5.17 "Failsafe" Transcript
Episode Guide
Précis
As an asteroid hurtles toward Earth, SG-1 uses an abandoned Goa'uld ship as a launch pad for a megabomb that's designed to explode the rock before impact. But when SGC loses the ship's signal, it's feared that the team is dead and Earth is in devastating peril.
Guide | Transcript
Transcript
TEASER
EXT—A FOREST CLEARING NEAR A POND, DAY
[A Winnebago camper truck is parked next to a pond filled with lily pads. There is a large telescope set up next to the camper and a smaller one a short distance away. A young man is speaking into a cell phone. There is a beagle tethered to the camper.]
TELESCOPE GUY
(agitated, pacing)
No. Listen to me, now. If you can't confirm my observations then you must have the coordinates wrong because there is definitely something up there.
(listens for a moment)
For the tenth time, it is in Cassiopeia. Declination sixty-one degrees, six minutes; right ascension two hours, forty-eight minutes.
(listens)
Well, that's impossible.
(listens)
Yes, I'm sure!
(listens)
Listen. Listen. I am not some crackpot phoning in a UFO here. I happen to be the cofounder of the Northern Susquenita County Amateur Astronomy Society, and I've been tracking this thing for three nights. Now whatever it is, it is very big, it is very close and I am not going to shut up about his until—
[He turns toward the sound of vehicles as the beagle barks. Two black Suburbans arrive via a dirt path. Four USAF officers and two men in black suits get out of the trucks and walk toward him.]
TELESCOPE GUY
(into phone)
Nevermind.
EXT—CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN, DAY
INT—SGC BRIEFING ROOM
[Carter is briefing the rest of SG-1 and Hammond. She is standing in front of a large view screen with an image of an asteroid.]
CARTER
This image was generated based on satellite observations made over the last few hours. The asteroid has an irregular shape, but we've calculated its length from end-to-end to be approximately 137 kilometers.
O'NEILL
(to Daniel)
I've seen this movie. It hits Paris.
CARTER
Actually sir, it will strike somewhere in the Artic Circle. Probably Greenland or the Barents Sea.
DANIEL
And nobody knows this but us? How is that possible?
[The screen changes to show a view of the solar system.]
CARTER
Well the asteroid was actually discovered by a civilian who has since been 'persuaded' to keep it quiet. The reason no one else has detected it is that the object's path is highly atypical. It's a rogue well outside the plane of the solar system occupied by the planets and the asteroid belt. In fact, it's a fluke that anyone saw it at all. We got lucky.
DANIEL
I don't see how in any conceivable way this is lucky.
CARTER
Well, if this had happened seven or eight years ago, there'd be nothing we could do about it. The Stargate opens other options for us.
O'NEILL
A little help from our friends?
CARTER
Yes, sir.
TEAL'C
Perhaps the Tok'ra could be of assistance.
HAMMOND
Unfortunately, they've been on the run since the Goa'uld attacked their base at Ravanna. We've already sent a message asking for their help, but so far there hasn't been any reply.
O'NEILL
The Asgard owe us a favor.
DANIEL
We could contact them through the K'tau, through their Hall of Wisdom.
TEAL'C
According to the treaty with the Goa'uld, the Asgard cannot prevent natural disasters from occurring on protected planets.
O'NEILL
Hey, the Goa'uld tried to make the Tollan send a bomb through the iris. Screw the treaty.
DANIEL
(to O'Neill)
Well, one of our allies will help.
CARTER
I hope you're right. Otherwise, in eleven days and sixteen hours all life on Earth will be wiped out.
END TEASER
OPENING CREDITS
INT—ASGARD CONFERENCE CHAMBER
[O'Neill is talking to the Asgard council via a holographic projection. Four Asgard are looking down at his image from their raised chairs.]
FREYR
I'm afraid the answer is 'no'.
O'NEILL
(in shimmering holographic form)
Come on guys, throw me a bone here!
FREYR
The Protected Planets Treaty leaves no room for interpretation.
O'NEILL
They tried to attack us.
FREYR
It was the Tollans who attempted to send the explosive device through your iris.
O'NEILL
By whose order?
ANOTHER ASGARD
The System Lords deny any knowledge of this incident.
O'NEILL
Of course they deny it!
A THIRD ASGARD
The Treaty does allow for the arbitration of such disputes. We would need to assemble a commission of inquiry consisting of equal numbers of Asgard and Goa'uld representatives. We would also need corroborating testimony from the Tollans.
O'NEILL
Yeah, now see that's going to be a problem, seeing as how they've been wiped out by the Goa'uld!
FREYR
That is unfortunate.
O'NEILL
And I suppose when Earth gets hit by that rock, and we're all wiped out that's going to be unfortunate too?.
FREYR
Very.
[O'Neill stares in disbelief.]
EXT—WORMHOLE
INT—SGC BRIEFING ROOM
[SG-1 and Hammond are seated at the table.]
O'NEILL
…and after that I kind of lost my temper.
HAMMOND
(perturbed)
What exactly does that mean?
DANIEL
Let's just say Jack made a reference to Freyr's mother.
HAMMOND
We'll discuss Colonel O'Neill's diplomatic shortcomings later. Right now, I'd like to know what options remain.
O'NEILL
I say we nuke it ourselves.
CARTER
We have sufficiently large-yield warheads to deflect it. But we don't have a multi-stage delivery system capable of reaching the asteroid in time.
DANIEL
Wait a minute; what about the cargo ship that Jacob and I crashed on Ravanna during the Goa'uld attack? That must still be there.
O'NEILL
In how many pieces?
CARTER
Well, our understanding of Goa'uld technology has improved quite a bit. We might be able to fix it.
HAMMOND
How much time?
CARTER
Given the right team, maybe a couple of days?
HAMMOND
I'll assign anyone you need Major.
[Cater nods.]
DANIEL
Assuming we can fix it, how long would it take to fly back to Earth?
CARTER
Ravanna's not exactly next door. Even pushing the engines past a hundred percent, it would take eight, nine days.
TEAL'C
Leaving little margin for error.
HAMMOND
Then let's get started. Dismissed.
[Everyone gets up, and Hammond walks toward O'Neill to speak with him privately.]
HAMMOND
Colonel, I have every confidence in SG-1's abilities. However, as a contingency, the President has ordered me to begin Alpha-team evacuations through the Gate. Major Davis will be arriving shortly from the Pentagon to coordinate.
O'NEILL
Yes, sir.
GENERAL
If Major Carter is unable to repair the cargo ship you will report immediately to the Alpha Site and assume command.
O'NEILL
(Look of concern)
General?
HAMMOND
No debates on this one, Jack. That's an order.
[Hammond walks away.]
O'NEILL
(quietly)
Yeah.
INT—SGC GATE ROOM
[The wormhole is open, and the klaxon is sounding. Various personnel are busily preparing equipment including a MALP, which has a large bomb attached to it. SG-1 enters, armed and dressed for the mission.]
CARTER
We're good to go sir.
O'NEILL
Teal'c, show 'em the way.
TEAL'C
(smiling and walking up the ramp, gesturing to the others)
This way.
DANIEL
(looking at bomb on MALP)
This, uh, big enough?
CARTER
Packs twelve hundred Naquadah-enhanced megatons.
DANIEL
And that's a lot?
CARTER
This is the most powerful warhead ever created, Daniel. It's the equivalent of one billion tons of TNT.
O'NEILL
(to Daniel)
That's a lot.
[Daniel nods sharply. O'Neill reaches out to Spellman, who is backing down the ramp with a metal case in each hand.]
O'NEILL
Hey! What are you doing?
SPELLMAN
Sorry, I can't do this. I can give you a list of some very good engineers.
[Carter and O'Neill walk him back up the ramp, with Daniel following.]
O'NEILL
Come on, Spellman. I do this every day.
SPELLMAN
That's probably because you don't actually understand what happens to your body when you go through this thing. I do.
CARTER
(tugging on his arm to get him to come through with her)
We need you for this mission.
SPELLMAN
It defies the laws of physics and you know it!
O'NEILL
Spellman, you're going.
[He gives a little yell as the both grab him by the arms and push him through.]
EXT—WORMHOLE
EXT—RAVANNA, DAY
[The Tok'ra cargo ship is resting partially embedded in mud. The engineers and SG-1 are walking toward it along a muddy path, the MALP moving next to them.]
INT—TOK'RA CARGO SHIP, MAIN CHAMBER
[The outer doors open and O'Neill, Daniel, Carter and the engineers enter, with the SG-1 members securing the area, P-90's at the ready. Teal'c guards the entrance.]
O'NEILL
It doesn't look so bad.
CARTER
(addressing engineers)
Okay, our first priority is auxiliary power. Then it's hyper drive and life support.
WEBBER
Right.
SPELLMAN
Is there a restroom? My first priority.
[Carter and the engineers leave.]
O'NEILL
Ah, they'll fix it up.
DANIEL
I'm confident.
O'NEILL
Me too.
TEAL'C
As am I.
EXT—SPACE
[The asteroid is tumbling through space as it heads toward Earth.]
INT—TOK'RA CARGO SHIP
[There is a montage of Carter and the engineers going about the repairs while Daniel reads from a notebook and O'Neill gazes at a glowing ball. At one point, Daniel is asleep against the side of the MALP. Spellman is working at a laptop on the MALP. Webber enters.]
WEBBER
I looked again. I still can't find it.
SPELLMAN
Did you check the guidance system?
TECH WEBBER
Twice.
CARTER
Okay, I guess we'll have to assume that there isn't one on board.
O'NEILL
One what?
CARTER
We're about ready to attempt and engine start, sir.
O'NEILL
Yeah, fine. Assume there isn't one, what?
CARTER
Recall device.
O'NEILL
(getting worked up)
The X-301? That was you guys?
TECH WEBBER
You have to admit it performed beautifully right up to the point where you and Teal'c were sent into deep space.
O'NEILL
(laughing sarcastically)
Yeah.
DANIEL
(sarcastic)
Nice work.
O'NEILL
Carter.
CARTER
Attempting engine start.
[She pushes a series of buttons around a console on the bridge. The ship starts to come alive then everything dies.]
O'NEILL
Carter?
[She tries again, and this time the power stays on. Teal'c smiles.]
CARTER
That's got it sir. We're good to go. I'll repair the remaining systems on the way.
(to engineers)
Once you get to the Ravanna Ggate, dial the Alpha Site. They'll be expecting you.
SPELLMAN
I think I speak for about six billion people when I say…good luck.
CARTER
(smiling and nodding)
You, too.
[The engineers leave the ship.]
O'NEILL
(to them as they leave)
I'm gonna want to talk to you guys.
CARTER
Teal'c, try to take it easy on the engines when we take off.
DANIEL
Why?
CARTER
Well I'm just slightly concerned that if we push them too hard, and they burn out before we reach escape velocity that…
(noting O'Neill's raised eyebrows)
…we'll come crashing back to the planet.
DANIEL
I'm confident.
O'NEILL
Me, too.
TEAL'C
As am I.
[Carter looks worried.]
EXT—CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN, DAY
INT—SGC GATE ROOM
[There is activity in the Gate room as people prepare to embark. Many have duffel bags.]
INT—SGC CONTROL ROOM
[Hammond descends the spiral stairs followed by Major Davis. Sgt. Davis is at the controls.]
MAJOR DAVIS
…I appreciate that sir, but if we don't hear from SG1…
SERGEANT DAVIS
I'm getting a message, sir. It's SG-1.
HAMMOND
(To Major Davis)
You were saying, Major?
SERGEANT DAVIS
The signal is being relayed through AF SATCOMM, sir. Audio only.
HAMMOND
Pipe it through, Sergeant.
SERGEANT DAVIS
Yes, sir.
CARTER
(over comm system)
…please respond.
HAMMOND
SG-1, this is General Hammond, please respond.
CARTER
(over comm system, then ON bridge of cargo ship)
Sir, this is Carter. We've just dropped out of hyperspace, and we should reach the asteroid in a few minutes.
HAMMOND
We're relieved to hear that Major. You sent those engineers to the Alpha Site ten days ago.
EXT—SPACE
[The cargo ship is flying in normal space.]
INT—BRIDGE OF TOK'RA CARGO SHIP
[Carter is in one of the pilot chairs, while O'Neill and Daniel wait in the background.]
CARTER
The ship's barely flying as it is, sir. We're lucky we made it this far.
HAMMOND
(over audio in ship)
Understood.
INT—SGC CONTROL ROOM
HAMMOND
Proceed with your mission.
[He gives Major Davis a look and leaves.]
CARTER
(over audio)
Yes, sir.
INT—BRIDGE OF TOK'RA CARGO SHIP
CARTER
All right. Thirty-nine minutes before impact, the asteroid will reach the fail safe position. Once it's past that point, it'll be too close to Earth for the explosion to deflect it.
(looks at her watch)
That leaves us three and a half hours.
DANIEL
So, we just drop off the bomb and, what?
[Carter turns on a holographic screen that shows a rotating graphic of the asteroid. Teal'c is seated in the other chair, piloting the ship.]
CARTER
Our scan shows that the asteroid is pot-marked with impact craters and fissures. We fly the ship into the deepest crater we can find at a right angle to its current trajectory. The crater itself should help direct the explosive force of the bomb like a rocket nozzle.
[As she speaks, the graphic illustrates the blast direction and its deflecting power. The other team members react with varying levels of worry.]
CARTER
When we're a few meters above the surface, we ring down the MALP with the bomb. Then we land and two of us go EVA.
[She turns off the screen.]
O'NEILL
(Gestures between himself and Carter)
That would be you and me.
CARTER
We walk the MALP down into one of the fissures of the bottom of the crater to focus as much of the blast as possible. We set the timer, and then we get out of there.
O'NEILL
(smiling dubiously)
Piece of cake.
CARTER
There is one other thing. We're about to pass through the Leonids. It's a cometary trial that Earth passes through periodically. The shields should help protect the ship, but anyone caught outside is going to have to find cover—fast.
[Th ship groans loudly and shakes.]
O'NEILL
What was that?
TEAL'C
I'm having difficulty with the sub-light engines.
[The ship shakes further and there is loud rumbling.]
DANIEL
(looks up then looks to Teal'c)
Yes, you are.
CARTER
Sir?
[She leaves the bridge. O'Neill slaps the panel next to Daniel and follows.]
INT—CARGO SHIP ENGINE ROOM
[Carter opens a panel, and slides out a drawer with colored crystals. O'Neill is standing behind her.]
O'NEILL
What is it?
CARTER
(shining penlight over crystals)
We're building up an overload in the control systems.
O'NEILL
Backups?
CARTER
(shaking her head)
We don't have any.
[There is a large electrical discharge from the crystals. Carter yells in pain and falls to the floor. O'Neill drops immediately to her side.]
INT—SGC CONTROL ROOM
SERGEANT DAVIS
Sir, we just lost SG-1's signal.
HAMMOND
(into microphone)
SG-1 this is Hammond. Do you read me? SG-1, please respond.
[Sgt. Davis shakes his head as Hammond and Major Davis exchange worried looks.]
INT—CARGO SHIP ENGINE ROOM
[O'Neill helps Carter to sit up. She appears disoriented.]
O'NEILL
How's the head?
[Teal'c enters.]
TEAL'C
The sub-light engines have shut down.
[O'Neill looks up with concern]
INT—BRIDGE OF CARGO SHIP
DANIEL
Big asteroid problem here!
[Daniel sees the asteroid looming very large in the front viewscreen. It is rotating quickly and growing closer. The others walk onto the bridge.]
CARTER
Try using maneuvering thrusters to slow us down.
DANIEL
I am. It's not working.
[Daniel gets out of the pilot seat so Teal'c can sit in it. He moves to the co-pilot seat.]
TEAL'C
Daniel Jackson is correct. Manuevering thrusters appear to be insufficient.
CARTER
They're all we've got.
INT—SGC CONTROL ROOM
MAJOR DAVIS
(to Hammond)
Sir? Deep space tracking still has a fix on the ship, but we show them approaching the asteroid way too fast.
INT—BRIDGE OF CARGO SHIP
[The ship is still dropping quickly to the rotating asteroid.]
O'NEILL
(concerned)
Any time now.
TEAL'C
Thrusters are in full reverse, O'Neill.
CARTER
We're coming in a lot faster than we should be.
DANIEL
Yes, we are.
CARTER
Faster than we should with thrusters that at maximum. Ninety meters per second. Eighty. This rate of deceleration isn't gonna cut it. We're gonna hit.
EXT—SPACE NEAR ASTEROID
[The cargo ship moves nose down into a deep crater, rather than hitting the highest surface.]
INT—BRIDGE OF CARGO SHIP
O'NEILL
(surprised they didn't crash)
What happened?
CARTER
We're inside a deep crater. Fifty meters per second. Forty. Thirty.
EXT—SURFACE OF ASTEROID
[The ship decelerates rapidly, rotates, and comes to rest hovering just above the surface at the bottom of the crater.]
INT—BRIDGE OF CARGO SHIP
[Teal'c and Daniel are amazed and confused.]
CARTER
We stopped descending.
INT—SGC CONTROL ROOM
MAJOR DAVIS
(into microphone)
No, I understand. Thank you.
(worried, to Hammond)
Sir? We just got a message from NASA. According to their latest calculations, SG-1 has crashed into the asteroid's surface at over sixty meters per second.
HAMMOND
Do they have confirmation?
MAJOR DAVIS
No, sir. It's an estimate based on the ship's last known position and trajectory.
HAMMOND
(desperately)
Any chance of survivors?
[Sergeant Davis looks at Hammond with deep concern before looking to Major Davis.]
MAJOR DAVIS
(shakes head)
At that velocity sir, it's… very unlikely.
(standing and walking over to Hammond)
Sir, if this is true, and the mission is down… We're out of options. It's time to call the President.
[Sergeant Davis looks on in disbelief as the Major and General exchange resigned looks.]
EXT—SURFACE OF ASTEROID
[Ship hovering safely over surface of the bottom of the crater]
INT—BRIDGE OF CARGO SHIP
CARTER
(walking in)
The sub-light drive is down.
TEAL'C
As are shields and communication.
DANIEL
It might be easier to list what is working.
O'NEILL
The bomb?
CARTER
Is good to go, sir. If it comes right down to it, we can detonate it right here. What's our position?
DANIEL
Well, personally I'm against it. If you want to know where the ship is, we're about five meters above the surface at the bottom of the crater.
TEAL'C
The rings will be functional at that distance.
CARTER
Alright. Here goes.
[She opens a control panel, activates the rings and sends the bomb, on its platform, to the surface.]
O'NEILL
Let's suit up.
INT—CARGO AREA OF SHIP
[He and Carter walk to the cargo area. She bends over to open a container and becomes dizzy, putting a hand to forehead. O'Neill walks over and helps her to stand.]
O'NEILL
Carter? You all right?
CARTER
I'm fine, sir.
O'NEILL
Look. You took a pretty good shot. Why don't you sit this one out?
CARTER
(unconvincingly)
No, I'm fine, really.
O'NEILL
Teal'c and I can handle it.
CARTER
(disappointed)
Yes, sir.
EXT—CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN, DAY
INT—HAMMOND'S OFFICE
[Hammond is speaking on his red phone.]
HAMMOND
No, sir, there's been no response on the radio. But if they crashed, there should have been visible evidence. We've found nothing. Now frankly sir, if SG-1 survived and they managed to complete their mission, then no one needs to know any of this ever happened. If not, then there's nothing anyone can do that will make the slightest bit of difference. Going public now would only serve to create panic.
(pauses listening)
Yes, sir, I know how you feel. My place is here. Thank you, Mr. President.
INT—AIRLOK OF CARGO SHIP
[O'Neill and Teal'c are in pressure suits and enter the airlock from the ship. Teal'c closes the door behind them.]
TEAL'C
Depressurizing air lock.
[The air hisses out.]
CARTER
(via radio)
Sir, once you're off the ship you'll experience very little gravity, but the asteroid's surface is mostly iron and your boots are magnetized, so you shouldn't go spinning off into space.
O'NEILL
Oh, that's very reassuring there, Carter. Thank you very much.
TEAL'C
Depressurization complete. Opening outer door.
[He pushes more buttons and the outer doors slide open, revealing the MALP with the bomb, the wall of the crater they are in, and the Earth above the horizon. They exit the ship.]
EXT—SURFACE OF ASTEROID
O'NEILL
(taking remote from MALP)
I'll drive.
[The MALP begins to move, and they follow it along between the crater walls into a crevice.]
INT—BRIDGE OF CARGO SHIP
[Carter is working out something on her laptop as Daniel sits in one of the command chairs.]
DANIEL
What is it?
CARTER
Well, our approach to the asteroid was a lot faster then it should have been, even on thrusters only. I'm going to check something.
EXT—CREVICE ON SURFACE OF ASTEROID
[They reach a dead end in the crevice.]
TEAL'C
We can proceed no further.
O'NEILL
Then this will do.
[He sets the timer on the bomb to 2:00 hours and starts it.]
O'NEILL
Weapon is armed.
[They walk away, back in the direction they came.]
INT—BRIDGE OF CARGO SHIP
CARTER
Something's not right. The asteroid's gravitational field is way stronger than we thought.
DANIEL
So?
CARTER
Well, gravity is determined by mass, and mass is determined by size and composition.
DANIEL
So?
CARTER
So the core of the asteroid must be made up of something a lot heavier than nickel and iron.
[There is a loud thud outside the ship.]
DANIEL
So, what was that?
CARTER
We're passing through the Leonid's way sooner than I expected.
(urgently, into radio)
Colonel O'Neill what's your position?
EXT—SURFACE OF ASTEROID
[O'Neill and Teal'c are walking slowly.]
O'NEILL
We're almost out of the cave.
INT—BRIDGE OF CARGO SHIP
CARTER
(into radio)
Better stay where you are, sir. We're taking meteor hits.
[She pulls open a crystal drawer]
EXT—SURFACE OF ASTEROID
O'NEILL
Hey Carter, any chance of getting those shields in play here?
INT—BRIDGE OF CARGO SHIP
[There are numerous more impacts hitting the ship.]
CARTER
(into radio)
We're working on it, sir—stand by.
(to Daniel)
Daniel, try to re-route power from the hyper-drive. Bypass systems are all blown.
[Daniel moves to the center console. There is a loud impact and the sound of venting atmosphere.]
CARTER
Hull breech! We're venting atmosphere!
EXT—SURFACE OF ASTEROID
[As O'Neill and Teal'c walk, rocks start to fall from the sheer walls above them.]
O'NEILL
Carter… any progress on those shields?
CARTER
Stand by, sir.
INT—BRIDGE OF CARGO SHIP
[Daniel is soldering a piece of wire in order to create smoke. The smoke trails upward, showing the location of the hull breach.]
CARTER
That's it.
[There are more thumps and more hissing.]
DANIEL
And now there's two more.
EXT—SURFACE OF ASTEROID
O'NEILL
Carter, Daniel, this is O'Neill, please respond. Carter!
[They crest a small rise and see the ship sitting on the surface. They look very worried.]
TEAL'C
It appears the meteor storm has subsided.
[They lower their protective visors.]
O'NEILL
Go!
[They jog to the ship and open the outer airlock door.]
O'NEILL
Carter. Carter! Daniel! Report!
INT—AIRLOCK OF CARGO SHIP
[Teal'c closes the outer door as they life their outer visors.]
TEAL'C
O'Neill, these readings indicate zero atmosphere within the ship.
O'NEILL
Hull breach?
TEAL'C
If that is indeed the case, Major Carter and Daniel Daniel could not have survived.
O'NEILL
Open it.
[Teal'c nods and presses buttons to open the inner door.]
INT—BRIDGE OF CARGO SHIP
[They search the ship. Teal'c goes to the bridge of the ship and O'Neill to the cargo area. Teal'c brings up a schematic of the ship. O'Neill joins him on the bridge.]
O'NEILL
I got nothing, Teal'c.
TEAL'C
The hull has been damaged in several places.
[O'Neill looks around the bridge area and begins to head purposefully to the wall where the evacuation pods sit.]
TEAL'C
What are you considering, O'Neill?
[O'Neill pounds his boot against an evacuation pod three times, then puts his hand on it and feels as well as hears three responding thumps.]
O'NEILL
They're in the escape pods!
TEAL'C
I have identified the breeched areas of the hull. We can begin repairs immediately.
[O'Neill pounds his boot twice on a pod and feel/hears two thumps back before turning away.]
O'NEILL
All right.
INT—HAMMOND'S OFFICE
[Fraiser approaches and knocks on the door jamb.]
FRAISER
General?
HAMMOND
Doctor? Shouldn't you be off world by now?
FRAISER
I'm leaving with the next group, sir. Your name isn't on the list, sir.
HAMMOND
That's correct.
FRAISER
May I ask why?
HAMMOND
If that asteroid hits, the only chance for survival of the human race will rest with the Alpha site. We limited their number because they will have limited resources. Everyone will have to contribute.
FRAISER
(shakes head)
Your experience makes you more than qualified, sir.
HAMMOND
(smiles, chuckles and looks down)
I appreciate what you're trying to do, Doctor, but my decision is final.
FRAISER
Yes, sir.
INT—BRIDGE OF CARGO SHIP
[O'Neill is back in BDU's, pushing buttons to open the pods. He releases Daniel first then Carter. They take deep breaths and Carter heads straight to the front console and sits at her laptop.]
O'NEILL
Hey kids how you feeling?
DANIEL
Oh, not bad considering the circumstances.
O'NEILL
That's great. Let's go.
CARTER
Sir, I don't think we should leave just yet.
[O'Neill looks at Daniel in question.]
DANIEL
Don't look at me. Something to do with gravity or …something.
CARTER
It's too high, sir. Or at least it's higher than it should be. I need to reconfigure the ships sensors to determine what the core is made of.
O'NEILL
(sighing loudly)
Oh, here we go.
CARTER
I'm sorry, sir.
O'NEILL
Aww, come on! We came, we saw, we planted the bomb. We had a little fun with a meteor shower. We went home. It's a great story!
(looks from Daniel to Teal'c)
Isn't it?
[Teal'c looks away, and Daniel tries not to look at him directly.]
EXT—SPACE, NEAR EARTH
[The meteor is approaching, slowly tumbling through space.]
INT—BRIDGE OF CARGO SHIP
[Carter brings up a schematic image of the asteroid.]
CARTER
I was right.
DANIEL
This could be a problem.
TEAL'C
Indeed.
O'NEILL
I don't wanna hear it!
CARTER
Sir, the asteroid's core is composed almost entirely of Naquadah.
O'NEILL
(resigned)
Of course it is.
CARTER
It makes up about forty-five percent of the total mass.
DANIEL
Of course it does.
TEAL'C
Naquadah does not occur naturally in this solar system.
CARTER
Which is why I never even thought to look for it. Sir, this whole thing must have been a Goa'uld setup.
DANIEL
…to circumvent the Protected Planets Treaty with the Asgard. It's almost unthinkable.
O'NEILL
(to Daniel)
What?
CARTER
The Goa'uld brought the asteroid here and set it on a collision course to make it look like a natural disaster.
DANIEL
And they knew the only way we could stop it would be with a nuke.
[Carter nods.]
O'NEILL
So, what happens when that bomb goes off?
CARTER
Well, the explosion will be enhanced by the Naquadah probably to the force of a small nova. This close to the Earth, it would be enough to set the atmosphere on fire and boil the oceans.
O'NEILL
Okay, this was not in the movie!
DANIEL
And if we deactivate the bomb and the asteroid goes past the fail safe point, there's no turning back. Are you absolutely sure about this?
CARTER
Well, I can't be a hundred percent.
O' NEILL
We don't have a lot of choices here.
DANIEL
That's what I'm saying, we're damned if we do and we're damned if we don't. We need another option.
TEAL'C
The presence of the asteroid itself may be sufficient evidence of a treaty violation.
DANIEL
Right. The Asgard can intervene.
CARTER
We have no way to tell them.
O'NEILL
We do if you get that radio back on line. Teal'c, suit up.
EXT—SURFACE OF ASTEROID
[Teal'c and O'Neill exit the ship in their pressurized suits and begin jogging toward the crevice where they left the bomb.]
INT—BRIDGE OF CARGO SHIP
[Carter enters.]
CARTER
Okay, try it now.
DANIEL
(into radio)
Stargate Command, this is SG-1. Do you read? Over.
(pause)
Nothing.
CARTER
I don't know what else to do. The radio is working short range, but there's no way the signal can penetrate this much solid Naquadah.
EXT—SURFACE OF ASTEROID
[O'Neill and Teal'c running toward bomb only to discover it has been hit by a chunk of falling rock.]
O'NEILL
Ah, crap.
[O'Neill pushes buttons to stop the bomb after Teal'c removes the rock, but the countdown keeps going, reading just over four minutes to go.]
TEAL'C
The bomb has yet to be deactivated.
O'NEILL
(sarcastically)
I can see that, Teal'c.
[Pushes buttons again with no effect.]
TEAL'C
Perhaps the code is incorrect.
O'NEILL
Yeah.
(calls over radio)
Carter, come in.
INT—BRIDGE OF CARGO SHIP
CARTER
Go ahead.
EXT—SURFACE OF ASTEROID
O'NEILL
Confirm the deactivation code for me, will ya?
INT—BRIDGE OF CARGO SHIP
CARTER
Zero three three one zero three one zero.
EXT—SURFACE OF ASTEROID
[O'Neill enters that code.]
O'NEILL
Yeah, that's it. Nuthin'.
INT—BRIDGE OF CARGO SHIP
CARTER
Is there a problem, sir?
EXT—SURFACE OF ASTEROID
O'NEILL
Well, there was a cave in. It seems to have damaged the keypad. It's not accepting the code. Other than that, everything's fine.
INT—BRIDGE OF CARGO SHIP
CARTER
How much time is left exactly?
EXT—SURFACE OF ASTEROID
O'NEILL
Under three minutes.
INT—BRIDGE OF CARGO SHIP
CARTER
Sir, you're going to have to open up the bomb and deactivate it manually.
EXT—SURFACE OF ASTEROID
[Teal'c gets out a cordless screwdriver and hands it to O'Neill.]
INT—BRIDGE OF CARGO SHIP
CARTER
The first thing you need to do is remove the casing around the timer. There should be two screws.
EXT—SURFACE OF ASTEROID
O'NEILL
Yeah, I got 'em.
[He unscrews them and he and Teal'c remove the cover.]
O'NEILL
Got it.
INT—BRIDGE OF CARGO SHIP
CARTER
Now find the wires leading from the timer to the detonator and cut the red one.
EXT—SURFACE OF ASTEROID
O'NEILL
Carter… They're all yellow.
INT—BRIDGE OF CARGO SHIP
[Daniel looks at her in astonishment.]
CARTER
Say again?
EXT—SURFACE OF ASTEROID
O'NEILL
There are five wires, and they're all yellow. Maybe I should cut them all?
INT—BRIDGE OF CARGO SHIP
CARTER
Uh, the thing is sir, if you interrupt the wrong circuit, it's basically the same as telling the bomb that the timer has reached zero.
EXT—SURFACE OF ASTEROID
O'NEILL
Yeah, I knew that.
INT—BRIDGE OF CARGO SHIP
CARTER
I'm sorry sir, but you're just gonna have to cut them randomly.
EXT—SURFACE OF ASTEROID
O'NEILL
(disappointed)
Yeah, I knew that, too.
[Cuts middle wire, then bottom wire, then next to bottom wire]
INT—BRIDGE OF CARGO SHIP
CARTER
How's it coming, sir?
EXT—BACK OUTSIDE SHIP
O'NEILL
I've cut three. I've got two to go.
[Goes to cut the second wire to the top then stops, looking thoughtful.]
O'NEILL
You know, I'd like to take this opportunity to say that this is a very poorly designed bomb, and I think we should say something to somebody when we get back.
INT—BRIDGE OF CARGO SHIP
[Daniel closes his eyes and grimaces]
CARTER
I agree, sir.
EXT—SURFACE OF ASTEROID
[Timer shows eight seconds remaining. O'Neill cuts the top wire at last second and the timer stops. O'Neill lets out a halting breath.]
INT—BRIDGE OF CARGO SHIP
CARTER
Sir?
EXT—SURFACE OF ASTEROID
O'NEILL
We're still here.
INT—BRIDGE OF CARGO SHIP
[Daniel and Carter sigh with relief.]
INT—SGC GATEROOM
[Klaxons are blaring, and Fraiser and the last group are standing at bottom of the ramp to leave for the Alpha Site.]
INT—CONTROL ROOM
MAJOR DAVIS
Twenty seconds to fail safe.
HAMMOND
Still no word from SG-1?
SERGEANT DAVIS
(shakes head)
No sir.
MAJOR DAVIS
Ten seconds… asteroid has passed fail safe.
[Timer shows 38 minutes to impact with Earth.]
HAMMOND
Very well Major, Sergeant, take your positions with the last Alpha group. That's an order, Sergeant.
SERGEANT DAVIS
(getting up to leave)
Yes, sir.
MAJOR DAVIS
(expectant)
General.
HAMMOND
I haven't been relieved of this Command, Major.
MAJOR DAVIS
(Nods)
Yes, sir.
(They shake hands)
Good luck.
[Major Davis leaves.]
INT—BRIDGE OF CARGO SHIP
[SG-1 is gathered around the center console]
O'NEILL
We get communications back yet?
CARTER
Sorry, sir. We tried. The only way would be to pull the components we used to fix the hyper-drive. It would take hours.
O'NEILL
What, then?
DANIEL
Well we have a couple of options. Number one, we give up. We use what is left of power and life support to make it to the nearest unoccupied gate world. There's a small chance we'd make it. From there and we head to the Alpha Site.
O'NEILL
Number two?
DANIEL
We take off and hope that our radio signal can be picked up by the Asgard in time to inform then that this was a Goa'uld attack disguised as a natural disaster.
CARTER
There isn't enough time for that.
DANIEL
I know.
O'NEILL
(vaguely hopeful)
Is there a number three?
CARTER
There's no three.
DANIEL
Well, maybe there is. Teal'c, you said Naquadah wasn't native to our solar system.
[Teal'c nods.]
DANIEL
Now, which means that the Goa'uld must have towed it through hyperspace by ship.
TEAL'C
A mothership.
CARTER
Daniel, that's it!
O'NEILL
What's it?
DANIEL
(sighs)
We don't have a mothership.
CARTER
The effect only has to last a few seconds.
O'NEILL
What only has to last a few seconds? What?
CARTER
Choice three, sir. We expand the ship's hyperspace field to encompass the entire asteroid. We take it out of normal space long enough to avoid the collision with Earth.
[Daniel looks a bit doubtful.]
O'NEILL
(to Daniel)
Is there a four?
CARTER
I know it sounds farfetched, sir. And, well it is.
O'NEILL
You want to ride an asteroid through Earth?
DANIEL
Yes.
CARTER
To the outside observer, it would disappear on one side and reappear on the other. The problem is it would take every ounce of power we've got. The field would have to be expanded far beyond its usual envelope. It could cause the engines to explode.
O'NEILL
Explode?
CARTER
Even if we survive the engine overload sir, we wouldn't be able to take off again. We'd have a couple of hours of life support and that's it.
O'NEILL
But you think this is the best shot we have at stopping this rock?
CARTER
Yes, sir. I think so.
O'NEILL
Well, that's the plan, then.
EXT—SPACE NEAR EARTH
[The asteroid is getting very close.]
INT—SGC CONTROL ROOM
[Hammond looks at the countdown timer and walks out of the control room at one minute to go]
INT—BRIDGE OF CARGO SHIP
CARTER
(typing rapidly into keyboard)
I really need more time to make the calculations.
O'NEILL
(noting how close they are getting)
Well, Carter, now might be a good time.
CARTER
Almost.
DANIEL
Now?
CARTER
If I engage too soon, we'll reappear right inside the Earth.
O'NEILL
(looking outside view port)
Carter… I can see my house!
CARTER
Engaging hyper drive…now!
[She activates the hyper-drive]
EXT—SPACE NEAR EARTH
[The ship enters hyperspace and passes through Earth to the other side.]
INT—BRIDGE OF CARGO SHIP
CARTER
(smiling)
We're there.
TEAL'C
The navigational computer confirms we have emerged from hyperspace on the other side of the planet.
O'NEILL
(sees only stars through the viewport)
Yep, plan three… works every time.
EXT—SPACE NEAR EARTH
[The asteroid is moving away from Earth slowly.]
INT—HAMMOND'S OFFICE
[Hammond is on the red phone.]
HAMMOND
Yes, Mr. President. Yes, sir. Well, from what NASA and SATCOMM are telling me, it looks like the asteroid just disappeared.
(Pause)
I don't know sir. It may have been the Asgard. But it's my opinion SG-1 had something to do with it.
EXT—SURFACE OF ASTEROID
[The cargo ship sits inert on the surface.]
INT—BRIDGE OF CARGO SHIP
[Daniel and Teal'c are resting in the command chairs while Carter and O'Neill rest on the ground, O'Neill lying on his back.]
DANIEL
So, two hours of life support, then what?
O'NEILL
Hammond will find us.
DANIEL
I'm confident.
CARTER
Me, too.
TEAL'C
As am I.
[There is a strange electronic noise. O'Neill and Carter get up as a video screen pops up.]
TEAL'C
Sensors are picking up a vessel approaching. It appears to be another cargo ship.
CARTER
Goa'uld?
TEAL'C
I do not know. The ship is taking up position directly above us.
[A Tok'ra appears on the electronic viewscreen.]
JALEN
I am Jalen of the To'kra. We received your distress call and came as fast as we could. Can we render assistance?
O'NEILL
Well, you know, it's not like we don't have everything totally under control here, but… sure render away.
[The rest of SG-1 looks bemusedly at O'Neill.]
FADE OUT
END CREDITS
Transcribed for Solutions by Kenaf, January 2005; edited by Michelle, Feburary 2005
Related Articles
- Previous: 5.16 "Last Stand Part 2" Transcript
- Next: 5.18 "The Warrior" Transcript
- Transcripts
- Season Five Transcripts
- Episode Guides