Birthright/Transcript

Episode Guide

 * 7.10 "Birthright" Episode Guide

Transcript
TEASER

EXT&mdash;ALIEN FOREST

[A lone Jaffa walks through the forest. He anxiously looks around, starting at every sound he hears.]

O'NEILL Right, hold it, right there!

[O'Neill appears from a bush behind the Jaffa, weapon raised and aimed at the Jaffa. Carter and Daniel approach him from other angles, their weapons also aimed at him.]

DANIEL Hey!

RYK'L I am Ryk'l, of the Goa'uld Moloc.

[Teal'c approaches him and they stand face to face. O'Neill keeps a watchful eye on the surroundings as they talk.]

RYK'L Shal'kek nem'ron.

TEAL'C I too will die free, brother.

[He offers his hand in friendship, which Reiku accepts.]

RYK'L Teal'c of the Tau'ri, your legend proceeds you. Thank you for meeting me.

TEAL'C We have been told that there are many here who believe in the dream of freedom for all Jaffa.

[A staff weapon blast suddenly hits Reiku in the back, killing him instantly, and SG-1 take up defensive positions behind a rock amid a barrage of blasts. Several Jaffa come out into the clearing, and a fire fight ensues between them and SG-1. Then a huge wave of staff weapon fire comes from the left of SG-1, aimed at the attacking Jaffa. O'Neill and Daniel look to where it is coming from with puzzled faces, as the fire destroys the Jaffa.]

O'NEILL (to Teal'c) More rebel Jaffa?

TEAL'C There is only one way to be certain. (shouting) Shal'kek Nem'ron!

[SG-1 look into the smoke drifting past where they weapons fire came from.]

TEAL'C Shal'kek Nem'ron!

[SG-1 raise their weapons as they detect movement. 2 female Jaffa emerge from the smoke, staff weapons in the hands. The first woman speaks, gently.]

MALA Warriors of the Tau'ri, we mean you no harm.

[Another female warrior joins them. Daniel looks on as three others join the group, making a total of six.]

MALA Please, come with us.

[Teal'c and O'Neill narrow their eyes, as if considering their request.]

END TEASER

OPENING CREDITS

EXT&mdash;ALIEN FOREST

[A glider swoops overhead, as the female warriors and SG-1 are still in the clearing. Both O'Neill and Teal'c look up at the sound of the glider.]

MALA (to the female standing next to her) Shal'kek, tal'kree.

[The warrior standing next to her leaves.]

MALA (To SG-1) The stargate will not be accessible for long, we must hurry.

[The other female kneels beside one of the wounded Jaffa, and takes out a canister. She removes the symbiote from the Jaffa, placing it in the canister. SG-1 look on, horrified.]

DANIEL What's she doing?

MALA There's no time to explain here, please come with us.

NEITH Kel ma lek!

MALA Kree shak nel.

NEITH They're outsiders.

MALA They are SG-1 of the Tau'ri.

O'NEILL (quietly, to Teal'c) Hey, what's going on?

TEAL'C (gesturing to Mala) This one believes we should return to her planet, that one believes it would not be wise.

MALA Please, we knew you'd be here.

TEAL'C How?

MALA Our intelligence network runs deep within the Jaffa of Moloc. We came to ask for help. I promise you will be safe.

DANIEL Well they did save us.

[O'Neill and SG-1 exchange glances, as if assessing the situation.]

EXT&mdash;WORMHOLE

EXT&mdash;ALIEN PLANET

[A group of four Jaffa women, two on horseback, are by the gate, and greeting the returning party of Jaffa and SG-1.]

MALA Welcome to Ha'ktyl.

[Daniel leans over to Teal'c]

DANIEL Independence?

TEAL'C Liberation.

MALA Our dwellings are this way, please.

O'NEILL Ah, y'know, we really should call home first, let the folks know where we are. It's past our curfew.

MALA By all means.

[O'Neill nods to Carter, who is standing just behind him. She moves off to dial home.]

NEITH (to Mala) Why have we brought them here?

MALA Because that was our mission.

NEITH (with slight aggravation in her voice) Why was I not told?

[Daniel and Teal'c pick up on the uneasiness between Neith and Mala and exchange concerned looks.]

MALA Because we know you would disagree. Go ahead, tell Ishta of our success.

[She mounts one of the horses, and rides off to the settlement. SG-1 watch her leave.]

EXT&mdash;A'KTYL

[SG-1 and the Jaffa party are walking through a field, with a line of trees behind them. Carter is a few paces in front, with Daniel, Teal'c and O'Neill walking in a line behind her. Jaffa make up the front and rear of the group.]

O'NEILL So, Teal'c, who are they?

TEAL'C My knowledge of the Goa'uld Moloc is limited. However, I am unaware of any Goa'uld who would permit his women jaffa to be warriors.

DANIEL They seem to be well trained.

TEAL'C All females receive training. They are expected to defend their home world with their lives if their men are called to battle.

DANIEL I can't help but think of the ancient Greek amazon mythos.

O'NEILL Yes. Me too.

DANIEL They were female warriors who occasionally captured men from other tribes in order to mate with them.

[Carter looks back at Daniel.]

DANIEL Would often, um, would sometimes remove their right breasts so they could more easily fire a bow and arrow.

O'NEILL I see neither bow nor arrow.

DANIEL No.

O'NEILL Wait, you don't s'pose that's why they want us, do you?

[Carter looks at O'Neill.]

O'NEILL You know, the three of us.

[He gestures to Daniel, Teal'c and himself.]

DANIEL To&hellip;to mate with? No, no, I don't think so.

O'NEILL 'Cos you know me, I'm all for helping people.

CARTER (laughing) Oh God!

[They walk into a campsite. There are a few large tents around the outside, some women are cooking over open fires. Some young children see them, and run away. All the women they pass eye them with distrust. Mala leads them to a large tent in the middle of the settlement.]

MALA You must forgive them, for many of the young this is the first time they have seen men.

[A young woman, about thirteen, and an older woman watch SG-1 carefully. O'Neill looks around. A woman comes out of the main tent. She looks proud and solemn, with the look of a leader.]

MALA This is Ishta, our leader.

[Ishta walks down the steps from her tent, and Neith comes out of the tent after her.]

O'NEILL Well howdy Ma'am, it's nice to meet you.

[She walks straight past him, to Teal'c.]

O'NEILL I've heard so&hellip;actually I've heard nothing about you.

[He trails off and she stands opposite Teal'c.]

ISHTA Teal'c, of Chulak. Former First Prime of Apophis. Shol'va who has become a legend.

[O'Neill leans over to Daniel, who is standing next to him.]

O'NEILL Bit thick don't you think?

[Daniel ignores this comment.]

TEAL'C (to Ishta) I am no legend. I fight, as any true hearted Jaffa, for the freedom that we deserve.

[He bows his head, and Ishta returns the nod. He then gestures to his team.]

TEAL'C This is Daniel Jackson, Major Carter, and Colonel O'Neill.

[Ishta goes over and stands in front of them.]

O'NEILL Hello.

ISHTA I have asked you here so that I may propose an alliance.

O'NEILL That's a fine idea. We should sit, talk, nosh.

TEAL'C No alliance can be formed between the Tau'ri and those who would steal symbiotes from their brother and leave him to die.

NEITH He was no brother of mine. Just a murderer of innocent children!

ISHTA Shal kree!

[Neith folds her arms, but bites her tongue.]

ISHTA There is much to discuss.

[She gestures, and a young woman comes and joins her, her head bowed.]

ISHTA This is Synak. This morning she laid on her deathbed. She reached the age of Prata three days ago.

O'NEILL Hmm?

DANIEL Puberty.

O'NEILL Ah.

ISHTA Without the symbiote we procured this morning, she would be dead now.

[She gestures again, and the young woman seen before comes forward, obviously wary. She comes and stands on the other side of Ishta.]

ISHTA This is Nesa. Younger sister to Neith. She is next to reach the age. Without a symbiote, she will die.

[There is a pause as the seriousness of the situation sinks in.]

ISHTA As will all our children.

INT&mdash;ISHTA'S TENT

[Ishta sits a little higher than everyone else. Neith is sitting on her right side, Mala on her left. Carter sits opposite.]

ISHTA Thirty years ago, Moloc decreed that only male children would be allowed to live. Only they could strengthen his armies and lead him to victory in the war of the gods.

CARTER Well, aside from the obvious immorality, that doesn't make sense. How do you sustain a population of any gender without women?

ISHTA The Jaffa lifespan is longer than humans. This could go on for a hundred years. Any female child is to be sacrificed in the ceremony of fire, immediately after they're born.

CARTER They're burned to death?

ISHTA Yes.

EXT&mdash;HA'KTYL

[Settlement life continues around SG-1. O'Neill, Teal'c and Daniel wait for Carter to come out. Daniel opens a power bar.]

O'NEILL Well this is a bit&hellip;odd.

DANIEL Maybe they just feel more comfortable talking to Sam.

O'NEILL Why, because we have penises?

[Daniel coughs.]

DANIEL Power bar?

O'NEILL Yeah, thanks.

[He takes the bar off Daniel.]

INT&mdash;ISHTA'S TENT

CARTER So how did you start bringing them here?

ISHTA As a temple high priestess, part of my duty is to keep record of births. And to preside over the ceremony of fire itself. (barely containing her anger) I could not sit back and watch my sisters being murdered and do nothing.

[Carter nods]

ISHTA As high priestess I, along with my seconds Mala and Neith, are allowed relatively free access to the Chappa'ai of the worlds under Moloc's rule.

CARTER No one outside this camp knows you're doing this.

ISHTA No. Our duties require us to attend to many missionary matters on various planets.

CARTER So you offer the parents of these children a chance for their daughters to live.

ISHTA All but a few Jaffa under Moloc worship him religiously. Not even the parents can be trusted. The children have to be spiritied away, secretly, for fear of being reported to the Imperial Guard.

MALA It is punishable by death to even question the rules of the god.

ISHTA Over the moons we have succeeded in saving many from their birthright of death.

CARTER So you want our help to overthrow Moloc?

[Ishta and Neith exchange glances, Ishta starts to smile.]

ISHTA We may have underestimated you.

CARTER We've gone after Goa'ulds before.

ISHTA Moloc is very powerful. His armies are vasts.

CARTER We have our ways. And some very powerful allies.

ISHTA Forgive us, but our immediate goals are somewhat less ambitious.

NEITH It is an ongoing struggle to procure the symbiotes needed for our young to survive. We lost many of our warriors in these raids. It is said your weapons are formidable.

MALA We also require sustenance. Food and supplies among our growing population are scarce.

ISHTA We are proud warriors. We offer you our services and our knowledge in return. We have an extensive intelligence network among the Jaffa under Moloc.

[Carter smiles slightly.]

CARTER What if I were to offer you an alternative.

[Ishta cocks her head quizzically]

MALA An alternative to what?

CARTER To your reliance on the Goa'uld.

[Neith, Ishta, and Mala exchange glances.]

EXT&mdash;HA'KTYL

[SG-1 discuss Carter's conversation inside the tent.]

DANIEL Tretonin?

CARTER We've had success with it so far.

O'NEILL On all two test subjects.

CARTER It hasn't been easy. Jaffa won't willingly give up their symbiotes, despite the fact it could ultimately free them.

TEAL'C Jaffa believe they will be weaker without them.

DANIEL That's centuries of Goa'uld brainwashing.

O'NEILL Will these women do it?

CARTER Thinking about it. They've suffered some horrible atrocities at the hands of the Jaffa who serve Moloc. It's easy to see why they don't have a problem killing a few of them to survive.

TEAL'C A Jaffa is taught it is more noble to die than to kill another.

CARTER Teal'c, these children have been genetically altered to depend on symbiotes and then has all access to them taken away. Their guardians believe that this is the only way for them to survive.

TEAL'C Then they will have to see that there is another way.

[He leaves. O'Neill calls after him.]

O'NEILL Give them the old Teal'c charm!

EXT&mdash;A'KTYL TRAINING GROUND

[Several sculptures, similar to dream catchers, hang from branches around a clearing in the wood. Teal'c approaches, staff weapon in hand, and stops to look at one of the sculptures.]

ISHTA It means courage.

[Ishta is standing behind him.]

ISHTA Each design represents an ideal that no warrior should ever forget.

TEAL'C Impressive that I did not sense your approach.

ISHTA Is not stealthiness one of the first talents taught to a Jaffa soldier?

[Teal'c turns to look at her.]

TEAL'C With varying degrees of success.

ISHTA You wish to talk me into succumbing to this experiment?

TEAL'C Indeed.

ISHTA Come, walk with me.

[They walk together into the clearing.]

ISHTA Have you really the belief that this&hellip;tretonin is our way to freedom?

TEAL'C If it is successful it may be the first step. As long as Jaffa require symbiotes we will continue to be enslaved by the Goa'uld. The benefit a symbiote provides is not a Jaffa's true strength. And we as a people must begin to realise that sacrifices must be made if we are ever truly to be free.

[They enter the training ground. More sculptures hang from the branches above. the are four stands around the outside of the clearing, with wooden staff weapons leaning against them. It is obviously a site for practising hand to hand combat.]

ISHTA This is where I come to kel-no-reem.

[Teal'c surveys the site.]

TEAL'C Much of our tradition and our way of life has been designed to instil our dependence on the Goa'uld.

ISHTA You believe it is wrong that we kill Jaffa merely that children to live, but what is war for but the preservation of our children? We do not engage the defenceless or the weak. We always fight with honour, and those that die do not die in vain.

TEAL'C One day you will come across a Jaffa scout party that will not so easily be ambushed.

ISHTA Then you doubt our abilities. Is that what this is about? You speak of progress, and shedding of the old ways, and yet you still think a woman needs your protection.

[Ishta walks over to one of the stands and picks up two wooden training staffs.]

ISHTA May your limbs be more nimble that your tongue.

[She throws one of the staffs to Teal'c and takes up a defensive position.]

ISHTA For your sake.

[Teal'c looks at the staff, and takes off his jacket, ready for combat. Ishta removes her cloak. Ishta attacks, and Teal'c defends himself, with one hand behind his back. She lunges, and he ducks as her staff flies over his head. She continues the attack, with him rebuffing every move. Then he makes his attack, still only using one hand, with the other behind his back. Ishta defends herself well, twirling around to strike. Teal'c moves his staff up to block, and they lock staffs in mid air. Ishta suddenly falls to the ground, using her leg to trip Teal'c, who falls on his back. They both leap up, Ishta having dropped her staff and preferring to use her bare hands. She kicks him twice in the head, and grabs his staff.]

ISHTA Do not hold back or you will only anger me further!

[Teal'c throws her off, and she does two back flips as he advances, picking up her staff blast on the last flip. They engage staffs again, Teal'c this time using both hands. The fight continues, with each having to defend as well as attack. Ishta's kicks manage to find their mark again, and she kicks him in the chest and head. He retaliates, grabbing both their staffs. Teal'c flips Ishta over his back, so thatshe is facing away from him. Before she can turn around, he grabs the staffs, forcing her into him and locking her there, the staffs against her throat.]

TEAL'C You have proven yourself a worthy adversary, now hear me! If you say no to tretonin, it will only mean you have an unquenchable thirst for bloodshed and revenge, and that does not serve those who follow your leadership.

ISHTA I sense no symbiote in you

[She looks puzzled, then angry]

TEAL'C You are correct.

[Ishta grabs the staffs, and flips Teal'c over her back. He falls on his back on the ground.]

ISHTA You take this drug yourself and then conceal it? Your actions betray your words!

[She goes to one of the sculptures, and tears it down from the branch it was hanging from. She tosses it to Teal'c who catches it.]

ISHTA That one means pride.

[Ishta leaves.]

EXT&mdash;HA'KTYL VILLAGE

[Ishta address her people from the steps of her tent. SG-1 listen to her words as well.]

ISHTA No longer will we need to lose our sisters in battle. No longer will our daughters be dependent on symbiotes. Teal'c has taken the drug. He stands here before you as evidence. I am asking for four volunteers, to travel with me, to the Tau'ri, to test its effectiveness.

[Several warriors begin looking around, or looking at floor, nervously. SG-1 look around as well. There are a few quiet murmurs, but no one steps forward.]

O'NEILL Is that a pin dropping?

MALA You must not go.

ISHTA Mala, I have made my decision.

MALA Ha'ktyl needs you. You are our leader. I will go in your stead. It is my right as Kindra. You cannot say no.

[Ishta walks down to Mala.]

ISHTA You are brave and true.

FEMALE WARRIOR I too will go.

[She and two other warriors step forward to join Mala. Ishta smiles slightly, then looks over to Neith, who is standing next to Nesa. Neith looks down at the ground. Ishta walks over to her, and looks at her, then Nesa.]

ISHTA Nesa is of the age.

NEITH She is a child.

ISHTA I'm told it's not without risk. But if there is one among us-

NEITH (interrupting) Never! That you would even consider this is an affront to all of us.

ISHTA Your words are disrespectful.

[Neith walks away, taking Nesa with her. Daniel watches with interest. Ishta closes her eyes briefly, then addresses the crowd.]

ISHTA I cannot force her hand. (to Mala) I wish you well.

[Mala nods slowly.]

INT&mdash;SGC GATEROOM

[O'Neill, Carter and the four volunteers emerge from an active wormhole. They are met by Hammond, standing at the base of the ramp.]

HAMMOND Dr Jackson? Teal'c?

O'NEILL As Teal'c would say, undomesticated equines couldn't drag him away.

CARTER The leader of the Ha'ktyl wanted to learn more about the rebel Jaffa. We figured we could send updates on the progress of the tretonin treatment to Daniel through the MALP.

O'NEILL Kind of a PR thing, Sir.

HAMMOND (To the volunteers) I'm General Hammond. Welcome to Earth.

[They nod in acknowledgement.]

EXT&mdash;HA'KTYL

[Teal'c and Ishta walk through a grassy field.]

ISHTA When you rose up against Apophis, did you leave behind someone that you loved?

TEAL'C My son and I have been reunited. He has become a great warrior and travels with my mentor Bra'tac spreading word of our cause.

ISHTA And what of his mother? Does she sit at home, pining away for her hero?

TEAL'C No, she is dead.

ISHTA I am sorry Teal'c.

TEAL'C You could not have known. She dies last year when her symbiote matured and she was unable to procure another.

ISHTA I see.

INT&mdash;SGC INFIRMARY

[Mala is lying in an infirmary bed, about to receive her first treatment.]

MALA What of my symbiote?

FRAISER It's being sustained. We've developed methods of keeping a symbiote alive for some time. As far as the tretonin, finding the right amount is going to be somewhat trial and error. We'll keep increasing the dose until we get the desired effect.

[Mala nods. Fraiser leaves, leaving Carter and Mala alone. Carter sits beside her.]

CARTER You're very brave.

MALA Not so much as you think.

EXT&mdash;HA'KTYL 

[Teal'c and Ishta continue their conversation.]

TEAL'C The rebellion that I helped fuel has caused the Goa'uld to mistrust the Jaffa with their young.

ISHTA You are making a point?

TEAL'C I am speaking only of Drey'uac. She refused to take the life of another Jaffa, even to preserve her own. No matter what their beliefs may have been.

ISHTA What are your memories of her?

TEAL'C She could be as fierce as the wind, or as gentle as the sunshine. And she never feared to be either.

ISHTA You still love her.

TEAL'C I will always have a place in my heart for her.

INT&mdash;SGC INFIRMARY

[Carter and Mala continue their conversation.]

MALA You are close to Colonel O'Neill.

CARTER Yeah. I like to think we have a special relationship.

MALA I hope to one day have a special relationship.

CARTER Oh! No, no it's not like that.

MALA Like what?

CARTER Oh, uh, we aren't, you know, we don't&hellip;

MALA I was speaking of the mutual respect you share.

CARTER I knew that.

[Carter coughs, embarrassed.]

EXT&mdash;A'KTYL

[Ishta and Teal'c continue their conversation.]

ISHTA I am from a world unlike yours Teal'c, where women aren't held in such high regard. My husband was a warrior of high station in Molloc's imperial guard. I was but one wife of many, still, as temple priestess I was afforded many luxuries to make up for my mistreatment.

TEAL'C What has become of your husband?

ISHTA He was killed in battle, against a rival Goa'uld.

INT&mdash;SGC INFIRMARY

[Mala talks to Carter.]

MALA I was once a temple handmaiden. I fell in love with a young palace guard. Our relationship was forbidden because of our station. When it was discovered that I was to have his child, Moloc sentenced my beloved to death, and sacrificed my daughter before my eyes.

CARTER I'm so sorry.

EXT&mdash;HA'KTYL

[Ishta confides in Teal'c. They stand very close to each other.]

ISHTA When will the Goa'uld's thirst for conquest and bloodshed end?

TEAL'C When they are all dead.

EXT&mdash;HA'KTYL VILLAGE

[A group of children play blind man's bluff. They laugh together, while in the background adults take care of the daily chores. Nesa comes and sits down on a log. She looks pensive.]

DANIEL You okay?

[Nesa looks up at him.]

NESA My sister says I shouldn't talk to you.

[Daniel comes to sit beside her.]

DANIEL You don't have to. I'll just sit here for a while. (pause) I'm Daniel.

[She steals a glance in his direction, then quickly looks away. He looks over at her]

DANIEL I wasn't talking to you.

NESA Who were you talking to then?

DANIEL No one. (pause) So how are you?

NESA (sighs) I feel tired.

DANIEL Who you talking to?

NESA No one.

[Daniel nods, and Nesa smiles. She looks at his face.]

NESA What are those on your face?

DANIEL Uh, they're called glasses. They help me see better.

NESA Why would you need to see better?

DANIEL Because my eyes don't see as well as they should.

[Nesa looks at them again.]

NESA How do they work?

[Daniel takes them off and puts them on her face.]

NESA These make your sight worse.

[She hands them back to Daniel, who puts them on.]

DANIEL Yeah, well they work differently for different people.

NESA Perhaps you are in need of a symbiote.

DANIEL Yeah, I'll just stick with the glasses.

NESA Neith has told me that your people don't approve of our use of symbiotes for healing.

DANIEL Well, it's a little more complicated than that. I just think there's a better way.

NESA Neith does not want me to participate in your experiments.

DANIEL I know.

NESA Soon I will require a symbiote.

DANIEL You don't sound very happy about that.

NESA I will become a great warrior like Neith.

DANIEL You know you can do that without a symbiote.

NESA I can?

DANIEL Mm-hmm. But, um, you didn't hear that from me.

[He smiles.]

INT&mdash;ISHTA'S TENT

[Ishta and Teal'c have just finished a meal. Ishta pours Teal'c a drink from a large jug. The tent is filled with candlelight.]

ISHTA Have you nothing to say?

TEAL'C I have spoken more in two days than I have in many years.

ISHTA (softly) And so you are done?

[They exchange long lingering glances in the silence.]

TEAL'C Perhaps I should take my leave.

[Ishta looks as if she id going to let him go, then she stops him for rising.]

ISHTA Thoughts of your wife still linger, that's understandable. But she's been gone now for over a year. There is no sin in taking comfort in another lonely soul, if you wish.

[She moves forward, and they kiss.]

INT&mdash;SGC INFIRMARY

[A nurse attends Mala, then draws a curtain across as she leaves. Carte and Fraiser discuss her progress.]

FRAISER Mala's the only one not responding. Her white blood cell count is way down. If this keeps up she'll go into sepsis.

CARTER What can you do?

FRAISER Continue to increase the tretonin levels. But she's already at double the doses of the others. I want to put her in isolation.

[Carter nods]

FRAISER We had no guarantees going in. Some would say an 80% success rate isn't bad in a trial like this.

CARTER Not in the minds of the Jaffa.

FRAISER We're not dome yet. We haven't even begun to explore the reasons why it might not be working in Mala.

CARTER We need this to work.

FRAISER I know.

EXT&mdash;HA'KTYL VILLAGE

INT&mdash;DANIEL'S TENT

[Daniel is lying on his bed, asleep. Someone points a staff weapon at him at point blank range, and readies it for firing. The noise wakes him, and he rolls over to see the end of the weapon about two inches from his face.]

DANIEL Morning.

[Neith is holding the weapon. She is very angry and upset.]

NEITH You had no right to speak to her.

DANIEL I'm sorry.

NEITH I saved her from her birthright, and it will be the symbiote I procure that will save her once again. I've already lost two sisters, and I will not lose another one!

DANIEL Okay, okay, you lost two sister, I'm sorry.

NEITH Ishta was able to save me, but she couldn't save the next two girls sired by my father. He was a Jaffa stationed high in the imperial guard. I swore that when I came of age no more of my sisters would die. When I heard that my mother had given birth to yet another female, I know what I had to do.

DANIEL You should be proud of that.

NEITH My father discovered the rouse Ishta and I used to keep Nesa away from the fire. I had to kill him so we could escape.

[Daniel looks quickly at the staff weapon still two inches from his head.]

DANIEL Well, don't you want to give Nesa a chance to live free of the Goa'uld?

NEITH Not. Your. Way.

[She closes the staff weapon, the noise of which makes Daniel jump a little. Neith leaves.]

INT&mdash;SGC INFIRMARY

[Mala's vital signs are shown on a monitor. Nurses in the isolation room wear face masks, as does Carter as she talks to Mala.]

MALA You've moved me away from the others because you did not wish to frighten them.

CARTER (shaking her head) The truth is, you're not doing so well. You're more susceptible to infection in your condition.

MALA How are the others responding to treatment?

CARTER Good, very good.

[An alarm starts to sound, and Mala's breathing becomes very laboured.]

CARTER Janet?

[Fraiser and a nurse come over.]

NURSE Her BP is 60 over 40.

FRAISER Give her Avolis.

[Fraiser checks the monitors. Mala continues to struggle to breathe.]

FRAISER We have to put her symbiote back.

[Mala grabs Carter's arm.]

MALA (gasping for breath) Do not.

CARTER If we don't you could die.

MALA This must work if my people are to be free. If I continue to be enslaved by the Goa'uld I carry I am as good as dead.

[She pauses to try and breathe.]

MALA Please.

[Carter looks up at Fraiser. Fraiser looks back. Mala lies back on the bed.]

EXT&mdash;HA'KTYL VILLAGE

[Neith faces a group of warriors]

GINRA You challenge Ishta?

NEITH She is no longer fit to lead us. She consorts with Teal'c. Her judgement has been clouded.

KA'LEL Our sisters have risked their lives for the experiment. Do you see no benefit if it works?

NEITH Even if the tretonin works, it merely places our dependence on the humans of Tau'ri-

WARRIOR 2 Whom you also do not trust.

NEITH Who is to say their intentions are pure. Their leaders are men, they wish to sap our strength with this drug.

KA'LEL We are safe here at the moment, but if Moloc ever learnt that we were behind the raids on his Jaffa-

NEITH Our freedom lies on dominance over the Goa'uld. We must fight, so that we may use their symbiotes to our advantage. Only then will we control our own destiny. I wish to know, is I am to challenge Ishta's leadership, who will follow me?

[The warriors consider for a moment. Another warrior enters, walking through the group to Neith.]

WARRIOR Neith! You must come quick, it is Nesa.

[They leave.]

INT&mdash;SGC INFIRMARY

[Mala is unconscious. She has a nasal tube to help her breathe. Fraiser wheels in a glass chamber, with Mala's symbiote inside.]

FRAISER I'm not waiting any longer.

[A nurse opens the top of the glass chamber, and Fraiser retrieves the symbiote. She places the symbiote inside Mala's pouch, with Carter looking on. O'Neill and Hammond watch from the observation deck, O'Neill squirming a little.]

CARTER How long before we see some improvement?

FRAISER Not long, I hope.

[Mala starts to gasp for breath again, and the lines on the monitor go flat. An alarm sounds.]

FRAISER She's coding! Start CPR, let's intubate. Give me 1 milligram epi, prep for defib!

[Carter, Hammond and O'Neill watch as Fraiser's team start moving frantically about, trying to rescue Mala.]

INT&mdash;NEITH'S TENT

[Nesa is lying on her bed, with Neith gently stroking her hair.]

NEITH Be strong, sister. I will not fail you.

[She leaves.]

EXT&mdash;HA'KTYL

[A group of warriors rush through the edges of the viallge. Daniel and Teal'c watch them pass.]

TEAL'C (To the crowd) What is happening?

WARRIOR (on horseback) Neith has claimed Jon es say ko!

INT&mdash;SGC CONTROL ROOM

[Carter contacts Daniel and Teal'c through the radio.]

CARTER Daniel, Teal'c, this is Sam, come in.

EXT&mdash;HA'KTYL

[Daniel and Teal'c are rushing through the forest, following the crowd. Carter's message comes over the radio. Daniel stops to answer the message, while Teal'c goes ahead.]

DANIEL (into radio) Yeah, go ahead Sam, it's me, Daniel.

CARTER (over radio) We have some bad news.

DANIEL Uh, things aren't going that well here either, what's up?

INT&mdash;SGC CONTROL ROOM

CARTER It's Mala.

EXT&mdash;HA'KTYL

[Realisation dawns on Daniel's face.]

EXT&mdash;HA'KTYL TRAINING GROUND

[Neith falls to the ground. A staff weapon to readied for firing and pointed at her face. It is clear there has been a fight. Ishta is holding the weapon. The crowd have made a ring around the outside.]

TEAL'C Ishta! (pause, then louder) Ishta!

ISHTA You dare intervene! She challenges me. It is my right!

TEAL'C It is your right to grant mercy.

DANIEL (shouting) Excuse me!

[He runs into the ring, out of breath.]

DANIEL Uh, look, I know this is not a good time for this, there never really is for something like this-

ISHTA (still pointing the weapon and glaring at Neith) Speak!

DANIEL Mala's dead.

ISHTA What?

[All those present are clearly shocked.]

DANIEL I'm sorry.

ISHTA (obviously upset) How?

DANIEL The tretonin wasn't working. When they tries to reintroduce her symbiote&hellip;Look, I just want you to know, the other women are fine.

NEITH See what your weakness has brought. Nesa is in need of a symbiote.

[Ishta withdraws her weapon, and offers her hand to Neith.]

ISHTA She shall have one!

[Neith takes Ishta's hand, gets up, and takes the staff weapon. She leaves. Ishta goes to follow her, but is stopped by Teal'c.]

TEAL'C Do not make this mistake. Moloc will not allow this to continue.

ISHTA You give me no choice.

TEAL'C How many warriors have to die?

ISHTA Our sisters in your care will be returned safely. Or the two of you will be sacrificed!

[She storms off.]

ISHTA Kree shal Moloc!

[Teral'c and Daniel turn round to find at least six warriors pointing staff weapons at them. The rest leave with Ishta.]

INT&mdash;HA'KTYL TENT

[Teal'c and Daniel are inside a tent, discussing options. Teal'c paces the room.]

DANIEL Look, I know you want to stop Ishta and the gang, but even if we could get out of here, we don't know where they went.

[The tent opens, and Ka'lel and two other warriors enter.]

KA'LEL Come with me.

[She leaves. Daniel and Teal'c look at each other, then follow.]

INT&mdash;NEITH'S TENT

[Ka'lel leads them into Neith's tent, where Nesa lies. Daniel looks to Ka'lel for an explanation.]

KA'LEL She insisted.

NESA I do not wish for someone else to die so that I might live. I do not want to take a symbiote.

[Daniel goes to sit on the edge of her bed. He clears his throat.]

DANIEL Did you talk to your sister?

NESA She would not listen. It is my right to decide, is it not?

DANIEL I'm not sure. It should be.

NESA What happened to Mala?

DANIEL We don't really know. We do know that it was partly a reaction to her own symbiote. It shouldn't happen to someone who was never implanted.

NESA And the tretonin worked in others, did it not?

DANIEL Yes.

NESA I wish to try it.

DANIEL (nods) Okay.

TEAL'C Do you know where Ishta and Neith have gone?

NESA No.

KA'LEL I do.

[Teal'c and Daniel look at Ka'lel. She leaves, and Teal'c bows to Nesa before leaving as well. Daniel gets up and is the last to leave.]

EXT&mdash;ALIEN PLANET

[Jaffa lie scattered, dead and dying. Female warriors pick up staff weapons. Ishta and Neith survey the scene.]

ISHTA (to warriors on the ridge behind her) Shel nok anree!

WARRIOR En vada!

ISHTA (to Neith) We have been fortunate this day. More have died than needed to.

NEITH We have saved the life of my sister.

[Ishta approaches one of the dying Jaffa. She removes her dagger from it's sheath, and is about to remove the symbiote when the Jaffa speaks to her.]

JAFFA (stuttering with pain) Shal&hellip;k-kek&hellip;nem ron

[Ishta freezes. Neith notices.]

NEITH Is the symbiote too near maturity?

[She comes over.]

NEITH What is wrong?

ISHTA (obviously shocked and upset) This Jaffa has the same wish for freedom as do we.

NEITH Then he should not fought along those that follow Moloc.

[In the distance an injured Jaffa raises his head. A staff weapon lies within his reach.]

ISHTA How many others? that might have been our allies have we killed today?

NEITH I will do it myself!

[She takes the knife from Ishta. The Jaffa in the distance has picked up the staff weapon, and shoots Neith in the back. Ishta turns round, pointing her weapon at the Jaffa.]

ISHTA NO!

[He prepares to fire again, at Ishta, but is zatted by Teal'c, who runs over to Ishta with Daniel and Ka'lel close behind.]

DANIEL You okay?

ISHTA She is severely wounded. Her symbiote is damaged as well.

[Ishta picks up the dagger again, but Teal'c grabs her wrist.]

TEAL'C Ishta, you have a choice.

[Ishta turns to look at Teal'c, anger filling her eyes. It begins to melt away though, turning to grief. She drops the dagger, and allows Teal'c to hold her.]

INT&mdash;SGC INFIRMARY

[O'Neill and Carter watch Neith from the observation deck. Fraiser monitors her vitals. Ishta and Teal'c look on from the end of the bed.]

FRAISER I don't know how much longer I can keep her alive. If we're going to administer the tretonin, it's now or never.

TEAL'C (to Ishta) You must speak to her.

[Ishta moves up, and leans over Neith.]

ISHTA Neith.

[Neith opens her eyes, and looks around. She then looks at Ishta.]

ISHTA Your symbiote is dying.

NEITH You must procure another.

ISHTA No. Those ways are over.

NEITH Then you sentence me to death.

ISHTA I ask you to choose life.

[Neith looks away. Ishta stands up.]

ISHTA She will not listen to me.

[Daniel and Nesa enter.]

DANIEL Well maybe she'll listen to her sister.

[Nesa goes to stand next to Neith.]

NESA Please, Neith.

NEITH You betrayed me.

NESA No. You betrayed me. Since before I can remember, you have taught me to believe in our freedom. You said that you would do anything so that you might protect. One day I will be a great warrior like you, but I am not yet. I still need you. I have chosen to live free. You must choose to take the tretonin if you are to continue to teach and protect me. Please, I do not wish you to die.

[Neith slowly raises her hand, and gently strokes Nesa's face. She nods, and Nesa smiles, bending down to embrace her sister. Neith steals a glance at Daniel.]

INT&mdash;SGC GATEROOM

[The stargate spins as it dials the address for Ha'ktyl. SG-1 are lind up on one side of the ramp, with Neith, Nesa, Ka'lel and Ishta on the other side, facing them.]

NESA (To Daniel, opposite her.) Will you come and visit?

NEITH My sister's developed quite an affection for you.

[Nesa nudges Neith, embarrassed.]

NESA (whispering) Neith.

[She glances up, smiling at Daniel, who smiles back. Teal'c can't resist a smile.]

ISHTA We are grateful to our new friends. On behalf of the Ha'kytl, I'd like to express our thanks.

CARTER Our medical team will be checking in on a regular basis. Be sure to take note of any symptoms that could a side effect of the tretonin.

KA'LEL You have trained us well in the use of the medicine.

ISHTA The food and supplies you have provided will go far.

O'NEILL Well, if there's anything else you need, anything, just give us a call. Send us an email.

ISHTA Just that not so many moons go by before we see you again.

[Teal'c and Ishta draw into an embrace and kiss each other. O'Neill doesn't seem to notice that Ishta was not talking to him.]

O'NEILL Oh, don't worry, I'm sure we'll be in&hellip;

[The gate activates, and O'Neill notices the passionate embrace of Teal'c and Ishta.]

O'NEILL &hellip;touch.

[Carter and Daniel look slightly embarrassed and leave the gateroom together. Neith and Nesa smile, turn around and head up the ramp. O'Neill raises his eyebrows, then nods and leaves as well. Teal'c and Ishta finish their kiss and Ishta walks up the ramp, leaving Teal'c at the base of the ramp, alone. At the top she turns and bows, before entering the wormhole. The wormhole disengages.]

FADE OUT

END CREDITS

Transcribed by Wallace for Stargate SG-1 Solutions 22nd October 2004

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