Summary for Star Trek: Deep Space Nine episode
Covenant

Season 7, Episode 9

Guest Stars:
Marc Alaimo as "Gul Dukat"
Norman Parker as "Vedic Fala"
Jason Leland Adams as "Benyan"
Maureen Flannigan as "Mika"
Miriam Flynn as "Midwife"
Mark Piatelli as "Brin"

Written by: Rene Echevarria

Events:
The show starts at Quark's, where Odo has been waiting with Ezri and Julian for Nerys. Nerys enters fresh from attending services in the temple for the Prophets.

Odo expresses a regret that he doesn't believe in the divinity of the Prophets as this would allow him to spend more time with Nerys. He suggests an Orb experience might help him, but Nerys points out that Orb experiences are reserved for the faithful. Julian suggests Odo might join a Klingon religion where he can get to eat the hearts of his enemies and go to Sto'vo'kor but this isn't quite what he had in mind, as he wishes to spend more time with Nerys. Ezri thinks that's sweet.

The scene cuts to Nerys' quarters, where Nerys' reading is interrupted by a visit from Vedic Fala. She greets him as one would an old friend. Apparently he's been on leave from a university to attend a spiritual retreat.

We soon learn that Vedic Fala was an instructor of the young Nerys during the occupation. They recall past days with joy, and Nerys credits him with helping her survive those days.

Vedic Fala offers her a gift in a small velvet pouch. She pours out the contents, a small red crystal. Once in the palm of her hand it glows and she looks up, disturbed and is surrounded by a red energy which causes her to vanish. Vedic Fala looks down as if he has betrayed someone.

The scene cuts to an exterior shot of a space station very similar to DS9, yet different. The axis is almost at right angles to DS9 and it is not lit up.

Within the station Nerys materializes and is immediately greeted by a Bajoran wearing the red armband of the Pah Wraith cult. It seems she is now on Empok Nor. Another Cardassian station.

Nerys is confused, surprised that she could be so far from home. The Bajoran assures her that it is possible and takes the now clear crystal from her hand, calling it a transponder.

She discovers she was brought here as desired by "the Master". When she asks who this is, an imposing Cardassian announces "I am". When he turns Nerys recognizes him as Dukat.

The scene cuts to opening credits and commercials.

When the show continues we are on Empok Nor. Nerys asks Dukat if he's the leader of the Pah Wraith cult. Dukat offers to answer all her questions, but asks the other Bajorans to leave while he does so.

He apologizes to Nerys for kidnapping her, but she accepts this in stride. She asks if the Dominion is aware of their use of the station and he admits it has been unused for a considerable time and he doubts they'd mind his use of it.

He comments on her change in hair style and she counters by noting he has pierced his ear. Dukat now wears a red-crystal earring in his left ear, as do all of the other Bajorans on the station. A symbol of his "covenant" with them.

Nerys isn't surprised to find that Dukat is the leader of the Pah Wraith cult, as she believes they "worship evil". Dukat corrects her, asking her if she has ever wondered why the Prophets did not intercede during the Cardassian occupation. She explains that the Prophets have a plan for Bajor and they aren't always clear about that plan.

Dukat scoffs at this, offering another point of view. He claims that the Prophets are not the true gods of Bajor, but that the Pah Wraiths are. He claims that the Pah Wraiths wanted to help the Bajorans and take an active role in the affairs of the planet, but were cast out for this by the Prophets. Nerys counters by mentioning the ancient scriptures but Dukat reminds her that history is written by the victors.

He assures her that the Pah Wraiths are determined to return to the Celestial Temple and she asks him how he knows this. He explains that they speak to him through visions.

Dukat claims to be their "emissary". She challenges him, not knowing whether he believes what he says, is a fraud, or is insane.

Dukat: "I have been touched by a god."

He claims he's changed. That he freed the Pah Wraith to enter the wormhole to revenge himself against Ben. But that the experience changed him and that he learned to love.

Nerys again challenges him, asking if this change came about before or after he killed Jadzia. He "deeply regrets" that act and points out that the Celestial Temple was the goal and that Jadzia stood in the way. He explains that having the Pah Wraith within him taught him of its love for himself and the Bajorans. That he still had a role to play in their destiny.

She counters by pointing out his last 'role' cost the Bajorans tens of millions of lives. Dukat regrets this also, but claims that the Prophets were responsible for the occupation. This angers Nerys, but Dukat defends himself by pointing out he "walked the path they laid out" for him. But with the coming of the Pah Wraith he is changed. He claims he's building a "community" where Bajorans can "purify themselves" in preparation for the Pah Wraiths reclaiming the Celestial Temple.

Nerys suggests that the plan also includes him ruling Bajor. He points out she is consumed by hatred for him, but that the members of his community love him. She counters by claiming he has a hold on them, that they do not love him. He finishes his discussion by asking her to open her heart to him. That they are bound by destiny, she by his side.

The scene cuts to commercials.

Back on DS9 an investigation to find Nerys is under way the following day. Odo noticed her missing in the morning when she didn't show up at his office. Miles has managed to determine that she was transported off the ship through a Dominion transporter. He's also been able to figure out that a transponder was used, thus permitting a transport beam up to three light years long. Unfortunately the residue has dissipated to the point where she can't be tracked.

Odo points out that with a three light year range she could be "deep in Dominion space".

Back on Empok Nor Nerys is discovering she cannot leave her quarters. She is visited by Vedic Fala. Nerys expresses pity for Fala that he was duped by Dukat into joining the cult, but he explains he was already a member of the cult long before Dukat joined.

Fala lost his faith and found faith in the Pah Wraiths towards the end of the occupation. He claims it helped him understand the suffering the Bajorans had to endure. Nerys describes the cult as based on hate and fear, but Fala disagrees. Nerys points out the cult tried to kill Ben ("Image in the Sand") but Fala explains that was not the doings of the cult or Dukat. That it was simply a misguided youth. He claims they are a peaceful people.

She challenges him to prove it by letting her go, but he ignores this by claiming that Dukat cares for her spiritual well-being. She points out that Dukat is using the cult and its beliefs to further his own ends. Fala points out that Nerys' stubborness has always been her problem. Nerys' claims Fala's problem is he's too trusting.

Fala tells her that when Dukat first arrived, Fala didn't trust him. But then he realized that the Pah Wraiths had changed Dukat and he found it within himself to forgive Dukat. Fala points out this was the quality he tried hardest to teach: forgiveness. But Nerys points out some things can never be forgiven.

Fala offers to show her the community, so she will know she needn't fear Dukat or the cult. As they walk above the Promenade, Fala explains they grow their own foods in cargo bays that have been changed into hydroponics facilities. He explains that medical supplies are flown in by a few cargo ships from Bajor and then warns her that the docking bays and transporter are guarded to prevent her escape.

Nerys asks if she is free to walk around and speak to people, and Fala assures her that she is. He explains that Dukat hopes she will come to view this as her home. Fala then introduces her to Mika, a very pregnant young lady expecting to give birth very soon. Dukat has given her and her husband permission to bear a child, the first of the community. Nerys is surprised that they need Dukat's permission to bear children but Fala points out that this is the ancient Bajoran custom of "denying worldly pleasures".

Fala explains that part of the covenant between Dukat and the cult is abstinence and that Dukat only permits children to couples who show a "spiritual bond" between them.

Nerys points out Dukat's taste for worldly pleasures is legendary and Fala explains that this was before the "kiss" of the Pah Wraith.

Nerys: "That must have been some kiss."

Fala takes her to a room where a young painter is working on a portrait of Dukat extending his arms to the viewer while on either side of him are Bajorans (men, women, and children) looking up to him. Dukat is well-detailed but the Bajorans are as yet faceless.

The painter's name is Benyan, and he is Mika's husband. He doesn't like the fact that Dukat has brought Nerys to Empok Nor. He doesn't like her. She finds his candid honesty refreshing. Benyan doesn't believe they need her approval or that of anyone else to enjoy the benefits of the love of the Pah Wraiths. Nerys agrees and points out those who try to force their religion on others are usually feeling insecure about their own faith, a comment not lost on Fala.

Benyan: "I know what I believe."
Nerys: "And that's what scares me. No offense."

The scene cuts to the temple, where a bell is being rung and the Bajorans are gathered for their service. They speak a good deal of Bajoran in this scene so it is difficult to know what they are saying (any Bajoran translators would be rather helpful for scenes like this).

While the Bajorans pray Nerys notices one of them has a holstered weapon. We saw this device used to weld a railing on the Promenade. While the Bajorans are otherwise occupied she grabs the weapon and aims it at Dukat, ordering the rest to lay on the ground. But Benyan steps in front of Dukat, along with Fala and several others. She is forced to retreat but doesn't get far before she is brought down by one of the faithful. Dukat whispers to the unconscious Nerys "They really do love me."

The scene cuts to commercials.

When the show returns we are in Nerys' quarters where Dukat tends to her. She finds her jacket has been removed to allow him to reach her injury (a massive bruise over her left shoulder blade). She's disturbed to find that he's removed any of her garments. He brings her a meal, pointing out she hasn't eaten anything. She eyes the knife on the tray and Dukat points out that killing him would only make a martyr of him and still wouldn't get her off the station.

She agrees, pointing out she doesn't want anything happening to him until he's exposed to the Bajorans as a fraud.

The two start wrangling about the occupation again. Dukat claiming he prevented the occupation from being worse, Nerys accusing him of his excesses, including the taking of women and fooling himself into believing they wanted to be there. Nerys' mother is brought into the argument and Nerys almost manages to convince Dukat that her mother didn't love him. Dukat almost convinces her that she did.

Dukat confesses a number of regrets about "those years" but is glad the Pah Wraiths have given him an opportunity to "redeem" himself. Nerys asks how and points out he has resurrected an idealized version of the occupation where all is as it was except that the Bajorans really do love him.

Dukat finally admits his real reason for bringing her to Empok Nor. Nerys epitomizes the qualities of Bajorans that Dukat admires. He realizes if he can convince her then he can convince anyone.

Their conversation is interrupted by the announcement that Mika is about to give birth.

The scene cuts to the Infirmary where Benyan awaits word. Dukat congratulates Benion on the upcoming event, of fathering the first child within their community.

In an aside between Fala and Nerys he observes she isn't happy about this. She agrees, disliking the idea of children being raised to follow the Pah Wraiths. Fala tries to be amicable and agree to disagree but Nerys forces the issue by pointing out they both can't be right.

Their conversation is interrupted by the presentation of Mika and her child. Mika isn't happy and as Benyan looks in on the child he isn't looking very happy either. Then Dukat steps forward and he too looks with dismay. The child is a Bajoran/Cardassian half-breed.

Dukat takes the child from Mika's arms and holds the child up to the crowd. He claims that a miracle has occurred. That the Pah Wraiths have shown their approval of their covenant and community by transforming the child from being a product of Benyan and Mika to this half-Cardassian/half-Bajoran child. He urges them all to pray, and with beatific smiles they all give thanks, even Benyan, Mika and Fala, who are still not looking very happy about the 'blessed event'.

The show cuts to commercials.

In the temple Nerys challenges Fala to explain this, pointing out it is obvious that Dukat is the father. Fala counters by claiming Nerys hates Dukat so much she can't accept the possibility of a miracle. Nerys wonders aloud if Fala is so blind as to believe anything Dukat says. He asks her if the Prophets can make an entire Dominion fleet disappear then why is it so hard to accept that the Pah Wraiths have done this thing. He claims he has faith.

Nerys asks Fala to allow her to speak to Benyan and Mika. Fala hesitates. She suggests he's afraid of discovering the truth and Benion claims he knows the truth but doesn't want her making "unfounded accusations".

Nerys promises to be discreet.

In the painting room Benyan continues to paint the portrait of Dukat. Nerys suggests that one of the children should be half-Cardassian to celebrate the event. Then she suggests that Benyan must be very happy Dukat gave them permission to have a child. Benyan points out they prayed together many times before Dukat was sure. Nerys asks if Benyan and Dukat prayed alone and Benyan admits they did. Then she asks if Mika had also prayed with Dukat alone and Benyan admits this too. Fala draws Nerys away from the room to allow Benyan to return to his painting.

Nerys expresses a desire to see Mika and Fala hopes she will be more discreet than she was with Benyan.

In another corridor Dukat walks towards a docking port, looking behind him to ensure he is alone. Within the port he finds Mika waiting for him. Through their conversation we discover Dukat gave in to temptation, that he knew he was the father of the child when he saw the child. Mika points out that she had forgiven him for his weakness and that she hasn't told anyone. But she confesses if Benyan asks she doesn't know whether she can lie.

Meanwhile, Nerys and Fala have found someone who saw where Mika went and so they head down a corridor.

Back in the airlock Dukat understands Mika's dilemma and asks her to wait awhile so he might leave without her being seen. She agrees. Outside the docking port he presses the control panel and the inner door closes. He then presses another button and the outer door opens. Mika is desperate and tries to convince him to let her in and realizes he will not. She collapses to the floor from oxygen deprivation and the cold.

Dukat hears Nerys calling for Mika and promptly leaves. Nerys, hearing the warning sound of the airlock panel, finds Mika spread out on the floor and rescues her.

In the Infirmary we discover that Mika was saved in time, and though sedated and sleeping, she will make a full recovery. Dukat arrives and learns of this. He instructs one of the Bajorans to make sure another "accident" like this doesn't happen again.

Nerys challenges him to tell the truth. He claims Nerys is upset and doesn't realize what she is saying, and then instructs two Bajorans to escort her to her quarters to rest. Dukat then begins a prayer for Mika's recovery.

In his quarters Dukat prays to the Pah Wraiths. He points out the obvious, that when Mika is awake she will reveal the truth and that the covenant will be broken and that his community will turn away from him and the Pah Wraiths. He prays for her recovery and asks for their intervention.

The scene cuts to the Promenade, where the bell tolls for services. In the Infirmary the doctor points out this isn't the time for services, and after a short discussion with Benyan it is agreed she will stay while Benyan attends the service.

Dukat arrives and announces he was given his last vision from the Pah Wraiths. It seems the Pah Wraiths have decided now is the time for the cult to kill themselves so they may become warriors on behalf of the Pah Wraiths against the Prophets. Nerys, who is listening to this on the intercom, strikes at the closed door in frustration.

The scene cuts to commercials.

In Nerys' quarters, Dukat arrives and tells her that he has contacted DS9 and that a ship will arrive in a day or two to take her home.

She doubts he is willing to die with his followers but Dukat pulls out a tiny crystal from his tunic and claims it was developed by the Obsidian Order to kill their operatives if captured, and render the body into dust to avoid identification.

Dukat claims he doesn't worry about death because he knows he will be with the Pah Wraiths. Astonished, Nerys says "You really believe that." With his back to her, Dukat smiles and says his farewell.

In the temple the crystals are handed out to everyone there. Even Benyan takes one for himself and the child (Mika isn't there).

Back in her quarters, Nerys rigs the door mechanism to a heating lamp.

In the temple, Dukat starts his last sermon. In Nerys's quarters, Nerys manages to open the door.

Just as Dukat reaches the point in the sermon where he and his community are abut to take the poison, Nerys calls out his name and throws herself at him, knocking over the receptacle holding the poison crystals as well as forcing Dukat to drop his own crystal.

She calls upon them to stop and realize he is trying to hide the truth from them. Dukat is picking up and examining several crystals, one after another. Fala steps forward and helps Dukat up while Nerys is restrained.

Fala reaches into another receptacle and extracts a crystal, offering it to Dukat. He looks at it and visibly hesitates.

Nerys, seizing on this, challenges him to take it, asking him if the crystals are all the same. This causes confusion amongst his followers. Dukat admits the Pah Wraiths want him to continue to bring others into their "light". This angers his community and Benyan finally accuses him of being the father of the child. Dukat claims the Pah Wraiths have forgiven him, which raises the anger of the crowd still more. They start pelting him with the crystals.

Dukat challenges them, asking them who they are to claim the Pah Wraiths are wrong and to judge him.

His gentle demeanor ripped away by this reversal, he looks wild and vicious. He rips off the earring, claiming none of them will know the love of the Pah Wraiths. And with one look at Nerys he slaps his wrist and activates a transponder of his own, thus beaming away from the crowd.

With his disappearance the crowd settles down, but Fala decides to take the crystal after all. Nerys breaks free and rushes to his side, asking him why. He tells her "Faith" and expires.

The scene cuts to an exterior of the Defiant at warp. In the mess hall we find Benyan, Mika, the child, as well as Odo and Nerys.

Odo and Nerys discuss the events. Odo points out that the community must find a way to start over now that their trust has been betrayed. Nerys believes Dukat had convinced himself that he was doing the bidding of the Pah Wraiths, thus making him even more dangerous than ever.

Personal Reflections:
It's unfortunate when DS9 falls into the predictable. Especially after receiving the past two outstanding offerings. Though the episode had no nits I could find we found ourselves mired in the gobbledygook of a very predictable episode about how bad cults are supposed to be.

Once again a cult is presented as a very reasonable alternative to the accepted religion, only to discover that through the frailty of the cult leader it is destined to failure and to avoid this ignominy everyone must die.

Hoo Hum.

Let's ignore the fact that every religion known started as a cult.

All this episode really demonstrates is that the strength and weakness of any religion resides in the unquestioning faith of the true believers.

Leaders, be they spiritual or temporal, are no better or worse than their followers. Some are inspired for good and others for evil. But their own strengths and weaknesses doesn't change the basis upon which a religion or a cult is based.

And that basis resides in the hearts of the believers.

While the Pah Wraith community might be discouraged about their choice in a leader, their faith in peace and love remained unchanged. Fala demonstrates this. Whether he had faith in the Prophets or the Pah Wraiths really didn't matter. He continued to believe in peace and love. There was no difference between someone like Benyan and Nerys. They both believed in peace and love. They just claimed different gods as champions for their cause.

I think this episode would have been much improved had Fala and the rest of his community re-dedicated itself to the Pah Wraiths under a better leader, or perhaps even under no leader.

Losing faith in one's gods because one has lost faith in the spiritual leader demonstrates that no faith in the gods ever existed.

The episode had potential if it could have broken out of the stereo-typical 'cult' story-line. It failed to do this and because quite predictable and shed no new light on the concept of cults, religions, or faith. It simply echoed the tired yet safe refrain that traditional, politically-acceptable religions are a safer choice than any religion that wasn't born over a thousand years ago.

It pays to recall that even Christianity knew three hundred and some odd years as a "cult", prosecuted for its "atheism" and those condemned, tortured for their faith.

The only reason these kinds of stories re-appear is because it gives an audience a sense of smug self-satisfaction to believe their faith is vested in something more profound than that of those who believe in a cult.

Given enough time and government endorsement, any cult can raise itself to become the political powerhouse which Christianity has made of itself at the cost of countless millions suffering for doubting the 'one true religion'.

Thank you for your attention.



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