Star Trek: 10 Things You Didn't Know About The Bell Riots
6. Setting The Scene
Behr stated that they weren't actively trying to make a 'big political statement' when writing Past Tense, though in classic Deep Space Nine fashion, political statements were rarely far behind any script the show produced. For example, look at how the three officers dumped in the past are treated.
Jadzia materialises mere feet from Sisko and Bashir, but it is just enough to separate her from her shipmates. This means she is found by Chris Brynner, a middle-class businessman who immediately takes pity on her, despite her strange appearance and finding her sleeping on the street. He brings her to his home, then helps her in finding new clothes, and eventually helps her in locating her friends.
Sisko and Bashir, however, are found by security, who immediately dump them into Sanctuary District A. Vin, played the ever-charismatic and grumpy Dick Miller, has no interest in the men's stories. Instead, he sees two homeless, brown-skinned people, sleeping on his streets.
The less-than-subtle racism is key to how Past Tense sets up its narrative. Dax, played by the caucasian actress Terry Farrell, is welcomed with open arms. Sisko and Bashir, played by distinctly non-caucasian actors Avery Brooks and Siddig El Fadil/Alexander Siddig, are treated with hostility and repulsion. Though they are not immediately identified as criminals - as criminals aren't allowed in the Districts - they are hardly treated with much more respect.