Ethon/Transcript

Episode Guide

 * 9.15 "Ethon" Episode Guide

Transcript
PREVIOUSLY ON "STARGATE: SG-1"

EXCERPTS

SCENES FROM 8.05 "ICON"

EXT&mdash;RAND PROTECTORATE CAPITAL CITY, DAY

[The city is in ruins from bombings.]

INT&mdash;SGC BRIEFING ROOM

[Daniel stands in front of a computerized map showing Caledonia and the Rand Protectorate.]

DANIEL The Rand Protectorate and the Caledonian Federation have been locked in a state of cold war for decades.

INT&mdash;RAND PROTECTORATE BUNKER

[Kane approaches Daniel as dust falls from the ceiling and repeated bombing is heard.]

DANIEL This is insane!

KANE Soren's forces are moving in on this facility. I can get you to the Stargate, but we have to go now.

INT&mdash;FARMHOUSE KITCHEN

KANE (angry) I'm not blind, Leda. I know you and Daniel have grown close during his convalescence.

LEDA (shaking her head) Jared, it's not what you think.

SCENES FROM 9.08 "BABYLON"

EXT&mdash;SODAN VILLAGE TRAINING CIRCLE, DAY

[Mitchell and Jolan talk between sparring matches.]

MITCHELL I've seen entire planets wiped out because they've refused to follow the Ori.

INT&mdash;SGC INTERROGATION ROOM

TASS'AN If a Prior visits your world, leave.

SCENE FROM 9.06 "BEACHHEAD"

[The Prior leans his staff forward. Jaffa are thrown back through the air and disappear into the horizon.]

END EXCERPTS

TEASER

INT&mdash;SGC CONTROL ROOM

[Through the window, guards can be seen at the ready near an active Stargate. The iris is closed. Klaxons blare. Mitchell sits on a backward-facing chair; Harriman sits next to him. Daniel approaches.]

DANIEL What's up?

HARRIMAN Incoming wormhole from Tegalus.

MITCHELL A Jared Kane is requesting to be let through. Says he needs to speak to you and it's urgent.

HARRIMAN On radio.

[Harriman flips a switch.]

DANIEL Jared, this is Daniel. What's wrong?

KANE (over radio) Doctor Jackson, I have very little time. I've gained access to the Stargate without my government's authorization. Please allow me to come through. I am alone, and unarmed.

[Mitchell and Daniel exchange looks. Daniel nods his approval.]

MITCHELL (to Harriman) Open the iris.

[Harriman opens the iris.]

DANIEL Okay, Jared, it's safe to come through.

INT&mdash;SGC GATE ROOM

[Kane comes through the Stargate, arms open wide to indicate no aggression. Mitchell and Daniel jog into the room.]

MITCHELL (to the guards) Stand down.

[The guards in the room lower their weapons.]

KANE Doctor Jackson.

DANIEL Jared, this is Lt. Colonel Cameron Mitchell.

MITCHELL Tegalus, post-apocalyptic warring superpowers with deep seeded political differences. That Jared Kane. It's nice to meet you.

DANIEL Your government stopped responding to our communiqu&eacute;s months ago. We assumed that you&hellip;

KANE (interrupting) Completely destroyed each other? Not quite yet.

DANIEL I was going to say "no longer wanted our help" but, that'll do.

KANE No, the Rand Protectorate is still struggling to rebuild and defend itself from the Caledonian Federation.

DANIEL Okay, what's so urgent?

KANE Five months ago, a man came through the Stargate. He called himself a Prior of the Ori.

MITCHELL (muttering) Here we go.

DANIEL Yes, we're aware of the Priors and what they're preaching.

KANE The Prior wasn't just offering us religion, he offered us power. In exchange for our embracing the Ori, he gave our government designs for a weapon that could be launched into orbit. A satellite capable of giving us total domination over the Caledonians.

DANIEL (wincing) Okay, assuming your people intend on building this weapon, how long before it's completed?

KANE Twenty-four hours ago, a Caledonian military outpost was completely vaporized in a demonstration. The weapon is already operational.

[Daniel and Mitchell exchange somber looks.]

END TEASER

OPENING CREDITS

INT&mdash;SGC BRIEFING ROOM

[SG-1 sits around the briefing table. Kane stands at the other end of the room by a television monitor depicting a map of Tegalus.]

MITCHELL How long until your government makes its next move?

KANE Our President has given their leader, Minister Chaska, a deadline of five days. After that, if the Caledonians don't surrender to Rand occupation, they'll be destroyed.

DANIEL And the Prior instructed you to do this?

KANE (stepping forward) Rand has been in disarray since the missile attacks last year. Intelligence reports were filtering in that said the Caledonians were preparing a full-scale ground assault. They were going to invade and attempt to topple what was left of Rand once and for all.

MITCHELL Caledonia wasn't interested in hearing from this Prior?

KANE The Prior asked our leaders if he could spread his word to the Caledonians as well.

DANIEL (bitterly) Of course, they would never accept anything that Rand was already embracing.

KANE President Nadal explained that to the Prior. He said anyone who didn't accept Origin must be destroyed.

MITCHELL Man, these guys got a bottomless bag of tricks, don't they?

DANIEL I'm guessing it was also the Prior that convinced your people that having a relationship with us was no longer necessary.

KANE It was already clear your government wasn't going to offer us the type of weapons and technology this Prior was offering us. You see, we weren't just on the verge of suffering defeat at the hands of the Caledonians, we were on the verge of collapsing as a nation. But now, after what you've told me of these Ori and the Priors, I fear that may have been a better way to go.

[Kane sits at the table.]

CARTER We appreciate your situation, but what exactly do you want from us?

KANE (pushing a tube-shaped case across the table) These are the earliest schematics for the weapon. Unfortunately, they're not complete. The Prior gave us step-by-step instructions in stages.

[He pushes a cylindrical case towards Carter. She opens the case.]

MITCHELL Making sure he kept you under his thumb.

KANE He said it was so he could make sure each stage was completed properly, before we moved onto the next. It's the best I could do under the circumstances. Access became restricted soon after some of us in government voiced our disapproval about building the weapon.

TEAL'C You wish us to destroy the weapon.

KANE It's the only chance we have to stop things before they go too far.

MITCHELL Just to be clear, you're doing this to save Caledonians? You don't hate them for bombing your country and killing so many of your people?

KANE I do. But I refuse to see any more lives, be they Rand or Caledonian, senselessly lost due to archaic prejudices or religious extremism. This has to stop.

MITCHELL Would you excuse us for a moment?

[Mitchell gestures with his head and moves to Landry's office. Puzzled, the rest of SG-1 follow.]

INT&mdash;LANDRY'S OFFICE

[SG-1 enters Landry's office.]

CARTER What are we doing?

[Mitchell closes the door behind Daniel.]

MITCHELL Talking privately. I'm sure General Landry won't mind. You want the big chair?

[Mitchell gestures to Landry's chair. Carter shakes her head, eyes wide with fear.]

CARTER Not me. I'll sit here.

MITCHELL Sam, he's in Washington.

CARTER Yeah.

[She quickly takes a seat on the other side of Landry's desk. Teal'c stands behind her. Daniel settles himself on the edge of Landry's desk, near Carter. Mitchell looks at Landry's chair for a few moments, considering sitting there before thinking better of it.]

MITCHELL Right.

[Mitchell sits on the credenza by the window to the briefing room. Carter suppresses a smirk. Kane can be seen through the window behind Mitchell pacing the briefing room.]

DANIEL Let me just start this by saying, a lot of this is actually our fault. There wouldn't have been a war on Tegalus if we hadn't gone there in the first place.

MITCHELL General O'Neill probably said it best: "The minute we step through the Gates, we're sticking our collective noses where they don't belong."

CARTER We did offer to help them rebuild.

TEAL'C (rolling his eyes) An offer they eventually declined.

DANIEL Because they were being influenced by a Prior.

MITCHELL And this satellite thing takes it to a whole new level. The Ori are now arming their followers.

CARTER Who says they won't eventually help them build ships capable of attacking other planets?

MITCHELL We need to nip this trend squarely in the bud.

DANIEL So, what, we just fly in there and blow it up?

MITCHELL Yeah. Unless, you have a better idea.

DANIEL All Tagaluns, both Rand and Caledonian alike, deserve to know the truth. If we tell them what we know, who the Ori really are, they might be convinced to dismantle this weapon themselves.

MITCHELL Do you think they'll listen?

DANIEL Let's just propose it to Kane, and see if Rand will hear us out.

EXT&mdash;CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN, DAY

INT&mdash;CARTER'S LAB

[Mitchell, Carter, and Teal'c study a blueprint of the Caledonian weapon.]

MITCHELL So, can we use these plans to build ourselves a satellite weapon? Hey, you've got to ask.

CARTER These plans are incomplete. I mean, it's not even clear what's powering the weapon.

TEAL'C Kane did say they were early schematics.

MITCHELL So, not useful?

CARTER Well, enough to see that it's not very efficient. For example, (pointing out a feature on the schematic) these capacitors take several minutes to store enough power to fire the weapon, and then again before it can repeat.

MITCHELL Wow, you'd think an Ori weapon would be more advanced.

CARTER Well, the Ori may have designed it for them, but Rand still had to build it using the resources and technology at their disposal. Now, remember that it wouldn't take much by our standards to give Rand vast military superiority over Caledonia.

TEAL'C Then it can be easily destroyed.

CARTER If these plans are an accurate indication.

MITCHELL Right, so we'll take Prometheus with us.

CARTER Shouldn't be a problem. The satellite appears to be a predominantly offensive weapon.

MITCHELL No defenses?

CARTER Well, it stands to reason. Rand knows that Caledonia has nothing even close to capable of reaching orbit. Although, there do appear to be sensors built into the targeting system, so our approach may be detected.

TEAL'C The Prometheus is protected by Asgard shield technology.

CARTER Exactly. As I said, even if they do see us coming, the weapon will take a few minutes to charge up. We should be able to emerge from hyperspace and take a shot at it before it can respond. If, for any reason, it doesn't go well, we jump back into hyperspace.

INT&mdash;SGC COMMISSARY

[Kane sits by himself at a table in the mostly empty commissary. An SF stands watch nearby. Daniel enters the room.]

KANE Anything yet?

DANIEL (referring to Rand) Give them some time. They seemed&hellip;shocked that you were here.

KANE (softly) I'm sure they were.

[Daniel sits across from Kane.]

DANIEL You don't think they'll listen to us?

KANE Our people suffered greatly after the war. They needed to believe there was a reason for what was happening to them.

DANIEL And the Prior provided that.

KANE He said our suffering was a test, to see who was worthy.

DANIEL Well, if it makes you feel any better, your planet's not alone. (after a moment) Kane, I&mdash;I have to ask&hellip;Leda?

[Kane pauses for a few moments, studying Daniel before responding.]

KANE Five months ago, while Rand was deciding whether to accept Origin or not, a disease swept through the country. Thousands became deathly ill. The Prior said those who believed and embraced the Ori would be cured. That's when people everywhere began accepting them as gods. We watched&hellip;so many barter away their beliefs in exchange for their lives. (with sad smile) But Leda, she&mdash;she refused to accept it.

DANIEL (in low voice) I am sorry.

[Harriman enters the commissary.]

HARRIMAN Doctor Jackson, we've just received a communiqu&eacute; from the Rand government.

[He hands Daniel a paper. Daniel reads it.]

DANIEL They want to talk.

EXT&mdash;RAND PROTECTORATE CAPITAL CITY, TEGALUS, DAY

INT&mdash;RAND PROTECTORATE JAIL CELLS

[Daniel and Kane sit on benches, locked in neighboring jail cells.]

DANIEL This isn't exactly what I had in mind.

KANE What happens if your people don't hear from us?

DANIEL I told them to proceed with destroying the weapon.

[An outer door clangs open, and Daniel and Kane move forward to the doors to their cells. Nadal and two guards approach the cells from the hallway outside.]

KANE President Nadal.

NADAL Senator Kane.

KANE This is Doctor Daniel Jackson.

KANE I know who he is.

DANIEL I'm here representing Earth on a diplomatic mission.

NADAL I am here to officially inform you, Jared Kane, you are under arrest for treason.

DANIEL (upset) Excuse me? You allowed us to come here under false pretenses?!?

NADAL Doctor Daniel Jackson, your government has knowingly harbored a felon. As well, it seems, they are in possession of top secret documents vital to the security of this country. As of now, you are both considered enemies of the state, and will be detained until trial can be set.

[Nadal and the guards leave. Daniel and Kane are left in their cells, looking resigned.]

EXT&mdash;SPACE

[The Prometheus moves at faster-than-light speed through hyperspace.]

INT&mdash;PROMETHEUS BRIDGE

[Marks, Pendergast, and Womack sit at their usual stations. Mitchell and Teal'c, in F-302 jumpsuits, and Carter in black BDUs, stand nearest the door to the bridge.]

MARKS Approaching the planet, sir.

PENDERGAST Prepare to lock on Doctor Jackson's locator beacon the moment we drop out of hyperspace.

WOMACK (flipping some controls) Yes, sir.

INT&mdash;RAND PROTECTORATE JAIL CELLS

DANIEL I guess I can assume that any kind of trial will be rigged?

KANE Honestly, we'll be lucky to get that far. President Nadal has been paranoid about Caledonian spies for some time now. Because I betrayed him this way, he may assume I'm also part of that network.

DANIEL (dryly) Great. I don't suppose your country has any laws against torture?

KANE No.

[Pernaux and guards approach Kane's cell. One guard opens it with a key and Pernaux enters.]

PERNAUX I applaud your courage, Kane.

KANE Commander Pernaux, Doctor Jackson. Doctor Jackson&mdash;

DANIEL (interrupting) Yeah, I&mdash;I got it.

PERNAUX What I don't understand is why you came back.

KANE Doctor Jackson and I felt there was some things the Rand people needed to know.

PERNAUX The only thing I "need to know" are the names of those among us who are working for the Caledonians.

KANE Just because I went to Earth for help doesn't mean I've also given information to the Caledonians or know who might have.

PERNAUX Earth is responsible for our current state of affairs. Turning to them is an act of a desperate man, Kane.

DANIEL (gripping the bars between their cells) Kane turned to us in the hopes of preventing you from making a catastrophic mistake. The Priors are not telling you everything about the Ori. You need to hear me out before you use that weapon to wipe out the Caledonians.

PERNAUX So you admit, you sympathize with Caledonia.

KANE (irritated) That's not what he's saying.

PERNAUX How the next few days unfold is entirely up to you. But until I find out who else is working with you, I guarantee neither of you will know a moment's peace.

[Pernaux leaves the cell. The guard locks the door behind him.]

EXT&mdash;SPACE

[The Prometheus drops out of hyperspace and approaches Tegalus.]

INT&mdash;PROMETHEUS BRIDGE

WOMACK I have a signal from Doctor Jackson's locator beacon.

PENDERGAST Beam him directly onto the bridge.

[The Asgard beam activates. Beamed aboard is the locator beacon and wrist strap. Mitchell approaches the device and picks it up.]

MITCHELL (dismayed) I take it this means things aren't going so well.

[He hands the device to Teal'c, who looks troubled.]

CARTER (also upset) Coupled with the fact that we haven't heard from him since he left two days ago&hellip;

MARKS We have located the satellite.

PENDERGAST Lock on target.

TEAL'C This will be perceived as an act of aggression against Rand.

CARTER We could be risking any chance of negotiating for Daniel's safe return.

INT&mdash;RAND PROTECTORATE BUNKER

[Klaxons blare as Nadal storms into the bunker and passes several soldiers before reaching Pernaux.]

NADAL Commander?

PERNAUX Mr. President, the satellite's sensors have detected a ship closing on its position.

[Both stare at a large computer display on the wall. It displays a portion of the planet and the nearby space above it. The satellite is marked. Nearby a round blinking dot indicates the position of a ship (the Prometheus).]

EXT&mdash;PROMETHEUS BRIDGE

WOMACK Target has been acquired, sir.

PENDERGAST We've got the satellite dead to rights. We can hail them and ask for Doctor Jackson in exchange.

TEAL'C (somberly) That would not accomplish the goal of this mission.

MITCHELL (stonily) Jackson knew it might come to this. He told us to proceed no matter what.

CARTER (resigned) He wouldn't want us to trade his life for thousands, possibly millions of Caledonians.

PENDERGAST Well, it's your call, Colonels. All I'm asking is that you make up your mind quickly.

WOMACK Sir, we're detecting a power build-up from within the satellite.

[Carter leans forward and studies the display. The monitor shows a graphic depiction of the satellite adjusting its position.]

CARTER Its attitude is changing.

MARKS We're being targeted.

PENDERGAST Sound general quarters. Full power to the forward shield generators, and maintain course and speed.

[Klaxons blare. Mitchell, Carter, Teal'c, and Pendergast exchange looks. Carter grits her teeth and closes her eyes. Teal'c briefly nods.]

MITCHELL (soberly) Do it.

PENDERGAST Fire.

WOMACK Firing missiles.

EXT&mdash;SPACE, ABOVE TEGALUS

[The Prometheus fires two missiles directly at the satellite. They head straight for it, but impact a shield before reaching the device and explode harmlessly.]

INT&mdash;PROMETHEUS BRIDGE

WOMACK (shaking her head) Missiles detonated prior to impact. Target remains intact, sir.

CARTER It looks like it's being protected by a shield. Defensive capabilities must have been added.

PENDERGAST Okay, now what?

INT&mdash;RAND PROTECTORATE BUNKER

RAND TECHNICIAN Shields are holding.

PERNAUX Recommend firing a warning shot.

NADAL We have been attacked, Commander. We must respond in kind. Target the ship.

[Pernaux nods to the technician. He adjusts a dial.]

RAND TECHNICIAN The Earth vessel has been targeted. Weapon's primed and ready.

PERNAUX Fire.

[The soldier flips a safety switch and presses the toggle to deploy the weapon.]

EXT&mdash;SPACE, ABOVE TEGALUS

[The satellite fires a steady energy burst at Prometheus. The weapon cuts through the shields and goes straight through one of the forward sections of the ship, coming out the other side.]

INT&mdash;PROMETHEUS BRIDGE

[Sparks fly and everyone is jolted as the ship suddenly lists to starboard. One of the personnel at a forward station is struck in the face by sparks and falls to the floor. Teal'c rushes to help the injured crew member. Crew members shout orders at each other as they try and regain control.]

PENDERGAST (shouting) Evasive maneuvers! Full military thrust! Return fire with forward rail guns.

WOMACK Sublight engines aren't responding!

[She leaves her station and replaces the injured crew member. Carter takes her place at the starboard command console.]

MARKS Weapons are down! We've lost hull integrity and life support on decks three through seven!

PENDERGAST Seal them off!

MITCHELL (to Carter) That blast cut through our shields at full strength!

CARTER I know. I don't understand how!

WOMACK Sensors detect that the weapon is recharging!

MITCHELL We've only got minutes.

PENDERGAST Hyperdrive status?

WOMACK Hyperdrive is offline!

CARTER Hull integrity is too unstable.

MARKS Medical teams reporting four casualties. Eight crew members still unaccounted for.

MITCHELL (to Pendergast) That thing can only fire at one target at a time.

PENDERGAST Go! Scramble Blue Squadron!

MITCHELL (nodding to Teal'c) We'll see if we can do some damage in close.

[Crew members scramble to contain damage and fires in the ship as Teal'c and Mitchell run out of the bridge. Various reports are still coming in.]

CREW MEMBER Go! Go!

EXT&mdash;SPACE

[The F-302 blue squadron exits the Prometheus docking bays.]

INT&mdash;RAND PROTECTORATE BUNKER

[The computer display shows several smaller circles moving towards the satellite.]

PERNAUX Tracking multiple smaller ships attacking the satellite. The shield is holding.

NADAL By the grace of the Gods.

RAND TECHNICIAN Thirty seconds till weapon is primed and ready.

NADAL Target the large vessel again.

EXT&mdash;SPACE, NEAR TEGALUS

[The F-302 squadron heads for the satellite. All fire missiles and veer away from the target. All the missiles impact the shield, causing no damage.]

INT&mdash;MITCHELL'S F-302 COCKPIT

[Mitchell in the pilot seat and Teal'c in the co-pilot seat fly the lead F-302.]

PILOT (over radio) It's no use, Blue Leader. We're not getting through.

MITCHELL Keep at it, boys.

EXT&mdash;SPACE, NEAR TEGALUS

[The F-302s veer to make another pass at the satellite, releasing missiles once again. Once again, they impact the shield, causing no damage.]

INT&mdash;PROMETHEUS BRIDGE

PENDERGAST Lieutenant, I need sublight engines now!

WOMACK I'm trying, sir! Auxiliary systems aren't kicking in!

CARTER They can't. The two main power relays have been damaged!

[Carter moves to the side display.]

PENDERGAST Can it be repaired?

[The display shows a diagram of the ship. Carter presses some buttons to highlight a section.]

CARTER We need to reroute power through the bypass conduits, here. We should get limited sublight capability back.

PENDERGAST Marks, you're with Colonel Carter. Go!

[Marks and Carter leave the bridge.]

INT&mdash;PROMETHEUS CORRIDOR

[Crew members dodge fires, shouting orders, and moving quickly to work on repairs.]

CREW MEMBER #1 Right away, sir.

CREW MEMBER #2 We've got to put out these fires!

CARTER We need to get up two levels.

[Marks appears confused and heads to the elevator. Carter realizes he's no longer following her and doubles back.]

CARTER Captain! The elevator's not safe!

MARKS Right. Sorry. I don't know what I was thinking.

INT&mdash;PROMETHEUS BRIDGE

[Womack moves back to the starboard command console.]

PENDERGAST Shields?

WOMACK Forward shields at forty percent.

PENDERGAST Divert all shield power to forward generators.

WOMACK Sir, sensors indicate that the weapon's reaching maximum power.

PENDERGAST (keying shipwide intercom) All hands, brace for impact!

INT&mdash;MITCHELL'S F-302 COCKPIT

MITCHELL (frustrated) This damn thing's shield is not weakening.

EXT&mdash;SPACE, NEAR TEGALUS

[The satellite powers its weapon again, firing at Prometheus. It strikes through the center of the forward part of the ship, causing several secondary explosions.]

INT&mdash;PROMETHEUS BRIDGE

[The bridge crew is knocked around from the impact.]

INT&mdash;PROMETHEUS JEFFRIES TUBE

[The impact knocks Marks off the ladder between levels. He is able to grab one of the rungs and a side of the tube before falling too far, but he grunts in pain.]

INT&mdash;PROMETHEUS UNNAMED SECTION

[One of the outer windows has lost hull integrity. Two crew members and debris are sucked out of the ship into space.]

INT&mdash;PROMETHEUS CORRIDOR, BY JEFFRIES TUBE

[Carter swings from a rung into the corridor with a grunt. She is able to reach back in and grab Marks, who is still holding onto the ladder with one hand.]

CARTER I've got you!

INT&mdash;PROMETHEUS BRIDGE

[Reports are coming from all over the ship as the bridge crew continues to get knocked about from the secondary explosions.]

INT&mdash;PROMETHEUS CORRIDOR, BY JEFFRIES TUBE

[Carter helps Marks into the corridor.]

CARTER Are you all right?

MARKS My arm.

CARTER (keying radio) Bridge, this is Carter. Can you beam us up to Auxiliary Control Room Two?

INT&mdash;PROMETHEUS BRIDGE

[Pendergast moves to one of the control stations.]

WOMACK Negative, Colonel. Control room no longer has life support.

INT&mdash;RAND PROTECTORATE BUNKER

[The display shows the large circle (Prometheus) blinking. Several smaller circles (the F-302s) are nearby.]

PERNAUX The large vessel appears to be disabled. Shall I broadcast a call for surrender?

NADAL The Book of Origin tells us that enemies of the Ori show no mercy in their attempts to draw us away from the path. We must face this attack with all the strength we have been given. Finish them.

INT&mdash;MITCHELL'S F-302 COCKPIT

MITCHELL (into radio) Prometheus, this is Blue Leader. Request status report.

INT&mdash;PROMETHEUS BRIDGE

PENDERGAST (into radio) Uh, not too good, right now, Blue Leader.

MITCHELL (over radio) Can we assist?

PENDERGAST (into radio) Negative, Blue Leader, negative. Docking bays are too unstable for safe return.

INT&mdash;MITCHELL'S F-302

PENDERGAST (continuing, over radio) Stand by for orders.

MITCHELL Roger that.

INT&mdash;PROMETHEUS BRIDGE

CARTER (over comm) Bridge, this is Carter. We need deck fifteen unsealed.

PENDERGAST (to Womack) Unseal it if you can.

INT&mdash;PROMETHEUS CORRIDOR, LEVEL FIFTEEN

[The door to level fifteen opens and Carter and Marks enter. Carter keeps her radio close to her as she removes a wall panel. Marks following close behind, adjusting a makeshift sling.]

CARTER If the aft power control panel is still intact, we should be able to rig the naquadah generator and re-route power to sublight propulsion.

PENDERGAST (over radio) You've got about two minutes, Colonel.

CARTER (keying radio) It's not enough time, sir.

INT&mdash;PROMETHEUS BRIDGE

PENDERGAST (sighing) Open a channel, broadcast on all frequencies.

WOMACK Yes, sir.

PENDERGAST (into comm) This is Colonel Lionel Pendergast of the Earth vessel Prometheus calling the Rand Protectorate. Your attack on our vessel has severely damaged our engines and rendered our weapons systems inoperable&hellip; We are willing to negotiate the terms of our surrender.

INT&mdash;RAND PROTECTORATE BUNKER

[Nadal listens with pleasure to Pendergast's frantic pleas. Pernaux studies his reaction.]

PENDERGAST (over radio) Rand Protectorate, this is the Earth vessel, Prometheus. We wish to negotiate our surrender. Repeat, we wish to negotiate our surrender!

[Nadal notices Pernaux's pained reaction to Pendergast's pleas and sobers.]

INT&mdash;PROMETHEUS LEVEL FIFTEEN

[Carter and Marks have hooked up a naquadah generator to the power conduit.]

CARTER Okay, fire it up!

MARKS Don't we need to test the power flow?

CARTER No time.

MARKS But&mdash;

CARTER I know! Do it!

[Marks winces as he activates the generator.]

INT&mdash;MITCHELL'S F-302 COCKPIT

MITCHELL All right, this is useless. (into radio) Blue Squadron, this is Blue Leader. Break off the attack and scramble formation between the Prometheus and the weapon. (to Teal'c) Maybe one of us will get lucky and take a portion of the next shot.

TEAL'C I would not consider that "lucky", Colonel Mitchell.

MITCHELL Well, it could be for anybody aboard Prometheus.

INT&mdash;PROMETHEUS BRIDGE

[Pendergast and his crew quickly try to restore power and systems to their ship.]

NADAL (over radio) This is President Nadal of the Rand Protectorate addressing the Earth vessel. Please explain your brazen act of aggression against our nation.

INT&mdash;RAND PROTECTORATE BUNKER

[Kane and Daniel are led into the bunker by an armed escort. They can hear Pendergast over the comm system.]

PENDERGAST (over radio) Our actions have been misconstrued as hostile. We are here to investigate why an emissary we sent to your planet, Doctor Daniel Jackson, has ceased all communications with us.

NADAL And yet, your first act upon entering our planet's space was to fire on our defense satellite.

INT&mdash;PROMETHEUS BRIDGE

PENDERGAST But we detected that your satellite was powering up and aiming at us, which we took to be the first act of aggression.

INT&mdash;RAND PROTECTORATE BUNKER

PENDERGAST (over radio) We merely responded in kind. Now&hellip;we are no longer a threat to you! I have people aboard this vessel who are in need of medical attention, and I am venting atmosphere.

[Daniel and Kane appear visibly shaken at this news. Nadal and Pernaux exchange somber looks.]

INT&mdash;PROMETHEUS BRIDGE

PENDERGAST (pleading) Please, consider our request for surrender.

[Pendergast turns off his commlink and turns to Womack.]

PENDERGAST Keep your fingers crossed.

INT&mdash;RAND PROTECTORATE BUNKER

[Nadal approaches Daniel, who tries to hide his obvious worry.]

NADAL Your planet sent this ship to attack us. I have no desire to take more lives. You tell us what we want to know, I will accept their surrender.

PERNAUX Who else was involved in this attack? What other actions are the Caledonians planning?

DANIEL We're not spies. I came here to convince your people to dismantle this weapon yourselves before any of this became necessary!

NADAL Why would we do that?

DANIEL (swallowing his irritation) I have tried to explain.

PERNAUX (to Kane) Who helped you gain access to the Stargate?

KANE I acted alone.

NADAL You are lying. You are part of a spy network helping to supply the Caledonians with classified information!

DANIEL Did you ever think that maybe the Caledonians are being leaked information because not everyone in your country agrees with what you're doing?

RAND TECHNICIAN The weapon is charged.

[Nadal gives Daniel a furious look before moving to the soldier's station.]

DANIEL (frantically) Wait! Please! Just listen to me before you go murdering defenseless people!

NADAL (furious) We are the ones defending ourselves! Your ship attacked us!

[Daniel's eyes widen as he sees Nadal's resolve.]

INT&mdash;PROMETHEUS BRIDGE

WOMACK Sensors detect the weapon is fully charged.

PENDERGAST Colonel Carter? I need good news now!

CARTER (over radio) A couple of more minutes.

PENDERGAST (into radio) We don't have it, Sam, I'm sorry. It's over. Give me as much power as you can. Re-route it from the shields. And get me all functioning internal Asgard beam sensors back online.

CARTER (over radio) Sir?

PENDERGAST (into radio) We're abandoning ship.

[Pendergast moves to Womack's station.]

PENDERGAST Begin the evacuation orders. I want all personnel to beam down to the planet's surface. Find me a nice open field anywhere in Caledonia.

WOMACK Yes, sir.

PENDERGAST And broadcast the locations of all the active sensor sites. (into radio) Uh, this is the Prometheus to all F-302s, we have begun our evacuation&hellip;

INT&mdash;MITCHELL'S F-302 COCKPIT

PENDERGAST (continuing over radio) Advise you get clear of the ship and meet us at the rendezvous coordinates on the planet.

MITCHELL Affirmative, Prometheus.

INT&mdash;PROMETHEUS BRIDGE

[A bloodied crew member wanders from a damaged portion of the bridge to watch Pendergast. Pendergast physically removes Womack from her station.]

PENDERGAST I'll handle all the final transport commands. Everyone else is to report to the nearest beam out site. Let's go, people! THAT'S AN ORDER! MOVE!

WOMACK Sir, I&mdash;

PENDERGAST Go on. Get out of here. Get out of here.

[Womack and the rest of the bridge crew leave as ordered. Pendergast remains at the starboard command station.]

CREW MEMBER #3 Let's get to the hatch!

CREW MEMBER #4 Come on! Hurry! Hurry!

INT&mdash;PROMETHEUS LEVEL FIFTEEN

[Carter monitors the naquadah generator as engineering crew evacuate.]

CARTER (to Marks) Go. If I don't finish tying this in, we'll run out of power before everyone can be beamed off.

[Marks hesitates.]

CARTER Go.

[Marks joins some other crew members as they stand by a sensor station. They are beamed out.]

INT&mdash;RAND PROTECTORATE BUNKER

NADAL We must not fail the gods. We must embrace our destiny. Fire the weapon!

DANIEL WAIT!

KANE (simultaneously) NO!

[They both lurch forward desperately, but are pulled back by guards.]

INT&mdash;PROMETHEUS BRIDGE

[Pendergast is alone on the bridge frantically pressing the keys to beam out his crew. Klaxons blare. He looks up at the monitor and is visibly afraid as he sees the weapon is firing on the ship again.]

EXT&mdash;SPACE, ABOVE TEGALUS

[The weapon strikes the center of the ship. The Prometheus breaks apart into two main sections. Secondary explosions cascade throughout the broken pieces.]

INT&mdash;PROMETHEUS BRIDGE

[Pendergast looks out the main viewer display, breathing heavily before closing his eyes in resignation.]

EXT&mdash;SPACE, ABOVE TEGALUS

[The Prometheus continues to break apart, causing massive explosions throughout the ship until it is utterly destroyed.]

INT&mdash;MITCHELL'S F-302 COCKPIT

[Mitchell stares at the explosion that was the Prometheus. He pulls off his breathing mask.]

MITCHELL Aw, hell.

[Teal'c also takes off his mask slowly and watches the debris.]

INT&mdash;RAND PROTECTORATE BUNKER

[The computer display shows the large circle indicating Prometheus fading into nothing. Nadal looks pleased.]

RAND TECHNICIAN The Earth vessel has been destroyed.

[Daniel stares at the display, devastated.]

EXT&mdash;RAND PROTECTORATE, TEGALUS, DAY

INT&mdash;RAND PROTECTORATE JAIL CELLS

[Daniel and Kane are sitting in their respective cells. Kane watches Daniel. Daniel is turned away from Kane, his head down, completely closed off in grief. He does not even look up when the outer door clangs open and Pernaux approaches. He stands outside Daniel's cell, but Daniel does not react.]

PERNAUX (to Daniel) The loss of your people is&hellip;regrettable. But your planet and the Caledonians must know our resolve.

KANE You know full well the Caledonians would rather sacrifice themselves then submit. You'll be forced to commit genocide and destroy them.

[Pernaux moves to stand in front of Kane's cell.]

PERNAUX A year ago they launched a first strike against us. They obviously had no problem with doing the same.

KANE (rising and approaching) When does it stop?!? When do we stop killing each other over wars started by our fathers and their fathers before them?

PERNAUX This is no longer about Rand or Caledonia.

KANE It is. We need to set aside our differences and fight the threat of the Ori together. Goran, how long have we known each other? Please&hellip;believe what Doctor Jackson has told you about them.

[Pernaux glances over at Daniel and sighs. Daniel has not moved at all, even to lift his head.]

PERNAUX With my own eyes, I saw the Prior bring the satellite to life merely by touching it with his staff. Neither Rand nor Caledonia have the technology capable of resisting such power. What choice do we have?

[Daniel finally reacts to this new information on the Prior. He sighs, still obviously distraught, and approaches.]

DANIEL Ah, look, I can't make you any promises, but we have already developed a machine that neutralizes the Prior's powers. Now, as far as we know, they've only been able to travel within our galaxy by use of the Stargate, and you can either bury your Gate, or we can teach you to build an iris system like ours.

KANE Nadal has lost all sense of reason. The Book of Origin is just one big lie meant to seduce us into meaningless worship. The Ori just want to use us, and killing in their name is not self-defense. It's murder.

[Pernaux is visibly concerned as he considers their words.]

EXT&mdash;CALEDONIAN CAPITAL CITY, TEGALUS, DAY

[The capital of Caledonia is in ruins.]

INT&mdash;CALEDONIAN HEADQUARTERS

[The style of furniture and equipment is similar to mid-twentieth century Earth. Military personnel sit at desks trying to gather information from telephone-like objects. Minister Chaska, Mitchell, and Teal'c walk through the room.]

CHASKA We were monitoring the entire exchange. To our knowledge, seventy-six crew were recovered in Caledonian territory.

MITCHELL There were over a hundred and fifteen people aboard that ship!

CHASKA Do you have any sort of a manifest, a list of names we can compare to those recovered?

MITCHELL (upset) Not on me, no. So where are our people?

CHASKA The transport arrived moments ago.

[Carter enters and heads towards them.]

CARTER Teal'c! Cameron!

MITCHELL Sam! You are a sight for sore eyes.

[Mitchell embraces her, obviously relieved. After their release, she turns to Teal'c. He grasps her by the upper arms and stares at her closely, visibly moved to find her alive and well. She gives him a weak smile in return.]

TEAL'C (with great emotion) It is good to see you, Colonel Carter. We feared the worst.

MITCHELL Where's Pendergast?

[Carter fights back tears to maintain a stoic face and shakes her head.]

CARTER He wasn't with us.

[Mitchell and Teal'c exchange somber looks.]

CHASKA (sympathetically) Our security forces did extensive sweeps of the area where you appeared. No other survivors were found.

MITCHELL This is Minister Chaska, leader of the Caledonian Federation.

[Carter and Chaska exchange a handshake.]

CHASKA I'm thankful you survived such a tragic event, Colonel. I hope we can offer you and your crew some comfort here.

MITCHELL (low to Carter) She's pretty much up to speed on what's going on.

CHASKA We were, of course, praying for your success. But, with the destruction of your vessel, I fear that any hope for a peaceful solution to this crisis has been lost.

TEAL'C And you will not surrender?

CHASKA Our people would rather die than live under Rand rule. We will retaliate against any attack with the full forces at our disposal.

[Teal'c nods and bows in acknowledgment. Mitchell and Carter exchange looks.]

INT&mdash;CALEDONIAN INTELLIGENCE HEADQUARTERS

[Caledonian soldiers move about, checking files and monitoring equipment. Carter stands by a table, looking over more detailed schematics of the satellite. Chaska, Mitchell and Teal'c join her.]

CARTER Any word?

MITCHELL Nothing.

TEAL'C The Rand government continues to deny any knowledge of Daniel Jackson's existence.

CHASKA Our contacts tell us he was seen alive in the Rand command bunker during the exchange with your ship. He has not been seen since.

[Mitchell and Carter exchange identical looks, gritting their teeth.]

MITCHELL Any progress here?

CARTER Well, these satellite schematics are far more detailed than the ones Kane provided. As we saw first-hand, shields were added late in the design process. I&mdash;I'm still not sure what's powering it or how it was able to penetrate our Asgard-designed shields. But, there is one bit of good news. According to this, all commands for the satellite originate from Rand's main control facility. And maintaining a shield around the satellite is a huge power drain, so it's only activated when a threat is detected.

MITCHELL Are you saying the Prometheus was destroyed because we hesitated to fire when we dropped out of hyperspace?

TEAL'C We hesitated out of concern for the safe return of Daniel Jackson.

CARTER We also hesitated to leave once our weapons were ineffective.

TEAL'C However, it seems that you are saying if we were to destroy the Rand control facility, the weapon itself would become vulnerable to attack.

MITCHELL Then we could take a 302 back up there and finish the job.

CHASKA No, the Rand facility is part of an underground bunker complex that was strong enough to survive our last missile attack. Since then, Rand has developed an early-warning radar system and anti-missile defenses.

[Chaska starts to leave.]

MITCHELL Wait up! What about sabotage? You said you had people on the inside.

CHASKA Our agents have already made several attempts. Security is too tight for them to mount any sort of effective strike.

CARTER Actually, we don't have to hit the bunker itself to knock out satellite control. If we can sever the link between the facility and the weapon, even temporarily&hellip;

MITCHELL You're talking about an E.M. pulse.

CARTER Even a small one detonated in the atmosphere above the facility should interfere with their ability to control the satellite.

CHASKA E.M. pulse?

MITCHELL It would disable their electronic devices. They'd be totally blind.

CARTER For a short time.

CHASKA You possess such technology?

[Carter hesitates, licking her lips.]

MITCHELL (studying Carter) You wouldn't have suggested it if you didn't have something in mind.

CARTER Well, like most discoveries, it was a bit of an accident. After the battle with Anubis's fleet over Antarctica, small, random E.M. fields were detected by Prometheus during the clean-up. It took us a while to figure out.

MITCHELL Are you going to tell me that an F-302 gives off an E.M. pulse when it blows up?

CARTER It was one of the things I was working on at Area 51. We think it has something to do with a concussive force interfering with the artificial gravity field generated by the inertial dampeners.

MITCHELL So how do we remote fly a 302 over there and blow it up?

CARTER (smiling) We don't have to! All we have to do is harvest the inertial dampener and rig it to one of the Caledonian missiles.

CHASKA What about the anti-missile defenses?

CARTER We use that same 302's radar jamming technology to make your missile invisible to Rand.

CHASKA Still, if this does not work as you're planning, it will be seen as an offensive against Rand. President Nadal will surely respond by stepping up the deadline for our surrender. And he'll use the satellite weapon against us.

[Carter swallows and nods soberly.]

CARTER (confidently) This will work.

[Chaska swallows, concerned.]

EXT&mdash;RAND PROTECTORATE, TEGALUS, DAY

INT&mdash;RAND PROTECTORATE JAIL CELLS

[Daniel paces quickly within his cell, thinking. Kane faces away from him, his expression somber.]

KANE I don't know what to say&hellip;how to take it all back. I shouldn't have come to you.

DANIEL Look, right now, I just have to believe that there are survivors.

KANE You think that's really possible?

DANIEL (sighing) The Prometheus has beaming technology.

KANE Had beaming technology. Whatever that is.

[He turns and sits on his bench.]

DANIEL (desperately) Look, the bottom line is we can't lose focus on why we came back here in the first place. I mean, there has to be a way out of this, and I got the feeling Pernaux was listening to us.

KANE Daniel&hellip;

DANIEL (speaking quickly) Look, I&mdash;I know the history between Caledonia and Rand makes things seem impossible, but sometimes an outside perspective helps. In the past, I've found the key to these types of disputes is to&mdash;to get both parties on equal footing, just to&mdash;to get the process of talking with each other going.

KANE (in disbelief) Do you ever give up?

DANIEL (sighing) Not until I'm dead&hellip;.And, sometimes, not even then.

INT&mdash;RAND PROTECTORATE BUNKER

[Nadal bursts into the bunker with his guards. Staff are going about their regular duties. Pernaux is in command.]

NADAL Intelligence is reporting visual confirmation of a missile launch from Caledonia!

RAND TECHNICIAN Early-warning systems detect no missile entering our airspace.

[Pernaux and Nadal study the computer graphic of their map which shows no inbound missiles.]

PERNAUX One missile?

NADAL So it seems.

PERNAUX Possibly a test, then.

NADAL (paranoid) They are not going to surrender. They are preparing to launch a preemptive first strike given the Earth's attack on our satellite has failed.

PERNAUX You don't know that! They still have two days until the deadline!

NADAL (to soldier) Get me Minister Chaska.

INT&mdash;CALEDONIAN HEADQUARTERS

[Carter studies a computer graphic projected on the wall of the missile progress. Caledonian soldiers sit at monitoring stations in front of her. Chaska discusses a report with an aide. A second aide approaches her.]

CALEDONIAN AIDE President Nadal is on line for you, ma'am.

CARTER Doesn't look like they've employed counter-measures. The radar jamming is working.

CHASKA The timing is too coincidental. I suspect he has spies who witnessed the launch.

CARTER You need to stall, or else they'll activate the satellite shield out of sheer paranoia.

CHASKA (taking a deep breath) Patch him through.

[The aide clicks a dial, and Chaska picks up a microphone.]

CHASKA (into radio) President Nadal, this is Minister Chaska. Mr. President, if you're calling about the recent missile launch, please forgive me. I should have called you immediately.

INT&mdash;RAND PROTECTORATE BUNKER

CHASKA (continuing over telephone receiver) The launch was entirely accidental. It seems there was some confusion when new launch protocol codes were distributed recently. Obviously, the payload was detonated as soon as we realized what had happened.

[Nadal listens to her over a telephone receiver, sighing and nodding, but still looking skeptical.]

INT&mdash;CALEDONIAN HEADQUARTERS

[Carter and Chaska continue to watch the progress of the missile.]

CHASKA (continuing) Needless to say, everyone here is a little on edge as of late. But thankfully, we have ample precautions in place to prevent such an occurrence from being a serious threat.

NADAL (over radio) Indeed. Minister Chaska, while your military's incompetence does concern me, the reason I am calling is to discuss the impending deadline.

CHASKA (into radio) I see. Our government is still in the process of debating its options.

INT&mdash;RAND PROTECTORATE BUNKER

CHASKA (over telephone) As promised, we will give you an answer by the designated deadline.

NADAL (into telephone) I am sorry the decision has not been easier for you. We shall talk again soon.

[Nadal hangs up.]

INT&mdash;F-302 COCKPIT

[Mitchell, with Teal'c again as copilot, fly through the atmosphere.]

MITCHELL (into radio) Air Command, this is Blue Leader. We are wheels up.

CARTER (via radio) Roger that. Package is on its way.

INT&mdash;CALEDONIAN HEADQUARTERS

CARTER We are thirty seconds from detonation over the target.

[Carter ends the radio transmission and straightens.]

CARTER (to Chaska) Nice job.

CHASKA (nervously) He didn't believe a word of it.

INT&mdash;RAND PROTECTORATE BUNKER

[Pernaux is standing to one side, listening to a secure telephone link. He turns to Nadal.]

PERNAUX (to Nadal) We're getting a report from Coastal Monitoring Base Four, may be visual of an incoming missile.

NADAL (studying the display) Why isn't it showing up on our radar?

RAND TECHNICIAN Sir, satellite sensors are detecting a single, small ship on approach, possibly one of the Earth fighters that landed in Caledonia.

NADAL Activate the missile shields.

[The Rand Technician begins to take action when suddenly all the power goes off.]

INT&mdash;RAND PROTECTORATE JAIL CELLS

[Daniel and Kane are startled when all the lights go off.]

INT&mdash;RAND PROTECTORATE BUNKER

[Soldiers are gathering flashlights and trying to restore power.]

PERNAUX What just happened?

RAND TECHNICIAN I don't know. We've lost power. All systems are down.

PERNAUX Backup power is supposed to be isolated!

RAND TECHNICIAN The systems that activate it are down.

PERNAUX (to Nadal) We can't control the satellite.

NADAL Well, get it back!

PERNAUX Get me a radio and a phone in here that works!

EXT&mdash;SPACE, ABOVE TEGALUS

[The F-302 heads towards the satellite.]

INT&mdash;CALEDONIAN HEADQUARTERS

CARTER (into radio) Blue Leader, this is base. Package has been delivered. Window of opportunity is now open.

MITCHELL (over radio) Roger that. We have cleared the atmosphere. Two minutes from weapons range.

INT&mdash;RAND PROTECTORATE BUNKER

[Nadal and Pernaux listen on telephone receivers to a garbled report.]

RAND OPERATIVE (distorted) The blast did no apparent damage beyond the power outage, which seems to be limited to the area immediately around the command facility.

[Armed soldiers with flashlights escort Daniel and Kane into the bunker. Nadal hangs up the phone he was listening to and storms over to Daniel.]

NADAL To our knowledge, the Caledonians do not possess the level of technology required to do this. Such a weapon could only have been given to them by your people!

DANIEL (calm and defiant) I hope so.

NADAL How can we undo this? You tell me now, or I'll have you executed!

RAND TECHNICIAN (to Pernaux, but audible to all) Based on its speed and trajectory, the Earth ship will reach the satellite in less than one minute.

KANE (bitterly) Do you think if the Ori were true gods, they would allow the Caledonians to do this?

DANIEL (shaking his head) Look, I understand your fear of the Prior and why you feel you have no choice, but there is another way out of this.

NADAL What would you have me do?

DANIEL (desperately) Let me use the radio. I can contact the ship that's about to destroy the satellite and get them to call it off.

PERNAUX Why would you do this?

DANIEL (emotional) Because I still believe a peaceful compromise can be reached out of all this.

NADAL I'm listening.

INT&mdash;F-302 COCKPIT

[Mitchell and Teal'c are startled at the radio transmission.]

DANIEL (over radio) This is Daniel Jackson, come in please. To whoever's flying the 302, if you can hear me, please respond. This is Daniel Jackson, come in please!

MITCHELL (into radio) Jackson, go ahead.

INT&mdash;RAND PROTECTORATE BUNKER

DANIEL (taken aback) Mitchell?

MITCHELL (over radio) Yeah. You okay?

DANIEL (glancing at Nadal, who's listening in) For the moment. You?

INT&mdash;CALEDONIAN HEADQUARTERS

[Carter and Chaska are listening to the exchange.]

MITCHELL (over radio) Well, all things considered. Listen, me and Teal'c are getting ready to bag ourselves an evil Ori satellite.

INT&mdash;RAND PROTECTORATE BUNKER

DANIEL (sighing) Yeah, so glad I caught you. Listen, the Rand want to offer the Caledonians a deal.

INT&mdash;CALEDONIAN HEADQUARTERS

MITCHELL (over radio, skeptically) Really?

CARTER (gestures to radio) May I?

CHASKA (nodding) Please.

[Carter snatches the radio.]

CARTER (into radio) Daniel, this is Sam.

INT&mdash;RAND PROTECTORATE BUNKER

DANIEL (his voice softer in relief) Hey, Sam. Good to hear your voice.

CARTER (over radio) Yours too.

INT&mdash;CALEDONIAN HEADQUARTERS

CARTER (continuing over radio) I'm here with Minister Chaska of the Caledonian Federation. We'd like to know what Rand is offering.

DANIEL (over radio) In exchange for leaving the satellite intact, Rand is offering Caledonia the Stargate.

[Carter and Chaska are surprised and confused.]

INT&mdash;RAND PROTECTORATE BUNKER

DANIEL (into radio) Rand is offering the Gate and a limited cease fire, so all those from Caledonia&hellip;

INT&mdash;CALEDONIAN HEADQUARTERS

DANIEL (continuing radio transmission) who do not want to follow Origin and wish to seek refuge on another planet may do so.

CHASKA (defiant) They want us to leave our home, our planet?

MITCHELL (over radio) Jackson, are you sure about this?

EXT&mdash;SPACE, ABOVE TEGALUS

[The F-302 nears the satellite.]

MITCHELL (continuing over radio) &hellip;I've got a clean shot at this thing, and I am in favor of taking it.

INT&mdash;F-302 COCKPIT

DANIEL (over radio) Listen, Rand built that satellite in less than a year&hellip;

INT&mdash;RAND PROTECTORATE BUNKER

DANIEL (continuing) &hellip;And I can tell you, their resolve is&hellip;pretty steady.

[He takes a sidelong glance at Nadal. Pernaux thinks carefully on Daniel's words and looks at Nadal, who looks back at him stonily.]

DANIEL (continuing) If we blow this one up, they're just going to build another. And as far as the Caledonians go, well,&hellip;

INT&mdash;CALEDONIAN HEADQUARTERS

DANIEL (continuing over radio) &hellip;Sam, you're just going to have to explain to them that the Priors may not give them much choice, regardless of what Rand decides to do.

CARTER (to Chaska) I've seen the Priors wipe out entire planets for refusing to follow the Ori.

CHASKA You will not fight them with us?

CARTER Well, we would try, but honestly, there's only so much we can do.

CHASKA (scoffing) Will the Prior not follow us wherever we go?

CARTER (shrugging) Maybe, but for now&hellip;

DANIEL (over radio) Look, this offer's not going to be on the table long,&hellip;

INT&mdash;RAND PROTECTORATE BUNKER

DANIEL (into radio, more frantically) &hellip;and I realize there's a lot to be worked out, but at least it's a start.

INT&mdash;CALEDONIAN HEADQUARTERS

CARTER At the very least, the Rand now believe that you have the ability to disable the satellite whenever you want.

CHASKA (nodding) Which they will surely counter in time.

[Chaska steps away.]

INT&mdash;RAND PROTECTORATE BUNKER

[Daniel waits, holding his breath. Nadal listens, his expression serious.]

INT&mdash;F-302 COCKPIT

[Mitchell waits for further orders.]

INT&mdash;CALEDONIAN HEADQUARTERS

[Chaska turns back to Carter.]

CHASKA Tell Colonel Mitchell to call it off.

[Carter drops her hand with the radio and activates the microphone.]

CARTER (to Mitchell) Blue Leader, this is Carter. Minister Chaska is requesting that you stand down.

INT&mdash;F-302 COCKPIT

[Mitchell takes off his breathing mask.]

MITCHELL (into radio) All right, Jackson. But you folks better be damn sure about this.

EXT&mdash;SPACE, NEAR TEGALUS

[The F-302 flies away from the satellite.]

INT&mdash;RAND PROTECTORATE BUNKER

[Daniel and Nadal listen to the transmission as the power suddenly comes back on. The Rand soldiers immediately return to their stations and check systems. Nadal puts down his receiver and approaches the monitor with Pernaux.]

RAND TECHNICIAN Backup power is online. Satellite control has been reestablished. Sensors detect the Earth ship is veering away from the target.

[Daniel nods and puts down his handset.]

NADAL Activate the shields.

PERNAUX (shocked) The ship is no longer a threat.

NADAL Power the weapon.

DANIEL (incredulous) What!?!

[A guard grabs him by the back of the collar and forcibly yanks him away from the radio.]

NADAL Target the Caledonian Capital Building.

PERNAUX Sir, perhaps we should take a moment&hellip;

NADAL (growling) You will abide by my authority. Power the weapon now.

RAND TECHNICIAN (nodding) Powering the weapon.

INT&mdash;F-302 COCKPIT

TEAL'C (studying a display) Our sensors detect that the weapon's shields have become active.

MITCHELL (into radio) Jackson? What's going on down there? The satellite is powering up its weapon and targeting the planet.

INT&mdash;CALEDONIAN HEADQUARTERS

CARTER (incredulous) We had a deal!

CHASKA (into radio) President Nadal, explain your actions immediately. President Nadal!

INT&mdash;RAND PROTECTORATE BUNKER

KANE (furious) You gave your word!

NADAL (angrily confronting Kane) I gave my soul to the Ori who offered us all salvation. Anyone who rejects that is a fool. (spinning to the group) They are all Caledonians, for Gods' sake. They all deserved to die, long before the Prior showed us the path to enlightenment.

PERNAUX (to Rand Technician) Shut down the satellite.

NADAL Don't listen to him!

PERNAUX Now!

NADAL Arrest the commander!

[Two guards point weapons at Pernaux.]

PERNAUX Stand down!

[The guards lower their weapons slightly and look at each other, confused.]

PERNAUX I won't let you do this, Nadal.

NADAL Do as I say!

[Pernaux unholsters his sidearm and fires at Nadal. Pernaux is immediately shot by the two guards and falls to the floor. Daniel, Kane, and the guards stare in shock. Nadal collapses to floor, his hand covering a bloody wound in his chest. Kane shakes off his guards in a frenzy.]

KANE Put your weapons down! NOW! (He grabs a guard by his shirt and shakes him.) Get a medical unit in here! Go! Go!

[The guard hurries to comply. Kane moves to Pernaux as Daniel approaches Nadal and checks his vital signs. Kane puts his arm around Pernaux to help him keep his head up.]

PERNAUX (in pain) Shut down the satellite.

DANIEL (shaking his head) He's dead.

KANE You heard him. The President is dead. Commander Pernaux is next in command.

RAND TECHNICIAN He's also the one who killed the President.

KANE The President violated an international treaty. You want to be the one responsible for destroying a city full of people when this goes to tribunal? Shut it down, now!

[Rand Technician fumbles with various switches.]

KANE (gently, to Pernaux) Hang on. Help is coming.

PERNAUX (struggling to speak) The deal&hellip;will stand.

[Kane and Daniel exchange somber looks. Daniel glances back at the dead Nadal.]

EXT&mdash;CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN, NIGHT

INT&mdash;DANIEL'S OFFICE

[Daniel sits in the corner of his office, working. Mitchell enters, wearing casual civilian garb with a duffel bag over his shoulder. He takes two cans of what appear to be Coors Light beer out of the duffel.]

DANIEL Hey. Haven't seen you since the memorial service.

MITCHELL Yeah. It was a rough day.

[He opens a can and sets it in front of Daniel, then sits in a neighboring stool and opens his own can. Daniel studies the can thoughtfully.]

DANIEL So, where you been?

MITCHELL I, um&hellip;hand-delivered Landry's letter to Colonel Pendergast's wife and kids. They needed to know that he died saving his crew&hellip;that his death mattered.

DANIEL (pensive) Well, seventy-six people survived. That's a&mdash;a testament to his leadership.

MITCHELL And yours. We never would've got off that planet if you hadn't brokered the deal.

[He toasts Daniel with his can and takes a swig of beer. Daniel grimaces and leans back in his chair.]

DANIEL So, I take it, then, you haven't heard.

[Mitchell looks up.]

MITCHELL Heard what?

DANIEL Soon after we left, the talks broke down.

[Daniel looks away, then back at Mitchell sadly. Mitchell sighs and looks down.]

MITCHELL And?

DANIEL And we've been unable to make contact with them. General Landry had the Daedalus reroute on its way back from Atlantis. It seems the Caledonians weren't content to just leave their fair planet.

[He gives a sad, ironic smile.]

MITCHELL They launched an attack.

DANIEL (nodding) And Rand responded. The Stargate is presumed buried in the rubble.

[Mitchell shakes his head and stares into space.]

MITCHELL Rough day.

[Daniel picks up his beer.]

DANIEL Rough day.

[He makes a half-hearted toasting gesture with his beer can, which Mitchell acknowledges, and they both drink.]

FADE OUT

END CREDITS

Transcribed for Stargate Solutions by Aurora Novarum, February 2006

Related Articles

 * Previous: 9.14 "Stronghold" Transcript
 * Next: 9.16 "Off The Grid" Transcript

Related Links
--Michelle 20:09, 7 February 2006 (PST)