STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
"Vortex"
#40511-412
Written by
Sam Rolfe
Directed by
Rick Kolbe
THE WRITING CREDITS MAY NOT BE FINAL AND SHOULD NOT BE USED
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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 This script is not for publication or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
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Return to Script Department FINAL DRAFT
PARAMOUNT PICTURES CORPORATION
JANUARY 12, 1993
STAR TREK: DS9 - "Vortex" - 1/12/93 - CAST
STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
"Vortex"
CAST
SISKO AH-KEL
O'BRIEN CRODEN
KIRA YARETH
ODO VULCAN OFFICER
BASHIR HADREN
DAX RO-KEL
QUARK
ROM COM-BADGE VOICE
COMPUTER VOICE
Non-Speaking Non-Speaking
MORN 4 ALIENS
(2 Gatherers &
2 BAJORAN GUARDS 2 Aliens)
N.D. SUPERNUMARIES
STAR TREK: DS9 - "Vortex" - 1/13/93 - SETS
STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
"Vortex"
SETS
INTERIORS EXTERIORS
DEEP SPACE NINE DEEP SPACE NINE
OPS
INFIRMARY ASTEROID
COMMANDER'S OFFICE
HOLDING AREA RUNABOUT
HOLDING CELL
QUARK'S NORMAL SPACE
PROMENADE
SECURITY THE VORTEX
HOLOSUITE
WORMHOLE
RUNABOUT PLASMA FIELD
CAVE TUNNEL
CAVERN
STAR TREK: "Vortex" - 1/20/93 - PRONUNCIATION
STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
"Vortex"
PRONUNCIATION GUIDE
MIRADORN MEER-ah-dorn
RO-KEL row-KEL
AH-KEL ah-KEL
LANGOUR LAN-gore
TOH MAIRE tow-MARE
RAKHAR ra-KAR
RAKHARI ra-KAR-ee
TIVRAN t'VRAN
CRODEN CROW-den
ALTORAN al-TOR-uhn
NEHELIK neh-HEL-ick
HADRAN HAY-dran
RIGELIAN ri-JELL-ee-an
YARETH YAR-eth
DEEP SPACE: "Vortex" - REV. 1/13/93 - TEASER 1.
STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
"Vortex"
TEASER
FADE IN:
1 EXT. DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)
Establishing. A large freighter is docked at a pylon.
2 INT. QUARK'S
Light business as ODO walks in. His eyes range over the
sparse crowd as he crosses to the bar. At the far end of
the bar, a figure wearing nondescript clothes sits, drinking
alone (CRODEN). He wears a locket on a chain around his
neck. Odo moves halfway toward him to his usual spot at the
bar, deliberately makes eye contact with the alien who looks
away. Odo already has him marked for suspicion. QUARK moves
over.
QUARK
(sarcastic)
The usual, Odo?
ODO
Nothing.
QUARK
(nods)
The usual.
Odo ignores the barb, his attention still generally focussed
in Croden's direction.
QUARK
(continuing)
If all my customers were like you,
my family would be begging on the
Promenade.
ODO
Oh, I seriously doubt that. Not as
long as there's a Miradorn raider
for you to do business with.
DEEP SPACE: "Vortex" - REV. 1/13/93 - TEASER 2.
2 CONTINUED:
QUARK
Raider?
(at Odo's look)
You mean the Miradorn ship that just
docked?
ODO
The raider.
QUARK
It's reputation, like mine, has
probably been exaggerated.
(another Odo look)
Anyway, I don't know the ship or its
crew.
ODO
You didn't make your usual welcome
call inviting them in for a free
drink?
QUARK
Miradorns are a quarrelsome people.
I chose to forego the usual amenities.
Odo lets that lay... his visual attention has continued to
be in the direction of Croden... and without pausing in the
tempo of the conversation, he casually changes the subject
to the alien.
ODO
He looks away whenever I make eye
contact.
QUARK
(already knows)
Who?
ODO
The new arrival. The one the Klingons
brought back from the Gamma Quadrant.
Quark looks, makes a point of "discovering" Croden sitting
there... Croden musing about his drink.
QUARK
Croden? He's harmless.
ODO
Really. How is it you've come to
know him so well... ?
DEEP SPACE: "Vortex" - REV. 1/13/93 - TEASER 3.
2 CONTINUED: (2)
QUARK
A man comes in for a drink... he
wants to talk...
ODO
He didn't seem to want to talk much
to Sisko when he arrived...
QUARK
Who would? All those Starfleet
officers greeting him at the airlock.
It would scare me too. The Federation
could learn a few things from the
Ferengi about hospitality.
ODO
They scared him, huh... ?
QUARK
... of course...
ODO
... I wonder what he has to be scared
about...
Quark reacts to...
3 ANGLE (OPTICAL)
two hulking aliens ENTER the bar. RO-KEL and AH-KEL sweep
into the room. They are twins. They move up the stairs
toward the holosuites. They clearly nod to Quark...
4 RESUME SCENE
ODO
Well now! I believe a pair of twinned
Miradorns just nodded your way.
QUARK
I'm the man behind the bar.
Obviously, they want to use a
holosuite.
Quark must get on with his plans... trying to cover by
reacting indignantly to Odo's suspicions... moving away down
the bar... shaking his head, "incredulous"... louder --
DEEP SPACE: "Vortex" - REV. 1/13/93 - TEASER 4.
4 CONTINUED:
QUARK
(continuing)
You think the whole galaxy is plotting
around you, don'tcha... paranoia
must run in your species, Odo...
maybe that's why no one's ever seen
another shape-shifter... they're all
hiding.
Croden and others look up at the outburst. Odo listens
curiously to this speech, and it only raises his suspicions
more...
QUARK
Well, I won't have you coming here
harassing my customers... order a
drink, play the tables or vacate the
premises.
Quark moves around the bar toward the stairs...
QUARK
Rom -- bring a flask of my special
langour.
Quark moves up the stairs... as Croden gets up and EXITS...
Odo glances at him once more... muses with a glance up the
stairs. Nearby him on the bar, ROM is putting...
5 ANGLE -- A TRAY WITH FOUR LARGE GOBLETS
6 ANGLE ON ROM
as he bends down behind the bar and takes an ornate bottle
out of a cabinet... and as he lifts it up, we follow to see
that Odo is no longer at his seat... and...
7 ANGLE - A TRAY WITH FIVE LARGE GOBLETS
Rom, containing nervous energy, doesn't take time to think
about it, he just puts the bottle on the tray and, in an
homage to Hitchcock's Notorious, we focus on the odd goblet
as Rom carries the tray up the stairs until we...
FADE OUT.
END OF TEASER
DEEP SPACE: "Vortex" - REV. 1/13/93 - ACT ONE 5.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
(NOTE: Episode credits fall over opening scenes.)
8 INT. QUARK'S - SECOND FLOOR
Continuing our move close on the goblet... as we reach a
holosuite door which opens and as we go inside...
9 INT. HOLOSUITE - CONTINUOUS
RO-KEL (O.S.)
One-thousand bars of gold press
latinum.
AH-KEL (O.S.)
Non-negotiable.
The tray is put down on a table next to a small ornately
carved metal sphere that has just been taken out of a bag...
Quark's hand picks it up and we pull back to widen and see
him... his eyes glow with greed.
QUARK
Very nice.
But he covers.
QUARK
Unfortunately, there's a problem.
RO-KEL
Problem?
ROM
Langour, anyone?
Ignoring him...
AH-KEL
What problem?
QUARK
The buyer backed out.
RO-KEL
You guaranteed us a buyer.
DEEP SPACE: "Vortex" - REV. 1/13/93 - ACT ONE 6.
9 CONTINUED:
QUARK
A question's been raised about the
origin of this bauble. A similar
item was taken during a raid on a
Vanoben transport just two light
years from here. If you had a bill
of sale...
Ro-kel grabs Quark and lifts him against the wall...
RO-KEL
You didn't ask for any bill of sale
when we contacted you...
ROM
Gentlemen, gentlemen please... try
some rare Cardassian Langour, it
will sooth you...
RO-KEL
(to Quark)
You will find another buyer...
QUARK
A buyer who will ask no questions...
that could take a long time...
AH-KEL
We don't have a long time.
Suddenly, the door opens again and Croden ENTERS wielding a
Ferengi phaser... Croden is nervous, not a man who has done
this before.
RO-KEL
What's this?
QUARK
Don't fire. What do you want?
CRODEN
No one will be hurt. Just give me...
(motioning)
...that...
AH-KEL
(threatening)
You're making a mistake.
CRODEN
It wouldn't be my first. And probably
won't be my last. Give it to me.
DEEP SPACE: "Vortex" - REV. 1/13/93 - ACT ONE 7.
10 ANGLE (OPTICAL)
Croden brandishes the weapon enough to motivate Ah-Kel to
move to the table, but -- and this all happens quickly --
he kicks the table at Croden, knocking him down as Ro-Kel
draws a weapon and fires... barely missing Croden... Rom and
Quark dive for cover in a corner...
11 ANGLE - THE FIFTH GOBLET (OPTICAL)
falls and immediately begins to morph into Odo...
12 ANGLE - CONTINUOUS ACTION (OPTICAL)
Croden fires from the floor in self-defense and nails Ro-Kel,
who goes down... at the same time Odo's morph is complete
and he immediately moves to disarm Croden...
ODO
(pops his combadge)
Security and medical to holosuite
one.
13 QUARK
glares at Rom...
QUARK
Five glasses... for four people... ?
Rom sputters a Ferengi nervous sound...
14 AH-KEL
moves to his brother and examines him... shocked, stunned...
AH-KEL
He's dead. My brother...
He stands up in a daze... looks at Croden who is in way over
his head... Ah-Kel charges at Croden... but Odo blocks him...
using his incredible strength... a beat later, two security
men ENTER... restrain him.
ODO
Take them all to my office.
DEEP SPACE: "Vortex" - REV. 1/13/93 - ACT ONE 8.
14 CONTINUED:
Quark moves to Odo's side... as BASHIR is arriving,
exchanges a glance with Odo, moves to the victim...
QUARK
Yes, take them both to his office.
Thank goodness, you were... close
by, Odo...
Odo interrupts, pushes Quark toward the door...
ODO
All of them...
Rom meekly follows Quark and Odo looks back to Bashir who
shakes his head, no hope and Odo frowns and EXITS...
15 INT. SECURITY
Close on Ah-Kel, sitting... in incredible pain... brooding,
deeply disturbed but not wildly crazy... more of an intense,
contained fury, cold and dangerous...
AH-KEL
Have you known any twinned Miradorn,
Commander?
Moving to reveal SISKO who is standing... Quark and Odo are
seated... the sphere is in Odo's desk...
SISKO
I'm afraid I haven't met any before
now.
AH-KEL
In my species, we are not just twin
brothers... together we are a self...
two halves of one being. I am
incomplete now.
ODO
(without compassion)
You should have considered the risks
before trying to sell stolen
merchandise.
Quick back and forth --
AH-KEL
You have no proof...
DEEP SPACE: "Vortex" - REV. 1/13/93 - ACT ONE 9.
15 CONTINUED:
ODO
Two people were killed on the
transport this object was taken
from...
AH-KEL
My brother and I purchased it from
an Altoran trader...
ODO
His name... his ship's
identification...
AH-KEL
(to Sisko)
I am the one whose brother was killed,
Commander...
ODO
You have only yourself to...
Sisko holds up his hand and stops the exchange...
SISKO
I'd like you to return to your ship
for now. You have my sympathies.
But there may be more questions...
Please don't leave the station.
AH-KEL
I want to deal with the one who killed
my twin.
SISKO
The law will deal with him.
Their eyes meet and lock in challenge. Ah-Kel moves to the
door, pauses...
AH-KEL
My only purpose in life from here on
is to see him dead.
And he EXITS.
QUARK
Well, can't say I didn't warn you
about Miradorns, Odo... I assume
we're free to go... ?
SISKO
Have you got enough evidence to hold
them, Constable?
DEEP SPACE: "Vortex" - REV. 1/13/93 - ACT ONE 10.
15 CONTINUED: (2)
QUARK
As Odo will be happy to confirm, I
was just as concerned as everyone
else that this was a stolen objet
d'art.
ODO
Yes, curious... but it's true.
QUARK
We'll be on our way then...
ODO
You know what else was curious...
Croden had a Ferengi phaser...
QUARK
Available in many a port.
ODO
And it's curious that he knew the
Miradorn were trying to sell you
something of value.
ROM
How dare you suggest that my brother
set up this robbery!
ODO
What an interesting theory, Rom.
Quark looks at Rom like he's a jerk for bringing it up at
all...
SISKO
If that "theory" should ever get to
the Miradorn...
QUARK
... I'd wake up dead one morning.
(to Odo, indignant)
So, I'd appreciate your not spreading
wild theories around casually...
DEEP SPACE: "Vortex" - REV. 1/13/93 - ACT ONE 11.
15 CONTINUED: (3)
And EXITS without looking back... Rom isn't so strong, he
takes a beat to look at both Odo and Sisko to make sure it's
okay to leave before he follows. Sisko and Odo exchange a
grim look...
SISKO
I better have a talk with your
prisoner, Constable...
Odo nods, rises, leads Sisko into...
16 INT. HOLDING AREA
Croden lies on a bunk at the rear of the holding cell, legs
crossed, the picture of relaxed ease. There is almost a
relief at being caught. He has the locket in his hand,
contemplating it. He glances over as Sisko and Odo ENTER.
CRODEN
Don't you feed your prisoners?
ODO
The fact that you killed a man doesn't
affect your appetite?
CRODEN
It was him or me. If he killed me,
I wouldn't be hungry now.
SISKO
I want to be sure you understand
what's going to happen. A trial
will be held to determine your guilt
or innocence. We can assign an
advocate to defend you or you can
request one from your home world.
CRODEN
I doubt that anyone on Rakhar would
care.
SISKO
Really. Isn't murder considered a
serious crime where you come from?
DEEP SPACE: "Vortex" - REV. 1/13/93 - ACT ONE 12.
16 CONTINUED:
CRODEN
On Rakhar, all crimes are serious...
but there are no trials.
SISKO
(beat)
It's a shame our first encounter
with your species has to take place
under these circumstances.
CRODEN
Sorry if I made things awkward. I
didn't have much choice.
SISKO
Why not?
CRODEN
My needs exceed my skills. Now, if
I had...
(looks at Odo)
... his talents, I'd have no problems
at all... I've never heard of a
changeling with such versatility.
Odo who has been only paying routine attention until now...
looks up...
ODO
A what?
CRODEN
A changeling. Like you.
ODO
You've heard of other shape-shifters
in the Gamma Quadrant?
CRODEN
Haven't they come through the wormhole
yet? I assumed when I saw you...
ODO
He's lying. He heard me talking in
the bar to Quark...
DEEP SPACE: "Vortex" - REV. 1/13/93 - ACT ONE 13.
16 CONTINUED: (2)
CRODEN
(beat, smiles)
Well, maybe I dissemble a little.
"Lie" is a hard word. But shape-
shifters are harsh in their
judgements.
Odo reacts again... studies him...
CRODEN
Feed me... and maybe I'll tell you
where I met someone just like...
you...
Sisko glances at Odo who studies Croden and on his reaction...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
DEEP SPACE: "Vortex" - REV. 1/14/93 - ACT TWO 14.
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
17 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)
18 INT. COMMANDER'S OFFICE
Sisko, KIRA, DAX, O'BRIEN and Bashir are in conference around
the Sisko's desk.
SISKO
I don't see that we have any choice.
We have to contact his planet...
O'BRIEN
Not the best way of introducing
ourselves...
BASHIR
(amused)
Homicide as a means to open
relations... not exactly how they
teach it at the academy, is it...
KIRA
I think you're all wrong...
(reactions)
They're going to thank us...
SISKO
Thank us?
KIRA
That's what I'd do. He's probably
committed all sorts of crimes in
their system... they'll be glad that
we've taken a problem off their hands.
DEEP SPACE: "Vortex" - REV. 1/14/93 - ACT TWO 15.
18 CONTINUED:
SISKO
There's only way to find out... Dax?
DAX
It won't be hard to find Rakhar.
According to the logs, Croden was
picked up in a damaged shuttlecraft
about three light years from the
wormhole. There aren't many M class
planets in that area.
SISKO
(acknowledges, rising)
You're with me. Major, as long as
the Miradorn ship is here, there's a
threat to Croden... I don't want to
have to tell his people that he was
killed in our custody.
KIRA
I'll have Odo increase security.
And as Sisko and Dax EXIT into Ops...
19 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)
The Runabout rises to view.
20 ANGLE (OPTICAL)
the Runabout is launched from the station and flies into the
wormhole.
21 INT. QUARK'S
Quark is at the bar as Odo arrives...
QUARK
Stop in to see if I'd run away?
DEEP SPACE: "Vortex" - REV. 1/13/93 - ACT TWO 16.
21 CONTINUED:
ODO
I couldn't get that lucky.
(beat)
That Croden is an interesting fellow.
QUARK
I wouldn't know.
ODO
Really. I thought you said you got
to know him rather well.
QUARK
I never told you that. I merely
said we chatted when he bought a
drink or two.
ODO
I've talked to several people who
saw the two of you engaged in heavy
conversations... why Morn there said
you even bought the fellow a meal...
22 ANGLE TO INCLUDE MORN AT THE BAR
who smiles at them as they look over...
QUARK
Morn should keep his big mouth shut!
Morn hears and his smile disappears.
23 RESUME ANGLE
ODO
So what were you talking to him
about...
QUARK
Just being friendly. He was so out
of place here; alone. I felt sorry
for him. You should sympathize with
my kindness.
ODO
There's no profit in kindness.
DEEP SPACE: "Vortex" - REV. 1/13/93 - ACT TWO 17.
23 CONTINUED:
QUARK
You attribute odious motives to my
every charitable act.
ODO
That's because your favorite charity
is your own pocket.
(beat)
Speaking of odious motives, I hear
you've been making inquiries about
securing a small ship to go through
the wormhole.
QUARK
That had nothing to do with any of
this.
ODO
I think it did... I think you were
trying to secure passage back to the
Gamma Quadrant for Croden in exchange
for staging this tragic little robbery
of yours.
QUARK
(looks around, nervous)
This could turn into a much bigger
tragedy for me if you don't keep
your voice down.
ODO
(hard)
What did Croden tell you about
himself?
QUARK
Nothing. We didn't talk about
anything except busi...
(breaks, starts over)
... inconsequential things.
ODO
What is inconsequential to you may
be important to me. Did he say
anything about his home world?
QUARK
No.
ODO
Other species in the Gamma Quadrant?
DEEP SPACE: "Vortex" - 1/12/93 - ACT TWO 18.
23 CONTINUED: (2)
Quark takes a beat to wonder what the hell Odo is getting
at.
QUARK
No.
Odo looks like he's going to press for more information,
when his com-badge squawks.
COM-BADGE VOICE
Security to Odo.
ODO
Go ahead.
COM-BADGE VOICE
Ah-Kel and his crew are blocking the
entrance to your office. Should we
clear them out?
ODO
Leave it. I'll handle them.
Odo EXITS, much to Quark's relief.
24 INT. PROMENADE - OUTSIDE ODO'S OFFICE
Two Bajoran Guards anxiously eye Ah-Kel, who stands staring
coldly at the security office. He is accompanied by four of
his crewmen, two Gatherers and a pair of weird-looking aliens.
The five of them have effectively blocked the entrance to
the security office, and the Pedestrians on the Promenade
are carefully avoiding them.
Odo steps in front of Ah-Kel.
ODO
You were told to stay on your ship.
AH-KEL
Understand me, shape-shifter. He
killed the part of me that made
existence bearable. I cannot stop
until I kill him.
ODO
You're not killing anyone. Get back
to your ship and stay there. If I
find you here again, I'll lock you
up too.
DEEP SPACE: "Vortex" - REV. 1/13/93 - ACT TWO 19.
24 CONTINUED:
Ah-Kel meets Odo's eyes; then turns to stare at the office
again, sending a silent message. He turns and walks away
followed by his men. Odo enters the office.
25 INT. HOLDING CELL
Croden stands, face tense, staring at the entrance to the
holding area. He relaxes a little when Odo ENTERS.
ODO
(sarcastic)
You've made a lot of friends in your
short stay here.
CRODEN
(grins)
I guess you'd know how that feels.
You and I have a great deal in common,
changeling.
ODO
We have nothing in common.
CRODEN
We're both aliens here, the only
ones of our kind. Each of us is
alone, isolated. Shut out. Others
like us exist only in the Gamma
Quadrant.
They exchange a look... Odo is tempted to ask, but restrains
himself, turns away...
CRODEN
I've always wondered why changelings
are so distrustful of other species...
Odo freezes. He turns back and walks to Croden.
ODO
I doubt the... changelings... on
your world would trust you.
CRODEN
Of course not. There aren't any
shape-shifters on Rakhar.
DEEP SPACE: "Vortex" - REV. 1/13/93 - ACT TWO 20.
25 CONTINUED:
ODO
You just said...
(catches himself)
You implied there were.
CRODEN
I'm sorry if I misled you. There
were shape-shifters on Rakhar at one
time, but that was centuries ago.
ODO
What happened to them?
CRODEN
They were persecuted... driven out.
Odo looks disappointed, but not surprised to hear this.
CRODEN
But I do know a place where there
are still some left. At least, there
were a few years ago.
ODO
And if you had the chance, you'd
take me there.
CRODEN
Sure I would. Why not?
ODO
(playing along)
Tell me where it is and I'll go have
a look.
CRODEN
I'd have to show you. There's no
way you could get there on you own...
Enough of this game. Odo moves closer to the containment
field.
ODO
(quiet menace)
The next time you lie, I'll save
Ah-Kel the trouble of killing you.
CRODEN
There's that hard word again. There
are times I don't dissemble.
DEEP SPACE: "Vortex" - REV. 1/13/93 - ACT TWO 21.
25 CONTINUED: (2)
ODO
Whatever you call it, the truth isn't
in you.
Their eyes lock. Finally Croden removes his locket, holds
it out for Odo to see. Odo stares at it...
CRODEN
From the colony of changelings.
Odo takes measure of the man... looks at the locket... some
kind of trap? Croden opens it...
26 CLOSE ON THE LOCKET (OPTICAL)
Exposing a stone, which promptly MORPHS into an intricate
metallic object. It holds the shape for a five seconds,
then shifts back to its original shape.
27 BACK TO SCENE (OPTICAL)
As Croden closes the locket and offers it to Odo. After a
second, Odo turns off the containment field and takes the
locket, then holds it up to his face and examines the stone
through the clear lid. Croden shrugs, I told you so. On
Odo's reaction...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT TWO
DEEP SPACE: "Vortex" - REV. 1/21/93 - ACT THREE 22-23.
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
28 EXT. SPACE - RUNABOUT (OPTICAL)
approaches a planet... moves into orbit...
29 INT. RUNABOUT
Sisko and Dax at the ship's controls.
DAX
We're in orbit.
SISKO
Open hailing frequencies...
DAX
Open...
SISKO
This is the Federation Starship Rio
Grande attempting to make contact
with the planet Rakhar. Please
respond.
A beat. Nothing. He exchanges a glance with Dax,
continues...
SISKO
One of your people has committed a
homicide and we have him in custody.
His name is Croden.
DEEP SPACE: "Vortex" - REV. 1/21/93 - ACT THREE 24.
29 CONTINUED:
DAX
I'm picking up a signal from the
southern hemisphere... they're hailing
us...
SISKO
On screen...
30
thru OMITTED
33
34 INCLUDE THE MONITOR (OPTICAL)
The Monitor displays EXARCH HADRAN, a Rakhari Official,
obviously of the same race as Croden. Hadran is barely
courteous, very cold.
HADRAN
I am the Exarch of Nehelik Province.
You will transport Croden to this
location.
SISKO
I'm afraid we didn't bring him with
us.
HADRAN
Your communication clearly stated
that he was in your custody...
SISKO
On our space station... perhaps, I
should explain where we come from...
HADRAN
We are well aware of the traffic
through the newly discovered
passage... We simply have no interest
in contact with anyone from your
quadrant...
SISKO
I'm sorry to hear that, but we'll
certainly respect your wishes. We
just felt it necessary after Croden
was arrested...
HADRAN
Croden is an enemy of the Rakhari
people... we request that he be
returned immediately...
DEEP SPACE: "Vortex" - REV. 1/21/93 - ACT THREE 25.
34 CONTINUED:
SISKO
He's scheduled to be tried for his
crime on our space station...
HADRAN
Tried? Croden has already been
declared guilty in absentia for myriad
crimes on this world. That judgement
supersedes your charges. Return him
and I can assure you his punishment
will be appropriate to your crime as
well as ours.
SISKO
I would be more comfortable if we
could...
Interrupting with no tolerance --
HADRAN
I do not know what kind of people
you are. I do not care to know.
But if your society purports to
respect the rules of our society,
you will return him without delay.
A beat. Sisko searches his mind for another alternative,
but he has none and finally acquiesces.
SISKO
You can expect him to arrive in
another vessel like this one within
fifty-two hours.
There is barely an acknowledgement as the monitor returns to
the planet...
35 OMITTED
36 SISKO AND DAX
react and...
DEEP SPACE: "Vortex" - REV. 1/13/93 - ACT THREE 26.
37 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)
38 INT. INFIRMARY (VPB)
Bashir studies an electron microscope style Okudagram. The
object under magnification is a mixture of crystalline
lattices and moving cellular structures.
BASHIR
It's an amalgam of organic material
and some sort of crystal.
ODO
You mean it's alive?
BASHIR
More or less. It's almost like a
transitional stage between organic
and inorganic matter. I've only
seen one life form that even remotely
resembles it.
ODO
Me.
Bashir nods as he switches off the monitor. He retrieves
the locket from under the microscope, closes it (off camera),
and gives it back to Odo.
BASHIR
In a way, this stone might qualify
as a distant cousin of yours. Maybe
there's a clue to your origins here.
Where did it come from?
ODO
Unfortunately, the only one who can
tell me is less reliable than Quark.
He EXITS.
39 INT. HOLDING AREA (OPTICAL)
Croden sits on his bunk, staring at the wall, looking grim.
He assumes a casual expression as Odo ENTERS with the locket.
CRODEN
How'd you like my "stone," changeling?
ODO
Where'd you get it?
DEEP SPACE: "Vortex" - REV. 1/13/93 - ACT THREE 27.
39 CONTINUED:
CRODEN
What does telling you get me?
ODO
Nothing.
CRODEN
Too bad. I thought you might feel
sorry for me... seeing we're the
only two here from the other side of
the passage...
ODO
I feel nothing for you but contempt...
you're a thief and a killer and who
knows what else...
CRODEN
Typical.
ODO
Of "changeling" behavior... yes, I'm
sure...
He turns to leave, still holding the locket...
CRODEN
Excuse me...
Odo turns and sees Croden holding out his hand... give me
back the stone... Odo reacts, looks down at the stone and
finds in himself a reluctance to give it up... but he quickly
suppresses that, turns off the forcefield and as he hands it
back to Croden... Croden maintains eye contact as he says
intimately --
CRODEN
In my sector, there is a nebula called
the Chamra Vortex. There are millions
of asteroids there. This "stone"
came from one of them. I can take
you to it, changeling.
ODO
Others must know where it is.
CRODEN
No. The Vortex is uncharted. But
as a thief and a killer and who knows
what else, I hid there often. I
found this changeling colony by chance
but... I know my way back...
DEEP SPACE: "Vortex" - REV. 1/14/93 - ACT THREE 28.
39 CONTINUED: (2)
A beat as they study each other... then Odo hits the switch
again, the forcefield returns and he EXITS... on Croden's
reaction...
40 INT. COMMANDER'S OFFICE
Sisko at his desk as Odo ENTERS...
ODO
Yes, Commander...
SISKO
I want you to escort the prisoner
back to his home planet.
ODO
He's not to stand trial here?
SISKO
Croden apparently committed crimes
on Rakhar. His government was adamant
and the Bajorans have agreed to
release him.
ODO
We're going to have trouble getting
him by the Miradorn.
SISKO
Yes, I know... Ah-Kel's been screening
every ship leaving the station.
(beat, thinking)
How soon can you be ready?
ODO
I'm ready now.
SISKO
There's a Rigelian freighter leaving
here for the Gamma Quadrant in an
hour... maybe we can use them to run
interference between you and the
Miradorn ship...
ODO
I'll move the prisoner to the Runabout
right away.
DEEP SPACE: "Vortex" - REV. 1/13/93 - ACT THREE 29.
40 CONTINUED:
As he prepares to leave...
SISKO
Constable, once you're on the other
side, you'll be on your own... the
Miradorn vessel can outrun any of
our Runabouts... and if they do come
after you, a warning from us would
just point an arrow to you.
ODO
Understood.
He EXITS.
41 INT. RUNABOUT
Odo leads Croden aboard the Rio Grande. Croden's wrists are
locked in futuristic restraints.
CRODEN
(looks around at the
Runabout)
So you finally decided to take me up
on my offer.
Odo takes a seat at the Runabout controls.
ODO
You're going home.
Croden reacts badly to the news.
42 INT. OPS
O'Brien, Dax and Kira are at their stations. Sisko is
standing on the balcony.
O'BRIEN
The Rigelian Freighter is ready to
depart.
SISKO
Signal Odo.
43 EXT. DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)
The Rigelian freighter moves off a pylon... across the station
and as it does, the small Runabout hides in the freighter's
shadow as it passes by...
DEEP SPACE: "Vortex" - REV. 1/13/93 - ACT THREE 30.
44 INT. OPS
KIRA
The Miradorn ship's scanning the
freighter... doesn't look like they're
reading the Runabout...
Relieved reactions as...
45 EXT. SPACE - THE WORMHOLE (OPTICAL)
The Wormhole explodes into existence and swallows the
Freighter and the Runabout. As the wormhole disappears...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT THREE
DEEP SPACE: "Vortex" - REV. 1/13/93 - ACT FOUR 31.
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
46 EXT. SPACE - RUNABOUT (OPTICAL)
The Runabout in the Gamma Quadrant.
47 INT. RUNABOUT
Odo is at the controls. Croden sits beside him, still in
restraints, looking distracted.
CRODEN
How do you stand it, changeling?
Living where you don't belong. Are
you happy?
ODO
I'm as much a part of the place as
anyone else.
CRODEN
I doubt it. They tolerate you, but
you're not one of them. Being what
you are, you can pour your square
shape into a round hole... but you
never really fit, do you? You're
like my stone.
ODO
I think I finally figured out what
crime you were found guilty of on
your world...
CRODEN
What's that?
ODO
You talked too much.
CRODEN
Maybe you're right. Perhaps that is
how it started. Perhaps I asked one
question too many... That's as good
an explanation as any...
ODO
Explanation for what?
DEEP SPACE: "Vortex" - REV. 1/13/93 - ACT FOUR 32.
47 CONTINUED:
CRODEN
For why they came that night. I
never was told. And to this day, I
don't know. They broke into my home
just before dawn. By the time I
stopped them, they had already
murdered both my wives...
Odo turns and studies him... Croden's eyes look through the
window into the past...
CRODEN
You see, on my world, the punishment
for being an enemy of the people is
the death of your family.
(beat)
I had no sophisticated weapon...
only a short, slaughter knife that I
used for cutting the necks of fowl
we would prepare for supper. Imagine
my surprise when I discovered that
the necks of the security officers
were no more difficult to cut than
the birds'... even the sounds they
made when the blade crossed their
gullets were similar...
The silence fills the cabin for a long beat... Odo turns
back to his controls...
ODO
I'm supposed to believe this appalling
tale...
CRODEN
Would it make a difference if you
did?
ODO
No.
CRODEN
Then believe it. Because it's true.
DEEP SPACE: "Vortex" - REV. 1/15/93 - ACT FOUR 33.
47 CONTINUED: (2)
CRODEN (Cont'd)
(beat)
My return will be celebrated,
changeling... they'll be grateful...
you'll be a hero. Perhaps you can
even use this as an excuse to exchange
envoys...
ODO
If you don't stop talking, I can
sedate you for the rest of the trip.
CRODEN
Sorry. I didn't know I bothered
you.
He leans back and looks out the window in silence...
48 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)
49 INT. QUARK'S (VPB)
It's after hours. Quark is behind the bar, counting his
profits when Ah-Kel bursts in, dragging a terrified Rom.
Ah-Kel hurls Rom at his brother.
ROM
He's going to kill us. He says we
were in with Croden.
AH-KEL
Where is he, Quark?
QUARK
(trying not to panic)
Croden? He's in security.
AH-KEL
Don't lie to me. He's gone.
Ah-Kel grabs Quark and holds him against a wall with a hand
to his neck. Rom dives for cover.
AH-KEL
You're hiding him. You've been in
it together all along. You're as
responsible for my brother's death
as he is.
DEEP SPACE: "Vortex" - REV. 1/13/93 - ACT FOUR 34.
49 CONTINUED:
QUARK
(struggles for air)
Ah-Kel, no. This is Odo's doing.
Don't you see? He wants to turn us
against each other.
AH-KEL
Why should I believe you? Tell me
where Croden is, or you can die in
his place.
QUARK
(choking)
I don't know where he is. But maybe
I can find out... if you will just
release me...
Ah-Kel releases Quark, and gives him a look - "Do it." Quark
moves to the computer module and begins to open a file...
QUARK
(to Rom)
Get me the security chips...
Rom reaches under the bar and pulls out a tray of security
chips. Quark continues to work the computer.
QUARK
(to Rom)
Level four clearance.
Rom nervously shuffles through the chips until he finds level
four, hands it to Quark. Quark inserts the chip into the
computer.
QUARK
(looking desperately)
There. Station logs.
(reads, surprised)
Odo logged out in a Runabout at oh-
eight-hundred.
(a beat)
Destination... Rakhar.
AH-KEL
Give me the coordinates.
That's not something Quark really wants to do... he stalls...
pressing panels, changing pages...
QUARK
Ah, I don't think... it isn't at all
clear...
DEEP SPACE: "Vortex" - REV. 1/13/93 - ACT FOUR 35.
49 CONTINUED: (2)
Ah-Kel pushes Quark hard out of the way... takes over the
computer himself... he flips the pages backwards, quickly
finds what he's looking for... he glares at Quark...
AH-KEL
The coordinates are very clearly
stated... right here in the log entry.
He moves away from the terminal, grabs Quark again, pushing
him back against Rom and then both of them against the bar...
AH-KEL
One more thing, little Ferengi. You
better be telling the truth or I'll
be back to finish this.
Ah-Kel EXITS.
50 ANGLE ON QUARK AND ROM
ROM
Oh, you are clever, brother. Now,
Ah-Kel will rid us of Croden and
Odo.
QUARK
(thoughtful)
Unless Odo is sensible and gives up
his prisoner.
Even as he says it, he already knows that Odo will never do
that... but Rom is not so quick...
ROM
(scared)
Oh no! Then Croden would tell Ah-
Kel the truth about our plan... we're
dead... we're dead... you shouldn't
have told him how to find them...
QUARK
Be quiet.
(a beat)
Odo won't give up his prisoner.
He'll just get himself killed.
DEEP SPACE: "Vortex" - REV. 1/13/93 - ACT FOUR 36.
50 CONTINUED:
ROM
(hopefully)
Do you really think so?
QUARK
(sharply)
Oh, get out of here, you fool!
51 INT. OPS
Sisko ENTERS from his office... O'Brien and Kira and Dax at
their stations...
SISKO
Yes, Chief... ?
O'BRIEN
The Miradorn ship is leaving the
station.
SISKO
Major, do whatever you can to delay
them...
She acknowledges... presses panels...
KIRA
Ops to Miradorn vessel... please
hold your position... stand by for
departure instructions...
O'BRIEN
No response... they're still moving...
SISKO
Dax, how long before Odo reaches
Rakhar?
DAX
(hitting panels)
Just over five hours...
Sisko frowns, worried...
DEEP SPACE: "Vortex" - REV. 1/21/93 - ACT FOUR 37.
51 CONTINUED:
KIRA
Miradorn vessel, you are in violation
of Bajoran transit regulations...
please return at once to the docking
ring...
O'BRIEN
(shakes his head)
They've increased power to their
thrusters...
SISKO
On screen...
52 ANGLE (OPTICAL) - INCLUDE THE VIEWSCREEN
the Miradorn vessel moves away from the outer ring and zips
into the wormhole. On Sisko's reaction --
53 EXT. SPACE (OPTICAL)
The Runabout moves through space, approaching the Chamra
Vortex, a swirling gas nebula stretching across the vastness
of space.
54 INT. RUNABOUT
Inside the Runabout, Croden and Odo look through the forward
window at the Vortex (off screen).
CRODEN
You'd save time going through the
Vortex. It's a long way around.
A beat. Odo concentrates on business.
DEEP SPACE: "Vortex" - REV. 1/21/93 - ACT FOUR 38.
54 CONTINUED:
CRODEN
Aren't you the least bit curious
about your own people?
ODO
Of course, I am. Unfortunately, I'm
not at liberty to pursue that
curiosity right now.
CRODEN
They don't maintain a humanoid shape,
you know.
Odo chooses not to give a verbal response... tries to show
no interest...
CRODEN
They refused to assimilate on my
world... they're a very proud
species... that's why they were so
persecuted. But I will say this for
them... they treated me well enough
when I landed at their colony. I
was badly wounded... they could have
allowed me to die... they didn't.
You're one of them... that's for
sure... you have that sense of
decency, of justice...
ODO
You don't give up, do you...
He is interrupted as the Runabout shakes from an explosion
nearby...
ODO
Computer, what was that...
COMPUTER VOICE
A temporary loss of stability
resulting from the impact of a
concentrated plasma charge.
DEEP SPACE: "Vortex" - REV. 1/15/93 - ACT FOUR 39.
54 CONTINUED: (2)
ODO
Concentrated plasma charge? You
mean we were attacked.
COMPUTER VOICE
Affirmative. Pursuing vessel
approaching from one-eight-one mark
one-two.
Odo quickly activates the Runabout's shields and powers up
the weapons.
ODO
Put it on the monitor and identify...
55 INCLUDE THE MONITOR (OPTICAL)
The monitor displays Ah-Kel's ship, in hot pursuit of the
Runabout.
COMPUTER VOICE
Miradorn vessel, Theta class.
Odo reacts, checking panels...
ODO
He's hailing us...
Odo operates the appropriate controls and Ah-Kel's face
appears on the monitor.
AH-KEL
(on monitor)
The first shot was a warning. You
will surrender the Rakhari prisoner
to me...
ODO
I don't give up my prisoners,
Ah-Kel.
AH-KEL
Very well. Then you can die with
him.
Ah-Kel's image disappears and is replaced by his ship which
fires. A moment later, there is a huge explosion and shake...
a panel fritzes with sparks...
COMPUTER VOICE
Warning. Damage to shields...
DEEP SPACE: "Vortex" - REV. 1/21/93 - ACT FOUR 40.
55 CONTINUED:
ODO
Computer, evasive maneuvers!
56 EXT. SPACE (OPTICAL)
The Runabout lurches to the side, a second later, Ah-Kel's
ship moves into view and fires...
57 INT. RUNABOUT
The Runabout shakes again as a photon torpedo explodes nearby.
COMPUTER VOICE
Warning... shields at forty-one
percent...
CRODEN
Your computer's not going to outsmart
him...
ODO
I'm a security chief, not a combat
pilot...
CRODEN
Then give me the controls...
ODO
You?
CRODEN
I know how to get us through the
Vortex. The ionized gasses would
screen us from his sensors.
The Runabout shakes again.
DEEP SPACE: "Vortex" - REV. 1/13/93 - ACT FOUR 41.
57 CONTINUED:
CRODEN
Drop your suspicious nature for a
minute, changeling. Can't you see
it's our only chance.
Odo frees Croden from the restraints. Croden reaches for
the controls.
58 EXT. SPACE - THE VORTEX (OPTICAL)
The Runabout plunges into the swirling clouds of the Vortex
and is soon swallowed up by the brightly colored gasses.
59 INT. RUNABOUT
Croden carefully navigates the Runabout through the billowing
multicolored Vortex.
ODO
Why are we slowing down?
CRODEN
The Vortex is riddled with volatile
pockets of a gas we call toh-maire.
If we destabilize them, they could
ignite and blow this ship apart.
ODO
You really have been through here
before.
CRODEN
Sometimes I do tell the truth.
ODO
How do you remember what's true and
what isn't?
Odo and Croden exchange a grim smile, then the ship rocks
again as it's brushed by an explosion. Odo looks at the
instruments.
ODO
I thought you said they couldn't
detect us in here.
DEEP SPACE: "Vortex" - REV. 1/21/93 - ACT FOUR 42.
59 CONTINUED:
CRODEN
He must be following our impulse
wake.
Croden punches in some coordinates.
CRODEN
Computer, disengage impulse engines...
go to thrusters...
COMPUTER VOICE
Acknowledged. Thrusters engaged.
Croden enters coordinates...
ODO
What are you doing?
CRODEN
Once our impulse wake drops off, he
might try to pick up the discharge
from our thrusters... we'll be better
off if we land...
(beat)
So, changeling, I guess I'm going to
take you home after all...
As Odo reacts...
DEEP SPACE: "Vortex" - 1/12/93 - ACT FOUR 43.
60 EXT. SPACE - THE VORTEX (OPTICAL)
The Runabout banks and slides into an especially dense area
of clouds and we...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FOUR
DEEP SPACE: "Vortex" - 1/12/93 - ACT FIVE 44.
ACT FIVE
FADE IN:
61 EXT. ASTEROID (MATTE)
The Runabout on the surface of the asteroid. The asteroid
is gloomy and ill-lit from the heavy clouds of the Vortex.
62 INT. CAVE TUNNEL
Croden ENTERS from the surface... moving with purpose,
quickly...
CRODEN
(calling back outside)
This way...
He moves ahead... a beat later, Odo ENTERS... ever wary,
looking around...
ODO
Slow down, Croden... stay where I
can see you... Croden...
Croden finally stops...
ODO
What's your hurry? What's in here?
CRODEN
I told you... the colony...
But he is not so convincing now that he is anxious to move
ahead...
ODO
(suspicious)
Anxious to see them again are you...
CRODEN
Of course...
A long beat as Odo studies him... takes his arm... starts to
move him back toward the entrance...
ODO
Come on...
Croden resists...
DEEP SPACE: "Vortex" - REV. 1/13/93 - ACT FIVE 45.
62 CONTINUED:
ODO
Whatever you came here to get, you
can forget it. We're leaving.
CRODEN
Odo...
ODO
Now!
Croden resists again... and Odo slams him against the cave
wall with his superior strength... with bitterness --
ODO
How much of it was true? Any of it?
Any of it?
Croden starts to lie... hesitates... decides against it.
CRODEN
(soft)
No. On Rakhar, we tell stories about
changelings. I thought they were a
myth... until I met you.
ODO
The stone.
CRODEN
I don't know where it came from.
Rakhari merchants buy stones like it
from off-world traders. It's used
as a key.
ODO
A key? To what.
CRODEN
My only reason to live. It's inside
the cavern ahead.
Off Odo's reaction...
63 INT. CAVERN
They ENTER... sitting on the ground is a stasis chamber...
covered with rocks... Croden reacts...
DEEP SPACE: "Vortex" - REV. 1/13/93 - ACT FIVE 46.
63 CONTINUED:
CRODEN
(desperate)
Help me, there must have been a cave
in...
He runs over, starts to remove the heavy rocks...
ODO
(suspicious)
What is it?
CRODEN
A stasis chamber.
As Odo joins him, he can see through the rocks --
64 ANGLE - CLOSER
Through the clear (dusty) top, a young girl lays asleep...
CRODEN
My daughter. The only member of my
family I could save.
Odo reacts, looks at Croden, then despite his own anger,
uses his superior strength to remove the larger heavy rocks
blocking the casket from opening... Croden removes the locket
and opens it...
65 INSERT - THE STONE (OPTICAL)
morphs into the new shape...
66 RESUME
As Croden inserts it into the lock...
CRODEN
It shapes itself to fit this lock.
67 BACK TO SCENE
There is a HISSING SOUND as the vacuum seal of the casket is
broken. The lid unlocks and the two men open it.
DEEP SPACE: "Vortex" - REV. 1/13/93 - ACT FIVE 47.
68 ANGLE ON YARETH
Croden checks on his daughter. Yareth slowly regains
consciousness.
YARETH
(disoriented)
Father?
Yareth looks around and realizes where she is. Sits up...
YARETH
(weakly)
I was dreaming about you.
Croden lifts her out of the case...
CRODEN
I'm here, Yareth. You don't have to
dream anymore.
He hugs her intimately...
69 ANGLE
Odo's solitary figure to the side emphasizes his aloneness
once more... she looks at him over her father's shoulder...
with innocence --
YARETH
Hello.
Croden's happy moment passes...
CRODEN
This is Odo. He's a security officer.
She recoils in fear...
CRODEN
No, he won't hurt you. He'll take
you to a place where you'll be safe.
(to Odo)
Won't you?
A beat, Odo nods finally...
YARETH
(to Croden)
Where are you going?
DEEP SPACE: "Vortex" - REV. 1/13/93 - ACT FIVE 48.
CRODEN
(a glance at Odo)
Home.
YARETH
But you can't... they'll kill you...
CRODEN
I have to answer for my crimes,
Yareth...
YARETH
All you did was try to protect us...
Suddenly there is an explosion that rocks the cavern from
above...
ODO
Their sensors must have picked up
our life signs... we've got to get
back to the Runabout... come on!
They move out of the cavern and into...
69A INT. CAVE TUNNEL
But as they pass through the tunnel, there's a direct hit
and rocks come sliding down on top of Odo...
CRODEN
Odo!
He leans down and examines Odo, who is unconscious...
YARETH
Is he badly hurt?
CRODEN
It's hard to tell... I don't know
anything about his species... I'll
carry him aboard...
He breaks and stares down at Odo as he realizes he can
escape... he starts to get up and leave him there... there's
an explosion outside not as close as the other two...
YARETH
What's the matter, Father?
DEEP SPACE: "Vortex" - REV. 1/13/93 - ACT FIVE 48A.
69A CONTINUED:
Croden just doesn't have it in him, he sighs to himself...
CRODEN
Nothing.
DEEP SPACE: "Vortex" - REV. 1/19/93 - ACT FIVE 49.
69A CONTINUED: (2)
He picks up Odo and carries him toward the cave entrance...
70 EXT. SPACE - THE VORTEX (OPTICAL)
Hold on the swirling clouds for a beat, then the Runabout
emerges from a cloud.
71 INT. RUNABOUT
Close on Odo, who awakens in a chair that has been
reclined (?), sits up and rubs the back of his head.
Odo takes in his surroundings. Croden is at the
controls and the Vortex can be seen whipping by out the
windows.
CRODEN
You're heavier than you look.
ODO
(to Croden)
You could have left me behind.
CRODEN
(not happy)
Don't thank me. I already regret
it.
An explosion outside rattles the ship...
CRODEN
I haven't been able to lose them.
(shakes his head)
Sooner or later, one of his photons
is going to trigger a toh-maire
explosion... and kill us all...
A beat as Odo thinks, gets an idea.
ODO
Let me have the controls. Find us
one of those toh-maire fields...
CRODEN
I just told you, you don't want to
go anywhere near one, changeling.
(off Odo's look)
Sorry. Habit. It suits you.
DEEP SPACE: "Vortex" - REV. 1/21/93 - ACT FIVE 50.
71 CONTINUED:
ODO
Find the closest toh-maire field.
Off Odo's look, Croden shrugs whatever you say... consults
the monitors.
CRODEN
Six degrees to starboard.
ODO
Changing course... He's chased us
everywhere else... maybe he'll follow
us in there too...
CRODEN
His sensors may not be able to detect
how volatile the field is. If he
fires at us in there, the whole thing
will ignite...
ODO
That's what I'm counting on...
Off Croden's look...
72 EXT. SPACE - RUNABOUT (OPTICAL)
moves into a (tech) field... the quality of the vortex matter
shifts subtly in color...
73 INT. RUNABOUT
ODO
Set a course along the interior
perimeter...
CRODEN
Done.
ODO
Computer, shut down all engines...
COMPUTER VOICE
Engines disengaged.
ODO
Maintain emergency readiness to
re-engage impulse on my command...
DEEP SPACE: "Vortex" - REV. 1/21/93 - ACT FIVE 51.
73 CONTINUED:
CRODEN
We're an awfully easy target...
74 EXT. SPACE - RUNABOUT (OPTICAL)
coasts silently... the camera moves to find the Miradorn
ship entering the field...
75 INT. RUNABOUT (OPTICAL)
CRODEN
He's hailing us.
ODO
On screen.
AH-KEL
Are you prepared to surrender your
prisoner?
ODO
I have a full array of Starfleet
weapons trained on you, Ah-Kel.
Frankly, I don't know too much about
them... but I hear they equip this
little vessel with some pretty
powerful stuff... so I suggest you
withdraw while you still can...
AH-KEL
There will barely be a trace of your
little vessel when we're finished
with you...
He signs off... his ship appears on the view screen... Croden
watches the tactical readouts... growing tension...
DEEP SPACE: "Vortex" - REV. 1/13/93 - ACT FIVE 52.
75 CONTINUED:
CRODEN
He's coming about...
(beat)
... powering his shields...
(beat)
... his starboard photon bank is
armed...
ODO
Computer, engage!
The Runabout lurches...
CRODEN COMPUTER VOICE
He's firing photons! Impulse engines on line.
76 EXT. PLASMA FIELD (OPTICAL)
The Runabout lurches out of frame as Ah-Kel's ship fires
its photon torpedoes. Immediately, the environment around
it ignites and consumes the Miradorn vessel.
77 EXT. SPACE - THE VORTEX (OPTICAL)
The Runabout emerges from the Plasma Field followed by a
tremendous billowing gas explosion as the field ignites.
78 INT. RUNABOUT
The interior is rocked by the explosion... but it finally
settles down...
ODO
(to the girl)
Everybody back there in one piece?
YARETH
(shaky)
Yes.
ODO
(to Croden)
Good. Take us out of your precious
vortex.
Croden looks at Odo with appreciation as he takes over the
controls. Odo leans back with relief.
DEEP SPACE: "Vortex" - REV. 1/15/93 - ACT FIVE 53.
79 EXT. NORMAL SPACE (OPTICAL)
The Runabout exits the Vortex.
80 INT. RUNABOUT
CRODEN
(softly)
I only have one last favor to ask.
Yareth is going to be alone in your
world. Like you've always been.
She's going to need someone to look
after her...
ODO
If you're suggesting what I think
you're suggesting...
CRODEN
Now, you know you could use some
company, changeling... you may deny
it, but we both know it's true... or
this rock wouldn't have meant a thing
to you...
COMPUTER VOICE
Incoming subspace signal... Vulcan
band frequency...
ODO
On screen.
81 ANGLE ON THE MONITOR (OPTICAL)
The screen flashes to life, revealing a VULCAN OFFICER.
VULCAN OFFICER
(on monitor)
Starfleet Runabout... this is the
Vulcan Science Vessel T'Vran. Are
you in any difficulty?
ODO
Chief of Security Odo from D.S. Nine.
We're fine, Captain.
VULCAN OFFICER
(on monitor)
We detected a major eruption in the
Chamra Vortex. I was afraid a small
ship like yours might have suffered
damage.
DEEP SPACE: "Vortex" - REV. 1/13/93 - ACT FIVE 54.
81 CONTINUED:
ODO
I appreciate your concern. What's
your course?
VULCAN OFFICER (O.S.)
To the wormhole, then home to Vulcan.
ODO
I beamed over two survivors from a
ship that wasn't so lucky. I have a
mission to complete. Could you give
them transportation to Vulcan?
VULCAN OFFICER (O.S.)
Easily done. We will rendezvous
with you shortly. Prepare for
transport.
Odo turns back to Croden and Yareth. Croden has been
listening in disbelief.
ODO
Don't thank me. I already regret
it.
Croden nods. He still can't believe this is happening.
CRODEN
How... how will you explain not
delivering me?
ODO
(brushes it aside)
I'll tell them you were killed when
Ah-Kel torpedoed the asteroid. This
dissembling must be catching.
(beat)
You'll have to get used to living in
an alien society...
CRODEN
Like you. But I know where my home
is. And perhaps someday, I'll be
able to go back again.
Croden and Odo exchange a look of bonding... Croden takes
the locket and hangs it around Odo's neck.
CRODEN
I hope it will help you find where
you came from.
DEEP SPACE: "Vortex" - REV. 1/15/93 - ACT FIVE 55.
81 CONTINUED: (2)
Odo nods his thanks. The comm system chirps.
VULCAN OFFICER (O.S.)
T'Vran to Ganges. Ready for
transport.
YARETH
Are you really a changeling?
ODO
Yes. I suppose I am.
82 ANGLE (OPTICAL)
Enough emotion for him, he motions for them to go to the
pad.
ODO
Go on, we don't want to keep the
Vulcans waiting.
They get on the pad. He hits panels...
ODO
(to com)
Energizing.
He hits his panel, turns and sees the last of Croden and his
daughter as they DEMATERIALIZE.
83 BACK TO SCENE
Odo reacts. He looks around, then moves back to the controls.
Feeling the weight around his neck, he lifts the locket and
stares at the stone through the glass.
ODO
(beat, turns to
controls)
Computer, set a course for the
wormhole.
COMPUTER VOICE
Course laid in.
ODO
Ready engines.
A beat as he speaks to the stone.
DEEP SPACE: "Vortex" - REV. 1/13/93 - ACT FIVE 56.
83 CONTINUED:
ODO
Home. Where is it? Someday, we'll
know... cousin.
(beat, to com)
Engage.
84 EXT. SPACE - RUNABOUT (OPTICAL)
moves away and we...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FIVE
THE END