13:[2,#b]
      DEEP SPACE NINE: "Time's Orphan" - REV. 4/15/98 - ACT ONE      9.
                            ACT ONE                             

	FADE IN:

	(NOTE: Episode credits fall over opening scenes)

15   EXT. SPACE (STOCK OPTICAL)

	The Defiant in orbit of an earth-like planet.

16   INT. CAVES - LOWER LEVEL - DAY 

	A
 LADDER nows links this level with the ledge above.
	A short distance from the vortex's frame we see an 
	ALIEN CONTROL PANEL and some EQUIPMENT HOUSINGS, all 
	composed of incredibly ancient composite materials. An 
	alien SUPPORT BEAM has fallen atop the equipment, some 
	of which is open, revealing patches of CIRCUITRY of a 
	kind we've never seen before. Several STARFLEET 
	EQUIPMENT CASES are organized next to the alien 
	devices, and Federation field LIGHTING KITS are in 
	place.

	O'Brien scans the alien control panel with a TRICORDER. 
	He's intent, focused, nothing else matters to him. 
	Nearby, DAX is studying the portal itself. Two N.D. 
	ENGINEERS are working in the b.g.

	Keiko sits on an equipment case, dried tear-tracks on 
	her face, staring blankly toward her husband. She's 
	cradling a sleeping Kirayoshi wrapped in a blanket. 
	KIRA steps down from the ladder and pauses to hug 
	Keiko. The women don't need words to share what 
	they're feeling. Kira then proceeds to Dax.

					KIRA
				(re: the portal) 
			Have you figured out what this 
			thing is yet?

	Dax shoots a look the O'Briens' way, pitches her voice 
	low -- she doesn't want them to have to be reminded of 
	what happened to their daughter.

					DAX
			It's some sort of time portal. 
			From the chroniton signature, we 
			think it sent Molly about three 
			hundred years into the past.

	Kira looks down, takes in this grim news.