SGA 2.03 "Runner" Transcript
Episode Guide
SGA 2.03 "Runner" Episode Guide
Précis
Ronon Dex, a fierce survivor of a Wraith attack, may be the team’s only hope in combating the now dangerous, Wraith-infected Ford.
Guide | Transcript
Transcript
TEASER
EXT—P3M-736 FOREST, NIGHT
[Lorne and Parrish are walking through dense forest. Parrish is excitedly inspecting the plant life while Lorne shines the light of his P-90 around him.]
LORNE
You know, when they told me I'd be traveling to another galaxy, visiting strange new worlds, defending humanity against unimaginable alien threats, this just is not what I pictured.
PARRISH
We could be saving Earth right here, right now, Major.
LORNE
Oh, yeah? How's that?
PARRISH
Through a greater understanding of the long-term effects of severe ozone depletion on plant life. You may not want to admit it, but it's a real danger.
LORNE
Oh, yeah. Sure. Global warming, Wraith attack… I see the similarity now. You're right. Yeah, it's great.
[Parrish wanders off a bit.]
LORNE
Hey, not too far, Doc, okay?
PARRISH
Oh, not to worry, Major. I don't think there's much chance any animal could survive the long-term effects of exposure to the sunlight on this planet.
LORNE
So, not a place to build a summer home?
PARRISH
(fascinated)
It's the fact this vegetation is thriving.
[Perspective is switched to an overhead view from the tree above them.]
PARRISH
Somehow, it's managed to persist despite what should be extremely destructive ionizing radiation.
[Perspective is switched back to ground level.]
PARRISH
(excited)
Oh, would you look at that?
[Lorne aims his weapon and prepares to fire in the direction Parrish is looking. Parrish smiles and continues.]
PARRISH
(excited)
Now, what is a Williamsonia Sewardiana doing here?
[Parrish walks off towards the plant he had seen. Lorne looks around and notices something on the ground. He shines his light on it and crouches down for a closer look.]
PARRISH
Major!
[Parrish is looking at something on the ground and Lorne runs to join him. There is a dead Wraith lying on the ground. There is obvious injury to the body and Lorne checks the blood, which is still wet.]
LORNE
Doesn't look like the sun killed him.
PARRISH
What do we do?
LORNE
(into radio)
Coughlin, this is Lorne. Any activity?
COUGHLIN
(over radio)
No, Sir.
LORNE
(into radio)
I got a dead sucker here. Looks K.I.A. No more than a day old. We're on our way.
[Lorne leaves two glow sticks on the ground by the body.]
LORNE
Come on, Doc. Let's get you back to the gate.
PARRISH
I… I don't understand.
LORNE
(grabbing Parrish by the shirt)
Well, neither do I. All I know is he didn't do that to himself. Come on, let's go.
[They walk off into the forest and we pan up the tree to see Ford sitting on a branch.]
END TEASER
OPENING CREDITS
EXT—ATLANTIS, DAY
SHEPPARD
(voice)
Is the gate covered?
LORNE
(voice)
Coughlin and Reed, yeah.
INT—ATLANTIS, WEIR'S OFFICE
[Sheppard and Lorne are in Weir's office. Teyla enters and Sheppard and Lorne update her.]
SHEPPARD
They found a dead Wraith. Shot several times.
LORNE
Looked like bullets, but it was hard to say.
LORNE
The guy was a mess.
TEYLA
The Genii use such weapons.
WEIR
Dr. Beckett is performing an autopsy.
[The doors open and Beckett enters.]
WEIR
Here he is now.
BECKETT
I'm not done, not nearly but I thought you might like to know this. The enzyme sac in the right arm has been removed.
SHEPPARD
(stunned)
Ford!
[McKay enters.]
MCKAY
What's going on?
SHEPPARD
(snarkily)
Thanks for coming, Rodney.
MCKAY
(defensively)
I was… I was right in the middle of…
WEIR
P-three-M-seven-three-six. We found a dead Wraith… that may have been killed by Ford.
SHEPPARD
He could still be there.
MCKAY
Wait a second… seven… seven-three-six? The UV index there during the day something like a thousand.
SHEPPARD
(firmly)
Bring your sunscreen. Be ready in ten minutes.
[Sheppard leaves.]
MCKAY
(defensively)
What?! I want to get Ford back as much as anyone else, but have you seen my complexion?
TEYLA
(rolling her eyes)
Yes.
MCKAY
Yes, it's very fair.
[Teyla leaves.]
MCKAY
Extremely fair.
[Lorne leaves.]
MCKAY
This isn't fair.
INT—ATLANTIS CORRIDOR
[Sheppard is running along the corridor and as he turns a corner, Caldwell calls after him.]
CALDWELL
Colonel.
[Sheppard stops with a look of frustration on his face.]
SHEPPARD
Colonel.
CALDWELL
Something urgent?
SHEPPARD
I think we have a bead on Ford.
CALDWELL
So I heard.
SHEPPARD
That was fast.
[They step into a transporter.]
CALDWELL
Base protocol dictates all senior officers be notified of situations code orange and above.
[Sheppard taps the screen behind them, the transporter doors close and there a bright flash of light through the colored glass in the doors.]
SHEPPARD
Right. How does that go again? Red, orange, blue…
[The doors open and they step out of the transporter.]
SHEPPARD
…or the other way around? You mind if we go over that when I get back?
[Sheppard is attempting to walk away, but Caldwell follows him up the stairs.]
CALDWELL
(firmly)
Colonel.
SHEPPARD
Look, you don't have to remind me of our respective positions or that you outrank me, Sir.
CALDWELL
I was wondering if I needed to remind you. Lieutenant Ford is a significant threat to the security of this base.
SHEPPARD
He's also a friend in need.
CALDWELL
His condition forces him to seek out the Wraith. If he's caught, he would compromise…
[Sheppard stops walking and turns to face Caldwell on the stairs just below him.]
SHEPPARD
Look, I'm going to find him and I'm going to bring him back.
CALDWELL
According to Dr. Beckett's report, there may not be anything that can be done to help him.
[Sheppard walks down three steps to face Caldwell.]
SHEPPARD
With all due respect, Sir, I hope you're not saying what I think you're saying.
CALDWELL
Lieutenant Ford has already proven resourceful enough to penetrate security and escape the city. I am saying if you encounter him and there is any chance whatsoever that his capture might prove elusive, you are duty-bound to eliminate the threat.
[Sheppard bites his lower lip.]
CALDWELL
Lieutenant Ford may have been your friend, but he's not anymore. I know you understand. You'll do what's right. You didn't seem to have a problem with mercy when it came to Colonel Sumner.
[Sheppard stares at him, clenching his jaw.]
CALDWELL
Dismissed.
[Sheppard walks away.]
EXT—P3M-736 STARGATE CLEARING, NIGHT
[The gate is on the edge of an open grassy area and two soldiers are standing guard. A Puddle Jumper flies through the open wormhole and comes to a stop near the edge of the clearing. We see through the front window that Sheppard and McKay are at the controls, Teyla and Lorne behind them. Sheppard brings up the H.U.D.]
SHEPPARD
Life-signs detector is useless.
MCKAY
I told you so.
INT—PUDDLE JUMPER COCKPIT
SHEPPARD
Just preserving your streak of being right. Officially.
MCKAY
Dr. Parrish believes that the indigenous plant life retains enough residual radioactivity absorbed during the daylight to, um, well, to screw up our sensors.
SHEPPARD
Making it the perfect place to hide.
MCKAY
Yes…
[Sheppard gets up and leaves the cockpit.]
MCKAY
(calling after Sheppard)
Or the perfect place to be exposed to dangerously high levels of solar radiation!
EXT—P3M-736 STARGATE CLEARING, NIGHT
[Lorne goes to the rear of the Puddle Jumper to speak to his men.]
LORNE
Any activity while we were gone?
REED
No, Sir.
[Sheppard joins them. Behind him, Teyla is gearing up while McKay is applying cream to his face.]
SHEPPARD
Let's start a sweep. Teams of two. Radio contact every twenty minutes.
(turning around to face McKay)
How come it smells like I'm on vacation?
MCKAY
(smiling)
Could it be the simulated tropical aroma of cocoa butter?
SHEPPARD
Strong enough for anyone within five miles to smell you.
MCKAY
Like they haven't been tipped off by the Aqua Velva?
SHEPPARD
It's dark.
MCKAY
(looking at his watch)
Yeah, well, the sun will be up in two hours, forty-three minutes, and… ten seconds.
[Sheppard and Teyla step out onto the grass.]
SHEPPARD
It's raining.
MCKAY
So we'll be cold and miserable. Look, the cloud cover will depreciate a small percentage of UV rays, but ninety-five percent of deadly is still deadly.
[McKay continues applying the cream to his face and neck.]
LORNE
Dr. Parrish said a day or two of exposure wasn't going to kill us.
MCKAY
Oh, yes, and Dr. Parrish has a PhD in what? Right. Botany.
SHEPPARD
Teyla, you're with me, Coughlin, take Billick, Reed, you and Sherman cover the gate, and Major, you've got McKay.
[The others move out, leaving Lorne and McKay.]
LORNE
Oh, lucky me.
MCKAY
Here. Try some. SPF one hundred.
LORNE
A hundred?
MCKAY
You can't buy this kind of protection. I make it myself. Waterproof, too.
LORNE
Great.
[They exit the rear of the jumper and head out.]
EXT—P3M-736 FOREST, NIGHT
[The dead Wraith's weapon, several Wraith grenades and a number of glow sticks are lying on the ground where the body was found earlier. Sheppard and Teyla arrive on the scene. Sheppard picks up a grenade and turns it over in his hand.]
SHEPPARD
Do you have any idea what a lone Wraith would be doing around here on foot?
TEYLA
(surveying the area)
No. It is unusual. Perhaps Lieutenant Ford was able to lure him through the gate.
[Teyla sees something on the ground and crouches down to investigate.]
TEYLA
It looks as if someone might have headed off in this direction.
[They move out.]
EXT—P3M-736 FOREST, NIGHT
[Lorne and McKay are walking through another part of the forest.]
MCKAY
So exactly what kind of special training do you guys have to go through to get this sort of mission?
LORNE
"You guys"?
MCKAY
Yeah, you know. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines. It's a great place to start.
LORNE
And by this mission, you mean hunting down a skilled weapons expert hopped up on Wraith drugs in the pitch black of an alien planet?
MCKAY
Yes.
LORNE
(snarkily)
Actually, I skipped that course in major school.
MCKAY
Yeah, I was afraid of that.
LORNE
I was hoping Lieutenant Ford might recognize a friendly face and just turn himself in.
MCKAY
(incredulous)
What, you mean me?
LORNE
Well, you were friends, weren't you?
MCKAY
(sarcastically)
Oh yeah. When we weren't out on harrowing missions, we used to hang out together. I'd share my dreams of a self-sustaining fusion. He would talk of how you could sever a man's torso with a P-90.
[Lorne stops suddenly and raises one closed hand in the air as a signal.]
MCKAY
What, that means "quiet," right?
LORNE
(whispering)
Yeah. Get down, get down.
[They crouch down behind a tree stump.]
MCKAY
What? What?
LORNE
I thought I saw something move.
EXT—P3M-736 FOREST, NIGHT
[Sheppard and Teyla are making their way through the forest when, suddenly, Teyla stops.]
SHEPPARD
What is it?
TEYLA
I heard something.
SHEPPARD
(calling out)
Ford? Is that you? It's John.
TEYLA
(calling out)
Aiden, listen to me. We want to help you. Please. Just come out. We only want to talk.
[They hear a noise in the forest, raise their weapons and run towards it.]
EXT—P3M-736 FOREST, NIGHT
[Lorne and McKay are still crouched down behind the tree stump. Lorne raises is eyebrows expectantly at McKay.]
MCKAY
(whispers)
What?
LORNE
(quietly)
Say something.
MCKAY
What?
LORNE
Talk to him.
MCKAY
What if it's not him?
[Lorne grabs McKay by the shoulder and pushes him to his feet.]
MCKAY
(nervously)
Ford? You there? It's your… best friend Rodney. Rodney McKay. Everyone… misses you back at Atlantis, and Dr. Beckett's figured out a way to help you, so you've just got to trust me and…
[There is a rustling in the bushes and somebody in the distance moves off into the forest. Lorne pursues him and Rodney follows.]
LORNE
(into radio)
Colonel Sheppard, it's Major Lorne. In pursuit of suspect.
EXT—P3M-736 FOREST, NIGHT
[Teyla and Sheppard are running through the forest.]
SHEPPARD
(into radio)
What? So are we. Where are you?
LORNE
(over radio)
We're two klicks south of the Stargate. Where are you?
[Teyla runs into a small clearing where she is hit by a red energy weapon blast and falls to the ground. Sheppard stops and points his weapon towards where Teyla fell.]
EXT—P3M-736 FOREST, NIGHT
[Lorne has stopped running and McKay catches up to him.]
MCKAY
What is it?
LORNE
I lost him.
(into radio)
Colonel Sheppard…
EXT—P3M-736 FOREST, NIGHT
[Sheppard is still standing with his weapon ready.]
SHEPPARD
(quietly into radio)
Stand by. Teyla's been hit.
[Sheppard takes a few steps forward then is hit by the same red energy weapon blast and falls to the ground in pain.]
EXT—P3M-736 FOREST, NIGHT
[Lorne and McKay are still standing in the forest.]
LORNE
(into radio)
Colonel Sheppard, say again. What's your position?
[Lorne is becoming concerned.]
LORNE
(into radio)
Colonel Sheppard, please respond.
EXT—P3M-736 FOREST, NIGHT
[Teyla and Sheppard are lying motionless on the ground. We see the scene from the perspective of someone walking between them.]
LORNE
(over radio)
Colonel Sheppard, come in, please. Colonel Sheppard.
EXT—ATLANTIS, DAY
INT—ATLANTIS CONTROL ROOM BALCONY
[Weir is on the balcony. The stargate is active in the gate room below her.]
LORNE
(over radio)
We haven't heard from them since twenty-six thirty Atlantis Standard Time.
WEIR
(into radio)
I know the life signs detector doesn't work there, Major, but can you use the Jumper to search from the air?
LORNE
(over radio)
No, ma'am. The foliage is far too dense for that.
WEIR
(into radio)
I'll send another team to assist.
INT—PUDDLE JUMPER ON P3M-736
[Lorne is in the cockpit speaking to Weir and McKay enters from the rear. Daylight can be seen through the window of the Puddle Jumper.]
LORNE
(into radio)
Well, anyone you could spare would be great.
WEIR
(over radio)
Anything else you need?
MCKAY
(into radio)
Elizabeth, it's Rodney. Yes, hi. There are four class one radiation suits in med lab storage. We'll need them all.
(to Lorne)
What? Look, I know there's not enough for us all, but we can… take turns.
[McKay leaves the cockpit.]
INT—ATLANTIS CONTROL ROOM
WEIR
(into radio)
Any sign of Lieutenant Ford yet?
LORNE
(over radio)
Uh, no, Ma'am. Not that we can confirm. The fact is, we don't even know if this is Lieutenant Ford we're dealing with.
INT—P3M-736 CAVE
[Teyla and Sheppard are sitting back-to-back, bound and unconscious. There is a man at the mouth of the cave, searching through their belongings. Sheppard regains consciousness but is clearly disoriented.]
SHEPPARD
Ford?
[The man turns his face towards Sheppard, but it is not Ford. He looks at Sheppard then returns to his task. Teyla regains consciousness.]
TEYLA
Colonel?
SHEPPARD
You okay?
TEYLA
My head is pounding. Where are we?
SHEPPARD
I don't know, but I was just about to ask him.
[The man stands up and walks towards Sheppard and Teyla. He is carrying a P-90.]
SHEPPARD
You might want to be careful where you point that thing. Looks like you got the safety off.
[The man readies the weapon to fire and points it at Sheppard.]
SHEPPARD
Okay. Be that way, but my guess is if you wanted us dead, we'd be dead right now, so why don't you tell us who you are and what you want?
[The man just stands looking at Sheppard, the P-90 trained on him.]
SHEPPARD
All right, I'll go first. I'm Lieutenant Colonel John Sheppard.
TEYLA
I am Teyla Emmagan.
RONON
Colonel?
SHEPPARD
It's my rank. Military designation.
RONON
Specialist Ronon Dex.
SHEPPARD
That's you?
RONON
Name and rank.
[Ronon returns to where he had left their belongings, drops the P-90 and continues searching.]
SHEPPARD
Military?
RONON
I used to be.
FLASHBACK
EXT—SATEDA, DAY
[Ronon and several other Satedan soldiers are under heavy fire. They are returning fire but they are clearly losing the battle. There are numerous Wraith darts flying through the air.]
RONON
(yelling to his comrades)
Go! Move, move, move!
END FLASHBACK
INT—P3M-736 CAVE
RONON
It was a long time ago.
SHEPPARD
And now?
RONON
Now I'm deciding whether to kill you and your friends.
[Sheppard and Teyla exchange glances over their shoulders.]
EXT—P3M-736 STARGATE CLEARING, DAY
[Lorne exits the Puddle Jumper rear hatch to address the waiting Marines. McKay follows him while putting on a red radiation suit.]
LORNE
Okay, listen up. I want regular radio contact. Report anything unusual, and I'm talking anything unusual at all. All right, move out.
MCKAY
(to the departing Marines)
Hey, wait, aren't any of you going to… ah… Okay, that… that's just reckless. There are four suits.
LORNE
Not exactly designed for moving through dense brush and rough terrain, not to mention possible combat, huh?
[Lorne continues his preparations while McKay talks.]
MCKAY
No, but by my calculations, we've been exposed to three hundred and twenty-seven millisieverts since the sun came up. May not sound like much to you, but I've been keeping a running tally of my lifetime exposure to radiation. That's, uh, X-rays, cellphones, plane rides, that whole unfortunate Genii nuclear reactor thing. My God, last week, we flew dangerously close to the corona of a sun. As it is, I may have to forego reproducing.
LORNE
Yeah, it's funny. I was just thinking that might be wise.
[Lorne moves out and McKay follows, putting on the helmet to the suit.]
INT—P3M-736 CAVE
Ronon is crouched by the cave entrance, applying a reddish paste to his arms.]
SHEPPARD
Look… The men guarding the Stargate are highly trained soldiers armed with deadly weapons.
RONON
Stargate?
SHEPPARD
Stargate. Big circle thing.
RONON
I've always known it as the "Ring of the Ancestors." No matter. I have to make it through.
SHEPPARD
Look, we didn't come here looking for trouble. And the whole killing thing is really unnecessary.
RONON
If your friends try to stop me…
SHEPPARD
They won't, if I tell them not to. Untie us. We'll all go to the 'gate together and you can be on your way.
RONON
But why should I trust you?
SHEPPARD
That's a good question. Teyla, why should he trust us?
TEYLA
We mean you no harm. We are only here searching for a friend.
FLASHBACK
EXT—P3M-736 FOREST, DAY
[Ronon is running through the forest, being pursued by a Wraith. He is hit in the leg by a blast from the Wraith's stun weapon and stumbles over a fallen log. As he regains his footing, Ford steps out from behind a tree and raises his weapon.]
FORD
Drop it!
[Ronon raises his weapon and points it at Ford. They stand looking at each other for a moment, then Ronon is hit in the back by the Wraith's stun weapon and falls to the ground. Ford shoots the Wraith, then smiles and unsheathes his knife. Ford steps over Ronon and goes over to the dying Wraith. Ronon gets up and escapes into the forest.]
END FLASHBACK
INT—P3M-736 CAVE
[Ronon gets up and walks over to where Teyla and Sheppard are tied up.]
RONON
I saw him. Your friend.
SHEPPARD
Where? When?
RONON
He killed a Wraith who was hunting me.
SHEPPARD
Hunting you?
RONON
Why are you looking for him?
TEYLA
His name is Aiden Ford, and he is sick. He needs our help.
FLASHBACK
EXT—P3M-736 FOREST, DAY
[Ford's face in close-up.]
END FLASHBACK
INT—P3M-736 CAVE
RONON
I thought he'd been in the sun too long. It can make you sick here.
SHEPPARD
We know that, and that may be true, but that's not all that's wrong with him.
RONON
Then why is he running from you?
SHEPPARD
Well, he's not, exactly.
RONON
Well, what is he doing…
(crouching down in front of Sheppard)
…exactly?
SHEPPARD
It's complicated.
RONON
You can do better than that.
EXT—P3M-736 FOREST, DAY
[Lorne is walking through the forest, McKay trudging after some distance behind him.]
LORNE
(into radio)
Colonel Sheppard? Teyla? This is Major Lorne. Do you read?
MCKAY
It's so hot.
LORNE
Oh, come on. Step it up, McKay, would you?
MCKAY
I am moving as fast as I can. I'm very hot. Aren't you hot?
LORNE
Actually, I'm quite comfortable, but I'm not wearing a fifty pound rubber suit, am I?
MCKAY
I can't breathe. I've got to stop.
[McKay removes the helmet from the radiation suit.]
MCKAY
Sweet relief. I think the fumes from the sunblock were making me dizzy. I got to… I got to… just, uh…
[McKay stops walking.]
MCKAY
…rest here.
LORNE
Unbelievable.
INT—P3M-736 CAVE
SHEPPARD
The Wraith was feeding on him. Apparently, they inject some sort of drug into you when they feed.
FLASHBACK
INT—WRAITH SHIP
[Ronon is in a cocoon on a Wraith ship and a Wraith is feeding on him.]
END FLASHBACK
INT—P3M-736 CAVE
SHEPPARD
He killed the Wraith… got an overdose of the drug. It kind of messed him up.
TEYLA
But we think we can help him if we can find him.
[Static can be heard from a radio amongst Sheppard and Teyla's belongings.]
RONON
What is that?
SHEPPARD
Radios.
TEYLA
Communication devices.
SHEPPARD
Our people are trying to contact us. The cave must be causing some interference with the signal.
[Ronon picks up a tac vest and takes it outside the cave to investigate the radio. Teyla starts to wriggle.]
SHEPPARD
What the hell are you doing?
TEYLA
Getting my hand free.
SHEPPARD
Doesn't feel that way.
EXT—P3M-736 FOREST, DAY
[Lorne is standing guard while McKay sits leaning against a tree.]
LORNE
Okay, you've had your fresh air. Come on, let's go.
MCKAY
Well, shouldn't we be headed back? I mean, it's been half an hour.
LORNE
It's been 15 minutes.
MCKAY
Oh, really? I thought… it feels longer.
LORNE
Wow, you must really be some kind of genius.
[Lorne starts walking away and McKay gets up to follow him.]
MCKAY
Well, as a matter of fact, I, um… wait a minute. See, why would you say that now?
LORNE
Something has to have kept Colonel Sheppard from shooting you all this time.
MCKAY
Yeah, yeah, like I didn't see that one coming.
[A blast from a Wraith stun weapon hits Lorne in the chest and he is knocked to the ground. McKay pulls out his radio.]
MCKAY
(frantically)
Mayday! Mayday! We are under attack. Lorne's been hit. I repeat, we are under Wraith attack!
[McKay pulls out his sidearm, aiming it in the direction from which the Wraith weapon fire came. Ford steps out from behind a tree, aiming a Wraith weapon at McKay.]
FORD
Will you relax, McKay?
MCKAY
Ford!
FORD
How about you drop your gun? I know what you're like with weapons. I wouldn't want it accidentally going off while it's pointed at me.
[Ford walks up and takes the gun from McKay.]
MCKAY
Right.
FORD
Good.
[Ford gives McKay a tap on the shoulder then a couple of friendly taps on the chest.]
FORD
(smiling)
Now you and me can catch up.
[Ford goes over to where Lorne is lying unconscious on the ground and removes the spare bullet cartridge from his tac vest.]
REED
(over radio)
Dr. McKay, what is your position? Please respond.
[Ford takes the radio from McKay's hand.]
REED
Major Lorne, come in…
[Ford switches the radio off and tosses it to where Lorne is lying.]
FORD
Let's go.
MCKAY
We… we can't leave Major Lorne.
FORD
He'll be fine.
MCKAY
No, I…
[Ford points the Wraith weapon and McKay's own gun at him.]
MCKAY
You know that the sunlight on this planet is kind of dangerous.
FORD
Not for me.
MCKAY
Well, actually…
FORD
Listen, McKay, you guys all think I'm crazy or something…
MCKAY
No, no one thinks that.
FORD
Sure. Here's the thing. I'm not just fine. I'm better than fine. Really. This is the best thing that ever happened to me.
MCKAY
Well, good. Good for you.
FORD
(defensively)
I can prove it. You just have to give me the chance to prove it.
MCKAY
Sure. Let's, um… let's head back to the Jumper…
FORD
No way. First, I'm going to prove to you that I'm okay, that things are better this way, and then you can go back and tell the others, and then they'll let me come back.
MCKAY
You can come back to Atlantis right now. Dr. Beckett is…
FORD
No. First we have to save Major Sheppard and Teyla.
MCKAY
Wait, you… you know where they are?
FORD
Yeah.
MCKAY
Which way did you…
[Ford points and they start walking in that direction.]
FORD
So obviously the Wraith didn't destroy Atlantis.
MCKAY
Hmm.
FORD
Anything else happen since I've been gone?
MCKAY
Uh, Major Sheppard got promoted to Lieutenant Colonel Sheppard.
FORD
(smiling)
Really?
MCKAY
Yeah.
FORD
(grinning enthusiastically)
Good for him.
MCKAY
Yeah.
EXT—P3M-736 CAVE CLEARING, DAY
[Ronon is standing with his back to the cave looking at the radio. He turns when he hears a noise behind him. Sheppard is standing at the cave entrance, pointing a P-90 at him.]
SHEPPARD
Keep your hands where I can see them.
[Teyla comes out of the cave holding the other P-90, trained on Ronon. Ronon puts the radio back in the tac vest pocket and holds the vest down by his side.]
RONON
I told you I have to get through the ring.
SHEPPARD
Why?
RONON
Because the Wraith are coming.
SHEPPARD
How do you know?
RONON
I know. They're hunting me.
SHEPPARD
Join the club.
TEYLA
(concerned)
You are a Runner.
[Ronon gives her a small nod of acknowledgement.]
TEYLA
I have heard stories, but…
SHEPPARD
What's a Runner?
RONON
I was captured during a culling on my planet. I was taken to a ship. A Wraith started to feed on me.
FLASHBACK
INT—WRAITH SHIP
[Ronon is in a cocoon on a Wraith ship and a Wraith is feeding on him. The expression on the Wraith's face changes to from grinning to puzzlement.]
END FLASHBACK
EXT—P3M-736 CAVE CLEARING, DAY
RONON
Something made him stop.
FLASHBACK
INT—WRAITH SHIP
[Ronon is given an injection by the Wraith then is put on a table where they perform surgery on his back.]
RONON
(voice)
They operated on me…
END FLASHBACK
EXT—P3M-736 CAVE CLEARING, DAY
RONON
…put some sort of tracking device in my back, and released
me.
FLASHBACK
EXT—PLANET, DAY
[Ronon is running, pursued by Wraith.]
END FLASHBACK
EXT—P3M-736 CAVE CLEARING, DAY
RONON
They hunted me.
FLASHBACK
EXT—PLANET, DAY
[A Wraith gets caught in a snare and Ronon kills it with a stake.]
END FLASHBACK
EXT—P3M-736 CAVE CLEARING, DAY
RONON
I hunted them back. I've been running ever since.
[Ronon's fingers move near his holstered weapon.]
SHEPPARD
Don't do it. Like I said, we're not here to get in your way.
RONON
That's good.
[Ronon throws the tac vest at Sheppard, who fires at him. Ronon dodges the weapons fire, pulls out his gun and shoots Teyla in the chest then Sheppard in the hand, knocking his gun from his hand. When Sheppard regains his footing, Ronon has the weapon pointed in his face.]
RONON
You're lucky I had that set to stun.
EXT—P3M-736 FOREST, DAY
[Ford and McKay are making their way through dense forest.]
MCKAY
You sure this is the right way?
FORD
Yeah, I'm sure. Keep moving.
MCKAY
And you say this "guy" has them?
FORD
Yeah.
MCKAY
What guy?
FORD
I don't know. What do you mean, "What guy?" A guy! Look, I was on a Wraith planet. Uh, P-three-X… P-three-X-four-four-seven? Four-four-seven? I know the address.
MCKAY
And there are Wraith there?
FORD
Yeah. A whole hive ship. Anyway, I was scouting the place out, looking for the best way in so I could kill a couple.
MCKAY
What, for the enzyme?
FORD
Exactly. McKay, I'm telling you, it's the key to defeating them. We could create a whole army of supermen like me.
MCKAY
(frustrated)
You were saying?
FORD
What?
MCKAY
About the guy!
FORD
Right. So this one Wraith, armed to the teeth, comes walking towards the gate. I figured one Wraith by himself is easy pickings, so I followed him here to this planet. Anyway, I think he was looking for the guy.
MCKAY
How do you know?
FORD
Well, he was running from the Wraith when I killed the sucker.
MCKAY
Okay, so what does the guy want with Sheppard and Teyla?
FORD
I don't know, but when I save them, you'll find out.
EXT—P3M-736 CAVE CLEARING, DAY
[Teyla is sitting on the ground, recovering from the stun, and Sheppard is standing. Ronon is standing in front of them, his weapon aimed them.]
SHEPPARD
Look, you want to go through the gate, go. Give me my radio, and I'll order my men not to stop you.
RONON
You can tell them in person. I'm taking you with me.
SHEPPARD
You know, there's a chance we could help you.
RONON
How?
SHEPPARD
We know a pretty good doctor. Maybe he could take that tracking device out of you.
RONON
You think I haven't tried?
SHEPPARD
Suit yourself.
[Ronon contemplates this for a moment then half lowers his weapon.]
RONON
And why would you do that?
SHEPPARD
Because I'm a nice guy. Look, I told you, you hate the Wraith, we hate the Wraith. It's something we all have in common. We just want our friend back.
RONON
You get this tracking device out of me, I'll get your friend back for you.
SHEPPARD
Okay. Good. It's a deal.
INT—PUDDLE JUMPER ON P3M-736
[Major Lorne is regaining consciousness as a Marine shines a small flashlight in his eyes. Reed is standing in the cockpit and sees Sheppard through the front window of the Jumper, running towards it.]
REED
Major.
[Reed goes through the Jumper and out the rear hatch to meet Sheppard.]
SHEPPARD
Where's Lorne?
REED
He's inside, Sir.
[Sheppard enters the Puddle Jumper.]
SHEPPARD
What happened to you?
LORNE
I got hit by a Wraith blaster looking for you. Now McKay's missing.
[Sheppard goes to the cockpit and takes a seat at the controls.]
SHEPPARD
Great.
LORNE
What about Teyla?
[Sheppard taps an address into the Stargate control panel.]
SHEPPARD
Long story. You can listen to it when I tell Dr. Weir.
EXT—ATLANTIS, DAY
INT—ATLANTIS INFIRMARY
[Beckett is busy at work.]
BECKETT
This is a joke, right?
WEIR
I'm afraid not.
BECKETT
You want me to go to an alien planet and perform surgery on an armed man holding Teyla hostage?
WEIR
Yeah, something like that. And apparently, you don't have much time. The Wraith could show up any minute.
BECKETT
Oh, it's getting better all the time. Have they found Lieutenant Ford yet?
WEIR
No. I haven't told you about McKay yet either. Come on, pack up what you need.
BECKETT
I don't think an operating room and a bloody army will fit through the gate.
EXT—P3M-736 FOREST, DAY
[Ford and McKay are still walking through the forest when McKay stops and folds his arms.]
FORD
Why are you stopping?
MCKAY
Because I am tired, and you have no idea where you're going.
FORD
How do you know?
MCKAY
We've been walking around in circles for hours.
FORD
(becoming hysterical)
So that's it? You just give up? Is that it? That's what you do, isn't it? You just… you give up on your friends when they need you most.
MCKAY
No one's given up on you, Ford. We want to help you.
FORD
I'm talking about Major Sheppard and Teyla!
MCKAY
Lieutenant Colonel Sheppard.
FORD
Oh, right. Lieutenant Colonel. So Ford's lost it. Ford's all crazy. Ford can't even remember a simple little thing!
MCKAY
Hey, I never said that, although the fact that you keep referring to yourself in the third person does indicate clinical dissociation.
FORD
(shouting)
You don't even know what a friend is, do you, McKay? All you care about is yourself.
MCKAY
Will you relax? I just…
FORD
(raving)
You relax. You're pathetic. You're always making fun of me. You want to play a game of "pick on Ford"? I could shoot you and leave you here to die.
MCKAY
Shoot me? When did this escalate to physical violence?
FORD
You're the one who thinks I'm nuts! I'm capable of anything.
(pointing his P-90 at McKay)
I could go off at any time!
MCKAY
(shouting hysterically)
All right, you want to shoot me, shoot me. Fine. I don't care. It'll just save me from suffering one of the many horribly painful deaths I have in line for me having been exposed to this much radiation, and quite frankly, it'll prove just how far gone you are.
[McKay turns around and starts to walk away.]
MCKAY
Now, I'm heading back to the Jumper, and you're welcome to join me!
[Ford fires the P-90 over McKay's head.]
MCKAY
(screaming)
Are you crazy? You could have killed me!
FORD
(horrified)
I'm sorry.
[They stand at look at each other for a moment.]
FORD
Look, you don't know what it's like, almost dying like I did, having your friends turn on you, no one trusts you… I'm out here all alone.
MCKAY
You don't have to be alone, Ford. Look, this drug is messing with your head. Come back to the Jumper with me, we'll go back to Atlantis, and Dr. Beckett may even be able to figure out a way for you to keep all your new super powers.
FORD
(tempted)
You think?
MCKAY
Sure, why not?
FORD
First we've got to save Colonel Sheppard and Teyla.
MCKAY
No, no, wait…
FORD
No, that'll prove that I'm okay.
FORD
You go back to the Jumper. I'll meet you there.
[Ford walks off into the forest.]
MCKAY
Ford! No!
[McKay runs after Ford.]
EXT—P3M-736 CAVE CLEARING, DAY
[Ronon and Teyla sit opposite each other in the cave entrance. He is pointing his weapon at her.]
TEYLA
This is not necessary, you know.
[Ronon lowers the weapon.]
TEYLA
How long have you been on the run?
RONON
Seven years.
TEYLA
And you've been on your own all that time?
RONON
Not much choice.
TEYLA
Afraid of bringing the Wraith down on anyone you were with.
RONON
Can't go home. Can't stay in one place for too long.
TEYLA
Why do you think they do it?
RONON
I don't know. Sport. Training. To learn how we fight. Measure our will to survive. You said, uh… you heard stories… about others like me.
TEYLA
Yes, I've heard of Runners my whole life, but I've never met one. I did not even believe it was true.
RONON
One time I accidentally came across a planet with a village near the ring.
TEYLA
What happened?
RONON
I stayed. One night. Ate a real meal for a change. Left right away the next day. Didn't matter. I later heard… the whole village…
[Ronon shakes his head sadly.]
SHEPPARD
(over radio)
Teyla, this is Sheppard. Come in.
[Ronon takes the radio from the tac vest and hands it to Teyla.]
TEYLA
(into radio)
Go ahead, Colonel.
SHEPPARD
(over radio)
You okay?
TEYLA
(into radio)
Yes, we are fine.
SHEPPARD
(over radio)
I'm here with Dr. Beckett. He's coming in.
[Ronon has raised his weapon again and has it aimed at Teyla.]
RONON
Unarmed.
TEYLA
(into radio)
Ronon would like me to remind you that Dr. Beckett remain unarmed.
EXT—P3M-736 ROCKY OUTCROP NEAR CAVE CLEARING, DAY
[Sheppard and Beckett arrive at a gap in the outcrop which serves as the entrance to the cave clearing. Beckett is carrying a large amount of equipment on his back.]
SHEPPARD
(quietly)
All right, for what it's worth, I'd never send you in there if I thought the guy was going to hurt you.
BECKETT
(quietly)
Is that opinion based on some sort of evidence, or is it just a gut feeling that this gentleman isn't dangerous?
SHEPPARD
(quietly)
I didn't say he wasn't dangerous. He could probably kill you in the blink of an eye. I don't think he will.
BECKETT
Well, thank you. I feel much better now.
SHEPPARD
You ever heard of Androcles and the lion?
BECKETT
Aye, and who are you in this retelling? The Romans?
[Sheppard gestures to the top of the outcrop.]
SHEPPARD
I'll be right up there. Go.
[Beckett walk toward the gap in the rock, casting a nervous look back at Sheppard.]
EXT—P3M-736 CAVE CLEARING, DAY
[Ronon and Teyla are standing near the cave. He has his weapon trained on her. Beckett walks into the clearing through the gap in the rock.]
BECKETT
Hello. I normally don't make house calls like this, but then again, this isn't really a house, is it?
RONON
What's in the case, Doc?
BECKETT
Surgical implements, diagnostic tools, various drugs. Analgesics, antibiotics…
RONON
What?
TEYLA
Ronon, Dr. Carson Beckett. Dr. Beckett, Ronon.
BECKETT
Pleasure.
[Beckett goes to a large rock, puts down his bag and case and begins preparations.]
BECKETT
I understand you have some sort of a transmitter in your back. Well, have a seat. Off with your shirt. Let's have a look.
[Ronon sits on the rock and gestures to Teyla with the weapon.]
RONON
Little help?
[Teyla and Beckett help remove Ronon's leather armor. When Teyla removes the front part, she sees a long scar on his chest and a necklace made from a Wraith finger bone. She looks at it, horrified. Meanwhile, Beckett is looking at Ronon's back. There is an area of heavy scarring near the top, right by the spine.]
BECKETT
My God. Tell me you didn't try to cut this thing out yourself.
RONON
Yeah, I tried once with a mirror. Couldn't quite reach. Most of it's from two different doctors.
BECKETT
(appalled)
No one I know who calls himself a doctor would do this.
[Beckett takes a hand-held scanner from the case and starts to use it on Ronon's back. Meanwhile, Sheppard is in position on the outcrop above. He has his weapon aimed at Ronon and it watching him through the sight.]
RONON
Is that Ancestor technology?
BECKETT
That it is.
[The scanner screen shows Ronon's spine and the transmitter embedded beside it.]
BECKETT
Son, you're going to have to put that weapon down and lie down.
RONON
Not a chance.
BECKETT
Now, you listen to me. I've located the transmitter. It's in the soft tissue next to the second thoracic vertebra.
RONON
Good. Cut it out.
BECKETT
I can't do that with you sitting up like this, and I'm going to have to give you some anesthetic to make you sleep.
RONON
No, you're not.
BECKETT
Excuse me?
TEYLA
Ronon, you need to trust us.
[Ronon points his weapon at Teyla.]
RONON
I do. That's why he's here and you're still alive. Now, get to work, Doc.
EXT—P3M-736 FOREST, NIGHT
[Ford and McKay are still walking through the forest.]
MCKAY
Look, if you'd just turn on your radio, we could hear what's happening. The others must have called for backup by now. Maybe Sheppard and Teyla don't even need rescuing anymore.
[Ford pushes McKay behind a tree.]
MCKAY
Ow!
FORD
Shh.
MCKAY
Ow.
[Ford gives McKay back his sidearm.]
FORD
Someone's coming.
MCKAY
What do I need this for?
[Ford walks off, leaving McKay hiding behind the tree.]
EXT—P3M-736 CAVE CLEARING, NIGHT
There is a light set up and Beckett is wearing a surgical headset with lights, ready to operate.]
BECKETT
Okay, I'm ready. Look, I just want to say one last time. I really don't think this is a good idea. I'm going to be cutting very close to your spinal column here. If you were to flinch…
RONON
I won't flinch.
BECKETT
Okay. Here we go.
Beckett operates to remove the transmitter. Ronon's expression is determined, but he is clearly in agony. He is having trouble holding his gun. Sheppard continues to watch from the top of the outcrop.]
BECKETT
I think I've got it.
[He removes the transmitter from Ronon's back and turns to put it in a dish. When he does, Ronon passes out and falls to the ground.]
EXT—P3M-736 FOREST, NIGHT
[Two Marines are making their way stealthily through the forest. They hear a noise, turn the lights on their weapons off and point them at a spot ahead where McKay jumps out from behind the tree where he had been hiding.]
MCKAY
Hold it! Don't shoot! It's just me!
[As McKay is standing with his arms raised, the Marines are shot by Wraith stun weapon fire from above. Ford appears.]
FORD
What the hell are you doing, McKay?
MCKAY
What the hell am I doing? What the hell are you doing? Those are our guys!
FORD
I can't trust them.
MCKAY
Oh, that's it.
[McKay points the handgun at Ford.]
MCKAY
Yeah, I've had it. Drop your weapons now!
[Ford laughs.]
FORD
(incredulous)
You're going to shoot me?
MCKAY
I will if I have to. Ford, I'm taking you in. Look, you may not believe this, but it's for your own good.
[Ford begins to raise his weapon towards McKay, but McKay fires first, hitting Ford in the upper arm. Ford is seemingly not bothered by the wound, he just touches it. He looks at his bloody fingers for a moment, then stares at McKay.]
MCKAY
Oh, boy.
[McKay runs off into the forest.]
EXT—P3M-736 CAVE CLEARING, NIGHT
[Teyla is crouching beside the still unconscious Ronon. Sheppard has arrived on the scene and is pointing his P-90 at him anyway.]
BECKETT
I'm quite certain I've disabled the device.
TEYLA
It may be too late.
[Teyla, Sheppard and Beckett walk away from Ronon.]
SHEPPARD
We know at least one Wraith tracked Ronon here. I'm going to go look for McKay and Ford.
TEYLA
Yes, we will be fine.
BECKETT
Now that the lion's passed out cold.
SHEPPARD
I'm going to pick you up with the Jumper as soon as…
[Weapons fire can be heard. Sheppard runs to investigate.]
EXT—P3M-736 FOREST, NIGHT
[McKay is running through the forest, firing straight up over his head as he goes.]
MCKAY
Help me! Help me!
[McKay runs out of bullets and squeals.]
EXT—P3M-736 STARGATE CLEARING, NIGHT
[Lorne is standing guard near the Jumper. The Stargate begins to activate.]
LORNE
Cloak the Jumper! Now!
[Lorne and his men take up positions behind trees near the Jumper and watch as the Stargate activates.]
LORNE
(into radio)
Colonel Sheppard, we got gate activity.
[Three Wraith darts fly from the open wormhole.]
EXT—P3M-736 FOREST, NIGHT
[Sheppard is running through the forest.]
LORNE
(over radio)
Three Wraith darts just came through.
SHEPPARD
Great.
EXT—P3M-736 CAVE CLEARING, NIGHT
TEYLA
We should head back inside!
[Teyla and Beckett run back to where they had left Ronon unconscious on the ground, but he is gone. While Beckett goes and picks up a weapon, Teyla checks inside the cave. She comes back out seconds later.]
TEYLA
He went through there.
EXT—P3M-736 FOREST, NIGHT
[McKay is still running through the forest. He runs into a small clearing where his foot is caught in a snare and he is lifted into the air, upside-down.]
MCKAY
You've got to be kidding me!
EXT—P3M-736 FOREST, NIGHT
[Sheppard is running through the forest.]
TEYLA
(over radio)
Colonel, Ronon is gone. There's another way out of the cave.
SHEPPARD
(into radio)
Get back to the Jumper.
EXT—P3M-736 FOREST CLEARING, NIGHT
[McKay is dangling upside-down as Ford approaches the clearing.]
FORD
(laughs)
Well, look at you.
MCKAY
Yes, look at me. It's funny, huh?
[Ford laughs.]
MCKAY
Did you set this up? That's clever.
FORD
Wasn't me.
MCKAY
No, huh? Well, I'm glad we can both… still laugh about this together. Ha, ha… How about cutting me down now?
FORD
(smiling)
No.
(serious)
I think I'm still going to kill you.
MCKAY
What? What do you mean, "still"? When did this escalate to killing?
FORD
When you shot me.
MCKAY
It's a flesh wound! I knew it wasn't going to hurt you! You're… you're SuperFord. Remember?
FORD
(shouting)
You tried to kill me!
[Ford aims his P-90 at McKay.]
MCKAY
(frantic)
Wait! You can't kill an unarmed upside-down man!
[Ford is crash tackled from the side. As he and Ronon roll on the ground, Ford's gun fires.]
EXT—P3M-736 FOREST, NIGHT
[Sheppard hears the shots and takes off in the direction from which they came.]
EXT—P3M-736 FOREST CLEARING, NIGHT
[Ford and Ronon are locked in hand-to-hand combat while McKay hangs from the trap, watching helplessly. Sheppard arrives on the scene and aims his weapon at Ford.]
SHEPPARD
Lieutenant!
[Ford stoops to pick up his Wraith weapon.]
SHEPPARD
Don't.
[The three Wraith darts fly overhead and as Sheppard looks up, Ford runs off.]
SHEPPARD
Ford!
[Sheppard takes of after Ford. Ronon walks over to where McKay is dangling.]
MCKAY
Hi. It's Dr. Rodney McKay.
[McKay holds out his hand.]
MCKAY
Could you, um…get me down, please?
[Ronon just looks at him.]
EXT—P3M-736 FOREST, NIGHT
[Ford is running through the forest, pursued by Sheppard.]
SHEPPARD
Ford!
[Ford stops and turns to face Sheppard as the Wraith darts are running their beams across the area.]
SHEPPARD
Keep your hands where I can see them.
[Ford raises his hands.]
SHEPPARD
We want to help.
[Ford lowers his right hand and goes for his sidearm. Sheppard shoots him in the thigh, but Ford continues to unholster his gun, which he points at Sheppard.]
SHEPPARD
You're not getting off this planet.
[A Wraith beam is getting closer.]
FORD
I'll show you. You'll see!
[Ford leaps into the path of the beam. Sheppard watches him disappear and the dart fly away.]
EXT—ATLANTIS, DAY
INT—ATLANTIS BRIEFING ROOM
[Sheppard, McKay and Teyla are briefing Weir and Caldwell.]
SHEPPARD
After they scooped up Ford, the darts made a beeline for the gate. We tried to stop them, but…
CALDWELL
You had him in your sights, and you let him get away.
SHEPPARD
I shot him once. It didn't slow him down.
MCKAY
(raising his finger)
I shot him too.
SHEPPARD
He ran into the beam.
WEIR
Are you suggesting he wanted to be taken?
SHEPPARD
I think he saw it was the only way off the planet.
MCKAY
I can tell you from the quality time I spent with Ford, he was definitely not thinking straight.
CALDWELL
Now, thanks to you, he's in enemy hands with information that could compromise all of us.
[Caldwell starts to walk away.]
SHEPPARD
I don't think he'll give us away.
[Caldwell stops and turns around to face Sheppard.]
CALDWELL
Oh, thank you so much for your assurance, Colonel. I'll be sure to include your feelings in my report.
[Caldwell leave the room. The others exchange looks.]
INT—ATLANTIS, RONON'S QUARTERS
[There are two guards stationed by the door. Sheppard enters, gives them a nod and they step outside. Ronon is sitting on the bed.]
SHEPPARD
How's it going?
RONON
This place is impressive.
SHEPPARD
Those Ancestors sure could build 'em.
RONON
The guards are unnecessary.
SHEPPARD
Well, with your habit of taking people hostage and all…
RONON
I meant, should I want to escape, they would not be able to stop me.
SHEPPARD
Right.
RONON
Were you able to contact my home-world?
SHEPPARD
Well, that's why I'm here.
INT—ATLANTIS CONTROL ROOM
[Ronon, Sheppard and Weir are looking at a monitor, which shows a city which has been utterly destroyed.]
RONON
I don't understand.
WEIR
We have machines called MALPs. They're capable of transmitting back images and information from other planets. We sent this one to the address you gave us.
RONON
That is Sateda?
SHEPPARD
I'm sorry. It doesn't look like anyone survived the last attack.
[Ronon has a pained look on his face and after a glance at Sheppard and Weir, he walks out.]
FADE OUT
END CREDITS
Transcribed for Stargate Solutions by Lahela, September 2010.
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--Michelle 18:23, 4 September 2010 (UTC)