DEEP SPACE NINE: "Chimera" - REV. 12/16/98 - ACT TWO        21.

20   CONTINUED:

					ODO
			Was it really necessary to insult
			my friends?

					CHANGELING
			I was merely speaking my mind.

					ODO
			You could call it that.

					CHANGELING
			Humanoids are tragic creatures.
			They've lost the ability to take
			joy from simply existing... yet
			they haven't evolved to the next
			level -- where consciousness 
			exists independent of form.

					ODO
			You're certainly not afraid to
			make grand generalizations.

					CHANGELING
			I've been many things in my time.
			I speak from experience.

	The Changeling turns to Odo, sees that he's
	unconvinced. He smiles, extends his hand.

					CHANGELING
			Enough talk. Link with me.

					ODO
			Here?

					CHANGELING
			Why not?

					ODO
			I don't think that's a good idea.

	The Changeling sees Odo glance at some passersby,
	realizes the problem.

					CHANGELING
			You're embarrassed.

	It's true, but Odo doesn't want to admit it.

					ODO
			No...