STAR TREK:  DEEP SPACE NINE
                              
                        "The Reckoning" 
                   (fka "Untitled Prophets") 
                          #40510-545 
                              
                           Story by 
              Harry Werksman & Gabrielle Stanton 
                              
                          Teleplay by 
                David Weddle & Bradley Thompson 
                              
                          Directed by 
                         Jesus Trevino 

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 1998 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 This script is not for publication or 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
                       February 13, 1998

      STAR TREK: DS9 - "The Reckoning" - 02/13/98 - CAST 

                  STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE 
                        "The Reckoning" 
                             CAST 

          SISKO                    KAI WINN
          KIRA                     KORAL
          ODO                      
          BASHIR                   
          DAX                      
          WORF                     
          QUARK                    
          JAKE                     
          COMPUTER VOICE           

          Non-Speaking             Non-Speaking
          N.D. SUPERNUMERARIES     

      STAR TREK: DS9 - "The Reckoning" - 02/13/98 - SETS 

                  STAR TREK:  DEEP SPACE NINE
                        "The Reckoning" 
                             SETS 

        INTERIORS                     EXTERIORS
        DEEP SPACE NINE                 DEEP SPACE NINE
          AIRLOCK                       
          AIRLOCK CORRIDOR              
          CAPTAIN'S OFFICE              
          HABITAT RING CORRIDOR         
          INFIRMARY                     
          OPS                           
          PROMENADE/SECOND LEVEL        
          QUARK'S/SECOND LEVEL          
          SCIENCE LAB                   
          SISKO'S QUARTERS              
          TURBOLIFT                     

        EXCAVATION TUNNEL             
        EXCAVATION SITE - CHAMBER     
        PASSAGE OF TUNNEL             

       DS9 - "The Reckoning" - 03/23/98 - PRONUNCIATION 

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

          B'HALA                   bah-HA-la
          CHRONITON                CRONE-eh-ton
          KORAL                    kor-RAL
          PAH-WRAITH               PA-rayth
          RAKANTHA                 ruh-KAN-tha
          RANJEN                   RAHN-jen
          SHABREN                  shah-BREN
          TAMULNA                  tam-UL-nah
          DORALA                   door-AH-la

      DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Reckoning" - REV. 2/17/98 - TEASER       1.

                  STAR TREK:  DEEP SPACE NINE                   
                           "The Reckoning"                             
                            TEASER                              

	FADE IN:

Al   EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)

	Establishing.

B1   INT. WARDROOM

	SISKO is standing at an OKUDAGRAM briefing his senior 
	staff about the war with the Dominion. DAX, WORF, 
	BASHIR and KIRA are seated at the table; ODO stands 
	near the window. The mood is somber.

					SISKO
				(indicating the star 
				map) 
			-- the Dominion has solidified its 
			hold on the Kalandra Sector. 
			They're trying to establish a 
			supply line running through 
			Betazoid space into the Argolis 
			Cluster.

					WORF 
			If they succeed, they would be 
			able to launch an attack on 
			Vulcan.

					SISKO
				(nods) 
			Starfleet's going to try to cut 
			them off near the Tibor Nebula. 
			The Seventh Fleet will be engaging 
			the enemy in the morning.

					DAX
			The Seventh Fleet is still at half-
			strength. They took heavy losses 
			at Sybaron.

					SISKO
			We'll just have to hope they can 
			get the job done.
				(beat) 
			On a happier note, I do have a bit 
			of good news.

      DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Reckoning" - REV. 2/17/98 - TEASER      1A.

Bl   CONTINUED:

					BASHIR
			That's a welcome change.

					SISKO 
			The Romulans have forced the 
			Dominion to retreat from the 
			Bolian System.

	The senior staff break into enthusiastic WALLAH. Sisko 
	smiles, gives them a moment to enjoy the good news. 
	Then Odo chimes in with a sober observation.

					ODO 
			That is good news. The question 
			is, will the Romulans be willing 
			to leave Bolarus after the war's 
			over?

	This causes everyone to shift uncomfortably. Odo's 
	raised a possibility that most of them would rather not 
	think about.

					ODO 
			Once they capture territory, they 
			rarely give it up.

	Sisko privately shares Odo's concern, but he needs to
	keep his people on track.

					SISKO
			Right now, we need to concentrate 
			on beating the Dominion. We'll 
			worry about the Romulans later.

	Odo backs off with a shrug, but his point has clearly 
	soured the moment of celebration.

					SISKO
			As some of you already know, Major 
			Kira, Jake and I will be leaving 
			for Bajor at twenty-two hundred.

					DAX
				(teasing them) 
			There's a war on -- this is no 
			time for a vacation.

	Kira smiles, sets the record straight.

					KIRA
			The archaeologists excavating 
			B'hala have found something they 
			want the Emissary to see.


      DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Reckoning" - REV. 2/17/98 - TEASER      1B.

B1   CONTINUED:	(2)

					SISKO 
			We'll be back tomorrow night.
				(looks at his crew) 
			That's all, people.

	Everyone EXITS, except Kira and Odo. This is one of 
	their new rituals: hanging back after a staff meeting 
	to share an intimate moment together.

					KIRA
				(smiling affectionately) 
			"Will the Romulans leave Bolarus?" 
			You love to bring up the worst-
			case scenario in these meetings, 
			don't you?

					ODO 
			Somebody has to.

	As the last person exits, leaving them alone in the 
	room, Odo's demeanor abruptly changes. He regards Kira
	with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes -- it's a side 
	of him we've never seen before, a side that Kira brings 
	out when they're alone.

					ODO 
			Besides, everyone expects me to be 
			dour and suspicious. I don't like 
			to disappoint them.

					KIRA
				(smiles) 
			If they only knew the real you.

					ODO 
			That is the real me.
				(beat) 
			At least as far as everyone else 
			is concerned.

	They share a smile. off this moment...

Cl   EXT. SPACE - BAJOR (STOCK OPTICAL)

	Establishing.  (NOTE: Could be substituted with a STOCK
	MATTE of the planet's surface, maybe something from
	"Rapture".)

       DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Reckoning" - REV. 3/9/98 - TEASER      1C.

1    INT. EXCAVATION TUNNEL

	Ranjen KORAL, an old but vigorous Bajoran monk, leads 
	Sisko, Kira and JAKE down a gloomy passageway cut 
	through layers of reddish-brown SEDIMENT. The passage 
	is lit every so often with makeshift LIGHTS, but there 
	are nowhere near enough to make their PALM BEACONS 
	unnecessary. Support BEAMS line the ceiling and the 
	rough contours of the walls. Although a deeply 
	religious man, Koral wears the practical work clothes 
	of a veteran archaeologist.

					KORAL
				(glancing back at Sisko) 
			I can't tell you how pleased we 
			are by your visit, Emissary.

					SISKO
			I'm happy to be here, Ranjen.

					KORAL 
			There's no need to keep calling me 
			"Ranjen." I'm a simple monk. My 
			order is quite informal.

					SISKO
			You've certainly been busy. The 
			last time I visited these ruins, 
			none of these tunnels had been cut 
			yet.

					KORAL 
			It's been a great deal of work, 
			but we do it gladly. Excavating 
			the Holy City is a privilege. Our 
			efforts are an expression of our
			faith in the Prophets... and in 
			the Emissary.

	Sisko accepts this with a gracious nod. Kira and Jake 
	follow several paces behind. Kira notices that Jake is 
	studying his father closely.

       DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Reckoning" - REV. 3/9/98 - TEASER       2.

1    CONTINUED:

					KIRA 
			Something wrong, Jake?

					JAKE
				(sotto to Kira) 
			No. It's just that Dad seems to 
			be taking his role as the Emissary 
			very seriously these days.

					KIRA
			You say that like you think it's 
			a bad thing.

					JAKE 
			You have to admit, it's a long way 
			to come to look at some old ruins.

					KIRA
			They've found what might be an 
			important religious artifact in 
			these "old ruins."

					JAKE 
			I hope so.
				(re: the PADD in his 
				hand) 
			Otherwise I won't have much of a 
			story.

					KIRA
			Try to look like you're enjoying 
			yourself. Your father needs this. 
			It's good for him not to have to 
			worry about the Dominion for a few 
			hours.

2    ANOTHER PASSAGE OF TUNNEL

	Koral rounds a corner and leads them down the passage. 
	A movement in the shadows, the FLUTTER of wings in the 
	darkness --

					KORAL 
			Don't let the bats bother you.

	Jake pauses, nervously scanning the ceiling with his 
	palm beacon.

					KIRA
				(over her shoulder) 
			Don't worry, they rarely bite.

       DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Reckoning" - REV. 3/9/98 - TEASER       3.

2    CONTINUED:

					JAKE.
				(still scanning the 
				ceiling) 
			Rarely?

	Jake notices the others have moved on without him and 
	hurries to catch up.

3    YET ANOTHER PASSAGE

	Occasional sections of ancient STONE WALL are exposed 
	in the sediment. Sisko idly runs his hand along the 
	venerable structure.

					KORAL 
			We're directly below the Temple of 
			B'hala. These walls predate the 
			ancient city by ten thousand 
			years.

					JAKE 
			Who built this place?

					KORAL 
			We don't know much about the 
			original inhabitants, but it 
			appears they abandoned this site 
			some twenty-five thousand years 
			ago. Over time, sediment buried 
			the ruins.

					JAKE
				(catching on) 
			And then B'hala was built on top 
			of them.

					KORAL 
			Precisely.

	Koral comes to a halt before the inky black mouth of a 
	chamber. The others stop behind him.

					KORAL 
			In here...

	A feeling of apprehension steals over them. Something 
	about this place feels vaguely ominous.

	Koral steps into the opening and is swallowed by the 
	darkness. It's an eerie moment. Challenged and 
	curious, Sisko follows, his light reaching into the 
	bleak opaque void.


       DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Reckoning" - REV. 3/9/98 - TEASER       4.

4    INT. CHAMBER

	Koral switches on the portable TUBE LIGHTS along the 
	floor. Like the tunnels, the ceiling is braced with 
	BEAMS. Sections of the wall that once framed this room 
	are visible through the sediment. In the center of one 
	wall, an ancient stone TABLET is embedded in the stone.

	Kira and Jake follow Sisko into the room, and Koral 
	leads them over to the tablet. It's a vertical 
	limestone oval, similar in shape to the symbol of Bajor 
	on the temple entrance on DS9.

					KORAL 
			It's over thirty thousand years old...

	Jake is less than thrilled, but Sisko looks closely at 
	the tablet, which displays passages composed of ancient 
	Bajoran RUNES. Parts of the inscription have been 
	broken away or obscured by erosion and cracks.

					SISKO 
			These inscriptions, they look 
			similar to ancient Bajoran, but I 
			can't quite make them out.

					KORAL 
			Until recently, we couldn't 
			either. But we've been able to 
			piece together some rudimentary 
			translations.

	He points to a vertical strip of characters on the far 
	right.

					KORAL 
			The syntax is unusual, but all 
			forms of Bajoran share certain 
			root-ideograms.
				(taps one of them)
			You may recognize this one.

	Sisko leans in to get a better look.

					SISKO
			Welcome...

       DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Reckoning" - REV. 3/9/98 - TEASER       5.

4    CONTINUED:

					KORAL
				(pleased)
			Here's where it gets
			interesting...

	Koral's hand traces the two figures beneath, which are 
	enclosed within an outline to form a distinctive 
	CARTOUCHE. Sisko and Kira both react with recognition --

					KORAL
			I see you recognize it.

	Jake doesn't, but he can see that Sisko and Kira are 
	amazed by what they've read.

					JAKE
			I don't.

					KIRA
				(awed)
			It says... Welcome, Emissary.

	Jake stares at his father, drawn into the mystery as 
	well.

					KORAL
				(to Sisko)
			Now you know why I asked you here.

	Jake regards his father with a look of "what next?" 
	Sisko reaches out in wonder...

5    HIS FINGERS

	touch the cartouche. An AWESOME SOUND jerks us as we --

									WHITE OUT TO:

6    ANOTHER ANGLE - ALTERED REALITY (OPTICAL)

	Sisko suddenly finds himself in the middle of the room. 
	Similar to "The Emissary," and "Prophet Motive," we are 
	in an altered reality, but in this case, we haven't 
	left the room. The LIGHTS have changed COLOR and 
	DIRECTION. Sisko tries to reorient himself and finds 
	Kira, Koral and Jake are no longer where he last saw 
	them.

	They have become WORMHOLE ALIENS... cold and remote. 
	They ignore Sisko completely -- as if he'd dropped 
	unbidden into the midst of their discussion. 
	Nevertheless, their statements bear some relation to 
	his questions. Koral stands beside the stone tablet.

       DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Reckoning" - REV. 3/9/98 - TEASER       6.

6    CONTINUED:

					KORAL ALIEN
			The Sisko has come.

	A beat as Sisko realizes that he's dealing with the 
	Prophets. The Kira Alien is behind Sisko. Her voice 
	raws him to face her.

					KIRA ALIEN
			The circle is complete.

	The Jake Alien steps close --

					JAKE ALIEN
			The Reckoning must begin.

					SISKO
			The Reckoning?

	The Prophets don't answer -- the Kira Alien faces the 
	Koral Alien.

					KIRA ALIEN
			Much will depend on the Sisko.

					KORAL ALIEN
				(concerned)
			He is corporeal.

					JAKE ALIEN
			Limited.

	The Kira Alien steps toward the other two.

					KIRA ALIEN
			He is the Sisko. He will not
			waver.

	The Jake Alien considers it, then nods.

					JAKE ALIEN
			He is of Bajor.

					KIRA ALIEN
			He will bring the Reckoning.

	Sisko turns to the Kira Alien.

					SISKO
			What is it you expect of me?

	The Koral Alien arrives next to the Kira Alien.

       DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Reckoning" - REV. 3/9/98 - TEASER       7.

6    CONTINUED:	(2)

					KORAL ALIEN
			It will be the end...

					JAKE ALIEN
			Or the beginning.

					SISKO
			I don't understand.

					KIRA ALIEN
			The Sisko will know.

	The SCREEN WHITES OUT.

									CUT TO:

7    INT. CHAMBER

	The connection breaks and Sisko is thrown back across 
	the room. He lands on his back, unconscious. As Kira 
	and Jake rush over to him, we...

									FADE OUT.

                         END OF TEASER                          

      DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Reckoning" - REV. 3/9/98 - ACT ONE       8.
                            ACT ONE                             

	FADE IN:

	(NOTE: Episode credits fall over opening scenes)

8    INT. EXCAVATION SITE - CHAMBER

	Kira helps Sisko to a sitting position as Jake and 
	Ranjen Koral look on with concern.

					JAKE
			Dad, are you okay?

	Kira helps Sisko to his feet -- he looks around, tries 
	to get his bearings.

					SISKO
			The Prophets... they were here.
			They spoke to me.

	Jake tenses -- he's seen the Prophets put his father 
	through some strange things, and he doesn't like the
	sound of this.

					KORAL
			You had a vision, Emissary. We
			saw nothing.

					KIRA
				(to Sisko)
			What did they say to you?

					SISKO
			They mentioned a "Reckoning."
				(to Koral)
			Is that part of some prophecy?

					KORAL
				(thinks it over)
			Not one that I know of.

	Jake tries to contain his mounting anxiety --

					JAKE
			Dad, I think we should go now.

	Sisko moves to comfort his son --

					SISKO
			It's all right, Jake. We'll be
			leaving soon.

	Sisko turns to study the tablet...

      DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Reckoning" - REV. 3/9/98 - ACT ONE       9.

 8   CONTINUED:

					SISKO 
			I need to know what these 
			inscriptions say...

					KORAL 
			I wish we could translate them 
			more quickly, but we don't have 
			the resources.

	Sisko traces the letters on the tablet thoughtfully.

					SISKO 
			Fortunately, we do.

	Off Sisko's face as he considers the mysterious artifact...

9    EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)

	Establishing.

10   INT. SCIENCE LAB

	The tablet stands on an examining table. Dax has just 
	completed a series of scans --

					DAX 
			I had a pretty good idea what this 
			was the minute I laid eyes on it.
				(off tricorder) 
			This confirms it.

	Sisko leans in, eager to hear what she has to say.

					DAX 
			It's a slab of stone with some 
			writing on it.

					SISKO
				(warning her) 
			Dax.

					DAX
			What do you want me to say, 
			Benjamin?

      DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Reckoning" - REV. 3/9/98 - ACT ONE      10.

10   CONTINUED:

					DAX (Cont'd) 
			I'm not picking up any residual 
			energy readings, certainly nothing 
			that would explain how it threw 
			you across a room.

	Sisko takes this in for a beat --

					SISKO 
			I want you to translate the
			inscriptions.

					DAX 
			I was afraid you were going to say 
			that.

					SISKO
				(handing over a PADD) 
			The Ranjen's translation program. 
			It's not complete, but at least 
			it's a start.
				(smiles) 
			Good luck.

	And with that, Sisko EXITS, leaving Dax with her task.

11   INT. PROMENADE 

	as Sisko makes his way down it. SUPERNUMERARIES as 
	needed. As he passes the temple, a Bajoran RANJEN is 
	standing outside ringing the BELL to announce services.

      DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Reckoning" - REV. 3/9/98 - ACT ONE      11.

12   SISKO

	as he stops and considers.

					VOICES
				(off screen) 
			"Coming to Services?" "It's about 
			to start." Etc.

	For some reason, Sisko finds himself wanting to go 
	inside the temple. He figures why not, and starts 
	toward it. The Ranjen looks at him, a bit surprised -- 
	clearly this is no everyday occurrence. Just as Sisko 
	steps into the doorway, Worf's COM VOICE interrupts --

					WORF'S COM VOICE 
			Ops to Sisko.

					SISKO
			Go ahead.

					WORF'S COM VOICE 
			We just received a communication 
			from Bajor. Kai Winn is on her 
			way to the station.

	Sisko's never exactly happy to hear she's coming and a 
	frown starts to form on his face, but when he sees the 
	Ranjen looking at him, he thinks better of it and 
	musters a smile for him. The Kai? Love the Kai.


13   INT. AIRLOCK

	as KAI WINN ENTERS from a BAJORAN SHUTTLE, accompanied 
	by TWO MONKS. Sisko is waiting to greet her.

					SISKO 
			Welcome to Deep Space Nine, your 
			eminence.

	Winn is seething over the fact that Sisko took the 
	tablet off Bajor without consulting her, but she hides 
	it behind a cool smile.

					WINN 
			Thank you, Emissary.

	As they head down the corridor --

					SISKO 
			What brings you to the station?

					WINN 
			I should think that would be 
			clear.

      DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Reckoning" - REV. 3/9/98 - ACT ONE      12.

13   CONTINUED:

					WINN (Cont'd)
				(off his look) 
			You removed an artifact from an 
			archaeological site without 
			consulting the Vedek Assembly.

					SISKO
			I meant no disrespect.

	Winn enjoys having the chance to skewer Sisko, but she 
	does it behind her mask of politeness.

					WINN
			You can understand that we would 
			be sensitive to such matters. 
			During the Occupation, the 
			Cardassians plundered Bajor's 
			historical treasures as if it were 
			their right. I never imagined 
			that you would behave in the same 
			manner.

					SISKO
			I assure you the artifact will be 
			returned as soon as I've finished 
			studying it.

					WINN
			I was not aware that you had 
			expertise in Bajoran history.

					SISKO
				(has to admit) 
			I don't.

					WINN
			Then why not leave the artifact in 
			the hands of those who do? There 
			are scholars on Bajor who've 
			devoted their lives to the study 
			of such things.

					SISKO,
			I understand. But I brought it 
			here because I believe that's what 
			the Prophets want.

					WINN
			I see. I take it this has 
			something to do with your... 
			"vision."

      DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Reckoning" - REV. 3/9/98 - ACT ONE      13.

13   CONTINUED:	(2)

	There's a skepticism in her voice that's not lost on 
	Sisko.

					SISKO 
			Exactly.

					WINN 
			Forgive me.
				(testing him) 
			I didn't realize that the Prophets 
			told you to bring the relic here.

					SISKO 
			They didn't. Not in so many 
			words.

					WINN 
			I see. Then what, exactly, did 
			they say?

					SISKO
			It's difficult to explain. The 
			Prophets aren't always clear.

					WINN 
			Since they've never spoken to me, 
			I'll have to take your word for it.

	In her own indirect way, she's challenging Sisko's 
	truthfulness and he knows it.

					SISKO 
			All I know is that, for now, it 
			belongs here.

	Winn seems to back off.

					WINN 
			Who am I to argue with the 
			Emissary of the Prophets?

	Off her sweet smile...

14   INT. SCIENCE LAB (VPB) 

	a hand smacks the table. WIDEN to reveal an angry 
	Sisko talking to Dax. She's working with the computer, 
	checking BAJORAN RUNES on the screen against TWO PADDS 
	she carries in her hands.

      DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Reckoning" - REV. 3/9/98 - ACT ONE      14.

14   CONTINUED:

					SISKO 
			She contacted Starfleet and lodged 
			a formal protest.

					DAX
			Is that why Admiral Ross wanted to 
			talk to you?

	Sisko nods glumly --

					DAX 
			So how'd it go?

					SISKO
			He told me to stop meddling in 
			Bajoran affairs and return the 
			damn tablet.

					DAX
			You know how Starfleet feels about 
			"this Emissary thing." It makes 
			them very uncomfortable that 
			you've allowed the Bajorans to 
			view you as a religious icon.
				(testing the waters) 
			It used to make you uncomfortable, 
			too.

	Sisko considers, then decides to make his feelings
	known to his old friend.

					SISKO
			Not anymore.
				(smiling) 
			I guess the Prophets have spoken 
			to me too many times.

					DAX
				(looking up from her work) 
			I remember when you used to call 
			them "Wormhole Aliens."

					SISKO
			Wormhole Aliens or Prophets -- it 
			doesn't really matter. The fact 
			is, they exist outside of time, 
			and over the centuries, they've 
			given the Bajorans glimpses of the 
			future.
				(indicating the tablet) 
			Glimpses that the Bajorans wrote 
			down to help guide succeeding 
			generations.

      DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Reckoning" - REV. 3/9/98 - ACT ONE      15.

14   CONTINUED:	(2)

					SISKO
				(continuing, re: the 
				tablet) 
			If whatever's written here can 
			help me avoid mistakes and make 
			the right decisions, I'd be a fool 
			to ignore it.

					DAX 
			Fair enough. But if you don't 
			mind, I'm going to keep thinking 
			of them as Wormhole Aliens.

					SISKO
			All I know is that they have a 
			relationship with Bajor that 
			stretches back thousands of years. 
			They care about what happens to 
			the Bajorans. They proved that 
			when they kept the Dominion fleet 
			from coming through the wormhole.

					DAX 
			Didn't you have to talk them into 
			it? Didn't they say they were 
			going to exact some kind of 
			"penance" for helping you?

					SISKO
			Yes, but they listened. They 
			saved Bajor and the rest of the 
			Alpha Quadrant.. And now they're 
			asking me for something in return. 
			I don't know what it is yet, and 
			I'm not going to return the tablet 
			until I do. It's the key. I can 
			feel it.

					DAX
				(off screen) 
			I hope you're wrong about that, 
			Benjamin...

	Sisko realizes she's found something --

					SISKO
			What've you got?

      DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Reckoning" - REV. 3/9/98 - ACT ONE      16.

14   CONTINUED:	(3)

	Sisko moves around to see the screen. On the MONITOR, 
	we see a line of TEXT from the tablet. There are 
	conversion algorithms along the margins of the screen.

					DAX 
			The computer just translated part 
			of the inscription. Here it is in 
			modern Bajoran.

	She works the controls and the text TRANSFORMS into 
	modern Bajoran. It takes a moment for Sisko to read, 
	and when he does, the words disturb him...

					SISKO 
			"The time of Reckoning is at hand. 
			The Prophets will weep, and their 
			sorrow will consume... "
				(the rest stops him in 
				his tracks)
			"... the Gateway to the Temple."

					DAX 
			Tell me I'm wrong, but isn't the 
			Gateway to the Temple... Deep 
			Space Nine?

	Sisko's face tells us she's not wrong... off this 
	ominous moment, we...

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT ONE                          

      DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Reckoning" - REV. 3/9/98 - ACT TWO      17.
                            ACT TWO                             

	FADE IN:

15   INT. QUARK'S - SECOND LEVEL

	Odo and Bashir are sitting around a table reacting to 
	Worf's news. It's a slow night, the few BAJORANS 
	who've turned out are ina somber mood, preoccupied 
	with the rumors they've heard.

					WORF
			-- I'm only telling you what the 
			translation said. I did not say 
			I believed it.

					BASHIR
			Well, I'm not worried. If you 
			look hard enough, you can find a 
			Bajoran Prophecy for just about 
			anything. The Ancient Texts are 
			a tangle of vague contradictions.

					ODO
			This one is anything but vague. 
			And Bajoran Prophecies have an odd 
			way of coming true.

					BASHIR
			Don't tell me you believe in this 
			stuff, too?

	QUARK has approached their table and chimes in --

					QUARK 
			Odo believes in preparing for the 
			worst.

					ODO
			True.

					QUARK 
			He's as bad as the Bajorans.
				(looking around the 
				quiet bar with dismay) 
			Business hasn't been this slow 
			since the Dominion was here. 

      DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Reckoning" - REV. 3/9/98 - ACT TWO      18.

15   CONTINUED:

					QUARK (Cont'd) 
			You know, I feel it's my civic 
			duty to do something about all 
			this doom and gloom. That's why 
			I want you all to know that I've 
			extended Happy Hour.

					BASHIR 
			Extended it?

					QUARK
			From now on, every hour is Happy 
			Hour.
				(beat) 
			At least, until business picks up.

	Quark tries to put on a happy face.

					QUARK
			Eat, drink and be merry.

					BASHIR
				(dry) 
			For tomorrow we die.

					ODO
				(to Worf) 
			What does the captain say about 
			all this?

					WORF 
			He's reserving judgement until the 
			computer's finished the 
			translation.

					BASHIR
				(to Quark) 
			Who knows, maybe the rest of the 
			tablet says go to Quark's for 
			Happy Hour.

					QUARK
			I like the way you think, doctor.

	Bashir looks around at his friends and sees that 
	despite their ambivalence about the Prophecy, each of 
	them is troubled to some degree. Truth be told, he's 
	not finding it easy to shake off either.

      DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Reckoning" - REV. 3/9/98 - ACT TWO      19.

15   CONTINUED:	(2)

					BASHIR 
			This is ridiculous. Nothing's 
			going to happen. Someday we're 
			going to look back at this and 
			laugh.

	Suddenly there's a strange RUMBLE like the sound of 
	approaching thunder -- it builds until the room starts 
	to VIBRATE and SHUDDER. Glasses RATTLE on tables as 
	people look around, trying to figure out what's going 
	on. A moment, then it's over.

					ODO 

			What was that?

	VOICES from off-screen get their attention. A small 
	CROWD has gathered at one of the WINDOWS to view 
	something outside.

									CUT TO:

16   INT. PROMENADE - SECOND LEVEL (OPTICAL)

	Through the window, we see the wormhole OPENING.

17   ADJUST

	to include Odo, Bashir, Worf and Quark among the 
	onlookers.

					QUARK 
			That's the third time in the last 
			ten minutes.

	The RUMBLE again, followed by the same SHUDDER.

18   THE WINDOW (OPTICAL)

	The wormhole CLOSES and the SHUDDER SUBSIDES.

					WORF 
				(puzzled) 
			Still no incoming ships.

					ODO
			Well something's making the 
			wormhole do that.

	No one has an answer for him. After a beat, Bashir 
	turns to Worf.

      DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Reckoning" - REV. 3/9/98 - ACT TWO      20.

18   CONTINUED:

					BASHIR 
			How did that Prophecy go again... ?

	The others react, all thinking the same thing -- is 
	this the beginning of the Reckoning? Off this 
	moment...

18A  INT. REPLIMAT (FORMERLY SCENE 20A) 

	Kira and Odo are seated at a table. Kira is picking at 
	some FOOD. She looks up to see Odo patiently watching 
	her. Supernumeraries as needed.

					KIRA
				(smiling) 
			You know, you really don't have to 
			do this.

					ODO
			What?

					KIRA 
			Stay here and watch me eat.

					ODO
			I don't mind. In fact, I rather
			enjoy it.
				(off her questioning 
				look) 
			You eat with such gusto.
				(a beat) 
			Most of the time.

	Kira looks at the food she's hardly touched and puts 
	down her fork.

					KIRA 
			Not today.
				(a beat) 
			I just wish we knew more about the 
			Reckoning. It'd give us a better 
			idea of what the Prophets want 
			from us.

					ODO
			It seems to me that if the 
			Prophets want the Bajoran people 
			to follow a given path, they 
			should provide more specific 
			directions.

					KIRA 
			It doesn't work that way.

					ODO
			Maybe it should.

      DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Reckoning" - REV. 3/9/98 - ACT TWO     20A.

18A  CONTINUED:

					KIRA 
			The Kai would say you lacked 
			faith.

					ODO
				(smiling)
			And you would agree.

					KIRA 
			I don't know how people make it 
			through the day without it.

					ODO
			We manage. Besides, I do have 
			faith in some things.

					KIRA 
			Such as?

					ODO
			You.

	A beat. Kira nods, pleased.

					KIRA
			I'll try not to disappoint you.

	Off this moment...

19   INT. CAPTAIN'S OFFICE

	where the captain is talking to Kai Winn.

					WINN 
			No doubt you've heard the latest 
			news from Bajor.

					SISKO
			About the flooding in Rakantha 
			Province, yes.

					WINN 
			There was also an earthquake in 
			the Kendra Valley last night. 
			This morning a tornado struck 
			Tamulna --

	Sisko knows what she's getting at, and he's not going 
	to hand it to her.

					SISKO 
			Our sensors indicate Bajor's being 
			affected by the instability in the 
			wormhole.

      DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Reckoning" - REV. 3/9/98 - ACT TWO     20B.

19   CONTINUED:

					WINN 
			How comforting. Tell me, do your 
			sensors have an explanation for 
			the instability itself?

					SISKO
				(has to admit) 
			No.

					WINN 
			Then I'll give you one. You've 
			angered the Prophets by taking the 
			tablet from Bajor. As the 
			spiritual leader of the Bajoran 
			people, I'm asking you to return 
			it.

      DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Reckoning" - REV. 3/9/98 - ACT TWO      21.

19   CONTINUED:	(2)

					SISKO 
			And as Emissary of the Prophets, 
			I'm asking you to give me more 
			time to study it. 
				(pointed) 
			I believe it's the will of the 
			Prophets.

					WINN 
				(flaring) 
			I disagree.

	The Kai produces a BAJORAN PADD.

					WINN
			This is a formal request from the 
			First Minister that you turn over 
			the relic to me.

	Sisko takes the PADD and studies it.

					SISKO 
			You must've been very persuasive. 
			This is the first time you and 
			Shakaar have agreed on anything.

					WINN 
			If you deny his request, I promise 
			you it will damage relations 
			between Bajor and the Federation.

	Sisko makes his decision --

					SISKO 
			The tablet will be on its way to 
			Bajor on the morning transport.

					WINN 
				(smiles) 
			As will I.

 DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Reckoning" - REV. 3/9/98 - ACT TWO     22-22C   

19   CONTINUED:	(3)

	And with that, she turns and takes her leave. Off 
	Sisko's face as he watches her go.

19A  INT. SCIENCE LAB

	Sisko watches as Dax studies the tablet, checking the 
	inscriptions against a PADD in her hand.

					DAX
			You're sending it back?
				(wry)
			I was just starting to have fun.

					SISKO
			You're not off the hook, old man. 
			I still want those inscriptions 
			translated.

	Dax figured this was coming --

					DAX
				(nods) 
			I can work off the holo-recordings 
			I took yesterday.

					SISKO
				(eyeing the tablet) 
			Have you made any more progress?
				(off her nod) 
			Good news or bad?

					DAX
			That depends.

					SISKO
			On what?


					DAX
				(indicating the tablet) 
			What this ideogram means. The 
			computer's giving me two 
			possibilities.

					SISKO
			Let's hear them.

					DAX
			During the Reckoning, the Bajorans 
			are either going to "suffer 
			horribly," or... "eat fruit."

					SISKO
			Eat fruit?

      DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Reckoning" - REV. 3/9/98 - ACT TWO     22D.

19A  CONTINUED:

					DAX 
			Given the tone of the rest of the 
			inscriptions, I'd bet on the 
			horrible suffering.

					SISKO
			What else have you got?

					DAX
			You're going to love this, it's 
			about you.

	Dax brings around to the other side of the tablet and 
	indicates some inscriptions near the damaged part of 
	the stone.

					DAX 
			It says that once the "Reckoning 
			begins, the Emissary will" --

	She turns and looks at him expectantly --

					SISKO 
			Go on.

					DAX
			I was hoping you'd tell me. The 
			rest of the inscription is 
			damaged.

	Sisko lets out an irritated sigh.

					SISKO 
			That figures.

	We hear the approaching RUMBLE and the station SHUDDERS 
	again.

					DAX 
			I wish the wormhole would stop 
			doing that.

					SISKO
			Me, too.
				(turns to go) 
			Keep at it, old man.

					DAX
			Just do me one favor.
				(off his look) 
			If you talk to the Prophets again, 
			ask them for a dictionary.

	Sisko smiles, grateful that Dax can still help him 
	glean a shred of humor out of this grim situation.

      DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Reckoning" - REV. 3/23/98 - ACT TWO    22E.

19A  CONTINUED:	(2)

					SISKO
			I'll see what I can do.

	Sisko EXITS, leaving Dax to her work.

19BB INT. OPS

	Kira's at the table; Supernumeraries at their posts. 
	Sisko ENTERS through one of the doors under the 
	viewscreen.

					KIRA 
			Captain, I've got a message for 
			you from General Martok.

					SISKO
			Go ahead.

					KIRA 
			He's dispatched three squadrons of 
			Klingon attack cruisers to bolster 
			the defense perimeter around the 
			Dorala System.

					SISKO
			Good. I just hope they can hold 
			out until Starfleet can send 
			reinforcements.

					KIRA 
			The Klingons will hold out. 
			Martok will see to that.

	Sisko nods, rubs his tired eyes.

					KIRA 
			Long day?

					SISKO
			They keep getting longer.

					KIRA 
			You'll feel better in the morning.

	Off Sisko's look.

					KIRA 
			Once the Kai is off the station.

      DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Reckoning" - REV. 3/23/98 - ACT TWO    22F.

19BB CONTINUED:

					SISKO
				(amused) 
			I know she's the spiritual leader 
			of millions of Bajorans, but she's 
			not an easy woman to like.

					KIRA 
			If it's any comfort, I don't think 
			she likes you, either.

					SISKO
			I've known that for a while.
				(a beat) 
			Maybe I should've consulted her 
			before I brought the artifact up 
			to the station.

					KIRA 
			She would've tried to stop you.

	Sisko thinks about it for a moment.

					SISKO
				(smiling) 
			I guess that's why I didn't ask 
			her.

	Kira returns the smile, but we can see that there's 
	more on her mind.

					KIRA 
			In a way, I feel sorry for her. 
			She spends her whole life in the 
			service of the Prophets. And then 
			one day, after all the years of 
			personal sacrifice and commitment, 
			she's given her reward. She's 
			elected Kai. It should've been 
			the greatest moment of her life.

					SISKO
				(seeing where Kira is 
				going) 
			But my being Emissary spoiled it 
			for her.

					KIRA 
			The Kai has always been the 
			spiritual leader of Bajor. But 
			Winn has to share that role with 
			you. And what makes matters worse 
			is you're an outsider -- a non-
			Bajoran. That's something she'll 
			never forgive you for.

      DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Reckoning" - REV. 3/23/98 - ACT TWO    22G.

19BB CONTINUED:	(2)

					SISKO
			I guess that's why she's made such
			an issue out of this whole thing.

					KIRA
			She's jealous of you and of your
			relationship with the Prophets.
				(smiling)
			To be honest, I'm a little envious
			myself.

					SISKO
			Why?

					KIRA
			You speak with the Prophets. They
			listen to you. It's a rare gift.

					SISKO
			It's nothing I asked for.

					KIRA
			I suppose that's why I don't
			resent you. But the Kai does.

					SISKO
			I'll keep that in mind.

	And off this moment between them --

									CUT TO:

19B  INT. PROMENADE - UPPER LEVEL (FORMERLY SCENE 19AA) 

	Kai Winn stares thoughtfully out one of the windows.
	She seems troubled as she studies the starscape, her 
	focus on the spot where the wormhole appears when it's 
	visible. Her two Vedeks stand back at a respectful 
	distance. Kira approaches.

					KIRA
			Is something wrong, Eminence?

	Kira's voice pulls the Kai out of her reverie.

					WINN
			What makes you say that, child?

					KIRA
			You look troubled.

      DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Reckoning" - REV. 3/23/98 - ACT TWO    22H.

19B  CONTINUED:

					WINN 
			Not at all. I'm quite relieved
			that the Emissary has decided to 
			do the right thing.

					KIRA 
			You didn't leave him much choice, 
			did you?

	Winn hears the tone of disapproval in Kira's voice --

					WINN 
			I suppose you think I enjoyed 
			forcing his hand. I assure you I 
			didn't. I wish the situation 
			could have been resolved more 
			amicably.
				(smiles) 
			Perhaps the next time we have a 
			disagreement, he will consider my 
			wishes more thoughtfully.

	But Winn has divulged more than she meant to --

					KIRA 
			The next time?
				(testing) 
			Are you anticipating more
			"disagreements?"

      DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Reckoning" - REV. 3/9/98 - ACT TWO      23.

19B  CONTINUED:

					WINN 
			I merely meant to express my hope 
			that in the future, we can work 
			together for the good of Bajor.

					KIRA 
			Of course. After all, you're on 
			the same side. Aren't you?

	Winn knows she's being challenged --

					WINN
				(cool) 
			Naturally. We both serve the 
			Prophets. There is no higher 
			calling.
				(beat) 
			Sometimes, I sense you forget 
			that, child.

	Winn switches into Kai mode to throw Kira off balance.

					WINN 
			When was the last time you went to
			the Shrine to pray?

					KIRA 
			A few days ago.

					WINN
				(disappointed) 
			I see.

	Kira finds herself a bit on the defensive, which is 
	just what Winn wanted.

					KIRA 
			I've been busy attending to 
			station business.

					WINN 
			I've found that daily prayer is 
			indispensable to a fulfilling 
			spiritual life. Perhaps you 
			should make time to cultivate your 
			faith.

					KIRA 
			I will.

					WINN 
			If I'm not mistaken, evening 
			services are about to begin.

      DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Reckoning" - REV. 3/9/98 - ACT TWO      24.

19B  CONTINUED:	(2)

					KIRA
			I think so, yes.

					WINN
			Then go, child. You wouldn't want
			to be late.

	The Pope is telling her to go to church, and despite 
	herself, Kira finds that she feels compelled to comply. 
	She nods and moves off. The Kai watches her leave, 
	secretly pleased she can still have that effect on 
	people, then turns and returns to her private thoughts. 
	Off the image of the Kai at the window...

20
thru   OMITTED
20A

20B  EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)

	As the wormhole opens.

21   INT. SISKO'S QUARTERS 

	Sisko stands at the window, thoughtfully watching the 
	wormhole. The LIGHTS in the room are DIM, and he's 
	taken off his uniform jacket. After a beat, the RUMBLE 
	and SHUDDER. It subsides and a moment later, the door 
	CHIMES.

					SISKO
			Yes.

	The door OPENS to reveal Jake. He acts like he's just 
	dropping by, but the truth is he's been worried about 
	his dad ever since they were on Bajor.

					SISKO
			Jake-o.

					JAKE
			You're up late.

					SISKO
			So are you.

	Sisko studies his son, senses he's troubled.

					SISKO
			What's on your mind?

      DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Reckoning" - REV. 3/9/98 - ACT TWO      25.

21   CONTINUED:

					JAKE 
			I don't know. I guess I just 
			wanted to make sure you're all 
			right.

					SISKO
			I'm fine. Since when did you 
			become such a worrier?

					JAKE 
			This Emissary stuff. It scares me 
			a little.

					SISKO
				(moving to comfort him) 
			Jake.

	Jake doesn't want his father's comfort right now, he 
	has something he needs to say.

					JAKE.
				(emotion rising) 
			Twice now, twice in one year -- 
			Doctor Bashir's called me down to 
			the Infirmary to tell me something 
			was wrong with you. And there you 
			were, lying unconscious on a bio-
			bed, having visions or something. 
			There was nothing I could do 
			except stand there... and wonder 
			if you were ever going to wake up.

	Sisko throws a comforting arm around his son.

					SISKO
			I know it wasn't easy.

					JAKE 
			I don't want it to happen again.

      DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Reckoning" - REV. 3/9/98 - ACT TWO      26.

21   CONTINUED:	(2)

					SISKO
			I never asked to be the Emissary.
				(a beat)
			But for better or worse, that's
			what I am.

									DISSOLVE TO:

22   OMITTED

23   INT. SISKO'S BEDROOM

	Sisko's lying on his bed in his nightshirt. He shifts 
	position, unable to sleep.

24   INT. SCIENCE LAB (OPTICAL) 

	as Sisko ENTERS the darkened room. The tablet sits on 
	the examining table, bathed in the light from the 
	overhead cowl. Sisko approaches it, his eyes searching 
	it for some hidden meaning. He reaches out and touches 
	it, half hoping to be thrown into another vision. 
	Nothing. After a beat --

					SISKO
				(softly) 
			Why do you always have to be so 
			damn mysterious?

	Sisko turns away, addresses the room at large, the 
	unseen Prophets.

					SISKO
			Answer me! I'm tired of your 
			riddles. If you need me to do 
			something, say so.

	Silence. Driven by some instinct he doesn't
	understand, Sisko turns and takes hold of the tablet.
	Without hesitation, without questioning what he's
	doing, he lifts it over his head and SMASHES it on the
	ground.

	Only then, when it lies on the floor SHATTERED, does 
	the instinct that compelled him to act pass from his 
	features.

      DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Reckoning" - REV. 3/9/98 - ACT TWO      27.

24   CONTINUED: 

	He stands there, breathing heavily, stunned by what 
	he's done.

	Then, something strange happens. The fragments emit 
	strands of white and red ENERGY, which rise quickly and 
	swirl into a violent VORTEX of white and red. Sisko 
	recoils as the VORTEX shoots up through the ceiling and 
	vanishes.

25   SISKO

	as he stands there wondering what the hell he's caused 
	to happen...

									FADE OUT.


                        END OF ACT TWO                          

     DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Reckoning" - REV. 3/9/98 - ACT THREE     28.
                           ACT THREE                            

	FADE IN:

26   INT. SCIENCE LAB 

	The LIGHTS are now on, and Dax scans the broken pieces 
	of the tablet with a tricorder. Sisko and Odo look on.

					DAX
			Let me guess -- you accidentally
			knocked it over.

					SISKO
			Not exactly.

					DAX
			I didn't think so.

					ODO
			So what did happen?

					SISKO
				(at a loss)
			I just had an uncontrollable
			urge... to smash the tablet.

					DAX
			I get those urges all the time.
			Of course, I never act on them...
				(off tricorder)
			I'm not reading any residual
			energy signatures.

					SISKO
			That's impossible. Check the
			station's internal sensors.

	Odo complies by manipulating a console and observing 
	the result.

					ODO
			Nothing.

					SISKO
			I'm telling you I saw something.

					ODO
				(calming)
			We believe you, captain.

					SISKO
			Please Constable, don't patronize
			me.

     DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Reckoning" - REV. 3/9/98 - ACT THREE    28A.

26   CONTINUED:

	Suddenly, the LIGHTS DIM AND VARIOUS CONSOLES FRITZ. 
	A beat and then the LIGHTS BRIGHTEN and the CONSOLES 
	COME BACK ON-LINE. Our people exchange puzzled looks 
	over this unusual occurrence.

					SISKO
				(taps combadge) 
			Sisko to Ops. Report.

								INTERCUT AS NEEDED:

27   INT. OPS

	Worf is in charge. SUPERNUMERARIES as needed.

					WORF
			We just experienced a stationwide 
			power drain. We are attempting to 
			determine the source.

					SISKO 
			Keep me informed.

     DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Reckoning" - REV. 3/9/98 - ACT THREE     29.

27   CONTINUED:

					WORF
			Aye, Sir.

									END INTERCUT:

	Sisko, Dax and Odo exchange a look.

					ODO
			It could be that the power drain 
			is related to this energy 
			discharge you saw.

					DAX
			I'm starting to think the same 
			thing.

	Sisko reaches down and picks up two fragments of the 
	tablet. He studies them, lost in thought.

					DAX
			Benjamin -- you're not getting 
			another urge, are you?

					SISKO. 
			No.
				(realizing) 
			I've done what I needed to do.
				(off their looks) 
			I know this is going to sound 
			strange, but I think the Prophets 
			wanted me to shatter the tablet.

					DAX
			Try explaining that to Kai Winn.

									CUT TO:

28   INT. CAPTAIN'S OFFICE

	Sisko stands before the Kai. He's just finished 
	explaining what happened and Winn is stunned.

     DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Reckoning" - REV. 3/9/98 - ACT THREE     30.

28   CONTINUED:

					WINN
			I can't believe that you'd be so 
			petty as to destroy the artifact 
			rather than turn it over to me.

					SISKO 
			That's not why I did it.

					WINN 
			You expect me to believe that the 
			Prophets wanted you to destroy a 
			priceless piece of Bajor's 
			history?

					SISKO
			Yes, that's exactly what you have 
			to believe.

					WINN 
			And why would they do that?

					SISKO 
			I wish I had an answer for you.

					WINN 
			I'm sure in time you'll come up 
			with something.

	The Kai's judgmental attitude piques Sisko's temper. 
	But he knows on a visceral level that he's right, and 
	he wants her to understand. He pulls back and reins in 
	his emotions.

					SISKO 
			You and I haven't always seen eye 
			to eye, but wehave one thing in 
			common. We both believe the 
			Prophets have a plan for Bajor. 
			But sometimes it isn't easy to see 
			the path they've laid out for us.

	Sisko lays it on the line --

					SISKO 
			Right now, I can't say I know what 
			they want from me. But I'm 
			willing to take a leap of faith, 
			and believe that they're guiding 
			me. I'm asking you to take that 
			leap with me.

     DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Reckoning" - REV. 3/9/98 - ACT THREE     31.

28   CONTINUED:	(2) 

	The Kai is struck by Sisko's faith in her gods, but she 
	can't see her way to admitting it.

					WINN 
			There's no need for a leap of 
			faith, Emissary. The Prophets 
			have made themselves quite clear. 
			Two-thirds of the Rakantha wheat 
			harvest has been destroyed by 
			floods. Earthquakes have 
			devastated Kendra Province, 
			leaving hundreds homeless. 
			Bajorans are suffering because of 
			you. They're paying the price for 
			your act of sacrilege.

	As if to emphasize her words, the LIGHTS IN THE ROOM 
	DIM and the MONITORS FLICKER. This time, they don't 
	recover, and the room stays dark. Sisko is reaching 
	for his combadge, when Odo's voice comes over the com 
	system.

					ODO'S COM VOICE 
				(through static) 
			Odo to Captain Sisko.

					SISKO
			Go ahead.

					ODO'S COM VOICE 
			You'd better come down to the 
			Promenade, Sir.

					SISKO
			Is there a problem?

					ODO'S COM VOICE 
			I'll let you be the judge of that.

	Off Sisko's face as he takes this in...

29   INT. PROMENADE 

	Sisko and the Kai ENTER from the turbolift opposite 
	Security to find Odo and FOUR DEPUTIES looking down the 
	Promenade. The LIGHTS here are also DIMMED, as if 
	competing with something else for power. The monitors 
	all show STATIC.

	Strangely, a LIGHT BREEZE blows through the Promenade, 
	causing the BANNERS hanging from the ceiling to flutter 
	softly.

     DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Reckoning" - REV. 3/9/98 - ACT THREE     32.

29   CONTINUED:

					ODO 
			I think we've found the source of 
			the power fluctuations.

	Sisko gives him a quizzical look and Odo nods down the 
	Promenade toward...

30   KIRA (OPTICAL) 

	She's standing in the doorway to the Bajoran Shrine, 
	her EYES unnaturally BRIGHT. Her hair is disheveled 
	and BLOWN by the BREEZE, which seems to emanate from 
	her somehow. Her body has a hint of luminescence about 
	it. Her head is cocked at an odd angle, as if she can
	hear something we cannot.

	INTERMITTENT BLUISH ENERGY DISCHARGES emerge from the 
	doorway and disappear into her body, as if she's 
	drawing power from her very surroundings.

	The CROWD on the Promenade is giving her a wide berth. 
	People are in small clusters at either end, others peer 
	cautiously out of shop windows.

					ODO 
			When I tried to talk to her, she 
			ignored me.

	Odo's clearly pained and deeply concerned --

31   KIRA

	The energy flowing into her body has stopped. She 
	cocks her head, looks in their direction. She turns 
	and walks toward them at a deliberate pace. As she 
	moves, the STATION LIGHTS nearest her FRITZ. She 
	passes...

32   A DESERTED KIOSK

	Some glass bottles on its counter VIBRATE and then 
	SHATTER.

     DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Reckoning" - REV. 3/9/98 - ACT THREE     33.

33   KIRA

	as she passes Quark's, FRITZING more LIGHTS, MORN and 
	a handful of CUSTOMERS retreat from the entrance and 
	take cover.

34   SISKO 

	as she approaches. Kira comes to a stop before them, 
	the WIND swirling around her. She ignores everyone but 
	Sisko. When she speaks, there is a STRANGELY AFFECTED 
	QUALITY to her voice.

					KIRA/PROPHET 
			You... are the Sisko.

	A couple of Odo's Deputies instinctively drop their hands to their 
	holstered weapons.

					SISKO 
			Keep your hands off your weapons. 
				(turning back to face 
				Kira) 
			It's a Prophet. Why have you 
			taken this woman's body?

	The Kai and the other Bajorans react with a mixture of 
	wonder and fear.

					KIRA/PROPHET 
			This vessel is willing. The 
			Reckoning. It is time. 

	Sisko, Odo, and the Kai struggle to assimilate this as 
	we...

									FADE OUT.

END OF ACT THREE

      DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Reckoning" - REV. 3/9/98 - ACT FOUR     34.
                           ACT FOUR                             

	FADE IN:

35   INT. PROMENADE

	The eerie scene continues -- the unearthly WIND, the 
	flickering LIGHTS, Kira's strange countenance.

					SISKO
			This "Reckoning." What is it?

					KIRA/PROPHET
			The end... or the beginning.

					SISKO
			I don't understand.

	The Kira/Prophet cocks her head and looks into the 
	distance --

					KIRA/PROPHET
			I await Kosst Amojan.

	Sisko doesn't know what this means, but the Kai's eyes 
	widen in recognition.

      DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Reckoning" - REV. 3/9/98 - ACT FOUR     35.

35   CONTINUED:

					WINN 
			The Evil One -- a Pah-wraith -- 
			banished from the Celestial 
			Temple.

					SISKO
			You're saying a Pah-wraith will 
			take corporeal form as well?

					KIRA/PROPHET 
			The battle will be joined.

	Sisko isn't sure he likes the sound of this -- a
	celestial battle on his station?

					SISKO 
			This battle -- it's going to take 
			place here?

					KIRA/PROPHET 
			Bajor will be reborn.

	Winn reacts with recognition, her face flooding with 
	bliss.

					WINN 
			Shabren's Fifth Prophecy. The 
			Rebirth...
				(off Sisko's look) 
			If the Evil One is destroyed, it 
			will bring a thousand years of 
			peace.
				(realizing what this 
				means) 
			The Golden Age of Bajor.

	Despite the awe in her voice, for her own private 
	reasons, Winn's not sure this is what she wants to see 
	happen.

					SISKO 
			If it's destroyed?

					WINN 
			Who will prevail is not known.

	Odo reacts, fearing for Kira's safety. Sisko turns to 
	the Kira/Prophet --

					SISKO 
			What do you want from me? Am I 
			supposed to help you in some way?

					KIRA/PROPHET 
			The Sisko has completed his task.

      DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Reckoning" - REV. 3/9/98 - ACT FOUR     36.

35   CONTINUED:	(2)

	Overwhelmed with emotion, the Kai steps forward and 
	bows her head before Kira/Prophet, her eyes welling 
	with tears.

					WINN 
			Forgive me for my blindness.

	Kira/Prophet ignores the Kai and continues to stare at 
	Sisko. The Kai desperately appeals for recognition.

					WINN 
			Prophet, hear me. I am the Kai of 
			Bajor. I offer myself as your 
			humble servant..

	Kira/Prophet ignores the Kai and continues to stare at 
	Sisko.

					KIRA/PROPHET 
			I await their vessel.

	With that, the WIND STOPS and the Promenade LIGHTS STOP 
	FLICKERING. Her eyes dull and she stands silent and 
	very still.


					WINN
				(desperately pleading) 
			Speak to me. Tell me what I 
			should do.

	No reaction. The Kai is crestfallen. She continues to 
	kneel and stare at Kira, too numb to do anything else. 
	Off Sisko's face as he grapples with what to do...


36   INT. OPS 

	Sisko, Odo, Dax, Worf, Bashir and Kai Winn are gathered 
	around the Ops table.

      DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Reckoning" - REV. 3/9/98 - ACT FOUR     37.

36   CONTINUED: 

	Sisko has just finished explaining the situation to the 
	others and they aren't happy about what they've heard.

					SISKO 
			We're evacuating.

					BASHIR 
			You can't be serious.

					SISKO 
			This "battle" could destroy the 
			station.

					DAX
			Then don't let it be fought here.

					SISKO 
			I don't have any choice.

					DAX
			Yes, you do. We could flood the 
			Promenade with chroniton 
			radiation.

					WINN 
			Are you suggesting we kill a 
			Prophet?

					SISKO
			I won't do that.

	Bashir steps forward. Clearly he and the others have 
	discussed this option among themselves.

					BASHIR 
			You don't have to. If we ramp up 
			the chroniton levels slowly, it'll 
			give the Wormhole Alien a chance 
			to leave Kira's body before it's 
			harmed.

					DAX
				(indicating a panel) 
			We have everything rigged and 
			ready to go. Just say the word.

	Sisko makes his decision --

      DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Reckoning" - REV. 3/9/98 - ACT FOUR     38.

36   CONTINUED:	(2)

					SISKO 
			No.

					DAX
				(can't believe it) 
			Benjamin.

					WORF 
			Deep Space Nine is critical to the 
			defense of the Federation. We 
			can't risk allowing it to be 
			destroyed.

	Sisko sees the arrayed faces of his crew, all united in 
	opposition, and lays it on the line.

					SISKO
			When the Dominion fleet was about 
			to come through the wormhole, I 
			asked the Prophets for help. They 
			gave it to me. Now they're asking 
			for my help. They need to fight 
			this battle here, now. I'm not 
			going to jeopardize my crew, but 
			I'm not going to stand in the way 
			of the Prophets, either.

	Sisko's conviction is persuasive, but after a beat, 
	Bashir points out another danger --

					BASHIR
			What if the Prophets lose? Are 
			you willing to sacrifice Kira?

					SISKO
			The Prophet said she was willing 
			to be their instrument.

					WORF
			And you believe that?

	Odo, who has been brooding while the others talk, 
	suddenly speaks up.

					ODO
			I do.

	Odo knows what he's saying could cost him Kira forever, 
	but he also knows it's the truth --

      DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Reckoning" - REV. 3/9/98 - ACT FOUR     39.

36   CONTINUED:	(3)

					ODO 
			I know how important her faith is 
			to her. I have no doubt she'd 
			allow the Prophets to use her as 
			their instrument.

	A moment of silence as they all realize this is true. 
	Sisko gives the order --

					SISKO 
			I'll notify Starfleet that we're 
			abandoning the station. Begin the 
			evacuation immediately.

	Worf activates a console and the station goes to RED 
	ALERT. Sisko heads for his office. Our people watch 
	him go, and we can tell they're not happy about the 
	Captain's decision.

37   EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)

	a few SHIPS pull away from the station.

38   INT. AIRLOCK 

	A Bajoran TRANSPORT is visible down the passageway, its 
	hatch opened to receive the collection of N.D. 
	RESIDENTS moving toward it. They're carrying what few 
	PERSONAL POSSESSIONS they could grab on their way out. 
	A troubled Odo counts them to himself as they go by. 
	Worf ENTERS with a small knot of EVACUEES in tow --

					WORF
			Is this transport full?

					ODO 
			There's room.

	Worf waves his passengers aboard --

					ODO 
			I'm going to check the Promenade 
			for stragglers.

					WORF
				(stopping him)
			Odo...

	Worf considers whether to say what's on is mind --

					WORF 
			You should've helped us persuade 
			the captain to end this.

      DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Reckoning" - REV. 3/9/98 - ACT FOUR     40.

38   CONTINUED:

					ODO 
			I had to respect Kira's wishes.

					WORF 
			If it were Dax, I'm not sure I 
			could have done the same.

					ODO
			Just be glad you didn't have to 
			make that choice.

	Worf looks at him with a new level of respect --

					WORF
			I hope, for your sake, that the 
			Prophets are victorious.

					ODO
			They will be.
				(a grim smile) 
			If Kira has anything to do with 
			it.

	And with that, Odo moves away. Off Worf's face...

39   INT. OPS

	As Sisko ENTERS from his office. Dax and Worf are at 
	their stations. SUPERNUMERARIES as needed.

					SISKO 
			Report.

					DAX 
			We expect to be down to a skeleton 
			crew within the hour.

					SISKO 
			Very good.


      DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Reckoning" - REV. 3/9/98 - ACT FOUR     41.

39   CONTINUED:

					DAX 
			What did Starfleet have to say?

					SISKO
			I managed to convince them that we 
			couldn't afford to defy the Prophets.

	Worf knows what he's getting at --

					WORF 
			They are the only thing keeping 
			the Dominion from coming through 
			the wormhole.

					DAX
			True enough. The only problem is, 
			there's no guarantee the Prophets 
			will win this battle.

	Odo's voice comes over the com system.

					ODO'S COM VOICE 
			Odo to Sisko.

					SISKO
			Go ahead, Constable.

					ODO'S COM VOICE 
			Captain, there's a group of 
			Bajorans on the Promenade who are 
			refusing to leave.

	Off Sisko's reaction...

40   INT. PROMENADE

	About TWENTY N.D. Bajorans are kneeling on the 
	Promenade. Kai Winn stands in the doorway to the 
	temple, arms outstretched, leading them in prayer.

					WINN 
			Tera dak ihsehelm ran embah...

					ALL 
			... de-ram ta-meen...

      DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Reckoning" - REV. 3/9/98 - ACT FOUR     42.

41   ON WINN - PENITENT'S POV

	The Kai has carefully placed herself between the 
	faithful and Kira, in order to share the Prophet's 
	spotlight. Kira remains hauntingly oblivious.

					WINN 
			Tera dak ihsehelm ran embah...

					ALL
			... de-ram ta-MEEN...

42   SISKO AND ODO

	observe the spectacle from nearby.

					ODO
			The last transports are standing 
			by.

	Sisko approaches the Kai.--

					SISKO
			Eminence.

	Some of the pilgrims raise their heads at the sound of 
	Sisko's voice, others continue in silent prayer. The 
	Kai gestures that the worshipers continue, turns to 
	Sisko.

					WINN 
			Emissary.

	Sisko isn't interested in challenging the Kai, so he 
	pitches his voice low.

					SISKO
			These people have to leave.

	Winn doesn't appreciate having her moment interrupted 
	by Sisko. She keeps a smile on her face in case 
	anyone's looking.

					WINN 
			We're offering prayers for the 
			Prophet's victory.

					SISKO
			The Prophets will hear your 
			prayers wherever you are. It 
			isn't safe here.

	Winn stands firm, determined not to let Sisko upstage 
	her. She smiles reasonably --

      DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Reckoning" - REV. 3/9/98 - ACT FOUR     43.

42   CONTINUED:

					WINN
			Then why haven't you left, 
			Emissary? The Prophet said your 
			task was done.

					SISKO
			I'm still captain of this station 
			and I'm going to do everything in 
			my power to save it. 
				(leaning in) 
			Now, are you going to tell these 
			people to go, or should I?

	Winn realizes that Sisko means it. She turns toward 
	her flock, determined to be in control of the moment.

					WINN
			My children, the Prophets have 
			heard your prayers. You must go.

	As the worshipers stand, Sisko turns to Odo.

					SISKO
			Take them to the transports.

	Odo is reluctant to leave Kira, but he's got to do his 
	job. With a last look her way, he leads the worshipers 
	to the airlock.

	Winn steps over to Sisko, still not over the loss of 
	face she experienced when the Prophet ignored her. She 
	regards him with a steely look --

					WINN
			Congratulations, Emissary. Thanks 
			to you, the Prophets' victory is 
			at hand.

	Sisko eyes Kira's still form, hoping Winn's not wrong --

					SISKO 
			I hope you're right.

	Winn takes the opportunity to throw Sisko's earlier 
	words back at him --

					WINN
			Where's your faith, Emissary? You 
			don't believe that the Evil One 
			will be victorious, do you?

	But her own words seem to deflate whatever pleasure she 
	takes in challenging Sisko.

      DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Reckoning" - REV. 3/9/98 - ACT FOUR     44.

42   CONTINUED:	(2)

					WINN 
			Rest assured, the Golden Age is 
			upon us. The Prophets and the 
			people will be as one. Think of 
			it. There'll be no need for 
			Vedeks or Kais... or even 
			Emissaries.

	She smiles as if this were the most wonderful thing in 
	the world, but Sisko senses the dark currents 
	underneath. Suddenly the WIND whips up again and some 
	LIGHTS FLICKER as --

43   KIRA

	OPENS her eyes.

					KIRA/PROPHET 
			Kosst Amojan has chosen its 
			vessel.

	Her head tilts upward. CAMERA FOLLOWS HER GAZE to the 
	Second Level, where --

44   JAKE (OPTICAL)

	stands at the rail. His EYES are RED and hot, his 
	features hard with barely controlled hate.

	JAGGED BLUE ENERGY WISPS rise up from the rail and 
	dissolve into his body. When he speaks, his voice is 
	strangely RESONANT.

					JAKE/PAH-WRAITH 
			Let it begin.

45   SISKO

	as he realizes the Pah-wraith has chosen his son. Off 
	his anguished countenance, we...

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT FOUR                         

      DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Reckoning" - REV. 3/9/98 - ACT FIVE     45.
ACT FIVE

	FADE IN:

46   INT. PROMENADE 

	Kira and Jake -- Prophet and Pah-wraith -- now stand 
	about twenty feet apart, their eyes focused intently on 
	each other. The Kai watches the momentous 
	confrontation with a mixture of awe and fear. Sisko 
	steps forward --

					SISKO
			No. Not my son.

	The combatants ignore him. In desperation, Sisko turns 
	to his son. Jake ignores him, staring deeply into Kira's eyes.

					SISKO
			Take me instead.

	Jake does not even glance at his father. Instead, he 
	smiles malevolently at Kira.

					JAKE/PAH-WRAITH
			Your Emissary offers himself to
			us. His faith wavers.

	Sisko can't resist the impulse to step toward Jake and 
	try to intervene, but Jake raises a hand and an unseen 
	telekinetic force HURLS Sisko backward to the ground.

47   KIRA AND JAKE (OPTICAL)

	ENERGY TENDRILS begin to whip and snake around their
	bodies -- Kira's are WHITE, Jake's an angry RED.

      DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Reckoning" - REV. 3/9/98 - ACT FIVE     46.

47   CONTINUED: 

	The TENDRILS begin to COALESCE at a point a few inches 
	away from their respective bodies, then LANCE away, 
	forming COLUMNS of energy that SMASH into each other at 
	a point mid-way between the combatants.

48   SISKO 

	LIGHT plays on his features as he reacts to this sight. 
	He squints against the WINDS being whipped up by the 
	battle taking place in front of him.

49   KIRA AND JAKE (OPTICAL)

	A MASS OF ROILING ENERGY has formed where the two 
	columns of energy meet. From the combatants' straining 
	faces we can see that they're engaged in some colossal 
	battle of metaphysical wills -- the energy mass shifts 
	slightly toward Kira, but with an intense effort, she 
	shifts it back toward Jake.

50   SISKO

	looks on in horror, fearing for his son's life. Around 
	him, LIGHTS EXPLODE and SPARK.

51   KIRA AND JAKE (OPTICAL)

	increase the pressure, sending additional PULSES of 
	energy at each other. When the pulses collide in the 
	middle, the PLASMA BALL between them EXPANDS and kicks 
	off energy FLARES that slam into surrounding parts of 
	the station, showering SPARKS and causing the ground to 
	SHAKE.

52   KIRA

	her features strained, but her eyes confident.

53   JAKE

	as his face begins to tremble with effort.

54   KIRA AND JAKE (OPTICAL)

	More FLARES split off from the mass of roiling energy 
	between them, SLAMMING into surrounding parts of the 
	station, showering SPARKS and SHAKING the ground.

      DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Reckoning" - REV. 3/9/98 - ACT FIVE     47.

55   AN ANTIGRAVITY CART (OPTICAL)

	abandoned by one of the panicked evacuees. An energy 
	flare strikes the cargo atop it and the containers 
	EXPLODE.

56   THE KAI

	The station SHAKES and she steps to Sisko's side -- 
	fighting the HEAT emanating from the fireball.

					WINN 
			We must go, Emissary.

	But Sisko shakes her off, his eyes glued to the 
	terrible thing taking place before his eyes. If the 
	Prophets win, if good triumphs over evil, Jake dies.

57   KIRA 

	her face trembling with effort, BLOOD begins to trickle 
	from her nose.

58   JAKE

	the VEINS in his face have BULGED from the strain. We 
	can see fear in his eyes.

59   THE TURBOLIFT

	opens and Dax ENTERS. She looks at the combatants with 
	shock and alarm, then moves to where Sisko and the Kai 
	stand, behind Kira and facing Jake. She has to shout 
	above the SOUND of the battle -- the ROAR of the energy 
	roiling close by, the whipping WINDS.

					DAX 
			Benjamin! 

	Sisko turns at the sound of her voice --

					DAX
			Worf's standing by in Ops -- he 
			can trigger the chroniton 
			generator at your command. You 
			can still end this, Ben.

	The Kai reacts to this information, turns to see what 
	Sisko will do. He's torn, looks out at --

60   JAKE (OPTICAL)

	Kira has forced the plasma ball closer to him -- he's 
	clearly losing. His VEINS are bulging, seemingly on 
	the verge of bursting open.

      DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Reckoning" - REV. 3/9/98 - ACT FIVE     48.

61   SISKO

	teeters on the edge of surrender.

					SISKO
			No, I have to let it play out.

					DAX
			That's your son out there!

					SISKO
			You think I don't know that?

	Sisko is torn, but even as the station SHAKES around 
	him, he's determined to keep the faith.

					SISKO
			The Prophets will protect him.

					DAX
			Ben, they're trying to kill him.

					SISKO
			No, they're trying to destroy the
			Pah-wraith.
				(wanting to believe)

			They're not going to let anything
			happen to Jake..

					DAX
			How do you know?

					SISKO
				(simply, but with 
				conviction)
			I know.

	Dax backs off, hoping he's right. Deep in the Kai's 
	chilly heart, she's moved by Sisko's faith.

					DAX
			We've got to get out of here.
			According to the sensors, that
			energy building up between them
			could explode any second.

	Sisko stares at Jake and shakes his head.

					SISKO
			I'm not going to leave Jake.

	Kai Winn sees a martyr in the making -- the last thing 
	she wants is to spend the rest of her life standing in 
	the shadow of a statue of Sisko.

      DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Reckoning" - REV. 3/9/98 - ACT FIVE    48A.

61   CONTINUED:

					WINN 
			Emissary, you must go. Bajor 
			needs you.

	Dax takes hold of his arm.

					DAX 
			She's right.

	But Sisko yanks free of her grip and shoves her away.

					SISKO 
			Get off the station. Now. That's 
			an order.

	An energy FLARE strikes a nearby bulkhead in an 
	EXPLOSION of sparks. This is close enough for the Kai --

      DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Reckoning" - REV. 3/9/98 - ACT FIVE     49.

61   CONTINUED:	(2)

					WINN
			Come, child. We must go.

	Dax reluctantly allows herself to be pulled away. They 
	move to the AIRLOCK, and as they step inside --

62   THE KAI

	pauses to look back at Sisko. She realizes that 
	despite a lifetime of study and devotion, she will 
	never have the faith of this man... and she hates him 
	for it. A beat, then she turns away.

63   SISKO

	watches Jake, anguished but determined to remain 
	faithful to the will of the Prophets.

64   INT. HABITAT RING CORRIDOR

	Dax and the Kai move quickly down the passageway. Dax 
	hits her combadge.

					DAX

			Dax to Worf.

								INTERCUT WITH:

65   INT. OPS 

	Worf stands near the console Dax indicated earlier, 
	ready to activate the chroniton generator. The station 
	SHAKES.

					WORF 
			Go ahead.

	A console in the background SPARKS.

					DAX
			Meet me at Airlock Eight. We're 
			leaving.

	Off Worf's face as he reacts to the realization that 
	Dax failed to convince Sisko to change his mind.

      DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Reckoning" - REV. 3/9/98 - ACT FIVE    49A.

66   INT. ANOTHER HABITAT RING CORRIDOR (OPTICAL)

	The station SHAKES as Dax and the Kai round a corner 
	and start toward a T-intersection. SEVERAL N.D. 
	Starfleet Officers can be seen moving across the 
	intersection from left to right.

      DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Reckoning" - REV. 3/9/98 - ACT FIVE     50.

66   CONTINUED:

	Just ahead of Dax and the Kai, a BAJORAN WOMAN is 
	struggling with two SMALL CHILDREN. An ENERGY 
	discharge snakes across a nearby bulkhead and the 
	children recoil in fear.

					DAX
				(to the Kai) 
			Go on ahead. Airlock Eight is to 
			the right. 

	Dax stops to help the woman as the Kai moves on --

					DAX 
			Let me help you.

67   THE KAI

	reaches the intersection. She pauses, turns to see if 
	Dax is watching. A beat, then she makes a decision. 
	She heads against traffic, away from the airlock.

67A  EXT. SPACE (OPTICAL) 

	as a Runabout pulls away from DS9, a CRACKLE of energy 
	snakes across the station's outer hull.

68   INT. PROMENADE (OPTICAL)

	as the station SHAKES around him, Sisko watches the 
	battle between Kira and Jake. The PLASMA BALL is but 
	a few feet from Jake now, defeat seems certain.

69   JAKE 

	the LIGHT dances madly across his contorted features. 
	His face trembles with effort. BLOOD begins to trickle
	from the corner of one eye -- it looks as if his head 
	is about to explode.

70   SISKO (OPTICAL)

	Sisko watches, helpless, conflicted -- crushed by the 
	sacrifice he's been asked to make.

	Suddenly we hear the SOUND of some station system 
	engaging and the entire Promenade is BATHED in a BLUE 
	LIGHT. Kira and Jake both react with alarm, look 
	around as if some new danger threatens them both.

      DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Reckoning" - REV. 3/9/98 - ACT FIVE    50A.

70   CONTINUED:

					KIRA/PROPHET
			No.

	It takes Sisko a moment to realize what's happened -- 
	someone is engaging the chroniton generator.

      DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Reckoning" - REV. 3/9/98 - ACT FIVE     51.

71   INT. OPS

	The Kai is standing alone by the control console, her 
	eyes moist with tears.

					COMPUTER VOICE
			Chroniton levels at thirty-nine
			kilanons and climbing...

					WINN
				(in a whisper)
			May the Prophets forgive me...

72   INT. PROMENADE (OPTICAL) 

	The BLUE LIGHT is brighter now. Both combatants 
	realize they must flee. Their eyes lock, and the 
	columns of ENERGY roiling between them DISSIPATE. Jake 
	looks at Kira... and smiles ominously. The Pah-wraiths 
	have escaped destruction.

	Suddenly TWO whirling vortexes of ENERGY (like the ones 
	we saw in Scene 24) whip out of Kira and Jake and 
	disappear into thin air --- the entities are gone.

	Kira staggers backward, Jake collapses limply to the 
	deck. Sisko rushes over to his son. Kira blinks and 
	tries to focus her eyes as the Captain cradles Jake in 
	his arms. The veins in his face have returned to 
	normal, but he doesn't respond to Sisko's words.

					SISKO 
			Jake. Jake.

	For a terrible moment it looks as if Jake might be 
	dead, then the autonomic functions kick in and he draws 
	a gasping breath.

	Relief washes over Sisko and he pulls his son close, 
	rocking him tenderly in his arms. Off this moment...

73   EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)

	Ships return to the station. All is normal.

74   INT. INFIRMARY

	Bashir checks some readings on a PADD, looks up at 
	Sisko.

					BASHIR 
			He'll be laid up for a few days, 
			but he's going to be all right.

      DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Reckoning" - REV. 3/9/98 - ACT FIVE     52.

74   CONTINUED:

					SISKO
			Can I see him?

					BASHIR
			For a minute.

	Sisko moves to the bio-bed room and hesitates briefly 
	at the entrance. Jake lies on the bio-bed, covered 
	with a BLANKET. His eyes are closed and he looks very 
	weak. Sisko gazes at his son from just inside the 
	doorway. He rubs his temples, feeling guilty but 
	terribly glad that Jake's alive. After a beat, Jake 
	senses his presence and looks over.

					JAKE
			Dad?

	Sisko takes a step forward.

					SISKO
			How're you feeling?

	Jake manages a smile.

					JAKE
			Could be worse.

	Sisko comes closer, wanting desperately to touch him, 
	but feeling too guilty to do so.

					SISKO
				(trying to be upbeat)
			You'll be up and about in no time.

	A beat as Sisko looks for the right words, but can't 
	find them.

					SISKO
			I don't know what to say.

	Jake extends a hand from beneath the covers.

					JAKE
			Say you're happy to see me.

					SISKO
				(talking his hand)
			You know I am.

	A pregnant silence as Sisko struggles to say what's 
	weighing on his conscience.

      DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Reckoning" - REV. 3/9/98 - ACT FIVE     53.

74   CONTINUED:	(2)

					SISKO 
			Jake, I want to try to explain 
			what happened -- but I'm not sure 
			I can.

	Sisko closes his eyes, unable to look at his son...

					JAKE
			You don't have to explain.

	Sisko stares into the clear and steady eyes of his son.

					JAKE 
			When the Pah-wraith was inside me, 
			I could feel its hatred. And I 
			knew that no matter what, it 
			couldn't be allowed to win. Even 
			if it meant I had to die.

	Sisko's eyes are wet with tears.

					JAKE
			You did the right thing.

	Jake pulls him close, just like his father's done for 
	him so many times, and holds him... just holds him. 
	Off this image...

75   INT. PROMENADE

	SUPERNUMERARIES are repairing the damage. Life is 
	returning to normal. Kira ENTERS from the Temple and 
	catches sight of Odo making his way past. They meet 
	up.

					ODO
			How was the prayer service?

					KIRA 
			To tell you the truth, I wasn't 
			paying that much attention. 
				(off Odo's look) 
			I guess I'm still trying to make 
			sense of everything that happened.

      DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Reckoning" - REV. 3/9/98 - ACT FIVE    53A.

75   CONTINUED:

	Kira is clearly grappling with her experience, feeling 
	a mixture of awe and loss.

					KIRA 
			Of all the people on this station, 
			the Prophet chose me. I don't 
			know why I deserved that honor.

					ODO
			Maybe that's why you were chosen. 
			You have faith and humility.

	Kira wants him to know something.

					KIRA 
			I heard that you told the captain 
			I was willing to give my life to 
			serve the Prophets. I appreciate 
			that you respect my beliefs.

					ODO 
				(dry) 
			Just the same, I wouldn't have 
			minded if the Prophets had chosen 
			someone else.

      DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Reckoning" - REV. 3/9/98 - ACT FIVE     54.

75   CONTINUED:	(2)

	Kira smiles and kisses Odo lightly on the cheek.

					KIRA 
			I have to go. I'll drop by 
			Security after I take the Kai to 
			her shuttle.

	Odo watches her EXIT down the Promenade, just glad 
	she's alive.

76   INT. AIRLOCK CORRIDOR

	Kai Winn and Kira walk and talk on their way to the 
	airlock.

					WINN 
			The Emissary couldn't escort me 
			himself?

					KIRA
			He's with his son.

	Winn mulls this over for a beat as they walk.

					WINN 
			I would've thought he'd want to thank me.

					KIRA
			For what?

					WINN 
			I prevented the destruction of 
			this station. I saved the 
			Emissary's life and the life of 
			his son.

	Kira stops dead and looks the Kai right in the face.

					KIRA 
			Don't pretend you did it for the 
			captain.

					WINN 
			I did it for Bajor. If you 
			haven't heard, the floodwaters 
			have receded and the earthquakes 
			have stopped.

					KIRA
			And you're going to take the 
			credit for that?

      DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Reckoning" - REV. 3/9/98 - ACT FIVE     55.

76   CONTINUED:

					WINN 
			I take it as a sign that I did the 
			right thing.

	Kira can't believe what she's hearing --

					KIRA 
			You defied the will of the 
			Prophets. And you did it because 
			you couldn't stand the fact that 
			a human, an infidel, had a 
			stronger faith than you. The 
			Emissary was willing to sacrifice 
			his own son to serve the Prophets.

	Kira's struck a chord, but Winn refuses to show it.

					WINN 
			My faith is as pure as the 
			Emissary's.

					KIRA 
			I think you're confusing faith 
			with ambition.

	Winn has heard enough

					WINN 
			I'm not confusing anything, child, 
			you are. The Prophets chose you 
			as their instrument, that doesn't 
			mean you can speak for them.

	But Kira's on a roll -- if anything, her experience 
	with the Prophets has given her clarity, and the 
	courage to speak her mind.

					KIRA
			Because of your interference, 
			the Reckoning was stopped. The 
			Evil still exists. And I'm not 
			sure even the Prophets know what 
			that means for Bajor.

	For once, Winn is speechless. Her features falter as 
	she realizes Kira's right. After a silent beat, she 
	pulls her robes tighter and, mustering as much dignity 
	as she can, EXITS through the airlock. Off Kira's 
	thoughtful features, we...

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT FIVE                         
                            THE END