STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE "The Abandoned" #40513-452 Written by Steve Warnek & Doug Maio Directed by Avery Brooks 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 1994 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 This script is not for publication or reproduction.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 August 30, 1994 STAR TREK: DS9 - "The Abandoned" 09/01/94 - CAST STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE "The Abandoned" CAST SISKO KIRA BOY ODO TEENAGER BASHIR BOSLIC DAX MARDAH QUARK HIGH ROLLER O'BRIEN NURSE'S VOICE JAKE Non-Speaking Non-Speaking N.D. SUPERNUMERARIES N.D. SECURITY HUMANOID FIGURE STAR TREK DEEP SPACE NINE: "The Abandoned" - 09/01/94 - SETS STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE "The Abandoned" SETS INTERIORS EXTERIORS DEEP SPACE NINE DEEP SPACE NINE QUARK'S CARGO BAY INFIRMARY PROMENADE/SECOND LEVEL SISKO'S QUARTERS HOLDING CELL CORRIDOR ODO'S QUARTERS REPLIMAT WARDROOM SURGERY HOLOSUITE COMMANDER'S OFFICE CORRIDOR NEAR AIRLOCK STAR TREK: "The Abandoned" - 08/30/94 - PRONUNCIATION STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE "The Abandoned" PRONUNCIATION GUIDE ACADIAN uh-KAY-dee-an BERELLIAN BURR-rel-ee-an BOSLIC BOZ-lik HORTAK HOR-yak ISOGENIC EYE-so-gin-ik JEM'HADAR JEM-huh-DAR KARJINKO KAR-geen-ko KORAN KOR-an MANDALAY MAN-duh-lay OKALAR OK-kuh-lar RISA RYE-suh SARJENO SAR-gee-no DEEP SPACE: "The Abandoned" - REV. 08/31/94 - TEASER 1. STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE "The Abandoned" TEASER FADE IN: 1 INT. QUARK'S The bar is jumping and the dabo table is particularly busy as an ALIEN HIGH ROLLER racks up win after win. QUARK is watching the game from behind the bar with a look of anxiety. The High Roller spins the dabo wheel and everyone watches the wheel go around. The dabo girl, a beautiful twenty-year-old Bajoran girl named MARDAH, takes this opportunity to look over at JAKE, who is seated at a nearby table watching her. Their eyes meet and we realize that the attraction between the two of them is very mutual. The High Roller (who's a little drunk) wins again and Mardah turns her attention back to the game. MARDAH Dabo! The crowd CHEERS, the High Roller collects his large winnings, and looks like he's going to leave the table. Quark gets a definite look of panic on his face, but Mardah moves in closer to the High Roller. MARDAH You're not leaving? HIGH ROLLER Well... MARDAH (seductive) Come on... aren't you feeling... lucky? The High Roller looks at her and just can't help himself. HIGH ROLLER All right... one more time. Let it ride. The High Roller holds up a large bar of latinum and looks at Mardah expectantly. Mardah moves closer and gives the bar of latinum a sensual kiss and gives him a seductive look. The High Roller looks her over appreciatively and then puts the bar down on the table. DEEP SPACE: "The Abandoned" - REV. 08/31/94 - TEASER 2. 1 CONTINUED: HIGH ROLLER I love this game. He spins the wheel and the crowd looks on eagerly. Mardah rolls her eyes over at Jake and mouths his words mockingly. MARDAH (silently mocking) "I love this game." Jake laughs a little and then Mardah turns back in time to see the wheel stop spinning. MARDAH Oh... Karjinko. Sorry. A Ferengi Waiter standing nearby begins scooping up the latinum that a moment ago belonged to the High Roller. Quark starts breathing again and he turns to other business at the bar. The Crowd breaks up and another gambler steps up to play. Mardah is relieved by a new dabo girl and begins to move off... the High Roller makes an awkward drunken pass at her. HIGH ROLLER Wait a minute there... my name's Okalar... what's yours? MARDAH "Busy." Mardah flashes him a smile and then she moves over to Jake's table. The High Roller looks surprised at her choice of companion... but then shakes his head sadly -- it's been one of those days -- and he moves off. Mardah gives Jake a quick hello kiss and then sits down. Jake and Mardah have been seeing each other for some time now and their relationship has an easy comfort to it. JAKE (smiling at her) You... are evil. Mardah grabs a drink off a passing waiter's tray. MARDAH (innocent) Who, me? JAKE He was going to walk away a winner... DEEP SPACE: "The Abandoned" - 08/30/94 - TEASER 3. 1 CONTINUED: (2) MARDAH The first rule of dabo is watch the wheel, not the girl. JAKE (overlapping) "... the wheel, not the girl." MARDAH Not to mention the fact that Quark was watching me every second... if I didn't at least try to keep that money in the house, he would've fired me on the spot. (beat) And, you're a fine one to talk after hustling that poor Berellian at dom- jot yesterday. JAKE It was a fair game. MARDAH Uh huh. Mardah is definitely teasing him here and Jake knows that she's not really accusing him of cheating. JAKE It was. MARDAH I believe you. Jake smiles a little sheepishly and takes a drink. There's a quiet beat before Mardah moves on to the next topic. MARDAH So what's on the menu tomorrow night? (off his blank look) Tomorrow night? Dinner? With your father? JAKE (shocked) What? MARDAH He didn't tell you? He came by this afternoon and invited me to dinner tomorrow night. In fact, he said it was your idea. DEEP SPACE: "The Abandoned" - REV. 08/31/94 - TEASER 4-5. 1 CONTINUED: (3) JAKE My idea... ? (suddenly remembering) Oh... I guess I did mention something about having you over a while ago... I thought he forgot... MARDAH This is all right, isn't it? I mean... you don't mind, do you? JAKE Oh, no... no, of course not... He pushes his doubts aside and sounds much more upbeat and confident, trying to reassure her. JAKE It'll be great. You're going to love my dad's cooking. Mardah smiles at him, relieved by his more positive attitude. They hold hands and move closer together. DEEP SPACE: "The Abandoned" - REV. 08/31/94 - TEASER 6. 1 CONTINUED: (4) At this moment, the beautiful BOSLIC CAPTAIN, (last seen in "The Homecoming") walks by their table and we FOLLOW HER as she heads for the bar and takes a seat next to Quark, who is working on a PADD. Quark looks up at her in surprise as she gives him a seductive smile. QUARK This is a surprise. BOSLIC A pleasant one, I hope. QUARK (suggestive) So do I... BOSLIC I have some... salvage for you, Quark. Quark glances back over his shoulder. QUARK This isn't the best day to be selling your kind of... "salvage." BOSLIC Oh, it's perfectly legal... and it's really salvage this time. QUARK I'm not looking for junk right now... (puts hand on her leg) I'm more in the market for... entertainment. BOSLIC I think you'll like this junk, Quark. It's the wreckage of a ship that crashed in the Gamma Quadrant. QUARK (surprised) You're still going to the Gamma Quadrant? (smiles) I love bold women. How much? BOSLIC Three bars of latinum and you get it all. DEEP SPACE: "The Abandoned" - REV. 08/31/94 - TEASER 7. 1 CONTINUED: (5) Quark considers this for a moment. She leans over and caresses his ears... distracting Quark. QUARK What kind of ship? BOSLIC I don't know. QUARK Can I see it first? BOSLIC No time. Come on, Quark... we've been doing business for years... don't you trust me? The Boslic Captain nuzzles his neck and Quark's eyes nearly pop out of his head. CUT TO: 2 INT. CARGO BAY Quark is looking over a large amount of WRECKAGE strewn across the floor, with a dismayed look on his face. The burnt and twisted pieces of equipment don't look very promising. QUARK (to himself) Three bars of latinum... He rubs an ear and then smiles. QUARK (continuing) It was worth it. Quark begins poking around the wreckage... looking for anything of real value. Suddenly there is a muffled WAILING SOUND. Quark stops... looks over a large cylinder on the deck... he hears the WAILING again. QUARK No... Quark goes to the cylinder... the wailing is getting louder... his expression becomes disbelieving. QUARK No, no, no... DEEP SPACE: "The Abandoned" - REV. 08/31/94 - TEASER 7A. He steels himself and then OPENS the cylinder... and we can hear the unmistakable SCREAMING of an INFANT. As the baby cries, Quark looks as if the weight of the galaxy just fell on his shoulders. FADE OUT. END OF TEASER DEEP SPACE: "The Abandoned" - 08/30/94 - ACT ONE 8. ACT ONE FADE IN: 3 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL) Establishing the station. 4 INT. INFIRMARY BASHIR and an N.D. Nurse are examining the ALIEN INFANT, which is wrapped in blankets and unseen at this point. SISKO is glaring at Quark. SISKO You bought a child. QUARK I thought I was just buying some wreckage... how was I supposed to know there was a baby in there? SISKO Maybe you should inspect the merchandise before making the deal... or isn't there a rule of acquisition covering that? QUARK There is, and I do... usually. DAX ENTERS. DAX (to Sisko) We haven't been able to trace the Boslic Captain since she left the station. Her flight plan said she's headed for Risa, but I don't think we can put much faith in that. Bashir finishes his examination and moves to the others. BASHIR I haven't been able to identify his species yet, but he seems to be healthy... SISKO Seems? DEEP SPACE: "The Abandoned" - REV. 08/31/94 - ACT ONE 9. 4 CONTINUED: BASHIR For a humanoid, he has an incredibly high metabolic rate. The cells in his body are dividing at a pace I've never seen outside of a laboratory. Since there're no thyroid or hypothalamic problems, I can only assume this is normal for his species... but I think he should remain here for further tests. SISKO Very well. (to Dax) What do we know about the ship the boy was on? DAX Chief O'Brien's just started analyzing the wreckage. He should have a preliminary report in a couple of hours. QUARK Now wait a minute -- I paid good money for that wreckage and... Sisko gives him a deadly look. QUARK (changing his tune) ... now it's yours. Enjoy. Quark EXITS. DEEP SPACE: "The Abandoned" - REV. 08/31/94 - ACT ONE 10. 4 CONTINUED: (2) Sisko moves over to the table where the Nurse is taking care of the infant. Sisko moves the blanket aside to peer at the tiny alien. SISKO (to baby) Hi there... 5 ON INFANT The BABY'S skin coloration is unusual and tells that he's definitely alien. 6 RESUME SCENE Sisko looks at the child for a moment... his features soften at the sight... and he can't help but smile slightly. DAX We should contact one of the orphanages on Bajor and let them know we might have someone for them. Sisko doesn't respond right away and Dax and Bashir both look at him for a moment. After a beat, Sisko realizes she was talking to him. SISKO Hmmm? DAX I was talking about an orphanage... SISKO Oh. Right. (to Bashir) Have Major Kira make the appropriate arrangements. (looks down at child) And keep me informed about... him. DEEP SPACE: "The Abandoned" - REV. 08/31/94 - ACT ONE 11. 6 CONTINUED: BASHIR Yes, sir. Sisko and Dax EXIT to... 7 INT. PROMENADE - CONTINUOUS Sisko and Dax ENTER from the Infirmary. Dax watches Sisko for a few steps with a smile on her face. SISKO What? DAX I haven't seen that look on your face since... SISKO ... since Jake stopped wearing diapers. Sisko can't help but smile again at the memory. SISKO (continuing) I never thought I'd hear myself saying this... but I miss taking care of Jake when he was a baby. I miss holding him... singing to him at night... feeding him... DAX Listening to him cry... changing his diapers... worrying when he was sick... SISKO I haven't forgotten... (beat) But there are times when I would give almost anything for the days when I could make Jake happy... just by lifting him over my head. Sisko smiles at the memory and the two friends walk off through the Promenade. CUT TO: DEEP SPACE: "The Abandoned" - REV. 08/31/94 - ACT ONE 12. 8 INT. SISKO'S QUARTERS Sisko ENTERS, still feeling warm about babies. Jake is sitting at the table and Sisko gives him a big smile. SISKO Jake... how about a hug for your old man? But it quickly becomes apparent that Jake is not in a hugging mood. JAKE Why didn't you tell me you were going to invite Mardah to dinner? Sisko sighs as he puts aside the warm fuzzy images of being the father of an infant to deal with his teenaged son. SISKO I did. Weeks ago. I told you if you didn't invite her soon, I'd do it myself. JAKE I still wish you'd given me a little more warning. SISKO I didn't realize a dinner invitation required so much... warning. JAKE It doesn't... and it's not a problem or anything. It just... caught me by surprise. SISKO Dinner's not until tomorrow night... which still gives you a full day to prepare her for the traumatic experience of eating with your old man. DEEP SPACE: "The Abandoned" - REV. 08/31/94 - ACT ONE 13-14. 8 CONTINUED: JAKE Yeah. (quickly) I mean, there's nothing to prepare her for... it's just dinner. SISKO Exactly. JAKE Right. SISKO Right. Jake nods... trying to convince himself that it'll be all right as he EXITS to the bedroom. JAKE (quiet, to himself) Right... Sisko watches his son go with a look of amusement. CUT TO: DEEP SPACE: "The Abandoned" - REV. 08/31/94 - ACT ONE 15. 9 OMITTED 10 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL) Re-establishing the station. 11 INT. INFIRMARY Sisko ENTERS. SISKO You wanted to see me, Doctor? BASHIR It's about our new visitor... SISKO Something wrong with the baby? BASHIR No... but it's not a baby anymore. Bashir points o.s. and Sisko turns to look... and is shocked by what he sees... 12 NEW ANGLE Revealing that the infant seen earlier has become an eight- year-old BOY sitting on one of the beds, looking at them calmly. Sisko is shocked at this remarkable transformation. Off his reaction... FADE OUT. END OF ACT ONE DEEP SPACE: "The Abandoned" - REV. 08/31/94 - ACT TWO 16. ACT TWO FADE IN: 13 INT. INFIRMARY The Boy is sitting on a biobed, as Bashir checks him over with a tricorder and Sisko looks on. The Boy has an innate intelligence and intensity about him... he watches everything carefully as if he were consuming information for later study. This intensity, combined with the naturally innocent qualities of a child should produce an eerie, disturbing feeling to the Boy whenever we see him. Physically, his skin is now obviously leathery and slightly beaded... his face shows some signs of what will later be the distinctive Jem'Hadar bone structure, but at this point, he should not be an obvious Jem'Hadar. BASHIR (to Sisko) There are a great many species with what we would consider accelerated growth rates. But they're usually small, physiologically simple creatures. I've never heard of such a rapid maturation process in anything as complex as a humanoid. SISKO He looks about... eight or nine... how old is he in really? BASHIR From his cellular kinetics profile, I'd say he's no more than two weeks of age. BOY Who are you? Sisko and Bashir are startled by this simple question and exchange a bewildered look. Sisko then moves closer to the Boy... speaks slowly and clearly, as if to a very young child. SISKO I'm Benjamin Sisko, this is Doctor Bashir. Do you have a name? DEEP SPACE: "The Abandoned" - REV. 08/31/94 - ACT TWO 17. 13 CONTINUED: BOY (thinks) No. (beat) I need food. BASHIR With your kind of metabolism, I'm not surprised. I'll get you something in a few minutes. The Boy nods... then glances around and thinks again. BOY Where am I? SISKO You're on a space station. Do you know what that is? BOY (thinks) No. But I want to learn. Sisko and Bashir can't help but smile at this remarkable child. SISKO I'd say we have a lot to learn from each other. The Boy nods sagely, as if this is a profound truth. Sisko inclines his head at Bashir, indicating that he wants to talk privately. BASHIR (to Boy) I'll be right back. Bashir and Sisko move across the room for a quiet talk. SISKO (quiet) Advanced language skills... BASHIR And cognitive reasoning. He didn't just pick those up by sitting there listening to us... this is either a natural ability of his species or there's been some kind of basic intelligence implanted into his genetic structure. DEEP SPACE: "The Abandoned" - REV. 09/07/94 - ACT TWO 18. 13 CONTINUED: (2) SISKO Implanted? You mean artificially? BASHIR Yes. And I tend to discount the possibility that this is a natural ability... his biomolecular diffusion gradient already suggests that his cellular mitosis has been artificially enhanced. SISKO So he may have been part of some kind of experiment. BASHIR Possibly. If so, he's an example of very advanced genetic engineering... his cognitive abilities are developing without any external stimuli. SISKO I want you to test his mental abilities... see if they increase... maybe he'll get to the point where he can tell us who he is and where he comes from. Bashir nods and Sisko heads for the EXIT. CUT TO: 14 INT. CARGO BAY Sisko and O'BRIEN are looking over the wreckage seen earlier as a few N.D. Crewmembers scan the debris with tricorders and other devices. O'Brien points to the cylinder where Quark found the infant. O'BRIEN (re: cylinder) This is where Quark said he found the boy. It seems to be some kind of stasis chamber that was damaged in the crash. DEEP SPACE: "The Abandoned" - REV. 09/01/94 - ACT TWO 19. 14 CONTINUED: SISKO (thinks) That could imply that they didn't want him to begin maturing while he was aboard. (beat) What about the rest of the wreckage? O'BRIEN It seems to indicate this was some kind of freighter or transport vessel. SISKO Have you found any computer equipment or other information systems? O'BRIEN Not yet. Most of it is just junk... twisted bulkheads... burnt deck plating... that sort of thing. We should have a complete inventory done by tomorrow morning. SISKO Good. Sisko is about to leave, then remembers something else. SISKO (continuing) Oh... by the way... the replicator in my quarters is on the blink again. Could you spare someone to fix it this afternoon? O'BRIEN That shouldn't be a problem. (realizing) That's right... tonight's the big dinner with Mardah. SISKO You know about that? DEEP SPACE: "The Abandoned" - 08/30/94 - ACT TWO 20. 14 CONTINUED: (2) O'BRIEN Jake mentioned it this morning. In fact, I'd say it was the only thing on his mind. SISKO You'd think I was going to court martial her by the way he's acting. O'BRIEN I guess it's only natural. Bringing a girl home for the first time's a pretty traumatic experience. Sisko looks uncomfortable... this has touched a nerve and he bristles a bit. SISKO Quark may call her a dabo girl... but she's twenty years old. She's a woman... and Jake's a sixteen-year- old boy. It has to stop. O'BRIEN So why'd you invite her over? If you don't mind my asking. SISKO Curiosity, mostly. I want to see what I'm up against. O'BRIEN But what if it turns out that you... like her? SISKO She's a dabo girl and she's dating my son. I don't want to like her. Sisko gives him a look and then EXITS. O'Brien watches him for a moment and tries to put himself in Jake's shoes. O'BRIEN (to himself) Sixteen years old and dating a dabo girl... (sounds pretty good) ... Godspeed, Jake. DEEP SPACE: "The Abandoned" - REV. 09/01/94 - ACT TWO 21. 14 CONTINUED: (3) O'Brien returns to work. CUT TO: 15 INT. CORRIDOR KIRA walks down the Corridor, carrying a large HOUSEPLANT. She stops in front of a door and rings the doorbell. After a beat, the doors OPEN, revealing Odo. Kira smiles at him, but he makes no move to get out of the way or invite her inside. ODO Major. KIRA Odo. (RE: PLANT) For you. odo Ah. Let me guess... decoration for my new quarters. KIRA Just a little something to brighten the room up. He looks at the plant with polite appreciation, but still doesn't move to take it or let her inside. ODO That was very... thoughtful. KIRA You're welcome. Kira keeps glancing over his shoulder... trying to give him the hint that she wants to go inside. After a beat, Odo gets it, but it makes him uncomfortable. ODO I... suppose you'd like to see my quarters. KIRA (a little exasperated) Everyone wants to see your quarters. It's called curiosity. DEEP SPACE: "The Abandoned" - REV. 08/31/94 - ACT TWO 22. 15 CONTINUED: Odo finally has to reluctantly step aside and let her in. She gives him a "what is with you" look and then EXITS to: CUT TO: 16 INT. ODO'S QUARTERS Kira and Odo ENTER. Kira stops inside the door and looks around in astonishment. The room is decorated unlike any other room on the station. There's no furniture at all -- instead, the room is filled with objects of different shapes, sizes, and textures... this is a Shape-shifter's playground... a place for him to explore his abilities. There are a bunch of rocks piled and scattered in one corner: large, small, volcanic, sandstone, marble, etc.... there's another pile of different woods... and dominating the center of the room is an odd array of interconnected pipes which form a strange sort of jungle-gym. Kira stares around at what she sees. ODO It's not really finished yet. This is just the start. KIRA The start of what? Odo picks up one of the rocks. ODO I want to make this room into a place where I can explore what it truly means to be a Shape-shifter. Kira eyes Odo's familiar bucket, which is sitting on the floor. KIRA I thought it was something like that. After all, you don't need an entire set of quarters just to sit in your bucket. Odo looks at her with sudden pride. DEEP SPACE: "The Abandoned" - REV. 09/08/94 - ACT TWO 23. 16 CONTINUED: ODO I don't use the... bucket anymore. I've kept it as a reminder of how I used to be. But now, when I need to regenerate, I simply revert to my gelatinous state... anywhere in these rooms. He smiles proudly moves around the room, taking in his new domain. ODO (continuing) Here, I can experiment with different shapes and textures... bring in various forms to emulate... and I can do it in private. This is obviously very important to Odo and Kira suddenly feels like she's intruded. KIRA I'm sorry if I intruded... maybe I should go. ODO No, please. You're always welcome here, Major. And Kira can tell from the look on his face that Odo means it... and it touches her. She smiles at him for a beat and then breaks the moment by holding up the plant she brought. KIRA Well... where should I put it? Odo thinks for a moment... then takes the plant and puts it inside his old bucket. Odo looks to her for approval. DEEP SPACE: "The Abandoned" - REV. 08/30/94 - ACT TWO 24. 16 CONTINUED: (2) KIRA (smiles) Perfect. Off Odo's look... CUT TO: 17 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL) Re-establishing the station. 18 INT. REPLIMAT Bashir and Dax are finishing up a meal at one of the tables. BASHIR The boy's DNA sequence has definitely been altered... the nucleotide analysis proved that conclusively. DAX So he's a product of genetic engineering... but why? Was he a unique experiment or is this sort of thing common to his species? BASHIR There's more... his blood chemistry shows he's missing a key isogenic enzyme... and without large quantities of it his entire circulatory system will simply shut down. DAX Can you replicate the enzyme? BASHIR I've been trying and I think I've found a temporary substitute... but what I can't understand is why anyone would genetically engineer someone to have a such an obvious flaw. Dax begins to think about this, but then they are interrupted by a Com Voice. DEEP SPACE: "The Abandoned" - REV. 08/30/94 - ACT TWO 25. 18 CONTINUED: NURSE'S VOICE (urgent) Nurse Hortak to Doctor Bashir. You're needed in the Infirmary immediately, Doctor. BASHIR (to com) On my way. Bashir and Dax get up and head toward the Infirmary. CUT TO: 19 INT. PROMENADE - OUTSIDE INFIRMARY Bashir and Dax arrive just as the doors to the Infirmary OPEN and the Boy rushes outside. The Boy has now transformed into a TEENAGER. The Teenager looks around wildly, like an animal suddenly burst from his cage. Bashir takes a step toward him to calm him down. BASHIR It's all right... no one's going to hurt you... let's just go back inside and-- But instead of being calmed, the Teenager rushes at Bashir and attacks the Doctor with a few quickly executed punches... Bashir crumples to the deck and the Teenager races off down the Promenade. Dax immediately goes to help Bashir and hits her combadge at the same time. DAX (to com, urgent) Security to the Promenade. CUT TO: 20 INT. PROMENADE - OUTSIDE SECURITY OFFICE (OPTICAL) Odo rushes out of his office just as the Teenager comes barreling down the Promenade directly toward him. Security Guards are converging on this area in the b.g. DEEP SPACE: "The Abandoned" - REV. 08/31/94 - ACT TWO 26. 20 CONTINUED: ODO Stop! Stay where you are! The Teenager doesn't listen and keeps running... people scatter out of his way. Odo rushes out and puts himself directly into the boy's path... the boy LUNGES at him... but as the boy hits Odo, he MORPHS and the boy GOES THROUGH HIM and lands on the deck behind Odo. Odo returns to normal and the Teenager gets to his knees in front of Odo in a posture of fealty just as the rest of the Guards come rushing up with phasers drawn. Odo puts up a hand for them to stay back. Dax arrives a second later and now everyone looks at the Teenager as he pants heavily from the chase... and we get our first good look at his face -- he is clearly a Jem'Hadar, but not a fully mature one. The Teenager looks up at Odo with a mixture of dread and reverence... Odo is surprised at the reaction and stares back at him. Dax looks at the Teenager's face and then hits her combadge. DAX (to com) Dax to Sisko. SISKO'S COM VOICE Go ahead. DAX I think we've solved the mystery of our young visitor, Benjamin... he's a Jem'Hadar. Off the image of this young Jem'Hadar looking up at Odo. FADE OUT. END OF ACT TWO DEEP SPACE: "The Abandoned" - REV. 09/01/94 - ACT THREE 27. ACT THREE FADE IN: 21 INT. WARDROOM Sisko ENTERS and goes to the table. He seems relaxed and comfortable with the information he's bringing. SISKO I've just spoken with Starfleet Command. They want us to make sure he's healthy enough to travel and then send him to Starbase Two-Oh-One where he'll be handed over to a team of specialists. KIRA Sounds good to me... the sooner, the better. Odo tenses slightly. ODO What sort of... specialists are we talking about, Commander? SISKO They'll have a complete team of experts in xenobiology, and exo- psychology waiting for him. ODO (with an edge) So... they're going to "study" him... like a laboratory specimen. SISKO He'll be very well treated. ODO So he'll be a well treated specimen. BASHIR I agree with Odo, Commander. I don't think we should just ship this boy off like some biological sample that we've found. He's a sentient life form. DEEP SPACE: "The Abandoned" - REV. 09/01/94 - ACT THREE 28. 21 CONTINUED: DAX True, but the Founders may have removed his sense of free will. He may be nothing more than... a genetically programmed killing machine. SISKO It's my understanding that's one of the first questions the experts at Starfleet want to answer. After all, the threat of the Dominion isn't going to just disappear. We need to learn all we can about the Jem'Hadar. KIRA I agree. And we don't want one of them walking around this station. ODO Fine. If you want answers about the Jem'Hadar I'm the one who can get them for you. (to Sisko) Let me get to know him. I'll be responsible for his conduct while he's here. Everyone reacts with surprise at this statement. SISKO Odo... do you really think you can control him? ODO He's already shown a certain... deference to me. That's probably another genetic alteration implanted by the Founders to insure the Jem'Hadar would remain loyal. I can keep him from harming anyone. DEEP SPACE: "The Abandoned" - REV. 09/01/94 - ACT THREE 29. 21 CONTINUED: (2) Sisko studies Odo with a thoughtful look. SISKO (quiet) I'd like to speak with the Constable in private for a moment, please. Everyone glances at Odo for a moment, and then they EXIT, leaving Sisko and Odo alone. Sisko moves closer to Odo. SISKO (continuing) Talk to me, Odo. What's really going on here? Odo hesitates... moves to a window and looks outside. SISKO What the Founders did to this boy... to all the Jem'Hadar... that's not your fault... This touches a nerve with Odo. ODO Maybe not. But I do feel a certain... obligation to undo some of the damage that my race has done to this boy. (he turns around) But I also know what it's like to be a specimen in a laboratory. (a beat) Oh, I'm sure they'll treat him well... no one will risk damaging their new prize. They'll be friendly... caring... treat him like he's among friends. But in the end, he'll just be another specimen to them... something to be analyzed and cataloged... and then stored away in a cabinet when they're done. Odo moves to Sisko and makes a final impassioned plea. DEEP SPACE: "The Abandoned" - REV. 09/01/94 - ACT THREE 30. 21 CONTINUED: (3) ODO (continuing) Give me a chance to find out if he's really just a "programmed killing machine"... or if we can help him become something else. Sisko thinks about this for a long moment... then makes his decision. SISKO I'll tell Starfleet that we have... some preliminary tests to run before we send him to Starbase Two-Oh-One. ODO Thank you, Commander. SISKO Just... be careful, Odo. Don't let your... feelings blind you to the fact that he is still a Jem'Hadar. Odo nods and Sisko EXITS, leaving Odo with a lot to do in the near future. CUT TO: 22 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL) Re-establishing. 23 INT. HOLDING CELL (OPTICAL) The Teenager is quickly pacing in his cell, like a caged animal... he seems upset, confused... he's breathing heavily and is feeling a growing pain throughout his body. Bashir is trying to reason with him while two Security Guards look on, with their hands near their weapons. There are a few pieces of medical equipment sitting nearby. BASHIR Listen to me... I'm trying to help. Your body is craving a certain chemical compound... that's why you're feeling anxious and having muscle spasms. DEEP SPACE: "The Abandoned" - REV. 09/01/94 - ACT THREE 31. 23 CONTINUED: TEENAGER There's nothing wrong with me. BASHIR Yes, there is... and denying it won't make it go away. He stops and gives Bashir a threatening look. TEENAGER Leave me alone. The boy takes a threatening step toward Bashir and the Guards draw their weapons, just as Odo ENTERS the room. The boy doesn't react to the phasers, but he does freeze at the sight of Odo. Odo sizes up the situation quickly and decides to gamble on the boy's demonstrated willingness to obey him. He addresses the boy calmly as if he talking to him was the most natural thing in the world. ODO (to Teenager) Sit down, please. The Teenager hesitates for a moment, then sits. ODO (to Guards) You can wait outside... I think everything is under control now. The Guards put their phasers away and then EXIT. Odo turns OFF the forcefield and enters the cell, again trying to give the appearance of utter confidence. ODO You don't look well. How do you feel? The boy hesitates... he glances at Bashir, not wanting to admit to a weakness, but finally decides he can't hide anything from Odo. TEENAGER There's... something wrong with me. I feel sick when I eat... I have pains in my head... my chest... DEEP SPACE: "The Abandoned" - REV. 09/06/94 - ACT THREE 32. 23 CONTINUED: (2) BASHIR (to Odo) His body is... addicted to a specific isogenic enzyme... right now, he's experiencing all the symptoms of withdrawal. ODO Addicted... BASHIR That's right. ODO Can you replicate this enzyme? BASHIR I've had some success with triglycerides, but that's just a stopgap measure. I can't get the exact chemical formula without further tests... and he's shown a certain... resistance to that idea. TEENAGER I don't want any more tests. ODO Doctor Bashir is trying to help you. You should let him. The Teenager seems to struggle with this for a quick beat and then gives in. TEENAGER (to Bashir) You may run your tests. BASHIR Thank you. Bashir gives Odo a pleased look and then moves off to get his equipment ready. Odo and the boy size each other up for a moment. ODO My name is Odo. TEENAGER I don't have a name. DEEP SPACE: "The Abandoned" - REV. 09/01/94 - ACT THREE 33. 23 CONTINUED: (3) ODO We'll have to do something about that. TEENAGER If you wish. The boy's unquestioning obedience is beginning to disturb Odo. ODO What do you want? Do you have any needs or desires of your own? The boy thinks for a moment... this strikes him as an odd question, and the way he answers implies that the answer is obvious. TEENAGER I want to fight. ODO Who? Me? TEENAGER No. The others. ODO Why? TEENAGER I... don't know. It's... what I want to do. Is that wrong? ODO Let's just say we should find other interests for you to pursue. (beat) For the moment, why don't you relax. Try not to be so tense... take it easy... smile. The boy gives him an utterly blank look. ODO (continuing) A smile... you know... DEEP SPACE: "The Abandoned" - 08/30/94 - ACT THREE 34. Odo manages to give the boy his own strained version of a smile. After a beat, the boy attempts to imitate him and the result is even more strained and forced. The two of them smile awkwardly at each other for a moment, then Odo breaks it off. ODO (continuing) We'll work on that. The boy stops smiling as Bashir comes over with some medical equipment. CUT TO: 24 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL) Re-establishing the station. 25 INT. SISKO'S QUARTERS Jake and Mardah are seated at the table as Sisko brings over a large steaming bowl of food. MARDAH Hmmm... smells good. What is it? SISKO Creole shrimp with Mandalay sauce... one of my father's recipes. JAKE (to Mardah) You're going to love this... SISKO I hope you like spicy food... because this has a bite to it... Sisko begins serving the shrimp dish onto plates for the three of them. Jake is a little nervous here... he keeps glancing between Sisko and Mardah, not knowing what to expect. Mardah and Sisko are both at their most polite and gracious, but the subtext is that Sisko has asked Mardah here to size her up and she knows it, but she's not afraid of him. SISKO So... Mardah... tell me a little about yourself. DEEP SPACE: "The Abandoned" - REV. 09/01/94 - ACT THREE 35. 25 CONTINUED: MARDAH What do you want to know? SISKO Anything... your family. MARDAH There's not much to tell... it's a pretty familiar story... parents killed during the occupation... raised by neighbors until I was thirteen, then I moved out on my own. I have a brother and a sister on Bajor... but we haven't talked in years. SISKO Why not? MARDAH We're... different. Sarjeno and Koran weren't exactly thrilled when I told them I had a job as a dabo girl... I told them what I thought of their lives... and we stopped speaking. SISKO I see. Mardah takes a bite of the shrimp... it's pretty good. She stirs the shrimp a bit in her bowl... her voice is quiet and casual. MARDAH It's amazing how some people will judge you based on nothing more than your job... That scores with Sisko, who looks up at her with a little surprise... Mardah has a little more on the ball here than he anticipated. MARDAH (re: food) This is really good, Commander. SISKO Glad you like it. Not too spicy? MARDAH Not at all. I like things with a bite. DEEP SPACE: "The Abandoned" - REV. 09/01/94 - ACT THREE 36. 25 CONTINUED: (2) Sisko nods and looks at her for a long moment... Mardah returns the look. Jake begins to feel very uncomfortable and looks for some way to move the conversation along. JAKE Did I mention that Mardah's... quite a writer? SISKO Really? JAKE Yeah... Mrs. O'Brien used to say that Mardah should try to get some of her stories published. Mardah actually looks a little embarrassed at this... it's a genuine feeling and for the first time at dinner, we can see some of the innocent quality she has within. MARDAH Jake... they aren't that good. Nothing like your poetry. JAKE You don't have enough faith in yourself... SISKO Poetry? (to Jake) You write poetry? Now it's Jake's turn to be embarrassed. JAKE Sort of... not really... MARDAH Now who doesn't have enough faith in themselves... ? (to Sisko) He writes some of the most beautiful things I've ever read... (she takes Jake's hand) That's what won me over. Sisko just looks at Jake as if he's never seen him before. SISKO His... poetry. DEEP SPACE: "The Abandoned" - REV. 09/01/94 - ACT THREE 37. 25 CONTINUED: (3) MARDAH (teasing, to Jake) And the way he plays dom-jot. Sisko reacts with surprise and Jake would really like to be someplace very far away at this moment. SISKO You play dom-jot? MARDAH Oh, your son is quite the hustler. SISKO A hustler... JAKE I've never cheated anybody... SISKO I'm sure you haven't. JAKE Why don't I see how dessert's coming? Jake gets up and moves o.s. to where the dessert is. Sisko looks after him for a moment. MARDAH (quiet, re: Jake) He seemed like just another teenaged boy at first... but there's more to him than that... he's full of surprises... SISKO I'm beginning to realize that myself. MARDAH And... I care about him very much. SISKO So do I. (beat, then with a smile) Now tell me more about my hustler- poet son. He smiles at Mardah and we can see that Sisko's attitude about her has definitely taken a turn for the better. DEEP SPACE: "The Abandoned" - REV. 09/06/94 - ACT THREE 38. 25 CONTINUED: (4) Mardah smiles at him and there is a warmer, more friendly moment between the two of them. CUT TO: 26 INT. CARGO BAY Odo is following O'Brien through the wreckage strewn across the floor. O'BRIEN I think it's over here... right, this is it. O'Brien bends down and opens up a slightly burnt and twisted case, revealing a RACK OF LIQUID CONTAINERS and TUBING inside. Odo peers at the containers closely. O'BRIEN We tried to run an analysis, but the computer couldn't make heads or tails of it. (beat) Do you really think this is the drug the boy's addicted to? ODO It seems logical that the Founders would've kept a supply of the enzyme aboard his ship. Hopefully Doctor Bashir can determine if this is it. O'BRIEN I still don't understand why they would engineer someone to be addicted to a certain chemical. Odo picks up the rack and stands up. ODO I suspect it's another way of insuring the loyalty of the Jem'Hadar to the Founders. If your soldiers are addicted to a drug that can't be replicated and only you can provide, that gives you a great deal of control over them. O'Brien reacts to this distasteful idea. DEEP SPACE: "The Abandoned" - REV. 09/06/94 - ACT THREE 39. 26 CONTINUED: O'BRIEN That's a pretty... cold-blooded thing to do. ODO My people... don't even have blood, Chief. Odo walks away. Off O'Brien's face. CUT TO: 27 INT. SURGERY - ON MONITOR (OPTICAL) On the monitor screen, is a frozen image of a Jem'Hadar soldier from "The Search." The shot should look like it was taken from a security camera aboard the Defiant when the Jem'Hadar boarded the ship. This is a close-up image and we can clearly see the white tube running from the soldier's tunic to his neck. Bashir is pointing at the tube as Odo looks on. BASHIR I believe this tube delivers the chemical agent directly into the carotid artery. ODO How large of a dosage is required? BASHIR I'm not sure yet. Bashir indicates the rack of liquid containers which is now sitting on a table nearby. BASHIR (continuing) This could be a week's supply... or a month's... or a year's. I'll have to experiment to find the right dosage. DEEP SPACE: "The Abandoned" - REV. 09/06/94 - ACT THREE 40. 27 CONTINUED: Bashir picks up a tricorder and then he and Odo turn and move to where the Teenager is lying on one of the biobeds. An N.D. NURSE stands nearby with a medical device. A TRANSPARENT TUBE has been inserted into the boy's neck, with the other end leading to a small container on his tunic chest. Bashir moves to the boy's side. BASHIR All right... we're going to start with two milligrams per minute, in a one cc saline solution. (to Boy) Let me know if you feel any discomfort. Bashir works the container and then we begin to see LIQUID begin flowing through the tube and up into his neck. The Boy's reaction is instantaneous -- the tension and angry quality disappears from his face and is replaced with a look of relaxation. Bashir watches the monitors over the bed. BASHIR His heart rate is slowing... some increase in neurotransmitter activity... cortical impulse readings have leveled out. (beat) Let's try three cc's. He makes an adjustment and now the look on the boy's face is one of utter contentment and happiness... he suddenly looks less threatening and dangerous. BASHIR I think we'll hold it there for now. (to boy) How do you feel? TEENAGER Good. (to Odo, with feeling) Thank you. Odo simply nods at him... he still has mixed feelings about this. ODO You should rest now. We'll talk later. (to Bashir) I'll be in my quarters. DEEP SPACE: "The Abandoned" - REV. 09/01/94 - ACT THREE 41. 27 CONTINUED: (2) Odo begins to leave, but then the boy sits up and stops him. TEENAGER Wait. I... want to go with you. ODO The doctor will take care of you. TEENAGER I want to stay with you. The boy says this with such heartfelt emotion that Odo can't help but be a little moved. There's a long beat, and then Odo looks to Bashir. BASHIR He doesn't have to stay here as long as I can monitor his condition regularly. ODO (nods) Then... it would seem I have my first... houseguest. Odo looks at the boy... and the Teenaged Jem'Hadar actually gives him a real smile for the first time. Odo returns the smile and there is a real moment here between the two of them. Off their looks... 28 OMITTED FADE OUT. END OF ACT THREE DEEP SPACE: "The Abandoned" - 08/30/94 - ACT FOUR 42. ACT FOUR FADE IN: 29 INT. ODO'S QUARTERS The Teenaged Jem'Hadar is walking around the room, examining everything he sees with a curious expression as Odo looks on. TEENAGER So you can change into any of these objects... ? ODO With varying degrees of success. Some forms are more difficult to emulate than others. TEENAGER Like what? ODO (re: himself) Like this one. As you can see, I haven't mastered the humanoid face. I've found it to be quite... challenging. TEENAGER Why do you want to look like a humanoid? You're better than they are. You're... a changeling. ODO That doesn't make me better... just different. This seems to confuse the boy... he frowns to himself and tries to reconcile this statement with his own instincts. TEENAGER But I know... (indicates chest) ... in here that I'm inferior to you... and that everyone else here is inferior to me. ODO No... that may be what your instincts tell you. But it's not true. No one on this station is better than anyone else. We're all... equal. DEEP SPACE: "The Abandoned" - REV. 09/01/94 - ACT FOUR 43. 29 CONTINUED: This deeply troubles the boy and he searches for answers... finally he can come up with only one. TEENAGER Then I must be at fault... because I know that you can't be wrong. ODO The first thing we need to establish is that I'm not infallible. I'm no different than you are in that respect. You have to begin to think for yourself... to make decisions based on what you want, not what I want. (beat) Do you understand? The boy nods gravely. ODO (continuing) Tell me: what do you want right now. Don't think about it -- just tell me the first thing that comes to mind. TEENAGER (awkward) I... I want to... (then a rush of words) ... know more about my people. Who I am and where I come from. This strikes a chord with Odo... it's an all-too familiar desire. ODO I can understand that. I was also... found byaliens... I didn't know who I was or what my people were like. TEENAGER Did you ever find them? A shadow crosses Odo's features at this memory. ODO Yes. But sometimes the truth is... not very pleasant. DEEP SPACE: "The Abandoned" - REV. 09/06/94 - ACT FOUR 43A. 29 CONTINUED: (2) Odo goes to a wall monitor. 30 INCLUDE MONITOR (OPTICAL) ODO (to com) Computer: display Bridge Security Log USS Defiant, Stardate 48214.5, time index three-one-zero. The monitor springs to life with a FROZEN IMAGE showing the Jem'Hadar attack on the Bridge of the Defiant from "The Search." The Teenager moves closer to the monitor, spellbound by the image of more of his people. DEEP SPACE: "The Abandoned" - REV. 09/06/94 - ACT FOUR 44. 30 CONTINUED: Odo hits a control and then the ACTION BEGINS PLAYING on the screen. 31 ON TEENAGER As he watches in fascination. We can HEAR the recording play, but most of the action will take place o.s. TEENAGER These are my people? ODO That's right... they're a race of brutal warriors... but that doesn't mean you have to be like that. (he moves closer) You can channel your feelings of aggression in other ways. The Teenager looks at him with a mixture of curiosity and skepticism. TEENAGER How? CUT TO: 32 INT. HOLOSUITE (OPTICAL) Odo and the Teenager (whose hair is now tied back in the standard Jem'Hadar ponytail) are standing in the Holosuite. ODO (to com) Computer, run program Odo One. A HUMANOID MALE APPEARS in the room. At the same time, a RACK OF HAND WEAPONS APPEARS off to one side. The Jem'Hadar boy takes a step back warily... but then circles around the Humanoid, sizing him up from all angles. The Humanoid figure watches him calmly. TEENAGER So this is not... a real person. ODO That's right. He can't be injured or killed... he's just a computer simulation. DEEP SPACE: "The Abandoned" - REV. 09/06/94 - ACT FOUR 45. 32 CONTINUED: TEENAGER How strong is he? ODO As strong as you want to make him. The computer will adjust his strength, agility, speed -- anything you want. Odo goes to the rack of weapons, he selects two cutting weapons and then tosses one to the Teenager, and one to the Humanoid Figure... they both catch the weapons easily. ODO (continuing) In here, you can indulge yourself... let your instincts take over... fight until you're ready to stop. But there's a price. When you're out there... (indicates the door) ... you have to control yourself. You have to learn to contain your feelings of aggression and violence... The boy thinks about this for a moment... then looks at the Humanoid standing in front of him. TEENAGER (to Odo) Can I... ? Odo nods his head and the Teenager suddenly comes right at the Humanoid figure, swinging the weapon as if he'd used it all his life. The two of them begin to fight... but it's no contest as the boy easily disarms the Humanoid and then plunges the cutting weapon into his chest. The Humanoid doesn't react to the fatal blow, but simply stands there. The Boy is charged up by the experience. TEENAGER (to Odo) Can I do it again? Odo nods and the Teenager picks two other weapons, one for each of them and then stands ready. DEEP SPACE: "The Abandoned" - REV. 09/01/94 - ACT FOUR 46. 32 CONTINUED: (2) TEENAGER Can you give me a stronger opponent? ODO (to com) Computer increase difficulty to level two. The Boy attacks again... this time the Humanoid can fight back more effectively... but the boy is still winning. TEENAGER (still fighting) Too easy... make it more difficult... ODO Computer, increase to level three. The fight escalates... the boy is beginning to lose himself in the fury of the battle... his face contorts in an expression of viciousness and perverse joy. As Odo watches in a mixture of concern and fascination, the door to the Holosuite OPENS and Kira ENTERS. She watches the battle for a beat and then quietly moves to Odo. KIRA (quiet) Can I see you for a moment? Odo nods and then they head for the Exit. The Teenager doesn't even notice... he's too caught up in something that borders on bloodlust. TEENAGER (to com, fighting) Computer, increase to level five... CUT TO: DEEP SPACE: "The Abandoned" - REV. 08/31/94 - ACT FOUR 47. 33 INT. CORRIDOR OUTSIDE HOLOSUITE Kira and Odo ENTER from the Holosuite. Kira is very concerned here about Odo and what he's doing. KIRA I heard that you let him move in with you. ODO It was his idea. He feels safer around me. KIRA Of course he does, Odo. He's programmed to feel that way. ODO It's more than that... I think I've begun to form a real connection with him. He trusts me. KIRA But can you trust him? How long do you think you can control him? ODO I'm not trying to control anybody. I'm trying to give him some choices other than becoming a laboratory specimen or a Jem'Hadar soldier. KIRA I never thought I would say this, Odo... but I think you're listening to your heart instead of your head. (pressing it home) That... boy was created in a laboratory... his body, his mind, his instincts are all designed for one thing: to kill. But Odo isn't backing down at all. ODO That doesn't mean that's all he's capable of. I just want to give him a chance to be something more than that. DEEP SPACE: "The Abandoned" - REV. 09/01/94 - ACT FOUR 48-50. 33 CONTINUED: Kira can't really argue with his motives... but she still thinks this is a mistake. She softens a little. KIRA All right... give him a chance. Just don't forget he's a Jem'Hadar. He's dangerous. ODO I'm well aware of the risk, Major. KIRA I hope so. Kira holds his gaze for a moment... then walks off. Odo thinks about what she's said and then EXITS to the Holosuite. 34 INT. HOLOSUITE - CONTINUOUS (OPTICAL) The Teenager is still fighting as Odo ENTERS... but the fight is so fierce and vicious that it makes the earlier scene look like a sparring match. The boy takes the Humanoid down with a quick move and then begins bashing him again and again with the weapon. Odo watches for a beat, then steps forward. ODO End program. The Humanoid VANISHES, leaving the boy in the lurch for a moment. He whirls around with violence still in his eyes, but then checks himself instinctively at the sight of Odo. The Teenaged Jem'Hadar struggles to let go of the bloodlust as he pants heavily... he's been energized by the fight, but at the same time, there's just enough innocence showing to confuse the issue. Odo watches this boy for a long moment... and Kira's words are still ringing in his ears. Off the image of the two of them looking at each other. CUT TO: 35 OMITTED 36 INT. PROMENADE - SECOND LEVEL Odo and the Teenager are walking on the Second Level, during a typically bustling day. DEEP SPACE: "The Abandoned" - REV. 09/06/94 - ACT FOUR 51. 36 CONTINUED: The sight of the Jem'Hadar boy draws more than a few looks as they go through the crowd and the Teenager picks up on it. TEENAGER Everyone keeps looking at me... they're afraid of me. ODO They're mostly curious... but they're also afraid. TEENAGER (casual) They should be... I could kill any of them. Odo stops and confronts him. ODO (challenging) Is that all you can think about? Killing? Isn't there anything else that you care about? When confronted by Odo, the boy suddenly pulls back in fear and is forced to re-evaluate himself. TEENAGER I... I don't think so. ODO (impassioned) But there's so much more to life than that... there's so much for you to discover... to experience... TEENAGER Maybe there is for you... and maybe there is for all these other people... but for me... The boy is clearly still not convinced that Odo's words are true for him as well. Odo looks at the boy with a growing sense of disappointment... has he made any progresss at all? DEEP SPACE: "The Abandoned" - REV. 09/01/94 - ACT FOUR 52. 36 CONTINUED: (2) SISKO'S COM VOICE Sisko to Odo. ODO (to com) Go ahead, Commander. SISKO'S COM VOICE I need to see you in my office, Constable. ODO (to com) On my way. (to Teenager) Wait for me in our quarters. The boy nods, and Odo heads off down the Promenade. The Teenager looks after him for a long beat with a thoughtful expression... CUT TO: 37 INT. COMMANDER'S OFFICE (OPTICAL) Sisko is sitting at his desk, with an unhappy look on his face as Odo ENTERS. Odo immediately picks up on Sisko's mood. ODO Something's wrong... SISKO Starfleet is sending the USS Constellation to pick up the boy and take him to Starbase Two-Oh-One. They'll be here in five hours. ODO I thought we had an agreement. DEEP SPACE: "The Abandoned" - REV. 09/06/94 - ACT FOUR 53. 37 CONTINUED: SISKO I'm sorry Odo, but Starfleet considers the boy a top priority. I did what I could... but orders are orders. (a beat) I promise you they'll take... At this moment, the Teenaged Jem'Hadar suddenly SHIMMERS into the room, taking them both by surprise. The boy has a phaser in his hand and he points it at Sisko's head with a vicious look on his face. DEEP SPACE: "The Abandoned" - REV. 09/01/94 - ACT FOUR 54. 37 CONTINUED: (2) TEENAGER You're not sending me anywhere. Off his determined look... FADE OUT. END OF ACT FOUR DEEP SPACE: "The Abandoned" - REV. 09/01/94 - ACT FIVE 55. ACT FIVE FADE IN: 38 INT. COMMANDER'S OFFICE Continuous from Act Four. Sisko stands very still, trying not to provoke the boy in any way. SISKO What do you want? TEENAGER A runabout. SISKO Where do you want to go? TEENAGER That's not your concern. ODO Listen to me... this isn't the way to -- The Boy answers without ever taking his eyes off Sisko. TEENAGER I know what I'm doing. I'm leaving this place and you're going with me. You don't belong here any more than I do. Odo thinks for a quick beat. ODO All right. Sisko gives Odo a sharp look... and the two men exchange a short silent moment where Odo wants Sisko to trust him and Sisko ultimately decides to and indicates it with a short nod. ODO (continuing, to Teenager) It won't be necessary to hurt anyone. Commander Sisko will see to it that no one interferes with us. TEENAGER (to Sisko) If they do... I'll kill them. DEEP SPACE: "The Abandoned" - REV. 09/01/94 - ACT FIVE 56. 38 CONTINUED: The Teenager begins backing out of the room toward the Exit to the Corridor. Odo carefully moves with him and they EXIT together. Sisko heads for the Exit to Ops. CUT TO: 39 INT. CORRIDOR The Teenager is walking cautiously down the Corridor with his phaser at the ready. Odo is moving with him, making no move to resist. As they talk, the Boy continues to scan the Corridor around them for any potential threats... his combat instincts are on full alert. ODO Where are we going? TEENAGER To the Gamma Quadrant... that's where my people are, where your people are... it's where we both belong. ODO I don't belong there, and I don't think you do either. TEENAGER I won't allow them to put me in a laboratory. I won't go with them to Starfleet. ODO All right... but there's another option besides going to the Gamma Quadrant. The Teenager glances at him with curiosity for a moment. ODO (continuing) We can find a place where... neither Starfleet nor the Jem'Hadar will bother you. DEEP SPACE: "The Abandoned" - REV. 09/01/94 - ACT FIVE 57. 39 CONTINUED: ODO A place where you can grow and learn about yourself without worrying about being sent to some laboratory. The Boy stops and looks at him with incredulity. Odo presses on. ODO It's a big galaxy... all we have to do is head for unexplored space... and keep going. I... am willing to do this with you... to help start you on this new life. If that's what you want. TEENAGER You just don't understand, do you? (beat) I want to be with my people... I don't want to be anywhere else. I'm not like these other humanoids. I'm a Jem'Hadar... and that's what I want to be. Odo can't help but look disappointed. The Teenager frowns at him in puzzlement... he just can't understand Odo, and he doesn't want to anymore. TEENAGER (continuing) You're not like these humanoids either... but they've done something to you... filled your mind with their ideas and beliefs. I don't know what the other changelings are like... but I know they're not like you. ODO No... they're not. They stand there and look at each other across a vast gulf of perception for a long beat. CUT TO: 40 INT. CORRIDOR - NEAR AIRLOCK (OPTICAL) Sisko and an armed detachment of N.D. Security Guards MATERIALIZE in front of the airlock. DEEP SPACE: "The Abandoned" - REV. 09/01/94 - ACT FIVE 58. 40 CONTINUED: SISKO (to Guards) Spread out... but remember, no one fires until I give the command or until the boy fires first. The Guards draw their weapons and spread out, taking up defensive positions that will provide them with some cover. After a beat, Odo and the Teenager round the corner and come down the Corridor toward them. The Teenager takes note of the Guards and where they are, but continues walking. He and Odo stop in front of Sisko. SISKO (to Teenager) This is as far as you go. The Boy turns and looks to Odo with an expectant look. Odo steps forward. ODO Let us go, Commander. I'm leaving of my own accord. I'm going to take the boy back to his people... and then I'll return with the runabout. Sisko looks at Odo... can see there's been a change in him. Odo takes another step toward Sisko... his voice becomes quieter. ODO (continuing) If he gets on the Constellation when it arrives, he'll either kill a lot of innocent people or be killed himself. Sisko thinks about this for a beat. SISKO What makes you think he'll let you come back? ODO I don't think he could injure a changeling. The boy drops his eyes in silent acknowledgement of this and Odo turns back to Sisko. Sisko considers this, then makes his decision. DEEP SPACE: "The Abandoned" - REV. 09/01/94 - ACT FIVE 59. 40 CONTINUED: (2) SISKO When the Constellation arrives I'll tell them that I couldn't stop you from leaving... that I would've had to kill the boy to keep him here. Admiral Necheyev won't like that answer... but it has the virtue of being the truth. Sisko hits his combadge. SISKO (continuing, to com) Sisko to O'Brien. Release the security fields around the airlock, Chief. O'BRIEN'S COM VOICE Aye, sir. SISKO (to Odo) I'll see you when you get back. Sisko motions to the Security Guards to follow him and they all head off down the Corridor, leaving Odo and the Teenager behind. The Boy looks after Sisko for a beat with a look of triumph. TEENAGER (re: Sisko) He was afraid of me. I saw the fear in his eyes. ODO Commander Sisko was trying to do what was best for you... he was trying to help. TEENAGER He's not my friend. He's my enemy. I know now anyone who is not a Jem'Hadar is my enemy. ODO Does that include me? The Teenager just looks at him, and we're not sure what he's thinking... The boy turns and walks through the airlock to the runabout. After a beat, Odo follows him. CUT TO: DEEP SPACE: "The Abandoned" - REV. 09/01/94 - ACT FIVE 60. 41 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL) The station hangs in space. 42 INT. PROMENADE - SECOND LEVEL Sisko and O'Brien are walking. O'BRIEN ... so I think we can have the upper sensor grid back on-line before morning. SISKO Good. We're going to need it in the next few days. O'Brien stops as he sees something on the lower level of the Promenade. 43 INCLUDE JAKE AND MARDAH Who are holding hands and talking happily down on the lower level. O'Brien turns to Sisko with a puzzled look. O'BRIEN I thought you were going to lower the boom on the two of them. SISKO I was but... dinner turned up some things I didn't expect... O'BRIEN (nods) Got to know her a little better... decided that you liked her after all... SISKO I actually got to know Jake a little better. (beat) Have you ever played dom-jot with him? O'BRIEN No. SISKO Don't. DEEP SPACE: "The Abandoned" - REV. 09/02/94 - ACT FIVE 61. 43 CONTINUED: Sisko walks off and O'Brien glances down at Jake with a puzzled look and then follows Sisko. 44 NEW ANGLE Following Jake and Mardah as they walk along the Promenade... we drop off on Kira, who's sitting at the Replimat, looking over some PADDS and eating lunch. After a beat, Odo walks up to her. Kira looks up at his neutral face... and she's not sure what to expect from him. Odo looks at her for a long time before speaking. ODO (with regret) Major... about the boy... You were right. Kira gives Odo a compassionate look as if to say this is one time she wishes she had been wrong. A beat then... Odo nods... then turns and walks off down the Promenade without another word. FADE OUT. END OF ACT FIVE THE END