STARGATE SG1
Episode 905
"THE POWERS THAT BE"
By
Martin Gero
Open on the entrance of the SGC, then to Vala sitting down next
to Mitchell in the Commissary. She has a file at hand and he
was just about to finish his second bowl of Jello. An SF (the
woman) stands watching at side.
VALA
What are you doing here?
MITCHELL
Having lunch. *Eats*
VALA
Don't you care that there could be priors
out there taking advantage of poor.
Innocent. People. *he's reading some
other file* Luring them into an Oppressive
religion or worse...Killing them for
rejecting it.
MITCHELL
Are you bored of bothering Jackson?
VALA
Hey. You're supposed to be going out
on missions through the Stargate. So
let's go. Let's rid the galaxy of evil
doers. *when he doesn't answer* Look
despite what Daniel might think I really
can help...*h obviously doesn't believe
her* I know how things work out there.
I'm physically capable, I'm good with
weapons...Not to mention *louder* seductively
attractive *two airman behind her turn
to look, she laughs and waves* make
a fine asset to any SG team.
MITCHELL
You left out selfish and untrustworthy.
*eats*
VALA
How about independent and *grins opening
file, waves at it* resourceful.
MITCHELL
*quietly* that is a classified file.
*definitely not happy*
VALA
*turns pages pointing* Priors have been
reported on forty three different planets
already.
MITCHELL
Yeah that's what the file says.
VALA
Well it just so happens that I have
a very good relationship with the people
on the one you've designated *reads*
P8X 412
MITCHELL
*turns to her* Define... "Relationship"
VALA
They trust me. *Mitchell nods, gets
up.* what? Where are you going?
MITCHELL
*heads for door* I'm going to go Talk
to Landry
VALA
Why? *makes a face, worried, makes fists
with her hands*
MITCHELL
*Comes back taking file* because anyone
who trusts you...is obviously in a great
deal of danger.
He heads for door again, and she goes to taken his unfinished
bowl of Danger, but he goes back and grabs it off her.
WORMHOLE
Planet with e Pyramid, settlement of people just outside. The
team (Vala, Teal'c, Mitchell and Jackson) head into the pyramid,
which shows a large room, with a throne.
VALA
Oh good...no one's here.
MITCHELL
I thought these people trusted you...why
are we sneaking around? Avoiding everybody?
VALA
I already told you, they won't recognize
me dressed like this. Fortunately I
left a couple of spare outfits behind.
*Heads for a side room*
MITCHELL
What is it with her and her wardrobe?
JACKSON
*follows her* Look I think we could
probably explain to them exactly—
VALA
*stops, turning to him* It'll only take
a second. *stops him* can a Girl have
a little privacy?
JACKSON
No. Besides I think I've seen just about
everything there is to see.
VALA
*grins, Jackson really not liking the
look she's giving him* right. *after
a minute* Look there's no other way
out of this room. I'm just going to
change. Be right back. *she heads off*
A man walks in carrying an offering.
MITCHELL
Hey *waves*
The man runs off, and hurries back with a group of friends with
a bunch of staff weapons. Mitchell and Teal'c pull up there P-90s.
AZDAK
These are the weapons of our God Qetesh!
Who are you?
MITCHELL
Just take it easy
AZDAK
What are you doing here?
JACKSON
*walks forward, hands raised* we mean
no harm.
Azdak Sees something behind them, mouth hangs slightly open in
shock. They all drop their weapons and fall to their knees, heads
resting on the ground.
AZDAK
Please. Forgive us. It has been so long
we began to fear you would not return.
Vala walks out from behind the sg-1 guys, wearing a very goa'uld-ish
outfit.
VALA
(her voice is altered sounding like
the Goa'uld) Then you are foolish. I
would not abandon you. I am your God.
Vala looks at the Guys, Daniels Mouth is hanging open staring
at her, Mitchell is shaking his head, Teal'c looks disgusted.
(You know in his Teal'c way.)
CREDITS
(apparently the Sci-Fi channel is cutting
the actual credits)
The large room. A crowd sits watching a play being enacted. Vala
sits on the throw with Jackson, Mitchell and Teal'c sitting at
the side.
MALE1
(playing Ba'al) I have pillaged the
galaxy many times over. And made slaves
of all the mortals I have encountered.
This world pleases me and I shall take
it as my own.
MALE2
(playing a villager) The benevolent
god, Qetesh, will never allow such treachery.
JACKSON
*whispers to Mitchell* Not exactly Shakespeare
MALE1
----slave I am Ba'al---
MITCHELL
*whispers* How is it these people don't
know the Goa'uld have fallen?
JACKSON
Most of these worlds are pretty isolated
and I would be very surprised if anyone
here actually knew how to operate the
Gate.
TEAL'C
These humans must be told the truth.
JACKSON
I know. *looks at Vala*
MALE2
*a woman now stands by him* Oh merciful.
Beautiful Qetesh. Have mercy on him...he
knows not your power.
JACKSON
*Walks up to Vala, whispers* What are
you doing?
VALA
(Goa'uld voice) It's a play. Don't worry...I
think it will be over soon. Then we
will eat.
JACKSON
That's not what I'm talking about.
VALA
We want to stop these people from falling
victim to the priors, that's what I'm
going to do.
JACKSON
This is not what I had in mind.
VALA
What your mind may or may not be able
to imagine is really none of my concern.
Now kindly get out of your God's face.
*He gives her a look, she glances at
him and he heads back to Mitchell and
Teal'c*
MALE2
---You have never met the likes of Qetesh
WOMAN
(as Qetesh) No man shall lay claim to
my world. And no man shall bring harm
to my children. Rises hand over Male1*
Male1 slowly falls pulling out a lot of red cloth
MALE2
Thanks be to you Qetesh. All hail and
Glory be to you.
The Play ends. The three Actors turn and Bow to Vala.
VALA
hmm...
AZDAK
*stands* we had little rehearsal my
lord, but I trust it pleases you?
VALA
Yes *Azdak grins* as always Azdak, you
please your God greatly.
AZDAK
Thank you my lord. You have been greatly
missed.
VALA
*grins* Now. I would like to hear about
the visitor who arrived through the
Chappa'ai *After a lot of whispering*
It is pointless lying to your God, Azdak,
I am all knowing as well as all Beautiful
*Mitchell and Jackson give her a look*
AZDAK
He said that he was here to save us.
That our true Gods await our devotion
VALA
Lies. *nods* meant to deceive you.
AZDAK
I-I- I did not believe a word he said
my lord. I swear it.
VALA
Some of you did,
AZDAK
You have been absent for so many seasons.
Some had thought you had abandoned us.
They were weak my lord. Please...forgive
them?
VALA
Have I not always been merciful to those
who deserve forgiveness? *he nods* Now
go while I consider your punishment.
AZDAK
Yes. Of course *bowing as he and the
others leave*
VALA
*once they've all gone (still in Goa'uld
voice)* Well that was easy. *stands
stretching*
JACKSON
Shut that thing off.
VALA
mmm *hits a button*
TEAL'C
Why must you continue to deceive these
people?
VALA
(normal voice) This was one of the many
planets that Qetesh ruled over when
I was her host. *more stretching* as
you know a Tok'ra eventually removed
the symbiote but not before her people
rebelled and tortured me thinking we
were one in the same.
MITCHELL
*stands* And they couldn't tell the
difference? *mutters to Jackson and
Teal'c* Why am I not surprised?
VALA
I had nothing. I was desolate. *sits
by Jackson* Fortunately I discovered
that news of Qetesh's demise had not
reached this little mining outpost.
JACKSON
SO you kept them mining naquadah for
you?
VALA
Just a tiny bit. *Jackson Can't believe
it* No—the mine was practically barren
by the time I got here but this planet
acted as a safe haven for me until I
got back on my feet. *Teal'c groans,
turning away* Look I never killed anyone;
I never tortured them I was a wonderful
God. Just ask them.
JACKSON
I think we will *gets up*
VALA
*Jumps up following* why? You don't
believe me?
JACKSON
*stops turning to her* That. And I'm
not totally convinced they're gonna
follow your command nor should that
be the only reason they don't follow
the priors. *starts to head off again*
VALA
*follows* I am still supposed to be
there God *he stops* I can't exactly
go out there and ask them is they're
going to listen to me.
JACKSON
I wasn't expecting you to. *starts off
again*
VALA
*follows* what makes you think they're
going to tell you the truth *he stops
getting a little wound up* you're suppose
to be my faithful servants.
JACKSON
Then I'll just have to explain that
we're not as faithful as you might like
to believe and if necessary I'll also
tell them we're plotting to. Kill. you.
*he heads off, she stares shocked*
VALA
hu-I— *shouts after him* I have heard
better plans. MITCHELL: *walks up to
her* I kind of like it.
VALA
Shut up *storms off to throne.*
SGC, Lam and Landry walking down corridor
LANDRY
How are the staff Evaluations coming?
LAM
*pulls off stethoscope putting them
in her pocket* They're done. They'll
be on your desk by tomorrow morning.
that's when they're due right?
LANDRY
yes. *nods* I have uh—Lunch with uh...the
heads of my departments once a month...just
to stay in touch...uh get any housekeeping
done...it helps me get to know them
a lot better...I know in our case uh...
LAM
*she stops* what? *waits* in our case
what?
LANDRY
well...it's just that we know each other
better that I say do... Colonel Garret,
the ammunitions supply officer.
LAM
really? I actually doubt that. Colonel
Garrets been here longer than I have.
LANDRY
*glances at a passing airman, quieter*
do we have to do this here?
LAM
You wanna have lunch? Fine. Tomorrow
noon...I will be there as ordered.
LANDRY
It's not an order.
LAM
ok. *walks off*
Landry watches he go with a sigh.
On planet. Daniel walks with a man through the settlement.
THATCHNAR
I have been sick for some time now,
the past few harvests I've been more
of a burden than a help to my family.
I had even lost the ability to stand.
JACKSON
You're standing now.
THATCHNER
The prior. He cured me. *some of the
villagers look over* Said that it was
the will of the Ori.
AZDAK
*rushes for him* Blasphemer. *Teal'c
and Mitchell stop him*
MITCHELL
Just take it easy...
AZDAK
I'm sorry...but I will not have him
speak against Qetesh like that in my
presence.
JACKSON
Look we're not out to get anybody here...we
just want to hear what he has to say.
*to Thatchner* go ahead.
THATCHNER
The Jewel in his staff glowed *a crowd
gathers listening* He waved it over
me and I felt better than I ever have.
All he asked in return was that I tell
others. That I spread the word of the
Ori. Then upon his return...
TEAL'C
When is this prior to return?
THATCHNER
Tomorrow. The prior said that Qetesh
is a false God. That if she ever returned
he would expose her weakness.
AZDAK
You're a fool. Speak no more or I'll
shall strike you don' in the name of
our true God. *goes to hit him*
MITCELL
*stops him* I said take it easy.
AZDAK
You should be thankful that Qetesh is
so forgiving. And pray that when she
slays the prior for his wicked lies.
She won't do the same to you.
JACKSON
Oh boy.
AZDAK
Glory be to Qetesh!! Glory to the one
true God! G-
MITCHELL
Ok...you have made your point. Know
when to stop.
JACKSON
I think I need to talk to our one true
god. *Mitchell nods*
Back in large room
JACKSON
This is why you wanted to come back
to this planet?
Vala checking a bunch of cases with jewels and Gold.
VALA
All of this is mine. I earnt it. These
people have just been keeping it safe
for me. *Jackson not happy* and as you
said we can't be 100 percent certain
that they're going to obey me so if
this planet does fall to the priors...
MITCHELL
Hello. *picks up some gold* You stealing
this planets most valued treasure is
the least of our concerns right now.
*drops gold*
VALA
I like your attitude *grins at him*
I was thinking of cutting you boys in
at 10% but now I'm thinking *grabs his
nose, pulling it* 20
TEAL'C
Despite your return many of the villagers
believe the Ori to be true gods and
worthy of their loyalty.
VALA
all the more reason why we should pack
all of this up right now and get out
of here. Are you gonna pitch in or what?
TEAL'C
Others believe you will slay the prior
in a show of power upon his return tomorrow.
VALA
Tomorrow hmm...tomorrows no good for
me.
JACKSON
You need to tell these people the truth.
VALA
I have a lot of needs Daniel but I assure
you that is not on of them.
TEAL'C
If you do not tell them the truth, we
will
VALA
Yes...and who do you think they're actually
going to believe?
JACKSON
Look commanding these people to obey
you and not the Ori is not going to
work. Especially once that prior comes
back.
MITCHELL
And we do not want to get into a God-Off.
Especially since we know you're not
even close.
VALA
Forget what I said about the 20%
JACKSON
Yes he's right we can't just trade one
lie for another lie.
VALA
*turns to him* Alright...what can we
fight with then? How can we stop this
prior from corrupting these people?
JACKSON
ok...we have a very limited window of
opportunity here. If you expose yourself
as a false God... *She paces* if you
tell these people how you fooled them
and why...we might be able to make them
skeptical about the prior.
VALA
*comes back* or it could push them to
believing in the Ori as rue gods even
more.
JACKSON
No. The only chance these people have—the
only chance any of us have against the
priors is to show them we will not accept
the Ori as Gods. No matter what happens
we must reject them. True enlightenment
must begin with the truth.
VALA
Oh please...the truth is so overrated.
JACKSON
Look *steps forward grabbing her shoulders*
for once just do the right thing here...ok?
You're gonna feel so good about it afterwards.
Trust me. *smiles*
Vala back in SG uniform, the cell door closes leaving her inside.
JACKSON
(on the outside) really this...this
is unnecessary.
AZDAK
You will be executed first light tomorrow.
Imposter *spits at her feet, leaves*
VALA
So...Daniel *motions him over with her
head, he steps closer* when does that
warm and glowy feeling from doing the
right thing kick in...cause...not there
yet. *forced smile*
Vala bashing at the bars. Jackson trying to calm her down
VALA
I can't believe you all just stood there
*gets up on bench pulling top bars*
and let them imprison me.
JACKSON
Well what were we suppose to do?
VALA
You have guns don't you?
JACKSON
There's like over 100 people there
VALA
and? *jumps down walking over to other
side*
JACKSON
Well...Just relax...we're gonna get
you out of this
VALA
*walks back over, calmly* Oh you are...?
I feel a lot better... I'm sorry I...I...I
got a little nervous what with the whole
*shouts* Execution looming and all.
JACKSON
Would you just...believe me...it's not
gonna come to that. Mitchell and Teal'c
are talking to them right now.
VALA
*walks over* Have you forgotten that
if I die...you die?
JACKSON
Believe me it is not gonna come to that.
Trust me. *Vala Gasps, turns her back
to him and sits.* this time
In large room
MITCHELL
Fine she made a mistake. it was a big
mistake. It was a whopper...but you
can't just kill her.
AZDAK
Why not?
MITCHELL
*quiet, then* a little help?
TEAL'C
Does she not deserve a trial? To explain
the things that she has done?
AZDAK
I think we all have a pretty good idea
of what she did and why. *walks past
Mitchell*
MITCHELL
*grabs him* Your people are looking
for leadership. They are looking to
you. So you've got to decide. What kind
of society do you want to have? One
where people get executed without having
a chance to explain their actions?
AZDAK
*realizing* you want to hold a maldarran?
MITCHELL
*to Teal'c* ain't that her name? *holds
hand up to Azdak*
AZDAK
Qetesh established a process several
years ago. A way to settle disputes
between two parties.
MITCHELL
Fine. That sounds...fitting we're gonna
hold a Maldarran.
Back where Vala is being held. She is attempting to squeeze through
the bars, Jackson just standing there watching, not helping.
JACKSON
*spots Mitchell* hey. How'd it go?
MITCHELL
well you know...*Vala can't do it, gets
up.*
VALA
what's the plan? You gonna blow up this
door, lay down suppression fire, so
that we can...rush out through the hidden
escape passage. *Jackson looks at her*
It's in the room I told you had no other
exit *he bashes his hand on the door*
MITCHELL
They're going to pt you on trial tomorrow.
VALA
*thinking* I like my plan better.
MITCHELL
Kinda is your plan. It's named after
you.
VALA
really? *excited* a Maldarran. *grins*
they going to let me be the judge?
MITCHELL
Don't think so.
VALA
Then it's not a real maldarran is it?
JACKSON
Actually this couldn't have worked out
better.
VALA
Actually I think it could have
JACKSON
No a trial is public. We can use the
form to expose what it is to be a false
god and warn the community about the
priors
VALA
You're right actually. We could get
them all worked up about false God's
and then they can kill me as an example
to the others.
MICHELL
Look...I persuaded them to let you stay
here for the night...
JACKSON
right...thanks...
MITCHELL
Yeah...*heads off, waving* well I'll
see you guys in the mooring.
VALA
*shouts after him* Th—th-Thank you!
I apologize for ever doubting your masterful
skills at negotiations.
JACKSON
He's doing the best he can.
VALA
Oooh. That's what terrifies me
Next day on planet. The trail begins. Two tables have been set
either side. A crowd surrounds them
AZDAK
*Get up, walks to the centre...* Welcome
and thank you all for coming...unlike
in the past...the final decisions of
...this Maldarran will be yours, my
friends. A general vote. After both
presentations have been made we shall
all decide what is to be done to the
false God Qetesh
VALA
*a lot of muttering by the crowd* we're
pleading innocent right?
JACKSON
*disbelieving* You already confessed.
VALA
a girl can change her mind.
AZDAK
*a villager hands him a scroll, he opens
it up* we shall begin as always...with
a reading of the claims. The first claim
of seven. Mass murder.
VALA
uhm-- *turns to Jackson* Wait a second
AZDAK
The second claim of seven. Mass Torture.
VALA
*to Jackson, whose nodding* I never
killed...I never Tortured... that is
Qetesh.
AZDAK
The third claim of seven—
JACKSON
*stands* uh...excuse me...Hi...sorry
to interrupt. Um...the person seated
before you didn't do those things...*Vala
waves*
AZDAK
You will have your chance to make your
presentation.
JACKSON
yes...um...I'm...I'm sure we will. I
just wanted to make something very clear
as we discussed when she confessed...Vala
was a host...to a Goa'uld...a parasite
that controlled her actions for many
years. It was that Goa'uld symbiote
named Qetesh that committed the atrocities
that you are talking about...Vala herself
can only be held responsible for the
actions she did after that Goa'uld was
removed...
AZDAK
When exactly was that?
JACKSON
Um...*looks at Vala, leans down so she
can whisper in his ear* four ye---four
years? *quieter* four years.
AZDAK
*goes to whisper with his co-council,
comes back* very well. Assuming your
assertion to be true. We shall begin
again. *Vala grins at Jackson, who seems
happy they've let her off* the first
claim of four. Planetary wide forced
labor. *Jackson's face falls, looks
at Vala, who nods*
MITCHELL
*to Teal'c*...this is gonna be a long
day.
TEAL'C
Indeed.
AZDAK
I...perhaps more than any of you, feel
great sorrow...at the fact that I devoted
my love...and faith so freely to *turns
to point at Vala*...an imposter, Who
cared only for the naquadah in our mines.
With every breath... she lied. With
every effort... she stole. At every
chance she betrayed us. The conditions
of poverty that we now suffer... are
her fault and her fault alone. That
is what you must consider! *the crowd
starts whispering*
MITCHELL
*to Vala* he's good.
VALA
I'm dead.
JACKSON
*takes a deep breath stands*...yes.
She stole. She betrayed you. She used
you as slave labor. All this is true.
VALA
*Confused* not the opening statement
I would have gone for.
MITCHELL
shhh
JACKSON
but the only reason you know about this
is because she told you. She came forward
knowing full well how you would feel...what
the consequences would be...ask yourselves...why
would she do this? She did it because
there is a greater threat in this galaxy
she thought you deserved to know about.
She told the truth in order to open
your eyes...to show you the dangers
of giving away your freedom, your freewill...in
the hopes...that given another chance
you wouldn't make that same mistake
twice. *Vala holds her head higher*
we know that a prior of the Ori has
come here, he's been sent to this village
to convince you to worship beings more
powerful than all of us, but you must
know...that like Vala they are not gods.
PRIOR
You speak well Daniel Jackson *Teal'c
stands raising P-90* of the planet Earth.
What is a god? What power is great enough
to make you bow down in humble reverence
*Jackson look at Vala*
VALA
*whispers to Mitchell* that's the one
that tried to burn us to death. twice
PRIOR
There is only one measure. The only
question you may ask yourself is why
must I believe? What is there for any
or all to gain by choosing the path
of origin? Those seeking eternal salvation
can follow the word of the Ori. Those
that do not shall die as mortals. It
is as simple as that. The day of reckoning
approaches. *grins* your destiny awaits.
MITCHELL
He's pretty good too...
VALA
We are so dead.
Shot of pyramid, and back.
THATCHNER
*steps forward, dropping to his knees*I
have told them of the Ori Prior. Many
of us believe.
JACKSON
But not all of us.
PRIOR
You doubt the power of the Ori?
JACKSON
No. but I understand how they got it...and
because I do I'm not willing to abandon
my own freewill and worship them for
it.
PRIOR
The Ori healed this man. This man that
was sick. This man that could barely
walk.
JACKSON
This man was healed through Knowledge.
We have medicine. We have...tools that
can do much the same thing. This device
*picks up healing device from other
table* has the power to heal...if you
know how to use it. But not by power
*holds it up* it's called technology.
PRIOR
Technology.
JACKSON
yes. Knowledge. Understanding. Of the
way things work. Of the science... of
the universe.
PRIOR
Maybe so...but consider this. There
are two men. One is starving and the
other has a plentiful crop. Is it not
wrong...for the fortunate man to hoard
his harvest? *the crowd whispers* should
he not share with his hungry brother?
It is the same with knowledge and understanding...as
you have said the Ori have a greater
understanding of the universe but most
importantly they are willing to share
it with us. Out of their love for us...their
creation...only a fool would turn away.
JACKSON
Just because the Ori know more than
we do, doesn't make them gods...they
are beings who were once like you and
me...but they evolved...they learned
of humanities potential...eventually
over time they used that knowledge to
shed their physical bodies and live
as energy on another *raises hand* higher
plane of existence.
VALA
*mutters to Mitchell* which side is
he on?
PRIOR
you are all children of the Ori! But
you've been raised by evil...the true
nature of the universe has been kept
from you by powers that would have you
stray from the path of origin...it is
time to open your eyes...let origin
show you the way.
JACKSON
no...you're right...*walks* maybe hoarding
the knowledge is wrong. Or maybe its
not...maybe learning for yourself is
part of the journey to enlightenment.
But killing someone for not worshipping
you...regardless of your power. Is wrong.
Very wrong. Knowledge is power...but
how you use that power defines whether
you are good...or evil.
PRIOR
The choice is yours.
THATCHNER
Give us another chance I beg you. Please...spare
us all
PRIOR
*puts hands on Thatchners head* Believe
in the power of the ori...or be laid
down in the dust *smirks at Vala*
The prior leaves some of the crowd following.
AZDAK
Escort the prisoner back to the cell...
JACKSON
wait...
AZDAK
we're done with the Maldarran...we must
vote now on her punishment and...discuss
other issues...we now face...
JACKSON
wa—Azdak...I know what the Ori seem
to be offering you might sound very
tempting...
AZDAK
We are poverty stricken, as a society
we may not be able to survive much longer...we
thought our god *waves at Vala* would
provide for us. Why should we reject
the knowledge and education to better
ourselves...?
JACKSON
But you can have all that without giving
up your freedom. Don't you see how wrong
it is to enforce belief by threatening
your people with their very lives?
AZDAK
As the Ori said...would we not be ignorant
and deserving of punishment for failing
to see the plain truth before us? *looks
at Vala shaking head* Leave us...we
shall deliberate.
Commissary. Landry and Lam sit across from each other eating
lunch (Lam in a sort of rush to finish).
LANDRY
Comfortable where you're living?
LAM
I kind of like the place I'm renting
in Cimarron hills
LANDRY
that's nice... you ought to buy.
LAM
well...just wait and see...I don't know
how long I'm going to be here...so
LANDRY
*nods, shifts* how's your mother?
LAM
why don't you call her and find out
yourself? *eats*
LANDRY
why does everything have to be so hostile?
I'm trying. To tell you the truth I
don't really know where to start...
LAM
start what? The long road back to happily
ever after?
LANDRY
I had a job to do.
LAM
as I do. Now I though this was suppose
to be a professional meeting about my
staff? That's why I'm here.
LANDRY
excuse me. *gets up leaves*
Lam, drops head in to hand.
Vala back in cell sitting on ground, Daniel on other side, sitting
facing her. A little further near entrance Mitchell and Teal'c
are sitting playing cards...I think Snap?
VALA
You need to work on your anti-Ori speech...that
prior almost had me believing...well
not so much believing as willing to
say I believe...
JACKSON
I know...
VALA
you are asking people to stand up and
put their lives on the line...
JACKSON
I really believe it's the only way we're
gonna have to defend ourselves against
them...
VALA
we could try shooting them...*he grins*
you said the priors are human...right?
A few well aimed shots might...at least
get there attention.
JACKSON
well...you study enough religions you
find that killing the missionaries doesn't
combat the overall philosophy.
VALA
The problem is that what the priors
are offering sounds quite good...until
you get to the whole prostrating and
burning people alive bits...
JACKSON
There's that...and I don't think any
of us have read the real fine print
yet.
VALA
Meaning?
JACKSON
Well...I personally know without a doubt,
the priors are bad...
VALA
So creepy...
JACKSON
And...believe or die is an archaic moral
standing... No the Ori are wrong for
doing what they're doing but the part
I haven't figured out yet...the part
that's really bothering me is...why
they're doing it? I mean what do they
care if people worship them or not?
Azdak walks in, They all stand. Vala with a sigh, preparing for
the worst.
AZDAK
We have decided to spare your life...*Both
Vala and Jackson sigh in relief*
VALA
Really? Thank you.
AZDAK
Your punishment...will be imprisonment
for the rest of your life...
VALA
What? Azdak...after everything we've
been through *waves between them*...together
AZDAK
you made me rub your feet
Jackson groans and makes a face, Vala hitting him through the
bars.
VALA
Weren't you justly rewarded? Anyway
the odd massage here and there hardly
warrants life imprisonment...
AZDAK
You lied and abused the people of this
planet.
JACKSON
What about the prior?
VALA
Wait a minute...we're not done with
me yet. *hits Jackson again* AZDAK:
Yes we are. As for the Prior the settlement
is divided. Many believe the Ori are
worthy of our devotion.
JACKSON
and you?
A man runs in.
MAN
Thatchner has fallen ill.
JACKSON
that's the man the prior healed...
AZDAK
yes
MAN
Please hurry....we fear he may be close
to death
JACKSON
*Azdak moves to go* wait Azdak......um...maybe
we can help.
Thatchner lying down, Vala goes to move healing device over him
but he stops her.
THATCHNER
I do not want you near me.
VALA
Take it easy.
JACKSON
Its ok....she's not gonna hurt him.
Vala activates the hand device over him.
VALA
there. *she stops it* how do you feel
now?
THATCHNER
What have you done to me?
VALA
Hmm...*grins* making people feel good
is a natural talent of mine
JACKSON
*bends down helping Thatchner* can you
sit up?
THATCHNER
I do not understand. How did she do
it?
JACKSON
*takes healing device* well...this is
a tool. Like a hammer or a shovel just
a lot more complicated. Just because
you don't understand something at first
does not mean it's the magic of the
gods.
Azdak, Jackson, Vala and Mitchell walk along the settlement...
AZDAK
You think...that if we are united and
tell this prior that we will not heed
his word he will merely go away and
leave us alone?
JACKSON
Well I wish I could say for sure what
would happen, all I know is you have
to make a stand.
MITCHELL
Whatever happens we'll be here to back
you up.
JACKSON
But ultimately it's gonna be up to you
and your people.
AZDAK
*stops turns to Vala* in exchange for
saving Thatchners life I have decided
to reopen the issue of your life imprisonment...
VALA
Thank you. I have to admit it did make
me feel rather good.
JACKSON
I'm sure you thought there might be
a reward...
VALA
That's not what I did it *Jackson gives
her a disbelieving nod*
AZDAK
Speaking of rewards...the entirety of
your property will be kept here as payment
for your crimes.
VALA
Now hang on a minute...*Azdak almost
faints they grab him, pulling him upright*
JACKSON
You alright?
AZDAK
yeah yes... its just been a long day.
MAN
*runs up to them* Azdak! You must come
quickly
AZDAK
What is it?
MAN
Many have fallen ill.
Azdak goes to follow the man and then faints.
The ill have been brought into the room the trial was held in...
Vala uses the Healing device on Azdak.
AZDAK
*sits up* Thank you...you are truly
blessed...
VALA
Oh I don't know about that...I'm just
doing the best that I can...
AZDAK
How many have fallen ill?
VALA
I've lost count...but it's a lot
Jackson comes over to Vala and Azdak.
JACKSON
Well whatever this thing is it's spreading
like wild fire... come on we need you
over here...*leaves*
VALA
We'll talk about my treasure later *Follows
Jackson*
Control room. Lam and Landry watching and speaking with Mitchell
on screen
MITCHELL
We're doing our best to quarantine the
sick, Vala's using the healing device...to
cure them as they come in...but they're
piling up pretty quick...
LAM
Symptoms?
MITCHELL
Weakness, high fever...chest and stomach
pains...um...they have trouble breathing...some
of the extreme cases have gone into
shock before Vala can even get to them
It doesn't sound like we're dealing with something transmitted
from person to person...not that fast we could be looking at
a common source...possible water or food...
MITCHELL
Oh...I'd...I'd say we know the source...
LANDRY
Looks like these priors want to show
us they're gonna play hardball
MITCHELL
Well they're definitely trying to establish
some credibility sir.
LAM
how are you and you're team colonel.
MITCHELL
yeah we're fine...but I reckon we could
use some back up
LANDRY
On the way colonel.
MITCHELL
Thank you sir.
Vala sitting in the large room in the pyramid. Jackson enters.
JACKSON
You alright? *Sits next to her*
VALA
no.
JACKSON
you can do this
VALA
I'm not so sure.
JACKSON
Look I know using that hand device must
be taking a lot out of you but we really...really
need your help right now
VALA
Each one is getting harder...Each time
it takes longer and they keep coming
I don't think I can save this whole
village Daniel
JACKSON
You have to keep trying...
MITCHELL
(On radio) Jackson we have a problem
here...
JACKSON
*grabs radio* Give me a minute
MITCHELL
Now please...
Jackson stares at Vala, send her a silent sorry heads off.
Azdak has fallen ill again.
JACKSON
He was just fine.
MITCHELL
Well he's not fine now.
VALA
*drops down beside Azdak* I healed him...*looks
at Jackson* if they can get re-infected
this will never end...
AZDAK
We must give in...they are too powerful
VALA
No...*she uses the healing device on
him* its ok...I'm here.
A med team in Hazmat suits gets ready to leave. Landry stops
Lam
LANDRY
Caroline
LAM
I'm chief medical officer on this base.
Its my call who goes on this mission.
Given my work with the CDC infectious
disease is my specialty. *stops* I am
easily the most qualified for this.
LANDRY
I know. I'm your dad. Just came by to
wish you luck and be careful
LAM
thank you. I will. *heads off*
Azdak still really Ill
JACKSON
Hang in there. Don't give up yet. *looks
over at Vala, who is healing a woman,
shaking her head*
MITCHELL
Hey...*spotting Lam, walks over, he
looks a little hot...* thanks for coming...
LAM
This is worse than I thought
MITCHELL
Yeah...they're falling pretty fast
LAM
we're gonna need a place to work.
MITCHELL
*nods, points* this way.
Vala, motions to Jackson with her head to come over, he drops
what he's doing and goes
JACKSON
*quietly* what?
VALA
this *holds up healing device* is not
working anymore...*hands it to him*
I'm sorry
JACKSON
*sighs* you have to keep trying...I
mean...at least put on a show keep their
hopes up...we know you can do that
VALA
see this is exactly why I don't even
think about trying to help people. *jumps*
I'm terrible at it, because of me...these
poor souls are either gonna die horribly
or they're gonna give into the prior
in the hopes that he'll heal them
JACKSON
*snaps quietly* that's not because of
you!
VALA
I cannot make them better! And if I
hadn't have been so worried about my
precious treasure I would never have
opened my big fat mouth and we never
would have come here.
JACKSON
Then these people would still have to
either convert to origin or face the
consequences. And that's a dilemma the
rest of our galaxy is going to have
to worry about.
LAM
*Walks over to them * May I speak with
you?
Jackson gives Vala back the hand device follows Lam. Vala and
Teal'c follow too. They walk into the large room in the pyramid.
LAM
I've pretty much ruled out bacterial
infection at this point I'm treating
with an antiviral cocktail, we're just
gonna have to wait and see
JACKSON
any idea why the hand device seems to
have lost its effectiveness?
LAM
*they stop* First I'd have to understand
even remotely how that thing works.
I do know its not unheard of for viruses
to mutate and become immune to whatever's
trying to attack it
JACKSON
alright...I don't know if this helps
or not but we know the ancients were
almost wiped out by a similar plague
*Lam nods* I'm just bringing it up in
case there's something in the research
that's already been done.
VALA
You think the Ori gave it to them? *he
shrugs*
LAM
I am aware that sg-1 was infected with
a virus and then cured by an ancient
found frozen down in Antarctica. Now...the
symptoms and rate of progression here...are
remarkably similar.
TEAL'C
Do you have any hypotheses as to why
we have not been affected?
LAM
No...we're still looking at your blood
work...excuse me *she leaves Teal'c
follows*
VALA
*to Jackson * feel my forehead am I
hot? Hotter than usual *takes his hand*
well *puts it on her head* you know
what I mean...
Control room. Lam reporting back to Landry and Harriman.
LAM
I'm sorry...I'm sure you know how much
I wanted to walk in here and solve this.
LANDRY
Hey you wanted to be a doctor
LAM
I've seen some bad situations before
but nothing like this...
LANDRY
And based on that comparison what's
that prognosis?
LAM
If we don't make a big breakthrough
really soon...these people are going
to need a miracle
NURSE
(on radio) Dr Lam. You're need immediately
LAM
I have to go. Lam out.
In the large room, in pyramid, Lam walks in; Vala passes her
computer hand held
VALA
This is bad right
LAM
The virus is shutting down his internal
organs. He can't process toxins within
his own system...he's essentially being
poisoned to death.
VALA
Can't you give him more medicine
LAM
As it is this may be the virus bouncing
back against treatment... I hate having
to say this...but there's nothing I
can do.
Camera pans down to reveal Mitchell. Team looks worried.
Opens on Lam
LAM
Time of death. 14 hours 18 minutes after
preliminary symptoms were first noted.
*Its Azdak, they cover his head* remove
the body and prep him for autopsy. *heads
off*
VALA
*stops nurse* can I have a minute with
him first?
Vala pulls down the cloth, and bites back tears. Lam walks up
to Jackson.
JACKSON
This is the first. not the last. I've
got to get back to Colonel Mitchell.
Jackson Walks over kneeling behind Vala, she stares off trying
hard not to cry.
JACKSON
You did everything you could.
THATCHNER
*SHOUTS* He has returned! The prior
of the Ori has returned.
VALA
You go ahead Daniel. *he heads off*
The prior is stopped by Thatchner.
THATCHNER
Please you must save us. Forgive those
blinded by ignorance. People are dieing.
Our children are dieing. They will believe.
They do believe.
PRIOR
Still...not all of you. *looks beyond
him*
THATCHNER
*Jackson and Teal'c walk over* they
are not of us. They do not speak for
us.
JACKSON
Why are you doing this?
PRIOR
From the smallest seeds of doubt springs
forth a mighty poisonous tree of evil.
JACKSON
Yeah alright. Cut the crap. This is
my fault alright. I'm the one who told
these people that if they didn't bow
down to you... bow down to the ori.
You might just give up and go away.
Well I was wrong. I understand now.
You don't have to kill them to prove
a point to me.
PRIOR
Do you truly understand?
JACKSON
I understand this isn't about you and
me.
PRIOR
it is about all the children of the
Ori.
VALA
Enough. *she walks up next to Jackson,
holding P-90* heal these people now.
JACKSON
Vala...
VALA
No Daniel I've had it with the Ori I
think its time we sent them a message.
Or will you heal them
PRIOR
Only their faith can heal them now.
VALA
Then you are useless to us *pulls p-90
up firing at prior, the bullets stop
just short of his body and drop to the
ground*
THATCHNER
Stop at once. Please do not let their
evil deeds doom us. *he kneels* we all
bow to the power of the Ori. *the other
follow and Bow too*
PRIOR
Hallowed are the Ori
CROWD
Hallowed are the Ori
He hits the ground with his stick; it glows and passes over the
whole settlement. As the light fades, Mitchell wakes, Lam sitting
by him
LAM
Colonel.
MITCHELL
Ugh...wow. Have you got a couple of
aspirin?
MALE NURSE
*runs in* Dr Lam!
LAM
*waves him off* how are you feeling.
MITCHELL
Tingly...how about we pretend I didn't
say that
LAM
Ok...you hang on...and I'll be right
back. *She and male nurse run off*
MITCHELL
Hey what did I miss?
Lam and male nurse hurry out all the sick have been cured and
are getting up.
LAM
Oh my god.
MALE NURSE
That's not all. *points*
Azdak, is alive and sitting up.
The prior walks up to Jackson
PRIOR
Tell others what you have seen today.
*he leaves, the crowd bowing to him*
THE END
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