STARGATE SG1
Episode 510
"2001"
By
Brad Wright
FROM 2010
A paper falls from the open gate.
HAMMOND
(As Jack is walking down from the ramp
looking at it) What is it?
JACK
You tell me.
DANNY
(Reading the paper) Under no circumstances,
go to P4C-970 ... Colonel Jack O’Neill.
This looks like your handwriting.
JACK
That IS my handwriting. (Looks at it)
And it’s my signature.
JANET
That looks like blood, Sir.
HAMMOND
(To Walter the tech) I want P4C-970
removed from the dialing computer immediately.
SAM
I wonder why you sent it ... I wonder
WHEN.
PRESENT DAY ... The gate opens.
HAMMOND
Welcome back, SG-1.
JACK
(Cheerfully) Break out the fishin’ gear,
General ... our work is DONE!
HAMMOND
I take it your mission was successful?
SAM
In a word, Sir ... yes!
JACK
In 2 words ... yes, Sir!
HAMMOND
Your initial report said the Volien
were a simple agrarian society.
JACK
That they are.
DANNY
The Voliens introduced us to another
race, friends of theirs.
JACK
Who, while lacking a sense of humor,
make up for it with advanced technology.
SAM
They just wanted to make sure we were
trustworthy first.
JACK
Long story short ... I think we just
carried out our standing orders, Sir.
TEAL’C
Indeed . We may have found a race both
willing and capable of defending this
world against the Goa’Uld.
JACK
And if THAT little outburst didn’t convince
you ...
HAMMOND
I’m convinced!
JACK
We just wrapped up several hours of
talks with a guy named ...
DANNY
Borren.
JACK
Borren, who REALLY lacks a sense of
humor. But he wants the negotiations
to move up to state level.
HAMMOND
Well done people. Perhaps while I inform
the President, you could prepare a mission
briefing. (Turns to leave)
JACK
Yes, Sir! (Jack and Sam grin at each
other)
HAMMOND
(Turning back) By the way ... what do
our new friends call themselves?
SAM
(Smiling) The Ashen, Sir. They’re called
the Ashen.
OPENING CREDITS
BRIEFING ROOM
Sam’s at the board in dress blues. A planetary map is on the
board.
SAM
So, out of security concerns, The Ashen
wish NOT to reveal the location of their
home world until we have an agreement.
It is shown that she’s talking to a bunch of big wigs. Lots of
suits and men in military uniforms.
JACK
They’re a little paranoid.
DANNY
It seems appropriate since they don’t
have an Iris like ours.
SAM
We do know that they’ve created a secondary
star in the Volien system by igniting
a gas giant thereby doubling the Volien’s
growing season.
*Gasp* It’s Joe! ;) (Sam’s hubby from 2010.)
JOE
They MADE a star?! How?
WARNING
Techno babble mode coming up! Maybe
Joe should have talked to General Vadrine
from Tangent. ;)
SAM
Well, theoretically, by increasing the
density of a sufficiently massive gas
giant until a thermonuclear reaction
can take place. In fact, Arthur C. Clark
pasi ...
JACK
(Interrupting) Ambassador, you gotta
be careful about the use of the word
How unless you really wanna know. (Smiles
at Sam)
JOE
My mistake, Colonel.
SAM
(Smiling at Jack, to Joe) I guess my
point is: the achievement it’s self
goes a long way to prove the Ashen are
advanced enough to take on the Goa’Uld.
TEAL’C
The Ashen could be formidable allies.
HAMMOND
If they a re Stargate capable, why is
this the first we’ve heard of them?
DANNY
That’s a good question. They have ships,
but they only use them to travel to
the planets within the confederation.
HAMMOND
Of which the Volien system is apart.
DANNY
Right. Uh ... Borren said that both
the Ashen and Volien gates were discovered
buried like ours was, and no DHD was
ever recovered.
SAM
Naturally, the Ashen tried dialing numerous
dialing combinations, but without a
DHD to compensate for stellar drift,
they were stuck like we were.
HAMMOND
We could only go to Abydos.
SAM
Exactly. It was only AFTER Daniel’s
discovery of the cartouche on Abydos
that we were able to make the drift
calculation to successfully dial out
to other planets. Add to that the database
that Colonel O’Neill retrieved from
the ancients, we could offer a whole
galaxy of worlds the Ashen never knew
existed!
HAMMOND
The news must have come as a shock to
them.
JACK
(Sarcastically) Oh, not really.
DANNY
What Jack is trying to say is that if
they WERE surprised, they’d never show
it.
JACK
They don’t get excited in general General.
It’s like an entire planet of accountants.
Joe looks like he wants to say something.
TEAL’C
Colonel O’Neill mistrusts the Ashen.
JACK
I never said that.
TEAL’C
Indeed you did ... on several accounts.
JACK
No! I didn’t. What I said was : I didn’t
trust people without a sense of humor.
Especially that *BORING* guy.
TEAL’C
*BORREN.*
JACK
I *KNOW* his *NAME*! He was boring.
HAMMOND
The Ashen have agreed to meet our representative
on P3A-194 tomorrow. Colonel O’Neill,
both you and Major Carter are to make
yourselves available to the Ambassador
as consultants. (Sam smiles at Joe,
who smiles back)
JACK
Yes, Sir.
HAMMOND
Doctor Jackson, in the meantime, I’d
like you and Teal’C to confer with the
Voliens, find out how they feel about
the Ashen.
DANNY
(Looking yummy in that blue shirt with
the tie) I could tell you their feelings
right now, Sir.
HAMMOND
Dig a little deeper. Find out if the
Ashen is the good neighbors they seem
to be. You embark at 0700. Gentlemen?
Everyone begins to leave, Joe walks up to Sam.
JOE
Major Carter? Since we’re trading knowledge
of the Stargate, I, uh ... could use
a little more of that knowledge myself.
SAM
(Smiles) After you, Ambassador.
They walk down the steps into the control room.
JOE
This place never ceases to amaze me.
SAM
(To Walter Davis) Anything yet?
DAVIS
Uh, the computer should have it down
to a handful of candidates by tomorrow.
JOE
Candidates?
SAM
Yeah. We’re trying to locate the position
of the Ashen home planet.
JOE
How can you do that without the coordinates.
(He really likes punishment, doesn’t
he?? ;))
SAM
How?
JOE
Oops, I asked that question again.
SAM
(BIG Smile) In my earlier work with
the Stargate program, I theorized that
all things being equal, the outside
per lock between 2 planets without a
DHD is 300 light years. The computer
is searching for viable coordinates
within that radius of the Volien system,
P3A-194.
JOE
Because the Ashen Homeworld is somewhere
within this area?
SAM
There’s a 70% probability.
JOE
Well, if the Ashen are so powerful,
why don’t they want us to know?
SAM
Well, until we share our database with
them, they have only our word of what’s
out there. They’re vulnerable. If we
didn’t have an Iris, I think we’d do
the same.
JOE
Uh, you know what? I have not eaten
since ... (Looks at watch) ooh ... today!
They both laugh.
SAM
Uh, the mess is this way, if you’d like,
we can talk more there.
JOE
I’d like that very much.
They leave.
Time passes.
Later...
Davis is dialing out. SG-1 are seen standing at the base of the
gate thru the observation window.
DAVIS
Chevron 3 encoded.
Hammond is shown standing next to Davis.
The blast doors to the gate room open. A lovely pair of SHINY
, black, dress shoes are shown walking in. SG-1 look at him,
the shoes are revealed to belong to Joe in a gray suit and ties.
SG1 are dressed in green fatigues with combat boots. ;)
JOE
‘Morning.
LOL! Jack just looks down to Joe’s shoes. Sam tries to keep a
straight face, Danny peeks his head (Wearing sunglasses on his
face), and smirks, Teal’C just looks like ... Teal’C. ;)
JACK
THIS is what you’re wearing?
JOE
(Innocently) What’s wrong with it?
TEAL’C
(Turning as he speaks) Nothing. (Danny
just stares)
DAVIS
(Joe looks like he wants to speak, but
is interrupted) Chevron 4 encoded. (Joe
looks toward the control room)
SAM
(Smiling ... trying not to laugh?? ;))
You look fine.
JOE
Right. They said I didn’t have to wear
a uniform, and I just wanted to make
a good impression.
DAVIS
Chevron 5 encoded!
DANNY
Uh ... you look great. (Sarcastically??)
Very sharp. (Gives him a Thumbs-up.
JOE
Thank you. (Gives Danny a Thumbs-up)
DAVIS
Chevron 6 encoded.
JACK
(Still looking at his feet) It’s the
shoes ... (Joe looks down, his shiny
black shoes are shown) They’re gonna
get ruined. It’s a ... farm ... planet.
(Sam is shown smiling in back of Jack.)
Joe looks nervous.
DAVIS
Chevron 7 ... locked!
The gate opens with it’s usual splendor. Joe does a take back.
The men of SG1 grin at Joe, then walk thru the gate. Sam steps
up to him, and smiles.
HAMMOND
Enjoy the ride, Ambassador. We look
forward to your return.
SAM
After you.
JOE
Thank you.
They smile at each other, and slowly walk up the ramp , stopping
at the gate. Joe stops at the event horizon, and takes a deep
breath before nervously stepping thru the gate. His POV is shown
going thru the gate. He is shown emerging from the other end.
He smiles with an expression like What a ride! The planet is
shown. It’s green with a dirt road. ;) The two walk toward the
men of SG1 with grins on their faces. Joe’s walking looking around
like my 3 year old at Christmas! ;) Jack smiles at them.
JOE
Hey, it looks just like uh ...
JACK
Oh, yeah! Just when you think you’re
not in Kansas anymore ... turns out
you are.
DANNY
We’ll ... see what we can dig up.
JACK
Have fun.
JOE
Uh ... you said the Volien and Ashen
enjoy a long trade relationship, but
there’s aren’t any ... signs of trade
infrastructure around the stargate.
(A light humming sound and chevrons
locking is heard ... Sam and Jack grin
at each other.) WHAT is that sound?
(Looks around, sees nothing)
JACK
Have a look.
A gate is seen coming out of the ground. A HUGE ship is moving
toward the gate. The gate is turning where it is laying over
the ground.
SAM
It’s called a Harvester. The Ashen
has provided hundreds of them all over
the planet. When the field is ready,
the machine harvests the crop, then
brings it to the stargate to send to
the Ashen Homeworld.
Joe watches in wonder as the gate opens, and the harvester, now
over the gate, dumps some crops (Maybe corn?? Wheat??) down into
the gate.
JACK
We’re gonna want a few of those.
MAN
(As Joe nods) I’m sure that can be arranged,
Colonel.
JACK
Borren!
BORREN
(A very nice looking young man with
his hair neatly slicked back) Colonel,
I thought I made it clear your weapons
weren’t necessary here.
JACK
( EXTREMELY sarcastically, laughing)
Oh, I though you were joking around.
(Serious face from Borren) You know,
like ... you always do? (Joe smiles
to himself; Same expression from Borren)
SAM
Borren, may I introduce our official
representative ... Ambassador Joseph
Faxon of the United States?
JOE
(Taking a step with his hand out) I
bring you greetings from ...
BORREN
( RUDELY interrupting) I am not your
counterpart. The harvester possesses
a suitable compartment.
He leaves. Sam and Jack share a look with Joe.
JACK (Walking past Joe, patting his shoulder.) Watch the shoes.
Joe looks at Sam, who’s grinning, and they walk away together.
HAMMOND
(Walking down the steps in control room)
(To DAVIS) Sergeant, you have something?
DAVIS
Yes, Sir. Let me show you on the Star
Map ... we calculated a total of 5 possible
Stargate coordinates within a 300 light
year radius of P3A-194, the Volien System.
HAMMOND
And there’s a good chance one of them
is the Ashen Homeworld?
DAVIS
Well, of the 5, (Pointing to the map)
These 3 were just calculated, so they’re
unexplored ... (Pointing to another)
This one was determined uninhabitable
by a MALP probe 3 years ago ... But,
Sir, this one ... (He points to P4C-970)
This gate was blocked out of our dialing
computer by YOUR order, 7 months ago.
HAMMOND
You’re telling me that there’s a 1 in
4 chance that the Ashen home world is
a planet that I ordered off limits ?
DAVIS
Yes, Sir.
HAMMOND
Sergeant, have SG teams 3, 12, and 15
report for to the briefing room as soon
as possible.
DAVIS
Yes, Sir.
Davis leaves, and Hammond stands in front of the map, looking
up at P4C-970, appalled.
DANNY
(To a farmer) Kehl? It’s uh ... Daniel
Jackson, and Teal’C.
KEHL
You said you’d not likely be this way
again.
DANNY
Yeah, we wanted to learn more about
your relationship with the Ashen.
KEHL
What would you like to know?
TEAL’C
If they are honorable.
DANNY
Yeah. I wouldn’t have put it quite that
way, but ...
KEHL
They’ve been friends to us for a long
as I can remember. I was raised by an
Ashen family. Orphan. They give medicine
freely ... machines freely ... light
and heat for our homes.
DANNY
Really? So, they’ve never been ... unreasonable
with your people in any way?
KEHL
They just float around in their harvesters
mostly, what few of them there are.
TEAL’C
Then you maintain freedom from their
world?
KEHL
If freedom is being left alone ... we
have it.
DANNY
(Shares a look with Teal’C) OK! Well,
thank you.
KEHL
Uh ... when next you speak to one ...
tell him I got ‘ iron root ’ in my south
field. I can’t remove it myself ...
need one of those machines.
DANNY
‘ Iron Root. ‘ Well, maybe we can help.
BORREN
(Steps up on a pedestal) Stand here.
(Sam, Jack, and Joe do it, and after
pressing in a code, they are transported
up to the ship)
JACK (Joe is grinning away) Oh, yeah. We’re gonna want a few
of these, too. (Joe laughs)
The walk in the door, and Mellon ( Why do the bad guys have to
be so good looking?! ;)) is standing there looking as handsome
as ever.
BORREN
Ambassador, allow me to introduce your
counterpart from our federation ...
Mellon.
JOE
(Holds out his hand, Mellon looks at
it like he’s crazy) I offer greetings
from our President and hope that we
can forge a friendship that can enrich
both our people.
MELLON
( NOT shaking his hand) This seating
arrangement is suitable for our negotiations.
Please ...
JACK
(Sam and Joe follow Mellon, Jack stops
at Borren) I assume there are facilities
... ?
BORREN
In the next compartment.
JACK
Just wanted to make sure before we flew
off somewhere.
BORREN
The harvester will remain in the vicinity
of the Stargate during the negotiations.
JACK
OK ... mind if I check out the view
first? (Looks out the balcony to the
fields below) Daniel, Teal’C? We’re
on board one of their harvesters. When
you get back, report to Hammond, let
him know the proceedings have begun.
Over.
DANNY
(Walking in a field) Copy that. And
uh ... good luck!
Danny , Teal’C and Kehl are walking in a grassy field.
KEHL
Here it is. (Iron bars are shown, it
looks like a bridge) And it goes deep,
I tell you that.
DANNY
(Sighs) Kehl, we can ... (Sighs again)
... probably take care of that with
Teal’C’s staff weapon.
TEAL’C
General Hammond’s request was to gather
information.
DANNY
Well, he also said we should ... Dig
a little deeper. (MWAHAHA! Way to take
Hammond literally, Danny! ;))
Teal’C cocks his head.
KEHL
There’s a jug of my best sweet water
in it for ya if ya manage.
He leaves, and Danny gets on his knees and does the archeologist
thing, moving dirt around.
TEAL’C
Have you discovered something, DanielJackson?
DANNY
Oh, God! I hope not! (But he KNOWS he
did! ;)) (Quietly) Probably, though.
MELLON
Our position is straightforward. (Jack
looks bored, scratching his head ;))
You have discovered the means to travel
between Stargates throughout the galaxy
... several hundred worlds, I’m told?
JOE
Yes.
MELLON
And you seek technologies for the purposes
of defense against hostile races you
have encountered on these travels?
JOE
Yes, we do!
MELLON
We agree in principle to provide you
with these defense technologies ...
and much more ... in exchange for your
full disclosure of this Stargate network.
JOE
( Sam and Jack share a look) And we
also agree ... in principle.
Danny is climbing down the iron ladder that was sticking out
of the ground. Teal’C is standing on the ground already at the
bottom. Teal’C moves his flashlight around. It’s a city.
TEAL’C
An ancient city once stood here.
DANNY
I don’t know about ancient, certainly
extinct. I’m not one to cough up semantics
here, but even if there was a city here
just a few hundred years ago ... what
happened?!’
MELLON
What is the current population ... of
Earth?
JOE
Well, if you can forgive me, I don’t
know the EXACT number ... uh ... somewhere
in the neighborhood of 6 billion.
SAM
Growing at a rate of several million
a year.
MELLON
That growth rate is unsustainable.
JOE
We agree.
MELLON
You represent the dominant nation?
JOE
That is a fair assessment.
MELLON
And, so, are you taking military action
to curtail this growth?
JOE
No, we respect the sovereignty of our
neighbors.
MELLON
We are pleased to hear that. The worlds
of the Confederation are a partnership
of equals.
A loud noise is heard.
BORREN
Do not be alarmed. The harvester is
continuing it’s normal operations.
MELLON
While you may ... Respect ... these
neighbors ... you have not yet revealed
to them the existence of your Stargate.
JOE
Not to all.
MELLON
Any treaty with the people of Earth
... must be with ALL ... the people
of Earth.
Sam and Jack share a look. Joe looks at each of them.
JOE
I think we can agree to that.
DANNY
(He and Teal’C are walking thru the
city) The level of technology appears
to be similar to early 20th century
Earth, I’d say circa 1910.
TEAL’C
There appear to be no sign of a battle,
DanielJackson.
DANNY
I can tell you that barring natural
disaster, you know it takes the forces
of nature several centuries to bury
a city ... this place just looks like
it‘s been ... plowed over recently.
TEAL’C
Perhaps to create farmland.
DANNY
Maybe the Voliens have their version
of a leg movement. Whoever did this,
either the Voliens or Ashen, probably
did it long after the city was already
abandoned.
TEAL’C
There are no human remains.
DANNY
Exactly. So, the question is ... Why?
Looks like the public building just
kinda go into the ground.
TEAL’C
(Watching Danny walk up some steps preparing
to go into the building) It may be extremely
dangerous.
DANNY
(Standing at the door) Yes, it may.
(Turns, flashing light on Teal’C’s face)
I’m gonna go inside ... take a look
around.
Teal’C follows him.
HAMMOND
(Talking to team leaders, one looks
like Stan, the negotiator, I‘m not sure.)
Several months ago, we received a message
thru the Stargate, that simply stated:
Under no circumstances, go to P4C-970.
STAN????
The one from the future?
HAMMOND
That’s the theory, Major. We don’t know
the circumstances in which it was written,
only that the signature and the blood
found on the note match Colonel O’Neill’s.
We just determined that the race of
people we’re negotiating with, The Ashen,
may be from one of these 4 planets.
HAMMOND
That’s your mission. Have your teams
ready to embark once the MALPs have
determined you’re good to go.
Back to the negotiations ... Joe looks ready to say something.
JACK
Just ... out of curiosity ... what kind
of defense technologies are we talking
about? Space guns? Force fields? ...
Motherships??
MELLON
(Sharing a look with Borren) This is
an example of a bio-weapon. (A big purple
circle with smaller circles moving around
in it.) We can make available to you.
A living, radioactive, genetic material
that may be designed to attack only
the specific DNA of your enemy. (Turns
it off) We have a number of efficient
delivery systems.
Jack clears his throat Joe’s way.
JOE
(Looks at Jack) Well, we’d want efficient
assurances ...
MELLON
... That we’d take military action only
against your enemies ... and not your
friends ... of course. The question
arises ... ‘ Why have these friends
of Earth not yet provided you with the
defense technologies that you seek from
us? ‘
SAM
Most of the advanced races that we have
befriended have hesitated to share their
technologies with us for fear that we
will use it to destroy ourselves.
MELLON
True friends would endeavor to prevent
that. You have changed the way in which
we view the universe. Do not underestimate
what we offer in return for that gift.
We can put an end to disease, double
the human lifespan, provide the means
to cross entire continents in a single
step, much more than simply a means
to defend yourself against your enemies.
We offer Earth membership within the
Ashen Confederation. (The three humans
share looks)
DAVIS
(After the gate is shown dialing) Chevron
1 encoded ...
MAN
(Faintly heard over intercom) Hammond,
Line 1.
HAMMOND
(Grabbing phone on side of console)
(Faint over noise of gate) This is Hammond.
Yes, Sir. We’ve just ...
DAVIS
Chevron 2 encoded.
HAMMOND
May I ask why?! (A second later) Understood.
(Hangs up) (To Davis) Sergeant, abort
the dialing sequence.
DAVIS
Yes, Sir. Aborting dialing sequence.
HAMMOND
SG-15, your recon mission has be scrubbed
till further notice ... you may stand
down.
DAVIS
Sir? What’s going on?
HAMMOND
That’s what I aim to find out.
Daniel and Teal’C are seen running thru the building. Rocks are
heard falling.
TEAL’C
It would not be wise to attempt that
again, DanielJackson!
DANNY
(With a cylinder) OK. Now, if I’m right,
(Opening cylinder) These are newspapers
...
TEAL’C
It seems to be faint pictures.
DANNY
Yes, and hopefully they’ll say 1,000
words ... it seems to be similar to
ancient Celtic text I found in Wales.
I should be able to make some of this
out. (Teal’C looks up nervously as more
of the building appears to crumble)
We need to go thru all of these, we’re
looking for a big headline.
TEAL’C
This cavern may be unstable. I believe
it would be best if we returned to the
surface.
DANNY
I don’t think so ... if this doesn’t
serve our purpose, we’ll have to take
another look around. If the Ashen really
do have something to hide, I don’t think
we’re gonna get a second chance.
MELLON
Colonel ... you seem pensive.
JACK
No, I was just thinking. You’re offering
a lot more than we asked for.
MELLON
Our motives are not selfless. Perhaps
you offer more than you give yourself
credit for.
SAM
Access to the Stargate network?
MELLON
And a promise of much more, Major Carter.
An introduction to the advanced races
that you have befriended just as the
Volien have introduced you to us. Your
ways and culture will enrich ours. The
Ashen are not the natural explorers
that you so obviously are. Fortified
by our technology, you can continue
your exploration ... share with us what
you’ve learned.
JOE
(Long sigh) You understand, I have to
present your offer to our leaders?
MELLON
You’ll find we are a very patient people,
Ambassador. (Joe nods, Borren rises)
In the meantime, I will also confer
with MY leadership, and recommend to
them the immediate commencement of trade
between our worlds. (They all rise)
I look forward to our future together.
JOE
So do I.
JACK
(Skeptical) Well, that was ... easy
...
JOE
This was just the first stage. If you
thought this was easy, believe me, you
won’t feel that way when we’re done.
JACK
Am I the only one who has a BAD feeling
about this?
JOE
(Sam raises her eyebrows) Yes. (Leaves)
JACK
(Whispers) Just checkin’.
DANNY
Here’s something. The headline says
something about Pandemic, some sort
of ... I can’t translate that ... maybe
Fever. Now, assuming the Ashen are
the newcomers in this article, they
provided a ... can’t translate that
word ... I don’t know ... appears to
be some sort of ... Vaccine. And the
Volien people were immensely grateful.
TEAL’C
What serves to prove the Ashen people
are honorable?
DANNY
Actually, all it proves is that the
city was abandoned sometime after they
made contact with the Ashen. Cities
are usually abandoned when civilizations
fall.
TEAL’C
Perhaps they relocated elsewhere within
the Ashen Confederation.
DANNY
I just don’t like the sound of that
either ... Kehl said he’d never been
anywhere else.
TEAL’C
This city has been abandoned for many
years.
DANNY
Yes, but. Long enough for Kehl to have
absolutely NO idea it was ever here?
HAMMOND
Welcome back. As per your instructions,
Ambassador, an Air Force Jet is standing
by at Peterson to take you back to Washington
just as soon as you’re cleared by our
doctors.
JOE
Thank you, General. (Looks at Sam and
Jack) History will remember your contribution
to this.
JACK
O’Neill! (Holds up 2 fingers) 2 L’s.
JOE
(Chuckles) And Major, next time I’m
in the neighborhood, I know a restaurant
that beats your Mess hands down.
SAM
(Smiles) I’d like that.
JACK
(Smiles at Joe, Sam, then Hammond) Well,
General. I think it might be time to
reconsider this retirement thing.
HAMMOND
Not yet, Colonel. Come with me. (The
look at each other, then follow Hammond)
(At the star map, P4C-970 is shown)
The President doesn’t want to risk such
a potentially rewarding alliance on
the bases of a note that may or may
not have be a warning from the future.
JACK
I knew that thing was gonna come back
to haunt me.
SAM
General, to confirm the Ashen are from
a world other than 970 is only prudent.
HAMMOND
And if we encounter the Ashen on one
of those other worlds?
SAM
They wouldn’t be too happy about it.
HAMMOND
It could jeopardize the treaty.
JACK
Send a probe!
HAMMOND
For all we know, sending a Probe is
what caused the problem you were trying
to avoid by sending the note.
JACK
Well, technically, I haven’t sent it
yet. If I get a chance again, I’m sure
gonna fill it with a lot more detail.
SAM
We you were probably trying to limit
the causality violation by keeping it
simple.
JACK
(Looking at her, smiling, rather sarcastically)
I wonder whose Idea THAT was. (Grins)
(She looks away grinning.) Sir, you
know me! I wouldn’t have sent the note
without a damn good reason! The President
should know that!
HAMMOND
He’s under a lot of pressure to present
a concrete benefit of the Stargate program
before the next election.
JACK
(Groaning) Ooohhh ... here we go!
HAMMOND
(Sam scoffs) The bottom line is, he
wants us out of it. From now on, this
treaty is a State matter.
SAM
Well, what did Daniel and Teal’C find
out?
HAMMOND
They haven’t returned yet. (Jack looks
worried)
DANNY
The Ashen vaccine had a side effect.
I don’t know what. Well, if the Ashen
wrote about it, I know it’s big news
around here.
TEAL’C
How would you know this DanielJackson?
DANNY
Well, it’s in big, black letters ...
Ashen Vaccine Causes ... something
... I don’t know what it is, but I
don’t think it’s a good thing.
TEAL’C
These picture appear to be much like
those we saw of people celebrating.
DANNY
Ah ... I don’t think they’re celebrating
... I think they’re rioting.
JACK
(Over radio) Daniel? Teal’C?
DANNY
(Into radio) We’re in an underground
cavern. The Ashen know we’re down here?
JACK
(He and Sam are walking in a field)
Negative. Kehl said you were digging
a hole around here?
DANNY
(Quietly) Yeah. (Louder) Um ... stay
put. We’ll come meet you.
JACK
(He and Sam stop walking in the field,
he looks around) Boy, when they dig
a hole ...
SAM
(Into radio) Daniel, where exactly ARE
you?
DANNY
We’re in the ... buried ruins of the
Volien Union’s Capital City. (Teal’C
cocks his head toward Danny) By all
accounts, a thriving Metropolis, I guess
... I think, until the Ashen wiped them
out.
DANNY
(In the briefing room) OK, here’s what
we know ... around 200 years ago, the
Volien were a thriving Urban civilization
approximating turn of the century North
America in terms of technology.
SAM
That wasn’t very long ago.
DANNY
No, it wasn’t.
HAMMOND
What happened to them?
DANNY
Well, all we know is that there was
a flu pandemic similar to the one on
Earth in 1918, that killed over 20 million
people. Now, THAT ... is when the Ashen
came.
JACK
Thru the Stargate?
DANNY
Actually in ships. You See? The Volien
gate wasn’t discover until years later.
The befriended the Voliens, offered
them a vaccine for their epidemic ,
and saved their world. Now, by all accounts,
the Ashen were heroes to the Volien,
and the friendship lasted for years.
But, then, something happened.
JACK
What?
DANNY
I don’t know.
TEAL’C
We found no evidence of a battle.
DANNY
I found one clue ... here. (Points to
the newspaper clipping up on the projector)
Uh ... this word loosely translates
as Medicine/vaccine/drug ... from the
newcomers , followed by causes, followed
by ... some word I can’t translate.
Now, this was the LATEST issue of the
paper we could find, which most likely
indicates the paper shut down or WAS
shut down the very next day.
SAM
(Brainstorming) Vaccine causes ... what?!
DANNY
I don’t know. But it caused something
cause in the span of 200 years, the
Voliens went from an urban civilization
of millions to an Agrarian civilization
of thousands AFTER they were ‘Saved’
by the Ashen.
SAM
General, you have to speak to the President.
HAMMOND
I just tried. He’s being briefed by
the Ambassador, and won’t take my calls.
JACK
General, I never did cash in on that
open invitation to visit the White House.
Remember? Last time we saved the world?
A stretch Limousine is shown on a road approaching the Capital
Building. Jack, looking OH! So yummy in dress blues is in the
car. ;)
JACK
Driver? (Driver looks in rear-view mirror)
Pennsylvania Avenue is that way. (Points
in the back)
DRIVER
We’re picking up another passenger,
Sir.
The car stops, and the door opens. Jack rolls his eyes as Senator
Kinsley sits down.
KINSEY
(Sarcastically) Colonel Starsky! Or
is it Hutch? I could never remember
which one you are.
JACK
Kinsey! What the hell are you doing
here?
KINSEY
I know this is a little more upscale
than you’re used to ... but I wanted
a comfortable place to talk. (He helps
himself to the bar, probably a cognac.
;)) Uh ... drink?
JACK
I have an appointment.
KINSEY
No ... you don’t. (Takes a sip) You
should have heard the President when
he heard you were coming to change his
mind, man, oh, man, he can be cool.
JACK
The treaty’s a mistake.
KINSEY
You were the one who recommended it
in the first place.
JACK
(Pointed) I was WRONG!
KINSEY
Hell, this was worth it just to hear
THAT! Let me tell you what it comes
down to, Colonel. Those of us who have
actually been voted into office would
like the opportunity to make the damn
decisions about the governments we make
treaties with.
JACK
You don’t have all the information!
KINSEY
I know all about the note.
JACK
Which is why you should take it seriously.
KINSEY
We’ve got these experts who know these
things. And they tell me that he ink
on your note was a new, biodegradable
something or other that hasn’t QUITE
been invented yet.
JACK
(Rolls eyes) What’s your point?
KINSEY
What’s the future really like, Colonel.
You can tell me.
JACK
As far as I know, it hasn’t happened
yet.
KINSEY
But it has for you. Hell, you’ve been
back in time, forward in time ... you’ve
seen it all. I just wonder how things
turn out. You know ... without you being
a hero anymore.
JACK
This has nothing to do with me.
KINSEY
And I wonder how far you’d go in stopping
me from becoming President of the United
States.
JACK
You think this is about YOU?! (Kinsley
just looks at him) Oh, of all the self-centered,
egotistical ...
KINSEY
Egotistical ?! YOU’RE the one who can’t
stop playing *GOD* with our future!
(Jack rolls his eyes) The minute we
try to make a DEAL for Alien Technology,
YOU decide that they’re the wrong KIND
of Aliens. Even our Current President’s
begun to see the Pattern, and Boy, he
used to LOVE you! Rest assured, we know
all about the 70% probabilities, the
1 in 4 chances ...
JACK
Kinsey, You’re in WAY over your head!
KINSEY
Am I? This is really a Political Matter,
Colonel, which will require bi-lateral
approval, and that’s why the President
put *ME* ... in charge of the next stage
of negotiations. (Into phone) Driver,
Stop at the Athletic Club, please. (To
Jack) Oh, you’ll get your invitation
to the White House soon enough, Colonel
... just not tonight. ( To Driver) Uh,
Jonathan, when we get to the Athletic
Club, I’ll step out. You go on and take
our guest ... back to Andrew’s. (Holds
up his drink to salute him before drinking
some)
Back at the Base, Jack is looking out at the gate.
HAMMOND
Apparently, we have agreed to make a
token gesture of our good faith. Ambassador
Faxon will deliver it personally, and
return with an Ashen Delegation to meet
Senator Kinsey.
SAM
We’re actually going ahead with this?
HAMMOND
I’m told we’re proceeding with caution.
DANNY
What are we offering?
HAMMOND
A number of gate coordinates.
JACK
(Sarcastically, to himself) There goes
the neighborhood.
HAMMOND
Ambassador Faxon has asked that Colonel
O’Neill and Major Carter accompany him
again.
JACK
I thought we were out of it?
HAMMOND
(Danny’s shown, having a light bulb
moments, takes a notebook and pencil,
and writes on the paper.) Apparently,
he’s insisted. Senator Kinsey’s agreed,
but only to Major Carter, which presents
us with a window of opportunity.
SAM
What can I do?
HAMMOND
Force their hand somehow.
TEAL’C
If we accuse them directly, they may
simply lie.
DANNY
(Shown sitting next to Teal’C, copying
from the newspaper) We may not have
to. (Looks at the paper) I have an idea.
(Hands the paper to Sam)
HAMMOND
(She takes the paper, and looks at Danny,
worried) Major, I can’t ORDER you to
do this.
SAM
I know, Sir ... when do we leave?
In the gate room, the gate is noisily dialing. Kinsey is standing
behind Davis grinning.
DAVIS
Chevron 1 encoded.
KINSEY
Historic day, General.
HAMMOND
Let’s hope so. Senator.
KINSEY
I was referring to your retirement.
(Leaves)
DAVIS
Chevron 2 encoded.
Joe , dressed in a suit, walks in the embarkation room. Sam walks
up to him.
JOE
(Jokingly) Major? Is that what you‘re
wearing?
SAM
(Looks back at Hammond, who nods) (To
Joe) (Quietly, and seriously) (Barely
audible over gate noise) Sir, I have
a lot to tell you and not a lot of time
to do it, so please, listen carefully.
JOE
(Seriously) All right.
The harvester is shown, then they are shown being transported
up into the hull.
JOE
Mellon, Borren ...
MELLON
Ambassador, Major Carter ...
BORREN
Colonel O’Neill has not accompanied
you?
JOE
His duties require him elsewhere. Of
course, it is my pleasure to offer a
gesture of our own ... coordinates and
Stargate symbols to several new world.
MELLON
(The coordinates are in a laptop) (Confused)
It ... is ... our ... honor to ... receive
such a gift.
Joe bows, and smiles. Borren looks at the laptop , confused.
Mellon is turning the computer around trying to figure out what
the hell it is. ;)
SAM
(Noting their confusion) Oh, let me
... the coordinates are on a hard drive
in the laptop. (She takes it, and puts
it on the table) It’ll just take a moment
to display.
She opens it, and types something. Mellon is shown looking at
it, the words Loading with the line goes across the screen.
(We’ve all seen it, right?! ;))
JOE
Our leaders would also like to extend
an invitation to Earth ... to formalize
our treaty.
MELLON
All in time. (The coordinates are shown
flashing across the screen.)
SAM
By the way, Borren, could you read this
aloud for me? (Takes out the paper)
I couldn’t quite translate it.
BORREN
Of course ... (Takes the paper) Sterility.
Mellon, hearing the word, looks up from the computer, to Sam
and Joe. Borren looks confused.
SAM
We knew what you were planning, Mellon,
this just confirms it.
BORREN
What are you talking about?
SAM
Vaccine causes Sterility ... that was
the headline. (Borren looks at Mellon)
You wiped out most of the Volien population,
and turned their entire world into farmland.
You’ll do the same to Earth.
MELLON
Lock them in here, we have a treaty
to conclude.
SAM
If we don’t come back alive, the treaty
is off!
MELLON
Well, that’ll be your loss ... we have
what we wanted.
SAM
(Watches them leave, turns to Joe) I’m
sorry.
JOE
What do you think they’ll do?
SAM
I don’t know.
JOE
O’Neill sent the note to prevent this
from happening. (Sam looks away) We
were so sure.
SAM
(Grabs his arm) Listen ... (Sounds of
gate activating) They’re opening the
Stargate! (They run out to the balcony.
The harvester is shown over the gate.)
They’re dialing Earth! (A loud noise
is heard, they look down)
JOE
What is that?!
SAM
(Steps away from the edge) I don’t know.
(Starts removing her gear from her back)
But we gotta find out. (He helps her
take off her backpack.) When I get to
the bottom ... (She’s tying up a rope
on the railing) follow me down. We’ll
only have a few seconds over the gate.
JOE
What?!
SAM
(She climbs up over the railing) Just
do what I tell you, when I tell you.
(He’s helping her with the rope) Trust
me.
JOE
Ok.
Joe helps her get over, and she starts lowering herself. He watches
as she slowly makes her way down. He hears a noise, and turns
to see Borren.
BORREN
Where’s Major Carter?!
Sam is shown as the gate opens, nearly touching her body. Joe
looks back down at her, then turns toward Borren. He charges,
and tackles the Ashen. (Eat your heart out, The Rock! ;)) Sam
sends the signal to keep the iris open.
SAM
(Yelling) AMBASSADOR!!!!!!!! NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
She looks up to the railing where he previously was, then down
to the open gate, then back up to the railing, her attention
is diverted by the biological weapon she was shown earlier being
lowered over the gate. Her eyes widen.
JOE
(Yelling From the railing) GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
She looks up into his eyes, and he nods his head in confirmation.
She has a look of angst. She sees him being hauled back by Borren.
She looks down at the gate, then cuts her cord, making a freefall
ON HER BACK thru the gate. Traveler’s view is shown going thru
the gate. She is shown FLYING thru the gate, landing on her BACK
on the ramp, and doing a couple of flips, landing at the bottom
of the ramp, laying across the steps, holding her arm.
SAM
(Yelling) CLOSE THE IRIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The iris closes, and a thump is heard. A medic runs to help Sam,
as Kinsey walks in.
KINSEY
(To Jack) WHAT in God’s name is going
on here?!
SAM
(In pain) When they knew we were on
to them, they launched a bio-weapon.
KINSEY
(Looking at Jack) COLONEL!
SAM
I had to warn you, I couldn’t wait for
the ambassador. I’m sorry, Sir.
KINSEY
Colonel! I asked you a question!
JACK
(Ignoring the Senator) You did good,
Major.
SAM
Thank you , Sir.
HAMMOND
Let’s get her to the infirmary NOW!
KINSEY
COLONEL! (Jack grins) I swear, O’Neill.
There’s gonna be an investigation into
this. (Leaves)
JACK
That’d be fine! (Hammond grins) O’Neill
2 L’s! (Holding up 3 fingers)
DANNY
I guess we dodged the bullet there,
huh?
TEAL’C
Senator Kinsley seem most displeased.
(Teal’C looks amused)
JACK
Yeah, that’s a crying shame, isn’t it?
(Hammond laughs to himself)
DANNY
I just hope we don’t regret giving them
those gate addresses.
JACK
I don’t think we will ... the first
one being a black hole and all ... they
get progressively darker from there.
(To Sam, still being stabilized) Carter?
You all right?
She smiles and nods.
THE END
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