SGA 1.18 "The Gift" Transcript

1.18 "The Gift"

Episode Guide

Précis

When terrifying nightmares about the Wraith haunt Teyla, she visits the city's psychologist and learns that she can sense the Wraith. Determined to discover more, she leads a small team on a mission to a planet from which victims of the Wraith "miraculously" return. There, they uncover what appears to be a genetics laboratory. Could Teyla's connection to the Wraith be the result of genetic experimentation?

Guide | Transcript

Transcript

TEASER

EXT—ATLANTIS, NIGHT

INT—ATLANTIS GATE ROOM

[A crewman guards the inactive 'gate.]

INT—ATLANTIS CONTROL ROOM

[Crewmen sit idle at their stations.]

INT—ATLANTIS GANGWAY

[A guard patrols.]

INT—ATLANTIS LAB

[McKay sips from a metal cup as he works.]

INT—FORD'S QUARTERS

[Ford rolls over in his sleep.]

INT—SHEPPARD'S QUARTERS

[Sheppard sleeps.]

INT—TEYLA'S QUARTERS

[Teyla sleeps.]

INT—ATLANTIS CORRIDOR

[A Wraith walks down the corridor.]

INT—TEYLA'S QUARTERS

[The Wraith enters, raises its hand, and starts to feed on Teyla. She wakes and tries to fight it off. Suddenly it disappears. Teyla wakes from the seeming nightmare, shaken. She rushes out of her quarters.]

INT—ATLANTIS CORRIDOR

[Teyla rushes through the corridor to the door to Sheppard's quarters.]

TEYLA
Major Sheppard. Major!

[She activates the controls and enters. Sheppard is covered by blankets. She throws them back, revealing a Sheppard that's been fed upon by Wraith and is now aged and dead. Teyla gasps and turns to face the Wraith.]

INT—TEYLA'S QUARTERS

[Teyla wakens from the nightmare and sits up more slowly. Her skin glistens with sweat.]

END TEASER

OPENING CREDITS

INT—ATLANTIS EXERCISE ROOM

[Teyla and Sheppard spar with Athosian fighting sticks. Sheppard gets the best of her after a parry, and they regroup and start again. Sheppard hits Teyla and seems surprised by that.]

TEYLA
Ah! Continue.

SHEPPARD
Going easy on me, huh?

TEYLA
I assure you, Major, I am not. Continue.

[They spar again. Sheppard throws Teyla to the floor.]

SHEPPARD
You okay?

TEYLA
Yes.

SHEPPARD
Are you sure? Because it's usually me picking my butt up off the mat.

TEYLA
Truthfully, I have not been sleeping much. And when I do, I've been having nightmares about the Wraith.

[He helps her up.]

SHEPPARD
Well, you're not the only one.

TEYLA
It has not been so bad since my father was taken.

EXT—ATLANTIS, NIGHT

INT—ATLANTIS BRIEFING ROOM

[Weir briefs the staff.]

WEIR
According to Dr. Zelenka's calculations, we have less than one week before the Wraith arrive. I want options.

MCKAY
You mean besides crying ourselves to sleep? Well, not me. I haven't slept in days.

WEIR
And what do you have to show for your sleepless nights, Rodney?

MCKAY
Since we got here, we've uncovered a number of defensive weapons systems beyond the shield—

ZELENKA
We think our best option is the control chair.

MCKAY
I was going to say that.

ZELENKA
Yes, but you were taking too long, as usual.

MCKAY
Yes, but the point is this may not be our best chance.

ZELENKA
Name a better one.

WEIR
Gentlemen.

MCKAY
Of course, like the shield, power will be our biggest problem.

ZELENKA
We haven't even been able to initialize the chair yet, much less determine whether we can meet the power requirements to run it.

WEIR
Okay. Keep me posted. Sergeant Bates, where are we with our Alpha site?

BATES
We've completed the ground and aerial security sweep and are ready to begin establishing base camp. We're just awaiting final inspection by Major Sheppard.

SHEPPARD
Right after lunch.

WEIR
Good. Teyla, are the Athosians getting prepared for an evacuation?

TEYLA
Yes, but many believe there is no other world that is safe from the Wraith.

WEIR
They want to stay?

TEYLA
As we have heard from our allies and seen for ourselves, there are cullings happening all over the galaxy. My people have spent their lives hiding from the Wraith.

WEIR
Yes, well, the difference here being we do intend to destroy the city rather than let it fall into the hands of the Wraith. And, if it comes to that, anyone left on the mainland will be cut off from the Stargate for good. Now, thanks to Rodney's discovery of the gate's control crystal, we at least know we'll be able to take that with us and hopefully use it to access Earth again some time in the future.

TEYLA
We understand that, Dr. Weir.

WEIR
I'm sorry, I—

TEYLA
I am merely saying that the people of Athos wish you to know that if we are going to stay and fight, they too will help defend the city of the Ancestors.

WEIR
Well, that is very honorable, but I—

KAVANAUGH
Oh, please! We can't possibly consider staying and fighting.

SHEPPARD
Well, I disagree. I think it's entirely within the realm of possibility.

KAVANAUGH
There are tens of thousands of life-sucking aliens in highly advanced spaceships on their way here to destroy us and we have what, two hundred people, most of whom are scientists who've never even fired a gun before?

MCKAY
Shockingly, for the first time ever, I find myself having to agree with Kavanaugh.

SHEPPARD
All I'm saying is let's not give up…just yet.

MCKAY
What was that we were supposed to all remember? Something important. Oh, yes, that's right—the Alamo.

SHEPPARD
Granted, you guys are scientists. No one's considering putting you guys on the front line, but science can turn the tide of war. Look at the…A-bomb.

ZELENKA
Not exactly our proudest moment.

WEIR
The fact is, the Wraith aren't here quite yet, and until that moment, I would like everyone to remain focused on what it is they do best. Like I said off the top, if there are any options, I want them. That's all.

INT—MESS HALL

[Teyla sits at a table with a tray of food. Heightmeyer approaches.]

DR. HEIGHTMEYER
Teyla?

TEYLA
Hi.

DR. HEIGHTMEYER
Kate…Heightmeyer.

TEYLA
Yes. Right. I knew that. I'm sorry.

DR. HEIGHTMEYER
No problem. Mind if I join you?

TEYLA
No, of course not.

DR. HEIGHTMEYER
Strange how the memory just goes away when we're tired.

TEYLA
You are a doctor, right?

DR. HEIGHTMEYER
Psychologist, actually.

TEYLA
And that is different than Dr. Beckett?

DR. HEIGHTMEYER
Quite, yes. Um, I deal with the mind. I try and help people deal with emotional problems like anxiety, depression, post-traumatic distress. Well, needless to say, I've been pretty busy since we got here.

TEYLA
I can imagine.

DR. HEIGHTMEYER
I'm sure that you do a lot of the same things that I do for your people, but it must be very hard on you, always having to keep such a brave face.

TEYLA
From strength comes hope. Without hope, my people would be lost.

DR. HEIGHTMEYER
You must feel you have to be outwardly strong for us, as well. Teyla, I know that your value and your loyalty have been questioned by a few here in the past. What I'm trying to say to you is if you ever need to talk, I'm here.

TEYLA
Did Major Sheppard ask you to speak with me?

DR. HEIGHTMEYER
Yes, he may have—

TEYLA
I'm sorry. I do not mean to be rude, but I'm fine. Really. I appreciate your concern.

INT—ATLANTIS CORRIDOR OUTSIDE GATEROOM

[Teyla finds Sheppard.]

TEYLA
Major.

SHEPPARD
Teyla.

TEYLA
What did you tell Dr. Heightmeyer?

SHEPPARD
Exactly what you told me. That you couldn't sleep because you were having nightmares.

TEYLA
I confided in you.

SHEPPARD
You're a member of my team, which makes you my responsibility, And I only told one person, whose job, by the way, is to deal exactly with this sort of thing.

TEYLA
There is nothing wrong with my mind.

SHEPPARD
Nobody said there was.

TEYLA

(angry)

I have a hard enough time getting your people to respect me without them thinking I'm crazy.

SHEPPARD
Nobody thinks you're crazy, and everybody respects you.

TEYLA
That is not the point.

SHEPPARD
Look, Teyla, you may want to sit this one out.

TEYLA
What do you mean?

SHEPPARD
Well, Rodney's staying back, and Ford and I are just going to check out the Alpha site one last time before we have to move in.

TEYLA
Should we evacuate, my people will be forced to that planet as well.

SHEPPARD
And I'll make sure it's safe for everyone. Look, Teyla, I'm not saying there's anything wrong with you, God forbid, but you yourself admitted that you were a little off your game. You snapped at Dr. Weir this morning in the briefing room for no good reason. Now you're biting my head off for caring that you might need help dealing with the fact that it's been three days since you've had any sleep.

TEYLA
I'm sorry, but I do not need any help. The Wraith are coming. What I need is to do something!

SHEPPARD
Okay. Good. I suggest you take a nap.

[Sheppard walks into the Gate room. Frustrated, Teyla heads the other way.]

INT—TEYLA'S QUARTERS

[Having taken off her gear, Teyla lies down on her bed. After a moment she sighs and gets up.]

INT—HEIGHTMEYER'S OFFICE

[Teyla comes to Heightmeyer's office. McKay is standing in the doorway.]

MCKAY
Teyla.

TEYLA

(surprised)

Dr. McKay.

MCKAY

(uncomfortable)
I was just, um…
(secretively)

We're seeing each other.

TEYLA
You and Dr. Heightmeyer?

MCKAY
Well, you know how much I love women with great, um…minds. Just don't say anything to anyone.

TEYLA
Your secret is safe with me.

MCKAY
Right. Very good. Excellent.

[McKay walks away.]

TEYLA
Dr. Heightmeyer?

DR. HEIGHTMEYER
Teyla. Come in.

TEYLA
I'm sorry to bother you. Is it all right if I…

DR. HEIGHTMEYER
Of course. Please, have a seat.

TEYLA
I guess I'm not really sure how this is supposed to work.

DR. HEIGHTMEYER
Just relax. Tell me whatever's on your mind.

TEYLA
I have been having bad dreams. I feel… Everyone on this base is probably afraid. I do not know why I'm bothering you—

[She gets up to leave.]

DR. HEIGHTMEYER
Have you always been able to sense the Wraith?

TEYLA
Yes. Since I can remember.

DR. HEIGHTMEYER
Well, what does it feel like?

[Teyla sits back down.]

TEYLA
It feels like a deep cold that comes from within. I first felt it when I was a girl. I could not breathe, and I did not know why. And then we heard the darts.

DR. HEIGHTMEYER
Do you feel that way now?

TEYLA
I have had a knot inside me for some time now.

DR. HEIGHTMEYER
As I understand, though, their ships are still a great distance from Atlantis. Can you really sense them from so far away?

TEYLA
This feeling is a little different than in the past. Perhaps it is because it is always there now. I am getting used to it. Never before in my lifetime have so many Wraith been awake.

DR. HEIGHTMEYER
Do many of your people have this ability?

TEYLA
Some. Among those few, some can sense the Wraith stronger than others. I have always been among the first to know they are coming.

DR. HEIGHTMEYER
That makes you special. How does that make you feel?

TEYLA
I do not know. I suppose I have not given it much thought.

DR. HEIGHTMEYER
Why not?

TEYLA
Why do some people have blue eyes and others brown?

DR. HEIGHTMEYER
Tell me about your nightmares.

INT—ATLANTIS CORRIDOR

[A Wraith walks the corridor. It enters Teyla's quarters. It has Teyla's face. Teyla wakes up from the nightmare, in her bed.]

INT—HEIGHTMEYER'S OFFICE

TEYLA
It was me.

DR. HEIGHTMEYER
You were standing over yourself?

TEYLA
It was me…but it was not me. I was a Wraith.

DR. HEIGHTMEYER
The truth is, people waste a lot of time trying to interpret their dreams. They're really just another way our brain thinks when we're asleep. There are no hidden meanings. In fact, we tend to forget most everything we dream about. Our conscious mind is capable of deciding what's most important to us.

TEYLA
Well, the fact that, on some level, I see myself as a Wraith is very disturbing to me.

DR. HEIGHTMEYER
I think this special ability you have, this talent for sensing the Wraith, connects you to them in your mind…maybe in a way you would like to deny. You said you hadn't really given it much thought in the past. I don't think that's true.

TEYLA
What am I supposed to do? I cannot change it.

DR. HEIGHTMEYER
Probably not. But the unknown frightens us. We all like to feel in control even though most of the time our power over most things is just an illusion. But I find, the more we know about something, the more we can convince ourselves we are in control of it.

INT—ATLANTIS INFIRMARY

[Teyla visits Beckett.]

BECKETT
I ran every test I could on all of you from the get-go. Physiologically, you and your people are the same as we are. I have no explanation for any of your special super powers.

TEYLA
I only have one.

BECKETT
I've seen you fight, my dear.

TEYLA
I have previously traced this ability as something that is passed on through family lineage. Does that not make it biological?

BECKETT

It would seem so, but without genetic samples from everyone in your family tree, I would have little to no chance of identifying the specific characteristic that causes the anatomical response.
(off her confusion)

It'd be difficult.

TEYLA
Any chance you would have time to fly me over to the mainland?

BECKETT
If you're willing to take your life into your own hands. I'd love a break.

EXT—ABOVE OCEAN SURFACE, DAY

[The Puddle Jumper flies over the ocean.]

EXT—MAINLAND VILLAGE, DAY

[The village consists of many Earth-built tents in a clearing. There are multiple camp fires burning.]

INT—CHARIN'S TENT

[Charin serves soup to Teyla.]

CHARIN
You've changed, Teyla.

TEYLA
My hair is shorter.

CHARIN
It's more than your hair, dear. I can still see the little girl who used to paint me beautiful pictures while she sang the songs of the Ancients.

TEYLA
I have not been that girl in a long time, Charin.

CHARIN
No, but even Teyla, leader of the Athosians, always found the time to come and visit with poor, old Charin.

TEYLA
I have missed your tuttleroot soup.

CHARIN
But I suspect it's more than my soup that has brought you here. You've come to pluck me from my tent and take me to yet another world.

TEYLA
Not yet. But it seems we may have to evacuate again soon, at least temporarily.

CHARIN
Did you allow yourself to expect differently?

TEYLA
I still believe that we can one day be free of the Wraith.

CHARIN
You can save such stories for those whose bones aren't failing them.

TEYLA
Charin, do you know why I can sense the Wraith coming?

CHARIN
You were born to it. There have been a few in every generation.

TEYLA
I know, but has no one ever wondered how that is possible?

CHARIN
Some believe it was a gift from the Ancestors.

TEYLA
And you?

CHARIN
Your father asked me not to tell you.

TEYLA
My father is not here anymore.

CHARIN
No other living Athosian knows of this, for good reason.

TEYLA
Please. Tell me anyway.

CHARIN
My grandfather used to tell a story—no one has ever heard the like, before or since—about the few who once returned.

TEYLA
Returned?

CHARIN
There was a planet… As was expected, every so often, the Wraith came. Villagers were taken. But there, on this particular planet, on several occasions, the taken came back.

EXT—ATLANTIS, DAY

INT—WEIR'S OFFICE

[Teyla recounts the story to Weir and Sheppard.]

TEYLA
Some believed that the ancestors had returned their loved ones to them that they had been blessed with a gift that made them unwanted by the Wraith. Others even told tales of how the taken had somehow vanquished the Wraith. But soon, the taken began to be feared.

WEIR
Why?

TEYLA
They spoke of hearing voices. Many began to behave strangely. Some became violent, even murderous.

WEIR
Well, it doesn't sound like the Ancients were responsible for that.

TEYLA
No. The villagers turned on the taken. It was a massacre. All but a few were killed. The rest were ostracized sent away. After that, no others that were taken from that village ever returned again. But those few who survived, they are the ones who Charin believes passed on the gift.

SHEPPARD
And one of the taken that survived was…

TEYLA
My lineage. I have the address to the planet where this happened. Charin says the village is long gone. All that is left are ruins, but still, I wish to go there.

WEIR
Now?

TEYLA
I believe this must be coming to light now for a reason. Maybe we can find evidence of what really happened.

WEIR
Look, Teyla, there are a lot of things that we need to get done.

TEYLA
Maybe there is a way to fight the Wraith that we have yet to discover. Perhaps my ancestors were simply not enlightened enough to recognize their gift for what it was.

SHEPPARD
Doesn't hurt to take a look around.

EXT—PLANET OF THE TAKEN, NIGHT

[The team explores ruins on the dark, foggy planet.]

FORD
Sir, there's nothing here.

SHEPPARD
I know.

FORD
Well, it's dark. Shouldn't we be getting back?

SHEPPARD
Just give her a minute.

[There is thunder.]

FORD
Sir…

SHEPPARD
Ford, I need her to put this behind her, get some sleep. We all do, so whatever it takes.

[McKay examines readings on his hand-held sensor.]

SHEPPARD
Rodney?

MCKAY
I've got something here.

FORD
Really?

MCKAY
I don't know. I've got a little…

[McKay starts to walk away, following the signals.]

FORD

(joking)

You've got a little what? Hey, McKay, you've got a little what? What? Oh, it's okay when you guys make fun of me.

SHEPPARD
Rodney?

[They gather at a rock wall.]

MCKAY
Picking up a faint energy signal. It's getting stronger. Coming from here.

FORD
There's nothing here.

MCKAY
Well, the magic Ancient device hasn't lied yet.

SHEPPARD
It's solid.

MCKAY
Well, there's definitely something weird here.

SHEPPARD
Weird how?

[Teyla touches the rock and falls through it, as if it is not solid.]

FORD
How about that?

SHEPPARD
Teyla! Teyla!

[Sheppard touches the rock, but it's now solid again.]

MCKAY
Maybe if you got a good running start. You know, really slam into it.

[Sheppard touches it gently. Suddenly the wall disappears, revealing Teyla standing at the entrance to a chamber.]

SHEPPARD
How'd you do that?

TEYLA
I do not know. I was just looking for a way out.

[They all go inside.]

FORD
Looks like the inside of a Wraith ship.

MCKAY
What the hell were they doing here?

[They hear a clanging sound in the distance.]

INT—ATLANTIS LAB

[McKay works at a computer. Weir enters.]

WEIR
Rodney.

MCKAY
Elizabeth.

WEIR
Sheppard said you think you found a Wraith laboratory.

MCKAY
Certainly looks that way. Some sort of hidden, secret facility. It's obviously been abandoned for a very long time. I was able to pull this data recorder from one of the computer consoles.

[He holds up the unit.]

WEIR
You think the Wraith were experimenting on the people of that planet?

MCKAY
I have no idea. I'm hoping this thing will tell us.

WEIR
Why their need for secrecy? The Wraith can take people at will and do whatever they want with them.

[Strange symbolic writing appears on the screen.]

MCKAY
Here we go. There. Now, that, uh… That means absolutely nothing to me. The last time I saw the contents of one of these, it showed a galactic positioning system for ships. It was more, um…pictures than symbols.

WEIR
I wonder…

MCKAY
Just so you know, you didn't actually finish that sentence out loud.

WEIR
Well, this is obviously a language.

MCKAY
Wraith language?

WEIR
That would make sense. I'd love to have a good look through this.

MCKAY
Knock yourself out. I have to get back to the control chair anyway.

[McKay leaves.]

INT—HEIGHTMEYER'S OFFICE

DR. HEIGHTMEYER
Why do you think you could access the doorway when no one else could?

TEYLA
I don't know.

DR. HEIGHTMEYER
Is it because only a Wraith can enter a secret Wraith facility?

TEYLA
I'm not a Wraith.

DR. HEIGHTMEYER

(aggressively)

Tell me…what does it feel like to be a Wraith?

[Teyla has the face of a Wraith.]

TEYLA
I feel hunger.

INT—TEYLA'S QUARTERS

[Teyla wakes up, very upset.]

INT—CONTROL CHAIR ROOM

[Beckett, McKay and Zelenka are there.]

BECKETT
Don't you remember what happened last time I sat in one of those?

MCKAY
There's nowhere near enough power in the thing to do anything.

BECKETT
Then why bother? Gentlemen, it's quite late.

ZELENKA
We are trying to determine exactly how much power is required to operate the systems that are controlled by the chair.

MCKAY
And in order to do that, it needs to be on.

BECKETT
You have the gene now.

MCKAY
Yeah, but I can't be trying to analyze the feedback data while I'm concentrating on keeping the damn thing activated.

BECKETT
Why don't you analyze it?

ZELENKA
Well, I could analyze it, but Rodney doesn't think that—

[Weir arrives.]

WEIR
Gentlemen, how's it coming?

MCKAY
Well, not good.

WEIR
Well, I'm sorry. This won't help. Carson, I need you.

BECKETT
Oh, thank God.

MCKAY
Yeah, but we're using him.

BECKETT
What is it? Is someone hurt?

WEIR
You were right.

BECKETT
Lovely. About what?

WEIR
Your theory of the Wraith evolving after the Ancients arrived in the Pegasus galaxy.

MCKAY
You've got to be kidding me.

ZELENKA
Pay up.

BECKETT
How do you know?

WEIR
The Wraith language is a derivative of Ancient.

MCKAY
Well, that doesn't categorically mean—

WEIR
Rodney, please. That's not why I need to see you. I've been able to translate the first part of the log from the Wraith data device.

BECKETT
Really?

[Weir and Beckett leave.]

MCKAY
All right, we'll try Dr. Kusanagi again.

ZELENKA
Kusanagi again.

MCKAY
Now.

ZELENKA
Okay.

MCKAY
Thank you.

EXT—ATLANTIS, MORNING

INT—ATLANTIS LAB

[Teyla enters, finding Weir and Beckett working at a laptop.]

TEYLA
Good morning. You look like I feel.

WEIR
Well, we've been up all night.

TEYLA
You wanted to see me?

BECKETT
You'd better sit down.

TEYLA
What is it?

WEIR
Well, I translated the first part of the log you that brought back, and… are you sure you don't want to have a seat? The Wraith were conducting experiments on your ancestors. It was just one Wraith, actually, and he was doing it against the wishes of the other Wraith, which is why he was doing it in secret.

TEYLA
What was he doing?

BECKETT
I think he was trying to make their food source more compatible with their species.

TEYLA
I do not understand.

BECKETT
It was very easy to miss. In fact, I couldn't even make the kind of comparison necessary to isolate the specific strand. We needed Wraith cells, which we eventually got, but then we needed a full mapping of the genetic code contained within those cells, which wasn't even 50% complete—

TEYLA
Please. Tell me.

BECKETT
You have some Wraith DNA in your genetic makeup.

[Teyla is shocked.]

INT—BRIEFING ROOM

SHEPPARD
You're saying Teyla is part Wraith?

BECKETT
A very small part.

WEIR
Which makes her about as different from us as you, because of the Ancient gene you possess.

MCKAY
Well, and some other things.

FORD
Still, Bates is going to go nuts over this.

SHEPPARD
Let's just keep this one under our hat.

WEIR
Well, obviously, Teyla is very concerned about how everyone will react.

MCKAY
What, so you think this Wraith scientist was trying to make humans what, more tasty?

WEIR
The log seems to indicate that he was looking for a way to make the feeding process more efficient.

MCKAY
I thought you already said they had a number of genetic characteristics similar to humans.

BECKETT
They do, but they're still much closer to the bug creature that attacked Major Sheppard than to us.

SHEPPARD
Hey, I thought we weren't going to mention that anymore.

BECKETT
Sorry.

WEIR
Also interesting is the fact that the Wraith language appears to be a derivative of Ancient, which seems to suggest that the Wraith evolved after the Ancients arrived in Pegasus.

BECKETT
My theory is that the Ancients unwittingly allowed humans to evolve on a planet with…insect species on it. At some point, the insects fed on humans and somehow incorporated our DNA into theirs. The Wraith are an evolution of that combination.

FORD
So what you're saying is the Ancients actually created the Wraith?

BECKETT
By accident.

MCKAY
Or negligence.

WEIR
Well, either way, it doesn't matter.

BECKETT
Ultimately, the more we know about Wraith physiology, the closer we get to a biological weapon that can attack the Wraith and leave humans unharmed.

MCKAY
Yes, but for the moment, all we know is that the Ancients might have accidentally created the Wraith, and why Teyla can sense them coming. I mean, fabulous, mystery solved, but neither of which that help, in any way, stop them from coming.

WEIR
Rodney's right. Let's get back to work.

MCKAY
Thank you.

INT—HEIGHTMEYER'S OFFICE

TEYLA
I know that it is not my fault. There's nothing I can do about it. The fact is, I am really no different now than I was yesterday or last week.

DR. HEIGHTMEYER
But you feel different.

TEYLA
Yes. I think the thing that I am most worried about is how people will perceive me. My father told people that it was a gift. I was special, but in a good way. I could help my people by warning them of the Wraith's approach. He did it to protect me, but in many ways, I think that it is why they first turned to me as a leader.

DR. HEIGHTMEYER
As you just said, you're no different than you were yesterday.

TEYLA
Yes, but now they have reason to fear me.

INT—WEIR'S OFFICE

MCKAY
All right, even with Major Sheppard in the chair, we weren't able to, uh…

[Weir holds up a finger as she looks at her laptop.]

MCKAY
What? What is that?

WEIR
Something you said made me wonder…

MCKAY
I thought we decided there were more important things—

WEIR
Why did the Wraith scientist stop the experiments?

MCKAY
What would I have said that would make you think that?

WEIR
I don't remember.

MCKAY
Well, it's just… It's a good point. I'm just wondering what I said 'cause… Sorry. What have you got?

WEIR
Well, at first I thought it was because the other Wraith caught him.

SHEPPARD
They didn't?

WEIR
No, according to this, he stopped on his own.

MCKAY
See, now you've got me wondering why the rest of the Wraith didn't want these experiments taking place in the first place.

WEIR
Exactly.

MCKAY
Especially since they were supposed to be intended to improve things for everyone.

WEIR
Yeah. That's what I'm saying.

MCKAY
I just said it.

SHEPPARD
Will you stop?

WEIR
Okay, here's the most interesting part. The Wraith communicate with each other using some sort of telepathic network.

SHEPPARD
I noticed that.

WEIR
Thankfully, they can't seem to read the minds of humans, though.

SHEPPARD
That's good, but what does this have to do with the Wraith stopping the experiments?

WEIR
Because, by combining even small amounts of Wraith DNA with humans, the scientist was giving the humans Wraith mental abilities. The subjects of his experiments were able to hear the Wraith communications.

SHEPPARD
In the stories that Teyla told, the voices that the people heard were…

WEIR
Were Wraith. Exactly. It must have driven them mad. The Wraith scientist couldn't find a way around it, so eventually he gave up.

MCKAY
I don't understand. I mean, why let them back into the general population, then?

WEIR
Well, it seems he thought that interbreeding with normal humans might dilute the effect.

MCKAY
Before he realized he was wrong, it was too late.

WEIR
When the other Wraith did find out what he had done, they wiped out all the people on the planet… But not before several of the test subjects had already been ostracized and forced to leave.

MCKAY
Okay, so how does this help us?

WEIR
Teyla may have more than just the ability to sense the Wraith coming.

MCKAY
What? You're saying you think Teyla might be able to…tap into this Wraith psychic network?

SHEPPARD
If she can, we'll be able to gather all the intel we ever needed about them.

INT—HEIGHTMEYER'S OFFICE

TEYLA
I have never been able to hear the thoughts of the Wraith before.

WEIR
According to the notes all the test subjects who were given the Wraith DNA, they had the ability.

DR. HEIGHTMEYER
It's possible it's because you've never actually tried before.

WEIR
You didn't know you could read Wraith minds, and quite frankly, who would want to? Look, Teyla, I would not even consider asking you to do this if I didn't think it could potentially provide us with some vital information.

TEYLA
I just do not know what to do.

WEIR
Well, Dr. Heightmeyer has a theory.

DR. HEIGHTMEYER
I think it's possible that, over time, through several generations people with your ability have developed a mental barrier to the thought projections of the Wraith. Sort of a self-defense mechanism. If we can get past that…

TEYLA
How?

DR. HEIGHTMEYER
We have a treatment process called hypnosis.

WEIR
Dr. Heightmeyer can lead you through it and Dr. Beckett will remain on hand at all times to monitor your physiology.

TEYLA
The Wraith are still very far away, are they not?

WEIR
Yes, they are, and McKay, he does have some doubts about the range of this telepathy.

DR. HEIGHTMEYER
But as you've said, you can sense the Wraith now. If that's merely a bleed-through effect into your consciousness of a greater latent ability, then it may be worth trying to break the barrier. To be perfectly honest, it's not something I would ever recommend doing under any other circumstances.

WEIR
But these are far from normal circumstances that we're in, Teyla.

TEYLA
If I can somehow provide us with something—their strategy, a weakness—I see no other choice.

INT—ATLANTIS INFIRMARY

[Teyla lies on an infirmary bed. Beckett adjusts her I.V.]

BECKETT
Okay, I think we're ready.

DR. HEIGHTMEYER
Are you? Okay, I want you to breathe…nice and deeply, and try to relax. Dr. Beckett's going to administer a mild sedative. Now, if this works, we should still be able to communicate with each other.

[Beckett injects the sedative into the I.V. port.]

DR. HEIGHTMEYER
Remember, we can wake you at any time, using a very low-grade electrical current. It won't hurt at all. Just say, "Out," and we'll end it. Now, focus on this light as I speak.

[She holds up a pen light, pointed at Teyla's face.]

DR. HEIGHTMEYER
You told me that the feeling that you get from the Wraith is a cold, dark feeling deep inside you. I want you to think about that. Look for it in your mind. Now, close your eyes and listen to it. Don't resist. Go to that place where it lives. What do you hear?

TEYLA
Nothing.

DR. HEIGHTMEYER
You told me that your father was taken by the Wraith. Do you remember sensing it that day?

TEYLA
Yes.

DR. HEIGHTMEYER
Think back to that feeling. Now listen. What do you hear?

TEYLA
Noise. Voices. So many voices whispering.

DR. HEIGHTMEYER
Listen closely. Listen for one.

TEYLA
I can see.

DR. HEIGHTMEYER
Tell us what you see, Teyla.

TEYLA
I am on a ship. I am walking.

SHEPPARD
She can actually see what's happening?

DR. HEIGHTMEYER
If the Wraith can project their thoughts, then that may include what they're seeing.

TEYLA
There are other Wraith. And they do not notice me. I am in a room full of people being preserved so that they can be fed upon. I am feeding. I am killing him.

[As she speaks, scenes of what she is seeing appear. She is feeding on a young man trapped in a Wraith pod.]

WEIR
Stop. Beckett, stop.

[Teyla wakes up.]

DR. HEIGHTMEYER
It's okay. It's okay. You're here, in Atlantis.

WEIR
Teyla, I…I had no right to ask you to do this.

[Weir and Sheppard leave.]

TEYLA

(agitated)

Get these things off of me.

BECKETT
All right, settle down, Teyla. I have to take this off.

INT—ATLANTIS CORRIDOR

WEIR
I can't put her through this, John. I know it was my idea, but it's too much to ask.

SHEPPARD
You might feel differently once the hive ships show up.

TEYLA
Dr. Weir. Why did you make them stop?

WEIR
Excuse me?

TEYLA
I was on one of the hive ships that is headed here. I could hear them. I could see. It was working.

WEIR
You were watching them feed.

TEYLA
Yes. I actually felt one of them feed. But I can handle it. I can help us, I know it.

WEIR
Teyla, I never should've—

TEYLA
I am going to try again.

INT—ATLANTIS INFIRMARY

[Teyla narrates what she is seeing.]

TEYLA
I am walking through the ship. I am in some sort of control room.

[Teyla opens her eyes and looks around, then gives an evil grin.]

TEYLA
You are all so pathetic.

SHEPPARD
Something tells me that's not Teyla talking.

TEYLA
Nothing can stop us.

WEIR
Wake her up.

[Beckett delivers a shock.]

TEYLA
You are all going to die.

WEIR
Now!

[He delivers another one. Teyla arches and falls back to the bed.]

TEYLA
What happened?

INT—ATLANTIS CONTROL ROOM

[Weir, Sheppard, and Heightmeyer walk through to Weir's office.]

DR. HEIGHTMEYER
Dr. Beckett has her sedated, and she's resting comfortably. She seems fine, but I would like some time to let what she's been through sink in. She may still be in shock. I have no idea what the long-term psychological effect will be.

SHEPPARD
She said she could see some type of control room—maybe a map, an attack plan. She just needs to get a better look.

WEIR
John, you were there. A Wraith had control of her.

[The 'gate alarm sounds. They rush back to the control room.]

TECHNICIAN
Incoming wormhole. We're getting Sergeant Bates' I.D.C. It's the Alpha site.

BATES

(over radio)

This is Sergeant Bates. Code red. We're under attack and coming in hot!

WEIR
Lower the shield.

[Sheppard grabs a gun from a guard and rushes down the stairs. Bates comes through, followed by his team. Weapons fire comes through as well.]

BATES
Move it, move it! That's it, we're clear.

SHEPPARD
Raise the shield!

[The 'gate shuts down.]

WEIR
Is everybody okay?

BATES
All off-world personnel accounted for.

SHEPPARD
I guess that planet isn't safe anymore.

BATES
They showed up by ship, and dropped some sort of device by the gate as we were leaving.

SHEPPARD
I've seen it before. They're tagging the planet.

BATES
If we're going to evacuate Atlantis, we're going to need a new place to go.

WEIR
That planet was supposed to be uninhabited. What did the Wraith want with it?

BATES
I don't know. It's almost like they knew we were there.

INT—ATLANTIS INFIRMARY

[Ford visits Teyla.]

TEYLA
I was close. I was so close. I really think if I had another chance…

FORD
Hey, you don't have to prove anything to anyone around here.

TEYLA
I think this could make a difference. I saw a hologram. I think it was a map, maybe even a battle plan.

FORD
We know their battle plan. They're coming to wipe us out.

TEYLA
I'm not so sure that is true. They want something from us.

FORD
Yeah. Yeah, they want to eat us.

TEYLA
No, something more. They are desperate.

FORD
Really?

TEYLA
Yes, it is surprising. They are confident in their dominance over us, but mainly because there are so many of them—too many to sustain for long. They have all awakened early, and there is not enough food to go around. It was just a feeling. The voices were so hard to separate.

FORD
You don't remember one of them speaking through you?

TEYLA
No, but I remember the feeling just before it happened. Next time—

FORD
I don't think Dr. Weir is going to let there be a next time.

INT—ATLANTIS BRIEFING ROOM

[Bates is briefed by Weir and Sheppard.]

BATES
If what you're saying is true, then chances are it was Teyla who gave away the location of our Alpha site to the Wraith.

SHEPPARD
I don't think there was time.

BATES
You don't know that they didn't have a ship in the general area.

WEIR
Look, I admit, in retrospect asking Teyla to connect with the Wraith, it may have been a mistake.

BATES
With all due respect, I don't think there's much doubt about that.

SHEPPARD
Take it easy, Sergeant. It's not like she willfully gave away our position.

[Ford enters.]

FORD
She wants to try again. Look, she says she was getting close to something big, something she's convinced we need to know.

WEIR
No. I'm sorry. The problem is, I'm not sure Teyla's thinking about what's best for herself.

BATES
Or that she could compromise us further.

SHEPPARD
At this point, we have more to gain from the Wraith than they do from us.

FORD
She wants to do it. Fact is, there may not be anything we can do to stop her from trying, so isn't it better if we're all there?

INT—ATLANTIS INFIRMARY

DR. HEIGHTMEYER
Okay. Close your eyes and relax, and listen for the voices.

[Teyla imagines walking through the ship. She sees a hologram and sees the Wraith indicate a feeding ground.]

DR. HEIGHTMEYER
Teyla?

WEIR
Break the connection.

[Beckett hits the shock button.]

BECKETT
It's not working.

TEYLA
No!

BECKETT
Teyla!

[Teyla wakes up an slugs Beckett. She grabs the I.V. pole and hits a computer with it, then hits Sheppard. She tosses Ford across the room. She approaches Weir, but falls when Bates enters and shoots her twice with a stunner. Everyone rushes to tend to her.]

EXT—ATLANTIS, DAY

EXT—ATLANTIS BALCONY, DAY

WEIR
I can only hope we haven't caused her psychological damage.

SHEPPARD
Teyla's one of the strongest people I know. The fact that she's been able to hold it together until now after what she's been through in her life…

[Beckett arrives, a bandage on his face.]

BECKETT
Oh, there you are. Major, Dr. Weir.

WEIR
Carson, how are you feeling?

BECKETT
Doozy of a headache, but I'll be fine. Teyla's awake. She wants to see both of you.

[They leave.]

INT—ATLANTIS INFIRMARY

BECKETT
Teyla, are you thirsty? Can I get you some water?

TEYLA
No. I am so sorry. I really thought I could prevent—

SHEPPARD
It's all right. Everyone's fine.

WEIR
We are concerned that the Wraith can connect to you at will, though.

TEYLA
It has never happened before. No, I am sure I have to connect with them first. I saw their plans, the route their ships are taking to get here.

WEIR
That's good.

TEYLA
There's more. They do not just want Atlantis. They know about you.

WEIR
What do you mean?

SHEPPARD
Sumner. The female Wraith wasn't just feeding on him. She was interrogating him.

TEYLA
That is why they're all waking up. That is why they are coming here. They know that Atlantis is the only way to get to a new, rich feeding ground.

SHEPPARD
Earth.

FADE OUT

END CREDITS

Transcribed for Solutions by Michelle, July, 2011.

SGA 1.18 "The Gift" Transcript

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