STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE "Business As Usual #40510-516 Written by Bradley Thompson & David Weddle Directed by Alexander Siddig 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 1997 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 This script is not for publication or reproduction.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 January 15, 1997 STAR TREK: DS9 - "Business As Usual" - 01/15/97 - CAST STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE "Business As Usual" CAST SISKO GAILA KIRA HAGATH ODO FARRAKK BASHIR REGENT DAX CUSTOMER QUARK KIRAYOSHI O'BRIEN WORF JAKE Non-Speaking Non-Speaking N.D. SUPERNUMERARIES MORN N.D. SECURITY GENERAL NASSUC WAITER N.D. BODYGUARDS STAR TREK: DS9 - "Business As Usual" - 01/15/97 - SETS STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE "Business As Usual" SETS INTERIORS EXTERIORS DEEP SPACE NINE DEEP SPACE NINE CARGO BAY CORRIDOR DAX'S QUARTERS HABITAT RING CORRIDOR HAGATH'S QUARTERS HOLOSUITE/WEAPONS RANGE INFIRMARY O'BRIEN'S QUARTERS OPS PROMENADE/SECOND LEVEL QUARK'S QUARK'S QUARTERS REPLIMAT SECURITY OFFICE/HOLDING AREA DEEP SPACE NINE - "Business as Usual" - 01/17/97 - PRONUNCIATION STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE "Business as Usual" PRONUNCIATION GUIDE ANDARIAN ann-DAR-ee-un ANNEL uh-NEL ANTIXONIUM ann-teh-XOE-nee-um CLAVISOA klay-va-SOE-uh FARRAKK fah-ROCK FELDOMITE FELL-duh-mite GAILA GAY-luh GIGAJOULES GIG-uh-joles HAGATH HAG-uth KIRAYOSHI keer-uh-YOE-shee MANCHOVITES MAENK-uh-vites MATOPIN muh-TOE-pin METRON MEH-tron MINNOBIANS minn-uh-BEE-uns NASSUC NAH-sook PALAMAR PAL-ah-mar PARSION PAR-shun PRIONS PREE-on PROXCINIAN prox-SIN-ee-un QUADROTRITICALE QUAD-ro-TRIH-tih-kay-lee RISA RYE-suh SEPIAN SEE-pee-un TALURA tuh-LOOR-uh TARTOC TAR-tuk T'PAN tuh-PAWN TRITANIUN try-TAIN-ee-um VARAXIAN vuh-RAX-ee-un VERILLIANS veh-RILL-yuns VILIX PRAN vih-LIX pran DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - TEASER 1. STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE "Business as Usual" TEASER FADE IN: 1 INT. QUARK'S - AFTER HOURS - CLOSE ON TONGO WHEEL A slender hand tosses some strips of latinum into the central pot and gives it a spin. DAX (O.S.) I risk eight strips, with a purchase at six and a sale of ten. REVEAL DAX as she draws two oval cards from a deck and rolls a pair of dice. She looks up to discover the chair at the other end of the table is empty, her opponent's cards laid carelessly next to a small stack of latinum. 2 THE BAR QUARK frowns in front of his monitor screen. He evaluates the display, feverishly punches calculations into his PADD, inputs the result into the system. DAX (exasperated) Quark, it's your move. QUARK Just a moment -- 3 THE COMPUTER DISPLAY (OPTICAL) changes rapidly, an incomprehensible procession of alien stock quotes. QUARK Aaghhh! I can't believe it! DAX You beg me to play tongo, and then you don't pay attention to the game. QUARK I'll be right there. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - TEASER 2. 3 CONTINUED: But Quark stays glued to the monitor. DAX Let me put it another way... if you don't finish this hand, I'm calling it a night. QUARK Okay, okay! He rushes to the table, gives his cards a cursory glance, discards two and draws three. QUARK Who would have dreamed they'd strike feldomite on Parsion Three? The entire Sepian Commodities Exchange is in chaos -- everyone selling, prices falling -- He tosses some latinum into the pot, spins the wheel. QUARK Evade! He dashes back to the monitor. Dax looks at her cards. DAX Are you sure? QUARK You heard me, evade! DAX (shrugs) Okay. She draws a card, smiles and lays her hand down. DAX Confront. Quark stands frozen, staring at the monitor. DAX You owe me fifteen strips of latinum. Quark shuffles back to the table like a sleepwalker. He picks up the three strips of latinum beside his cards, hands them to her. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - TEASER 3. 3 CONTINUED: (2) QUARK Take it, that's all I've got left. (idly spins the wheel, watches it go) My antimonium options, my quadrotriticale futures, my powdered newt supplements -- all wiped out. That's it, I'm finished. DAX It can't be as bad as all that. The wheel stops. Quark sinks into his chair. QUARK It can. And it is. I'm up to my lobes in debt. I put the bar up as collateral to three different brokers. The loans are due in a week and if I don't come up with the latinum there'll be nothing left of me but a greasy spot on the Promenade. A WAITER approaches Quark with a worried expression. The waiter whispers in Quark's ear. Quark stiffens. QUARK Here? The waiter nods. QUARK Now? DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - TEASER 4. 3 CONTINUED: (3) Another nod. QUARK Tell him I'm out. The waiter turns back toward the bar, halts indecisively when he sees that the fierce little Ferengi, GAILA, has ENTERED the room and is slowly advancing behind Quark. GAILA If that's the best lie you can come up with, no wonder you're broke. Quark jumps to his feet, and flashes an insincere grin. QUARK Gaila! What a pleasant surprise. GAILA I doubt it. (staring at Dax) A clothed female. How titillating. DAX (to Quark, re: Gaila) Isn't this the cousin that tried to kill you? GAILA I see you've heard of me. Now if you don't mind, I'd like to talk to my dear cousin. Alone. Dax looks to Quark, who nods -- he'll be okay. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - TEASER 5. 3 CONTINUED: (4) She turns, EXITS. An admiring Gaila watches her go. Quark wants to know what Gaila is doing on the station. QUARK If you're here for your latinum, you've come a long way for nothing - because that's all I can give you. Nothing. GAILA Spare me the sad story. I'm well aware of your financial "situation." (a smile) And I'm here to help. QUARK What are you going to do -- loan me some exploding latinum? GAILA I can understand your skepticism... but I know a way to help both of us. I'm offering you a job. QUARK You'd defy the F.C.A. ban against doing business with me? GAILA What's family for? Besides, I won't tell them if you don't. Quark can't help being a little impressed by his cousin's offer. He's a drowning man with someone offering a helping hand. But he hasn't lost sight of the downside -- QUARK You want me to sell weapons, don't you? GAILA (smiling, open-handed) It's what I do. Now I know you've had reservations about entering this lucrative field. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - TEASER 6. 3 CONTINUED: (5) GAILA (Cont'd) (dismissive) It's dangerous... it's too technical... it's not a "people" business... but let me tell you something, cousin, nothing could be further from the truth. QUARK I told you before, I can't smuggle weapons through this station. Odo would be onto me in a second. GAILA Who said anything about bringing weapons here? QUARK (suspicious) Then what do you need me for? GAILA I need you to do the things you're good at. Customer relations... showing our clients a good time... providing an atmosphere conducive to closing deals. QUARK (thinking it over) I can do that. GAILA Of course you can. And you'll earn five percent of every sale. QUARK Ten. Gaila enters a few figures into a PADD. Holds it out. GAILA (smiles) You'll take five. Quark looks at it, sucks in his breath. QUARK I had no idea. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - TEASER 7. 3 CONTINUED: (6) GAILA Weapons is a growth industry. In a month, all your debts will be paid. In six months, the Ferengi Commerce Authority will be begging to reinstate you. In a year, you'll have your own moon. QUARK (loves the sound of it) My own moon. GAILA Success or failure? What's it going to be, cousin? QUARK What do I have to lose? Gaila smiles. Quark smiles back. 4 OMITTED FADE OUT. END OF TEASER DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT ONE 8. ACT ONE FADE IN: (NOTE: Episode credits fall over opening scenes) 5 OMITTED 6 INT. O'BRIEN'S QUARTERS - MORNING Chief O'BRIEN is pacing up and down the room. His infant son, KIRAYOSHI, is cradled between his neck and shoulder. The DOOR CHIMES. O'BRIEN (softly) Come in. JAKE ENTERS. JAKE (loudly) Morning, Chief! O'BRIEN Quiet! You'll wake him. He just dropped off an hour ago. Jake advances more cautiously, noticing O'Brien's red cracked eyes, matted hair and rumpled uniform. JAKE You look terrible. O'BRIEN Didn't get much sleep. He was up every hour or two. Every time I tried to put him back in his crib he started crying again. He misses his mother. JAKE When will Professor O'Brien be back from Bajor? O'BRIEN I don't know, a week, maybe two - however long it takes to get that blight under control. JAKE That long? DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT ONE 9. 6 CONTINUED: O'BRIEN And on top of that, Annel had some kind of family emergency. So I'm stuck without a babysitter. JAKE Don't worry, Chief. Everything's going to be fine. I'll take care of Yoshi. O'BRIEN (a bit skeptical, but desperate) You sure you're up to it? JAKE (confident) Absolutely. I've babysat Ensign Pran's hatchlings a couple of times. Made sure their little wings didn't get tangled. O'BRIEN Kirayoshi doesn't have wings. JAKE Even better. Jake's confidence calms O'Brien. O'BRIEN (wants to believe it) Looks like he's worn himself out. He should sleep now. When he wakes up, give him one of his bottles. The diapers are in the bag over there. JAKE Don't worry, Chief, I know the drill. Now go to work. You need the rest. O'BRIEN I'll be fine. I went through the same thing with Molly. It's just a phase. He'll grow out of it sooner or later. O'Brien hands off the baby to Jake -- like two demolition experts handling a live warhead. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT ONE 10. 6 CONTINUED: (2) O'BRIEN Gently now... They both sigh with relief as the baby cuddles up to Jake. JAKE You see, no problem. O'BRIEN I'll check in on you at lunch. If you need me, I'm only a com-line away. O'Brien turns to leave. He gets no further than the door before the baby starts HOWLING, stopping O'Brien in his tracks. JAKE He woke up. O'BRIEN Here, give him to me. O'Brien retrieves the baby and bounces him in his arms. The baby stops crying. JAKE (impressed) You're good. O'BRIEN He feels safe in my arms. O'Brien thinks it over for a beat. O'BRIEN Hand me the bag. I'm taking him with me. JAKE To work? O'BRIEN What choice do I have? Jake helps O'Brien sling the baby bag over his shoulder. JAKE (to Yoshi) What a great Daddy. O'Brien YAWNS. DEEP SPACE NINE- "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT ONE 11. 6 CONTINUED: (3) O'BRIEN That's me. They EXIT, Jake grabbing an empty bassinet and following O'Brien. 7 INT. QUARK'S - AFTERNOON The normal crowd. Quark and Gaila are standing by the bar waiting for someone. Quark seems a little tense: he keeps rapping the bar and bar stools with his fist as if testing for something. GAILA Would you stop doing that. QUARK Just being careful. Odo could be anywhere or anything. GAILA Quark, we saw him walk down the Promenade five minutes ago. QUARK He's very tricky. Suddenly, Gaila stands straighter, adjusting his clothes. GAILA There he is. QUARK (thinking he means Odo) Where? 8 ANGLE ON THE DOOR to see HAGATH, a tall, handsome and casually elegant alien. With him is TALURA, a statuesque and disquietingly beautiful female alien (a la the Boslic Captain). Hagath has an air of authority that he wears lightly; he's clearly one of nature's aristocrats and comfortable in his own skin. GAILA (to Hagath) How good to see you again. HAGATH The pleasure is all mine. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT ONE 12. 8 CONTINUED: GAILA Quark, this is my associate, Hagath. Graciously, Hagath includes his female companion -- aware that Gaila wouldn't bother introducing a female. HAGATH And my companion, Talura. Talura smiles by way of introduction. HAGATH (to Quark) Your cousin speaks very highly of you. QUARK I've always said my cousin is an excellent judge of character. Hagath likes Quark's self-assured attitude. HAGATH I admire confidence in a man. In fact, I demand it of my salesmen. But in business, one must be careful not to grow too confident. QUARK (agreeing) That can be a fatal mistake. It's clear these two speak the same business language. HAGATH (to Gaila) I believe the phrase you used to bring me here was "an opportunity of a lifetime." GAILA An accurate description. HAGATH (simply) Show me. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT ONE 13. 8 CONTINUED: (2) Hagath takes out a few slips of latinum which he hands to Talura. HAGATH Amuse yourself. I'll be back shortly. Quark and Gaila lead Hagath toward the stairs. 9 INT. HOLOSUITE (OPTICAL) The lights are dimmed except for a few bright spotlights illuminating an assortment of sophisticated weapons, each placed lovingly on its own pedestal. This holosuite has been turned into a weapons "showroom." Hagath looks around at the weapons and how they're displayed. Gaila and Quark await his reaction expectantly. HAGATH (softly) Very nice. Hagath picks up a sleek, nasty-looking rifle, weighs its heft in his hands. HAGATH The weight and balance appear right... Gaila elbows Quark, who holds up a PADD. QUARK There's a wide range of targets for you to choose from. HAGATH That won't be necessary. Hagath expertly charges up the weapon and aims it at Quark. Quark is startled, but before he can move out of the way -- Hagath fires at point blank range. The LOUD BLAST doesn't even singe Quark's clothes. For a moment, Quark and Gaila are too stunned to speak. Hagath breaks the silence with an amused CHUCKLE. Gaila follows suit and soon even Quark manages to LAUGH appreciatively. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT ONE 14. 9 CONTINUED: HAGATH (soaks in the afterglow) A perfect replica. It even pulls a little to the right, just like the real ones. Quark smiles and smoothly takes it out of Hagath's hands, before he thinks of firing it again. Quark returns the weapon to its pedestal. QUARK These are the finest holosuites in the sector. HAGATH I believe it. (to Gaila) Remember when we sold one hundred fifty thousand of these to the Manchovites? GAILA (grins) And we sold another one hundred thousand to the other side? Now that was a beautiful little war. HAGATH Too bad about the armistice. GAILA Well, all good things must come to an end. QUARK You sell weapons to opposing sides? HAGATH On occasion. But it's very dangerous. If either side realizes what you're doing, it could be very unpleasant. GAILA But as they say... "The riskier the road, the greater the profit." HAGATH True. (surveying the Holosuite) I'm glad I came. This solves a lot of our problems. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT ONE 15. 9 CONTINUED: (2) GAILA It certainly does. No actual weapons coming in or out, so we don't break any local laws. All shipping happens outside Federation space, so Starfleet can't touch us. And since all we're demonstrating are holograms, we can even show off the specialty items. HAGATH Well done, Gaila. GAILA It was all Quark's idea. This surprises Quark, but he's not about to deny Gaila's compliment. HAGATH (to Quark) You really are a find. I can tell we're going to accomplish great things together. QUARK I can't wait. Hagath puts his arm around Quark and draws him close. And though he speaks softly, Hagath's eyes bore into Quark. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT ONE 16. 9 CONTINUED: (3) HAGATH Just one thing, Quark. Don't cross me. Don't ever cross me. (a beat) Understood? And though the tone is friendly and reasonable, the underlying threat is not lost on Quark. Quark nods his head. QUARK Completely. HAGATH Good. Now if it's not too much trouble, I'd like to see my quarters. Hagath leads the trio out the door. Gaila and Quark fall back a bit. GAILA (looking at Hagath's back) If he were a bit shorter and his teeth a little sharper... he'd make a perfect Ferengi. Quark nods, but he has something else on his mind. QUARK Why'd you tell him this was all my idea? GAILA I want him to like you. And as they EXIT -- 10 thru OMITTED 11 12 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (STOCK) (OPTICAL) Re-establishing. 13 INT. HOLOSUITE/WEAPONS RANGE (OPTICAL) Configured as it was earlier. Quark is dealing with his first customer, while Gaila and Hagath observe. The CUSTOMER is a rough, dangerous-looking alien whose disfigured face displays the scars of many a war. Quark is helping the Customer place a bazooka-sized weapon onto his shoulder. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT ONE 17. 13 CONTINUED: QUARK The Breen CRM-one-fourteen works equally well against moving vessels or surface emplacements. It's guaranteed to cut through reactive armor in the six-to- fifteen centimeter range, and shields up to four-point-six gigajoules. CUSTOMER (surprised) It's light. Quark steps back and hits a PADD. From out of the blackness, a Dopterian interceptor SWOOPS toward the Customer, who raises the weapon and FIRES. The interceptor EXPLODES. CUSTOMER Nice. Quark taps the PADD again. From another direction, a hulking, seven-foot, heavily armored WARRIOR lunges toward the Customer, weapon in hand. The Customer spins and FIRES at the Warrior, DISINTEGRATING the attacker. QUARK The quick recharge is one of its most popular features. CUSTOMER I'll take two thousand. Quark knows how to seal a deal: he holds up the PADD for the Customer's thumbprint. QUARK It's a pleasure doing business with someone who appreciates a fine weapon. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT ONE 18. 13 CONTINUED: (2) The Customer nods and EXITS. Hagath and Gaila approach Quark. QUARK How'd I do? HAGATH (pleased) You're a natural salesman. QUARK (as it sinks in) I am, aren't I? It was no different than selling sandwiches. GAILA What did I tell you? Hagath opens a bottle of champagne that's been sitting on ice. HAGATH I always like to celebrate a job well done. He pops the cork and pours three glasses. Hagath holds his glass high. HAGATH To Quark. GAILA Quark. QUARK (smiling) I'm going to like this job. And as they drink up, we: FADE OUT. END OF ACT ONE DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT TWO 19. ACT TWO FADE IN: 14 INT. HAGATH'S QUARTERS (VPB) Quark has just ENTERED to find Hagath seated at a table monitor. The monitor is displaying an alien stock exchange (much like Quark was viewing in the Teaser). On the sofa, Talura is doing the twenty-fourth century equivalent of manicuring her nails. QUARK You wanted to see me? HAGATH (still focused on the screen) Just a moment. Some numbers scroll across the screen, Hagath smiles, pleased with himself. HAGATH Who would have thought there was so much money to be made in Andarian glass beads. (then, to Quark) So how did things go with the Proxcinians? QUARK He purchased seven thousand tritanium-plated assault skimmers. HAGATH (pleased) Good. And he'll be back for more. The Proxcinian War is just heating up. QUARK (trying to please) Lucky us. Hagath reaches over, grabs a PADD and hands it to Quark. HAGATH I suppose you're wondering when you'll start seeing your share of the profits. QUARK It had crossed my mind. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT TWO 20. 14 CONTINUED: HAGATH Well, I'm afraid it won't be soon. QUARK I don't understand... HAGATH I've taken the liberty of transferring your earnings directly to your creditors. You'll be happy to know they were most appreciative. But Quark is a little indignant. QUARK I would've sent them their money. HAGATH I don't doubt your intentions. But money does strange things to people. And I can't afford to have an associate distracted by financial difficulties. So until your debts are paid, I'm afraid you won't be seeing any profit. QUARK (suspicious) And once my debts are paid? HAGATH Your earnings will be yours to do with as you like. (a caveat) As long as you stay solvent. (then fatherly) You have to forgive me, Quark, but my associates are like family to me. And I feel it's my duty to keep them out of trouble... Hagath reaches for a gift box, hands it to Quark. HAGATH ... as well as shower them with affection. Go ahead, open it. Quark does as instructed, revealing a beautiful and tasteful collection of Andarian glass beads. QUARK (impressed) Andarian glass beads. These must be worth... DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT TWO 21. 14 CONTINUED: (2) HAGATH An absolute fortune. Consider it a token of my esteem. Quark looks genuinely touched by this gift. 15 INT. QUARK'S The usual crowd. BASHIR throws his last dart, breaks into a grin at the result. He turns and looks off screen. BASHIR Go ahead, beat that, Chief! O'Brien sits at a table, cradling Yoshi in one arm. Wearily, he gets to his feet. O'BRIEN C'mon, Yoshi. It may not seem fair forcing the good Doctor to throw from farther away but he does have the advantage of being genetically engineered. O'Brien steps to a line that is closer to the dartboard than the one Bashir has thrown from. BASHIR Miles, don't you think you should put the baby down? O'BRIEN (only barely overstating) I haven't put Yoshi down for a week. Besides, if I can carry him while I'm at work, I can carry him here. BASHIR There must be some babysitter on the station that can pacify him... O'BRIEN Want to bet? BASHIR But you can't hold him forever. You already have one bad shoulder... DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT TWO 22. 15 CONTINUED: O'BRIEN You want me to put the baby down? Fine. I'll put the baby down. O'Brien puts the baby carefully in the bassinet. As he turns away, the baby begins WAILING. O'BRIEN Happy? By now, everyone in the bar is looking toward them. Bashir is a little embarrassed by all the attention. BASHIR That's amazing. O'BRIEN No, this is amazing. O'Brien picks up the baby, who immediately stops crying. O'BRIEN Now, if you'll excuse me... it's my throw. Bashir has no choice but to back away. O'BRIEN (to the baby) What do you say we go for the double? (as if getting a response) I agree. As O'Brien goes to throw -- 16 INT. HAGATH'S QUARTERS - CLOSE ON QUARK sprawled on his back across Talura's lap, his head hanging over the end of the couch as she sensuously strokes his ears. He moans in ecstasy. QUARK That's right... keep going... don't stop until you see smoke. 17 QUARK'S POV - THE DOOR (UPSIDE DOWN) It slides open to reveal ODO, arms folded across his chest. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT TWO 23. 17 CONTINUED: ODO (with relish) I hope I'm not interrupting anything. I believe you know the way to the Security Office. Quark scurries to his feet. He sighs, just when things were going so smoothly... 18 INT. SECURITY Quark protests his innocence to a disbelieving Odo. QUARK None of these charges are going to stick. I haven't broken any laws. I have a license to run holosuites... ODO (interrupting) But you don't have a license to sell weapons, do you? QUARK I defy you to prove that I've brought a single weapon onto this station. ODO A mere technicality. We both know what you're doing. And I promise you, you're going to face the consequences. SISKO (O.S.) Not today, he isn't. They turn to see -- 19 SISKO and KIRA ENTERING. Neither one looks happy. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT TWO 24. 19 CONTINUED: SISKO Let him go. ODO Let him go? SISKO (to Kira) Major, tell the constable what you told me. KIRA The Bajoran government insists that Deep Space Nine not interfere with the lawful transactions of Hagath or his associates. (off Odo's incredulous look) Hagath supplied arms to the Resistance. Without him, and others like him, we'd all be dead, and the Cardassians would still be in power. We owe him. Odo can't believe this development... He turns to Sisko. ODO Captain... SISKO I don't like it any more than you do. Quark swaggers forward. QUARK (to Odo) Better luck next time. But Sisko blocks his path. SISKO You better hope there isn't a next time, mister. I've given you a lot of slack in the past. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT TWO 25. 19 CONTINUED: (2) SISKO (Cont'd) Even looked the other way once or twice when I could've come down hard on you. But those days are over. We may not be able to get you for selling weapons... but you so much as litter on the Promenade and I'm going to nail you to the wall. Without waiting for a response, Sisko EXITS. Quark swallows as Kira steps up to him. KIRA Something to look forward to. Then she too, EXITS. Odo wants to wash his hands of this whole affair. ODO (to Quark) You heard them. Now, get out of my sight. Now that Sisko is out of the room, he refuses to be intimidated. QUARK What's wrong with you people? Don't you know how to lose with dignity? And with that, he departs. 20 INT. HAGATH'S QUARTERS Quark, Hagath and Gaila are seated, chatting comfortably, looking very pleased with themselves. There is definitely a "team" atmosphere amongst the trio. GAILA (a fond memory) I'll never forget how many people told us we were making a mistake. "Sell weapons to the Bajorans?" HAGATH "What chance do they have?" they said. "Invest in a winner, sell to the Cardassians." DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT TWO 26. 20 CONTINUED: QUARK Why did you sell weapons to the Bajorans? They couldn't have had much money... HAGATH My dear Quark, not every deal is about money. Sometimes, you have to look at the big picture... and at times gaining a friend can be more important than earning profit. GAILA (to Quark) I admit it's not the Ferengi way, but it's good business nonetheless. HAGATH I knew eventually the Cardassians were going to lose. And why? QUARK Because they were overly confident? HAGATH (pleased with his pupil) Exactly. They underestimated the Bajoran thirst for freedom. I didn't. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT TWO 27. 20 CONTINUED: (2) The door CHIMES. Hagath and Gaila react as if they were expecting someone. GAILA You want me to handle this? HAGATH No. (to the door) Come in. The door OPENS and FARRAKK, an alien of the same race as Hagath, ENTERS. Though he could be roughly the same age as Hagath, he is a "junior" league player. His cool and casual behavior is somewhat forced. Hagath stands to greet him. HAGATH Farrakk, so glad you could join us. FARRAKK (all innocence) What was so important that you had to see me in person? I was about to close that deal with the Verillians. HAGATH Really? I heard they're no longer in need of our services. FARRAKK Since when? HAGATH Since they signed an agreement with the Metron Consortium. I also heard that you never even opened negotiations with the Verillians... FARRAKK (indignant) That's a lie. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT TWO 28. 20 CONTINUED: (3) HAGATH And that instead of doing your job, you were off enjoying yourself on Risa. FARRAKK (feeling the pressure) I can explain. I was -- Hagath cuts him off. HAGATH I'm not interested in explanations. I put my faith in you and you've let me down. As of this moment, our relationship is terminated. Farrakk is frightened by Hagath's last word. Hagath allows himself a small smile. HAGATH You can keep the monies I advanced you. Consider it your severance pay. FARRAKK Hagath, can't we talk this over? I made a mistake -- HAGATH A very costly mistake. Good-bye. Farrakk looks over to Gaila, who waves "bye-bye" to him. Farrakk sees that he has no friends in the room; he LEAVES, tail between his legs (metaphorically speaking, of course). HAGATH That was unpleasant. (sitting down) Now, what were we talking about? Hagath smiles reassuringly at Quark, who smiles back. Quark's admiration of Hagath has just risen even higher. The man is clearly a winner. 21 INT. QUARK'S - LATE MORN and a few N.D. CUSTOMERS still haunt the establishment. Quark stands behind the bar, cleaning glasses. Gaila ENTERS. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT TWO 29. 21 CONTINUED: GAILA Evening, cousin. Gaila looks around at the half-empty bar. GAILA Business always this good? QUARK I haven't had a single Starfleet customer all day... come to think of it, nobody from the Federation has come through those doors. I must be "off limits." GAILA Quark, as long as we keep that holosuite busy, you've got nothing to worry about. Which reminds me. We have a very special client arriving next week. The Regent of Palamar. QUARK Never heard of him. GAILA He's very, very wealthy. QUARK (smiling) Can't wait to meet him. GAILA He's also very particular about how he's treated. QUARK As well he should be. After all, he's a Regent. GAILA I have to say, Cousin, you've done well. And it couldn't have come at a better time. For both of us. QUARK Why's that? GAILA I'm thinking about stepping back. Taking it easy for a change. You could take my place, run things with Hagath. You'd earn a bigger share of the profit. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT TWO 29A. 21 CONTINUED: (2) Quark thinks it over. QUARK Have you spoken to Hagath about this? GAILA (nodding) He likes you, Quark. QUARK (pleased) And I like him. I'd also like a bigger share of the profits. GAILA Then everyone's happy. (a beat) Except for Farrakk. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT TWO 30. 21 CONTINUED: (3) QUARK What about Farrakk? GAILA Didn't you hear? His ship blew up shortly after he left the station. Warp core breach. (admiring) That Hagath, what a temper. Quark adjusts his coat as if hit with a sudden chill. QUARK Are you saying... Hagath killed him? GAILA (grins) You heard what he said, cousin. He doesn't like to be crossed. Just make sure you don't forget that. Quark swallows dryly. Suddenly things don't look quite so rosy. FADE OUT. END OF ACT TWO DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT THREE 31. ACT THREE FADE IN: 22 INT. REPLIMAT - POV Dax is at one of the tables, drinking a raktajino and reading a PADD. 23 NEW ANGLE to reveal Quark, his eyes on Dax. He stands near the Replimat, making up his mind how best to approach Dax, then decides to go for the "life couldn't be better" angle. He jauntily ambles up to the Replimat, glancing at Dax who pointedly ignores him. QUARK (to the replicator) Double snail juice. Extra smooth. Then, to Dax, as he waits for his drink: QUARK Good morning, commander. Dax continues to ignore him. Seemingly unfazed, Quark removes his drink from the replicator and approaches her table. QUARK Mind if I join you? DAX Actually, I do. QUARK That's okay, I won't take it personally. He sits down anyway. DAX (annoyed) Quark, I'm busy. QUARK I have to admit, I'm a little disappointed in you. I thought you, of all people, would understand. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT THREE 32. 23 CONTINUED: DAX Understand what? That you've finally shown how despicable you truly are? You don't care how many people die as long as you make a profit. QUARK Who said anything about people dying? The weapons I sell are strictly defensive. To be well armed is a deterrent to war - don't you know anything about the balance of power? DAX Quark... you don't really believe any of that, do you? It's clearly important to Quark that Dax understand his motivations. QUARK Jadzia... there was nothing else I could do. I was drowning... the waters were closing over my head... and just as my lungs were about to burst, my cousin threw me a lifeline. How could I possibly refuse? DAX Feeling a little guilty, Quark? QUARK Guilty? Me? I don't have anything to feel guilty about. DAX Then why come to me asking for forgiveness? And with that she gets up and leaves. Quark sits there, SIGHING. For a while there, he felt so good. But now, he's starting to feel less sure about things. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT THREE 33. 24 INT. INFIRMARY - DAY CLOSE ON O'Brien sitting on a bio-bed and holding Kirayoshi on his shoulder. Bashir runs a scanner over the baby. Bashir checks his readings, then: BASHIR I've got good news. Your son's fine. O'BRIEN Except that he cries constantly unless I'm holding him. BASHIR I've given him every imaginable test. Eyes, ears, digestive, pulmonary and nervous systems - there's nothing medically wrong with him. O'BRIEN What are you telling me, that my baby is just... sad? BASHIR Perhaps he's become prematurely aware of life's existential isolation. O'BRIEN You're sure it's not a rash? BASHIR Look at the positive side: he'll probably be a great poet. (a beat) There's nothing else I can do for you. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT THREE 34. 24 CONTINUED: O'Brien starts to get up, then freezes with a grimace. O'BRIEN Yes, there is. BASHIR What's wrong? O'BRIEN My neck. BASHIR (professional) Don't move. I'll get a neural modulator. Bashir moves away to retrieve the item, O'Brien sits there frozen, holding the baby. 25 INT. HAGATH'S QUARTERS Quark proudly leads Hagath and Gaila down the large buffet table, displaying an elegant spread of assorted dishes. Quark identifies each dish as they pass them. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT THREE 35. 25 CONTINUED: QUARK Palamarian sea urchin, lightly sauteed in garlic and moon grass... Matopin rock fungi tossed on a bed of tartoc and seasoned with Clavisoa berries... and for the main course, stuffed Wentlian condor snake. Hagath studies the dishes intently, poker-faced. QUARK (continuing) All of the Regent's favorite dishes. I obtained the recipes through his palace chefs, in exchange for a small gratuity. Quark waits for the praise he is certain will be heaped upon him. Hagath, who has scrutinized each item carefully, reaches down, picks up a piece of food, pops it into his mouth. A silent moment as he chews it, then: HAGATH Quark, do you mind if I ask a question? QUARK Go ahead. HAGATH (mildly) Are you trying to ruin me on purpose, or is this sheer incompetence? QUARK Ruin you? I don't want to -- HAGATH Here we are, about to open negotiations with an important new client... and this is the welcome you've prepared for him? QUARK (defensive) But they told me he'll like it. Hagath picks up another piece of food and holds it close to Quark's face. HAGATH (accusatory) This? He's going to like this? DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT THREE 36. 25 CONTINUED: (2) QUARK (scared) Yes... HAGATH (suddenly smiling) Well, he should. It's delicious. He pops the food into his mouth and savors it. Hagath looks over to Gaila. HAGATH I really had him going, didn't I? GAILA (having enjoyed the show) Oh, you had him, you definitely had him! Hagath releases Quark and smiles broadly. HAGATH Quark, I love you. (gestures to buffet) It's magnificent, all of it! QUARK (shaky grin) So glad you approve. Quark glances at Gaila as Hagath slaps his hands together. HAGATH All right, enough fun. The Regent will be here soon. We are going to make some money tonight. Hagath reaches out and adjusts... 26 ONE OF THE DISHES making sure the presentation is perfect. MATCH DISSOLVE TO: 27 INT. HAGATH'S QUARTERS - LATER - THE SAME DISH is now empty. REVEAL the entire buffet, now ravaged, the trays containing only scraps. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT THREE 37. 28 IN A SECLUDED CORNER Hagath, Gaila and Quark sit around a table with the lean figure of the REGENT OF PALAMAR, who has the humorless eyes of a True Believer. He's attired conservatively if you consider Ghenghis Khan conservative. The Regent's TWO BODYGUARDS are in the b.g. while a VALET frets over his every need. REGENT ... Nassuc was the best officer I ever had. I took her out of the ranks and made her a general. In time, she would have inherited my entire empire. And how does she repay me? (disappointed) She declares independence for her homeworld. Hagath listens with evident empathy. HAGATH Betrayal. It's the one unforgivable sin. Especially when it's committed by someone you trusted implicitly. REGENT Most arms dealers wouldn't understand such matters. They have no ideals, no passions, except for lining their own pockets. But, I feel that you are a man of honor. (to Gaila and to Quark) That you are all men of honor. GAILA How very perceptive of you, Regent. Quark pours more brandy into the Regent's glass. QUARK Now, how can we help you? REGENT I want to make an example of Nassuc and her followers. First, I intend to eradicate her capital city. GAILA (all business) What kind of casualties are you looking for? DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT THREE 38. 28 CONTINUED: REGENT Seven... maybe eight million. Quark's lips fall open. Gaila and Hagath exchange a look, "no problem." HAGATH We can help you with that. REGENT But that's just the beginning. Over the next couple of months, I would like the death toll to rise... slowly but steadily. GAILA Give us a figure. REGENT Let's say... twenty million. HAGATH (consulting with Gaila) What would be most effective? Prions? GAILA Either that or a mutagenic retrovirus. What do you think, Quark? QUARK Twenty-eight million dead? Can't we just wound some of them? There's a silent beat, the moment hangs in the air... DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT THREE 39. 28 CONTINUED: (2) REGENT (ominously) I'm here to buy weapons. Are you here to sell them? Hagath leaps in to reassure the Regent. HAGATH Absolutely. Quark was just trying to make a little joke, but unfortunately... (pointed) ... Ferengi humor doesn't translate too well. Hagath glares at Quark. HAGATH So let's forgo any further attempts at jocularity and get down to business. Shall we? It's obviously a rhetorical question; all Quark can do is nod his head. 29 INT. PROMENADE - SECOND LEVEL - LATER A disturbed Quark stares out a Viewport into space. Gaila joins him. GAILA Quark, maybe I haven't made myself clear... I've been in the weapons business for forty years. I want to retire. QUARK I don't blame you. GAILA But I'm not going to be able to retire if my hand-picked successor can't control his conscience. QUARK The Regent is insane... DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT THREE 40. 29 CONTINUED: GAILA Stop being so judgmental. It's his bank account, not his mental health that you should be concerned with. QUARK But twenty-eight million people... it just seems wrong. GAILA (looking around, making sure they're alone) If Hagath heard you talk that way... he'd toss you out the nearest airlock. (points out the viewport) Look out there. Millions and millions of stars -- millions upon millions of worlds. And right now, half of them are fanatically dedicated to destroying the other half. Do you think if one of those twinkling little lights suddenly went out, anybody would notice? Suppose I offered you ten million bars of gold-pressed latinum to help turn out one of those lights... would you really tell me to keep my money? Quark stares out into space. Gaila, having gotten his answer, walks away, leaving Quark alone with those little lights sparkling out there in the void. FADE OUT. END OF ACT THREE DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT FOUR 41-42. ACT FOUR FADE IN: 30 OMITTED 31 INT. OPS At the science station, Dax and Kira are whispering together. DAX The Vulcan science vessel T'Pan is requesting permission to dock. Captain Sisko emerges from his office, starts toward the floor where Chief O'Brien is replacing some isolinear rods in the computer. KIRA Put her at Docking Bay Three. DAX (nods) The Wellington has finished refueling. It should decouple within the hour. KIRA Got it. Sisko gets more and more curious as he overhears Kira and approaches O'Brien -- because EVERY CONVERSATION CONDUCTED IN OPS IS AT A WHISPER. Sisko arrives at the Chief's work site. O'Brien looks up. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT FOUR 43. 31 CONTINUED: O'BRIEN (also whispering) Sir, what can I do for you? SISKO (normal voice) Why is everyone whispering? DAX Ssshhh! Caught off guard, Sisko drops his voice. SISKO (whispering) Why the hell are we whispering? O'BRIEN It's the baby, sir. SISKO Baby? KIRA Kirayoshi. He's asleep, Captain. SISKO (looking around) Where? O'BRIEN In the pit, sir. SISKO In the pit? O'BRIEN Yes, sir. Sisko strides toward the pit. O'Brien follows. Dax and Kira trail at a distance. O'Brien catches up. Sisko stares into... 32 THE PIT Kirayoshi lies safely asleep in a bassinet, lighted circuitry all around him. 33 O'BRIEN AND SISKO As they whisper, Dax, Kira and several N.D. OFFICERS gather to look down at the baby. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT FOUR 44. 33 CONTINUED: SISKO Chief, why is the baby in the pit? O'BRIEN It's kind of hard to explain, sir. SISKO Try. O'BRIEN The moment I took him down there, he fell asleep. Could be the pattern of lights, or the hum of the optronic emitters, or the vibration of the ODN relays. I don't know for sure, but the point is, sir, he's not crying. SISKO Chief, why don't you take a few days off until Keiko gets back? I think we can manage without you that long. O'BRIEN That won't be necessary, sir. I have the situation well in hand. SISKO What I'm trying to tell you, Chief, is that keeping Kirayoshi in the pit is not an acceptable solution. Find another one. O'BRIEN Yes, sir. Sisko turns to go. O'BRIEN Sir? SISKO (normal voice) Yes, Chief? O'BRIEN Can we wait 'til he wakes up to move him? He just dropped off. Sisko looks at the crowd of pleading faces -- Dax, Kira and the supernumeraries. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT FOUR 45. 33 CONTINUED: (2) SISKO Very well. But then I want him out of there. (to the others) Don't you people have work to do? O'Brien, Dax and Kira exchange glances as Sisko walks off. 34 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL) Re-establishing. 35 INT. PROMENADE The Promenade is completely empty except for Quark, who walks down the corridor towards his bar. We follow him inside 36 INT. QUARK'S Quark ENTERS the crowded bar, filled with the usual bar activity. However, things aren't quite normal... Quark barely gets through the door when he collides with a Starfleet Officer, they both step back and we reveal the officer is Sisko -- except Sisko looks like he's been dead for three days and has a chest wound the size of a football. QUARK Captain -- SISKO Hello, Quark. QUARK You don't look so good. SISKO That's because I'm dead. A confused and frightened Quark looks over and sees Dax by the bar. QUARK (looking for help) Dax. Dax turns around -- she looks as dead as Sisko. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT FOUR 46. 36 CONTINUED: DAX Relax, Quark. Quark steps back from Dax, looking around, trying to make sense of everything. Everyone in the bar is dead. He spots Jake by the dabo table... he rushes over. QUARK Jake -- Jake glares at him, cutting short anything he was going to say. JAKE Way to go, Quark. I had my whole life ahead of me. QUARK I didn't do anything. DAX You killed us all. QUARK (nervously) Hold on, now. You can't blame me. Suddenly, a dead Kira is standing beside him. KIRA Deny it all you want... but you're responsible. Then practically overlapping: SISKO I hope it was worth it... DAX How much latinum did they pay you, Quark? KIRA Enough to buy a new conscience? DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT FOUR 47. 36 CONTINUED: (2) QUARK (trying to convince himself) This isn't my fault! Suddenly, the crowd parts to reveal O'Brien, ENTERING, carrying a wrapped bundle. It's Kirayoshi. He walks straight up to Quark and in a soft, almost numb voice: O'BRIEN Why, Quark? Why did you kill my baby? QUARK (appalled) No... no... noooo... They all surround Quark. SMASH CUT TO: 37 INT. QUARK'S Reality. Quark snaps awake at the bar. He looks like he's been to hell and back. Anxiously, he looks around the empty room, but the relief of realizing it's all been a dream doesn't help much. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT FOUR 48. 37 CONTINUED: QUARK (scared and miserable) What have I done? 38 OMITTED 39 INT. DAX'S QUARTERS - CONTINUOUS Dax takes a step into her quarters and is startled to find Quark, setting up the tongo game. DAX (angry) What the hell are you doing in here? QUARK (re: the tongo wheel) I wanted you to have this. DAX You broke into my quarters to give me a tongo wheel? Get out of here before I call Security. QUARK (sheepish) I'm going. DAX (re: the tongo wheel) And take that thing with you. QUARK I can't. It's a gift. DAX You think you can buy back my friendship? QUARK It's not a bribe... Chances are I won't be needing it anymore. (a beat) Good-bye, Dax. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT FOUR 49. 39 CONTINUED: DAX Don't let the door hit you on the way out. Quark goes to leave, but at the door, stops and turns to face Dax. QUARK Don't you want to know where I'm going? DAX Not really. QUARK What if I said it was dangerous? Dax still doesn't seem to care. QUARK Figures. (squaring his shoulder) It doesn't matter. Where I'm going... you can't follow. What I have to do... I have to do alone. One man... who's had enough... who's going to stand up and say -- DAX (cutting him off) Good-bye, Quark. Quark, realizing Dax just isn't interested, EXITS. 40 INT. HABITAT RING CORRIDOR - CONTINUOUS Quark emerges from Dax's quarters and catches his reflection in one of the black com panels on the wall. He stops to look at himself... QUARK Nervous? The worst Hagath can do is kill you. (a beat) What's one life compared to the lives of twenty-eight million people? And with that, Quark walks off down the corridor, ready to meet his fate. And, we: FADE OUT. END OF ACT FOUR DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT FIVE 50. ACT FIVE FADE IN: 41 INT. HAGATH'S QUARTERS Talura is seated on the couch, daintily satisfying her sweet tooth from a box of alien candies. She seems oblivious to the fact that just a few steps away, a very angry Hagath is berating Quark. HAGATH What do you mean you can't get your hands on the mutagenic retrovirus? QUARK Our supplier sold all he had to Minnobia for their war against the Vek. HAGATH This isn't good. I just finished telling the Regent that his shipment will be delivered within a week. He's about to leave. (a beat) He is not going to be happy. QUARK I know -- he'll be stuck with twenty-eight million people and no way to kill them. (then offering some hope) Lucky for us, I can get hold of some Varaxian LM-Seven. HAGATH Never heard of it. QUARK It's a new biogenic weapon... still in the experimental stage. HAGATH How effective is it? QUARK They'll be dropping like flies. Only trouble is I don't know how much of it I can get. (a beat) You think the Regent would be satisfied with only seventeen million people killed? DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT FIVE 51. 41 CONTINUED: Hagath's mind is racing ahead, trying desperately but unable to come up with a solution. HAGATH (to himself) Seventeen million... it's better than nothing. QUARK Then what you have to do is tell him there's been a change of plans. (as if thinking on his feet) Tell him we have something new to show him... might take a little longer to get the results he wants, but we'll give him a twenty percent discount. In the meantime, I'll have a sample of Varaxian LM-Seven sent here and we'll arrange for a small demonstration. We'll find a planet with some low-level lifeforms no one will miss. HAGATH (mulling it over) I'll talk to the Regent, keep him from leaving. You make sure you get that sample here as soon as possible. (a warning) Don't fail me, Quark. QUARK Believe me, I want this deal to go through more than anybody. I'm finally out of debt -- these will be the first profits I get to keep. HAGATH (slapping him on shoulder) Be quick. Quark EXITS into the corridor. 42 INT. HABITAT RING CORRIDOR As soon as the door CLOSES behind him, Quark SIGHS with relief and looks at his hand, which is TREMBLING slightly. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT FIVE 52. 42 CONTINUED: Quark steadies it with his other hand, calming his own nerves. After a beat, he moves off to carry out his plan. 43 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL) Re-establishing. 44 INT. HABITAT RING CORRIDOR - ANOTHER SECTION Quark and Gaila are coming down the corridor. QUARK Stop looking so unhappy. The dabo tables will still be there when you get back. GAILA But I was winning. What could be more important than that? QUARK I told you, there's someone I want you to meet. They stop in front of Quark's quarters, the door OPENS and Quark gestures for Gaila to follow him inside. 45 INT. QUARK'S QUARTERS Quark and Gaila ENTER to find GENERAL NASSUC, a striking, no-nonsense female flanked by THREE BODYGUARDS. QUARK Gaila, meet General Nassuc, head of the Palamarian Freedom Brigade. GAILA (smiling) Pleased to meet you. (immediately grabbing Quark's arm) We need to talk. Gaila starts to drag Quark outside. QUARK Will you excuse us for a moment? DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT FIVE 53. 46 INT. HABITAT RING CORRIDOR Gaila corners Quark as soon as the doors CLOSE behind them. GAILA What is that female doing on the station? QUARK I invited her. GAILA (alarmed) Are you crazy? She's the Regent's mortal enemy! Does he know she's here? Does Hagath? QUARK Of course not. Gaila looks at Quark, he has no idea what Quark is up to, but he doesn't like it. GAILA You're scaring me, Cousin. QUARK (in control) Relax. I know selling weapons to opposing sides is dangerous... but as you said yourself, "The riskier the road -- " GAILA Don't quote The Rules of Acquisition to me! If Hagath finds out we're doing this behind his back, we'll wind up as dead as Farrakk. QUARK Only if we fail. And we're not going to fail -- we're going to sell Varaxian LM-Seven to both the Regent and the General. GAILA Is she interested? QUARK She jumped at the chance. She's as crazy as the Regent. Both sides will poison each other, we'll double our profits, and Hagath will be very happy. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT FIVE 53A. 46 CONTINUED: GAILA But what if they see one another - realize what we're doing? QUARK It's a busy station. We'll keep them far apart. Just think of all that latinum. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT FIVE 54. 46 CONTINUED: (2) Gaila's doing just that. After a beat his greed gets the bettor of his caution. GAILA What do you want me to do? QUARK Keep the General occupied for twenty minutes, then take her to Cargo Bay Five. I'll meet you there. And with that, Quark hurries away. We HOLD ON Gaila, who primps himself and brushes off his clothes as he prepares to bond with the General. 47 INT. CARGO BAY CLOSE on Quark as he stands beside a large sealed crate. Next to him is Hagath, the Regent, and his bodyguards. REGENT Open it. HAGATH (to Quark) You heard him. Quark reaches for a small PADD-like device embedded in the case. Nothing happens. Quark looks puzzled. QUARK That's odd. REGENT What's wrong? HAGATH (to the Regent) Nothing. (to Quark) Right, Quark? QUARK The code sequencer isn't working. HAGATH (pointed) Then fix it. QUARK Right away DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT FIVE 55. 47 CONTINUED: Quark gets up and starts to leave. Hagath stops him, grabbing his arm. QUARK I just need to get a descrambler. And while I'm at it, I'll get a bottle of champagne -- to celebrate. HAGATH Forget the champagne. Just get back here as quickly as you can. QUARK Whatever you say. Quark moves off quickly. Hagath puts on a smile for the Regent, who glowers back. HAGATH He'll be right back. 48 INT. CORRIDOR - OUTSIDE CARGO BAY FIVE Quark comes out of the Cargo Bay. The doors close just as Gaila, General Nassuc and her bodyguards appear down the corridor. GAILA Quark, where are you going? QUARK I'll be right back. (to the General) I just need to get a descrambler. The General looks to Gaila, who puts on a salesman's smile, and gestures courteously for her to enter the Bay. GAILA After you. Quark waits for them to disappear inside and then hurries away. A beat, and we hear the sound of phaser fire inside the Cargo Bay. 48A INT. PROMENADE Quark hurriedly emerges from the turbolift on the far end of the Promenade and heads for his bar, slowing his pace to avoid attracting any attention. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT FIVE 56. 48A CONTINUED: Just then, we see Odo, accompanied by a couple of SECURITY GUARDS, running out of the Security Office and making a beeline for the turbolift. Quark, not wanting to be spotted by Odo, nonchalantly turns to look at one of the shop's windows. 48B CLOSE ON QUARK'S FACE In the b.g., we see another SECURITY SQUAD racing up to join Odo's group. ODO There are reports of phaser fire in Cargo Bay Five. Seal the area. This is a priority-one alert. Though this has all been happening behind Quark's back, he's heard every word. Not until Odo and the Security Squad disappear into the turbolift does Quark allow himself a victorious smile. Then calmly, with all the time in the world, he almost saunters back to his bar. 49 OMITTED 50 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL) Re-establishing. 51 INT. O'BRIEN'S QUARTERS O'Brien sits on the couch, gently rocking Kirayoshi in his arms. WORF ENTERS. O'BRIEN Good afternoon, Commander. WORF Chief, my schedule shows you were supposed to begin modifying the deflector array aboard the Defiant today. O'BRIEN I'm sorry, sir. The Captain thought I could use a few days leave and I decided to take him up on it. WORF To care for your son. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT FIVE 57. 51 CONTINUED: O'BRIEN (nods) Taking care of a baby can be a full-time job. Kirayoshi wakes up, rubs his eyes. O'BRIEN Look, do me a favor and hold him for a minute. I need to get his bottle. He'll cry, but it's okay - there's nothing wrong with him. WORF Chief, I must attend to -- O'BRIEN It'll only take a minute. O'Brien hands him the baby, then disappears into the other room, leaving Worf along with the tiny infant in his arms. Profoundly uncomfortable, Worf awkwardly shifts Kirayoshi into a cradling position. The baby stirs in his arms, shifting toward the warmth of his body. Worf's face softens and becomes strangely childlike. O'Brien comes back and stops in his tracks. WORF What's the matter? O'BRIEN The baby... he's not crying. O'Brien takes the baby from Worf's arms and gently puts him in his bassinet. Blissful silence. O'Brien slumps down on the couch next to the baby, leans his head back and closes his eyes. O'BRIEN He's not crying. WORF (looking at the baby, a beat) I never saw my son when he was this age. (a beat) It is something I will always regret. You are a fortunate man. Chief... Chief? But the only answer he gets is the sound of O'Brien breathing peacefully. Worf looks over at O'Brien to find the chief is sound asleep, and as Worf reacts -- DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT FIVE 58. 51A INT. CAPTAIN'S OFFICE where Sisko is dressing Quark down. He's furious with Quark for getting himself into this whole mess, but underneath that, he's relieved Quark has managed to get himself out of it, too. SISKO You're facing some serious charges, Quark. Incitement to riot, endangering the public safety, disregard for -- Quark interrupts and starts tap dancing as fast as he can. QUARK How was I supposed to know everyone was going to start shooting? I just wanted them to cross paths so the deal would fall through. SISKO It fell through, all right. Hagath and Gaila barely managed to get off the station alive. QUARK I hear General Nassuc sent a purification squad after them... SISKO I wouldn't count on seeing your former business partners again. QUARK (considers) I can live with that. Sisko looks at Quark intently before asking: SISKO What about the Regent's death? QUARK (suprised) The Regent's dead? SISKO A purification squad caught up with him early this morning. QUARK I can live with that, too. And I can think of twenty-eight million other people who won't mind either. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT FIVE 58A. 51A CONTINUED: Quark realizes Sisko isn't that angry about the way things turned out. He tries to turn the unspoken moment between them to his favor. QUARK So, about those charges -- surely we can come to some sort of... accommodation. SISKO That depends. QUARK On what? SISKO This is what it's going to cost to repair the cargo bay. Sisko shows him a PADD. Quark's face falls when he sees the price tag. QUARK That much? SISKO That much. QUARK Well... maybe we could come up with some sort of installment plan. SISKO Works for me. Off Quark's face as he musters a wan smile... 52 INT. DAX'S QUARTERS CLOSE ON Dax as she calculatingly surveys the tongo wheel. After a beat, she decides her next move. DAX Retreat. ADJUST TO SHOW Quark sitting across from her. QUARK Acquire. DAX Confront. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT FIVE 59. 52 CONTINUED: QUARK (pleased) Evade. Quark wins the round, taking the pot. QUARK The risk is at ten, with a purchase of seven and a sale of fourteen. Dax concedes nothing. DAX Nice move. But then again you have a knack for getting out of tight spots. QUARK (pleased with himself) It's a gift. (onto something else) About my tongo wheel... DAX It's no longer your tongo wheel. You gave it to me, remember? QUARK I know I gave it to you, but at the time I thought -- DAX I'm not giving it back, Quark. And that's final. She spins the wheel. DAX Confront. QUARK Retreat. And on that image, we: FADE OUT. END OF ACT FIVE THE END