9.06 "Beachhead" Transcript

9.06 "Beachhead"

Episode Guide

• 9.06 "Beachhead" Episode Guide

Précis

Gen. Landry recalls Carter from Area 51 in the hope her new weapon will destroy a force field placed on a Free Jaffa planet by the Ori. Peaceful negotiations fail and the weapon is used, but instead of destroying the force field, it enhances it, and soon, the entire planet is threatened. The problem can be solved, but it might require someone to make the ultimate sacrifice.

Guide | Transcript

Transcript

PREVIOUSLY ON STARGATE SG-1

SCENES FROM 9.01 AVALON PART 1

EXT—CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN, NIGHT

INT—SGC CONTROL ROOM

MITCHELL
Come back and rejoin SG-1.

CARTER

(half smiles)

I have my reasons for wanting this job.

MITCHELL
What if the world needs saving?

CARTER
If the world needs saving, I will be there to do what I can.

INT—DANIEL'S OFFICE

[Vala slaps the kor mak bracelet on Daniel's wrist while grabbing it's twin from his hand. Daniel looks alarmed and tugs at the bracelet strapped to his wrist.]

VOICEOVER FROM 9.04 THE TIES THAT BIND

ARLOS
The bracelets create a physiological bond between the wearers. They were used by the Goa'uld.

SCENES FROM 9.04 THE TIES THAT BIND

INT—SGC GATE ROOM

[Vala steps through the Stargate while Daniel watches at the bottom of the ramp.]

INT—SGC CORRIDOR

[Daniel feels faint and collapses. Mitchell attempts to catch him as he falls.]

MITCHELL
Jackson? Jackson!

INT—SGC INFIRMARY

[Mitchell and Lam stand by Daniel's bedside.]

LAM
You were completely unresponsive when we brought you in. But your condition suddenly improved when SHE came back.

[Confused, Daniel turns and looks at the bed to his right. Vala raises herself from the bed to lean on her arm and smile at him.]

VALA
Miss me?

SCENES FROM 9.03 ORIGIN

INT—SGC BRIEFING ROOM

[Garek looks down into the Gate Room to watch travelers arriving through the Stargate. Landry comes to join him.]

GERAK
Who is that?

LANDRY
A gentleman who claims that he represents some gods called the Ori. There are as many humans out there as there are Jaffa. If we don't continue to work together, the victory we worked so long and hard for could result in chaos.

INT—SGC BRIEFING ROOM

[The Prior spontaneously bursts into flames in the crowded room. Landry looks surprised.]

TEASER

EXT—KALLANA, DAY

[On a desert planet, five male Jaffa carrying staff weapons and a female Jaffa, Birra, hurry towards an active Stargate. A Prior of the Ori stands by the DHD. He holds a book and a blue orbed staff.]

BIRRA
You show no fear, Latal.

LATAL
He is one man. What is there to fear?

BIRRA
He promised retribution if we did not bow to their gods upon his return.

LATAL
The Jaffa have shed too much blood to replace one false god with another. We have made our decision, and we will tell him.

[The group move around stone ruins to stand before the Prior. The Prior is whispering prayers to himself. He stops when the Jaffa reach him with their staff weapons aimed and primed at him.]

LATAL
Have you come alone?

PRIOR
The Ori are with me always. You have read from The Book of Origin?

LATAL
We have.

PRIOR
What say you to the promise of the Ori?

LATAL
We will hear no more of false gods. Go now, and we will spare your life.

PRIOR

(looks slightly surprised)

You speak for all?

LATAL
We do.

PRIOR
One way or another, this world WILL serve their purpose.

[The orb on the Prior's staff glows brightly.]

LATAL
Jaffa!

[The Jaffa fire their weapons at the Prior. The blasts are merely absorbed before they reach the Prior by an invisible force field. Birra gives a worried look to Latal. He continues firing. The Prior pounds the base of the staff into the sand. Birra steps back and Latal swallows. The Prior tilts his staff forward. All six Jaffa are thrown back through the air and disappear into the horizon. Near where they were standing, a blue energy field rises from the ground. The Prior hugs his book and begins to mutter prayers in a foreign tongue, 'sanctus Ori' etc. The blue energy field forms a boundary around him and the Stargate.]

END TEASER

OPENING CREDITS

EXT—CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN, DAY

INT—SGC GATE ROOM

[The Stargate activates with the iris closed.]

INT—SGC CONTROL ROOM

[Harriman sits at a control station. Landry speaks to an SG team near the spiral staircase.]

HARRIMAN
Unscheduled offworld activation.

LANDRY

(moving next to him)

What've we got, Chief?

HARRIMAN
Receiving a message, sir. It's text only.

[The monitor in front of Harriman fills with data. Landry looks towards the Stargate, which deactivates at that moment. Harriman blinks and leans back.]

HARRIMAN
It's in Goa'uld.

LANDRY
None of you folks read Goa'uld, do you?

[Landry leaves the control room.]

INT—SGC RECREATION ROOM

[A basketball game is in progress, Mitchell and Daniel are on one team, Vala and Teal'c on the other. Daniel feints with the ball, while Vala tries to block him. He passes to Mitchell who heads towards the basket, but is pushed to one side by Teal'c as he shoots. He falls down as Vala catches the rebound. Teal'c lifts Vala, and she slam dunks the basketball through the net with a grunt, hanging from the rim for a second.]

VALA
Yeah! Whoo!

[Teal'c lets her down. She keeps her arms raised and swings her hip to the side to bump against Teal'c in a celebratory gesture. Mitchell and Daniel laugh as Mitchell retrieves the ball.]

VALA
You boys aren't going to let people from two different planets beat you at your own silly game, are you?

DANIEL

(pointing a finger at her)

"Silly game" isn't over yet.

MITCHELL

(pointing at Daniel)

That's my wingman.

[Mitchell tosses the ball over to Daniel.]

VALA
You need a new wingman.

DANIEL
I'm gonna kick your ass.

VALA

(swinging her hips in a taunting gesture)

Promises. Promises.

[Daniel passes the ball to Mitchell who swerves to avoid Teal'c. Teal'c knocks him aside, and the ball flies backwards over Mitchell's shoulder. Both Mitchell and Teal'c move to retrieve the ball, but Landry walks through the door at that moment and catches it. Mitchell tries to regain his balance and stand at attention.]

LANDRY
As you were, Colonel. Actually I was looking for Teal'c.

[Mitchell leans forward, hands resting on his knees and catches his breath. Teal'c and the others gather around Landry.]

LANDRY
We received a communiqué from a Goa'uld named Nerus. Ring any bells?

[Teal'c and Vala exchange looks.]

TEAL'C
I am aware of his identity. He was a minor Goa'uld who served Ba'al for many centuries.

LANDRY
What can you tell me about him?

[Teal'c opens his mouth to respond, but Vala interrupts.]

VALA
Honestly you don't want to know.

LANDRY
Honestly I do.

VALA

(puzzled)

Why?

LANDRY
What do you say we go with the idea that I'm in charge, and I've asked a simple question.

[Vala swallows and catches her breath from their activities. She looks at Teal'c for confirmation as she answers Landry's question.]

VALA
Hmm. Nerus defines avarice and gluttony. Simple answer?

TEAL'C

(nodding in agreement)

Mmm. He is a Goa'uld known for his many…appetites.

DANIEL
He's also known as an inventor responsible for a host of Goa'uld technologies.

MITCHELL
Really?

LANDRY
That's when I started paying attention to him, too. Weird as it sounds, he's offering to work for us.

[Everyone exchanges thoughtful looks.]

TEAL'C
Nerus is not to be trusted.

LANDRY
Hmm. Funny—he had nice things to say about you.

[Landry shoots the basketball, and it swishes through the hoop. Landry turns and leaves.]

INT—SGC BRIEFING ROOM

[Daniel is sitting at the table, reading a report. Across from him sit Mitchell and Teal'c. Vala stands behind Teal'c leaning on the back of his chair.]

DANIEL
No, he really did. He said some very nice things. "I would consider it a great honor to meet the heroes of the Tau'ri who brought the Goa'uld to their knees."

MITCHELL
Yeah, that is nice.

[Vala circles the table.]

VALA

(fiercely)

No. He's disgusting. You can't honestly open the doors to a pathetic minor Goa'uld posing as one of the big boys. Well at least promise me you're intending on torturing him.

[Vala has circled all the way around the table and stands by Daniel. Landry enters the room.]

LANDRY
We're setting him up in the VIP suite.

VALA

(sitting in the end chair in shock)

No.

LANDRY
Yes.

MITCHELL
Sir, if you don't mind my asking…

LANDRY
Why?

MITCHELL
Yeah.

DANIEL
Well, according to his communiqué, he's in possession of "military intelligence of the utmost urgency."

LANDRY
Sounded like it was worth a listen.

MITCHELL
Still, why throw in with us? Why not stay with Ba'al or work with some other Goa'uld?

LANDRY
Well, look at it in terms of optics. We must look like major players now.

TEAL'C
By defeating Anubis.

DANIEL
Most of the system lords were killed by the Replicators. Then, we defeated the Replicators.

MITCHELL
Wow, we look cool.

LANDRY
Don't let it go to your head.

[Vala has pulled the report closer to her and is reading it.]

VALA

(snorting with laughter)

Have you seen his list of dietary requirements?

[Daniel pulls the classified report away from Vala with a glare.]

LANDRY
Already taken care of.

DANIEL

(reading)

Ripened Trakeel eggs?

LANDRY
We got eggs. I don't know if they're ripe or not. SG-3 is with him on a neutral planet doing a security check as we speak. As soon as they give the green light, I want you to—

[The sound of the Stargate spinning is heard.]

HARRIMAN

(over intercom)

Offworld activation.

LANDRY
Speak of the devil.

[Daniel closes the report and looks around. Vala shakes her head.]

INT—SGC GATE ROOM

[SG-3 and Nerus, wearing a plain brown robe, arrive through the active Stargate. Vala, Daniel, Teal'c, Landry, and Mitchell stand at the base of the ramp. Landry steps forward to meet Nerus.]

SERGEANT
He's clean, sir.

LANDRY
Thank you, Sergeant, we'll take it from here.

NERUS

(in Goa'uld echoing voice)

I am Nerus.

LANDRY

(bowing slightly)

Major General Hank Landry. I'm in command of Stargate—

NERUS

(dismissively)

Yes, I'm sure you're a very important person, and you had very important reasons to subject me to your security precautions.

[While speaking, Nerus raises his right hand, wearing an ostentatiously large red ring, and steps past Landry, moving to the bottom of the ramp to stand in front of Teal'c.]

NERUS

(to Teal'c)

But to meet you. To look upon the face of the one…

MITCHELL
The one what?

NERUS
The one who inspired the great uprising, of course. Oh, the time of false gods is at an end in no small part because of this man.

[Daniel raises an eyebrow and glances at Vala. He does not notice Nerus has moved to stand in front of him until the Goa'uld continues to speak.]

NERUS
Doctor Daniel Jackson. It is rumored among the Goa'uld that you alone defeated Anubis. Is that true?

[Nerus gives Daniel a conspiratorial wink.]

DANIEL

(cautiously)

Where'd you hear that?

NERUS
Oh, I hear everything.

[Nerus laughs heartily. Vala looks amused at Daniel's discomfiture. Nerus moves to stand in front of Mitchell and looks puzzled.]

MITCHELL
Lieutenant Colonel Cameron Mitchell, leader of SG-1.

NERUS
But you…you're not…?

MITCHELL
No.

NERUS

(hopeful)

Will he be here?

MITCHELL
Nope.

[Nerus looks disappointed and turns to Vala.]

NERUS
And you…you're not even Colonel Carter, are you?

[Vala looks at him blankly. She exchanges glances with Daniel and rolls her eyes.]

NERUS

(visibly upset)

This isn't at all the way I imagined it would be.

LANDRY
Nerus, if you'd follow me to our briefing room, we have much to discuss.

NERUS
Yes, yes. But first I must have sustenance. Have you met all my dietary requirements?

LANDRY

(exasperated)

As much as humanly possible.

NERUS
Oh good, good, because I'm positively famished.

[Landry and Nerus leave the Gate Room. SG-3 follows behind them, two of them carrying a large trunk. Vala turns to Daniel, Teal'c and Mitchell with her arms crossed and an "I told you so" expression on her face. The four follow the last member of SG-3 out of the Gate Room.]

EXT—KALLANA, DAY

[A number of Jaffa fire staff weapons and a machine gun at the blue energy field with no effect. The Prior remains standing within the force field near the still active Stargate.]

INT—SGC VIP ROOM

[The room has been decorated with Greco-Roman busts, ivy and other artwork. A large dining table is in the center of the room, filled with silver bowls and platters of fruits and cheeses. Teal'c studies a fresco on the far wall. Vala stands on one side of the table with her arms crossed. On the other side of the table, Landry, Mitchell, and Daniel stand. At least one SF is stationed just outside the open door. Nerus plucks a few grapes from a bunch on the table and plops them into his mouth.]

NERUS

(chewing in surprise)

Mmm. Mmm! No seeds! How is that possible?

DANIEL
It's a state secret, but we're willing to negotiate.

NERUS

(pleased)

That's impossible…but delicious. Mmm. Mmm. Mmm. Still…

[Nerus clears his throat loudly. When he continues speaking, it is in a normal human voice.]

NERUS
Still, we have important matters to discuss, don't we?

MITCHELL
Your voice just changed.

NERUS

(chuckling)

Oh, we don't have to talk that way.

[Vala sits on the table and starts munching on the fruit and cheese. Daniel exchanges looks with Teal'c, Mitchell, and Landry.]

NERUS
This…is a device…that I invented. What you're about to see occurred…nearly two days ago.

[Nerus takes a small device out of his trunk and sets it on the table. He presses a button and steps back. A three dimensional holographic image of Kallana rotates a foot above the table.

NERUS
Now the free Jaffa who claim this planet call it "Kallana."

[A small blue circle appears on the image of the planet.]

VALA

(mouth full)

What was that?

TEAL'C

(stepping closer)

The formation of an extremely large force field around the planet's Stargate.

NERUS
Brilliant.

MITCHELL
And you're sharing this information with us because…?

NERUS
Why are you so surprised? We joined forces to destroy the Replicators.

TEAL'C
I have no recollection of your participation.

NERUS
Teal'c, you wound me. I was the one who figured out how to activate all of the Stargates in the galaxy at once. Didn't Ba'al mention that to you?

[Teal'c opens his mouth to respond, but Vala interrupts, still nibbling on food.]

VALA
That is so like him.

[Teal'c glares at Vala, but she smiles and winks at him, enjoying some cheese. Teal'c sighs.]

NERUS

(voice falling in disappointment)
Isn't it, though.
(recovering)

That's all right. Your adversaries call themselves the Ori.

LANDRY
We know all about the Ori.

NERUS
Yes, well, thus far, I detect only a single individual, no doubt a Prior, inside the force field but…it is expanding.

[Nerus turns off the device.]

TEAL'C
Then it will soon be able to accommodate entire armies.

NERUS

(sitting with a grunt)

Yes, and furthermore, the Stargate itself has not shut down since it opened.

DANIEL
Wait a minute, you said this happened two days ago?

NERUS
Yes.

MITCHELL
Thirty-eight minutes is the maximum time a Stargate can stay open. That's a law of wormhole physics.

VALA

(popping a nut into her mouth)

Not according to the Ori.

DANIEL
Which means they have a power source which can indefinitely maintain a wormhole from another galaxy, plus this force field. A ZPM can't even do that.

TEAL'C
How are we to do battle with an enemy so powerful?

NERUM

(after a silence)

With my help. Every force field has a weakness, and I am confident that I shall find it.

[Daniel looks suspicious. Vala shakes her head, eyes wide.]

MITCHELL

(to Landry)

Sir, if this intel is correct, it represents a complete change of tactics. We'll have to respond.

LANDRY
I agree, Colonel. But if this Kallana is a Jaffa world, I'm not sure how this is our fight.

NERUS

(standing)

Not your fight? You engineered the downfall of the Goa'uld. This is very much a galaxy of your own making, General. And you must take responsibility.

LANDRY
What would you have us do?

NERUS
Attack them as quickly as possible with as much force as you can bring to bear. This is nothing short of an invasion, General. Like it or not, you're in a state of war.

[Everyone looks concerned.]

EXT—CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN, DAY

INT—LANDRY'S OFFICE

[Landry is talking on the telephone, pacing back and forth by his desk.]

LANDRY

Jack…Jack, Jack! She practically invented the Mark IX, and you're the one who thinks we should use the damned thing. Why are you wasting valuable time saying no?
(pauses and listens to the phone)

I've read enough of your SG-1 mission reports to know that there were times when no one else but Samantha Carter could have pulled your ass out of the fire. Well, this is one of those ti—

[Landry turns in his pacing and sees Carter in full dress uniform standing in the doorway.]

CARTER

(with slight nod)

Reporting as ordered, sir.

LANDRY

(sighing and speaking into phone)

Yeah. She's standing right here. You're a funny man, Jack. Very funny.

[Carter looks at Landry with an embarrassed smile.]

INT—SGC GATE ROOM

[SGC military personnel stand at the base of the ramp and watch the inner ring of the Stargate spin. Three chevrons are already encoded.]

INT—SGC CONTROL ROOM

[Harriman sits at a console. Beside him, Teal'c, Mitchell, Daniel and Vala stand. All are dressed in black BDUs, fully geared for a mission. Vala has accessorized her outfit with a long beige scarf.]

HARRIMAN
Chevron Four encoded.

VALA
I promise you he's lying.

DANIEL
About which part?

VALA
All of it.

[Daniel sighs in exasperation.]

HARRIMAN
Chevron Five encoded.

TEAL'C
Yet we have been unable to dial the coordinates to Kellana despite several attempts.

VALA
Goa'uld don't do anything for anyone other than themselves.

HARRIMAN
Chevron Six encoded.

MITCHELL
Maybe it's in his own interest to stop the Ori.

HARRIMAN

(looking back at Mitchell)

Chevron Seven still will not lock.

LANDRY
All right, we've tried that long enough. Colonel Carter?

[Landry and Carter are in the back of the control room. Carter is also dressed in black and geared up. The others, including Harriman, turn and approach them.]

CARTER
We've revised the original plan slightly to expedite matters. The Prometheus is en route and will rendezvous with us at P4C-452. We'll proceed to Kellana from there. Now, considering their unique ability to maintain an active Stargate indefinitely and their force field capabilities, the President has authorized any and all means to complete the mission.

MITCHELL

(muttering to Teal'c beside him)

Oh, boy. Here I was trying to have a 'nuke free career.

[Teal'c raises an eyebrow.]

CARTER
We've been developing something at Area 51 that General O'Neill believes will be our best chance to stop them right here, right now.

VALA
But you don't agree.

CARTER

(pausing)

I agree we have to try. I just don't think it'll be enough.

LANDRY
It's what we've got. Questions?

[Vala raises her hand. Daniel quickly grabs it and lowers it to her side.]

MITCHELL

(glancing at Vala and Daniel)

No, sir.

[Vala pulls her arm free from Daniel's grasp. They look away from each other, equally annoyed.]

LANDRY
Still no response from the Jaffa Council?

TEAL'C
None as of yet.

LANDRY
Well, we can't wait for Gerak. We proceed as planned. Chief, dial the gate.

HARRIMAN
Yes, sir.

LANDRY
Move out.

[Harriman returns to his console and begins dialing. Teal'c, Daniel, Vala, Carter, and Mitchell head down the staircase. Landry approaches the control room window to watch.]

INT—SGC GATE ROOM

[A wormhole forms. Daniel, Carter, Mitchell and Teal'c stand at the base of the ramp, checking their weapons. Vala meanders around the back of the room.]

DANIEL

(smiling at Carter)

Well, temporary or not, it's good to have you back.

[Carter smiles in response.]

MITCHELL
How good is this? Got the band back together.

[Teal'c pauses and looks at Mitchell quizzically. Carter glances back at Vala and leans closer to Daniel.]

CARTER
Yeah, so what's with the extra back-up singer?

[Vala, overhearing, leans against the back wall of the room and sulks.]

MITCHELL
Aw, she's good fun. Plus we figured if Jackson were to…

[Mitchell pauses.]

TEAL'C
Die.

MITCHELL
Yeah, that's the word. It would jeopardize the mission.

[Carter looks at Daniel, worried. He, in turn, has a resigned and put-upon expression on his face.]

CARTER
When we spoke a couple of weeks ago, you said you thought the effect of the bracelets was wearing off.

DANIEL
It was. I just didn't want to put it to a test from the other side of the galaxy. So…

[Carter nods in understanding. Vala makes a loud cough and continues to sulk.]

VALA

(whining)

Wow. You're just dying to get rid of me now, aren't you?

DANIEL

(drawing out the words)

No. Not dying to.

[Vala approaches them, stepping onto the gate ramp and facing the four.]

VALA

(irritated)

Oh no, I know I'm not welcome here. Despite all my efforts to try and fit into your little stargating club, you can all rest assured that as soon as I can safely part Daniel's company without killing the both of us, I will.

[Vala winks sarcastically towards Mitchell and Teal'c and starts to head up the ramp. She spins and points at Landry, who's watching from the control room window.]

VALA

(to Landry)

Oh, and you. You will wish you had listened to me when I said letting the Goa'uld come here was a mistake.

[Vala tosses her scarf over her shoulder and flounces through the gate with a satisfied smirk. The remaining four exchange looks.]

LANDRY

(over intercom)

Get to it. And good luck.

MITCHELL
Right. Let's do this.

[Carter, Daniel, Mitchell, and Teal'c head up the ramp.]

EXT—SPACE

[Prometheus is in orbit around the planet designated as P4C-452.]

INT—PROMETHEUS CORRIDOR

[Pendergast walks through a corridor. He meets up with Carter, Mitchell, Daniel, Teal'c and Vala. Carter and Mitchell salute Pendergast.]

MITCHELL
Request permission to come aboard.

[Pendergast returns the salute.]

PENDERGAST

(chuckling)

Shaft! Welcome back to the Prometheus.

MITCHELL
Thank you, Colonel.

CARTER

(low, to Mitchell)

Shaft?

MITCHELL
My call sign. Cam…shaft.

CARTER
Oh.

VALA
Yeah, disappointing, isn't it?

[Carter hides a smile as Vala smirks. Pendergast picks up a nearby phone and speaks into it.]

PENDERGAST
Flight deck, this is Pendergast. SG-1 is aboard. Engage hyperdrive and proceed to Kellana, best possible speed.

CARTER
Is the Mark IX ready to go?

PENDERGAST
Standing by for your systems check. I hear you're in a hurry.

TEAL'C
You heard correctly.

[They move towards the elevator.]

VALA
What is a Mark IX exactly?

MITCHELL
It's also known as a "gate buster".

VALA
Mmm. Sounds big.

[Vala gives Daniel a knowing look.]

MITCHELL

(in low, serious voice)

Some might say too big.

VALA

(still looking at Daniel)

Really? I've always thought there was no such thing.

[Vala looks down and fusses with the tassels in her scarf. Carter gives Daniel and Vala a questioning look. Pendergast and Teal'c glance over, exchanging amused glances with Mitchell. Daniel pulls Vala's scarf off her neck.]

DANIEL

(clearing throat)

Vala, this is a military vessel.

VALA
I know, darling. I've stolen it before.

DANIEL
Well, just try to be uh…

[The elevator doors open. Carter, Pendergast, Mitchell, and Teal'c enter the elevator. Daniel and Vala remain facing each other, ignoring the rest.]

VALA
My charming self?

DANIEL
Just a little less talk; a little more, shut-the-hell up.

[Daniel sharply nods as a final emphasis to his statement, spins and walks the rest of the way down the corridor to join the others in the elevator. Vala turns and follows. Her hair is in twin ponytails which she plays with in an expression of disdain. She stands in the center of the elevator, folds her arms across her chest, and pouts as the doors close.]

EXT—SPACE

[The Prometheus enters hyperspace.]

EXT—CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN, NIGHT

INT—SGC VIP ROOM

[Nerus sits at the table, gorging on food and drink. Landry enters the room from behind him.]

NERUS

(talking around a mouthful of food)

General! Ho ho! Join me for a glass of wine. It's from a place called "France".

[Landry dismisses the offer with a wave of his hand and walks further down the table.]

LANDRY
I'm on duty.

NERUS

(taking another mouthful of food)

What is this? This is exquisite. What is it?

[He grabs another handful of food and holds it in the air.]

LANDRY
Chicken.

NERUS
Chicken?

LANDRY
It's a rare delicacy among our people.

NERUS

(filling his mouth with the chicken)

Mmm! It's exquisite. I want more chicken. More chicken!

[Nerus chuckles and continues eating.]

LANDRY
I'll try to pull some strings. Nerus, this arrangement is only going to work if you actually do something to help with this problem.

NERUS
I was working. I-I-I was deep in thought when you walked in.

LANDRY

(chuckling)

Yeah, I could see that.

NERUS
You don't trust me.

LANDRY
Of course I don't trust you.

[Nerus reaches forward and turns on his holographic device. Kellana appears. The blue force field appears to be even larger.]

NERUS
Now, here is the latest transmission from my satellite. As you can see, the force field continues to expand in phases, and as it does so, it weakens considerably.

[All the while Nerus speaks, he continues to eat and drink.]

LANDRY
Enough to penetrate with our beaming technology?

NERUS
Yes, wi-with those nuclear devices that you were talking about.

LANDRY
Or SG-1. They could talk to this Prior face to face.

NERUS
Wh-why? Why would they do that?

LANDRY
We resort to force only when necessary.

NERUS
Oh I assure you it will be. It will be, General. And-and with the most powerful weapons in your arsenal.

LANDRY

I'll forward this new information directly to Prometheus. And, uh…
(gestures at the table)

I'll see if I can arrange for more chicken.

[He claps Nerus on the shoulder and leaves. Nerus takes another drink of wine.]

NERUS
Do!

EXT—SPACE

[Prometheus exits hyperspace and approaches Kellana. The force field is visible from orbit.]

INT—PROMETHEUS BRIDGE

[Marks is seated at a console. Pendergast sits in the captain's chair. Daniel, Mitchell, Carter and Vala stand behind them. In the background, Teal'c discusses something with another crew member, then approaches the others.]

MARKS
Sir, we received an encrypted databurst from Stargate Command the moment we came out of hyperspace.

PENDERGAST
Decode it immediately. Are we picking up any other vessels in the system?

MARKS
Negative, sir.

MITCHELL
Can we get a closer look at the surface?

[Carter moves forward and sits at a console on the other side of Pendergast's chair.]

CARTER
You can already see the extent of the incursion with the naked eye.

[Vala leans forward and looks at Marks's console.]

VALA

(amazed)

My god, it's enormous.

[Daniel looks intently at her. She stands up straight and meets his gaze.]

VALA

(gesturing at console innocently)

Not everything I say is innuendo.

DANIEL

(annoyed)

We can all see, thank you.

[Daniel grabs her by the shoulders and moves her away from the console.]

CARTER
It's increased by almost 900% since our original intel.

TEAL'C
What of the Jaffa, Colonel Carter?

[Carter presses a few buttons. She shakes her head and looks back at Teal'c.]

CARTER
Sorry, Teal'c. I'm not detecting any life signs outside of the force field.

MITCHELL

(moving closer to her)

Inside?

CARTER
Just one.

MITCHELL
The Prior.

[Pendergast glances up at Mitchell in concern.]

CARTER
I don't know how he's managing it. According to these readings, the atmosphere inside the field has become toxic. Probably as a result of the Jaffa weapons fire on the force field.

PENDERGAST
Send a subspace message to Stargate Command. We are over the enemy beachhead.

EXT—KELLANA

[It is dark inside the force field, but it is unclear whether it is because it is now night, or whether it is due to the force field or toxins within it. The area is illuminated by the glow of the active Stargate. An ankle-high fog covers the ground. The Prior stands several feet in front of the Stargate, holding his glowing staff and reading aloud to himself from The Book of Origin.]

INT—PROMETHEUS GEAR ROOM

[Vala and Teal'c check space suits in preparation for use. Mitchell sits at a bench, reading some papers. In front of him is a long cylindrical device, the Mark IX weapon. Daniel walks in and sits next to Mitchell. Carter follows behind him.]

DANIEL
You do realize that no matter how nicely we ask them, they're not all that likely to stop.

VALA
Then why are we going down there?

DANIEL
Well, you're going 'cause I'm going.

MITCHELL
And we're going because we have orders.

VALA
Thanks to Nerus. Doesn't that alarm anyone?

CARTER
Well, our government believes we need to send the Ori a message.

TEAL'C
Indeed. The Ori need to be made aware that they are not welcome.

VALA

(with a pointed look at Daniel)

Well, some of you are certainly expert at getting that message across.

[Daniel turns and looks at Vala, annoyed. The door to the room opens and some crew members enter.]

PENDERGAST

(over intercom)

SG-1, this is the flight deck. My people are…

INT—PROMETHEUS BRIDGE

PENDERGAST

(continuing)

…predicting an expansion phase to occur anytime in the next few minutes.

CARTER

(over intercom)

Understood.

INT—PROMETHEUS GEAR ROOM

[Daniel stands and moves to another flight suit. The crew members who just arrived are also double checking the suits. Carter moves closer to the Mark IX weapon. Mitchell stands up next to her.]

CARTER
If Nerus is correct, we should be able to punch through with our transport beam.

VALA
And if not?

MITCHELL
Then we're all dressed up with nowhere to go.

[Vala heaves a worried sigh.]

CARTER
Your return window will be roughly sixteen seconds once on the surface. After which time, you'll be committed until the next expansion phase in about half an hour. I'll be monitoring from the bridge.

MITCHELL
Thanks. Let's do this.

[Mitchell and Carter reach down to the weapon.]

CARTER
Standby mode in three, two, one, mark.

[Mitchell and Carter turn handles on the weapon simultaneously. A red bar light pulses in and out on the weapon's console.]

CARTER
Good luck.

[Carter leaves the room. Mitchell moves over to a flight suit. Teal'c climbs a small ladder to begin lowering himself into the space suit from behind it.]

EXT—KELLANA

[Mitchell, Teal'c, Daniel and Vala, in spacesuits, beam onto the surface near the DHD with the Mark IX weapon. Mitchell turns the handles on the weapon again and presses a button. A second bar light pulses in rhythm with the first on the console display.]

MITCHELL

Set. Weapon is now in Mode Two.
(into radio)

We are go till the next window.

[They notice the Prior reading near the Stargate and walk towards him.]

DANIEL
How can he breathe?

TEAL'C
Perhaps he has a personal shield of some kind.

[The Prior continues to read until Mitchell speaks.]

MITCHELL
Yo. My name is Lieutenant Colonel Cameron Mitch—

PRIOR

(interrupting)

I know who you are.

DANIEL
Yeah, he just told you his name.

PRIOR
I also know you will do everything in your power to stop us.

MITCHELL
Obvious.

PRIOR
You will fail. The Ori are more powerful than you. We—

MITCHELL

(interrupting)

Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. Here's the thing—we're not here to talk to you. We want to talk to the guys you take orders from.

PRIOR
The Ori are all-seeing.

MITCHELL

Great. In that case, we have in our possession a Mark IX naquadria enhanced nuclear warhead, which was designed solely for the purpose of vaporizing Stargates and anything else in a one-hundred mile radius. If you attempt to disable this warhead, physically, electronically, or otherwise, it will result in an immediate detonation. Now, we have a number of these god-awful things at our disposal, and we will not hesitate to use them if necessary. If you do not disengage the Stargate within thirty of our
(makes quote mark motion with hands)
"Earth minutes," we will shut down the gate for you.
(turns to Daniel)

Go ahead.

[The Ori straightens and bristles while Mitchell speaks, but makes no other response. Daniel looks at Mitchell uncertainly. Mitchell gestures again for Daniel to talk.]

DANIEL
Uh, we know who and what you are and want no part of what you have to offer. If you attempt this on any other planet in this galaxy, we will find you, and we will fight you.

MITCHELL

(after a slight pause)

That's it?

[Daniel looks at the Prior for a moment before looking at Mitchell and nodding his head inside the helmet.]

MITCHELL
I just gave them thirty minutes.

[They all stare at each other awkwardly. A beeping sound is heard from the weapon.]

MITCHELL

(glancing back at the weapon)

Twenty-nine minutes.

[Daniel makes a face and turns away from the Prior. The four huddle together. Daniel glances at Mitchell.]

DANIEL
"Earth minutes"?

MITCHELL
Yeah, I always wanted to say that.

VALA
Well, now you have.

MITCHELL

(making face at Vala)

Hmph.

[The Prior returns to reading his book aloud to himself.]

MITCHELL
I sure hope they shut down that gate before we have to set this thing off.

TEAL'C
That would appear to be highly unlikely, Colonel Mitchell.

VALA
I know. It's naive, even for you.

MITCHELL
Detonating the largest warhead ever built by man is not exactly the historical footnote that I had in mind.

DANIEL
Not to mention the guilt you're going to feel for vaporizing a perfectly good Stargate.

MITCHELL

(gesturing back at the Prior)

And that guy.

VALA
Oh, he's probably looking forward to it.

MITCHELL
Hey, Prior. You understand that you are within a 100 mile radius? And that personal shield ain't going to help you.

PRIOR
Death is only the beginning of the real journey.

DANIEL
Sounds familiar.

PRIOR
It should sound familiar, Dr. Jackson. When I die, I will ascend. It is the promise of the Ori.

TEAL'C
Even if you fail your task?

[Sharp sounds and flashes of light suddenly appear randomly in the sky around them. They all look around in surprise.]

MITCHELL
What the hell is that?

EXT—SPACE

[Three Ha'tak vessels jump out of hyperspace in a lower orbit than Prometheus and immediately start firing on Kellana.]

INT—PROMETHEUS BRIDGE

[Carter sits at the same console as earlier, next to Pendergast and Marks.]

PENDERGAST
Lieutenant?

MARKS
There was no warning, sir. They started firing the second they came out of hyperspace.

PENDERGAST

Damn fortunate they're not firing at us. Open communications.
(over radio)

To Jaffa vessels, this is the Earth ship Prometheus. We request that you hold your fire. We have people down there.

[Seen through the front window of the bridge, the three Ha'taks continue to fire at the force field. Carter looks very worried.]

PENDERGAST
I repeat, SG-1 is on the planet, attempting to negotiate an Ori withdrawal. Cease fire now.

EXT—KELLANA

[Weapons fire continues to strike the force field. Mitchell, Teal'c, Daniel and Vala are standing near the DHD.]

TEAL'C
The force field is being fired upon by Ha'tak vessels.

DANIEL
Why are they doing that?

VALA
Can we get them to stop doing that?

MITCHELL

(sighing)

Oh, this could be bad. The Mark IX's fuse in Mode Two is a wee bit twitchy.

VALA
You mean it could go off?

MITCHELL
Yeah.

[Mitchell moves towards the Mark IX weapon.]

INT—PROMETHEUS BRIDGE

[Carter scans the monitor in front of her. She heaves a relieved sigh.]

CARTER
They've stopped firing.

[Pendergast glances at her screen and also takes a deep breath.]

MARKS
Sir, the force field is entering an expansion phase ahead of the predicted time.

PENDERGAST

(flicking intercom switch)

This is Pendergast. I want SG-1 brought back aboard as soon as we can beam them through the force field.

EXT—KELLANA

[The other three follow Mitchell to the weapon. The Prior remains near the Stargate.]

PENDERGAST

(through radio)

SG-1, prepare for immediate extraction.

[Mitchell reaches and grabs a small device sitting on the Mark IX. In his gloved hand, he presses a large button on this device. Three bars of lights pulse at a rapid pace on the weapon's console.]

MITCHELL

The weapon is now in Mode One.
(in radio)
Prometheus, we are ready for beam up.
(turning to Prior)

Prior, last chance.

[The Prior pointedly turns his back on the four and faces the Stargate. Mitchell rolls his eyes and exchanges looks with Daniel, who shrugs. The four are beamed off the planet.]

EXT—SPACE

[Three Ha'tak vessels and Prometheus are stationed in orbit above the force field on Kellana.]

INT—HA'TAK BRIDGE

[A Jaffa stands before the control console. Behind him, Gerak sits in the throne chair.]

GERAK
I am Gerak of the Free Jaffa. Why have you come here?

INT—PROMETHEUS BRIDGE

[Pendergast and Carter exchange looks. Pendergast gestures for Carter to speak. She stands and approaches the viewscreen.]

INT—HA'TAK BRIDGE

[Carter approaches the foreground of a communications viewscreen. The rest of the bridge, including Pendergast and Marks is visible behind her.]

CARTER
It's an honor to speak with you, sir. My name is Lieutenant Colonel Samantha Carter.

GERAK

(interrupting)

By insisting that we cease fire on the enemy stronghold, you've allowed it to expand even further, and we've lost the element of surprise.

INT—PROMETHEUS BRIDGE

CARTER

(glancing back at Pendergast)

And quite possibly saved the lives of SG-1.

[The ships and large blue force field are visible through the windows of the bridge. Above the windows are three small monitors. In the center monitor, Gerak's video transmission is visible.]

GERAK

(through viewscreen)

I ask you again. Why have you come to this world?

CARTER
We have reason to believe that the Ori are attempting to use this planet to stage a full scale invasion.

[Teal'c, Daniel, Mitchell, and Vala, out of their space suits, enter the bridge. Teal'c stands next to Carter. Mitchell, Vala, and Daniel stand behind Pendergast's chair.]

GERAK

(through viewscreen)

And you hope to repel this invasion with words? There is more to this.

TEAL'C
Words are often the most powerful weapon of all, Gerak. The old ways will not stop an adversary as powerful as the Ori.

GERAK

(through viewscreen)

So you said in your message to the High Council, Teal'c.

TEAL'C

(angrily)

To which we received no response.

CARTER
We had no choice but to act on the information we had.

GERAK

(through viewscreen)

And how is it that the Tau'ri received this information even before the Council?

[Teal'c and Carter pause, uncertain how to respond. Teal'c opens his mouth to speak when Daniel interjects.]

DANIEL
Uh…how we got this information is not important. What is important is that we stand together as allies in the face of our common enemy.

EXT—KELLANA

[The Prior stands facing away from the Stargate. He turns and walks up the staircase to the active gate. He places his book in the same hand holding his staff and spreads his free hand deliberately on the Stargate ring.]

INT—HA'TAK BRIDGE

GERAK
You said you've come to fight.

MITCHELL

(through viewscreen)

We have.

GERAK

(accusingly)

I dispatched a scout in a cloaked cargo ship. He tells me you have done nothing.

INT—PROMETHEUS BRIDGE

[Pendergast clenches his jaw. Carter looks away.]

MITCHELL

We're sending the Ori a message which they should receive in about…
(checks watch)

ten seconds.

PENDERGAST
Shields to maximum. Gerak, I suggest you give the same order aboard your ships. There will be a blast wave.

[A klaxon alarm starts to blare. Carter returns to her seat. Mitchell continues looking at his watch and moves behind her chair. Teal'c moves beside Marks's chair.]

GERAK

(through viewscreen)

Jaffa!

[The communication cuts off.]

MITCHELL
Five seconds.

EXT—KELLANA

[The Prior stares into the event horizon while continuing to touch the ring. The Mark IX weapon whines louder. The bars are pulsing at an extremely rapid pace. There is a flash of white light as the weapon goes off.]

EXT—SPACE ABOVE KELLANA

[A red circle can be seen within the center of the blue force field. It rapidly expands. The diameter of the blue force field in turn becomes larger, expanding further around the planet.]

INT—PROMETHEUS BRIDGE

[Carter looks out the window in puzzlement, then turns to her console screens. A screen depicts Kellana and labels the gate's location in the center of a red circle. The edge of the red circle is labeled as the Mark IX's radius. The larger blue circle is also visible, but unlabeled. Below this image, a blinking caption reads "Force Field Expanding."]

MARKS
Sir, the force field went into another expansion phase just as the bomb detonated…and it's a big one.

[Pendergast sighs deeply.]

INT—HA'TAK BRIDGE

[Jaffa are pressing consoles on monitors and hurrying around the bridge. Gerak stands.]

GERAK
What is happening?

EXT—SPACE ABOVE KELLANA

[The red glow from the Mark IX explosion fades into a yellow light. The blue force field rapidly spreads around the planet.]

INT—PROMETHEUS BRIDGE

TEAL'C

(looking at monitor)

The force field continues to expand.

VALA

(low, to Daniel)

It isn't supposed to be doing that, is it?

DANIEL

(worried)

No.

VALA

(worried)

Why is it doing that?

DANIEL
I don't know.

VALA
What are you going to do abou—?

DANIEL

(through gritted teeth)

Vala, shut up.

CARTER

(staring at console)

That was a multi-gigaton detonation. There's just no way.

DANIEL
Maybe the gate was destroyed.

MITCHELL
No. If the field is still expanding, the gate still has to be active.

CARTER
The environment inside the field has been turned into superheated plasma. Makes it impossible to get a reliable reading.

[One of the monitors switches from graphs to a visual communication feed from Gerak's ship. Gerak's face fills the screen.]

GERAK

(through viewscreen)

And this is your message to the Ori?

VALA
Pithy, wasn't it?

TEAL'C

(with sidelong look at Vala)

We struck the enemy with our most powerful weapon.

GERAK

(through viewscreen)

And yet, their force field grows.

TEAL'C
That was not our intention.

GERAK
Their beachhead must be destroyed. If you are truly our ally, you will join us in this attack. If you do not, your ship will become our next target.

[Teal'c, Carter, and Pendergast appear visibly upset at this ultimatum.]

EXT—SPACE ABOVE KELLANA

[The three Ha'tak vessels fire their weapons at the center of the force field on Kellana.]

INT—PROMETHEUS BRIDGE

PENDERGAST
The detonation did weaken the force field. Our combined weapons fire might just finish the job.

TEAL'C
If it does not, we will soon be engaged in battle with Gerak's forces.

DANIEL
Sam?

CARTER

(shaking her head)

We just don't have enough information. Until I can explain how they're keeping the gate open or powering a force field this large…It's your call.

VALA

(raising hand)

I say we run away and rethink the whole thing.

[Mitchell glares at Vala. He bites his lip and moves in front of Carter's console, thinking.]

MITCHELL
Open up with everything we've got.

PENDERGAST
Bring main rail gun on line and commence firing. Launch missiles.

[The bridge lights lower, turning blue, and a klaxon wails.]

EXT—SPACE ABOVE KELLANA

[The Prometheus launches missiles and joins the Ha'tak vessels in firing at the force field.]

INT—PROMETHEUS BRIDGE

[A console monitor shows the gate's location. A dotted line attempts to indicate the force field boundary, which is still expanding, moving beyond what can be displayed on screen. A flashing caption reads "Currently Expanding." Another flashing caption reads "Visible Hemisphere encased in Force Field. STRENGTH DECREASING."]

PENDERGAST
Is the fire having any effect?

MARKS
The force field is definitely losing strength.

CARTER
But it's still expanding at a faster rate than it's weakening.

DANIEL
It's almost enveloped the entire planet. What happens then?

CARTER

(in sudden realization)

Dammit.

VALA

(to Carter)

What?

DANIEL

(also to Carter)

What?

CARTER

(to Mitchell)

Colonel, we need to cease fire, now!

MITCHELL

(turns to Pendergast)

NOW!

PENDERGAST
Do it!

[Marks hits buttons on his console.]

CARTER
The greater the intensity of our weapons' fire, the greater and more frequent their expansion phases. There is a direct correlation. They're using the energy of our own weapons to build their beachhead.

VALA
You mean they planned this?

CARTER
There's no way to project the necessary power through a Stargate across galaxies. So they designed a force field that could be powered by our own weapons.

TEAL'C
The Ori knew the Jaffa of Kellana would defend their homeworld and others would follow.

DANIEL

(angry)

And Nerus made certain we'd join in.

MITCHELL

(nodding and angry)

Which means he's working for the Ori.

CARTER

(angry)

The Mark IX gave them almost 70% of the power they needed to envelop the entire planet.

MITCHELL
Oh yeah, we've been set up.

VALA

(sarcastically)

What a complete shock!

[Mitchell and Daniel glare at her. Vala makes a zipping gesture with her hand and ducks her head.]

VALA
Won't say another word.

TEAL'C
Gerak's forces must also cease fire.

PENDERGAST
Open communications.

DANIEL
Too late.

EXT—SPACE ABOVE KELLANA

[The force field closes in around the last unexposed portion of the planet, finally encircling the sphere entirely.]

INT—PROMETHEUS BRIDGE

[Mitchell sighs. A console beeps.]

CARTER
I'm reading activity on the surface.

EXT—KELLANA

[The still active Stargate lies flat on the ground, braced by a few rocks and surrounded by molten lava. Through the event horizon, three oblong objects, barely fitting through the Stargate, fly out, heading towards space.]

INT—PROMETHEUS BRIDGE

[Carter's console shows a radar screen. Three small dots appear on the outer edge.]

CARTER
We've got incoming. Three objects and counting, bearing one-eight-zero, rising from the planet's surface from the coordinates of the Stargate and accelerating.

[Mitchell moves around the console to also see.]

PENDERGAST
Shields to maximum.

[Marks presses some buttons on his console. An angry Gerak appears on a viewscreen.]

GERAK

(through viewscreen)

Why have you ceased fire?

TEAL'C
We have reason to believe our weapons may power the enemy force field.

GERAK

(through viewscreen)

Impossible.

CARTER
That's what I thought, but it's the only explanation.

DANIEL

(frustrated)

Gerak, they used both of us.

[An alarm is heard on Gerak's ship. The communication cuts off. The Prometheus sensor screen shows multiple targets moving quickly.]

MARKS
Multiple contacts on multiple bearings, sir.

MITCHELL

(leaning close to Carter)

What the hell are they?

CARTER
They're about ten meters long, but sensors read no internal space, no life signs aboard.

PENDERGAST
Rail guns to defensive fire mode. Stand by to launch fighters.

[Marks presses buttons on his console. The console screen shows several objects approaching. One is flashing red on the screen very close to the center. An alarm wails and a red caption reads "PREPARE FOR IMPACT".]

MARKS
One of them is on a collision course.

CARTER
I can confirm that. 1,000 meters…500…

PENDERGAST
Sublight engines to emergency thrust. Brace for impact!

[Marks presses some buttons. Teal'c grabs the headrest to Marks's chair. Daniel and Vala grasp Pendergast's.]

EXT—SPACE—ORBIT AROUND KELLANA

[Several objects collide with one of the Ha'taks. It explodes. The Prometheus slowly backs away from the planet. Other objects move past. One gets too close to Prometheus and impacts it near the bow, causing a small explosion on the hull.]

INT—PROMETHEUS BRIDGE

[Everyone on the bridge is knocked around from the impact. Sparks fly as minor explosions and overloads hit various stations. Mitchell moves to the far wall and hits a button. Some consoles spark near him.]

PENDERGAST
Damage report!

MARKS
There's a hull breach on the hangar deck. Shields are down to 20%.

PENDERGAST
Return fire, all positions.

CARTER
Sensors are down.

PENDERGAST

(frustrated)

Take us out of orbit. We can't stay here.

INT—SGC VIP ROOM

[Empty platters and bowls are scattered across the dining table, along with spilled liquid, chicken bones, and fruit rinds. Nerus stands next to the table, sniffing a hard boiled egg. As he is about to take a bite, Landry storms in with some guards.]

LANDRY

(furious)

I want to know what you sent my people into.

NERUS
General, I've been expecting you. You know these eggs, they're not properly ripe.

[Landry smacks the egg out of Nerus's hand.]

LANDRY

(yelling)

I asked you a question! Sergeant!

[The guards draw their weapons and aim at Nerus. Nerus makes a face.]

NERUS
Oooh. They say all good meals must come to an end. I assume, General, that by now, SG-1 has reported that the Ori, the closest thing to true gods in the entire universe, have successfully established a permanent foothold.

LANDRY
What did you do?

NERUS

Oh, it's not what I did, General. What I have done pales in comparison to your contribution. And by now, the force field has almost entirely enveloped the planet, which makes them unstoppable.
(Nerus grins wickedly and his voice changes to the Goa'uld echo)

And we couldn't have done it without you.

[Landry blinks and clenches his jaw.]

INT—PROMETHEUS BRIDGE

[Alarms continue to wail on the bridge. Personnel with flashlights are checking stations and conducting repairs. Mitchell monitors their efforts. Teal'c, Vala, and Daniel still stand behind the chairs of Pendergast, Marks, and Carter. Gerak is communicating with them.]

GERAK

(over radio)

Two of my ships have been destroyed, and my own flagship has been damaged.

INT—HA'TAK BRIDGE

GERAK

(continuing)

We must withdraw.

TEAL'C

(over communication link)

We too have suffered damage, Gerak. But the battle is not yet over.

GERAK
Our sensors tell us that the planet has begun to collapse. I cannot tell you to what extent. If you choose to remain to find out, know that your actions will be watched.

[Mitchell leans forward in the viewscreen.]

MITCHELL

(over video link)

Hey, we're on the same side here.

GERAK
We shall see.

EXT—SPACE ABOVE KELLANA

[Gerak's ship breaks orbit from Kellana and flies away.]

INT—PROMETHEUS BRIDGE

MITCHELL
What is he talking about?

[Daniel shakes his head in ignorance.]

VALA

(pointing out window)

He's leaving.

CARTER
We've got the sensors back up, but we're gonna have to get closer to the planet to find out.

PENDERGAST
All right, bring us about. Take us back into the system.

[Carter reads her console monitor, which is displaying Kellana with various information. On the screen there is a dotted line graphically surrounding the planet, and another blinking dotted line tracing the edge of the planet itself.]

CARTER
Okay, I've got a fix on the planet. Looks like Gerak was right. According to the sensors, its diameter has decreased by 16%.

[Daniel looks at Carter in surprise.]

VALA

(muttering to herself)

Planets don't shrink in my experience.

[Carter changes the display on her monitor. The information about the planet's diameter disappears, as does the graphical representation of Kellana on the screen. In its place is a long line of oblong objects diagonally crossing the screen.]

CARTER
Oh, there's something else.

[The console image zooms out to show breaks in the line and a second line of objects behind the first. To the right is graphical representation showing the edge of the planet. More objects are moving around, fitting into the missing spots in the lines. As the image continues to zoom out, the two lines appear to form an incomplete circle viewed from its side.]

MITCHELL

(staring at the console)

What is that?

DANIEL

(also looking at Carter's console)

A ship?

CARTER
It's hard to say. Whatever it is, I think it's composed of the objects that came through the Stargate.

[Teal'c moves forward and stands beside Mitchell to look at the monitor.]

EXT—SPACE ABOVE KELLANA

[Prometheus approaches Kellana. As it nears, the object on the console becomes clear. It is a large incomplete ring that is rotating; eventually the center is facing Prometheus. The objects that flew out of the Stargate are entering the missing sections and becoming part of the ring. Each section glows with blue lights.]

INT—PROMETHEUS BRIDGE

[Daniel, Carter, Mitchell, and Teal'c stare out the window.]

DANIEL

(uncomfortably)

Doesn't that look an awful lot like…?

MITCHELL
Yeah, it does.

CARTER
In fact, I think that's just what it is.

DANIEL

(drawing out the words)

No, it can't be, because I was going to say "Stargate".

CARTER
Try "Supergate". I estimate it's three- to four-hundred meters across.

TEAL'C
Large enough for the passage of an entire armada.

[Vala crosses to stand behind Marks' console and look at the information.]

VALA
It's incomplete; there's still time.

DANIEL
Time? Time to do what? Everything we've done has just made things worse.

[On Marks's console monitor, a graphical representation of Kellana is surrounded by a dotted lines with various captions. A second circular dotted line replaces the spot where the edge of the planet was on the screen, and the image of Kellana itself becomes smaller.]

MARKS
The planet's diameter has now decreased by up to 50%, and it's accelerating rapidly.

CARTER
I think I know why. Only one thing in the universe could power a gate that size. It's also the only thing that could allow them to keep the gate open this long, and there's one on the other end.

DANIEL

(face falling in comprehension)

A black hole.

CARTER
That's what the force field was for. It wasn't meant to keep us out. It was designed to collapse the planet into a micro-singularity.

MITCHELL
Why?

CARTER
Well, this is how they can create a wormhole that can span such a vast distance. With a black hole at either end, they can maintain an open wormhole indefinitely.

MITCHELL
Fine, fine. How do we stop them?

VALA
I have an idea. If we can…

DANIEL

(oblivious to Vala)

The next idea anybody comes up with has to be outside the box.

[Vala glares at Daniel, but no one notices her.]

CARTER
Okay, the gate is composed of individual units. The-There must be some sort of energy linkage between them, like a-like a chain.

VALA

(trying to break in)

Exactly, so we…

MITCHELL

(oblivious to Vala)

So we need a big ol' set of bolt cutters.

DANIEL
Oooh. Too far outside the box. Get closer to the box.

[Vala grits her teeth in frustration, clenches her fists, and jogs out of the bridge.]

INT—PROMETHEUS CORRIDOR

[Vala jogs through the corridors, passing personnel with flashlights checking junctions.]

INT—PROMETHEUS BRIDGE

CARTER
Planetary collapse is speeding up exponentially. I estimate singularity formation is minutes away, and there will be a significant shock wave. Whatever we're going to do, we have to do it now.

MARKS
Sir, someone has just activated the ring transporter.

PENDERGAST
What?

[Daniel, Mitchell and Teal'c look around.]

DANIEL

(realizing Vala's missing)

Oh no.

INT—CARGO SHIP

[A lone Jaffa sits at the controls. He hears the ring transporter activate. He adjusts some settings and goes to the transport room. He opens the door and steps inside, moving to the center of the rings and looking down. Vala is hiding against the wall. She zats the Jaffa and exits the ring room, hitting some buttons on the control panel as she passes. A light appears over the Jaffa as the door closes.]

VALA
Hey, don't leave without me.

DANIEL

(over radio)

Vala? Where the hell are you?

VALA
Oh, you care now?

DANIEL

(over radio)

Vala!

[Vala adjusts some settings on the control panels.]

VALA
I'm aboard the cloaked cargo ship that Gerak left behind to watch us.

INT—PROMETHEUS BRIDGE

DANIEL
How did you find it?

INT—CARGO SHIP

VALA
Good guess.

INT—PROMETHEUS BRIDGE

[Daniel shakes his head and rocks back on his heels in frustration.]

VALA

(over radio)

When controls are set a certain way, rings seek out the nearest set…

INT—CARGO SHIP

[Vala sits in the pilot's chair.]

VALA

(continuing)

…which happen to be aboard this cargo ship, cloaked or not.

[Vala works with the controls.]

INT—PROMETHEUS BRIDGE

DANIEL

(worried)

What are you doing?

VALA

(over radio)

Trying to help, Daniel. Someone had to do something, and you wouldn't listen. Actually, I got the idea from Colonel Carter. The objects are being held in some sort of energy field…

INT—CARGO SHIP

VALA

(continuing)

…like links on a chain, and I intend to take the place of the last link.

INT—PROMETHEUS BRIDGE

CARTER
Vala, when that singularity forms, there will be a powerful shock wave. The cargo ship won't survive.

VALA

(over radio)

I'm counting on it. I'll ring back before it hits, and you can all thank me immensely.

[Daniel sighs and stares upwards, worried.]

EXT—SPACE ABOVE KELLANA

[The cargo ship, uncloaked, flies towards the incomplete gate. It heads directly towards one of the last openings in the ring, outpacing one of the oblong objects.]

INT—PROMETHEUS BRIDGE

PENDERGAST
Shields to maximum.

[Marks adjusts his controls. Klaxons blare.]

CARTER

(shaking her head)

She's running out of time.

[The console monitor shows a blinking light approaching the graphical depiction of the ring.]

INT—CARGO SHIP

[Vala adjusts the controls with a determined expression on her face. As seen through the window, the cargo ship is fitting into the empty space between the ring sections and slows to a stop. Eventually, the ship impacts with a loud crash. Vala is thrown slightly forward in her seat.]

EXT—SPACE ABOVE KELLANA

[The cargo ship is embedded in between two other sections, blocking the gate from being completed. Blue lightning arcs spread from the impact site across to neighboring sections and envelop the cargo ship.]

INT—CARGO SHIP

[The lightning arcs can be seen reflected in the cargo ship.]

VALA

(slightly panicked)

Oh boy.

[She hurries out of the pilot's chair.]

INT—PROMETHEUS BRIDGE

CARTER
It's working. She disrupted the energy field holding the objects in place.

[The console display depicts the rotating ring, with various captions. Across the middle of the screen, a red message blinks "ENERGY FIELD DISRUPTED".]

EXT—SPACE

[Blue electrical arcs spread to other sections of the ring.]

INT—PROMETHEUS BRIDGE

CARTER
The singularity is forming.

[They look out the window.]

EXT—SPACE ABOVE KELLANA

[Prometheus is holding its position in front of the ring, which appears complete except for where the cargo ship collided. In that spot, the lights are unstable and overloading. Behind the ring, the planet Kellana rapidly shrinks until it is only a bright pinprick of light.]

INT—CARGO SHIP

[Blue lightning arcs cris-cross the bridge and the ship shudders. Vala cannot keep her balance and stumbles towards the ring room. She reaches the control panel and presses some buttons. Vala runs to the center of the rings, and the transport starts to hum.]

EXT—SPACE

[Kellana shrinks even more until it disappears entirely. An instant later, a large energy wave bursts forth from its previous location. When the wave reaches the ring, it blasts it apart, scattering the sections everywhere.]

INT—PROMETHEUS BRIDGE

[The crew cheers loudly.]

CARTER
She did it! The gate's been destroyed.

DANIEL

(concerned)

Did Vala make it back on board?

MARKS
Negative, sir.

[Daniel sighs and looks upset. An instant later, he stumbles backward, holding onto Pendergast's chair. Mitchell hurries to his side.]

MITCHELL

(worried)

Jackson?!? Infirmary.

[Pendergast starts to get up to help, but Mitchell and Teal'c each grab Daniel by his upper arms and lead him off the bridge.]

CARTER

(standing up)

Get a message to Stargate Command. The Ori beachhead has been destroyed.

[Carter runs after Daniel and the others.]

INT—SGC BRIG

[Nerus is shackled, handcuffs connected to a chain around his waist. He sits in a chair. The door to the room opens, and Landry enters with three guards, who take up positions around the room.]

NERUS

(speaking in a normal, if arrogant, voice)

There's still time to repent, General. The Ori are forgiving.

LANDRY
That won't be necessary. SG-1 has destroyed the Ori beachhead.

NERUS

(chuckling)

You're lying.

LANDRY
I'm not.

NERUS

I've witnessed their power, General. Power that will one day be mine. And if what you say is true, you've merely forestalled the inevitable.
(a rapturous expression appears on his face, and he stands)

And…when you…put me to death…for what I have done…I shall ascend.

LANDRY

(moving uncomfortably close to Nerus)

You will Descend, to a small, dark room, in the basement of Area 51, and you'll stay there until you come up with a defense against the Ori. That was our deal.

NERUS

(shaking his head in amused disbelief)

What would possibly compel me to do that?

LANDRY
Hunger.

[Nerus looks at Landry and gulps in shock. Landry walks out of the room, followed by the guards, who shut and lock the door. As the full import of Landry's words sinks in, Nerus gulps again.]

INT—PROMETHEUS CORRIDOR

[Teal'c strides down a corridor. Behind him Mitchell and Carter walk side by side.]

MITCHELL

(to Carter)

You know, these Ori are just going to try it again.

CARTER
Probably.

MITCHELL
I'm saying we could sure use someone like you on the front line. Just think about it.

INT—PROMETHEUS INFIRMARY

[A doctor moves away from Daniel's hospital bed, the head of which is raised. Teal'c, Mitchell and Carter approach.]

MITCHELL
Hey, Jackson.

[Daniel groggily opens his eyes.]

DANIEL

(hoarsely)

Sorry. Keep falling asleep.

MITCHELL
Well, it's better than the alternative.

CARTER
You're lucky the bracelet's effect was wearing off.

DANIEL

(in a low, flat voice)

Yep, lucky me.

TEAL'C

(with a kind smile)

Vala Mal Doran will be mourned.

[Daniel leans his head back farther into the pillow and turns away slightly.]

CARTER
I've been going over the telemetry from the last few seconds before the formation of the singularity. A matter stream left the cargo ship just before it exploded.

[Daniel lifts his head from the pillow and looks at Carter with interest. Teal'c turns to her and blinks.]

CARTER
There's at least a slight chance she was pulled into the singularity.

DANIEL
So you're saying she could be alive, somewhere in Ori home galaxy?

[Mitchell contemplates this idea.]

CARTER

(nodding)

It's possible.

DANIEL

(his expression clearing slightly)

Well…we wanted to send them a message.

[All four exchange bemused expressions at this possibility.]

FADE OUT

END CREDITS

Transcribed for Stargate Solutions by Aurora Novarum, August 2005

Related Articles

• Previous: 9.05 "The Powers That Be" Transcript
• Next: 9.07 "Ex Deus Machina" Transcript
• Transcripts
• Season Nine Transcripts
• Episode Guides

Related Links

Official

• Official MGM Stargate SG-1 Website
• SciFi Channel 9.06 "Beachhead" Episode Guide

Fan

• Solutions On-Site Forum: Season Nine Discussion Board
• Solutions LJ Companion Site
• Stargatefan Season Nine (Episode Guides, Transcripts, Multimedia, Missing Scenes)
• SG-1Web: Nitpicker's NetGuide Season Nine
• Stargate Screencaps: Season Nine

---

--Michelle 23:07, 23 Aug 2005 (PDT)