11:[2,#b]
          DEEP SPACE: "Meridian" - REV. 09/22/94 - ACT FIVE         53.
                           ACT FIVE                             

	FADE IN:

46   INT. DEFIANT - DAX'S QUARTERS

	where Dax is working on a PADD.  After a beat, the door 
	CHIMES.

					DAX
			Come in.

	The door OPENS revealing Sisko.

					DAX
			Benjamin...

	She gestures that he come in.  He ENTERS and the door shuts 
	behind him.

					DAX
			I was just finishing up my request 
			to Starfleet for a leave of absence...

					SISKO
			I bet this is the first time anyone's 
			ever requested a sixty-year leave...

	They share a quiet smile.  She offers him the PADD.

					DAX
			You'll see that it gets to them?

	After a beat, he accepts the PADD from her.

					SISKO
			If you're sure this is what you really 
			want.

					DAX
				(lightly)
			What I really want, Benjamin, is for 
			you to say you're happy for me.

	Sisko is thoughtful for a beat.