STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
"Business As Usual
#40510-516
Written by
Bradley Thompson & David Weddle
Directed by
Alexander Siddig
THE WRITING CREDITS MAY NOT BE FINAL AND SHOULD NOT BE USED
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WITH THE TELEVISION LEGAL DEPARTMENT.
Copyright 1997 Paramount Pictures Corporation. All Rights
Reserved. This script is not for publication or
reproduction. No one is authorized to dispose of same. If
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Return to Script Department FINAL DRAFT
PARAMOUNT PICTURES CORPORATION
January 15, 1997
STAR TREK: DS9 - "Business As Usual" - 01/15/97 - CAST
STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
"Business As Usual"
CAST
SISKO GAILA
KIRA HAGATH
ODO FARRAKK
BASHIR REGENT
DAX CUSTOMER
QUARK KIRAYOSHI
O'BRIEN
WORF
JAKE
Non-Speaking Non-Speaking
N.D. SUPERNUMERARIES MORN
N.D. SECURITY GENERAL NASSUC
WAITER N.D. BODYGUARDS
STAR TREK: DS9 - "Business As Usual" - 01/15/97 - SETS
STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
"Business As Usual"
SETS
INTERIORS EXTERIORS
DEEP SPACE NINE DEEP SPACE NINE
CARGO BAY
CORRIDOR
DAX'S QUARTERS
HABITAT RING CORRIDOR
HAGATH'S QUARTERS
HOLOSUITE/WEAPONS RANGE
INFIRMARY
O'BRIEN'S QUARTERS
OPS
PROMENADE/SECOND LEVEL
QUARK'S
QUARK'S QUARTERS
REPLIMAT
SECURITY OFFICE/HOLDING AREA
DEEP SPACE NINE - "Business as Usual" - 01/17/97 - PRONUNCIATION
STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
"Business as Usual"
PRONUNCIATION GUIDE
ANDARIAN ann-DAR-ee-un
ANNEL uh-NEL
ANTIXONIUM ann-teh-XOE-nee-um
CLAVISOA klay-va-SOE-uh
FARRAKK fah-ROCK
FELDOMITE FELL-duh-mite
GAILA GAY-luh
GIGAJOULES GIG-uh-joles
HAGATH HAG-uth
KIRAYOSHI keer-uh-YOE-shee
MANCHOVITES MAENK-uh-vites
MATOPIN muh-TOE-pin
METRON MEH-tron
MINNOBIANS minn-uh-BEE-uns
NASSUC NAH-sook
PALAMAR PAL-ah-mar
PARSION PAR-shun
PRIONS PREE-on
PROXCINIAN prox-SIN-ee-un
QUADROTRITICALE QUAD-ro-TRIH-tih-kay-lee
RISA RYE-suh
SEPIAN SEE-pee-un
TALURA tuh-LOOR-uh
TARTOC TAR-tuk
T'PAN tuh-PAWN
TRITANIUN try-TAIN-ee-um
VARAXIAN vuh-RAX-ee-un
VERILLIANS veh-RILL-yuns
VILIX PRAN vih-LIX pran
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - TEASER 1.
STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
"Business as Usual"
TEASER
FADE IN:
1 INT. QUARK'S - AFTER HOURS - CLOSE ON TONGO WHEEL
A slender hand tosses some strips of latinum into the
central pot and gives it a spin.
DAX (O.S.)
I risk eight strips, with a
purchase at six and a sale of ten.
REVEAL DAX as she draws two oval cards from a deck and
rolls a pair of dice. She looks up to discover the
chair at the other end of the table is empty, her
opponent's cards laid carelessly next to a small stack
of latinum.
2 THE BAR
QUARK frowns in front of his monitor screen. He
evaluates the display, feverishly punches calculations
into his PADD, inputs the result into the system.
DAX
(exasperated)
Quark, it's your move.
QUARK
Just a moment --
3 THE COMPUTER DISPLAY (OPTICAL)
changes rapidly, an incomprehensible procession of
alien stock quotes.
QUARK
Aaghhh! I can't believe it!
DAX
You beg me to play tongo, and then
you don't pay attention to the
game.
QUARK
I'll be right there.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - TEASER 2.
3 CONTINUED:
But Quark stays glued to the monitor.
DAX
Let me put it another way... if
you don't finish this hand, I'm
calling it a night.
QUARK
Okay, okay!
He rushes to the table, gives his cards a cursory
glance, discards two and draws three.
QUARK
Who would have dreamed they'd
strike feldomite on Parsion Three?
The entire Sepian Commodities
Exchange is in chaos -- everyone
selling, prices falling --
He tosses some latinum into the pot, spins the wheel.
QUARK
Evade!
He dashes back to the monitor. Dax looks at her cards.
DAX
Are you sure?
QUARK
You heard me, evade!
DAX
(shrugs)
Okay.
She draws a card, smiles and lays her hand down.
DAX
Confront.
Quark stands frozen, staring at the monitor.
DAX
You owe me fifteen strips of
latinum.
Quark shuffles back to the table like a sleepwalker.
He picks up the three strips of latinum beside his
cards, hands them to her.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - TEASER 3.
3 CONTINUED: (2)
QUARK
Take it, that's all I've got left.
(idly spins the wheel,
watches it go)
My antimonium options, my
quadrotriticale futures, my
powdered newt supplements -- all
wiped out. That's it, I'm
finished.
DAX
It can't be as bad as all that.
The wheel stops. Quark sinks into his chair.
QUARK
It can. And it is. I'm up to my
lobes in debt. I put the bar up
as collateral to three different
brokers. The loans are due in a
week and if I don't come up with
the latinum there'll be nothing
left of me but a greasy spot on
the Promenade.
A WAITER approaches Quark with a worried expression.
The waiter whispers in Quark's ear. Quark stiffens.
QUARK
Here?
The waiter nods.
QUARK
Now?
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - TEASER 4.
3 CONTINUED: (3)
Another nod.
QUARK
Tell him I'm out.
The waiter turns back toward the bar, halts
indecisively when he sees that the fierce little
Ferengi, GAILA, has ENTERED the room and is slowly
advancing behind Quark.
GAILA
If that's the best lie you can
come up with, no wonder you're
broke.
Quark jumps to his feet, and flashes an insincere grin.
QUARK
Gaila! What a pleasant surprise.
GAILA
I doubt it.
(staring at Dax)
A clothed female. How
titillating.
DAX
(to Quark, re: Gaila)
Isn't this the cousin that tried
to kill you?
GAILA
I see you've heard of me. Now if
you don't mind, I'd like to talk
to my dear cousin. Alone.
Dax looks to Quark, who nods -- he'll be okay.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - TEASER 5.
3 CONTINUED: (4)
She turns, EXITS. An admiring Gaila watches her go.
Quark wants to know what Gaila is doing on the station.
QUARK
If you're here for your latinum,
you've come a long way for nothing -
because that's all I can give you.
Nothing.
GAILA
Spare me the sad story. I'm well
aware of your financial
"situation."
(a smile)
And I'm here to help.
QUARK
What are you going to do -- loan
me some exploding latinum?
GAILA
I can understand your
skepticism... but I know a way to
help both of us. I'm offering you
a job.
QUARK
You'd defy the F.C.A. ban against
doing business with me?
GAILA
What's family for? Besides, I
won't tell them if you don't.
Quark can't help being a little impressed by his
cousin's offer. He's a drowning man with someone
offering a helping hand. But he hasn't lost sight of
the downside --
QUARK
You want me to sell weapons, don't
you?
GAILA
(smiling, open-handed)
It's what I do. Now I know you've
had reservations about entering
this lucrative field.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - TEASER 6.
3 CONTINUED: (5)
GAILA (Cont'd)
(dismissive)
It's dangerous... it's too
technical... it's not a "people"
business... but let me tell you
something, cousin, nothing could
be further from the truth.
QUARK
I told you before, I can't smuggle
weapons through this station. Odo
would be onto me in a second.
GAILA
Who said anything about bringing
weapons here?
QUARK
(suspicious)
Then what do you need me for?
GAILA
I need you to do the things you're
good at. Customer relations...
showing our clients a good time...
providing an atmosphere conducive
to closing deals.
QUARK
(thinking it over)
I can do that.
GAILA
Of course you can. And you'll
earn five percent of every sale.
QUARK
Ten.
Gaila enters a few figures into a PADD. Holds it out.
GAILA
(smiles)
You'll take five.
Quark looks at it, sucks in his breath.
QUARK
I had no idea.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - TEASER 7.
3 CONTINUED: (6)
GAILA
Weapons is a growth industry. In
a month, all your debts will be
paid. In six months, the Ferengi
Commerce Authority will be begging
to reinstate you. In a year,
you'll have your own moon.
QUARK
(loves the sound of it)
My own moon.
GAILA
Success or failure? What's it
going to be, cousin?
QUARK
What do I have to lose?
Gaila smiles. Quark smiles back.
4 OMITTED
FADE OUT.
END OF TEASER
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT ONE 8.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
(NOTE: Episode credits fall over opening scenes)
5 OMITTED
6 INT. O'BRIEN'S QUARTERS - MORNING
Chief O'BRIEN is pacing up and down the room. His
infant son, KIRAYOSHI, is cradled between his neck and
shoulder. The DOOR CHIMES.
O'BRIEN
(softly)
Come in.
JAKE ENTERS.
JAKE
(loudly)
Morning, Chief!
O'BRIEN
Quiet! You'll wake him. He just
dropped off an hour ago.
Jake advances more cautiously, noticing O'Brien's red
cracked eyes, matted hair and rumpled uniform.
JAKE
You look terrible.
O'BRIEN
Didn't get much sleep. He was up
every hour or two. Every time I
tried to put him back in his crib
he started crying again. He
misses his mother.
JAKE
When will Professor O'Brien be
back from Bajor?
O'BRIEN
I don't know, a week, maybe two -
however long it takes to get that
blight under control.
JAKE
That long?
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT ONE 9.
6 CONTINUED:
O'BRIEN
And on top of that, Annel had some
kind of family emergency. So I'm
stuck without a babysitter.
JAKE
Don't worry, Chief. Everything's
going to be fine. I'll take care
of Yoshi.
O'BRIEN
(a bit skeptical, but
desperate)
You sure you're up to it?
JAKE
(confident)
Absolutely. I've babysat Ensign
Pran's hatchlings a couple of
times. Made sure their little
wings didn't get tangled.
O'BRIEN
Kirayoshi doesn't have wings.
JAKE
Even better.
Jake's confidence calms O'Brien.
O'BRIEN
(wants to believe it)
Looks like he's worn himself out.
He should sleep now. When he
wakes up, give him one of his
bottles. The diapers are in the
bag over there.
JAKE
Don't worry, Chief, I know the
drill. Now go to work. You need
the rest.
O'BRIEN
I'll be fine. I went through the
same thing with Molly. It's just
a phase. He'll grow out of it
sooner or later.
O'Brien hands off the baby to Jake -- like two
demolition experts handling a live warhead.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT ONE 10.
6 CONTINUED: (2)
O'BRIEN
Gently now...
They both sigh with relief as the baby cuddles up to
Jake.
JAKE
You see, no problem.
O'BRIEN
I'll check in on you at lunch. If
you need me, I'm only a com-line
away.
O'Brien turns to leave. He gets no further than the
door before the baby starts HOWLING, stopping O'Brien
in his tracks.
JAKE
He woke up.
O'BRIEN
Here, give him to me.
O'Brien retrieves the baby and bounces him in his arms.
The baby stops crying.
JAKE
(impressed)
You're good.
O'BRIEN
He feels safe in my arms.
O'Brien thinks it over for a beat.
O'BRIEN
Hand me the bag. I'm taking him
with me.
JAKE
To work?
O'BRIEN
What choice do I have?
Jake helps O'Brien sling the baby bag over his
shoulder.
JAKE
(to Yoshi)
What a great Daddy.
O'Brien YAWNS.
DEEP SPACE NINE- "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT ONE 11.
6 CONTINUED: (3)
O'BRIEN
That's me.
They EXIT, Jake grabbing an empty bassinet and
following O'Brien.
7 INT. QUARK'S - AFTERNOON
The normal crowd. Quark and Gaila are standing by the
bar waiting for someone. Quark seems a little tense:
he keeps rapping the bar and bar stools with his fist
as if testing for something.
GAILA
Would you stop doing that.
QUARK
Just being careful. Odo could be
anywhere or anything.
GAILA
Quark, we saw him walk down the
Promenade five minutes ago.
QUARK
He's very tricky.
Suddenly, Gaila stands straighter, adjusting his
clothes.
GAILA
There he is.
QUARK
(thinking he means Odo)
Where?
8 ANGLE ON THE DOOR
to see HAGATH, a tall, handsome and casually elegant
alien. With him is TALURA, a statuesque and
disquietingly beautiful female alien (a la the Boslic
Captain). Hagath has an air of authority that he wears
lightly; he's clearly one of nature's aristocrats and
comfortable in his own skin.
GAILA
(to Hagath)
How good to see you again.
HAGATH
The pleasure is all mine.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT ONE 12.
8 CONTINUED:
GAILA
Quark, this is my associate,
Hagath.
Graciously, Hagath includes his female companion --
aware that Gaila wouldn't bother introducing a female.
HAGATH
And my companion, Talura.
Talura smiles by way of introduction.
HAGATH
(to Quark)
Your cousin speaks very highly of
you.
QUARK
I've always said my cousin is an
excellent judge of character.
Hagath likes Quark's self-assured attitude.
HAGATH
I admire confidence in a man. In
fact, I demand it of my salesmen.
But in business, one must be
careful not to grow too confident.
QUARK
(agreeing)
That can be a fatal mistake.
It's clear these two speak the same business language.
HAGATH
(to Gaila)
I believe the phrase you used to
bring me here was "an opportunity
of a lifetime."
GAILA
An accurate description.
HAGATH
(simply)
Show me.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT ONE 13.
8 CONTINUED: (2)
Hagath takes out a few slips of latinum which he hands
to Talura.
HAGATH
Amuse yourself. I'll be back
shortly.
Quark and Gaila lead Hagath toward the stairs.
9 INT. HOLOSUITE (OPTICAL)
The lights are dimmed except for a few bright
spotlights illuminating an assortment of sophisticated
weapons, each placed lovingly on its own pedestal.
This holosuite has been turned into a weapons
"showroom."
Hagath looks around at the weapons and how they're
displayed. Gaila and Quark await his reaction
expectantly.
HAGATH
(softly)
Very nice.
Hagath picks up a sleek, nasty-looking rifle, weighs
its heft in his hands.
HAGATH
The weight and balance appear
right...
Gaila elbows Quark, who holds up a PADD.
QUARK
There's a wide range of targets
for you to choose from.
HAGATH
That won't be necessary.
Hagath expertly charges up the weapon and aims it at
Quark. Quark is startled, but before he can move out
of the way -- Hagath fires at point blank range. The
LOUD BLAST doesn't even singe Quark's clothes. For a
moment, Quark and Gaila are too stunned to speak.
Hagath breaks the silence with an amused CHUCKLE.
Gaila follows suit and soon even Quark manages to LAUGH appreciatively.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT ONE 14.
9 CONTINUED:
HAGATH
(soaks in the afterglow)
A perfect replica. It even pulls
a little to the right, just like
the real ones.
Quark smiles and smoothly takes it out of Hagath's
hands, before he thinks of firing it again. Quark
returns the weapon to its pedestal.
QUARK
These are the finest holosuites in
the sector.
HAGATH
I believe it.
(to Gaila)
Remember when we sold one hundred
fifty thousand of these to the
Manchovites?
GAILA
(grins)
And we sold another one hundred
thousand to the other side? Now
that was a beautiful little war.
HAGATH
Too bad about the armistice.
GAILA
Well, all good things must come to
an end.
QUARK
You sell weapons to opposing
sides?
HAGATH
On occasion. But it's very
dangerous. If either side
realizes what you're doing, it
could be very unpleasant.
GAILA
But as they say... "The riskier
the road, the greater the profit."
HAGATH
True.
(surveying the
Holosuite)
I'm glad I came. This solves a
lot of our problems.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT ONE 15.
9 CONTINUED: (2)
GAILA
It certainly does. No actual
weapons coming in or out, so we
don't break any local laws. All
shipping happens outside
Federation space, so Starfleet
can't touch us. And since all
we're demonstrating are holograms,
we can even show off the specialty
items.
HAGATH
Well done, Gaila.
GAILA
It was all Quark's idea.
This surprises Quark, but he's not about to deny
Gaila's compliment.
HAGATH
(to Quark)
You really are a find. I can tell
we're going to accomplish great
things together.
QUARK
I can't wait.
Hagath puts his arm around Quark and draws him close.
And though he speaks softly, Hagath's eyes bore into
Quark.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT ONE 16.
9 CONTINUED: (3)
HAGATH
Just one thing, Quark. Don't
cross me. Don't ever cross me.
(a beat)
Understood?
And though the tone is friendly and reasonable, the
underlying threat is not lost on Quark. Quark nods his
head.
QUARK
Completely.
HAGATH
Good. Now if it's not too much
trouble, I'd like to see my
quarters.
Hagath leads the trio out the door. Gaila and Quark
fall back a bit.
GAILA
(looking at Hagath's
back)
If he were a bit shorter and his
teeth a little sharper... he'd
make a perfect Ferengi.
Quark nods, but he has something else on his mind.
QUARK
Why'd you tell him this was all my
idea?
GAILA
I want him to like you.
And as they EXIT --
10
thru OMITTED
11
12 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (STOCK) (OPTICAL)
Re-establishing.
13 INT. HOLOSUITE/WEAPONS RANGE (OPTICAL)
Configured as it was earlier. Quark is dealing with
his first customer, while Gaila and Hagath observe.
The CUSTOMER is a rough, dangerous-looking alien whose
disfigured face displays the scars of many a war.
Quark is helping the Customer place a bazooka-sized
weapon onto his shoulder.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT ONE 17.
13 CONTINUED:
QUARK
The Breen CRM-one-fourteen works
equally well against moving
vessels or surface emplacements.
It's guaranteed to cut through
reactive armor in the six-to-
fifteen centimeter range, and
shields up to four-point-six
gigajoules.
CUSTOMER
(surprised)
It's light.
Quark steps back and hits a PADD. From out of the
blackness, a Dopterian interceptor SWOOPS toward the
Customer, who raises the weapon and FIRES. The
interceptor EXPLODES.
CUSTOMER
Nice.
Quark taps the PADD again. From another direction, a
hulking, seven-foot, heavily armored WARRIOR lunges
toward the Customer, weapon in hand.
The Customer spins and FIRES at the Warrior,
DISINTEGRATING the attacker.
QUARK
The quick recharge is one of its
most popular features.
CUSTOMER
I'll take two thousand.
Quark knows how to seal a deal: he holds up the PADD
for the Customer's thumbprint.
QUARK
It's a pleasure doing business
with someone who appreciates a
fine weapon.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT ONE 18.
13 CONTINUED: (2)
The Customer nods and EXITS. Hagath and Gaila approach
Quark.
QUARK
How'd I do?
HAGATH
(pleased)
You're a natural salesman.
QUARK
(as it sinks in)
I am, aren't I? It was no
different than selling sandwiches.
GAILA
What did I tell you?
Hagath opens a bottle of champagne that's been sitting
on ice.
HAGATH
I always like to celebrate a job
well done.
He pops the cork and pours three glasses. Hagath holds
his glass high.
HAGATH
To Quark.
GAILA
Quark.
QUARK
(smiling)
I'm going to like this job.
And as they drink up, we:
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT TWO 19.
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
14 INT. HAGATH'S QUARTERS (VPB)
Quark has just ENTERED to find Hagath seated at a table
monitor. The monitor is displaying an alien stock
exchange (much like Quark was viewing in the Teaser).
On the sofa, Talura is doing the twenty-fourth century
equivalent of manicuring her nails.
QUARK
You wanted to see me?
HAGATH
(still focused on the
screen)
Just a moment.
Some numbers scroll across the screen, Hagath smiles,
pleased with himself.
HAGATH
Who would have thought there was
so much money to be made in
Andarian glass beads.
(then, to Quark)
So how did things go with the
Proxcinians?
QUARK
He purchased seven thousand
tritanium-plated assault skimmers.
HAGATH
(pleased)
Good. And he'll be back for more.
The Proxcinian War is just heating
up.
QUARK
(trying to please)
Lucky us.
Hagath reaches over, grabs a PADD and hands it to
Quark.
HAGATH
I suppose you're wondering when
you'll start seeing your share of
the profits.
QUARK
It had crossed my mind.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT TWO 20.
14 CONTINUED:
HAGATH
Well, I'm afraid it won't be soon.
QUARK
I don't understand...
HAGATH
I've taken the liberty of
transferring your earnings
directly to your creditors.
You'll be happy to know they were
most appreciative.
But Quark is a little indignant.
QUARK
I would've sent them their money.
HAGATH
I don't doubt your intentions.
But money does strange things to
people. And I can't afford to
have an associate distracted by
financial difficulties. So until
your debts are paid, I'm afraid
you won't be seeing any profit.
QUARK
(suspicious)
And once my debts are paid?
HAGATH
Your earnings will be yours to do
with as you like.
(a caveat)
As long as you stay solvent.
(then fatherly)
You have to forgive me, Quark, but
my associates are like family to
me. And I feel it's my duty to
keep them out of trouble...
Hagath reaches for a gift box, hands it to Quark.
HAGATH
... as well as shower them with
affection. Go ahead, open it.
Quark does as instructed, revealing a beautiful and
tasteful collection of Andarian glass beads.
QUARK
(impressed)
Andarian glass beads. These must
be worth...
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT TWO 21.
14 CONTINUED: (2)
HAGATH
An absolute fortune. Consider it
a token of my esteem.
Quark looks genuinely touched by this gift.
15 INT. QUARK'S
The usual crowd. BASHIR throws his last dart, breaks
into a grin at the result. He turns and looks off
screen.
BASHIR
Go ahead, beat that, Chief!
O'Brien sits at a table, cradling Yoshi in one arm.
Wearily, he gets to his feet.
O'BRIEN
C'mon, Yoshi. It may not seem
fair forcing the good Doctor to
throw from farther away but he
does have the advantage of being
genetically engineered.
O'Brien steps to a line that is closer to the
dartboard than the one Bashir has thrown from.
BASHIR
Miles, don't you think you should
put the baby down?
O'BRIEN
(only barely
overstating)
I haven't put Yoshi down for a
week. Besides, if I can carry him
while I'm at work, I can carry him
here.
BASHIR
There must be some babysitter on
the station that can pacify him...
O'BRIEN
Want to bet?
BASHIR
But you can't hold him forever.
You already have one bad
shoulder...
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT TWO 22.
15 CONTINUED:
O'BRIEN
You want me to put the baby down?
Fine. I'll put the baby down.
O'Brien puts the baby carefully in the bassinet. As he
turns away, the baby begins WAILING.
O'BRIEN
Happy?
By now, everyone in the bar is looking toward them.
Bashir is a little embarrassed by all the attention.
BASHIR
That's amazing.
O'BRIEN
No, this is amazing.
O'Brien picks up the baby, who immediately stops crying.
O'BRIEN
Now, if you'll excuse me... it's
my throw.
Bashir has no choice but to back away.
O'BRIEN
(to the baby)
What do you say we go for the
double?
(as if getting a
response)
I agree.
As O'Brien goes to throw --
16 INT. HAGATH'S QUARTERS - CLOSE ON QUARK
sprawled on his back across Talura's lap, his head
hanging over the end of the couch as she sensuously
strokes his ears. He moans in ecstasy.
QUARK
That's right... keep going...
don't stop until you see smoke.
17 QUARK'S POV - THE DOOR (UPSIDE DOWN)
It slides open to reveal ODO, arms folded across his
chest.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT TWO 23.
17 CONTINUED:
ODO
(with relish)
I hope I'm not interrupting
anything. I believe you know the
way to the Security Office.
Quark scurries to his feet. He sighs, just when things
were going so smoothly...
18 INT. SECURITY
Quark protests his innocence to a disbelieving Odo.
QUARK
None of these charges are going to
stick. I haven't broken any laws.
I have a license to run
holosuites...
ODO
(interrupting)
But you don't have a license to
sell weapons, do you?
QUARK
I defy you to prove that I've
brought a single weapon onto this
station.
ODO
A mere technicality. We both know
what you're doing. And I promise
you, you're going to face the
consequences.
SISKO (O.S.)
Not today, he isn't.
They turn to see --
19 SISKO
and KIRA ENTERING. Neither one looks happy.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT TWO 24.
19 CONTINUED:
SISKO
Let him go.
ODO
Let him go?
SISKO
(to Kira)
Major, tell the constable what you
told me.
KIRA
The Bajoran government insists
that Deep Space Nine not interfere
with the lawful transactions of
Hagath or his associates.
(off Odo's incredulous
look)
Hagath supplied arms to the
Resistance. Without him, and
others like him, we'd all be dead,
and the Cardassians would still be
in power. We owe him.
Odo can't believe this development... He turns to Sisko.
ODO
Captain...
SISKO
I don't like it any more than you
do.
Quark swaggers forward.
QUARK
(to Odo)
Better luck next time.
But Sisko blocks his path.
SISKO
You better hope there isn't a next
time, mister. I've given you a
lot of slack in the past.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT TWO 25.
19 CONTINUED: (2)
SISKO (Cont'd)
Even looked the other way once or
twice when I could've come down
hard on you. But those days are
over. We may not be able to get
you for selling weapons... but you
so much as litter on the Promenade
and I'm going to nail you to the
wall.
Without waiting for a response, Sisko EXITS. Quark
swallows as Kira steps up to him.
KIRA
Something to look forward to.
Then she too, EXITS. Odo wants to wash his hands of
this whole affair.
ODO
(to Quark)
You heard them. Now, get out of
my sight.
Now that Sisko is out of the room, he refuses to be
intimidated.
QUARK
What's wrong with you people?
Don't you know how to lose with
dignity?
And with that, he departs.
20 INT. HAGATH'S QUARTERS
Quark, Hagath and Gaila are seated, chatting
comfortably, looking very pleased with themselves.
There is definitely a "team" atmosphere amongst the
trio.
GAILA
(a fond memory)
I'll never forget how many people
told us we were making a mistake.
"Sell weapons to the Bajorans?"
HAGATH
"What chance do they have?" they
said. "Invest in a winner, sell
to the Cardassians."
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT TWO 26.
20 CONTINUED:
QUARK
Why did you sell weapons to the
Bajorans? They couldn't have had
much money...
HAGATH
My dear Quark, not every deal is
about money. Sometimes, you have
to look at the big picture... and
at times gaining a friend can be
more important than earning
profit.
GAILA
(to Quark)
I admit it's not the Ferengi way,
but it's good business
nonetheless.
HAGATH
I knew eventually the Cardassians
were going to lose. And why?
QUARK
Because they were overly
confident?
HAGATH
(pleased with his pupil)
Exactly. They underestimated the
Bajoran thirst for freedom. I
didn't.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT TWO 27.
20 CONTINUED: (2)
The door CHIMES.
Hagath and Gaila react as if they were expecting
someone.
GAILA
You want me to handle this?
HAGATH
No.
(to the door)
Come in.
The door OPENS and FARRAKK, an alien of the same race
as Hagath, ENTERS. Though he could be roughly the same
age as Hagath, he is a "junior" league player. His
cool and casual behavior is somewhat forced. Hagath
stands to greet him.
HAGATH
Farrakk, so glad you could join
us.
FARRAKK
(all innocence)
What was so important that you had
to see me in person? I was about
to close that deal with the
Verillians.
HAGATH
Really? I heard they're no longer
in need of our services.
FARRAKK
Since when?
HAGATH
Since they signed an agreement
with the Metron Consortium. I
also heard that you never even
opened negotiations with the
Verillians...
FARRAKK
(indignant)
That's a lie.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT TWO 28.
20 CONTINUED: (3)
HAGATH
And that instead of doing your
job, you were off enjoying
yourself on Risa.
FARRAKK
(feeling the pressure)
I can explain. I was --
Hagath cuts him off.
HAGATH
I'm not interested in
explanations. I put my faith in
you and you've let me down. As of
this moment, our relationship is
terminated.
Farrakk is frightened by Hagath's last word. Hagath
allows himself a small smile.
HAGATH
You can keep the monies I advanced
you. Consider it your severance
pay.
FARRAKK
Hagath, can't we talk this over?
I made a mistake --
HAGATH
A very costly mistake. Good-bye.
Farrakk looks over to Gaila, who waves "bye-bye" to
him. Farrakk sees that he has no friends in the room;
he LEAVES, tail between his legs (metaphorically
speaking, of course).
HAGATH
That was unpleasant.
(sitting down)
Now, what were we talking about?
Hagath smiles reassuringly at Quark, who smiles back.
Quark's admiration of Hagath has just risen even
higher. The man is clearly a winner.
21 INT. QUARK'S - LATE
MORN and a few N.D. CUSTOMERS still haunt the
establishment. Quark stands behind the bar, cleaning
glasses. Gaila ENTERS.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT TWO 29.
21 CONTINUED:
GAILA
Evening, cousin.
Gaila looks around at the half-empty bar.
GAILA
Business always this good?
QUARK
I haven't had a single Starfleet
customer all day... come to think
of it, nobody from the Federation
has come through those doors. I
must be "off limits."
GAILA
Quark, as long as we keep that
holosuite busy, you've got nothing
to worry about. Which reminds me.
We have a very special client
arriving next week. The Regent of
Palamar.
QUARK
Never heard of him.
GAILA
He's very, very wealthy.
QUARK
(smiling)
Can't wait to meet him.
GAILA
He's also very particular about
how he's treated.
QUARK
As well he should be. After all,
he's a Regent.
GAILA
I have to say, Cousin, you've done
well. And it couldn't have come
at a better time. For both of us.
QUARK
Why's that?
GAILA
I'm thinking about stepping back.
Taking it easy for a change. You
could take my place, run things
with Hagath. You'd earn a bigger
share of the profit.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT TWO 29A.
21 CONTINUED: (2)
Quark thinks it over.
QUARK
Have you spoken to Hagath about
this?
GAILA
(nodding)
He likes you, Quark.
QUARK
(pleased)
And I like him. I'd also like a
bigger share of the profits.
GAILA
Then everyone's happy.
(a beat)
Except for Farrakk.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT TWO 30.
21 CONTINUED: (3)
QUARK
What about Farrakk?
GAILA
Didn't you hear? His ship blew up
shortly after he left the station.
Warp core breach.
(admiring)
That Hagath, what a temper.
Quark adjusts his coat as if hit with a sudden chill.
QUARK
Are you saying... Hagath killed
him?
GAILA
(grins)
You heard what he said, cousin.
He doesn't like to be crossed.
Just make sure you don't forget
that.
Quark swallows dryly. Suddenly things don't look quite
so rosy.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT TWO
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT THREE 31.
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
22 INT. REPLIMAT - POV
Dax is at one of the tables, drinking a raktajino and
reading a PADD.
23 NEW ANGLE
to reveal Quark, his eyes on Dax. He stands near the
Replimat, making up his mind how best to approach Dax,
then decides to go for the "life couldn't be better"
angle. He jauntily ambles up to the Replimat, glancing
at Dax who pointedly ignores him.
QUARK
(to the replicator)
Double snail juice. Extra smooth.
Then, to Dax, as he waits for his drink:
QUARK
Good morning, commander.
Dax continues to ignore him. Seemingly unfazed, Quark
removes his drink from the replicator and approaches
her table.
QUARK
Mind if I join you?
DAX
Actually, I do.
QUARK
That's okay, I won't take it
personally.
He sits down anyway.
DAX
(annoyed)
Quark, I'm busy.
QUARK
I have to admit, I'm a little
disappointed in you. I thought
you, of all people, would
understand.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT THREE 32.
23 CONTINUED:
DAX
Understand what? That you've
finally shown how despicable you
truly are? You don't care how
many people die as long as you
make a profit.
QUARK
Who said anything about people
dying? The weapons I sell are
strictly defensive. To be well
armed is a deterrent to war -
don't you know anything about the
balance of power?
DAX
Quark... you don't really believe
any of that, do you?
It's clearly important to Quark that Dax understand his
motivations.
QUARK
Jadzia... there was nothing else
I could do. I was drowning... the
waters were closing over my
head... and just as my lungs were
about to burst, my cousin threw me
a lifeline. How could I possibly
refuse?
DAX
Feeling a little guilty, Quark?
QUARK
Guilty? Me? I don't have
anything to feel guilty about.
DAX
Then why come to me asking for
forgiveness?
And with that she gets up and leaves. Quark sits
there, SIGHING. For a while there, he felt so good.
But now, he's starting to feel less sure about things.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT THREE 33.
24 INT. INFIRMARY - DAY
CLOSE ON O'Brien sitting on a bio-bed and holding
Kirayoshi on his shoulder. Bashir runs a scanner over
the baby. Bashir checks his readings, then:
BASHIR
I've got good news. Your son's
fine.
O'BRIEN
Except that he cries constantly
unless I'm holding him.
BASHIR
I've given him every imaginable
test. Eyes, ears, digestive,
pulmonary and nervous systems -
there's nothing medically wrong
with him.
O'BRIEN
What are you telling me, that my
baby is just... sad?
BASHIR
Perhaps he's become prematurely
aware of life's existential
isolation.
O'BRIEN
You're sure it's not a rash?
BASHIR
Look at the positive side: he'll
probably be a great poet.
(a beat)
There's nothing else I can do for
you.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT THREE 34.
24 CONTINUED:
O'Brien starts to get up, then freezes with a grimace.
O'BRIEN
Yes, there is.
BASHIR
What's wrong?
O'BRIEN
My neck.
BASHIR
(professional)
Don't move. I'll get a neural
modulator.
Bashir moves away to retrieve the item, O'Brien sits
there frozen, holding the baby.
25 INT. HAGATH'S QUARTERS
Quark proudly leads Hagath and Gaila down the large
buffet table, displaying an elegant spread of assorted
dishes. Quark identifies each dish as they pass them.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT THREE 35.
25 CONTINUED:
QUARK
Palamarian sea urchin, lightly
sauteed in garlic and moon grass...
Matopin rock fungi tossed on a bed
of tartoc and seasoned with
Clavisoa berries... and for the
main course, stuffed Wentlian
condor snake.
Hagath studies the dishes intently, poker-faced.
QUARK
(continuing)
All of the Regent's favorite
dishes. I obtained the recipes
through his palace chefs, in
exchange for a small gratuity.
Quark waits for the praise he is certain will be heaped
upon him. Hagath, who has scrutinized each item
carefully, reaches down, picks up a piece of food, pops
it into his mouth. A silent moment as he chews it,
then:
HAGATH
Quark, do you mind if I ask a
question?
QUARK
Go ahead.
HAGATH
(mildly)
Are you trying to ruin me on
purpose, or is this sheer
incompetence?
QUARK
Ruin you? I don't want to --
HAGATH
Here we are, about to open
negotiations with an important new
client... and this is the welcome
you've prepared for him?
QUARK
(defensive)
But they told me he'll like it.
Hagath picks up another piece of food and holds it
close to Quark's face.
HAGATH
(accusatory)
This? He's going to like this?
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT THREE 36.
25 CONTINUED: (2)
QUARK
(scared)
Yes...
HAGATH
(suddenly smiling)
Well, he should. It's delicious.
He pops the food into his mouth and savors it. Hagath
looks over to Gaila.
HAGATH
I really had him going, didn't I?
GAILA
(having enjoyed the
show)
Oh, you had him, you definitely
had him!
Hagath releases Quark and smiles broadly.
HAGATH
Quark, I love you.
(gestures to buffet)
It's magnificent, all of it!
QUARK
(shaky grin)
So glad you approve.
Quark glances at Gaila as Hagath slaps his hands
together.
HAGATH
All right, enough fun. The Regent
will be here soon. We are going
to make some money tonight.
Hagath reaches out and adjusts...
26 ONE OF THE DISHES
making sure the presentation is perfect.
MATCH DISSOLVE TO:
27 INT. HAGATH'S QUARTERS - LATER - THE SAME DISH
is now empty. REVEAL the entire buffet, now ravaged,
the trays containing only scraps.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT THREE 37.
28 IN A SECLUDED CORNER
Hagath, Gaila and Quark sit around a table with the
lean figure of the REGENT OF PALAMAR, who has the
humorless eyes of a True Believer. He's attired
conservatively if you consider Ghenghis Khan
conservative. The Regent's TWO BODYGUARDS are in the
b.g. while a VALET frets over his every need.
REGENT
... Nassuc was the best officer I
ever had. I took her out of the
ranks and made her a general. In
time, she would have inherited my
entire empire. And how does she
repay me?
(disappointed)
She declares independence for her
homeworld.
Hagath listens with evident empathy.
HAGATH
Betrayal. It's the one
unforgivable sin. Especially when
it's committed by someone you
trusted implicitly.
REGENT
Most arms dealers wouldn't
understand such matters. They
have no ideals, no passions,
except for lining their own
pockets. But, I feel that you are
a man of honor.
(to Gaila and to Quark)
That you are all men of honor.
GAILA
How very perceptive of you,
Regent.
Quark pours more brandy into the Regent's glass.
QUARK
Now, how can we help you?
REGENT
I want to make an example of
Nassuc and her followers. First,
I intend to eradicate her capital
city.
GAILA
(all business)
What kind of casualties are you
looking for?
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT THREE 38.
28 CONTINUED:
REGENT
Seven... maybe eight million.
Quark's lips fall open. Gaila and Hagath exchange a
look, "no problem."
HAGATH
We can help you with that.
REGENT
But that's just the beginning.
Over the next couple of months, I
would like the death toll to
rise... slowly but steadily.
GAILA
Give us a figure.
REGENT
Let's say... twenty million.
HAGATH
(consulting with Gaila)
What would be most effective?
Prions?
GAILA
Either that or a mutagenic
retrovirus. What do you think,
Quark?
QUARK
Twenty-eight million dead? Can't
we just wound some of them?
There's a silent beat, the moment hangs in the air...
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT THREE 39.
28 CONTINUED: (2)
REGENT
(ominously)
I'm here to buy weapons. Are you
here to sell them?
Hagath leaps in to reassure the Regent.
HAGATH
Absolutely. Quark was just trying
to make a little joke, but
unfortunately...
(pointed)
... Ferengi humor doesn't translate
too well.
Hagath glares at Quark.
HAGATH
So let's forgo any further
attempts at jocularity and get
down to business. Shall we?
It's obviously a rhetorical question; all Quark can do
is nod his head.
29 INT. PROMENADE - SECOND LEVEL - LATER
A disturbed Quark stares out a Viewport into space.
Gaila joins him.
GAILA
Quark, maybe I haven't made myself
clear... I've been in the weapons
business for forty years. I want
to retire.
QUARK
I don't blame you.
GAILA
But I'm not going to be able to
retire if my hand-picked successor
can't control his conscience.
QUARK
The Regent is insane...
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT THREE 40.
29 CONTINUED:
GAILA
Stop being so judgmental. It's
his bank account, not his mental
health that you should be
concerned with.
QUARK
But twenty-eight million people...
it just seems wrong.
GAILA
(looking around, making
sure they're alone)
If Hagath heard you talk that
way... he'd toss you out the
nearest airlock.
(points out the
viewport)
Look out there. Millions and
millions of stars -- millions upon
millions of worlds. And right
now, half of them are fanatically
dedicated to destroying the other
half. Do you think if one of
those twinkling little lights
suddenly went out, anybody would
notice? Suppose I offered you ten
million bars of gold-pressed
latinum to help turn out one of
those lights... would you really
tell me to keep my money?
Quark stares out into space. Gaila, having gotten his
answer, walks away, leaving Quark alone with those
little lights sparkling out there in the void.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT THREE
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT FOUR 41-42.
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
30 OMITTED
31 INT. OPS
At the science station, Dax and Kira are whispering
together.
DAX
The Vulcan science vessel T'Pan is
requesting permission to dock.
Captain Sisko emerges from his office, starts toward
the floor where Chief O'Brien is replacing some
isolinear rods in the computer.
KIRA
Put her at Docking Bay Three.
DAX
(nods)
The Wellington has finished
refueling. It should decouple
within the hour.
KIRA
Got it.
Sisko gets more and more curious as he overhears Kira
and approaches O'Brien -- because EVERY CONVERSATION
CONDUCTED IN OPS IS AT A WHISPER. Sisko arrives at the
Chief's work site. O'Brien looks up.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT FOUR 43.
31 CONTINUED:
O'BRIEN
(also whispering)
Sir, what can I do for you?
SISKO
(normal voice)
Why is everyone whispering?
DAX
Ssshhh!
Caught off guard, Sisko drops his voice.
SISKO
(whispering)
Why the hell are we whispering?
O'BRIEN
It's the baby, sir.
SISKO
Baby?
KIRA
Kirayoshi. He's asleep, Captain.
SISKO
(looking around)
Where?
O'BRIEN
In the pit, sir.
SISKO
In the pit?
O'BRIEN
Yes, sir.
Sisko strides toward the pit. O'Brien follows. Dax
and Kira trail at a distance. O'Brien catches up.
Sisko stares into...
32 THE PIT
Kirayoshi lies safely asleep in a bassinet, lighted
circuitry all around him.
33 O'BRIEN AND SISKO
As they whisper, Dax, Kira and several N.D. OFFICERS
gather to look down at the baby.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT FOUR 44.
33 CONTINUED:
SISKO
Chief, why is the baby in the pit?
O'BRIEN
It's kind of hard to explain, sir.
SISKO
Try.
O'BRIEN
The moment I took him down there,
he fell asleep. Could be the
pattern of lights, or the hum of
the optronic emitters, or the
vibration of the ODN relays. I
don't know for sure, but the point
is, sir, he's not crying.
SISKO
Chief, why don't you take a few
days off until Keiko gets back?
I think we can manage without you
that long.
O'BRIEN
That won't be necessary, sir. I
have the situation well in hand.
SISKO
What I'm trying to tell you,
Chief, is that keeping Kirayoshi
in the pit is not an acceptable
solution. Find another one.
O'BRIEN
Yes, sir.
Sisko turns to go.
O'BRIEN
Sir?
SISKO
(normal voice)
Yes, Chief?
O'BRIEN
Can we wait 'til he wakes up to
move him? He just dropped off.
Sisko looks at the crowd of pleading faces -- Dax, Kira
and the supernumeraries.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT FOUR 45.
33 CONTINUED: (2)
SISKO
Very well. But then I want him
out of there.
(to the others)
Don't you people have work to do?
O'Brien, Dax and Kira exchange glances as Sisko walks
off.
34 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)
Re-establishing.
35 INT. PROMENADE
The Promenade is completely empty except for Quark, who
walks down the corridor towards his bar. We follow him
inside
36 INT. QUARK'S
Quark ENTERS the crowded bar, filled with the usual bar
activity. However, things aren't quite normal... Quark
barely gets through the door when he collides with a
Starfleet Officer, they both step back and we reveal
the officer is Sisko -- except Sisko looks like he's
been dead for three days and has a chest wound the size
of a football.
QUARK
Captain --
SISKO
Hello, Quark.
QUARK
You don't look so good.
SISKO
That's because I'm dead.
A confused and frightened Quark looks over and sees Dax
by the bar.
QUARK
(looking for help)
Dax.
Dax turns around -- she looks as dead as Sisko.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT FOUR 46.
36 CONTINUED:
DAX
Relax, Quark.
Quark steps back from Dax, looking around, trying to
make sense of everything. Everyone in the bar is dead.
He spots Jake by the dabo table... he rushes over.
QUARK
Jake --
Jake glares at him, cutting short anything he was going
to say.
JAKE
Way to go, Quark. I had my whole
life ahead of me.
QUARK
I didn't do anything.
DAX
You killed us all.
QUARK
(nervously)
Hold on, now. You can't blame me.
Suddenly, a dead Kira is standing beside him.
KIRA
Deny it all you want... but you're
responsible.
Then practically overlapping:
SISKO
I hope it was worth it...
DAX
How much latinum did they pay you,
Quark?
KIRA
Enough to buy a new conscience?
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT FOUR 47.
36 CONTINUED: (2)
QUARK
(trying to convince
himself)
This isn't my fault!
Suddenly, the crowd parts to reveal O'Brien, ENTERING,
carrying a wrapped bundle. It's Kirayoshi. He walks
straight up to Quark and in a soft, almost numb voice:
O'BRIEN
Why, Quark? Why did you kill my
baby?
QUARK
(appalled)
No... no... noooo...
They all surround Quark.
SMASH CUT TO:
37 INT. QUARK'S
Reality. Quark snaps awake at the bar. He looks like
he's been to hell and back. Anxiously, he looks around
the empty room, but the relief of realizing it's all
been a dream doesn't help much.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT FOUR 48.
37 CONTINUED:
QUARK
(scared and miserable)
What have I done?
38 OMITTED
39 INT. DAX'S QUARTERS - CONTINUOUS
Dax takes a step into her quarters and is startled to
find Quark, setting up the tongo game.
DAX
(angry)
What the hell are you doing in
here?
QUARK
(re: the tongo wheel)
I wanted you to have this.
DAX
You broke into my quarters to give
me a tongo wheel? Get out of here
before I call Security.
QUARK
(sheepish)
I'm going.
DAX
(re: the tongo wheel)
And take that thing with you.
QUARK
I can't. It's a gift.
DAX
You think you can buy back my
friendship?
QUARK
It's not a bribe... Chances are I
won't be needing it anymore.
(a beat)
Good-bye, Dax.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT FOUR 49.
39 CONTINUED:
DAX
Don't let the door hit you on the
way out.
Quark goes to leave, but at the door, stops and turns
to face Dax.
QUARK
Don't you want to know where I'm
going?
DAX
Not really.
QUARK
What if I said it was dangerous?
Dax still doesn't seem to care.
QUARK
Figures.
(squaring his shoulder)
It doesn't matter. Where I'm
going... you can't follow. What
I have to do... I have to do
alone. One man... who's had
enough... who's going to stand up
and say --
DAX
(cutting him off)
Good-bye, Quark.
Quark, realizing Dax just isn't interested, EXITS.
40 INT. HABITAT RING CORRIDOR - CONTINUOUS
Quark emerges from Dax's quarters and catches his
reflection in one of the black com panels on the wall.
He stops to look at himself...
QUARK
Nervous? The worst Hagath can do
is kill you.
(a beat)
What's one life compared to the
lives of twenty-eight million
people?
And with that, Quark walks off down the corridor, ready
to meet his fate. And, we:
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FOUR
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT FIVE 50.
ACT FIVE
FADE IN:
41 INT. HAGATH'S QUARTERS
Talura is seated on the couch, daintily satisfying her
sweet tooth from a box of alien candies. She seems
oblivious to the fact that just a few steps away, a
very angry Hagath is berating Quark.
HAGATH
What do you mean you can't get
your hands on the mutagenic
retrovirus?
QUARK
Our supplier sold all he had to
Minnobia for their war against the
Vek.
HAGATH
This isn't good. I just finished
telling the Regent that his
shipment will be delivered within
a week. He's about to leave.
(a beat)
He is not going to be happy.
QUARK
I know -- he'll be stuck with
twenty-eight million people and no
way to kill them.
(then offering some
hope)
Lucky for us, I can get hold of
some Varaxian LM-Seven.
HAGATH
Never heard of it.
QUARK
It's a new biogenic weapon...
still in the experimental stage.
HAGATH
How effective is it?
QUARK
They'll be dropping like flies.
Only trouble is I don't know how
much of it I can get.
(a beat)
You think the Regent would be
satisfied with only seventeen
million people killed?
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT FIVE 51.
41 CONTINUED:
Hagath's mind is racing ahead, trying desperately but
unable to come up with a solution.
HAGATH
(to himself)
Seventeen million... it's better
than nothing.
QUARK
Then what you have to do is tell
him there's been a change of
plans.
(as if thinking on his
feet)
Tell him we have something new to
show him... might take a little
longer to get the results he
wants, but we'll give him a twenty
percent discount. In the
meantime, I'll have a sample of
Varaxian LM-Seven sent here and
we'll arrange for a small
demonstration. We'll find a
planet with some low-level
lifeforms no one will miss.
HAGATH
(mulling it over)
I'll talk to the Regent, keep him
from leaving. You make sure you
get that sample here as soon as
possible.
(a warning)
Don't fail me, Quark.
QUARK
Believe me, I want this deal to go
through more than anybody. I'm
finally out of debt -- these will
be the first profits I get to
keep.
HAGATH
(slapping him on
shoulder)
Be quick.
Quark EXITS into the corridor.
42 INT. HABITAT RING CORRIDOR
As soon as the door CLOSES behind him, Quark SIGHS with
relief and looks at his hand, which is TREMBLING
slightly.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT FIVE 52.
42 CONTINUED:
Quark steadies it with his other hand, calming his own
nerves. After a beat, he moves off to carry out his
plan.
43 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)
Re-establishing.
44 INT. HABITAT RING CORRIDOR - ANOTHER SECTION
Quark and Gaila are coming down the corridor.
QUARK
Stop looking so unhappy. The dabo
tables will still be there when
you get back.
GAILA
But I was winning. What could be
more important than that?
QUARK
I told you, there's someone I want
you to meet.
They stop in front of Quark's quarters, the door OPENS
and Quark gestures for Gaila to follow him inside.
45 INT. QUARK'S QUARTERS
Quark and Gaila ENTER to find GENERAL NASSUC, a
striking, no-nonsense female flanked by
THREE BODYGUARDS.
QUARK
Gaila, meet General Nassuc, head
of the Palamarian Freedom Brigade.
GAILA
(smiling)
Pleased to meet you.
(immediately grabbing
Quark's arm)
We need to talk.
Gaila starts to drag Quark outside.
QUARK
Will you excuse us for a moment?
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT FIVE 53.
46 INT. HABITAT RING CORRIDOR
Gaila corners Quark as soon as the doors CLOSE behind
them.
GAILA
What is that female doing on the
station?
QUARK
I invited her.
GAILA
(alarmed)
Are you crazy? She's the Regent's
mortal enemy! Does he know she's
here? Does Hagath?
QUARK
Of course not.
Gaila looks at Quark, he has no idea what Quark is up
to, but he doesn't like it.
GAILA
You're scaring me, Cousin.
QUARK
(in control)
Relax. I know selling weapons to
opposing sides is dangerous... but
as you said yourself, "The riskier
the road -- "
GAILA
Don't quote The Rules of
Acquisition to me! If Hagath
finds out we're doing this behind
his back, we'll wind up as dead as
Farrakk.
QUARK
Only if we fail. And we're not
going to fail -- we're going to
sell Varaxian LM-Seven to both the
Regent and the General.
GAILA
Is she interested?
QUARK
She jumped at the chance. She's
as crazy as the Regent. Both
sides will poison each other,
we'll double our profits, and
Hagath will be very happy.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT FIVE 53A.
46 CONTINUED:
GAILA
But what if they see one another -
realize what we're doing?
QUARK
It's a busy station. We'll keep
them far apart. Just think of all
that latinum.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT FIVE 54.
46 CONTINUED: (2)
Gaila's doing just that. After a beat his greed gets
the bettor of his caution.
GAILA
What do you want me to do?
QUARK
Keep the General occupied for
twenty minutes, then take her to
Cargo Bay Five. I'll meet you
there.
And with that, Quark hurries away. We HOLD ON Gaila,
who primps himself and brushes off his clothes as he
prepares to bond with the General.
47 INT. CARGO BAY
CLOSE on Quark as he stands beside a large sealed
crate. Next to him is Hagath, the Regent, and his
bodyguards.
REGENT
Open it.
HAGATH
(to Quark)
You heard him.
Quark reaches for a small PADD-like device embedded in
the case. Nothing happens. Quark looks puzzled.
QUARK
That's odd.
REGENT
What's wrong?
HAGATH
(to the Regent)
Nothing.
(to Quark)
Right, Quark?
QUARK
The code sequencer isn't working.
HAGATH
(pointed)
Then fix it.
QUARK
Right away
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT FIVE 55.
47 CONTINUED:
Quark gets up and starts to leave. Hagath stops him,
grabbing his arm.
QUARK
I just need to get a descrambler.
And while I'm at it, I'll get a
bottle of champagne -- to
celebrate.
HAGATH
Forget the champagne. Just get
back here as quickly as you can.
QUARK
Whatever you say.
Quark moves off quickly. Hagath puts on a smile for
the Regent, who glowers back.
HAGATH
He'll be right back.
48 INT. CORRIDOR - OUTSIDE CARGO BAY FIVE
Quark comes out of the Cargo Bay. The doors close just
as Gaila, General Nassuc and her bodyguards appear
down the corridor.
GAILA
Quark, where are you going?
QUARK
I'll be right back.
(to the General)
I just need to get a descrambler.
The General looks to Gaila, who puts on a salesman's
smile, and gestures courteously for her to enter the
Bay.
GAILA
After you.
Quark waits for them to disappear inside and then
hurries away. A beat, and we hear the sound of phaser
fire inside the Cargo Bay.
48A INT. PROMENADE
Quark hurriedly emerges from the turbolift on the far
end of the Promenade and heads for his bar, slowing his
pace to avoid attracting any attention.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT FIVE 56.
48A CONTINUED:
Just then, we see Odo, accompanied by a couple of
SECURITY GUARDS, running out of the Security Office and
making a beeline for the turbolift. Quark, not
wanting to be spotted by Odo, nonchalantly turns to
look at one of the shop's windows.
48B CLOSE ON QUARK'S FACE
In the b.g., we see another SECURITY SQUAD racing up to
join Odo's group.
ODO
There are reports of phaser fire
in Cargo Bay Five. Seal the area.
This is a priority-one alert.
Though this has all been happening behind Quark's back,
he's heard every word. Not until Odo and the Security
Squad disappear into the turbolift does Quark allow
himself a victorious smile. Then calmly, with all the
time in the world, he almost saunters back to his bar.
49 OMITTED
50 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)
Re-establishing.
51 INT. O'BRIEN'S QUARTERS
O'Brien sits on the couch, gently rocking Kirayoshi in
his arms. WORF ENTERS.
O'BRIEN
Good afternoon, Commander.
WORF
Chief, my schedule shows you were
supposed to begin modifying the
deflector array aboard the Defiant
today.
O'BRIEN
I'm sorry, sir. The Captain
thought I could use a few days
leave and I decided to take him up
on it.
WORF
To care for your son.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT FIVE 57.
51 CONTINUED:
O'BRIEN
(nods)
Taking care of a baby can be a
full-time job.
Kirayoshi wakes up, rubs his eyes.
O'BRIEN
Look, do me a favor and hold him
for a minute. I need to get his
bottle. He'll cry, but it's okay -
there's nothing wrong with him.
WORF
Chief, I must attend to --
O'BRIEN
It'll only take a minute.
O'Brien hands him the baby, then disappears into the
other room, leaving Worf along with the tiny infant in
his arms. Profoundly uncomfortable, Worf awkwardly
shifts Kirayoshi into a cradling position. The baby
stirs in his arms, shifting toward the warmth of his
body. Worf's face softens and becomes strangely
childlike.
O'Brien comes back and stops in his tracks.
WORF
What's the matter?
O'BRIEN
The baby... he's not crying.
O'Brien takes the baby from Worf's arms and gently puts
him in his bassinet. Blissful silence. O'Brien slumps
down on the couch next to the baby, leans his head back
and closes his eyes.
O'BRIEN
He's not crying.
WORF
(looking at the baby, a
beat)
I never saw my son when he was
this age.
(a beat)
It is something I will always
regret. You are a fortunate man.
Chief... Chief?
But the only answer he gets is the sound of O'Brien
breathing peacefully. Worf looks over at O'Brien to
find the chief is sound asleep, and as Worf reacts --
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT FIVE 58.
51A INT. CAPTAIN'S OFFICE
where Sisko is dressing Quark down. He's furious with
Quark for getting himself into this whole mess, but
underneath that, he's relieved Quark has managed to get
himself out of it, too.
SISKO
You're facing some serious
charges, Quark. Incitement to
riot, endangering the public
safety, disregard for --
Quark interrupts and starts tap dancing as fast as he
can.
QUARK
How was I supposed to know
everyone was going to start
shooting? I just wanted them to
cross paths so the deal would fall
through.
SISKO
It fell through, all right.
Hagath and Gaila barely managed to
get off the station alive.
QUARK
I hear General Nassuc sent a
purification squad after them...
SISKO
I wouldn't count on seeing your
former business partners again.
QUARK
(considers)
I can live with that.
Sisko looks at Quark intently before asking:
SISKO
What about the Regent's death?
QUARK
(suprised)
The Regent's dead?
SISKO
A purification squad caught up
with him early this morning.
QUARK
I can live with that, too. And I
can think of twenty-eight million
other people who won't mind either.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT FIVE 58A.
51A CONTINUED:
Quark realizes Sisko isn't that angry about the way
things turned out. He tries to turn the unspoken
moment between them to his favor.
QUARK
So, about those charges -- surely
we can come to some sort of...
accommodation.
SISKO
That depends.
QUARK
On what?
SISKO
This is what it's going to cost to
repair the cargo bay.
Sisko shows him a PADD. Quark's face falls when he
sees the price tag.
QUARK
That much?
SISKO
That much.
QUARK
Well... maybe we could come up
with some sort of installment
plan.
SISKO
Works for me.
Off Quark's face as he musters a wan smile...
52 INT. DAX'S QUARTERS
CLOSE ON Dax as she calculatingly surveys the tongo
wheel. After a beat, she decides her next move.
DAX
Retreat.
ADJUST TO SHOW Quark sitting across from her.
QUARK
Acquire.
DAX
Confront.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Business as... " - REV. 1/30/97 - ACT FIVE 59.
52 CONTINUED:
QUARK
(pleased)
Evade.
Quark wins the round, taking the pot.
QUARK
The risk is at ten, with a
purchase of seven and a sale of
fourteen.
Dax concedes nothing.
DAX
Nice move. But then again you
have a knack for getting out of
tight spots.
QUARK
(pleased with himself)
It's a gift.
(onto something else)
About my tongo wheel...
DAX
It's no longer your tongo wheel.
You gave it to me, remember?
QUARK
I know I gave it to you, but at
the time I thought --
DAX
I'm not giving it back, Quark.
And that's final.
She spins the wheel.
DAX
Confront.
QUARK
Retreat.
And on that image, we:
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FIVE
THE END