DEEP SPACE NINE: "Chimera" - REV. 12/16/98 - ACT TWO        20.

19   CONTINUED:	(2)

					CHANGELING
				(matter of fact)
			It's a shame you're incapable of
			experiencing it.

					EZRI
				(put off)
			Guess so...

	Odo stares at the Changeling, wishing he'd try a
	little harder to make conversation. Another
	uncomfortable silence, then Kira steps into the
	breach.

					KIRA
			Tell us about Varala.

					BASHIR
			No Federation ship's ever been
			there.

					CHANGELING
			It's just like any other planet
			that's overrun with humanoids.
			Cities and farms everywhere --
			other lifeforms displaced from
			their habitats. I once migrated
			to the southern continent with a
			herd of volg. By the time we
			returned to the breeding grounds
			the next summer, they'd been
			fenced off. The herd died out
			within two generations.

	Our people don't know quite what to say.

					CHANGELING
			It's the same on any planet where
			humanoids thrive. They disrupt
			the natural balance.

	Just then, Quark arrives with a plate.

					QUARK
			Who ordered the vilm-steak?

	An awkward moment...

					BASHIR
			Just... keep it warm for me.

					QUARK
			Whatever you say...

	Quark moves off.