STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
"Babel"
#40511-405
Written by
Ira Steven Behr
Directed by
Paul Lynch
THE WRITING CREDITS MAY NOT BE FINAL AND SHOULD NOT BE USED
FOR PUBLICITY OR ADVERTISING PURPOSES WITHOUT FIRST CHECKING
WITH THE TELEVISION LEGAL DEPARTMENT.
Copyright 1992 Paramount Pictures Corporation. All Rights
Reserved. This script is not for publication or
reproduction. No one is authorized to dispose of same. If
lost or destroyed, please notify the Script Department.
Return to Script Department FINAL DRAFT
PARAMOUNT PICTURES CORPORATION
OCTOBER 7, 1992
STAR TREK: DS9 "Babel" - 10/13/92 - CAST
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Babel"
CAST
SISKO ASOTH
O'BRIEN BUSINESSMAN
BASHIR STARFLEET MALE
DAX GALIS
KEIKO JAHEEL
KIRA NURSE JABARA
JAKE SISKO VICTIM #1
ODO VICTIM #2
QUARK SURMAK
BAJORAN SECURITY GUARD
COMPUTER VOICE
Non-Speaking
N.D. BAJORANS
N.D. ALIENS
SUPERNUMARIES (INFIRMARY)
STAR TREK: DS9 "Babel" - 10/13/92 - SETS
STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
"Babel"
SETS
INTERIORS EXTERIORS
DEEP SPACE NINE DEEP SPACE NINE
AIRLOCK
CORRIDOR JAHEEL'S SHIP
LABORATORY
OPS RUNABOUT
ACCESS TUNNEL
QUARK'S DOCKING PORT FIVE
PROMENADE
O'BRIEN'S QUARTERS
(LIVING AREA)
INFIRMARY
EMPTY CREW QUARTERS
COMMANDER'S OFFICE
CREW QUARTERS
HOSPITAL WARD
DOCKING PORT FIV
GALIS' OFFICE (VIEWSCREEN)
SURMAK'S OFFICE (VIEWSCREEN)
JAHEEL'S BRIDGE (VIEWSCREEN)
STAR TREK: "Babel" - 10/19/92 - PRONUNCIATION GUIDE
STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
"Babel"
PRONUNCIATION GUIDE
BAJORAN bah-JOR-an
BAJORA bah-JOR-uh
BAJOR BAY-jor
CARDASSIANS car-DASS-ee-en
SURMAK SIR-mak
ASOTH AY-soth
KOHLANESE KO-lan-ese
JABARA JUH-bar-uh
JAHEEL JAH-heel
HIGA METAR HIGH-guh MET-ar
DEEP SPACE: "Babel" REV. 10/13/92 - TEASER 1.
STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
"Babel"
TEASER
FADE IN:
1 OMITTED
2 INT. CLOSE ON AIRLOCK GATE
Three newly arrive visitors to DS Nine (one Bajoran national,
one human and one N.D. alien) are trapped inside the airlock.
They bang their fists in frustration against the window.
O'BRIEN, looking tired and harried, stands on the other side
of the gate, trying to placate them.
O'BRIEN
Look, save your energy. We'll have
you out of there as soon as possible.
(muttering under his
breath)
I hope.
He turns toward his repair crew (two humans) who are working
inside an open panel.
O'BRIEN
Try re-routing the power coupling...
And hand reaches into frame and taps O'Brien impatiently on
the shoulder.
DEEP SPACE: "Babel" REV. 10/15/92 - TEASER 2.
2 CONTINUED:
JAHEEL (V.O.)
Mister O'Brien...
O'BRIEN
(to repair crew;
ignoring the tap.)
... See if you can activate the
interlock servos.
Another shoulder tap. This time even more insistent.
JAHEEL (V.O.)
Mister O'Brien...
An annoyed O'Brien turns to confront CAPTAIN JAHEEL, a wiry
bearded alien.
O'BRIEN
Captain, Jaheel, those people have
been stuck in that air lock for over
an hour. Now if you'll just wait
until we get that door opened, I'll
be happy to discuss any problem you
might have.
JAHEEL
But I've already been waiting two
days for your people to readjust my
ship's antimatter flow converter.
O'BRIEN
I'm afraid we've fallen a bit behind
in our maintenance schedule.
JAHEEL
I'm not interested in hearing excuses.
I have a shipment of Tamen Sasheer
waiting to be delivered to Largo
Five, and I'll need to do better
than warp one to get there before it
spoils.
O'BRIEN
I'll try to get a repair crew on it
before the end of the day. Now that's
the best I can do.
JAHEEL
Your best, Mister O'Brien, hardly
seems good enough.
DEEP SPACE: "Babel" REV. 10/13/92 - TEASER 3.
2 CONTINUED: (2)
Jaheel turns and storms away leaving behind a scowling
O'Brien.
DAX'S COM VOICE
Dax to O'Brien.
O'BRIEN
(taps combadge)
O'Brien here.
DAX
Can you spare a minute, Chief. I
have a little problem here at the
lab.
O'Brien glances over at the repair crew. He figures they
can handle things at this end.
O'BRIEN
On my way.
3 INT. CORRIDOR OUTSIDE LABORATORY
DAX stands by the laboratory door as O'Brien approaches.
DAX
Thanks for coming, Chief.
O'BRIEN
What are you doing out here?
Dax answers by touching the door's entry panel. The door
slides open and we are assaulted by a LOUD CACOPHONOUS WHINE
BLARING from within the room.
4 INT. LABORATORY - CONTINUOUS
Dax and O'Brien have to shout to be heard above the noise.
O'BRIEN
Have you checked the EPS convertor?
DAX
Yes. First thing.
O'BRIEN
How about the intensity grid?
DEEP SPACE: "Babel" REV. 10/15/92 - TEASER 4.
4 CONTINUED:
DAX
(nodding)
It's fine.
O'BRIEN
Then it's probably the secondary
phase modulator. We had trouble
with them last week in the main power
core.
He opens up a panel. Makes some adjustments.
O'BRIEN
This should do it.
The noise abruptly stops. At the same moment lights go out,
plunging the room into utter darkness. A beat, then...
O'BRIEN (V.O.)
Anything else I can do for you?
5 INT. OPS
Close on KIRA who leans over her desk console as she talks
to someone O.S.
KIRA
The navigational computer hasn't
been working reliably for three days.
I ask for the star charts of the
Argosian sector and the Glessene
sector comes up instead.
Pan down to REVEAL O'Brien half buried in an open panel.
O'BRIEN
Uh-huh.
KIRA
That's when I can even coax the system
on line.
O'BRIEN
Try it now.
Kira taps a control panel. The console lights up.
KIRA
(pleased)
That's more like it.
DEEP SPACE: "Babel" REV. 10/13/92 - TEASER 5.
5 CONTINUED:
O'Brien sighs. Another victory for the good guys.
Wearily, he closes the panel and gets to his feet.
KIRA
You look like you could use some
sleep.
O'BRIEN
Who has time for sleep... ?
In the background SISKO stands before a food replicator.
SISKO
(to replicator)
Coffee.
O'Brien sits down at Kira's station.
O'BRIEN
I'd settle for five minutes of peace
and quiet.
Sisko takes his first deep sip of Java... and nearly gags...
it's awful.
SISKO
Chief, I thought you were going to
fix the replicators.
O'Brien shoots Kira a long suffering look as he hauls himself
out of the seat.
O'BRIEN
(to Sisko, emphatic)
You're absolutely right, Sir. I
knew I'd forgotten something. Can't
have the operations chief sitting
around daydreaming when there's work
to be done, can we? I'll get right
on it.
He EXITS. Sisko looks over at Kira. What's his problem?
6 INT. CORRIDOR/ACCESS TUNNEL (OPTICAL)
O'Brien lies on his back in an access tunnel, grumbling as
he works on the circuitry with various tools.
DEEP SPACE: "Babel" REV. 10/15/92 - TEASER 6.
6 CONTINUED:
O'BRIEN
Fix the Replicators, Chief... My
console's off line, Chief... I
should've transferred to a cargo
drone... no people, no complaints...
He completes the repair and moves out of the tunnel and into
the corridor. There's a small REPLICATOR UNIT in the wall.
He touches the panel... and the entire display BLACKS OUT...
a BRIGHT ELECTRICAL DISCHARGE envelopes the panel.
O'Brien steps back, startled. Now what's going on? Suddenly,
the DISCHARGE DISAPPEARS... the panel looks completely normal
again.
O'Brien scans the unit with his tricorder... there's nothing
wrong with it. He scowls.
O'BRIEN
(touches panel)
Hot coffee black, double sweet.
A steaming mug of coffee MATERIALIZES. O'Brien picks it up
and takes a wary sip. A smile breaks slowly across his
face... it's delicious. Finally, something's working.
7 INT. REPLICATOR
Camera looking out through the open panel at O'Brien. He
takes a big gulp from the MUG and CLOSES THE PANEL, we HEAR
HIM EXIT down the corridor, whistling. Hold a beat... then
as music builds ominously the camera pans along the replicator
circuitry... coming to rest on...
8 OMITTED
8A AN ALIEN DEVICE
attached to the circuitry. As the camera pushes in closer
the device suddenly activates... a LIGHT PULSATING on and
off to eerie effect. Whatever this thing is, it definitely
doesn't belong here.
FADE OUT.
END OF TEASER
DEEP SPACE: "Babel" REV. 10/13/92 - ACT ONE 7.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
(Note: Episode credits fall over opening scenes)
9 INT. QUARK'S
ODO observes the premises from his seat at the bar. Actually
there's not much to see... only three or four customers in
the entire place. Odo seems quite pleased at the lack of
activity, an attitude in sharp contrast to QUARK who appears
positively morose as he wipes down the bar counter top.
ODO
Tell me, Quark, am I mistaken or is
business a little slow today?
QUARK
Slow? It's been almost nonexistent
for the past three days.
ODO
Who knows, if things don't improve
you may have to close down altogether.
QUARK
You'd like that, wouldn't you?
ODO
Let's just say that without you
around, my job would be considerably
easier.
QUARK
Without me around you'd be forced to
find some other, poor innocent to
persecute. Think about that while
you sit here gloating at my
misfortune.
ASOTH (V.O.)
Quark!
Angle to include ASOTH, who slams his food bowl onto the bar.
ASOTH
You call this Kohlanese stew?
Confronted by the large, angry alien, Quark turns on his
most obsequious charm.
DEEP SPACE: "Babel" REV. 10/15/92 - ACT ONE 8.
9 CONTINUED:
QUARK
If your meal isn't satisfactory I'm
sure we could exchange it for
something more to your liking.
Asoth grabs Quark by the collar.
ASOTH
Aren't you the least bit curious how
it tastes?
He spoons up some of the stew and shoves it into Quark's
mouth. Quark takes one bite... and immediately spits out
the hideous tasting gruel.
ASOTH
Oh no you don't. You served it.
You're going to eat it.
He scoops up another spoonful. Odo appears behind him.
Places a restraining hand on his shoulder.
ODO
All right. That's enough.
Ignoring Odo, Asoth tries thrusting the spoon between Quark's
lips.
ASOTH
You heard me. Eat.
Odo's hand clamps down on Asoth's shoulder. The Alien drops
this spoon and grunts in pain.
ODO
(quiet authority)
I said leave him alone.
Asoth nods in agreement. Odo releases him. Clutching his
shoulder the Alien beats a hasty retreat.
ODO
(watching him exit)
Another satisfied customer.
Quark glares at the bar's replicator unit.
QUARK
It's these replicators. If I don't
get them repaired soon, they'll
destroy my business.
DEEP SPACE: "Babel" REV. 10/15/92 - ACT ONE 9.
9 CONTINUED: (2)
ODO
Why not get O'Brien to fix them. He
has the replicators on the command
level working perfectly.
Quark's eyes narrow. This is news to him.
QUARK
I'm on his waiting list. He assures
me he'll get to them as soon as he
can.
ODO
No telling when that will be. The
Chief's a very busy man.
Odo EXITS.
10 ANGLE QUARK
Who immediately moves to a computer panel behind the bar.
QUARK
Computer... display a station layout.
Highlight locations of all repaired
replicators on the command level.
COMPUTER VOICE
Information restricted to security
clearance five and above. Please
enter security verification.
Quark pulls out a drawer full of the Cardassian equivalent
to isolinear chips. He counts off five of them... pulls out
the fifth one... places it into the computer panel.
COMPUTER VOICE
Clearance verified.
The computer displays a graphic of the station plans,
indicating several locations. Quark studies the layout, a
self-satisfied grin on his face.
11 INT. OPS
Close on O'Brien's hand removing a coffee cup from inside
the replicator.
DEEP SPACE: "Babel" REV. 10/16/92 - ACT ONE 10.
12 ANGLE
As O'Brien passes the coffee to SISKO --
O'BRIEN
Here you go, Sir. I think you'll
find it more to your liking.
Sisko takes a sip. Smiles.
SISKO
Much appreciated, Mister O'Brien.
O'BRIEN
Don't mention it, Sir. Unfortunately,
there are still plenty of replicators
around the station that need looking
after...
O'Brien mops at his brow.
SISKO
You all right, Chief?
O'BRIEN
Bit warm, that's all. Environmental
controls must be acting up again.
O'Brien starts away but is stopped by Sisko.
SISKO
Please send my regards to Mrs.
O'Brien. Jake tells me she's a
wonderful teacher.
O'BRIEN
That's nice to hear, Sir. She's
flower units about the lad herself.
SISKO
(sure he's misheard)
Excuse me?
O'BRIEN
(confused)
Sir?
SISKO
What was that you just said?
DEEP SPACE: "Babel" REV. 10/15/92 - ACT ONE 10A.
12 CONTINUED:
O'BRIEN
She's quite fond of the lad herself.
It's a weird moment... but Sisko lets it go.
DEEP SPACE: "Babel" REV. 10/15/92 - ACT ONE 11.
12 CONTINUED: (2)
SISKO
Glad to hear it.
O'BRIEN
Very good, Sir.
A somewhat perplexed O'Brien heads back to his station.
13 INT. PROMENADE
Dax and Kira, off duty, are strolling through the complex.
A BAJORAN SECURITY GUARD passes by and shoots Dax a warm
smile.
BAJORAN SECURITY GUARD
Lieutenant Dax.
She returns the smile. An alien BUSINESSMAN comes out of a
shop and nods pleasantly.
BUSINESSMAN
Ladies.
Dax and Kira nod back. A few more steps and they encounter
a STARFLEET CREWMEMBER. He grins boyishly at Dax.
STARFLEET MALE
Hello, Lieutenant.
Dax smiles. She looks over at Kira. They share a laugh.
DAX
I'd forgotten how different it was.
KIRA
How different what was?
DAX
Being female. I haven't been one
for over eighty years.
She reacts to another smile from a friendly passerby.
DAX
All this attention.
DEEP SPACE: "Babel" REV. 10/13/92 - ACT ONE 12.
13 CONTINUED:
KIRA
I imagine it must take some getting
use to.
DAX
Actually I find it quite enjoyable.
QUARK (V.O.)
Major Kira... Lieutenant Dax...
14 ANGLE ON QUARK
Leaning against the part of the bar counter facing the
Promenade. Behind him, we see that business has picked up
considerably. Customers are eating and drinking with gusto.
QUARK
I'd be honored to have you join my
little party. As my guests, of
course.
KIRA
What's all this, Quark? You cheat
your one-thousandth customer?
Quark lets loose with an insincere laugh... quickly replaced
by a sharp glare toward Kira.
QUARK
Who says Bajorans have no sense of
humor?
(pointing to the
activity taking place
behind him)
Actually we're celebrating the repair
of the bar's replicator system.
(to Dax)
Perhaps I could interest you in a
nice double-whipped I'danian spice
pudding.
DAX
(to Kira; tempted)
What do you think?
KIRA
I think I'm due back at Ops. But go
on, enjoy yourself.
DEEP SPACE: "Babel" REV. 10/15/92 - ACT ONE 13.
14 CONTINUED:
Kira EXITS. Dax looks over at Quark who anxiously awaits
her decision. Dax shrugs why not. She moves toward the
doorway.
15 INT. QUARK'S - CONTINUOUS
Dax ENTERS. She makes her way over to the bar where Quark
is giving the bum's rush to a customer in order to make room
for her. He fawningly escorts her to a seat.
QUARK
(exaggerated courtesy)
Please, make yourself comfortable,
Lieutenant. I did say a double
whipped spice pudding, didn't I?
From beneath the counter he pulls out an outrageously caloric
dessert. Places it in front of Dax.
DAX
It's lovely. I almost hate to eat
it.
QUARK
By all means, take the time to admire
its beauty... While I admire yours.
15A INT. OPS - CLOSE ON O'BRIEN
at his station. Looking sweaty and pale. He steadies himself
against a console; tries to clear his head.
15B ANGLE WIDENS
to include a concerned Kira.
KIRA
Chief... ?
O'BRIEN
(trying to cover, but
failing)
How can I help you, Major?
She touches his brow.
KIRA
You're the one who could use a little
help.
DEEP SPACE: "Babel" REV. 10/15/92 - ACT ONE 14.
15B CONTINUED:
O'BRIEN
I'm fine, really.
KIRA
I guess this isn't a good time to
tell you the number three Turbolift
has broken down again.
O'Brien gives Kira a puzzled look.
KIRA
I'm joking, Chief.
(Note: From here on
dialogue spoken by
characters with
aphasia will appear
as gibberish in the
script. A translation
will be provided
upon request, but it
would probably be
more effective if
the actors really
were unable to
communicate.)
O'BRIEN
Major. Cat's lark pepper.
DEEP SPACE: "Babel" REV. 10/19/92 - ACT ONE 15.
15B CONTINUED: (2)
KIRA
What?
O'BRIEN
(frustration building)
Let birds go further loose maybe.
Shout easy play.
KIRA
Chief, you're not making any sense.
An agitated O'Brien, struggles to make himself understood.
O'BRIEN
Round the turbulent quick.
A worried Kira shakes her head.
O'BRIEN
Close the reverse harbor.
By now, the rest of the Ops crew is staring at O'Brien,
wondering what's going on.
O'BRIEN
(shouting at them)
Ankle try sound reset gleaming?
Realizing he still isn't getting through to anyone O'Brien
heads for the Turbolift.
O'BRIEN
Dinner to bug. When.
KIRA
Chief... wait...
As she hurries after him...
16 OMITTED
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
DEEP SPACE: "Babel" REV. 10/15/92 - ACT TWO 16.
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
17 INT. INFIRMARY
O'Brien is seated on the diagnostic bed, as BASHIR examines
his eyes with a sophisticated scanner.
BASHIR
Computer continue neural imaging
scan. Stimulate visual cortex.
A beat, as the scanner runs through its tests. Then --
COMPUTER VOICE
All visual responses normal.
18 ANGLE WIDENS - TO INCLUDE KIRA AND NURSE JABARA
Bashir crosses to a work station and grabs a piece of Med
tech which he places over O'Brien's ears.
BASHIR
Computer begin auditory stimuli.
Another series of tests are completed. Then --
COMPUTER VOICE
No physiological damage. All brain
functions within normal parameters.
Bashir removes the equipment. He's clearly puzzled by the
results.
BASHIR
(a thoughtful beat)
Nurse, pull up Mister O'Brien's neuro-
physiological history.
NURSE JABARA
Yes, Doctor.
She seats herself at a work station and begins accessing the
information. Mister O'Brien looks at Bashir and knows the
diagnosis isn't good. He gets up and grabs a PADD, punches
in a message which he pushes toward the Doctor.
DEEP SPACE: "Babel" REV. 10/15/92 - ACT TWO 16A.
18 CONTINUED:
KIRA
What is it? What's he writing?
BASHIR
I wish I knew.
DEEP SPACE: "Babel" REV. 10/15/92 - ACT TWO 17.
18 CONTINUED: (2)
He shows the PADD to Kira.
19 INSERT - PADD (OPTICAL)
The screen is filled with gibberish.
20 RESUME SCENE
O'Brien's desperation building. He feels trapped and alone.
O'BRIEN
(exasperated)
Flame the dark true salt.
Bashir tries to gently direct him back to the bed.
BASHIR
Please, Chief, have a seat.
O'Brien pushes away.
O'BRIEN
Way link complete. Way link.
Kira touches his shoulder. He whirls around. Their eyes
lock in silent sympathetic communication. He allows her to
lead him to the bed.
KIRA
(to Bashir)
What's wrong with him?
BASHIR
He appears to be suffering from a
form of aphasia. It's a perceptual
dysfunction in which aural and visual
stimuli are incorrectly processed by
the brain. His actual thinking hasn't
been affected. But he's incapable
of expressing himself or understanding
others.
O'BRIEN
(despairing)
Strike limits victory frosted wake.
Simple hesitation.
DEEP SPACE: "Babel" REV. 10/15/92 - ACT TWO 18.
20 CONTINUED:
Kira and Bashir exchange concerned looks.
21 INT. OPS
Sisko, Bashir, Dax and Kira at the operations table.
SISKO
I'm not sure I follow you, Doctor.
You say Mister O'Brien is aphasic,
but all of his tests come up negative.
Dax wipes her forehead; she appears a bit flushed.
DAX
(to Bashir)
Isn't aphasia typically associated
with some kind of cranial trauma?
BASHIR
Yes. It can occur as a result of a
stroke or blow to the head. But
there's no evidence of that here.
DAX
Have you checked the medical library
for precedents?
BASHIR
And re-checked. Nothing so far.
SISKO
Have you any theories?
A hard admission for Bashir.
BASHIR
Not yet.
SISKO
Find one.
(to Kira)
Major, get hold of the Chief's
personal duty log.
DEEP SPACE: "Babel" REV. 10/15/92 - ACT TWO 19.
21 CONTINUED:
SISKO
I want to know where he's been and
what he's done for the past fifty-
two hours.
KIRA
I've already examine it, Commander.
He's been all over this station.
SISKO
Retrace his steps. See what you
come up with.
(a beat)
Dax, you will temporarily assume
Mister O'Brien's duties.
Dax's face is slick with perspiration. She appears slightly
disoriented.
DAX
Yes... I'll...
The others are now aware of her discomfort.
SISKO
Is there a problem, Lieutenant?
Dax stares blankly at him.
SISKO
Lieutenant.
Dax forces herself to speak calmly and deliberately.
DAX
I'm sorry, Benjamin, but... I'm unable
to... foolish assembled regal...
control weather.
Hold on reactions.
DEEP SPACE: "Babel" REV. 10/13/92 - ACT TWO 19A.
22 EXT. - SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)
23 INT. INFIRMARY - DAY TWO
Sisko and Bashir are at a wall monitor studying an Okudagram
which details a virus-like organism.
DEEP SPACE: "Babel" REV. 10/13/92 - ACT TWO 20.
23 CONTINUED:
BASHIR
Commander, spontaneous development
of aphasia is virtually impossible.
But we saw Lieutenant Dax become
aphasic before our eyes. That told
me we were dealing with a disease
that only mimics aphasia. So I ran
a full neuro-synaptic comparison of
Dax and O'Brien.
(pointing to monitor)
And found this in the temporal lobes
of both patients.
SISKO
A virus?
BASHIR
(nods)
It imposes itself within established
synaptic pathways and then randomly
reroutes them. For example, when I
look at this...
(picks up tricorder)
... a process occurs in my brain which
connects this stimulus to the word
"tricorder." The virus disrupts
that process.
SISKO
I'd see the tricorder but I would
say something ridiculous like...
window.
BASHIR
Exactly.
Suddenly we HEAR a BABBLE OF VOICES from behind them.
23A NEW ANGLE
Sisko and Bashir turn to see NURSE JABARA and two STARFLEET
CREWMEMBERS at the doorway.
NURSE JABARA
Doctor, I think you better get over
here.
Sisko and Bashir walk over and are immediately confronted by
the crewmembers, both talking at once... and making no sense
at all.
DEEP SPACE: "Babel" REV. 10/13/92 - ACT TWO 21.
23A CONTINUED:
STARFLEET APHASIA VICTIM ONE
Night, the flow trade again.
STARFLEET APHASIA VICTIM TWO
View lost pile luck. Away tunnel
back the garden.
Sisko and Bashir exchange a look.
SISKO
Doctor, I want this station put under
emergency quarantine immediately.
24 INT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)
25 INT. PROMENADE - ANGLE ON ODO
As he exits Turbolift. He glances up and down the street,
which is deserted except for two passersby. Odo is about to
reenter the Turbolift to continue his rounds, when he hears
noise coming from Quark's. He goes to investigate.
26 INT. QUARKS
Surprisingly busy, Odo ENTERS, takes one look at the crowd,
and makes a bee line for Quark, who is behind the bar.
ODO
Quark, what is going on here?
QUARK
What's it look like?
ODO
It looks like business as usual.
But that's impossible, because all
shops and business have been closed
until further notice.
QUARK
Except, of course, for essential
station operations.
ODO
For which this place hardly qualifies.
DEEP SPACE: "Babel" REV. 10/15/92 - ACT TWO 22.
26 CONTINUED:
Quark eyes the house.
QUARK
I don't think they would agree.
This quarantine has everyone on
edge, Constable. Would you deprive
them of a little harmless diversion?
ODO
They'd be safer in their quarters.
Asoth passes by.
ASOTH
Quark, that Kohlanese stew...
magnificent.
Quark nods modestly, then notices Odo's questioning look.
QUARK
Fortunately my assistant, Rom, was
able to fix the replicators.
ODO
Yes, very fortunate.
But Odo's suspicions have been raised.
27 INT. PROMENADE SECOND LEVEL
CAMERA PANS along the empty corridor until it comes to rest
on JAKE, who leans against the railing, looking down at the
street below.
SISKO (V.O.)
Jake!
Jake's head snaps up... sees his father headed his way.
SISKO
(an angry parent)
I expected you home an hour ago.
DEEP SPACE: "Babel" REV. 10/13/92 - ACT TWO 23.
27 CONTINUED:
JAKE
Sorry. I was over at Nog's.
They start down the staircase.
JAKE
Dad, about this quarantine, it's
going to be okay, isn't it?
SISKO
(reassuring)
It's just a precaution. Nothing
more.
28 INT. PROMENADE - FIRST LEVEL - CONTINUOUS
They reach the bottom of the stairs only to find an anxious
Captain Jaheel waiting for them.
JAHEEL
I wish I shared your confidence
Commander.
Sisko gives Jake an encouraging pat.
SISKO
Go on home, son. I'll see you at
dinner.
Jake EXITS - Sisko watches him go then turns a disapproving
eye towards Jaheel.
SISKO
Captain Jaheel, all visitors have
been confined to their ships.
JAHEEL
Believe me, there is no place I'd
rather be.
SISKO
Then what are you doing here?
JAHEEL
Searching for you. Commander, I
officially request permission to
leave this station.
Sisko's response is immediate and leaves no room for doubt.
DEEP SPACE: "Babel" REV. 10/15/92 - ACT TWO 24.
SISKO
Request denied.
JAHEEL
But none of my crew has been affected
by this virus of yours, and unless I
depart at once my entire cargo will
be ruined...
SISKO
(an order)
Captain, I suggest you return to
your ship. Now.
JAHEEL
(urgent)
Please... I don't want to get sick.
Sisko's tone softens as he realizes Jaheel is terrified of
the virus.
SISKO
I'm sorry, but until we find a cure
for this thing no one's going
anywhere.
A beat. Then mustering up his remaining dignity Jaheel nods
and EXITS.
Hold on Sisko's reaction.
29 INT. CORRIDOR
Quark pushes a small cart along the passageway.
29A ANGLE
as he stops in front of a door with a Starfleet logo
prominently displayed. He checks the corridor -- it's clear.
He taps a code into a Ferengi PADD. We HEAR A CLICK; the
door OPENS and he ENTERS.
30 INT. EMPTY CREW QUARTERS (OPTICAL)
The room is dark. Quark moves quickly to the replicator,
checks a PADD.
DEEP SPACE: "Babel" REV. 10/15/92 - ACT TWO 24A.
QUARK
Let's start with one Ferengi
Stardrifter, please. Extra strong.
The goblet sized drink MATERIALIZES. Quark turns to place
it on the cart -- which suddenly MORPHS into Odo.
DEEP SPACE: "Babel" REV. 10/13/92 - ACT TWO 25.
30 CONTINUED:
A startled Quark drops the glass, but quickly regains his
wits. After all he's been playing "games" like this with
Odo for many years.
QUARK
I thought the front wheels were
sticking a bit.
ODO
Unauthorized access to crew quarters
is a crime, Quark.
(a beat)
You could have just asked to use the
replicators.
QUARK
There's an old Ferengi saying, "Never
ask when you can take."
(trying to hide his
annoyance)
How did you figure it out, anyway?
ODO
You claimed Rom fixed your
replicators.
QUARK
So?
ODO
Rom's an idiot. He couldn't fix a
straw if it was bent.
As he leads Quark out of the room.
QUARK
You're right. He is an idiot. Remind
me to get rid of him tomorrow.
31 INT. OPS
Sisko, Bashir, and Kira at the operations table.
BASHIR
Based on the levels of the virus
found in the patients' blood, I believe
it's being absorbed through ingestion.
SISKO
You're saying it's in our food?
DEEP SPACE: "Babel" REV. 10/13/92 - ACT TWO 25A.
31 CONTINUED:
KIRA
That's not possible. All the food
on the station is replicated and all
the replicators use bio-filters.
They automatically screen out
contaminants, including viruses.
DEEP SPACE: "Babel" REV. 10/07/92 - ACT TWO 26.
31 CONTINUED:
BASHIR
Major, I have analyzed samples from
all over the station. All of the
food on the command level is
contaminated with the virus.
SISKO
But all of us here have eaten from
those replicators. How come we're
not aphasic?
BASHIR
This virus is highly adaptable. Its
gestation period seems to vary within
each individual.
Both Sisko and Kira consider this news for a beat.
KIRA
According to O'Brien's duty log the
last thing he did before become
aphasic was fix the command level
replicators. But I had a repair
crew inspect the site. They found
nothing suspicious.
SISKO
Look again. Closer.
Kira nods.
SISKO
(continuing, to Bashir)
Let's shut down the command level
replicators. At the very least we
can contain this thing.
BASHIR
I'm not sure that's going to do it,
sir. I've been getting aphasic
patients from all over the station...
SISKO
But how is that possible...
ODO (O.S.)
You can thank Quark.
32 ANGLE TO INCLUDE ODO
as he joins the group.
DEEP SPACE: "Babel" REV. 10/15/92 - ACT TWO 27.
32 CONTINUED:
ODO
I caught him using a replicator in
one of the vacant crew quarters. He
was producing his entire menu out of
there.
SISKO
And contaminating all his customers.
A long beat as the implications sink in. Bashir takes a
reading with his medical tricorder --
BASHIR
If this virus is present in a large
enough segment of the population, it
could mean...
Bashir rises.
33 NEW ANGLE
As he quickly crosses over to Dax's station. He feeds the
information from the tricorder into a monitor.
SISKO
What is it, Doctor?
BASHIR
I just took an air sample.
34 INSERT MONITOR
We recognize the same organism we saw earlier in the
Infirmary.
35 RESUME SCENE
Sisko recognizes it too.
SISKO
The virus?
BASHIR
(nodding)
It's mutated into an airborne variety.
DEEP SPACE: "Babel" REV. 10/13/92 - ACT TWO 28.
35 CONTINUED:
ODO
(speaking for all)
Which means?
BASHIR
Which means the whole station is
infected.
And off their reactions we...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT TWO
DEEP SPACE: "Babel" REV. 10/19/92 - ACT THREE 29.
ACT THREE
36 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)
SISKO (V.O.)
Station log Stardate 46423.7. Nearly
sixty percent of DS Nine's population
has now contracted the aphasia virus.
We are advising all incoming ships
to maintain their distance from the
station until further notice.
37 INT. ACCESS TUNNEL (SAME LOCATION AS TEASER)
Kira and a repair crew are carefully rechecking every inch
of the tunnel. Kira scans an open panel with a tricorder.
She reacts to a reading and carefully reaches inside the
circuitry and as her fingers close around her target...
38 INT. COMMANDER'S OFFICE
The ALIEN DEVICE we saw in the teaser is now resting on
Sisko's table.
38A WIDEN TO INCLUDE
Sisko and Kira.
KIRA
I found it inside the replicator's
pattern generator.
SISKO
O'Brien must have accidently triggered
it when he repaired the system.
KIRA
According to Bashir, it introduced
an anomalous programming sequence
into the materialization subroutine.
In effect it built the virus directly
into the replicated food at a
molecular level.
SISKO
So what we have here is sabotage.
DEEP SPACE: "Babel" REV. 10/13/92 - ACT THREE 30.
38A CONTINUED:
KIRA
Cardassian sabotage.
SISKO
How can you be sure?
Kira picks up the device and slowly turns it over in her
hands.
KIRA
It has a diboridium core for a power
source. That's Cardassian technology.
She hands the device over to Sisko who studies it.
DEEP SPACE: "Babel" REV. 10/15/92 - ACT THREE 31.
38A CONTINUED: (2)
BASHIR'S COM VOICE
Bashir to Sisko.
SISKO
(taps com)
Sisko here.
BASHIR'S COM VOICE
I think you'd better get down here
to the Infirmary, Commander.
SISKO
On my way.
And he's in motion...
39 INT. INFIRMARY
Sisko ENTERS and is met by a solemn Bashir.
SISKO
You wanted to see me, Doctor?
Before Bashir can answer, Sisko spots Jake seated on the
diagnostic bed, alone and scared.
SISKO
Jake?
40 ANGLE - SISKO AND JAKE
as they embrace.
SISKO
It's okay, son. It's okay. I'm
here.
JAKE
Left become better control entire
hope.
Sisko gives Jake a reassuring smile, but he's a very worried
father right now.
DEEP SPACE: "Babel" REV. 10/13/92 - ACT THREE 32.
40 CONTINUED:
BASHIR
We've converted some empty crew
quarters into a hospital ward. He'll
be well looked after.
SISKO
I'll take him there myself.
(to Jake)
Come on Jake. It's going to be all
right.
He drapes his arm around Jake's shoulder and leads him toward
the door.
BASHIR
Commander, when you have a moment...
I've found something I'd like to
show you.
Sisko nods and EXITS with Jake.
41 INT. HOSPITAL WARD
Transformed into what at first glance resembles a refugee
camp. Aphasic victims are scattered throughout the room,
many seated on cots that have been set up along the walls.
Volunteer nurses (including Nurse Jabara) patrol the area,
communicating with the patients by gesture and body language.
42 ANGLE ON SISKO AND JAKE
and they ENTER. Sisko spots Quark struggling to make himself
understood to an N.D. Bajoran seated on a cot.
QUARK
Money... hand... mine... give.
SISKO
Well, Quark, I see even you couldn't
weasel your way clear of this one.
Quark straightens up and flashes a self-satisfied grin.
QUARK
You underestimate the Ferengi immune
system, Commander. I'm merely here
to visit some of my less fortunate
customers...
DEEP SPACE: "Babel" REV. 10/15/92 - ACT THREE 33.
42 CONTINUED:
QUARK
To make certain they're not faking
the illness to avoid paying their
bills.
SISKO
No one's that devious Quark.
QUARK
I am.
He turns back to the Bajoran patient.
QUARK
You... gold... owe... me.
43 NEW ANGLE
as Sisko leads Jake deeper into the room. At first they
both are hesitant, this place looks pretty grim, but they
lighten up when they notice O'Brien and Dax who approach.
Sisko and Dax exchange rueful smiles.
SISKO
(simply)
We're doing everything possible.
And though Dax and the others can't understand the words,
Sisko's concern comes through loud and clear.
Dax holds out a comforting hand to Jake. He looks over at
Sisko who leans over and kisses him on the head.
DEEP SPACE: "Babel" REV. 10/19/92 - ACT THREE 34.
43 CONTINUED:
SISKO
I'll be back as soon as I can.
Sisko turns and EXITS. Leaving his son behind is no easy
thing.
44 INT. INFIRMARY
Bashir directs Sisko over to a wall monitor... activates the
screen. An Okudagram of a DNA sequence appears on the
monitor.
BASHIR
The virus is synthetic, Commander.
Its nucleotide sequence is too
perfect. It's clearly not natural.
SISKO
You're saying the Cardassians
genetically engineered this thing?
BASHIR
That's what I thought at first. But
I've studied Cardassian genetic
engineering. They always build
distinctive monoclonial links into
their DNA. This virus has none of
those features.
SISKO
All right, then who made it.
BASHIR
(enthusiasm rising)
That's what I wanted to find out.
So I referenced all known DNA
construction techniques in the
Federation records...
Indicates a section of the DNA.
BASHIR
This protein series was the key. It
indicates that...
SISKO
(enough already)
Doctor, who created this virus?
BASHIR
The Bajorans, sir. I believe this
must have been a terrorist plot to
sabotage the Cardassians while they
were here.
DEEP SPACE: "Babel" REV. 10/13/92 - ACT THREE 35.
44 CONTINUED:
Off Sisko's surprised reaction...
45 INT. COMMANDER'S OFFICE
Sisko, Kira, and Odo. Kira is holding the Cardassian
programming device.
KIRA
The energy decay of this power core
indicates that it dates back to the
building of the station.
ODO
That's eighteen years ago. I suppose
the Bajoran underground could have
smuggled it aboard during
construction.
(a beat)
Before I took over as head of
security.
SISKO
But why would the underground go to
all the trouble of planting a booby
trap and then not set it off?
Good question.
ODO
Maybe they forgot.
KIRA
More likely they were captured or
killed before they could release it.
SISKO
We need to find out who created the
virus.
(to Kira)
You're our best hope.
Kira nods, knowing she has her work cut out for her.
KIRA
Eighteen years is a long time.
DEEP SPACE: "Babel" REV. 10/19/92 - ACT THREE 36.
ODO
Besides, even if she finds this
person... that's no guarantee he can
help us.
SISKO
We just have to hope he remembers
the antidote.
ODO
That's assuming he ever bothered to
create one.
That leaves them all with something to think about.
46 INT. OPS - CLOSE ON KIRA
standing in front of a monitor at Dax's station. GALIS BLIN,
a middle aged Bajoran woman is on the screen. (In b.g. we
see that Ops is running on a skeleton crew.)
KIRA
... Had to be someone in the
underground familiar with genetic
engineering.
GALIS
(thinks for a beat)
Eighteen years ago... sounds like
something Dekon Elig might have
thought up.
KIRA
How can I find him?
GALIS
(thinking)
Last I heard he was in a Cardassian
prison.
KIRA
Where was he being held?
GALIS
The Velos Seven Internment Camp.
But that was nine years ago.
KIRA
And you have no idea where he is
now?
(pressing)
Think, Galis. This is important.
DEEP SPACE: "Babel" REV. 10/15/92 - ACT THREE 37.
GALIS
(sympathetic)
I'm sorry Kira, but it was all so
long ago.
46A HOLD ON KIRA
not ready to give up.
47 OMITTED
DEEP SPACE: "Babel" REV. 10/21/92 - ACT THREE 38.
48 INT. CREW QUARTERS/HOSPITAL WARD
Nurse Jabara is making her rounds when she hears a commotion
on the other side of the room.
49 NEW ANGLE
As a frantic Jake comes running over.
JAKE
Roll linger when life. Roll linger
when.
NURSE JABARA
What is it, Jake?
Jake drags her over to where Dax is kneeling over a motionless
O'Brien. Dax is checking his vital signs.
DAX
(to nurse Jabara)
Other support strong courage.
She takes the nurse's hand and presses it to O'Brien's
forehead.
NURSE JABARA
He's running a high fever.
JAKE
Open way long. Openway.
Nurse Jabara taps her combadge.
NURSE JABARA
Doctor, we have an emergency here in
the crew quarters.
BASHIR (COM VOICE)
I'll be right there.
50 CAMERA HOLD
on an unconscious O'Brien, his face drawn and sweating.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT THREE
DEEP SPACE: "Babel" REV. 10/13/92 - ACT FOUR 39.
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
51 INT. INFIRMARY - CLOSE ON O'BRIEN
His body racked with fever.
52 ANGLE ON BASHIR
Checking his vital signs monitor. They're dangerously low.
53 ANGLE WIDENS
to include a grim faced Sisko.
SISKO
How is he, Doctor?
BASHIR
Not good, I'm afraid. It seems the
virus has attacked his autonomic
nervous system.
SISKO
Can he be stabilized?
BASHIR
He hasn't responded to neural
stimulation. I've given him thirty
c.c.'s of corophizine to avoid
secondary infection, but so far I've
been unable to lower his fever.
SISKO
What are his chances?
Bashir eyes the monitor, then faces Sisko.
BASHIR
Unless I find some way to counteract
the virus, he'll be dead in twelve
hours.
SISKO
(gently; knows Bashir
is doing his best)
Have you made any progress?
DEEP SPACE: "Babel" REV. 10/19/92 - ACT FOUR 40.
53 CONTINUED:
BASHIR
(a painful admission)
No... I've tried base pair de-
stabilizers, sequential disruption,
nothing seems to affect it.
(a beat)
Sir, I have seven other aphasic
patients displaying the same symptoms
as O'Brien here. And I'm afraid
it's only the beginning.
SISKO
Keep searching, Doctor. And let's
hope Major Kira can find whoever's
responsible for creating this virus.
BASHIR
I'd like to meet that person myself.
This virus is a work of genius.
SISKO
(dryly)
I'll try and arrange it for you.
54 OMITTED
54A INT. OPS - CLOSE ON KIRA
at her station.
DEEP SPACE: "Babel" REV. 10/19/92 - ACT FOUR 40A.
54A CONTINUED:
COMPUTER VOICE
Link established with the Bajoran
Archival Records.
KIRA
Locate files on Velos Seven Internment
camp.
COMPUTER VOICE
Ready.
KIRA
Do you show a record of an inmate
named Dekon Elig?
OMPUTER VOICE
Affirmative.
KIRA
Biographical data...
COMPUTER VOICE
Dekon Elig. Geneticist...
Kira smiles triumphantly.
COMPUTER VOICE
Former member of the Higa Metar Sect
of the Bajoran underground. Killed
while attempting escape Stardate
39355. Certificate of Death on file.
The worst news possible. Kira slumps back in defeat.
SISKO (V.O.)
No need to ask how you're doing.
55 ANGLE WIDENS
To include Sisko as he EXITS from the Turbolift.
DEEP SPACE: "Babel" REV. 10/20/92 - ACT FOUR 41.
55 CONTINUED:
KIRA
I'm chasing after ghosts.
SISKO
You have twelve hours to catch one.
KIRA
And then?
SISKO
People start dying.
A silent beat between them, then Sisko LEAVES. Kira turns
back to her console.
KIRA
(a stab in the dark)
Computer, display Dekon Elig's
Certificate of Death.
The certificate is brought up on her monitor. (We do not
have to see this on screen.)
KIRA
(continuing)
Identify signature of witness.
COMPUTER VOICE
Certificate of Death was witnessed
by Surmak Ren, Bajoran Medical
Assistant.
KIRA
Show me biographical data on Surmak
Ren.
COMPUTER VOICE
Doctor Surmak Ren. Former member of
the Higa Metar sect of the Bajoran
underground. Repatriated to Bajor
upon closing of the Velos Seven
Internment Camp, Stardate 46302.
Current status... unknown.
55A HOLD ON KIRA
the closer she gets to an answer... the farther away she has
to go.
DEEP SPACE: "Babel" REV. 10/20/92 - ACT FOUR 41A.
56 INT. QUARK'S
abandoned except for Quark alone at the dabo table. As the
wheel grinds to a halt.
QUARK
(halfheartedly)
Dabo!
ODO
Having any luck?
57 ON ODO
standing in the doorway. He makes his way over to the table.
QUARK
I haven't won a spin in hours.
(brightening)
Care to place a friendly wager?
(off Odo's hesitation)
If it's your reputation you're
thinking about... no one need ever
know.
ODO
It has nothing to do with my
reputation. The truth is I've
never...
(a beat)
... learned the game.
DEEP SPACE: "Babel" REV. 10/13/92 - ACT FOUR 42.
57 CONTINUED:
QUARK
(incredulous)
You mean, you've sat in here all
those years and you don't even know
how to gamble?
ODO
(stiffly)
That's correct.
QUARK
(laughing)
No wonder you always look so bored.
(smells a quick killing)
The rules are quite simple, actually.
I would be happy to teach them to
you...
ODO
Some other time perhaps. Sisko needs
me in Ops.
(pointedly)
And with the entire security force
stricken with aphasia, that leaves
the promenade in a very vulnerable
position.
Quark's eyes light up at that thought.
QUARK
How... unfortunate.
ODO
Consider it a warning, Quark. Because
I'm holding you personally responsible
for anything that turns up missing.
Is that understood?
QUARK
Perfectly.
Odo stares flatly at Quark until he's convinced that the
Ferengi has gotten the message. Then he turns and EXITS.
58 HOLD ON QUARK
who gives the wheel a frustrated spin...
DEEP SPACE: "Babel" REV. 10/16/92 - ACT FOUR 43.
58 CONTINUED:
QUARK
(a curse)
Dabo!
59 INT. INFIRMARY
Bashir is in front of a wall monitor, using the computer to
test antidotes. He is exhausted.
BASHIR
Computer, analyze test sample thirty-
seven delta. Detail effects on viral
containment.
59A ON MONITOR - BASHIR'S POV
We see a medical readout. The words are clearly in English
and make perfect sense.
COMPUTER VOICE
Working...
(beat)
Analysis complete. Sample thirty-
seven delta ineffective...
59B ANGLE ON BASHIR
he sags... Another failure.
COMPUTER VOICE
(continuing)
... viral protein sheath is
unaffected... Nucleotide sequence
remains intact...
Bashir's head snaps up, a look of dread in his face.
BASHIR
Computer... Replay morning.
COMPUTER VOICE
Command unclear. Please repeat.
60 ON MONITOR - BASHIR'S POV
The medical read out on the screen is now an indecipherable
jumble.
DEEP SPACE: "Babel" REV. 10/13/92 - ACT FOUR 43A.
60 CONTINUED:
BASHIR
Glass lunch judge a bin to let it...
COMPUTER VOICE
Command unclear. Please repeat.
61 RESUME BASHIR
As he realizes what has happened.
DEEP SPACE: "Babel" REV. 10/16/92 - ACT FOUR 44.
62 INT. OPS
A weary Kira is still at her console.
KIRA
Computer, establish link with the
Bajoran Medical Index for Northwestern
District...
COMPUTER VOICE
Link established.
KIRA
Access all information on Doctor
Surmak Ren.
COMPUTER VOICE
There are no records matching that
name.
Kira's not surprised.
KIRA
Try the Northeastern District. Same
search.
COMPUTER VOICE
Doctor Surmak Ren, currently serving
as Chief Administrator of the Ilvian
Medical Complex.
Kira jolts forward in her seat.
KIRA
Computer, open a channel to the Ilvian
Medical Complex... Administrators
office.
A soft, rather pudgy man SURMAK REN appears on the console.
SURMAK
(a pleasant smile)
This is Doctor Surmak. And you are?
KIRA
Major Kira Nerys. Bajoran liaison
to Deep Space Nine.
SURMAK
Ah yes, the old Cardassian mining
station. How can I help you?
KIRA
That depends.
DEEP SPACE: "Babel" REV. 10/16/92 - ACT FOUR 44A.
62 CONTINUED:
SURMAK
On what?
KIRA
On whether or not you helped Dekon
Elig plant an aphasia virus here,
eighteen years ago.
SURMAK
(smile vanishing)
I have no idea what you're talking
about.
The screen goes blank. Kira slams the deck in frustration.
63 INT. COMMANDER'S OFFICE
Odo, ill at ease, stands before Sisko.
ODO
Look here, Sisko. I'm a security
officer. A good one. But that
doesn't make me qualified to help
you run station operations.
SISKO
You're probably right, Constable...
He gestures toward Ops.
DEEP SPACE: "Babel" REV. 10/22/92 - ACT FOUR 45.
63 CONTINUED:
SISKO
But as you can see, you're all I've
got.
Odo reluctantly accepts his fate.
64 NEW ANGLE
As Kira comes hurrying into Sisko's office.
KIRA
Commander, I think I found our
scientist.
SISKO
Does he have an antidote?
KIRA
I don't know. He broke the connection
the minute I mentioned the virus.
She heads towards the door. Sisko on her heels.
SISKO
Major, you mind telling me where
you're going?
KIRA
To continue my conversation with
Doctor Surmak.
Sisko blocks her path...
SISKO
Major, I can't allow you to break
quarantine. We can't risk spreading
the virus to Bajor.
KIRA
I'm well aware of that, Commander.
As a matter of fact, I don't intend
to step foot on the planet.
DEEP SPACE: "Babel" REV. 10/16/92 - ACT FOUR 46.
Sisko still isn't sure. Odo steps forward to break the
stalemate.
ODO
Better let her go, Sisko.
Sisko's gaze demands Odo give a reason.
ODO
(continuing)
She's all we've got.
A beat. Sisko steps aside. Kira nods goodbye, EXITS the
office.
ODO
I just hope there's someone left to
greet her when she returns.
Hold on Sisko. His thoughts exactly.
65 EXT. SPACE DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)
as Kira's Runabout leaves the station.
66 INT. CREW QUARTERS/HOSPITAL WARD (DAY THREE)
Jake and Dax are among a crowd watching another aphasic
patient, in an advanced state of the disease, being carried
out on a stretcher.
67 ANGLE SISKO
Making his way through the crowd.
SISKO
Jake!
Jake brightens at the sight of his dad.
SISKO
How's it going, fella?
DEEP SPACE: "Babel" REV. 10/19/92 - ACT FOUR 47.
67 CONTINUED:
They hug, Sisko exchanges glances with Dax, who sensing their
need for privacy, nods and steps away.
68 NEW ANGLE
Sisko seats Jake on a cot, then kneels down so that they can
be at eye level. He knows Jake can't understand him, but
he's hoping that his tone and expression can convey all that
he's feeling.
SISKO
I've missed you, son. I know things
don't look too good right now. But
they'll get better. You have to
believe that. Because... I'm not
going to lose you, Jake. You hear
me? I'm not going to lose you.
And the intensity of Sisko's words do get through to Jake,
who smiles and gives him a "we're in this together" nod.
Sisko smiles back. And for a moment, there is communication
and understanding.
69 OMITTED
DEEP SPACE: "Babel" REV. 10/16/92 - ACT FOUR 48.
70 INT. OPS
Odo at the operations table, stares at a panel with growing
unease.
71 ANGLE SISKO
as he ENTERS OPS.
ODO
You better take a look at this... We
have activity on Docking Port Five.
I think a ship's about to depart.
SISKO
Docking Port Five? That's Jaheel's
ship. Put him on screen.
72 THE VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)
The image of Captain Jaheel appears. He's frantically working
his ship's control panels.
73 INTERCUT WITH SISKO AND ODO (OPTICAL)
Sisko, tensing in anger.
SISKO
Captain, your ship has not been
cleared for departure. The mooring
clamps are locked. And I don't intend
to release them.
DEEP SPACE: "Babel" REV. 10/16/92 - ACT FOUR 49.
73 CONTINUED:
JAHEEL
I suggest you change your mind. I'm
taking aft thrusters to one half.
74 EXT. SPACE - JAHEEL'S SHIP (OPTICAL)
Engine's firing but the vessel remains held fast to station.
75 INT. OPS (OPTICAL)
as before.
SISKO
Captain, cut your engines before you
rip your ship apart.
ODO
(checking panel)
He's not reducing power.
SISKO
Jaheel, I'm ordering you to stand
down.
Jaheel's ship shudders from the strain of his engines.
JAHEEL
Your orders are no concern of mine.
My entire crew has been confined to
your hospital. I must leave now
while I can still function.
SISKO
Look, I understand you're frightened.
But believe me, you're better off
here. You don't want to be out there
alone and get hit by the virus.
JAHEEL
Don't worry about me. I'm fine and
I intend to stay that way.
Sisko hits a panel to mute communication with Jaheel.
DEEP SPACE: "Babel" REV. 10/13/92 - ACT FOUR 49A.
75 CONTINUED:
SISKO
Damn.
ODO
What's wrong?
SISKO
There's too much stress on the mooring
clamps. They're not retracting.
A violent shake almost knocks Sisko and Odo off their feet.
The Viewscreen image disappears into static.
DEEP SPACE: "Babel" REV. 10/16/92 - ACT FOUR 50.
75 CONTINUED: (2)
ODO
His aft isolation plate buckled.
Sisko comes over to check the console.
SISKO
The main power core's been ruptured.
If the internal fuel cells collapse
the whole ship will explode.
ODO
And take half the docking ring with
it.
Off Sisko and Odo's expressions...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FOUR
DEEP SPACE: "Babel" REV. 10/13/92 - ACT FIVE 51-53.
ACT FIVE
FADE IN:
75A EXT. SPACE - THE RUNABOUT (OPTICAL)
Orbiting around Bajor.
75B INT. RUNABOUT
Kira in the cockpit, taking readings.
KIRA
Computer, isolate a comline to the
Ilvian Medical Complex.
Administrator's office.
COMPUTER VOICE
Line isolated.
KIRA
Scan the office for lifeforms.
COMPUTER VOICE
One life form present.
KIRA
Lock on and stand by to transport.
She works console.
75C INCLUDE MONITOR (OPTICAL)
as Surmak Ren appears on screen.
SURMAK
This is Doctor Surmak.
KIRA
Hello again, Doctor. Just wanted to
make sure you were in your office.
SURMAK
I have nothing to say to you...
Surmak moves to sever their connection, but Kira is quicker --
she touches a panel and Surmak DEMATERIALIZES. A delighted
Kira swirls around in her chair.
DEEP SPACE: "Babel" REV. 10/19/92 - ACT FIVE 53A.
76
thru OMITTED
82
83 NEW ANGLE (OPTICAL)
to find a flabbergasted Surmak MATERIALIZING on the runabout's
Transport pad.
DEEP SPACE: "Babel" REV. 10/16/92 - ACT FIVE 54.
KIRA
Welcome aboard.
Surmak steps off the pad... and it's wrath of God time.
SURMAK
This is outrageous. I demand you
return me to my office immediately.
KIRA
Relax, Doctor. You won't be gone
long.
84 ANGLE KIRA
Working panels... plotting a new course... Surmak feels the
ship leaving orbit.
SURMAK
Where are you taking me?
KIRA
To the space station.
Off Surmak's reaction.
DEEP SPACE: "Babel" REV. 10/16/92 - ACT FIVE 55.
84A INT. OPS (FORMERLY SCENE 76)
Sisko and Odo are staring at the static filled Viewscreen.
SISKO
Try to re-establish visual contact
with Jaheel's ship.
ODO
(working console)
No response. His com lines are down.
SISKO
Bypass communications through his
secondary grid. See if you can switch
to external pickups.
ODO
(working feverishly)
Got it.
84B ON VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)
The static clears -- replaced with the burning bridge of
Jaheel's vessel. (Jaheel's nowhere in sight)
ODO
His fire control systems don't appear
to be working.
SISKO
(checking console)
We have about fifteen minutes before
the fuel cells collapse.
Sisko is hit by a wave of dizziness. He tries to fight it
off.
ODO
I hope you feel better than you look.
SISKO
(sweating)
It must be that damn virus.
(hitting console)
This is Sisko.
DEEP SPACE: "Babel" REV. 10/13/92 - ACT FIVE 56.
84B CONTINUED:
SISKO (Cont'd)
Any station personnel who can
understand what I'm saying should
come to Ops immediately. We need
help up here.
(to Odo)
We have to get that ship away from
the station.
ODO
Why don't we explode the mooring
clamps. The blast should push the
ship away from the docking ring.
SISKO
(agreed)
We'll have to get down there and
blow them manually.
ODO
I'll do it.
SISKO
All right... you can cross barrels
all job appalled.
ODO
What was that you...
SISKO
Bread the arrive seen earlier.
ODO
Oh, I see...
One look at Odo's face and Sisko knows he's through. He
slumps down helplessly in his chair.
84C EXT. SPACE RUNABOUT (OPTICAL)
84D INT. RUNABOUT
Surmak and Kira still going at it.
DEEP SPACE: "Babel" REV. 10/16/92 - ACT FIVE 56A.
84D CONTINUED:
SURMAK
Major, this is kidnapping. Turn
this ship around or I swear you'll
spend the rest of your life in Kran-
Tobol Prison.
KIRA
Fine. But first we need your help.
The aphasia virus is spreading through
the station.
SURMAK
But why come to me.
KIRA
You helped create the virus didn't
you.
Surmak sits down beside her, nervously trying to cover any
suggestion of guilt.
SURMAK
No! I had practically nothing to do
with it. Dekon Elig created the
virus. I was merely his medical
assistant.
(half to himself)
It all seems like a life time ago.
I was only with the underground six
months before we were captured.
(to Kira, urgent)
I am not responsible for this.
KIRA
I'm not looking to place blame. All
I want is the antidote.
SURMAK
But I don't know of any antidote.
If Dekon made one, he never told me.
KIRA
(reacts, a beat)
Look, all I know is I have a station
full of dying people, and you're the
closest thing to an expert on this
virus.
DEEP SPACE: "Babel" REV. 10/16/92 - ACT FIVE 56B.
84D CONTINUED: (2)
SURMAK
I sympathize, Major. But I don't
think I can help you.
Kira stares at Surmak for a beat.
KIRA
All right, then how about helping
yourself?
SURMAK
Meaning what?
KIRA
(leaning toward him
for emphasis)
Meaning I've been infected with your
virus, Doctor. So now you're infected
too.
85 TIGHT ON SURMAK
As Kira's words hit home.
DEEP SPACE: "Babel" REV. 10/13/92 - ACT FIVE 56C.
86 INT. OPS
Odo taking readings. Doesn't like what he sees. (Sisko in
b.g.)
ODO
(hits com panel)
To anyone who can hear me... this is
Odo. Sisko's infected. I could
really use some help in Ops.
QUARK (V.O.)
Do I detect a note of panic in your
voice?
86A WIDER SHOT
To include Quark. Odo reacts. A mixture of surprise and
suspicion.
ODO
Quark, am I to believe you're
volunteering to help?
QUARK
Who said anything about volunteering?
But we can haggle over price later.
(enjoying the power)
Now how may I be of service?
86B HOLD ON ODO
weighing his options. Then --
ODO
I need to get to Docking Port Five,
now. That ship is going to explode
in five minutes.
QUARK
I'll beam you over.
Quark moves to the Transporter control panel. Notices Odo's
hesitation.
QUARK
Relax. I served on a Ferengi
freighter for eight years.
Odo steps onto the Transporter pad.
DEEP SPACE: "Babel" REV. 10/19/92 - ACT FIVE 56D.
86B CONTINUED:
QUARK
(carefully, studying
panel)
I must have witnessed this procedure
hundreds of times.
ODO
Witnessed? You mean to say you never
handled the controls yourself?
But before Odo can step off the pad --
QUARK
(working panel)
Energizing.
87 ANGLE (OPTICAL)
Odo DEMATERIALIZES.
88 INT. DOCKING PORT FIVE
Odo appears out of the smoke pouring through an open airlock
(we do not see him MATERIALIZE).
88A INT. OPS
Quark crosses over to take Odo's place at the operations
table.
KIRA'S COM VOICE
Kira to Ops. Approaching landing
pad seven. Request clearance to
initiate docking procedure.
QUARK
Welcome back Major. I could use
some help up here.
KIRA'S COM VOICE
Quark what are you doing in Ops?
88B INT. INFIRMARY
as Kira, looking pale, ENTERS with Surmak.
SURMAK
First thing I need to see is your
Doctors' viral characterization
research.
DEEP SPACE: "Babel" REV. 10/13/92 - ACT FIVE 56E.
88B CONTINUED:
He seats himself at a wall monitor. He taps the console and
the monitor displays Bashir's notes.
SURMAK
(scans data)
He was beginning to develop an
antidote series. Let's take a look
at that.
Kira dabs at her forehead. Her hand comes away damp with
sweat.
KIRA
I'll be in Ops. If you need me use
the string...
Surmak looks at her oddly. She hesitates, confusion lining
her face.
KIRA
... impact lots show red intense.
SURMAK
I think you'd better sit down, Major.
He helps her to a seat then turns back to the monitor.
88C INT. DOCKING PORT FIVE
Odo makes his way through the smoke. We HEAR A GROAN O.S.
89 ODO'S POV
Jaheel, having escaped from his ship, lies half conscious on
the floor.
90 RESUME SCENE
Odo lifts him up.
JAHEEL
(aphasic)
Dog fellow distance.
DEEP SPACE: "Babel" REV. 10/22/92 - ACT FIVE 57.
ODO
Tell me about it.
He lifts Jaheel.
91 INT. OPS - TIGHT ON QUARK AT OPERATIONS TABLE
Starting to feel the pressure, as he checks a console.
QUARK
Odo, that ship's going to explode in
one minute.
92 INT. DOCKING PORT FIVE
Odo carries Jaheel to safety, then continues on his mission.
92A INT. INFIRMARY
Surmak, scanning the monitor, keeps up a running commentary
for Kira. She doesn't understand a word but she watches him
intently, hoping for some sign of success.
SURMAK
(scanning info)
Virum protein sheath... uh-huh...
Nucleotide sequence... yes...
(remembers)
That's right, it's an adaptive
synaptic inhibitor... Dekon was
brilliant, there's no doubt of that.
He continues to work.
92B INT. DOCKING PORT FIVE
Odo over to the wall near the airlock, searches for the
correct access panel.
QUARK'S COM VOICE
Forty seconds.
Odo finds the panel, tears it open... Reveals a lever in an
upright position. Odo slams it down.
DEEP SPACE: "Babel" REV. 10/16/92 - ACT FIVE 57A.
93 INT. OPS
If Ferengis do indeed have hearts, then Quark's is banging
out of his chest.
QUARK
Thirty seconds. Hurry.
94 INT. DOCKING PORT FIVE
Odo crossing through the smoke to the other side of the
airlock, heaves open another access panel... flips down
another lever.
95 INT. OPS - QUARK
Assuming a defensive position know as the Ferengi cringe.
QUARK
Twenty seconds.
DEEP SPACE: "Babel" REV. 10/16/92 - ACT FIVE 58.
96 INT. DOCKING PORT FIVE
Odo doubletimes it through the smoke.
ODO
(muttering)
I know. I know.
He arrives at a control panel... presses a button, the airlock
doors close... He quickly punches in a code sequence... braces
himself against the wall. We HEAR THE SOUND OF THE MOORING
CLAMPS EXPLODING.
97 EXT. DOCKING PORT FIVE (OPTICAL)
Blown free of the clamps, Jaheel's ship is pushed clear of
the docking port.
98 INT. OPS
Quark prays to whatever God Ferengis pray to as he and Sisko
are jolted by the blast.
99 OMITTED
100 INT. OPS
As the shaking subsides... Quark gets to his feet.
QUARK
Quark to Odo. You still with us?
101 INT. DOCKING PORT FIVE
As Odo picks himself up off the floor.
ODO
Try not to sound too disappointed.
102 INT. OPS
Quark leaning comfortably back in Kira's chair.
QUARK
Now, about that little matter of my
hazard pay...
DEEP SPACE: "Babel" REV. 10/16/92 - ACT FIVE 59.
103 INT. DOCKING PORT FIVE
Odo's eyes narrow. One of these days he's going to throttle
that greedy rodent.
103A INT. INFIRMARY
Kira and Surmak as before.
SURMAK
(confidence growing)
Your doctor came very close to finding
the antidote himself. The answer is
in a progressive base substitution.
He gets up and crosses to an equipment drawer and takes out
a twenty-fourth century syringe.
SURMAK
(to Kira)
Now I just need to take a blood
sample.
And as he begins to draw Kira's blood...
104 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)
SISKO (V.O.)
Station log, Stardate 46425.8. We're
continuing to administer Doctor
Surmak's antidote throughout the
station. Things are slowly returning
to normal.
DEEP SPACE: "Babel" REV. 10/14/92 - ACT FIVE 60.
105 INT. OPS
Fully staffed... Business as usual. Sisko, Dax, Kira and
O'Brien all at their stations. Sisko crosses to the
replicator. Passes O'Brien.
SISKO
Good to have you back, Chief.
O'BRIEN
Thank you, sir.
106 ON O'BRIEN
He sees where Sisko's headed, and a look of panic crosses
his face.
SISKO (O.S.)
Hot coffee, black.
107 RESUME SCENE
Sisko, cup in hand, takes a big gulp... And nearly gags.
The coffee's awful -- again.
SISKO
O'Brien... !
All eyes turn to O'Brien. And as O'Brien's eyes turn to the
heavens, we...
FADE OUT.
THE END