Veiled Intentions” Story By Shaun Hamley & Joshua Maley ... · An awkward silence develops between them as Cross strolls to the window and stares out. CROSS I was a little disappointed

"Veiled Intentions”

Story By

Shaun Hamley & Joshua Maley

Teleplay By Joshua Maley

Episode #: 3x09 Published March 1, 2004

This teleplay is originally from www.startrekrenaissance.com "Star Trek" and related names are registered trademarks of Paramount Pictures, Inc. This original work of fiction is written solely for non-profit purposes. Copyright 2003 by The Renaissance Group. All Rights Reserved.

RENAISSANCE: "Veiled Intentions" - TEASER 1.

TEASER

FADE IN:

EXT. SPACE

A sea of endless stars unfolds before us. Suddenly theBAJORAN WORMHOLE explodes into view. Amidst the blue andwhite swirls we find the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE.

The mighty ship passes by us. We swing around to see itsdestination: DEEP SPACE NINE.

INT. ENTERPRISE -- READY ROOM

We find ourselves in Captain Cross's Ready Room. He sitsbehind his desk, gazing ponderously out the window. One ofDeep Space Nine's pylons hangs ominously outside of hiswindow.

Cross thoughts are soon interrupted as the door chime ringsout.

CROSSCome in.

The doors swish open and we find DOCTOR ELRIS LEA. She stepsthrough quickly, letting the doors shut behind her.

ELRISYou wanted to see me?

CROSS(glumly)

At least someone made it back in onepiece.

ELRIS(softly)

I heard about Dojar.

CROSSYeah.

ELRISI'm sure you did everything you could.

CROSSI've been telling myself the samething. It's not helping much.

(beat)Have a seat.

Elris sits down. Cross gathers his thoughts.


CROSS (CONT'D)Something's happened to Y'lan. I'mnot sure what, but he's been actingstrangely ever since he returned tothe ship.

ELRISReturned...?

CROSSWe think he was in the wormhole.

(beat)I know we're limited in what we cando for him. But I'd hate to loseanother -

ELRISI'll do everything I can.

Cross smiles glumly and nods.

CROSSI'm glad you made it back.

ELRISI only wish the Ambassador's friendcould have come with us.

CROSSHow's he taking her death?

ELRISI don't know. He's been quiet.

CROSSHe's always been quiet.

INT. DEEP SPACE NINE -- PROMENADE

Gazing through a window on the promenade's second level, wesee the ENTERPRISE. We pull back to find AMBASSADOR ODOgazing out. His posture is familiar - arms crossed over hischest, with a hand just under his chin. He is still, buthis eyes reveal a sea of pain flowing within him.

ELRIS (V.O.)But it's different now. There's aloneliness about him. You can seeit in his eyes. It's almost likethey're sad...

Odo sighs and is about to leave when -

TALORA (O.S.)Ambassador.


Odo glances up to find TALORA standing before him. He isstartled slightly, but does well not to let it show.

ODOHello, Commander.

TALORAI was sorry to hear about whathappened on Bajor.

ODO(uncomfortable)

Thank you.

TALORAIt could not have been easy for you.

ODONot, it wasn't. If you'll excuse me -

TALORAI hope you'll be able to continuenegotiations.

Odo stops, turns.

TALORA (CONT'D)I realize the Federation can bedifficult to deal with.

ODODifficult would be an understatement.

Talora motions to Morn's.

TALORAI was about to have lunch. Wouldyou care to join me?

(awkward beat)We can review the details for thenext round of talks.

Odo hesitates, considers, and finally relents. He turnsback to Talora.

ODOAll right. It has been awhile sinceI've had a root beer.

Talora nods in acknowledgment and the two enter the bar.

INT. DEEP SPACE NINE -- MORN'S BAR

The bar is busy as ever. Slinky dabo girls tempt customersto try their luck, Starfleet officers laugh as they playdarts, and several Jem'Hadar occupy a few tables in thecorner. They say little and drink less.


At one of their tables, we find the vorta REES conferringwith several of his bodyguards. He glances away for a moment,and his eyes light up. He rises and quickly rushes to Odoand Talora, who are searching for a table.

REESFounder. Your presence brings meuntold joy.

He bows before Odo, who sighs.

ODOI wish you'd stop doing that.

REESForgive me. It has been many dayssince your departure and I find Iquite miss your guidance and wisdom. Please, I invite you both to shareour table.

Odo turns to Talora, who simply nods - no objection there.

ODOOh, all right.

Rees again lights up.

REESSplendid. You -

ODO(half grumbling)

- honor you with my presence. Yes,I know.

Rees smiles graciously and leads them toward the table. Moments before they arrive, the wall just behind their tableEXPLODES. Smoke fills the room immediately as debris rainsdown on the hapless patrons.

The crowd in the bar rushes out onto the promenade in apanicked frenzy. As the smoke begins to clear we find Talorastruggling to her feet. Her uniform is ripped and hershoulder is bleeding, but she is otherwise unharmed.

TALORAAmbassador! Ambassador!

ODOHere.

Odo appears next to her, with nothing visibly wrong. Thetwo rush to the table and find Rees on his knees, coughing.

ODO (CONT'D)Rees.


The vorta struggles to his feet, but he has a large wound onhis side and he stumbles. Odo grabs his arm.

ODO (CONT'D)Easy.

Talora takes one look at him and taps her comm badge.

TALORATalora to the Infirmary. Medicalemergency in Morn's.

ODOOh no...

Talora follows Rees' gaze to a fallen Jem'Hadar soldier. She rushes to him, kneels down. Several sharp pieces ofdebris are lodged in his chest and his throat. Blood tricklesdown onto the carpet from a gash in his throat.

Odo and Rees kneel beside her as she checks for a pulse. There is none. She shakes her head sadly. He's dead. OFFtheir reactions...

FADE OUT.

RENAISSANCE: "Veiled Intentions" - ACT ONE 6.

ACT ONE

FADE IN:

INT. DEEP SPACE NINE -- INFIRMARY

Rees lies on one of the bio beds. His wound has been dressedalready. Our focus moves to Talora, who has shed her uniformjacket. The right sleeve of her shirt is also missing. TORAN treats the gash with a dermal regenerator.

TORANThe pain should be gone in a fewminutes.

(to Odo)Are you certain you're not hurt?

ODOIt takes more than an explodingbulkhead to injure me, Doctor.

The Infirmary doors slide open and a medic team enters witha gurney. The fallen Jem'Hadar lies under a covered sheet.

TORAN(to the medics)

Put him in chamber L-four.

They nod and quickly rush off. Toran returns his attentionto Talora.

TORAN (CONT'D)Can you move your arm now?

Talora demonstrates full range of motion as once more thedoors open. CAPTAIN KELSEN VORAL and ADMIRAL DELFUNE enter.

DELFUNEWhat happened?

TALORAWe were in Morn's when the bulkheadbehind our table suddenly exploded. It looked like an EPS conduit was toblame.

VORALMy God. Was anyone hurt?

REES(sadly)

One of my bodyguards was killed.

DELFUNEThat's all?


REESIsn't it enough?

VORALI'll have an engineering team examinethe conduit immediately.

Odo frowns.

ODOYou're not going to have securityexamine the scene?

VORALThere's nothing to suggest it wasintentional.

ODOThere's nothing to suggest it wasn't.

VORALWith all due -

DELFUNE(cutting in)

Captain Voral will have a securitydetail examine the scene immediately.

Odo nods.

DELFUNE (CONT'D)It may be necessary to delay thisevening's session as well.

Voral is about to object.

DELFUNE (CONT'D)As a precautionary measure. We'llreschedule the talks for Oh-sevenhundred. Is that acceptable?

ODOI would have brought it up myself ifyou hadn't, Admiral.

DELFUNEI'll inform Admiral Thel.

She turns and rushes off.

VORALMy security chief may want to speakwith you.

ODOWe'll make ourselves available tohim.


Voral nods and exits.

TORAN(to Rees)

I'd like to keep you here for a fewhours.

REESIs that really necessary?

TORANYour wound was deep. I want to makesure it's healing properly.

REESBut surely -

Odo steps forward.

ODOI think it would be best if youremained here until the doctorreleases you.

REESAs you wish. I serve the Foundersin all things.

TORANYou two are free to go.

(to Talora)Let me know if you feel any irritationin your shoulder.

TALORAThank you, doctor.

Talora slides off the bed and she and Odo depart.

INT. ENTERPRISE -- BRIEFING ROOM

We find Talora, alone in the briefing room, going overnumerous PADDs. She is lost in thought and doesn't hear thedoors slide open or Captain Cross enter the room. After amoment, she looks up and sees the captain.

CROSSRemember me? Ship's captain?

Talora rises but Cross halts her with a wave of his hand.

CROSS (CONT'D)No need. I hear there was someexcitement on the station earlier.

TALORAAn explosion in Morn's.


CROSSCaused by?

TALORAUnknown.

CROSSInjuries?

TALORAOne Jem'Hadar soldier was killed. Rees was injured but is recovering. Ambassador Odo wasn't hurt.

CROSSI suspect there's very little thatcan hurt Ambassador Odo.

TALORAI suspect you're right.

An awkward silence develops between them as Cross strolls tothe window and stares out.

CROSSI was a little disappointed when youdidn't check in after we got back.

TALORAI've been very busy with thenegotiations.

CROSSI know. As I recall, when Thelordered us to leave, you were readyto stay behind.

A beat.

TALORACaptain, I -

CROSSWe've lost a lot of people on thisassignment, Talora. Ozran and Dojarare gone. Toran's staying on DS9. Narv and Y'lan are both comatose.

(beat)I don't want to lose my First Officertoo. Not now.

(beat)Not now.

The silence returns for a few moments.


CROSS (CONT'D)We're holding a little get-togetherin Ten Forward later, for Dojar. Ihope you'll make an effort to attend.

Talora says nothing. Cross walks to the door. He pausesand turns as if to say something more, but thinks the betterof it and exits.

EXT. DEEP SPACE NINE

The mighty stations adrift in the sea of stars. A BAJORANSHUTTLE passes over us, heading for the docking ring.

INT. DEEP SPACE NINE -- DOCKING RING

Admiral Delfune waits impatiently outside the docking hatch. Two Starfleet security guards flank the doorway.

Finally the great circular door rolls to the side. THE KAIemerges, with two cloaked VEDEKS following her. Delfuneturns and regards the new arrival.

DELFUNEI'm relieved to see you've arrivedsafely.

KAIThis journey was more agreeable thanmy previous one.

DELFUNEI'm sure it was.

Delfune motions for them to start walking.

DELFUNE (CONT'D)I assume you found who you werelooking for?

KAIThe Prophets.

DELFUNEIf you'd like.

KAIYes, I encountered the Prophets.

DELFUNEAnd did your meeting prove insightful?

KAIIt was - enlightening, if confusing. The Prophets often speak in mysteriesso that we may gain wisdom in tryingto understand.


DELFUNEAnd did they tell you to call of thestrike and let your people return towork?

KAINot in so many words. I still havemuch to understand about my experiencein the Celestial Temple. I hopeyou'll understand that I wish tomediate on it awhile longer.

DELFUNEWe don't have much of a choice, dowe?

KAIYou did have a choice. You couldhave notified us of the negotiationsand involved us from the beginning. Instead, you chose to ignore us. Donot blame me for the consequences ofthe Federation's actions.

Delfune stops, activates the next hatchway. The door rollsaside.

DELFUNEAfter you.

The Kai steps through, and Delfune follows. We hold on thevedeks as they pass through the door as well. We catch afleeting glimpse under the hood of one of them - it is TIMINPOL.

INT. DEEP SPACE NINE -- SECURITY OFFICE

We find ourselves in an office that is both very familiarand very new - the security office of Deep Space Nine. Itis little changed since we last saw it, save for some moreadvanced, Federation computers put in place.

We also see a large viewscreen on the wall, populated withsmaller 'boxes' that are taken to be security monitoringposts throughout the station. They show several keystructures, including the station's core, the docking portsand other points of entry, and many shops on the promenade.

The man behind the desk, JEREMY BRADFIELD, is surprisinglyyoung. He is clean-cut and straight-laced, the kind of guyone expects to see on military ads.

His eyes dart about the large viewscreen as he takes invarious happenings around the station with uncanny speed.

Just outside his own office, he notices Talora approaching. He frowns and activates a button on his desk.


The doors slide open before Talora can even ring the chime.

The Romulan enters and takes in her surroundings. Bradfield'seyes scarcely leave the various viewscreens, except to lookat his own computer terminal.

BRADFIELDCan I help you?

TALORAI'm Commander Talora, of theEnterprise.

BRADFIELDRight, here for the talks. I'mLieutenant Bradfield, or ChiefBradfield. Please, sit down.

Talora takes a seat across from him, raising a curious eyebrowat the myriad monitors.

TALORAYour displays are very elaborate.

BRADFIELDThey have to be. I coordinate morethan two dozen officers from thisoffice.

TALORAThat must make manual security sweepsrather difficult.

BRADFIELDI don't do manual sweeps. I don'tbelieve in them. Or more accurately,I don't believe they are my job. Iam the security chief - my role isto coordinate all efforts, activity,and team deployments. I can bestachieve that right here. The peopleon this station know where I am.

(nods at the videowall)

And they know I'm watching.

TALORA(unimpressed)

I see.

Bradfield sorts through some PADDs on his desk and thenfinally makes eye contact with Talora.

BRADFIELDI'm going to go out on a limb andassume you're not just dropping byto chit chat.


TALORAI was hoping you could tell me ifyour officers found anything duringtheir security sweep of Morn's bar.

Bradfield again sifts through PADDs for a moment.

BRADFIELD(checking)

The cause of the explosion was afaulty EPS conduit. There was apower surge. It overloaded and blewout.

(sits the PADD down)If you'd like, I could make thatreport available to you.

TALORA(nods)

You can have a copy sent to me aboardthe Enterprise.

BRADFIELDHappy to oblige. Will that be all?

TALORAI believe so. Thank you for yourtime.

Bradfield nods as Talora rises and leaves.


We find Rees, still lying in his bio bed but obviously gettingrestless. Toran goes about several tasks in the Infirmary.

REESHow much longer do you plan on keepingme here, doctor?

TORANNot long. Your tissue is healingwell. Another few hours, maybe.

REESI don't suppose I'm allowed food ordrink.

TORANWater should be all right.

REESA pity. I've been craving a tallglass of Rokassa Juice.

Toran stops, glances at Rees.


TORANI thought the Vorta didn't have tastebuds.

REESWe didn't before Odo returned to hispeople. He graciously convinced theFounders that we were in need ofsome...genetic enhancements.

TORANYou have a great deal of respect forOdo.

REESRespect is a gross understatement. Adoration would be more appropriate.

TORANJust because he's a Changeling?

REES(a bit put out)

A Changeling? He is a god. Thefirst Founder I had the privilege ofserving under as advisor.

TORANYou don't find it difficult to worshipa god who you can reach out and touch?

REESOf course not. What an absurd notion.

TORANFor many cultures, it's theintangibility of their gods thatmakes their faith worthwhile. Believing without seeing strengthensfaith.

REESIt surprises me to hear that comingfrom a Bajoran. Your gods are quiteliterally outside the window. Youhave but to take a shuttle into thewormhole to see them face to face. Does that cheapen your faith?

TORANI guess not.

REESNor does walking with the Founderscheapen ours.


TORANEven though you know you'regenetically engineered to obey andworship them?

REESEvery god creates out of a desire tobe worshipped. Just as you feeldrawn to your Prophets, so we feeldrawn to the Founders. There isless of a difference than you realize,I think.

Toran lets it go as he once again begins moving about theInfirmary.

INT. DEEP SPACE NINE -- GUEST QUARTERS

We find ourselves in a guest suite on Deep Space Nine. Theroom has a hastily built altar with some incense burning. We find THE KAI watching the monitor in her room. It's anews report, featuring Carter standing on the promenade nearthe bar.

CARTER...outside of Morn's Bar on DeepSpace Nine, where earlier today anexplosion claimed the life of aJem'Hadar soldier. Although thecause is being unofficially dubbedan accident, it has caused a numberof ripples which lead this reporterto question that judgment. Foremostamong those, the peace talks withthe Dominion have been put on holdtemporarily while a thoroughinvestigation is conducted. If indeedthis was an accident, an investigationwould not be needed. It seems to bejust another example of Feder...

She turns it off and sighs. Timin is revealed behind her,standing next to a window.

TIMINOur friend Mr. Carter wastes no time.

KAISuch senseless loss of life. And towhat purpose?

TIMINThere is no purpose, Eminence. Onlyincompetence. Federationincompetence.


KAII don't expect the Council ofMinisters to look upon this delayfavorably. Bajor grows more restlessevery second the Dominion remainshere.

TIMINWe are caught in the middle. A rockand a hard place, as the humans say.

KAII feel as though I should speak out -say something to our people, givethem some guidance.

TIMINBajor would heed the words of herKai.

KAII find it difficult to guide otherswhen I myself am so conflicted.

TIMINEminence, you have known for manyyears that the Federation has becomeunreliable. That they care nothingfor Bajor.

The Kai seems hesitant.

KAII know that they are havingdifficulties, as we all do.

TIMINIn times of trial, one comes to relyupon one's friends and are thuslyrelied upon in turn. The Federationhas done nothing to aid us andeverything to mock us. It is timewe took a stand and showed them wewill no longer be cast aside.

The Kai sighs.

KAIIt is a most difficult situation.

TIMINTimes of importance always are.

KAII must rest. We begin discussionsabout the wormhole tomorrow.


TIMINOf course, Eminence. I will makesure you are not disturbed.

The Kai rises and departs silently.


The bar is completely empty. The gaping hole remains in thewall, and it is there we find Talora. She kneels next tothe hole, scanning it with her tricorder. She examines thereadings and frowns.

Talora rises and is about to leave when she notices a spoton the carpet. Curious, she kneels down. The area she'slooking at is unremarkable. There is nothing of interestthere, yet she gazes at it as though it should reveal thesecrets of the universe.

Quickly she pulls out her tricorder and scans the area. Thereadings are returned, and she is deeply confused.

TALORAImpossible.

She continues her scans.


We find Quinlan and Elris walking together on the Promenade,in the middle of a conversation.

QUINLANIs anyone going to be speaking?

ELRISI don't know.

QUINLANIt just doesn't seem right. Everything we've been through andnow it seems like we're all just -falling apart.

ELRISThings change.

QUINLANNot like this. Not this much, notthis fast.

The two pause at a small bench which sits opposite theInfirmary. Talora appears nearby, looking distracted. Sheexamines the readings on her tricorder with surprise andconfusion.


Quinlan tries to get her attention, but the Romulan walkswith her head down, straight into the Infirmary.

QUINLAN (CONT'D)Is it just me, or did she seem alittle distracted?

ELRIS(shrugs)

I thought she always looked likethat.

Without warning, there is an enormous EXPLOSION from withinthe Infirmary. Smoke pours out onto the promenade as paniconce again rules the day. People run in all directions.

Quinlan and Elris exchange concerned glances before theyboth rush headlong into the burning Infirmary.

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT ONE

RENAISSANCE: "Veiled Intentions" - ACT TWO 19.

ACT TWO

FADE IN:


Fire blazes and smoke fills the air as Elris and Quinlanmake their way through the Infirmary. They are first met byTalora who, aside from a few bruises, appears to be all right.

TALORARees and Toran are in here.

QUINLANWe'll get them. Get out of here.

Quinlan finds Rees on the floor, underneath his overturnedbiobed. She kneels down and helps him up. He appearsrelatively uninjured, and is able to limp out with her.

Nearby, Elris almost trips over the fallen Toran. She kneelsdown quickly.

ELRISToran!

TORAN(gritting his teeth;dazed)

I'm fine.

Elris raises Toran to his feet.

ELRISIs there anyone else in her?

TORANJust Rees.

ELRISJen got him. Come on!

They rush out of the smoke.

INT. DEEP SPACE NINE -- PROMENADE -- CONTINUOUS

As Elris gets Toran out of the Infirmary, a disaster controlteam arrives on the scene. They dive into the flames andtry to put them out.

Seconds later, Captain Voral and Chief Bradfield arrive asElris and several DS9 nurses examine the three caught in theblast. ODO is there a second later.

VORALWhat happened?


TORANI was about to get Talora a bloodsample from the Jem'Hadar. As soonas I stepped into the morgue therewas a blast. It looked like it camefrom inside one of the morguechambers.

VORALWas anyone hurt?

TORANNot critically.

ODOI think there's enough evidence towarrant an investigation into bothexplosions.

VORALI agree. Bradfield, get a securitydetail down here to check thingsout.

BRADFIELDAye, sir.

Bradfield vanishes, barking orders into his comm badge as hegoes. As Voral speaks to the survivors, Odo pulls Taloraaside.

ODOI'm beginning to see a common threadhere.

TALORACommon thread?

ODOBoth you and Rees were involved withboth explosions. I somehow doubtthat's a coincidence.

TALORAAn assassination attempt?

ODOI think it's too soon to say forcertain. But it would be foolish torule out the possibility.

TALORAI'm certain Lieutenant Bradfieldwill do everything he can to uncoverthe truth.


ODOI'm afraid I don't share yourconfidence in his abilities. He'sgot his team doing all of the workfor him. And I've never trusted asecurity chief who doesn't getinvolved with security matterspersonally.

(beat)I'd feel a bit more at ease if youwere to assist him.

Talora looks surprised.

TALORAMe?

ODOYou do have a background ininvestigative work. And given yourown personal stake in the matter, Iwould think you'd be well equippedand well motivated to figure outwhat's happening.

TALORAAmbassador, I'm far too busy withthe negotiations to -

ODOI wouldn't worry about thenegotiations. I suspect they'll beput on hold.

(beat)If this IS intentional, you can bewhoever's behind it will strike again.

Talora considers Odo's words for a moment.

TALORAI'm willing to assist in theinvestigation. But I don't thinkLieutenant Bradfield will approve.

ODOLeave that to me.

Something approaching a grin crosses Odo's face for a moment,then vanishes.


We find Bradfield once again busy at his desk, going overvarious reports and PADDs. He barely glances up when Taloraenters his office.


BRADFIELDHave a seat, Commander.

She sits and patiently waits while Bradfield works. After afew moments he stops and looks up, gathering his thoughts.

BRADFIELD (CONT'D)Look Commander, let me be blunt. Irealize that you offered to help usbecause Ambassador Odo specificallyasked for you. I also realize you'rea command officer, not a securityofficer, so I'll endeavor to makethis easy on you.

Talora frowns, clearly offended.

TALORAThere is no need for you to make it'easy' on me. I am perfectly capableof assisting you in thisinvestigation.

BRADFIELDOf course you are. But I have ateam of my most reliable officersalready working on it. It woulddamage their morale to bring insomeone from the outside.

TALORALieutenant, my presence here is forthe benefit of the peace talks. Itis my intention to fulfill my promiseto Ambassador Odo and do everythingI can to assist you.

Bradfield sighs.

BRADFIELDLook, Commander, I appreciate that. Really, I do. I simply don't needyou right now. My team is on it. Itrust them. They'll get the jobdone.

TALORAWhether you need me or not isirrelevant. The fact is I am here,and I am not going to leave until Iam given a role in this investigation.

Bradfield looks like he's about to press the issue, but holdsback and sighs. He grabs a PADD, glances at it, then offersit to Talora.


BRADFIELDAll right, fine. It's standardprocedure to investigate the livingquarters of the victim, to see ifthere's anything pointing to apossible motive -

TALORAI understand the necessity of thisprocedure.

BRADFIELD(annoyed)

Good. Then it's all yours.

Talora glances over the PADD and frowns.

TALORAThis is not what I was expecting.

BRADFIELDAt the moment, it's all I've got. File a report on the ship and assoon as I get it, I'll contact youand we'll figure out what to do next.

TALORAVery well.

Talora rises and leaves Bradfield, who immediately returnsto monitoring his video wall.

INT. ENTERPRISE -- TEN FORWARD

We find a number of Enterprise officers - Cross, Quinlan,Elris, Toran, and ERIK GREY - gathered in a dimly light,unusually quiet Ten Forward. Each carries a tall glass anda somber visage.

Cross looks at the door several times, as if expecting it toopen. It doesn't.

ELRIS(softly)

You told Talora, right?

CROSSOf course I did. I suspect she'stoo wrapped up in her investigationto bother.

ELRISShould we wait?

CROSSNo. She's not coming.

(MORE)


CROSS (CONT'D)(steps forward)

We're here to pay tribute to a fallencolleague. A shipmate. A friend. We're here to honor Gril Dojar.

Cross raises his glass. The others follow suit.

INT. JEM'HADAR SHIP -- CORRIDORS

Talora is escorted through the bland corridors of theJem'Hadar vessel. Her escort looks particular unhappy abouther presence.

JEM'HADAR THIRDI do not see the need for this.

TALORAIt is a necessary part of theinvestigation.

JEM'HADAR THIRDIt is futile. The attack on theSecond happened on your Federationstarbase. Not on his own ship.

TALORAI don't recall mentioning that itwas an attack.

JEM'HADAR THIRD(scoffs)

Starfleet can call it whatever theywant. It does not change the truth.

TALORASome would say truth is subjective.

JEM'HADAR THIRDDo not twist my words. What happenedon your station is as much an accidentas the events on the Majestic.

TALORAThose events have been dealt with. I suggest you accept that.

JEM'HADAR THIRDI do not take orders from Romulans.

TALORANo, but you do take orders from theVorta. And in case you haveforgotten, I am here at their request. Unless you intend to openly questiontheir judgment, I would advise youto keep such thoughts to yourself.


The Jem'Hadar stops and glares at Talora. We get theimpression he'd like nothing more than to remove her headfrom her neck. Instead, he reaches behind him and punches abutton on the wall. The door slides open.

JEM'HADAR THIRDThese were the Second's chambers. Complete your examination.

Talora slides past the Jem'Hadar and into the room.

INT. JEM'HADAR SHIP -- SECOND'S CHAMBERS

To say the chambers are small would be a gross understatement. Barely bigger than a closet, the chambers provide only roomfor a small bed and dresser.

TALORAYou're kidding.

JEM'HADAR THIRDThe Jem'Hadar do not 'kid'. We haveno need of material trinkets. TheFounders are our sustenance, and theDominion is our life. We know noother pleasure than that of servicein battle for our creators.

Talora pulls out some of the drawers, but they are all filledwith military uniforms. She checks around for a moment, butfinds nothing of interest.

TALORAI believe I've seen enough.

She leaves, the Jem'Hadar but a step behind her.

INT. DEEP SPACE NINE -- CAPTAIN'S OFFICE

The desktop monitor fills our view. Carter is once againstanding outside of Morn's.

CARTERWith a second explosion on Deep SpaceNine delaying the Dominion peacetalks yet again, and no word fromthe Kai on when the Bajoran workerstrike is going to end, people areleft to speculate about what's goingon. Some are claiming it's the workof terrorists, while others claim itis merely the Federation'sincompetence that has allowed theseevents to get so far out of hand. One thing is for sure - the Bajoranpeople are becoming very restless.

(MORE)


CARTER (CONT'D)It seems once again the Federationis ignoring their...

Voral switches off the monitor, looking somewhat annoyed.

VORALThis is not the kind of news I need. You can bet your life I'll be gettinga hundred nastygrams from the BajoranCouncil of Ministers any time now.

(beat)You'd think Bajorans would be a bitmore patient, what with theirspiritual heritage. But they'rejust as jaded, impatient and irritableas the rest of us. I've spoken tomore than a few council members whodon't even try to disguise theiranxiousness to get these talks overwith. They genuinely don't understandthe intricacies of diplomacy.

CROSSThey want to dance but they don'twant to know the steps.

VORALExactly. The Occupation, for allits atrocities, was a fairlystraightforward situation. Get ridof the Cardassians. Make it happenhowever you can. They don'tunderstand why we can't do the samewith these talks.

A beat.

CROSSIn all fairness, I think there's abit of paranoia among the Bajorans. After the Q'tami incident, I thinkthey're a bit more fearful aboutmore violence developing. The factthat it's the Dominion we'renegotiating with doesn't help matters.

Beat.

VORALDo you think things will turn violentagain, Captain?

CROSS(sighs)

If you would have asked me two daysago, I would have said no. But now...


Cross lets the thought hang there. Voral nods in agreement.


We find Elris and Talora hunkered down where the Jem'Hadar'sbody had been. They both stare blankly at a tricorder.

ELRISAre sure there was no blood herebefore?

TALORA(annoyed)

Of course. I still have the tricorderreadings on file.

ELRISWhat about the original readings? Didn't the responding physician takeany tricorder readings?

TALORAI spoke to Doctor Toran already. Hescanned the Jem'Hadar upon hisarrival, but maintained no recordsregarding his blood type. He madeno scan of the blood on the carpet.

ELRISWell, it's here now. The dispersalpattern is consistent with the woundshe suffered. It looks legitimate tome.

TALORAThis is impossible. There was nothinghere.

ELRISIf that's true, you're suggesting...

TALORA...that someone removed the bloodfrom the carpet and then replacedit.

ELRISThat doesn't make sense. And there'snothing that I know of that can removea blood stain so completely. Evenif it wasn't visible anymore, therewould still be very small amounts ofblood left. The tricorder wouldpick up on it.

Talora pauses, thinks for a moment.


TALORAIs there any way to confirm thatblood belongs to the Jem'Hadar thatdied?

ELRISOnly with a blood sample that weknow is his.

TALORAThe body was destroyed when theInfirmary exploded. I will speak toAmbassador Odo - they may have asample on their vessel.

ELRISIf they even keep things like thaton file.

(pulls out a hypo)I'd better get a sample of this beforeit disappears too.

The doors slide open and Quinlan enters.

QUINLANI thought I saw people in here. Iwas hoping they'd opened up again.

ELRISAfraid not.

QUINLANWhat's going on?

TALORAI am aiding Lieutenant Bradfield inhis investigation.

(beat)And I may require your expertise.

QUINLANAs Quinlan the Security Chief, orQuinlan the ex-pirate who knows waytoo much about things she shouldn't?

TALORAThe latter.

Quinlan smiles.

QUINLANGood. Always more fun that way.

She joins Elris and Talora on the floor.


TALORAThis is the spot where the Jem'Hadardied after the explosion. His woundswere deep, several were open.

QUINLANWith you so far.

TALORAI returned to the accident scene aday later, and the blood was gone. Completely.

QUINLANDid a maintenance crew remove it?

TALORANo one ordered that the scene becleaned. Such an order would havebe signed by the lead investigator. Lieutenant Bradfield insists he didnot sign one. Nor can I find anyrecord of one.

ELRISBesides, there would still be traceamounts of blood even after it wascleaned. Too small to see, but they'dbe detectable on the tricorder.

QUINLANBut there's blood there now.

TALORAWe cannot explain it.

QUINLANSo you think someone lifted theoriginal blood and then put thishere?

TALORAIt seems unlikely, but plausible.

QUINLAN(thoughtful)

I remember hearing about a Rigelliandevice that was capable of completelyremoving any substance from anysurface - no residuals, nothing totrace. It was popular with terroristson the black market during the EolaWar in the Beta Quadrant.


ELRIS(sighs)

That means there's no way to know ifsomething like that was used here.

QUINLANThat's the idea.

Elris closes her tricorder, frustrated.

ELRISThis doesn't make any sense.

TALORA(beat)

Here is what we know thus far. AJem'Hadar soldier is killed in anapparent accident. His body is takento the Infirmary where it issubsequently incinerated in a secondexplosion. Meanwhile, all traces ofhis blood seem to vanish from thescene of the accident, only to befound again a day later.

QUINLANThen you're right. It's a plant. Someone removed the blood and replacedit.

ELRISBut why?

TALORAThe question of the hour.

Off their concerned expressions.


Quinlan steps out of Morn's and is about the head down thecorridor when she is hit by a passer-by not paying attention. The man wears dark clothing and walks quickly with his headdown.

QUINLANHey, jeez. I'm pretty sure yourhead can tilt upwards, y'know.

The man looks up - it is TIMIN. He recognizes Quinlanimmediately, and tries to get away before she realizes whohe is.

TIMINMy apologies.


He quickly rushes off. Quinlan watches him go for a moment,but it sinks in quickly.

QUINLANHey! Come back here!

Quinlan takes off in pursuit. Timin glances back and seesthis. He immediately steers himself toward the largest crowdof people he can find. He pushes through them, knockingdown several.

Quinlan follows but is slowed by the chaos Timin leaves inhis wake.

QUINLAN (CONT'D)Stop!

Timin only slows to round a corner and disappear into one ofthe hatchways that connects the promenade to the habitatring. Quinlan moves to follow, but gets stuck behind therolling hatch door. She quickly reopens it and rushesthrough.

INT. DEEP SPACE NINE -- CORRIDORS

Quinlan charges through the hatch leading into the habitatring. She looks left, then right. There is no sign of Timin. Slowly she moves, close to the wall, her phaser drawn. Shehears movement around the next intersection. She takes asilent breath, readies her phaser, and turns -

- to find Carter about to walk into her. She stops short atthe sight of a phaser pointed in his face.

CARTERWhoa! Hey, easy.

QUINLAN(disgusted)

Carter? What the hell are you doinghere?

CARTERConducting an interview for my nextbroadcast.

(grins)Care to be next?

Quinlan glances around, her phaser still drawn.

QUINLANDid you see anyone come this way?

CARTERAnyone like who?


QUINLANDark hair, scar on the face, lookslike a vedek...

CARTER(shrugs)

You're the only one I've seen. Sorry.

QUINLAN(frustrated)

Damn it.

Quinlan frowns and rushes off, still keeping her eyes peeled. Timin appears from around the corner.

TIMINShe saw my face.

CARTERMaybe she doesn't recognize you.

TIMINLet us hope not. My presence heremust remain a secret.

CARTERI've never been good at keepingsecrets.

TIMINI hope for your sake you can keepthis one, Mr. Carter.

Timin pats Carter on the back and proceeds down the hall.

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT TWO

RENAISSANCE: "Veiled Intentions" - ACT THREE 33.

ACT THREE

FADE IN:

INT. ENTERPRISE -- CORRIDORS

Talora waits as the turbolift doors in front of her slideopen. She enters.

TALORATransporter room 3.

CROSS (O.S.)Hold the lift.

Talora quickly finds the hold button, giving Cross time toenter.

INT. ENTERPRISE -- TURBOLIFT -- CONTINUOUS

An awkward silence ensues between the captain and his firstofficer. After a few moments, Cross sighs.

CROSSHold lift.

The lift slows to a stop.

TALORAIs there a problem, Captain?

CROSSYes, there is. You didn't come tothe service last night.

TALORA(realizes)

I'm sorry. I have been very involvedwith the investigation.

(louder)Resume lift.

A few awkward moments pass.

CROSSHold lift.

(to Talora)Have you even given him a secondthought since we came back?

TALORAOf course I have. And I have grievedfor Dojar when I have been able. But I can't allow my personal feelingsto interfere with the talks. Orwith this investigation.

(MORE)


TALORA (CONT'D)(louder)

Resume lift.

Cross is seething next to his first officer. He looks likehe might erupt any second.

CROSSHold lift.

TALORACaptain, this is -

CROSSAre you trying to tell me my feelingsare interfering with my job?

TALORAI think you're proving that rightnow.

(louder)Resume lift.

CROSSHalt lift. My feelings are notgetting in the way. But when one ofmy officers starts acting like sheis no longer a member of my crew,then I have a problem.

TALORAI did not ask to be made head of theRomulan negotiations. And I did notask to be involved with thisinvestigation. But this is where Iam, and I will perform those dutiesto the best of my ability. Just asI have done for you.

CROSSUntil recently.

(beat)Resume lift.

An awkward silence ensues as Talora glares hard at Cross. He returns her gaze. Finally, the lift comes to a halt. The doors part to reveal a very annoyed Quinlan, arms foldedover her chest.

QUINLANWho's been holding up the damnturbolift?

Talora glares hard at Cross before storming off.


EXT. DEEP SPACE NINE

The massive station against a sea of stars.


Bradfield walks into his office and stops short at the sightof Talora in his chair. He scowls.

BRADFIELDWhat are you doing here?

TALORAAttempting to further theinvestigation.

BRADFIELDI told you I had my best peopleworking on it.

TALORAYou also told me you would contactme after I filed my report on theJem'Hadar ship. Since you didn't dothat, I assumed that perhaps yourword was - unreliable.

Bradfield is obviously offended.

BRADFIELDWho the hell are you to come in hereand -

TALORASpare me your outrage. It will notaccomplish anything.

BRADFIELDYou've got a lot of -

Talora rises, offers Bradfield his chair.

TALORAIf you'd like, I would be happy toshow what I've discovered.

Bradfield sits down, barely controlling his anger. Taloraleans over his chair, working on his console. The technicalschematic for a small device appears.

BRADFIELDWhat is this?

TALORAA nitrilin explosive device. Thecause of the explosion in theInfirmary.


BRADFIELD(surprised)

Nitrilin is supposed to beuntraceable.

TALORAUnder normal circumstances. But thefrigid temperatures of the morguechamber somehow changed itsconsistency. There were trace amountsthroughout the Infirmary. I wouldbe more interested in knowing howyour team could have missed it.

BRADFIELDNitrilin is rare, it's not somethingwe scan for routinely.

TALORATwo explosions in less than a day? I wouldn't call that routine.

BRADFIELD(annoyed)

I'll have a word with them later. (beat)

Any other insights? Like a motive?

TALORAI believe the intent was to destroythe body of Jem'Hadar.

BRADFIELDWhat would that accomplish?

TALORAIt would prevent us from obtaining asample of his blood.

BRADFIELDWhat's so important about his blood?

TALORA(annoyed)

For a security chief who seeseverything that goes on on thisstation, you seem to be missing agreat deal.

BRADFIELDHumor me. Pretend I don't knowanything.


TALORA(sighs)

After the explosion, I saw a bloodstain on the carpet. When I wentback later to examine it, it wasgone. The next day, it had somehowreappeared. It is my opinion thatthe victim's blood was removed andreplaced with another sample.

BRADFIELDDo you realize how absurd that sounds? Why would someone go through allthat trouble just to get rid of ablood sample?

TALORAWhy indeed?

Bradfield sighs.

BRADFIELDThis is turning out to be more troublethan it's worth. Everyone's nervousabout how long we've been delayingthe peace talks. Something has togive soon.

The door chime rings out. Bradfield glances out the windowwhere we find Carter, apparently alone. Bradfield opens thedoors.

Carter steps in part way.

CARTERDo you have a moment, Lieutenant?

BRADFIELDWhat do you want?

Carter enters, sits uninvited.

CARTERI'm concerned.

BRADFIELDGood for you.

CARTERI'm serious, Lieutenant. Theseconstant delays are making theBajorans very nervous. They'rebeginning to doubt the talks will goforward. They're beginning to doubtthe Federation's ability to helpthem.


TALORAAnd why would they be feeling thatway, Mr. Carter? Surely not becausethey've been watching your reports.

CARTERI know where you're going, Talora. But the reports I made are based onBajoran opinion, not influencing it. I conducted a great many interviewsbefore I made my reports.

TALORANow why do I have a hard timebelieving that?

CARTERIt makes no difference to me if youbelieve it or not.

(to Bradfield)Do you have any leads at all? Anyclue as to motive, any suspects?

BRADFIELDI don't have time for this. Get outof here.

CARTER(indignant)

Lieutenant Bradfield, thisinvestigation is a very importantturning point in these talks. Upuntil now the Bajorans have beennervous, their faith has been shaken. I'm offering you the opportunity toput all of that to rest. Give mesomething to take back to them,something to tell them you're doingwhat you can, something to restorewhat little faith they had in you.

Bradfield seems to ponder this for a moment, but he meetsCarter's gaze with daggers in his eyes.

BRADFIELDGet out of my office.

Carter shakes his head sadly.

CARTERIt's a shame you feel that way. Ireally wanted to help you. But youleave me no choice.

Carter stands, quickly withdraws. Talora looks after him,concern mounting in her eyes.


TALORAI don't think that was wise.

BRADFIELDI don't care what you think,Commander.

Talora quickly departs.


Talora quickly rushes to catch up with Carter.

TALORAMr. Carter.

The reporter stops when he sees Talora approaching.

CARTERYes, Commander?

TALORAWhat was that about, exactly?

CARTERI don't understand.

TALORAIf there is a headline to be foundhere, I somehow doubt it is to befound among the Bajoran populace. What interest could you possiblyhave in how the Bajorans feel?

CARTER(beat; thoughtful)

A week ago I might have asked myselfthat same question. I guess thingschange.

TALORAYes, things change. And peoplechange. But you, Mr. Carter, donot. What's really going on here? What story are you really after?

CARTERAs I told the rather stubbornLieutenant, I'm interested in whatthe Bajorans think of this.

TALORAWhy?

CARTERBecause no one else is.


TALORAReporting on the Bajorans won't getyou back into the FNN.

CARTER(beat)

I know. But it's something I haveto do. Excuse me, Commander.

Carter walks away, leaving Talora to ponder his words.


Cross sits at his desk, listening intently to Quinlan, whois seated across from him. We arrive mid-conversation.

CROSSYou're certain it was him?

QUINLANI nearly mauled the guy. I got agood look at him. It WAS Timin.

Cross considers this.

CROSSThis is one of those very unpleasantsituations where no matter what wedo, we look like the bad guys.

QUINLANWell we have to do something. Henearly killed Dojar. And he damnnear blew up the Enterprise.

CROSSI know that.

(beat)Inform Talora. She might be able toexplore it as a possible lead in herinvestigation.

QUINLANYes, sir.

Quinlan rises and departs.

INT. ENTERPRISE -- TEN FORWARD

We find Talora sitting in the otherwise empty Ten Forward. The lights are dim; it is the night shift.

The doors slide open. Talora barely affords a glance up asQuinlan enters the room. Likewise, Quinlan doesn't noticeTalora at first. She heads to the bar and reaches over,grabbing a bottle and a glass.


TALORAI somehow doubt Hal will approve ofthat.

Quinlan jumps, startled, nearly dropping the bottle.

QUINLANDon't worry, it's my bottle. I justkeep it here for special occasions.

Quinlan pours herself a drink.

QUINLAN (CONT'D)Care for a glass?

TALORANo thank you.

Quinlan downs her drink then joins Talora at her table.

QUINLANBurning the midnight oil?

TALORAI suppose.

QUINLANAny progress?

TALORAMinimal.

QUINLANI may have a lead for you.

Talora puts down her PADD for the first time.

TALORARegarding the blood?

QUINLANRegarding someone with a motive.

(beat)Timin Pol is here.

Talora fights through the familiar name until she matches itwith someone.

TALORAFrom Ionis.

QUINLANThat's right.


TALORA(considers)

As I recall, Timin was willing to dojust about anything to make theFederation look bad. Do you knowwhere he is?

QUINLANNo. I ran into him on the promenadeand chased him into the habitat ring. I lost him back there. All I foundwas Carter.

TALORA(something clicks)

Carter. Have you seen his most recentreports?

QUINLANI didn't know he was broadcastingagain.

TALORANot for the FNN. For the Bajorans. In fact, he has been extremelyconcerned for the Bajoran people,and his recent reports reflect that.

Quinlan realizes.

QUINLANTo the point of making the Federationlook bad?

TALORAPrecisely.

(rising quickly)He has arranged for temporary quarterson Deep Space Nine. Would you careto - assist me in an interrogation?

Quinlan lights up.

QUINLANOnly if you let me bring the guestof honor.

The two are on their way out the doors, which slide open. Talora taps her badge.

TALORATalora to Ambassador Odo.

The doors slide shut.


INT. DEEP SPACE NINE -- HABITAT RING

We're just outside Carter's door. Quinlan approaches, dressedin civilian clothing - and not much of it. She rings thechime once. Twice. Again.

Finally the doors slide open and Carter, half awake, isstanding on the other side. When he sees Quinlan's garb, hesuddenly finds himself very much awake.

CARTERWhat are you doing here?

QUINLAN(coyly)

Where's Sarah?

CARTERShe's asleep.

QUINLANGood. Come here.

She grabs him by his collar and leads him down the hall. She walks backwards, smiling suggestively the entire time. Carter is confused but obviously very excited.

CARTERI've been waiting a long time forthis.

They stop, and Quinlan opens a door leading into quarters.

QUINLANBelieve me Lewis, I've been wantingto do this for a long time too.

She smiles and pulls him in.

INT. DEEP SPACE NINE -- CONTINUOUS

Carter is THROWN into a very uncomfortable chair. The impactis jarring and his head is snapped back. Before he can getup, straps flip out of the chair's arms and legs and restrainhim.

Taking in the room now, we see Talora sitting behind a desk,which is the only other piece of furniture in the room. Herhands are completely obstructed from his view. She handsQuinlan a robe.

TALORAMr. Carter, we need to talk.

CARTERI take it Romulans aren't into menagea tois.


TALORA(disgusted)

No. I am, however, interested inlearning some more about your suddeninterest in the Bajorans.

CARTER(sighs)

This again?

TALORAAccording to my records, you leftDeep Space Nine just prior to thestrike proclamation. Why?

CARTERI wanted to do some sight seeing.

TALORAOn Bajor?

CARTERNo, on Risa. But Bajor was closer. Ah!

Carter glances down at his wrist straps, which seem to havetightened.

CARTER (CONT'D)What the hell was that?

TALORAWhat was what, Mr. Carter?

They tighten again.

CARTERAh! That!

TALORAIs there something you want to tellus, Mr. Carter?

Carter sighs.

CARTERFine, fine, I went to Bajor. Itseemed to me like for all the fusseveryone was making about thewormhole, no one bothered asking theBajorans what they thought.

TALORA(glances down, thenup)

Excellent. And who did you speakyou while you were on Bajor?


CARTERI don't remember. A lot of people.

(tightening)Ah! What are you trying to do?

TALORAI'm only trying to ask you a fewquestions. You say you met with alot of people. Would you mind givingme an example?

CARTERThis is bullshit. You have no rightto keep me here. I -

The restraints tighten again, this time much worse. Thestrap around his stomach tightens as well.

CARTER (CONT'D)The Kai! I met with the Kai!

The straps loosen, and Carter gulps in the air.

TALORAWhat was the nature of your meeting?

CARTERI just wanted to ask her opinionabout the wormhole issue.

TALORAI see. And here I find that lessthan two hours after your allegedvisit, the Kai requested that Bajoranseverywhere lay down their occupationsand stop working.

CARTERSo? She wasn't happy about beingignored. I don't blame her.

Talora glances down again, then makes eye contact with Carter.

TALORADid you make contact with anyonenamed Timin Pol?

CARTER(awkward)

Timin who?

The straps tighten.

CARTER (CONT'D)I swear, I don't know who he is! I've never even heard of him!


The straps tighten more.

CARTER (CONT'D)Ah! All right, all right! Yes, Ispoke with him!

TALORAAnd is he on this station right now?

CARTERI don't -

Again, the straps are pulled tighter.

CARTER (CONT'D)He's here! He's here!

The straps loosen.

TALORADoes he have anything to do with therecent explosions on this station?

CARTERNo.

TALORAMr. Carter, I am getting tired ofthis.

CARTERNo! He doesn't, I swear he doesn't!

Quinlan scans him with a tricorder.

QUINLANHis bios are normal. I think he'stelling the truth this time.

The straps relent.

TALORAWhy is Timin Pol here?

CARTERMaybe he enjoys the -

(as the straps tighten)Ah! All right, all right! I honestlydon't know. He's here with the Kai,acting like some sort of advisor. That's all I know. He's asked me tocover this - struggle he perceivesthe Bajorans going through.

(off Talora's scowl)What, was I supposed to say no? It's a good story.

(MORE)


CARTER (CONT'D)And it's a good point. The FederationHAS been ignoring Bajor.

TALORAI am not interested in discussingpolitics at the moment.

CARTERFine. Then I won't bother tellingyou that if the talks aren't back onby tomorrow evening, the Kai is goingto announce Bajor's withdrawal fromthe peace accords. The strike willcontinue indefinitely. And I suspectBajor will be less willing tocompromise.

(beat)Now will you shut this damn thingoff, please?

Talora raises an eyebrow.

TALORAShut what off, Mr. Carter?

She reveals her hands have nothing in them. Carter staresin confusion.

CARTERBut the chair...

ODO (O.S.)Excuse me.

Carter's eyes widen. He slowly turns his head and findshimself confronted with Odo's head, which seems to have grownfrom the back of the chair.

ODO (CONT'D)Would you mind getting off of me?

Carter faints dead away and falls to the floor in a heap. Odo finishes morphing back into a humanoid. He smiles,insufferably pleased with himself.

TALORAWell done, Ambassador.

ODOLikewise, Commander.

QUINLANYou think it's true, what he saidabout the Kai?


TALORAWe must assume it is.

(beat)Unfortunately if Timin is not behindthe attack - we are back to squareone.

Off the three of them, standing over Carter...

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT THREE

RENAISSANCE: "Veiled Intentions" - ACT FOUR 49.

ACT FOUR

FADE IN:


We enter mid-conversation as Cross and Quinlan are alreadyin mid-conversation.

CROSSYou kidnapped and interrogated LewisCarter?

QUINLANYes, sir. I realize it may havebeen a bad idea -

CROSS(chuckles)

Bad idea? You should both be put infor promotion.

(leans back in hischair)

I hope he had something interestingto say.

QUINLANTimin has nothing to do with theexplosions. But he's planning onusing them to his advantage. He'sgot the Kai talked into some kind ofspeech about Federation incompetence.

CROSSWonderful.

QUINLANWe could move against him, preventhim from doing it.

CROSSNot a good idea. If he's got theKai's ear, any attempt to move againsthim would only deepen the rift betweenBajor and the Federation. Thingswere bad before this accidentbusiness, but they're getting worse. Right now, gaining the Kai's supportis more important than bringing himto justice.

QUINLANDespite what he did?

CROSSTried to do. He didn't succeed.


QUINLANWhat's the difference? It's justsemantics.

CROSSIn a situation like this, semanticsare everything. Especially when itcomes to dealing with the Kai.

QUINLANSo he goes free because he's gotfriends in high places?

CROSSFor now, it seems so.

QUINLANThat's bullshit.

(beat)Sir.

CROSSTo put it mildly, yes.

(thoughtful sigh)Maybe I'll try and talk to the Kai. If I can warn her about him withoutoutright arresting him -

QUINLANCaptain Neil Cross taking the subtleapproach? You sure about that?

CROSS(shrugs)

We all have to play against typesometimes. Like an ex-pirate turnedSecurity Chief for example.

QUINLANFair enough. I just hope you canget her away from Timin.

CROSSLet me worry about that. Dismissed.

Quinlan rises, heads for the door.

CROSS (CONT'D)Oh, Quinlan...

(she turns)Nice work.

Quinlan smiles and leaves Cross to his thoughts.


INT. ENTERPRISE -- SICKBAY

We find Elris at one of the various stations in Sickbay,running tests on the blood sample she took from Morn's. Toran enters as she works. Elris barely spares him a glance.

TORANY'lan seems fine, as far as I cantell.

(silence)The bio readings are normal, butce's still not talking.

(silence)Apparently ce's not the only one.

ELRISI'm in the middle of a blood analysisat the moment.

TORANOh.

Toran walks over to a nearby biobed where NARV remainscomatose. He checks on several things.

TORAN (CONT'D)Narv is looking better.

Elris still says nothing.

TORAN (CONT'D)I get the feeling you're upset withme.

More silence. Toran sighs.

TORAN (CONT'D)Fine. I'm needed in the Infirmaryanyway. They're supposed to have itcompleted by now.

ELRISWouldn't want to keep you from yourprecious Bajoran station.

Toran hesitates, looks at Elris - whose attention is stillon the tests she's running - and leaves.

The tests finish up, and Elris reads over the results. Shetaps her comm badge.

ELRIS (CONT'D)Elris to Talora.

TALORA'S COMM VOICEYes, doctor?


ELRISI've finished the scans of the blood. It's definitely Jem'Hadar.

TALORA'S COMM VOICEBut we have no way of knowing whichJem'Hadar.

ELRISNot unless the Dominion keeps suchrecords, no.

TALORA'S COMM VOICEI've spoken to Ambassador Odo. Theydo not.

(beat)Thank you for your efforts, Doctor.

The comm goes dead. Elris sets about other tasks.


We find Talora and Bradfield in the Security Office. One ofhis displays has a video feed from the station outside ofMorn's. The other has a display from outside the Infirmary.

They watch them carefully, but nothing of interest happensprior to the explosions.

BRADFIELDJust like I told you, Commander. The monitors picked up nothingunusual.

TALORAI'd like to take these logs to theEnterprise to examine them further.

BRADFIELDI don't see what good that will do.

TALORAI can get permission from CaptainVoral if necessary.

Bradfield sighs, hits a few buttons.

BRADFIELDI've given you access to the logs. You can download them to theEnterprise computer.

TALORAThank you, Lieutenant.


BRADFIELDYou'll let me know if you findsomething, I hope.

TALORAOf course.

Talora leaves the office.

INT. DS9 -- BAJORAN TEMPLE

We find the Kai alone, meditating in the Bajoran temple. Behind her, we see Cross enter. He clears his throat politelyto get the Kai's attention. She rises and turns.

KAIMay I help you?

CROSSI apologize for disturbing you, MadameKai. I'm Captain Neil Cross, of theEnterprise.

The Kai smiles graciously.

KAICaptain Cross, of course.

CROSSI hope I'm not intruding.

KAII can spare a few moments for theman who tried to save my life. Come,sit with me.

Cross walks to the front of the temple and sits on the edgeof the raised platform, next to the Kai.

CROSSI hope you've recovered from yourexperience.

KAII have, thank you.

CROSSIt's fortunate that you were closeenough to the wormhole that the - uh -Prophets were able to save you.

KAII believe it was their will for meto meet with them. But tell me, howis your officer? The Q'tami?


CROSSWell, he's -

(debates, drops it)He's doing well.

KAII'm pleased to hear it.

(beat)If I may be so bold, Captain Cross,I don't believe you came here justto exchange pleasantries with me.

CROSSYou're very perceptive.

KAIPerception is one of many virtuesthe Kai must master.

Cross thinks for a moment, trying to decide the best approach.

CROSSI'm concerned for your safety.

The Kai seems surprised to hear this.

KAIMy safety? Why?

CROSSMy officers have reported the presenceof a Bajoran man on the station,someone whom we've had dealings withbefore. His name is Timin Pol.

KAIAnd why is it that I should beconcerned about this Timin?

CROSSA few years ago, he abducted a memberof my crew with the intent to killhim.

The Kai seems taken aback.

KAIHow terrible.

CROSSHe also intended to destroy theEnterprise. Fortunately, my crewwas able to stop him before hesucceeded.

KAII'm relieved to hear that.


CROSSI hope you understand, I am concernedonly for your safety.

KAI(rising)

I understand perfectly, Captain Cross.

Cross rises.

KAI (CONT'D)I appreciate your word of caution. Rest assured, I will take it to heart.

CROSSThank you. I would hate to see anymore tragedy follow these talks.

KAIAs would I. Good day to you, Captain.

CROSSAnd to you.

Cross inclines his head respectfully and withdraws. As heexits the room, we see a shadow move to the left of thedoorway. Timin steps out of the darkness which had hiddenhim so completely.

TIMINWhat did I tell you?

KAIYou were correct, it seems. Almostword for word, exactly as youpredicted.

TIMINThey will stop at nothing to keepBajor from becoming independent. The nerve! Disrupting the Kai'stime of prayer and meditation tospread propaganda!

KAIThe captain seemed to be genuinelyconcerned.

TIMINCross is a trained lackey. He excelsat wearing whatever mask theFederation wants us to see.

The Kai is thoughtful for a moment.

KAIThe things he said - were they true?


Timin seems distressed, but only for a moment. He stridesto the Kai.

TIMINEminence -

(he kneels, kissesher hand)

I promise you, any actions I havetaken in my life have been for thegood of my home. For the good ofBajor. Perhaps some have beenmore...drastic than others. Buteven such drastic actions, when takenfor the good of Bajor, the ultimateand everlasting good, cannot be seenas wrong.

The Kai mulls this over and accepts it.

KAIPerhaps you're right.

TIMIN(rising)

I would not lead you astray, Eminence. Come, we have much to discuss.

Timin leads the Kai from the temple.

INT. DEEP SPACE NINE -- MORN'S

Talora sits by herself, going over several PADDs. The doorslides open and she glances up to find Odo. She puts downthe PADD and rises.

TALORAAmbassador.

ODONo need for that. I've never feltcomfortable with all of thesepolitical niceties.

Talora sits back down and Odo joins her.

ODO (CONT'D)Have you made any progress?

TALORAI've had our Chief Engineer examinethe security logs in detail. Thereis nothing to indicate anyone enteredMorn's Bar or the Infirmary withhostile intentions.

ODOWhat about transporter logs?


TALORAI've examined every log for the pastthree weeks. Nothing.

ODOMay I see that?

Odo glances at the PADD with the log file playing.

ODO (CONT'D)Odd.

TALORAWhat is it?

ODOThese are from the station's sensorlogs?

TALORAYes. Lieutenant Bradfield utilizesa number of sensor stations throughoutDeep Space Nine.

ODO(grumbling)

I remember them. When the Cardassianscontrolled Deep Space Nine, theyrequired me to use them. Ideactivated them once Starfleet tookover. But this log can't have beenfrom one of those stations.

TALORAWhy not?

Odo puts the PADD on the table and points to the image.

ODOThe sensor logs on the promenade aredesigned to capture images at a fixedratio of 1248 x 936. It's hardwired,it can't be changed. These logshave been captured at 1192 x 880.

TALORABut the log signatures match thoseof the sensor stations.

Odo looks at the logs again.

ODOThen somebody must have cropped theimage.

A beat.


TALORAWe have to find out who.

ODOI doubt Bradfield will give us freeaccess to his computer.

TALORAAre you certain?

ODOI wouldn't.

TALORAThere may be another way.


Talora stands off by herself, a PADD in hand, lookingcarefully across the Promenade. We see Lieutenant Bradfieldexit the security office and walk swiftly down the hall. Assoon as he is out of sight, Talora heads for his office.


Talora enters the office. A young officer, Ensign WHIPPLE,sits behind the desk, casually examining the display wall. He glances up.

WHIPPLECommander?

TALORALieutenant Bradfield requested Idrop this report off.

Whipple takes the PADD, glances it over, and places it onthe table.

WHIPPLEI'll make sure he gets it.

TALORAThank you.

She turns to leave, but catches something out of the cornerof her. She moves to the video wall.

TALORA (CONT'D)Did you see that, Ensign?

WHIPPLESee what, ma'am?

Whipple rises from his desk and walks over to the video wall.


TALORAThis display. It malfunctioned.

As they talk, our focus returns to the desk. The PADD Talorabrought in grows a small arm, which travels slowly, carefullydown to the computer interface. Several finger-likeprotrusions emerge and work on the console. The displayreads 'Dampening Field Established.'

The arm moves to another part of the interface and continuesits work. After a few moments, half of the display screensgo blank.

WHIPPLEOh, great.

(taps his badge)Whipple to Chief Soltes.

(nothing; again)Whipple to Chief Soltes.

Whipple sighs in frustration.

WHIPPLE (CONT'D)This would happen on my first Securityshift. I'm sorry commander, I haveto go check this out.

Whipple rushes out of the room. Talora rushes to the deskand begins working, as the PADD she brought in slowly morphsinto Odo.

TALORAYou must have been very effective asChief of Security here.

ODOYes. I was. Have you found theoriginal log files?

TALORAI believe so.

We see the logs appear on the display screen. Both are largerthan when we last saw them. More of the Promenade is visible. We first run through Morn's, which is basically the samefile.

ODONothing different about that. Trythe other one.

Talora brings up the second log file and plays it. It looksmuch the same.

ODO (CONT'D)They both look the same.


TALORA(suspicious)

Yes, they do.

She backs up the Infirmary explosion log and plays it again. Suddenly she freeze-frames it.

TALORA (CONT'D)There. Do you see that?

She works on the console. The bottom right corner of thescreen is magnified. We find ourselves gazing at the toppart of a human face.

ODOWho is it?

Talora enhances the image further. We see the features ofLieutenant Bradfield come into focus.

TALORAIt is Lieutenant Bradfield.

ODOBradfield? I thought he never lefthis office?

TALORAHe doesn't.

(beat)Where could he be going? What is onthe Promenade in that direction?

ODOMorn's, the Replimat, a few shops.

TALORAThe Replimat?

ODO(nods)

A series of public access replicators.

TALORAReplicators...

(rises quickly)Come on.

Talora rushes out, with Odo a step behind her.

INT. DEEP SPACE NINE -- REPLIMAT

We find Talora and Odo working on two different replicators.


TALORAThis terminal was accessedapproximately five minutes beforethe explosion in the Infirmary.

(beat)By Lieutenant Bradfield. It appearshe modified the matter conversionmatrix to run through the station'spattern buffers.

ODO(mildly impressed)

That wouldn't leave a traceablesignature.

TALORAWhich is why I found nothing when Ianalyzed the transporter logs.

ODOSo he beamed the explosive directlyinto the morgue chamber.

TALORAIt would appear so.

ODOBut why? What was his motive?

TALORAI suspect we'll find that out whenwe arrest him. Would you care tojoin me, Ambassador?

ODOI wouldn't miss it.

INT. DEEP SPACE NINE -- HABITAT RING

A hand fills our view. We pull back to find Talora reachingfor the door chime. Odo is at her side, as well as severalarmed security officers.

The doors slide open and Bradfield emerges in his robe.

BRADFIELDCommander. I -

He notices the security contingent.

BRADFIELD (CONT'D)What are you doing?

TALORAArresting the man who planted anexplosive device in the Infirmary. If you'll come with us, please.


Bradfield glances at the security officers, then at Odo,then at Talora.

Suddenly he bellows and leaps at Odo.

BRADFIELDDominion bastard!

Odo allows himself to morph temporarily into his gelatinousstate. Bradfield plunges through him and runs into the wall. He turns to find several phasers leveled at him.

TALORAIf you'll come with us, please.

Bradfield sneers but makes no move.

BRADFIELDThis is your fault, Changeling.

ODOMy fault?

BRADFIELDYour people murdered my parents inthe war! They took everything Ihad! Everything!

Odo frowns. He's used to hearing this by now, but it doeslittle to ease the impact.

ODOI'm - sorry.

BRADFIELDSorry? Will that bring them back? Will it give me back my family? WILL IT?

ODONo, it won't.

(beat)But neither will stopping thenegotiations.

TALORAGet him out of here.

The security team takes Bradfield away as he continues tohurl insults at Odo.

TALORA (CONT'D)Are you all right, Ambassador?


ODO(nods)

You'd be surprised how often I hearthat. Even in the Gamma Quadrant. I don't hold myself responsible forthe crimes of people during the war. I just wish there was something Icould do to help close the rift.

TALORAI'm sure the negotiations will beback on now. I think that's a goodplace to begin.

INT. DEEP SPACE NINE -- DELFUNE'S OFFICE

We find Delfune and Talora together in the dimly lit office.

DELFUNEYou did a commendable job, Commander.

TALORAI'm sure it pains you to say that.

DELFUNENot as much as you might think. Bradfield's arrest has calmed theBajoran storm, so to speak.

TALORAI assume I will be needed to bearwitness at the trial?

DELFUNENo. The trial is being held off thestation. Bradfield has already left.

TALORAI don't understand.

DELFUNEYou did well, Commander. You playedyour part. Now it's time to let itgo.

TALORA(upset)

My part? Admiral, I must object tothis being taken out of my hands soquickly. I had expected to -

DELFUNEThere are forces at work here thatare far beyond you, Commander. Beyondeven me. You don't want to pushthis any further.


TALORAAdmiral, I -

DELFUNETrust me on this Commander. Let itgo. Now.

Talora glares hard at Delfune for a few moments before risingand departing.

INT. ENTERPRISE -- TALORA'S QUARTERS

Talora sits in her bed with a single light on above her. She reviews information on a PADD. A quick look from hershoulder shows us she's reading up on Bradfield.

She slowly sits up, reading on in disbelief.

TALORAImpossible.

She reaches over and activates her comm panel.

TALORA (CONT'D)Talora to Captain Cross.

CROSS' COMM VOICE(groggy)

What is, Commander?

TALORAI need to see you at once, Sir.


Talora paces, PADD in hand.

TALORAI thought it was strange that thematter was so quickly taken out ofmy hands. I checked into Bradfield'sbackground.

CROSSAnd?

TALORAHe claimed he planted the explosiveto try and derail the peace talks. He didn't want peace with the Dominionbecause they killed his parents.

CROSSThe Dominion killed a lot of people,Commander. There are bound to be afew survivors who would like to returnthe favor.


TALORA(holds up the PADD)

His parents are alive.

CROSSWhat?

TALORAThey're alive. On Rigel VII.

Talora hands Cross the PADD. He looks it over as surprisewashes over him.

CROSSTalora...this says his parents werekilled. By the Dominion.

Talora rips the PADD out of his hand.

TALORAThat's impossible.

(she hits a few buttons)It was here five minutes ago.

Cross sighs.

CROSSI think maybe you need to get somerest. You've been working yourselftoo hard.

TALORACaptain, it was -

CROSSThat's an order, Commander.

Talora gives Cross a frustrated stare before turning andrushing off.

INT. ENTERPRISE -- CORRIDORS

Talora storms down the Enterprise corridors, clearlypreoccupied. She pauses for a moment, then taps her commbadge.

TALORATalora to Doctor Elris.


The bar is still closed, but most of the damage from theblast has been repaired. We find Dr. Elris alone, examiningthe blast site with her tricorder. She is just as displeasedwith her findings this time as she was last time.


ELRIS(to herself)

Honestly Talora, I don't know whatyou expected me to find.

She makes one more pass then closes the tricorder, ready toleave. But something catches her eye.

The corner of one of the nearby tables is slightly discolored. Elris moves to it, kneels down, looks it over. She quicklypulls out her tricorder and scans it. Her eyes widen.

ELRIS (CONT'D)Oh my God...

She stares in silence for a few moments, then taps her commbadge.

ELRIS (CONT'D)Elris to Talora.

(nothing)Elris to Commander Talora, come inplease.

A shadow falls over her. She freezes for a moment, thenslowly turns to face the shadow. Before she (and we) cansee who it belongs to, a fist LASHES OUT and hits Elris squarein the temple. Her head bounces off the table and thetricorder falls to the ground.

We fall with it. The tricorder remains in the foreground aswe hear the sounds of a vicious beating. Glass breaks, tablesfall, and moments later, Elris falls to the ground before usin a heap.

We hear the whine of a phaser. Seconds later, a gloved handtakes the tricorder and walks away.

FADE TO BLACK.

END OF ACT FOUR

THE END

Documents

Veiled Intentions” Story By Shaun Hamley & Joshua Maley ... · An awkward silence develops between them as Cross strolls to the window and stares out. CROSS I was a little disappointed