STARGATE SG1
Episode 901
"AVALON I"
By
Robert C. Cooper
Open on Stargate at SGC, a man in dress blues walks up the ramp,
looking it over.
TECH
Who's that? *scene moves to control
room*
HARRIMAN
Ltd Colonel Cameron Mitchell, Two years
ago. Dog fight over Antarctica, SG-1
found the ancient outpost took out Anubis'
fleet.
TECH
That's him?
HARRIMAN
That's him.
Mitchell crouches leaning against Gate, voice over as he remembers.
MITCHELL
Remember no matter what we're here to
protect SG-1 at all costs.
Shot of several F-302s, Then on Mitchell at the head of one of
them.
MITCHELL
Target the al-kesh first, gliders second.
Go low boys and girls Prometheus has
our backs.
F-302s swoop in and engages the Goa'uld ships.
BANKS
(Riding with Mitchell) Break left. Two
gliders at out 3 o'clock.
Mitchell glances back, shot of Prometheus coming to pass over
the scout ship.
CARTER
Prometheus!
HAMMOND
(on Radio) SG-1, this is Hammond, do
you read?
CARTER
Yes sir, it's good to see you.
Shot of Alkesh firing on the Prometheus, then Mitchell's screen
indicating enemy and own.
BANKS
Contact. One bandit on the deck and
inbound.
MITCHELL
Tally one. *goes after alkesh, Arms
missile* Fox 2 Fox 2. *both shots miss
the alkesh* so close. *glider gets a
good shot off Mitchell's F-302*
BANKS
we've been hit. Left thruster is down.
Contact two bandits on our six. *alarms
going Mitchell attempts to pull as best
he can*
REVEREND
Blue leader we've got your six.
Another F-302 comes in blowing away one glider and pursuing the
other and it's gone.
MITCHELL
Nice shot Rev.
Rev's F-302 dodges a few shots tailing Mitchell until it is blasted
for behind.
BANKS
He's been hit.
MITCHELL
Reverend!
BANKS
He's gone.
Shots of debris as scene returns to Mitchell in the gate room.
HARRIMAN
*enters.* Chief Master Sgt. Walter Harriman.
*Mitchell stands moving down ramp.*
The Generals ready for you colonel.
MITCHELL
*walks past* Bigger than I thought it'd
be.
HARRIMAN
Yes sir *looks after him* Welcome to
Stargate Command. *follows*
CREDITS
Shot of Cheyenne, Mitchell and Harriman enter Generals office,
boxes still left packed.
HARRIMAN
Feel free to have a seat. General Landry
will be with you in a minute. He's just
finishing up a briefing with SG-12.
MITCHELL
Thank you Sergeant.
Harriman leaves, Mitchell glances round, walking over to star
chart. Barely here Landry talking with SG-12. Once again a flash
back.
MITCHELL
(Voice over) Alright Boys and girls.
Listen Up. *group of pilots for a circle
round Mitchell* Got a change of plans.
New orders from General Hammond. We
are no longer going after Anubis' mothership.
SG-1 is on its way to Antarctica in
a cargo ship.
BANKS
SG-1?
MITCHELL
They think they may have found the lost
city of the ancients.
REVEREND
In Antarctica?
MITCHELL
it doesn't matter where they are, or
what it is they're doing. It's SG-1
and we're gonna cover their asses. ETA
is nine minutes; expect the enemy to
throw everything they have at us. Alright
Saddle up folks.
LANDRY
(and we're back) Cocky sons of a bitches
*walks in* Marines. I've never liked
them. *picks up file, looks at Mitchell*
you must be Colonel Mitchell.
MITCHELL
Yes sir. It's good to be here sir. *stands
at attention*
LANDRY
well your service record is impeccable
Mitchell. What's wrong with you? *drops
file.*
MITCHELL
sir?
LANDRY
Nobody's perfect. Everyone has some
kind of character flaw. What's yours?
MITCHELL
sometimes I can be impatient. Sir.
LANDRY
all pilots have type A personalities
*looks through file* I'm talking about
your kryptonite. Don't worry I'll figure
it out. *shouts* Walter!
HARRIMAN
(over com) The files on your desk along
with the personnel folders you're about
to request sir.
LANDRY
About to request? Walter I'd appreciate
it
HARRIMAN
(over com) Push the button to talk sir.
LANDRY
*sighs, shouts* Thank you Walter! The
thing that's hardest to get used to
around here *pours coffee* is how good
everybody is at their Job. Fact is...I
like yelling at people. Never get the
damn chance.
MITCHELL
I'll try not to lower the average sir.
LANDRY
oooh. Self deprecating sense of humor.
You think it'll make people like you
despite your outward perfection.
MITCHELL
No.
LANDRY
*lifts pile of folders* Here you go
son. Get started.
MITCHELL
Sir?
LANDRY
You heard the disconnected voice of
the little sergeant *hangs up a framed
certificate* with psychic powers. Those
are personnel files. Start picking your
team.
MITCHELL
General. I'm here to join SG-1.
LANDRY
Colonel. You're here to lead SG-1.
MITCHELL
(close up) ah...what about Ltd. Colonel
Carter.
LANDRY
well...she's taken command of Stargate's
RND out of area 51.
MITCHELL
Since when?
LANDRY
Last week.
MITCHELL
and Daniel Jackson?
LANDRY
Dr Jackson put in for re-assignment.
Teal's left the program over a month
ago. I'm surprised General O'Neill didn't
tell you
MITCHELL
No.
LANDRY
Well...that's Jack for you. *picks up
another frame* you know I looked for
the key to that desk for weeks till
I finally got him to admit he never
had one. The man never opened a draw
the whole time he was here.
MITCHELL
I'm sorry sir...the reason that I requested
this post-- *trying to find right words*
wh---why I worked so hard...we--
LANDRY
expresses himself poorly when faced
with unexpected challenges. Your sheet
says you have outstanding leadership
skills. Take the files colonel choose
your team. Before I start to question
the accuracy of that claim.
MITCHELL
*takes files* yes sir.
Jackson's office. He's packing, and sporting a couple of days
old beard. Knocking and we see Mitchell in blue BDUs
MITCHELL
Dr. Jackson.
JACKSON
Colonel.
MITCHELL
My friends call me Cameron. *they shake
hands*
JACKSON
Daniel. *goes back to packing* ...uh...how
are you?
MITCHELL
I'm good thanks.
JACKSON
uh...yeah I heard you were coming.
MITCHELL
yeah. They told me you were leaving.
JACKSON
Yes Finally. *goes to grab some books*
You don't...uh...you don't want to help?
MITCHELL
No. Actually I came to see if I could
talk you into staying.
JACKSON
You're kidding.
MITCHELL
I've been given command of SG-1.
JACKSON
Wow. Well...good for you. You deserve
it.
MITCHELL
Think the SGC still needs you.
JACKSON
whoa there's lots of other guys.
MITCHELL
You're the world's most foremost expert
on the ancients.
JACKSON
Yes and that's why I'm going to Atlantis.
*bunny ears* City of the ancients.
MITCHELL
Listen. General O'Neill gave me the
choice of any posting I wanted. I chose
SG-1. That meant Colonel Carter. Teal's
and yourself. Not two letters a dash
and a number.
JACKSON
Uh...that's nice.
MITCHELL
I wanted to be on the front line working
with the best. I wanted to learn from
you.
JACKSON
look this is all very flattering but
uh...
MITCHELL
That's not the point
JACKSON
I'm sorry. I know why I owe you one.
We all do.
Scene switches to shot of Mitchell's F-302 Dodging shots and
being tailed by a glider.
BANKS
We've lost the turbines.
CARTER
(on radio) Heads up Blue leader. This
is carter. We have another bandit incoming.
MITCHELL
I see it Major. *locks on Alkesh, fires*
Fox 2 *it explodes and he zips through
it* Splash. One Alkesh
CARTER
Well that was close.
And Back to Jackson's Lab.
MITCHELL
Listen Jackson I don't want you to stay
because you think you owe me one `less
of course you're considering it?
JACKSON
oh no...*takes out keys* I was gonna
offer you my apartment. *puts them on
the desk*
MITCHELL
right.
Dakara
MITCHELL
Brother I love what you've done with
the place.
TEAL'C
These columns were salvaged and restored
from the original ancient monument.
MITCHELL
well it's got a real high council feel
to it. Hope you've taken lots of before
and after pictures
TEAL'C
where is the rest of your team colonel
Mitchell?
MITCHELL
actually its still kind of SG-me. That's
one of the reasons I'm here. I was hoping,
maybe you could help me.
TEAL'C
I can offer some names of those I consider
to be honorable warriors.
MITCHELL
I'd appreciate that. I know you're busy.
TEAL'C
we're attempting to build a whole new
system of government that will span
Jaffa worlds through out the galaxy.
MITCHELL
Yeah. How's that going?
TEAL'C
not well.
MITCHELL
well your people did just renounce their
god. Guess you've got to cut them a
bit of a break.
TEAL'C
too many are still steep in an old culture
full of antiquated rituals and our slow
to accept change.
MITCHELL
I understand Major Davis and SG-7 are
trying to help out.
TEAL'C
that has caused problems as well. Many
view the Tau'ri with the same level
of mistrust as a would be enemy. They
see the proposed system of government
as a means to control and subvert their
acquired freedom. My allegiance to the
Tau'ri is not serving me as well as
you might think in votes from the most
traditional Jaffa electorate.
MITCHELL
wow. Politics does really suck everywhere
you go.
TEAL'C
indeed.
MITCHELL
listen. Maybe it's a good thing I came
by...if this doesn't work out. Before
all the space on the team fills...
RAK'NOR
Teal'c. The council is returning from
recess.
TEAL'C
I must go.
MITCHELL
sure.
TEAL'C
It has been good to see you colonel
Mitchell.
MITCHELL
yep.
TEAL'C
I will forward a list of names as soon
as I am able.
MITCHELL
have fun. *mutters* Did I mention I'm
on a mission from god. Ok never mind.
*turns to a guy* yo you want to join
SG-1? *then a female Jaffa* Hi. Cameron
Mitchell. Colonel *salutes*...excuse
me can you tell me which way to the
Stargate. StargateChapp'ai. Ch Just
point a finger.
Control room. Mitchell sitting in from of computer with Carter
on the screen, he clips on his mike.
CARTER
Hi Cameron.
MITCHELL
Hey Sam. It's good to see you.
CARTER
Sorry it took me so long to get back
to you. We have been up to our ears
double checking the new hyper drive.
Then the uplink was jammed with the
long range plotting program being transmitted
by the asguardno need to bore you. How
you been you look good.
MITCHELL
Thanks. Listen Sam. Come back and join
SG-1.
CARTER
I heard you'd been given command of
SG-1 congratulations.
MITCHELL
I'm not kidding you can keep an eye
on RND in your spare time just like
you always have. Besides. Dr. Lee is
pouting cause you got the post over
him.
CARTER
really?
MITCHELL
no I made that up.
CARTER
I have my reasons for wanting this job.
MITCHELL
I had my reasons for wanting this job.
One of them was working with you- and
please do not say that's nice.
CARTER
we'll still work together
MITCHELL
it won't be the same. What if the world
needs saving?
CARTER
well if the world needs saving I will
be there to do what I can.
MITCHELL
What if the world needs saving because
I screwed up because you weren't here
in the first place? *carter gives him
a look, he glances round* How about
we pretend I didn't say that.
CARTER
done.
INTERCOM
Ltd Colonel Carter to the bridge. Ltd
Colonel Carter report immediately to
the bridge
CARTER
Sorry I got to go.
MITCHELL
yea. Buy you breakfast when you get
back on solid ground.
CARTER
You're on. See you soon.
MITCHELL
*waves, groans* well Walter. Doesn't
look like we're getting the band back
together.
Flashback to the dog fight.
MITCHELL
I can't shake him reroute power to the
*explosion, groans. Banks body thrown
forward as lines fuse behind him* Banks
you ok? *Shot on bank, who is dead,
blood streaming from his forehead.*
Banks! I'm losing it hang on back there.
*Pulls levers* Eject. Eject. Damn it
ejection failed. Mayday mayday we are
going in. repeat. We are going in.
Shot of ice as Mitchell's F-302 Hits it at a great force.
Landry's house. Outside. O'Neill and Landry playing chess
O'NEILL
So did you decide to go at the desk
at an angle or...flush with the door?
LANDRY
is that what this is about? You come
all the way to Colorado springs to check
up on me?
O'NEILL
Nah...I had to sign the papers to my
house...and my car...my motorcycle
LANDRY
Yeah I'll never forget that day on the
front porch of my house you standing
there telling me you wanted to tell
me something about the Stargate Program.
*laughs* I though one of us had surely
lost his mind.
O'NEILL
That may actually be true. How are things
working out for Mitchell?
LANDRY
Well...you could of told him that SG-1
had been re-assigned you should have
seen his face.
O'NEILL
Yeah...I suppose huh...
LANDRY
yeah...no...he'll...uh...he'll get his
feet. *moves one of his pieces* mans
a survivor.
O'NEILL
He's also got the best of the best looking
out for him. *moves own piece*
LANDRY
A Generals only as good as the people
he commands.
O'NEILL
Who said that?
LANDRY
I just did. *moves his castle* I mean
Douglas McArthur may have said something
similar. O'NEILL: Didn't he also say
there's no substitute for winning. *moves
his bishop*
LANDRY
*little surprised* actually it was in
war there's no substitute for victory
*knocks over his queen* You seem to
have a knack for it.
Briefing room. Mitchell sitting with a pile of files on one side,
two on other.
LANGUAGE GIRL
I'm fluent in Mandarin, Russian, Spanish,
three dialects of Goa'uld, teneese,
Golap and the yet unnamed language of
the cave people of P3K-447. ...And of
course Ancient. Spoken as well as written.
Go ahead say anything.
MITCHELL
Nah it's ok I believe you.
LANGUAGE GIRL
toa puta ago. Which is actually just
I believe you. That's ok is a modern
vanacular that can't be directly translated
into ancient however--
MITCHELL
This is really unnecessary.
LANGUAGE GIRL
ono mattah na tario.
MITCHELL
thank you
UPTIGHT AIRMAN
87 mission hours to 32 alien planets.
Front line ground combat on four different
occasions.
MITCHELL
I was hoping you could tell me something
about yourself. Something...*drops file
on desk* personal.
UPTIGHT AIRMAN
*thinks* people call me Dave.
MITCHELL
*shifts, opens file, reads* says here...that's
your name.
UPTIGHT AIRMAN
yes.
MITCHELL
*eats gum, now less files on left more
on right*
DORKY AIRMAN
The magnetic Properties of the planet.
Make it an excellent choice for the
long term study of positively charged
ions on the neurons of the brain.
MITCHELL
*picks out from behind file.*
WORKOUT AIRMAN
*doing pushups on floor* 25...26...27...28
*Mitchell looks over table*...29...30...31...32...
SCIENTIST 1
We have modified the android body recovered
from PC3- 989 and are currently incorporating
the experiences of every SG team member
since the inception of the program into
a viable artificial intelligence.
MITCHELL
wait I mean...are you guys saying that
this thing actually exists?
SCIENTIST 1
we haven't received our funding yet.
But we were hoping that with your support.
Perhaps a funding body would look more
fondly on our proposal. *Mitchell stands
heads to window to look at gate.*
SCIENTIST2
Don't make a decision yet. We do have
a precise but thorough 380 page report
into---
Flashback again. Mitchell's window smashed on impact he looks
frozen, with multiple bruising.
MAN ON RADIO
thousands over bright yellow...I don't
know. They're coming from the surface.
I don't know what they are. They're
cutting the enemy fleet to shreds. My
god it beautiful.
ANOTHER MAN
They're ancient weapons. Its SG-1 they
found what they were looking for.
AND ANOTHER
THE ships are being destroyed. They're
just exploding everywhere we look.
Shot from Mitchell's point of view, a nurse Hanging an IV.
NURSE
Don't worry. It's gonna be ok...
Fades out, next one of nurse and doctor
NURSE
Respiration is weak.
DOCTOR
He's bleeding internally. I need uh...
Fades out, next one of An airman in dress blues.
AIRMAN
Ltd Adam Banks body was recovered at
0843 This morning.
Fades out, next Mitchell's Mother.
MOTHER
Oh my god...Cameron.
Fades out, next one of doctor
DOCTOR
we make the chance of you walking again
quite slim but...with physiotherapy
hopefully--
Fades out, next one of Jackson.
JACKSON
None of us would be here today if it
wasn't for what you did.
Fades out, next one of Carter and some other airman in dress
blues.
CARTER
The congressional medal of honor is
the highest award for valor in action
against an enemy force that can be bestowed
upon an individual serving in the armed
forces of the united states of America.
On behalf of the president...
Fades out, next one of O'Neill.
O'NEILL
You get well soon. And when you do...you
can do anything you want...and I mean...professionally
anything you want. Well not anything.
Mitchell Runs into gate room
MITCHELL
What's up sir?
LANDRY
I wanted you here for this. SG-12 sent
word five minutes ago they should be
arriving momentarily.
HARRIMAN
Receiving IDC opening the Iris.
Iris opens. And out steps Vala with two members of SG-12.
VALA
Well...don't you all have me surrounded.
LANDRY
welcome to the SGC I'm General Landry.
VALA
Vala. Vala Malduran Thank you so much
for the lovely greeting party we all
had a wonderful time searching each
other didn't we boys? *two guys shake
their heads, looks at Mitchell* I know
we haven't met. That I'm sure I would
remember.
LANDRY
Ltd Colonel Cameron Mitchell.
MITCHELL
Nice outfit.
VALA
Thanks. *walks past, other men back
up, weapons on her* While I'd normally
be thrilled to have so much testosterone
at my disposal. Where's my Daniel?
Briefing room, Daniel walks in, Vala standing, smiles on seeing
Him. Landry and Mitchell sitting down, with big metal box.
JACKSON
Ok Where is it?
VALA
Nice to see you too. How have you been?
JACKSON
Tablet. The one that leads to incredible
buried ancient treasure.
VALA
There is no tablet. *Mitchell looks
at her*
JACKSON
What?
VALA
I lied. I had to tell you in...person.
*whispers* I'm pregnant. Pretty sure
it's yours anyway...there's at least
a one in ...ten chance. *winks at Mitchell
who has to do a double take. She grins*
LANDRY
*Jackson goes to leave room* DR. Jackson!
You're the reason we let her through
the gate.
JACKSON
I'm sorry sir I really have to finish
packing. LANDRY: The Daedalus doesn't
leave for another 12 hours *gets up,
leaves* at least have a look.
VALA
*Mitchell opens box as Jackson walks
back over. Vala takes out tablet* Thank
you. *hold it out to Jackson, who grabs
it off her, not happy*
JACKSON
uh...yep...don't know where you can
get this but uh...you got ripped off.
*holds it out to her* its complete gibberish
VALA
Its written in code. *Mitchell gets
up to look*
JACKSON
Well I can't crack this in a few hours.
VALA
I know the cipher.
JACKSON
Then why do you need me?
VALA
well reading it is one thing. Understanding
it is another. The individual I got
this from assured me that the treasure
it describes is here on earth. Now I
could have come by ship and looked for
it myself but I know nothing about your
fair planet. Other that it seems to
have an interesting if somewhat limited
gene pool.
Both men look up then at each other, frowning.
Jackson's lab, full of boxes.
JACKSON
So...where'd you get this?
VALA
The Jaffa may have won their freedom
but theirs still more than a few Goa'uld
out there. Most of them have lost their
Dynasties though and are either on the
run or in hiding.
JACKSON
Ye or plotting some means of regaining
their power.
VALA
*walks around picking up stuff* Yes
and in the mean time, they are having
a lot of trouble maintaining the lifestyles
to which they had grown accustomed to
the last 5000 years or so. As such there
are a number of rather interesting artifacts
currently on the market. Anyway that
isn't the issue the question is...what's
it worth?
JACKSON
Well...the ancients aren't really known
for secret stashes of Gold like these
for example. *picks up a gold stick,
she picking up the other.* wait a minute,
these markings are Goa'uld treasures
suppose to be ancient what do they have
to do with this.
VALA
These are actually only loosely related
to the tablet.
JACKSON
Yeah how?
VALA
You ever heard of the Goa'uld nut?
JACKSON
as in...cashew? Pea? Oh you mean Egyptian
sky goddess.
VALA
yes.
JACKSON
No never heard of her.
VALA
These were her ceremonial marriage bracelets.
She wore one and her husband of the
moment wore one.
JACKSON
of the moment?
VALA
yes she had many. That's one of the
few admirable things about her. *slaps
the gold around Jackson's arm, it locks
round like a bracelet. Takes the other
from him*
JACKSON
Ow. What are you doing? *tries to pull
band off* Security. *two airman aim
at her* ok. That was fun. Now take it
off.
VALA
Not until we find the treasure.
JACKSON
What?
VALA
These bracelets *slaps the other on
her wrist* link us together. The tablet
is mine and I want my fair share of
what it leads to.
Dr Lee is attempting to saw through the bracelet, Jackson looks
as if he's been there a while.
LEE
*Stops* that's the third blade I've
gone through. I'm not gonna be able
to cut it off...the hand. If we remove
the hand...I know that on first blush
that doesn't sound like a viable option
but in understand that Dr Bennet is
becoming quite proficient at attaching
th--
JACKSON
I thought SG-12 checked everything she
had on her.
LEE
they did...and and in their defense
at that time the bracelet was giving
off any kind of energy signature. I
mean even now it's barely measurable.
JACKSON
so what's it doing...I mean how does
it work?
LEE
well...*looks at screen* I don't know
JACKSON
*sighs disconnects from machine*
LEE
no no...I just need a little more time.
JACKSON
I'll find out. *Walks over to door and
collapses*
LEE
oh hey are you ok? *runs over*
Vala's holding cell. Landry walks in.
VALA
*holds up light* Come to torture me
LANDRY
How old are you?
VALA
Hmm...mental abuse won't work either.
LANDRY
I have a daughter about your age. Hasn't
listened to me since she was 12. doesn't
matter what I say or do.
VALA
You're not gonna bore me with your personal
life are you? I have to admit an hour
or two of that might break me.
LANDRY
I don't like being deceived.
VALA
I'm not here to hurt anyone. And I really
do hope this leads to something fabulous
for all of us but its not easy out there
and I'm sure you can appreciate that
a girl has to do what a girl has to
do to surviv--
LANDRY
I'm about as interested in your sob
story as you are in mine. I just want
you to know that Dr Jackson is the one
who recommended I let you through the
gate. He thought there was a chance
that what you had to offer might be
legitimate. And he's the one with an
alien device now stuck on his wrist.
Now how this plays out and what you
get out of it in the end I'm going to
leave entirely up to him *she moves
hands to his shoulders* I would--- *Vala
collapses*
Jackson wakes in infirmary
JACKSON
Teal'c?
TEAL'C
Daniel Jackson.
MITCHELL
how you doing?
JACKSON
Uh...fine...I think. What happened I
was...
MITCHELL
It's the bracelet. *Jackson looks at
bracelet*
TEAL'C
They are called KorMac.
MITCHELL
Figured he might know.
JACKSON
Yeah she said they were some sort of
weird Goa'uld nut marriage thing.
TEAL'C
I do not believe that to be the case.
JACKSON
No?
TEAL'C
No.
JACKSON
Should of known.
TEAL'C
I have only heard of them in passing
a very long time ago. I believe it was
Cronus who used technology when a prisoner
of value needed to be transported by
his Jaffa. He would affix a bracelet
such as this to both the prisoner and
the Jaffa responsible for him. If they
became separated for more than a short
period of time they would both become
ill and die.
JACKSON
Both?
VALA
That's just about the stupidest thing
I have ever heard. *lying across from
them*
JACKSON
*sits up* you didn't know?
VALA
Well I knew it would make you sick.
I didn't know it would have the same
effect on me too.
JACKSON
How could you not KNOW?!
VALA
Because the person that I stole them
from didn't tell me that part!
Jackson grabs a pillow and chucks it at her
VALA
Yah! *kicks pillow*
MITCHELL
Question. Why would the Goa'uld design
these things that way?
TEAL'C
To punish the Jaffa for his incompetence.
MITCHELL
Right of course.
JACKSON
Can you take it off?
TEAL'C
I am sorry Daniel Jackson as I have
said. I've only heard of this in passing.
JACKSON
*sits up* please tell me you know how
to take this thing off.
VALA
Yes of course I do. I mean...that's
assuming that the person I stole them
from was honest about that part.
JACKSON
Just do it.
VALA
Alright. Soon as we find the treasure
and I get my fair share.
JACKSON
Ok...*to Teal'c* just to clarify...when
I kill her...I die?
TEAL'C
Just as if you left approximately.
MITCHELL
*Jackson shuts eyes, puts hand to head*
or we could just find the treasure.
*Jackson looks at him* The Deadelus
left two hours ago. Sorry. *Jackson
drops down another chance missed* Look
the tablet is written in ancient code
right? I know its not the lost city
of Atlantis we're looking for here but
what ever it is could be worth finding.
Or you're just gonna have to marry that
chick.
VALA
Yeah. *grins* lets make babies. *Jackson
Groans*
Jackson's Lab.
JACKSON
Are you sure you have the cipher right?
VALA
Yes why
JACKSON
Can't believe I'm missing the Deadelus
for this.
VALA
Get over it.
MITCHELL
You don't have to get back to Dakara?
TEAL'C
The council is in recess until tomorrow.
MITCHELL
curious.
TEAL'C
Indeed
MITCHELL
See this is good in it? Being part of
a team again, Working together to unravel
some cool ancient mystery. Right so...
we're not working together...but any
minute now I bet Dr. Jackson's gonna
discover some key pieces of information's
that sets us off on a great adventure.
JACKSON
This can't be right.
VALA
What is it?
JACKSON
*staring at comp* Uh...well this is
a portion of the database the Atlantis
expedition brought back with them a
few weeks ago... specifically it's the
log of the names of the ancients who
left the planet when it was under siege
from the wraith and returned to earth.
TEAL'C
Thousands of years ago.
JACKSON
Yes
VALA
And what does this have to do with the
tablet
JACKSON
Uh...see the tablet talks about a treasure
but it doesn't make any specific reference
at all to where it is.
VALA
Well it is supposed to be here. *sits
on desk.* that's what the person who
I stole it from told me *all look at
her* before I stole it from him.
JACKSON
Well I think it is here and I think
I know where it is to.
MITCHELL
Right time out. If the tablet doesn't
say...
JACKSON
It doesn't say specifically but it...it
is signed, by a guy named Merdin. *grins,
all staring at him*
MITCHELL
Never heard of him.
JACKSON
I think you have and the amazing part
is his name also appears in the database.
TEAL'C
The ancient who carved this tablet is
one of the ancients who returned to
earth from Atlantis?
JACKSON
Yes.
MITCHELL
I have an Uncle Marvin. I'm pretty sure
I don't have and Merdins.
JACKSON
That's because in English his name sounds
a little different. Have you heard of...Merlin?
MITCHELL
Merlin. King Arthur and the Knights
of the Round Table Merlin?
JACKSON
Yes.
MITCHELL
Was an ancient?
JACKSON
I think so.
MITCHELL
*looks at Teal'c* See! That is what
I', talking about.
Briefing room, Jackson briefing, with his little pics on screen.
JACKSON
Arthur was then carried off in a barge
by Merlin, saying he was headed for
the veil of Avalon which according to
legend was a magical place where the
dead would meet. *Landry looks bored*
Now at the time some said Arthur never
actually died but would in fact one
day return. From what we know about
the ancients it is possible that Avalon
helped Arthur a mortal ascend.
TEAL'S
Are not the ancients prevented from
interfering with the existence of mortals?
JACKSON
Ascended ancients. Yes for the most
part. But its possible Merlin was not
actually ascended himself but was in
fact just a human far along the evolutionary
path.
LANDRY
What does this have to do with where
this alleged treasure is buried?
JACKSON
Well there are a number of inflicting
interpretations but certain threads
point to the Knights of the Round Table.
Gathering great treasures from the far
corners of Arthur's domain and hiding
them in a magical strong hold in Avalon.
MITCHELL
Including the Holy Grail.
JACKSON
According to some.
VALA
This grail...what's that worth? *Mitchell
gives her a look* what?
JACKSON
In 1191 the monks at Glastonbury abbey
claimed to find the grave of king Arthur,
on the stone burial was an inlay lead
cross with the inscription "Hic iacet
sepvltvs inclytvs rex artvrivs in insvla
avalonia" here lies the famous king
Arthur buried on the isle of Avalon.
The claim was not taken seriously until
1278 when Henry II ordered the grave
to be exhumed, now Glastonbury a small
town about 125 miles west of London
has been a pilgrimage for believers
since.
LANDRY
Yes yes and the point is? *gets up,
and so does Mitchell in respect, Landry
waves him to sit down*
JACKSON
certain Celtic legends says that Glastonbury
tore the hill overlooking the town (I
did something on this a few weeks ago
weird) is actually hollow and that contained
within it is the underworld Avalon.
LANDRY
Has no one ever done any sort of geological
survey?
JACKSON
Their have been several scientific studies
apparent--
LANDRY
Jackson, I...I...I
JACKSON
We're talking about the ancients here
sir. It's very possible that the underground
entrance was concealed by some technology.
MITCHELL
Sir. We're hoping to use the Asguard
sensors aboard the Prometheus to find
something we haven't been able to see
before.
LANDRY
Thank you. Well two years ago I wouldn't
have believed we'd find an ancient outpost
under a mile of ice in Antarctica. I'll
call the president. I'm sure he'll want
to inform the British prime minister.
*heads to office*
MITCHELL
*to Jackson* that was fantastic. You
talked to Carter yet?
JACKSON
Uh yeah...she can't make it.
MITCHELL
What? This is huge we could be on the
brink of another major discovery of
ancient technology here.
JACKSON
I'm sure she'll be interested in whatever
we find.
VALA
hey *links arm through his following
Jackson* Try playing hard to get.
MITCHELL
Man look whose talking.
On board Prometheus. In armory.
MITCHELL
*Throws Jackson a vest* so what do you
think the range of these things is?
JACKSON
Well Dr Lee seems to think we need to
stay within 100 feet or so...more than
half an hour outside that boundary we'll
begin to feel the effects
MITCHELL
You know if we do find something I'm
thinking...maybe Teal'c and I should
check it out.
JACKSON
uh...I missed the Daedalus because of
this...if we find a secret ancient base
I'm going.
MITCHELL
it means we have to take her with us.
JACKSON
good point
MITCHELL
look. I want you there. You know that.
I'm just thinking we could stay in radio
contact.
MARKS
Ltd Colonel Mitchell please report to
auxiliary control room two.
Auxiliary control room two. They enter
VALA
Ah now this brings back memories.
JACKSON
ah how's that?
VALA
isn't this where I beat you up?
JACKSON
no.
VALA
*looks up* no I'm pretty sure that right
there is where I crushed *touches his
cheek* your--
MITCHELL
*walks between them* Alright excuse
me kids. Marks what you got?
MARKS
Well thanks to the Asguard sensors.
*rolls to other computer* we were able
to map around the energy distortion
that would have normally fooled deep
ground sonar. I was able to define a
large main cavern, network of tunnels
and some smaller caves.
MITCHELL
well done Ltd.
VALA
*leans close to Marks* can you see what's
in there....say large piles of precious
metals? *Jackson pulls her up, moving
hand on her shoulder then after a minute
quickly pulling it away*
MARKS
Like I said we could only map the exterior
of the structure.
MITCHELL
can you get us in there *points*
MARKS
Well it's almost a half mile underground
and there's no visible access on the
surface.
JACKSON
Asguard beams.
MARKS
Tried that. Doesn't seem to penetrate
whatever sort of energy field is disguising
the caves.
VALA
rings. The ancients were the gate builders
right? And they invented the rings to...they
had to get in there some how and I know
this ship has rings, *turns to Jackson*
its how I...
JACKSON
yeah yeah yeah good times. She's right
though.
MARKS
If there are rings down there, we should
be able to lock on. But your radios
won't work.
MITCHELL
Looks like we're all going. *pats Jacksons
shoulder, Vala does a little yes gesture*
MARKS
You'll be on your own
MITCHELL
Ladies first.
VALA
*turns to Jackson* well then after you.
Jackson head out first then Vala, followed by Mitchell and Teal'c.
MITCHELL
*to Teal'c* come on this is fun right?
They ring down into a large room.
MITCHELL
wicked...and empty.
VALA
*sighs* I haven't been this disappointed
since Daniel and I had sex. *Teal'c
stops and looks at Jackson*
They walk up near a pedestal, which lights and a sword appears
in the stone.
MITCHELL
The sword in the stone
VALA
what's that suppose to mean?
JACKSON
well...King Arthur once pulled a sword
from the stone as proof of his righteousness
and royalty.
MITCHELL
'Excalibur'.
JACKSON
actually that's a common misconception.
See 'Excalibur' was forged by the lady
of the lake at Avalon but it wasn't
given to King Arthur till after the
sword he pulled from the stone was broken
in battle.
MITCHELL
*Laughs, steps forward, spits on hands
and rubs them together, walks up grips
sword trying to pull it out, obviously
struggling*
VALA
*whispers to Teal'c* Give it a try muscles
I'll give you half.
MITCHELL
Ahha...yeah *lets go* It's in there
pretty good.
MERLIN
(Hologram)*appears* Welcome. Ye Knights
of the Round Table. Men of honor. Followers
of the path of righteousness. Only those
with wealth of knowledge and truth of
spirit shall be given access to the
underworld, the storehouse of riches
*Vala turns to Teal'c grinning, Mitchell
making his round the image.* of ambrosias
Coriolanus. Prove ye worthy and all
shall be revealed.
JACKSON
That's incredible. *images disappears*
certain scholars have speculated that
ambrosias and Arthur are one in the
same but... that would mean he was 74
years old at the Battle of Mount Badon.
*Vala move to sword* its actually quite
fascinating see ambrosias was the son
of the emperor con--
VALA
Yes yes yes. *sits on pedestal* fascinating
is the one thing its not...how do we
prove ye worthy and get all to be revealed.
JACKSON
I have no idea but something tells me
truth of spirit might be a problem for
you.
VALA
*Pulling at sword a little* you know
nothing about me.
JACKSON
Cause everything that comes out of your
mouths a lie.
MITCHELL
Don't make me separate you two.
TEAL'C
perhaps there is something in these
tunnels.
MITCHELL
see that is why he's here. Genius. We're
going to split up. I'm with Teal'c.
*goes to follow Teal'c* Yo. Wait up.
Teal'c and Mitchell walking down corridor
MITCHELL
I Guess it would be too easy for them
to just leave their stuff out in the
open. *Teal'c does not reply* maybe
its just me but... I'm digging this
rappor development between the two of
us
Vala and Jackson walking down corridor
VALA
You should give me a weapon.
JACKSON
nope.
VALA
they're could be some sort of icky creature
down here left behind to protect the
treasure.
JACKSON
for hundreds of years?
VALA
some sort of stasis or hibernation,
what if it senses our presence and awakens
hungry for human flesh.
JACKSON
doesn't quite sound like the ancient's
style.
VALA
still...
JACKSON
I'm sure if there is a monster down
here its gonna be much more scared of
you than you are of it. Especially once
it gets to know you.
Teal'c and Mitchell come to a small room, as Mitchell enters
flames burst in a circle around a pedestal.
MITCHELL
check this out.
Teal'c walks in and the a wall comes down behind them.
MITCHELL
ok...that can't be good. *hits radio*
Jackson come in. *no answer* Jackson.
Can you hear me?
Vala and Jackson come to a small room, flames burst in a circle
around a pedestal.
JACKSON
if you immediately know the candlelight
is fire...
VALA
huh?
JACKSON
nothing.
VALA
Hmmm...
They enter and the wall comes down behind them.
JACKSON
ok...the hologram said that only those
with the wealth of knowledge and truth
of spirit will pass. *both walk up to
pedestal which has two pots on it, with
writing below each* This has to be a
test.
VALA
What doe its say?
JACKSON
The Universe is infinite.
VALA
That seems infinitely not useful. How
about this one?
JACKSON
The treasure is in this pot.
VALA
Really? I was hoping for something a
little more substantial but ok.
JACKSON
No wait wait wait.
VALA
Too obvious?
JACKSON
Give me a minute. *she waits, then goes
to lift lid of pot* not a minute *she
stops* still not a minute.
Mitchell's Pedestal has different stones on it and some writing
below.
MITCHELL
Alright. I am assuming...this is some
kind of puzzle. Can you read this writing?
TEAL'C
*Walks over* no
MITCHELL
well I think we're suppose to arrange
the stones in some sort of order.
TEAL'C
*looks at wall, and fires P-90 at it,
Mitchell jumps grabbing own* MITCHELL:
Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Man Bullets Bounce!
*Teal'c grins at him, he pulls down
all the stones*
Jackson on one side of the table Vala on other.
VALA
Ok. How about this. We open both of
them which ever one's got the treasure
in it is the right one.
JACKSON
No I think that's the wrong idea. There's
two pots here I think the point of the
exercise is to only open one pot.
VALA
*points at silver* this says treasure
is inside.
JACKSON
right which makes it the obvious first
choice
VALA
so over to the gold!
JACKSON
No.
VALA
back to the silver then. *opens pot*
JACKSON
D-d-d-d-d-don't
VALA
its empty. *looks up* there's nothing
I hate more than a bold faced lie. *goes
to open gold* OK
JACKSON
*stops her* would you stop.
VALA
What? We're already trapped in here
how much worse could it get? *lots of
rumbling, sand falling as the ceiling
starts to lower.*
JACKSON
How about that much?
VALA
It was a mistake the moment I said it.
The moment
Mitchell picks up final stone trying to concentrate lays it down
MITCHELL
Ok...that didn't work. *the ceiling
starts to vibrate and move down.*
TEAL'C
indeed.
MITCHELL
Oh come on.
They both try to move the stones best they can.
Vala opens gold pot
VALA
This ones empty to.
JACKSON
I know.
VALA
That doesn't make sense.
JACKSON
I know!
Teal'c trying to hold ceiling up, while Mitchell changes stones
order.
TEAL'C
Colonel Mitchell!
MITCHELL
Two down and only a billion more combinations
to go.
TEAL'C
*through gritted teeth* are you still
having fun colonel Mitchell?
Ceiling reaching Jackson's head
VALA
So what do we do?
JACKSON
I don't know.
VALA
You don't know? So now is a bad time
to tell you I hate small spaces?
Teal'c struggling
MITCHELL
You ever get that bad feeling about
something.
TO BE CONTINUED
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