STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE "Doctor Bashir, I Presume?" #140510-514 Story by Jimmy Diggs Teleplay by Ronald D. Moore Directed by David Livingston 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 This script is not for publication or reproduction.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 December 13, 1996 STAR TREK: DS9 - "Doctor Bashir - 12/13/96 - CAST STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE "Doctor Bashir, I Presume?" CAST SISKO ZIMMERMAN KIRA ROM ODO LEETA BASHIR RICHARD DAX MARIEL QUARK BENNETT O'BRIEN WORF JAKE Non-Speaking Non-Speaking N.D. SUPERNUMERARIES MORN STAR TREK: DS9 - "Doctor Bashir... " - 12/13/96 - SETS STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE "Doctor Bashir, I Presume?" SETS INTERIORS EXTERIORS DEEP SPACE NINE DEEP SPACE NINE AIRLOCK CORRIDOR BASHIR'S QUARTERS CAPTAIN'S OFFICE CORRIDOR GUEST QUARTERS LEETA'S QUARTERS/LIVING AREA QUARK'S/FIRST LEVEL QUARK'S/SECOND LEVEL QUARK'S/HOLOSUITE SURGERY WARDROOM DEEP SPACE NINE - "Doctor Bashir... " - 12/17/96 - PRONUNCIATION STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE "Doctor Bashir, I Presume?" PRONUNCIATION GUIDE ADIGEON ah-DEE-gee-un ANTIDEAN AN-tee-dee-an FOSSEY FAH-see KARJINKO KAR-geen-ko MERLA MER-la MUSILLA MOO-sil-ah PRAYKO PRAY-ko PRINADORA prin-ah-DOOR-ah DEEP SPACE NINE: "Doctor Bashir... " - REV. 1/6/97 - TEASER 1. STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE "Doctor Bashir, I Presume?" TEASER FADE IN: 1 INT. QUARK'S A busy day. LEETA is at the dabo wheel, QUARK is making drinks for MORN and a slew of customers, and ROM is sitting at the end of the bar eating lunch. (NOTE: Leeta's dialogue takes place in the b.g. while the scene between Rom and Quark plays out in the f.g.) LEETA (under following action) Okay... that's twelve spins and not a single dabo so far... the pot's growing and someone's going to be a big winner... but remember, there's no way to win unless you spin... let the wheel do the work... come on, don't be shy, I don't bite -- at least not when I'm working. Your latinum is always welcome, but if you want credit you'll have to talk to the owner. Wheel's set! Here we go! Last call for riches! Bets down... oh, Karlinko! Sorry everyone. Merla, can you take over? It's time for my break. Rom keeps looking up at the gorgeous Leeta as she spins the wheel and plies her trade -- he's obviously smitten with her, but when she glances in his direction, he quickly averts his eyes and concentrates on his lunch. Quark notes his brother's interest with a shake of his head -- this is nothing new to Quark. ROM Today's the day, brother. I'm really going to do it this time. QUARK (mixing drinks) You've been saying that for weeks. ROM I've been waiting for the right moment. And this is it. QUARK Now? DEEP SPACE NINE: "Doctor Bashir... " - REV. 1/6/97 - TEASER 2. 1 CONTINUED: ROM It's perfect. She's about to go on her break, and when she does, she'll come over here to say "hi" to me... (almost glowing) ... like she always does... and that's when I'll do it. QUARK What are you going to say? ROM I'm just going to say it. QUARK Okay, let's hear it. Quark leans on the bar and looks Rom in the eyes. Rom suddenly becomes nervous even on this dry run. ROM (fumbling) I... uh... Leeta, would you... like... maybe to... one night... soon... to... maybe... QUARK You're a regular poet, Rom. ROM I can do better. QUARK Prove it. Quark nods toward Leeta who is walking over to the bar. Rom tenses. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Doctor Bashir... " - REV. 1/6/97 - TEASER 3. 1 CONTINUED: (2) LEETA Hi, Rom. ROM Hello, Leeta... He looks up at her, screws up his courage, and for a moment it looks as though he might actually ask her out. Quark pauses with her food and drink to see what will happen. Leeta waits with an open and inviting expression... ROM Bye. Rom flees the bar. Leeta looks after him with a disappointed expression. Quark puts some hesperat and juice down in front of her. LEETA I must be doing something wrong... QUARK I don't know, Leeta... maybe he just isn't interested in you. LEETA I know he likes me. QUARK Likes you, yes. But he's an engineer... a problem solver... he needs a woman with a body and brains. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Doctor Bashir... " - REV. 1/6/97 - TEASER 4. 1 CONTINUED: (3) LEETA (annoyed) I have brains. QUARK Of course you do, honey. That's why I hired you. Now eat up and then get those brains back to the dabo wheel where the customers can get a good long look at them. Quark moves away with a smirk and Leeta glares at him before tucking into her food. 2 FOLLOW QUARK As he moves through the room, we DROP OFF on BASHIR and O'BRIEN, who are playing darts. O'Brien has just won. Bashir goes to retrieve the darts. BASHIR I see you're back in the zone today. O'BRIEN I never really left it. I've just been giving you a chance to get even. BASHIR Thank you, but I don't need your charity. Another game? O'BRIEN Maybe one. I promised Molly I'd do some coloring with her this afternoon. With all this attention focused on the baby, I don't want her to start feeling like we've forgotten about her. They start playing again. BASHIR A father's work is never done. O'BRIEN You said it. Oh, but it's worth it. Someday you should give it a try. BASHIR Me? No. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Doctor Bashir... " - REV. 1/6/97 TEASER 5. 2 CONTINUED: O'BRIEN Why not? I bet you'd make a great father. BASHIR I'm not the "family" type. ZIMMERMAN'S VOICE Doctor Bashir, I presume? Bashir and O'Brien turn and we reveal... 3 DOCTOR LOUIS ZIMMERMAN Standing a few feet away. BASHIR That's me. ZIMMERMAN I'm Louis Zimmerman, Director of Holographic Imaging and Programming at the Jupiter Research Station. And I'm here to make you immortal. Off the surprised look on Bashir's face... FADE OUT. END OF TEASER DEEP SPACE NINE: "Doctor Bashir... " - REV. 1/6/97 - ACT ONE 6. ACT ONE FADE IN: (NOTE: Episode credits fall over opening scenes) 4 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL) Establishing the station. 5 INT. CAPTAIN'S OFFICE SISKO is listening to Zimmerman explain why he's here. Bashir is sitting nearby and obviously knows what's going on and is excited. ZIMMERMAN (to Sisko) You're familiar, of course, with the Emergency Medical Holographic Program? SISKO I've heard of it. (remembering) It's a hologram designed to... provide assistance... during emergencies in Sickbay. ZIMMERMAN It does much more than "provide assistance." BASHIR The holographic doctor can literally replace a starship's medical officer during an emergency. ZIMMERMAN I'm surprised you don't have one on the station. SISKO The station facilities are Cardassian in origin. Much of our equipment is incompatible with Federation technology. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Doctor Bashir... " - REV. 1/6/97 - ACT ONE 7. 5 CONTINUED: ZIMMERMAN How unfortunate. For you. (beat) In any case, the original EMH was designed for short-term use only. But now, Starfleet has requested a program designed to operate as full-time doctor. SISKO Full time? You're not talking about replacing real doctors? ZIMMERMAN No, no. Of course not. Why is everyone so worried about holograms taking over the universe? Sisko is starting to take a dislike to this guy, but restrains himself because Bashir is obviously so excited. BASHIR There are many situations where a holo-doctor could be more beneficial than a humanoid: research outposts, subspace communication stations, certain long-range exploratory vessels... ZIMMERMAN In short, anywhere that life- support or living space is at a premium and where the primary mission does not require the doctor to leave Sickbay. SISKO I see. (to Bashir) And they want to model this new EMH program after you. Bashir smiles with a mixture of pride and embarrassment. ZIMMERMAN Technically, it is a LMH. Long- term Medical Holographic Program. And yes, Starfleet Medical has selected Doctor Bashir to provide the template. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Doctor Bashir... " - REV. 1/6/97 - ACT ONE 8. 5 CONTINUED: (2) SISKO Who was the template for the EMH? ZIMMERMAN Me. (a little defensive) It was my program after all... it only seemed logical to use myself as a model. SISKO Of course. (to Bashir) This must be quite an honor. BASHIR It's... a bit of a feather in my cap, yes. ZIMMERMAN It is nothing less than a shot at immortality. The original EMH program will probably still be in use for decades to come. The LMH will undoubtedly last even longer. If I can solve certain technical problems. (lets get on with it) Now, I'll need to remain here for at least three weeks. I'll need quarters, access to your main computer, a technician to install my equipment, a high-speed data link with my lab on-- SISKO My first officer, Major Kira will see to all your needs. He moves to Bashir and shakes his hand warmly. SISKO (heartfelt) Congratulations, Doctor. I know I speak for everyone on the station when I say that we're all very proud of you. BASHIR Thank you, sir. ZIMMERMAN Let's go. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Doctor Bashir... " - REV. 1/6/97 - ACT ONE 9. 5 CONTINUED: (3) Bashir and Zimmerman EXIT. CUT TO: 6 INT. SURGERY O'Brien is standing on a stepladder and working to install a series of holographic projectors into the ceiling of the Infirmary. To this end, he's opened several panels on the ceiling and walls, and new equipment and devices are strewn about the normally immaculate room. Zimmerman ENTERS from an adjacent room. He is now wearing his customary lab coat and is wheeling in a movable console loaded with scanners, PADDS, and other devices. Bashir is sitting at a desk filling out a questionnaire on a PADD. BASHIR This is a long questionnaire... ZIMMERMAN I pride myself on my attention to detail. BASHIR "Compare and contrast your eating habits at age five with those at ages ten, fifteen, twenty, and twenty-five?" ZIMMERMAN It will be necessary for the holo doctor to interact naturally with his patients for weeks, possibly even months. The doctor will be expected to share amusing anecdotes, extend sympathy, swap dirty jokes and even have culinary opinions formed by experience. O'BRIEN You mean this program is going to have all of his personal likes and dislikes? ZIMMERMAN That is why we bother to choose a human template in the first place. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Doctor Bashir... " - REV. 1/6/97 - ACT ONE 10-13. 6 CONTINUED: O'BRIEN (to Bashir) Think of it, Julian. If this works, you could irritate hundreds of people you've never even met. BASHIR (nods seriously) If I'm going to be truly annoying, I'll have to get under their skin quickly. (works PADD) At age five -- I loved brussel sprouts. O'BRIEN That's the spirit. I hate you already. ZIMMERMAN If you two can suspend your oh-so- amusing banter for the moment, I'd like to begin the optical parameter scans. Bashir and O'Brien exchange an amused look and then Bashir puts down the PADD and moves over to where Zimmerman is preparing a large, handheld scanner. BASHIR What should I do? ZIMMERMAN Just stand there and look like a doctor. (under his breath) If you can. Zimmerman makes an adjustment to the scanner and begins scanning Bashir. 7 thru OMITTED 8 DEEP SPACE NINE: "Doctor Bashir... " - REV. 1/6/97 - ACT ONE 14. 9 INT. QUARK'S - ON LEETA just as she throws up her arms at the dabo table and tilts her head back. LEETA Dabo!! The crowd goes wild. 10 ANGLE ON ZIMMERMAN & BASHIR Who are sitting at a table on the Second Level, having dinner. Zimmerman is looking down at Leeta in fascination. ZIMMERMAN We don't have anything like this on Jupiter Station... or like her. BASHIR Beautiful, isn't she? ZIMMERMAN Amazing. Who is she? BASHIR Her name's Leeta. (with pride) My ex-girlfriend. Zimmerman gives him a sharp look. ZIMMERMAN Who broke it off? BASHIR She did. ZIMMERMAN I like her already. He looks down at Leeta again. 11 ZIMMERMAN'S POV Leeta's gaze happens to land on Zimmerman for just a second, and she gives him a smile before going back to work. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Doctor Bashir... " - REV. 1/6/97 - ACT ONE 14A. 12 RESUME ZIMMERMAN who reacts with some surprise. ZIMMERMAN Well... I think I'll have to add her name to my list of interviews. He picks up a PADD and adds Leeta's name. BASHIR Interviews? ZIMMERMAN I'll be conducting in-depth interviews with your friends, colleagues and family members. It'll help me build a more rounded psychological profile for the LMH. Something about this statement causes Bashir a little concern. He starts to get into it just as ODO approaches. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Doctor Bashir... " - REV. 1/6/97 - ACT ONE 15. 12 CONTINUED: BASHIR (casual) I see. Well, regarding family members, perhaps you could refrain from... He is interrupted by Odo. ODO (to Bashir) Excuse me for interrupting, doctor... (to Zimmerman) ... doctor. (back to Bashir) ... but the Antidean transport wishes to leave the station a day early, and their cargo is still under quarantine. If you could issue a health certificate... BASHIR Now? ODO It would expedite matters. BASHIR (reluctant) All right. I'll meet you in Cargo Bay Three in ten minutes. ODO Thank you. Odo heads off. Bashir has to get right to the point. BASHIR Duty calls, but I wonder if I could ask a favor? would you consider... not interviewing my parents? ZIMMERMAN Why? DEEP SPACE NINE: "Doctor Bashir... " - REV. 1/6/97 - ACT ONE 16. 12 CONTINUED: (2) BASHIR To be blunt: my parents and I are not close. We haven't been for many years. (beat) I would consider it a personal favor if you would just leave them out of this. Zimmerman considers him for a moment. ZIMMERMAN I see. Well, I certainly understand. BASHIR (smiles) Thank you. See you tomorrow. Bashir EXITS. As soon as he's gone, Zimmerman picks up a PADD and makes an entry to himself. ZIMMERMAN (writing) Note: Contact subject's parents immediately. Off his intrigued face... FADE OUT. END OF ACT ONE DEEP SPACE NINE: "Doctor Bashir... " - REV. 1/6/97 - ACT TWO 17. ACT TWO FADE IN: 13 INT. SURGERY (OPTICAL) Zimmerman is working at a console as Bashir looks on. ZIMMERMAN Computer, activate LMH test program one. A HOLO-BASHIR now APPEARS. The real Bashir moves over and inspects his doppelganger, which just stands there (but not frozen). ZIMMERMAN (not really caring) Does it meet with your approval? BASHIR Looks about right... except for the eyes. They seem... a little dead. They don't have that certain... sparkle, that zest for life that greets me in the mirror every morning. ZIMMERMAN This is just a test run. I can assure you that the final product will be... zesty. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Doctor Bashir... " - REV. 1/6/97 - ACT TWO 18. 13 CONTINUED: BASHIR Can it talk? ZIMMERMAN Not yet. First I have to load the LMH with the basic database and software configurations of the original program. (to com) Computer, activate the EMH. The normal HOLO-DOC APPEARS. HOLO-DOC Please state the nature of the medical emergency. ZIMMERMAN This is a level three diagnostic. HOLO-DOC I understand. Zimmerman works the console while the Holo-Doc waits patiently. Bashir smiles and nods at him, but the Holo- Doc only gives him a vaguely disdainful nod. The program is definitely patterned after its creator. ZIMMERMAN (off console) Diagnostics look good. Beginning data transferral. The Holo-Doc suddenly looks concerned. HOLO-DOC (to Zimmerman) Data transferal... ? He seems to notice the Holo-Bashir for the first time. HOLO-DOC Am I being replaced? ZIMMERMAN (working) You're being supplemented by a new long-term program. HOLO-DOC (re: Holo-Bashir) Him? DEEP SPACE NINE: "Doctor Bashir... " - REV. 1/6/97 - ACT TWO 19. 13 CONTINUED: (2) ZIMMERMAN There. Transfer's complete. The Holo-Bashir suddenly blinks and seems to "wake up." HOLO-BASHIR Please state the nature of the medical emergency. HOLO-DOC That's original. (to Zimmerman) He doesn't even look old enough to be a doctor. HOLO-BASHIR (with contempt, re: holo- doc) If you'd like my advice, you should delete this program. Now that I'm here, why do you need an archaic piece of software like him? HOLO-DOC Archaic? ZIMMERMAN We'll discuss this at another time. HOLO-DOC Listen... He hits a control and the Holo-Doc DISAPPEARS. BASHIR (re: Holo-Bashir) He doesn't sound like me. ZIMMERMAN Too "zesty" for you? BASHIR Actually, he sounds like you. ZIMMERMAN As I said, I've loaded the LMH with the basic EMH software package. We'll have to build a new set of algorithms based on your scintillating personality. HOLO-BASHIR (to Bashir) I hope you're more interesting than you seem. I'd hate to be boring. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Doctor Bashir. . . REV. 1/6/97 - ACT TWO 20. 13 CONTINUED: (3) ZIMMERMAN There may be no preventing that. But... we'll see what his friends have to say. Bashir gives them both an annoyed look as we... CUT TO: 14 INT. WARDROOM - MONTAGE of Zimmerman interviewing DS9 characters at the table. We only see the subjects of the interviews until the end. 15 SISKO ZIMMERMAN'S VOICE What were your initial impressions of Doctor Bashir? Good and bad. SISKO Young. Eager. Ambitious. He was fresh out of medical school and looking forward to his first taste of "frontier medicine." (beat) Sometimes he let that natural impulse override his sense of decorum. ZIMMERMAN'S VOICE You mean he was difficult. 16 JAKE JAKE No. But sometimes he could... give you way too much information. ZIMMERMAN'S VOICE Could you elaborate on that? 17 MORN Morn scratches his head, mulling over the question. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Doctor Bashir... " - REV. 1/6/97 - ACT TWO 21. 18 KIRA KIRA Sometimes he just... didn't know when to shut up. ZIMMERMAN'S VOICE Are you implying that he harassed you with unwanted advances? 19 DAX DAX No. But he was... very persistent. ZIMMERMAN'S VOICE I see. Could you be more specific? 20 MORN Struggling to think of something. ZIMMERMAN'S VOICE You're not being very helpful. 21 WORF WORF I do not like doctors. Any doctors. ZIMMERMAN'S VOICE You can rest assured that I will keep anything you say in the strictest confidence. 22 O'BRIEN O'BRIEN You're sure about that? I wouldn't want this to get back to Julian. ZIMMERMAN'S VOICE You have my word. O'Brien takes a deep breath -- this isn't easy for him. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Doctor Bashir... " - REV. 1/6/97 - ACT TWO 22. 22 CONTINUED: O'BRIEN Well, the truth is... he's an extraordinary person. A real sense of honor and integrity... great sense of humor... warm and caring -- you're sure he's not going to read this? ZIMMERMAN'S VOICE Positive. 23 LEETA LEETA So is that all? No response. LEETA Doctor? Is that all? 24 NEW ANGLE which takes us out of the montage sequence and shows both Zimmerman and Leeta in the same frame for the first time. Zimmerman has been lost in her eyes for a moment. He snaps out of it and leans forward. ZIMMERMAN There is one other thing... (beat) Would you have dinner with me this evening? Leeta blinks in surprise, but then looks flattered and gives him a winning smile. CUT TO: 25 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL) Re-establishing the station. 26 INT. QUARK'S - FIRST LEVEL Rom sits down at a table with a little weariness. He takes a sip of his snail juice, then sees something up on the Second Level and reacts with surprise. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Doctor Bashir... " - REV. 1/6/97 - ACT TWO 23. 27 ROM'S POV Zimmerman and Leeta are having dinner on the Second Level and seem to be having a good time. 28 RESUME ROM Who can't believe what he's seeing. He takes a beat, glances around to make sure no one's watching him... and then puts a hand to one ear and begins to BEND his ear slightly -- tuning his Ferengi hearing. And as he does, we cut to a... 29 MOVING POV which begins moving through the crowd at Quark's, heading up toward Leeta and Zimmerman. As the shot moves, we HEAR snatches of different conversations in the room -- literally hearing what Rom hears as he "tunes" his ear. CROWD (VARIOUS) Hate to be a bother, but... never thought you'd like... could I get... Dabo!... don't know how he gets away with it... so I said... 30 RESUME ROM As he tunes his ear further... 31 MOVING POV Which is now moving up to the Second Level... CROWD (VARIOUS) Really don't know how he can get away with serving food like this... I hear the Jem'Hadar were sighted on... Musilla Province is so beautiful this time of... 32 RESUME ROM Still tuning his ear... 33 MOVING POV finally settles in on Zimmerman and Leeta. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Doctor Bashir... " - REV. 1/6/97 - ACT TWO 24. 33 CONTINUED: LEETA (conspiratorial) Dabo is a sucker's game. You want a real game -- play dom-jot. If I ran this place, we'd have three dom-jot tables and two Prayko alleys. And I'd make sure the customers had a lot more fun. Quark is a lot of things, but he is not fun. She leans forward and gives him a confident and knowing look. LEETA I am fun. Zimmerman's hormones are activated. ZIMMERMAN I bet you are. Leeta laughs a little and goes back to her food. ZIMMERMAN You're... a fascinating woman, Leeta. 34 ROM who's listening with dismay to every word. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Doctor Bashir. . . REV. 1/6/97 - ACT TWO 25. 35 RESUME LEETA & ZIMMERMAN LEETA (wry) For a dabo girl. ZIMMERMAN Not at all. You're charming... intelligent... witty... and extraordinarily beautiful. Something in his voice makes Leeta take a new look at him. He seems completely genuine and Leeta is touched. LEETA Thank you. There's a romantic moment here as we suddenly realize that there's a certain chemistry between them. ROM'S VOICE Excuse me. I need to talk to you. 36 INCLUDE ROM who's now standing next to them with an anxious look on his face. ROM (continuing) It's very important. LEETA Um... all right. (to Zimmerman) Will you excuse me? ZIMMERMAN Of course. Zimmerman and Rom exchange suspicious looks as Rom and Leeta move away. 37 ROM & LEETA move to where they can have some privacy. LEETA What is it, Rom? ROM I want to ask you if... But then he looks into her eyes... and all the courage seems to flow out of his body. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Doctor Bashir... " - REV. 1/6/97 - ACT TWO 26. 37 CONTINUED: ROM I want to... I... uh... Leeta is secretly hoping that Rom will ask her out, but she won't say it for him. And in the end, he just can't do it. ROM I wanted to ask... if tomorrow morning was a good time for me to fix your replicator. LEETA (disappointed) Oh. Sure. That'd be fine. ROM Okay. Tomorrow morning then. (glances over at Zimmerman) Enjoy... the rest of your evening. LEETA Thanks. With a tinge of regret, Leeta walks back over to the table with Zimmerman, leaving a disconsolate Rom by himself. off his sad expression... CUT TO: 38 INT. CAPTAIN'S OFFICE Sisko and Bashir are going over station business on some PADDS. BASHIR I'm a little concerned about the amount of argonite that's been seeping into the station's air supply. SISKO (off PADD) Seventeen parts per million... that's well within safety margins. BASHIR Yes. But it has been rising and I'd like to -- Dax ENTERS the office with her best "I've got a surprise for you" expression. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Doctor Bashir... " - REV. 1/6/97 - ACT TWO 27. 38 CONTINUED: DAX I'm sorry to interrupt... but there're a couple of visitors here looking for Julian. And I thought he might want to see them right away. SISKO Send them in. Dax waves to someone outside the office and then two middle-aged humans ENTER. The man is short, dumpy, and always has a faintly disapproving air about him even when he's happy. The woman is even shorter than her husband, with darker features, and somewhat plump. We'll learn that their names are RICHARD and AMSHA BASHIR -- Julian's parents. Bashir jumps to his feet in shock. They both smile at him warmly. BASHIR Oh, my God. AMSHA Hello, Jules... RICHARD Jules. Amsha hugs Bashir and then there's a moment of silence until Bashir recovers. BASHIR Uh... captain, allow me to introduce... Amsha and Richard Bashir... my parents. Off Sisko's surprised expression... FADE OUT. END OF ACT TWO DEEP SPACE NINE: "Doctor Bashir... " - REV. 1/6/97 - ACT THREE 28. ACT THREE FADE IN: 39 INT. CAPTAIN'S OFFICE Continuous from Act Two. SISKO I'm Captain Benjamin Sisko. Welcome to Deep Space Nine. AMSHA Thank you, Captain. It's a pleasure to finally see where Jules works. RICHARD We've wanted to come before, but my schedule's been so busy up until now -- I'm sure you know what it's like. SISKO All too well. DAX What is it you do, Mister Bashir? For some reason, Bashir seems a little uncomfortable with the question, as if he's not sure what the answer is going to be. RICHARD Oh, I've done many things. At the moment, I'm involved in landscape architecture -- designing parks and public spaces mostly. I love working on projects that will be enjoyed by thousands of people long after I'm gone. They're my legacy, my gift to succeeding generations. (with obvious pride) Aside from Jules here, of course. The praise from his father only succeeds in making Bashir uncomfortable, but Dax and Sisko don't pick up on it. SISKO You must be very proud of your son. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Doctor Bashir... " - REV. 1/6/97 - ACT THREE 28A. AMSHA Oh, yes. RICHARD He's a very gifted young man. I hope you're putting all his talents to good use, captain. SISKO We try. RICHARD Sometimes you have to push him a little. It took quite awhile to talk him into taking up medicine, but he did. Bashir glances at his mother, who knows that her son doesn't want this to go on much longer. DAX So you're the reason he went to Medical School. RICHARD That's right. He wanted to -- AMSHA (smoothly) Perhaps we should save that for another time, Richard. I'm sure the captain's a very busy man. Richard drops the story, but clearly doesn't like being cut off. RICHARD Oh. Of course. (to Dax) Maybe after our interviews are over. BASHIR Interviews? RICHARD With Doctor Zimmerman. Didn't he tell you? BASHIR (tight) No. He didn't. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Doctor Bashir... " - REV. 1/6/97 - ACT THREE 29. 39 CONTINUED: (2) AMSHA He said it was urgent. That the two of you were working together on a very important project and that we had to come here right away. RICHARD I didn't care for his tone of voice. You should be careful who you're working with, Jules. Their bad manners will ultimately become a reflection on you. BASHIR Yes, sir. A long silent beat. BASHIR (continuing) Well... why don't I see about getting you some quarters while you're here. SISKO It was a pleasure to meet you both. DAX I hope we get a chance to see you again. I can't wait to hear some stories about Julian as a little boy. RICHARD Oh, and there are so many. You know, from the time he was... (indicates height) ... this high we knew he was destined for greatness. BASHIR Father... the captain's a very busy man. RICHARD (to Dax) We'll talk later. With that, Bashir ushers his parents out the door, much to the amusement of Dax and Sisko. CUT TO: DEEP SPACE NINE: "Doctor Bashir... " - REV. 1/6/97 - ACT THREE 29A. 40 INT. SURGERY (OPTICAL) O'Brien is trying hard not to laugh, and Zimmerman is smirking as Holo-Bashir keeps trying to walk directly into a wall. O'Brien is just about to lose it when Bashir ENTERS. His expression says "not in the mood." DEEP SPACE NINE: "Doctor Bashir... " - REV. 1/6/97 - ACT THREE 30 40 CONTINUED: O'BRIEN (guilty) We're uh... just working out a few bugs... O'Brien hits a control and the Holo-Bashir DISAPPEARS. BASHIR (terse) Chief, if you'll excuse us, I'd like a word with Doctor Zimmerman. O'Brien can see that Bashir's not just angry over a silly prank and he exchanges a look with Zimmerman, who's not quite sure what's going on yet. O'BRIEN Of course. O'Brien EXITS. BASHIR You brought my parents to the station against my explicit wishes to keep them out of this project. ZIMMERMAN I'm sorry it upsets you, but their input is-- Bashir takes a threatening step toward him. BASHIR You had no right to bring them here! ZIMMERMAN I did not bring them here, I simply issued an invitation. BASHIR You told them it was urgent. ZIMMERMAN It is urgent... to me. Like it or not, they're an important part of your background and I need to interview them. (beat) Now, if you'll excuse me... I have a delivery to make. Zimmerman EXITS, leaving a fuming, but helpless Bashir. CUT TO: DEEP SPACE NINE: "Doctor Bashir... " - REV. 1/6/97 - ACT THREE 31 41 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL) Re-establishing the station. 42 INT. LEETA'S QUARTERS - LIVING AREA The door CHIMES. Leeta comes out of the bedroom wearing a towel and drying her hair with another towel The door CHIMES again. She OPENS the door, revealing Zimmerman standing in the corridor, carrying a large bouquet of FLOWERS. He reacts to her appearance. ZIMMERMAN Catch you at a bad time? LEETA (smiling) It's never a bad time for flowers. Come on in. Zimmerman ENTERS and she heads for her bedroom. LEETA Can you find a place for those while I change? ZIMMERMAN Of course. Leeta EXITS to her bedroom while Zimmerman arranges the flowers in a nearby vase. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Doctor Bashir... " - REV. 1/6/97 - ACT THREE 32. 42 CONTINUED: Leeta pokes her head back into the doorway for a moment. LEETA By the way, if you're trying to impress me... you've succeeded. She flashes that smile again and then pulls her head back into the bedroom. ZIMMERMAN I spoke to some of my colleagues at Jupiter Station this morning. It seems that the manager of our station cafe has decided to quit. LEETA'S VOICE (ho hum) Really. ZIMMERMAN Yes. (beat) They're still looking for a new manager... someone with experience in both food service and entertainment... someone like you. Leeta sticks her head back into the doorway with a genuinely surprised look. LEETA Me? ZIMMERMAN Yes. I've already taken the liberty of speaking with the station's commanding officer and she's amenable to the idea. The cafe is yours if you want it. Leeta is floored and she steps out into the doorway, oblivious to the fact that she's completely naked. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Ductor Bashir... " - REV. 1/6/97 - ACT THREE 33. 42 CONTINUED: Zimmerman's jaw drops slightly. LEETA My own cafe? Zimmerman finds himself unable to answer or look away. LEETA (suddenly realizing she's naked) Oh. Sorry. Leeta ducks back into the bedroom. ZIMMERMAN Not at all. (regaining his composure) It's not very big -- less than half the size of Quark's -- but here's room for a couple of dom- jot tables. Leeta now ENTERS the room with a simple dress on. She's excited, but this is a lot to take in. LEETA But I've never run a restaurant or any kind of business. I barely even know how to tend bar. ZIMMERMAN That puts you one step ahead of our last bartender. LEETA But... where would I stay? I don't even know anyone there. ZIMMERMAN You know me. And I was hoping you would consider staying with me. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Doctor Bashir... " - REV. 1/6/97 - ACT THREE 34. 42 CONTINUED: (3) LEETA But... Louis, I just met you. I mean, I like you... ZIMMERMAN You see? You're warming up to me already. Given time, you may begin to feel... something more. Just as I do. (beat) Besides, you said you liked cerebral men, and at the risk of sounding immodest... I have a towering intellect. That gets a laugh and he laughs a little as well. He moves to her and takes her hands in his. ZIMMERMAN Come with me, Leeta. I promise that you won't regret it. I know I won't. And Leeta is definitely tempted by the offer. She struggles for a moment. LEETA I need to think about this. ZIMMERMAN Take all the time you need. There's a beat, and then Zimmmerman EXITS, leaving Leeta with a lot to think about. CUT TO: 43 OMITTED 44 INT. GUEST QUARTERS Bashir, Richard and Amsha are having dinner. Although they haven't sat down to a meal in a long time, the old patterns are hard to break: Richard sets the tone and runs the conversation; Bashir seems to have a chip on his shoulder; and Amsha tries to referee. AMSHA Captain Sisko seems like a very nice man, Jules. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Doctor Bashir... " - REV. 1/6/97 - ACT THREE 35. 44 CONTINUED: RICHARD Not like the captain of the transport that brought us here. I've never met a ruder, more abrasive man in my life. I tell you, when I used to run shuttles, I never would've tolerated that kind of behavior toward my passengers. BASHIR Dad, you're talking to me, now. You were a third-class steward for all of six months. RICHARD That's right, and I was required to have daily contact with the passengers. And you can bet that if I had even looked at them the wrong way, I would've been discharged on the spot. BASHIR I thought you were. RICHARD I resigned. Bashir nods without further comment and resumes eating. Amsha tries to change the subject. AMSHA Are you still doing research, Jules? BASHIR Yes. At the moment, I'm working on two studies of prion replication in ganglionic cell clusters. RICHARD (with an edge) You could've done research back on Earth. I told you that five years ago. But you insisted on taking this assignment because you wanted to practice "frontier medicine"... BASHIR (measured) On DS Nine, I can do both. Silence. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Doctor Bashir... " - REV. 1/6/97 - ACT THREE 36. 44 CONTINUED: (2) BASHIR So... you're doing "landscape architecture" now... AMSHA It's all he can talk about. You should see the stacks of drawings in our house. It's like living in a drafting studio. RICHARD Some very important people have expressed interest in my park designs. I have several good prospects on the horizon. BASHIR You always have "good prospects." But they always seem to stay just over that horizon. Richard looks up at him sharply and the tension level in the room rises another notch. Once again, Amsha steps in. AMSHA Maybe you should tell us about these interviews we're doing tomorrow, Jules. What kind of questions will they ask? BASHIR As I understand it, Doctor Zimmerman is trying to build a complete psychological profile of me. So he'll be asking you all sorts of questions. (glancing at Richard) You should try to keep your answers as brief and to the point as you can. You don't want to give him any openings to probe into... awkward areas. RICHARD (blase) I'm sure we can handle it. BASHIR Please don't take this lightly. You're going to be asked some very detailed questions about my childhood and if you're not careful... DEEP SPACE NINE: "Doctor Bashir... " - REV. 1/6/97 - ACT THREE 37 44 CONTINUED: (3) RICHARD You don't trust us? AMSHA He didn't say that, Richard. But Amsha can't stop things this time -- tempers are starting to flare. RICHARD No, but that's what he means. (to Bashir) Isn't it? You're afraid we're going to slip up... say the wrong thing... get us all in trouble. BASHIR Look, I have a lot at stake here. My entire career could be destroyed if Zimmerman gets wind of... our little secret. RICHARD (heated) You have a lot at stake? What about us? We could go to prison, Jules. Have you ever thought about that? BASHIR Of course I've thought about it, that's why I want you to take this seriously. RICHARD Oh, so now we're not taking it seriously. We're not as bright as he is... we don't have your gifted intellect so we can't see the perfectly obvious. Bashir pushes back from the table and stands up. BASHIR This is exactly why I haven't been home in three years. AMSHA Jules, please... DEEP SPACE NINE: "Doctor Bashir... " - REV. 1/6/97 - ACT THREE 38. 44 CONTINUED: RICHARD Let him go. (loud, aimed at Bashir) He can barely stand to be in the same room with us! Bashir EXITS to... 45 INT. CORRIDOR - CONTINUOUS As Bashir ENTERS. He pauses for a moment and takes a deep breath and we can see for the first time that this entire experience is starting to take its toll on him. As he heads down the Corridor... FADE OUT. END OF ACT THREE DEEP SPACE NINE: "Doctor Bashir... " - REV. 1/6/97 - ACT FOUR 39-40. ACT FOUR FADE IN:. 46 INT. REPLIMAT Rom an Leeta are sitting at one of the tables. Rom is stunned. ROM When would you be coming back? LEETA Not for a long time, Rom. That hangs in the air for a moment as Rom tries to grapple with this news. Leeta doesn't want to go, but she's torn and so far Rom hasn't given her any reason to stay. But she's going to give him every chance. LEETA I haven't made up my mind yet. I mean, this could be a big opportunity, but that's no reason to rush into anything. (beat) What do you think I should do? Rom looks at her, and finds himself unable to say what's in his heart. ROM I ... I don't know. She moves closer to him, trying to will him to just say the words. LEETA If I had a reason to stay here... I would. (beat) Do I have a reason to stay, Rom? She looks into his eyes... Rom struggles, tries to say it... but finally he can't. ROM I... I don't know. LEETA (disappointed) Then I guess I'd better take the job. ROM Great. LEETA (suddenly angry) Is that all you can say? DEEP SPACE NINE: "Doctor Bashir... " - REV. 1/6/97 - ACT FOUR 41. 46 CONTINUED: (2) ROM I, I, I... LEETA You don't know. Thanks Rom, you've been a big help. With that, she walks off. ROM (small) You're welcome... Rom watches her go, his heart breaking... he wants to get up, but can't do anything except look down the Promenade after the woman he let get away. CUT TO: 47 INT. SURGERY Bashir is standing in the middle of the room and appears to be studying something on one of the monitors when Richard and Amsha ENTER. In contrast to the end of Act Three, there's no animosity in Bashir's attitude, no strain in dealing with his parents. Richard and Amsha, however, are still dealing with some of the emotional baggage left over from last night. BASHIR Is there something I can do for you? An awkward beat as Richard and Amsha exchange a look. AMSHA Your father has something he wants to say. Richard? Richard takes a deep breath, clearly he's been coerced into this, and his attitude is more "this is what I've agreed to say" than genuinely apologetic. RICHARD It's a stressful time for all of us and maybe I... said some things I shouldn't have. Bashir seems just a little confused. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Doctor Bashir... " - REV. 1/6/97 - ACT FOUR 42. 47 CONTINUED AMSHA What he's trying to say is that we would never do anything to jeopardize your career. RICHARD (measured) And just so there's no misunderstanding: I give you my word that at no time in our interview with Doctor Zimmerman, will we ever mention or even hint at the fact that you were genetically enhanced as a child. AMSHA Jules, you can trust us. Your father and I have kept the secret of your DNA resequencing for almost twenty-five years and we're not going to let it out now. RICHARD But I would just add that, despite what the authorities would like us to believe, genetic engineering is nothing to be ashamed of. You're not any less human than anyone else. In fact, you're a little more. AMSHA We didn't come here to start another fight. Let's just... try to get through this, all right? Bashir doesn't know what to say, other than the obvious: BASHIR All right. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Doctor Bashir... " - REV. 1/6/97 - ACT FOUR 43. 47 CONTINUED: (2) Amsha smiles at him and gives him a quick hug and kiss before she EXITS with the still vaguely unhappy Richard. 48 NEW ANGLE (OPTICAL) Once they've gone, Bashir continues to just stand there in the middle of the room, and then Zimmerman and O'Brien ENTER from the adjacent room. They both look shocked. BASHIR (to Zimmerman) Who were those people? O'Brien hits a control and when Bashir DISAPPEARS, we suddenly realize that this was the Holo-Bashir program all along. Off the shocked faces of Zimmerman and O'Brien. CUT TO: 49 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL) Re-establishing the station. 50 INT. BASHIR'S QUARTERS O'Brien has just told Bashir what happened, and Julian's first reaction is anger. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Doctor Bashir... " - REV. 1/6/97 ACT FOUR 44. 50 CONTINUED: BASHIR I can't believe you set them up like that! O'BRIEN We didn't set them up. They just happened to walk in when the program was running. Zimmerman thought it would be a good test of the program's ability to cope with an unexpected situation. BASHIR And you let it go on -- let them stand there and make fools of themselves while the two of you sat in the back room and laughed. Bashir is still fuming, but O'Brien won't be baited into a fight. There are larger issues at hand. O'BRIEN (steady) Look -- I'm sorry about this. I wish it never happened, but it did and now we've got a problem. BASHIR I don't want to talk about it. Bashir heads for the door, but O'Brien's voice stops him. O'BRIEN Julian. (beat) Zimmerman's about to file a report saying that Doctor Bashir is not suitable for computer modeling because of his suspected... "genetically enhanced" background. Do you know what's going to happen when that report gets back to Starfleet Medical? Bashir has nowhere to go, nowhere to run -- the walls seem to be closing in on him. BASHIR They'll... start a formal investigation... which will lead to my eventual dismissal from the service. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Doctor Bashir... " - REV. 1/6/97 - ACT FOUR 45. 50 CONTINUED: (2) O'BRIEN Then it's true? You're... BASHIR The word you're looking for is, "unnatural." Meaning "not from nature." "Freak" or "monster" would also be acceptable. Bashir can't meet his eyes and sits down heavily on the couch. The jig is up and there's no running away from who he is any longer. The words come tumbling out of Julian -- it's a story he's never told anyone, but always thought he might, and once he starts, there's a rushed anxious quality to the tale as if he's glad to finally say it. BASHIR I was six. Small for my age. A bit awkward physically. And... not very bright. In the first grade, while the other children were learning how to read and write and use a computer... I was still trying to tell a dog from a cat and a tree from a house. (beat) I didn't really understand what was happening... I knew that I wasn't doing as well as my classmates... there were so many concepts they took for granted that I couldn't begin to master... but I didn't know why. All I knew was that I was... a great disappointment to my parents. (beat) I'm not sure when they made the decision, but just before my seventh birthday we left Earth for Adigeon Prime. (beat) At first, I remember being excited at seeing all the aliens in the hospital. But then they gave me a room... and started the treatments... and my entire world began to change... DEEP SPACE NINE: "Doctor Bashir... " - REV. 1/6/97 - ACT FOUR 46. 50 CONTINUED: (3) Bashir trails off, lost in the memories for a moment until O'Brien gently pulls him back. O'BRIEN The treatments? Some kind of DNA recoding... ? BASHIR The technical term is "accelerated critical neural pathway formation." Over the course of the next two months, my genetic structure was manipulated to accelerate the growth of neuronal networks in my cerebral cortex. A new Julian Bashir was born. O'BRIEN In what ways did they... change you? BASHIR My... mental abilities were the top priority of course -- my IQ jumped five points a day for over two weeks. That was followed by improvements in my hand-eye coordination, reflexes, vision, stamina, height, weight -- in the end everything but my name was altered in some way. (beat) When we returned to Earth, we moved to a different city, I was enrolled in a new school using falsified records my parents obtained somewhere. And instead of being the slowest learner... I was the star pupil. O'BRIEN And no one ever suspected. BASHIR (bitter smile) There's no stigma attached to success, Chief. After the... treatments, I never looked back. (beat) But the truth is... I'm a fraud. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Doctor Bashir... " - REV. 1/6/97 - ACT FOUR 47. 50 CONTINUED: (4) O'BRIEN You're not a fraud. I don't care what... enhancements your parents may have had done. Genetic recoding can't give you ambition or a personality or compassion or any of the things that make a person truly human. Bashir gets up and moves around the room. BASHIR Starfleet Medical won't see it that way. DNA resequencing for any reason other than repairing serious birth defects is illegal. Any genetically enhanced human being is barred from serving in Starfleet or practicing medicine. O'BRIEN I doubt there's been a case dealing with this sort of thing in a hundred years. You can't be sure how they're going to react. BASHIR Oh, I'm sure. When the truth comes out... I'll be cashiered from the service. It's that simple. O'Brien doesn't know what to say... there seems to be no way out. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Doctor Bashir... " - REV. 1/6/97 - FOUR 48. 50 CONTINUED: (5) O'BRIEN There must be something we can do. We can't just give up. BASHIR There is one thing I can do. Resign before Doctor Zimmerman files his report. O'BRIEN Julian... BASHIR It's over, Miles. I always knew this could happen... now it has. (beat) If you don't mind... I'd like to be alone. O'Brien nods, then reluctantly EXITS. Bashir sits down as if a heavy weight had just settled upon his shoulders. FADE OUT. END OF ACT FOUR DEEP SPACE NINE: "Doctor Bashir... " - REV. 1/6/97 - ACT FIVE 49. ACT FIVE FADE IN: 51 INT. QUARK'S Rom is sitting at the bar, nursing a drink and utterly miserable as Quark looks on. ROM I should've told her how I felt. QUARK Thank the Nagus you didn't. Remember what happened with Nog's mother? Rom turns away, clearly a sore subject. QUARK Yeah... don't want to think about her do you? Let me refresh your memory... (beat) You signed a standard five year marriage contract with Prinadora's father because you wanted a child. A simple, everyday, business deal. But then... you fell in love with your wife and wanted to extend the contract. And you were so in love you never bothered to read the extension before signing it. So in the end, her father swindled you out of all your money... Prinadora left you for a richer man... and you got stuck with Nog. Hooray for romance. ROM Leeta is not Prinadora. QUARK She's a female, Rom. And the one constant in the universe is that females are trouble. (beat) Now, if you're really lonely... Quark reaches in his jacket and pulls out an isolinear rod. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Doctor Bashir... " - REV. 1/6/97 - ACT FIVE 50. 51 CONTINUED: QUARK (continuing) I have a new holosuite program. "Vulcan Love Slave, Part Two: The Revenge." This time, it's personal. Rom doesn't really want it, but Quark sets it down and pushes it across the bar. QUARK (continuing) Give it a try... after a few hours... you'll forget all about Leeta. Quark moves off. Rom picks up the isolinear rod and looks at it for a beat... and begins to see what his future is going to look like without Leeta. CUT TO: 52 INT. BASHIR'S QUARTERS Bashir has just told his parents about the situation. RICHARD Well, we're not going to just take this lying down, that's for sure. I'll arrange legal counsel and we'll fight this all the way to the Federation Supreme Court. BASHIR We can't fight this. RICHARD You better change that attitude right now if you want to hang on to your career. AMSHA Jules, listen to your father. He's trying to help you. BASHIR Neither of you is listening to me. I don't want to drag this through the courts. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Doctor Bashir... " - REV. 1/6/97 - ACT FIVE 51. 52 CONTINUED: RICHARD We're a little beyond worrying about your "wants," Jules. We have a serious problem here and we need to stop the whining and concentrate on coming up with a new plan. BASHIR A new plan. Yes, let's come up with a new plan. That's the way we do things in this family isn't it? We don't face our problems, we just come up with new plans. Don't like your job? Move on to the next one. Don't like the law? Find a way to get around it. And whatever you do, don't ever accept responsibility! RICHARD (getting louder) All those gifts, all those accomplishments and you still want to behave like a spoiled child. You better grow up and start taking this seriously or you're going to lose everything! BASHIR (cold) You mean you're going to lose everything. You'll lose the one real accomplishment in your life: me. You said it before -- I'm your legacy, your proud gift to the world. Well, father, your gift is about to be revealed as a fraud, just like you! RICHARD I am still your father, Jules. You will not speak to me like -- BASHIR No, you used to be my father. Now you're my architect -- the man who designed a better son to replace the defective one he was given. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Doctor Bashir... " - REV. 1/6/97 - ACT FIVE 52. 52 CONTINUED: (2) BASHIR (Cont'd) Well, your design had a built-in flaw -- it was illegal. RICHARD You're so smart, you know so much that you can stand there and judge us. But you're still not smart enough to see that we saved you from a lifetime of remedial education and underachievement! BASHIR You don't know that. You didn't give me a chance. RICHARD You were falling behind! BASHIR I was six years old! You decided I was a failure in the first grade! RICHARD You don't understand, Jules, you never have. BASHIR No, you don't understand. I stopped calling myself Jules when I was fifteen and I found out what you'd done to me. I am Julian. RICHARD What difference does that make? BASHIR It makes all the difference, because I'm different! Can't you see that? Jules Bashir died in that hospital because you couldn't live with the shame of having a son who didn't measure up! Richard reacts as if slapped, momentarily stunned by the force of the blunt words, but Amsha now steps in. AMSHA That's not true! We were never ashamed of you! Never! DEEP SPACE NINE: "Doctor Bashir... " - REV. 1/6/97 - ACT FIVE 53. 52 CONTINUED: (3) BASHIR I'm sorry, Mother. But the truth is-- AMSHA (strong) You don't know. (beat) You've never had a child. You don't know what it's like to watch your son... Her voice catches on emotion, but Amsha is a strong woman and she pushes through it. AMSHA (continuing) To watch him fall a little further behind every day... to know that he's trying, but something's holding him back. You don't know what it's like to stay up every night worrying that maybe it's your fault. Maybe you did something wrong during the pregnancy, maybe you weren't careful enough, or maybe there's something wrong with you. Maybe you passed on a genetic defect without even knowing it. Richard puts a hand on his wife's shoulder, and she takes it in her hand, but she won't be stopped. RICHARD Amsha... AMSHA No. This is important. (to Bashir) You can condemn us for what we did... say it was illegal or immoral whatever you want to say... but you have to understand that we didn't do it because we were ashamed... but because you were our son and we loved you. Bashir looks into her bright and tear-filled eyes for a moment... and knows that at least in this issue, he's misjudged them. His expression softens and he nods at last. Amsha reaches out to her son... touches his face as only a mother can and then they hug for a long moment. They haven't resolved their problems, but at least the air's been cleared. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Doctor Bashir... " - REV. 1/6/97 - ACT FIVE 54. 52 CONTINUED: (4) Richard stands apart from them, watching, but unable to join in. Amsha breaks the hug and looks up at her son. AMSHA What do you want us to do? Bashir looks up at his father, but Richard doesn't object. BASHIR Nothing. I'm going to see Captain Sisko in the morning. I'll explain the situation to him... and hand in my Starfleet resignation. AMSHA Are you certain that's what you want? BASHIR Yes. I just want to quietly leave the station. AMSHA All right. Bashir and his mother exchange a final look and then Bashir EXITS. Amsha stares after him for a moment and then turns and looks at Richard, who seems to be thinking about something. OFF Richard's face... CUT TO: 53 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL) Re-establishing the station. 54 INT. CAPTAIN'S OFFICE Sisko is sitting at his desk as Bashir approaches the door. Sisko waves him in and Bashir ENTERS. He stops in the doorway as he notices something o.s. 55 NEW ANGLE (OPTICAL) revealing that Richard and Amsha are already here and there is the IMAGE of a Starfleet Rear Admiral named BENNETT standing in the holo-communicator. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Doctor Bashir... " - REV. 1/6/97 - ACT FIVE 55. 55 CONTINUED: Bennett is the top legal officer in Starfleet and has the tired eyes of someone who's spent too many years staring at legal briefs. SISKO Come in, Doctor. We were just talking about you. Bashir comes in, surprised and not sure what's going on. SISKO (continuing) Admiral, allow me to introduce Doctor Julian Bashir. Doctor, this is Rear Admiral Bennett -- Judge Advocate General. BASHIR Admiral... BENNETT Doctor. BASHIR May I ask what's going on? SISKO Your parents came to me this morning and explained the situation regarding your... genetic background. I contacted Admiral Bennett a short time ago. BENNETT we've just reached an agreement that'll allow you to retain both your commission and medical practice. Richard exchanges a look with his wife and then steps forward. RICHARD I'm going to prison. BASHIR What? RICHARD Two years. A minimum security penal colony in New Zealand. BASHIR (to Bennett) You can't do this. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Doctor Bashir... " - REV. 1/6/97 - FIVE 56. 55 CONTINUED: (2) BENNETT It was your father's suggestion Doctor. He pleads guilty to illegal genetic engineering and in exchange you stay in the service. BASHIR I won't be a part of this. I'm not going to just stand by while my father -- RICHARD Jules... Julian. Listen to me. This is my decision. I'm the one who took you to Adigeon Prime and I'm the one who should... (ironic) ... take responsibility for it. AMSHA Let him do this, Julian. Bashir looks at Richard, who looks suddenly embarrassed and Bashir realizes that maybe he did get through to Richard after all, even if Richard has trouble admitting it. BASHIR (to Bennett) Two years? Isn't that a little harsh? BENNETT I don't think so. Two hundred years ago, we tried to "improve" the species through DNA resequencing and what did we get for our trouble? The Eugenics Wars. For every Julian Bashir that can be created, there's a Khan Singh waiting in the wings -- a "superhuman" whose ambition and thirst for power have been enhanced along with his intellect. The law against genetic engineering provides a firewall against such men and it's my job to keep that firewall intact. (to Richard) I've made my offer. Do you accept? DEEP SPACE NINE: "Doctor Bashir... " - REV. 1/6/97 - ACT FIVE 57. 55 CONTINUED: (3) RICHARD Yes. BENNETT Then report to my office at Starfleet Headquarters once you arrive on earth. Richard nods. Bennett hits an o.s. control and her image DISAPPEARS. Amsha moves to Richard and gives him a hug. Bashir stands there for a moment, unsure what to say. Sisko decides to make a discreet exit. SISKO (sotto, to Bashir) Take your time. Sisko EXITS. CUT TO: 56 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL) A Federation transport ship is docking at the station. 57 INT. AIRLOCK/CORRIDOR Bashir is escorting his parents to the airlock. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Doctor Bashir... " - REV. 1/6/97 - ACT FIVE 58. 57 CONTINUED: They stop outside the airlock and there's an awkward moment of good-bye. Amsha gives him a hug and a kiss AMSHA Good-bye, Julian. BASHIR Bye, Mother. Julian and his father look at each other for a moment. RICHARD I... guess I'll see you in a couple of years. BASHIR (beat) I'm sure there are... visiting hours at your facility. Perhaps I could... RICHARD That would be... most welcome. Another beat and then father and son hug for a moment, then separate. Richard turns to his wife and they head into the airlock. BASHIR Father... (Richard stops) Thank you. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Doctor Bashir... " - REV. 1/6/97 - ACT FIVE 59. 57 CONTINUED: (2) Richard seems to stand a little taller and we can see how much that means to him. RICHARD (with a smile) Just think -- I may usher in a new renaissance in landscape architecture. Bashir smiles back at him and then Richard and Amsha EXIT to the transport ship. Bashir watches them go and then he heads off down the Corridor. 58 NEW ANGLE As Zimmerman and Leeta come out of the turbolift and into the Corridor toward the airlock. They're both carrying bags. Leeta looks down the Corridor for a moment with a wistful expression... then takes a deep breath and prepares to get on with the next phase of her life. Zimmerman stops with a puzzled look on his face. ZIMMERMAN Do you hear that? Leeta listens and now we can hear a DISTANT SOUND. LEETA What is that? ZIMMERMAN It's getting closer. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Doctor Bashir... REV. 1/6/97 - ACT FIVE 59A. 58 CONTINUED: The noise is definitely getting LOUDER. They listen For another beat and then Rom comes running down the Corridor toward them and yelling at the top of his lungs. ROM ... WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAIIIIIIIIIIIIIT!!!!!!! He stops in front of them and takes a deep breath. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Doctor Bashir... " - REV. 1/6/97 - ACT FIVE 60. 58 CONTINUED: (2) ROM Wait. ZIMMERMAN We heard you the first time. ROM Leeta. Don't go. LEETA Why? ROM Because.... because I love you. And I want you to stay. Leeta smiles at him and drops her bag to the ground. LEETA I love you too, Rom. Then she gives him a kiss that curls his toes. She breaks the kiss and turns back to Zimmerman. LEET Oh. Doctor... I'm sorry... ZIMMERMAN No. Don't be. True love should always win. I'm happy for you. Really. But he doesn't look that happy and Leeta tries to make him feel better. LEETA You're a sweet, wonderful, and brilliant man... there's someone out there for you, Doctor. I know it. ZIMMERMAN I don't think so. Perhaps I'm better suited to a life of solitary research... But even as he says the words, a drop-dead beautiful ALIEN WOMAN passes by and heads into the airlock. Zimmerman immediately notes her and his last words to Leeta are said while he's watching this new arrival. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Doctor Bashir... " - REV. 1/6/97 - ACT FIVE 61. 58 CONTINUED: (3) ZIMMERMAN (continuing) ... and dedication to my chosen field of study. Don't worry about me, I'll be fine. Good-bye. LEETA (with a smile) Good-bye. Zimmerman heads into the airlock ZIMMERMAN (as he EXITS) Excuse me... are you familiar with... ? CUT TO: 59 INT. QUARK O'Brien and Bashir are playing darts. Rom and Leeta are at a table in the b.g. Bashir's having a bad game again. BASHIR (throws) Not my day. O'BRIEN You've had a bad week. O'Brien throws -- much better. BASHIR You know, Chief... I haven't really had a chance to thank you for what you said when-- O'BRIEN Uh-uh. None of that. Especially not in the middle of a game. Bashir respects O'Brien's wishes with a smile. He throws again -- really bad. BASHIR Looks like it's your game. Again. Bashir goes to the board to retrieve the darts while O'Brien looks pleased. O'BRIEN That's what... ? Five in a row? DEEP SPACE NINE: "Doctor Bashir... " - REV. 1/6/97 - ACT FIVE 62. 59 CONTINUED: BASHIR At least. A new thought suddenly hits O'Brien. O'BRIEN Hey... you haven't been letting me win? BASHIR What gives you that idea? O'BRIEN (quiet) You said your hand-eye coordination was genetically enhanced. BASHIR Well... maybe I have been letting you win a bit... O'BRIEN I don't believe it. You don't have to patronize me. I can play at your level. BASHIR I never said you couldn't. O'BRIEN Then play. Really play. Bashir sighs then turns to the dart board and throws three quick darts one after the other with a natural ease. 60 CLOSE ON DART BOARD All three are in the bullseye. 61 RESUME BASHIR AND O'BRIEN As O'Brien reacts to this score. He thinks it over, then takes Bashir by the arm and guides him across the room to almost the other wall. O'BRIEN All right. From now on... you play from back here. I'll play from up there. If that doesn't work... we'll try a blindfold. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Doctor Bashir... " - REV. 1/6/97 - ACT FIVE 63. 61 CONTINUED: Bashir smiles at him as O'Brien heads back to his own foul line and picks up the darts. FADE OUT. END OF ACT FIVE THE END