Question: Is Morn Really going to die?
MARAT

Ira Steven Behr: Has Morn ever really been alive?

(referring to the upcoming episode "Who Mourns for Morn?")

ISB: Stay tuned next week for the shocking revelations about our favorite barfly. This episode is best viewed after consuming vast quantities of grain alcohol... (not that we're promoting that sort of behavior....)

Q: I know about the plot for "Far Beyond the Stars" But what I want to know is how have the scenes in Sisko's Dream been shot, in Black & White or Colour?
Nobody

ISB: I'd like to know how Ray knows about the plot for "Far Beyond the Stars". I'd be very interested, indeed, to hear about his sources. The show is going to be in color (unless you're watching on a b&w set). The show, at least a large part of it, takes place in the 1950s, so we thought about black and white, but my feeling was b&w was more evocative of the 1930s and 40s.

Q: Are we really going to see Armin Shimerman, Michael Dorn and Rene Auberjonois without their character makeup?
MrOdo

ISB: Not only that, but they will be seeing Nana Visitor without her crinkles...Terry Farrell without her spots...Marc Alaimo and Jeff Combs without their prosthetics.We even threw J.G. Hertzler and Aron Eisenberg in there as well. The only character we could not squeeze in was Andy Robinson. We tried. But the guest cast budget was already a cause for alarm.

Q: Do you work with Rick Berman?
FleetAdmiral

ISB: Rick is involved with so many Star Trek projects that his time is limited. But we discuss each episode in terms of its storyline, how we plan on having the story develop, and Rick will give notes (usually dialogue notes) on the various drafts. But as I've said in other interviews, I believe Rick feels very confident that myself and the rest of the DS9 producing staff can steer the ship on a safe course.

Q: Where did you come up with the idea for "Far Beyond the Stars"?
Wayne

ISB: That started off about a year ago when Marc Scott Zicree pitched an idea involving Jake Sisko getting involved in some 1950 science fiction writers. It turned out to be some kind of alien plot. When the story was told to me, I sparked to the 1950s sci-fi milieu... but I didn't find the story that interesting. But it was something I always wanted to do, so I just let it rattle around in my noodle for a while. Then, in a story meeting with the other writers, I came up with the idea of combining our characters with the 1950s... making them the sci-fi writers and dealing with the racism of the era. It became a Sisko show, and just kind of fell into place. We had a lunch meeting with Marc where I laid out the story for him. He went off and wrote it and then Hans Beimler and myself wrote the script. The director who was slotted in for that episode had a conflict and dropped out. Steve Oster (DS9 line producer) had the idea of offering the gig to Avery Brooks. Everything fell into place from there. Avery had one of the toughest jobs I've ever witnessed on episodic television. He was in almost every scene as an actor, and at the same time, he had to direct a very large, very complicated production. He did a spectacular job. And if he doesn't get the credit that's due him, I think I'll disappear into the Delta Quadrant.

Q: Good evening, Mr. Behr and thanks for your time! I'm still in happy amazement over IGGY POP'S recent guest role on DS9! He did such a great job and I'm VERY curious as to how all that came about!!! How did IGGY POP end up starring in a STAR TREK episode??? "The Magnificent Ferengi" was a wonderful episode! (And how do you spell "V'ohrta?"). LOVE YOU!!
Cindy

ISB: A woman after my own heart!

The Iggy story was years in the making. I first tried to get the Popmeister to do an episode of mine when I was working on the TV series, "Fame". For various reasons, it never happened. But I never lost faith that, one day, I would snare Mr. Osterberg. It was a personal triumph for me, and I had the extra pleasure of taking him out to lunch. He did not disappoint. Besides watching Deep Space Nine, and buying various Ferengi books, I suggest that all people on the web here tonight, go out and buy an Iggy Pop record tomorrow. I would suggest "Raw Power". But feel free to choose your own title... afterall, this is a democracy.

Q: From the pictures from the episode it looked like the cast had fun shooting, did they ?
Eric

ISB: "Far Beyond the Stars" was one of those episodes that come along once a season it seems. Everyone from the cast to the crew to the studio felt we had something special. People worked incredibly long hours without complaining. When I was down on the set, I was constantly being approached by various DS9ers who would tell me how excited they were to be working on the episode. I don't want to oversell this thing. It's still just an hour of television. And, as with all hours of television, we had to make compromises. Time is a killer. And though we went over time and over budget, we still had to view this monster as just one episode out of 26. But given the time, the money, and the amount of work involved, I think it is something we can all be proud of.

Q: Ron Moore confirmed DS9 for a seventh season. Would the final episode be a two-hour "bookend" like "All Good Things ..." was to "ENCOUNTER AT FARPOINT" for Star Trek: The Next Generation?
The Emissary

ISB: One of the things I've felt strongly about ever since the second season of this series, is that we had to wrap up all the many threads that we were going to be weaving over the course of our run. So, I can guarantee that the last episode will rank up there with past series enders. In fact, we kind of view the entire 7th season as a chance to say everything we want to... about this particular TV series. I know many people are wondering if there will be a DS9 movie, and I wish I had an answer. I tend to doubt it. Though I would not refuse an offer if Paramount would make one. I think Deep Space Nine in Panavision would be a hell of a thing. Rampaging Jem'Hadar, morphing Founders... I'm breaking out into a sweat just thinking about it.

Q: Where was the episode "Far Beyond the Stars" filmed?
Morn64

ISB: It was filmed on the usual DS9 sound stages and on the exterior New York street that we have here on the Paramount lot. I think it's a remarkably good use of a studio exterior. We spent the money on extras and set dressing, and I think it shows.

Q: What is next in Quark's life? He's gone against the Dominion for Moogie, helped kick the Dominion off DS9... Will the writers continue to expand on this character in the future?
Ana

ISB: Before the end of the 6th season, there's going to be some major changes on Ferenginar. Quark will be involved with the Nagus, Moogie and Brunt in an episode that will forever change the quality of life for our favorite oomoxing aliens.

Q: How does it feel to work on one of the world most watched TV shows?
Nigel

ISB: On a day in, day out basis, it feels like a job. One that is filled with excitement, stress, disappointment, frustration and all the various emotions any working stiff feels. But then there are moments like tonight when I get to chat with all of you. Then I realize: "Hey, this isn't any job. This is way cool." And for that I am very grateful.

Q: Do you have an idea already about what Sisko's penance will be?
Berserker

ISB: It is evolving. As time goes on and as we discuss it over lunch, it becomes more and more complicated. It really is tied in to the rest of the series. And I don't think it will be totally understood and resolved until the final episode.

Q: Dear Ira: Do you think this will be the show that FINALLY wins a Hugo??
porthos

ISB: Believe it or not, I really try not to think in those terms. Obviously, I have been disappointed in the past. As I have been scolded by various people, I do not always play the publicity game with the fans that other show runners seem so proficient at. Obviously the fans vote on the Hugos... they take it very seriously. I tend not to take those kinds of things quite as seriously. So, even though I'm sitting here chatting with all of you up, I still feel somewhat remiss about my political acumen. I think we all want to do good work. That, and having Iggy Pop on the show, is what life's all about. I have told Avery Brooks that "Far Beyond the Stars" is the first episode in six years of doing DS9 that I will personally submit for the various TV awards next season. Though I believe DS9 isn't perceived with the toney cache that shows like... (you fill in the blanks)... are blessed with.

Q: You mentioned about time restrictions when creating a storyine. Do you ever think of a story that's too good for a hour's viewing? Do you keep it for a possible two-parter or, hopefully, a movie?
Cmdr. Thal Logan

ISB: Well, this question is being answered for Avery Brooks. Avery was very passionate about having "Far Beyond the Stars" be a two-parter. He really pushed for it and I'm sure he regrets, even today, that we were not able to go that way. I do think that the story works as a one-hour. I think the biggest restriction we had, was on the six-part opening episode, which, by all means, should have been a 9-parter, at least. But we had to sweat blood to convince Paramount to let us go six. Of course, from their point of view, it was very audacious to go beyond two. In some ways, I'll always regret not being able to squeeze a few more episodes out of them.

Q: Thanks for answering our questions. I know you shouldn't give "spoilers" away, but... we have seen in regular "continuity" Dukat has gone insane. In "FAR BEYOND THE STARS", we know Marc Alaimo will be participating. Is his "character" going to be insane like Dukat or cunning like the "old" Dukat? Thank you!
Lee

ISB: Marc Alaimo will not be playing Gul Dukat in "Far Beyond the Stars". He'll be playing a 1950s New York City detective. NONE of the actors will be playing characters based on their DS9 personas. Trust me, it works.

("Far Beyond the Stars" airs the week of February 9th.)

Q: Mr. Behr: Any chance of an episode which would have Jeffrey Combs do a double "take" in a scene as Brunt and Weyoun?
Lee

ISB: I doubt that will happen because of the time it would take to switch makeup. But if anyone could do it, Jeff could. My admiration for him grows with every episode he appears in. He's one of those actors who, if I ever get another job beyond DS9, I would love to use. I love the guy.

Q: Is Dukat going into seventh season?
juno

ISB: Dukat will definitely be featured in the seventh season. He also has a couple of episodes coming up in the sixth season. Marc Alaimo is another one of those actors who I have unlimited respect for. I know we don't see eye to eye on the development of his character, but that in no way colors my enjoyment of his talent. I always like to see him on an episode. However, just to keep the controversy alive, Gul Dukat is a very evil man. Send those cards and letters to Paramount Television in care of yours truly blah, blah, blah....

Q: Will we be seeing the Romulans in DS9, any time soon?
Morn64

ISB: Yes indeed. We have plans for the Romulans that will, no doubt, involve them with the rest of the series.

Q: The actors that are chosen for the various roles are great (eg. Dukat, Weyoun, Garak)... do you have visions of what actors you want when you write?
Odo'ital

ISB: Good question. (Not that the others weren't...) Often I find that when we don't have an actor in mind for a specific guest part, the casting process can be hellacious. We're doing another very special episode in the very near future involving Odo and his adventures in a Las Vegas holosuite program. The character of Vic Fontaine, a Vegas lounge singer, was one that we struggled with somewhat in the first draft. We were not sure in which way we were going to cast the character. As it turned out, we've cast James Darren who is perfect for the role. And now, as we do the rewrite, we're able to massage the dialogue to fit his voice. Let me tell you... it's a lot easier that way.

Q: How come DS9 does not get as much publicity as like a show like Voyager??
SueDS9

ISB: I think (and this is only personal opinion) that in some ways, Paramount has a larger stake in Voyager. These are the jokes folks. It's the flagship of the Paramount Network... indeed it is a "network" show... and that gives it a clout that syndication just doesn't have.

ISB: (A moment of silence will now be observed.)

Q: Now that Robert Hewitt Wolfe has been on camera, is there any chance you will ever have an on camera role?
Daniel

ISB: I am Morn. Please don't tell anyone, especially Marc Shephard who THINKS he's Morn. But it's actually me inside that costume. In fact if you look closely at some long shots at the bar, you'll see me busy writing episodes. I use a trusty No. 2 pencil and a long legal pad.

Q: I keep hearing about plot "arcs" what are they?
MrE

ISB: There are basically two kinds of plot arcs. One relates to how a story is developed over the course of an episode. In other words, what is the shape of the plot. How do we tell the story in a linear fashion? IE: beginning, middle, end. Another is a character arc. We plot out how a character will be developed over the course of an episode. Will the character change as a result of the events he/she is put through? A third arc (I know I said there were only two but show biz is filled with people lying to you)... is a multi-episode arc. In this case, you take a story and project over two, three, four, or (yes) even nine episodes. This takes a lot of thought, because if you're going to take an audience on that kind of journey, you have to make sure you have enough story to tell. And that that story has enough plot elements to make it interesting. Okay, WAKE UP WAKE UP... it wasn't that boring.

Q: There's this rumor that the season finale is called Screams of Armageddon... is this true?
Berserker

ISB: Actually it's called "Armageddon of Screams". No, no, that's not it... It's Reams... "Reams of Armageddon". No, no... "I was reamed by Armageddon." Actually we do not have a title for the final episode of season six. Though I love rumors. Please feel free to start your own. I feel that is partially what the Internet is for. Cause mass confusion... It is very liberating.

Q: I'm in my teens. Do you consider yourself a role model for my generation with the work that you do?
Ana

ISB: I would like to think that DS9 would serve as a role model in terms of showing that good work can be done even in a medium that doesn't rate good work as a primary necessity. If you're talking about Ira as a person, they only role I can assume is someone who cares about his job. I find just as I go through life that many people don't seem to care much about their jobs. Now granted, they're not working on a TV show, and chances are they might not be getting a lot of strokes from the work they do. Nevertheless, I think we owe it all to each other as human beings to do the best in everything we do. I have two kids and I hope that I can serve as an example for them.

Q: Do you consider yourself a sort of science fiction literature buff from the early days? I was wondering because of the subject matter of the episode..
Berserker

ISB: I'm not really a big science fiction buff from the 1950s.

(talking about the upcoming episode "Far Beyond the Stars")

ISB: I date myself from the 1960s and Phillip K. Dick, J.G. Ballard, Thomas Disch and that ilk. What fascinates me about the 50s sci-fi community, is how these bunch of dorky dweebs dreamt these fabulous dreams of the future. I mean, look at photos of Asimov, Clarke, Heinlein, Pohl and the like. They all look the same. These bland, buttoned-down suited geeks who look like they should be pounding away at an adding machine in some accountant's office. But the look is totally false. These people had fabulous minds. And though, personally, I may not consider them fabulous literary stylists, I have tremendous respect for their ability to work in a very repressive time for very little money and very little acclaim, and yet create works that seem to have a lasting value. All of these men (and the occasional woman as well) have my admiration. I'm glad that in some small way I can pay tribute to them in "Far Beyond the Stars".

Q: Last season Kira found out that Odo was in love with her. The two of them decide to not get romantic because of the Dominion problem. Will this subject be coming up in any future episodes?
Kira

ISB: The Odo/Kira relationship will be dealt with in the Las Vegas episode I mentioned earlier.

Q: How do you think we the fans can convince Paramount to create a DS9 movie hopefully after the TNG cast finish their run?
Quark1

ISB: Letters... write letters.

(Paramount Pictures, 5555 Melrose Avenue, Hollywood, CA 90038)

ISB: I honestly believe that Paramount simply doubts that the public is interested in a DS9 feature. If they had a reason to change their mind, I guarantee you would not have to wait for the TNG films to finish their run before seeing your favorite space station on the big screen.

Q: Do you believe Ds9 has something more original than the usual Star Trek we are used to?
juno

ISB: More importantly, do YOU believe DS9 has something more original to say.

If you do, then I have done my job and I can enter my house justified.

Q: You have answered two of my questions so far, I never thought anyone in your position could be so humble. Do you think your upbringing had something to do with it? Thank you. By the way, you are very good looking for someone so smart.
Ana

ISB: Actually, I never considered myself humble. I do believe I had a good upbringing. Though, I know of people who have had miserable upbringings and have still done what they set out to do.

Anyway, I thank you for all your good thoughts.

Q: Have you ever heard of the Strugazkii ?
juno

ISB: No.

Q: Hi Ira, thanks for being with us. Many people feel the new team of DS9 writers, Weddle and Thompson, that replaced Robert H. Wolfe are not as strong in their presentations as the rest of the DS9 writing staff. Have you been satisfied with their work so far? Also, do you believe "Resurrection" was somewhat a let-down?
Quark1

ISB: I think Weddle and Thompson are doing a fine job and are definitely growing into their roles as staff writers. Their latest script, "Inquisition", which we just completed filming, is (I believe) a fabulous episode. As for "Resurrection", not only was it my idea but much of the episode as it appeared on screen was the work of myself and Hans Beimler. So, if you're going to cast stones, you may as well throw them at the right people. I think part of the disappointment that some fans felt with the episode is due to its placement in the season. After the six-parter and the wedding, an episode like "Resurrection" seemed almost like an afterthought. But any episode with Nana Visitor can't be all bad. I think she did a lovely job. And though I don't think it's the best episode we've ever done, I believe we've done worse.

Q: What is the title and number of this Vegas episode... and is it going to work?!?
Berserker

ISB: I believe it's episode 20 and it's called "His Way". And, yes, it is going to work. And if it doesn't, just pick up one of those stones and toss it my way. How's that for a guarantee?

Q: Do you feel that all of this war stuff is a step back from the Original Series idealism?
Berserker

ISB: I think this question is based on a false assumption. And to say this to someone with the name Berserker, is pretty damn brave. I don't believe the so-called "Star Trek idealism" has its basis in the original series. Afterall, it was a child of the swinging 60s. The original series was an adventure show with a swashbuckling hero, sexy babes, and a monster of the week. It was the Next Generation that bred this whole idea of Star Trek as the idealistic hope of the human race. And that's partly one of the themes of "Far Beyond the Stars". The universe of Star Trek is something we can aspire to. But to get there is going to take a lot of hard work, both on the personal and social level. Harder work than America in the 1990s seems willing to commit itself to. It's all well and good to say the future is going to be a utopia. But, baby, you better start working for it now, or you are in for a wakeup call. And so are your grandchildren. And it's not going to be a pretty one. That is not pessimism or nihilism. That is simply the truth. If you don't believe me, take a look at the world you live in. Then think: "What have I done to make it better?"

Q: Ira, are there any episodes, other than the much-anticipated "Far Beyond the Stars," that we should particularly be on the look-out for as terrific stuff?
Jose

ISB: Just by saying 'much anticipated' makes me a bit nervous. Like I said, I don't want to over-hype this thing. However, we do have a lot of good episodes coming up. There's "Wrongs Darker Than Death or Night" in which Kira learns more than she ever wanted to know about her mother. And "Changes of Heart" which is a Worf/Dax-together on a mission show... are very well done episodes. "Inquisition" looks very good, and I have high hopes for "In the Pale Moonlight" and "His Way". Like I said, it's going to be a pretty good run.

Q: What's up with the 'Honey, I shrunk the Starship' episode?
BillyBob

ISB: "One Little Ship", a story of a tiny, itsy-bitsy runabout that could... what could possibly be wrong with that? I haven't seen all the special effects yet, but I'm told they're going to be great. Every now and then, it seems to me, amidst all the chaos of DS9, we have to have one funky salute to sci-fi classics.

Don't you agree BillyBob? Besides, I loved your "Slingblade" film. I cheered when you won the Oscar. And I'm thrilled to have you as part of this chat group tonight.

So give "One Little Ship" a chance. You won't regret it.

Q: What is the hardest decision you ever had to make when you first started out in the production industry, and in what way has Star Trek Changed your life?
Harvey

ISB: There have been many difficult decisions. But at the time, one of the hardest was choosing to come back to the Star Trek family to work on DS9. Afterall, I had left The Next Generation" two years before, swearing I was done with the franchise. So to come back seemed to be, at least in my mind, partly a retreat from a moral and ethical stand that I had taken. Cut to six years later, and I could not be happier to be here. This is a very deep and magical answers... you just have to think about it for a while. It might even contain a key to a happy life... I'm not sure... I only work here. As for how has Star Trek changed my life, I'd have to ask 'how has it NOT changed my life?'

Q: What did you think of Star Trek : The Experience?
Jamie

ISB: I thought it was great to be there for the opening. It was a goddamn mess. At the time, all I wanted to do was get out of the tuxedo I was wearing and into a dry martini. But looking back, I feel somewhat like how I felt on the first day of shooting of DS9. It's all about being a tiny part of a pop culture moment.' Let me tell ya, there's nothing wrong with that. I thought the ride was a blast. And on a personal note, I'd just like to say that I went on it with Rene Echevarria who co-wrote the ride with Ken Biller. Having lived through the years they spent working on it, to be there with Rene at his moment of triumph was a great feeling. It reminded me of the bond we have as writers working on this series every day. It was a very special moment, and I'll remember it always. It was also nice to be in Quark's restaurant and to see my Rules of Acquisition all over the menu. And to go into the gift shops and see t-shirts screened with various rules. I cannot tell you what a kick that is. Again, I hope you understand that on a day to day basis, working on this TV show is not the most glamorous job in the world. I know it must seem that way to an outsider, but it really is a lot of hard work and worry. So to have moments where you suddenly say, "Hey, people are really into this show" is a trip and a half. It's also nice to realize that if DS9 does end with the seventh season, that it will continue at least in one corner of the Hilton Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. I feel a kinship with Bugsy Siegel that I never thought possible.

Q: Why did you leave TNG?
Kira

ISB: Basically because I found the work frustrating. I felt there wasn't enough conflict within the characters. I felt that the types of stories we could've done were limited. Humor was not encouraged. Just in terms of the work itself, it was unfulfilling. So I left. They offered me a two-year pay or play commitment, but I still left. I guess I really wanted to go. But I still remained friendly with Michael Piller and he was able to convince me to come back to the fold for DS9. Thanks, Mike.

Q: If you could have one more crack at any episode, which one would it be?
Daniel

ISB: I'm sure I could think of more than one episode. But the one that jumps out at me at the moment is "Let He Who is Without Sin". I definitely would've fought harder for full-frontal nudity.

Q: Do you feel that there is to much going on in the Star Trek universe that with the new movies, two shows that fans are being divided so much that it is a competition to keep fans interested in DS9?
Kit

ISB: Yes.

Q: How did you get interested in Star Trek?
Adam

ISB: I watched the series when it first aired in 1966-69. I thought the first two seasons were great. I remember my sister and I being disappointed with the third season. When the movies appeared, I went to see them but I can't say that I was all that interested in Star Trek at that point. So, I guess I'd have to say my interest is based on those two first seasons. Not much of a surprise, is it?

Q: There is always a lot of talk in the Chat rooms, and news groups about the "Rick Berman Reset button". How does it affect the development of DS9?
Krash

ISB: The only way I can answer that is that Rick Berman doesn't develop stories for DS9. He comments on/supports the stories the writing staff develops. But that's really the extent of his involvement on the development level. So I think maybe the chat rooms and newsgroups need to come up with something new to chat about... like a 'chat reset button'.

Q: Do you like or dislike the Star Trek Nitpickers that point out every single inconsistency?
Seven of Eleven

ISB: One of the continuing disappointments I have about the Internet, is the level of criticism pertaining to Star Trek. It's so conventional and detail-oriented. The whole nitpicker mystique escapes me. Talk about not being able to see the forest for the trees... This, of course, goes beyond just the nitpicker. The people who go online and write three or four page reviews of the episodes strike me as being incredibly prosaic in their taste. They never seem to see the big picture. I'm told I should just be flattered by the attention. But, frankly, I'm not.

Q: I've heard an ugly rumour that Colm might be leaving the series. Say it isn't so!
Teresa

ISB: IT ISN'T SO, TERESA! I hope that makes you happy.

Q: I loved the Magnificent Ferengi. Does DS9 make a conscious attempt to balance the style of episodes, moving from drama to humor?
Berserker

ISB: We do make a conscious attempt to balance the style of episodes. I think, overall, this has hurt us in terms of viewership in general. People tend to like the same kind of TV show every week. In other words, they tune in to see "E.R." be "E.R."... "Seinfeld" be "Seinfeld"... With DS9, it's catch-as-catch-can every week. I think it makes some people uneasy, and I regret that. But the fact is, that's the kind of show I want to write. And it's a show that Ron Moore and the rest of the guys want to write. So we do. I guess we're not a soothing as standard TV fare.

Q: What was your Inspiration for the Rules of Acquisition????
Jordan

ISB: They say "necessity is the mother of invention". Whoever they are, they know of what they speak. I was writing "The Nagus" episode and I suddenly realized, as I was sitting at my desk, that this was an opportunity to clarify and delineate Ferengi society. We hadn't discussed this during the story breaks... it was just something that I discovered along the way. Rules of Acquisition just popped into my mind and seemed like a perfect way to boil down a large part of Ferengi society into bite-sized pieces. I had no idea it was going to evolve into books, shirts and all kinds of stuff.

Q: Ira, I agree with your comments re: the variety of story moods on DS9, but I have a friend who swears DS9 is too soap-opera-ish (and then goes and watches Voyager). Have you ever heard that criticism?
Katie4747

ISB: Yes, Katie, I have heard that criticism. Basically, I think that TV doesn't cater to character-driven shows anymore. So that when you do see a show like DS9, which is almost totally character-driven it can seem reminiscent of daytime drama. But I don't think it is a valid criticism. We follow the ins and outs of our characters' lives.

Q: Many fans believe that DS9 is simply much better than TNG ever was, and that the characters are so much more interesting. Knowing this, would you, if at this point next year you and the staff still feel enthused with more ideas, petition Paramount to go for a season 8 and convince the actors? Would you push for a movie, or wait for them to come to you?
Steve

ISB: Steve, I think it's safe to say that season seven is the end of the road in terms of DS9 television. I think it is important for the fans of the show to realize this. Enjoy it while it lasts, because it won't be here forever... at least not in its first run. So let me make it clear, once again... just as I was convinced that there would be a season seven, I am equally convinced, in fact, I know there will not be a season eight.

Q: What sort of people do you think the ds9 fans are?
Juno

ISB: As Will Rogers once said, "I never met a DS9 fan I didn't like."

Q: What do you miss most about working with Robert Hewitt Wolfe?
Daniel

ISB: I just miss Robert, and he misses me. We talked the other day and we're going to have lunch next week. I would not be surprised if I worked with Robert on other projects in the future. Just as I wouldn't be surprised to be working with Ron, Rene, Hans, David and Bradley, Jim Crocker, Michael Piller, Rick Berman and the cast of "Bonanza".

Q: DS9 episodes seem to have less of the science in its science fiction than the TNG, why is that ?
juno

ISB: I guess, juno, because TNG did so many episodes with science as a premise. None of us want to redo TNG. We feel it is important that DS9 establish its own identity.

Q: How did the character of Rom evolve from "an idiot" into a "technological genius"? In the beginning (of the series) he was an idiot (or at least appeared that way to me)
Jas

ISB: Jas, the fact is, having done a lot to make Rom an idiot, it suddenly dawned on me that he would be a more useful character as the opposite of an idiot. So I changed him. Some people, nitpickers included, will have a problem with that. I don't. It is a TV series. And like the proverbial shark, it must keep swimming forward to live.

Q: Have you ever attended a Star Trek convention and what do you think of trekies in general?
kit

ISB: I've only attended a few Star Trek conventions. The reason for this, is that I'm not asked to attend Star Trek conventions. If I would've been asked, I would've attended more of them in order to promote DS9. As for Trekkies in general, I doubt I have any new insights into them. I find them a bit too serious at times. But the fans I've met on an individual basis always strike me as friendly, intelligent, decent people who genuinely seem to appreciate the job we try to do. Ain't nothing wrong with them.

Q: Episodes like THE VISITOR and THE SHIP almost if not totally brought me to tears. This quality is exclusive to DS9, and I think that episodes like that were drama is so intense really make DS9 special in the Trek universe. Will we see more truly gut- wrenching shows like this in the future?
Steve

ISB: Steve, get out your handkerchief.

Q: Or ... what about Leeta and Rom? Any plans for their arc? Or Winn or Shakaar?
EnsNog23

ISB: I'm sure we'll be revisiting Leeta and Rom. Weddle and Thompson are in the midst of writing an episode that will feature Kai Winn in a very interesting role. It will continue the exploration of the Bajoran religion, which I find to be one of the most interesting elements of the series. I think we're going to call it a night. It warms the cockles of my heart to know that you're all out there. And there's nothing like warm cockles. Hopefully I'll be talking to you guys again some time after "Far Beyond the Stars" airs. I'll be interested in hearing your responses.