The Queen/Transcript

Episode Guide
SGA 5.08 "The Queen" Episode Guide

Transcript
PREVIOUSLY ON STARGATE ATLANTIS

[Excerpts from 1.18 "The Gift", 4.08 "The Seer", 4.11 "Be All My Sins Remembered", 4.19 "Kindred Part 2", and 1.02 "The Rising Part 2".]

TEASER

EXT&mdash;SPACE

[A puddle jumper flies through an incoming active Spacegate.]

INT&mdash;PUDDLE JUMPER

[Sheppard's team and Keller are inside.]

MCKAY I still say we should've brought backup. Another jumper or a marine unit, something.

TEYLA This is intended to be a diplomatic mission, Rodney. What kind of message would that send?

MCKAY Well, a strong one, hopefully.

SHEPPARD (firmly) Yeah, everybody's going to be fine if they don't panic.

MCKAY Easier said than done.

SHEPPARD There they are.

[A hive ship appears through the window.]

KELLER (gasping) My God. How big is that thing?

SHEPPARD Never seen a hive in space, huh?

KELLER (panicky) I've never seen one, period. I mean, I've seen video logs, but never in person.

MCKAY (absently) Well, you never forget your first.

RONON They know we're here.

[The console beeps.]

MCKAY Apparently. We're receiving a transmission.

[Sheppard peeks over to McKay's console.]

SHEPPARD Docking instructions.

MCKAY (sarcastic) What, no "hello, greetings, weary travelers?"

SHEPPARD Guess not. So much for the red carpet.

EXT&mdash;SPACE

[The jumper flies into the hive docking bay.]

INT&mdash;PUDDLE JUMPER

[The team look distinctly nervous and uncomfortable as they land inside the hive ship.]

KELLER So, what happens now?

MCKAY Well, if history has taught us anything, this is the part where we get double-crossed and taken prisoner.

TEYLA That will not happen this time, Rodney. We were invited, remember?

MCKAY (grumbling) And that makes a difference?

[There is a pounding on the outer door. Sheppard grimaces.]

SHEPPARD Right on cue.

[They all get up and head to the back. Sheppard hits the button to lower the door and raises his rifle. Three Wraith guards are standing outside, aiming weapons at the team&mdash;a standoff.]

SHEPPARD This looks a little familiar.

END TEASER

OPENING CREDITS

TODD (to his men) Lower your weapons.

[The soldiers comply.]

TODD (to team) My apologies. You understand. You can't be too careful. Welcome to my ship.

[He holds his hands out in a grand gesture.]

INT&mdash;WRAITH CONFERENCE ROOM

[Todd leads the team to a room furnished with a long wooden table and several wooden chairs.]

TODD This is my second-in-command. I've asked him to be a part of these discussions. Please&hellip;sit.

[They cautiously take seats around the table.]

SHEPPARD Hmm. Fruit bowl. Nice touch.

TODD Well, we picked them up on our travels. I thought it would make our discussions more&hellip;comfortable. I hope they prove as delicious as the farmers who grew them.

[McKay looks nonplussed and drops the fruit he holds.]

SHEPPARD All right, let's just get this over with.

TODD So, I understand you have a proposal. A breakthrough of some kind?

SHEPPARD (nodding to Keller) This is Doctor Keller. She's our Chief Medical Officer, and she's going to explain everything to you.

KELLER (clears throat nervously) Well, um&hellip;uh, as you may already know, we recently stumbled across a lab belonging to Michael&mdash;the Wraith that we&mdash;

TODD I know who he is.

KELLER Uh&mdash;of course you do.

TODD Word of your success against him spread rapidly among my kind. We are very grateful.

SHEPPARD Trust me, we didn't do it for you.

KELLER Anyway, we recovered a database from his lab that allowed us to continue his research into&mdash;

TODD (sharply interrupting) For what purpose?

KELLER We've come up with a gene therapy that alters Wraith DNA in a small but significant way. In a nutshell, we think we can make it so that you, and any other Wraith we treat, will never need to feed on humans again.

[Todd and his second in command exchange sharp looks.]

WRAITH SECOND This is absurd.

KELLER Well, actually, it's&hellip;not as big of a change as you might think. Your bodies already contain all the organs necessary to digest food.

SHEPPARD Here. Try this.

[Sheppard tosses Todd a piece of fruit.]

TODD If I consume this, it may give me a moment's pleasure, but it will not sustain me.

[He sets the fruit firmly down on the table.]

KELLER But that can change. At least&hellip;in theory.

WRAITH SECOND Why would we want this? Of what benefit is it?

SHEPPARD Well, think about it. If you put yourself on regular food, you could give up all those tiresome cullings.

TEYLA It would give you a significant advantage over other hives.

SHEPPARD Not to mention, I could stop waiting for the chance to kill you&hellip;in theory.

WRAITH SECOND Our current feeding process gives us strength, our ability to heal, our longevity.

KELLER Well, um, we're not entirely sure how this change would affect your, um&hellip;gifts. They may continue, although possibly in a diminished form.

TODD Possibly?

KELLER It's difficult to know from lab tests. We can't be sure until we administer it to, um, live subjects.

MCKAY Well, let's not forget that Michael spread the modified Hoffan drug to dozens of worlds, possibly more. I mean, no one knows for sure, right? Which means that every time you feed? You're taking a risk.

SHEPPARD Bottom line is, there's not enough food to go around. That's why you Wraith are at each other's throats, so&hellip;here's your chance.

[Todd considers this.]

EXT&mdash;SPACE

[The hive ship floats in space.]

INT&mdash;WRAITH CONFERENCE ROOM

[Todd and his second are now gone. The Atlantis team waits in the room. Ronon paces.]

RONON This is wrong. We shouldn't be here.

MCKAY I don't know, from where I was sitting, things seemed to go pretty well.

SHEPPARD (flatly) Yeah.

KELLER (curious) You don't seem too happy about it.

SHEPPARD I was just expecting a little more resistance.

KELLER Well, he hasn't said yes yet.

SHEPPARD Yeah, but something makes me think he wants to.

TEYLA And why not? It is a reasonable offer.

RONON Why are we thinking of ways to fix them when we should be thinking of ways to kill them?

MCKAY We've been trying to do that for four years. They're still here!

TEYLA (firmly) The Wraith may not deserve our consideration. But as John pointed out, we're not doing this for them.

SHEPPARD There's something going on here. Something he's not telling us.

RONON (sarcastic) What a surprise.

[Sheppard and Teyla stand as footsteps approach. Ronon turns and primes his weapon as Todd arrives. Ronon lowers his gun.]

TODD I'm sorry. Am I disturbing you?

[Sheppard gives a falsely bright smile and gestures a welcome.]

SHEPPARD Come in.

TODD I have&hellip;considered your offer.

SHEPPARD That was fast.

TODD I believe your idea has merit&hellip;if you can make the treatment work.

KELLER It'll work.

TODD Of course, converting a single hive would be pointless. It would make little difference to the humans of this galaxy and would make us pariahs amongst our own kind.

[While Todd speaks, Ronon lounges in a chair in an exaggeratedly casual gesture. He never takes his eyes off the Wraith, nor his hand off his gun.]

MCKAY Wait a minute. I thought you worked with a whole group of hives.

TODD I do, but I may have&hellip;exaggerated my position within the alliance.

SHEPPARD He doesn't have the clout.

RONON (sneering) Then he's no good to us.

TODD There's only one you need to convince. Among all the queens in the alliance, one sits above the rest. We call her&hellip;the Primary.

MCKAY The uber-queen?

TODD Convince her, and the rest will fall into line.

SHEPPARD Then convince her!

TODD She will only speak with another queen.

TEYLA And your queen was killed last year in the skies above Atlantis.

TODD Regrettably, yes. But the Primary does not know this.

SHEPPARD (incredulous) You&hellip;you bluffed your way into the alliance and convinced them you still have a queen?

TODD They would not have accepted me otherwise. Up to now, I've been able to maintain this subterfuge, but a face-to-face meeting&hellip;that would be difficult. In fact, there is only one person who could help me.

[He looks pointedly at Teyla, who stares back at him in surprise.]

EXT&mdash;ATLANTIS, DAY

INT&mdash;SHEPPARD'S QUARTERS

[Teyla and Sheppard are in his quarters.]

SHEPPARD This is crazy.

TEYLA Believe me, this is not a decision I am taking lightly.

SHEPPARD Do you realize what he's asking you to do?

TEYLA Doctor Keller assures me that the procedure is completely reversible and will have no lasting ill effects.

SHEPPARD I'm not talking about the procedure.

TEYLA (quietly) I know.

SHEPPARD Look, even if this works, even if all the Wraith stop feeding, you think they're gonna become nice and friendly overnight? No. They're going to have a massive technological advantage.

TEYLA You're suggesting they will enslave the people of this galaxy rather than feed on them?

SHEPPARD We've seen the same thing happen in our galaxy.

TEYLA You didn't voice this objection before.

SHEPPARD Nobody was asking you to risk your life.

TEYLA My Wraith DNA makes me the only possible candidate. Anyone else would be detected by the queen immediately.

SHEPPARD Well, that's fine. But-but my question is, why now? The Wraith are busy killing each other. Why don't we just sit back and watch?

TEYLA Eventually, one faction will emerge victorious, and then everything will go back to the way it was.

SHEPPARD But maybe not for a while, so we can afford to wait.

TEYLA And if Todd's alliance is destroyed? We may never have another opportunity like this again. I admit, this may not solve the Wraith problem once and for all. But there are people alive today who will be culled in the coming weeks and months. And if I can save even some of them&hellip;I have to try. If not for myself, then for my son.

BANKS (over intercom) Colonel Sheppard, come in.

SHEPPARD This is Sheppard, go ahead.

INT&mdash;ATLANTIS CONTROL ROOM

BANKS (into radio) Mr. Woolsey wanted me to inform you sir&hellip;he's here.

[Banks looks down to the Stargate, where Todd, escorted by an Atlantis team, arrives through the active wormhole.]

INT&mdash;ATLANTIS INFIRMARY SURGICAL WARD

[Teyla sits up on a surgical bed, dressed in a hospital gown. Keller is in scrubs beside her. Other infirmary staff prepare equipment.]

KELLER You sure you're ready for this?

TEYLA (nodding) As ready as I'll ever be.

KELLER I'm sorry. I&hellip;I feel like you're being pressured into this because of my research.

TEYLA I am not being pressured into anything. And your research may save thousands, even millions of lives. Remember that.

KELLER Right.

INT&mdash;ATLANTIS CORRIDOR

[Todd and his guard escort approach the infirmary. Ronon blocks his path, glowering menacingly at Todd.]

TODD Can I help you?

RONON Just remember&hellip;if anything happens to her, there won't be anywhere in the galaxy you can hide.

TODD Ah. Is that all?

[Ronon sneers in challenge, but steps aside.]

TODD Right.

[Todd continues on his way.]

INT&mdash;ATLANTIS INFIRMARY SURGICAL WARD

[Todd enters. Teyla lies on the table, still conscious.]

TODD How is my patient?

KELLER She's fine.

TODD Very well. Let's get started.

KELLER (to Teyla) Don't worry. He's just here as a technical advisor. I'm going to be performing the surgery. (to staff) All right, we're ready.

[The anesthesiologist injects a syringe into her line. Teyla glances towards the observation room and breathes deeply. The surgery continues. Todd giving advice as they work and study monitors. Sheppard, McKay, and Ronon watch worriedly. McKay has to turn away. Todd nods, as does Keller as they work on Teyla.]

EXT&mdash;ATLANTIS, NIGHT

INT&mdash;ATLANTIS CORRIDOR OUTSIDE INFIRMARY

[Sheppard sits on a bench. McKay and Ronon pace.]

MCKAY When are we going to get to see her?

SHEPPARD Give it some time. Just relax.

MCKAY I can't. I've had, like, three cups of coffee. I'm completely wired.

RONON (deadpan) Really? I hadn't noticed.

[The door opens, and Keller steps out. She is in her usual Atlantis uniform now.]

KELLER All right. You can see her now.

INT&mdash;ATLANTIS INFIRMARY

[The trio follow Keller to Teyla's bed. They stare at her, all looking disturbed.]

TEYLA How do I look?

[Teyla speaks in a Wraith reverberating tone. Her face is mottled green with slits in the cheekbones. Her eyes are reptilian and yellow. Her hair is black. She looks like a Wraith.]

EXT&mdash;SPACE

[Todd's hive ship floats in space.]

INT&mdash;QUEEN'S THRONE ROOM

TODD Now, assume your throne.

[Teyla unsteadily moves to the throne. She sits in it carefully, as if it might bite, then shifts in it, trying to get comfortable.]

TODD (angrily) Are you trying to get us both killed?!

TEYLA (puzzled) I do not understand.

TODD At the first sign of deception, the Primary will not hesitate to slit our throats!

TEYLA (standing) You said she would sense my Wraith DNA.

TODD (disgusted) It is not your "DNA" that concerns me. It is your manner. Your bearing. You project apprehension.

TEYLA Well, given the circumstances&hellip;

TODD It may be understandable, but it is not acceptable! Above all, you must never show weakness. Now&hellip;again!

[Teyla juts out her chin in challenge.]

INT&mdash;WRAITH CONFERENCE ROOM

[The rest of Teyla's team waits in the room.]

MCKAY How long is this going to take anyway?

SHEPPARD Until Todd's satisfied she can pass as a Wraith queen. You know, personally, I'm not inclined to rush this thing.

MCKAY She's already too convincing if you ask me. Creeps me out.

SHEPPARD (squirming) She's still Teyla&hellip;underneath all that.

RONON Maybe that's the problem.

SHEPPARD Look, I'm not any crazier about this than you guys. But the fact is, Todd's putting his life on the line, too. I don't think he'd go in there with her if he didn't think she could pull this off.

[Todd enters.]

SHEPPARD Where's Teyla?

TODD Resting. You'll be pleased to know we've received word back from the Primary's hive. We've been instructed to meet with them at their current location.

MCKAY So, what's the plan?

TODD Once we arrive, we make contact with the ship and make our way over. Then Teyla will put forward my proposal.

MCKAY Oh, your proposal?

TODD Believe me, the less the Primary knows about my dealings with the humans of Atlantis, the better.

SHEPPARD (cautiously) If she doesn't know it's coming from us, what are the chances she's going to buy it?

TODD Our alliance has recently been dealt a number of setbacks.

RONON (grinning) You're getting your asses kicked.

TODD Indeed. Although the Primary would never admit it out loud. But the one thing stronger than her pride is her instinct for survival.

[He steps closer to Ronon, intimidating.]

EXT&mdash;SPACE

[Todd's ship drops out of hyperspace. The Primary's hive ship already waits there.]

INT&mdash;HIVE SHIP BRIDGE

[The second-in-command is at the bridge controls. Teyla stands, looking nervous. Todd walks over, studying her bearing.]

TODD Don't be nervous.

TEYLA (trying to sound haughty) I am not.

[Todd studies Teyla for moment, then nods for the communication to be engaged. The Primary queen appears on the screen.]

PRIMARY (on video) So&hellip;at long last we meet.

TEYLA Indeed.

PRIMARY Many among my crew were beginning to think you didn't exist.

TEYLA You must point them out to me, so that I may remove all doubt from their minds.

PRIMARY (chuckling) That will no longer be necessary. Make your way to my ship. (hissing) And do not keep me waiting again.

[The video-link shuts down.]

TODD She likes you.

TEYLA (dubious) You think so?

TODD It was as warm a reception as we could expect.

INT&mdash;WRAITH BRIEFING ROOM

[Teyla rejoins the rest of her team.]

SHEPPARD How'd it go?

TEYLA Apparently, quite well. They are preparing a shuttle to take me over to the other hive.

SHEPPARD You know, we can pull the plug anytime you want. You just give us the word.

TEYLA No. We've come this far. I intend to go through with this.

MCKAY Well, we'll be right here. If anything goes wrong&hellip; (clicks his tongue) &hellip;we'll get you out.

SHEPPARD (reassuring) But nothing's going to.

MCKAY Well, of course not, but I'm just saying, if it does&hellip;

SHEPPARD (warning) Rodney&hellip;

MCKAY (meekly) Which it won't.

RONON Hey&hellip;just be careful over there.

[Teyla nods at Ronon. Looks at the others, then leaves.]

EXT&mdash;SPACE

[A small Wraith ship flies from one hive to the other.]

INT&mdash;PRIMARY HIVE SHIP CORRIDOR

[A bald Wraith and several soldier Wraith stand in the corridor. A door opens and Teyla and Todd enter. The bald Wraith bows low.]

BALD WRAITH Welcome to my ship.

[Teyla looks around warily.]

TEYLA Where is your queen?

BALD WRAITH You will meet her in time. (to soldiers) Inform the bridge they're onboard. Take us to hyperspace.

[One of the soldiers walks away.]

TODD This was not part of the agreement.

BALD WRAITH You did not expect us to conduct this meeting here, within weapons range of your hive.

TODD We are part of the same alliance&hellip;unless you do not trust us.

BALD WRAITH I make it a practice to trust no one I do not know. It is how the queen wishes it. Follow me&hellip;please.

[He leads the way. Todd bows to let Teyla walk first, then follows.]

EXT&mdash;SPACE

[The Primary's hive ship jumps into hyperspace.]

INT&mdash;TODD'S SHIP BRIDGE

[Sheppard, Ronon, and McKay walk into the bridge.]

SHEPPARD What's going on?

WRAITH SECOND The Primary's hive just went into hyperspace.

MCKAY What?!

SHEPPARD That wasn't part of the deal.

WRAITH SECOND No, it was not.

RONON Where'd they go?

WRAITH SECOND I do not know. There is no way to track them.

RONON (drawing his weapon) He's lying!

[Wraith soldiers draw their own weapons and point them at Ronon, McKay, and Sheppard before the other two can draw arms. McKay looks around nervously, raising his hands unthreateningly.]

MCKAY Uh, Ronon?

WRAITH SECOND I assure you, I know nothing of this.

SHEPPARD Ronon&hellip;

[Ronon glances around, then stands down.]

WRAITH SECOND It appears we have no choice but to trust each other.

INT&mdash;PRIMARY THRONE ROOM

[The bald Wraith leads Teyla and Todd to the empty throne room.]

BALD WRAITH The queen shall see you shortly.

[He leaves them alone.]

TEYLA What have you done?

TODD (looking around nervously, speaking low) I swear, I did not expect this to happen. We're in no danger. If the queen did not believe us, we'd be dead already.

TEYLA And if she begins to suspect? We are trapped on this ship.

TODD Everything will be fine, provided you continue to play your part. We must proceed as planned.

[A door opens, and the Primary steps inside.]

PRIMARY (sharply) What is he doing here?

[Todd bows low and steps back.]

TEYLA I&hellip;thought his presence would be useful, as he is the one you have been dealing with up until now.

PRIMARY (angry) I do not like surprises.

TEYLA (sharply) Nor do I. And yet you are the one who took your ship to hyperspace the moment we stepped aboard.

PRIMARY If you were in my position, you might understand the need for such precautions.

[Teyla pauses for a few moments.]

TEYLA Very well.

[The Primary calms, sparing a sidelong glance at Todd, who averts his eyes in a supplicant gesture.]

PRIMARY (to Teyla) Come. Let's sit.

[She leads the way. Todd draws a knife from his shirt cuff and attacks the Primary from behind, slicing her in the jugular. The Primary grasps her throat and collapses, trying to breathe.]

TEYLA (panicked) What are you doing?!

[The Primary struggles, activating an alarm amulet that shrieks loudly before breathing her last.]

TEYLA What is the meaning of this?!

[Todd places the knife into Teyla's hand.]

TODD Forgive me&hellip;but this is the way it must be. You must say that you killed her.

TEYLA Are you insane?!

TODD This is how it is done with our kind. This is how power changes hands.

TEYLA But I do not want&mdash;

TODD Listen to me! The crew will not be happy, but nor will they wish to be without a queen. You caught her off-guard. Many will perceive that to mean that she was growing weak. All you need to do is convince them that you are a capable replacement, and they will accept you.

TEYLA And if I can't?

TODD Then we're both dead.

[The bald Wraith and several soldiers enter.]

BALD WRAITH What is this?!

TEYLA I have taken what is rightfully mine.

[The wraith goes to the queen and deactivates the alarm.]

BALD WRAITH (grieving) You killed her!

TEYLA Yes, and you are the better for it.

BALD WRAITH You will die for this!

[He pulls his stunner.]

TEYLA How dare you point a weapon at your queen!

BALD WRAITH This was my queen!

TEYLA Not anymore.

[Todd steps in the line of fire.]

TODD She was growing weak. She no longer had full control over the alliance. If you can't see that, you're a fool.

[Teyla comes up behind Todd, strikes him, and kicks him behind the knees, wrapping her knife hand around his throat as he falls to his knees.]

TEYLA Did I ask you to speak for me?!

TODD No, my queen.

[The bald wraith studies this exchange with interest.]

TEYLA Wag your tongue like that again, and I will remove it. Is that understood?

TODD Yes, my queen!

[Teyla releases him and tosses the knife away imperiously.]

TEYLA (to bald wraith) Now, drop us out of hyperspace and run a full diagnostic. I wish to know the state of my new flagship&hellip;And have this&hellip;thing removed from my sight.

[They look to the Primary's corpse.]

BALD WRAITH (hesitantly) Yes, my queen.

EXT&mdash;SPACE

[The Primary hive drops out of hyperspace near a nebula.]

INT&mdash;PRIMARY THRONE ROOM

[Teyla paces the room alone. Todd enters.]

TODD I have surveyed the crew. You'll be pleased to know they were entirely fooled!

TEYLA What were you thinking?! You put both our lives at terrible risk!

TODD I know. If you'll allow me to explain&mdash;

TEYLA How could you do this?

TODD It was necessary. The former queen was never going to accept your proposal.

TEYLA And so you&hellip;killed her and forced me to take the blame.

TODD If I had taken the blame, I would have been killed and you would've been held captive. That was not the desired outcome. You must understand, our culture is different from your own. We govern ourselves by different rules. It was important for you to claim ownership of the act of killing the queen.

TEYLA (fiercely) You should have informed me of your intention to make me queen of this hive.

[Todd bows mockingly.]

TODD Perhaps, but I doubt you would have gone through with it had you known.

TEYLA You're right. It was a foolish, reckless plan.

TODD Most Wraith seek to be ruled. They fear being without a queen. I knew that if you presented yourself as a viable substitute, most of them would just&hellip;fall in line.

TEYLA "Most of them?"

TODD The point is that we have achieved what we set out to do. You are now effectively in control of the alliance. We may now implement Doctor Keller's plan without hindrance.

TEYLA Then there is no further need for us to continue this charade. Take me back to your ship!

TODD Soon, but first, you must allow some time for order to be restored&mdash;for things to return to normal. Once they do, you may take your leave. And no one on this crew will be the wiser.

[Teyla stares at Todd wide eyed.]

INT&mdash;TODD'S SHIP CORRIDOR OUTSIDE BRIDGE

RONON I still say this was a setup.

SHEPPARD I don't know. Kenny seemed pretty surprised when that ship disappeared.

MCKAY Who?

SHEPPARD Kenny, the second in command.

MCKAY Well, since when did we start calling him that?

RONON (ignoring McKay) Maybe he wasn't in on it.

SHEPPARD I don't know, if Todd wanted to kidnap Teyla, he would've done it the second we arrived. It doesn't add up.

MCKAY Seriously, the next time we have to name one of these guys, we should take a vote.

[Ronon and Sheppard glance at McKay, then continue their conversation.]

RONON So, what are we going to do?

[Sheppard shrugs.]

MCKAY We can't stay here, we're stuck on a hive, surrounded by Wraith. Not exactly our strongest position.

SHEPPARD All I got is a jumper. Where do you want to go?

MCKAY Well, we get to a 'gate, we gate back to Atlantis, and then we&hellip;figure out where they took Teyla.

SHEPPARD How, exactly?

MCKAY (weakly) Okay, so I haven't quite worked out the details yet. But, uh&hellip;

[Todd's second in command, "Kenny", enters.]

KENNY We have something.

[He leads them to the bridge.]

INT&mdash;TODD'S SHIP BRIDGE

KENNY The Primary's hive has dropped out of hyperspace.

SHEPPARD How do you know?

KENNY We're receiving a signal.

[He pulls up a star chart with a blinking signal in one section.]

MCKAY It's Todd's subspace transmitter.

KENNY They're in empty space on the edge of a large nebula.

MCKAY Well, what are they doing out there?

SHEPPARD Who cares? This is our chance. Let's go after them.

KENNY I've already plotted the course. But you should know that it will arouse suspicion for us to arrive unannounced.

SHEPPARD Well, let's worry about that later. For now, this is the closest thing they've got to a distress signal.

EXT&mdash;SPACE

[Todd's ship enters hyperspace.]

INT&mdash;PRIMARY THRONE ROOM

[The bald wraith enters the throne room, where Teyla sits on her throne, deep in a low conversation with Todd.]

BALD WRAITH I'm sorry to disturb you, my queen. We've received an urgent report.

[He holds out a Wraith tablet. Todd snatches it away.]

TODD (challenging) You intend to make her read it?

BALD WRAITH A hive belonging to another alliance has been detected above one of our feeding grounds not far from here.

TODD Have you tried to contact them?

BALD WRAITH They are not responding.

TEYLA (dismissively) Dispatch the closest hive to investigate.

BALD WRAITH We are the closest hive. It falls upon us to intercept.

TEYLA (firmly) We must remain here.

[The bald Wraith exchanges a puzzled look with Todd. Todd turns to Teyla and bows.]

TODD (with warning look) My queen&hellip;perhaps we should discuss this in private.

[Teyla sighs and rolls her eyes.]

TEYLA Leave us.

[The Bald Wraith bows and takes his leave.]

INT&mdash;PRIMARY HIVE SHIP CORRIDOR

[The Bald Wraith pauses outside the door, seeming to consider these events.]

INT&mdash;PRIMARY QUEEN THRONE ROOM

TODD (speaking low) We must respond to this. To do otherwise will read as weakness. The crew will not understand.

TEYLA (fiercely) Then let them be confused.

TODD Spoken like a true queen. But you risk breeding suspicion. For the moment, they believe you and are prepared to serve you. But if you break that trust by making irrational decisions, they will&hellip;quickly fall away from you.

TEYLA What about your ship? It is probably already on its way.

TODD They will pick up on our new location as soon as they arrive.

[Teyla sighs in defeat.]

TEYLA Inform the bridge to set a course.

INT&mdash;TODD'S SHIP CONFERENCE ROOM

SHEPPARD Now, Kenny's right about one thing, the second we drop out of hyperspace, the Primary's hive ship's going to know something's up.

RONON We drop out early. Go the rest of the way by jumper.

SHEPPARD That's going to take too long. We need a diversion.

MCKAY So what, uh&hellip;what kind of a diversion?

[Ronon and Sheppard exchange looks.]

RONON You thinking what I'm thinking?

SHEPPARD Yeah. I don't think we can rely on Kenny to give the order, though.

RONON We don't give him a choice.

MCKAY What are you talking about? What-what order? Oh, no, wait a minute, wait a minute, you're-you're not thinking about attacking the other ship?

SHEPPARD Look, it's the only way to keep them occupied long enough to get on board, get Teyla, and get back.

MCKAY But it's also incredibly risky. Look, I mean, either of these ships could be destroyed!

SHEPPARD Well, we'll just make sure we get her out of there before that happens.

[McKay still looks skeptical. Sheppard looks at him.]

SHEPPARD Look, I realize the odds aren't exactly in our favor, Rodney, but&hellip;the longer we wait to get Teyla, the more likely it is we never will. We just have to&hellip;keep all of our options open.

[McKay sighs.]

EXT&mdash;SPACE

[The Primary hive ship exits hyperspace and approaches another hive ship orbiting a planet.]

INT&mdash;PRIMARY SHIP CORRIDOR

[Todd walks with Teyla as they head to the bridge.]

TODD We have reached the feeding ground. They will attempt to negotiate a concession. But you must stand firm. They may even threaten to attack. But they will not want to fight&hellip;any more than we do.

INT&mdash;PRIMARY SHIP BRIDGE

[They enter. The Bald Wraith meets them.]

BALD WRAITH The other hive is trying to contact us.

TEYLA Ignore them. Charge weapons.

[Todd and the Bald Wraith stare at her, stunned.]

BALD WRAITH You wish to attacked unprovoked?

TEYLA We were provoked. They have encroached upon our territory. I want them destroyed&hellip;now!

EXT&mdash;SPACE

[The Primary ship fires on the other hive ship. It takes heavy damage.]

INT&mdash;PRIMARY SHIP HIVE

[Todd steps close to Teyla. Their backs are to the others.]

TODD (sotto voce, to Teyla) What are you doing?

TEYLA What does it look like?

TODD I told you to talk to them.

TEYLA You also told me to show no weakness.

[The ship shudders.]

BALD WRAITH They're returning fire. We're taking hull damage.

TEYLA Deploy the darts.

BALD WRAITH Under these conditions, they will suffer heavy losses.

TEYLA (sharply) I'm fully aware of the costs. We must take a firm stance against intrusions such as this.

[Todd's eyes widen in realization. He stares at Teyla in horror.]

TODD (speaking low) You're doing this on purpose&hellip;to kill Wraith.

EXT&mdash;SPACE

[There is a fierce dogfight as the Wraith darts approach the rival hive ship.]

INT&mdash;PRIMARY SHIP BRIDGE

BALD WRAITH Half the first wave has been destroyed.

TEYLA But the survivors are now too close to be affected by the ship's weapons, and they can attack at will.

BALD WRAITH (slyly) Until the enemy launches their own darts to intercept.

TEYLA That will take time! With any luck we have caught them off-guard.

EXT&mdash;SPACE

[Todd's hive ship drops out of hyperspace near the nebula.]

INT&mdash;TODD'S SHIP BRIDGE

[Sheppard, Ronon, and McKay are on the bridge with Kenny.]

KENNY They're not here.

SHEPPARD Where the hell are they?

KENNY They've moved&hellip;to one of our more populated feeding grounds.

RONON What for?

KENNY (irritated) I do not know. I'm not on the ship. But if I had to guess, I would say they've gone to cull.

RONON What now?

MCKAY What else can we do? We go after them.

SHEPPARD (to McKay) If they jump into hyperspace, we're going to lose them again, right?

MCKAY Pretty much. Todd's locator beacon doesn't work in hyperspace.

SHEPPARD We've gotta stop playing catch up. (to Kenny) Is there a Stargate on that planet?

KENNY Of course.

SHEPPARD Then drop us off. We can get there faster in the jumper.

KENNY How do you intend to get on board their ship?

SHEPPARD Don't worry about it. Just get us to the nearest Stargate.

[Kenny looks unhappy, but complies.]

EXT&mdash;SPACE

[The rival hive launches its own fighters, and the battle becomes even more heated.]

INT&mdash;PRIMARY HIVE SHIP BRIDGE

BALD WRAITH My queen, our darts are outnumbered two to one. If we do not recall them now, they will be wiped out!

TEYLA And their sacrifice will be remembered when this alliance rules the galaxy.

[There is a heavy flash and low rumbling.]

TODD What was that?

WRAITH TECHNICIAN We just lost the medial weapons array.

TEYLA (steeling herself) Keep firing all other batteries!

EXT&mdash;PLANET, DAY

[The jumper flies through the active Stargate. It cloaks and flies into orbit.]

INT&mdash;PUDDLE JUMPER

MCKAY All right, we should be coming up on them&hellip;now. Wait a minute&hellip;there's two of them.

SHEPPARD What?

MCKAY (puzzled) And they're fighting! They're not pulling any punches either.

SHEPPARD You still picking up that signal?

MCKAY Uh&hellip;yeah.

[McKay pulls up the HUD and shows the beacon emitting from one of the hive ships above the planet.]

MCKAY All right, it's that one. They're not doing so good.

SHEPPARD What do you mean?

MCKAY They must've lost some of their weapons. I mean, they're seriously outgunned.

RONON We gotta do something.

MCKAY You know, just last week I was talking to Zelenka about trying to reverse-engineer a Daedalus beaming system for the jumpers?

SHEPPARD And?

MCKAY Oh, well, no, we're nowhere near close. I mean, the Asgard technology's incredibly complicated&mdash;

SHEPPARD Well, what the hell are you bringing this up for now?

MCKAY I'm just saying that this would be the perfect situation for&hellip;something like this.

SHEPPARD (groaning) All right, everybody hold on. We're going in.

[He shuts off the HUD and flies faster.]

MCKAY What are you doing?

SHEPPARD Trying to tip the scales a little.

EXT&mdash;SPACE

[The jumper approaches one of the hive ships and de-cloaks.]

INT&mdash;PUDDLE JUMPER

MCKAY Are you nuts?! They can see us!

EXT&mdash;SPACE

[The jumper fires drones throughout the underbelly of the hive. The ship has several small explosions as the jumper re-cloaks and flies away.]

INT&mdash;PUDDLE JUMPER

RONON Think that did it?

SHEPPARD We're about to find out.

EXT&mdash;SPACE

[The rival hive ship disintegrates in a large explosion.]

INT&mdash;PRIMARY HIVE BRIDGE

BALD WRAITH That's impossible. The enemy hive just exploded.

TODD (bowing low) Well done, my queen.

TEYLA (to bald wraith) Perhaps next time you will not be so quick to question my tactics.

[She stalks away. Todd gives a look to the bald wraith, then follows.]

BALD WRAITH (cautiously, to technician) Recall the darts.

INT&mdash;PUDDLE JUMPER

MCKAY Darts are heading back. Bay doors are open.

SHEPPARD All right, that's our cue. I'm going in.

INT&mdash;PRIMARY HIVE CORRIDOR

[Ronon, McKay, and Sheppard crouch in a side corridor as a Wraith soldier patrol passes in the main one. McKay studies his scanner.]

SHEPPARD Where do we go?

MCKAY I don't know.

SHEPPARD What do you mean, "you don't know?"

MCKAY It's hard to tell. I think we're on the wrong level&hellip;plus, the signal keeps moving around.

SHEPPARD That's a good sign Todd's alive.

RONON Still doesn't tell us anything about Teyla.

MCKAY All right. It's this way&hellip;I think.

[They head out and down another corridor. They stop, hiding behind a pillar as they spot two soldiers guarding an entryway.]

RONON (whispering) Whoa.

SHEPPARD (whispering) We're going to have to circle back.

MCKAY (whispering) Oh, great. I gotta figure this out all over again?

[Ronon checks the other direction, but sees soldiers approaching their position. He hides.]

RONON Another patrol coming this way.

MCKAY So what are we gonna do?

SHEPPARD We got no choice.

MCKAY Oh&hellip;

[He whimpers as they open fire on the Wraith. They shoot all of the Wraith nearby.]

SHEPPARD Let's move.

RONON Which way?

[Sheppard checks his direction; there are Wraith coming.]

SHEPPARD I guess that answers that.

[They run in Ronon's direction. They meet several Wraith coming out of a transporter and open fire. Ronon and McKay are stunned by Wraith coming out another corridor. Sheppard returns fire, but he too is felled. The Bald Wraith arrives.]

BALD WRAITH Inform the queen. We have intruders.

INT&mdash;PRIMARY PRISON CELL

MCKAY Now what?

SHEPPARD Well, if I had to guess, I'd say we'll be taken in front of the queen, who will demand answers and threaten to feed on us, by which time I hope to have a plan to get us out of here.

MCKAY (flatly) Very reassuring.

[A door opens and Teyla approaches.]

MCKAY It's Teyla. She's alive.

SHEPPARD (low, warning) Rodney&hellip;quiet.

TEYLA (haughtily, to guards) Leave us.

[The guards leave.]

TEYLA (sounding more like herself, but still with Wraith voice) John, Ronon, Rodney, it is good to see you. But you should not have come for me.

SHEPPARD Why? What's going on?

TEYLA I will explain later. But you must not attempt to escape. You are in no danger. I'm now queen of this hive.

MCKAY Wait&hellip;what?!

TEYLA It is a long story.

SHEPPARD No, we got a jumper here, we can leave right now!

TEYLA No! I must solidify my position first. It is the only chance we have to ensure the alliance will accept the treatment. Otherwise, this will all have been for nothing.

[They consider this.]

SHEPPARD All right. We'll let it play out&hellip;for now.

[Teyla sighs in relief, nods, and leaves. No one notices the bald wraith hidden behind the corner, who has watched the entire exchange.]

INT&mdash;PRIMARY THRONE ROOM

[Teyla exits a transporter and approaches her throne. The Bald Wraith appears out of the shadows.]

BALD WRAITH My queen&hellip;

TEYLA (startled) What are you doing here? Who authorized you to wait in my quarters?

BALD WRAITH (smiling) I let myself in. I needed to see you in private.

TEYLA (rattled) I do not wish to speak right now. Come back later.

BALD WRAITH I'm afraid I can't do that.

TEYLA I am your queen, I command you&mdash;

BALD WRAITH You are not my queen!

TEYLA How dare you speak to me like this! Remove yourself from my sight immediately!

BALD WRAITH I saw you talking with the prisoners from Atlantis.

TEYLA And? I may not interrogate prisoners on my own ship?

BALD WRAITH Oh, you may&mdash;though it is odd that you refer to them as prisoners. I overheard what you said to them. You knew them, and they know you. And I asked myself: "how is such a thing possible?" I suspected you right from the moment you set foot aboard my ship.

[Teyla has been looking more and more fearful. She tries to bolt, but the Wraith blocks her path.]

BALD WRAITH And against my better judgment, I allowed you to remain on board&hellip; (draws his sword) &hellip;while you committed treachery after treachery! It was my duty to defend this ship, and I failed.

[He swings his sword, but Teyla ducks, stabbing him in the side with her dagger. The Wraith backhands her with a powerful swing, knocking her off her feet and into the throne, where she knocks her head against the back of it. She is still stunned while the Wraith pulls out the dagger and drags her off the throne, throwing her onto the floor. He crouches behind her and holds the sword blade to her throat.]

BALD WRAITH I'm afraid your reign is over&hellip;my queen!

[He is struck several times in the back by the Wraith stunner weapon wielded by Todd. Teyla scrambles away as Todd approaches. He bends down and breaks the Bald Wraith's neck, then stands.]

TODD He'll not be bothering you any further.

TEYLA (breathlessly) Thank you.

[Todd grins and nods.]

INT&mdash;PRIMARY SHIP CORRIDOR

[Todd and Teyla walk down a corridor.]

TODD My hive arrived moments ago. I've arranged for Colonel Sheppard, Ronon, and Doctor McKay to be transferred there immediately.

TEYLA Good. When do I join them?

TODD As soon as this is all over.

INT&mdash;PRIMARY THRONE ROOM

[Teyla sits on the throne, speaking imperiously to several columns of Wraith gathered there.]

TEYLA &hellip;and thus I will be taking my leave of you and returning to my former hive. I am leaving behind my trusted commander. (gesturing to Todd) Let me be clear, you will still fall under my protection, but in my absence, you will heed his every order as if it were my own. When he speaks, it is as though I am speaking through him. Is that understood?

WRAITH TECHNICIAN Yes, my queen.

TEYLA Good. Then it is time. (to Todd) Escort me to my transport.

[Todd bows.]

WRAITH TECHNICIAN The queen departs.

[The Wraith position themselves as an honor guard, making way for Teyla, who stalks out, Todd following.]

INT&mdash;PRIMARY HIVE CORRIDOR

TODD Well done. I believe you've managed to allay all suspicions.

TEYLA Just remember why we did this&mdash;to disseminate Doctor Keller's treatment to as many Wraith as possible.

TODD Of course. Although I think it might be wise to let matters settle for a time first.

[Teyla stops and turns to him.]

TEYLA (suspiciously) How much time?

TODD Not long.

TEYLA You're not planning on going back on our agreement, are you?

TODD No, no. I'm just saying that to press such a radical agenda so soon after the change in leadership&hellip;well, it may invite unwelcome questions.

TEYLA Fine.

TODD Very well&mdash;

TEYLA But bear in mind that as far as this crew is concerned, I am still their queen.

TODD Oh, yes.

TEYLA I will be watching you. And should you step out of line, I will not hesitate to make a reappearance&hellip;and have you removed.

TODD Very well.

TEYLA Permanently.

[Todd curls his hands into fists impotently as he watches Teyla leave.]

EXT&mdash;ATLANTIS, DAY

INT&mdash;ATLANTIS INFIRMARY

[Sheppard and Keller approach Teyla's bedside. Sheppard looks concerned.]

SHEPPARD What have you done to her, Doc?

[Teyla rolls her eyes. She looks like herself again.]

TEYLA Very funny.

KELLER How are you feeling?

TEYLA Better. Still some soreness, but for the most part, it's gone.

KELLER Good. Well, I have rounds, but I'll come and check on you later. Make sure he doesn't give you a hard time.

[Teyla chuckles while Sheppard tries to look innocent as Keller leaves.]

SHEPPARD Sure you're feeling okay?

TEYLA Yes. Thank you.

SHEPPARD No lingering desires to feed on anything?

TEYLA Only on solid food. The blended concoctions given to me by Doctor Keller are not very satisfying.

SHEPPARD Well, it's only been two weeks. Give it some time. Look, um&hellip;I haven't had the chance to tell you that what you did, uh, took&hellip;you know, a lot of guts.

TEYLA I'm just glad it worked out for the best. (takes a deep breath) Has there been any further word from Todd?

SHEPPARD Not really. We're supposed to meet with him in a few weeks about this whole gene therapy thing. Word has it, he's, uh, solidified his position as a "leader" of the alliance.

[He makes air quotes on saying "leader." Teyla looks away, deep in thought.]

SHEPPARD What?

TEYLA Do you not find it strange that as a result of all of this, Todd now personally has control of that entire alliance?

SHEPPARD You think that was his plan all along, huh?

TEYLA The thought had crossed my mind.

SHEPPARD Yeah. Regardless, I think we're better off than we were before.

TEYLA Yes. I suppose you're right.

[She doesn't look confident.]

SHEPPARD Get some rest. I'll come back and check on you.

TEYLA Hmm.

[Sheppard leaves. Teyla studies what had been her feeding hand and looks deep in thought.]

FADE OUT

END CREDITS

Transcribed for Solutions by Aurora Novarum, October 2008.

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