DEEP SPACE NINE: "Chimera" - REV. 12/16/98 - ACT THREE       25.

21   CONTINUED:

	Odo realizes what she's getting at, and that it
	troubles her deeply.

					KIRA
			Something about it must've given
			him the impression that you might
			want to leave.

					ODO
			It was just wishful thinking on
			his part. The thought of the two
			of us going off together to find
			the others --
				(getting caught up in it)
			-- exploring the galaxy as
			changelings, it's very alluring.
				(catching himself)
			To him.

					KIRA
			Sounds like it's alluring to you,
			too.

					ODO
				(gently reassuring her)
			I'm happy here.

	A moment, then he pulls her close. Kira snuggles
	against his chest for a quiet moment.

					KIRA
			I'm sorry I can't Link with you.

	Even as she says it, she knows the answer -- how
	could he not want that? Odo doesn't see any point
	in saying it out loud and hurting her feelings, and
	so he says the only thing he can say.

					ODO
			It doesn't matter, Nerys... I
			love you...

	And it's answer enough. Off the image of them
	holding each other close, each lost in their own
	thoughts...