STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
"Prophet Motive"
#40513-462
Written by
Ira Steven Behr & Robert Hewitt Wolfe
Directed by
Rene Auberjonois
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 This script is not for publication or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
December 7, 1994
STAR TREK: DS9 - "Prophet Motive" - 12/07/94 - CAST
STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
"Prophet Motive"
CAST
SISKO EMI
KIRA ZEK
ODO MEDICAL BIG SHOT
BASHIR MAIHAR'DU
DAX
O'BRIEN
QUARK
ROM
Non-Speaking Non-Speaking
N.D. SUPERNUMERARIES ALIENS
STAR TREK DEEP SPACE NINE: "Prophet Motive" - 12/07/94 - SETS
STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
"Prophet Motive"
SETS
INTERIORS EXTERIORS
DEEP SPACE NINE DEEP SPACE NINE
DOCKING RING AIRLOCK
DOCKING RING CORRIDOR
HABITAT RING CORRIDOR
CARGO BAY
COMMANDER'S OFFICE
INFIRMARY
PROMENADE/SECOND LEVEL
REPLIMAT
QUARK'S
QUARK'S QUARTERS
ROM'S QUARTERS
WARDROOM
SHUTTLE
STAR TREK: "Prophet Motive" - 12/07/94 - PRONUNCIATION
STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
"Prophet Motive"
PRONUNCIATION GUIDE
ALDEBERAN al-DEB-uh-ron
ALTAIR AL-tair
ANDORIA an-DOOR-ee-uh
CHIRURGEON key-RUR-juhn
EMI EM-ee
HENRI ON-REE
HUPYRIAN HUE-pie-ree-an
KOHLANESE KOLE-a-knees
MAIHARIDU MAY-har-doo
P'TRELL puh-TRELL
ROGET ROE-ZHAY
SENVA SEN-va
TRIXIAN TRIX-ee-uhn
DEEP SPACE: "Prophet Motive" - REV. 12/12/94 - TEASER 1.
STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
"Prophet Motive"
TEASER
FADE IN:
1 INT. QUARK'S QUARTERS
Close on QUARK, a beatific smile on his face as pair of
skillful hands caress his lobes.
EMI (O.S.)
Am I doing it right?
Quark is seated in a comfortable chair while behind him a
beautiful humanoid (minor prosthetics) alien woman, EMI, is
performing oo-mox on his happy ears.
QUARK
(blissful)
You don't have to be quite so gentle.
She massages his ears with a firmer touch. Quark quivers
and sighs. He's in heaven.
EMI
Tell me again.
QUARK
Tell you about what?
EMI
About the stem bolts.
QUARK
I have one hundred gross of self-
sealing stem bolts sitting in Cargo
Bay Eleven.
EMI
And they're all mine?
QUARK
For only ten bars of gold-pressed
latinum.
She starts rubbing his ears quicker.
EMI
You don't know how much this means
to me.
DEEP SPACE: "Prophet Motive" - 12/07/94 - TEASER 2.
1 CONTINUED:
QUARK
(close to ecstasy)
You don't know how much this means
to me.
EMI
With those stem bolts, my family
will be able to triple production of
our reverse-ratcheting routing
planers.
QUARK
Glad to be of help.
Emi continues oo-moxing as she leans over and breathlessly
whispers into Quark's ear.
EMI
(seductive)
Quark, I can't wait any longer. Why
don't you and I... go down to Cargo
Bay Nine and... sign the contract?
Quark is tempted, but he wants to prolong his pleasure.
QUARK
No need to rush. Your family's ship
won't be here for a week. We'll
have plenty of time to finalize the
deal before then.
EMI
That's an unusual attitude for a
Ferengi.
QUARK
I'm a very unusual Ferengi.
Quark settles back for more oo-mox, but the door CHIMES.
QUARK
(continuing, re: the
door)
Ah... that must be the Saurian brandy
I ordered.
(to the door)
Enter.
But instead of the expected Ferengi waiter, ROM ENTERS,
looking a little panicky.
QUARK
Rom? Where's my brandy?
DEEP SPACE: "Prophet Motive" - 12/07/94 - TEASER 3.
1 CONTINUED: (2)
ROM
Forget the brandy, Brother. You
must leave here immediately. And
that goes for the female as well.
EMI
(frowns)
Is something wrong?
QUARK
(sees she's disturbed)
Nothing's wrong.
Quark grabs his brother and takes him aside.
QUARK
(harsh whisper)
Have you lost your mind? She's
willing, she's wealthy... and she's
wants to buy our stem bolts.
ROM
It's going to have to wait. Something
important has come up.
QUARK
Right now, nothing is more important
than this.
But just then...
2 NEW ANGLE
A small, hooded figure ENTERS the room, supporting himself
on a familiar-looking cane. It's the GRAND NAGUS ZEK, though
we never see his face. He's followed almost immediately by
his towering Hupyrian servant MAIHAR'DU.
QUARK
(shocked, to Rom)
Grand Nagus Zek.
ROM
As big as life.
Maihar'du takes one look at Emi and points sternly at the
door. Emi looks at Quark for guidance.
QUARK
(panicky, waving her
away with his hands)
Go. Go!
DEEP SPACE: "Prophet Motive" - 12/07/94 - TEASER 4.
2 CONTINUED:
Emi flees. Without a word, the Nagus walks into Quark's
bedroom and Maihar'du follows, glaring at Quark as he walks
by, as if daring him to protest.
QUARK
(whispers)
What does Zek want with me?
ROM
Looks like he's moving in with you,
brother.
And as Quark reacts to this news, we...
FADE OUT.
END OF TEASER
DEEP SPACE: "Prophet Motive" - 12/07/94 - ACT ONE 5.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
(NOTE: Episode credits fall over opening scenes)
3 INT. INFIRMARY
BASHIR is checking some calculation from a PADD against those
on one of his wall monitors when his combadge CHIRPS.
SISKO (O.S.)
(on com)
Sisko to Bashir.
BASHIR
(to com)
This is Bashir.
SISKO (O.S.)
(on com)
Doctor, please report to the wardroom
immediately.
BASHIR
On my way.
Bashir EXITS.
4 INT. WARDROOM
On the door as it opens and Bashir ENTERS. He stops in his
tracks when he sees...
5 NEW ANGLE
SISKO, KIRA, DAX, O'BRIEN, and a handful of other Starfleet
and Bajoran officers all standing facing the door, holding
glasses of champagne. Everyone cheers.
BASHIR
What's this?
Dax approaches with two glasses of champagne and hands one
to Bashir.
DAX
(playful)
Champagne.
She leads Julian over to the others.
DEEP SPACE: "Prophet Motive" - REV. 12/12/94 - ACT ONE 6.
5 CONTINUED:
SISKO
Congratulations, Doctor.
BASHIR
Thank you.
(smiles)
Now will someone please tell me what's
going on here?
SISKO
The Federation Medical Council has
announced the nominees for this year's
Carrington Award. And they are...
(reading off a PADD)
Doctor April Wade of the University
of Nairobi, Healer Senva of the Vulcan
Medical Institute, Doctor Henri Roget
of the Central Hospital of Altair
Four, Chirurgeon Ghee P'Trell of
Andoria, and...
(looks up)
Doctor Julian Bashir, Chief Medical
Officer of Starbase Deep Space Nine.
Everyone crowds around Bashir to congratulate him.
BASHIR
There must be some mistake. As far
as I know, my name wasn't even up
for consideration.
DAX
Oh, it was up for consideration. I
submitted it myself... through an
old friend of Curzon's.
KIRA
You deserve the nomination, Doctor.
Your work on biomolecular replication
was "both audacious and
groundbreaking."
(smiles)
According to Dax anyway. She's the
only one who understands it.
O'BRIEN
So how does it feel to be the youngest
nominee in the history of the
Carrington award?
DEEP SPACE: "Prophet Motive" - 12/07/94 - ACT ONE 7.
5 CONTINUED: (2)
BASHIR
(embarrassed)
It feels... good.
He drains his glass in a single gulp.
BASHIR
Now if you'll excuse me, I should
get back to work.
And with that, he turns and EXITS. We hold on Sisko and the
others, surprised at his sudden departure.
6 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)
Establishing.
7 INT. PROMENADE - SECOND LEVEL
It's a few hours later. Bashir and Dax are walking and
talking on the second level of the Promenade.
BASHIR
Jadzia, what exactly is it that you
want me to say?
DAX
I want you to say that you're thrilled
beyond belief to be nominated for
the Federation's most prestigious
medical award.
BASHIR
Believe me, I'm honored to be
nominated.
DAX
You're not acting like it.
BASHIR
I just don't want everyone making a
big deal out of it.
DAX
But it is a big deal. We're all
proud of you.
BASHIR
I'm glad, but before you suffer
through the next few days waiting
for the board's decision, let me
assure you that I'm not going to
win.
DEEP SPACE: "Prophet Motive" - REV. 12/12/94 - ACT ONE 8.
7 CONTINUED:
DAX
You don't know that. The work you've
been doing deserves to be recognized.
BASHIR
This isn't about my work. Do you
know what the life expectancy of a
Carrington Award winner is?
(before she can answer)
Five years. Ten at the very best.
And do you know why?
(answering his own
question)
Because the Carrington Award is
intended to be the crowning
achievement for a lifetime in
medicine. April Wade is a hundred
and six. The last time she was
nominated, three years ago, people
said it was premature.
DAX
Julian, you're exaggerating.
BASHIR
Maybe a little. But the undeniable
truth is I am far too young to be a
serious candidate for the Carrington.
Now, put my name up for nomination
in seventy years, and I promise you,
I will get extremely excited. But
until then, I don't plan on giving
it much thought.
DAX
That's a very mature attitude.
BASHIR
You sound surprised.
DAX
Actually, I'm astounded. But
impressed.
BASHIR
So then we don't have to dwell on
this for the next three days.
DAX
I won't mention it again.
DEEP SPACE: "Prophet Motive" - 12/07/94 - ACT ONE 9.
7 CONTINUED: (2)
BASHIR
I appreciate that, Jadzia.
DAX
(after a beat)
So who do you think is going to win?
Wade or P'Trell?
And as Bashir sighs...
8 INT. ROM'S QUARTERS
A tired Quark steps out of the bedroom, having just gotten
dressed. He looks around at the disaster area that passes
for Rom's Quarters. There are clothes and unwashed dishes
everywhere. Quark goes to the replicator.
QUARK
(to replicator)
A cup of millipede juice, hold the
shells.
We hear the sound of the replicator working (off screen) and
Quark reaches in and pulls out a steaming hot cup of bright
yellow liquid.
He takes a sip. It's good, but not enough to elevate his
mood. He sits down on a clothes-strewn couch, grimaces,
reaches around and pulls an empty bottle out from under his
butt.
QUARK
(annoyed)
Rom.
Rom sticks his head out of his bedroom. He's using a Ferengi
tool vaguely reminiscent of an electric toothbrush to clean
his ears.
ROM
Did you call me, brother?
QUARK
Would it be too much trouble for you
to put these empty bottles in the
replicator?
ROM
Keeping my quarters clean is Nog's
job.
DEEP SPACE: "Prophet Motive" - 12/07/94 - ACT ONE 10.
8 CONTINUED:
QUARK
Except Nog is on the Homeworld
visiting his grandmother.
ROM
(looks around)
Then cleaning will just have to wait
until he gets back.
QUARK
No it won't. Until the Nagus gives
me back my own quarters, this is my
home too. And I've had enough of
this mess. Clean it up. Now.
ROM
I won't.
QUARK
Yes you will. It's bad enough I
have to put up with your constant
teeth grinding every night, and your
incessant ear-picking. But I will
not tolerate living like some Pakled
refuse merchant for another...
(he looks at the bottle
in his hand)
Wait a minute. This is a bottle of
Aldeberan whiskey.
Rom reaches over and grabs the bottle's neck to take it away.
ROM
Let me, brother.
QUARK
(doesn't let go)
I recognize this label. This is
from my private stock.
Rom is still trying to wrest the bottle out of Quark's grasp.
ROM
No, it's not.
QUARK
It most certainly is.
(sees something else
and lets go)
And what's that over there?
DEEP SPACE: "Prophet Motive" - 12/07/94 - ACT ONE 11.
8 CONTINUED: (2)
Rom staggers back with the bottle in his hand. Quark
goes and pulls a cloth off a case of small bottles.
ROM
Trixian bubble juice.
QUARK
(suspicious)
Nog's favorite.
(a beat)
This came from my stockroom, didn't
it?
ROM
Are you accusing my son of being a
thief?
QUARK
No. I'm accusing you of being a
thief.
Quark looks at the cloth in his hands.
QUARK
(continuing, re: the
cloth)
These table linens. The chairs.
That table. Everything in here comes
from my bar.
ROM
Not everything.
QUARK
As soon as you're done cleaning, I'm
going to conduct a complete inventory
and find out exactly what you've
stolen from me. Now get to work.
ROM
No. I refuse.
(off Quark's reaction)
I work for you all day, brother.
But here, I'm the boss. You want
this place cleaned up, do it yourself.
QUARK
(frustrated)
What I want is my own quarters back.
DEEP SPACE: "Prophet Motive" - 12/07/94 - ACT ONE 12.
8 CONTINUED: (3)
ROM
That makes two of us. Living with
you was bad enough when we were
children.
QUARK
(offended)
What do I do?
ROM
(accusatory)
You think.
QUARK
What do you mean, "I think?"
ROM
You stay up late, every night,
plotting and scheming. And when you
think, you mumble. And if there's
anything I can't stand, it's listening
to you mumble.
QUARK
That does it. I've been accommodating
long enough. If the Nagus wants to
stay on the station, he'll have to
find someplace else to live.
Quark storms out and Rom follows him.
9 INT. HABITAT RING CORRIDOR
As Quark and Rom EXIT Rom's Quarters and cross to a nearby
door.
ROM
Are you sure this is a good idea?
No one's seen the Nagus since he got
here. He must be working on something
important. If you disturb him, he
might get very angry.
QUARK
I'm not going to disturb him. You
are.
ROM
Me? Why not you?
DEEP SPACE: "Prophet Motive" - 12/07/94 - ACT ONE 13.
9 CONTINUED:
QUARK
Because Zek likes me. So I can't
afford to get on his bad side. On
the other hand, he barely acknowledges
your existence. So you have nothing
to lose.
(pumping him up)
Now go in there and tell the Nagus
he'll have to leave. And whatever
happens, don't let Maihar'du
intimidate you.
Quark hits the door chime and then steps around the corner.
ROM
Where are you going?
QUARK
Don't worry, if you need me, I'll be
close by.
Just then the door opens and a mellow, relaxed-looking Nagus
opens the door.
ZEK
What can I do for you, Rom?
Rom is shocked and amazed.
ROM
(falls to his knees)
Grand Nagus, forgive me for disturbing
you.
ZEK
(glad to see him)
Who's disturbed? I've been hoping
someone would drop by. Come right
in.
Rom is speechless. He's stunned that Zek is being so
accommodating. But as Rom is trying to process this turn of
events, Quark, who has been listening from down the corridor,
suddenly appears beside his brother.
QUARK
Thank you. We'd be delighted.
ZEK
Quark. I knew you'd be lurking around
here somewhere.
DEEP SPACE: "Prophet Motive" - REV. 12/16/94 - ACT ONE 14.
9 CONTINUED: (2)
ZEK
(smiles)
Well what are we standing out here
for? I have something very exciting
to show you both.
Zek gestures a welcome and Quark and Rom ENTER Quark's
quarters.
10 INT. QUARK'S QUARTERS
Quark and Rom ENTER to find the room completely stripped of
all furniture and decorations. It's just a big empty room.
Maihar'du is sitting on the floor in a corner, reading a
large handwritten book. He looks puzzled and a little upset.
QUARK
What happened to my furniture?
ZEK
I got rid of it. It was getting in
the way of my work.
QUARK
(trying to be polite)
And what work was that, Grand Nagus?
If I my be so bold?
ZEK
I'm glad you asked.
(to his servant)
Maihar'du... the book.
Maihar'du takes one last confused look at what he's reading,
then closes it and, with some hesitation, hands it to Zek.
As Zek takes the book, Maihar'du looks dolefully at Quark
and Rom. He is not happy.
ZEK
You're about to read the shining
triumph of my life. The one thing
I'll always be remembered for.
Zek hands Quark the book. Quark and Rom exchange a look.
QUARK
(re: the book)
May I?
DEEP SPACE: "Prophet Motive" - REV. 12/12/94 - ACT ONE 15.
ZEK
By all means.
Quark tentatively opens the book. The text is in Ferengi,
written in hand with a calligraphy brush.
QUARK
(reading)
"The Rules of Acquisition, Revised
for the Modern Ferengi."
(to Zek)
You rewrote the Rules of Acquisition?
ZEK
(eager)
I hope you like them.
(as he wanders off)
Absorb... enjoy...
He EXITS into the bedroom.
11 CLOSE ON QUARK AND ROM
As they look in awe at the book.
QUARK
(excited)
Rom, do you know what this means?
ROM
(depressed)
Yes. It means we're going to have
to memorize a whole new set of Rules.
QUARK
No, you idiot. It means we'll be
the first Ferengi to benefit from
Zek's wisdom. The knowledge contained
in this book could make us both rich
beyond our wildest dreams.
ROM
(it sinks in)
I'll be able to go into business for
myself.
(excited)
Turn the page, Brother. Turn the
page.
Quark turns the page with a flourish.
QUARK
The first Rule of Acquisition is...
DEEP SPACE: "Prophet Motive" - 12/07/94 - ACT ONE 16.
11 CONTINUED:
ROM
Go on.
QUARK
(as eager as Rom)
If they want their money back...
ROM
Yes, yes?
QUARK
(surprised)
Give it to them.
ROM
(repeating)
If they want their money back...
(puzzled)
Give it to them?
Quark and Rom exchange looks of troubled surprise. Suddenly
we hear the strangled sound of someone weeping in spite of
themselves.
12 NEW ANGLE
It's Maihar'du. He's weeping, overcome by the tragic
knowledge of the Nagus's downfall. And as Quark and Rom
react to this sad and strange sight...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
DEEP SPACE: "Prophet Motive" - REV. 12/13/94 - ACT TWO 17.
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
13 INT. QUARK'S QUARTERS
It's a little while later. Rom is seated in the middle of
the floor, reading aloud from the book. Quark is pacing
back and forth, trying to make sense of the Nagus's Rules.
ROM
Rule Number Twenty-One, "Never place
profit before friendship."
(turning pages)
Rule Number Twenty-Four "Latinum
tarnishes, but family is forever."
(turning pages)
Rule Twenty-Eight, "Money can never
replace dignity."
QUARK
(losing patience)
Skip to the end.
Rom flips ahead until he gets to the last page, then reads
it silently.
QUARK
Well, what is it?
ROM
You're not going to like it, Brother.
QUARK
I can take it. Tell me.
ROM
Rule number Two Hundred and Eighty-
Five, "A good deed is its own
reward."
Suddenly Quark reals as if about to pass out. Rom leaps to
his feet and goes to support Quark.
ROM
Brother, are you all right?
QUARK
(wobbly)
I... just need to sit down.
Rom helps his brother take a seat against the wall. Quark
still doesn't look so good. Rom starts fanning him with the
book of Rules. It's like waving garlic in front of a vampire.
DEEP SPACE: "Prophet Motive" - 12/07/94 - ACT TWO 18.
13 CONTINUED:
QUARK
No... Take it away.
Rom realizes what he's doing isn't helping.
ROM
Sorry.
He puts the book aside.
QUARK
(to himself)
Got to think. Got to think. There
has to be an explanation... a reason
for why he's doing this.
ROM
Maybe we should ask him.
Rom stands up and starts to head toward the bedroom. But
Quark grabs his arm and pulls him back down.
QUARK
No. Don't you see? He's testing
us.
(grasping at straws)
Yes. That must be it. It's some
kind of test.
(urgent)
Get the book.
ROM
(doesn't understand)
You want to hear more?
QUARK
No. It must be some kind of code.
Read me the first word of every Rule.
ROM
(complying)
If... never... keep... profit...
a... good... smile... honesty.
QUARK
(likeit means something)
If never keep profit a good smile
honesty.
ROM
What does it mean, Brother?
DEEP SPACE: "Prophet Motive" - 12/07/94 - ACT TWO 19.
13 CONTINUED: (2)
QUARK
(with conviction)
It means... absolutely nothing.
(still grasping)
Maybe if we hold the pages up to the
light.
Quark takes the book from Rom and holds it at different angles
up to the light.
QUARK
No... that's not it.
He examines the binding, the ink, the fabric of the paper.
He smells it, taps on it and listens to it, and licks it,
but still can't find an answer.
QUARK
The answer must be right in front of
us.
ROM
I know. Maybe the Nagus has gone
insane.
QUARK
Nonsense. The Nagus is the most
brilliant Ferengi alive. I've
modeled my life after him. Don't
ever let me hear you speak that way
about him again.
ROM
But what if he really believes all
this?
QUARK
How could he believe this insanity?
No. It has to be part of some
brilliant, twisted, devious plan.
The Nagus isn't like you and me,
Rom. He thinks ten, sometimes twenty,
steps ahead. These Rules are probably
the key component in some vast plot
to seize financial control of the
entire quadrant.
ROM
So what do we do?
QUARK
The only thing we can do. We put
down this book and we walk away.
DEEP SPACE: "Prophet Motive" - 12/07/94 - ACT TWO 20.
13 CONTINUED: (3)
Quark sets the book on the floor.
QUARK
When the Nagus feels ready, he'll
inform us of his plans. But until
then, we have to act as if we know
nothing.
ROM
(happy)
I can do that.
QUARK
Don't worry, Rom. In time, all
will be revealed.
And as Rom looks at his brother with admiration...
CUT TO:
14 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)
Re-establishing.
15 INT. QUARK'S
The bar is busy with the usual crowd. Rom is waiting on
tables. Quark is behind the bar, working absentmindedly and
muttering to himself.
QUARK
(still trying to make
sense of it)
"If never keep profit a good smile
honesty."
(shakes his head)
Nah.
He tries to concentrate on his work. Just then, the Nagus
ENTERS, followed by a morose Maihar'du.
ZEK
Quark, my boy. What do you say we
buy everyone a drink? Put it on my
tab.
Rom overhears this and moves closer.
QUARK
But... why?
DEEP SPACE: "Prophet Motive" - 12/07/94 - ACT TWO 21.
15 CONTINUED:
ZEK
Because it will make everyone happy.
And that will make me happy.
ROM
(aside to Quark)
It must all be part of his plan.
Wheels within wheels, Brother.
Quark nods, but he's not convinced.
QUARK
(to the waiters)
Drinks for everyone. Compliments of
the Grand Nagus.
(to Zek)
Is there anything else I can do for
you, Nagus?
(tempting)
We just got in a shipment of quality
Hupyrian beetle snuff.
ZEK
Actually, I've lost my taste for
beetle snuff. It might be fun for
you and me, but it's no fun for the
beetles.
(a beat)
By the way, Quark, I just met the
most lovely young female. She stopped
by your quarters, looking for you.
QUARK
Was her name Emi, by any chance?
ZEK
Now that you mention it, I believe
it was. She wanted me to tell you
that her family's ship has arrived
with the latinum.
QUARK
(excited)
It's about time.
(to Rom)
Rom, watch the bar. We're finally
going to get rid of those stem bolts.
ZEK
I don't think so.
Quark looks at Zek in surprise.
DEEP SPACE: "Prophet Motive" - 12/07/94 - ACT TWO 22.
15 CONTINUED: (2)
QUARK
But we have a contract.
ZEK
Which was never signed. And frankly
Quark, you were charging an outrageous
price for those stem bolts.
QUARK
She didn't seem to think so.
ZEK
She did once I explained it to her.
QUARK
You what?
ZEK
I couldn't let you take advantage of
an innocent young woman like that,
Quark. So I told her where she could
get all the stem bolts she needed...
at wholesale.
QUARK
(crushed)
Wholesale?
(to Rom)
He told her where to get them at
wholesale.
Quark wanders off in a daze.
QUARK
What am I going to do with a hundred
gross of stem bolts?
Rom and the Nagus watch him go.
ROM
My poor brother.
ZEK
Don't worry about him. Eventually,
he'll sell those stem bolts... at a
fair price.
ROM
(bewildered)
A fair price? I'm very confused.
DEEP SPACE: "Prophet Motive" - 12/07/94 - ACT TWO 23.
15 CONTINUED: (3)
ZEK
That's understandable. It will take
some time to get used to the new
ways.
ROM
New ways?
ZEK
(friendly)
Walk with me, Rom.
They walk off, leaving Maihar'du alone at the bar. He reaches
out and takes a bottle, then pours himself a big drink.
16 INT. CARGO BAY
Close on a dart board, maybe with a few BLINKIES around the
edges, but basically a recognizable regulation English-style
dart board. Three darts land in succession. They're good
throws, but not anything spectacular.
17 NEW ANGLE
As O'Brien goes and pulls out the darts. The techy dartboard
keeps score automatically.
O'BRIEN
Your turn.
Bashir waits at an impromptu throwing line which has been
painted on the floor. He's got three darts in his hand, but
he looks dubious.
BASHIR
I don't know about this.
O'BRIEN
Would you rather play racquetball?
BASHIR
Chief, since Keiko's been on Bajor
we've played one hundred and six
games of racquetball.
O'BRIEN
Right. So throw a dart.
Bashir tosses a dart.
DEEP SPACE: "Prophet Motive" - 12/07/94 - ACT TWO 24.
17 CONTINUED:
BASHIR
I'm a little rusty.
O'BRIEN
So am I.
Bashir throws another dart.
O'BRIEN
I suppose the smart money's on Wade
or P'Trell.
Bashir throws his third dart and misses the board entirely.
The dart CLANGS off the metal bulkhead.
BASHIR
(retrieves his darts)
That seems to be the general
consensus.
O'BRIEN
I mean, Doctor Wade is very popular.
But P'Trell is doing some amazing
work in gerontological research.
(a beat)
Which one do you think will win?
BASHIR
Either of them would be a worthy
recipient of the Carrington.
O'BRIEN
(makes his tosses)
Of course, if I had my druthers, the
award would go to you.
BASHIR
Thank you.
O'BRIEN
But let's face it. You don't stand
a chance.
Even though this is absolutely true, O'Brien's still getting
some small enjoyment out of needling Bashir.
BASHIR
(agreeing, as he takes
his turn)
You don't say.
DEEP SPACE: "Prophet Motive" - 12/07/94 - ACT TWO 25.
17 CONTINUED: (2)
O'BRIEN
I mean, I know how talented you are,
but I bet there're doctors all over
the Federation saying, "Julian Bashir,
who the hell is he?"
O'Brien smiles as Bashir clangs another dart off the bulkhead.
BASHIR
Chief, you are absolutely right.
Bashir retrieves his darts and O'Brien gets ready to throw.
O'BRIEN
I'm glad you agree.
BASHIR
(mischievous)
So... how much longer is Keiko going
to be on Bajor?
O'Brien's throw goes awry. CLANG.
18 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)
Re-establishing.
19 INT. PROMENADE
It's early morning. There are only a few people on the
Promenade. MORN is waiting expectantly outside Quark's,
which is still closed.
A sleepy Quark approaches, and as Morn looks at him with
reproachful eyes, Quark realizes that the bar's still not
open.
QUARK
Hey, Rom...
Quark bangs on the door.
QUARK
Open up.
There's no response. Morn shrugs.
KIRA (O.S.)
Something wrong, Quark?
Quark turns and sees Kira approaching.
DEEP SPACE: "Prophet Motive" - REV. 12/16/94 - ACT TWO 26.
19 CONTINUED:
QUARK
My brother should've had this place
open an hour ago.
KIRA
Last time I saw him was last night...
walking with the Nagus on the
Promenade.
QUARK
Come to think of it, I don't remember
him coming back to his quarters last
night.
(worried)
I'd better go find him.
Quark starts to leave, but Kira grabs his shoulder and stops
him.
KIRA
Not so fast.
(a beat)
Do you have anything to do with this?
Kira hands Quark a PADD. Quark looks at it, puzzled.
QUARK
The Ferengi Benevolent Association?
KIRA
This message has been going out over
subspace all morning.
QUARK
This looks like some kind of offer
of charitable assistance to those in
need.
KIRA
The operative words being "looks
like." I don't know what you and
the Nagus are up to, Quark, but I'm
not going to let you exploit people
in need.
QUARK
You think this is some kind of scam?
KIRA
Yes.
DEEP SPACE: "Prophet Motive" - 12/07/94 - ACT TWO 27.
19 CONTINUED: (2)
QUARK
I hope you're right.
Quark rushes off. Kira gives him a questioning look. Then
she hears a THUNK and turns to find Morn, leaning his head
against the door to the bar, utterly defeated.
20 INT. QUARK'S QUARTERS
Quark storms into his quarters, which have been transformed
into an office with multiple subspace communications hook-
ups being manned by Quark's staff of Ferengi waiters. Rom
is right in the middle of everything, coordinating their
activity. Zek is nowhere in sight, but Maihar'du is sitting
at a desk, dispiritedly working alongside the waiters.
ROM
(to a waiter)
Make sure the relief shipment is
sent by high warp courier. And don't
worry about the cost.
Quark looks at the changes to his quarters in wide-eyed
horror.
QUARK
Rom, what's all this?
ROM
(with pride)
You're looking at the sector
headquarters of the Ferengi Benevolent
Association.
And as Quark reacts to Rom's announcement...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT TWO
DEEP SPACE: "Prophet Motive" - 12/07/94 - ACT THREE 28.
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
21 INT. ROM'S QUARTERS
Quark ENTERS, pulling Rom after him by his ear.
ROM
Brother, I don't have time to talk
to you. I have work to do.
QUARK
That's right, you do. In the bar.
And it's time you got started. And
make sure the rest of my employees
go with you.
ROM
That's impossible. You saw how busy
they are. I'm afraid you might have
to hire some new waiters.
QUARK
Look, whatever the Nagus is paying,
I'll match it.
ROM
He's not paying us anything. We're
donating our time to help launch the
Benevolent Association.
(proudly)
I'm the association's senior
administrator. You know brother, I
never realized how many people there
are who could use a little help.
QUARK
If you don't get down to the bar
right now, you're going to be the
one who needs help.
ROM
The Nagus said you'd react like this.
QUARK
The Nagus is a very smart man.
ROM
He's more than that. He's a
visionary. He has plans, brother.
And I'm going to be part of them.
DEEP SPACE: "Prophet Motive" - 12/07/94 - ACT THREE 29.
21 CONTINUED:
QUARK
What could the Nagus possibly want
with you?
ROM
(with pride)
He says I'm "malleable." And that
he's going to mold me into a new
kind of Ferengi. An evolved Ferengi.
QUARK
(dubious)
Evolved into what?
ROM
I'm not sure, exactly. The Nagus
says that the answers lie in his new
Rules of Acquisition. He told me,
"Rom, it's time for the Ferengi to
move beyond greed."
QUARK
Beyond greed? There's nothing beyond
greed. It's the purest, most noble
of emotions.
ROM
"Greed is Dead." That's the tenth
Rule of Acquisition.
QUARK
No it's not. The tenth Rule of
Acquisition is "Greed is Eternal."
ROM
Not anymore.
(a beat)
The Nagus is going to shake the very
foundation of Ferengi society, and
we're going to be at his side every
step of the way.
QUARK
What do you mean, "we?"
ROM
The Nagus has made you the co-chairman
of the Benevolent Association. Your
name will figure prominently on all
our correspondence.
DEEP SPACE: "Prophet Motive" - 12/07/94 - ACT THREE 30.
21 CONTINUED: (2)
QUARK
He never mentioned anything about
that to me.
ROM
The Nagus wouldn't dream of excluding
you, Brother. As soon as we get the
Benevolent Association established
here, the Nagus plans on returning
to the homeworld. And we'll go with
him. Think of it. You and I will
be there when Zek personally announces
the "New Rules of Acquisition" on
the Grand Steps of the Sacred
Marketplace.
QUARK
We'll be there all right. And we'll
probably be right alongside him when
they throw him off the spire of the
Temple of Commerce.
ROM
The Temple of Commerce? But that's
the tallest building in the Ferengi
Alliance. A fall from that height
could... could...
Rom trails off, finally seeing what Quark is getting at.
QUARK
Exactly.
(a beat)
Don't you see, Rom. Something's
terribly wrong with the Nagus. And
we have to help him... before he
gets us all killed.
Quark looks determined. He knows what he must do and nothing
will stop him.
22 INT. INFIRMARY
Quark and Maihar'du watch with concern while Bashir finishes
an examination of Zek. He's performing his last test, which
involves scanning the inside of the Nagus's ear.
ZEK
(laughs)
That tickles.
DEEP SPACE: "Prophet Motive" - 12/07/94 - ACT THREE 31.
22 CONTINUED:
Bashir completes his scan.
BASHIR
Well, I must say, for a Ferengi of
your age, you're in excellent health.
That is, aside from some vascular
damage to your mucus membranes. You
really should stop using beetle snuff.
ZEK
As a matter of fact, I already have.
BASHIR
Glad to hear it.
Bashir begins to put away his instruments.
QUARK
Does this mean you're going to have
to go in for some exploratory surgery?
BASHIR
Why would I do that?
QUARK
To find out what's wrong with him.
BASHIR
There's nothing wrong with him, Quark.
QUARK
That's not true. There's something
deeply wrong with him, and you have
to find out what it is.
BASHIR
I performed every test I can think
of. There's no sign of trauma, brain
damage, mental illness. His central
nervous system's operating within
normal parameters, and his endocrine
system's in terrific shape.
DEEP SPACE: "Prophet Motive" - 12/07/94 - ACT THREE 32.
22 CONTINUED: (2)
ZEK
(to Quark and Maihar'du)
You see, I told you.
(to Bashir)
They're like a couple of nervous
investors... always looking for
trouble.
(a beat)
Oh, well. I suppose I should be
flattered. Thank you, Doctor. You've
been very helpful.
Zek starts to get up off the examining table, but Quark
restrains him.
QUARK
No.
(to Bashir)
He's sick, I tell you. You have to
perform more tests.
BASHIR
Quark, if you don't get out of here,
I'm going to perform some tests on
you.
QUARK
But you have to do something.
BASHIR
Like what?
QUARK
Put him in stasis. Keep him from
hurting himself until you can figure
out what is wrong with him.
BASHIR
(dismissive)
I don't think that will be necessary.
QUARK
I can't believe you're supposed to
be one of the five best doctors in
the Federation. If you ask me, you're
a quack... No wonder everyone says
you don't have a chance to win the
Carrington.
(to Zek)
Let's go. Maybe we can make an
appointment for you to see Doctor
Wade.
DEEP SPACE: "Prophet Motive" - 12/07/94 - ACT THREE 33.
22 CONTINUED: (3)
BASHIR
Good luck. If I remember correctly,
Nairobi is beautiful this time of
year.
Maihar'du helps Zek to his feet. Zek takes a strip of latinum
out of his pocket and hands it to Doctor Bashir.
ZEK
Here, Doctor. For your trouble.
BASHIR
I can't accept this.
ZEK
Why not? It's only money. Donate
it to charity if you'd like.
Bashir thinks about it, then takes the money.
QUARK
(with venom)
And you say he's not sick.
Quark starts to lead Zek out of the room, but the Nagus pauses
at the door.
ZEK
Oh, and Doctor, I do hope you'll
attend tomorrow night's ceremony.
BASHIR
(never heard of it)
Ceremony?
ZEK
At the Bajoran shrine on the
Promenade. I intend to give a gift
to the Bajoran people.
This is obviously the first Quark's heard of it too.
QUARK
Gift. What kind of gift?
ZEK
It's a surprise. You'll find out
tomorrow night like everyone else.
Quark is so wrapped up in thought that Zek has to lead him
from the room.
DEEP SPACE: "Prophet Motive" - 12/07/94 - ACT THREE 34.
22 CONTINUED: (4)
ZEK
(to Quark and Maihar'du)
Come along. We have a lot of work
to do before then.
(with deep concern)
So many needy people, so little time.
Zek and Quark EXIT, leaving Bashir alone in the Infirmary,
puzzled and more than a little amused.
23 INT. DOCKING RING AIRLOCK
Quark and Rom are at the far end of the airlock, standing in
front of the bulkhead of the Grand Nagus's personal shuttle.
They've pried off an access plate and Rom is trying to
override the door controls and break in.
QUARK
Aren't you done yet?
ROM
Breaking into the Nagus's personal
shuttle somehow seems wrong,
Brother.
QUARK
I don't care. I have to know what
he intends to give to the Bajorans.
ROM
But the Nagus wants it to be a
surprise.
QUARK
I hate surprises. Now hurry it up,
before someone...
Quark trails off as a huge shadow looms over them. They
turn around and see...
24 NEW ANGLE
Maihar'du standing over them. He holds out an ominous-looking
device and points it out toward them.
QUARK
(covering)
Maihar'du. As you can see, my brother
and I were just repairing the door
locks on the Nagus's...
DEEP SPACE: "Prophet Motive" - 12/07/94 - ACT THREE 35.
24 CONTINUED:
Maihar'du presses the trigger of the device. But to
Quark's surprise, it isn't a weapon. Instead it opens the
door. Maihar'du motions for Rom and Quark to enter. The
brothers exchange relieved looks.
25 INT. THE NAGUS'S SHUTTLE
Moments later. Quark, Rom and Maihar'du squeeze into the
cockpit of Zek's ship.
Maihar'du, with a grim expression, points to something behind
one of the seats. Quark examines it. It's a metal box.
QUARK
(examining it;
concerned)
This is the gift?
Maihar'du nods.
ROM
What is it?
But Quark has already recognized the familiar-looking metal
casing.
QUARK
(with awe)
It's one of the missing Bajoran Orbs,
Rom. An Orb of the Prophets.
And as Quark and Rom looks down at the box, we...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT THREE
DEEP SPACE: "Prophet Motive" - 12/07/94 - ACT FOUR 36.
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
26 INT. THE NAGUS'S SHUTTLE (OPTICAL)
Quark sets the ark on the shuttle's control panel. He and
Rom stare in amazement at the sealed box containing the Orb,
while Maihar'du watches in silence.
QUARK
I tell you, Rom, this Orb explains
everything. Zek's behavior, the new
Rules, the Ferengi Benevolent
Association, everything.
ROM
It does? How?
QUARK
I'm not sure. But I plan to find
out.
(to Maihar'du)
Don't just stand there. Talk to me.
But Maihar'du drops his head. The story is too painful for
Maihar'du to relate.
QUARK
(pats him on the
shoulder)
I know how you feel.
While Quark is trying to comfort Maihar'du, Rom examines the
latch of the ark.
QUARK
What are you doing?
ROM
I thought we should look inside... I
mean, we don't know for certain that
there's an orb in here.
(an idea)
Maybe Zek's just giving them the
box.
QUARK
Don't be ridiculous.
ROM
But how will we know unless we look?
Rom knocks on the box, listening to the echo to try to discern
what's inside.
DEEP SPACE: "Prophet Motive" - 12/07/94 - ACT FOUR 37.
26 CONTINUED:
QUARK
Rom, it's too dangerous. Now leave
it alone.
ROM
But Brother--
QUARK
I said leave it alone.
Quark tries to grab the ark. Rom refuses to let go. They
struggle over it. Finally, Quark wrests it away, but as he
does so, the doors fly open facing him. His face is bathed
in purplish light, and... FLASH...
27 INT. QUARK'S (BEGIN ORB SEQUENCE) (OPTICAL)
Quark finds himself slowing rotating in a seated position.
He looks down and finds himself sitting on his dabo wheel,
which is slowly turning. The bar is deserted.
QUARK
(still rotating)
Rom? Maihar'du?
(desperate)
Morn?
(worried)
Anybody?
ZEK (O.S.)
(contemptuous)
What's the matter, Quark? Spinning
out of control, are we?
The dabo wheel stops spinning and Quark comes to rest facing
Zek, who is standing behind the bar, pouring himself a drink.
In manner and tone, Zek is once again the insulting, nasty,
greedy despot we all know and love.
QUARK
Grand Nagus?
ZEK
Maybe.
27A NEW ANGLE (OPTICAL)
Quark looks around and sees that Zek is now standing behind
him.
ZEK
Maybe not.
DEEP SPACE: "Prophet Motive" - 12/07/94 - ACT FOUR 38.
27A CONTINUED:
Zek gives the wheel a violent spin. Quark begins rotating
around and around. Quark desperately tries to stop the wheel
and suddenly...
28 CLOSE ON QUARK (OPTICAL)
He spins around and finds himself seated at a table on the
second level. There's an Orb box in front of him. Overcome
by curiosity, he opens the box and finds...
29 ZEK'S HEAD (OPTICAL)
Inside the box.
ZEK
Looking for answers? You couldn't
find them if they were dangling from
your lobes.
Quark fearfully shuts the box, and suddenly he's...
30 NEW ANGLE (OPTICAL)
Standing in the middle of the bar, on the first level, looking
up at Zek, who's standing on the second level.
ZEK
Where's that old Quark cleverness
I've heard so much about?
(a beat)
Or are you so paralyzed with fear
that you can't think straight?
Suddenly...
31 ZEK (OPTICAL)
Is now on the third level of the bar, leaning over the
railing.
ZEK
Answer me, Quark. What are you so
nervous about? Don't you think change
is worth dying for? All I want is a
little... leap of faith.
And with that the Nagus jumps from the third level of the
bar.
DEEP SPACE: "Prophet Motive" - REV. 12/12/94 - ACT FOUR 39.
32 NEW ANGLE (OPTICAL)
As the camera zooms toward Quark's upturned fear-filled face.
As his mouth opens in a scream...
33 CLOSE ON QUARK (OPTICAL)
Who, to his surprise, catches a falling Orb box instead of
the Nagus.
ZEK (O.S.)
Nice catch.
Quark turns and sees that Zek is behind the bar again.
ZEK
That's the wonderful thing about
mysteries. Sometimes the answers
just... fall from the sky.
34 NEW ANGLE (OPTICAL)
And now Quark is back slowly spinning on the dabo wheel, but
this time, the Orb box is cradled in his lap.
ZEK
What do you have to lose? Open it.
35 CLOSE ON QUARK (OPTICAL)
He's standing behind the bar, which is now filled with
customers, all of whom are looking at him. The ark is on
the bar, and Quark opens it and pulls out...
36 HARD BOUND BOOK (OPTICAL)
A copy of Zek's New Rules of Acquisition. Quark holds up
the book, and...
37 NEW ANGLE (OPTICAL)
The bar patrons break out in enthusiastic applause. Quark
looks at Zek, who is now sitting across the bar from him.
ZEK
Consider it a gift.
DEEP SPACE: "Prophet Motive" - 12/07/94 - ACT FOUR 40.
37 CONTINUED:
And as Quark reacts to the book, we FLASH...
38 INT. THE NAGUS'S SHUTTLE (OPTICAL)
Quark is seated, dazed, as Rom slams shut the doors to the
ark.
ROM
Are you all right?
QUARK
(reacting to his vision)
A gift.
ROM
(no idea what he means)
A gift?
QUARK
Zek said the New Rules were a
gift.
ROM
(party line)
A gift from Zek to the Ferengi people.
QUARK
No. They were a gift to Zek. From
them.
(a beat)
Don't you see? They did it. They
put the idea for the New Rules in
Zek's head. They... changed him
somehow.
ROM
They did? How dare they?
(stops himself)
Who are we talking about, Brother?
QUARK
The Prophets. The aliens that live
inside the wormhole.
(to Maihar'du)
They did this to him, didn't they?
Maihar'du nods.
QUARK
(insistent)
Tell me everything.
DEEP SPACE: "Prophet Motive" - 12/07/94 - ACT FOUR 40A.
38 CONTINUED:
But Maihar'du just lowers his head and sobs silently.
ROM
Easy, Brother. You know Hupyrian
servants take a vow only to speak to
their masters.
QUARK
(giving up)
You're right; get him a handkerchief
or something. I'm going to try to
break into Zek's personal logs.
39 INT. DOCKING RING CORRIDOR
Rom and Quark are walking down the corridor, with Maihar'du
trailing behind them. Quark is explaining everything to his
brother.
QUARK
According to Zek's logs, he obtained
the Orb from one of his contacts on
Cardassia Three. From there, he
headed straight for the wormhole.
His ship's log shows that he entered
the wormhole, stayed inside for only
a few minutes, then reversed course,
and came here.
ROM
You think he went in there to talk
to the Prophets?
QUARK
In his personal logs, Zek said that
the future was looking very bright
indeed.
(off Rom's blank look)
Don't you get it?
DEEP SPACE: "Prophet Motive" - 12/07/94 - ACT FOUR 41.
39 CONTINUED:
QUARK
According to Dax, the Wormhole Aliens
can see through time. The Nagus
must've thought he could convince
them to let him see the future.
That way he'd be able to anticipate
economic changes throughout the
galaxy.
ROM
(in awe)
The opportunity for profit would've
been enormous.
(confused)
But instead he created the New Rules
of Acquisition. Why?
QUARK
Something must've gone terribly wrong.
But I intend to set it right.
ROM
How, brother?
DEEP SPACE: "Prophet Motive" - 12/07/94 - ACT FOUR 42.
39 CONTINUED: (2)
QUARK
I have an idea.
ROM
Does it involve me?
QUARK
Not really.
ROM
(smiles)
I like it.
Quark ignores Rom. He's too busy plotting his next move.
40 INT. REPLIMAT
Bashir is drinking tea and working on a PADD. ODO approaches.
ODO
May I join you, Doctor?
BASHIR
By all means. What can I do for
you?
Bashir sets aside his PADD, placing it face down on the table.
ODO
(sits down)
It's what I can do for you.
Bashir looks at Odo, puzzled.
ODO
I have a friend at Starfleet
Intelligence. And she has a friend
who has a cousin who's married to
the assistant of one of the members
of the Federation Medical Council.
BASHIR
Really?
ODO
And according to my friend, her friend
heard something from his cousin that
his wife heard from this council
member that I thought you might find
interesting.
DEEP SPACE: "Prophet Motive" - 12/07/94 - ACT FOUR 43.
40 CONTINUED:
BASHIR
Which is?
ODO
Doctor Wade is not going to win the
Carrington.
Bashir can't believe Odo's gotten wrapped up in the hype
along with everyone else.
BASHIR
(exasperated)
Not you too.
ODO
Doctor, I thought you'd be delighted.
BASHIR
If what you say is true, and mind
you, I'm not saying it is, the only
one who has reason to celebrate is
Ghee P'Trell.
ODO
Perhaps. But P'Trell is by no means
as popular as Doctor Wade.
BASHIR
According to your friend.
ODO
Actually, according to my friend's
friend's--
BASHIR
(cuts him off)
I get the picture.
ODO
The point is, if it isn't going to
be Doctor Wade, it could be anyone.
P'Trell, Senva, Roget, even you.
BASHIR
Constable, I didn't think I was going
to win before. And I don't think
I'm going to win now.
ODO
Is that a fact?
Odo indicates Bashir's PADD.
DEEP SPACE: "Prophet Motive" - 12/07/94 - ACT FOUR 44.
40 CONTINUED: (2)
ODO
Then why have you been working on
your acceptance speech?
Bashir turns his PADD upside right, then looks up and Odo in
surprise.
BASHIR
How did you know?
ODO
Just a guess.
Odo smiles and walks away. Bashir looks embarrassed.
41 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)
Re-establishing.
42 INT. QUARK'S QUARTERS
It's late at night, but Zek is still hard at work, alone in
Quark's quarters. He's talking to someone on a Viewscreen,
but there's no need for us to see the screen.
ZEK
My goodness, I never knew solar flares
could be so devastating to a planet's
agriculture.
(checking a PADD)
Let's see, at current market rates
two thousand tons of Kohlanese barley
would cost me a hundred and eighty-
nine bars of gold press latinum...
but it's worth it. I can have the
first shipment of barley on the way
to you in...
Zek notices Quark, Rom, and Maihar'du ENTER the room.
ZEK
(to screen)
Hold on. I'll be right back.
Zek hits a button, turns off the viewscreen, then looks up
at Quark and the others and smiles sweetly.
ZEK
Can I help you boys?
DEEP SPACE: "Prophet Motive" - 12/07/94 - ACT FOUR 45.
43 NEW ANGLE - ZEK'S P.O.V.
As Maihar'du pulls out a huge black sack and brings the mouth
of the sack over Zek's head, cutting off his vision.
CUT TO BLACK.
44 INT. DOCKING RING CORRIDOR
Quark and Rom hurry down the corridor, checking to make sure
the coast is clear, then signal Maihar'du, who follows them
carrying the black sack, which is now full of Nagus, over
one shoulder.
Quark hesitates for a moment, then suddenly turns to
Maihar'du.
QUARK
Wait. I have to be sure that he's
all right.
Maihar'du dutifully turns around so that Quark has access to
the other side of the sack.
QUARK
(talking to the sack)
Grand Nagus, can you hear me? Are
you okay?
ZEK (O.S.)
(from inside sack)
Don't worry, Quark. I forgive you.
QUARK
(to Rom, horrified)
You hear that?
(more determined than
ever)
We have to help him.
Maihar'du and Rom nod and off they go.
45 INT. THE NAGUS'S SHUTTLE
As they ENTER. Quark sits down in the pilot's seat and
Maihar'du deposits the sack in the seat beside him. The ark
containing the orb is also visible in the cabin.
ROM
Brother, this is a very brave thing
you're doing.
DEEP SPACE: "Prophet Motive" - 12/07/94 - ACT FOUR 46.
45 CONTINUED:
ROM (Cont'd)
Taking the Nagus back to the wormhole.
I wish I could come with you.
(quick backpedal)
But I can't. Good-bye.
Rom rushes out of the shuttle. Maihar'du looks longingly at
the black sack containing his Nagus.
QUARK
Go on. Get out of here. Before you
have me crying too.
Maihar'du sniffles and nods. Then with a last glance at the
Nagus, he slinks away.
46 CLOSE ON QUARK
As he looks at the Nagus's sack.
QUARK
Don't worry.
(he gives the sack a
reassuring pat)
It's going to be okay.
And as Quark prepares to launch the shuttle, we...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FOUR
DEEP SPACE: "Prophet Motive" - 12/07/94 - ACT FIVE 47.
ACT FIVE
FADE IN:
47 EXT. SPACE (OPTICAL)
The Nagus's ship flies into the wormhole.
48 INT. THE NAGUS'S SHUTTLE (OPTICAL)
Quark powers down the ship to a stop. The ship is buffeted
by forces inside the wormhole. Quark looks worried. He
reaches over and opens the sack containing the Nagus.
Zek pops his head out and removes the sack.
ZEK
You know, my boy, I should be very
angry with you...
QUARK
(hoping he is)
Are you?
ZEK
Not in the slightest. I can't help
myself. I like you.
(looks around)
Now, where have you taken me?
QUARK
Into the wormhole.
The ship is rocked again. It rocks continuously through the
following.
QUARK
(continuing)
What's going on?
ZEK
This is exactly what happened when I
was in here the last time.
(a beat)
The wormhole aliens are delightful
people, but they like their privacy.
QUARK
So you did meet them. How did you
make contact?
DEEP SPACE: "Prophet Motive" - REV. 12/12/94 - ACT FIVE 48.
48 CONTINUED:
ZEK
(re: the Orb)
I see you've brought the Orb of Wisdom
with you. That should do the trick.
(conspiratorial)
If you really want to get their
attention, open the box. That's
what I did.
Quark tries to get his courage up. The ship shakes violently.
QUARK
Sounds simple enough.
ZEK
Better hurry.
(a warning)
I got the dampening field on this
ship for a substantial discount.
Quark nods, takes a deep breath, and opens up the ark.
There's a bright FLASH, and we...
CUT TO:
49 WHITE SCREEN (OPTICAL)
Just like in "EMISSARY." The same altered reality. The
same SOUND of Quark's heartbeat and breathing, and suddenly,
there's a...
50 RUSH OF IMAGES (OPTICAL)
Four separate shots, each less than a second (unless otherwise
specified, images are from this episode):
--Sisko in his office holding out the Nagus's cane for
Quark to kiss... (from "THE SEARCH, PT. I")
--Kira confronting Quark on the Promenade...
--Emi stroking Quark's ears in his quarters...
--Dax and Quark playing tongo in Quark's...
(from "RULES OF ACQUISITION")
51 WHITE SCREEN (OPTICAL)
As before. Heartbeat... breathing...
DEEP SPACE: "Prophet Motive" - REV. 12/12/94 - ACT FIVE 49.
51 CONTINUED:
QUARK
(tentative)
Hello?
52 ANOTHER RUSH OF IMAGES (OPTICAL)
Three more shots:
--Rom and Quark studying the new Rules of Acquisition
in Quark's barren quarters...
--Bashir and the Quark in the Infirmary (with the
Nagus off camera)...
--Maihar'du carrying the Nagus in a sack in the
Docking Ring corridor...
53 WHITE SCREEN (OPTICAL)
As before. Heartbeat... breathing...
QUARK
(getting impatient)
Hello? Is anyone there?
54 INT. INFIRMARY
As it was when Bashir examined Zek. (Zek is off camera.)
Bashir looks over at Quark. But this isn't Bashir. This is
a Wormhole Alien.
BASHIR ALIEN
(observing Quark)
It is corporeal...
55 WHITE SCREEN (OPTICAL)
As before.
QUARK
Doctor? What are you doing in here?
56 INT. QUARK'S
With Dax at the tongo table. This time Dax is the Alien.
DAX ALIEN
A physical entity...
DEEP SPACE: "Prophet Motive" - REV. 12/12/94 - ACT FIVE 50.
57 INT. PROMENADE
As before.
KIRA ALIEN
Not another one.
QUARK
I get it. You're the Wormhole Aliens?
Or would you rather be called the
Prophets? I never could figure that
one out.
58 INT. QUARK'S QUARTERS
Rom looks up from reading the Rules of Acquisition.
ROM ALIEN
Did the Sisko send you?
QUARK
Sisko? What does he have to do with
anything?
59 INT. COMMANDER'S OFFICE
Sisko points the Nagus's cane at Quark.
SISKO ALIEN
The Sisko taught us about corporeal
lifeforms.
60 INT. PROMENADE
As before.
KIRA ALIEN
About linguistic communication.
61 INT. INFIRMARY
Bashir, Zek, and Quark.
BASHIR ALIEN
And linear time.
QUARK
I know all about it. He's quite a
guy. But I'm not here to talk about
Sisko.
DEEP SPACE: "Prophet Motive" - 12/07/94 - ACT FIVE 51.
62 INT. DOCKING RING CORRIDOR
With Maihar'du and the Nagus-in-a-sack.
MAIHAR'DU ALIEN
Then why are you here?
QUARK
I'm here to talk about the Nagus.
63 INT. QUARK'S QUARTERS
As it was when Emi was stroking Quark's ears. But Emi stops
and looks down at Quark with alien calm.
EMI ALIEN
The Nagus?
Quark is a little startled to see Emi, but he realizes that
it's not really her, but a Wormhole Alien.
QUARK
The other Ferengi who visited you.
The one who brought the Orb.
Emi ALIEN We are aware of the Zek.
QUARK
He came to see you, to ask for help.
He wanted to learn about the future.
64 INT. COMMANDER'S OFFICE
Sisko holds out his baseball.
SISKO ALIEN
(insistent)
The Zek wanted to know the outcome
of the game before it was played.
QUARK
(delighted)
That's right.
(a beat, trying to
sound nonchalant)
So what went wrong?
DEEP SPACE: "Prophet Motive" - REV. 12/12/94 - ACT FIVE 51A.
65 INT. QUARK'S QUARTERS
With Rom seated on the bare floor.
ROM ALIEN
At first we did not understand the
Zek's request. The Sisko said that
corporeal beings value their linear
existence.
66 INT. QUARK'S
With Dax at the tongo table.
DAX ALIEN
But the Zek wanted to understand
events outside the restrictions of
linear time.
QUARK
He wanted to see the future so he
could gain by it.
67 INT. INFIRMARY
As before.
BASHIR ALIEN
Yes. The Zek explained the value of
"gain." How more is preferable to
less.
QUARK
He taught you about profit.
68 INT. PROMENADE
With Kira.
KIRA ALIEN
We found the concept... aggressive.
69 INT. COMMANDER'S OFFICE
SISKO ALIEN
Adversarial.
70 INT. QUARK'S QUARTERS
With Emi.
DEEP SPACE: "Prophet Motive" - 12/07/94 - ACT FIVE 52.
70 CONTINUED:
EMI ALIEN
Dangerous. We could not comprehend
how any species could lead such a
barren existence.
QUARK
(defensive)
It has its advantages.
71 INT. DOCKING RING CORRIDOR
With Maihar'du.
MAIHAR'DU ALIEN
We do not agree. We found the Zek's
adversarial nature... invasive...
threatening.
72 INT. COMMANDER'S OFFICE
SISKO ALIEN
We examined your species' history...
the totality of your existence. We
discovered that you have not always
been as you are now.
QUARK
(surprised)
We haven't?
73 INT. PROMENADE
With Kira.
KIRA ALIEN
There was a time when your peoples'
acquiring nature was not so
pronounced.
QUARK
(shocked)
Wait a second. Are you telling me
that you somehow... de-evolved the
Nagus?
Bashir ENTERS from down the Promenade.
BASHIR ALIEN
We restored the Zek to an earlier,
less adversarial state of existence.
DEEP SPACE: "Prophet Motive" - 12/07/94 - ACT FIVE 53.
73 CONTINUED:
QUARK
You can't do that. The Nagus is the
financial leader of billions of
Ferengi. I demand you re-evolve him
immediately.
74 INT. QUARK'S (OPTICAL)
All the Aliens are now seated around the tongo table.
DAX ALIEN
You are adversarial too.
BASHIR ALIEN
Aggressive. Intrusive.
SISKO ALIEN
(to the others)
We should do to this one what we did
to the other. Restore it to a purer
existence.
ROM ALIEN
Counteract its adversarial nature.
Quark gets to his feet, trying to hide his panic.
QUARK
Wait. Let's not be hasty. There's
nothing wrong with acquiring profit.
MAIHAR'DU ALIEN
That is what the Zek said.
QUARK
And he was right. Look, I don't
know how you people live, but all of
us corporeal, linear whatevers have
certain things in common. And one
of those things is...
(thinking on his feet)
The need to improve ourselves.
Quark begins pacing around the table, like a professor
lecturing to some particularly slow students.
DEEP SPACE: "Prophet Motive" - 12/07/94 - ACT FIVE 54.
74 CONTINUED:
QUARK (Cont'd)
Our ambition to improve ourselves
motivates everything we do.
(working up a head of
steam)
Without ambition, without... dare I
say it... greed, people would lie
around all day, doing nothing. They
wouldn't work, they wouldn't bathe,
they wouldn't even eat. They'd starve
to death.
(accusatory)
Is that what you want? Are you so
isolated and detached that you would
sit back and allow the extinction of
every corporeal being in the galaxy?
Quark waits for a response. There's a long beat, then...
SISKO ALIEN
Your argument is specious. Changing
you will not result in the termination
of all corporeal existence.
As if in agreement with the Sisko Alien, all the other Aliens
just stare blankly at Quark.
QUARK
All right, so maybe I exaggerated a
little.
EMI ALIEN
(ignoring him)
We should alter this one and return
it to its own people.
ROM ALIEN
Agreed. It is best to avoid contact
with this species.
DEEP SPACE: "Prophet Motive" - 12/07/94 - ACT FIVE 55.
74 CONTINUED: (2)
QUARK
(desperate)
Wait. If you don't want to have any
more contact with the Ferengi, that's
fine with me. But by altering me,
you won't be avoiding contact, you'll
be encouraging it. My people are
very inquisitive. If you change me,
they're going to want to know what
happened. And they're going to come
here to find out. Just like I came
to find out what happened to Zek.
DAX ALIEN
(to the others,
acknowledging his
point)
That is... linear.
QUARK
And potentially very annoying to
you.
(a beat)
But on the other hand, if you leave
me alone, and put the Nagus back the
way he was when you met him, I
guarantee that you'll never have to
speak to another Ferengi again.
(hard sell)
So... what do you say?
There's a beat as the Wormhole Aliens consider what Quark
has said, then...
KIRA ALIEN
Linguistic communication is tiresome.
QUARK
My point exactly. Which is why I
think you should send me --
But Quark's cut off by another FLASH, and we're back in...
75
thru OMITTED
77
78 INT. THE NAGUS'S SHUTTLE (OPTICAL)
Quark is jolted in his seat. He snaps out of his trance-
like state and slams shut the door of the ark.
ZEK
Quark, are you all right?
DEEP SPACE: "Prophet Motive" - REV. 12/12/94 - ACT FIVE 56.
QUARK
(still a little stunned
by the experience)
I think so.
(hopeful)
What about you?
ZEK
(irritable)
Stop toadying up to me, Quark. It's
revolting. Just get me out of here.
(smiles)
I have an Orb to sell to the Bajorans.
QUARK
Did you say sell?
ZEK
I'm going to make them pay through
the nose.
He laughs his annoying, cackling laugh. Then begins patting
his pockets.
ZEK
And speaking of noses, where's my
beetle snuff?
Quark can't contain his joy. He reaches over and gives the
Nagus a big hug.
QUARK
Oh, Nagus. You're back. I'm so
happy.
ZEK
(pushing him away)
You're wrinkling my suit.
QUARK
(worshipful)
Whatever you say.
And with a self-satisfied smiles, Quark begins powering up
the ship.
79 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)
Re-establishing.
DEEP SPACE: "Prophet Motive" - 12/07/94 - ACT FIVE 57.
80 INT. WARDROOM (OPTICAL)
Bashir stands along with the rest of the senior staff and
watches the Viewscreen. It's the announcement of the
Carrington award, presided over by a MEDICAL BIG SHOT.
MEDICAL BIG SHOT
And now, it is with great pride,
that I present the nominees for this
year's Carrington Award. They are:
Doctor April Wade, Senva of Vulcan,
Doctor Henri Roget, Chirurgeon Ghee
P'Trell, and Doctor Julian Bashir.
The senior staff applaud and grin at Bashir. Bashir tries
to nod nonchalantly, but his eyes are frozen on the
viewscreen.
MEDICAL BIG SHOT
And the winner is...
On the screen, the BIG SHOT checks a PADD. When he sees the
name, he looks startled. Everyone in the Wardroom catches
this and looks at Bashir.
MEDICAL BIG SHOT
(very surprised)
And the winner is Doctor Henri Roget.
The staff immediately deflates.
SISKO
Roget?
O'BRIEN
How could they give it to Roget?
Everyone gathers around Bashir to offer their condolences,
but he seems unfazed.
KIRA
Better luck next time.
BASHIR
Maybe in forty or fifty years.
Dax comes up and puts her hand on his shoulder.
DAX
(whispers)
You seem to be handling this very
well.
DEEP SPACE: "Prophet Motive" - 12/07/94 - ACT FIVE 58.
80 CONTINUED:
BASHIR
(aside to her, still
smiling to the others)
Believe me, I'm not.
DAX
I didn't think so.
Dax gives Bashir a sympathetic pat on the back.
81 INT. DOCKING RING CORRIDOR
Quark and Rom escort Maihar'du and the Grand Nagus Zek back
to his ship. The Nagus is back to his sour, nasty ways. He
lets off a big juicy sneeze and stuffs some more snuff up
his nose.
ZEK
Remember what I said, Quark. If
anyone asks, you have no idea what
happened to the charity money.
QUARK
You can count on me.
They reach the steps to the airlock.
ZEK
And you're sure every copy of the
revised Rules of Acquisition has
been destroyed?
ROM
The only place the new Rules exist
is inside my head.
Zek stops dead in his tracks and looks at Rom appraisingly.
Even Rom realizes that was not the right thing to say.
Maihar'du takes a step toward Rom.
QUARK
(saving Rom's butt)
Don't worry. Within a week, he'll
have forgotten them all.
Zek glares at Rom.
ZEK
He'd better.
Zek EXITS into the airlock without so much as a good-bye.
Maihar'du follows him, pausing only long enough to give Quark
a gentle pat on the head to show his gratitude.
DEEP SPACE: "Prophet Motive" - 12/07/94 - ACT FIVE 59.
81 CONTINUED:
ROM
I don't believe it, Brother. After
all you did for the Nagus, he never
even thanked you.
QUARK
(with admiration)
He doesn't have to thank me. He's
the Nagus.
They turn and walk off down the corridor.
QUARK
There's only one thing that bothers
me. Don't get me wrong, I was honored
to help the Nagus, but it would've
been nice if I'd been able to make a
little profit for my troubles.
Rom grins from ear to ear.
ROM
That's all right. I made enough
profit for the both of us.
QUARK
What are you talking about?
ROM
I'm talking about the Ferengi
Benevolent Association. Did you
know it was funded with Zek's personal
fortune?
(smiles)
I was the senior administrator,
brother.
QUARK
(outraged)
You embezzled money from the Nagus.
ROM
Surprise.
Quark shakes his head.
QUARK
(with pride)
Father would be proud.
Rom smiles. Nothing more needs to be said. Quark throws an
arm around Rom and the two of them walk off together, one
big happy family.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FIVE
THE END