A challenge to Kai Solis’s leadership leads to tensions on the station and Bajor.
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1. Teaser by lvsxy808
2. Act One by lvsxy808
3. Act Two by lvsxy808
4. Act Three by lvsxy808
5. Act Four by lvsxy808
6. Act Five by lvsxy808
TEASER
FADE IN:
1 MONTAGE FROM PREVIOUS EPS
-- DS9 Ops. Ro says goodbye to Vaughn on the viewscreen.
RO
Safe journey, Captain.
VAUGHN (screen)
To us all, Commander. Kirk out.
VOICEOVER
Previously, on Deep Space Nine.
-- Bajor. Ro meets with Kira in the monastery gardens.
RO
Vaughn left this morning. I am now
officially in command of DS-Nine.
KIRA
You don’t seem too happy about it.
-- The monastery. Ro is breaking the news to Kira and Raiq.
RO
We found a message from another
Ascendant. You’re not the only
one, Raiq.
-- The Vedek Assembly. Bellis confronts Kai Solis.
BELLIS
A ship left the space station
yesterday, came to Bajor, stopped
at the Oralian Temple in Janir,
and then travelled through the
wormhole into the Gamma Quadrant.
To search for more Ascendants.
-- The runabout. Cenn talking to Lenaris on the screen.
CENN
I’m really not happy about this,
General. What do you want me to do?
LENARIS (screen)
Go along with it. Just remember
that you’re an officer in the
Bajoran Militia, Major, not in
Starfleet.
-- The rear cabin of the runabout. Pif and Cenn.
PIF
They killed so many people. They
attacked the Even Odds, put my
family at risk. It could start all
over again if we’re not careful.
CENN
You can trust me. We’ll keep it
under control.
-- The runabout. Pif has found a clue in the database.
PIF
“The Black World” - that was all
we knew to call it. The place you
never go if you plan on living a
long life.
KIRA
It’s the best shot we’ve got.
-- The Vedek Assembly. Bellis's ultimatum to Solis.
BELLIS
The Vedek Assembly cannot sit in
session without a minimum of
seventy in attendance. Until the
people’s voices have finally been
heard and this man is removed
from the Apex Chair, it will not.
-- The Black World. Raiq approaches Vexh, the other last Ascendant. They embrace, flames licking around them. Then Raiq’s eyes flick ominously towards Kira and Ro...
VOICEOVER
And now, the conclusion.
2 EXT. BLACK WORLD – THE RIDGE
Continuing the scene...
KIRA, RO, CENN and PIF stand and watch the scene below.
RO
Wonder what she’s gonna tell him.
CENN
Oh you know, just that every other
member of their race is dead. That
we killed them. That the entire
purpose of their culture has come
and gone and they missed it. No
big deal.
3 EXT. BLACK WORLD – THE BASE
Down below, RAIQ and VEXH step apart.
VEXH
My sister... It is a great relief
to see you. Have you come to
join the Quest?
RAIQ
(doesn’t answer)
It is good to see you too, my
brother. I am Raiq.
VEXH
I am Vexh.
RAIQ
How long have you been here?
VEXH
Almost half a cycle. I heard the
call. I was far from the Hearth,
but I came as swift as I was able.
RAIQ
But my brother, the call went out
more than a cycle ago.
VEXH
(bitter)
I was attacked upon the path.
RAIQ
By who?
Vexh holds up a hand, waves it in the air as if working one of the panels in his ship. An image forms in mid-air, a 3D holographic recording.
It’s wavery and incomplete, but clear enough to show a repeating video clip of three ships firing on the POV - Jem’Hadar ships. Raiq watches this with a sneer.
RAIQ
Animals. Their name is Jem’Hadar.
They are heretics, worshipping
metamorphic beings as their gods.
VEXH
Be assured, sister, they did not
survive their attempt. But my own
vessel was wounded, and I along
with it. I could no longer trigger
the shift.
RAIQ
I understand.
VEXH
But where are our brothers and
sisters? If the call was over a
cycle ago as you say, why has
no-one else yet arrived?
The moment of truth. Raiq hesitates.
RAIQ
My brother... we did arrive. Long
ago. We gathered here for almost
a full cycle before the Quest.
VEXH
They have gone on without me?
RAIQ
Yes. I beg forgiveness.
VEXH
No forgiveness is required, my
sister. Come, we will rejoin the
Quest together. Where are they?
Again, Raiq hesitates. Vexh sees it. He knows something is wrong. Warily, he takes a step back from Raiq.
VEXH
Raiq... Where are our brothers
and sisters?
Raiq still can’t bring herself to say it...
VEXH
(mistrustful)
We should leave and rejoin them at
once. Why will you not tell me of
the Quest?
RAIQ
Because the words are difficult,
my brother. The Quest... is over.
VEXH
The Quest is never over. It is our
life. Speak truth now!
RAIQ
I am, Vexh. The words burn me as
much as they do you, but by the
light of the True themselves, I do
not lie to you. The Fire came to
us, and as doctrine promised, she
heralded the Final Ascension.
VEXH
The Ascension... is real?
RAIQ
Real... and passed. Our brothers
and sisters went on. Perhaps they
assumed you were no longer among
us. As was foretold, the Fire lit the
path to the Fortress of the True. We
found it... we battled the monsters
who blocked our path... and they
Ascended.
VEXH
They? Not you?
RAIQ
(sad shrug)
I am here, am I not?
4 EXT. BLACK WORLD – THE RIDGE
Up on the ridge with Kira, Ro, Cenn and Pif.
RO
How do you think it’s going?
CENN
They haven’t killed each other
yet. Or us. So I’d say well.
Pif holds his sensitive doggy nose up in the air and sniffs curiously. He can smell something. No-one else notices.
5 EXT. BLACK WORLD – THE BASE
Vexh is struggling with what Raiq has told him. Grief, anger, denial...
VEXH’S HAND
His silver hand forms the POWER BALL we saw Blas use in 10x14 “Against the Odds” – a roiling palm-sized mass of destructive energy.
BACK TO SCENE
He slowly raises the hand, shaking with rage. Unfocused, emotional, barely holding on.
VEXH
Tell me you are lying.
RAIQ
I wish I could. But I am not.
VEXH
It can’t be. It can’t!
Raiq sympathises – she went through the same thing.
Vexh raises his hand further... and it BURSTS into flames.
6 EXT. BLACK WORLD – THE RIDGE
Kira sees this, her eyes flaring in alarm. Before she can think, she’s running down the hill towards Raiq.
RO
Captain!
But Kira doesn’t hear. Ro, Cenn and Pif run after her.
7 EXT. BLACK WORLD – THE BASE
Vexh looks up, sees these strangers running towards him. He doesn’t know them or why they’re here, but their presence only makes him angrier. His other hand BURSTS into flames.
Instinctively, without looking, Raiq throws one hand back towards Kira and casts a FORCEFIELD.
8 KIRA
Runs into the forcefield and bumps against it, frustrated and worried for Raiq. The others catch up to her. Closer now, a better view, but still can’t interfere.
9 EXT. BLACK WORLD – THE BASE
Raiq tries to placate Vexh...
RAIQ
My brother, please... be calm. I
am not your enemy. We are alike,
you and I. We are alone.
The wrenchings of emotion become wrenchings of actual pain. Vexh cannot breathe, cannot focus, shaking hard.
He ROAR-SCREAMS, his hands bursting with short-lived jets of flame, and then crumbles to the ground. He’s shivering, convulsing like Raiq herself did.
Raiq jerks towards him, alarmed and worried.
Her forcefield DISSOLVES, and Kira runs.
RAIQ
Help me! Help me!
As Raiq cradles the shuddering Vexh on the ground, and Kira and the others runs towards them to help...
BLACK OUT:
END OF TEASER
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
10 EXT. DEEP SPACE NINE
Standard shot of the station at rest.
11 INT. DS9 - QUARK’S BAR
NOG, PRYNN and CANDLEWOOD sit at a table together, a semi-heated discussion already underway, their finished lunches and mugs of coffee long since forgotten.
CANDLEWOOD
I’m just saying, maybe “Uprising”
wasn’t the best title.
NOG
Why not?
CANDLEWOOD
Well, because for one thing there
was no uprising.
NOG
Of course there was! DaiMon Mo
disobeyed his orders to do the
right thing.
PRYNN
But those orders were clearly
wrong in the first place. It was
setting up a straw man argument
to make it easier to knock down.
CANDLEWOOD
And one ship doesn’t really count
as an uprising, Nog. And it wasn’t
even all the people on the ship. It
barely counts as a mild disagreement.
NOG
Yeah, well... “Mild Disagreement”
doesn’t sell action figures!
The Bajoran security chief Lt Cmdr EVIK wanders up, his own mug in his hand, curious about the conversation.
EVIK
What are you three having such an
animated discussion about?
PRYNN
We’re talking about the latest
Marauder Mo holosuite program.
NOG
In which brave and heroic Daimon
Mo and his crew defy the immoral
orders of their superiors and save a
group of aliens they were supposed
to just let die for the sake of their
own profit.
CANDLEWOOD
(reassuring)
Don’t worry, they still manage to
make a profit at the end anyway.
EVIK
Ah, I confess I’m not all that
familiar with the series. All I know
is that it’s supposed to only be
worth playing the even-numbered
ones. The odd-numbered ones are
supposed to be dreadful.
NOG
This was an odd-numbered one!
EVIK
(hands up)
Don't shoot the messenger. I'm
just relaying what I heard.
Suddenly QUARK is there, collecting empty glasses and butting in.
QUARK
Why, what have you heard?
EVIK
Apparently, the new Marauder Mo
holo-program is creating some
controversy among the fans.
QUARK
(wistful)
Ah, Marauder Mo. His ongoing
mission to boldly go where no
Ferengi had gone before, to seek
out new profits and new people to
exploit... it was inspirational!
You know, it was because of Mo
that I decided that one day, when
I grew up, I was going to go out
into space and be just like him.
PRYNN
That’s why you signed up to the
Ferengi Merchant Navy?
NOG
And ended up as the ship’s cook.
QUARK
Hey, maybe it wasn’t as glamorous
or as action-packed as Mo, but I
followed my dreams.
(sigh)
Still, it’s not as good as it used
to be. All these new characters...
it’s tough to make a connection.
Anybody want anything else?
EVIK
I’m fine, thank you, Ambassador.
QUARK
So what do you think about this
Vedek Assembly business, huh? Can
you believe that half of them just
walked out like that?
NOG
It wasn’t half, uncle. It was barely
over a third.
QUARK
It was enough. Don’t get me wrong,
another kai election will put my
betting pools through the roof. But
I can’t help thinking it’s just... petty.
EVIK
Perhaps. But Vedek Bellis and his
supporters insist that the Bajoran
spiritual community can never be
harmonious with an Ohalavar in
the Apex Chair.
CANDLEWOOD
Do you agree with him?
EVIK
I... ah... haven’t quite decided
yet. But he’s clearly not alone in
feeling that way. And I think it
would be unwise to just dismiss
him out of hand.
PRYNN
I guess we have to wait for the
result of the vote.
EVIK
Which it’s my job to administrate.
CANDLEWOOD
It doesn’t usually work like that
though, right?
EVIK
Certainly not. Bellis insisted on a
public vote amongst the entire
population this time, rather than
just among the Assembly. Something
about “activist vedeks” and letting
the people have their say.
PRYNN
I can’t stand the man myself.
He’s nothing but a bully.
EVIK
I’m sure there must be a way to
work it out. I’ve never known two
sides who couldn’t mend their
differences by simple discussion.
QUARK
I hope so. I’ve had my share of
action-packed, thank you. I don’t
need to see Bajorans beating each
other with clubs too. I do have
one question though...
EVIK
Go on.
QUARK
If Vaughn has transferred, and Ro
and Cenn are away in the Gamma
Quadrant doing whatever they’re
doing, and the four of you are
here talking about Marauder Mo...
who’s running the station?
Nog, Prynn and Candlewood look at each other...
NOG
We should...
PRYNN
...probably go...
CANDLEWOOD
...yeah.
They get up from the table and head for the door. Evik watches them go with a wistful smile.
EVIK
Ah, to be young and worry-free
again, concerned only with the
latest holosuite programs.
QUARK
You really think it’s going to
be okay?
EVIK
I have to, Quark. The alternative
is... unpleasant to contemplate.
Evik and Quark go their separate ways, both pensive...
12 EXT. SPACE – THE BLACK WORLD
The dark and rocky planet as seen from space.
13 INT. VEXH’S SHIP
Vexh is horizontal, floating in mid-air, still shuddering and convulsing. A FORCEFIELD is wrapped around him, and it guides him gently, cushioning him and carrying him.
Raiq is casting the field, concentrating hard, to manoeuvre Vexh towards the single pilot’s chair. Kira, Ro and Cenn are with them.
KIRA
Quick, get him onto the chair.
RAIQ
(sneer)
I know what to do, woman.
RO
(to Kira)
How do you know what to do?
KIRA
Because I was there... when we
did this for Raiq.
Raiq is distracted with a moment of gratitude to Kira, momentarily forgetting her control of the forcefield.
Just in time – Vexh drops the couple of inches into the chair. Instinctively, the chair begins to flow and reshape itself, straightening into a bed, carrying Vexh with it.
Once in position, the silver liquid metal slowly bleeds out from the chair, flowing over Vexh’s body. He gradually calms, relaxing into unconsciousness. The others watch, half fascinated, half revolted.
KIRA
Should we get out of here?
RAIQ
Why?
KIRA
It got kinda violent at this point
when it was you in that chair.
RAIQ
(exasperated)
You misunderstand everything. That
was Axno’s vessel. Placing me into it
required the vessel to adapt itself to
me before it could heal me. Vexh’s
own vessel will heal him without
any difficulty.
KIRA
Okay, good.
Jeez, she was only asking.
Leaving Vexh there to rest and recuperate, Ro and Kira begin to explore the ship. Raiq watches them warily.
RO
It doesn’t look as badly beat up
as Axno’s did.
RAIQ
If the call went out more than a
cycle ago, and Vexh has been here
for half of that time, then it is
strange that the vessel has taken
this long to heal. The wound must
have been great.
KIRA
Well, it’s not like you guys are
short on time.
RAIQ
We are a patient people. We waited
millennia for the Ascension.
RO
Could that be why the ship hasn’t
healed? The Ascension destroyed
the Even Odds, and that was barely
one of yours anymore. Maybe it
affected Vexh’s ship as well.
RAIQ
It is a possibility. That was well
reasoned, Ro.
Ro looks to Kira, smug, like “She likes me. Ner ner ner.” Cenn is uncomfortable with the lovefest.
CENN
I’ll be outside if you need me.
Ro nods her permission. Cenn turns and clambers out of the hatch, and down the ladder.
14 EXT. BLACK WORLD
Cenn reaches the ground again, and looks around.
CENN
Pif? Where are you?
He looks up the angle of the amphitheatre in front of him, towards the runabout. Nothing. Left, right. Nothing.
Getting worried now, he walks around the Ascendant ship, searching for the dog-like alien. On the other side of the ship, he looks up the hill again. And Pif is there, slowly climbing the hill. Cenn frowns, and chases after him.
CENN
Hey, Pif! Wait!
Pif glances back towards him, but doesn’t stop climbing. He sniffs the air again. Cenn finally catches up...
CENN
What’s going on?
PIF
Can you smell that?
Cenn shakes his head, no idea what Pif is talking about. After a moment they reach the opposite ridge line and stand at the edge, gazing out across the land.
And there, in the distance but quite clear, is what appears to be a WALL OF FIRE. It fills the entire horizon, miles away but growing very slowly closer.
Cenn and Pif see this, dismayed...
BLACK OUT:
END OF ACT ONE
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
15 EXT. BLACK WORLD
The wall of fire. Bright against the black rock of the planet’s surface, it reaches up into the sky, gradually thinning as it reaches the edge of the atmosphere.
Kira, Ro, Cenn, Pif and Raiq now stand together at the ridge line, again half fascinated, half horrified.
RO
What is it?
CENN
It’s the meridian. I said the planet
was tidally locked with its sun,
a very slow rotation? That –
(pointing)
- is the line between night and
day. And it’s getting closer.
(to Pif)
You said the planet caught fire.
PIF
I could smell it. The ozone.
KIRA
How long?
CENN
About twelve hours. And I really
don’t think we want to still be
here when it arrives.
RAIQ
But Vexh remains unconscious. And
until he has healed and awoken, he
cannot move or pilot his vessel.
RO
Is there anything we can do to
speed him up?
RAIQ
The vessel must take its course.
Although... perhaps... if it were
to bond with me as well...
RO
Can they do that? Two at once?
RAIQ
It is rare, but there are tales. If
I could help the vessel to heal,
the vessel could in turn heal Vexh.
KIRA
But what about you? Aren’t you
bonded to Axno’s ship now?
RAIQ
I would not bond fully. Merely
assist. We should begin.
Raiq turns and heads back down towards the ship. With a last glance towards the approaching meridian, they follow.
16 EXT. DEEP SPACE NINE
Focusing on the Promenade...
17 INT. DS9 – PROMENADE, UPPER LEVEL
Evik stands at the barrier, looking down to the lower level – specifically the shrine. From this vantage point we can see Crewman SEVAK and Ensign ALECO standing guard as many Bajorans, civilian and Starfleet, file into the shrine.
There’s no particular problem, but Evik is troubled. He watches as one Bajoran on his way in gives a dirty look to another on her way out. Quark materialises beside him.
QUARK
Is it really the best idea to have
them voting in the very place
they’re fighting over?
Evik doesn’t react. Goes on watching for a moment.
QUARK
Are they having a big turnout?
EVIK
Lots of Bajorans on the station,
Quark. Lots of passionate people.
QUARK
And if passions get out of hand?
EVIK
Then I’ll step in.
(beat)
You deal with them socially. Have
you been able to get a feel for
how people are... thinking?
QUARK
A lot of voices talking. A lot of
people refusing to listen.
EVIK
Just the Bajorans?
QUARK
Oh no. Everyone. Human, Ferengi,
Bolian... Some even wondering
how come they don’t get a vote.
EVIK
They’re not Bajoran.
QUARK
But they still live here. They’re still
affected by what goes on in Bajoran
society. Shouldn’t they get a say too?
EVIK
Tell you what – if we get through
this one alive, I’ll mention it to
Commander Ro.
QUARK
What about you? How do you think
it’s gonna go?
Evik pauses again before answering. He’s worried about it.
EVIK
I haven’t been here long enough
to really get a feel for the entire
community. All I can do is hope.
QUARK
That’s why you should have been a
Ferengi. Whichever way it goes, a
Ferengi will always find a way to
make the best of it. You don’t
need hope when you have greed.
EVIK
Greed... I’m afraid that’s exactly
the problem.
Down below, another pair of Bajoran civilians are arguing. One PUSHES the other in the chest. The other PUSHES back. Sevak and Aleco immediately move to separate them.
Seeing this, Evik sighs with disappointment.
18 INT. DS9 – MAIN OPS CENTRE
Nog and Candlewood are at their respective stations. Prynn is at the central Ops table. BOWERS is at tactical.
PRYNN
Personally, I think it’s political
correctness gone mad.
CANDLEWOOD
What is?
PRYNN
Mo! Obviously I think he should
have saved the aliens, but it’s
not what the old Mo would have
done. He wouldn’t have cared.
NOG
So he’s growing as a character.
And you can’t make a profit off
someone who’s dead, can you?
I’m telling you, greed is the
noblest of emotions.
PRYNN
How the hell do you figure that?
NOG
Greed is just want. It gets a bad
reputation, but think about it.
Without want, nobody would ever
do anything. It’s what makes the
galaxy go around.
BOWERS
What are you three talking about?
CANDLEWOOD
Marauder Mo.
BOWERS
Oh. For a moment there I thought
it might be something relevant.
PRYNN
Hey – steady on, Lieutenant. Mass
entertainment is always relevant
to the larger culture.
BOWERS
Alright then – what does Marauder
Mo have to tell us about modern
culture in the Federation?
PRYNN
For starters, greed. This Vedek
Bellis character, he’s just being
greedy. He can’t stand somebody
else having more power than him.
(to Nog)
And that certainly doesn’t strike
me as noble.
Candlewood is keeping his head down, awkward with this.
NOG
You don’t think he might have a
point – that Bajoran society isn’t
ready for the changes that have
happened in the last few years?
PRYNN
How can you say that? Look at
Ferengi society. That’s had more
extreme changes in the last five
years than Bajor has, but you’re
all “up with social progress”
there, even with Marauder Mo.
NOG
(patient)
Yes, and I am here too. I’m just
saying that writing Bellis off as
a bigot doesn’t help. Progress
doesn’t come from ignoring the
conservative parts of society. It
comes from listening, considering,
and bringing them along with you.
Prynn and Bowers consider what he’s saying. Candlewood... looks uncomfortable.
19 ON SCREEN
One of the Cardassian shatterframe screens shows Vedek BELLIS being interviewed on some kind of news programme.
BELLIS (screen)
It is not bigotry to follow the
traditions that have sustained
our world for centuries. And we
should not allow them to call us
bigots – that only shows their
own intolerance.
20 INT. DS9 – PROMENADE, REPLIMAT
This broadcast is going out over many screens around the Promenade, and in Quark’s bar. Evik sits alone at a table in the Replimat, watching it. Around him, others have varying opinions. Evik doesn’t know what to think. Yet.
BELLIS (screen)
For centuries, the Vedek Assembly
has been built on worship of the
Prophets. That is undisputed. So
how then can it be led by one who
does not even follow the Prophets?
(beat)
Believe me, I have no ill will
against the Ohalavaru, the Oralian
Way, or anyone who follows a
different faith from me.
The reactions of others around Evik vary – some nod sagely, some roll their eyes in disbelief.
BELLIS (screen)
If they wish to create their own
Assembly and govern their own
affairs, that is none of mine.
They simply have no place in our
Assembly. And to be quite honest
with you, I don’t understand why
they would even want to be there.
(beat)
But no. Solis and his followers
insist on creating division where
there need not be any. Until this
unnecessary conflict is removed
from our midst, the Vedek Assembly
cannot function. And until the
results of the vote are tallied in
a few days’ time, and Solis is
forced to accept the will of the
people, it will remain in recess.
Bajor deserves no less.
Ending on Evik, as he considers Bellis’s words...
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT TWO
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
21 INT. VEXH’S SHIP
Begin on Vexh, still unconscious in the silver embrace of his vessel. We PAN across, and find Raiq stood with her hands pressed into the wall, eyes closed and concentrating. Then across the cockpit, to find Kira leaning against the control console and watching both of them.
KIRA
Is it working?
RAIQ
Yes, I believe so.
KIRA
And how do you feel?
It takes a long time for Raiq to answer.
RAIQ
I am confused. Vexh must survive.
I need him. But I am afraid he
will reject me, as Axno did.
KIRA
Actually I just meant physically,
with the bond with the ship. But
that’s good too.
RAIQ
(sneer)
It is good that I am afraid?
KIRA
It’s good that you’re talking to
me. That’s all I’ve ever wanted.
(beat)
Why don’t you tell me about this
world – the Hearth, you called it.
Seems like kind of a dangerous
place. Not to mention barren.
Why would you come here?
RAIQ
It is sacred. The Knights gather
every hundred cycles, to reaffirm
our faith, to share news of the
Quest, and continue the species.
KIRA
But why here, of all places?
RAIQ
Doctrine foretold that the Fire
would burst forth from the last
remaining Eye of the True in
this place. And so she did.
KIRA
You came here looking for Iliana.
RAIQ
Not only that. The Hearth warms
us. In the cold emptiness between
the stars, the Hearth reminds us
of the burning glory of the True.
KIRA
It warms you...
(translated)
The geothermal energy. All that
sunlight that’s scorching the
planet’s surface out there, it’s
what recharges your ships. But you
only come during the off season,
or else it would overload you.
RAIQ
And if Vexh does not recover
before then, such will happen to
him. I cannot allow that.
KIRA
(straightens)
Then let me go and get an update
from Ro and Cenn. See how much
longer we’ve got.
With Raiq’s permission, Kira climbs out of the ship.
22 EXT. BLACK WORLD
A wide shot – Vexh’s ship sits alone at the bottom of the bowl, while up on the ridge away from the meridian, the runabout is parked.
23 INT. RUNABOUT - COCKPIT
Ro is sat at the front position, thinking to herself. The windows show the darkness of the Black World.
After a moment, Kira enters through the open hatch.
KIRA
Ro – tell me some good news.
RO
Okay. Good news is, the meridian
is still four hours away. Bad news
is, it’s accelerating.
KIRA
How does that happen?
RO
Prophets only know. Erratic orbit.
Solar flares. Does it matter?
KIRA
No, I guess not. Okay, I’ll tell
Raiq to speed it up.
Kira turns to go, but Ro straightens and calls after her.
RO
Nerys – wait. Can I call you
Nerys? Is that okay?
KIRA
Of course. I’m not your boss.
RO
See, that’s the thing. I don’t
know what to call you anymore.
When you chased after Raiq before,
and I called after you, I said
“Captain.” It was instinctive.
KIRA
(chuckle)
So? Just habit, that’s all.
RO
But it made me think. On the way
here, you kind of... took command.
And I just let you.
KIRA
Oh... I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to
step on your toes.
RO
No, I don’t blame you. I blame me.
I guess... I still don’t know how
to take command. It was easier to
just defer to you. Let you take
the pressure. You’re used to it.
KIRA
Ro...
(correction)
...Laren. I’m not here to take
command from you. That part of
my life is over. I’m only here to
watch out for Raiq.
RO
Why? Why are you going so far out
of your way to help her, when all
she does is threaten to kill us?
KIRA
Because she needs me.
RO
It’s guilt, isn’t it?
KIRA
I killed her entire race, Laren.
That’s on me.
RO
And on Sisko. And Taran’atar. And
the Prophets.
KIRA
No. I was the Hand. It was my
mission. My plan. So I have to
make up for it. And I promise that
from now on, all command decisions
are yours. I won’t interfere.
Ro nods, appreciating that. Then the door from the rear cabin opens, and Cenn enters, carrying a padd.
RO
Major. What have you been up to?
CENN
Studying. You gave me the codes to
access Mister Candlewood’s research,
so I’ve been using the down time to
learn. I thought maybe there was
something in there that could help
Vexh and Raiq.
KIRA
I imagine they know better than
us, Major.
CENN
Maybe. But it can’t hurt.
They all turn in surprise as the sound of Pif’s BARK coming from outside the ship. They exit in curiosity...
24 EXT. BLACK WORLD
Kira, Ro and Cenn all exit the runabout and rush to the edge of the ridge, looking down towards Vexh’s ship. The ambient light is growing brighter as the meridian nears.
Halfway between them and the ship, Pif stands, spines tense and BARKING loudly. They run towards him.
RO
Pif! What is it? What’s wrong?
PIF
The smell. It’s getting stronger
all the time.
CENN
The meridian. It’s nearly here.
RAIQ (o.s.)
Kira!
They turn again, and see Raiq in the distance, standing in Vexh’s ship and looking out through the open canopy towards them. Raiq is beckoning them.
25 INT. VEXH’S SHIP
On Vexh, still lying on his chair-turned-bed. The silver blood is slowly flowing away back into the chair, and uncovering his body.
Raiq stands by the bed, Kira just behind her. Raiq glances back to Kira, anxious. Kira nods back, supportive. Raiq tentatively reaches out to touch Vexh. With Raiq’s hand on his arm, Vexh struggles his way back to consciousness.
VEXH
Sister... what happened?
RAIQ
We are not certain, my brother.
You fell in pain, and we brought
you to your vessel to be healed.
VEXH
Gratitude, my sister. But tell me...
did I dream? Your words of the
Quest, of the Ascension... did
I imagine them?
RAIQ
No. No, you did not imagine. I
beg forgiveness, my brother.
Vexh slowly and painfully drags himself up vertical, turns to sit sideways. He absorbs everything, considers it all.
VEXH
No forgiveness is required, my
sister. I think, perhaps... I
already knew.
Raiq can understand that. She lets him process.
VEXH
The vessel connects the Knights,
one to another, across the stars,
no matter the distance. I called
out again and again. Yet I heard
no-one. I thought it was simply
the wound... or perhaps I told
myself so, to hide a truth I did
not wish to face.
(beat)
But I believe that no truth can be
hidden forever. It is a thing one
knows regardless, is it not?
RAIQ
Yes. I believe that too.
Vexh peers past Raiq to Kira, quietly waiting.
VEXH
Who is this?
RAIQ
This is Kira. She is... she has
helped me.
Kira gives a small smile of relief and gratitude.
VEXH
You ran to Raiq’s aid. And others
with you. Why?
KIRA
Because I was worried for her. I
didn’t want her to get hurt.
VEXH
Who do you worship, Kira?
RAIQ
(breaks in)
She is no threat to you or me,
my brother. I assure you.
Vexh knows there’s something Raiq is not telling him... but he is past caring. He lets it go.
VEXH
It matters not.
RAIQ
I do not understand.
VEXH
If the Quest is over and the
Ascension passed, what does it
matter if any creature be faithful,
heretic or godless?
RAIQ
What else is there?
VEXH
Precisely.
Raiq exchanges an awkward look with Kira. Neither of them like how this conversation is going.
KIRA
Vexh... this world, your Hearth.
We can’t stay here. The sunlight
is coming, it’ll be here in less
than four hours. We need to go.
VEXH
Why?
KIRA
Because if we don’t, it’ll kill us
all. Do you think you can get your
ship up and running by then?
Vexh closes his eyes and concentrates, ‘feeling’ his ship.
VEXH
It is wounded still. But the wound
is less than it was.
(realising; to Raiq)
You?
RAIQ
I helped as best I could.
VEXH
It was wasted effort, my sister.
This vessel will not travel the
stars again.
KIRA
(encouraging)
Of course it will. We can fix it,
don’t worry. We’re good at
fixing things.
VEXH
It will not if I do not wish it.
KIRA
Vexh... if you don’t get this ship
fixed and out of here, you’ll die.
Vexh looks up to Raiq and Kira, quite clear and serious.
VEXH
Then let it be so.
Raiq and Kira both realise... he wants to die.
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT THREE
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
26 INT. VEXH’S SHIP
Picking up where we left off. Raiq reacts to Vexh...
RAIQ
My brother... no. We must leave.
VEXH
Why? If all our brothers and
sisters are gone, and the very
purpose of our lives fulfilled...
what else is there to do here? If
death is coming as you say, then
let it come. I welcome it.
Raiq doesn’t know what to say. Kira steps up.
KIRA
Vexh, listen. You’re not alone.
Raiq is right here. The two of you
could start over, make a new life
for yourselves. The Ascension
doesn’t have to be the end.
VEXH
(sneer)
Who are you? You cannot speak to
me of the truth, of the purpose of
the Ascendants. For all I know you
shame the True with your very life.
Leave us.
KIRA
Look, we don’t have time for –
VEXH
I said leave!
Vexh stands and glares at Kira, his hands glowing with flames. Kira takes the hint and backs off. But she looks at Raiq, and Raiq gets her message – convince him. Then Kira clambers over the edge of the canopy and out of the ship.
27 EXT. DEEP SPACE NINE
Focusing on the Promenade...
28 INT. DS9 – QUARK’S BAR
Lt Cmdr Evik sits alone at a table on the upper level. He gazes down into his drink, troubled. Down below, the usual middling crowd of drinkers and gamblers goes on.
After a while, a shadow falls over the table.
CANDLEWOOD (o.s.)
Mind if I join you?
Evik looks up to see Candlewood with his own drink.
EVIK
Mister Candlewood. Certainly, if
you want.
Candlewood sits. It’s clear Evik has something on his mind, and Candlewood wants to broach it with him.
CANDLEWOOD
You’ve been sitting and staring at
the shrine all day. But you haven’t
gone in yourself. It’s the vote,
isn’t it? Are you afraid Bellis is
going to win?
EVIK
Why would that make me afraid?
CANDLEWOOD
Oh. I thought –
EVIK
If that’s what the public wants,
then that’s what they should have.
It’s not my place to tell them
they can’t have it.
CANDLEWOOD
But that would mean throwing
Solis and his followers out of
the Vedek Assembly altogether.
EVIK
Very likely.
CANDLEWOOD
And you don’t think that’s wrong?
EVIK
(quiet, insular)
So what if I do?
CANDLEWOOD
When you first got here, you told
everyone you’d work to keep all of
the different communities of this
station together. How does what
Bellis wants to do fit with that?
EVIK
If the majority agree with him,
I have to respect their choice.
CANDLEWOOD
But you do disagree yourself.
Evik’s non-answer is enough answer in itself.
CANDLEWOOD
Why are you afraid to say that?
EVIK
Young man, I’m sure you mean well,
but this is none of your business.
CANDLEWOOD
No, I guess not. I don’t get a vote.
But I do know my history.
EVIK
What does that mean?
CANDLEWOOD
On my world, there used to be a
lot of tension between the various
religions. Like, a lot. A lot a lot a
lot. I’m Jewish, and we were not
always the most popular group.
EVIK
On what grounds?
CANDLEWOOD
That we were different. We got
singled out and picked on for
being different. We weren’t the
only ones. It happened over and
over again with various groups.
EVIK
And you don’t want it to happen here.
CANDLEWOOD
Can you blame me? To me, faith is
a very personal thing. I live by it,
but I don’t go around trying to force
other people to live by it too. My
faith is not about other people.
It’s about me.
EVIK
Faith is very much a communal
thing on Bajor, Mister Candlewood.
We draw strength from all being
part of the same... ‘group’.
CANDLEWOOD
Humans draw strength from being
different. It took us a long time to
figure that out, believe me. But
ultimately it’s what kept us
together. Our differences.
EVIK
And you think that would be true
for Bajor as well.
CANDLEWOOD
Doesn’t matter what I think.
I don’t get a vote.
Candlewood’s point becomes clear. It’s what Evik thinks that matters. So... what does he think?
29 INT. DS9 – PROMENADE
Outside the shrine. The lines have gone, because pretty much everyone else has already voted by now. But Sevak and Aleco still stand guard, just in case.
Now Evik hovers on the threshold. He nods acknowledgement to the two junior officers. Then he nods to himself. He’s made his decision. He walks on into the shrine.
30 EXT. BLACK WORLD
The light from the approaching meridian is growing all the time, and the air feels electrified with its power. The burning daytime is almost here.
31 INT. RUNABOUT - COCKPIT
Ro, Cenn and Pif all sit, while Kira paces back and forth anxiously. The light shines through the windows.
KIRA
This is stupid. Time’s almost up,
we need to be going. Why can’t
he see that?
RO
Raiq will convince him, Nerys.
KIRA
How long?
CENN
(checks panels)
Ten minutes.
KIRA
Alright that’s it. We’re –
(catches self)
Dammit. Sorry. Commander Ro,
what do you want to do?
They all turn to look at Ro. Under pressure, she considers her options. Then she takes a deep breath and stands.
RO
Time’s up. We force the issue.
32 EXT. BLACK WORLD
Outside the runabout, the four of them pause and gaze across the amphitheatre. The wall of fire is almost on top of them. They feel its heat on their skin and the charge in the air. There’s no time left to argue.
RO
Pif – you’re our early warning
system. Once it reaches the
opposite ridge line... you bark
like you’ve never barked before.
PIF
You can count on me, Commander.
Pif straightens his spines to attention, then the three Bajorans stride off down the hill towards Vexh’s ship.
33 INT. VEXH’S SHIP
Vexh and Raiq stand together, grasping each other’s hands.
RAIQ
Trust me, my brother. This need
not be the end. Enough of our
brothers and sisters have died
already.
VEXH
They are with the True.
RAIQ
Yes, and we are not. Do you not
believe that it would not be so if
the True did not wish it so? We
only have to have the courage
to find the reason. Trust in the
wisdom of the Unnameable Ones,
my brother. Live... by my side.
VEXH
But... we are so alone.
RAIQ
Then let that be what keeps us
together.
Vexh is on his way to being convinced. Then Ro clambers over the edge of the ship, followed by Kira and Cenn.
RO
Alright, listen. There’s no time
left to argue about this, so I’m
making the decision for you. We’re
gonna get this ship moving, and
we’re gonna do it now.
Raiq looks warily to Vexh, who takes a deep breath...
VEXH
I feel the power of the meridian
approaching. That will help to
bring the vessel out of slumber.
CENN
Right! Candlewood said the ship’s
skin absorbs energy. It’s exactly
what we need. I’ll see what else
I can get out of his research.
RO
Good work, Major. Alright, we’re
gonna be cutting this close. So
let’s get on with it, people!
Vexh takes his pilot’s seat with renewed purpose, starts trying to coax responses out of the panels. Raiq stands with him, conferring. Cenn pulls out his tricorder, directs it towards one of the ship’s interior walls, and begins working the controls. Kira takes Ro’s arm, and smiles.
KIRA
(sotto)
Thank you.
Ro smiles back. It’s gonna work.
34 EXT. BLACK WORLD
The wall of fire is almost here. The silver skin of Vexh’s ship shimmers with the heat and light. Pif hovers outside the runabout, spines on edge, watching it approach.
35 INT. VEXH’S SHIP
Vexh sits at his pilot’s station, frustrated. He wipes a hand across the main console, and the ship responds with weak and wavery throbs of varying colours.
VEXH
The vessel fights me.
KIRA
How can it? It’s your ship.
CENN
Maybe it still wants to die.
RAIQ
Be silent, Bajoran.
Cenn shrugs and carries on working his tricorder.
VEXH
I do not understand! I try to
bring the vessel out of its
slumber, but it will not! My
sister, help me!
Raiq begins sliding her hands over the malleable surfaces with Vexh. Colours swim and stutter across the panels, but the ship is not coming to life.
Then urgent BARKS sound from outside. Ro and Kira react...
36 EXT. BLACK WORLD
The wall of fire has reached the first ridge line, the far edge of the great black bowl. Pure energy and burning air scorch the already blackened, crystallised ground.
Standing outside the runabout, Pif BARKS for his life.
37 INT. VEXH’S SHIP
As the barking continues...
RO
That’s the signal. Vexh – can you
get this thing moving or not?
VEXH
I don’t understand... my vessel,
are you not with me?
RO
I guess that’s a no. Alright,
everybody out! We’re abandoning
ship. All of you, out! Now!
Cenn rushes to the exit and begins clambering out.
KIRA
Raiq, we have to go!
RAIQ
Vexh...
VEXH
I do not understand...
RO
Out!
Raiq grabs Vexh, drags him towards the exit, forces him out through it. Raiq follows, then Kira, then Ro.
38 EXT. BLACK WORLD
The meridian creeps down the hill towards Vexh’s ship...
Ro runs for her life up the opposite hill, towards the runabout. In front of her, Raiq drags Vexh with her. Kira and Cenn follow. Pif is waiting for them outside the ship.
RO
(taps combadge)
Ro to Nile. Activate program Ro
one-one-five!
The ship’s nacelles come alive and throb with power, ready to lift the ship...
39 INT. RUNABOUT - COCKPIT
The main pilot’s consoles begin to run their own programs, getting the ship ready to take off...
40 EXT. BLACK WORLD
The wall of fire touches the wing tip of Vexh’s ship...
Vexh SCREAMS as he feels the ship’s pain, stumbling. Raiq reaches out to drag him along...
PIF
Come on!
The group reaches the ship. Pif turns and runs through the hatch, followed by Kira, Cenn, Raiq dragging the struggling Vexh, and finally Ro.
41 INT. RUNABOUT - COCKPIT
Ro slaps the panel to close the hatch behind them.
RO
Computer – take off, now!
42 EXT. BLACK WORLD
The runabout lifts off...
The meridian swallows up Vexh’s ship, the wall of fire passing over. The ship shudders, warps, swells...
...and then BURSTS as it overloads with power, like all the other ships did at the Ascension.
The wall of fire continues on up the other side of the black stone amphitheatre, unheeding, towards the runabout.
As the runabout surges up into the air, escaping at the last moment...
43 INT. RUNABOUT - COCKPIT
Vexh SCREAMS all over again, blood-curdling wails as his body reacts to the destruction of his ship. FLAMES burst from his hands and his eyes. His clothes singe with the power surging through him. He crumples to the deck.
RO
Kira – get him in medical stasis!
In the rear cabin...
44 EXT. SPACE
The Black World as seen from orbit, the burning line of fire creeping over the surface, separating night from day.
The runabout flies away to safety...
45 INT. RUNABOUT - COCKPIT
Cenn and Kira help Raiq to carry Vexh through the hatch to the rear cabin. Ro focuses her attention on driving the ship, getting them the hell out of there.
Pif stands with rear paws on a side chair, front paws on the consoles... and looking out of the side window. He watches the planet catch fire. It’s not a sight he likes.
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT FOUR
ACT FIVE
FADE IN:
46 EXT. SPACE
The wormhole blooms open, and the tiny runabout flies out.
47 EXT. DEEP SPACE NINE
The runabout settles onto its docking pad, which sinks into the body of the station.
48 INT. DS9 – AIRLOCK
The door cycles open, revealing Ro and Kira. BASHIR and Evik are waiting for them, with a med tech and a security.
EVIK
Commander – good to have you back.
RO
Good to be back, Mister Evik. Did
we miss anything interesting?
EVIK
Yes, actually. I’ll tell you all about
it later.
BASHIR
Where’s the patient?
RAIQ (o.s.)
Healer! Attend!
They look back through the airlock, and see Raiq leading the still-wobbly Vexh along. Bashir’s jaw drops at the sight of a second Ascendant. As they emerge into the corridor and Bashir takes a hold of the patient...
RO
I’ll tell you all about it. Later.
BASHIR
Bashir to Ops – three to beam
directly to the Infirmary.
Bashir, Vexh and the med tech disappear in a TRANSPORTER beam. Ro gives a significant look to Evik. He nods.
EVIK
(taps combadge)
Evik to security – send deputies to
the Infirmary immediately.
VOICE (comm)
Acknowledged, sir.
EVIK
If you’ll excuse me, Commander.
At Ro’s nod, Evik heads off. Ro turns to Kira and Raiq...
RO
You two going to be okay to wait
while Bashir sorts Vexh out?
KIRA
We’re fine. Thanks, Ro.
Ro heads back into the ship.
KIRA
You’ve been quiet.
RAIQ
There has been much to consider.
KIRA
(wry)
Tell me about it.
RAIQ
(takes it literally)
I was alone. I needed another to
share the pain. I thought Vexh
would be that other. But he has
his own pain.
(beat)
As I realised that, I realised...
that the other I needed had
been with me all along.
Raiq turns to Kira, looks at her significantly. Kira realises what Raiq means, and her breath catches.
RAIQ
I beg forgiveness... my sister.
KIRA
(touched)
No forgiveness is required.
49 INT. DS9 – PROMENADE
A turbolift door opens and Evik emerges, heading to the Infirmary. But on the way, a voice catches his attention...
VOICE (o.s.)
And the results are in, in this
unprecedented public vote on the
validity of Kai Solis Tendren’s
ascension to the Apex Chair.
Evik turns to find the voice – a news broadcast is showing on the screens around the Promenade. Over still images of SOLIS and Bellis both, the VOICEOVER continues:
VOICE (screen)
Vedek Bellis Nemani forced the
Assembly into recess until the
vote was complete. “The people
must have their say,” he said.
And, after a massive effort by
volunteers across the globe, the
results have been counted. And
they are... it’s a landslide result.
Almost eighty per cent of Bajor
voted...
Evik holds his breath...
VOICE (screen)
...in favour of Kai Solis.
Evik lets out a huge sigh of relief, letting out tension that he’s been holding for days. All around, people on the Promenade also sigh with relief, happy with the result.
50 INT. DS9 – QUARK’S BAR
Quark stands behind his bar, cleaning glasses but really watching the screens along with all his customers. He too smiles quietly – this is what he wanted.
VOICE (screen)
This is a huge defeat for Bellis,
one that he clearly never imagined
would happen. By the rules Bellis
himself set up, Solis retains the
Apex Chair, and will remain kai.
One Bajoran customer slams his empty glass down onto his table, and stomps out of the room in anger. As Quark watches him leave, he tenses... because Pif crosses his path. The dog alien is bouncing with joy.
PIF
Quark! Did you miss me?
Quark grinds his teeth...
51 INT. DS9 – MAIN OPS CENTRE
The turbolift carries Ro and Cenn up into Ops. Nog, Prynn and Candlewood are at their stations. On the main view screen, the image changes to a live feed of Solis standing at the press conference area we’ve seen before.
SOLIS (screen)
My children, I cannot sufficiently
express the gratitude I feel for
your support and your love. You
have proven to me, and to all of
us, that Bajor is ready to grow.
Ro and Cenn head towards the office, but hover outside the door until Solis has finished...
SOLIS (screen)
I was once told that my “liberal
platitudes” were not welcome in
the Vedek Assembly, only on the
streets. Now, it seems the streets
have decided they are welcome
in the Assembly after all.
PRYNN
Eh, I don't know. Sounds a bit
preachy if you ask me.
CANDLEWOOD
Of course it’s preachy. He’s a priest.
PRYNN
Valid.
(to Nog)
Looks like they were more socially
progressive than you thought.
NOG
Marauder Mo to the rescue again.
Ro shakes her head in amusement, and turns to enter the office. Cenn follows her.
52 INT. DS9 – COMMANDER’S OFFICE
Ro enters, Cenn behind her. They pause at the desk.
RO
So... looks like we missed an
interesting time.
CENN
Apparently so.
RO
How would you have voted?
Cenn hesitates...
RO
No, it’s okay. You don’t have to
tell me. I’m not sure what I would
have voted either. Or if I even
deserve to have a vote.
CENN
(shrug)
Of course you deserve a vote.
You’re Bajoran, aren’t you?
RO
It’s nice to hear you say that.
(pause)
Listen, Major... I’m going to need
an executive officer here. And I
think we worked together well the
last few days. We have different
views about things... but a good
commander needs that. So what
do you say? You want the job?
CENN
Even though I’m Militia?
RO
Especially though you’re Militia.
Cenn takes a moment to think about the question...
CENN
Then... yes. I do want the job.
Thank you, Commander.
RO
Well, alright then. Let me talk to
General Lenaris, and –
CENN
I’ll do that. You have a brand new
office to set up.
RO
Thanks, Major. Dismissed.
Cenn nods acknowledgement, and turns and leaves. Ro moves behind the desk, takes a deep breath, and ceremoniously lowers herself into the chair. This is her command now.
53 EXT. DEEP SPACE NINE
Just a few moments, to indicate time passing.
54 INT. DS9 – CENN’S QUARTERS
Cenn sits at his desk, in his quarters. On the screen in front of him is General LENARIS.
LENARIS (screen)
Congratulations, Major.
CENN
Thank you, sir. Congratulations
to you as well. You must be very
pleased with Kai Solis’s victory.
LENARIS (screen)
It’s good to know that four-fifths
of Bajor thinks I’m not a deviant,
certainly. Now – what about your
mission? Was it successful?
CENN
It was. Once Commander Ro gave
me access to the research, I used it
to sabotage Vexh’s ship, and make
sure it never left that planet. The
ship was destroyed.
LENARIS (screen)
And Ro didn’t suspect?
CENN
As far as I can tell, no-one does.
They think the ship was simply
too damaged to take off.
LENARIS (screen)
Well done, Major. It’s bad enough
we have one of those monstrosities
in the system. We don’t need two.
You’ve done Bajor a great service
today. Keep in touch. Lenaris out.
The screen goes blank. Cenn sits back in his seat, alone in his room, and ponders.
BLACK OUT:
END OF SHOW