign... " - REV. 09/12/96 - ACT TWO     23.

16   CONTINUED:

					KEIKO
				(showing him the empty 
				casserole)
			The Q'parol was a big success.

	O'Brien's anger flares.

					O'BRIEN
			No more games. No more tests.
			Just tell me what you want done.

	She waves an annoyed hand and disposes of the last of 
	the dishes.

					KEIKO
			We'll talk about it in the
			morning. It's late and you're
			working a double shift tomorrow.

					O'BRIEN
			I want to talk about it now.

					KEIKO
			Miles -- I make the rules.
				(softening)
			Now relax. Everything's going to
			be fine as long as you do what I
			ask.

	O'Brien has to suppress his urge to let his temper 
	speak for him. Keiko remains calm.

					KEIKO
			Let's go to bed.

	She moves to the bedroom door. He doesn't move.

					O'BRIEN
			I'm sleeping on the couch.

	She turns, regards him with maternal amusement.

     DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Assign... " - REV. 09/12/96 - ACT TWO     24.

16   CONTINUED:	(2)

					KEIKO 
			Don't be childish. What if Molly 
			has one of her nightmares and 
			comes running in? You'll sleep 
			next to me, just like you always 
			do.

	O'Brien stares at her with hatred and fear.

					O'BRIEN
			I'll be there in a minute.

	Keiko looks at him, decides she can ease the reins just 
	a bit..

					KEIKO 
			Don't stay up too late. You've 
			got a busy day tomorrow.

	Keiko EXITS into the bedroom. O'Brien waits a beat, 
	then steps over to a monitor. He speaks clandestinely, 
	looking over his shoulder.

					O'BRIEN 
			Computer. I want to see a record 
			of all Bajoran legends concerning 
			the Pah-wraiths.

					COMPUTER VOICE 
			There are six thousand, four 
			hundred, twenty-seven entries in 
			the data banks that reference that 
			subject.  Please specify.

	O'Brien exhales with frustration -- he has no idea 
	where to begin.

					KEIKO (O.S.) 
			Miles...

	O'Brien's expression hardens before he heads to the 
	bedroom.

17   INT. O'BRIEN'S BEDROOM - OVERHEAD ON O'BRIEN

	He lies stiff as a corpse beneath the sheets. His eyes 
	slide apprehensively to his right as the sheets lift 
	and Keiko, in a nightgown, slips in beside him. Her 
	body RUSTLES SOFTLY as it seeks a comfortable position; 
	she sighs, like a cat settling in for a long languid 
	nap.

					KEIKO 
			Sleep well, Miles.

	PULL AWAY SLOWLY from the figure of O'Brien, alone in 
	the dark beside the strange form of his wife. He 
	stares up into the shadows.

									FADE TO BLACK.

     DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Assign... " - REV. 09/12/96 - ACT TWO    24A.

	FADE IN:

18   INT. O'BRIEN'S BEDROOM - MORNING

	O'Brien's in a deep sleep. During the night his body 
	has instinctively gravitated toward the warm and 
	familiar presence beside him. His arm is draped over 
	Keiko. Keiko, propped up on one elbow, curiously 
	stares down at him. The probing eyes make themselves 
	felt. O'Brien awakens to her warm smile, and returns 
	it, about to snuggle into her when... he remembers. 
	O'Brien whips his arm free, and pivots to a sitting 
	position, rubbing his face.

     DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Assign... " - REV. 09/12/96 - ACT TWO     25.

18   CONTINUED:

					KEIKO
				(smiles) 
			Another weakness of you corporeal 
			lifeforms: your need for physical 
			intimacy.

	O'Brien scrambles to his feet, putting on a robe, he 
	stumbles toward the closet for his uniform. Keiko 
	distastefully picks up an errant Bajoran doll, 
	misplaced by Molly.

					KEIKO
				(re: Molly's doll) 
			It's especially irritating in your 
			young.

	O'Brien snatches the doll away.

					O'BRIEN 
			I've got to get Molly ready for 
			school.

					KEIKO 
			I'll do it. You have a big day 
			ahead of you.

	He wheels around, eyes deadly.

					O'BRIEN 
			Molly's going to sleep at the 
			Davis's tonight, and she's staying 
			there until this is over.

					KEIKO 
			Do you really think that's wise?
				(serene threat) 
			A little girl needs her mother. 
			Molly would be lost without hers.

	She studies O'Brien to see if her message has gotten 
	through. It has -- his face is red with rage.

					O'BRIEN 
			You keep away from her.

					KEIKO 
			Miles... I would never do anything 
			to hurt your daughter...
				(pointed) 
			Unless you force me to.

	Keiko has his undivided attention. Keiko takes out a 
	PADD and hands it to O'Brien.

     DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Assign... " - REV. 09/12/96 - ACT TWO     26.

18   CONTINUED:	(2)

					KEIKO 
			These are your instructions. 
			Follow them precisely.

	O'Brien studies them for a moment.

					O'BRIEN 
			Recalibrating and sequencing the 
			impulse response filters in the 
			subspace communication 
			emitters... what's all that for?

					KEIKO 
			We've gone over this, Miles. It's 
			not your concern.

					O'BRIEN
			Then how do I know this won't 
			jeopardize the station?

					KEIKO
				(irritated) 
			Because I've told you so. Now 
			stop asking me so many questions. 
			All it's doing is making me angry.
				(controlling herself) 
			And you know who pays the price 
			for that, don't you?

	O'Brien knows the answer all too well; he feels trapped 
	and he sees no way out.

					KEIKO 
			I almost forgot -- here's your 
			birthday present.

	She hurries to press a small package into his hand. He 
	looks at her.

					KEIKO 
			Go ahead, open it. It's from your 
			wife.

	O'Brien opens the gift.

18A  INSERT OF

	an elegantly framed picture of Keiko and Molly with an 
	inscription on the back that reads: "To the best father 
	and husband... Love, Keiko and Molly."

     DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Assign... " - REV. 09/12/96 - ACT TWO    26A.

18A  CONTINUED:

					KEIKO (O.S.)
			There's an inscription on the 
			back.

18B  ON O'BRIEN

	glaring at her for a moment.

					KEIKO 
			Your wife cares about you very 
			much.

	He then picks up his uniform to go change.

     DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Assign... " - REV. 09/12/96 - ACT TWO     27.

19   CLOSE ON KEIKO

	thoughtfully watching O'Brien EXIT into the bathroom. 
	Hold on her a long beat.

20   INT. CORRIDOR

	O'Brien takes a few steps down the corridor -- his face 
	not hiding the anguish he's going through. Reaching a 
	corridor intersection, he stops.

					O'BRIEN
			Computer, locate Captain Sisko.

					COMPUTER VOICE
			Captain Sisko is in Security.

	O'Brien considers this information then changes 
	direction, disappearing down a different corridor.

21   INT. PROMENADE - TURBOLIFT ENTRANCE

	The doors OPEN, and O'Brien -- still looking stressed 
	but somehow with clear purpose -- steps out and scans 
	the area. O'Brien spots what he's looking for - 
	Captain Sisko and Odo emerging from the Security 
	Office.

	O'Brien hesitates for a moment, steels his resolve and 
	makes a beeline for the captain.

22   ANGLE LOOKING DOWN FROM THE PROMENADE SECOND LEVEL

	A FEMALE HAND grips the foreground railing as O'Brien 
	moves toward the Captain and the Constable.

23   ON O'BRIEN

	walking swiftly to his friends. The captain will know 
	what to do. Odo knows how to keep his mouth shut. 
	They can help.

					KEIKO (O.S.)
			Miles!

	O'Brien stops dead in his tracks, looks up to see --

24   KEIKO

	She's leaning precariously over the Second Level 
	railing. Her eyes are filled with tears, a helpless 
	expression on her face. It is not the Entity, it is 
	Keiko reaching out to him for help. Her lips move...

     DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Assign... " - REV. .09/12/96 - ACT TWO    28.

24   CONTINUED:

					KEIKO
				(silently)
			I love you.

	She pitches forward and falls.

25   CLOSE ON O'BRIEN

	Horrified --

					O'BRIEN
			No!

	He and Odo rush over to Keiko's body...

					ODO
				(to com)
			Doctor Bashir to the Promenade!

	And we:

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT TWO                          

    DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Assign... " - REV. 09/12/96 - ACT THREE    29.
                           ACT THREE                            

	FADE IN:

26   INT. INFIRMARY

	O'Brien sits in a chair, head in his hands. Sisko and 
	Odo stand beside him. Sisko puts an understanding hand 
	on O'Brien's shoulder.

					ODO 
			You didn't see anyone near her 
			before she fell?

	O'Brien shakes his head.

					O'BRIEN 
			Nobody. But I was passing under 
			the walkway and my back was to 
			her.

					SISKO
				(curious, not 
				accusatory) 
			What were you doing on the 
			Promenade?

	The question catches O'Brien off guard.

					O'BRIEN 
			What?

					ODO
				(jumping in) 
			Weren't you supposed to be working 
			on some optronic circuitry on 
			Level Five?

	O'Brien hesitates a moment before answering. This is 
	dangerous ground -- up to now he hasn't out-and-out 
	lied to anyone. Let alone the captain.

					O'BRIEN 
			I was going to the Replimat... for 
			lunch.

	O'Brien is saved from further questioning when Bashir 
	EMERGES from surgery. O'Brien springs to his feet.

					BASHIR 
			Keiko's going to be all right. 
			She's lucky she landed the way she 
			did. It distributed the impact. 
			A fall from that height could 
			easily have killed her, or left 
			her paralyzed.

    DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Assign... " - REV. 09/12/96 - ACT THREE    30.

26   CONTINUED:

					O'BRIEN 
			Is she conscious?

					BASHIR 
			Yes, but she's still in shock. 
			She has a broken femur and a 
			hairline fracture of the right 
			parietal bone.

					O'BRIEN 
			Can I see her?

	Bashir considers the request a moment before answering.

					BASHIR 
			Maybe in a couple of hours. She 
			needs rest.

					O'BRIEN 
			Julian -- I have to see her now.

	Bashir doesn't approve, but before he can refuse the 
	request --

					SISKO 
			Doctor.

	Bashir looks over O'Brien's shoulder to Sisko, who 
	makes a mute appeal in support of O'Brien.

					BASHIR
				(steps aside) 
			All right -- but only for a few 
			minutes. Don't excite her.

27   INT. SURGERY

	O'Brien ENTERS, stops short when he sees Keiko on the 
	table, surrounded by FLASHING and BLEEPING machines, 
	her face looks gaunt and very pale; her eyes have deep,
	dark circles. The sight of his wife causes him to lose 
	all perspective for a moment. O'Brien fights back the 
	tears. He steps to her side, takes her hand.

					O'BRIEN 
			Keiko?

	He looks into her eyes, finds himself staring at two 
	hard polished stones -- the dead eyes of a shark.

					KEIKO 
			You were going to tell them about 
			me.

    DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Assign... " - REV. -09/12/96 - ACT THREE   31.

27   CONTINUED:

	O'Brien pulls his hand away from Keiko's. This is not 
	his wife. He hardens --

					O'BRIEN 
			How did you know?

					KEIKO 
			I know everything your wife knows --
			and she knows you.
				(a beat) 
			I told you we have to trust one 
			another. You violated that trust, 
			and look where it's led us.

	O'Brien leans over her, speaking fiercely.

					O'BRIEN 
			I want my wife back, do you hear 
			me? I want her back.

					KEIKO
				(firm) 
			Then stop trying to fool me. How 
			much more damage do you think this 
			body can take?

	He glares down at her, tortured by a savage desire to 
	strike the person he's trying to rescue.

					KEIKO
				(calm) 
			Now, no more tricks. Agreed?

	O'Brien nods stiffly.

					KEIKO
				(an order) 
			Say it.

					O'BRIEN 
			Agreed.

					KEIKO 
			Good.
				(back to business) 
			You know what you need to do. You 
			should get back to work.

					O'BRIEN 
			I'll have everything completed in 
			thirty-six hours.

					KEIKO 
			You have thirteen -- and not a 
			minute more.

    DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Assign... " - REV. 09/12/96 - ACT THREE    32.

27   CONTINUED:	(2)

					O'BRIEN
			I can't do it that fast.

					KEIKO
				(consoling)
			You're a very resourceful man
			You'll find a way...
				(a reminder)
			For Keiko's sake.

	Disgust and hatred rise up in him.

					O'BRIEN
			You bloody --

	Bashir ENTERS in the background.

					BASHIR
			She needs to rest.

	O'Brien keeps his back to the doctor as he struggles 
	mightily to pull himself together. Keiko slides a 
	tender hand over his.

					KEIKO
			Tell Molly I'll be home soon.
			Tell her Mommy is fine. Don't
			scare her.

	Bashir approaches. O'Brien starts to turn away, but 
	she restrains him.

					KEIKO
			Miles... give me a kiss.

	O'Brien glances at Bashir, who mistakes it for an 
	appeal and nods his approval. O'Brien bends stiffly. 
	Keiko kisses him on the mouth. O'Brien pulls himself 
	free and, because of Bashir's presence, forces a smile.

					KEIKO
			I'm counting on you.

	O'Brien starts for the door. As he passes Bashir, the 
	doctor places a consoling hand on his broad shoulder.

					BASHIR
			She'll be back on her feet soon.
			I promise.

	O'Brien pauses, almost unable to contain himself, then 
	nods and EXITS swiftly. Bashir sympathetically watches 
	him go and returns his attention to Keiko, waving his 
	(MED-TECH TOOL) over her wounds.

    DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Assign... " - REV. 09/12/96 - ACT THREE    33.

28   INT. PROMENADE - OUTSIDE THE INFIRMARY

	O'Brien EXITS, stops.

					O'BRIEN 
			Computer. Begin a thirteen hour 
			countdown. Now.

					COMPUTER VOICE 
			Clock activated.

	O'Brien heads down the corridor.

					WORF (O.S.) 
			Chief.

	O'Brien turns to see WORF approaching.

					WORF 
			I heard about Mrs. O'Brien's 
			accident. How is she?

					O'BRIEN 
			Julian says she'll be home soon.

					WORF
			That's good. Is there anything I 
			can do to help?

	O'Brien looks at his friend for a long beat. They go 
	back a long time. O'Brien would like nothing more than 
	to tell Worf everything... to have an ally seems so 
	appealing. But he doesn't dare.

					O'BRIEN 
			I wish there was, Worf. I really 
			do.
				(a beat) 
			I've got to go -- I'm falling 
			behind schedule.

	O'Brien moves down the corridor, away from his friend.

29   EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)

	Re-establishing.

30   INT. SYSTEMS CORE - CROSSOVER CONDUIT

	O'Brien is alone, working amidst a forest of BLINKIES 
	and plasma conduits.

					O'BRIEN 
			Computer, time?


    DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Assign... " - REV. 09/12/96 - ACT THREE    34.

30   CONTINUED:

					COMPUTER VOICE 
			Eight hours, twenty-two minutes 
			and three seconds remain.

	From O'Brien's expression it's clear this is not good 
	news... he's running out of time and there is still 
	much to be done.

					ROM (O.S.) 
			Chief.

	Startled, O'Brien turns to find Rom, having crawled up 
	behind him, holding an isolinear rod.

					ROM 
			Sorry -- I didn't mean to startle 
			you.

					O'BRIEN 
			What are you doing here?

					ROM
				(proudly) 
			Reporting for my next assignment. 
			I've completed calibration tests 
			on the inertial coupling ports on 
			all three upper pylons.

	Rom hands him the isolinear rod.

					O'BRIEN 
			Already?

	O'Brien pops open a panel and inserts the rod, looking 
	over the information it displays. After a beat, 
	O'Brien nods, apparently Rom's claim is correct.

					O'BRIEN 
			How'd you finish so quickly?

					ROM 
			I just did the work. I didn't 
			allow myself to get caught up in 
			any of the distracting discussions 
			the other workers engage in. 
			Ferengi can be very focused. 
			Especially when no one bothers to 
			talk to them.

					O'BRIEN 
			I see.

					ROM 
			Not that I mind. I'm used to 
			being ignored.

    DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Assign... " - REV. 09/12/96 - ACT THREE    35.

30   CONTINUED:	(2)

	O'Brien finishes examining the isolinear rod, retrieves 
	it, closes the panel. O'Brien studies Rom hard for a 
	moment -- to the point of making Rom shift 
	uncomfortably.

					ROM 
			Is something wrong, Chief?
				(a beat) 
			I can work slower if you want me 
			to...

	But O'Brien is thinking about something much more 
	important.

					O'BRIEN 
			Rom... I need your help, and I 
			need you to keep your mouth shut. 
			Can I count on you?

					ROM 
			Is that a trick question?

					O'BRIEN 
			Rom -- this is serious.

					ROM 
			You can depend on me, Chief.

	O'Brien nods, he has no choice but to believe in Rom.

					O'BRIEN 
			We're going to make some 
			modifications to several of the 
			station's systems. You're not to 
			breathe one word about this to 
			anyone. That includes Dax, Odo, 
			Captain Sisko, Worf...

					ROM 
			They don't know?

					O'BRIEN 
			Of course they know. Some of 
			them, anyway. But they have to 
			pretend they don't. This is a top 
			secret Starfleet operation.

					ROM
				(nods conspiratorially) 
			Culpable deniability. I 
			understand. Don't worry about me, 
			Chief. My lips are sealed. 
			Nobody will get anything out of 
			me. Not even my name.

    DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Assign... " - REV. 09/12/96 - ACT THREE    36.

30   CONTINUED:	(3)

					O'BRIEN 
			Rom, everybody on the station 
			knows your name.

					ROM 
			Right.
				(a beat) 
			But I won't confirm it. Where do 
			we start?

					O'BRIEN
				(taking a deep breath) 
			I hope you feel rested, because 
			you won't be getting any sleep 
			tonight.

	O'Brien passes a tool to Rom as he turns to the open 
	access panels and the forest of BLINKIES.

					O'BRIEN
			First, I want you to complete this
			com relay bypass...

									CUT TO:

	SERIES OF QUICK SHOTS:

31   INT. UPPER PYLON

	A security door slides open allowing O'Brien to work on 
	the panel with his EJ7 interlock.

32   INT. DOCKING RING CORRIDOR

	Rom works feverishly at an open panel of this deserted 
	corridor.

33   INT. CARGO BAY

	O'Brien working on a "junction box" of various plasma 
	conduits.

					O'BRIEN
			Computer, time remaining?

					COMPUTER VOICE 
			Six hours, forty-one minutes, 
			twenty-six seconds.

	He shakes his head, lets out a deep breath, and gets 
	back to work.

    DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Assign... " - REV. 09/12/96 - ACT THREE   36A.

33A  INT. HABITAT RING CORRIDOR 

	Rom waits for a passing ND Bajoran, then pops the cover 
	off a conduit access.

33B  INT. UPPER PYLON 

	CLOSE SHOT of O'Brien hard at work through a maze of 
	circuitry.

    DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Assign... " - REV. 09/12/96 - ACT THREE    37.

34   INT. CRAWLWAY-

	Rom works with a happy, intense concentration on 
	another open panel.

35   INT. OPS

	A skeleton crew of SUPERNUMERARIES man the key systems. 
	It is strangely quiet. Down in the pit, O'Brien 
	crouches in front of an open panel, tools strewn about. 
	He pauses to wipe the stinging sweat from his eyes. 
	Blinks several times to clear his vision, then turns to 
	reach for another tool and notices A PAIR OF FEET 
	standing next to his tool box. TILT UP TO REVEAL Dax 
	grimly staring down at him.

					O'BRIEN 
			Commander, what are you doing up 
			at this hour?

					DAX
			I want you to look at something.

	Dax leads him to a computer terminal, talking as she 
	walks. Behind her, O'Brien tries to hide his anguished 
	expression.

					DAX 
			I couldn't sleep so I got up and 
			decided to scan the wormhole for 
			radiometric anomalies.

					O'BRIEN 
			At three in the morning?

					DAX
			I find anomalies very relaxing. 
			I was using the wideband filter 
			protocols and when I ran the 
			primary calibration check I found 
			this --

	She manipulates her terminal. O'Brien peers over her 
	shoulder.

					O'BRIEN
				(feigns surprise)
			They're slightly off spec.

					DAX 
			Yes. I thought it might be a 
			fused matrix inverter, until I ran 
			a level three diagnostic.
				(works the console) 
			Have a look.

    DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Assign... " - REV. 09/12/96 - ACT THREE    38.

35   CONTINUED:

	He leans closer to the screen, mortified. Dax notes 
	his reaction.

					DAX
			We'd better wake the captain.
				(a beat)
			We have a saboteur on the station.

	O'Brien stares back into the accusing screen. Off 
	this...

									FADE OUT.

                       END OF ACT THREE                         

     DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Assign... " - REV. 09/12/96 - ACT FOUR    39.
                           ACT FOUR                             

	FADE IN:

36   INT. WARDROOM (OPTICAL)

	Sisko, Dax, O'Brien and Odo sit at the long conference 
	table with PADD's, coffee mugs, red eyes and rotten 
	dispositions. Anxiety and fatigue have eroded 
	O'Brien's face.

					SISKO 
			All right, what have you got?

					DAX
			Computer, display diagnostic.

	The staff consider the OKUDAGRAM appearing on the 
	viewscreen. Dax wants O'Brien to walk everyone through 
	the technicalities.

					DAX 
			Chief...

					O'BRIEN 
			We've identified nine hundred and 
			forty-three tiny fluctuations in 
			the primary communication relays 
			and several power distribution 
			junctions.

					DAX
			"Fluctuations" that can't be 
			attributed to anything except 
			external intervention.

					SISKO
			Someone's gained access to our 
			systems and is altering them. 
				(at O'Brien) 
			For what purpose?

	O'Brien shifts uncomfortably. Pretending not to know 
	what's going on is very difficult for him. He doesn't 
	like acting out this lie at all.

					O'BRIEN 
			We're working on that. At this 
			point, it's hard to even call it 
			sabotage -- there's been no real 
			damage...

     DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Assign... " - REV. 09/12/96 - ACT FOUR    40.

36   CONTINUED:

					O'BRIEN (Cont'd)
			... the systems are just slightly
			off spec.
				(reassuring himself) 
			So far, none of these alterations 
			appear to pose a threat to the 
			station.

	But Sisko is certainly not satisfied.

					SISKO 
			So far. But this might be just 
			the tip of a very large and 
			dangerous iceberg.

	O'Brien shifts uncomfortably, he wants so very much to 
	simply tell everyone.

					SISKO 
			Is there any way to trace how this 
			was done, and by whom?

					ODO 
			It has to be someone familiar with 
			the station's systems.

	O'Brien catches Sisko looking at him. He glances at 
	Odo, who is also watching him.

					DAX 
			Maybe someone who worked on the 
			station under the Cardassians...

					ODO 
			I'm running extensive security 
			checks on all recent visitors, but 
			so far, I haven't found anything.

					DAX
			It could be someone who's been on 
			the station a long time... someone 
			with a lot of access... maybe even 
			someone on the maintenance crew.

	Sisko looks at O'Brien -- "well?" O'Brien remains 
	silent.

					SISKO
			Chief?

					O'BRIEN 
			Yes.

     DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Assign... " - REV. 09/12/96 - ACT FOUR    41.

36   CONTINUED:	(2)

	Sisko looks at O'Brien intently.

					SISKO 
			Yes, what? You think it's someone 
			on your staff?

	The time has come to tell the truth. O'Brien looks 
	around the room. These are his friends. They will 
	understand. He lets out a deep SIGH of relief. He 
	nods his head, but before he can speak --

					N.D. CREWMAN'S VOICE 
			Chief O'Brien, I have a call from 
			your daughter.

	O'Brien, startled, looks to Sisko. Sisko nods 
	understandingly.

					SISKO 
			Go ahead, Chief.

	O'Brien gets up and walks over to the monitor on the 
	other end of the room for a bit of privacy. The screen 
	comes to life, depicting O'Brien's quarters, where 
	Molly sits on Keiko's lap, getting dressed for school. 
	Keiko gently brushes the girl's hair.

					O'BRIEN
			Molly, honey, what is it?

					MOLLY 
			Hi, Daddy. Mommy told me I could 
			call you.

	O'Brien breathes deeply, regaining control. He forces 
	a smile to his face.

					KEIKO 
			I hope we're not interrupting 
			anything important.

					O'BRIEN
				(addressing only Molly) 
			It's all right, Molly. I'm glad 
			you called. What are you doing 
			home?

     DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Assign... " - REV. 09/12/96 - ACT FOUR    42.

36   CONTINUED:	(3)

					KEIKO 
			She missed her mommy. Isn't that 
			sweet?

					MOLLY
			When are you going to come --

	A brush stroke catches a snarl, bringing Molly's hands 
	to her head.

					MOLLY 
			Oww! Mommy, that hurt.

37   O'BRIEN'S HANDS

	clench, knuckles whitening.

					KEIKO (O.S.) 
			I'm sorry.

					O'BRIEN 
			Are you all right, sweetie?

38   SCREEN - MOLLY AND KEIKO (OPTICAL)

	Keiko gives her a soothing pat.

					KEIKO 
			She's fine, Miles. She wants to 
			know when you'll be finished.
				(pointed) 
			I told her you had to work for 
			another two hours and twenty-two 
			minutes and thirteen seconds.

	The point is not lost on O'Brien; that's the time 
	remaining. Keiko pats Molly's hair.

					MOLLY 
			How long is that, Daddy?

					O'BRIEN 
			I'll be home soon, sweetie. Very 
			soon.

	Molly nods, rubbing her sore spot.

					KEIKO 
			Good.
				(smiles)
			We both miss you.

     DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Assign... " - REV. 09/12/96 - ACT FOUR    43.

38   CONTINUED:

	The transmission ends. O'Brien's smile for Molly 
	disappears as he steels himself and walks back over to 
	Sisko and the others.

					SISKO
			Everything all right?

	O'Brien takes a beat before answering.

					O'BRIEN
			Fine.  Sorry about the
			interruption.

					SISKO.-
				(back to business)
			You were saying you thought you
			knew who the saboteur might be...

	The chief licks his dry lips, adrenalin pumping. 
	O'Brien looks at Sisko and finally nods.

					O'BRIEN
			I think I have an idea...

39   INT. DOCKING RING CORRIDOR

	Rom sits on the floor, head buried inside a panel, 
	happily tweaking a junction node. Odo's heavy hand 
	lands on his shoulder. Rom turns, a smile on his face. 
	It fades rapidly.

40   ROM'S POV

	Odo is not smiling. Nor is his SECURITY TEAM. O'Brien 
	stands behind them.

					ROM
			Hello, Constable. Hello, Chief.

					ODO
			What are you doing, Rom?

					ROM
			I-I can't talk about it.

					ODO
			Oh, yes you can. And you will.

	Odo nods to his team, who grab the hapless Ferengi and 
	steer him toward the Promenade. One of the N.D. 
	security force leans over to pick up Rom's tools, but 
	the Chief stops him.

     DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Assign... " - REV. 09/12/96 - ACT FOUR    44.

40   CONTINUED:

					O'BRIEN 
			I'll take care of those.

	As Rom, looking very scared, passes the Chief, O'Brien 
	reassures him with a wink. Rom tilts his chin up as
	he's marched off. O'Brien turns to the open panel.

					ODO 
			Coming, Chief?

					O'BRIEN 
			I'd better see what he's been up 
			to here.

	Odo strides off after his prisoner. O'Brien inspects 
	Rom's work. After a beat, under the guise of examining 
	Rom's tools, he checks the corridor. Odo's gone. 
	O'Brien picks up Rom's laser torch, gets back to work.

41   INT. HOLDING CELLS (OPTICAL)

	Captain Sisko, standing outside a cell's forcefield, 
	looks in on a disconsolate Rom, sitting on the holding 
	cell bunk with Odo looming over him. Rom hunches his 
	shoulders, tries a smile. Odo glowers back. This 
	"interrogation" is obviously going nowhere. After a 
	long beat of this, Odo EXITS the FORCEFIELD and steps 
	up to Sisko.

					SISKO
			Has he said anything?

					ODO 
			Not much. For the first forty 
			minutes, it was like pulling teeth 
			even getting him to admit his 
			name.

					SISKO
			You think he's working alone?

					ODO 
			I don't know. Rom admits to 
			nothing. And now he's asking for 
			Chief O'Brien. He won't talk to 
			anybody else.

					SISKO
			Then get the chief down here. I 
			want to know what's going on.

	As Sisko EXITS, Odo touches his combadge.


     DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Assign... " - REV. 09/12/96 - ACT FOUR    45.

41   CONTINUED:

					ODO'S COM VOICE 
			Security to Chief O'Brien.

42   INT. DOCKING RING CORRIDOR

	O'Brien continues to work feverishly.

					O'BRIEN 
			Go ahead, Constable.

					ODO'S COM VOICE 
			We need you in Security right 
			away.

	O'Brien casts a look at the disemboweled panel, takes 
	a deep breath. Has it all caught up with him?

					O'BRIEN 
			I'm still trying to figure out 
			what Rom did to these systems.

					ODO'S COM VOICE 
			That will have to wait. I have 
			captain's orders to get you down 
			here -- immediately.

	O'Brien has no choice.

					O'BRIEN 
			On my way.

	O'Brien looks at the work he has left.

					O'BRIEN 
			Computer, time remaining?

					COMPUTER VOICE 
			Thirty-six minutes and nine 
			seconds.

	Damn.  O'Brien thinks about things for a moment, then:

					O'BRIEN 
			Computer, locate maintenance 
			technician Rom.

					COMPUTER VOICE 
			Maintenance technician Rom is in 
			Security holding cell number four.

					O'BRIEN 
			Initiate security override and 
			scramble Surveillance Channels 
			Four A, B, C and D. Authorization 
			O'Brien seven-one-two.

     DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Assign... " - REV. 09/12/96 - ACT FOUR    46.

42   CONTINUED:

					COMPUTER VOICE 
			Specified security channels 
			scrambled.

					O'BRIEN 
			Now begin recalibration of 
			gravitic sensors at Access Panel 
			Three Nine Seven as indicated. 
			I'll return in ten minutes.

	O'Brien puts down his tools and bolts for security.

43   INT. HOLDING CELLS

	Rom sits in the same position in the holding cell bunk 
	as O'Brien ENTERS and steps up to Odo, watching the 
	Ferengi.

					ODO 
			The chief is here, Rom. Now what 
			do you have to say?

					ROM
				(stands) 
			Alone. I'll only talk if we're 
			alone.

	Odo looks quizzically at the chief, departs.

					O'BRIEN 
			What is it, Rom?

	Rom holds a finger to his lips, points to the walls.

					O'BRIEN 
			It's all right. I disconnected 
			Odo's eavesdropping devices.

					ROM
				(sighs wearily) 
			I haven't told anyone anything, 
			just like you said.

					O'BRIEN 
			You're a good man. Now why'd you 
			call for me? I told you we were 
			under very tight time constraints.

					ROM
				(truly frightened)
			Captain Sisko is really angry. If
			I didn't know he was pretending...

					O'BRIEN
			Rom...

     DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Assign... " - REV. 09/12/96 - ACT FOUR    47.

43   CONTINUED:

					ROM 
			Don't worry, I can hold out until 
			you say otherwise, but there is 
			one thing I have to know...

					O'BRIEN 
			Go ahead.

					ROM 
			Why are we focusing a chroniton 
			beam at the wormhole?

					O'BRIEN 
			What?

					ROM
				(isn't it obvious?) 
			The new frequency of the deflector 
			grid is set to turn the station 
			into a massive chroniton array 
			aimed directly at the wormhole. 
			So I just want to know -- why are 
			we trying to kill the wormhole 
			aliens?

	A sudden rush hits O'Brien as everything falls into 
	place for him. Off this...

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT FOUR                         

     DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Assign... " - REV. 09/12/96 - ACT FIVE    48.
                           ACT FIVE                             

	FADE IN:

44   INT. HOLDING CELLS - CONTINUOUS

	O'Brien's mind works rapidly.

					O'BRIEN 
			What are you talking about? A 
			chroniton beam is harmless.

					ROM 
			To us -- but its temporal 
			disruption would kill a wormhole 
			alien instantly.

					O'BRIEN 
			Of course, why didn't I think of 
			that.
				(angry with himself) 
			She's had me so on edge I couldn't 
			see the forest for the trees.

					ROM 
			Who's "she?"

	But with time running out, O'Brien has no time for 
	explanations.

					O'BRIEN
			Look, I don't have time to 
			explain. The question is why 
			would anyone want to kill the 
			wormhole aliens?

					ROM 
			Everyone has enemies, even the 
			Prophets.

     DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Assign... " - REV. 09/12/96 - ACT FIVE    49.

44   CONTINUED:

					O'BRIEN 
			That's right... they're not just 
			wormhole aliens... they're 
			Prophets. They're part of Bajoran 
			mythology...
				(everything is beginning 
				to fall into place)
			... just like the Pah-wraiths that 
			live in the Fire Caves. So the 
			question is... what do these 
			wraiths have to do with the 
			wormhole aliens?

					ROM 
			Koss'moran.

					O'BRIEN 
			What?

					ROM 
			It's a Bajoran legend. From the 
			verb kosst, meaning "to be" and 
			amoran -- "banished".
				(off O'Brien's look) 
			Leeta's been telling me all about 
			Bajoran legends. She can go on 
			for hours.
				(almost blushing) 
			She says I'm a good listener...

					O'BRIEN
				(a bit impatient) 
			I'm sure you are -- but now's the 
			time to be a good talker. Go on.

					ROM 
			Well... according to Leeta, the 
			Pah-wraiths used to live in the 
			wormhole. They were part of the 
			Celestial Temple.

	O'Brien hangs on to every word Rom is saying.

					O'BRIEN 
			They were Prophets?

					ROM
				(correcting) 
			False Prophets... They were cast 
			out of the Temple. Exiled to the 
			caves, they were imprisoned in 
			crystal fire cages and forbidden 
			to ever return "lest they face the 
			Wrath of the True Prophets."

     DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Assign... " - REV. 09/12/96 - ACT FIVE   49A.

44   CONTINUED:	(2)

	Everything falls into place now for O'Brien.

					O'BRIEN 
			So if a False Prophet tried to 
			return to the Celestial Temple...

					ROM 
			I don't think they'd be welcomed.

	The penny drops.

					O'BRIEN 
			Unless she kills all the wormhole 
			aliens first...
				(beat) 
			Rom -- I'm going to have to leave 
			you in a tough spot.

	Rom thinks for a moment.

					ROM 
			Captain Sisko... Odo... they don't 
			know about any of this, do they?

					O'BRIEN 
			No, Rom. They don't. And you 
			have to help me keep it that way 
			for a little while longer.

					ROM 
			I have to stay here and play the 
			idiot?

					O'BRIEN 
			I'm afraid so. Whatever Odo asks 
			you --

					ROM
				(cutting him off) 
			I'm Quark's brother. I know the 
			role.

	O'Brien smiles and turns to EXIT.

45   INT. PROMENADE - OUTSIDE SECURITY OFFICE

	O'Brien is running down the Promenade.

     DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Assign... " - REV. 09/12/96 - ACT FIVE    50.

45   CONTINUED:

					O'BRIEN
			Computer, time remaining?

					COMPUTER VOICE 
			Twelve minutes, twenty-two 
			seconds.

	He cranks his pace up a notch, disappearing around the 
	bend.

46
thru   OMITTED
47

48   INT. DOCKING RING CORRIDOR

	O'Brien runs down the hallway, arriving at the spot 
	where he was working before being called away. 
	Immediately, he gets back to work. After a couple of 
	beats, O'Brien becomes aware of Odo watching him from 
	the shadows.

					ODO 
			Sorry to disturb you, Chief. But 
			a couple of things are still
			bothering me. Rom couldn't have 
			done all this sabotage alone. 
			There were too many changes for 
			any one person to make.

					O'BRIEN
				(keeping focused on his
				task)
			Maybe so, but right now I've got
			a frequency problem in the cascade
			feeder...

					ODO 
			I checked with the repair logs... 
			I was hoping to match someone's 
			movements to the locations where 
			the alterations were made.

	O'Brien keeps working, trying to suppress any signs 
	that he's concerned about Odo's investigation.

					ODO
			But I couldn't do that.

 DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Assign... " - REV. 09/12/96 - ACT FIVE 51-52.    

48   CONTINUED:

					O'BRIEN
				(that's right) 
			We had a matrix system failure 
			yesterday and those records were 
			lost. Sorry.

	Odo nods.

					ODO 
			We've had a lot of system failures 
			recently, haven't we, Chief?

					O'BRIEN 
			I hadn't noticed. I've been busy 
			repairing things.

					ODO 
			Like the surveillance channels in 
			the holding cells? You authorized 
			a security override. What was 
			wrong with them?

	O'Brien keeps focused on his work, trying to think of 
	a plausible cover story for Odo.

					O'BRIEN 
			The fiber optic relays were out of 
			sync. The isolinear chip junction 
			was --

	Odo cuts him off.

					ODO 
			Enough, Chief.

     DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Assign... " - REV. 09/12/96 - ACT FIVE    53.

48   CONTINUED:	(2)

	O'Brien continues to tweak the circuits, checking the 
	readout as he does so. Odo takes a step closer to 
	O'Brien.

					ODO 
			You didn't cover your tracks very 
			well. Why?

					O'BRIEN 
			I didn't have time.
				(a beat) 
			I still don't.

	O'Brien turns, launching a beautiful right hook. It 
	connects just under Odo's chin, knocking him cold. 
	O'Brien catches him as he falls, lowers him to the 
	floor.

					O'BRIEN 
			Sorry, Odo.
				(a beat) 
			Chief O'Brien to Keiko O'Brien.

	O'Brien keeps moving down the Corridor quickly -
	there's no time to waste.

					KEIKO'S COM VOICE 
			This is Keiko.

					O'BRIEN 
			I'm finished, but we've got to 
			move quickly.
				(looking at the fallen 
				Odo) 
			This place is going to be swarming 
			with security -- meet me at 
			Runabout Pad "C." Now.

					KEIKO'S COM VOICE 
			How did you know I'd want a 
			runabout?

					O'BRIEN 
			Because I know what you're 
			planning to do. But don't worry, 
			I don't give a damn about the 
			Celestial Temple, or your non-
			corporeal feuds. I just want my 
			wife back. Now you still need me 
			to pilot you to the wormhole so 
			let's stop wasting time. Agreed?

	A long beat before:

					KEIKO'S COM VOICE 
			I'll meet you there.

     DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Assign... " - REV. 09/12/96 - ACT FIVE    54.

48   CONTINUED:	(3)

	O'Brien keeps moving quickly down the Corridor.

49   INT. RUNABOUT	49-

	O'Brien is at the Conn, Keiko sits tensely at Ops.

					O'BRIEN 
			That's correct, Commander. I want 
			to test some new magnetic 
			constrictors on the runabout's 
			impulse thrusters.

					DAX'S COM VOICE 
			Very well, Chief. You're cleared 
			for departure, but before you go, 
			there's one thing I'd like to ask 
			you.

	O'Brien tenses up a bit.

					O'BRIEN 
			What's that?

					DAX'S COM VOICE 
			Did you enjoy your birthday?

	O'Brien exhales.

					O'BRIEN
				(going along)
			It was full of surprises.

	He works the controls, his face set like a man 
	determined to drive his head through a brick wall. We 
	HEAR ENGINES WHINE as the runabout is elevated onto the 
	launching pad.

50   EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)

	The Runabout launches.

51   INT. RUNABOUT

	Keiko eyeballs their location through the window.

					KEIKO 
			Hold position here.

	O'Brien eases the thrusters, drops momentum.

					O'BRIEN 
			Computer. Initiate modifications 
			O'Brien seven-three-one and enable 
			remote com-link.

					COMPUTER VOICE 
			Com-link enabled.

     DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Assign... " - REV. 09/12/96 - ACT FIVE    55.

             52   EXT. SPACE --DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)               

	Circular ENERGY TRAILS crackle from the deflector 
	emitters.

53   INT. OPS

	Dax is reacting to her panel that has just lit up like 
	a Christmas tree as the station automatically goes to 
	Red Alert.

					DAX
			What the hell --

	Sisko emerges from his office.

54   INT. RUNABOUT

	Keiko's eyes narrow as her final goal comes within 
	reach.

					KEIKO
			Target the center of the wormhole.

	O'Brien nods.

					O'BRIEN
			Target coordinates, set.

					KEIKO
			Have us face the Temple. The
			blast will only last a fraction of
			a second...
				(smiling)
			They'll all be dead before they
			even see it.

	O'Brien considers this for an instant.

55   THE FORWARD WINDOW (OPTICAL)

	As the ship turns, the starfield rotates until we see 
	the flower petals of the wormhole are invitingly open.

					KEIKO
			You have no idea how many
			centuries I've waited for this...

					O'BRIEN
			Let's get on with it.

     DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Assign... " - REV. 09/12/96 - ACT FIVE    56.

56   O'BRIEN AND KEIKO

					KEIKO
				(laughs) 
			You have a lot to learn about 
			patience, Miles.

	O'Brien glares at her.  Keiko shrugs.

					KEIKO 
			Proceed.

					SISKO'S COM VOICE 
			Chief -- what's going on out 
			there?

	O'Brien ignores the call, keeping focused on the task 
	at hand.

					SISKO'S COM VOICE 
			I'm ordering you to return to the 
			station -- now!

					KEIKO
				(to O'Brien) 
			Activate.

	O'Brien swallows hard, then taps a key.

57   EXT. SPACE (OPTICAL)

	The various ENERGY TRAILS from the deflector emitters 
	begin forming a coherent BEAM. The BEAM blazes out 
	from the station with sparking bursts of blue-red flame 
	along its path.

	But instead of the beam hitting the wormhole -- the 
	beam BLASTS the runabout with a direct hit.

58   INT. RUNABOUT

	A THUNDEROUS JOLT shakes the ship. Keiko turns to 
	O'Brien, horror dawning in her eyes. O'Brien tricked 
	her and there's nothing she can do about it --

59   EXT. SPACE (OPTICAL)

	Massive ENERGY TENDRILS SWARM all over the ship.

60   INT. RUNABOUT (OPTICAL)

	The ship shakes like a rat in a terrier's mouth. 
	Sparks fly from the blown transporter. ENERGY ARCS 
	from the bulkhead penetrate Keiko's body, which 
	convulses, a twenty gigavolt marionette.

     DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Assign... " - REV. 09/12/96 - ACT FIVE    57.

61   O'BRIEN

	bounces from his seat into the aft bulkhead supports.
	He hangs on, looks over at his wife. Reaches out... 

					O'BRIEN 
				(screams) 
			Keiko!

62   KEIKO (OPTICAL)

	Her eyes bulge, her jaw slams open as every muscle in 
	her body contracts at once, and a crackling ENERGY AURA 
	dances all over her body as she suddenly goes limp and 
	falls.

63   O'BRIEN

	crouches protectively over Keiko's body as wisps of 
	smoke waft through the craft. The runabout settles 
	down. O'Brien cradles his unconscious wife.

64   KEIKO

	opens her eyes. O'Brien looks deep into them... these 
	eyes are filled with tears and life -- these are the 
	eyes of his wife.

					KEIKO 
			Miles?

65   ON BOTH

	Hold their moment as O'Brien embraces his wife and 
	fights back his own tears.

66   INT. DOCKING RING CORRIDOR

	The airlock door opens, revealing Sisko and a SECURITY 
	SQUAD. An irritated Odo rubs his jaw.

67   O'BRIEN AND KEIKO

	emerge from the airlock, arms around each other. 
	Bashir steps forward, begins a scan of Keiko, who looks 
	worn out. Sisko stares grimly.

					SISKO
			You have some explaining to do, 
			Chief. 

	O'Brien nods, smiling at his wife.

     DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Assign... " - REV. 09/12/96 - ACT FIVE    58.

68   EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE

	Re-establishing.

69   INT. O'BRIEN'S QUARTERS

	O'Brien and Keiko are in the middle of breakfast. 
	Keiko responds to O'Brien's latest question.

					KEIKO 
			It was more like having something 
			coiled around inside my head. I 
			could see and hear through it, but 
			every time I tried to do anything, 
			it was like...
				(reaches for the words)
			... like being stuck in sand, then 
			squeezed.

	O'Brien covers his wife's hand with his own.

					O'BRIEN 
			Could you sense any of its 
			thoughts?

					KEIKO 
			Just feelings, sometimes. Kind of 
			a cold rage.
				(shudders) 
			I don't think it ever had any 
			intention of leaving either one of 
			us alive.

					O'BRIEN 
			You don't have to talk about it if 
			you don't want to.

					KEIKO
			It feels good to talk about it.
			Besides...
				(looks fondly at 
				O'Brien)
			I'll never forget how hard you 
			fought for me.

	Embarrassed, O'Brien hides behind a sip of coffee. But 
	Keiko looks at her husband with unabashed affection.

70   INT. QUARK'S

	Like the opening scene, it is breakfast time at 
	Quark's. Quark, Morn and the dabo girls are going 
	through their opening routine as Rom ENTERS, and steps 
	up to the bar. Rom looks totally exhausted and spent.

     DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Assign... " - REV. 09/12/96 - ACT FIVE    59.

70   CONTINUED: -

					ROM
				(barely audible) 
			Hello, brother.

	Quark shakes his head as he approaches.

					QUARK 
			You look horrible. I'm telling 
			you, Rom -- working the night 
			shift is driving you to an early 
			grave.

					ROM 
			I wasn't working.

					QUARK 
			What do you mean you weren't 
			working?

					ROM 
			I'm not on the night shift 
			anymore.

					QUARK 
			I knew it. O'Brien fired you.

					ROM
				(smiles) 
			No, Brother. In appreciation of 
			my work the chief has promoted me 
			to the day shift... he says I have 
			a promising future in Engineering.

					QUARK 
			Then why do you look so tired?

					ROM 
			I was out celebrating.

					QUARK 
			With who?

					ROM 
			My crewmates.

	Rom looks as happy as a Ferengi can be.

					ROM
			I think they like me.

					QUARK
				(with some disbelief) 
			Do they?

     DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Assign... " - REV. 09/12/96 - ACT FIVE    60.

70   CONTINUED:	(2)

					ROM
				(nodding) 
			Especially Litana, she's always 
			finding excuses to talk to me.

	Quark wants to be bigger than he feels.

					QUARK 
			Well, I'm glad things are going so 
			well for you, Rom.

					ROM 
			No, you're not. But thanks 
			anyway, brother.

					QUARK 
			So I suppose you'll be wanting -
			the "Chief's Special" again?

					ROM 
			Actually, no. I've discovered 
			bacon doesn't agree with me.

					QUARK 
			What a surprise.

					ROM 
			Instead, I'll have a short stack 
			of pancakes, dripping with butter, 
			side of sausage and pineapple.

					QUARK 
			Pineapple?

					ROM 
			That's the breakfast of choice on 
			the day shift.

	Quark looks at his brother... what can he do?

					QUARK
				(still puzzled) 
			Pineapple.

	And as Quark moves off shaking his head mournfully, we:

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT FIVE                         
                            THE END