TEASER

FADE IN:

EXT. SPACE

A Bajoran shuttlecraft flies past the camera. We can see thatit has taken some damage -- scorched hull plating, damagedsensor systems, dangling wires, etc. A ship that's less thanship-shape.

As the ship flies away and recedes into the distance we hear,very faintly in the background, a modulated, pulsing tone,like the carrier signal of a radio transmission.

CUT TO:

INT. BAJORAN SHUTTLE -- COCKPIT

We are looking at two screens, on the starboard wall. The topone is blown out, covered in spiderwebs of fractured glass;the bottom one shows a standard status display. For a moment,we hear the same modulated tone -- then it stops, and writingbegins flashing on the screen. Our angle, however, preventsus from reading it.

All is quiet for a moment, then...

TORAN (V.O.)Ow!

We slowly pan over to see TORAN NOA sitting in the starboardpilot's seat, wincing in pain. There is a deep scratch on hisleft cheek, which is being tended to by ELRIS LEA.

ELRISSorry.

TORANDo you have that dermal regeneratoron setting three?

ELRISSetting two, actually. The medkitmay have suffered damage, so I

don't want to take chances.

She works on it for a minute longer, then pulls herinstrument away. Toran's cheek looks normal, except for arapidly disappearing patch of red. Elris kisses it.

ELRIS (CONT'D)All better.

TORANThanks. Is Carter all right?

A pause, then they both turn and look toward the rear of thecockpit, where LEWIS CARTER is curled into a corner, shakingwith fear. Elris looks disgusted.

ELRISCarter's the same as ever.

Carter looks up at the sound of his name.

CARTERA-Are they g-gone?

ELRISThey've been gone for almost tenminutes now, Carter.

Carter looks around, then pulls himself to his feet and looksaround, wide-eyed, still trembling.

CARTERThey were trying to kill us. Theywere trying to kill us. Starfleetwas trying to kill us. They were--

ELRISThey didn't kill you, but I will ifyou don't pipe down!

Carter clamps his jaw shut. Elris gives him a contemptuouslook, then sits down in the pilot's seat next to Toran.

TORANYes, Lea, we did have to take himwith us.

ELRIS

I didn't ask.

TORANYou didn't have to. What about ournew friends out there? Still nosign of them?

Elris looks at a sensor readout.

ELRISNone. Looks like we lost them inthe Denorios belt. They're probablyon their way back to Bajor. Now ifsomeone would only tell him that.

She jerks her thumb in the direction of Carter, who has cometo look over her shoulder at the sensor screen.

CARTERThey're really gone? They're notmasking their signatures somehow,sneaking up on us?

ELRISThis is an active sweep, Carter.We're out of the Denorios belt, sothere's no way they can be nearbywithout our knowing it.

CARTER(relaxing a little)

So they're really gone?

ELRISWant a cookie?

Carter breathes a sigh of relief, and pulls himself upright.

CARTERWow.

(beat, rambling)Wow! What an adventure! Did you seethe way those two fighters swoopeddown on us? I thought we had it forsure! Were you scared, Doctor? Wellof course you were scared, whowouldn't be? But what a close callit was! I have to take down some

notes on this. What a story itwould be if this ever got out--

Elris stands, whirls on him, and grabs him by the throat.

ELRIS(slowly)

If you try to contact anyone aboutthis, little worm, your padd willbe stuffed down your throat. I'm adoctor. I know how to do it.Understand?

Carter makes a weak "urk" sound and nods. Elris lets him goand sits down again. Toran looks at her with bemusement.

TORAN(quietly)

I think we can contact thosefighter patrols and tell them notto bother. You and Carter are wellon the way to killing each other.

ELRISI can't tell you how much I hatethat man right now. Do you know howmany times in the last 26 hours healmost got us killed? Twice onBajor, at least once in orbit...

TORANHe didn't. That's the point. So thequestion is what we do now?

Carter pipes up from the rear of the cockpit.

CARTERNot get caught.

ELRISHe didn't ask you.

Toran sighs and calls up a status reading on his console.

TORANLife support and engines are innominal condition. I'm worriedabout our hull integrity, but as

long as we don't get into any morefire fights we should be okay. Isuppose the first question is whereto go.

ELRISVanika said that there was aresistance outpost in the Qissystem. That's seven lights yearsfrom here.

TORANAnd Vanika was captured. We have toassume that they know what sheknows. In fact, it would probablybe safer to leave the Bajoransector altogether.

CARTERUm, Doctors?

ELRISWe can't just leave! Our people arefighting for their freedom backthere!

TORANI know. But the fact is that we'rein no condition to help them. Rightnow Starfleet wants our heads on aplatter. We'd be an liability, notan asset.

CARTERGuys?

ELRISThat's no reason to turn our backs.

TORANLea, I know you want to dosomething. You think I don't? Myfamily is back there! But there'snothing we can do!

ELRISWell we're going to do something,because I'll be damned if I'm going

to just stand back and let Bajor--

Carter puts his fingers in his mouth and whistles piercingly.Toran and Elris looks at him, surprised and annoyed.

CARTERWhat is that?

He points. Elris and Toran look at the screen next to Toran'sseat, seeing for the first time that there is a messageflashing on the screen. We are now in a position to read it,and we zoom in on the message. It says,

IT'S AFTER MIDNIGHT.

DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR GLASS SLIPPER IS?

Their eyes widen. Toran slowly starts laughing in disbelief.Elris grins widely, whoops for joy and throws her arms aroundToran.

ELRISHe's alive!

CARTERWhat? Who's alive? What are youtalking about?

TORANThe message, Carter. It means thatthe Captain is alive.

ELRISIt means that Neil's alive! And wehave to find him!

They look at each other as we...

FADE OUT.

END OF TEASER

ACT ONE

FADE IN:

EXT. SPACE

A flattering shot of Station Epsilon. We slowly zoom in onthe docking ring as the Romulan warbird closes in and dockswith the station.

CUT TO:

INT. EPSILON -- DOCKING RING

NEIL CROSS and KIERAN MACGREGOR are standing in front of anairlock as the doors open. Cross looks from MacGregor to thehatch as he shuffles back and forth in anticipation.

MACGREGOR...by the way, we also justreceived a signal from the convoy.The new Council members will behere in a couple hours.

CROSSGood. The sooner we get the Chartersigned, the sooner the real battlecan take place.

MacGregor looks at him, eyebrow raised.

MACGREGORYou mean the battle at themediation table? Or is it a bitearly for that?

Cross looks at him, trying to determine whether or not he isjoking. Unable to tell, he turns back to the open airlock.

Then his eyes light up.

Flanked by two ROMULAN OFFICERS, one on either side, TALORA,decked out in full Romulan military uniform, appears in thehatch. Her eyes also light up as she sees Cross. Cross goesinto the airlock to meet her, making as if he is going to hugher... Then he looks at the stern-looking Romulansaccompanying her, and seems to think better of it.

Instead, he reaches forward and grasps her hands in his, bothof them smiling.

TALORAI see you're still in one piece inspite of my not being around,Captain.

Cross laughs.

CROSSJust barely, Commander, justbarely. Or is it Subcommanderagain?

TALORACommander is correct, in both ofour systems. Captain, I'd like youto meet Subcommander Miro, myexecutive officer, and LieutenantTarvek, chief engineer of theKarthos.

Cross nods at them and sizes them up. MIRO is tall and long-faced, with a perpetual scowl, while TARVEK is shorter andhas boyish features.

CROSSYou remember Councillor MacGregor,of course.

TALORAOf course. Good to see you, sir.

She shakes MacGregor's hand. MacGregor looks at her,unsmiling.

MACGREGORGood of you to join us, Commander.But I'm curious about the warbird;how did you persuade the Romulangovernment to give it to you?

MIROThey didn't.

MacGregor looks at the tall Romulan, startled.

MACGREGORI'm sorry?

TALORAAt least not officially. As youknow, the Romulan Empire has aprinciple similar to the PrimeDirective.

MACGREGORA principle which you have ahistory of breaking when it suitsyou.

Beat pause.

TALORATrue. But in this case, the Senatehas decided to abide by it. TheEmpire will remain neutral in thisconflict, which is by definitioninternal to the Federation.

TARVEKThat doesn't mean we can't takesides, though.

TALORAExactly. Several prominentofficials in the Empire, includingmy father, are willing to lendsupport to the Coalition... I thinkthe phrase is, "behind the scenes."As far as the official report isconcerned, I took command of theKarthos and went rogue. The Senatewill officially disavow my actionsfrom here on in.

MACGREGORBut this is it? One ship, maybe afew dozen men, and that's all theycan bother to send us?

Cross coughs and looks embarrassed. Talora looks atMacGregor, her eyebrows raised.

TALORAYou must understand ourpredicament, Councillor. On the one

hand, the Romulan Empire wants tohelp the Coalition. On the other,we can hardly risk exposingourselves. That would benefit noone.

MACGREGOR(grunting)

It's nice that you're on our side,but I would have hoped that you'ddo more than pay lip service to thecause.

Beat pause. Talora folds her arms and stares MacGregor down.Miro and Tarvek exchange puzzled glances.

TARVEKWe're not familiar with your idiom.What does it mean to "pay lipservice?"

CROSSCouncillor MacGregor feels thatyour assistance is only nominal,that it lacks real substance. Hisviewpoint is his own; for my part,I appreciate all the help we canget.

MacGregor glares at Cross.

MIROWith respect, Councillor, you aremistaken. The Karthos may be only asingle ship, but you wouldn't knowit to see it in battle. It has ourmost up-to-date defense systems,tactical simulations, and thefinest crew you'll find in theEmpire.

TALORAOf course, if we're not wanted, wecan take our ship and leave.

MACGREGOR(quickly)

That won't be necessary. As theCaptain says, we need all the helpwe can get.

Talora slowly steps forward until she is almost nose-to-nosewith MacGregor.

TALORAAre you sure? We wouldn't want youto feel insulted by our "lipservice."

MacGregor, seeming to shrink into himself, gulps and saysnothing. Talora looks at him for a moment longer, then turnsto Cross.

TALORA (CONT'D)Well, Captain, do I get a tour?

Cross grins, offers his arm with a flourish, and escortsTalora down the corridor. Tarvek follows; Miro stays behindto give MacGregor an appraising look. MacGregor looks up atthe tall Romulan.

MACGREGOR(quietly)

I really meant no offense, youknow.

Miro raises an eyebrow and says nothing.

CUT TO:

INT. BAJORAN SHUTTLE -- BACK ROOM

A small room that doubles as galley and sleeping quarters; apair of cots is laid out on the floor next to a computerterminal. Elris and Carter pace to and fro as Toran comesthrough the open hatchway leading to the cockpit.

TORANWe were right. It was an overridingall-points transmission, receivedeverywhere in the Federation. Ablanket signal that came up onevery terminal with a Federationtransponder.

Elris grins fiercely.

ELRISI knew he'd find a way!

Carter, confused, looks from Elris to Toran.

CARTERWould one of you mind letting me inon the big deal here? What does aglass slipper have to do withanything?

TORAN(patiently)

It's from an Earth folk tale thatLea told me about. "Cinderella." Apoor woman, harassed by her step-family, is visited by a fairygodmother--

CARTERI know the story. What about it?

TORANCinderella leaves the ball asmysteriously as she came, butleaves behind her glass slipper. Away to find her after the coach hasturned back into a pumpkin.

ELRISIt's a message we arranged.

TORANThe day before everything happenedon Earth, the Captain contacted usand gave us the glass slippermessage. He said that he wouldprobably have to disappear fromsight, and if and when he wassecure he would find a way to sendus the message.

CARTERAnd it means, what?

ELRIS

"I'm alive. Come and join me."

A pause as Carter takes this in. He nods, understanding.

CARTERAnd so without the message, youwould have to assume you wereoperating completely on your own.

ELRISExactly. But he found a way to getus the message -- did he ever!About a dozen of the Enterprisecrew know about it, and we can nowround up those who are still loyalto the Captain and join him.

TORANThose who are still alive.

Elris looks taken aback. A grim pause.

CARTERSo we join the Captain. Great.Where is he? And if the others arestill alive, where would they be?

ELRIS(nodding)

That's the hard part. Neil andDojar don't want to be found. Samewith Jen, Talora, Erik, Nat Stolt,Whedon, even Y'lan. These lastweeks, nobody has had a clue whereto find them.

TORANAnd Starfleet certainly has themotivation.

Carter sits down, shaking his head.

CARTERYou're saying that you, isolatedand hunted, have to each accomplishwhat Starfleet Intelligence can't?

Toran and Elris look at each other.

TORANPut it that way, it sounds likemore of a challenge than we'dthought.

ELRISI don't think we'll have to worrytoo much about that. All we have todo is get close enough to CaptainCross, and he'll find us.

CARTERWhat makes you say that?

ELRISHe told me so.

The three of them are quiet for a moment.

CARTERThis is crazy. You're putting a lotof faith in one man, you know that?He must be the most wanted personin the Alpha Quadrant, or close toit, but he'll merrily jaunt acrossa sector to pick you up? Is thatwhat you're saying?

ELRISI'm saying I believe in him.

CARTERI don't think that you're being--

They are interrupted by an alarm from the cockpit. The threeof them exchange looks, then bolt through the hatchwayinto...

CUT TO:

INT. BAJORAN SHUTTLE -- COCKPIT

Toran reaches the controls first, and glances at the readout.

TORANStarfleet patrol ship on long rangesensors.

ELRISHave they picked us up yet?

TORANNo; the sensors on this tub areoverdriven, so we have more rangethan they do. But they'll see usany second now.

ELRISGreat. Now what?

Toran frowns and thinks for a moment.

TORANQuickly, shut everything down.Everything but life support andpassive sensors.

Elris sits in the other seat and starts working the consolealong with Toran.

ELRISSilent running?

TORANIt's our best shot. Cut down ourpower emanations, and with any luckthey'll see us as just another hunkof metal in space.

ELRISMake sure you alter our field coilemissions, or they might match itto our warp trail from before.

TORANDone.

One by one, most of the screens in the cabin go dark and thelights are extinguished. In a moment, all is quiet. The threeshuttle passengers are now lit only by the sensor imagescreen, and the stars beyond the cockpit windows. The scenequickly becomes spooky.

ELRIS(whispering)

We should be in their sensor range

by now.

CARTER(whispering)

How will we know if they'vedetected us or not?

ELRIS(whispering)

I guess we won't, until they changecourse to intercept us.

TORAN(whispering)

Why are we whispering?

A pause as they look at each other, then Elris grunts a laughand the tension lifts slightly. On the sensor screen, theblip representing the patrol ship moves across the screen.Suddenly, it turns.

ELRISThey've altered course.

CARTERThey've spotted us!

TORANNo, wait... they're moving in rightangles from their previous course,and not coming directly at us. Itcould be a routine course change.

ELRISOr they could be moving closer toget a better look at us.

Toran shrugs mildly.

CARTERCan I just say...

ELRISNo.

CARTERThis really might be a good time toreconsider the "turn ourselves in"

option.

ELRISNo.

CARTERI mean, you've got to admit it'sbetter than getting blown into tinypieces by--

ELRISCarter, I will hit you.

Carter shuts up. The blip continues moving across the screenwith agonizing slowness. After a long moment, it moves pastthe shuttle's blip and off the screen.

Sighs of relief all around.

TORANWe'll wait five minutes, just to besafe, then we'll power up again.

Elris leans back and rubs at her temples.

ELRISThat felt too close. We can't stayin this sector any longer, not ifwe're going to find Neil.

CARTERWhere do we go? I mean, that's theproblem, Captain Cross could beanywhere. If Starfleet can't findhim, how will we?

ELRISWe won't get anywhere by stayinghere.

(beat)Neil said something about therimward sectors. That's where I'dbe looking for the rebellion,especially after the attack on theCyclops array. I think that's agood place to start.

Toran looks up.

TORANI've got a better idea.

ELRISWhat is it?

TORANEllensworld.

Elris looks puzzled. Carter looks between them.

CARTERThe Institute? Why there? That'scoreward of here, in the otherdirection.

TORANThere's a saying on Bajor: an hourof planning is worth a day ofacting. At the Institute we can laylow while we gather information,plan our next move.

Elris thinks, then shakes her head.

ELRISI see where you're going, but Idon't like it. It feels too muchlike we're wasting our time.

TORANI know you're anxious to find ourfriends, Lea. I am too. ButCarter's right -- Starfleet will belooking as hard as we will, andthey'll know he's in the rimwardsectors as well. We won't want tohang around on our own any longerthan we have to.

Elris bites her lip, looking uncertain. Toran leans over andputs a hand on her shoulder. She looks at him.

TORANTrust me.

A pause, then Elris sighs, squeezes his hand and nods. Toransmiles in reassurance, then turns back to the controls.

TORANPowering engines, setting coursefor Ellensworld.

CARTERRemind me again why I volunteeredto go to Bajor.

ELRISI think you call it a "scoop."

CARTERThe scoop, right. I wanted thescoop. Silly me.

He wanders off as the cabin lights come up and Toran turnsthe shuttle toward another part of the stars.

CUT TO:

INT. EPSILON -- COMMAND CENTRE

Cross and Talora appear out of a turbolift into the CommandCentre, which contains the usual assortment of stationmembers at various positions.

CROSSLast stop, Command Centre. Backwhen this was a mining station,this room was the particle cannoncontrol point; now it's used tooversee operations for the entirestation.

Talora does not look particularly impressed.

TALORAExactly how old is this station?

CROSSLet's see. The oldest part is theconverted mining section, and theSejrekans built that about, oh,fifty years ago. The scientificmodules were added later on, but itwas all abandoned when the particlecannon became obsolete and the

mining operation was suspended.

TALORAAbandoned for how long?

CROSSAbout twenty years, I guess. Untilthe Sejrekans and colonists fromKraxton II and Cassandra V camehere last year.

TALORASo the military headquarters forthe rebellion is a de factoderelict space station?

CARLAI'm sorry we don't meet with yourapproval.

They look. CARLA PETRUCCI has entered the CC, unnoticed. Sheis looking at Talora with a distinctly unfriendly expression.Cross coughs.

CROSSCommander Talora, this is CarlaPetrucci, commanding officer ofEpsilon.

Talora nods politely as Carla approaches them.

TALORAI did not mean it as a criticism; Irecognize that you are doing thebest you can under rather difficultcircumstances.

CARLA(dryly)

Thanks a whole lot.

TALORAHowever, a Romulan organizationwould be much more efficient andorganized. We would have a clearlydefined chain of command for onething. Also a clear network oflogistical support from the worlds

who participate in this endeavour,instead of scraping by on whatevercomes your way.

CARLAWe make do.

TALORAI'm sure you do.

CARLAYou have to admit, however, thatour ability to remain hidden fromFederation forces is quite good.

(sarcastically)One might say it's almost Romulan.

Cross once again looks embarrassed. Talora is unaffected bythe sarcasm.

TALORAIndeed, your stealth is currentlyyour greatest advantage. It is atribute to your leadership that youhave remained hidden while yougather your supplies and militaryforce; as things currently stand,you pose absolutely no threat toStarfleet.

Carla's eyes widen. Her lips tighten.

CARLA(icy)

Captain, tell your friend thatwhile we appreciate her stoppingby, we don't need defeatists onthis station.

She turns on her heel and storms out of the CC. Cross shakeshis head, grimacing. Talora frowns and turns to him.

TALORAI don't understand her attitude. Iwas telling the truth, nothing moreor less.

CROSS

Sometimes the truth is the lastthing we want to hear.

TALORA(nodding)

How true.

CROSSDon't worry about Carla. She justhas a lot on her mind right now --I guess we all do. She'll comearound in time.

Talora smiles a little, and shakes her head.

TALORAI've met people like her onRomulus. She's the type of personwho doesn't trust anyone unlessthey've proven themselves.

Cross looks at her.

CROSSYou have nothing to prove to me,you know.

TALORAI know, Captain, and I appreciatethat. But Commander Petrucci is adifferent story, and I fear thatothers in this rebellion will besimilarly--

She is interrupted by a beeping from one of the consoles.Cross looks, and walks over to join a rating named FELIX whois standing there. Talora follows as he looks at the screen,sizing up the situation.

CROSSDistress signal?

FELIXOur convoy carrying the new Councilmembers. They've spotted aStarfleet patrol -- it's changedcourse toward them. Interception ineighteen minutes.

CROSSAny data on the patrol?

FELIXAdvanced Akira class, looks likefull armament.

CROSS(dismayed)

The Rubicon can't stand againstthat much firepower, especially ifreinforcements are en route. Do wehave anything else that can getthere in time?

FELIXNo, sir.

(beat)Unless you count that Romulan shipthat docked a while ago.

Cross and Felix both look at Talora.

CROSSYou say you need to prove yourself,Talora. This is your chance. Howabout it?

Talora looks at the display screen showing the Akira closingin on the diplomatic convoy. She looks up at Cross.

TALORACare to come along, Captain?

CROSSI wouldn't miss it, Commander.

They smile at each other, and Talora thumbs her communicationwristpad as they walk to the turbolift.

TALORAMiro, Tarvek, report to the Karthosimmediately.

(beat)Should we tell Commander Petrucci?

They enter the turbolift. Cross shakes his head.

CROSSWe'll surprise her. Docking ring.

The turbolift doors close and we...

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT ONE

ACT TWO

FADE IN:

EXT. SPACE

A trio of small vessels -- they look like passenger vessels,and no armament is obvious on them -- are moving information. In the distance, a Starfleet vessel can be seenapproaching them.

CUT TO:

INT. PAXTON'S SHIP -- BRIDGE

A small, cramped bridge with poor lighting. Several men aresitting or standing at consoles. One of them, GEORG PAXTON,is shaking his head as he looks at main viewscreen.

PAXTONThis is not good. O'Day, still noword from Epsilon?

A crewman, O'DAY, looks up from his console.

O'DAYNothing. They've gone dark.

PAXTONI don't blame them. Options?

O'DAYWe can't run, and we can't fight. Isay we try to bluff our way out.

CREWMAN #2Sir, they're hailing us.

Paxton smiles grimly.

PAXTONGuess that's what it comes down to.On speakers.

A crackle of static, then...

VOICE ON SPEAKERThis is the Federation starshipMitsukake calling unidentifiedconvoy. Cut your engines andprepare to be boarded.

Paxton takes a deep breath.

PAXTONHi there, Mitsukake. I'm CaptainPaxton, and this is my ship. We'reon a trading mission, carryingmechanical parts and holosuiteprograms to Dorias Prime. We're notwell-equipped, but if your ship isexperiencing difficulties, ofcourse we'll lend any assistance wecan.

A pause. O'Day groans.

O'DAYI said bluff it out, not piss themoff.

VOICE ON SPEAKERConvoy vessel, I repeat: cut yourengines and prepare to be boarded.

PAXTONTo what end? We're not in the habitof stopping for strange ships.

VOICE ON SPEAKEROn the authority of Starfleet, yourvessels will be searched, and youand your crew detained forquestioning.

PAXTON

Mitsukake, we are Federationcitizens, travelling throughFederation space, and as such weare protected under the FederationCharter's guarantee againstunwarranted search and seizure.What is the basis for your request?

A beat pause, then on the viewscreen we see the Akira firephasers across Paxton's ship's bow. Paxton sighs grimly.

PAXTONSo much for the Bill of Rights.

VOICE ON SPEAKERThere will not be another warningshot, convoy vessel. Cut yourengines now.

On the screen, the Akira grows closer. The Bridge crew lookat Paxton.

CREWMAN #2Orders, Captain?

Paxton stands upright, sets his jaw.

PAXTONPrepare to--

O'DAYCaptain, I'm reading a tachyonsurge off our port bow.

PAXTONSource?

O'DAYIt's... What the hell?

PAXTONWhat?

O'DAYThere's a Romulan warbirddecloaking 400 meters from us!

CUT TO:

EXT. SPACE

Sure enough, a Romulan warbird appears out of nowhere, andpulls alongside the lead vessel. As it does so, the Akirahalts its approach.

CUT TO:

INT. KARTHOS -- BRIDGE

A spacious Bridge with top-of-the-line equipment. Crossstands next to Talora, seated in the command chair; Miro isat tactical, and various other Romulans are at the otherpositions.

ROMULAN CREWMAN #1We're in position, Commander.

TALORAVery good. Miro, can we extend ourshields around the entire convoyfrom this position?

MIROYes, Commander, just barely.

TALORAProceed.

Beat pause.

MIROShields extended. The Starfleetvessel is hailing us, Commander.

TALORANo response.

Cross looks at her.

CROSS(quietly)

Do you plan to take any offensiveaction?

TALORANo.

Cross's eyebrows furrow in puzzlement, but he says nothing.

MIROStarfleet vessel hailing us again,Commander. They demand to know ourintentions.

TALORANo reponse.

Pause.

MIROThey're powering up weapons andtargeting phasers.

TALORATake no action. Ignore themcompletely.

Miro looks as puzzled as Cross, but he nods.

MIROAye, Commander. Take no action.

Cross leans in close to Talora and speaks to her in hushedtones.

CROSSWhat exactly are you doing?

TALORAIt's simple, Captain. In an even-handed fight, that ship is no matchfor this warbird. If her captain ishalfway intelligent, he knows it,so he'll be doing what I would do:try to provoke us into action sothat we'll abandon the convoy.

CROSS(nodding)

But on this warbird, cooler headswill prevail.

TALORAExactly.

The ship ROCKS just then, as the Akira fires her phasers atthe warbird.

ROMULAN CREWMAN #1Evasive maneuvers, Commander?

TALORANegative! Stay right where you are,Sublieutenant! Miro, damage?

MIROShields holding, Commander. They'refiring again.

The ship ROCKS again. Cross grabs the arm of Talora's chairfor support.

MIROShields still holding.

CROSS(quietly)

If you continue to do nothing,they'll take down our shieldseventually.

TALORAMiro, how far away are theCoalition reinforcements?

MIROThree minutes, Commander.

Talora looks at Cross and grins slightly.

TALORANot in the next three minutes,Captain. We've diverted all powerto shields; there's no way they canget through them before yourfriends arrive. They can't win andthey know it.

The ship ROCKS under phaser fire yet again.

CROSSSo for the next three minutes, weexecute Operation Ignore and wait

them out.

TALORAExactly.

CUT TO:

EXT. SPACE

The Akira and the warbird stare at each other across space,the convoy vessels huddled behind the warbird. The Akirafires a couple more times, but the shots are easily absorbedby the warbird's shields.

A long pause...

Then, slowly, the Akira backs away.

CUT TO:

INT. KARTHOS -- BRIDGE

Miro, looking at his console, smiles in satisfaction.

MIROStarfleet vessel moving away,Commander.

CROSSThey don't want to be here when ourfriends show up. Very nicely done,Commander. You've resolved theencounter with no casualties oneither side, and with us havinggained a small psychologicaladvantage -- I know if I were onthat ship I'd be frustrated as allhell.

TALORAYes. Well, let's hope it's enoughto impress them. Subcommander,contact the convoy, tell them we'llbe pleased to escort them toStation Epsilon.

MIROAye, Commander.

Talora looks at Cross.

TALORAThat ship will report what happenedto its superiors. Starfleet willcontact the Romulan government, andthey'll be forced to officiallytell them we're a rogue ship. Youmight say we've passed the point ofno return.

CROSS(nodding)

I understand. If it makes you feelbetter, though, you have plenty ofcompany.

Talora smiles a little at that, and leans back in her chair.

TALORASet course for Epsilon.

CUT TO:

EXT. SPACE

We are elsewhere in the Quadrant, hovering over a blue-whiteworld that is mostly ocean. This is Ellensworld. In orbitabove it, hundreds of ships from all over the Alpha Quadrantare in parking orbit; Federation ships, Romulan, Klingon,Cardassian, Tholian, and many others. A gathering of allnations, owned by none.

We can just make out a small Bajoran shuttle pull into aninconspicuous spot alongside other vessels.

CUT TO:

EXT. ELLENSWORLD, BEAULIEUX MOUNTAIN RANGE

Sheer mountains, reaching kilometers into the sky, as far asthe eye can see. Nestled into the face of several of thesemountains we a collection of buildings that is EllensworldInstitute.

CUT TO:

INT. ELLENSWORLD INSTITUTE -- FOYER

A spacious atrium, where dozens of people from all races arecoming and going. Some are students, some are professors,some are independent scholars, and there are even a fewtourists here to see one of the most distinguished centers ofhigher learning in the Quadrant.

Off to one side, three figures materialize in Bajorantransporter beams: Elris, Toran and Carter. No one takes anynotice of them. They look at their surroundings, then look ateach other.

ELRISWell, at least we don't attractattention to ourselves here. Thisis quite a diverse crowd.

TORANI spent a year here doingundergraduate work. Ellensworld isin Federation space, but is notactually a part of the Federation.We're in neutral territory here.

As he speaks, a pair of Starfleet security officers withphaser rifles walk past -- like everyone else, they do notnotice the three of them. Carter eyes the security officersnervously.

ELRISRelax. Their ship is probablyattached to this sector. I doubtanyone here is looking for us.

CARTERI hope you're right. So now what?

They start walking toward one of the archways leading toother parts of the Institute.

TORANI suggest we split up. I shouldstill have level two access to thelibrary computers, so I'll grab aterminal and do some research. Thetwo of you can mix in with thecrowd, keep your ears open forinformation, rumors, what have you.

CARTERNow that I can do.

ELRISI don't know -- sounds like a wasteof time to me.

CARTERFrom what I can tell, the growinginsurgency in the rimward sectorsis one of the hot-button topicsaround here.

TORANIt'll be okay. Come and find me inthe main library if you find outanything, okay?

Elris nods, looking less than happy. Toran squeezes her hand.

TORANIt'll be okay.

He smiles reassuringly, then walks away through one of thearchways, quickly disappearing in the milling crowd. Elrisand Carter watch him go, then turn to go down anothercorridor.

CARTERYou know, I hear they have anexcellent cafe here. Maybe we cangrab a couple of raktajinos andwatch the news from there.

ELRIS(quietly)

Carter, now that we're alone, Ijust want to say this...

She turns to him. He looks at her expectantly.

CARTERYes?

ELRISIf you try anything, I will killyou. Literally kill you. Got it?

She turns and walks ahead. Carter's eyebrows are raised.

CARTER(to himself)

Is it wrong that I'm totally turnedon whenever she does that?

He jogs to catch up with her.

CUT TO:

EXT. SPACE

Near Epsilon. The Karthos is docked, and as we watch theconvoy ships take positions of their own at the dockingports.

CUT TO:

INT. EPSILON -- DOCKING RING

Cross and Talora are walking down the long circular corridor.

CROSSThey should be just down here. Butyes, I do think Carla will beimpressed with your initative andyour quick thinking.

They come around the curve and run into Carla, who standsthere with arms folded, looking unbelievably pissed off.

CROSS...or not.

CARLAWhat the hell were the two of youthinking!?

TALORAI can't speak for the Captain, MissPettruci, but personally mythoughts went along these lines:"That convoy may be destroyed. Ishould do something about it."

CARLADon't be a smart-ass with me!

TALORAI was answering your question tothe best of my ability. Excuse me.

She walks past Carla, disregarding her. Carla and Cross moveto catch up with her.

CARLAYou went out there withoutauthorization. You should have atleast cleared it with me. And then,when you got there, you had aperfectly good chance to destroy anenemy ship, and you didn't!

They come to another docking port, where MacGregor andseveral station crew members are there to escort men andwomen in ambassadorial garb, the Councillors, as well as theconvoy crew from the ships. Most of them are concerned withthe offloading of vessels, but Paxton notices Talora andwalks in her direction.

TALORAWe were not in a combat situation.

CARLAThe hell you weren't! I receivedCross's report a few minutes ago --that ship fired on you!

TALORAThe incident was resolved.

CARLAAnd that ship may be back, anddestroy who knows how many of ourships, or maybe even this station,because when you had a chance to

destroy it you didn't!

MacGregor hears the shouting, and walks toward them. Paxtonlooks at Talora.

PAXTONYou commanded the warbird outthere?

TALORAI did.

Paxton grins broadly and extends his hand.

PAXTONWhatever the Ice Lady here maythink, you did all right out there.You saved our bacon, and you'vemade at least one new friend today.

Talora nods in appreciation and shakes Paxton's hand. Carla,looking incredulous, storms off and leads a group of confusedCouncillors off in the direction of the main station.MacGregor looks after them, then looks at Talora and shrugsin apology.

MACGREGORWe're on a war footing, and I guessdecisions never come easy. But forwhat it's worth, I also think youdid well out there.

TALORAThank you.

She looks at Cross, who grins and gives her an "I told youso" look.

MACGREGORAnyway, it looks like all theCouncillors from the Coalitionmember worlds made it in one piece.That's what counts. Now we can sitdown at the table and draw up along-term strategy.

The four of them walk off together.

CUT TO:

EXT. ELLENSWORLD, BEAULIEUX MOUNTAIN RANGE

A flattering shot of the Institute.

CUT TO:

INT. ELLENSWORLD -- LIBRARY

A cavernous room, filled with bookshelves and computerterminals. There are many people in this room, but it isquiet; all activity is somewhat muted, as one might expectfrom a library.

From above, we close in on Toran heading toward a quietcorner of the room, away from the well-travelled part. Hefinds a terminal, well apart from any other computer user,and sits down. Drawing a breath and looking around to see ifanyone is watching him -- no one is -- he activates theterminal. The screen lights up.

COMPUTER VOICEWelcome to the EllensworldInstitute Main Library. Please notethat access is restricted toInstitute members, students, andassociated personnel. If you wouldlike temporary guest access, pleasesee an assistant Librarian.Otherwise, please enter youridentity code to proceed.

Toran taps the console. A beat pause.

COMPUTER VOICEIdentity confirmed. Welcome back toEllensworld, Dr. Toran. Your lastaccess was Stardate 77473.8. Howcan I assist you today?

Toran takes another breath, another look around, then bendsdown to the terminal and starts working at it.

CUT TO:

INT. ELLENSWORLD -- CAFE

A large seating area with a serving counter on one end, seton an expansive balcony with a breathtaking view of themountains. The usual throng of people are gathered here,seated at tables, milling about and chatting with people hereand there. We notice Elris and Carter making their way slowlythrough the crowd toward the counter. As they move, we catchbits and pieces of conversation . . .

VOICE #1...finished the geological surveyreport, and I must say I amdisappointed with the quality of...

VOICE #2...on the contrary, I find Drange'sFinal Theorem to be a compellingargument for...

VOICE #3...saw it, but I don't understandit. These rebels can't be verycomfortable going around infootwear made of glass...

VOICE #4...the cube root of G sub h, wefind that the tertiary supersetconsists of an astounding arrayof...

VOICE #5...no, I don't take them veryseriously. Starfleet will crushthem in no time...

VOICE #6...the Solos Expedition Report?It's extraordinary! The science isfirst rate, and it reads like aJake Sisko novel! I'll try to getyou a copy...

VOICE #7...Dorias Sector. I hear they'rebuliding a fleet there, and it's

only a matter of time before theycome out in the open...

Elris stops in her tracks just short of the serving counter.

ELRIS(quietly, to Carter)

Dorias Sector. That's the thirdtime I've heard that mentioned. Hassomeone tracked the resistancethere?

CARTERBeats me. I'm hearing what you'rehearing.

They step up to the serving counter. Carter cheerfully turnsto a clerk and places an order out of earshot as Elris turnsto scan the crowd. Nobody is taking notice of them. Her eyesfall, eventually, on a pair of Starfleet officers in the farcorner. She eyes then nervously, then turns back to Carter,who is holding a cup of raktajino out to her.

ELRISThanks. I hope I'm wrong, though...I hope they haven't tracked himdown.

CARTERThey haven't.

ELRISHow do you know?

CARTERNeil Cross, captured? That would bethe only thing being talked aboutin this room. I haven't heard hisname once so far. I'm sure he's allright.

ELRISYou really do?

CARTERWant a cookie?

And Carter holds a plate of dark blue cookies out to her. Shelooks at them, then at him.

CARTERWe didn't have any on the shuttle,so I just figured...

Elris laughs, somewhat incredulously, then gives him herstandard contemptuous look, snatches a cookie and turns away,biting into it. Carter hides a smile. A pause.

ELRISYou know, it doesn't seem likewe're accomplishing much this way.We're not getting anything but bitsand pieces, and what news we'veseen in the lounge monitors so far.

CARTERIf you have a better idea, I'm opento it.

ELRIS(sighing)

I don't, really. I never thoughtI'd say this, Carter, but we coulduse your camera right now; we couldpick things up and go back overthem later. Too bad you lost it.

CARTERAu contraire.

Elris, frowning in confusion, looks at Carter. He smiles ather smugly, leaning casually on the counter and holding acookie. Elris stares at him, then shakes her head.

ELRISWhat?

Carter points to a tiny label pin on his shirt collar. Elrispeers at it -- it looks like a tiny Earth. No holes or lensesare visible.

ELRISThat's supposed to be a camera?

CARTER

It is a camera. The newestinnovation in nanotechnology -- thelens is less than two micronsacross, and the storage unit holdsup to 800 hours of footage.

Beat pause.

ELRISAnd it's been recording this wholetime?

CARTERWell, on and off on Bajor -- thepower unit needs recharging quiteoften, unfortuantely -- but it hasbeen on since we set foot onEllensworld, yes.

She looks at him, and slowly shakes her head.

ELRISCarter... all those mean things Isaid about you earlier?

CARTERYes?

ELRISI meant every word of them.

She turns away.

CARTER(dryly)

You're welcome.

He bites into a cookie as Elris scans the cafe again. Onceagain her eyes fall on the pair of Starfleet officers...

...and one of them is looking right back at her. Elrisquickly turns away. Carter, meanwhile, is staringthoughtfully into his raktajino.

CARTERYou know, just being in a room likethis would make for a great "voxpopuli" segment on FNN. All I'd

need is some decent editingsoftware, and this button-cam, andit's hello, Earth!

A pause. Carter looks thoughtful.

CARTERIt's too bad. I could really havedone some great--

Elris, meanwhile, casts her eyes back to the Starfleetofficers... who have stood from their table and are nowwalking in their direction. Elris goes rigid and pulls onCarter's sleeve. He looks around, follows her gaze to theStarfleet officers, and goes pale.

CARTEROh no. Now what?

Elris looks around -- nowhere to hide, too late to run, andit's obvious they wouldn't get far anyway. There is nothingfor them to do but stand their ground and face the Starfleetofficers as they walk directly toward them and we...

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT TWO

ACT THREE

FADE IN:

INT. ELLENSWORLD -- CAFE

As before. Elris and Carter look warily at the two Starfleetofficers -- they are close enough to see that one of them ishuman, one is Vulcan, both are wearing gold securityuniforms. They stand in front of Elris and look at her. Abrief moment of silence.

Then the human officer grins at Elris.

HUMAN SECURITY OFFICERDo I know you from somewhere?

Elris blinks in surprise.

ELRISAh... I don't think so.

HUMAN SECURITY OFFICERAre you sure? 'Cause you lookawfully familiar to me.

Carter, puzzled, looks from the officer to Elris. Elris, alook of comprehension slowly coming across her face, smiles.

ELRISIf we'd met before, I'm sure I'dremember.

HUMAN SECURITY OFFICERYou're probably right. A face ascharming as yours would be hard toforget.

Carter, putting two and two together, looks away from them,his face a mixture of relief, bemusement and incredulity. Wecan almost see a similar expression on the Vulcan's placidface.

ELRIS(modestly)

I get that a lot.

HUMAN SECURITY OFFICERSo, is this your first time onEllensworld?

ELRISYes, actually. We wanted to see thesights around here, Lewis and I.

She indicates Carter, who smiles weakly at the Starfleetofficers and turns back to his cookies. The human officergives him no more than a fleeting glance.

HUMAN SECURITY OFFICERWell, there are some magnificentsights here. Have you walked downthe Beaulieux Trail, north of theInstitute? It's rumored to be thebest mountain view anywhere in thesector. If you're going to be herea while, perhaps I could show you.

The grin never leaves his face. Elris looks at him, wide-eyed.

ELRIS(slowly)

Well... you've caught me bysurprise here. I mean, I don't evenknow your name.

The human feigns a shocked expression.

HUMAN SECURITY OFFICERYou're right! Forgive myinexcusable lack of manners.Lieutenant Paul Zacharias, starshipMagellan, at your service. Mycompanion here is Lieutenant Xirek.

XIREKHow do you do.

Elris shakes both of their hands.

ELRISPleased to meet you. Danor Vanikaof Bajor, and this is Lewis Avery.

(beat)My husband.

Zacharias's smile vanishes. Carter's eyes, turned away fromthe officers, pop wide open for an instant. Under thecounter, Elris kicks Carter's shin. He relaxes a little, thenturns around, a wide grin plastered on his face.

CARTERCharmed.

Zacharias looks at Xirek -- who looks, for a Vulcan, veryamused -- and back at Elris and Carter.

ZACHARIAS(clearing throat)

Well. I must seem like the jackassof the Federation right now.

ELRISOh, not at all! In fact, I'm ratherused to this kind of attention.

CARTERYou might say we both are.

ELRISThat's right, sweetie.

Carter laughs, and throws his arm around Elris's shoulders.Elris's face freezes for instant, then her smile broadens andshe puts her arm around Carter's waist. Zacharias coughs.

ZACHARIASI see. Married recently, then?

CARTERTwo weeks ago, actually.

ELRISThat's right. You might say this ispart of our honeymoon, in fact.

XIREKCongratulations to you. I hopeyou're enjoying yourself onEllensworld.

Beat.

ELRISOh, absolutely. Just a wonderfulplace to visit.

CARTERJust like I told you it would be,dear.

ELRISYes you did, my sweet.

Still smiling, she turns to Carter, leans in and gives him akiss -- a big, long, wet, sloppy, grandstanding smooch.Zacharias seems to shrink into himself. He looks at Xirek,unhappily, but finds no comfort in the Vulcan's serene face.Elris and Carter finally break the kiss and look atZacharias, still smiling. He coughs again.

ZACHARIASWell. Nice to meet you both.

CARTERLikewise, I'm sure.

XIREKEnjoy the rest of your stay. Andcongratulations once again.

ELRIS(sweetly)

Thank you.

Zacharias and Xirek walk away together, Zacharias shaking hishead. Once they're safely out of eyeshot, Elris and Carterlet out sighs of relief, not looking at one another. A longmoment passes.

CARTERWell.

ELRISYeah.

Another long moment. Both of them avoid looking at eachother; around them, the cafe patrons carry on their business,oblivious.

ELRISI'm gonna go be sick.

She shrugs off Carter's arm, bolts up out of her chair andwalks away quickly. Carter watches her go, and stares intospace for a moment. Then he chuckles quietly and does alittle shuffle on his stool.

CUT TO:

EXT. SPACE

Another flattering shot of Epsilon among the asteroids.

CUT TO:

INT. EPSILON -- CROSS'S QUARTERS -- LIVING ROOM

This small cabin is neither as large nor as well-furnished asthe Captain's Quarters on the Enterprise, but it looks cozy,

is far from uncomfortable, and commands a close-up view ofseveral nearby asteroids.

Talora sits on the couch, looking relaxed, as Cross retrievestwo Saurian brandies from the replicator.

CROSSI remember the first time I toldher about Cinderella. She wasn'tthat impressed.

Talora half-smiles as Cross hands her a glass and sits downin a chair opposite her.

TALORANeither was I, to be honest. WeRomulans prefer our folk-taleheroes to be active, to achieve adesired goal through their ownpains and efforts. Between herstepmother, her fairy godmother andPrince Charismatic--

CROSSPrince Charming.

TALORA--Cinderella was little more than apassive observer to the events inher life.

CROSSThat's exactly what Lea said.Almost word for word.

(beat)Still, who doesn't enjoy a folktale? In fact, our folk tales havecome in handy recently -- did youknow we have a Tamarian aboardEpsilon?

Talora's eyebrows raise.

TALORAI thought the Federation didn'thave official diplomatic relationswith the Children of Tama.

CROSSThey don't, and it's a long story.I hope you'll get a chance to meethim -- his name is Githal, and he'sa maintenance crewman. He's one ofthe guys responsible for keepingour replicators running. Speakingof which, we're on a limitedreplicator energy budget here, soenjoy that brandy.

Talora smiles, and they sips their brandies. A comfortablepause.

CROSSWhen did we ever do this?

TALORADo what?

CROSSThis. What we're doing right now.Oh, we've had our talks in the past-- but when was the last time welounged around in my quarters andtalked over drinks?

Talora considers this.

TALORAYou're right, Captain -- I don'tbelieve we've ever done that.

Cross winces.

TALORAWhat is it?

CROSSYou called me Captain.

(beat)It's time to face the facts,Talora: I'm not a Captain anymore.I lost my Starfleet rank when Ilost Starfleet, and I don't have aship to command any more.

TALORA

Surely the Coalition has a chain ofcommand with Captain in it?

CROSSOnly a very loose one at themoment. The vast majority of peopleon Epsilon are civilians.

TALORAWell... you have the Magnus.

Cross looks at her, then laughs.

CROSSI'll let you in on a little secret-- the Magnus practically fliesherself! She was meant as apleasure boat, to be flown when theCaptain didn't really feel likeworking. The Rubicon is a bit moretricky, but still flyable by anyfirst-year rating. I'm no Captain,not any more. You have more claimto the title than I do.

TALORA(slowly)

Maybe you don't think of yourselfas a Captain anymore. But to thepeople who have come to know you,you'll always be the Captain. Likeit or not. It's a sign of respect,of admiration. It's who you are.

Cross looks away for a moment, thinking. Then he looks back,and nods.

CROSSI can live with that. As long aswhile we're here, alone, having abrandy together, it's Neil and notCaptain.

TALORA(smiling)

Whatever you say.

She leans forward to clink her glass against Cross's, and

they drain their glasses. Cross takes her glass, stands upand puts the glasses on a nearby table. As he walks back tohis chair, Talora's eyes fall on something else lying on thetable. It is a leather case, satchel-sized, with something init. She looks from it to Cross.

TALORAIs that...?

Cross looks at the case.

CROSS(softly)

Yeah, that's it.

TALORAAre you ever going to take it out?

A long pause.

CROSSI don't know.

(beat)I suppose I will, eventually. Itdeserves to be hung in our reclounge, where everyone can see it.But right now...

TALORA(nodding)

I understand.

CROSSThanks.

He sinks back down into his chair and sighs.

CROSSIt seems lately that I just havetwo modes of existence: moody, ornasty. I'm much more active than Iwas... but there's a lot of painand frustration, and instead ofsulking I'm taking it out oneveryone here. They respect mehere, as you say, but they don'tlike me, and who can blame them?

A beat pause.

TALORAYou don't have a Counselor on thestation?

CROSSNone.

TALORAWell, then, I seem to have arrivedjust in the nick of time.

They laugh at that.

CROSSYou deserve more than to be myunpaid therapist. Look at you -- afull Commander, with a fine shipunder your command.

TALORAIt was something of a politicalappointment. The Imperialcommanders who are in on our schemedidn't warm to the thought of aD'Vorx warbird being indefinitelyattached to a Subcommander.

(beat)I always knew I'd make Commandersomeday, I suppose. I was justhoping that it would be on mymerits.

CROSSIt is on your merits. You're theperfect person for this job, andyou deserve no less than what youwere given.

Talora looks uncertain, but she smiles in gratitude.

TALORAMost kind, Neil. I suppose thingshave happened so fast these lastfew months that I haven't been ableto catch up with it.

CROSSTell me about it. You know, thelast thing that I can remember thatisn't a blur is probably the peaceconference with the Dominion. Ormaybe... maybe it was Cardassia.Either way, it feels like I went tobed, and woke up here, on this rustbucket of a station with arebellion to care for and a majorplanetary alliance to save.

(beat)When historians look at SanFrancisco, I suppose they'll callit the first shot fired in theFederation Civil War.

(beat)But it feels like a dream. None ofit is real to me. Not yet.

He takes a deep, haggard breath. Talora looks at him evenly.

TALORAThere will be a reckoning with thepast, Neil. It will come.

Cross looks at her.

CROSSYou're damned right about that.

As they look at one another, the doorbell chimes.

CROSSCome in.

The door opens, admitting MacGregor into the quarters. Crossstands to greet him as he nods at them both.

MACGREGORCommander. Captain, the Council isabout to convene in the conferenceroom. Carla has asked for you toattend.

TALORA(standing)

We'll come straight away.

MacGregor looks at her.

MACGREGORSorry -- not you, Commander. Shejust asked for the Captain.

TALORAI'm coming anyway.

MacGregor looks from her to Cross, and back to her. A pause.

MACGREGORWell... Just don't say I didn'twarn you.

He beckons to both of them, and they both follow him out ofthe quarters.

CUT TO:

INT. EPSILON -- CONFERENCE ROOM

A number of the people we saw earlier are seated around thetable; several of them are wearing white ambassador's robes.One of them, COUNCILLOR PETER HAMILTON, a tall human seatednext to Carla near the head of the table, is standing andaddressing the meeting.

HAMILTONAnd it is my understanding that, bysigning the Charter, we are at thesame time declaring ourindependence from the UnitedFederation of Planets. ThisCharter, therefore, becomes anhistorical document in severalways; it is important that we takeour time and do it right.

Another councillor speaks up.

COUNCILLOR #1Time is a luxury we may not have,Mr. Hamilton. With the CyclopsArray destroyed, Starfleet has ageneral idea of where this stationis -- we may only have months,

maybe weeks.

HAMILTONWith all due respect to thecommander and crew of Epsilon...

(nodding at Carla)...this station is, ultimately,expendable. Our larger concern isplanets; the member worlds of thisCoalition.

COUNCILLOR #2That's true. When I sign thisdocument on behalf of Kraxton II,it becomes a target. We can hideEpsilon, but we can't hide KraxtonII.

CARLAYour world will be defended,Councillor.

COUNCILLOR #2With what? Those pea-shootersyou've got parked around back,against Starfleet? You'll have todo better than that!

HAMILTONAnd we will. For now, let usdiscuss--

The doors open, and Cross, MacGregor and Talora enter theconference room. There is a mutter of surprise and severalpeople stand at the sight of Talora. Carla doesn't stand somuch as she rockets out of her seat.

HAMILTONCommander, I'm sorry but thismeeting is closed to the--

CARLA(shouting)

What in the blue hell is she doinghere?

TALORA(to Hamilton)

Councillor, I am the RomulanEmpire's ambassador to theCoalition of Federalist States thatis about to be, as well as thecommanding officer of what is,unless there's something youhaven't told me, the Coalition'sgreatest military asset. I think mypresence would be prudent, don'tyou?

CARLAWhat would be prudent is for you toleave now, before I call Securityto throw you out.

As she speaks, another councillor, a serene-faced Sejrekanwoman named AIA, stands and faces Talora. Along with thewhite robes, we see that she is wearing a pair of odd-lookinggloves on her hands. When she speaks, her voice is haltingand variable, as though from one who is unaccustomed tospeech.

AIAYou are the commander of the shipthat escorted us here?

TALORAI am, Councillor.

Aia nods, then begins gesturing with her hands. As she does,a computer voice comes out of her right glove and translatesher gestures into spoken language.

AIA(signing)

I wish to thank you for what youhave done. It is because of youthat this conference can proceed asscheduled, and the Charter ofCoalition can be signed. Myself, myfellow Councillors, and allSejrekans owe you a debt ofgratitude.

TALORA(bowing)

It was my pleasure, madam.

As Aia continues to sign, Cross leans in toward MacGregor.

CROSS(whispering)

She's deaf?

MACGREGOR(whispering)

No, she's Sejrekan. They've evolveda gestural form of communication onSejreko -- sign language. Aia canspeak, but it's easier for her tospeak with her hands.

Cross nods, and they turn their attention back to the room.

AIA(signing)

I would be honored if you wouldjoin us at this meeting.

COUNCILLOR #1As would I.

There are nods, and someone says "hear, hear." Everyone looksat Hamilton, who hesitates, then nods.

HAMILTONCommander Petrucci, I think we canmake an exception in this case.Please, Commander, join us. CaptainCross, we're happy to have you hereas well.

Talora nods, Carla fumes, and Aia beckons the trio ofnewcomers to chairs around the table.

CUT TO:

INT. ELLENSWORLD -- LIBRARY

The library is quieter now, and the sunlight through thewindows is more muted. Toran sits in the same terminal asbefore; words we cannot quite make out are scrolling acrosshis screen. He reads them intently.

Then he looks up, and sees Elris walking toward him. Toranquickly presses a button, and the screen changes to somethingelse entirely -- it looks like a star chart. Then he standsand walks to meet Elris.

TORANHi there.

ELRISKiss me.

TORANWhat?

Rather than repeat herself, Elris grabs Toran and pulls himin for a long kiss. Toran kisses her back, then gives her anodd look.

TORANWhat was that for?

ELRISOh... I just needed to get rid of abad taste in my mouth. How's itcoming?

TORANSlow, but I think I'm gettingsomewhere.

He leads her back to the terminal, where the star chart isdisplayed on the screen.

TORANI compiled this from a set ofintelligence records I found on aless-than-secure Federationdatabase. Those systems marked inred are suspected locations ofresistance movements in the rimwardsectors. So far there are thirty-three.

ELRISI think I can narrow it down foryou. How many of those systems arein the Dorias sector?

Toran types something into the terminal, and the red-markedsystems disappear except for a patch in one corner.

TORANNine. You think the Captain is inone of those systems?

ELRISI think so -- there's a lot of buzzout there about the Dorias sector.Nothing specific.

Toran nods and looks at Elris, who looks tired.

TORAN(concerned)

How are you holding up?

ELRISIt's been a long day. But I can goon as long as I have to.

Toran looks at her a moment longer, then nods again.

TORANOkay. You'd better get back, then,and keep an eye on Carter.

Elris rolls her eyes and shakes her head, clearly not wantingto talk about that subject.

ELRISI'll see you later.

She kisses Toran again and walks away. Toran watches herleave, then sits back down at the terminal and hits a button.The screen switches back to the words we saw before. Toranbegins to read again.

CUT TO:

INT. EPSILON -- CONFERENCE ROOM

The same people as before are gathered around the conferencetable.

HAMILTON

So we're agreed to keep thegoverning council for theCoalition, for the time being, saidcouncil to assent to or vetoproposals from the military branchby a simple majority.

There are nods all around. Hamilton turns back to his padd.

HAMILTONNow on to the issue of theCoalition's initial mandate for themilitary, which we have decidedwill be incorporated into theCharter document. Miss Petrucci?

Carla stands.

CARLACouncillors, our task is clear. TheFederation has spent vast amountsof resources for the sole purposeof curtailing liberty and breakingthe peace, both within and withoutits borders. We have long sincepassed the point where theFederation Council and Starfleetwill listen to reason; nothing butdirect action will be sufficient.To that end, I propose that theCoalition fleet take steps toweaken the Federation and Starfleetas much as possible, as quickly aspossible. We must act as though ouractions will decide the fate of theentire Quadrant -- which I believeit will.

She presses a button, and writing appears on the conferenceroom viewscreen behind her.

CARLA (CONT'D)I have here a series of proposalsfor military action that shouldgive this Council an idea of what Ihave in mind. This is a series ofraids, skirmishes and, in some

cases, outright attacks againstFederation ships and assets. Thesewere designed with the goal ofmaximizing damage to the Federationwhile minimizing exposure and riskto our own ships.

Talora raises her hand, signalling for attention.

TALORAMay I speak?

HAMILTONPlease, Commander.

Talora stands.

TALORAI agree with Commander Petrucciabout our task, and I understandthe need for an emphasis onmilitary power in the Charter. Irespectfully suggest, however, thatthese proposals are misguided.

CARLA(glowering)

Respectfully, how so?

TALORAOur focus -- by which I mean thefocus of the Council and of themilitary -- should not be on war.

AIA(signing)

Commander, it is our consensus thatwar, at this point, is inevitable.Do you disagree?

TALORANo, madam. War is inevitable. Butif there is one lesson to be takenfrom history, it is that war shouldnever be an end unto itself. Waritself should not be our focus.

MACGREGOR

What, then, should be our focus?

TALORACoalescence. We should use theenergy and resources that we haveat this time to recruit and bringtogether our forces, both militaryand political. This Coalition willstart out with only nine worlds. Weneed more. We must supplement ourmilitary strength, and at the sametime we must work on ways to spreadinformation about our causethroughout the quadrant, as well ascounter Federation propaganda.

CARLAWhat a wonderful idea, Commander.Noble, in fact. We can hammer outthe details while Starfleetoverruns our worlds.

Talora stares at her.

TALORAYou and I both know that, if theychose to do that right now, wewould have no chance of stoppingthem. At this point, for our ownsafety, we shouldn't make ourselvesa more prolific target thannecessary -- which means weshouldn't attack Federation assetsmore than is necessary. Perhapsright now, we are nothing more thana nuisance in the grand scheme ofthings. If we can stay that wayuntil the time is right, we willsucceed.

COUNCILLOR #3(standing)

May I just say at this point, it isnot the unanimous opinion here thatwar is inevitable. I still think itis possible, and best for allconcerned, to resolve this affair

peacefully.

CARLACoward.

The Councillor slowly turns to look at Carla.

COUNCILLOR #3I beg your pardon.

CARLAI called you a coward. You'reafraid to face the enemy.

The Councillor looks as though he has never been so insultedin his life.

COUNCILLOR #3Remember whom you are addressing!

CARLAI know whom I am addressing. Aweak-spined--

AIA(aloud)

Enough!

They turn to look at her.

AIA(signing)

Both of you, be seated.

The Councillor sits down. Carla looks around the room, findsa crowd of less-than-friendly faces looking back at her, andsits down as well, still glowering.

AIA(signing)

I know that time is of the essence,but we must be cautious. Right now,we are indeed in a precariousposition. I, for one, think thatTalora's idea has merit. What doyou think, Captain Cross?

She looks at Cross expectantly. Cross is startled. He looks

from Aia to Talora, who looks back at him evenly. He looks atthe rest of the Councillors, and clears his throat.

CROSSWell... Personally, I don't likethe idea of sitting around anddoing nothing. I believe it's badfor morale, and it gives theFederation time to gather itsforces as well.

(beat)But Talora's right. Right now weare more vulnerable than many of uswould care to admit. I have toagree with her.

AIA(signing)

Then I'd like to propose that thatbe our mandate for the military,and I request a consensus on theissue.

Carla jumps out of her seat.

CARLAI don't believe this! I put mylife, everything I've ever workedfor on the line, and it turns outI've thrown in my lot with a bunchof cowards! I'll have nothing to dowith this Council.

She storms out of the room. Cross, Talora and the Councilmembers look uneasily at one another as we...

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT THREE

ACT FOUR

FADE IN:

INT. ELLENSWORLD -- CAFE

Beyond the balcony railing, the Ellensworld sun is beginningto set behind the mountains. Carter is sitting at a tablewith an elderly Idanian PROFESSOR, looking sullenly down athis coffee. The Professor, a hearty sort of character isholding forth:

PROFESSOR...but, of course, my colleaguesdisagree. They believe it must becaused by a G-surge in the solarcycle. Either way, the polyneutrinocount in these systems is elevatedby eleven orders of magnitude.Eleven orders! Can you imaginethat?

CARTER(not paying attention)

Fascinating.

PROFESSORIndeed! Which is why I say we mustlaunch a survey expedition in theDorias sector.

CARTERSo you've said.

PROFESSOROh... Yes, I suppose I have.Forgive me, I tend to ramble onwhen I am excited. Say, young man,did you say earlier that you were ajournalist?

Carter looks up at him.

CARTERI was. I'm... well, semi-retired, Iguess you could say.

PROFESSORAh. Shame.

Carter perks up at this.

CARTERWhy do you say it's a shame?

PROFESSORWhy, we need people to take aninterest in the universe! I'mtelling people about a G-type starthat puts out the intensity of ahundred billion suns, and nobodycares!

Carter blinks.

CARTERWell... I suppose most people justhave more important things to worryabout.

PROFESSORMore important! You're probablyfrom Earth -- what do you supposewould happen if Sol began to emiteven a fraction of thepolyneutrinos found in system S14-97?

CARTERNo, you don't understa--

PROFESSORNo more Earth! The planet wouldbecome a scorched, irradiated wasteland! The entire Terran systemwould become uninhabitable!

CARTERYes, yes, that is important. WhatI'm saying is that people don'tcare about how things are, or howthings could be. They only careabout how they want things to be.

(beat)And that's reflected in the massmedia, isn't it? That's why newschannels, even FNN, are dominatedby politics. Popular culture. Andmoney, of course. If there's astory out there that makes FNNCorporate look bad, then FNN Newsdownplays it, or doesn't air it at

all. It's the world of politicaland corporate media, and you reallyjust can't trust it anymore.

A pause. The Professor nods grimly.

PROFESSORI see what you mean. Shame, isn'tit?

CARTER(quietly)

Yes, it is.

PROFESSORFor my part, and I'm sure you'llagree, I think that journalismshould be motivated by purerfactors. A search for and areporting of the truth, no matterhow uncomfortable it may be to onepersonally. We need to live in aworld where truth, not money orpolitical agenda, is the bottomline. Don't you agree?

CARTERI do.

PROFESSORWell, then! Perhaps you could comeout of your "semi-retirement" andwork to change that!

Carter looks at the old Idanian, startled.

CARTERAh... well, it's a bit complicatedright now. I mean, my personalsituation is a bit... precarious.

PROFESSOR(raising an eyebrow)

Young man, are you denying yourcalling because it is inconvenient,or are you denying it because youare afraid?

A pause.

CARTERBoth, honestly. It's inconvenient,and I'm afraid.

(beat)Anyway, the mass media has anenormous inertia. I don't see itcould be changed by one man -- andeven if it could, I'm certainly notthat man.

The professor chuckles, finishes off his tea, and stands up.He puts a paternal hand on Carter's shoulder.

PROFESSORIt was just a thought anyway. Twofellows talking over drinks.

(beat)But if you change your mind, youngman, here's a bit of unsolicitedadvice: believe in yourself. That'sall. I've lived almost a hundredyears, and I'm here to tell youthat that's all there is to it.

He pats his shoulder and walks off into the crowd. Carterwatches him go, looking dazed in the glow of twilight. Heshakes his head.

CARTER(muttering)

This has just been a long day.

He stands up, pushes his chair in, turns around... andZacharias is standing there, smiling. Carter flinches insurprise.

ZACHARIASMister... Avery? Is that right?

A pause as Carter regains control of himself.

CARTERYes, Lieutenant.

Another pause as the two men regard each other. Then,Zacharias holds out his hand.

ZACHARIASI just wanted to apologize for mybehavior earlier. It was not veryhonorable of me.

Carter blinks, then cautiously shakes his hand.

CARTERIt's nothing, really.

ZACHARIASNo, it is something. But really,who could blame me? She is astunning woman.

CARTEREr, yeah. She is.

ZACHARIASAnyway, I just wanted to apologize,and find out if there was any way Icould make it up to you.

The grin never leaves his face. Carter, becoming terrified,looks around desperately. Then he spots Elris near the cafeentryway, waving her hands to catch his attention.

CARTERAh... maybe another time -- Danikais calling me now. Excuse me,please.

Zacharias nods graciously, and Carter slowly walks away fromhim and joins Elris at the doorway.

CARTER(quietly)

I think you saved my life.

ELRISReally? I wasn't trying to. Noathinks he's on to something.

They leave the cafe. Behind them, through the thinning crowd,we see Zacharias looking after them, still smiling.

CUT TO:

INT. ELLENSWORLD -- LIBRARY

The sunlight in the library is all but gone, and the overheadlights have come on, shining down upon a library that hasmostly emptied out now. Toran is at the same terminal,hunched over it. He looks up and sees Elris and Carterapproaching. He looks down, where the image of a person, ashady-looking figure, is displayed on the screen.

TORAN(quietly)

I have to go, they're coming. I'llsee you on Zol Prime.

He turns the screen off before the shady figure can respond,then stands and walks over to meet them.

TORANAny more luck, Carter?

CARTER(shaking his head)

Not really. Just the same rumorsfloating around over and overagain, like debris in a Tlexidanwhirlpool. I think we've learnedabout all we can learn here.

He reaches up to his collar and removes the lapel camera pinshaped like a tiny Earth.

CARTEROnce we get back to the shuttle, Ican download the information fromhere and see if there's anything wemissed.

TORANWell, I think I've got a lead forus. I was just talking to someoneon Zol Prime, someone withconnections to the rebellion inDorias. He may know where theCaptain is.

ELRISDid he tell you?

TORANNo, he didn't want to say anythingover a comm circuit. We're going tohave to meet him.

ELRISOn Zol Prime? That's way out of ourpath!

She gestures with an open arm and accidentally hits Carter'shand, knocking the pin out and sending it flying down a rowof bookshelves. Carter gives Elris an annoyed look and goesoff to retrieve it. Elris hardly notices.

ELRISWhat about that list of systems youwere working on in the Doriassector? Haven't you narrowed itdown?

TORANNot far enough. They could still bein any of seven systems, and that'stoo much area to search.

ELRISIt just feels like we're wastingour time. Zol Prime--

ZACHARIAS (V.O.)Good evening, Dr. Elris.

Elris and Toran whirl around, surprised. Zacharias and Xirekare approaching, phaser rifles aimed at them. Zacharias iswearing the same freakish grin from before.

ZACHARIASI'm sorry -- it's Vanika, isn't it?Or is it Danika? It's hard to keepyour story straight.

Elris and Toran look at each other, then back at Zacharias.

ELRISListen, young man, I don't knowwhat kind of game you've got goingthis time, but I think the two ofyou had better just turn around and

walk out of here before I reportyou to your commanding--

XIREKThat's no longer necessary, Dr.Elris. Your likeness matched aStarfleet security bulletin we justreceived on suspected collaboratorsof the terrorist Neil Cross. Infact, you were part of his crew.

(to Toran)Dr. Toran, I presume? You were alsoin that bulletin. I was wonderingif we would find you here.

ZACHARIAS(shaking his head)

You thought you had me going,didn't you? You thought you wouldlull me into a false sense ofsecurity, and pull me into yourclutches.

ELRIS(annoyed)

Oh, please! You're so full ofyourself, it's a wonder you evenacknowledge my existence!

The plastered grin disappears from Zacharias's face, replacedby a look of anger, even hatred.

ZACHARIASYou just want to watch your mouth,lady.

ELRIS(to Xirek)

Honestly, how do you cope withhaving a sociopath for a partner?

Xirek looks at Zacharias, as though he is wondering the samething himself, then turns back to Elris and Toran.

XIREKAll right, that's enough of that. Iam placing you under arrest for

suspicion of terrorism. You'll betaken back to our ship, where--

There is a loud THUD -- Xirek lets out a "whoosh" sound andcollapses to the ground. Behind him stands a nervous-lookingCarter, wielding a large, hardbound copy of "Things To MakeUs Go" (Kolar's translation, 3rd ed.). He looks down at theVulcan he hit with it, almost disbelieving.

Meanwhile, Zacharias turns, starts to bring his rifle up tobear on Carter. Elris lunges forward, grabs the phaser riflefrom him and pushes him back.

At her feet, Xirek is recovering and reaches for his phaserrifle. Carter quickly snatches it away. Still dazed, Xireklooks around, spots Elris, and makes as though to stand upand attack her. Elris fires the rifle, stunning him. Xirekcollapses to the ground again.

Then she looks up at the disarmed Zacharias, who sneers ather.

ZACHARIASBitch.

ELRISOh, take a cold shower.

She hits his head with the butt of the phaser rifle, knockinghim out cold. Then she turns to Toran.

ELRISI think--

Just then, a LIBRARIAN comes around the corner, carrying astack of books under one arm. She puts a finger to her mouth.

LIBRARIANShhhh!

Then she disappears the way she came from, apparently havingbeen completely oblivious to the weapons or the unconsciousStarfleet officers. They look after the librarian inconfusion, then Elris shakes her head and turns to Toranagain.

ELRISI think Ellensworld has lost its

charm, dear. Why don't we head out?

Toran nods, pulls his commbadge out of his pocket and tapsit.

TORANToran to shuttle computer. Three tobeam up.

CARTERExcuse me, can I--

But he is cut off by the transporter beam, which vanishesthem from the library, leaving two unconscious Starfleetofficers.

CUT TO:

INT. BAJORAN SHUTTLE -- COCKPIT

The three of them have rematerialized in the cockpit. Toransits down at the helm and taps the controls.

TORANSetting a course for Zol Prime. Weneed to get out of this systembefore those guys wake up.

CARTERNot so fast.

He looks back. Elris gasps in surprise and backs away fromCarter, who is aiming Xirek's phaser rifle at them, lookingwide-eyed.

CARTERI'm sorry, but this is the end ofthe line. I've had enough. You'renot going anywhere with me.

A long, stunned silence.

ELRIS(slowly)

Carter, I don't know what's goingon right now, but put that thingdown and we'll talk about it. Okay?

CARTERThere's nothing to talk about! Beamme back down to the surface! Now!

ELRISYou might be captured!

CARTERI'll take that risk.

ELRISBut we can't!

CARTERYou don't have a choice! Beam meback down!

TORAN(standing)

Excuse me, can I just interjectreal quick?

Carter whirls on him, his faced becoming more crazed by thesecond.

CARTERWhat!?

TORANYour safety's on.

Carter looks at him, then looks at the rifle.

He checks something, checks something else, then completelyforgets about holding the rifle on them as he examines it; itbecomes obvious that he has no clue where anything is on it.Toran and Elris exchange half-amused glances.

Finally, he sighs, throws down the rifle and leans againstthe wall. He clutches his head with his hand; as he does, thetiny camera-pin falls out and rolls into a corner, unnoticed.

CARTEROh, who the hell am I kidding? Iwouldn't hurt you guys anyway, andwe all know it.

ELRIS

Carter, what has gotten into you?Why do you want to go?

CARTERDon't you see? I'm not a freedomfighter! I'm what you're expectingme to be! I can't even handle aFederation phaser rifle -- how thehell am I expected to helpoverthrow it?

(beat)I belong with a camera. The old guywas right.

ELRISWhat old guy?

CARTERIn the cafe. You weren't there.

(beat)Look, the point is that I'm not cutout for this. I'm a journalist.That's what I do. Maybe I'm not avery good one -- hell, maybe I'mjust as bad as all the others,whatever I tell myself in themirror. But that's what I am. Myjob is to cover the news, notcreate it.

(beat)I want to go back to Earth. I wantto go back to work for the FNN. Iwant to do my job again -- even ifI never get better at it, even ifnothing ever changes, it's all Iknow.

Toran slowly walks up to him.

TORANCarter.

(beat)Lewis. Don't you see what'shappening here? There's going to bea war. You know they're the badguys -- why do you want to go offand work for them?

ELRISHe's right.

Toran looks at her. Elris is looking at Carter with pity, butalso with some sympathy.

ELRISHe's right, Noa. He never signed upfor this, and he doesn't belongwhere we're going. We'll let himgo.

Carter looks up at Elris, questioningly, then with relief.

TORANAre you sure?

ELRISTrust me. But Carter, if you evenaccidentally think about tellingthem where we've gone, I swear tothe Prophets I will hunt you downand--

CARTERAnd do unpleasant things to myanatomy. I understand. Don't worry,my lips are sealed. Just beam meback down to the surface; I'lldisappear into the crowd, and bookpassage to Earth.

Elris nods, then looks at Toran. Toran looks between them,sighs, and sits back down at the console.

TORANStand by to beam down.

Carter nods, stands in the middle of the room, and looks atElris one last time. A look of understanding passes betweenthem.

CARTERThanks.

Beat pause.

ELRIS

I hope you find what you're lookingfor, Carter.

Carter nods.

CARTERYou too.

And with that, Carter vanishes in a transporter beam, leavingElris and Toran alone in the shuttle. They say nothing for amoment.

ELRISYou know what?

TORANWhat?

ELRISI really hated that guy.

Toran chuckles softly.

TORANBelieve me, it shows.

(beat)Time to go. Setting a course forZol Prime.

He lays commands into the console again. Elris sighs andstands next to him.

ELRISNoa, I can't say I like this. Istill think we should go directlyto the Dorias sector. I know Neil'sthere.

Toran looks up at her, and takes her hand.

TORANDo you trust me?

She looks into his eyes.

ELRISYou know I trust you.

He smiles at her, squeezes her hand and kisses it. Then hetaps the console.

TORANEngaging impulse engines.

CUT TO:

EXT. SPACE

The Bajoran shuttlecraft pulls away from the other ships andleaves the orbit of Ellensworld. No other ship makes a moveto folow it.

CUT TO:

EXT. SPACE

Epsilon, drifting among the asteroids.

CUT TO:

INT. EPSILON -- LOUNGE

It's not a large room, certainly not compared to the RecLounge of the Enterprise, but it looks comfortable enough.There is a bar on one side of the room, and monitors withvarious information and programming fill the walls. Cross,Talora and Captain Paxton are sitting at a table by the largepicture window looking out on the stars.

PAXTON...then O'Day said, "Are you surewe want to be following thatRomulan ship back to Epsilon?"

TALORAWhat did you say?

PAXTONI said, "Look me in the eye andtell me you wouldn't follow aPakled ship if it came around tosave our bacon."

Talora and Cross laugh. As they do, MacGregor, Hamilton and

Aia enter the lounge from the far doors and join them at thetable.

HAMILTONCaptain Cross, Captain Paxton,congratulations. As of ten minutesago, you are no longer Federationcitizens.

They look up at him.

CROSSThe Charter's been signed?

HAMILTONIt has.

AIA(signing)

Welcome to the Coalition ofFederalist States, gentlemen.

(to Talora)You should also know that the finaldraft of the Charter included yourproposal for a military mandate.

MACGREGORThat's right. The Federalistmilitary will take up a defensiveposture around our worlds while wecoalesce our forces.

PAXTONThat's a good idea.

Cross looks at Paxton, surprised.

CROSSI thought you'd be opposed to it. Ithought it would be bad for morale.

PAXTONHow much worse for morale will itbe if Starfleet kicks our assesfrom here to the Delta Quadrant?This way, when the real war begins,it'll be on our terms.

HAMILTONLet's hope we have the time. Also,we're going to be electing a FirstCouncillor soon. Personally, Ithink the lovely Aia here has thejob in the bag -- but she mighthave some competition, Commander,if you were to submit your name forthe job.

Talora looks at him.

TALORAThank you... but I think you, Mr.Hamilton, should have that job.

HAMILTON(startled)

Me?

TALORAAbsolutely. You have leadershipqualities that have helped us inthe past. You were instrumental inhelping to draft the Charter. Youwork quietly, behind closed doors,rather than for publicity andprestige. The people on thisstation, and throughout many of theCoalition worlds, know you andtrust you. You would be perfect.

Hamilton laughs a little, looking embarrassed.

HAMILTONWell... I mean, it's a bigresponsibility.

AIA(aloud)

I think you're ready.

Hamilton looks at her. She is smiling.

MACGREGORI concur. I'd be happy to serveunder you, Councillor.

PAXTONYeah, what are you worried about?The worst thing that can happen isyou'll be assassinated!

He throws his head back and laughs at his own joke. Theothers are giving him an odd look. Paxton clears his throatand composes himself.

PAXTONSeriously, Talora has been talkingto me and the other Captains aboutyou, and we're ready to follow you.

HAMILTONThank you; but under the Charter,the Council won't have such directcontrol over the military fleet.Besides, I'm not a military man --I wouldn't know how to handle it.

Paxton grins, stands up, throws his arm over Hamilton'sshoulders and leads him off to the bar, a grinning MacGregorin tow.

PAXTONThat's no problem at all, Pete --can I call you Pete? First thingyou gotta remember, independentship captains tend to have an egothe size of...

As they walk out of earshot, Talora looks up at Aia.

TALORABy the way, I'm sorry about MissPetrucci. I didn't mean to put herout like that.

Aia shrugs and smiles.

AIA(signing)

She'll come around. I've known herfor a while, and she always comesaround in the end. Sometimes shejust needs to go off and sulk for awhile.

CROSSSounds like someone I know.

AIA(aloud)

Excuse me.

Aia walks away. Cross and Talora turn back to one another.

CROSSYou know, I think Hamiton is right.You would be a perfect FirstCouncillor. Are you sure you don'twant to reconsider the job?

TALORAThank you, Neil, but I'm quitesure. Diplomacy may be one of mytalents, but it's not where Ibelong right. I belong on my ship,out there among the stars.

CROSS(nodding)

I know the feeling. It's becomehard for me to sit and do nothing.

TALORAAnd there's more.

Cross looks at her questioningly.

TALORAJanus. He's still out theresomewhere. You and I know thatnobody takes him more seriouslythan we do.

(beat)That's why I belong out there. Ihave to find Janus.

Cross looks at her for a long moment, then nods.

CROSSI think you're right.

(beat)But are you sure that Peter is theright man to be First Councillor?

TALORAQuite sure. Trust me.

Cross smiles and raises his glass.

CROSSOf course I trust you. And that'swhy we're both here, isn't it? TheFederation has sown seeds ofdistrust throughout the Quadrant.

TALORA(nodding)

And that is their biggest mistake.

CROSSInteresting to hear that comingfrom a Romulan.

TALORA(smiling)

We've started something great here,something that could be verypowerful in time. We must becareful not to repeat theFederation's mistakes. If we do winthis fight that's coming, it willbe because of people like you,Neil, and people like Hamilton,Aia, even Paxton. People who haveearned our trust, and continue toearn it every day.

CROSSI'll drink to that.

As we zoom away from them, Cross and Talora clink theirglasses together and drink. Our POV recedes through thepicture window as we see Paxton, Hamilton and MacGregorreturn to the table, and the five of them are talking as wezoom out to a wide shot of Station Epsilon, linger on it,and...

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. BAJORAN SHUTTLE -- BACK ROOM

Toran is sitting by himself at a communications terminal inthe back room. The shady figure we saw before is on thescreen.

TORAN(quietly)

We're on our way. We'll be at ZolPrime in a few days.

SHADY FIGUREIs she with you?

Toran looks through the open hatchway to the cockpit, whereElris is sitting by herself out of earshot, looking out atthe stars. He peers at her through narrow eyelids.

TORAN(quietly)

Yeah. She's with me.

On Toran's grim face, we slowly...

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT FOUR

THE END