SGA 3.08 "McKay And Mrs. Miller" Transcript
Episode Guide
SGA 3.08 "McKay And Mrs. Miller" Episode Guide
Précis
An experiment for drawing power from other dimensions draws the attention of an alternate universe's Dr. Rodney McKay, who says the research will destroy his universe. Unfortunately, the second McKay's plan to save his universe will destroy this one.
Guide | Transcript
Transcript
INT—LIVING ROOM, MILLER HOME
[Toys and stuffed animals are scattered everywhere. Four year old Madison plays with a train set. Jeanie is crouched near her.]
MADISON
The princess is going to play.
JEANIE
Where's the princess? Where's the princess in the tower?
MADISON
Right there.
JEANIE
Which one? Oh.
MADISON
Put this one…
[Jeanie starts moving the train while Madison moves a dragon.]
JEANIE
This is how they get around, right? Chugga-chugga. Chugga-chugga.
[Madison puts the dragon in a building and starts pushing the train herself.]
MADISON
Go inside the train. Choo choo. Choo choo. Chugga-chugga-chugga-chugga.
[Jeanie watches the train go over the bridge in the playset. Inspiration hits her. She pulls off a picture of a house from Madison's drawing pad and then starts to write in finger paints.]
INT—FOYER, MILLER HOME
[Miller enters the home and puts down his briefcase.]
MILLER
Hello?
[He sees Madison standing transfixed at the edge of the living room.]
MILLER
Madison?
INT—LIVING ROOM, MILLER HOME
[Madison doesn't answer, so he goes over and crouches next to her.]
MILLER
Honey?
[He turns and looks at what Madison is staring at. The living room is scattered with pages of filled with finger painted physics equations. His wife is in the center of them, still writing, oblivious to all.]
MILLER
Hi…?
[Jeanie starts.]
JEANIE
Oh! Hey!
MILLER
(nonplussed)
So…how was your day?
[Jeanie looks around the room at all her drawings, seeming to notice them for the first time.]
EXT—MILLER HOME, VANCOUVER, B.C., CANADA, NIGHT
INT—MASTER BEDROOM, MILLER HOME
[Miller and Jeanie get ready for bed.]
MILLER
Send it to Graeme Peel.
JEANIE
Graeme Peel has better things to do than to do than look over my nonsensical scribblings.
MILLER
Well, they didn't look nonsensical to me.
[Jeanie gives him a look. He grins.]
MILLER
Okay, fine, they did. But I'm an English major. What the hell do I know? Send it. What have you got to lose.
[She kisses him.]
JEANIE
Good night.
MILLER
G'Nite.
[They turn out the lights, but Jeanie lies with her eyes wide open.]
INT—KITCHEN, MILLER HOME
[Jeanie sits at the table refining the calculations with pen and paper.]
INT—LIVING ROOM, MILLER HOME
[Miller juggles some beverages into the living room, where Jeanie and Madison play by the train table. There is a knock at the door. Jeanie gets up to answer it.]
INT—FOYER, MILLER HOME
[She opens the door to find Carter and two Air Force officers standing outside. All are in Class A uniform.]
CARTER
(smiling)
Jean Miller?
JEANIE
(cautiously)
Yes?
CARTER
Hi, I'm Lieutenant Colonel Samantha Carter of the United States Air Force.
JEANIE
Okay?
CARTER
Did you send a math proof to Professor Graeme Peel of the California Institute of Technology?
JEANIE
(nervous)
Was I not supposed to?
EXT—ATLANTIS, DAY
INT—SCIENCE LAB
[McKay and Zelenka work on their laptops. Sheppard enters.]
SHEPPARD
Sorry to interrupt, kids, but you need to pack your toothbrush. Head back to Earth.
[He points to McKay.]
MCKAY
I do? Why?
SHEPPARD
Carter needs help.
MCKAY
(preening)
Ah. With what?
SHEPPARD
Your sister.
[McKay's expression turns serious.]
OPENING CREDITS
EXT—CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN, DAY
INT—GATE ROOM
[Carter enters to greet McKay coming through the wormhole.]
CARTER
Welcome back to Earth.
MCKAY
Yes, yes. What has my sister done?
[The Stargate shuts down.]
CARTER
(dryly)
Good to see you too, McKay.
MCKAY
(impatient)
Greetings, salutations, pleasantries…what's she done?
[He keeps walking out of the room, taking a quick look at her backside. Glaring, Carter follows.]
INT—CARTER'S LAB
[The remains of a sandwich sit nearby while McKay reads over the proof. Carter paces, snapping her fingers and looking bored. She leans over his shoulder.]
CARTER
I thought that—
[He holds up a finger to silence her. He finishes reading and sits back.]
MCKAY
Huh. Well, it's certainly some…uh…very interesting stuff. But uh, huh, it can't be her work. I mean, she's been out of the game for years.
CARTER
"The game?"
MCKAY
Mmm, yes. She hasn't published a single theoretical physics paper in, like, four years.
CARTER
Oh. That game.
MCKAY
Mmm. She was on the fast track to some, uh, pretty exciting grants, doing some interesting work. I mean, she was no me, of course. But, uh, she was at least a "you."
CARTER
(unimpressed)
Uh-huh.
MCKAY
Mmm. Anyway…she got herself knocked up by some…"English major", and her priorities shifted overnight. Tried to talk some sense into her, but, uh, she's a tad on the stubborn side.
CARTER
When was the last time you spoke to her?
MCKAY
Mmm, four years, maybe.
CARTER
Four years?!
MCKAY
(defensively)
Not that I didn't check to see if she'd published!
[Carter huffs in disbelief.]
CARTER
You realize what this proof means, right?
MCKAY
(chuckles)
Yes, well, if the math checks out.
CARTER
Oh I've been over it. It checks out.
MCKAY
Ah, well, no offense, blue eyes, but, um, I'd like a little more time with it, myself.
CARTER
(firmly)
It checks out.
MCKAY
(jealous)
Aw, and she said it just came to her?
CARTER
Yeah. She was playing with her kid, and she got a notion.
MCKAY
A notion. That is just beautiful. She's gonna love this…wait, you didn't tell her I've been trying to prove something like this myself, did you?
CARTER
Not exactly.
MCKAY
Oh, good. Because she would just…wait a minute. Why not?
CARTER
See, that's part of the reason I asked you here. She's been cleared by the Pentagon, but she refuses to sign the confidentiality agreement. She says she wants nothing to do with us. To be honest, she's been a bit of a pain in the ass.
MCKAY
Huh. Well, forget her, then. I mean, she's made her choice, we'll just have to you and I figure out how to implement it on our own. Let's see…Now, upon first glance, there are certainly some…missing pieces that aren't exactly spelled out in the proof, but um…What?
[While he's been speaking, McKay shifts more uncomfortably under Carter's steady gaze.]
CARTER
You and I both know this would go a lot faster if your sister were on board.
MCKAY
Well, what do you want me to do? She's not gonna listen to me!
CARTER
You're her brother!
MCKAY
Exactly!
INT—FOYER, MILLER HOME
[There is a knock at the door. Jeanie answers to find McKay standing there with a bouquet of flowers.]
MCKAY
Hi.
JEANIE
(surprised)
Hi.
MCKAY
Long time no see?
JEANIE
To say the least.
[There is an awkward silence.]
MCKAY
Aren't you going to invite me in?
JEANIE
Why are you here?
MCKAY
Oh, I can't just stop by, say hi to my little sister?
JEANIE
Well, we haven't spoken in four years, and you've never done anything like this! So…no, you can't.
MCKAY
Well, I've been kind of…busy…with work…you know, doing a lot of traveling, and such, and I-I was called back on business, so um…I was in town…and-and I thought I'd um…you know, um…
[He holds out the flowers.]
JEANIE
(suspicious)
Wait a second.
MCKAY
What?
JEANIE
You're not here because of the physics proof, are you?
MCKAY
(defensively)
What? No. No-no I-I mean, I'm sure that's part of the reason why I'm here, but, uh—
JEANIE
You work for the U.S. government?!
MCKAY
No! No, I work for a multi-national…er, oversight advisory that, uh…
JEANIE
You know what? I don't care. I already told that-that colonel person that I don't want anything to do with them.
MCKAY
Do you have any idea what you've written?
JEANIE
A math proof. Some-some theoretical physics. I am willing to wager it has no practical application at all.
MCKAY
I'll take that action.
JEANIE
What does that mean?
MCKAY
Just sign the damn agreement!
JEANIE
No! Getting all proprietary about our research and-and ideas is everything that's wrong with science today.
MCKAY
Here we go.
JEANIE
Do you know that one fifth of our genes, the very building blocks of our being, have been patented by major pharmaceutical corporations? One fifth! If there's any benefit at all to what I've written, it's that it'll spark an idea in someone else. I am not going to sign away my rights, least of all to the U.S. military.
MCKAY
But it has sparked an idea in someone. A big one!
JEANIE
Like what?
MCKAY
Ah! Can't tell you. Not until you sign the agreement.
JEANIE
I'm not signing the agreement until you tell me.
[Miller comes down the hall, carrying Madison.]
MILLER
Is everything okay?
JEANIE
Look who showed up?
MCKAY
(awkwardly)
Hey!
[Miller looks at McKay without recognition.]
JEANIE
It's…my brother.
MILLER
Oh, right! Hey.
[Miller puts down his daughter. Madison comes over and hugs McKay's legs.]
MADISON
Hi.
MCKAY
(uncomfortable)
Uh, hello, little one.
MADISON
Did you bring me a present?
[Miller and Jeanie laugh. Jeanie pulls Madison away.]
JEANIE
(scolding)
Madison!
MCKAY
What? No. I didn't know that was a rule.
MADISON
It is!
MCKAY
Well, I guess I broke that rule.
[Madison giggles.]
MILLER
Uh, I just made some dinner. Would you care to join us?
[Jeanie turns and glares at Miller.]
MCKAY
Uh, that would be great, exactly. I'm starving. You have no idea what time zone I just came from.
[Miller leads Madison into the kitchen.]
MILLER
Well, I, uh, sure hope you like tofu chicken.
[He chuckles, McKay joins in half-heartedly.]
MCKAY
(low, to Jeanie)
I sure hope he's kidding.
[He passes off the flowers to Jeanie and enters. Jeanie sighs.]
INT—KITCHEN, MILLER HOME
[McKay and Jeanie clear plates from the dining room and enter the kitchen.]
JEANIE
Not a fan of vegetarian cuisine, eh?
[McKay carries his mostly full plate in.]
MCKAY
(pitifully)
Hmm, yes, well…I suppose I was just in the mood for, um, well…food.
[Miller enters.]
MILLER
I'll give Maddie her bath. You two catch up.
JEANIE
Okay, hon.
MILLER
(to McKay)
Hey, pop your head in before you leave.
MCKAY
(nervous)
What? Uh, why?
MILLER
Children like to, uh, say goodbye.
MCKAY
Oh! The, uh…uh…sure. Sure.
[Miller leaves. McKay scrapes his plate into the trash.]
MCKAY
Boy, uh, Madison's sure grown, huh?
JEANIE
(caustically)
Since she was born? Yeah, yeah she has.
MCKAY
Okay, look I don't want to waste any more of your time. You-you need to come with me right now! Your-your proof could lead to something…groundbreaking!
JEANIE
How long would I be gone?
MCKAY
Well it's like, a couple months, tops.
JEANIE
(laughs in disbelief)
A couple of months?! Are you joking? I—Madison has her first ballet recital next Tuesday.
MCKAY
She's four. How good could she possibly be?
JEANIE
That's not the point!
MCKAY
Hey, she's not gonna remember you not being there.
JEANIE
I'll remember me not being there.
MCKAY
This is bigger than your-your "responsibilities."
JEANIE
Okay, we've, uh, we've had this conversation before. Uh, you belittle my choices, I get furious at you, and we don't talk for four years. I'm not all that anxious to do that again.
MCKAY
This is not what dad would've wanted.
[Jeanie gasps in outrage.]
MCKAY
No, he would've wanted us working together, side by side, toppling problems, and-and sharing credit.
JEANIE
Oh, uh, you-you share credit now, do you?
MCKAY
This is important, Jeanie. I mean, it's much more important than you could ever imagine.
JEANIE
For you, I am sure it is. But this, me being here, this is important for me. Why can't you accept that?!
MCKAY
You know, you leave me no choice.
[McKay reaches into his pocket and walks over to Jeanie.]
JEANIE
What?
MCKAY
Just give me your hand.
[Jeanie clutches both hands to herself.]
JEANIE
Why?
MCKAY
Please, just give me your hand.
[She reaches out then pulls her hand back.]
MCKAY
Will you just…?
[Jeanie finally holds out her hand. McKay grasps it and presses the controller in his other hand.]
INT—HERMIOD'S LAB, DAEDALUS
[McKay and Jeanie beam into the room. Carter is already there, working the Asgard controls.]
JEANIE
(frightened)
Uh, okay. Wha-what the hell just happened?
CARTER
It's okay. You're perfectly safe.
JEANIE
(still upset)
Uh, I don't feel perfectly safe.
MCKAY
Okay, you've just been teleported to an interstellar vessel in orbit above the planet.
JEANIE
(scoffing)
Please. Teleportation is about as likely as time travel.
[Carter and McKay exchange awkward looks.]
MCKAY
Hmm, yes, well…
[McKay turns Jeanie around to have her look out the window. She sees Earth below her.]
JEANIE
Oh…my.
MCKAY
Oh, yes.
JEANIE
Is-is that…? Why aren't we weightless?
CARTER
Artificial gravity. And yes, that is North America, and you are in geosynchronous orbit.
MCKAY
We work for something called the Stargate Program.
JEANIE
Stargate?
MCKAY
Uh, it's a device that, uh, creates stable artificial wormholes that allows us to travel between other planets, even…other galaxies.
JEANIE
What have you gotten yourself involved in here, Meredith?
[McKay groans. Carter turns to him, alert.]
CARTER
Meredith?
MCKAY
It's a long story.
JEANIE
It's his name.
CARTER
(fighting not to laugh)
Your name is Meredith McKay?
MCKAY
It's Meredith Rodney McKay, yes. But I prefer to go by "Rodney." Look, can we just stick to the point here? Look out the window—much more interesting than my name.
CARTER
Your name is Meredith?
[Jeanie finally turns away from the window and walks around, gesturing wildly.]
JEANIE
So, this-this is like a…like a spaceship?
CARTER
This is a U.S. Air Force vessel called the Daedalus.
MCKAY
Your equation has real world applications I'm certain you've never even considered.
CARTER
You see, there are some…very bad creatures out there that want nothing more but to destroy this planet and everything that you hold dear.
JEANIE
Uh, did you say "creatures"? Like…like alien creatures?
CARTER
Yes.
[Jeanie walks back over to the window.]
MCKAY
Look, the work we could do is important, Jeanie. Not just to you or me, but to every living being down there, and that includes Madison and, um,…uh…
JEANIE
Kaleb.
MCKAY
Kaleb, yes.
CARTER
We can't do this without you.
MCKAY
Let's not go overboard. I mean, she'd be an asset, but—
CARTER
(admonishing)
McKay!
(to Jeanie)
So what do you say, Mrs. Miller?
MCKAY
Jeanie…
JEANIE
Look, it's just a lot to take in right now, okay? Just give me a second, Mer.
[She stares out the window for a few moments.]
JEANIE
So, somewhere down there, my husband is giving my daughter a bath.
[Carter and McKay smile.]
INT—MASTER BEDROOM, MILLER HOME
[Miller awakens in bed. He looks over to see Jeanie sitting at the edge of the bed.]
MILLER
You have to go.
JEANIE
I know.
[She sighs.]
EXT—SPACE
[Daedalus leaves Earth orbit and jumps into hyperspace.]
INT—CORRIDOR, DAEDALUS
[McKay and Jeanie walk down the corridor, passing other personnel.]
MCKAY
What did you tell Kaleb?
JEANIE
The truth?
MCKAY
What?! Do you have any idea what "non-disclosure" means?
JEANIE
Just because we don't keep secrets from each other doesn't mean we're incapable of it.
MCKAY
Well, what did he say?
JEANIE
(chuckles)
Um, he's concerned that me telling him will get him assassinated.
(notices her brother not laughing)
That-that won't happen, right?
MCKAY
Mmm. Probably not.
INT—LAB, DAEDALUS
[McKay and Jeanie sit by a large monitor. Carter is on the monitor screen.]
CARTER
(over vidlink)
Again, I'm sorry I couldn't come with you, but there's just too much going on here.
MCKAY
It's fine.
CARTER
Well, I thought I could at least help you get Jeanie up to speed before you guys are out of comm range. About a year ago, your brother came across an abandoned alien experiment called Project Arcturus. It was an attempt to generate zero point energy.
JEANIE
That would be virtually limitless power! What happened?
MCKAY
A slight problem. It was the creation of exotic particles in the containment field.
CARTER
He destroyed a solar system.
[Jeanie smacks her brother.]
JEANIE
Meredith!
MCKAY
It was uninhabited.
CARTER
Your brother along with many others has been trying to figure out a way to draw zero point energy from a parallel space-time.
MCKAY
Which would get us around the whole problem of the creation of dangerous exotic particles in our own space-time.
JEANIE
And my theory is about bridging universes.
CARTER
Exactly. Yeah, we're hoping to use your proof as a theoretical basis for building a bridge from a parallel space-time to ours.
JEANIE
Uh, the energy you'd need would be enormous to the point of absurd.
MCKAY
Absurd we can do. We have something called a zero point module which essentially does what we're attempting on a smaller scale—extract energy from subspace time.
JEANIE
So…subspace is real?
CARTER
You're flying in it.
JEANIE
Oh. Aren't you worried about the exotic particles crossing back over my bridge?
CARTER
Well, that's the beauty of your theory. It should not only allow us to build a bridge, it should also allow us to manage the flow rate of energy.
JEANIE
Like…a faucet.
MCKAY
(chuckling)
Well, something like that.
CARTER
(annoyed)
It's exactly like that.
JEANIE
What about the parallel universe? Aren't you just shifting the exotic particle problem to their side?
CARTER
Potentially. But when you consider that the number of possible parallel universes that we could access borders on the infinite, the odds of us choosing at random one that's inhabited are…astronomically slim.
JEANIE
Huh. Wow.
CARTER
I know. It's an awful lot to take in at once.
JEANIE
(smug, to McKay)
I solved your problem in my spare time…with finger paints.
MCKAY
Here we go.
[Carter suppresses a grin.]
JEANIE
I just can't imagine how you're "surviving" the humiliation.
MCKAY
Look, if it wasn't for my work, your little theory would be useless.
CARTER
Whoa, whoa! Siblings, please!
MCKAY AND JEANIE
Sorry.
[Carter is even less successful at hiding her amusement. They both notice.]
MCKAY
What?
CARTER
Well, it's just that you both said "sorry" in that cute little Canadian way, and I…
[Jeanie and McKay exchange looks.]
CARTER
Sorry. Touch base when you get back to Atlantis. Good luck.
[Carter's transmission ends. Jeanie and McKay get up and leave.]
JEANIE
These alien creatures must be quite the threat for you to even try what you're doing.
MCKAY
I don't want to scare you, but you need to know the stakes. We're at war.
JEANIE
Did you start it?
MCKAY
What?! No! Come on!
JEANIE
Well…
EXT—SPACE
[Daedalus flies through hyperspace.]
INT—CONFERENCE ROOM, DAEDALUS
[Jeanie stares at the hyperspace flash through the window. McKay sits at the table looking at papers.]
MCKAY
Okay, you've got a nota bene by the cosmological constant. Why is that? Jeanie?
[She doesn't notice. He gets up and snaps his fingers in front of her face. She turns.]
MCKAY
Hey. Yeah. Why you're here, remember?
JEANIE
Yeah.
MCKAY
Thank you.
INT—CORRIDOR, DAEDALUS
[Jeanie and McKay step out of an elevator. She carries a tablet computer, while he has pages of printouts.]
MCKAY
(pointing on page)
So there's your problem, right there.
JEANIE
(points to tablet)
What are you talking about? It's here. And you made a mistake.
MCKAY
No I didn't!
INT—HERMIOD'S LAB, DAEDALUS
[McKay points to a monitor display and looks at Hermiod.]
MCKAY
Okay, so we need a yea or nay on the equations.
HERMIOD
(nodding assent)
Yea.
[Jeanie gapes at the alien.]
INT—ATLANTIS LAB
[Zelenka wanders the lab and comes to a monitor that beeps. He receives a message downloaded from Dr. McKay from the Daedalus. It is several schematics for the device. Zelenka stares at them in surprise.]
MCKAY
(voiceover)
Atlantis already has a containment chamber we can use. I'll forward the necessary modifications to Zelenka. Now, if he doesn't mess it up, he can make the changes we need before we even get there.
INT—ATLANTIS CONTAINMENT LAB
[The modifications appear similar to the schematic. Everyone working in the area, including Zelenka, are wearing white sterile suits and hoods as they move equipment.]
ZELENKA
(to female technician)
Ready?
INT—HERMIOD'S LAB, DAEDALUS
[McKay and Jeanie are by Hermiod's station again, speaking to Hermiod.]
MCKAY
Now we've been through these calculations a number of times, and I think we've settled on a containment field setup that should work for us. We just want to show you these…
INT—ATLANTIS CONTAINMENT LAB
[Zelenka presses some controls, checking the monitors. The monitor shows a steady green wave.]
ZELENKA
Yes! We have it people! Good work! Good work, everybody.
[Everyone applauds. Zelenka checks his watch.]
ZELENKA
Just in time.
INT—ATLANTIS GATE ROOM
[Sheppard and Weir walk down the stairwell.]
WEIR
Has he talked about his sister with you?
SHEPPARD
You know, once or twice in passing. Usually like, "oh come on, even my sister can do it!" You know, that type of thing.
[Weir laughs. Zelenka meets them at the bottom of the stairs. He is still in his sterile suit.]
WEIR
How's it coming, Radek?
ZELENKA
The simulations are all in the green. We're ready to try power-up.
WEIR
Just in time!
ZELENKA
(chuckles)
Heh-heh. That's actually what I just said. Heh.
[McKay and Jeanie beam into the Gate room in front of them. Jeanie is slightly turned away from them, and she stares around, bemused.]
JEANIE
Holy cow! Tha-that can't be good for you.
SHEPPARD
Nothing to worry about. I've done it dozens of times. John Sheppard.
[He holds out his hand, and she turns and shakes it.]
MCKAY
Yeah. She's married, and she's my sister.
SHEPPARD
I'm just saying hi.
MCKAY
Yeah, no. I know exactly what you're doing. I've seen that look before…Kirk.
[Sheppard rears back. Weir steps forward and shakes hands with Jeanie.]
WEIR
Hello, Mrs. Miller. I'm Doctor Elizabeth Weir. Welcome to Atlantis.
JEANIE
Thank you. Mer's told me so much about you.
SHEPPARD
All good, I a-…did you just call him "Mer?"
MCKAY
(quickly)
It's a…pet name. Where are we?
ZELENKA
Eh, simulations are all in the green. We're ready to try power up.
[He starts leading them to the labs.]
JEANIE
Really? So soon? That's amazing. Excellent work, Radek.
ZELENKA
(pleased and surprised)
Thank you.
MCKAY
(annoyed)
Yes, we try not to encourage him. He's got a bit of an ego.
[Jeanie and Zelenka exchange smiles behind McKay's back.]
INT—CONTAINMENT LAB
[The machine is powered up. McKay is at one console. Jeanie and Zelenka are at the other. Technicians work nearby. Weir paces behind McKay.]
MCKAY
In-chamber conditions are green. Containment field is in the green. Monitors are green.
JEANIE
(impatient)
Everything's green.
ZELENKA
(low, to Jeanie)
He likes to do the checklist.
MCKAY
(pleased)
ZPM levels are well into the green, and back-up terminals are green. We're ready to initiate power-up.
[He turns to Weir.]
WEIR
Good luck.
MCKAY
All right. Here we go.
[Jeanie walks over to his console.]
JEANIE
Want to, uh, turn it on together?
MCKAY
Why would we do that?
JEANIE
Because it's both of our work?
MCKAY
Well, there's only room on the button for one finger, so…
JEANIE
Well, then can I do it?
MCKAY
Yeah, but I-I'm right here. So…
ZELENKA
He likes to…push the button.
JEANIE
(annoyed)
Fine. Go.
MCKAY
Powering up to five percent.
[The circular machine activates, a golden glow comes from the center.]
MCKAY
Containment field is holding. Power generation is steady.
JEANIE
What about exotic particles?
MCKAY
Jeanie, please! I'm on it. We are holding at…five percent.
WEIR
Good. Now what?
[McKay opens his mouth to answer.]
JEANIE
The safe thing to do is to hold at five percent for the next while.
MCKAY
She wasn't talking to you!
[Jeanie and Zelenka look at McKay.]
WEIR
Actually, that was an open question to the floor.
JEANIE
(furious)
"Shared credit", huh? "We'll do this together?" "Dad'll be so proud."
MCKAY
This is not the time or the place.
JEANIE
Fine. I'm going to my quarters.
[She storms off.]
MCKAY
Yes, well, good night. Thank you!
WEIR
So?
MCKAY
(uncomfortably)
Well, obviously, we…hold at five percent for the next while and see if any problems turn up.
WEIR
(dryly)
Right.
MCKAY
I should probably try to get some rest myself. Could you…?
[He gestures to the female technician to take over his station and rushes away.]
EXT—ATLANTIS, NIGHT
INT—CONTAINMENT CHAMBER
[The female technician sits monitoring the console. There is a sudden surge and bright light. She stands.]
FEMALE TECHNICIAN
What the…?
(to other technician)
Shut it down.
[The generator is shut down. The technician types on her keyboard. A display reads "foreign object in containment chamber".]
FEMALE TECHNICIAN
"Foreign object?" Go get Doctor Zelenka.
[Another tech rushes out of the room.]
[The doors to the containment chamber open. There is a green glow undulating within the chamber. It shuts off to show Rodney McKay on one knee in the center of the chamber. He looks up to find Zelenka and the other scientists staring at him.]
ROD
It worked!
[He jumps athletically out of the device and stands, looking pleased.]
ZELENKA
(nonplussed)
What are you doing?
ROD
Radek?
ZELENKA
Yes.
ROD
I need to speak to whoever's in charge of this project.
ZELENKA
But…that's you.
ROD
Well then, I guess I need to speak to me.
INT—ATLANTIS MESS HALL
[McKay enters the mess hall and immediately hears peals of laughter. He turns to corner to find his team sitting with Jeanie. Sheppard is laughing loudly. McKay approaches with a hesitant smile.]
MCKAY
What is this?
SHEPPARD
Hey, Meredith!
MCKAY
(face falling)
Oh, wonderful.
JEANIE
John here was kind enough to show me around, offer me a warm meal, and, uh, introduce me to some of your friends.
MCKAY
(suspicious)
What have you told them?
[Jeanie shrugs.]
SHEPPARD
We weren't talking about you.
MCKAY
Oh, you weren't?
TEYLA
No. We were discussing…many things.
SHEPPARD
Now when the issue of, uh, bedwetting happened to come up, she may have mentioned something about your childhood.
[Jeanie snickers. McKay looks aghast.]
MCKAY
That is not true!
RONON
Relax. We all have embarrassing childhood stories.
SHEPPARD
Of course we do.
RONON
There was one time the school bullies made me eat lunch with my underwear on my head.
MCKAY
(hopeful)
Oh!
RONON
Oh, wait. That was you.
[Everyone but McKay laughs.]
MCKAY
Oh, har-de-har-har. And this is revenge for what, exactly?
JEANIE
You don't even know, do you?
WEIR
(over intercom)
Colonel Sheppard and Doctor McKay, to the isolation room immediately!
MCKAY
Isolation room?
(to Jeanie)
Come on!
[McKay, Jeanie, and Sheppard leave.]
INT—ISOLATION OBSERVATION ROOM
[Weir watches the large monitor of the Rodney McKay from the containment chamber, pacing the isolation room below, as McKay, Sheppard, and Jeanie enter.]
MCKAY
What in the world…?!
JEANIE
It's you.
WEIR
No. That is a live closed-circuit feed of a man we have in the isolation room.
[Weir walks over to the window. They follow and all look down at Rod, who looks back up at them. Jeanie keeps looking from him to McKay.]
JEANIE
What?!
WEIR
He appeared in the containment chamber in some sort of force field.
SHEPPARD
What do you mean, he-he appeared?
WEIR
Out of thin air. I have Zelenka working on it. Obviously, we shut down the project.
SHEPPARD
Well, how'd he get in there?
WEIR
He claims to be from a parallel universe.
[Jeanie turns angrily to her brother.]
JEANIE
You said the odds against this were "astronomical!"
MCKAY
You saw the math!
JEANIE
Well, we got it wrong!
MCKAY
Yeah, well he's here now, so the question is: what does he want?
WEIR
To talk to you.
MCKAY
(to Jeanie)
All right, you want shared credit? You're coming in with me.
[Jeanie shakes her head negatively. McKay leaves.]
JEANIE
Wait.
[She follows.]
INT—ISOLATION ROOM
[McKay and Jeanie enter.]
ROD
Wow. Now, I'd figure you'd be here, but, uh, but Jeanie? I'd always hoped we'd work together in Atlantis.
[Jeanie stares in shock at the two Rodney McKays. The alternate McKay wears a leather jacket, has a spiked hairstyle similar to Sheppard's, and carries himself with a cool confidence.]
JEANIE
Huh. This is a first.
MCKAY
Huh.
MCKAY AND ROD
For me, too.
ROD
(gesturing to a chair)
Have a seat. Now, I presume you go by…
MCKAY
Rodney.
ROD
Ah. Rod.
MCKAY
(to Jeanie)
I could never get anyone to call me that.
[Rod sits in the chair across from Rodney. Jeanie stands behind Rodney.]
ROD
Okay, I'm gonna make some assumptions based on what I've seen here and from readings we've taken in my own space-time. Please stop me if I'm wrong. One: I presume you're running some sort of experiment that's designed to bridge between parallel universes? And two: it has something to do with power generation. Warm? Cold?
JEANIE
Uh, hot.
ROD
Well, I'm sure the experiment's been a success on this side, but it's having some rather serious repercussions in my universe.
[Jeanie smacks McKay.]
JEANIE
I told you!
MCKAY
Not now!
JEANIE
Dangerous exotic particles that don't belong in either of our universes are being created on your side of the bridge.
[McKay glares at Jeanie. Rod leans forward, concerned.]
ROD
(surprised)
Oh, so…you knew this could happen?
MCKAY
(uncomfortably)
Uh, there was a…slight risk, yes?
INT—ISOLATION OBSERVATION ROOM
SHEPPARD
This is weird.
ROD
(over intercom)
Well, you're quite correct, Jeanie. And because these particles don't behave according to any of the laws of physics in our space-time, they are…
INT—ISOLATION ROOM
ROD
(continuing)
…creating a tear in the fabric of our universe.
JEANIE
Huh. First a solar system, now a universe!
MCKAY
(impatient)
Yes. How exactly did you get here?
ROD
Ah. Well, we detected the anomaly about twenty hours ago in space above the planet. We maneuvered one of our jumpers in close and tried to broadcast a signal to whoever was on the other side.
MCKAY
Yes, but of course, we would be unable to detect that signal from within the containment chamber.
ROD
So, Sheppard and I came up with a plan to beam a person into the anomaly. They would be protected by an Ancient personal force field we discovered.
MCKAY
(ruefully)
I depleted ours.
JEANIE
Still, it was an incredible risk.
ROD
(with a self-deprecating chuckle)
Well, it was Sheppard's idea.
INT—ISOLATION OBSERVATION ROOM
[Weir and Sheppard react to that modest comment.]
ROD
(over intercom)
We decided it might allow one of us to cross the bridge you created and bring the problem to your attention…
INT—ISOLATION ROOM
ROD
There was very little time. And, eh, well, there seemed to be no other way. We drew straws…
MCKAY
You lost!
ROD
(smiling)
No. I won! What, the prospect of saving an entire universe? No brainer!
MCKAY
Oh. Sure.
JEANIE
I-I can't begin to say how sorry we are.
ROD
(hopeful)
Yes, well, you could, um, start by shutting down the experiment?
MCKAY
Already done. And after hearing what you've told me, I see no reason why we'd start it back up again.
ROD
Great! Then my work here is done. Mission accomplished.
[He gives a thumbs up. They all give a small laugh.]
MCKAY
Ah, well, yes. But how did you plan on getting, you know, back? I mean, to your own universe?
ROD
The matter bridge you created is unidirectional.
JEANIE
But that means…
ROD
Yes. Yes, it does.
[They share awkward looks.]
JEANIE
Huh.
INT—GUEST QUARTERS
[Rod and Jeanie stand setting up bedding in a room as Sheppard and Rodney stand nearby.]
ROD
So, Jeanie, you have three kids in this universe?
JEANIE
(chuckling)
Uh, no. Just the one.
ROD
Huh. Well, I'm sure you're as great a mother in this space-time as you are in mine. Oh! This will blow your mind! I have photographs of your alternate life. Wanna see pictures of the kids you haven't had yet?
[He pulls photos out of his jacket pocket.]
JEANIE
Absolutely!
(looks at pictures)
Oh, look at Maddie! Who's that?
ROD
That's Bradley and Robbie.
JEANIE
Aw.
[While they've been talking, McKay and Sheppard have had an animated discussion by the doorway. They leave Rod and Jeanie looking at pictures and start walking down the hall.]
INT—ATLANTIS CORRIDOR
MCKAY
All right, what's the game plan here?
SHEPPARD
We put him up here in the guest quarters until we can find something more permanent.
MCKAY
Something more permanent?! Well, we're not keeping him!
SHEPPARD
He can't go back!
MCKAY
Well, that just doesn't mean he has to stay here!
SHEPPARD
He said he'd rather be on Atlantis than Earth.
MCKAY
Oh, I see. So he gets his way, and I don't?!
SHEPPARD
How can you not want to be with him? He's you!
MCKAY
He's not me! I'm me…the…real me.
SHEPPARD
I suppose it's all relative. To Rod, his reality is every bit as valid as ours. To him, we're the imposters.
MCKAY
What does Elizabeth have to say about all of this?
SHEPPARD
(smirking)
Two McKays are better than one.
MCKAY
There aren't two McKays! There's one McKay and…him!
[Sheppard gets into an Atlantis transport and turns around.]
SHEPPARD
Whatever you say…Meredith.
[Sheppard smiles and presses the button to close the doors and activate the transport, leaving McKay rolling his eyes in the corridor.]
EXT—ATLANTIS, DAY
[A golf ball plops into the water.]
EXT—DRIVING RANGE, DAY
[Rod and Sheppard hit from a bucket of golf balls into the ocean. Rod turns around and laughs at the length of his most recent shot.]
SHEPPARD
(whistling)
Nice shot! Easily 275. You know, I've been meaning to put up, uh, buoy markers, but who has the time, huh?
ROD
This is great! We don't have one of these where I'm from. Besides, you'd need to take a cattle prod to the Sheppard I know to get him up this early.
SHEPPARD
(chuckling)
Late nights, partying, huh?
ROD
(nodding, but not quite in agreement)
If you could call it that. He's, uh, very active with the MENSA club we have there. They have a lot of…um…"functions?"
SHEPPARD
(uncomfortable)
Well, you can't blame a man for his intelligence.
MCKAY
No, but I can blame him for reminding me all the time.
SHEPPARD
(unnerved)
He doesn't?
ROD
Mmm. Trust me, my Sheppard makes your Rodney seem…uh…modest in comparison.
[Sheppard shifts, nonplussed.]
SHEPPARD
Well, I've got to admit, between you and me, you're a lot different than our Rodney, too.
MCKAY
How so?
SHEPPARD
It's the little things. Uh, you like golf. You say "please" and "thank you." You're um…what's the opposite of condescending?
[Rod chuckles. Sheppard takes his shot with the golf club and they both watch it sail to the ocean.]
ROD
Whoo. Now, I could help you with that hook.
INT—ATLANTIS MESS HALL
[McKay enters and hears laughter. He moves determinedly to his team's table, where all are laughing with Rod and Jeanie.]
MCKAY
What the hell is this?
SHEPPARD
Hey, sleepyhead!
MCKAY
Yeah, hi.
ROD
I had a breakfast date with Jeanie. I guess it just kind of ballooned into a group affair. Look, sit down. We're tracing back our lives, trying to find the little differences between our pasts.
TEYLA
Rod is an honorary member of the Athosian Council.
JEANIE
And is godfather to his niece and nephews.
MCKAY
Yes, well how wonderful for him.
ROD
Well, it's easier for me. Our Earth has a ZPM too, so it makes the back and forth a lot simpler.
ZELENKA
(over intercom)
Doctors McKay, please report to the containment chamber. Doctors McKay…?
MCKAY AND ROD
Excuse me.
[Both they and Jeanie start to leave.]
RONON
Hey, uh, Rod! Are we still on to spar later?
ROD
Absolutely!
[Rod and Ronon exchange a complicated handshake.]
ROD AND RONON
Boh!
INT—CONTAINMENT CHAMBER
[The containment chamber is active. McKay rushes past Zelenka to the control panel. Rod and Jeanie are behind.]
MCKAY
What do you mean you started it up again?
ZELENKA
Shutting the experiment down only made things worse for us, not better. The matter bridge is still active, but we are not drawing any power, creating pressure, like a—a dam. If we didn't turn it on again, it could have resulted in a catastrophic overloaded.
ROD
Oh…we should've thought of that.
MCKAY
(accusingly)
Mm-hmm.
JEANIE
Don't look at me.
MCKAY
Oh, so you're willing to take all of the credit, but none of the blame, huh?
JEANIE
I never wanted all the credit.
ROD
(to Jeanie)
No one is blaming you.
JEANIE
(with pointed look at McKay)
Oh really?
ROD
Look, this is just a temporary solution. The Zelenka in my space-time estimates that there is at least a week and a half before the tear expands as far as the city…my city.
JEANIE
What will happen when it does?
[McKay and Zelenka each take on stricken looks of realization.]
ROD
Well, imagine what would happen if you just threw the laws of physics out the window.
JEANIE
Entropy…chaos.
ROD
Mmm. Worst case scenario, the entropy expands as far as the subspace layers, underneath our space-time.
MCKAY
It could travel almost instantaneously. I mean, your universe could just flash out of existence!
[He snaps his fingers.]
ROD
We need to mend that tear before it become irreparable. Now, I have some thoughts. Is there a place we can go to work?
MCKAY
Yeah, yes. Of course. Follow me.
ROD
Oh! Jeanie, we could use your help.
[He taps her on the arm. She smiles and follows.]
JEANIE
Thank you.
INT—ATLANTIS LAB
[McKay and Rod stand by a work station.]
ROD
Do you mind running up these power requirements?
[He hands McKay a disk.]
MCKAY
(annoyed)
Done.
[McKay walks away with the disk, looking annoyed. A perplexed Rod watches him go. McKay turns back, and Rod turns back to the computer. McKay heads over to where Jeanie's working.]
MCKAY
What were you doing having breakfast with him?
JEANIE
I don't often meet people from another universe. I found myself curiously interested.
MCKAY
Yeah, well, I don't want you hanging around with him any more.
JEANIE
What?
MCKAY
Look, I am your real brother.
JEANIE
In what sense?
MCKAY
Oh, what is that supposed to mean?
JEANIE
You haven't been a brother to me since I quit school.
MCKAY
(scoffs)
You were making an incredible mistake. I was just trying to—
JEANIE
(interrupting)
You were trying to control my life, Mer. I-I disagreed with you. I still do! And wh-what, because of that, you stopped being my brother?
MCKAY
I never stopped being your brother!
JEANIE
We haven't talked in four years!
MCKAY
Don't put all that on me.
JEANIE
It is all on you! I had no way of getting in touch with you.
MCKAY
I was doing top secret research in another galaxy!
[Both turn to see if their raised voices have attracted Rod's attention. Rod continues to work on the computer, obviously trying not to listen…and not succeeding. They both lower their voices.]
JEANIE
You could've sent me a message. You know, called me on my birthday, at-at Christmas. Once a year…that's all I would've needed. Just-just a: "hi, how are you? Are you happy? Are you okay?" That would've been enough, but you didn't even do that. No, no. I was wrong, and you were right, so what? I was not worth talking to?
MCKAY
(hurt, defensive)
It wasn't like that at all.
JEANIE
You don't like me talking to Rod because it makes you realize how bad a brother you've really been.
[Rod stiffens and turns to the pair, notably interrupting the argument.]
ROD
(with false brightness)
Hey! You guys got something over there?
JEANIE
(upset)
No. We don't.
INT—SHEPPARD'S QUARTERS
[McKay paces while Sheppard sits on his bed and cleans his golf clubs with a toothbrush.]
MCKAY
He's slowing me down.
SHEPPARD
Really? I thought two of you would have sped things up.
MCKAY
Yeah, he's not me!
SHEPPARD
I know he's not the same person, trust me. I'm just saying, he's a genius too, isn't he?
MCKAY
Hmph. Unless he's lying.
SHEPPARD
(skeptical)
About what?
MCKAY
What if the people on his Atlantis were sick of him messing up all the time, huh? So when it came time to send some stooge on a one-way ticket to another universe, there was only one guy they could do without.
SHEPPARD
Mm, say what you want, I know what this is about.
MCKAY
Oh, really, Mister Mensa in a parallel universe, what is this all about?
SHEPPARD
You think Jeanie likes him more than you.
MCKAY
What?! That's crazy! That's…that's…that's possibly true.
SHEPPARD
(smiling in agreement)
Mm-hmm.
MCKAY
Huh. Jeanie and I drifted apart. I mean, that happens, I mean, it wasn't done maliciously. Do I have regrets? Yes, of course I do. But who doesn't? I mean, you know, I'm not very good at saying I'm sorry, or that-or that I'm wrong, you know, possibly because it happens so rarely.
SHEPPARD
(groaning in not-quite agreement)
Mm-hmm.
MCKAY
So I didn't call, or write, and when I realized that four years had gone by, it was just a…you're right! Of course, you're right. I mean, she has every reason to hate me!
SHEPPARD
I didn't say she hates you.
MCKAY
Well, she should!
[Sheppard looks up and shrugs.]
SHEPPARD
Well, if you insist.
MCKAY
Yeah, well I do.
SHEPPARD
Well then, fair enough.
ZELENKA
(over intercom)
Doctor McKay to the containment chamber. Doctor McKay…?
MCKAY
(distractedly to Sheppard)
Good talk. Thanks.
[He leaves Sheppard swinging his golf club and looking a bit perplexed.]
INT—CONTAINMENT CHAMBER
[McKay joins Jeanie, Zelenka, and Rod in the containment chamber.]
ROD
Great, he's here.
MCKAY
What's going on?
ZELENKA
Well, I set up a way to pick up transmissions inside the containment chamber should Rod's universe try to contact us. We, of course, still have no way of communicating with them, but—
MCKAY
(impatiently)
They sent us a message.
JEANIE
Yeah. Apparently their exotic particle problem is spinning out of control much faster than they'd anticipated.
MCKAY
Oh, boy.
ROD
But they have a solution.
MCKAY
They do? That's great!
ROD
Well, not really. Their solution would not only destroy Atlantis, but tear a hole in the fabric of…this universe.
MCKAY
Oh boy.
INT—ATLANTIS CONFERENCE ROOM
[McKay, Jeanie, Rod, Sheppard, and Weir are all in the briefing room. Computer displays show graphics depicting the connection between both universes.]
ROD
Now, I'm not saying that their attempt would be successful. But…if it was, it would flood the exotic particles that are being created on their side into this space-time all at once.
SHEPPARD
And that would, uh…
JEANIE
Be…bad.
SHEPPARD
Right. I got that, but, uh…
WEIR
How bad?
MCKAY
Well, to be honest, the science gets extremely complicated. But, um, "simply put", the tear will eventually swallow up the entire galaxy, possibly the universe.
SHEPPARD
So…very bad.
MCKAY
Well I think we can all agree that that would be bad, yes.
ROD
Their plan will take six hours to implement.
WEIR
I suggest we do something before that.
ROD
Well, we have an idea.
MCKAY
Actually, Jeanie has an idea.
JEANIE
(surprised)
Uh, we think we can collapse the bridge with a massive burst of energy from this side.
[She types on her laptop and the graphic display demonstrates her idea.]
ROD
And stop the creation of exotic particles on the other side by doing so.
SHEPPARD
How massive a burst are we talking?
MCKAY
Everything we've got. I mean, enough to severely deplete our ZPM.
WEIR
(sighing)
So instead of creating a new powerful energy source, we'll be sacrificing the one we already have.
MCKAY
Yes. We'd still be able to dial Earth, but, uh, much less frequently, of course. And let's just say, I wouldn't be around here if the Wraith show up.
[Rod gives a rueful chuckle of agreement.]
SHEPPARD
I don't see that we have a choice.
WEIR
All right. Do it.
INT—CONTAINMENT CHAMBER
[Zelenka turns from Jeanie to McKay.]
ZELENKA
(skeptical)
Doctor Weir gave the okay for this?
MCKAY
You'd rather the universe was destroyed?
ZELENKA
(after a pause)
Not really.
ROD
Rodney, talk to you for a second?
[Rod and McKay move to a more private area of the lab.]
ROD
Look, the Daedalus is still in orbit. I thought, uh…
MCKAY
I know what you're going to say.
ROD
If I can beam into the…energy stream, protected by my personal force field…
MCKAY
You'd be transported back to your own universe. I know, I didn't bring it up before because if it doesn't work…
ROD
Well, I'm willing to take that risk. I've already requested the Daedalus to execute the transport to the coordinates inside the chamber on your mark. That is, if you're willing to do this.
MCKAY
(protesting)
Everyone loves you here!
ROD
(chuckling)
Yeah, but it's not home! Look, what, my Sheppard is a know-it-all, my Teyla is hard to talk to, and-and my Ronon is…well, actually, those two are pretty similar.
[McKay gives a small laugh.]
ROD
I guess what I'm trying to say is that, for all their faults, they're my team! My place is with them. Besides, they're not looking for another McKay around here, they already have one!
[He slaps McKay on the arm.]
MCKAY
It's just a lesser model, hmm?
ROD
I envy you. You say exactly what's on your mind, no matter how it makes you look. I can only imagine the freedom you must have, not caring if people like you or not.
MCKAY
Oh. People don't like me?
ROD
Trust me, you've got it great here. Now, I've made some calculations. When the readings reach the levels I've indicated, you'll know whether or not I made it home.
[He hands McKay his handheld computer.]
MCKAY
Oh, I guess you just to, um, click your heels together, huh?
ROD
(smiling)
Good luck, Rodney.
[He grabs McKay's hand and gives a complicated handshake.]
MCKAY
(nonplussed)
You-you too.
[They rejoin the others.]
ROD
Radek…(speaks Czech). Jeanie…
[He embraces her.]
JEANIE
(to McKay)
You're letting him do this?
MCKAY
Hey, I tried to talk him out of it, but you know…Rod.
ROD
(keying intercom)
Hermiod, ready when you are.
(to everyone)
Guess there's nothing left to say but…there's no place like home.
[Rod is beamed away. They all turn back to the control station.]
ZELENKA
All right, all in the green. Ready for forced power output.
MCKAY
Right, and…
[He starts towards the master control, then pauses and turns to his sister.]
MCKAY
Uh…you wanna press the button?
[Zelenka and Jeanie both look shocked.]
JEANIE
Yeah…yeah…sure.
[She presses the button. The chamber activates.]
ZELENKA
Power is at full.
[Jeanie and McKay move to different monitoring stations.]
JEANIE
It's working!
MCKAY
(into comm)
Hermiod, this is McKay. Commence transport.
INT—HERMIOD'S LAB, DAEDALUS
HERMIOD
Transport is complete.
INT—CONTAINMENT CHAMBER
JEANIE
The bridge is already beginning to destabilize.
ZELENKA
It's not yet enough!
MCKAY
ZPM's at fifty percent!
ZELENKA
It's still not enough, Rodney!
JEANIE
We have to max it out!
MCKAY
Thirty percent!
JEANIE
The bridge is collapsing. We've done it.
ZELENKA
Okay, we can shut it down now!
MCKAY
Not yet!
ZELENKA
What?!
MCKAY
According to these readings, if we shut it down now, he won't make it!
JEANIE
Give it a few more seconds.
ZELENKA
ZPM's at five percent.
MCKAY
Almost there….Cut power now!
ZELENKA
How much power did we drain from the ZP…M?
[He stares at a monitor saying "Zero Point Module Depleted".]
MCKAY
(heartbroken)
All of it. I drained all of it.
JEANIE
You did the right thing.
MCKAY
Hmm. Well, I suppose I would've done the same thing for…me.
[All the power shuts down in the room.]
MCKAY
I am so fired.
EXT—ATLANTIS, NIGHT
INT—VIP CHAMBER
[A younger McKay appears on a laptop video screen. (It's the video he made from "Letters from Pegasus").]
MCKAY
(on video)
Jeanie…this is your brother…Rodney. I want to s-say…um…family is important. I-I've come to realize that because the people here have become a sort of a, kinda, surrogate family to me. Now, I know what you're thinking. I've never really been the…poster child for that kind of sentiment. But, when-when one's contemplating one's own demise, one tends to see things…more clearly. I really do wish you the best, you know? And I'm sorry we weren't closer. Perhaps, um…if by chance I make it out of this, perhaps one day we can be. And I would like that. Now, if there's time, I'd like to…
[Jeanie shuts off the player. She and Sheppard are sitting in the room.]
JEANIE
When did he record this?
SHEPPARD
Couple years back, when we thought the bad guys were gonna get us.
JEANIE
Now I've seen three sides of my brother.
SHEPPARD
Yeah.
[McKay enters, surprised to see Sheppard there.]
MCKAY
What are you two up to?
[Jeanie closes the laptop and hands it to Sheppard.]
SHEPPARD
Nothing. Just, uh, telling stories about you. You know, trying to help her fall asleep.
[He shoots McKay a knowing smile.]
MCKAY
(unamused)
Ah-ha-ha-ha.
SHEPPARD
(rising)
I'll leave you guys alone.
[McKay watches him leave and then stands around awkwardly. Jeanie looks equally unsure.]
MCKAY
Hey.
JEANIE
Hey.
MCKAY
Hey, you should, be, uh, packing. Daedalus leaves in the morning.
[Jeanie picks up a duffle bag and points to it.]
JEANIE
I'm done. How'd it go with Weir?
MCKAY
Oh. Um, well, she wasn't too happy about the whole…"killing-the-ZPM". But, um, you know, in the grand scheme of things, we did prevent the destruction of the universe, so…you know…not fired.
JEANIE
That's good.
MCKAY
Yeah.
[There is another awkward silence.]
MCKAY
Oh, right. Uh…got this for Madison.
[He hands Jeanie a humanoid statute.]
JEANIE
Ooh…?
[She looks at it, unsure how to respond.]
MCKAY
Yeah, uh, I swiped it from Weir's desk. It's not like there's a Toys-R-Us nearby. So, uh…
JEANIE
Well, uh, it's the thought that counts, I guess.
[She packs it.]
JEANIE
I'd say "see ya around", but, uh…
MCKAY
Yes…about that…
[Jeanie looks at her brother, confused. McKay looks hopeful.]
MCKAY
Which is to say…uh…look…what I wanted to…
JEANIE
(rescuing him)
Thank you for trying.
[She fiddles with her bag. McKay deflates. He approaches her and hugs her. Moved, she returns the hug. They both fight back tears as they embrace.]
MCKAY
How are you? You happy? You okay?
JEANIE
Yeah, Mer. I am. I really am.
[They break away, but still remain standing close to each other.]
MCKAY
Intergalactic gate network should be complete soon, so um…maybe it won't be four years next time?
JEANIE
(half-teasing)
Does this mean I'll, uh, I'll see you at Christmas?
MCKAY
If you can convince Kaleb…not to make Tofurky.
JEANIE
(laughing)
No promises!
[He turns and leaves, smiling as he goes.]
INT—ATLANTIS MESS HALL
[McKay enters a mostly empty mess hall, and hears the laughter of his teammates. He rounds the corner and approaches, looking clearly disgruntled.]
MCKAY
Am I just not getting the team e-mails anymore?
SHEPPARD
Take it easy. We're just talking about Rod.
MCKAY
Oh, yes. Well of course you are.
TEYLA
Do you think he made it back to his universe?
MCKAY
Well, it's hard to say, really, but, uh, I doubt he'll be back, though.
SHEPPARD
That's good. We found him a little, uh, creepy.
MCKAY
What?
RONON
Yeah, I can't stand people who are nice all the time. It makes me feel like they're trying to hide something.
MCKAY
Really?
TEYLA
He kept trying to correct me on my Athosian history. It grew…tiresome very quickly.
MCKAY
Well, uh, he wasn't that bad.
SHEPPARD
Let's be honest, Rod was annoying.
MCKAY
I'll be honest with you. That's kind of nice to hear. Now…
[The team exchange knowing looks as McKay turns and grabs a chair.]
MCKAY
What else has been happening?
SHEPPARD
Well, Teyla's got the hots for one of the new marines.
[Teyla kicks Sheppard.]
SHEPPARD
Ow!
TEYLA
That is not true!
RONON
(amused)
You know it is.
SHEPPARD
Whoa-whoa-whoa…
MCKAY
Hardly new, either.
[All the team, including McKay, begin to laugh.]
FADE OUT
END CREDITS
Transcribed for Solutions by Aurora Novarum, June 2008.
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--Michelle 12:43, 28 June 2008 (PDT)