7.14 "Fallout" Transcript
Episode Guide
Précis
The SGC is contacted by Jonas Quinn, who declares that Kelowna's naquadah deposits are converting into naquadria in the planet's core, threatening an explosion that would destroy all life. At the SGC, Daniel and Jack must help settle diplomatic troubles preventing an evacuation of the planet, while Carter and Teal'c go with Jonas to find a way to prevent the explosion.
Guide | Transcript
Transcript
TEASER
INT—SGC COMMAND CENTER
[The Stargate is activating. Hammond rushes up into the Command Center.]
TECHNICIAN
Receiving a signal, Sir. It's the Kelownans.
HAMMOND
Open the iris.
[The technician places his hand on the screen reader. The gate iris slides open.]
INT—GATE ROOM
[Hammond enters the gate room and stands at the bottom of the ramp. Jonas Quinn steps through the gate.]
HAMMOND
Mr. Quinn, it's good to see you again.
[Jonas comes down the ramp to meet Hammond.]
JONAS
It's good to see you too, Sir. Only wish it was under better circumstances. We need to talk.
INT—SGC BRIEFING ROOM
[Jonas is standing to make his presentation as SG-1 and General Hammond are seated at the conference table.]
JONAS
For the past several months, we've been analyzing the data on the crystal left behind by Thanos. It was the Goa'uld that occupied our planet three thousand years ago. Now, our progress at first was very slow but we recently made a major, major discovery. Uh… It turns out that Naquadria was not originally present.
[Jonas reaches into a file and pulls out some papers and places them in the middle of the table for everyone. Carter reaches for the papers]
CARTER
What do you mean?
JONAS
It's not native to our planet.
DANIEL
I don't understand. It exists in mineral deposits underground.
JONAS
I know it does now, but we believe that those deposits were originally made up of ordinary Naquada.
O’NEILL
(To Carter)
I assume this makes sense to you?
CARTER
Actually, no it doesn't.
JONAS
We found a reference to a process the Goa'uld discovered which allowed them to convert raw Naquada into Naquadria while it's still in the ground. Now somehow it started a change reaction which has continued on down through the veins getting deeper and deeper and deeper, and we believe that the process is ongoing.
CARTER
Are you saying that at this very moment, there are deposits of Naquada on your planet that are being transformed into Naquadria?
JONAS
Yes, one very large one in particular. We only recently discovered it because it's so many miles beneath the surface of our planet. But as the conversion process goes deeper, the heat and pressure get higher.
CARTER
And Naquadria is highly unstable.
JONAS
We believe that when it reaches a certain depth, it's going to explode… with enough force to obliterate Kelowna.
END TEASER
OPENING CREDITS
EXT—KELOWNA
INT—KELOWNA—JONAS' LAB
[Jonas and Carter are there. Jonas is working on a laptop as Carter is checking out the lab, eventually making her way over to Jonas.]
JONAS
The first few references to the conversion process that we found were pretty vague. To tell the truth, I was half convinced that I had made a mistake in the translation, then we came across these test results which show the ratio of Naquada to Naquadria achieved in the process. Check this out.
CARTER
So the Naquada that isn't converted breaks down into lighter elements?
JONAS
You know, for the longest time I was wondering why we never found any Naquadria anywhere else in the galaxy and now I'm thinking it's because it doesn't exist in nature at all.
CARTER
Which would explain why none of the other Goa'uld knew about it until Anubis probed your mind.
[The door opens and a female Kelownan walks in, her head looking down at something in her hands.]
KIANNA
We've got the latest geological data. It looks like…
(Sees Carter)
Oh, hello.
CARTER
Hi.
JONAS
Oh, uh… Samantha Carter this is Kianna Seer. Sam…Carter. She helps me out on the translations.
KIANNA
I've heard a lot about you, Major. We could really use your expertise right now.
JONAS
What do you got?
KIANNA
It looks like the Naquadria has progressed deeper then we thought.
CARTER
How much time do we have?
KIANNA
A few weeks, a month. It's hard to say.
CARTER
Well, We need to know how the conversion process works if we want to find a way to stop it.
JONAS
Yeah, but the information stored on the crystal is incomplete.
CARTER
Well, then we'll have to figure it out for ourselves.
INT—SGC GATEROOM
[Klaxons sound while Hammond stands before the opened gate waiting for incoming travelers. Daniel and Hammond are standing at the bottom of the ramp. Three Kelownans emerge from the gate and walk down the ramp.]
HAMMOND
Ambassador, welcome to Earth.
DREYLOCK
Actually, it's First Minister now.
DANIEL
(Bows his head slightly in greeting)
First Minister.
DREYLOCK
(Nodding to her companions.)
This is Vin Eremal and Lucia Tarthus. The Tiranian and Andari representatives on the Joint Ruling Council.
HAMMOND
Councilors.
[Hammond glances at Daniel then back to the councilors.]
HAMMOND
Right this way.
[Daniel and Hammond lead the three out of the gate room.]
INT—SGC BRIEFING ROOM
[O’Neill, Daniel and Teal’c stand at the conference table as the Langarans move into the room. Hammond moves to the head of the table.]
TARTHUS
(somewhat perturbed)
I assumed Jonas Quinn would be joining us.
DREYLOCK
He sends his apologies, but at the moment he is devoting his attention to the Naquadria problem.
EREMAL
Has any progress been made?
[All take their seats at the conference table.]
DREYLOCK
So far, very little I'm afraid. But I believe that with the participation of our friends from Earth, a solution will be found soon.
DANIEL
Of course, we all hope that's the case, however you may want to begin considering some contingency plans.
HAMMOND
We can offer you limited relocation through the Stargate.
DREYLOCK
Limited?
TEAL’C
A full evacuation of an industrialized world is a practical impossibility.
TARTHUS
I'm not sure I understand. You invited us here to propose that we abandon Langara?
[O’Neill is confused by the name and looks to Daniel, who is seemingly just as confused. Dreylock sees this.]
DREYLOCK
Langara is the new name of our planet. It's from an ancient dialect common to all three nations.
EREMAL
(Scornful)
A symbol of our new unity.
[Emerel casts a long look at Dreylock, who reacts to his disdain.]
O’NEILL
(Attempting to lighten things up)
Has a nice ring to it.
EREMAL
(Not hiding his contempt)
It was chosen by a committee.
TARTHUS
We understand that if this problem cannot be solved, Kelowna will suffer severe devastation. At which point, we are prepared to offer humanitarian aid to the survivors.
EREMAL
Of course, we have limited resources but we pledge to do what we can.
O’NEILL
Are you…kidding?
DANIEL
(puzzled)
Has no one explained this to you?
DREYLOCK
We've tried. They seem unwilling to accept the truth.
TARTHUS
If you knew more about our history, you'd understand our reluctance to believe Kelownan propaganda.
DANIEL
Well, our own scientists have studied the problem, and while it is true that Kelowna will bear the brunt of the initial explosion - in fact, by our calculations, almost half the country's land mass will be destroyed - you're not taking into account the amount of dust and debris that’ll be thrown into the upper atmosphere. It will block the sunlight and lower the average surface temperature significantly. For all intents and purposes, your entire planet will be uninhabitable.
[Tarthus is stunned by the news, while Emerel shifts uncomfortably in his chair.]
INT—KELOWNA—JONAS' LAB
[Carter is working out some equations on the blackboard, while Kianna paces with paperwork. Jonas is at his work table.]
KIANNA
(Frustrated)
This doesn't make any sense. Naquadria is a heavier, less stable isotope then Naquada. The conversion should require the continuous input of large amounts of energy.
JONAS
Yeah, but it seems to be continuing on its own.
KIANNA
Which is impossible.
CARTER
Not necessarily. Low energy fusion can occur in the presence of certain subatomic catalysts like muons.
KIANNA
But I believe that only works for extremely light materials such as Deuterium.
CARTER
Wow, Kelownan understanding of particle physics seems to have come a long way recently.
KIANNA
We're quick learners.
CARTER
Well, in any case, I wasn't thinking about muons specifically. There are certain other subatomic particles which could have catalyzed this reaction. The real question is, why didn't this planet blow up a long time ago?
JONAS
What do you mean?
CARTER
I think the reason you haven't been able to figure out the process is because you've been working under the assumption that this transformation began three thousand years ago.
KIANNA
But that's what the historical data indicates.
CARTER
Maybe so. But if you put that aside for a moment and assume the presence of the right catalysts, you can account for this reaction. It's just a lot faster then you thought.
JONAS
How much faster?
CARTER
Well, a deposit the size of the one you recently discovered could take as little as a few years to transform completely.
[The room starts shaking violently. Each grab onto a piece of furniture as items rattle, some dropping from shelves. The quaking stops and they all look at each other.]
CARTER
What was that?
INT—SGC COMMAND CENTER
[The klaxons are sounding while the gate is activated. Carter’s face in on a computer monitor as Hammond stands.]
TECHNICIAN
Receiving video transmission, Sir.
HAMMOND
(Seeing Carter)
Major, what's your situation?
CARTER
Most of the fires that were caused by the Earthquake are under control now, Sir. Dr Frasier’s organizing the distribution of medical supplies.
HAMMOND
I find it hard to believe that this was a coincidence.
CARTER
It wasn't. We traced the epicenter of the quake to a small deposit of converted Naquadria located about 20 kilometers below the surface.
HAMMOND
A small pocket?
CARTER
When the main deposit goes, Sir, we estimate the explosion will be about a hundred thousand times more powerful.
[Hammond is concerned.]
INT—SGC BRIEFING ROOM
[The Langarans and SG-1 are still seated at the conference table.]
EREMAL
This planet…
TEAL’C
Madronus.
EREMAL
And how far away is it?
TEAL’C
Approximately 14,000 light years.
O’NEILL
(lightly)
Give or take.
TEAL’C
The Madronans are a peaceful, advanced society with the resources to accept many thousands of refugees.
TARTHUS
Jonas Quinn's reports refer to several uninhabited planets capable of sustaining life. The Andari government might consider relocation if one of these were made available.
TEAL’C
Without infrastructure, any uninhabited planet would not be able to sustain as many Langaran refugees.
TARTHUS
I'm not suggesting one planet for all of us.
DANIEL
(surprised)
You want your own planet?
TARTHUS
The Andari people would welcome a fresh start, given the oppression we've suffered in the past.
EREMAL
The only thing you suffered under Tiranian rule was peace and good government.
TARTHUS
And mass arrests, summary executions…
EREMAL
In response to terrorist acts against innocent civilians.
O’NEILL
Whoaaa! Whoa! We're getting a bit off topic here, don't you think?
DANIEL
Three separate relocations is just not practical. Madronus is your best bet to save as many lives as possible.
[The Langarans look at each other.]
EXT—CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN ENTRANCE
INT—SGC—CARTER'S LAB
[Hammond and Dreylock walk in to meet with Jonas and Major Carter.]
DREYLOCK
(greeting)
Jonas. Major Carter. General Hammond tells me that you've discovered something about the conversion process.
[Carter looks at Jonas, and Jonas shrugs.]
CARTER
Well, we determined that the transformation must have begun with a massive bombardment of certain subatomic particles which catalyze the reaction and allow it to continue without the input of energy. It's possible to create these particles in the lab, but there's really only one way they could have been produced in sufficient quantity and with enough energy to penetrate several miles into the crust of the planet.
JONAS
It was the Naquadria bomb test. The test that was conducted two years ago. We did this to ourselves.
[Dreylock looks alarmed, pensive.]
DREYLOCK
Historical documents indicate that Thanos was destroyed in some cataclysmic event. Maybe this was the explosion that triggered the chain reaction.
CARTER
It did, at least in the case of the Naquada deposit near the surface.
JONAS
It appears that Thanos managed to create a small amount of Naquadria in the lab but something went wrong. The resulting explosion released the subatomic particles which catalyzed the conversion of the first vein of Naquada. The rest of the deposit transformed in less than a year.
CARTER
After that, it simply lay in the ground. Another ten-thousand years and it would have decayed back into Naquada, if…you hadn't mined it first.
JONAS
Then we set off the bomb, which started the conversion of the second deeper vein.
[Dreylock takes this in.]
INT—SGC BRIEFING ROOM
[Emerel angrily slams his hand on the table. Dreylock is there, along with O’Neill, Daniel, Teal’c and Hammond.]
EREMAL
This is outrageous! If what you say is true, the Kelownan government bears full responsibility for the imminent destruction of Langara!
DREYLOCK
Your governments formed an alliance for the expressed purpose of attacking Kelowna, we were merely looking to defend ourselves.
TARTHUS
We only went to a heightened war alert after we learned of your research.
DREYLOCK
Which only goes to prove that you were spying on us.
TARTHUS
What choice did we have? We certainly weren't going to rely on the Kelownan government to tell us the truth.
DANIEL
Councilors, please.
EREMAL
These talks will have to be suspended until I can confer with my cabinet.
O’NEILL
(Pissed)
Aw, for crying out loud!
[Daniel moves a glass away from O'Neill]
DANIEL
Jack…
O’NEILL
Who cares whose fault it is?!
DANIEL
Jack…
O’NEILL
Your planet is gonna blow up!
DANIEL
Jack!
O’NEILL
(To Daniel)
The whole damn planet, Daniel!
DANIEL
Okay. I think it's best if we all just take a little recess right now.
O’NEILL
(rising from his chair disgustedly)
Arrgh.
[Daniel joins him as they pass Hammond and Teal’c on their way out walk towards the door.]
O’NEILL
(acknowledging)
General.
[Hammond nods as they exit.]
INT—SGC CORRIDOR
[O'Neill, Teal'c and Daniel are walking. O'Neill is leading the way as he irritably stomps along the corridor.]
O’NEILL
I say we send ‘em packin’.
TEAL’C
Indeed.
DANIEL
(beseechingly)
We can't give up on them yet. We still have the potential to save thousands of lives here.
O’NEILL
And yet, curiously, they don't seem to understand, nor care.
[They arrive at an elevator.]
DANIEL
This is diplomacy, Jack. This is the way the game is played. It takes patience.
[The elevator door opens.]
O’NEILL
Yeah? Well I'm fresh out.
[He steps into the elevator. Teal’c follows.]
TEAL’C
As am I.
O’NEILL
(To Daniel)
I think you're on your own.
[The elevator doors close and Daniel turns away from the elevator, annoyed.]
EXT—KELOWNA
INT—KELOWNA—JONAS' LAB
[Kianna stands at the blackboard while Carter and Jonas are at separate desks.]
KIANNA
(sighing)
No matter how many times we go over this, we're still going to come to the same conclusion. There's simply no way to reverse the process.
CARTER
Maybe we don't have to. According to the latest geological data, there's a minor fault line crossing the vein of Naquada, about a kilometer above the large deposit.
[Carter hands the papers containing the data to Jonas.]
CARTER
If we could somehow trigger a move along the fault line, we could isolate the advancing Naquadria and break off the chain reaction before it gets any deeper.
KIANNA
And how do we do that?
CARTER
We set off a large explosion near the fault. Stargate Command could provide a small nuclear device that would do the trick. The only problem is that we'd have to get down there. Which means drilling through 20 kilometers of solid rock.
[Kianna and Jonas give each other long, knowing looks. Carter picks up on this.]
CARTER
What?
JONAS
There's something I wanna show you.
INT—KELOWNA—HUGE INDUSTRIAL FACILITY
[Pan down a tremendous structure that appears to be what looks like a huge drill. Carter, Jonas and Kianna walk up to it.]
JONAS
It took us two and a half years to build, and it cost over half the annual Kelownan research budget. The Deep Underground Excavation Vehicle.
CARTER
(Nods in awe)
Cool.
INT—KELOWNA—WITHIN THE VEHICLE’S CONTROL CENTER
[Jonas switches on a monitor of the drill. Carter is looking around. Kianna is there, too.]
JONAS
The…uh…fore and aft sections have both been outfitted with titanium cutter heads. Each of which can withstand or apply thrust of up to fifty metric tons.
CARTER
What kind of an advance rate are we talking about?
JONAS
Uh…about 80 meters per hour. Hey, look I know it's not fast enough but I do have an idea for a little adjustment that will give us a lot more speed.
CARTER
Tokra tunnel crystals!
JONAS
Modified, of course, to work in conjunction with the cutter heads.
CARTER
Pretty impressive. Do you mind if I take a look at your power systems?
[Jonas points up a ladder.]
JONAS
After you.
[Carter climbs up the ladder. Kianna takes Jonas’s arm and leads him away.]
KIANNA
(whispers)
Do we have to show her everything?
JONAS
Kianna…
KIANNA
Everybody has an agenda, Jonas, and her people have made no secret of their interest in our Naquadria deposits.
JONAS
Look, I've wanted to come forward with this for a long time, but I always got overruled by the cabinet. Now we have no choice.
KIANNA
We don't need her. We can go to the Tok’ra ourselves.
JONAS
I worked with these people for over a year, I trust them with my life.
[They kiss.]
JONAS
Don't worry.
[Jonas walks away, but Kianna is not reassured.]
INT—SGC BRIEFING ROOM
[Daniel and Hammond are now left to deal with the Langarans.]
TARTHUS
The machine was designed to mine Naquadria and according to the terms of our alliance, any information relating to Naquadria is to be shared. We were purposely misled.
DREYLOCK
We had every intention of telling you once the prototype was fully operational.
EREMAL
Do you take us for idiots? It was you that created this disaster, and now you expect to benefit by acquiring alien technology?
DANIEL
(Clearing his throat loudly)
I think we can all agree that it’s unfortunate the Kelownan government didn't come forward with this information sooner. Um, however, regarding the Tok’ra crystals, you really have no choice. Without them, we won’t be able to reach the Naquadria vein in time to save your world. It's that simple.
[The delegation are quiet.]
INT—KELOWNA—EXCAVATOR
[Jonas, Carter and Kianna are still aboard.]
CARTER
Wow, Jonas. This technology is beyond anything I've seen in Kelowna before.
JONAS
Well, I did make a few suggestions for some adjustments based on what I learned at Stargate Command.
CARTER
Pretty amazing.
JONAS
Yeah. I'll tell you, most of the credit goes to Kianna.
CARTER
Kianna?
JONAS
Yeah, she took what she learned from me and she made modifications to the hydraulics, the shielding mechanisms, everything. I'm telling you, without her, this thing would be months away from being operational.
CARTER
So you two have been working pretty closely on this.
JONAS
Yeah, I guess.
[Carter looks at Jonas.]
JONAS
What!?
CARTER
(teasing)
Come on Jonas, I'm not blind. What's going on?
JONAS
Let's just say that it's in the development stage, although I do find her interesting.
CARTER
I'll bet you do.
INT—KELOWNA—JONAS' LAB
[Kianna walks alone into Jonas’s lab, the door closing behind her. She pulls out some sort of syringe and injects her arm with it. Putting the syringe back, she exits the lab.]
EXT—WORMHOLE TRAVEL SHOT
INT—SGC GATEROOM
[Teal'c is walking down the ramp carrying a large metal box. Hammond walks in followed by Daniel.]
HAMMOND
Teal'c, I trust your mission was a success?
TEAL’C
Indeed. The crystals you requested.
DANIEL
Thank you.
[Teal’c casts a glance up to the Briefing Room window overlooking the gate room. Tarthus and Dreylock are standing there talking.]
TEAL’C
How are the negotiations progressing?
DANIEL
Well, they finally agreed to send a three person delegation to Madronus evaluate the planet as a potential evacuation site.
TEAL’C
What of Jonas Quinn and Major Carter?
HAMMOND
They're making some final adjustments to the Kelownan excavation machine. It should be ready for launch within 24 hours.
INT—KELOWNA—EXCAVATOR
[Carter comes down the ladder and joins Jonas at his computer console.]
JONAS
(to Carter)
Hey! Just in time to help me run a few diagnostic programs.
[Carter looks at Jonas, thoughtfully. Jonas sees this.]
JONAS
What?
CARTER
Jonas, did you design the primary power distribution circuits?
JONAS
Well, I didn't really design anything. I did make some suggestions for some upgrades, but…
CARTER
Based on advanced technology you encountered while you were with SG-1.
JONAS
Yeah, that's right. Why? What's wrong?
CARTER
Well the hardware is different. But the basic principle is very similar to a Goa'uld design.
JONAS
Well, that's impossible.
CARTER
I went over it three times. I probably wouldn't have even noticed myself if I hadn't calculated that the generators were operating at 130% efficiency.
JONAS
(disbelieving)
No… there's some mistake.
CARTER
Jonas, who did design the system?
[Quin looks at Carter.]
INT—KELOWNA—JONAS' LAB
[Kianna walks down a corridor and into Jonas’s lab where Carter, Jonas and two Guards are waiting. The two Guards grab Kianna.]
KIANNA
(surprised)
Jonas, what's going on?
JONAS
(Eyeing her angrily)
We know.
KIANNA
What are you talking about?
JONAS
Who do you serve?
KIANNA
Jonas whatever you think… whatever she told you, is a lie.
CARTER
They searched your quarters. Do you want to explain why they found a Goa'uld communication device among your personal belongings?
[Caught out, Kianna hangs her head, dropping her papers. Then she looks up and her eyes glow.]
KIANNA
(Goa'uld voice)
Very well, you know the truth. Now, how shall we proceed?
[One of the guards pulls a small object from Kianna's jacket. Carter moves closer to examine the object.]
CARTER
I'm assuming that this is the drug that allowed you to escape detection. It somehow masks the presence of the symbiote, right?
[Carter pauses for an answer.]
CARTER
You don't have to tell me, I'm sending this back to the SGC for analysis.
JONAS
How long have you been on this planet?
KIANNA
We knew Anubis came here for a reason. After his defeat, I was dispatched to find out why he was so interested in this place.
CARTER
So you work for Ba'al?
KIANNA
I gained access to Kelowna's most sensitive research by implanting myself in a young scientist who was working on the Naquadria project.
JONAS
Let me talk to Kianna.
KIANNA
In a small way I've grown to admire this host. She is exceptionally astute, a superior specimen.
JONAS
Let me talk to her.
KIANNA
I made the major modifications to the excavator. If you wish to successfully complete this undertaking, you will require my assistance.
CARTER
Why would you help us?
KIANNA
We share a common goal: I too wish to save this world.
JONAS
So you can hand it over to Ba'al? I don't think so.
[Jonas turns his back on her. Kianna steps forward but it restrained by the guards.]
KIANNA
Jonas!
JONAS
(turns to her)
Kianna?
KIANNA
She's right, you're going to need her. Let her help you, for the sake of our people.
CARTER
It's not her Jonas. It's the Goa'uld trying to fool us. We've seen it before.
KIANNA
No. Jonas, please.
JONAS
(to the guards, disgusted)
Get her out of here.
[The guards take Kianna away.]
INT—KELOWNA—EXCAVATOR
[Carter and Jonas sit at their respective instrument panels. Jonas is punching some keys.]
JONAS
Depth is 2200 meters, speed is 1.5 meters per second.
CARTER
The drills are running hot.
JONAS
Alright, bring down your RPMs. Don't overcompensate.
CARTER
I can't stay ahead of these adjustments.
JONAS
You're going to stall us out. Power up!
[The engines stop.]
JONAS
(sighing)
You stripped the drill heads. Control, end simulation.
CARTER
Jonas, we've got a problem.
[He nods knowingly.]
EXT—CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN ENTRANCE—NIGHT TIME
INT—SGC BRIEFING ROOM
[Tarthus stands, looking out over the gate room. Hammond and Daniel stand as well, Emerel and Dreylock remain seated.]
TARTHUS
Could this be the result of Goa'uld sabotage?
HAMMOND
Quite the contrary. Major Carter believes the Goa'uld's modifications have significantly improved the speed and efficiency of the drills.
DANIEL
You see, the problem is the system requires constant subtle adjustments to account for any changes in the density of the material that it's passing through. It's kind of like shifting gears on a racecar.
[The Langarans are confused by the analogy.]
DANIEL
Um, the point is that Major Carter isn't confident in her own ability to run the drill. She thinks the best person for the job is the Goa'uld.
TARTHUS
(scoffing)
You can't be serious.
HAMMOND
We could overhaul the system and eliminate the modifications, but that would significantly reduce the speed of the excavator and it would take weeks.
EREMAL
We don't have that kind of time.
DANIEL
The Goa'uld could have sabotaged the excavator any time she wanted to. Instead, she helped Jonas improved several of its key systems.
DREYLOCK
Only because she wishes to preserve the Naquadria deposit for Ba'al.
HAMMOND
Maybe so, but averting the explosion is our first priority, and without the Goa'uld, we have no chance.
[The Langarans are quiet as further arguments are moot.]
INT—KELOWNA—EXCAVATOR EXTERIOR
INT—KELOWNA—EXCAVATOR INTERIOR
[Kianna comes down the ladder. Teal'c, Carter and Jonas are there. She strolls past them to the console.]
KIANNA
You've made the right choice. Your confidence in me will not go unrewarded.
CARTER
We have no choice. And for the record, our confidence in you is minimal.
KIANNA
Which is, no doubt, why the Sho'lva will be accompanying us?
[Carter looks at Teal'c, while Kianna gazes around the room at the other three's weapons.]
KIANNA
And why all of you are armed?
[Kianna turns back to the console.]
KIANNA
Who calibrated the primary inductors?
CARTER
I did.
KIANNA
Launch now and you will burn through them before you pass a hundred metres.
[Carter bristles.]
CARTER
(sarcastically)
All right. I'll take navigation. Teal'c, take shields and life support.
TEAL’C
Indeed.
[They all assume their positions, and Carter and Jonas exchange glances.]
INT—KELOWNA—EXCAVATOR EXTERIOR
PA SYSTEM
We are go for launch in thirty seconds
INT—KELOWNA—EXCAVATOR INTERIOR
[All are seated at their stations as Jonas works the controls.]
JONAS
Powering up. Engines are at 70%.
[Engine rev higher.]
JONAS
80…
TEAL’C
Shields are active.
CARTER
Navigation computer is online.
JONAS
Engines are at full power. Control, we're set to go for launch. In five…four…three…two…one.
INT—KELOWNA—EXCAVATOR EXTERIOR
[The head of the vehicle begins to twist, then to descend.]
INT—SGC BRIEFING ROOM
[Hammond exits his office with Dreylock into the Briefing Room. Emeral and Tarthus are seated at the table, while Daniel is seated on a table behind them.]
HAMMOND
(approaching the table)
We've just received word from Kelowna.
DREYLOCK
Our security personnel has been monitoring a communication device we took from Kianna's quarters. Apparently, a message has come through from Ba'al.
HAMMOND
She's overdue to report. He's waiting for her to send a transmission.
EREMAL
And if she doesn't?
TARTHUS
He'll come back to find out what happened.
HAMMOND
That's a distinct possibility.
[The Tiranian and Andari councilors exchange glances.]
INT—KELOWNA—EXCAVATOR INTERIOR
[Alarms are sounding within the vehicle. All are still seated at their previous stations.]
JONAS
What is it?
KIANNA
We are losing coolant pressure in one of the forward tubes. We must have broken a seal.
(getting up from her seat)
Major Carter, take the controls.
[Carter takes her position and Teal'c takes Carter's vacated seat.]
JONAS
(to Kianna)
Where are you going?
KIANNA
I can divert coolant from the aft section, but I have to do it from the engine room.
JONAS
I'm coming with you.
[He gets up and follows her.]
KIANNA
You still do not trust me do you?
JONAS
No.
[He follows her up the ladder.]
INT—SGC BRIEFING ROOM
EREMAL
Is there anyway to contact the excavator.
DREYLOCK
They're too deep. No radio signal could penetrate that much solid rock.
DANIEL
It won't make much difference. Telling them about Ba'al's message will not change anything.
TARTHUS
But if the Goa'uld doesn't make it back.
HAMMOND
The only reason that would happen is if the mission fails. And if that's the case, Ba'al will be the least of your problems. I suggest we get back to planning your relocation.
[The Langarans grimace.]
INT—KELOWNA—EXCAVATOR INTERIOR—ENGINE ROOM
[Kianna turns a wheel crank to raise pressure, while Jonas analyzes gauges.]
KIANNA
Check it out.
JONAS
Forward pressure's rising.
(moving to another gauge)
We're good.
[Kianna and he look at each other.]
KIANNA
Maybe now you'll believe that I, too, wish this mission to succeed?
JONAS
Yeah, for the wrong reasons.
KIANNA
Has it ever occurred to you that serving Ba'al may not be my only interest here? I never thought I'd find the company of a human so intriguing.
[She trys to touch him but he brushes her hand away.]
KIANNA
And suddenly I repulse you? Not that long ago you felt differently.
JONAS
Yeah, well that was before I found out who you are. What you are.
KIANNA
And yet the fact remains, you never knew the host before I took her. All this time it was never Kianna, it was always me.
[She leaves the room.]
INT—KELOWNA—EXCAVATOR INTERIOR—BRIDGE
[Kianna makes her way down the latter. The ship shakes and an alarm sounds.]
TEAL’C
What is happening?
CARTER
I'm not sure. We're still on course, still descending.
[They all swap seats again and Jonas arrives.]
TEAL’C
(Looking at a computer monitor)
Hull temperature is rising rapidly. 300 degrees, 400 degrees and still rising.
CARTER
Jonas, is there any volcanic activity in the area?
JONAS
Mount Kallan. But it's been dormant for hundreds of years.
CARTER
Just because it's dormant at the surface, doesn't mean there couldn't be magma flows in the vicinity.
TEAL’C
Hull temperature is 700 degrees and still rising.
CARTER
We're passing through a river of molten rock.
[Kianna looks at Jonas.]
INT—SGC CORRIDOR
[O'Neill is coming out of an elevator and sees Daniel coming towards him. Daniel sees him and they start walking together.]
O’NEILL
Daniel, how's the whole diplomacy thing working out for you?
DANIEL
It's not.
(frustrated)
The latest arguements about the selection process. The Kelownans want a lottery. The Tiranians want to assign positions and the Andaris wanna set up a committee to discuss the problem.
O’NEILL
What?
DANIEL
I keep trying to remind them that they're facing total annihilation, but they can't seem to face their own mistrust.
[O'Neill grabs Daniel by the shoulders and turns him around so that they're facing each other.]
O’NEILL
I think I can help you out on this.
[He walks off, leaving a puzzled Daniel staring at O'Neill's retreating figure.]
DANIEL
(Bemusement turning to alarm)
What do you mean?
INT—KELOWNA—EXCAVATOR INTERIOR
[Teal'c eyes the monitor.]
TEAL’C
Hull temperature is 1100 degrees.
KIANNA
The ship will not take much more of this.
CARTER
Divert power to the shields.
KIANNA
We have no way of knowing how thick this vein of magma is. If we turn back now, we may get out alive.
CARTER
I said divert power to the shields!
[The two women stare each other down for a moment. Kianna finally relents.]
KIANNA
Power diverted. Although I'm not sure how much difference it will make.
TEAL’C
Hull temperature is 1200 degrees.
KIANNA
Do you really want to risk your life for the people of this world, Major? I am not so sure they would do the same for you.
[Metal screeches and a pipe bursts, emitting hot steam.]
JONAS
We're losing hull integrity.
[Kianna stands and reaches nearby for a control. The steam stops, but alarms still blare and the vehicle groans.]
CARTER
Teal'c?
TEAL’C
Hull temperature is dropping. 1100 degrees and still falling.
CARTER
(sighing)
We made it through.
KIANNA
Very impressive.
INT—SGC BRIEFING ROOM
[The three recalcitrant councilors stand by the table and continue arguing.]
DREYLOCK
Kelowna will accept nothing less than equal representation.
EREMAL
Really? Kelowna is solely responsible for this problem.
[Daniel is looking very fed up. As they argue he shifts his gaze to an SF standing nearby.]
DREYLOCK
Need I remind you that the Stargate is in our possession?
TARTHUS
For the moment.
DREYLOCK
Is that a threat?
TARTHUS
It's an assurance that when it comes to the survival of our people, we will do whatever is necessary.
DANIEL
What, so now you wanna go to war? My friends are trying to save your world and you wanna destroy it?
[O'Neill and Hammond arrive via the stairwell.]
O’NEILL
Oh, save your breath, Daniel.
[Daniel looks defeated as O'Neill walks into the room with Hammond.]
O’NEILL
(To the Langarans)
You folks are done.
[The three Langarans stare at him.]
DREYLOCK
I don't understand.
O’NEILL
Well, you see, we actually like the Madronans. They're nice people. And we've decided, there's no way we'd subject them to the likes of you. Deal's off. You're toast.
[Daniel looks uncomfortable but keeps his eyes on the Langarans.]
TARTHUS
General?
HAMMOND
Colonel O'Neill's right. You can stay until we hear back from Jonas and Major Carter.
[The Langarans exchange glances then look back at O'Neill and the general.]
O’NEILL
(Smiling)
That's what you get for dickin' around.
INT—KELOWNA—EVACATOR INTERIOR
[The sound of the drill can be heard, but it appears to be having problems.]
CARTER
Something's wrong. We're losing speed. 1.5 metres per second and slowing.
KIANNA
It is the forward drills. They were damaged by the magma. They are coming apart.
CARTER
We've stopped.
KIANNA
Forward drills finished.
[She starts to shut of switches]
KIANNA
Cutting power.
JONAS
This is as deep as we're gonna get.
TEAL’C
What is our position?
CARTER
We're still over a kilometre from the target.
JONAS
What happens if we drop the bomb here?
CARTER
We're too far from the faultline. Detonating from this position would be pointless.
TEAL’C
Then we have failed.
[They all exchange looks, each at a loss.]
INT—KELOWNA—EXCAVATOR INTERIOR
CARTER
We're gonna have to go back to the surface and repair the ship.
JONAS
There's too much damage. That's gonna take us weeks.
CARTER
I'm sorry Jonas but we don't have a choice.
JONAS
We still have some Tokra crystals in reserve. We can use those to tunnel the rest of the way.
CARTER
They'd never make it far enough.
JONAS
Yeah, but if we focus them, we can at least dig a passage big enough for one person. That would give us the distance we need.
CARTER
It might work. But at this depth, the heat and the noxious gasses would penetrate even a Tokra tunnel. It will be suicide.
KIANNA
I will go.
[They all look at her.]
KIANNA
Do not worry, Major Carter. I may be intrigued by your willingness to sacrifice yourself for others, but I do not share it. My symbiote will protect me.
CARTER
Why take the risk?
KIANNA
You still think of me as nothing but a servant of Ba'al. You are mistaken.
JONAS
You haven't told him about the Naquadria?
KIANNA
Not yet.
CARTER
You want it for yourself.
[She eyes them for a moment.]
KIANNA
In any case, the fact remains I am the only one that can complete this mission.
[Carter helps Kianna prepare to enter the tunnel.]
TEAL’C
(Descending the ladder)
The tunnel is complete.
CARTER
Are you sure you understand the detonation procedure?
KIANNA
Of course, it is a simple enough device.
[Kianna heads down the ladder into the tunnel, with Jonas watching her descend. Teal'c seals the door behind her.]
INT—KELOWNA—TUNNEL
[Kianna makes her way down into the tunnel.]
INT—KELOWNA—EXCAVATOR INTERIOR
[Carter, Teal'c and Jonas wait silently. Carter eyes the monitor to check Kianna's progress.]
INT—KELOWNA—TUNNEL
[She eventually crawls to her destination.]
KIANNA
(panting)
I am in position.
[She takes her pack off and pulls the bomb from it.]
KIANNA
I am setting the detonator.
INT—KELOWNA—EXCAVATOR INTERIOR
[An alarm sounds on one of the monitors. Carter jumps up to check.]
CARTER
Oh, this is not good.
INT—KELOWNA—TUNNEL
[Kianna is placing the bomb.]
CARTER
(Via radio)
Kianna, this is Major Carter. Do you read?
KIANNA
Go ahead.
INT—KELOWNA—EXCAVATOR INTERIOR
CARTER
We're losing power. I think the generators have been damaged.
INT—KELOWNA—TUNNEL
KIANNA
I was afraid of that. How much power do you have left?
INT—KELOWNA—EXCAVATOR INTERIOR
CARTER
We're down to 70%
INT—KELOWNA—TUNNEL
KIANNA
(breathing heavily)
So much for my empire.
CARTER
(via radio)
Say again?
KIANNA
If you begin your ascent now, you may have enough power to reach the surface.
CARTER
We're not leaving you behind.
KIANNA
You have no choice. If the power drops below 50%, you will not even be able to restart the engines. I am already dead, if you wait, you die, too.
INT—KELOWNA—EXCAVATOR INTERIOR
JONAS
This is Jonas. There's still time left. Start back immediately.
INT—KELOWNA—TUNNEL
KIANNA
If you're doing this out of concern for the host, you need not bother. The body is already severely damaged. Even if we make it back, I may not be able to keep her alive.
INT—KELOWNA—EXCAVATOR INTERIOR
JONAS
Listen to me, we're not going without you, so shut up and get moving.
[Breathing heavily, Kianna starts to move slowly.]
INT—SGC BRIEFING ROOM
[The Langarans are pacing.]
DREYLOCK
We should have heard by now.
TARTHUS
Something went wrong.
[Tarthus and Dreylock look out over the gate room.]
INT—KELOWNA—EXCAVATOR INTERIOR
CARTER
(Eyeing the monitors)
Power's down to 53%. She's taking twice as long to get back as she took to get down there.
JONAS
(keying the microphone)
Kianna, this is Jonas. Come in, over. Please respond.
TEAL’C
I believe we have no choice but to begin our ascent immediately.
[They hear a bang on the hull below the shaft exit. Opening the door, Kianna is weakly hanging on to the rungs of the shaft's ladder. Teal'c reaches in and pulls her up. She is bruised and bloody, and he hands her over to Jonas.]
JONAS
(taking Kianna)
All right, I'll take care of her. Get us out of here.
[Carter heads over to the console and Teal'c takes his station.]
CARTER
Powering up engines.
[Jonas closes the shaft.]
TEAL’C
Beginning ascent.
KIANNA
(Looking at Jonas)
You waited.
JONAS
You held up your end of the bargain.
KIANNA
Was that your only reason?
[Jonas says nothing.]
KIANNA
(smiling weakly)
I already know your answer.
[She closes her eyes.]
INT—SGC GATE ROOM
[The gate activates as the Klaxons sound.]
INT—SGC COMMAND CENTER
[Hammond heads down the stairs to the Command Center with Emeral by his side. Dreylock and Tarthus follow them to the console.]
PA SYSTEM
Unscheduled Offworld Activation
TECHNICIAN
Receiving a signal sir. Audio only.
HAMMOND
Put it though.
KELOWNAN
(via radio)
Kelownan gate control to First Minister Dreylock.
DREYLOCK
This is Dreylock. Go ahead.
KELOWNAN
We're receiving reports from all over the country - a major seismic disturbance. Geological survery places the epicentre at the target coordinates.
EREMAL
They did it!
DREYLOCK
Any word from the excavator.
KELOWNAN
Negative.
INT—KELOWNA—EXCAVATOR INTERIOR
[The vehicle shudders as it continues to make its ascent to the surface.]
TEAL’C
Power reserves are nearly depleted.
CARTER
We're almost there. Ten seconds.
[Jonas is holding onto Kianna.]
CARTER
Five seconds…four…three…two…one.
[The excavator breaks through the surface.]
INT—SGC GATE ROOM
[Jonas is standing on the ramp, staring at the gate when Daniel enters.]
DANIEL
Miss it?
JONAS
Yeah, I do.
[The gate begins to activate.]
DANIEL
Well, judging from what you have to deal with back on Kelowna, I'm not surprised. I think I'd take life-threatening danger over one of those council meetings any day of the week.
JONAS
Yeah, I tell ya, I don't know what Jack said to them, but they are being a little bit more cooperative.
DANIEL
Yeah, let's hope it lasts.
[Kianna enters the gate room, a bit bruised and battered, accompanied by Carter.]
JONAS
How are you feeling?
KIANNA
Fine, I guess. I don't remember everything. It's like a dream
CARTER
The symbiote's dead.
KIANNA
She saved me. She could have let me die with her, but she didn't.
[The gate opens.]
KIANNA
I know you may find this hard to believe, but she appreciated everything that you did for her. What you tried to do.
[Jonas nods. He looks around a bit awkwardly, then shrugs.]
JONAS
(smiling)
Time to go home.
[He shakes hands with Daniel and then walks up the ramp with Kianna. Carter and Daniel watch as both walk to the event horizon and back to Kelowna.]
END CREDITS
Transcribed by Marcia for Stargate Solutions 31st December 2004
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--Helen 06:56, 31 Dec 2004 (PST)