STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE

“Needs of the Many” – By Stephen Radford

PAGE ONE

Panel 1

Open, wide panel. – Black open space. The shuttle Runabout RIO GRANDE flies steadily towards us diagonally from distant left to near right of the panel.

CAPTION: “PERSONAL LOG, KIRA NERYS: EZRI, GARAK AND MYSELF ARE RETURNING TO DEEP SPACE NINE AFTER A SUPPLY VISIT WITH SEVERAL OF THE BAJORAN SETTLEMENT AT THE OUTER RIM.”

Panel 2

Half width panel – We are inside the Runabout, facing down to the back of the main area. KIRA sits nearest too us and is pressing buttons, keeping a check on the computer screens that surround her. In the chair next to KIRA, EZRI DAX - who is supposed to be working something out on a data pad - is facing to the back of the shuttle where GARAK is sitting. They are deep in a conversation.

CAPTION: “AT FIRST, I THOUGHT IT WAS A BAD IDEA TO LET GARAK COME ALONG, BUT SISKO INSISTED HE NOT BE PRESENT AS STARFLEET BEGAN TALKS AS TO THEIR NEXT COURSE OF ACTION TO BREAK DOWN THE CARDASSIAN OFFENSIVE NETWORK.”

Panel 3

Half width panel – As Panel 2, except KIRA has stopped pressing buttons and has turned to face EZRI and GARAK. In the chair next to her, EZRI and GARAK are still talking. GARAK is gesturing that something was “shutting/closing” with his hands.

CAPTION: “KNOWING GARAK’S POTENTIAL FOR INFORMATION LEAKS, I WOULD HAVE TO AGREE; ESPECIALLY AT THIS CRITICAL JUNCTION OF THE WAR AGAINST THE DOMINION.”

CAPTION: “AT LEAST EZRI IS KEEPING HIM OUT OF MY WAY.”

GARAK: IT WAS ONLY WHEN I LINKED THE EVENT WITH MY FATHER, WHEN HE USED TO LOCK ME IN THE CUPBOARD AS A CHILD…

Panel 4

Half width panel – Reverse angle KIRA returns to her facing forward position. EZRI gestures with her hands getting close together, while GARAK points excitedly with his finger in agreement as if to say “you got it”.

EZRI: (interrupts) THAT YOU WERE ABLE TO REALISE THAT YOU CREATED THE SENSE OF THE WALLS CLOSING IN ON YOU!

GARAK: EXACTLY. AND NOW, AS YOU CAN SEE, NO ANXIETY, NO FEAR.

Panel 5

Half width panel – The shot closes in on KIRA, with GARAK leaning within her intrusion zone, and she knows it.

KIRA: I’M SURE THAT CAPTAIN SISKO HELPED CURE THAT WHEN HE PUT YOU IN THE HOLDING CELL FOR SIX MONTHS.

GARAK: YOU SHOULD TRY IT SOMETIME KIRA, YOU GET TO CLEAR YOUR HEAD, AND YOU EMERGE REFRESHED LIKE A SPRINGTIME EDOSIAN ORCHID.

Panel 6

Half page width panel - Low angle shot shows the emergency panel flashing from our left, facing KIRA as she turns to face the emergency. Her face glows with the deep red lights that now flash at several areas of the cockpit. EZRI is not back to a forward facing position and stares at her instruments with caution.

SFX: BLEEP, BLEEP, BLEEP.

EZRI: NOW WHAT?

GARAK: OH MY! EMERGENCY CALL CODE GAMMA 8. BETTER ANSWER IT QUICK COLONEL.

KIRA: HOW DID YOU… NEVER MIND. OPEN CHANNEL.

COMPUTER VOICE: (ELECTRONIC BUBBLE) CHANNEL OPEN.

* * *

PAGE TWO

Panel 1

Half with panel with rounded edges – This is a transmission panel showing SISKO at the centre. We can see a little static scattering the picture.

SISKO: (ON VISUAL) COLONEL KIRA, I’M AFRAID I’M GOING TO HAVE TO RE-DIRECT YOU FROM RETURNING TO THE STATION. I HAVE A MISSION OF GREAT IMPORTANCE FOR YOU.

Panel 2

Half with panel – The visual of SISKO is set at the right hand side of the panel, facing left. KIRA sits looking concerned at the message, and GARAK stands behind her, showing surprise at the mission’s venue.

SISKO: (ON VISUAL) WE RECEIVED AN AUDIO ONLY DISTRESS BEACON FROM EMPOK NOR.

GARAK: EMPOK NOR?

SISKO: THE MESSAGE WAS SENT BY A CARDASSIAN SCIENTIST WHO CLAIMS TO HAVE BEEN TOLD TO IMPROVE THE DURABILITY OF THE JEM’HADAR DRUG, KETRACEL-WHITE.

Panel 3

Wide panel - New angle, looking over GARAK’S shoulder. We can see EZRI making a concerned look at KIRA as she returns the look as though they’ve been handed a very tricky task.

SISKO: (ON VISUAL) HE ALSO CLAIMS TO HAVE MURDERED THE JEM’HADAR SECURITY DETAIL THAT WAS ASSIGNED TO KEEP AN EYE ON HIM. IT IS HIS WISH TO DEFECT TO OUR SIDE.

SISKO: (ON VISUAL) I WANT YOU TO CAUTIOUSLY TAKE A LOOK, SEE IF IT’S TRUE. YOU NEVER KNOW, THIS COULD BE THE BREAK WE’VE BEEN LOOKING FOR.

SISKO: (ON VISUAL) OH, AND ONE LAST THING. GIVE GARAK A SHOT OF ANTI-PSYCHOTROPIC SERUM. WE DON’T WANT A REPEAT OF LAST TIME. SISKO OUT.

Panel 4

Open wide panel. View from outside the Runabout as it tilts upwards and manoeuvres to face the upper left of the panel.

GARAK: CHARMING ISN’T HE.

KIRA: COURSE PLOTTED, WE’RE ON OUR WAY.

* * *

PAGE THREE

Panel 1

Half width panel – As GARAK and EZRI collect their weapons for the mission, KIRA navigates at the front of the ship towards the Cardassian station EMPOK NOR – which is only just in visual range.

CAPTION: LATER.

KIRA: WE ARE APPROACHING EMPOK NOR, BE READY.

GARAK: I DIDN’T THINK I’D BE RETURNING TO THAT PLACE SO SOON.

KIRA: IF YOU’D ONLY STUCK TO JUST BEING A TAILOR YOU WOULDN’T HAVE TO BE HERE.

GARAK: THE THOUGHT HAD CROSSED MY MIND.

Panel 2

Half width panel – Side shot of the forward cockpit. GARAK has now sat down next to KIRA and points out of the window at a particular port on EMPOK NOR. The station now dominates the forward window. EZRI leans over GARAK’S chair.

GARAK: I SUGGEST WE DOCK AT THE LOWER PYLON. IT MAKES FOR A QUICKER GETAWAY SHOULD WE NEED IT.

EZRI: FROM EXPERIENCE?

GARAK: DEEP SPACE NINE IS A GRAPEVINE OF KNOWLEDGE.

Panel 3

Half width panel –KIRA and EZRI move out of the docking bay with PHASER RIFLES and TRICORDERS while GARAK moves haltingly behind them with a hand PHASER.

CAPTION: MOMENTS LATER.

EZRI: ONE LIFE SIGN, ABOVE US, 50 METRES. IT’S DEFINITELY CARDASSIAN.

GARAK: LETS HOPE THE DISTRESS CALL WAS RIGHT. A SECURITY DETAIL OF JEM’HADAR WOULD MAKE THINGS COMPLICATED.

Panel 4

Half width panel –EZRI and KIRA make their way - with GARAK in tow - along the habitat ring towards the promenade. GARAK starts to get a little nervous, looking over his shoulder at shadows.

KIRA: EXPECT THE WORSE, THAT’S WHAT WE DID IN THE CAVES ON BAJOR.

EZRI: WORST CASE SCENARIO. RIGHT…

GARAK: I THINK I WILL STICK TO POSITIVE THINKING FOR NOW.

Panel 5

One third in width – We See KIRA, GARAK and EZRI standing at the opening to the Promenade which is in the distance of the panel. In the foreground, we can see tables with abandoned lab equipment. Some bottles are broken and others loosely stacked, ready to tumble.

KIRA: ALL HIS SCIENCE EQUIPMENT IS ON THE PROMENADE? WHY NOT USE A LAB?

GARAK: ALL LABS WERE BOOBY TRAPPED WHEN THIS STATION WAS ABANDONED.

Panel 6

One third in width – The three stand at the left of the panel just inside the side door to the promenade. EZRI looks far right and sees the CARDASSIAN SCIENTIST “JARINN” sitting at a table, drinking KANAR. KIRA stands poised, standing alert with her Phaser rifle at the ready.

EZRI: THERE HE IS.

KIRA: ANY SIGN OF JEM’HADAR?

GARAK: NONE THAT I CAN SEE.

KIRA: LET’S MAKE SOME INTRODUCTIONS.

Panel 7

Open panel, one third in width - Close up as Kira holds her rifle upwards, giving the count of three.

KIRA: ON THREE. ONE. TWO… THREE!

* * *

PAGE FOUR

Panel 1

One third in width - KIRA bursts forward towards JARINN, who turns to face her, still holding his glass of Kanar.

KIRA: Don’t move. Hands where I can see them.

Panel 2

Open, two thirds in width – Now standing, JARINN over exuberantly gestures happiness at KIRA’S introduction. EZRI is right behind her, looking around for the JEM’HADAR.

JARINN: AHH, MY RESCUE TEAM. WELCOME, COMRADES WITH ARMS. I AM ALIDAR JARINN.

KIRA: WHERE ARE THE JEM’HADAR ASSIGNED TO YOU, JARINN.

JARINN: BEHIND THE BAR. THEY WERE EASY TO SUBDUE. WEAK MINDED YOU SEE.

KIRA: I’M SURE THEY WERE. EZRI WOULD YOU…?

Panel 3

One third in width – Close up of EZRI.

EZRI: THE BAR, I’M ON IT.

Panel 4

One third in width – The shot shows the pile of three JEM’HADAR bodies stacked behind the bar. EZRI is kneeling behind the pile, taking a thorough scan with her tricorder.

EZRI: CONFIRMED, FOUR JEM’HADAR SOLDIERS, ALL DEAD.

Panel 5

One third in width – EZRI turns to face KIRA who stands in the distance with JARINN.

EZRI: FROM POISONED WHITE!

KIRA: POISONED?

Panel 6

Half width panel – JARINN now gestures his hands outward as if to say “oops”. KIRA scowls at him. His face turns in motion so as to recognise GARAK who is standing on his right hand side aiming his Phaser at JARINN.

JARINN: BAD WHITE, AN INBALANCED CHEMICAL REACTION. MISTAKES DO HAPPEN… ARE WE GOING NOW?

GARAK: WHAT’S YOUR HURRY?

JARINN: A CARDASSIAN? HOW UNFORTUNATE.

Panel 7

Half width panel – The shot is from above, as all four hear the sounds of a ship docking above them, their expressions make it clear that they realise they are not alone anymore.

SFX: (DOCKING) CREEEK! KLUNK!

JARINN: TOO LATE.

KIRA: IT’S A TRAP!

* * *

PAGE FIVE

Panel 1

One third in width – KIRA takes hard aim of her RIFLE towards JARINN who stands defensive. JARINN is slightly amused.

KIRA: YOU SET THIS UP? DIDN’T YOU?

JARINN: IT WAS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THEY RETURNED. WHITE IS IMPORTANT TO THEM!

Panel 2

One third in width - EZRI quietly talks to KIRA who is still adamant that this is a definite trap.

EZRI: BUT HE STILL WANTS TO DEFECT. TO COME WITH US. WHAT IF HE’S TELLING THE TRUTH?

KIRA: IT’S OBVIOUS WHAT’S GOING ON HERE.

Panel 3

One third in width - GARAK makes a glum expression as he is can sense that the JEM’HADAR are on their way to their position.

GARAK: MAYBE, WE SHOULD DISCUSS THIS ON THE RUNABOUT.

Panel 4

One third in width – KIRA is leaning harder into JARINN; her rifle is almost touching his chest.

KIRA; WE BETTER DESTROY THE WHITE SUPPLY NOW. WHERE ARE YOU KEEPING IT?

Panel 5

Open panel, two thirds in width – Trying to reason, JARINN stumbles backwards into the table, spilling his bottle of KANAR all over the deck.

JARINN: I DON’T THINK YOU CAN CARRY IT ALL. WHY DON’T YOU RUN TO YOUR SHIP, AND I’LL SEND YOU THE CO-ORDINATES SO YOU CAN TRANSPORT ME AND IT ABOARD.

Panel 6

One third in width - Close up of a very annoyed KIRA, from the neck up.

KIRA: NOT A CHANCE, I DON’T TRUST THIS. THIS IS A SETUP. WE’RE ABORTING THE MISSION.

Panel 7

Two thirds in width – KIRA starts for the door. EZRI calls after her.

EZRI: KIRA, THE CAPTAIN WANTED HIM BRINGING BACK.

KIRA: HE’S NOT DEFECTING. HE’S CORROBORATING. THERE NOTHING FOR US TO TAKE BACK.

EZRI: I THINK YOU’RE WRONG!

* * *

PAGE SIX

Panel 1

One third in width – Reverse angle shows KIRA moving steadily through the side door, GARAK turns to see EZRI trying her best to persuade JARINN to give up the WHITE. JARINN now crosses his arms in defiance.

EZRI: JARINN, JUST TELL US WHERE THE WHITE IS, AND YOU CAN COME WITH US.

JARINN: NO! IF I CAN’T PROVE MY HONESTY, THEN I HAVE NO REASON TO LEAVE.

Panel 2

One third in width – As before, but JARINN smiles at EZRI pointing one finger up into the air. KIRA is now out of the panel; GARAK stands nervously listening out for the JEM’HADAR.

JARINN: I WILL DIE KNOWING AT LEAST ONE STARFLEET OFFICER BELIEVED ME.

Panel 3

One third in width – Close up of EZRI as she suddenly feel sympathy for JARINN. We can see she is torn as to what she should do. GARAK speaks to her off panel.

GARAK: EZRI?

Panel 4

Half width panel – GARAK starts to drag EZRI to the side door. JARINN turns, picking up his ‘still spilling’ bottle of KANAR.

GARAK: I DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU BUT I’VE GOT A SERIOUS AILMENT KNOWN AS SURVIVAL!

Panel 5

Half width panel – Angle shows JARINN in the immediate foreground as he takes a swig from the bottle. In the background, EZRI continues to be dragged away by GARAK. She glances back at JARINN knowing that maybe she should have done something to save him.

GARAK: I’M AFRAID I’M TERMINAL. HOW ABOUT YOU?

Panel 6

Half width panel – A corridor on the habitat ring. KIRA, EZRI and GARAK are running, fast, towards us.

KIRA: WAIT. THEY’VE ONTO US.

EZRI: I CAN’T BELIEVE YOU LEFT HIM.

Panel 7

Half width panel – A junction in the lower decks. A couple of vowels scurry along the edges of the corridor as KIRA, EZRI and GARAK continue to run, getting close to the Runabout pad.

KIRA: HE WAS NOTHING BUT FEDERATION BAIT.

EZRI: I FOR ONE BELIEVED HIM.

* * *

PAGE SEVEN

Panel 1

One third in width – Close up of KIRA as she faces EZRI. She’s not pleased with the Trill’s tone.

KIRA: YOUR OBJECTION IS NOTED.

Panel 2

Two thirds in width – KIRA, GARAK and EZRI bunch together, stopping as they spot in the far distance, two JEM’HADAR soldiers standing guard just outside the Runabout pad. The soldiers are armed with JEM’HADAR RIFLES. The corridor to the launch bay curls around, and immediately in front of KIRA, EZRI and GARAK is a wall with a CONDUIT CRAWLWAY HATCH.

GARAK: UH OH!

EZRI: THEY’VE FOUND THE RUNABOUT.

KIRA: ONLY TWO GUARDS.

GARAK: I’LL TRY AND SNEAK ON THEM FROM THE OTHER SIDE.

Panel 3

One third in width - as panel 2, but with only EZRI and GARAK in the Panel. GARAK slinks his way to the hatch, taking a hold, with his head turned towards EZRI who is gesturing quietly to him.

EZRI: WAIT! MAYBE I SHOULD GO…

Panel 4

One third in width – As panel 3, GARAK signals to EZRI that he’s going to be just fine. EZRI herself has slinked her way over against the wall next to the hatchway, GARAK passes the hatch to her.

GARAK: SHHH. REMEMBER EZRI. NO FEAR.

Panel 5

One third in width – As panel 4, GARAK goes into the conduit crawl way head first. He speaks quietly to Ezri who has now taken position holding the hatch in her hands ready to place it back into position.

GARAK: SEE YOU AT THE BITTER END.

Panel 6

Wide panel, slightly narrower then the regular wide panel –The panel shows a cutaway scene with GARAK as he starts to climb into the CONDUIT CRAWLWAY. The crawl way will take GARAK over to the left hand side of the CORRIDOR landing him behind the two guards who stand facing away from us. We can see the inside of the crawl way as if watching through glass. The hatch on left hand side of the crawl way is shut. With KIRA and EZRI keeping low at the right hand side of the panel, they watch as GARAK attempts his surprise offensive.

GARAK: IT’S ALL BEHIND ME NOW. NO ANXIETY, NO FEAR…

* * *

PAGE EIGHT

PLEASE NOTE: Panels 1, 2 and 3 will continue to shrink in scale as GARAK crawls through. We have focalised through GARAK’S MIND’S EYE. We do not see beyond the CONDUIT CRAWLWAY as we did in the previous panel on page seven. The background behind the panels will be black so as to add to the reader’s perception of GARAK’S predicament.

Panel 1

Wide panel, slightly smaller in scale – GARAK mutters to himself as he crawls along slowly. The hatch behind him is clunked back into place.

SFX: CLUNK.

GARAK: SEE? I TOLD YOU, NO FEAR.

Panel 2

Wide panel, two thirds in scale – GARAK begins to look around a little more nervous than the previous panel. We can see he’s starting to shake a little. Losing a bit of his ability to feel safe.

GARAK: FOCUS ON TASK… OH ELIM? JUST FOCUS…

Panel 3

Wide panel, half the scale of the previous panel – We can just see GARAK who almost fills the space in the panel. He has now turned onto his back, kicking at the sides of the conduit. He’s reaching out for the left side hatch. He is terrified.

GARAK: ARGG! IT’S NOT MY FAULT!

Panel 4

Half width panel, as normal – GARAK bursts out of the CONDUIT throwing the hatch to the ground. The two JEM’HADAR soldiers turn, instantly taking aim with their firearms.

SFX: (HATCH) CLUUUNNKK!

JEM’HADAR GUARD #1: HOLD IT. STOP RIGHT THERE.

GARAK: AGGHHH! DON’T TOUCH… DON’T TOUCH ME!

Panel 5

Half width panel – Close up of JEM’HADAR #1 as he signals his commanding officer over his communicator on his wrist. In the background, the second JEM’HADAR SOLDIER restrains the frantic, thrashing GARAK who continues to kick at thin air. GARAK’S eyes are wide open with fear.

JEM’HADAR GUARD #1: FIRST, WE HAVE ONE PRISONER. IT’S NOT JARINN.

GARAK: GET YOUR HANDS OFF OF ME…

* * *

PAGE NINE

Panel 1

Half width panel – The intolerant JEM’ HADAR soldier takes GARAK by the scruff of his jacket while the other keeps a firm hold of him.

JEM’HADAR GUARD #1: TELL ME; IS THIS YOUR SHIP IN THE DOCKING PAD?

GARAK: SHIP? IN A DOCKING PAD? HOW ODD…

JEM’HADAR GUARD #1: OPEN THE LOCK.

GARAK: I’M JUST A SIMPLE TAILOR, I WOULD NOT KNOW HOW!

Panel 2

Open, half width panel – The shot is at a low angle. KIRA and EZRI have double backed their plan and are back in the lower corridor. One side of the wall is set at the right of the panel. KIRA stands against the wall with her PHASER RIFLE aimed at dark corners as they press on.

EZRI: WE BETTER GO BACK FOR GARAK.

KIRA: WE’LL HAVE TO FIND ANOTHER WAY TO GET TO THE RUNABOUT.

EZRI: ARE WE LEAVING HIM BEHIND AS WELL?

Panel 3

Two panel’s tall, half width panel – As panel two, but KIRA swings around the corner aiming sporadically at anything that moves. EZRI is making sure the corridor behind them is safe, but she is looking behind herself towards KIRA with bitterness.

KIRA: AND YOU THINK WE HAVE A CHOICE?

EZRI: I DON’T LEAVE COMRADES BEHIND!

KIRA: THAT’S ENOUGH EZRI, YOU’RE OUT OF LINE.

Panel 4

Half width panel – KIRA and EZRI suddenly stop to listen to JARINN as his voice boomed over the intercom. KIRA’S hand is over her mouth, instructing silence.

JARINN: (OVER COMM.) HELLO FELLOW DOMINION. NICE OF YOU TO DROP IN.

KIRA: SHH -- LISTEN…

Panel 5

Half width panel – Back with GARAK and the two JEM’HADAR. JEM’HADAR #1 has opened the conduit panel to the right of the airlock and is pulling out power cables. GARAK listens with the two SOLDIERS to the message as it blasts through the entire station.

JARINN: (OVER COMM.) AND JUST IN TIME TOO THE NEW DRUG IS READY FOR YOU TO TAKE BACK.

GARAK: JARINN!

* * *

PAGE TEN

Panel 1

Wide panel – We are now with JARINN who is now in the security office. We see at the very bottom of the panel, black shapes that appear to be storage barrels. The storage boxes have “HIGHLY FLAMMABLE” written on them as a severe warning. JARINN talks at the intercom panel on the side wall. He appears calm but carries his head with a sense of darkness and menace.

JARINN: I HAVE A PHASER AIMED AT THE ENTIRE BATCH. UNLESS YOU LET THE CARDASSIAN TAILOR GO FREELY… WELL… I DON’T NEED TO SPELL IT OUT TO YOU, DO I?

Panel 2

One third in width – The Two JEM’HADAR SOLDIERS listen with ferocious intent and are angered at the threat. GARAK is surprised that JARINN knows so much.

GARAK: BUT, THE TAILOR? HOW DID YOU KNOW…

JARINN: (OVER COMM.) YES, I CAN HEAR YOUR EVERY WORD.

Panel 3

One third in width – Mid shot on KIRA and EZRI as they stand waiting for the outcome of this threat. KIRA is obviously a little startled by this latest development and she looks up at the ceiling wondering where JARINN is calling from. EZRI seems surprised, but not hopeful.

JARINN: (OVER COMM.) I CAN HEAR EVERYTHING ON THIS STATION.

Panel 4

One third in width - Close up on KIRA from above the neckline. She now appears saddened by the CARDASSIAN’S efforts. We can tell she feels bad about not believing him.

JARINN: (OVER COMM.) KIRA, I’M PREPARED TO DIE TO SAVE YOUR LIFE!

Panel 5

One third in width – The two JEM’HADAR are riled up. JEM’HADAR #1 shouts angrily across at the other SOLDIER.

JEM’HADAR SOLDIER #1: ARRG! RELEASE HIM.

Panel 6

Two thirds in width – As panel 5, but this time, JEM’HADAR #1 is whispering in the other SOLDIER’S ear.

JEM’HADAR SOLDIER #1: (WHISPER) FIND JARINN. WE MUST HAVE THAT WHITE.

* * *

PAGE ELEVEN

Panel 1

Open, half width panel – As the soldiers trot past, Kira and EZRI Dax lower themselves – still half lit in the darkness of the workers bay hatch.

SFX: (BOOTS) CLIP CLAP, CLIP CLAP…

Panel 2

Half width panel – KIRA runs over to the RUNABOUT PAD door controls. EZRI looks for GARAK.

KIRA: LET’S HURRY BEFORE THEY COME BACK.

EZRI: GARAK?

Panel 3

Half width panel – As EZRI turns the corner to see GARAK lying happily on the floor. He is breathing calmly; his hair is slightly messed from his panic. None the less, he is very bright eyed and pleased to see EZRI and KIRA.

GARAK: AHH KIRA, EZRI. I’M AFRAID I HAD A SLIGHT RELAPSE.

Panel 4

One quarter width panel – KIRA taps a command into the door computer. Her expression is straight forward concentration, without emotion.

KIRA: NO TIME FOR EXCUSES GARAK.

Panel 5

One quarter width panel – As panel 4, the doors swish open in front of KIRA, causing her hair to blow slightly. She turns to GARAK, with a slight smile of appreciation.

KIRA: BUT I’M GLAD YOU’RE OKAY.

Panel 6

Half width panel – The RIO GRANDE ascends from the launch pad with its nose tilted up. Sparks show from below as their leaving is rushed; KIRA has knocked the sides of the launch bay on departure.

JARINN: (OVER COMM.) HURRY AWAY MY FRIENDS.

Panel 7

Half width panel – The RIO GRANDE is now flying (facing toward us) past one of the lower pylons. It gently rises with motion, still ascending, but moving fast enough for us to see the trail of sparks from knocking the launch bay.

JEM’HADAR SOLDIER: (OVER COMM) PUT DOWN THE PHASER JARINN!

JARINN: (OVER COMM) DON’T COME ANY CLOSER

* * *

PAGE TWELVE

Panel 1

As the RIO GRANDE levels off, moving fast towards us, we watch as a small area of EMPOK NOR’S promenade explodes dramatically sending shards of debris out into space.

SFX: (EXPLOSION) KABOOM!

Panel 2

Two thirds in width – KIRA sits at the helm with EZRI. GARAK sits sleepily in the chair behind KIRA. We see the shot from EZRI’S side. KIRA looks glum having nothing to show for this latest mission. EZRI is likewise looking as down as to her inability to perform her task.

EZRI: ARE YOU OKAY KIRA.

KIRA: I WAS WRONG.

EZRI: NO I THINK WE WERE BOTH WRONG. WE BOTH DIDN’T KNOW WHAT TO THINK.

Panel 3

Half width panel – Same angle as panel 2, closer in on EZRI.

EZRI: I SUPPOSE NOW, THAT IF THERE IS ONE CARDASSIAN FIGHTING AGAINST THE DOMINION.

Panel 4

Half width panel – reverse angle shown from KIRA’S side, looking over towards EZRI. GARAK can be seen just behind KIRA now looking thoughtful and retrospective.

KIRA: THEN THERE MUST BE OTHERS OUT THERE.

EZRI: EVEN IF IT IS JUST A HANDFUL, IT IS BETTER THAN NOTHING.

--- END OF SCRIPT ---