STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
"The Circle"
#40512-422
Written by
Peter Allan Fields
Directed by
Corey Allen
THE WRITING CREDITS MAY NOT BE FINAL AND SHOULD NOT BE USED
FOR PUBLICITY OR ADVERTISING PURPOSES WITHOUT FIRST CHECKING
WITH THE TELEVISION LEGAL DEPARTMENT.
Copyright 1992 Paramount Pictures Corporation. All Rights
Reserved. This script is not for publication or
reproduction. No one is authorized to dispose of same. If
lost or destroyed, please notify the Script Department.
Return to Script Department FINAL DRAFT
PARAMOUNT PICTURES CORPORATION
July 12, 1993
STAR TREK: DS9 - "The Circle" 07/26/93 - CAST
STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
"The Circle"
CAST
SISKO BAREIL
KIRA LI NALAS
ODO JARO
QUARK WINN
BASHIR KRIM
DAX CHEKOTE
O'BRIEN ZEF'NO
JAKE CARDASSIAN (O.C.)
COMPUTER VOICE PEACE OFFICER
VOICE (O.C.)
LEGISLATORS
Non-speaking Non-Speaking
N.D. SUPERNUMERARIES N.D. BAJORANS
MILITARY OFFICIALS
KRESSARIS
THREE LARGE N.D.
MALES
STAR TREK: DS9 - "The Circle" - 07/12/93 - SETS
STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
"The Circle"
SETS
INTERIORS EXTERIORS
DEEP SPACE NINE DEEP SPACE NINE
CORRIDOR
INFIRMARY BAJORAN CITY
OPS
SECURITY OFFICE KRESSARI VESSEL
COMMANDER'S OFFICE
KIRA'S QUARTERS TEMPLE GARDEN
AIRLOCK
RUNABOUT
BAJORAN CITY
BAJORAN CHAMBER OF MINISTERS
TEMPLE SHRINE CHAMBER
WAR ROOM
KRESSARI CARGO BAY
UNDERGROUND BUNKER
CHAMBER
STAR TREK: DS9 - "The Circle" 07/15/93 - PRONUNCIATION
STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
"The Circle"
PRONUNCIATION GUIDE
BAJOR BAY-jor
BAJORAN bah-JOR-an
BAREIL buh-RILE
EPIDELLIC epi-DEL-IC
JARO ESSA JAR-oe ESS-uh
KRESSARI kre-SAR-i
LI NALAS LEE NAH-less
MINICOY MI-ni-coy
CHEKOTE chee-KO-tay
NERYS nar-ESS
PERIKIAN per-I-kee-an
ZEF'NO ZEF-no
NAVARCH NAY-vark
DEEP SPACE: "The Circle" - 07/12/93 - TEASER 1.
STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
"The Circle"
TEASER
FADE IN:
RECAP OF "THE HOMECOMING" EPISODE
1 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL) (STOCK)
Establishing.
2 INT. COMMANDER'S OFFICE
SISKO, his displeasure and frustration controlled beneath
his quiet courtesy, sits facing MINISTER JARO -- the gifted
politician, practiced at being ever-affable.
JARO
Frankly, Commander, I'm surprised at
your reaction.
SISKO
(measuring him)
Oh, I don't think much surprises
you, Minister...
JARO
But I expected you to be celebrating!
I was under the impression that Major
Kira has been nothing but trouble to
you since...
SISKO
(interrupting,
investigative)
Who gave you that impression?
JARO
It's... common knowledge.
SISKO
Major Kira has my complete respect.
She's been invaluable in establishing
this command post. And now she's
been dismissed without anyone
consulting me. I don't appreciate
it.
DEEP SPACE: "The Circle" - REV. 07/15/93 - TEASER 2.
2 CONTINUED:
JARO
Commander, Starfleet doesn't consult
us when they wish to promote one of
their officers...
SISKO
Are you suggesting this is a promotion
for Kira... ?
JARO
Certainly it is. We must find the
proper spot for her. After all,
she's the one who brought Li Nalas
back to us.
A beat... Sisko relaxes...
SISKO
Well, then that's a different matter.
JARO
I'm glad you see it.
SISKO
Yes, of course, I do. For a minute,
I was thinking to myself... "There's
a warm wind blowing in from Minicoy."
JARO
I'm sorry... ?
SISKO
Just an old saying where I come from.
It all started with a famous
ambassador from Minicoy who used to
bluster, exaggerate, and dissemble
to get what he wanted... not at all
like you or me... he was a bag of
hot air and everyone recognized him
for what he was.
They measure each other for a long moment... with a new
tightness --
JARO
May I assume you are satisfied with
the assignment of Li to fill your
vacant post...
DEEP SPACE: "The Circle" - REV. 07/14/93 - TEASER 3.
2 CONTINUED: (2)
SISKO
I thought you'd want Li to stay in
the capital to help strengthen the
provisional government...
JARO
Frankly, I'm not sure it's safe in
the capital... with what's going on
these days...
SISKO
The Circle?
JARO
(acknowledges)
The fires and graffiti were a
nuisance. But two days ago, one of
my fellow ministers was attacked and
beaten. We can't risk that happening
to Li Nalas.
He rises...
JARO
Look at it this way, Commander: We're
entrusting you with Bajor's greatest
hero. Could you have a better liaison
officer than Li Nalas? I think not.
Jaro turns and leaves... Sisko at the door, watches him go...
3 INCLUDING O'BRIEN
at his station.
O'BRIEN
Commander, your son's been waiting
to speak with you on the com.
Sisko's mind is still on the departing Jaro; he moves to a
console and hits a panel...
SISKO
Jake?
JAKE'S COM VOICE
Dad? I'm outside our quarters.
Could you come down for a minute?
SISKO
Is something wrong?
DEEP SPACE: "The Circle" - 07/12/93 - TEASER 4.
JAKE'S COM VOICE
I really think you ought to come
down, Dad.
SISKO
On my way.
Sisko moves very quickly to EXIT his office.
4 INT. CORRIDOR OUTSIDE SISKO'S QUARTERS
As Sisko approaches, JAKE stands awaiting him.
SISKO
What's the problem?
Jake nods toward the closed door of their quarters. Sisko's
eyes follow, to see:
5 CLOSED DOOR OF SISKO'S QUARTERS - CLOSE
Sloppily painted on the door -- graffiti-style -- is the
same Bajoran nationalist emblem seen in the preceding episode.
Off --
6 SISKO'S REACTION
FADE OUT.
END OF TEASER
DEEP SPACE: "The Circle" - REV. 07/14/93 - ACT ONE 5.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
(NOTE: Episode credits fall over opening scenes.)
7 INT. KIRA'S QUARTERS
A sadly resigned KIRA slowly packs for her departure. The
door CHIMES.
KIRA
(calling o.s.)
Come in.
8 INCLUDING ODO
The door opens to reveal ODO. The first thing he sees is
her half-packed stuff, the sight of which causes him to pause
on the threshold for a beat. He's annoyed by what it
portends. Then, even as he's entering:
ODO
You're not.
KIRA
Leaving? I really don't have much
choice, do I...
ODO
You're not just leaving, Major.
You're surrendering.
KIRA
You break the rules, you pay.
ODO
Wait a minute. I want to be sure I
heard that correctly. Because it
doesn't sound like the Kira Nerys
who has made a career out of breaking
rules...
KIRA
Well, I guess I broke one too many...
DEEP SPACE: "The Circle" - REV. 07/14/93 - ACT ONE 6.
8 CONTINUED:
ODO
Major, you broke one too many fourteen
and a half years ago... Cardassian
rules, Bajoran rules, Federation
rules... they're all meaningless to
you... because you have a personal
code that's always mattered more...
and I'm sorry to say you're in slim
company...
KIRA
(beat, softer)
I'll miss you too, Odo.
ODO
Have you asked Sisko for help?
KIRA
I'm sure he'll do whatever he thinks
is best for the station...
ODO
You haven't even gone to him?
KIRA
What do you want me to do, Odo?...
ODO
Fight for what you want. It's what
you do best.
KIRA
(beat, without the
least bit of
conviction)
Maybe I just want a vacation.
Odo snorts that away...
ODO
Idiotic bureaucracy. Now, I suppose
they expect me to break in a new
man...
KIRA
A great man. Li Nalas can handle
the job, believe me.
ODO
You did fairly well at it... once I
smoothed your rough edges.
(off her smile)
What's so funny?
DEEP SPACE: "The Circle" - REV. 07/15/93 - ACT ONE 7.
8 CONTINUED: (2)
KIRA
I thought you did fairly well...
once I smoothed your edges.
The door CHIMES again.
KIRA
(calls o.s.)
Yes?...
9 INCLUDING DAX
as -- carrying a small, slightly feminine (in design) spray
bottle -- DAX ENTERS.
DAX
(re: Odo)
Am I disturbing anything?
KIRA
(to Dax)
Stick around; you can help me cry in
my synthale.
DAX
(proffers bottle)
I thought I'd better return this
epidellic lotion.
KIRA
No, if you like it...
DAX
... Oh, it's wonderful...
KIRA
... Then, keep it.
ODO
(exasperated)
How can you be chatting about skin
lotion at a time like this?
DAX
(to Kira)
D'you know where you'll be stationed?
The door CHIMES.
DEEP SPACE: "The Circle" - REV. 07/14/93 - ACT ONE 7A.
9 CONTINUED:
KIRA
(calls o.s.)
Come in.
(to Dax)
Not yet. They say that after I've
taken some leave time, I've earned a
desk in the foreign affairs building
somewhere.
DEEP SPACE: "The Circle" - REV. 07/14/93 - ACT ONE 8.
10 INCLUDING BASHIR
as, surprised to see others present, he nonetheless ENTERS.
KIRA
(smile)
Doctor.
DAX
(to Kira)
Foreign affairs building?
BASHIR
(to Kira)
I wanted to wish you my best.
DAX
(to Kira)
Well that's certainly dull.
BASHIR
(does she mean him?)
I beg your pardon?
KIRA
(to Dax, resigned)
"Dull" is the polite word for it.
ODO
(to Bashir)
Doctor, if you were Kira, wouldn't
you at least be complaining to
Commander Sisko?
BASHIR
(lost)
Uh... Look, I just came to wish you
good luck.
KIRA
(to Bashir; gently)
Thank you, Doctor.
BASHIR
(to Odo)
"Complaining" about what?
ODO
(to Bashir)
Nevermind, Doctor; if she doesn't
care, why should we?
BASHIR
(to Kira)
Have they given you any explanation
yet?
DEEP SPACE: "The Circle" - REV. 07/14/93 - ACT ONE 9.
10 CONTINUED:
DAX
(to Kira)
Did they offer any alternative?
KIRA
(to Odo)
I do care.
(to Bashir)
No, they haven't.
(to Dax)
No, they didn't.
(to all)
Look, I really ought to finish
packing...
The door CHIMES.
BASHIR
(to Odo)
You said "If she doesn't care"...
You mean about leaving...
KIRA
(calls o.s.)
By all means, come on in.
ODO
(to Dax)
She's done well here... she ought to
stay here...
(challenging him)
And I'd say she needs a little support
from her friends, Doctor.
BASHIR
Well, yes, certainly, but if her
orders...
Stops mid-sentence and turns to see --
11 INCLUDING O'BRIEN
Startled to see so many others present, he stands tentatively --
silently -- on the threshold for a beat, with:
O'BRIEN
Uh...
KIRA
(genuine smile)
Chief. Come in.
DEEP SPACE: "The Circle" - REV. 07/15/93 - ACT ONE 10.
11 CONTINUED:
Kira moves to O'Brien; takes his arm, and literally
"escorts" him in, with:
O'BRIEN
I didn't mean to intrude. I just,
uh...
BASHIR
Don't worry, Chief; it's all been
said.
ODO
I have a good deal more to say, thank
you, Doctor.
O'BRIEN
(off Odo's demeanor)
Look, I could come back... I do have
a couple of graviton generators being
overhauled...
DAX
Leave her alone, Odo, this is Kira's
decision to make.
(to Kira)
Unless you want me to talk to
Benjamin.
KIRA
I knew what I was doing; I knew the
risk.
ODO
That's not what she asked you.
O'BRIEN
(wants out)
I just wanted to say, Major, it's
been a pleasure serving with you.
BASHIR
Will somebody please explain this
conversation to me?
O'Brien has started inching toward the door; but... The door
CHIMES.
DEEP SPACE: "The Circle" - REV. 07/14/93 - ACT ONE 11.
11 CONTINUED: (2)
KIRA
(calls o.s.; wearily)
Come in.
12 INCLUDING QUARK
who unabashedly ENTERS carrying a very small flagon of
synthale.
QUARK
A party?
(to Kira)
For you, I would've reduced my
catering rates.
ODO
It's not a party.
(re: flagon)
What's that?
KIRA
(gratefully)
A bottle of my favorite synthale, I
think. That's very thoughtful, Quark.
ODO
It's also very small.
QUARK
(to Odo)
I was anticipating a far smaller
gathering. I thought, perhaps, an
intimate farewell drink, a sympathetic
smile, a shoulder to cry on...
O'BRIEN
(eyeing door)
Again, Major... It's really been...
QUARK
(continuing to Odo)
... you'd be surprised how often that
works with women...
Again O'Brien's backing to the door. Again, however, the
door CHIMES. Kira plops down into a chair; bushed, with:
DEEP SPACE: "The Circle" - REV. 07/14/93 - ACT ONE 12.
12 CONTINUED:
KIRA
Is this a joke?
(to all)
Did you plan this?
BASHIR
(not me)
Nobody could have planned this.
KIRA
(calls o.s.)
We're open for business. Come on
in. Join the crowd.
13 INCLUDING BAREIL
In the doorway stands VEDEK BAREIL (the Bajoran Vedek we
first met in our "IN THE HANDS OF THE PROPHETS" episode).
As he's revealed, there's sudden, complete SILENCE in the
room... And Kira BOLTS to her feet.
KIRA
Vedek Bareil.
BAREIL
I didn't mean to intrude...
KIRA
No; please... Come in. These are
my...
(beat; realizing it)
...friends.
Bareil, smiling warmly and graciously, bows courteously to
all in the room, as:
BAREIL
Yes, I've met...
(nods at each)
... Security Chief Odo... Lieutenant
Dax, and... Mister O'Brien, I believe.
O'BRIEN
How do you do, Sir.
KIRA
I had no idea you were coming to the
station.
BAREIL
Nowadays, it's probably wiser not to
announce those things.
DEEP SPACE: "The Circle" - REV. 07/15/93 - ACT ONE 13.
13 CONTINUED:
ODO
How bad is it on Bajor, Vedek?
BAREIL
The violence has seriously
escalated... it almost seems there
are more weapons on the streets now
than during the occupation...
KIRA
How is that possible? Where would
they be coming from?
Bareil shakes his head, doesn't know.
BAREIL
I try to concentrate on more spiritual
matters.
KIRA
Yes, of course, I mean, I didn't
mean to suggest that you would
actually know where...
BAREIL
(rescuing her)
I understand your duties here are
finished.
KIRA
Yes, it is.
BAREIL
Do you have any immediate plans?
KIRA
I... haven't had much time... to
give it any thought...
BAREIL
Then, I have the perfect solution...
Come and stay at our monastery for a
while. It can help when the spirit
gets a little bruised.
Kira, taken (pleasantly) aback by the offer, can only look
at him for a beat.
14 CLOSE - KIRA
Taken with the ethereal quality of the man.
DEEP SPACE: "The Circle" - REV. 07/14/93 - ACT ONE 14.
14 CONTINUED:
KIRA
(beat; softly)
Thank you.
15 INT. OPS
Only Supernumeraries on duty (as needed) -- as Kira ENTERS;
relaxedly and with a slightly wistful, if not melancholy,
air... Giving the place a farewell look-around. As she moves
first to her own station, and then to another:
16 ANGLE FAVORING TURBOLIFT
LI NALAS rises to Ops level on the Turbolift; emerges; Kira
sees him, puts her own feelings aside and moves with a
purpose, "okay"...
LI
Major...
KIRA
I just want you to know if there's
anything I can do to help you...
LI
Major... I'm sorry. I didn't want
the job.
KIRA
Neither did I. You know, back when
I was sent here in the first place.
But it... turned out better than I
expected. I'm... sure it will for
you as well.
LI
I don't even know what I'm supposed
to do here... how does a "Navarch"
fit into this command structure... ?
Sisko moves out from his office during the above...
DEEP SPACE: "The Circle" - 07/12/93 - ACT ONE 15.
16 CONTINUED:
SISKO
(even, casual)
As I understand the position, you
report directly to the prophets.
But from time to time, I might ask
for your help...
LI
Commander, anything you need from
me, I'll try my best to do... but I
know I can never replace Major Kira...
SISKO
(to Kira)
No one could.
Li recognizes the moment and moves away.
KIRA
(heartfelt)
Thank you, sir.
(beat)
Request permission to disembark.
SISKO
I'm going to get you back, Major. I
promise that to both of us.
His words cut through her sadness. Gratitude. She manages
a small smile. He nods his permission to leave. She climbs
aboard the Turbolift.
KIRA
(beat)
Docking Bay Three.
Kira's eyes never leave those of Sisko -- as the Turbolift
descends, taking her out of sight.
DEEP SPACE: "The Circle" - 07/12/93 - ACT ONE 16.
17 CLOSE - SISKO
He's looking after her, as we...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
DEEP SPACE: "The Circle" - 07/12/93 - ACT TWO 17.
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
18 EXT. BAJORAN CITY - DAY (MATTE)
Establishing.
19 EXT. TEMPLE GARDEN - DAY
Kira, dressed in plain, light-colored, comfortable but not
unattractive civilian garb, kneels adjusting the small rocks
which line the edge of a garden. The line of rocks is
slightly crooked. From b.g., she is approached by Bareil,
who studies her work.
BAREIL
May I offer a friendly observation?
KIRA
It's crooked.
BAREIL
It's crooked.
KIRA
I've been adjusting it for an hour...
it looks fine from over here but
then I go over there and...
(sighs)
This isn't working, Bareil...
BAREIL
It's only a row of stones.
KIRA
No, it's not. It's me. The stones
are straight. I'm the one who's
crooked.
BAREIL
(studying her)
Is that really how you see
yourself... ?
KIRA
(smiles)
Sometimes. Sometimes I even like
being that way.
He smiles, studying her a beat. There is a moment of sexual
tension.
DEEP SPACE: "The Circle" - REV. 07/14/93 - ACT TWO 18.
19 CONTINUED:
She feels it, likes it, doesn't resist it but moves away
from it with a secret sparkle in her eyes. Some flirtatious
subtext lingers on in the scene.
KIRA
If I'm here long enough, I'm sure
I'll destroy your whole arboretum.
BAREIL
(not entirely serious)
Perhaps you'd rather try your hand
at woodcrafts...
KIRA
Can I tell you something very
personal?
BAREIL
Of course.
KIRA
And you won't tell.
BAREIL
I'm a Vedek.
KIRA
I have absolutely no artistic skills.
I was the worst fingerpainter in the
four year old level. My parents
were humiliated.
BAREIL
(not serious)
It'll be our secret.
KIRA
The point is I'm useless here.
BAREIL
So?
KIRA
So, I need to feel useful.
BAREIL
Are you sure? It might be interesting
to explore "useless" for awhile...
see how it feels.
KIRA
(laughs)
You don't know me...
DEEP SPACE: "The Circle" - REV. 07/14/93 - ACT TWO 19.
19 CONTINUED: (2)
BAREIL
I'm beginning to.
Their eyes meet again and there it is again, that tension.
Finally...
BAREIL
It's time, isn't it.
She reacts, what the hell is he getting at, if it's what she
thinks it is, maybe she's let this get out of hand...
KIRA
Time?
BAREIL
Come inside with me.
KIRA
(re: stones)
I really should finish the...
BAREIL
(guiding her)
Come...
20 INT. TEMPLE SHRINE CHAMBER - DAY (OPTICAL)
as Kira and Bareil ENTER the small, dark chamber.
KIRA
I've... never been to this part of
the monastery before...
BAREIL
May it be the first of many visits.
KIRA
Bareil, maybe we should talk about...
But she pauses in mid-sentence as she sees -- Set into one
wall is the double-doored ark in which rests the (o.s.) sacred
orb.
KIRA
...this.
Bareil moves to the ark and opens it, revealing an orb behind
a forcefield... this one is a different color than the one
Sisko encountered... bluer...
DEEP SPACE: "The Circle" - REV. 07/15/93 - ACT TWO 20.
20 CONTINUED:
KIRA
(honored beyond words)
Oh, Bareil...
She immediately bows to pay homage to the prophets... as her
head stays down... we stay on her face --
KIRA
All my life... I've dreamed of this.
BAREIL (O.S.)
It is the third orb. The orb of
prophecy and change.
KIRA
What... do I do?
BAREIL (O.S.)
Be... useless, Nerys. Allow the
prophets to guide you.
And we stay on her face as a tear rolls down her cheek...
and we hear Bareil walk out and leave her alone... a door
closes... and she looks up at...
21 THE ORB (OPTICAL)
After a beat, the forcefield zaps off (controlled by Bareil
outside) and
22 REVERSE ANGLE (OPTICAL)
As it did with Sisko in "THE EMISSARY," the light suddenly
spins outward to envelop Kira... like a whirling cyclone,
blinding out the surrounding chamber... and when it clears...
she's no longer in the chamber... but is, instead...
23 INT. BAJORAN CHAMBER OF MINISTERS - DAY (OPTICAL)
... Kira, standing on the dais in her uniform in front of...
24 ANGLE (OPTICAL)
... a crowd of seated Bajoran Legislators... all of whom are
looking at her; many of whom are half-rising, and even waving
to ensure her attention to their voices -- which we cannot
hear...
DEEP SPACE: "The Circle" - REV. 07/15/93 - ACT TWO 20A.
24 CONTINUED:
LEGISLATORS
(unheard)
Major... some answers... I demand an
explanation... Major, over here...
give us the details, Major... May I
ask a question... over here... may I
have the floor, please... ?
DEEP SPACE: "The Circle" - REV. 07/15/93 - ACT TWO 21.
25 ON KIRA (OPTICAL)
Stunned -- confused, as she stares back at the crowd. Looks
around...
KIRA
The Chamber of Ministers... ?
26 ANGLE - DAX (OPTICAL)
in Vedek's garb and hat... posed incongruously casual beside
her...
KIRA
Dax... ?
DAX
Listen to them, Kira...
KIRA
I can't hear them...
DAX
(comforting)
It's all right. Listen.
Dax gives her a comforting hug and as we cut to...
27 CLOSER ANGLE (OPTICAL)
on Dax as she pulls away except it isn't Dax, it's Vedek
Winn...
WINN
Can you hear them now, child?
Kira recoils, backing into --
28 ANGLE - MINISTER JARO (OPTICAL)
Minister Jaro... who looks down at her with a benign smile...
JARO
I can hear them, Major. They're
calling to me.
29 ANGLE - BAREIL (OPTICAL)
moving slowly down the aisle... he is dressed in her Major's
uniform...
DEEP SPACE: "The Circle" - REV. 07/15/93 - ACT TWO 22.
29 CONTINUED:
BAREIL
Don't believe him, Nerys. Allow
yourself to hear them. They are
calling to you.
30 REVERSE ANGLE - KIRA (OPTICAL)
Suddenly she is naked... she covers herself...
31 WINN (OPTICAL)
WINN
(sotto)
Blasphemy.
32 BAREIL (OPTICAL)
BAREIL
Listen to them, Nerys.
33 KIRA (OPTICAL)
KIRA
Help me to hear them. I don't know
how...
34 BAREIL (OPTICAL)
BAREIL
But you do.
35 KIRA - MEDIUM CLOSE-UP (OPTICAL)
From behind her a man's arm embraces her arms which cover
her breasts... moving to discover it is Bareil again, behind
her now, visibly naked from the waist up, pulling her back
to him and as she feels the skin against skin, she gasps and
looks up at his face as it moves down to her lips...
BAREIL
You do.
And as he kisses her... suddenly there is an explosion of
sound -- chaotic walla, incomprehensible voices of the
Ministers echoing in the chamber... and...
DEEP SPACE: "The Circle" - REV. 07/15/93 - ACT TWO 22A.
35 CONTINUED:
LEGISLATORS
(incomprensible)
Major... some answers... I demand an
explanation... Major, Major, over
here... give us the details... Major,
may I ask a question... over here...
may I have the floor, please... ?
DEEP SPACE: "The Circle" - REV. 07/14/93 - ACT TWO 23.
36 INT. TEMPLE SHRINE CHAMBER (OPTICAL)
... where Kira stands, fully dressed and as she stood
initially. All is again as it was.
37 ON KIRA
Beat -- until she realizes it's actually over. Her expression
reflects that, while perplexedly incredulous to the point of
near-astonishment...
38 KIRA'S FACE
... she's also intrigued.
39 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL) (STOCK)
Re-establishing.
40 INT. SECURITY OFFICE (OPTICAL)
Odo sits conversing with a Bajoran PEACE OFFICER whose image
appears on his monitor:
PEACE OFFICER
Last night alone we had dozens of
beatings. They're everywhere...
until we go looking for them; then
they're nowhere.
ODO
Which suggests they've got powerful
friends to warn them, and protect
them.
PEACE OFFICER
(wearily)
Probably. We've got to stop this
before it gets out of hand... the
provisional government is bringing
troops into the capital...
ODO
(reacts, it's that
serious?)
Troops...
DEEP SPACE: "The Circle" - REV. 07/14/93 - ACT TWO 24.
40 CONTINUED:
PEACE OFFICER
That'll put an end to this Circle.
(signing off)
Keep your eyes open up there, old
friend...
ODO
(disturbed at the
news)
I always do.
The monitor returns to a Bajoran symbol as Odo turns to see --
41 ANGLE - QUARK
has been standing there, listening... anticipating the
question...
ODO
No, I haven't made any progress in
finding the ones who assaulted you...
Quark, unusually subdued, sits.
QUARK
It's over, Odo.
ODO
The investigation isn't closed, it's
just a matter of...
QUARK
No, you don't understand -- it's
over.
ODO
What are you talking about.
QUARK
Everything. Bajor. The provisional
government. The Federation being
here. All of it. We've got to leave.
Well, I do anyway... you can just
turn into a couch...
ODO
You mean because of this Circle
business? They're just a bunch of
hooligans who use violence to get
attention...
DEEP SPACE: "The Circle" - REV. 07/15/93 - ACT TWO 25.
41 CONTINUED:
QUARK
I happen to know they've got enough
weapons, explosives and supplies to
support an army.
ODO
(reacts)
How do you know that?
QUARK
I've been asking a few questions to
people who don't answer questions
from people like you.
ODO
Where would the Circle be getting so
many weapons?
QUARK
The Kressari.
ODO
The Kressari? That doesn't make
sense. The Kressari don't even have
a military... they're botanic DNA
traders...
QUARK
They're not delivering flowers these
days. I know, Odo.
Odo presses something on the panel before him, with:
ODO
Computer... when's the next Kressari
vessel due here?
COMPUTER VOICE
The Kressari vessel Calondon is
scheduled to arrive in thirty-six
hours.
Odo nods, turns back to Quark.
ODO
Do you know where these weapons are
being sent to on Bajor?
QUARK
No, not exactly, but I...
ODO
Find out.
DEEP SPACE: "The Circle" - REV. 07/14/93 - ACT TWO 26.
41 CONTINUED: (2)
QUARK
Are you out of your mind? My plan
is to put as much distance as possible
between me and Bajor thank you very
much...
He rises as does Odo.
ODO
Quark. I hate to do this. But I
guess I'll have to.
QUARK
That's not fair.
ODO
I haven't done anything yet.
QUARK
Whatever it is, it's not gonna be
fair...
ODO
You're a deputy.
QUARK
... it's not...
(beat)
... what?
ODO
You're a deputy. I want you to find
out where the weapons are going on
Bajor. Meanwhile, I'm going to find
out exactly where they're coming
from...
QUARK
You and me... a team?
ODO
That's right.
Quark explodes with laughter.
QUARK
Good-bye.
ODO
Either that or I'm putting you in a
cell.
QUARK
That's not fair! On what charge.
DEEP SPACE: "The Circle" - REV. 07/14/93 - ACT TWO 27.
41 CONTINUED: (3)
ODO
Impeding an investigation. Unless
you want to reveal the identities of
the people you've been talking to.
QUARK
You know I can't do that.
ODO
It's your choice - you're a deputy
or you're a prisoner.
QUARK
(frowns)
I'm a deputy.
And EXITS.
42 INT. OPS
Sisko moves out of his office with a purpose... moves to Li,
who is at the command table where Kira's position usually
is... move with them to the Turbolift...
SISKO
I've got to go to Bajor. Odo has
information that suggests we may be
facing a coup... I need to check
things out...
LI
Is there any way I can help?
SISKO
(short beat, an idea)
Your contacts in the military -- see
if you can get a feeling for how
much support the provisional
government has...
LI
No problem. What about the station
while you're gone?
DEEP SPACE: "The Circle" - REV. 07/14/93 - ACT TWO 28.
42 CONTINUED:
SISKO
Dax and O'Brien can handle things in
Ops... if you need any other help...
LI
Help... ? I can't sneeze without
three people handing me handkerchiefs.
I was thinking we might want to
establish a curfew. Another cargo
bay was vandalized last night.
SISKO
Good idea.
He moves onto the Turbolift, pauses...
SISKO
I've asked Odo to assign you a
bodyguard.
LI
That's not necessary.
SISKO
I think it is.
(to Com)
Docking Bay One.
The Turbolift goes down.
43 EXT. TEMPLE GARDEN - DAY
Vedek Bareil stands, at peace, looking off across the (o.s.)
tranquil temple grounds... as, from the direction of the
temple, Kira approaches. She's still patently affected by
her recent go-round with the orb. Bareil hears -- or,
probably just senses -- her presence... turns to her...
KIRA
Woodcrafts. Definitely the way to
go.
BAREIL
Is that where the prophets led you?
DEEP SPACE: "The Circle" - REV. 07/14/93 - ACT TWO 29.
43 CONTINUED:
KIRA
Yeah, lots of hammers and nails and
saws... surrounded by Vedeks and
monks... very safe and secure...
BAREIL
(understands)
You don't want to talk about it.
KIRA
No.
A beat, walking.
BAREIL
Can I tell you something very
personal?
KIRA
I'm not a Vedek... but I can keep a
secret...
BAREIL
The last time I encountered the third
orb...
(beat)
... you were a part of my vision.
KIRA
Me?
BAREIL
It's the reason I came to the station
to invite you here.
KIRA
What... part did I play in... your
vision?
BAREIL
(gentle)
It's not important. I was just
wondering if I was part of yours.
KIRA
No. No, you weren't.
Bareil studies her. In the distance, there is the sound of
what seems like thunder...
BAREIL
How could there be a storm on a day
as lovely as this?
DEEP SPACE: "The Circle" - 07/12/93 - ACT TWO 29A.
43 CONTINUED: (2)
KIRA
(concerned)
That's not thunder. I know that
sound -- it's gunfire.
WINN'S VOICE (O.S.)
How pleasant...
DEEP SPACE: "The Circle" - REV. 07/14/93 - ACT TWO 30.
44 INCLUDING VEDEK WINN
as she arrives from the direction of the temple. Her smile
is -- as always -- genuinely warm; her manner enviably
peaceful.
WINN
... to come upon such a flowing
exchange of spiritual harmony.
BAREIL
Vedek Winn.
WINN
(not really a question)
We've met before, haven't we. You're
Major... Major...
KIRA
Kira Nerys...
WINN
That's right, Major Kira. From the
space station. What brings you here?
BAREIL
I do, Vedek Winn.
WINN
Good for you, Vedek Bareil. After
working so hard, you deserve a
little...
(no beat, looking at
Kira)
...recreation.
BAREIL
Major Kira is here to explore her
pagh.
WINN
Certainly a worthy endeavor for
someone who has led such a life of
violence, child. And I'm sure the
assembly would have had no objection
to your encounter with an orb had
Vedek Bareil consulted us.
BAREIL
No one has ever been held to that
formality, Vedek Winn.
DEEP SPACE: "The Circle" - REV. 07/14/93 - ACT TWO 31.
44 CONTINUED:
WINN
You're right of course. But I've
always consulted with the assembly
in advance. I think it's a courtesy,
nothing more, nothing less. How
long will you be with us, Major?
KIRA
I'm not sure.
WINN
Please, feel free to stay as many
days as you'd like... even a week if
that's necessary.
As she nods good-bye and EXITS... Kira reacts, but doesn't
glance at Bareil... and we
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT TWO
DEEP SPACE: "The Circle" - REV. 07/14/93 - ACT THREE 32.
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
45 EXT. BAJORAN CITY - DAY (MATTE)
Re-establishing.
46 INT. WAR ROOM - DAY
Several military officials and aides are present, working at
tables. Among them is a Bajoran military leader, GENERAL
KRIM (a solid, handsome 50's male with a demeanor of
straightforward intelligence) -- aides come and go handing
him PADDS with updated information on it... he frequently
glances at a monitor before him on which is displayed a
general outline of districts in the capital city... that may
suggest troop movements... it isn't particularly important
that we understand the display...
KRIM
(to an aide)
Have them withdraw from the Northeast
quadrant... move them to join the
fourteenth column south of the city...
The aide acknowledges and moves off... Sisko approaches...
SISKO
General Krim...
Krim doesn't turn immediately, studies the monitor a long
beat more then finally turns to see Sisko... he reacts poker-
faced, covering surprise and curiosity at seeing Sisko here...
SISKO
I'm Benjamin Sisko. We met during a
session of the executive committee
last year.
KRIM
I remember, Commander. I was
impressed by your talk.
SISKO
As I recall, you disagreed with most
of it.
DEEP SPACE: "The Circle" - REV. 07/15/93 - ACT THREE 33.
46 CONTINUED:
KRIM
Yes. But you presented your arguments
well... what can I do for you?
SISKO
I understand you're in command of
the forces defending the city...
KRIM
(minimizing the danger)
I'd hardly call it "defending the
city."
SISKO
There's concern in some quarters
that the military is unwilling to
confront the forces of the Circle.
And Krim is really surprised that Sisko is so well informed...
tries to downplay it...
KRIM
I don't know who you've been talking
to, Commander but...
SISKO
I've been observing troop movements...
every time there's a potential
confrontation, the military withdraws
to a safer position.
KRIM
Youu can't possibly appreciate that
this is Bajoran against Bajoran...
SISKO
I can appreciate that the provisional
government will stand only if the
military chooses to support it...
KRIM
(sharp)
We are all patriots, Commander.
Sisko takes a beat, uncertain what that means... (and in fact,
Krim is on the fence about which side he's really on, because
he is not a politician but a soldier and when he chooses his
side, it must be the winner.)
DEEP SPACE: "The Circle" - REV. 07/14/93 - ACT THREE 34.
46 CONTINUED: (2)
SISKO
We have intelligence that the Circle
has been armed by the Kressari.
KRIM
(genuine, reacts)
The Kressari. I hadn't heard that.
SISKO
We're trying to track the movements
of these shipments. If we can
determine where they're stored...
KRIM
I'd like to know.
SISKO
... you'll be the first one I contact.
And Sisko studies him, saying in effect, I've got to trust
you in this situation.
KRIM
(honest)
Thank you.
SISKO
There is one other thing. My first
officer on the station; Major Kira
Nerys...
KRIM
Yes, I know Major Kira.
SISKO
I understand she hasn't been re-
assigned yet. It'd mean a great
deal to me to get her back.
KRIM
That's out of my purview, Commander.
You might want to discuss it with
Minister Jaro.
Sisko nods, begins to move away...
DEEP SPACE: "The Circle" - REV. 07/14/93 - ACT THREE 35.
46 CONTINUED: (3)
KRIM
Commander Sisko. You told me about
the Kressari before you asked the
favor regarding Kira. You could've
tried to trade that information for
the favor.
SISKO
I wouldn't do that.
KRIM
(studying him)
I'll remember that about you.
Beat -- then Krim again focuses totally on his monitor. But
as Sisko turns again, and EXITS, Krim looks up to watch him
go. He's not a man who misses much. HOLD on his thoughtful
face.
47 INT. OPS
Dax at her station; Li present; Supernumeraries as needed.
(Note: Li should have a bodyguard at all times until the end
of this episode.)
DAX
(off console)
He's calling us again.
LI
What do you think we should do?
DAX
I think he's getting tired of seeing
me smile.
LI
Anything new from O'Brien or Odo?
DAX
(shakes her head)
They haven't come up with anything
yet.
LI
(beat, sighs)
All right. Put him on the screen.
I'll give this a try.
DEEP SPACE: "The Circle" - 07/12/93 - ACT THREE 36.
48 ANGLE (OPTICAL) - INCLUDE VIEWSCREEN
On the viewscreen, we now see the image of the Kressarian
freighter captain, ZEF'NO in his cargo bay. He's mad and
frustrated.
LI
I am... Na-var...
(thinking better of
it, without pause)
... First Officer Li Nalas. Can I
help you?
ZEF'NO
Somebody better be able to help me...
I've been delayed for six hours... I
can assure you the Kressarian
government will lodge a formal
protest...
LI
I apologize... apparently there was
some confusion about your manifest
interface with our computer inventory
system that had to be...
ZEF'NO
Yes, yes I know all that. I didn't
know they would be opening every
container in my cargo hold... can
you understand that these are highly
sensitive herbaceous materials...
LI
I'm sure all necessary precautions
are being...
ZEF'NO
This is ridiculous. I have a schedule
to keep.
LI
We should be able to clear this all
up in a few minutes.
ZEF'NO
That's what I was told a few hours
ago.
He signs off... Li and Dax exchange a look.
DAX
Dax to O'Brien.
DEEP SPACE: "The Circle" - REV. 07/15/93 - ACT THREE 37.
48 CONTINUED:
O'BRIEN
Yes, Lieutenant...
INTERCUT:
49 INT. KRESSARI CARGO BAY - THRU INTO
DEEP SPACE NINE AIRLOCK
O'Brien and an N.D. DS9 Crewperson are carrying a container
through the DS9 airlock (in b.g.) into the Kressari cargo
bay (in f.g.). Zef'no watches impatiently. O'Brien moves
the container to be placed on the deck, alongside several
other (stacked) containers.
DAX'S COM VOICE
We don't want to hold up the Kressari
any longer than necessary.
O'BRIEN
(eyeing Zef'no)
Yes, well, there isn't much more we
can accomplish for now...
DAX
The ship is due back here the day
after tomorrow... perhaps we'll be
able to correct any additional
problems then...
O'BRIEN
We'd already come to the same
conclusion. O'Brien out.
He brushes off his hands, smiles to Zef'no...
O'BRIEN
Fair voyage to you, Captain...
Zef'no grunts and glares at O'Brien and his helper as they
EXIT, sealing the airlift... Zef'no hits a companel...
ZEF'NO
(to companel)
Prepare for immediate departure.
And as he EXITS...
DEEP SPACE: "The Circle" - REV. 07/14/93 - ACT THREE 38.
50 ANGLE ON CONTAINER (OPTICAL)
Viscous liquid begins to ooze from the last container brought
in and placed on the floor. As the ooze drips into a gooey
puddle on the floor... It MORPHS into... A RAT as seen in
PAST PROLOGUE... which now scurries off in the direction
taken by the departed Zef'no.
51 EXT. TEMPLE GARDEN - DAY
Kira, alone, stares into the water of the stream, thinking...
Sisko moves up behind her, she doesn't notice, finally...
SISKO
Major?
Kira turns -- smiles at the sight of him. The usual, "urgent
energy" we're used to seeing in Kira -- the part of her with
the edge to it -- is missing. Tranquility's been seeping
in... And it's very evident.
KIRA
Commander... I didn't hear you.
SISKO
I'm sorry if I interrupted your
meditation.
KIRA
(correction)
Daydream.
SISKO
Daydreaming. I think I remember
doing that... a long, long time ago.
KIRA
I've discovered it's like riding a
bicycle... it comes back to you right
away.
SISKO
Can I bring you back to reality for
a minute.
KIRA
(beat)
Back to reality or back to DS Nine?
Sisko picks up a certain hesitation in her voice.
DEEP SPACE: "The Circle" - REV. 07/14/93 - ACT THREE 39.
51 CONTINUED:
SISKO
Are you still interested?
KIRA
(beat)
A lot has happened here. I
encountered an orb, Commander... it
gave me a great deal to think about.
SISKO
Yeah, those orbs, they have a way of
doing that, don't they.
He studies her...
SISKO
Well, I just wanted you to know we
haven't given up yet... but for the
moment, there seem to be bigger
problems for the leaders down here...
KIRA
(concerned)
I've been hearing gunfire in the
distance...
SISKO
That distance is getting closer.
The Circle's for real, Major. They've
been armed for a coup... and I'm not
at all convinced the military's going
to back the provisional government.
KIRA
I didn't realize... we're so isolated
here...
Sisko realizes that she's completely out of touch... a beat...
nods...
SISKO
Well, I better be getting back.
KIRA
Commander...
(beat, a decision
about her life)
Me too.
DEEP SPACE: "The Circle" - REV. 07/14/93 - ACT THREE 40.
SISKO
(pleased)
I told you I haven't given up.
A smile between them and he leaves... she takes a moment to
look back at the water, run a few decisions through her
mind... and feeling better for making those decisions, turns
to leave the garden... but as she turns...
52 ANGLE
Three large, N.D. males wearing robes with masks which hide
their faces completely, confront her... two grab her... as
one sprays a brief spritz of mist, from a very small
cylindrical container, toward her nostrils. One whiff of
it, and she goes limp... as they carry her away...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT THREE
DEEP SPACE: "The Circle" - REV. 07/14/93 - ACT FOUR 41.
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
53 EXT. SPACE - KRESSARI VESSEL (OPTICAL)
Establishing the Kressari freighter coming out of warp.
54 INT. KRESSARI CARGO BAY - FOLLOWING RAT
as it skitters behind a barrel... all voices off camera --
ZEF'NO (O.S.)
Begin transport...
The rat twitches as it watches --
55 RAT'S POV (OPTICAL)
Zef'no's legs in the foreground... several Kressari-type
crates and two Cardassian legs in the foreground
MATERIALIZE... the legs start to move toward them...
56 THE RAT
reacts... as we hear the crates being opened for inspection...
57 THE RAT'S POV
Zef'no inspects the weapons...
58 THE RAT
CARDASSIAN (O.S.)
I think you'll find everything in
order.
59 RAT'S POV
panning up the legs to reveal the Cardassian...
60 THE RAT
reacts.
DEEP SPACE: "The Circle" - 07/12/93 - ACT FOUR 42.
ZEF'NO (O.S.)
Very well. If you'll just sign off
on the shipment, we'll be on our
way.
61 RAT'S POV
Zef'no hands a PADD to the Cardassian, who presses a thumbprint
on it.
62 RAT
CARDASSIAN (O.S.)
God's speed.
Hear the sound of a beamout...
63 RAT'S POV - CLOSEUP OF THE PADD
being inserted by Zef'no into a standard wall mount and as
he leaves, we stay on the PADD to emphasize its importance.
One last look at --
64 THE RAT - EXTREME CLOSE-UP
and...
65 INT. UNDERGROUND BUNKER
A Few N.D. Bajorans -- including the Second and Third
Kidnappers -- carrying large N.D. containers from within the
bunker toward the (o.s.) entrance. The bustle of to-and-fro
activity here. The symbol of the Circle clearly displayed.
Moving to find a figure moving in from the bright stream of
light and as he moves inside to the normal lighting we see
it is Jaro... we follow him as he leads us to Kira... who is
seated on a hard chair, under guard. She has not been harmed.
Kira frowns, astonishment at seeing Jaro. He'll be polite;
but he's cold, and all business. No politician's facade
this time.
JARO
Good afternoon.
KIRA
So, you're involved with The Circle.
DEEP SPACE: "The Circle" - REV. 07/14/93 - ACT FOUR 43.
65 CONTINUED:
JARO
I am The Circle, Major.
Kira reacts, everything starting to fall into place now...
KIRA
Now I understand why you wanted to
ship Li Nalas off to the station.
JARO
The last thing I need right now is a
great war hero capturing the devotion
of the Bajoran people.
KIRA
How can you betray your own
government?
JARO
Major, I don't have to tell you.
I've heard your opinion of this
government. "Government"? -- they
can't even agree it is a government,
so they call it "provisional" --
it's just another word for powerless.
(deeply felt)
I won't allow Bajorans to be powerless
anymore. We have been doormats to
the Cardassians, and now the
Federation, any great power that
happens by... we will not be that
again. We are a people who brought
art and architecture to countless
planets and we do not deserve to be
victims.
KIRA
If you want to change the government,
Minister Jaro, you vote to change
it. You don't sneak up on it from
behind with a dagger.
JARO
(impatient)
We'll discuss politics another time.
I'd like to know, please, what the
Federation will do once our objective
becomes clear...
DEEP SPACE: "The Circle" - REV. 07/14/93 - ACT FOUR 44.
65 CONTINUED: (2)
Kira reacts, understands now why she's been brought here,
remains silent.
JARO
Major, I've been told you have no
love for the Federation... I'm not
an unreasonable man... I'm willing
to send you back to the station if
that's what you want... I'll give
that station to you after we get rid
of Starfleet... Now, do you believe
they will continue to support the
provisional government...
KIRA
How about our own military? I'd
worry about them first if I were
you.
JARO
What will the Federation do, Major?
What will Sisko do? You know him
better than any Bajoran...
But now Kira stays defiantly silent. After a long beat:
JARO
(beat, sighs)
No one despises the Cardassians more
than I, Major... but we did learn a
few things from them. Like how to
encourage people to talk.
He nods to the guard... who grabs Kira and begins to pull
her away... another member of The Circle assists her and Kira
stares at Jaro with loathing as they pull her away... Jaro's
disappointed that it's come to this, thinks a beat about
calling them back, but then turns and walks out...
66 INT. OPS
Sisko, O'Brien, Bashir, Dax and Li around the table.
SISKO
Bareil said there were signs of a
struggle...
DEEP SPACE: "The Circle" - REV. 07/14/93 - ACT FOUR 44A.
66 CONTINUED:
BASHIR
Maybe somebody saw them leave...
SISKO
That's what we need to find out...
DEEP SPACE: "The Circle" - REV. 07/14/93 - ACT FOUR 45.
66 CONTINUED: (2)
O'BRIEN
What if they transported her off the
grounds?
SISKO
Let's hope they didn't... Now, we
can't expect much help from the local
authorities, they've got their hands
full...
LI
Commander. I should be able to get
some cooperation. If my name carries
weight, let's use it.
SISKO
Good.
(to all)
When's Odo due back?
67 INCLUDING QUARK
He ENTERS -- takes in the goings-on, as:
O'BRIEN
Not for another twelve hours.
QUARK
Who needs Odo when you've got his
number one deputy?
DAX
Quark, this isn't the time...
QUARK
(serious)
No, it's exactly the time. I think
I know where you can find Kira...
(reactions)
... you see, Odo blackmailed me into
helping him, a matter I've been
meaning to bring to your attention,
Commander...
SISKO
(get on with it)
Quark...
DEEP SPACE: "The Circle" - REV. 07/14/93 - ACT FOUR 46.
67 CONTINUED:
QUARK
... I managed to find out where The
Circle's headquarters is... in the
labyrinths beneath the Perikian
Peninsula...
Sisko's already on the move toward the Turbolift...
SISKO
(to com)
Sisko to Security.
VOICE (O.S.)
Go ahead.
SISKO
(to com)
I need a couple of officers to go on
a rescue mission to Bajor. Report
to Runabout Pad "C."
VOICE (O.S.)
On our way.
SISKO
Doctor, Lieutenant, you're with me...
Mister O'Brien, you'll be our pilot.
Configure the runabout sensors for a
full sweep of that peninsula. Once
we find the base, I'll be depending
a great deal on your famous
transporter talents...
O'BRIEN
Aye, sir...
LI
Commander, I'm going...
SISKO
No, it's too dangerous...
LI
Don't you understand. I can do this.
I don't know what it means to be a
Navarch. But I can fight in the
trenches and I take orders well.
(beat)
Besides, I owe her one.
Sisko takes a beat, nods okay... switches orders...
DEEP SPACE: "The Circle" - REV. 07/14/93 - ACT FOUR 47.
67 CONTINUED: (2)
SISKO
Dax, you're in charge.
She acknowledges, stays with Quark as the others load the
Turbolift... as it leaves...
QUARK
(to Sisko)
We can discuss appropriate
compensation for this at a more
convenient time.
68 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE & RUNABOUT (OPTICAL)
A Runabout leaves the station and recedes into space.
69 INT. UNDERGROUND BUNKER - CAVE (OPTICAL)
A dark tunnel leading to the main chamber... Sisko, Li, Bashir
(with first aide kit) and two Bajoran deputies MATERIALIZE...
Sisko crawls to the entrance of the main chamber... does
recon...
70 ANGLE --
Two of the Circlese are seen standing before an open weapons
container, handing out weapons to their First, Second and
Third N.D. (Bajoran) Radical compatriots. As they receive
the weapons, the Radicals will heft and examine them; testing
balance, etc... as...
SISKO
Only five... but they've got more
firearms than a galaxy class
starship...
A groan echoes through the cavern... it's Kira... they look
up and around trying to trace the source of the sound...
BASHIR
Where the hell's it coming from?
Li shakes his head, hard to say. Sisko hands out extra
combadges to each of them...
SISKO
All right, straight power play,
nothing fancy.
DEEP SPACE: "The Circle" - REV. 07/15/93 - ACT FOUR 48.
70 CONTINUED:
SISKO
Expect heavy resistance. Anyone who
finds Kira, pin this on her and call
for transport immediately...
71 INT. CHAMBER (OPTICAL)
As the dirty five charge in, firing... immediately taking
out two of the radicals... warning sounds go off, adding to
the chaos... the other three Circlese load up rifles and
return massive fire...
72 ONE BAJORAN DEPUTY (OPTICAL)
is blown away... as...
73 VARIOUS INTERCUTS (OPTICAL)
of Sisko and Bashir and Li firing... ducking for cover...
rolling in the dirt... fanning out, looking for Kira...
finally --
74 BASHIR
turns a corner and sees Kira, her back against a wall, profile
to him, sitting on the ground, she doesn't turn to see him,
yet her eyes seem open and her face appears unbruised from
this angle...
BASHIR
Kira!
Nearby...
75 THE OTHER BAJORAN DEPUTY (OPTICAL)
is blown away...
DEEP SPACE: "The Circle" - REV. 07/14/93 - ACT FOUR 49.
76 BASHIR
moves quickly to Kira and as he reaches her...
77 HER HEAD
turns slightly toward him to reveal the opposite side of her
face is a mask of blood...
78 BASHIR (OPTICAL)
is startled by the grossness of it... doesn't move quickly
enough and is wounded in the upper arm... he groans, and
the...
79 COMBADGE
falls out of his hand and rolls toward a deep crevice and
stops just hanging over the edge...
80 BASHIR
scrambles for it in pain... grabs it and pins it on Kira,
hits his own combadge...
BASHIR
Get us out of here, Chief!
81 WIDE (OPTICAL)
the phaser fight ends as the heroes (deputies too)
DEMATERIALIZE... and we...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FOUR
DEEP SPACE: "The Circle" - REV. 07/14/93 - ACT FIVE 50.
ACT FIVE
FADE IN:
82 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL) (STOCK)
Re-establishing.
83 INT. INFIRMARY
Kira is better as Bashir works on Kira's face... Sisko and
Li observe...
KIRA
We don't have time for this... ow...
(sudden jaw pain)
Ouch.
BASHIR
Don't talk.
SISKO
We have to assume that Jaro will
move quickly now that we've got you
back...
KIRA
(nods)
Li's the only chance we've got.
LI
Me?
KIRA
Jaro knows you're the one force that
can stop him.
(to Sisko)
If we could get him to the Chamber
of Ministers...
SISKO
It's too great a risk... he'd be
dead before he got a chance to
speak...
ODO (O.S.)
Courtesy of a Cardassian weapon.
DEEP SPACE: "The Circle" - REV. 07/15/93 - ACT FIVE 51.
84 INCLUDING ODO
He's entered -- carrying Zef'no's PADD.
ODO
The Circle's being supplied by the
Cardassians.
KIRA
(stunned outrage)
What?
ODO
(hands PADD to Sisko)
I "borrowed" the proof. It's got a
Gul's thumbscan on it.
KIRA
But The Circle hates the
Cardassians...
ODO
They don't know it is the Cardassians.
They think they've been buying from
Kressari traders.
LI
I don't understand. Why would the
Cardassians want to help Jaro if he
hates them?
BASHIR
It gets them what they want the most.
SISKO
Rid of us. They're just using Jaro.
Once the Federation is forced to
leave...
LI
(realizing, worst
possible scenario)
The Cardassians come back...
Sisko nods...
LI
We have to do something... I have to
do something.
Sisko's already thinking about this... hits combadge...
DEEP SPACE: "The Circle" - REV. 07/14/93 - ACT FIVE 52.
84 CONTINUED:
SISKO
Sisko to Ops...
INTERCUT:
85 INT. OPS
O'Brien in the background working panels, already aware
there's a problem with the com lines...
DAX
Go ahead.
SISKO'S COM VOICE
Dax, open a channel to Bajor... tell
them, Navarch Li Nalas wants to
address the Chamber of Ministers on
subspace...
DAX
I can't do it, Benjamin... all
frequencies to Bajor are jammed...
we lost all communication with the
planet five minutes ago...
KIRA
(beat, reacts)
Then it has started.
86 CLOSE - SISKO
After a beat, he makes the bottom line decision:
SISKO
(to Dax)
Get me Admiral Chekote at Starfleet
command.
87 EXT. BAJORAN CITY - DAY (MATTE)
Re-establishing.
88 INT. TEMPLE SHRINE - DAY
Jaro pays homage to the prophets as Winn ENTERS... there is
a hint of sexual tension between these two... he glances at
her, but doesn't rise...
DEEP SPACE: "The Circle" - REV. 07/14/93 - ACT FIVE 53.
88 CONTINUED:
JARO
I feel the prophets smiling on me
today, Vedek...
WINN
The prophets have rarely encountered
a pagh as forceful as yours, Minister
Jaro...
She comes behind him and places a supportive hand on each
shoulder... he still looks at the shrine...
JARO
So what's it to be, Winn?
WINN
Be?
JARO
Don't tease me.
WINN
I can't interpret the prophecies for
you, Essa.
JARO
(casual, light)
I know the future. It belongs to
me. I don't need your
interpretation...
WINN
(teasing)
Then what?
JARO
Your support.
WINN
I've made it very clear to you how I
feel.
JARO
Your public support...
WINN
Support from the Vedek of such a
small order as mine would surely not
be significant.
JARO
You stand for a return to orthodox
values... as I do... we're a match
made by the prophets...
DEEP SPACE: "The Circle" - REV. 07/14/93 - ACT FIVE 54.
84 CONTINUED: (2)
WINN
I wish there were more with that
opinion. Unfortunately, as my
assembly approaches the selection of
a new Kai, I fear my voice is rarely
heard...
JARO
That can change.
WINN
Can it?
JARO
Think of the prestige of having the
new leader of Bajor being a member
of your order.
WINN
If you are the new leader.
JARO
(sudden real concern)
Have the prophets given you reason
to doubt it?
WINN
(soothing)
I didn't say that.
JARO
Then let them bless my ascension.
Tell the people the prophets are
with me.
Looking at each other, quite close --
WINN
That's asking a lot.
JARO
I know.
WINN
I need more than just "prestige,"
Essa.
JARO
I know that too.
DEEP SPACE: "The Circle" - REV. 07/14/93 - ACT FIVE 55.
88 CONTINUED: (3)
WINN
The people need leadership to return
to the old values. Yours and mine.
JARO
I can think of no one more worthy of
being the next Kai than you, Winn.
I'll do everything in my power to
see that you are.
WINN
The prophets are smiling on you today,
Minister.
Jaro smiles, pleased and...
89 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL) (STOCK)
Re-establishing.
90 INT. OPS
Sisko ENTERS with Kira and Li... on the move to his office...
DAX
I have Admiral Chekote on subspace...
SISKO
In my office.
O'BRIEN
(off console)
Commander. Two assault vessels are
headed this way on direct course
from Bajor. They're giving all non-
Bajorans seven hours to evacuate.
Sisko reacts, enters his office...
91 INT. COMMANDER'S OFFICE (CONTINUOUS) (OPTICAL)
The image of Starfleet ADMIRAL CHEKOTE is on screen.
SISKO
Admiral, are you up to date on my
communiques?
DEEP SPACE: "The Circle" - REV. 07/15/93 - ACT FIVE 56.
91 CONTINUED:
CHEKOTE
I think so, Commander. How's it
look?
SISKO
Not good. Jaro has the military.
Communications have been cut off.
Assault vessels are on the way here.
CHEKOTE
Are you preparing to withdraw?
SISKO
Admiral, we've just obtained evidence
that The Circle has been receiving
weapons from the Cardassians. If we
withdraw, we'll be giving Bajor and
the wormhole back to them.
Chekote frowns at this revelation, struggles along with Sisko
at the right thing to do...
CHEKOTE
Damn. That's a helluva turn.
(sighs)
How could these Bajorans get in bed
with the Cardassians?
SISKO
They don't even know the Cardassians
are involved.
CHEKOTE
Then, you're saying it's a genuine
political revolution internal to
Bajor.
Sisko knows where this is going, tries to head it off...
SISKO
Supported by the Cardassians.
CHEKOTE
But internal to Bajor. The
Cardassians might involve themselves
in other people's civil wars. But
we don't. The Prime Directive
applies, Ben.
SISKO
Admiral...
DEEP SPACE: "The Circle" - REV. 07/14/93 - ACT FIVE 57.
91 CONTINUED: (2)
CHEKOTE
Would you say our people on the
station are in danger?
SISKO
Yes.
CHEKOTE
There's no other choice but to
evacuate. We'll have to worry about
the long term political implications
down the road. That's an order,
Commander.
Sisko nods an acknowledgement. The transmission ends... and
the monitor screen blanks.
92 INT. OPS
Sisko moves out of his office, thoughtfully... goes to
O'Brien's station...
SISKO
Chief, how long will it take us to
evacuate Deep Space Nine?
O'BRIEN
I'd say... we could have all our
people out and away in... three hours.
SISKO
I mean a complete evacuation... I
intend to take all Starfleet
instruments; materiel... in fact,
all Federation property of every
kind. How quickly can we do that?
O'BRIEN
(lost)
Sir; that'll take days... a full
week, for all I know. But those
assault ships will be here in seven
hours.
SISKO
(beat, thoughtful)
Then, I guess some of us won't quite
be done by the time they get here.
DEEP SPACE: "The Circle" - REV. 07/14/93 - ACT FIVE 58.
92 CONTINUED:
Off O'Brien's reaction...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FIVE
TO BE CONTINUED...