STARGATE SG1
Episode 620
"MEMENTO"
By
Damian Kindler
TAG Shot of the Prometheus (X-303) orbiting Earth.
Inside, a man jumps down a ladder and walks offscreen right.
Colonel William Ronson walks into the room from ahead.
RONSON
All right everyone, on your toes! Major
Gant, Report
He walks past the major, who is checking out the console she's
standing behind.
GANT
A ship has just exited a hyperspace
window off our port bow, Colonel. Goa'uld
vessel, Sir, Hat'tak class.
RONSON
Sound General quarters (???) He sits
down in his seat next to her an Major
Peter DeLuise's (!) consoles.
GANT
Goa'uld vessel is closing in on our
position at fifteen thousand meters.
They're arming their weapons, Sir.
She sits down at her console as well.
RONSON
Shields at maximum! I want missile bays
one, three and four, and charge the
primary weapons systems. Klaxons start
going off in the background.
GANT
Yes Sir.
Still inside, a couple of crewmen (and women) in blue overalls
run along a corridor, past another one who is checking out a
box on the wall. They run past a door, where Teal'c and O'Neill
just emerge. O'Neil exaggeratedly stumbles out of their way.
O'NEILL
Excuse *me*! God that's annoying!
They walk up the corridor, Klaxons still sounding in the background.
TEAL'C
I believe Colonel Ronson has issued
a call for battle stations.
O'NEILL
*again*.
TEAL'C
Have we not been assigned to participate
in the damage control effort.
O'NEILL
Yes. And if there's *ever* any damage,
I'll do my best to control it. Right
now, I wanna talk to Ronson.
On the bridge, Major Gant is sitting at her console as the two
enter.
GANT
Goa'uld vessel is in range, Sir.
RONSON
Weapons Officer, prepare to fire on
my command!
O'NEILL
He's the weapons officer, you'd think
he'd already be prepared.
TEAL'C
Indeed.
RONSON
The bridge isn't exactly where you're
supposed to be during the battle drill.
O'NEILL
Nnnnoooo... I've been meaning to talk
to you about that.
RONSON
can it wait, until we're not in the
middle of a drill?
O'NEILL
*When* are we *not* in the middle of
a drill?
Ronson glares at Jack calmly, who looks down for a second, then
raises his hands in defense.
O'NEILL
Okay. We'll talk about it later. (Ronson
doesn't believe his sincerity) Teal'c,
prepare to assist in damage control.
TEAL'C
I am prepared, O'Neill.
O'NEILL
See how melodramatic that sounds? It's
unnecessary.
He turns to leave, Teal'c follows. The camera focuses on Ronson,
who sighs voicelessly. His face sets.
RONSON
Where were we...
RICHARD DEAN ANDERSON
STARGATE SG-1
AMANDA TAPPING CHRISTOPHER JUDGE CORIN NEMEC DON S. DAVIS
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS MICHAEL GREENBURG RICHARD DEAN ANDERSON
DEVELOPED FOR TELEVISION BY BRAD WRIGHT & JONATHAN GLASSNER
SCENE 1 Inside the Prometheus, a dark corridor, personnel walking
around busily, but not as hectic as before. O'Neill is sitting
at a console in a brighter part of the room, talking intently
to someone as a crewman passes behind him.
O'NEILL
To be honest with you, Sir, I feel like
we're getting *in the way* here.
Onscreen is Hammond, a geeky-looking scientist can be seen in
the background. They're probably at Stargate Control.
HAMMOND
SG-1 has valuable experience with both
hyperspace travel and the Prometheus
itself. Besides, your mission to P7X009
shouldn't take more than a few hours.
General Greer and I just want you there
for the shakedown cruise.
O'NEILL
In the unlikely event of an emergency...
HAMMOND
Something like that. Enjoy the ride,
Colonel. Hammond out. The screen goes
static, and we see O'Neill staring unhappily
ahead, nodding.
EXT., the Prometheus still orbiting Earth, probably above the
Antarctic or a huge cloud bank.
RONSON
This is Prometheus, ...
INT., the bridge. Ronson is walking in front of his seat.
RONSON
... requesting go-ahead for mission
start.
VOICE VIA WIRELESS
Prometheus, this is Van-den-berg (?),
you have an affirmative for hyperspace
window activation. Ronson sits down
between Gant and DeLuise.
RONSON
Roger that. (to her) Major, we have
a go.
GANT
Yes Sir, activating window. She types
somthing on her console, and we switch
to...
EXT. Prometheus, a white, cloud-like hyperspace window opens
in front of the ship, and it swishes into it with a bright glare
of light. With a swosh we find ourselves...
EXT. Inside a Hyperspace channel that is vaguely reminiscent
of the inside of a Stargate wormhole, but without the screeching
noise, and a lot more cloudy and tunnel-like instead of flying
through the stars. The prometheus swishes past the camera, which
pans to follow, and we cut to...
INT. A wide corridor on Prometheus, two crewpeople, Ronson followed
by Gant are heading towards the camera from a doorway.
RONSON
Run Level One Diagnostics on all weapons
systems, including shields. Gant: Ring
transports? Ronson: Hit all of them.
They walk through a hatch and turn left.
RONSON
Also, set up a hull breach simulation
for 0500. That's all.
GANT
Yes Sir.
She turns and heads back while he continues on his path, finding
Colonel O'Neill waiting for him, leaning against the side of
the lift with arms crossed.
RONSON
Jack. The sliding door closes behind
the two.
O'NEILL
Got yourself a fine crew here, Ronson.
RONSON
Yeah, you got a pretty solid team yourself.
They stand, facing each other, not quite friendly, not quite
hostile, taxing.
O'NEILL
Yeah, I was speaking of that.
RONSON
Jack... I know that in the event of
a real situation with the Goa'uld, you
feel that your place would be on the
bridge.
The door slides open and they exit the lift, Ronson leading the
way.
O'NEILL
Well, if not me, you'd be a fool not
to take advantage of Teal'c's expertise,
and Carter's a genius!
RONSON
You're absolutely right. But you're
just along for the shakedown cruise.
My crew needs to be able to count on
me and on each other after you're gone.
They have stopped in a crossing and
are facing each other again. Jack sighs.
O'NEILL
I guess I can respect that.
RONSON
Besides, I highly doubt we'll run into
the Goa'uld on this mission.
EXT. space, black with stars. A flash of light, and the Prometheus
pops out of hyperspace with a "whoosh".
INT. Prometheus, Jack and Ronson look baffled.
RONSON
We just dropped out of Hyperspace. He
steps around Jack and heads off. The
camera stays with O'Neill, who pulls
out a small radio.
O'NEILL
Carter, Teal'c, meet me on the bridge!
He follows.
We cut to the bridge, where two female crewmembers are fussing
over one of those fancy starchart glass things in the back of
the room, while closer to us, the weapons officer stares at his
console in surprise. Ronson enters, followed by Jack. Gant is
sitting at her console, focusing on something on her screen.
RONSON
Major?
GANT
We were supposed to be in hyperspace
for another nine minutes, Sir. I don't
know what happened.
Sam and Jonas enter the room, and Sam immediately heads for Gant's
console, looking over her shoulder. Teal'c is hardly visible
following them in.
Ronson sits down in his chair, turns to DeLuise on his right.
RONSON
What's our position?
DELUISE
40.62 light years short of the target,
sir.
SAM
Something must have caused the hyperdrive
to shut down automatically.
JONAS
The only way that would happen is if
the computer detected some instability
in the Naquadria powering the engines.
GANT
He's right sir, diagnostics show a massive
power surge in the hyperdrive. The failsafe's
kicked in to shut it down.
RONSON
Have you begun restart procedures?
GANT
I've tried, but the computer wouldn't
let it start up.
We see "Engines offline" flashing on her screen.
O'NEILL
Carter?
Sam looks up from Gant's console to O'Neill, standing between
Jonas and Teal'c. She attempts to say something as he continues.
O'NEILL
You promised me it would work!!!
SAM
It did work.
O'NEILL
No it didn't.
SAM
The hyperdrive was fitted with a buffer,
like a surge protector. It was designed
to modulate extreme fluctuations in
the energy coming from the Naquadria.
This shouldn't be happening.
TEAL'C
Yet it is happening.
O'NEILL
Yet it is!!!
GANT
Something must have damaged the buffer.
SAM
Sir, with your permission I'd like to
take a look.
JONAS
Yeah, me too.
RONSON
Take Major Gant with you. Report back
to me as soon as possible.
SAM
Yes sir. While Gant removes her earphone,
Jonas and Sam head for the exit, followed
by Gant. Jack looks annoyed and disappointed,
like a pouting child.
INT, we're looking down at the reactor through three bars. it
consists of two, roughly spheric bodies, one of which appears
to be transparent, while the other appears to be gold and black.
Cut to Gant's unbelieving face, whose view we very likely just
saw, behind her we can blurrily make out Sam at a console.
SAM
Well, we were right. Something caused
the buffer to overload, it's more or
less fried.
GANT
I don't understand. It was created to
handle massive amounts of energy. The
camera pans around her, and in the background
past a long console, where another female
crewmember sits, enters...
JONAS
Gravity waves! I just checked the ship's
sensor logs: We passed through an intense
gravity wave from a collapsing star
while in hyperspace.
SAM
That would explain it, it was too much
for the buffer to handle.
GANT
But the hyperdrive engines are still
intact, and we still have the Naquadria,
so...
SAM
Yeah, but we have no way of regulating
it. There's no way to calculate the
distance we've travelled because of
Naquadria's inherent instability.
JONAS
We could end up anywhere. Sam turns
at Jonas's comment, obviously not happy.
EXT. Prometheus in space, floating along majestically.
INT. Sam and Ronson in front of a large schematical display onscreen.
They turn, and in comes O'Neill.
O'NEILL
Well, if he was going to help out, he
would've shown by now.
RONSON
Who?
O'NEILL
Thor. Little guy? Grey?
RONSON
I know who Thor is.
O'Neill nods.
TEAL'C
The Asgard have proven valuable in similar
situations.
O'NEILL
Carter?
SAM
I'm afraid it doesn't look good, sir.
Even if we were able to write a subroutine
into the computer to bypass the buffer,
we'd still risk the reactor going critical.
RONSON
Well, use whatever need to repair the
buffer. Cannibalize whatever system
you deem necessary.
SAM
With all due respect, Colonel, I can't.
O'Neill raises his eyebrows in disbelief. Teal'c inclines his
head as well.
O'NEILL
Carter?
CARTER
Sir, I helped design the buffer module.
I can tell you right now there is no
possible way I can make it operational.
Not with what we have on the ship. It's
like an ... a lightbulb that has burned
out: You can't just fix it.
O'NEILL
Do we ... have any extra bulbs?
RONSON
There is no redundancy for that particular
system.
O'NEILL
So you're saying there's no redundancy?
Teal'c who's zoned out by now, enjoying something on the ceiling,
looks back at O'Neill at that repetition.
RONSON
Even if we were to plot a course for
Earth, using maximum sublight thrust,
it would take years. We don't have the
supplies!
SAM
Not to mention the relativistic effects.
O'Neill doesn't get that last comment.
RONSON
That buffer has to be repaired.
Jonas, who was invisible behind Ronson all the time, takes this
opportunity to join in.
JONAS
Actually, there may be another solution.
We see a screen with lots of Stargate symbols (the 39-symbols
flavor) in a nice checkered grid.
JONAS
According to the cartouche, there's
a planet .38 light years from our current
position, ... Jonas is standing at the
funky glass starchart and marks a white
dot with his cool blue marker.
JONAS
... P3X744. We've tried dialing it unsuccessfully
in the past, but if it's on the cartouche
then there had to be a gate there at
some point.
TEAL'C
perhaps it may be buried.
JONAS
Well, if we can make it there and gate
home, we can get what we need to repair
the ship.
GANT
We're still talking about a four month
journey using sublight engines, we'd
never make it.
Jonas shakes his head, then nods as Sam says...
SAM
We use the hyperdrive.
Ronson, O'Neill and Teal'c raise their heads in surprise.
O'NEILL
I thought we couldn't do that?
SAM
For a protracted period of time, no.
GANT
744 would be a pretty short hop.
SAM
The shorter the burst of energy required,
the less the chance of instability.
JONAS
That's what I'm thinking.
O'NEILL
It's your call. But I don't see how
we have much choice.
RONSON
Major Gant, plot a course four 744.
EXT. Another shot of the prometheus Swooshing off into hyperspace.
EXT. The Prometheus swooshes out again in a flash above an Earth-like
planet.
INT. The bridge, Jonas and O'Neill walking around the seats in
the background towards Teal'c.
DELUISE
Now orbiting P3X744, sir.
O'NEILL
RONSON
Good work, people!
A short peek at a schematic of the reactor on Gant's screen which
suddenly turns red.
GANT
Sir, computers are detecting a rapid
energy build-up in the Naquadria cells.
RONSON
Shut down power to the reactor.
GANT
Controls will not respond, sir. Reaction
is continuing uncontrolled.
SAM
jump must have triggered a power surge
that overloaded the reactor control
systems. Sir, without the buffer we
have no way to stop the build-up. We
have a few minutes before the Naquadria
reactor goes critical.
RONSON
Stand by to jettison the reactor module.
GANT
Yes, sir.
JONAS
Wait a minute, if I'm wrong about there
being a stargate on this planet, we're
losing our only means of getting home!
TEAL'C
It would appear there is little choice.
RONSON
Bring shields and sublight engines on-line.
SAM
We're not gonna be able to get very
far away before it blows.
RONSON
Then we're about to find out just how
good our shields are. (via comm) All
hands, brace for impact! (low) Reactor
module separation on my mark. 3, 2,
1, mark! Gant pushes a button.
EXT. Somewhere on the side of the Prometheus, towards the planet,
a door opens and the reactor is jettisoned out, slightly spinning.
INT, bridge.
GANT
Module jettisoned.
RONSON
Get us clear! Full military thrust!
DELUISE
Sir.
EXT, Prometheus above P3X744, the reactor, a small blue light,
is flickering, drifting away from Prometheus, which accelerates
away from the planet in a curve. The reactor blows noisefully,
a huge, spheric, blue discharge around the explosion that is
expanding, slowly but steadily catching up with the fleeing ship.
INT, Prometheus, bridge. As the wave hits the ship, we see sparks
flying, the sound of the hull deforming, Sam is shaken a little
next to Major Gant. Ronson, Teal'c, and Jonas are seen bracing
themselves against the impact, and Jack is holding his ears shut
at the noise. Somewhere a pipe burst and spits out white smoke
or gas, and Teal'c hurries to close it off.
RONSON
Damage report!
GANT
Electromagnetic pulse penetrated the
shield, sir. Primary computer systems
are down, all we have are artificial
gravity and life support on most decks.
RONSON
Casualties!
Gant listens into her earpiece.
GANT
None reported.
RONSON
How soon until we get systems back on-line?
GANT
It's too early to say, Sir.
SAM
I'd like to assist, if I may.
RONSON
Please do, Major.
DELUISE
Colonel Ronson, I'm picking up atomic
bogies originating from the planet's
surface. Closing in on our position--
heading this way!
RONSON
Can you identify them?
DELUISE
Velocity and size indicate some kind
of long-range ballistic weapon, Sir.
We're under attack. Another alert goes
off beeping in the background as Sam,
Teal'c, Ronson and Jack react to this
news.
We see the radar console's screen with two red blips approaching
towards the Prometheus in the center.
DELUISE
Missiles are on an intercept course.
RONSON
Evasive action, take us out of orbit.
DELUISE
We can't maneuver, sir.
RONSON
All right. Arm weapons, we'll try to
take them out!
GANT
Weapons control is down, sir.
Ronson reacts.
JACK
How long before they hit?
DELUISE
Three minutes.
SAM
That's not enough time to get the systems
back on-line, Sir.
JONAS
Colonel, they only launched their missiles
after we exploded our hyperdrive above
their athmosphere. It could have very
well looked like an attack from their
point of view.
SAM
I agree, sir. based on the weapons they
fired, they're obviously a very sophisticated
race. the E.M. pulse that knocked out
our computer systems could have had
the same effect on their planet.
RONSON
Then how were they able to launch missiles?
SAM
Ballistic missile sites on Earth are
shielded for E.M.P.
O'NEILL
Let's talk to 'em.
DELUISE
Two minutes to missile impact.
GANT
Sir, I can broadcast on multiple frequencies.
If they're listening, they'll pick it
up.
RONSON
Do it. O'Neill puts on a headset while
DeLuise pushes some buttons. O'Neill:
This is Colonel Jack O'Neill from the
United States Air Force vessel Prometheus,
can anyone hear me down there? (static)
The *explosion* that just happened in
orbit over your planet was an *accident*.
The resulting E.M. Pulse damaged our
ship and we are defenseless against
your attack. (more static) ... We've
come a long way to meet you folks ...
so, if there's anything you could do
to, you know, stop those missiles...?
DELUISE
One minute to impact.
RONSON
(comm) Lock down all compartments and
brace for impact! "Red alert" noise
goes off.
O'NEILL
We'd very much like the opportunity
to land and introduce ourselves, but
... if you destroy our ship, that's
going to be ... very difficult... ?
(more static) Teal'c, Sam and Jack listen
intently. (Where the hell is Jonas???)
We see the blips coming closer on the radar, then we see out
the front viewport of the Prometheus where, miraculously, the
rockets blow up in a bright flare of light, shaking the ship
.
DELUISE
Missile self-destructed at seventeen
thousand meters.
Ronson throws the surprised O'Neill a relieved look.
KALFASS
This is Commander Kalfass of the Tegrean
security force. We will transmit landing
coordinates. Kalfass out.
O'NEILL
Not exactly an engraved invitation,
but...
RONSON
I would prefer not landing until we
have our shields and weapons back on-line.
GANT
We should have systems back up within
a few minutes, sir.
EXT. Tegrea, the Prometheus is landing on a huge field. against
blue, slightly foggy sky, the sun shining down brightly (no lens
flare there, luckily).
INT, Prometheus. O'Neill, Jonas, Sam and Teal'c are headed down
a corridor.
JONAS
The guy you talked to was Commander
Kalfass. The name of the planet is Tegrea.
O'NEILL
Kalfass. Tegrea. Got it.
The four enter a room that seems to have a large, empty space
in its middle.
SAM
Sir, I've been scanning for Naquada
traces with the ship's sensors, in an
effort to determine the location of
the stargate. So far I've got nothing.
TEAL'C
Could the information on the cartouche
be incorrect?
SAM
Hasn't been wrong yet.
JONAS
If they don't accept our apology, finding
the Stargate is going to be the least
of our problems.
O'Neill signs to a man a little off, who pushes a button on a
panel in the wall. The camera zooms back to show SG-1 standing
in the middle of a circle on the floor, which opens and a ring
transporter swooshes up and engulfs them. They're transported
away and the guard returns to his seat at a console.
EXT. Prometheus on the field. SG-1 are walking away from it,
and we get a nice sweep upwards, showing us the Prometheus and
a whole lot of small gunships, the size of small round zeppelins
or large balloons, and a similarly undefinable mixed design obviously
guarding our spaceship.
The greeting committee, about three tanks and two gunships, and
a whole load of soldiers in uniform, with who we'll learn is
Kalfass standing leisurely in front of one tank as if he owned
it. As SG-1 approach across the field, they are encircled by
loads of camouflage-clothed soldiers with strage rubber neckpieces,
vaguely reminiscent of Jaffa-armor without the animal head, but
without shoulder pads.
The tank behind Kalfass turns its turret with two small guns,
and Kalfass in front of it glares at our heroes as he approaches
in his earth-coloured uniform (think "V for victory" if you care
about the way it's cut). We get our first good look at him as
he commands...
KALFASS
Drop your weapons. Immediately.
A line of soldiers approaches towards SG-1, who are still holding
on to their weapons.
O'NEILL
Howdy fellers! Colonel Jack O'Neill.
United State--
KALFASS
Several powerful weapons are aimed at
both you *and* your ship.
O'NEILL
--s Air Force...
KALFASS
Disarm yourselves, or you'll be fired
upon. This is not negotiable.
TEAL'C
I believe he is being sincere in his
threat, O'Neill.
JONAS
Oh... I guess we'll have to start trusting
them at some point. (he shrugs toward
Jack)
O'NEILL
Yah... They put down their rifles, Sam
fiddling a little with hers.
EXT. The main city on Tegrea. Lots of factories, industrialized,
two TGV-like trains zooming by towards us on several levels of
tracks.
INT. Some Tegrean council room. Ashwan, a female council member,
SG-1 and Kalfass sit down at a triangular table. A number of
guards (may I say SFs?) in the background next to some palmtree-like
plants.
O'NEILL
I take it we have you to thank for destroying
the missiles before they hit our ship,
thus saving our lives?
ASHWAN
There was something in our voice that
I trusted.
O'NEILL
Oh! Did I mention we're sorry?
ASHWAN
And knowing that the E.M. pulse caused
damage to your ship I'm willing to accept
that it was unintentional.
KALFASS
I'm not so willing.
ASHWAN
Power has been restored to the cities
affected, Kalfass.
KALFASS
There was considerable impact on our
economic systems.
ASHWAN
They will recover!
KALFASS
But we still don't know the extent of
the damage!
ASHWAN
Nothing! Compared to the event of meeting
a race of people from another world
for the very first time. It is a profound
moment for us. You've said that Tegrea
holds the key to returning to your home
planet, could you be more specific?
SAM
Chairman Ashwan, we believe that you
possess a piece of alien technology
that is capable of transporting living
matter across the galaxy.
The hosts are at a loss.
O'NEILL
We'd like to borrow your Stargate.
ASHWAN
I'm sorry. Our star-gate...?
O'NEILL
Kind of a ring-thing? Comes with a dialer
with symbols. It spins around and lights
come on and it kinda (makes a motion
with his hands) flushes sideways?
Ashwan shakes his head. Jonas pulls out a large notebook, probably
one of Daniel's diaries, and points at a full-page drawing of
the Stargate in the SGC, including the ramp that leads up to
it.
JONAS
It looks like ... this! Once it's activated,
it is able to transport you from one
planet another instantaneously. In this
case from Tegrea to our planet, Earth.
He hands around the book. A black council
member stares at the drawing, then hands
it on with furrowed brow, Kalfass glances
at it and smiles derisively, then shows
it to Ashwan, commenting as if they
were talking of the Yeti...
KALFASS
They seek the 'ring of the gods'.
O'NEILL
If that's what you wanna call it ...
'ring of the gods' is good.
ASHWAN
Please, understand: This ... device
you seek, the ... Stargate, I regret
to tell you--
KALFASS
It's a myth!
ASHWAN
There's never been a shred of evidence
to prove its existence. The whole table
is quiet, Sam and Jack look at their
hosts with desperate eyes. Teal'c begins
to smile slightly as...
O'NEILL
Have you looked around? ... just...?
SAM
If you could grant us access to some
of your historical data, we might be
able to shed some light on this situation...?
KALFASS
Nonono... Your freedom of movement is
not negotiable. Once this meeting is
over, you're to return to your vessel
and stay there until further instructed.
ASHWAN
In the mean time I will have some basic
historical data delivered to your ship.
KALFASS
Mister Chairman!
ASHWAN
If you do somehow succeed to prove the
existence of this Stargate, we will
be glad to help you locate it as an
act of good faith between our two worlds.
O'NEILL
Thank you, Ashwan.
They all nod their graceful goodbyes and SG-1 leave the room,
Jonas waving goodbye awkwardly.
Kalfass turns to Ashwan and chides him...
KALFASS
They may well be gathering information
for an invasion!
ASHWAN
Even if you're right, knowing our history
will do no harm. But Kalfass, what if
this ring *does* exist? Imagine, after
all these centuries, finding a piece
of our past!
KALFASS
And what if our past was buried for
a good reason?
ASHWAN
Travellers from another *world* are
seeking our help.
INT. Conference room of the Prometheus. Sam, Jonas and Teal'c
are sitting at a table covered over and over in books, notes
etc. Jonas has a laptop. There are also two female and one male
Prometheus crewmembers with them. They all look up as the sliding
doors open with a loud swoosh and Jack enters the room.
JACK
How is the homework?
JONAS
Well, besides the language, there is
almost nothing to indicate how these
people got here. There's no archaelogical
data, no ancient writings, no documentation
of any artefacts...
TEAL'C
I have found no mention of the Cha'apa'ai
nor any other technology used by the
Goa'uld.
O'NEILL
Well that's a little weird. The Goa'uld
are damned litterbugs. They usually
leave a lot of crap behind. He sits
down at the table next to Carter.
TEAL'C
That is most often the case.
JONAS
If this is a comprehensive history of
Tegrea, it's a joke.
SAM
I know, there's nothing here dating
back more than 300 years.
O'NEILL
Maybe a year is longer on this planet?
SAM
Maybe sir, but even so. Without an idea
of where the Tegreans came from, we
have no way of finding the Stargate.
JONAS
So either they are hiding something
from us, or...
TEAL'C
Or their entire past has been erased.
O'Neill reacts.
EXT. The Prometheus with all those nice little hot-air-balloon
thingies floating around it.
INT. Outside the Elevator on the Prometheus. The doors swish
open and Ronson stomps out angrily, followed by O'Neill and Carter.
O'Neill is wearing his "I'm begging even though I hate doing
this" look.
RONSON
You invited them for dinner?!
O'NEILL
I was thinking more of a ... brunch...
SAM
To be honest, Colonel, we offered it
in exchange for access to their central
archives.
O'NEILL
A library pass for a tour of the ship.
Carter grins at that comment as they continue meandering through
various corridors on the ship.
RONSON
And when were you going to inform me
of this little arrangement?
O'Neill and Carter stand opposite Ronson like two kids just caught
making out behind a bush, avoiding his eyes and staring around.
O'Neill shrugs and dons his puppy eyes...
O'NEILL
... Now?
Ronson sighs, pauses and attempts another tactic.
RONSON
You know, I can appreciate that you
want to get home, but my first priority
is the security of this ship and crew.
O'NEILL
Ronson! Your ship and crew are going
nowhere unless we find that gate.
RONSON
I just don't like the idea of giving
a guided tour of Prometheus to the same
people who've got gun batteries aimed
at us!
O'NEILL
We'd do the same damned thing.
SAM
Colonel Ronson -- we need these people
to get home. And we didn't exactly make
a good first impression.
Ronson looks at Sam, his face tense, considering. He pauses a
little in his speech as he replies...
RONSON
We'll do this little Barbecue of yours,
but that's as far as I go.
He steps around Jack, who turns and looks after him. Sam does
likewise, not sure whether to shake her head or be relieved that
they got Ronson this far. Jack looks after him, turns to Sam,
looks after Ronson again...
O'NEILL
Do we have a Barbecue???
Sam's head snaps to O'Neill, she shakes her head, smirks, turns
and leaves him behind without a word.
EXT. The familiar view of the Tegrean's main city, factories,
trains and all.
INT. A huge library full of books, the camera goes sideways following
one of the people walking while reading books, one man with a
short "the kid from Addams Family" haircut next to one of the
larger bookcases, other people in the corridors between the shelves.
At a table we see Jonas with a couple of open books in front
of a computer terminal, going through two batteries of CD-ROMs,
and Teal'c next to him. Teal'c looks suspiciously after a man
walking past them with a book, oblivious of their presence.
JONAS
How many planets has SG-1 been to?
TEAL'C
a hundred and thirty-three Jonas: And
on each of them -- the ones inhabited
by humans at least -- has been some
indication of their origins, right?
I mean temples, ruins ...
TEAL'C
It is indeed a mystery, Jonas Quinn.
A Goa'uld would not bring this many
Tau'ri to a new world and not force
them to build monuments in his honor.
JONAS
Well, I don't care how hard you try,
you can't erase history. Something has
to remain. We just need to find it.
Teal'c turns his head to see the man near the shelf, who suddenly
feigns an increased interest in the scrolls next to him.
TEAL'C
We are being watched.
JONAS
The guy half hiding behind the bookshelf?
Ph! He's been chasing us since we got
here, ...
The man attempts to put a scroll back on the shelf with some
others, bringing them all down noisily. Teal'c looks slightly
pained by his follower's ineptitude. Jonas smirks with a pitying
look on his face.
JONAS
... and not very well either.
INT. The Prometheus. Yet another of these numerous corridors,
or maybe we're even looking down one onto the bridge. Jack, Ashwan,
Sam, Kalfass and the two nameless council members head up the
corridor towards us.
ASHWAN
Most impressive. And you say much of
the technology incorporated into your
vessel is of ... alien origin?
JACK
... Yyyyesss.
Sam steps forward to save her Colonel upon his gesture
SAM
Most of the key systems, in fact. (See,)
it's one thing to build a ship, it's
another to fly it across the galaxy.
O'NEILL
We haven't quite gotten that part straightened
out yet...
SAM
We use a rare element called Naquadria
to power our hyperdrive engines, but
it can be extremely unstable. In fact,
that instability ultimately led to the
explosion above your planet. We (waves
her hand) had to eject the reactor.
ASHWAN
But why use such a dangerous substance
to power your ship?
O'NEILL
I've asked the *same* question!
They turn, Sam probably glaring at him, before turning back and
resuming their conversation along with their leisurely slalom
walk along various corridors on the ship.
SAM
For the time being, Naquadria is our
shortcut to interstellar travel. More
stable forms of energy simply don't
provide enough power to run the hyperdrive.
ASHWAN
Several of my advisors have expressed
concern that this is a military vessel,
what would you have to say to them.
JACK
That ... they're right.
SAM
Prometheus was designed primarily for
defensive purposes.
KALFASS
From these Goa'uld you mentioned?
SAM
Yes
KALFASS
Without your main source of power?
They stop at a corridor, grouping a little, Sam and Jack on the
left, Ashwan on the right, Kalfass and the other two in the middle
but heading toward Ashwan. The Camera steps aside to show Ronson
joining the party.
RONSON
With or without the Naquadria reactor,
this ship is more than capable of defending
itself against ... attack.
SAM
May I introduce Colonel William Ronson,
Commander of the Prometheus.
ASHWAN
It is an honor. The two nod towards
each other in a polite manner. Kalfass
seizes the opportunity to take Ronson
up on his offer of testing the waters.
KALFASS
I assure you Colonel, we would not attack
without provocation.
RONSON
There are several gun batteries aimed
at my ship, Sir.
KALFASS
Well, we must defend ourselves from
any action you might take. For instance,
should Chairman Ashwan and I fail to
appear at a specific time, my men have
orders to fire those batteries. Ronson
smiles a little forcedly, but can't
resist getting in an attempt at getting
his will.
RONSON
Then perhaps we had better continue
the tour. He steps out of the way. Ashwan
stretches out one hand towards Carter.
ASHWAN
Please, Major Carter, after you.
SAM
Thank you, Sir.
O'Neill motions to Kalfass offscreen.
O'NEILL
Sir.
They walk down the narrow corridor in single file.
INT. Tegrea, the library. The man with the weird hair and a turtleneck
pullover that just misses being retro peeks out from behind his
bookshelf, obviously looking for our two aliens. In the backgound,
a few SFs can be seen guarding the exits. The man walks down
one of the aisles between the bookshelves, and suddenly Teal'c
and Jonas are behind him, stealthily having turned the tables
on him. He notices Teal'c's heavy step behind him and turns,
smiling awkwardly in a Daniel Jackson kind of way. He's obviously
a scientist.
TEAL'C
May we be of assistance?
TEREK
Forgive me, I did not want to intrude.
(he bows deeply) My name is Terek Salamen.
I'm a professor of mathematics here
at the university. He grins, as if expecting
them to be impressed.
JONAS
Well, I'm Jonas Quinn, this is Teal'c.
Uhm... if you're curious about us, you
should just come over.
TEREK
With respect, Mr. Quinn, it is not you
I was curious about, it is what you
seek that interests me.
TEAL'C
Continue.
TEREK
I've heard that you seek evidence of
the 'ring of the gods'. I believe I
can help you find it.
He smiles at them proudly, and Jonas raises his eyebrows in surprise.
Our two aliens turn towards each other and exchange a look.
INT. Prometheus. The heavy doors to a room slide open, and several
crewmembers with plates filled with food (looks like meshed potatoes
or rice, and peas, plus a little meat ... yummy) enter. We follow
one of them to a neatly but spartanically set-up table, which
has Major Gant, Carter and O'Neill on one side and The male council
member, the woman, Kalfass and Ashwan on the other. O'Neill and
Ashwan sit at the front of the table to the side of Ronson, who
is hosting the dinner. Ashwan is performing a fascinated vivisection
of his meal, while Kalfass and the others seem to be still building
up the resolve to attempt it. The plates are set down in front
of Carter and Gant, and O'Neill and Ronson are going to be served
soon.
RONSON
I hope everything is satisfactory. We
weren't expecting to host a formal dinner
when we started this mission.
ASHWAN
It's fascinating! To realize we are
eating food, grown and prepared on a
world, millions of lightyears away!
The female council member smiles acknowledgingly, Kalfass seems
to barely suffer it.
O'NEILL
And frozen, millions ... of ...years
... ago ... ?!
Sam has started eating as well, and Ashwan nods in recognition
of O'Neill's words.
GANT
It's the best we have on board.
We see Kalfass examining his fork with interest, then aptly using
it to pick up a litthe meshed potatoes with sauce from the top
of the heap. He lifts it to his face and smells on it suspiciously.
The female council member still seems a little at odds with the
purpose of her fork.
SAM
Mr. Chairman, we couldn't help but notice
in our research that your history seems
limited to the last 300 years.
Ashwan pauses a little, eyes on the food, considering his words
under the scrutiny of Kalfass.
ASHWAN
Prior to our ... recorded history, our
people endured a long and terrible ...
dark age. One they desperately wished
to forget. And thus only after Tegrea
emerged from this black era, the historians
began again to record events.
SAM
But that means that you're missing thousands
of years of the past?
KALFASS
Yes.
O'NEILL
Aren't you ... curious?
ASHWAN
Well it's hardly a question of choice,
Colonel. Even if we wished to know our
ancient history -- there is none to
study. All evidence of it was destroyed
centuries ago.
KALFASS
We believe that what came before year
zero has no intrinsic value to our society.
The society of the new era has no need
to know how they suffered.
RONSON
On Earth, we study our past to learn
from it.
KALFASS
Whereas we believe that Nostalgia is
a sign of weakness.
They exchange challenging stares, then go back to hide behind
polite but forced smiles. O'Neill stares ahead, obviously trying
to think of a way to save the situation, then turns towards Sam.
She picks up his look and quickly offers...
SAM
I'm sure both points of view have merit.
ASHWAN
Well said, Major!
Ronson and Kalfass pull back, the situation diffused -- for the
moment.
ASHWAN
A drink: to history. And to the future.
The Tegreans raise their drinks to their foreheads for the toast,
while the Earthers toast lower. Ashwan mimics Earth-style. It
takes O'Neill a while to attempt an uncomfortably-looking Tegrean
toast. Kalfass doesn't appear very pleased at anything Ashwan
has said so far.
INT. A corridor on Prometheus, Ashwan and O'Neill lead the group
around a corner, followed by Sam and Kalfass, then the other
two council members.
KALFASS
Colonel O'Neill, Major Carter, the meal
was ... interesting.
SAM
Glad you liked it.
O'NEILL
He didn't say *that*.
ASHWAN
Well, I did, thank you.
O'NEILL
Yeah, you know, now that we got to know
each other a little better, you think
that having those guns pointed at us
is completely necessary?
KALFASS
Would your Colonel Ronson not be as
vigilant?
Jack has marched a little ahead, not noticing the others have
stopped. He turns and shrugs.
O'NEILL
Yesss... I'm sure he would. Kalfass
nods in agreement, then motions towards
O'Neill with his right arm.
KALFASS
Mr. Chairman.
ASHWAN
Go on Kalfass, I will join you in a
moment.
Kalfass pauses, then gives in as he, Carter and the two nameless
ones go ahead, leaving O'Neill and Ashwan behind.
ASHWAN
I apologize for Commander kalfass' behavior,
diplomacy is not his strength.
O'NEILL
Yes, we share that quality in common.
ASHWAN
Since I took office, I have been perceived
publicly as being weak in matters of
civic defense. As a result, Kalfass
has growing political support.
O'NEILL
Our arrival hasn't helped things much,
has it?
ASHWAN
No. My only hope is that mistrust does
not interfere with your quest for the
Stargate. I believe finding it would
be a great discovery for our people.
INT. The office of Terek Salam. Numerous wooden "toy airplane
models" (or maybe they're of paper?) that look like crosses between
DaVinci's flying machine and steam train engines are hanging
from the ceiling. Besides that, it might be Daniel's office at
a University. Full of books, crates of stuff, and a heavy wooden
desk with a couple of books and artefacts neatly arranged on
it. There are two chairs in front of the desk and one behind
it, in front of a colourful glass window. Teal'c enters and regards
everything, not quite comprehending. Teal'c sits down and Jonas,
while speaking, does likewise, curiously playing with the lid
on a vase.
TEREK
Please, excuse the state of my office.
JONAS
So! You said you could help us find
the ... 'ring of the gods' ... how?
TEREK
Ah... with these... I spent a ... a
lifetime collecting them. Relics from
before my people tuned their back on
their god.
He bends down complicatedly, opens a trunk behind him and pulls
out a couple of objects. An Ankh, a little Sarcophagus with a
golden Tut-Ankh-Ahmon-style mask and other trinkets.
TEAL'C
To which god are you referring?
TEREK
Our creator, Horus. Only a few of us
dare believe in him. He pulls a chain
from his neck that has a golden hawk
on it.
TEAL'C
The symbol of Heru-ur!
TEREK
You know him?
TEAL'C
Heru-ur is not a god. He is a Goa'uld.
TEREK
He's the one who made us! The relics
speak of him as the creator of all life,
the one who spoke us into existence.
JONAS
More likely he's the one who enslaved
your ancestors and brought them here
from Earth.
TEAL'C
Heru-ur must have abandoned your people
many years ago. When the resources he
sought were depleted.
JONAS
Then the Tegreans must have tried to
destroy all evidence of their former
gods in an act of defiance, including
everything to do with the Stargate.
TEREK
They did not destroy everything! This
remains.
He turns and takes out an old piece of scripture, written on
parchment. Wrapped in rough, brown fabric for protection. It
has red writing on it, hieroglyphs, and in the middle there is
a drawing of the Stargate, Chevrons around a circle, and wavy
lines indicating water in its center. He hands it to Jonas, who
exchanges a meaningful glance with Teal'c.
TEAL'C
This is it.
TEREK
My understanding of this language is
extremely limited, but it appears to
be an etching of something called a
Chap'ai?
TEAL'C
Cha'apa'ai.
TEREK
Aha.
JONAS
This text is a slight variation of pre-dynastic
Egyptian. It is beautiful. The section
right here says: "heru-ur's Stargate
we found in the great desert to the
north"
TEREK
Oh, it must mean the wastelands of An-hur.
They lie far beyond the city. I found
many of my artefacts there.
JONAS
Really?
Another meaningful glance. then Jonas looks back to the two unhappy
SFs that have been trailing them all the time.
JONAS
Guys? We'd like to take a little field
trip.
INT. Tegrean council hall with the triangular table. Kalfass
enters, obviously ill at rest and toying with the holster of
his gun at his side. Opposite him, in his usual place at the
tip of the triangle sits Ashwan, reading some reports. Slowly
Kalfass walks around the table to where Ashwan is sitting.
KALFASS
They want to be taken to coordinates
somewhere in the wasteland.
ASHWAN
Then take them.
KALFASS
I think that's a mistake.
ASHWAN
Because they may find something you
do not wish them to find?
KALFASS
If this is some sort of reconaissance
prior to an invasion...!
ASHWAN
You are being ridiculous.
KALFASS
And you are being reckless!
ASHWAN
Representatives from another *world*
have come to Tegrea! Another World!
Do you understand?! And what's more,
they seek our help!
They glare at each other, and for the second time in the entire
episode, Ashwan clearly seems to be mad at Kalfass and doesn't
care to sound calm and polite. There's no doubt they're having
an argument there.
KALFASS
We do not even know their true intentions!
ASHWAN
Or what they can offer us. An exchange
of knowledge and technology, the Stargate
could open up the universe for our people!
KALFASS
A universe of potential enemies! I demand
that you reconsider!
ASHWAN
We cannot undo what has happened! (very
calmly) The difference is, Kalfass,
I would not, if I could. They are here,
and we must deal with them, one way
or another. I prefer to help.
KALFASS
And I prefer to--
ASHWAN
And now, have them taken to the coordinates!
(nods with finality)
KALFASS
As you wish. (he leaves)
EXT. The An-hur wastelands, Teal'c, Terek and Jonas are standing
in the middle of a plane, where about three very ruined pillars
remain standing. In the background, a few SFs and a tank or two
can be seen. Jonas is holding the parchment, studying it once
again. He points out things to his companions, Terek is intently
following his words.
JONAS
The Stargate should be located directly
in the middle of the second and third
monument.
TEAL'C
Are you certain, Jonas Quinn?
JONAS
That's what it says.
We fade over to ...
EXT. Still the wastelands, between the two monuments. Our three
heroes are digging eagerly in the sand. A man behind them leaning
against some large of vehicle, watching their efforts. Teal'c
suddenly hits something hard.
TEAL'C
Jonas.
He pokes at it some more, and it gives the sound of shovel against
stone.
JONAS
Think that's the cover stones?
TEAL'C
Indeed. Jonas kneels down, putting aside
his shovel and beginning to wipe away
the inch-thick layer of sand, his Colleagues
eagerly watching. He pulls out a brush
and begins wiping the sand off the stones,
uncovering writing in Goa'uld or a similar
writing. It's written in a cartouche,
not unlike the coordinates on the Giza
cover stones.
JONAS
Here lies Cha'apa'ai of Heru-ur, false
god of the people of Tegrea who'll never
know the daylight again (?).
TEREK
The ring exists!
INT. Prometheus. Sam is looking at reactor schematics on the
wall screen again. O'Neill is nearby with his radio.
TEAL'C
O'Neill.
O'NEILL
What's up, T. ?
TEAL'C
I believe we have located the Stargate.
Quick look back to Teal'c standing in the wastelands. Then we
see O'Neill and Sam exchanging surprised looks. O'Neill returns
to the radio.
O'NEILL
Well that's good news.
TEAL'C
(almost smiling) We will require assistance
to retrieve it.
O'NEILL
We'll talk to Ashwan. (as an afterthought)
Nice job!
He turns to Sam who's smiling behind him, then both of them turn
around, Sam returning to her console while Jack heads off.
EXT. The Wastelands, the uncovered cover stones. Now we see an
incredible sequence reminiscent of the dig sequence at the start
of the movie, the images fading into each other, without any
spoken words, just the music building up. We see crowbars pushing
into the gaps between the coverstones, trying to get some leverance.
Lots of Tangrean helpers here. We see Jonas helping them lift
away one of the segments of the coverstones. Then we get a beautiful
overhead view of the scene, the coverstones one big stone circle,
in the middle a smaller circle with an Egyptian-style drawing
of a man (Heru-ur?) engraved and the Cartouche on the circle
next to him. At the top of the circle, the workers are removing
the first segment, and a hint of Stargate can barely be seen
underneath.
The image fades several times and we see more and more segments
of the coverstones being removed, freeing almost half of the
chevrons, then two thirds. To this, the Stargate theme sounds
beautifully in strong low-pitched tones. As the final segment
is being prepared, we hear Sam's voice offscreen...
SAM
Jonas!
We see her and Terek in a sand hole, uncovering the DHD.
SAM
Looks good! It looks intact!
EXT. The wastelands, a little ways off. A couple dozen soldiers
are hidden in the grass, and at their peak behind a boulder,
Kalfass observes the scene with a Monocular (?). We see the site
how he sees it. The people are gathered around a large, thin
crane, then we see him remove his head from the glass and he
reacts.
Meanwhile, at the site, we see half a dozen workers supporting
the gate with ropes, while the crane begins pulling the gate
upright. We see our three hobby-archaeologists at the winch,
observing the process. We see the gate being erected against
the sunlight, the camera panning around a lone shovel, giving
us a nice view of the dig site. As the gate exceeds 45 degrees,
we can see sand pouring out one of the gate's chevrons. The men
are straining against their ropes, preventing the gate from falling
over in the other direction, and then it stands upright.
We pan past the exhausted workers to see Terek and Jonas at the
DHD...
JONAS
Well, let's give it a shot.
He hits nine symbols and the centerpiece, and we can see the
Chevrons lighting up in concert with his pushes, and then the
wormhole erupts, making the workers take a few steps back in
surprise before the vortex stabilizes. Jonas Smiles to Teal'c.
Success!
Suddenly, gunshots impact to the side of our friends. plowing
through the sand, and a little off we see Kalfass at the gun
turret of one of the tanks, accompanied by armed soldiers running
along at his side. He's firing at them! Our archaeologists react,
and as Kalfass' tank almost jumps over the top of a little dune,
he is close enough and decelerates. Jonas and Terek stare in
disbelief as he comes to a halt, engine still rattling.
JONAS
Kalfass, what are you doing?
KALFASS
I'm taking back what belongs to my people!
EXT. Our view of the city, and yet another pair of trains. I'd
really be interested in seeing that schedule.
INT. The council room. Ashwan is pacing to and fro in front of
O'Neill and Carter, the female council member is behind him,
looking emphatically with a futuristic notepad in her hand.
ASHWAN
His actions are outrageous!
O'NEILL
Tell him to stand down.
ASHWAN
I've done exactly that, Colonel. He
refuses. He claims to be protecting
Tegrea's security.
O'NEILL
Have him arrested.
ASHWAN
Kalfass commands a great loyalty among
many in the military. Challenging him
would only lead to civil war.
SAM
Sir, we could use the Prometheus. Her
weapons would be more than a match for
Kalfass's troops.
O'NEILL
There is still that nagging problem
of all those guns pointed at it...
ASHWAN
I've chosen the commander of those gun
batteries myself. He is loyal to me.
Colonel, I will give you my word: He
will not fire upon your ship.
O'Neill swallows.
EXT. The Wastelands. Scores of guards with drawn guns at the
dig site, the tank, and our archaeologists and their helpers
kneeling not far from the gate. A guard is tying Jonas's wrists
together with zip-cuffs.
JONAS
Kalfass, you have no idea what you're
dealing with here.
KALFASS
I know our ancestors buried this device
for a reason...
JONAS
Maybe they were wrong? maybe ... it's
time for you to stop being afraid of
the past.
KALFASS
No, it's not the past I'm concerned
about, it's the future. Having assessed
our strength, you would undoubtedly
return with greater numbers.
TEAL'C
You have nothing to fear from the Tau'ri.
JONAS
We just wanna fix our ship. Our people
can become friends, they can exchange
knowledge, even trade. We'll even teach
you how to use the Stargate.
KALFASS
Yes. You will teach me how to use it.
INT. Prometheus, the back of the bridge with the star chart.
O'Neill and Ronson have just entered. They're heading forward,
talking, then Ronson sits down in his chair.
O'NEILL
They're holding two of our men prisoner.
We need the ship.
RONSON
Our shields are still down, Jack. If
we take take off and they open fire
with those guns...!
O'NEILL
Ashwan. Promised. They wouldn't.
RONSON
He just lost control of his government,
and I'm going to trust the safety of
my crew to his word?
O'NEILL
Yes. That's what you're going to do.
RONSON
Jack, if you're asking me to risk everyone
on this ship--
ASHWAN
If that is so, Colonel Ronson, then
I will be taking the same risk. You
may launch your vessel when ready. You'll
not be fired upon.
Jack shoots Ronson a "Now get it over with!"-look, and Ronson
sighs.
RONSON
Major Gant?
GANT
Sir?
RONSON
Fire up the sublight engines. (klaxons
go off) Arm all available weapons, and
prepare to return fire. On *my* orders
only.
ASHWAN
That will not be necessary, Colonel.
He turns, and they leave the bridge again. As Ronson sits down,
he warns Jack...
RONSON
Let's hope your old man is right, or
this is going to be a short ride.
EXT. On the landing field. The Prometheus lifts off, and the
balloons around it appear to be looking after it longingly, but
nobody fires a single shot.
INT. Prometheus bridge. Gant is listening into her headset.
GANT
No sign of weapons fire from the gun
batteries, Sir. I think we're clear.
O'Neill gives Ronson his politest "I told you so"-look, and Ronson
accepts it with an almost-smile. They're both glad Jack was right.
RONSON
Very well. Proceed to the coordinates
at one third thrust.
DELUISE
Yes, sir.
EXT. The dig site. The Prometheus flies in above the Stargate,
the prisoners and their guards stare upwards at the huge brick
floating above them. Kalfass and the other male council member
stare upwards in disbelief.
INT. Prometheus. The corridor leading to the ring transporter.
O'Neill, Ashwan and Sam are headed out.
SAM
Are you sure you're up to this, Mr.
Chairman? Things could get outta hand
here--
ASHWAN
I'm not afraid Major. I should have
done this a long time ago.
RONSON
This is Ronson. We're in position.
O'NEILL
Roger that.
The crewman in the background types on the panel again, making
it bleep, and the ring transporter whooshes our party of three...
EXT. The dig site on Tegrea. Sam and Jack are standing back to
back, rifles primed, Ashwan at their side facing in Jack's direction.
O'Neill is talking to the radio on his shoulder.
O'NEILL
Prometheus, hold your fire until my
signal.
RONSON
Prometheus has your six, SG-1.
Sam turns to look over the Colonel's shoulder, while Kalfass
glances at the huge spacecraft looming overhead that just crashed
his party. O'Neill and Ashwan look around, but no offer of negotiations
is forthcoming. Ashwan takes in the scene, and then begins...
ASHWAN
Kalfass, this has gone far enough. Release
these men.
KALFASS
Hold your positions. We can not let
him hand this device over to the aliens.
O'Neill and Ashwan look around once more, but their situation
hasn't changed. Ashwan reconsiders his tactics. He smiles charismatically...
ASHWAN
Commander Kalfass. (he nods acknowledgingly,
looking around to the soldiers, raising
a hand almost-pointing at K.) He's a
good man, a cautious man. But he thinks
as our ancestors did, that it is better
to control what we do not understand,
to bury it, so it can not harm us. I,
too, once thought as he does. But no
longer. These ... aliens that Kalfass
fears so much are not conquerors. They
are long-lost brethren.
Kalfass looks around, a little unsure. Are my people listening
to him? Ashwan continues in stride, turning towards the gate,
pointing upwards at it.
ASHWAN
Look at it! This ... is where we came
from! This is who we are! Our ancestors
erased our history, our fear. And yet,
without our history, we cannot know
who we are! Or what we may, some day,
become! I will not make that same mistake.
He walks up to Kalfass, addressing him directly, and in a low,
well-composed voice.
ASHWAN
I am relieving you of your command.
You and your men will stand down. He
turns, but nothing happens. He turns
back around, and firmly, with a threatening
undertone...
ASHWAN
I said: Lower your weapons!
The guards look around, then slowly, confusedly begin lowering
their weapons. Jonas and Teal'c breathe in relief, Sam and Jack
exchange relieved looks. Ashwan smiles, then addresses the other
council member...
ASHWAN
Take him away.
The man takes Kalfass' gun, and the guards escort him away. O'Neill
walks up to Ashwan.
O'NEILL
Didn't know that you had that in you.
ASHWAN
Neither did I.
They both share a grin.
EXT. The dig site in front of the gate. The dust tail and sound
of a car driving away can be heard and seen through the Stargate,
where we see Jonas, Jack and Sam saying their goodbyes at the
DHD.
SAM
We'll be back in a few days with some
equipment to repair our ship.
ASHWAN
Until then, Colonel Ronson and his crew
will be our honored guests. I hope you
will join us at a state dinner upon
your return?
Sam and Jack both smile in agreement, and Jack walks a little
with Ashwan and the female council member while Sam turns to
Jonas and Terek at the DHD.
JONAS
Hey, thanks Terek!
TEREK
Oh, thank you. I hope you will soon
return. There is much to learn about
our history.
JONAS
Yeah, we can definitely help you out
there, but you know more than most people
on your planet. (to Sam) Got a feeling
this guy's gonna be getting a bigger
office soon... Sam smiles, then hits
the seven symbols on the DHD. The camera
zooms in on the middle button as we
can hear the wormhole engage.
THE END
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