7.21 "Lost City Part 1" Transcript

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7.21 "Lost City Part 1"

Episode Guide

Précis

In pursuit of the Lost City, Daniel leads SG-1 to an Ancient repository. Under fire from Anubis, Jack again takes the download of Ancient knowledge, knowing it's at the cost of his life. President Hayes removes Hammond from command and installs Dr. Elizabeth Weir, a civilian. Bra'tac arrives with news that Anubis and his forces are planning to attack Earth in three days.

Guide | Transcript

Transcript

TEASER

INT—O'NEILL'S BATHROOM

[A cryptic crossword has been torn from a newspaper and is taped to O'Neill's bathroom mirror. It has nearly all the answers filled in, but some remain blank. The mirror is steamed up. O'Neill wipes the steam off the mirror using a towel, and studies the crossword, his face covered in shaving foam.]

O'NEILL

(quietly)

Ummm…damn.

[He starts to shave. A mobile phone rings. O'Neill ignores it at first, continuing to shave and study the crossword. He nicks himself just under his nose, and answers his mobile phone.]

O'NEILL
What?

INT—DANIEL'S LAB

[Daniel is sitting at his desk, pen in hand, with books piled up around him, and his laptop open.]

DANIEL
Jack, I've been translating the ancient writing on the colonnade SG-2 discovered on P3X-439.

O'NEILL

(over the phone)

Daniel, I'll be there in half an hour.

DANIEL
It talks about a library of knowledge, Jack. I think the monument contains a repository of the ancients.

INT—O'NEILL'S BATHROOM

O'NEILL
Repository you say.

DANIEL

(over the phone)

Yeah, you know, that thing that grabbed your head, made you talk crazy, nearly killed you.

O'NEILL
Well, sounds like we should stay away then.

DANIEL
Well, considering what we know now, we should be able to find another way to access the information. Sam's been able to use Tok'ra crystals to, to find a way to transfer all kinds of different energies, I mean…

[Daniel's voice fades as O'Neill takes his phone, and washes it in the sink, as it has shaving foam on it. Daniel's voice can be heard bubbling up from under the water.]

DANIEL
We should go there as soon as possible.

[O'Neill lifts the phone to his ear again.]

O'NEILL
Yeah?

DANIEL
So?

O'NEILL
I'll be there in half an hour.

DANIEL
Okay, bye.

O'NEILL
No, no, no, wait, don't hang up. I need a seven letter word.

INT—DANIEL'S LAB

DANIEL
I told Sam I wouldn't help you.

INT—O'NEILL'S BATHROOM

O'NEILL
Well then this will be the one thing she doesn't know. Up, down, charmed, blank.

INT—DANIEL'S LAB

DANIEL
Strange.

INT—O'NEILL'S BATHROOM

O'NEILL

(obviously unimpressed)

N-yeah. Well, thanks anyway.

[He lowers the phone from his ear]

DANIEL

(over phone)

No, the word you're looking for—

[O'Neill disconnects the call. He washes his razor, unsticks the crossword, and leaves the bathroom.]

EXT—WASHINGTON DC STREET, DAY

[Doctor Elizabeth Weir leaves her house. She is on a mobile phone, with a hands free earpiece, and in an obvious hurry. She walks to the curb, and into the road, where a yellow cab is pulling up.]

WEIR

(on phone)

I know, I know, I couldn't get her off the phone. Well, I should be done by noon. Whatever it is, I'm sure it won't take long to say no. And then I'll be at Georgetown at 2 for my poli-sci class, and I'm speaking at the women's—

MAN
Taxi!

WEIR

in Washington, at 7, sorry Michelle, I gotta call you back, this guys gonna try and steal my cab. Sorry.
(to man)

Sorry, this is my cab, I called for a taxi ten minutes ago—

MAN

(In Russian)

Yeah, yeah, I called and I've been waiting for half an hour. So forget it, okay?

WEIR

(Pleading, in Russian)

I beg your pardon, I have a very important meeting.

MAN
As do I.

WEIR
I, I, I cannot be late, I'm going to the White House. I have to be there in 15 minutes, I'm meeting with the President.

[The man cocks his head, in disbelief.]

WEIR
Of the United States. Really, I am.

TAXI DRIVER
Hey!

[Dr. Weir looks in through the window.]

TAXI DRIVER
Is one of you going to get in or what?

[The man starts to get in. As does the woman. Behind her, a black limousine pulls up, and a man in a black suit gets out and approaches the woman.]

WEIR

Wait! Can I offer you a cab fare, wherever you need to go? Please?
(to Taxi driver)

Can you call this man another taxi?

SECRET SERVICE AGENT
Excuse me, Doctor Weir.

[The woman turns round at the mention of her name. The man gestures to the limousine.]

SECRET SERVICE AGENT
Please get in Ma'am.

[The woman turns back round to the Russian man and her taxi.]

WEIR

Uh…
(to man, In Russian)

Grab the taxi.

[She turns and gets in the limousine. In the limo is Vice President Kinsey, holding a small file. He looks serious.]

WEIR
Mr Vice President.

KINSEY
Doctor Weir.

[Kinsey look at the file he is holding. Doctor Weir looks slightly suspicious.]

END TEASER

OPENING CREDITS

EXT—WASHINGTON, DAY

[The limousine drives down Pennsylvania Avenue.]

INT—LIMOUSINE

WEIR
It wasn't necessary for you to pick me up, Sir.

KINSEY
I was on my way from the athletic club. Besides, there are very few people that could properly brief you for this interview.

WEIR
Uh, interview? I agreed to have just a meeting—

KINSEY

(interrupting)

How would you respond if I told you the Air Force is currently conducting top secret operations with an alien transportation device called the Stargate? It was discovered in the early 1900's in Giza, not too far from the Great Pyramids.

[Weir initially listens with a serious expression on her face, but then starts to smile.]

WEIR
Is this a joke?

[Kinsey takes a slip of paper from the file he is holding, and hands it to Weir.]

WEIR
What is it?

KINSEY
A note from the President.

[She opens it, and reads "This is not a joke." It is signed by President Henry Hayes. The realisation suddenly hits her. Kinsey hands her the file.]

KINSEY
You might want to read this.

[Weir flips open the file, and studies it intently.]

WEIR
Oh my God.

EXT—CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN

INT—SGC ELEVATOR

[O'Neill and an airman ride in the elevator. O'Neill continues to fill in the crossword. The airman looks over at the crossword, looks at O'Neill and shakes his head. The elevator stops at level 28, and both of them get out. Daniel, Carter and Teal'c are in the corridor, waiting for O'Neill. Daniel taps his watch as O'Neill emerges from the elevator. O'Neill stops and looks at them.]

O'NEILL
How long have you been waiting there?

DANIEL
You said half an hour an hour ago.

CARTER
General Hammond's waiting.

[O'Neill walks towards Carter, hands her the crossword, smiles and walks towards the briefing room.]

O'NEILL
Excuse me.

[Carter, Daniel and Teal'c follow. Carter looks at the completed crossword.]

CARTER
The fate of the world is hanging in the balance, and you've been sitting in your truck, finishing this?

O'NEILL
I believe it was double or nothing.

CARTER
Okay, 23 across, the atomic weight of boron. The answer is ten.

O'NEILL
Yes.

CARTER
You write the word fat.

[She folds up the crossword, and hands it back to O'Neill, who snatches it back.]

O'NEILL
Your point?

[SG-1 enter the briefing room, where SG-3 are already waiting.]

O'NEILL
Harper, Reynolds.

REYNOLDS
Jack.

[SG's 1 and 3 stand behind their seats.]

CARTER
SG-3 spotted a Goa'uld reconnaissance drone while on the planet where they found the colonnade. Since that obviously means the Goa'uld were aware of its existence, SG's 3 and 5 will be providing back-up. If General Hammond approves the mission.

[O'Neill seems a little distracted.]

O'NEILL
What mission?

[Hammond enters the briefing room from his office.]

HAMMOND

Good morning, SG-1.
(to O'Neill)

Nice of you to join us.

O'NEILL
Good morning, Sir.

[Hammond sits down, and the rest take their seats.]

HAMMOND
I've read Doctor Jackson's report on his translation. Given what happened the last time you encountered something like this, I'm surprised you're so willing to take on this mission.

O'NEILL
So am I, Sir.

DANIEL
Jack.

O'NEILL
Daniel?

DANIEL
Why wouldn't we want to gain access to the greatest repository of knowledge in the known universe, once and for all finding the lost city of the Ancients, and use their technology to save the entire galaxy from the evil oppression of the Goa'uld?

O'NEILL
Well, there's that.

REYNOLDS
From the mission file I've read, it's one of those things that whips up from the wall, grabs your head and rearranges your brain, right?

DANIEL
Sort of.

REYNOLDS
Sort of?

CARTER
It basically downloads the entire library of Ancient knowledge into a person's mind. That massive amount of data then slowly unspools into your brain, eventually taking over your consciousness completely.

DANIEL
Except it wasn't meant for a physiology as primitive as ours.

O'NEILL
Easy fella.

[Daniel puts up his hand and mouths "sorry" to O'Neill.]

HARPER
I thought the report said you almost died last time, Sir.

[O'Neill looks slightly surprised by that comment.]

TEAL'C
The Asgard removed the information from O'Neill's before he was lost to us.

O'NEILL
So, why don't we just shoot Thor a call, get him standing by as back up.

CARTER
We tried Sir, he's not responding.

HAMMOND
None of our alien allies have been particularly reliable of late. Should something happen again—

DANIEL

(interrupting)

General, no one's saying anyone should directly interface with the device, we're suggesting we extract it and bring it home for study.

HAMMOND
The engineering team, that studied the last one of these devices you found determined nothing, after six months of research.

CARTER
We believe that that device's power source was depleted after Colonel O'Neill activated it.

HAMMOND

(to O'Neill)

Recent intel suggests that Anubis has become a serious threat to dominate the rest of the Goa'uld in a very short time. We have to consider Earth is at risk now, more than ever. If the knowledge contained within this device can lead us to technologies we can use to defend ourselves, we must pursue it.

O'NEILL

(to Daniel)

Why didn't you just say that?

DANIEL
Sorry.

HAMMOND
You have a go. And be careful people.

[He leaves.]

EXT—WHITE HOUSE, DAY

INT—WHITE HOUSE

[Kinsey opens a door, and leads Weir into a room, where several boxes full of files, and marked EYES ONLY and the presidential seal lie piled up almost as high as Weir.]

KINSEY
The file you read in the car is just the beginning. You might want to familiarise yourself with some more of this before you take the job.

[He gestures to the boxes. Weir moves towards them, flipping one of the box lids open.]

WEIR

Take the job? I mean I just found out that science fiction isn't fiction and… I mean I've known there were secrets, big secrets, but this is, is… I, I don't know what's scarier, the fact that this is all true, or the fact that you're telling me.
(pause)

I can't imagine what kind of job you're offering me, Sir, but at this point I really don't care anymore.

KINSEY
I realise you haven't met the President yet. Just try and say no.

[Weir looks back at the piles of files.]

INT—SGC GATEROOM

[The inner wheel spins, and a chevron locks. SG-1 and SG-3 are at the end of the ramp, geared up and ready to go. Hammond faces them, giving them a final briefing.]

HARRIMAN

(over intercom)

Chevron 7 locked.

[The sounds of the wormhole forming catch the attention of SG-1, who briefly turn around to watch.]

HAMMOND
SG teams 1, 3, and 5, good luck. God speed.

O'NEILL

Thank you Sir.
(to the assembled personnel)

Let's move out!

[SG-1 walk up the ramp and through the wormhole, followed by SG 3 and 5.]

EXT—WORMHOLE

EXT—P3X-439, DAY

[SG-1 exit the wormhole, their weapons raised. O'Neill looks at the ancient structure in the distance.]

O'NEILL
Reynolds.

[Reynolds turns round at the sound of his name.]

O'NEILL
Set up a defense perimeter as you see fit. Hold the gate 'till we get back.

REYNOLDS
You got it.

[Reynolds directs his men.]

O'NEILL
SG-1, move out.

EXT—SPACE

[2 Al'kesh and a mothership exit hyperspace, and take up orbit above the planet.]

EXT—P3X-439, DAY

[SG-1 approach the colonnade. The structure looks to have once been a great statue, with a figure sat on a seat. His head and part of one shoulder have since crumbled to the ground. O'Neill sits, looking at his watch. Daniel is under one of the walkways, writing in his notebook. Teal'c stands guard, looking out over the terrain.]

O'NEILL
You know, we've searched this place, up and down.

DANIEL
I know.

O'NEILL

(conversationally)

We could have Goa'uld on our collective asses any minute now.

[Daniel pokes his head round one of the columns.]

DANIEL

I know.
(pause)

According to the text on this column it's inside.

O'NEILL
Inside you say.

[He gets up and walks over to Daniel and the walkway while talking.]

O'NEILL
There is no "inside". There's just a whole lotta outside.

[He waves his arm, gesturing to the scenery around them.]

DANIEL

(nose in notebook)

I know.

[Carter is pointing a scanning device at a part of the wall seemingly devoid of markings.]

CARTER
I'm getting some strange readings coming from here.

DANIEL
If I'm right…

[He presses several of the markings, then moves his hand down, and presses some more. A repository appears on the wall Carter has been studying. She jumps back, as does O'Neill.]

O'NEILL
Look out.

[Daniel turns around. They look at the repository.]

EXT—P3X-439, DAY

[SG-3 and SG-5 guard the gate.]

O'NEILL

(over radio)

Reynolds, come in.

REYNOLDS
Go ahead.

O'NEILL

(over radio)

Yeah, we got something here, stand by.

REYNOLDS
All clear for the moment.

EXT—SPACE

[A squadron of death gliders leaves the mothership, and heads for the planet, accompanied by the Al'kesh bombers.]

EXT—P3X-439, DAY

[SG-1 are under the colonnade, studying the repository. They are very wary of it.]

CARTER
Now we just have to figure out how to get this thing out of the wall.

[Daniel approaches it, cautiously. As he nears it, it grows slightly towards him, protruding slightly further from the wall.]

O'NEILL
Damn.

CARTER
Careful.

[They move back again.]

O'NEILL
Alright, one more time, why are we doing this, why?

EXT—P3X-439, DAY

[SG-3 and 5 are still guarding the gate. Reynolds and another officer look at the horizon, obviously alerted to something.]

REYNOLDS
You hear anything, Harper?

[Harper monitors the equipment on the MALP.]

HARPER
Sir, we got multiple bogeys, coming in fast.

REYNOLDS
Dial the gate! Send Collins and a radio signal, we have to keep that door open!

[The sound of chevrons locking fills the air. Everyone jumps into action. Reynolds radios O'Neill.]

EXT—NEAR COLONNADE, DAY

REYNOLDS

(over radio)

SG-1, we have incoming.

[Daniel and O'Neill look past the columns, and see death gliders speeding towards them, and there are several explosions on the ground. As they get closer, they duck behind the columns again. Carter watches the glider as it rushes past them.]

O'NEILL
Alright, lets go.

DANIEL
Jack, we can't just leave.

O'NEILL
Daniel—

TEAL'C
We must not let this fall into the hands of Anubis.

[O'Neill opens his arms in frustration.]

O'NEILL
Fine.

[He grabs some C4 and places it next to the repository.]

DANIEL
JACK!

CARTER
Sir, he's right, if we destroy it we lose our only chance of finding the location of the Lost City.

TEAL'C
O'Neill.

[Teal'c has been watching the progress of the death gliders. He alerts O'Neill to an oncoming Al'kesh.]

O'NEILL
Oh crap. Alright, then what?

[Daniel looks at the ground for a moment, then rushes towards the repository. O'Neill grabs him and pushes him back against the wall.]

O'NEILL
No, no, no, no, no!

DANIEL
Jack, someone has to do it. The answer is in there.

[He points to the repository.]

DANIEL
If we don't find the Lost City we're as good as dead. Let me do it!

O'NEILL
And who does the translating when you go Ancient?

[Daniel and Jack exchange an exasperated look. Explosions very close by interrupt them. They all duck down. The Al'kesh looms large over the colonnade, and a bomb drops by only a few yards from SG-1's position.]

O'NEILL

(shouting above the noise of enemy fire)

In fact you're the one person who can't do it!

[He shoves his baseball cap into Daniel's chest, then rushes to the repository. It grabs his head, and begins the download.]

DANIEL
JACK!

CARTER
Sir!

[SG-1 watch helplessly as O'Neill is trapped by the repository. It finishes, letting go of O'Neill head, and retreating back into the wall. O'Neill falls to the ground.]

TEAL'C
O'Neill.

[SG-1 rush to his side, all very concerned.]

EXT—P3X-439, DAY

[SG-3 and SG-5 are taking heavy fire around the gate. They are defending their position.]

REYNOLDS

(into radio)

SG-1? Where the hell are you guys, we can't hold out for long.

[He shoots at an incoming ship.]

EXT—COLONNADE, DAY

[Teal'c and Daniel help a barely conscious O'Neill from the colonnade. carter brings up the rear, communicating with Reynolds, and with her weapon raised and ready.]

CARTER

(into radio)

Colonel Reynolds, we are headed back to the gate.

[As she gets off the radio she sets off the C4, destroying the repository.]

EXT—P3X-439

[At the gate, SG-3 and SG-5 are taking heavy fire. There is an explosion by the steps leading to the Stargate.]

REYNOLDS

(shouting above the noise.)

Hold positions. Breise, you're with me!

[Gliders continue to target the gate. The SGC forces fire round after round, while SG-1 run as fast as they can to the gate. As they run, Daniel looks behind them at the sound of an incoming glider.]

DANIEL
Take cover!

[They hit the deck as a large explosion happens just behind them. Daniel gets up quickly, then rolls O'Neill onto his back. O'Neill regains consciousness.]

DANIEL
Jack, Jack you okay?

O'NEILL

(as if he doesn't remember what happened)

What's going on?

[Reynolds and another member of his team lift O'Neill up, and Reynolds and Teal'c help him to the gate. A member of SG-3 downs a glider with his bazooka. Meanwhile, an Al'kesh approaches their position. there are multiple explosions.

REYNOLDS

(into radio)

General Hammond, we're coming through the gate.

[SG-1 enters the wormhole.]

REYNOLDS

(to O'Neill)

We're right behind you Sir! Go! Go!

EXT—WORMHOLE

INT—SGC GATEROOM

[SG-1 exit the wormhole. Hammond is waiting for them at the bottom of the ramp.]

HAMMOND
What happened?

O'NEILL
Didn't quite go according to plan, Sir.

DANIEL
WE have to get him to the infirmary.

O'NEILL
I did it again.

[They leave the gateroom, followed by SG-3 and 5, one man limping and being supported by his colleagues. Hammond sighs in disbelief as he watches them leave.]

EXT—WHITE HOUSE, DAY

INT—OVAL OFFICE

[Weir handles a statue sat on the president's desk. She seems to have been waiting for some time, and is deep in thought. President Hayes enters, closing the door. She jumps at his voice.]

HAYES
Doctor Weir. Sorry to have kept you so late.

WEIR
Well, that's alright, I've been, uh, doing a little reading.

[Hayes puts his glasses down on the desk.]

WEIR
Mr. President, I mean, this is truly so, outrageous, I feel compelled on behalf of everyone who has no idea to, that, that—

[Hayes picks up his telephone, and speaks into it.]

HAYES
Megan, could you get a car ready for Doctor Weir.

[He checks his watch.]

HAYES
Five minutes. Thanks.

[He replaces the handset, and gestures to Weir, smiling.]

HAYES
Sit down.

[She stands by the couch, and he goes to the decanter and glasses on the side behind him.]

HAYES
Would you like something?

WEIR
No, thank you.

[Hayes pours himself a drink.]

HAYES
Your reaction was very similar to mine when I first found out.

[He walks round and leans on his desk, glass in hand.]

WEIR
I'm sorry, five minutes Sir?

HAYES
The negotiation you mediated in North Africa?

WEIR
Yes?

[She sits.]

WEIR
What does that have to do with this?

HAYES
Well, just that… the Stargate probably makes that seems like child's play.

WEIR
Well, frankly Sir, I have absolutely no idea what you want from me.

HAYES
You've brokered a dozen of the most sensitive international treaties in modern times. You speak god knows how many languages.

WEIR
Just five.

HAYES
Five.

[He nods his head, pausing.]

HAYES
I suppose your aversion to the military will be an issue.

WEIR
What are we talking about, exactly.

HAYES
You running the Stargate program.

[Weir frowns, mouth open.]

WEIR
Oh, oh…

EXT—CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN

INT—SGC BRIEFING ROOM

[Hammond enters the briefing room, where Daniel, Teal'c and Carter are waiting for him.]

HAMMOND
How the hell did this happen?

CARTER
It wasn't an accident, Sir.

DANIEL
He did it deliberately.

TEAL'C
In order to access the knowledge of the Ancients.

DANIEL
He, aahh, we figured we'd never get another shot at it.

CARTER
We know from experience that the Ancient knowledge will essentially overwrite the Colonel's brain. We're hoping that during the transformation process he'll become aware of the information we're looking for.

HAMMOND
And then it will overwhelm his nervous system and the colonel will—

O'NEILL

(walking up the stairs and interrupting)

What? Meet my maker? Pay the piper? Reach the pearly gates? Start pushing up daisies here and there?

[He stands next to Hammond, opposite SG-1.]

HAMMOND
You should be in the infirmary.

O'NEILL
Why? We all know exactly what's going to happen. In a few days I start speaking some strange language, a few days after that I start doing things beyond my control, and a few days after that… it's goodnight my someone, goodnight.

[SG-1 look uncomfortable with O'Neill talking so matter-of-factly about his death.]

O'NEILL
So, with your permission, Sir, I'd like to take the weekend, get a few personal things together.

CARTER
The last time, it did take a couple of days before we noticed any change in the Colonel's behaviour.

O'NEILL
I'll be back Monday, ready to work.

HAMMOND
Permission granted.

O'NEILL
Thank you, Sir. Now, if you'll excuse me, my favourite television show starts in half an hour.

[He leaves. SG-1 exchange glances.]

INT—WHITE HOUSE

[Weir and Hayes are continuing their discussion.]

HAYES
We've already done the initial review. We've decided to suspend current operations until a new government division can be established.

[He sits next to her on the couch.]

HAYES
There's no question the Stargate is a dangerous thing. Given what we know is going on out there, it's something we cannot ignore.

WEIR
No, obviously not. I don't want this to sound like a terribly self-centred question—

HAYES
Why you?

WEIR
Why me?

HAYES
What do you think?

WEIR
Well, I'm betting other world leaders are pressuring you for control.

[Hayes smiles widely.]

HAYES
See, I knew you were a quick study.

WEIR
And I can advise you there. But, I am not qualified to negotiate with aliens.

HAYES
No one is, Doctor. Not you, not me. But someone has to do it. The fact is, we can't keep this thing a secret forever.

WEIR
And you want to put a friendly face on this thing when it goes public. Someone a little less threatening than a US military general.

HAYES
People will panic. It's going to take anything and everything we have to keep our civilisation from turning upside down.

[He gets up and goes towards the door.]

HAYES
But make no mistake, you're not just a figurehead for the sake of publicity. I chose you for a damn good reason.

[He places his hand on the doorknob. Weir stands.]

WEIR
I take it my five minutes are up.

HAYES
Actually, it was seven.

[He smiles and opens the door. She collects her briefcase.]

HAYES
Don't worry, this is just the beginning.

[She moves to stand opposite him in the doorway.]

WEIR
What if I say no, Sir.

HAYES
Never going to happen.

[She nods, and Hayes moves his attenion to the lady standing in the outer office.]

HAYES
Bonnie! Come on in here.

[He rubs Weir's shoulder.]

HAYES

(to Weir)

Thank you.

[She leaves as Bonnie enters.]

HAYES
Great seeing you again.

[She nods as he shakes her hand, closing the door. Weir is left in the outer office, where Kinsey sits waiting for her.]

KINSEY
So, things aren't quote as simple as they seem.

WEIR
Boy, they never seemed simple, Sir.

KINSEY
Be careful who you trust, Doctor.

WEIR
Does that include you, Sir?

KINSEY
He may be the President, but I am the one person on this fair planet you want on your side, and the one person you don't want to cross.

[He leaves, giving her much food for thought.]

EXT—O'NEILL'S HOUSE

[Carter knocks on the front door. After a short pause, O'Neill answers.]

CARTER
Hi, Sir.

[O'Neill gives a sideways look, seeing if anyone else is there.]

O'NEILL
Carter?

[Carter looks at O'Neill.]

CARTER
Did I wake you?

O'NEILL
Sorta.

CARTER
I couldn't sleep at all last night.

O'NEILL
Shoulda called.

CARTER
I didn't wan to bother you, I…

[O'Neill nods, then gestures for her to come in.]

O'NEILL
Um…

[She comes in.]

O'NEILL
I was just looking at the sky.

[He closes the door.]

O'NEILL
Trying to figure out how many stars we'd actually been to.

CARTER
Actually… only a few of the stars visible from Earth have Stargates on them, so…

O'NEILL
I knew that. Hammond send you by, check up on me?

CARTER
No. It's funny really, I, um, I was out driving… you know, in my car, and I, um, I drove here.

[She attempts to laugh. There is an awkward pause.]

CARTER

(laughing awkwardly)

Yeah.

O'NEILL
Funny.

CARTER
Yeah.

O'NEILL
There's coffee around here.

[He goes to the kitchen, and Carter moves towards the living room.]

O'NEILL

(from kitchen)

Maybe not. Do you want a beer?

CARTER
Sure, why not.

[Carter goes into the living room and looks at various family pictures on the wall. She picks one up of Charlie as a baby, then puts it back as O'Neill returns with the beer.]

O'NEILL
Wanna glass? I can wash one.

CARTER
No, I'm fine, thank you Sir.

[She takes the bottle. She points to a picture of O'Neill, Sara and Charlie.]

CARTER
So, do you ever talk to her?

O'NEILL
Can we not talk about that?

CARTER

Sorry.
(pause)

How you feeling?

O'NEILL
Can we not talk about that either?

CARTER
Okay.

[O'Neill sits on the couch, and Carter stands next to him.]

CARTER
What do you want to talk about?

[He looks at her, not wanting to talk about anything.]

CARTER
You want to be alone.

[She puts her beer on the table.]

CARTER
This was a bad…I should go.

O'NEILL
Finish your beer. And then you have to wait at least an hour before you drive.

[He flicks his beer bottle top into the fireplace opposite. She sits down.]

CARTER
Sir…

[There is a long pause.]

O'NEILL
What?

CARTER
I should have done it.

O'NEILL
What? Stick your head in that thing?

[She nods.]

O'NEILL
Are you nuts? Carter, you're one of this country's natural resources, if not national treasures. It couldn't have gone down any other way.

[They look at each other.]

O'NEILL
I just…hope it's worth it.

[He drinks his beer.]

CARTER
Even if we do find the Lost City, even if we get there and find exactly what we're looking for to defend the planet—

O'NEILL
That…would be worth it.

[Carter shakes her head slightly. There is a jovial knock at the front door. Daniel opens it and pokes his head through the door. Teal'c waits outside, carrying a white box.]

DANIEL
Hello?

[Carter smiles.]

O'NEILL
In here.

[Daniel opens the door, and he and Teal'c enter. Daniel looks around for the origin of the voice, walking down into the den. He sees O'Neill and Carter on the couch.]

DANIEL
Oh, sorry are we interrupting anything?

CARTER & O'NEILL
No.

O'NEILL
What're you doing here?

DANIEL
Uh, well, uh, it's a funny story actually. Um, we were driving by and we saw Sam's car in the driveway and, um, um…

[As he speaks, O'Neill taps Carter on the shoulder to get her attention.]

O'NEILL
Funny.

DANIEL

(continuing)

…and Teal'c said, well he didn't really say anything, he just looked at me and did that eyebrow raising thing that he kinda does and I said to him, I said hey, why don't we stop by and—

O'NEILL

(looking at the white box)

Is that doughnuts?

TEAL'C
Indeed.

O'NEILL
Excellent.

EXT—P3X-439, NIGHT

[Anubis' Jaffa kneel before the colonnade. Anubis approaches them, flanked by a Kull warrior on either side.]

ANUBIS
Rise.

JAFFA
My Lord, I believe the humans of the Tau'ri destroyed the device you sought.

ANUBIS
You failed to stop them.

JAFFA
They anticipated our arrival my lord.

[Anubis raises a hand, motioning them to silence. He turns and leaves. as he walks away, the two kull warriors shoot the assembled Jaffa.]

INT—O'NEIIL'S HOUSE

[Daniel is balancing an orange on the top of his beer bottle. Carter hands Teal'c a glass of fruit juice, then sits, beer in hand. They are in the middle of a conversation.]

O'NEILL
So wrong. It's the perfect analogy. Burns as Goa'uld.

TEAL'C
They are merely animated characters, O'Neill.

O'NEILL
You're so shallow.

[Daniel drops the orange from the top of his bottle.]

DANIEL

Oh please, Teal'c's like one of the deepest people I know, he's sooo deep.
(animated)

Come, come on, tell them how deep you are. You'll be lucky if you understand this.

[He nods enthusiastically at Teal'c.]

TEAL'C
My depth is immaterial to this conversation.

DANIEL
Ooooh! You see!

O'NEILL
No more beer for you.

[Daniel's smile disappears.]

CARTER
I'm sorry, Sir, but I have to agree. I don't see the connection.

O'NEILL
Alright, that does it. You know the entire VHS collection was going to one of you? It's going to Siler, he gets it.

[There is another knock at the door.]

O'NEILL
Thank God, pizza.

[O'Neill goes to answer the door. He opens it to find Hammond standing there.]

O'NEILL
Well, you're not the usual delivery boy.

HAMMOND
Is this a good time?

O'NEILL
It's always a good time for you, Sir. Come on in.

[Hammond walks to the living room.]

O'NEILL
Let me get you a chair.

[Carter stands as Hammond enters.]

CARTER
General.

HAMMOND
At ease, Major, at ease.

[O'Neill enters the room with a chair. He places it behind Hammond.]

O'NEILL
There you are, Sir.

HAMMOND
Glad to find you all here.

[He sits down, looks at the bottles of beer on the side, and points to them.]

HAMMOND
You wouldn't happen to have another one of those?

O'NEILL
I would.

[He goes to the dining area, and gets a six pack of bottles.]

O'NEILL
I hope you like Guinness, Sir. I find it a refreshing substitute for… food.

[He hands one to Hammond, and takes one for himself.]

HAMMOND
I've been relieved of command.

[There is a pause, as everyone looks shocked.]

O'NEILL

(quietly)

What?

HAMMOND
The President has effectively shut down the SGC for a three month review process.

DANIEL
Three months?

HAMMOND
During which time a newly formed government department will take the place of Stargate Command.

CARTER
But, Sir, the Colonel. We don't have much time.

TEAL'C
How could this happen?

DANIEL
Kinsey.

O'NEILL
Does anyone know anyone who voted for those two shrubs?

HAMMOND
I've known President Hayes for a long time. He's a good man.

O'NEILL
Despite his taste in running mates, maybe.

HAMMOND
Robert Kinsey brought in a lot of campaign financing and for all we know, he may have used his knowledge of the Stargate as leverage to get himself a place on the ticket. It doesn't matter now.

DANIEL
What, we're just gonna lie down for this?

O'NEILL
Now, we've been in this situation before.

HAMMOND
No. This time it's different.

CARTER
Who's replacing you Sir?

HAMMOND
Her name is Doctor Elizabeth Weir.

O'NEILL
A civilian?

DANIEL
I've heard of her. She's, um, an expert in international politics. She, er, she mediates top level negotiations for the UN. I actually referenced some of her work when I drafted the first treaty with the Tok'ra.

HAMMOND
All I know is I've been ordered to Washington to discuss reassignment. I leave tomorrow.

O'NEILL
Uh, General, we do have a little… unfinished business here.

HAMMOND
As far as I know, you'll all to report to work as scheduled on Monday.

TEAL'C
Something must be done.

HAMMOND
I have my orders. Besides, I have a feeling that I may be able to do more about this from Washington than I can here.

CARTER
And in the meantime?

HAMMOND
You'll just have to plead your case to the new administration. I have every confidence in you people.

[SG-1 fall silent, allowing the news to sink in.]

INT—SGC BRIEFING ROOM

[Boxes of files are piled up against walls, and on the table in the briefing room. A photograph of Chaka lies on top of one of the piles. Weir lays a file on top of the pile, then turns towards the window. She looks out onto the Stargate, and quietly sighs. Daniel approaches her from behind. He waits for a moment before speaking.]

DANIEL
Amazing, isn't it.

WEIR
I don't really care.

DANIEL
Okay.

[He turns to leave, and Weir turns round to look at him. She gestures for him not to go, and points to a handsfree mobile phone earpiece. He nods and waits for her to finish her conversation.]

WEIR

Well, there's going to be a lot of changes, and not everyone's going to be happy about them.
(pause)

Yes, I'm just about to step into one myself. Okay, bye.

[She takes the earpiece off.]

WEIR
Sorry, I walk around with this thing and I look like a crazy person talking to myself. Elizabeth Weir.

[She extends her hand, and he shakes it.]

DANIEL
Daniel Jackson.

WEIR
I can't get used to being this far underground, I keep looking round for a window.

DANIEL
Uh, I see you've found the one with the best view.

[He points to the Stargate, and they both stand looking at it.]

WEIR
I remember when we were first trying to get the Stargate to work, I would just come here, and stare at it for hours.

WEIR
Is that, uh, a gentle reminder that you've been an important part of this since the beginning?

DANIEL
Subtle, huh?

WEIR
Hmm.

[Silence falls between them. Daniel looks back to the table, and points to the boxes of files.]

DANIEL
So, uh, a little light reading?

WEIR
Uh, I've been awake all weekend. I… the reality of this is, is, it's an adrenaline rush.

DANIEL
Hey, at least I know you have a beating heart.

WEIR

(sighs)

I don't expect the warmest welcome from the military personnel.

DANIEL
You're replacing a great man, uniform notwithstanding.

WEIR
Okay. But I'm hoping that you of all people, won't jump to conclusions.

DANIEL
Like why someone like you is here?

WEIR
Someone like me?

DANIEL
Yeah, someone who started their career as a political activist, lobbying against government spending on the military.

WEIR
And how I end up working for those I was criticising. I know. But I've decided that the best way to stop the proliferation of weapons is to try and stop the need for them. So, I'm going to be the voice of reason to whoever will listen.

DANIEL
And you think that's why the President chose you to take over the SGC?

WEIR
I don't know why I've been given this job. I really don't. But I'm going to do it, to the best of my ability, as long as I'm here. I'm going to start by examining the mandate for this program—

DANIEL
Don't underestimate the immediate threat.

WEIR
No, I'm not. But this country's history of manifest destiny cannot be continue out to the rest of the galaxy. especially when this is all being done behind the back of the entire planet.

DANIEL
Hey, I'm not saying that everything that's been going on here is right. I mean we have no right to play God. But neither do the Goa'uld. Now I know none of this seems real to you on paper, but trust me, they're pure evil. Now, if they had the chance, they would either destroy us, or enslave us all. Now, you can read as many mission reports as you want, but before you decide what should and shouldn't be done round here, why don't you go through that gate, and see what's going on for yourself.

[She nods.]

WEIR
In good time.

DANIEL
We may not have good time. And Jack O'Neill certainly doesn't.

WEIR
I want you to know that Colonel O'Neill's current condition is of serious concern to me.

DANIEL
And you realise Jack only did what he did, because it was our only way to find the location of the Lost City.

[They are interrupted by an incoming wormhole.]

HARRIMAN

(over intercom)

Unscheduled off world activation.

[They turn to look at the gate.]

WEIR
All the off world teams are back already.

[They make their way to the control room.]

PEARSON
Doctor Weir, we're receiving Master Bra'tac's personal identification code.

WEIR
I know what an IDC is, Colonel Pearson.

DANIEL
Well, he's our ally, and if you don't open the—

WEIR

I understand, thank you.
(to Harriman)

Go ahead please.

[The iris opens. Daniel and Weir go down to the gateroom to meet him. They enter the gateroom as Bra'tac emerges from the stargate.]

DANIEL
Bra'tac.

[He nods in greeting. Bra'tac looks at Daniel, then Weir. He frowns.]

DANIEL
This is Elizabeth Weir. She's the new leader of this facility.

[Weir approaches Bra'tac, with a hand extended in friendship. She smiles.]

WEIR
Hello.

[Bra'tac looks at her hand, then turns his attention back to Daniel.]

BRA'TAC
Has Hammond of Texas fallen in battle?

WEIR
No, Sir, he's fine.

[She is a little taken aback by Bra'tac's comment.]

DANIEL
There's been some recent changes in our political leaders.

BRA'TAC
I see.

[He looks disturbed.]

DANIEL
Bra'tac, what's wrong?

BRA'TAC
I'm afraid I am not the bearer of good news. We've had word from Jaffa loyal to our cause. Anubis is gathering the full force of his fleet. He will be here, in three days.

EXT—WHITE HOUSE, DAY

INT—OVAL OFFICE

[President Hayes is sat at his desk, on the phone to Kinsey.]

HAYES
Bob, could we stop complaining and start figuring out what we're going to do?

[An aide opens the door.]

AIDE
Mr. President, General Hammond.

HAYES

Show him in.
(to Kinsey on the phone.)

We can't ignore a threat of this magnitude. Let's hear the man out. Well, whatever he is, and get back to me.

[He puts down the phone, smiles at Hammond, and get's up to welcome him.]

HAYES
General George Hammond.

HAMMOND
Mr. President.

[They shake hands.]

HAYES
I think it was Lieutenant, last time we spoke, wasn't it?

HAMMOND
For both of us. That was a lot of hair ago, Sir.

[Hayes laughs.]

HAYES
Sit down.

[They sit opposite each other, on the sofas.]

HAYES
You know, when I first took this job I thought I had the weight of the world on my shoulders. But then I found out what you do for a living.

HAMMOND
Yes Sir.

HAYES
George, this had nothing to do with your record. If the American people had any idea what your contribution was—

HAMMOND
That you Sir. That's kind of you to say. One day, maybe, they will.

[Hayes nods.]

HAYES
Dr. Weir. She's as smart as they come.

HAMMOND
I hope so.

HAYES
Poor thing, she has no idea what she's gotten herself into. But I had no choice, George, I had to do something. I want you to know I'm aware of your history with the Vice President.

HAMMOND
Yes Sir.

HAYES
Hell, we both know why I picked Kinsey. More than the money, he delivered Florida all by himself. Trust me, if I knew then…

HAMMOND
Of course.

[There is a pause, then Hayes, sits back on the sofa, with a change of mood.]

HAYES
So, let's talk about your reassignment.

HAMMOND
I was thinking more along the lines of retirement, Sir.

HAYES
I don't think so, George, not just yet. I want to keep you around Washington. We're going to need you, and your expertise.

[Hammond sighs a little, and nods.]

INT—SGC BRIEFING ROOM

[Bra'tac and SG-1 discuss the news brought by Bra'tac.]

O'NEILL
Three days from today is a Thursday. Thursday's not good for us.

CARTER
Why now?

TEAL'C
If Anubis believes that we know the location of the Lost City…

CARTER
We don't.

O'NEILL
Not yet.

DANIEL
Yes, but he doesn't know that we don't know.

[Kinsey enters, with Weir and an aide.]

KINSEY
Well, some people just don't know when to leave.

WEIR
Colonel O'Neill, Major Carter, Teal'c. I know these are strange circumstances to be meeting for the first time.

O'NEILL
And you are…

WEIR
I am Doctor Elizabeth Weir, Colonel.

KINSEY
You can just call her your one hope of ever stepping through the Stargate again.

O'NEILL
Bit of a mouthful.

WEIR
I know I'm playing catch up, but, uh, I understand time is short.

O'NEILL
Actually, it's all relative, Ma'am. Carter could explain it better if we had more time.

WEIR
Shall we have a seat, then?

[They all sit down.]

WEIR
Obviously this is a matter of grave importance.

O'NEILL
She's quick.

KINSEY
Which is why I've taken it upon myself to come on down and hear what Mister Bra'tac has to say personally.

O'NEILL
Master Bra'tac. Master.

KINSEY
I beg your pardon. So, you believe this Goa'uld Anubis is planning to attack.

BRA'TAC
You may be certain of it.

KINSEY
I'll say this, the timing is impeccable. The moment we suspend Stargate operations you pull this out of your hat.

O'NEILL

(annoyed)

Mr. Vice President, if you're suggesting that we'd make something like this up—

KINSEY

(raising his voice)

Yes, Colonel, that's exactly what I'm suggesting.

O'NEILL

(increasingly annoyed)

Yes, well that is exactly what we do. We sit around on our fat asses and create scenarios that put the planet at risk. That's exactly what we do.

KINSEY
Oh, I'm sure you'd do just about anything.

WEIR
Gentlemen, for the purposes of this discussion that Master Bra'tac is in earnest. And that the threat is real.

DANIEL
Do you even know what the threat is? Anubis is half Goa'uld, half ascended Ancient. With the knowledge and technology to wipe us all from the face of the Earth.

WEIR
What about negotiating?

O'NEILL
Oh for crying our loud, that's derentis.

[All those at the table look at O'Neill, who doesn't seem to notice he just spoke Ancient.]

O'NEILL
What?

DANIEL
You just said derentis.

O'NEILL
Did not.

DANIEL
Did too.

O'NEILL
Derentis, what is that?

KINSEY
Latin?

WEIR
No, it's not.

DANIEL
I think what Colonel O'Neill was trying to say is that based on our past experiences, negotiating would be insane, crazy.

WEIR
Yeah, I got that.

CARTER
However, we believe that there may be alien technology within our reach that could defeat Anubis.

KINSEY
So now you're pulling a ray gun out of your hat.

TEAL'C
There are weapons capable of defending this planet.

KINSEY
I can't believe we're sitting here listening to this.

WEIR
Mr Vice President, on his last mission—

KINSEY
Oh, I am aware of the events that have once again compromised Colonel O'Neill's invaluable judgement. And the fact that one his last official mission he has incurred the wrath of humanity's worst enemy on behalf of us all—

O'NEILL
Wait a minute, I thought you didn't buy into the whole invasion thing.

[Kinsey says nothing.]

WEIR
The fact is, until we know the location of the Lost City—

O'NEILL
I know where it is.

WEIR
You know where it is, now?

O'NEILL
I will. It's in there somewhere. Look, let me make this simple. I come up with the Lost City, we go find it. Yes or no?

KINSEY
No!

[O'Neill continues to look only at Weir.]

O'NEILL

(to Weir)

Who are you? Really? Why are you here?

WEIR
I will consider it.

[Kinsey looks disgusted.]

O'NEILL

(nods)

Thank you.

WEIR
You're welcome.

[SG-1 smile slightly, seeming to realise that Weir is on their side. Bra'tac and Teal'c rise.]

BRA'TAC
I must return to Chulak.

TEAL'C
I too will go.

[O'Neill looks at Teal'c questioningly.]

TEAL'C
In hope of procuring ships and warriors to defend this world.

WEIR
Good luck.

[Teal'c bows, then he and Bra'tac leave. SG-1 then stand up and leave the room, leaving Weir and Kinsey alone. Weir gathers up her files and leaves for her office. Kinsey looks furious, and follows her, motioning for his aide to stay. Weir goes to close her door, but Kinsey stops her, closing the door himself. He is furious.]

KINSEY
What the hell was that?

WEIR
I'm sorry?

KINSEY
You don't know O'Neill like I do.

WEIR

(sighs)

This is my call. Colonel O'Neill—

KINSEY
Is the one who got us into this mess in the first place.

WEIR
I don't see—

KINSEY
I want him gone, Doctor, I want them all gone. You haven't figured that out yet?

WEIR
Oh, I've figured out quite a bit.

KINSEY
Well hallelujah for that!

WEIR
This is my office, this is my chair. Until someone tells me otherwise I'm going to decisions as I see fit, not as they fit into your agenda.

KINSEY
You have no idea what my agenda is.

WEIR
Whatever your agenda is!

KINSEY
You don't know anything, Doctor, and if you think you do, you're not as smart as I thought.

[He leaves.]

INT—SGC GATEROOM

[Bra'tac and Teal'c stand at the bottom of the ramp, Teal'c wearing Jaffa armour. O'Neill stands opposite, with Carter and Daniel standing back a little bit.]

O'NEILL
So, T.

[Teal'c faces him.]

O'NEILL
If I don't see you again…

TEAL'C
I will see you soon, O'Neill.

O'NEILL
You know something I don't?

TEAL'C
In fact, it is you that knows something I do not.

O'NEILL
I hope you're right.

[Teal'c extends his arm, which O'Neill takes, and they hug briefly. They look at each other, and nod. Teal'c turns to the others.]

TEAL'C
I wish you all well.

[Bra'tac and Teal'c bow, and Daniel, Carter and O'Neill nod in acknowledgement. Bra'tac hands Teal'c his staff weapon, and they walk slowly up the ramp, Bra'tac briefly looking back. SG-1 watch them leave, sadness in their eyes. They enter the event horizon, and O'Neill is left contemplating.]

TO BE CONTINUED

FADE OUT

END CREDITS

Transcribed by Wallace for Stargate Solutions, February 2005

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--Michelle 22:19, 17 Feb 2005 (PST)