STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
"Cardassians"
#40512-425
Story by
Gene Wolande & John Wright
Teleplay by
James Crocker
Directed by
Cliff Bole
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 1993 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 This script is not for publication or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
August 16, 1993
STAR TREK: DS9 "Cardassians" - 08/16/93 - CAS
STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
"Cardassians"
CAST
SISKO ASHA
KIRA DEELA
ODO (V.0.) GARAK
QUARK GUL DUKAT
BASHIR JOMAT
DAX PA'DAR
O'BRIEN PROKA
KEIKO RUGAL
ZOLAN
FEMALE VOICE (O.C.)
Non-Speaking Non-Speaking
N.D. SUPERNUMERARIES N.D. ORPHANS
STAR TREK: DS9 - "Cardassians" - 08/17/93 - SETS
STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
"Cardassians"
SETS
INTERIORS EXTERIORS
DEEP SPACE NINE DEEP SPACE NINE
BASHIR'S QUARTERS
COMMANDER'S OFFICE ORPHAN CENTER -
GUEST QUARTERS COURTYARD
INFIRMARY (SURGERY ROOM)
O'BRIEN'S QUARTERS RUNABOUT
OPS
PROMENADE - AIRLOCK BAJORAN CITY
QUARK'S
REPLIMAT
SCHOOLROOM
SISKO'S QUARTERS
RUNABOUT
ORPHAN RESETTLEMENT CENTER
REAR ENTRANCE
STAR TREK: DS9 - "Cardassians" 08/18/93 - PRONUNCIATION
STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
"Cardassians"
PRONUNCIATION GUIDE
BAJOR BAY-jor
BAJORAN bah-JOR-an
COUP DIETAT COO
EXARCH EX-sark
GARAK GAIR-uck
GUL DUKAT gull du-KOT
JOMAT LUSON joe-MAHT loo-SAHN
KOTAN PAIDAR KOE-tan puh-DAR
PROKA MIGDAL PRO-ka mig-DOLL
ROKASSA roe-KAH-sah
RUGAL ROO-gull
TARKALEAN tar-KAY-lee-uhn
TEROK NOR TAIR-awk nor
TOZHAT to-ZAHT
ZABU ZAH-boo
ZOLAN ZOE-lahn
DEEP SPACE: "Cardassians" - REV. 08/17/93 - TEASER 1.
STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
"Cardassians"
TEASER
FADE IN:
1 INT. REPLIMAT
BASHIR crosses through the crowded area carrying an opaque
mug. He sits down opposite the ever-pleasant Cardassian,
GARAK, who already has a drink in front of him.
GARAK
Tarkalean tea again, Doctor?
BASHIR
Yes, and I believe you're drinking
Rokassa juice, aren't you, Garak --
Garak holds up his opaque mug, lightly impressed...
GARAK
How did you know?
BASHIR
The odor is unmistakable.
GARAK
(sniffs)
So it is. Rokassa juice soothes my
nerves. I had a very demanding
customer today. A Bajoran engineer
who comes into the shop constantly,
just to plague me...
BASHIR
I've always wondered about that...
about who your steady customers are...
I can't imagine Bajorans frequenting
a shop run by a Cardassian...
GARAK
I like to think my expertise and
willingness to serve overcome any
general resentment my clientele may
have.
DEEP SPACE: "Cardassians" - REV. 08/25/93 - TEASER 2.
1 CONTINUED:
BASHIR
Ahhh. Perhaps your expertise and
willingness to serve go so far as to
establish a certain... trust...
between you and your customers...
GARAK
Trust is very important...
BASHIR
And once they trust you, they're
much more open with you... they...
tell you things...
GARAK
(beat; smiling)
Really, Doctor... must we play this
game so often? I'm no more a "spy"
than you are a... a...
BASHIR
...Doctor.
GARAK
I'm afraid you really do let your
imagination run away with you. What
else can I say to convince you that
I'm just --
BASHIR
(finishing Garak's
sentence)
-- plain and simple Garak?
GARAK
(smiles)
Precisely.
A beat as the two hold each other's gaze. Bashir mentally
debates his next move, as if this were (and indeed is) some
ongoing chess match. Garak observes something in the b.g.
behind Bashir...
GARAK
Now, there's something you don't see
every day...
DEEP SPACE: "Cardassians" - REV. 08/25/93 - TEASER 3.
2 INT. PROMENADE - AIRLOCK - GARAK'S POV
Passengers -- mostly Bajoran -- emerge from the airlock into
the Promenade. A sturdy, middle-aged Bajoran male, PROKA,
has just come out of the airlock with a straight-faced twelve-
year-old Cardassian boy, RUGAL. They are approached by a
friendly and accommodating Zolan. Cordial greetings are
exchanged (this is not the first time they have met), then
Zolan motions toward the Replimat. All three begin to
casually walk toward us...
Zolan smiles at the boy. Rugal does not smile back. Zolan's
unfazed at the boy's stoic, almost sullen response... as
they enter the area...
ZOLAN
There's a table. Please, sit down
and I'll get all of us some
refreshment.
A little nervous with anticipation -- this job offer is a
big deal for him -- Proka moves to sit at the unoccupied
table. Rugal stops, however, when he sees Garak across the
way. He stiffens... a look of... what? fear?... filtering
into his stoic expression...
3
thru OMITTED
6
7 ON BASHIR AND GARAK
Garak watches the boy curiously. Bashir turns to watch Garak,
wondering about the boy's reaction to him...
8 RESUME RUGAL
He abruptly turns away, moves to sit down with his family.
DEEP SPACE: "Cardassians" - REV. 08/17/93 - TEASER 4.
9 BASHIR AND GARAK
BASHIR
That was odd... do you know him?
GARAK
On the contrary... I've never set
eyes on him before.
DEEP SPACE: "Cardassians" - 08/16/93 - TEASER 5.
9 CONTINUED:
A beat, then Garak gets up and starts walking toward Rugal.
10 PROKA AND RUGAL
seated at their table. Rugal's back is to Garak as Garak
approaches. Bashir is still seated in the b.g., watching.
GARAK
I hope I'm not intruding, but I
couldn't help noticing...
11 CLOSE - RUGAL
as he looks up, sees Garak, eyes widening in fear...
12 RESUME SCENE
with Garak politely, graciously addressing Proka.
GARAK
(continuing)
... what a handsome young man you
have here...
He lays a friendly hand on Rugal's shoulder. This turns out
to be a serious mistake. Rugal suddenly grabs Garak's hand,
yanks it forward and sinks his teeth into it...
13 BASHIR
stunned... he rises from his chair and hurries toward:
14 RUGAL'S TABLE - SEVERAL SHOTS
Rugal viciously bites down on Garak's hand. Garak groans in
pain, tries to pull away...
Zolan, approaching with a tray of drinks, comes to a halt,
surprised...
Bashir rushes up between Rugal and Garak.
BASHIR
(sharply, to Rugal)
Stop it -- stop it!
DEEP SPACE: "Cardassians" - REV. 08/17/93 - TEASER 6.
14 CONTINUED:
Rugal lets go. Garak falls back, holding his slightly
bleeding hand, Bashir bracing him. Rugal scurries to Proka --
the boy is terribly frightened -- Proka hugs him protectively.
He stares coldly up at Garak.
15 FAVORING BASHIR
as he looks at Garak's wound, then at Rugal and Proka. He's
amazed and confused by what has just happened. Hold on his
look of bewilderment as we...
FADE OUT.
END OF TEASER
DEEP SPACE: "Cardassians" - REV. 08/17/93 - ACT ONE 7.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
(NOTE: Episode credits fall over opening scenes.)
16 INT. OPS - ON THE TURBOLIFT RISING
Bashir arriving...
BASHIR
Sorry I'm late --
Move with him to the table to reveal SISKO, KIRA, DAX, ODO
and O'BRIEN meeting. (Supernumeraries as needed in the
background.)
BASHIR
(continuing)
The damnedest thing just happened...
Garak the tailor was attacked...
ODO
(reacts)
Attacked where?
BASHIR
At the Replimat. He was bitten on
the hand...
DAX
(dry)
Another unsatisfied customer?
O'BRIEN
He always cuts the pants too long...
BASHIR
No, it was a boy... a Cardassian
boy...
SISKO
I wasn't aware we had any Cardassian
children on the station...
ODO
We don't...
BASHIR
He just arrived. On the Bajoran
transport. With an adult Bajoran
who says he's his father...
DEEP SPACE: "Cardassians" - REV. 08/17/93 - ACT ONE 8.
KIRA
The boy was probably one of the
orphans left behind after the
Cardassians pulled out...
(she's reading
something on her
console, as she
presses panels... )
We had no choice but to take care of
them...
(beat)
You have an incoming subspace
transmission... from Cardassia,
Commander...
(reading, looking up
to Sisko)
It's Gul Dukat.
SISKO
In my office.
He rises, moves toward his office...
17 INT. COMMANDER'S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS (OPTICAL)
Sisko ENTERS, hits a panel at his desk. GUL DUKAT appears
on the wall monitor... Sisko sits...
GUL DUKAT
Commander... it's been brought to my
attention that the sole Cardassian
living on your station has been
assaulted...
Sisko sits back, watches Gul Dukat circumspectly.
SISKO
(reacts)
I'm surprised how quickly the news
reached you, Dukat. I only heard
about it myself a minute ago...
GUL DUKAT
Is it true he was -- attacked -- by
a Cardassian boy brought to the
station by a Bajoran?
SISKO
A Cardassian boy appears to have
been involved, yes.
DEEP SPACE: "Cardassians" - REV. 08/17/93 - ACT ONE 9.
GUL DUKAT
(shakes his head)
It is exactly as I feared.
Exactly as I've been warning my
colleagues...
SISKO
Warning them?
GUL DUKAT
The Cardassian war orphans,
Commander... abandoned when we left
Bajor... it's a disgrace. Obviously,
these children are being raised to
hate their own kind... this incident
is the proof...
SISKO
You're assuming an awful lot from
this one incident...
GUL DUKAT
Am I? Then why would this boy assault
poor Garak? An amiable fellow, if
there ever was one...
SISKO
If you'd like, I'll try to find out.
GUL DUKAT
That would be most appreciated. I
need to know more about this boy,
Commander... so I can use his story
as ammunition in my fight to bring
these orphans back to their
homeland...
(sincerely)
This is a tragedy all of us on
Cardassia must address...
Sisko acknowledges as Dukat's transmission ends... he
contemplates Dukat's professed commitment a beat, then CUT
TO:
DEEP SPACE: "Cardassians" - REV. 08/17/93 - ACT ONE 10.
18 INT. GUEST QUARTERS - CLOSE ON
A concerned and defensive Proka, addressing someone
(o.s.)
PROKA
We didn't come here to cause
trouble...
Widen to reveal Sisko standing at ease before him. Bashir
stays back and observes, interested in what this Bajoran
might have to say.
PROKA
(continuing)
Has this Garak filed a complaint?
SISKO
No... but Cardassian officials have
asked us to look into the incident...
PROKA
I wish they'd been more concerned
when they left this boy and dozens
like him to fend for themselves...
SISKO
How did you come to adopt him?
PROKA
My wife and I felt that Rugal
shouldn't suffer for crimes committed
by others...
SISKO
Any idea why he'd attack another
Cardassian?
PROKA
That Cardassian should have minded
his own business.
BASHIR
Garak was only being friendly. The
boy seemed terrified of him on sight.
SISKO
The Cardassians are suggesting the
Bajorans are raising these orphans
to hate their own people.
DEEP SPACE: "Cardassians" - 08/16/93 - ACT ONE 11.
18 CONTINUED:
PROKA
(almost smiles, with
irony)
To hate Cardassians. Well, that
wouldn't be too hard, would it.
We've told him the truth,
Commander. The truth. What
Cardassia did to Bajor. He needed
to know. I make no apologies for
that...
(beat, softer)
To us... he isn't even one of...
them... anymore. He isn't Cardassian,
he's Bajoran. And we love him as if
he were our own flesh and blood.
OFF Sisko and Bashir's reaction...
19 INT. QUARK'S - CLOSE ON
the spinning dabo wheel. Widen to show an active crowd at
the dabo table, including Zolan, the alien who met Proka and
Rugal at the airlock. Zolan's hot -- he's been winning --
and the other players are excited for him. The wheel stops,
prompting festive cries of "Dabo!" from the players, including
Zolan, who has won yet again.
ZOLAN
Dabo! Dabo! Dabo!
A few of the others pat him on the back, cheer.
20 ANGLE AT BAR - BASHIR AND QUARK
Bashir ENTERS, glancing at the excitement. QUARK watches
Zolan from behind the bar, disgruntled.
QUARK
There's nothing quite so depressing
as a winning streak that won't stop
streaking.
Bashir eyes Zolan a beat, gets an idea about something...
moves casually to the dabo table beside him... the game and
betting continues as they talk...
BASHIR
It would appear you have the game
all figured out.
DEEP SPACE: "Cardassians" - 08/16/93 - ACT ONE 12.
20 CONTINUED:
ZOLAN
Dabo is a passion of mine.
(looks at him)
I remember you. You're Doctor...
BASHIR
Bashir.
ZOLAN
Bashir, yes. How's the Cardassian?
Still has all his fingers, I hope...
BASHIR
Yes. Luckily there were no broken
bones.
(casually)
I've never seen a boy take a bite
out of a man's hand like that...
ZOLAN
He's a strange child, Rugal.
BASHIR
Do you know the family well?
Cries of "Dabo!" come from the dabo table crowd.
ZOLAN
Dabo!
He collects more winnings...
BASHIR
(still fishing)
Do you?
Zolan looks at Bashir, then away...
ZOLAN
Look, this is really none of my
business...
BASHIR
(curious to that
reaction)
You were a witness... I just want to
be sure I get the facts right... for
my... medical report...
ZOLAN
I'd really rather you ask somebody
else...
DEEP SPACE: "Cardassians" - REV. 08/17/93 - ACT ONE 13.
20 CONTINUED: (2)
BASHIR
Frankly, I don't understand your
attitude... all I asked was if you
know them well.
ZOLAN
Well enough.
(beat, okay, let's
get it over with)
I heard the father was looking for a
new job a couple of months ago and
offered to help them...
(uncomfortable at
telling)
I've visited them on Bajor several
times.
BASHIR
Did you see something that bothered
you?
ZOLAN
(beat, okay here it is)
It has to be torture for that boy...
living like that... hated by people
he considers his parents... told day
after day that he's worthless
Cardassian scum. Beaten if he even
looks the wrong way. Rugal's their
revenge -- their revenge against
all Cardassians.
Bashir's quietly stunned by this revelation. HOLD on him
absorbing what Zolan has told him...
21 INT. GUEST QUARTERS - CLOSE ON PROKA
incredulous.
PROKA
It's not true. It's not true. Rugal
will tell you. We haven't mistreated
him... Is this another Cardassian...
Widen to show Sisko and Bashir now facing off with Proka.
Sisko uses a quiet voice, concerned that the boy is in the
other room and can hear.
DEEP SPACE: "Cardassians" - REV. 08/17/93 - ACT ONE 14.
21 CONTINUED:
SISKO
(interrupting)
There'll be plenty of opportunity to
go over the matter in detail... but
during the investigation, we'd like
Rugal to stay with our schoolteacher,
Mrs. O'Brien... she's expecting him
now.
PROKA
(beat)
What if I refuse?
SISKO
Then I'll have to call Security and
have them remove him from your
quarters... I don't think either of
us wants that...
A long beat... then Proka shakes his head at the unfairness
of this... goes into the other room... a long beat as Sisko
exchanges an uncomfortable glance with Bashir, then they
HEAR...
RUGAL'S VOICE (O.S.)
Why?
PROKA'S VOICE (O.S.)
It'll be all right...
RUGAL'S VOICE (O.S.)
I didn't do anything wrong...
DEEP SPACE: "Cardassians" - REV. 08/17/93 - ACT ONE 15.
21 CONTINUED: (2)
PROKA'S VOICE (O.S.)
I know. I know. It'll be all right.
I promise.
A beat later, they come out. Rugal looks at the two uniforms,
symbol of authority...
RUGAL
(upset, to Sisko)
I didn't do anything wrong.
SISKO
Nobody's accusing you of a crime,
Rugal. You're not being arrested.
My name is Commander Sisko. I believe
you already know Doctor Bashir...
BASHIR
Hello, Rugal.
SISKO
I'm sure this will be straightened
out in a day or two... If you want
to visit with your father tomorrow,
you can.
PROKA
Go on, Rugal. We'll talk tomorrow.
(puts his arm around
his shoulders to
comfort him, gently)
They won't hurt you. They're humans.
Not Cardassians.
Rugal doesn't understand... but listens to his father's
urging... finally joins Sisko and Bashir and they EXIT.
Proka takes in a big sigh, looking after Sisko, righteous
and determined...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
DEEP SPACE: "Cardassians" - REV. 08/17/93 - ACT TWO 16.
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
22 INT. INFIRMARY - SURGERY ROOM - BASHIR AND GARAK
Bashir treats Garak's barely visible wound with a small
"penlight" tech device...
BASHIR
Actually, something good did come
out of this, Garak. If it hadn't
happened, we never would have
discovered Rugal's situation. A
bite on the hand is worth saving a
boy's life, wouldn't you say?
GARAK
I suppose it depends on whose hand...
(off Bashir's look)
I'm only kidding.
BASHIR
Perhaps this might even help Gul
Dukat in his efforts to resolve the
entire war orphan predicament.
If Garak had antennae, they would quiver a little...
GARAK
I beg your pardon... ?
BASHIR
Gul Dukat... he called Commander
Sisko right after this happened...
Apparently he was quite concerned
with your well-being... you never
mentioned you were friends...
Garak laughs. It is a laugh that says they weren't friends.
GARAK
You said Dukat was doing something
about war orphans?
DEEP SPACE: "Cardassians" - 08/16/93 - ACT TWO 17.
22 CONTINUED:
BASHIR
He wants to bring them all home from
Bajor...
GARAK
(thinking)
Does he...
Bashir sits up a little... he knows Garak well enough by now
to realize there is more here than meets the eye...
BASHIR
Am I missing something... ?
GARAK
(beat; wheels turning)
Doctor, what single trait would you
ascribe to me and my fellow
Cardassians? Would it not be our
attention to detail? Do you think
we simply forgot about those poor
little orphans when we left Bajor?
Do you think they just... slipped
our mind... ? And who, would you
guess, was in charge of the Cardassian
withdrawal from Bajor?
23 INT. OPS - ON MAIN VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)
The answer is on the screen. We see Gul Dukat -- calm and
civil -- as he sits at his desk.
GUL DUKAT
I don't know how to thank you...
24 REVEAL SISKO
standing in Ops, talking to Dukat... Kira and Dax at their
stations (Supernumerariesas needed). Sisko is still quite
circumspect about this situation and Dukat's role in it.
SISKO
Don't thank me so quickly. It's
possible the boy could be returned
to his adoptive parents.
DEEP SPACE: "Cardassians" - REV. 08/17/93 - ACT TWO 18.
24 CONTINUED:
GUL DUKAT
But surely after the accusation
this... businessman has made...
SISKO
(dry)
That's all it is for the moment --
an accusation.
Bashir ENTERS from the Turbolift, as if there is something
urgent he needs to discuss with Sisko. Seeing who Sisko is
talking to, he slows to a stop, listens in...
GUL DUKAT
We wouldn't take kindly to the boy
being returned to the Bajorans.
However, I have complete confidence
in your ability to be thorough,
Commander. If there's anything I
can do...
SISKO
As a matter of fact, there is: if
it's decided the boy should be
returned to Cardassia, who would we
return him to? It might help to
find out if he has any relatives
still living...
GUL DUKAT
I was just going to suggest that you
forward a DNA sample to us. We'll
be happy to run it through our data
banks.
SISKO
We'll send it to you right away.
BASHIR
(steps forward)
Excuse me... Gul Dukat, I have a
question...
Sisko turns to Bashir -- what the hell is he doing? Bashir
glances at him nervously...
GUL DUKAT
It's Doctor... Bashir, isn't it?
DEEP SPACE: "Cardassians" - REV. 08/17/93 - ACT TWO 19.
24 CONTINUED: (2)
BASHIR
Yes. Isn't it true you were in charge
of the evacuation of Bajor?
GUL DUKAT
(where's this going?)
Yes, I was...
BASHIR
Then it would have been your
responsibility to see that these
orphans were part of the evacuation.
Yet you chose to leave them behind...
why?
Bashir is afraid to look at Sisko. Sisko is not pleased
with this bald interruption, but he's curious about what
Bashir has said. Gul Dukat reacts coolly.
GUL DUKAT
I did not choose to leave them behind,
Doctor. I was ordered to leave them
behind.
BASHIR
Ordered? By whom?
GUL DUKAT
The civilian leaders. They...
BASHIR
(interrupting, prepared)
Excuse me. But if I understand the
Cardassian political system, the
civilian leaders have no direct
authority over military officers...
Dukat stares at the impudent young doctor, looks to Sisko to
intervene... but Sisko is as curious as everyone else about
what the doctor is doing, is content to observe the odd
confrontation... so Dukat is forced to answer... tries to
make light of this...
GUL DUKAT
Who's been tutoring you in Cardassian
social studies, Doctor?
BASHIR
Your old friend, Garak.
Bashir waits to see the reaction to the name. There is
nothing more than a smile.
DEEP SPACE: "Cardassians" - REV. 08/17/93 - ACT TWO 20.
24 CONTINUED: (3)
GUL DUKAT
Well, remind my old friend that the
withdrawal from Bajor was a decision
made by the civilian leaders... one
that I clearly opposed... and, yes,
they were the ones who decided to
leave the orphans behind. I've
regretted that decision ever since.
Thank you for your concern, Doctor.
(to Sisko)
Good day, Commander.
The viewscreen blanks. A long, long beat as Sisko and
everyone else looks at Bashir, waiting for an explanation.
Finally, Bashir warily looks to Sisko. Sisko is not giving
his feelings away -- is he upset? is he intrigued? - as he
considers Bashir.
BASHIR
He's lying.
SISKO
(not harsh)
Is that an opinion or do you have
some sort of evidence?
BASHIR
I have Garak.
SISKO
(even)
Garak.
BASHIR
He thinks there's more going on here
than we realize.
KIRA
The Garaks of this world spend their
lives weaving conspiracy theories,
Doctor.
SISKO
What exactly does he think is going
on?
BASHIR
I'm not sure. He doesn't really
tell me what he thinks... I sort of
have to... deduce it.
DEEP SPACE: "Cardassians" - REV. 08/17/93 - ACT TWO 21.
24 CONTINUED: (4)
SISKO
So, you "deduced" that Garak thinks
Dukat is lying about something you're
not sure of... and you proceeded to
interrupt my conversation to confront
him about whatever that might be.
BASHIR
I'm sorry, Commander. It just seemed
an opportune...
SISKO
Don't apologize. It's been the high
point of my day.
(beat)
Don't do it again.
DAX
Why would Garak want to undermine
Gul Dukat?
BASHIR
I'm not sure, but I don't think he
likes Dukat very much.
SISKO
I'd like to ask Garak about this
myself. Have him in my office at
twenty-one-hundred-hours.
BASHIR
(pleased)
Yessir.
Sisko walks away. HOLD on Bashir, watching after him...
25 INT. O'BRIEN'S QUARTERS
O'Brien ENTERS, arriving home after a long day. He sees
Rugal sitting in the living area, totally concentrating on a
PADD. O'Brien frowns a little at the sight of a Cardassian
boy in his quarters. He moves into the dining area, where
KEIKO is setting the dinner table. She kisses him hello.
KEIKO
Hi.
O'Brien immediately begins to help. He notices there are
only three settings. The two speak quietly...
DEEP SPACE: "Cardassians" - REV. 08/17/93 - ACT TWO 22.
25 CONTINUED:
O'BRIEN
Good idea.
KEIKO
What?
O'BRIEN
Three settings. I assume you sent
Molly over to stay with the
Fredericks.
KEIKO
She's asleep. She and Rugal played
all afternoon. He wore her out...
O'BRIEN
You let them play together?
KEIKO
Why not?
O'BRIEN
The boy almost bit somebody's hand
off...
KEIKO
I was with them all day. He's not
like that... he's really very
gentle...
O'BRIEN
(sotto)
"Gentle" was bred out of these
Cardassians a long time ago.
She takes a beat, trying to hold it in, but can't. Stops
what she's doing, turning her back to Rugal so he can't
hear...
KEIKO
You know, that's a very ugly thing
you just said.
O'BRIEN
I only said...
KEIKO
I don't need to hear it twice.
She hands him a casserole dish from the replicator; he looks
at it curiously, sees an interesting-looking stew (oddly
shaped vegetables, green meat, white broth), reacts to the
smell...
DEEP SPACE: "Cardassians" - REV. 08/17/93 - ACT TWO 23.
25 CONTINUED: (2)
KEIKO
Rugal, dinner's ready.
Rugal puts the PADD down, comes over... O'Brien and he
exchange an uncomfortable glance as they sit.
Keiko's hand reaches in with a ladle, dips it into the dish...
KEIKO
(to Rugal)
I hope you like it.
But as she looks over to make eye contact with Rugal, she
sees he's saying a Bajoran prayer (holding his hands as Kira
did in "The Circle"). O'Brien and Keiko exchange a glance
as she pauses in her service until Rugal finishes and opens
his eyes... as she serves the stew, O'Brien and Rugal are
both looking at it none-too-thrilled, wondering what it's
made of...
O'BRIEN
Keiko -- darling -- what is this?
KEIKO
I found some Cardassian recipes in
the memory bank of our food
replicator. It's a stew, made with
Cardassian zabu meat.
(smiles at Rugal)
I thought Rugal might enjoy a dish
that's popular on his own world.
Rugal looks at her, makes no move to try the entree. O'Brien
lifts his spoon, tastes the stew...
Keiko tries it, doesn't find it too bad -- kind of good,
actually -- then sees Rugal isn't eating...
O'Brien and Rugal simultaneously push their respective
bowls away from them, O'Brien disliking the taste, Rugal
having found the concept of Cardassian food unassimilable.
The two are surprised they have done the same thing at the
same time, surprised they might have something in common.
HOLD on the two looking at each other, neither giving anything
away...
26 INT. COMMANDER'S OFFICE - ON GARAK
sitting before Sisko at his desk.
DEEP SPACE: "Cardassians" - REV. 08/17/93 - ACT TWO 24.
26 CONTINUED:
GARAK
There's obviously been a
misunderstanding.
27 THE SCENE - FULL
Garak sits in front of Sisko's desk. He's his pleasant,
plain-old-simple self. Bashir is standing off to the side,
embarrassed and upset...
SISKO
Obviously.
BASHIR
Garak, you know you made it perfectly
clear that Dukat couldn't care less
about those war orphans.
GARAK
(to Sisko)
The Doctor and I did discuss the
tragic circumstances of the children.
But I would never suggest that Gul
Dukat...
BASHIR
You did. You did.
(to Sisko)
He did.
SISKO
(be quiet)
Doctor.
GARAK
Doctor Bashir, I apologize if I've
inadvertently put you in an awkward
position...
SISKO
Sorry to put you to this trouble.
GARAK
Not at all.
He rises to leave. Bashir shakes his head in frustration.
As Garak reaches the door...
DEEP SPACE: "Cardassians" - 08/16/93 - ACT TWO 25.
27 CONTINUED:
SISKO
By the way, Garak... how long have
you known Gul Dukat?
Garak turns.
GARAK
I barely know the man at all.
SISKO
Really. Somehow, I had the impression
from him that he knew you rather
well. Called you "amiable," if I
remember.
GARAK
I'm honored that I was noticed by
such a great leader.
He exits. Sisko glances at Bashir, who starts to say
something, gives up and after a beat, rushes out after Garak.
Sisko studies him through the doors... he knows something's
going on and he knows that Bashir -- and Garak -- may be the
key to finding out what...
28 INT. PROMENADE - ANGLE ON TURBOLIFT
as the doors open, REVEALING Bashir and Garak as they exit...
BASHIR
How you could just sit there and lie
with that irritating, pseudo-ignorant
smile of yours...
GARAK
Doctor, I really am disappointed in
you...
BASHIR
You're disappointed in me... ?!
Garak stops and turns to Bashir...
GARAK
The things we talk about are for
your ears only. That you would tell
Commander Sisko anything I might
happen to say in passing about Gul
Dukat... is inappropriate and
unacceptable.
DEEP SPACE: "Cardassians" - REV. 08/17/93 - ACT TWO 26.
28 CONTINUED:
Garak walks on out-of-frame. Bashir slows, watches after
him, still in shock.
29 INT. O'BRIEN'S QUARTERS - NIGHT - LATE
O'Brien's working on the computer at the now-cleared dinner
table. It's quiet -- everyone else is asleep. O'Brien
stretches, yawns, then sips from a cup of tea in front of
him.
As he resumes typing, Rugal comes out of the back wearing
his own T-shirt and oversized pajama bottoms (O'Brien's) and
plops down in a chair in the living room. O'Brien pauses,
looks up at the boy just sitting in the chair.
O'BRIEN
Can't sleep?
No answer. Rugal doesn't look at him.
O'BRIEN
Want something to eat?
RUGAL
No.
O'Brien watches him a beat, then types a few more lines.
Thinks of what Keiko said earlier, tries harder to get past
his prejudice, looks over...
O'BRIEN
You can come with me in the morning,
if you like. I'm running a
maintenance check on conduits in one
of the upper docking pylons. You
get a terrific view of the station
from up there...
No response. O'Brien goes back to his work, telling himself --
Okay, I tried. I can live with myself.
O'BRIEN
Suit yourself.
After a long beat.
DEEP SPACE: "Cardassians" - 08/16/93 - ACT TWO 27.
29 CONTINUED:
RUGAL
What're they going to do with me?
O'BRIEN
(turns back; beat)
I'm not sure.
(after a beat)
You might have something to say about
that, you know. I mean, you should
be telling Commander Sisko what you
want.
RUGAL
I want to go home.
O'BRIEN
He'll understand that. You're a
Cardassian. They should've taken
you home when they left.
RUGAL
No, I mean home. To Bajor.
O'Brien reacts to the error he made... turns off the computer,
comes to sit nearer to Rugal... he's interested in this kid
now... but also sees the opportunity to get some facts out
of him that might help Sisko...
O'BRIEN
But it must be tough for you, living
on Bajor...
RUGAL
Why?
O'BRIEN
Being Cardassian.
RUGAL
That's not my fault. I was born
that way.
O'BRIEN
(laughs uncomfortably)
That's not what I meant. There's
nothing wrong with being a
Cardassian...
RUGAL
Yes there is.
O'Brien is taken aback by the simple, deep-seeded self-
loathing the child must have...
DEEP SPACE: "Cardassians" - REV. 08/17/93 - ACT TWO 28.
29 CONTINUED: (2)
O'BRIEN
Who taught you that?
RUGAL
(shrugs)
It's the truth. Everybody knows it.
O'BRIEN
How do your parents feel about
Cardassians?
RUGAL
They hate them.
O'BRIEN
Why do you want to live with someone
who hates you?
RUGAL
They hate other Cardassians. Not
me. They've never done anything
wrong to me.
O'BRIEN
Come on, even I got my fanny whacked
by my Da once in a while.
RUGAL
Not me. My parents follow the
teachings of the prophets.
And this rings absolutely true and sounds quite different
than story the businessman told. As O'Brien digests this...
RUGAL
What do you think of Cardassians?
O'BRIEN
Me?
(Rugal nods)
I... can't really say.
RUGAL
Why not?
DEEP SPACE: "Cardassians" - REV. 08/17/93 - ACT TWO 29.
29 CONTINUED: (3)
O'BRIEN
Because you can't judge a whole race
of people. You can't hate all
Cardassians or all humans or all
Klingons...
(beat)
I mean I've met some Cardassians I
didn't like. And I've met some I
did. Like you.
RUGAL
(evenly, without
emotion)
Do you know how many Bajorans the
Cardassians murdered during the
occupation? Over ten million. We
had a test on it in school.
(beat, simply)
I wish I weren't Cardassian.
He yawns, getting sleepy... gets up, starts to go to the
other room...
RUGAL
Good Night.
O'BRIEN
Night.
As the impact settles in on O'Brien...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT TWO
DEEP SPACE: "Cardassians" - REV. 08/17/93 - ACT THREE 30.
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
30 INT. BASHIR'S QUARTERS - NIGHT - LATE
Bashir's asleep in bed on his side. He takes in a deep
breath, rolls over on his back, moans. His eyes flutter
open. He suddenly sits up, instantly wary and alert...
31 REVEAL GARAK
standing by Bashir's bed, looking down at him, smiling.
Garak's wide awake -- the wheels are really turning. It's
like he's figured out something that just won't wait...
GARAK
Come, Doctor. Get dressed. We need
to be going.
BASHIR
(utterly surprised)
Going? Going where?
GARAK
To Bajor.
Off Bashir's total look of disbelief, we CUT TO:
32 INT. SISKO'S QUARTERS - NIGHT - LATE (OPTICAL)
Sisko stands in his robe at the open door to his quarters...
Bashir, now dressed, stands outside the door, a little
nervous...
SISKO
I take it this couldn't wait 'til
morning...
BASHIR
Nossir. I need to use a runabout...
DEEP SPACE: "Cardassians" - REV. 08/17/93 - ACT THREE 31.
32 CONTINUED:
SISKO
(beat)
I'm waiting --
BASHIR
(knowing this sounds
funny)
It's Garak, Sir. He wants to go to
Bajor.
SISKO
Bajor? What for?
BASHIR
He won't tell me.
SISKO
Oh, well, by all means. Will one
runabout be enough?
FEMALE COM VOICE
(interrupting)
Ops to Sisko.
Sisko's expression: "What now... ?"
SISKO
Go ahead.
FEMALE COM VOICE
Commander, there's an urgent
communication for you from Gul Dukat --
Sisko and Bashir eye each other -- what could this be? Sisko
walks over to his living room terminal and presses a few
panels. Bashir ENTERS, stays behind the terminal, so as not
to be seen. Gul Dukat appears on the monitor, looking
pleased.
GUL DUKAT
I'm sorry to disturb you at such a
late hour, Commander... but thanks
to the DNA gene type you sent us,
we've discovered the boy you're
holding is actually the son of one
of our most prominent politicians:
Kotan Pa'Dar.
SISKO
(beat; absorbing)
When was Pa'Dar on Bajor?
DEEP SPACE: "Cardassians" - REV. 08/17/93 - ACT THREE 32.
32 CONTINUED: (2)
GUL DUKAT
Over eight years ago. He was the
exarch for a Cardassian settlement
there. The boy was thought to have
died in a Bajoran terrorist attack.
SISKO
Has he been told his son is alive?
GUL DUKAT
Of course. And as you can imagine,
he's overwhelmed with joy. He's
already on his way to the station to
reclaim him.
SISKO
It's not that simple.
GUL DUKAT
I don't understand.
SISKO
The boy wants to go back to Bajor.
GUL DUKAT
To live with those same brutal people?
SISKO
I can't find any evidence to support
that accusation. I can't even find
the man who made it in the first
place.
GUL DUKAT
Nevertheless when the boy finds out
his real father is alive, he'll surely
change his mind. And even if he
doesn't, it will be in the boy's
best interests....
SISKO
I think we'll just have to see what
happens when Pa'Dar gets here. Sisko
out.
DEEP SPACE: "Cardassians" - REV. 08/17/93 - ACT THREE 33.
32 CONTINUED: (3)
The monitor goes blank.
BASHIR
It couldn't just be a coincidence.
Garak must have heard about Pa'Dar
before he woke me up. But what could
he be looking for on Bajor?
Sisko thinks a beat, turns to Bashir.
SISKO
I guess there's only one way to find
out.
33 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE & RUNABOUT (OPTICAL)
A runabout departs from the station and sails out into
space...
34 EXT. BAJORAN CITY - DAY (MATTE)
Establishing.
35 EXT. ORPHAN RESETTLEMENT CENTER - DAY
An out-of-the-way (more rural than urban) children's
clearinghouse, consisting of a drab courtyard and a
dilapidated single-office structure... a place run on a
threadbare budget (too little money, not enough hands)... a
testament to the post-occupation shortages Bajor still suffers
from...
The office has the feeling of being furnished through limited
scavenging... there's a faded registration counter, behind
which are a couple of secondhand Bajoran workstations... the
workstations have third-hand Bajoran computer terminals on
them... the terminals are dusty, looking little used (they're
not on)...
In the courtyard, a somewhat weary Bajoran woman (DEELA)
sits at a table with TWO BAJORAN CHILDREN, supervising a
quiet activity (with PADDS). The children are dressed in
clean, hand-me-down clothes.
DEEP SPACE: "Cardassians" - REV. 08/25/93 - ACT THREE 34.
35 CONTINUED:
Bashir and Garak ENTER the courtyard... the moment the
children see Garak, they run away... the woman looks curiously
at Garak but has no fear, only a controlled hostility...
BASHIR
Excuse me... is this the Tozhat
Resettlement Center...
DEELA
Yes...
BASHIR
I'm Doctor Bashir from the Federation
command at Deep Space Nine. I'm
trying to find some information about
a Cardassian war orphan who was
apparently placed for adoption here...
DEELA
(for Garak)
Yes, the Bajorans have opened their
hearts to many of the abandoned
children...
DEEP SPACE: "Cardassians" - REV. 08/17/93 - ACT THREE 35.
35 CONTINUED: (2)
BASHIR
The boy's name is Rugal. The Bajoran
who adopted him is named Proka Migdal.
DEELA
I don't recognize either name. What
are you trying to find out about
them?
Bashir has no answer for that, turns to Garak, with an edge --
BASHIR
Yes, exactly what are we trying to
find out about them?
GARAK
(most pleasant, vague)
The circumstances surrounding the
young man's adoption. It took place
about eight years ago.
DEELA
(reacts)
The Cardassians were still here.
You'll never find anything from back
then.
GARAK
The Cardassians are quite meticulous
about keeping records, Madame.
They've taught many worlds including
this one how to keep records. I
find it difficult to believe that
none exist from that time period.
Weren't computer entries made on a
regular basis?
DEELA
I can't tell you. I wasn't a
volunteer then. I was in the
Underground.
GARAK
Really. Perhaps we've met before.
Defusing the conflict --
BASHIR
Do you mind if we check your computer?
DEEP SPACE: "Cardassians" - REV. 08/25/93 - ACT THREE 36.
35 CONTINUED: (3)
DEELA
Our computers don't work. And I
can't get a technician to come out.
We're not exactly a top priority.
GARAK
Perhaps I can be of service.
BASHIR
(reacts)
You know how to fix computers?
GARAK
I dabble with isolinear data
subprocessors. It's... a hobby of
mine.
Off Bashir's reaction...
TIME CUT TO
36 COMPUTER SCREEN (VPB)
coming on, with an Okudagram display...
BASHIR (O.S.)
I continue to underestimate you,
Garak.
Moving to find Garak with his hands working in a complex
micro-computer console... he even has a simple, single
magnifying eyeglass, like a doctor's light, attached to his
forehead... a piece of spy gear he carries with him. Bashir
is sitting in front of the monitor.
GARAK
No more difficult than sewing on a
button, actually.
37 ANGLE - REAR ENTRANCE FROM COURTYARD
A fourteen-year-old Cardassian (ASHA) wearing clean but
distressed Bajoran clothes quietly ENTERS, staying along the
back wall. There's a cautious look in her eyes: wary but
wanting, hesitant but hopeful...
DEEP SPACE: "Cardassians" - REV. 08/17/93 - ACT THREE 37.
38 RESUME BASHIR AND GARAK
neither one noticing the Cardassian girl. Garak finishes
his reassembly work on the console, moves to the seat Bashir
is in...
GARAK
(to Bashir)
Excuse me.
Bashir gets up out of the way. Garak takes off the eyeglass
and hands it blindly to Bashir. Garak is rather driven in
all this. His hands fly across the keyboard... the monitor
revealing rows and pages of information...
BASHIR
(re: the eyeglass)
You carry this everywhere, do you?
GARAK
A simple tailoring tool. You'd be
surprised how often someone needs a
pair of pants let out... Damn. It's
not there.
BASHIR
What's not there?
GARAK
Rugal's name. The father's name.
None of it.
BASHIR
(reacts)
You were able to find eight-year-old
files that quickly...
GARAK
It's simply a matter of knowing what
you're looking for, Doctor...
DEEP SPACE: "Cardassians" - REV. 08/18/93 - ACT THREE 38.
39 REAR ENTRANCE
A twelve-year-old Cardassian boy ENTERS, followed by the two
Bajoran children we initially saw with Deela... all the
children are dressed similarly... they join Asha, watch Bashir
and Garak with a mixture of curiosity and cautiousness...
40 RESUME GARAK AND BASHIR
This time Bashir glances over, reacts curiously as he sees
the children... his attention is brought back to Garak by --
GARAK
It could be misfiled, or under the
wrong name... or this could even be
the wrong relocation center.
BASHIR
I'm not going to any other district
until I know...
GARAK
(interrupting)
That won't be necessary. We can
access the files of this entire
province from here and download them
onto a data clip.
He's already begun the process during the above speech.
BASHIR
That'll be thousands of files.
GARAK
Tens of thousands, actually.
He's finished... removes the clip and stands as does Bashir...
as he does he's immediately face to face with...
DEEP SPACE: "Cardassians" - 08/16/93 - ACT THREE 39.
41 EIGHT ORPHANS
six Bajorans and the two Cardassians, gathered together along
the back wall, all dressed like ragamuffins, all watching
Bashir and Garak with a fragile expectancy... Bashir,
especially, seems taken back by the sudden physical presence
of the unwanted. He keeps looking from child-to-child,
getting the same expression of need from each...
The Cardassian girl, Asha, and the Cardassian boy tentatively
step forward to Garak...
ASHA
Excuse me, sir... have you come to
take us back to Cardassia?
GARAK
I'm afraid not, child.
(moves for exit)
Come, Doctor...
(to Deela)
I believe you'll find your computer
system fully operational, Madame.
Garak continues past the children and EXITS. Bashir has
trouble making his feet move... all of the children are
staring at him... Asha and the Cardassian boy's hearts are
sinking... Bashir finally, reluctantly slips by them... HOLD
on the children watching after him, left behind once again...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT THREE
DEEP SPACE: "Cardassians" - REV. 08/25/93 - ACT FOUR 40.
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
42 EXT. SPACE - RUNABOUT (OPTICAL)
The runabout travels through space...
43 INT. RUNABOUT
Bashir flies the craft... Garak sits next to him, studying
the resettlement center's files on the computer, working
panels... Bashir is in a festering mood, unhappy with Garak,
unhappy with having been unable to help the orphans... Garak
doesn't notice...
GARAK
(enjoying his work
despite the fact:)
Computer, set up a data bank, cross-
referencing age groups, sex and year
of adopt...
BASHIR
(testily)
Computer, disregard that request.
And shut down all engines.
The runabout's impulse engine suddenly SHUTS DOWN...
GARAK
I'm sorry if you're upset about the
orphans. Children without parents
have no status in Cardassian society.
The situation is unfortunate, but...
I don't make the rules.
BASHIR
But you do play the game... don't
you. And there is a game going on,
right now, as we speak... isn't there.
DEEP SPACE: "Cardassians" - REV. 08/17/93 - ACT FOUR 41.
43 CONTINUED:
GARAK
There are always games, Doctor.
BASHIR
That's the trouble -- I don't have
the slightest clue what this game's
about. So you're going to tell me
what's going on inside that plain
and simple head of yours, my
Cardassian friend, or we're going to
sit here until we rot!
A long moment as the two look at each other. Garak's mind
reacts to Bashir's pinning him to the wall by silently
shifting, analyzing, sifting... this is not plain and simple
Garak anymore... this is now a coolly calculating, slightly
uncomfortable professional... a professional with a Byzantine
mind... a mind filled with numerous lights and shadows, with
rooms and closets and cubbyholes... a mind loathe to reveal
itself... though it must...
GARAK
Tell me, Doctor -- why do you think
the Cardassians left Bajor?
BASHIR
According to Dukat, the decision was
made by your civilian leaders...
GARAK
Isn't it interesting that one of
Cardassia's most notable civilian
leaders has recently entered this
scenario...
BASHIR
(reacts, thinks)
Rugal's father. You're saying Kotan
Pa'Dar was involved in the decision
to evacuate Bajor... ?
GARAK
Very good, Doctor. It appears all
of our little get-togethers haven't
been for nothing...
DEEP SPACE: "Cardassians" - REV. 08/17/93 - ACT FOUR 42.
43 CONTINUED: (2)
BASHIR
(mind working)
... Which makes him a political enemy
of Gul Dukat, who lost his job as
Prefect when they withdrew...
GARAK
Now, seemingly out of nowhere, Dukat
expresses an interest in this orphan
boy who has shown up on the station...
and very soon afterwards, with Gul
Dukat's assistance, we find out that
this orphan boy isn't really an orphan
boy at all, but is in reality Pa'Dar's
long lost son...
BASHIR
Another coincidence... ?
GARAK
I believe in coincidences.
Coincidences happen every day. But
I don't trust coincidences.
On Bashir's reaction...
44 INT. O'BRIEN'S QUARTERS - CLOSE ON THE DOOR
as it opens, REVEALING KOTAN PA'DAR, a middle-aged,
distinguished-looking Cardassian wearing a civilian outfit.
Pa'Dar is standing with an N.D. Federation escort who leaves
as he enters. He carries a small case.
PA'DAR
I am Kotan Pa'Dar.
45 REVERSE ANGLE - O'BRIEN
somewhat nervously greeting Pa'Dar.
O'BRIEN
Miles O'Brien. Come in...
Pa'Dar ENTERS. O'Brien's uncomfortable about having an adult
Cardassian there, uncomfortable with what they need to talk
about... Pa'Dar turns to him...
PA'DAR
Where is my son?
DEEP SPACE: "Cardassians" - 08/16/93 - ACT FOUR 43.
45 CONTINUED:
O'BRIEN
He's with my wife, Keiko. They'll
be here shortly. I thought it would
be a good idea if we talked first...
Pa'Dar eyes him curiously...
O'BRIEN
Your son... Rugal...
PA'DAR
... At least they didn't change his
name...
O'BRIEN
... When was the last time you saw
him?
PA'DAR
On Bajor... he'd just had his fourth
birthday...
(beat, deciding he
knows what O'Brien
is going to tell him)
He probably doesn't even remember
me, does he?
O'BRIEN
I think he's spent most of his life
trying to forget you.
PA'DAR
I'm not sure I understand.
O'BRIEN
The boy hates everything that he is.
Hates Cardassians. Hates being a
Cardassian.
PA'DAR
(underplaying)
Yes, I've heard those stories...
well, I suppose after growing up
among the Bajorans... but now that
I'm back in his life...
O'BRIEN
He may not want you back in his life.
DEEP SPACE: "Cardassians" - REV. 08/17/93 - ACT FOUR 44.
45 CONTINUED: (2)
PA'DAR
(low anger, hurt,
guilt)
I am his father.
Beat. Pa'Dar softens a little.
PA'DAR
(continuing)
I know very little about human
culture, Mr. O'Brien. I don't know
how you view The Family...
O'BRIEN
We'd do just about anything to protect
our families. I have a daughter
myself. Same age as your son was
when you lost him. Four.
PA'DAR
Then I expect you can imagine how I
feel right now.
A long beat. O'Brien does know how it would feel. Just
nods.
PA'DAR
On Cardassia, Family is everything.
We care for our parents and our
children with equal devotion. In
some households, four generations
eat at the same table. Family is...
everything.
(beat)
And I have failed in my
responsibilities to my family.
O'BRIEN
But you had no way of knowing he was
alive.
PA'DAR
(sharply)
I should have tried harder. I should
have looked everywhere.
(beat, almost a whisper)
To abandon my son. To allow him to
be raised a Bajoran. I have disgraced
everything a Cardassian believes in.
DEEP SPACE: "Cardassians" - REV. 08/17/93 - ACT FOUR 45.
45 CONTINUED: (3)
A long beat. Then the door opens and Keiko and Rugal
enter. O'Brien and Keiko move back to observe as the two
face one another...
PA'DAR
Hello, Rugal...
A beat as each one studies the other... Pa'Dar moves a little
closer to him... Rugal perceptibly moves away... Pa'Dar
stops...
PA'DAR
Do you remember my face even a little?
RUGAL
No.
Struggling, Pa'Dar anxiously reaches into his case and pulls
out a PADD.
PA'DAR
Would you like to see some pictures
of you when you were a child...
RUGAL
No.
Rugal moves far away, now turns his back to Pa'Dar who is
heartbroken...
PA'DAR
Rugal, you have to understand...
there was nothing left... of the
house... after the attack... your
mother was dead... you...
(beat)
I cried for you, Rugal. I missed
you so much. I could not even stay
on Bajor. It was too close to the
happy memories of you.
A beat as he waits to see what Rugal's reaction will be.
RUGAL
It was your own fault. You deserved
it. You are Cardassian. What the
Bajorans did, they had to do...
DEEP SPACE: "Cardassians" - REV. 08/17/93 - ACT FOUR 46.
45 CONTINUED: (4)
PA'DAR
I understand why you're saying that
but...
RUGAL
(rising fury)
You can't understand. You're a
Cardassian butcher! A butcher.
They killed your son for your
crimes.
PA'DAR
Rugal...
RUGAL
You are not my father! And I will
never go back to Cardassia. Never.
Rugal suddenly EXITS for the bedroom. O'Brien, Pa'Dar and
Keiko stand awkwardly in the vacuum of Rugal's absence...
46 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)
Re-establishing.
47 INT. COMMANDER'S OFFICE
Sisko, Proka and Pa'Dar are present.
PA'DAR
I have no intention of allowing a
Bajoran court to rule on the custody
of my son.
PROKA
You gave up custody when you abandoned
him here.
PA'DAR
He is my natural born child. As
Cardassian law clearly stipulates...
PROKA
... there is no more Cardassian law
on Bajor...
DEEP SPACE: "Cardassians" - REV. 08/17/93 - ACT FOUR 47.
47 CONTINUED:
SISKO
(beat, rises to stop
the exchange)
Gentlemen, I think you may need an
arbitrator to settle this.
PROKA
It would have to be someone who is
neither Bajoran nor Cardassian.
Sisko nods.
PROKA
(the obvious question)
What about you?
SISKO
(expected this, to
Pa'Dar)
I'd be willing but wouldn't you have
objections... because of the
Federation's relationship with
Bajor... ?
PA'DAR
No, Commander... I know you are a
father too. You would be acceptable
to me.
SISKO
Very well then... I'll schedule a...
ODO'S COM VOICE
Odo to Commander Sisko.
SISKO
Yes, Odo. What is it?
ODO'S COM VOICE
I thought you might be interested to
know... Gul Dukat has just arrived
on the station...
DEEP SPACE: "Cardassians" - 08/16/93 - ACT FOUR 48.
47 CONTINUED: (2)
It's Sisko's turn to register mild surprise... and more
than a little curiosity... HOLD on Sisko absorbing this
information, the others looking at him, all wondering what
Dukat's arrival means...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FOUR
DEEP SPACE: "Cardassians" - REV. 08/25/93 - ACT FIVE 49.
ACT FIVE
FADE IN:
48 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)
SISKO (V.O.)
Station log, Stardate 47177.2. The
arrival of Gul Dukat only powers my
suspicion that we are being
manipulated in some unseen manner.
But how. And for what purpose?
49 INT. SURGERY ROOM (VPB)
Garak and Bashir huddle over workstations, examining evidence
on computer screens.
SISKO (V.O.)
(continuing)
Doctor Bashir and Garak continue to
search for anything of relevance in
the adoption files. So far, they've
found nothing.
50 INT. SCHOOLROOM
The desks have been moved to the side or removed, replaced
by an informal semicircle of the 24th-century equivalent of
folding chairs. Sisko stands up front, asking questions.
Seated in the audience are O'Brien, Rugal, Pa'Dar, Proka,
Dukat. Everything is extremely informal here. (A director's
decision: but perhaps when someone "testifies," he stands to
speak to Sisko.)
SISKO (V.O.)
(continuing)
The decision on custody for Rugal
cannot wait much longer...
We move to find Dukat standing in front of Sisko:
DEEP SPACE: "Cardassians" - REV. 08/25/93 - ACT FIVE 50.
50 CONTINUED:
SISKO
You've come a long way just to view
a custody hearing.
GUL DUKAT
Pa'Dar is an eminent member of the
civilian assembly. This matter has
generated a great deal of interest
at the highest levels of our
government.
SISKO
So, you're here representing your
government?
GUL DUKAT
Not exactly.
(beat)
I'd like to think that I'm here
representing the children. All of
the children abandoned on Bajor. I
want to see Rugal reunited with his
father.
Sisko nods... turns to Pa'Dar... Dukat sits.
DEEP SPACE: "Cardassians" - REV. 08/18/93 - ACT FIVE 51.
50 CONTINUED: (2)
SISKO
I'm sure Pa'Dar is grateful for your
support.
Pa'Dar is as curious about Dukat's appearance here as
anyone... he nods uncertainly...
SISKO
Because I was under the impression
that you were political adversaries...
isn't that so, Pa'Dar... ?
PA'DAR
We have disagreed in the past, but
Commander, I don't see what you...
GUL DUKAT
And I must object as well, Commander.
What's past is past. It has no
relevance here. All that is relevant
is the children. What are we to do
about the children?
Sisko nods evenly... has nowhere to go with this, at least
for now... lets it go... changing subjects...
SISKO
(to Pa'Dar)
If you don't mind, I'd like you to
go over the events leading to the
disappearance of Rugal eight years
ago...
51 INT. SURGERY ROOM (VPB)
Bashir is still pounding the panels, looking at the monitor
readouts of the files... moving to find Garak, standing, his
mind working three steps ahead...
GARAK
How perfectly foolish of me.
DEEP SPACE: "Cardassians" - REV. 08/17/93 - ACT FIVE 52.
51 CONTINUED:
BASHIR
(continuing to work)
Don't tell me you've decided you're
wrong... not after scanning seven
thousand, four hundred and twenty
files for a misspelling...
GARAK
Dukat is smarter than that.
BASHIR
Than what?
GARAK
He would never leave a file to be
found.
BASHIR
You really think he purged the file
on Rugal?
GARAK
I would have.
Bashir takes a long beat... realizes...
BASHIR
There was something in that file he
didn't want anyone to see.
GARAK
Exactly.
Garak has moved to a console... hands flying across the panels
again...
GARAK
We have one last chance... if we can
find the person who wrote that file
in the first place...
BASHIR
How can you ever hope to find him?
Garak's hands have stopped.
GARAK
Her.
DEEP SPACE: "Cardassians" - REV. 08/18/93 - ACT FIVE 53.
51 CONTINUED: (2)
BASHIR
Her? How do you know?
GARAK
Because I've already found her name.
Jomat Luson.
BASHIR
But how...
GARAK
Really, Doctor. You're not paying
attention to detail. There's one
name we keep seeing... on all of the
files from the Tozhat Resettlement
Center during the time period Rugal
would have been there... a Bajoran
official named Jomat Luson. Now,
all we have to hope for is that she's
still alive...
Off Bashir's reaction...
52 INT. SCHOOLROOM
As before. Sisko talking with Rugal.
SISKO
(casual, warm)
Do you remember anything from back
then, Rugal?
RUGAL
No.
SISKO
Do you remember being adopted?
RUGAL
No.
SISKO
What's the first thing you do
remember?
Rugal looks to Proka...
RUGAL
My father... teaching me how to
swim.
Proka smiles at Rugal... on Pa'Dar's reaction...
DEEP SPACE: "Cardassians" - REV. 08/17/93 - ACT FIVE 54.
53 INT. SURGERY ROOM - ON MONITOR (OPTICAL)
Bashir sits in front of the terminal. Garak stands discreetly
to the side. A Bajoran woman bureaucrat, JOMAT LUSON is on
the monitor...
JOMAT
I know exactly the one you're talking
about.
BASHIR
You do?
JOMAT
He was the only Cardassian boy we
had at the time... we had several
girls...
BASHIR
You're sure his name was Rugal...
JOMAT
That's what we were told...
Garak immediately perks up and starts to speak but Bashir is
on the same track...
BASHIR
Somebody told you his name?
Garak nods his approval at Bashir's quickness...
JOMAT
Yes, that was the most unusual thing
about his arrival. Virtually all of
the other Cardassian children turned
in to us were found on the streets
by Bajorans... Rugal was brought in
by a Cardassian.
BASHIR
A Cardassian military officer, by
chance?
JOMAT
Yes, as a matter of fact, she was.
BASHIR
(disappointed)
A woman...
JOMAT
I don't remember her name... but she
was attached to the command post at
Terok Nor.
DEEP SPACE: "Cardassians" - REV. 08/25/93 - ACT FIVE 55.
And although Bashir doesn't get it yet, he glances up and
sees Garak with a Cheshire cat smile. After a beat...
JOMAT
Is there anything else, Doctor?
Garak just shakes his head, no. They have everything they
need.
54 INT. SCHOOLROOM
As Bashir and Garak ENTER.
O'BRIEN
The boy accused him of being a
butcher. He just hates Cardassians,
sir. Pa'Dar was heartbroken. I
could only imagine how I'd feel in
his shoes.
BASHIR
Commander, may I ask Chief O'Brien a
few questions?
The group turns over their shoulders to the voice... Dukat
makes first eye contact with Garak, who nods an
acknowledgement. Sisko sees that exchange, then turns to
Bashir and nods an affirmative. Bashir comes forward and
Sisko moves aside or sits.
BASHIR
Chief, didn't Pa'Dar tell you about
the humiliation he feels right now?
DEEP SPACE: "Cardassians" - REV. 08/25/93 - ACT FIVE 56.
54 CONTINUED:
O'BRIEN
He said he'd disgraced everything a
Cardassian believes in.
BASHIR
(to Padar)
Has the news of your son's discovery
become public knowledge on Cardassia?
PA'DAR
The government has not chosen to
reveal it to the people yet.
BASHIR
What happens when it is revealed?
PA'DAR
It will be the end of my political
career.
BASHIR
That's a shame. Especially
considering the timing.
PA'DAR
The timing?
BASHIR
Isn't there an inquiry about to begin
concerning the Cardassians who
supported the recent, attempted coup
on Bajor?
PA'DAR
Yes.
BASHIR
And isn't Gul Dukat a key witness in
that inquiry...
DEEP SPACE: "Cardassians" - REV. 08/18/93 - ACT FIVE 56A.
54 CONTINUED: (2)
GUL DUKAT
This is irrelevant and an insult.
You've lost control here, Commander.
DEEP SPACE: "Cardassians" - REV. 08/25/93 - ACT FIVE 57.
54 CONTINUED: (3)
SISKO
(you have my support,
Doctor)
Yes, it seems that I have. Again.
Dukat is enraged.
GUL DUKAT
I suggest we get back to the issue
of the children.
BASHIR
All right, let's talk about children.
Have you ever been to the Tozhat
Resettlement Center on Bajor where
Rugal was adopted?
GUL DUKAT
Never.
BASHIR
And of course Tozhat is the province
where Pa'Dar was stationed eight
years ago.
GUL DUKAT
I'm aware of that.
BASHIR
I've been trying to find the records
of Rugal's adoption but they're
missing from the files.
GUL DUKAT
How unfortunate.
BASHIR
But we have found someone who was
working at the center at the time
Rugal was brought in. Do you know
of a Bajoran social volunteer named
Jomat Luson?
DEEP SPACE: "Cardassians" - REV. 08/18/93 - ACT FIVE 58.
54 CONTINUED: (4)
GUL DUKAT
No.
BASHIR
Jomat Luson remembers Rugal being
brought in by a Cardassian military
officer. A woman who seemed familiar
with him... even knew his name.
He waits for a response.
GUL DUKAT
Is there a question?
BASHIR
The question is whether or not this
officer might have deliberately left
the son of Kotan Pa'Dar at the
relocation center... with full
knowledge that he was not an orphan.
Perhaps with the hopes of humiliating
Pa'Dar someday.
GUL DUKAT
I wouldn't know.
BASHIR
Would you happen to know of a base
known during the occupation as Terok
Nor?
GUL DUKAT
Terok Nor? It was here. This space
station.
BASHIR
Jomat Luson clearly recalls the
officer who brought in Rugal was
attached to Terok Nor.
With that, Dukat stands and moves to the exit, pausing a
beat to stare knives at Garak.
BASHIR
Gul Dukat, who was the commander of
Terok Nor eight years ago?
Dukat EXITS. Bashir turns to Sisko.
DEEP SPACE: "Cardassians" - REV. 08/18/93 - ACT FIVE 59.
54 CONTINUED: (5)
BASHIR
For the record, the commander of
Terok Nor eight years ago was Gul
Dukat.
On reactions...
55 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)
SISKO (V.O.)
Station log, Stardate 47178.3. After
long and difficult deliberations, I
have decided to allow Pa'Dar to take
his son back to Cardassia. Although
I am convinced his Bajoran foster
parents treated him with love, Rugal
has been the clear victim in this
conspiracy. I believe it's time for
his healing to begin.
56 INT. PROMENADE - NEAR AIRLOCK
Sisko and Kotan Pa'Dar wait by the airlock.
PA'DAR
Your doctor has given me the leverage
I need, Commander...
SISKO
Leverage?
PA'DAR
Dukat will never allow these events
to be made public now. And I
certainly won't choose to discuss
them.
SISKO
A stalemate.
PA'DAR
(nods)
A stalemate. You've helped me salvage
my political career. I won't forget
that.
SISKO
Perhaps you'll use your influence to
help the other Cardassian orphans on
Bajor.
DEEP SPACE: "Cardassians" - REV. 08/25/93 - ACT FIVE 60.
56 CONTINUED:
PA'DAR
(not interested)
Yes, well... we'll see.
Sisko eyes him, not liking it, but having to accept it...
Pa'Dar glances up to see --
57 ON O'BRIEN AND RUGAL
as they approach the airlock. Rugal seems uncomfortable and
wary, almost sullen, as if no decision would have been a
good one.
O'BRIEN
Remember what I said. If you ever
want to come back and visit them --
let me know, and I'll arrange it...
Rugal is morose and noncommunicative...
PA'DAR
(carefully)
Hello, Rugal -- are you ready to go?
Rugal looks at him -- no response, no affection here, just
one tough kid who's very closed off and is not going to open
up all that easily... Rugal simply turns and walks through
the airlock...
PA'DAR
(to Sisko and O'Brien)
I suppose it will take time...
Pa'Dar smiles sadly and follows his son, EXITING into the
airlock... Sisko and O'Brien watch after him... then turn to
look at each other...
58 INT. REPLIMAT
The same setting as we opened with. Garak has his Rokassa
juice. Bashir has his Tarkalean tea.
BASHIR
But there's still one more question
I haven't been able to figure out,
Garak... Why did you want to expose
Dukat? What's the truth about you
and him?
DEEP SPACE: "Cardassians" - REV. 08/25/93 - ACT FIVE 61.
58 CONTINUED:
GARAK
Truth is in the eye of the beholder,
Doctor. I never tell the truth
because I don't believe there is
such a thing. That is why I prefer
the simple straight line simplicity
of cutting cloth.
Garak rises...
BASHIR
You're not going to tell me.
GARAK
But you don't need me to tell you,
Doctor... if you'll just notice the
details. They're scattered like
crumbs all over the table we regularly
share.
(beat)
Until next time.
As he goes... off Bashir's reaction...
59 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FIVE
THE END
STXT