STARGATE SG1
Episode 710
"BIRTHRIGHT"
By
Christopher Judge
Alien Planet We see a lone Jaffa walking through a wooded area,
unarmed.
O'NEILL
All right, hold it! Right there!
Jack comes out from behind a tree behind the Jaffa, his weapon
raised. We hear more guns cocking and see Sam coming at the Jaffa
from his left, weapon raised and then Daniel coming at him from
his right, pistol raised.
JACKSON
Hi.
RYK'L
(hands out at his sides) I am Ryk'l
of the Goa'uld Moloc.
Teal'c comes at him from the front.
RYK'L
Shal kek nem ron.
TEAL'C
I, too, will die free, brother.
Teal'c takes his hand in the Jaffa greeting.
RYK'L
Teal'c of the Tau'ri? Your legend precedes
you. Thank you for meeting me.
TEAL'C
We have been told that there are a great
many here who believe in the dream of
freedom for all Jaffa.
Just then, a staff blast hits Ryk'l from behind. Staff shots
go whizzing by SG-1 as they run for cover behind some rocks and
start returning fire. Bullets are flying and staff blasts whizzing.
We see Jaffa coming out of the woods, attacking and being hit
by bullets.
There are a great many Jaffa, but suddenly they are being mowed
down by staff blasts from behind SG-1. In the smoke filled area,
the source of the new blasts cannot be seen. SG-1 stops shooting
and a tentative silence follows.
O'NEILL
(to Teal'c) More rebel Jaffa?
TEAL'C
There is only one way to be certain.
(after a few seconds he shouts) Shel
kek nem ron!
At first there is no reponse. All SG-1 can see is smoke.
TEAL'C
Shel kek nem ron!
SG-1 all turn their attention to the smoke, raising their weapons
as they hear footsteps. Two female Jaffa step through the smoke
carrying staff weapons at their sides.
MALA
Warriors of the Tau'ri, we mean you
no harm.
Then, as SG-1 watched in stunned silence, several more female
Jaffa come to join the first two, all carrying staff weapons.
MALA
Please, come with us.
OPENING CREDITS
Sam Alien Planet The female Jaffa are still waiting for an answer
from SG-1. Jack mulls over his response as a death glider flies
over head.
MALA
(to Neith) Shak krek tel kree.
Neith leaves and another Jaffa takes her place standing next
to Mala.
MALA
(to SG-1) The Stargate will not be accessible
for long. We must hurry.
We see Neith go to Ryk'l and remove his symbiote. She places
the symbiote in what appears to be a metal pot with a lid. SG-1
look on with some trepidation.
JACKSON
What is she doing?
MALA
There is no time to explain here. Please,
come with us.
NEITH
Kel ma lek?
MALA
Cree shak nel.
NEITH
They're outsiders.
MALA
They are SG-1 of the Tau'ri.
O'NEILL
Hey, what's goin' on?
TEAL'C
This one believes we should return to
her planet. That one does not believe
it will be wise.
MALA
Please...we knew you'd be here.
TEAL'C
How?
MALA
Our intelligence network runs deep with
in the Jaffa of Moloc. We came to ask
for help. I promise you will be safe.
JACKSON
Well, they did save us...
Hak'tyl We see the female Jaffa exit the Stargate with SG-1 in
tow. There are female Jaffa on horses and others waiting for
their return.
MALA
(turning back to greet SG-1 as they
arrive) Welcome to Hak'tyl.
JACKSON
(quietly to Teal'c) Independence?
TEAL'C
Liberation.
MALA
Our dwellings are this way...please.
O'NEILL
Uh, you know, we really should call
home first. Let the folks know where
we are. It's past our curfew.
MALA
By all means...
Jack nods as Sam and she heads to the DHD.
NEITH
Why have we brought them here?
MALA
Because that was our mission.
NEITH
Why was I not told?
MALA
Because we knew you would disagree.
Go ahead, tell Ishta of our success.
Neith leaves the group again as Sam dials Earth to let them know
of the change in plans. Later, we see the group, Jaffa and SG-1
walking .
O'NEILL
So, Teal'c...who are they?
TEAL'C
My knowledge of the Goa'uld, Moloc,
is limited. However, I am unaware of
any Goa'uld that would permit his women
Jaffa to be warriors.
JACKSON
They seem to be well trained.
TEAL'C
All females receive training. They are
expected to defend their home world
with their lives when their men are
called to battle.
JACKSON
Can't help but think of the ancient
Greek Amazon mythos.
O'NEILL
Yes, me too...
JACKSON
They were, um, female warriors who,
occasionally...captured men from other
tribes in order to mate with them. They
would often, um...would sometimes remove
their right breast so they could more
easily fire a bow and arrow.
O'NEILL
I see neither bow nor arrow...
JACKSON
No.
O'NEILL
Wait...you don't suppose that's why
they want us, do you? I mean, you know,
the three of us?
JACKSON
You t- to mate with? No, no...I don't
think so...
O'NEILL
Well, because you know me...I'm all
for helping people.
*Okay...this next line...not sure who said it. I've listened
to it quite a few times. I think it sounds like Daniel, but the
CC says it's Carter. I don't know how much difference it makes
either way. Still...*
JACKSON
(somewhat laughing) Oh, God...
Later, they are led into a camp. There are many more women and
children in the camp. The younger one run to take comfort from
the older women.
MALA
You must forgive them. For many of the
young, this is the first time they've
seen men.
A blond woman emerges form one of the dwellings. (For those of
you who watch Enterprise, this is T'Pol.)
MALA
This is Ishta, our leader.
Ishta descends the steps from the dwelling to approach SG-1.
Neith emerges behind her.
O'NEILL
Well, howdy, ma'am...it's nice to meet
you. I heard so...actually, I've heard
nothing about...you.
His voice trails off as she ignores him and walks straight to
Teal'c.
ISTHA
Teal'c...of Chulak...former first prime
of Apophis. The Shol'va who has become
a legend.
O'NEILL
(to Daniel and Sam) That's a bit thick,
don't you think?
TEAL'C
I am no legend. I fight as any true-hearted
Jaffa for the freedom that we deserve.
(He bows his head slightly and she does
the same in response.) This is Daniel
Jackson, Major Carter and Colonel O'Neill.
She walks down the length of them, stopping just in front of
Jack.
O'NEILL
Hello...
ISHTA
(addressing them all) I have asked you
here so that I may propose an alliance.
O'NEILL
Well, that's a fine idea. We should
sit, talk, nosh...
TEAL'C
No alliance can be formed between the
Tau'ri and those who would steal symbiotes
from their brother and leave him to
die.
NEITH
(anger apparent in her voice) He was
no brother of mine. Just a murderer
of innocent children.
ISTHA
Shel kree! (Neith stops immediately
and SG-1 feels the tension in those
surrounding them.) There is much to
discuss. (She looks to her side and
a young girl comes over to stand with
her.) This is Syn'ac. This morning,
she laid on her death bed. She reached
the age of Prata three days ago.
O'NEILL
Hmm?
JACKSON
Puberty.
O'NEILL
Ah.
ISTHA
Without the symbiote we procured this
morning, she would be dead now. (Once
again, she looks to her side and another
young girl comes to stand with her.)
This is Nesa, younger sister to Neith.
She is next to reach the age. Without
a sybiote, she will die...as will all
our children.
Later, we see Sam, Neith, Mala and Ishta in one of the dwellings
sitting on the floor around a low table.
ISTHA
Thirty years ago, Moloc decreed that
only male children would be allowed
to live. Only they could strengthen
his armies and lead him to victory in
the war of the gods.
CARTER
Well, aside from the obvious immorality,
that doesn't make sense. How do you
sustain a population of any gender without
women?
ISTHA
The Jaffa lifespan is longer than humans.
This could go on for a hundred years.
Any female child is to be sacrificed
in the ceremony of fire, immediately
after they are born.
CARTER
They're burned to death?
ISTHA
Yes.
Outside, the men are standing around, observing. Daniel is opening
a food bar with his teeth.
O'NEILL
Well, this is...odd.
JACKSON
Maybe they just feel more comfortable
talking to Sam...
O'NEILL
Why? Because we have penises?
JACKSON
(considers what Jack just said, chokes
slightly and turns to Jack, offering
his newly opened food bar) Powerbar?
O'NEILL
Yeah, thanks...
Back in the hut with the women.
CARTER
So, how did you start bringing them
here?
ISTHA
As a temple high priestess, part of
my duty is to keep record of births...and
to preside over the ceremony of fire
itself. I could not sit back and watch
my sisters be murdered and do nothing.
As high priestess, I, along with my
seconds, Mala and Neith, are allowed
relatively free access to the Chappa'ai
of the worlds under Moloc's rule.
CARTER
No one outside this camp knows you're
doing this?
ISTHA
No. Our duties require us to attend
to many missionary matters on various
planets.
CARTER
So you offer the parents of these children
a chance for their daughters to live.
ISTHA
All but a few Jaffa under Moloc worship
him religiously. Not even the parents
can be trusted. The children have to
be spirited away, secretly, for fear
we'd be reported to the imperial guard.
MALA
It is punishable by death to even question
the laws of a god.
ISTHA
Over the moons we have succeeded in
saving many from their birthright of
death.
CARTER
So you want our help to overthrow Moloc?
ISTHA
(surprised) We may have underestimated
you.
CARTER
We've gone after Goa'ulds before.'
ISTHA
Moloc is very powerful. His armies are
vast.
CARTER
We have our ways...and some very powerful
allies.
ISHTA
Forgive us, but our immediate goals
are somewhat less ambitious.
NEITH
It is an ongoing struggle to procure
the symbiotes needed for our young to
survive. We've lost many of our warriors
in these raids. It has been said your
weapons are formidable.
MALA
We also require sustenance. Food and
supplies among our growing population
are scarce.
ISTHA
We are proud warriors. We offer you
our services and our knowledge in return.
We have an extensive intelligence network
among the Jaffa under Moloc.
CARTER
What if I were to offer you an alternative?
MALA
An alternative to what?
CARTER
To your reliance on the Goa'uld.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
Hak'tyl Sam has rejoined SG-1 to brief them on her meeting with
the leaders of the female Jaffa.
JACKSON
Tretonin?
CARTER
We've had success with it so far.
O'NEILL
On all two test subjects...
CARTER
It hasn't been easy. Jaffa won't willingly
give up their symbiotes, despite the
fact it could ultimately free them.
TEAL'C
Jaffa believe they will be weaker without
them.
JACKSON
Centuries of Goa'uld brainwashing...
O'NEILL
Will these women do it?
CARTER
They're thinking about it. They've suffered
some horrible atrocities at the hands
of the Jaffa who serve Moloc. It's easy
to see why they don't have a problem
killing a few of them to survive.
TEAL'C
A Jaffa is taught it is more noble to
die than to kill another.
CARTER
Teal'c...these children have been genetically
altered to depend on symbiotes and then
had all access to them taken away. Their
guardians believe this is the only way
for them to survive.
TEAL'C
Then they will have to see that there
is another way.
Teal'c begins to walk in search of Ishta.
O'NEILL
Give 'em the old Teal'c charm...
Later, we see Teal'c walking in the woods. He comes upon a totem
of sorts. It is a construction hanging from a tree. He moves
closer to study it.
ISTHA
It means 'courage'. Each design represents
an ideal that no warrior should ever
forget.
TEAL'C
Impressive that I did not sense your
approach.
ISTHA
Is not stealthiness one of the first
talents taught to a Jaffa soldier?
TEAL'C
(turning to face her, smiling) With
varying degrees of success.
ISTHA
You wish to talk me into succumbing
to this...experiment?
TEAL'C
Indeed.
ISTHA
Come, walk with me.
As they walk we see other symbols similar to dream catchers hanging
from various tree branches.
ISHTA
Have you really the belief that this...tretonin
is our way to freedom?
TEAL'C
If it is successful, it may be the first
step. For as long as Jaffa require symbiotes
we will continue to be enslaved by the
Goa'uld. The benefit the symbiote provides
is not a Jaffa's true strength. And
we, as a people, must begin to realize
that sacrifices must be made if we are
to ever truly be free.
They walk further and come to a clearing. There many symbols
hanging from the surrounding trees and there are racks on either
side of the narrow clearing that hold wooden practice staffs.
Teal'c props his staff weapon against one of the racks.
Ishta turns and faces him a few yards ahead.
ISHTA
This is where I come to kelnoreem.
TEAL'C
Much of our tradition and our way of
life have been designed to instill our
dependence on the Goa'uld.
ISHTA
You believe it is wrong that we kill
Jaffa merely that our children would
live. But what is war for but the preservation
of our children? We do not engage the
defenseless or the weak. We always fight
with honor and those that die do not
die in vain.
TEAL'C
(irritation growing) One day you will
come across a Jaffa scout party that
will not so easily be ambushed.
ISHTA
Then you doubt our abilities? Is that
what this is about? You speak of progress
and shedding of the old ways and yet
you still think a woman needs your protection.
(She walks over and picks up two wooden
practice staffs. She throws one to Teal'c.
) May your limbs be more nimble than
your tongue...for your sake.
Ishta takes off her cape and Teal'c removes his jacket. She attacks
first and for a time he is defending her with one hand. She becomes
more aggressive. He knocks the staff from her hands and as she
falls, she sweeps his feet from under him. He lands on his back.
They both kip back to their feet and start again. She uses her
feet as she now has no staff. She grabs his staff and pushed
it against his chest.
ISHTA
(through clenched teeth) Do not hold
back, you will only anger me further.
Teal'c shoves her and she does a back flip - a couple of them
as he moves forward. On the last flip, she picks up her staff
and comes up blocking his advance. She gets in a few more licks
before he grabs her staff with his, flips her over his back and
turns her around to pin him to her, her back to his chest, the
staff weapons holding her across the shoulders.
TEAL'C
(also through clenched teeth) You have
proven yourself a worthy adversary.
Now, hear me. If you say no to Tretonin,
it can only mean you have an unquenchable
thirst for bloodshed and revenge. And
that does not serve those who follow
your leadership.
ISHTA
(a sudden revelation comes to her) I
sense no symbiote in you.
TEAL'C
You are correct.
Ishta finds a sudden burst of strength and takes Teal'c by surprise
as she grabs both staffs and flips him over onto his back.
ISHTA
(angry) You take this drug yourself
and yet you conceal it! Your actions
betray your words. (She walks over and
pulls down one of the hanging dream
catcher symbols. She throws it at him.)
That one means 'pride'.
She walks away and Teal'c watches her, then looks at the symbol
he holds.
Later, back at the camp, Ishta is addressing her followers and
SG-1.
ISHTA
No longer will we need to lose our sisters
in battle. No longer will our daughters
be dependant on symbiotes. Teal'c...had
taken the drug. He stands here before
you as evidence. I am asking for four
volunteers to travel with me to the
Tau'ri to test its effectiveness.
After several seconds when no one steps forward...
O'NEILL
Is that a pin dropping?
MALA
(stepping forward) You must not go.
ISHTA
Mala, I have made my decision.
MALA
Hak'tyl needs you. You are our leader.
I will go in your stead. It is my right
as Kin'dra. You cannot say no.
ISHTA
You are brave and true.
Another Jaffa steps forward.
J1
I too will go.
Two others step forward. Ishta smiles. Then she looks at Neith
and Neith casts her eyes down, not wanting to look at Ishta.
Ishta walks to stand in front of Neith. Nesa is at Neith's side.
Ishta looks at Nesa.
ISHTA
Nesa is of the age...
NEITH
She is a child.
ISHTA
I'm told it's not without risk...but
if there is one among us...
NEITH
(cutting her off) Never! That you would
even consider this is an affront to
all of us.
ISHTA
Your words are disrespectful.
Neith turns, touches Nesa's shoulder and walks away with Nesa
following her.
ISHTA
I cannot force her hand. (Then she returns
to the four volunteers.) I wish you
well.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
SGC - 'Gate Room Sam and Jack come through the 'gate with the
four volunteer Jaffa. General Hammond is at the base of the ramp
to greet them.
HAMMOND
Dr. Jackson? Teal'c?
O'NEILL
As Teal'c would say...undomesticated
equines couldn't drag him away...
CARTER
(smiling at his antics) The leader of
the Hak'tyl wanted to learn more about
the rebel Jaffa.We figured we could
send updates on the progress of the
tretonin treatment to Daniel through
the MALP.
O'NEILL
Kind of a P. R. thing, sir.
Hammond nods slightly and then turns his attention to their visitors.
HAMMOND
I'm General Hammond. Welcome to Earth.
The four nod slightly in greeting.
Meanwhile, back on Hak'tyl, Teal'c and Ishta are getting to know
each other better. They are walking together in a field.
ISHTA
When you rose up against Apophis, did
you leave behind someone that you loved?
TEAL'C
My son and I have been reunited. He
had become a great warrior, traveling
with my mentor, Bra'tac, spreading word
of our cause.
ISHTA
And what of his mother? Does she sit
at home pining away for her hero?
TEAL'C
She is dead.
ISHTA
I am sorry, Teal'c.
TEAL'C
You could not have known. She died last
year when her symbiote matured and was
unable to procure another.
ISHTA
I see...
Meanwhile back in the SGC Infirmary, the tretonin treatments
are underway.
MALA
What of my symbiote?
FRAISER
It's being sustained. We've developed
methods of keeping the symbiote alive
for some time. As far as the tretonin...finding
the right amount is going to be somewhat
trial and error. We'll keep increasing
the dose until we get the desired effect.
Mala nods her understaning. Janet smiles at her and then leaves
Mala and Sam alone to check on the others.
CARTER
(pulling up a stool to sit by Mala's
bed) You're very brave.
MALA
Not so much as you think.
Back on Hak'tyl... Teal'c and Ishta are still walking.
TEAL'C
The rebellion that I have helped fuel
has caused the Goa'uld to mistrust the
Jaffa with their young.
ISHTA
You are making a point?
TEAL'C
I am speaking only of Drey'auc. She
refused to take the life of another
Jaffa, even to preserve her own, no
matter what their beliefs may have been.
ISHTA
What are your memories of her?
TEAL'C
(smiling) She could be as fierce as
the wind...or as gentle as the sunshine.
And she never feared to be either.
ISHTA
You still love her.
TEAL'C
I will always have a place in my heart
for her.
Back in the SGC Infirmary, Sam and Mala are still talking...
MALA
You are close to Colonel O'Neill...
CARTER
Yeah...I like to think we have a special
relationship.
MALA
I hope to, someday, have a special relationship...
CARTER
Oh! No, no...it's not like that...
MALA
Like what?
CARTER
(fumbles for words) W...ye...we aren't,
you know, I mean, we don't...
MALA
I was speaking of the mutual respect
you share.
CARTER
I knew that... (She clears her throat.)
Back on Hak'tyl, the walk through the meadow continues.
ISHTA
I am from a world unlike yours, Teal'c.
Where women aren't held in such high
regard. My husband was a warrior of
high station in Moloc's imperial guard.
I was but one wife of many...still,
as temple priestess I was afforded many
luxuries to make up for my mistreatment.
TEAL'C
What has become of your husband?
ISHTA
He was killed in battle against a rival
Goa'uld.
Back in the infirmary...
MALA
I was once a temple handmaiden. I fell
in love with a young palace guard. Our
relationship was forbidden because of
our station. When it was discovered
that I was to have his child, Moloc
sentenced my beloved to death...and
sacrificed our daughter before my eyes.
CARTER
(closing her eyes and shaking her head)
I'm so sorry...
Back in the Hak'tyl meadow...
ISHTA
When will the Goa'uld thirst for conquest
and bloodshed end?
TEAL'C
When they are all dead.
Back in the female Jaffa camp, Daniel is watching several of
the children playing. He notices Nesa sitting by herself.
JACKSON
Are you okay?
NESA
My sister says I shouldn't talk to you.
JACKSON
You don't have to... (He takes a seat
beside her.) I'll just sit her for a
while. (After a few seconds...) I'm
Daniel. (She looks at him and he looks
straight ahead.) I wasn't talkin' to
you.
NESA
Who were you talking to then?
JACKSON
No one. So how are you?
NESA
(sighing) I feel tired.
JACKSON
Who you talkin' to?
NESA
No one. (Daniel tries very hard not
to smile.) What are those on your face?
JACKSON
Uh...they're called glasses. They help
me see better.
NESA
Why would you need to see better?
JACKSON
Because my eyes don't see as well as
they should.
NESA
How do they work?
JACKSON
Here... (he takes his glasses off and
puts them on Nesa's face.)
NESA
(squinting and taking the glasses off)
These make your sight worse.
JACKSON
Yeah, well, they work differently for
different people.
Daniel put his glasses back on.
NESA
Perhaps you are need of a symbiote.
JACKSON
Yeah...I-I'll just...stick with the
glasses.
NESA
Neith has told me that your people do
not approve of our use of symbiotes
for healing.
JACKSON
Well, it's a little more complicated
than that. I just think that there's
a better way...
NESA
Neith does not want me to participate
in your experiments.
JACKSON
I know.
NESA
(looking rather sad) Soon, I will require
a symbiote...
JACKSON
You don't sound very happy about that.
NESA
I will become a great warrior like Neith.
JACKSON
You know, you can do that without a
symbiote.
NESA
I can?
JACKSON
Hm-mm...but, uh...you didn't hear that
from me.
Later in Ishta's dwelling, she and Teal'c are seated on the floor
beside the table. The room is lit with candlelight. Ishta pours
liquid from a pitcher into a cup for Teal'c.
ISHTA
Have you nothing to say?
TEAL'C
I have spoken more in two days than
I have in many years.
ISHTA
And so you are done?
TEAL'C
Perhaps I should take my leave.
Ishta looks down for a second, disappointed in his response.
She stops him as he begins to leave.
ISHTA
Thoughts of your wife still linger.
That's understandable. But she's been
gone now for over a year. There is no
sin in taking comfort in another lonely
soul...if you wish...
She reaches up and kisses him. They continue to kiss as the scene
fades to the SGC infirmary.
Mala is not doing well. Sam and Janet are discussing her condition.
FRAISER
Mala's the only one not responding.
Her white blood cell count is way down.
If this keeps up, she'll go into sepsis.
CARTER
What can you do?
FRAISER
(shaking her head) Continue to increase
the tretonin levels...but she's already
at double the dose that's working in
the others. I want to move her to isolation.
Sam nods.
FRAISER
We had no guarantees going in. Some
would say an 80% success rate isn't
bad in a trial like this...
CARTER
Not in the minds of the Jaffa...
FRAISER
We're not done yet. We haven't even
begun to explore the reasons why it
might not be working in Mala.
CARTER
We need this to work.
FRAISER
I know.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
Hak'tyl Daniel is awakened by a charged staff weapon pointed
at his head.
JACKSON
Morning...
NEITH
(angry) You had no right to speak to
her!
JACKSON
I'm sorry.
NEITH
I saved her from her birthright and
it will be the symbiote I procure that
will save her once again. I have already
lost two sisters and I will not lose
another one.
JACKSON
Okay, okay...you lost two sisters...I'm
sorry.
NEITH
Ishta was able to save me, but she couldn't
save the next two girls sired by my
father. He was a Jaffa stationed high
in the imperial guard. I swore that
when I came of age, no more of my sisters
would die. When I heard that my mother
had given birth to yet another female,
I knew what I had to do.
JACKSON
Well, you should be proud of that.
NEITH
My father discovered the ruse Ishta
and I used to keep Nesa away from the
fire. I had to kill him so we could
escape.
JACKSON
Well, don't you want to give Nesa a
chance to live free of the Goa'uld?
NEITH
Not...your...way.
She deactivates the staff and backs out of the tent.
Back in the infirmary, Mala has been moved to an room by herself.
Sam is standing next to her bed with a mask on her face to protect
Mala.
MALA
You have moved me away from the others
because you did not wish to frighten
them.
CARTER
The truth is, you're not doing so well.
You're more susceptible to infection
in your condition.
MALA
How are the others responding to treatment?
CARTER
Good...very good.
Suddenly, Mala closes her eyes and starts making a wheezing sound
as alarms go off on the equipment monitoring her condition.
CARTER
Janet?
Fraiser comes over and starts checking her over. A nurse joins
them.
NURSE
Her B. P. is 60 over 40...
FRAISER
Give her a bolus... (Janet looks at
the monitors.) We have to put her symbiote
back.
MALA (grabbing Sam's arm) Do not.
CARTER
If we don't, you could die.
MALA
This must work if my people are to be
free. If I continue to be enslaved by
the Goa'uld I carried, I am as good
as dead...please...
Mala loses consciousness.
Back on Hak'tyl, Neith has gathered the Jaffa together for an
announcement.
J2
You challenge Ishta?
NIETHAMMOND
(taking off her cape) She is no longer
fit to lead us. She consorts with Teal'c.
Her judgment has been clouded.
J3
Our sisters have risked their lives
for the experiment. Do you see no benefit
if it works?
NEITH
Even if the tretonin works, it merely
places our dependences on the humans
of Tau'ri...
J3
Whom you also do not trust.
NEITH
Who is to say their intentions are pure?
Their leaders are men. They wish to
sap our strength with this drug.
J3
We are safe here at the moment. But
if Moloc ever learned that we were behind
the raids on his Jaffa...
NEITH
Our freedom lies in dominance over the
Goa'uld. We must fight so that we may
use their symbiotes to our advantage.
Only then will we control our own destiny.
I wish to know...if I am to challenge
Ishta's leadership, who will follow
me?
Suddenly another Jaffa comes into the group.
J4
Neith! You must come quick...it is Nesa...
Back in the infirmary, Janet is preparing to put Mala's symbiote
back.
FRAISER
I'm not waiting any longer.
Janet snags the little snake out of its tank. She put it back
into Mala. Sam grimaces and looks up to Jack and Hammond in the
observation room. He shares her distaste for what has had to
happen.
CARTER
How long before we see some improvement?
FRAISER
Not long, I hope.
Mala starts convulsing.
FRAISER
She's coding. Let's start CPR. Let's
intubate. Give me 1 milligram epi. Prep
for defib.
Back on Hak'tyl, Neith is visiting Nesa, who is lying on a bed,
not feeling well.
NEITH
Be strong, sister. I will not fail you.
Neith leaves her sister.
Next we see many of the female Jaffa running or riding horses
toward the same spot. Teal'c and Daniel encounter them while
they are talking together.
TEAL'C
What is happening?
J5
(as she rides by on a horse) Neith has
claimed joma secu!
CARTER
(over comms) Daniel, Teal'c, this is
Sam...come in?
Daniel hears it as he is running after Teal'c (delayed because
of distance).
JACKSON
(into his radio) Yeah, go ahead Sam.
It's me, Daniel.
CARTER
We have some bad news.
JACKSON
Uh, things aren't going that well here
either. What-what's up?
CARTER
It's Mala...
The scene jumps ahead and we see Neith fall onto her back, with
a charged staff weapon pointed at her head.
TEAL'C
Ishta! Ishta!
ISHTA
You dare interfere? She challenged me,
it is my right!
TEAL'C
(whispering) It is your right to grant
mercy.
JACKSON
(yelling as he runs in from behind them)
Excuse me! (he stops, a bit out of breath)
Look, I know this is not a good time
for this, there never really is for
something like this...
ISHTA
(cutting him off) Speak!
JACKSON
Mala's dead.
ISHTA
(stunned) Wha...
JACKSON
I'm sorry...
ISHTA
How?
JACKSON
The t-trentonin wasn't working...when
they tried to reintroduce her symbiote...Look,
I just want you to know...the other
women are fine.
NEITH (from her position on the ground) See what your weakness
had brought? Nesa is in need of a symbiote!
Ishta pulls the staff back and leans on it.
ISHTA
And she shall have one.
Ishta reaches down and offers her hand to Neith. She pulls Neith
up and Neith takes the staff from Ishta. Neith leaves and Ishta
starts to follow, but Teal'c blocks her path.
TEAL'C
Do not make this mistake. Moloc will
not allow this to continue.
ISHTA
You give me no choice.
TEAL'C
How many warriors have to die?
ISHTA
Our sisters in your care will be returned
safely or the two of you will be sacrificed.
Cree sha mel lak!
She tears herself away from him and Teal'c and Daniel find themselves
surrounded by armed female Jaffa.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
Hak'tyl Daniel and Teal'c are being held in one of the Jaffa
dwellings. Teal'c is pacing as Daniel watches.
JACKSON
Look, I know you wanna stop Ishta and
the gang, but even if we could get outta
here, we don't know where they went.
Suddenly, J3 comes in flanked by two others carrying staff weapons.
J3
Come with me.
She leads them into Nesa's dwelling.
J3
She insisted.
NESA
I do not wish for someone else to die
so that I might live. I do not want
to take a symbiote.
Daniel walks over and sits on the edge of her bed.
JACKSON
Did you talk to your sister?
NESA
She would not listen. It is my right
to decide, is it not?
JACKSON
I'm not sure. It should be.
NESA
What happened to Mala?
JACKSON
We don't really know. We do know it
was partially a reaction to her own
symbiote. It shouldn't happen to someone
who was never implanted.
NESA
And the tretonin worked on others, did
it not?
JACKSON
Yes.
NESA
I wish to try it.
JACKSON
Okay.
TEAL'C
Do you know where Ishta and Neith have
gone?
NESA
No.
J3
I do.
Teal'c bows to Nesa and then he and Daniel follow J3 out of the
tent.
Next we see Ishta's forces picking up weapons in an area where
battle has taken place.
ISHTA
Sel ma-ka nee! (then she says to Neith)
We have been fortunate here this day.
More have died than needed to.
NEITH
We saved the life of my sister.
Ishta looks at Neith and then walks over to a fallen, bloody
male Jaffa. She pulls a knife out of the back she is wearing.
MJACKSON
(with difficulty) Shel kek nem ron.
Ishta stops, horrified by what she was about to do.
NEITH
(puzzled by her inaction) Is the symbiote
too near maturity? (When Ishta doesn't
answer, Neith walks over and kneels
beside Ishta.) What is wrong?
ISHTA
This Jaffa has the same wish for freedom
as do we.
NEITH
Then he should not have fought along
side those who follow Moloc.
Unseen by the arguing females, a male Jaffa a short distance
behind them is regaining consciousness.
ISHTA
(grief-stricken) How many others...that
might have been our allies have we killed
this day?
NEITH (taking the knife from Ishta) I'll do it myself.
Just as Neith is raising the knife to plunge it into the young
Jaffa, she is hit by a staff blast from the recovering Jaffa.
She slumps forward and Ishta cries out in shock.
ISTHA
No!
She has stood up and is pointing her staff at the Jaffa, who
is pointing his staff at her. He charges his weapon, but before
either can act, the male is hit by a zat. Ishta sees that it
is Teal'c who has zatted the Jaffa and she quickly returns to
Neith.
JACKSON
You okay?
ISHTA
She is severely wounded. Her symbiote
is damaged as well.
Ishta takes the knife back and is about to plunge it into the
wounded Jaffa when Teal'c grabs her hand.
TEAL'C
Ishta...you have a choice...
She looks at him in anger and then drops the knife and allow
him to comfort her.
Later in the SGC Infirmary, Jack and Sam are watching from the
observation room as Janet works on Neith. Ishta and Teal'c are
in the room with her.
FRAISER
I don't know how much longer I can keep
her alive. If we're going to administer
the tretonin, it's now or never.
TEAL'C
(to Ishta) You must speak to her.
Ishta moves to stand beside Neith's bed and leans down slightly
to look into her face.
ISHTA
Neith... (Neith's eyes flicker open)
Your symbiote is dying.
NEITH
You must procure another.
ISHTA
No...those ways are over.
NEITH
You sentence me to death.
ISHTA
I ask you to choose life.
Neith turns away defiantly. Ishta closes her eyes and accepts
defeat.
ISHTA
She will not listen to me.
Just then, Daniel and Nesa come into the room.
JACKSON
Well, maybe she'll listen to her sister.
Nesa walks to stand were Ishta was seconds before.
NESA
Please, Neith...
NEITH
You betrayed me.
NESA
No...you betray me. Since before I can
remember, you have taught me to believe
in our freedom. You said you would do
anything so that you might protect me.
One day, I will be a great warrior like
you. But I am not yet. I still need
you. I have chosen to live free. You
must choose to take the tretonin, if
you are to continue to teach and protect
me. Please...I do not wish you to die.
Neith reaches up and touched Nesa's cheek and smiles a little.
Nesa bends down and gives her a hug.
SGC - 'Gate Room Neith, Nesa, Ishta and J3 are standing at the
bottom of the ramp across form SG-1. The 'gate is dialing.
NESA
(to Daniel) Will you come and visit?
JACKSON
Yes, of course.
NEITH
My sister's developed quite an affection
for you.
NESA
(embarrassed) Neith... (She nudges her
sister.)
Daniel smiles and looks at Teal'c who has a large grin on his
face.
ISHTA
We are grateful to our new friends.
On behalf of the Hak'tyl, I'd like to
express our thanks.
CARTER
Our medical team will be checking in
on a regular basis. Make sure to take
note of any symptoms that could be side-effects
of the tretonin.
J3
You have trained us well in the use
of the medicine.
ISHTA
And the food and supplies you've provided
will go far.
O'NEILL
Well, if there's anything else you need...anything...just
give us a call. Send us an e-mail.
ISHTA
(once again she is ignoring Jack and
has eyes only for Teal'c) Just that
not too many moons go by before we see
you again?
O'NEILL
Don't worry I'm sure we'll be in...
Jack stops talking as Teal'c lays a big one on Ishta.
O'NEILL
...touch?
Sam and Daniel take a hint and turn to leave the room. Neith
and Nesa start up the ramp toward the Stargate. Jack takes a
final look at the pair and leaves the room too. Ishta pulls herself
away from Teal'c and starts up the ramp. Halfway up she turns
back and gives him a little bow. Then she turns and continues
on through the 'gate. Teal'c continues to look after her even
when she is gone. And the scene fades out.
THE END
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