STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
"Shadowplay"
(fka "Persistence of Vision")
#40512-436
Written by
Robert Hewitt Wolfe
Directed by
Robert Scheerer
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 This script is not for publication or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
December 9, 1993
STAR TREK: DS9 - "Shadowplay" - REV. 12/10/93 - CAST
STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
"Shadowplay"
CAST
SISKO BAREIL
KIRA COLYUS
DAX RURIGAN
O'BRIEN TAYA
ODO FEMALE VILLAGER
QUARK MALE VILLAGER
BASHIR
JAKE
Non-Speaking Non-Speaking
N.D. SUPERNUMERARIES YADERAN VILLAGERS
BAJORAN CIVILIAN
STAR TREK: DS9 - "Shadowplay" - REV. 12/10/93 - SETS
STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
"Shadowplay"
SETS
INTERIORS EXTERIORS
DEEP SPACE NINE DEEP SPACE NINE
DOCKING RING CORRIDOR
INFIRMARY RUNABOUT
KIRA'S QUARTERS
OPS ALIEN PLANET
PROMENADE
QUARK'S YADERAN SETTLEMENT
REPLIMAT
SISKO'S QUARTERS YADERAN OUTSKIRTS
RUNABOUT - ORINOCO EMPTY PLAIN
PROTECTOR'S OFFICE
STAR TREK: DS9 - "Shadowplay" - REV. 12/10/93 - PRONUNCIATION
STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
"Paradise"
PRONUNCIATION GUIDE
ALDEBERAN al-DEB-uh-ron
ANETRA ah-NET-rah
BAJOR BAY-jor
BAREIL buh-RILE
BOLIAN BOH-lee-ahn
BRINDA BRIN-dah
CARDASSIA car-DASS-ee-uh
COLYUS COAL-ee-us
DEPNEN DEP-nen
FREYLA FRAYE-la
GARAK GAIR-uck
GHERGHER GERR-gerr
HARRID HAIR-id
HEDRIKSPOOL HED-rick-spool
ILVIAN ILL-vee-un
JUMJA JUM-juh
KATTERPOD KATT-er-pod
KONO KO-no
LYSIA ARLIN LIE-see-ah AR-lin
MANWARING MAN-war-ing
MERRUK MER-uk
MONRA MON-rah
PRYLAR RHIT PRIE-lar RIT
RELLIKETH RELL-ih-keth
RURIGAN RUR-ih-gan
SEELEE SEE-lee
SINGHA SING-uh
STREK STREK
TAYA TAY-uh
VEDEK VE-dik
YADERA yah-DER-ah
YADERAN yah-DER-ahn
DEEP SPACE: "Shadowplay" - REV. 12/16/93 - TEASER 1.
STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
"Shadowplay"
TEASER
FADE IN:
1 EXT. RUNABOUT (OPTICAL)
The Orinoco traveling at impulse.
DAX (V.O.)
Science Officer's Log, Stardate
47603.3. Commander Sisko has assigned
me to investigate an unusual particle
field detected on the other side of
the wormhole. Odo has come along as
he often does on Gamma Quadrant
missions, hoping to find a clue to
his origin.
2 INT. RUNABOUT
DAX is piloting the runabout, while running a series of scans
and regaling ODO with an involved and, to Odo, pointless
story.
DAX
So you see... Ensign Manwaring has
spent the last two weeks avoiding
the assay office because he thought
that Freyla was in love with
Lieutenant Strek, but all the time,
Strek was seeing Security Officer
Seelee and Freyla was waiting for
Manwaring to ask her out.
ODO
Officer Seelee has seemed...
distracted at work lately.
(a beat)
I'm going to have to talk to her
about this when I get back to the
station.
DAX
(reproachful)
Odo, I didn't tell you that story to
get Seelee in trouble.
DEEP SPACE: "Shadowplay" - 12/09/93 - TEASER 2.
2 CONTINUED:
ODO
Frankly, Lieutenant, I fail to see
any point in your story at all, except
perhaps to illustrate the foolish
humanoid preoccupation with romantic
coupling.
DAX
The point of the story is that
sometimes we don't recognize true
love even when it's staring us right
in the face.
ODO
(sarcastic)
How fascinating.
DAX
Let me give you another example...
You know Lysia Arlin?
It's more a statement than a question.
ODO
The Bolian woman who runs the Jumja
kiosk.
DAX
I've noticed she's been making a lot
of visits to the Security Office
lately.
ODO
She has a cousin who's interested in
a career in law enforcement.
DAX
(not believing that
excuse for a second)
You don't say.
Odo stares at Dax for a beat and then realizes what she's
hinting at.
ODO
Are you implying that Lysia Arlin is
interested in me?
Dax smiles. That's exactly what she's implying.
ODO
Ridiculous... I would have noticed.
DEEP SPACE: "Shadowplay" - 12/09/93 - TEASER 3.
2 CONTINUED: (2)
DAX
(triumphant)
Exactly my point.
ODO
You must be mistaken.
DAX
How can you be so sure?
ODO
Because women don't react to me in
that manner.
DAX
(delicately)
Are you telling me that you've never
had a... female friend?
ODO
I consider Major Kira a friend.
DAX
That isn't what I meant. I'm talking
about... an intimate friendship.
Odo gets the drift. He instantly becomes very uncomfortable.
ODO
That's a very personal question.
DAX
I'm sorry, but after seven lifetimes,
the impersonal questions aren't much
fun anymore.
ODO
Why is it that whenever you do
something socially unacceptable, you
blame it on being a Trill?
DAX
(playful)
Why is it that whenever you get
flustered, you start sounding like
you're conducting a police
investigation?
Odo harumphs. Luckily, before Dax can press any further,
one of the displays on her panel comes to life. Odo and Dax
turn their attention to the controls.
DEEP SPACE: "Shadowplay" - REV. 12/10/93 - TEASER 4.
2 CONTINUED: (3)
DAX
Looks like we found that particle
field.
(mild surprise)
They're Omicron particles.
ODO
Is that unusual?
DAX
Omicron particles are incredibly
rare. They can only be created by
certain types of matter/anti-matter
reactions.
(off monitor)
The field seems to be coming from
the second planet in this system.
Let's go in a little closer.
3 EXT. SPACE - RUNABOUT (OPTICAL)
The Orinoco changes course.
4 INT. RUNABOUT
Odo and Dax consult the Runabout sensor readouts.
DAX
That's strange. The particles are
concentrated in one small valley.
And look at these field
fluctuations...
ODO
(looks)
Totally non-random.
DAX
Someone or something must be
manipulating the field.
Odo checks another set of sensors.
ODO
Sensors aren't picking up any life
forms.
DEEP SPACE: "Shadowplay" - REV. 12/10/93 - TEASER 5.
4 CONTINUED:
DAX
The particle field could be
interfering with the sensors.
(gets up)
We'd better beam down and take a
look.
5 EXT. YOSHADRAN SETTLEMENT - NIGHT
Odo and Dax walk into the center of an alien village (having
just beamed in off-camera) and approach a complex cylindrical
structure, probably some kind of generator, covered with
panels, circuitry and flashing diodes. The surrounding
village is hard to make out at night, but when we see it in
the daylight, the architecture is distinctly non-human, yet
open and inviting. Dax tries to take readings with her
tricorder.
DAX
I'm still getting a lot of
interference. The particle field
must be blocking the tricorder
functions.
Dax moves the tricorder around until it's pointed toward the
generator.
DAX
The interference seems to be coming
from here.
(re: the generator)
This must be the source of the field.
It's probably some kind of matter/anti-
matter reactor.
ODO
Lieutenant, I suggest we leave before
we're discovered.
DAX
(still studying
generator)
Give me another minute.
As they are talking, we hear the sounds of voices in the
distance. Beams of light cut the darkness.
DEEP SPACE: "Shadowplay" - 12/09/93 - TEASER 5A.
6 NEW ANGLE
As first one, then another, then a half-dozen humanoid aliens,
equipped with portable lights, emerge from the darkness.
The aliens look frightened and surprised.
ODO
(ironic)
Take all the time you want.
One of the aliens (COLYUS) aims a phaser-like weapon at Odo
and Dax. And as Odo and Dax react.
FADE OUT.
END OF TEASER
DEEP SPACE: "Shadowplay" - 12/09/93 - ACT ONE 6.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
(NOTE: Episode credits fall over opening scenes.)
7 INT. QUARK'S
It's after hours and QUARK's alone in the bar, sitting at a
Dabo table, occasionally giving the wheel a halfhearted
spin. There's a satchel on the table next to him.
Quark hears a CHIME and looks up.
8 NEW ANGLE
To include the bar's front door, which is closed. A shadowy
figure can be seen through the window.
QUARK
(to himself)
It's about time.
(louder)
Enter.
The door opens and the figure steps in, still hard to make
out.
9 ANGLE ON QUARK
As he picks up the satchel and moves toward the door.
QUARK
(continuing)
Where have you been? I've been
waiting hours...
He trails off as the shadowy figure steps into the light.
It's KIRA.
QUARK
(not who he was
expecting)
Major?
(polite)
I'm sorry. We're closed. You'll
have to come back in the morning.
Quark tries to shoo her out of the bar. Kira doesn't budge.
DEEP SPACE: "Shadowplay" - 12/09/93 - ACT ONE 7.
9 CONTINUED:
KIRA
I didn't come here for a drink.
(cold)
I thought you might like to know...
your cousin Kono just tried to come
aboard the station...
QUARK
(feigned surprise)
Kono? Here? What an unexpected
pleasure.
KIRA
He's gone, Quark. When we tried to
talk to him, he beamed onto a
departing Tellarite freighter.
QUARK
There must be some mistake... Why
would Kono be coming here?
KIRA
I wondered the same thing myself.
So I did some checking. Your cousin's
wanted for robbing a museum on
Cardassia Five. My guess is that he
thought someone here would help him
sell the merchandise.
QUARK
Outrageous. You have no proof of
that.
KIRA
Quark, get this into that twisted
little brain of yours... if you
thought you were going to get away
with anything while Odo's gone, think
again. I'm watching you.
ARK
Major, you make it sound like you
don't like me.
Kira can't believe Quark's incredible understatement.
DEEP SPACE: "Shadowplay" - 12/09/93 - ACT ONE 8.
9 CONTINUED: (2)
KIRA
("Are you crazy?")
Don't like you?
(dispassionate)
You collaborated with the Cardassians,
you cheat your customers, and you're
a danger to this station. I don't
just not like you. I... despise
you.
She leaves.
QUARK
I'm sorry I mentioned it.
9A OMITTED
10 INT. SISKO'S QUARTERS
SISKO and JAKE, both in night clothes, are having a late
night snack.
JAKE
A job? What do I need a job for?
SISKO
You're fifteen years old. It's time
you started taking on a little
responsibility.
(trying another
approach)
Look... Nog works, doesn't he?
JAKE
(begrudgingly)
Yeah.
SISKO
And you're almost as old as he is.
I had a job at your age. It was a
terrific experience.
JAKE
(giving in)
All right. I'll talk to Nog and see
if he can get me a job at Quark's.
SISKO
I was thinking more along the lines
of helping out Chief O'Brien.
DEEP SPACE: "Shadowplay" - REV. 12/10/93 - ACT ONE 9.
10 CONTINUED:
JAKE
(not thrilled)
Chief O'Brien?
SISKO
You like Chief O'Brien, don't you?
JAKE
He's okay... but I don't know anything
about engineering.
SISKO
This is the perfect opportunity to
learn. Besides... it'll look great
on your application to Starfleet
Academy.
Which really sells it for Sisko, if not for Jake.
JAKE
(halfhearted)
Okay, I'll give it a try.
SISKO
(supportive smile)
That's all I ask.
11
thru OMITTED
12
13 EXT. YADERAN SETTLEMENT - NIGHT
Re-establishing.
14 INT. PROTECTOR'S OFFICE - NIGHT
Dax and Odo sitting across a desk from Colyus, the Yaderan
colony's Protector, a combination mayor and sheriff. The
office is equipped with an array of alien tech equipment and
Colyus is at work at a device that looks like a computer
console, basically ignoring them.
ODO
Are you going to just sit there all
night, or are you going to explain
why you're holding us.
Colyus smiles and studies them for a bit. He's middle-aged
and a little overweight, friendly and soft-spoken by nature,
and deceptively low key.
DEEP SPACE: "Shadowplay" - REV. 12/10/93 - ACT ONE 10-11.
14 CONTINUED:
COLYUS
You say you're from the other side
of the galaxy?
DAX
That's right.
COLYUS
(shaking his head in
wonderment)
Amazing. Our colony has never had
visitors before, and now... we have
two.
DEEP SPACE: "Shadowplay" - REV. 12/13/93 - ACT ONE 12.
14 CONTINUED: (2)
DAX
We didn't mean to intrude. In fact,
we didn't even know there was a
village here until we beamed down.
So if it's all the same to you...
we'll be on our way.
She starts to get up. Colyus gestures for her to wait.
COLYUS
I'm afraid it's not that simple.
Colyus looks at Dax and Odo expectantly. Odo recognizes the
tactic.
ODO
Are we being accused of some kind of
crime?
COLYUS
Have you committed one?
DAX
(offended)
We just arrived here.
COLYUS
So you keep saying.
DAX
If you want, you can check our ship's
logs... they'll prove it to you.
COLYUS
Logs can be tampered with.
(turns to Odo)
You should know that... after all,
you claim to be a Security Officer.
ODO
I am a Security Officer and I've had
enough of this. If we were guilty,
we wouldn't even be here right now.
I'll prove it.
He hits his communicator.
ODO
(to combadge)
Computer, one to beam up.
DEEP SPACE: "Shadowplay" - REV. 12/10/93 - ACT ONE 13.
14A NEW ANGLE (OPTICAL)
As Odo DEMATERIALIZES. Colyus reacts, grabbing his weapon.
DAX
(smiling)
Don't worry. He'll be back.
Just then, Odo RE-MATERIALIZES.
DAX
What did I tell you?
COLYUS
(to Odo)
Interesting... you disappearing like
that. I've got twenty-two people
who've disappeared without a trace.
ODO
(intrigued)
Twenty-two people missing? Did they
all disappear at the same time?
COLYUS
No. It started in the fall. But
the last victim vanished six hours
ago.
DAX
Six hours ago, we weren't even in
this system. If you want, you can
accompany us back to our station.
They'll verify everything we've told
you.
Colyus considers the situation, then puts his weapon down.
DEEP SPACE: "Shadowplay" - 12/09/93 - ACT ONE 14.
14A CONTINUED:
ODO
Do you have any other suspects?
Colyus smiles wearily.
COLYUS
(defending himself)
You were my only ones. I'm not saying
everyone here is perfect. We have
some petty thefts, an occasional
fight. But kidnapping... or murder?
We've never had anything like that
before.
ODO
I see. So naturally, when we
arrived...
COLYUS
Naturally.
ODO
(theorizing)
I remember reading a report about a
similar series of disappearances on
Brinda Five. Half the population of
a small village vanished.
COLYUS
(very interested)
Did they ever find them?
ODO
As I recall, they'd been transported
off the planet by Orion traders to
work as forced laborers in their
mining camps.
(a beat)
Have you scanned the area for signs
of transporter activity?
COLYUS
It was the first thing I tried. But
I didn't find anything.
Colyus once again sizes up Odo and Dax.
COLYUS
(continuing)
I've been protector here for almost
ten years.
DEEP SPACE: "Shadowplay" - REV. 12/10/93 - ACT ONE 15.
14A CONTINUED: (2)
COLYUS
And I like to think I'm pretty good
at my job. People trust me to solve
their problems. But whoever's behind
these disappearances is a lot smarter
than I am. I have to admit, I'm
starting to get desperate.
ODO
Maybe what you need is a little help.
Colyus grins, thankful for the offer to help.
15 EXT. YADERAN SETTLEMENT - FRONT OF RURIGAN'S HOUSE
NIGHT
Dax, Odo, and Colyus approach the
front of the house. An elderly
Yaderan man (RURIGAN) stands alone
on the porch, looking out over the
central square, lost in thought.
COLYUS
(calling to him)
Rurigan.
Rurigan looks down. He's a craggy-faced old man with a blunt
and combative manner.
RURIGAN
(examines Dax and Odo)
So these are the strangers I've heard
about. Shouldn't they be in a cell.
COLYUS
I'm satisfied they have nothing to
do with the disappearances. In fact,
Odo here is a Security Officer.
He's going to try to help us.
RURIGAN
(to Odo)
And how do you plan on doing that?
ODO
I understand your daughter was the
latest victim. When was the last
time you saw her?
DEEP SPACE: "Shadowplay" - REV. 12/10/93 - ACT ONE 16.
15 CONTINUED:
RURIGAN
This morning, at first meal. But
Taya says she saw her in her
workroom... around midday.
ODO
Taya?
RURIGAN
My granddaughter.
(turns to Colyus)
Colyus... Anetra's gone. Just like
the others. We're never going to
find them.
ODO
How can you be so sure?
RURIGAN
Let's just say I haven't been proven
wrong yet.
DAX
I'd like to scan the area again for
transporter activity, in case you
missed something.
COLYUS
Go right ahead.
Dax activates her tricorder.
DAX
(off tricorder)
I still can't get a clear reading.
The Omicron particles put out by the
reactor are creating too much
interference.
COLYUS
It must be your equipment... our
scanners never have any trouble.
Colyus takes out a small portable sensing device, the alien
equivalent of a tricorder, and activates it.
DAX
Certain kinds of transporters leave
behind a residual electrostatic
charge. If we could check Anetra's
workroom...
Colyus looks to Rurigan, who nods. Colyus gestures toward
the door and he and Dax EXIT into the house.
DEEP SPACE: "Shadowplay" - REV. 12/10/93 - ACT ONE 17.
15 CONTINUED: (2)
Odo hangs back.
ODO
If you don't mind, I'd like to talk
to your granddaughter.
RURIGAN
Last time I saw her she was across
the square. I'll take you to her.
16 EXT. ANOTHER PART OF YADERAN SETTLEMENT - NIGHT
An alien girl (TAYA) sits alone on a stairway, absentmindedly
playing with an alien toy which vaguely resembles a large
top. Taya's about nine, and looks lost and forlorn. She
hears a noise... a footstep or some movement... and looks up
and sees...
17 ODO AND RURIGAN
walking toward her. Odo's face is hidden by the darkness.
RURIGAN
Taya?
Rurigan steps into the light. Odo follows and the beam of
harsh light illuminates his face, making it look even more
bizarre and unreal.
18 ON TAYA
As she reacts to Odo's strange appearance, shying away.
19 RESUME SCENE
Odo can't help but notice the girl's reaction. Rurigan
notices it, too.
RURIGAN
Don't be afraid, Taya. He's a friend
of Protector Colyus. He just wants
you to answer some questions.
TAYA
Do I have to?
RURIGAN
Not if you don't want to.
DEEP SPACE: "Shadowplay" - 12/09/93 - ACT ONE 18.
19 CONTINUED:
Odo glances at Rurigan, having hoped for a little more
support. He turns to the girl and tries to talk to her as
gently as possible.
ODO
But it would help if I could talk to
you about your mother's disappearance.
Taya looks even more forlorn.
TAYA
She hasn't disappeared. She'll be
back.
Odo is very uncomfortable with the situation, but feels he
has to push on.
ODO
The last time you saw your mother...
did she seem... upset about anything?
Nervous maybe, or worried?
TAYA
She was fine.
(to Rurigan, pleading)
When will she come home?
RURIGAN
I don't know, Taya.
He puts a protective arm around her and she buries her head
in his side.
RURIGAN
Let's go. It's time for bed.
ODO
I'd like to ask a few more questions.
RURIGAN
It can wait 'til morning.
20 ANGLE ON ODO
watching Rurigan escort his despondent granddaughter away.
DEEP SPACE: "Shadowplay" - 12/09/93 - ACT ONE 19.
20 CONTINUED:
As she's leaving, Taya looks back at Odo almost as if
accusing him of causing her all this pain. Hold on Odo's
reaction, then...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
DEEP SPACE: "Shadowplay" - REV. 12/16/93 - ACT TWO 20.
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
A21 INT. OPS (FORMERLY SCENE 11)
O'BRIEN's at work in the pit; N.D.s man the other stations.
Sisko and Jake step off the Turbolift into Ops. Jake is no
longer wearing one of his typical jumpsuits. Instead, he
wears loose-fitting work clothes.
Sisko sees O'Brien at work in the pit.
SISKO
Chief.
O'Brien looks up and notices Sisko and Jake.
SISKO
(re: Jake)
Here's that new apprentice we
discussed.
O'Brien smiles. He and Sisko have obviously already talked
about this.
O'BRIEN
Yes, sir.
(climbs out of the
pit)
Welcome aboard.
DEEP SPACE: "Shadowplay" - REV. 12/16/93 - ACT TWO 20A.
A21 CONTINUED:
O'BRIEN
Let's get to work. I was just about
to run a diagnostic on the primary
system core.
O'Brien leads Jake away. Sisko watches with mixed feelings
about sending his son off to his first day at work. He's
proud, but he also realizes something is being lost here.
His son is becoming a man.
SISKO
(calling after them)
Mister Sisko.
Jake turns around, surprised to hear his father address him
as a fellow crewmember.
SISKO
(an afterthought)
I almost forgot.
He hands Jake a small object he's been holding in his hand.
It's a COMBADGE.
SISKO
For you.
Jake takes the combadge and looks at it with a mixture of
surprise and awe.
JAKE
(doesn't know what to
say)
Thanks, Dad.
Sisko nods in acknowledgement, playing the role of commander
instead of father.
SISKO
(dismissive)
It's standard equipment for all
station personnel.
B21 ANGLE ON JAKE (FORMERLY SCENE 12)
Who looks back at his dad, then puts on the combadge and
follows O'Brien. Once Jake's back is turned, Sisko drops
his commander role and smiles proudly at his son.
DEEP SPACE: "Shadowplay" - REV. 12/10/93 - ACT TWO 20B.
21 INT. PROMENADE
In long shot, we see Quark wheel and deal with a Bajoran
N.D. civilian. Pull back to:
22 INT. INFIRMARY
Kira and BASHIR standing in the doorway to the Infirmary,
looking out at the Promenade.
BASHIR
Let me get this straight, Major.
You want me to spy on Quark for you?
KIRA
I wouldn't call it spying, exactly.
I just thought you could, you know...
keep an eye on him while Odo's away.
When you're not busy.
Bashir doesn't need much coaxing.
BASHIR
It's no problem, Major.
KIRA
Then you'll do it?
BASHIR
I look forward to it. Garak's been
lecturing me on surveillance
techniques. This will give me a
chance to try some of them out.
She gives him a grateful smile as her combadge comes to life.
SISKO'S COM VOICE
Sisko to Kira.
KIRA
(to combadge)
This is Kira.
DEEP SPACE: "Shadowplay" - 12/09/93 - ACT TWO 21.
22 CONTINUED:
SISKO'S COM VOICE
Major, I thought you might like to
know, we've received word that Vedek
Bareil is coming aboard the station.
KIRA
Coming aboard? When?
SISKO'S COM VOICE
His ship just arrived at Docking Bay
Twelve.
Kira reacts. She's pleasantly surprised.
23 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)
With a Bajoran ship in port.
24 INT. DOCKING RING CORRIDOR
Kira escorts BAREIL out of the docking ring airlock. She's
genuinely glad to see him, but there's a slight hint of an
underlying nervousness.
KIRA
I wish you'd given us a little more
notice. We could've arranged a formal
reception.
BAREIL
(smiles)
Exactly what I wanted to avoid.
There's a subtle difference in Bareil this time. Where as
before we've only see him "on duty," now he's a little more
relaxed, more down to earth, maybe even a little vulnerable.
Kira notices it, too.
KIRA
What brings you to the station?
BAREIL
Prylar Rhit invited me to speak at
the station's shrine.
(a beat)
And to be honest, I've been looking
for an opportunity to come see you.
DEEP SPACE: "Shadowplay" - 12/09/93 - ACT TWO 22.
24 CONTINUED:
KIRA
Really?
(surprised but pleased)
I'm honored.
Which isn't exactly the reaction he wanted.
BAREIL
Honored? Actually I was hoping you'd
be happy to see me.
KIRA
Oh, I am.
(a beat)
Very happy.
He smiles as they walk off together.
25 INT. PROMENADE
Kira and Bareil emerge onto the Promenade, and continue their
now inaudible conversation as they join the steady stream of
pedestrians.
26 ANGLE ON QUARK
Watching the two of them together and smiling in self-
satisfaction.
27 EXT. ALIEN PLANET (OPTICAL)
With the runabout in orbit.
28 INT. RUNABOUT
Dax is at work at the controls. Odo ENTERS from the back.
DAX
You're out of your bucket early today.
ODO
My regenerative cycle rarely varies.
There's no reason to stay "in-the-
bucket" any longer than I have to.
(looks down at the
monitors)
Have you found anything?
DEEP SPACE: "Shadowplay" - REV. 12/10/93 - ACT TWO 23.
28 CONTINUED:
DAX
Not a thing. There're no other ships
in orbit... no other settlements on
the planet... and no power source
except the reactor...
ODO
So you're sure the woman wasn't
transported out of her workroom?
DAX
It's too early to rule out anything,
but Colyus and I couldn't find any
residual electrostatic charge.
(a beat)
What about the little girl. Did she
see anything?
ODO
(uncomfortable)
I'm not sure yet. I wasn't able to
get much out of her last night.
I'll try again today.
(reflective)
I'm afraid I'm not very good with
children.
DAX
(mild surprise)
You're around children all the time
on the Promenade.
ODO
Being around children and
communicating with children are two
entirely different things.
DAX
(wryly)
I'll let you in on a little secret,
Odo... Children are just like adults,
only smaller.
ODO
(doesn't buy it)
I'll keep that in mind.
DEEP SPACE: "Shadowplay" - REV. 12/10/93 - ACT TWO 24.
29 EXT. YADERAN SETTLEMENT - DAY
The village in daylight is a much less threatening, much
more tranquil environment. The Yaderan villagers are going
about their daily business, going off to work, shopping,
etc.
30 NEW ANGLE
To find Odo and Dax making their way through the settlement
to the area where Odo met Taya the night before.
Odo and Dax spot Taya, back at the stairs. She and two other
Yaderan children are playing with Taya's top.
DAX
I'll be with Colyus if you need me.
(mock concern)
Good luck.
Dax leaves. Odo harumphs.
31 NEW ANGLE
As Odo approaches Taya.
ODO
(formal)
Hello, Taya... Remember me? We met
last night?
Taya nods.
TAYA
(withdrawn)
You wanted to ask me questions.
Her friends leave as Odo sits down next to her.
ODO
That's right. About your mother. I
understand you were the last one to
see her.
TAYA
I guess.
It's clear she really doesn't want to talk about it, but Odo
refuses to give up.
DEEP SPACE: "Shadowplay" - REV. 12/16/93 - ACT TWO 25.
31 CONTINUED:
TAYA
(continuing; innocent
curiosity)
What happened to your face?
Odo's surprised. That was the last thing he's expecting
Taya to ask about.
ODO
Nothing "happened" to it. I'm a
shape-shifter... I just... don't do
faces very well.
Taya just looks perplexed.
ODO
(trying to explain)
I have the ability to change my shape
to look like other things.
TAYA
You mean you're a changeling?
ODO
(glad she understands)
That's right.
TAYA
(skeptical)
There's no such thing as changelings.
They're make believe. Everyone knows
that.
ODO
I'm not make believe.
TAYA
All right... then let me see you
change into something.
ODO
Maybe later. Right now I feel like
talking.
DEEP SPACE: "Shadowplay" - REV. 12/16/93 - ACT TWO 25A.
31 CONTINUED: (2)
TAYA
If I were a changeling, I'd change
shape all the time. Everyone would
want to be my friend.
Odo harumphs.
ODO
I wish it were that easy.
TAYA
Why wouldn't it be?
(sees Odo's reluctance)
If I have to answer your questions,
then you have to answer mine.
Odo frowns. She's got him in a corner.
ODO
When I was younger, people were always
asking me to change shape for them.
They'd pretend to be my friends, but
all they wanted was to see me become
a chair... or an animal... None of
them ever really cared about me.
DEEP SPACE: "Shadowplay" - REV. 12/10/93 - ACT TWO 26.
31 CONTINUED: (3)
TAYA
Maybe they were scared of you.
ODO
Some of them probably were.
Taya looks at Odo a long time, as if trying to make a decision
about him.
TAYA
(reassuring him)
I'm not afraid of you.
ODO
I'm glad to hear that.
TAYA
Were your parents changelings, too?
There's something about the simplicity and genuine curiosity
behind Taya's questions that disarms Odo.
ODO
I never knew my parents.
(a beat)
I've been looking for them a long
time.
TAYA
My father died when I was four. I
don't remember him very well.
(sad)
The last time I saw my mother, she
was in her workroom... making
pottery... But when I went to get
her for midday meal... she was gone.
ODO
How did she act, when you last saw
her?
TAYA
Happy. She was making a vase for
Mister Depnen, the baker. He really
likes my mother so he always saves
us the best loaves of greenbread.
ODO
Did your mother ever go anyplace
before... on a trip... a vacation?
DEEP SPACE: "Shadowplay" - REV. 12/16/93 - ACT TWO 29.
31 CONTINUED: (4)
TAYA
(shakes her head)
We don't go on trips.
ODO
Never?
TAYA
We don't leave the valley.
ODO
Why not?
TAYA
(thinks it's a dumb
question)
Nobody ever leaves the valley.
Everything we need is right here.
ODO
(intrigued)
I see.
TAYA
(wistfully)
My mother's never coming back, is
she?
ODO
Why do you say that?
TAYA
That's what grandfather told me.
Taya's on the verge of tears. Odo reaches out and tentatively
puts his hand on the girl's shoulder.
ODO
(trying to comfort
her)
Taya, I don't know where your mother
is, but I promise you... I'm going
to do everything I can to find her
and bring her back to you.
Taya nods, blinking away the tears. She looks up at Odo
with a child's trust and hope.
DEEP SPACE: "Shadowplay" - 12/09/93 - ACT TWO 28.
32 ANGLE ON ODO
Odo sees how much this girl is depending on him and wants to
give her some more assurances, but he's not sure how. Finally
he gives her a reassuring smile.
Taya smiles back. Odo's surprised. That was easier than he
thought, and as we hold on this warm moment, we...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT TWO
DEEP SPACE: "Shadowplay" - REV. 12/16/93 - ACT THREE 29.
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
33 INT. REPLIMAT
O'Brien and Jake are sitting at one of the tables. O'Brien
has an assortment of isolinear rods spread out on the table
and is going over them with Jake.
O'BRIEN
Okay, one more time, these are all
isolinear rods. The ones with the
white labels contain data relating
to engineering system controls. The
red labeled ones are for library
and information storage. The blue
ones are... ?
Jake stares at the isolinear rods. It's still a foreign
language to him.
JAKE
(defeated)
I'm never going to get this.
DEEP SPACE: "Shadowplay" - REV. 12/13/93 - ACT THREE 30.
33 CONTINUED:
O'BRIEN
Give yourself some time. I didn't
get a handle on this stuff until
almost a year after I joined
Starfleet.
("no big deal")
It's not like your going off to the
Academy tomorrow.
O'Brien meant to give Jake encouragement, but his remark has
exactly the opposite effect. Jake looks even more morose.
O'BRIEN
What's wrong?
JAKE
Nothing. It's just... why does
everyone assume I'm going to go to
the Academy?
O'BRIEN
(surprised)
You want to go... don't you?
JAKE
(getting it off his
chest)
Not really.
O'BRIEN
Does your father know?
JAKE
He wouldn't understand.
Jake looks pretty glum.
O'BRIEN
I know how you feel. You know what
my dad wanted me to be? A musician.
Jake looks up in disbelief.
O'BRIEN
(continuing)
It's true. I was going to be a cello
player. He made me practice every
day. I got to be pretty good.
DEEP SPACE: "Shadowplay" - 12/09/93 - ACT THREE 31.
33 CONTINUED: (2)
O'BRIEN
When I was seventeen, my father even
sent a recorded audition to the
Aldeberan Music Academy.
JAKE
(perking up)
What happened?
O'BRIEN
I got in. It was the happiest day
of his life. I didn't know how to
tell him I didn't want to go. So
two days before I was due to leave,
I went into town and signed up for
Starfleet.
JAKE
What did your dad do?
O'BRIEN
He was furious.
(a beat)
But once he calmed down a little, he
saw how much I wanted to join.
Nowadays, when I go home, he
introduces me as...
(imitates his father,
with pride)
"My son, Senior Chief Specialist
Miles Edward O'Brien."
(smiles at the memory)
The point is, you've got to live
your own life.
JAKE
I don't want to disappoint my dad.
O'BRIEN
Your father's not a bad guy. He'll
come around. Just give him time.
34 INT. PROMENADE - OUTSIDE BAJORAN SHRINE
A half-dozen or so Bajorans trickle onto the Promenade from
the shrine, talking excitedly among themselves. Bareil ENTERS
from the shrine, accompanied by a Bajoran Monk (Prylar Rhit).
Rhit thanks Bareil heartily.
DEEP SPACE: "Shadowplay" - REV. 12/10/93 - ACT THREE 32.
35 NEW ANGLE
On Kira as she emerges from the shrine. She's the last one
out. Bareil sees her, parts with Rhit, and joins her.
BAREIL
So what did you think?
KIRA
Of your speech?
(he nods)
I liked everything about it... except
the content.
BAREIL
You disagree with my interpretation
of the Eighth Prophecy.
KIRA
"Disagree" might be a bit of an
understatement. Passionately
disagree is more like it.
(a beat)
That way you have of taking a
prophecy, and showing how it can
mean exactly the opposite of the
accepted interpretation is...
Kira's tries to come up with the precise word to express her
feelings.
BAREIL
(egging her on)
Brilliant... insightful...
Kira can't help but smile, even as she comes up with the
word she was looking for.
KIRA
Infuriating.
BAREIL
(smiles)
Maybe we'd better talk about something
else.
Kira thinks about that for a second, then...
KIRA
Like what?
DEEP SPACE: "Shadowplay" - REV. 12/10/93 - ACT THREE 33.
35 CONTINUED:
BAREIL
The Ilvian katterpod crop maybe? Or
the new nature preserve in Hedrikspool
Province? Or how about the standings
in the Springball Championship.
KIRA
(surprised)
You follow springball?
BAREIL
Religiously... if you'll pardon the
expression. I even used to play a
little.
KIRA
Me, too. I had Chief O'Brien design
a springball holosuite program.
BAREIL
Really?
(enthusiastic)
Let's go.
Bareil heads for a turbolift. Kira follows.
KIRA
You want to play springball?
BAREIL
Why not?
(a beat)
Unless you have a more pressing
engagement?
KIRA
(smiles)
Not that I can think of.
BAREIL
Good. I could use the practice.
Kira shakes her head in amazement. This isn't anything at
all like the Bareil she's used to. The two of them EXIT
toward the Turbolift.
36 INT. PROTECTOR'S OFFICE - DAY
One of the Yaderan villagers gets up to leave the office,
having concluded an interview with Odo.
DEEP SPACE: "Shadowplay" - 12/09/93 - ACT THREE 34.
36 CONTINUED:
ODO
Thank you for coming in. If I have
any more questions, I'll let you
know.
As the villager EXITS, Rurigan ENTERS.
ODO
(to Rurigan)
Please, have a seat.
RURIGAN
I've seen people coming in and out
of this place all morning. You plan
on questioning the entire village?
ODO
If that's what it takes.
RURIGAN
So, what have you found out so far?
ODO
Surprisingly little. No one seems
to know anything about these
disappearances.
RURIGAN
I could've told you that. Saved you
some time.
ODO
You don't hold out much hope that
the missing villagers will be found,
do you?
RURIGAN
Nobody's found anyone so far.
ODO
From what I understand, you were one
of the founders of this colony.
RURIGAN
(proudly)
That's right. I'm the oldest one
left.
DEEP SPACE: "Shadowplay" - REV. 12/10/93 - ACT THREE 35.
36 CONTINUED: (2)
ODO
This colony must be very important
to you. You helped found it. You
raised a family here.
RURIGAN
I'm very proud of all we've
accomplished.
ODO
Then explain something to me. This
colony's undergoing a serious crisis,
your daughter's among the missing,
yet you hardly seem concerned.
RURIGAN
(gruff)
There's nothing I can do to change
things.
Rurigan looks tired and a little weak.
RURIGAN
(continuing)
I wish there was.
(a beat)
Now is there anything else, or can I
go?
Odo studies Rurigan for a beat.
ODO
(concerned)
Are you sure you're all right?
RURIGAN
Why wouldn't I be?
ODO
You seem to be in a great deal of
pain.
RURIGAN
(defensive)
What makes you say that?
ODO
I can see it in your eyes. Maybe
you'd like to sit here a while and
rest.
DEEP SPACE: "Shadowplay" - 12/09/93 - ACT THREE 35A.
36 CONTINUED: (3)
RURIGAN
(ironic smile)
Wouldn't do much good.
(matter of fact)
You see... I'm dying.
DEEP SPACE: "Shadowplay" - REV. 12/10/93 - ACT THREE 36.
36 CONTINUED: (4)
ODO
(surprised)
I'm... sorry.
RURIGAN
I've had a good life... no regrets...
I just wish I could see my daughter
again.
(a little impatient)
Now, if there are no more
questions... ?
Rurigan gets up, but Odo stops him before he reaches the
door.
ODO
Actually, there is one thing I've
been wondering about...
(get's Rurigan's
attention)
How come no one ever leaves the
village?
Rurigan is caught off guard by Odo's question.
ODO
(off Rurigan's reaction)
I haven't met a single person yet
that's ever been outside this valley.
Any idea why?
RURIGAN
I suppose people here don't like to
travel. After all, there's no place
to go.
ODO
How can you be so sure? Have you
ever left the valley?
RURIGAN
(thinks it over)
Now that you mention it, no.
ODO
When I asked Colyus if he'd searched
outside the valley for the missing
people, he looked surprised, like
he'd never thought of it before. I
find that very peculiar. Where I
come from, we'd have searched the
entire countryside.
DEEP SPACE: "Shadowplay" - REV. 12/13/93 - ACT THREE 37.
36 CONTINUED: (5)
RURIGAN
I guess he felt there was no point
to it. I guarantee you those missing
people aren't out there.
ODO
You're sure of that.
RURIGAN
(smiles)
Absolutely.
Rurigan nods his goodbye and EXITS. Hold on a thoughtful
Odo.
37 EXT. OUTSKIRTS OF YADERAN SETTLEMENT - DAY
Odo, Dax, and Taya climb a hillside above the Yaderan
settlement. Dax is carrying a Yaderan sensing device. Taya
is in the middle of a story.
TAYA
So then Great Minra said to the evil
changeling, "Well maybe you can turn
into a mountain, or a Ghergher Beast,
or a tornado... those are big things
and big things are easy... but I bet
you can't turn into something small...
like a loaf of greenbread." And so
the changeling said "Yes I can." and
he did... and then do you know what
happened?
ODO
(gruff)
The Great Minra gobbled him up.
TAYA
(surprised)
How'd you know?
ODO
The changeling in your story wasn't
very smart.
Taya absorbs this, then brightens.
TAYA
Could you turn into a loaf a
greenbread?
ODO
I suppose I could.
DEEP SPACE: "Shadowplay" - REV. 12/10/93 - ACT THREE 40.
TAYA
Show me.
Odo almost smiles.
ODO
And let you gobble me up? I don't
think so.
DEEP SPACE: "Shadowplay" - REV. 12/13/93 - ACT THREE 39.
38 EXT. CREST OF THE HILL - DAY
Dax, Odo and Taya reach the crest of the hill. Odo looks
around.
TAYA
You see that tree.
She indicates a nearby tree just below the crest.
TAYA
(continuing)
Sometimes we go there to play. That's
the farthest I've ever been from the
village.
ODO
(to Taya)
Wait here.
TAYA
But I want to see, too.
ODO
Please, do as I say.
(to Dax)
Lieutenant, come with me.
Odo and Dax walk downhill past the tree. Taya watches them
go, looking frustrated.
39 ANGLE ON DAX AND ODO (OPTICAL)
Dax consults the Yaderan sensing device as she and Odo emerge
from some bushes.
DAX
I'm still not reading other lifeforms... no indications
of any power source...
Dax and Odo walk a little further and the Yaderan sensing
device suddenly DISAPPEARS out of Dax's hand. Dax and Odo
exchange surprised looks.
DAX
Did you see that? It just vanished.
DEEP SPACE: "Shadowplay" - REV. 12/10/93 - ACT THREE 40.
39A NEW ANGLE
Taya is gathering a fistful of berry-covered vines. She
starts down the hill.
39B ANGLE ON ODO AND DAX
Still reacting to the vanished sensing device.
DAX
It happened just as we passed those
bushes.
40 ANGLE ON TAYA
Holding the berry vine as she comes down the hill.
40A NEW ANGLE
Dax sees Taya coming toward them. As Taya reaches the
bushes...
DAX
Taya?
ODO
(urgent)
Don't come any closer.
41 NEW ANGLE (OPTICAL)
Taya looks disappointed.
TAYA
But I brought you some Harrid berries.
She holds out the berries and her arm DISAPPEARS to the
elbow.
Taya looks at her own arm in curiosity, apparently in no
pain. As she raises her arm to her face, the arm RE-
MATERIALIZES, a little bit at a time.
42 ANGLE ON ODO AND DAX
And they react to this strange occurrence.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT THREE
DEEP SPACE: "Shadowplay" - REV. 12/10/93 - ACT FOUR 41.
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
43 EXT. YADERAN SETTLEMENT - DAY
Dax has opened a panel inside the reactor and is working on
the systems inside. Odo leads Colyus out of his office and
the two men join her.
COLYUS
(to Dax)
Odo says you know what happened to
the missing villagers?
DAX
I think I do.
(finishes tinkering
with reactor)
It's a little complicated to explain.
It'd probably be easier if I showed
you.
(a beat)
May I have your coat?
COLYUS
My coat?
DAX
Please.
Colyus gives it to her. Dax sets it down on the ground in a
precisely predetermined location.
DAX
Now step back.
Colyus complies. Dax reaches into the reactor and carefully
begins to manipulate the controls.
Nothing happens.
COLYUS
I'm waiting.
DAX
This may take a minute. I don't
want to make any mistakes.
As Dax continues making minute adjustments to the controls...
DEEP SPACE: "Shadowplay" - REV. 12/10/93 - ACT FOUR 42.
44 NEW ANGLE (OPTICAL)
The coat winks out of existence. Colyus reacts.
COLYUS
That was my favorite coat.
He starts walking to the spot, but Odo restrains him.
ODO
Please, stay where you are.
Dax works the controls... and the coat RE-MATERIALIZES.
45 RESUME SCENE
Odo takes his hand off of Colyus's shoulder and Colyus picks
up his coat and puts it back on.
COLYUS
Are you saying somebody used our
reactor to transport the victims
away?
DAX
No. It's not a transporter. It's a
holographic projector. It creates
an Omicron particle field and then
manipulates the field to form physical
objects... like your jacket.
COLYUS
What does this have to do with the
missing people?
DAX
(breaking it to him
gently)
The people are made of Omicron
particles, too.
COLYUS
(incredulous)
You mean they're holograms.
Colyus waits for Dax or Odo to deny his statement, but
instead, Dax nods.
DAX
I'm afraid so.
DEEP SPACE: "Shadowplay" - REV. 12/13/93 - ACT FOUR 42A.
45 CONTINUED:
DAX
(re: the reactor)
The component that controls the
particle field is breaking down.
That's why people are disappearing.
COLYUS
That's ridiculous. Some of the
victims were my friends. One of
them was my nephew.
DEEP SPACE: "Shadowplay" - REV. 12/13/93 - ACT FOUR 43.
45 CONTINUED: (2)
DAX
(with sympathy)
If I'm right, everyone and everything
in this village is a holographic
projection.
A beat. Colyus just laughs.
COLYUS
And I thought I was desperate to
find an answer.
ODO
Listen to me, Colyus. I know this
is difficult to accept...
COLYUS
It's going to take more than a
vanishing jacket to make me believe
that I'm some kind of hologram.
ODO
I'd be skeptical too if I were you.
But we do have further proof.
COLYUS
What kind of proof?
DAX
The holographic field ends just
outside this valley. Earlier today,
Taya tried to reach past the edge...
and her arm disappeared.
COLYUS
Is she all right?
ODO
She's fine. Her arm rematerialized
once she pulled it back inside.
COLYUS
Where exactly did this happen?
DAX
We could show you, if you'd like.
DEEP SPACE: "Shadowplay" - REV. 12/09/93 - ACT FOUR 44.
45 CONTINUED: (3)
COLYUS
(grim)
I think you'd better.
46 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)
As before.
47 INT. KIRA'S QUARTERS
Bareil and Kira are sitting at a low table in Kira's quarters,
eating a Bajoran spiced meat pie, which vaguely resembles
traditional Ethiopian or Moroccan food. Kira and Bareil are
dressed in casual workout clothes, having just returned from
their game of springball.
KIRA
How's your shoulder?
BAREIL
Still a little sore.
KIRA
Maybe we should have Doctor Bashir
look at it?
BAREIL
I'll be okay. It's only a sprain.
He looks at Kira for a beat. There's definitely an attraction
here, though neither of them seems ready to acknowledge it.
KIRA
I'm sorry.
BAREIL
Don't apologize. I should have seen
it coming.
(a beat)
Where did you learn to play like
that?
KIRA
My brothers and I used to play at
the Singha Refugee Camp. There wasn't
much else to do.
BAREIL
I was at Relliketh.
DEEP SPACE: "Shadowplay" - REV. 12/09/93 - ACT FOUR 45.
47 CONTINUED:
Again there is a bit of an awkward silence.
BAREIL
(continuing)
And now... here we are.
A beat as they finish eating.
BAREIL
(continuing)
That was delicious.
KIRA
Thank the replicators.
Kira gets up and starts to clear the table.
BAREIL
Here, let me help.
He gets up and they both reach for the same plate...
KIRA
That's not necessary. Your
shoulder...
They both take the plate. Their hands are now touching and
they're inches apart.
BAREIL
Never felt better.
They look into each other's eyes for beat.
KIRA
Maybe I could use some help after
all.
They lean closer and kiss. It's a long kiss and when it
ends, they're both smiling.
KIRA
(smiles)
I'll have to remember to thank Prylar
Rhit for inviting you here.
BAREIL
You better tell him soon. Prylar
Rhit is going to be returning to
Bajor.
(off Kira's look)
It appears he fancies himself
something of a Dabo player.
DEEP SPACE: "Shadowplay" - REV. 12/10/93 - ACT FOUR 46.
47 CONTINUED: (2)
KIRA
Really?
BAREIL
He's run up a sizable gambling debt.
It's caused quite a scandal in the
Vedek Assembly.
Kira is beginning to get a nasty suspicion.
KIRA
Let me get this straight. The man
who invited you to the station, owes
money... to Quark.
BAREIL
Who?
KIRA
The little troll who runs the Dabo
tables.
She heads for the door.
KIRA
I have to go.
BAREIL
Why?
KIRA
I need to talk to Prylar Rhit. I
think I know the real reason he
invited you here.
Kira EXITS, leaving Bareil confused, not quite sure what
just happened.
48 EXT. YADERAN SETTLEMENT - DAY
The square around the reactor is full of villagers, including
Rurigan and Taya. Odo and Dax are standing by the reactor
platform, watching as Colyus tries to settle down the unruly
crowd.
YELLS FROM CROWD
I don't believe it... I'm not a
hologram... Listen to Colyus... We're
alive... This isn't going to bring
anyone back... Let him talk...
Colyus hold his hands up for quiet.
DEEP SPACE: "Shadowplay" - REV. 12/10/93 - ACT FOUR 47.
48 CONTINUED:
COLYUS
Please. Everyone calm down. We
have to make a decision.
MALE VILLAGER
Colyus, you should be out looking
for my wife and all the others who
are missing.
FEMALE VILLAGER
(agreeing)
Not wasting time listening to these
strangers and their lies.
COLYUS
You all witnessed what happened when
they brought us to the edge of the
field.
(to Male Villager)
Merruk, we both saw your hand
disappear.
The crowd quiets down. Many of them also experimented with
the field.
MALE VILLAGER
(grasping at straws)
It could've been a trick.
DAX
It wasn't a trick.
FEMALE VILLAGER
Then how come we never learned about
this before.
ODO
Because none of you ever tried to
leave the valley.
COLYUS
It's possible that we were programmed
not to leave, so we wouldn't learn
the truth.
Colyus now has the full attention of the crowd.
COLYUS
(continuing)
We have to shut down the system. If
we don't fix it soon, the whole
village will disappear.
DEEP SPACE: "Shadowplay" - REV. 12/10/93 - ACT FOUR 47A.
48 CONTINUED: (2)
RURIGAN
You don't know for certain...
COLYUS
Do you want to take that risk?
DEEP SPACE: "Shadowplay" - REV. 12/13/93 - ACT FOUR 48.
48 CONTINUED: (3)
RURIGAN
(mocking)
If we're not real, then it really
doesn't matter whether the village
disappears or not.
COLYUS
It matters to me.
(playing his best
card)
Dax, you said that if you can fix
the machine, you might be able to
bring the missing people back?
DAX
We hope so.
TAYA
(to Rurigan)
I could see my mother again.
COLYUS
We've all lost someone. I say it's
worth a try.
RURIGAN
(to Dax)
What if you turn off the projector,
and you can't get it back on?
DAX
(concerned)
Then this village will cease to exist.
But the system's only a few months
away from complete failure. At least
this way, we have a chance to save
you.
TAYA
Grandfather, please let her try.
Rurigan puts a comforting hand on Taya's shoulder.
MALE VILLAGER
Rurigan, what do you think?
Colyus looks to Rurigan, as do all the others. Rurigan looks
down at Taya and gives her a bittersweet, comforting smile.
DEEP SPACE: "Shadowplay" - REV. 12/13/93 - ACT FOUR 49.
48 CONTINUED: (4)
RURIGAN
We can't go on like this. I guess
we should let her shut it down.
This quiets the crowd. Rurigan pulls a lot of weight.
COLYUS
Any objections.
There's some minor grumbling, but no one wants to step forward
and oppose Rurigan.
COLYUS
Then it's settled.
He nods to Dax to get started.
49 ANGLE ON TAYA
As she hugs Rurigan.
TAYA
I can't wait to see my mother.
Rurigan hugs her with a reassurance that isn't mirrored in
his face. As Dax goes to work, Taya looks at Odo.
TAYA
Your face isn't so scary... once you
get used to it.
ODO
(touched)
Thank you.
50 NEW ANGLE
As Dax looks up from her work and makes eye contact with
Colyus. Colyus nods.
DAX
(half to herself)
All right. Here we go.
51 ANGLE ON THE YADERANS
Rurigan holds Taya close. The other Yaderans brace
themselves, saying goodbye, hugging each other, trying to
find the strength to face the unknown. Odo and Taya exchange
what they hope will not be a final look.
DEEP SPACE: "Shadowplay" - REV. 12/10/93 - ACT FOUR 50.
52 ANGLE ON DAX
As she turns off the reactor, and...
53 NEW ANGLE (OPTICAL)
The Yaderans and their entire village DISAPPEAR, to reveal
an empty, rocky field surrounding the power plant, inhabited
only by Dax, Odo, and...
54 RURIGAN
Standing by himself, looking old, fragile, and very much
alone.
RURIGAN
(defiant)
Don't look so surprised, Lieutenant.
I'm as real as you are.
And as Dax and Odo react to Rurigan...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FOUR
DEEP SPACE: "Shadowplay" - REV. 12/13/93 - ACT FIVE 51.
ACT FIVE
FADE IN:
55 EXT. EMPTY PLAIN - DAY
Dax, Odo and Rurigan stand alone by the reactor.
RURIGAN
I was happy living on Yadera
Prime. Until the Dominion took
over. And changed our whole way
of life...
Dax and Odo exchange a look, but Rurigan is too deep into
his memories to notice.
RURIGAN
I woke up one day and realized I
didn't belong there anymore. So I
came here and used a holo-generator
to recreate everything that I'd lost.
(proudly)
I've lived here in my village for
thirty years. I've watched its
people marry, have children, grow
old... Sometimes, I even forgot they
were holograms.
(with regret)
But now it's over.
Rurigan takes one final look around the valley.
RURIGAN
(putting it all behind
him)
I'd appreciate it if you'd take me
back to Yadera Prime.
ODO
But what about the villagers? What
about your granddaughter?
RURIGAN
(rhetorical)
What granddaughter? You mean Taya?
She's not real.
ODO
Technically, I suppose you're right.
Maybe by our definition, Taya's not
real.
DEEP SPACE: "Shadowplay" - REV. 12/13/93 - ACT FIVE 52.
55 CONTINUED:
ODO (Cont'd)
Her memories are stored in a computer
and her body's made up of Omicron
particles. But who's to say that
our definition of life is the only
valid one. I'm sure if you asked
her, she'd say she was real. She
thinks, she feels...
RURIGAN
She only seems to... It's all an
illusion, an illusion that I created.
ODO
You said you created this village
thirty years ago. Taya's only ten.
RURIGAN
I designed the program so that the
villagers could have children if
they wanted to.
DAX
Then Taya's personality is a
combination of her parent's
personalities.
ODO
Just like a real child. You had
nothing to do with it.
RURIGAN
But she's still a hologram.
ODO
Maybe, but I saw the way you held
her hand when she was sad... how you
comforted her when she was frightened.
RURIGAN
(defensive)
I didn't want to see her get hurt.
ODO
(provoking)
If she's not real, what does it
matter?
DEEP SPACE: "Shadowplay" - REV. 12/10/93 - ACT FIVE 53.
55 CONTINUED: (2)
RURIGAN
(angry)
It matters to me.
ODO
Why should it matter to you if a
hologram cries?
RURIGAN
(learning it out)
Because... I love her.
DAX
And she loves you.
Rurigan's beginning to waver.
ODO
Don't you see... she's real to you.
And she's real to me, too. They're
all real. And you can't turn your
back on them now.
56 NEW ANGLE
On Rurigan, as he finally realizes what he's created... and
what he stands to lose.
57 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)
Re-establishing.
58 INT. SISKO'S QUARTERS
Sisko is at his desk, working with a PADD. Jake ENTERS,
still wearing his work clothes.
SISKO
(glad to see him)
Jake... how was work?
JAKE
Okay.
Jake takes a seat. He's serious, adult... a man with a
mission.
DEEP SPACE: "Shadowplay" - REV. 12/10/93 - ACT FIVE 53A.
58 CONTINUED:
JAKE
(all business)
It's kind of fun working with Chief
O'Brien. Of course, it'd be better
if I knew what I was doing.
SISKO
You'll get there.
Jake nods but he's go something else on his mind.
JAKE
I guess so.
SISKO
I'm glad you decided to stick with
it.
DEEP SPACE: "Shadowplay" - REV. 12/10/93 - ACT FIVE 54.
58 CONTINUED: (2)
JAKE
Yeah.
(almost blurting it
out)
Dad, I don't want to join Starfleet.
That takes Sisko back for a second. He didn't see that one
coming.
SISKO
Since when?
JAKE
Since forever. Starfleet is too
much... like you. And I have to
find what's me.
(seeking approval)
Does that make any sense?
SISKO
Perfect sense.
Jake reacts with surprise. He expected more of a fight.
JAKE
It does?
SISKO
It's your life, Jake. You have to
choose your own way. There's only
one thing I want from you.
Jake waits to hear what it's going to be.
SISKO
(continuing)
Find something you love... and do it
the best you can...
Jake realizes that in some ways this a lot more responsibility
than just following in his father's footsteps. But it's an
adult responsibility.
JAKE
(humble)
I'll try.
SISKO
Good. Then you'll make your old man
proud.
Jake gets up.
DEEP SPACE: "Shadowplay" - 12/09/93 - ACT FIVE 55.
58 CONTINUED: (3)
JAKE
I better go study. I'm still trying
to figure out those isolinear rods.
Sisko nods and watches Jake EXIT to his room with a mixture
of disappoint and pride.
59 INT. QUARK'S - SECOND LEVEL
Kira ENTERS from the Promenade. She looks around, sees Quark
waiting on a table, and makes her way purposefully toward
him.
KIRA
(pleasant)
Hello, Quark.
QUARK
(a little nervous)
Major... to what do I owe this
unexpected pleasure.
KIRA
Just thought I'd let you know... we
caught your cousin trying to slip
back onto the station. And guess
what we confiscated from him...
(smiles)
Bone-carvings... stolen from a museum
on Cardassia Five.
For Quark, this is very bad news, but he tries not to
show it.
QUARK
I always knew Kono was no good.
KIRA
I'm only sorry we didn't catch the
two of you together.
QUARK
Life is full of disappointments.
KIRA
(smiling)
Oh, by the way...
(pointedly)
Prylar Rhit tells me you "encouraged"
him to invite Bareil onto the station.
DEEP SPACE: "Shadowplay" - REV. 12/10/93 - ACT FIVE 56.
59 CONTINUED:
QUARK
Is that a crime?
KIRA
(smiling)
Not at all... I just wanted to say
thanks. I found him very...
diverting.
And as Quark watches, Kira EXITS onto the second level of
the Promenade, where she joins Vedek Bareil and the two of
them walk off, arm-in-arm.
60 ON QUARK
Crestfallen, as he realizes his scheming has accomplished
nothing but making Kira happy...
QUARK
Not diverting enough.
61 EXT. EMPTY PLAIN - DAY
Dax and Rurigan finish their repairs to the reactor while
Odo looks on with concern. Dax gets ready to turn on the
system.
DAX
All right, nothing to do now but
reactivate the system and see what
happens.
RURIGAN
Lieutenant... wait. I have a favor
to ask.
(off reactions, softly)
If it works, please don't tell any
of the others that I'm... not like
them. I don't want to be treated
any differently than before.
Dax looks surprised, like she might be about to object, but
Odo speaks first.
ODO
Of course.
Dax nods her agreement. Rurigan goes back to where he was
when the system was shut down and signals Dax. Dax
reactivates the reactor, and...
DEEP SPACE: "Shadowplay" - REV. 12/10/93 - ACT FIVE 57.
62 EXT. YADERAN SETTLEMENT (OPTICAL)
The settlement REAPPEARS, complete with all its residents.
In fact, if anything, there are a few more people than before.
The new arrivals look very confused.
Taya searches the crowd until she finds a pretty Yaderan
woman. Taya reacts joyfully.
TAYA
Mother!
Taya rans embrace her mother and hugs her. Several
other Yaderans embrace other missing people who've been
returned, including the vocal Male Villager, who reunites
with his wife.
63 NEW ANGLE
Colyus breaks away from hugging his long-lost nephew and
joins Dax and Odo.
COLYUS
(relieved)
You did it.
DAX
We upgraded the system's memory core
and realigned the field generator.
You shouldn't have to worry about
anyone disappearing now.
COLYUS
We just have to get used to the fact
that we're holograms.
RURIGAN
We're alive and we have our families
back. That's the only thing that
counts.
COLYUS
(looking around)
I wonder who created all this?
ODO
Whoever it was did a fine job.
COLYUS
(smiling)
They did. Didn't they?
DEEP SPACE: "Shadowplay" - REV. 12/10/93 - ACT FIVE 58.
63 CONTINUED:
Rurigan nods his thanks to Odo.
COLYUS
It was good working with you, Odo.
Next time you're on this side of the
galaxy... I hope you come see us.
(with a grin)
We don't get many visitors.
ODO
I would like that.
64 NEW ANGLE
As Taya approaches Odo.
TAYA
Odo, my mother's back.
ODO
I'm glad.
Odo looks over at Dax, who is waiting for him.
TAYA
You're leaving.
ODO
I'm afraid so.
TAYA
I'll miss you.
ODO
I'll miss you, too.
TAYA
Thank you for bringing my mother
back.
(quietly)
I hope you find your parents, too.
ODO
(touched)
Thank you, Taya. So do I.
Odo walks over and joins Dax, then stops, as if something
just occurred to him.
DEEP SPACE: "Shadowplay" - REV. 12/13/93 - ACT FIVE 59.
ODO
(calling over)
Taya.
65 NEW ANGLE (OPTICAL)
Odo twists his body and MORPHS into an exact replica of Taya's
top-like toy.
66 ON TAYA
Who's surprised and delighted. Yes, Taya, he really is a
changeling.
67 NEW ANGLE (OPTICAL)
As Odo rises back up out of frame, having shifted back off
camera. He smiles back at Taya, pleased and proud to see
the delight on her face.
DAX
Computer, two to beam up.
Taya, who's joined by Rurigan, raises her hand in farewell
as Odo and Dax DEMATERIALIZE. And as life resumes in the
Yaderan village...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FIVE
THE END