4.19 "Prodigy" Transcript
Episode Guide
Précis
Carter takes a brilliant young cadet under her wing on a mission to a remote planet inhabited by unique electric beings that resemble a swarm of fireflies. But when the creatures suddenly turn aggressive, SG-1 will need the cadet's brainpower to help them escape with their lives.
Guide | Transcript
Transcript
TEASER
INT—SGC, PAN INTO GENERAL HAMMOND'S OFFICE
[O'Neill walks up and knocks on the door.]
HAMMOND
Come in.
O'NEILL
General, I'd like to talk to you about this mission upon which we are about to embark. Seems a bit…ridiculous don't you think?
HAMMOND
Have you met General Ryan?
RYAN
Hello, Colonel.
O'NEILL
The General Ryan? Chief of Staff?
RYAN
That's right.
O'NEILL
Shouldn't there have been a memo or something?
HAMMOND
You were off world.
O'NEILL
Ahh yeah. So what brings you to our little secret base, Sir?
RYAN
hat would be the ridiculous mission you just mentioned.
O'NEILL
Of course.
HAMMOND
I'm proposing N4C862 become a permanent research station. I'd like you to make an assessment.
O'NEILL
The General Ryan?
RYAN
I've read a lot about you Colonel, from General Hammond's reports.
O'NEILL
Yes, Sir?
RYAN
Thus far we like your work.
O'NEILL
Thank you Sir. I like yours. Your Air Force. The Air Force. I love the Air Force.
HAMMOND
Anything else Colonel?
O'NEILL
No Sir. Well actually I'd like to know how Daniel and Carter got out of this…very important mission?
HAMMOND
Dr. Jackson is offworld with SG-11. Major Carter is giving a lecture at the Air Force Academy in theoretical astrophysics. If you'd care to take her place?
O'NEILL
No.
HAMMOND
Then you're dismissed.
O'NEILL
Thank you Sir. Sirs. Si…Both of you.
[O'Neill leaves.]
RYAN
Got your hands full with that one, eh George?
INT—AIR FORCE ACADEMY
[Close up on whiteboard covered in mathematical equations. Carter is giving a lecture.]
CARTER
…so as a result of these modular functions, the unwanted variables are always expressed as multiples of N minus 10. Therefore if we assume the existence of 10 dimensions in space-time, the variables are cancelled out and the calculations suddenly begin to make sense.
CADET
Excuse me ma'am. Did you say 10 dimensions?
CARTER
Yes I did. Look, I realise these concepts are a little bizarre and that many of you cadets would rather be somewhere else right now, jump school, flight training. Believe me I know. I used to sit in those chairs and listen to the same boring lectures. No offence Professor.
[The students laugh.]
CARTER
But on the other hand, the aerodynamics that are one day going to allow you to fly an F-22, started out as squiggles on a board just like this one. These calculations are the key to opening up the entire universe. Wormholes and hyperspace may seem like science fiction, but take my word for it, the future is a lot closer than you might think.
[The students clap. Students start to leave the lecture hall. One student, Hailey, walks around to look at the whiteboard as Carter is packing her things, talking to the Professor.]
CARTER
Guess that wasn't so bad.
PROFESSOR
No, no you actually made the topological configurations of multiple dimensions seem interesting.
HAILEY
This is wrong.
PROFESSOR
What's that Cadet?
HAILEY
I'm sorry Sir but the calculations are incorrect.
PROFESSOR
I appreciate your enthusiasm Cadet, but perhaps you should wait until you graduate before you start criticising the work of a leader in the field of astrophysics.
HAILEY
Yes Sir, of course. My apologies Ma'am.
CARTER
Who was that?
PROFESSOR
Jennifer Hailey. Very intelligent but er, difficult personality.
CARTER
Well she's right.
PROFESSOR
Really?
CARTER
These variables should be reversed.
PROFESSOR
I didn't even notice.
CARTER
Neither did I.
EXT—OFFWORLD
[A temporary camp and laboratory is set up in the sandy foreground. Trees and woodland visible beyond. the sky is purple and there are two moons. It's daylight.]
[O'Neill and Teal'c approach a small group of soldiers.]
GRIFF
Colonel.
O'NEILL
Major. Report.
GRIFF
Well we've got a pretty thrilling week. Two days Dr Thompson lost his glasses. And just this morning the electron microscope broke down.
O'NEILL
Wow.
GRIFF
Yeah. Nonstop excitement.
O'NEILL
Well, we'll take it from here. You're relieved.
GRIFF
Sir.
HAMILTON
Major Griff?
GRIFF
Dr Hamilton?
HAMILTON
Do you realise that we still haven't received those parts for the back up generator?
GRIFF
I put the requisition in three days ago.
HAMILTON
Well that's just not good enough. We obviously need to have a serious talk about our supply procedure.
GRIFF
Well unfortunately Doctor, I've just been relieved. But…I'm sure Colonel O'Neill would love to discuss it with ya.
O'NEILL
Love is the word.
HAMILTON
Colonel O'Neill is it? I don't know if this is a military thing generally, or just Major Griff's incompetence but I can't seem to get anything I ask for.
[O'Neill and Hamilton walk off.]
EXT—AIR FORCE ACADEMY. SOLDIERS ON PARADE
INT—GENERAL'S OFFICE
[Carter knocks on the door]
KERRIGAN
Come. Samantha, Sam. Good to see you again come in, sit down, sit down.
CARTER
It's good to see you again, Sir, thank you.
KERRIGAN
Well, well, well. So, how was the lecture?
CARTER
Well no one fell asleep.
KERRIGAN
Very impressive.
CARTER
Thank you Sir. I did have an interesting encounter with one of your cadets. Jennifer Hailey.
KERRIGAN
Caught your eye did she? I thought she might.
CARTER
She pointed out a mistake in a complex equation that changed the result completely. I couldn't believe it.
[Kerrigan hands Carter a report entitled 'Towards a New Cosmology of Multiple Realities.']
KERRIGAN
Here, give this a read. Once you brush the chip off her shoulder, she reminds me of another bright young cadet who came through here a few years back.
CARTER
I've no idea who you're talking about Sir.
KERRIGAN
Cadet Hailey is a very smart young woman, her SATs were through the roof, even higher than yours. Unfortunately she's sometimes too smart for her own damn good.
CARTER
Professor Monroe said she has discipline problems.
KERRIGAN
The kid's bored. Came here for a challenge but it's not enough for her.
CARTER
Not enough? This is just the beginning of her career, how could she possibly know what's ahead for her.
KERRIGAN
I know, but she doesn't see it, Sam. Don't get me wrong, I see her potential, her physical skills are terrific despite her size, she's an expert marksman, superb glider pilot but that's not all there is to becoming an Air Force officer. If she keeps insisting on doing things her own way then..
CARTER
I'd like to talk to her, if that's okay?
KERRIGAN
I was hoping you'd say that.
EXT—OFFWORLD
[Scientists Hamilton and Lee are talking outside the lab next to a MALP]
HAMILTON
Who said that?
LEE
He did.
HAMILTON
Oh for…
[Hamilton walks over to O'Neill who is sitting on some crates looking through binoculars.]
HAMILTON
Colonel O'Neill, Dr Lee tells me you've denied our request to conduct a survey of the cave network.
O'NEILL
No. I just asked him to wait until I could have a chance to check it out.
HAMILTON
With no regard to our timetable?
O'NEILL
None what so ever.
HAMILTON
Colonel, what exactly do you expect to find in there?
O'NEILL
Look Doctor, this is another planet
HAMILTON
Actually it's a moon. We're orbiting that gas giant.
O'NEILL
Oh well, if it's a moon, go ahead, do whatever you want, what could happen?
HAMILTON
Colonel, this outpost has been up and running for six weeks now without the slightest hint of anything remotely dangerous.
O'NEILL
You can explore the caves once they've been checked out. Any more pressing matters?
HAMILTON
None what so ever.
[Hamilton walks away muttering]
O'NEILL
Oh yeah.
INT—AIR FORCE ACADEMY LAB
[Hailey is working on a neon lazer-type beam. Carter walks in.]
CARTER
It's beautiful, isn't it?
HAILEY
Major Carter.
CARTER
At ease Cadet. Getting in a little extra lab time?
HAILEY
Yes ma'am.
CARTER
I wanted to talk to you about the term paper you did for Professor Monroe. 'Towards a New Cosmology of Multiple Realities' It's an interesting topic.
HAILEY
Professor Monroe gave me a D.
CARTER
Because it wasn't the assignment.
HAILEY
Permission to speak freely ma'am?
CARTER
Hmm.
(nods)
HAILEY
The assignment was lame.
CARTER
Maybe it was, but it was the assignment.
HAILEY
You read it anyway?
CARTER
Matter of fact I did. It's intriguing.
HAILEY
The same word Professor Monroe used.
CARTER
Maybe because that's what it is. An intriguing idea. But it's based on way too many unfounded assumptions to make a valid theory. For example you assume matter can travel both ways through an open wormhole.
HAILEY
So?
CARTER
So how do you know?
HAILEY
Well until somebody shows me a real wormhole that can only go one way…
CARTER
That's not the point, you made an assumption.
HAILEY
What about your assumption Major? That you're the one that's right and I'm wrong.
CARTER
Cadet, that paper is way, way beyond anything you're likely to be taught at the Academy. And if you want points for it, hey, we're all impressed. It doesn't mean you don't do the assignment.
HAILEY
I'm late for a class, ma'am. Am I dismissed?
CARTER
Yes.
[Hailey leaves the room]
EXT—OFF WORLD. IN THE WOODLAND
[O'Neill and Teal'c walking. O'Neill contacts Hamilton on the radio]
O'NEILL
Hamilton?
EXT—INSIDE THE TEMPORARY RESEARCH LAB
HAMILTON
Colonel O'Neill. How are the caves?
EXT—O'NEILL AND TEAL'C WALKING IN THE WOODLAND
O'NEILL
Dark.
HAMILTON
No subterranean monsters I assume?
O'NEILL
Not this time. Go ahead and do your survey.
HAMILTON
Thank you.
[O'Neill ends the radio conversation]
TEAL'C
You seem disappointed we found nothing O'Neill.
O'NEILL
No it's just you know I wanted him to be wrong just so he'd be wrong. And if he was wrong then we'd have something to do.
TEAL'C
I see.
[There is a noise. Teal'c and O'Neill stop walking and listen.]
O'NEILL
You hear something?
TEAL'C
Indeed.
[They look around. A tiny gold glowing light flies out of the woodland, around them before zipping off through a tree. They watch it.]
TEAL'C
I have never before encountered anything like it.
O'NEILL
Cool.
INT—AIR FORCE ACADEMY, INSIDE AN EMPTY LECTURE HALL
[A Professor is working at a table at the front. Carter walks into the hall and down towards him.]
PROFESSOR
I didn't realise you were still here.
CARTER
I wanted to talk to you about Cadet Hailey's paper.
PROFESSOR
Sam…
CARTER
Look, at first I agreed with you it just didn't add up. But there was something about it that kept nagging at me. I finally figured out what it was. The equations don't make sense unless you allow for variations in the speed of light.
PROFESSOR
Which is a universal constant.
CARTER
Not if you expand the frame of reference to include multiple universes. That's where this paper comes in. I think without even realising it, Cadet Hailey intuitively arrived at a whole new way of looking at cosmology.
[Carter starts to write on the whiteboard.]
CARTER
Under certain special circumstances what we would see as an effect preceding a cause would in fact be an effect following a cause in a parallel reality.
PROFESSOR
That's assuming that parallel realities occasionally overlap.
CARTER
I'm fairly confident that that's the case.
PROFESSOR
Really, why? I know she's got to you, but I think you're trying hard to see something that isn't there.
CARTER
All right. Even if this theory ultimately proves to be incorrect, you have to admit that it's a brilliant insight.
PROFESSOR
Jennifer Hailey is no longer our problem.
CARTER
What do you mean?
PROFESSOR
She got into a fight this morning with another Cadet. As fond as General Kerrigan is of her, he'll have to expel her.
EXT—OFFWORLD
[Scientists are walking out from the temporary lab]
SCIENTIST 2
Are you sure this is such a good idea?
HAMILTON
Hey I didn't come half way across the galaxy to wait for permission to do my job.
SCIENTIST 2
But Colonel O'Neill..
HAMILTON
Colonel O'Neill doesn't have a clue what we're trying to accomplish here, he's too busy polishing his M-16.
[The scientists walk past the crate where O'Neill and Teal'c are sitting watching them.]
O'NEILL
Actually it's a P-90.
[The scientists turn, caught.]
O'NEILL
You boys going somewhere?
HAMILTON
Ahh, yes, we're going to go see if we could find that creature you encountered.
O'NEILL
Apparently you didn't hear me the first time I told you clearly, and in no uncertain terms, not the heck yet.
SCIENTIST 2
You know, if your description is correct we're talking about something that can pass right through solid matter.
O'NEILL
Yes and therefore logically we have no defence against it.
HAMILTON
This is typical military thinking. You encounter something you don't understand and you immediately assume it's a threat.
O'NEILL
Well, until we determine there is no threat, I will assume there is one. Do we have a problem here?
HAMILTON
Colonel, with all due respect. Really. When I agreed to this assignment I was under the impression that I was going to be in charge.
O'NEILL
You are in charge. Of the other scientists.
HAMILTON
That you think you are even qualified to decide what we can and cannot do around here is…
TEAL'C
Colonel O'Neill is indeed qualified, Dr Hamilton, having encountered many alien species, as have I long before you were born. I strongly suggest you do what Colonel O'Neill says.
O'NEILL
Thank you, Rocko. Boys, we'll be in touch.
[O'Neill walks past the scientists towards the woodland. Teal'c follows.]
EXT—AIR FORCE ACADEMY, INSIDE THE GENERAL'S OFFICE
[Kerrigan is facing the window, then turns to face Carter as he speaks.]
KERRIGAN
Cadet Hailey was helping to train an underclassman named Chloe Brown who is having problems with her physical fitness tests. Apparently one of the cadre made a derogatory comment about the young lady. Cadet Hailey told him to knock it off.
CARTER
And when he didn't?
KERRIGAN
She broke his nose.
CARTER
She what?
KERRIGAN
I can't let that go, I don't give a damn how smart she is.
CARTER
She was defending a fellow classmate.
KERRIGAN
I know.
CARTER
I'm not asking for her to go unpunished, Sir. But if she's even half as brilliant as I think she is, we don't wanna lose her.
KERRIGAN
We're not here to make advancements in theoretical physics, we're here to defend this country.
CARTER
I understand that Sir but they're not mutually exclusive goals.
KERRIGAN
Can I assume you're referring to your research project up at Cheyenne Mountain?
CARTER
You can.
KERRIGAN
Deep space radar analysis, isn't it?
CARTER
Something like that Sir, yes.
KERRIGAN
Umm. Well, I don't know what it really is you're working on inside that mountain but I do know if you've got something to do with it, it's high priority.
CARTER
Well thank you, Sir, it is. And believe me when I tell you Cadet Hailey is exactly the kind of person we need.
KERRIGAN
She'll have to be punished.
CARTER
As she should be Sir. But I don't think she's about to go on a rampage beating up upperclassmen.
KERRIGAN
Send her in.
[Hailey walks in and salutes.]
HAILEY
Sir, Cadet Hailey reports as ordered.
KERRIGAN
At ease. Major Carter?
CARTER
Cadet, I'd like to ask you a few questions. Answer honestly.
HAILEY
Yes, ma'am.
CARTER
Who the hell do you think you are?
HAILEY
Ma'am?
CARTER
You think you're better than we are? You think you're too good for the Air Force?
HAILEY
No, ma'am.
CARTER
Oh, come on, all those little rules and regulations, they don't really apply to you right? I mean let's face it, what's the point of a chain of command if none of your superiors are as smart as you are?
HAILEY
I don't feel that way, ma'am.
CARTER
Oh, I think you do. And I think deep down you wanna leave. Let me do you a favour. The door's open, why don't you just quit and go home?
HAILEY
No, ma'am. I won't quit.
CARTER
I'm just giving you the chance to walk out before General Kerrigan throws you out.
HAILEY
I won't quit.
CARTER
Good.
KERRIGAN
Cadet Hailey, as far as I'm concerned you've demonstrated a remarkable inability to be a functioning member of the United States Air Force. But Major Carter has a future in mind for you and I respect Major Carter's opinion. Although the rest of your punishment stands I'm not recommending dismissal.
HAILEY
Thank you, Sir.
KERRIGAN
You may go.
[Hailey salutes then leaves]
KERRIGAN
Good luck.
EXT—OUTSIDE AIR FORCE ACADEMY
INT—ACADEMY CORRIDOR
[Carter walks along with Hailey. They stop and face each other.]
CARTER
What were you thinking breaking the nose of an upperclassman like that?
HAILEY
Aim high?
CARTER
That's not funny.
HAILEY
No, ma'am, you wouldn't think so would you?
CARTER
What's this got to do with me?
HAILEY
Everything. The great Samantha Carter. You think a day goes by in this place when I don't hear your name? You've gotten the highest mark in every class I've ever been in; you've won every award I've ever been up for. They've been comparing me to you since the day I walked through the door and I never quite seem to measure up.
CARTER
That's it? What, so for the first time in your life you come to a place where you are not automatically the smartest and best at everything you do? Get over it. There are important things at stake.
HAILEY
You've got my future all planned out as long as I stay here?
CARTER
If you're good enough.
HAILEY
Like what? Flying a transport plane if I'm one of the lucky ones? I don't see this exciting future you're talking about Major.
CARTER
Something more incredible than anything even you could imagine.
HAILEY
Yes, ma'am.
[Hailey walks off. Carter turns to her.]
CARTER
Cadet. Believe me.
EXT—OFFWORLD, MOON CLOSE IN SKY
INT—INSIDE RESEARCH LAB
[Hamilton and the scientists are examining test tubes.]
HAMILTON
Science is about questioning the status quo. Questioning authority. Now how can we do that when the greatest scientific discovery in human history is in the hands of the United States Air Force?
SCIENTIST 2
Oh my God.
[A tiny glowing light is hovering near the ceiling. Hamilton sees it. It flies between them.]
SCIENTIST 2
The camera
HAMILTON
The camera, get the camera, get the camera.
[The light flies around Hamilton then outside. The scientists chase it. It flies around then vanishes.]
HAMILTON
Come on.
[The scientists run after it into the woodland.]
SCIENTIST 2
(into radio)
Colonel O'Neill.
[O'Neill and Teal'c walking through the woodland]
O'NEILL
Go ahead.
SCIENTIST 2
We just encountered another one of the creatures. We're following it into the forest as far as we can.
O'NEILL
Let's go.
[In a clearing, the scientists are standing watching the light 'bugs'. One of the scientists has a video camera.]
HAMILTON
Incredible.
[There are more of the light bugs. Hamilton walks towards them. Into the swarm.]
[O'Neill and Teal'c run into the clearing.]
O'NEILL
Hamilton, what are you doing?
[Hamilton is standing among them.]
HAMILTON
You see Colonel, they're harmless.
[Hamilton laughs]
EXT—STOCK SHOT OUTSIDE MOUNTAIN
INT—BOARD ROOM
[Hailey is standing in the office looking around.]
INT—GENERAL HAMMOND'S OFFICE
[Hammond is watching HAYEY through the glass. Carter is with him.]
HAMMOND
Major, this is a high security area.
CARTER
I know that Sir, but she's already checked out security and signed the non-disclosure form.
HAMMOND
What did you tell her she was going to see?
CARTER
Deep space radar telemetry.
HAMMOND
Are you absolutely sure about this Major?
CARTER
General, she is a perfect candidate for the SGC.
HAMMOND
Her file says otherwise.
CARTER
I've met her Sir, she is brilliant.
HAMMOND
Not everyone is cut out to be an Air Force officer Major.
CARTER
Sir if she can just get one glimpse of her possible future she will graduate at the top of her class and become an officer worthy of serving under your command. I am absolutely sure about this Sir.
INT—SGC CORRIDOR
[Carter and Hailey walking, geared up for offworld travel. Sound of Gate klaxon]
HAILEY
I don't understand, we're underground, where could we possibly be going?
CARTER
You'll see. What you're about to see is probably the best kept secret in the world.
HAILEY
You're making me nervous.
CARTER
Good. Because from this point on everything you thought you knew about the universe is about to be turned upside down.
[They stop outside Gate room door.]
CARTER
You ready?
[Door opens. They walk into the Gate room. Gate is dialling.]
HAILEY
What is it?
CARTER
It's your future. It's called a Stargate.
TECH DAVIS
Chevron 7 locked.
[The wormhole appears into the room and Hailey jumps.]
CARTER
You're looking at the event horizon of a wormhole connecting this Stargate to another identical one on another world 42 thousand light years from Earth.
HAILEY
That's where we're going?
CARTER
That's right.
HAILEY
How?
CARTER
That's the easy part. Come on.
[They step through the Gate.]
EXT—OFFWORLD IN THE EMPTY GATE
HAILEY
What was that? What just happened?
CARTER
Your body was particalised in the matter stream and then reintegrated.
HAILEY
So this is another planet?
CARTER
It's a moon actually.
HAILEY
Doesn't look that different from home.
CARTER
Well where there's oxygen there's usually plant life, trees, water, there are a couple of differences.
[O'Neill walks up to them.]
O'NEILL
Hey Carter. Thought I'd come be your welcoming committee.
CARTER
Thank you Sir. How are you?
O'NEILL
Ah well the back's acting up a little actually, the knees, you know always…
CARTER
Sir, I'd like you to meet Cadet Hailey.
O'NEILL
Cadet. Welcome to 862. How was your trip?
HAILEY
It was a…a trip. Sir.
O'NEILL
It always is.
(To Carter)
I got something you should see.
[Carter, O'Neill and Hailey approach the lab.]
INT—RESEARCH LAB
[Carter and Hailey look at a light bug trapped in a container. O'Neill and Teal'c sit behind them.]
CARTER
What is it?
HAMILTON
We're not sure but we think it's some kind of energy based life form.
HAILEY
That's impossible.
HAMILTON
Yeah, that's what we thought but one of them led us directly to the others, which suggests organisation, some kind of intelligence. They also appear to be able to phase through solid matter.
O'NEILL
Yeah, Teal'c and I saw one zip right on through a tree. Didn't even slow it down.
HAILEY
That's so cool.
O'NEILL
Exactly what I said. I said that.
CARTER
If that's the case, what's keeping it inside this cylinder?
HAMILTON
That was Dr. Lee's idea. The top and bottom plates are electrified. The field seems to be holding it in.
HAILEY
You're not hurting it are you?
HAMILTON
The creature has no physical body, I don't think it's capable of feeling pain.
CARTER
But if it's intelligent it might not appreciate being held in a cage.
O'NEILL
Might be time to let this one go Doc.
HAMILTON
Colonel, no, please, we need to study it.
O'NEILL
Find another way.
[Hamilton releases the light bug. It vanishes through the ceiling.]
EXT—PLANET
[The scientists are walking through a woodland clearing, talking via radio.]
HAMILTON
Hey Bill, come in. Any sign of the swarm?
DR THOMPSON
Nothing yet. Looks like they just disappeared.
HAMILTON
They got to be around here somewhere. Try checking for high frequency spikes.
DR THOMPSON
You got it.
[A light bug approaches him.]
DR THOMPSON
Oh, hey there. We're your friends. Woah, easy, I'm not going to hurt you.
HAMILTON
Bill, you getting anything on the high frequency?
[A light bug goes through Dr Thompson's hand. More light bugs appear, swarm around]
[EXT—PLANET-HAMILTON'S LOCATION]
HAMILTON
Bill, come in.
DR THOMPSON
Arrrghhhh.
[EXT—PLANET-THOMPSON'S LOCATION]
[He is lying on the ground being attacked by light bugs flying around and through him. He is covering in red marks. Hamilton runs into the clearing, Scientist 3 reaches for him.]
HAMILTON
Oh God.
[Hamilton runs away.]
EXT—OUTSIDE RESEARCH LAB
[Hailey approaches Teal'c.]
HAILEY
Teal'c. Do you mind if I call you Teal'c?
TEAL'C
I have no other name.
HAILEY
So I'm guessing you're not…
TEAL'C
Human? Then your guess is correct.
HAILEY
Then is this your planet? I mean moon.
TEAL'C
It is not. My home world is called Chulak.
HAILEY
Your world? Wait a second, how many places does the Stargate go?
TEAL'C
The Stargate network is composed of a great many worlds.
HAILEY
Are you serious?
[Hamilton runs up.]
HAMILTON
Colonel O'Neill! Colonel O'Neill! Colonel O'Neill! Help! Colonel O'Neill!
[O'Neill and Carter run out from the lab]
O'NEILL
What?
HAMILTON
It's Dr. Thompson. Those things are attacking Dr. Thompson.
O'NEILL
Where?
HAMILTON
Back in the clearing where we first encountered them.
O'NEILL
Carter, get them inside. Teal'c with me.
CARTER
Go, go, go.
[O'Neill and Teal'c run into the woodland. They find Dr Thompson. He's obviously dead]
INT—RESEARCH LAB. CARTER IS DRESSING HAMILTON'S WOUNDS
[O'Neill bursts inside.]
O'NEILL
Hey! Just what about my radio transmission did you not understand? Let's go.
CARTER
Just finishing up Sir.
HAMILTON
What about Dr. Thompson?
O'NEILL
He's dead. Let's move.
EXT—PLANET
[They all run outside lab.]
HAMILTON
Colonel. Colonel, we don't know what happened out there, this might be an isolated incident; the creatures may have been provoked.
O'NEILL
Maybe. Let me ask you this, why take a chance?
TEAL'C
O'Neill.
[In front of them is a massive swarm of light bugs]
O'NEILL
All right, back inside.
[They all run inside.]
INT—LAB
TEAL'C
These walls will not protect us O'Neill.
O'NEILL
Carter, we've got about 15 seconds.
CARTER
I don't know Sir, zats maybe?
O'NEILL
Maybe?
CARTER
Well I just got here. Zats deliver an electrical charge; they're the only weapon I can think of that we have that might have an effect.
O'NEILL
All right, everybody get down.
[Carter, Teal'c and O'Neill activate zat gun. Light bugs enter the lab and swarm Hamilton. Teal'c shoots Hamilton. The light bugs vanish.]
[They all close the metal slats at the windows]
CARTER
We've wired up the aluminium walls of this building, when we switch on the current it might create enough of an electrical field to keep them out the same way Dr. Lee's containment vessel kept them in.
EXT—PLANET
[Swarm of light bugs outside]
TEAL'C
They are returning.
O'NEILL
Light it up.
CARTER
Stand clear of the walls.
[Carter switches on the electrics]
HAILEY
It's working.
CARTER
As long as we've got power we're safe.
SCIENTIST 2
How long do you think the generator will keep running?
HAMILTON
I'm not. I'm not sure.
O'NEILL
You're not sure? Who refuelled it last?
HAMILTON
Dr. Thompson. I'm sure he filled it sometime this morning.
SCIENTIST 2
We don't know that.
HAMILTON
That would give us another 8 or so hours.
TEAL'C
But you cannot be certain.
SCIENTIST 2
No.
O'NEILL
All right, where is it?
HAMILTON
It's on the other side of the compound. Down by the creek.
SCIENTIST 2
Basically it could run out at any time.
[Carter, O'Neill and Teal'c are studying an aerial view plan of the area.]
O'NEILL
Carter?
CARTER
I think I may have a way out of here Sir. The creatures are being held back by the electrical field around the building. What we need to do is create a field big enough to repel them from the entire area.
O'NEILL
Yeah?
CARTER
The Stargate, Sir. It's a giant superconductor. Once activated, the field it generates would be more than enough.
O'NEILL
So someone's got to go down there and dial out.
TEAL'C
Anyone attempting to reach the Stargate would most certainly be killed.
CARTER
Not necessarily. Now the human body has an electrical field of its own. Do you remember what happened when Dr. Hamilton was hit by Teal'c's zat fire? The creatures must have left his body because his body's electrical field was temporarily altered.
O'NEILL
How long would it last?
CARTER
I don't know Sir.
HAILEY
Shoot him again.
TEAL'C
A second shot from a zat'nik'tel kills.
CARTER
It's just a guess Sir. I'm not even sure you would make it to the Gate before you were vulnerable again.
O'NEILL
Hey why'd they attack in the first place?
CARTER
I suppose it's possible they were reacting to the capture of one of their own.
HAILEY
That's not it.
O'NEILL
What?
HAILEY
I've been going over Dr. Thompson's astronomical observations. Did you know this moon wasn't even formed from the original accretion disk of the planet?
O'NEILL
No. But I suspected.
HAILEY
Dr. Thompson thinks it was a rogue that got pulled into an eccentric polar orbit. A planet's magnetic field eminates from the poles, it's where it's the most intense. According to Dr. Thompson's observations, we entered into the polar phase of the orbit a couple of days ago, about the same time the creatures were first encountered. And they became violent right at the moment we were directly over the pole.
CARTER
It's possible Sir.
O'NEILL
Go on.
HAILEY
Well we're beyond the point of peak intensity. If we wait, the creatures will go back to the way they were before.
O'NEILL
How long would that take?
HAILEY
A couple of hours, no more than that.
TEAL'C
The generator will most likely not last that long.
HAILEY
We'll hold them off with those phaser things.
O'NEILL
(to Carter)
What do you think?
CARTER
Well Sir, if I'm right and their behaviour is retaliatory, waiting will just make things worse.
HAILEY
You're not right. I am.
CARTER
You don't know that Cadet.
HAILEY
We know the creatures are affected by electric fields. You think it's just a coincidence they happened to go beserk just as we're passing over the pole?
CARTER
Do you think it's a coincidence that they attacked us en masse immediately after one of their own was captured? Sir, we can't both be right, the theories are mutually exclusive. Now there's certainly evidence to support both but not enough to reach a conclusion.
HAILEY
Colonel, please don't just dismiss what I'm saying just because you expect her to be right.
O'NEILL
It doesn't matter who's right, Cadet.
HAILEY
Colonel, you're risking your life for nothing.
O'NEILL
Decision's made.
[O'Neill walks off.]
HAILEY
How can it not matter who's right?
CARTER
If he makes a run for the Gate, he's risking his own life. If he waits, he risks everyone's life. He can't do that.
[O'Neill is getting ready.]
O'NEILL
As soon as I get the Gate open, head straight for it. Don't bring anything with you.
HAMILTON
Oh no we can't leave behind weeks of research.
O'NEILL
Carter, if he so much as brings a file folder, shoot him.
CARTER
Yes Sir.
TEAL'C
Are you ready O'Neill?
O'NEILL
No. Give me a warning.
[Teal'c activates a zat and aims at O'Neill]
TEAL'C
I am going to shoot you.
O'NEILL
I was thinking more along the lines of on three. One.
[Teal'c shoots O'Neill with the zat. O'Neill collapses to the floor]
O'NEILL
Two. I said on three. God.
[Teal'c and scientists 2 help O'Neill to his feet]
[Teal'c hands O'Neill a zat]
TEAL'C
Good luck O'Neill.
O'NEILL
Wish me luck.
CARTER
Good luck Sir.
O'NEILL
Thank you. Go.
[O'Neill starts running out of the lab, towards the Gate.]
[Carter switches the power back on in the lab.]
EXT—PLANET]
[O'Neill is running through the undergrowth chased by a swarm of the light bugs.]
[O'Neill stops. Light bugs swarm around him but don't attack. O'Neill is at the Gate and approaches the DHD.]
O'NEILL
I'm at the Gate. I'm going to start dialling.
[O'Neill starts to dial the chevrons in. As he dials Chevron 4 the light bugs start to attack him and he falls to the floor after several attempts to keep dialling]
CARTER
(over radio)
Colonel! Colonel!
[A zat blast scatters the light bugs. Teal'c is standing with a zat]
TEAL'C
Quickly O'Neill.
[O'Neill finishes the dialling sequence. The Gate activates. The light bugs vanish into the woodland.]
O'NEILL
I'll never complain about mosquitoes again.
EXT—PLANET STARGATE
[They are all at the Gate.]
SCIENTIST 2
We owe you our thanks Colonel.
O'NEILL
I s'pose.
HAMILTON
And I owe you an apology.
O'NEILL
I suppose you do.
[The scientists, O'Neill and Teal'c go through the Gate. Carter and Hailey stop in front of the event horizon.]
HAILEY
Is it always like this?
CARTER
No, sometimes it gets really exciting.
HAILEY
Will I ever find out which one of us is right?
CARTER
If you stick around long enough, maybe. Besides there's always other planets.
HAILEY
It's a moon.
CARTER
Okay, you're right about that.
Transcript by Kira Rothery, revised by Elfin for Solutions, 07 Mar 03
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--Kylie Lee 05:00, 7 Jul 2004 (PDT)