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Who Mourns for Morn? (episode)

Morn dies, leaving his entire estate to Quark, but some of Morn's old acquaintances want a piece of the action.

Summary

Teaser

Odo enters Quark's to inform Morn that his cargo of his Livanian beets is starting to spoil in the cargo bay and needs to be moved immediately. When Morn doesn't respond, Odo reaches out to touch Morn's shoulder, only to find "Morn" is a hologram. Quark informs him that Morn has been away from the station for the past two weeks. Odo is confused, and Quark explains that Morn is such a regular fixture in his bar, that business inevitably falls off when he's not there – the last time he was away, business dropped five percent. As if to prove his point, as they are talking, Chief O'Brien and Dr. Bashir enter the bar and greet "Morn" as they pass by, not noticing it's a hologram. Odo asks why the hologram doesn't talk, and Quark complains about the high cost of an interactive hologram generator; besides which, he prefers the company of the hologram to the real Morn, who "never shuts up."

Just then, Lt. Commander Dax and Captain Sisko enter and freeze in their tracks when they see "Morn" at the bar. Finding out it is only a hologram, Sisko tells Quark to shut it off. Sisko and Dax inform everyone that Morn died when his ship hit an ion storm.

Act One

A funeral is held at Quark's according to Lurian traditions, including gifts of food and drink for the deceased so they will have something to sustain them in the afterlife. The funeral is attended by almost everyone on the station, and there are many genuine outpourings of grief. Quark, of course, attempts to capitalize on this, selling off overstocked Yridian ale by labeling it "Morn's favorite", and delivering a eulogy that ends by encouraging everyone to "keep Morn's seat warm" for eternity by spending their time in the bar. Odo is skeptical, guessing that, when all is said and done, the Ferengi didn't know anything about Morn, and is unaffected by his death. In private, Quark confides that he is deeply grieved: Morn failed to pay his last month's tab before inconsiderately dying.

Captain Sisko unseals Morn's will and discovers that he left everything to Quark. In accordance with station procedure, Odo inspects the contents of the bequest, and delightedly tells Quark that Morn's bank accounts are empty. He suggests that Morn's money might have been tied up the inventory for his cargo shipping business, only for Quark to find that his only "assets" are his most recent cargo – the now-spoiled beets. Quark's last hope is that he spent the money furnishing his quarters with expensive items – only to find Morn owned nothing except a large mud bath (Morn's "bed") and a painting of a matador. Quark is baffled – Morn was one of his best customers and always paid his not-insignificant bar tab on time, so must have had money somewhere.

Odo leaves Quark to mope in Morn's quarters, and after he leaves a nude woman appears out of the mud. The woman identifies herself as Morn's ex-wife Larell, who has come to claim her share of Morn's estate. Quark is amazed when Larell confides that Morn won one thousand bricks of gold-pressed latinum in the Lissepian Lottery. He's glad she came by.

Act Two

Quark starts searching for the latinum by emptying the tub of mud. Larell realizes he doesn't know where it is, and neither does she, but says it must be on the station somewhere. She starts to regret that Morn couldn't enjoy the latinum while stroking Quark's lobes, but he knows what she's doing – getting to his good graces so she can share in the latinum. Even though the latinum is Quark's, Larell threatens to tie Quark up in court for years if he doesn't cut her in. Besides, it's a lot of money and she promises to take a vacation with him. He's satisfied for the moment.

Over a game of tongo, Quark tells Dax that he's searched the entire station for the latinum and even had Rom use the internal sensors but still come up with nothing. He then comments on how latinum is actually liquid that is suspended in worthless pieces of gold, and yet somehow is still beautiful. Dax asks if he still intends to share with Larell, and Quark confirms he's cut her in for 10% to avoid legal troubles. Dax is suspicious, saying he needs to watch his back. Quark understands, but is willing to keep her hanging for now.

Later, Quark finds two alien brothers (race unknown), Krit and Nahsk, have invaded his quarters. They claim they were business associates of Morn, and the thousand bricks of latinum was actually loaned to him and they now expect Quark to make the repayment. They then threaten Quark if he doesn't pay them, and break the matador painting over Quark's head when he tries to haggle them for a lower percentage, eventually settling for 50%. After they leave, however, Quark discovers there was an access chip hidden inside the painting that gave access to a storage locker in the Assay office. Quark is immediately excited and shouts out to Morn, thanking him wherever he is.

Act Three

Bajoran security brings a small container to Odo's security office, but it contains only a single brick of latinum. Quark isn't worried, as he notices Morn wrote a bank account number on it, for the Bank of Bolias. He excuses himself to arrange delivery of Morn's savings.

On the way, he encounters Larell again, who steals the brick from Quark; however Quark remembers the account number and knows the bank will only deliver it to him. Still on the way, he encounters the brothers, who deliver a thinly-veiled threat before letting him go. Just as Quark is about to contact the bank in his quarters, however, a disruptor is held to his head by a Human named Hain.

Act Four

Hain carefully has Quark leave the terminal to escort him to a holding cell. When Quark asks, he identifies himself as working with Lurian Security and said Morn was the crown prince and that his riches belonged to the Royal Family of Luria who bequeathed it to him when he abdicated. Hain further claims that Morn promised to return the money when he died; as a result, the will has been rendered void and Quark will be spending the next few years in prison for intercepting government property. When Quark mentions Larell, though, he pauses to think. Hain then says she'd been trying to blackmail the family for years. Instead of arresting Quark, Hain would ensure Quark got a sizable reward for helping capture Larell. He leaves Quark to continue calling the bank and telling him to leave the rest to him.

Meanwhile, back in the bar, Morn's absence is keenly felt. O'Brien is fixing an optronic relay while sitting in his chair, "keeping Morn's chair warm." Bashir comes by as well, and learns Quark is indisposed. After a quick exchange, O'Brien has to leave, so Bashir takes over sitting in the chair for awhile.

Later, Quark finds Larell in his quarters to discuss when the latinum will arrive when someone tries to pick the lock. Larell hides while Krit and Nahsk bypass the lock and threaten Quark. Quark's doorbell goes off, so Krit and Nahsk hide when Quark answers the door. Hain enters and Quark attempts to warn him of Quark's "guests" but he doesn't catch on while everyone in hiding comes out. It is revealed that Hain, Larell, Krit and Nahsk were all lying to Quark, and they (along with Morn) had been the ones behind the infamous Lissepian Mother's Day Heist nine years previously. It turns out that Morn had betrayed them all and left with the entire one thousand bricks of gold-pressed latinum they had stolen. Since then, they group has waited for the statute of limitations to expire – which it did just two weeks previously. Then, the group realizes they don't need Quark any more.

Act Five

At first they decide to kill Quark, but he reminds them that he's the only one who can take delivery of the latinum. Nahsk has the "bright" idea of severing Quark's thumb (the only piece they need), but Hain steps in and vetoes the idea – since they can't very well walk into the cargo bay with a severed thumb without attracting suspicion. Since they were going to split it five ways anyway, they agree to let Quark take Morn's place.

Refusing to leave Quark alone, they all go to Quark's Bar for a drink. After Nahsk comments how unwise Morn was for always sitting with his back to the door, Hain takes the chance to ask which of the group actually killed him. No-one takes credit, leaving them all surprised that Morn genuinely died in an accident. Odo arrives and asks why the bar is closed at that hour. Quark indicates his new "partners," and introduces them as friends of Morn, with whom Quark has been "commiserating" in private. Quickly catching on, Odo asks how much longer they will be commiserating, and Quark says, until 1600 hours the next day – the time the shipment of latinum will arrive.

Quark is the center of attention
Quark and his "friends"

After accepting the shipment, Quark goes to count the bricks only to find Hain, Larell, Krit and Nahsk have all drawn weapons on each other. Krit says Hain is outgunned, as his brother may be "slow," but he'll get Hain in the end. Nahsk takes offense at being called slow, and turns on his brother. A firefight breaks out, so Quark jumps into the cargo container. Odo and his deputies arrive and apprehend the four robbers – Larell, being the only one unhurt, is taken to a holding cell, while the rest are taken to the infirmary. When Odo assures Quark that the four will be put in jail for a long time, Quark is ecstatic to be the sole owner of the bricks. But when he knocks two together, they crumble in his hands. Quark, aghast, says that someone has extracted all the latinum from the bricks, leaving only "worthless gold." "And it's all yours," Odo chuckles gleefully while leaving Quark furious and upset, having gone through so much only to end up with almost nothing.

Morn and Odo, 2374
"Apparently, he faked his own death but I'll let him tell you all about it."

That evening, Quark is fuming behind the bar and attempts to rip Morn's stool from the floor. Odo arrives and says someone's here to see him – and in walks a very alive Morn, who takes his usual stool. Quark demands an explanation. Morn starts to open his mouth, but Quark cuts him off, saying he doesn't want to hear it, he's already figured it out: Morn knew that his former associates would come after him as soon as the statute of limitations expired, so he faked his death and pretended to leave his property to Quark, knowing the Ferengi would do whatever it took to get the latinum, and succeed in holding off his four partners until they turned on each other. Morn nods guiltily, confirming Quark's story.

Quark angrily says he could have been killed, and demands to know what really happened to the latinum. Instead of replying, Morn picks up a small glass and regurgitates a small quantity of liquid latinum – about 100 bricks' worth – into it. Amazed, Quark realizes that Morn swallowed the latinum and has been carrying it around in his second stomach all these years (which also explains why his hair fell out). Morn pushes the glass to Quark, as fair reward for his help. Quark is more than satisfied, and, intrigued by this scheming, under-handed side of Morn he didn't suspect before, starts to discuss possible joint ventures for the future, such as selling Morn's gold dust, since some primitive cultures still consider it valuable.

Memorable quotes

"You know Morn, he never shuts up."

- Quark


"Morn slept in… mud?"
"Hmm. I'm told it's excellent for the skin."

- Quark and Odo

"What are you doing in my mud?"

- Quark, seeing Larell emerge from the mud "bed"


"I wonder who came up with the idea of suspending liquid latinum inside worthless bits of gold."
"Probably someone who got tired of making change with an eyedropper."

- Quark and Dax


"I'll unload everything and use the profits to… (Sniffs) what is that smell?"
"Your inheritance: Livanian beets. Very ripe."

- Quark and Odo


"Oh, that-that can't be! There's-there's no latinum in these bricks!"
"What?"
"Someone's extracted ALL THE LATINUM! There's nothing here but worthless gold!"
"And it's all yours."
"NO! NOOO!! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!"

- Quark and Odo


"Most men don't know how to defer gratification."
"You don't make it easy."

- Larell after stroking Quark's lobes


"Take that gold dust of yours. It doesn't have to be a total loss. I hear there are some primitive cultures who consider it quite valuable…"

- Quark to Morn

Background information

Story and script

  • As most fans know, the main concept of the character of Morn is that he never speaks on-camera, whereas off-camera he allegedly never shuts up. Ira Steven Behr has likened this to the character of Maris on the show Frasier; a character whose physical appearance is constantly described as being unique, but whom viewers never see. This silent aspect of the character however proved to be a stumbling block for writers wishing to do a 'Morn episode', and it wasn't until Mark Gehred-O'Connell came up with the idea of doing a Morn episode which barely features Morn that the producers found something they were willing to make. (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Companion, p. 523-524)
  • Mark Gehred-O'Connell's original idea for this show involved Morn mysteriously disappearing from the station, and the rest of the cast trying to hunt him down. Then during their search, they realize that although they have all known him for six years (apart from Worf), none of them actually know very much about him. René Echevarria removed the detective aspect from the story, and introduced the characters of Hain, Krit, Larell and Nahsk. (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Companion, p. 524)
  • According to Mark Allen Shepherd, the original story saw Morn actually die, but Penny L. Juday advised the writers not to go do down that route. Sheperd commented, "Penny told me, in confidence, that it was during a production meeting where the writers and producers were discussing the making of "Who Mourns for Morn?" that the subject of possibly killing Morn off in the episode was discussed. Penny told me that it was she who spoke up on Morn's behalf and that it was somehow because of this that the storyline changed from Morn being killed off in the episode to Morn faking his own death. What she told me about the production meeting went something like this: Penny said, "You can't kill Morn off. If you do that, you would be killing off your mascot. The fans love Morn!" [1]

Production

Reception and awards

  • This episode was nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Makeup for a Series for Michael Westmore. For the makeup of Krit and Nahsk, Westmore commented "We did this bony ridge that went all around the head and right down the back, and then had them on their hands too". For Larell, Westmore commented "The other character, Larell, is all forehead with widow peaks on". ("Aliens Resurrected", Star Trek Monthly issue 46)
  • Rene Echevarria commented "Mark [Gehred-O'Connell] did a good job, but the comedy was too broad. Ultimately, it wasn't a Morn episode; it was a story about Quark. And the most common mistake people make in writing Quark is to make him transparently greedy. On paper, that's very funny, but Armin doesn't play Quark that way. Armin plays it real". (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Companion, p. 524)
  • Armin Shimerman was not fond of the episode, commenting "That's one of the inequities about Mark [Allen Shepherd] still being an extra. Here's a whole episode around someone who's basically a background performer, and that's ridiculous. The definition of a background performer is someone you don't pay attention to. They're someone in the background, so how can you have an entire episode based around them? It shows one of the inequities of what's happening over at the show that the producers are still treating Mark as though he's an extra. Rene [Auberjonois] often says I've created a monster in Mark because I was very solicitous about him in the beginning, and so was David Livingston, who was not only a director but also our line producer. Between the two of us, we got a lot of coverage for Mark, so it's taken off from there". ("Quantifiably Quark", Star Trek Monthly issue 46)
  • Mark Allen Shepherd commented "I had a lot of fun with "Who Mourns for Morn?" Most people wouldn't have known that that was actually me when Quark brings me out of the crowd to sit in Morn's chair. Sure, people that came to conventions know, but the people just laughed, I was told, which I thought was really cool… it was kind of an inside joke! The writers went into more detail than they have ever gone into about Morn's background – – who Morn is and what he has done, as well as characters that are involved with him outside of the station. The fact that he sleeps in a pool of mud really surprised me, and that he also has two stomachs and that he keeps latinum in his second stomach. No wonder I sit all day at Quark's and do nothing. I'm rich! ("Voice of the Barfly", Star Trek Monthly issue 46)
  • In their review of the episode, authors Mark Jones and Lance Parkin commented "There are a few episodes this season that could be set in previous seasons, and they tend to stick out a bit. This is one of them, a fun little romp that feels strange among all the madness, war and death of the rest of the season". (Beyond the Final Frontier, p. 249)

Trivia

DS9 6.6 UK VHS cover
The UK VHS release with an illustration of Morn.

Video and DVD releases

Starring

Also starring

Guest stars

Uncredited co-stars

Stand-ins

References

2364; 2365; 47; appetite; assault; assay office; Bank of Bolias (Bolarus IX); bar bill; bequest; Bolians; Bolian transport; bottle opener; business associate (aka business partner); cargo bay; Central Bank of Lissepia; Lissepia; court; creditor; crown prince; Deep Space 9 levels; diligence; eye dropper; furnishing; gold; handwriting; hair loss; hologram; holosuite; inheritance; interactive holoprojector; ion storm; latinum; Lissepia; Lissepians; Lissepian Lottery; Lissepian Mother's Day Heist; Livanian beets; living tissue; Luria; Lurians; Lurian Security; mascot; matador; Mayflower, USS; memorial service; Milky Way Galaxy; money; Morn (hologram); Morn's cargo ship; mud bath; mud tub; oo-mox; optronic relay; primitive culture; Promenade; Quark's; retirement fund; ripeness; robbery; Rom; rot; royal family; Royal Family of Luria; security agent; separation; sparring partner; statute of limitations; stomach; storage locker; Taal; tab; Til'amin froth; tongo; year; Yridian ale

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