STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
"Rivals"
#40512-431
Story by
Jim Trombetta
and
Michael Piller
Teleplay by
Joe Menosky
Directed by
David Livingston
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 This script is not for publication or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
October 18, 1993
STAR TREK: DS9 - "Rivals" - 10/18/93 - CAST
STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
"Rivals"
CAST
SISKO ALSIA
KIRA MARTUS
ODO COS
QUARK ROANA
BASHIR COM VOICE
DAX
O'BRIEN
KEIKO
ROM
Non-Speaking Non-Speaking
MORN BAJORAN MONKS
N.D SUPERNUMERARIES
STAR TREK: DS9 - "Rivals" - 10/18/93 - SETS
STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
"Rivals"
SETS
INTERIORS EXTERIORS
DEEP SPACE NINE DEEP SPACE NINE
CORRIDOR
HOLDING CELL
O'BRIEN'S QUARTERS
OPS
PROMENADE
QUARK'S
REPLIMAT
SECURITY OFFICE
RACQUETBALL COURT
CLUB MARTUS
STAR TREK: DS9 - "Rivals" - 10/19/93 - PRONUNCIATION
STAR TREK: QEEP SPACE NINE
"Rivals"
PRONUNCIATION GUIDE
BAJORAN bah-JOR-an
CARDASSIAN car-DASS-ee-en
ALSIA AL-see-ya
BRISCOLA BRISS-koe-lah
EL-AURIAN EL OAR-ee-uhn
GAMZIAN GAN-zee-uhn
MARTUS MAZUR MAR-tus may-ZUR
PLYGORIAN PLY-gor-EE-uhn
PROSECCO pro-SEK-o
PYTHRO PIE-throw
PYTHRON PIE-thron
VLUGTA VLUG-tuh
VLUGTAN VLUG-tan
ISIK ISS-ick
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - REV. 10/18/93 - TEASER 1.
STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
"Rivals"
TEASER
FADE IN:
1 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)
Establishing.
2 INT. QUARK'S - SECOND LEVEL
A table somewhat away from the main action. A tall, elegantly
dressed and mannered man in his forties, MARTUS, is bending
a sympathetic ear toward his companion, an alien matron,
ALSIA, who appears to be a couple of decades his senior.
ALSIA
When my husband was alive we ran the
business together. And I managed to
put away a bit of latinum every year,
just for myself. Now that he's
gone... Well, I've got quite a little
sum...
Martus nods, his voice the very essence of sympathy -- when
Martus talks, it's as if he absolutely, unquestionably, no-
two-ways-about-it is on your side.
MARTUS
That's important...
She nods, smiling. Then the smile slowly fades...
ALSIA
To be honest... It's not really
enough. Not for the future. Not
for the way I want to live out my
retirement...
(beat)
So I've decided to invest it all --
She catches herself. Then shakes her head, as if amazed.
ALSIA
(continuing)
I can't believe I'm telling you
this... We just met.
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - REV. 10/20/93 - TEASER 2.
2 CONTINUED:
ALSIA (Cont'd)
But I think I can really trust you.
I feel like we've known each other
forever.
MARTUS
(shrugs)
When hearts are in sympathy... time
collapses...
He puts a sympathetic hand on hers... she smiles in response.
3 ON ODO
ENTERING Quark's from across the room. He's scanning the
place with intent -- a man on a mission.
4 RESUME SCENE
The matron puts her free hand on top of Martus's.
ALSIA
I'm taking everything I've saved,
and I'm purchasing the mining
concession for the entire Vlugta
asteroid belt.
MARTUS
Asteroid mining? How adventurous.
(concerned)
But are you sure that's wise?
Prospecting can be risky.
She leans toward him across the table.
ALSIA
Not this time.
(confidentially)
My father was a stellar cartographer.
Thirty years ago, he conducted a
full spectrum mineralogical analysis
of those asteroids. But he never
had the means to follow up on what
he found.
MARTUS
(with admiration)
And now you plan to carry out your
father's dream.
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - REV. 10/18/93 - TEASER 2A.
4 CONTINUED:
ALSIA
(nods)
When his survey results become public,
I'll get seven times my investment
back... overnight.
(laughs)
I still can't believe I'm telling
you all this. My "secret plan."
I've been thinking about it for years.
I never even told my husband... it
must be all this Gamzian wine.
MARTUS
How brave of you... handling
everything on your own...
ALSIA
(flattered)
It hasn't been easy. There's so
much to keep track of... so much to
do.
MARTUS
(light bulb)
Maybe I can help.
(a beat)
Would you consider... Some kind
of... partnership?
Alsia smiles. She's vulnerable, lonely, in a little over
her head. Martus is just what she needs... Until...
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - REV. 10/18/93 - TEASER 3.
5 INCLUDE ODO'S HAND
as it's planted firmly on Martus's shoulder. Martus cringes
under the grip, glancing up.
6 THE SCENE
Odo is standing next to Martus, hand in place. Alsia looks
concerned.
ODO
Let's go.
Martus glances at the hand on his shoulder -- but Odo doesn't
budge.
MARTUS
Exactly where are we going?
ODO
To Security.
The woman reacts. Martus keeps his sophisticated cool.
MARTUS
But I've done nothing wrong.
His companion nods vigorously.
ALSIA
It's true. We were just talking.
ODO
You were talking, Madam. He was
listening.
Martus scowls. OFF the woman's puzzled look.
7 INT. PROMENADE - SECOND LEVEL
Odo escorts Martus.
MARTUS
Security Chief Odo, isn't it?
ODO
I've been watching you since you
arrived.
MARTUS
Should I be flattered?
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - REV. 10/19/93 - TEASER 4.
7 CONTINUED:
ODO
Martus Mazur... A refuge from the
El-Aurian system...
MARTUS
Everyone has to be from somewhere.
(a beat)
Where are you from, Odo?
Odo looks up at Martus. The con man's face is open,
sympathetic.
ODO
(harsh)
Don't try to pull that routine on
me.
MARTUS
(innocently)
What routine?
ODO
I know all about you El-Aurians.
You're "listeners." People like to
talk to you.
Martus shrugs.
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - REV. 10/20/93 - TEASER 5.
7 CONTINUED: (2)
MARTUS
Everyone needs someone to confide
in... Someone to hear their stories...
I offer a sympathetic ear. And if
they request my help -- I give it to
them.
ODO
That couple from Pythro Five told me
you asked for their financial access
codes.
MARTUS
Some might call helping an elderly
couple invest their savings a
compassionate act.
ODO
Not when you invest it in your own
business. A business that promptly
folds.
MARTUS
I had a run of bad luck. No one
regrets it more than I do.
ODO
You're a con man. And they've signed
a complaint.
Martus's confidence seems to break for a moment at this news.
7AA OMITTED
7A INT. HOLDING AREA (OPTICAL)
Odo pushes Martus backward into the open security cell.
Martus looks around the cell, noting his cellmate, an ancient,
diseased-looking alien (COS), then turns back to Odo. His
voice is thoughtful, sympathetic.
MARTUS
(re: cell)
This isn't necessary. I'm not going
anywhere. Let's have a drink. Talk
a bit...
Odo harumphs and activates the cell field barrier. He turns
and heads away. OFF Martus's scowl...
FADE OUT.
END OF TEASER
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - REV. 10/20/93 - ACT ONE 6.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
8 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)
Establishing.
9 INT. CORRIDOR
O'BRIEN is walking jauntily along, carrying an athletic bag
and dressed in very casual workout clothes -- the DS9
equivalent of cut-off sweats, old t-shirt and tennis shoes.
He's practice-swinging with anticipation a racquetball-type
racquet -- as if really looking forward to working out.
O'Brien comes to a door and goes inside.
10 INT. RACQUETBALL COURT - CONTINUOUS
O'Brien ENTERS and is surprised to find BASHIR inside. And
also geared up for play -- only Bashir is dressed in the
latest professional-style fashion. O'Brien looks like a
pickup player by comparison.
The doctor is warming up, stretching his muscles with a set
of highly stylized stretches that also tell of serious formal
training in the sport.
BASHIR
(in greeting)
Chief.
O'Brien tries not very successfully to cover his
disappointment at finding someone else in his court.
O'BRIEN
Oh. Hello, Doctor...
BASHIR
(re: court)
Great job. You built it yourself,
didn't you?
Bashir doesn't mean it in a patronizing way, but somehow the
question rubs O'Brien the wrong way.
O'BRIEN
Yeah. Just finished. I missed
playing. And I figured there'd be
at least a couple of players on board.
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - REV. 10/18/93 - ACT ONE 7.
10 CONTINUED:
O'Brien sets down his racquet and athletic bag and also
starts to stretch -- his exercises, like his gear, suggest a
non-organized approach to the game.
O'BRIEN
(continuing)
I didn't think you'd be one of them.
BASHIR
Captain of the team at Starfleet
Medical School. We took the sector
championship my last year.
O'Brien reacts.
O'BRIEN
Against other medical students.
Bashir laughs.
BASHIR
Against everybody.
(remembers)
I played a Vulcan in the finals.
Talk about stamina -- I don't think
he ever actually broke a sweat.
O'Brien looks at him.
O'BRIEN
(surprised)
And you won?
BASHIR
(of course)
Took him on a back wall riser shot.
O'Brien considers this as Bashir goes into a slightly bizarre
exercise -- opening his arms wide and thrusting elbows back
in a cross between Tai Chi and a flapping chicken.
O'BRIEN
Well, I can't say I've had much in
the way of...
(a look at the weird
exercise)
... formal training.
O'Brien picks up his racquet and takes a ball out of his
athletic bag.
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - REV. 10/20/93 - ACT ONE 8.
10 CONTINUED: (2)
O'BRIEN
(continuing)
But it's been a serious pastime for
a lot of years.
BASHIR
(over-helpful)
Some of the toughest players I've
run into didn't know what they were
doing --
Whoops.
BASHIR
(continuing)
-- formally I mean. Hey, whatever
works, works.
(quickly)
This exercise for example. I picked
it up at a tournament from a top
player. It's a four thousand year
old battle warmup. According to
legend, it "makes the heart a friend
to the hand."
He pauses.
BASHIR
(continuing)
Medically, I don't know what that
means. All I know is it gives me
more energy.
Bashir picks up his own racquet.
BASHIR
Feel like playing?
O'Brien tosses the ball to Bashir.
O'BRIEN
Serve.
Bashir bounces the ball a couple of times in warmup.
BASHIR
(re: floor lines)
I'd guess from the lines you prefer
Old Style rules.
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - REV. 10/18/93 - ACT ONE 9.
10 CONTINUED: (3)
O'Brien bristles slightly at the insinuation -- even if
Bashir didn't intend anything by it.
O'BRIEN
I can play any style you want.
BASHIR
(shrugs)
Traditional it is. Always been my
personal favorite anyway --
O'BRIEN
(with edge)
-- Serve.
Bashir SMASHES one against the wall. The velocity catches
O'Brien off-guard and he doesn't return.
BASHIR
(almost apologetic)
One...
OFF O'Brien as he girds for the battle.
11 INT. HOLDING CELL
Martus looks in disbelief at...
12 HIS CELLMATE
an old, misshapen alien lying asleep on the other bunk --
the Cos. His wheeze sounds like a death rattle. Martus
cringes in disgust.
MARTUS
Pardon me, Friend.
No response.
MARTUS
(louder)
Pardon me.
The noise continues unabated. Martus gets up, steps over.
The view from up close isn't pretty -- the alien looks as
bad as he sounds.
MARTUS
(continuing)
Ugh...
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - REV. 10/18/93 - ACT ONE 10.
12 CONTINUED:
Martus carefully reaches down without touching him, and
shakes the cot. The snoring stops. In fact, there's a long
beat where it doesn't seem like he's breathing at all.
Martus's eyes go wide.
MARTUS
(continuing)
Friend? Are you all right... ?
Martus leans hesitantly forward -- as if to place his ear
close to the alien's chest and listen for a heartbeat. A
SUDDEN CHOKING BREATH almost makes Martus jump out of his
shoes. The alien cellmate coughs and sits up.
MARTUS
(continuing)
I thought you had died.
COS
If only...
Martus steps back as the alien hacks a couple of more times,
then seems to recover.
COS
(continuing)
If only I could be so fortunate.
MARTUS
You were snoring.
Martus goes back to his cot. The alien smiles sadly.
COS
Forgive me. But as you can see, my
health is not good.
MARTUS
Yes. Well, sorry I had to wake you.
Martus turns away, hoping the conversation will end.
COS
I wasn't always like this.
MARTUS
(dismissive)
Of course not.
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - REV. 10/18/93 - ACT ONE 11.
12 CONTINUED: (2)
COS
(not getting the hint)
I had youth. Vigor. Fame. Wealth
beyond measure. All gone...
Martus just doesn't want to hear this.
MARTUS
I'm not listening...
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - REV. 10/18/93 - ACT ONE 12.
12 CONTINUED: (3)
COS
All because of this.
Cos pulls out a small, spherical, softball-sized, handheld
GAMBLING DEVICE. It has a strange design, covered by curious
angles and curves, as if fashioned from exotic seashells.
Martus stares as Cos thumbs a button on the device. It chirps
and whistles strangely.
MARTUS
A gambling device.
The sound suddenly stops. The device is quiet as before.
MARTUS
(continuing)
Did you win?
COS
(weary smile)
Of course not.
Martus doesn't understand the response, but he's still
intrigued.
MARTUS
You gambled away everything you had?
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - REV. 10/19/93 - ACT ONE 13.
12 CONTINUED: (4)
COS
In a manner of speaking.
(beat)
Every trade deal I struck was a
disaster. Every alliance I formed
fell apart. Every endeavor backed --
a failure.
Martus scowls. This guy's not making much sense. He lies
back down.
MARTUS
What does that have to do with a
toy? Sounds like you just had a lot
of rotten luck.
COS
Yes. "Rotten luck." In the end...
(he looks at the device)
It all comes down to luck.
Cos works the device again. The sounds begin again. Only
this time, when they stop, the entire device HUMS and GLOWS
brightly for a beat, then fades.
COS
(in awe)
I... won...
13 MARTUS
isn't really paying attention.
MARTUS
That's nice...
(beat)
What did you win... ?
14 THE COS'S HANDS
go limp, dropping the ball onto the floor.
15 FOLLOW THE DEVICE
as it rolls across the room, banging up against Martus's cot.
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - REV. 10/19/93 - ACT ONE 14.
16 INCLUDE MARTUS
as he reaches over and picks up the device.
MARTUS
You dropped it...
No response. Martus glances over --
17 INCLUDE THE COS
who is sitting still on his cot, head down on his chest,
eyes open and blank -- peaceful smile on his face...
Martus whips around.
MARTUS
Officer! You've got a dead prisoner
in here!
(no response)
Officer...
Hold on the device in Martus's hand for a beat, then...
18 OMITTED
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - REV. 10/19/93 - ACT TWO 15.
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
19 INT. O'BRIEN'S QUARTERS
KEIKO is working at a small computer. The door opens and
O'Brien ENTERS.
KEIKO
(not looking up)
How'd it go?
O'Brien's sweatclothes are drenched in perspiration, his
face is red with exhaustion and anger. He throws the racquet
across the room. Keiko glances up at the noise, sees his
condition.
KEIKO
(continuing; cautious)
Good workout?
O'BRIEN
Medical school. Captain of the team --
at Medical school.
KEIKO
Who are you talking about?
O'BRIEN
Bashir.
O'Brien begins undressing.
KEIKO
You had a game?
O'BRIEN
No. He had a game. I just kind of
stumbled around the court for ninety
minutes and made a complete ass of
myself.
KEIKO
I'm sure he didn't see it that
way.
O'BRIEN
The hell he didn't. That smug look
on his face. "I guess you prefer
Old Style rules." Like I'm some
kind of a fossil. In my day, I
would've wiped the court with him.
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - REV. 10/19/93 - ACT TWO 16.
19 CONTINUED:
KEIKO
That's the point. You're not a kid
anymore. It's nothing to be ashamed
of. People just naturally... slow
down.
O'Brien shoots her a look.
O'BRIEN
Like molasses in winter. Thanks.
KEIKO
Miles... You're taking this way too
seriously.
O'BRIEN
(ignoring her)
I'm out of shape, that's all. I
need to get my wind back. "Sector
Champion" my eye. He's vulnerable
to every one of my best shots.
(beat)
I just couldn't get them there.
He heads for the shower.
O'BRIEN
(continuing; with
intent)
This time...
As O'Brien disappears offscreen...
20 INT. REPLIMAT
Bashir and DAX are stepping away from the Replimat with a
couple of snacks. In contrast to O'Brien, the doctor looks
fresh as a daisy. But also very concerned.
BASHIR
I thought he was going to have a
heart attack.
DAX
Come on, Julian. It couldn't have
been that bad.
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - REV. 10/19/93 - ACT TWO 17.
20 CONTINUED:
BASHIR
No, really. His face was flushed.
I could've taken his pulse just by
watching the side of his neck.
DAX
Then why didn't you stop?
BASHIR
Don't think I didn't try. After the
first game, I said I had an
appointment. He ignored me. Then
after the second, I said I was getting
tired. He didn't believe me.
They sit down.
BASHIR
(continuing)
Then he broke his racquet and I
figured finally. But no. He made
me stay there while he went and
replicated another one.
DAX
So what finally happened?
BASHIR
While he was gone, I called my
assistant. Told her to call me back
after five minutes and say there was
an emergency in the Infirmary.
Dax can't help but smile.
DAX
That's terrible.
BASHIR
I had no other way out! Otherwise
there would have been an emergency --
Chief O'Brien's coronary!
DAX
At least it's all over.
BASHIR
That's just it. This is only the
beginning.
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - REV. 10/19/93 - ACT TWO 18.
20 CONTINUED: (2)
BASHIR
The Chief wants a rematch. I'm
telling you... it's going to kill
him.
Dax takes a sip of her drink, sets it down.
DAX
Honestly, Julian. You're
exaggerating. O'Brien's not a day
over thirty-eight...
BASHIR
Too young to die...
Bashir shakes his head.
BASHIR
(continuing)
I guess I am overstating the health
risk. But that's not the point.
The Chief has a lot of pride. And
for good reason. I really respect
him -- the things he's done, the
kind of man he is.
A long beat.
BASHIR
(continuing)
I don't want to humiliate him...
OFF Bashir's genuine concern.
21 INT. HOLDING CELL
Martus is sitting on his bunk... the alien cellmate has been
removed. Martus is idly playing with the gambling device
left behind. He wins and the entire device GLOWS.
MARTUS
(bored)
Another winner. What luck...
22 INCLUDE ODO (OPTICAL)
as he arrives and opens the security field.
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - REV. 10/19/93 - ACT TWO 19-19A.
22 CONTINUED:
ODO
The Pythron couple has refused to
press charges.
Martus is surprised. Then recovers his cool.
MARTUS
Of course. Didn't I tell you?
They're my friends.
ODO
You can go.
Martus is out the door. OFF Odo's face.
23 INT. QUARK'S
QUARK and ROM are at the bar with MORN. They are playing a
penny ante game for the price of Morn's drink.
QUARK
All right. Double or nothing.
ROM
House always takes blue.
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - REV. 10/19/93 - ACT TWO 20.
23 CONTINUED:
Morn tips over a small "basket" and out spills a triangular
"coin," exotically designed, one side blue, the other white.
It comes up blue. Quark grins.
QUARK
Sorry. The drink's on you.
Morn pays.
23A OMITTED
24 INCLUDE MARTUS
Walking up to the bar.
MARTUS
Prosecco.
Quark doesn't budge. The Ferengi's attitude is unbroken
confidence.
QUARK
And how do you plan on paying for
that?
(an edge)
With "charm?" perhaps?
A beat. Martus picks up the triangular coin, places it in
the basket.
MARTUS
Double or nothing?
QUARK
(no way)
Double nothing is still nothing.
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - REV. 10/18/93 - ACT TWO 20A.
24 CONTINUED:
Martus shows him the game.
MARTUS
If I lose, I'll give you this.
Quark's not sure what the alien game is, but...
QUARK
(why not?)
House always takes blue.
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - REV. 10/19/93 - ACT TWO 21.
24 CONTINUED: (2)
Martus turns the basket, the coin spill out and comes up
white.
QUARK
(begrudgingly)
Lucky.
Martus tries not to react to Quark's comment.
MARTUS
My luck's running good today.
QUARK
So I heard.
(off Martus's look)
Decided not to testify, did they?
Quark serves a drink in a very thin, flute-like glass. Martus
downs it.
MARTUS
(innocent)
I don't know what you mean.
QUARK
No?
Quark indicates Martus's elegant clothes.
QUARK
(continuing)
The forty-seventh Rule of Acquisition
says "Don't trust a man wearing a
better suit than your own." Either
you're a con artist or you're covering
up an empty coin purse.
(toothy grin)
I happen to know it's both.
If this rattles Martus he doesn't let it show. In fact, he
glances around and smiles with admiration, thumbing the game
absentmindedly and winning.
MARTUS
I suppose we can't all be as
successful as you.
Quark finds himself glancing around with Martus, nodding.
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - REV. 10/19/93 - ACT TWO 22.
24 CONTINUED: (3)
QUARK
Too true.
Quark notices Martus play the game (and win) again.
QUARK
(continuing, curious)
Some kind of game?
(Martus nods)
I've never seen that one before.
How do you play?
Martus hands the device to Quark. It looks captivating in
the light.
MARTUS
Just push that key.
Quark follows Martus's directions. The game chirps and
whistles, then goes dead. No winner.
MARTUS
(continuing)
Too bad.
Martus takes it, tries it himself. The device chirps and
whistles, then HUMS and GLOWS, beautifully.
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - REV. 10/18/93 - ACT TWO 23.
24 CONTINUED: (4)
MARTUS
(continuing; shrugs)
As I said. My luck's running good
today.
He sets the device on the bar between them. Quark is
interested, but covers the sentiment with a dismissive
gesture.
QUARK
Am I supposed to be impressed?
MARTUS
A little tinkering, some replication
and expansion. It might make a nice
addition to your casino.
Quark glances at it, seems to barely keep from yawning.
QUARK
Who would play this? It's a child's
toy.
(as if getting an
idea)
My nephew. It might keep him out of
my ears for a couple of days.
Quark reaches down and pulls out a few latinum pieces,
casually dropping them on the table.
QUARK
(continuing)
I'll take it.
Martus glances down at the coins. He considers Quark's offer.
MARTUS
(tempted)
That's a tidy sum.
QUARK
I'm feeling benevolent today.
(a beat)
Have another.
Quark casually sets another of the same drink in front of
him. Suddenly Martus smiles.
MARTUS
I might have accepted. But the offer
of the drink... That tells me you're
very interested.
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - REV. 10/19/93 - ACT TWO 23A.
24 CONTINUED: (5)
Martus has scored a point, but Quark instantly recovers.
QUARK
Nonsense. You read too much into
nothing. My benevolence is known
far and wide.
Martus stacks the coins.
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - REV. 10/18/93 - ACT TWO 24.
24 CONTINUED: (4)
MARTUS
Oh, it's legendary, I'm sure.
(beat)
I'll take one hundred times what
you've got here.
QUARK
Not in this space-time continuum you
won't.
(re: device)
Go try to peddle this little
triviality down on Bajor. You might
be able to trade it for a meal. But
it won't be a hot one.
MARTUS
You'd be in profit by the end of the
week.
Quark offhandedly doubles the amount of coins on the bar.
QUARK
Final offer. Take it before my
magnanimity fades.
Martus is desperate for cash, and again, is sorely tempted.
He again plays the game -- again it wins, glowing in response.
Quark can't keep the desire out of his eyes. Martus smiles.
MARTUS
Perhaps I'll hang onto it a bit
longer...
Martus downs the glass. Quark shrugs.
QUARK
Suit yourself. But be under no
illusions. If I had been serious
about acquiring this -- it would be
mine. And for substantially less
than what you'd hoped for.
MARTUS
It seems overconfidence comes in
small packages around here.
QUARK
My track record speaks for itself.
(beat)
Just like your security file.
A beat as they stare each other down.
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - REV. 10/18/93 - ACT TWO 25.
24 CONTINUED: (7)
MARTUS
Thanks for the drink.
Martus heads out the door with the device. OFF Quark's face
as he shrugs it off and goes back to his business.
25 INT. PROMENADE - CONTINUOUS
Martus has left Quark's and is wandering along the Promenade.
O'Brien is jogging toward him -- weighted down with ankle
and wrist weights. He passes in a huff.
Martus continues, eyeing a mature Bajoran widow, ROANA, who
is supervising the closing of her shop. The shelves are
empty and two Bajoran workers are moving out the last of the
merchandise. Martus approaches her.
MARTUS
(probing)
Times are difficult...
She shrugs.
ROANA
Oh, it's not that. Business is
good...
MARTUS
Then why are you shutting down?
ROANA
My husband and I ran this place for
nine years. Before that we had a
shop on Bajor for seventeen. But he
passed away a few months ago. And
my heart just isn't in it anymore.
MARTUS
Not the same, is it? Working by
yourself...
ROANA
(perks up)
No. It's so much nicer to work next
to someone else.
(smiles)
You understand.
Martus smiles and gives a little nod -- yes, he always
understands...
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - REV. 10/19/93 - ACT TWO 26.
26 INT. RACQUETBALL COURT
Mid-game. O'Brien smacks the ball -- Bashir tries to return,
misses. Even though it didn't look that tough.
BASHIR
Nice shot!
O'Brien looks like he can barely contain his anger. He takes
the ball, serves. Again, Bashir misses.
BASHIR
(continuing)
Damn.
The ball bounces around for a bit. O'Brien doesn't touch it --
he's too ticked off. Bashir picks it up, tosses it to O'Brien
who smacks it out the way with his open hand, sending it
flying across the court.
O'BRIEN
You think I'm stupid, too?
BASHIR
What are you talking about?
O'Brien points a finger in his face.
O'BRIEN
I don't need your charity. Next
time, you play your best game or you
don't play.
O'Brien whips around and is out the door. OFF Bashir's face
as he lets out a frustrated breath.
27 INT. PROMENADE
Quark and Odo ENTER frame.
QUARK
He can't do this! I have an exclusive
contract! I want him arrested!
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - REV. 10/19/93 - ACT TWO 27.
27 CONTINUED:
ODO
Who are you talking about?
QUARK
Martus! That...
(spitting the word)
listener.
Odo follows Quark.
ODO
What's he done?
QUARK
Just look.
Quark and Odo arrive in front of the widow's old shop and
see --
28 OMITTED
29 MARTUS
Wearing a new jacket, looking pleased and prosperous, ushers
customers into his new establishment (Roana's old shop).
MARTUS
Welcome my friends. Welcome... to
Club Martus.
Martus glances over, shoots Quark a smile...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT TWO
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - REV. 10/19/93 - ACT THREE 28.
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
30 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)
Establishing.
31 INT. PROMENADE - SECOND LEVEL
SISKO is walking with Quark, who is hurrying the pace.
QUARK
I have a contract! For which I paid
considerably. All gambling on DS
Nine happens at Quark's -- or it
doesn't happen.
SISKO
A few bribes to the Cardassians when
they ran this place doesn't constitute
a contract. Not in the eyes of the
Federation.
They enter a turbolift.
QUARK
He's a con-artist! A crook!
Sisko cocks an eyebrow at the description.
SISKO
One more won't make much difference.
The turbolift doors close.
PAN DOWN TO:
31A INT. PROMENADE - MAIN LEVEL
After a beat, Sisko and Quark emerge from the turbolift.
QUARK
You owe me. You begged me to stay
here when you came on board and I
did -- against my better judgement.
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - REV. 10/19/93 - ACT THREE 28A.
31A CONTINUED:
SISKO
I didn't beg. I blackmailed you.
(a beat)
And don't pretend it hasn't paid off
for you.
They round a corner -- Martus's place is now visible: a healthy
stream of patrons going in the entrance.
QUARK
It's paid off fine until now! Martus
is cutting into my profits. I want
him stopped before it gets any worse.
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - REV. 10/18/93 - ACT THREE 29.
31A CONTINUED: (2)
ROM (O.S.)
Too late for that, my Brother.
32 INCLUDE ROM AND MARTUS
having just come from Quark's, heading toward Martus's.
Quark's brother and competitor look to be on chummy terms.
QUARK
What is the meaning of this?
MARTUS
I've promised your underpaid sibling
a quarter partnership in my
establishment.
Both Quark and Sisko react.
ROM
(to Quark)
Make me a better offer.
QUARK
A bidding war? Over you? Don't
make me laugh.
Rom looks hurt, but Martus smiles, victorious, as he and Rom
continue toward the new club.
QUARK
(to Martus, re: Rom)
Careful, Martus. He shaves the
latinum!
ROM
(as he goes)
I do not.
(beat)
Not much...
Quark turns to Sisko with an "I told you so" look...
33 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)
Establish time cut.
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - REV. 10/19/93 - ACT THREE 30.
34 INT. CLUB MARTUS
Martus ENTERS and surveys his club. It's packed. A beautiful
dabo girl is serving canapes from a tray and two handsome
Bajoran dealers are presiding over a central table.
Martus works his way through the room and runs into Alsia,
the alien matron from the teaser. She looks worried.
ALSIA
Martus, I just got word that the
Vlugta government accepted my bid.
Martus smiles winningly at her... never one to give up on a
mark.
MARTUS
That's wonderful.
(picks up on her mood)
What's wrong?
ALSIA
(not happy)
They won't finalize the transaction
unless I commission a study on the
effects the asteroid mining will
have on intersystem navigation.
(desperate)
All my money is committed to the
bid. I can't afford the study. And
I only have a week to get it done.
MARTUS
How much do you need?
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - REV. 10/19/93 - ACT THREE 31.
36 CONTINUED:
ALSIA
Ten thousand Vlugtan Isiks.
MARTUS
Ten thousand Isiks... It won't be
easy to raise that kind of money.
ALSIA
I know. I hope I can find an investor
in time.
Which is exactly what Martus wanted. It's his lucky day.
MARTUS
I might know someone. But what kind
of return could they expect on their
investment?
ALSIA
Once I begin mining, I'll pay them
ten times ten thousand.
MARTUS
(smiles)
Don't worry, Alsia. I'll do
everything in my power to keep your
dream alive.
ALSIA
Martus, I don't know how to thank
you.
Alsia kisses him on the cheek and EXITS the Club.
35
thru OMITTED
36
37 NEW ANGLE
Martus notices Rom, who is running a tricorder over a second
plate of canapes.
MARTUS
Is there a problem, Rom?
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - REV. 10/19/93 - ACT THREE 31A.
37 CONTINUED:
ROM
Not with this batch... but with my
brother around... you can never be
too careful.
Rom signals to the dabo girl, whose tray is now empty. She
comes to take the new tray.
MARTUS
You mean to say he would poison the
canapes?
ROM
Maybe not poison. But a small
intestinal bug... I wouldn't put it
past him.
The dabo girl picks up the tray and Martus nuzzles his face
along her neck.
MARTUS
(continuing)
Don't worry about Quark. I've been
having the most astonishing run of
luck lately.
(nuzzles closer)
I'm beginning to think I can do no
wrong...
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - REV. 10/18/93 - ACT THREE 32.
Martus's financial backer, Roana, the Bajoran widow, steps
into the club. Martus spots her a split second before she
sees him -- and instantly turns the nuzzle into a paternal
scolding of the dabo girl's uniform.
MARTUS
(continuing)
Neatness counts. Never think it
doesn't...
Then he pretends to have spotted Roana for the first time.
He grabs two glasses off the tray, sending the girl on her
way -- Rom follows with the tricorder.
MARTUS
(re: Roana)
A toast! To the Queen of the
Promenade!
Everyone smiles good-naturedly, as Roana comes over, flattered
by his attention. He hands her one of the glasses.
MARTUS
(continuing)
A woman whose business acumen is
matched only by her beauty and charm.
(as if thinking)
Have I left anything out?
She smiles, and Martus returns the loving look.
MARTUS
(continuing)
To you, My Treasure...
They clink their glasses and take a drink as everyone else
in the room toasts them as well. As the visitors go back to
their conversations, Martus indicates the room.
MARTUS
(continuing)
Are you as pleased as I am?
ROANA
What do you think?
MARTUS
I think we make quite a good team.
(beat)
Perhaps we might consider...
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - REV. 10/18/93 - ACT THREE 33.
37 CONTINUED: (3)
MARTUS
(teasing smile)
... formalizing our relationship...
ROANA
Are you proposing to me?
Martus pulls out a long, elaborately jeweled EARCUFF.
MARTUS
What do you think?
The Bajoran woman reacts when she sees it, taken aback.
ROANA
It's beautiful...
Martus helps her attach it to her ear.
MARTUS
You deserve nothing less...
There's a MUSICAL CHIMING noise from offscreen.
ROANA
What's that?
Martus smiles.
MARTUS
Come take a look...
38 FOLLOW MARTUS AND ROANA
as he escorts her to the central table -- which features
several built-in GAMBLING DEVICES: FULL-SIZED, versions of
Martus's handheld, seashell-design alien gambling device.
Several players are working them -- one has just paid off by
chiming and glowing. The effect is very appealing. The
dealer passes the player his winnings.
Roana turns to Martus.
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - REV. 10/19/93 - ACT THREE 34.
38 CONTINUED:
ROANA
These are wonderful. Where did
you get them?
She swoops down toward them.
MARTUS
I replicated them from a handheld
version a friend gave me.
ROANA
I've never seen anything like them.
Martus nods proudly.
MARTUS
No one has.
39 INT. QUARK'S
Quark is at the bar, morosely surveying his empty place,
idly upending the penny ante coin basket onto the bar.
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - REV. 10/19/93 - ACT THREE 35.
39 CONTINUED:
QUARK
(dully)
House always takes blue...
The coin spills out -- white.
QUARK
(continuing)
What a surprise.
Quark again upends the basket -- white. He scowls. Tries
it a third time -- white. Now he's ticked.
QUARK
(continuing)
House always takes blue.
The coin comes out -- white. In a blast of anger, Quark
smacks the coin with his open hand, stepping away from the
bar.
40 FOLLOW THE COIN
as it bounces across the bar -- and comes up white.
41 INT. OPS (VPB)
Dax is at her workstation. Her computer is working on
something, but she's not paying attention. The computer
BEEPS and her screen suddenly flashes. She stares wide-eyed
at the new set of numbers scrolling across the display.
DAX
(excited)
I don't believe it.
KIRA steps over.
KIRA
Believe what?
DAX
(re: screen)
I've had the computer looking for
this program for weeks. It was buried
somewhere in the deep code level
right before the Cardassians left.
KIRA
How'd you find it?
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - REV. 10/19/93 - ACT THREE 36.
41 CONTINUED:
DAX
I'm not sure. It's more like it
found me.
(shrugs)
Just lucky, I guess.
42 INT. RACQUETBALL COURT
O'Brien is flat on his back, eyes dazed -- obviously having
just been knocked down. Bashir is hovering over him, racquet
still in hand.
BASHIR
I'm so sorry!
O'BRIEN
(dazed)
What... happened...
BASHIR
You served, I returned low, you
slipped on the ball...
O'BRIEN
I slipped on the ball?
BASHIR
Stepped right on it in mid-flight.
Never seen anything like it.
Bashir helps him up. O'Brien rubs his back.
BASHIR
(continuing)
Easy. I want to check you out...
O'BRIEN
I'm fine. Serve.
COM VOICE
Doctor Bashir, report to the
Infirmary.
BASHIR
Sorry, Chief. Have to go.
O'BRIEN
I'll get you next time.
Bashir hesitates for a beat.
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - 10/18/93 - ACT THREE 37.
42 CONTINUED:
BASHIR
Look, about that...
(hesitant)
It's just that... I guess I don't
enjoy the game as much as I used to.
I hope you don't mind... but I'm
sure you can find another opponent.
Bashir EXITS, leaving O'Brien behind, steaming.
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - REV. 10/19/93 - ACT THREE 38.
43 OMITTED
44 INT. QUARK'S
O'Brien ENTERS and sees that he's Quark's only customer.
Quark sits morosely behind the bar.
O'BRIEN
Where is everybody?
Quark indicates Martus's place -- in the background, we can
see people going in and out of the club.
QUARK
(bitter)
My friendly competitor's place.
(serves O'Brien a
drink)
A Listener. So what? So he listens.
I can listen. I can listen as well
as anyone.
Quark notices O'Brien stretching his sore back.
QUARK
What happened?
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - REV. 10/20/93 - ACT THREE 39.
44 CONTINUED:
O'BRIEN
I fell down.
QUARK
See. I'm listening. Nothing to it.
(beat)
How did you fall down?
O'BRIEN
Playing racquetball with Bashir.
QUARK
Where?
O'BRIEN
On the court -- where do you think?
Quark considers for a moment.
QUARK
What was the score?
O'BRIEN
(annoyed)
Who cares?
QUARK
I care. I'm listening. Tell me
your problems. All of them.
O'BRIEN
I've got no problems a good drop
shot wouldn't cure.
QUARK
He beat you.
O'Brien suddenly cuts loose.
O'BRIEN
By half a step! That's all. He's
got a few years on me -- so what?
I've got more experience...
A light seems to go on in Quark's eyes. He holds up his
hands as if picturing the poster he's sketching in his mind.
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - REV. 10/20/93 - ACT THREE 40.
44 CONTINUED: (2)
QUARK
(to himself)
The aging champion...
O'BRIEN
I've got spin shots he's never even
seen...
QUARK
(to himself)
Versus the daring challenger...
O'BRIEN
So I had some bad breaks. One more
game. That's all I needed.
QUARK
(to himself)
Come one, come all...
O'BRIEN
I'd've kicked him all over the court.
QUARK
(to himself)
Welcome to Quark's...
O'Brien finishes the beer.
O'BRIEN
Thanks.
He leaves the bar as Quark's mind is spinning.
QUARK
(to himself)
Quark's House of Champions...
45 INT. OPS
Dax and Kira at their workstations. A LOUD FRITZ comes from
the Ops table. It's enough to make everybody look over.
KIRA
Damn.
Sisko steps outside his office into Ops, a bemused expression
on his face.
SISKO
Something wrong, Major.
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - REV. 10/19/93 - ACT THREE 41.
45 CONTINUED:
KIRA
My terminal just... self-destructed.
DAX
What?
KIRA
I lost an evaluation report I've
been working on for weeks.
DAX
Even the backups?
KIRA
Even the backups.
Sisko considers for a moment.
SISKO
Funny, I've been hearing a lot of
bad luck stories in the last few
hours.
(a beat)
Doctor Bashir tells me the Infirmary
is full of minor accidents. People
slipping and falling, walking into
turbolift doors before they open,
that kind of thing.
DAX
(lightly, to Kira)
Well I've had a great day. So
don't try to send your misfortunes
over here.
Kira scowls.
KIRA
Come on. We make our own luck. We
all know that.
She steps off screen carrying a PADD -- there's a LOUD BONK
from the direction she's gone. Sisko and Dax glance over.
OFF their looks.
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - 10/18/93 - ACT THREE 42.
46 INT. CLUB MARTUS
All of the gambling devices are glowing off and on, the
players in front of each are excited. Rom is watching.
Martus steps over, scowls.
MARTUS
They all hit jackpots at once?
(off Rom's nod)
Is there any way I can blame this on
you?
ROM
(hopes not)
I don't think so.
MARTUS
No. I suppose not.
(re: players)
Pay them off.
Martus is not happy about this turn of events.
47 ON THE GAMES
still glowing and chiming.
48 INT. QUARK'S
Quark is by himself, one hand idly on the penny ante basket,
thinking out loud.
QUARK
"Challenge of the Galaxy." "Match
of the Century."
(thinks a beat)
"Wonder of the Wormhole."
Quark almost unconsciously tips the basket -- the coin comes
up blue. Quark glances at it... Finally.
QUARK
(smiles)
House always takes blue...
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - 10/18/93 - ACT THREE 43.
49 PUSH IN ON THE COIN
Something very strange is going on...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT THREE
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - REV. 10/19/93 - ACT FOUR 44.
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
50 OMITTED
51 INT. QUARK'S
O'Brien ENTERS, carrying his tool kit, to find a crowd
gathering in Quark's (three cowled Bajoran monks are among
them). Quark himself is the center of attention -- standing
on top of the bar, addressing the crowd. Bashir is standing
nearby, looking very reluctant.
QUARK
If it's action you want, you've come
to the right place. Excitement...
we have it here! Thrills and spills.
Victory and defeat. Look no further.
We've got it all...
Quark spots O'Brien making his way toward Bashir.
QUARK
(re: O'Brien)
Here he is. The reigning champion
of Starfleet... A legend on both
sides of the wormhole... Ladies and
Gentlemen... Miles "The Mechanic"
O'Brien!
The crowd applauds.
52 ON O'BRIEN
as he steps up to Bashir.
O'BRIEN
What's this all about? I got an
emergency call.
BASHIR
So did I. But I don't see any
emergency.
53 RESUME SCENE
As the applause dies, Quark indicates Bashir.
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - REV. 10/19/93 - ACT FOUR 45.
53 CONTINUED:
QUARK
And the challenger... He's fast,
he's deadly. He's Julian Bashir.
They call him The Doctor! The grudge
match of the galaxy...
O'Brien's heard enough and starts for the bar.
O'BRIEN
(sotto voce, to Quark)
Get down from there!
QUARK
(ignoring him)
And all...
(pointedly)
For a worthy cause.
This gets O'Brien's attention.
QUARK
(continuing)
Yes, these noble competitors have
insisted I donate half the house's
winnings to the Bajoran Fund for
Orphans.
O'BRIEN
(surprised)
Orphans?
The three Bajoran monks seen earlier in the crowd suddenly
converge on O'Brien, giving him a three-way, Leo Buscaglia-
type bear hug, pulling him away from Quark.
QUARK
The Mechanic versus the Doctor.
Tomorrow. Twelve hundred hours.
And only one will emerge victorious.
So place your bets. And in the
meantime...
(indicates gambling
tables)
The tables are open...
Everyone starts making bets with two of Quark's
representatives; gathering around his tables. Quark climbs
down from the bar.
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - 10/18/93 - ACT FOUR 51.
54 OMITTED
55 NEW ANGLE
Bashir confronts Quark.
BASHIR
Quark, this is outrageous. We haven't
agreed to anything.
QUARK
As your exclusive promoter, I have
the right to arrange matches as I
see fit.
BASHIR
Exclusive Promoter?
QUARK
(presenting a PADD)
Just sign here.
Not a chance.
BASHIR
Forget it, Quark.
QUARK
I understand how you feel, but...
think of the children.
(re: monks)
The monks have already made a down
payment on new blankets for the
winter.
(beat)
Ah well, I'm sure the little ones
can huddle together for warmth...
Bashir looks over to O'Brien, who's drowning in orange robes.
The two men exchange a look. They both know there's no way
out.
BASHIR
(to O'Brien)
Looks like you're going to get that
rematch after all.
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - REV. 10/19/93 - ACT FOUR 47-48.
55 CONTINUED:
This time the monks embrace both O'Brien and Bashir and move
away into the crowd.
56 INCLUDE MARTUS
as he and Quark exchange a look.
57 INT. OPS
Dax is at her workstation, a frustrated and puzzled look on
her face.
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - REV. 10/19/93 - ACT FOUR 49.
DAX
I don't believe it. The program I
found... It... disappeared.
58 INCLUDE SISKO
Looking over her shoulder.
SISKO
Have you checked the deep code level?
DAX
(nods)
No luck.
(puzzled)
It's funny, it's almost like the
computer brought that program up at
random... then just swallowed it
again.
Before Sisko can answer...
58 INCLUDE KIRA
as she steps into Ops. Sisko turns to her, amazed to see
her in good health.
SISKO
Major -- you're all right.
KIRA
Not even a sprain. But that's more
than I can say for everybody else in
the Infirmary.
SISKO
Still crowded?
KIRA
Yeah. But Doctor Bashir tells me
it's a whole new batch.
A beat as they consider this.
SISKO
More minor accidents?
Kira nods. Sisko and Dax think about this for a moment.
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - REV. 10/19/93 - ACT FOUR 50.
58 CONTINUED:
DAX
Could there be a connection between
the accidents and the increase in
system failures?
KIRA
(doesn't buy it)
I wasn't hurt by a system failure.
I tripped and fell. Just coincidence,
that's all.
SISKO
(to Dax)
There must be a logical explanation
for all this... maybe a virus... or
some kind of spatial disruption?
DAX
It would have to be something that
effects both people and machinery.
SISKO
Get on it.
59 INT. CLUB MARTUS
The place is practically empty. An N.D. Bajoran is at one
of the alien slot machines. Martus's Listening ability has
had its effect -- Rom won't shut up, much to Martus's
growing annoyance given the state of club.
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - REV. 10/19/93 - ACT FOUR 51.
59 CONTINUED:
ROM
I always had smaller lobes than the
rest of the boys. They used to tease
me about it. Quark was the worst.
He told everyone I was adopted...
MARTUS
(re: empty club)
I just don't understand. Things
were going so well...
ROM
On my naming day, Quark substituted
old vegetables for my presents.
Then he sold the presents for more
than our father had paid for them.
MARTUS
(annoyed)
I couldn't care less about your
trivial childhood.
(indicates club)
We've been virtually abandoned. I
want to know why.
ROM
A bad streak. It happens.
MARTUS
Not to me it doesn't.
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - 10/18/93 - ACT FOUR 52.
59 CONTINUED: (2)
Martus takes a deep frustrated sigh. The dabo girl he
was flirting with earlier is standing nearby, idle because
of the lack of visitors. Martus smiles and steps over to
her.
MARTUS
I require the comfort of a
compassionate soul.
He nuzzles his face across her chest -- and glances up to
see Roana standing in the doorway. She's glaring at him.
ROANA
Don't think I didn't see through you
from the very start.
She didn't of course. But her pride is wounded. Martus
pushes the dabo girl away.
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - REV. 10/20/93 - ACT FOUR 53.
59 CONTINUED: (3)
MARTUS
A joke! Really.
ROANA
In case you've forgotten, I still
hold the lease on this place. I
want you out of here by tomorrow.
(re: slot machines)
And you can take those damn things
with you.
Roana EXITS.
59A INT. PROMENADE (OUTSIDE CLUB MARTUS)
Martus follows Roana out onto the Promenade.
MARTUS
But Treasure...
Roana storms off without looking back.
59B NEW ANGLE
As Rom joins Martus outside the club.
ROM
(miserable)
Oh, I knew no good would come of
this. I never should've left Quark.
What's going to happen now?
Martus watches Roana disappear around the bend of the
Promenade.
MARTUS
I'm not sure.
(his eyes light up)
But I have an idea.
Something has obviously caught Martus's attention.
CUT TO:
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - REV. 10/20/93 - ACT FOUR 54.
60 NEW ANGLE - MARTUS'S P.O.V.
And reveal Alsia, on the Promenade, talking to an N.D. human.
60A ANGLE ON MARTUS
As he smiles broadly. Maybe his luck is returning.
60B EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)
Time cut.
60C INT. CLUB MARTUS
Martus places a lockbox on the counter of the bar and opens
it. It's full of latinum.
MARTUS
The profits from the club... I believe
it comes to just about ten thousand
Isiks.
Martus gives Alsia the box.
ALSIA
(delighted)
Oh, Martus!
She hugs him.
ALSIA
You don't know how much this means
to me.
MARTUS
I know what it means to me... ten
times as much in return.
ALSIA
You won't regret this. You'll see.
We'll both be rich.
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - REV. 10/19/93 - ACT FOUR 54A.
60C CONTINUED:
She smiles, kisses him on the cheek, and heads away. He
pauses, decides to test his luck -- tries the machine. A
loser.
Martus scowls and walks away. STAY on the machine...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FOUR
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - 10/18/93 - ACT FIVE 55.
ACT FIVE
FADE IN:
61 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)
Establishing.
62 INT. O'BRIEN'S QUARTERS
63 CLOSE ON O'BRIEN
standing in front of the mirror, bare-chested. He looks
like he's psyching himself up as he dresses. It's slow and
deliberate -- like a medieval knight putting armor on before
a joust.
O'BRIEN
(to his reflection)
You can beat his backhand. Keep the
ball low and to his left.
He stares for a moment. Then turns to one side.
64 INCLUDE KEIKO
standing next to him, holding his t-shirt. She hands it to
him with great gravity. He pulls it over his head. Then
stares again at his reflection.
O'BRIEN
(continuing)
Corner return on the serve, then
kill shot left.
He keeps staring for a beat, again turns to Keiko. She hands
him two wrist sweatbands, and he puts them on.
He again stares back at the mirror, continuing the pep talk.
O'BRIEN
(continuing)
If he returns again... high back
wall...
He again turns to Keiko, who hands him his racquet. He turns
back to the mirror.
O'BRIEN
(continuing)
And remember --
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - REV. 10/19/93 - ACT FIVE 56.
64 CONTINUED:
KEIKO
-- Win or lose...
(with meaning)
Tonight we celebrate.
They exchange a look. O'Brien smiles with confidence. He
turns for the door. Keiko stops him.
KEIKO
(continuing)
Miles, wait.
She shows him a beautiful handkerchief.
KEIKO
A silk handkerchief... medieval
Japanese design. Scented with my
perfume.
She ties it around his forehead as a sweatband, then gives
him a kiss.
KEIKO
Kick his butt.
O'Brien smiles.
64A INT. INFIRMARY
Bashir is dressed for the match. He's doing some preliminary
stretches, loosening up, that sort of thing, when Quark ENTERS
the room, carrying a bottle of liquid. At first Bashir
doesn't notice him, intent on his stretching.
QUARK
Doctor...
(Bashir sees him)
I brought you something, a token of
thanks from the monks... to show how
much they appreciate your
participation in their little
fundraiser.
BASHIR
(still stretching)
Thanks. Put it over there.
Bashir indicates a lab table. Quark looks at the bottle.
QUARK
Aren't you going to try some?
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - REV. 10/19/93 - ACT FIVE 56A.
64A CONTINUED:
BASHIR
What is it?
QUARK
The monks tell me it's a medicinal
brew... an ancient secret of their
order. It's supposed to impart great
energy and vigor... Just the kind of
thing to have before an athletic
competition.
Quark sees Bashir's hesitancy and seems to have a change of
heart.
QUARK
(dismissive)
But you're a man of science. You
probably don't believe in folk
medicine.
This gets Bashir's attention. He stops stretching.
BASHIR
Actually, you'd be surprised how
often traditional medicine turns out
to have genuine value.
He goes and examines the bottle.
BASHIR
(curious)
What did they say was in this stuff?
QUARK
They didn't, exactly. But I'm sure
it's all completely natural.
Bashir considers it. He opens the bottle and sniffs the
contents.
QUARK
(helpful)
The monks said you should drink the
whole thing in one gulp in order to
get the proper effect.
BASHIR
Did they?
Bashir places a small drop of the liquid into a vial. He
goes to place the vial into a slot on his desk top, but Quark
blocks the way.
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - REV. 10/19/93 - ACT FIVE 56B.
64A CONTINUED: (2)
QUARK
What are you doing?
Bashir tries to move around Quark.
BASHIR
Just curious about its contents.
QUARK
(still blocking)
But what about your exercises?
BASHIR
This will only take a second.
QUARK
(grasping at straws)
Why bother? Don't you trust the
monks?
Bashir ignores him and places the vial in a analyzer. He
presses a few buttons, then checks a monitor.
BASHIR
Water... Sucrose... Dextrose...
tribnel root extract... grain
particulates... Yeast... synthahol...
(suspicious)
And almost seventeen milligrams of
hyvroxilated quint-ethyl metacetamin.
QUARK
Like I said... all natural.
BASHIR
It's an anesthetic. If I drank this,
I'd barely be able to stand, let
alone play racquetball.
(with certainty)
You were trying to fix the match.
QUARK
Would I do that?
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - REV. 10/19/93 - ACT FIVE 56C.
64A CONTINUED: (3)
BASHIR
You would if you had enough latinum
bet on Chief O'Brien...
Realizing he's been found out, Quark's poise turns to
desperation.
QUARK
No one's betting on Chief O'Brien.
All the money's on you. If you win,
there won't be any profits. And if
there aren't any profits, I can't
donate anything to the monks. No
donations... no winter blankets for
the children.
(calmer)
But if you lose, then the house would
win, and the monks would get their
blankets.
BASHIR
Are you suggesting that I throw the
match?
QUARK
For the children.
Bashir thinks about it for a second, then...
BASHIR
Forget it, Quark.
QUARK
But the blankets...
BASHIR
Will be provided by you one way or
another. Because if the monks don't
get their blankets, Chief O'Brien
and I will be very upset.
(a beat, threatening)
Is that clear?
QUARK
Perfectly.
BASHIR
(picks up his racket)
Now, if you'll excuse me... I have a
match to play.
Bashir EXITS, leaving behind a disgruntled Quark. Quark
grumbles, then takes a sniff from the bottle. His face
wrinkles in disgust.
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - REV. 10/19/93 - ACT FIVE 56D.
65 INT. OPS (VPB)
Dax is at her console, looking at a complex display. Sisko
and Kira join her.
SISKO
Kira said you'd found something.
DAX
Oh, I found something all right. I
just don't know what it means.
(off the monitor)
Look at this.
65A INCLUDE THE MONITOR (VPB)
Displaying an Okudagram of a multitude of spinning, bouncing
particles.
SISKO
Solar neutrinos.
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - REV. 10/19/93 - ACT FIVE 57.
65A CONTINUED:
DAX
Notice anything unusual?
Kira hasn't got any idea, but she gives it the old college
try.
KIRA
There're a lot of them?
Dax smiles good-naturedly.
DAX
The spin. Given the laws of
probability, from any given point of
view, about half of them should be
spinning clockwise and half of them
counterclockwise.
(brings up more
information)
But over eighty percent of them are
spinning clockwise.
KIRA
(doesn't buy it)
You think people are having accidents
because of the way the neutrinos are
spinning?
DAX
No, but I think it may be a symptom
of the same problem. The neutrinos
outside the station are normal, but
inside...
(indicates the monitor)
Something very strange is going on
here.
66
thru OMITTED
67
68 INT. RACQUETBALL COURT
O'Brien and Bashir step inside the court, racquets in hand,
ready to go. A beat.
O'BRIEN
(genuinely)
Have a good game, Julian.
BASHIR
(surprised)
You too.
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - REV. 10/19/93 - ACT FIVE 58.
68 CONTINUED:
O'Brien takes his position. Bashir bounces the ball off
the floor a couple of times. Then serves. O'Brien returns --
just as he'd said in front of the mirror -- low and to the
left...
69 INT. QUARK'S - CONTINUOUS (OPTICAL)
The place is packed. A large monitor shows the interior of
the racquetball court. The Bajoran monks are among the
spectators. On the screen we see Bashir miss his return
shot. Quark, who is standing under the screen calling the
game, reacts with pleasant surprise.
QUARK
First point, O'Brien, breaking the
serve...
(dramatically)
So it begins...
70 INT. RACQUETBALL COURT - CONTINUOUS
O'Brien is more surprised than anybody. He picks up the
ball, then serves. Bashir returns, O'Brien keeps it going,
Bashir swings again at the ball, but the head of his racquet
comes off and he misses.
71 INT. QUARK'S - CONTINUOUS
Again, Quark is surprised at the result.
QUARK
Two-zero, O'Brien. Not a rousing
start for The Doctor...
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - REV. 10/19/93 - ACT FIVE 59.
72 INT. CLUB MARTUS
Martus is pacing the room in from of the gambling devices.
Rom is moping behind the bar.
MARTUS
Where is she?
ROM
Who?
MARTUS
Alsia. She was supposed to meet me
here and tell me how the bid went.
ROM
I still don't think it's fair. You
investing my money without asking.
MARTUS
(incredulous)
Your money?
ROM
You promised me one quarter of the
profits. But then you gave her
everything we earned.
MARTUS
I promised you a quarter of the
profits after expenses.
ROM
Expenses? What expenses?
MARTUS
(snowing him)
Operating costs, overhead,
recapitalization...
ROM
(he's heard enough)
That does it.
Rom emerges from behind the bar and throws his Club Martus
jacket into Martus's face.
MARTUS
Where are you going?
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - 10/18/93 - ACT FIVE 60.
72 CONTINUED:
ROM
Back to Quark. At least that way
I'll get cheated by family.
Rom spins and heads for the door -- passing the lone dabo
girl, who is standing around bored.
ROM
Let's get out of here.
She goes with him -- and they're both out the door. Martus
is completely alone. Martus glances at the row of machines.
He tries one. A loser...
73 INT. RACQUETBALL COURT
Bashir swings hard at a ball -- misses and crashes up against
the wall.
74 INT. QUARK'S - CONTINUOUS (OPTICAL)
Everybody winces at the sight of Bashir bouncing off the
wall.
QUARK
Another bad break for Bashir. Nine-
three, O'Brien.
75 INT. RACQUETBALL COURT - CONTINUOUS
Bashir recovers, gets back into position. O'Brien stares at
him for a moment. Turns to the "camera."
O'BRIEN
(to camera)
Quark. I'm cutting the transmission.
76 INT. QUARK'S - CONTINUOUS (OPTICAL)
Onscreen, it appears as is O'Brien is staring directly at
them.
QUARK
(to O'Brien onscreen)
What? You can't.
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - REV. 10/19/93 - ACT FIVE 61.
76 CONTINUED:
Everyone exchanges puzzled looks.
O'BRIEN
(on screen)
Watch me.
On screen, O'Brien reaches past the "camera's" POV and
manipulates something off-camera. The screen fizzes out,
then goes blank. Quark comes up with a quick explanation.
QUARK
(to all)
The players have called a three minute
break! Betting is reopened! Three
minutes only! Three minutes only!
77 INT. RACQUETBALL COURT - CONTINUOUS
Bashir is puzzled.
BASHIR
Why did you do that?
O'BRIEN
Something's wrong here.
Bashir shakes his head in exasperation.
BASHIR
With me maybe. But you're playing a
great game.
O'BRIEN
The best I've played in my entire
life.
(beat)
I'm making shots I couldn't make
fifteen years ago. When I was playing
five hours a day, every day. I can't
miss.
BASHIR
And I can't hit the broad side of a
Plygorian Mammoth.
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - REV. 10/19/93 - ACT FIVE 62.
77 CONTINUED:
O'Brien tosses the ball to Bashir.
O'BRIEN
Try throwing it against the wall.
Bashir complies... and the ball takes a weird bounce and
careens away from him.
BASHIR
It should have come straight back to
me.
(O'Brien picks up the
ball)
You try.
O'Brien throws the ball hard into the wall and it comes
back... right into his hand.
O'Brien throws the ball again, but this time at an angle.
The ball bounces wildly from one wall to another... then
flies right into his open hand. O'Brien and Bashir exchange
a look.
O'BRIEN
(hits companel)
O'Brien to Ops.
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - REV. 10/20/93 - ACT FIVE 63.
78
thru OMITTED
81
81A EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)
TIME CUT:
82 INT. RACQUETBALL COURT
CLOSE on O'Brien's hand as the ball flies into it again.
WIDEN TO REVEAL that Sisko and Dax have joined O'Brien and
Bashir.
BASHIR
It goes right to his hand. Every
single time.
O'BRIEN
I must've done it a dozen times by
now. And I haven't missed once yet.
BASHIR
Nobody can be that lucky. It's
impossible.
DAX
Not impossible. Just extremely
improbable.
Everyone looks to Dax.
O'BRIEN
Improbable?
SISKO
(gets it)
Like the neutrinos on the station
spinning the same way. Or a few
dozen people having minor accidents
at the same instant. Or a system
failing at just the wrong time.
DAX
Exactly. Someone or something on
this station is distorting the laws
of probability.
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - REV. 10/19/93 - ACT FIVE 63A.
82 CONTINUED:
SISKO
Changing them so that incredibly
unlikely things can happen on a
regular basis.
O'BRIEN
How can we find out what's causing
it?
DAX
(smiles)
I think I know a way.
83 INT. CLUB MARTUS
Martus is still alone at the machines. He plays
automatically, trying not to think about his increasingly
desperate situation. He's losing.
84 INCLUDE SISKO AND DAX
As they ENTER the club. Dax has her tricorder out. Martus
glances up at them.
DAX
(consulting tricorder)
Ninety-eight percent of the neutrinos
in this room are rotating clockwise.
Dax follows her readings straight toward the machines. Martus
smiles and steps away from the machines, making a sweeping
gesture of welcome.
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - REV. 10/19/93 - ACT FIVE 64.
84 CONTINUED:
MARTUS
The games are open...
But Dax starts looking behind the machines.
SISKO
We're not here to play.
(turns away)
Dax?
DAX
One hundred percent clockwise.
(puts away her
tricorder)
It's these machines.
Martus is taken aback.
MARTUS
My gambling machines? What's wrong
with them.
DAX
Somehow these machines are altering
the laws of probability all over the
station.
A beat. Martus makes the connection.
MARTUS
(remembering)
So that's what he meant.
SISKO
Who?
MARTUS
The alien who gave me the original...
He said that it all came down to
luck. That must be how it works.
When you win, it makes you lucky,
and when you lose...
DAX
But these machines are effecting
everyone on the station, whether
they play them or not.
MARTUS
(trying to dodge
responsibility)
Impossible. You must be mistaken.
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - REV. 10/19/93 - ACT FIVE 65.
84 CONTINUED: (2)
SISKO
Wait a minute. You said there was
an original machine?
MARTUS
Yes, a smaller one. When I opened
the club I replicated these larger
versions...
Martus trails off.
SISKO
(accusingly)
Larger versions.
Sisko's tone of voice says that he thinks Martus is a moron.
From the look on Martus's face, he might agree.
SISKO
How do you turn them off?
MARTUS
I'm not completely sure.
SISKO
Then how did you turn them on in the
first place?
MARTUS
(realizing he's blown
it bad)
I didn't, exactly. I just... told
the replicator to scan the original
and make copies.
(trying to be helpful)
I think they have some kind of
internal power source.
Sisko's heard enough. He takes out a phaser.
SISKO
Lieutenant.
Dax follows suit.
MARTUS
(panicky)
Wait... what are you doing?
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - REV. 10/19/93 - ACT FIVE 66.
84A NEW ANGLE (OPTICAL)
Sisko nods and he and Dax fire at the machines, destroying
them completely.
SISKO
(turns to Martus)
Now... as for you...
MARTUS
You can't possibly blame me for this,
Commander.
SISKO
I'd like to. Unfortunately, I don't
have anything I can charge you with.
ODO (O.S.)
Fortunately, I do.
85 INCLUDE ODO
As he ENTERS the club.
ODO
That elderly Pythron couple you
"assisted" has had a change of heart.
They've decided to press charges
after all.
Martus is crestfallen.
86 INT. HOLDING CELL (OPTICAL)
Martus is alone is a holding cell. He looks up and sees Odo
and Alsia entering the holding area.
MARTUS
Alsia. I knew you'd come to get me
out.
Odo harumphs and escorts Alsia to the other cell.
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - REV. 10/20/93 - ACT FIVE 67.
86 CONTINUED:
ODO
Inside.
She enters and Odo activates the security field.
MARTUS
What's the meaning of this.
ODO
Ask him.
Odo looks to the door as Quark ENTERS.
QUARK
Your lady friend over there just
tried to scam me.
MARTUS
Scam?
QUARK
(disdainful)
Asteroid mining. To think anyone
would be foolish enough to be taken
in by that old trick.
(smiles)
But don't worry, Martus, I've come
to get you out.
Martus stands, steps toward Quark. Considers him.
MARTUS
In return for what?
QUARK
Nothing. Pure generosity.
Quark smiles.
MARTUS
You're enjoying this, aren't you?
QUARK
Taken in by one of your own victims.
And no one to turn to but me. I
can't remember when I've been so...
entertained.
A beat as they consider each other -- still competitors to
the core.
DEEP SPACE: "Rivals" - REV. 10/25/93 - ACT FIVE 68-69.
86 CONTINUED: (2)
MARTUS
I'm glad you're enjoying yourself.
Now how about giving me two thousand
Isiks so I can book passage off the
station.
Quark interrupts.
QUARK
-- You want me to give you money?
Ridiculous. Of all the ungrateful
arrogance.
MARTUS
Unless you want me to stay here on
the station.
QUARK
All right. I'll loan you five hundred
Isiks. You can book passage on a
cargo ship.
MARTUS
Fifteen hundred. After all, I do
have expenses.
QUARK
Six hundred.
MARTUS
(offended)
Twelve hundred. I still have my
dignity.
QUARK
"Dignity and an empty sack is worth
the sack." Rule of Acquisition number
one hundred nine.
And as they argue, Odo decides he's heard enough, harumphs
and EXITS.
MARTUS
All right. Eight hundred.
QUARK
Go on... I'm listening.
And as Quark smiles, knowing he's got Martus on the ropes...
86A
thru OMITTED
87
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FIVE
THE END