STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
"The Wire"
#40512-442
Written by
Robert Hewitt Wolfe
Directed by
Kim Friedman
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 This script is not for publication or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
March 1, 1994
STAR TREK: DS9 - "The Wire" 03/01/94 - CAST
STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
"The Wire"
CAST
SISKO GARAK
O'BRIEN TAIN
ODO BOHEEKA
QUARK JABARA
BASHIR
DAX
Non-Speaking Non-Speaking
N.D. SUPERNUMERARIES N.D. MEDICAL AIDE
STAR TREK: DS9 - "The Wire" - 03/01/94 - SETS
STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
"The Wire"
SETS
INTERIORS EXTERIORS
DEEP SPACE NINE DEEP SPACE NINE
DAX'S QUARTERS
DOCKING RING CORRIDOR ARAWATH COLONY
GARAK'S QUARTERS
HABITAT RING CORRIDOR
INFIRMARY
PROMENADE
QUARK'S
REPLIMAT
SECURITY OFFICE
SURGERY
TAIN'S HOME
STAR TREK: "The Wire" - 03/01/94 - PRONUNCIATION
STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
"The Wire"
PRONUNCIATION GUIDE
ALGORIAN al-GOR-ee-uhn
ARAWATH AIR-a-wath
BAJOR BAY-jor
BAJORAN buh-JOR-an
BOHEEKA bo-HEE-kuh
CARDASSIA car-DASS-ee-uh
CARDASSIAN car-DASS-ee-en
ELIM EE-lim
ENABRAN TAIN en-AH-bran TAIN
(rhymes with pain)
GALIPOTAN GAL-ih-poe-tan
GARAK GAIR-uck
GYRUS JIE-rus
HARTLA HEART-luh
HYPERZINE HIGH-per-zeen
I'DANIAN ih-DAY-nee-an
KANAR KUH-nar
LEDONIA luh-DOE-nee-a
LEDONIAN luh-DOE-nee-an
LEUKOCYTE LOO-kuh-SITE
LYMPHATIC lim-FAT-ik
MERAK MARE-ak
MYCORRHIZAL NY-kuh-RYE-zul
NILLIMITE KILL-ih-mite
PRELOC PREE-lock
RIGEL RYE-gel
SAURIAN SOAR-ee-un
SEELEE SEE-LEE
SUBATOI soo-buh-toy
TAL SHIAR TAL she-ARE
TARKALEAN tar-KAY-lee-uhn
TEROK NOR TAIR-awk nor
DEEP SPACE: "The Wire" - 03/01/94 - TEASER 1.
STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
"The Wire"
TEASER
FADE IN:
1 INT. PROMENADE
BASHIR and GARAK walk together down the Promenade. Even
though he's an everyday sight, some of the Bajorans on the
Promenade react to Garak with a muted hostility. Garak and
Bashir are in mid-conversation.
GARAK
What a waste of a morning. That
Galipotan freighter was scheduled to
be here at oh-seven hundred and it
still hasn't arrived yet.
(beat)
Well, I suppose that's the price of
doing business with a culture that
refuses to even acknowledge the
concept of time... And I have to
admit, they make magnificent sweaters.
Bashir tries unsuccessfully to cover a yawn.
GARAK
I hope I'm not boring you, Doctor.
BASHIR
Not at all, I was just up late last
night.
GARAK
Entertaining one of your lady friends?
BASHIR
(smiles)
Unfortunately, no. Actually, I was
reading the last few chapters
of The Never-Ending Sacrifice.
GARAK
Isn't it superb... without a doubt
the finest Cardassian novel ever
written.
BASHIR
(not sold)
I'll take your word for it.
DEEP SPACE: "The Wire" - 03/01/94 - TEASER 2.
1 CONTINUED:
Garak smiles at Bashir's lack of enthusiasm.
GARAK
You didn't enjoy it?
BASHIR
I thought it was... interesting.
Though maybe a little dull.
(backpedaling)
In spots.
Bashir and Garak reach...
2 INT. REPLIMAT
And join a long line of people waiting for the replicators.
GARAK
(reacting to the crowd)
Wonderful. At this rate, we should
be done eating lunch just in time
for dinner.
BASHIR
There's always Quark's.
GARAK
True, but I'm really not in the mood
for noisy, crowded and vulgar today.
BASHIR
Then I suppose the Klingon restaurant
is out of the question?
Garak rubs his temples and doesn't deign to respond.
GARAK
I can't believe I'm eating lunch
with a man who thinks The Never-
Ending Sacrifice is dull.
BASHIR
I just thought it got a little
redundant after a while.
DEEP SPACE: "The Wire" - 03/01/94 - TEASER 3.
2 CONTINUED:
BASHIR (Cont'd)
I mean... the author is supposed to
be chronicling seven generations of
a single family... but he tells the
same story over and over again...
All the characters live lives of
selfless duty to the state... get
old... and die. And then the next
generation comes along and does it
all over again.
Garak rubs his temples. He doesn't seem to be in his usual
good spirits.
GARAK
That's the whole point, Doctor. The
repetitive epic is the most elegant
form of Cardassian literature, and
The Never-Ending Sacrifice is it's
greatest achievement.
BASHIR
But the characters never really come
alive. I mean, there's more to life
than serving the state.
GARAK
A Federation viewpoint if ever I
heard one.
Garak looks impatiently at the line.
GARAK
(continuing, cranky)
This is ridiculous. Can't you just
move to the front of the line? Tell
them it's a medical emergency or
something.
BASHIR
We're almost there.
(picking up where
Garak left off)
Look, maybe if you lent me another
book... by a different writer...
Garak wrinkles his brow and squeezes his temples as if
fighting off a bad headache.
DEEP SPACE: "The Wire" - 03/01/94 - TEASER 4.
2 CONTINUED: (2)
GARAK
It would only be a waste of time.
When it comes to art, you're obviously
a prisoner of Federation dogma and
human prejudice.
BASHIR
Sorry you feel that way... but I am
trying my best to...
Bashir trails off as Garak suddenly grabs his brow in intense
pain.
BASHIR
Are you all right?
Garak struggles to suppress his reaction to the pain.
GARAK
I'm fine.
But Bashir is already examining Garak.
BASHIR
You don't look fine. Your skin is
clammy and your pupils are contracted.
Suddenly Garak's face relaxes as if his pain has completely
disappeared. He almost smiles and seems to feel much better.
GARAK
(feeling great)
I assure you, I'm in perfect health.
(changing the subject)
Now, you were asking about other
Cardassian novels... Something maybe
a little more accessible...
But to Garak's surprise, he's hit by another stab of pain
and can't help but wince.
BASHIR
"Perfect health" you say? Then
Cardassian standards must be a little
lower than mine. Come on.
Bashir takes Garak gently by the arm and tries to lead him
out of line. Garak doesn't budge.
DEEP SPACE: "The Wire" - 03/01/94 - TEASER 5.
2 CONTINUED: (3)
GARAK
(false pleasantness)
Doctor, what do you think you're
doing?
BASHIR
Taking you to the Infirmary.
GARAK
That won't be necessary.
But Garak winces again, despite his best efforts not to.
BASHIR
Maybe not, but humor me.
GARAK
Frankly Doctor, I'm getting a little
tired of humoring you. There's
nothing wrong with me that a little
peace and privacy wouldn't cure.
Now if you'll excuse me.
(shrugs Bashir off)
I seem to have lost my appetite.
And as Garak walks away...
INCLUDE KIRA
Who has witnessed Garak's strange behavior.
KIRA
What was that all about?
3 CLOSE ON BASHIR
Who watches the usually amiable tailor with a mixture of
curiosity and concern.
BASHIR
I have no idea.
And as Bashir tries to figure out what's bothering Garak,
we...
FADE OUT.
END OF TEASER
DEEP SPACE: "The Wire" - 03/01/94 - ACT ONE 6.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
(NOTE: Episode credits fall over opening scenes.)
4 INT. DAX'S QUARTERS
Bashir is running his medical tricorder over a bizarre alien
plant. The plant is drooping and pathetic looking. DAX
looks on with concern.
DAX
Can you tell what's wrong with it?
BASHIR
In my expert medical opinion, I'd
say...
(hasn't got a clue)
It's sick.
DAX
I know that... but why is it sick?
BASHIR
I'm a doctor, not a botanist. Why
don't you ask Professor O'Brien?
DAX
Keiko's at a hydroponics conference
on Rigel Four. She won't be back
for a week.
BASHIR
And none of your past hosts had any
experience with plants?
DAX
Daxes have never been much on
gardening. Tobin was the only one
who ever tried his hand at it, but
he had even less luck with plants
than he did with women...
BASHIR
Do you even know where it's from?
DAX
I picked it up on Ledonia Three.
Bashir scans the plant again.
DEEP SPACE: "The Wire" - 03/01/94 - ACT ONE 7.
4 CONTINUED:
BASHIR
Hmmm.
(indicates her desk
computer)
May I?
DAX
Be my guest.
Bashir consults her monitor, then checks the plant one more
time.
BASHIR
(to himself)
That explains it.
(to Dax)
Ledonian soil contains a benevolent
mycorrhizal fungus that helps the
native plants retain water. But the
fungus in this potting soil's almost
completely died out. If we can
salvage what's left and cultivate a
new batch in the lab, that should do
the trick.
DAX
(with affection)
Keiko would be proud of you.
During the following, Bashir uses his medical kit to take
the soil sample.
BASHIR
(no big deal)
It's all right here on the screen.
I only wish my humanoid patients
were as easy to treat.
DAX
Chief O'Brien dislocate his shoulder
again?
BASHIR
(shakes his head)
It's Garak. At lunch today, he seemed
like he was about to have some kind
of seizure. He was having trouble
breathing and he appeared to be in a
great deal of pain. But when I tried
to get him to go to the Infirmary,
he outright refused.
DEEP SPACE: "The Wire" - 03/01/94 - ACT ONE 8.
4 CONTINUED: (2)
DAX
Maybe he just doesn't like going to
the doctor.
BASHIR
It's not that... it's that damn
Cardassian evasiveness of his.
(frustrated)
I mean making me guess about his
past is one thing, but when it comes
to his health... why can't he just
tell me what's going on?
DAX
It sounds like you're taking this
personally.
Bashir finishes taking the sample and he and Dax EXIT into...
4A INT. HABITAT RING CORRIDOR (CONTINUOUS)
BASHIR
I suppose I am. After all, Garak and
I've been having lunch together once
a week for more than a year now.
You'd think he'd trust me a little.
DAX
Why should he? It's not like you
two are really friends.
BASHIR
No... of course not. I suppose when
it comes right down to it, I don't
trust him either. I mean, for all I
know, the man is a Cardassian spy.
DAX
Exactly.
They reach a turbolift door.
BASHIR
(peeved)
Fine. If he doesn't want my help,
that's his prerogative.
DEEP SPACE: "The Wire" - 03/01/94 - ACT ONE 9.
5 INT. PROMENADE
Bashir ENTERS the Promenade from one of the turbolifts.
It's after hours and the Promenade is almost deserted, but
Bashir is surprised to hear voices coming from Quark's.
6 INT. QUARK'S
After hours. Garak and QUARK are in mid-conversation. Quark
is cool, but Garak is intense and a little on edge.
GARAK
So then I take it we understand each
other?
QUARK
Garak, how long have you been living
on this station?
GARAK
Too long.
QUARK
And in all that time, have I ever
let you down?
GARAK
I've never done business with you...
until now.
QUARK
Which is why this deal is so important
to me. I want our business
relationship to get off on the right
foot. Now relax, you'll get your
merchandise.
GARAK
(anxious)
Soon, Quark... I can't wait much
longer.
Garak EXITS Quark's and heads down the Promenade.
7 ANGLE ON QUARK
Who watches Garak go, then shakes his head and begins tidying
up.
BASHIR (O.S.)
You and Garak going into business?
DEEP SPACE: "The Wire" - 03/01/94 - ACT ONE 10.
7 CONTINUED:
Quark is startled. He turns and sees Bashir.
BASHIR
(off Quark's reaction)
I couldn't help but overhear your
conversation.
QUARK
(dismissive)
Oh, that. I'm helping Garak get a
new sizing scanner for his shop.
BASHIR
A sizing scanner?
QUARK
Not just any sizing scanner. The
best. Straight from Merak Two.
Calibrated to be accurate down to
the micrometer. And, I might add,
at a very reasonable price.
BASHIR
Really? I thought Garak sounded a
bit... upset.
QUARK
Upset? Garak? I hadn't noticed.
(predatory)
Now, is there anything I can do for
you? A little Saurian brandy to go?
Or maybe a late night session in a
holosuite?
Bashir studies Quark, not at all satisfied with his answers,
but not sure it's worth the trouble to continue the
conversation. After a beat, he decides to give up... for
now.
BASHIR
No. Thank you. I think I'll call
it a night.
QUARK
(cool)
Suit yourself.
Bashir EXITS and Quark breathes a quiet sigh of relief.
8 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)
The station rotates slowly in space.
DEEP SPACE: "The Wire" - 03/01/94 - ACT ONE 11.
9 INT. INFIRMARY
NURSE JABARA is at work in the background. Bashir is running
a tech-device over SISKO's throat.
BASHIR
There. How's that feel?
SISKO
Much better.
BASHIR
Try not to yell at any more admirals
for a while.
SISKO
I wasn't yelling. I was expressing
my feelings...
(smiles at himself)
Loudly.
Sisko heads for the door just as O'BRIEN ENTERS.
SISKO
(in greeting)
Chief.
Sisko EXITS.
O'BRIEN
You wanted to see me?
BASHIR
Yes. I was hoping you could give me
a hand.
Bashir keys a command into his console and brings up a
display.
BASHIR
I've been trying to access the old
Cardassian medical files... but so
far, I haven't had much luck.
This piques O'Brien's professional interest. O'Brien works
the console.
O'BRIEN
(while running a
diagnostic)
I'm not surprised. The Cardassians
did a general systems purge before
they pulled out. The Medical Files
would've been deleted along with
everything else.
BASHIR
Is there any way you can recover
them?
O'BRIEN
(off the monitor)
Maybe. These subroutines don't look
anywhere near as bad as the
engineering systems did. I might be
able to reconstruct the data by
microscanning the purge trace.
BASHIR
How long would that take?
DEEP SPACE: "The Wire" - 03/01/94 - ACT ONE 12.
9 CONTINUED:
O'BRIEN
Two, maybe three weeks.
BASHIR
(too long)
Well... that settles that.
(to O'Brien)
Thanks anyway, Chief.
O'BRIEN
Sorry I couldn't be more help.
Before Bashir can completely explain, the comm system CHIMES.
QUARK'S COM VOICE
(urgent)
Quark to Bashir...
BASHIR
(to com)
This is Bashir.
QUARK'S COM VOICE
Doctor... I need you in my bar right
away.
Bashir and O'Brien exchange a brief look, then Bashir grabs
an emergency med kit and EXITS.
10 INT. QUARK'S
Bashir ENTERS to find Quark and his customers watching as
Garak sits at a table, holding a half-full bottle of Kanar
which he swigs liberally. Two empty bottles lay forgotten
on the table.
Garak is extremely drunk, but he's definitely still in a
great deal of pain.
QUARK
Come on, Garak... Don't you think
you've had enough?
DEEP SPACE: "The Wire" - 03/01/94 - ACT ONE 13.
10 CONTINUED:
GARAK
On the contrary. Anyone who talks
about the numbing effects of liquor
is severely overstating the case.
Garak takes another swig.
BASHIR
(to Quark)
What's all this?
QUARK
He came in complaining about a
headache. The next thing I knew he
drank up half my stock of Kanar.
Garak cringes in pain. He looks up and finally notices
Bashir.
GARAK
Doctor... What a pleasant surprise...
I'm sorry about my little outburst
at lunch, but I'll make it up to
you. Please, join me.
The pain in Garak's head is constant and intense, but he's
fighting it every step of the way.
BASHIR
I think I will.
Bashir gets a glass from off the bar and holds out his hand
to Garak for the bottle.
BASHIR
May I?
GARAK
By all means.
He gives Bashir the bottle.
DEEP SPACE: "The Wire" - 03/01/94 - ACT ONE 14.
10 CONTINUED: (2)
Bashir takes the bottle and turns away.
GARAK
What are you doing?
BASHIR
It's too noisy in here. I prefer to
drink somewhere quiet.
GARAK
An excellent idea.
(staggers up)
We'll go to my quarters.
BASHIR
Whatever you want. But first I have
to stop at the Infirmary.
Garak stops in the middle of the room.
GARAK
The Infirmary. My dear Doctor...
what kind of fool do you take me
for. Give me back my bottle.
BASHIR
I will. In the Infirmary.
GARAK
I'm not going to the Infirmary and I
refuse to play this ridiculous game.
Now give me...
Garak suddenly jerks back in pain, clawing at his temples as
he crashes to the floor. The searing pain in his head
completely overwhelms him.
11 CLOSE ON GARAK (OPTICAL)
Writhing in pain.
GARAK
(barely conscious)
Make it stop... make it stop.
Garak slips into unconsciousness as Bashir scans the tailor
with his tricorder. Whatever he sees doesn't make him happy.
DEEP SPACE: "The Wire" - 03/01/94 - ACT ONE 15.
11 CONTINUED:
BASHIR
(to comm)
Bashir to Ops... Medical emergency...
Two to beam to the Infirmary.
Energize.
And as they beam out, we...
12 OMITTED
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
DEEP SPACE: "The Wire" - 03/01/94 - ACT TWO 16.
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
13 OMITTED
14 INT. SURGERY - CLOSE ON A MONITOR (VPB)
Which displays a graphic of a rotating twenty-fourth century
CAT scan of Garak's head. The display reveals a small, non-
organic implant, buried deep inside Garak's brain and
highlighted in red to contrast it from the bones and brain
tissue. Filaments emanating from the implant connect it to
several key areas throughout Garak's central nervous system.
ODO (O.S.)
Some kind of implant?
14A NEW ANGLE
To reveal ODO and Bashir studying the graphic, while Garak
sleeps in a hospital bed in the background.
BASHIR
Apparently.
ODO
What's it for?
BASHIR
I was hoping you could tell me.
(off Odo's look)
After working for the Cardassians
for five years, I'd guess you know
them as well as anyone.
ODO
Maybe so, but I never bothered to
look inside their skulls.
DEEP SPACE: "The Wire" - 03/01/94 - ACT TWO 17.
14A CONTINUED:
BASHIR
(knew it was a long
shot)
No, I don't suppose you did.
ODO
(re: the implant)
Do you think this is the cause of
Garak's condition?
BASHIR
It's possible. Whatever this thing
is, it's situated in his postcentral
gyrus and has filaments that connect
it to his entire central nervous
system.
ODO
Maybe it's some kind of punishment
device. A parting gift from the
Cardassian government.
BASHIR
I thought of that. But based on the
amount of scarring in the surrounding
tissue, this implant's been in there
for years, and as far as I can tell,
Garak's only been in pain for the
past few days.
ODO
Interesting. I wish I had an answer
for you, Doctor.
BASHIR
Well, you might be able to help me
get one.
(pointing at monitor)
I think Quark may know what this
thing is.
ODO
What makes you say that?
BASHIR
I overheard them talking the other
night. Garak was negotiating to buy
some merchandise from Quark. He
sounded pretty desperate. I tried
to ask Quark about it, but...
DEEP SPACE: "The Wire" - 03/01/94 - ACT TWO 18.
14A CONTINUED: (2)
ODO
No need to explain, Doctor. The
direct approach seldom works with
people like him.
(mulls it over)
This could answer some of my own
questions. Quark's sent several
coded messages to Cardassia Prime in
the past few days.
(off Bashir's look)
I routinely monitor all of Quark's
subspace communications.
BASHIR
Is that... legal?
ODO
It's in the best interests of station
security.
(cutting to the heart
of the matter)
Doctor, do you want to know what
Quark knows or not?
BASHIR
I see your point.
ODO
Then meet me in Security at oh-two
hundred hours. Quark always makes
his clandestine call after the bar
closes.
BASHIR
I wouldn't miss it.
15 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)
Re-establishing.
16 INT. QUARK'S
After hours. Quark is behind the bar, speaking to someone
on his private subspace com-line.
DEEP SPACE: "The Wire" - 03/01/94 - ACT TWO 19.
16 CONTINUED:
BOHEEKA'S COM VOICE
(with affection)
Quark, you parasite. It's been too
long.
17 ANGLE ON QUARK'S MONITOR (OPTICAL)
To reveal GLINN BOHEEKA, a mid-ranking Cardassian military
officer, seated at a desk. Boheeka is a little looser and a
little less brooding than the typical Cardassian.
BOHEEKA
(on monitor)
Is Hartla still working for you?
QUARK
(big smile)
The dabo tables wouldn't be the same
without her.
BOHEEKA
(on monitor)
What I wouldn't give to see her again.
QUARK
I'm sure she misses you, too.
Boheeka laughs heartily.
BOHEEKA
(on monitor)
I'll bet she does. She would've
bankrupted me if the occupation had
lasted much longer.
(to business)
But I'm sure you didn't contact me
just to reminisce. What can I do
for you, Quark?
QUARK
How'd you like to earn a little extra
latinum? Maybe enough to buy yourself
a promotion?
BOHEEKA
(on monitor)
You have my undivided attention.
DEEP SPACE: "The Wire" - 03/01/94 - ACT TWO 20.
17 CONTINUED:
QUARK
I need a piece of Cardassian bio-
technology and the schematics relating
to its installation.
BOHEEKA
Bio-technology, huh? That shouldn't
be too hard. What is it?
QUARK
You know I never ask those kinds of
questions, but I've got the
requisition code number.
BOHEEKA
(on monitor)
Give it to me... I'll look it up.
On monitor, Boheeka swivels his chair to face a side console
at his desk.
18 NEW ANGLE
Quark smiles.
QUARK
I knew I could count on you. Here
it is.
As Quark keys in the requisition code, we pull back to reveal
that we are in...
19 INT. SECURITY OFFICE (OPTICAL)
Odo and Bashir are watching Quark on a monitor of their own.
BASHIR
I hope you don't have one of those
little bugs hidden in my quarters.
ODO
Should I?
Bashir doesn't know how to respond, but Odo gives him a little
tight smile to let him know he's only kidding.
QUARK
(on monitor)
Transfer complete.
DEEP SPACE: "The Wire" - 03/01/94 - ACT TWO 21.
19 CONTINUED:
BOHEEKA'S COM VOICE
Hold on... this won't take long.
QUARK
(everything's going
perfectly)
Take your time.
20 INT. QUARK'S (OPTICAL)
Quark watches as Boheeka keys the code number into his own
computer. There's a slight pause and then...
BOHEEKA
(on monitor, angry)
Quark, you idiot!
In the background, Boheeka's console is flashing wildly.
QUARK
Is something wrong?
BOHEEKA
(on monitor)
Is something wrong? I'm ruined. My
career is over.
QUARK
(dismayed)
What did I do?
BOHEEKA
(on monitor)
You and your requisition code. It's
for classified bio-technology. Even
the cursed number is classified.
Where did you get it?
(before Quark can
answer)
No. Don't tell me. I don't want to
know. If I'm lucky, I can still get
through this with my skin intact.
(trying to convince
himself)
Maybe they won't trace the request
back to me.
QUARK
Who won't?
Boheeka looks blankly at his computer console, as what's
happened to him has finally sunken in. When he finally speaks
again, he's quiet, reserved, as if he's already given in to
the inevitable.
DEEP SPACE: "The Wire" - 03/01/94 - ACT TWO 22.
20 CONTINUED:
BOHEEKA
(on monitor)
The Obsidian Order.
Quark reacts to the name with fear and panic.
QUARK
(frantic)
Nice talking to you, Boheeka. We'll
have to do it again sometime.
Quark hurriedly cuts off the transmission.
21 INT. SECURITY OFFICE (OPTICAL)
As Odo reaches out and turns off his own screen.
ODO
(intrigued)
The Obsidian Order. That certainly
complicates things.
BASHIR
Who are they?
ODO
They're the ever-vigilant eyes and
ears of the Cardassian Empire.
(a beat)
It's said that a Cardassian citizen
can't sit down to a meal without
each dish being duly noted and
recorded by the Order.
BASHIR
(kidding)
What happens if you eat something
that doesn't meet with their approval?
ODO
People have been known to disappear
for less. Whether you agree with
their goals or not, you can't help
but admire their efficiency. Even
the Romulan Tal Shiar can't compete
with them when it comes to
intelligence gathering and covert
operations.
DEEP SPACE: "The Wire" - 03/01/94 - ACT TWO 23.
21 CONTINUED:
BASHIR
So what does all this have to do
with Garak?
ODO
I wish I knew.
BASHIR
(as if this explains
everything)
Do you think the order put that
implant in Garak's head?
ODO
I have a better question. If the
implant is a punishment device, then
why is Garak trying to get his hands
on another one?
BASHIR
He did ask for the specifications.
Maybe he's trying to find a way to
take it out.
ODO
Either way, I think I'd like to have
a talk with him when he wakes up.
BASHIR
You'll have to get in line.
22 INT. INFIRMARY
Bashir ENTERS. The Infirmary's been closed down for a few
hours, so the lights are low.
BASHIR
Computer, report on the status of
patient Garak.
COMPUTER VOICE
Patient Garak is no longer in the
Infirmary.
DEEP SPACE: "The Wire" - 03/01/94 - ACT TWO 24.
22 CONTINUED:
BASHIR
What?
Bashir races through the back door to...
23 INT. SURGERY
Lights here are also low. Garak's bed is empty.
24 CLOSE ON BASHIR
Hold on his puzzled concern for a beat, then...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT TWO
DEEP SPACE: "The Wire" - 03/01/94 - ACT THREE 25.
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
25 INT. HABITAT RING CORRIDOR
Bashir EXITS a turbolift, carrying his emergency medical
kit, and rushes to the door of Garak's quarters. He hits
the companel at the door, but gets no response.
BASHIR
(tries again)
Garak? Are you in there?
There's still no answer.
BASHIR
Computer, open the door to Chamber
nine-oh-one, Habitat Level H-three.
Emergency Medical Override Bashir
One Alpha.
The door opens.
26 INT. GARAK'S QUARTERS
Bashir bursts in to find Garak injecting the contents of a
hypospray into his carotid artery. Garak looks horrible.
He's having trouble breathing, his face is contorted in a
rictus of pain.
GARAK
(straining)
Doctor, what a pleasant surprise.
I'm sorry... I must've missed the
door chime.
BASHIR
What the hell do you think you're
doing?
Bashir snatches away the hypospray and scans it with his
tricorder.
BASHIR
(alarmed)
Triptacederine. How much of this
did you take?
Garak leans against the wall as if holding himself up.
DEEP SPACE: "The Wire" - 03/01/94 - ACT THREE 26.
26 CONTINUED:
GARAK
A mere thirty cc's. Not nearly
enough, I'm afraid.
BASHIR
Thirty cc's would anesthetize an
Algorian Mammoth.
GARAK
Cardassians must be made of sterner
stuff. I barely feel it.
27 NEW ANGLE
As Bashir approaches Garak, determined to take charge of the
situation.
BASHIR
Listen to me, Garak. I've had enough
of your nonsense. Now I want you to
come back to the Infirmary with me.
GARAK
I don't think so. Believe me when I
tell you there's nothing you can do
for me.
BASHIR
(nonconfrontational)
Oh, and Quark can, is that it?
GARAK
(chiding)
I thought I was supposed to be the
spy, Doctor.
BASHIR
(ignoring this)
Quark's not coming, Garak.
Garak tries to hide his dismay.
GARAK
How do you know?
BASHIR
I heard him talking to his Cardassian
contact. He couldn't get the item
you requested.
DEEP SPACE: "The Wire" - 03/01/94 - ACT THREE 27.
28 CLOSE ON GARAK
As his wooden smile vanishes.
GARAK
Really? That's... most distressing.
(reacts to another
wave of pain)
But I suppose, not all that
surprising. Ah, well. Maybe it's
for the best.
29 NEW ANGLE
As Garak goes to a bureau and gets out a small vial. He
holds out his hand to Bashir.
GARAK
My hypospray, if you please?
Bashir doesn't give the hypospray back.
BASHIR
Another dose of Triptacederine might
kill you.
GARAK
(bitter)
Thank you for your concern, Doctor.
But I'd rather have the hypospray.
BASHIR
I'm not going to let you commit
suicide. I'm here to help you.
GARAK
I doubt you can.
Garak's overcome by another wave of pain. This time he
crumples. Bashir rushes over to help. He checks Garak with
the medical tricorder.
GARAK
I think you'll find that I'm
experiencing some slight deterioration
of my cranial nerve cluster.
BASHIR
Not so slight, I'm afraid. We've
got to get you to the Infirmary.
DEEP SPACE: "The Wire" - 03/01/94 - ACT THREE 28.
29 CONTINUED:
GARAK
My dear Doctor, I have no intention
of putting myself on display, for
the amusement of the Bajoran
inhabitants of this station.
BASHIR
It's not your pride I'm worried about.
It's that implant you're carrying
around inside your head.
GARAK
(surprised)
You know about that, do you?
BASHIR
It's some kind of punishment device,
isn't it?
GARAK
Punishment device?
Garak tries to laugh, but what comes out is a choking hollow
sound laced with pain.
GARAK
I suppose in a way that's what it's
become.
BASHIR
If it wasn't put there to punish
you, then what's it for?
30 CLOSE ON GARAK
Who refuses to answer. Bashir keeps pressing, despite Garak's
obvious pain.
BASHIR
Garak, I have to know what we're up
against. If you tell me what it was
meant for, maybe I can figure out a
way to remove it.
GARAK
(struggling against
the pain)
It's hopeless, Doctor. Believe me,
it can't be removed.
DEEP SPACE: "The Wire" - 03/01/94 - ACT THREE 29.
30 CONTINUED:
BASHIR
How do you know?
GARAK
That's the whole point. If it could
be easily removed, it would be
useless.
(a beat)
You see on Cardassia, I was entrusted
with certain... information.
Information that needed to be kept
safe... regardless of the situation.
Garak fights off another wave of pain.
GARAK
(continuing)
My implant was given to me by Enabran
Tain, the head of the Obsidian Order.
If I was ever tortured, it was
designed to stimulate the pleasure
centers of my brain... to trigger
the production of vast amounts of
natural endorphins.
(a beat)
I hope you appreciate the irony,
Doctor. The sole purpose of the
implant was to make me immune to
pain.
BASHIR
What caused it to malfunction?
GARAK
It was never meant for continuous
use.
BASHIR
Continuous use? What do you mean?
Garak is still fighting hard against the pain.
GARAK
(continuing)
Living on this station is torture
for me, Doctor. The temperature is
always too cold, the lights are always
too bright. Every Bajoran on the
station looks at me with loathing
and contempt.
(a long beat)
One day I decided I couldn't live
with it anymore. So I... took the
pain away.
BASHIR
You activated the implant.
DEEP SPACE: "The Wire" - 03/01/94 - ACT THREE 30.
30 CONTINUED: (2)
GARAK
(nods, almost ashamed)
I created a device which allowed me
to trigger the implant whenever I
wanted. At first, I only used it a
few minutes a day. But I began
relying on it more and more... Until
finally, I just turned it on and
never shut it off again.
BASHIR
How long's it been on?
GARAK
(defiant)
Two years.
BASHIR
(putting the pieces
together)
And now the implant is breaking
down...
GARAK
That's correct.
BASHIR
Then why not just shut the damn thing
off?
Garak pauses for a long beat here.
GARAK
(still in pain)
It's too late, now. My body's become
dependent on the higher endorphin
levels generated by the implant.
31 NEW ANGLE
As Bashir reacts to Garak's statement.
BASHIR
That's it then? You're going to
just give up and let them win.
GARAK
"Them," Doctor?
DEEP SPACE: "The Wire" - 03/01/94 - ACT THREE 31.
31 CONTINUED:
BASHIR
The Central Command... the Obsidian
Order... Whoever it was that exiled
you here. You're just going to roll
over and die... let them destroy
you... give up any hope of ever seeing
Cardassia again.
Garak shakes his head. He gave up hope a long time ago.
GARAK
Doctor, did anyone ever tell you
that you are an infuriating pest?
BASHIR
(cuts him off)
Chief O'Brien... all the time. But
I don't pay any attention to him
either.
Garak's pain continues to plague him.
GARAK
Has it ever occurred to you that I
might be getting what I deserve?
BASHIR
No one deserves this.
32 CLOSE ON GARAK
Who's become fed up with Bashir's attempts to help him.
GARAK
Doctor, please. I'm suffering enough
without having to listen to your
smug Federation sympathy. You think
because we have lunch together once
a week, you know me? You couldn't
even begin to fathom what I'm capable
of.
BASHIR
I'm a doctor. You're my patient.
That's all I need to know.
GARAK
Wrong again. You need to know who
you're trying to save.
DEEP SPACE: "The Wire" - 03/01/94 - ACT THREE 32.
32 CONTINUED:
GARAK (Cont'd)
During the Occupation, I was a Gul
in the Cardassian Mechanized Infantry.
We were stationed just outside the
Bajoran Capital. Shortly before the
withdrawal, a handful of Bajoran
prisoners escaped from my custody.
My aide, a man named Elim, tracked
them to a Cardassian shuttle about
to depart for Terok Nor. Elim got
aboard, but the captain refused to
let him search the ship, claiming he
was under strict orders from Gul
Dukat to depart immediately.
(cold)
So I had the shuttle destroyed.
Killing the escapees... Elim... and
ninety-seven Cardassian civilians.
BASHIR
You can't be serious.
GARAK
I followed my orders. None of those
prisoners got off of Bajor alive.
(a beat)
Unfortunately, it turned out one of
the passengers on the shuttle was
the daughter of a prominent military
official. I was stripped of my rank
and commission, and exiled from
Cardassia.
(a beat)
So now you know, Doctor. I hope I
haven't shattered too many of your
illusions.
33 NEW ANGLE
And with that, Garak slumps down, exhausted, having expended
all the energy he had left. Bashir takes a beat to regain
his bedside manner.
DEEP SPACE: "The Wire" - 03/01/94 - ACT THREE 33.
33 CONTINUED:
BASHIR
(gentle, but firm)
Garak, listen to me. Right now I'm
not concerned with what you did in
the past. I'm not going to walk out
of here and let you die.
(a beat)
We have to turn off that implant.
And whatever side effects or
withdrawal symptoms you experience,
I promise you, I'll help you through
them.
(urgent)
Now I need that triggering device...
Tell me where it is.
A beat as Bashir waits, hoping he's gotten through. Garak
doesn't look at Bashir, but his body seems to deflate in
resignation.
GARAK
(strained)
Desk... Second drawer.
Bashir gets up and hurries to the desk. He searches it and
removes a small device.
34 CLOSE ON BASHIR
Who reacts to the device and turns and looks at...
35 GARAK
Garak is barely hanging on. And as we hold on this tableau...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT THREE
DEEP SPACE: "The Wire" - 03/01/94 - ACT FOUR 34.
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
36 INT. GARAK'S QUARTERS (VPB)
Bashir is supervising Nurse Jabara and a second Federation
medical Aide, who are setting up high tech equipment around
Garak. Garak is lying on his bed, asleep, already connected
to a monitor and other medical devices.
Jabara and the Aide finish their work.
JABARA
Anything else, Doctor?
BASHIR
That's all for now. If you need to
reach me, I'll be here for at least
the next twenty-six hours.
Jabara nods and she and the Aide EXIT.
37 ANGLE ON BASHIR
As he studies the monitors. He's been pushing himself pretty
hard and is near exhaustion.
BASHIR
(to com)
Computer... I'm reading an ongoing
erosion of tissue in the patient's
lymphatic system. Explain.
COMPUTER VOICE
Unable to determine a cause due to
insufficient data on Cardassian
physiology.
Bashir isn't surprised, but he's starting to feel like he's
fighting against the tide.
BASHIR
All right. Continue to monitor the
status of the patient's cranial
implant. Inform me if it shows any
sign of reactivation.
DEEP SPACE: "The Wire" - 03/01/94 - ACT FOUR 35.
37 CONTINUED:
COMPUTER VOICE
Affirmative.
While Bashir is trying to decide what to do next, the door
CHIMES.
BASHIR
Yes?
38 ANGLE ON THE DOOR
Odo ENTERS.
ODO
Doctor, I was hoping to ask Garak
some questions.
Bashir intercepts Odo by the door.
BASHIR
(glances at Garak)
He's asleep. He has been ever since
I turned off his implant.
(a beat)
Come on. We can talk outside.
Bashir steers Odo out the door and into...
39 INT. HABITAT RING CORRIDOR
Bashir and Odo emerge into the Corridor.
ODO
Doctor, I need to talk to him as
soon as possible. I have four
homicide cases left in my files that
I'm almost certain were committed by
the Obsidian Order. If Garak was a
member... he may be able to shed
some light on them.
BASHIR
I'm afraid your questions will have
to wait.
ODO
(not happy)
How long?
BASHIR
I don't know yet.
DEEP SPACE: "The Wire" - 03/01/94 - ACT FOUR 36.
39 CONTINUED:
Bashir sees that Odo is about to object and beats him to
the punch.
BASHIR
Constable, Garak's body has undergone
a severe shock. I don't know when
he'll recover. I'm not even sure if
he'll recover.
ODO
In that case, I want to talk to him
now. Wake him up.
BASHIR
I'll do no such thing.
ODO
Doctor, these are murder cases. And
he could be a suspect.
BASHIR
Maybe so, but he's also my patient.
And I won't have him disturbed. So
until further notice, his quarters
are off limits to everyone but
emergency medical personnel. Now,
if you'll excuse me, I have a patient
to attend to.
Odo nods, not really happy, but right now Bashir could care
less. He returns to Garak's room, leaving Odo outside in
the corridor.
40 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)
Re-establishing.
41 INT. GARAK'S QUARTERS (OPTICAL)
Bashir looks at the monitors with concern. Garak's life signs
are still fluctuating all over the place. Hold on Bashir
for a long beat, then begin a series of shots to show the
passage of time.
42 ON GARAK
Still unconscious.
DEEP SPACE: "The Wire" - 03/01/94 - ACT FOUR 36A.
43 ON BASHIR
Nervously pacing the room.
44 ON THE MONITOR (VPB)
As Garak's life signs continue to go from red to yellow to
green and back again.
45 ON BASHIR
Seated near Garak, looking down at his patient with worry
and concern.
DEEP SPACE: "The Wire" - 03/01/94 - ACT FOUR 37.
46 ANGLE ON THE REPLICATOR (OPTICAL)
BASHIR
Tarkalean Tea.
Bashir removes a cup of tea from the replicator and stifles
a yawn.
47 NEW ANGLE
As Bashir sips the tea and watches the monitors intently.
48 ANGLE ON THE TEACUP
Which is now empty and sitting on an end table.
49 NEW ANGLE
To find Bashir, half-asleep, having finally succumbed to
exhaustion. After a beat, the off-screen SOUND of SOBBING
rouses Bashir, who blinks a few times, then looks around and
sees...
50 GARAK
Sitting on the bed, crying, as he tears the med tech off his
body..
BASHIR
Garak?
Bashir goes over and scans the Cardassian with a medical
tricorder.
GARAK
Leave me alone.
BASHIR
I don't think that would be a good
idea right now. Your blood chemistry
is severely imbalanced. You need to
rest.
51 NEW ANGLE
As Bashir reaches out to ease Garak back onto the bed, but
Garak shoves his hand away. The crying abruptly ceases and
is replaced with a cold building rage.
DEEP SPACE: "The Wire" - 03/01/94 - ACT FOUR 38.
51 CONTINUED:
GARAK
I said, don't touch me.
BASHIR
(soothing)
Just calm down.
GARAK
I don't want to be calm, Doctor.
I've been calm long enough.
Garak pushes himself off the bed and stands up. He begins
stalking around the room, studying it with contempt.
GARAK
Look at this place. It's pathetic...
to think that this is what my life
has been reduced to.
Garak picks a vase off a shelf and considers it.
GARAK
This sterile shell... this...
(casually drops the
vase to the ground,
it shatters)
Prison...
BASHIR
Take it easy, Garak. You're obviously
experiencing some side effects from
the deactivation of the implant.
GARAK
Ridiculous. I feel more clear headed
than I have in the past two years.
What a waste those two years have
been.
Garak sweeps everything off his desk and sends it crashing
to the ground.
GARAK
But there was a time, Doctor... there
was a time when I was a power.
(anger building)
The protege of Enabran Tain himself.
Do you have any idea what that means?
DEEP SPACE: "The Wire" - 03/01/94 - ACT FOUR 39.
51 CONTINUED: (2)
BASHIR
I'm afraid not.
52 CLOSE ON GARAK
Who looks at Bashir with contempt.
GARAK
No... of course you don't. You don't
know anything, do you? Tain was the
Obsidian Order. Not even the Central
Command itself dared challenge him.
And I was his right hand. My future
was limitless.
(with deep self-
loathing)
Until I threw it away.
BASHIR
You mean when you had that shuttle
shot down to stop those prisoners
from escaping.
By now, Garak is furious, at himself and everyone and
everything in his life.
GARAK
Stop them... I only wish I had stopped
them.
BASHIR
You didn't?
GARAK
No, Doctor, my disgrace was worse
than that... unimaginably worse.
53 NEW ANGLE
Garak is now pacing around the room like a caged animal, his
memories churning up inside him, stoking his anger higher
and higher.
BASHIR
What could you have possibly done
worse than that?
DEEP SPACE: "The Wire" - 03/01/94 - ACT FOUR 40.
53 CONTINUED:
GARAK
(still can't believe
he did it)
I let them go.
That catches Bashir by surprise. Meanwhile, Garak
relentlessly circles the room.
GARAK
(continuing)
It was the eve of the Cardassian
withdrawal. Elim and I were
interrogating five Bajorans. Not
one of them was older than fourteen.
They were children, Doctor... They
knew nothing. They lived in bombed-
out rooms and scrounged for food on
the streets. They were filthy and
they stank. The room was freezing
cold... the air was like ice... and
suddenly, the whole exercise seemed
utterly meaningless. All I wanted
was a hot bath and a good meal. So
I let them go.
(a beat, still stunned)
I gave them whatever latinum I had
in my pockets, opened the door, and
flung them back into the street.
Elim couldn't believe his eyes. He
thought I'd gone insane.
BASHIR
You took pity on those children.
There's nothing wrong with that.
54 CLOSE ON GARAK
Who explodes with anger.
GARAK
No!
Garak pushes a rack of medical equipment to the ground.
GARAK
I was a fool. I should've finished
the interrogation and turned them
over to the troops for execution.
But because I was chilly and my
stomach was growling, I failed in my
duty, and destroyed everything I had
worked for.
DEEP SPACE: "The Wire" - 03/01/94 - ACT FOUR 41.
54 CONTINUED:
BASHIR
And so they exiled you.
This snaps Garak back into the here and now and makes him
acutely aware of his surroundings.
GARAK
(full of venom)
That's right. Elim was executed and
I was left to live out my days with
nothing to look forward to but having
lunch with you.
55 INCLUDE BASHIR
Who does his best to keep his cool.
BASHIR
(with dignity)
I'm sorry you feel that way. I
thought you enjoyed my company.
56 CLOSE ON GARAK
Who is seething with fury and self-loathing.
GARAK
I did. That's the worst part. To
think that I actually enjoyed eating
mediocre food while staring at your
smug, sanctimonious face. I hate
this place and I hate you.
Bashir tries to get past Garak's rage.
BASHIR
All right, Garak. That's your
prerogative. But I really think you
should lie down.
Bashir moves toward him to lead him back to bed.
GARAK
No, get away from me.
DEEP SPACE: "The Wire" - 03/01/94 - ACT FOUR 42.
57 NEW ANGLE
As Garak loses control and grabs Bashir, flinging him into
the remaining medical equipment.
The med tech crashes to the ground, but Bashir keeps his
feet, and that's all the excuse Garak needs to tear into
him.
The two begin wrestling, Garak throwing punches and Bashir
doing his best to defend himself without hurting his patient.
BASHIR
Garak, stop this. I don't want to
hurt you.
Heedless, Garak takes another swing at Bashir.
58 CLOSE ON GARAK
And suddenly his body spasms. He goes rigid, then flings
his arms back and crashes to the floor in a violent epileptic-
like seizure.
Bashir rushes to Garak's side and hits his combadge.
BASHIR
(to com)
Bashir to Infirmary. I need an
emergency medical team in Garak's
quarters. Now.
SHOCK CUT TO:
59 INT. SURGERY
Bashir and his Aides are attempting to stabilize Garak.
BASHIR
(urgent)
Administer another twenty cc's of
hyperzine.
Nurse Jabara injects Garak.
JABARA
(off monitor)
He's not responding.
BASHIR
Give it a second.
They wait a beat.
DEEP SPACE: "The Wire" - 03/01/94 - ACT FOUR 43.
59 CONTINUED:
BASHIR
(continuing)
Begin cardio-stimulation.
The other Aide activates a piece of high tech equipment.
Garak's body jerks, then lies quiet.
JABARA
(off monitor)
His heartbeat is stabilizing.
BASHIR
But his lymphatic system is critical.
Bashir turns from Garak's unconscious body to look at a
monitor.
BASHIR
I don't understand it. I shut down
the implant. It can't be affecting
his blood chemistry anymore, but
toxins are accumulating in his
lymphatic tissues.
(to computer)
Computer, display analyses of all
biochemical samples taken from the
patient in the past thirty-nine hours.
60 INCLUDE THE MONITOR (OPTICAL)
As the computer brings up the requested data.
BASHIR
Display them by chemical composition.
Bashir studies the new display.
BASHIR
(continuing, taking a
stab)
Isolate and display sample number
seventeen.
Bashir examines the sample carefully, then dismisses it.
DEEP SPACE: "The Wire" - 03/01/94 - ACT FOUR 44.
60 CONTINUED:
BASHIR
(continuing, shakes
his head)
Bring up...
(spots something)
Sample Twenty-Three.
That's still not it. Bashir starts running down a list of
likely candidates, rejecting each one in turn as they come
up on screen.
BASHIR
(continuing)
Sample twenty-seven... sample thirty-
two... sample thirty-five... sample
forty...
(pauses)
Stop. Bring back sample thirty-five.
61 NEW ANGLE (OPTICAL)
As the computer displays the requested sample (an image of a
leukocyte on a molecular level).
BASHIR
(continuing)
Superimpose the molecular structure
of this leukocyte with an analogous
sample from yesterday.
The computer layers another graphic over the first. There
is a slight, but definite difference in the two samples.
62 CLOSE ON BASHIR
As he reacts to the visual.
BASHIR
(continuing)
That's it.
(to Jabara)
The molecular structure of Garak's
leukocytes has been altered. That
must be what's causing the
accumulation of toxins in his system.
DEEP SPACE: "The Wire" - 03/01/94 - ACT FOUR 45.
62 CONTINUED:
JABARA
Can we synthesize Cardassian
leukocytes?
BASHIR
Probably. But it could take weeks...
(looks over at Garak)
And we don't have that kind of time.
We have three or fours days at the
most.
JABARA
If we turn the implant back on, we
might be able to keep him alive for
another week or two.
But before Bashir can make up his mind...
GARAK (O.S.)
(straining)
No.
63 NEW ANGLE
As Bashir crosses over to Garak, who's awake, but very weak.
All his anger is spent.
GARAK
I won't allow it. I never want that
thing turned on again.
BASHIR
I understand how you feel. But I'm
not sure what else I can do for you.
GARAK
You've done enough, doctor. More
than I deserve.
(a beat)
There's something you have to know.
BASHIR
What's that?
DEEP SPACE: "The Wire" - 03/01/94 - ACT FOUR 46.
63 CONTINUED:
GARAK
The truth.
BASHIR
(can't help but smile)
I've about given up on learning the
truth from you, Garak.
GARAK
Don't give up now, Doctor. Patience
has its rewards. Now listen
carefully.
Garak pauses to marshal his dwindling strength.
GARAK
(continuing)
Elim wasn't my aide. He was... my
friend. We grew up together... We
were closer than brothers. For some
reason, Enabran Tain took a liking
to us... Before long, Elim and I
were both powerful men in the Obsidian
Order... They called us the "Sons of
Tain." Even the Guls feared us. And
then...
(tries to summon the
energy to continue)
There was a scandal. Someone in the
order was accused of letting some
Bajoran prisoners escape. There
were constant rumors of who was going
to be implicated... fingers were
being pointed at me...
Garak is both physically and mentally drained and these
memories are the most painful of all.
GARAK
(continuing)
By then Tain had retired to the
Arawath Colony. He couldn't protect
me. So I panicked. I did everything
in my power to make sure Elim would
be blamed instead of me. I planted
evidence... altered records... only
to discover that he'd beaten me to
it.
BASHIR
He betrayed you first?
Garak musters a nod.
DEEP SPACE: "The Wire" - 03/01/94 - ACT FOUR 47.
63 CONTINUED: (2)
GARAK
Elim destroyed me. Before I'd
realized what was going on, I'd been
sentenced to exile.
(sour laugh)
And the irony is... I deserved it.
Not for the reasons they claimed,
but because of what I'd tried to do
to Elim. My best friend.
Despite his skepticism, Bashir is moved.
BASHIR
Garak, why are you telling me this?
Garak reaches out and takes hold of Bashir's hand.
GARAK
(growing weaker)
So you can forgive me, Doctor... Why
else? I need to know someone forgives
me.
A beat. Bashir still can't be sure that this is finally the
truth, but he can tell how badly Garak needs forgiveness.
BASHIR
I forgive you, Garak. For whatever
you did.
GARAK
Thank you, Doctor. That's most kind.
Garak closes his eyes to rest.
64 CLOSE ON GARAK AND BASHIR
Bashir grips Garak's hand for a beat, then releases it.
64A NEW ANGLE
As Bashir takes Jabara aside.
BASHIR
(quietly)
See that he rests comfortably. I'll
be back within fifty-two hours.
DEEP SPACE: "The Wire" - 03/01/94 - ACT FOUR 48.
64A CONTINUED:
JABARA
Where are you going?
BASHIR
To the Arawath Colony. To find the
man responsible for this.
65 OMITTED
66 INT. DOCKING RING CORRIDOR
Bashir is on his way to Runabout Airlock. He turns a corner
and finds Sisko waiting for him. Bashir looks disappointed,
but not surprised.
BASHIR
Commander.
SISKO
(conversational)
Hello, Doctor. Major Kira tells me
you intend to take a runabout to the
Arawath Colony.
BASHIR
Yes sir. It's a medical emergency.
SISKO
I assume you mean Mister Garak's
emergency.
Bashir nods.
SISKO
Julian, I want to be sure you know
what you're getting yourself into.
You'll be entering Cardassian
territory alone, in a Federation
runabout. If anything happens to
you, if they decide to detain you,
I'm not sure I'll be able to get you
back. The Central Command could
manufacture a dozen different reasons
to hold onto you and we'd have a
hell of a time proving them wrong.
BASHIR
I realize that. But I have to go.
Garak's life is at stake.
DEEP SPACE: "The Wire" - 03/01/94 - ACT FOUR 49.
60 CONTINUED:
SISKO
I'm not questioning your medical
judgement. Or your courage.
(a beat)
When I was your age, I was assigned
to the Federation embassy on Romulus.
One of our Romulan kitchen staff, a
man named Stolpan, got arrested by
the Tal Shiar for political
improprieties. Somehow I got the
foolish idea that I could go into
Tal Shiar Headquarters and convince
them to set him free.
(shakes his head at
his own foolishness)
Curzon took me aside and said the
same thing I'm about to say to you...
(heartfelt)
You won't do Garak or yourself any
good if you're rotting in some
Cardassian prison. Now I want you
to promise me, that at the first
sign of trouble, you'll forget about
Garak and get the hell out of there.
BASHIR
I'll do my best.
SISKO
No you won't. You'll think you're
invulnerable and keep going despite
the danger. I know I did at your
age. But at least try and be careful.
I can't afford to lose a good officer.
BASHIR
I... appreciate that, sir. I won't
let you down.
SISKO
You'd better not. I don't have the
time to break in a new doctor.
Sisko smiles to let Bashir know he was joking. Bashir returns
the smile, then turns toward the Airlock.
DEEP SPACE: "The Wire" - 03/01/94 - ACT FOUR 50.
66 CONTINUED: (2)
BASHIR
(an afterthought)
Sir... What happened to Stolpan?
Did you free him?
SISKO
(smiles)
I'll tell you when you get back.
(a beat)
Good luck.
Bashir acknowledges Sisko, then heads for the Airlock.
ANGLE ON SISKO
Who watches him go.
67 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)
Runabout launch.
68 EXT. SPACE - ARAWATH COLONY (OPTICAL)
A heavily clouded tropical world seen from space.
69 INT. TAIN'S HOME (OPTICAL)
Bashir beams into a small, cluttered library filled with
computer equipment, strange trinkets, and even a stack of
genuine scrolls made out of the skin of some long extinct
Cardassian animal. The room looks like it should belong to
the Cardassian equivalent of a retired college professor.
The only inhabitant of the room seems perfectly matched to
the contents. He's an old Cardassian man, dressed in
comfortable-looking civilian clothing. This is ENABRAN TAIN.
Tain's clothing, combined with his overall demeanor, give
him the look of a harmless, befuddled grandfather.
He smiles amiably.
TAIN
Doctor Bashir. Welcome. Please...
make yourself at home.
And as Bashir reacts to Tain and the mention of his name,
we...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FOUR
DEEP SPACE: "The Wire" - 03/01/94 - ACT FIVE 51.
ACT FIVE
FADE IN:
70 INT. TAIN'S HOME - CONTINUOUS
As before. Bashir finally gets his bearings.
TAIN
Well, Doctor, you've come all this
way to see me... aren't you going to
say something?
BASHIR
How'd you know my name?
TAIN
Information is my business.
BASHIR
You're Enabran Tain.
TAIN
And you're Doctor Julian Subatoi
Bashir.
(a beat)
I hope you weren't greeted too rudely
upon entering Cardassian space.
BASHIR
Not nearly as rudely as I expected.
TAIN
Good. I alerted them that you were
coming. The military hates surprises.
Still, what you did was very brave.
I'm impressed.
Tain gets up and walks over to a wall replicator.
TAIN
(continuing)
Can I get you something to drink?
Tarkalean tea perhaps?
BASHIR
(taken aback)
I always drink Tarkalean tea.
TAIN
A good host knows the needs of his
guests.
DEEP SPACE: "The Wire" - 03/01/94 - ACT FIVE 51A.
70 CONTINUED:
TAIN
(to replicator)
One Tarkalean tea, extra sweet. And
a glass of Kanar.
As Tain removes the beverages from the replicator, Bashir
studies the old man. Clearly Tain knows a lot more about
Bashir than Bashir knows about him.
TAIN
(continuing)
So, Lieutenant... how's Garak? Has
his condition improved at all?
BASHIR
How'd you know he was sick?
DEEP SPACE: "The Wire" - 03/01/94 - ACT FIVE 52.
70 CONTINUED: (2)
Tain just smiles pleasantly.
BASHIR
(figures it out)
That Cardassian Quark spoke to...
Boheeka. I guess he did have reason
to fear the Obsidian Order.
TAIN
Everyone has reason to fear the Order.
BASHIR
But I don't understand... Garak told
me you were retired.
TAIN
Oh, I am. Have been for years. But
I try to keep informed on current
events.
(a beat)
I bet you could tell me all kinds of
things I'd like to know, Doctor.
The tone in Tain's voice makes Bashir realize that behind
the benevolent professor act, Tain is a dangerous man.
BASHIR
I'm sure I could. Ask me anything
you want to know about medicine,
biology... or tennis?. Would you
like to hear my opinion on the new
nillimite alloy rackets?
TAIN
That won't be necessary.
BASHIR
Have it your way.
TAIN
Are all Starfleet Lieutenants as
brash as you?
BASHIR
I couldn't say. Though I doubt it.
DEEP SPACE: "The Wire" - 03/01/94 - ACT FIVE 53.
70 CONTINUED: (3)
TAIN
So do I.
(changing the subject)
Tell me, Doctor, how sick is Garak?
BASHIR
He's dying.
TAIN
And you're trying to save him?
BASHIR
That's right.
TAIN
Strange. I thought you were his
friend.
A beat. Bashir can't deny it anymore.
BASHIR
I suppose I am.
TAIN
Then you should let him die. After
all, for Garak, a life in exile is
no life at all.
BASHIR
Say what you want... it's my job to
keep him alive. And I need your
help.
TAIN
My help? What can I do?
BASHIR
The molecular structure of Garak's
leukocytes has been disrupted. I
need to synthesize replacements in
order to stabilize his condition.
Unfortunately, my knowledge of
Cardassian biochemistry is severely
limited.
TAIN
And you think I'd have access to
that kind of information?
DEEP SPACE: "The Wire" - 03/01/94 - ACT FIVE 54.
70 CONTINUED: (4)
BASHIR
Information is your business.
Besides, you're the one who ordered
him to have that implant put in his
head, aren't you?
TAIN
I never had to order Garak to do
anything. That's what made him
special.
(a beat)
So, you're saying if you don't get
this information... Garak dies?
BASHIR
That's right.
Tain thinks the situation over for a long beat.
TAIN
Well we can't allow that... can we?
I'll see to it that the necessary
data is transferred to your station's
computer.
Bashir allows himself to relax, just a bit.
BASHIR
Thank you.
TAIN
Don't thank me, Doctor. I'm not
doing Garak any favors. He doesn't
deserve a quick death. On the
contrary, I want him to live a long,
miserable life. I want him to grow
old on that station, surrounded by
people who hate him, knowing he can
never come home again.
BASHIR
(sarcastic)
What a lovely sentiment.
TAIN
(deadpan)
It's from the heart, I assure you.
(smiles)
And now, Doctor, I really think you
should be going.
DEEP SPACE: "The Wire" - 03/01/94 - ACT FIVE 55.
70 CONTINUED: (5)
Bashir steps back to the spot where he beamed in, but
something else is clearly on his mind and in the end, he
can't contain his curiosity.
BASHIR
(continuing)
One last thing...
TAIN
Make it brief.
BASHIR
Garak mentioned an old friend of his
the other day... a member of the
Obsidian Order. I was wondering
what happened to him.
TAIN
Did he give you his friend's name?
BASHIR
He said it was Elim.
Tain laughs.
BASHIR
(continuing)
Mind letting me in on the joke?
TAIN
I see Garak hasn't changed a bit.
Never tells the truth when a lie
will do. The man has a rare gift
for obfuscation.
(chiding)
Doctor... Elim is Garak's first name.
71 ANGLE ON BASHIR (OPTICAL)
As he digests this latest revelation.
TAIN
Now run along home.
(smiles)
And please, tell Garak that I miss
him.
DEEP SPACE: "The Wire" - 03/01/94 - ACT FIVE 56-56A.
71 CONTINUED:
BASHIR
I'll be sure he gets the message.
Bashir taps his combadge.
BASHIR
(to Com)
Computer, one to beam up. Energize.
Bashir BEAMS OUT.
72 CLOSE ON TAIN
Thoughtfully studying the spot where Bashir used to be, almost
as if he could glean useful information just from that.
73 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)
Re-establishing.
74 INT. REPLIMAT
CLOSE ON Bashir, eating lunch alone. He looks sad and a
little lonely. He's poking at his food without much
enthusiasm, when someone steps up to his table.
GARAK (O.S.)
May I join you?
75 NEW ANGLE
As Bashir looks up and sees Garak holding a food tray. Bashir
nods.
GARAK
(continuing, as he
sits)
Thank you.
BASHIR
What are you doing up? You're
supposed to be in bed.
Garak smiles. He's fully recovered and back to his old
amiable self.
GARAK
Out of the question. I couldn't
stand to be cooped up in that dreadful
Infirmary for another second. Besides
I feel perfectly fine.
(a beat)
How's the I'danian spice pudding
today?
BASHIR
"How's the spice pudding?" Is that
all you have to say for yourself?
You're just going to sit there and
pretend that the last ten days never
happened?
GARAK
I for one, Doctor, am perfectly
satisfied with the way things turned
out. And I see no need to dwell on
what was doubtlessly a difficult
time for both of us.
(a beat)
By the way, I just had the most
interesting conversation with
Constable Odo. It seems he was under
the impression that I was a member
of the Obsidian Order.
BASHIR
And what did you tell him?
DEEP SPACE: "The Wire" - 03/01/94 - ACT FIVE 57.
75 CONTINUED:
GARAK
That he was mistaken, of course.
BASHIR
And he believed you?
GARAK
He said something about keeping a
closer eye on me in the future. I
told him to be my guest... I have
nothing to hide.
Garak takes out a dataclip and places it on the table.
GARAK
(continuing)
Here... I brought you something.
BASHIR
What is it?
GARAK
It's Meditations on a Crimson Shadow
by Preloc.
BASHIR
More Cardassian literature.
GARAK
I think you'll find this one more to
your taste. It takes place in the
future. During a time when Cardassia
and the Klingon Empire are at war.
BASHIR
Who wins?
DEEP SPACE: "The Wire" - 03/01/94 - ACT FIVE 58.
75 CONTINUED: (2)
GARAK
Who do you think?
BASHIR
(smiling)
Never mind. Don't tell me. I
wouldn't want you to spoil the ending.
(puts the clip down)
You know, I still have a lot of
questions I want to ask you about
your past.
GARAK
I've given you all the answers I'm
capable of.
BASHIR
You gave me answers, all right. But
they were all different. What I
want to know is... of all the stories
you told me, which ones were true
and which ones weren't?
Garak gives Bashir his patented infuriating half-smile.
GARAK
My dear Doctor, they're all true...
BASHIR
Even the lies?
GARAK
Especially the lies.
76 CLOSE ON BASHIR
Who can't help but shake his head and smile. And as Garak
and Bashir return to business as usual, we...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FIVE
THE END