STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE "Division By Zero" Written by Pab Sungenis & John Passarella STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE "Division By Zero" CAST SISKO ELLIZAIRIAN MINISTER CH'AHNGA KIRA GARAK DAX BASHIR ODO O'BRIEN QUARK NURSE HUMANOID "DAX" Non-Speaking PROMENADE PATRONS Voice-Over COMPUTER VOICE STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE "Division By Zero" TEASER FADE IN: INT. RUNABOUT ORINOCO -- BRIDGE Returning from a routine survey mission of the Gamma Quadrant, COMMANDER SISKO and LIEUTENANT JADZIA DAX are at the controls of the Runabout. They are discussing old times. Or, at least, attempting to discuss old times. SISKO (fondly) I've got one, old man. Remember that time on Betalon Four... DAX The two dancing barmaids. Curzon in rare form. SISKO Right. The falling veils. You tugged on the bright green one and... DAX is staring at him, waiting for him to notice the discrepancy. SISKO (continuing, subdued) Ah, yes, Curzon. Sometimes I forget that you're... that you've changed. DAX Don't apologize, Benjamin. You had a long, memorable relationship with Curzon. He was a memorable host. All his memories are a part of Dax and so are part of me. (CONTINUED) CONTINUED: SISKO I hope to have as long and as memorable a relationship with Jadzia Dax. DAX Thank you, Benjamin. I -- The Runabout's console BEEPS, interrupting her. Dax's fingers move swiftly across the touchpads. SISKO What is it? DAX Something approaching rapidly. EM readings off the scale; mass negligible -- wait, it's increasing. (beat) Now decreasing. SISKO On screen. Dax complies. INT. BRIDGE AREA AND VIEWSCREEN -- VARIOUS ANGLES Sisko turns to the viewscreen where a fluctuating, cloud- like entity appears. Predominantly red, the entity's interior flashes with pinpoints of light like miniature stars. It soon fills the viewscreen. DAX Contact in three seconds. SISKO Raise shields. Dax's hands sweep across the touchpad a moment before the Runabout rocks violently. The viewscreen winks out, then blinks back on, revealing normal space. DAX It's almost as if we were caught in its wake. Incredible energy flow. (CONTINUED) CONTINUED: COMPUTER VOICE (V.O.) Warning: shields at sixty percent. (beat) Shields normal. SISKO Damage? DAX No apparent damage, but... SISKO What? DAX All computer subsystems within nominal ranges, but wavering, unsteady. We'd better get back to DS Nine. The console BEEPS again. Sisko checks the board. SISKO Drop in impulse engine output. Twenty percent. Still dropping. More BEEPING, FLASHING displays. DAX Inertial dampeners down five percent. COMPUTER VOICE (V.O.) Warning, life support systems reg- ister malfunction. Thermal control system inactive. All systems -- (fades out for a moment) All systems functioning within normal parameters. SISKO Have the computer run a Level Four Diagnostic. Let's get her home nice and easy. Dax glances at Sisko, a ripple of anxiety disturbing her calm, but says nothing and returns her attention to the board. EXT. SPACE -- THE WORMHOLE Opens in a coruscating funnel of color, swallowing the Runabout. INT. RUNABOUT Bumpy ride, the interior lighting flickers out sporadically, bathing them in emergency red and sometimes complete darkness. Sisko's face is bathed in sweat. COMPUTER VOICE (V.O.) Warning: internal temperature 35 C. DAX Inertial dampeners down ten percent. Compensating. (taps touchpad) Redundant systems not responding. SISKO Manual override? DAX I could rewire the redundant systems directly into the primary controls. If you take navigation. SISKO Do it. Dax slips out of her chair, pops open a control panel. Sisko takes over her boards. As she kneels, the Runabout skews sideways; she cuts her forehead on the exposed panel. SISKO Dax! He fights the urge to abandon his chair. His efforts are the only thing keeping them alive. DAX I'm fine. Just a nick. She shakes her head, grips the panel with one hand and reaches into the circuitry with the other. INT. DEEP SPACE NINE -- OPS O'BRIEN is at engineering, KIRA at tactical. She looks up. KIRA Neutrino levels rising at the wormhole. O'BRIEN That'd be the Commander and Lieutenant Dax. EXT. WORMHOLE The wormhole opens and the crippled Runabout emerges. INT. OPS -- VARIOUS ANGLES AND VIEWSCREEN AS NEEDED O'BRIEN Emergency distress call from Commander Sisko. Kira comes around her display to square her shoulders to the viewscreen. KIRA On screen. The viewer fills with the flashing red interior of the Orinoco; Sisko stands braced in the foreground. STATIC distorts the image, taking some of the audio with it. SISKO ...-ajor Kira... massive systems failure. We're losing navigation... lock on... tractor... KIRA Commander, you're breaking up. All lights in the Runabout go out, then return faintly. O'BRIEN They've just lost life support. KIRA Chief, lock onto their signals. We're beaming them on board. (CONTINUED) CONTINUED: O'BRIEN Locked on, Major, but -- SISKO (shakes head) No transporter, Major. Bring us in... tractor beam. KIRA No time, Commander. I'm getting you out of there. SISKO Major -- ! KIRA (continuing) Mr. O'Brien. Energize. INT. OPS -- ANGLE ON TRANSPORTER PLATFORM Sisko and Dax MATERIALIZE. Sisko gives Kira a harsh look, then glances in concern at Dax. SISKO Dax, are you...? DAX I'm... fine. Fine, Benjamin. Sisko turns back to Kira. SISKO Major, you disobeyed a -- He stops as a motion catches his eye. He's a second too late to react as Dax takes a hesitant step forward and crumples to the floor. FADE OUT. END OF TEASER ACT ONE FADE IN: INT. INFIRMARY -- VARIOUS ANGLES AS NEEDED In the foreground, Sisko reprimands Kira for disobeying orders; in the b.g., BASHIR seals Dax's forehead cut, then runs a full scan with a medical tricorder. SISKO (voice low) Major, I advise you to review Starfleet's Standard Operations Manual regarding the use of transporters. Especially the section regarding the potential dangers of transporting joined species such as the Trills. KIRA With all due respect, Commander, I thought the danger to your lives outweighed -- SISKO That was not your decision to make. Trills are to be transported only as a last resort. In my judgment, the situation was not that desperate. In the future, you are not to counter- mand my orders, no matter how well- meaning your intentions may be. KIRA Understood, Sir. Next time, I'll let you die. SISKO That's reassuring. Sisko turns toward Bashir. Dax is up on one elbow, smiling; her forehead now unblemished. SISKO Well, Doctor? (CONTINUED) CONTINUED: BASHIR Her head injury is relatively minor, but she's showing some signs of shock. Also, during the brain scan I detected slight irregularities -- DAX (interrupts) It was probably just stress, combined with my head injury. BASHIR (continuing) Possibly. It registers normal now. Otherwise, she appears quite ordinary. (glances at Dax) Extraordinary, in fact. SISKO I appreciate the... medical opinion, Doctor. I'll expect her to report for duty next shift. (to Kira) Major, if you would. Sisko motions for Kira to follow him. She nods and they exit. ANOTHER ANGLE Dax gets up to leave. DAX Are you finished with me for now, Julian? BASHIR What? Oh. Yes. I'd like to keep you under observation, but I'll trust you to notify me if you experience any ill effects or disorientation. DAX Thank you, Julian. You have my word. She starts to leave, but Bashir stops her. (CONTINUED) CONTINUED: BASHIR Jadzia? It might be beneficial, strictly from a medical perspective of course, to observe you over the course of the next few hours. (beat) Say, at dinner tonight. Dax's indulgent smile widens. DAX "Strictly from a medical perspective," Julian. BASHIR Of course. DAX That sounds lovely. Tonight, then. As she leaves, she gives Bashir a healthy slap on the rear. He stares after her surprised, then smiles. INT. OPS -- THE NEXT DAY Kira is at tactical; Dax walks into her science area, glances towards the other woman. KIRA Good morning, Dax. Good to see you back on duty. DAX Good to be back. What's the status of the Orinoco? KIRA O'Brien beamed over and shut down the main computer. Then we towed it in with the tractor beam to landing pad C. As far as I know, it's still there. DAX Has Chief O'Brien been able to determine the cause of the malfunction? (CONTINUED) CONTINUED: KIRA I doubt it. He's been quite busy since last night. DAX Have you seen him lately? KIRA Last I heard, he was fixing replicators on the habitat ring, then an airlock on one of the docking pylons. Dax nods, frowns briefly then looks down at her science boards. INT. SISKO'S OFFICE -- VARIOUS ANGLES AS NEEDED As ODO stands before Sisko's desk, arms folded, chin inclined. ODO You wanted to see me, Commander? Sisko looks from up from a terminal display, nods. SISKO Yes, Constable. You are aware of the Ellizairians presence on DS Nine? ODO Of course, Commander. You can be assured that I have taken all necessary precautions to guard their shipment of rare gemplates. SISKO I'm sure you have, Constable. Did you know that, every hundred years or so, they auction off their most priceless works of art to other species? ODO To spread their culture through the cosmos. I am aware of that peculiarity. (CONTINUED) CONTINUED: SISKO What you may not be aware of is that they have elected to hold a sealed auction of the gemplates here on DS Nine. It's quite an honor for us. ODO A sealed auction? SISKO The Ellizarians are a very honorable, dignified race. Something as crass as a regular auction offends their... sensibilities. (beat) They prefer to have interested parties bid secretly. They then accept the highest bid. ODO This is most unusual. SISKO It's not uncommon for other races, even humans. However, the Ellizarians are famous for it. One bid, your best offer, winner take all. ODO How does this involve me? SISKO I would like you to keep the bids secure until the auction. Certain... parties might be very interested in knowing what the top bids are. ODO Understood, Commander. I will arrange for the data transfer with their leader. INT. OPS Bashir steps off the turbolift with a spring in his step as he walks toward Sisko's office on the upper tier. Bashir pauses, glances down at Dax. BASHIR Jadzia, I wish to thank you for a lovely evening. DAX You're quite welcome, Julian. As he steps into Sisko's office, Kira looks up at Dax, astonished. KIRA You spent the evening with him? DAX Dinner, actually. He was quite charming. KIRA I can't believe -- DAX It was perfectly innocent. Actually, I developed a headache. KIRA (laughing) He bought that excuse? DAX No, I really had a headache. She rises from her station and walks toward the turbolift. Kira shakes her head. INT. SISKO'S OFFICE Odo slips past Bashir to exit as Sisko leans back in his chair, hands steepled as Bashir stands attentively before him. (CONTINUED) CONTINUED: SISKO I've read your report, Doctor. You believe Dax is fine. BASHIR Well, Commander. She developed a bit of a headache last night. Quite common for the type of head injury she sustained. SISKO Any recommendations. BASHIR I'll keep my eye on her for the next couple of days. There's really nothing more for me to do now. SISKO Very well, Doctor. Thank you. INT. QUARK'S PLACE QUARK and Odo are in the middle of a game of 3D chess. The crowd in the b.g. is very light, implying that Quark has an opportunity to slip away for this diversion. Odo makes a move, which clearly makes Quark unhappy. QUARK I don't see what humans like about this game. I find nothing about it interesting. ODO It's a game of strategy, where the goal is to anticipate what your opponent will do next. Then you try to make it difficult for them to do so. (beat) Much like the cat-and-mouse game you've been leading me on ever since I changed the Security data chips, leaving your little collection worthless. (CONTINUED) CONTINUED: QUARK I don't have the faintest idea what you are talking about. ODO Really, Quark. You might as well give up any hope of seeing the sealed bids for that shipment of Ellizairian gemplates. QUARK I have as little interest in Ellizairian gemplates as I do in this stupid human game. ODO I happen to know that you love the game. QUARK Again, you're completely mistaken. I can't stand it. ODO Then why were you and Rom playing it last night while plotting how to get the new chips? Not a very good challenge, is he? (beat) Personally, I wouldn't use the Arterian Gambit when.... QUARK (interrupting) How do you know about...? ODO Rom's chess strategy? I... have my ways. Quark looks first at one wall, then at the others, finally realizing what is missing. QUARK I was wondering where that new painting had come from! You sneak! You've been hanging around my bar again! Literally! (CONTINUED) CONTINUED: (2) Quark makes a move. Odo contemplates the board, smiling. ODO I've learned over the last five years to always keep an eye on you. QUARK Twelfth Rule of Acquisition: never look your opponent in the eye. Odo makes his countermove, which upsets Quark even more. ODO First rule of security: the walls have eyes. QUARK Knowing you, that doesn't surprise me in the least. (makes a move) Trust me, one of these days, I'm going to beat you at your own game. ODO You probably will... when you learn to think the way I do. And today just isn't your day for that. (makes a move) Checkmate. Odo gets up to leave, Quark stops him. QUARK Tell you what, I'll play you double or nothing at Dabo. Give me a chance to recoup my losses. ODO This is chess, Quark! There are no wagers to lose! QUARK You see? I told you I didn't like the game! INT. CORRIDOR -- DOCKING RING O'Brien walks purposefully, carrying his tool chest. Dax catches up to him from behind. DAX Chief! You're a hard man to catch. O'BRIEN Lieutenant. I headed for the upper airlock. You're welcome to come along if you need to talk with me. DAX I will. Thanks. (beat) Have you had a chance to examine the Orinoco? O'Brien stops at the turbolift door, presses the call button. O'BRIEN Barely had time to put an 'Out of Order' sign on it before the replicators on the Habitat Ring went haywire. INT. TURBOLIFT As O'Brien steps in, followed by Dax. O'BRIEN Airlock. (to Dax) You don't want to know what they were dispensing instead of orange juice. Took me the better part of two hours to straighten it out. (beat) That's when I get a call from this Cardassian merchant - Gul Karona - that he's stuck at the top of this pylon. He's convinced it's all a Federation plot. I had to remind him, politely mind you, that the Cardassians built the bloody station and he should take his grievances there in a hurry. That's when -- (CONTINUED) CONTINUED: DAX (interrupting) I really think you should prioritize your investigation of the Orinoco. O'BRIEN If I don't get to it by tomorrow, I'll schedule a work crew to -- DAX (insistent) I want you to look at it. Today. O'BRIEN Begging your pardon, Lieutenant, but I read the report, and it looks like the cloud entity was the cause of the problems. Probably just needs -- DAX (louder) You don't know that, O'Brien! I order you to take the Orinoco apart if you have to! I want to know -- I want -- just do it! The turbolift stops. O'Brien looks at Dax, startled for a long moment. O'BRIEN Yes, sir. Right away, sir. DAX I'm... sorry, Chief. I'm not quite feeling myself. With a curt nod, he steps out of the turbolift. Obviously in pain, Dax squints her eyes shut and presses her index and middle fingers against her temples as we: FADE OUT. END OF ACT ONE ACT TWO FADE IN: INT. PROMENADE Sisko and Dax walk calmly along the promenade, seemingly oblivious to the hustle and bustle of merchants and their patrons. SISKO Looks like business is picking up. DAX I'm sure Odo has his hands full with the crowd. SISKO My hands have been full with administrative business, and it seems everyone's been overworked lately. Sisko snaps his fingers, smiling with an idea. SISKO What would you say to a few innings of baseball, old man? Help relax those three-hundred-year old bones. DAX It's not the bones that are three- hundred-years old, just the memories. (beat) I bet you don't remember the first time you tried to teach Curzon how to play baseball. SISKO (hesitantly) Star Base 10, right? Holodeck simulation. DAX Just as I thought: you blocked it out. (CONTINUED) CONTINUED: SISKO I remember it as if it were yesterday. DAX So you remember hitting a fly ball through the window of a certain colonial governor's office window. SISKO (laughs) Just as he was signing the planetary nonagression treaty. DAX He thought he was under attack and nearly tore up the treaty. SISKO I also recall that you -- that Curzon threw out his back trying to slide into third. (beat) What would I do without you, old man? Dax just smiles. SISKO (continuing) So what do you say. Jake's been itching for an afternoon at Wrigley Field. I'll have Quark reserve a holosuite for -- DAX Who? SISKO Quark. DAX (hesitantly) Quark...? The Ferengi. Sisko stops, takes her arm, studies her expression with concern marking his own. (CONTINUED) CONTINUED: (2) SISKO Are you all right, old man? DAX I'm fine, Benjamin. Of course, I know who Quark is. EXT. RUNABOUT LANDING PAD The Orinoco is hunkered down in its recessed landing bay. INT. ORINOCO O'Brien sits at the Runabout's Ops station, his open tool chest on the seat beside him, a tricorder in one hand. KIRA (COM VOICE) Kira to O'Brien. O'Brien taps his combadge. O'BRIEN O'Brien here. KIRA (COM VOICE) How's it look, Chief? O'BRIEN I've got her powered up. Running a Level Three Diagnostic. Can't find a bloody thing wrong with her. KIRA (COM VOICE) What are you going to do? O'BRIEN Can't blame this one on inferior Cardassian technology. KIRA (COM VOICE) Not this time, Chief. (CONTINUED) CONTINUED: O'BRIEN Suppose I'll swap out the isolinear chips, just to be safe, then reload all subprocessor modules. Give her a test and -- The Runabout's interior lights flickered. INT. OPS KIRA Chief, sensors just picked up an unusual EM pulse. INT. ORINOCO O'BRIEN Same here. Registered on my tricorder. KIRA (COM VOICE) The source of the malfunction? O'BRIEN Hmmh. (beat) Let's try each system in a test loop. O'Brien's hands flutter knowingly across the Ops boards. The panels come alive with flashing lights, then begin to operate themselves. COMPUTER VOICE (V.O.) Warning: life support system malfunction. O'Brien's brow is noticeably damp. O'BRIEN Thermal control subsystem just dropped out. I don't understand this. O'Brien reaches forward, but stops as a red, sparkling mist rises up from the touchpads. O'Brien backs away cautiously. (CONTINUED) CONTINUED: KIRA (V.O.) EM readings are all over the place, Chief! What's happening in there? O'BRIEN (a little awed) Appears we have a ghost in the machine. INT. THE PROMENADE Odo stands around, looking official as he keeps an eye on the sundry business people and customers. Quark approaches him, holding a 3D chess board in a delicate balancing act as he weaves through the crowd. QUARK Okay, Odo. I think I can stump you this time. ODO Go away, Quark. I'm busy. QUARK Sure you are. Trying to figure out which one of Daprix's artifacts to turn into so you can keep a closer eye on him, huh? ODO Go away, Quark! QUARK Not until you take a look at this chess problem. ODO Oh, very well. (looks at board) Interesting choice of problems, Quark. Not the easiest one to solve. (beat) Well, maybe for me it is. (makes a move) Checkmate. (CONTINUED) CONTINUED: QUARK How did you...? ODO It's called the Judson-Fenric stratagem. The black and while pawns cooperate instead of opposing each other. It's one of the oldest plays in the book; a doctor friend of mine taught it to me while I was on Bajor. QUARK Drat. As Quark turns to leave, Odo stops him. ODO By the way, Quark, tell Rom that those data chips you had him take out of my back pocket a moment ago are decoys. They won't work. ANOTHER ANGLE as Rom guiltily shuffles off into the crowd. QUARK How did you know he did that? You don't have eyes in the back of your head! Odo looks at him smugly, as if to say "don't I?" QUARK DO YOU?!? ODO I don't NEED them with you, Quark. You're so predictable. I told you before: I know how you think! You made your move; I countered it. Checkmate. (CONTINUED) CONTINUED: QUARK One of these days, Odo. One of these days I'll show you the true meaning of the phrase "kick the bucket!" He exits indignantly, taking his chessboard with him. INT. OPS Kira stands at the science station. KIRA O'Brien, what are you talking about? Are you saying DS Nine is haunted? O'BRIEN (COM VOICE) Not DS Nine, Major. Just the Runabout. Kira shakes her head impatiently. KIRA Chief, that's impossible. Who... what would haunt a Runabout? INT. ORINOCO O'Brien stands behind the command seat carefully watching the sparkling red mist as it drifts back down into the console. Once it does, the Runabout's lights fade out briefly. O'BRIEN Looks to me like that cloud entity left a bit of itself behind. KIRA (COM VOICE) The EM pulses? O'BRIEN Um-hmm. I'm reaching for my tricorder. Warn me if you hear chains rattling. KIRA (COM VOICE) Chief, what are you talking about? (CONTINUED) CONTINUED: O'Brien snatches his open tricorder from the console. O'BRIEN Nothing, Major. Just knocking on wood, so to speak. Tricorder seems okay, little bugger didn't seep in there as well. (beat) Major, check the readouts of the EM pulses. Do they show a pattern. INT. OPS A beat. KIRA Affirmative. Regular repeating pattern. INT. ORINOCO O'BRIEN Same here. Looks like it has an EM signature. KIRA (COM VOICE) What does that mean? O'BRIEN Maybe it'll come out if we call its name. KIRA (COM VOICE) I can play back the recorded EM pulses through the sensor array if-- O'BRIEN Let me try a test with the tricorder first. (presses tricorder buttons) I have it set for playback. Hope the circuitry doesn't short out. Here we go. (CONTINUED) CONTINUED: Again the interior lights flicker. At first, nothing appears to happen, then suddenly, the sparkling mist rises from the Runabout and floats through the air toward O'Brien. KIRA (COM VOICE) The readings are running wild, Chief! O'BRIEN That's not all! O'Brien tosses the tricorder aside a second before the mist envelops it, crackling across its surface. The tricorder squeals once before its lights die. The mist returns to the Runabout console, leaving O'Brien scratching his head. O'BRIEN Well, now we know how to attract it. KIRA (COM VOICE) Lot of good that does us. O'BRIEN Wait a minute. We've attracted it -- like a magnet! What if we reverse the polarity of the EM signature? That might repel it, convince it to go back home to its momma. INT. OPS KIRA Or get it very angry. INT. ORINOCO O'BRIEN Well, the Runabout's useless as is. And who's to say it won't get bored here and move on to the station. That's all we need. (CONTINUED) CONTINUED: KIRA (COM. VOICE) I'm programming the computer to invert the signature and broadcast it to the Runabout. You may want to evacuate, Chief. O'BRIEN I'll be okay. Besides, I'd better stick around to make sure it works. KIRA (COM VOICE) Okay, Chief. Stand by. O'Brien backs up to the rear of the Runabout cockpit, nervous for all his professed calm. INT. OPS KIRA Broadcasting. She presses a few buttons. INT. ORINOCO The Runabout's systems seem to come alive, sparkling display panels and touchpads, flickering, dimming and flashing lights, a rumble and hiss. The red, sparkling mist oozes out from the turbulent boards, hovers, noticeably dimmer than it was before. O'Brien ducks behind a chair as the mist abruptly spins about the Runabout, then vanishes up through the hull. EXT. RUNABOUT LANDING PAD As the sparkling mist hurtles off silently into space. INT. OPS Kira examines her readouts, then presses a button. KIRA Kira to O'Brien. Are you there? (CONTINUED) CONTINUED: O'BRIEN (COM VOICE) O'Brien here. In one piece. It looked like we were smothering it. I don't think it likes us any more. KIRA I'll tell Sisko. (beat) Under the circumstances I don't think he'll be heartbroken. INT. PROMENADE -- LATER THAT DAY Kira and Dax stroll through the crowd, discussing recent events. KIRA So then he says: (mimics O'Brien) "Bloody Hell, I'll never complain about the fog in Dublin again!" DAX (laughs) I wish I could have seen his face. They pass Garak's shop. Dax's attention is drawn to a rack of dresses placed outside to attract customers. DAX Kira, in all the time I've known you, I've never seen you out of uniform. KIRA (grins) It's very comfortable. Dax takes an iridescent green dress from the rack. DAX How about this one? KIRA Jadzia, even if I wanted a dress, which I don't, I wouldn't buy it from a Cardassian. (CONTINUED) CONTINUED: Dax smiles. DAX Who said anything about buying? Try it on, then try on four or five others. When you're done, tell Garak how much you loved them all... and that you will be ordering them from an independent merchant. KIRA Dax, that's petty and vindictive. (beat) Sounds like fun. ANOTHER ANGLE Dax holds the dress against Kira's shoulder. DAX You'd be perfect in this. See how it highlights -- Garak steps up to them, rubbing his hands together as if he's spreading oil between them. GARAK (clearing his throat) May I help you ladies? KIRA Whatever gave you that idea, Cardassian? DAX Give us a minute. Garak bows to DAX, forcing a smile as he regards Kira and backs away. Kira smiles widely. KIRA I was right. That was fun. Dax holds the dress back up to Kira. (CONTINUED) CONTINUED: DAX Well, what do you think? KIRA I don't know. It's fancy, but I just can't -- DAX (softly) You wouldn't hesitate if you saw how stunningly... Dax reaches up and caresses the scrollwork of Kira's nose. Kira trembles slightly. Obviously the sensation is pleasurable to Bajorans; just as obviously, Dax seems to be aware of that fact. DAX (continuing) ...attractive... Kira slips out from under the intimate caress, hands the dress back to Dax almost defensively. KIRA Dax I -- I really can't. Thanks, but... Kira walks away, then hears Dax cry out from behind her. She turns and rushes back to where Dax has fallen unconscious. Dax's midriff pulses beneath her uniform. Kira gasps, then taps her combadge. KIRA Kira to Bashir. Medical emergency, Promenade, level 10, section 12! She looks up, panting, completely nonplussed as we: FADE OUT. END OF ACT TWO ACT THREE FADE IN: INT. INFIRMARY A nurse places a soothing hand on Dax, who continues to toss and turn. ANOTHER ANGLE As Sisko confers with Bashir in the f.g. In the b.g., Kira and O'Brien talk in hushed tones. BASHIR Commander, I'm afraid there's no mistaking it now. It seems Jadzia is suffering from transporter mitosis. SISKO You're certain? BASHIR I'm getting two distinct theta waves in her brain scan. Normally, the host and symbiont merge together, emphasizing the common and cancelling out conflict. SISKO Forming a single identity. BASHIR Correct. It should be impossible to determine where Dax ends and Jadzia begins. But in her present state, each distinct personality becomes dominant, until it weakens and the other pushes it down. SISKO So why didn't you catch this earlier. (CONTINUED) CONTINUED: BASHIR There weren't any symptoms until now. Usually, it's a clean break. (beat) Wait a second. He motions Kira and O'Brien over. SISKO Have either of you noticed Jadzia behaving... strangely lately? O'BRIEN I'll say. She nearly took my head off in the turbolift. Just because I hadn't had time to check out the Orinoco. I've never seen the Lieutenant that angry. SISKO And earlier, she had a vivid memory from when she was Curzon, but couldn't remember who Quark was. BASHIR Understandable, since neither Curzon nor any of the six previous hosts ever met Quark. (to Kira) Major? KIRA (hesitantly) She... touched my nose. BASHIR What's so unusual about that? KIRA It's the beginning of a common Bajoran mating ritual! Bashir is clearly amused. SISKO This is no time for levity, Doctor. (CONTINUED) CONTINUED: (2) BASHIR I'm sorry, Sir. We have to remember that Dax spent forty years inside Curzon, a man with a hearty sexual appetite for pretty women. I guess old habits are hard to break. KIRA She had dinner with you the other night. I'd call that strange behavior in every sense of the word. Bashir is slightly embarrassed. Sisko glares at him. BASHIR Well, I would call it unexpected. (regains composure) Erratic behavior is common with older hosts, as the bond between symbiont and host begins to decay. KIRA What are you saying? BASHIR Transporter technology presents a danger to joined species like the Trill. It treats them as separate entities, and in rare, stressful circumstances, can break the psychic bond. ANOTHER ANGLE O'BRIEN But the Federation has known about this problem for a long time. The Trill are afraid of the matter-to- energy conversion process, but there are safeguards built into every Federation transporter. SISKO As you are fond of pointing out every time something breaks down, Chief, this station was built by the Cardassians. (CONTINUED) CONTINUED: O'BRIEN (realizing) Of course! Hell, the Cardassians have probably never seen a joined species let alone had to design a transporter for them. I'll look at it right away, sir. Sisko nods and O'Brien leaves the infirmary. KIRA What happens now? What can we do? BASHIR I have her medicated to reduce the trauma of separation. Somehow, she must try to reestablish the psychic bond. KIRA Dax can do it. I know she can. Sisko and Bashir exchange a knowing look; Kira looks from one to the other confused. KIRA What? What's wrong? BASHIR Unfortunately, there's never been a case of a broken bond between a host and symbiont being successfully reestablished. KIRA And what happens if the bond stays broken? SISKO Both of them die. (to Bashir) How much time do they have, Doctor? BASHIR If I keep her medicated, or in a stasis field, two maybe three days. ANOTHER ANGLE as Sisko walks around the biobed, looks down silently at Dax. He leans forward, places a finger against her cheek. Then he straightens, keeping his back to Kira and Bashir. From his stiff bearing, we know he has reached a decision. SISKO I'll send a subspace message to the Trill homeworld. To notify them of the accident. Bashir approaches him, realizing what Sisko has in mind. BASHIR Commander, you're not... SISKO We don't have any options, Doctor. We'll send for a new host. We can't save them both. But we can save Dax. KIRA (to Bashir) What's he talking about? BASHIR The Trill will send a new host to join with Dax. KIRA And Jadzia? BASHIR Without the symbiont, Jadzia will die. KIRA (to Sisko) You can't kill Jadzia. Sisko whirls to face them. SISKO Would you rather I kill them both, Major? KIRA There's got to be an alternative. (CONTINUED) CONTINUED: SISKO There is none. BASHIR Give me a day to find one. Just one day. You owe Jadzia that much. SISKO You have thirteen hours, Doctor. Then I must call the Trill. Sisko strides out of the infirmary, leaving Kira to stare at Bashir. KIRA What are you going to do? Bashir stares down into Jadzia's pale face and slowly, ever so slowly, shakes his head. BASHIR I wish I knew. INT. SISKO'S OFFICE -- NINE HOURS LATER Sisko stares through his porthole into the unfathomable reaches of space, as if somewhere out there the answer might be found. His door CHIMES. He swivels his chair around. SISKO Come. O'Brien enters, a smudge on his cheek another on his uniform. O'BRIEN You were right, Commander. The Cardassians apparently never dealt with a joined species. SISKO What did you find? (CONTINUED) CONTINUED: O'BRIEN Mainly that the phase transition coils are missing an image resonance discriminator. It was added to the Federation design a few years back. It's sole purpose is to detect joined species at the matter to energy conversion stage. It boosts the signal enough to protect the bond. Sisko nods. O'BRIEN (continuing) The Cardassians probably never heard of it. It's my fault, Commander. I should have checked that when Lieutenant Dax signed on. SISKO Nonsense, Chief. You've had too many problems with malfunctioning systems to think about the only one that did work. O'BRIEN Even so, Commander, transporters have been my specialty for -- SISKO We can't continue to kick ourselves over this. How soon can you upgrade our transporters? O'BRIEN I've already inserted the discriminator in Ops. I'll get on the others right away. O'Brien is about to leave when Sisko calls out to him. SISKO Chief. Good work. O'BRIEN (subdued) Thank you, Commander. (CONTINUED) CONTINUED: (2) EXT. DEEP SPACE NINE A ship moors at one of the docking rings. INT. OPS -- LATER Sisko leans forward, hands braced on the rail over Ops. He stares across the distance, lost in thought. Bashir walks toward him, looking disheveled. BASHIR Commander, I'd like to have a word with you. Sisko almost asks the question, then motions for Bashir to follow him into his office. INT. SISKO'S OFFICE Sisko sits back in his chair, then indicates that Bashir should be seated. Bashir shakes his head and paces in front of Sisko's desk, obviously agitated. SISKO Speak your mind, Doctor. BASHIR I need more time. SISKO You have two more hours, Doctor. Bashir stops, leans over the desk and stares at Sisko. BASHIR That's not enough. SISKO I need to call for a new host. That's all the time I can give you. (CONTINUED) CONTINUED: BASHIR I don't care about another host. I care about this patient, Jadzia Dax. I refuse to give up on either one of them. There has to be another way. SISKO A new host would at least ensure Dax's survival. BASHIR What you're asking me to do is play God. Well, I'm not a god, I'm just a doctor. I can not place greater value on one life over another. I intend to save both of them. SISKO Doctor, you're stubbornness only guarantees that both of them will die. The symbiont Dax has over three hundred years of knowledge and experience. I'm not about to let that die. BASHIR Commander, with all due respect, I believe you're letting your prior relationship with Curzon Dax enter into this decision. Angered, Sisko stands abruptly, but Bashir refuses to back off. Sisko starts to say something harsh, stops short. He takes a beat to compose himself. SISKO Doctor, I believe you're letting your personal affection for Jadzia interfere with sound medical judgment. This is a clear case of the ethical choice for your patient, both of them. Letting your hormones dictate -- BASHIR I resent that, Sir. Questioning my medical ethics will not get me to change my mind about -- (CONTINUED) CONTINUED: (2) SISKO Might I remind you, Doctor, that you took an oath when you entered Starfleet to obey the orders of your commanding officer. BASHIR Might I remind you, Sir, that I took an oath before that to an even higher authority to preserve all life. That includes both lives lying in the infirmary right now. I refuse to roll the dice! (beat) If you want to kill one just to save the other, you'll have to find some other doctor to do your handiwork. With that, Bashir pulls off his combadge and tosses it across the desk before storming out of the office. He almost bowls over Kira on his way out. Sisko silently watches him leave. KIRA What was that all about? SISKO It looks like our doctor just tendered his resignation. Sisko is grim as we: FADE OUT. END OF ACT THREE ACT FOUR FADE IN: INT. REPLIMAT -- VARIOUS ANGLES AS NEEDED Sisko and Kira sit at a table. Sisko looks solemnly down into a tall, fluted glass of amber fluid. Kira turns a mug within the circle of her hands. She is the first to speak. KIRA Care to talk about it? SISKO Are you my exec or my bartender now? KIRA (with a wry smile) Whatever the job requires. (beat) Mostly, your friend. At least I thought I was. Sisko looks up, a gleam in his eye. SISKO We've come a long way, haven't we, Major. KIRA (nodding) Yes. Yes we have. SISKO I've sent a subspace message to the Trill homeworld. They've selected a candidate host, but he may not make it here in time. KIRA Then Bashir hasn't... Sisko shakes his head, sips his drink (CONTINUED) CONTINUED: SISKO That man infuriates me! Sometimes I wish they hadn't sent me a doctor who was so wet-behind-the-ears, so immature, so -- KIRA So much like you. Sisko glares at her. She explains. KIRA That description of Doctor Bashir sounds a lot like a young officer Curzon Dax took under his wing fourteen years ago. SISKO (nods slowly) It does at that. KIRA Or a little like a certain young major Jadzia Dax has taken under her wing lately. SISKO She's taught you a few things, has she? KIRA A three hundred year old being has a lot to teach all of us, if we find time to listen. Yes, me too. I had a rough edge or two. SISKO Yes. One or two. (beat) I guess I haven't really come to terms with the change of hosts. I look at my "old man" and I see a young, intelligent, beautiful woman. (CONTINUED) CONTINUED: (2) KIRA I see that young woman and can't imagine that Dax was ever an old man. Which of us is right? Is Dax the woman or the 'slug?' SISKO Both, neither. KIRA And a lot more. Trills are the ultimate example of synergy: the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. Each is diminished without the other. How can you sacrifice either one when together they are so much more. SISKO Major, if we don't move the symbiont, both Jadzia and Dax will die. KIRA Or Jadzia Dax could live. You're missing the point, Sisko! What we have lying unconscious in the infirmary right now is not your "old man" or my young woman. It's a unique living being with as much right to survive as you or I. You can't just split Jadzia Dax down the middle. It doesn't work that way. Kira pushes aside her mug, gets up to leave, but Sisko catches her wrist. SISKO Major, thank you. It's apparent that Jadzia Dax has taught you a lot. KIRA Remember when I said next time I would let you die? (beat as Sisko nods) Well, believe it or not, but I could never do that. Sisko looks thoughtful, as Kira exits. INT. QUARK'S PLACE Quark polishes glasses in the f.g. In the b.g. Odo enters, looks side to side before he spots Quark, then approaches. ODO Well, Quark I had an urgent message that you wanted to see me. Another chess problem, I presume? QUARK Not at all, Odo. ODO What, then? I'm sure you're aware that the Ellizairians auction is over. QUARK Oh, yes. And I must admit that I did quite well for myself. ODO You did? QUARK All the gemplates I wanted are now mine and at the best possible price. ODO You surprise me, Quark. I must admit I doubted your business acumen when involved in... legitimate pursuits. QUARK Why, thank you, Odo. That means so much coming from you. By the way, I believe this is yours... Quark reaches under the bar and brings out Odo's bucket, which now has a bouquet of flowers in it. He hands it to Odo. ODO Where did you get that? How... (realizes) The security chips! QUARK Checkmate, Odo! Odo stares angrily down at the bucket. INT. BASHIR'S QUARTERS Bashir is dressed in civvies. He walks from a bureau to his bed, tossing his clothes and personal effects into an open suitcase. The door CHIMES. BASHIR It's open. Sisko enters. SISKO Going somewhere, Doctor? BASHIR Private practice, I suppose. SISKO What about your patient? BASHIR The nurse is quite capable of keeping her in stasis until the new host arrives. You have called for a new host, haven't you? SISKO (nods) It's a precaution I had to take. (beat) Doctor, I've made it this far by being right most of the time. It's never easy for me to admit when I'm wrong. Being wrong means surrendering control of the situation. BASHIR We can't always be in control, Commander. It's one of the hardest lessons I learned in med school. Sooner or later a patient comes along that you can't help. (beat) You just have to trust that things will be all right without, or even in spite of, you. (CONTINUED) CONTINUED: SISKO Look, Doctor, I appreciate your position. BASHIR I'm sure you do. SISKO Dax means a lot to both of us. I wish there were another way... any way to save both of them. I'm just surprised you've given up. BASHIR I haven't given up. Sisko looks meaningfully at the half-packed suitcase. BASHIR (continuing) There might be a way. It's a small chance, but it's never been tried before. SISKO What did you have in mind? BASHIR I'm having the computer run statistical analysis on various combinations of Tricordrazene and Anapropylene. SISKO Wouldn't that be like washing down a handful of amphetamines with a glass of whiskey? BASHIR Very much so. For humans, quite fatal. But in the Trills, the neural suppressant might hold back the host's mental blocks, while the stimulant energizes the symbiont long enough for Dax to reform the psychic bond. (CONTINUED) CONTINUED: (2) SISKO What are the risks? BASHIR Too much of one drug or the other increases the trauma Dax is already experiencing. The wrong combination could accelerate the breakdown between them. SISKO Doctor, what's the bottom line. If you try this procedure, what are the odds of saving both host and symbiont? BASHIR Assuming I can even find the right combination, the procedure would only have a thirty percent chance of success. SISKO And if we do nothing, they both die. Sisko walks to the far wall, hands clasped behind his back, mulling over his options. The computer console BEEPS. ANOTHER ANGLE as Bashir walks over to his terminal and looks at the screen. Sisko follows him. BASHIR I think I may have it, Commander. I think we have the best mix of dosages. SISKO Thirty percent. BASHIR That's the best I can offer. (CONTINUED) CONTINUED: SISKO Doctor, what would you say if I told you that Jadzia Dax is more than host and symbiont. BASHIR I'd agree with you. Each makes the other better, stronger. SISKO And that if either dies, what remains is diminished. (beat) A strong possibility exists that the candidate host will not make it to DS Nine in time. There's no sense spending the time that remains on a death watch. I want you to administer that procedure. BASHIR Sir? SISKO I want you to administer the procedure. BASHIR Sir? SISKO I'm not accepting your resignation, Doctor. (hands Bashir combadge) And I'm ordering you to begin the procedure you just outlined. Remember the oath you took, Doctor. (turns to leave) Both of them. INT. INFIRMARY -- VARIOUS ANGLES AS NEEDED Bashir enters, back in uniform, steps into position beside his nurse. BASHIR You've prepared the hypo? (CONTINUED) CONTINUED: NURSE Tricordrazene and Anapropylene to your exact specifications, Doctor. Dax lies still on the biobed; only the HUM and BEEPING of the monitors to indicate that she is still alive. Sisko enters. BASHIR Just about to start, Commander. (takes hypo, turns to nurse) Remove the stasis field. The nurse releases the field. The BEEPING becomes more erratic, and Dax starts to twitch and shake. Bashir administers the hypo. A moment later, Dax becomes still. BASHIR That's it. Come on, Jadzia. Come back to us. He backs up, looks at a special monitor set up over the bed where two spiked sine waves -- one red, one blue -- scrawl their way across the screen. SISKO How will we know if it's working? BASHIR The blue line represents Jadzia's brain wave pattern; the red one, Dax's. Right now, they are completely separated. If -- when this works -- the two lines should merge, forming a new single wave. They watch the conflicting patterns as they slowly change: Jadzia's blue line starts to flatten, with smaller peaks and shallower valleys. BASHIR That's the Anapropylene. It's suppressing Jadzia's mental activity. (CONTINUED) CONTINUED: (2) The red line becomes stronger, its peaks dwarfing the blue wave, its valleys deeper. BASHIR That's the Tricordrazene kicking in. It's working. (beat) Please let it work. SISKO (to the unconscious Dax) Come on, old man. You can do it. We need you. All of us need you. BASHIR I really believe it's going to work, Commander. It's -- Suddenly, the monitor BEEPS harshly. Both patterns have begun to spike irregularly, then the blue wave, Jadzia's, collapses almost to flatline. NURSE Doctor, she's -- ! BASHIR I can see it. SISKO What is it? What's happening? BASHIR Jadzia's fighting the symbiont, rejecting Dax. She's gone into synaptic shock. She's dying. (beat) And Dax can't survive without her. At that moment, the red wave weakens, the peaks stretch out, the valleys become noticeably shallower. BASHIR We're losing both of them! Reaction shots of Sisko and Bashir as we: FADE OUT. END OF ACT FOUR ACT FIVE FADE IN: INT. INFIRMARY Bashir and his nurse are struggle to save Jadzia and the symbiont. Sisko stands out of the way, concern and helpless. BASHIR Nurse. Hand me the cortical stimulators! NURSE Yes, Doctor. She hands the twin devices to Bashir who presses them to Dax's forehead. BASHIR Now! Bashir looks up at the monitor, catches a blue spike as we: MATCH CUT: INT. JADZIA'S MIND A bolt of blue-white lightning rips through a dark landscape. An electro-chemical response or a dream image? Jadzia, in uniform, steps into the frame, bewildered as a WIND HOWLS around her. INT. INFIRMARY Sisko stands at Bashir's shoulder, looking first at the monitor -- where irregular spikes have returned to both waves -- then down at the still form of his science officer and finally at Bashir. SISKO It's working. BASHIR I've got a response. But the rhythm is irregular. (CONTINUED) CONTINUED: The monitor BEEPS again. The blue line appears to falter. Bashir adjusts the cortical stimulators again. BASHIR Come on, Jadzia! Fight for it. (beat) Now! CUT TO: INT. JADZIA'S MIND As another blue-white lightning bolt flashes across the darkness. Jadzia turns in a circle, lost and confused. She herself makes no sound of passing here, her footfalls are less than whispers: she is wraith, ghost, spirit consciousness, soul. Shadows hide everything but the small island of her passing. She is bright here, a beacon in the dark, a light in the storm. Something alerts her to a new presence. Jadzia spins around, faces into the darkness as a ghostly pale, humanoid shape floats toward her. The humanoid nears, revealing a face with no clear features, smudges where eyes, nose and mouth should be; revealing a torso that stretches out of the taffy-like shadows, struggling to maintain a form in the void. A new bolt of lightning, red-tinged, cuts across the darkness in the distance. JADZIA (awed) Dax! INT. INFIRMARY As Sisko, Bashir and the Nurse watch the struggling brainwave patterns. SISKO What if you administered another dose of the drug? (CONTINUED) CONTINUED: BASHIR Not in her current state. Too dangerous. We have to wait. SISKO I feel so helpless. Dammnit, can't we do anything to help her, them? BASHIR (softly) Medically, I've done all I can. She has to want it. (beat) It's all up to Jadzia Dax now. Both of them. INT. JADZIA'S MIND The humanoid Dax wavers in front of Jadzia, like a holographic image fluttering in and out of focus. The storm in the background is nearing, the WINDS GUST and HOWL violently. HUMANOID "DAX" It is difficult to be here... Jadzia nods. HUMANOID "DAX" ...and important as well. For both of us. JADZIA I'm afraid. HUMANOID "DAX" I know. I am also -- For a moment, the humanoid Dax ripples and vanishes like a streamer of smoke; Jadzia cries out, alarmed. Dax slowly regains his assumed shape. HUMANOID "DAX" There is calm here. But only here. (CONTINUED) CONTINUED: JADZIA Where are we? What is this? HUMANOID "DAX" A place for us to talk. A neutral place that can support us. JADZIA And the storm? HUMANOID "DAX" We cannot exist there. When the storm reaches us, we will be lost to each other. JADZIA How can you be here? In this form? HUMANOID "DAX" This is what remains of our bond, an island of sanity and life for both of us. My... will... holds this form here. JADZIA What's happening? I don't understand... HUMANOID "DAX" We need to become one again. Neither one of us can survive without the other. THUNDER pounds around them, the pauses between lightning less frequent. The winds buffet Jadzia, pulling her away from Dax even as Dax is tugged in the opposite direction. JADZIA How? Tell me how! HUMANOID "DAX" We must both be strong. Each... of us must be willing to lose part of ourselves -- JADZIA I don't want to lose myself! (CONTINUED) CONTINUED: (2) HUMANOID "DAX" We both lose so that we can both gain. Together we are strong enough to survive. Alone... all is lost. Jadzia spins in a circle, confused. Shadows flicker across her face. The island of light that around her is fading. Dax has become less distinct, its voice hollow. JADZIA What should I do? I can't remember how it was before, how we were... HUMANOID "DAX" You must remember. Remember and desire what once was to be again. You must want to be whole again. The fierce wind pulls her a step away. She stumbles, falls and climbs to her feet. JADZIA (realizing) I remember now! We must be whole again. HUMANOID "DAX" Good, Jadzia! Good. Take my hand. Quick! Before it is too late. Dax reaches out an ethereal limb that slowly forms an arm, a hand, grasping fingers. Jadzia stands. Now the wind pulls her away, the shadows cast fleeting images of darkness across her frightened face. She fights the force of the wind, stretches an arm out. Her fingers don't quite reach the pale hand of Dax. JADZIA I'm afraid! HUMANOID "DAX" There is only fear apart. Together there is no fear. Join me! JADZIA I'm... trying... I can't... (CONTINUED) CONTINUED: (3) She starts to slip backward, an inch between their outstretched hands becomes two, then three. HUMANOID "DAX" Do not give up! Jadzia's eyes are squinted shut, her outstretched arm trembles, her voice is breathless. JADZIA Help me... HUMANOID "DAX" (resigned) I... can't... Dax's form ripples. It appears that Dax is losing too. They are still apart. Then, as if carried on the fierce currents of the wind, Jadzia hears other voices, familiar voices, voices of those she has come to depend on, who have come to depend on her, care about her, and that she has, in her own way, loved. SISKO (V.O.) What would I do without you...? KIRA (V.O.) I can't believe you... BASHIR (V.O.) Extraordinary, in fact... SISKO (V.O.) Remember that time on Betalon Four...? BASHIR (V.O.) Fight for it! SISKO (V.O.) What would I do without you... What would I do without... With a surge of energy, Jadzia leaps forward and grasps the formless hand of Dax. Instantly, Dax solidifies, the wind and lightning fade into calm, and the darkness is replaced by bright light, so bright that Dax, pale before, vanishes now. INT. INFIRMARY -- DAX'S P.O.V. Bright lights. INT. INFIRMARY -- VARIOUS ANGLES AS NEEDED As Dax tries to sit up, shielding her eyes from the medical light shining down on her. Bashir places a soothing hand on her shoulder and urges her to lie back down. BASHIR Easy now. Bashir and Sisko both look up to the monitor; Dax follows their gaze. She sees a single line tracing its way across the monitor. Sisko glances down at her, smiling broadly. SISKO Welcome back, Jadzia Dax. She smiles, relieved yet tired. DAX It's... good to be back. INT. PROMENADE -- OBSERVATION LEVEL An ELLIZAIRIAN, whose ram's-horn head gives him the appearance of having tusks coming out of his cheeks, bows deeply to Odo, arms extended sideways. Odo returns a curt nod, clearly uncomfortable with the alien's protocol. ELLIZAIRIAN Our auction was a complete success. May our works of art inspire others as they have inspired us. All spread the word; the word is spread. (beat) Thank you for your patient assistance with our efforts, Security Odo. (CONTINUED) CONTINUED: ODO Not at all, Minister Ch'ahnga. "We are humbled by your excellence. And hope to learn from what you have been, are now, will be." The Ellizairian, obviously pleased with Odo's rote response, bows again and shuffles away. Kira steps up beside Odo. KIRA You've been working on your obsequious side. ODO A bunch of absolute nonsense. KIRA You covered well. ODO Covered? How so? KIRA Rumor has it that Quark swiped your security chips and submitted unfair bids to get his gemplates. ODO That's quite true. Up to a point. KIRA So, I expected you would apologize to the Ellizairians. Of course, that would have dishonored their ancestors. ODO Yes, it would. KIRA So I understand why you kept it a secret. ODO That's not the only secret. (CONTINUED) CONTINUED: (2) KIRA Really? ODO The Ellizairians were also unaware that I took note of their bids. KIRA Took note? The secret bids? Odo, you peeked! ODO A simple matter. I also submitted false bids, very generous bids, under an alias of course. I instructed the computer to remove them before the auction if Quark did not bid. KIRA So Quark...? ODO Paid quite a bit more than he had to, actually. For a good cause. KIRA But after what he did with the flowers in your bucket... You'll tell him about your bids. ODO I think not. Now that he believes he's had the better of me, I expect he'll get careless. Kira shakes her head, unable to suppress a smile. INT. JADZIA DAX'S QUARTER'S Jadzia Dax sits at her desk in an informal gown, reading technical articles on her desktop terminal display. The door CHIMES. DAX Come in. (CONTINUED) CONTINUED: Sisko enters, and is surprised to find her sitting at the desk. SISKO I understood that Doctor Bashir prescribed bed rest. DAX I've had more than enough bed rest. My technical journals can be just as relaxing. Sisko straddles an extra chair opposite her, arms crossed over the back. SISKO So how's my old man? DAX I'm fine. SISKO (nods) Physically, yes. Doctor Bashir agrees. Brainwaves, everything checks out. (beat) That's not what I meant. DAX (sighs) It's hard to explain. SISKO Try me. DAX It's an... odd feeling, not knowing who you are. (beat) The strangest part was that during my... episodes, I didn't realize I was acting any differently. Now I feel unsure of myself. Am I the Jadzia Dax I was before or a new Jadzia Dax? (CONTINUED) CONTINUED: (2) SISKO You and the symbiont probably have a new appreciation for one another. DAX It's made our bond more precious. At the same time, more fragile. Dax has been part of other people. For the first time I really sense that. I guess I took the duality of being a Trill for granted. SISKO We all have a form of duality about us. Times when we are of two minds. In your case, you have the accumulated wisdom of three hundred years to call upon. Dax smiles briefly, then becomes thoughtful. DAX I've been wondering who I really am. What my identity is. That's never troubled me before. SISKO I know who you are. (beat) You're my science officer, my mentor and my closest friend. You are Jadzia Dax and I am glad to have you around. Jadzia Dax smiles as we: FADE OUT. END OF ACT FIVE THE END