"Do Ghosts Lie?"
Lisa's Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Original Script.
Hello and welcome!
Thank you for visiting this page. I hope the script is of interest and that you will enjoy it.
I'd welcome any comments you have, and to this end have included my email address
below.
The script, "Do Ghosts Lie?", is my creation, and describes Gul Dukat being tried by the Bajorans for war crimes committed while he was Prefect of Terok Nor. It was sent to Paramount Studios November 1995 as an unsolicited or "spec" script, and was duly considered but wasn't something they could use. This is not surprising, as only two spec scripts from fans such as myself have ever been accepted in Star Trek's history. I would encourage any aspiring script writers to go ahead and submit spec scripts anyway, as it is reward enough to know that the people behind the magic we see each week have considered your work. In that small way, I've become part of the Star Trek world. Further, who knows how one may influence the writers and their thoughts on the various characters with one's script... So, if you're interested, make a point of reading the appendix concerning script writing in the Making of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (by Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stevens) to learn the rules involved, and then slap that thinking cap on and start writing!
By the way, for those savvy readers out there, this isn't the exact script sent to Paramount.
Just as I was editing the script for submission, Paramount announced that Warf was
joining DS9. I considered writing him into the script, as the submission is expected to be
ready for filming as written. I hesitated, however, as I didn't know how he was to be used
in the series and did not want to misrepresent the character. The following version,
however, does include Warf.
Hope you enjoy!
Lisa Chilton
Sincere thanks and credit go to Sylvia for her invaluable feedback on the script. It's a
much better story thanks to her!
STAR TREK
DEEP SPACE NINE
"DO GHOSTS LIE?"
Lisa Chilton
chilton@acs.ucalgary.ca
First Revision, November, 1995.
STAR TREK
DEEP SPACE NINE
"DO GHOSTS LIE?"
TEASER
1 Fade in to the replimat, late afternoon. BASHIR comes to a table where O'BRIEN,
DAX, and a Star Fleet officer DALA HOLLANDER, are seated. Hollander is an attractive
human woman, and is clearly interested in O'Brien. He is also attracted to her, and unsure
how to deal with these new feelings. Dax is certainly not trying to stop the flirtation
blossoming between the two.
DAX
Julian! Have you met our new science
attache, Lieutenant Dala Hollander?
BASHIR
Yes, last night at Quark's. Not only
did she rout me at darts, but she gave
our resident champion here quite a
scare.
HOLLANDER
Quark's is quite the place! I had no
idea that life on the frontier would
have so much to offer!
BASHIR
Oh?
DAX
The Chief has been telling Dala
about Quark's holosuites...!
O'BRIEN
I've been telling her about the
kayaking program!
BASHIR
Ah!
O'BRIEN
(Glares at Dax)
And nothing else!
HOLLANDER
Why do I get the feeling that Quark
has... other programs that I might
find more interesting... with the
right company?
O'BRIEN
(quickly changes subject)
Julian! Join us!
BASHIR
Normally, I'd love to join you, but
I'm meeting Garak for an early
dinner. I see he's here. Enjoy
yourselves, in whatever holoprogram
you choose!
Bashir nods to the group as they respond, then goes toward the entrance of the replimat,
where GARAK is standing so as to look out into the promenade. He nods to Bashir, but
clearly he's distracted by something he's watching for outside the shop. Bashir glances out
but cannot determine what has captured Garak's attention.
BASHIR
Well, Garak! Hungry...?
Garak glances at Bashir before returning his attention to the promenade.
GARAK
Famished, Doctor! But let's not
sit down just yet!
BASHIR
Oh? (looks out searchingly) Are
you expecting someone?
GARAK
Oh yes... None other then my... old
friend.
BASHIR
Ah! Our old friend, returning to
stand trial...?
GARAK
Trial...? My dear Doctor! 'Trial'
implies that justice will be served.
'Farce' is a far more accurate word
for this spectacle!
BASHIR
Really. I've never considered rape,
torture, and murder to be elements
of a farce...
GARAK
How very limited of you. And how
typically human...!
BASHIR
Oh, come on! Surely not even
Cardassians consider-
GARAK
Though I admit, you humans do have a
few sayings that I find refreshingly
Cardassian! My favorite is 'the end
justifies the means'. Another, more
applicable, one is 'all's fair in
love and war'!
BASHIR
What we humans mean when we say that
is-
GARAK
Forgive the interruption, Doctor,
but he comes. Behold, the
'sacrificial lamb'!
Both men turn and look down the promenade.
2 Promenade, beside an air lock door. KIRA and ODO stand together with a Star
Fleet security guard, looking at the air lock door. It slides open and Gul DUKAT steps
from the air lock. Kira is trying to remain professional but her mixed feelings that Dukat
will stand trial is showing. No words are spoken as they escort Dukat along the promenade
outside the replimat and past out of sight. Garak and Bashir are seen among the avid
spectators, mostly Bajoran; QUARK is also notable for watching closely.
3 Replimat. Once they are gone, Garak turns to Bashir and waves toward an empty table.
GARAK
Shall we, Doctor? There's nothing
like a good melodrama to whet the
appetite!
Fade out as they take their seats.
ACT I
4 Fade in to exterior DS9.
SISKO (V.O.)
Station log, Star Date XXXXX.X.
With Gul Dukat under arrest on DS9, the
Federation starts a new role in the
complex political relations between
Bajor and Cardassia. The Cardassian
Detapah Council has only agreed to
release Dukat to Bajor on the
condition that I, as Emissary, preside
over his trial.
5 Ops, next morning. Dax and Bashir are present. SISKO comes from his office and joins them.
SISKO
Well, it's official: Star Fleet
Command and Bajor have accepted
Cardassia's request for me to judge
Dukat at the upcoming trial.
DAX
Obviously a role you relish.
SISKO
(Ironic)
As you can see. I don't see how, as
a religious figure, I'm eligible to
judge a Bajoran trial. I need a
crash course in Bajoran jurisprudence!
Where is Major Kira?
BASHIR
Haven't seen her yet. Don't you think
that, as Emissary, you're ideally suited
to judge this matter? After all, the
Bajorans respect you and so may accept
a decision influenced by Federation
ideals. That insures that the trial will be fair.
DAX
Especially if Dukat turns
out to be innocent!
SISKO
True. Still, this is one tangle I
wish I was clear of! Why did the
Cardassians specify that I should be
Dukat's judge? I wish I knew what
they're up to!
Kira enters and joins them.
KIRA
Sorry I'm late, Captain. I've been
talking to Bajor. Kai Winn will soon
arrive to prosecute Dukat herself.
I guess... Dukat will finally pay for
his crimes against Bajor.
SISKO
Easy, Major. Dukat is innocent until
proven guilty.
KIRA
Dukat?! Innocent?! Ha! He's guilty,
alright!
BASHIR
I- I thought that you and Dukat had
lately found some common ground, Major...?
KIRA
Maybe we did... (beat) It doesn't
matter: nothing Dukat does now could
mitigate the horror of what he's
already done! I only wish we could
bring more Cardassian war criminals
to justice.
DAX
You've never challenged Dukat before.
Why now?
BASHIR
The new treaty.
KIRA
Dabo.
BASHIR
Now that Kai Winn has secured an
admission from the Cardassians that
they were wrong in occupying Bajor-
KIRA
Vedek Bariel secured that treaty, not
Kai Winn!
SISKO
We're all aware of Bariel's sacrifice
to bring peace between Bajor and
Cardassia, Major. Continue, Doctor.
BASHIR
Thanks to Bariel, Bajor now has legal
recourse to prosecute those
Cardassians accused of atrocities
against Bajoran civilians.
KIRA
Exactly. Now the butchers who
tormented my people will have to face
their crimes!
DAX
Still, Dukat has never struck me as
a prominent figure on Bajor's 'most
wanted' list...?
KIRA
Dukat was never one of the really
sadistic ones, but believe me, he
caused suffering enough! Not that we
don't want the ones who made Dukat
look tame to stand trial, but so far,
Dukat is the only Cardassian we've
accused who has been released into
Bajoran custody.
BASHIR
I wonder why the Detapah Council did
that?
SISKO
So do I.
DAX
Perhaps, being a civilian government,
they're sensitive to crimes against
civilians, even Bajoran ones. And Dukat isn't exactly their favorite person right
now.
SISKO
I'd hate to think that the Cardassians
are letting us do their dirty work for
them.
KIRA
Their motivation doesn't interest me:
they complied, that's what matters.
The old Central Command ignored us
altogether. Still, we would have far
greater success if we didn't need
survivors to bring the charges against
their tormentors. That Cardassian
proviso put a lot of war criminals
out of danger. The most sadistic
Cardassian overlords were all too
thorough when exterminating my people.
(beat) Too bad ghosts can't speak.
Their tales would put more than one
Legate in prison! (beat) Oh well:
we've got Dukat! A small victory,
but a start!
SISKO
What is the general feeling on Bajor
about this situation?
KIRA
People are very emotional about the
whole affair. Dukat's victim,
Tessaro D'Argan, was only 12 when he
killed her parents. She's haunted by
the pain of that trauma.
DAX
Do you think that Bajorans see Miss
Tessaro's plight as symbolic of their
own suffering?
KIRA
I know I do. In many ways, she's
me, or what I could so easily have
become. D'Argan's suffering is our
suffering, both on an individual level
and as a people. We all need to heal.
SISKO
Who took her accusations to Cardassia?
KIRA
Kai Winn. D'Argan was in counselling
with Vedek Eskaia when the truth came
out, but Winn herself took the charges
to the Cardassians.
SISKO
Kai Winn...
BASHIR
The truth came out...? What does
that mean, Major?
KIRA
I'm not sure. Kai Winn used those
words in one of the public
statements.
DAX
I notice that Winn always refers to
Miss Tessaro by her first name too.
KIRA
Yes, but it feels right. Even though
she's 20, D'Argan still seems to be
that 12 year old girl who saw her
parents being murdered. You'll
understand when you meet her later
today.
SISKO
Hum. I think it would be best if I
stay away from both parties until
the trial, since I've been appointed
judge. Major, you will act as my
liaison with Kai Winn. I'll also
need your help in learning Bajoran
jurisprudence.
KIRA
I took the liberty of gathering a
number of important documents for you.
The provisional government is still
re-establishing our legal system after
the farce the Cardassians made of it.
Sisko takes the data pad Kira offers him.
SISKO
Thank you, Major.
Sisko nods dismissal to Kira and goes to his office. Kira notices that she's not the only late
Ops officer.
KIRA
Where's the Chief?
Dax and Bashir both react.
KIRA
What's so funny?
DAX
The Chief must have been up rather
late last night...
KIRA
So?
BASHIR
He and Lieutenant Hollander seem to
have hit it off rather well!
DAX
When I saw them late last night, Dala
was dragging Miles off to Quark's for
a round of darts and drinks.
KIRA
Are you saying the Chief can't handle
Quark's?
DAX
No... I'm saying the Chief can't
handle Dala. Unless I'm mistaken,
she was determined to try out Quark's
holosuites with Miles last night!
KIRA
What?! What about Keiko?
BASHIR
Dax is exaggerating. Miles was
telling Dala about the kayaking
program.
DAX
Am I exaggerating? Dala wasn't
talking about kayaking, nor is
she shy about her goal!
KIRA
Which is?
DAX
Miles O'Brien, prostrate at her feet.
KIRA
Not the Chief!
BASHIR
Why couldn't it be me she wanted at
her feet? I'd go to the holosuites
with her!
DAX
Perhaps Dala likes the challenge of
married men.
KIRA
I don't believe this. Chief
O'Brien..?!
BASHIR
It's not so hard to believe when you
see how she looks at him.
DAX
If you don't believe it, then, where
is he?
KIRA
Computer: location of Chief O'Brien?
COMPUTER VOICE
Chief O'Brien is in Science Lab 3.
DAX
And where is she?
KIRA
Computer: location of Lieutenant Dala?
COMPUTER VOICE
Lieutenant Dala is in Science Lab 3.
DAX
Believe it!
BASHIR
I think I'll just go and see how
the Chief is this morning. Nothing
more than professional curiosity,
of course.
DAX
Of course. Julian. Fill me in
later!
Bashir nods and turns to go. As he leaves, Odo enters and goes over to Kira.
ODO
Major. I understand that a party of
Bajorans including the victim and
Kai Winn are arriving very soon.
KIRA
That's right. I'll be meeting them
within half an hour. I'm not sure
yet how many will arrive.
ODO
I see. Do you think we need any
special security measures in place
while the trial takes place?
KIRA
I don't see the need, Odo. Kai
Winn's not coming to instigate
riots!
Odo reacts to Kira's statement, leaving her and heading toward Sisko's office.
6 Sisko's office, interior with Sisko working at the desk. The door hail sounds.
SISKO
Come in.
Odo enters.
SISKO
Constable! The very man I want to see!
ODO
Oh? Why?
SISKO
Frankly, I'm unsure of how to handle
Gul Dukat. As judge, I don't even
want to see the man until I have to
preside over his trial. Will you
talk to him?
ODO
Me?! About what?
SISKO
Ask him if he's pleading innocent!
If so, ask him what he has on his
Cardassian mind to save his skin!
ODO
I doubt that he'll plead at all,
Captain, especially in front of
Bajorans. I also doubt that he's
innocent. Rest assured he has
something up his sleeve! (beat)
Why me? Why not a Cardassian?
SISKO
Such as who? Garak? Ziyal? (beat)
All I want you to do is find out
what's really going on! Dukat
might trust you, being that you
still hold a position in his own
legal system. I trust you to ensure
the trial is just. I'd hate to be
forced to declare a mistrial.
ODO
You'd certainly be very brave to do
so... Alright: I'll talk to Dukat.
SISKO
Thank you, Constable. Now, what can
I do for you?
ODO
Just tell me I can deal with Kai Winn
and her Bajoran mob as I see fit.
SISKO
I have complete confidence in you.
ODO
As you should.
Odo turns to go.
SISKO
Keep me informed, both on Dukat and
on any problems with the Bajorans.
ODO
I will.
Odo leaves.
7 The hallway outside Science Lab 3, where Bashir meets O'Brien as he leaves the lab.
They head back toward the main promenade.
O'BRIEN
Julian! What brings you here?
BASHIR
You bring me here! What's this about
you and Dala enjoying late night
holoprograms?!
O'BRIEN
Who's been talking about Dala and I?
BASHIR
Dax has. What were you up to?! You
look like you didn't get any sleep!
O'BRIEN
Dax?! Dax should mind her own
business! If you must know, Dala and
I did some late night kayaking. She
chose a very tough white water rapids
program.
BASHIR
Are you sure that's all that Dala
chose?
O'BRIEN
Of course I'm sure! What else do you
think we were doing? Though I'll
admit, she wore me out! What a
physical woman! Demanding, too: no
sooner did I get out of bed this
morning then she's asking me to
modify some of the systems in the
Science Lab!
BASHIR
Asking you over breakfast, I suppose...
O'Brien's response is drowned out by the mob scene that greets the two men when they
reach the promenade. Under Odo's unimpressed watch, WINN, Kira, D'ARGAN, and a
bunch of exuberant Bajorans sweep by. Fade out on the charged scene.
ACT II
8 Fade in to Keiko's old school room, set up for the trial. Sisko is seated facing two rows
of chairs, with Winn, Kira, and D'Argan to his right. A chair awaits Dukat on Sisko's
left. Bashir is standing near Sisko.
The door opens to allow Odo and a Star Fleet security guard to escort Dukat in, revealing a
mob of Bajorans in the promenade outside, held back by more Star Fleet security
personnel. Dukat stands by his chair, while the guard stands behind him and Odo takes
up a position where he can watch all the players.
Sisko stands.
SISKO
This court is now in session. Let
the log show that, as agreed by the
Bajoran Provisional Government and
the Cardassian Detapah Council, I,
Captain Benjamin Sisko, will judge
Gul Dukat, former prefect of DS9,
innocent or guilty of the charges
brought by Bajor on behalf of Miss
Tessaro D'Argan. Gul Dukat, you are
formally accused of the torture and
murder of Tessaro Elar; the rape,
torture and murder of Tessaro Eshta;
and the rape and torture of Tessaro
D'Argan. How do you plead?
Bashir monitors Dukat with his bioscanner.
DUKAT
How do I plead...? I don't plead
before Bajorans, or humans, Captain!
SISKO
Are you innocent or guilty of the
charges?!
DUKAT
How very monochromatic of you. As
though this witch-hunt has anything
to do with that girl's pathetic
accusations...
KIRA
This is a Bajoran trial. Of you.
And it specifically concerns your
treatment of this girl and her
parents. It's about justice for her
and for Bajor.
WINN
You waste your breath, child. A
Cardassian cannot understand the
concept of justice.
DUKAT
There, you see, Captain. I am guilty,
of course, just because I'm Cardassian.
Just because I dared rule Bajor. And
rule it well. What really happened is
irrelevant. This isn't about justice,
as they claim, this is about revenge!
Dukat sits. Winn moves forward to take control of the situation.
WINN
Enough, Emissary! Let's get this
unpleasantness over with! Child,
tell the Emissary when you were on
this station.
Bashir moves forward to monitor D'Argan with his bioscanner throughout her testimony.
Sisko sits.
D'ARGAN
My parents were laborers on Terok
Nor 10 years ago.
WINN
When did you leave Terok Nor?
D'ARGAN
Seven years ago.
WINN
How old were you when this
Cardassian killed your parents?
D'ARGAN
M-my parents were killed when I was
12.
WINN
What happened when you were 12, child?
D'ARGAN
He... (glance at Winn)... the
Cardassian! A Cardassian kept
watching me in the Bajoran area...
WINN
In the common quarters on Terok Nor,
where the Bajorans were housed?
D'ARGAN
(Voice flat on first sentence)
In the common quarters. He'd show
up and stare at me and frighten me.
I was so scared without my parents,
when he was there...
WINN
Where were your parents?
D'ARGAN
They worked all day.
WINN
In ore processing.
D'ARGAN
(Voice flat on first sentence)
In ore processing. I'd try to hide,
but he'd find me... he always found
me.
WINN
What did this Cardassian do when he
found you, child?
D'ARGAN
H-he scared me. I'm not sure... he
hurt me, touched me. (beat) He took
me somewhere where there weren't any
other Bajorans, except my parents,
they were there. I tried to run to
them, but he...
WINN
The Cardassian.
D'ARGAN
(Voice flat on first sentence)
The Cardassian. H-he stopped me. He
made me stay quiet while they hurt my
parents...
WINN
Who hurt your parents, child?
D'ARGAN
(Voice flat on first sentence)
They hurt my parents. Cardassians...
hurt my parents. He said that if I
made any noise, he'd kill my parents.
And, it would be my fault! And he
laughed... laughed!... while my
parents screamed. But I didn't: I
was silent!
WINN
Tell the Emissary how the Cardassians
orphaned you and destroyed your life.
D'Argan tries to but cannot speak. Winn seems impatient.
WINN
The Cardassians raped and tortured
your mother, didn't they, child,
right in front of you?
D'ARGAN
(Voice whispered and flat)
Raped and tortured my mother...
WINN
And they tortured your father!
D'ARGAN
(Voice whispered and flat)
Tortured my father...
WINN
And did the Cardassian who took you
from the Bajoran quarters rape and
torture your parents?
D'ARGAN
(Voice flat on first sentence
and soft throughout)
The... man who took me. Y-yes.
He... laughed while he raped my
mother and when he hit and hit and
hit them. And when he told me that
if I made a sound, he'd kill them.
But they were... already dead.
WINN
Who killed your parents, child?
D'ARGAN
A Cardassian killed my parents.
WINN
Who, child?
D'ARGAN
(Glance at Dukat, then
with flat voice)
Him.
WINN
Him? Gul Dukat?
D'ARGAN
(Voice flat)
Him. Gul Dukat.
WINN
What happened after he murdered your
parents?
D'ARGAN
He hurt me...
WINN
Who hurt you, child?
D'ARGAN
Him... (pause) Gul Dukat.
WINN
How did he hurt you?
D'ARGAN
He raped and beat me. (pause, then
hint of anger) He wouldn't stop.
He wouldn't stop laughing...
WINN
Did this Cardassian leave you alone
after he murdered your parents and
brutalized you?
D'ARGAN
(Angry)
He wouldn't stop! Wouldn't stop!
Make him stop!
WINN
There you have it, Emissary. The
Cardassian before you wantonly
tortured, raped, and killed this
child's parents right in front of her,
scarring her for life. Not content
with that, he raped and brutalized
her. You see how she has suffered.
You see his guilt!
9 Science Lab 3. Dax and Hollander are working together, focusing on a centrally placed
console. Hollander is imputing parameters while Dax watches.
HOLLANDER
That should do it... All the
parameters and constraints have been
entered. We're ready!
DAX
Computer, establish containment field.
A force field forms around the console as the ladies step away. Hollander picks up a
hand-held control unit.
HOLLANDER
Well, here goes years of research into
forming wormholes! Let's hope it works!
DAX
Let's hope it doesn't overload the
Chief's carefully modified power grid!
HOLLANDER
Oh, Miles wouldn't mind the extra
work if it does! And I won't mind
being able to tease him about it,
though I hope it holds. Initiating
the space matrix.
A swirling cube of particles appears, gaining stability and form as Hollander adjusts her
controls.
DAX
The space matrix reads as 68% stable.
What level of stability do you need
before you can try to create a
wormhole within it?
HOLLANDER
80% will do, but I'd feel better at
90% or greater stability within the
matrix. Increasing matter and
electromagnetic radiation levels
within the field. How are the power
generators holding up?
DAX
So far, so good. Miles must have
spent extra time on them! Watch your
balance: I'm reading energy
fluctuations.
HOLLANDER
Got it. I guess I just... inspired
Miles to give the systems extra
attention...! What's the stability
up to now?
DAX
86% and climbing, with no sign of
imminent system overload. Inspired
him indeed!
HOLLANDER
Oh yes! At a matrix stability of 90%
or greater, I'll initiate the wormhole.
DAX
Understood. All ion generators on
line and ready. Stability 92% and
holding. Go ahead.
As Hollander manipulates her controller, a glowing tube slowly forms within the energy
matrix, starting as a ball in the center and elongating until rudimentary funnels open on
both ends. It stays like that only a fraction of a second before collapsing and disappearing.
HOLLANDER
The space matrix is breaking down!
Unable to balance!
DAX
Computer, increase strength of
containment field!
The containment field flickers. Within seconds, as both ladies punch controls, the space
matrix blows up.
HOLLANDER
Yes! Success! However brief! That's
science for you: years of work, a few
seconds of fruition.
Dax and Hollander study a computer assessment.
DAX
True, but the preliminary analysis
suggests that the matrix can be
stabilized! Congratulations: you did
it!
HOLLANDER
Thank you! (beat) I think this
analysis is enough to allow me to
compare my rudimentary wormhole with
the Bajoran Wormhole. I've tried to
match my composition with the data on
your wormhole, but I suspect there
are many, many subtleties yet to be
discovered within your wormhole.
Perhaps we could resurvey it with one
of your runabouts?
DAX
Good idea. I like the idea of
establishing a wormhole when and where
you like, for as long as you need it.
HOLLANDER
If I'm successful, it'll be the next
advance in space travel. Perhaps even
time travel, if I can force wormholes
through time as well as space.
DAX
We've got lots of time to survey the
wormhole now.
HOLLANDER
Excellent! I've been looking forward
to seeing your wormhole! (beat) It's
an experience I'd enjoy sharing with
Miles...
DAX
Really. What a surprise! Sharing
with Miles and I or with Miles only?
HOLLANDER
Oh, with you too, of course. Your
presence won't change my behavior
any, though, so be warned. I left
shyness behind with all the
uncertainties of adolescence. But
if my forward behavior does bother
you, I'll try to control myself. It's
landed me in trouble before.
DAX
It won't bother me. I gave up shyness
too, after Tobin Dax, who was so timid
that the mere thought of talking to a
woman paralysed him! My only concern
is that the Chief will be uncomfortable.
He is a happily married man.
HOLLANDER
I know: Keiko and Molly are all he
talks about when we're alone. I
understand his situation. I'm also
happily married to an absent spouse.
I can't stop living. Joshua
understands that, as I understand that
he needs female companionship in our
long separations. I don't think Miles
is so different, with Keiko three hours
away.
DAX
He loves them no less for the distance.
HOLLANDER
I'm not trying to replace Keiko. All
I want is the comfort of Mile's
companionship. As for Keiko, all's
fair in love and war! What do you
think she's doing with the men on
Bajor?!
Dax does not believe Keiko is having an affair on Bajor.
HOLLANDER
Anyway, Miles is a big boy. He can
make up his own mind.
DAX
True. Why don't you find O'Brien and
ask him while I transfer this data to
the Orinoco. We'll meet there.
Fade out with Hollander's nod.
ACT III
10 Fade in to Keiko's old school room. Winn comforts D'Argan while glaring
triumphantly around. Bashir shows Sisko the results on his bioscanner.
SISKO (V.O.)
Station's log, update. D'Argan's
testimony on the murder of her
parents and of her own suffering
rings all too true to the horror
stories I so often hear the Bajorans
tell of the Cardassian occupation.
And yet, I can't help but wonder how
much of it is Kai Winn's contrivance
rather than the truth. Kai Winn has
much to gain politically by
successfully prosecuting Gul Dukat.
SISKO
Does the Accused wish to respond?
WINN
What?! You can't-
DUKAT
I do, Captain. Is Star Fleet
'justice' based on innuendo and not
on proof...?
KIRA
Innuendo?! Julian, you monitored
D'Argan's biosigns throughout her
testimony! Was there any indication
that she was lying?!
BASHIR
N-no, Major. She... believes what
she has told us.
WINN
That Cardassian is a murderer,
Emissary. He is guilty! Why do you
hesitate in sentencing him?
Sisko reacts, obviously still unconvinced, and very concerned. Odo is also unhappy.
ODO
Permission to speak for the Accused.
KIRA
Odo?!
SISKO
Let the log show that Constable Odo
has offered to act as Nestor to the
Accused. Gul Dukat, do you accept
his council?
WINN
This is a Bajoran trial! I will not
tolerate the insult of that criminal
twisting this child's pain to his
advantage!
SISKO
This may be a Bajoran trial, but a
Federation officer is presiding over
it! I wish to hear what Constable
Odo has to say. Dukat, do you accept?!
DUKAT
Odo! Does this burlesque insult your
precious notion of justice? Well,
then, go ahead. Speak for me. But
don't be too hopeful that you can drag
this mockery up into the light of
justice!
SISKO
Go ahead, Constable.
ODO
Miss Tessaro, you told us that you
and your parents were the only
Bajorans present when your parents
were killed. Are you sure that no
one else saw what happened?
D'Argan is panicky and looks to Winn for help.
D'ARGAN
I... It's hard to remember.
ODO
What is hard to remember? You seemed
very clear earlier in remembering
that you and your parents were the
only Bajorans present.
D'ARGAN
(Starts to get angry)
They were there!
ODO
Who were there? When did this happen,
day or night?
D'ARGAN
(Angry)
They were there! The Cardassians!
ODO
Are you sure? A moment ago, you
didn't seem sure of anything. Now
you are?
BASHIR
Easy, Constable.
D'ARGAN
T-the details are so h-hard to
remember...
ODO
Are they. So, you're not sure of the
details, but you are sure of Dukat's
involvement?
D'ARGAN
(pause, as if gathering anger
for courage)
Yes! He murdered my parents!
WINN
You're as bad as he is (gesture to
Dukat), scaring her like that!
ODO
Madame Kai, I'm interested in the
truth, not scaring young women. I
don't understand how she can remember
Dukat so clearly as the perpetrator
but be unsure who was present during
the offense.
WINN
Her memories are fragile! She only
recovered her knowledge of the crime
a short time ago! Her healing has
only begun, poor child, but with the
blessing of the Prophets, she will
heal. Seeing him pay for his crimes
will help her!
ODO
If memories are all the evidence
you'll have to base your judgement
on, Captain, then I'd like to hear
Gul Dukat's side of the story.
WINN
How dare you!
SISKO
I agree, Constable. Gul Dukat, would
you describe what you remember of
these events?
WINN
Emissary-!
Dukat talks over Winn.
DUKAT
Most certainly. (beat) Captain, you
yourself have described Cardassians
as being "famous for their photographic
memories". I hope that you will take
that into account while I describe
what I remember of this Bajoran's
experiences here at Terok Nor. I was
prefect of Terok Nor 10 years ago,
yes, and many Bajorans died while
laboring in ore processing, yes. I
don't deny those facts. But while I
do recall Tessaro Elar and Eshta,
it's only as names on a list of
casualties from an accident in Ore
Processing. The list was prepared by
the overseer, Firek, and relayed to me
by my second-in-command, Glin Rayeth.
My first recall of this girl is when
she was in the care of the Vaatriks
following her parent's deaths. (continued)
At Dukat's mention of the Vaatriks, Kira and Odo both react, remembering them from the
events described in the episode "Necessary Evil". D'Argan reacts with panic at the name.
DUKAT
(Continued)
After Vaatrik's murder, she was
removed to Bajor together with Mrs
. Vaatrik. Beyond that, I have no idea,
as I did not keep track of either of them.
11 Exterior shot of DS9. Voice over of Sisko is continuous with Scene 12.
SISKO (V.O.)
Gul Dukat's testimony only reinforces
my suspicion that the charges are
based solely on uncorroborated
memories. How am I to judge the
trial, when I believe that D'Argan
was indeed hurt by Cardassians, and
yet, to be true to my Federation
values, I feel compelled to dismiss
all charges against Dukat unless hard
evidence can be produced to support
Kai Winn's charges?
Continuous with:
12 Keiko's old school room. Dukat sits, having just finished his testimony. Winn is
comforting an emotional D'Argan. All others present have their attention on Sisko.
SISKO
This court is in recess. Major,
Constable, Doctor: I'd like you
three to remain.
The three mentioned nod. Odo gestures for the security guard to escort Dukat away, and
goes with them as far as the door to watch the mob still outside. The extra security
personnel keep the mob under control as Dukat is escorted from sight. Winn does not
move, and keeps D'Argan with her.
SISKO
Kai Winn, perhaps you would escort
Miss Tessaro to your quarters until
this court reconvenes...?
WINN
I'm disappointed that you allowed
that Cardassian criminal to speak,
Emissary!
SISKO
I may have more disappointments in
store for you yet, Kai Winn...
WINN
Might you, Emissary? I'd hate to be
forced to appoint another judge in
this matter...
Kira steps in.
KIRA
Kai, it would be better if you let me
talk to Captain Sisko. I'll tell you
what he says as soon as I can.
WINN
I see. Very well, Emissary. I know
you will follow the wisdom of the
Prophets! D'Argan and I will be in
the temple, praying that they guide
you well. Also that they comfort
D'Argan's pain, and give her patience
to survive until you hand her
tormentor over to justice! Come,
child!
Kai Winn helps D'Argan leave. As the door closes, she is seen stopping to play the mob
outside the room.
SISKO
Major, unless Winn can come up with
something more concrete than a girl's
recovered memories, I'll be forced
to dismiss the charges against Dukat
and let him go!
KIRA
Let him go?! What type of justice is
that?! What about D'Argan?!
SISKO
It would be a grosser affront to
justice to find Dukat guilty solely
on the basis of Miss Tessaro's...
carefully scripted memories. Look,
its obvious that she has suffered,
and easy to believe that her suffering
was at Cardassian hands, but it is
not clear that those hands were
Dukat's! I want the real perpetrator
to face retribution! If that person
turns out to be Dukat, then I'll hand
him over to Bajor to punish as you see
fit. But first, I must be certain
beyond reasonable doubt that it was
him!
KIRA
How can any of you look at Dukat and
not see his guilt?! I hate what he's
done to D'Argan! I hate that he duped
me into respecting, even liking him!
ODO
I have to agree with Sisko. Otherwise,
this fiasco has as little justice as
a Cardassian trial!
KIRA
Look! He's a Cardassian! He can rape
and torture and kill without any
feelings of guilt! He can stand before
you and lie and he'll never blink...
because he's a Cardassian! Subterfuge
is as natural as breathing to them!
SISKO
I know what he is, Major! But it's
possible- however unlikely- that he's
telling the truth! Remember Marritza,
the Cardassian who came here and tried
to trick you into believing he was the
Butcher of Gallitep?
KIRA
The Cardassian who claimed to be Gul
Darhe'el?
SISKO
Yes! Marritza tried to address
Cardassian crimes he couldn't stop
when they occurred, and all he got
was death at unforgiving Bajoran
hands! Major, the hatred must stop
somewhere! How about here?
KIRA
With Gul Dukat?! Marritza was a
helpless file clerk! Dukat was the
Prefect of this station, answering
only to the Central Command! There's
a world of difference between them!
ODO
I also think it unlikely that Dukat
is innocent. If he tortured that girl
and her parents, then we'll find the
proof, Major. If not, then we must
let him go and face that fact.
KIRA
You're right. This isn't supposed to
be a witch-hunt. I'll start checking
for witnesses and other sources of
corroborating evidence. We'll nail
Dukat your way, Captain!
SISKO
Good. Doctor, I need you to evaluate
Miss Tessaro as well as the
counselling techniques used to help her.
Could they have affected her testimony?
Major, see that the Vedek who counselled
Miss Tessaro releases her file to Dr. Bashir.
KIRA
I'll see to it immediately, Captain.
Dukat mentioned that the Vaatriks had
custody of D'Argan after her parent's
deaths. Mrs. Vaatrik is on Bajor. I
think that I should talk to her.
ODO
Huh. The Vaatrik woman is about as
trustworthy as Dukat! I'll go with you.
BASHIR
Wasn't it Mrs. Vaatrik who tried to
have Quark killed a few years ago?
KIRA
She's the one!
ODO
Too bad she didn't succeed!
BASHIR
You may as well admit it, Constable:
you'd miss Quark if he were gone!
ODO
I'd survive.
SISKO
Mrs. Vaatrik may not be the most
reliable source of evidence, but
right now any evidence is better
than nothing. Get whatever you can,
and report to me at 0900 tomorrow
with it. I'll decide then if you
have enough for the trial to continue.
Until then, advise Winn and Dukat that
the trial is in recess. Dismissed!
13 The infirmary. Bashir looks up as Kira enters with D'Argan. Kira gives him a data
pad. D'Argan hangs back.
KIRA
Here's D'Argan's file. D'Argan, this
is Dr. Bashir. He'll be examining you.
I want you to cooperate fully with
him, ok?
Kira turns to go.
D'ARGAN
Don't leave me! Please!
KIRA
D'Argan, you're safe. Dr. Bashir will
make sure that no Cardassians come
near you, I promise! He'll take care
of you. Ok?
D'Argan looks unconvinced but lets Kira seat her on one of the examining chairs, then sits
silent and eyes downcast. Bashir walks with Kira to the door.
BASHIR
Thank you, Major: with my luck, Garak
will decide to visit!
KIRA
I expect you'll be able to protect
her if Garak has some sudden urge to
measure her clothes size!
Kira leaves and Bashir turns back to D'Argan.
.
14 Fade in to Quark's Bar, where Quark is hobnobbing with Dax, O'Brien, Hollander, and
Bashir.
BASHIR
I'm surprised that you didn't spend
some more time in the gamma quadrant.
HOLLANDER
As tempted as I was, I really wanted
to get back to the lab and analyze
the new data.
QUARK
Believe me, Lieutenant, laboratory
experiments are nothing compared to
the thrill of exploring the gamma quadrant!
O'BRIEN
You mean the thrill of having the
Jem'Hadar chase you screaming back
into the alpha quadrant!
QUARK
If I screamed- once or twice- when
Captain Sisko and I first met the
Jem'Hadar, it didn't stop me from
being pivotal in our escape!
DAX
You were brave, weren't you Quark?
QUARK
Not at all. Bravery only gets you
killed. Rule of Acquisition # XX:
(a coward lives to reap a profit on
another day)!
HOLLANDER
How exciting! Sometime, I would like
to see more of the gamma quadrant!
QUARK
Easy! Just step up to one of the
holosuites! I've got lots of
holoprograms which concern the gamma
quadrant, and at very reasonable prices too!
BASHIR
Reasonable, Quark?
QUARK
Adventure isn't cheap, Doctor!
HOLLANDER
What do you say, Miles; shall we take
this good Ferengi up on his offer?
O'Brien seems noncommittal. Quark looks at him pointedly before addressing Hollander.
QUARK
Unless there are other programs that
you two would prefer...?
O'BRIEN
Like what?!
HOLLANDER
Let's play darts instead! Come on,
Miles! Dax, Julian: care to play?
BASHIR
I'll pass. I'm ready for bed.
DAX
I'm late for a date with a Klingon.
He's all yours, Dala. Don't wear him
out!
HOLLANDER
I won't, at least not at darts!
Quark looks knowingly at them as Hollander draws O'Brien away.
QUARK
I'll have those two lovebirds in my
holosuites yet!
Act IV
15 Bashir's quarters. Bashir enters to discover Garak is there waiting for him.
BASHIR
Garak?!
GARAK
Good evening, Doctor! Forgive me for
startling you in your quarters.
BASHIR
I'll forgive you if you've got a good
reason for being here!
GARAK
You know I would be loath to
disappoint you! I understand that
Captain Sisko is going to dismiss the
charges against Dukat unless evidence
arises to support Kai Winn's claims...?
BASHIR
How do you know that?
GARAK
Oh, come now, Doctor! People on the
promenade are a buzz with the trial!
I would have to be deaf not to know.
BASHIR
And you have some evidence against
Dukat?
GARAK
On the contrary.
BASHIR
You have proof of Dukat's
innocence?!
Garak hands Bashir a computer file. Bashir goes to his terminal to review it.
BASHIR
This is the report Dukat mentioned
describing the accident that claimed
D'Argan's parents! How did you get it?
GARAK
Oh, someone must have left it in a
pant pocket or something. It is
quite authentic, I assure you. Give
it to Captain Sisko, will you?
BASHIR
I will.
Garak turns to go.
BASHIR
Garak! I don't understand! Dukat is
your sworn enemy. Why would you help
him like this?
GARAK
Help Dukat...? Yes, I suppose it does
look like help, on the surface.
BASHIR
But...?
GARAK
But you're being naive, Doctor. (beat)
Perhaps my notion of justice is old
fashioned. Certainly, watching Dukat
sacrificed as a martyr on the Bajoran
alter does not satisfy me! I know
better than any one on this base both
the nature and the extent of Dukat's
crimes. When it is time for him to
pay, his exposure and humiliation
will be for all Cardassia to see. As
will his execution. Good night,
Doctor; pleasant dreams!
Bashir reacts and Garak leaves.
16 Holosuite or exercise room. WARF looks up as Dax enters. Both are wearing karate
type dress. Dax lines up beside Warf and they begin the Tie Chi style exercises.
DAX
Sorry I'm late. I got so caught up
watching the Miles-Dala tangle that
I didn't keep track of the time.
WARF
Ah yes. Chief O'Brien came to me
today for advice on that woman.
DAX
Did he...? Then I guess he's really
tempted by her.
WARF
I fear he paid little heed to my words,
if he was with her tonight. For
Klingons, the weakness of infidelity
makes such actions dishonourable.
There would be no temptation or
pleasure in such a mating.
DAX
I know. Curzon often cursed that
particular Klingon custom.
WARF
I have long observed that humans-
among others (looks at Dax)- seem to
have little control over their sex
drives. I cannot say I am surprised
at Chief O'Brien's temptation, though
I am impatient of his weakness. What
I do not understand is the farce
Captain Sisko is being forced to judge!
DAX
Farce?! Why do you call it that?
WARF
The Bajorans accuse the Cardassians of
the dishonour of killing defenceless
victims, like that girls' parents,
even though the Bajorans are guilty of
the same crime. It is the Bajoran's
hypocracy that I neither understand
nor tolerate!
DAX
I wouldn't try telling Kira that she's
as guilty as Dukat, if I were you!
(beat) Doesn't it matter that decades
of Cardassian brutality drove the
Bajorans to their acts of terrorism?
WARF
If the Cardassians- or anyone else-
dared occupy a Klingon planet, we
would kill thier soldiers in glorious
battle! We would not harm either
their or our own elders and children,
as the Bajorans have done in their
terrorist acts. There would be no
dishonour, only glorious conquest!
DAX
You almost sound sorry that you
didn't join Gowron in his campaign
against the Cardassians...
Warf dismisses Dax' teasing.
WARF
You are well aware of my opinion on
the Klingon Empire's attacking
Cardassia, Lieutenant!
Dax nods as they continue their exercises.
17 Quark's, by the dart board.
HOLLANDER
You know, Miles, Quark is right!
O'BRIEN
Hum? About what?
HOLLANDER
What do you say to the two of us
enjoying one of his erotic
holoprograms...?
O'Brien doesn't know what to say, and is self-conscious that Dala might be overheard.
HOLLANDER
Don't act so surprised! You know I
want you! I know you want me too!
O'BRIEN
Whoa! Wait a minute! You want to
try one of Quark's sick holoprograms?!
HOLLANDER
Ok, the holosuites are out. Then
come back to my quarters with me! You
won't regret it!
O'BRIEN
Keep your voice down! (beat) Look,
Dala, it's not that I don't... like you...
Hollander stops O'Brien by covering his mouth.
HOLLANDER
Shh. Don't talk yourself out of a
night such as you only dreamed of in
adolescent fantasies! Spend tonight
with me!
O'BRIEN
Tonight! No! I mean, it's way too
late! I should be in bed already!
HOLLANDER
Yes, with me. Tomorrow night, then.
O'Brien is clearly tempted but uneasy.
O'BRIEN
(whispers)
Ok, ok!
HOLLANDER
Yes! You're going to love it: dinner,
soft music, a fire, and then... You
know, I think you should hit the sack,
O'Brien! You'll need all your
strength tomorrow night!
18 Keiko's old school room, the next day. Sisko, Bashir, Kira, and Odo are present.
SISKO
Report.
KIRA
We've had... some success on Bajor,
Captain. Vedek Eskaia gave us a list
of Bajorans who have come forward
since D'Argan's plight was made
public. They are all survivors of
that time on Terok Nor.
ODO
We were able to interview all the
people on the list. Most of them
were unable to comment directly on
the crimes we're investigating, but
6 did remember various aspects of the
Tessaro's deaths.
Kira gives Sisko a data pad.
KIRA
Here's our report.
Sisko studies the pad briefly.
SISKO
Good. I'll study it before we
reconvene the trial. For now,
summarize.
Kira and Odo exchange looks.
SISKO
Why do I get the feeling that this
report is of no help...?
ODO
It's of some help, Captain. The 6
were consistent in their memories of
certain aspects of the crimes, despite
giving their testimonies independently
of each other. Most of them believed
that Miss Tessaro could not have
witnessed her parent's deaths, however.
SISKO
Explain.
KIRA
All 6 remembered the Tessaros being
killed by an explosion in the L wing
of Ore Processing, around 1600.
D'Argan would normally have been in
the Bajoran common quarters with the
other children.
ODO
But only 2 of the 6, a couple,
actually recall going to the Bajoran
quarters to find her. The wife says
she found Miss Tessaro with the
Vaatriks in their shop. The husband
disagrees, recalling that they found
Miss Tessaro in the common quarters.
SISKO
What does this new information tell
you about the accuracy of Miss
Tessaro's memories?
ODO
None of the 6 survivors doubt for a
second that Dukat was responsible.
KIRA
But, neither do any of them seem to
think Dukat was directly responsible
for the parent's deaths. While none
of them were surprised that there is
suspicion about the deaths, all seem
to think the Tessaros were the victims
of the shoddy Cardassian workmanship
on this station!
SISKO
So Miss Tessaro may be wrong about
her parent's deaths.
ODO
It would appear so, though we still
lack any hard evidence one way or
the other. I think that she really
believes her version of the story.
BASHIR
I agree. If she's lying, I don't
think it's conscious.
KIRA
Wait a minute! It would have been
just like the Cardassians to kill
some Bajorans at their sadistic
leisure and then report them as
'accident victims'! I'm willing to
bet that D'Argan's parents were
killed shortly before the 'accident',
and that Dukat used it as a
convenient way to hide his crime! Or
maybe Dukat wasn't the ringleader,
and it was some other Cardassian, but
I'm still convinced the Cardassians
are directly responsible!
SISKO
I think we all expect the worst of the
Cardassians, Major. But suspicions
without evidence have no place at this trial!
BASHIR
Here, Captain. Garak gave me this
last night.
SISKO
And this is...?
BASHIR
It seems to be the report of the
accident that Gul Dukat mentioned.
Garak assures me that it's
authentic, though of course he
wouldn't tell me where he got it.
Sisko puts the file into the computer and the four look at the report.
BASHIR
I've read the whole report. It starts
with the list you see there of the
Cardassian and Bajoran 'casualties'
, prepared by someone named Firek. It
also has the comments of both Dukat
and the second-in-command he
mentioned, Glin Rayeth. There is no
mention of blame or cause of the
'accident', and it would appear that
little if anything was left of the
victims to be buried, so there aren't
any bodies we can disinter to check
for cause of death.
KIRA
That report means nothing.
ODO
I agree. Knowing Dukat, he probably
wrote it on his way to the station!
SISKO
Do you have any evidence that Dukat
was involved in the parent's deaths?
Kira and Odo exchange looks again.
KIRA
(simultaneous with Odo)
Yes!
ODO
(simultaneous with Kira)
No.
KIRA
Maybe. Mrs. Vaatrik gave us a
different story.
SISKO
She supports Miss Tessaro's version
of the crimes?
KIRA
Yes. On all charges.
SISKO
But you have a problem with her
testimony, Constable?
ODO
Again, it's her word against Dukat's.
And she has nothing to lose and much
to gain from helping Winn convict Dukat.
KIRA
True, but I wonder if she knew things
the other Bajorans wouldn't have.
When she and her husband were on
Terok Nor, they were selling out
Bajorans to Dukat. She might have
known about Cardassian crimes because
of her own criminal involvement. She
vehemently accused Dukat of abusing
D'Argan while the girl was under her
husband's guardianship, and said that
they were powerless to stop him.
SISKO
Doctor, what did your examination of
Miss Tessaro reveal?
BASHIR
It's possible that the way Vedek
Eskaia helped Miss Tessaro
influenced her memories of the
crime. It appeared from the
medical file that Vedek Eskaia
may have projected her own
expectations onto Miss Tessaro.
KIRA
By that you mean that Vedek Eskaia
expected D'Argan to have suffered as
she did?
BASHIR
Yes, and Miss Tessaro fulfilled her
expectations.
KIRA
The Cardassians were... consistent in
the way they abused my people, Julian.
D'Argan's suffering is exactly the
same as hundreds of other Bajoran's
suffering. That doesn't mean her
memories are false or implanted!
BASHIR
True. And without the aid of a
telepath, or an empath, we won't be
able to tell. We could call in a
Betazoid or a Vulcan, if you think it
necessary, Captain.
KIRA
I doubt that Kai Winn will allow more
Federation outsiders into the trial.
Right now, I think she'd replace you,
if she could, Captain!
SISKO
I'm not surprised! Continue, Doctor.
BASHIR
As to Miss Tessaro herself, I found
extensive scars hidden under her
clothing. Miss Tessaro wondered if
the scars are from Dukat torturing
her, though she admitted she couldn't
remember what had caused them. It
wasn't Dukat: all her scars are too
new to be from the Occupation. And
according to her medical file, at
least some of the scars are from self-
inflicted wounds. When I did a
psychological assessment, I found
clear evidence of Post-Traumatic
Stress Disorder, but with symptoms
not fully consistent with the
suffering she remembers. Her
characteristics are far more
diagnostic of children being abused
by people they trust and need.
KIRA
So, it still comes down to our word
against the Cardassian's.
ODO
I think it would be best if Major
Kira and I could cross examine both
Dukat and Miss Tessaro.
SISKO
Major, do you think Winn will allow
that?
KIRA
I think so, but I'll have to ask her.
SISKO
Do so. If she agrees, advise her that
the trial will reconvene at 1300
hours. Constable, see that Dukat is
also alerted. Dismissed.
Fade out.
ACT V
19 Fade in to Keiko's old school room. Sisko, Kira, Odo, Bashir, Winn, D'Argan, Dukat,
and a security guard are present.
SISKO
This court is now in session. Let
the log show that new evidence has
been entered that necessitates
further questioning of Miss Tessaro
D'Argan and of Gul Dukat. Major Kira,
your questions.
KIRA
Thank you, Captain. D'Argan, we need
you to clarify a number of points.
Do you think you can do that?
D'ARGAN
I-I don't know. (pause) I'll try.
KIRA
You told us that Gul Dukat took you
from the Bajoran common quarters...?
D'ARGAN
Y-yes.
Kira activates a computer monitor which displays still pictures of a number of places on
DS9, including L wing, Ore Processing.
KIRA
These are pictures of various places
Dukat might have taken you. Do any
of them look familiar?
D'Argan tries to concentrate, looking repeatedly to Winn.
D'ARGAN
I'm not sure- (beat) Yes! Here!
Kira carefully shows the monitor, making sure Dukat cannot see what choice D'Argan has
made. Sisko, Odo, Kira, and Bashir react as D'Argan's choice matches the information
from the other Bajoran survivors.
KIRA
D'Argan, what time of day did Dukat
hurt you and kill your parents?
D'ARGAN
Tea time!
KIRA
Tea time? What, about 1500?
D'ARGAN
Yes! He said that his favorite treat
at tea time was Bajoran blood! And
he laughed... I'm haunted by his
laugh every time I close my eyes...
Again, the four officers react.
KIRA
What happened after he'd killed your
parents and hurt you? Do you know
what happened to your parent's bodies?
D'ARGAN
I don't remember! I don't know!
KIRA
It's alright, D'Argan; just do your
best. Mrs. Vaatrik claims she and
her husband adopted you. Is that true?
D'ARGAN
(very small voice)
Yes.
KIRA
What happened while you were under
Vaatrik's guard?
D'ARGAN
(PANIC!)
I don't know!!! I don't remember!!!
I don't remember!!!
KIRA
Did you tell the Vaatriks what
happened?
D'ARGAN
W-what happened...?
KIRA
Yes. To you and your parents?
D'ARGAN
I was afraid to tell anybody. No one
would believe me...
KIRA
Not believe you...? Why?
D'ARGAN
I don't know! I don't know!!
WINN
I fail to see how this is relevant!
Kira turns her attention to Dukat.
KIRA
Dukat, what time of day does your
'perfect memory' recall her parents
dying?
DUKAT
The report I received stated that the
accident occurred at about 1600 hours,
Major. It was no more specific than that.
Looks are exchanged as this information matches that of the other Bajoran survivors.
KIRA
The 'accident'. What accident?!
DUKAT
I was informed that a power relay
overloaded in the L wing of Ore
Processing. The energy surge
apparently ignited the uridium ore,
causing an explosion and then a fire.
The heat and smoke finished off the
Bajorans- and Cardassians!- that
survived the explosion.
KIRA
How many people died?
DUKAT
Everyone present, Major. Firek listed
25 Bajorans and 3 Cardassians.
KIRA
Why was the cause of the 'accident'
of so little concern that your report
never considered it..?
DUKAT
You've seen the report..? But, when
I looked for it prior to my arrival,
it was lost! Who gave it- Garak?!
KIRA
Just answer my question, Dukat.
DUKAT
The power systems were heavily taxed
throughout the ore processing
sequence. Power surges and failures
weren't that uncommon. Neither myself
nor Rayeth nor Firek had any suspicion
of Bajoran sabotage, despite the loss
of 3 Cardassians. As no inquiries-
Cardassian or Bajoran- were ever made,
the damage was repaired and the matter
dropped.
KIRA
But you didn't drop your persecution
of D'Argan, did you?
DUKAT
Major?
KIRA
Mrs. Vaatrik was very clear on how
you abused D'Argan while she was in
their care, and of how they were
powerless to stop you!
D'Argan panics as Kira speaks.
DUKAT
Mrs. Vaatrik is a criminal. She lied
to you, Major. Are Bajoran trials
always dependent on the testimony of
convicted felons?
WINN
How dare you! Emissary, do not
listen to this... criminal!
SISKO
Kai Winn, please be seated.
Kira looks as if she's going to retort, but she catches Sisko's eye and remains under control.
She nods at his unspoken question, indicating she is finished with her questions. Sisko
nods to Odo.
SISKO
Your questions, Constable.
ODO
Something has been puzzling me
throughout this entire trial...
Miss Tessaro, why do you seem little
more frightened of your accused
tormenter, than of the Captain, or
the Doctor, or of me...? And yet
you panic at each mention of the Vaatriks?
All react, with Bashir particularly struck as he realizes that abuse by Vaatrik rather than
Dukat would be more likely to cause the specific symptoms of Post-traumatic Stress
Disorder that D'Argan shows.
BASHIR
That's it! That makes sense! It was
Vaatrik not Dukat who abused D'Argan!
WINN
What are you saying?!
BASHIR
Her self-inflicted wounds, her
inability to interact maturely, her
low self-esteem, her feeling of being
powerless- all her pathological
characteristics are consistent with
abuse by a trusted guardian!
D'Argan is beside herself. Kira is still reacting to Bashir's revelation, but tries to calm her.
SISKO
Miss Tessaro, is that true?
WINN
Of course it's untrue, Emissary! A
Bajoran hurt this child, especially
one given responsibility for her
wellbeing...?! Nonsense!
SISKO
Kai Winn, I will have you ejected if
you answer for Miss Tessaro one more
time! Miss Tessaro, was it Vaatrik
and not Dukat who abused you?
D'Argan is too panicked to answer.
KIRA
Try to calm down, D'Argan. Now is
the time for honesty. Don't be afraid
to tell us the true cause of your pain.
D'ARGAN
Yes! Yes! It was him, Vaatrik!
(to Kira and Winn) I'm sorry! I'm
so sorry!
ODO
So your description of your parent's
deaths was all a lie?
D'ARGAN
N-no! I only lied about Vaatrik! It
was Vaatrik who took me to see my
parents die, and who, afterwards..
. afterwards... (beat) But Vaatrik
didn't kill my mother and father! I swear!
KIRA
D'Argan, did Dukat kill your parents?
D'ARGAN
Yes! Yes! Yes!
Both Odo and Kira step back, giving Sisko their attention. Sisko looks long and hard at
Dukat.
SISKO
Let the log show that Gul Dukat is
found innocent of the charge that he
raped and tortured Tessaro D'Argan.
The charges of rape, torture, and
murder of Tessaro Elar and Eshta are
hereby dismissed due to lack of
evidence. Gul Dukat, you are free
to go.
DUKAT
Thank you, Captain.
Winn seizes D'Argan and storms out.
20 The promenade, by the air lock where Dukat earlier entered custody on DS9. Kira and
Odo escort Dukat there, Odo and security guards ensuring the angry Bajoran crowd won't
hurt Dukat. Just before he leaves, Dukat turns back to Kira and laughs.
KIRA
I don't see what's so funny, Dukat!
DUKAT
Major! (laughs) When will you realize,
all's fair in love and war! Vaatrik
understood. He knew that we're not so
different, you and I.
KIRA
Get out.
DUKAT
As you wish. Oh, by the way, Major,
I laughed then too!
KIRA
What?!
DUKAT
We all did!
Dukat turns away as Kira and Odo react.
21 The living room of someone's quarters, set for romance. O'Brien gets a tray with two
glasses of champagne and fruit from the replicator, then turns back toward the room. He
moves toward a couch before a fire, handing one glass to a woman whose identity is not
seen. As he puts the tray on the table and joins the woman, KEIKO is revealed.
KEIKO
Miles, I can't believe you let this
Hollander woman think that you'd
spend tonight with her!
O'BRIEN
Well, when she propositioned me, I
had to say 'yes'! It's true! She's
the type of woman who doesn't take
'no' for an answer! Maybe this way,
she'll realize, as I did, that you're
the only woman for me!
KEIKO
Thank you for coming to Bajor, Miles.
O'BRIEN
I couldn't stay away.
THE END!
***Please note that D'Argan's character is based on attributes of incest survivors as
described in E. Sue Bloom's Secret Survivors and in Elizabeth Loftus' The Myth of
Repressed Memory. Also, Hollander's science project is easily modified to be a
continuation of the work presented in the episode "Rejoined" or changed to another aspect
of wormhole science altogether.***
PRONUNCIATION GUIDE
DALA DAH lah
TESSARO tess SAR oh
D'ARGAN DAR jon (soft j, as in Jean Luc Picard)
ESKAIA ez KYE ah
ELAR ee LAR
ESHTA esh TA
*DETAPAH This is meant to be the new governing council on Cardassia, as introduced
in the episode "The Way of the Warrior"
ALTERNATE TITLES
1. "War Crimes"
2. "Ghosts"
3. "Do Ghosts Tell Lies?" or "When Ghosts Lie"
4. "Do Ghosts Speak Truths?" or "Do Ghosts Tell Truths?"
5. "When Ghosts Stir" or "When Ghosts Cry"
6. "Love and War" or "All's Fair in Love and War"
Credits
Art For This Website Courtesy of Moyra:
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Last Updated February 17, 1998 by Lisa