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SGA 5.09 "Tracker" Episode Guide

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TEASER

EXT&mdash;ATLANTIS, DAY

INT&mdash;MCKAY'S QUARTERS

[McKay primps in front of a mirror&mdash;fixing his hair and checking whether he looks better with his t-shirt sleeve rolled up or not.]

MCKAY (reciting as memory exercise) Neuraminidase inhibitor. Neuraminidase inhibitor. Neuraminidase inhibitor.

[The door opens. McKay straightens his sleeve quickly as Sheppard enters.]

SHEPPARD Hey.

MCKAY (guiltily) Hey.

SHEPPARD I hear you're going off-world.

MCKAY I'm, uh, assisting with a, uh, medical follow-up on M33-985, yes.

SHEPPARD With Keller.

MCKAY Right again.

SHEPPARD On your day off.

MCKAY What, I can't go off-world in my free time?

SHEPPARD No, no, go ahead. I just think it's odd you're volunteering for goodwill missions on your&hellip;day off.

MCKAY Well, I'm turning over a new leaf. It's a whole new, uh, you know, kinder, gentler Rodney McKay.

[Sheppard looks at him suspiciously and nods; he leaves contemplating something.]

INT&mdash;ATLANTIS GATE ROOM

[McKay strides into the Gate Room, carrying only his jacket, which is casually over one shoulder. His face falls as he sees Ronon standing by Keller, who's packing a computer into her bag. She stands and turns, spotting McKay.]

KELLER (smiling) Oh, there you are! You all set?

[McKay puts on his jacket.]

MCKAY (with false brightness, to Ronon) You&hellip;coming too, are you?

KELLER Yeah. Ronon offered to help out, too. So I just thought, you know, the more the merrier, right?

MCKAY Hmm.

RONON Is there a problem?

MCKAY No, no, no, just, I was&mdash;I was just&hellip;no, it's nothing.

KELLER Okay&hellip;uh, go ahead and dial, Chuck!

[The Stargate starts to dial out. Both Ronon and McKay reach for Keller's other bag and pick it up.]

MCKAY Right. I got this. I'm good. I got it. I got it. I'm good.

[Ronon does not release his hold, and has a firmer grasp on it.]

MCKAY You want it? You-you take that.. I got&hellip;my own stuff, that I'll bring.

WORMHOLE EFFECT

EXT&mdash;VILLAGE, M33-985, DAY

[Ronon, Keller, and McKay walk into the medieval era village.]

KELLER So the people we're seeing today&mdash;as long as you avoid any physical contact, you should be fine. The contagion doesn't seem to be airborne.

[Someone watches the trio from foliage near the village.]

RONON What's wrong with these people again?

KELLER Uh, it's a disease similar to one on Earth called influenza. It's been spreading throughout the village. Not too severe a strain, but&hellip;enough to put a scare into them.

INT&mdash;ERRAN'S HOME

[Keller uses her stethoscope to check a boy's lungs while he lies in bed. His mother, Erran, hovers nearby. McKay and Ronon stand in the doorway.]

KELLER He's caught it, too.

ERRAN Will he be all right?

KELLER (nodding) His fever's mild. So, plenty of rest, lots of fluids, and he should be fine. I'm also going to prescribe some medicine.

MCKAY (casually) Oh, a, uh, neuraminidase inhibitor?

KELLER (impressed) Very good. Um&hellip;can I have a look at you too, Erran? Just to be on the safe side.

[Erran glances self-consciously back at Ronon and McKay. Keller follows her gaze.]

KELLER Uh, do you guys mind giving us some privacy? I think there's a tavern close by. Why don't you go get some lunch.

MCKAY (stammering) Oh&hellip;you want to&hellip;sure.

[Ronon and McKay awkwardly take their leave.]

EXT&mdash;TAVERN, DAY

[Ronon and McKay sit at an outside table. Ronon is devouring his stew with gusto. McKay stares at his bowl with distaste.]

RONON What's the matter? You don't like it?

[McKay clears his throat and gingerly picks out a bone from his stew&mdash;setting it in the center of the table. Ronon shrugs.]

RONON You know, you don't have to be here. I'm sure you got plenty of stuff to do back on Atlantis.

MCKAY Oddly enough, I don't, actually. But, if you need to get back, then um&hellip;

RONON No, I'm good.

MCKAY Of course you are.

RONON Mm-hmm.

[Ronon picks up McKay's bone, then bites off the end of the bone and sucks the marrow between spoonfuls of stew.]

EXT&mdash;OUTSIDE ERRAN'S HOME, DAY

[Ronon and McKay go to Erran's doorstep and knock.]

MCKAY (nervously) You think we've given them enough time? I mean, I don't want to interrupt if they're in the middle of medical&hellip;

[Ronon knocks.]

MCKAY &hellip;stuff.

[Erran opens the door.]

MCKAY Hi. Um&hellip;is Doctor Keller done?

ERRAN She's not with you? She finished with us, then left. Said she was going to join you at the tavern.

[Ronon exchanges looks with McKay, then walks away.]

MCKAY Oh right. Very good. Thanks.

[McKay follows Ronon.]

EXT&mdash;VILLAGE, M33-985, DAY

[Ronon and McKay search the village.]

MCKAY (into radio) Jennifer.

RONON (calling loudly) Jennifer!

MCKAY (into radio) Jennifer, it's Rodney. Do you read me?

RONON Jennifer!

MCKAY (into radio) Doctor Keller, please respond! (to Ronon) Well, either her radio isn't working or she's turned it off.

RONON She wouldn't do that.

MCKAY (worried) Then what happened to her?

END TEASER

OPENING CREDITS

EXT&mdash;VILLAGE, M33-985, DAY

[Ronon and McKay rendezvous at the center of the village.]

MCKAY Anything?

RONON Checked up and down the street. No one's seen her. It's like she just vanished.

MCKAY That doesn't make any sense. I mean, she wouldn't take off without telling us where she's going.

RONON Not unless someone took her against her will. Maybe you should go back to the 'gate, radio Atlantis for help.

MCKAY Maybe you're right.

RONON I'll stay here and check the entire village.

[They part ways.]

EXT&mdash;FOREST, M33-985, DAY

[Keller awakens to find herself leaning against a tree. A tall man crouches a short distance away. He has his back to her and rummaging through her pack. She notices her hands are tied in front of her. She tests the bindings then reaches for her missing headset. The man notices her movements and walks over. She shifts defensively.]

KELLER (tightly) Who are you?

KIRYK If you'd stop struggling, I wouldn't have to stun you.

KELLER What do you want from me?

KIRYK And stop asking questions.

KELLER I just want to know why you kidnapped me. How did you take me from the village? I don't even remember&hellip;

[Kiryk pulls his sidearm, a Wraith stunner. Keller purses her lips and looks away, fighting back her fear. She looks back silently when he doesn't fire.]

KIRYK Good. Let's go.

EXT&mdash;FOREST, DAY

[Ronon walks through another part of the forest.]

RONON (into radio) McKay?

MCKAY (over radio) Yeah, go ahead.

RONON I got some footprints outside the village.

[The conversation switches from Ronon's location to where McKay is heading towards the Stargate.]

MCKAY Jennifer's?

RONON Standard Atlantis tread. There's someone with her. Bigger prints, like my size. Looks like there was a struggle.

MCKAY (sighing) Oh&hellip;dammit.

RONON Weird thing is, it's like they just appeared out of nowhere.

MCKAY What do you mean "nowhere"?

RONON I mean there's nothing at all between here and the village, and then they just appear. Like they dropped out of the sky. Wait a sec&hellip; Got a single set of tracks heading into the woods.

[He starts to follow them.]

MCKAY A single set?

RONON Not Keller's, the other guy's.

MCKAY So what happened to Keller's?

[Ronon crouches by the tracks.]

RONON Ah, these prints are deeper. My guess is he's carrying her. Probably knocked her unconscious, or&hellip;

MCKAY (sighing) Oh, god.

[Ronon stands and starts to follow the tracks.]

RONON I'm going to check it out.

MCKAY Maybe we should wait. All right, I'm almost to the 'gate. I-I-I'll radio ahead, get a-a team here. Do a proper search.

RONON That sounds good. You do that. Meantime, I'm going after her.

[McKay gives an exasperated sigh and double-times it towards the Stargate.]

RONON McKay?

MCKAY Yeah, I'm here.

RONON (smiling) I got two sets of tracks again. She's still alive.

EXT&mdash;M33-985 STARGATE, DAY

[McKay has reached the Stargate. He gives a relieved sigh.]

MCKAY Oh, great! That's great! All right, I'm at the 'gate. I'll get the search teams mobilized, join you shortly.

[The Stargate begins to activate from an incoming wormhole. McKay hides in the nearby foliage. Four Wraith exit the Stargate, splitting up. McKay starts to back away, but breaks a bit of wood as he moves. One of the Wraith hears him.]

MCKAY Oh, crap!

[McKay starts running. The Wraith hisses and gives chase.]

MCKAY (into radio) Ronon!

EXT&mdash;FOREST, DAY

RONON What?

MCKAY We got Wraith!

RONON How many?

[Ronon turns back and starts to run towards McKay's position.]

MCKAY Four of them just came through the 'gate, and one of them's about to kill me!

[McKay gives a primal scream and shoots blindly behind him at the Wraith. The Wraith shoots his stunner, but misses. McKay is starting to falter, but continues to run. He takes refuge behind a trunk when he reaches a small clearing. The Wraith pauses at the clearing, trying to decide where to go. McKay, from his hiding place, hears the Wraith moving away. McKay risks peeking out from behind the stump, only to find the Wraith standing in wait on the other side.]

MCKAY Oh shi&mdash;!

[McKay makes a break for it, barely missing being stunned. The Wraith tackles him to the ground. The Wraith stands over him. McKay shoots a whole magazine at the Wraith, but it keeps coming, pulling him up and pinning him against a tree. It raises its hand to feed.]

MCKAY Oh!

[Ronon shoots the Wraith from behind with his stunner. The Wraith falls.]

MCKAY (breathless and relieved) Oh, finally! Oh&hellip;what took you so long!?

RONON (drily) Oh, you're welcome.

[McKay groans. Ronon looks at the Wraith more closely.]

RONON It's a hunter.

MCKAY What?

RONON Wraith hunter. They chase runners.

MCKAY I thought runners were extremely rare, like, only a few in the galaxy!

RONON That's right.

MCKAY Yeah, so a few years we run into you, and now another one? I mean wha-what are the odds of that?

[Ronon looks around.]

RONON Where'd the other Wraith go?

MCKAY I don't know. They-they spread out into the forest.

[Ronon starts to run.]

MCKAY Where are you go&mdash;? Where are you going? Hey wait!

[McKay, still breathless, follows.]

EXT&mdash;FOREST, KELLER' S POSITION, DAY

KIRYK This is as far as we go on the trail.

[He abruptly spins Keller to set her down against a tree trunk.]

KELLER Oh! Where are you taking me?

[Kiryk sets Keller's packs near her. He opens one and starts pulling out more rope.]

KELLER At least tell me your name.

[Kiryk ties Keller's legs together.]

KIRYK There'll be time to talk when we get there.

KELLER (frustrated) Where?

[Kiryk starts making careful tracks up the trail.]

KELLER What are you doing?

[He continues to make tracks. Keller hears foliage rustling nearby. She perks, alert.]

KELLER (whispering) Ronon?

[A Wraith appears on the other side of the foliage. Keller stares petrified. She looks from the Wraith to her captor, making a quick decision as the Wraith fires its stunner.]

KELLER Watch out!

[Kiryk taps his armband and disappears as the Wraith fires. Kiryk ends up behind the Wraith and unsheathes a sword. The Wraith turns just before Kiryk decapitates him. Keller watches in horror as Kiryk cleans his blade on the Wraith's clothes.]

EXT&mdash;VILLAGE, DAY

[Ronon is already speaking with Erran as McKay catches up.]

RONON We need to get your people to a safe place as fast as possible.

ERRAN Why? What happened?

RONON We spotted Wraith in the area.

ERRAN Wraith? Coming here?

MCKAY (out of breath) Hopefully not. It's just a few of them. We think they're looking for someone else.

RONON But we don't want to take any chances.

MCKAY Look, have you seen anyone different in the village recently? Any-any newcomers? Anyone that looks&hellip;uh&hellip;uh&hellip;like that?

[He points to Ronon, who shoots him a glare.]

ERRAN No.

RONON We don't have time for this. Is there a place your people can hide?

ERRAN There are dozens of caverns surrounding the village. Our ancestors used them during the last culling.

RONON Good. Come on. Let's go.

[They head out together.]

EXT&mdash;FOREST, DAY

[Keller is again led along by the arm by Kiryk. She looks at the armband.]

KELLER What is that thing?

KIRYK Take too long to explain.

KELLER Too long? We've been walking for hours now. Can I at least rest for a bit?

KIRYK No.

KELLER (whining) Just a few minutes?

KIRYK A few minutes to allow your team to gain ground on us?

KELLER (quickly) What team?

KIRYK You're from Atlantis. You're a doctor. There were two men traveling with you.

[Keller stares at Kiryk for a moment, then breaks free and makes a run for it. She goes several yards through the forest before Kiryk appears in front of her, aiming his stunner. She stops short and gasps in alarm. He stuns her, and she falls unconscious.]

EXT&mdash;FOREST NEAR CAVERNS, DAY

[Ronon and McKay supervise the evacuation of the villagers.]

RONON Watch your step. Just keep going. It's just past that gully, you're almost there.

MCKAY That's it. That's it. Mind your step, sir.

[The large woman with short hair glares at McKay.]

LARGE WOMAN (insulted) Sir?

MCKAY Ma-ma'am, sorry. I&mdash;you have-have a&hellip;

[She's already moved past. He turns to Ronon.]

MCKAY That is clearly a mustache!

[Ronon glares at McKay. Erran is at the end of the procession.]

ERRAN That's the last of them. The village is empty now.

RONON Good. Go with them. Make sure they stay in the caverns. And&hellip;keep them quiet. Make sure no one makes a sound unless you hear from me.

MCKAY Or me!

ERRAN All right. Thank you.

[She follows the villagers.]

MCKAY (to Ronon) Hey, maybe we should go back to the 'gate?

RONON No, go ahead. I'm going to keep tracking Keller.

MCKAY Wha&mdash;I do not think it is wise for us to split up right now. We have no idea where the Wraith are.

RONON It takes too long to go back. That runner took her. We let him get too far ahead, we'll never find them. Look, if you want to go to the 'gate, go ahead. I'm leaving.

[He starts off.]

MCKAY Ronon? Ronon! I&mdash;oh, dammit! Would you just&hellip;Ronon!

[McKay chases after him.]

EXT&mdash;FOREST, DAY

[Keller awakens on the forest floor, still tied up. She winces as she tries to get up. Kiryk stands over her.]

KIRYK You done trying to escape?

[Keller nods in defeat.]

KIRYK More Wraith close by. We need to keep moving.

[He lifts her up easily with one arm, then leads her by the elbow through the forest.]

KELLER You're not from the village, are you? I've never noticed you, and I pretty much met everyone. Are you even from this planet? You're the one who brought the Wraith here. They're after you, why?

KIRYK I'm a runner. You know about runners?

KELLER One of the men I'm traveling with&hellip;he used to be one.

[Kiryk stops short.]

KIRYK Used to be? That's impossible. Runners don't stop being runners.

KELLER Yeah? Well, this one did.

KIRYK Yeah? Well, how?

KELLER (earnestly) Take me to him, and we'll tell you.

[Kiryk stares at her, not trusting her.]

KELLER I promise. Look, we don't have to be enemies.

KIRYK Nice try.

[He leads her away.]

EXT&mdash;FOREST, DAY

[McKay catches up to Ronon crouched down.]

MCKAY Hey! If you&mdash; (sees Ronon concentrating) What?

RONON This is where Keller's tracks start up again. Look&mdash;smaller, shallower&hellip;Atlantis tread. These prints are bigger and deeper.

MCKAY The runner.

RONON Keller's tracks are uneven. She's either hurt or bound. Probably both.

MCKAY Well, at least the tracks are clear, though. Easier to follow, right?

RONON That's the problem. No runner's that stupid.

EXT&mdash;P33-985, DUSK

INT&mdash;FOREST, DUSK

[Ronon and McKay continue to track through the forest.]

RONON It's going to be dark soon.

[McKay waves his scanner.]

MCKAY Actually, we have two hours, forty-three minutes, and seventeen seconds. This planet's sun currently has a very gradual angle of descent and a very short night. I always make it a point to download the planetary data on every address I dial, even goodwill missions. You know, things like, uh, atmospheric conditions, soil consistencies, available water supplies. What?

RONON (shaking his head) Just wondering how long you'd make it out here without your little gadgets.

MCKAY Oh, you know, I think you'd be surprised, you know? I mean I may not be exactly what you would call an "outdoors person", but that doesn't mean I don't [sic] find the whole "man versus nature" thing uninteresting. Hell, I joined a scouting organization when I was a child. Lodge 14 of the Fort McMurray Eager Beavers.

RONON Beavers?

MCKAY Yep. Large rodent. Big teeth. Uses them to chop down trees and build dams. Very industrious. I was with them for a few months before they asked me to leave, but, uh, I got the manual. Still have it&mdash;Scouting for Beavers. Invaluable resource. So, I think you'll find in a pinch, I handle myself very well, thank you very&mdash;

[Ronon pauses, a troubled look on his face.]

MCKAY (worried) What is it?

RONON Blood.

MCKAY Oh, my god.

RONON No, it's Wraith blood.

[He moves forward and looks at the tree where Keller had been crouched when the Wraith was decapitated.]

RONON Here we go. Someone was sitting here&hellip;Look&hellip;single set of tracks&hellip;

[He points up the trail. Then looks to the foliage off to one side.]

RONON &hellip;but they left the trail going that way.

MCKAY Are you sure? 'Cause the footprints keep going this way.

RONON Single set.

MCKAY Yeah, I know. But maybe he's carrying her again. Or maybe they were attacked by the Wraith. Jennifer was stunned&hellip;and then the runner kills the Wraith and disposes the body&hellip;and then carries Jennifer on up the trail. Look how deep these tracks are. I say we follow these.

[He starts to move, but Ronon blocks his path by putting out a large stick across his chest.]

RONON Easy.

[Ronon moves up cautiously, testing the ground with his stick. He comes to a point where he pauses, then pushes the stick deep into the ground. A trap is sprung. The ground gives way as a tarp separates, revealing two trunks filled with rotating wooden spikes. McKay stares in horror.]

RONON Like I said, no runner's that stupid.

EXT&mdash;BOTTOM OF CLIFF, DUSK

[Kiryk and Keller stop at the foot of a large vertical cliff or rock.]

KELLER What now?

KIRYK We go up.

KELLER Up? How? Do you have a rope?

KIRYK No need for ropes.

[He takes Keller's arm and taps his armband. They disappear.]

EXT&mdash;TOP OF CLIFF, DUSK

[They re-materialize at the top of the cliff.]

KELLER (nonplussed) Did we just&hellip;? How did we do that?

KIRYK I was on a planet a while back, lots of technology. Got this from one of the locals. (indicates the armband) Barely put it on my arm before it fused to my skin. Since then, if I hit this light when it's green, I can disappear&mdash;move around from place to place.

KELLER Teleportation. That's how you got me out of the village so fast.

KIRYK I can only go short distances. It needs time to recharge between jumps, especially when I take someone with me. But&hellip;it's helped me stay ahead of the Wraith.

[He starts leading her away.]

KELLER I imagine so.

EXT&mdash;FOREST, DUSK

[Ronon pauses along the trail, calling back impatiently.]

RONON McKay!

[There is no sign of McKay.]

RONON Dammit.

EXT&mdash;FALLEN LOG, FOREST, DUSK

[McKay sits on a log. He has taken off his boot and shakes out a pebble. He sighs. There is a rustling behind him. A Wraith comes up the trail, just as surprised to see McKay as McKay is to see him. The Wraith fires his stunner, but McKay dodges the blast, hopping on one foot while firing his pistol several times. The Wraith falls dead under the blasts. Ronon appears out of the woods, his gun drawn. He checks the downed Wraith.]

RONON What the hell are you doing?

MCKAY At the moment, killing Wraith!

RONON What are you stopping for?

MCKAY I had a stone in my boot, I told you.

[He hops back to the log and works on putting his boot back on.]

RONON No, you didn't.

MCKAY Yes, I did! I said, "Wait up! I got a stone in my boot."

RONON (impatient) Every second you lag behind makes it that much harder for me to track this guy, especially at night.

[McKay smiles as he looks at the dead Wraith.]

MCKAY Not anymore. We don't have to play man-tracker now. We're going to know exactly where this guy is&hellip;

[He walks over to the body and pulls the tracking scanner off the Wraith's wrist.]

MCKAY &hellip;Thanks to this handy gadget!

[Ronon snatches the device away from McKay.]

RONON Look at that signal! They're even farther away than I thought!

[He throws the device back at McKay and storms off. McKay follows. They resume their trek.]

MCKAY I'm sorry, but I guarantee, at some point, you're going to need my help. You'll see. There'll be some problem you can't solve. Then you'll turn to me. I'll figure it out in the nick of time, you'll say "good job," or just grunt, or slap me on the back harder than necessary. Anyways, the point is&hellip;we both have our gifts. So you need to stop resenting my presence here, and start realizing we're on the same team, both trying to achieve the same goal. All right? Are you listening? You got the tracker face. Can you hear what I'm saying here?

EXT&mdash;FOREST, HIGHER GROUND, DUSK

[Kiryk leads Keller through the woods.]

KELLER When are you going to tell me what you want from me?

KIRYK I need you to help someone.

KELLER Who?

KIRYK That's not important to you. You just need to give her medical attention.

KELLER Her? Who is she? Your wife?

KIRYK When we get there, I won't be able to stay with you. The longer I'm in one place, the greater the danger. Probably a dozen more Wraith on the way.

EXT&mdash;BOTTOM OF CLIFF, DUSK

[Ronon and McKay reach the bottom of the cliff.]

RONON Trail ends here.

[McKay checks the tracking scanner.]

MCKAY Well, he's dead ahead. So either he climbed this thing, or he figured out how to get around it.

RONON No sign they went around.

MCKAY Well, so they must've had a rope or something, unlike us. Look, how are we going to get up there?

RONON You said something about solving a problem&hellip;

MCKAY Yeah, technological problems, not&hellip;rock climbing problems.

RONON Thought so.

[He walks away. McKay follows.]

EXT&mdash;FOREST, HIGHER GROUND, DUSK

KELLER Have you ever thought about trying to remove that tracking device.

KIRYK You could say that. Had a few doctors try. No luck.

KELLER I have advanced medical technology with me.

KIRYK I know.

KELLER So I could probably remove it. That runner I was telling you about? One of our doctors removed his tracking device. That's&hellip;how he was able to stop being a runner.

[Kiryk stops walking and turns to face her.]

KIRYK You have something in here that can remove it?

KELLER I have a scanner. With that I can&hellip;pinpoint the location of your tracking device, give you some anesthetic, make a quick incision, you're free of it.

KIRYK (hesitating) I&hellip;

KELLER Look, you say there's someone who needs medical attention? It's going to be a lot safer for all of us if we throw the Wraith off your trail before we get there.

[Kiryk sighs and puts down the bags he's been carrying. He unsheathes his sword.]

KELLER Oh!

[She stands very still as he cuts the bindings around her wrist. Freed, Keller reaches into her bag and pulls out her tablet scanner.]

KELLER Okay&hellip;turn around.

KIRYK If-if you try anything, I&hellip;

KELLER (firmly) Just turn around.

[Kiryk studies her uncertainly for a moment, then turns his back to her. She starts running her scanner. Her face falls.]

KIRYK Do you see it?

[She stops the scanner but does not answer. He turns back to face her.]

KIRYK What did you see?

KELLER (sadly) Your tracking device&hellip;it's different&hellip;It's much more complicated. It's branched out&mdash;fused not only to your spine but also to your brain stem. Removing it would kill you&hellip;I'm sorry.

[Kiryk composes his expression.]

KIRYK We need to get moving.

[Keller repacks her scanner and follows him.]

EXT&mdash;FOREST, DUSK

MCKAY Okay, nightfall, seventeen minutes. But like I said, it's very brief. Like, uh, Whitehorse in June. Oh, not that you have any idea what Whitehorse is&hellip;or June for that matter&hellip;

[There is a loud snapping sound. McKay stops and turns around.]

MCKAY What the&hellip;

RONON Whoa!

[He dives to the ground, pushing McKay with him. They drop onto their stomachs just before a large log imbedded with wooden spikes swings down over where they were standing. It swings back and forth just inches over their heads. McKay raises up slightly.]

MCKAY Holy crap! Did you see that thing?

[Ronon shoves McKay's face into the dirt just as the log makes another pass. They watch the log continues to swing above them.]

RONON (impressed) This guy's good.

MCKAY (petrified) This guy's a killer!

EXT&mdash;OUTSIDE CAVE, NIGHT

[Keller and Kiryk reach an area of covered foliage.]

KIRYK Good. No one found it.

KELLER Found what?

[Kiryk moves the foliage away to reveal a cave entrance.]

INT&mdash;CAVE

[The cave is lit by lanterns. A young girl sleeps on blankets in the corner, her forehead wet as with a fever. Keller pauses upon spotting the child, then starts forward.]

KIRYK Her name is Celise.

KELLER What happened to her?

KIRYK She fell, injured her leg. I did my best to clean the wound, but&hellip;

[He shows her the ragged injury.]

KELLER It's infected! When did this happen?

KIRYK A few days ago. When she got worse, I went looking for a doctor. Went to three different planets. I heard there were people from Atlantis helping the village here with their sickness. So&hellip;I brought her here, found this cave to hide her, and set a few traps to keep the Wraith or&hellip;anyone else away. Then&hellip;waited for you to show up.

[Keller checks Celise's vital signs.]

KELLER (annoyed) You know, you could've just asked for my help instead of kidnapping me.

KIRYK I couldn't take that chance. Most people don't want anything to do with runners.

KELLER Is she your daughter?

KIRYK No. She lived in a village that was destroyed by the Wraith.

KELLER Let me guess, you brought the Wraith there.

KIRYK (defensively) I stayed there one night! I didn't think they'd find me that fast. They culled the whole village. Celise was the only person I could save.

[Keller checks Celise's fever.]

KIRYK (concerned) How bad is she?

KELLER Very bad. Her blood pressure's dangerously low. She's septic&hellip;going into shock.

KIRYK What does that mean?

KELLER It means the wound is necrotic. I'm going to have to surgically debride it&mdash;cut away the dead tissue. I'm going to start her on an i.v. antibiotic. But she needs much stronger medications than I have with me. She's a very, very sick girl.

KIRYK (insistent) She can't die. You cannot let her die!

KELLER I'll do what I can.

KIRYK I'll be close by.

[He leaves the cave as Keller prepares a bag of solution.]

EXT&mdash;CAVE ENTRANCE, NIGHT

[Kiryk looks around, upset before he schools his emotions and walks away.]

INT&mdash;CAVE

[Celise awakens as Keller finishes bandaging her leg. She looks at Keller, frightened as Keller realizes she's awake.]

KELLER Oh, it-it's okay. It's okay. I'm here to help you. I gave you some medicine to numb your leg. Do you feel any pain?

[Celise clutches a small rag doll and shakes her head.]

KELLER (sighing) Good. That's good.

CELISE (weakly) Where's Kiryk?

KELLER Kiryk. So that's his name. He's just outside. Keeping watch and making sure you're safe, okay?

[Celise nods.]

KELLER That's a beautiful doll.

CELISE Kiryk made it for me.

KELLER Wow, mean ol' Kiryk, huh? Go figure.

CELISE He's not mean. He just pretends to be.

KELLER I know someone just like him.

[She smiles at the girl.]

EXT&mdash;FOREST, NIGHT

[Ronon and McKay track through the dark woods.]

MCKAY The signal's circling. Wherever he's taking her, I think they've arrived.

RONON How long before daybreak?

MCKAY Ah, not long now. Maybe under an hour? It's pretty short.

[Ronon stops McKay's forward moment, then silently draws his weapon. They peek around the corner at the Wraith standing in the trail, not moving and not facing them. Ronon stands, watching with interest.]

MCKAY (whispering) What are you doing? Shoot it!

[Ronon cautiously moves forward with his gun. McKay follows with his own sidearm drawn. Ronon places the barrel against the Wraith's head.]

RONON Don't move.

[The Wraith does not move&hellip;in fact does not even startle at Ronon's presence. Ronon circles around and sees the Wraith has been caught in one of Kiryk's traps, impaled upright. He chuckles and lowers his gun. McKay circles around and stares in horror.]

RONON One less trap to worry about.

MCKAY Is that supposed to be comforting?

[They move off.]

EXT&mdash;CAVE ENTRANCE, DAWN

[Keller steps outside the cave, looking around. Kiryk shows up behind her. She turns and is startled by his sudden, close proximity.]

KELLER (gasping) Oh! You scared me.

KIRYK How is she?

KELLER I debrided the wound, cleaned it as best I could, but&hellip;she's not out of danger, not by a long shot. She needs a much stronger antibiotic regimen, not to mention the probability of a skin graft. I'd like to take her to Atlantis. Our infirmary can provide her with the proper care she needs.

KIRYK I can't go to Atlantis.

KELLER I know. You're going to have to&hellip;trust me with her care.

[Kiryk stiffens.]

KIRYK As long as you return her to me when&hellip;she's healed.

KELLER Kiryk, you have to understand something. There's no guarantee she's going to survive this, she's still very sick. But if she survives&hellip;being constantly hunted by the Wraith is no life for a child. You know that. If you really want her to live, you need to let her go.

KIRYK If I knew that she would&mdash;

[He pauses, hearing something behind them.]

KELLER (alert) What is it?

[Kiryk shoves Keller into hiding in the foliage, then moves off, checking his armband. A few seconds later, two Wraith approach the cave. Kiryk materializes, with his sword drawn. He catches them by surprise, slicing the one open. The other is able to strike back before he can fight it, knocking Kiryk to the ground and disarming him. Kiryk disappears as the Wraith presses his advantage. He looks around. Kiryk rematerializes behind him and punches him in the kidney area, then picks up his sword and kills the Wraith. Kiryk is then felled by a stunner blast by a third, hidden Wraith. It approaches its prey.]

CELISE (calling from in cave) Kiryk?

[The Wraith turns to the cave.]

INT&mdash;CAVE

[The Wraith approaches Celise, who lies helpless on the bed. It falls dead as it's impaled by Kiryk's sword. Keller lets go of the hilt as the Wraith falls. Still in shock, she runs to Celise and embraces her, staring at the entrance.]

EXT&mdash;FOREST CLEARING, DAY

[Kiryk awakens to find himself lying in a clearing. Keller is nearby with Celise, checking the girl's vitals. Kiryk groans as he tries to move.]

KIRYK What happened?

KELLER A Wraith stunned you. Almost killed Celise. I couldn't revive you. They must've hit you with a triple dose of whatever's in those stunners. Anyway, I knew we had to get away from the cave, so I carried Celise here, and then I went back and literally dragged you the distance. Not an easy task, let me tell you.

[While Keller is speaking, Kiryk struggles to his feet. His muscles are still stiff and weak, his balance wobbly.]

KIRYK How is she?

KELLER Stable, for the time being, but&hellip;her fever is still very high. The longer she stays on this planet, the greater the danger.

KIRYK I'll carry her. We'll head back for the 'gate.

KELLER With the Wraith closing in on us? How far do you think we're going to get?

KIRYK A lot farther than you trying to carry her yourself.

[Keller licks her lips and pulls a device from nearby.]

KELLER Okay, look, I've been thinking. I may not be able to remove the tracking device, but there might be a way to disable it. This machine&hellip;is called a defibrillator. It creates a powerful electric shock to restore someone's heart to the proper rhythm. And I think, if I can place the paddles on the skin directly above your tracking device? I might be able to overload the power source&mdash;fry the circuits.

KIRYK (steeling himself) All right, do it.

KELLER Okay, but you should know, that there's no guarantees that this is going to work, and it also carries a lot of risk.

KIRYK Well, if it works, the device will be disabled. If it kills me, same thing. The Wraith won't be able to track me anymore&hellip; It's time to stop running.

EXT&mdash;FOREST, DAY

[McKay studies the scanner.]

MCKAY It's not too much further.

[Ronon pulls his gun and breaks into a run. McKay hurries to keep up.]

MCKAY Hey!

EXT&mdash;CLEARING, DAY

[Kiryk brushes the hair from the sleeping Celise's forehead.]

KIRYK Promise me you'll make sure she's cared for.

KELLER I promise.

[Kiryk stands and strips off his top. Keller stares at the scars on his back.]

KELLER Okay. The charge moves from one paddle to the other, and your tracking device is going to be directly between them, okay?

[Kiryk breathes deeply. She tapes one paddle to the center of his chest.]

KELLER All right.

[He lies on his stomach. Keller places the other paddle on his back.]

KELLER Ready?

[He nods. She sets the charge to 360 joules.]

KELLER Okay, here we go.

[She shocks him. He grunts in pain, then collapses limply.]

EXT&mdash;FOREST, DAY

MCKAY What the hell?

RONON What?

MKCAY I don't know. It just&hellip;it suddenly stopped transmitting. We lost them!

[Ronon glowers, then keeps moving.]

EXT&mdash;CLEARING, DAY

[Keller has moved Kiryk onto his back and is performing CPR.]

KELLER (desperately) Oh, come on!

[She injects him with a syringe. She checks for a pulse. He suddenly gasps and retches, starting to sit up. She holds him down.]

KELLER Okay?

KIRYK What&mdash;what happened?

KELLER I lost you for a moment, but&hellip;you're back in the land of the living.

[She reaches for her scanner.]

KIRYK Did it work?

[She scans him.]

KELLER I think so. The device isn't transmitting any signals. I think we successfully fried the sucker.

[She smiles&mdash;but her smile falters as she looks down.]

KELLER Oh no.

KIRYK What?

KELLER I guess it fried that too.

[She gestures to the armband that has fallen off his arm, the crystal light blue.]

KIRYK It doesn't matter. Don't need it anymore.

[He moves to toss it away.]

KELLER Actually&hellip;I know someone who would love to inspect a gadget like that.

[He hands her the armband.]

EXT&mdash;FOREST, DAY

[Ronon has stopped; he is crouched down and looks somber.]

MCKAY Anything? (notices Ronon's somber expression) What?

RONON A body was dragged through here.

[Ronon moves off as McKay looks worried.]

EXT&mdash;CLEARING, DAY

[Ronon grunts as he enters the clearing.]

MCKAY (breathless) You got something?

RONON Yeah. Two bodies laid here. Ground cover's trampled in two spots.

MCKAY So the Wraith got to them before we did?

RONON I don't think so. I don't see any Wraith footprints anywhere.

MCKAY Well, so what happened? What, they killed each other?

RONON No one's dead. At least they weren't when they were here. Look. One body was dragged through here, by Keller. Her footprints.

MCKAY Ah, so she killed him. Probably in the process of disabling his tracking device.

RONON Nah, she didn't kill him. He was unconscious. His footprints, side-by-side with hers, leaving the clearing that way.

[Ronon points.]

MCKAY (dubious) So, what, she brought him here unconscious, revived him, and they left together?

RONON Looks like it.

MCKAY Hey, wait a second. You said there were two bodies. So what, she took a nap?

RONON No. Too small for Keller. My guess is someone else is with them. Probably a child.

MCKAY But no footprints?

[Ronon crouches down where Celise had lain.]

RONON No. She was carried here.

MCKAY (scoffing) She? How could possibly know the kid was a girl?

[Ronon holds up Celise's doll with its red dress.]

MCKAY Oh.

[They hear darts passing overhead.]

RONON Darts.

MCKAY Looks like we're not the only ones who noticed his signal died.

[Ronon and McKay take off down the trail again.]

EXT&mdash;TOP OF CLIFF, DAY

[Kiryk carries Celise over his shoulder. Both he and Keller are moving slowly.]

KELLER (out of breath) Could sure use that teleportation device now.

KIRYK There's a path down not too far from here. Stay here. I'll check to make sure it's still safe.

[He leaves Celise with Keller. She fusses with the child's blankets. Kiryk moves to a shallower slope and looks down. Ronon tackles him from behind. They fight hand-to-hand. Keller looks up, hearing the commotion.]

KELLER Ronon? Ronon, wait!

[McKay comes up behind Keller.]

MCKAY Jennifer?

KELLER (upset) Make him stop!

MCKAY What? Why?

[Ronon and Kiryk continue to fight.]

KELLER (screaming, frantic) Ronon, please STOP! (to McKay) Help me. Grab her!

[She leaves Celise with McKay and runs to the battle. She reaches them just as Ronon's pulled his gun, and Kiryk's unsheathed his sword. They hold their respective weapons at each other's throats.]

KELLER Stop!

[Keller grabs onto both of them.]

KELLER Listen, he just wanted me to help the little girl. She's sick! She's dying! We need to get her back to Atlantis! Ronon! Please?

[Ronon sneers, then lowers his gun. After another moment, Kiryk lowers his blade.]

MCKAY Jennifer, the-the&mdash;

[He points to Celise's leg. There is heavy bleeding through the bandages. Keller immediately goes to the child.]

KELLER Her sutures have torn. I need to re-stitch her before we can move her.

[They can hear darts flying nearby.]

RONON You've got Wraith looking for you.

KIRYK I know.

MCKAY Listen, you stand a better chance fighting them together than fighting each other&hellip;

[Both men glare at him.]

MCKAY (stammering) I mean, obviously the odds of actually winning are still ridiculously low, but&mdash;

KELLER Not helping.

MCKAY (mumbling) I gotta go&mdash;

[He points to where the packs were left and shuffles away.]

RONON He's right. This place is going to be swarming with Wraith. It's better off if we work together.

[He steps away from Kiryk, leaving him clear access to his stunner, which had fallen during the battle. Kiryk holsters his gun.]

[Keller quickly finishes re-stitching and re-bandaging the wound.]

KELLER All right, she's ready.

RONON Let's go.

[McKay starts picking up the packs and Kiryk picks up Celise. Ronon spots Wraith running towards them.]

RONON Wraith!

[He immediately starts fighting one who's come on him quickly. Another one rushes at McKay who fires his hand gun but cannot stop the Wraith's approach.]

MCKAY Oh, crap!

[The Wraith pins him against a rock and sets up to feed.]

MCKAY RONON!

[Ronon is fighting off two Wraith hand-to-hand and cannot help. Keller hits McKay's Wraith with a stick, distracting him from McKay as prey and uses the stick to block further attacks. McKay fumbles to reload his gun as Kiryk helps Ronon fight the other Wraith.]

KELLER Shoot him!

MCKAY I will!

[McKay finally has his pistol ready and fires several times. The Wraith falls. Kiryk is able to kill one Wraith with his sword just as Ronon knocks the other one to the ground. Ronon holds out his hand, and Kiryk throws his sword to Ronon. Ronon plunges the blade into the Wraith and twists it. They look around, but there are no more enemies. Celise has slept through it all.]

MCKAY (nonplussed, to Keller) Where'd you learn to fight like that?

KELLER (awkwardly) Uh&hellip;been taking a few sparring lessons.

[She gestures to Ronon.]

MCKAY (flatly) Oh.

[More darts are heard overhead. Ronon pulls out Kiryk's sword.]

RONON We need to move.

[The group walk through the woods.]

KELLER I tried to stabilize her, but she needs stronger medication.

MCKAY You know, you could've just asked for her assistance as opposed to&hellip;kidnapping her!

KELLER He knows, Rodney. Here, I got you something.

[She pulls out Kiryk's armband from her pack.]

KELLER It's a kind of teleportation device.

MCKAY Teleportation? Really?

KELLER Well, it was, anyway. I kind of broke it.

[McKay pulls out a small screwdriver and starts playing with the device as he walks. Up ahead, Ronon walks with Kiryk, who carries Celise.]

RONON Is she family?

KIRYK I brought the Wraith to her village. She's the sole survivor.

RONON (empathetic) It's not easy&hellip;living with that.

[Kiryk shoots him a look.]

RONON Don't worry. We're going to get you out of this&hellip;both of you.

EXT&mdash;RISE OVER STARGATE AREA, DAY

[The group reach an elevated area overlooking the Stargate. They see Wraith guarding the Stargate. Kiryk sits Celise down. She's awake, but groggy.]

RONON I count six Wraith on the ground.

KIRYK Six that we can see. Probably more in the surrounding woods.

RONON Want to make a run for it? Shoot our way through?

KIRYK The ships will be alerted as soon as the shooting starts. We'll be culled before we can even dial.

RONON We're just going to have to take our chances.

[The armband beeps.]

MCKAY (pleased) Hey!

KELLER You fixed it!

MCKAY I don't know about "fixed", it's more of a "patch" really. It's incredibly complicated technology. I'm not sure if it'll actually&mdash;

[Kiryk grabs the armband out of McKay's hand.]

MCKAY Hey! What're you doing?

KIRYK I'm going to improve our chances.

[He places the armband on his forearm, where it fuses itself. The light turns green.]

KELLER Don't go down there by yourself.

KIRYK I'll be fine. (to Ronon) Get ready to attack that clearing.

[Ronon stands watch.]

MCKAY Look, just-just-just, wait a second. All right? Look, I'm not sure if I've actually fixed it. You'll need to test it before you actually.

[Kiryk presses the button and disappears.]

MCKAY Huh. I guess I did fix it.

EXT&mdash;STARGATE AREA, DAY

[A Wraith soldier patrols the wood near the Stargate. Kiryk materializes and kills the Wraith before it realizes he's there. He disappears, then reappears near the DHD, taking out the guard there and using his gun to down two more.]

EXT&mdash;RISE ABOVE STARGATE, DAY

[They see Kiryk fighting.]

MCKAY He's at the 'gate!

RONON Stay with them!

[Ronon runs to join Kiryk. McKay draws his sidearm.]

EXT&mdash;STARGATE AREA, DAY

[Kiryk is pinned down at the DHD in a firefight. He dials the Stargate between shots.]

EXT&mdash;RISE ABOVE STARGATE, DAY

KELLER He's dialing the 'gate.

EXT&mdash;STARGATE AREA, DAY

[Kiryk dials the last chevron, activating the Stargate. More Wraith reinforcements run towards the Stargate as Kiryk shoots cover fire and escapes through it. The Wraith give chase, including two darts. Ronon arrives just as the wormhole shuts down.]

EXT&mdash;RISE ABOVE STARGATE, DAY

[Keller and McKay share sorrowful looks.]

KELLER We've got to get a move on.

MCKAY All right. Well, we'll take her to the 'gate, then I'll go back, tell people it's safe to return to the village.

[Keller nods.]

EXT&mdash;STARGATE AREA, DAY

[Ronon stares regretfully at the inactive Stargate.]

EXT&mdash;ATLANTIS, DAY

INT&mdash;ATLANTIS INFIRMARY

[Celise sits up in an infirmary bed, playing a duck hunter video game on a handheld computer. McKay hovers by her side.]

MCKAY Uh, no, no. As-as they fly up, you want to-want to use that button there to shoot them.

CELISE (scandalized) Shoot the ducks?

MCKAY They're not real ducks, obviously. They're just, you know, for pretend&hellip;

[He looks to Keller for help. She's studying Celise's monitors.]

KELLER Maybe you should show her a different game.

MCKAY Yeah, yeah. Sure. Here.

[McKay takes the computer to pull up a different game. Sheppard and Ronon arrive.]

SHEPPARD Well, how's our little patient?

KELLER Oh, much better. She's a heck of a fighter.

SHEPPARD (to Celise, pointing to McKay) Is he bothering you? Because, I can have him removed, forcibly.

CELISE Really?

MCKAY Yeah, he's kidding.

KELLER I talked to one of the families on 985, the woman's home we visited? She'd love to have Celise come and live with them.

RONON That's great.

CELISE Will I see Kiryk again?

[The others exchange awkward looks.]

KELLER I don't know, sweetheart.

SHEPPARD We're still looking for him. Keeping our eyes and ears open.

RONON (smiling) Hey, I brought you something. I think you dropped this in the woods.

[He holds out Celise's doll. Her eyes light up and she takes it.]

CELISE My doll!

[Ronon and Keller exchange smiles. McKay watches their interaction with discouraged interest.]

INT&mdash;ATLANTIS WORKOUT ROOM

[Ronon twirls a staff around in a loose kada movement. McKay enters.]

RONON What?

MCKAY Okay, here's the thing. I-I've been thinking, and, uh&hellip;I need to know your intentions.

RONON (puzzled) Intentions?

MCKAY With Jennifer.

RONON I don't have any intentions.

MCKAY (surprised) Oh. Okay.

[He turns to go, suppressing a smile.]

MCKAY (under his breath) Good.

RONON Wait.

[McKay turns back.]

RONON What do you mean by "intentions"?

MCKAY I mean, are you interested in her in a&hellip;romantic&hellip;fashion?

RONON No.

MCKAY Good!

[He turns to go. Ronon leans on his staff.]

RONON Wait.

[McKay spins back.]

MCKAY (angry) What?

RONON Maybe I do&hellip;have&hellip;intentions.

MCKAY (grumbling softly) Oh.

RONON Do you have intentions?

MCKAY Yes, well of course I do. That's why I was asking you.

RONON (shrugging) So what are we going to do about it?

MCKAY (sighing) I don't know.

[Ronon smiles and starts shifting his staff.]

MCKAY I'm not going to fight you for her, if that's what you're thinking.

RONON Great.

MCKAY I'm not going to step aside either! So&hellip;we're just going to have to&hellip;let her decide.

[Ronon is still smirking.]

RONON Okay.

MCKAY (with bravado) Okay. So, may the best man win.

[McKay steps forward and holds out his hand to shake. Ronon, still smiling, takes it. McKay swallows, uncertain.]

FADE OUT

END CREDITS

Transcribed for Solutions by Aurora Novarum, October 2008.

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