Star Trek: The Chip

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Subject: The Chip (Something went wrong)
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Date: 19 Feb 93 17:05:53 -0600
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I hope this works this time.

________________________________________________________
12/16/93 Deep Space Nine, "The Chip"(v#4)By Glen Johnson
FADE IN

ESTABLISHING SHOT - STAR FILLED VIEW OF DEEP SPACE

The frame is filled with stars. The following words fade
into the screen.

STARDATE 46399.2
Within weeks of its discovery,
many small scout ships started
conducting precursory sweeps of the
area beyond the wormhole. . .

Words fade, giving way to the stars.

PULL BACK TO REVEAL a star filled view screen of a small
Federation scout ship. MADISON and KEMP are at their
stations.

KEMP
We've dropped out of warp. . . Final
approach to the wormhole plotted.

MADISON
(Pause, looking at readings on console)
Are your readouts showing a large free
asteroid heading in our direction?

KEMP
(Working out trajectory data
for the asteroid)
I see it.
(Pause, then continue)
Data indicates that it'll pass wide of
the wormhole and us. Nothing to worry
about.

MADISON
I'd like to ignore this thing and get
back to DS-9 right now, but if we don't
scan it they'll just send us back
through to track it down. . . Set an
intercept course.

KEMP
(Setting course)
That's all I'd need. I got a hot time
planned and don't want to miss it.

MADISON
I don't plan on pulling you out of jail
like the last station where you had a
'good time planned.' If you wind up in
one again, you can rot for a while.
(MORE)
MADISON (Cont)
(Brief pause, ribbing Kemp)
I hear they haven't updated those
Cardassian jail cells to the luxurious
Federation standards yet.

KEMP
It can't be as bad as the last time. . .
That Klingon cellmate they gave me had
an attitude against Humans.

MADISON
(Sarcastic)
He looked so disappointed when I bailed
you out. . . Like a kid that had his
favorite toy taken away.

KEMP
We're within optimum sensor range.

MADISON
Bring'em all on-line. There is no sense
leaving any unanswered questions.

A panel alarm will sound.

KEMP
Sensors are detecting some kind of
irregular object on the surface.

MADISON
(Operating controls)
Bringing it to main screen.

Show the wreckage of a small ship on the view screen. Only
small parts of it are intact and recognizable.

KEMP
Scanners show no radiation above
background. . . If it is a ship, it's
old. Too old to be Federation in this
area.

MADISON
Materials aren't consistent with any
known starship construction. . . No
unusual materials, just old technology.

KEMP
I think we better report this
immediately. They're going to want a
team of experts on that rock before it
goes too far.
MADISON
Get a quick scan, then we'll come about
and head for the station.

CUT TO:

EXT - STARBASE AND DOCKED SHIPS - ONE YEAR LATER

Show the base with a few docked ships, a ship emerging from
the wormhole in B.G. Lettering will fade in stating it's one
year later.

SISKO'S OFFICE - SAME TIME

Commander SISKO will be at his desk looking at the list of
items that arrived and is in the middle of discussing them
with CHIEF O'BRIEN.

O'BRIEN
That list shows everything that arrived
for us on the last supply ship. The only
passengers are Dr. Holdon and two of his
assistants. He's a cybernetics engineer
from Earth Research Complex. . . He says
he needs to speak with you right away.

SISKO
Did he say why?

O'BRIEN
He'd only say that it was important.

SISKO
Where is he now?

O'BRIEN
He is probably halfway here from the
docking area.

SISKO
When he shows let me know. . .
(Noticing something of interest
on the list)
I see the relay we ordered finally
showed up.

O'BRIEN
If we can get it to work.

SISKO
What is wrong with it?
O'BRIEN
The component's fine, but the Cardassian
systems don't match with what Starfleet
sent.
SISKO
Can you make it work?

O'BRIEN
I may be able to rig it. The trick will
be doing it while keeping all the
components balanced. This thing can
output fifty times faster than what it's
replacing.

SISKO
Give it a try and let me know if it
works.

O'BRIEN
(Turning to leave)
If you hear a bit of an explosion from
the switching grid area, you'll know it
didn't work.

SISKO
(Smile)

PORTAL - POV SISKO

As O'Brien leaves DR. HOLDON will enter uninvited.

O'BRIEN
(Look back at Holdon as they pass)

HOLDON
Sorry to disturb you Commander, but my
mission is very time sensitive.

SISKO
(Giving Holdon a suspicious glance
and sarcastic tone)
Ah! Dr Holdon I presume. I was just
about to make a note to call you at my
earliest convenience. But since you're
here. . . have a seat.

HOLDON
(Finding a seat)
I know this is a bit abrupt, but I need
your help with a rather delicate matter.
I need to contact the Pal people to
negotiate for the services of a Dr.
King.
SISKO
(Astonishment)
The Dr. King arrested by the Pal for
murdering ten of their people? He's
accused of conducting illegal
experiments on them.
(Brief pause)
You must be joking.

HOLDON
That's the one. . . and I'm not.

SISKO
He almost caused them to break all
relations with the Federation, and you
want me to help get him out? They were a
rather reclusive race before, but now. .
. no chance!

HOLDON
Not just arrested, he confessed, and
he's sentenced to death. But I don't
want him free. . . I want him for an
experiment.

SISKO
What kind of experiment?

HOLDON
Do you remember about a year ago, when
the first organized charting missions
where being conducted beyond?
(Standing to pace)
One of those missions found the wreckage
of an alien ship on a free asteroid.

SISKO
Yes, inside were the remains of two
aliens of unknown race. They were
remarkably well preserved in their
environment-suits, a substantial find.

HOLDON
Yes, quite remarkable, but that was only
part of it. Inside of each of their
brain cavities was a microchip of some
kind. We've tried to assess the purpose
of it, but so far we haven't been able
to make any headway. . . They've been
hooked up to every computer available,
with every imaginable test run. Nothing
has given us any information about the
things.
SISKO
Well and good, but how does that effect
Dr. King? He is a toxicologist. I don't
see how he can offer any knowledge that
will help.

HOLDON
I don't want his knowledge, I want his
body. . . before he's executed.

SISKO
(Perplexed)
His body?

HOLDON
We were at a loss and couldn't think of
how to proceed.
(Pause to sit, serious tone)
Eventually, someone came up with the
bright idea of implanting the chip into
a living organism. Perhaps it would
activate. A bit far fetched I admit, but
we had nothing to lose. . . We immersed
it in a vat of cloned tissue and slight
electrical activity started around the
chip. Not much. . . but more than we
actually expected. From there we planted
it into the brain of a rat.
(Excited)
The results where remarkable. For a
short time the chip stimulated the
growth of new neural pathways.
(Brief pause)
Later we planted it in the brain of a
chimp with about the same results.
Except this time the growth was far more
extensive, and much more rapid. . . But
again the growth stopped with no real
results beyond that.

SISKO
Your theory of what the thing is?

HOLDON
My guess is it's a memory chip that
would assist its host in mnemonic
functions. . . basic data storage.

SISKO
And now you want to implant it into Dr.
King? Experimentation on humans like
that is illegal.
HOLDON
Not if the subject gives knowing and
informed consent. Besides, it would be
poetic justice. . . wouldn't it?

SISKO
Yes. . . it would. . . But since the law
says you need his consent, what makes
you think he'll give it? Or that the Pal
will let him even if he wants to?

HOLDON
As for King, do you have any idea how
the Pal execute someone?

SISKO
They give them a lethal injection of
sorts.

HOLDON
It's not some humane poison that kills
you quickly.
(Pause)
They inject you with a very insidious
virus that kills you slowly, and very
painfully. It eats the tissue of the
body. As it does, it releases a
byproduct that's acidic into the
bloodstream, a tenderizer of sorts. This
pre-digests the tissue it contacts,
allowing for faster digestion. Thus
releasing more of the acid faster, and
so on. . . Death can sometimes take over
a month, each day you suffer knowing
that the next day's pain will be even
worse than what your presently
experiencing. It's not a very pleasant
way to die. . . If he accepts being my
guinea pig, I intend to offer him a
quick, painless death as opposed to what
he now faces.

SISKO
I can see where that would get his
attention. . . But what about the Pal?
He's under their jurisdiction, not mine.
What if they don't want to accept?

HOLDON
They're a race dedicated to the quest
for knowledge, and have tied up great
amounts of their planet's resources to
that sacred quest. I'm hoping that
they'll see how much knowledge may be
gained by this experiment and allow it
to proceed. . .
(MORE)
HOLDON (Cont)
Besides, you were the great negotiator
that convinced them not to break
relations when he was arrested. I have
faith that you can perform the same kind
of miracle for this.

SISKO
I'm glad you have faith, but I had to
make a lot of promises to pull it off.
And one was to allow them to prosecute
without Federation interference. Now you
want me to intervene.

HOLDON
I've been doing my homework. The treaty
with the Pal clearly gives them the
right to arrest, try, and punish him. It
also states that whenever practical,
they are to do so with consideration to
Federation laws, standards and values. A
small hold, but it should give you some
grounds for compromise in the matter.

SISKO
Perhaps it's worth a try, but understand
this. . .
(Speak sternly)
I will not compromise the relation with
the Pal to get this deal made.

HOLDON
Fair enough. I contacted them and asked
that the execution be postponed until I
arrived. They gave me until tomorrow.

SISKO
You do know that they will only
negotiate face to face, an old and still
honored tradition of their people? We'll
have to go to their planet to discuss it
with them.

HOLDON
Yes, but you'll have to go without me. I
don't want them to know I arrived yet.
That way if they don't agree . . . I'll
have until tomorrow to try and think of
something else.

SISKO
I've some things to finish before I can
go, but it won't take long.
HOLDON
Good. In the meantime I'll be sampling
what Mr. Quark's establishment has to
offer.

SISKO
How did you find out about his place so
soon? You must have come straight here
the from docking areas.

HOLDON
Mr. Quark met the ship and personally
invited passengers and crew to join him.

SISKO
I give him credit for quick thinking. I
just made him remove a bunch of notices
he had in all the locks. He's supposed
to keep his advertising in the
promenade.
(Activate communicator)
Sisko to Major Kira.

KIRA
(Voice Only on communicator)
Kira here!

SISKO
Could you come in here for a moment?

KIRA
(Voice Only on communicator)
Yes Sir.

POV SISKO - OFFICE PORTAL

KIRA will enter through the portal.

SISKO
Have a ship readied, I'm going to be
going to the Pal system.

KIRA
Pal? Why there?

SISKO
I'm going to negotiate the method of
execution for Dr. King.

KIRA
You mean you have a more sadistic method
of death than what they've planned?

SISKO
No. . . I'm going to try and negotiate a
more humane death for him.
KIRA
What? I thought that after what you went
through to keep relations with the Pal,
your only regret would be that he could
only die once.

SISKO
Something like that, I'll explain when I
get the chance. Just have the ship
prepared and standing by.

KIRA
I can't wait to hear this one.
(Exit the room)

HOLDON
(Stand to shake Sisko's hand)
Thank you Commander. I'll be waiting for
your return.
(Turn to leave)

CUT TO:

QUARK'S - FEW HOURS LATER

PAN the clientele to find Dr. Holdon sitting, nursing a
drink. Hold on him until QUARK comes to sit with him.

QUARK
(Confidentially)
I have been told you are seeking
transport off of DS-9. . . You wish to
leave soon?

HOLDON
As soon as my cargo arrives.

QUARK
Where do you wish to go?

HOLDON
Earth.

QUARK
(Confused)
Ships leave for that area often, one
leaves tomorrow in fact. Why don't you
book passage on one of them?

HOLDON
I don't intend to go all the way to
Earth, and I do not want to be traced.
I'll need to leave on short notice, so
it'll have to be standing by.
QUARK
To tie up a ship that can make that kind
of journey is expensive. How much do you
intend to pay for this service?

HOLDON
(Handing Quark a small readout device)
This should more than cover it.

QUARK
This is a nice figure, but it is in
Federation currency. Easily traceable
out here. . . I will need twice that to
cover costs of filtering the money.

HOLDON
You must be joking! That's twice what
you should expect to get.

QUARK
If the cargo was an honest one, yes. . .
But this smells of something not quite
so honest.

HOLDON
(Upset)
Will it be ready in an hour?

QUARK
(Pause)
Yes, I am sure I can have something
standing by.

HOLDON
Just make sure I get what I pay for.

BARTENDER
(Come up and whisper something
to Quark then leave)

QUARK
It would seem that commander Sisko is
returning from a visit to the Pal. I
think you may be interested in his
arrival.

HOLDON
What makes you think that?

QUARK
I make it a point to keep informed. It
keeps me in business. . . and out of
jail.
HOLDON
I expect the ship to be ready in an
hour.
(Stand and walk out on Quark)

CUT TO:

BAY AREA - CDR SISKO'S RETURN

A runabout class vessel is unloading. Sisko will come off
and be met by Holdon.

HOLDON
How did it go?

SISKO
Your expectation of them was quite
correct. They wish you great knowledge
from your quest.

HOLDON
King? Did you explain it to him?

SISKO
Yes, but he wouldn't give any kind of
answer. He wants to speak to you first.

HOLDON
I'd guess he would have some questions.

POV HOLDON - SHIP DOOR B.G.

Holdon will be facing Sisko and the ship, with the door of
the ship in b.g. Over Sisko's shoulder DR. KING will come
out in restraints.

HOLDON
(As King exits the ship)
This must be Dr. King. How nice of you
to consider my offer.

KING
(Resentful)
It's not like I had a choice, I was
forced into this.

HOLDON
How so? I can't force you to do this.

KING
Coerce is more the word for it. Besides.
. . when you're sentenced to death by
(MORE)
KING (Cont)
the Pal you officially cease to exist as
a being. I'm damaged property that's
been given to you for disposal.

HOLDON
That's not how it is here though. If you
don't want to accept my offer, then you
simply return to the Pal for execution
of your sentence. . . Excuse the pun.

KING
Some choice. Die a hideous death back
there, or be dissected here. But only
after my brain is fried by some kind of
electrical device. Wonderful!

HOLDON
It will not fry your brain. In all of
the experiments the subject suffered no
pain. Other than the growth there should
be no symptoms of any kind.

KING
What makes you think this thing will act
any different than it did with the
chimp? Their physiology's enough like
ours to pass.

HOLDON
It seemed like the growth patterns were
looking to establish a link with the
higher functions of the brain. When it
couldn't find adequate functional
capacity in its host, it discontinued
the growth.

KING
What if this thing links as you put it,
then what?

HOLDON
The odds are that even if it establishes
a link, you probably won't be able to
decipher the data since it will be in an
alien thought pattern.

KING
That's if I choose to do it.

HOLDON
The option is yours. You basically have
to choose either a slow, painful and
useless death, or die helping to further
(MORE)
HOLDON (Cont)
the base of knowledge. Being a scientist
yourself I think you'd rather choose the
latter. . . Would that be a fair
assumption?

KING
Like I pointed out before, some choice.
. . when do we start?

HOLDON
As soon as I can make arrangements for
the trip to Earth, we'll start work
there.

SISKO
Unfortunately that won't be possible.
The Pal traditions require that sentence
be carried out within a set time.
Otherwise the accused must be set free.
That's their law.

HOLDON
How long do we have?

SISKO
Just over three days, that's it.

HOLDON
(Pondering)
That does pose some problems. I didn't
bring some of my team members that are
critical for the project. The most
important one is the surgeon who would
implant the device. It'll take weeks to
get them all here.

SISKO
We have a surgeon here. He may be able
to do it if you give him the needed
information. The facilities here may be
small, but I think with a little work we
should be able to give you anything
you'll need.

KING
You seem awfully helpful after the cold
treatment you gave me on the trip here.
You wouldn't even acknowledge my
presence. Why the interest?

SISKO
I gave my word that I'd return you to
have sentence carried out. I don't
(MORE)
SISKO (Cont)
cherish the concept of capital
punishment myself, but I do value
relations with the Pal.
(Pause)
Besides, the more information that can
be gotten from that chip, the better
prepared we may be for what's beyond the
wormhole. So I definitely have an
interest in how things go.

HOLDON
If it works I'll need time to study it.
That may require resources that only the
Earth Research Complex can provide, what
then?

SISKO
If it comes to that we may be able to
work something out with the Pal. We'll
have to deal with that when the time
comes.

HOLDON
(Pause pondering the problem)
Let's give it a shot. . . I'll draw up a
list of what's needed. I'll also need to
speak with your surgeon to see if he can
do the job.

SISKO
(Jesting with Holdon)
Oh! He is good, fresh out of school.

HOLDON
(Not amused)
You must be joking. You expect me to put
the fate of the project into the hands
of someone with no practical experience.

SISKO
He's really quite good, but you can talk
to him yourself and decide.

HOLDON
Believe me, I will!

SISKO
(Turning to King)
In the meantime, I'm going to treat you
as I promised the Pal leader. You are to
be a non-person while you're waiting for
the work to start.
(MORE)
SISKO (Cont)
(Addressing the guard escorting King)
Put him into security quarantine until
they need him. He's not to speak or be
spoken to until then.

KING
Being a nonentity here can't be nearly
as bad as where you picked me up from. I
could have died just from the cold cell
they had me in.

SISKO
Keep talking and I'll make arrangements
to simulate that cell exactly. Perhaps
even adding a few rats to the picture.

KING
Where you going to find a rat out here?

SISKO
(Grinning)
If not a rat. . . I'm sure we could
find a suitable substitute on some
nearby system.

KING
(Wisely but defiantly keeps his mouth
shut as he is removed)

CUT TO:

QUARK'S

Quark will be siting at a table with a HUMAN, the entrance
to the place will be in the B.G. Dr. Holdon will walk in and
look over the crowd, looking for someone. Quark will gesture
to get his attention.

HOLDON
(Arriving at the table, look
suspiciously at the human)
We have to talk. . . in private.

QUARK
You can speak in front of him, he is the
Captain of the ship you have hired.

HOLDON
(Pause as he looks the person over)
There's been a change of plans. I may
not be able to leave for three days.
QUARK
That does present a problem. A ship
costs whether you use it or not. The
longer you wait the more you will have
to pay.

HOLDON
How much more?

QUARK
(Leans to discuss something privately
with the Human then speaks)
An additional twenty-five percent each
day.

HOLDON
That's outrageous. How can you expect to
get that kind of money?

QUARK
Simple, I have cornered the market for
this kind of business. If you don't deal
with me you'll have to take a regular
passage out. So. . . is it a deal?

HOLDON
(Very distressed)
That ship had better be standing by
waiting!
(Walk out)

HUMAN
(After Holdon is gone)
What happens when he finds out I don't
have a ship?

QUARK
It is just a hunch, but I have the
feeling that he will not be needing it.
Rumor has it that what he's doing is
quite illegal, and will land him in
jail. . . I just want to get his money
before that happens.

CUT TO:

TRACKING SHOT - HALLWAY GOING TO THE MEDICAL FACILITY

Holdon and Sisko will be heading to speak to Dr. Bashir
about the procedure, and his ability to perform it. They
will be discussing other arrangements that are being made.
HOLDON
I've been making arrangements with your
staff. They've assured me that we can
have everything we'll need set up by
tomorrow.

SISKO
Good! I've informed Odo to make security
arrangements for the proceedings.

HOLDON
I don't see much chance of him running,
but it can't hurt. I've consulted with
my staff about Dr. Bashir. We feel he
should be able to perform the procedure
with a reasonable chance of success.
With a few precautions, I don't see how
he could damage the chip. According to
his file, this Doctor of yours seems to
have his feet planted firmly on the
ground.

OVER SHOULDER - POV SISKO AND HOLDON - MEDICAL OFFICE PORTAL

They will be facing the portal as it opens. Inside they will
see DR. BASHIR practicing fast draw with a replica of an old
six-gun.

HOLDON
(Turning to Sisko)
My estimate on King's chances of
surviving the surgery just dropped
dramatically.

BASHIR
(Awkwardly hides gun behind back)

SISKO
(Give Bashir a disgusted look)

ODO
(Voice only over communicator)
Odo to Commander Sisko. We need your
assistance at Mr Quark's place.

SISKO
What now?

ODO
(Voice only over communicator)
It would seem that he is accusing
someone of cheating.

SISKO
I believe the term would be 'The pot
calling the kettle black?'
QUARK
(Voice only in background of
Odo's communicator)
I heard that, whatever it implies I'm
sure I should not like it.

SISKO
I'll be there shortly. Sisko out.

HOLDON
I just need to discuss a few details
with the Doctor. So if you need to go,
be my guest.

SISKO
(making it obvious he doesn't
actually want to go)
All right then, your sure you won't need
me here?

HOLDON
Mr. Quark has quite the place there. It
must keep you amused.

BASHIR
(Sheepish tone)
Keeps him coming here to get something
for a headache is more like it.

SISKO
(turning to leave)
Yeah, that sums it up nicely.

HOLDON
(Look at the gun)

BASHIR
(Noticing Holdon looking at the
gun, embarrassed)
This is not as bad as it looks. . .
Major Kira saw a reference to it in a
book I was reading once. She gave it to
me as a practical joke and I just
thought I'd have a little fun with it.

HOLDON
A joke?

BASHIR
The first time we met I made a comment
about frontier medicine way out here in
the wild. She did not take kindly to the
accidental inference to her people. I
guess I irritate her a bit sometimes.
HOLDON
I understand. . . How would you like to
do some real frontier medicine?

BASHIR
I've heard a bit of what you have in
mind. I'm not sure if I can do what you
ask.
(Put gun away)

HOLDON
It shouldn't be too bad. You've been
trained on similar procedures.

BASHIR
Yes, but you are asking me to do
something using methods that haven't
been used in years. If I had a little
time I could modify the equipment to do
it properly.

HOLDON
Time is something we don't have a great
deal of. Once the chip's implanted it
will take a few days for it to grow its
net and give us any idea what we have.
And that's all the time we have.

BASHIR
And what if he dies because we didn't
take the proper precautions, then what?

HOLDON
We'll take every precaution possible in
the time we have. But I'm sure you are
aware of Dr. King's predicament. His
survival is not a major concern.

BASHIR
Perhaps it's not for you. But it make a
big difference to me if a patient dies
while in my care.

HOLDON
I don't foresee that as being a problem.
In fact I can reasonably assure it.

BASHIR
How? We're going to be cutting into his
brain with slightly better than
scalpels.

HOLDON
Actually it's much less appalling than
that. We simply have to plant it deep
(MORE)
HOLDON (Cont)
enough to allow contact with the outer
layer of the brain. The chip will do the
rest.

BASHIR
And if something goes wrong?

HOLDON
From the minute we start King will have
a small device around his arm. It will,
on my command, administer an overdose of
anesthesia to kill him. I'll have this
in place in case something goes wrong
that may endanger the chip. . . He'll be
dead by my hand, not yours.

BASHIR
(Disgust)
That's a bit cold.

HOLDON
Perhaps, but he is dead no matter what.
It's better that we get some benefit
from his death.

BASHIR
Perhaps. . . but I'll have to talk to
Dr. King before I decide.

HOLDON
That's fine, just decide soon. I have to
make other arrangements if you can't, or
won't do it.

BASHIR
I'll talk to him shortly and give you my
answer right after.

HOLDON
Thank you. . . I'm sure he'll be
cooperative with you. I'll be waiting
for your answer.
(Turn to leave)

BASHIR
(Pause until door closes behind
Holdon, then activate
communicator)
Bashir to Dax!

DAX
(Voice Only on communicator)
Lieutenant Dax here.
BASHIR
I need you to do me a favor if you can.
Find any records on the discovery of two
alien remains found on an asteroid on
the other side of the wormhole.

DAX
(Voice only over communicator)
The ones that Dr. Holdon is studying?

BASHIR
Yes please.

DAX
(Voice only over communicator)
I'll have the files transferred to your
office.

BASHIR
Thanks, I owe you one. Bashir out.

CUT TO:

QUARK'S PLACE

SAM will be seated at one of his tables, a stack of chips in
front of her. She's in a semblance of a Starfleet science
uniform. It will be devoid of normal markings and covered by
a light jacket. ODO will be standing behind her. On the
table will be a circle with a deck of cards scattered face
down inside it. Quark will meet Sisko.

QUARK
(Slight anger)
I demand you do something. The constable
will not make her return what she has
stolen.

SISKO
What's been stolen?

ODO
From what I can tell, we simply have a
case of someone beating one of Quark's
games on a rather consistent basis.

SISKO
(Looking at Quark)
What proof do you have that she's
cheated your game?
QUARK
Just look in front of her. To have won
that much money she must have been
cheating.

SISKO
(Looking at her winnings)
Impressive. . . how did you manage to
win such a large sum?

SAM
A rule of this game is that on your
exit, or last hand, you can bet all of
the money you have on the table. You bet
before you look at your cards, and the
house gives you double payoff if you
win. I decided to do that. . . and won.

QUARK
She still must have cheated.

SAM
Or I'm simply a better player than you.

QUARK
That is not possible.

SAM
Perhaps you'd like to play me yourself
then.

QUARK
Let you play me with my own money, I
think not.

SISKO
I don't see any indication that she
stole anything. I'm afraid unless you
can give me some proof, there's nothing
I can do.

QUARK
I can see this is going nowhere.

SAM
(Challenging Quark)
Come on. One draw of the cards, double
or nothing, high card takes all. You
draw first, and you win if we tie. . .
(Insinuative)
Or are you afraid someone is going to
cheat?

ODO
Sounds fair to me. Doesn't it seem that
way to you also Commander?
SISKO
Quite.

Quark will draw, doing it defiantly, being pressured into
it. Sam will draw, hiding hers slightly with her hand.

QUARK
(A slight grin as he shows his card)
The holder, try to beat that.

SAM
(Showing no expression until
finished speaking)
Have you heard the Human phrase 'An ace
is an ace, even in space.'

QUARK
(Settling quietly into a chair,
making no move to pay her off)
I can't believe it.

SAM
(Gathering her chips)
I think I'll be leaving now.

SISKO
Not quite yet, I have a few questions
for you. Like who are you, and how you
come to be wearing what looks like a
Starfleet uniform?

SAM
(Annoyed)
My name is Samantha Ryan. I used to be
in Starfleet and was an archaeologist
assigned to cataloging samples on
Brightens Planet. Things just got a bit
boring for me there, so when my term was
up, I left.

ODO
How does someone like you manage to
afford a luxury ship like the one you
have?

SISKO
(Inquisitive)
Luxury ship?

ODO
A Xebec class yacht. Her ship is being
detained for safety violations because
she does not have the minimum safe
complement of crew for it. It would seem
(MORE)
ODO (Cont)
that she wants to travel through to the
other side by herself. We are also
checking her registry to see if it is
valid.

SAM
First off, my ship is no longer a yacht.
I've stripped most of the cabins to
allow for cargo and lab space and it's
now classified and registered as an
advanced scout ship. Second, it has
special modifications that make it
perfectly safe to fly solo.
(Shoot Quark a sour look when
saying 'Ferengi')
And third, I won it fair and square from
some rich kid Ferengi who inherited a
fortune and wanted to lose it in a card
game.
(Brief pause)
He couldn't keep his eyes or his hands
off me long enough to play the game. So
you have no reason to hold my ship.

ODO
Regardless of the configuration, you
must have at least two people on board
to legally pilot a ship of that size in
this sector.

SISKO
Why did you strip out the cabins? And
why would you need a lab?

SAM
When I got bored with my job I decided
to go freelance. . . I intend to go
beyond the wormhole to chart and
explore. And perhaps find my own
archaeological discoveries to work on.

SISKO
(Insinuative)
And sell them to the highest bidder?

SAM
I won't need to. The Federation will pay
plenty for valid data from deep
exploration excursions. They would
rather pay good money to a free-lancer
like me than tie up their own resources
this far out. That will pay well enough
for me. Anything else I find will be
turned over to the proper organizations
for study.
SISKO
If you were an archaeologist in
Starfleet, how did you learn to pilot a
starship?

SAM
My father was a free-trader, and a bit
of a gambler. When my mother died I had
to travel with him. We flew by ourselves
for years and I had two choices, learn
the job and help, or be in the way. . .
So I learned.

ODO
Did you learn to fly as well as you
learned to gamble?

SAM
Better!

SISKO
Why didn't you become an officer when
you joined Starfleet. . . Then you would
have been able to use your skills.

SAM
(State with a bit of
resentment, bitter)
I didn't have enough education to become
an officer. They would put me through
school in the field of my choice if I
took an assignment of their choice. It
was my best offer.

SISKO
Now what do you plan to do?

SAM
Use the money I just won to hire some
schmuck to go along for the ride. That
way you'll have to let me go.

ODO
That schmuck, as you put it will have to
be more than just an observer. I'll be
checking credentials to see if he. . .
or she can fill the position
requirements.

SAM
There must be some stray crew types
around here, I'll just have to do a
little looking.
SISKO
I just hope you find someone you can
trust.

ODO
(Glancing at Quark)
That leaves out anyone you can find in
this place. . . I believe you owe this
lady some money.

QUARK
(begrudgingly counting out the money)
And trusting you is supposed to be any
better of a proposition?

SISKO
I'll make you a deal. If you leave Mr.
Quark here alone and don't cause any
other trouble, I'll help you find a
suitable crew member. . . Deal?

SAM
Fair enough. I've a few minor changes to
make on my ship and supplies to
purchase. I think I can keep busy enough
to stay out of trouble.

SISKO
Good, that should make Mr. Quark breathe
a little easier.

QUARK
(Grumble and walk away)

SISKO
Constable, would you please have someone
escort Ms. Ryan to her ship. I'm sure
that her luck has not gone totally
unnoticed by the clientele.

ODO
(Being very polite, pleased
that she took Quark)
My pleasure! Come with me, I'll escort
you personally!

SAM
(finishing gathering the money,
slight bow)
Thank you!

Two thugs, one HUMAN and one FERENGI watch Sam and Odo leave
and follow a little behind. It should be obvious that they
have something crooked in mind.
TRACKING SHOT - HALL AREA - SAM AND ODO

They discuss the encounter at Quarks.

ODO
By the way, how did you manage to beat
the odds?

SAM
Off the record?

ODO
(Brief pause)
Alright.

SAM
I set him up.

ODO
You cheated?

SAM
No, I baited him. I know the Ferengi. .
. they can't resist an easy mark. So I
came in with a lot of money and acted
like I had no idea how to play. When
they saw that, they took out a marked
deck. . . I won't cheat an honest game,
but once the marked cards came out,
anything goes.

ODO
He must have some new way to mark the
deck, I check them regularly and have
not found any marked cards in some time.

SAM
Same old marks. He probably has spotters
watching to make sure they pull them off
the table when you or your men are
coming.

ODO
Why was the deck still there when I
arrived then?

SAM
I noticed the dealer was getting a
little nervous about something. As a
rule. . . 'when he gets nervous so
should you.' I just made a lot of noise
so people would look my way and call
security. It didn't allow him enough
time to move them.
(MORE)
SAM (Cont)
(Brief pause)
I had no idea you were the reason he was
getting nervous. You must have been
really close.

ODO
I was just coming in when I heard you
making noise.
(Pause)
If the cards are marked, why did he draw
the holder? It's only the second highest
card. . . He could have drawn the ace.

SAM
It would be suspicious. Besides, he
needed to see if I was on to him.

ODO
Ferengi don't give money just to see if
they are right about something.

SAM
No, but if I knew the cards where marked
and he drew the ace, he has to figure
I'd turn him in. . . By allowing me the
ace to win he could buy me off. And it
would let him know for sure that I was
on to him.

ODO
(Big grin)
Well done! Now that I know what he is up
to I can go in disguised and catch him
in the act.

SAM
If you do I'd like it if you could wait
until I've been gone for a few weeks.
That way he won't know I let on. . . But
he'll just find another way to cheat.

ODO
True, I'll have to give it some thought.
In the mean time I'll just make a few
extra known visits to his place to keep
the marked cards off the table.

SAM
That will irritate him a bit. The marked
cards will only be out when there's a
pigeon with a lot of money playing.

ODO
A pigeon?
SAM
It's an old Earth slang for someone
easily deceived or cheated.

ODO
(As they arrive at the dock)
Here you are, I hope everything checks
out on your registry.

SAM
I'll be hearing from you soon I'm sure.
I made certain all the paperwork was in
order before I came out this way.

ODO
(Nod then turn to leave)

PULL BACK TO REVEAL a shadowed area behind some crates. In
the B.G. Odo will be leaving and Sam will enter her ship
(Her door closes). The two thugs that followed them out of
Quark's place will be in the shadows watching the scene.

CUT TO:

HOLDON'S ROOM

Dr. Bashir will enter Dr. Holdon's room to talk. Bashir
will, after being invited in, sit uneasily at the table.

BASHIR
(Preparing to speak, struggling
for the words)

HOLDON
(Cutting Bashir short)
You've made up your mind then?

BASHIR
Yes!
(Pause)
It would seem that Dr. King is in favor
of it and has made an informed decision
about the matter, and so. . . I'll do
it.

HOLDON
I assure you he knows perfectly well
what's at risk. And he also knows what
he will get if he doesn't do it.

BASHIR
That sounds a lot like blackmail to me.
HOLDON
Not blackmail. I'm simply offering him a
choice. One that may benefit humanity in
the process.

BASHIR
He believes that himself. I don't see
how he could have killed those people,
he's a decent person.

HOLDON
I'm sure he's done a bit of soul
searching since his arrest.

BASHIR
Perhaps.
(Pause)
In any case I'll be ready tomorrow. . .
I have things to prepare.
(Turn and leave)

CUT TO:

EXT OF STATION - DR. BASHIR'S LOG ENTRY

He will be making a somber entry into his personal log.

BASHIR
(Voice only)
Personal log; medical officer Bashir. I
am still not sure if it is morally
correct to do this procedure. This
concern with the moral dilemma of live
testing is perhaps part of the reason I
didn't enter the research field. There
is one more dilemma here to face. . .
Before the cures for cancer, many people
where faced with the prospect of a long
and painful death. They were denied the
option of suicide because of the moral
implications. Is this any different?
Unable to come to a conclusion, I
proceed in dismay.

CUT TO:

OPERATING ROOM - KING IS ON OPERATING ROOM TABLE

Bashir and his assistant, LIEUTENANT BROOK are about to
proceed. Holdon is observing, standing ready with the device
to execute King. King will have the band on his arm.
HOLDON
It would seem that everything's ready
Doctor, I hope you're feeling up to the
task?

BASHIR
(Looking at Holdon then making eye
contact with King)

KING
It's all right. Think of it like leaving
an organ donor clause in a will. Only
I'll get the chance to see what benefit
will come from my donation.

BASHIR
(Taking a deep breath)
Lieutenant. . . Administer three units
of Clortridean, then keep a steady point
five units per fifteen minute cycle.

HOLDON
(Agitated)
That is not what you were directed to
give. It calls for. . .

BASHIR
(Cutting off Holdon, blunt)
My concern here is for the survival of
the patient. What you directed me to
give would not block the activity in the
area to be operated on. Complications
would be likely to cause brain damage.
Now either stand there and let me
proceed as I see fit, or find someone
else to do the job.

HOLDON
It would take too long to get someone
else sent in. You know that.

BASHIR
Then I proceed?

KING
(Smile at Bashir)

HOLDON
(Sedate)
All right then, proceed.

BASHIR
Lieutenant!

BROOK
(Administers the drug and
King goes out.)

BASHIR
(As he starts)
Start a timer. We can only have him
under this anesthesia for an hour. Any
longer and he may have a reaction to it.

HOLDON
Can you finish in that time? We set
aside much more.

BASHIR
It may or may not please you to know
that I couldn't sleep last night. So I
spent the time calibrating the equipment
to do this right. It'll let him walk out
of here instead of spending days in
recovery.

HOLDON
(Showing obvious concern)
We'll see.

SERIES OF SHOTS - THE OPERATION

Show progressive strain on the participants and the clock in
progressive ticks counting down. When it nears one hour
things will start to happen.

BASHIR
Just about finished.

HOLDON
Good.
(Setting down his triggering device
and step up to start readings
on King with a device)

BASHIR
You can start withdrawing the dosage now
by twenty five percent each cycle.

BROOK
Yes Doctor.

BASHIR
Closing, stimulating cellular growth to
the incision.
BROOK
(Brief pause, concern)
Doctor. . . I'm getting some very
unusual readings. . . neural activity in
the brain is unusually high.

BASHIR
Let me see. . . this can't be. Neural
growth has already started.

HOLDON
How long until the incision is closed?

BASHIR
Just over three minutes. It will kill
him if the closing process is
interrupted by the growth.

HOLDON
(Reaching for the triggering device)
That's enough, I can't risk the chip.

BASHIR
(Violently ripping the arm band
off king, angry)
He will make it. . . Lieutenant, give
him one dose, fifty units of Noradine
followed immediately by five units
Calnoradine and continue it every five
minute cycle.

HOLDON
That will destroy the growth.

BASHIR
The fifty units would if it had time,
but the Calnoradine will control the
absorption of the toxin to just keep the
growth in check for a while.

Brook will inject the dosage, then there will be a pause to
let it work.

BROOK
(After the pause)
The growth has reduced to acceptable
levels.

BASHIR
Good, we don't want to kill the growing
cells. Just keep the flow of the
antitoxin balanced to slow it until the
incision is closed. Then adjust it to
control the process.
HOLDON
How did you know Noradine would work?

BASHIR
Dr. King and myself had a little talk
last night. Toxins and how they can be
used beneficially is his specialty. We
came up with it together.

HOLDON
All I can say is that it better not
damage the chip in any way.

BASHIR
(Anger)
All I know is that you seem a little
quick to not see him make it. I had
better not find any improprieties in
these proceedings. . . Lieutenant, see
to it that what I prescribed is followed
to the letter. No exceptions.
(Storming out of the room)
Call me as soon as there is any change.
I have to speak with someone.

BROOK
Yes Doctor.

CUT TO :

LIEUTENANT DAX'S OFFICE

LIEUTENANT DAX will be at her desk. A signal from the door.

DAX
Come in.

BASHIR
(Walking in, puzzled)
I've read the files that you sent,
thanks. . . Something doesn't ring true
about all this though.

DAX
What seems to be the puzzle?

BASHIR
It's Holdon. He's not acting with good
ethical judgement. For a scientist, he
seems to be awfully willing to kill Dr.
King without giving a chance to let the
test run its course.
DAX
I don't know much about the two. Perhaps
he has something to settle with King.

BASHIR
According to King they've never met
before.

DAX
You don't necessarily have to meet
someone to want him dead.

BASHIR
What possible reason could there be?

DAX
I could bring up both of their files and
have the computer compare them. See if
it can find some connection between
them.

BASHIR
(Backing through the door)
Thanks Dax, I owe you another one.

DAX
(As Bashir exits)
And when do I collect?

BASHIR
(Just smile in reply as the door closes)

DAX
(Shake her head and smile, a
little annoyed at the response)

CUT TO:

KING'S HOLDING CELL - SISKO ARRIVING

King will be sitting on his bunk.

SISKO
How are you feeling?

KING
(Surprised)
I thought I was not to be spoken to?

SISKO
(Pause)
I don't like the idea of what's
happening. . . I really don't care to
see
(MORE)
SISKO (Cont)
anyone die, for any reason. Besides, Dr.
Bashir's been telling me that he thinks
you're innocent of the charges

KING
I earned this death. I did kill those
people.
(Stand to pace)
It's funny. . . The fine line between
being a hero and being a criminal is so
slight.

SISKO
Explain.

KING
Those people I killed where terminally
ill. I was looking for a cure for a
disease that was killing them.

SISKO
Why did you kill them?

KING
The Pal are a reclusive people. They
will not use anything that isn't from
their world. Federation technology would
have easily eradicated the disease, but
the cure must come from their planet,
with their technology. So I set out to
do just that. . . and it worked. I cured
twenty-five of the thirty five
volunteers. The problem is that ten of
them had an allergic reaction that was
fatal. . . The disease made them so weak
they couldn't take the reaction. I
solved the problem with the medication
before they arrested me.

SISKO
Did you explain that at your trial?

KING
Yes, but their law doesn't allow for
this kind of testing. . .Those people
who volunteered were near death. They
where so desperate that they were
willing to risk everything.

SISKO
Why did you take this kind of risk? You
must have known in advance that you were
breaking the law.
KING
In the culture of the Pal you are judged
not just by your own actions, but the
actions of your family and friends. Each
member is responsible for the actions of
everyone within their circle. To be
invited into a circle is the greatest
honor a person can be given. . . I was
invited into one two years ago. . . The
person who invited me was dying from the
disease. . . I had to do something.
(Pause, Sit on bunk, somber)
She was one of the ten who died.
(Pause)
A very close friend.
(Pause)
Anyway. . . That's why I'm ready to die.
The circle is now blemished and I must
be punished to allow it to be cleared.

SISKO
I'm sorry. . . I wish there was
something I could do.

KING
You spared me from that method
execution.
(Pause, pondering)
There is something you could do though.
Give me something to record my formula
on. If you could take it to her family
so they can use it on her son. She
adopted him after his mother died from
the same disease. . . I love him like my
own.

SISKO
I can do that. . . but why don't they
have it?

KING
I was doing something illegal and had to
hide my records. They'll find them
sooner or later, but he may die by then.

SISKO
I'll have what you need sent here. . .
Have you told Dr. Bashir about this?

KING
No, he has enough to deal with already.
. . It's funny. . . I had this formula
almost a year ago, but I couldn't get
permission from their government to test
it on chronically ill patients. They
wanted to volunteer, and knew the risk.
(MORE)
KING (Cont)
More than a hundred of them have died
since then. They would be alive if they
had let me test it. . . but they
wouldn't give them the choice.

CUT TO:

LIEUTENANT DAX'S OFFICE

Lieutenant Dax will be working at a station running through
files. Dr. Holdon's picture should flash past to show it's
his files she is looking at.

BASHIR
(Walking in)
How is it going, have you found anything
yet?

DAX
I'm working on it. How is your patient?

BASHIR
He is alive, no thanks to Holdon. He's
been back in his cell for a few hours
now and is doing well, considering. I
still can't believe how quick Holdon was
to write off Dr. King.

DAX
It seems that Dr. Holdon is under
investigation for ethics violations. The
files are still closed because it's an
active investigation, but Odo's working
on that. He sent a special request to
have the files opened, and we should be
hearing back soon.

BASHIR
I'm surprised it's not a criminal
investigation with as little regard as
he has for life.

DAX
There's more. I have no idea where he
intended to take Dr. King for study, but
it was not the Earth Research Complex.
It would seem that he's lost his
permission to work there until the
investigation is complete. He must have
been planning to re-route him in flight
somewhere.

BASHIR
He was going to kidnap him!
DAX
Odo plans to question his aides and see
if they had any knowledge of the
situation. With the possibility of a
conspiracy to kidnap charge hanging over
them, one may talk.

BASHIR
I'm willing to bet that he had a few
unsavory plans for how to use Dr. King
once he got him out of sight. I had
better warn Dr. King and get some
protection for him.

DAX
Odo has already posted a permanent guard
on King. He also has someone watching
Holdon, just in case.

BASHIR
(Stepping to the door)
Great. I think I'll go see how King's
doing then. Let me know if you hear back
on the investigation. I want to know why
it's happening.

DAX
I'll call you as soon as it comes in.

BASHIR
Looks like I'll owe. . .

DAX
(Cutting him short)
I know, 'Another one.'. . . You're
setting a dangerous precedent here. Soon
you're going to owe me your soul.

BASHIR
(Grinning, suggestive tone, step
back through the door)
When you collect, be gentle, will ya!
(Door closes)

CUT TO:

DR. KINGS CELL

Bashir will be entering the area where King is being held.
Dr. Holdon will be in the cell with King (King will be
wearing a brown jump suit) taking readings of the progress.
A security person will be just outside of the room watching
Holdon.
HOLDON
It's remarkable, I can't believe the
amount of growth present. You have had
no side effects of any kind?

KING
None.

BASHIR
According to you, he shouldn't have any.
So I don't see why you are surprised at
the results.

HOLDON
I don't expect any. I just hope that
none occur.

BASHIR
On the way here I ran into one of your
cohorts. It seems that you're planning
to do an exploratory surgery to see the
progress first hand and he wanted some
advice.

HOLDON
Does that surprise you?

BASHIR
It would seem that you and your
assistant were going to perform it
yourself. Considering that neither one
of you is capable of performing this
type of surgery properly, I was
wondering how you expected Dr. King to
survive it.

HOLDON
I don't. You must keep in mind the facts
involved here. Your friend Dr. King is
scheduled for execution tomorrow. Do you
think I'm going to allow it without
getting as much knowledge as possible
first?

BASHIR
I was under the impression that if this
went well you were going to try to
negotiate something to allow for the
time to study it.

KING
(Getting a little agitated)
That's what I understood also.

HOLDON
That was an assumption on your part.
BASHIR
I think it was an assumption based on
what you told us. It just seems like you
are very willing to get this execution
under way.

KING
(Now quite upset)
Why is tha. . .
(Cut short, begin shaking
uncontrollably)

HOLDON
No! This isn't supposed to happen yet!

BASHIR
What do you mean 'yet'?

HOLDON
It took weeks last. . . Quick, sedate
him before the spasms get worse!

BASHIR
Open the lock.

GUARD
(Working the controls to open the door)

BASHIR
(Getting out his equipment while
entering, rush in and push Holdon away
to work on King)

HOLDON
(As Bashir is doing a scan of King)
Give him 30 units of Bialimine. . . now!

BASHIR
That would kill him.

HOLDON
The spasms will kill him, and damage the
chip. It must be saved.

BASHIR
(Completing the scan and
preparing a shot)
What are you trying to hide by killing
him? We simply have another accelerated
neurological growth. Probably stimulated
by his agitated state. . . Both of you
hold him down while I give him
something.
Both Holdon and the guard will try to restrain King as
Bashir administers the shot. King will make a broad swing
that the guard will duck but catch Holdon full force,
knocking him into the wall. He will then make another swing
at the guard that he doesn't duck. He will be knocked into a
shelf or bunk and rendered unconscious. Bashir will make an
effort to administer the shot but be knocked back also. King
will stand. Getting a puzzled look on his face as he
examines his body, then looks at Bashir. King must look
bewildered, especially when he looks at Bashir. They will
make eye contact for a moment. Then King will run out the
door.

BASHIR
(Activating his communicator)
Bashir to security, Dr. King has
escaped. He seems to be suffering some
kind of emotional breakdown and may be
unaware of his actions.

HOLDON
(Getting up)
We have to stop him.

BASHIR
(Attending to the guard)
There's a lot you are not telling us.
What is it?

HOLDON
Nothing that concerns you.

BASHIR
Perhaps not me, but it does concern Dr.
King. He seemed bewildered, almost like
someone else was there. Can you give me
any reason why he would act like that?

HOLDON
(Ignore him and leave)

CUT TO:

CORRIDOR NEAR LIFT - POV KING, RUNNING

King will be running down a corridor. He will be running
past a lift as he sees security in front of him.

KING
(Turns around and sees other
guards following)

SECURITY #1
Security, this is team two. We have him
in sight in area seven deck twelve.
KING
(Backs up to lift door and it opens
with someone inside. Enter the lift)

When King enters the lift it automatically closes and
proceeds on its way.

SECURITY #1
(Arriving at lift door)
Security, he is on lift number 3 and
there is a bystander in it with him.

ODO
(Over communicator)
If we stop the lift he may turn on him.
Just follow it, we'll have to work from
where he get's off.

INT - ELEVATOR - SAME TIME

King and TECHNICIAN HALL will be alone in the elevator. King
in front.

HALL
I'm going all the way to the docks. . .
Unless you want to go there with me,
you'd better tell this thing where to
stop.

KING
(When Hall speaks, glare at him)

HALL
I guess you want the docks.

KING
(Silently turns and faces the door)

CUT TO:

CARGO ROOM - SAM'S SHIP - SAM WORKING

Sam will get a call from Odo.

ODO
(Voice only on communicator)
Odo to Ms. Ryan, I need to speak to you
right away. It's about your registry
documents. Bring them to my office at
once.

SAM
Have things come through yet?
ODO
Please. I can't explain right now. Just
bring the documentation to my office
immediately.

SAM
You already have it, do you need me
also?

ODO
Yes, right away.

SAM
I'm on my way, Sam out.
(Pause for link to break)
Now what?
(Turn to walk out.)

TRACKING SHOT - POV SAM - EXITING TO DOCKING AREA

As she walks out to the docks, she will be met by the two
thugs that have been watching her.

HUMAN
We'd like to speak with you.

SAM
I'm in just a bit of a hurry. Can this
wait?

HUMAN
(Drawing a weapon)
This won't take long, I'm sure you will
be very. . .

A brief struggle will ensue where Sam will manage to disarm
the human, but will inevitably be knocked out. Even though
Sam loses the fight, she should make a good show. She should
appear to be a capable combatant, not a pushover.

FERENGI
Your trick with the communicators worked
well.

HUMAN
Let's get her inside, quick.

TRACKING SHOT as they drag her into the ships lock.

FERENGI
I hope we didn't kill her. She's strong,
and could fetch a good price on the
market.
HUMAN
We're not here for her, we're here for
her money. Look around, it has to be
here somewhere.

FERENGI
(Looking at the ship)
Do realize what kind of ship this is?
This is the fastest civilian ship on the
market. Some say it is perhaps as fast
as the Galixy-class starship, and able
to maintain top speed for longer. It is
worth a fortune.

HUMAN
(Irritated)
We are looking for the money.

FERENGI
If we take the ship, we can find the
money, sell her and the ship. I
guarantee nothing could catch us. We
will be far from here before they can
even send out a ship to look for us.

HUMAN
The ship will be to easy to trace, no
one will buy it.

FERENGI
(Moving to the console)
Perhaps they will not buy the ship, but
they will buy its parts.

HUMAN
(Pondering)
Can you fly it?

FERENGI
Let me look.
(Activates the control panel
and examines it)
Yes, she has done most of the work for
us. She has already preset an emergency
escape flight plan, right through the
wormhole.

HUMAN
(Annoyed)
We don't want to go there.

FERENGI
No, but all I have to do is defeat her
password for launch. Once we are in
(MORE)
FERENGI (Cont)
flight we can re-route the ship easily.
She even has it programmed to override
the space station's security
authorization systems. I just need a few
minutes to defeat her password.

HUMAN
That's all we have, so hurry.

DOCKING AREA OUTSIDE SAM'S SHIP - SAME TIME

POV from her ship looking towards the lift. King will get
out, then Technician Hall. Hall will move out of sight away
from the lift. King will move towards Sam's ship.

SAM'S SHIP - CABIN - FERENGI AT CONSOLE - SAME TIME

The Ferengi will be working on the console, the Human will
have just finished tying up Sam.

FERENGI
That's it, I've done it. All we have to
do is press this. . .
(Interrupted by alarm from outside
in docking area)

KING
(At the same moment stumbles in,
not noticing the thieves in the room
and leans against the wall, in pain)

HUMAN
That's a security alert, we've been
discovered. RUN!

FERENGI
What do we do with her?

HUMAN
Leave her! Let's get out!

Both run towards King who had not noticed them at first and
is startled. They then run past him and out the door.

DOCKING AREA - POV FROM LIFT AREA - SAME TIME

(Timing and positioning are critical here) Hall will be
working on a panel in an alcove across from the lift and be
on one side of the frame. He will not be able to see Sam's
ship. There will be a stack of crates next to the lift that
screen that area from seeing Sam's ship and will be on the
other side of the frame. Sam's ship door will be visible in
B.G. through the center of the frame. Lift door opens.
SECURITY #2
(Stepping just out of the lift
and questioning Hall)
Have you seen anyone get off the lift
wearing a brown jump suit?

As Hall answers, the two thugs will run unseen across the
open area in the B.G. from Sam's ship to a hidden area
across from the ship. Three more security people come out of
the lift.

TECHNICIAN
(Gesturing towards Sam's ship)
Yeah! Rather creepy type, he went over
there somewhere.

SECURITY #2
(Going in the direction of the ship)
Thanks!
(Activating his communicator)
Security this is team two, he was seen
on this level and should still be here.
Request accesses to this level be sealed
off.

ODO
Confirmed, locking all access portals.

TRACKING SHOT as the four security people fan out to sweep
the area towards Sam's ship. Security #1 is about to enter
Sam's ship when he hears a noise behind some crates. He
moves to look around them.

SECURITY #1
Over here, someone is in the air duct.

PAN to show duct and a shadowed figure slipping out of sight
inside. All the security people will run up to the grating
and try to open it, but it will not give.

SECURITY #2
Security, this is team two, we've lost
him. He somehow got into the air duct
system and we can't follow.

ODO
Leave one there to guard that portal.
The rest of you get to the next level
down and try to secure them before he
escapes.

SECURITY #2
(Telling Security #1 to
stay, then leaving)
You stay here, you two come with me.
Rest of team runs towards the lift.

FLIGHT STATION - SAM'S SHIP

The flight station will be active, left that way by the two
would-be thieves. There will be a red flashing button on the
console. King will look the thing over and press a few
buttons with no luck and then see that one. He will then
cautiously press it.

COMPUTER
Preset flight plan initiated, emergency
undocking in ten seconds.

KING
(ducking, startled by the voice,
then presses it again)

COMPUTER
Emergency flight plan already activated.
Do you wish to cancel.

KING
(Looks about confused then stands and
walks towards the door)

COMPUTER
Securing all hatches for launch. Launch
in three seconds.

Door starts to close.

KING
(Seeing the door closing, dives,
trying to stop it, but is too
late. Tries to open the door
with the panel)

COMPUTER
Hatch secured for launch. To open, the
sequence must be canceled. Do you wish
to cancel launch sequence?

KING
(Looking over to the control panel and
start towards it)

COMPUTER
(After no response)
Security overrides activated, moorings
released, ship is under way. We will
enter the wormhole in thirty-three
seconds. Final destination has not been
filed once we are through the wormhole.
(MORE)
COMPUTER (Cont)
Flight plan calls for random choice of
course at maximum speed and acceleration
with full evasive options active until
further orders given. Do you wish to
give a destination at this time?

KING
(King will simply look confused and
slump down to the floor)

CUT TO:

EXT OF STATION - COMMANDER SISKO'S LOG ENTRY

SISKO
(Voice only)
Station log, Commander Sisko reporting.
It's been four days now since Ms. Ryan's
ship crossed into the wormhole. By the
time we could get a chase ship through
to follow, her ship was well out of
sensor range. With the execution of Dr.
King not completed, the Pal are very
distressed, and there is nothing I can
do. I received an anonymous message that
Dr. Holdon is about to leave on a
freighter. My guess is that Quark was
the one who sent it. I've asked Dr
Holdon to come to my office before his
departure.

SISKO'S OFFICE - POV SISKO

There will be two security men on each side of the door.
Also present will be Odo, Sisko, and Bashir.

HOLDON
(Enters)
You called for me?

SISKO
Have a seat.

HOLDON
(Noticing the guards)
I feel as though I should stand, thank
you.

SISKO
My people have brought some interesting
facts to my attention. And these facts
bring me to some even more interesting
questions and conclusions that I need to
discuss with you.
HOLDON
Such as?

SISKO
Such as, why you are under investigation
by the Federation for ethics violations?
And since you have been banned from
using the labs at Earth Research
Complex, where were you planning to take
Dr. King when you left?

HOLDON
I don't need to answer any of your
questions.

BASHIR
What are they investigating you for?

HOLDON
(Arrogant tone)
Ethics investigation, not criminal. That
does not give you the authority to hold
me. Now if you will let me catch my
ship. . . though I do hate these space-
available flights on freighters.
Quarters are poor, and no services of
any kind.

BASHIR
Willing to take what you can for a quick
getaway?

SISKO
Our inquiries to the Federation sparked
some interest. They were not aware that
one of the chips still existed. They
were under the impression that the one
was destroyed while you where attempting
to open it. And the other was destroyed
in a freak accident that they still
can't explain.

ODO
An accident that killed one of your
assistants. Tragic loss. . . so tragic
that you didn't even stay around for the
funeral.

HOLDON
You still have nothing to hold me for.

SISKO
I'm afraid that is where you're wrong.
When they got wind of what you where
doing out here, they decided that they
(MORE)
SISKO (Cont)
could take some action. It may not be
much, yet, but they've authorized us to
hold you for the theft of the chip until
they can finish reviewing the records of
your research.

HOLDON
They don't have any records. They were
wiped clean by the assistant who died in
the accident. He was stealing a chip he
had in his possession.

ODO
It would seem that he copied all of the
files to a separate database. The only
reason it's taking this long is that he
encrypted them and took other measures
to keep you from finding and deleting
the files. They have assured me that
they've broken the guards, and will be
pressing other charges soon.

HOLDON
You're bluffing, there was no way I
missed any files.

SISKO
One of your assistants here told us
where to find them and is willing to
tell us more as soon as all the files
have been recovered. . . I would offer
you a deal if you talked and saved the
investigators some time. Perhaps they
would have gone easy on you, but I don't
think that's an option anymore.

BASHIR
Seems like you don't get the quick,
painless way out like you offered King.
Or are you getting just what you offered
him? To suffer to the bitter end.

HOLDON
(Sit, somber)
He's not suffering.

BASHIR
I suppose he is dead by now.

HOLDON
No. . . well. . . in a matter of
speaking yes. By now he will be gone,
his consciousness replaced by another.
SISKO
What do you mean?

HOLDON
That chip is a lot more than it seems.
It's not just the alien's data storage
device, it contains his conscious soul.
Once it's implanted it grows pathways to
connect to the brain's higher functions.
It actually takes control of the brain.

BASHIR
You killed your assistant to keep him
from stealing one, just so you could
steal one yourself?

HOLDON
I didn't kill him, not intentionally
anyway. Besides. . . he was dead
already. He was not stealing the chip. .
. he was the chip.

SISKO
Now I am lost.

BASHIR
He planted one of the chips in him
against his will!

HOLDON
Not against his will, he was as
fascinated with it as I was. He wanted
to have it done. At the time we still
thought it was just a storage device.

BASHIR
Why the spasms?

HOLDON
The subject has spasms when the chip
makes its final connection to the higher
functions and takes total control of the
brain. It takes it a few hours for it to
get orientated after that. Once the
other one did, it gained access to the
learning programs in my computers and
mastered communication skills in just a
few days. It was remarkable. . .
Consciousness at the speed of a
computer. Total recall of anything it
read, heard, or saw, yet with all of the
functions and emotions of the brain.

ODO
Why did you kill him?
HOLDON
It was an accident, he was escaping
through the transporter. I just tried to
divert him to a holding cell, but I
failed to maintain control and lost him.

SISKO
Why did he need to escape? He should
have been turned over to the Federation.
They could have helped him adjust to his
surroundings and allowed him his
freedom.

HOLDON
I was going to remove the chip and he
refused to accept it. I didn't realize
how much he had learned in that short
time. He learned to bypass the security
systems, and while I was preparing the
surgery he escaped. He had already
reached the transporters when I found
him.

ODO
What where you going to do with it
anyway?

HOLDON
I had planned to learn how to reproduce
it. Use it to enhance our brain's
capacity.

BASHIR
When your assistant came and asked my
advice about the removal and biopsy he
made a remark that he wouldn't explain.
Now I get what he meant. . . He said 'He
didn't want to help in your quest for
immortality.' You intended to try and
erase the chip so you could implant
yourself in it. You had to kill King
before the chip took hold to keep us
from knowing the truth. You needed to
learn more before you tried it on
yourself.

HOLDON
It is a moot point now, both chips are
gone.

KIRA
(Voice only over intercom)
Commander, a Xebec class ship has just
emerged from the wormhole. It would seem
that Ms. Ryan is well and at the
controls. . . She and Dr. King have
asked to speak with you as soon as she
docks.
SISKO
Ask her if it is actually Dr. King. I
think she'll catch the reference.

KIRA
(After a pause)
She says it is the actual Dr. King.
She's asking that you meet her ship and
she'll explain everything then.

SISKO
Shall we go everyone?
(Standing, then pause)
Oh yes, why don't we put Dr. Holdon here
in restraints so he doesn't get any
ideas about escaping.

CUT TO:

DOCKING BAY - SHIP DOORS OPENING

Everyone from the meeting will be there to meet the ship.
Holdon will be in restraints.

KING
(Stepping out of the ship)
Ah, Dr. Holdon, how nice of you to come
and see me. Come in everyone, we have
something you'll want to see.
(Turn and precede them in)

SHIP INT

Sam will be sitting in front of the ships main view
screen.They will all come in and gather around her and King.

SISKO
It's good to see you're both safe. We
were starting to get a bit worried.

SAM
We're fine, a lot has happened in the
last few days. I know there's a lot to
explain, but before anyone asks any
questions, you should see this first.

Sam will turn to face the view screen and activate it. The
image of Dr. King sitting in the same chair that Sam is in
now will appear on the screen.
KING (Aaros)
My name is Aaros. For some reason my
central processor has been removed from
my body and placed in this alien one. I
am not certain why this has happened,
but I can not consciously take the life
that should inhabit it. So I am closing
all of my operational functions before
the transformation becomes irreversible.
I have left instructions in this file to
allow your medical staff to reverse the
process. I have also left instructions
on how I would wish my funeral
arrangements as you term them. Ms. Ryan
has assured me that they will be carried
out. I have no wish to die, but have a
moral obligation to return this body.
(Pause)
There was a great deal of damage to my
memory banks because of the extended
time that my systems were inactive. The
damage is mostly in my technical banks.
This data area is nearly completely
erased. Other areas have partial loss. .
. I have searched the available
Federation files for references to my
race but have found none, so I believe
you have a great deal of questions to
ask about us. Ms. Ryan has explained to
me that your Federation is a peaceful
organization and has convinced me to
give what information I can regarding
myself and my race. I have only one
request in exchange. . . Please bring
the names of our dead back to be
remembered at our home. . . if it is
found. This remembrance is the final
step in our funeral rites. I have listed
the names of all on board my ship for
this purpose. Finally I must apologize
for the trouble I have caused in my
escape. I was confused and did not know
what to do. I hope I did not hurt
anyone.

Aaros, Commander of the ship Trazol. . .
Good bye.

As the view screen clicks off Sam will turn to the rest and
speak.

SAM
Two thieves attacked me, apparently
planning to steal my ship and he
interrupted them. He nursed me back to
health while we were in flight.
BASHIR
He learned the language very quickly.

SAM
When I woke up he was pouring over the
computer stations. His language wasn't
the best then, but he was learning. In
the next few days, with a little help,
he perfected it.

HOLDON
I don't understand why he gave up King's
body. That seems to be why the chip was
made.

KING
Their race doesn't use the chip to gain
immortality. When the body of a person
is dying the chip is removed and passed
on to their child. They then surrender
the pathways of the device to their
offspring after helping them to learn
how to use the chip. The data is
maintained for the use of the child,
only the former consciousness fades
along with any strictly personal
memories. This basically eliminates the
need for a great deal of schooling, and
gives the child the accumulated
knowledge of his ancestors to draw from.
It makes for very close ties between
parents and children.

SAM
He's a very good person and deserves
better than what he is getting.

SISKO
So it would seem, but I wonder. If the
chip survived this long with his mind
intact, why won't it survive until some
other option could be found.

SAM
The chip has a small power cell inside
that maintains the memory circuits and
powers the growth. It's been drained to
the point that he couldn't survive the
transfer. The only way for the cell to
recharge is for him to finish linking
with King. But that would wipe out
King's consciousness forever.
KING
If the chip had been planted correctly
we would have been able to co-exist
until it re-charged. Dr. Holdon
apparently needed me to figure out how
it was supposed to be placed.

A somber bit of silence among them.

KING
Do you remember the discussion we had
Commander?

SISKO
About your circle of friends?

KING
Traditions call for me to surrender
myself and receive the punishment
ordered, even if the time has passed.
It's a matter of not dishonoring the
circle, and accepting the punishment.

SISKO
Do you want to return to the planet?

KING
Not exactly. I was offered an alternate
death sentence, that being to take part
in this experiment. I chose to have it
continue. I chose to die by surrendering
my body to Aaros. If I'm to die, why not
let him live.

BASHIR
You heard him, he can't take your body.

KING
He chose not to take my body. He didn't
know I would give it.

SAM
How can we re-activate it? You saw the
tape. He shut down the chip.

KING
I seem to remember Dr. Bashir saying
that the growth was stimulated by my
emotional agitation, or as it were, the
accelerated chemical and electrical
activity it caused in my brain. That was
the last thing I heard before he took
over my mind. . . If that condition
could be stimulated in me again then
perhaps it would reactivate.
CUT TO:

EXT STATION

Bashir will be making a log entry.

BASHIR
(Voice only)
Base medical log, Dr. Bashir reporting.
We are about to stimulate Dr. King's
brain and its chemical activity in hopes
that it will activate the chip implant.
Dr. King has left a message to the Pal
people of his decision. Commander Sisko
and Major Kira are here to act as
witnesses. . . This is another one for
the moral dilemma category. . . Am I
killing Dr. King, or saving Aaros? And
is Aaros alive. . . Dr. King has been
convincing me that this is what he
wants. If I don't do this he insists he
must go back to the planet and be
executed by their methods. . . I don't
cherish the thought of that on my
conscience. . . I have set control drugs
to allow for the transition to be
painless for Dr. King. . . Dr. Holdon is
here at the request of Dr. King. King
says as a witness, but I don't think
that's the reason why.

MEDICAL STATION

The procedure is about to start. Dr. King is on the table.
Sam, Sisko, Kira, Dax, and Bashir are all present.

BASHIR
Keep your fingers crossed.

Bashir will inject King with the drugs and wait. King will
go through a brief time of mild spasms and then stop.

BASHIR
(Running a monitoring device over King)
King's brain wave patterns are gone. He
is legally dead.

KING (Aaros)
(Slowly wake, looking around confused)
Why am I still in this body?

SISKO
It would seem that Dr. King no longer
has a use for it, and wants you to have
it.
KING (Aaros)
(Pauses for a moment and then smiles.)
Dr. King learned how to access my memory
circuits and left a message for me
explaining the situation.
(Brief Pause)
And he left a message for Dr. Holdon. .
. He apparently wanted Dr. Holdon to
know that he could have achieved what Dr
Holdon wanted, but turned it down.

CUT TO:

EXT - ASTEROID - SAM'S SHIP PARKED NEAR IT - NEXT DAY

Sisko will be making a log entry.

SISKO
(Voice only)
Station log, Commander Sisko reporting.
We've sent Dr. Holdon back to earth to
face whatever charges they finally
settle on. Ms. Ryan has taken Aaros to
the site of his crash to remember the
dead and honor their lives.

INT SAM'S SHIP - SAM AND AAROS - VIEW PORTAL IN B.G.

The asteroid will be visible in the view portal. It should
be made apparent that they have been here a while, as Aaros
honors his friends. He will apparently come out of a silent
prayer-like posture and then Sam speaks.

SAM
The Federation stopped it and parked it
here. They put a beacon on it to allow
ships to get their navigation aligned
instantly upon their arrival through.
They also made it a shrine. Both to
remember your people, and to remind
anyone who passes through that we do not
know what to expect out here.

KING (Aaros)
I'm glad for the chance to say goodbye
to them, but I have no idea what I'll do
now. I have no home, no family.
SAM
I've discussed that with Commander Sisko
and he agrees. You could join me as part
of my crew. . . You want to find your
people again somewhere out there. . . I
have a ship in need of a crew member
that can go looking for your home.

KING (Aaros)
Why would you do that?

SAM
I'm interested in charting and
exploring. Why not do it while looking
for your world?

KING (Aaros)
(Ponder before answering)
That may give me the chance to remember
them properly. . . I would be honored if
you would accept me to your crew.

ZOOM through the view portal and beyond the asteroid to the
starlit space.

FADE OUT

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