STARGATE SG1
Episode 809
"SACRIFICES"
By
Christopher Judge
Transcribed by
Callie Sullivan
SGC. Jack and Daniel are walking along a corridor.
DANIEL
Bra’tac believed that the only way to
eliminate all of the System Lords is
to recruit as many Jaffa in the fifth
column as possible. Now, only when their
numbers are sufficient would it be possible
to rise up and unilaterally destroy
all the Goa’uld at once. (Jack looks
at him blankly but Daniel doesn’t notice.)
Even then, Ba’al controls the super-soldier
army which cannot be turned.
HARRIMAN
Incoming wormhole.
DANIEL
So even if the rebel Jaffa can some
day take out the majority of the System
Lords, there’d still be a massive war
to fight. The problem is, though, Ishta
doesn’t want to wait. Moloc is continuing
to order the deaths of all female Jaffa
born in his domain and their underground
railroad to Hak’tyl can’t save them
all. (Jack starts walking in the wrong
direction as Daniel continues talking,
but then turns and follows him. Daniel,
wrapped up his narration, doesn’t even
notice.) Even now she’s organising a
rebellion to overthrow Moloc. Now, Teal’c
and Bra’tac are trying to convince her
to see the ... the bigger picture. (He
gestures grandly as he finishes.)
O’NEILL
... What was my question again?
DANIEL
Um, ‘how’s it going?’
O’NEILL
Seemed so innocuous at the time. (He
and Daniel enter the Gateroom just as
Teal’c and Bra’tac come through the
Gate and walk down the ramp.) Fellas!
How was the trip?
TEAL’C
I have been betrayed by those I trusted
most. (He walks past Jack and Daniel
and leaves the Gateroom.)
O’NEILL
That good, eh?
BRA’TAC
His mood is foul indeed. (Jack and Daniel
turn to face him.) Greetings. It is
good to see you both.
DANIEL
Bra’tac, what’s wrong?
BRA’TAC
There was a complication.
O’NEILL
Ishta?
BRA’TAC
She is well - and as lovely as ever,
O’Neill. (Jack raises his eyebrows,
then shrugs.) The problem, I fear, lies
with Rya’c.
DANIEL
Is he OK?
BRA’TAC
He is in love, and plans to be married.
Hmph! (He leaves the Gateroom.)
SGC. SPORTS ROOM. Jack and Teal’c are preparing to play table
tennis. Jack blows out a few exaggerated breaths in preparation.
Teal’c stands at the other end of the table, looking very glum.
O’NEILL
So when’s all this supposed to happen?
(He serves. Teal’c smashes the ball
back straight into Jack’s arm, who yelps
in pain and clutches his arm.)
TEAL’C
Three days.
O’NEILL
Three days, huh? That’s kinda quick.
TEAL’C
Indeed.
O’NEILL
Well, you know love ... is a strange
and mysterious thing. (He serves the
ball. Again Teal’c smashes it back,
this time hitting the top of Jack’s
leg. Jack clutches his leg in pain.)
Ow! God!
TEAL’C
Rya’c did not even consult me before
making this decision. It is obvious
this girl has caused all reason to leave
Rya’c’s head.
O’NEILL
Zero serving three.
TEAL’C
Serving eight.
O’NEILL
Eight. (He serves. Teal’c smashes the
ball back, hitting Jack’s leg in the
same place as before. Jack doubles up
in pain.) Ah! (He straightens up.) So,
what (his voice cracks momentarily,
then improves) what’s, uh, Ishta think
of all this? (He tosses the ball across
the table to Teal’c.)
TEAL’C
Ishta believes that tradition should
persist at all costs, especially in
the face of oppression.
O’NEILL
I see.
(Teal’c serves the ball. It comes across the table so fast that
Jack doesn’t even move before it flies past him. He turns and
watches it bounce across the floor.)
TEAL’C
Rya’c is too young to know what love
is, O’Neill, or how it inevitably weakens
a warrior’s resolve.
O’NEILL
Look, T, I’m not gonna tell you how
to raise your kid ... but I’ve always
found that sticking your fingers in
your ears and humming loudly solves
a whole slew of problems.
(Teal’c smiles briefly.)
TEAL’C
What good am I as a father, O’Neill,
if I cannot keep my son from making
this crucial mistake?
(Alarms sound.)
HARRIMAN
Unscheduled offworld activation.
(Teal’c tosses the ball to Jack and walks away. Jack serves the
ball across the table and makes a tiny triumphant gesture before
following him, then makes a sound of pain as his damaged leg
protests at having to walk.)
CONTROL ROOM. Jack and Teal’c walk in. Walter is at the desk.
HARRIMAN
Receiving IDC, sir. It’s Ishta.
O’NEILL
Open the iris. (He and Teal’c head for
the Gateroom.)
GATEROOM. The iris opens. Teal’c precedes Jack through the side
door but Jack shoves him out of the way so that he can go first,
giving Teal’c a black look and a ‘me first’ gesture as he goes.
The sound of people coming through the Gate can be heard, then
the wormhole disengages. Ishta and one of her lieutenants come
down the ramp.
O’NEILL
Greetings!
(Teal’c bows to the women.)
ISHTA
There is an urgent matter we must discuss.
Hak’tyl may have been compromised.
BRIEFING ROOM. SG-1 are sitting on one side of the table while
Bra’tac, Ishta, and her lieutenant sit on the other. Jack is
at the head of the table.
DANIEL
How do you know?
ISHTA
Yesterday we were to meet one of our
contacts - a high priestess stationed
within Moloc’s temple. She failed to
appear at the allotted time.
TEAL’C
You must evacuate immediately.
ISHTA
I agree, but we know not of another
uninhabited planet like Hak’tyl. Hiding
a large group of female warriors and
children within a populated planet in
Moloc’s domain is difficult, and dangerous.
O’NEILL
Well, I’m sure we could help you folks
out. Carter?
CARTER
Uh, no problem. We have a number of
possible worlds on record but they should
be explored more thoroughly before you
take up permanent residence.
ISHTA
If Moloc is aware of our location, every
moment my people remain on Hak’tyl puts
them at greater risk.
(She looks at Jack, who nods understandingly. Teal’c turns his
head and looks at him, then Sam turns and looks at him too. Finally
Jack realises that he’s supposed to say something.)
O’NEILL
Oh! Um ... er, er, you’re welcome to
stay here. (Ishta nods in gratitude.)
I’ll go start the paperwork. (He stands
and leaves.)
GATEROOM. The Gate is open and many of Ishta’s people have already
come through. A woman rides a horse through the Gate. Another
horse is already in the Gateroom. Daniel is watching as the women,
children and horses are escorted out of the Gateroom. Rya’c and
a young woman come through the Gate and walk down to where Daniel
and Sam are standing.
RYA’C
Colonel Carter. Doctor Jackson.
CARTER
Rya’c! It’s good to see you again.
RYA’C
This is my sim’ka, Kar’yn.
KAR’YN
Rya’c, stop using those old terms. We
are betrothed. (To Sam and Daniel) And
it is an honour to meet friends of my
husband-to-be.
DANIEL
Right back at ya!
RYA’C
Is she not the most beautiful thing
you have ever seen?
KAR’YN
Stop it. You’re embarrassing me. I’m
not an object to be worshipped.
RYA’C
Thank you for agreeing to host our union
ceremony. It will be an honour to be
betrothed among friends.
DANIEL
Oh, you’re gonna have the wedding here?!
KAR’YN
Of course. Ishta said it may take some
time to find a suitable planet for our
new home. We are to be married in three
days!
(Sam is grinning rather fixedly. Daniel puts his left arm around
her back and onto her left shoulder, and Sam puts her right hand
on top of it. They both grin hugely.)
KAR’YN
There is much to do. (She smiles at
Rya’c.) Rya’c? (She starts to tug him
away.)
RYA’C
Excuse us. (He and Kar’yn leave the
Gateroom, leaving Sam and Daniel still
grinning.)
DANIEL
They’re having the wedding here!
CARTER
Yeah!
DANIEL
Does Jack know about this?
(Sam’s grin fades.)
CARTER
I’m gonna work on ... finding them a
planet. (Daniel nods in agreement.)
Yeah! (She leaves. Daniel raises his
eyes skywards.)
JACK’S OFFICE. Jack is doing paperwork as Bra’tac comes to the
door and taps on it.
O’NEILL
Come in. (Bra’tac walks in. Jack finally
looks up.) Bra’tac. (Bra’tac walks a
few steps further into the room, then
stops.) What’s that smell?
BRA’TAC
I believe that is the horses, O’Neill.
(Jack nods.) The warriors of Hak’tyl
are grateful for your generosity.
O’NEILL
Well - you know me. Always willing to
help those who ... need help.
BRA’TAC
You are indeed a wise and gracious leader,
O’Neill of Minnesota.
O’NEILL
Siddown, y’old coot. (Bra’tac sits.)
What?
BRA’TAC
I am to officiate at the rite of everlasting
union between Rya’c and Kar’yn. I have
consulted with Ishta on the matter and
despite the evacuation of Hak’tyl, she
wishes the wedding to proceed as planned
- and as scheduled.
O’NEILL
Meaning here.
BRA’TAC
A more suitable world is not likely
to be found in time. Delaying the ceremony
would only grant another victory to
Moloc’s tyranny.
O’NEILL
D’you know what it took to get approval
for Tailgate Tuesdays, huh? (Bra’tac
looks at him blankly. Jack looks down,
thinking, then looks up again.) There
would be cake?
(Bra’tac smiles and nods.)
ISHTA’S QUARTERS. Ishta is unpacking some of her belongings.
Teal’c opens the door without knocking and walks in, closing
the door behind him.
TEAL’C
You have been avoiding me.
ISHTA
You have indicated I am not worthy of
your presence.
TEAL’C
How so?
ISHTA
Your refusal to bless this union is
an insult to Kar’yn and thus to me.
TEAL’C
That is not what I intended. Rya’c has
pledged to help lead the Jaffa in the
battle against the Goa’uld.
ISHTA
As have I, and my people. A warrior
is always stronger with another at his
side - so you must believe Kar’yn to
be an unworthy warrior, and I am at
fault as her teacher.
TEAL’C
Ishta, this is not about you. Soon enough
Rya’c will have to choose between his
responsibility to his family and to
that of his cause - just as I once did.
I merely believe that he is young and
has much time ahead, and need not undertake
such decisions so soon.
ISHTA
In the same way Rya’c had no say in
your decision, you have no say in his.
None of us choose oppression at the
hand of the Goa’uld, nor what must be
done to free ourselves of it, but we
must not sacrifice that which makes
us Jaffa. I have organised both men
and women to fight together - to rise
up against Moloc. Maybe once we are
free of his tyranny, you will see that
we are worthy of your war.
TEAL’C
Overthrowing Moloc alone will ultimately
prove nothing. Were he to fall, his
worlds and armies would simply be usurped
by another Goa’uld.
ISHTA
I will not stand idly by and watch more
of my sisters slain at the hand of Moloc
while you, and the leaders of this so-called
Jaffa rebellion, you plot and you scheme
and you ultimately do nothing!
TEAL’C
You have no wish to fight side-by-side
- only to control and dominate.
ISHTA
As my sisters have been for generations!
TEAL’C
As you will continue to be because of
your short-sightedness.
ISHTA
I will not rest until Moloc is dead.
TEAL’C
And I will not rest until all Goa’uld
are dead. (He turns and leaves the room.)
CORRIDOR. Sam is walking along. Jack comes out of a side door
and grabs her by both arms.
O’NEILL
They want a what?!
CARTER
A goat, sir.
(Jack lets her go and they start to walk.)
O’NEILL
You can tell them lamb is far less gamey.
CARTER
They ... (she pauses as a little girl
runs past) they want it for a ritual
sacrifice.
O’NEILL
Yeah, well you can tell ‘em that’s not
gonna happen.
(He and Sam look at a group of children sitting in a corner of
the corridor playing a game with stones.)
CARTER
Yeah, I was hoping you’d say that.
O’NEILL
They can have pinata - that’s always
fun.
CARTER
I’ll suggest it, sir.
(She and Jack flatten themselves against the wall as a horse
is led past. Jack pushes its rump out of the way as it goes past
him, then he and Sam turn and watch the rather unbelievable sight
of a horse clopping down the corridor. Jack turns to Sam and
seizes her by the arms again.)
O’NEILL
Please tell me you’re close to finding
a planet.
CARTER
We scouted one yesterday that Ishta
seems comfortable with - fresh water,
stable climate ...
(Jack looks down and realises that he’s still holding Sam by
the arms. He lets her go and they start to walk again.)
O’NEILL
Good. When’s moving day?
CARTER
Uh, Ishta thinks it’ll take about a
week to get a liveable camp going.
O’NEILL
A week?!
CARTER
Yes, sir. (Jack turns and watches some
of the Hak’tyl women walk past. Sam
takes his arm and steers him back along
the corridor.) The, uh, the wedding
is still gonna happen here.
O’NEILL
You seen Teal’c?
CARTER
I think he’s locked himself in his room.
O’NEILL
That chicken!
GATEROOM. At the foot of the ramp is a small table with a brazier
on it. Bra’tac stands at the table with his back to the Gate,
holding a burning firelighter. He has just lit the brazier. Rya’c
and Kar’yn stand either side of the table, facing each other.
Several of the Hak’tyl women, including Ishta, are standing nearby.
Bra’tac blows out the flame on the firelighter.
BRA’TAC
Let this fire bear witness to this ceremony.
May its flames keep warm the souls of
those who came before us. We ask those
spirits now to bless this union and
to protect it through each day of its
existence. And then the horn will sound.
(He looks off to the side. Somebody
offscreen sounds two notes on a horn.)
Good. Now - (he turns to Rya’c) you
will place the circle of fidelity upon
Kar’yn’s head.
(Someone hands Rya’c a circlet woven from leaves. He puts it
onto Kar’yn’s head.)
BRA’TAC
And you, the totem of bravery (he lifts
a medallion on a chain to his mouth
and kisses it before handing it to Kar’yn)
around Rya’c’s neck. (Kar’yn does so.)
The bride will then kneel before her
husband in respect.
(Up until now Rya’c and Kar’yn have been smiling happily but
now Kar’yn’s smile fades. Ishta too looks concerned.)
KAR’YN
I will do no such thing.
RYA’C
Kar’yn.
KAR’YN
I kneel before no man, not even my husband.
BRA’TAC
This action has been part of the ceremony
for thousands ...
KAR’YN
Then he should kneel before me as well.
(To Rya’c) Or am I too weak to have
such respect given to me in return?
RYA’C
You disgrace my name.
BRA’TAC
Perhaps if we took a short recess.
KAR’YN
And if you insist on treating me like
a fragile handmaiden, then I have chosen
poorly for a husband.
RYA’C
Well, perhaps I have chosen poorly as
well.
(Kar’yn pulls the circlet off her head and throws it down before
storming out of the Gateroom. Most of the women follow her. In
the Control Room, Teal’c is watching with a smug smile on his
face. In the Gateroom, Rya’c takes off his medallion and hands
it to Bra’tac before leaving the room.)
BRA’TAC
I can see why one must rehearse these
events. (He takes a drink.)
(Behind him, the Gate starts to dial in.)
HARRIMAN
Unscheduled offworld activation. (He
closes the iris. Behind the iris, the
Gate activates. Teal’c walks over to
Walter.) Receiving a message. Onscreen.
(Teal’c looks at the message as Bra’tac and Ishta walk in.)
TEAL’C
Ishta. This concerns you.
ISHTA
It’s from one of my contacts among Moloc’s
Jaffa. He’s requesting a summit.
TEAL’C
For what reason?
ISHTA
Our forces that are hiding among the
Jaffa of Moloc have become large, but
there are still many who are loyal to
him. We risk being exposed. We must
send the co-ordinates of the new homeworld
to those who will attend.
TEAL’C
Very well. I will accompany you to this
summit.
ISHTA
You have no say in our matters.
TEAL’C
Perhaps there is counsel I can provide.
ISHTA
You will abide by my ruling.
(Teal’c looks at her for a moment, then looks across to Bra’tac.
He then looks back to Ishta and bows to her.)
ISHTA’S QUARTERS. Ishta is preparing to leave. Kar’yn is with
her.
KAR’YN
Can I come with you?
ISHTA
Do not be foolish - you have a union
to prepare for.
KAR’YN
There will be no union.
ISHTA
Kar’yn, you must learn not to let your
emotions take you to such extremes.
KAR’YN
I cannot be betrothed to Rya’c. He is
as pig-headed as his father.
(Ishta leans forward and seizes Kar’yn’s chin.)
ISHTA
Until you have fought as many battles,
do not speak of Teal’c of Chulak with
such disrespect. Without him we would
not have tretonin. (She holds up a tretonin
injector.) And we would still be slaves
to the Goa’uld symbionts. (She lets
Kar’yn go and injects herself.)
KAR’YN
But how can you accept his affection
knowing he does not support our war
against Moloc and the archaic traditions
that oppress female Jaffa?
ISHTA
We differ often, but deep down we both
possess the same hunger for freedom.
KAR’YN
Does he not see me fit for Rya’c?
ISHTA
He could search a thousand worlds and
never find someone like you. Teal’c
has sacrificed much in the war against
the Goa’uld and does not wish Rya’c
to feel the pain of such loss.
KAR’YN
What about Rya’c? He does not respect
me as a warrior as Teal’c respects you.
ISHTA
That took some convincing, believe me.
What you must remember is that, as much
as you desire Rya’c’s respect, he too
burns for yours.
SPORTS ROOM. Rya’c is training with a stick (or broom handle?)
about the same size and length as a staff weapon. He is twirling
it about angrily. Bra’tac comes into the room behind him and,
as Rya’c spins around, Bra’tac grabs the stick.
BRA’TAC
Your parries are too low. Hold your
staff higher; step into each blocking
blow.
RYA’C
Leave me be.
BRA’TAC
As you wish. (He turns and starts to
walk away.)
RYA’C
Have I not been a dutiful son? Have
I not brought honour to my name?
BRA’TAC
You have indeed.
RYA’C
Then why will my father not bless my
union with Kar’yn?
BRA’TAC
Then the union is still to be?
RYA’C
That is not the point.
BRA’TAC
You have made a choice. You pledged
your life to fight for freedom for all
Jaffa. It is a war you must commit to
without question.
RYA’C
I know! That is why my father abandoned
my mother and I - because we made him
weak. (He slams one end of the stick
down onto the floor.)
BRA’TAC
That is not true.
RYA’C
He knows I forgave him for that long
ago. I understand why it was necessary.
BRA’TAC
Do you? Hmm? Teal’c stayed First Prime
of Apophis as long as he did because
he feared for you. He committed atrocities
in the name of the Goa’uld because he
wanted you and your mother to be safe.
When he chose to leave to join the Tau’ri,
it was the most difficult thing he has
ever done. It is not you that made him
weak, but his own fear and doubt. When
he realised the Goa’uld could indeed
be defeated, that if he fought hard
enough, you could one day be free, it
made him stronger.
RYA’C
It is the same for me with Kar’yn. She
fuels my desire to fight for freedom.
We know what we must face, and we choose
to do it together.
(Bra’tac puts his hand on Rya’c’s shoulder.)
BRA’TAC
You still have much to learn about yourself;
about being a warrior - and neither
of you truly know what we will all face
in a full-scale war with the Goa’uld.
RYA’C
I do not need his blessing.
BRA’TAC
No - you do not. (He turns to leave.)
RYA’C
And he insults Kar’yn. She is a formidable
warrior who deserves his respect.
BRA’TAC
And yours. (He leaves the room.)
NEW HAK’TYL HOMEWORLD (hereafter referred to as ‘HOMEWORLD’).
Two female Jaffa and two male Jaffa are guarding the Gate. Some
distance away, a tent has been set up for the summit. Moloc’s
Jaffa are meeting with Ishta and Teal’c. One of Moloc’s Jaffa
is speaking.
ARON
The ranks of rebel Jaffa are sizeable
enough to win. The time to strike is
now.
COR’AK
Aron is right. If we wait much longer
it is only a matter of time before our
numbers grow too large for Moloc not
to discover. We risk losing everything.
ISHTA
Aron is right. We must strike now.
TEAL’C
Jaffa! Hear me. I know your hearts are
prepared for battle, but I have come
to ask for your patience. You have prepared
well for the demise of Moloc, but only
when all Jaffa rise up as one can the
Goa’uld be defeated, and only then will
all of our brothers and sisters truly
be free.
ISHTA
This is the counsel you have come to
offer?
(From outside the tent comes the sound of a bird taking flight
in alarm. Teal’c’s head snaps round.)
ISHTA
What is it?
(The sound of a staff weapon activating outside the tent can
be heard.)
TEAL’C
DOWN!
(He throws himself to the ground, taking Ishta with him. Outside
the tent, many Jaffa open fire with staff weapons, firing into
the tent. Those Jaffa inside who are not quick enough are shot
down. Teal’c, Ishta and Aron crawl out of the back of the tent
and run for the trees.)
LATER. Teal’c, Ishta and Aron have made it back to the Gate and
crawl to a rise nearby. Looking down at the Gate, they see that
it is guarded by very many Jaffa.
TEAL’C
The Gate is well guarded.
ISHTA
We must return to the meeting tent.
If anyone else survived, they will be
tortured.
TEAL’C
Wait.
ARON
For what?
(The Gate activates. Moloc’s Jaffa aim their staff weapons at
it. Jack’s voice comes over Teal’c’s radio.)
O’NEILL
Teal’c? You there?
TEAL’C
Proceed, O’Neill.
O’NEILL
You know how I get when you don’t call.
TEAL’C
Moloc’s Jaffa ambushed the summit. The
address of the planet must have fallen
into the wrong hands. I am with Ishta
and another rebel Jaffa named Aron.
At present we are cut off from the Gate.
O’NEILL
How bad?
TEAL’C
Very.
O’NEILL
Back-up?
TEAL’C
It would be unwise at the moment. I
am uncertain as to the extent of forces
or if there are ships in orbit. I will
need time to gather intel before deciding
on a course of action.
O’NEILL
Alright. We’ll check in in about an
hour. And T?
TEAL’C
My head is down, O’Neill.
O’NEILL
Over.
(The Gate shuts down. Teal’c, Ishta and Aron cautiously move
away from the Gate.)
FOREST. The three Jaffa are making their way back to the meeting
tent. Teal’c seizes Ishta’s arm and turns her round to face him.
TEAL’C
Someone from within your camp has betrayed
you. That can be the only explanation
for Moloc’s presence here.
ISHTA
Teal’c, I do not have my tretonin. It
was in my pack and in our haste I left
it in the tent.
TEAL’C
I have enough for both of us. (He reaches
into his vest pocket and takes out his
injector, only to find that it is broken.)
ISHTA
It must have shattered when you fell
to the ground.
ARON
We must move. A search patrol approaches.
TEAL’C
Indeed. (They move off.)
SGC. BRIEFING ROOM. The room is full of people - Daniel, Rya’c,
Kar’yn and many of Ishta’s warriors - and all of them are shouting
at each other. Jack and Bra’tac come in. Jack tries to quieten
everybody down but can’t be heard over the noise. Bra’tac steps
forward.
BRA’TAC
SILENCE!
(Everybody immediately stops talking. Bra’tac looks at Jack.)
O’NEILL
Thank you. Now - Daniel, what’s going
on here?
(Everybody starts talking at once. Jack points to Bra’tac.)
BRA’TAC
Silence!
(Everybody falls silent.)
O’NEILL
I said Daniel.
DANIEL
Well, as you can see, everyone’s a little
upset.
ISHTA’S LIEUTENANT
We will not abandon Ishta. We insist
a rescue mission be devised immediately.
O’NEILL
We’re devising.
BRA’TAC
Teal’c has said the Gate is well guarded.
RYA’C
Can we not acquire a ship and journey
to this planet?
DANIEL
Even if we could, it would take at least
a week to get there.
BRA’TAC
Please, return to your quarters.
KAR’YN
I cannot go until ...
BRA’TAC
Please! In time, your skills may be
required, and you must be ready. Go!
(Reluctantly, Rya’c and the women leave the room.)
HOMEWORLD. Night. Teal’c, Ishta and Aron are hiding near the
meeting tent, watching the guards outside.
ARON
There are only six.
TEAL’C
We do not know how many more may be
hiding nearby, anticipating our approach.
(They hear a rebel Jaffa screaming as he is tortured.)
ISHTA
We must do something. (The screaming
continues.) I cannot bear this. The
Tau’ri have troops and weapons.
TEAL’C
We have not determined the size of Moloc’s
forces they would face. Many more lives
than our own could be lost.
ISHTA
Then what are we to do?
TEAL’C
For the moment, nothing. (He moves away.
Ishta and Aron reluctantly follow him.)
FOREST. As they move through the forest, Ishta braces herself
against a tree momentarily, beginning to feel the effects of
the lack of tretonin.
ARON
We cannot hide forever from their patrols.
TEAL’C
We will rest here.
(Ishta sits down wearily.)
ARON
They will not rest until we are found.
If your plan is to wait until they give
up and leave ...
TEAL’C
I need to gather the information that
I can concerning the forces against
us.
ARON
We’re severely outnumbered. What more
do you need to know?
ISHTA
Aron - I need to speak to Teal’c privately.
ARON
You do not trust my loyalty.
ISHTA
I do. This is a private matter. Please.
(Aron moves away.)
TEAL’C
He could be the informant as easily
as anyone, and using this opportunity
to gather knowledge concerning the rebellion.
ISHTA
I know - but he is right about one thing:
we cannot wait to act. I am already
growing weak.
TEAL’C
You need rest.
ISHTA
As do you.
TEAL’C
I will take first watch.
ISHTA
Teal’c - I promised all Jaffa under
Moloc’s rule they will be free from
his tyranny.
TEAL’C
It was not a foolish promise. One day,
we will all be free.
ISHTA
One day is not soon enough.
(They stare at each other for a moment, then Teal’c stands and
walks away.)
FOREST. Day. Teal’c is sitting with his back against a tree,
resting. Aron runs over and wakes him.
ARON
Where is Ishta?
TEAL’C
It was her turn to take wat... (He trails
off as he realises the implication of
what Aron just asked, then springs to
his feet and the two of them run off.)
LATER. Near the meeting tent, Teal’c and Aron run cautiously
forward, then throw themselves to the ground to remain hidden.
They see Ishta, held between two Jaffa, being bundled towards
the tent. Teal’c takes out a pair of binoculars and looks through
them. He sees Ishta looking back over her shoulder as if she
knows that he is there. She is bundled inside the tent.
MEETING TENT. Ishta is taken inside and thrown to the ground.
She stands up. In front of her, a man is standing with his back
to her. He turns to face her, smiling, and his eyes flash. It’s
Moloc. Ishta stares in dread.
OUTSIDE THE TENT. Teal’c lowers his binoculars.
TEAL’C
Moloc is here.
(He and Aron carefully move away.)
ARON
We must act.
TEAL’C
I am aware.
ARON
Even if Ishta cannot be saved, we must
take the opportunity to kill Moloc.
TEAL’C
That is not my goal.
ARON
It is mine, and that of all the Jaffa
who have joined in rebellion against
him.
TEAL’C
Without reinforcements, we will be swarmed
by Moloc’s forces.
ARON
I am willing to die for my cause.
TEAL’C
Then you will die for nothing if you
do not succeed in killing Moloc first.
ARON
You are weak. Your mind is clouded with
feelings for Ishta.
(He walks ahead of Teal’c, who draws his zat and shoots him.)
TEAL’C
You cannot be trusted.
(He takes Aron’s staff weapon and heads off.)
SGC. GATEROOM. Bra’tac returns through the Gate. Daniel is waiting
at the bottom of the ramp.
DANIEL
Ishta’s been captured, and apparently
Moloc is there in person. Now, we’re
gonna co-ordinate a missile attack on
the Jaffa at the Gate to provide a distraction
for Teal’c’s rescue attempt.
(Behind him, technicians are wheeling a UAV into the Gateroom.)
BRA’TAC
Moloc will certainly kill her before
surrendering.
DANIEL
Well, Teal’c’s more worried about what
he’s gonna do to her in the meantime.
HOMEWORLD. MEETING TENT. Ishta is held in the beam of a ribbon
device which Moloc is using on her. She grunts in pain. Moloc
deactivates the device and she falls to the floor.
MOLOC
It is not too late to repent for your
sins. Grovel before your god and beg
for my forgiveness. (Ishta forces herself
up onto her knees.) Tell me of the other
sinners who would betray me. How many
would renounce the privilege of carrying
the children of their god, like you?
(He leans down to her.) Tell me why
their souls may yet be saved.
(Two Jaffa haul Ishta back onto her feet.)
MOLOC
You cannot be Ishta of the Hak’tyl,
wicked leader of the depraved! I sense
nothing but weakness in you, or maybe
that is what happens when you abandon
the strength of the Goa’uld inside of
you. All that is left is this burning
desire to die at the hands of your great
and powerful god. (He activates the
ribbon device again. Ishta groans in
pain.)
SGC. JACK’S OFFICE. Jack, Sam, Daniel and Bra’tac are there.
CARTER
We’re preparing a UAV to drop tretonin
for Teal’c.
BRA’TAC
He will need all his strength if he
is to rescue Ishta from the clutches
of Moloc.
CARTER
The UAV will then circle back and paint
the targets on the Gate.
BRA’TAC
Ishta did not exaggerate - the rebel
Jaffa on Moloc’s worlds are indeed a
mighty force. As we speak, they prepare
for war against those still loyal to
Moloc.
O’NEILL
You think they can win?
BRA’TAC
I do not know.
CARTER
Even if they do, it’s possible another
Goa’uld could simply take his place
- or, worse, come in and wipe them all
out to prove this whole rebellion is
a bad idea.
BRA’TAC
Indeed. That is something we asked them
to consider, and yet, such reason is
beyond them now.
GATEROOM. Sergeant Siler comes up from underneath the UAV.
SILER
UAV ready to launch, Colonel.
CARTER
Thank you, Sergeant. (She turns to Walter.)
Dial the Gate.
(Harriman starts the dialling process.)
HOMEWORLD. The Gate starts dialling in. Moloc’s Jaffa aim their
staff weapons.
SGC. GATEROOM. The Gate kawhooshes.
CARTER
Launching UAV in three, two, one.
(The UAV launches and flies into the Gate.)
HOMEWORLD. The UAV flies out of the Gate and heads off.
FOREST. Teal’c looks up as the UAV flies over.
SGC. CONTROL ROOM.
CARTER
Receiving Teal’c’s radio signal.
HOMEWORLD. Jaffa out in the forest fire at the UAV. One of the
staff blasts hits it.
SGC. CONTROL ROOM.
CARTER
The UAV’s been hit.
HOMEWORLD. FOREST. Teal’c sees smoke rising from the downed UAV
nearby.
CARTER
Teal’c, do you copy?
TEAL’C
Proceed.
CARTER
The UAV should be half a click south-west
of your location.
TEAL’C
I am on my way.
CARTER
Be careful, Teal’c. We’ll dial back
in thirty minutes.
(In the Gateroom, the Gate shuts down. In the forest, Teal’c
heads towards the UAV.)
SGC. CONTROL ROOM.
BRA’TAC
Can we not still send the missiles through?
CARTER
Without a laser-painted target, they’d
just fly out their fuel and crash.
HOMEWORLD. Teal’c reaches the UAV, which is lying broken into
pieces at the top of a hill. Some of it is burning. He goes to
the main part of the machine and reaches down to open a panel
on the top but snatches his hand back with a cry of pain from
the heat of the metal. He reaches down again and manages to get
the panel open and pulls out a tretonin injector. He is just
about to inject himself when he stops at the sound of activating
staff weapons and shouts from Jaffa approaching behind him. One
of them addresses him.
KA’LEL
Jaffa, shel’na kree! Kree nok, Jaffa!
(Covertly, Teal’c slips the tretonin injector into his vest pocket
before rising to turn and face the Jaffa.)
TEAL’C
Shal’kek nem’ron. If you know who I
am, brothers, you know that there is
no need to sacrifice your lives for
a false god.
(Ka’lel walks close to him, looks him in the face for a moment,
then jams his staff weapon hard into Teal’c’s abdomen. Teal’c
crumples to the ground.)
KA’LEL
Ri’nok, shol’va.
(Behind them, Aron appears and grabs one of the Jaffa from behind.
He swings the man around and uses his staff weapon to fire at
one of the other Jaffa, then turns his man and shoots another
Jaffa. Teal’c grabs Ka’lel’s staff weapon and shoots him down.
Another Jaffa fires directly at him but Teal’c grabs a piece
of the UAV and holds it up in front of him to absorb the blast,
then shoots the Jaffa who Aron is holding. Another Jaffa runs
towards Teal’c but he kicks him down. Aron downs another Jaffa
with the butt of his staff weapon. He and Teal’c finish off the
rest of the Jaffa. Teal’c braces himself on his staff weapon,
exhausted, then falls to his knees. He takes out the tretonin
injector from his vest pocket and injects himself as Aron approaches.)
ARON
It would have been easier had you left
me with a weapon.
(Teal’c, groaning slightly, painfully gets to his feet, then
reaches out to grasp Aron’s arm.)
TEAL’C
My thanks.
ARON
Is there anything else I can do to prove
my loyalty?
(Teal’c looks down at the UAV, then back up to Aron.)
TEAL’C
Indeed.
MEETING TENT. Ishta, barely conscious, is lying on the floor.
She turns her head and looks at her pack lying nearby. The tretonin
injector is sticking up of the pack and is almost within her
reach. Moloc notices what she is looking at, walks over and takes
the injector out of the pack.
MOLOC
Is this what you want? Evil serum to
poison you further? Or will it give
you strength enough to last a little
longer? Then take it. (He drops it onto
the floor near her hand.) Take it so
that you may have more precious time
with your god.
(Moloc’s First Prime, Cha’ra, and another Jaffa enter the tent.)
CHA’RA
My Lord. Word comes from Gor’mek. An
uprising has begun. An army of two thousand
is marching on your temple. They control
a garrison of gliders and several al’kesh.
MOLOC
As I have foreseen. (Unseen by his Jaffa,
he swallows nervously.)
CHA’RA
Your fleet of ha’tak have gathered themselves
in orbit. They await your command to
crush this insolence.
MOLOC
I am done with this one. Trivial as
it may seem, this little distraction
has given me a few moments of pleasure.
Use her to capture the shol’va, Teal’c.
Then bring him to me.
CHA’RA
Yes, my Lord. (He bows as Moloc leaves
the tent.)
(Unnoticed on the floor, Ishta picks up the tretonin injector.)
HOMEWORLD STARGATE. Teal’c and Aron are hidden nearby, out of
sight of the troops.
TEAL’C
When the Gate opens again, aim this
at your target. (He holds up a laser
sight which he has taken from the UAV.)
The missiles will come through and strike
where you aim. (He hands the sight to
Aron.)
ARON
You’re certain your strength is sufficiently
returned? This time I will not be there
to come to your rescue.
TEAL’C
I assure you, this time it will not
be necessary. (He heads off.)
STARGATE. Moloc approaches.
MOLOC
Open the chappa’ai.
(A Jaffa starts to dial but has only dialled three symbols when
the Gate starts to dial in and then kawhooshes.)
MOLOC
Jaffa! Krel’nok!
(The Jaffa aim their staff weapons at the Gate.)
SGC. CONTROL ROOM. The blast doors are closing over the windows.
CARTER
Teal’c, this is Carter, do you read?
TEAL’C
Colonel Carter, I am ready and in position.
CARTER
So we’re on?
TEAL’C
Indeed.
(Sam pushes a button and two missiles are lowered from the ceiling
into position facing the Gate.)
HOMEWORLD. MEETING TENT. Teal’c shoots down two Jaffa standing
outside the tent. He starts to run towards the tent, holding
two staff weapons in front of him which he has lashed together,
facing in opposite directions. As Jaffa run towards him from
either side, he shoots left and right, taking each one of them
down. Once all the Jaffa have been taken out, he throws the double
staff weapon to the ground.
HOMEWORLD STARGATE. The missiles fly out of the Gate one after
the other and soar up into the sky. Moloc and his Jaffa turn
to watch them.
MEETING TENT. Teal’c walks into the tent, aiming his zat. Facing
him is Cha’ra, holding Ishta in front of him with a knife to
her throat.
CHA’RA
She is weak to the point of death. Zatting
us both even once will kill her. Drop
your weapon.
HOMEWORLD STARGATE. The missiles curve around and cross over
each other, their contrails making a heart shape in the sky.
MOLOC
Shoot them down.
(Jaffa aim staff cannons and staff weapons at the missiles and
start firing. Up on the hillside, Aron aims the laser sight.
Moloc looks down and sees a red dot in the middle of his chest.
He tries to flick it away with his hand but then realises that
the red dot is now on the back of his hand. He looks up at the
approaching missiles in dread.)
MEETING TENT.
CHA’RA
Drop it now!
(In the distance, there is a huge double explosion.)
TEAL’C
That is the sound of your false god
dying.
CHA’RA
Gods cannot be killed.
ISHTA
Teal’c.
CHA’RA
Not another word.
ISHTA
Shoot.
(Teal’c fires his zat at the pair of them and they crumple to
their knees. Teal’c runs forward and backhands Cha’ra to the
floor, then takes out a tretonin injector from his vest pocket.)
ISHTA
There is no need. I have taken mine.
Is it true that Moloc is dead?
TEAL’C
If you have the strength, we can see
for ourselves.
(Ishta gasps in relief, then leans against Teal’c’s shoulder,
exhausted.)
ISHTA
In a moment.
(Teal’c holds her close.)
SGC. GATEROOM. SGC personnel are lined up facing the Gate. Jack
and Sam are in their dress blues; Daniel is wearing a suit. Teal’c
is wearing a Jaffa robe. At the bottom of the ramp, Bra’tac is
conducting Rya’c’s and Kar’yn’s marriage ceremony. Ishta’s Jaffa
stand either side of the ramp.
BRA’TAC
Kar’yn, speak of your love and devotion
to Rya’c.
KAR’YN
Rya’c, your heart is pure and your spirit
strong. You give me strength, and joy,
and I will stand by your side always.
BRA’TAC
Rya’c.
RYA’C
Kar’yn (he takes her hands), you are
as beautiful as the sun. My love for
you is like the morning rays at dawn
of an endless day.
(Teal’c looks across to Ishta. She gazes back at him.)
BRA’TAC
The rite is complete. May you love and
fight like warriors ... just not with
each other.
(Laughter. Everyone applauds. Rya’c and Kar’yn move around the
table and kiss. Teal’c and Ishta are still gazing at each other.)
LATER. Teal’c and Rya’c are walking down a corridor.
RYA’C
The legend speaks of a place near where
the mountains meets the sea, of hidden
pools beneath majestic waterfalls.
TEAL’C
It is no legend. I have seen it with
my own eyes. You have chosen the location
for your shim’owa very well.
RYA’C
Master Bra’tac said this is where you
took my mother.
TEAL’C
Indeed. Rya’c. (Rya’c turns and faces
him.) I can think of no better mate
for you than Kar’yn, and I am certain
your mother would have felt the same.
RYA’C
Thank you. (He puts his hand on Teal’c’s
shoulder. Teal’c reciprocates, then
they hug.)
TEAL’C
Before your departure, there is a matter
that bears discussion.
RYA’C
Father, I am aware of the ways between
a man and a woman.
TEAL’C
Good. Then you are prepared for the
Rite of Or’nok.
(Rya’c looks horrified.)
RYA’C
Surely it is not still expected?
TEAL’C
On the first eve of shim’owa. My advice
is that the knife be as sharp as possible.
RYA’C
Perhaps Kar’yn is right. Not all of
the old traditions are worth holding
on to.
(Teal’c looks at his son seriously for a moment, then his face
breaks into a grin.)
TEAL’C
Indeed.
(They start to walk down the corridor again.)
RYA’C
What of you and Ishta?
TEAL’C
What of us?
RYA’C
Well, your relationship would be much
easier if you’d both admit you are in
love. For us all.
TEAL’C
Perhaps one day - when I am as wise
as you are.
(They enter the Gateroom.)
GATEROOM. Ishta’s Jaffa are going through the Gate. Kar’yn and
Ishta are standing at the bottom of the ramp with Jack.
ISHTA
Once again we owe you our thanks - for
your hospitality, and for helping us
find yet another new homeworld where
the children of the Hak’tyl may be safe.
O’NEILL
Think nothing of it. You sure you got
everything? Didn’t forget any ... kids
or ... horses?
(Ishta smiles, then looks at Teal’c, who has joined them.)
ISHTA
May I speak with Teal’c alone?
O’NEILL
Sure. It was good to see you again.
(He walks away.)
(Rya’c has now joined Kar’yn, and reaches out his hand to Teal’c.)
RYA’C
I will see you soon, Father.
(Teal’c walks towards him, and puts his arms around both his
son and his daughter-in-law and hugs them.)
KAR’YN
Yes ... Father.
TEAL’C
Be well.
(Rya’c and Kar’yn head up the ramp and go through the Gate.)
ISHTA
I did not wish to spoil the days of
shim’owa for Rya’c and Kar’yn.
TEAL’C
What have you discovered?
ISHTA
As you predicted, another Goa’uld has
claimed the domain of Moloc.
TEAL’C
Ba’al.
ISHTA
Yes. (Teal’c holds out his hand to her.)
Do not wait too long to visit. (She
walks towards him.) We have a war to
plan ... among other things.
(They kiss briefly, then, holding his hand a little longer, Ishta
finally releases him and walks up the ramp to where her two lieutenants
are waiting for her at the top. She turns and bows to Teal’c,
as do the other women. He returns the bow, then Ishta turns and
she and her colleagues go through the Gate.)
THE END
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