STARGATE SG1
Episode 904
"THE TIES THAT BIND"
By
Joseph Mallozzi & Paul Mullie
Open on Stargate which is already dialing out, Jackson stands
at the base of the ramp in blue BDUs checking his watch, Vala
enters with two SFs.
VALA
Came to see me off. That's sweet.
JACKSON
Well we've been through a lot together
and I just wanted to come here myself
and make sure you were...thoroughly
searched.
Vala grins at Jackson, not taking he eyes off him she hands the
SF her bag and coat. Jackson grins back shrugging. The gate Kawooshs
and one of the SFs finds a small jewel or sorts?
VALA
*takes it from the SF* This is a little
keepsake. Something to remember you
by.
JACKSON
*Takes it* this is a priceless artifact
VALA
*tries to take it back* as priceless
as the memories we share *he keeps a
hold of it, puts it in his pocket* well....*clears
throat and turns back to SFs taking
her bag and Jacket* thank you. *turns
back to Jackson* I hate long goodbyes
JACKSON
ok. Good bye *turns to walk away*
VALA
don't I even get a hug?
He stops walks back over biting lip puts his hands on her shoulders,
trying to limit contact, pulls her to him, patting, moves her
away, she looks at him for a bit, then turns to walk up the ramp.
As she moves by Jackson grabs her arm tugging her back to him
VALA
Daniel! Don't make this harder than
it already is. *gripping her hands he
pulls them open taking back the artifact*
Oh. Can't blame a girl for trying.
JACKSON
no...I can. *she runs her fingers down
his right cheek, rubs his stubble*
She heads up the ramp Jackson watching her go, she turns back
to look at him and then steps through backwards. Gate shuts down.
Jackson gets off elevator, Mitchell just about to enter.
MITCHELL
Jackson. Hey! *follows Jackson* where's
the girlfriend?
JACKSON
she left about an hour ago.
MITCHELL
man I missed the going away party? I
hope you saved me a piece of cake.
JACKSON
Now that she's gone I can finally get
some work done around here.
VALA
Yeah...about that....the whole SG-1
thing...? You never gave me a firm answer...
what do you say we make it *Jackson
stops* official? *he faints, Mitchell
grabbing him as he drops* Jackson! *shot
of Mitchell from Jackson POV* Jackson!
I need a med team on level 25!! *image
blurs out*
We see Lam and Mitchell very close to Jackson's face as he comes
to.
MITCHELL
Good morning sunshine.
JACKSON
Argggh
MITCHELL
How are you feeling?
JACKSON
...Better. *Mitchell lets Lam move in
front of him* what happened?
MITCHELL
*Lam about to answer but...* We're not
exactly sure... *she gives him a sharp
look* But Dr Lam here thinks it may
have something to do with those alien
cuffs.
JACKSON
*sits up immediately, looks between
them then to Lam* why does one assume
that?
LAM
Well...you were completely unresponsive
when we brought you in... but your condition
suddenly improved when "she" came back.
*Jackson turns to look behind him as
Vala sits up from behind the curtain*
VALA
Miss me? *grins, Mitchell turns away
chuckling *
Harriman taking files of some airman Landry walks up behind him
patting his shoulder
IN BACKGROUND
Gate co-ordinate four and five
LANDRY
Walter.
IN BACKGROUND
Copy that
LANDRY
Just the man I was looking for!
HARRIMAN
Sir we have to talk about your schedule
*pulls out file* and according to this
you're going to be in meetings all day.
LANDRY
*grabs sheet* hell I am.
HARRIMAN
Sir?
LANDRY
After two months on this base I've come
to realize that an alarming portion
of these meetings are a complete waste
of my time. This is all housekeeping
*hands form back to him* you can handle
it.
HARRIMAN
Me? No, I don't think so sir. I'm not
sup--
LANDRY
Walter! Don't make me promote you.
HARRIMAN
no sir...yes... Yes sir I mean what?
LANDRY
Just...just...just *stops* write up
the highlights and leave them on my
desk. *Harriman heads off as the elevator
opens and Dr Lam and Mitchell step out.*
MITCHELL
General
LANDRY
Dr Lam. What's uh...what's the latest
on doctor Jackson?
LAM
Well as evidence by Vala's departure
and immediate return, they can't be
separated for much more than an hour
before they begin to feel the effects.
If she hadn't come back when she did
I suspect they'd both be dead.
LANDRY
I thought it was suppose to stop when
they took the wristbands off.
LAM
It was. Dr Lee is theorizing that it
might have something to do with the
ancient communications device they found.
It's possible that the two technologies
brought together somehow combined to
create a more permanent bond.
LANDRY
I see. *been looking between them, small
grin, nods. Dr Lam look confuse at his
behavior* colonel. *heads off*
Lees Lab, the cuffs are connected to electrodes and Jackson has
two on either side of his temple
VALA
This is a waste *puts electrode down*
JACKSON
Do me a favour. Shut up
VALA
It's not like I wanted this to happen
anyway. I'm being realistic. *Le tries
to put electrode on her temple but she
pushes him away* He has no idea what
he's doing.
LEE
I'm standing right here.
VALA
He can do all the tests he wants, it's
not going to get us anywhere.
JACKSON
look I know we're scraping the bottom
of the barrel here, but it's not like
we have a lot of choice, unless you
happen to know someone else who understands
this technology! *she sighs and turns
away, they both look at her* You know
someone? Someone who can help us?
VALA
...No. *he stands up* and...yes... *he
pulls the electrodes off*
LEE
ut um...wait We're not done here yet.
JACKSON
*walks over in front of her putting
on glasses* Who?
VALA
a Scientist who was studying the bracelets
at one point.
JACKSON
*He grabs her arm and pulls her to her
feet* Well let's go see them.
VALA
No! Out of the question.
JACKSON
Why?
VALA
I'd rather not say.
JACKSON
He's the guy you stole the bracelets
from, right?
VALA
How dare you assume that I acquired
those bracelets through anything but
honest means. I may have a less than
perfect reputation...
JACKSON
*closes eyes* You told me you stole
them! *opens eyes*
VALA
Did I?
JACKSON
Yes!
VALA
Oh. Anyway, he won't help us.
JACKSON
Correction. he won't help you. *small
grin*
VALA
Fine! But if we're going *looks him
up and down* we'll need a change of
clothes.
JACKSON
Fine! *he heads off*
VALA
Fine *follows*
Mitchell and Jackson are in some sort of lab, off word. They
are wearing long cream coats and some ort of leather trousers.
MITCHELL
Tell you what these outfits make a bold
statement. You don't reckon Landry's
gonna make us work them into the rotation,
do you?
JACKSON
Well, let's see. that's Camouflage green
and undercover rawhide. It's got a nice
ring to it. *keeps pulling at them,
rotating his hips*
MITCHELL
*picks up bottle* Well this better be
quick, 45 minutes away from your girlfriend,
you're gonna turn into a pumpkin and
I'm gonna have to haul your ass back
there. *Jackson takes the bottle of
him as a stout old man walks in*
ARLOS
Gentlemen! How can I help you?
JACKSON
Well, we require your... expertise.
ARLOS
*sits* Expertise!
JACKSON
Well you are... the foremost expert
on alien technology on this planet.
ARLOS
Foremost? Well, I don't know if I'm
the foremost expert... I might be among
the top five.
MITCHELL
*takes out the bracelets and places
them on the table. Are you familiar
with these? *he and Jackson sit down*
ARLOS
Yes... yes... I actually owned a pair
myself up until not too long ago.
MITCHELL
So you know how they work?
ARLOS
Of course! The bracelets create a physiological
bond between the wearers. They were
used by the Goa'uld.
JACKSON
Uh, have you ever heard of the physiological
bond being sustained say, after the
bracelets were removed?
ARLOS
No. No. Barring some freak power surge
in the bracelets themselves... that
might... somehow... transfer their effects
outright, it's highly unlikely.
MITCHELL
But in the unlikely event this did happen...
would you be able to sever the connection?
ARLOS
I might be able to.
JACKSON
Great! Could you tell us?
Arlos leans forward as if to tell the big secret, Mitchell and
Jackson follow suit
ARLOS
How is she?
MITCHELL
Who?
ARLOS
VALA.
MITCHELL
We don't know any Vala.
ARLOS
Then I'm afraid I can't help you. *gets
up to leave*
MITCHELL
Ok! Maybe we know a Vala. *Arlos sits
back down*
ARLOS
I need to see her.
JACKSON
Why?
ARLOS
It's not what you think. I'm not after
revenge. The truth is, the bracelets
weren't the only thing she took from
me. She also stole... my heart.
MITCHELL
*Jackson looks...shocked* Excuse me?
ARLOS
I remember it as if it were yesterday.
Some nights...we would steal away from
the city, *moves his hand along the
desk* strip off our clothing and bathe
in the springs of argotten. We would
chase one another *uses both hands to
mimic chasing* across the mossy hills
and then *lays his palms on table* lie
naked under Adora's moons and Vala would
sometimes *moves one hand over the other*....
MITCHELL
*places hands over his* ok! great, thanks.
*looks a little sickened* We got the
picture. *puts hand over mouth muttering
to Jackson* very vivid, very disturbing
picture. *Jackson closes eyes*
ARLOS
Yes. Those were wonderful, carnal times.
But that's in the past. All I ask now
is that I be given the chance to see
her one last time. Bring me Vala and
I'll consider helping you.
Harriman enters Landry's office
HARRIMAN
Sir! Major Gibson's here to see you.
LANDRY
Send her in.
LANDRY
Major! *He stands shaking her hand*
How are things at the Pentagon?
GIBSON
Not so good, I'm afraid. The international
committee has reviewed your budget proposals
and despite your warnings of how it'll
affect the day to day operations of
Stargate Command, they have decided
to throw their full financial backing
behind the Atlantis mission. They now
see this base as serving little more
than a support role.
LANDRY
Can't say I'm surprised. *walks round
desk to her*
GIBSON
They've been going over the report brought
back by Dr Weir and her colleagues.
With the prevalence of Ancient technology
in the Pegasus Galaxy, they feel that's
where we should be focusing our efforts.
LANDRY
And you believe that?
GIBSON
Sir?
LANDRY
Atlantis is a civilian operation. They
approved Dr Weir's appointment. The
reason they don't want to support Stargate
Command is because they have no say
in how it's run.
GIBSON
That's what General O'Neill said. He
also said he'd be willing to go to bat
for you with the President. But he thinks
it might help if you take your case
to the chairman of the appropriations
committee yourself.
LANDRY
Does he? *laughs* Oh Jack, Jack, Jack,
Jack, Jack. *walks back to hi side*
Off world, in lab this time Jackson and Mitchell have brought
Vala. Arlos enters.
VALA
Arlos? *gets up, as if surprised to
see him there, hugs him* I thought I'd
never see you again
ARLOS
*with little emotion* Hello Vala.
VALA
*pulls back sitting on desk* They overpowered
me. Some five? Six? mercenaries, one
morning on my way to see you and They
demanded that I steal the bracelets
under penalty of death.
ARLOS
*obviously doesn't believe her* I don't
care. *walks away sitting*
VALA
Arlos? *kneels down before him* Are
you going to have me killed?
ARLOS
No... The memories of what she shared,
and you so callously threw away... will
undoubtedly haunt you until the day
you die. That. should be punishment
enough.
VALA
Ommm *hugs him*=h yes, you're right!
That should do it.
ARLOS
*pulls her away* I'm over you. *she
sighs standing, but he grabs her arm,
pulling her back* What I'm not over
however is the theft of my mother's
necklace! *Jackson drops arms disbelieving*
I want it back! Only then am I going
to tell you how to sever the link connecting
you!
VALA
*laughs, sitting on desk* Be realistic.
That necklace is gone. There's no way
I can get that back. *grins*
ARLOS
Well, then our business is done.
MITCHELL
Whoa! Hang on lover boy! *walks over*
We'll get your Momma's necklace.
ARLOS
Then we have a deal.
Offworld,its night, two kids run through a market square past
two men who are walking down the street one if Jaffa. The Jaffa,
Enago is holding a large knife.
ENAGO
This once belonged to the first prime
of Bastet. It's completely unique. One
of a kind. And I am going to give it
to you... for three ounces of naquadah.
Huh? *the man walks off shaking head*
no? uh...*pulls out another one* Two
for five! *walks back into his stall*
MITCHELL
So... business not so good, huh?
ENAGO
Well with no planets to conquer and
no city's to loot... how's a Jaffa expected
to put food on the table.
JACKSON
Listen uh, a mutual friend of ours was
supposed to send word that we were coming.
ENAGO
What mutual friend?
JACKSON
Vala
ENAGO pulls out a zat gun, Mitchell and Jackson immediately raising
their hands
ENAGO
Where is she?
JACKSON
Ah, we're not sure. She said she had
some business to attend to and she'd
meet us back at the gate. uh? She didn't
call... ahead?
ENAGO
I swore the next time I saw Vala, I'd
kill her where she stood.
MITCHELL
That's a no.
ENAGO
Do you take me for a fool? *Jackson
watches as Vala walks up behind Enago,
weapon pointed at him*
VALA
I don't know about them, but I certainly
do. Hello Enago.
Enago sighs and drops zat, Mitchell an Jackson dropping hands
VALA
Nicely done on the distraction, boys.
MITCHELL
Oh... that's what we're doing.
JACKSON
You...you...you didn't wanna let us
in on your little plan?
VALA
You would have just screwed it up.
ENAGO
Vala! You cowardly, backstabbing, sorry
excuse for a woman. How've you been?
VALA
*grins* Enago. *walks round him* You
filthy, double talking slug. Nice to
see you too.
MITCHELL
Obviously they used to date. *Jackson
nodding not looking too happy about
it*
ENAGO
Do you remember that uh... necklace
you sold me? The priceless. heirloom
from the house of Verenna?
VALA
I may have overstated it's value slightly.
ENAGO
Slightly? It was worthless.
VALA
Huh, you're one to talk. That Goa'uld
force shield inhibitor, turned out to
be nothing more than a power coil from
an obsolete cargo ship. *Enago shrugs*
Fortunately I'm not here for revenge.
In fact *hands gun to Jackson* I'm here
to set things straight. By buying back
that worthless necklace.
ENAGO
Why? What's your angle?
VALA
You don't need to know.
ENAGO
Well then I guess you don't need that
necklace. No deal. However, I am willing
to show you how I want to square things
here. I might consider buying back that
useless power coil.
VALA
Why would you want to buy back a power
coil from an obsolete cargo ship?
ENAGO
*shakes head, trying to come up with
an answer* uh...
VALA
No necklace, no deal.
JACKSON
I've got an idea. How about a straight
swap. Necklace for power coil.
ENAGO
No!
MITCHELL
No wait, wait, wait. *waves hand* I
have a better idea. We dig a big old
pit, *walks round into stall* we drop
these two in it *Vala walks closer to
Jackson* and we let them fight it out.
JACKSON
I'll ask again. *Jackson and Mitchell
pull out own zats on Enago, he raises
hands* deal?
ENAGO
Deal.
VALA
Deal. Of course I don't have the power
coil. We're going to have to go and
get that back.
MITCHELL
Where... would you unload... an obsolete
power coil?
Wormhole. Off world. Screen opens on power coil sat on a pedestal,
a man in robes turns, spotting Jackson, Mitchell and Vala who's
in a black robe.
KIAS
Sister Versina, welcome back.
VALA
Brother kias. *they bow*
KIAS
How are the orphans?
VALA
The orphans are well. *they walk towards
power coil, other monks heading off
in their own directions* Thank Granis.
And you?
KIAS
Well enough. Thank Granis.
MITCHELL
Who's Granis?
JACKSON
Minor Celtic God. One of Camulus' former
Lt's.
MITCHELL
Thanks.
KIAS
Of course all of us continue to be...
grateful for your generous gift. *turns
to power coil* Uh Pilgrims from all
over the system travel to see the legendary
ring of Shen'Mirac. *Jackson tries to
touch it but it is protected by a force
shield* However, it has been a bittersweet
season for us, since coincidentally,
around the same time you made your gracious
donation. *Vala nods and grins* The
shrines most precious relic, the Nirvanna
crystal, mysteriously disappeared.
JACKSON
*over dramatizing* No!
VALA
Yes *turns to Jackson* it is shocking
the depths some people will plum. *turns
back to Kias* Unfortunately I have some
more bad news. It appears I was deceived
and this ring of Shen'Mirac is apparently
a fake...afraid you'll have to get rid
of it.
KIAS
Out of the question. *smiles*
MITCHELL
Hey! It's bogus! Your followers are
worshipping a phony relic!
KIAS
Yes, but ultimately it's true worth
can only be judged by the... genuine
faith it instills in the hearts of the
many pilgrims who come to visit the
shrine... and more importantly, in the...
charitable contributions they make while
they are here.
JACKSON
Right.
KIAS
Of course, if you were willing to make
a substantial... contribution... of
your own?
VALA
*looks at Jackson who gives her a look,
turns to Kias* What do you want?
KIAS
*looks around, talking not some posh*
I have to get outta here! I can't take
it anymore! The fasting. the chanting.
*cringes closing eyes* Bathing of the
poor. If I have to weave one more prayer
basket, I'm gonna kill someone! *Two
monks walk by them, puts on a smile*
Blessed day. Blessed day. Blessed day
*makes face behind their back*
MITCHELL
Oh my. You're not a real monk.
VALA
He used to be a smuggler. One of the
best I ever knew. Then things got a
little too hot for him and he had to
find religion. KIAS: Well it was a sweet
rap while it lasted. Until great God
Granis went and got himself executed
by his own Jaffa. Since then the number
of pilgrims has been...well, significantly
reduced. That's why you can't have the
ring.
JACKSON
Power coil.
KIAS
Whatever. The point is that it's the
only thing keeping this place going.
MITCHELL
If you wanna go. Why not just go?
KIAS
Because all I got right now are the
clothes on my back. *turns to Vala*
I need my cargo ship. The one you borrowed
*said to indicate she didn't ask to
borrow it:P*?
VALA
Ah! Yes, that might be a bit of a problem.
But...*looks at Jackson and Mitchell*
we can get you a replacement.
KIAS
No deal.
JACKSON
wha-what's so special about this particular
cargo ship?
KIAS
Let's just say I made a few modifications
of my own. You bring it to me and I
give you the ring.
KIAS
Look, don't try anything, alright? The
Pilgrims of Granis may be greatly reduced
in numbers, but they are more fanatical
than ever. You'd have to be to be worshipping
a dead God. I give the word and they
will tear you to pieces before you can
get halfway to the gate. Now, if you'll
excuse me? I have morning prayers *Makes
face* to attend to. *he heads off*
JACKSON
So how do we get the ship?
VALA
We can't!
MITCHELL
Why not? We've come this far. What's
the problem? *she sighs*
Deep in space a cargo ship moves forward meeting an alkesh. Inside
are the two aliens we met in PROMETHEUS UNBOUND. There screen
lights showing a man, their boss.
BOSS
What news?
TENAT
We've put the word out, but she has
yet to appear.
BOSS
I needn't remind you that because of
your bungling, we already lost a case
of weapons grade refined naquadah. Now
someone has to pay. And if it's not
Vala, then it might as well be you two.
TENAT
*they look at each other* Rest assured.
Vala can't hide forever... and when
she turns up we'll deliver her... dead
or alive.
BOSS
See that you do and let it be known
that no-one defies the Lucian Alliance.
*Shot moves revealing many Alkesh's*
Briefing room.
LANDRY
So let me get this straight. You need
to get this ship... to get the power
coil, to get the... necklace, to get
this guy to tell you how to undo whatever
is keeping you two connected?
Vala grins at Jackson
MITCHELL
Yeah, that about sums it up.
VALA
Unfortunately that ship is now in the
hands of the Lucian alliance.
LANDRY
The who?
VALA
It's a coalition of former smugglers
and mercenaries who've banded together
to take advantage of the power vacuum
left by the demise of the Goa'uld.
JACKSON
The fact they've managed to form a coherent
group makes them unique, and a particular
threat especially to the newly formed
Jaffa government.
LANDRY
Can we contact them?
VALA
*Jackson looks at her* They won't deal
with someone they don't know.
LANDRY
*chuckles* I assume they know you.
VALA
Well yes, but our last encounter didn't
exactly go as planned.
MITCHELL
Oh, lemme guess. You screwed them and
now they wanna kill ya.
VALA
Actually it was Daniel *looks at him*
who messed up the deal.
JACKSON
You tried to sell them a stolen ship.
VALA
You're the one that told them they couldn't
have it. The point is if they see either
of us again, they will kill us.
MITCHELL
Can we take this ship by force?
VALA
You'd have to go up against a sizeable
armada.
JACKSON
If the alternative is staying linked
to you, I'm willing to take that risk.
LANDRY
I'm sorry Dr Jackson but I can't allow
it. Dr Lee's continuing his research;
hopefully he'll be able to come up with
something on his own... In the meantime...
you're just going to have to learn to
live with each other. *Jackson look
at Vala* And by the way, in three days,
you're coming to Washington.
JACKSON
We are?
VALA
I am?
LANDRY
I need you to testify in front of the
Chairman of the Appropriations Committee.
Let him see exactly what we're up against.
Your experience with the Ori could go
a long way towards convincing him of
the dangers headed our way.
JACKSON
Right.
VALA
We will do our best Sir. *Jackson looks
at Mitchell who drops his face in his
hand*
Jackson's Lab. He's working on some tablet, while Vala is lying
across the table on her stomach, kicking her feet, flipping through
a magazine. Jackson takes off glasses putting them aside.
VALA
Daniel... do you happen to have one
of these *flips back*... credit cards?
JACKSON
Yes I do *gasps happily and bites lip*
and no you can't.
VALA
By the way, is a security escort still
necessary?
JACKSON
Do you really have to ask?
VALA
*gets up off table* I noticed you've
assigned a woman, were you afraid I
might corrupt one of your impressionable
young men? *slaps his butt with the
magazine, walks over to SF*
JACKSON
No, I just thought save someone the
trouble of having to rebuff your advances.
VALA
How do you know you succeeded? *winks
at female SF, who doesn't react* I'm
so bored! *slaps head with Magazine*
What do you do around here, for fun?
*leans down next to him*
JACKSON
I'm doing it. I'm translating these
artifacts from P4S-559.
VALA
Oh, *looks at him* are they valuable?
JACKSON
Well their historical value is immense,
but there's no gold or jewels involved
if that's what you mean. *she moves
the tablet to look* Don't. touch that!
VALA
Do you know what? You need to occasionally
*walks round him* get up from under
the dust of dead civilizations and live
a little. *moves his glasses out of
the way* Why don't you take me out to
dinner?
JACKSON
Look the only way you're getting off
this base is on our little side-trip
to Washington. *walks over to cabinet,
looking through stuff* if we could find
a way around that, we would.
VALA
*walks over to him* Why don't we go
off-world? I've got a great little deal
cooked up with some traders on Katana.
JACKSON
*walks back to desk with sheets* No.
VALA
We could be partners. We can split everything
down the middle, 60/40. *he ignores
her* Hardly seems fair that your life
gets to continue and my affairs are
put on hold.
JACKSON
Excuse me? I-I-I should be on my way
to the Pegasus Galaxy right now.
VALA
Oh don't you blame that on me, it's
your own curiosity in the ancient treasure
that cost you a trip to Atlantis.
JACKSON
You cuffed us together.
VALA
You weren't paying attention at the
time. Look, we can point fingers all
we want, but the fact is... we're stuck
together. *walks back over to his side*
so Like it or not, we're just going
to have to learn to get along.
Vala hops up on to table and there's a loud crunching noise.
He looks up; she leans over pulling his glasses out from beneath
her bottom.
VALA
Found your glasses. *grins handing them
to him, they are completely broken*
JACKSON
I'm going to see what Dr Lee's doing.
Jackson leaves and she pokes his tablet.
In the eve Jackson heads to his room, passing that female SF
stood outside one door, head to one across hall. He puts his
key card through, turns on light, shuts door and finds Vala lying
in his bed.
VALA
Hello.
JACKSON
What the hell are you doing here?
VALA
Isn't this my room?
JACKSON
Noooo... your room is across the hall...
with the... guard in front of it. *looks
back*
VALA
Ah yes, they do all rather look alike
don't they? Anyhow, Since I'm here,
shall we make the best of it? *she kicks
off covers, wearing a pink top with
matching knickers*
JACKSON
*shakes head* No. we shalln't.
VALA
Come on Daniel. *gets on her knees*
We're both stuck here on this base and
there's nothing else to do.
JACKSON
Yes there is! There's...there's...there's
sleeping, there's working, there's there's
finding a way out of this mess!
VALA
What if we can't? We might have to spend
the rest of our lives together.
JACKSON
No! Don't even go there.
VALA
There's literally a bond between us.
Some people might even find that...
romantic.
JACKSON
uh... I'm not one of those people.
VALA
*sits on edge of bed* Am I really so
repulsive?
JACKSON
No... uh... *thinks* no! *walks over
sitting on other end* No you're not...
repulsive, you're just... uh...ya uuhhh...
it's just that I know what you're doing
with the whole sexual... thing. It's
a defense Mechanism.
VALA
Really?
JACKSON
Yeah. You live a solitary existence,
you...*Starts counting off on fingers*
move from place to place, you never
form any lasting relationships, you
use sex as a weapon, prevent yourself
from forming any real emotional bonds.
*counts fingers nods*
VALA
Textbook case. *he shrugs* Never realized
I was so transparent. *she stands, obviously
upset*
JACKSON
Vala...
VALA
No really it's...that's fine Daniel,
*pulls on robe* you're right. I can
see why you wouldn't want to become
involved with someone so pathetic. *he
sighs* I wasn't always like this, you
should know. There was someone once,
*he drops head down, feeling guilty*
in fact I was engaged - then I was taken
as a host and even though the Tok'ra
eventually freed me, the damage was
already done. And once you have been
spat on, and stoned... by the people
of your own village... well... you try
forming lasting relationships. *she
moves to leave*
JACKSON
Vala, wait...just wait... please. Stop.
*she stops, tying robe* Alright I'm
sorry. Okay? *gets up* I'm sorry. I
just... sometimes I just...forget what
you've been through. If you've actually
been through any of that.... are you
messing with me?
VALA
*small smile* Is it working?
JACKSON
Ge--Get out, go. Get out. *she heads
to door, opens turns* Go. *she leaves*
Washington. Conference room. Landry, Jackson, Teal'c and Vala
are all sitting at a table across from the appropriations committee.
Senator Fisher and a woman. Teal'c's in a suit.
TEAL'C
Despite the fact that the Jaffa are
free and Anubis has been defeated...
it would be a mistake to assume that
the Goa'uld are no longer a threat.
FISHER
But without the Jaffa to do their bidding,
they're effectively crippled.
TEAL'C
Many still have the loyalty of their
human slaves.
FISHER
Slaves are a long way from an effective
army, and besides if the Jaffa saw the
light, it will only a matter of time
before the slaves follow suit.
JACKSON
The Goa'uld aren't the only threat out
there Sir.
FISHER
So I assume that you're referring to
these people you supposedly met in a
distant galaxy.
JACKSON
Supposedly?
FISHER
Well... correct me if I'm wrong. But
according to the report I read, you
never actually left Stargate Command.
You went into a coma, had some kind
of vision, for all we know the whole
thing could of been an elaborate hallucination.
JACKSON
One of the Prior's came through the
gate.
FISHER
A simple man who did nothing but spout
a lot of religious nonsense and then
killed himself.
LANDRY
Senator I was there... the man burned
himself to death. Without the aid of
any obvious devices or technology, it
was no parlor trick.
JACKSON
We're also beginning to get reports
that there are other Prior's showing
up on other planets.
FISHER
Well it's hardly surprising that new
religious groups would arise in the
wake of the Goa'uld's collapse.
JACKSON
The Ori are very real... senator. As
ascended beings they have all the appearance
of genuine God's.
FISHER
But again, this is according to your
testimony, they cannot act in this galaxy
without incurring interference of these
other ascended beings. *Jackson looks
down* Isn't that correct?
JACKSON
Technically yes.
FISHER
well Look at it from our point of view
Dr Jackson. Finally after 8 years and
billions of dollars spent, the Goa'uld
have been neutralized, along with the
Replicators. And now suddenly, out of
nowhere, along come these magical Ori
requiring a redoubling of efforts and
expenditures.
LANDRY
Exactly what are you suggesting Senator?
FISHER
The Stargate program has succeeded in
acquiring alien technology. So now it's
time to devote our resources to exploiting
those technologies for planetary defense,
namely by building more Daedalus class
ships. Now we have no intention of shutting
you down completely, you will continue
to operate at 30% of your current budget,
I think you will find that that is more
then enough money once you deemphasize
your explorations.
JACKSON
*clears throat* uh If you recall Senator.
It was new exploration that got us those
technologies in the first place. Now
there are still thousands of Stargate
addresses left unexplored in this galaxy.
FISHER: This program doesn't exist to
satisfy your curiosity Doctor. *Vala
about to drink water stops giving fisher
a look* The important thing is that
we have learned enough to defend this
planet against any potential threat.
VALA
*laughs, then drinks, they all look
at her*
FISHER
Do you uh... have something to say.
VALA
Well it's just all so amusing, *Jackson
about to grab her arm, but she gets
up* isn't it? I mean only an idiot would
assume that this backwater of a planet
is safe because you have a few ships
with decent shield technology. *she
walks over and sits down on the desk
in front of the senator* You don't look
like an idiot to me.*she winks*
VALA
So I have to assume that the reason
why you would want to build more ships
is... like other men you like big machines
with big engines... that fire big missiles...
because you have a deep-seated need
to overcompensate for your own shortcomings.
*shrugs*
FISHER
*angry* Excuse me. *the woman beside
the senator tries to cover her laughter*
VALA
*points, the senator shifts* See, she
knows what I mean. *Makes a gesture
with her little finger. The senator
looks at the woman beside him, she avoids
eye contact*
JACKSON
uh I-I-I think a short recess would
be a good idea.
VALA
I'm done here anyway.
FISHER
*Stands* This meeting is over. *Landry
is not happy*
Mitchell walks up to Landry as they return to the SGC
MITCHELL
How did it go Sir?
LANDRY
Let's just put it this way, you're going
after that ship.
MITCHELL
The cargo ship. what about the Lucian
alliance Sir?
LANDRY
You'll have to figure out a way to deal
with them.
MITCHELL
*quieter, Vala and Jackson following
behind* Why, what happened?
LANDRY
She accused the Chairman of the Senate
Appropriations committee of having a...
uh... let's just call it, an insufficient
manhood. She's gotta go.
Off world, Jackson, Vala, Mitchell and Teal'c walk through a
wood.
VALA
Just a word of warning. Tenat and Jut
are notoriously unscrupulous traders.
They're crafty, devious and although
stupid, under no circumstances are they
to be trusted.
MITCHELL
In other words they're going to try
and screw us before we screw them.
VALA
It should be alright as long as you
keep your guard up and we keep focus
on what needs to be done. Close the
deal, take the ship make sure they don't
kill me. Certainly not in that order.
MITCHELL
I still think we need some more boots
on the ground, just to be safe.
VALA
And they will most certainly run a surface
scan of the planet, any additional life
signs or any ships in orbit will only
raise suspicion and jeopardize everything.
On a cargo ship
TENAT
We're approaching the planet, run a
surface scan.
JUT
Four life signs.
TENAT
Let's go greet them.
on the planet.
VALA
This is a good plan, very inspired.
JACKSON
Yes we have you to thank for that. Nothing
motivates like complete and utter desperation.
VALA
You say that now, but you will miss
me when I am gone.
JACKSON
No I'm pretty sure I won't.
MITCHELL
Just like old times huh?
TEAL'C
I am offering my assistance on this
mission only to aid Daniel Jackson.
My participation should not be construed
as a desire to rejoin SG1.
MITCHELL
Right.
TEAL'C
Colonel Mitchell at times you remind
me of O'Neill.
MITCHELL
*looks at him* Ah, I'll take that as
a compliment.
TEAL'C
*slows* As you wish.
Tenat runs along the path, Jut walking along another way. Tenat
walks towards SG-1, Teal'c and Mitchell stand waiting, Vala and
Jackson sit together, hands cuffed behind their backs... Mitchell
spots Tenat
MITCHELL
Teal'c.
Teal'c raises his Zat gun in the direction Jut is coming. Tenat
aims his weapon and Mitchell
MITCHELL
Hey fella's. What's with all the hostility?
TENAT
Vala, how does it feel, knowing your
sorry life is about to end?
VALA
I don't know. How did it feel telling
the alliance that you half-wits lost
their Naquadah. *The alien trains his
weapon on Vala and Mitchell pulls out
his own* MITCHELL: Whoa!...no...no...no
violence. No damaging the goods until
we finished our deal. Besides I think
the alliance wants to hold her up as
an example.
TENAT
*brings weapon back on Mitchell* Yes,
they do. Your name?
MITCHELL
Cam MITCHELL. Bounty hunter.
TENAT
Never heard of you.
MITCHELL
That's because I keep a low profile.
I like to let my work speak for itself.
TENAT
You've partnered with a Jaffa I see.
MITCHELL
Look. We'd love to sit around and talk
shop, but we're on the clock. Where's
our reward?
TENAT
We have a caseload of weapons grade
refined Naquadah sitting in our cargo
ship.
MITCHELL
Good, let's go get it.
TENAT
No, I will stay here with you. While
Jut takes Vala and her partner to the
ship. *Jackson makes a face at "Partner",
Vala grins* Once they've been secured
he will return and ring the Naquadah
down to you.
MITCHELL
And what's to stop old Juck here from
just ringing you away and skid daddling.
TENAT
Our honor. It would not be in our best
interests to cheat you. After all we
have reputations as traders to uphold.
*jut takes Vala and Jackson*
MITCHELL
Right... reputations.
On cargo ship, Jackson and Vala taken to the rear
JACKSON
I can't help noticing the absence of
the caseload of refined Naquadah you
guys were promising.
JUT
Do you seriously think the alliance
would have entrusted us with another
case, after we lost the last one?
JACKSON
*Vala and Jackson shrug and nod at each
other* So this is a double cross? What
happened to upholding your reputation?
JUT
Let's just say those bounty hunters
won't be in a position to do any complaining.
*He closes the door.*
VALA
Uh...*pulls off the cuffs* ow *turns
to Jackson, trying to undo his*
JACKSON
Ow!
VALA
Hold still *gets them off*
VALA
Told you
Jackson rubs wrist walks over to door panel, pulling it off.
On surface, Mitchell, Teal'c and tenat have weapons trained on
each other
MITCHELL
So who you like in the NFL this year?
You kinda...strike me as a Raiders fan.
Vala walks over to Jackson
VALA
JACKSON, why won't you let me do it?
JACKSON
I can do it. Just...uh do me a favour,
I need some help.
VALA
Ok, what?
JACKSON
Go to the panel by the rear exit. *she
goes*
VALA
Ok, now what?
JACKSON
Stay there, shut up and let me finish.
Back on surface
MITCHELL
Yeah, they got a great secondary in
the league's. The best pass rush. Offence
runs games, defense runs championships,
am I right?
The cargo ship appears overhead
TENAT
Our cargo ship has returned. I suggest
you lower your weapons.
MITCHELL
*lowers Zat, pushing down Teal'cs arm*
I take it we're not getting our Naquadah.
TENAT
No you're not and so concludes our deal.
Mitchell and Teal'c are ringed up, while jut is left instead.
Tenat activates a signal to the other ships in orbit.
On cargo ship
MITCHELL
Well! That went better than I expected!
VALA
*piloting* I'm picking up ships. Lot's
of them.
MITCHELL
Correction. That went much worse than
I suspected.
The Lucian fleet are waiting ahead of them
BOSS
Stand down and prepare to be boarded.
MITCHELL
Shouldn't we be jumping into hyperspace
or something?
TEAL'C
They will pursue us
Vala bites lip starts hitting various buttons
JACKSON
What are you doing?
VALA
Kias said he customized this ship. Let's
see if there's anything we can use.
We see several other cargo ships appear round the cargo ship,
holograms
JACKSON
What's happening?
VALA
Multiple energy signatures and phantom
vessels. They're confusing the alliance
ships.
MITCHELL
Fine! Let's go, let's go, let's go!
The cargo ship heads off, the holograms stay. Two alkesh break
off from alliance
TEAL'C
There are two vessels pursuing us.
MITCHELL
You got anything else in your bag of
tricks?
VALA
I'll show you.
The cargo ship stops and turns. Vala powers down everything
MITCHELL
What are you doing?
JACKSON
Vala?
VALA
Wait for it..... Now!
She hits a button, as pulse wave flows through the two ships
MITCHELL
Wicked.
VALA
Pulse wave. Their power levels spiked
and overloaded. It should take a couple
of minutes to restore primary systems.
Which should give us enough time to...
*They escape into hyperdrive*
In some bar. Kias gives over the coil, Jackson zipping it into
a bag.
KIAS
Thanks for getting my ship back... and
for not helping yourselves to the swag
in the ships *they start to head off*
hidden compartments *Vala stops*
VALA
Wait! Did you *Vala and Jackson grab
her arms dragging her out* did you just
say hidden compartments?
KIAS
bye bye
VALA
No! Wait!
Jackson gives Enago the coil. Vala walks over to him
VALA
So really. Why would you want to trade
a power coil from an obsolete cargo
ship?
ENAGO
So really. Why would you want to trade
for this worthless necklace?
BOTH VALA AND ENAGO
Never mind. *Vala takes necklace*
Vala hands Arlos the necklace, he looks emotional
ARLOS
Excellent. *grins* Finally I can get
Mother off my back. *stands, putting
necklace in case*
MITCHELL
So?
ARLOS
So?
JACKSON
So, we had a deal, remember? give you
the necklace and you sever the link.
*waves between him and Vala*
ARLOS
Yes yes of course, I've been doing extensive
research...um...
JACKSON
...And?
ARLOS
*shrugs* Well there's nothing I can
do. The effect can't be countered. But
you know? My guess is, it'll wear off
eventually on its own. So long everybody
*heads off, Vala grins at Jackson, Who
looks in shock.*
Jackson briefing Landry in his office
LANDRY
That's it? You went through all that
for nothing?
JACKSON
Pretty much.
LANDRY
I can't wait till Senator Fisher hears
about this one.
JACKSON
Yeah, have you heard any news?
LANDRY
I spoke to the President. He gave me
two choices. Accept the budget cuts
or convince the International Committee
to change their minds and contribute
to our funding.
JACKSON
Right. How do we do that?
LANDRY
Give them what they want. A new civilian
position appointed by the committee.
With full access to this base and a
say in all major decisions concerning
its operation.
JACKSON
Watchdog.
LANDRY
Exactly
Gate room, Gate kawooshs, Teal'c out of sexy leather into Jaffa
robes. Teal'c and Jackson Manly hug.
JACKSON
Thanks for helping out.
TEAL'C
Indeed.
MITCHELL
Good luck on Dakara.
Teal'c nods at Mitchell, turns to go, glances at Vala, who gives
him a slight wave, he smiles. Jackson looks at her
MITCHELL
Don't be a stranger!
Teal's steps through the gate.
MITCHELL
He'll be back
Vala and Jackson look at him. He smiles
THE END
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