STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE "A Time to Stand" #40510-525 Written by Ira Steven Behr & Hans Beimler Directed by Allan Kroeker THE WRITING CREDITS MAY NOT BE FINAL AND SHOULD NOT BE USED FOR PUBLICITY OR ADVERTISING PURPOSES WITHOUT FIRST CHECKING WITH THE TELEVISION LEGAL DEPARTMENT. Copyright 1997 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 This script is not for publication or reproduction.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 July 3, 1997 STAR TREK: DS9 - "A Time to Stand" - 07/03/97 - CAST STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE "A Time to Stand" CAST SISKO NOG KIRA GARAK ODO DUKAT BASHIR WEYOUN DAX MARTOK QUARK ROSS O'BRIEN JOSEPH SISKO WORF DAMAR JAKE Non-Speaking Non-Speaking N.D. SUPERNUMERARIES N.D. JEM'HADAR STAR TREK: DS9 - "A Time to Stand" - 07/03/97 - SETS STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE "A Time to Stand" SETS INTERIORS EXTERIORS DEEP SPACE NINE DEEP SPACE NINE (TEROK NOR) (TEROK NOR) OPS DEFIANT WARDROOM STARBASE 375 QUARK'S ASTEROID PROMENADE JEM'HADAR SHIPS CAPTAIN'S OFFICE CENTAUR SECURITY OFFICE DEFIANT BRIDGE MEDICAL SUPPLY ROOM MESS HALL FEDERATION STARBASE 375 SISKO'S OFFICE JEM'HADAR SHIP CONTROL ROOM DS NINE - "A Time to Stand" - 07/07/97 - PRONUNCIATION STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE "A Time to Stand" PRONUNCIATION GUIDE TARIG TAHRG TYRA TIE-ruh ULTRITIUM ul-TRIT-ee-um DEEP SPACE NINE: "A Time to Stand" - REV. 7/31/97 - TEASER 1. STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE "A Time to Stand" TEASER FADE IN: RECAP of Season Five finale "Call to Arms." 1 EXT. SPACE (OPTICAL) CLOSE ON the Defiant moving slowly through space. PULL BACK to REVEAL two more FEDERATION STARSHIPS, one of which is leaking plasma. PULL BACK even further to see several more SHIPS, including the Bird of Prey Rotarran, all looking battered and much the worse for wear. A couple of the ships are being towed, unable to proceed under their own power. PULL BACK EVEN MORE to see the remainder of the Second Fleet. The once-proud and powerful armada that the Defiant and the Rotarran joined at the end of "Call to Arms" has been reduced by the ravages of war to a third of its original size. 2 INT. DEFIANT - BRIDGE SISKO, O'BRIEN, DAX and NOG are at their stations; the rest of the bridge crew is made up of SUPERNUMERARIES. Everyone looks gaunt and grim from three months of relentless fighting. Only Sisko seems immune to the air of defeat that permeates the ship and its crew. He sits in the Captain's Chair, contained, in control -- ready to go another fifteen rounds with the dogs of war. SISKO (to Nog) Cadet. NOG Long range scanners show no sign of Jem'Hadar ships. Looks like they've broken off their pursuit. DEEP SPACE NINE: "A Time to Stand" - REV. 7/31/97 - TEASER 2. 2 CONTINUED: O'BRIEN I guess they got tired of looking at our backs. (tired and bitter) Three months of bloody slaughter and what do we have to show for it? Not a damn thing. Engage and retreat. Engage and retreat. Just one time I would've liked to have seen their backs -- SISKO That's enough, Chief. O'BRIEN (still stewing) Sorry, sir. Nothing a little sleep won't cure. DAX We could all use some sleep. What's it been, seventy-eight hours? NOG Shouldn't we have heard something from the Seventh Fleet by now? DAX I wouldn't worry just yet. The Tyra System is far enough away that it's going to take a day or two for any message to reach us. NOG You think they can stop the Dominion? O'BRIEN You're damn right they can. (a beat) Somebody has to. And as they all share that hope -- DEEP SPACE NINE: "A Time to Stand" - REV. 7/31/97 - TEASER 3. 3 INT. DEFIANT - MEDICAL SUPPLY ROOM GARAK, sporting a huge, nasty bruise on his forehead, is waiting in the room full of medical supplies. BASHIR ENTERS, looking tired and spent. GARAK Ah, there you are. I'd just about given up hope, doctor. I would think that all those lunches we've shared would've entitled me to preferential treatment. BASHIR Garak, I've got twelve wounded officers and crewmen out there -- each one in a lot worse shape than you. GARAK If you're trying to cheer me up, it's working. I feel better already. Bashir examines Garak's wound and begins to work on it. BASHIR What happened? GARAK I was studying some star charts for Captain Sisko during the last assault when I had a sudden and somewhat violent encounter with a bulkhead. BASHIR You'll live. GARAK I wish I shared your confidence. (off his look) Oh, I'm sure my head will heal, but the way this war is going... I wouldn't bet on any of us living to a ripe, old age. BASHIR I admit the odds aren't good. But they could be worse. DEEP SPACE NINE: "A Time to Stand" - REV. 7/31/97 - TEASER 4. 3 CONTINUED: GARAK Let me guess, you've used that genetically enhanced brain of yours to calculate our chances of survival. BASHIR It really wasn't that difficult. I simply began with a binomial risk distribution -- GARAK (cutting him off) I'm really not interested, Doctor. Ever since it became public knowledge that you were genetically engineered, you've used every opportunity to show off. BASHIR I have nothing to hide anymore. I might as well use what I have. After a silent beat, Garak's curiosity gets the better of him. GARAK Well what are our chances? Over fifty percent? BASHIR Thirty-two point seven. GARAK I'm sorry I asked. (a beat) You're sure about that figure? BASHIR Do you want me to take you through the entire set of calculations? GARAK Not really. (a beat) Genetically engineered, indeed. BASHIR Excuse me?  DEEP SPACE NINE: "A Time to Stand" - REV. 7/31/97 - TEASER 4A. 3 CONTINUED: (2) GARAK Look at you. You act like you haven't a care in the world. It's that kind of smug, superior attitude that makes people like you so unpopular. DEEP SPACE NINE: "A Time to Stand" - REV. 7/31/97 - TEASER 5. 3 CONTINUED: (3) BASHIR Are you insulting me? GARAK A thirty-two point seven percent chance of survival... I call that insulting. BASHIR Don't take it so personally. It's strictly a matter of mathematics. GARAK It's strictly a matter or our lives! (a beat) You're not genetically engineered, you're a Vulcan. BASHIR If I'm a Vulcan, how do you explain my boyish smile? GARAK Not so boyish anymore. 4 INT. DEFIANT - MESS HALL CLOSE ON a hand as it reaches into a replicator and takes out a cup of steaming raktajino. TILT UP to REVEAL Sisko, who moves over to join Dax at a table. DAX So where do you think Starfleet's going to send us next? SISKO I don't know. But if I have any say in the matter, we'll be going right back to the front lines. Then an offscreen voice catches their attention MARTOK (O.S.) Well said, Captain. DEEP SPACE NINE: "A Time to Stand" - REV. 7/31/97 - TEASER 6. 5 NEW ANGLE to include WORF and MARTOK, ENTERING. Martok holds his arm, covering a wound made by a Jem'Hadar weapon. MARTOK And my ship will be at your side. Dax leaps up and runs over to Worf. DAX Worf! She encircles him in a huge bear hug. MARTOK (to Worf) Tell her. DAX (suddenly concerned) Tell me what? WORF It can wait. MARTOK No, it cannot. Martok crosses over to the replicator. MARTOK Raktajino. (to Dax) It has been weighing heavily on his mind. DAX What is it, Worf? What's wrong? WORF It's about our wedding. DAX (concerned) You're getting cold feet -- Worf shakes that thought off. DEEP SPACE NINE: "A Time to Stand" - REV. 7/31/97 - TEASER 6A. 5 CONTINUED: WORF You have scheduled the ritual sacrifice of the tar'g to occur after the wedding feast has been served. DEEP SPACE NINE: "A Time to Stand" - REV. 7/31/97 - TEASER 7. 5 CONTINUED: (2) DAX (surprised) We haven't seen each other in five weeks and that's the first thing you say to me? WORF (adamant) We agreed it would be a traditional ceremony. DAX (backing off) Have it your way. First we'll shed blood, then we'll feast. WORF As it should be. MARTOK (to Dax) He has been unable to talk about anything else for days. DAX (to Sisko; re: Worf) He's such a worrier. Sisko smiles, he's an understanding friend. SISKO Take my advice, old man. A small wedding is the way to go. DAX (playful) You get married the way you want, and I'll get married the way I want. DEEP SPACE NINE: "A Time to Stand" - REV. 7/31/97 - TEASER 8. 5 CONTINUED: (3) Dax takes hold of Worf's arm and looks to Sisko. DAX I'll see you later, Benjamin? Sisko understands; they have a lot to catch up on. SISKO Try not to break any bones. Dax smiles and leads Worf out the door. MARTOK Now that that's settled, I'd better go take care of this. (re: his wound) Klingons make great warriors, but terrible doctors. Martok turns to leave just as a shaken Bashir ENTERS and approaches Sisko. BASHIR Captain... MARTOK Just the man I wanted to see. But Bashir has something important to tell Sisko. BASHIR We've been ordered to report to Starbase Three-Seven-Five for reassignment. Sisko nods, then notices Bashir solemn mood. SISKO Something else, Doctor? BASHIR There's news of the Seventh Fleet... SISKO (bracing himself for the news) Go on. DEEP SPACE NINE: "A Time to Stand" - REV. 7/31/97 - TEASER 8A. 5 CONTINUED: (4) BASHIR Only fourteen ships made it back to our lines. MARTOK (grim) Fourteen out of a hundred and twelve... BASHIR (showing his anger) Sir, we can't keep taking those kinds of losses -- not if we expect to win this -- SISKO (maintaining his composure) Thank you, doctor. That'll be all. BASHIR I'd better take a look at that arm. DEEP SPACE NINE: "A Time to Stand" - REV. 7/31/97 - TEASER 9. 5 CONTINUED: (5) Bashir collects himself, and after nodding acknowledgment, EXITS, leaves Sisko to his thoughts. 6 NEW ANGLE ON SISKO alone in the Mess Hall. He looks down at the mug of raktajino in his hand, and then lets loose his rage, slamming the cup down and shattering the glass tabletop. After a beat, Sisko takes a deep breath, and wills back his composure, refusing to give in to defeat. And on his look of utter defiance, we: FADE OUT. END OP TEASER DEEP SPACE NINE: "A Time to Stand" - REV. 7/31/97 - ACT ONE 10. ACT ONE FADE IN: (NOTE: Episode credits fall over opening scenes) 7 EXT. SPACE - TEROK NOR (OPTICAL) The station is a hub of activity. Dominion ships come and go at will. DUKAT (V.O.) Permanent Documentation File, Dukat, S.G. The war continues to go well. Each day brings reports of new victories. 8 INT. OPS as a confident DUKAT steps out of his office and gazes over Ops, which is now manned by Cardassian and Jem'Hadar troops. Dukat looks satisfied and well- rested -- the proverbial cat that swallowed the canary. DUKAT (V.O.) It's only a matter of time before the Federation collapses and Earth becomes another conquered planet under Dominion rule. Dukat ambles down the stairs, nodding encouragement to his troops. The Cardassians look upon him with awe, while the Jem'Hadar remain poker-faced. DUKAT (V.O.) All in all, it's a good time for Cardassia and the Dominion. DAMAR, Dukat's adjutant, approaches him and together they EXIT. 9 INT. TEROK NOR - WARDROOM The door OPENS and Dukat and Damar ENTER to find WEYOUN and KIRA in mid-conversation. Kira plays her cards close to the vest; Weyoun is chock-full of his cloying sincerity. DEEP SPACE NINE: "A Time to Stand" - REV. 7/31/97 - ACT ONE 11. 9 CONTINUED: WEYOUN My dear Major Kira, you have no idea how it pleases me to hear you say that. Weyoun, aware of Dukat's arrival, turns to greet him. WEYOUN Dukat, the major has just given me the most wonderful news. Bajorans are returning to the station. DUKAT I'm well aware of it. WEYOUN Then I'm sure you share my delight in knowing that life here is returning to normal. The shops are reopening, the Promenade is abuzz with activity once again, and the Habitat Ring echoes with the laughter of happy children. DAMAR (to Dukat, don't worry) I've doubled security patrols throughout the station. Weyoun notices that Damar's comment doesn't go down very well with Kira. WEYOUN (to Dukat) Are such precautions really necessary? DUKAT I've found that one can't be too careful when dealing with Bajorans. KIRA What's wrong, Dukat? Afraid we'll take the station away from you again? DAMAR You're welcome to try. DEEP SPACE NINE: "A Time to Stand" - REV. 7/31/97 - ACT ONE 12. 9 CONTINUED: (2) Weyoun steps in before things can get too ugly. WEYOUN Come now, there's no need for this petty bickering. We're all friends here. KIRA Are we? WEYOUN Of course, we are. And if you have a suggestion, major, feel free to bring it to me at any time. KIRA Fine. We'd like the station's Bajoran security force reinstated. DAMAR (sarcastic) I suppose you want us to give them back their weapons, as well. KIRA That's right. DUKAT The station no longer requires a Bajoran security force. Our troops can handle any trouble that arises. KIRA (to Weyoun) The Federation and Bajor always shared equal responsibility for station security. I thought you said we'd have the same arrangement with the Dominion. (pointed) After all, we're all friends here. Aren't we? WEYOUN (to Dukat; firm) Perhaps you should reconsider your decision. DEEP SPACE NINE: "A Time to Stand" - REV. 7/31/97 - ACT ONE 13. 9 CONTINUED: (3) DUKAT The order stands. You may trust the Bajorans, but I don't. And until they earn my trust, I prefer to keep them unarmed. (to Kira) And if you were in my position, major, you'd do the same thing. Weyoun leads Kira to the door. WEYOUN Perhaps it would be best to let the matter rest for a while. I'm sure, in time, all these minor problems will be resolved to our mutual satisfaction. KIRA I'll remember you said that. WEYOUN I'm sure you will. Kira is about to leave, but Weyoun stops her. WEYOUN One last thing... Odo. KIRA What about him? WEYOUN Is he aware that I'm doing all I can to strengthen the bond between the Dominion and the Bajoran people? Kira doesn't quite know how to respond to the question. KIRA Why don't you ask him yourself? WEYOUN No, no. I wouldn't want to bother him. Good day, major. Kira, who has certainly had enough of Weyoun, EXITS. DEEP SPACE NINE: "A Time to Stand" - REV. 7/31/97 - ACT ONE 14. 10 NEW ANGLE as Dukat steps up to Weyoun. DUKAT Fascinating woman, isn't she? WEYOUN I wouldn't know. But I do know we need her as an ally. DAMAR (hard) The Bajorans will never be our allies. WEYOUN (to Damar, pointing to the door) Out. Damar looks to Dukat. WEYOUN Don't look at him. I'm telling you to leave. Now. Dukat nods to Damar, who EXITS immediately. Before Weyoun can complain about Damar, Dukat offers a preemptive comment: DUKAT I find him useful. WEYOUN In the future, it might be prudent to include me in all decisions relating to station policy. Now, what about the wormhole? You assured me that you could dismantle the minefield within a month. That was two months ago. DUKAT I admit work is proceeding more slowly than expected. But these aren't ordinary mines -- every time we destroy or deactivate one of them, its neighbor replicates a new one. DEEP SPACE NINE: "A Time to Stand" - REV. 7/31/97 - ACT ONE 15. 10 CONTINUED: WEYOUN (musing) Self-replicating mines. I'd like to meet the Federation engineer who came up with that. DUKAT I'd like to get my hands around his neck. WEYOUN We have to take down that minefield and reopen the wormhole. DUKAT And we will. But there's no need for panic. We're winning the war. WEYOUN For the moment, yes. But to defeat the Federation, we're going to need reinforcements and new supplies of ketracel-white. (a beat) Soon. DUKAT I said I'd deal with the minefield and I will. Weyoun smiles as if sealing an agreement, but then the smile disappears, and turning his back on Dukat, he EXITS. We hold for a beat on a thoughtful Dukat. 11 INT. TEROK NOR - QUARK'S The bar is fairly busy. It's somewhat disturbing to see Cardassian soldiers in Quark's drinking and playing the various games of chance. But what's even more disturbing is the presence of Jem'Hadar soldiers, who neither drink nor eat, but simply observe the activity around them. There are a few scattered Bajorans, but they tend to hang together, away from the others. QUARK approaches a table of Jem'Hadar soldiers. DEEP SPACE NINE: "A Time to Stand" - REV. 7/31/97 - ACT ONE 15A. 11 CONTINUED: QUARK Good evening, gentlemen. Once again, I see you're at your "usual table." It's amazing how many of my customers think of Quark's as their second home. Quark stops his spiel to await some response from the soldiers. But the soldiers just stare at him poker-faced. QUARK I only wish I had a holo-imager so I could preserve this warm and wonderful moment of camaraderie. Something you could hang up on the wall of your barracks. Still nothing from the soldiers. QUARK Have you tried the dabo tables? I'm sure one of my lovely hostesses would be happy to teach you the game. Still nothing. QUARK I know. A complimentary hour in one of our state-of-the-art holosuites? Whatever your desires, I'm sure we can satisfy them. But the soldiers haven't moved a muscle. QUARK Perhaps some other time. Enjoy the evening. Quark graciously moves away. Once his back is turned toward the soldiers, he mutters to himself: QUARK Tough crowd. 11A NEW ANGLE Kira and ODO are seated at the bar doing a postmortem on Kira's meeting with Weyoun and Dukat. DEEP SPACE NINE: "A Time to Stand" - REV. 7/31/97 16. 11A CONTINUED: KIRA I'm telling you, Odo, Dukat has only one thing on his mind, and that's revenge. He can't stand the thought that Bajor defeated Cardassia. ODO You think he wants to reopen the labor camps? KIRA Eventually. ODO Then I suppose we should be grateful he has Weyoun looking over his shoulder. KIRA Maybe. Weyoun's a hard one to figure out. I don't really trust him... but I do trust him more than Dukat. ODO Weyoun knows that it's in the Dominion's best interest to honor its treaty with Bajor. They want to prove to the rest of the Alpha Quadrant they're true to their word. Kira nods agreement as Odo looks at him thoughtfully. KIRA Weyoun asked me about you. He seemed very concerned about what you thought of him. ODO I try not to think of him. KIRA He'd be hurt to hear you said that. (a beat) I'll have to mention it to him. They share a smile; a moment of warmth between the two friends. DEEP SPACE NINE: "A Time to Stand" - REV. 7/31/97 - ACT ONE 17. 11A CONTINUED: (2) ODO I'm glad you can still smile. KIRA Only when I'm with you. ODO That's kind of you to say. KIRA It's true. When I talk to you, things don't seem as bad... (a beat) Though every time I think of Dukat sitting in the captain's office... (anger rising) Or the fact that the Federation seems to be losing this war and we're here doing nothing... Odo places a reassuring hand on Kira's shoulder. ODO I share your frustration, major. But right now, there's really nothing we can do except bide our time. It's like Captain Sisko said, Bajor must be kept out of the fighting. KIRA (with a smile) And who am I to argue with the Emissary. 12 NEW ANGLE Quark approaches, carrying a tall drink which he places in front of Kira. QUARK Thanks for waiting. (pleased) Things have been a little busier than expected. (re: the drink) This one's on the house.  DEEP SPACE NINE: "A Time to Stand" - REV. 7/31/97 - ACT ONE 18. 12 CONTINUED: KIRA (suspicious) What do you want, Quark? QUARK The usual -- peace, love, understanding -- not to mention a generous profit margin, which I'm happy to say is looking more and more likely. (looking around the room) You know, I never expected to say this, but as occupations go -- this one's not so bad. KIRA I suppose that's true if all you're worried about is your monthly balance sheet. QUARK I'm not just concerned about profit, major. Look around -- do you see any ghetto fences dividing the Promenade? Or exhausted Bajoran slave laborers, sprawled on the ground after a grueling day in the Ore Processing Center? Do you hear the cries of starving children? I don't. Now don't get me wrong, I miss the Federation, too. All I'm saying is things could be a lot worse. Quark goes to attend to other customers, leaving Kira with that thought. ODO I hate to say it, but he's right. The Dominion seems determined to show it can be a friend to Bajor. KIRA If it's such a good friend, then how come there are no Bajoran security officers on the station? DEEP SPACE NINE: "A Time to Stand" - REV. 7/31/97 - ACT ONE 19. 13 EXT. SPACE (OPTICAL) to see the Defiant orbiting Starbase 375. 14 INT. FEDERATION STARBASE 375 - SISKO'S OFFICE Sisko and ADMIRAL ROSS ENTER a small, yet functional, office. Ross, despite being a man no older than Sisko, shows signs of the burden of office. ROSS I'm glad to see you made it back in one piece, Ben. SISKO I was lucky. We lost a lot of good people. ROSS Yes, we did. And we're going to lose a lot more before this is over. Sisko and Ross nod silently, the weight of that truth hangs heavily with both of them. ROSS I hope you'll find this office satisfactory. Sisko's not quite sure what the Admiral is getting at. SISKO I wasn't aware I'd be needing an office. I thought I was here for an assignment briefing. ROSS I'm afraid you're going to be here longer than you think, captain. (somber) As of right now, you're no longer in command of the Defiant. And off Sisko's face as he reacts to this news, we: FADE OUT. END OF ACT ONE DEEP SPACE NINE: "A Time to Stand" - REV. 7/31/97 - ACT TWO 20. ACT TWO FADE IN: 15 INT. STARBASE 375 - SISKO'S OFFICE A baffled Dax paces the room as Sisko watches. DAX Relieved of command? Why? SISKO Admiral Ross didn't say. All he said was that we'd get our new assignment at sixteen hundred hours. DAX At least the crew's staying together. (a beat) We are staying together, aren't we? SISKO Count on it. Dax sighs with relief, that's good news at least. DAX So what do you plan on doing for the next couple of hours? SISKO I hadn't given it much thought. DAX Maybe this would be a good time to contact your father. Sisko doesn't exactly leap at the idea. SISKO Maybe. DAX You haven't spoken to him for months. And Jake is his grandson. DEEP SPACE NINE: "A Time to Stand" - REV. 7/31/97 - ACT TWO 21. 15 CONTINUED: SISKO How do I explain to him that I evacuated every Federation citizen off Deep Space Nine except his grandson. DAX You'll think of something. You always do. 16 ANGLE ON THE MONITOR (OPTICAL) on the angry face of JOSEPH SISKO. JOSEPH You did what? SISKO Dad... it's not quite as bad as it sounds. JOSEPH You mean you didn't leave my grandson at the mercy of a vicious, bloodthirsty enemy? SISKO Well, no... I did. JOSEPH Then it certainly is as bad as it sounds. SISKO Look, Dad, it wasn't my decision. It was Jake's choice to stay behind. JOSEPH Oh, so now you're going to blame this on Jake. DEEP SPACE NINE: "A Time to Stand" - REV. 7/31/97 - ACT TWO 22. 16 CONTINUED: SISKO I'm not blaming Jake. But he's not a child anymore. He has to take responsibility for his actions. JOSEPH I don't care who's responsible. It's wrong and I want him back. SISKO (simply) So do I. A long beat of silence as they both deal with that thought. JOSEPH (soft) You think he's all right? SISKO I hope so. (a beat) I'll get him back, Dad. I promise. JOSEPH When? SISKO I don't know. It might be a while. I'm about to be given new orders, and I don't know where they're going to send me. JOSEPH Tell them you want to go get your son. SISKO It's wartime. It's not up to me. I go where I'm sent. Sisko looks for a way to change the subject. SISKO How's the restaurant doing? DEEP SPACE NINE: "A Time to Stand" - REV. 7/31/97 - ACT TWO 23. 16 CONTINUED: (2) JOSEPH All right. (dry) It's been three weeks since I've poisoned anyone. Joseph doesn't want to change the subject. JOSEPH Are things really as bad as the news service claims? SISKO Maybe worse. JOSEPH You certainly know how to comfort a frightened old man. SISKO You didn't raise me to be a liar. JOSEPH I raised you to be a chef, for all the good it did me. You know, there's something I just don't understand. You're always telling me that space is big. That it's an endless frontier, filled with infinite wonders. SISKO It's true. JOSEPH Well if that's the case, you'd think there would be more than enough room to allow people to leave each other alone. SISKO It just doesn't work that way. It should. But it doesn't. For a beat, both men are lost in thoughts of a kinder, gentler existence. DEEP SPACE NINE: "A Time to Stand" - REV. 7/31/97 - ACT TWO 24. 16 CONTINUED: (3) JOSEPH I'd better be going. The lunch crowd's coming in. You watch yourself, Ben. And bring me back my grandson. SISKO I will. JOSEPH I love you. SISKO Love you too. And off of Sisko's melancholic smile -- 17 INT. TEROK NOR - PROMENADE Weyoun is strolling the Promenade, followed by two Jem'Hadar guards. JAKE (O.S.) Excuse me, Mister Weyoun. Weyoun turns to see JAKE SISKO approach, PADD in hand. The Jem'Hadar move to intercede, but Weyoun holds up a restraining hand. WEYOUN Please, I prefer just "Weyoun." JAKE (that's good) That's the kind of detail people want to know. Would this be a good time? WEYOUN For what? JAKE For the interview we talked about. You know, for the Federation News Service. WEYOUN I'm afraid that's impossible. Weyoun continues to walk, Jake falls into step with him. DEEP SPACE NINE: "A Time to Stand" - REV. 7/31/97 - ACT TWO 25. 17 CONTINUED: JAKE Why? WEYOUN Because I've read your previous articles and they left me with one inescapable conclusion: you are biased against the Dominion. JAKE What gave you that idea? WEYOUN You keep referring to us as the station's, quote, occupying force, unquote. JAKE What's wrong with that? WEYOUN It has negative connotations. All your articles are filled with pejorative terminology -- which is why I've been forced to withhold their transmission. JAKE Are you saying no one in the Federation has read my reports? WEYOUN If I don't send them, they can't read them. JAKE But what about freedom of the press? Weyoun stops walking and turns to face Jake. He looks at Jake for a beat -- is he joking? WEYOUN Please tell me you're not that naive. JAKE But I only stayed here so I could report on the occupation. DEEP SPACE NINE: "A Time to Stand" - REV. 7/31/97 - ACT TWO 26. 17 CONTINUED: (2) Weyoun takes immediate offense at the word "occupation." WEYOUN You see, there you go again. This isn't an occupation. This is a Cardassian station. I'm sure you're aware that there are no Dominion troops on Bajor. And why should there be? We have a treaty with them. They're our friends. JAKE All right. I'm sorry. I didn't mean anything by it. WEYOUN If you want me to send your articles to the Federation, you're going to have to provide a more balanced perspective. JAKE I won't write Dominion propaganda. WEYOUN I would never dream of asking you to. All I want is for you to keep an open mind. JAKE (a beat) Okay, my mind's open. Now can we do the interview? WEYOUN All in good time. You keep writing. I'll keep reading. Let's leave it at that for now. Good day. And with that, Weyoun walks off leaving Jake to contemplate his words. 18 INT. STARBASE 375 - SISKO'S OFFICE Sisko, Dax, Bashir and Admiral Ross are gathered around a wall monitor showing a stellar cartography map. DEEP SPACE NINE: "A Time to Stand" - REV. 7/31/97 - ACT TWO 27. 18 CONTINUED: ROSS Starfleet Intelligence has discovered what we believe to be their main storage facility for ketracel-white in the Alpha Quadrant. (pointing) Right here. Deep within Cardassian space. We need to destroy it. BASHIR Without the white to sustain them, the Jem'Hadar won't be able to function. ROSS Without the white, the Jem'Hadar will die. DAX I won't shed any tears -- not if it helps end this war. ROSS It may be the only way we can end this war. (grimly) Other than surrendering. BASHIR But how do you expect us to infiltrate Cardassian territory without the Defiant and its cloaking abilities? Sisko looks to the Admiral. SISKO I was wondering the same thing. ROSS You won't need a cloaking device. We have something even better... Ross taps a panel and the monitor changes. Sisko and the others look on -- DEEP SPACE NINE: "A Time to Stand" - REV. 7/31/97 - ACT TWO 28. 19 CLOSE ON THE MONITOR (OPTICAL) A Jem'Hadar starship sits in a docking bay. (The very one Sisko captured almost a year ago in "The Ship.") DAX (O.S.) It's a Jem'Hadar attack ship. 20 RESUME as the group reacts to the sight. ROSS It's the one you captured last year, captain. Now you get a chance to see what it can do. BASHIR (to Sisko) Do you even know how to fly that thing? SISKO Not yet. But I intend to learn. And off Sisko's face of determination, we: FADE OUT. END QF ACT TWO DEEP SPACE NINE: "A Time to Stand" - REV. 7/31/97 - ACT THREE 29. ACT THREE FADE IN: 21 EXT. SPACE - STARBASE 375 (OPTICAL) The Jem'Hadar ship in its docking bay. 22 INT. JEM'HADAR SHIP - CONTROL ROOM Dax, O'Brien and Nog move from station to station performing a final systems check before they begin their mission. Various SUPERNUMERARIES are manning their stations. DAX Guidance matrix, check. Aft parabolic thrusters, check. Sensor feed, check. (looking to O'Brien) Chief. O'BRIEN Reactor core, check. (checks another panel) Induction stabilizers, check. Phaser coils, check. DAX Nog. NOG Resonance emitters, check. Subspace field grid, check. Signal subprocessors, check... (double checking a panel) I think. O'BRIEN What do you mean "You think?" We've been training on this ship for two weeks. NOG I'd like to put a Jem'Hadar soldier on the Defiant and see how well he does after two weeks. These controls are very... DEEP SPACE NINE: "A Time to Stand" - REV. 7/31/97 - ACT THREE 30. 22 CONTINUED: NOG (Cont'd) ...different. They take time to get used to. O'BRIEN We don't have any more time. We're about to take this ship into enemy territory and we can't afford any slipups. NOG I don't intend to make any, Chief. O'BRIEN Good. NOG I still don't see why we couldn't install a few chairs on the bridge. O'BRIEN Because the ship isn't designed for chairs. NOG Well my feet aren't designed to stand for long periods of time. They get tired. O'BRIEN Then maybe we should leave you behind. NOG My feet might like that, but I wouldn't. O'BRIEN Believe me, cadet. It's not your feet that you need to worry about. It's your stomach. Maybe you haven't noticed, but there isn't a single food replicator aboard this ship. DEEP SPACE NINE: "A Time to Stand" - REV. 7/31/97 - ACT THREE 31. 22 CONTINUED: (2) NOG That shouldn't be a problem. Captain Sisko says we'll have plenty of field rations. O'BRIEN (with a laugh) Try eating nothing but field rations for three weeks and then tell me it's not a problem. DAX You want to know what is a problem? No viewscreen. Who builds a bridge without a window? In the b.g., Bashir emerges from the back of the ship. BASHIR The same people who build a ship without an Infirmary. Bashir hands Dax a PADD. BASHIR That's the list of all the medical supplies I brought on board. They're in my quarters, for lack of a better place. DAX We'll try not to have any medical emergencies while you're sleeping. BASHIR I'm glad you find the lack of proper medical facilities amusing. But if trouble breaks out, it's not a viewscreen or a chair or even a sandwich you'll be wanting. It's a bio-bed with a surgical tissue regenerator. DAX Maybe. But right now, I'd settle for a viewscreen. NOG Or a chair. DEEP SPACE NINE: "A Time to Stand" - REV. 7/31/97 - ACT THREE 32. 22 CONTINUED: (3) O'BRIEN Or a sandwich. 23 NEW ANGLE to see Sisko and Garak ENTER. SISKO All right, people. Prepare for departure. DAX All systems ready, sir. Bashir steps up to Garak. BASHIR Come to see us off, Garak? GARAK Not quite. SISKO I've invited Mister Garak to join us. Considering we're going into Cardassian territory, he might prove useful. GARAK It's been known to happen. O'BRIEN (wry) Pull up a chair. Garak looks around for one as Sisko crosses over to the command position. NOG We're cleared for departure, sir. DEEP SPACE NINE: "A Time to Stand" - REV. 7/31/97 - ACT THREE 33. 23 CONTINUED: SISKO (to Dax) Take us out, old man. DAX Aye, captain. Aft thrusters at one half. Sisko puts on the virtual headset, which immediately comes to life with a series of BLINKIES. 24 INT. SISKO'S HEADSET POV (OPTICAL) The virtual headset gives Sisko (and us) a view from the bow of the Jem'Hadar ship: we see the starbase slowly receding away from us. 25 OMITTED 26 RESUME SISKO Bring us about. Dax works her panel. The ship makes a sudden harsh tilt. 27 SISKO'S POV (OPTICAL) as his view skews and the stars seem to tumble off the screen. 28 ON SISKO as he and the others regain their bearings. DEEP SPACE NINE: "A Time to Stand" - REV. 7/31/97 - ACT THREE 34. 28 CONTINUED: DAX (trying to make light) Just wanted to make sure everyone was awake. SISKO We are now. Let's keep it nice and easy, all right? DAX I can try. SISKO Set a course for the Cardassian border, heading zero-five-four mark zero-nine-three. Warp six. 29 ANGLE ON SISKO'S POV (OPTICAL) as the stars streak into warp. 30 EXT. SPACE - TEROK NOR (OPTICAL) Re-establishing. 31 INT. TEROK NOR - CAPTAIN'S OFFICE Dukat is at the desk, studying Sisko's baseball. The door CHIMES. Dukat puts the ball down before answering. DUKAT Come in. The door OPENS and Kira ENTERS. KIRA You wanted to see me. Dukat gets up from behind his desk and moves closer to Kira. DUKAT I always want to see you, major. And therein lies the problem. DEEP SPACE NINE: "A Time to Stand" - REV. 7/31/97 - ACT THREE 34A. 31 CONTINUED: DUKAT (Cont'd) It's been three months since my return to this station and we've barely spent any time with one another. Oh, I suppose you can point to the various meetings we've attended together. DEEP SPACE NINE: "A Time to Stand" - REV. 7/31/97 - ACT THREE 35. 31 CONTINUED: (2) DUKAT (Cont'd) But they never seem to offer us the opportunity to venture beyond station business. KIRA I don't have time for this. Kira turns to go, but Dukat stops her with an order: DUKAT Major! Kira turns to face the Cardassian. DUKAT (softening) I haven't dismissed you yet. KIRA What do you want from me, Dukat? DUKAT Come now, major. Have the last three months been that bad? KIRA Is that why I'm here? To flatter you? Let you know what a good job you're doing and how happy we all are to have you back? Dukat moves closer to Kira. DUKAT Sarcasm doesn't become you, major. It's your directness that I've always found appealing. KIRA Dukat, I've got better things to do than to stand here and help you play out one of your little fantasies. Kira tries to move around Dukat, but he blocks her way by placing one arm against the wall, boxing her in. DUKAT You feel I've betrayed you. DEEP SPACE NINE: "A Time to Stand" - REV. 7/31/97 - ACT THREE 35A. 31 CONTINUED: (3) KIRA Not just me -- you betrayed everyone. Including your own people. DEEP SPACE NINE: "A Time to Stand" - REV. 7/31/97 - ACT THREE 36. 31 CONTINUED: (4) DUKAT Cardassia was on the edge of an abyss, major. The war with the Klingons turned us into a third-rate power. My people had lost their way. I've made them strong again. KIRA At what price? You've sold Cardassia to the Dominion. DUKAT A high price, to be sure. But look what we're getting in return -- the Alpha Quadrant itself. KIRA We'll see about that. DUKAT Yes, we will. Dukat offers his most ingratiating smile. DUKAT I could make things very pleasant for you here, Kira. KIRA You could start by doing something about your breath. Dukat gives a bemused LAUGH. DUKAT I'm a patient man. I can wait. Kira explodes at Dukat's attitude. DEEP SPACE NINE: "A Time to Stand" - REV. 7/31/97 - ACT THREE 37. 31 CONTINUED: (5) KIRA Wait for what? What do you think is going to happen here, Dukat? You think you're going to wear me down with your charming personality? That I'm going to be swept off my feet by that insincere smile? Are you really so deluded that you actually believe we're going to have some kind of intimate relationship? DUKAT We already do. Dukat reaches over to stroke Kira's face with the back of his hand. It's a disturbingly intimate gesture. Kira slaps his hand away, staring at him with intense hatred. Dukat responds with a hearty LAUGH, sauntering back to his desk. DUKAT Good day, major. I'm afraid I have work to do. 32 CLOSE ON KIRA shaking with rage. After a beat, she storms out of the office. 33 CLOSE ON DUKAT as he leans back in the chair, pleased with himself. He then picks up Sisko's baseball and starts toying with it. 34 EXT. SPACE (OPTICAL) Sisko's Jem'Hadar ship soars through the stars. 35 INT. JEM'HADAR SHIP - CONTROL ROOM A somewhat woozy Sisko has taken off his headset as Bashir administers a hypo. DEEP SPACE NINE: "A Time to Stand" - REV. 7/31/97 - ACT THREE 38. 35 CONTINUED: BASHIR There. I wish I had had more time to study the side effects of wearing that headset. SISKO Well, at least we know one side effect -- headaches. BASHIR The headsets were designed to be worn by Vorta and Jem'Hadar -- not by humans. Garak steps forward. GARAK Captain, may I make a suggestion? SISKO Only if you talk softly. GARAK We saw Dukat wearing one of those headsets during the attack on Deep Space Nine. Perhaps Cardassian physiology is more compatible. SISKO Are you volunteering? GARAK I suppose I am. The ship carries two of them. If I wear one, you won't have to -- at least not all the time. BASHIR I agree with Garak, captain. The less you wear it, the better. Sisko picks up the other headset and hands it to Garak. SISKO Mister Garak. Garak puts on the second headset and immediately reacts to the images being projected into his retina. DEEP SPACE NINE: "A Time to Stand" - REV. 7/31/97 - ACT THREE 39. 35 CONTINUED: (2) GARAK It's like having a viewscreen inside your brain. 36 ANGLE ON NOG reacting to something on his console. NOG Sir -- there's a Federation ship off our starboard bow, bearing one- five-seven mark zero-nine-five. It's the USS Centaur. SISKO That's Charlie Reynolds' ship. GARAK I see it. The ship is immediately rocked by a phaser BLAST. And as everyone tries to remain on their feet, we: FADE OUT. END OF ACT THREE DEEP SPACE NINE: "A Time to Stand" - REV. 7/31/97 - ACT FOUR 40. ACT FOUR FADE IN: 37 OMITTED 38 INT. JEM'HADAR SHIP - CONTROL ROOM as the ship SHAKES from the jolt of the phaser hit. (Note: Sisko and Garak wear the headgear.) SISKO Cadet -- open a channel to the Centaur. NOG I can't -- our com system's down. GARAK (to Sisko) Then perhaps you should consider returning fire. BASHIR We can't do that. They're Starfleet. Another BLAST. GARAK Don't tell me, tell them. And ANOTHER. O'BRIEN We better do something -- SISKO Dax -- get us across the border, maximum warp. Let's hope Charlie Reynolds knows better than to follow us into Dominion territory. DEEP SPACE NINE: "A Time to Stand" - REV. 7/31/97 - ACT FOUR 41. 39 EXT. SPACE (OPTICAL) Sisko's Jem'Hadar ship races away, the Federation ship in hot pursuit, still FIRING its weapons. 40 INT. JEM'HADAR SHIP - CONTROL ROOM Moments later. Another hit ROCKS the ship. SISKO How long before we cross the border? DAX We just did. Another HIT. NOG The Centaur's still with us. SISKO Charlie never did know when to quit. O'BRIEN I hope he knows what he's doing. GARAK The question is -- do we know what we're doing? And yet another HIT ROCKS their ship. Dax reacts to something off her console. DAX Captain -- that last hit damaged one of our guidance thrusters. 40A CLOSE ON SISKO his thoughts racing ahead: he knows now he's not going to shake off his pursuer and that his mission is in danger. He's forced to make a tough decision: SISKO (to Dax) Drop out of warp and come about. (to O'Brien) Prepare to return fire. DEEP SPACE NINE: "A Time to Stand" - REV. 7/31/97 - ACT FOUR 41A. 40B WIDER to see the crew react; no one wants to fire on a "friendly" ship. O'BRIEN (reluctantly) Yes, sir. DAX The Centaur's followed us out of warp. ANOTHER HIT SHAKES the ship. SISKO Target their weapons array -- only. Avoid their engines. I don't want to leave Charlie stranded on the wrong side of the border. 40C EXT. SPACE (OPTICAL) As the two ships, now at impulse, exchange FIRE as they fly by one another. Both ships hit their marks. 40D RESUME As before. DAX We're coming about for another pass. SISKO Charlie likes to swing for the fences so stay in tight. Attack pattern Omega. 40E EXT. SPACE (OPTICAL) Sisko's Jem'Hadar ship makes a sharp turn to come in low, underneath the Centaur, strafing it's belly as it flies by. We see the Centaur make a wide bank turn, but instead of heading back towards us like it did before, the Starfleet ship heads away from us. DEEP SPACE NINE: "A Time to Stand" - REV. 7/31/97 - ACT FOUR 42. 40F RESUME Dax reacts to something on her console. DAX The Centaur's going to warp -- it's heading back to Federation space. NOG (victory) Yes! GARAK Nice work, Chief. But O'Brien is puzzled by something. O'BRIEN Thanks, but I don't think I scored a direct hit. DAX (reacting to something off her console) Maybe you didn't... I'm picking up three Jem'Hadar ships headed this way. SISKO (putting it together) Charlie must've seen them. 41 AND OMITTED 42 DEEP SPACE NINE: "A Time to Stand" - REV. 7/31/97 - ACT FOUR 43. 43 EXT. SPACE (OPTICAL) The three Jem'Hadar ships streak past Sisko's ship as they make a beeline for the Federation ship. 44 RESUME NOG They went right by us. DAX Without even bothering to say hello. O'BRIEN They're too busy chasing the Centaur. BASHIR You think Reynolds will outrun them? SISKO Charlie's been in tight spots before. He'll make it. DAX I wish we could help. A beat of silence; they all feel that way. SISKO (resigned) We can't. (to O'Brien) Chief, get our com system back on line. (to Dax) Return to course. Warp seven. 45 EXT. SPACE (OPTICAL) Sisko's Jem'Hadar ship streaks through the stars. DEEP SPACE NINE: "A Time to Stand" - REV. 7/31/97 - ACT FOUR 44. 46 INT. TEROK NOR - SECURITY OFFICE Odo is seated at his desk as Kira paces. KIRA You should have seen the arrogant, smug look on his face. He was in control and there was nothing I could do about it. (pacing) The war isn't over yet but as far as Dukat's concerned -- he's already won. I'd love to show him he's wrong. ODO I'm afraid -- for the time being at least -- he has won. Look at me -- I don't know why I bother to sit here every day. I don't even have a security force to patrol the Promenade. This stops Kira in her tracks. KIRA Then ask for one. Demand that they reinstate your Bajoran deputies. ODO Dukat will never agree to that. DEEP SPACE NINE: "A Time to Stand" - REV. 7/31/97 - ACT FOUR 44. 46 CONTINUED: KIRA Forget Dukat. Go to Weyoun. He'll listen to you. In his eyes you're a god -- that gives you power. Odo looks at her intently. KIRA (pressing her advantage) But what good is having power unless you're willing to use it? As Odo contemplates her words -- 46A INT. TEROK NOR - WARDROOM CLOSE ON a hand reaching into a metal case and taking out a pair of vials containing ketracel-white. JEM'HADAR SOLDIER (O.S.) We pledge our loyalty to the Founders from now until death. PULL BACK to REVEAL Weyoun holding the vials. He hands them over to two Jem'Hadar soldiers. WEYOUN Then receive this reward from the Founders. May it keep you strong. The Jem'Hadar immediately attach the white to their feed lines. It gives them a visible and immediate boost. They EXIT. 46B ANOTHER ANGLE to include Dukat who has been watching the procedure. DUKAT You enjoy that, don't you? That constant reminder that you're their master. DEEP SPACE NINE: "A Time to Stand" - REV. 7/31/97 - ACT FOUR 45A. 46B CONTINUED: WEYOUN The Founders are the masters. I am merely their servant, as are the Jem'Hadar. (pointed) And you. DUKAT That may be. But even amongst servants, someone has to be in charge. WEYOUN That's exactly the kind of observation I've come to expect from you, Dukat. Interesting, yet somewhat... petty. Before Dukat can respond, we hear the sound of the door OPENING -- 46C ANGLE ON THE DOOR as Damar ENTERS, leading Odo. DAMAR Forgive the interruption. (to Weyoun; re: Odo) But he insisted on seeing you immediately. Weyoun's eyes light up at the sight of the changeling. He approaches Odo, arms outstretched, almost as if to embrace the Founder. WEYOUN Founder, I'm honored by your visit. Is there someway I can be of service? ODO I want my Bajoran security officers reinstated. WEYOUN (bowing his head reverentially) Consider it done. DEEP SPACE NINE: "A Time to Stand" - REV. 7/31/97 - ACT FOUR 45B. 46C CONTINUED: ODO From now on, they'll be responsible for security on the Promenade. WEYOUN I don't see any problem with that. Odo is surprised at how quickly Weyoun has agreed to his demand. Dukat and Damar are also surprised, and they share a look of anger. DUKAT I do. But Weyoun shoots Dukat a hard look as he holds up a silencing hand. WEYOUN (hard) This is between me and Odo. (softer) I'll thank you to keep out of it. Weyoun smiles at Odo. Odo nods agreement with Weyoun, then turns to Damar. ODO I'll have my officers report to the armory within the hour. Damar looks to Dukat, who bites his tongue and reluctantly nods his approval. As Odo turns to leave, Weyoun speaks up -- WEYOUN Now that I've done something for you, perhaps there's something you'd consent to do for me... And on Odo's puzzled expression -- 46D INT. QUARK'S Close on Kira, who is looking at Odo with disbelief. KIRA A member of the station's Ruling Council? You? DEEP SPACE NINE: "A Time to Stand" - REV. 7/31/97 - ACT FOUR 45C. 46D CONTINUED: ODO (nodding) Along with Weyoun and Dukat. Now I'll have a voice in station policy. KIRA Are you sure this is a good idea? ODO Dukat thought it was a terrible idea. You should have seen his face when Weyoun offered me the position. KIRA Don't you see Weyoun's using you? Your presence on the Council validates the Dominion's control of the station. But Odo has been thinking about his situation and tries to reassure his friend. ODO I thought we were using him. (a beat) I know the dangers, Major. I've had to walk this line before -- during the Cardassian occupation. (a beat) I can do it again. But, this time I won't be alone -- I'll have you to help me. Kira looks at Odo, smiles and pats his hand. KIRA That's right, you will. Odo smiles back at his friend. ODO Then this is a victory after all. KIRA I suppose it is... but for some reason, it doesn't feel like one. And on that note --- DEEP SPACE NINE: "A Time to Stand" - REV. 7/31/97 - ACT FOUR 45D. 47 EXT. SPACE - ASTEROID (OPTICAL) Sisko's Jem'Hadar ship approaches a small asteroid. A huge ketracel-white storage facility covers most of the asteroid's terrain. Sisko's ship assumes orbit behind ANOTHER JEM'HADAR starship. 48 INT. JEM'HADAR SHIP - CONTROL ROOM Everyone is still at their stations. Sisko, holding his headset, stands in front of Garak who is wearing his. GARAK The ship ahead just transmitted a message to the asteroid's storage facility. They're requesting to be resupplied with ketracel-white. DAX Looks like we've come to the right place. DEEP SPACE NINE: "A Time to Stand" - REV. 7/31/97 - ACT FOUR 46. 49 ANGLE ON GARAK'S HEADSET POV (OPTICAL) As the Jem'Hadar ship ahead moves into a closer orbit around the asteroid, a security net becomes momentarily visible before FRITZES OFF, allowing the Jem'Hadar ship to move in closer. .50 INT. JEM'HADAR SHIP - CONTROL ROOM As before. GARAK That ship beamed down a hundred and ten empty canisters. (a beat) And now the storage facility is beaming up a hundred and ten full ones. Sisko taps combadge. SISKO (to com) Everything ready, Chief? O'BRIEN'S COM VOICE I've got eighty-three empty canisters standing by. (a beat) And one not so empty. Ninety isotons of enriched ultritium should take out the entire storage facility and anything else within eight hundred kilometers. SISKO Then we better be nine hundred kilometers away when the bomb goes off. GARAK The other ship is leaving orbit. DEEP SPACE NINE: "A Time to Stand" - REV. 7/31/97 - ACT FOUR 47. 50 CONTINUED: SISKO Dax? DAX The entire exchange took ninety- two point three seconds. As Sisko considers this information, Garak taps a panel. GARAK I've asked for eighty-four canisters of ketracel-white. (a beat) Excellent. They're acknowledging my request. 51 EXT. SPACE - ASTEROID (OPTICAL) We see Sisko's ship move into a closer orbit around the asteroid. 52 INT. JEM'HADAR SHIP - CONTROL ROOM Resume. Sisko taps his combadge. SISKO (to com) Chief, set the detonator for three minutes. O'BRIEN'S COM VOICE Detonator set. BASHIR Three minutes? If it takes us ninety-two seconds to make the exchange -- that doesn't leave much time to get away. SISKO It doesn't give the Jem'Hadar much time to detect the explosive either. (to Dax) Beam down the canisters. DEEP SPACE NINE: "A Time to Stand" - REV. 7/31/97 - ACT FOUR 48. 52 CONTINUED: Dax works her panel. DAX Canisters away. NOG I hope whoever's in charge down there hasn't taken a lunch break. BASHIR The Jem'Hadar don't eat, Nog. NOG (realizing; pleased) That's good. (a beat) How do we know they're Jem'Hadar? Bashir considers that for a moment. DAX Relax, cadet. (to Sisko) Everything's on schedule. They've just beamed eighty-four canisters of white into our cargo hold. GARAK (tapping a console) I've acknowledged receipt and requested clearance for departure. SISKO Good. Prepare to go to Warp. DAX Standing by. 52A EXT. SPACE - ASTEROID (OPTICAL) as the security net suddenly FRITZES ON, preventing Sisko's ship from departing. (Note: Net stays on from here on.) DEEP SPACE NINE: "A Time to Stand" - REV. 7/31/97 - ACT FOUR 49. 52B RESUME GARAK Captain, I think we have a problem. They've raised the security net. SISKO (to Garak) Repeat our request for clearance. GARAK They're not responding. BASHIR If they don't drop the net before the bomb goes off, we don't stand a chance. DAX One minute and thirty seconds to detonation. 53 CLOSE ON SISKO as he contemplates his dwindling options. And on his grim expression, we: FADE OUT. END OF ACT FOUR DEEP SPACE NINE: "A Time to Stand" - REV. 7/31/97 - ACT FIVE 50. ACT FIVE FADE IN: 54 INT. JEM'HADAR SHIP - CONTROL ROOM As before. The tension is palpable. O'Brien ENTERS. NOG (alarmed) You think they found the bomb? O'BRIEN I doubt it -- not this fast. BASHIR Then why aren't they letting us go? SISKO A good question. GARAK Captain, they're responding. They're ordering us to stand by. SISKO For what? GARAK (puzzled) They're not saying. DAX One minute, fifteen seconds. SISKO Chief, can we punch a hole through that security net? O'BRIEN Sure, but it'll take a couple of minutes. DEEP SPACE NINE: "A Time to Stand" - REV. 7/31/97 - ACT FIVE 51. 54 CONTINUED: SISKO We don't have a couple of minutes. What about disabling the net's power generator? NOG (rueful) The explosion will do that. GARAK That won't do us much good. DAX One minute. SISKO (re: Garak's comment) Maybe it will... (thinking it through) When the generator is destroyed, the net'll go down... all we have to do is time it so we're moving fast enough at the moment of detonation to avoid getting caught in the explosion. DAX (catching on) But not so fast that we smash into the net before it's deactivated. O'BRIEN It's tricky. SISKO Not if we time it right. Dax starts working her console, figuring out the computations. DAX Let's see... a radial geodesic in a thirty-nine Cochrane warp field contracts normal space at a rate of -- DEEP SPACE NINE: "A Time to Stand" - REV. 7/31/97 - ACT FIVE 52. 54 CONTINUED: (2) BASHIR (with confident authority) We have to go to full impulse one point three seconds before the bomb detonates. SISKO Dax? DAX (off her console) The computer agrees with Julian. GARAK Of course it does... they think alike. Bashir grins modestly. DAX Turning over piloting controls to the main computer. Dax taps a few quick strokes. DAX Set. She leans back in her chair with relief. SISKO Time? DAX Twenty-two seconds until the explosion. NOG Twenty-two seconds -- that's plenty of time. O'BRIEN See, cadet? There was nothing to worry about -- Suddenly the SHIP ROCKS VIOLENTLY -- 55 OMITTED DEEP SPACE NINE: "A Time to Stand" - REV. 7/31/97 - ACT FIVE 53. 56 EXT. SPACE - ASTEROID (OPTICAL) A huge EXPLOSION obliterates the asteroid. The BLAST'S SHOCKWAVE expands, heading for Sisko's Jem'Hadar ship 57A INT. JEM'HADAR SHIP - CONTROL ROOM As the ship shakes VIOLENTLY, Sisko and his crew hang on for dear life. O'BRIEN It must've gone off early. SISKO Dax -- get us out of here! Dax quickly takes back helm control. 57B EXT. SPACE - ASTEROID (OPTICAL) Sisko's Jem'Hadar ship moves directly towards camera just slightly ahead of the oncoming explosion. The ship's tail is all but engulfed in the blast. 59 INT. JEM'HADAR SHIP - CONTROL ROOM Sisko and his crew grab hold of what they can as they try to ride out the "wave." 59A EXT. SPACE - ASTEROID (OPTICAL) Finally, Sisko's ship pulls ahead of the explosion and continues on its way to safety. 59B RESUME As the ship rights itself and the crew realize they're going to survive after all: GARAK Not quite according to plan... but I think Starfleet will find the results satisfactory. DEEP SPACE NINE: "A Time to Stand" - REV. 7/31/97 - ACT FIVE 54-58. 59B CONTINUED: SISKO I agree, Mister Garak. (to Dax) Well done, old man. Sisko then moves over to O'Brien, who has been checking the various consoles. SISKO How bad is it? O'BRIEN It doesn't look good. I'm going to have to switch to auxiliary life support... deflectors are down... guidance system is shot... and... O'Brien sighs -- that's not all the bad news. SISKO What is it? O'BRIEN The core matrix is fried. We don't have warp drive. GARAK (concerned) Forgive my ignorance, but without warp drive... how long is it going to take us to reach the nearest Federation starbase? SISKO A long time, Mister Garak. GARAK How long. BASHIR Seventeen years, two months, and three days... give or take an hour. And off this grim moment, we go to -- DEEP SPACE NINE: "A Time to Stand" - REV. 7/31/97 - ACT FIVE 59. 59C EXT. SPACE (OPTICAL) The Jem'Hadar ship drifts amongst the stars. And we: 60 THRU OMITTED 64 FADE OUT. END OF ACT FIVE THE END