STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE "It's Only a Paper Moon" (fka "Untitled Vic") #40510-560 Story by David Mack & John J. Ordover Teleplay by Ronald D. Moore Directed by Anson Williams 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 This script is not for publication or reproduction.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 October 8, 1998 STAR TREK: DS9 - "It's Only a Paper Moon" - 10/08/98 - CAST STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE "It's Only a Paper Moon" CAST SISKO NOG KIRA VIC ODO ROM BASHIR LEETA O'BRIEN KESHA WORF LADD/TV EZRI PALANCE/TV QUARK DEWILDE/TV JAKE MAN'S VOICE COMPUTER VOICE Non-Speaking Non-Speaking N.D. SUPERNUMERARIES STAR TREK: DS9 - "It's Only a Paper Moon" - 10/08/98 - SETS STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE "It's Only a Paper Moon" SETS INTERIORS EXTERIORS DEEP SPACE NINE DEEP SPACE NINE CAPTAIN'S OFFICE AR-558 CARGO BAY/AIRLOCK CORRIDOR HOLOSUITE VEGAS LOUNGE VIC'S HOTEL ROOM HOLOSUITE CORRIDOR JAKE & NOG'S QUARTERS JAKE'S BEDROOM NOG'S BEDROOM PROMENADE QUARK'S TURBOLIFT WARDROOM AR-558 CAVERN DS9 - "It's Only a Paper Moon" - 10/09/98 - PRONUNCIATION STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE "It's Only a Paper Moon" PRONUNCIATION GUIDE BENBASSET BEN-buh-set MAKARA muh-KAR-uh DEEP SPACE NINE: "It's Only... " - REV. 10/26/98 - TEASER 1-2. STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE "It's Only a Paper Moon" TEASER FADE IN: 1 OMITTED 2 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL) There are numerous ships moving about the station. 2A INT. CORRIDOR EZRI, ROM, and LEETA are walking down the Corridor, heading for the Cargo Bay. ROM What if I say something dumb? Something that makes him uncomfortable? EZRI Like what? ROM Like... "How's your new leg?" EZRI I think he's probably expecting a few questions. ROM I just don't want to say the wrong thing. They stop just outside the door to the cargo bay. LEETA You'll be fine. But maybe I shouldn't be there when he arrives. EZRI Why? DEEP SPACE NINE: "It's Only... " - REV. 10/26/98 - TEASER 3. 2A CONTINUED: LEETA Well... when he was in the hospital, he didn't answer any of my letters -- that's okay. I mean, I'm only his stepmother. He's going through something so personal... maybe he only wants his real family around. ROM You are real family. EZRI That's right. And you should both just relax. Yes, Nog has lost a leg and that's a traumatic experience. But you're not going to say or do anything that'll be worse than what he's already gone through. Just be happy to see him and tell him you love him. For today, that'll be enough. Leeta's still worried, but she finally nods her assent. Ezri hits the wall control and the door OPENS. They EXIT to... 3 INT. CARGO BAY/AIRLOCK - CONTINUOUS JAKE, SISKO, WORF, O'BRIEN, KIRA, ODO, BASHIR and QUARK are waiting outside the airlock. As Rom, Leeta and Ezri ENTER, there's a BEEP from the airlock door. KIRA (off wall panel) They've docked. Everyone crowds around the airlock, eager to see Nog. After a beat, the door rolls OPEN and several N.D. Starfleet Officers stream out from the transport. Once they've all EXITED the cargo bay, there's a long quiet moment. No one else is coming out of the transport. DEEP SPACE NINE: "It's Only... " - REV. 10/26/98 - TEASER 4. 3 CONTINUED: SISKO (to Kira) You sure this is the right transport, colonel? KIRA I checked the passenger list this morning. He definitely boarded at -- LEETA Nog! They all turn to see... 4 NOG slowly making his way through the airlock. He's in uniform, with a bag slung over his shoulder and carrying a PADD. He's also walking with a cane and limping noticeably. 5 RESUME As our people react with surprise. It takes a moment, but Ezri recovers first. She begins CLAPPING and the others quickly join in. By the time Nog makes it out of the airlock, everyone is clapping and CHEERING him on. Rom and Leeta give him hugs and the others all crowd around, clapping him on the back, shaking his hand, etc. ALL Welcome home! We love you! You look great! It's so good to have you back! Welcome back! The station wasn't the same without you! Etc. The congratulations and back-slapping recede after a few minutes and everyone takes a step back to hear what Nog has to say. He's clearly uncomfortable with all the attention. NOG Uh... thank you. It's good to be back. (hands Sisko the PADD) My orders, captain. DEEP SPACE NINE: "It's Only... " - REV. 10/26/98 - TEASER 5. 5 CONTINUED: Sisko glances at them, tries to lighten the mood. SISKO (joking) Medical leave? How can that be? O'BRIEN Sounds like an excuse to loaf around while the rest of us are working. BASHIR Work and lots of it, that's my prescription. WORF The Defiant plasma conduits could use an overhaul. QUARK My drink replicator could use some work. ODO Captain, maybe he forged those orders. SISKO I'm afraid they're genuine. Ensign Nog has no duties until further notice. Except... to attend a welcome home party in the wardroom! A CHEER goes up, but Nog settles things down. NOG If it's all the same to you, sir... I'm pretty tired. I'd rather just... go to my quarters. Is that all right? There's a beat before Ezri steps in. EZRI Absolutely. We'll celebrate after you've settled in. NOG Great. Beat. DEEP SPACE NINE: "It's Only... " - REV. 10/26/98 - TEASER 6. 5 CONTINUED: (2) JAKE (re: bag) I can carry that. NOG I've got it. He manages a weak smile for their benefit, then effectively ends the conversation. NOG Well. If you'll excuse me... He heads for the EXIT. Leeta moves to go with him, but Ezri motions her to stay. As our people watch the young Ferengi officer limp away, we can see the pain and concern written all over their faces. 6 OMITTED 6A ROM & LEETA watch him go. ROM Did I do something wrong? Leeta's tearing up, but she hugs Rom and shakes her head. 7 WIDER as Nog's friends watch him make his way slowly across the huge bay... FADE OUT. END OF TEASER DEEP SPACE NINE: "It's Only... " - REV. 10/26/98 - ACT ONE 7. ACT ONE FADE IN: (NOTE: Episode credits fall over opening scenes.) 8 INT. JAKE & NOG'S QUARTERS Nog is sitting in a chair in his living room, now in civilian clothes. The cane is nearby and Ezri is sitting across from him. EZRI ... and Julian and Miles have become even more obsessed with their Alamo program if you can believe it. I half expect Miles to start wearing a coonskin cap to work. She chuckles, but Nog barely reacts. EZRI You see... Davy Crockett wore this cap made of... a raccoonskin and... NOG I know the program. EZRI Oh. (beat) Well, I think we've covered just about everything you missed while you were away. Nog nods. EZRI Is there anything you want to talk about? NOG Not particularly. Ezri nods, then her eyes fall on the cane for a moment. Nog notes her look and lets out a long breath. DEEP SPACE NINE: "It's Only... " - REV. 10/26/98 - ACT ONE 8. 8 CONTINUED: NOG Here it comes... EZRI What? NOG The "cane problem." You're about to ask me why I need to walk with the cane since Doctor Benbasset told you my biosynthetic leg is working perfectly. He also told you the problem's all in my head. That I'm crazy. EZRI He didn't say that. NOG It's what he thinks. EZRI Forget what he thinks. What do you think? Why do you need the cane? NOG My leg hurts. And if I put my full weight on it, it hurts more. So I have to limp. And that means I need to walk with a cane. DEEP SPACE NINE: "It's Only... " - REV. 10/26/98 - ACT ONE 9. 8 CONTINUED: (2) EZRI (nervous laugh) Sounds reasonable to me. NOG Good. (beat) Look -- can I be perfectly honest with you? (off her nod) I've spent the last three weeks talking about my feelings with the counselors on Starbase Two- Three-Five... and to tell you the truth, I'm a little sick of it. I just want to be left alone for a while. She looks at him with sympathy for a moment. EZRI I understand. I think we've done enough for today. (stands) I'll see you tomorrow. DEEP SPACE NINE: "It's Only... " - REV. 10/26/98 - ACT ONE 10. 8 CONTINUED: (3) She EXITS. Once she's gone, Nog relaxes noticeably. He grabs the cane and carefully gets to his feet. He stands there for a moment, unsure what to do. NOG (to com) Computer -- what time is it? COMPUTER VOICE The time is eleven thirty-two hours. Nog thinks about for a beat then EXITS to... 9 INT. NOG'S BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS Nog limps in and sits on the bed. He looks down at his artificial leg for a moment... puts a hand on it briefly... then lies down and pulls the covers over him. He reaches out and touches the control panel, and the LIGHTS go OUT. He lies there for another beat, then pulls a small ISOLINEAR ROD out of his pocket and looks at it. He puts it in a computer slot near the bed and hits a button. Suddenly, the room is filled with the sound of MUSIC and we hear the opening bars of "I'll Be Seeing You" fill the room. As Nog closes his eyes and listens to the music... 10 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL) Re-establishing the station. 11 INT. CAPTAIN'S OFFICE Ezri is talking with Sisko. SISKO Jake says he's sleeping over eighteen hours a day and Julian says he's missed his last two physical therapy appointments. DEEP SPACE NINE: "It's Only... " - REV. 10/26/98 - ACT ONE 11. 11 CONTINUED: EZRI And his counseling sessions are going nowhere -- in his words, he's "sick of talking about his feelings." Can't say I blame him. He's been under constant psychiatric care for almost two months now. SISKO So what do we do? EZRI I'm not sure. For now, our best option may be to simply watch and wait. SISKO Not my first choice. EZRI I know. But sometimes a patient can help guide his own treatment. Let's see what Nog does next. CUT TO: 12 INT. JAKE'S BEDROOM It's the middle of the night but Jake isn't sleeping. He's lying in bed, gritting his teeth as the final bars of "I'll Be Seeing You" float through the room. The song finally ends and Jake waits with bated breath for a long moment. When nothing happens, he smiles in relief and tries to go to sleep. A few seconds pass, and then the song starts up again. Jake groans and pulls his pillow over his head trying to block out the music. But he's had enough -- he flings off the covers and storms out of the room. 13 INT. NOG'S BEDROOM Nog is lying in bed, staring up at the ceiling and listening to the music when Jake ENTERS and hits the control panel. The music STOPS. DEEP SPACE NINE: "It's Only... " - REV. 10/26/98 - ACT ONE 12. 13 CONTINUED: JAKE Nog, I want to be understanding and I want to be your friend, but enough is enough. You've been playing that same stupid song for three days. I can't take it anymore. Nog just looks at him. JAKE Aren't you going to say anything? You've barely said three words to me since you came home. NOG Maybe I don't have anything to say. JAKE I'm trying to help you here, Nog, but you're not making it easy. NOG (simply) You want to help me? Fine. Leave me alone. Jake looks at him for a beat. JAKE All right. But if you want to hear that song again, go rent a holosuite. Jake EXITS. Nog looks after him for a moment, then sits up in bed and reaches for his cane... CUT TO: 14 INT. CORRIDOR/TURBOLIFT Nog limps up to the turbolift and presses the control panel on the wall. As he stands there waiting, his mind reaches back in time... DEEP SPACE NINE: "It's Only... " - REV. 10/26/98 - ACT ONE 12A. 15 EXT. AR-558 - NIGHT (STOCK) Nog is moving cautiously through a passage with the other Starfleet Officers. There's a sudden SOUND that takes us back to -- DEEP SPACE NINE: "It's Only... " - REV. 10/26/98 - ACT ONE 13. 16 INT. CORRIDOR Where Nog starts a little -- but it's only the sound of the turbolift doors OPENING. Nog glances around, grateful that no one saw him... then steps inside and presses the control panel. The doors CLOSE. 17 INT. TURBOLIFT Which is MOVING. Nog waits. 18 EXT. AR-558 - NIGHT (STOCK) Nog and his squad moving through the passageway. 19 INT. TURBOLIFT Nog is still riding the lift. 20 EXT. AR-558 - NIGHT (STOCK) Suddenly Jem'Hadar PHASER FIRE erupts from O.S. Larkin is shot in the back... 21 INT. PROMENADE The Turbolift doors OPEN. Nog hesitates for a beat, brought back to the here and now, then steps out. It's late at night on the station, and the Promenade is empty. Nog heads for Quark's. 22 EXT. AR-558 - NIGHT (STOCK) Nog retreats back the way they came... then takes a PHASER BOLT in the leg. He writhes on the ground in agony... 23 INT. PROMENADE Nog is working the lock to Quark's with one hand, and absently rubbing his artificial leg with the other. The doors to Quark's finally OPEN and he heads inside. DEEP SPACE NINE: "It's Only... " - REV. 10/26/98 - ACT ONE 14. 24 INT. CAVERN - AR-558 - NIGHT Nog lying on the operating table, listening to Bashir give him the bad news about his leg. Quark stands nearby and puts a hand on his nephew. BASHIR ... so in order to salvage the femoral motor nerves... I'm afraid I have to amputate your leg just above the knee. I'm sorry, but there's no other choice. Nog reacts to the grim news... 25 INT. QUARK'S Nog making his way slowly up the stairs. 26 INT. CAVERN - AR-558 - NIGHT Nog wakes up on the table. He sits up and looks down at his legs -- one is clearly missing. He hesitates for a beat, then flings the bedclothes aside -- 27 INT. HOLOSUITE CORRIDOR Nog's FIST slams into the bulkhead next to the holosuite door as he tries to banish the images from his mind. He takes a deep breath, settles himself and begins to work the wall panel next to the door. COMPUTER VOICE Program is running. You may enter when ready. Nog EXITS to... 28 INT. VEGAS LOUNGE Nog ENTERS the lounge, where VIC FONTAINE and his band are waiting in the otherwise empty room. Vic comes over to greet him with a smile and a handshake. DEEP SPACE NINE: "It's Only... " - REV. 10/26/98 - ACT ONE 15. 28 CONTINUED: VIC Hi there, pallie. Vic Fontaine. They shake hands. NOG I know. I'm Nog. VIC You're Rom's kid, right? NOG Right. VIC He's really proud of you -- he's always in here bragging about his son, the soldier boy. NOG (awkward) Yeah. VIC What can I do for you? NOG I want to hear, "I'll Be Seeing You." VIC Sure thing, kiddo. Any other requests? NOG No. Just "I'll Be Seeing You." VIC Sounds like it's a special tune. NOG It is. It helped me out once when I was... unhappy. VIC What more can you ask from a song? Nog grabs a chair and Vic heads for the stage. PUSH IN on Nog, who closes his eyes. DEEP SPACE NINE: "It's Only... " - REV. 10/26/98 - ACT ONE 16. 29 INT. CAVERN - AR-558 - NIGHT Nog is lying there on the table, vacant-eyed and lost in his own world. In the b.g., "I'll Be Seeing You" is playing throughout the base. Quark isn't sure what to make of it. But as Nog listens to the song, he seems to relax... starts to get caught up in the music. Bashir is checking over a PHASER RIFLE and preparing to leave. NOG Doctor? Bashir comes over to him. BASHIR Yes? NOG What is that? BASHIR It's a song I had Vic Fontaine record for me. NOG Vic... ? BASHIR He's a character in a holosuite program of mine. I thought it might take our minds off our troubles. (beat) Is it bothering you? NOG No. It's kind of nice... Bashir moves off. PUSH IN on Nog as he listens to the music... 30 INT. VEGAS LOUNGE Vic is singing away and this is the first time Nog's seemed happy since his return to the station. As Vic sings to his single audience member... DISSOLVE TO: DEEP SPACE NINE: "It's Only... " - REV. 10/26/98 - ACT ONE 16A. 31 OMITTED 31A INT. VEGAS LOUNGE Later. Vic is still on stage, and he's finishing a more swinging rendition of "I'll be Seeing You." He wraps up the song with a flourish and Nog claps politely. VIC Thank you. (to band) Take five, fellas. The band heads offstage and Vic comes down to talk to Nog. VIC That's it, kid. I know fifteen different arrangements of that tune and you've heard 'em all. So, which one's your favorite? NOG The first. VIC Somehow, I knew you were going to say that. Nog smiles and looks a little embarrassed. VIC So let me guess -- Julian played it for you, right? NOG Right. VIC If I had him as a publicist I'd be bigger than Elvis. NOG Who? VIC Never mind. (beat) So how's the new leg? DEEP SPACE NINE: "It's Only... " - REV. 10/26/98 - ACT ONE 17. 31A CONTINUED: NOG (surprised) You know about that? VIC People talk. Nog flexes the leg carefully for a moment. NOG If you really want to know... it hurts. VIC Can they give you something for that? NOG No, they say it's all in my head. "According to my tricorder, the pain receptors in your leg aren't being stimulated, Nog. You must be imagining it." But I don't care what they say, it hurts all the time. VIC I believe you. NOG You're the only one. Beat. VIC So what else can I do for you? Sing it again? Nog shakes his head. VIC Good. To tell you the truth, I was starting to get a little sick of it myself. How 'bout something else? NOG No... all I want to do is go to bed. DEEP SPACE NINE: "It's Only... " - REV. 10/26/98 - ACT ONE 18. 31A CONTINUED: (2) VIC Okay. I'll catch you later. NOG Yeah. He looks at the door and frowns... something still clearly troubling him. VIC Something wrong? NOG I don't want to go back to my quarters... (rubs his forehead, to himself) Actually, I don't want to go back to my life... Nog lets out a long breath, then gets an idea. NOG Where do you live -- in this program, I mean. Do you have a... house or... ? VIC I have a suite here in the hotel. NOG Do you have an extra room? VIC Sure. (beat) You want to stay with me tonight? NOG Maybe more than just tonight. (musing) Officially, I'm on medical leave, and according to regulations I can choose my own rehabilitation facility. VIC You want to choose a holosuite program for your rehab? DEEP SPACE NINE: "It's Only... " - REV. 10/26/98 - ACT ONE 19-20. 31A CONTINUED: (3) NOG (thinks it over) Why not? VIC Okay, kid. If that's the way you want it. From now on, you're staying with me. NOG Great. Nog smiles and they shake hands. VIC Crazy. 32 thru OMITTED 34 FADE OUT. END OF ACT ONE DEEP SPACE NINE: "It's Only... " - REV. 10/26/98 - ACT TWO 20-21. ACT TWO FADE IN: 35 INT. WARDROOM Rom, Leeta, Jake, Quark, Sisko, and Bashir are here listening to Ezri explain the situation. ROM My son is insane. EZRI Rom... ROM He's a one-legged crazy man! EZRI He's not crazy. SISKO But he is living in a holosuite. EZRI At first, it struck me as a little... peculiar. But after I thought it over, I began to think that maybe this is a good sign after all. QUARK How can hiding in one of Julian's adolescent programs be a good sign? BASHIR Hey... JAKE It could be worse. He could be hiding in the Alamo program. LEETA Or that ridiculous secret agent program. BASHIR Hey. ROM Or that stupid Viking program. DEEP SPACE NINE: "It's Only... " - REV. 10/26/98 - ACT TWO 22. 35 CONTINUED: BASHIR Hey! SISKO All right. (to Ezri) Are you sure this is in Nog's best interest? EZRI No, I'm not sure. But I think Nog might be subconsciously seeking out his own form of therapy. JAKE I'm sorry, but moving into a holosuite is not my idea of therapy. EZRI Okay, it sounds a little odd. QUARK It sounds ridiculous. BASHIR Not really. I'm with Ezri on this one. The mind has a strong natural instinct for survival. For whatever reason, Nog's mind has found shelter in the world of Vic Fontaine. EZRI I think we should wait and let this play itself out. SISKO Well, then someone should talk with Vic -- make him aware of Nog's emotional and physical condition. EZRI I'll do it. DEEP SPACE NINE: "It's Only... " - REV. 10/26/98 - ACT TWO 23. 35 CONTINUED: (2) QUARK And who's going to pay for all this holosuite time? Everyone turns and looks at him. QUARK I guess I am. SISKO And it's very generous of you. (stands, then to Ezri) Keep me informed. CUT TO: 35A INT. VEGAS LOUNGE Ezri has just caught Vic up on the Nog situation. VIC I get it. He's got some healing to do. I could see that the moment he walked in here. EZRI Great. Any questions? VIC You sure he doesn't need the cane? Because he's pretty sure he does. EZRI I'm positive. It's a psychological need, not a physical one. VIC Well, in that case, I've got some ideas on how to wean him off the stick. EZRI Okay, but don't push it. VIC Hey -- do I seem pushy to you? DEEP SPACE NINE: "It's Only... " - REV. 10/26/98 - ACT TWO 23A. 35A CONTINUED: EZRI No. (beat) Well, you know where to reach me if you have any problems. VIC I got your number. Ezri heads for the EXIT. 36 INT. VIC'S HOTEL ROOM - DAY Nog is sitting in an easy chair, wearing period casual clothes, watching TV and eating a bowl of popcorn. Vic ENTERS. VIC Hey, kid. NOG Hey, Vic. (re: TV) Have you seen this movie? VIC Oh, yeah. 37 ON THE TV which is showing Shane. The movie is nearly over. Alan Ladd is facing down Jack Palance in the saloon. (Timecode approx. 03:00:15 -- 03:00:35) LADD/TV I've heard about you. PALANCE/TV What have you heard, Shane? 38 NOG & VIC Nog is watching the film. Vic goes over to the bar, pours himself a drink and picks up a STACK OF LEDGERS and carries them over to the couch. 39 ON THE TV Ladd takes his stance. DEEP SPACE NINE: "It's Only... " - REV. 10/26/98 - ACT TWO 24. 39 CONTINUED: LADD/TV I've heard that you're a low down Yankee liar. 40 NOG & VIC Nog never takes his eyes off the screen. Vic is looking over the ledgers with a weary expression. 41 ON THE TV The gunfight breaks out. (Timecode approx. 03:00:47 -- 03:00:54) 42 INCLUDE VIC shakes his head at the books. VIC From these books I can't tell if I'm rich as Rockefeller or poor as a churchmouse. Nog never takes his eyes off the TV. NOG It's not real money, Vic. Don't worry about it. VIC Hey, it's real to me, kid. NOG I could have the computer put some money in your account. VIC No, thanks. I'll figure it out. 43 ON THE TV Ladd is getting on his horse while Brandon de Wilde looks on. (Timecode approx. 03:02:44 -- 03:02:50) LADD/TV I gotta be going on. DEEP SPACE NINE: "It's Only... " - REV. 10/26/98 - ACT TWO 25. 43 CONTINUED: DEWILDE/TV Why, Shane? 44 NOG turns to Vic. NOG Didn't he just get shot a minute ago? VIC Yeah. He took one in the arm. NOG But he's not bleeding. He's not even in pain! VIC Noggles, take it easy -- it's only a movie. 45 ON THE TV Ladd is riding off toward the mountains. (Timecode approx. 03:05:00 -- 03:05:30) DEWILDE/TV Shane! Come back! 46 NOG & VIC Nog gets up and TURNS OFF the TV as the movie ENDS. NOG I liked The Searchers better. VIC Who doesn't? (glances at watch) Sonuvagun! I gotta get ready for the show. NOG The show? I thought we were hanging in. DEEP SPACE NINE: "It's Only... " - REV. 10/26/98 - ACT TWO 26. 46 CONTINUED: VIC Hanging out. And we are, but I have a gig to do. NOG Cancel it. VIC I can't do that. NOG Why not? VIC It would be unprofessional. Besides, performing is my life. It's what I do. I gotta get out there and swing or I'm just another clyde in a tux. (beat) You coming to the show? NOG Sure. Vic goes to a cabinet and pulls out something long and thin and wrapped in felt. VIC Then may I suggest you carry something with a little more style... Vic unwraps the package revealing an elegant BLACK CANE with a gold LION'S HEAD. VIC Now this is a cane. Nog's curiosity is peaked and gets up using his own metallic cane to examine the lion's head staff more closely. VIC It's a replica of the one Errol Flynn used to have. Except his was a little taller. Nog takes the cane and looks it over. DEEP SPACE NINE: "It's Only... " - REV. 10/26/98 - ACT TWO 26A. 46 CONTINUED: (2) NOG It's beautiful... reminds me of the Grand Nagus's staff. VIC And it has a little secret -- press that button on the back of the head. Nog finds the button and presses it -- a FLAME comes out of the lion's mouth. He loves it. NOG It's great. But what's it for? DEEP SPACE NINE: "It's Only... " - REV. 10/26/98 - ACT TWO 27. 46 CONTINUED: (3) VIC You never know when a lady might need a light. Now be careful with that stick, it's a little fragile -- I don't think it'll take your whole weight. NOG Actually, I don't need to put my whole weight on it. Vic notes that small admission, but doesn't remark on it. VIC Good. Now we better get dressed. NOG Tuxedoes? VIC Hey -- you're catching on. Nog smiles and they head for their respective bedrooms. CUT TO: 47 INT. VEGAS LOUNGE Vic's on stage singing "I've Got the World on a String" to a packed house. 48 JAKE ENTERS with an attractive Bajoran girl named KESHA. They're both dressed for the occasion. Jake exchanges a friendly handshake with the Maitre d' -- they know each other. Jake whispers something in his ear, and the Maitre d' points O.S. Jake looks over to see... 49 NOG now dressed in a tuxedo, has taken a prime table up front and he's tapping his new cane in time to the music. DEEP SPACE NINE: "It's Only... " - REV. 10/26/98 - ACT TWO 28. 50 JAKE and Kesha make their way through the crowd toward Nog's table. JAKE Hi there. Nog is surprised and less than thrilled to see them. JAKE Nog, let me introduce you to -- MAN'S VOICE Down in front! JAKE Sorry. Jake and Kesha sit down. JAKE Nog, this is Kesha. Kesha -- Nog. KESHA Nice to meet you. NOG Welcome to Las Vegas. KESHA Thanks. Vic finishes "World on a String" and everyone APPLAUDS. DEEP SPACE NINE: "It's Only... " - REV. 10/26/98 - ACT TWO 29. 50 CONTINUED: Vic Thank you, you're too kind. I guess that's the response you get when you pack the house with relatives. The crowd laughs, then Vic moves right into "Just in Time," and Jake turns back to Nog. JAKE So what've you been doing? NOG Hanging out. KESHA Out of what? NOG It's an expression. JAKE (to Kesha) There's a lot of old Earth slang in this program. (to Nog) Right, Daddy-O? NOG (tight) Right. Jake picks up on the negative vibes coming his way and decides to change the subject. JAKE Why don't I get us some drinks? Kesha, what'll you have? KESHA Makara fizz. NOG (icy) They don't serve that here. KESHA Oh. Well, what're you having? NOG A martini. Two olives. DEEP SPACE NINE: "It's Only... " - REV. 10/26/98 - ACT TWO 30. 50 CONTINUED: (2) KESHA I'll have the same. JAKE Be right back. Jake heads for the bar. Kesha and Nog exchange uncomfortable looks for a moment. KESHA Jake says you're going to be the first Ferengi captain in Starfleet. NOG We'll see. KESHA He also says you're quite a hero. NOG I'm not a hero. KESHA Don't be so modest. Jake's not the only one. Everyone on the station says that -- NOG (sharp) I said, I'm not a hero. Okay? KESHA (surprised) Okay. Kesha decides to give up the conversation for now. She listens to Vic for a few seconds, then glances over at Nog again. Her eyes naturally go to his cane and then his leg, and Nog picks up on it instantly. NOG Which one? KESHA What? DEEP SPACE NINE: "It's Only... " - REV. 10/26/98 - ACT TWO 31. 50 CONTINUED: (3) NOG That's what you're wondering right? Which leg is it? KESHA I -- I wasn't wondering about... that... NOG About what? KESHA About your... you know... NOG My new leg? Can't you say it? KESHA No -- yes. I mean, I'm not trying to say anything... NOG Then maybe you should just keep quiet. Jake arrives with three drinks. JAKE Here we go -- three martinis. KESHA I think we should go, Jake. NOG That sounds like a good idea. JAKE Uh... what's going on? KESHA It's all my fault. I didn't mean to stare... JAKE At what? NOG What do you think? The light dawns on Jake and he looks down at Nog's leg. DEEP SPACE NINE: "It's Only... " - REV. 10/26/98 - ACT TWO 31A. 50 CONTINUED: (4) JAKE Oh... KESHA (to Nog) I'm really sorry if I made you uncomfortable. NOG (dismissive) Wonderful. Good-bye. JAKE Hold on. She said she was sorry. NOG I heard her. Now you can go. DEEP SPACE NINE: "It's Only... " - REV. 10/26/98 - ACT TWO 32. 50 CONTINUED: (5) JAKE What's wrong with you? NOG I said get out. JAKE Nog... NOG Let me put it another way... Without warning, Nog suddenly OVERTURNS the table on Jake. Jake tries to jump back out of the way, but ends up falling backward onto the floor. Jake starts to get up, but before he can get to his feet, Nog PUNCHES him in the jaw. Jake staggers back, stunned and heads turn all over the room. Vic stops singing and comes down off the stage. VIC You okay? He helps Jake up. JAKE Yeah... I'm fine. Jake glares at Nog, who looks on in defiance. Vic turns on Nog. VIC And you... take a hike. NOG What? VIC You heard me. You don't come into my club and start hitting customers. Now get out before I throw you out. Somewhat chastened, Nog grabs his cane and begins limping through the stunned crowd toward the door. DEEP SPACE NINE: "It's Only... " - REV. 10/26/98 - ACT TWO 33. 50 CONTINUED: (6) OFF the angry and disappointed look on Vic's face... FADE OUT. END OF ACT TWO DEEP SPACE NINE: "It's Only... " - REV. 10/26/98 - ACT THREE 34. ACT THREE FADE IN: 51 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL) Re-establishing.the station. 52 INT. VIC'S HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT Nog is here watching an old episode of The Untouchables on TV when Vic ENTERS. VIC Still up? NOG I couldn't sleep. VIC (re: TV) You mind... ? Nog shrugs and Vic TURNS OFF the TV. VIC (tired) What a night... NOG I'm sorry about what happened. Vic undoes his bow tie and pours himself a scotch. VIC Don't apologize to me -- I'm not the one you belted. NOG I'll settle things with Jake. VIC And his girl. NOG Absolutely. (beat) Can I go back to the club tomorrow night? DEEP SPACE NINE: "It's Only... " - REV. 10/26/98 - ACT THREE 35. 52 CONTINUED: VIC I can't have you hitting the customers. It's bad for business. NOG I promise it'll never happen again. VIC Okay. What got into you, anyway? NOG I don't know. She started calling me a hero and things kind of went downhill from there. VIC She called you a hero? And for that you slug your best friend? Remind me not to pay you any compliments. Vic sits down and takes a sip of his drink. VIC I am beat. (beat) That's never happened before. NOG What? VIC Me getting tired. My program's never run this long. Usually people come in, they ask for a song or two... sometimes a night on the town... but I've never had to put in a full day. NOG Maybe you should go to bed. Vic looks over at the ledgers still stacked high on the table. VIC I got work to do. If I don't get those books in order, Uncle Sam is going to come down on me like a ton of bricks. DEEP SPACE NINE: "It's Only... " - REV. 10/26/98 - ACT THREE 36. 52 CONTINUED: (2) NOG Sounds like my uncle. Is there anything I can do? VIC You know anything about bookkeeping? NOG I'm a Ferengi. It's in our blood. Vic looks at him for a second, then picks up the ledgers and drops them in Nog's lap. VIC They're all yours. NOG Where's your computer? Vic hands him a pencil. VIC Right here. (off his look) It's nineteen sixty-two. What do you want from me? NOG It's all right. I can do it this way. He starts to work and Vic pulls himself up out of the chair and heads for his bedroom. VIC Well, I'm going to hit the sack. NOG Vic, can I ask you a question? VIC Sure. NOG When you sleep... do you dream? Vic stops for a moment and gives him an ambiguous smile. DEEP SPACE NINE: "It's Only... " - REV. 10/26/98 - ACT THREE 37. 52 CONTINUED: (3) VIC Good-night, kid. NOG Good-night. Vic EXITS, leaving Nog to work on the books. CUT TO: 53 INT. VEGAS LOUNGE The next day. Vic is sitting at one of the tables, playing cards with the band when Ezri ENTERS. VIC (to Musicians) ... but this time he's switched all the robes in the steam room. So when Dino goes to pick up his robe, he doesn't realize that across the back, Frank has written, in big bold letters-- (catches sight of Ezri) I'll finish the story later. Vic goes to Ezri. VIC Hi, dollface. EZRI Hi. Where's Nog? VIC Up in the room. He's still working on the receipts from sixty-one. That's kid's a hell of an accountant. He says the government owes me money -- can you believe that? EZRI I need to talk to him. VIC Can it wait? DEEP SPACE NINE: "It's Only... " - REV. 10/26/98 - ACT THREE 38. 53 CONTINUED: EZRI I'm afraid not. VIC This is about the thing with Jake, right? Is he pressing charges? EZRI No. But I think it's time for Nog to leave the holosuite. She turns to go, but Vic stops her. In the b.g., Nog ENTERS, carrying an armful of receipts, a long adding machine tape and holding a pencil in his teeth. (But he's still limping and using the lion's head cane.) VIC Wait a minute. He likes it here. He's making real progress. Okay, he lost his cool, but I don't think it'll happen again. EZRI Vic, he can't hide in here forever. He has to face reality sometime. DEEP SPACE NINE: "It's Only... " - REV. 10/26/98 - ACT THREE 39. 53 CONTINUED: (2) VIC The kid's had too much reality lately, if you ask me. He's lost a leg, he's watched good friends die. Like you told me, we shouldn't push him -- he needs time to heal. EZRI (firm) No offense, but you're just a hologram. I'm his counselor. I outrank you... or something. And I think it's time for him to go. VIC He's on medical leave. And according to Starfleet regulations, he can spend it anywhere he chooses. EZRI How do you know that? Nog steps in. NOG I told him. Ezri is caught off-guard by his sudden appearance, but tries not to get flustered. DEEP SPACE NINE: "It's Only... " - REV. 10/26/98 - ACT THREE 40. 53 CONTINUED: (3) NOG And if you try to force me to leave I'll resign my commission. EZRI Wait a minute... let's slow down here. No one's talking about forcing anyone to do anything. NOG Good. Because Vic and I have big plans. VIC We do? NOG I've been going over your books. This place is a latinum-mine and you don't even know it. In my opinion, it's time to expand the business. EZRI Nog, this is a holosuite. NOG Of course it's a holosuite. But that doesn't mean we can't build a new casino. VIC A new casino? (takes the adding machine tape) How much money do I have? NOG If you'll excuse us, counselor, we have business to conduct... Nog leads Vic away and begins showing him the calculations he's made. OFF Ezri's concerned look... FADE OUT. END OF ACT THREE DEEP SPACE NINE: "It's Only... " - REV. 10/26/98 -ACT FOUR 41. ACT FOUR FADE IN: 54 OMITTED 54A INT. VEGAS LOUNGE (FORMERLY SCENE 61) Off-hours, no patrons. Nog is excitedly showing Vic a set of BLUEPRINTS on one of the tables. The blueprints are for a brand new CASINO. Vic grins at the plans. (Casual clothes.) 55 INT. VIC'S HOTEL ROOM - DAY Nog is going over the books, now aided by a period ADDING MACHINE. Vic is looking over his shoulder, watching as Nog makes his calculations. (They're both in casual day clothes.) 56 OMITTED 57 INT. VIC'S HOTEL ROOM - DAY Nog and Vic in side by side easy chairs, watching The Untouchables on TV. (Casual clothes.) 58 INT. VEGAS LOUNGE Full house. Ezri is at the bar, discreetly watching Nog, who's twirling his cane. An N.D. Woman pulls out a cigarette and Nog LIGHTS it with his cane. Ezri EXITS. (Nog in a tuxedo, Ezri in uniform.) 59 OMITTED DEEP SPACE NINE: "It's Only... " - REV. 10/26/98 - ACT FOUR 42. 60 INT. VIC'S HOTEL ROOM - DAY Vic and Nog wearing bathrobes and eating breakfast at the table. They're sharing a NEWSPAPER -- Nog reading the business section, Vic reading the sports page. 61 OMITTED 62 INT. VIC'S HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT Nog's fallen asleep on the couch, adding machine tape, ledgers and pencils strewn everywhere. Vic covers him with a blanket. (Both in loosened tuxedoes.) 63 INT. VEGAS LOUNGE Full house. Ezri sits down at a table, shakes her head at the waitress's inquiry, then looks around for Nog. 64 NOG & VIC are at the bar, talking over some business. Nog sees someone in the crowd and waves. Nog tells Vic he'll be right back, then moves through the crowd, shaking hands with some of the patrons, kissing some of the ladies -- every inch the prosperous club manager. 65 EZRI suddenly notices something, she leans forward. 66 EZRI'S POV which is focused on Nog's legs. He's walking normally. He's still using his cane, but now it's a showy prop, a part of his new persona he's no longer using it as a crutch. DEEP SPACE NINE: "It's Only... " - REV. 10/26/98 - ACT FOUR 43. 67 EZRI smiles as she realizes that Nog has crossed some kind of bridge. She makes a decision and quickly EXITS. 68 VIC is on stage, finishing "Paper Moon." The crowd APPLAUDS and he takes his bows. Vic catches Nog's eye -- Nog is standing off to one side, applauding enthusiastically. They give each other a wink and a thumb's up. DISSOLVE TO: 69 OMITTED 70 INT. VEGAS LOUNGE Full house. Vic is between sets, but the band is on- stage, playing an instrumental version of "Moon River." 71 NOG is talking with the Bartender. NOG (to Bartender) Go easy on the garnishes. People order a drink, they don't want a fruit bowl in their glass. Nog suddenly sees something O.S. 72 ROM & LEETA have just entered the room and are waiting for someone to seat them. Nog reacts with a smile. DEEP SPACE NINE: "It's Only... " - REV. 10/26/98 - ACT FOUR 44. 73 CONTINUED: NOG (to Bartender) We'll talk about this later. The Bartender goes back to work as Nog heads over to Rom and Leeta. An N.D. Waiter is about to seat the couple. NOG (to Waiter) I'll take care of them. The Waiter departs. NOG (to Rom & Leeta) Hey -- long time, no see. ROM Hi. LEETA Oh, Nog! Rom shakes Nog's hand, while Leeta gives him a kiss. Both Rom and Leeta are a little awkward here, both are trying to be upbeat, but neither one is really at ease. Nog, on the other hand, is totally in his element, a man at peace with himself. NOG Right this way... He leads them to a prime table. LEETA So... how are you? NOG Couldn't be better. Business is booming. We're making money hand over fist. I can barely keep up with all the profits. ROM Those are... holographic profits, right? NOG Uh... yeah. (beat) So what's new with you? DEEP SPACE NINE: "It's Only... " - REV. 10/26/98 - ACT FOUR 45. 73 CONTINUED: (2) LEETA Rom got a promotion. ROM (proud) Maintenance engineer first class. NOG That's great! Congratulations! ROM Thanks. NOG We should celebrate. We could close the lounge, have a private party... LEETA Actually, Chief O'Brien threw him a party last night. NOG Oh. LEETA It was a spur of the moment thing... no invitations or anything... NOG Don't worry about it. I probably couldn't have gotten away -- last night was really busy... Leeta and Rom nod and there's an awkward beat. Nog sees something O.S. NOG Uh-oh. A big player just walked in. Excuse me for a minute -- I have to go schmooze. ROM Okay. See you later. LEETA 'Bye. Nog walks off. Rom and Leeta look after him wistfully. DEEP SPACE NINE: "It's Only... " - REV. 10/26/98 - ACT FOUR 46-47. 74 OMITTED 75 EZRI Is at the bar, watching Nog as he schmoozes a well- dressed N.D. Big Shot when Vic comes over to her. VIC I hope you're still talking to me... EZRI Of course I am. They both watch Nog for a beat. EZRI I've got to hand it to you, Vic, you've done a great job with him. He seems like a new man. VIC He just needed a little time, that's all. EZRI ... heals all wounds, right? Across the room, a waiter whispers something in Nog's ear. Nog excuses himself from the Big Shot and goes to the manager's stand to take a phone call. EZRI Giving him that cane was a great idea. I haven't seen him limp in days. VIC It gets better. Yesterday, we drove out to see the architect who's designing the casino, and I saw him actually run up a flight of stairs. EZRI No kidding. VIC Would I kid a kidder? DEEP SPACE NINE: "It's Only... " - REV. 10/26/98 - ACT FOUR 48. 75 CONTINUED: EZRI So what's next for you two? VIC Well, we don't break ground on the casino for another week, so I thought we could fly up to Tahoe for a couple of days. Sammy's going to be performing at the Cal- Neva and I thought I'd introduce the kid to him. EZRI Sammy's a friend of yours... ? VIC We're tight. EZRI I see. So you're going to have Sammy convince him it's time to leave the holosuite? This pulls Vic up short. VIC Well... no. EZRI (quickly) Forget it. I should know better by now than to ask you to give away your secrets. You probably have everything all mapped out. (laughs) I mean, what am I thinking? That this "new casino" is anything more than a ploy? That you're really going to let him live out the rest of his life in a holosuite? Vic (forced laugh) No... no, of course not. The casino's just a... a ploy, like you said. Ezri looks over at Rom and Leeta sitting at their table with sad looks on their faces. DEEP SPACE NINE: "It's Only... " - REV. 10/26/98 - ACT FOUR 49. 75 CONTINUED: (2) EZRI (re: Rom & Leeta) They'll be so happy to have him back. VIC Yeah... He turns to see Nog at the bar, laughing and joking with one of the waitresses. VIC He is better, isn't he? EZRI It's just like you said -- he needed a break from reality. Now all that's left is to decide when he's ready to go back. But I'll leave that up to you. (gets up) See you 'round. VIC See ya. Ezri EXITS, leaving Vic looking at Nog with a thoughtful expression... CUT TO: 76 INT. VIC'S HOTEL ROOM Nog is out on the patio, going over the casino blueprints and making some changes with a red pencil when Vic ENTERS. NOG Great set tonight. VIC Thanks. (beat) Lot of familiar faces in the crowd. Did I see Rom and Leeta out there? NOG They came for a while. (re: plans)  DEEP SPACE NINE: "It's Only... " - REV. 10/26/98 - ACT FOUR 49A. 76 CONTINUED: NOG (Cont'd) What do you think about moving the crap tables over to the south wing and expanding the slot machines out into here? Vic glances over the plans. DEEP SPACE NINE: "It's Only... " - REV. 10/26/98 - ACT FOUR 50. 76 CONTINUED: (2) VIC Good idea. Nog is a little surprised when Vic suddenly rolls up the blueprints and puts them away. VIC I'll think it over. NOG But I'm supposed to meet with the architect tomorrow morning. VIC Not anymore. (beat) It's time for you to go, kid. NOG Go where? VIC You know where. It's time to end the program. NOG But... we've got work to do... we have a casino to build. VIC No we don't. This is just a fantasy... it's not real. NOG It's real to me and it's real to you -- and don't say it isn't. I know better. VIC You're right -- it's very real to me. But I'm a hologram, Nog. I'm not a person. Until you came along, I'd never been on for more than six or seven hours straight. NOG I know! But now you're running all the time. Isn't it great? DEEP SPACE NINE: "It's Only... " - REV. 10/26/98 - ACT FOUR 51. 76 CONTINUED: (3) VIC It's incredible. Since you've been here, I've slept in a bed every night... gone to work every day... had time to read the paper, play cards with the boys I've had a life. And I have to tell you, it's a precious thing I had no idea how much it means to just... live. (beat) Now, I'm going to return the favor and give you your life back. NOG But I don't want that life anymore, Vic. I'm perfectly happy here. VIC What "here?" There is no "here." Don't you get it? This is nowhere. It's an illusion. And so am I. In fact, the only thing in this entire program that isn't an illusion is you. Nog tries to soft-pedal the issue. NOG Okay. You're right. But I'm not ready to go back yet. I need more time. So let's just sleep on this and we'll talk about it tomorrow. He heads for his bedroom. 77 NEW ANGLE (OPTICAL) Vic sighs and realizes that stronger measures are called for. DEEP SPACE NINE: "It's Only... " - REV. 10/26/98 - ACT FOUR 52. 77 CONTINUED: VIC Kid... I hate to do this to you, but you're not giving me any choice. Computer -- NOG No, don't! VIC -- end program. The Hotel Room VANISHES, leaving Nog alone in the empty Holosuite. His old cane CLATTERS to the floor. OFF the image of Nog standing there all alone... FADE OUT. END OF ACT FOUR DEEP SPACE NINE: "It's Only... " - REV. 10/26/98 - ACT FIVE 53. ACT FIVE FADE IN: 78 INT. HOLOSUITE A short time later. Nog has opened one of the panels and is tinkering with the inner guts of the Holosuite circuitry. The door to the Holosuite OPENS and O'Brien ENTERS carrying a toolbox. Nog looks up in surprise. O'BRIEN Oh. Hi, Nog. NOG Chief. Something wrong? O'BRIEN Uh... no. I was running a diagnostic in Ops and noticed a magnetic flux anomaly in the holosuite transilluminator circuits. Didn't realize it was you. NOG Sorry. I'm... just having trouble getting the Las Vegas program to run. O'BRIEN You know... Vic's matrix is a little different than your standard photokinetic hologram. He can turn himself off. If he doesn't want to appear... he doesn't. NOG You mean he has free will? 166:[1,#b] DEEP SPACE NINE: "It's Only... " - REV. 10/26/98 - ACT FIVE 54. 78 CONTINUED: O'BRIEN I'm an engineer, not a philosopher. All I know is that when Vic turns himself off, he's off, and ripping out the guts of the holosuite isn't going to change that. Nog drops the optical cabling he was holding with resignation. There's an awkward beat. O'BRIEN Is there anything else I can do for you? NOG No. He turns to go, then hesitates. O'BRIEN We uh... we all miss you in Ops. Beat. NOG Yeah. O'Brien nods, then EXITS. There's a long beat, then we HEAR Vic's voice. VIC'S VOICE So... Nog whirls around to see Vic. VIC ... now that the chief's told you I'm smarter than the average bear, will you stop messin' around with my holosuite? NOG If you'll turn the program back on. VIC What is it I'm not making clear to you, Charley? You have to go. NOG You don't get it. I... I can't go out there. DEEP SPACE NINE: "It's Only... " - REV. 10/26/98 - ACT FIVE 55. 78 CONTINUED: (2) VIC Why not? Nog struggles, doesn't want to admit it... but finally has to. NOG I'm... scared. Okay? I'm scared. Nog takes a few steps around the Holosuite before continuing. NOG When the war started, I wasn't... happy or anything, but I was... eager. I wanted to test myself... I wanted to see if I had what it takes to be a soldier. And I saw a lot of combat... I saw a lot of people get hurt... I saw a lot of people die... but I never thought anything was going to happen to me. Then suddenly Doctor Bashir is telling me he has to cut my leg off. (beat) I couldn't believe it. I still can't believe it. (beat) If I can get shot... if I can lose a leg... anything could happen to me, Vic. I could die tomorrow. I don't know if I can face that. If I stay here, at least I know what the future's going to be like. VIC You stay in here, you're going to die. Not all at once, but little by little. Eventually, you'll become as hollow as I am. NOG (a little emotional) You don't seem hollow to me. VIC Compared to you, I'm hollow as a snare drum. (beat) DEEP SPACE NINE: "It's Only... " - REV. 10/26/98 - ACT FIVE 56. 78 CONTINUED: (3) VIC (Cont'd) Kid, I don't know what's going to happen to you out there. All I can tell you is that you've got to play the cards life deals you. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose... but at least you're in the game. Nog looks at the door, fights to overcome his fears... finally makes his decision. He slowly walks toward the door... OPENS it, then hesitates for a final moment. Then Nog EXITS. Vic looks relieved after he's gone, then looks down at the Holosuite floor. He picks up Nog's old cane and smiles. VIC Crazy. 79 OMITTED CUT TO: 80 INT. QUARK'S The bar is closed. Rom, Leeta and Quark are having a drink and trying to comfort themselves about Nog. ROM He seemed happy... LEETA And he's stopped limping... QUARK You're joking. LEETA No. He's a new man. You should go visit. Quarks suddenly notices something O.S. QUARK I don't think I need to... They follow his look... DEEP SPACE NINE: "It's Only... " - REV. 10/26/98 - ACT FIVE 57. 80 CONTINUED: Nog has just come down the stairs. NOG Hi. ROM Hi. LEETA Are you okay? NOG No. (beat) But I will be. Leeta hugs him, Rom hugs him and even Quark comes around the bar to join in the family moment... CUT TO: 81 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL) Re-establishing the station. 82 INT. HOLOSUITE/VEGAS LOUNGE (OPTICAL) Nog, now back in uniform, ENTERS. NOG Computer -- run program Bashir sixty-two. The Vegas Lounge APPEARS. Vic is sitting at a table, looking over some sheet music. (No patrons.) VIC Hi, pallie. Nice threads. NOG Thanks. DEEP SPACE NINE: "It's Only... " - REV. 10/26/98 - ACT FIVE 58. 82 CONTINUED: VIC You back at work? NOG Limited duty. Just a couple hours a day. VIC How's it feel? NOG Different. I feel... older. VIC Happens to the best of us. NOG I wanted to thank you for all you did for me. VIC That's not necessary. You did something for me too -- you gave me a chance to see what it's like to have a life. NOG You're going to have that chance again. I've made arrangements with my uncle Quark to keep this program running twenty-six hours a day from now on. VIC What? NOG It's my gift to you. VIC Kid... I don't know what to say. Nog sticks out his hand. NOG Just put it there, pallie and tell me you'll always save me a seat up front. Vic takes his hand. DEEP SPACE NINE: "It's Only.... " - REV. 10/26/98 - ACT FIVE 58. 82 CONTINUED: (2) VIC It's a deal. And you can take that to the bank. A warm moment between the two, then Nog heads for the door. NOG Gotta go. I'm buying Jake and Kesha dinner tonight. VIC Try not to overturn the furniture. NOG I'll try... Nog waves as he EXITS. Vic looks around the empty room for a long moment... soaking in the beginning of his new life. VIC Twenty-six hours a day... Suddenly MUSIC begins -- "I've Got the World on a String." Vic heads for the stage and begins singing the opening lyrics... VIC "I've got the world on a string/Sitting on a rainbow/Got the string around my finger/What a world, what a life... " 83 NEW ANGLE As the tempo CHANGES, and we see the room is now FILLED with people and the band is on the stage. VIC "I'm in love... " As Vic sings to his audience... FADE OUT. END OF ACT FIVE THE END