ACT III

(KIRA and ODO are in ODO's office in the middle of what seems to be a heated argument)

KIRA: All right, all *right!* (Holds up a hand to break it off) Look. (Takes a deep breath) Let's start over again and let's stick to what we can definitely establish as true.

ODO: (reading off a PADD) 1500 hours: Bashir discovers the bloodheart in their quarters. It may have appeared several hours before then, or even the previous day; according to his statement their quarters were in some disarray and it might have gone unnoticed.

KIRA: Twenty-six hours later--

ODO: In response to an outbreak of yindor, Bashir is mobilized with the response team to the surface. (Pauses) Now that's something. Who knew that Bashir was going to be on Bajor containing the epidemic?

KIRA: The provisional government. The vedek assembly, most likely. And almost anyone on the station could have heard about it.

ODO: Too many people. I'm sure it was coverd in the media as well.

KIRA: I know the Kai knew, because she was talking to Ophidia when the news came through--(An idea strikes her) What's the time index for the actual abduction?

ODO: Garak is unsure about the time; he was in bed when they came for him. We can only place it between 2200 hours, which is when Garak requested his last mug of patra from his replicators, and 0800 hours the next morning. 

KIRA: That's station time.  (ODO nods) During at least part of that time period Ophidia was having dinner with the Kai. Ophidia says toward the end the Kai left to get a message and came back in a much better mood.

ODO: And you think this might have been a message telling her the abduction had taken place successfully.

KIRA: It's possible. And it's possible, too, that she asked Ophidia to dinner in the first place because she knew the attempt would be made that night and she wanted an alibi.

ODO: It's also possible she just wanted to have dinner with her.

KIRA: Yes, I know. No more speculation. (Runs a hand through her hair.) So, sometime during that period, two Bajoran assailants--

ODO: We only know for sure that one of them was Bajoran.

KIRA: Garak seems to agree that both were Bajoran, but you're right, we only found one blood signature. We know, at least, that Telpar was one of them.

ODO: That much we know.

KIRA: It's not very much. (Broods) We know that they managed to get onto the station without anyone noticing them, into his quarters without triggering an alarm, and back off the station.

ODO: You'd think two Bajoran terrorists carrying an unconcsious Cardassian would attract some attention, even on the night shift. (KIRA nods) They must have used transporters.

KIRA: Intra-station? That's a pretty sophisticated operation.

ODO: And exactly why the Ghii can't possibly have pulled this off on their own. They must have had help from people with better technology and more experience. And, although I don't like contemplating this prospect any more than I suppose you will, they must have had a confederate on the station.

KIRA: I'm afraid you may be right.

ODO: I've taken the liberty of doing a brief check on all Bajoran personnel--

KIRA: Why Bajoran?

ODO: Because both attackers--

KIRA: You just said you don't know if the second was Bajoran or not. And there's no guarnatee that even if they *were* both Bajoran their confederate is also Bajoran. Why couldn't it be a Terran, someone in Starfleet, Quark--

ODO: Believe me, the first thing I did was investigate Quark. But it seems reasonable--

KIRA: Just because that's how they did it under Cardassian rule, that's no reason to always suspect Bajorans first!

ODO: Major, when you start an investigation you have to narrow it down somehow, and from the start it has been obvious to me that this is an intrigue with roots on Bajor, in Bajoran history. I had a reason for organizing my inquiries the way I have. If you're unhappy with the way I'm handling the case I'm sure Eddington will be happy to take up the investigation.

KIRA: I'm sorry, Odo...(sighs) Of course it makes sense. I didn't mean...oh, I suppose I did, but it's just because I'm tired and frustrated and sick of everything about this investigation. (Pause) What did you find?

ODO: Nothing conclusive. (Looks at her) Major...

KIRA: What?

ODO: (not wanting to say it, but unable to help himself) You served one on him, didn't you?

KIRA: Who?

ODO: You know who I'm talking about. The ore processor you were blowing up the night of--

KIRA: I--(pause) Yes. (There is a long silence)

ODO: It's not my place...to...

KIRA: (snapping) No, it isn't. (Looking at him she feels a need to justify it anyway) The bloodheart I left in his storeroom had been found by the bedside of our subcommander by her husband after she was taken. I was told she'd been arrested based on his information.

ODO: You were told.

KIRA: It may have been a lie or just speculation. It probably was. It was my first blood mission. They...I found out, later, it was common practice to...tell subordinates, especially new ones...stories. To make it seem like it made sense.

ODO: Whereas the older ones knew it didn't.

KIRA: Whereas the older ones understood that a guerilla campaign is not about justice.

ODO: What is it about, then?

KIRA: Freedom. However you get it. The older ones understood--I--came to understand--the logic of insurgency and the value of random violence-- 

ODO: (now outraged) *Value*?

KIRA: Yes, value! When your army is one hundredth the size and one thousandth the firepower of your adversary fear is the *only* weapon you have and if we hadn't had the courage to use it Cardassia would still *be* here on Bajor, now that's a fact, Odo, whether it makes you uncomfortable or not.

ODO: You don't know what would have happened--

KIRA: You're right I *don't*! (She pauses; ODO is quiet) You have to understand this, Odo, I made a decision, I was young when I made it but I'd do the same again even knowing what I know now--I made the decision that
liberation was worth the sacrifice of my life *and* my innocence *and* whatever claim I had to mercy or justice. And peace of mind, for the rest of my life. (ODO still doesn't say anything) I know you can't understand
that, Odo. I don't expect you to. And I don't--I don't know if I'm going to be glad I said these things to you but I feel like you *have* to know this about me or we can't--we can't--you can't really know me.

ODO: I...(KIRA is turned away from him now and crying. He gets up, awkwardly, and walks up behind her, wanting to touch her but not doing it) You know I don't know what it's like to love my people. (KIRA nods) And
I'll never have to make your decision, because for as long as I can see they're going to be the ones occupying, and enslaving, and destroying. (KIRA turns around, now concerned at the emotion in his voice) But...I used
to think that whatever else happened, what was important was to keep my own conscience clean. (KIRA looks at him) I no longer believe that's possible. For anyone.

(Meaningful glances.)
 

(Cut to the interior of B&G's quarters. BASHIR and GARAK are having dinner. GARAK is abstracted; BASHIR looks worried)

BASHIR: Garak. (GARAK snaps back to earth)

GARAK: Hm?

BASHIR: Obsessing over it won't make it any easier.

GARAK: I know, I know. (Rubs his eyes with a sigh) I just--I *know* I've seen him somewhere, and it's driving me mad. It was--something I was famous for, my memory for faces. It seems to be going. (Sighs) Along with...

BASHIR: Along with what?

GARAK: I know Major Kira hates me. This is an established fact.

BASHIR: She doesn't hate you--

GARAK: She most certainly does and there are plenty of excellent reasons for it. I've been telling myself that it only bothered me because she's your friend. (BASHIR waits) But it does bother me, Doctor, *me,* personally, to see her flinch whenever I get near her.

BASHIR: And you find this troubling.

GARAK: I don't understand why I care. I never did before. When I was working here I didn't get the kind of open abuse that was heaped on me after the occupation was lifted, because people were too frightened, but there are ways to make someone know you hate them without doing anything that can actually be prosecuted. And it never bothered me.

BASHIR: Are you sure?

GARAK: I couldn't have lived here if it did.

BASHIR: You know what I think. (GARAK smiles) Don't laugh before you hear it. I think that before you left your previous profession, if indeed you really have--(GARAK becomes acutely uncomfortable)

GARAK: Julian...(BASHIR looks surprised) I--don't want to joke about that any more. It's no longer funny.

BASHIR: I'm sorry.

GARAK: It's not your fault, I started it.

BASHIR:  You know I love you just as much now that you really *are* a tailor.

GARAK: (trying to pick up the mood) And why shouldn't you? Most Order operatives can't get you free drycleaning. (BASHIR laughs) But you were saying...?

BASHIR: I think...before the occupation lifted, when you were still official, there were parts of you that you knew you had to keep hidden. Because they were dangerous. Now, you've been able to bring them out...(BASHIR strokes the back of his hand) You could never let people matter, doing what you did. Now you do. So of course things hurt more. But I'm here.

GARAK: And I thank all the powers for it, Julian, every day, I really do. But I'm not entirely sure it's a valid hypothesis.

BASHIR: (shrugging) Psychology was not my specialization. (They get up from the table)

GARAK: So much the better. (Kisses him) Who wants to know why they do what they do?

BASHIR: Not me. (BASHIR kisses him; fade out.)
 

(Night; BASHIR and GARAK are asleep together. After a few moments, GARAK's eyes suddenly open and he snaps bolt upright.)

GARAK: *Yes.* (Looks around) Yes, that's--(seems to be trying to figure out what to do next; he looks over at BASHIR, considers waking him, then decides against it. He slips quietly out of bed and dresses. As he is about to exit, he stops, picks up the Elim bear, and puts it in the bed next to BASHIR. He leaves his quarters.)
 

(Cut to KIRA asleep in her bed. The door bleeps. She gets up, confused and in her nightgown with bleary eyes and a serious hair problem. She punches the door open and is surprised, and somewhat alarmed, to see GARAK there)

GARAK: Major, get dressed and come with me, quickly.

KIRA: Garak...what are you...

GARAK: Please. This could be the end of the investigation, right here.

KIRA: Where do you want to--

GARAK: I'll explain on the way. Meet me in launching pad B as soon as you can and don't tell anyone where you're going.

KIRA: Garak--

GARAK: I know secrecy frightens you but it's necessary. You'll agree with me when we get there.

KIRA: I'm not frightened.

GARAK: Then meet me in five minutes or less if you can. (He turns to go and the doors close. KIRA considers, curses, and starts getting dressed.)
 

(In the cockpit of a runabout. GARAK is plotting the course.)

KIRA: Since when do you know how to pilot a Starfleet--

GARAK: Please, Major, give me *some* credit.

KIRA: Are you going to tell me what this is about?

GARAK: I've no desire to make a mystery of it.

KIRA: You've just gotten to the point where you do that involuntarily.

GARAK: I suppose I may have. (Considers this proposition) Interesting. In any case, since your next question I'm sure will be where are we going, I'll tell you: we're dropping in on Vedek Starn.

KIRA: And we don't have an appointment.

GARAK: If he's who I think he is I'm *quite* sure he's told his secretary not to put any of my calls through.

KIRA: And who do you think he is, aside from the next president of the Legislative Council?

GARAK: Religious leaders getting involved in secular politics. I don't like it, Major.

KIRA: Well, that no longer matters, does it?

GARAK: No it doesn't, Major, but I'm surprised you still don't understand that. (KIRA looks at him) The war is *over.* You *won.* If I can accept that I don't see why *you* can't.

KIRA: (after a pause) No victory is complete.

GARAK: An insight worthy of Tain himself.

(She looks down, embarrassed. As GARAK reaches across the console to make course corrections, his sleeve rides up and she sees a streak of light gray, unlined and raw-looking scar tissue circling his wrist. He notices her looking at it and quickly withdraws his arm)

KIRA: (after a pause) Where did you get that? (GARAK doesn't answer) It's new.

GARAK: Yes. (Silence)

KIRA: I had mine removed. (GARAK looks at her) My back used to look like a trodden field.

GARAK: (not sure about the wisdom of this, but taking the risk) Julian offered. I wanted to keep them.

KIRA: Why? (GARAK looks at her for a moment, then makes a decision.)

GARAK: (Feigning a casual tone) Somewhere far under the surface of Cardassia, and I don't know exactly where, there's a stone chamber with a black domed ceiling and a natural floor. A bubble that never burst, formed millions of years ago. (KIRA looks at him) Of course there were some alterations to allow for oxygen to be piped in but otherwise it was left as it was made. And starting in the center, spiraling out to the edges of the
floor, is one long stream of Cardassian, engraved into the rock, consisting of what can best be translated as the Observations. Sixty-seven principal tenets, the truth of which was the only thing that everyone in the Order
agreed was non-negotiable. (Pauses, obviously stranded in the memory) And one of them is, "If nobody knows, it never happened." (KIRA is still waiting for the relevance of this anecdote to be explained) As much, Major,
as much as I desperately *wish* that this were true I know it isn't. And yet it is. (KIRA nods; GARAK is encouraged to see that she can apparently understand this) It is--it's important. The evidence.

KIRA: Yes. But...

GARAK: But--(a display attracts his attention) Prepare for landing.
 

(Outside STARN's home, which is clearly the product of affluence. GARAK is at a side door, opening it with minimal effort and no apparent tripping of secuity alarms)

KIRA: (whispering) How often do you do this?

GARAK: Someone's got to give Quark a run for his money. (They sneak into the house, clsoing the door; inside it's dark and nobody appears to be up. GARAK explores briefly, then starts upstairs; KIRA follows him down a
hallway and looks through a door that GARAK has pushed open a crack. STARN is in bed asleep. GARAK and KIRA enter) I think there's room to hide in that wardrobe over there.

KIRA: Hide?

GARAK: I have reason to believe he will be more...candid...if he thinks we're alone.
 

(KIRA looks doubtful, but hides herself in the wardrobe, which she leaves open a crack. GARAK sits down on the edge of the bed and, with a gentleness that seems out of place, nudges STARN on the shoulder)
 

GARAK: Kimin. (KIRA looks puzzled; she knows this isn't his name) Come on, early start early finish.
 

(STARN moves uneasily but doesn't wake. GARAK says something to him in Cardassian; STARN's eyes suddenly fly open and he sits up looking at GARAK in panic and confusion)

STARN: What--where did y--wh--

GARAK: Shhhhhhhhhhh. (He seems concerned, and appears to be trying to soothe him) It's all right.

STARN: How did you get in here? Who are you?

GARAK: Ah, if you really didn't know, that would have been your *first* question. (Smiles, a little sadly) You haven't lived up to your full potential, Kimin. (Closeup on STARN's traumatized face.)

*end Act III*