STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE 
                              
                          "Covenant" 
                  (fka "Untitled Kira/Dukat") 
                          #40510-559 
                              
                          Written by 
                        Rene Echevarria 
                              
                          Directed by 
                        John Kretchmer 

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 This script is not for publication or 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
                       September 28, 1998

         STAR TREK: DS9 - "Covenant" - 09/28/98 - CAST 

                  STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE 
                          "Covenant" 
                             CAST 

          SISKO                    DUKAT
          KIRA                     BRIN
          ODO                      FALA
          BASHIR                   MIDWIFE
          O'BRIEN                  MIKA
          WORF                     BENYAN
          EZRI                     
          QUARK                    

          Non-Speaking             Non-Speaking
          N.D. SUPERNUMERARIES     

         STAR TREK: DS9 - "Covenant" - 9/28/98 - SETS 

                  STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE 
                          "Covenant" 
                             SETS 

        INTERIORS                     EXTERIORS
        DEEP SPACE NINE                 DEEP SPACE NINE
          KIRA'S QUARTERS               EMPOK NOR
          QUARK'S                       DEFIANT

        DEFIANT                       
          MESS HALL                     

        EMPOK NOR                     
          AIRLOCK                       
          AIRLOCK CORRIDOR              
          CARGO BAY                     
          DUKAT'S QUARTERS              
          GUEST QUARTERS                
          HABITAT RING CORRIDOR         
          INFIRMARY                     
          KIRA'S QUARTERS               
          PROMENADE                     
          TEMPLE                        

          DS9 - "Covenant" - 09/30/98- PRONUNCIATION 

                  STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE 
                          "Covenant" 
                      PRONUNCIATION GUIDE 

          BENYAN                   BEN-yen
          FALA                     FAW-luh
          MERU                     muh-ROO
          NERYS                    nar-EES
          RANJEN                   RAHN-jen
          VEDEK                    VEH-deck
          VILIX'PRAN               vih-LIX-pran
          MENINGEAL                meh-nen-JEE-uhl

         DEEP SPACE NINE: "Covenant" - REV. 10/14/98 - TEASER          

                  STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE                    
                              "Covenant"                               
                            TEASER                              

	FADE IN:

1    INT. QUARK'S

	We FOLLOW QUARK through a CROWD that includes fewer
	than our usual number of BAJORANS. He moves to a
	table where ODO is sitting with BASHIR and EZRI.

					QUARK
			What can I get for you?

					EZRI
			A Til'amin froth for me.

					BASHIR
			Romulan ale.

	Quark is about to move off when Odo orders --

					ODO
			A glass of springwine.

					QUARK
			Since when do you drink
			springwine -- or anything else,
			for that matter?

					ODO
			It's for Kira. She should be
			getting out of services any
			minute.

					BASHIR
			Here she is.

	We see KIRA ENTERING the bar, part of a small CROWD
	of Bajorans. Quark moves off to get their drinks,
	and Odo stands to greet Kira.

					ODO
			How was it?

					KIRA
			Beautiful.
				(taking a seat)

        DEEP SPACE NINE: "Covenant" - REV. 10/14/98 - TEASER        1A.

1    CONTINUED:
					KIRA (Cont'd)
			Ranjen Telna gave a very moving
			sermon.

					EZRI
			What was it about?

					KIRA
			How important it is to be able to
			forgive people who've wronged us.

					ODO
			Two hours on forgiveness?

					BASHIR
			It's a big subject.

					KIRA
				(seeing Odo's face)
			What's wrong?

					ODO
			Nothing. It's just... you spend
			so much time in services.
			Sometimes it makes me wish I was
			a believer so we could go
			together.

					EZRI
			That's so sweet...

	Odo shoots Ezri a look --

					KIRA
			I'd love for you to come, but you
			wouldn't get much out of it if
			you don't believe in the
			Prophets.

					ODO
			Maybe if I had an Orb
			experience... ?

	Kira's touched by Odo's intentions, and doesn't know
	how to tell him he's got it all wrong.

					KIRA
			That's not the way it works.
			Faith has to come first.

        DEEP SPACE NINE: "Covenant" - REV. 10/14/98 - TEASER         2.

1    CONTINUED:	(2)

					ODO
				(musing)
			Too bad. I have a feeling it
			must be very... comforting to
			believe in something more
			powerful than yourself.

					BASHIR
			If you really feel that way,
			there are other faiths.

					EZRI
				(to Kira)
			Would it bother you if Odo became
			a believer in...
				(picking something)
			-- Klingon religion?

					KIRA
			Not as long as he gets something
			out of it.

					BASHIR
				(gently teasing)
			He'd get to eat the hearts of his
			enemies.

					EZRI
			And go to Sto'Vo'Kor when he
			dies.

					ODO
				(stopping them)
			But I wouldn't get to go to
			services with Kira, would I? And
			that's the whole point.

					EZRI
				(unaccountably
				moved)
			That really is so sweet...

	Off Odo's glower as he covers his embarrassment --

        DEEP SPACE NINE: "Covenant" - REV. 10/14/98 - TEASER         3.

2    EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)

	Establishing.

3    INT. KIRA'S QUARTERS (OPTICAL)

	where Kira is having some TEA before bed. A CHIME
	at the door.

					KIRA
			Yes.

	The door OPENS to reveal VEDEK FALA, a Bajoran monk
	in his fifties. A vigorous and energetic man, he
	breaks into a grin when he sees her. (NOTE: His
	EARRING will not include the symbol of the Pah-
	wraiths until Scene 10.)

					KIRA
				(surprised and glad
				to see him)
			Vedek Fala...

					FALA
			Nerys.

	He pulls her into a big hug --

					KIRA
			I can't believe it. What are you
			doing here?

					FALA
				(what else?)
			I came to see you.

					KIRA
			Come in, sit down. Let me get
			you some tea.

	She moves to the replicator.

					KIRA
			I contacted the University a few
			months ago -- they said you were
			on some sort of spiritual retreat?

					FALA
				(nods)
			You know me -- always searching
			for answers.

        DEEP SPACE NINE: "Covenant" - REV. 10/14/98 - TEASER         4.

3    CONTINUED:

					KIRA
				(bringing the tea)
			That's what makes you different
			from other vedeks I've known.
			For you, Faith is a journey.

					FALA
			One that never ends...

	A beat as they take in the sight of each other.

					FALA
			So you're a colonel now...
				(off her smile)
			It seems like only yesterday you
			were just a little girl,
			squirming in her chair during
			instruction.

					KIRA
				(smiling as she
				corrects him)
			There were no chairs in the camp --
			we sat on the floor.

					FALA
			Which was good for discipline --
			it made me seem more imposing.

					KIRA
			As if you needed help.
				(in a stern teachers
				voice)
			"Nerys, what are the three keys
			to enlightenment?"

					FALA
			And the answer?

					KIRA
			Charity, humility and faith.

					FALA
			You remember.

					KIRA
			You were a good teacher. Without
			you, I'm not sure I would've
			survived that camp.

	Fala smiles gratefully --

					FALA
			I brought you something.

        DEEP SPACE NINE: "Covenant" - REV. 10/14/98 - TEASER         5.

3    CONTINUED:	(2)

	Fala reaches into his SHOULDER BAG and produces a
	small object wrapped in CLOTH. Kira unwraps it, and
	finds a small CRYSTAL -- as she holds it up, it
	starts to GLOW.

					KIRA
			What is it?

	Suddenly we hear a strange SOUND and --

4    KIRA (OPTICAL)

	begins to DEMATERIALIZE in a Dominion-style
	transporter effect. She looks at Fala in shocked
	amazement, and he watches her disappear with a look
	that tells us he's trying to convince himself he's
	doing the right thing.

									CUT TO:

        DEEP SPACE NINE: "Covenant" - REV. 10/14/98 - TEASER         6.

5    INT. EMPOK NOR - TEMPLE (OPTICAL)

	(A RE-DRESS of Quark's bar. The bar, tables and
	chairs are gone, and an ALTAR sits where the dabo
	table usually is. Atop the altar rests a
	CENTERPIECE displaying what we'll come to recognize
	as the SYMBOL of the Pah-wraiths. The backlit mural
	has been refitted with a BANNER displaying the same
	symbol. Most of the light comes from CANDLES placed
	throughout the room.)

	Kira RE-MATERIALIZES in the center of the room with
	the crystal in her hand. She finds herself amidst a
	group of about SIX BAJORANS, who seem to have been
	expecting her arrival and regard her with welcoming
	smiles.

	All wear the distinctive RED ARMBANDS that identify
	them as members of the Pah-wraith cult. One of
	them, a man named BRIN, steps forward.

					BRIN
			Welcome to Empok Nor...

	Kira reacts to hearing her location, can't believe
	she was transported such a great distance.

					KIRA
			Empok Nor? That's impossible.

					BRIN
			I know it's a long way from Deep
			Space Nine --
				(taking the crystal)
			This transponder allowed us to
			beam you here.

	Her eyes fall to the Pah-wraith symbol on the
	banner, then to the red armbands -- we see a shiver
	of recognition cross her features.

					KIRA
			Those armbands... you belong to
			the cult of the Pah-wraiths...

					BRIN
			We worship the True Prophets,
			yes.

	This is blasphemy to Kira's ears, and she can't
	quite keep the edge from her voice as she replies.

        DEEP SPACE NINE: "Covenant" - REV. 10/14/98 - TEASER         7.

5    CONTINUED:

					KIRA
			Why did you bring me here?

					BRIN
			That's a question best answered
			by the Master.

					KIRA
			And who, exactly, is "The
			Master?"

	A VOICE answers from off-screen --

					DUKAT'S VOICE
			I am.

	Kira turns at the sound of the familiar voice, and
	sees --

6    DUKAT

	standing in front of the banner.

					KIRA
				(stunned)
			Dukat... ?

	To add to the shock of the moment, Kira sees that
	he's wearing Bajoran-style CLOTHES and a BAJORAN
	EARRING. Off Kira's stunned reaction, we...

									FADE OUT.

                         END OF TEASER                          

        DEEP SPACE NINE: "Covenant" - REV. 10/14/98 - ACT ONE        8.
                            ACT ONE                             

	FADE IN:

	(NOTE: Episode credits fall over opening scenes.)

7    INT. EMPOK NOR TEMPLE

	As before.

					KIRA
				(shocked amusement)
			You -- you're the leader of the
			Pah-wraith cult?

	Dukat smiles -- as always, he enjoys her fieriness.

					DUKAT
			I'm sure you have many questions,
			Nerys, and I intend to answer
			them all.

	Dukat turns to the others --

					DUKAT
			Leave us, please.

	Without hesitation, the others begin to file out.
	Kira bristles at the sight of Bajorans taking orders
	from Dukat, keeps a wary eye on him as he steps down
	off the podium and approaches.

					DUKAT
			First of all, let me apologize
			for bringing you here without
			your permission.

					KIRA
				(dry)
			It's all right, I've always
			wanted to see Empok Nor.
				(looking around)
			Is the Dominion aware you've set
			up a... "temple" here?

					DUKAT
			The station has been abandoned a
			long time. They have no reason
			to object to our making use of
			it.

        DEEP SPACE NINE: "Covenant" - REV. 10/14/98 - ACT ONE        9.

7    CONTINUED:

					DUKAT
				(studying her)
			Your hair... you changed it.

					KIRA
				(sardonic)
			Your ear... you pierced it.

					DUKAT
				(touching the
				dangling chain)
			A symbol of the Covenant I've
			made with my new family...

					KIRA
				(amazed by it all)
			Your new family...
				(come to think of it)
			Well, I guess it makes sense that
			these people would choose you as
			their leader -- they worship
			evil.

					DUKAT
				(smiling sadly)
			The Pah-wraiths aren't what you
			think. And neither am I.

        DEEP SPACE NINE: "Covenant" - REV. 10/14/98 - ACT ONE       9A.

7    CONTINUED:	(2)
					DUKAT (Cont'd)
				(beat)
			Let me ask you something. Have
			you ever wondered why the
			Prophets stood by and did nothing
			when the Cardassians took over
			Bajor? Have you ever asked
			yourself why they would allow
			your people to suffer?

	Dukat is posing a difficult theological question --
	if there's an all-powerful God, why does he allow
	evil to exist? There's only one answer Kira can
	give, and it's the answer given by people of faith
	throughout the ages.

					KIRA
			The Prophets have a plan for us --
			but it's not always easy to see
			what it is.

					DUKAT
				(smiles)
			Even as you say those words, you
			must know how hollow they sound.
			There's a better explanation.
			One that makes perfect sense.
				(with conviction)
			The Prophets aren't the true gods
			of Bajor, the Pah-wraiths are.

	Dukat sees Kira shake her head dismissively, but
	continues undaunted.

					DUKAT
			They were cast from the Celestial
			Temple because they wanted to
			take an active role in Bajoran
			life. Their only crime was that
			they cared about your people.
			But they weren't allowed to help
			you because they lost the battle
			for heaven and were forced to
			flee.

					KIRA
				(with sarcasm)
			I guess the Ancient Texts have it
			all wrong, then.

					DUKAT
			We both know that history is
			always written by the victors.
			But rest assured, there'll be
			another chapter.

        DEEP SPACE NINE: "Covenant" - REV. 10/14/98 - ACT ONE       9B.

7    CONTINUED:	(3)
					DUKAT (cont'd)
			The Pah-wraiths are determined to
			regain their place in heaven.

					KIRA
			And how would you know that?

					DUKAT
			They speak to me in visions.
				(beat)
			I am their Emissary.

	Kira chafes at hearing Dukat use the word --

					KIRA
			I don't know if you believe what
			you're saying, if you're faking
			it, or if you're just insane.

					DUKAT
			I was touched by the hand of a
			god. I'm a changed man.

        DEEP SPACE NINE: "Covenant" - REV. 10/14/98 - ACT ONE       10.

7    CONTINUED:	(4)

					DUKAT
			Oh, I admit, when I allowed
			myself to become a vessel for the
			Pah-wraith, I did it for self-
			serving reasons. I wanted to
			help it enter the wormhole so it
			could force the Prophets out. It
			was nothing more than a way to
			exact vengeance on Sisko.
				(still amazed by it all)
			But I had no idea the effect it
			would have on me. It was only
			inside me for a short time, but
			it opened my heart.

					KIRA
				(disdainful)
			Would that be before or after you
			killed Jadzia?

					DUKAT
			That was most unfortunate, but it
			couldn't be helped. The
			Celestial Temple itself was at
			stake, and she was in the way.

	Dukat can see that Kira's not buying his tale --

					DUKAT
			Nerys, I wish I had the words to
			describe what it was like to have
			the Pah-wraith within me. I
			could feel its love -- for me,
			and for the Bajoran people. it
			made me realize that I still had
			a role to play in Bajor's
			destiny.

					KIRA
			You mean besides overseeing an
			occupation that killed tens of
			millions?

        DEEP SPACE NINE: "Covenant" - REV. 10/14/98 - ACT ONE       11.

7    CONTINUED:	(5)

					DUKAT
			You have no idea how much it
			pains me to know that I caused so
			much suffering. But I'm not
			responsible for the Occupation,
			the Prophets are.

					KIRA
				(clenched anger)
			You have no right to say that.

					DUKAT
			They abandoned Bajor. I was only
			walking the path they laid down
			for me.
				(beat)
			Now I walk with the true
			Prophets.

	Dukat pauses for a moment, takes a gentler tack.

					DUKAT
			I'm building a community here,
			Nerys. I brought these people to
			Empok Nor so we could purify
			ourselves in preparation for the
			day the Pah-wraiths reclaim the
			Celestial Temple.

					KIRA
			And what's supposed to happen
			when that day comes?

					DUKAT
			The Pah-wraiths have a plan for
			Bajor. When the time is right,
			they'll reveal it to me.

    DEEP SPACE NINE: "Covenant" - REV. 10/14/98 - ACT ONE 12-13.       

7    CONTINUED:	(6)

					KIRA
			Something tells me their plan is
			going to involve you becoming
			ruler of Bajor again.

					DUKAT
				(smiling sadly)
			You're still so full of anger
			toward me. I can only hope that
			in time, you'll let it go. I
			brought you here because I want
			you to be part of our community.
			I want you to share in the love
			these people have for each other --
			in the love they have for me.

					KIRA
			These people don't love you.
			You have some kind of hold over
			them, but love?
				(shakes her head No)

	Dukat approaches her, his features softening as he
	takes in her face.

					DUKAT
			Open your heart to me, Nerys.
				(gently)
			We're bound together by destiny.
			You belong at my side.

	Kira looks into his eyes and sees that he believes
	this with all his heart. Off her face as she
	realizes she's in the hands of an unbalanced man,
	we...

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT ONE                          

        DEEP SPACE NINE: "Covenant" - REV. 10/14/98 - ACT TWO       14.
                            ACT TWO                             

	FADE IN:

8    INT. DEEP SPACE NINE - KIRA'S QUARTERS

	SISKO and Odo look on as O'BRIEN scans Kira's
	Quarters with a TRICORDER.

					SISKO
			When did you realize she was
			missing?

					ODO
			This morning -- she usually comes
			by my office before she goes to
			Ops.

					SISKO
				(indicating the door)
			Did you check the entry log?

					ODO
			She had a visitor a little after
			nineteen hundred hours. Whoever
			it was only stayed about ten
			minutes.

	The door OPENS and WORF ENTERS.

					SISKO
			Anything?

					WORF
			According to the Ops report, only
			one ship has left the station
			since last night -- the morning
			transport to Bajor.
				(glancing Odo's way)
			Kira was not aboard.

					O'BRIEN
				(off tricorder)
			Sir, I'm picking up traces of
			tachyon energy.

					ODO
			A transporter beam?

					O'BRIEN
				(nods)
			With a Dominion signature.

        DEEP SPACE NINE: "Covenant" - REV. 10/14/98 - ACT TWO       15.

8    CONTINUED:

					ODO
			Is there any way to trace it?

	O'Brien shakes his head grimly.

					O'BRIEN
			Afraid not, the signal's already
			dissipated.

	Something on the floor catches O'Brien's eye -- it's
	the CLOTH the crystal was wrapped in. As he moves
	to retrieve it, Sisko turns to Worf.

					SISKO
			Their transporters operate over
			longer distances than ours --
			what's their maximum range?

					WORF
			If a homing transponder is in
			place, up to three light years.

					O'BRIEN
			There was a homing transponder,
			all right.

	All eyes turn to O'Brien, who's scanning the cloth
	he found.

					O'BRIEN
			It was wrapped inside this.

	A grim beat.

					ODO
			Three light years... for all we
			know, she could be deep inside
			Dominion space by now...

	Off Odo's helplessness...

9    EXT. SPACE - EMPOK NOR (STOCK-OPTICAL)

	Establishing.

        DEEP SPACE NINE: "Covenant" - REV. 10/14/98 - ACT TWO       16.

10   INT. EMPOK NOR - GUEST QUARTERS

	where Kira is pacing the SPARSELY FURNISHED and
	DIMLY LIT room. (NOTE: Her combadge has been taken
	from her by this point.)

	Empok Nor is running on limited power, and there's a
	small HEATER to provide warmth. Kira moves to the
	door panel, works it for what must be the dozenth
	time. Nothing. She moves away in frustration,
	crosses to the heater to warm herself.

	A moment, then the door OPENS and Vedek Fala ENTERS.

					KIRA
			I had a feeling you'd turn up
			sooner of later.

					FALA
			I know you're angry with me --

					KIRA
			Angry? I feel sorry for you.
			Letting yourself be duped by
			Dukat into joining this cult.

					FALA
			I was a member of this "cult," as
			you call it, long before Dukat.

	Kira is taken off-guard by this admission -- she
	can't believe she never knew.

					FALA
			I came to it toward the end of
			the Occupation. It's helped me
			make sense of the suffering we
			all had to endure.

					KIRA
			In the camp, you kept us together
			-- it was your faith in the
			Prophets that got us through. I
			can't believe that you -- of all
			people -- would turn your back on
			them.

					FALA
			They turned their backs on us
			long ago.

        DEEP SPACE NINE: "Covenant" - REV. 10/14/98 - ACT TWO      16A.

10   CONTINUED:
					KIRA
			The path they've laid out for us
			may not be easy, but that's no
			reason to turn to hate and fear.

					FALA
			"Hate and fear" -- do you know
			how often I've heard those words
			used to describe us? Nothing
			could be further from the truth.

					KIRA
			The Pah-wraith cult tried to kill
			the Emissary.

					FALA
			Dukat had nothing to do with
			that. The boy who attacked
			Captain Sisko was acting out of
			his own misguided beliefs.

        DEEP SPACE NINE: "Covenant" - REV. 10/14/98 - ACT TWO       17.

10   CONTINUED:	(2)
					FALA (cont'd)
			We're peaceful people.

					KIRA
			Prove it. Let me go.

					FALA
			Nerys, the Master brought you
			here because he cares about your
			spiritual well-being.

					KIRA
			The "Master" -- he's using you.
			He's taking your beliefs and
			twisting them to suit his own
			purposes.

					FALA
				(impatient)
			You're so stubborn -- that's
			always been your problem.

					KIRA
			Your problem is that you've
			always been too trusting.

					FALA
			When Dukat first came to us, I
			didn't want to accept him. But I
			came to realize that the 
			Pah-wraiths had taken this man of
			evil and washed him clean. What
			could be more wondrous than that?

					KIRA
			How can you forget all the
			friends we lost during the
			Occupation? How can you forget
			the millions Dukat murdered?

					FALA
			You disappoint me. Of all the
			things I tried to teach you, the
			most important was the need to
			forgive.

	Kira is stopped in her tracks -- Fala did try to
	teach her this, as did Vedek Porta in his sermon
	just the other day.

					KIRA
			There are some things that can't
			be forgiven.

        DEEP SPACE NINE: "Covenant" - REV. 10/14/98 - ACT TWO      17A.

10   CONTINUED:	(3)

					FALA
			Nerys, let me show you how we
			live. I want you to see the
			community we're building here so
			that you'll know that you have
			nothing to fear from Dukat -- or
			from us.

	A beat, then Kira acquiesces -- not because she's
	interested, but because it seems like her only
	chance to get out of this room and find a way off
	the station.

11   INT. EMPOK NOR - PROMENADE (OPTICAL)

	We start CLOSE on a man wearing protective GOGGLES
	and using a BAJORAN PHASER to WELD metal. We
	PICK UP Kira and Fala as they pass -- her eye takes
	in the phaser, but she knows she'd never be able to
	get her hands on it.

	All around them, people are carrying CRATES,
	repairing windows and light fixtures. They work
	with enthusiasm, with a sense of communal purpose.

	There are cooking STATIONS set up, and we see
	evidence of PRODUCE and other foodstuffs. A few
	SPACE HEATERS are visible, with knots of people
	warming themselves around them.

        DEEP SPACE NINE: "Covenant" - REV. 10/14/98 - ACT TWO       18.

11   CONTINUED:

	BANNERS bearing the symbol of the Pah-wraiths span
	the bridges of the upper level. (NOTE: There's no
	Bajoran Temple on Empok Nor's Promenade.)

					FALA
			-- only one of the fusion
			generators is operational, so we
			don't have power for things like
			replicators.

	Kira indicates a woman passing with a BASKET of
	fruit.

					KIRA
			Where do you get your food?

	She asks this idly, though what she's really
	wondering is if they have supply ships.

					FALA
			We've turned several of the lower
			levels into hydroponic bays.

					KIRA
			What about things like medical
			supplies -- do you bring them
			from Bajor?

					FALA
			We have a few cargo shuttles.
				(knowing smile)
			We're well aware that you might
			try to leave us. You should know
			that the docking bays are being
			guarded. As is the transporter
			we used to bring you here.

					KIRA
			As long as we're on the subject,
			am I free to move around, talk to
			people?

					FALA
			Of course. It's the Master's
			hope that you'll come to see this
			as your home.

        DEEP SPACE NINE: "Covenant" - REV. 10/14/98 - ACT TWO       19.

11   CONTINUED:	(2)

	Fala stops to talk to a young pregnant woman -- MIKA --
	walking the other way.

					FALA
			Mika, this is Nerys.

					MIKA
				(friendly)
			Welcome.

					KIRA
				(re: her belly)
			You're getting close.

					MIKA
				(nervous smile)
			It could be any time now.

	Fala smiles reassuringly, then he and Kira move on.

        DEEP SPACE NINE: "Covenant" - REV. 10/14/98 - ACT TWO       20.

11   CONTINUED:	(3)

					FALA
				(proudly)
			Mika and her husband have the
			honor of being the first to
			receive the Master's blessing to
			bear children.

					KIRA
				(taken aback)
			You need Dukat's permission to
			have a baby?

					FALA
				(nods)
			Vows of abstinence are part of
			our Covenant with him.
			Exceptions are granted only when
			he sees that a wife and her
			husband have demonstrated a true
			spiritual bond.

	Kira can't believe the extent of the control Dukat
	has over their lives --

					KIRA
			I see...

					FALA
			You don't approve.
				(off her look)
			In ancient times, Bajorans
			understood the value of denying
			worldly pleasures.
				(smiles)
			Ironic, isn't it, that a
			Cardassian would lead us back to
			the old ways?

					KIRA
			Especially a Cardassian who's
			appetite for worldly pleasures is
			legendary.

					FALA
			That was a long time ago, before
			he felt the kiss of the 
			Pah-wraith.

					KIRA
			Must've been some kiss.

	And off this moment...

        DEEP SPACE NINE: "Covenant" - REV. 10/14/98 - ACT TWO      20A.

11A  INT. EMPOK NOR - CARGO BAY

	Fala has brought Kira to see something -- a LARGE
	PAINTING depicting Dukat in a heroic pose, flanked
	by Bajoran cultists -- a man, woman and a child.
	The piece is almost Soviet-Realist in its
	inspirational tone.

	The artist, BENYAN, is an intense young man in his
	late twenties. He looks up from his work when Kira
	and Fala approach.

					FALA
				(to Kira)
			Striking, isn't it?

	Kira says nothing because she can't get past the
	subject matter. The truth is, Benyan doesn't need
	her to tell her how good it is, he knows he's
	talented... though he's happy to play modest.

					FALA
			Benyan is Mika's husband.

					KIRA
			Congratulations.
				(can't resist)
			I understand it isn't easy to
			get... permission to have a baby.

	Benyan turns from his work, his features tight.

					BENYAN
			The Master told us you wouldn't
			approve of our ways. He said we
			should be patient with you.

	From his tone, Kira can tell that he's only being
	polite because he's been asked to.

       DEEP SPACE NINE: "Covenantff - REV. 10/14/98 - ACT TWO      20B.

11A  CONTINUED:

					KIRA
			Don't go out of your way.

					BENYAN
				(taking her permission)
			I don't understand why he brought
			you here.

					FALA
				(be nice)
			Benyan --

					KIRA
			No, it's all right.

					BENYAN
			We've all worked hard for what we
			have. We don't need you or
			anyone else to approve of us.

					KIRA
			Fair enough.

					BENYAN
			Don't misunderstand. I hope you
			come to feel the love of the 
			Pah-wraiths. But if you don't...
			that's your loss.
				(beat)
			No offense.

					KIRA
			None taken. In fact, I've always
			found that people who try to
			convince others of their beliefs
			are usually trying to convince
			themselves.

	Kira shoots Fala a look as she says this --

					BENYAN
				(simply)
			I know what I believe.

					KIRA
			That's what scares me.
				(beat)
			No offense.

	And off this moment...

        DEEP SPACE NINE: "Covenant" - REV. 10/14/98 - ACT TWO       21.

11B  INT. EMPOK NOR - PROMENADE

	Kira and Fala are part of a CROWD heading toward the
	Temple -- they pass a BAJORAN sounding CHIMES,
	calling everyone to worship.

12   INT. EMPOK NOR - TEMPLE

	Kira and Fala stand near the back of the gathered
	crowd, which includes Brin, Mika, Benyan and a
	Bajoran woman who we'll come to know as the
	community MIDWIFE.

	Kira listens uneasily as they CHANT in Bajoran --
	it's hard for her to hear homage being paid to
	entities she considers evil.

					ALL
			-- ba'ja kor'ek, no'la ba'lani,
			pah'nom ko'se plusso ma'kora.
			Ba'ja kor'ek, no'la ba'lani,
			pah'nom ko'se plusso ma'kora.

	Dukat EMERGES from behind the banner, and his
	appearance sends an almost electric current of joy
	through the crowd.

					DUKAT
				(a greeting)
			Kosst no'valt Amojan, my
			children. (The love of the Pah-
			wraiths be with you.)

					ALL
			Kosst no'valt Amojan.

					DUKAT
			Let us open our hearts and pray.

					ALL
			Ba'ja kor'ek, no'la ba'lani,
			pah'nom ko'se plusso ma'kora.
			Ba'ja kor'ek, no'la ba'lani,
			pah'nom ko'se plusso ma'kora.

	This is not a solemn chant, but a blissful one. All
	around her, Kira sees people with their eyes shut,
	smiles on their faces -- some even have tears of joy
	streaking down their cheeks.

    DEEP SPACE NINE: "Covenant" - REV. 10/14/98 - ACT TWO 22-23.       

13   KIRA

	As the chant continues, she notices the man she saw
	welding on the Promenade, standing a few rows up
	from her, his eyes closed in rapt attention as he
	chants. Her eyes fall to --

14   THE PHASER

	hanging from his belt with his goggles.

15   KIRA

	glances at Fala, who like the others is absorbed in
	prayer, and decides to make her move. In a quick
	motion, she steps forward, jostling past a few
	people, and snatches the weapon.

	The man reacts, takes a step toward her, but Kira
	trains the weapon on him.

					KIRA
			Don't.

	She swings the weapon around in a threatening arc,
	and people in the vicinity move away to give her
	room.

					KIRA
			Dukat.

	The chanting stops as everyone in the crowd senses
	something's wrong.

        DEEP SPACE NINE: "Covenant" - REV. 10/14/98 - ACT TWO       24.

16   DUKAT

	opens his eyes and sees that Kira has her weapon
	trained directly at him.

					KIRA
			Stay where you are.

	Panicked looks and jostling from the crowd -- it
	seems that there's no way to get to her before she
	gets off a shot.

					KIRA
				(to all)
			The rest of you -- get down on
			the floor.

	A few people comply out of fear for the Master, but
	others hesitate.

					KIRA
			I said on the floor.

	A few more people comply, but Benyan sees another
	option.

17   BENYAN

	lets go of Mika's hand and steps up on to the podium
	where Dukat is, effectively blocking Kira's shot.
	He holds up his arms, offers himself as a target.

					KIRA
				(taking aim)
			Move aside.

					BENYAN
			No.

	Kira takes a step over to get a clean line of sight
	on Dukat, knowing it's the only thing that's keeping
	the others from rushing her.

	The Midwife steps up onto the platform to shield
	Dukat, as well.

        DEEP SPACE NINE: "Covenant" - REV. 10/14/98 - ACT TWO       25.

17   CONTINUED:

	Kira tries to line up a clean shot, but ANOTHER
	BAJORAN steps onto the platform, then ANOTHER, and
	ANOTHER.

					FALA
			Enough, Nerys, unless you're
			willing to kill us all.

18   KIRA

	as she realizes the extent of their devotion to
	Dukat. Defeated on this front, she slowly lowers
	the weapon.

	She starts to back away, trying to get to the
	Promenade -- and somehow, to a ship -- but a man
	steps in to block her path.

	She trains the weapon on him, but another man is
	able to step up behind her and deliver a knockout
	blow to her back that sends her unconscious to the
	floor.

19   DUKAT

	steps down off the podium and approaches her. The
	others move away to give him room, and he kneels
	down to crouch by Kira's still form.

					DUKAT
				(softly)
			Now do you understand how much
			they love me... ?

	And off the beatific smile that plays on his
	features, we...

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT TWO                          

       DEEP SPACE NINE: "Covenant" - REV. 10/14/98 - ACT THREE      26.
                           ACT THREE                            

	FADE IN:

20   INT. EMPOK NOR - DUKAT'S QUARTERS - CLOSE ON KIRA

	Her eyes are closed as a HAND gently applies a COLD
	COMPRESS to her forehead.

	She stirs, her eyes flutter open, and she looks up
	to see --

21   DUKAT

	his face close, a tender smile on his features.
	Kira sits up quickly, bats his hand away, then
	WINCES from the pain in her back.

					DUKAT
			Careful, no sudden moves.

	She finds herself wearing her SLEEVELESS SHIRT,
	which is partly unzipped down the back, revealing a
	BRUISE near the base of her neck. With a shudder,
	she realizes Dukat partially undressed her while she
	was unconscious.

					DUKAT
				(indicating her
				JACKET lying
				nearby)
			I removed it so I could tend to
			your bruise.

	Kira glares at him, reaches back and zips up the
	shirt, then stands and grabs her jacket.

	We see that unlike the rest of Empok Nor, Dukat's
	Quarters are well appointed, though not exactly
	luxurious. He even has two or three portable
	HEATERS to keep the room at a comfortable
	temperature.

					DUKAT
				(indicating a nearby
				TRAY)
			I had a meal prepared for you.

	Kira's undeniably hungry, but she doesn't want to
	give him the satisfaction.

       DEEP SPACE NINE: "Covenant" - REV. 10/14/98 - ACT THREE      27.

21   CONTINUED:

					KIRA
			I'm not hungry.

					DUKAT
			Go ahead, you haven't eaten since
			you arrived.

	Kira looks at the tray, sees --

22   A KNIFE AND FORK

	and the thought occurs to her that the knife could
	be used as a weapon.

23   DUKAT

	senses what she's thinking, smiles.

					DUKAT
			I know what you're thinking. But
			really, what good would it do to
			try to kill me? Even if you
			succeeded, it wouldn't get you
			off Empok Nor. You'd only be
			making me a martyr.

				KIRA
			You're right. I don't want
			anything to happen to you -- not
			until your followers have a
			chance to see what a fraud you
			are.

				DUKAT
			I love these people, Nerys. And
			they love me. I'd think that
			after what just happened in the
			temple, you'd realize that.

				KIRA
			It always comes back to that,
			doesn't it? Your desperate need
			to win the love of the Bajoran
			people. You've never understood
			why we don't appreciate you.

   DEEP SPACE NINE: "Covenant" - REV. 10/14/98 - ACT THREE 28-29.      

23   CONTINUED:

					DUKAT
			If it wasn't for me, the
			occupation would've been much
			worse.

					KIRA
				(incredulous)
			And you want a thank you?
				(beat)
			You were working people to death
			in the ore processing centers,
			but that didn't stop you from
			strutting around Terok Nor,
			picking out Bajoran women to take
			to your bed. And actually
			believing they wanted to be
			there.

					DUKAT
			Your mother wanted to be there.

					KIRA
				(controlled rage)
			You took her away from her
			children. She did what she had
			to in order to make sure we
			survived.

					DUKAT
			She loved me.

					KIRA
			Maybe she convinced herself she
			did -- and that's a very
			different thing.

	Dukat seems genuinely pained to hear this. A long
	beat, then he makes a difficult admission.

					DUKAT
			Perhaps you're right. And if I
			caused your mother any pain, I
			regret it.

	Kira is taken off-guard by this moment of 
	self-knowledge from Dukat.

					DUKAT
			Just as I regret many other
			things I did in those years.
			Thankfully, the Pah-wraiths have
			given me an opportunity to redeem
			myself in the eyes of your
			people.

       DEEP SPACE NINE: "Covenant" - REV. 10/14/98 - ACT THREE      30.

23   CONTINUED:	(2)

					KIRA
			How? By recreating some
			idealized version of the
			Occupation? Because that's
			exactly what you're doing here.
			You have your station back,
			Bajorans to serve your every
			whim. And the best part is, this
			time they really do love you. As
			misguided as it is, they love
			you.

	If Kira's rattled Dukat's cage, he's not going to
	show it. He turns to her, smiles tenderly.

					DUKAT
			I'm so glad you're here, Nerys.

	Dukat's gentle demeanor is so out of context it
	throws Kira off.

					DUKAT
			You embody everything I admire
			most about the Bajoran people.
			Your passion, your spirit. I see
			now why the Pah-wraiths want you
			at my side.

					KIRA
			And why's that?

					DUKAT
			Because if I can open your heart
			to them, then surely I can open
			the heart of any Bajoran.
				(musing)
			Yes, your anger is a challenge.
			But I welcome it. Because in the
			end, it will help me better serve
			the Pah-wraiths.

	Kira stares at him, struck by the apparent sincerity
	in his voice. It's unsettling, and she can't help
	wondering if he believes what he's saying, or if
	he's just the best actor she's ever seen.

	A CHIME at the door interrupts the moment.

					DUKAT
			Yes.

	The door OPENS to reveal Brin, Dukat's right-hand
	man.

       DEEP SPACE NINE: "Covenant" - REV. 10/14/98 - ACT THREE      31.

23   CONTINUED:	(3)

					BRIN
				(excited)
			It's Mika. She's gone into
			labor.

	Dukat breaks into a smile.

					DUKAT
			Come, Nerys. I want you to be a
			witness to this blessed event.

	And off this moment...

24   INT. EMPOK NOR - INFIRMARY/PROMENADE

	As Kira watches, Dukat stands with Benyan, the
	expectant father. Outside on the Promenade, an
	excited CROWD has gathered to wait for news of the
	birth. Vedek Fala and Brin keep them at a discreet
	distance.

					DUKAT
			I've been told Mika is on her way
			out. This is a great day for us,
			Benyan. You should be honored to
			have fathered the first child
			born to our community.

	Movement from the hallway leading into surgery.
	Mika, reclined in a BIO-BED, is WHEELED in by an
	older Bajoran WOMAN -- the midwife.

	Mika carries her CHILD in her arms, wrapped in a
	BLANKET. She wears a shaky smile, one that we might
	attribute to the delivery.

	Benyan steps over to the bed with anticipation, and
	Dukat follows right behind him. Mika offers the
	bundle to her husband, but as he reaches for it, he
	stops in mid-motion.

25   BENYAN

	his eyes wide at what he sees.

       DEEP SPACE NINE: "Covenant" - REV. 10/14/98 - ACT THREE      32.

26   THE CHILD

	which we now REVEAL to be half-Bajoran, 
	half-Cardassian.

27   MIKA

	as she tears her eyes away from her husband's
	stricken features and looks over to --

28   DUKAT

	wasn't expecting this, but he's not completely
	surprised either. He gives Mika a look that says
	keep-your-mouth-shut, then steps forward and takes
	the child in his arms.

					DUKAT
				(with wonder)
			The Pah-wraiths... they've sent
			us a sign...

	He moves to the door of the Infirmary, holds the
	child up for the crowd in the Promenade to see. A
	collective gasp of confusion comes up from the
	assembled group.

29   KIRA

	as she reacts, realizing immediately that Dukat is
	still up to his old ways, taking young Bajoran women
	to his bed.

					DUKAT
			My children, something wondrous
			has happened. This infant --
			born of the love between Benyan
			and Mika -- was transformed in
			her womb into a living symbol of
			the Covenant I've made with you.
				(through tears of joy)
			What a blessed day this is --
			there can no longer be any doubt
			that the Pah-wraiths are smiling
			upon us.

	The confused looks of the crowd give way to awed
	expressions of devotion.

					DUKAT
			Let us give thanks and praise.

       DEEP SPACE NINE: "Covenant" - REV. 10/14/98 - ACT THREE         

29   CONTINUED:

	Brin begins to CHANT, and others soon fall in.

					ALL
			Ka'li bor'ek, no'ma ten'su, fah-
			jah nori bentu'sa. Ka'li bor'ek,
			no'ma ten'su, fah-jah nori
			bentu'sa.
				(etc.)

30   KIRA

	is stunned at Dukat's hold over these people, and
	sickened by his hypocrisy. She turns and looks at --

31   BENYAN

	as he looks into his wife's eyes, then turns to
	stare at Dukat, fighting to believe that what he's
	claimed is true.

32   KIRA

	catches Mika's eye, and the girl looks away, a
	flicker of shame crossing her features. Mika
	returns her gaze to Dukat, composes a smile, and
	begins to chant with the others.

33   DUKAT

	turns as he holds the baby for all to see, and his
	eyes catches Kirals.

	Off her face as she resolves to break his spell over
	these people, we...

									FADE OUT.
                       END OF ACT THREE                         

       DEEP SPACE NINE: "Covenant" - REV. 10/14/98 - ACT FOUR       34.
                           ACT FOUR                             

	FADE IN:

34   INT. EMPOK NOR - TEMPLE

	Kira and Fala are alone in the Temple. The Vedek is
	trying to light a candle and say a prayer of thanks,
	but Kira's not making it easy.

					KIRA
			You're an intelligent man. How
			can you believe Dukat's story?
			It's obvious he's the baby's
			father.

					FALA
			What's obvious is that you hate
			him so much, you can't even
			entertain the possibility that a
			miracle occurred.

					KIRA
			Are you so blind you'll believe
			anything he says?

					FALA
			I have faith. I would think
			you'd understand what that means.
				(beat)
			Nerys, is it so beyond the realm
			of possibility that the Pah-
			wraiths sent that child to us as
			a sign? They have powers beyond
			our understanding. Your Prophets
			made an entire fleet of Dominion
			ships vanish into thin air!
			What's one child compared to a
			miracle like that?

	Fala makes a good point, but Kira knows she's right
	about this and takes another tack.

					KIRA
			You know what the miracle was?
			That Mika was able to keep from
			breaking into tears in front of
			her husband. She was terrified
			he wouldn't believe Dukat's
			little performance. I could see
			it in her eyes.

       DEEP SPACE NINE: "Covenant" - REV. 10/14/98 - ACT FOUR       35.

34   CONTINUED:

					FALA
			You saw what you wanted to see.

					KIRA
			If you really believe it was a
			miracle, then you won't mind if I
			talk to the happy couple.

	Kira sees Fala hesitate --

					KIRA
			What's wrong? Are you afraid to
			find out the truth?

					FALA
			I know the truth. I just don't
			want you making unfounded
			accusations.

					KIRA
			I'll be discreet.

	Off Fala as he gives in, knowing it's the only way
	to get Kira to give up her allegations...

       DEEP SPACE NINE: -Covenant" - REV. 10/14/98 - ACT FOUR       36.

35   INT. EMPOK NOR - CARGO BAY

	Benyan -- his face a mask of concentration -- is
	working on his PAINTING, doing detail on Dukat's
	chest and arm. After a beat --

					FALA'S VOICE
				(off-screen)
			It's coming along nicely...

36   BENYAN

	turns and sees Kira and Fala nearby. She watches
	him work for a moment, then lobs a loaded question
	his way.

					KIRA
			Maybe you should make one of the
			children half-Cardassian?

	Benyan stiffens, turns and looks at her.

					KIRA
				(innocently)
			To commemorate what's happened.

	Kira can see that he's trying to hold on to the idea
	that the child's birth was indeed a miracle.

       DEEP SPACE NINE: "Covenant" - REV. 10/14/98 - ACT FOUR       37.

36   CONTINUED:

					BENYAN
				(even)
			If I'd known, I would've.

	Benyan turns away and tries to get back to work, but
	his hand's a bit shaky. Kira senses that he's
	struggling to hold on to his faith in order to stave
	off the humiliation of what he fears really
	happened.

					KIRA
				(neutral but
				leading)
			It must be quite an honor to be
			part of such a miraculous
			event...

					BENYAN
			It is.

					KIRA
			Obviously Dukat did the right
			thing when he gave you permission
			to have a baby.

					BENYAN
			We prayed together many times...
			he wanted to be sure.

					KIRA
				(carefully)
			Did you ever pray with him alone?

					BENYAN
			Yes.

					KIRA
			Did Mika?

       DEEP SPACE NINE: "Covenant" - REV. 10/14/98 - ACT FOUR       38.

36   CONTINUED:	(2)

					BENYAN
				(what of it?)
			Yes.

	Before Kira can continue, Fala interrupts pointedly.

					FALA
			Nerys, we should let Benyan get
			back to work.

	Kira backs off, honoring her promise to the Vedek.
	With a nod to Benyan, she turns to go. Off Benyan's
	face as he watches them leave...

37   INT. EMPOK NOR - PROMENADE

	as Kira and Fala make their way along it. It's
	clear as we cut into their conversation that they
	have different interpretations of what just
	happened.

					KIRA
			You saw his face.

					FALA
			He was angry -- he knew what you
			were implying.

	Kira shakes her head in frustration, but before she
	can counter she catches a glimpse of Mika on the far
	side of the Promenade, approaching the Airlock.

					KIRA
			There's Mika.

	Kira loses sight of her in the crowd, runs ahead to
	try and find her.

       DEEP SPACE NINE: "Covenant" - REV. 10/14/98 - ACT FOUR       39.

38   THE PROMENADE AIRLOCK

	as Kira comes to a stop near the airlock door and
	looks around. Mika's nowhere in sight.

					FALA
				(approaching)
			When we find her, I trust you'll
			be more discreet than you were
			with Benyan.

	Kira almost smiles to hear him scolding her the way
	he did when she was a child. She nods, and they
	start into the airlock.

39   INT. EMPOK NOR - AIRLOCK CORRIDOR #1

	as Dukat walks along, looks to see if anyone's
	around, then ducks into --

40   INT. EMPOK NOR - AIRLOCK

	Dukat approaches Mika, who's nervously waiting to
	talk to him. Through the glass in the airlock door,
	we see STARS hanging in space.

					MIKA
				(scared)
			I'm sorry.

					DUKAT
			Why didn't you tell me the baby
			was mine?

					MIKA
			I didn't know. I was hoping it
			wasn't.

	Dukat accepts this, but he knows he has a problem on
	his hands.

					DUKAT
			Mika, I'm so sorry about what
			happened that night. I was
			weak... and you were so
			beautiful.

					MIKA
				(trying to hold on)
			I've forgiven you. You know
			that.

       DEEP SPACE NINE: "Covenant" - REV. 10/14/98 - ACT FOUR       40.

40   CONTINUED:

					DUKAT
			Have you told anyone?

					MIKA
			No...

					DUKAT
			Not even Benyan?

					MIKA
				(shakes her head)
			He wants to believe it was a
			miracle, but I know he has
			doubts. If he ever asks me, I
			don't know if I can lie to him.

41   DUKAT

	we see his eyes grow hard as he considers whether he
	can risk this or not...

42   INT. EMPOK NOR - AIRLOCK CORRIDOR #2

	as Kira nods her thanks to a BAJORAN MAN she's
	stopped in the corridor, turns to Fala.

					KIRA
			He says he saw her come this way.

	As Kira and Fala head off...

       DEEP SPACE NINE: "Covenant" - REV. 10/14/98 - ACT FOUR      40A.

43   INT. EMPOK NOR - AIRLOCK

	Dukat studies Mika's face, and we can see that he's
	come to some internal decision.

					DUKAT
			Don't worry, everything's going
			to be all right...

	She nods, determined to be strong.

					DUKAT
			Wait here until I'm gone, then go
			back to you quarters and pray for
			strength.

	He squeezes her shoulder reassuringly, then turns
	and EXITS.

       DEEP SPACE NINE: "Covenant" - REV. 10/14/98 - ACT FOUR       41.

44   INT. EMPOK NOR - AIRLOCK CORRIDOR #1

	as Dukat stops, turns and looks back at Mika. A
	beat, then he reaches out and works the CONTROL
	PANEL -- the Airlock door between them starts to
	SLIDE SHUT.

45   MIKA

	her features falter, she's not sure what he's doing.

46   DUKAT

	works the panel and the airlock door behind Mika
	begins to OPEN to the vacuum of space --

47   MIKA

	is thrown back toward the opening door by the rush
	of WIND -- her body smacks against it, and a SCARF
	she's wearing is sucked out the still opening door.
	As the last of the air vents out, she desperately
	grabs hold of something to keep from being pulled
	out as well.

48   DUKAT

	watches as Mika falls to the ground, reaches out to
	him imploringly. Suddenly from off-screen --

					KIRA'S VOICE
			Mika?

	Dukat reacts, realizes that Kira's about to come
	around the corner and see him

49   OMITTED

50   INT. EMPOK NOR - AIRLOCK CORRIDOR #1

	as Kira and Fala round the corner, Dukat is nowhere
	in sight.

       DEEP SPACE NINE: "Covenant" - REV. 10/14/98 - ACT FOUR       42.

50   CONTINUED:

	Kira sees an ALARM LIGHT FLASHING on the airlock
	control panel, rushes forward, and looks inside the
	airlock to see

51   MIKA

	gasping for breath near the open door leading out
	into space.

52   KIRA

					KIRA
			Mika.

	Kira quickly works the control panel, and the
	airlock door begins to slide SHUT.

52A  NEW ANGLE

	revealing Dukat hiding just around the corner, a
	look of barely controlled panic on his features.

53   INT. EMPOK NOR - INFIRMARY/PROMENADE

	The Midwife is bent over Mika's unconscious form.
	The girl's skin is PALE, and she has faint HEMATOMAS
	on her cheeks and neck. Kira and Fala stand a few
	paces away from the bio-bed, watching with concern.

					MIDWIFE
			You got to her just in time.

	Dukat ENTERS, pushing past Benyan and Brin, who are
	standing near the entrance to the Infirmary with a
	small group of worried BAJORANS.

	Kira stares at him, suspicious that Mika -- the only
	person besides Dukat that knows the truth about the
	child -- would so conveniently have an "accident."

					DUKAT
			How is she?

					MIDWIFE
			The depressurization caused
			swelling in her meningeal tissues
			-- I'm going to keep her sedated
			until morning.

       DEEP SPACE NINE: "Covenant" - REV. 10/14/98 - ACT FOUR       43.

53   CONTINUED:

					DUKAT
			But she's going to recover?

					MIDWIFE
			She'll be fine.

	Dukat moves to Brin, who's standing near the door to
	the Infirmary with the others.

					DUKAT
			Seal the docking ring and have
			all the airlocks inspected -- 
			let's make sure we never have
			another accident like this.

					KIRA
			Accident?

	Shocked stares and murmurs of protest from the
	group.

					KIRA
			What happened, Dukat? Was she
			going to tell everyone that
			you're the father of her child?

					FALA
				(warning her off)
			Kira --

					KIRA
			Is that why you tried to kill
			her?

					FALA
			Enough.

					DUKAT
			It's all right, Fala. Nerys is
			obviously upset. She doesn't
			know what she's saying.

					KIRA
			Mika won't lie for you anymore.

					DUKAT
				(to Brin)
			Take her to her quarters. She
			needs to rest.

	Brin and another man move to take Kira by the arm --

       DEEP SPACE NINE: "Covenant" - REV. 10/14/98 - ACT FOUR      43A.

53   CONTINUED:	(2)

					KIRA
				(to Benyan)
			Don't let him near her --

	Once Kira's gone, Dukat turns to his followers and
	tries to defuse the situation.

					DUKAT
			Let us pray for Mika's recovery.

	He bows his head and begins to pray in Bajoran.

					DUKAT
			Ka'la mo'sek, teru-benso, Kosst
			Amojan golis rej.

	The others join in, and we see that despite the
	close call, Dukat has his people behind him.

54   OMITTED

       DEEP SPACE NINE: "Covenant" - REV. 10/14/98 - ACT FOUR       44.

55   EXT. SPACE - EMPOK NOR (STOCK-OPTICAL)

	Re-establishing.

56   INT. EMPOK NOR - DUKAT'S QUARTERS

	It's dark, and we find an anguished Dukat kneeling
	in front of the small Shrine in his quarters.

					DUKAT
			I failed you. Forgive my
			weakness. Forgive me for letting
			temptation obscure the path
			you've laid out for me.
				(desperate)
			When Mika awakes -- and I pray
			she does -- your children will
			learn the truth.
				(pained)
			They'll turn away from me...
			they'll turn away from you. The
			Covenant will be broken. Don't
			let that happen. Tell me what to
			do. Please.

	Dukat bows his head and sobs quietly. Off this
	moment...

       DEEP SPACE NINE: "Covenant" - REV. 10/14/98 - ACT FOUR       45.

57   INT. EMPOK NOR - PROMENADE

	A BAJORAN sounds the CHIMES calling everyone to the
	temple.

57A  INT. EMPOK NOR - KIRA'S QUARTERS

	Kira is warming herself by the heater when she hears
	the CHIMES over the com-system.

57B  INT. EMPOK NOR - INFIRMARY

	where Benyan is sitting at Mika's side as the
	Midwife tends to the still unconscious girl. She's
	now in a patient's GOWN, and the hematomas are still
	visible on her face. They both react to the sound
	of the CHIMES, puzzled that they'd be called to
	services at this hour.

					MIDWIFE
			It's not time for services...

					BENYAN
			I'll stay with her if you want to
			go.

					MIDWIFE
			You go.

	With a last look Mika's way, Benyan heads for the
	Promenade.

58   INT. EMPOK NOR - TEMPLE

	The CROWD has gathered, and there's a sense of
	anticipation in the air because they've all heard
	that an announcement is going to be made. Brin,
	Benyan and Fala are present. Finally, Dukat
	emerges from the back.

					DUKAT
			Kosst no'valt Amojan, my
			children.

					ALL
			Kosst no'valt Amojan.

					DUKAT
			Tonight, while I prayed, the Pah-
			wraiths sent me a vision.

       DEEP SPACE NINE: "Covenant" - REV. 10/14/98 - ACT FOUR       46.

58   CONTINUED:

					DUKAT (Cont'd)
			They told me it was the last I'd
			ever receive from them.

	Worried whispers are exchanged --

58A  INT. EMPOK NOR - INFIRMARY

	as the Midwife listens to Dukat over the com-system.

					DUKAT'S VOICE
			There's a reason for this... a
			wondrous reason.

58B  INT. EMPOK NOR - KIRA'S QUARTERS

					DUKAT'S VOICE
			My children, the Pah-wraiths have
			asked us to join them in their
			Holy quest to reclaim the
			Celestial Temple.

	Kira listens, sensing Dukat is building to
	something.

58C  INT. EMPOK NOR - TEMPLE

	Excitement courses through the gathering --

					DUKAT
			To become warriors in this great
			battle, we must transform
			ourselves... our corporeal bodies
			are not suitable for the task
			ahead... so we must leave them
			behind.

	An awed hush comes over the crowd --

					DUKAT
			In a few hours, at the start of
			the new day, we'll gather
			together here for the last time.
			We will shed the flesh that ties
			us to this world...

58D  INT. EMPOK NOR - KIRA'S QUARTERS

	Kira reacts as she realizes what Dukat is planning.

       DEEP SPACE NINE: "Covenant" - REV. 10/14/98 - ACT FOUR       47.

58D  CONTINUED:

					DUKAT'S VOICE
			And deliver ourselves into the
			waiting arms of the Pah-
			wraiths...

58E  INT. EMPOK NOR - TEMPLE

	People are choked with emotion; many are crying, but
	their tears are tears of joy.

58F  DUKAT

	smiles upon them, his features peaceful. Fala steps
	forward and begins a CHANT of thanks and praise.

					FALA
			Ka'li bor'ek, no'ma ten'su, fah-
			jah nori bentu'sa.

	The crowd falls in with him --

					ALL
			Ka'li bor'ek, no'ma ten'su, fah-
			jah nori bentu'sa.

58G  INT. EMPOK NOR - KIRA'S QUARTERS

	as she slams her hand against the closed door in
	frustration. She listens to the CHANT, knowing full
	well what it means -- they're all willing to kill
	themselves as Dukat has asked. Off this disturbing
	moment, we...

59   OMITTED

									FADE OUT.
                        END OF ACT FOUR                         

       DEEP SPACE NINE: "Covenant" - REV. 10/14/98 - ACT FIVE       48.
                           ACT FIVE                             

	FADE IN:

60
thru   OMITTED
62A

62B  INT. EMPOK NOR - KIRA'S QUARTERS

	Kira's pacing in frustration when the door OPENS and
	Dukat ENTERS.

					DUKAT
			I sent a message to Deep Space
			Nine. They should be able to get
			someone here for you within a day
			or so.

	Kira studies Dukat for a beat.

					KIRA
			I know you're desperate to keep
			your followers from turning
			against you. It doesn't surprise
			me that you're willing to kill
			them. But I can't believe you're
			willing to die yourself.

					DUKAT
			You don't understand, Nerys.

       DEEP SPACE NINE: "Covenant" - REV. 10/14/98 - ACT FIVE       49.

62B  CONTINUED:
					DUKAT (Cont'd)
			The Pah-wraiths are calling me
			home. You should be happy.

	Kira doesn't know what to make of his apparent
	sincerity --

					KIRA
			Happy? Fifty people are going to
			die.

					DUKAT
			I assure you, our deaths will be
			painless.

	He produces a small CAPLET, fingers it thoughtfully.

					DUKAT
			Promazine. It was developed by
			the Obsidian Order for its
			operatives to use in case of
			capture. Not only is death
			swift, it reduces the body to
			dust within hours, making it
			unidentifiable to the enemy.
				(musing)
			Dust... that's all that'll be
			left of my passage through this
			misbegotten universe. But it
			doesn't bother me. Because I
			know that I'm going to be with
			the Pah-wraiths.

	For the first time, Kira doesn't doubt Dukat's
	sincerity.

					KIRA
				(softly)
			You really believe that.

					DUKAT
				(smiles)
			Good-bye, Nerys.

       DEEP SPACE NINE: "Covenant" - REV. 10/14/98 - ACT FIVE      49A.

62B  CONTINUED:	(2)

	And with that, Dukat turns and EXITS. The last
	thing Kira sees before the door closes is Dukat
	motioning to her guard that they should go to the
	temple. Off Kira's face as the door shuts, trapping
	her inside...

63   EXT. SPACE - EMPOK NOR (OPTICAL)

	Re-establishing.

       DEEP SPACE NINE: "Covenant" - REV. 10/14/98 - ACT FIVE       50.

64   INT. EMPOK NOR - TEMPLE

	The crowd has gathered, including Brin, Fala and
	Benyan. BOWLS containing POISON caplets have been
	set up on small ceremonial STANDS near the podium.
	The crowd is CHANTING softly as they file up to get
	them -- as they move away, they hold them cupped in
	their hands, almost as if they were sacred objects.

65   BENYAN

	his child in his arms, comes forward. We see him
	reach into the bowl and get TWO caplets, one for him
	and one for his infant. Off this chilling moment...

66   OMITTED

66A  INT. EMPOK NOR - KIRA'S QUARTERS

	where Kira is working on the door control panel,
	which is OPEN to expose CIRCUITRY. Frustrated by
	her inability to trigger the lock, she slams her
	fist against the door and moves off.

	Her eyes fall to the Heater glowing in the corner.
	She moves to the device, OPENS a panel, and inspects
	the circuitry inside. Off Kira as she begins to
	pull some optical CABLES from inside it...

66B  INT. EMPOK NOR - TEMPLE

	As the last few people in the crowd get their
	caplets and return to stand with the others.

67   DUKAT

	emerges from behind the banner and the crowd falls
	silent. All eyes are on the Master as he scans
	their faces.

					DUKAT
			My children, the time has come
			for us to leave this world
			behind...

       DEEP SPACE NINE: "Covenant" - REV. 10/14/98 - ACT FIVE      50A.

67A  INT. EMPOK NOR - KIRA'S QUARTERS

	Kira has connected the heater's optical cables to
	the circuitry inside the door control panel. She 
	works the unit and it starts to OVERLOAD -- giving
	off a high-pitched SOUND that builds in intensity.

	Kira moves to the far side of the room as the SOUND
	builds... a tense moment, then --

67B  THE PANEL SPARKS

67C  THE DOOR

	unlocks and slides OPEN a few inches. Kira hurries
	over, pries it open the rest of the way, and EXITS.

67D  INT. EMPOK NOR - TEMPLE

					DUKAT
			-- as we embark on this journey,
			our hearts are not heavy, but
			joyful. Because we know we'll be
			together in the holy light of the
			Pah-wraiths.

67DD INT. EMPOK NOR - PROMENADE - SECOND LEVEL

	as Kira moves to the railing and looks toward the
	temple.

					DUKAT'S VOICE
				(in background)
			This is a great day for us...

67DDD INT. EMPOK NOR - TEMPLE

					DUKAT
			We have proven ourselves worthy of
			them. They're calling us home.

	Dukat raises a hand, and we see a CAPLET held
	between his thumb and index finger.

					DUKAT
			This is the means of our
			deliverance...

       DEEP SPACE NINE: "Covenant" - REV. 10/14/98 - ACT FIVE       51.
67E  NEW ANGLE

	revealing Kira on the UPPER LEVEL surreptitiously watching.

					DUKAT
			Kosst no'valt Amojan, my
			children.

					ALL
			Kosst no'valt Amojan.

68
thru   OMITTED
69

70   KIRA

	realizing she has to do something -- anything -- to
	stop Dukat.

71   DUKAT

	raises his hand into the air, holding the capsule up
	for all to see.

					DUKAT
			Don't be afraid... I love you
			all...

72   THE CROWD

	follows suit, the moment of truth is at hand.
	Suddenly Kira's VOICE shatters the moment --

					KIRA
			Dukat.

	Dukat looks up to see --

       DEEP SPACE NINE: "Covenant" - REV. 10/14/98 - ACT FIVE       52.

73
thru   OMITTED
75

76   KIRA
	as she LEAPS from the Upper Level --

76A  DUKAT

	as Kira lands on top of him and they both go
	careening to the ground.

77   A CEREMONIAL STAND

	as their tumbling bodies knock it over, causing the
	bowl of capsules to spill to the floor.

78
thru   OMITTED
79

79A  KIRA
	gets her bearings, turns to face the crowd --

					KIRA
			Don't you see why he's doing
			this?

	Brin and another Bajoran rush to grab hold of her.

80   DUKAT

	as Fala and another Bajoran move to help him.

					KIRA'S VOICE
			He doesn't want you to find out
			the truth!

	Dukat picks through the capsules on the floor, a
	look of alarm spreading on his features.

81   KIRA

	subdued by Brin and the other man, watches Dukat --

       DEEP SPACE NINE: "Covenant" - REV. 10/14/98 - ACT FIVE       53.

82   DUKAT

	stares at the spilled capsules with a stricken look.

					FALA
				(helping him up)
			Are you all right?

	Dukat looks at Fala uncomprehendingly, as if he
	doesn't even register what he's saying.

83   KIRA 

	realizing what Dukat's expression means.

84   THE CROWD

	as Fala steps forward to calm them.

					FALA
			Everyone, please. Let's not
			allow anything to disrupt this
			holy moment.

	Fala takes a capsule from one of the ceremonial
	stands and offers it to Dukat.

	Dukat looks down at the capsule in the man's hand,
	but doesn't reach for it.

					KIRA
			What's wrong, Dukat? Take it.

	Dukat stares at her like a deer caught in the 
	headlights --

					KIRA
			Go ahead. They're all the same,
			aren't they?

       DEEP SPACE NINE: "Covenant" - REV. 10/14/98 - ACT FIVE       54.

84   CONTINUED:

	Dukat ignores her, turns to the restless crowd.

					DUKAT
			My children, listen to me.

					KIRA
			Tell them, Dukat -- tell them you
			never had any intention of dying
			with them.

					DUKAT
			My time here is not finished.

	Uneasy murmurs from the crowd as they realize Kira's
	right --

					DUKAT
			The Pah-wraiths want me to
			continue bringing others into
			their light.

	More confused wallah from the crowd --

85   BENYAN

	steps forward, his eyes demanding the truth.

					BENYAN
			This is your child, isn't it?
			That's why you tried to kill
			Mika.

	Dukat can't deny it -- Benyan angrily throws the two
	capsules in his hand at Dukat.

       DEEP SPACE NINE: "Covenant" - REV. 10/14/98 - ACT FIVE       55.

85   CONTINUED:

					DUKAT
				(desperate to
				explain)
			The Pah-wraiths have forgiven my
			sins. They've given me their
			absolution.

	A chorus of angry shouts greets Dukat's admission --

86   DUKAT (OPTICAL)

	as a storm of capsules rains down on him, thrown by
	the crowd.

					DUKAT
				(anger flaring)
			Who are you to presume they're
			wrong? Who are you to judge me?

	But Dukat is shouting into the wind -- the crowd has
	turned on him once and for all.

					DUKAT
				(enraged)
			Then it's done. Our Covenant is
			broken.

	Dukat tears the EARRING from his ear -- we see a dab
	of BLOOD start to form in the torn skin.

					DUKAT
			None of you will ever know the
			love of the Pah-wraiths. None of
			you!

	And with a last look of bitter disappointment their
	way, Dukat touches his wrist and DEMATERIALIZES in a
	Dominion transporter effect.

	A hush falls over the crowd as their anger gives way
	to stunned silence.

	People move to comfort each other. Some fall to
	their knees in prayer, asking for guidance.

	Kira sees Fala sobbing quietly by himself, shattered
	by what's happened. He reaches his hand toward his
	mouth and she realizes he's holding a capsule in it.

					KIRA
			Fala, no.

	She pushes past people to get to him, but it's too
	late -- he's swallowed it.

       DEEP SPACE NINE: "Covenant" - REV. 10/14/98 - ACT FIVE      55A.

86   CONTINUED:

	As the poison takes effect, she cradles him in her
	arms.

					KIRA
			Why?

					FALA
			Faith, Nerys. Faith...

	And with that, he dies in her arms. Off Kira as she
	looks down at him, staggered by what he's done...

87   EXT. SPACE - THE DEFIANT (OPTICAL)

	as it travels at warp.

88   INT. DEFIANT - MESS HALL

	Kira and Odo are sitting at one of the corner
	tables. In the background, we see a handful of
	former cult members sitting quietly at other tables,
	their faces somber. They no longer wear earrings,
	or the armbands they once bore so proudly.

	Among them are Benyan and Mika -- the girl's face
	has returned to normal, and she's rocking her baby
	to sleep. Benyan is facing away from his wife, lost
	in his own thoughts.

					ODO
			I'm sorry about Vedek Fala...

	Kira nods ruefully...

					KIRA
			I keep going over what he said
			when he died. I don't know if he
			was trying to tell me that he
			never lost his faith... or that
			he felt betrayed by it.

					ODO
			I suppose you'll never know...
				(looking around)
			One thing's for certain, these
			people were betrayed. And now
			they have to find a way to pick
			up the pieces and move on.

	Kira takes a beat, trying to make sense of it all.

       DEEP SPACE NINE: "Covenant" - REV. 10/14/98 - ACT FIVE       56.

88   CONTINUED:

					KIRA
			I thought Dukat was just claiming
			to share their faith because he
			wanted them to love him.
				(this scares her)
			But it was more than that. He's
			changed.

					ODO
			Has he? If you hadn't stopped
			him, he would've killed them all,
			and no one would've known that
			his body wasn't among the
			remains. That sounds like the
			same old Dukat to me.

					KIRA
			I know this is going to sound
			crazy... but I think he convinced
			himself that he was doing what
			the Pah-wraiths wanted.

					ODO
				(troubled by the thought)
			Who knows, maybe he was.

					KIRA
			Either way, he believes. And
			that makes him more dangerous
			than ever...

	And off Kira and Odo as they contemplate what the
	future may hold, we...

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT FIVE                         
                            THE END