STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE 
                              
                           "Rapture" 
                          #40510-508 
                              
                           Story by 
                          Laura Strom 
                              
                          Teleplay by 
                         Hans Beimler 
                              
                          Directed by 
                         Jonathan West 

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 This script is not for publication or 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
                        October 11, 1996

          STAR TREK: DS9   "Rapture" - 10/11/96 - CAS

                              
                  STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE 
                           "Rapture" 
                              CAST                               

          SISKO                    KAI WINN
          ODO                      KASIDY YATES
          BASHIR                   ADMIRAL WHATLEY
          DAX                      
          QUARK                    
          O'BRIEN                  
          KIRA                     
          WORF                     
          JAKE                     

          Non-Speaking             Non-Speaking
          N.D. SUPERNUMERARIES     

         STAR TREK: DS9 - "Rapture" - 10/11/96 - SETS 

                              
                  STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE 
                           "Rapture" 
                             SETS                               

        INTERIORS                     EXTERIORS
        DEEP SPACE NINE                 DEEP SPACE NINE
          AIRLOCK                       
          CAPTAIN'S OFFICE              
          GUEST QUARTERS                
          HOLOSUITE                     
          HABITAT RING CORRIDOR         
          INFIRMARY/SURGERY             
          OPS                           
          PROMENADE/UPPER LEVEL         
          QUARK'S BAR                   
          SECURITY OFFICE               
          SISKO'S QUARTERS              
          WARDROOM                      

        CAVES                         

     DEEP SPACE NINE -"Rapture" - 10/11/96 - PRONUNCIATION 

                  STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE 
                           "Rapture" 
                      PRONUNCIATION GUIDE 

          ALVANIAN                 al-VEIN-ee-un
          B'HALA                   bah-HA-la
          BANTACA                  bahn-TAHK-uh
          BATERET                  BAA-der-it
          COLTI                    KUL-tee
          ILVIA                    ILL-vee-uh
          KATTERPOD                KATT-er-pod
          LINGTA                   LING-tah
          PAGH'TEM'FAR             pah-tem-FAR.
          PELDOR                   PEL-dor
          RIFKIN                   RIFF-kin
          TONSA                    TAHN-suh
          VEDEK                    VEH-deck
          VETA                     VAY-tuh
          WHATLEY                  WATT-lee
          ZOCAL                    ZOE-kul

         DEEP SPACE NINE: "Rapture" - REV. 10/23/96 - TEASER         1.

                  STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE                    
                              "Rapture"                                
                            TEASER                              

	FADE IN:

1    INT. WARDROOM

	CLOSE ON an ominous and eerie-looking stone Obelisk 
	bathed in an unearthly light. WE SLOWLY PULL BACK, 
	REVEALING various Bajorans in long, flowing robes, 
	reverently surrounding the very tall and impressive 
	slab. Behind them, a fountain. WE KEEP PULLING BACK 
	to see that the Obelisk is in the middle of a kind of 
	agora -- a town square of an ancient Bajoran city.

					DAX (O.S.)
			That's it?

	WE CONTINUE TO PULL BACK, finally revealing this to be 
	a very detailed and "realistic" eighteen-by-twelve-inch 
	painting on a weathered piece of parchment.

					SISKO (O.S.)
			That's it. The "City of B'hala," 
			painted nearly twenty thousand 
			years ago --

2    WIDER

	to include SISKO, KIRA and DAX staring at the ancient 
	painting which has been pulled out of its own elaborate
	shipping crate by TWO BAJORAN SECURITY AGENTS. Sisko 
	eyes the painting with tremendous appreciation.

					DAX
			Hmm.

	Sisko and Kira exchange a look, taken aback by her "hmm."

					KIRA 
			Jadzia -- you're looking at the 
			most important Bajoran icon ever 
			painted. The only known "proof" 
			that B'hala actually existed, and 
			all you have to say is "hmm"?

					DAX
			No, it's just that you both gave 
			it such a build up that I thought 
			it would be a lot...

         DEEP SPACE NINE: "Rapture" - REV. 10/23/96 - TEASER         2.

2    CONTINUED:

					DAX (Cont'd)
				(delineating a larger 
				imaginary canvas)
			... bigger.

	Sisko and Kira give her a look. Dax tries to recover 
	with:

					DAX
			Not that small is bad.


					KIRA 
			We've been trying to force the 
			Cardassian government to return 
			this to us since the end of the 
			Occupation. It's good to have it 
			back.

					DAX
			I thought you said it was being 
			returned to the State Museum in 
			Ilvia.

					SISKO
			It will be. Tomorrow. But I 
			couldn't let it pass without 
			stealing a look.
				(with a half-smile)
			Sometimes, being the Emissary 
			isn't such a bad thing.

	As Dax looks at the painting once again, Sisko can't 
	contain his enthusiasm.

					SISKO

				(pointing to the 
				Obelisk)
			See that? It's a Bantaca spire. 
			Ancient Bajoran cities were built 
			around them.

	Sisko marvels at the structure.

					SISKO
			They were all about eleven meters 
			tall... made of hundreds of 
			stones, carved and fitted together 
			so tightly that they didn't need mortar.

					KIRA 
			It's said they mark the city's 
			place in the cosmos.

         DEEP SPACE NINE: "Rapture" - REV. 10/23/96 - TEASER        2A.

2  CONTINUED:	(2)

	Considering Sisko's and Kira's enthusiasm for the 
	piece, Dax feels "obligated" to say something 
	appreciative. Referring to the odd-looking symbols on 
	the obelisk, she comments:

					DAX
			Beautiful markings.

         DEEP SPACE NINE: "Rapture" - REV. 10/23/96 - TEASER         3.

3    CLOSE ON THE PAINTING

					SISKO (O.S.)
			Supposedly, they're coordinates of 
			the lost city.

4    RESUME

					SISKO
			But since we can't see the 
			markings on the other two sides, 
			they're impossible to decipher.

					KIRA 
			Which is why B'hala is likely to 
			remain lost.

	The captain turns to the two Guards.

					SISKO
				(re: the painting)
			Before you pack it up, have it 
			scanned into the computer.

					DAX
				(smiling)
			You're going to study it? Maybe 
			try to find the lost city?

	Kira stares at Sisko, lost in thought for a moment. 
	Sisko notices her faraway look, and asks:

					SISKO
			I wouldn't get my hopes up, major. 
			I just like it. I want a copy for 
			my office.

					KIRA 
			I was just thinking about Zocal's 
			third prophecy. It says that only 
			someone touched by the Prophets 
			could find the ruins of B'hala.

					DAX
				(to Sisko)
			No pressure.

	Sisko shoots her a glance before we cut to --

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

	Establishing.

         DEEP SPACE NINE: "Rapture" - REV. 10/23/96 - TEASER         4.

6    INT. CAPTAIN'S OFFICE (OPTICAL)

	Sisko is alone, reading a PADD, relaxing. In the b.g., 
	a reproduction of the painting is being displayed on 
	the wall MONITOR.

6A   CLOSE ON SISKO (OPTICAL)

	as he pauses from his reading to glance up at the 
	painting. From his expression, it's clear he's very 
	pleased with his new acquisition. Sisko momentarily 
	goes back to his reading, but after only a beat, he 
	stares back at the painting.

	Sisko puts the PADD down and stands to "soak it in," 
	like a painter taking a few steps back to examine the 
	work from a distance. Sisko smiles to himself -- 
	there's something about this work of art that speaks to 
	him. Sisko is about to return to his reading, when 
	something in the painting catches his eye --
	Sisko steps up to examine it more closely.

7    CLOSE ON THE PAINTING (OPTICAL)

	as Sisko's fingers run from the Obelisk to an aqueduct 
	that empties into a fountain behind the Obelisk. Sisko 
	takes a long beat as he studies this carefully. Then:

					SISKO
			Computer, magnify grid C-four.

	The section of the painting where the aqueduct water 
	spills into the fountain is outlined, and then "popped" 
	forward so that it fills the screen. We see the back 
	of one side of the Obelisk crudely reflected in the 
	water.

					SISKO (O.S.)
				(to himself)
			A reflection...
				(to the computer)
			Now magnify D-two.

	The computer repeats the process, outlining only the 
	wall of water falling into the fountain. The image of 
	the markings has been amplified so much that it is 
	quite "grainy" and impressionistic -- a sea of shapes 
	and shadows.

8    CLOSE ON SISKO

	as he peers hard at the image on the screen. After a 
	long beat considering something, Sisko moves over to 
	his console, pushes a button and removes an isolinear rod.

         DEEP SPACE NINE: "Rapture" - REV. 10/23/96 - TEASER        4A.

9    INT. HOLOSUITE

	Sisko is standing near an open console in an empty 
	holosuite. He inserts the isolinear rod into the 
	console then addresses the computer:

					SISKO
			Computer. Process Sisko image 
			file three-seven-six. Reduce in 
			size seventy-five percent.


	Sisko turns to see --

         DEEP SPACE NINE: "Rapture" - REV. 10/23/96 - TEASER         5.

10   ANGLE OVER SISKO'S SHOULDER (OPTICAL)

	We watch as the Holosuite completes the replica of the 
	Obelisk. The four-sided stone structure has a three 
	foot base and extends fifteen feet into the air. The 
	two sides facing Sisko have the same "markings" as the painting.

11   ON SISKO (OPTICAL)

	as he looks at the Obelisk with a deep fascination. 
	After a moment of "soaking in" the structure, he 
	circles its base to face the two blank sides of the 
	Obelisk. He stares at the clean slates for a moment, 
	then:

					SISKO
			Superimpose grid D-Two.

	The image reflected in the wall of water is "projected" 
	onto one of the two blank faces of the Obelisk. The 
	sea of shapes and shadows has a loose fit on the 
	structure. If these are "markings" of any kind, they 
	remain indecipherable.

					SISKO
			Reverse image and enhance.

	The "markings" come somewhat into sharper focus. Sisko 
	has indeed found something. Sisko stares excitedly at 
	the mysterious shapes.

									DISSOLVE TO:

11A  ON SISKO (OPTICAL)

	continuing to work. The "markings" on the third face 
	of the Obelisk have now come into perfect focus. But 
	the fourth side remains blank. The moment is 
	interrupted by QUARK, ENTERING.

					QUARK
				(sheepish)
			Sorry to disturb you, Captain,
			but...

					SISKO
				(annoyed)
			But what?

					QUARK
			It's after three in the morning.

	Sisko hadn't realized how late it was.

         DEEP SPACE NINE: "Rapture" - REV. 10/23/96 - TEASER         6.

11A  CONTINUED:

					SISKO
			Three, already?

					QUARK
			Time flies when you're having fun.


					SISKO
				(rubbing his tired eyes)
			Quark -- I want you to save this 
			program for me.

	Quark looks at the structure curiously.

					QUARK
			What is it?

					SISKO
			An ancient puzzle.

	Quark continues eyeing the structure, seeing nothing 
	special about it.

					QUARK
			You know, Captain, if you like 
			puzzles -- I have a wide 
			assortment of pleasure mazes.
				(suggestively)
			And they all come with a surprise 
			in the center.

					SISKO
			Never mind, Quark. I'll save the 
			program myself.

12   CLOSE ON SISKO

	as he steps up to the console and taps a few keys. As 
	he reaches to extract the isolinear rod, something 
	shorts in the system -- he is showered with SPARKS and 
	thrown to the ground, unconscious.

13   QUARK (OPTICAL)

	rushes to the captain's side as BLUE ARCS DANCE all 
	over Sisko's body.

					QUARK
			Quark to Infirmary -- medical 
			emergency in Holosuite Four.

	And on a CLOSE ANGLE of Sisko, we:

									FADE OUT.

                         END OF TEASER                          

        DEEP SPACE NINE: "Rapture" - REV. 10/23/96 - ACT ONE         7.
                            ACT ONE                             

	FADE IN:

	(NOTE: Episode credits fall over opening scenes)

14   INT. PROMENADE - SECOND LEVEL

	ODO is hauling Quark down the corridor, gripping the 
	Ferengi by the collarbone.

					QUARK
			But Odo -- you said yourself the 
			Captain's all right.

					ODO
			Lucky for you.

	Quark can't believe the injustice being committed 
	against him.

					QUARK
			Then why am I being arrested? I 
			already told you it was an 
			accident. A minor technical 
			difficulty. You can't arrest 
			somebody for a minor technical 
			difficulty.

					ODO
			No, but I can arrest you for 
			negligence. Your own records show 
			your holosuites are in desperate 
			need of maintenance.

					QUARK
			Which is what I've been telling 
			Chief O'Brien for the past week. 
			I begged him to have Rom repair 
			them. But you know what he said? 
			"Rom's too busy upgrading the 
			sensor array." Can you believe 
			that? Anyone can fix a sensor 
			array. But no one can fix the 
			holosuites like that idiot brother 
			of mine.
				(an idea)
			So you see, if anyone should be 
			arrested for negligence, it's 
			Chief O'Brien.

					ODO
			Tell it to the magistrate.

        DEEP SPACE NINE: "Rapture" - REV. 10/23/96 - ACT ONE         8.

14   CONTINUED:

	Odo continues hauling the Ferengi towards Security. As 
	Odo and Quark pass the Infirmary, WE HOLD on the 
	entrance.

15   INT. INFIRMARY

	DOCTOR BASHIR emerges from the laboratory/dispensary 
	area, his attention completely focused on the readings 
	off a medical instrument. Sisko is on the bio-bed.

					BASHIR
			... There are no signs of any 
			permanent neural damage, though I 
			am reading some odd synaptic 
			potentials.
				(a beat)
			Let me ask you something -- does 
			my uniform look a little brighter 
			to you?

					SISKO
			Yes... everything does.

	Sisko looks around the room.

					SISKO
			Colors seem more intense... and 
			shapes are more... focused.

	Sisko looks at his own hand as if held never seen it 
	before.

					BASHIR
			That's called post-neural shock 
			syndrome. Your neural pathways 
			were overloaded by the plasma 
			burst. All external stimuli are 
			going to seem more pronounced.
				(a warning)

			It'll take a while for things to 
			settle down. I'm putting you on 
			restricted duty for the next three 
			days. If you experience any other 
			side effects, headaches, nausea, 
			dizziness... let me know 
			immediately.

	Sisko is relishing his senses -- looking intently at a 
	bright green liquid in a vial.

        DEEP SPACE NINE: "Rapture" - REV. 10/23/96 - ACT ONE         9.

15   CONTINUED:

					BASHIR
				(with a smile)
			In the meantime, enjoy the show.

	Sisko catches himself, putting down the vial.

16   INT. SISKO'S QUARTERS

	Sisko and Jake have just completed a dinner Jake made 
	for his father.

					JAKE 
			So... did dinner get the Sisko 
			stamp of approval?

	Sisko's attention is focused on a dessert tray of fruit 
	and cheeses. He's using a knife to "doodle" with the 
	sliced fruit, cutting them into various odd shapes and 
	symbols. Jake watches him, trying to gauge his mood.

					SISKO
			Grandpa would be proud of you.

					JAKE
			I was a little worried I 
			overcooked the Lingta roast. I'm 
			glad you liked it.

	Sisko nods, still absorbed.

					JAKE 
			Can I get you anything else?

					SISKO
			I'm fine.

					JAKE
			I guess you'll be cooking tomorrow 
			night.

	Sisko is still not paying much attention to the conversation.

					SISKO
			Why's that?

					JAKE
				(hopeful)
			To welcome Kasidy back to the 
			station. Maybe prepare some of 
			that jambalaya she likes so much.

					SISKO
			We'll see.

        DEEP SPACE NINE: "Rapture" - REV. 10/23/96 - ACT ONE        10.

16   CONTINUED:

					JAKE
			Dad, Kasidy's spent six months in 
			prison for helping the Maquis -- 
			she's paid for what she did.

					SISKO
				(neutral)
			I suppose so.

	Jake gets up and begins clearing the table. His 
	father's lack of interest in Kasidy really bothers him, 
	though he tries not to show it.

					JAKE
			I hope you'll give her a chance... 
			that's all. You two had 
			something...

	But Sisko doesn't respond. He's lost in deep 
	concentration, staring at the odd shapes formed by the 
	pieces of fruit and rind.

					JAKE 
			Dad?

	No answer.

					JAKE 
			Dad -- what is it?

					SISKO
			These shapes...

17   CLOSE ON THE FRUIT PLATE

					SISKO (O.S.)

			... I know what they are.

								MATCH CUT TO:

18   INT. HOLOSUITE

	The same shapes now superimposed onto the fourth side 
	of the Obelisk. We now understand that the shapes 
	Sisko saw in the fruit are the missing "markings." 
	Sisko excitedly walks around the Obelisk -- marveling 
	that all four sides are now "complete."

	Sisko stares at the mysterious markings, his mind 
	racing through the possibilities. A COM VOICE 
	interrupts:

        DEEP SPACE NINE: "Rapture" - REV. 10/23/96 - ACT ONE        11.

18   CONTINUED:

				DAX'S COM VOICE
			Ops to Captain Sisko.

					SISKO
			Go ahead.

					DAX'S COM VOICE
			Sorry to disturb you, Benjamin. 
			But I have Admiral Whatley calling 
			from Starfleet Headquarters.


	Despite Sisko's preference to keep working, he knows he 
	can't keep an Admiral waiting.

					SISKO
			I'll take it in here.

	Sisko puts down his instruments and takes a few steps 
	over to the monitor in the Holosuite.

19   ANGLE ON THE MONITOR (OPTICAL)

	as it comes to life with the image of ADMIRAL CHARLIE 
	WHATLEY. The Admiral is "old-Navy" -- a strong-willed 
	and seasoned veteran of many campaigns. He has 
	intelligent, steel-hard eyes that don't miss much.

					WHATLEY
			Hello, Ben.

					SISKO
			Admiral.

					WHATLEY
			How've you been?

					SISKO
			Never better.

					WHATLEY
			Glad to hear it. I know you've 
			been waiting for this news a long 
			time. I'm glad to be the one who 
			tells you.

	Sisko waits expectantly.

					WHATLEY
			Bajor's petition to join the 
			Federation has been approved.

	Sisko breaks into a wide grin -- this is great news.

        DEEP SPACE NINE: "Rapture" - REV. 10/23/96 - ACT ONE        12.

19   CONTINUED:

					SISKO
			It's about time.

					WHATLEY
			Congratulations, Ben. You've done 
			a helluva job out there.

					SISKO
			Thank you.

					WHATLEY
			We're not the only ones who think 
			so. The Bajorans requested that 
			the signing ceremony take place on 
			your station. So make sure you 
			spruce up that floating bicycle 
			wheel of yours.
				(smiling)
			Count on me and a lot of other 
			brass showing up for this one, 
			captain... or should I say 
			admiral? That can't be far away
			once you have this feather in your 
			cap.

	Sisko nods, smiling at the compliment.

20   INT. QUARK'S BAR

	Quark is standing amidst a happy Bajoran throng on the 
	first level. He's looking up at TWO DABO GIRLS holding 
	a rolled-up banner over the balcony, waiting for his 
	cue.

					QUARK 
			Computer, spotlight.

	A single beam of SPOTLIGHT shines on the two Dabo Girls.

					QUARK 
			Drumroll.

	And as the computer PIPES IN the traditional DRUMROLL, 
	Quark cues the Dabo Girls to unfurl the banner. Quark 
	immediately turns to face WORF and Dax, wanting to see 
	their reactions.

					WORF
				(reading the banner)
			Welcome Klingons.

        DEEP SPACE NINE: "Rapture" - REV. 10/23/96 - ACT ONE        13.

20   CONTINUED:


	The crowd's confused silence confirms Worf's words. 
	Quark spins to look at the banner -- the Klingon emblem 
	is surrounded with some Klingon writing. Quark winces 
	with agony and yells up to the Dabo Girls:

					QUARK
			Not that one --

	Quark rushes behind the bar, pulls out another banner 
	and unfurls it over the counter. This one has the 
	United Federation of Planets emblem and when the crowd 
	sees it, they break out into the traditional Bajoran 
	APPLAUSE.

					DAX
			I see you're prepared for 
			anything.

					QUARK
			Never hurts.

	Dax picks up a glass with the U.F.P. emblem emblazoned 
	on its side.

					DAX
				(to Quark)
			I take it you think Federation 
			membership is going to be good for
			business?


					QUARK
			Of course it is -- this station is 
			going to get busier than an 
			Alvanian beehive. I'm expecting 
			to do five times the volume in 
			root beer alone.

	Quark smiles... he's got this all worked out.

					QUARK
			You see, it's all about foot 
			traffic. The more people come in, 
			the more they drink. The more 
			they drink, the more they talk. 
			The more they talk, the more they 
			let slip things I shouldn't know. 
			And that... that always leads to 
			latinum.

	Quark smiles victoriously at Dax and the Klingon. Dax 
	smiles back, but Worf remains unmoved.

					WORF
			Perhaps so. But there is one 
			problem...

        DEEP SPACE NINE: "Rapture" - REV. 10/23/96 - ACT ONE       13A.

20   CONTINUED:	(2)

					QUARK
				(impossible)
			What's that?

					WORF
			An ancient Klingon proverb -- "You 
			cannot loosen a man's tongue with 
			root beer."

	They look at Worf, who remains poker-faced.

21   ANGLE ON KIRA

	passing by, talking to VEDEK MERA.

        DEEP SPACE NINE: "Rapture" - REV. 10/23/96 - ACT ONE        14.

21   CONTINUED:

					KIRA
			... it is wonderful news, Vedek 
			Mera. I'll see you at the signing 
			ceremony.

	Kira spots her friends at the bar and moves over to them.

					KIRA
			Enjoying the celebration?

					DAX
			As far as I'm concerned, the 
			Federation should accept a new 
			member every week.

	Worf catches Kira's gaze.

					WORF
			And you, Major? Are you 
			celebrating?

	Kira smiles and looks around the room at all the Joyous 
	celebrating going on.

					KIRA
			Five years ago, I wouldn't be. 
				(reflecting)
			I didn't think Federation 
			membership was right for Bajor. 
			It hadn't been that long since the 
			occupation and I thought it was 
			important for us to learn to stand 
			on our own two feet.

	Kira takes a champagne glass from Quark as he passes.

					WORF
			What changed your mind?

					KIRA
			A lot of things. My time on the 
			station... my dealings with 
			Starfleet... but mostly, the 
			captain.

					DAX
			He can be very persuasive.

					KIRA
			No doubt about that. He's made me 
			a believer.

        DEEP SPACE NINE: "Rapture" - REV. 10/23/96 - ACT ONE       14A.

21   CONTINUED:	(2)

					DAX
			I'll drink to that.

	The three of them CLINK glasses and sip their drinks.

					KIRA
			Where is the Captain? I want to
			congratulate him.

					DAX
			He was here for a little while,
			but I think he went back to the
			holosuite.

	Kira shoots Quark a sharp look.

					QUARK
			Don't worry, I fixed them.

	And as Kira heads for the stairs, we go to --

22   INT. HOLOSUITE

	The door opens and Kira ENTERS. Sisko is sitting with
	his back to the door, facing the Obelisk.

					KIRA
			Captain...

	But Sisko doesn't seem to hear. She moves around to 
	face him directly. Strangely, he's staring at the 
	Obelisk -- his eyes and mind are a million miles away.

					KIRA
			Sir... something wrong?

	No response. She touches him by the shoulder; he 
	doesn't react.

					KIRA
			Captain!

        DEEP SPACE NINE: "Rapture" - REV. 10/23/96 - ACT ONE        15.

22   CONTINUED:

	She shakes him by the shoulder. And off Kira's rising 
	panic that she can't rouse him, we:

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT ONE                          

        DEEP SPACE NINE: "Rapture" - REV. 10/23/96 - ACT TWO        16.
                            ACT TWO                             

	FADE IN:

23   INT. HOLOSUITE - CONTINUOUS

	Sisko is still staring at the Obelisk. Kira tries to 
	snap him out of it. She shakes him more violently.

					KIRA
			Benjamin!

	Sisko suddenly reacts by grabbing both of her arms.

					SISKO
			Major?

					KIRA
			Are you all right?

					SISKO
			I was there.

					KIRA
			Sir?

					SISKO
			B'hala. It was the eve of the 
			Peldor Festival. I could hear 
			them ringing the temple chimes.

					KIRA
			You were dreaming.

					SISKO
			No, I was there. I could smell 
			the burning bateret leaves, taste 
			the incense on the wind.

	Sisko gets up and begins pacing.

					SISKO
			I was standing in front of the 
			Obelisk. And as I looked up, for 
			a moment, I understood it all. 
			B'hala... the Orbs... the 
			occupation... the discovery of the 
			wormhole... the coming war with 
			the Dominion.

        DEEP SPACE NINE: "Rapture" - REV. 10/23/96 - ACT TWO        17.

23   CONTINUED:

	Kira knows that Sisko is right -- this is much more 
	than a'dream.

					KIRA
			You could see the future as well 
			as the past?

					SISKO
			And for one moment, I could see 
			the pattern that held it all 
			together.

	Kira looks at Sisko with reverence and awe for "The 
	Emissary."

					KIRA
			You had a pagh'tem'far -- a sacred 
			vision.

					SISKO
			I don't know what I had. But it 
			felt... wonderful.

	Kira smiles, reassured by her own faith.

					KIRA 
			The Prophets chose well when they 
			made you their Emissary.
				(with a touch of humor)
			So how does it all fit together?

					SISKO
			I wish I knew.
				(playful)
			Someone woke me up.

	Kira feels like she interrupted the Pope's prayer.

					KIRA
			I was worried about you.

					SISKO
			I understand. If I found you in 
			the middle of a pagh'tem'far, I'd 
			probably be worried, too.


	A com voice interrupts the moment:

					O'BRIEN'S COM VOICE
			O'Brien to Captain Sisko.

					SISKO
			Go ahead.


        DEEP SPACE NINE: "Rapture" - REV. 10/23/96 - ACT TWO       17A.

23   CONTINUED:	(2)

					O'BRIEN'S COM VOICE
			Sir, I've just received word that 
			Kai Winn is on her way to the 
			station. She should arrive in 
			less than two hours.

	But Sisko's thoughts are elsewhere. Right now, the 
	affairs of state don't concern him.

					SISKO
			Thank you, Chief. Major Kira will 
			greet her at the airlock.

	This surprises Kira.

					SISKO
				(to Kira)
			Make my apologies.

        DEEP SPACE NINE: "Rapture" - REV. 10/23/96 - ACT TWO        18.

23   CONTINUED:	(3)

					SISKO
			Tell the Kai I'll meet with her 
			tomorrow, but today I'm busy...
				(tries to come up with
				an excuse, can't)
			Make something up.

					KIRA
			Where are you going to be?

					SISKO
			Right here. The answer's in that 
			Spire. I know it.

	Kira EXITS, leaving a confused and excited Sisko 
	behind.

24   INT. AIRLOCK

	Kira, a Starfleet Security Officer and one Bajoran 
	Security Guard are waiting outside the airlock. The 
	door opens to reveal KAI WINN approaching. In the 
	background, a Vedek keeps a respectful distance.

					KIRA
			Kai Winn.

					WINN
			Greetings, my child. You look...
			very sweet.

	Winn's remark is meant as a put-down and that's how 
	Kira takes it.

					KIRA
			Looks can be deceiving. But you 
			don't need me to tell you that.

        DEEP SPACE NINE: "Rapture" - REV. 10/23/96 - ACT TWO        19.

24   CONTINUED:

	The comment is not lost on Kai Winn, but she decides to 
	let it pass.

					WINN 
			Why isn't the Emissary here to 
			greet me?

					KIRA
			I'm afraid Captain Sisko is busy 
			at the moment.

					WINN 
			No doubt he's still basking in the 
			adulation of Starfleet Command.

					KIRA
			Something like that.

					WINN 
			I'm sure the Federation is very 
			pleased with the job he's done.

					KIRA
				(pointedly)
			I thought everyone was.

        DEEP SPACE NINE: "Rapture" - REV. 10/23/96 - ACT TWO        20.

24   CONTINUED:	(2)


					WINN 
			Not everyone.
				(a beat)
			Our culture has only had five 
			short years to recover from the 
			Occupation. Only five years of 
			freedom. Hardly seems enough 
			time, does it?

					KIRA
			Bajor will still be free. Joining 
			the Federation won't change that.

					WINN 
			I see working beside Captain Sisko 
			all these years has had quite an 
			influence on you.

					KIRA
			I have to give you credit. You 
			never give up.
				(a beat)
			I'm sure the Emissary will 
			consider everything you have to
			say. And then Bajor's admittance 
			can go forward... unobstructed.


	Winn's not about to concede.

					WINN 
			I await the will of the Prophets.

	Kira refrains from further comment as she contemplates: 
	the Kai is a handful.

25   INT. HOLOSUITE

	The Obelisk looms over Sisko, who walks around it, 
	thoughtfully examining the markings. There are PADDS 
	scattered around the floor, along with four or five 
	maps of Bajor, various sextant-like instruments, 
	compasses, protractors, and a chart of the night sky 
	of Bajor.

	Sisko reaches down and picks up the star chart, looks 
	from it to the Obelisk, and then back to the chart. 
	Suddenly he breaks into a wide, triumphant smile.

         DEEP SPACE NINE: "Rapture"- REV. 10/23/96 - ACT TWO        21.

25   CONTINUED:

	He goes to make a mark on one of the maps when he's 
	startled by the WHOOSH of an opening door and the SOUND 
	of a voice coming from behind him.

					KASIDY (O.S.)
			Hello, Ben.

	Sisko turns to see KASIDY YATES, looking hopeful, 
	somewhat hesitant, and lovely as ever.

					SISKO
				(pleased)
			Kasidy.

					KASIDY
			Jake said I could find you...

	But Sisko's already moved forward, taken her in his 
	arms, and kissed her. When he lets her go, she looks 
	happy but a little confused.

					SISKO
			Something wrong?

					KASIDY
			Not at all. I'm just a little 
			surprised. I wasn't sure you'd be 
			happy to see me.

					SISKO
			What are you doing for the next 
			few hours?

					KASIDY
			I don't know. I just got here.

					SISKO
			Why don't you come to Bajor with 
			me?

	This whole conversation is really not going the way 
	Kasidy had planned. She's torn between being ecstatic 
	and very, very confused.

					KASIDY
			Right now?

					SISKO
			I think I know where to find
			B'hala.
				(off her blank look)
			The sacred lost city of Bajor.

	Sisko turns back to the obelisk.

        DEEP SPACE NINE: "Rapture" - REV. 10/23/96 - ACT TWO        22.

25   CONTINUED:	(2)

					SISKO
			You see these markings? They're 
			a coordinate system keyed to the 
			position of the stars at a certain 
			time of night...
				(turns back to Kasidy)
			You don't have the faintest idea 
			what I'm talking about, do you?

					KASIDY
			Not a clue.

					SISKO
			Come to Bajor and I'll show you.

					KASIDY
			I'm not even sure where I'm 
			staying yet.

					SISKO
			You can have your old quarters 
			back... if you want them.

					KASIDY
			They're still available?

					SISKO
			Everything's just the way you left 
			it. I have some pull with the 
			station's C.O.

					KASIDY
				(touched)
			Ben.

	She gives him a hug, but this time there's no 
	hesitation or confusion, only affection.

					KASIDY
				(looking up at him)
			I've missed you.

	Sisko gives her an understanding nod.

					SISKO
			I'm glad you're back.
					(smiles)
			Now what do you say we go find 
			B'hala?

	Kasidy smiles.

        DEEP SPACE NINE: "Rapture" - REV. 10/23/96 - ACT TWO        23.

25   CONTINUED:	(3)

					KASIDY
			Somehow, I don't think you're 
			going to take "no" for an answer.

	They EXIT.

26   EXT. SPACE (OPTICAL) (STOCK)

	The Runabout in orbit around Bajor.

27   INT. CAVES

	Sisko and Kasidy move through a dark, sandstone-like 
	cave. They each turn on their BEACON LIGHTS. Sisko 
	checks his tricorder, before announcing:

					SISKO
			This way.

	Kasidy follows him, disappearing into the darkness of 
	one of the cave passageways.

28   ANOTHER SECTION OF THE CAVES

	Sisko continues to lead Kasidy through the treacherous 
	terrain, their light beacons illuminating the way.

					KASIDY
			We must be two hundred meters 
			underground. I don't want to be 
			negative, Ben... but this doesn't 
			look like a lost city to me.

	Clearly, Sisko has filled her in on the unusual 
	circumstances that have driven them here. She's not 
	sure what to make of it all, but for now, she's going 
	along.

					SISKO
			What you're looking at is twenty 
			thousand years worth of sediment. 
				(continuing his trek)
			Stay close and watch your step. 
			We're not far from --

	Suddenly, Sisko stops -- his head throbbing with an 
	excruciating pain. He leans against the cave wall for 
	support. Kasidy rushes up to him.

					KASIDY
			What's the matter?

        DEEP SPACE NINE: "Rapture" - REV. 10/23/96 - ACT TWO        24.

28   CONTINUED:

	It takes Sisko a moment to recover.

					SISKO
			It's nothing. I'll be fine in a 
			second. Julian said headaches 
			might be a side effect of the 
			accident.

	Kasidy's had enough; her concerns spill out.

					KASIDY
			What about obsessing over an 
			ancient Bajoran city? Is that a 
			side effect, too?

					SISKO
			You're being negative again.

	But now that the pain has passed, Sisko gets right back 
	on the hunt, looking at his tricorder.

					SISKO
			C'mon -- it's right around the 
			bend.

	Kasidy, knowing there's nothing to be gained by 
	arguing, shakes her head and falls in behind him.

29   ANOTHER ANGLE (OPTICAL)

	as they reach the end of the passageway, they shine 
	their lights on the cave walls. There's nothing there 
	but more sandstone. Kasidy looks to Sisko, expecting 
	him to be crestfallen. But he's not disappointed. On 
	the contrary, he seems to see something we don't...

					KASIDY
			What is it?

					SISKO
			It's B'hala.

						KASIDY
			Ben, it's a wall of stone.

					SISKO
			But what's behind the wall?

	He takes out his phaser, adjusts the setting and FIRES 
	it at one of the sandstone walls.

        DEEP SPACE NINE: "Rapture" - REV. 10/23/96 - ACT TWO        25.

30   ON THE CAVE WALL (OPTICAL)

	as the WIDE BEAM gently washes away a layer of 
	sandstone TO REVEAL a section of the enormous Obelisk. 
	We see clearly the distinctive markings of one of its
	faces. There can be no mistake about it -- they've 
	found the lost city of B'hala.

31   CLOSE ON SISKO AND KASIDY

	as they silently take in the incredible find. And we:

									FADE OUT.
                        END OF ACT TWO                          

       DEEP SPACE NINE: "Rapture" - REV. 10/23/96 - ACT THREE       26.
                           ACT THREE                            

	FADE IN:

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

	Re-establishing.

33   INT. SECURITY OFFICE

	Odo, Worf and Kira, looking distracted, are examining 
	some information on a PADD on Odo's desk.

					WORF
			Those quarters are not appropriate 
			for Admiral Colti. She outranks 
			Admiral Veta.

					ODO
			Then let's put her in H-Two, Veta 
			goes to D-Nine, and Rifkin in K-
			Four.

	Odo seems satisfied that they've come upon a solution. 
	But Worf shakes his head.

					WORF

			That will not do. Rifkin commands 
			a starship. Protocol requires he 
			be given equal quarters.

					ODO
			But he's only a captain.

	Worf shakes his head; these "civilians" don't understand.

					WORF
			It's a naval tradition.

	Odo's getting fed up with all this.

					ODO
			So is keelhauling. But right now, 
			we should focus on accommodations.

	They turn their attention to Kira.

					ODO
			Don't you agree, major?

	But Kira's thoughts have been elsewhere.

					KIRA
			Hmm?

       DEEP SPACE NINE: "Rapture" - REV. 10/23/96 - ACT THREE       27.

33   CONTINUED:

	But Odo just shakes his head; he knows where her mind 
	really is.

					ODO
				(dry)
			Sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt 
			your reverie.

					KIRA
			I was just thinking about Captain 
			Sisko finding B'hala. Bajoran 
			archaeologists have been searching 
			for the sacred city for ten 
			thousand years. And he found it 
			in a few days.

					WORF

			Your Gods granted the captain a 
			powerful vision.

					ODO
			Or he made a very lucky guess.

					KIRA
				(I don't think so)
			It was a sign. A sign from the 
			Prophets.


					ODO
			I wonder if the Prophets can help 
			us find quarters for Captain Rifkin.

	But before Kira can answer, the door OPENS and Kai Winn 
	ENTERS.

					WINN

				(to everyone)
			I hope I'm not interrupting --
				(to Kira)
			-- but I was wondering if I could 
			have a word with you, major.

					KIRA
			Of course.
				(to Odo and Worf)
			Good luck.

       DEEP SPACE NINE: "Rapture" - REV. 10/23/96 - ACT THREE       28.

33   CONTINUED:	(2)

					ODO
				(re: Winn)
			I was about to say the same to 
			you.

	Kira stands and EXITS with Kai Winn onto the Promenade.

34   INT. PROMENADE - UPPER LEVEL

	Kai Winn and Kira are walking slowly by the windows.

					WINN 
			My child, you and the Emissary 
			are... close, are you not?

					KIRA
			I consider Captain Sisko a friend.

					WINN 
			So you know his mind. How he 
			thinks... how he reacts in 
			certain situations...

					KIRA
			I'm not really sure what you're 
			asking.

					WINN 
			I'm asking if you think the 
			Emissary will forgive me.

	This isn't what Kira expected.

					KIRA
			Forgive you?

					WINN 
			For doubting him.
				(a beat)
			He must be aware that I never 
			truly believed he was the 
			Emissary.

					KIRA
				(an understatement)
			I'm sure it crossed his mind.


					WINN
				(simply)
			I was wrong. I know that now. 
			only someone touched by the 
			Prophets could find B'hala.

       DEEP SPACE NINE: "Rapture" - REV. 10/23/96 - ACT THREE       29.

34   CONTINUED:

					KIRA
			Does this mean you're not going to 
			try to block Bajor's admittance 
			into the Federation?

					WINN 
			I will follow the path the 
			Emissary has laid out for us.

	And for the first time in her dealings with Winn, Kira 
	gives a genuine smile.

					KIRA 
			I have to admit, I'm surprised to 
			hear that. It takes a lot of 
			courage to admit you're wrong.

					WINN 
			And you think I lack courage?

					KIRA
			I didn't say that.

					WINN 
			But it is what you think.
				(a beat)
			Those of you who were in the 
			Resistance -- you're all the same. 
			You think you're the only ones who 
			fought the Cardassians... that you
			saved Bajor singlehandedly.

	Kira remains silent, not wanting to admit the truth of 
	Kai Winn's words.

					WINN 
			Perhaps you forget, major, that 
			the Cardassians arrested any 
			Bajoran they found teaching the 
			word of the Prophets. I spent 
			five years in a Cardassian prison 
			camp... I can remember each and 
			every beating that I suffered. 
			And where you had weapons to 
			protect yourself, all I had was my 
			faith... and my courage.
				(a beat)
			Walk with the Prophets, child. I 
			know I will.


	Winn EXITS.

       DEEP SPACE NINE: "Rapture" - REV. 10/23/96 - ACT THREE       30.

35   CLOSE ON KIRA-

	as she reacts to Winn, still not trusting her, but 
	perhaps reevaluating her opinion.

36   OMITTED

37   INT. CAVES

	A PAIR OF BAJORAN ARCHAEOLOGICAL WORKERS carry a 
	section of scaffolding past other WORKERS who have set 
	up an archaeological grid around several sections of 
	the cave and Obelisk.

38   ON THE FAR SIDE OF THE CAVE (OPTICAL)

	Admiral Whatley and his STARFLEET AIDE MATERIALIZE. He 
	spots Sisko sitting on a rock, legs crossed, staring 
	thoughtfully at the Obelisk.

39   ON SISKO

	who keeps his focus on the Obelisk (he's not in a 
	trance -- he's just intently focused). The Admiral 
	approaches Sisko from behind, and without ever taking 
	his eyes off the Obelisk or looking back, Sisko is
	aware of his presence.

					SISKO
			Hello, Admiral.

	The Admiral is a bit taken aback, but dismisses the 
	oddity to god-knows-what.

					WHATLEY
			Ben.

	The Admiral looks around at the site.

					WHATLEY
			So this is the ancient city of 
			Balla.

					SISKO
				(correcting)
			B'hala.

	Whatley is undeniably impressed with the site.

       DEEP SPACE NINE: "Rapture" - REV. 10/23/96 - ACT THREE       31.

39   CONTINUED:

					WHATLEY
			Missing for twenty thousand years 
			and you found it. Pretty 
			impressive.
				(turning to Sisko)
			Sure as hell impressed the 
			Bajorans. How'd you know where to 
			look?

					SISKO
			You might say it came to me in a 
			vision.

	Whatley's a little surprised. He was hoping for a more 
	secular response.

					WHATLEY
			I know that's what the Bajorans 
			think. But just between you and 
			me... what really happened?

					SISKO
			I know it's hard to understand... 
			but it really was a vision.
				(tries to explain)
			For the last few days, I've been 
			having these moments of insight... 
			flashes of understanding.

					WHATLEY
			And they started after you had the
			accident?

	Sisko nods.

					WHATLEY
			I don't know, Ben. This is a 
			little strange.

					SISKO
			You didn't come down here to see 
			B'hala, did you, Admiral?

					WHATLEY
			No. I came to see you. I was 
			surprised you weren't on the 
			station when I arrived.

					SISKO
			I'm sorry about that.

					WHATLEY
			Not sorry enough to return my com 
			signals... all three of them... 

       DEEP SPACE NINE: "Rapture" - REV. 10/23/96 - ACT THREE       32.

39   CONTINUED:	(2)

					WHATLEY (Cont'd)

				(lightly)
			That could get an officer in a lot 
			of trouble.

	The Admiral steps around to face Sisko directly.

					WHATLEY
			Ben, I need to know I can count on 
			you. Bajor's admission is only 
			the beginning. Now comes the hard 
			part Federation council members 
			have to be chosen... the Bajoran 
			militia has to be absorbed into 
			Starfleet... there are thousands 
			of details that have to be 
			overseen. And you're our point 
			man here. That means we need to 
			depend on you more than ever.

					SISKO
			Don't worry, I won't let you down.

					WHATLEY
			I'm glad to here that. Now, what 
			do you say we get back up to the 
			station?

					SISKO
			I can't go back to the station. 
			Not just yet.

					WHATLEY
			Why not? I'm sure the Bajorans 
			can take it from here. Or were 
			you thinking of digging up the 
			entire city all by yourself?

	Sisko returns his gaze to the Obelisk.

					SISKO
			Charlie, I just need a little more 
			time.

					WHATLEY
			For what?

					SISKO
			To find answers.
				(knows this isn't very
				helpful)
			There's clarity here. I wish I
			could explain it better, but I
			can't.

       DEEP SPACE NINE: "Rapture" - REV. 10/23/96 - ACT THREE       33.

39   CONTINUED:	(3)

	The "mystical destiny element" in Sisko's voice alarms 
	the Admiral greatly. But he's a man that controls himself well.

					WHATLEY
			You're scaring me with this, Ben.

					SISKO
			I'm a little scared myself.

	Whatley tries to decide what to do. He knows he could 
	force Sisko to come back to the station, but he doesn't 
	want to do that. Finally, he decides to give a little 
	on this one...

					WHATLEY
			All right, I'll give you some 
			time. But I want you back on the 
			station by oh-seven-hundred hours, 
			tomorrow. You're to report to 
			Doctor Bashir for a complete 
			physical.

					SISKO
			I'll be there.

					WHATLEY
			Good.
				(a half-smile)
			I'll bring the donuts.

	Sisko nods acceptance and the admiral walks away. WE 
	HOLD on Sisko until the admiral is out of sight. Then 
	Sisko grimaces in pain -- another excruciating headache 
	grips him momentarily.

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

	Re-establishing. (Preferably a shot with ships coming
	to the station).

41   INT. INFIRMARY

	A determined Admiral Whatley address Doctor Bashir.

					WHATLEY
			It's oh-seven-fifteen. Where the 
			hell is he?

 					BASHIR
			His runabout only docked twenty-
			five minutes ago. I'm sure he's 
			on his way.

       DEEP SPACE NINE: "Rapture" - REV. 10/23/96 - ACT THREE       34.

41   CONTINUED:

					WHATLEY
			When he gets here, I want you to 
			give him a full work-up.

					BASHIR
			I examined him before he left for 
			Bajor. He didn't complain of any 
			new symptoms, but my scans still 
			showed the same odd synaptic 
			potentials. I was hoping the 
			problem would cure itself by now.

					WHATLEY
			But it hasn't. Isn't there 
			something you can do to help?

					BASHIR
				(reluctant)
			I could try neuro-polaric 
			induction, but that's a very 
			serious operation, and I'd rather 
			not do it unless it's absolutely 
			necessary.

					WHATLEY
			So in the meantime, he's going to 
			keep having...
				(skeptical)
			"visions."
				(gruff)
			I knew we were headed for trouble 
			the minute he allowed the Bajorans 
			to call him "Emissary."

					BASHIR
			He didn't have much choice. The 
			Bajorans are deeply committed to 
			their spirituality... not to 
			mention incredibly stubborn. They 
			believe Captain Sisko is the 
			Emissary and nothing is going to 
			change their minds.

	The Admiral's attention is suddenly drawn to something 
	occurring outside on the Promenade -- it's Sisko, a 
	crowd of Bajorans flocked around him.

					BAJORAN CROWD
			Emissary! Emissary!

       DEEP SPACE NINE: "Rapture" - REV. 10/23/96 - ACT THREE       35.

41   CONTINUED:	(2)

					BASHIR
			I told you held be here.

	Off the admiral's face as he moves to investigate --

42   INT. PROMENADE

	Sisko, surrounded by the Bajorans, accepting their 
	thanks and good wishes in a way we've never seen 
	before. He's not embarrassed or uncomfortable with 
	their reverence -- he simply takes it in with serene 
	humility. AD HOC: "Emissary," "Thank you," "Bless 
	you." As Sisko moves through the crowd, his attention 
	is suddenly drawn to an older BAJORAN COUPLE, who are 
	standing to one side. Sisko steps over to them. The 
	crowd falls silent as he speaks to them:

					SISKO
			There's no need to worry.

	The couple react -- some burden is weighing on both 
	their minds.

					SISKO
			The katterpod harvest will be much
			better this year.

	We can see the burden lifting from their shoulders --
	they believe him. Sisko turns to someone else in the 
	crowd, smiles, and touches him on the shoulders.

					SISKO
			You don't belong here. Go home.

	The Bajoran nods as if this answers a question that's 
	been much on his mind. He EXITS.

	As Bashir and Whatley approach Sisko, Sisko is suddenly 
	hit by a blinding headache that sends him staggering.

					BASHIR
			Captain!

	Sisko struggles to a nearby bench as the admiral and 
	Bashir rush over.

					WHATLEY
			What's wrong?

	Sisko struggles to clear his head.

					SISKO
			I'm fine.

       DEEP SPACE NINE: "Rapture" - REV. 10/23/96 - ACT THREE       36.

42   CONTINUED:

	He looks up at Whatley -- a "realization" coming to 
	him.

					SISKO
			Admiral?

	He stares intently at Whatley.

					WHATLEY
			What is it, Ben?

					SISKO
			Your son... you can stop worrying
			about him. He forgives you.

	And with that, Sisko walks into the Infirmary.

43   CLOSE ON WHATLEY AND BASHIR

	Whatley's expression tells us that Sisko has hit home.

					WHATLEY
			How the hell did he know that
			Kevin and I weren't getting along?

	Bashir tries to come up with an answer, but all he can 
	come up with is...

					BASHIR
			He's the Emissary.

	And off this moment, we:

									FADE OUT.

                       END OF ACT THREE                         


        DEEP SPACE NINE: "Rapture" - REV. 10/23/96 - ACT FOUR       37.
                           ACT FOUR                             

	FADE IN:

44   INT. INFIRMARY

	Sisko is on the bio-bed, a scanning device cupping his 
	head. Bashir, Kira and the admiral stand beside him. 
	The BLINKIES in the scanning device deactivate.

					BASHIR
			That should do it.

	Bashir removes the device from Sisko's head.

					BASHIR
			I'll have the test results in a 
			few minutes.

	Bashir goes over to a console and begins studying the 
	readouts.

					WHATLEY
			Well, that wasn't so bad, was it?

	But Sisko doesn't reply. He just stares up at the 
	ceiling, his eyes far away.

					KIRA
			Captain?

	After a beat, Sisko snaps out of it, looks up at Kira 
	and Whatley.

					SISKO
			Cardassia.

					KIRA
			Sir?

	Sisko is trying to reclaim what he was just thinking 
	about.

					SISKO
			That's where it was going... the 
			cloud.

					WHATLEY
			What cloud?

	Kira and the Admiral move closer as Sisko continues.

					SISKO
			I was on Bajor. B'hala had been 
			rebuilt. The streets were filled 
			with people... celebrating. 

        DEEP SPACE NINE: "Rapture" - REV. 10/23/96 - ACT FOUR      37a.

44   CONTINUED:

					SISKO (Cont'd)
				(a beat)
			But then a shadow blocked out the 
			sun. We looked up and saw a cloud 
			filling the sky. It was a swarm 
			of locusts. Billions of them. 
			They hovered over the city, the 
			noise was deafening... but just as 
			quickly as they came, they moved 
			on. Now I know where they were 
			going. Cardassia.

        DEEP SPACE NINE: "Rapture" - REV. 10/23/96 - ACT FOUR       38.


44   CONTINUED:	(2)

					KIRA
			What do you think it means?

					SISKO
			I don't know.

					KIRA
			At least the swarm was moving away 
			from Bajor. That's a good sign. 
				(needing reassurance)
			Isn't it?

					SISKO
			But what do these locusts 
			represent? And why Cardassia?

					WHATLEY
			You were dreaming. And dreams 
			don't always make sense.

					SISKO
			This wasn't a dream.

	A concerned Bashir comes over.

					BASHIR
			Captain, why didn't you tell me 
			about these headaches of yours?

					SISKO
			I guess I was too busy.

					BASHIR
			Well, if you had stayed busy much 
			longer you might have died. 
				(grim)
			The area of unusual neural 
			activity has grown another eight
			percent. As a result, your basal 
			ganglia are starting to 
			depolarize. I'm going to have to 
			operate... try to repolarize the 
			neural sheaths.

					SISKO
			How will that affect my visions?

					WHATLEY
			That's not really the issue, is 
			it?

         DEEP SPACE NINE: "Rapture" - REV. 10/23/96 ACT FOUR       38A.

44   CONTINUED:	(3)

					SISKO
			It is to me.
				(to Bashir; wanting an 
				answer)
			Doctor?

					BASHIR
			There's no way to tell. But I 
			assume once I complete the 
			procedure, your brain activity 
			will return to normal and the 
			visions will stop.

					SISKO
			considers his options.

					SISKO
			Then you can't do it.

					WHATLEY
			Ben, that's ridiculous.

					BASHIR
			If I don't operate, you could die.

					SISKO
			I understand that, but something's 
			happening to me... something 
			extraordinary, and I have to see 
			it through.

									CUT TO:

45   INT. SISKO'S QUARTERS

	as Jake reacts.


					JAKE 
			What do you mean you're not going 
			to let Doctor Bashir operate? You 
			have to.

	Sisko is sitting on the couch, facing Kasidy and Jake. 
	Sisko sees the anguish in their faces, tries to 
	explain.

        DEEP SPACE NINE: "Rapture" - REV. 10/23/96 - ACT FOUR       39.

45   CONTINUED:

					SISKO
			Don't you see? These visions are 
			a gift. I can't refuse them.

					KASIDY
			I can't believe what I'm hearing. 
			Listen to yourself, Ben. Sitting 
			there, telling us that this 
			mystical journey of yours is more 
			important than watching your son 
			grow up.

	Sisko moves to Jake to touch him.

					JAKE
				(anguished)
			Dad, please think about what 
			you're doing. These visions... 
			they're not worth dying for.

	Sisko sees the pain in his son's features, takes his 
	son's face in his hands.

					SISKO
			I remember the first time I held 
			you in my hands. You were just a 
			few minutes old... and when I 
			looked down at your face, it was 
			almost as if I could see your 
			whole life stretched out in front 
			of you -- the joys it would 
			bring... and the bruises. It was 
			all there, hidden in your 
			scrunched up, little face.

	Sisko holds his hands out as if he were holding a baby.

					SISKO
			The baby I'm holding in my hands 
			now... is the universe itself.
				(a beat)
			And I need time to study its face.


        DEEP SPACE NINE: "Rapture" - REV. 10/23/96 - ACT FOUR      39A.

45   CONTINUED:	(2)

	Jake is overwhelmed. Try as he might, Sisko can't 
	quite convey what he's going through -- and all Jake can 
	think about is losing his dad. Kasidy moves over to 
	Sisko, grips his hand, desperate.

					KASIDY
			Look at your son's face now, then 
			tell me you're doing the right 
			thing.

	Sisko doesn't have an answer. But he's still convinced 
	he's doing the only thing he can do.

        DEEP SPACE NINE: "Rapture" - REV. 10/23/96 - ACT FOUR       40.

45   CONTINUED:	(3)

	The moment is interrupted by the DOOR CHIME. Sisko 
	looks at Jake and Kasidy with great sympathy.

					SISKO
			Come in.

	The door OPENS to REVEAL Kai Winn.

					WINN 
			It's time, Emissary. If you're 
			ready.

					SISKO
			I am.

					KASIDY
			Ready for what?

					WINN 
			The Emissary has asked for help in 
			his journey. I'm providing it.

					JAKE
				(to Sisko)
			And you trust her? Since when?

					SISKO
			It'll be all right, Jake.

	He looks over at Kasidy and then back to Jake.

					SISKO
			I love you. Both of you.

	And with that, he EXITS. And as Kasidy gathers an 
	anguished Jake in her arms --

									CUT TO:

46   INT. OPS

	The turbolift rises up and Kira ENTERS to join O'BRIEN, 
	Dax and Worf at their posts.

					KIRA
			I've never seen the temple so 
			crowded. Seemed like every 
			Bajoran on the station was there 
			to pray for the Emissary.

					DAX
			Glad to hear it. If he's going to 
			survive this, he needs all the 
			help he can get.

        DEEP SPACE NINE: "Rapture" - REV. 10/23/96 - ACT FOUR      40A.

46   CONTINUED:


	Kira knows that she's dealing with "nonbelievers."

					KIRA
			The Captain's not going to die. 
			He's the Emissary. The Prophets 
			will take care of him.

        DEEP SPACE NINE: "Rapture" - REV. 10/23/96 - ACT FOUR       41.

46   CONTINUED:	(2)

					O'BRIEN
			With all due respect, Major, I'd 
			rather see Julian take care of 
			him.

					KIRA
			Chief, I know you're worried. But 
			the Prophets are leading the 
			Emissary on this path for a 
			reason...

	Kira gets support from an unexpected quarter.

					WORF
			Do not attempt to convince them, 
			Major. They cannot understand.

					DAX
			Since when did you believe in the 
			Prophets?

					WORF
			What I believe in is faith. 
			Without it there can be no 
			victory. If the captain's faith 
			is strong, he will prevail.


					DAX
			That's not much to bet his life 
			on.

					KIRA
			You're wrong. Faith is 
			everything.

	O'Brien and Dax exchange a worried look.

					O'BRIEN
			I hope you're right, major... I
			hope you're right.

	And off their shared look of concern --

									CUT TO:

47   INT. GUEST QUARTERS

	Dark. Sisko is kneeling before an Orb tabernacle 
	placed atop an altar-like shrine. Kai Winn kneels 
	nearby, quietly mouthing a prayer.

					WINN
			... he asks for your guidance. 
			Let him see with your eyes. Lift the 
			veil of darkness that obscures his 
			path.

        DEEP SPACE NINE: "Rapture" - REV. 10/23/96 - ACT FOUR       42.

47   CONTINUED:

	They keep their heads bowed for a silent moment. She 
	opens her eyes and turns to Sisko.

					WINN 
			Emissary?

					SISKO
			I'm ready.

	But as he starts to stand, he's gripped by another 
	blinding headache. Kai Winn helps him struggle through 
	it.

					WINN 
			The Orb of Prophecy is quite 
			powerful -- it taxes even the 
			healthy. Are you sure you want to 
			go through with this?

	Sisko is a desperate man -- he's reaching for something 
	just beyond his grasp.

					SISKO
				(nodding)
			I have to. I need to bring the 
			visions into focus -- tie them 
			together. I can't do it alone.

					WINN 
			You're weak. Perhaps you should 
			wait until after the signing.

					SISKO
			I may not have time. I need to do 
			this now.

					WINN 
			As you wish.

	Sisko stands and takes a step toward the tabernacle.
	Kai Winn stands off to one side. Sisko prepares to 
	open the doors of the tabernacle.


					WINN 
			May the Prophets reveal their 
			wisdom to you, Emissary.

	Kai Winn EXITS.

47A ANGLE ON SISKO (OPTICAL)

	As he opens the tabernacle and his face is flooded with 
	LIGHT. We can see the force of revelation as it 
	engulfs him and fills him with rapture. Off this
	moment we --

									CUT TO:

        DEEP SPACE NINE: "Rapture" - REV. 10/23/96 - ACT FOUR       43.

48   EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)

	Re-establishing.

49   INT. WARDROOM

	Formal-looking documents and old-fashioned pens have 
	been ceremoniously placed on the table. FIVE STARFLEET 
	ADMIRALS in dress uniforms and TWO FEDERATION 
	CIVILIANS, sit across from the Bajoran delegation, 
	which consists of TWO VEDEKS and THREE GOVERNMENT 
	MINISTERS. The room is a buzz with excitement and 
	conversation but we focus on Kai Winn and Admiral 
	Whatley, near the door.

					WHATLEY
				(worried)
			He's already an hour late.

					WINN 
			He is still consulting the Orb of 
			Prophecy.

					WHATLEY
			And how long do these "Orb 
			experiences" last?

					WINN 
			Minutes. Hours. Sometimes days.

					WHATLEY
			Then maybe we shouldn't wait for 
			him. Do you have any objections 
			to proceeding without Captain 
			Sisko?

					WINN 
			I'm sure the Emissary would like 
			to be here, but under the 
			circumstances...

        DEEP SPACE NINE: "Rapture" - REV. 10/23/96 - ACT FOUR      43A.

49   CONTINUED:

	He gestures that she take a seat. The Admiral moves to 
	the head of the table, addresses the group. All the 
	seats are occupied except Sisko's, which is 
	conspicuously empty.

					WHATLEY
			May I have your attention.

	The group falls silent.

					WHATLEY
			I've been looking forward to this 
			day for many years as I'm sure all 
			of you have. Welcoming a new 
			planet to the Federation is the 
			happiest assignment an admiral can 
			hope for. Maybe that's why so 
			many of us showed up.

	Appreciative LAUGHTER.

					WHATLEY
			The Federation is not just a union 
			of planets, it's much more --

        DEEP SPACE NINE: "Rapture" - REV. 10/23/96 - ACT FOUR       44.

49   CONTINUED:	(2)

	The Admiral is interrupted by the door OPENING to 
	REVEAL Sisko. He slumps against the door frame. He 
	looks exhausted and in pain.

	Kai Winn and Whatley move toward the Captain.

					WINN 
			Emissary...

					WHATLEY
				(turns to an aide)
			Get him to the Infirmary.

	But Sisko shoves the aide away.

					SISKO
			No! I have to tell them.

					WINN 
			What is it, Emissary? Have the 
			Prophets revealed something to 
			you?

	Sisko looks to Kai Winn and to the Admiral, and though 
	he's in obvious pain, there's a clarity of purpose to 
	him that cannot be denied.

					SISKO
			The locusts... they'll destroy 
			Bajor... unless it stands alone.

	That gets the room buzzing.

					WHATLEY

			Ben, what the hell are you talking 
			about?

					SISKO
			It's too soon. Bajor must not 
			Join the Federation. If it does, 
			it will be destroyed.

	Everyone in the room is stunned by Sisko's words. A 
	moment as this sinks in, and then he collapses to the
	floor.

50   CLOSE ON SISKO

	as he lies on the floor, limbs akimbo, shaking from
	mild but constant tremors. off this disturbing sight, 
	we:

								FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT FOUR                         

        DEEP SPACE NINE: "Rapture" - REV. 10/23/96 - ACT FIVE       45.
                           ACT FIVE                             

	FADE IN:

51   INT. SURGERY

	Bashir and a NURSE are examining an unconscious Sisko. 
	The head scanner cups his head again and he is no 
	longer trembling. Kira, Jake, Kasidy and Admiral 
	Whatley watch with concern.

					BASHIR
				(off readouts)
			His entire central nervous system 
			is depolarizing. We have to 
			operate immediately.

					WHATLEY
			Then what are you waiting for?

	Kira is as concerned as anyone about Sisko's well-
	being, but she feels it's her duty to Sisko, both as 
	her commanding officer and the Emissary, to make sure
	his wishes are made known.

					KIRA
			Captain Sisko made it clear that 
			he didn't want surgery.

					KASIDY
			What are you suggesting, Major? 
			We stand around and let him die?

					KIRA
			No. But this isn't about what I 
			want... or what you want. This is 
			about Captain Sisko. And he told 
			us he doesn't want anything to 
			interfere with his visions.

					WHATLEY
			Major, these visions may be 
			important, but I think we're all 
			in agreement here that they're not
			as important as Captain Sisko's life.
				(to Bashir)
			Start the procedure.

	Bashir wants to do just that, but...

					BASHIR
			It's not that simple.

        DEEP SPACE NINE: "Rapture" - REV. 10/23/96 - ACT FIVE       46.

51   CONTINUED:

					BASHIR (Cont'd)
				(off reactions)
			Captain Sisko refused surgery. 
			And I can't go against the 
			decision of my patient.
				(turns to Jake)
			Not without the consent of his 
			closest relative.

	All eyes turn to Jake.

					JAKE 
			I guess that means it's up to me.

	Jake looks over at Kasidy, then to Kira, who meets his 
	gaze. He knows the choice they'd make. Saddled with 
	an overwhelming responsibility, Jake struggles to keep 
	his emotions in check. He looks at his father, moves 
	to him, takes his hand.

52   CLOSE ON JAKE

	as he leans in to speak to his unconscious father.

					JAKE
				(quiet)
			Dad... I know you want to see this 
			to the end. But... I need you...
				(choking with emotion)
			I'm sorry.

	Jake pulls himself away from his father.

					JAKE
				(to Bashir)
			Do what you have to do.

	Bashir nods and takes charge.

        DEEP SPACE NINE: "Rapture" - REV. 10/23/96 - ACT FIVE       47.

52   CONTINUED:

					BASHIR
				(to his nurse)
			Prepare for surgery.
				(to the others)
			I'm sorry, but you're all going to 
			have to leave now.

	Everyone EXITS as Bashir prepares to operate on Sisko.

53   INT. PROMENADE

	Kira is climbing the steps to enter the Temple when she 
	meets Kai Winn, who is just leaving.

					WINN 
			Any news about the Emissary?

					KIRA
			He's still in surgery.

					WINN 
			I hope the Prophets will forgive 
			us. we never should have allowed 
			the Federation to interfere with 
			the Emissary's visions.

	But it's not that simple for Kira. She doesn't agree 
	with what Bashir and the others are doing, but she 
	understands it.

					KIRA 
			It wasn't the Federation. It was 
			his son. And he had every right 
			to make that decision.

					WINN 
			It was a selfish act.

					KIRA
			He's an eighteen-year-old boy who 
			doesn't want to lose his father. 
			What would you have done in his 
			place?

					WINN 
			I would have trusted the Prophets.

					KIRA
			Maybe we're the ones who need to 
			trust the Prophets. For all we 
			know, this is part of their plan. 

        DEEP SPACE NINE: "Rapture" - REV. 10/23/96 - ACT FIVE      47A.

53   CONTINUED:

					KIRA (Cont'd)
			Maybe they've already told Captain
			Sisko everything they want him to 
			know.

					WINN 
			Perhaps.
				(a beat)
			I suppose you've heard...
				(Kira clearly hasn't)
			Bajor will not be joining the 
			Federation today. The Council of 
			Ministers have voted to delay 
			acceptance of Federation 
			membership.

					KIRA
			You must be very pleased.

	Winn thinks about it for a beat. She knows she should 
	be happy, but something's still bothering her.

					WINN 
			I wish I were. But things aren't 
			so simple. Not anymore. Before 
			Captain Sisko found B'hala, my
			path was clear. I knew who my 
			enemies were... but now... now 
			nothing is certain.

        DEEP SPACE NINE: "Rapture" - REV. 10/23/96 - ACT FIVE       48.

53   CONTINUED:	(2)

	Kira smiles. That's how she's felt for the last five 
	years.

					KIRA

				(wryly)
			Makes life interesting, doesn't 
			it?

	A moment between them before Kira disappears into the 
	temple and Kai Winn moves off, down the Promenade.

54   INT. SURGERY

	Later. CLOSE ON Sisko's face, his eyes fixed straight
	ahead. After a beat, he BLINKS awake. Then it hits
	him --

					SISKO
			No...

	WIDEN as Sisko sits up, looks around.

					SISKO
			No.

	Bashir moves to him, relief washing over his face. 
	Sisko sees he's in surgery and knows what's happened to 
	him.

					SISKO
				(devastated)
			You took them away.

					BASHIR
			We had no choice. You were dying.

	But that doesn't lessen Sisko's loss.

					SISKO
			I almost had it. Almost 
			understood it all.

	His hand rises to his temple.

					SISKO
			Now it's gone.

	And off that moment, we go to --

        DEEP SPACE NINE: "Rapture" - REV. 10/23/96 - ACT FIVE       49.

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

	Re-establishing.

56   INT. CAPTAIN'S OFFICE

	Sisko is standing and looking out the window, lost in 
	somber thought. There's an air of loss and sadness 
	about him.

	After a long beat, he looks over to the painting of 
	B'hala on the wall monitor. He moves to study it. 
	Whatever answers the painting once contained, they're 
	now lost to him.

The DOOR CHIMES.

					SISKO
			Yes.

	The door OPENS to reveal Admiral Whatley, who steps in.

					WHATLEY
			How are you feeling?

					SISKO
			I'm fine, admiral.

	But the admiral can see the sadness in Sisko's face, 
	and his concern for Sisko is genuine, but there are 
	larger issues at stake.

					WHATLEY
			Look Ben, it's not too late. You 
			could contact the Chamber of 
			Ministers. Tell them you were 
			wrong. Convince them to accept 
			Federation membership.

					SISKO
				(simply)
			I can't do that. The visions may 
			have faded, but everything I said, 
			everything I did, still feels 
			right.
				(firm)
			When I said Bajor should wait 
			before it joins the Federation, I 
			never felt so certain about 
			anything in my life.

					WHATLEY
			I was afraid you'd say that, Ben.
				(a beat)
			I could have your commission for 
			this.

        DEEP SPACE NINE: "Rapture" - REV. 10/23/96 - ACT FIVE       50.

56   CONTINUED:

	Sisko is prepared to accept the consequences.

					SISKO
			I know.

	But Whatley didn't get to be an admiral by misreading 
	political situations.

					WHATLEY
			But considering how the Bajorans 
			feel about you, if I pulled you 
			from this post, we'd probably lose 
			Bajor forever.

					SISKO
			Admiral, for what it's worth I 
			wish things had turned out 
			differently.

					WHATLEY
			So do I.

					SISKO
			But it's not over. One day Bajor 
			will join the Federation. That 
			much, I'm sure of.

					WHATLEY
			Are you speaking as a Starfleet 
			Captain or as the Emissary of the 
			Prophets?

					SISKO
				(with a smile)
			Both.

					WHATLEY
			In that case, I'll keep the 
			champagne on ice.


	Off this moment between them, we go to --

        DEEP SPACE NINE: "Rapture" - REV. 10/23/96 - ACT FIVE       51.

57   INT. HABITAT RING CORRIDOR

	as Sisko makes his way down towards his quarters.

58   INT. SISKO'S QUARTERS

	Sisko ENTERS to find Jake and Kasidy cooking up a 
	storm. Jake is stirring a skillet full of jambalaya as 
	Kasidy puts the finishing touches on the table.

					JAKE
			You're just in time, Dad.

	Truth is that Sisko has a lot to think about and was 
	hoping to be alone for a moment. But he musters up a 
	smile anyway.

					SISKO
			What's this all about?

					KASIDY
			It's about jambalaya.

					JAKE
			We never had that welcome back 
			dinner for Kasidy.


	Kasidy senses his mood and steps over to him -- kisses 
	him gently.

					KASIDY
			Welcome back. To both of us.

	Sisko doesn't know what to feel; the warmth of the 
	moment is undeniable, but so is his loss. Jake sees 
	his father's face and moves to be near him.

					KASIDY
			Ben... I can't say I understand 
			what you've gone through. I know 
			you feel you've lost something 
			important... and maybe you have. 
			But believe me...

	Kasidy takes his hand. She then takes Jake's hand and 
	puts it into Sisko's.

					KASIDY
			... you've held on to something 
			important as well.

	Kasidy lets go of their hands, hoping that Jake's touch 
	will drive her point home. Sisko looks at his son... 
	the truth of her words is sinking in.

        DEEP SPACE NINE: "Rapture" - REV. 10/23/96 - ACT FIVE       52.

58   CONTINUED:

	Then he looks to Kasidy, seeing the care in her face. 
	He takes her hand and adds it to theirs.

59   CLOSE - THEIR HANDS

	holding each other tight. Off this image, we:

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT FIVE                         
                            THE END