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INT. GARAK'S SHOP - DAY
Garak is serving a customer when Keiko O'Brian walks in
holding a padd and starts looking around.
BAJORIAN WOMAN
Oh thank you, I was so nervous
about the dance recital
GARAK
I am certain you will be fortuitous
in your presentation.
Garak leads the woman out, and smiles.
GARAK
Ah, Mrs. O'Brian, how may I help
you?
KEIKO
Garak, call me Keiko.
Garak nods and bows a little
GARAK
Keiko, how may I help you?
KEIKO
It's an unusual request, but do you
make clothes for children?
GARAK
I have made a few things for some
very fortunate children, though I
don't get much demand. It is rather
expensive.
KEIKO
Could I get a quote in advance?
GARAK
Of course, but I will need to know
what kind of material. It's easier
if I have price range.
Keiko hesitates.
KEIKO
It's for Molly. Maybe it's
frivolous.
GARAK
A good set of clothing is never
frivolous. There is joy and
appreciation in art and wearing it.
KEIKO
When I was a little girl, my
grandmother made me a dress and I
felt so special, like a princess
and I want Molly to have that kind
of experience.
GARAK
Wonderful! What is the occasion?
Daily wear? Formal?
KEIKO
I'm throwing her a birthday party,
it should be formal, but practical.
Something she can spin around in
and have fun.
GARAK
Sounds very lovely.
KEIKO
That's not the only thing I want.
GARAK
Oh? Two garments?
KEIKO
Yes, the other is a Yukata. It's a
summer kimono. Light weight
gorgeous patterns. I brought some
pictures of my design, because this
one I want to be from me and the
other dress I want Molly to have a
say.
Garak takes the pad with the Keiko's designs and looks
through them.
GARAK
Oh these are lovely. I can
certainly make this. You'll need to
bring her in and then we can
discuss the dress. What is your
schedule?
KEIKO
How is tomorrow at 1700?
GARAK
It's open. I'll be ready for both
of you.
Keiko begins to leave, and then stops, remembering something
important.
KEIKO
I almost forgot, keep the Yukata a
secret. I want it to be a surprise
for her birthday.
GARAK
My lips are sealed.
INT. O'BRIAN'S QUARTERS - NIGHT
Molly is fast asleep and Keiko and Chief O'Brian are settling
into the night. O'Brian lowers himself on the couch grumbling
as people in their late thirties do, there is a squeak of a
child's toy, he removes it from under him, and puts it on the
coffee table.
O'BRIAN
I thought we'd got bloody all of
them.
KEIKO
That one is sneaky.
O'BRIAN
Let's not get anymore of them for
her birthday. She already has an
army.
KEIKO
I was at Garak's shop for Molly's
birthday present.
O'BRIAN
I thought we were getting her a
dress.
KEIKO
We are and why I was at the
tailor's shop.
O'BRIAN
Can't you get a replicated one?
KEIKO
Miles O'Brian I am not getting a
replicated dress for my daughter's
birthday. She is getting a handmade
dress just like my Obaachan gave to
me when I was a child.
O'BRIAN
But your grandmother made those
dresses, can't you give her yours
from when you were a girl?
KEIKO
And where exactly do you think that
dress is? Was it on the Enterprise?
Do you think I packed it with me
when we moved to DS9? Where was I
suppose to put it in the single bag
we were allowed to bring.
O'BRIAN
Keiko... I didn't mean.
KEIKO
You didn't think. I came here with
the bare minimum as Starfleet
requested. I don't sew, I don't
want to learn how to sew and I'm
not asking my mother to ship me a
dress from Earth when we can get a
perfectly good one made here.
O'BRIAN
But a replicated one is fine.
KEIKO
No it's not. The entire point is to
have something hand crafted.
Completely tailored to you. The
Yukata my Obaachan made me lasted
and it was so comfortable and soft.
I felt so special every time I wore
it because I felt closer to her.
O'BRIAN
But Garak isn't your grandmother.
KEIKO
That isn't point. Garak is going to
make the dress, but I designed the
yukata and Molly and I will design
her dress.
O'BRIAN
But what if she doesn't even like
it? We can't take it back. With a
replicated one you can put it back
in the replicator and get another
that suits you more. The matter is
reused.
KEIKO
You aren't listening to me.
O'BRIAN
I am listening but I don't see the
point in spending money on dresses.
KEIKO
How many costumes has Garak made
for you and Doctor Bashir? Why
aren't they replicated?
O'BRIAN
Julian talked me into it. Him and
Garak get on. It doesn't matter to
me who made it. The replicator does
as good of a job.
KEIKO
Oh really, so if I took your
costume away and replicated you a
new one, you'd be fine with that?
O'BRIAN
That's a waste, the costume is
already made.
KEIKO
But a replicated one would be as
good, wouldn't it? Why is it that
you get a closet full of handmade
dresses but won't contribute to two
for your own daughter?
O'BRIAN
It's not like that.. see Julian...
KEIKO
Fine. Why don't we ask Julian.
Keiko to Doctor Bashir.
O'BRIAN
Keiko!
BASHIR
Miles?
KEIKO
It's Keiko, could you come over,
Miles and I have something we'd
like to discuss.
BASHIR
I'm on my way.
O'BRIAN
Keiko, you didn't have to involve
Julian.
KEIKO
If he can convince you to buy
several dresses
O'BRIAN
Period accurate clothing.
KEIKO
Dresses! From Garak! I'm sure he'll
be able to convince you to buy two
for our daughter.
O'Brian grumbles.
O'BRIAN
Ok fine! Get the bloody dresses.
KEIKO
Fantastic. We have a fitting
tomorrow. Keiko to Doctor Bashir.
BASHIR
Miles?... Keiko?
KEIKO
We settled the matter, you don't
need to come.
BASHIR
...Alright then.
The call ends and we cut to.
INT. BASHIR BEDROOM - NIGHT
Julian Bashir is half dressed and Garak is in his bed.
GARAK
Well that was settled quickly.
BASHIR
I wonder what was so urgent...
GARAK
I couldn't even imagine.
BASHIR
I know that look, you know why
Keiko called...
GARAK
And maybe do I know. But how ever
will you get the information from
me?
BASHIR
By asking very nicely with my
boyish charm?
GARAK
Oh the things you do to me Doctor.
BASHIR
Huh, I didn't need to get dressed.
GARAK
Well Doctor, we can take them off
again.
INT. GARAK'S SHOP - DAY
Keiko and Molly walk into Garak's shop. Garak bows slight
with his head and greets them. Molly is holding a small doll.
And on the desk there is a small basket.
GARAK
Welcome, and you must be the
birthday girl.
Molly is shy and hides a little behind her mother's leg.
KEIKO
I'm sorry, she's a little shy
today.
GARAK
Aren't we all?
Garak goes to desk, and puts his hand in the basket. Pulling
out a doll sized dress.
GARAK
Such a shame. I have all of these
dolls clothes and no one to play
with them.
Molly pokes her head out a little behind Keiko. Garak pulls
out a particularly sparky doll's dress.
GARAK
Oh dear, what do you think of this
one? Do you think your friend would
like it?
MOLLY
....
GARAK
Oh no, maybe that's not their style
at all? Perhaps something more
elegant.
He pulls out a small suit.
MOLLY
Maybe?
GARAK
Does your friend have a name?
MOLLY
Yes, but it's a secret.
GARAK
I like secrets, and I know better
than to pry, perhaps you would be
better capable of finding an
appropriate outfit for our
mysterious guest.
Garak takes the box off the desk, and puts it on the floor
near some chairs. He smiles very kindly. Molly hesitates
looking to Keiko
KEIKO
It's okay, let's look.
Keiko takes Molly's hand which has become unwrapped from the
her leg and they start to pull out doll's clothes of various
levels of detail.
KEIKO
Garak, these are all marvellous.
GARAK
It's very important that everyone
looks and feel good.
Molly suspiciously inspects every dress. Waiting for Garak
and Keiko's reaction. Waiting to get in trouble. As time goes
on and she does not get in trouble, she allows herself to
show the dresses to the doll, and trying them on the doll. As
Molly is distracted with the doll's clothes, Garak shows his
proposed revision to Keiko's design with fabric samples and a
quote for the Yukata. Keiko touches the soft fabric, and nods
and smiles in agreement. Garak takes away the samples and the
design for the Yukata. Molly is far more interested in the
doll's clothes than the affairs of boring adults. Molly
settles on a dress for her doll
MOLLY
Can she wear this to my Birthday
party?
KEIKO
Only if it's okay with Garak
GARAK
Who would I be to deny such a
mysterious person a lovely outfit?
Yes, of course. But what about you?
MOLLY
Me?
GARAK
Oh yes, perhaps you would like to
match?
MOLLY
No, she's too respectable.
GARAK
I see.
MOLLY
I like this sparkly one. It's like
stars. But itchy.
GARAK
That is the burden of stars, they
are often itchy, but I can show you
a less itchy star.
Garak goes to back of the shop and picks up several bolts of
fabric of the stars of various itchiness.
GARAK
These are the itchy stars, but I
can put a backing on it, so your
skin wouldn't touch it too much. On
your side where you arms rub, I use
this which doesn't itch at all.
Please feel it.
Molly looks to Keiko for reassurance. This is obviously a
trap. Keiko smiles, and touches the fabric.
KEIKO
Oh sweetie, it's very soft.
Molly thinks on this for a moment. But gets up and pets the
fabric.
MOLLY
The stars aren't itchy!
GARAK
Yes, they are very soft. Would you
like something with these two?
MOLLY
Ummm. I don't know.... Do you have
other colours?
GARAK
I have both respectable colours,
and not respectable colours. But
what is your favourite colour?
MOLLY
I like yellow, but I also like
green, like mommy's plants. Orange
is okay.
GARAK
Well we don't want okay. What do
you like?
MOLLY
I don't know...
GARAK
What makes you happy?
MOLLY
Ummmmmm....
Molly looks to her mom.
KEIKO
What do you like?
MOLLY
I like....
She shows off the doll with the secret name and grabs her
mom's hand.
GARAK
Those are very good choices. Strong
choices.
Garak looks at the pile of dolls dresses and gets an idea of
what to make.
GARAK
I need to take your measurements
and your guest's measurements so I
can make dresses for both of you.
MOLLY
But she has a dress.
GARAK
Oh yes, and that is a lovely dress,
but it does not fit very well and I
think I can make it as respectable
as your guest would like.
MOLLY
She does like being respectable.
GARAK
Should I measure your mother first,
so you can see it's okay.
Molly nods. And Keiko lets Garak measure her. He records the
measurements.
MOLLY
I'll go first. She's scared.
GARAK
Very brave of you and such a good
friend you are to go first.
Molly puts the doll on the desk and sits them up so they have
a clear view. Garak measures Molly for the dress and records
the measurements.
MOLLY
It's okay. It didn't hurt at all.
Garak gestures to the doll
GARAK
May I measure you?
MOLLY
She's says it okay. But I'm gonna
watch. It's okay.
Garak measures the doll and records the measurements. Molly
picks up the doll and plays with it.
GARAK
Why thank you very much. I'll need
a bit of time to design something
for you. If you like you can stop
by the shop, to see it before I
begin making the dress.
MOLLY
No, we trust you.
GARAK
Oh that is lovely, but certainly
you would like to see.
While Molly is looking intently into the doll's face. Keiko
nods her head indicating that yes, she will be stopping by to
check out design. Garak nods.
MOLLY
No. Can we go now?
KEIKO
Molly, don't be rude. Let's put
away the dolls' dresses before we
leave.
Keiko and Molly put the dresses back in the box, and Molly
changes the doll of out of the very respectable dress. She
presents it to Garak.
GARAK
Thank you.
MOLLY
Thank you.
KEIKO
Thank you.
Keiko and Molly leave the store and Garak picks up the box of
dresses and puts it into the back.
He examines the few that Molly showed interest in, and begins
to design a dress for her birthday party.
INT. O'BRIAN'S QUARTERS - NIGHT
O'Brian is finishing reading Molly a bedtime story. His voice
is soft and soothing. He closes the book and as if by magic
or in a work of fiction Molly is already asleep. He closes
the door to the bedroom and goes to living room to enjoy some
quiet time with Keiko.
KEIKO
You should have seen how well Garak
handled Molly.
O'BRIAN
I didn't think he'd be good with
kids. Though, he did manage to keep
Odo in good spirts for a trip.
Maybe he really is good at
conversation.
KEIKO
I've read that family is very
important to Cardassians. The
fabric and the dress. He's even
making one for her doll.
O'BRIAN
A doll doesn't need a handmade
dress.
KEIKO
It will be so cute. Molly and her
doll dressed up.
O'BRIAN
It's a doll. That's quite the
extravagance.
Keiko shoots him a look of a thousand icicles. Miles gets the
message.
O'BRIAN
(sigh) Who am I to talk I have my
closet full of handmade dresses. At
least you didn't bring Julian in on
this one.
KEIKO
You are gonna love it.
The O'Brians settle in for the rest of the evening; while
Garak works in his shop on the Keiko approved designs.
INT. O'BRIAN'S QUARTERS - DAY
Sometime later Keiko comes back home with three boxes from
Garak's shop. One is very small, one medium sized and the
last is lovingly gift wrapped. Keiko takes the gift wrapped
one and attaches a handmade card to it. "To Molly Love Mom
and Dad". The other two she sets on the coffee table. Not a
minute too soon as O'Brian and Molly enter their home.
MOLLY
Is that my dress!?
KEIKO
Yes it is!
MOLLY
Can I change into right now!?
KEIKO
Of course we have to get to the
holosuite for the party.
Molly opens the box for the doll and changes her into the
dress.
MOLLY
Look at how pretty she is!
KEIKO
Very Lovely!
Molly opens the box for her with her party dress, and takes
it out. It sparkles like the stars, and doesn't itch.
MOLLY
It's so pretty.
Molly begins as many children do to strip and change into the
outfit right then and there. Miles and Keiko laugh. Molly
gets the dress on and gives it a good spin. The skirt spins
around her exceptionally well and it has pockets. Molly runs
into her room to look at herself in the mirror. She smiles,
and spins around many times enjoying the sparkling flowing
fabric. Miles and Keiko watch her and Miles can't help but
smile.
KEIKO
We have to get going soon.
Molly nods and stops spinning, and sneaks a few bouncy balls
into her pockets. You never know when you'll need a good
bouncy ball.
INT. HOLOSUITE CHILD'S BIRTHDAY PARTY CHAOS
A children's party on the holodeck is chaos. Molly and her
friends ricochet a ball on the wall trying to mess up the
holographic projection and laughing louder and louder. Jadzia
Dax and Benjamin Sisko enter the holosuite and quick duck to
dodge the rogue bouncy ball. The kids continue to run around
play and scream, until cake and presents. Keiko presents
Molly with the gifts from her and Miles.
KEIKO
This one is from your father and I.
I got a similar thing from my
Obaachan when I was your age.
Molly stares at the box suspiciously. Knowing that it likely
holds something old, and disappointing. She undoes the ribbon
and wrapping falls open, revealing another box from Garak's
shop like the one she opened earlier. She grows a bit more
excited. She opens the box, pulls back the tissue and pulls
out a lovely Yukata with a large flowers and matching obi,
and a matching on in an even smaller size.
MOLLY
It's so pretty, and so soft.
She rubs it on her face, and then puts it down, and begins to
try to take off her own dress to try this new one on.
Miles and Keiko stop her. Jadzia and Benjamin Sisko try not
to laugh, but are failing.
O'BRIAN
No sweetie. Why don't we save this
one for when you get home.
Molly begins to insist, but stops herself when she sees her
mother's face. Inside the box is a small doll sized version
of the Yukata.
MOLLY
Can I put this one on her?
KEIKO
Of course!
The party continues for the usual 2-3 hours that seem like an
eternity at a child's birthday party. Everyone goes home a
little stickier but happier than before.
INT. GARAK'S SHOP - DAY
Keiko and Molly stop by Garak's shop
KEIKO
She wanted to say thank you.
Garak does a formal bow to Molly and starts to say "it was
nothing" but he is knock back a little by Molly running and
giving him a big hug
MOLLY
Thank you
GARAK
You are welcome.
Molly doesn't release Garak from her hug. Garak is unsure of
what to do. Molly whispers into Garak's ear
MOLLY
I have a secret from my 'friend'.
Can you keep a secret?
GARAK
Of course.
MOLLY
She says her name is Princess
Pancakepants and she says 'thank
you.'
GARAK
I am very honoured. Tell her I said
'your welcome.'
Molly lets Garak go, and goes back to her mom.
KEIKO
What did she say to you?
GARAK
Oh I am afraid I am honour bound
not to say.
Keiko and Molly leave the shop
KEIKO
What did you tell him?
Garak smiles and watches them leave. Another job done well.