Outsiders/Transcript

Episode Guide
SGA 5.12 "Outsiders" Episode Guide

Transcript
PREVIOUSLY ON STARGATE ATLANTIS

[Scenes from 1.07 "Poisoning the Well", 4.18 "The Kindred Part 1", and 5.08 "The Queen" are shown.]

END EXCERPTS

TEASER

EXT&mdash;VILLAGE, DUSK

[A village of wooden and metal buildings sits at the foot of some hills. It appears to be at the level of early industrial development. Work carries on in the blacksmith's shop as Elson monitors progress. Several people go about their business in the village.]

INT&mdash;CLINIC

[Beckett uses his stethoscope to check a girl's breathing.]

BECKETT Once more.

[The girl inhales and exhales. Beckett lowers the stethoscope and sighs.]

BECKETT (deadpan) Bad news, I'm afraid. You'll have to go back to school tomorrow.

[The girl giggles and Beckett pretends to snatch her nose, smiling. Beckett stands and moves over to Novo, who is standing nearby with a clipboard. They walk over to another man holding his side.]

BECKETT Maintain the amoxicillin for three more days; that should do the trick. Now, what do we have over here? All these bandages need to be changed. Do you mind going back to the store room and getting some more bandages, please?

NOVO Yes, Doctor.

BECKETT Thank you.

[Nola leaves. Beckett pats the man on the shoulder.]

BECKETT Besides that, you're looking good, my friend.

SHEPPARD Mail call.

[Beckett spins to find Sheppard and his team entering the home, carrying supplies.]

BECKETT Colonel! What are you all doing here?

[Sheppard and Teyla grin.]

SHEPPARD Well, we heard you needed supplies, so we thought we'd come by and see how you were doing.

[Ronon and Beckett good-naturedly pretend to spar. McKay is in the rear, carrying a large duffel bag and looking dour.]

MCKAY (caustically) "A hop, skip, and a jump from the 'gate?" That's what you call that?

BECKETT (grinning) Nice to see you too, Rodney.

TEYLA How are you, Doctor?

BECKETT Well. Thanks. I take it these are the antibiotics I ordered?

[He takes a yellow case from Teyla.]

SHEPPARD Doctor Keller gave you a whole whack of them. So they should last for a while.

BECKETT (sighing) Ah, God. I wish that were true.

RONON What does that mean?

BECKETT Well, I've been dealing with a number of infections from the Hoffan plague survivors. I can barely keep on top of it.

MCKAY Survivors of the Hoffan plague? Here?

TEYLA This is not one of the planets that Michael targeted.

BECKETT No, but many of these people actually come from another planet, Balar. They managed to survive the plague, and just when they started getting the pieces back together, the Wraith showed up; tried to wipe them out.

SHEPPARD (grimacing) Mm. We heard rumors about that.

MCKAY Well, the Wraith aren't too pleased to have whole populations out there that are immune to their feeding.

BECKETT Just a handful of the Balarans survived. The locals were kind enough to take them in.

[Novo returns with the bandages.]

NOVO Doctor?

BECKETT Novo! These are my friends from Atlantis. Colonel Sheppard, Teyla, Ronon, and Doctor Rodney McKay. This is Novo. She's been helping me here in the clinic.

[McKay shoots Novo a winning smile and nods.]

SHEPPARD Pleasure to meet you.

NOVO You as well. I've heard a lot about you. (to Beckett, indicating McKay) Is he the one?

MCKAY The one what?

NOVO From all the funny stories.

[McKay's fixed smile falters. Sheppard and Teyla look amused.]

BECKETT (eyes widening) Right! Yeah, well, I hope you all can stay here for dinner. I mean, uh, the canteen's not fancy, but they do serve up one heckuva stew, made from a goat-like creature. Delicious!

MCKAY "Goat-like?"

SHEPPARD I think it's a great idea. Gives us a chance to catch up and relive all those&hellip;"funny stories."

BECKETT Aye.

EXT&mdash;VILLAGE, DUSK

[Beckett and the team walk through the village.]

MCKAY So&hellip;how's life in the wilds of Pegasus? You got to be missing Atlantis by now.

BECKETT Surprisingly, no.

MCKAY Oh, come on. The hot baths, Playstation&hellip;deodorant?

[McKay wrinkles his nose as they pass close by a villager.]

BECKETT I know it seems a wee bit rough, but it's not. Really. I mean, wherever I go, people are kind to me. I never want for a meal or a place to sleep. And to be honest with you, I'm really starting to feel like I'm making a difference.

[McKay shrugs. In the distance, a woman screams. Ronon and Sheppard push Beckett and McKay out of the way as they race towards the noise.]

[A patrol of Wraith come marching into the village. Sheppard turns the corner then immediately dives back into hiding, holding back the others who try and see what he's spotted.]

MCKAY (whispering) What is it?

SHEPPARD (low) Wraith.

END TEASER

OPENING CREDITS

EXT&mdash;VILLAGE, DUSK

[The villagers stare as the Wraith arrive in the main square. Sheppard's team remain in hiding, watching and waiting.]

RONON (whispering) I count nine of them. We can take 'em.

SHEPPARD (low, but firm) No. There's too many civilians.

TEYLA I does not appear to be an ordinary culling.

MCKAY How do you figure that?

TEYLA Well, for one thing, there are no darts. And they do not seem to be attacking the villagers.

[The soldiers part to reveal a lead Wraith standing in their midst.]

WRAITH Who among you speaks for the rest?

[Elson exchanges looks with another villager.]

ELSON (calling out) I am Elson&hellip;leader of this village. What do you want with us?

WRAITH You have recently taken in a group of refugees from another planet. They are survivors of a plague. It is important that you turn them over to me immediately.

ELSON Why?

WRAITH The reasons why do not concern you. Provided you cooperate, you have my word we will leave peacefully.

[Elson looks to Jervis and Renni.]

ELSON And if we don't?

WRAITH (stepping forward) That would be a very unwise decision. Our hive will be here before the night is through. If you have not complied by then, I will give the word, and your entire village will be destroyed. (louder) Turn over these outsiders, and your lives will be spared. Resist, and you will all die together. The choice is yours.

[The Wraith and his soldiers leave.]

INT&mdash;CLINIC DINING ROOM

[Sheppard's team, Novo, and Beckett sit around a table.]

NOVO I don't understand. They've already destroyed our homeworld. Why would they hunt the rest of us down as well?

SHEPPARD (to Beckett) You didn't tell them?

BECKETT Not the whole story.

NOVO What are you talking about?

BECKETT Novo, remember when I told you that, as a plague survivor, you'd be immune to the Wraith feeding?

[Novo nods.]

BECKETT Well, there's a bit more to it than that. Any Wraith who tries to feed on you or anyone like you will, as a result, die instantly.

[Novo stares at him in shock.]

RONON You're poison to them.

NOVO Then we're as good as dead.

SHEPPARD Not necessarily.

NOVO They won't tolerate our presence anywhere&mdash;not if what you say is true!

TEYLA Just because they found you on this world does not mean that there is nowhere you can hide.

[Sefaris enters with some others.]

SEFARIS Novo? Did you hear?

NOVO Yes. This is Sefaris. He's also from Balar.

SEFARIS The councillors are meeting to discuss whether or not to heed the Wraith's request.

BECKETT (standing) What? Where?

SEFARIS The mine office. I tried to get in, but they turned me away.

SHEPPARD Ronon, Teyla, scope out the 'gate. (to McKay and Beckett) You two stay here, watch these people. (to Sefaris) Can you show me where this mine office is?

SEFARIS Yes.

BECKETT Colonel, what are you going to say to them?

SHEPPARD I'm going to give them another way out.

INT&mdash;MINE OFFICE

[Sheppard speaks to Elson and the other councillors.]

ELSON You're telling us that, as a result of this plague, the Balarans are now deadly to the Wraith?

SHEPPARD Pretty much.

ELSON So&hellip;the Wraith would never risk culling this village.

SHEPPARD Mmm, that's true, but that's also why they'd be willing to wipe you guys out completely. A village that can't be culled's no good to them.

JERVIS Did they know?

SHEPPARD What?

JERVIS Did the Balarans know they were bringing this curse upon us when they came here?

SHEPPARD No, they had no idea.

RENNI It's not their fault, Jervis!

JERVIS Maybe not, but that doesn't matter. The Wraith won't rest until every last plague survivor in this galaxy is dead.

SHEPPARD Except the Wraith have no idea who they are unless people like you point them out.

[Jervis bristles.]

ELSON I'm not happy about this either, Colonel. But what other choice do we have?

SHEPPARD Well&hellip;we may be able to move all your people&hellip;to a different planet where they'll be safe.

RENNI You mean leave our homes?

SHEPPARD Look, I know it's not ideal, but the only other choice is to turn in a bunch of innocent people. And I know you guys aren't going to do that, right?

JERVIS Well, as the Wraith said, they're outsiders.

ELSON (admonishing) Jervis, we agreed to let them come here.

JERVIS I didn't agree. Besides, they weren't a threat at the time. Now that's changed.

RENNI (crying) But they've become like family. Novo lives under my roof. She eats at my table. My daughter adores her! What am I supposed to tell her?

JERVIS You'd prefer we all be killed?

TEYLA (breathless, over radio) Colonel Sheppard, come in.

SHEPPARD Excuse me.

[He turns away and checks his earpiece is secured.]

SHEPPARD (into radio) Go ahead.

EXT&mdash;FOREST, NIGHT

[Teyla and Ronon are hidden in foliage.]

TEYLA Ronon and I are at the 'gate. It does not appear to be heavily guarded.

RONON It's the same guys from the village. I recognize the commander.

INT&mdash;MINING OFFICE

SHEPPARD What are the odds of you two getting by them?

EXT&mdash;FOREST, NIGHT

RONON Pretty good.

[Teyla shoots a glare at Ronon.]

TEYLA Slim, actually. But much better if you and Rodney join us.

INT&mdash;MINING OFFICE

SHEPPARD Yeah, all right. Hold your position until we can get there.

[He turns off his radio and heads back to the councillors.]

ELDON What is it?

SHEPPARD How many people are in this village?

ELDON Uh, six-seven hundred.

SHEPPARD Well, we'll be tight for time, but we can manage.

ELDON What are you suggesting?

SHEPPARD We take the Wraith out, get everybody through the' gate before the hive ship comes. You should be safe in Atlantis until we can relocate you.

JERVIS Unacceptable.

RENNI The Balarans don't deserve this. They did nothing but survive a sickness. It could just as easily have happened to us. If we turn these people over, we are no better than the Wraith ourselves.

SHEPPARD Look, even if you cooperate with the Wraith, there's no guarantee they're going to keep their word. They may kill all of you for being an inconvenience.

ELDON All right. What do you want us to do?

SHEPPARD Be ready to move. Take only what you can carry.

INT&mdash;CLINIC

[Sheppard enters.]

SHEPPARD Let's go, Rodney. We're going to hit the Wraith.

MCKAY We are?

BECKETT I'll come with you.

SHEPPARD Not a chance, Doc.

BECKETT Colonel&mdash;

SHEPPARD Look, I don't have time to argue. Besides, you've gotta get these people ready for transport. Once the 'gate's secure, we're going to have to move fast.

[Sheppard heads out, McKay following.]

BECKETT (calling after them) Okay, but be careful.

EXT&mdash;FOREST, NIGHT

RONON All right, if we're going to attack, we gotta do it from over there.

TEYLA Agreed.

[They move through the foliage to another position. Before they reach it, Ronon spots something and signals Teyla to get down. They hide in the foliage and watch more Wraith soldiers march by. The Wraith commander with them pauses, Teyla raises her weapon. The Wraith continues on.]

EXT&mdash;VILLAGE, NIGHT

[Sheppard and McKay head out of the village.]

MCKAY As soon as we take the 'gate, we should call in some jumpers. It'll make evacuating the village a lot faster.

SHEPPARD Not to mention we can use the extra firepower in case the hive gets here before we're done.

MCKAY Oh, let's hope it doesn't come to that.

TEYLA (breathless, over radio) Colonel Sheppard, come in.

SHEPPARD (into radio) Yeah, go ahead.

INT&mdash;FOREST, NIGHT

TEYLA We have a problem. More of the Wraith have begun arriving back. They must have been out on patrol.

EXT&mdash;VILLAGE, NIGHT

SHEPPARD (into radio) How many? Can we still get out?

TEYLA (over radio) No.

EXT&mdash;FOREST, NIGHT

TEYLA (into radio) For the time being, we're stuck here.

EXT&mdash;VILLAGE, NIGHT

[Sheppard and McKay exchange worried looks.]

EXT&mdash;VILLAGE, NIGHT

INT&mdash;MINING OFFICE

[Sheppard and McKay have rejoined the villagers.]

JERVIS You said you could get us out.

SHEPPARD Well, there are more Wraith than we thought. The 'gate's too heavily guarded.

RENNI (frightened) So we're trapped?

SHEPPARD For the moment. I haven't given up hope. I just need time to develop a new strategy.

JERVIS What strategy do you propose we use to defeat an army of Wraith?

SHEPPARD (snappish) Well, I don't know. I haven't thought of it yet! Look, worst-case scenario, my team and I don't show up, the people back on Atlantis will dial the 'gate and contact us by radio. I can order backup.

ELDON Will that happen before the hive ship arrives?

SHEPPARD (conceding) Probably not.

RENNI We can't wait that long.

SHEPPARD For all we know, the Wraith could be lying about the ship.

JERVIS And why would they do that?

SHEPPARD (angrily) I'm just saying, we need to stall as long as possible.

JERVIS This is madness. Elson, we have to think of the safety of our people.

SHEPPARD Oh, I'm thinking about the safety of your people. All your people!

JERVIS (ignoring Sheppard) We can't rely on their help! We have to make our own decisions.

ELSON I need time to think about this.

JERVIS The time for that is past, Elson. We have to act! And if you're not prepared to do so, then I will.

[He storms out.]

RENNI Jervis!

SHEPPARD What's he going to do?

ELSON I don't know.

INT&mdash;CLINIC

[Sheppard arrives with Elson. Beckett and McKay are the only ones there aside from the seriously illy Balarans.]

SHEPPARD Where's Novo and the others?

MCKAY We sent them home. Why?

SHEPPARD (gesturing to the infirm) Can these people walk?

BECKETT Well, if need be, but&hellip;I thought we couldn't get them through the 'gate?

SHEPPARD Well, we can't for the time being. But&hellip;I don't think they're safe here either.

EXT&mdash;BLACKSMITH SHOP, NIGHT

[Jervis meets some workers at the blacksmith's shop.]

JERVIS Grab your weapons! Come with me.

[Someone tosses Jervis a shotgun. Others are armed with flintlocks, scythes, pitchforks, and other weapons. They start storming the village, grabbing Balarans, whether they be men, women, or children, and herding them together. Jervis heads to Renni's house. She blocks their path.]

WOMAN No, no! Please, please don't kill me!

JERVIS Get out of my way.

RENNI She's not here, Jervis.

[Jervis pushes her aside and bursts in. No one is there.]

JERVIS Where is she?

EXT&mdash;VILLAGE, NIGHT

[Novo and Sefaris hide in the village outskirts as Jervis's men walk past.]

SEFARIS What are we going to do, Novo?

NOVO We have to get out of the village.

[They start to leave but find their way barred by some of Jervis's men. They turn to run the other way, but are blocked in and surrounded.]

INT&mdash;CLINIC

[Teyla and Ronon arrive. The others are packing.]

RONON What the hell's going on out there?

SHEPPARD Some of the villagers decided to take matters into their own hands.

RONON Well, let's go stop them.

SHEPPARD First things first. We've got to move these people. Grab some gear.

[Teyla and Ronon start to help. The door bangs open and Jervis and some of his men enter with their guns. Sheppard's team raise their own weapons in a standoff.]

JERVIS We don't want any trouble, just hand over the Balarans.

SHEPPARD I don't think so.

JERVIS Don't make things difficult, Colonel. You had your chance to save the village; now it's my turn.

RONON (scornfully) Saving the village? That's what you call this?

JERVIS This isn't your affair! It's up to us to decide how to deal with the situation.

ELSON (calm but stern) Yes, it is. But, Jervis, this is not our way.

JERVIS Our way?! Our way is what got us into this situation in the first place! We've already given them more than they could have ever asked for.

BECKETT All right. Why not just shoot them right now, and get it over with? It's a death sentence anyway. (he steps forward, to point blank range of Jervis's gun) Shoot them yourself, and spare them the torment of being tortured by the Wraith. You'd be doing them a favor!

TEYLA (warning) Carson!

BECKETT Go on! Kill them all then! If you're that desperate to be done with them!

[The Balarans stare in fear. Jervis finally lowers his gun. Elson takes it. The others also lower their guns.]

JERVIS (sullenly) You're making a big mistake.

ELSON Maybe. But at least we do so with a clear conscience.

JERVIS It doesn't matter anyway.

SHEPPARD What are you talking about?

JERVIS My men are already on the way to the 'gate with the first group we captured. It's too late.

[Sheppard looks murderous.]

EXT&mdash;STARGATE AREA, NIGHT

[Wraith patrol the area. The Balarans are gathered in a huddle.]

SEFARIS What are they going to do to us?

NOVO Be calm, Sefaris, you're scaring the others.

SEFARIS Maybe they should be scared. We both know there's no escape from this.

NOVO We cannot give up hope.

SEFARIS Face it, Novo&hellip;we've been betrayed. They don't want us here, they never did. We were doomed the moment we had to leave our homes. And to think, as a survivor, I used to consider myself one of the lucky ones.

EXT&mdash;VILLAGE, NIGHT

[Teyla and Ronon meet up with McKay and Sheppard in the village.]

SHEPPARD Jervis taken care of?

TEYLA He and his men have been locked up. They will not be giving us any more trouble. Though I do not think it was necessary to stun them.

[She shoots Ronon a look.]

RONON (unrepentent) Felt good, though.

MCKAY So what now?

SHEPAPRD We've got to get the rest of the Balarans out of the village. There's no telling if anybody else might feel the way Jervis does.

TEYLA Where should we take them?

RONON The forest?

SHEPPARD (reluctant) It's kind of a long haul at night.

MCKAY Wait a minute. What about the mine? These tracks lead right down to it. I mean, we just follow them.

RONON No one gets lost.

MCKAY Exactly.

SHEPPARD (to Ronon and Teyla) All right. Go. Get Beckett and his patients. Bring them here. We're round up everyone else.

EXT&mdash;SPACE

[A hive ship drops out of hyperspace and heads to the planet.]

EXT&mdash;STARGATE AREA, NIGHT

[The commanders begin to whisper to each other.]

NOVO What is it?

SEFARIS Something's happening. (calling to Wraith) What's going on?

WRAITH You'll be moving shortly.

NOVO Where?

WRAITH Your new home. The hive ship has just arrived.

[The Wraith starts to walk away.]

SEFARIS Wait. I have a proposition for you.

NOVO What are you doing, Sefaris?

SEFARIS Something we should've done a long time ago.

WRAITH There is nothing you have to offer me.

SEFARIS Don't be so sure. There's someone hiding in the village. He's of far greater value than all of us put together.

NOVO (desperate pleading) Sefaris, no!

SEFARIS Spare our lives. I'll take you to him.

WRAITH (smirking) A fair attempt&hellip;but the answer's no.

SEFARIS My life then.

NOVO (disgusted) How could you do this?

SEFARIS I promise it'll be worth your while.

[The Wraith looks intrigued.]

EXT&mdash;VILLAGE MINE PATH BEGINNING, NIGHT

[Teyla guides villagers to join the others walking along the path. She joins Sheppard and Ronon.]

TEYLA I believe that is everybody.

RONON Where's McKay and Beckett?

SHEPPARD (into radio) Rodney, what's your status?

INT&mdash;CLINIC

[McKay watches Beckett frantically pack more into the full cases.]

MCKAY (exasperated) Still at the clinic. Carson decided to pick up a few more supplies.

SHEPPARD (over radio) Tell him to get a move on. We can't stay here forever.

BECKETT (into radio) Go ahead, Colonel. We'll catch up.

[He throws a duffel over his shoulder.]

SHEPPARD (over radio) You sure?

BECKETT (into radio) Absolutely. We'll be right behind you.

EXT&mdash;MINE PATH BEGINNING, NIGHT

SHEPPARD Let's get going. Stay together. Follow the tracks.

[The group follow the mine cart tracks towards the mine.]

INT&mdash;CLINIC

BECKETT There. That should do it. Rodney, can you give me a hand here?

MCKAY Remind me to bring a sherpa the next time I visit.

[McKay helps Beckett gather up the cases. The door opens. Sefaris enters, followed by Wraith. Sefaris points to Beckett.]

SEFARIS Him. He's the one.

[The Wraith stun McKay and Beckett before they can recover from their surprise.]

SEFARIS You see? I kept up my end of the bargain.

WRAITH So you did. Unfortunately, in light of your&hellip;condition, keeping you alive is far too risky.

[He points a dagger blade at Sefaris's throat.]

INT&mdash;MINE

[The Balarans are led into the mine by Elson. Sheppard, Teyla, and Ronon are in the rear of the evacuation. They can hear distant engines overhead.]

RONON Darts.

TEYLA (sighing, concerned) Rodney and Carson are still not here.

SHEPPARD (into radio) Rodney, come in. McKay! (to Ronon and Teyla) You guys keep moving. I'm going to go get him.

[Sheppard doubles back at a jog while the others continue down the mine.]

EXT&mdash;VILLAGE OUTSKIRTS

[Sheppard reaches the village just in time to spot McKay and Beckett sitting back to back unconscious, surrounded by Wraith. A dart flies overhead, catching them all in its culling beam. Sheppard stares at the empty spot in horror.]

INT&mdash;MINE

SHEPPARD (over radio) Ronon? Teyla?

TEYLA (keying radio) Go ahead.

[The conversation switches from the mine to Sheppard's position in the village.]

SHEPPARD The Wraith just got Beckett and McKay.

RONON What? How?

SHEPPARD Took 'em up in a dart. I think they're on their way up to a hive.

TEYLA How did the Wraith know that they were in the village?

SHEPPARD I think I got an idea.

EXT&mdash;SPACE

[The hive ship floats in orbit above the planet.]

INT&mdash;HIVE SHIP BRIG

[Beckett awakens with a groan.]

BECKETT Ooh&hellip;oh.

[Looking around, he becomes instantly alert&mdash;sitting up and shaking the unconscious McKay.]

BECKETT Rodney&hellip;Rodney, wake up!

MCKAY (groaning) Oh&hellip;God, is it me, or have they juiced up the stun weapons? (he looks around) Oh, and they brought us to the hive. That's great.

BECKETT (panicking) What are we going to do?

MCKAY All right, uh, just don't&mdash;don't panic. Don't panic. I have&hellip;got lots of experience escaping from these things.

[He stands, groaning as he speaks, and joins Beckett at the door.]

BECKETT You do?

MCKAY Oh, yeah. Yeah. I've been in this situation dozens of times. Always figured a way out.

BECKETT How exactly?

MCKAY Uh, let's see, uh&hellip;Last time, uh, Teyla was posing as a queen, so, um&hellip;You know, she&hellip;had us released.

BECKETT Not much chance of that happening.

MCKAY No, I guess not.

BECKETT How about the time before that?

MCKAY Ronon's friend Tyre was pretending to be in league with the Wraith, but really he was on our side, so&hellip;he let us out.

BECKETT I'm starting to sense a pattern here. You've actually never really escaped from one of these cells on your own, have you?

MCKAY (weakly) First time for everything, right?

BECKETT (huffing) Oh, God, Rodney.

MCKAY Well, just&hellip;give me a minute. I'll think of something.

[McKay starts to pace. Beckett looks down the hall.]

BECKETT I hate to pressure you, Rodney, but I don't think we have a minute.

[McKay turns. The Wraith and a patrol of soldiers approach. The door opens.]

WRAITH Bring them.

INT&mdash;WRAITH LAB

[The Wraith and his escort lead Beckett and McKay into a lab with several consoles.]

MCKAY What is this place?

WRAITH A lab belonging to my top scientist. For the last six months he has been studying the deadly toxin that has infiltrated our food supply.

BECKETT Where is he now?

WRAITH Dead. He was convinced he had arrived at a foolproof way to detect the poison. To prove it, he decided to feed on one of his test subjects.

MCKAY (smugly) Guess that didn't work out so well.

WRAITH He died in excruciating pain. Needless to say, his research has been stalled ever since. And that's where you come in, Doctor.

[The Wraith shoots Beckett a pointed look.]

BECKETT Me? What do you expect me to do?

WRAITH The one who identified you said you had considerable expertise in dealing with the toxin.

[Beckett gulps.]

WRAITH He even said you had a hand in developing it. If anyone can find a way to detect it, you can.

BECKETT If you think I'm going to help you, you're sorely mistaken.

WRAITH I anticipated you might say that. Which is why I'm prepared to offer you an incentive. Thus far, I have spared the lives of the people on the planet below. If you cooperate, I will continue to do so. But if you either of you try to cross me in any way&hellip;

MCKAY Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. We get the picture.

WRAITH I knew you'd come to see it my way. Get to work.

[The Wraith leaves them. Beckett and McKay exchange concerned looks.]

EXT&mdash;VILLAGE NIGHT

INT&mdash;VILLAGE JAIL

[Jervis leans back against the bars of the cell. Sheppard comes up behind him and wraps his arm around Jervis's throat, pinning him to the bars and holding a gun to his head.]

SHEPPARD Give me one reason why I shouldn't blow your head off.

JERVIS (frightened) What for?

SHEPPARD How did the Wraith know to grab Beckett?

JERVIS (innocently) W-what do you mean? The doctor's been captured?

[Sheppard clicks the hammer back.]

JERVIS I swear, I had nothing to do with that.

[Sheppard points to the other prisoners with his gun.]

SHEPPARD What about your men?

JERVIS No. No, there's no way. The d-doctor has been nothing has been nothing but good to us.

SHEPPARd Well, they didn't just stumble across the clinic. Somebody brought them there.

JERVIS (bitterly) Well, why don't you ask the Balarans? They're the ones with the most to gain. One of them probably thought he could save himself by turning in the doctor.

[Sheppard resets the safety on the pistol and points it away from Jervis. He still keeps Jervis pinned.]

JERVIS I told you they were no good, Colonel.

[Sheppard finally releases Jervis and walks away. Jervis rubs his throat.]

INT&mdash;WRAITH LAB

[McKay steps back from one of the consoles. Beckett continues to stare at a console, not paying attention to McKay.]

MCKAY Dammit! None of these consoles are hooked into anything. I can't access any of the ship's systems. What about you? You making any progress? Carson? Hey! You okay?

[He heads towards his friend.]

BECKETT I can't do this, Rodney.

MCKAY What do you mean? You don't&hellip;understand it?

BECKETT (emotional) No, I mean, I can't do it. Do you realize what'll happen if the Wraith find a way to detect the Hoffan drug? They'll hunt down every last person in this galaxy that has it. That's hundreds of thousands of people, Rodney. Not to mention the fact that when they're finished, they can start feeding again, indiscriminately.

MCKAY What's the alternative, huh? We know the Wraith aren't going to just let the matter drop. We've seen what they can do. They'll-they'll-they'll wipe out entire villages just to get a few like the Balarans.

BECKETT So what am I supposed to do?

MCKAY I mean, you just&hellip;stall! You know, you make it look like you're working until&hellip;we figure out how to get the hell out of here.

BECKETT (upset) And then what? Go about our business? Pretend this never happened?

MCKAY Hey, I never said it was going to be easy, okay? But you can't solve all of the galaxy's problems in one day! Look, I understand. You feel guilty. But this is not your fault. You had no idea that any of this was going to happen.

BECKETT One of the first things they taught us in medical school was "do no harm." Now, I'm at a loss right now to figure out how that's even possible in this situation.

[Rodney looks away, distressed.]

INT&mdash;MINE

[Teyla walks amongst the Balarans, reassuring them. She meets up with Ronon.]

RONON How are they doing?

TEYLA They are frightened. I've been trying to reassure them, but it is of little use.

[Sheppard arrives.]

SHEPPARD How's it going in here?

TEYLA We are getting by. What is happening in the village?

SHEPPARD Ah, not much. Everybody's hiding indoors.

RONON Why hasn't the hive ship attacked yet?

TEYLA Do you think it could have something to do with Rodney and Carson's capture?

SHEPPARD I don't know, but&hellip;we should use this time to come up with a plan.

RONON Have you got anything?

SHEPPARD Maybe, but it's going to take some work.

INT&mdash;WRAITH LAB

[Beckett stares at a console, gives a start, and gasps. He moves to another console quickly. McKay notices.]

MCKAY What is it? You got something?

BECKETT No.

MCKAY Are you sure? You got one of those&hellip; "Beckett" faces.

BECKETT (unconvincingly) Aye, I'm sure, Rodney. Just go back to work.

MCKAY Well, where are you going?

BECKETT To talk to the hive commander.

MCKAY What? Why?

BECKETT There's something I need to tell him.

MCKAY Oh, I knew it. You found something. What is it?

[Beckett heads to the sealed door. McKay follows.]

BECKETT Hey, open up!

MCKAY Seriously, will you just tell me? You know I'm going to go through your stuff as soon as you're gone.

BECKETT Just leave me be, Rodney. (loudly) Open the door!

MCKAY Will you just tell me what's going on?

[The door opens and two guards stand there.]

BECKETT I need to talk to the commander right away. (to McKay) Listen to me, Rodney. I need you to stay here. Don't worry, everything will be just fine. (turning back to the Wraith) Right.

[He steps forward. The door closes, leaving a confused McKay alone in the lab.]

INT&mdash;COMMANDER'S QUARTERS

[The soldiers let Beckett into the room and stand outside. The commander stands staring at a monitor.]

WRAITH Doctor. I didn't expect to hear from you so soon. This must be good news.

BECKETT For some people, maybe. I'm here to tell you that I'm off the case.

WRAITH (huffing) What are you talking about?

BECKETT I'm not going to do your dirty work for you. Find someone else.

WRAITH There is no one else!

BECKETT Then that's too bad for you, isn't it?

WRAITH You're trying my patience, Doctor. You forget, I control the fate of the people below.

BECKETT People will die no matter what I do, so I'm not going to do anything.

WRAITH If you refuse to complete the research, then there is only one other way that you can be of use to me.

[The Wraith holds up his feeding hand.]

WRAITH And trust me, you won't like it.

BECKETT (challenging) You don't scare me anymore. Do you understand? I don't give a damn what you do to me.

WRAITH Suit yourself. I'm going to enjoy this&hellip;very much.

[The Wraith strikes with his feeding hand. Beckett gasps and shudders.]

[The Wraith suddenly releases his hold, gasping and hyperventilating. He clutches his side. Beckett is unaltered from the feeding process.]

WRAITH What is this?

[He collapses to his knees.]

WRAITH (wheezing) What have you done to me?

[It collapses onto its side.]

BECKETT Turns out you were closer to detecting the Hoffan drug than you thought. It didn't take me long to perfect your blood test. And once I confirmed it using samples that you provided, I decided to do one more test just to be certain&hellip;on me.

WRAITH (struggling to breathe) You have the toxin?

BECKETT Indeed. And now, so do you.

[The Wraith gasps its last breath and dies.]

INT&mdash;HIVE SHIP CORRIDOR

[The door to the commander's quarters opens and Beckett uses the commander's pistol stunner to shoot the two guards at the entrance. He runs through the corridor.]

INT&mdash;WRAITH LAB

[McKay hears the sound of stunners outside the door. It opens and Beckett runs inside.]

MCKAY Carson!

BECKETT Hello, Rodney. Can you delete this data?

MCKAY Yeah, of course, but how did you&mdash;

BECKETT I talked the hive commander into feeding on me.

MCKAY What? What?! Why would you do that?

[Beckett starts to pull out memory cystals and smash them under his foot.]

BECKETT I have the Hoffan drug, Rodney. Michael must have given it to me as a defense against the Wraith.

MCKAY Well, why didn't you tell me?

BECKETT Because you would've stopped me from going.

[He moves to another console.]

MCKAY Yeah, because it's stupid! What would've happened if you were wrong?

BECKETT I had to do something, Rodney! It's the only chance we had to get away. Now, will you help me destroy this research before they find out what I've done?

[He grabs McKay by the shoulder.]

MCKAY (shaken) Right.

BECKETT Okay, great.

[They go back to sabotaging the consoles.]

INT&mdash;HIVE SHIP CORRIDOR

[McKay and Beckett sneak through the hallways, each holding a stunner.]

MCKAY The coast is clear.

BECKETT What are we doing, exactly?

MCKAY What do you think? We're looking for a way off the ship.

BECKETT By wandering aimlessly through the hallways?

MCKAY I'm not wandering aimlessly. I'm exploring. There's a big difference.

[They come to a console at the junction of several corridors. McKay smiles.]

MCKAY Bingo!

[Beckett starts to move off, then notices McKay has paused and is typing at the console.]

BECKETT What are you doing, Rodney?

MCKAY Hacking into the ship's communications.

BECKETT Are you sure that's a good idea?

MCKAY Look, if we don't get in touch with Sheppard, we don't stand any chance of getting off this ship.

[Beckett stares at McKay. McKay notices his attention and stares pointedly at Beckett's stunner.]

MCKAY You're going to have to cover me!

BECKETT Oh, right! From which direction?

[Beckett nervously spins watching all the corridors.]

INT&mdash;MINE

[Sheppard's team's radios start to squelch some static.]

RONON What was that?

MCKAY (staticy, over radio) Sheppard, do you read me?

SHEPPARD McKay? Is that you?

INT&mdash;HIVE SHIP CORRIDOR JUNCTION

[The conversation switches between the hive ship and the mine.]

MCKAY Oh, thank god! Okay, we are on the hive ship. I've got Beckett with me.

SHEPPARD What the hell is going on up there?

MCKAY We managed to escape.

[Beckett shoots McKay a look.]

MCKAY (conceding) Beckett helped.

[Beckett rolls his eyes.]

SHEPPARD Oh, that's great 'cause we could really use the help.

MCKAY You?! Look, we're the ones stuck on the ship!

SHEPPARD That's exactly where you need to be right now because we need someone to take out the hive's main weapons.

MCKAY What?!

SHEPPARD We got a plan, but it's only going to work if we take the hive out of the picture.

MCKAY Look, it is bad enough that I hacked into communications. If I start messing around with other systems, they're gonna&mdash;they're gonna track us down in, like, a matter of minutes.

SHEPPARD Rodney, it's the only way to get these people to safety. Once that's done, we'll figure out a way to get you guys out of there.

[McKay looks to Beckett, who sighs and shrugs.]

MCKAY (sighing) All right. I'll see what I can do. Give me a few minutes. That should be enough time.

SHEPPARD You're a good man, Rodney.

MCKAY Yeah, yeah, yeah. Just don't forget about us, okay?

TEYLA We won't. Good luck.

RONON Think he's going to be able to pull it off?

SHEPPARD Well, he'd better. Otherwise this thing's going to go very badly.

[Sheppard and his team move off, barely sparing a glance at Elson, who has been sitting nearby. Elson looks troubled.]

EXT&mdash;VILLAGE, NIGHT

[Elson moves through the village, hidden by a hooded cloak.]

INT&mdash;VILLAGE BRIG

[Elson arrives at the brig. Jervis sits on a cot.]

ELSON Jervis? Jervis.

JERVIS What do you want?

ELSON We need to talk.

JERVIS (petulant) Well, I have nothing to say to you.

ELSON You were right all along. I should have listened to you.

[Jervis looks over.]

ELSON The Atlanteans have no idea what they're doing. They claim to have a plan, but in reality, they're just putting all our lives at risk.

[Jervis stands and walks over to the bars.]

JERVIS Well&hellip;it's a little late now, isn't it?

[Elson holds up the keys.]

ELSON Is it? If you went to the Wraith at the 'gate right now, do you think you could get them to honor the original deal?

JERVIS It's possible. But&hellip;I'd have to deliver all of the remaining outsiders at once.

[Elson stiffens and swallows.]

ELSON They're in the mine. Hiding in the main chamber.

JERVIS (shrewdly) Are the other councillors on board with this?

ELSON (shaking his head) The less they know about it, the better.

JERVIS And you? Can you reconcile this with your conscience?

[Elson appears to swallow in distaste.]

ELSON Leave that to me. You just make that deal.

[Elson leaves the keys on the bars and heads away. Jervis picks up the keys and considers this information.]

INT&mdash;HIVE SHIP CORRIDOR

[The Wraith second in command strides to the commander's quarters.]

WRAITH SECOND What is it?

[The guard opens the door to reveal the commander dead inside.]

INT&mdash;COMMANDER'S QUARTERS

[The second enters and looks at his dead leader.]

WRAITH SECOND Search the ship.

INT&mdash;HIVE SHIP CORRIDOR JUNCTION

[Beckett backs up close to McKay's console.]

BECKETT How long's this going to take, Rodney?

MCKAY Do I rush you while you're performing complicated surgery?

BECKETT Aye, it's been known to happen.

[The panel beeps.]

MCKAY All right, I'm in. Now, just need a few minutes to disable the&mdash;

[Wraith soldiers arrive and start to fire on them. McKay and Beckett duck behind the console for cover.]

MCKAY Oh, geez! I think they found us.

BECKETT You figure?

MCKAY Okay, you're going to have to hold them off.

BECKETT (dubious) Am I, now?

MCKAY Yeah, come on, Carson. You can do this, all right?

BECKETT All right&hellip;on-on three.

MCKAY How about on one?

BECKETT All right.

RODNEY Right. And&hellip;one!

[Beckett rises and starts firing on the soldiers as McKay stands and tries to type at the console.]

BECKETT How's it coming?

MCKAY Almost there.

[He types frantically. Beckett is able to down a few Wraith, but more arrive all the time.]

BECKETT I can't hold them off forever, Rodney. We have to go, now!

MCKAY All right, that's it! I got it! Let's go!

[McKay and Beckett run back the way they came, the Wraith in pursuit.]

BECKETT Where are we going?

MCKAY The dart bay.

BECKETT You know how to fly a dart?

MCKAY Well, I've flown jumpers before.

BECKETT I've been to Tokyo before. It doesn't mean I can speak Japanese.

MCKAY Well, how hard can it be?

[McKay pauses at another junction, looking at different choices.]

BECKETT Do you even know where you're going?

MCKAY Yeah, I pulled up a schematic of the ship on that console.

BECKETT What? While we were being fired upon?

INT&mdash;HIVE SHIP DART BAY

[They reach the dart bay. McKay seals the door shut from the inside.]

MCKAY All right, that's sealed.

BECKETT How long do you think it'll hold them?

MCKAY Not very.

[They stare, overwhelmed at the scale of the large dart bay, which reaches up out of sight. McKay snaps out of his reverie first and heads to a dart.]

MCKAY Well, come on.

[McKay hops into the cockpit. Beckett climbs in after him, trying to squeeze into the one-person unit.]

MCKAY (incredulous) What are you doing?!

BECKETT I'm getting in.

MCKAY Well, we can't both fit in here!

BECKETT You're damn right, I can. Now, shove over!

[McKay grunts and tries to squeeze himself smaller. He looks very uncomfortable. Beckett is barely in the seat, his knees up against his chest.]

MCKAY (sarcastic) You comfy?

BECKETT (drily) Peachy.

MCKAY (grunting under his breath) All right.

[McKay waits, pressing a button on the joystick to no effect.]

BECKETT What are you waiting for?

MCKAY Well, it should just start up.

BECKETT Well, it didn't.

MCKAY (exasperated) Yeah, I know that. But it doesn't make any sense. I mean, a canopy should form over our head. Maybe there's some kind of a weight limit.

BECKETT (insulted) What's that supposed to mean?

MCKAY I mean, because there's two of us!

BECKETT Well, maybe you need a key or something.

MCKAY It's not a Volkswagen, Carson! Okay, look, these are obviously the flight controls. That makes that propulsion, so&hellip;

BECKETT How did you come up with that brilliant conclusion?

MCKAY It was just common sense! (he tries to force a control, and growls) Oh, come on!

BECKETT (rolling his eyes) Right. Common sense.

MCKAY Look, well what do you want from me? It's not like there's labels!

[They hear blasts outside the sealed door.]

MCKAY Oh, not good!

BECKETT You're telling me. We need a new plan, Rodney.

MCKAY I know. I'm thinking.

BECKETT Well, whatever you do, think fast, because if those Wraith come through that door, we're both dead.

INT&mdash;HIVE SHIP CORRIDOR

[Wraith continue to try to blast the door open.]

INT&mdash;HIVE SHIP DART BAY

BECKETT Rodney, we need to go.

MCKAY Where? I mean, we're trapped in here!

BECKETT Well, then we need to find a place to hide. Come on.

[He grabs McKay's jacket and tries to tug him with him. McKay suddenly looks inspired, and Beckett notices his expression.]

BECKETT What?

MCKAY I have another idea. It's a long shot, but it might work&hellip;but you're going to have to get off me.

[Beckett scrambles to get out of the dart cockpit.]

INT&mdash;MINE

[Jervis and his men lead a Wraith patrol through the mine tunnel.]

JERVIS Once you've taken these people, you're going to leave the village, right? For good?

WRAITH This place is of no concern to us. All we want is the Balarans.

JERVIS There's a large chamber up ahead. That's where they're hiding.

[They reach the large chamber of the mine. It is empty except for Jervis's team and the Wraith.]

WRAITH Where are they?

JERVIS (stammering) I don't understand. He said they were here! I&hellip;they should be right here!

[They look around in confusion. The Wraith spots something lit on the ground. He picks it up and shows it to Jervis. It is a block of C-4 with a detonator activated on it.]

WRAITH What is this?

EXT&mdash;PASTURE OVER MINE, DAY

[The pasture sinks in the implosion that destroys the mine. Ronon, Teyla Sheppard, and Elson and Balarans watch from a distance the smoke rise, Sheppard closing closing the safety cover on the detonator control for the explosives.]

RONON Think we killed enough Wraith to make a difference?

SHEPPARD Guess we'll find out.

[Sheppard takes a deep breath and bites his lip, glancing back at Elson.]

SHEPPARD Nice work.

[Elson glances at Sheppard, his expression deeply grieved.]

INT&mdash;WRAITH BRIDGE

[The second in command arrives on the bridge. A Wraith technician works his console.]

WRAITH TECHNICIAN We have received word of an explosion on the planet that's killed several of warriors. The humans continue to attack our troops.

WRAITH SECOND They're trying to escape. Target the area around the portal and open fire.

[The technician types some commands.]

WRAITH TECHNICIAN Weapons aren't responding.

WRAITH SECOND What?!

EXT&mdash;STARGATE AREA, DAY

[Sheppard, Teyla, Ronon, and some of the natives are engaged in a firefight with Wraith near the Stargate. Several Wraith have been killed. Finally the last one is downed.]

SHEPPARD (to Teyla) Dial the 'gate.

[She runs to the DHD. Sheppard runs back to the foliage where Elson and the Balarans wait out the battle; he loads a new magazine into his weapon as he moves.]

ELSON This is the first group. There are more coming.

SHEPPARD All right, we've got to move fast. They're not going to take this lying down. Let's go!

[Sheppard leads the way. Elson stays put and points the refugees to follow.]

ELSON All right. Come on, let's go. Stay low. Stay low.

[Teyla dials the Stargate, then watches warily for more Wraith.]

INT&mdash;HIVE SHIP BRIDGE

WRAITH TECHNICIAN We've lost contact with the troops at the 'gate.

WRAITH SECOND What about the two human prisoners?

WRAITH TECHNICIAN (shaking his head) They're nowhere to be seen.

WRAITH SECOND They couldn't have just disappeared&hellip; It doesn't matter. We can't let the villagers escape. Launch the darts.

EXT&mdash;STARGATE AREA, DAY

[All the villagers move in a hurried but orderly procession towards the Stargate. Teyla spots darts approaching. She raises her rifle.]

TEYLA Colonel!

SHEPPARD Go, go, go! Move!

[The villagers run as the darts approach. Teyla and Sheppard open fire. Ronon fires his blaster at the darts while pushing the stragglers towards the Stargate.]

SHEPPARD Oh, crap!

[Sheppard dives into a roll, barely missing being caught in a culling beam. Teyla fires as it flies overhead, then spots some women coming from the woods. She hurries towards them. Ronon sees more darts closing in from another position.]

RONON Sheppard! We've got more coming!

[Teyla urges the women forward, covering their rear.]

TEYLA Go, go, go! You're almost there!

[Sheppard sees a dart nearing Teyla's position.]

SHEPPARD Teyla!

[He rushes forward. Teyla pauses to shoot. The culling beam activates, but instead of pulling Teyla up, it dematerializes McKay and Beckett in front of her.]

TEYLA (stunned) Rodney! Carson!

MCKAY Oh my god, it worked!

BECKETT Rodney, you're a genius.

TEYLA What'd you do?

MCKAY (stammering) I reprogrammed the culling beam to dematerialize us, then to discharge only from that point on. I mean, once the Wraith lost their weapons, I knew it was just a matter of time before they launched the darts.

[While McKay speaks, Teyla pushes them towards the Stargate. The last of the villagers runs into the Stargate, Teyla, McKay, and Beckett follow. Ronon and Sheppard cover their rear, shooting until everyone's safe. ]

SHEPPARD Let's go.

[Beckett and Ronon enter the Stargate just before a culling beam reaches them. The wormhole shuts down.]

EXT&mdash;ATLANTIS, DAY

INT&mdash;ATLANTIS INFIRMARY

[Beckett works at a computer. McKay enters.]

MCKAY There you are! I've been calling you!

BECKETT Oh! I'm sorry. What's up?

MCKAY Lorne's team just found a suitable planet for the villagers. They're going to move them out this afternoon.

BECKETT Aye, I heard. I'm going with them.

MCKAY (disappointed) Oh. Right. Of course. Um, well&hellip;you want to uh&hellip;grab some lunch? I mean, we didn't get any chance to socialize this time around, unless you count, you know, running through the halls of the hive ship as&hellip;social time.

[He shoots Beckett a wry smile.]

BECKETT Aye, you're right. Look, Rodney, I'd love to, but I really need to get through this.

[He gestures to the computer screens. McKay moves around the table to look at them too.]

MCKAY Well, what is it?

BECKETT Doctor Keller's research on the serum that keeps my cells from deteriorating. I think there might be something in here to help the plague survivors, since I'm not getting the infections that they are.

MCKAY Well, you don't have do this now! I'll download the data to a drive. You can just, you know, take it with you.

BECKETT Actually, you can't. Mr. Woolsey doesn't want it leaving the base.

MCKAY (grimacing) Oh.

BECKETT Sorry, Rodney.

MCKAY (failing not to sound hurt) Well, I don't care. No, I was just, you know, trying to stop you from whining about never seeing me. All right.

[He starts to leave. Beckett sighs.]

BECKETT Rodney, wait.

[McKay pauses and turns back.]

BECKETT Now that I think of it, I am a wee bit peckish. Besides, I can't solve all the galaxy's problems in one day, can I?

[McKay points to himself and shrugs with false humility.]

MCKAY Well, I&mdash;

BECKETT Shut it. Right, let's go.

[Beckett shuts his laptop and grabs his jacket, joining McKay as they walk out of the infirmary.]

BECKETT So? Interested in anyone these days?

MCKAY (stammering) Me? No. I-um, I don't have time for that.

BECKETT (grinning, sly) You're a terrible liar, Doctor McKay. Tell me, tell me, tell me.

FADE OUT

END CREDITS

Transcribed for Solutions by Aurora Novarum, October 2008.

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