STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
"Profit and Loss"
(fka "Here's Lookin' at You... ")
#40512-438
Written by
Flip Kobler & Cindy Marcus
Directed by
Robert Wiemer
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 1994 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 This script is not for publication or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
January 13, 1994
STAR TREK: DS9 - "Profit and Loss" - 01/13/94 - CAST
STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
"Profit and Loss"
CAST
SISKO GARAK
KIRA NATIMA LANG
ODO HOGUE
QUARK REKELEN
BASHIR GUL TORAN
DAX
O'BRIEN
Non-Speaking Non-Speaking
N.D. SUPERNUMERARIES
STAR TREK: DS9 - "Profit and Loss" - 01/13/94 - SETS
STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
"Profit and Loss"
SETS
INTERIORS EXTERIORS
DEEP SPACE NINE DEEP SPACE NINE
CARGO BAY
COMMANDER'S QUARTERS
DOCKING RING CORRIDOR
GARAK'S SHOP
HOLDING AREA
NATIMA'S QUARTERS
OPS
PROMENADE
QUARK'S
QUARK'S SECOND FLOOR
SECURITY OFFICE
STAR TREK: "Profit and Loss" - 01/13/94 - PRONUNCIATION
STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
"Profit and Loss"
PRONUNCIATION GUIDE
BAJORAN bah-JOR-an
CARDASSIA car-DASS-ee-uh
CARDASSIAN car-DASS-ee-en
GARAK GAIR-uck
HOGUE HOEG (rhymes with Vogue)
IMPARR im-PARR
KANAR KUH-nar
KOLUZONA koe-loo-ZOE-nuh
MORDIAN MOR-dee-an
NATIMA LANG nuh-TEE-muh LANG
REKELEN reh-KELL-en
RHYMUS RIE-mus
SAMARIAN suh-MARE-ee-an
TORAN tuh-RAN
TRELONIAN tre-LONE-ee-an
YIRI YEER-ee (rhymes with Eerie)
DEEP SPACE: "Profit and Loss" - 01/13/94 - TEASER 1.
STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
"Profit and Loss"
TEASER
FADE IN:
1 OMITTED
2 INT. OPS (OPTICAL)
KIRA and DAX are at their stations, both zeroed in on their
instruments. SISKO is looking up at the viewscreen, which
displays a close view of a small Cardassian ship, moving
erratically, shimmering with plasma discharge, obviously in
trouble.
KIRA
Definitely Cardassian.
DAX
(checking panel)
And in trouble. Its engines are
completely disabled.
SISKO
Open a hailing frequency.
(to screen)
This is Commander Sisko of Deep Space
Nine. Do you need assistance?
Nothing but STATIC from the screen.
DAX
They're not answering.
(checking monitor)
Their life-support systems are
operating on reserve power.
SISKO
Better lock on a tractor beam and
pull them into Docking Bay Seven.
Notify Chief O'Brien to meet me there.
Sisko EXITS.
DEEP SPACE: "Profit and Loss" - 01/13/94 - TEASER 2.
3 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)
The stations tractor beams pull in the damaged Cardassian
ship.
4 INT. CARGO BAY SEVEN
Sisko and O'BRIEN wait as the airlock door rolls back.
Two young Cardassians step out. They're dressed in civilian
clothes and look nervous and a little scared. The male,
HOGUE, is wide-eyed and innocent. The female, REKELEN, is
edgy and hyperactive.
After they survey the scene, a statuesque, striking (for a
Cardassian) female steps out. This is NATIMA LANG. She is
older and much more composed than her two compatriots. She
measures Sisko and O'Brien with a long look.
SISKO
I'm Benjamin Sisko, commander of
Deep Space Nine.
(indicating O'Brien)
My chief of operations, Miles O'Brien.
(concerned)
Do any of you need medical assistance?
NATIMA
I think we're all in good shape,
considering. I'm Professor Natima
Lang.
(indicates the other
Cardassians)
These are two of my students, Rekelen
and Hogue.
O'BRIEN
What happened to your ship?
NATIMA
We were caught in a meteor swarm.
I'm a decent teacher, but I'm afraid
I'm not much of a shuttle pilot.
(to O'Brien)
Do you think you'll be able to repair
our ship?
O'BRIEN
I'll have to take a look. Excuse
me.
He enters the airlock and disappears.
DEEP SPACE: "Profit and Loss" - REV. 01/24/94 - TEASER 3.
4 CONTINUED:
NATIMA
We'd like to be on our way as soon
as possible. We know having
Cardassians on a Bajoran station may
cause trouble. That's the last thing
we want.
SISKO
If anyone can fix your ship, it's
Mister O'Brien. In the meantime,
you're welcome to stay here. If you
stick to the Promenade, I'm sure
there won't be any trouble.
5 INT. QUARK'S - SECOND LEVEL
GARAK and BASHIR sit at a table, in mid-conversation.
BASHIR
Are you saying you agree with General
Yiri's decision to execute his
brother?
Garak rolls his eyes. He senses an argument coming.
GARAK
Of course I agree. Yiri's brother
was a traitor to the Trelonian
government.
DEEP SPACE: "Profit and Loss" - 01/24/94 - TEASER 4.
5 CONTINUED:
BASHIR
But the evidence is all
circumstantial.
GARAK
My dear Doctor... it all comes down
to a question of loyalty. Yiri had
to choose between protecting his
brother or protecting the state. He
chose the state... as would I, every
time.
BASHIR
I suppose that's one way of looking
at it. Then again, "Before you can
be loyal to another, you must be
loyal to yourself."
GARAK
And who can we thank for those
misguided words of wisdom? Sarek of
Vulcan?
BASHIR
Actually, it was Julian Bashir of
Earth. And it's not too bad
considering I just made it up on the
spot.
GARAK
(smiles)
With sentiments like those, you
wouldn't last five seconds on
Cardassia.
Bashir pounces. This is the opening he's been waiting for.
BASHIR
Would you?
DEEP SPACE: "Profit and Loss" - REV. 01/24/94 - TEASER 5.
5 CONTINUED: (2)
Garak is a little taken aback. Bashir's question cuts
right to the heart of the cat-and-mouse game that the two of
them have been playing for months.
GARAK
Fishing again, Doctor?
BASHIR
Well, assuming you're not a spy...
GARAK
Assuming.
BASHIR
Then maybe you're an outcast?
GARAK
Or maybe I'm an outcast spy?
BASHIR
How could you be both?
GARAK
I never said I was either.
Bashir grins and shakes his head. He gives up.
5 INT. QUARK'S (MAIN FLOOR)
Following ODO as he ENTERS the bar. He scans the room and
sees QUARK making drinks.
ODO
(approaching Quark)
I heard an interesting rumor.
DEEP SPACE: "Profit and Loss" - 01/13/94 - TEASER 6.
6 CONTINUED:
QUARK
Only one? I started at least twelve.
Odo slides onto a stool, glaring at Quark with that accusing
look he's mastered so well.
ODO
Rumor has it you've managed to get
your hands on a small cloaking device.
QUARK
And you believe everything you hear?
Quark busies himself making drinks.
ODO
When it's about you, yes.
(beat)
According to Bajoran law, such a
device would be highly illegal.
QUARK
If I had one. Which I don't.
ODO
I didn't expect you to admit it.
I'm simply serving notice: You try
to sell it and I'll see to it that
you spend the next fifty years digging
trenches in a penal colony.
Quark turns away from Odo to get something off his backbar
(under the window to the Promenade).
QUARK
(winces at the
prospect, but:)
I told you... you have nothing to
worry about, because...
Quark's voice trails off as he sees Natima and her students
on the Promenade. His face goes slack.
QUARK
Excuse me.
Quark leaves the Bar.
DEEP SPACE: "Profit and Loss" - 01/13/94 - TEASER 7.
7 INT. PROMENADE
Quark steps out onto the Promenade and stares at the
Cardassians. He's visibly shaken, but finally finds his
voice.
QUARK
Natima?
It's barely a whisper, but Natima turns and spots Quark.
She stops in her tracks. They stand there for a long moment,
eyes locked and loaded with history.
NATIMA
Quark.
Natima steps up to Quark, still not quite believing her eyes.
QUARK
I knew you'd come b...
But before Quark can finish his sentence, Natima hauls back
and slaps Quark. Hard.
NATIMA
I told you never to speak to me again.
Natima storms off as Quark shakes off the blow.
8 NEW ANGLE
As Odo approaches Quark.
ODO
Are you all right?
Quark holds his jaw as he watches Natima stalk away.
QUARK
All right?
(really means it)
This is the happiest day of my life.
Quark's eyes are still locked on Natima. HOLD on Odo as he
ponders Quark's connection to the Cardassian woman, then:
FADE OUT.
END OF TEASER
DEEP SPACE: "Profit and Loss" - 01/13/94 - ACT ONE 8.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
(NOTE: Episode credits fall over opening scenes.)
9 INT. PROMENADE (CONTINUOUS)
Natima and her students continue down the Promenade as Quark
rushes up and blocks her path.
QUARK
Natima, wait. At least let me buy
you and your friends a drink. I
could make you a Samarian Sunset.
NATIMA
I don't drink Samarian Sunsets
anymore.
QUARK
Why not?
NATIMA
Because they remind me of you.
HOGUE
(to Natima)
Is this...
(says it like an insult)
Ferengi bothering you?
QUARK
This Ferengi happens to be Natima's
old and cherished friend. Who are
you?
NATIMA
These are my students.
QUARK
Students. You don't say.
(to the students)
You know, she always told me she
wanted to teach one day.
(to Natima)
And now, you're doing it.
Congratulations. It's so rare for
someone to actually achieve their
dreams.
DEEP SPACE: "Profit and Loss" - 01/13/94 - ACT ONE 9.
9 CONTINUED:
REKELEN
Professor Lang isn't simply a teacher.
She's our inspiration.
QUARK
Really? I'd love to sit in on one
of your classes. What do you teach?
HOGUE
Political Ethics.
REKELEN
(with fervor)
Her teachings will change the future
of Cardassia.
NATIMA
That's enough, Rekelen.
QUARK
Not at all. I want to hear more.
Taking Rekelen and Hogue by the arms, he leads them back
toward his bar.
QUARK
I always knew that Natima was destined
for greatness.
NATIMA
(exasperated)
Quark...
QUARK
Just one drink. It'll be like old
times.
NATIMA
It'll never be like old times.
QUARK
You're right.
(to himself)
It'll be better.
Quark leads Rekelen and Hogue into the bar and Natima has no
choice but to follow.
DEEP SPACE: "Profit and Loss" - 01/13/94 - ACT ONE 10.
10 INT. QUARK'S
Quark ushers Natima and her students to a table. They sit.
QUARK
I'll be right back with
refreshments.
Quark leaves Natima alone with her students.
11 FOLLOW QUARK
As he moves back to the door and starts to mix a drink. Odo
gives him a bemused look.
ODO
Your hands are shaking.
Indeed they are. Quark steels himself, does his best to
ignore Odo as he continues mixing. But Odo isn't so easily
dissuaded.
ODO
So how well does this woman know
you? Just enough to dislike you, or
well enough to really hate you.
QUARK
She used to work here at the station.
She was a correspondent for the
Cardassian information service. It
was before your time.
ODO
(not giving up)
So which is it... dislike or hate?
QUARK
It's none of your business, but if
you have to know... I was the love
of her life.
And with that he sets a single drink on the tray and moves
off, leaving Odo to contemplate someone actually loving Quark.
ODO
(harumphing)
Must have been some life.
DEEP SPACE: "Profit and Loss" - 01/13/94 - ACT ONE 11.
12 NEW ANGLE (OPTICAL)
As Quark returns with the drink. He sets it down gingerly
in front of Natima.
HOGUE
What about our drinks?
QUARK
(dismissive)
If you want a drink, the bar's right
over there.
Hogue and Rekelen look angry, but Natima nods, dismissing
them. They head for the bar, leaving Quark and Natima alone.
QUARK
(indicating the drink)
Your Samarian Sunset.
Quark reaches over and gently PINGS the glass with his finger.
The clear liquid suddenly erupts with a bright orange color.
NATIMA
(there's no force
behind her anger)
I said I didn't drink these anymore.
QUARK
Because they remind you of me. But
since I'm here anyway, you may as
well enjoy yourself. Besides, it's
on the house.
She picks up the drink and holds it up to the light.
QUARK
(continuing)
You know, you're as beautiful as
ever.
Natima sets the drink back down.
NATIMA
And you're as big a liar as ever.
QUARK
(exuberant)
You see... just like old times.
(a beat)
I've missed you, Natima. And that's
no lie.
DEEP SPACE: "Profit and Loss" - 01/13/94 - ACT ONE 12.
12 CONTINUED:
NATIMA
(looking around the
bar)
You seem to have kept busy.
QUARK
Oh, yes. I'm very successful. But
as the two hundred and twenty-third
Rule of Acquisition says...
NATIMA
(interrupting)
Please. I haven't heard a Rule of
Acquisition in seven years. And I
don't want to hear one now.
(a beat)
You never apologized, Quark. You
never admitted you were wrong. I
think that hurt more than anything.
QUARK
Would it really have made any
difference?
NATIMA
Maybe not. But it would've been
nice if you'd tried.
QUARK
All right. I'm sorry. I was wrong.
NATIMA
It's too late.
QUARK
It's never too late.
(a beat)
So how long are you going to be on
the station?
Before she can answer, she sees...
13 GARAK AND BASHIR
coming down the spiral staircase.
GARAK
Thank you for another enjoyable lunch.
Doctor.
Garak pulls up short as he spots Natima and her students.
He and Rekelen lock eyes for a moment. Garak betrays no
emotion beyond a cold assessment of the situation.
DEEP SPACE: "Profit and Loss" - 01/13/94 - ACT ONE 13.
13 CONTINUED:
Garak nods politely and EXITS.
14 ANGLE ON NATIMA
Noticeably apprehensive. Hogue and Rekelen also spot Garak
and immediately rejoin Natima.
NATIMA
I didn't think there'd be any
Cardassians left on the station.
QUARK
He's the only one.
HOGUE
(concerned)
What do we do now?
QUARK
(confused)
Why? Is something wrong?
NATIMA
(to Hogue)
We have to leave... as soon as
possible.
(to Quark)
Goodbye, Quark. Thanks for the drink.
QUARK
But you didn't touch it.
Natima and the others head for the door.
15 QUARK
watches Natima leave. There's only one thing on his mind --
Now that he's found her again, he has to win her back.
16 INT. OPS
The usual hub of activity. Sisko, Dax and Kira are at the
main console as O'Brien steps off the Turbolift and crosses.
DEEP SPACE: "Profit and Loss" - 01/13/94 - ACT ONE 14.
16 CONTINUED:
SISKO
How are your repairs coming?
O'BRIEN
The damage is more extensive than I
thought.
(pointed beat)
They were lucky to survive the attack.
SISKO
The attack?
O'Brien holds up the ship's navigation cell -- a blackened,
partially melted cube.
O'BRIEN
They weren't in any meteor swarm.
Their ship was hit by Cardassian
disrupters.
KIRA
That doesn't make sense. Why would
Cardassians fire on other Cardassians?
DAX
(looking beyond Kira)
Maybe you should ask her.
Kira and Sisko turn to see Natima, Hogue and Rekelen step
out of the Turbolift. The crewmembers react to the
Cardassians in Ops. As Natima and her students come up:
NATIMA
I hate to be an imposition, Commander,
but I need my ship.
SISKO
That's not possible. Mister O'Brien
is still working on it.
(pointedly)
Your ship sustained more damage than
we originally thought, in fact...
Natima sees what's coming.
NATIMA
(interrupting)
You suspect our ship was damaged by
Cardassian weapons. You're right, of
course.
DEEP SPACE: "Profit and Loss" - 01/13/94 - ACT ONE 15.
16 CONTINUED: (2)
HOGUE
Professor...
NATIMA
It's all right, Hogue. I should've
told them the truth in the first
place.
KIRA
Then why didn't you?
NATIMA
Because Cardassians don't involve
outsiders in their internal politics.
Especially Bajorans.
SISKO
Being shot at by your own people
goes a little beyond politics.
NATIMA
(grim)
We take our politics very seriously.
(a beat)
Commander, if I don't get my students
to safety they're going to be killed.
And if they die, the future of
Cardassia may die with them.
Hold for a beat as Sisko and the rest of the crew react to
this pronouncement, then...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
DEEP SPACE: "Profit and Loss" - 01/13/94 - ACT TWO 16.
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
17 INT. COMMANDER'S OFFICE
Sisko is seated at his desk, with Natima seated across from
him and her students standing behind her.
REKELEN
(in mid-speech)
To put it simply, not everyone inside
the Cardassian Empire is satisfied
with the way the Central Command
governs.
SISKO
Not everyone outside, either.
NATIMA
There are some who believe the future
of Cardassia shouldn't remain in the
hands of the military.
SISKO
And you're among them?
HOGUE
Yes, we are.
NATIMA
Rekelen and Hogue are two of the
most important leaders of our
movement.
SISKO
(to the students)
Which makes you fugitives.
HOGUE
The military's afraid to let us speak
our minds.
NATIMA
We only want a better future for all
Cardassians. A future based on peace
and non-violence.
(somber)
But if we achieve peace, true peace,
both inside and outside our borders,
the military will no longer be able
to justify their control of the
Empire.
DEEP SPACE: "Profit and Loss" - 01/13/94 - ACT TWO 17.
17 CONTINUED:
SISKO
Military governments are notoriously
reluctant to give up power.
NATIMA
Ours is no exception.
REKELEN
They've already tried to kill us
once... they're sure to try again.
NATIMA
(forceful)
Which is why I have to get them off
this station... as soon as possible.
SISKO
I'll dispatch additional work crews
to help repair your ship.
NATIMA
The sooner the better, Commander.
HOGUE
We saw another Cardassian aboard the
station... in the bar.
SISKO
(concerned)
Garak? He saw you?
NATIMA
I'm certain of it.
SISKO
Then... we may have a problem. Mister
Garak is a bit of a mystery to us.
One of my officers is convinced he
works for Cardassian Intelligence.
For all I know he could be right.
REKELEN
Why don't you arrest him?
SISKO
On what charge?
REKELEN
You're the commander. You don't
need a reason.
SISKO
That's not how we do things here.
DEEP SPACE: "Profit and Loss" - 01/13/94 - ACT TWO 18.
17 CONTINUED: (2)
NATIMA
(reprimanding Rekelen)
Nor should it be.
SISKO
I'll assign you some guest quarters.
You'll be safe there until your ship
is ready.
Though neither Rekelen or Hogue seem satisfied, Natima nods
her thanks.
NATIMA
We appreciate your assistance,
Commander.
18 INT. GARAK'S SHOP
Garak is nipping and tucking a jacket on a mannequin. He
hears someone behind him, turns to find Quark standing in
the doorway, watching him.
Garak smiles coolly at Quark.
GARAK
Mister Quark, this is a surprise. I
don't believe you've ever been in my
establishment before.
QUARK
You usually don't frequent mine,
either... though I did see you in
there today.
GARAK
The Replimat was a little crowded.
So what brings you here now?
QUARK
(casually)
Oh, I just wanted to see what you're
offering.
Quark picks up a beautifully embroidered dress, rubs the
material between his fingers.
QUARK
What do you get for this?
DEEP SPACE: "Profit and Loss" - 01/13/94 - ACT TWO 19.
18 CONTINUED:
GARAK
Seventeen strips of latinum.
QUARK
Tell you what, I'll give you twenty.
GARAK
Twenty? How uncharacteristically
generous... for a Ferengi.
QUARK
Just one businessman trying to help
out another. I figure we have to
stick together.
Garak knows this is a lie, but he holds out the dress to
Quark.
GARAK
This is the latest style on my
homeworld. Do you like it?
QUARK
I'm no expert on Cardassian fashions.
What do you think?
GARAK
I don't know. It's been so long
since I've had a Cardassian customer.
The opening Quark was waiting for.
QUARK
Then you're in luck. There're some
on the station right now.
GARAK
Now that you mention it, I think
your lady friend may find this style
very appealing. You are old friends,
aren't you?
QUARK
(begrudgingly)
You're very perceptive, for a
Cardassian.
GARAK
It would've been hard to miss the
way you were looking at her.
DEEP SPACE: "Profit and Loss" - 01/13/94 - ACT TWO 20.
18 CONTINUED: (2)
QUARK
It would've been hard to miss the
way you were looking at her.
GARAK
I always try to observe the fashions
of visitors to the station.
Garak holds the dress up and looks at it appraisingly.
GARAK
(continuing)
Personally I find this style a bit
too radical, but your friend seems
the type who appreciates that sort
of thing.
QUARK
Different tastes for different people.
(fishing)
Nothing wrong with that, is there?
GARAK
You'd be surprised how detrimental a
poor choice of fashion can be. Take
this dress. It may be all the rage
now... but it could quickly become
tiresome, an affront to the eyes.
Certain people may even find it...
objectionable. And then...
(Garak rips the dress)
Nothing but rags.
QUARK
(with an edge)
I see.
GARAK
Mister Quark, may I offer you some
free advice?
QUARK
(not smiling)
As long as I'm under no obligation
to follow it.
GARAK
(choosing his words)
I've been in this business a long
time.
DEEP SPACE: "Profit and Loss" - 01/13/94 - ACT TWO 21.
18 CONTINUED: (3)
GARAK (Cont'd)
And I know there's nothing worse
than following the wrong trend. Now
you're a smart fellow.
(glances at Quark's
clothing)
With your own inimitable style.
Perhaps you should mention that to
your lady friend. I'd hate to see
her become... a victim of fashion.
QUARK
Would you like to explain that?
GARAK
She's chosen to associate herself
with some rather flamboyant
companions. It would be a tragedy
if she got in the way when her
friends... went out of style.
QUARK
(no longer dancing
around)
If anyone tries to hurt her, they're
going to have to deal with me.
GARAK
(not impressed)
What're you going to do? Shortchange
them at the dabo table?
Quark picks up the ripped dress and shoves it into Garak's
arms.
QUARK
(defiant)
I think I'll buy this dress after
all. See that it's mended.
Quark EXITS. Garak looks thoughtfully at the torn dress.
19 INT. NATIMA'S QUARTERS
Natima sits at a table, while an agitated Rekelen and Hogue
pace around her.
REKELEN
Professor, we have to do
something.
DEEP SPACE: "Profit and Loss" - 01/13/94 - ACT TWO 22.
19 CONTINUED:
NATIMA
If you want to do something
constructive, stop pacing... the
both of you.
HOGUE
We can't just sit here while
everything we've worked for is
slipping away.
NATIMA
Have faith. Your work is just
beginning.
REKELEN
How can you say that? The movement
is in shambles... we're fleeing for
our lives... the military's hold is
stronger than ever. Things are no
better than when we started.
NATIMA
That's not true. Look at all you've
accomplished. Five years ago there
was no hope for progress. The
military's rule wasn't even
questioned. That's all changed now.
HOGUE
We could never have done it without
your support.
NATIMA
(pep talk)
What we've started can't be undone.
Don't you see, they can kill me...
they can kill you, but they can't
kill our ideas... our hope for a
better Cardassia.
Rekelen and Hogue fall silent as Natima's words sink in.
After a beat...
HOGUE
(worried, but putting
up a good front)
You're right, Professor.
DEEP SPACE: "Profit and Loss" - 01/13/94 - ACT TWO 23.
19 CONTINUED: (2)
Natima sees that Hogue is pretty scared.
NATIMA
Don't worry, Hogue. I have no
intention of letting you become
martyrs. I'll get you out of this
somehow.
(venting her own
frustration)
If we could only get to Sadera Six
and join up with the others...
She's cut short by a BEEP, and:
COM VOICE
(Quark's voice,
disguised)
Lieutenant Smith to Professor Lang.
Commander Sisko is on his way to
your quarters. He'd like to speak
to you in private.
NATIMA
(to comm)
Thank you. I'll be waiting.
(to her students)
Why don't you two go see if Chief
O'Brien's made any progress with our
ship?
Rekelen nods, grateful for something to do, and she and Hogue
EXIT.
20 NEW ANGLE
As Natima consults her PADD to prepare for her meeting with
Sisko. The door CHIMES.
NATIMA
Enter.
21 ANGLE ON THE DOOR
To reveal Quark
NATIMA
Quark. I can't talk now. I'm
expecting Commander Sisko.
DEEP SPACE: "Profit and Loss" - 01/13/94 - ACT TWO 24.
21 CONTINUED:
QUARK
He's not coming.
NATIMA
What do you mean he's not coming?
QUARK
Trust me.
NATIMA
(figures it out)
Lieutenant Smith?
QUARK
At your service.
She allows herself a thin smile and shakes her head.
NATIMA
You haven't changed a bit.
Quark turns to her and we see a side of him we don't often
see -- a softer, gentler Quark.
QUARK
You're wrong, Natima. I haven't
been the same since you left.
NATIMA
What is it you want from me?
QUARK
I know you're in trouble. I want to
help you.
NATIMA
I don't want your help.
QUARK
But I owe you. You saved my life.
If you had turned me over to the
authorities, I'd've been executed.
NATIMA
(simply)
I admired your courage. It was a
brave thing you were doing... selling
food to the Bajorans. I thought you
were a man of honor.
QUARK
I'm a Ferengi. You should've known
better.
DEEP SPACE: "Profit and Loss" - 01/13/94 - ACT TWO 25.
21 CONTINUED: (2)
NATIMA
You're right. I should have.
Instead...
She trails off, not wanting to dwell on the past.
QUARK
Can't you even say it?
NATIMA
I can't even think it.
QUARK
Okay, then I'll say it for you. We
fell in love. And that month we
spent together was the best time of
our lives... and you know it.
NATIMA
I think you're confusing lust with
love.
QUARK
I admit... I'm capable of it. But
not this time. I loved you, Natima.
NATIMA
Then how could you have betrayed me?
QUARK
I didn't betray you.
NATIMA
Don't lie to me, Quark. I know
better. You used my personal access
codes to authorize payments for goods
you never provided.
QUARK
So I took a little money from the
Cardassian Communication Service.
They could afford it.
DEEP SPACE: "Profit and Loss" - 01/13/94 - ACT TWO 26.
21 CONTINUED: (3)
NATIMA
You stole that money.
QUARK
I saw a chance for profit and I took
it. Maybe that was wrong. I don't
know. But what I really regret was
betraying your trust.
(totally honest)
That was the worst mistake of my
life.
NATIMA
And you'd do it again in a second.
I believed in you, Quark. But you
were using me. Like you use everyone.
For profit.
QUARK
Then let me make it up to you. Let
me help you. I ask for nothing in
return.
NATIMA
Nothing?
QUARK
Except that you'll stay with me
forever.
NATIMA
I can't stay here, Quark. My students
need me.
QUARK
Listen to me, Natima. You can't
leave me. Not now. If you don't
stay with me, I'll have to follow
you. And I will. Wherever you go.
Until you agree to take me back.
NATIMA
Quark, you don't even know me anymore.
I'm part of the Cardassian
underground. Following me will only
get you killed.
DEEP SPACE: "Profit and Loss" - 01/13/94 - ACT TWO 26A.
21 CONTINUED: (4)
QUARK
(desperate)
I'll take that chance.
NATIMA
What about the bar?
QUARK
I don't care about the bar. I'll
turn it over to Rom. He'll run it
into the ground in a month, but that
doesn't matter. I have to be with
you.
Natima is tempted. She didn't think Quark was prepared to
make that kind of sacrifice, but...
NATIMA
It won't work, Quark. You say you'd
do anything for me. Maybe right
now, you even believe it.
DEEP SPACE: "Profit and Loss" - 01/13/94 - ACT TWO 27.
21 CONTINUED: (5)
NATIMA (Cont'd)
But I know better. In the end, you'd
only care about yourself.
QUARK
But I love you.
NATIMA
I don't love you.
QUARK
Now which one of us is lying?
NATIMA
(trying not to let
him get to her)
You'd better go.
Quark's not willing to push it any further... for now.
QUARK
All right. But if there's anything
you need... anything at all... I'll
be waiting.
NATIMA
It'll be a long wait.
That cuts Quark to the bone. He turns and EXITS.
22 HOLD ON NATIMA
There's no joy in her victory.
23 INT. OPS (OPTICAL)
O'Brien crosses to Sisko, Kira and Dax at the main console.
O'BRIEN
Professor Lang's ship should be ready
to go in about an hour, Commander.
SISKO
Good, I'll let her know.
BEEP! Kira turns to her scanners.
KIRA
We have a Cardassian warship
approaching. Fast.
DEEP SPACE: "Profit and Loss" - 01/13/94 - ACT TWO 28.
23 CONTINUED:
SISKO
On screen.
Kira punches buttons and here it comes, banking in hard.
O'Brien hurries to his station.
SISKO
(continuing)
Dax, hail them.
DAX
(tries, then:)
No response.
KIRA
The ship's taking up an attack
posture.
DAX
They're still ignoring us.
O'BRIEN
They're powering up their forward
disrupters.
SISKO
Shields!
KIRA
Shields up.
SISKO
(to Kira)
Lock on phasers and photon
torpedoes... Prepare to return fire
if necessary.
Garak ENTERS during this, immediately drawing everyone's
attention.
GARAK
Commander?
(off reactions)
We need to talk.
What the hell is Garak doing in Ops? We hold on Sisko's
curious reaction, then:
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT TWO
DEEP SPACE: "Profit and Loss" - 01/13/94 - ACT THREE 29.
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
24 INT. COMMANDER'S OFFICE
Sisko and Garak ENTER. As soon as the doors close, Sisko
turns and confronts Garak.
SISKO
All right, Garak, you mind telling
me why a Cardassian warship is
threatening my station?
GARAK
No one is threatening you. The
Central Command merely wants to make
sure that they have your undivided
attention.
SISKO
Well, they have it. I assume this
has something to do with Professor
Lang and her students?
GARAK
"Students" is a rather benign term
for them. "Terrorists" would be
more accurate. The Cardassian
government would very much like Hogue
and Rekelen returned home immediately.
SISKO
They haven't committed any crimes
here. As long as they're on my
station, they're free to do whatever
they want.
GARAK
This is all very embarrassing,
Commander. The Central Command would
hate to see the Federation pulled
into such an insignificant and purely
internal affair.
SISKO
I would hardly call it insignificant.
Judging from the behavior of that
ship out there, it appears the Central
Command considers Hogue and Rekelen
to be extremely dangerous.
DEEP SPACE: "Profit and Loss" - 01/13/94 - ACT THREE 30.
24 CONTINUED:
GARAK
Not at all. Annoying, perhaps.
Inconvenient, maybe. But dangerous?
Hardly. If they were dangerous,
would the Central Command entrust
the situation to me, a simple tailor?
SISKO
Which only confirms what I've
suspected all along. You, Mister
Garak, are no simple tailor.
GARAK
(chuckling)
Really, Commander, that's another
discussion, entirely. All you need
to know right now is that the return
of Hogue and Rekelen is in the best
interests of the Cardassian Empire.
SISKO
Or at least in the best interest of
the Cardassian military.
GARAK
Is there a difference?
SISKO
Do you really expect a Bajoran
station, under Federation command,
to turn over Cardassian political
refugees... on your say-so?
GARAK
The ultimate decision is yours of
course. I'm simply relaying a
message.
SISKO
Then relay this. Tell the Central
Command that if anyone attempts to
take Hogue and Rekelen by force, I
will respond in kind. Am I clear,
Mister Garak?
GARAK
(an icy smile)
Absolutely. Thank you for your time.
DEEP SPACE: "Profit and Loss" - 01/13/94 - ACT THREE 31.
24 CONTINUED: (2)
GARAK
(an afterthought)
If you'd like, come by the shop some
day. I'm sure I have a number of
suits that would look quite flattering
on you.
And with that, Garak strolls out.
25 INT. QUARK'S
The bar is busy. Hogue and Rekelen are sitting at one of
the side tables, looking grim. Quark walks up to them,
carrying a tray with two drinks.
QUARK
Here, you go. Two mugs of Kanar...
on the house.
He sets down the drinks.
HOGUE
(re: the drinks)
We didn't order these.
QUARK
(explaining himself)
They're the drinks I promised you
the first time you were in here.
Sorry they took so long but things
have been a little hectic.
(gestures to a seat)
Do you mind?
Quark starts to sit down, but is interrupted by Rekelen.
REKELEN
I'm afraid we do.
HOGUE
Professor Lang told us you couldn't
be trusted.
QUARK
(dismissive)
You Cardassians do hold grudges.
Seven years ago Natima and I had
some silly lovers' quarrel and...
Well, all I can say is... I'm willing
to let bygones be bygones.
DEEP SPACE: "Profit and Loss" - 01/13/94 - ACT THREE 31A.
25 CONTINUED:
HOGUE
(not buying it)
But Professor Lang isn't.
QUARK
I have to say I find your loyalty to
her extremely touching.
REKELEN
There's nothing we wouldn't do for
her. And if she says not to talk to
you, then we don't talk to you.
QUARK
I understand. She's your teacher...
you're her students... you have to
listen to her.
Quark gets back up.
DEEP SPACE: "Profit and Loss" - 01/13/94 - ACT THREE 32.
25 CONTINUED: (2)
QUARK
So, if you don't want to talk to the
only person who can get you off this
station in one piece, that's fine
with me.
Quark starts to walk off.
HOGUE
Wait.
Quark stops in his tracks.
REKELEN
You say you can help us get away?
Quark immediately spins around and takes a seat.
QUARK
It's possible.
HOGUE
How?
QUARK
One second.
Quark begins tapping on the table, his chair, their chairs,
their glasses, and the tray. Rekelen and Hogue exchange
glances as they react to Quark's odd behavior.
Quark completes his search.
QUARK
The station's security chief's a
shape-shifter. You can never be
too careful.
(moving closer to
speak in confidence)
I take it you know what a cloaking
device is?
Rekelen and Hogue nod.
QUARK
Well, I have one. It's not in the
best of condition... but it'll work
for about fifteen minutes. Long
enough to get you away from here.
DEEP SPACE: "Profit and Loss" - 01/13/94 - ACT THREE 33.
25 CONTINUED: (3)
The Cardassians exchange another look. Hogue almost smiles
in relief.
REKELEN
(to Quark, all business)
Sounds expensive.
HOGUE
We don't have much in the way of
latinum, but whatever we do have is
yours.
QUARK
Exactly how much latinum are we
talking about?
Quark shakes his head as he remembers what he's there for.
QUARK
(continuing)
Forget I said that. I don't want
your money. Consider the cloaking
device a gift.
REKELEN
I'm surprised. Ferengis aren't known
for their generosity.
QUARK
We're a deeply misunderstood race.
HOGUE
(relieved)
You may've saved our lives. Our
movement owes you a debt of gratitude.
QUARK
And I know exactly how you can repay
me.
(off their look)
You have to convince Natima to stay
here.
Rekelen and Hogue exchange another look as they try to decide
how to deal with this latest complication.
DEEP SPACE: "Profit and Loss" - 01/13/94 - ACT THREE 34.
25 CONTINUED: (4)
QUARK
(re: the look)
Would you please stop doing that.
REKELEN
The Professor will never agree to
stay behind.
QUARK
(shrugs)
No Natima... no cloaking device and
no way off this station.
REKELEN
She won't do it.
QUARK
(cutting her off)
You'll have to talk her into it.
After all, you're the ones the
Cardassians are after.
A beat, then Hogue turns to Rekelen.
HOGUE
He's right. She shouldn't have to
risk her life for our crimes.
REKELEN
I suppose we could ask her.
QUARK
(forceful)
Don't ask her. Tell her.
HOGUE
We'll do our best.
QUARK
I'm sure you will. I shudder to
think what would happen if the
military gets its hands on you.
The thought doesn't sit well with Rekelen and Hogue either.
DEEP SPACE: "Profit and Loss" - 01/13/94 - ACT THREE 34A.
25 CONTINUED: (5)
HOGUE
Meet us at our quarters in an hour.
QUARK
I'll be there.
They go their separate ways.
26 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)
The Cardassian Warship hovers ominously above the station.
27 INT. NATIMA'S QUARTERS
Natima stands calmly facing the front door, as if waiting.
The door CHIMES.
NATIMA
Come in.
Quark ENTERS, with a small mechanical spheroid under one
arm.
DEEP SPACE: "Profit and Loss" - 01/13/94 - ACT THREE 35.
27 CONTINUED:
QUARK
(looking around)
Where are Rekelen and Hogue?
NATIMA
They're waiting at the ship.
QUARK
Perfect.
(a beat)
I know my quarters might seem a little
crowded at first, but tomorrow
morning, I'll put in a request for
something bigger.
NATIMA
That won't be necessary.
QUARK
All right, if you want your own
quarters to start out with, I can
arrange that, too.
NATIMA
I mean I'm not staying.
QUARK
(sees what's coming)
Now hold on. Your students and I
had an agreement. They get the
cloaking device...
(indicates the object
under his arm)
And you stay with me. That way
everyone's happy.
NATIMA
Quark, you say you love me... then
give me the cloaking device and let
me be on my way.
QUARK
And let you disappear out of my life
again?
NATIMA
I'm not a part of your life, Quark.
DEEP SPACE: "Profit and Loss" - 01/13/94 - ACT THREE 35A.
27 CONTINUED: (2)
QUARK
(baring his soul)
But you are. You always have been.
QUARK
Don't you understand, since you left
me, not a day goes by that I don't
regret what I did. And now you're
asking me to lose you again.
NATIMA
You lost me a long time ago.
QUARK
All right, then say it... let me
hear you say that there isn't a spark
of love left in you.
DEEP SPACE: "Profit and Loss" - REV. 01/13/94 - ACT THREE 36.
27 CONTINUED: (3)
NATIMA
(after a beat)
There isn't a spark of love left in
me.
QUARK
(triumphant)
I heard that.
NATIMA
What?
QUARK
You hesitated. Admit it, you still
care.
NATIMA
Quark, I don't have time for this.
Give me that cloaking device.
QUARK
I can't. I won't let you go.
Natima reaches into a dresser drawer and pulls out a
Cardassian phaser.
NATIMA
I didn't want to have to get it this
way, but I need that device... Give
it to me. Now.
QUARK
Or what? You'll shoot me?
NATIMA
(uncertain)
If I have to.
But her voice betrays her.
28 ANGLE ON QUARK (OPTICAL)
As he comes forward, knowing he has the upper hand. Natima
backs away, her aim wavering.
QUARK
Then go ahead and shoot.
He reaches out to gently take the weapon from her hand, but
the PHASER BLAST catches Quark in the upper chest! Slams
him hard back against the wall! Quark sinks to his knees,
stares bug-eyed up at Natima, then collapses in a useless
heap.
DEEP SPACE: "Profit and Loss" - 01/13/94 - ACT THREE 28.
28 CONTINUED:
Off Natima's pain-filled look, we:
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT THREE
DEEP SPACE: "Profit and Loss" - 01/13/94 - ACT FOUR 38.
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
29 INT. NATIMA'S QUARTERS
Quark is still crumpled on the floor. He slowly comes to,
to see a distraught Natima, phaser still in hand, bent over
him.
NATIMA
Quark... Quark, are you all right.
QUARK
(still doesn't believe
it)
You shot me.
NATIMA
I didn't mean to. It was an accident.
(holding up the gun
for Quark to see)
I never fired a phaser before. I
barely touched the trigger...
QUARK
Careful.
Quark pulls the gun out of hand and tosses it across the
room. The movement makes him clutch his aching chest.
QUARK
(in pain)
Owww.
NATIMA
It hurts?
QUARK
(to himself)
She wants to know if it hurts?
(snaps)
Of course it hurts. It's supposed
to hurt. It's a phaser.
NATIMA
(apologetic)
I made sure it was only on the first
setting.
QUARK
How considerate of you.
DEEP SPACE: "Profit and Loss" - 01/13/94 - ACT FOUR 39.
29 CONTINUED:
NATIMA
Should I get a doctor?
QUARK
(softening)
That's okay. Maybe if you rub it a
little.
Natima begins massaging Quark's chest.
NATIMA
Oh, Quark... I'm sorry.
QUARK
Really?
NATIMA
Yes, for everything... all those
horrible things I said...
QUARK
You really didn't mean them?
NATIMA
I love you, Quark. I've always loved
you. Even when I hated you.
She leans over a kisses him. It starts out tentative, but
soon both of them get swept away by years of repressed
longings.
QUARK
(a whisper)
Natima.
NATIMA
I've missed you... I've missed you
so much. Being with you was the
happiest time of my life.
QUARK
And now we're together again, and we
have the rest of our lives to be
happy.
Natima leans her head on Quark's shoulder and almost
unconsciously stokes his lobes. He responds by running his
fingers up and down her neck.
NATIMA
I wish it was that easy.
QUARK
But it can be... if you let it.
DEEP SPACE: "Profit and Loss" - 01/13/94 - ACT FOUR 40.
29 CONTINUED: (2)
NATIMA
I'm not the same person I was seven
years ago. I have responsibilities...
QUARK
I'll share them with you.
NATIMA
The movement is my life now. I don't
have time for anything else.
QUARK
We'll make the time. You're a woman,
Natima. Believe me, I know. And
it's not right for you to be alone.
NATIMA
I'm not alone. I have my students...
my dreams of a better Cardassia.
QUARK
But are dreams enough? Can dreams
make you laugh? Can dreams hold you
close at night?
Quark's struck a nerve.
NATIMA
No. But my life demands that I make
certain sacrifices...
QUARK
And you've made them. But that
doesn't mean you can't be happy.
NATIMA
(smiles)
We did have fun together, didn't we?
QUARK
Remember the day I installed my first
holosuite.
NATIMA
I'd never been in one before.
QUARK
I still have that program... the
picnic on Rhymus Major. Two suns in
the sky...
DEEP SPACE: "Profit and Loss" - 01/13/94 - ACT FOUR 41.
29 CONTINUED: (3)
NATIMA
The sound of the waterfalls.
QUARK
The whisper of flitterbird wings
over our heads...
NATIMA
You painted my face with honey...
QUARK
And a Mordian butterfly landed on
your nose...
NATIMA
(correcting)
A Mordian butterfly got stuck on my
nose.
QUARK
His wings were beating almost as
fast as my heart.
Natima and Quark both smile at the memory.
NATIMA
Those were good times.
QUARK
The best. And we can have them back
again. I'll give the cloaking device
to your students. Once they're gone,
you'll be safe, and we can be
together.
NATIMA
I can't just abandon them, Quark.
They need me.
QUARK
I need you. Don't you see, Natima,
you've done enough for the movement.
You lit the match. Now let them
carry the torch.
A beat, she hesitates. Quark picks up on it.
QUARK
(continuing)
Or are you saying the movement won't
survive without you?
NATIMA
Of course it will.
DEEP SPACE: "Profit and Loss" - 01/13/94 - ACT FOUR 42.
29 CONTINUED: (4)
QUARK
Then let it. And let us have the
happiness we deserve.
NATIMA
(hushed)
You really do love me, don't you?
They are looking deeply into each other's eyes by now. We've
never seen such sensitivity from Quark. All of his Ferengi
schtick seems to have disappeared. His soul is revealed.
QUARK
With all that I am, Natima.
Forever.
Quark leans forward, gently pulling her chin, guiding it
toward his lips.
QUARK
Will you stay?
NATIMA
(after a long moment:)
Yes, Quark. I'll stay.
QUARK
You don't know how I've waited to
hear that.
And then they kiss again with a passion that rises in quantum
leaps. Quark is in heaven, and then... The door CHIMES.
Natima and Quark stand up. Quark straightens out his
clothing.
NATIMA
Enter.
30 ANGLE ON THE DOOR
As Odo ENTERS the room.
ODO
Professor Lang?
QUARK
Not now, Odo. Can't you see we're
busy?
DEEP SPACE: "Profit and Loss" - 01/13/94 - ACT FOUR 43.
30 CONTINUED:
ODO
(to Natima)
I apologize for the interruption,
but I'm afraid, madam... You're under
arrest.
NATIMA
I'm... what?
QUARK
On what charge?
ODO
Commander Sisko will explain.
(to Natima)
I am truly sorry.
Odo reluctantly starts to lead Natima away, but Quark steps
between them and the door.
QUARK
Now hold on.
NATIMA
It's all right, Quark.
She and Odo EXIT, leaving Quark heartbroken and alone.
31 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)
The Cardassian ship still holding its position.
32 INT. HOLDING AREA
Natima, Rekelen, and Hogue have been placed in one of the
cells. Natima is stoic, Rekelen angry, Hogue stunned with
disbelief. Sisko and Odo ENTER.
NATIMA
Commander, would you please explain
what we're doing here?
SISKO
I'm afraid the three of you are going
to be turned over to the Cardassian
government.
REKELEN
(furious)
You can't do that.
DEEP SPACE: "Profit and Loss" - 01/13/94 - ACT FOUR 44.
32 CONTINUED:
SISKO
I wish I didn't have to. But
Cardassia has offered to hand over a
half-dozen Bajoran prisoners in
exchange for you.
NATIMA
And you've agreed to this?
ODO
(disgusted)
The Bajoran Provisional Government
agreed to it.
SISKO
A Cardassian transport will deliver
the Bajoran prisoners in a little
over five hours.
NATIMA
Commander, you have no idea what
they're going to do to us.
REKELEN
(re: Hogue)
We're the ones they're after. At
least let Professor Lang go.
SISKO
I'd like nothing better. But the
provisional government has ordered
that you all be turned over. I'm
fighting this every way I can... and
I'm not ready to give up yet. I'm
due to address the Chamber of
Ministers on subspace in half an
hour. I'll do everything I can to
convince them that they're wrong.
(a beat)
But in the end... this is a Bajoran
station, and I have to abide by their
decision. No matter how much I
disagree with it.
Hold on Natima and her students looking worried and afraid.
DEEP SPACE: "Profit and Loss" - 01/13/94 - ACT FOUR 45.
33 INT. GARAK'S SHOP
Garak is doing paperwork behind his desk as a hulking frame
darkens his doorway. This is a huge Cardassian warrior named
GUL TORAN.
GUL TORAN
How the mighty have fallen.
Garak manages to contain his shock at seeing this brute.
GARAK
Toran.
GUL TORAN
It's Gul Toran now.
GARAK
("what do you know")
They've made you a Gul. I didn't
realize the situation on Cardassia
had gotten so desperate.
GUL TORAN
I find your bitterness extremely...
gratifying. I'm glad to see that
you're adjusting so poorly to exile.
Ouch. But Garak maintains his composure.
GARAK
Actually, I'm finding my time here
to be most illuminating.
GUL TORAN
Then I don't suppose you'd be
interested in going home again?
Garak is most definitely interested, but tries not to show
it.
GARAK
Am I to be rewarded for informing
the Central Command about Hogue and
Rekelen's presence on the station?
GUL TORAN
Perhaps. But only after you see to
it that they don't leave this station
alive.
DEEP SPACE: "Profit and Loss" - 01/13/94 - ACT FOUR 46.
33 CONTINUED:
GARAK
But I suggested a prisoner exchange...
the Central Command agreed...
GUL TORAN
I convinced them otherwise.
GARAK
They listened to you?
GUL TORAN
My voice is less tarnished than yours.
GARAK
Kill them and all you'll be creating
are martyrs.
GUL TORAN
You overestimate their importance.
GARAK
So how do you propose to arrange
this unfortunate incident?
GUL TORAN
I'm sure you'll think of something.
You always did in the past.
(a beat)
Don't you see? Lang's death will
benefit us both. Unless of course,
you intend to spend the rest of your
life as a tailor.
Garak meets the Gul's icy gaze, then he lowers his eyes and
shakes his head.
GARAK
I see your point.
GUL TORAN
I knew you would.
Gul Toran wheels and strides out of the shop. Garak watches
him go. We HOLD on Garak's thoughtful expression, then:
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FOUR
DEEP SPACE: "Profit and Loss" - 01/13/94 - ACT FIVE 47.
ACT FIVE
FADE IN:
34 INT. SECURITY OFFICE
Odo sits behind his desk, his nose buried in a PADD. His
doors slide open and Quark ENTERS.
QUARK
Odo, we have to talk.
ODO
I'm busy. Come back later.
Odo goes back to his PADD.
QUARK
Later will be too late.
Quark reaches over and snatches the PADD out of Odo's hand
and glances at the title.
QUARK
(continuing)
"I, the Jury" by Mickey Spillane?
ODO
Chief O'Brien loaned it to me.
He takes the PADD back and sets it aside.
ODO
(continuing, a threat)
This had better be important, Quark.
QUARK
It is. Odo, you have to let Natima
and her students go.
ODO
Do I?
QUARK
Those students could be the key to a
new Cardassia. A Cardassia free
from military rule and oppression.
ODO
Since when have you become so
interested in Cardassian politics?
DEEP SPACE: "Profit and Loss" - 01/13/94 - ACT FIVE 48.
34 CONTINUED:
QUARK
A freer more open society on Cardassia
would benefit this entire sector...
(genuine enthusiasm)
And it'd be great for business.
ODO
So wanting me to free Natima and
those students is strictly a financial
consideration on your part?
QUARK
Now, Odo... Don't allow my greed to
keep you from doing the right thing.
ODO
I know you better than you think,
Quark. This isn't about Cardassia.
And for once, it isn't even about
profit.
(accusatory)
This is about Professor Lang.
Quark is taken aback by Odo's perceptiveness.
QUARK
You're right. It is. Her life is
in jeopardy as long as Rekelen and
Hogue are on the station.
ODO
Why didn't you tell me that before.
QUARK
(working himself up)
What was I supposed to say? That I
love her? That I'd do anything for
her? That without her, my life would
be meaningless?
(almost shouting)
Sure I could say that, but what good
would it do? How could I expect you
to understand? You've never had
those feelings. You don't know what
it means to really care about another
person. You've never been in love.
You've got all the emotions of a
stone.
(a beat, calmer)
No offense.
DEEP SPACE: "Profit and Loss" - 01/13/94 - ACT FIVE 49.
34 CONTINUED: (2)
ODO
Go on.
QUARK
Listen to me, Odo, you do this for
me, and I promise you... there will
be no more secrets between us. I
will tell you about every underhanded
deal... every lying scheme... every
dirty trick... my brother Rom's
involved in.
ODO
Well when you put it that way... I'm
not interested.
QUARK
(getting desperate)
Okay, let me put it another way. Do
it for me...
ODO
For you?
QUARK
That's right. For all the years
we've known each other... for
everything we've been through
together. You say you know me better
than anyone... well, I know you.
Sure sometimes we're on opposite
sides, but that doesn't mean we aren't
close. I've never told you this,
Odo, but I consider you as dear to
me as my brother.
ODO
(harumphs)
And I've seen how well you treat
him.
Quark falls to his knees.
QUARK
Odo, look at me. I'm on my knees...
I'm begging you. I don't care why
you do it... pick any reason you
want. But please, let Natima and
the others go.
A long beat as Odo looks at Quark, who's making his best big
puppy dog eyes. Finally...
DEEP SPACE: "Profit and Loss" - REV. 01/14/94 - ACT FIVE 50.
34 CONTINUED: (3)
ODO
All right. I'll do it.
QUARK
(amazed)
You will.
ODO
But not for you. Turning Hogue and
Rekelen over to the Cardassians will
mean their deaths. I've read their
files... and nothing they've done
warrants that kind of punishment.
(a beat)
I'll free them, Quark. But only in
the name of justice.
QUARK
Justice... that was going to be my
next suggestion.
(Quark gets up)
So, you're really not doing this for
me?
ODO
That's right.
QUARK
(delighted)
Then I don't owe you a thing. Thank
you.
Quark impulsively throws his arms around Odo and hugs him.
QUARK
(continuing)
You'll never know how much this means
to me.
ODO
Let go.
Quark stops hugging Odo.
QUARK
I'm sorry. Now let's hurry before
you change your mind.
DEEP SPACE: "Profit and Loss" - REV. 01/24/94 - ACT FIVE 51.
34 CONTINUED: (4)
ODO
Just one question. How do you expect
Rekelen and Hogue to get past that
warship?
(off Quark's smile:)
I knew you had a cloaking device.
QUARK
I always said you were too smart for
me, Odo.
Odo picks up his PADD and they head for the holding area.
35 INT. HOLDING AREA (OPTICAL)
Quark and Odo ENTER. Natima and her students are in the
large holding cell.
NATIMA
Quark. What are you doing here?
QUARK
Getting you out.
Odo goes to a panel and hits it and the force field winks
off.
36 NEW ANGLE
Natima, Hogue and Rekelen exit the cell.
DEEP SPACE: "Profit and Loss" - REV. 01/24/94 - ACT FIVE 52.
36 CONTINUED:
NATIMA
(to Odo)
Thank you.
ODO
Good luck.
Quark ushers Natima, Rekelen and Hogue out, leaving Odo
looking after them.
37 INT. DOCKING RING CORRIDOR
Quark and Natima, Rekelen and Hogue come pounding up the
corridor. Quark hits a panel. A door opens, and they
enter...
38 INT. CARGO BAY SEVEN
Quark hits another panel and the door shuts behind them.
Quark leads them toward an airlock.
QUARK
I've installed the cloaking device
in your central engine core. You
can activate it from the bridge as
soon as the mooring clamps are
released. Then I suggest you take
your ship to warp eight and don't
look back.
Rekelen nods in agreement.
QUARK
(continuing, to all
of them)
Now please, make your good-byes
brief.
DEEP SPACE: "Profit and Loss" - 01/13/94 - ACT FIVE 53.
38 CONTINUED:
And with that, he hits the panel for the airlock and the
doors open, revealing...
39 GARAK
Who stands holding a Cardassian phaser.
GARAK
What's the rush?
For a beat everyone's stunned, then Rekelen looks to Quark.
REKELEN
You've betrayed us.
QUARK
No.
Quark reaches for Natima's phaser, which he's still carrying.
Garak instantly levels his phaser at Quark.
GARAK
Don't. I'd hate to ruin such a nice
suit.
QUARK
Why are you doing this?
GARAK
Exile tends to wear thin after a
while, even when the surroundings
are as pleasant as these.
QUARK
(re: Rekelen and Hogue)
Fine. Take them, but leave Natima
alone.
NATIMA
(outraged)
Quark.
HOGUE
(to Natima)
No. He's right. We're the fugitives,
not you.
QUARK
You see, they agree with me.
DEEP SPACE: "Profit and Loss" - 01/13/94 - ACT FIVE 54.
39 CONTINUED:
GARAK
Unfortunately, it's not their decision
to make. Nor mine. Professor Lang,
however minor her role in this matter,
has come to the attention of the
Central Command.
NATIMA
Do you think killing us is going to
change anything? Cardassia is
slipping out of the military's grasp.
And nothing you do can prevent it.
GARAK
Madam, I am not here to debate you.
QUARK
Garak, if you harm these people,
I'll see to it that Commander Sisko
prosecutes you to the fullest extent
of the law.
GARAK
Which brings up another issue. Quark,
things would've been much simpler if
you'd taken my advice and not gotten
involved with these people.
QUARK
(re: Natima)
I was already involved.
GARAK
I know. A pity, really. Personally,
I rather like you, Quark.
The light dawns on Quark.
QUARK
You mean, you're going to shoot me
too.
DEEP SPACE: "Profit and Loss" - 01/13/94 - ACT FIVE 55.
39 CONTINUED: (2)
GARAK
Before I became a tailor, I lived by
a simple motto: "Never allow
sentiment to interfere with your
work." A bit of a cliche, but true
nonetheless.
QUARK
I'll keep that in mind.
GARAK
Well, then... Though I admit it's
against my better judgement, I'm
afraid I must carry out the verdict
of the Central Command.
QUARK
(grasping for straws)
But you admit that they're wrong.
Why don't you stand up for what you
believe in?
This gives Garak the slightest of pauses, then...
GUL TORAN (O.S.)
More to the point...
40 INCLUDE TORAN
As he steps out of the shadows, holding a phaser.
GUL TORAN
(continuing)
What do you believe in, Garak?
GARAK
What are you doing here, Toran?
GUL TORAN
Making sure that you carry out your
assignment. I suspected that two
years living among Bajorans would
make you soft. I see I was right.
GARAK
You've never been right about
anything, Toran. Now step aside and
let me finish this sorry business.
GUL TORAN
I'll take over from here.
DEEP SPACE: "Profit and Loss" - 01/13/94 - ACT FIVE 55A.
40 CONTINUED:
GARAK
Why? So you can take the credit and
make sure I remain in disgrace.
GUL TORAN
(a mean little smile)
I can't believe that you were once
considered clever.
DEEP SPACE: "Profit and Loss" - 01/13/94 - ACT FIVE 56.
40 CONTINUED: (2)
GUL TORAN
Did you really think that completing
this one simple task would restore
your reputation with the Central
Command?
GARAK
I suppose not.
GUL TORAN
(dismissive)
Go back to your sewing kit, tailor.
And as Toran takes aim at Rekelen...
41 NEW ANGLE (OPTICAL)
Garak fires at Toran and DEMATERIALIZES him. The others
stare at him in surprise.
GARAK
(almost to himself)
Some people should never be promoted.
Garak calmly steps out of the airlock.
GARAK
(continuing, to Hogue
and Rekelen)
Well, don't just stand there. Your
ship's waiting.
QUARK
I'm going to see to it that every
Ferengi on the station shops at your
store.
GARAK
(underwhelmed)
That alone makes this all worthwhile.
QUARK
(to Hogue and Rekelen)
You heard the man. Get moving.
HOGUE
Thank you... both of you.
DEEP SPACE: "Profit and Loss" - 01/13/94 - ACT FIVE 57.
41 CONTINUED:
QUARK
Yes, yes, yes. Now go. Quickly.
And keep up the good work.
Rekelen and Hogue nod and EXIT into the airlock.
42 ANGLE ON QUARK AND NATIMA
Natima turns to Quark and slips into his arms, kissing him
softly on the lips. It's a long gentle kiss. And when it
finally ends...
NATIMA
Quark, I've got to say good-bye.
QUARK
Just let them go. It'll be less
painful that way.
NATIMA
You don't understand. I have to say
good-bye... to you. I'm going with
them.
QUARK
But we had a deal.
NATIMA
I can't stay here. Maybe one day, I
can come back, and we'll be together
again. But not until my work is
done.
QUARK
(wryly)
So all I have to do to get you back
is wait until Cardassia becomes a
free and democratic society.
NATIMA
(with a smile)
I promise, I'll make it worth the
wait.
QUARK
I don't suppose I could come with
you.
DEEP SPACE: "Profit and Loss" - 01/13/94 - ACT FIVE 57A.
42 CONTINUED:
NATIMA
No. It's not your fight. And I
could never live with myself if
something happened to you. I need
to know that you're here, safe.
That way, part of me will always be
safe, too.
(a beat)
I love you, Quark. I always will.
He nods. She turns and disappears into the airlock, which
slides closed.
QUARK
(softly, to himself)
I love you, too.
DEEP SPACE: "Profit and Loss" - 01/13/94 - ACT FIVE 58.
43 NEW ANGLE
Garak comes up beside him and the two of them look at the
sealed airlock for a beat.
GARAK
I suggest we return to the Promenade
without delay.
They turn away from the airlock and begin walking across the
cargo bay.
QUARK
You have to tell me... why'd you do
it? Shoot Toran?
GARAK
Why did you let Professor Lang go?
QUARK
I had no choice. I love her.
GARAK
And I love Cardassia. Which is why
I had to do what I did.
QUARK
I don't understand.
GARAK
That's the thing about love. No one
really understands it, do they?
We stay in the cargo bay as these two lonely men EXIT, and
vanish down a corridor:
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FIVE
THE END