STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE "Inter Arma Enim Silent Leges" (fka "Untitled Bashir") #40510-565 Written by Ronald D. Moore Directed by David Livingston THE WRITING CREDITS MAY NOT BE FINAL AND SHOULD NOT BE USED FOR PUBLICITY OR ADVERTISING PURPOSES WITHOUT FIRST CHECKING WITH THE TELEVISION LEGAL DEPARTMENT. Copyright 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 This script is not for publication or reproduction.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 December 1, 1998 STAR TREK: DS9 - "Inter Arma Enim... " - 12/01/98 - CAST STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE "Inter Arma Enim Silent Leges" CAST SISKO GARAK KIRA KOVAL ODO CRETAK BASHIR NERAL O'BRIEN ROSS WORF SLOAN EZRI WHEELER HICKMAN Non-Speaking Non-Speaking N.D. SUPERNUMERARIES STAR TREK: DS9 - "Inter Arma... " - 12/01/98 - SETS STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE "Inter Arma Enim Silent Leges" SETS INTERIORS EXTERIORS DEEP SPACE NINE DEEP SPACE NINE REPLIMAT BELLEROPHON BASHIR'S QUARTERS ROMULAN CAPITAL CORRIDOR WARDROOM CAPTAIN'S OFFICE BELLEROPHON MESS HALL BRIEFING ROOM QUARTERS ROMULAN CAPITAL ROMULAN FORUM ROMULAN LECTURE HALL ROMULAN INTERROGATION ROOM DS9 - "Inter Arma Enim Silent Leges" - 12/02/98 - PRONUNCIATION STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE "Inter Arma Enim Silent Leges" PRONUNCIATION GUIDE TAL'SHIAR TAL-she-ARE DIVIDICES de-VID-ah-sees GENOREX GEN-no-rex ROTARRAN ROW-tar-an VELAL veh-LAL BELLEROPHON buh-LAIR-row-phon DELVAN DELL-van SET'LETH SET-leth PENSHO PEN-sho FUJISAKI foo-jeh-SAH-key TUVAN TOO-van RIGELIAN RYE-jill-ee-an NADION NAY-dee-on JEPELLA juh-PELL-ah KIMARA kim-MAR-uh And the one everyone's been waiting for: Inter Arma Enim Silent Leges ENTER ARM-ah EYE-nim SEE-lent LEH-ges DEEP SPACE NINE: "Inter Arma... " - REV. 01/08/99 - TEASER 1. STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE "Inter Arma Enim Silent Leges" TEASER FADE IN: 1 INT. REPLIMAT BASHIR and GARAK are having lunch. GARAK Ah, Romulus. How well I remember it. You will find the predominant color to be gray. The buildings. The clothes. The people. Did you know that the Romulan heart itself is gray? It's true. And entirely appropriate for such an unimaginative race. BASHIR I take it you didn't enjoy your brief stint on Romulus. You were posing as a... gardener weren't you? GARAK One of the few instances where my cover proved to be more enjoyable than the actual assignment. BASHIR What was that assignment by the way? GARAK I'm afraid I can't talk about that. Back to the subject at hand. What will your role be at the conference? BASHIR I'll be giving a talk on Dominion biogenic weapons, chairing a seminar on Ketracel White, and attending a meeting on a proposal to transfer twenty-five Federation hospital ships to Romulan control. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Inter Arma... " - REV. 01/08/99 - TEASER 1A. 1 CONTINUED: GARAK How dull. BASHIR Sorry to disappoint you. Admiral Ross and his staff will be discussing the "exciting" military issues. GARAK I see. (beat) I trust Starfleet Intelligence will be sending someone along to make good use of this opportunity. BASHIR What do you mean? DEEP SPACE NINE: "Inter Arma... " - REV. 01/08/99 - TEASER 2. 1 CONTINUED: (2) GARAK Isn't it obvious? This is a golden opportunity to gather intelligence on Romulan intentions and military capabilities. BASHIR They're our allies, Garak. And with a bit of luck, this could be the beginning of a entirely new relationship between our peoples. GARAK The eternal optimist. BASHIR Guilty as charged. GARAK How sad. I must tell you it's a bit disappointing to hear you mouthing the usual platitudes about peace and friendship regarding an implacable foe like the Romulans. But, I live in hope that someday you'll see the universe as it truly is, rather than as you wish it to be. BASHIR I shall endeavor to become more cynical with each passing day. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Inter Arma... " - REV. 01/08/99 - TEASER 3. 1 CONTINUED: (3) BASHIR (Cont'd) To look gift horses in the mouth and find clouds in every silver lining. GARAK If only you meant it. CUT TO: 2 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL) Establishing the station. 3 INT. BASHIR'S QUARTERS The middle of the night. Bashir is asleep in bed. Suddenly his eyes open. Something's wrong. He sits up and looks around. Someone is sitting in a chair on the far side of the room. BASHIR Lights. The lights come ON. 4 INCLUDE DIRECTOR SLOAN who is sitting in the chair, calmly watching Bashir. BASHIR Sloan... DEEP SPACE NINE: "Inter Arma... " - REV. 01/08/99 - TEASER 4. 4 CONTINUED: SLOAN Hello, Doctor. It's good to see you. I hope you're well-rested. Section Thirty-one has an assignment for you. OFF Bashir's face as he reacts in shock to seeing Sloan... FADE OUT. END OF TEASER DEEP SPACE NINE: "Inter Arma... " - REV. 01/08/99 - ACT ONE 5. ACT ONE FADE IN: (NOTE: Episode credits fall over opening scenes.) 5 INT. BASHIR'S QUARTERS As before. BASHIR You're taking quite a risk. I could have a security team here in thirty seconds. SLOAN I suspect you'd be unable to communicate with anyone outside this room. BASHIR I could scream for help. SLOAN Possible, but uncharacteristic. Screaming for help is too undignified for you. But don't let me stop you -- I enjoy being wrong. Beat. BASHIR What is it you want? SLOAN I told you -- you have an assignment. BASHIR I don't work for you. SLOAN You passed the test. You were accepted into the organization. BASHIR I wasn't asking to be accepted. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Inter Arma... " - REV. 01/08/99 - ACT ONE 6. 5 CONTINUED: SLOAN You were nevertheless. Now it's time to go to work. I'm sure you're dying to know what your mission is, but you won't give me the satisfaction of admitting it. So I'll just tell you. BASHIR Lucky me. SLOAN Section Thirty-one is extremely interested in this conference of yours. However, the Tal'Shiar will be handling the security arrangements, so we have virtually no chance of using any technical assets to gather intelligence. As a result, we'll be forced to rely on organic assets like you. (beat) Your assignment is to gather data on the Romulan leadership. In essence, we want you to take the pulse of their government, no pun intended. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Inter Arma... " - REV. 01/08/99 - ACT ONE 7. 5 CONTINUED: (2) BASHIR You're asking me to spy on an ally. SLOAN To evaluate an ally -- and a temporary ally at that. I say that because when the war's over, the following will happen in short order: The Dominion will be forced back to the Gamma Quadrant. The Cardassian Empire will be occupied. The Klingon Empire will spend the next ten years recovering from the war and won't pose a major threat to anyone. That leaves two powers to vie for control of the quadrant -- the Federation and the Romulans. BASHIR This war isn't even over and you're already planning for the next one. SLOAN Well put. I hope your report is equally succinct. BASHIR I don't know how many more times I can say this, but I don't work for you. SLOAN You will. It's in your nature. Sloan heads for the door. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Inter Arma... " - REV. 01/08/99 - ACT ONE 8. 5 CONTINUED: (3) SLOAN You're a man who loves secrets. Medical. Personal. Fictional. (beat) I am a man of secrets. You want to know what I know. And the only way to do that... is to accept the assignment. A long beat, and then Sloan EXITS. The second the door CLOSES, Bashir jumps to his feet, opens a drawer, pulls out a phaser and rushes to the door. 5A INT. CORRIDOR - CONTINUOUS Bashir ENTERS from his door and runs into EZRI. She's come around the corner just in time to be brought up short by Julian brandishing a phaser. EZRI Easy Julian! Bashir stops, then looks up and down the Corridor. Sloan is nowhere to be seen. EZRI What's going on? Off Bashir's frustrated look... CUT TO: 6 INT. WARDROOM SENATOR CRETAK, WORF, KIRA, ODO and O'BRIEN are having a meeting. Kira is chairing the meeting and there's a noticeable coolness between her and Cretak. There are several PADDs in front of everyone. KIRA (off PADD) Item seven -- warbird repair and maintenance. Senator? CRETAK Repairs on our ships are continually being delayed in favor of Klingon and Federation vessels. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Inter Arma... " - REV. 01/08/99 - ACT ONE 8A. 6 CONTINUED: CRETAK (Cont'd) The Dividices and the Genorex have been waiting almost three weeks while more than a dozen Klingon ships have been given first priority. O'BRIEN I make up the repair schedule according to my assessment of which ships have the greatest need. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Inter Arma... " - REV. 01/08/99 - ACT ONE 9. 6 CONTINUED: (2) CRETAK Odd that the Klingons seem to always have the greatest need. WORF They are usually more damaged because Klingon warships are relentless in pressing home their attacks. CRETAK Reckless would be another way of putting it. WORF The fight must be taken to the enemy. The war cannot be won if -- KIRA We're not here to debate combat tactics. Chief, how soon can you get those warbirds to a docking bay? O'BRIEN (thinks) I suppose I could bring them in tomorrow and delay repairs to the Hornet and the Rotarran. But someone's going to have to explain to General Martok why his flagship got bumped. KIRA Worf, you just volunteered for that assignment. ODO This brings up the question of shore leave. At the moment, we have the crews from two Klingon ships on the station. I'd rather not have that many Klingons and Romulans on the Promenade at the same time. CRETAK We'll forgo shore leave until the Klingons depart. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Inter Arma... " - REV. 01/08/99 - ACT ONE 10. 6 CONTINUED: (3) CRETAK (Cont'd) Our soldiers are professionals. They're here to fight, not to get drunk in Quark's. Worf fumes, but Kira moves on. KIRA Then that's it for today. (to all) Same time next week? Oh -- sorry, senator, you'll be attending the conference on Romulus won't you? CRETAK Yes. But Subcommander Velal will be here in my place. KIRA Fine. Have a safe trip. CRETAK Thank you. The meeting breaks up. CUT TO: DEEP SPACE NINE: "Inter Arma... " - REV. 01/08/99 - ACT ONE 11. 7 INT. CAPTAIN'S OFFICE SISKO is talking with Bashir. BASHIR Odo's checked all the security logs -- there's no indication of how Sloan got aboard or where he went. SISKO Can't say I'm surprised. From what we've seen of them, Section Thirty-one is meticulous about covering their tracks. (beat) I spoke with Admiral Ross this afternoon. He and I agree that the Romulan conference is too important to cancel. BASHIR What about me? DEEP SPACE NINE: "Inter Arma... " - REV. 01/08/99 - ACT ONE 11A. 7 CONTINUED: SISKO Starfleet promised to send its expert on Dominion biogenic weapons and Ketracel White to the conference. Since that's you -- you go. (beat) DEEP SPACE NINE: "Inter Arma... " - REV. 01/08/99 - ACT ONE 12. 7 CONTINUED: (2) SISKO (Cont'd) And we want you to carry out your "assignment." Make a few discreet observations on the Romulan leadership and wait for Sloan to contact you again. BASHIR Somehow, I don't think giving Sloan information is a good idea SISKO That was my instinct as well, but after talking to Ross I think we might have an opportunity here we can turn to our advantage. (beat) Officially, Starfleet Command has said they're appalled at the very notion that an organization like Section Thirty-one might exist and that they plan to get to the bottom of this entire business. BASHIR But unofficially... ? SISKO They've quietly pushed the investigation aside. Which means they either don't take Section Thirty-one seriously... or someone at Starfleet Command is protecting them. (beat) Either way, we now have a chance to get someone inside and I think we should take it. BASHIR So I play along... pretend I've decided to work for Sloan after all. SISKO When he contacts you to find out what you learned at the conference, make it seem like you've reluctantly come around to his way of thinking. Let him believe he's seduced you into helping him. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Inter Arma... " - REV. 01/08/99 - ACT ONE 13. 7 CONTINUED: (3) BASHIR That shouldn't be too difficult. Sloan already thinks I'm so tempted by his offer that I can barely see straight. (beat) I better get packed. The Bellerophon leaves in three hours. Sisko nods and Bashir heads for the door. SISKO One more thing, Doctor. (he stops) Remember that this isn't a game. Section Thirty-one is dangerous. If Sloan suspects that you're really working for us... BASHIR I understand. SISKO Good hunting. Bashir EXITS with a wave of his hand. Off Sisko's troubled expression... FADE OUT. END OF ACT ONE DEEP SPACE NINE: "Inter Arma... " - REV. 01/08/99 - ACT TWO 14. ACT TWO FADE IN: 8 EXT. SPACE - THE BELLEROPHON (OPTICAL) An Intrepid-class STARSHIP at warp. 9 INT. BELLEROPHON - MESS HALL (OPTICAL) A cocktail party is in full swing. A bar has been set up and the room is filled with Federation officers (including a few admirals), a few civilians, and a few Romulans. Bashir, ADMIRAL ROSS and Cretak are getting drinks. CRETAK A glass of Romulan ale, Doctor? ROSS The trade embargo has been officially lifted, in case you're wondering. BASHIR It hadn't crossed my mind, actually. Cretak gets him the drink. Ross lifts his glass in a toast. ROSS (re: ale) To one of the many benefits of the Alliance. They clink glasses and drink. Ross chokes and struggles to keep his composure. Cretak and Bashir handle theirs with more aplomb. BASHIR (joking) Shall I call for a medical team? ROSS (dry) No, thank you. He coughs and Cretak looks at him with a little amusement. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Inter Arma... " - REV. 01/08/99 - ACT TWO 15. 9 CONTINUED: CRETAK Don't tell me this is your first taste of Romulan ale. ROSS (coughing) It... was... illegal... CRETAK That never stopped most of your colleagues. Ross finally coughs himself out. ROSS (recovering) I know. I may be... the only officer in the fleet... who didn't indulge on occasion. CRETAK Would you like something else? Ross eyes the drink, refusing to back off. ROSS I'll manage. BASHIR That's the spirit, sir. Never say die. CRETAK What an odd expression. What does it mean? SLOAN'S VOICE It's a line from an old Earth poem. 10 NEW ANGLE Revealing that Sloan has now joined them. He's wearing civilian clothes and seems perfectly at ease. Sloan's attitude has changed now -- he's more open, more voluble in his "cover" role. Bashir can't believe Sloan is here at all, but tries to hide his surprise. SLOAN Forgive me for breaking in, but I couldn't help overhearing and etymology is one of my hobbies. (to Cretak) DEEP SPACE NINE: "Inter Arma... " - REV. 01/08/99 - ACT TWO 16. 10 CONTINUED: SLOAN (Cont'd) The phrase "never say die" was originally from a nineteenth century poem based on Shakespeare's "Merchant of Venice." It has since passed into the vernacular as an exhortation never to give up, no matter what the cost. CRETAK Interesting. SLOAN (to Ross) Wendell Greer, Assistant Director, UFP Department of Cartography. ROSS A pleasure. I'm Admiral William Ross... this is Senator Cretak.. Sloan shakes their hands in turn. SLOAN Admiral... Senator... ROSS And Doctor Julian Bashir... Sloan sticks out his hand, which Bashir takes after a beat. SLOAN Ah. The physician from Deep Space Nine. BASHIR That's right. SLOAN I've been hoping to meet you. I have so many questions about the Bajoran sector, the navigational anomalies, the transport patterns... could you spare a moment? (to others) Unless I'm interrupting... ? ROSS Not at all. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Inter Arma... " - REV. 01/08/99 - ACT TWO 17. 11 BASHIR AND SLOAN move off through the crowd to find a private corner. SLOAN (sotto) Try to play your cards a little closer to the vest, doctor. You're lucky they didn't see that look of shock on your face. BASHIR (sotto) If you've managed to attach yourself to the delegation, why do you need me? SLOAN All in due time. Now -- you have a lot of work do before we arrive at Romulus. There's a PADD in your quarters. Read it and I'll join you at twenty-two hundred. He slaps Bashir on the back and then heads off to speak with someone in the crowd. CUT TO: 11A INT. BELLEROPHON - BRIEFING ROOM (OPTICAL) Bashir and Ross are discussing Sloan. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Inter Arma... " - REV. 01/08/99 - ACT TWO 17A. 11A CONTINUED: ROSS "Mister Greer" certainly has all his ducks in a row. According to the Department of Cartography, he's been a mid-level bureaucrat for almost fifteen years. BASHIR It doesn't surprise me that he has a solid cover story. But I think it's too dangerous to allow him to participate in the conference or even to set foot on Romulus. We don't know what he's up to. ROSS On the other hand, if we move against him now, we'll lose any hope of penetrating Section Thirty-one. Ross thinks it over for a beat. ROSS (musing) His access at the conference will be limited to a few low-level briefings and seminars. It shouldn't be difficult to keep tabs on him... (makes a decision) If Sloan's here it suggests more than a simple intelligence- gathering mission. He's up to something and I think it's imperative to find out what that something is. (beat) We go forward. CUT TO: 12 INT. BELLEROPHON - QUARTERS (OPTICAL) An N.D. Romulan is calmly standing in the middle of the room, bathed in a BLUE LIGHT. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Inter Arma... " - REV. 01/08/99 - ACT TWO 18. 12 CONTINUED: The man DISAPPEARS and is replaced with the IMAGE of NERAL -- leader of the Romulan Empire. BASHIR'S VOICE Neral. Formerly Proconsul and now Praetor of the Romulan Star Empire. REVEAL Bashir and Sloan. Bashir is on the couch, while Sloan sits at a desk with a computer terminal. BASHIR Neral's ascension to the top post was confirmed by the Continuing Committee a little over a year ago. His immediate family was killed in a Klingon raid approximately twenty-five years ago. His hobbies include archeology and sociology. His favorite food is Delvan pudding and his pet set'leth's name is Pensho. SLOAN Very good. Total recall is a useful attribute for an operative. He works the computer terminal and the image of Neral DISAPPEARS and an image of CHAIRMAN KOVAL APPEARS. Koval is a heavy-set Romulan wearing the black tunic of the Tal'Shiar, with a lot of iron- gray in his hair. His deeply lined face looks like it would shatter into pieces if he attempted a smile. BASHIR Koval. Chairman of the Tal'Shiar. Section Thirty-one believes that he was involved in the death of Vice Admiral Fujisaki last year, but there's no proof. SLOAN The proof is buried somewhere in Koval's personal database, which puts it out of our reach for now. But believe me Doctor, the Deputy Chief of Starfleet Intelligence doesn't just die of "food poisoning." Sloan gets up and walks over to Koval, looking him right in the face -- the image doesn't react at all. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Inter Arma... " - REV. 01/08/99 - ACT TWO 18A. 12 CONTINUED: (2) We get the feeling that there's something very personal between Sloan and Koval. SLOAN I have to give him credit, though, it was a textbook operation. No sign of foul play, and certainly no sign of Romulan involvement. Very tidy... Sloan looks thoughtfully at Koval for a moment, then turns back to Bashir. SLOAN Koval's political status? DEEP SPACE NINE: "Inter Arma... " - REV. 01/08/99 - ACT TWO 19. 12 CONTINUED: (3) BASHIR Ambiguous. He hasn't been elevated to the Continuing Committee, which is usually a given for the head of the Tal'Shiar. His nomination is probably being held up due to Koval's opposition to the Federation Alliance, which is supported by a majority of the Committee. SLOAN Which, in turn, opens the door for your friend, Senator Cretak. She's an advocate for the alliance and she's been lobbying for that open seat. (beat) There's another rumor about Koval not contained in his file. We've heard he's ill. Something called Tuvan Syndrome. BASHIR I'm familiar with it. It's a neurological disease affecting mostly Romulans, Vulcans and Rigelians. It's degenerative and incurable at present. SLOAN If Koval is ill, he'll try to hide it. It's a weakness, one that could hamper his chances of being appointed to the Committee. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Inter Arma... " - REV. 01/08/99 - ACT TWO 20. 12 CONTINUED: (4) BASHIR Is that what you want from me? A diagnosis? What's the matter Sloan, doesn't Section Thirty-one have its own doctors? SLOAN Our physicians weren't genetically enhanced. They need equipment to make a diagnosis -- equipment that the Romulans won't permit at the conference. BASHIR I'm not capable of making a diagnosis by simply looking at a man. SLOAN Your genetically enhanced friends determined that Gul Damar killed woman just by watching him give political speech. I'm sure you can do even better. Sloan hits a button and the image of Koval DISAPPEARS. BASHIR You're going to move against Koval, aren't you? You want to find a way to use his illness to keep him off the Committee... Sloan doesn't answer. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Inter Arma... " - REV. 01/08/99 - ACT TWO 21-22. 12 CONTINUED: (5) BASHIR I suppose it would be naive of me to point out that interfering in the internal affairs of a sovereign power is explicitly forbidden by the Federation charter. SLOAN Without confirming or denying your speculation, I will say that if Koval comes to power, it'll be a disaster for the Federation. He'll argue for the Romulans to abrogate the alliance and negotiate a separate peace with the Dominion. And I shouldn't have to tell you what that would do to the course of the war. BASHIR That doesn't justify manipulating a -- SLOAN Let's make a deal, doctor. I'll spare you the ends-justify-the-means speech and you spare me the we-must- do-what's-right speech. You and I are not going to see eye to eye on this subject so I suggest we stop discussing it. (beat) Our mission is reconnaissance. We won't be called upon to do anything more than that. So I suggest you get some rest. We'll be in orbit of Romulus by oh-six hundred and you'll need to have your wits about you. Sloan EXITS. OFF Bashir's concerned look... 13 thru OMITTED 15 FADE OUT. END OF ACT TWO DEEP SPACE NINE: "Inter Arma... " - REV. 01/08/99 - ACT THREE 23. ACT THREE FADE IN: 16 EXT. ROMULAN CAPITAL (MATTE SHOT) The busy capital city of the Romulan Empire. 17 INT. ROMULAN FORUM A large, open setting that resembles an arboretum more than a government reception hall. The room is overflowing with plants and trees of every description, and there're even small fountains and ponds to be found here. Two large Federation and Romulan banners dominate one wall. Multiple doors lead off into conference rooms. Buffet tables have been set up and there are scattered chairs and tables throughout the hall. The hall is open all day, and is in constant use, with diplomats and soldiers constantly entering or leaving. The CROWD is a blend of Federation and Romulan attendees. The Romulans sport a variety of clothes, some military, some civilian and one or two Tal'Shiar mixed in. Bashir is carrying a plate of food away from one of the buffet tables and getting something to drink when he suddenly comes face to face with the real Koval. Bashir is caught off-guard by the sudden encounter. KOVAL Doctor Julian Bashir? BASHIR Yes. KOVAL I understand you were the officer who first identified the biogenic weapon known as the "Quickening." BASHIR That's right. On Boranis Three, in the Gamma Quadrant. Koval just stares into his eyes, as if reading something there. Bashir finds it somewhat unnerving. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Inter Arma... " - REV. 01/08/99 - ACT THREE 24. 17 CONTINUED: BASHIR I... don't believe we've been introduced. Koval stares for a beat before answering. KOVAL Koval. BASHIR Ah. It's a pleasure to meet you. KOVAL Why? BASHIR (trying to be light) Well, you've got me there. I suppose it's simply an expression. KOVAL And like most human expressions, entirely devoid of meaning. Can the Dominion's Quickening virus be replicated? BASHIR We've had difficulty recreating the exact RNA sequence of the virus, which is one of the reasons we've been unable to develop a vaccine. However, there are alternate methods of making vaccines which -- KOVAL I'm not interested in the vaccine, I'm interested in the virus. Do you know how to introduce the Quickening into a population? A chill runs down Bashir's spine. BASHIR Basically... DEEP SPACE NINE: "Inter Arma... " - REV. 01/08/99 - ACT THREE 25. 17 CONTINUED: (2) KOVAL Good. I look forward to hearing your lecture. And with that, Koval walks away, leaving Bashir to stare after him. Cretak comes up to Bashir. CRETAK You're going to make a fine operative, doctor. Bashir tries not to appear as surprised as he is. BASHIR Pardon me? CRETAK The Chairman of the Tal'Shiar rarely speaks with anyone in public -- much less anyone wearing that uniform. Starfleet Intelligence should recruit you immediately. It takes him a beat to realize that she's being wry. BASHIR What makes you think I'm not working for them already? CRETAK Somehow, it wouldn't surprise me if half the people in this room turned out to be operatives. BASHIR You are joking... ? CRETAK It may be impolitic to say this... but there're those who see this alliance as merely a... momentary truce. BASHIR Are you one of those people? CRETAK I could ask you the same question. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Inter Arma... " - REV. 01/08/99 - ACT THREE 26. 17 CONTINUED: (3) BASHIR In my case, you would get a firm, "no." But you've answered my question with a question. Beat. CRETAK I try not to predict the future. BASHIR What about Chairman Koval? CRETAK You tell me. You just spoke with him -- that's more than I've done in six months. BASHIR I take it you don't get along? CRETAK We have different views. BASHIR Which are... ? CRETAK (wry) State secrets. Bashir smiles. CUT TO: 18 INT. ROMULAN LECTURE HALL (OPTICAL) A short time later. N.D. Romulans and Federation personnel file into the room and take up seats. Bashir is going over his notes near a lectern set up in front of a wall monitor. There's one seat noticeably empty in the front row. When everyone is settled, Bashir steps up to the lectern. BASHIR Good afternoon. I'm Doctor Julian Bashir from Deep Space Nine and I'll be speaking to you on the subject of Dominion biogenic weapons. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Inter Arma... " - REV. 01/08/99 - ACT THREE 27. 18 CONTINUED: There's a murmur from the crowd and Bashir falters momentarily as Koval makes his way through the hall and takes the empty chair right up front. Koval's eyes bore into him and Bashir doesn't like the fact that the chairman seems so interested in his lecture. BASHIR I'd, uh... I'd like to start with an overview of the weapon that's become known as... the Quickening. He hits a control and the large monitor DISPLAYS a picture of a woman's face which has the distinctive markings of the Quickening. BASHIR This is an adult female inhabitant of Boranis Three. The markings on her face are typical of a humanoid infected by the disease, but not yet in the terminal stage. He hits the control again, and the picture CHANGES, now showing the same woman with a more advanced case of the Quickening. 19 KOVAL leans forward in his seat, very interested in the picture. 20 BASHIR watches Koval's interest with a growing sense of disquiet. 21 KOVAL seems to realize he's being watched and looks back at Bashir. His eyes are dead. 22 BASHIR is chilled once again by the man's gaze. He quickly goes back to his notes and tries to carry on. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Inter Arma... " - REV. 01/08/99 - ACT THREE 28. 22 CONTINUED: BASHIR You can see in this next photograph, by the necrotic character of the lesions that she has entered the terminal stage... this is also marked by an increase in leukocyte production... DISSOLVE TO: 23 INT. ROMULAN LECTURE HALL (OPTICAL) Later. Bashir's lecture has just ended. The wall monitor has a complex schematic showing various genetic profiles and DNA sequences. Bashir is reaching for a glass of water as the crowd breaks up. A few people come forward to shake Bashir's hand. One of them is Sloan. SLOAN Very enlightening. You almost made it comprehensible. BASHIR Next time I'll do a lecture with hand puppets just for you. SLOAN I'm glad to see you still have your sense of humor. There's a beat as Sloan waits for the room to empty out a little more. SLOAN (sotto) I trust you noticed who was sitting in the front row. BASHIR (sotto) He approached me this morning, between sessions. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Inter Arma... " - REV. 01/08/99 - ACT THREE 29. 23 CONTINUED: BASHIR (Cont'd) He wanted to know more about the Quickening. Specifically, whether I knew how to replicate the virus... and how to introduce it into a population. SLOAN What did you think of his health? BASHIR Didn't you hear what I just said? SLOAN I heard you. Koval wants to get his hands on the Quickening. It's not news to me that the head of the Tal'Shiar is interested in biogenic weapons. Pull your head out of the sand, and take a look around, doctor. These are not nice people we're dealing with here. Now, answer my question. Bashir takes a beat to refocus himself. BASHIR His eyelids were slightly displaced, and there was noticeable weakness in his facial muscles -- possibly a result of compromised neuromuscular function. Also his respiration seemed irregular. SLOAN Bottom line? BASHIR He may have Tuvan Syndrome, but if he does it's in the very early stages. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Inter Arma... " - REV. 01/08/99 - ACT THREE 30. 23 CONTINUED: (2) SLOAN How long does he have? BASHIR If he fits the normal profile... he'll begin experiencing a loss of motor skills in the next ten to fifteen years... with life expectancy somewhere in the twenty to twenty-five year range. Sloan thinks that over for a moment. SLOAN Are there any instances in which the disease accelerates without warning? BASHIR (thinks) It happens, but in less than five percent of the cases. Beat. SLOAN Is there anything that could trigger the acceleration? Bashir stiffens. BASHIR I'm not sure what you're asking me. SLOAN Never mind. Thank you, doctor, you've been very helpful. Sloan EXITS, leaving a very disturbed Bashir in his wake. CUT TO: DEEP SPACE NINE: "Inter Arma... " - REV. 01/08/99 - ACT THREE 31-31A. 24 OMITTED 25 INT. BELLEROPHON - BRIEFING ROOM Bashir has just told Ross about his conversation with Sloan. ROSS This is unbelievable. (beat) Let's put aside -- for the moment -- that he's contemplating the murder of a high-ranking official. What the hell makes him think that the next head of the Tal'Shiar will be any better than Koval? BASHIR Sloan's more concerned with who gets the empty seat on the Continuing Committee. He's hoping that Cretak gets it. ROSS Hmm. Well, I have to agree with him there. Cretak, for all her abrasiveness, is at least a patriot. BASHIR How does that make her any different than Koval? ROSS If you saw the reports from Starfleet Intelligence that I see, you wouldn't ask that question. Koval would like nothing better than to see the Romulan banner waving over Earth. Believe me, doctor -- Chairman Koval is not someone we want at the Praetor's right hand. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Inter Arma... " - REV. 01/08/99 - ACT THREE 32. 25 CONTINUED: Ross takes a few beats to clear his mind. ROSS I'll have Sloan confined to quarters immediately. But that may not solve our problem. BASHIR Sir? ROSS Has it occurred to you, that you and Sloan may not be the only ones here working for Section Thirty-one? For all we know, he could have a confederate somewhere in the delegation. BASHIR (thinking out loud) Sloan said that "our" mission would be strictly reconnaissance... and that "we" wouldn't be called on to do anything else. That could suggest another operative... someone whose mission isn't limited to reconnaissance... ROSS If that's true, it could be anyone. Even a member of the Bellerophon crew. BASHIR (realizing) Or a Romulan. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Inter Arma... " - REV. 01/08/99 - ACT THREE 32A. 25 CONTINUED: (2) ROSS What? Bashir is putting it together. BASHIR I think Sloan has an accomplice somewhere on Romulus. ROSS What makes you say that? BASHIR Two things. First, Sloan has too much information on the inner workings of their government, too many insights into their political process. (beat) Second, Sloan's plan is to kill Koval while making it appear to be an accelerated case of Tuvan Syndrome. To do that, he'd have to expose Koval to a short burst of nadion radiation. The simplest plan would be to maneuver Koval near a phaser relay and surreptitiously irradiate him. (beat) Since I doubt very much that Sloan will have a chance to do that, it stands to reason that someone else will have to do it for him. ROSS A Romulan... DEEP SPACE NINE: "Inter Arma... " - REV. 01/08/99 - ACT THREE 32B. 25 CONTINUED: (3) BASHIR Exactly. (beat) Sir, Sloan may have already set things in motion. We have to warn them. ROSS And how am I supposed to explain Section Thirty-one to the Romulans? All hell would break loose if they hear that a rogue Federation agency is running around plotting assassinations. It could bring down the Alliance. (beat) Besides, all we have is speculation at this point. BASHIR Admiral -- ROSS The answer is no. (beat) Now, after I have Sloan arrested, I'll break radio silence and inform Starfleet Command of the situation. Your orders are to sit tight and do nothing until you hear from me. BASHIR Aye, sir. Bashir heads for the door. CUT TO: 25A EXT. SPACE - THE BELLEROPHON (OPTICAL) Orbiting Romulus. We should note other ships and possibly space stations in orbit as well. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Inter Arma... " - REV. 01/08/99 - ACT THREE 33. 26 INT. BELLEROPHON - MESS HALL The hall is filled with N.D. personnel. Bashir is sitting at a table and staring out the window, lost in thought when two Bellerophon officers -- Ensign HICKAM and Lieutenant WHEELER take a table nearby. The conversation makes Bashir pick up his ears. HICKAM (to Wheeler) I don't know. Jepella said she went in to deliver a report and found him slumped over his desk. WHEELER Do they have any idea what happened? HICKAM Doctor Frame said it looked like an aneurysm, but they're still running tests. WHEELER (whistles) An aneurysm. I saw the admiral this morning -- he looked fine. Bashir turns around in shock. HICKAM They say that's the way it happens. One minute you're -- BASHIR (urgent) Which admiral are you talking about? HICKAM (surprised) Uh -- Admiral Ross, sir. He collapsed at his desk. BASHIR Where is he? WHEELER (isn't it obvious?) Sickbay. Bashir gets up with a mounting sense of dread and heads for the exit. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Inter Arma... " - REV. 01/08/99 - ACT THREE 34. 26 CONTINUED: But just before he makes it to the door, he sees something that makes him stop in his tracks. 27 SLOAN is sitting at a table, calming sipping a drink. He looks up at Bashir and gives him a pleasant smile. 28 BASHIR is chilled to the very core of his being. The room suddenly feels very crowded. He looks around at all the faces -- are they all working for Sloan too? He backs away from Sloan and heads for the opposite door of the room to make his escape. 29 SLOAN watches Bashir go with a neutral expression. He makes no move to follow the doctor, but just takes another sip of his drink. Off the image of Sloan, seemingly in control of everything... FADE OUT. END OF ACT THREE DEEP SPACE NINE: "Inter Arma... " - REV. 01/08/99 - ACT FOUR 35-37. ACT FOUR FADE IN: 30 thru OMITTED 31 32 EXT. ROMULAN CAPITAL (MATTE SHOT) Re-establishing the city. 33 INT. ROMULAN FORUM Bashir is moving through the crowd as if he were sleepwalking. The small talk and diplomatic niceties swirling around him seem meaningless to him. He's utterly alone, and seemingly powerless to stop Sloan. Then he sees Cretak ENTER the room, with another Romulan. He thinks for a moment... finally makes a decision and goes across the room toward her. BASHIR (to Cretak) Senator... may I speak with you for a moment? 34 INT. ROMULAN LECTURE HALL CUT TO: Later. Bashir and Cretak are alone in the empty hall. Cretak is looking at Bashir with a look of disbelief. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Inter Arma... " - REV. 01/08/9999 -CT FOUR 38. 34 CONTINUED: BASHIR I can't trust anyone on the Bellerophon and I can't contact D.S. Nine -- for security reasons there's a communications blackout. (beat) I have no one else to turn to, senator. I need your help. CRETAK To do what? Bashir is momentarily relieved -- at least she's willing to keep listening. BASHIR I have reason to believe that Sloan has an accomplice within the Romulan government. Someone that's going to help him carry out the assassination. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Inter Arma... " - REV. 01/08/99 - ACT FOUR 39. 34 CONTINUED: (2) Cretak looks shocked and the blood drains from her face -- this is literally a nightmare come true for her. CRETAK Koval's been saying... that there's a traitor in the senate... someone working for Starfleet Intelligence... BASHIR Section Thirty-one is not part of Starfleet Intelligence. She shoots him a look. CRETAK They're Federation citizens working to advance your interests. That makes them your responsibility. BASHIR You're absolutely right. And that's why I'm doing everything I can to stop them. Cretak takes a couple of steps around the room... tries to set aside her outrage for the moment. Bashir keeps at her. BASHIR I'm going to try to convince Sloan that Koval doesn't have Tuvan Syndrome. But he may have already told his accomplice to proceed. So the only way to be sure we stop the assassination... is to find Sloan's Romulan accomplice. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Inter Arma... " - REV. 01/08/99 - ACT FOUR 40. 34 CONTINUED: (3) CRETAK And you expect me to find this... traitor. BASHIR Sloan mentioned something about Koval having a "personal database." It stands to reason that it contains a list of potential suspects. Is there any possible way you can get me a copy of that database? I could run an analysis of all the suspects and compare them to -- CRETAK You're asking me to hand over secret documents! BASHIR I'm asking you to put aside three centuries of mutual mistrust and help me stop a murder! (beat, softer) Senator, if we can't reach out and bridge the gulf that separates our people, if we can't trust each other... a man will die. And we will be partially responsible. (beat) Help me. Please. As Cretak struggles with her decision. CUT TO: DEEP SPACE NINE: "Inter Arma... " - REV. 01/08/99 - ACT FOUR 41-42. 35 INT. BELLEROPHON - QUARTERS Sloan ENTERS to find a troubled Bashir. SLOAN What's on your mind, Doctor? BASHIR Two things. First... do you find anything... odd about Ross suddenly having an aneurysm? SLOAN (guarded) You went to medical school, you tell me. BASHIR I haven't examined him, but... the timing strikes me as very... convenient. Sloan studies him for a beat. SLOAN What are you saying? BASHIR That it may have been artificially induced. The moment hangs in the air -- is Bashir about to accuse him? BASHIR Think about it. We're in the middle of a very sensitive military conference. What if the Romulans saw him as an obstacle to their war objectives? What if they wanted to remove that obstacle by -- DEEP SPACE NINE: "Inter Arma... " - REV. 01/08/99 - ACT FOUR 42A. 35 CONTINUED: SLOAN Doctor. I know how much you love cloak and dagger, but you're starting to see conspiracies everywhere. Ross is ill, that's all there is to it. Bashir smiles sheepishly as if feeling ridiculous. BASHIR You're probably right. SLOAN Now what else is on your mind? BASHIR I'm not convinced that Koval actually has Tuvan Syndrome. His "symptoms" could be the result of any of fifty other health problems. SLOAN You didn't say that before. BASHIR I'm not an expert on Romulan physiology. Most of my knowledge regarding Tuvan Syndrome comes from studies done on Vulcan patients. SLOAN I thought Vulcans and Romulans were virtually identical. BASHIR Yes, but there are some important genetic differences. And the more I study the available data on Romulan physiology, the less sure I am that I've correctly diagnosed his condition. Sloan is bothered by that. SLOAN How could you find out for sure? BASHIR The best way would be to do an examination, but I doubt he's going to agree to that. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Inter Arma... " - REV. 01/08/99 - ACT FOUR 42B. 35 CONTINUED: (2) SLOAN What if you obtained a sample of his skin cells? Could you run an analysis? DEEP SPACE NINE: "Inter Arma... " - REV. 01/08/99 - ACT FOUR 43-45. 35 CONTINUED: (3) Bashir thinks it over for a beat. BASHIR Possibly... but how do you propose -- SLOAN We'll treat your palm with a microcellular adhesive. The next time you shake his hand, you'll have your sample. Beat. Bashir doesn't have much choice except to agree to this very reasonable-sounding plan. BASHIR All right. CUT TO: 36 EXT. ROMULAN CAPITAL - NIGHT (MATTE SHOT) Re-establishing the city. 37 INT. ROMULAN FORUM Bashir is walking through the crowd, looking for someone. 38 thru OMITTED 41 41A BASHIR'S POV Koval is moving through the crowd as well. 41B RESUME Bashir spots Sloan nearby, watching him. Bashir makes a beeline for Koval. BASHIR Mister Chairman? DEEP SPACE NINE: "Inter Arma... " - REV. 01/08/99 - ACT FOUR 46. 41B CONTINUED: Bashir sticks out his hand as Koval comes closer. BASHIR It's a pleasure to see you again. Koval looks down at the proffered hand for a beat, as if wondering whether to take it or not. Finally he does. BASHIR I'd be happy to resume our discussion of the Quickening at some point before the conference is adjourned. KOVAL I believe you answered all my questions. BASHIR Well, then. I'm glad I was able to help. Bashir turns to go, then Koval stops him. KOVAL Doctor... (quiet) I would like to have a word with you on another matter... in private. Bashir hesitates for only a moment at the unexpected request. BASHIR Of course. I believe the lecture hall is empty... KOVAL We have other, more comfortable facilities available. If you please... He indicates a door leading out of the room and Bashir follows him to... CUT TO: DEEP SPACE NINE: "Inter Arma... " - REV. 01/08/99 - ACT FOUR 46A. 42 INT. ROMULAN INTERROGATION ROOM Koval and Bashir ENTER and the second he steps through the door, Bashir knows he's made a mistake. This is a thoroughly unpleasant room dominated by harsh lighting, yet filled with unsettling shadows. (It is not connected directly to the Forum and there should be a small corridor just outside the door.) There's a desk with a small monitor and a comfortable chair, while a bare metal chair sits in the center of the room. Two N.D. Romulans in Tal'Shiar uniforms stand quietly next to a mobile cart of equipment. The door slides CLOSED and Koval takes his seat behind the desk. KOVAL Sit down. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Inter Arma... " - REV. 01/08/99 - ACT FOUR 47. 42 CONTINUED: Bashir makes no move. KOVAL I can assure you that you will be sitting in that chair one way or the other, Doctor. Bashir glances at the N.D.s, then sits. KOVAL Now we'll have our private talk. BASHIR What shall we talk about? KOVAL Why you're really on Romulus. Who you're working for. And, of course, who's helping you. (beat) Don't worry. I won't waste your time with pointless questions. He signals to the N.D.s, who begin to wheel the cart over to Bashir's chair. On the cart are several nasty-looking devices -- this is not going to be pleasant. KOVAL I prefer to take the information directly from the source. One of the Romulans begins placing a device on Bashir's head, and the sudden movement causes him to react -- he puts up a hand out of reflex. The Romulan BACKHANDS Bashir, nearly knocking him out of the chair. KOVAL This can be painful or not. That's up to you, doctor. Either way, I will know what you know. As the Romulans continue to attach small devices to Bashir's head... FADE OUT. END OF ACT FOUR DEEP SPACE NINE: "Inter Arma... " - REV. 01/08/99 - ACT FIVE 48. ACT FIVE FADE IN: 43 INT. ROMULAN INTERROGATION ROOM Later. Bashir is still in the chair, with several devices still attached to his head and he's sweating heavily. The Two N.D.s are monitoring the equipment on the cart. Koval is gone. Bashir looks exhausted beyond comprehension. After a beat, Koval ENTERS and sits down at the desk. An N.D. hands him a PADD and whispers something in his ear. Koval nods and waves the man away. He quickly scans the PADD and then regards Bashir thoughtfully. KOVAL It appears that your brain's neurocellular structure is not susceptible to our scanning techniques, evidently a result of the genetic enhancements made to your parietal cortex. BASHIR (bleary) Sorry. KOVAL I do have other methods at my disposal, but... it would save everyone a great deal of trouble if you would simply tell me what I want to know. BASHIR You... haven't asked me... any questions... KOVAL I think you know what I'm interested in. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Inter Arma... " - REV. 01/08/99 - ACT FIVE 49. 43 CONTINUED: Koval's eyes bore into Bashir. There's a long pregnant moment. He keeps staring at Bashir. KOVAL Who are you working for? Koval keeps staring. KOVAL Why are you here? KOVAL (to N.D.) Bring him. Koval EXITS as one of the N.D.s go to Bashir. CUT TO: 44 INT. ROMULAN FORUM Which has now been cleared of all visitors and buffet tables. The pleasant, cheery quality of the room now seems garish and frightening under these circumstances. Under the Romulan emblem (the UFP emblem is gone), a long table has been set up and Praetor Neral and seven other N.D. Senators are sitting there patiently (including the N.D. Romulan glimpsed briefly in Act Two). There is one small table facing the long table, where Cretak is sitting. Koval takes a chair behind Cretak -- he's the sole audience member until Bashir is brought in by the N.D. and placed in another chair. The N.D. stands behind Bashir. Neral looks Bashir over without emotion. Neral is a seasoned politician, a ruthless in-fighter who's survived more than one coup attempt. He's a man who seldom lets anything get in his way. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Inter Arma... " - REV. 01/08/99 - ACT FIVE 50. 44 CONTINUED: NERAL Doctor Julian Bashir, you are appearing before the Continuing Committee of the Romulan People. Any statements will be made part of the official record. (beat) Senator Cretak has been charged with attempting to access a Tal'Shiar database without proper authorization. She has told the Committee a... remarkable story. Since you're a key figure in her story, we are most eager to hear your version of the events. Bashir looks at Cretak, but she avoids his gaze. He has to make a tough decision, but to Bashir, there's only one thing to do. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Inter Arma... " - REV. 01/08/99 - ACT FIVE 51. 44 CONTINUED: (2) BASHIR What I'm about to tell you may sound... shocking. It may even damage relations between our peoples... but it is the truth. (beat) A few days ago, I became aware of a plot to assassinate Chairman Koval. It was conceived by a man I know only as "Sloan." He works for an organization called Section Thirty-one. They see themselves as protecting the interests of the Federation, but they have absolutely no official standing. (beat) After I realized what Sloan was attempting to do, I contacted Senator Cretak and tried to enlist her help in stopping him. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Inter Arma... " - REV. 01/08/99 - ACT FIVE 52. 44 CONTINUED: (3) NERAL Why her? BASHIR I had no one else to turn to. I was unable to contact Deep Space Nine, and I couldn't trust anyone aboard the Bellerophon. NERAL But you felt that you could trust a Romulan senator? BASHIR Yes. For all our differences, I do respect her. Neral looks over at Cretak for a beat. NERAL Continue. BASHIR Well... for reasons that are extremely complicated... I came to believe that there's a traitor in your government working for Section Thirty-one. I asked the Senator to obtain the database so we could unmask this person and prevent the assassination. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Inter Arma... " - REV. 01/08/99 - ACT FIVE 53. 44 CONTINUED: (4) NERAL (to Cretak) Why didn't you come to me with this information? CRETAK I... was afraid that if word of this... plot got out it would destroy the Alliance. So I decided to keep my own counsel. (beat) I regret that decision. Neral likes Cretak and his response is more in sorrow than in anger. NERAL As well you should, Kimara. There's a beat as the Committee murmurs amongst itself. Then Koval steps forward. KOVAL It's an interesting story. But it's not the whole story. if I may be permitted to bring in another witness... ? Neral nods, and Koval hits his combadge. KOVAL (to com) Bring in Prisoner Five-two-seven. 45 NEW ANGLE (OPTICAL) As Sloan is brought in by two more N.D. Romulans. His face is bruised with marks that probably came from the same devices Koval attempted to use on Bashir. For the first time, Sloan looks like a beaten man. He never lifts his eyes from the floor. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Inter Arma... " - REV. 01/08/99 - ACT FIVE 54. 45 CONTINUED: KOVAL Praetor, this is the man known as Sloan. Unlike the Doctor, his mind is quite susceptible to our data retrieval methods. Under questioning, he has confirmed much of what the doctor and the senator have told you. With one important exception. (beat) There is no Section Thirty-one. That gets everyone's attention. KOVAL Sloan, in fact, works for Starfleet Intelligence. Far from being the master of a rogue agency, he is simply one of many operatives in the employ of the Federation. He's had a long career, most of which is still unknown to us. However, there is one interesting element that we do know -- he was the protege of The late Vice Admiral Fujisaki. Sloan lifts his eyes and focuses on Koval. They burn with hatred. Bashir feels like the walls are closing in on him -- what the hell is going on here? KOVAL Sloan did not take the death of his mentor well. He came to believe that he was murdered -- by the Tal'Shiar. In his eyes, the assassination of a Starfleet admiral was... "stepping over the line." (to Sloan) Isn't that the phrase? Sloan glares at him, unwilling to respond. KOVAL After Fujisaki's death, he was confronted with a dilemma: how could he seek vengeance without violating Federation law? His answer was to invent Section Thirty-one -- a "rogue" organization that answered to no one. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Inter Arma... " - REV. 01/08/99 - ACT FIVE 55. 45 CONTINUED: (2) KOVAL (Cont'd) If they killed the head of the Tal'Shiar, Starfleet Intelligence would be held blameless (beat) As the Committee knows, I have been diagnosed with Tuvan Syndrome. Sloan became aware of my condition and hoped to make my death look like a sudden acceleration of the disease. To do that, he needed a doctor. So ten days after Fujisaki's death, Sloan arranged to "recruit" Doctor Bashir into Section Thirty- one. (beat) After that, Sloan bided his time, and waited for an opportunity to present itself. He found one when he learned of this conference. He then arranged for Bashir to be invited. Everything was going perfectly. But then he made a fatal mistake -- he decided to come to Romulus himself. He was unaware that his identity had become known to us. Once we recognized him in the delegation, we knew immediately that an intelligence operation was underway. Koval moves over to Sloan, looks him over with curiosity. KOVAL What I don't understand is why? Why come here and take the risk of being discovered? Sloan glares at him for a long beat before answering. SLOAN I had to make sure nothing went wrong. And... I wanted to watch you die. KOVAL You broke the cardinal rule of our profession -- you allowed business to become personal. Koval turns away, done with Sloan. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Inter Arma... " - REV. 01/08/99 - ACT FIVE 55A. 45 CONTINUED: (3) NERAL Then there was an assassination plan? KOVAL Most definitely. As to the involvement of the doctor and the senator... (beat) Doctor Bashir may have intended to kill me, or he may have intended to save me. There's no way to know for certain. (beat) As for Senator Cretak... we all know she's an ambitious woman. It is entirely possible that she would welcome my death... especially if it meant her being elevated to the Continuing Committee in my place. CRETAK That is a lie. I was trying to save your life, Koval. KOVAL Then you're simply a fool. You let a Starfleet Intelligence officer manipulate you into committing an act of treason. That hangs in the air for a long beat. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Inter Arma... " - REV. 01/08/99 - ACT FIVE 56. 45 CONTINUED: (4) Neral exchanges a look with the rest of the Committee. NERAL It is the finding of this Committee that Senator Cretak has conspired to commit treason against the state; sentence to be determined at a later date. Doctor Bashir will be returned to the Bellerophon. Mister Sloan is remanded to the custody of the Tal'Shiar for further interrogation. SLOAN No! Sloan makes a sudden move for the weapon of one of the Guards. Koval quickly pulls a small, hidden phaser from his uniform and VAPORIZES SLOAN. Everyone is stunned and shocked. CUT TO: 46 EXT. SPACE - THE BELLEROPHON (OPTICAL) At impulse. 46A INT. BELLEROPHON - QUARTERS Bashir is lying on his bunk, fully dressed and staring up at the ceiling. After a moment, he suddenly sits straight up... and makes a final realization. 47 INT. BELLEROPHON - BRIEFING ROOM Ross is back in uniform, working on some PADDs, when the door CHIMES. ROSS Come in. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Inter Arma... " - REV. 01/08/99 - ACT FIVE 57. 47 CONTINUED: Bashir ENTERS with a grim expression. BASHIR Feeling better, sir? ROSS Much. Doctor Frame says I should take it easy for a few days, but... paperwork waits for no man. What can I do for you? BASHIR I have a question. (beat) Where's Sloan? Beat. ROSS Sloan's dead. BASHIR Admiral... where's Sloan? Ross sits back and studies him for a beat. ROSS If we're going to have this discussion, then it's off-the- record. Ross reaches up and takes off his combadge and puts it on the table. Bashir takes off his own combadge and tosses it on the table. ROSS Before I answer your question, answer mine. How did you know? BASHIR The man Koval described wasn't the same man who recruited me into Section Thirty-one. Anyone clever enough to pull the wool over my eyes so completely wouldn't get caught by the Romulans that easily. There had to be another explanation. (beat) Then I remembered that you were the one who planted the idea in my head of Sloan having an accomplice. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Inter Arma... " - REV. 01/08/99 - ACT FIVE 57A. 47 CONTINUED: BASHIR (Cont'd) You were the one who didn't want to tell the Romulans about the assassination plot. You were the one who gave the orders preventing me from contacting D.S. Nine. And when I told you about the assassination plot, you conveniently had an aneurysm -- leaving me alone and unable to turn to anyone for help... except Cretak. Once I realized your involvement, the rest began to fall into place. (beat) Where is he? ROSS I don't know. BASHIR But he is alive, isn't he? ROSS He was supposed to be beamed away a split second before the phaser beam hit him. Whether it worked or not, I couldn't tell you. BASHIR How long has Koval been working for Section Thirty-one? Ross sighs. He didn't think Bashir would figure out so much. ROSS He's been providing the Federation with crucial military information for over a year. I don't know when he started working with Section Thirty-one. BASHIR But in any case, we have a mole working for us at the highest levels of the Romulan government. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Inter Arma... " - REV. 01/08/99 - ACT FIVE 58. 47 CONTINUED: (3) BASHIR (Cont'd) Good for us. And what about your "friend" Senator Cretak? What will happen to her? Ross is a little troubled by this aspect of the affair and it shows. ROSS Dismissed from the Senate -- definitely. Imprisoned -- most likely. BASHIR Executed? ROSS I hope not. BASHIR (harsh) You set her up! She was an innocent woman and you let Sloan destroy her! Why? She believed in the Alliance -- she was on our side! ROSS No. She wasn't. I told you before, Julian, she's a patriot. Which means that if it served the interests of the Romulans to negotiate a separate peace with the Dominion... Cretak would've pushed for that option. And, believe me, the Dominion would like nothing better than to make a deal with the Romulans right now. BASHIR So Koval becomes your guarantee that that won't happen. As a man who was nearly "killed" for his anti-Federation activities, his recommendation to stay in the war will be all the more convincing. ROSS That's the general idea. BASHIR And how long have you worked for Section Thirty-one? DEEP SPACE NINE: "Inter Arma... " - REV. 01/08/99 - ACT FIVE 59. 47 CONTINUED: (4) ROSS I don't. BASHIR Just a "temporary" alliance? ROSS Something like that. BASHIR And you don't see anything wrong with what happened? ROSS I don't like it. But I've spent the last year and a half of my life ordering young men and women to die. I like that even less. BASHIR (heated) That's a glib answer. And it's a cheap way of avoiding the fact that you've trampled on the very thing those men and women are out there dying to protect. Doesn't that mean anything to you? Beat. ROSS Inter arma enim silent leges. BASHIR "In time of war, the law falls silent." Cicero. So is that what we've become -- a twenty- fourth century Rome? Driven by nothing more than the certainty that Caesar can do no wrong? Ross doesn't answer. He just picks up his combadge and puts it back on. ROSS This conversation never happened. You're dismissed. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Inter Arma... " - REV. 01/08/99 - ACT FIVE 60. 47 CONTINUED: (5) Bashir picks up his combadge and heads for the door. CUT TO: 48 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL) Re-establishing the station. 49 INT. BASHIR'S QUARTERS It's the middle of the night and Bashir is sound asleep when he senses that someone is here again. He sits up and notes the silhouette by the window. Reveal Sloan sitting there once again. SLOAN Good evening. BASHIR Are you expecting applause? Did you come to take a bow? SLOAN I just wanted to say thank you. BASHIR For what? My allowing you to manipulate me so completely. SLOAN For being a decent human being. That's why we selected you in the first place, Doctor. (beat) DEEP SPACE NINE: "Inter Arma... " - REV. 01/08/99 - ACT FIVE 61. 49 CONTINUED: SLOAN (Cont'd) We needed someone who wanted to play the game, but who'd only go so far. When the time came, you stood your ground and did the right thing -- you reached out to an enemy, told her the truth, and tried to stop a murder. (beat) The Federation needs men like you, doctor. Men of conscience. Men of principle. Men who can sleep at night. (beat) You're also the reason Section Thirty-one exists -- someone has to protect men like you from a universe that doesn't share your sense of right and wrong. BASHIR Am I supposed to feel sorry for you, Sloan? Should I weep over the burdens you're forced to carry to protect the rest of us? Sloan smiles a little and gets up. SLOAN It's an honor to know you. Sweet dreams. Sloan EXITS. Bashir quickly hits the com-panel near his bed. BASHIR (to com) Bashir to Security. ODO'S COM VOICE Odo here. Bashir hesitates, seems to realize the futility of what he's doing. BASHIR (to com) Nevermind. My mistake. He lies back in bed... but can't go to sleep... FADE OUT. END OF ACT FIVE THE END