Subversion

"Subversion" is the eighteenth episode of the first season of Stargate Universe.

Synopsis
Earth's Stargate Program isn't the only group in the Milky Way that's interested in the Ancients' Destiny. What's worse, this long-time foe may have a spy among those closest to the Icarus project.

Plot
Nicholas Rush, while sleeping in his quarters, has flashes of memory from David Telford. In the memories, he sees the number 314 and meets with a group from the Lucian Alliance near an abandoned warehouse. They have a Tel'tak parked in the area. Rush informs Everett Young of what he saw, and believes that Telford is a spy for the Alliance. Rush and Young devise a plan to discover the truth.

During the next switch with Telford, Rush takes the place of Morrison, posing as him during the switch. Meanwhile, Telford notices that he's not in the body he expected. Matthew Scott attempts to lie about the reason Telford is inhabiting Rush's body, but Telford easily sees through him. As Scott leads him away, Young sneaks in behind them to use the stones. He speaks with Jack O'Neill about his suspicions.

In the mess hall, the crew holds a baby shower for Tamara Johansen. Chloe Armstrong gives TJ a U.S. Air Force shirt for the baby, and Hunter Riley gives her a toy truck he managed to construct out of various spare parts. Eli Wallace is taking pictures with his iPhone. Adam Brody and Dale Volker pull Eli aside, wanting to know about the plan Rush and Young have going. Eli doesn't know much about it. Telford comes by to get Camile Wray.

Rush is dropped off at Morrison's home. He goes inside, then makes his way around the back. He travels to Telford's house and breaks in, searching for anything incriminating. After a fruitless search, he finds a candle holder with a hidden compartment. Inside is a safety deposit box key, labeled 314. Rush goes to the bank and retrieves the box, in which is a cell phone. The dialing history has only one number listed, so he calls it. He pretends to have information for those on the other end, and they arrange a meeting.

Young takes Telford to Brody's bar for drinks. The strong concoction is a bit too much for Telford, and he declines any further helpings. They have a friendly chat about their positions at Icarus base. Telford believes Young to be a disgrace for sleeping with an officer under his command. Young wonders what happened to Telford, as he used to be a nicer guy. Telford merely thanks him for the drinks and leaves. Young radios Scott.

Rush is brought to the meeting site. Daniel Jackson is hiding on one of the rooftops, photographing those present. Jack calls on the radio to tell him that Samantha Carter, commanding the George Hammond, is unable to beam anyone in the area up due to a jamming signal blocking them. The strike team is ready to move on Daniel's order. Another SUV drives in and a woman steps out. She recognizes that Rush is not Telford, and demands to know who he is. Rush is not unconscious when he fails to answer. She deactivates the cloak on her Tel'tak and has Rush dragged inside. Daniel calls in the strike team, but they are too late.

At Homeworld Command, Daniel briefs Jack and Young on the Lucian Alliance members present at the meeting. They decide not to disconnect the stones in order to interrogate Telford. Young confronts Telford about his involvement with the Alliance, wanting to know where Rush was taken, but Telford denies everything. Young decides to let him sweat it out for a bit, then returns. He continues his questioning, and the accusations eventually goad Telford into attacking. Ronald Greer runs in and tackles Telford, hitting him several times before being dragged away by Scott. Young orders them both out. Telford still insists on his innocence.

Meanwhile, Rush awakens on the Tel'tak, which is now in hyperspace. He is tortured by Kiva's men for his identity. She laments having to use something so primitive; she used a brainwashing chemical on Telford to secure his loyalty, but is uncertain of the effects it would have if used on Rush in Telford's body. Despite resisting at first, he eventually gives up his name. In return, Kiva shows him their destination: an Icarus-type planet. They have duplicated Earth's research into dialing the ninth chevron, but lack the equation to regulate the power. Rush agrees to help, but it will take some time.

Wray argues with Scott and Greer about Young's treatment of Telford, but gets nowhere. Young, likewise having failed to get anything out of Telford, decides to bring O'Neill in using the stones. O'Neill briefly highlights having been given the body of a Corporal, then is led to Telford. O'Neill tells him to come clean, and despite resisting at first, Telford admits to working with them. However, he still refuses to give Rush's location. O'Neill has heard enough, so Young has Riley disconnect him. Out of options, Young orders Brody to vent the atmosphere in Telford's room. Eli and Wray separately argue against it, but Brody complies. Telford has five minutes to talk.

Background notes

 * The episode aired on the Ukrainian television station K1 TV before the English version aired in the U.S. and Canada.

Production

 * Paul Mullie will write the episode alone, first time without being cowritten by Joseph Mallozzi.
 * The episode was originally slated to be the 19th and penultimate episode of season one. However writer/producer Joseph Mallozzi wrote the season one finale as a two-parter; Subversion will become the 18th episode and the previous episode, "Pain", will be aired as the 17th.


 * It has been confirmed that the Lucian Alliance will reprise its antagonistic role in this episode.