STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE 
                              
                        "The Begotten" 
                          #40510-510 
                              
                          Written by 
                        Rene Echevarria 
                              
                          Directed by 
                         Jesus Trevino 

THE WRITING CREDITS MAY NOT BE FINAL AND SHOULD NOT BE USED 
FOR PUBLICITY OR ADVERTISING PURPOSES WITHOUT FIRST CHECKING 
WITH THE TELEVISION LEGAL DEPARTMENT.

Copyright 1996 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 This script is not for publication or 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 30, 1996

       STAR TREK: DS9 - "The Begotten" - 11/04/96 - CAST 

                  STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE 
                        "The Begotten" 
                             CAST 

          SISKO                    SHAKAAR
          KIRA                     MORA
          ODO                      Y'PORA
          BASHIR                   
          DAX                      
          QUARK                    
          O'BRIEN                  
          WORF                     
          JAKE                     
          KEIKO                    
          MOLLY                    
          COMPUTER VOICE           

          Non-Speaking             Non-Speaking
          N.D. SUPERNUMERARIES     

       STAR TREK: DS9 - "The Begotten" - 10/30/96 - SETS 

                  STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE 
                        "The Begotten" 
                             SETS 

        INTERIORS                     EXTERIORS
        DEEP SPACE NINE                 SPACE
          AIRLOCK                       DEEP SPACE NINE
          BIRTHING ROOM                 
          HABITAT RING CORRIDOR         
          INFIRMARY/OUTER ROOM          
          O'BRIEN'S QUARTERS            
          OPS                           
          PROMENADE                     
          QUARK'S                       
          REPLIMAT                      
          SCIENCE LAB                   
          SECURITY OFFICE               

  DEEP SPACE NINE - "The Begotten" - 11/01/96 - PRONUNCIATION 

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

          ALVANIAN                 al-VEIN-ee-un
          BIOMIMETIC               BIO-mih-meh-tic
          EXETER                   EX-ih-ter
          FENARI                   fen-ARH-ee
          FILIAN                   FILLY-uhn
          HIROMI                   hee-ROW-mee
          KORVALIAN                core-VALL-uhn
          MORPHEGENIC              MORE-foe-jen-ick
          SYMBALENE                SIM-buh-leen
          TARKALEAN                tar-KAY-lee-uhn
          TETRYON                  TEH-tree-on
          Y'PORA                   yeh-PORE-uh
          YRIDIAN                  yir-ID-ee-uhn

       DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Begotten" - REV. 11/12/96 - TEASER        

                  STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE                    
                            "The Begotten"                             
                            TEASER                              

	FADE IN:

1    EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)

	Establishing.

2    INT. INFIRMARY

	BASHIR is working at his console when ODO walks in, 
	holding himself very stiffly. Bashir almost smiles at 
	the sight of him -- truth is, Odo's been coming in a 
	lot lately with all sorts of minor ailments.

					BASHIR
			Good morning, Constable. What can
			I do for you today?

					ODO
			It's my back...

					BASHIR
				(patient)
			Let's have a look.

	Bashir motions him to the bio-bed.

					ODO
			It happened this morning when I
			got out of bed...

	Odo lets out a gasp of pain as he sits on the bed. 
	Bashir scans him with a MEDICAL TRICORDER...

					BASHIR
			Hmm...

     DEEP SPACE NINE: - "The Begotten" - REV. 11/12/96 - TEASER      2.

2    CONTINUED:

	Odo takes this as a bad sign.

					ODO
			I have Alvanian spine mites, 
			don't I?

					BASHIR
			Actually --

					ODO
			I'm going to be in pain for the 
			rest of my life.

					BASHIR
				(stopping him)
			Odo.
				(calm down)
			You have a pinched nerve.

					ODO
			Really?


					BASHIR
			It comes from bad posture.

					ODO
				(insulted)
			Bad posture? Me? Ridiculous. 
			You've never seen anyone sit so 
			straight.

	And indeed, Odo is sitting up straight -- ramrod 
	straight.

					BASHIR
			Exactly. You're carrying yourself 
			too rigidly.

					ODO
			This is how I've always carried 
			myself.

					BASHIR
			You didn't always have a spinal 
			column. You're not a changeling 
			anymore. Now that you're 
			humanoid, you need to learn 
			to relax.

					ODO
			That's what you said last week.

					BASHIR
			And?

     DEEP SPACE NINE: - "The Begotten" - REV. 11/12/96 - TEASER      3.

2    CONTINUED:	(2)

	Bashir prepares a HYPO.

					ODO
				(reluctant)
			It helped. That and the prune 
			juice.

					BASHIR
			There -- you see? I know what I'm 
			talking about.

	Bashir hypos Odo in the small of the back.


					QUARK (O.S.)
			Back trouble?

3    NEW ANGLE

	including QUARK at the doorway.

					ODO
			It's none of your concern, Quark.

					QUARK
				(to Bashir)
			Bad posture?

	Bashir nods --

					ODO
				(to Quark)
			Will you get out of here!

					BASHIR
			What you need is a stretching 
			regimen. Worf's morning exercise 
			class would be just the thing.

					QUARK 
			Forget that. I've got a holosuite 
			program that'll take care of him. 
			Three Orion slave girls strap you 
			into a --

					ODO
			Quark.

					QUARK 
			Go ahead. Suffer.

					ODO
			What do you want?

	Quark changes his tone -- he has a deal in the works.     DEEP SPACE NINE: - "The Begotten" - REV. 11/12/96 - TEASER      4.

3    CONTINUED:

					QUARK 
			A Yridian I've been dealing with 
			sold me something that might 
			interest you.


					ODO
			I don't think so.

					QUARK 
			You don't even know what it is.

					ODO
			I know I don't want it.

					QUARK 
			In that case, can you tell me how 
			to get in touch with the Founders? 
			I know they'll want it.

	This gets Odo's attention.


					ODO
			What are you talking about?

	Quark pulls a glass CONTAINER out of his vest and holds 
	it up -- it contains about a pint of SHAPE-SHIFTER GOO. 
	Unlike the goo we've seen, this has a BLUISH tint to it 
	and exhibits neither movement nor evanescent glint.

	Odo takes the container from him, studies it intently.

					QUARK 
			It's a changeling -- or it was, 
			anyway. Since it's dead, I'll let 
			you have it for five slips of 
			latinum.

					ODO
			It's not dead.

					QUARK 
				(quick)
			In that case, make it ten.

					ODO
			It's sick.

					QUARK 
				(quicker)
			Eight and we'll call it even.

	But Odo isn't paying attention to Quark; he's studying 
	the goo with great interest. Quark pulls a PADD from 
	his vest, taps in the cost, and takes the distracted 
	Odo's hand to input his thumbprint.

     DEEP SPACE NINE: - "The Begotten" - REV. 11/12/96 - TEASER      5.

3    CONTINUED:	(2)

					QUARK 
			Pleasure doing business with you.

	Quark EXITS, happy as can be. Bashir moves to Odo's 
	side.

					BASHIR
			Odo... if that is a changeling, 
			we'd better get it into a security 
			field.

					ODO
			That won't be necessary.

					BASHIR
			If it gets out of that container, 
			it could be dangerous.

					ODO
			It's not going anywhere, Doctor. 
			It doesn't know how... it's just 
			a baby.

	Bashir reacts... off Odo's intent gaze as he studies 
	the goo, we...

									FADE OUT.

                         END OF TEASER                          

  DEEP SPACE NINE: - "The Begotten" - REV. 11/12/96 - ACT ONE 6-6A.    
                            ACT ONE                             


	FADE IN:

	(NOTE: Episode credits fall over opening scenes)

4    INT. INFIRMARY

	SISKO has joined Odo and Bashir. The goo is now 
	sitting atop a scanner.

					SISKO
			A baby changeling?

					ODO
				(nods)
			Centuries ago, my people sent a 
			hundred of us out into the galaxy 
			so we could learn about other 
			races. When I was found, I looked 
			very much like this.

	This strikes Sisko as odd -- it's so small compared to 
	Odo's present size.

					SISKO
			You were this... small?

					ODO
				(nods)
			Like a humanoid child, it'll grow. 
			Its mass will increase as its 
			shape-shifting abilities develop.

					BASHIR
				(off scanner)
			From what I can tell, it was 
			exposed to a massive dose of 
			tetryon radiation. I'm going to 
			have to purge the isotopes with an 
			electrophoretic diffuser.

					SISKO
			Get on it.

      DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Begotten" - REV. 11/12/96 - ACT ONE      7.

	Bashir nods, gestures to a NURSE. As they prepare to 
	work on the goo, Odo and Sisko move off to the other room.

					SISKO
			Are you sure it's no danger to us, 
			Constable?

					ODO
				(nods)
			When I was first discovered, I 
			didn't know what I was, or have 
			any memory of where I came from. 
			I didn't even know I had the 
			ability to mimic other forms.

	Sisko takes this in, but something about it strikes him as odd.

					SISKO
			Why would the Founders send such 
			helpless creatures out into space?

					ODO
			To find out if the species they 
			encountered posed any threat. 
			What better way to gauge another 
			race than to see how it treats the 
			weak and vulnerable?

					SISKO
			I see your point.

	Sisko considers for a beat...

				SISKO
			How long will it be before the 
			changeling's able to take humanoid 
			form?

					ODO
			Several months. Why?

					SISKO
			There's a lot about your people we 
			still don't know. The changeling 
			could provide Starfleet with 
			invaluable information about the 
			Dominion.

  DEEP SPACE NINE: - "The Begotten" - REV. 11/12/96 - ACT ONE 8-11.    

4    CONTINUED:	(2)

					ODO
			That being the case, I'd like to 
			be allowed to work with it -- 
			teach it how to shape-shift.

					SISKO
			I can't think of anyone better 
			qualified.
				(considers)
			But you might want a little help.
			Maybe you should contact Doctor 
			Mora.

					ODO
			Mora? Why?

					SISKO
			He managed to find a way to 
			communicate with you. He 
			obviously knows what he's doing.

	Odo doesn't necessarily agree with this assessment.

					ODO
			Maybe so. But I'd prefer to do 
			this alone.

	Sisko hears the restrained emotion in Odo's voice, 
	decides to back off.

					SISKO
			It's your call.
				(lightly)
			But it's always nice to have 
			someone around to help change the 
			diapers.

					ODO
				(dry)
			I'll keep that in mind...

	Sisko EXITS. Odo moves to the doorway that leads to 
	the examining area, watches as Bashir and the Nurse 
	work on the changeling. We can see on his face how 
	much he wants them to succeed.

5    EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)

	Re-establishing.

6    OMITTED

     DEEP SPACE NINE: - "The Begotten" - REV. 11/12/96 - ACT ONE    12.

7    INT. INFIRMARY

	Bashir is showing Odo the goo, which is still on the 
	scanner. It now has that yellowish tint we're used to 
	seeing in Shape-shifter goo.

					BASHIR
			The purge was nearly a hundred 
			percent effective -- the 
			concentration of isotopes is 
			almost negligible.

	Odo is immensely relieved, looks down at the goo as if 
	it were a baby in a crib.

					ODO
			It certainly looks healthier...

	Bashir gets ready to leave.

					BASHIR
			I'd better go check on Kira. Did 
			you hear? She's in labor.

					ODO
				(distracted)
			Mm-mm...

	Bashir sees the look on Odo's face, then glances down 
	at what looks to him like a blob of yellow goo...

					BASHIR
				(smiling)
			I guess you've got your own baby 
			to think about.

	Odo catches himself, looks up. As Bashir heads for the 
	door --


					BASHIR
			There's still a small degree of 
			instability in its morphogenic 
			matrix. I'm hoping it'll level 
			out. I set the computer to 
			monitor for biomimetic 
			fluctuations just in case.

					ODO
			Thank you, Doctor.

					BASHIR
			Good luck.

And with that Bashir EXITS. Odo turns his attention back to the goo.

     DEEP SPACE NINE: - "The Begotten" - REV. 11/12/96 - ACT ONE   12A.

7    CONTINUED:

					ODO
				(gently)
			How do you feel -- better?

	He looks down at it with an almost serene expression.

					ODO
			I realize you can't understand a 
			word I'm saying, but that doesn't 
			matter. I know you're aware of 
			me. You see, I was once like you. 
			I spent months in a lab being 
			poked and prodded by a scientist 
			who didn't even realize I was a 
			lifeform. I was just a specimen, 
			a mystery that needed to be 
			unraveled. He never talked to me. 
			It didn't occur to him. I didn't 
			know what I was, or what I was 
			supposed to do. I was lost, 
			alone.

	Odo watches as the goo undulates slightly. He leans in 
	closer, intent.

					ODO
			But it's not going to be that way 
			for you. I'm not going to make 
			the same mistakes that were made 
			with me.

				(beat)
			Come on, I want to show you 
			something...

	Off this moment...

OA   INT. BIRTHING ROOM (FORMERLY SC. 10)

	These guest quarters have been set up as a traditional 
	Bajoran birthing room. The standard furniture has been 
	removed and replaced with PILLOWS, wall TAPESTRIES, and 
	a small SHRINE with burning INCENSE.

	Kira is wearing a cross between a hospital gown and a 
	ornate ROBE. She's sitting on a waist-high TABLE with 
	an inclined back support. Bashir is completing a scan 
	of her...

	Y'PORA -- the Bajoran midwife -- stands at the foot of 
	the table, wearing traditional ROBES. O'Brien and 
	KEIKO stand to either side. Each has a traditional 
	Bajoran NOISEMAKER in their hands -- Y'Pora a CABASA 
	type device, Keiko a beaded GOURD, and O'Brien, a small 
	GONG.

     DEEP SPACE NINE: - "The Begotten" - REV. 11/12/96 - ACT ONE   12B.

OA CONTINUED:

	In solemn, rhythmic succession, they each play their 
	device-for a beat so that we hear a series of sh-sh's, 
	rattles, and gongs. O'Brien, however, never quite 
	manages to hit the gong in the same place twice, so it 
	sounds slightly off-kilter each time. He's doing his 
	best, despite the distraction posed by the cloud of 
	incense that keeps wafting toward him, irritating his 
	eyes and lungs.

	Kira is practicing some kind of controlled breathing 
	exercise keyed to these sounds, and it's up to each of 
	them to carry the rhythm consistently so she can enter 
	a state of deep relaxation.

	Sh-sh, rattle, clink... sh-sh, rattle, clank... sh-sh, 
	rattle, clunk -- this last tone is so flat Y'Pora opens 
	her eyes and looks at O'Brien.

	She starts another cycle: sh-sh, rattle, clink... sh-
	sh, rattle, clank... sh-sh, rattle --

OB O'BRIEN SNEEZES (FORMERLY SC. 11)

	from the incense as he taps his gong, eliciting a 
	clatter. Y'Pora and Keiko do their best not to get
	thrown off by this, and Kira doesn't seem to notice 
	she's lost -- in her breathing. After a beat, O'Brien 
	leans in toward Keiko and Bashir and they move off a 
	few paces, maintaining the rhythm throughout.

					O'BRIEN
				(quiet)
			Something's wrong... Kira told me 
			this would only take about an 
			hour.

					BASHIR
			For Bajoran women, giving birth is 
			all about being relaxed...

					KEIKO
				(glancing at the gong in 
				his hand)
			He's right, Miles... that's why 
			it's important for us to keep the 
			rhythm...

	O'Brien nods as if to say "yeah, yeah" -- completely 
	missing the hint.

					O'BRIEN
			I don't think she's going to relax 
			until Shakaar gets here. 

     DEEP SPACE NINE: - "The Begotten" - REV. 11/12/96 - ACT ONE   12C.

OB   CONTINUED:

					O'BRIEN (Cont'd)
				(annoyed)
			I called almost six hours ago; it 
			takes less than half that to make 
			the trip from Bajor.

					KEIKO
			He's the First Minister of Bajor --
			he's a busy man...

					BASHIR
			So am I... I've got three 
			surgeries scheduled this 
			afternoon. I'll try to pop in 
			later.

	Bashir EXITS...

					KIRA
				(far away)
			Y'Pora... the baby... he's 
			moving...

	Keiko and O'Brien exchange a look, finally, something's 
	going to happen...

					Y'PORA
				(softly)
			Relax... breathe... it won't be 
			long now.

	Sh-sh, rattle, clink... Sh-sh, rattle, clank... sh-sh, 
	rattle --

OC A SWOOSH (FORMERLY SC. 12)

	as the door OPENS and SHAKAAR rushes inside, every bit 
	the panicked "husband."

					SHAKAAR
			Sorry I'm late --

	Even Y'Pora can't ride out this interruption -- she 
	stops the proceedings. O'Brien is annoyed because it 
	looks like a few hours' work just went down the drain.

	Shakaar doesn't notice, he only has eyes for Kira. She 
	smiles as he moves to her side.

					SHAKAAR
			How are you?

	She nods that she's all right.

					SHAKAAR
			I threw you off, didn't I?

     DEEP SPACE NINE: - "The Begotten" - REV. 11/12/96 - ACT ONE   12D.

OC   CONTINUED:

	O'Brien nods to himself --

					KIRA 
			It's all right, I'll get back on 
			track. I'm glad you're here.

	As if to say "lets get started," O'Brien taps his 
	gong... Y'Pora picks up the rhythm with a shake of her 
	cabasa, and they're off...

      DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Begotten" - REV. 11/12/96 - ACT ONE     13.

7A   INT. REPLIMAT

	where Odo is sitting at one of the tables. 
	SUPERNUMERARIES as needed. He's brought the goo here 
	so he can "show" it some of his world, but he doesn't 
	want people coming up and asking questions, so he's put 
	it in a glass MUG and is acting as if it were a 
	beverage.

					ODO
			This is the Replimat. Humanoids 
			come here to eat. They -- we, 
			rather -- need to ingest 
			nutrients.

	Odo sees someone notice him, picks up the mug and 
	pretends to take a sip. After they turn their 
	attention away from him...

					ODO
			This is my home. It's a space 
			station. People of many different 
			species live here together. Once 
			you've learned to take humanoid 
			shape, I'll show you everything. 
			You can live here, too, if you 
			want. It's a fascinating place.

					WORF (O.S.)
			Constable --

7B   NEW ANGLE

	to include Worf, standing nearby.

					WORF
			Why are you talking to your 
			beverage?

	Odo frowns, embarrassed.

					ODO
			It's not a beverage, it's a 
			changeling.

	Worf reacts -- he's heard about Odo's find, but he 
	finds this all a bit strange.

					WORF
				(sitting down)
			Why did you bring it here?

     DEEP SPACE NINE: - "The Begotten" - REV. 11/12/96 - ACT ONE   13A.

7B   CONTINUED:

					ODO
			I wanted it to see the station.
				(to the goo)
			This is a Klingon.

	Worf decides to stay out of it.

					WORF
			I came to talk to you about the 
			Ferengi.

					ODO
				(to the goo)
			He means Quark. I suppose you'll 
			have to meet him sooner or later.

					WORF
			I believe he has been tapping into 
			the station's computer and 
			downloading secured information.

					ODO
				(to the goo)
			That's illegal.

	Worf's brow furrows in consternation, he wants Odo's 
	undivided attention.

					WORF
			We need to set up a data reversion 
			trace.

					ODO
				(to the goo)
			I'm chief of security, that's my 
			job.

					WORF
			If we can apprehend him, it may be 
			possible to revoke his licence and 
			force him to close his 
			establishment.

					ODO
				(to the goo)
			Quark runs a bar.


     DEEP SPACE NINE: - "The Begotten" - REV. 11/12/96 - ACT ONE   13B.

7B   CONTINUED:	(2)

					WORF
			Odo.

					ODO
			What?

	Worf contains his annoyance, stands.

					WORF
			Thank you for your time.

	With a last look at the goo, Worf EXITS.

					ODO
				(to the goo)
			As you can see, Klingons are a bit 
			short-tempered.

	Off this mcment...

7C   INT. SCIENCE LAB

	where Odo is pouring the goo into a large, shallow 
	Petri DISH. The goo doesn't fill the dish like a 
	liquid, but thickens up to form an irregular shape 
	inside it.

					ODO
			There... doesn't that feel better? 
			There's nothing like spreading 
			yourself out after being cooped up 
			in a jar.

     DEEP SPACE NINE: - "The Begotten" - REV. 11/12/96 - ACT ONE   13C.

7C   CONTINUED:

	Odo smiles down at the goo...

					ODO
			You have no idea of the marvels 
			that are in store for you. Do you 
			know what you are? You're a 
			changeling. A Shape-shifter. 
			You can be anything. A Tarkalean 
			hawk, soaring through the sky. Or 
			a Filian python, burrowing deep 
			beneath the ground. It's all 
			yours for the taking.

	Odo is thoughtful for a beat, watches the goo move 
	slightly.

					ODO
			I was never a very good 
			Shape-shifter -- if you could see 
			the face I'm stuck with, you'd 
			know what I mean -- but I think I 
			can be a good teacher. You'll be 
			better than I ever was. And I 
			promise, I'll never treat you the 
			way I was treated. Never.

	The goo seems to move slightly toward Odo, and he takes 
	it almost as an acknowledgement of what he's said. The 
	SOUND of the door SWOOSHING open breaks the moment.

					MORA (O.S.)
			Odo.

	Odo turns to see DOCTOR MORA in the doorway -- although 
	he tries not to show it, it's clear that Odo is not 
	happy to see this man.

					ODO
			Doctor Mora... what are you doing 
			here?

	Mora is looking past Odo toward the changeling 
	behind him --

     DEEP SPACE NINE: - "The Begotten" - REV. 11/12/96 - ACT ONE    14.

7C   CONTINUED:	(2)

					MORA
			I heard about the changeling. I 
			came to help.

	This is definitely not what Odo had in mind...


8    OMITTED

									FADE OUT.
                        END OF ACT ONE                          

     DEEP SPACE NINE: - "The Begotten" - REV. 11/12/96 - ACT TWO    15.
                            ACT TWO                             

	FADE IN:

9    INT. SCIENCE LAB 

	Mora looks past Odo, his eyes on the goo atop the table -- 
	he starts toward it, fascinated.

					MORA
			Is that it?

	Odo seems tense as he watches Mora move past him to 
	peer at the goo. The expression on Mora's face is 
	remarkably similar to the look on Odo's face when he 
	first saw it himself.

					MORA
			Remarkable...

	Mora gauges its size like the scientist he is.

					MORA
			It looks a bit larger than you 
			were. There must be what, a 
			quarter of a liter?

					ODO
			I suppose so.

					MORA
				(a bit disapproving)
			You haven't measured?

					ODO
			What difference does it make how 
			big it is?

					MORA
			It could make a great deal of 
			difference. Its size could be an 
			indication that it's already 
			exercised its shape-shifting 
			abilities.

	Mora's right, and Odo doesn't like it one bit. He 
	steers the conversation elsewhere.

					ODO
			I thought you were on Earth, 
			working with Starfleet on new ways 
			to detect changeling infiltrators.

					MORA
				(nods)
			Fortunately, I happened to be on 
			Bajor visiting my parents when I 
			got word of your find.

      DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Begotten" - REV. 11/12/96 - ACT TWO     16.

9    CONTINUED:

	Mora finally tears his attention away from the goo and 
	turns to Odo.

					MORA
			How are you, Odo? I've been 
			worried.

					ODO
			Worried?

					MORA
			I heard your people had taken away 
			your ability to shape-shift.

					ODO
			Thank you for your concern. But 
			I'm fine.

					MORA
			I knew you were going to say that. 
				(smiles knowingly)
			You never want to give anything 
			away. Even though it's all right 
			there on your face.

	Odo looks away, he doesn't like being read like this.

					MORA
			Well, why don't we get started? 
			We have a lot of work ahead of us.

	Mora turns his attention back to the goo --

					ODO
			Actually, doctor --

					MORA
			I told Starfleet that I won't be 
			coming back for a few weeks.

					ODO
			That may have been premature.

	Mora picks up a BIO-PROBE with the intention of 
	inserting it into the goo.

					MORA
			It'll take at least that long to 
			get the changeling to respond to --

					ODO
			Don't do that.

	Odo snatches the probe from Mora. Mora looks him up 
	and down, surprised by his outburst.

     DEEP SPACE NINE: - "The Begotten" - REV. 11/12/96 - ACT TWO    17.

9    CONTINUED:	(2)

					MORA
			I see you still have trouble 
			controlling your temper.

	Odo sets his jaw -- Mora has a way of getting under his skin.

					MORA
			I just wanted to determine its 
			mass.

					ODO
				(controlled)
			Doctor Mora... I understand that 
			you want to help, but I'm going to 
			do this alone.

	Mora smiles in a way that Odo finds condescending.

					MORA
			Alone? But, Odo... you don't know 
			the first thing about teaching a 
			changeling how to shape-shift.

					ODO
			I'll muddle through somehow. You 
			did.

	Mora ignores this barb, takes another tack.

					MORA
			It's too warm in here. A 
			changeling's morphogenic matrix is 
			most malleable at seventeen 
			degrees Celsius.

					ODO
				(dismissing this)
			I used to be able to change my 
			shape in almost any temperature.

					MORA
			But why not make it easy for the
			changeling.

     DEEP SPACE NINE: - "The Begotten" - REV. 11/12/96 - ACT TWO    18.

9    CONTINUED:	(3)

					MORA (Cont'd)
				(driving home his point)
			It took me weeks to determine the 
			optimal temperature, humidity, 
			even the light level. Don't you 
			think that's information you could 
			use?


					ODO
				(reluctant)
			I suppose I could take a look at 
			your reports.

					MORA
			You're free to, of course. But I 
			was never one to keep extensive 
			records. I always wanted to move 
			on to the next test.

					ODO
			Believe me, I remember your 
			"tests" very well.


	Mora realizes what's driving Odo

					MORA
			Ah, that's what this is all about. 
			You still resent the things I did 
			to induce you to shape-shift. I 
			know they weren't pleasant for 
			you, but really, Odo -- I'd have 
			hoped you'd have moved past that 
			by now. I'm disappointed.

	Odo stiffens -- Mora has a way of making him feel like 
	a child.

					ODO
			I have my own ideas about how to 
			teach the changeling.

					MORA
			Really? I take it they're less... 
			invasive?

					ODO
			Exactly.

					MORA
			Hmm.

	Odo studies Mora for a beat --

  DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Begotten" - REV. 11/05/96 - ACT TWO 19-21.     

9    CONTINUED:	(4)

					ODO
			You don't think I can do it, do 
			you?

					MORA
			I didn't say that.

	Mora is playing Odo to the hilt, knowing full well how 
	badly he wants to prove himself to his teacher.

					MORA
			The truth is, I'd be fascinated to 
			see what you have in mind.

	Mora has thrown down a challenge he knows Odo can't 
	refuse.

					ODO
			In that case, why don't you stay 
			and observe?

					MORA
			If you insist.

	Mora has gotten exactly what he wanted, and Odo doesn't 
	even realize it...

10
thru   OMITTED
12

12A  INT. BIRTHING ROOM

	It's been hours now, and everyone's tired. Sh-sh... 
	rattle... clink... sh-sh... rattle... clank --
	Suddenly Kira lets out a GASP of pain.

					KEIKO
			What's wrong?

					KIRA
			I don't know... it's like a cramp 
			or something.

					Y'PORA
			You shouldn't be feeling any pain.

	Y'Pora scans her with a BAJORAN TRICORDER. She seems 
	a bit dismayed by her findings.


     DEEP SPACE NINE: - "The Begotten" - REV. 11/12/96 - ACT TWO    22.

12A  CONTINUED:

					Y'PORA
			Well... it appears that you're not 
			going to be having the baby today.

					KIRA
			What?

					Y'PORA
			You were in labor too long.

	O'Brien glares at Shakaar --


					O'BRIEN
				(under his breath)
			I wonder why...

	But Y'Pora glances meaningfully at both O'Brien and Shakaar.

					Y'PORA
			For whatever reason... you weren't 
			able to fully relax. Your system 
			had to stop producing endorphins 
			before they accumulated to toxic 
			levels.

					SHAKAAR
			When will she have the baby?

					Y'PORA
			It could be a few more days, or a 
			few more weeks.

					KIRA
			Weeks? If I don't have this baby 
			soon, I'm going to lose my mind.

					Y'PORA
			If you want, you can go see Doctor 
			Bashir and have him --

					KIRA
				(firm)
			No. I want to have this baby the
			traditional Bajoran way.

					KEIKO
			We're a hundred percent behind 
			you. Aren't we, Miles?	O'Brien's thinking about the idea of going to Julian, 
	until Keiko nudges him.

					O'BRIEN
			Absolutely.

					KIRA
				(to Shakaar)
			Can you stay for a while?

     DEEP SPACE NINE: - "The Begotten" - REV. 11/12/96 - ACT TWO    23.

12A  CONTINUED:	(2)

					SHAKAAR
				(smiles)
			I'll have to rearrange my 
			schedule, but I think so.

					Y'PORA
			Nerys, return to your quarters and 
			rest. I'll come by and see you 
			later.

	As Y'Pora passes Shakaar --

					Y'PORA
			You... be punctual next time or 
			don't come at all.

	O'Brien looks pleased -- he couldn't have said it better 
	himself.

					Y'PORA
				(to O'Brien)
			And you... practice.

	As if to demonstrate, Y'Pora flicks the gong with her 
	finger, and for the first time, it gives off a 
	distinctive PING that we can tell is how it's supposed 
	to sound. off O'Brien's look as she EXITS...

13   INT. SCIENCE LAB

	Odo places a MARBLE into the flat Petri dish in which 
	the goo forms an irregular puddle. As Mora watches, he 
	gently rolls the marble around the perimeter of the 
	dish as he talks to the changeling.

					ODO
			This is a sphere. It's one of the 
			most basic forms in nature. See 
			how it rolls? Interesting, isn't it?

	Mora watches skeptically, moves closer just to make 
	sure nothing is happening.

					ODO
			You're blocking my light.

	He's not, really, but Mora moves off to the side 
	anyway.

					ODO
				(to the goo)
			Now... this won't hurt a bit...

     DEEP SPACE NINE: - "The Begotten" - REV. 11/12/96 - ACT TWO    24.

13   CONTINUED:

	He carefully pours the goo into a glass SPHERE. Once 
	done, he leans in close, speaks to the changeling.

					ODO
			This is also a sphere. Feel its 
			symmetry... the softness of its 
			shape... the sameness.

	He gives the changeling a moment to feel the sphere, 
	then pours the goo back into the dish. He sets the 
	sphere aside, turns to the goo.

					ODO
			Now you try it...

	He waits for a beat. Mora watches, doubtful. After a 
	beat, Odo rolls the marble into the dish.

					ODO
			Here's a little reminder.

	Odo sits and waits. Behind him, we can see on Mora's face 
	that he thinks Odo is going to be waiting a long 
	time. After a moment, Odo leans in and talks to the 
	goo.

					ODO
			I realize you prefer to remain 
			shapeless... believe me, I 
			remember how relaxing it could be. 
			But you have to learn to take 
			other forms. It's what 
			changelings do. It's immensely 
			rewarding. I remember the first 
			time Doctor Mora here coerced me 
			into taking the shape of a cube 
			with one of his electrostatic 
			gadgets. Once I did it, and he 
			turned the infernal thing off, I 
			was perfectly content to stay a 
			cube for hours. It was 
			fascinating -- all those right 
			angles. of course, he had other 
			plans. The next thing I knew, he 
			had me spinning around in a 
			centrifuge.

	Mora fights the impulse to retort. A moment, then Odo 
	uses this supposedly offhand mention of the cube as a 
	cover to move on from what is clearly an unsuccessful 
	effort. He reaches and takes a glass CUBE, shows it to 
	the goo.

     DEEP SPACE NINE: - "The Begotten" - REV. 11/12/96 - ACT TWO    25.

13   CONTINUED:	(2)

					ODO
			If you're not interested in a 
			sphere right now, we can always 
			try a cube. 

	Off Mora's face as he rolls his eyes...

									DISSOLVE TO:

13A  CLOSE - THE SPHERE

	that Odo set aside earlier... a beat, then Odo's hand 
	slides the cube over next to it...

13B   CLOSE - MORA

	controlling his impatience.

13C   CLOSE - THE SPHERE AND THE CUBE

	as Odo slides a PYRAMID next to them...

13D   CLOSE - ODO

	pouring the goo into another form with great care...

13E   THE THREE ABOVE SHAPES

	and a handful more clustered around them... a beat, 
	then Odo's hand slides an OCTAGON next to them...

13F   CLOSE - MORA

	biting his tongue.

13G   NEW ANGLE 

	Odo has the goo in a tall glass CYLINDER that's sitting
	upside down on the Petri dish. (NOTE: there's more goo
	now -- the "exercise" it's had has caused it to
	expand.) Mora watches, coming to his wits end.

					ODO
				(to the goo)
			Now... all you have to do is hold 
			this shape. Ready?

     DEEP SPACE NINE: - "The Begotten" - REV. 11/12/96 - ACT TWO    26.

13G   CONTINUED: 

	Odo lifts the cylinder straight up, but to his dismay, 
	the goo glug-glugs its way out the bottom and spreads 
	itself out onto the dish. Odo stares at it, trying not
	to give Mora the satisfaction of showing his 
	disappointment.

					ODO
			All right... you're starting to 
			catch on...

	Off Mora's exasperation...

									DISSOLVE TO:

14
thru   OMITTED
14A

15   INT. SCIENCE LAB

	where Mora is alone, scanning the beaker of goo with a 
	TRICORDER. After a beat, Odo ENTERS and reacts to the 
	sight of him.

					ODO
			What are you doing?

					MORA
			I'm just measuring its volume.

	The two men have been at this for a week now, and
	Mora's patience has worn thin.

					MORA
			It's been almost a week and it's 
			only grown seventeen percent.
			After three days in my lab, you 
			were twice this size.

					ODO
			Maybe I was anxious to grow up so 
			I could get out of there.

	Mora ignores this, sticks to his point.

					MORA
			My point is that you've made no
			progress. By this time, I'd 
			already gotten you to mimic half 
			a dozen simple forms.

     DEEP SPACE NINE: - "The Begotten" - REV. 11/12/96 - ACT TWO    27.

15   CONTINUED:

					ODO
			I'm trying to gain its trust, not 
			teach it tricks.

	Mora slaps the tricorder down on the table in 
	frustration.

					MORA
			It's a shame you're not a 
			changeling anymore -- you could 
			just link with it and teach it 
			everything it needs to know.

					ODO
				(defensive)
			You make it sound like it's my 
			fault.

					MORA
			It might very well be.

	Odo bristles at this notion, but Mora continues with a 
	scientist's dispassion --

					MORA
			Let's face it, Odo, your 
			shape-shifting abilities were 
			somewhat limited. That may be why 
			your people were able to force you 
			to take humanoid form.

	Odo stiffens --

					ODO
			That's pure speculation.

					MORA
			Why don't we run some tests and 
			find out?

	Odo breaks into a knowing smile...

     DEEP SPACE NINE: - "The Begotten" - REV. 11/12/96 - ACT TWO    28.

15   CONTINUED:	(2)

					ODO
			You're just dying to get me into 
			one of your contraptions, aren't 
			you?

					MORA
			I'm trying to help.

					ODO
			I'm not about to submit myself to 
			another round of your experiments.

					MORA
			Everything I did to you was for 
			your own good. True, some of the 
			tests I subjected you to proved 
			inconclusive --

					ODO
			The vacuum chamber springs to 
			mind, the cytoplasmic separator... 
			and come to think of it, the 
			protein decompiler, too --

					MORA
			How could I know until I tried? 
			By the Prophets, Odo, I wasn't 
			even sure you were a lifeform.

					ODO

			I wasn't sure about you either.

					MORA
			Once I realized you were sentient, 
			the Cardassians wanted to know 
			everything about you. I was under 
			enormous pressure to get results. 
				(with pride)
			And I did. My techniques worked. 
			The fact that you're standing here 
			whining about them is proof.

					ODO
			You enjoyed watching me suffer.

					MORA
			Do you really believe that? How 
			pathetic. If it weren't for me, 
			you'd still be sitting on a shelf 
			somewhere, in a beaker labeled 
			"unknown sample."

     DEEP SPACE NINE: - "The Begotten" - REV. 11/12/96 - ACT TWO    29.

15   CONTINUED:	(3)

					ODO
			If it weren't for me, you'd be a 
			nobody -- Starfleet wouldn't hire 
			you to judge a science fair.

					MORA
			I'm getting a little tired of 
			standing around watching you. But 
			I can't seem to pull myself away. 
			I'm too curious to see what 
			preposterous thing you'll try 
			next.
				(re: the goo)
			Who knows, maybe after a few 
			months, it'll get so tired of your 
			incessant chatter it'll actually 
			do something.

					ODO
			You'd love to get your hands on 
			it, wouldn't you? You could sell 
			tickets on the Promenade.
				(with a flourish)
			Doctor Mora's Chamber of Horrors --
			open for business.

	Odo turns to the door like a carnival barker...

					ODO
			Come on in...

	Odo stops when he sees Sisko standing in the doorway... 
	there's an uncomfortable moment as the two men wonder 
	how long he's been standing there.

					ODO
			Captain...

	Sisko gives nothing away.

					SISKO
			How's it going, gentlemen?

					ODO
				(stretching the truth)
			Making progress.

					SISKO
			Glad to hear it. I was just 
			talking with Starfleet Command. 

     DEEP SPACE NINE: - "The Begotten" - REV. 11/12/96 - ACT TWO    30.

15   CONTINUED:	(4)

					SISKO (Cont'd)
			They want you to establish 
			communication with the changeling 
			as soon as possible.

					MORA
			At the rate we're going, that's 
			still a long way off.

					SISKO
			Better not be too long, otherwise 
			Starfleet is going to want to take 
			over the project.

					ODO
				(alarmed)
			Sir?

					SISKO
			As long as you're making progress, 
			there's nothing to worry about.


	Sisko heads for the door.

					SISKO
			By the way, Starfleet would like 
			you to file daily reports for 
			their review.

					ODO
			Understood, sir.

					SISKO
			Carry on.

	Sisko EXITS, leaving a troubled Odo. After a beat, 
	Mora turns to him...

					MORA
			Well... now you have an idea of 
			the kind of pressure I was under.

	Mora lets this sink in for a beat...

     DEEP SPACE NINE: - "The Begotten" - REV. 11/12/96 - ACT TWO    31.

15   CONTINUED:	(5)

					MORA
			I brought my old equipment up from
			Bajor. Maybe it's time we started 
			unpacking it.

	Off Odo's look as he realizes he going to have to yield 
	to the inevitable...

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT TWO                          

  DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Begotten" -REV - 11/01/96 -ACT THREE 32-35.    
                           ACT THREE                            

	FADE IN:
16
thru   OMITTED
21

22   INT. SCIENCE LAB


	where Mora has set up one of his apparatuses -- a 
	shallow, square DISH fitted with a CONTROL PANEL that 
	operates an electrostatic bottom. We can see that the 
	device brings back unpleasant memories for Odo, 
	although he does his best to hold them in check.

					MORA
			Whenever you're ready.

					ODO
				(to the goo)
			Don't worry, you'll get through
			this...

	Odo pours the goo, now grown to about two pints, into 
	the dish, where it forms an irregular puddle. He turns 
	to Mora, nods that he go ahead.

					MORA
			No, no -- I'm just an observer.

	The truth is, Mora wants Odo to have to do it himself. 
	Odo swallows back his discomfort, reaches and activates 
	the controls.

	A BLUE CIRCLE appears in the center of the dish. The 
	changeling, off to one side, does absolutely nothing.
	Mora studies the controls, realizes why.

					MORA
			Odo, it won't respond to anything
			less than six millivolts.

	Odo hesitates...

					ODO
				(torn)
			There must be some other way.


    DEEP SPACE NINE: - "The Begotten" - REV. 11/12/96 - ACT THREE   36.

22   CONTINUED:

					MORA
			Spare the rod, spoil the child.
				(off Odo's look)
			Without discomfort, the changeling 
			is perfectly content to stay in 
			its gelatinous state. It'll just 
			lie there, never realizing it has 
			the ability to mimic other forms, 
			never living up to its potential.
				(beat)
			Six millivolts isn't going to 
			harm it. Once it realizes there's 
			no charge inside the circle, the 
			procedure will be over.

	A moment, then Odo reaches and works the controls.

23   NEW ANGLE (OPTICAL)

	The goo immediately starts to send out tendrils, as if 
	trying to find a safe place to be.

	Odo turns and looks at Mora, who's watching with his 
	scientific dispassion. Mora notices his gaze --

					MORA
			Checking to see if I'm enjoying 
			myself... ?

	Odo can see that he's not; embarrassed, he turns his 
	attention back to the goo. As they watch, a TENDRIL 
	finds the circle...

					ODO
				(to the goo)
			That's it... you've found it...

	A moment, then the goo quickly MOVES to fill the blue 
	area, forming itself into a perfect circle so as to 
	avoid the charge. Odo breaks into a wide grin, but 
	Mora doesn't let him enjoy the moment long.

					MORA
			I smiled the first time you did
			that... little did I know you'd 
			end up hating me for it.
				(all business)
			Shall we move on?

	The smile fades from Odo's face as he realizes the 
	point Mora is trying to make...

					ODO
			Why not.

 DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Begotten" - REV. 11/06/96 -ACT THREE 37-37A.    

23   CONTINUED:

	As Odo and Mora set to work...

23A EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)

	Re-establishing.

23B   OMITTED 

23C   INT. KIRA'S BEDROOM 

	as Shakaar appears in the doorway and takes in the 
	scene. Kira is lying down as O'Brien works on her legs --
	he pours some OIL from a tube onto them, kneads it into 
	her skin. Shakaar sees that they haven't noticed him --
	trying not to let the scene bother him, he clears his 
	throat. Kira looks up, smiles when she sees him.

					KIRA
			Edon...

	O'Brien greets him with a nod, concentrates on his 
	work. Shakaar would like nothing more than a few 
	minutes alone with Kira, but seeing that she needs this 
	massage, doesn't mention it. He moves to take a seat 
	next to her.

					SHAKAAR
			How're you feeling?

	Kira, never one to complain, puts her best face on it.

					KIRA
			I'm all right. My feet are a 
			little swollen.

					O'BRIEN
				(as he works)
			A little? They've never been this 
			bad.

    DEEP SPACE NINE: - "The Begotten" - REV. 11/12/90--ACT THREE   37B.

23C   CONTINUED:

	Shakaar does his best to ignore O'Brien --

					SHAKAAR
			There's a zero-grav tumbling 
			performance on the Promenade 
			tonight -- want to go?

					KIRA
			Well, maybe.

					O'BRIEN
			You can't be standing around for 
			an hour.

	Shakaar is a bit exasperated by the situation, but 
	tries to be polite.

					SHAKAAR
			Chief, would you mind leaving us 
			alone for a minute?

					O'BRIEN
				(working)
			I'm almost done.

					SHAKAAR
			I'll take over.

	Without waiting for O'Brien's response, Shakaar places 
	a hand on Kira's leg, starts massaging. O'Brien 
	watches, concerned that he's not doing it right.

					KIRA 
			I think it's time.

	But the men don't hear her.

					O'BRIEN
			You have to do it harder.

					SHAKAAR
			I know what I'm doing.

    DEEP SPACE NINE: - "The Begotten" - REV. 11/12/96 - ACT THREE   38.

23C   CONTINUED:	(2)


					KIRA 
			It's time.

					O'BRIEN
			You have to work your way up the 
			leg.				KIRA
			It's time!

	A moment as the two men look at her, then it hits them 
	both -- It's time! They look at each other, the onset 
	of panic in their eyes. Off this moment --

									CUT TO:

24   OMITTED

25   INT. SCIENCE LAB

	where Odo and Mora are working with the changeling, 
	which has expanded to about half a gallon. They've got 
	it in an upside-down CYLINDER centered on a BLUE CIRCLE 
	of the same diameter, indicating that as presently 
	positioned, the changeling is receiving no 
	electrostatic charge.

    DEEP SPACE NINE: - "The Begotten" - REV. 11/12/96 - ACT THREE   39.

25   CONTINUED:

					ODO
				(to the goo)
			If I were you I'd hold this 
			shape... otherwise you'll be in 
			for a little shock...

26   NEW ANGLE (OPTICAL)

	As Odo lifts the cylinder straight up and off the 
	changeling... the goo starts to SAG, as if about to 
	release its shape, but realizing that it'll receive a
	charge if it spreads outside the circle, it MORPHS into
	a solid column of goo, centered on the safe blue circle.

	Though pleased, this time Odo is more circumspect in 
	his reaction.

					MORA
			This is a smart one... I had to do 
			that three times before you caught 
			on.

	Odo turns and looks at him...

					ODO
			Actually...
				(enjoying this revelation)
			The first two times I didn't hold 
			the shape on purpose.

					MORA
			You're not serious.

					ODO
			I suppose I didn't want to give 
			you the satisfaction.

	This, more than any jab Odo has taken at Mora, hurts. 
	He truly hadn't considered that Odo was actually 
	resisting his efforts to teach him.

					MORA
			Well... if you're lucky, someday 
			this changeling will give you the 
			satisfaction of saying, "Thank you, 
			you did so much for me."
				(pressing his point)
			Then again, maybe it'll just end
			up leaving the way you did. 

    DEEP SPACE NINE: - "The Begotten" - REV. 11/12/96 - ACT THREE   40.

26   CONTINUED:

					MORA (Cont'd)
			Without any warning, it'll just
			announce that it's striking out on 
			its own -- and you'll never hear 
			from it again.

	Odo looks away -- he knows he hurt Mora when he left, 
	but he's not about to admit it.

					MORA
			I'm going to get something to 
			eat...

	As he turns away, a MORPHING SOUND gets his attention. 
	He and Odo turn toward the column of goo and react --

27   OMITTED

28   NEW ANGLE (OPTICAL)

	To their amazement, it starts to MORPH up and out of 
	the Petri dish to form a single thick TENTACLE.

	As the two men watch with fascination, the tentacle 
	gropes its way toward them, as if trying to sense where 
	they are. It comes to within two feet of Mora, hangs 
	there for a moment as if taking him in, then turns its 
	attention to Odo.

	A beat, then something extraordinary happens... a FACE 
	starts to form on the tentacle's leading surface. The 
	features are vaguely defined, Odo-like -- but it's 
	clear that the creature has formed eyes and is peering 
	curiously at Odo.

	They look at each other, face to face for a beat, then 
	Odo smiles... as quickly as it formed, the goo returns 
	to the Petri dish and settles back into its gelatinous
	form...

	Off Odo and Mora as they react to this surprising turn 
	of events...

								FADE OUT.

                       END OF ACT THREE                         

    DEEP SPACE NINE: - "The Begotten" - REV. 11/12/96 - ACT FOUR    41.
                           ACT FOUR                             

	FADE IN:

29   INT. SECURITY OFFICE

	as Odo and Mora ENTER. They're both excited about what 
	happened, but Odo is less demonstrative, and has some 
	PADDS to look over from work that's piled up.

					MORA
			And the eyes! Incredible.

					ODO
			For a minute there, I thought it 
			was going to say something.

	Odo picks up a PADD off his desk.

					MORA
			Put that down, we're celebrating.

	Part of Odo wants to, but his meticulous nature is 
	pulling him the other way.

					ODO
			It's just that I've fallen behind 
			on my security reports these last 
			few days.

					MORA
			You can catch up later. Aren't 
			you excited about what happened?

					ODO
			Of course I am.

					MORA
			Tomorrow, we can start exposing 
			the changeling to simple life-
			forms so that it can mimic them. 
			Algae, fungus -- in a few days, 
			maybe even an invertebrate.

	Odo sets down the PADD, getting caught up in Mora's 
	enthusiasm.

					ODO
			I can't wait until I can actually 
			talk to it. There's so much I 
			want it to see, so much I want to 
			share.

					MORA
			You'll get the chance sooner than 
			you think. The changeling is 
			developing far faster than you 
			did.

     DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Begotten" - REV. 11/12/96 - ACT FOUR     42.

29   CONTINUED:

	Odo looks up sharply -- this seems like another jab 
	from Mora, but this time, Mora backpedals.

					MORA
			I didn't mean that as a criticism. 
			If anything, it's a compliment.

	Odo looks at Mora, unsure what he's saying. Mora 
	swallows back his pride, comes out with it.

					MORA
			I was wrong. Your approach to 
			communicating with the changeling 
			was sound. Don't you see? It was 
			reaching out to you. It was 
			curious about you. The first time 
			you did anything even close to 
			that was when you formed a 
			tentacle to slap my hand away from
			the control panel.

					ODO
			I remember. I wanted you to stop 
			zapping me.

	The memory takes them both back, and despite the mixed 
	feelings it brings back, they both find themselves 
	smiling at it.

					MORA
			You've formed a connection with 
			that changeling.
				(with regret)
			That's something I never managed 
			to do with you.

					ODO
				(quickly)
			That's not true.
				(beat)
			I respected you.

					MORA
			You feared me.

	Odo dismisses this impatiently --

					ODO
			You didn't know what I was. You 
			were experimenting on what looked 
			like a lump of organic residue. 
			And that's what I'd still be if it 
			weren't for you.

	This last statement just tumbled out of Odo's mouth 
	unbidden -- but there it is, and Mora knows it's as 
	close as Odo can come to making the admission.

    DEEP SPACE NINE: - "The Begotten" - REV. 11/12/96 - ACT FOUR    43.

29   CONTINUED:	(2)

					MORA
			You don't know how much it means 
			to me to hear you say that.

	Odo looks away, uncomfortable with the emotion of the
	moment.

					MORA
			I'm sorry. I know that sort of 
			talk makes you uncomfortable.

	Mora smiles ruefully...

					MORA
			I suppose it's my fault, in a way. 
			If I hadn't poked and prodded at 
			you so much, you might have ended 
			up with a less... forbidding 
			disposition.

					ODO
			Something tells me that no matter 
			what we do to that changeling, 
			it's going to have a more pleasant 
			disposition than mine.
				(a beat)
			It's just the way I am.


	A moment between the two men...

				MORA
			Well... I'll let you get to work.

	Odo nods, and Mora turns and starts for the door.

					ODO
			Doctor Mora.

	Mora stops, turns to see Odo crossing to the 
	Replicator.

					ODO
			Two glasses of champagne, please. 
				(beat)
			We're celebrating...

  DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Begotten" - REV. 11/06/96 - ACT FOUR 44-45.    

29   CONTINUED:	(3)

	He turns to Mora... who breaks into a smile. Off this 
	moment...

30   INT. BIRTHING ROOM

	Kira is on the table as before, breathing deeply and 
	trying to relax. Y'Pora stands at the foot of the 
	table, Shakaar at the head, and O'Brien and Keiko are 
	at either side. It's clear from everyone's energy 
	level that they've been at this a while now.

	Y'Pora, Keiko and O'Brien are trying to establish the 
	rhythm, but O'Brien can never seem to get the same 
	sound from his gong.

	Ssh-sh, rattle, CLINK... sh-sh, rattle, CLANK... sh-sh 
	rattle PING -- finally, he got it right. As if in 
	response, Kira lets out a soft moan of pleasure.

	The midwife places a hand on Kira's belly, takes stock 
	of the situation...

					Y'PORA
			The baby's turned... it's time.

	O'Brien reacts -- if he'd know this was going to do the 
	trick, he would've practiced earlier. Y'Pora reaches 
	and bends Kira's knees, pulls the robe up just above 
	them. She motions that everyone can come around to the 
	end of the table, then twists her Cabasa...

					Y'PORA
			Awake child...

	As she moves to the end of the table, Keiko rattles her 
	gourd...

    DEEP SPACE NINE: - "The Begotten" - REV. 11/12/96 - ACT FOUR    46.

30   CONTINUED:

					KEIKO
			We await you with love...

	Shakaar taps the gong...

					SHAKAAR
			And welcome you into the world....

	As the rhythm continues without words, O'Brien comes 
	around from the head of the table, but Shakaar blocks 
	his path.

					SHAKAAR
				(quiet)
			Why don't you stay there?

					O'BRIEN
			I can't see from here.

					SHAKAAR
			Exactly.

	O'Brien realizes Shakaar doesn't want him to see Kira's 
	nakedness.

					O'BRIEN
			Look, it's my baby.

	Y'Pora scolds them --

					Y'PORA
			Shh.

	But they keep at it --

					SHAKAAR
			I think it would make Nerys
			uncomfortable.

					O'BRIEN
			She's been living in my home for
			the last five months.

					KEIKO
			Ouiet.

					SHAKAAR
			What's that supposed to mean?

	O'Brien tries to move around him, but Shakaar won't let 
	him.

					O'BRIEN
			I missed Molly's birth, I'm not
			about to miss this one.

    DEEP SPACE NINE: - "The Begotten" - REV. 11/12/96 - ACT FOUR    47.

30   CONTINUED:	(2)

	Finally Kira's eyes shoot open.

					KIRA 
			I'm trying to have a baby here.

	They turn to her --

					KIRA 
			I'm sick of this ridiculous little 
			competition you two have going. 
			If either one of you says another 
			word, you're going to have to 
			leave.

	But neither man can contain himself.

			O'BRIEN						SHAKAAR
		Fine, tell him to				Just tell him to
		let me --					to stay where--

					KIRA 
			That's it. Get out. Both of you.

			SHAKAAR						O'BRIEN
		Nerys --					Kira --

					KIRA
			Go.

					O'BRIEN
			You're joking.

					KEIKO
				(firm)
			Does it sound like she's joking?

	Stunned, they head for the door... The two exiled men 
	cast one last penitent glance back at Kira, then EXIT 
	to --

31   INT. HABITAT RING CORRIDOR

	As they lean against the wall sullenly...

					O'BRIEN
			Nice going.

					SHAKAAR
			Do me a favor -- next time you 
			have a baby, leave my girlfriend 
			out of it.

	But they're too shocked and depressed to keep 
	fighting...

    DEEP SPACE NINE: - "The Begotten" - REV. 11/12/96 - ACT FOUR    48.

32   INT. QUARK'S -

	It's late, the bar is closed. Quark is coming in from 
	the back room, a PADD in his hand, muttering to himself 
	as he calculates the day's receipts.

					QUARK 
			-- comes to...
				(works PADD)
			Three hundred and twenty-four...
				(disappointed)
			I'm going to have to start 
			watering the drinks again...

	A SOUND from behind the bar gets his attention. He 
	comes down the stairs and sees Odo behind the bar, 
	pulling a bottle from a shelf.

					QUARK
			Constable?

					ODO
			Quark!

					QUARK
			What are you doing back there?

					ODO
			What does it look like?

					QUARK
			We're closed.

					ODO
			Have a seat.

	Quark figures Odo is up to something, settles into a 
	chair warily. He watches as Odo mixes up some 
	elaborate concoction in a PITCHER, all but whistling as 
	he works.

					QUARK
			You're in a good mood.


					ODO
			Yes, I am.

					QUARK
			Which means you're probably about 
			to arrest me on some trumped up 
			charge.

	Nothing Quark says seems to bother Odo, he's as happy 
	as we've ever seen him.

					ODO
			Not at all. I'm buying you a 
			drink.

    DEEP SPACE NINE: - "The Begotten" - REV. 11/12/96 - ACT FOUR    49.

32   CONTINUED: 

					QUARK
				(suspicious)
			Why?

					ODO
			Because Doctor Mora went to bed, 
			and I still feel like celebrating.

	Quark watches Odo uneasily --

					QUARK
			What are you up to?

					ODO
			I'm happy, Quark. Can't you just 
			accept that?

					QUARK
			No. It doesn't fit. If you're 
			happy, something's very wrong in 
			the world...
				(growing agitated)
			... the center cannot not hold.

	Odo pours a glass for Quark.


					ODO
			There we go.

					QUARK
			I've got it -- you're getting back 
			at me for selling you that sick
			changeling.

					ODO
			Actually, I should thank you.

					QUARK
			If you want the money back, just 
			say so.


					ODO
			It changed my life...
				(holding up his glass)
			To you, Quark.

					QUARK
				(snapping)
			All right, all right -- I confess. 
			I don't know what I did, but I did 
			it. Just stop, I can't take it 
			anymore.

    DEEP SPACE NINE: - "The Begotten" - REV. 11/12/96 - ACT FOUR   49A.

32   CONTINUED:	(2)

	Odo ignores Quark's panic, asks almost wistfully --

					ODO
			Do you ever think about having 
			children?

    DEEP SPACE NINE: - "The Begotten" - REV. 11/12/96 - ACT FOUR    50.

32   CONTINUED:	(3)

					QUARK
				(taken off guard)
			Huh?

					ODO
			I never did. It seemed like too 
			much trouble. But fate dropped 
			one into my lap. And now... I 
			couldn't be happier.
				(a beat)
			Cheers...

	Odo clinks his glass against Quark's, who knocks back 
	his drink.

					ODO
			It's strange... over the past few 
			months, I came to accept the fact 
			that I'd never have any contact 
			with my people again. They'd 
			rejected me, turned me into a 
			humanoid. And a part of me was 
			lost forever.
				(smiles)
			But that little ball of goo 
			sitting in that lab changed 
			everything. I feel like I'm 
			experiencing what it is to be a 
			changeling again. And somehow, 
			being a solid doesn't seem so bad 
			anymore.

	Quark holds out his glass --

					QUARK 
			Fill me up.

	As Odo pours Quark another glass, his COMBADGE BEEPS.

					COMPUTER VOICE
			Security Chief Odo, please 
			acknowledge.


					ODO
				(concerned)
			Go ahead.

					COMPUTER VOICE
			The lifeform being monitored is 
			displaying biomimetic fluctuations 
			beyond stated parameters...

    DEEP SPACE NINE: - "The Begotten" - REV. 11/12/96 - ACT FOUR   50A.

32   CONTINUED:	(4)

					ODO
			Have Doctor Mora meet me in the 
			Science Lab.

					COMPUTER VOICE
			Acknowledged.

	Odo rushes out, his features grim --

    DEEP SPACE NINE: - "The Begotten" - REV. 11/12/96 - ACT FOUR    51.

33   INT. SCIENCE LAB

	as Odo rushes in to find a concerned Mora scanning the 
	goo in its container.

					ODO
			What's happened?

	As Odo approaches, he sees that the goo has returned to 
	its former size and sickly BLUE COLOR...

					MORA
			It's morphogenic matrix is
			destablizing...

	Mora turns to Odo, his features grave.

					MORA
			It's dying...

	This hits Odo like a kick in the stomach... off this moment 
	we...

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT FOUR                         

    DEEP SPACE NINE: - "The Begotten" - REV. 11/12/96 - ACT FIVE    52.
                           ACT FIVE                             

	FADE IN:

34   INT. INFIRMARY

	Bashir and Mora are scanning the changeling as Odo 
	looks on, feeling anxious and helpless.

					BASHIR
				(off tricorder)
			Its lifesigns are fading. The 
			radiation may have damaged its 
			cytoplasm in some way we weren't 
			able to detect.

	Bashir and Mora share a grim look as they consider 
	their options. Odo can't contain his anxiety

					ODO
			There must be something you can 
			do.

					MORA
			We could try an enzymatic 
			induction -- that might stabilize 
			the biomimetic fluctuations.

					BASHIR
			It's worth a shot.

					ODO
			It has to work, it has to.

					MORA
			Odo, please... Why don't you wait 
			outside. We'll do what we can.

	Mora leads Odo toward the other room... with a last 
	look at the changeling, he EXITS.

35   INT. BIRTHING ROOM

	where Kira is now very near giving birth, she's deeply 
	relaxed, blissful.

					KIRA
				(far away)
			I feel... so good...

	Keiko smiles down at her...

					KEIKO
			You're doing great, Nerys.

    DEEP SPACE NINE: - "The Begotten" - REV. 11/12/96 - ACT FIVE    53.

35   CONTINUED:

	Y'Pora smiles excitedly as she stands poised between 
	Kira's legs... even though she's probably seen this a 
	thousand times before, it still awes her every time...

					Y'PORA
			Here he comes...

	Kira smiles, looks up at Keiko.

					KIRA
			Keiko... would you do me a favor?

									CUT TO:

36   INT. HABITAT RING CORRIDOR

	where O'Brien and Shakaar are diligently ignoring each 
	other, slumped against the wall on opposite sides of 
	the corridor. The door OPENS and Keiko pops her head 
	out.

					KEIKO
			Kira says you can both come back 
			in if you promise to behave.

	For a moment, the two men are too stunned to reply. 
	Then they're both on their feet in a flash.

	They meet at the door as they both try to ENTER at the 
	same time. For a moment we think they're going to 
	start at each other, but they check themselves, and 
	each man graciously motions that the other go first.

					O'BRIEN
			After you.

					SHAKAAR
			No -- after you.

					O'BRIEN
				(gesturing)
			Please.

					KEIKO
			Will you two get in here... you're
			going to miss everything.

	The two men file inside...

    DEEP SPACE NINE: - "The Begotten" - REV. 11/12/96 - ACT FIVE    54.

37   INT. BIRTHING ROOM

	Y'Pora is at the foot of the table, ready to deliver 
	the baby. O'Brien and Shakaar take their places next 
	to Keiko. Shakaar casts a glance O'Brien's way, tries 
	to let go of his discomfort over his presence at the 
	foot of the table.

					Y'PORA
			That's it, Nerys... relax -- let 
			it come...

	As O'Brien and Shakaar watch the off-screen birth 
	continue, we get the sense that neither man was quite 
	prepared for what he's witnessing -- a beat as they 
	exchange a glance, then they both gulp back a swallow.

38   THE CAMERA PANS

	across the array of smiling faces as they watch the 
	birth: from Shakaar to Keiko, then O'Brien...

	When the camera reaches Y'Pora, she smiles, and we hear 
	the off-screen SOUND of a baby crying. She reaches 
	down, and a beat later, lifts the --

39   SQUIRMING INFANT

	into FRAME...

					KEIKO
				(taking his arm)
			Look at him, Miles...


					O'BRIEN
			He's beautiful...

	Off the joyful faces of all gathered... even O'Brien 
	and Shakaar share a smile.

40   INT. PROMENADE

	where Odo is pacing anxiously outside the Infirmary. 
	It's morning now, and Supernumaries can be seen on the 
	Promenade. After a moment, Bashir appears in the 
	doorway. Odo looks at him, hoping against hope he has 
	good news.

					ODO
			Well... ?

					BASHIR
			There's nothing we can do. I'm 
			sorry. It won't be long now...

    DEEP SPACE NINE: - "The Begotten" - REV. 11/12/96 - ACT FIVE    55.

40   CONTINUED:

	A moment as this sinks in, then Odo pushes his way past 
	Bashir into --

40A  INT. INFIRMARY

	where Mora is waiting for him. He puts a comforting 
	hand to Odo's shoulder... a beat, then Odo moves to 
	look at the goo...

41   NEW ANGLE

	as Odo approaches the goo, which is barely moving now.

42   CLOSE - ODO

	as he looks down at it, anguished. A moment, then he
	reaches down and out of frame.

43   NEW ANGLE

	Odo has taken the goo into his cupped hands... its 
	movement is ebbing, its life is slipping away...

					ODO
				(softly)
			Please, don't die... there's so 
			much I want to show you. I was 
			going to teach you how to become 
			a Tarkalean Hawk... remember? 

	As he looks down at it, the goo stops moving...

44   OMITTED

45   WIDER (OPTICAL)

	A moment, then the goo suddenly ABSORBS itself into the 
	palms of Odo's hands.

	A beat as Odo looks down at his now empty hands in 
	confusion and amazement. Bashir immediately flips open 
	his TRICORDER.

					MORA
				(to Odo)
			What happened, where did it go?

					BASHIR
				(off tricorder)
			It somehow integrated itself into
			Odo's body...

    DEEP SPACE NINE: - "The Begotten" - REV. 11/12/96 - ACT FIVE    56.

45   CONTINUED:

	Odo suddenly staggers back, nearly falls --

					MORA
				(alarmed)
			Odo --

	Odo recovers, looks at Mora and Bashir...

					BASHIR
			What's wrong?

	Odo doesn't answer, a realization is dawning...

					ODO
			It can't be...

					MORA
			What... ?

	Odo turns, and MORPHS toward the door -- becoming a
	TARKALEAN HAWK in midair.

46   INT. PROMENADE

	as the Condor EMERGES from the Infirmary and arcs up 
	into the air... people react to the sight of the 
	magnificent bird flying along the curved expanse of the 
	room...

47   NEW ANGLE

	as the bird banks off, flies along the ceiling

47A  ODO'S POV

	As the bird glides high above the Promenade.

48   ANOTHER ANGLE (OPTICAL)

	as the creature lands on a quiet stretch of the upper
	level and MORPHS into Odo. He stands, his arms 
	stretched out above him, elation on his features -- 
	he's a Shape-shifter again.

	A moment, then the cost of his transformation hits him -- 
	the changeling's death. His joy starts to give way to 
	a deep sense of sorrow and loss...

    DEEP SPACE NINE: - "The Begotten" - REV. 11/12/96 - ACT FIVE    57.

48   CONTINUED:

	Off Odo as he struggles to make sense of these 
	conflicting emotions...


49   EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)

Re-establishing.

    DEEP SPACE NINE: - "The Begotten" - REV. 11/12/96 - ACT FIVE    58.

50
thru   OMITTED
52

	53   INT. DOCKING RING - AIRLOCK

	Shakaar and Kira are leaning against the bulkhead, 
	grabbing a last few minutes together before he leaves.

					SHAKAAR
			This might be a good time to take
			some leave and come down to Bajor
			for a while.

					KIRA
			Maybe in a few weeks. Right now,
			I feel like staying around here.

	Shakaar nods that he understands...

					SHAKAAR
			So you can be close to the baby...

	Kira nods, and he can see the tinge of sadness in her eyes.

					SHAKAAR
			He's a good-looking boy.

					KIRA
				(proud)
			He is, isn't he?

					COM VOICE
			All passengers bound for Bajor
			should board at this time.

					KIRA
			You'd better go.

	Sensing her melancholy, he gathers her in his arms...

					SHAKAAR
			I've got a few minutes left.

	Off this moment...

54   INT. DOCKING RING - CORRIDOR

	as Odo accompanies Mora to the mouth of the airlock (we 
	don't see Kira and Shakaar inside).

    DEEP SPACE NINE: - "The Begotten" - REV. 11/12/96 - ACT FIVE    59.

54   CONTINUED:

	Mora turns to him, asks gently --

					MORA
			So... how does it feel to be 
			yourself again?

	Odo can't get past the cost of what happened.

					ODO
			I just wish it hadn't happened the
			way it did...

					MORA
			I'm sorry. If it helps, think of 
			it as a gift -- something the 
			changeling wanted you to have.


	Odo is able to take some solace in this thought, but 
	there's something else he wants to say to Mora.

    DEEP SPACE NINE: - "The Begotten" - REV. 11/12/96 - ACT FIVE    60.

54   CONTINUED:	(2)

					ODO
			I think I finally understand how 
			much I meant to you... and what 
			you must've gone through when I left.

	Mora hears the sadness in his voice, wants to make him
	feel better.

					MORA
			You had to find your own way in 
			the world.

					ODO
			I should've included you in my 
			life.

					MORA
			You still can.

	A beat, then Odo smiles, extends his hand... Mora takes 
	it, then pulls him into a hug...

					MORA
			Take care of yourself, Odo...

	After a moment, they separate, and with a last look 
	between them, Mora EXITS through the airlock. Just 
	then, Kira ENTERS and sees Odo. She know's what 
	happened, looks at him with sympathy.

					ODO
			I thought the O'Briens were 
			having a party.

					KIRA
				(nods)

			Shakaar and I stopped by. But I 
			didn't feel like celebrating.

					ODO
			Oh?

					KIRA
			I got into this because the 
			O'Briens' needed my help -- I 
			never wanted a baby. But right
			now... I just wish I could hold 
			him in my arms and never let go.

	Odo nods thoughtfully...

    DEEP SPACE NINE: - "The Begotten" - REV. 11/12/96 - ACT FIVE    61.

54   CONTINUED:	(3)

					ODO

			I think I know how you feel,
			Nerys...

					KIRA
			Want to take a walk?

	Odo nods. Off the image of Odo and Kira walking down 
	the corridor, we...

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT FIVE                         
                            THE END