SGA 3.17 "Sunday" Transcript

3.17 "Sunday"

Episode Guide

Précis

A day off in Atlantis turns deadly when both the city and the Expedition are devastated by explosions.

Guide | Transcript

Transcript

EXT—ATLANTIS, DAY

INT—ATLANTIS CORRIDOR

[Teyla and Doctor Hewston walk down a corridor. Both are dressed in workout clothes. The corridor is crowded with people out of uniform walking around.]

TEYLA
I could never just say that to him.

HEWSTON
Why not? You like him, don't you?

TEYLA
That is not the point.

HEWSTON
I think that's exactly the point, actually.

TEYLA
The ways of my people are…different. I would never—

HEWSTON
Uh, he's not going to make the first move.

TEYLA
Uh, we shall see.

HEWSTON
Look, you know him better than I do…

TEYLA

(primly)

I would hope so.

HEWSTON
But…I wouldn't be surprised if he was oblivious to the whole situation.

TEYLA
It bears no further discussion.

HEWSTON
All right… I'm just saying, if you want me to have somebody drop some hints, I could—

TEYLA

(interrupting)

Can you remember the last time so many people had the day off?

HEWSTON
Yeah, it's all Heightmeyer's doing. She insisted that the brass order some sort of "mandatory rest day". I guess downtime here doesn't really happen organically. Hey, and don't think I haven't realized you've changed the subject.

TEYLA
My people have a day of rest every four nights.

HEWSTON

(intrigued)

Ooh, now, that is civilized.

TEYLA
Yes.

HEWSTON
Hey, want to grab a late lunch?

TEYLA

I would like that.
(stopping short)

I forgot my bantos rods at the gym.

HEWSTON
Oh.

TEYLA
Can I meet you there?

HEWSTON
Sure.

TEYLA
Okay.

[They part ways. Teyla starts walking back. As she turns the corner, a fireball explosion rips through the corridor from behind, knocking Teyla to the floor.]

TEYLA
Oh!

[The hallway is filled with smoke and flames. People scream in pain and fear as a klaxon blares overhead. One man runs down the hall; he is aflame. Teyla moans, gasping for air. A piece of shrapnel is imbedded in her abdomen. She falls unconscious.]

END TEASER

OPENING CREDITS

EXT—ATLANTIS, DAY

THREE HOURS EARLIER

INT—WEIR'S OFFICE

[Branton walks into Weir's office. Weir works at her computer.]

BRANTON
Hi.

WEIR

(distracted)

Hi.

BRANTON
What are you, uh, what are you doing here?

WEIR

(smiling)

I work here.

BRANTON
But it's our day off.

WEIR
Well, shouldn't you be enjoying your leisure time, then?

BRANTON
I got a little behind on my research this week. Just wanted to drop off some results for the next Earth transmission.

WEIR
Right. Good.

[She goes back to typing.]

BRANTON
I was thinking about grabbing some food. Care to join?

WEIR

(uncomfortable)

I can't, I've—

BRANTON
You're not capable of having lunch?

WEIR

(laughing, self-conscious)

Yes, I'm capable.

BRANTON
Are you planning on eating today?

WEIR
Of course.

BRANTON
Great. Eat with me.

WEIR
Look, it's nothing personal, but I make it a point to not have relationships with people who work for me.

BRANTON
I don't work for you.

WEIR
I'm your boss. Hmm?

BRANTON
Well, you're my boss's…boss, actually.

WEIR
Still, however indirectly…

BRANTON
Yeah, but with that thinking, everyone on this entire planet works for you. You’re not going to be friends with any of them?

WEIR
Friends is one thing…

[Nervously, she goes back to typing.]

BRANTON

Oh, you think…oh, wait a second. I-I see what's happening here. You think I'm asking you out on a date. No, no, no, no, th-this isn't a date. This is-this is lunch.
(sitting)

This is the—the mandatory refueling of our bodies. This is you know, putting food in your mouth and chewing it, and having something more engaging than a wall sitting across from you. That's all it is. I mean, come on. You've got to admit—I am much more appealing than a wall, no?

[Weir smiles with an arced eyebrow.]

BRANTON
No, you don't have to…admit it, but it would be a massive blow to my ego if you thought otherwise.

WEIR
You are more appealing…than a wall.

BRANTON
Great. Now, what say we go grab some grub?

WEIR
Oh, I still have an hour of work to do, and—

BRANTON

(cutting her off)

An hour, then. I'll see you in the mess hall.

[He leaves. Weir sighs in obvious uncertainty.]

INT—TEYLA'S QUARTERS

[The doorbell chimes. Teyla goes to answer it and finds Weir standing in her doorway.]

TEYLA
Elizabeth, you're early! Just give me a moment.

WEIR
Um, how set on lunch were you today?

TEYLA

(rolling her eyes)

Why?

WEIR
Well, something's come up.

TEYLA

(sighing, frustrated)

Elizabeth, surely whatever work it is you feel you must get done can wait.

WEIR
I was invited to lunch by Mike Branton.

TEYLA

(with sly grin)

Oh, really?

WEIR
You and I, we had plans, and—

TEYLA

(interrupting)

My friend, Dr. Hewston, just radioed me. She wants me to teach her some bantos fighting this afternoon, so…do not worry. I will have something to occupy my time.

WEIR
Okay…Are you sure?

TEYLA

(firmly)

Yes.

WEIR
Okay. Hmph.

[Weir opens the door and looks back at Teyla with a nervous smile. Teyla giggles.]

INT—ATLANTIS CORRIDOR

[Weir encounters Beckett near the gate room and they walk towards the steps together. Weir has changed out of her uniform into a green low cut top and pants. Beckett wears a fishing vest over his long-sleeved t-shirt.]

BECKETT
Hello. Oh! Don't you look lovely.

WEIR
Thank you, Carson.

BECKETT
It's the first time I've seen you out of your base uniform in quite some time now.

WEIR
No, I don't-don’t know about that.

BECKETT
Off somewhere special?

WEIR
No, just getting some lunch.

BECKETT
Ah… Rodney and I are going fishing on the mainland this afternoon.

WEIR
I know, I cleared the use for the jumper.

BECKETT
Care to join us? Who knows what kind of wonderful fish we'll find?

WEIR
That's very kind, but some other time, maybe.

[He stops her with a hand on her arm.]

BECKETT

(teasing)

Oh! What, do you have a hot date?

WEIR

(flustered)

What? Who told you that?

BECKETT

(grinning)

No one. I was joking. I was right. Who is it?

[Weir glares at him.]

BECKETT
None of my business. Have a lovely afternoon, Elizabeth.

WEIR
Thank you.

[She starts jogging up the stairwell, leaving Beckett down below.]

BECKETT

(teasing)

You smell good, too!

WEIR

(sing-song)

Shut up!

[Beckett chuckles.]

INT—ATLANTIS MESS HALL

[Weir and Branton sit across from each other at a table.]

BRANTON
Do you believe that?

WEIR
Yes.

BRANTON
Truly and in your heart, you believe that?

WEIR
I do.

BRANTON

(scoffing)

Oh!

WEIR
What?

BRANTON
I just don't know that I can ever respect you again.

WEIR
Come on.

BRANTON
You think When Harry Met Sally is better than Annie Hall? You're a crazy person.

WEIR
It is.

BRANTON
Okay… When Harry Met Sally is essentially a remake, a cheap imitation, a bad cover-song version of Annie Hall. You realize that, right?

WEIR

(shrugging, mouth full)

I disagree.

BRANTON
I know you do, but that's what makes you crazy.

WEIR
Well, I guess this will never work out, then.

BRANTON
This?

WEIR

(nervous)

Lunch?

BRANTON
Ah. Now does that mean that—that you don't believe that men and women can be friends?

WEIR
I never said that.

BRANTON
Mm, you didn't have to say it. Any lady that likes When Harry Met Sally that much thinks men and women can't be friends.

WEIR
Fine. Maybe I do.

[She smiles flirtatiously before taking a drink of water.]

BRANTON
So where does that leave me?

WEIR
I guess that leaves you at lunch.

[He stands and beckons with his head.]

BRANTON
Come on.

WEIR
Where?

BRANTON
If lunch is all I get, I'm going to get as much bang for my buck as possible.

EXT—ATLANTIS, DAY

EXT—ATLANTIS ALCOVE, DAY

[Weir and Branton sit on a bench overlooking the water. Their water bottles are with them.]

WEIR
It really is beautiful here, isn't it?

BRANTON
Yeah. All done?

[Weir takes a last swig of her water bottle.]

WEIR
All done.

BRANTON

(sighing)

I guess lunch is over.

WEIR
I guess it is.

BRANTON
I should have brought dessert. It would've lasted longer.

[He stares at her. She holds his gaze for a moment, then looks away.]

WEIR
I should really get back anyway.

BRANTON
Well, what are you doing tomorrow?

WEIR
Mike—

BRANTON
No, I like you, and I'm extremely charming. Heh. I'd like to see you spin those into negatives.

WEIR
I just don't think—

BRANTON

(interrupting)

It's probably best you don't think.

WEIR
Would you stop interrupting me? You have a tendency to do that.

BRANTON

(laughing)

I do not.

WEIR
Yes, you do. I hate it when people interrupt me.

BRANTON
Well, if I hadn't interrupted you, we would never have had lunch. Life needs a little interrupting every now and again.

WEIR
All right, I don't completely disagree.

[Branton kisses Weir. She returns the kiss, then leans back.]

BRANTON

(nervous)

Was that…way out of line?

[She stares at him and stands.]

WEIR
I can't do this.

BRANTON
Just because we work together?

WEIR
This would split my focus.

BRANTON
Give it a chance, see if it—

WEIR

(cutting him off)

I'm sorry. I-I shouldn't have done this in the first place. I thought maybe I—

TECHNICIAN

(over intercom)

Dr. Weir, please report to the control room immediately.

[She shrugs and leaves.]

INT—ATLANTIS CONTROL ROOM

[Weir enters. Everyone is moving frantically around, trying to restore order.]

WEIR
What's going on?

CHUCK
There's been an explosion at the base of the tower, near the gym. Early reports have at least three dead, and there's about a dozen or so that are severely injured.

WEIR
An explosion? Was there some sort of equipment malfunction?

CHUCK
No, we're still going over the data logs, but we're pretty sure it wasn't a malfunction.

WEIR
So it could have been a bomb?

[Chuck nods.]

FIVE HOURS EARLIER

[Teyla walks down a corridor. Sheppard and Ronon spot her. Sheppard wears a black polo shirt and khaki slacks, and carries a golf club.]

INT—ATLANTIS CORRIDOR

SHEPPARD
Oh, hey, there you are. Been looking all over for you.

TEYLA
Oh?

SHEPPARD
What, did you forget?

TEYLA
Uh, no.

SHEPPARD

(affronted)

You forgot!

TEYLA
You were going to teach Ronon and myself how to play golf.

SHEPPARD

(smiling)

That's the plan.

TEYLA
I'm afraid I have made other plans.

SHEPPARD
What other plans?

TEYLA
Having lunch with Elizabeth.

SHEPPARD
Well, you've still got time.

TEYLA

(thinking quickly)

Yes, true. However, I am afraid I have been…quite delinquent in filing my mission reports. I had hoped to get caught up before I met with Elizabeth.

[Sheppard and Ronon exchange skeptical looks.]

SHEPPARD
Okay.

TEYLA
If you would like, I could cancel…

SHEPPARD
No. No, no, no. She could use a little time out of the office. Some other time.

TEYLA
Some other time.

[Teyla slaps Ronon on the arm as she passes. Ronon watches her leave enviously.]

RONON
You know, uh, John, I got mission reports, too…

SHEPPARD
Nice try. It's going to be fun.

RONON

(dubious)

Fun? Uh-huh.

[He follows Sheppard slowly out of the area.]

EXT—ATLANTIS, DAY

[A golf ball lands in the water near the base.]

EXT—ATLANTIS DRIVING RANGE, DAY

[Sheppard has set up a driving range off one of the piers of Atlantis. He and Watson each are using the tees. Ronon stands at the back of the room, leaning on Sheppard's golf bag.]

WATSON
Nice shot.

SHEPPARD
Thank you…Jim. It was pretty nice, though, huh?

[Watson drives a ball.]

RONON

(bored)

So that's the sport? You just hit a little ball as far as you can?

SHEPPARD
First, it's a game, and, no, it's a little more complicated than that. See, there are eighteen holes, all made up of varying lengths and dimensions. First goal is to hit the ball through a series of water and sand hazards until you land on the green, then you putt the ball into the hole.

[Ronon flexes a club and steps up to where Watson was standing. Sheppard has driven another ball while he's been talking.]

RONON

(indicating the ocean)

So, this is a water hazard?

SHEPPARD
Well, uh, we don't have a course yet. All we have for now is driving range, where you—

RONON
Just hit a little ball?

SHEPPARD

(reluctantly)

Pretty much, yeah.

RONON
What's so hard about that?

[Sheppard hits another ball into the water.]

SHEPPARD
Well… I make it look easy, but I've been playing since I was six.

RONON

(unimpressed)

Uh-huh.

SHEPPARD
So, although it seems simple, developing a sweet swing like mine takes years—

[Ronon swings his club one-handed. The ball flies out an immense distance.]

WATSON
Whoa.

RONON

(grinning)

Like that?

SHEPPARD

(dismissive)

That was okay.

WATSON
Okay?! You can't even see where it landed.

SHEPPARD
Well…it's not a distance game, it's an accuracy one.

RONON
Well, pick a spot, I'll hit it there.

SHEPPARD
First off, your grip. It's all wrong.

[Beckett enters.]

BECKETT
Ah, yes, of course. There you are.

WATSON
Hey, Doc, I wanted to come see you. I've been having this weird pain—

[He starts to indicate a spot on his abdomen, but Beckett shakes his head and puts up his hand.]

BECKETT

(interrupting)

Hold on, sorry. Let me stop you right there. It's the first day I've had off in over a month. Doctor Cole is in the infirmary and would be more than glad to help you out.

WATSON
Okay. Fair enough.

BECKETT
Right.

[Watson leaves.]

SHEPPARD
What's up, Carson?

BECKETT
Fishing.

RONON
What?

BECKETT

(enthusiastic)

Rodney and I are heading to the mainland to catch a fish that seems to be just like a trout. Care to join us? Sport of kings.

SHEPPARD
I thought horse racing was the "sport of kings."

BECKETT

(scornfully)

For the boring kings, maybe.

SHEPPARD
Carson, you're Scottish. This is your game. Wouldn't you rather be on the driving range?

BECKETT
Ach, it was never my thing. Come on, last chance.

[Sheppard and Ronon exchange unenthusiastic looks.]

SHEPPARD
I think we're going to pass.

BECKETT
All right. But don't be jealous when I return with a record-breaking space trout. Thank you.

[He spreads his arms wide to indicate a large fish while grinning excitedly.]

SHEPPARD
We'll try to contain ourselves.

BECKETT
Oh, aye. Ha.

[Beckett leaves. Ronon off-handedly strikes another ball one handed into the distance, and drops the club.]

RONON
Time for a real sport. Come on.

[He leaves. Sheppard tries to copy Ronon's movement. His drive barely gets the ball off the tee, letting it plop unceremoniously in the water close to the dock. Annoyed, he follows.]

INT—ATLANTIS WORKOUT ROOM

[Sheppard has changed into a t-shirt and workout pants. Ronon hands him a stick and blue cloth. He has his own blue cloth and places his own blue cloth to hang out the waistband of the back of his pants.]

SHEPPARD
Grab the other guy's flag, huh? That's it?

RONON
That's it.

[Sheppard tucks his flag into the back of his pants.]

SHEPPARD
No penalties and stuff?

RONON
What?

SHEPPARD
Well, if the other guy pulls your hair or tries to bite you?

RONON
Bite back.

SHEPPARD
Right.

RONON
You ready?

SHEPPARD
Ready as I'll ever be.

[They duel with the sticks, Ronon easily spinning Sheppard and nicking his flag as they pass.]

RONON
That's one for me.

[Sheppard sighs in frustration and snatches his flag back from Ronon's hand.]

SHEPPARD
Two out of three.

[They get back into position.]

RONON
Round two. One-handed.

[He places his left hand behind his back.]

SHEPPARD
What?

RONON
After every round, the level of difficulty is increased. It's to simulate battle. After every encounter, there's the possibility of injury. Round two— one-handed.

SHEPPARD
Why don't you let me get better at round one before we move on to the harder part?

[Ronon looks at him unmoving, with a predatory smile.]

SHEPPARD
Okay, round two.

[They battle again, this time with their left hands behind their backs. Sheppard holds his own until Ronon knees him in the gut, making Sheppard double over in pain and groan. Ronon grabs his flag as he collapses.]

RONON
Uh, that's two for me.

SHEPPARD

(breathlessly)

Three out of five.

RONON
You know, I could do this all day. Haven't even broken a sweat yet.

SHEPPARD

(still hoarse)

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

RONON
Round three.

[Ronon places his right foot behind his left knee and balances with his left arm behind his back.]

SHEPPARD
Oh, come on. Oh, you are making this stuff up. This is not a traditional Satedan sport. This is an excuse to make me look dumb and kick my ass.

RONON

(shrugging)

If you want to quit…

[Sheppard sighs, puts his hand behind his back and awkwardly balances on one leg. They duel again. Sheppard actually gets a couple blows in with his shoulder, but Ronon counters. Sheppard collapses flat onto his back, although this time, Ronon did not take his flag.]

RONON
Ah, sorry.

SHEPPARD

(wheezing)

This game sucks.

RONON
Well, you need to focus.

SHEPPARD
I don't know if that's going to be possible again. Here, help me get up. I got an idea.

[Ronon pulls him up. Sheppard groans. When upright, he smacks Ronon in the shoulder with a stick.]

RONON
Ow!

SHEPPARD
Yeah, it hurts, doesn't it?

INT—SHEPPARD'S QUARTERS

[Ronon grunts as he smashes an empty beer can into his forehead, end on.]

RONON
Like that?

SHEPPARD
Yeah, you got to hit it…boopm, straight on, hard as you can.

RONON
Okay.

[Ronon sits on a chair. Sheppard lounges on a chaise. They're both snacking on popcorn and drinking beer. Sheppard's laptop plays a mellow tune.]

SHEPPARD
You know, this is what I'm talking about. This is how you spend a day off. Kick back, eat some junk food, listen to some tunes.

RONON
You like this music?

SHEPPARD
What, you don't?

[Sheppard holds a ice-gel pack to his cheekbone for a moment.]

RONON
It's fine.

[Sheppard browses through a surfing magazine.]

SHEPPARD
I'm going to stick to golf. Your game's a little too much like my day job. So, how long have you been here now? A year?

RONON
Year and a half.

SHEPPARD
Year and a half? You ever hang out with anyone else besides me and Teyla? I'm not saying we're sick of you or anything. I'm… I don't know. Are you dating anyone?

RONON
You mean like a woman?

SHEPPARD
Or a man?

RONON
No. I'm not ready yet.

SHEPPARD
Not ready yet? Did you leave somebody behind on Sateda?

[Ronon nods.]

SHEPPARD
Wife?

RONON
Close enough.

SHEPPARD
Sorry.

RONON
What about you?

SHEPPARD

(chuckling wryly)

Yeah? What about me?

RONON
When are you getting married?

SHEPPARD
I've already done that. Not very good at it. Besides… there really isn't anyone here that…eh, you know.

RONON
See, I always thought you and Teyla would, um… you know.

SHEPPARD

(smirking)

Really?

RONON

(smiling)

Yeah. Why not?

SHEPPARD

(noncommitally)

Mmm…

[The room shakes as a distant explosion is heard. Klaxons begin to wail. Sheppard and Ronon leap to their feet, alert, and head for the door.]

INT—ATLANTIS CORRIDOR

[Beckett directs medics to carry out Wilson, who's strapped to a gurney, badly injured. The corridor is dark and still with smoke.]

BECKETT
Bright lights. Go. Go, move it.

MAN
All right, let's get these two to the O.R. right away.

[Ronon and Sheppard rush in.]

RONON
What happened here?

BECKETT
Some sort of explosion. At least three dead, maybe a dozen or so severely injured.

MEYERS
Doc!

[The three hurry over. They see medics carrying out Teyla, who is unconscious, on oxygen, and bleeding from her wound.]

BECKETT
Oh, lord. Teyla.

SHEPPARD
Is she going to be okay, Doc?

BECKETT
She's lost a great deal of blood. I need you to get her to the infirmary STAT.

SHEPPARD

(worried)

Is she going to be all right?!

[Beckett glances at Sheppard, but doesn't respond to him.]

BECKETT

(to medics)

Let's go! Let's move!

SHEPPARD
What the hell happened here, Radek?

ZELENKA
There was an explosion.

SHEPPARD
I get that, but why?

ZELENKA
Well, I'm not sure yet. I wasn't allowed on the scene until the emergency crews cleared the floor. What took you so long?

[Ronon grabs an extinguisher and puts out a latent fire nearby.]

SHEPPARD
Transporters are down. There's a lot of stairs.

ZELENKA
Oh, yeah. McKay is in his lab. He thinks he might have a lead.

SHEPPARD
What kind of lead?

ZELENKA
He didn't say. The good news is, though, the structure is intact, so there's no danger of the tower falling down. There is, however, something very odd.

RONON
What?

ZELENKA
Well, the few eyewitness reports that we have say Dr. Hewston just…blew up.

SHEPPARD
What the hell does that mean?

RONON
It's not even possible.

ZELENKA
Yeah, normally I would agree with you, but from what we can tell, she was standing right in the middle of the hall here, and just exploded.

SHEPPARD
So, what? A suicide bomb?

ZELENKA
Well, see, no, that's what I thought too, originally, but I've scanned the area with my equipment, and there isn't even the slightest trace of explosive residue. We have no idea what we're dealing with here.

EXT—ATLANTIS, NIGHT

FOURTEEN HOURS EARLIER

INT—ATLANTIS INFIRMARY

[Watson and Hewston stand while McKay, in his bathrobe, paces in front of them. Beckett is nearby, checking things on his computer.]

MCKAY
You know. I think I am a pretty easy guy to work for. I am usually too busy doing all the really important stuff to micro-manage all the little things I need you people to be doing. Now, because of that, you have a fair amount of freedom. That does not, however, mean you can do whatever the hell you please. There are rules, there are protocols in place, not only to protect this city, but your sorry little existences.

HEWSTON
Look, If-if I could just—

MCKAY
Oh, no, you cannot. You cannot interrupt me, okay? I was having a perfectly wonderful dream before I got this call, so you can just stand there and listen. You were sent on a routine cataloging of one of the abandoned Ancient labs, and you activate some alien device without having the first clue what it was?

WATSON
We thought it was a—

MCKAY

(interrupting)

Yes! Well, you thought wrong.

HEWSTON
Yeah, but just the other week you did the exact same thing, so I don’t—

MCKAY
But I am me. If I make a mistake, I can fix it. You are you, and when you make mistakes, you don't have to fix them. I do.

HEWSTON

(defensively)

The second we realized it was emitting radiation, we turned it off.

MCKAY
So what? What, you want a medal? Look, my four-year-old niece could figure out to turn something off if it was emitting radiation. That does not make you smart; that just makes you a little less stupid.

BECKETT

(sighing)

Rodney, be nice.

MCKAY
So? Are they going to live? More importantly, can I go back to bed?

BECKETT
Well, according to their body scan and blood tests, they'll be all right, yes. Although you should check back in the next twenty-four hours. We'll run some more tests, just to be certain.

MCKAY

Well, you were lucky, because we are in a place where something as simple as flipping a switch could domino out into thousands of people dying. You need to be more careful.
(toning down his ire)

Okay, just…take tomorrow off, all right?

HEWSTON
We already have tomorrow off. It's the mandatory rest day.

MCKAY

(worried)

It is? Already?

[Beckett clears his throat. McKay looks back to see him smiling and miming fishing, while pointing between them.]

MCKAY

(muttering)

Oh, great.

EXT—ATLANTIS, DAY

INT—ATLANTIS BOTANY LAB

[McKay checks his breath and grooming before opening the door and walking into the lab.]

MCKAY
Katie? Hello? Katie?

[He finds Katie near some plants.]

KATIE
Rodney!

MCKAY
There you are.

KATIE
What are you doing here?

MCKAY
Hey, it's your day off. What are you doing here?

KATIE
Well, I'm nursing these little baby ferns we found on M4L-279. At this nascent stage, they're very fragile, and if I leave them for too long, they'll… they'll die.

MCKAY

(blithely)

Ah…so what? They're ferns.

[Katie stares at him, scandalized.]

MCKAY
Oh…which is to say, you know, you need time off, just-just like everyone else does.

KATIE
I-I know, it's just that they produce this special enzyme that we think might cure leukemia.

MCKAY

(impressed)

What? These guys? Really?

KATIE

(speaking over him)

Yeah. So, what are you doing with your day off? I thought you had plans.

MCKAY
Oh, I do, with Beckett. That's, um, that's kind of why I'm here.

KATIE
Oh?

MCKAY
Yeah, I need, um, an excuse to break those plans.

KATIE
Um, why's that?

MCKAY
Well, because we're going fishing. Yeah, and to be honest, I cannot think of a more torturous way of spending a day than, you know, up to my…hips in water trying to get worms on hooks and, uh, having all the time in the world to listen to Carson's many views on what I'm sure are a vast number of impossibly boring subjects. I mean, it is unappealing in…every way.

KATIE

(amused)

Then why did you say yes in the first place?

MCKAY
Well, because he said "You want to go fishing next month?" It sounded so far away, I figured something would come up, I'd be able to get out of it, but, uh, here we are, a month later, and, uh…

KATIE
Nothing's come up.

MCKAY
Exactly. So I figured if I told him we finally had an afternoon where I could, uh, take you out to lunch or…something, then he'd have no choice but to let me out of it.

KATIE
I can't. I need to baby-sit the ferns.

MCKAY
Right. Well…if I had a nickel for every time a girl used that line…

[Katie giggles.]

MCKAY

(inspired)

You know what? Let me bring lunch to you. We can eat here.

KATIE
Rodney, you want to baby-sit ferns with me?

MCKAY
Hey, in the battle between ferns versus fish, ferns continuously win a decisive victory.

KATIE
That would be lovely.

MCKAY
Great. Okay. I’ll, um…be right back.

KATIE
Okay.

MCKAY
Hmm.

[Katie smiles to herself as McKay leaves.]

INT—ATLANTIS MESS HALL

[McKay carries two trays with sandwiches and other items. He spots Weir lunching with Branton and considers this new development. As he grabs some water bottles, Beckett enters.]

BECKETT
Oh, would you look at that? Great minds think alike. I thought I'd pick us up some snacks as well.

MCKAY
Yes. Um. About that.

BECKETT

(threateningly)

Rodney.

MCKAY
Look…here's the thing. You know I would love to go with you.

BECKETT
No…I don't.

MCKAY
I would. I do. I just, um—I ran into Katie Brown, and, uh, she started to lay the guilt on, you know, how I never get to see her and how the one day I get off, I'm jet-setting off to the coast to, uh, sport-fish with my best buddy. I mean, she and I see so little of each other, I'm not sure we even count as a couple. Anyways, look. Um, long story short…

BECKETT

(rolling his eyes)

Too late.

MCKAY
I told Katie I would spend the day with her.

BECKETT
Oh…All right.

MCKAY
Hey, you know if it was anybody else…

BECKETT
No, no. I understand.

MCKAY
Yeah, next week. I'm-I'm one hundred percent there.

BECKETT

(studying him)

You promise?

MCKAY
Absolutely.

BECKETT
Okay.

MCKAY
And it's still early, so I'm sure you'll find someone else to go with you.

[He grabs an orange, sandwich, and a water bottle.]

BECKETT
Oh, you can bet on that. Well, tell Katie I said hello.

MCKAY
Mm. Will do.

BECKETT
Enjoy. I will.

[He nods and jogs away.]

MCKAY

(to himself)

Yes!

[McKay glances back and observes the close body language of Weir and Branton.]

MCKAY
Hmm!

INT—ATLANTIS BOTANY LAB

[Katie and McKay sit on stools by a table.]

KATIE
This is lovely.

MCKAY
It is, yes.

KATIE
I got to say, after all the Cadman craziness last year, I-I figured there was no chance for us.

MCKAY

(nervously)

Oh? Huh. Why's that?

KATIE
Well, you had another consciousness in your body, one that took over during our first date, and made you kiss me… I mean, it was…awkward. And so you ignored me for a few months.

MCKAY
I did not.

KATIE
Yeah. Yes, you did. I mean, it-it's okay, I guess. I can't imagine going through something like that, and I'm pretty sure I wouldn't want to be reminded of it either.

MCKAY
Yes, well…it was a-a little weird there for a bit.

KATIE
But for the last little while, you've really made an effort to make time for me. And it has been lovely.

[McKay appears touched.]

MCKAY
It's funny, you know. As much as I hate to admit it, seeing my little sister so happy with her…family, I-I just, uh…well, it kind of made me realize that, uh…well…I'd like to get married.

KATIE
You would?

MCKAY
Oh, no, not to you.

KATIE
Oh.

MCKAY
Oh, no, no, no, no, no, no. No, no, no. Not not to you.

KATIE

(speaking over him)

No, I—I think…

MCKAY

(speaking over her)

Look, I was just— I mean—no, no, no, that was not a proposal. I was just-I was just talking.

KATIE
Right.

MCKAY
You know what I mean? I just don't want you to get the wrong— It's not that I wouldn't be interested in-in-in getting married to someone- I mean, someone like you… I mean, someone just like you…you, even, maybe, one day. I just, uh—

KATIE
I know, I know. It's okay.

MCKAY
I like you a lot. I mean, I do.

KATIE
I-I know you do, and I like you a lot too.

MCKAY
I know. And to be honest, I-I-I find that just… baffling.

KATIE
Oh come on, now.

MCKAY
No, no, no, it's other people too. They find it baffling, too.

KATIE
I guess they just don't know you like I know you.

MCKAY
Yeah, but you see, that's what scares me. I mean, at some point, you're going to know me the way they know me—

KATIE

(speaking over him)

Rodney, I think I know you pretty well. There's not a lot of sub-text with you.

[McKay stands and approaches her.]

MCKAY
I am really sorry that I ignored you all that time.

KATIE
I bet you are.

[They bend closer; the explosion rocks the room and klaxons blare.]

KATIE
What was that?

MCKAY
I don't know. Look, I got to go.

[He races away.]

INT—ATLANTIS CORRIDOR

SHEPPARD
So, what? A suicide bomb?

ZELENKA
See, no, I thought so too, originally, but I-I've scanned the area with my equipment now, and there isn't even the slightest trace of explosive residue. I have no idea what we're dealing with here.

MCKAY

(over radio)

Zelenka, do you read?

ZELENKA

(into radio)

Yes, McKay, I'm here with Sheppard and Ronon. What have you got?

MCKAY

(over radio)

You're all going to want to see this.

[They leave.]

INT—MCKAY'S LAB

[Ronon, Sheppard, and Zelenka join McKay in his lab.]

MCKAY
All right. I'm digesting this as I go, so, uh, forgive the rough edges.

SHEPPARD
What do you got?

[McKay stands in front of large monitor with images that illustrate what he is talking about.]

MCKAY
Now, last night, Dr. Hewston and her partner, Dr. Watson, were cataloging a new Ancient lab we uncovered. They…inadvertently activated this machine… Now, it started to emit a very odd type of radiation, but they were able to turn it off right away. Now, Doctor Beckett examined them that night and gave them a clean bill of health, so with no immediate "apparent" danger, we, um, decided to figure out what the device was, uh, well, whenever we had time. That was a mistake.

SHEPPARD
What is it?

MCKAY
Well, the science of it is, uh, well, it’s spectacularly complicated, but, um, it appears to be a weapon—one created by the Ancients to battle the Wraith, and one that was abandoned fairly early on as it affected everyone in proximity, including Ancients and humans.

ZELENKA
Affected them how?

MCKAY
Ah, well, long story short: it creates…explosive tumors.

RONON
Explosive tumors?

ZELENKA
What?

RONON
Are you kidding me?

[McKay punches up more displays, showing a human body.]

MCKAY
Yeah, I wish. It's actually quite ingenious. Look, the device emits millions of irradiated particles that have been genetically programmed to enter into our systems and gather behind the lungs. Now, as they go, they collect trace elements from our body that they need to, um, complete an explosive compound, which, once in place, the tumor reaches critical mass…and explodes.

SHEPPARD
So, wait. This guy, Watson—

MCKAY

(interrupting)

Has almost definitely been exposed, yes, look, we need to find him before the tumor ignites, which could be any minute now.

INT—INFIRMARY SURGICAL WARD

[Beckett, Marie and others prepare a patient for surgery.]

BECKETT
Well, it's not good, but it's not awful. We need to start right away… What's his name?

MARIE
Um… James. James Watson.

[The unconscious Watson lies on the bed, about to undergo surgery.]

TWO HOURS EARLIER

INT—ATLANTIS MESS HALL

[Weir and Branton eat lunch at a table as McKay makes his excuses to a disappointed Beckett.]

MCKAY
Next week, I am there.

BECKETT
You promise?

MCKAY
Absolutely.

BECKETT
Okay.

MCKAY
And besides it's still early. I'm sure you'll find someone else to go with you.

BECKETT
Oh, you can bet on that. Well, tell Katie I said hello.

MCKAY
Yeah. Will do.

BECKETT
Enjoy. I will.

EXT—ATLANTIS CORRIDOR, DAY

[Beckett passes tables of chess players to reach one where Zelenka is playing another man.]

OPPONENT
Son of a bitch! Stop that.

ZELENKA
Stop what? Winning?

OPPONENT

(muttering)

You haven't won yet.

[Zelenka notices Beckett and stands up to greet him.]

ZELENKA
Carson! You've come to join the chess club?

BECKETT
Uh, not quite.

ZELENKA
You've come to watch?

BECKETT
Well, uh, no, actually, Radek, I'm looking for someone to come fishing with me. Rodney bailed at the last minute.

ZELENKA
Surprise, surprise.

BECKETT
I know. Any interest?

ZELENKA
I would, but we're playing for trades today, you know? Heh. No one can really beat me, so I've already won a desk fan, Doctor Mallozzi's anime DVD collection, and I got a coupon for a free Swedish massage from Doctor Ambrose.

MCKAY
Ouch.

ZELENKA
Perhaps we can go fishing next week?

BECKETT
Okay, all right, well, best of luck to you.

[Beckett heads away.]

ZELENKA
Oh, I don't need luck. Checkmate.

[He moves his final piece.]

OPPONENT
Son of a bitch!

EXT—ATLANTIS OUTER PIER, DAY

[Lorne paints the towers of Atlantis on a canvas. Beckett arrives.]

BECKETT
You paint?

LORNE
Hey, Doc. Yeah. I paint.

BECKETT
And you're good, too.

LORNE
Well, my mom was an art teacher. It's what we did on weekends. I stopped for a while. Didn't really have time for it during basic training and the first couple of years on duty, but I've been picking it up again. Hard not to, with views like that, huh?

BECKETT
Aye. I don't suppose there's any chance you'd like to come fishing with me on the mainland, is there?

LORNE
If you'd got to me earlier, maybe, but, um, you know, I kind of want to finish this up.

BECKETT
Ach, it looks done to me.

LORNE
That…is why I am the painter and you are the doctor.

BECKETT
Very good point. Enjoy the rest of your day, Major.

LORNE
Oh, you can count on it.

INT—ATLANTIS CREW QUARTERS

[Beckett appears looking for someone. He spots Biro sitting on her bed, looking at a book. She sees him come to the door way.]

DOCTOR BIRO
Oh, hey there, sir.

BECKETT
Hello. I was just—

DOCTOR BIRO

(over enthusiastic)

You know what's crazy? I was just thinking about you. Does that ever happen to you? You know, you're thinking about something, and then boom…there it is? It's not that I'm psychic or anything, but, who knows?

BECKETT

(awkwardly)

Well, actually—

DOCTOR BIRO

(interrupting)

You know what? I am sorry. You were going to say something, and I interrupted you.

BECKETT

(firmly)

Enjoy your day off, Doctor Biro.

DOCTOR BIRO
Absolutely.

BECKETT
Bye-bye.

[He turns and leaves, looking relieved to escape.]

INT—ATLANTIS INFIRMARY

[Beckett enters. Cole sits at a station.]

BECKETT
Slow day?

COLE

(surprised)

Carson. What the hell are you doing here? It's supposed to be your day off.

BECKETT
Well, my fishing trip is officially a bust, so I figured I'd come in here and actually catch up on some paperwork for the first time in over a year.

COLE
Well, that's a shame.

BECKETT
Aye, it is.

[Cole turns back, wincing and groaning as she leans over her computer.]

BECKETT
You all right?

COLE
No, a migraine. It's a bad one, actually. I-I took some stuff, but, you know, I can't take any more, being the on-call, and everything.

BECKETT
You should have radioed me.

COLE
You kidding? There was no way in hell I was going to let you miss that fishing trip. It's all you've been talking about for two weeks.

BECKETT
Well, I'm not going now, so off you go. I'll cover your shift.

COLE
You sure?

BECKETT
Aye, there's nothing happening here anyway. You go take a horse pill and rest.

COLE

(sighing in relief)

Oh, you're a lifesaver.

BECKETT
I know.

COLE
Thanks, Carson. Thanks.

[She hugs Beckett.]

BECKETT
You're welcome.

LATER

[Beckett wraps an ACE bandage around the ankle of an attractive female marine.]

BECKETT
If you're going to play volleyball, you're going to need proper gym shoes.

MARINE
I know. I've put an order in for a pair, but it takes forever to get things from Earth that aren't vital to the success of the missions.

BECKETT
Well, you, young lady, are vital to the success of the missions, so don't play sports in sandals, okay?

MARINE
Okay, Doc.

BECKETT
All right, we're all done here. We'll fix you up some crutches and, uh—

[The room shakes from the explosion, and klaxons blare. Beckett instantly springs into action, turning to a nearby medic.]

BECKETT
Meyers, call in every available nurse and doctor immediately. You and you, grab two field kits and a couple of stretchers and follow me.

[He grabs a field medical kit and starts to leave.]

BECKETT

(into radio)

This is Beckett. What happened and where do you need me?

INT—ATLANTIS CORRIDOR

[Beckett holds a flashlight while supervising the removal of injured as Ronon and Sheppard arrive.]

RONON
What happened here?

BECKETT
Some sort of explosion. At least three dead maybe a dozen or so severely injured.

MEYERS
Doc!

[Beckett walks with Teyla's stretcher as they lead her to the infirmary. She regains consciousness sluggishly.]

BECKETT
Teyla…

TEYLA
Carson…

[She reaches for his hand, and he grabs it.]

BECKETT
I'm here. You've been in an explosion, Teyla, and a piece of debris has impacted your side. We're heading to the infirmary to take it out and patch you up. Easy-peasy. I can do this one in my sleep.

[Teyla passes out again.]

INT—ATLANTIS INFIRMARY SURGICAL WARD

[Beckett finishes Teyla's surgery.]

BECKETT
All right, all set? Thank you.

MARIE
I can't believe you got the artery cleaned up.

BECKETT

(self-deprecatingly)

Well, they typically don't make you head surgeon if you're all thumbs.

MARIE
You have another patient waiting for you. He got his leg cut up pretty bad in the blast.

BECKETT
All right, we're all done here. Let's get her down to recovery level and get him in here.

MARIE
Okay.

INT—MCKAY'S LAB

[McKay briefs Zelenka, Sheppard, and Ronon.]

MCKAY
Long story short…it creates explosive tumors.

RONON
Explosive tumors? Are you kidding me?

MCKAY
I-I wish I was.

SHEPPARD
So, wait, this guy Watson—

MCKAY
Has almost definitely been exposed, yes. Look, we need to find him before that tumor ignites, which could be any minute now.

INT—ATLANTIS INFIRMARY SURGICAL WARD

[Beckett examines Watson's leg injury.]

BECKETT
Well, it's not good but it's not awful. We need to start right away. What's his name?

[Marie checks her chart.]

MARIE
Uh, James… James Watson.

BECKETT

(surprised)

Watson? Poor lad was in here last night. Looks like he's had a run of bad luck.

MCKAY

(over intercom)

Dr. Watson, Dr. James Watson, report your whereabouts immediately.

BECKETT

Well, aren't you popular?
(To Marie)

Go see what that's about, please.

INT—MCKAY'S LAB

MCKAY

(into radio)

He's in the O.R. right now? I need you to get Beckett back on his radio.

INT—ATLANTIS INFIRMARY SURGICAL WARD

[Marie tabes Beckett's headset around his surgical hat and plastic mask.]

MARIE
It's Dr. McKay.

[She activates the headset as Beckett starts his surgery.]

BECKETT

(into radio, impatient)

What is it, Rodney? I'm a little busy right now.

[The ensuing conversation switches between McKay's lab and the infirmary.]

MCKAY

(into radio, panicked)

Carson! The man you are working on right now has been infected with an explosive tumor. We think it's what killed Hewston and caused the explosion.

BECKETT
What are you talking about? That's not—

MCKAY
It is possible, Carson. Look, you need to get you and your team out of there. Sheppard has an ordnance disposal crew on the way.

BECKETT
Well, he's too fragile to move right now.

MCKAY
He doesn't have to move. You do.

[Beckett takes a deep breath, processing this.]

BECKETT

(to surgical staff)
All right, listen up. I need everyone to clear the floor right now. I'm enacting a Protocol Seven for this entire level. Move it, people!
(to Marie, pointing to Watson)

Right, he stays, you go.

MARIE
Wh-what about you?

BECKETT
I'm staying put.

MARIE
Well, then, so am I.

BECKETT
Look, I don't have time to fight about this right now.

MARIE
Then don't. You can't do this on your own.

[Beckett goes to a computer and enacts a Protocol Seven Lockdown. Klaxons begin to blare. He turns to Marie and clasps her by the shoulders.]

BECKETT
Thank you. All right, let's get the scanner in place. We have a tumor to remove.

INT—MCKAY'S LAB

[Sheppard studies a schematic of Atlantis that shows a red light on one level of the main tower.]

SHEPPARD
He's used his authorization code to seal off the whole level. We can't get to him.

[The ensuing conversation switches between McKay's lab and the infirmary.]

MCKAY

(into radio)

Carson, you cannot seriously be considering operating on this guy.

BECKETT
Exactly how much time do we think I have?

MCKAY
There is no way to know for sure. Look, Hewston was infected at the same time that Watson was, and her tumor's already exploded.

BECKETT

(sighing)

No time to waste, then. Making first incision.

MCKAY
Okay, look, this is all very brave and all, but—

SHEPPARD

(interrupting)

What if the explosion causes structural damage? What if the tower comes down with everyone in it?

MCKAY
Exactly!

BECKETT
Sending him to the other side of the city and just leaving him there is tantamount to murder, Colonel.

MCKAY
The man is already dead!

BECKETT
Like hell he is.

SHEPPARD
Carson, I can't order you to stand down, but—

BECKETT

(interrupting)

That's right, you can't. Have your men standing by. I'll open access to the floor once I've extracted the tumor. Beckett out.

EXT—ATLANTIS, DAY

INT—WEIR'S OFFICE

[Sheppard and McKay brief Weir.]

WEIR
How long has he been at it?

SHEPPARD
About ten minutes. I got emergency crews standing by. Either way, we're covered.

WEIR
Can't you bypass his access code?

MCKAY
Yeah, but that'll take half an hour. Look, if he's not done removing it by then, then—

WEIR

(frustrated)

This is crazy!

INT—ATLANTIS INFIRMARY SURGICAL WARD

[Beckett removes the tumor with forceps and carefully places it in an organ transplant cooler.]

BECKETT

(into radio)

Colonel Sheppard…I've extracted the tumor, and I'm opening up the O.R. level.

[He starts typing on his computer.]

INT—ATLANTIS CORRIDOR

[A bomb expert waits with a sealed unit outside the sealed doors to the level. Once they have opened, he starts to wheel the container down the corridor as fast as he can.]

INT—ATLANTIS INFIRMARY

[Beckett stares at the cooler.]

SHEPPARD

(over radio)

He's on his way. Sit tight.

[Beckett tears off his surgical scrubs.]

BECKETT
Damn it. Tell him I'll meet him half way.

SHEPPARD

(over radio)

Just stay put, Doc.

[He carefully picks up the cooler.]

BECKETT

The sooner I get this thing out my sight, the better.
(to Marie)

If you'll finish in closing him up, please, I'll be right back.

[Marie nods, and watches worriedly as he leaves.]

INT—ATLANTIS CORRIDOR

[Beckett delicately moves down the corridor.]

BECKETT
Easy… Easy…

[The bomb expert arrives. He signals Beckett to stay put as he stops wheeling the containment chamber. He takes the cooler from Beckett's hands and nods.]

BECKETT
Thank you.

[Beckett turns and walks swiftly back to the infirmary.]

BECKETT

(into radio)

We just made the hand-off.

[The explosion happens before the bomb expert can open the containment chamber. The ensuing fireball engulfs Beckett.]

FADE TO WHITE

INT—BECKETT'S QUARTERS

[McKay is dressed in shirt and tie as he sadly packs Beckett's personal belongings. He pauses and stares at a framed picture of himself with Beckett offworld. The door opens, and Ronon enters. McKay lowers the picture.]

RONON
Hey.

MCKAY

(swallowing)

Hey.

RONON
You okay?

MCKAY
Hmm…uh…not really.

RONON
You need some help?

MCKAY

(somberly)

No. No, I'm almost done. He didn't have a lot of stuff here.

RONON
You sending it all back home to his family?

MCKAY
Yeah. Well, I mean, we-we will. They don't know yet. We're going to send, uh… the body back to Earth, and, uh…I'm going to tell his mother… I should have just gone fishing with him.

RONON
Don't.

MCKAY
No, if I'd gone fishing, if I had checked the machine, if I hadn't assigned two junior guys to catalog the lab—

RONON

(interrupting)

Rodney, what's done is done.

MCKAY

(voice breaking)

I know…and, uh…that's what's killing me.

[McKay starts to pack again. Ronon leaves him.]

INT—ATLANTIS INFIRMARY

[Teyla tries to maneuver herself out of bed, but she is still very weak. Watson lies unconscious on a bed nearby. Sheppard enters, dressed in his Class A uniform, and sees Teyla's movements.]

SHEPPARD
Where do you think you're going?

TEYLA
I would like to go to the memorial.

SHEPPARD
I don't think you should be going anywhere.

TEYLA
I am fine.

[Her gasp of pain belies that statement as she tries to shift her body.]

SHEPPARD
All right. I'll get a wheelchair.

TEYLA

(weakly)

No. I would like to stand…as a testament to him.

[She stares at Sheppard.]

TEYLA
How are you doing?

SHEPPARD
Me? Fine, but I didn't get major surgery two days ago.

TEYLA
That is not what I meant.

SHEPPARD
Well, it hasn't hit me yet. I'm not looking forward to it when it does.

TEYLA
I feel a great sadness. He…I feel a great sadness.

[She sighs.]

SHEPPARD
Here, I got you.

[He helps her up and out of the infirmary.]

INT—ATLANTIS GATE ROOM

[The Gate Room is crowded with personnel, including all of Sheppard's team, Lorne, Cole, and Zelenka. Weir stands beside a coffin draped in the Scottish flag.]

WEIR
We've said goodbye to a lot of friends today. Our mission is a dangerous one. We lose people, a fact we're all painfully aware of. But Carson was…I can't remember anyone coming to me with a complaint against him. Ever. He was a kind soul. He was-he was a healer…and he will be very deeply missed. George Fabricius said: "Death comes to us all, but great achievements, they build a monument which shall endure until the sun grows cold." Every single life Carson saved is a monument to him…and that gives me great comfort.

[Weir composes herself and nods to the balcony. A musician begins to play the bagpipes, and Chuck dials the Stargate. Once the wormhole is active, Cole, Lorne, Zelenka, Sheppard, Ronon, and McKay act as pallbearers and bring the coffin home. Weir stands by Teyla as they watch them leave.]

EXT—ATLANTIS, SUNSET

EXT—ATLANTIS EAST PIER

[McKay stands alone on the pier, looking out at the ocean. Beckett shows up beside him.]

BECKETT
How'd it go back on Earth?

MCKAY
It was, um…it was awful. Your family was amazing, though.

BECKETT

(grinning)

Aye, they are. Good turnout?

MCKAY
Oh, packed the church.

BECKETT
Oh, that's good to hear.

MCKAY
It's not going to be the same around here without you.

BECKETT
Oh, you're telling me.

MCKAY
You know…the universe is a big place. Who knows? Maybe we'll…bump into each other again.

BECKETT
Aye. Who knows?

[There is a pregnant silence.]

MCKAY
You were the closest thing to a best friend I ever had. I'm really, really sorry. I should have just—

BECKETT
Hey, this isn't your fault.

MCKAY
You're just telling me what I want to hear.

BECKETT
Well, that's what best friends do sometimes. And in this case, it also happens to be true. Take care of yourself, Rodney.

MCKAY

(voice breaking)

Goodbye, Carson.

[Beckett disappears as McKay stands alone on the pier.]

FADE OUT

END CREDITS

Transcribed for Solutions by Aurora Novarum, August 2008.

SGA 3.17 "Sunday" Transcript

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SGA 3.17 "Sunday" Transcript

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