STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
"Progress"
#40511-415
Written by
Peter Allan Fields
Directed by
Les Landau
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 This script is not for publication or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
lost or destroyed, please notify the Script Department.
Return to Script Department FINAL DRAFT
PARAMOUNT PICTURES CORPORATION
FEBRUARY 16, 1993
DEEP SPACE: "Progress" - - 02/16/93 - CAST
STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
"Progress"
CAST
BENJAMIN SISKO CAPTAIN
O'BRIEN CHIANO
KIRA FIRST BAJORAN GUARD
ODO MULLIBOK
BASHIR TORAN
DAX
QUARK
JAKE
NOG
Non-Speaking Non-Speaking
FERENGI WAITER BALTRIM
SECOND BAJORAN GUARD KEENA
N.D. SUPERNUMERARIES
DEEP SPACE: "Progress" - 01/21/93 - SETS
STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
"Progress"
SETS
INTERIORS EXTERIORS
DEEP SPACE NINE DEEP SPACE NINE
PROMENADE
CARGO BAY MOON JERADDO
QUARK'S
SISKO'S OFFICE RUNABOUT
SISKO'S QUARTERS
OPS
RUNABOUT
COTTAGE COTTAGE (DAY
& NIGHT)
DEEP SPACE: "Progress" - 02/17/93 - PRONUNCIATION
STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
"Progress"
PRONUNCIATION GUIDE
BALTRIM BALL-trim
CHLOROBICROBES KLOR-o-BI-krobs
DABO DAH-boe
GANGES GAN-jees
JERADDO JUR-ah-doe
KANDIPPERS KAN-di-purrs
KATTERPOD KATT-er-pod
KEENA KEY-nuh
LATINUM LAT-i-num
LISSEPIAN li-SEP-ee-an
LOKAR LOW-car
MALGORIAN mal-GOR-ee-an
MULLIBOK MULL-ih-bock
NERYS nar-EES
NOH-JAY NO-jay
PALUVIAN puh-LU-vee-an
RASTIPOD RAS-ti-pod
SIRCO CH'ANO SIR-ko CHAH-no
THERMOLOGISTS ther-MOLL-oe-jists
TORAN tor-RAN
YAMOK YA-muk
TESSIPATES TESS-i-payts
DEEP SPACE: "Progress" - 2/16/93 - TEASER 1.
STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
"Progress"
TEASER
FADE IN:
1 INT. QUARK'S
The place is closed. JAKE and NOG are alone at a table,
playing a 24th century equivalent of a "Go Fish" card game.
Jake will remain engrossed in it -- but Nog will look up,
attentive to:
QUARK'S VOICE (O.S.)
I thought I told you to cancel that
order. Now what am I supposed to do
with five thousand wrappages of
Cardassian yamok sauce. They were
the only ones who could stomach that
swill!
JAKE
Hey, are you gonna play, or what?
But Nog's attention is still on what he's overhearing, as:
2 INCLUDING QUARK & FERENGI WAITER
Quark, having been taking inventory, storms out of his
(o.s.) storeroom, trailed by his hapless Ferengi
Waiter, carrying an inventory PADD. As they cross
through the place (ignoring Jake and Nog):
QUARK
You ordered it, you're going
to pay for it! I'll take half of
your paycheck every week for the
next... six years!
(turns to face him
squarely)
And from now on, no more Cardassian
food in here! Ever!
And Quark, trailed by the Waiter, barges out of the place.
JAKE
(exasperated)
C'mon, Nog, it's your turn.
DEEP SPACE: "Progress" - 2/16/93 - TEASER 2.
2 CONTINUED:
NOG
(musing)
... five thousand wrappages... that's
a lot of yamok sauce...
JAKE
Look, either take your turn, or I
win.
NOG
... it'd be a shame for it to go to
waste...
JAKE
(tosses in cards;
disgusted)
That's it; game's over.
NOG
Jake, I'm getting that... tingle in
the lobes. And when a lobe tingles,
it means only one thing:
"Opportunity."
JAKE
(confused)
What're you talking about?
NOG
I'm talking about gold-pressed
latinum... maybe four, or five bars...
JAKE
I thought you were talking about
yamok sauce.
NOG
You've got a lot to learn about
opportunity.
(rises)
Come on.
JAKE
(lost)
Where?
But Nog is already making tracks -- and Jake can only follow.
3 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL) (STOCK)
Establishing.
DEEP SPACE: "Progress" - 2/16/93 - TEASER 3.
3 CONTINUED:
SISKO'S (V.O.)
Station log. Stardate xxxx.xx.
With the help of the Federation,
Bajor is about to commence its first
large-scale energy transfer: The
tapping of the molten core of its
fifth moon, Jeraddo.
4 INT. OPS
SISKO and (Bajoran) MINISTER TORAN -- an anxious-appearing
Provisional Government official -- are overviewing the work
of KIRA, DAX and O'BRIEN, who're involved at the various
work stations.
DAX
Magma pressures remain constant...
O'BRIEN
Differential subsurface movement is
at zero-point-three percent.
TORAN
Is that good?
KIRA
(smiles)
They'd tell you if it weren't.
Toran moves to oversee O'Brien's work -- notices a blinking
red panel light, and:
TORAN
Why is that red light blinking?
O'BRIEN
We're in normal standby mode.
TORAN
I take it, then, that we're not
expecting any surprises.
SISKO
We don't like surprises any more
than you do.
KIRA
Minister Toran, these people are
professionals.
DEEP SPACE: "Progress" - 2/16/93 - TEASER 4-5.
4 CONTINUED:
TORAN
Forgive my bureaucratic nitpicking,
Major, but we're counting on Jeraddo's
energy to heat a few hundred thousand
Bajoran homes this winter.
KIRA
With that in mind, we're due to make
our next inspection...
Kira nods to Sisko and Toran -- and EXITS along with Dax.
4A
thru OMITTED
8
9 EXT. SPACE - RUNABOUT & MOON JERADDO (OPTICAL)
The Runabout is in close orbit above Jeraddo. (NOTE: this
moon does have an atmosphere.)
10 INT. RUNABOUT
Kira at the controls; Dax alongside, working the (o.s.) panel.
As they run their inspection routine...
DAX
Anyway, so there I was, sitting in
Quark's, when Morn just comes over
and invites me for dinner... Grid
square twelve-delta reads clear of
life forms...
KIRA
Morn? Are you serious?
DAX
(off panel)
Beginning scan of grid square fifteen
delta...
KIRA
So what did you say?
DAX
I told him I was busy.
KIRA
Good.
DEEP SPACE: "Progress" - 2/16/93 - TEASER 6.
10 CONTINUED:
DAX
But you know those seven or eight
little wiry hairs sticking out of
his forehead?
KIRA
(fearing the worst)
What... ?
DAX
They make him look kind of cute.
Kira stares at her in amazement. Then:
DAX
(off panel)
That's odd... Sensors read a humanoid
presence in fifteen delta. Could be
one of the project thermologists.
DEEP SPACE: "Progress" - 2/16/93 - TEASER 7.
KIRA
Not in fifteen delta.
DAX
See for yourself.
KIRA
(to herself)
All the inhabitants should've been
evacuated by now.
(rises)
I'd better beam down there and see
what's going on.
DAX
Ready to transport.
KIRA
I won't be long.
Kira moves back to stand on the transporter pad -- nods to
Dax, who works the control, and:
11 ANGLE (OPTICAL)
as Kira DEMATERIALIZES.
12 EXT. OUTSIDE COTTAGE (OPTICAL)
as Kira MATERIALIZES. The cottage in b.g. is framed by a
ring of fertile, nurtured soil, in which grow lovely, varied
(alien) flowers. A partially built kiln, being constructed
from the stack of homemade bricks nearby, stands a few yards
from the cottage. The cottage itself is small, inviting,
and in good repair.
Beat, as Kira gets her bearings. She then moves to the
front door; is about to knock. But now something
(o.s.) catches her eye, and CAMERA WILL FOLLOW HER GAZE
to:
13 INCLUDE BALTRIM
A sturdy Bajoran man in his mid-to-late 40s, BALTRIM (dressed
for farm labor) stands holding a menacing looking farm
implement (probably resembling a long-handled pike) leveled
at Kira. She now senses something opposite Baltrim, on the
other side of the cottage. She wheels to look in that
direction...
DEEP SPACE: "Progress" - 2/16/93 - TEASER 8.
14 INCLUDING KEENA
Also in her 40s, the Bajoran woman KEENA (dressed much like
Baltrim), also brandishes a farming instrument as a weapon.
NOTE: Baltrim and Keena both appear as frightened of Kira
as they are hostile. Nonetheless, each moves a couple of
steps forward from their opposite directions. They evince
no sign of lessening their menace.
And so -- Kira readies herself to be attacked from either
flank. And she's waiting for it, as we...
FADE OUT.
END OF TEASER
DEEP SPACE: "Progress" - 2/16/93 - ACT ONE 9.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
(NOTE: Episode credits fall over opening scenes.)
15 EXT. OUTSIDE COTTAGE - DAY (CONTINUING)
Kira still stands before the door; is still covered by the
weapons of the couple, Baltrim and Keena, as:
MULLIBOK'S VOICE (O.S.)
The problem is, they don't like
uniforms.
16 INCLUDING MULLIBOK
Standing in his cottage doorway, is MULLIBOK. A tall, craggy-
faced and raw-boned farmer (also of Bajoran origin), his
considerable age has not bowed him in the slightest. He's
an impressive figure.
KIRA
Neither do I, but it comes with the
job.
MULLIBOK
Which is?
KIRA
Do we talk, or do they attack?
Mullibok nods slightly to Baltrim and Keena. They lower
their weapons. But there's no invitation to Kira.
MULLIBOK
You're halfway pretty.
KIRA
Does that mean I can come in?
MULLIBOK
Problem is, I don't like uniforms,
either. They scare me.
(re: Baltrim & Keena)
We've had our fill of uniformed
bullies.
KIRA
I'm no Cardassian. You know you're
supposed to be out of here by now.
DEEP SPACE: "Progress" - 2/16/93 - ACT ONE 10.
16 CONTINUED:
MULLIBOK
All I know is this farm. If you
want proof, girl, just take a look
at my crop.
He starts to close the door on her. She uses her forearm to
keep it open, and:
KIRA
(friendly)
I'd rather you didn't call me "girl."
MULLIBOK
(undeterred; re: couple)
... Our crop, I should say. Mostly
the katterpod beans. You won't find
better katterpods.
KIRA
My father always said you get bigger
katterpods when you spray in some
chlorobicrobes.
MULLIBOK
Is that right. That could be.
(a bit softer)
So your family's farmers, then.
KIRA
No... but if I don't get on your
good side soon, my arm's going to
fall off.
In spite of himself, Mullibok finally smiles -- for an
instant. Then, even as he does open the door to admit her:
MULLIBOK
(sternly)
Pretty eyes like yours deserve a
meal. Come on in.
KIRA
I'm afraid we don't have the time.
Obviously, you were overlooked in
the general evacuation; I've got to
get you out of here.
MULLIBOK
We'll talk about that over supper.
He beckons the Couple, who move inside past Kira. She SIGHS,
and follows them in.
DEEP SPACE: "Progress" - 2/16/93 - ACT ONE 11.
17
thru OMITTED
18
19 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)(STOCK)
Re-establishing.
20 OMITTED
21 INT. PROMENADE
As they walk, Jake and Nog appear to be searching for someone
or something. Jake suddenly stops; points to:
22 CAPTAIN
the CAPTAIN of a Lissepian freighter lounges against a
partition... idly calculating something on a small PADD.
The chevrons on his sleeves, the clusters on his epaulets,
mark his rank.
23 INCLUDING JAKE & NOG
as they approach the Captain (the still uncertain Jake lagging
a bit behind).
NOG
Excuse me, Sir... Are you the captain
of the Lissepian cargo ship?
CAPTAIN
That's right.
NOG
And you do a lot of trading with the
Cardassians?
CAPTAIN
Why not... one thing about
Cardassians; they pay their bills.
The Captain smiles at the boys -- moves off. They stick
with him, and:
NOG
Yes, I've heard that... And I've
also heard they really love their
yamok sauce.
DEEP SPACE: "Progress" - 2/16/93 - ACT ONE 12.
23 CONTINUED:
CAPTAIN
Look, if you're trying to buy some
yamok sauce from me, boy, you're
wasting your time. I'm not carrying
any.
NOG
We're not buying... we're selling.
JAKE
Five thousand wrappages of it.
NOG
Original; not replicated.
CAPTAIN
(interest piqued)
Where would you two boys get all
that yamok sauce?
NOG
We have connections.
CAPTAIN
(tempted)
... five thousand, you say.
NOG
And they can be yours for... say...
five bars of gold-pressed latinum.
CAPTAIN
That's a lot of latinum.
NOG
That's a lot of yamok sauce.
CAPTAIN
Look, I'm not carrying any latinum.
But I'll tell you what I'll do: I'll
trade you something for it.
NOG
(dismissive)
We were kind of counting on latinum...
Nog about to break off the negotiation, when Jake holds his
arm, with:
DEEP SPACE: "Progress" - 2/16/93 - ACT ONE 13.
23 CONTINUED: (2)
JAKE
Hold on.
(to Captain)
What would you trade?
CAPTAIN
I'll give you a hundred gross of
self-sealing stem bolts. Some Bajoran
ordered them from me, and now he
can't pay.
JAKE
(what are they?)
Self-sealing stem bolts?
CAPTAIN
Top grade merchandise; you won't
find a better stem bolt in this
sector.
NOG
I don't think so. We deal strictly
in latinum.
Jake takes Nog aside.
JAKE
(whisper)
Nog, are you sure?
NOG
What're we going to do with stem
bolts?
JAKE
What're we going to do with yamok
sauce?
A beat -- then they return to the Captain.
NOG
Sir, I've discussed it with my
partner, and you have a deal.
Nog sticks out his hand... Beat, then the Captain shakes it.
CAPTAIN
Good. I'll meet you at cargo bay
nine at twenty-one hundred hours.
We'll make the trade then.
The Captain EXITS. Jake and Nog watch him go.
DEEP SPACE: "Progress" - 2/16/93 - ACT ONE 14.
23 CONTINUED: (3)
NOG
Now the question is, what do we do
with a hundred gross of self-sealing
stem bolts.
JAKE
I've got a better question. How do
we get your uncle's yamok sauce?
24 CLOSE - NOG
Already plotting strategy.
25 OMITTED
26 INT. COTTAGE - DAY
Mullibok, Baltrim and Keena are preparing supper. He cooks
with the gusto of one who loves doing it. Kira stands
watching; eyeing the odd food with interest (we see odd-sized,
odd-hued vegetables, and a couple of big, weird-appearing
roots -- one of which is already being sliced up for the
main pot).
MULLIBOK
At least you're not the type that'd
dispossess a man on an empty stomach.
KIRA
I wouldn't think of it.
MULLIBOK
That's fine. Of course, these roots
take about three hours to soften.
KIRA
What?
MULLIBOK
Surely you don't eat your roots hard.
KIRA
(amused)
I'm in no hurry.
(taps combadge)
Kira to Ganges.
DEEP SPACE: "Progress" - 2/16/93 - ACT ONE 15.
26 CONTINUED:
DAX'S COM VOICE
This is Dax. Are you all right?
KIRA
A man with a talent for delay just
invited me to a farewell supper here.
You go on. I'll have one of the
thermologists bring me back.
DAX'S COM VOICE
Enjoy supper; Dax out.
Mullibok hands her the second -- as yet unwashed -- root.
MULLIBOK
After you wash it, scrub off the
skin.
Kira will comply, throughout:
KIRA
(to Couple)
You don't talk much, do you?
MULLIBOK
They don't talk at all. Cardassians
took care of that. They escaped to
this moon about eighteen years ago.
I've been here forty. We've done
well together.
(beat; patronizing)
Be a good girl, and set out the plates
and utensils, please.
Kira cocks an eyebrow at him -- finally looks around to see
where they might be stored:
MULLIBOK
In that cupboard on the other side
there.
As Kira turns and heads away toward the cupboard:
MULLIBOK
(watching her go)
Y'know, dear, you look good even
from this angle; but you walk like a
carnivorous rastipod.
DEEP SPACE: "Progress" - 2/16/93 - ACT ONE 16.
26 CONTINUED: (2)
KIRA
(wheels around; losing
it)
Now look!...
But she breaks off; suddenly realizing something -- and now
it's she who smiles, with:
KIRA
You're trying to make me mad.
MULLIBOK
(slyly)
How'm I doing?
KIRA
Not well enough to get rid of me.
MULLIBOK
(pleasantly)
Damn.
And now they're both smiling.
MULLIBOK
So what do they call you, dear?
KIRA
(beat)
I'm Major Kira; I'm in charge of
evacuating all the...
MULLIBOK
(overrides)
You're given name.
KIRA
(small smile)
Nerys.
MULLIBOK
Well, Nerys, I'm Mullibok, and this
root really does take three hours to
cook, so... You sit yourself down
and relax, child, it'll be tasty.
Kira does sit, and:
KIRA
Mullibok, they begin tapping the
core of this moon in seven days.
DEEP SPACE: "Progress" - 2/16/93 - ACT ONE 17.
26 CONTINUED: (3)
MULLIBOK
(depressed now)
I know.
KIRA
With respect... you are only three
people. This project will benefit
thousands... hundreds of thousands.
MULLIBOK
I made myself unconcerned with all
of that forty years ago when I ran
away from a Cardassian labor camp on
your precious Bajor.
KIRA
What we're trying to create now is
what you weren't allowed to have
then. It can be your Bajor, too.
MULLIBOK
This is where I live. This is my
home.
KIRA
You'll have a home on Bajor... and
people who'll welcome you and your
friends. Life'll be different, yes.
But it'll be fine... really.
MULLIBOK
No it won't. I told you; my life is
here. I'll die if I leave.
(beat)
I'd rather die here.
Off Kira's reaction, we...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
DEEP SPACE: "Progress" - 2/16/93 - ACT TWO 18.
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
27 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)
Re-establishing.
28 INT. QUARK'S
A slow night. Quark, behind the bar, is in a foul mood --
as Nog approaches, with inventory PADD.
NOG
Uncle Quark...
QUARK
(irritable)
Last night... that dabo player who
dropped his drink... I saw you run
and get him another one without
charging him. I've warned you about
picking up your father's habits.
NOG
It'll never happen again, Uncle.
(beat)
Y'know, I was trying to find some
storage space for the shipment of
lokar beans that're due in tomorrow.
Is it okay if I stack them on top of
the yamok sauce?
(afterthought)
If I can reach that high.
QUARK
Please! Don't talk to me about yamok
sauce.
NOG
Do you want me to get rid of it? I
can take it to the matter reclamation
unit.
QUARK
Anything... Just get it out of my
sight.
(pats his head)
You're a good boy, Nog.
Quark goes about his business.
DEEP SPACE: "Progress" - 2/16/93 - ACT TWO 19.
28A INCLUDING JAKE (AT ENTRANCE IN B.G.)
as Nog gives Jake the "high sign" that everything's okay.
29 EXT. OUTSIDE COTTAGE - NIGHT
Re-establishing.
30 INT. COTTAGE - NIGHT
where Kira, Mullibok, Baltrim and Keena sit finishing what
appears to be a sumptuous meal. Mullibok, a teller of tall
tales, begins slowly suckering Kira in with one now, as:
MULLIBOK
I stowed away on a Cardassian survey
vessel. They made stops all through
the Bajoran system, looking for
possible mining sites. When they
got here to Jeraddo, I overpowered
the crew and stole what I'd need to
start building my life here.
KIRA
You overpowered the crew... by
yourself?
MULLIBOK
(much modesty)
There were only six of them...
(aside)
... which was fortunate, because I'd
been weakened a bit by captivity and
starvation.
(back to bluster)
Anyway, here I was; the first person
ever to settle on this moon. Trouble
was, I had no farm implements. Once
again, starvation and I stared each
other in the face.
(aside)
I'm not boring you... ?
KIRA
No, no, I want to hear who won.
DEEP SPACE: "Progress" - 2/16/93 - ACT TWO 20.
30 CONTINUED:
MULLIBOK
(still deadpan)
Well, it was mind over matter. Every
twenty-six hours I just tightened my
waist-belt another notch, so my belly
could never really be sure it was
shrinking.
KIRA
(incredulous)
Excuse me... ?
MULLIBOK
Now you asked me how I got started
here, and I'm trying very politely
to tell you, if you'll kindly let me
finish.
KIRA
I assume you found some food before
you ran out of belt notches.
MULLIBOK
Are you telling this story or am I?
KIRA
(waves him on)
By all means...
MULLIBOK
Well, it was obvious I was going to
have to plant and harvest a crop.
So I did what anyone'd do who had an
entire world to build...
Keena will rise; start clearing the table, during:
MULLIBOK
... I rolled back and forth across
the ground til it surrendered. Then
I went down on my hands and knees
and started to plow... Using my bare
fingernails, mind you... I plowed
every last furrow in that field
straight as a plumb line.
KIRA
Now that's inventive.
DEEP SPACE: "Progress" - REV. 2/19/93 - ACT TWO 21.
30 CONTINUED: (2)
MULLIBOK
And when I'd hit a patch of
mineralized clay, I'd just grind it
up in my teeth to enrich the soil.
(the tale told)
Baltrim, let's taste a bit of your
wonderful wine here.
And Baltrim, smiling, will go to a cupboard for wine and
mugs, as:
MULLIBOK
(dead serious)
What I'm telling you, Major, is that
I tamed this place. Me.
KIRA
(earnestly)
I believe you.
MULLIBOK
You look like a bit of a fighter
yourself.
KIRA
On Bajor, we had to be.
MULLIBOK
To get rid of the Cardassians.
(brooding)
Mindless butchers.
KIRA
We paid them back.
MULLIBOK
(suckering her in)
I bet you did... They probably never
knew what hit them. I'm sorry I
missed the fun.
KIRA
Fun?
DEEP SPACE: "Progress" - REV. 2/17/93 - ACT TWO 21A.
30 CONTINUED: (3)
MULLIBOK
Like spearing kandippers in a bottle.
KIRA
(indignant)
Wait a minute; are you serious? You
know what the Cardassians were like;
the weapons they had. We didn't
stand a chance against them.
MULLIBOK
Well then, how did you beat them?
KIRA
We beat them because...
(beat, she realizes
where he's taken her)
... We hung on like fanatics.
DEEP SPACE: "Progress" - REV. 2/18/93 - ACT TWO 22.
30 CONTINUED: (4)
MULLIBOK
(musing)
Hung on like fanatics.
(brightly)
I'll have to remember that.
He smiles nicely -- and saunters out.
30A ON KIRA
Her face reflects the realization that she's just given him
extra ammo. Quickly, she moves to follow him out.
31 EXT. OUTSIDE COTTAGE - NIGHT - FAVORING KILN AREA
Mullibok's approaching idly to look at the unfinished kiln.
Behind him, Kira EMERGES from the cottage... moves to join
him, with:
KIRA
Listen to me, Mullibok...
MULLIBOK
You know, one of these days I've got
to finish this kiln... So I can temper
my baking pots... put colorful tops
on them. That'd be nice, wouldn't
it?
KIRA
Look... I appreciate that you're
trying to hang on here... and I
sympathize... but you can't stay.
The minute they start tapping the
crust, it will release sulfer and
carbon compounds that will make the
air unbreathable.
MULLIBOK
The Cardassians probably told you
that you didn't stand a chance,
either. Did you surrender?
DEEP SPACE: "Progress" - REV. 2/17/93 - ACT TWO 21A.
KIRA
(beat; softly)
No.
MULLIBOK
Then why would you expect me to act
any different than you?
(a beat)
You tell them they can start cracking
this moon apart anytime they're ready.
I'll be here.
KIRA
(resigned)
I'll tell them.
And on her troubled face we...
32 OMITTED
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT TWO
DEEP SPACE: "Progress" - 2/16/93 - ACT THREE 24.
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
33 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)(STOCK)
Re-establishing.
34 INT. CARGO BAY
Jake and Nog stand amid several containers, one of which
they've opened -- and from which Nog's just retrieving a
single self-sealing stem bolt... which he holds aloft for
their (and our) examination. Both ends of it are splayed
out; you can't tell which end, if either, is up; nor for
what the rounded protrusions along the middle -- with their
slim, tin-like protuberances -- might possibly be utilized.
If this really is some kind of "bolt," it's one in name only.
JAKE
So that's a stem bolt.
NOG
A self-sealing stem bolt. There's a
difference.
JAKE
You're sure about that... ?
NOG
(paraphrasing Captain)
What's important is that it's top
grade merchandise. You can't find a
better stem bolt in this sector.
JAKE
(enthused)
And we have a hundred gross of them!
Nog is suddenly feeling the burden of too many stem bolts,
as:
NOG
(depressed)
That's a lot of stem bolts.
O'BRIEN (O.S.)
Excuse me, gentlemen...
71:[1,#b],88:[1,#b]
DEEP SPACE: "Progress" - 2/16/93 - ACT THREE 25.
35 INCLUDING O'BRIEN
He stands just inside the entrance; holding a PADD.
O'BRIEN
Anyone know what this cargo is doing
here?
NOG
(thinking fast)
Uh... it belongs to my Uncle Quark;
they're... stem bolts.
O'BRIEN
Well, do me a favor and tell your
uncle we're getting a bit weary of
him short-circuiting import
procedures.
NOG
I'll certainly do that, Sir...
(what are these things?)
It's just that my Uncle Quark really
needed some stem bolts...
O'BRIEN
You mean self-sealing stem bolts.
NOG
(excited)
That's right! That's it! Self-
sealing stem bolts.
O'BRIEN
(looks around)
He sure needs a lot of them.
JAKE
This is top grade merchandise. You
can't find a better stem bolt in
this sector.
O'BRIEN
I don't doubt it. What's he need
them for?
NOG
Oh... the usual.
O'BRIEN
The usual?
DEEP SPACE: "Progress" - 2/16/93 - ACT THREE 26.
35 CONTINUED:
NOG
Well, you know...
(as if it's obvious)
... Why does anybody use self-sealing
stem bolts...
O'BRIEN
I wouldn't know; I've never used
them.
JAKE
Never?
O'BRIEN
I've never even seen one.
NOG
Then how did you know they're self-
sealing?
O'BRIEN
I read it here on the manifest padd.
O'Brien gives the boys a nice little wave, and EXITS.
NOG
I would've bet anything he'd know
what they were.
JAKE
I told you we should've asked that
freighter captain.
NOG
(sudden idea)
Wait... I know who can tell us what
self-sealing stem bolts are! The
Bajoran who ordered them in the first
place. His name's gotta be on the
shipping codes.
Jake retrieves a code-reader from its magnetic holder on the
wall -- runs it across a kind of bar-coded label on one of
the crates. Then, Jake looks at the readout, with:
JAKE
(off readout)
Sirco Ch'Ano... It has his address
and everything. You think he'll be
mad that we have his stem bolts?
DEEP SPACE: "Progress" - 2/16/93 - ACT THREE 27.
35 CONTINUED: (2)
NOG
He couldn't afford 'em, remember.
But we'll offer to sell them to him
at a discount.
35A INT. OPS
Dax and Supernumeraries at stations, as Kira arrives in the
Turbolift -- moves through, as:
DAX
I'm glad you finally made it back; I
was getting worried.
KIRA
(re: Sisko's office)
Is he alone?
DAX
I think Minister Toran's in there
with him.
KIRA
Even better.
36 INT. SISKO'S OFFICE
Sisko, Kira and Toran. Though Sisko presides, this is
primarily between Kira and the Minister.
TORAN
I don't understand. There were forty-
seven other people living on that
moon. They all left willingly.
KIRA
How do we know? All we know is that
they obeyed the order to leave.
TORAN
And so will these people.
KIRA
(not a chance)
You haven't met Mullibok.
DEEP SPACE: "Progress" - REV. 2/17/93 - ACT THREE 28.
36 CONTINUED:
SISKO
Is there anything you can offer that
might make him more willing to leave?
KIRA
Not a thing, believe me.
SISKO
Would a postponement help?
KIRA
(sparks to idea)
It'd give us time to work something
out with him.
TORAN
We can't postpone, and if he stays,
he'll be committing suicide.
(to Sisko)
We'll have to beam him off the
surface.
KIRA
If we take him like that, we'll be
killing him.
TORAN
I refuse to allow three stubborn
holdouts to jeopardize a project
that'll benefit so many of our people.
(beat)
I'm sorry, Major; if there were
anything else we could do, we'd have
done it.
KIRA
But there is another way. We can
tap the core using phased energy
retrieval.
TORAN
I thought we had agreed that phased
energy retrieval would take too long.
It would mean waiting a full year
before we could extract any meaningful
amount of energy. I wish we had the
time to be more delicate, but we
don't.
DEEP SPACE: "Progress" - REV. 2/24/93 - ACT THREE 29.
KIRA
So instead, we'll act like
Cardassians...
SISKO
(calming)
Easy, Major.
TORAN
(to Kira)
I resent that. It's obvious to me
that you've developed a feeling for
this man. Fine; I can accept that.
But if you're not comfortable with
completing this assignment, I'll
find someone who is.
KIRA
(resigned to the
inevitable)
That won't be necessary.
36A INT. OPS
Dax still works at her station, as an angry Kira comes down
the stairs from Sisko's (o.s.) office, and:
KIRA
(taps combadge)
Kira to Odo.
ODO'S COM VOICE
Odo here...
KIRA
I'm going back to Jeraddo. I need
two security officers to meet me at
Runabout Pad Three immediately.
ODO'S COM VOICE
They'll be there.
DAX
Is there something I should know?
KIRA
(turning on her)
I am not a Cardassian!
DAX
(calmly; small smile)
I knew that.
DEEP SPACE: "Progress" - REV. 2/24/93 - ACT THREE 29A.
36A CONTINUED:
KIRA
I mean... What's the point! If we're
going to act like Cardassians, why
did we bother to get rid of them in
the first place!
DAX
Not a good meeting, huh?
KIRA
All right, so it is my job, and I'll
do my job, but it's wrong!
Kira walks off, toward the Turbolift. HOLD on Dax, who
watches her go with concern...
37
thru OMITTED
40
41 EXT. SPACE - MOON JERADDO (OPTICAL)
Re-establishing.
42 EXT. OUTSIDE COTTAGE - DAY
Kira, accompanied by a FIRST and Second BAJORAN SECURITY
GUARD, approach the cottage from b.g. The Guards wear
holstered weapons at their belts (as they would on any "Away"
mission), but there's not the slightest thought of any use
of weaponry here.
KIRA
(calling)
Mullibok?
She continues forward, repeating:
KIRA
Mullibok!
FIRST GUARD
What about the other two?
DEEP SPACE: "Progress" - 2/16/93 - ACT THREE 30.
43 ANOTHER ANGLE
With no reply from the cottage, Kira indicates the Two Guards
are to follow her back in the direction from which they came,
during:
KIRA
They have a cottage about...
(indicates)
... thirty-five, forty meters through
there. Now remember; these people
were victims of the Cardassians.
They don't speak; they're very
frightened of uniforms. Understood?
FIRST GUARD
(nice)
Understood, Major.
KIRA
If they're out working in the fields,
just... start gathering their
supplies... clothing, I guess...
FIRST GUARD
Without permission?
KIRA
We're not going to get permission.
Just be careful with everything.
The First Guard nods -- leads the Second off in the direction
indicated by Kira. She watches them go for a beat; turns
back toward the cottage -- but stops abruptly at the sight
of:
44 MULLIBOK
standing in his now open doorway; his face reflecting his
defiantly stubborn displeasure.
45 MULLIBOK & KIRA
staring at each other for a long beat, before:
MULLIBOK
(re: Kira's phaser)
You plan on using that... ?
KIRA
Protocol.
(a beat)
If you like, I'll help you pack your
things.
DEEP SPACE: "Progress" - 2/16/93 - ACT THREE 31.
45 CONTINUED:
MULLIBOK
You sent those two uniforms after
Baltrim and Keena.
KIRA
That's right; I'm doing what has to
be done.
MULLIBOK
Me, too.
And he closes his front door on her from within. She takes
a deep breath, and continues to that door, on which she KNOCKS
somewhat forcefully, with:
KIRA
(calling o.s.)
Don't make us take you by force...
Please!
The door opens -- Mullibok emerges, carrying a trowel-like
tool in one hand, and a bucket filled with wet, cement-like
filler material, in the other. He moves directly past Kira
(as though she weren't there), toward his partially built
kiln.
46 ANGLE AT KILN
Mullibok will set down his bucket; begin laying a first brick
(from the stack alongside) onto what's to become a kiln wall --
as Kira approaches him. Throughout:
KIRA
I promise you it won't be that bad.
You can plant whatever you want on
Bajor; keep to yourself if you want
to; that's fine. Take some seeds
with you for those terrible roots of
yours I had to eat. Just listen to
reason!
MULLIBOK
Just listen to yourself, Major.
Tell me what you hear.
KIRA
(lost)
What do you mean?
MULLIBOK
I mean you sound like a two-headed
Malgorian I knew as a boy.
DEEP SPACE: "Progress" - 2/16/93 - ACT THREE 32.
45 CONTINUED:
MULLIBOK (Cont'd)
Did you every try talking with a two-
headed Malgorian?
KIRA
This is no time for one of your
stories...
MULLIBOK
You see, the thing about a two-headed
Malgorian is, it can never make up
its mind about what it really wants.
Which can be very confusing, believe
me.
KIRA
Eventually, you're going to have to
stop talking, and deal with this.
MULLIBOK
Now you see, that was the trouble
with my Malgorian friend. He always
had problems, and he could never
decide how to solve them. So he
would come looking for me to deal
with his problems for him.
KIRA
Mullibok, please...
MULLIBOK
And you know what I finally told
that Malgorian? "Fellows, deal with
it yourselves."
KIRA
Fine. I'll pack your things myself.
Beat -- then Kira heads for his cottage door. But she's
stopped by:
FIRST GUARD'S VOICE (O.S.)
Major!
47 ANGLE
The First Guard appears in the clearing -- holding his side
(in which there's a wound) with one hand, and leading an
antagonistic Baltrim with the other. Behind them, the Second
Guard leads an equally unwilling (albeit more frightened)
Keena by the arm.
DEEP SPACE: "Progress" - 2/16/93 - ACT THREE 33.
47 CONTINUED:
During this:
FIRST GUARD
They're crazy! The man just stuck
me with a farm tool, and she came at
me from behind!
48 CLOSE - MULLIBOK
His face contorts with his outrage -- his fury.
MULLIBOK
Let her go!
FIRST GUARD (O.S.)
Stay back!
49 RESUME SHOT
Mullibok -- emitting an unintelligible OUTCRY in his explosive
anger -- charges the Second Bajoran Security Guard.
Mullibok's big, and his rage renders him almost maniacal.
His hands go to the throat of the Second Guard, who goes
down beneath the onslaught.
KIRA
(at Mullibok)
No!
50 ANGLE (OPTICAL)
The First Bajoran Security Guard instantly whips out his
hand weapon (for the first time), and FIRES once at the now
murderous Mullibok -- who's thereby knocked off the prone
body of the Second Guard he'd begun to strangle. As Mullibok
lands, unconscious and seriously wounded, Kira rushes to
kneel at his side.
51 KIRA & MULLIBOK
Devastated -- her own tears welling, she perfunctorily
examines his wound and his dire status.
KIRA
(at First Guard)
You! Beam up to the Runabout and
call the station! Get Doctor Bashir!
Move!
DEEP SPACE: "Progress" - 2/16/93 - ACT THREE 34.
51 CONTINUED:
Her attention goes instantly back to Mullibok. She has
no more words. She is heartbroken...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT THREE
DEEP SPACE: "Progress" - 2/16/93 - ACT FOUR 35.
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
52 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)
Re-establishing.
53 INT. SISKO'S QUARTERS
Only Jake and Nog are present. Because the monitor screen
displays only STATIC, we'll HEAR, but never see, a Bajoran
male, CH'ANO. He's conversing with the boys. We see that
Nog -- who's removed a side panel from the monitor -- is
continuously zapping the electronics just enough to make
video transmission impossible. Throughout:
CH'ANO'S VOICE
I'm sorry, I still can't see you.
What'd you say your name was... ?
I'm getting some kind of subspace
interference.
JAKE
My name's...
NOG
(overrides)
We're, uh...
(thinking fast)
... the Nog and, uh... The "Noh-Jay
Consortium." And we have a hundred
gross of self-sealing stem bolts.
We were wondering...
CH'ANO'S VOICE
(interrupts; excited)
You have my stem bolts? What would
you want for them?
The boys exchange looks -- as opportunity has suddenly re-
appeared.
NOG
We'll let you have them for five
bars of gold-pressed latinum.
CH'ANO'S VOICE
(dismayed surprise)
Five bars!
DEEP SPACE: "Progress" - 2/16/93 - ACT FOUR 36.
53 CONTINUED:
NOG
Four bars.
CH'ANO'S VOICE
I don't think I...
NOG
(quickly)
Three bars.
CH'ANO'S VOICE
If I had any latinum, I'd already
have the bolts. Would you consider
an exchange?
NOG
I'd consider one bar of latinum...
Jake tugs at Nog, with:
JAKE
(whispered aside)
He doesn't have any latinum. Let's
trade for something.
NOG
(aside to Jake)
I don't want "something." I want
latinum.
CH'ANO'S VOICE
I can't hear you... Can I interest
you in a piece of land?
JAKE
(aside to Nog)
Land is good.
NOG
(aside to Jake)
For what? It's nothing but dirt.
JAKE
(back to Ch'Ano)
How much land?
CH'ANO'S VOICE
I can let you have seven tessipates.
The following is a whispered exchange between the boys:
JAKE
"Seven" sounds good.
DEEP SPACE: "Progress" - 2/16/93 - ACT FOUR 37.
53 CONTINUED: (2)
NOG
First yamok sauce... then stem
bolts... now tessipates... and still
no profit.
JAKE
But we're getting closer... I can
feel it.
NOG
You can?
JAKE
I think so.
CH'ANO'S VOICE
Do we have a deal?
Jake looks expectantly at Nog -- who only shrugs wearily.
JAKE
(beat; to Ch'Ano)
We'll have to see proof that you own
the land.
CH'ANO'S VOICE
Naturally. You'll get a transmission
on that by twelve hundred hours.
JAKE
(confident now)
You've bought yourself some stem
bolts.
The monitor BLANKS -- and Nog stops his transmission
interference, as:
JAKE
(satisfied with himself)
Land!
NOG
Dirt.
54 EXT. OUTSIDE COTTAGE - DAY
Re-establishing.
DEEP SPACE: "Progress" - REV. 2/18/93 - ACT FOUR 38.
55 INT. COTTAGE - DAY
BASHIR labors over Mullibok -- who's just regaining
consciousness -- but is obviously in poor shape. Kira stands
in b.g., still visibly affected, as:
BASHIR
(to Mullibok)
Just rest easy. You took a phaser
blast which punctured your peritoneum.
It's serious, and if you try moving
around, you're going to make it worse.
MULLIBOK
Another uniform.
BASHIR
Doctor Julian Bashir, Starfleet.
Major Kira sent for me.
MULLIBOK
She did, uh?...
(louder; at Kira)
... You're backwards, Nerys... I told
you...
Kira, unsure of what to say and uncomfortable as hell, heads
for the door; will EXIT, as:
MULLIBOK
(back to Bashir)
With me unconscious, she could've
just had us swept off of here with
no trouble at all.
(suddenly recalls)
My friends... Baltrim and Keena...
BASHIR
They've been evacuated to Bajor.
I'll be taking you back to our
station, so I can...
MULLIBOK
No. I stay here.
56 EXT. OUTSIDE COTTAGE - DAY
Kira stands, lost in brooding thought, just outside the
cottage door -- as it's opened from within. Bashir emerges.
BASHIR
He refuses to leave.
DEEP SPACE: "Progress" - 2/16/93 - ACT FOUR 39.
56 CONTINUED:
KIRA
(small smile)
Really.
BASHIR
He's got to be cared for. I'm going
to take him without his permission.
KIRA
No you're not.
BASHIR
He needs close attention. There's
no medical facility here.
KIRA
I'll be here.
Kira now moves away -- toward the kiln in b.g. As she goes,
she's stripping off her tunic, with:
KIRA
(without turning back)
Leave me instructions and whatever
medication you think he'll need.
57 KIRA AT KILN
In her shirt now, and focused only on the task at hand, she
begins preparing to lay bricks on the prospective kiln wall.
58 ON BASHIR
From his just standing there -- without a clue -- watching
her, we go to:
59 INT. SISKO'S OFFICE - ON BASHIR
as he reports:
BASHIR
She didn't offer a word of
explanation, Sir. She simply removed
her uniform tunic and started...
building.
DEEP SPACE: "Progress" - 2/16/93 - ACT FOUR 40.
60 INCLUDING SISKO
at his desk; not thrilled.
SISKO
Well Doctor, right now she stands a
pretty good chance of being out of
uniform permanently.
(thoughtful beat)
I'm going to tell Minister Toran
that she's remained temporarily on
Jeraddo at your request.
BASHIR
But sir, that... isn't true.
SISKO
(not just a request)
Make it true, Doctor. Now, please.
BASHIR
(beat)
Commander, I'd advise that Major
Kira remain on Jeraddo for
humanitarian reasons, uh...
(aside)
... How long?
SISKO
The next day or two.
BASHIR
For the next day or two, sir.
SISKO
Thank you, Doctor; I'll consider
that request. Dismissed.
At first, Bashir thinks there's something else to say -- but
there isn't. So, after a beat, he just turns; heads out.
HOLD on a thoughtful Sisko for a beat. He finally rises;
moves out of his office.
61 EXT. SPACE - ON MOON JERADDO (OPTICAL)
Re-Establishing.
62 INT. COTTAGE - DAY
Kira, still without her tunic, has been running a plain-
appearing little scanner-like medical device across the area
of Mullibok's wound.
DEEP SPACE: "Progress" - REV. 2/18/93 - ACT FOUR 41.
62 CONTINUED:
MULLIBOK
What's that?
KIRA
It's for deep bruises. Don't ask my
why it works, I'm not the doctor.
MULLIBOK
What're they going to do to you for
staying here?
KIRA
Probably the same thing they'll do
to you. I don't really know.
MULLIBOK
What're you so angry about?
KIRA
I don't really know...
She rises; will move to look out the window, during:
KIRA
(continuing)
... When I was very small... I remember
there was a tree just outside my
window. It was the ugliest, gnarled
and battered old tree I've ever seen.
Even the birds stayed away from it.
MULLIBOK
But you loved it.
KIRA
I hated it.
(turns; faces him
squarely)
Because it'd grown so huge that its
branches blotted out the sun for
kellipates. And its roots were
buried so deep in the soil that
nothing else could grow there. It
was a big, selfish, annoying...
MULLIBOK
(interrupts)
...Nasty...
KIRA
Nasty old tree.
DEEP SPACE: "Progress" - REV. 2/17/93 - ACT FOUR 42.
62 CONTINUED: (2)
MULLIBOK
Sounds to me like it had character...
KIRA
(beat; quietly)
A lot.
MULLIBOK
And what happened to it? Did you
cut it down?
KIRA
(another beat; torn)
I don't know yet.
SISKO'S COM VOICE
Sisko to Kira...
KIRA
(frowning surprise;
taps combadge)
Commander?
SISKO'S COM VOICE
I'm preparing to beam down.
KIRA
I don't think that's a good idea.
SISKO'S COM VOICE
Major... Either I'm coming down, or
you're coming up.
MULLIBOK
Doesn't have much faith in you, does
he?
62A OMITTED
63 EXT. OUTSIDE COTTAGE - DAY (OPTICAL)
Sisko MATERIALIZES. Beat, then he walks to the front door;
knocks.
DEEP SPACE: "Progress" - REV. 2/19/93 - ACT FOUR 43.
64 OMITTED
65 INT. COTTAGE - DAY (CONTINUOUS)
Kira starts toward the door, but Mullibok, moving to get off
the bed, stops her with:
MULLIBOK
Now just hold on, Nerys. This is
still my home.
And Kira stops -- allowing Mullibok to open his own door.
He does so -- revealing Sisko.
65A CLOSE - SISKO & MULLIBOK
facing each other in the doorway.
MULLIBOK
What do you want?
SISKO
I'd like to see Major Kira.
MULLIBOK
She doesn't want to see you, and
neither do I.
Kira comes to stand -- and is now visible -- just behind
Mullibok.
KIRA
(to Mullibok)
Wait a minute... don't speak for me.
SISKO
(to Mullibok)
You know, you're causing a lot of
trouble.
MULLIBOK
(happily)
I can't tell you how delighted I am
to hear it.
(beat)
How many of your Federation uniforms
do you plan to send after me?
Forty... ? Fifty?
SISKO
I don't think it'll come to that.
DEEP SPACE: "Progress" - REV. 2/19/93 - ACT FOUR 43A.
65A CONTINUED:
MULLIBOK
Depends how badly you want to get
rid of me.
SISKO
Mister Mullibok, I'm here because
I'm concerned about my first officer.
DEEP SPACE: "Progress" - REV. 2/18/93 - ACT FOUR 44.
65B INCLUDING KIRA
who's come to stand near Mullibok.
MULLIBOK
What about her?
SISKO
By staying here, she's jeopardizing
her career.
Mullibok has no ready reply for that.
KIRA
You'd better get back into bed.
MULLIBOK
Stop telling me what to do!
SISKO
Major, can I see you outside for a
minute?
Kira nods -- is passing Mullibok, as:
MULLIBOK
Go on, talk all you want; tell him
your story about the tree.
KIRA
Be quiet.
MULLIBOK
(to Sisko)
You see, there was this big, ugly
tree...
SISKO
(unphased)
Go on...
MULLIBOK
(sees he's not getting
a rise)
Never mind.
And Mullibok closes the door on both of them.
66 EXT. OUTSIDE COTTAGE - DAY (CONTINUOUS)
as Sisko and Kira walk from the cottage toward the kiln.
DEEP SPACE: "Progress" - REV. 2/22/93 - ACT FOUR 45.
66 CONTINUED:
SISKO
(wryly)
I can see why you like him.
KIRA
(wearily)
What can I do for you, Commander?
SISKO
You and I have a materiel subsistence
report to finish by the end of the
week.
KIRA
I'm not sure I'll be able to help
you with that.
SISKO
It's part of the liaison officer's
job.
KIRA
I know.
SISKO
I don't like the prospect of having
to break in a new one...
They've reached the unfinished kiln, and Kira will studiously
resume working on it, as:
SISKO
You have a job to do here, Major,
and you're not doing it.
KIRA
It's not as simple as that.
SISKO
I'm not saying it's simple; I'm saying
it can't wait.
(getting no response)
Look, I understand you're used to
sympathizing with the underdog.
You've spent your life fighting to
overcome impossible odds... just
like he's doing. But you have to
realize something, Major...
(beat; softly)
... You're on the other side now.
That gets to her. She stops work; regards Sisko.
DEEP SPACE: "Progress" - REV. 2/22/93 - ACT FOUR 46.
66 CONTINUED: (2)
SISKO
Pretty uncomfortable, isn't it?
For a moment, they stare at each other, before:
KIRA
(finally admits)
It's awful.
66A SISKO & KIRA (OPTICAL)
A slight nod of understanding and agreement from Sisko,
before:
SISKO
(gently)
When I first met you, Major, I thought
you were hostile and arrogant. But
I was wrong. Bajor needs you, and I
need you.
(with warmth)
I like you... I don't want you to be
hurt.
(before she can reply)
So as a friend, I came here to remind
you... His fate is already decided...
Yours isn't.
And now, for the very first time, Kira does realize that
Sisko is not just her commanding officer -- but a caring
friend.
KIRA
(sincerely)
Thank you.
SISKO
There'll be a Runabout standing by.
(taps combadge)
One to beam up.
And Sisko DEMATERIALIZES.
HOLD on Kira -- as she stands; alone.
67
thru OMITTED
69
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FOUR
DEEP SPACE: "Progress" - REV. 2/24/93 - ACT FIVE 47.
ACT FIVE
FADE IN:
A70 EXT. OUTSIDE COTTAGE - NIGHT
Re-establishing.
B70 INT. COTTAGE - NIGHT
Kira is asleep in a chair. Beat -- before we hear the (o.s.)
sounds of...
C70 MULLIBOK
... sleeping fitfully on his bed, his medication on the little
table along side him. He is having a bad dream. He MOANS;
turns in discomfort; but remains asleep.
D70 RESUME - KIRA
The sounds waken her. She rises -- concerned -- with:
KIRA
Mullibok?
E70 KIRA & MULLIBOK
No response from Mullibok, who remains asleep. She moves to
his bedside table -- is preparing a hypospray, as:
MULLIBOK
(in his sleep)
...No... Let go... You're hurting
her... Lussilla! No!...
KIRA
(gently)
Easy... Easy...
She administers the hypospray. His body relaxes -- he calms
for a beat -- and she's about to return to her chair, as:
His eyes open, and -- though he's very groggy and unaware of
his surroundings:
DEEP SPACE: "Progress" - REV. 2/24/93 - ACT FIVE 47A.
E70 CONTINUED:
MULLIBOK
(angrily, not referring
to Kira)
I told you! Get your hands off me!
Kira does quickly remove her hand... but her manner remains
soothing, gentle -- and, above all, concerned. Mullibok's
eyes close now... He seems to be again drifting into sleep.
She reaches to the bedside table... pours water onto a
washcloth... folds it into a compress... places it across
his brow, with:
KIRA
... that's right... just rest... it's
going to be fine...
But he reacts to the compress -- forces himself awake. After
a startled first instant, he focuses on Kira; realizes:
MULLIBOK
Oh... it's you.
KIRA
You were having a bad dream.
MULLIBOK
(without facade)
Not just a bad dream... bad memories.
(beat; suddenly wary)
I didn't say anything, did I?
KIRA
(a kind lie)
No.
(beat)
Are you thirsty?
MULLIBOK
No.
KIRA
Hungry?
MULLIBOK
Leave me alone.
She's about to retort -- reflexively -- but stifles it; smiles
at herself; then, gently:
KIRA
Go back to sleep.
DEEP SPACE: "Progress" - REV. 2/24/93 - ACT FIVE 47B.
E70 CONTINUED: (2)
She turns back toward her chair -- but he holds her arm,
with:
MULLIBOK
Where are you going?
KIRA
(feisty again)
I'd like to get some sleep, too.
MULLIBOK
(re: chair)
Fine. But bring the chair over here.
She looks at him quizzically.
MULLIBOK
(covering his softness)
Well, are you my nurse, or not?
She brings the chair over to his bedside -- sits down.
KIRA
Is this better?
MULLIBOK
Are you going to talk all night, or
let me sleep?
He closes his eyes -- and drifts back into sleep. Kira,
sitting there watching him, smiles, and moves to rest one of
her hands on his forearm.
70 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL) (STOCK)
Re-establishing.
71 INT. QUARK'S
Morning; not much business. Jake and Nog again playing cards
at their table. At least Jake's playing... Nog is staring
off into space.
JAKE
(impatient)
Nog, I'm waiting.
NOG
I'm thinking.
JAKE
About what?
DEEP SPACE: "Progress" - REV. 2/24/93 - ACT FIVE 47C.
71 CONTINUED:
NOG
Latinum. And how we don't have any.
All we have is dirt.
JAKE
How many times do I have to tell
you... It's not dirt; it's land.
NOG
And what're we supposed to do with
this land?
Good question. Jake has to think about that one. Finally:
JAKE
Sell it, I guess.
NOG
To who?
JAKE
(defensive)
Why do I have to think of everything.
NOG
We should've kept the stem bolts.
DEEP SPACE: "Progress" - REV. 2/18/93 - ACT FIVE 48.
71 CONTINUED:
JAKE
Land is better than bolts.
NOG
How do you know?
JAKE
You can build things on land.
NOG
You can't build anything without
bolts.
JAKE
Just throw down a card.
72 QUARK & ODO (ON STAIRS)
As Quark comes down the stairs, with Odo right behind him:
QUARK
And you say they're based here on
the station?
ODO
That's correct.
QUARK
... The Noh-Jay Consortium... No,
never heard of it. Why do you ask?
ODO
I was contacted by a government
official this morning. They want to
build a reclamation facility on a
strip of land owned by four different
people.
They've proceeded by now to the bar, and are in close
proximity to Jake and Nog.
ODO
... Three of them have agreed to sell,
but the government doesn't know how
to contact the fourth... this Noh-
Jay Consortium...
73 CLOSE - JAKE & NOG (INTERCUT AS DESIRED)
Jolted upon hearing that name.
DEEP SPACE: "Progress" - REV. 2/18/93 - ACT FIVE 49.
74 RESUME - SHOT
QUARK
You mean the government can't build
without that one piece of land?
ODO
Apparently not.
QUARK
(longingly)
What a wonderful opportunity for
profit...
74A ANGLE ON JAKE & NOG
Jake, barely controlling his excitement, gives the
thunderstruck Nog a bump on the chest.
JAKE
I told you land was better than bolts.
75 RESUME - ODO & QUARK
as Quark suddenly realizes why Odo's been quizzing him.
QUARK
... And you think that I'm part of
this consortium?
ODO
I think very little goes on here
without your knowledge.
QUARK
True. This time, however...
(annoyed)
... someone failed to include me.
ODO
Are you telling me you're not
involved?
QUARK
(smiles)
Not yet. But that will be remedied;
and you can tell the Bajorans I'll
be opening negotiations with them
shortly.
DEEP SPACE: "Progress" - REV. 2/17/93 - ACT FIVE 50.
75 CONTINUED:
With that, Quark walks off -- leaving Odo to ponder whether
he's just helped the Bajoran government, or hindered it.
Beat; then Odo EXITS.
75AA ANOTHER ANGLE
Quark now scurries behind the bar to select one of his
computer security rods. He inserts it into the monitor...
eyeing the readout with impatience.
QUARK
(to himself)
Let's see... Who on this station is
clever enough...
NOG
Uncle Quark?
QUARK
Not now.
NOG
But... Uncle Quark...
QUARK
Go sweep the floor!
NOG
This is important.
QUARK
Well? Make it fast.
NOG
I have a... business opportunity
that might interest you... It'll
only cost you five bars of gold-pressed
latinum.
DEEP SPACE: "Progress" - REV. 2/17/93 - ACT FIVE 51.
75A INCLUDING JAKE
Watching with anticipation.
75B QUARK & NOG (JAKE IN B.G.)
As a surprised Quark turns to look from Nog to Jake, Jake
gives him a very slight, very tentative little wave of
"hello."
76 EXT. SPACE - MOON JERADDO (OPTICAL)
Re-Establishing.
77 INT. COTTAGE - DAY
Kira, still in her blouse, is asleep in a chair. We HEAR
the (o.s.) grating noise of a lid being fitted onto the kiln.
The sound wakens Kira. She rises -- moves to look out the
window.
78 EXT. OUTSIDE COTTAGE (KILN AREA) - DAY
Mullibok is putting finishing touches on the kiln -- as Kira --
now wearing her tunic -- EMERGES from the cottage. She
approaches to join Mullibok. He stops in his labor to take
a deep breath and test his wounded side for tenderness, as:
KIRA
Any pain?
MULLIBOK
A little sore. I was starting to
think you'd sleep all day.
KIRA
That's because I was up all night
taking care of you.
MULLIBOK
I don't recall asking you to.
And they go back to work on the kiln -- together.
MULLIBOK
Look, I can handle this. Go in and
get something to eat.
KIRA
There isn't time.
DEEP SPACE: "Progress" - 2/16/93 - ACT FIVE 52.
78 CONTINUED:
MULLIBOK
Why? You finally leaving?
She hands him the final kiln brick, with:
KIRA
Last one.
78A CLOSE - KIRA & MULLIBOK
As he takes this brick from her, they look squarely at each
other. He knows there is finality here.
79 OMITTED
80 ANGLE
Mullibok sets in the final brick. Both step back to admire
the handiwork.
MULLIBOK
I never thought I'd finish it.
KIRA
(sadly)
It's finished.
MULLIBOK
Nothing left to do but fire it up.
She turns; heads back into the cottage, as he fires up his
kiln. As it catches -- and he regards it with satisfaction --
Kira RE-EMERGES, carrying two large satchels filled with his
belongings. She sets them down a few yards from the cottage.
He moves away from the kiln, toward Kira, with:
MULLIBOK
What's all this?
KIRA
You finished your work; I have to
finish mine.
MULLIBOK
But you don't want to.
DEEP SPACE: "Progress" - REV. 2/19/93 - ACT FIVE 53.
KIRA
No... I don't.
(beat)
Look. I could use a friend on Bajor.
I'd like it to be you.
MULLIBOK
Major, as long as that cottage
stands... I stay right here.
He turns to walk back to the kiln. But before he can do so,
she whips out her phaser, and FIRES at the kiln, which
explodes into a fiery mass.
MULLIBOK
What the hell are you doing!
KIRA
Saving your life.
She strides to the kiln; lights a wooden brick-framing tool --
then moves to the cottage.
81 FOLLOWING KIRA
She lights the roof eave, first on the left side of the place,
and then on the right. She then tosses the burning wood
through an open window.
81A ANOTHER ANGLE
As the cottage begins burning intensely, she comes back to
Mullibok.
MULLIBOK
So you chose your uniform over me
after all.
KIRA
That's not true. The time I've spent
with you here has meant a lot to me.
But it's over. It's time we got on
with our lives. Mine... and yours.
MULLIBOK
(broods; finally)
You say you're my friend. Prove it.
(indicates phaser)
Use that thing on me.
DEEP SPACE: "Progress" - REV. 2/23/93 - ACT FIVE 53A.
81BA CLOSE - KIRA
KIRA
(quiet plea)
I can't...
81B CLOSE - MULLIBOK
He's watching his home burn. There are, perhaps, tears in
his eyes. Long beat, before:
MULLIBOK
(finally)
If I leave this place... I die.
81C KIRA & MULLIBOK
She reaches to him again; this time placing her hand on his
shoulder.
DEEP SPACE: "Progress" - REV. 2/24/93 - ACT FIVE 54.
81C CONTINUED:
KIRA
No you won't. I won't let you.
Without any change of expression, Mullibok turns his back to
her -- shrugging off her hand.
KIRA
(beat; taps combadge)
Energize.
Her hand is still reaching out toward him, as we...
82
thru OMITTED
83
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FIVE
THE END