7.10 "Birthright" Transcript

7.10 "Birthright"

Episode Guide

• 7.10 "Birthright" Episode Guide

Précis

SG-1 discover a clan of fierce, skilled female Jaffa warriors struggling to survive. They need access to symbiotes to keep themselves alive, but Carter offers their leade Ishta an alternative in the new drug Tretonin. Carter escorts a group of volunteers to the SGC to test the drug, Daniel tries to help young warrior Nesa find her way while Ishta and Teal'c find they have much in common.

Guide | Transcript

Transcript

TEASER

EXT—ALIEN FOREST

[A lone Jaffa walks through the forest. He anxiously looks around, starting at every sound he hears.]

O'NEILL
Right, hold it, right there!

[O'Neill appears from a bush behind the Jaffa, weapon raised and aimed at the Jaffa. Carter and Daniel approach him from other angles, their weapons also aimed at him.]

DANIEL
Hey!

RYK'L
I am Ryk'l, of the Goa'uld Moloc.

[Teal'c approaches him and they stand face to face. O'Neill keeps a watchful eye on the surroundings as they talk.]

RYK'L
Shal'kek nem'ron.

TEAL'C
I too will die free, brother.

[He offers his hand in friendship, which Reiku accepts.]

RYK'L
Teal'c of the Tau'ri, your legend proceeds you. Thank you for meeting me.

TEAL'C
We have been told that there are many here who believe in the dream of freedom for all Jaffa.

[A staff weapon blast suddenly hits Reiku in the back, killing him instantly, and SG-1 take up defensive positions behind a rock amid a barrage of blasts. Several Jaffa come out into the clearing, and a fire fight ensues between them and SG-1. Then a huge wave of staff weapon fire comes from the left of SG-1, aimed at the attacking Jaffa. O'Neill and Daniel look to where it is coming from with puzzled faces, as the fire destroys the Jaffa.]

O'NEILL

(to Teal'c)

More rebel Jaffa?

TEAL'C

There is only one way to be certain.
(shouting)

Shal'kek Nem'ron!

[SG-1 look into the smoke drifting past where they weapons fire came from.]

TEAL'C
Shal'kek Nem'ron!

[SG-1 raise their weapons as they detect movement. 2 female Jaffa emerge from the smoke, staff weapons in the hands. The first woman speaks, gently.]

MALA
Warriors of the Tau'ri, we mean you no harm.

[Another female warrior joins them. Daniel looks on as three others join the group, making a total of six.]

MALA
Please, come with us.

[Teal'c and O'Neill narrow their eyes, as if considering their request.]

END TEASER

OPENING CREDITS

EXT—ALIEN FOREST

[A glider swoops overhead, as the female warriors and SG-1 are still in the clearing. Both O'Neill and Teal'c look up at the sound of the glider.]

MALA

(to the female standing next to her)

Shal'kek, tal'kree.

[The warrior standing next to her leaves.]

MALA

(To SG-1)

The stargate will not be accessible for long, we must hurry.

[The other female kneels beside one of the wounded Jaffa, and takes out a canister. She removes the symbiote from the Jaffa, placing it in the canister. SG-1 look on, horrified.]

DANIEL
What's she doing?

MALA
There's no time to explain here, please come with us.

NEITH
Kel ma lek!

MALA
Kree shak nel.

NEITH
They're outsiders.

MALA
They are SG-1 of the Tau'ri.

O'NEILL

(quietly, to Teal'c)

Hey, what's going on?

TEAL'C

(gesturing to Mala)

This one believes we should return to her planet, that one believes it would not be wise.

MALA
Please, we knew you'd be here.

TEAL'C
How?

MALA
Our intelligence network runs deep within the Jaffa of Moloc. We came to ask for help. I promise you will be safe.

DANIEL
Well they did save us.

[O'Neill and SG-1 exchange glances, as if assessing the situation.]

EXT—WORMHOLE

EXT—ALIEN PLANET

[A group of four Jaffa women, two on horseback, are by the gate, and greeting the returning party of Jaffa and SG-1.]

MALA
Welcome to Ha'ktyl.

[Daniel leans over to Teal'c]

DANIEL
Independence?

TEAL'C
Liberation.

MALA
Our dwellings are this way, please.

O'NEILL
Ah, y'know, we really should call home first, let the folks know where we are. It's past our curfew.

MALA
By all means.

[O'Neill nods to Carter, who is standing just behind him. She moves off to dial home.]

NEITH

(to Mala)

Why have we brought them here?

MALA
Because that was our mission.

NEITH

(with slight aggravation in her voice)

Why was I not told?

[Daniel and Teal'c pick up on the uneasiness between Neith and Mala and exchange concerned looks.]

MALA
Because we know you would disagree. Go ahead, tell Ishta of our success.

[She mounts one of the horses, and rides off to the settlement. SG-1 watch her leave.]

EXT—A'KTYL

[SG-1 and the Jaffa party are walking through a field, with a line of trees behind them. Carter is a few paces in front, with Daniel, Teal'c and O'Neill walking in a line behind her. Jaffa make up the front and rear of the group.]

O'NEILL
So, Teal'c, who are they?

TEAL'C
My knowledge of the Goa'uld Moloc is limited. However, I am unaware of any Goa'uld who would permit his women jaffa to be warriors.

DANIEL
They seem to be well trained.

TEAL'C
All females receive training. They are expected to defend their home world with their lives if their men are called to battle.

DANIEL
I can't help but think of the ancient Greek amazon mythos.

O'NEILL
Yes. Me too.

DANIEL
They were female warriors who occasionally captured men from other tribes in order to mate with them.

[Carter looks back at Daniel.]

DANIEL
Would often, um, would sometimes remove their right breasts so they could more easily fire a bow and arrow.

O'NEILL
I see neither bow nor arrow.

DANIEL
No.

O'NEILL
Wait, you don't s'pose that's why they want us, do you?

[Carter looks at O'Neill.]

O'NEILL
You know, the three of us.

[He gestures to Daniel, Teal'c and himself.]

DANIEL
To…to mate with? No, no, I don't think so.

O'NEILL
'Cos you know me, I'm all for helping people.

CARTER

(laughing)

Oh God!

[They walk into a campsite. There are a few large tents around the outside, some women are cooking over open fires. Some young children see them, and run away. All the women they pass eye them with distrust. Mala leads them to a large tent in the middle of the settlement.]

MALA
You must forgive them, for many of the young this is the first time they have seen men.

[A young woman, about thirteen, and an older woman watch SG-1 carefully. O'Neill looks around. A woman comes out of the main tent. She looks proud and solemn, with the look of a leader.]

MALA
This is Ishta, our leader.

[Ishta walks down the steps from her tent, and Neith comes out of the tent after her.]

O'NEILL
Well howdy Ma'am, it's nice to meet you.

[She walks straight past him, to Teal'c.]

O'NEILL
I've heard so…actually I've heard nothing about you.

[He trails off and she stands opposite Teal'c.]

ISHTA
Teal'c, of Chulak. Former First Prime of Apophis. Shol'va who has become a legend.

[O'Neill leans over to Daniel, who is standing next to him.]

O'NEILL
Bit thick don't you think?

[Daniel ignores this comment.]

TEAL'C

(to Ishta)

I am no legend. I fight, as any true hearted Jaffa, for the freedom that we deserve.

[He bows his head, and Ishta returns the nod. He then gestures to his team.]

TEAL'C
This is Daniel Jackson, Major Carter, and Colonel O'Neill.

[Ishta goes over and stands in front of them.]

O'NEILL
Hello.

ISHTA
I have asked you here so that I may propose an alliance.

O'NEILL
That's a fine idea. We should sit, talk, nosh.

TEAL'C
No alliance can be formed between the Tau'ri and those who would steal symbiotes from their brother and leave him to die.

NEITH
He was no brother of mine. Just a murderer of innocent children!

ISHTA
Shal kree!

[Neith folds her arms, but bites her tongue.]

ISHTA
There is much to discuss.

[She gestures, and a young woman comes and joins her, her head bowed.]

ISHTA
This is Synak. This morning she laid on her deathbed. She reached the age of Prata three days ago.

O'NEILL
Hmm?

DANIEL
Puberty.

O'NEILL
Ah.

ISHTA
Without the symbiote we procured this morning, she would be dead now.

[She gestures again, and the young woman seen before comes forward, obviously wary. She comes and stands on the other side of Ishta.]

ISHTA
This is Nesa. Younger sister to Neith. She is next to reach the age. Without a symbiote, she will die.

[There is a pause as the seriousness of the situation sinks in.]

ISHTA
As will all our children.

INT—ISHTA'S TENT

[Ishta sits a little higher than everyone else. Neith is sitting on her right side, Mala on her left. Carter sits opposite.]

ISHTA
Thirty years ago, Moloc decreed that only male children would be allowed to live. Only they could strengthen his armies and lead him to victory in the war of the gods.

CARTER
Well, aside from the obvious immorality, that doesn't make sense. How do you sustain a population of any gender without women?

ISHTA
The Jaffa lifespan is longer than humans. This could go on for a hundred years. Any female child is to be sacrificed in the ceremony of fire, immediately after they're born.

CARTER
They're burned to death?

ISHTA
Yes.

EXT—HA'KTYL

[Settlement life continues around SG-1. O'Neill, Teal'c and Daniel wait for Carter to come out. Daniel opens a power bar.]

O'NEILL
Well this is a bit…odd.

DANIEL
Maybe they just feel more comfortable talking to Sam.

O'NEILL
Why, because we have penises?

[Daniel coughs.]

DANIEL
Power bar?

O'NEILL
Yeah, thanks.

[He takes the bar off Daniel.]

INT—ISHTA'S TENT

CARTER
So how did you start bringing them here?

ISHTA

As a temple high priestess, part of my duty is to keep record of births. And to preside over the ceremony of fire itself.
(barely containing her anger)

I could not sit back and watch my sisters being murdered and do nothing.

[Carter nods]

ISHTA
As high priestess I, along with my seconds Mala and Neith, are allowed relatively free access to the Chappa'ai of the worlds under Moloc's rule.

CARTER
No one outside this camp knows you're doing this.

ISHTA
No. Our duties require us to attend to many missionary matters on various planets.

CARTER
So you offer the parents of these children a chance for their daughters to live.

ISHTA
All but a few Jaffa under Moloc worship him religiously. Not even the parents can be trusted. The children have to be spiritied away, secretly, for fear of being reported to the Imperial Guard.

MALA
It is punishable by death to even question the rules of the god.

ISHTA
Over the moons we have succeeded in saving many from their birthright of death.

CARTER
So you want our help to overthrow Moloc?

[Ishta and Neith exchange glances, Ishta starts to smile.]

ISHTA
We may have underestimated you.

CARTER
We've gone after Goa'ulds before.

ISHTA
Moloc is very powerful. His armies are vasts.

CARTER
We have our ways. And some very powerful allies.

ISHTA
Forgive us, but our immediate goals are somewhat less ambitious.

NEITH
It is an ongoing struggle to procure the symbiotes needed for our young to survive. We lost many of our warriors in these raids. It is said your weapons are formidable.

MALA
We also require sustenance. Food and supplies among our growing population are scarce.

ISHTA
We are proud warriors. We offer you our services and our knowledge in return. We have an extensive intelligence network among the Jaffa under Moloc.

[Carter smiles slightly.]

CARTER
What if I were to offer you an alternative.

[Ishta cocks her head quizzically]

MALA
An alternative to what?

CARTER
To your reliance on the Goa'uld.

[Neith, Ishta, and Mala exchange glances.]

EXT—HA'KTYL

[SG-1 discuss Carter's conversation inside the tent.]

DANIEL
Tretonin?

CARTER
We've had success with it so far.

O'NEILL
On all two test subjects.

CARTER
It hasn't been easy. Jaffa won't willingly give up their symbiotes, despite the fact it could ultimately free them.

TEAL'C
Jaffa believe they will be weaker without them.

DANIEL
That's centuries of Goa'uld brainwashing.

O'NEILL
Will these women do it?

CARTER
Thinking about it. They've suffered some horrible atrocities at the hands of the Jaffa who serve Moloc. It's easy to see why they don't have a problem killing a few of them to survive.

TEAL'C
A Jaffa is taught it is more noble to die than to kill another.

CARTER
Teal'c, these children have been genetically altered to depend on symbiotes and then has all access to them taken away. Their guardians believe that this is the only way for them to survive.

TEAL'C
Then they will have to see that there is another way.

[He leaves. O'Neill calls after him.]

O'NEILL
Give them the old Teal'c charm!

EXT—A'KTYL TRAINING GROUND

[Several sculptures, similar to dream catchers, hang from branches around a clearing in the wood. Teal'c approaches, staff weapon in hand, and stops to look at one of the sculptures.]

ISHTA
It means courage.

[Ishta is standing behind him.]

ISHTA
Each design represents an ideal that no warrior should ever forget.

TEAL'C
Impressive that I did not sense your approach.

ISHTA
Is not stealthiness one of the first talents taught to a Jaffa soldier?

[Teal'c turns to look at her.]

TEAL'C
With varying degrees of success.

ISHTA
You wish to talk me into succumbing to this experiment?

TEAL'C
Indeed.

ISHTA
Come, walk with me.

[They walk together into the clearing.]

ISHTA
Have you really the belief that this…tretonin is our way to freedom?

TEAL'C
If it is successful it may be the first step. As long as Jaffa require symbiotes we will continue to be enslaved by the Goa'uld. The benefit a symbiote provides is not a Jaffa's true strength. And we as a people must begin to realise that sacrifices must be made if we are ever truly to be free.

[They enter the training ground. More sculptures hang from the branches above. the are four stands around the outside of the clearing, with wooden staff weapons leaning against them. It is obviously a site for practising hand to hand combat.]

ISHTA
This is where I come to kel-no-reem.

[Teal'c surveys the site.]

TEAL'C
Much of our tradition and our way of life has been designed to instil our dependence on the Goa'uld.

ISHTA
You believe it is wrong that we kill Jaffa merely that children to live, but what is war for but the preservation of our children? We do not engage the defenceless or the weak. We always fight with honour, and those that die do not die in vain.

TEAL'C
One day you will come across a Jaffa scout party that will not so easily be ambushed.

ISHTA
Then you doubt our abilities. Is that what this is about? You speak of progress, and shedding of the old ways, and yet you still think a woman needs your protection.

[Ishta walks over to one of the stands and picks up two wooden training staffs.]

ISHTA
May your limbs be more nimble that your tongue.

[She throws one of the staffs to Teal'c and takes up a defensive position.]

ISHTA
For your sake.

[Teal'c looks at the staff, and takes off his jacket, ready for combat. Ishta removes her cloak. Ishta attacks, and Teal'c defends himself, with one hand behind his back. She lunges, and he ducks as her staff flies over his head. She continues the attack, with him rebuffing every move. Then he makes his attack, still only using one hand, with the other behind his back. Ishta defends herself well, twirling around to strike. Teal'c moves his staff up to block, and they lock staffs in mid air. Ishta suddenly falls to the ground, using her leg to trip Teal'c, who falls on his back. They both leap up, Ishta having dropped her staff and preferring to use her bare hands. She kicks him twice in the head, and grabs his staff.]

ISHTA
Do not hold back or you will only anger me further!

[Teal'c throws her off, and she does two back flips as he advances, picking up her staff blast on the last flip. They engage staffs again, Teal'c this time using both hands. The fight continues, with each having to defend as well as attack. Ishta's kicks manage to find their mark again, and she kicks him in the chest and head. He retaliates, grabbing both their staffs. Teal'c flips Ishta over his back, so thatshe is facing away from him. Before she can turn around, he grabs the staffs, forcing her into him and locking her there, the staffs against her throat.]

TEAL'C
You have proven yourself a worthy adversary, now hear me! If you say no to tretonin, it will only mean you have an unquenchable thirst for bloodshed and revenge, and that does not serve those who follow your leadership.

ISHTA
I sense no symbiote in you

[She looks puzzled, then angry]

TEAL'C
You are correct.

[Ishta grabs the staffs, and flips Teal'c over her back. He falls on his back on the ground.]

ISHTA
You take this drug yourself and then conceal it? Your actions betray your words!

[She goes to one of the sculptures, and tears it down from the branch it was hanging from. She tosses it to Teal'c who catches it.]

ISHTA
That one means pride.

[Ishta leaves.]

EXT—HA'KTYL VILLAGE

[Ishta address her people from the steps of her tent. SG-1 listen to her words as well.]

ISHTA
No longer will we need to lose our sisters in battle. No longer will our daughters be dependent on symbiotes. Teal'c has taken the drug. He stands here before you as evidence. I am asking for four volunteers, to travel with me, to the Tau'ri, to test its effectiveness.

[Several warriors begin looking around, or looking at floor, nervously. SG-1 look around as well. There are a few quiet murmurs, but no one steps forward.]

O'NEILL
Is that a pin dropping?

MALA
You must not go.

ISHTA
Mala, I have made my decision.

MALA
Ha'ktyl needs you. You are our leader. I will go in your stead. It is my right as Kindra. You cannot say no.

[Ishta walks down to Mala.]

ISHTA
You are brave and true.

FEMALE WARRIOR
I too will go.

[She and two other warriors step forward to join Mala. Ishta smiles slightly, then looks over to Neith, who is standing next to Nesa. Neith looks down at the ground. Ishta walks over to her, and looks at her, then Nesa.]

ISHTA
Nesa is of the age.

NEITH
She is a child.

ISHTA
I'm told it's not without risk. But if there is one among us-

NEITH

(interrupting)

Never! That you would even consider this is an affront to all of us.

ISHTA
Your words are disrespectful.

[Neith walks away, taking Nesa with her. Daniel watches with interest. Ishta closes her eyes briefly, then addresses the crowd.]

ISHTA

I cannot force her hand.
(to Mala)

I wish you well.

[Mala nods slowly.]

INT—SGC GATEROOM

[O'Neill, Carter and the four volunteers emerge from an active wormhole. They are met by Hammond, standing at the base of the ramp.]

HAMMOND
Dr Jackson? Teal'c?

O'NEILL
As Teal'c would say, undomesticated equines couldn't drag him away.

CARTER
The leader of the Ha'ktyl wanted to learn more about the rebel Jaffa. We figured we could send updates on the progress of the tretonin treatment to Daniel through the MALP.

O'NEILL
Kind of a PR thing, Sir.

HAMMOND

(To the volunteers)

I'm General Hammond. Welcome to Earth.

[They nod in acknowledgement.]

EXT—HA'KTYL

[Teal'c and Ishta walk through a grassy field.]

ISHTA
When you rose up against Apophis, did you leave behind someone that you loved?

TEAL'C
My son and I have been reunited. He has become a great warrior and travels with my mentor Bra'tac spreading word of our cause.

ISHTA
And what of his mother? Does she sit at home, pining away for her hero?

TEAL'C
No, she is dead.

ISHTA
I am sorry Teal'c.

TEAL'C
You could not have known. She dies last year when her symbiote matured and she was unable to procure another.

ISHTA
I see.

INT—SGC INFIRMARY

[Mala is lying in an infirmary bed, about to receive her first treatment.]

MALA
What of my symbiote?

FRAISER
It's being sustained. We've developed methods of keeping a symbiote alive for some time. As far as the tretonin, finding the right amount is going to be somewhat trial and error. We'll keep increasing the dose until we get the desired effect.

[Mala nods. Fraiser leaves, leaving Carter and Mala alone. Carter sits beside her.]

CARTER
You're very brave.

MALA
Not so much as you think.

EXT—HA'KTYL

[Teal'c and Ishta continue their conversation.]

TEAL'C
The rebellion that I helped fuel has caused the Goa'uld to mistrust the Jaffa with their young.

ISHTA
You are making a point?

TEAL'C
I am speaking only of Drey'uac. She refused to take the life of another Jaffa, even to preserve her own. No matter what their beliefs may have been.

ISHTA
What are your memories of her?

TEAL'C
She could be as fierce as the wind, or as gentle as the sunshine. And she never feared to be either.

ISHTA
You still love her.

TEAL'C
I will always have a place in my heart for her.

INT—SGC INFIRMARY

[Carter and Mala continue their conversation.]

MALA
You are close to Colonel O'Neill.

CARTER
Yeah. I like to think we have a special relationship.

MALA
I hope to one day have a special relationship.

CARTER
Oh! No, no it's not like that.

MALA
Like what?

CARTER
Oh, uh, we aren't, you know, we don't…

MALA
I was speaking of the mutual respect you share.

CARTER
I knew that.

[Carter coughs, embarrassed.]

EXT—A'KTYL

[Ishta and Teal'c continue their conversation.]

ISHTA
I am from a world unlike yours Teal'c, where women aren't held in such high regard. My husband was a warrior of high station in Molloc's imperial guard. I was but one wife of many, still, as temple priestess I was afforded many luxuries to make up for my mistreatment.

TEAL'C
What has become of your husband?

ISHTA
He was killed in battle, against a rival Goa'uld.

INT—SGC INFIRMARY

[Mala talks to Carter.]

MALA
I was once a temple handmaiden. I fell in love with a young palace guard. Our relationship was forbidden because of our station. When it was discovered that I was to have his child, Moloc sentenced my beloved to death, and sacrificed my daughter before my eyes.

CARTER
I'm so sorry.

EXT—HA'KTYL

[Ishta confides in Teal'c. They stand very close to each other.]

ISHTA
When will the Goa'uld's thirst for conquest and bloodshed end?

TEAL'C
When they are all dead.

EXT—HA'KTYL VILLAGE

[A group of children play blind man's bluff. They laugh together, while in the background adults take care of the daily chores. Nesa comes and sits down on a log. She looks pensive.]

DANIEL
You okay?

[Nesa looks up at him.]

NESA
My sister says I shouldn't talk to you.

[Daniel comes to sit beside her.]

DANIEL

You don't have to. I'll just sit here for a while.
(pause)

I'm Daniel.

[She steals a glance in his direction, then quickly looks away. He looks over at her]

DANIEL
I wasn't talking to you.

NESA
Who were you talking to then?

DANIEL

No one.
(pause)

So how are you?

NESA

(sighs)

I feel tired.

DANIEL
Who you talking to?

NESA
No one.

[Daniel nods, and Nesa smiles. She looks at his face.]

NESA
What are those on your face?

DANIEL
Uh, they're called glasses. They help me see better.

NESA
Why would you need to see better?

DANIEL
Because my eyes don't see as well as they should.

[Nesa looks at them again.]

NESA
How do they work?

[Daniel takes them off and puts them on her face.]

NESA
These make your sight worse.

[She hands them back to Daniel, who puts them on.]

DANIEL
Yeah, well they work differently for different people.

NESA
Perhaps you are in need of a symbiote.

DANIEL
Yeah, I'll just stick with the glasses.

NESA
Neith has told me that your people don't approve of our use of symbiotes for healing.

DANIEL
Well, it's a little more complicated than that. I just think there's a better way.

NESA
Neith does not want me to participate in your experiments.

DANIEL
I know.

NESA
Soon I will require a symbiote.

DANIEL
You don't sound very happy about that.

NESA
I will become a great warrior like Neith.

DANIEL
You know you can do that without a symbiote.

NESA
I can?

DANIEL
Mm-hmm. But, um, you didn't hear that from me.

[He smiles.]

INT—ISHTA'S TENT

[Ishta and Teal'c have just finished a meal. Ishta pours Teal'c a drink from a large jug. The tent is filled with candlelight.]

ISHTA
Have you nothing to say?

TEAL'C
I have spoken more in two days than I have in many years.

ISHTA
(softly)

And so you are done?

[They exchange long lingering glances in the silence.]

TEAL'C
Perhaps I should take my leave.

[Ishta looks as if she id going to let him go, then she stops him for rising.]

ISHTA
Thoughts of your wife still linger, that's understandable. But she's been gone now for over a year. There is no sin in taking comfort in another lonely soul, if you wish.

[She moves forward, and they kiss.]

INT—SGC INFIRMARY

[A nurse attends Mala, then draws a curtain across as she leaves. Carte and Fraiser discuss her progress.]

FRAISER
Mala's the only one not responding. Her white blood cell count is way down. If this keeps up she'll go into sepsis.

CARTER
What can you do?

FRAISER
Continue to increase the tretonin levels. But she's already at double the doses of the others. I want to put her in isolation.

[Carter nods]

FRAISER
We had no guarantees going in. Some would say an 80% success rate isn't bad in a trial like this.

CARTER
Not in the minds of the Jaffa.

FRAISER
We're not dome yet. We haven't even begun to explore the reasons why it might not be working in Mala.

CARTER
We need this to work.

FRAISER
I know.

EXT—HA'KTYL VILLAGE

INT—DANIEL'S TENT

[Daniel is lying on his bed, asleep. Someone points a staff weapon at him at point blank range, and readies it for firing. The noise wakes him, and he rolls over to see the end of the weapon about two inches from his face.]

DANIEL
Morning.

[Neith is holding the weapon. She is very angry and upset.]

NEITH
You had no right to speak to her.

DANIEL
I'm sorry.

NEITH
I saved her from her birthright, and it will be the symbiote I procure that will save her once again. I've already lost two sisters, and I will not lose another one!

DANIEL
Okay, okay, you lost two sister, I'm sorry.

NEITH
Ishta was able to save me, but she couldn't save the next two girls sired by my father. He was a Jaffa stationed high in the imperial guard. I swore that when I came of age no more of my sisters would die. When I heard that my mother had given birth to yet another female, I know what I had to do.

DANIEL
You should be proud of that.

NEITH
My father discovered the rouse Ishta and I used to keep Nesa away from the fire. I had to kill him so we could escape.

[Daniel looks quickly at the staff weapon still two inches from his head.]

DANIEL
Well, don't you want to give Nesa a chance to live free of the Goa'uld?

NEITH
Not. Your. Way.

[She closes the staff weapon, the noise of which makes Daniel jump a little. Neith leaves.]

INT—SGC INFIRMARY

[Mala's vital signs are shown on a monitor. Nurses in the isolation room wear face masks, as does Carter as she talks to Mala.]

MALA
You've moved me away from the others because you did not wish to frighten them.

CARTER

(shaking her head)

The truth is, you're not doing so well. You're more susceptible to infection in your condition.

MALA
How are the others responding to treatment?

CARTER
Good, very good.

[An alarm starts to sound, and Mala's breathing becomes very laboured.]

CARTER
Janet?

[Fraiser and a nurse come over.]

NURSE
Her BP is 60 over 40.

FRAISER
Give her Avolis.

[Fraiser checks the monitors. Mala continues to struggle to breathe.]

FRAISER
We have to put her symbiote back.

[Mala grabs Carter's arm.]

MALA

(gasping for breath)

Do not.

CARTER
If we don't you could die.

MALA
This must work if my people are to be free. If I continue to be enslaved by the Goa'uld I carry I am as good as dead.

[She pauses to try and breathe.]

MALA
Please.

[Carter looks up at Fraiser. Fraiser looks back. Mala lies back on the bed.]

EXT—HA'KTYL VILLAGE

[Neith faces a group of warriors]

GINRA
You challenge Ishta?

NEITH
She is no longer fit to lead us. She consorts with Teal'c. Her judgement has been clouded.

KA'LEL
Our sisters have risked their lives for the experiment. Do you see no benefit if it works?

NEITH
Even if the tretonin works, it merely places our dependence on the humans of Tau'ri-

WARRIOR 2
Whom you also do not trust.

NEITH
Who is to say their intentions are pure. Their leaders are men, they wish to sap our strength with this drug.

KA'LEL
We are safe here at the moment, but if Moloc ever learnt that we were behind the raids on his Jaffa-

NEITH
Our freedom lies on dominance over the Goa'uld. We must fight, so that we may use their symbiotes to our advantage. Only then will we control our own destiny. I wish to know, is I am to challenge Ishta's leadership, who will follow me?

[The warriors consider for a moment. Another warrior enters, walking through the group to Neith.]

WARRIOR
Neith! You must come quick, it is Nesa.

[They leave.]

INT—SGC INFIRMARY

[Mala is unconscious. She has a nasal tube to help her breathe. Fraiser wheels in a glass chamber, with Mala's symbiote inside.]

FRAISER
I'm not waiting any longer.

[A nurse opens the top of the glass chamber, and Fraiser retrieves the symbiote. She places the symbiote inside Mala's pouch, with Carter looking on. O'Neill and Hammond watch from the observation deck, O'Neill squirming a little.]

CARTER
How long before we see some improvement?

FRAISER
Not long, I hope.

[Mala starts to gasp for breath again, and the lines on the monitor go flat. An alarm sounds.]

FRAISER
She's coding! Start CPR, let's intubate. Give me 1 milligram epi, prep for defib!

[Carter, Hammond and O'Neill watch as Fraiser's team start moving frantically about, trying to rescue Mala.]

INT—NEITH'S TENT

[Nesa is lying on her bed, with Neith gently stroking her hair.]

NEITH
Be strong, sister. I will not fail you.

[She leaves.]

EXT—HA'KTYL

[A group of warriors rush through the edges of the viallge. Daniel and Teal'c watch them pass.]

TEAL'C

(To the crowd)

What is happening?

WARRIOR

(on horseback)

Neith has claimed Jon es say ko!

INT—SGC CONTROL ROOM

[Carter contacts Daniel and Teal'c through the radio.]

CARTER
Daniel, Teal'c, this is Sam, come in.

EXT—HA'KTYL

[Daniel and Teal'c are rushing through the forest, following the crowd. Carter's message comes over the radio. Daniel stops to answer the message, while Teal'c goes ahead.]

DANIEL

(into radio)

Yeah, go ahead Sam, it's me, Daniel.

CARTER

(over radio)

We have some bad news.

DANIEL
Uh, things aren't going that well here either, what's up?

INT—SGC CONTROL ROOM

CARTER
It's Mala.

EXT—HA'KTYL

[Realisation dawns on Daniel's face.]

EXT—HA'KTYL TRAINING GROUND

[Neith falls to the ground. A staff weapon to readied for firing and pointed at her face. It is clear there has been a fight. Ishta is holding the weapon. The crowd have made a ring around the outside.]

TEAL'C

Ishta!
(pause, then louder)

Ishta!

ISHTA
You dare intervene! She challenges me. It is my right!

TEAL'C
It is your right to grant mercy.

DANIEL

(shouting)

Excuse me!

[He runs into the ring, out of breath.]

DANIEL
Uh, look, I know this is not a good time for this, there never really is for something like this-

ISHTA

(still pointing the weapon and glaring at Neith)

Speak!

DANIEL
Mala's dead.

ISHTA
What?

[All those present are clearly shocked.]

DANIEL
I'm sorry.

ISHTA

(obviously upset)

How?

DANIEL
The tretonin wasn't working. When they tries to reintroduce her symbiote…Look, I just want you to know, the other women are fine.

NEITH
See what your weakness has brought. Nesa is in need of a symbiote.

[Ishta withdraws her weapon, and offers her hand to Neith.]

ISHTA
She shall have one!

[Neith takes Ishta's hand, gets up, and takes the staff weapon. She leaves. Ishta goes to follow her, but is stopped by Teal'c.]

TEAL'C
Do not make this mistake. Moloc will not allow this to continue.

ISHTA
You give me no choice.

TEAL'C
How many warriors have to die?

ISHTA
Our sisters in your care will be returned safely. Or the two of you will be sacrificed!

[She storms off.]

ISHTA
Kree shal Moloc!

[Teral'c and Daniel turn round to find at least six warriors pointing staff weapons at them. The rest leave with Ishta.]

INT—HA'KTYL TENT

[Teal'c and Daniel are inside a tent, discussing options. Teal'c paces the room.]

DANIEL
Look, I know you want to stop Ishta and the gang, but even if we could get out of here, we don't know where they went.

[The tent opens, and Ka'lel and two other warriors enter.]

KA'LEL
Come with me.

[She leaves. Daniel and Teal'c look at each other, then follow.]

INT—NEITH'S TENT

[Ka'lel leads them into Neith's tent, where Nesa lies. Daniel looks to Ka'lel for an explanation.]

KA'LEL
She insisted.

NESA
I do not wish for someone else to die so that I might live. I do not want to take a symbiote.

[Daniel goes to sit on the edge of her bed. He clears his throat.]

DANIEL
Did you talk to your sister?

NESA
She would not listen. It is my right to decide, is it not?

DANIEL
I'm not sure. It should be.

NESA
What happened to Mala?

DANIEL
We don't really know. We do know that it was partly a reaction to her own symbiote. It shouldn't happen to someone who was never implanted.

NESA
And the tretonin worked in others, did it not?

DANIEL
Yes.

NESA
I wish to try it.

DANIEL

(nods)

Okay.

TEAL'C
Do you know where Ishta and Neith have gone?

NESA
No.

KA'LEL
I do.

[Teal'c and Daniel look at Ka'lel. She leaves, and Teal'c bows to Nesa before leaving as well. Daniel gets up and is the last to leave.]

EXT—ALIEN PLANET

[Jaffa lie scattered, dead and dying. Female warriors pick up staff weapons. Ishta and Neith survey the scene.]

ISHTA

(to warriors on the ridge behind her)

Shel nok anree!

WARRIOR
En vada!

ISHTA

(to Neith)

We have been fortunate this day. More have died than needed to.

NEITH
We have saved the life of my sister.

[Ishta approaches one of the dying Jaffa. She removes her dagger from it's sheath, and is about to remove the symbiote when the Jaffa speaks to her.]

JAFFA

(stuttering with pain)

Shal…k-kek…nem ron

[Ishta freezes. Neith notices.]

NEITH
Is the symbiote too near maturity?

[She comes over.]

NEITH
What is wrong?

ISHTA

(obviously shocked and upset)

This Jaffa has the same wish for freedom as do we.

NEITH
Then he should not fought along those that follow Moloc.

[In the distance an injured Jaffa raises his head. A staff weapon lies within his reach.]

ISHTA
How many others? that might have been our allies have we killed today?

NEITH
I will do it myself!

[She takes the knife from Ishta. The Jaffa in the distance has picked up the staff weapon, and shoots Neith in the back. Ishta turns round, pointing her weapon at the Jaffa.]

ISHTA
NO!

[He prepares to fire again, at Ishta, but is zatted by Teal'c, who runs over to Ishta with Daniel and Ka'lel close behind.]

DANIEL
You okay?

ISHTA
She is severely wounded. Her symbiote is damaged as well.

[Ishta picks up the dagger again, but Teal'c grabs her wrist.]

TEAL'C
Ishta, you have a choice.

[Ishta turns to look at Teal'c, anger filling her eyes. It begins to melt away though, turning to grief. She drops the dagger, and allows Teal'c to hold her.]

INT—SGC INFIRMARY

[O'Neill and Carter watch Neith from the observation deck. Fraiser monitors her vitals. Ishta and Teal'c look on from the end of the bed.]

FRAISER
I don't know how much longer I can keep her alive. If we're going to administer the tretonin, it's now or never.

TEAL'C

(to Ishta)

You must speak to her.

[Ishta moves up, and leans over Neith.]

ISHTA
Neith.

[Neith opens her eyes, and looks around. She then looks at Ishta.]

ISHTA
Your symbiote is dying.

NEITH
You must procure another.

ISHTA
No. Those ways are over.

NEITH
Then you sentence me to death.

ISHTA
I ask you to choose life.

[Neith looks away. Ishta stands up.]

ISHTA
She will not listen to me.

[Daniel and Nesa enter.]

DANIEL
Well maybe she'll listen to her sister.

[Nesa goes to stand next to Neith.]

NESA
Please, Neith.

NEITH
You betrayed me.

NESA
No. You betrayed me. Since before I can remember, you have taught me to believe in our freedom. You said that you would do anything so that you might protect. One day I will be a great warrior like you, but I am not yet. I still need you. I have chosen to live free. You must choose to take the tretonin if you are to continue to teach and protect me. Please, I do not wish you to die.

[Neith slowly raises her hand, and gently strokes Nesa's face. She nods, and Nesa smiles, bending down to embrace her sister. Neith steals a glance at Daniel.]

INT—SGC GATEROOM

[The stargate spins as it dials the address for Ha'ktyl. SG-1 are lind up on one side of the ramp, with Neith, Nesa, Ka'lel and Ishta on the other side, facing them.]

NESA

(To Daniel, opposite her.)

Will you come and visit?

NEITH
My sister's developed quite an affection for you.

[Nesa nudges Neith, embarrassed.]

NESA

(whispering)

Neith.

[She glances up, smiling at Daniel, who smiles back. Teal'c can't resist a smile.]

ISHTA
We are grateful to our new friends. On behalf of the Ha'kytl, I'd like to express our thanks.

CARTER
Our medical team will be checking in on a regular basis. Be sure to take note of any symptoms that could a side effect of the tretonin.

KA'LEL
You have trained us well in the use of the medicine.

ISHTA
The food and supplies you have provided will go far.

O'NEILL
Well, if there's anything else you need, anything, just give us a call. Send us an email.

ISHTA
Just that not so many moons go by before we see you again.

[Teal'c and Ishta draw into an embrace and kiss each other. O'Neill doesn't seem to notice that Ishta was not talking to him.]

O'NEILL
Oh, don't worry, I'm sure we'll be in…

[The gate activates, and O'Neill notices the passionate embrace of Teal'c and Ishta.]

O'NEILL
…touch.

[Carter and Daniel look slightly embarrassed and leave the gateroom together. Neith and Nesa smile, turn around and head up the ramp. O'Neill raises his eyebrows, then nods and leaves as well. Teal'c and Ishta finish their kiss and Ishta walks up the ramp, leaving Teal'c at the base of the ramp, alone. At the top she turns and bows, before entering the wormhole. The wormhole disengages.]

FADE OUT

END CREDITS

Transcribed by Wallace for Stargate SG-1 Solutions 22nd October 2004

Related Articles

• Previous: 7.09 "Avenger 2.0" Transcript
• Next: 7.11 "Evolution Part 1" Transcript
• Transcripts
• Season Seven Transcripts
• Episode Guides

Related Links

Official

• Official MGM Stargate SG-1 Website
• SciFi Channel 7.10 "Birthright" Episode Guide

Fan

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

---

--Helen 17:44, 23 Oct 2004 (PDT)