SGA 4.12 "Spoils Of War" Transcript

SGA 4.12 "Spoils Of War"

Episode Guide

SGA 4.12 "Spoils Of War" Episode Guide

Précis

The Atlantis team successfully salvage a partially damaged Hive ship and in the process retrieve some critical information that may help in their war against the Wraith.

Guide | Transcript

Transcript

PREVIOUSLY ON STARGATE ATLANTIS

[Excerpts from 1.18 "The Gift", 3.18 "Submersion", 4.08 "The Seer", 4.10 "This Mortal Coil", and 4.11 "Be All My Sins Remembered" are shown.]

TEASER

EXT—SPACE

[The battle above Asuras that took place in 4.11 "Be All My Sins Remembered" continues. The Replicator nanites are swarming to Fran on the planet.]

INT—WRAITH BRIDGE

[The Wraith Commander (Todd) is in charge of the bridge. Another Wraith stands nearby.]

WRAITH TECHNICIAN
The Replicator ships have ceased firing. The humans' plan worked.

WRAITH COMMANDER
Give me status on the darts!

WRAITH TECHNICIAN
Approaching the Replicator city.

EXT—ASURAS, DAY

[Three darts fly through Asuras, one using its beam, as the nanites swarm into a large undulating blob in its center.]

INT—WRAITH BRIDGE

WRAITH TECHNICIAN
The Replicators' mass is sinking into the planet. We do not have much time.

WRAITH COMMANDER
We're not leaving without those darts!

EXT—ASURAS, DAY

[The Replicators sink into the planet's core.]

INT—WRAITH BRIDGE

WRAITH TECHNICIAN
The mass is approaching critical density. An explosion is imminent. Commander, we must jump into hyperspace!

WRAITH COMMANDER
Not until I get what I came for!

EXT—SPACE

[Hyperspace windows open as the Lantian and Traveler ships begin to evacuate the area.]

INT—WRAITH BRIDGE

WRAITH TECHNICIAN
The darts are on approach… We have them.

[Todd snarls in triumph.]

EXT—SPACE

[The hive ship leaves just before the planet explodes.]

INT—WRAITH BRIDGE

[The Wraith returns to the bridge, bringing a small case to the commander (Todd).]

WRAITH TECNICIAN
I have the rematerialized cargo from the darts.

[The commander opens the canvas case and pulls out a ZPM. He smiles.]

WRAITH COMMANDER
Now we have what we need to complete our mission.

END TEASER

OPENING CREDITS

INT—ATLANTIS CONTROL ROOM

[Ronon and Sheppard arrive. McKay is already working at a station.]

SHEPPARD
Rodney, what've you got?

MCKAY
Well, it's only been a week since the battle, but, uh, a pretty clear pattern is emerging. You can see it on long-range scanners. The Wraith have split up into distinct groups.

RONON
Now that they're done with the Replicators, they're sizing each other up.

SHEPPARD
Too many Wraith, not enough humans to feed on. Intel's claiming there are several different factions.

MCKAY
Yes, well, with any luck, they'll find themselves in the middle of a nice, long, civil war. But, uh, what I find particularly interesting is this…

[He pulls up a section of space where a locator pings steadily.]

SHEPPARD
What is it?

MCKAY
Well, that's our old friend, the Wraith that helped me save Jeannie and got us all those hive ships.

SHEPPARD
How do you know?

MCKAY
Well, the subspace tracking device he used? It's the same signal.

RONON
Why would he reactivate it?

MCKAY
Well, I have no idea. I think it's safe to assume that he'd know we were monitoring that frequency.

SHEPPARD
You think he's sending us a message?

MCKAY
Maybe. Look, it's like I said. The hive ships that we've been tracking have formed into distinct groups, but this one's out there by himself. From what we can tell, it's just floating in the middle of empty space, nowhere near a habitable planet, and almost an hour's sub-light from the nearest 'gate.

RONON
So what does he want?

MCKAY
Well…that's the question.

EXT—ATLANTIS, DAY

INT—ATLANTIS WORKOUT ROOM

[Teyla rides an exercise bike, exerting herself quite a bit. Ronon enters.]

RONON
Hey.

TEYLA
Ronon! Do you wish to use this machine?

RONON
No. I just didn't expect to find you here.

TEYLA
Why not?

RONON
Shouldn't you be taking it easy?

[Teyla shoots him a glare.]

TEYLA
I am pregnant, Ronon, not ill. In any case, Doctor Keller said it wouldn't hurt to continue exercising. In fact, it's beneficial.

RONON
Yeah, well, you're hitting it pretty hard.

TEYLA
Well, I have to remain in top physical condition if I'm to keep up with you and the rest of the team.

RONON
Who says you have to keep up?

[Teyla shoots him another look, then gives a wry chuckle before concentrating on her workout.]

INT—ATLANTIS CONTROL ROOM

[Sheppard and McKay join Zelenka at a display.]

SHEPPARD
Any change?

ZELENKA
No. He's still sitting out there.

SHEPPARD
It's been almost twenty-four hours.

ZELENKA
His ship could be disabled.

SHEPPARD
Hmm, you think it's a distress call?

MCKAY
Ah, maybe.

SHEPPARD
Any other hive ships picking up the signal?

ZELENKA
If they are, they're ignoring it. We're showing no other Wraith activity in the area.

SHEPPARD
How far did you say the nearest 'gate was?

MCKAY
Well, it's about an hour by jumper. Oh! Look, I know we worked with this guy before, and he has helped us out in the past, but he's still a Wraith! We don't seriously feel like we owe him anything, do we?

SHEPPARD
No, no, of course not. But, that doesn't mean it's not worth checking out.

[McKay looks displeased.]

MCKAY
Hmm.

INT—ATLANTIS GEAR UP ROOM

[Sheppard's and Lorne's teams get ready for the upcoming mission. Teyla arrives.]

SHEPPARD
Teyla.

TEYLA
Colonel. I just heard. I would like to accompany you on this mission.

SHEPPARD
Well, we've got it covered.

TEYLA

(sternly)

John, I understand what you're trying to do, but I assure you it is not necessary. My skills have not diminished, and I still have much to offer the team.

[Teyla's tone has not been missed by the others gearing up. Sheppard catches Lorne's eye and jerks his head for the others to leave.]

LORNE

All right, guys, let's head out.
(to Sheppard)

We'll wait for you at the jumper bay, sir.

[Lorne's team and Ronon leave. McKay stays seated on the bench. Ronon comes back and drags McKay out.]

MCKAY
I'm not even…

[Sheppard and Teyla are left alone in the room. He grabs a P-90 and continues getting ready.]

SHEPPARD
I'm not having this conversation again.

TEYLA
We have not had it yet! In fact, we've barely spoken since I told you I was pregnant!

SHEPPARD
It's been a little busy around here.

TEYLA
I understand why you did not want me to join the attack on the Replicator world, but that was a special circumstance.

SHEPPARD
Look, even the simplest op can become dangerous.

TEYLA
And I accept that.

SHEPPARD
You think it's that simple?!

TEYLA
Is this about you trying to protect me, or are you still angry because I did not tell you sooner?

SHEPPARD
This is about your people missing; this is about the father of your child missing. You want to go out, you want to tear it up, you want to kick ass, but you can't! And the sooner you realize that, the better!

[Teyla stares at Sheppard, shocked and furious. He walks past her, looking troubled.]

EXT—SPACE

[The puddle jumper flies through space.]

INT—PUDDLE JUMPER

[Lorne and Sheppard's team are inside.]

SHEPPARD
Pull up the HUD. I think we're in range.

[McKay does so. The display shows a schematic of the hive ship.]

MCKAY
I've got it, dead ahead. Looks like it's been shot up pretty bad.

RONON
From the Replicator battle?

MCKAY
No, I'm picking up residual radiation from Wraith weapons' fire.

LORNE
Were they attacked by another hive?

MCKAY

(impatiently)

Well, it looks that way.

SHEPPARD
Any life signs?

MCKAY
I'm not picking up anything.

SHEPPARD
Maybe they're hibernating.

MCKAY

(annoyed)

Seems like an odd thing to do after being attacked.

[Sheppard shoots him a look.]

MCKAY

(more meek)

Plus, they usually land the ship?

SHEPPARD
All right. Well, we didn't come all this way to turn back. So, we're going in.

INT—HIVE SHIP

[Sheppard's and Lorne's teams have split up, searching the ship.]

SHEPPARD

(into radio)

Lorne, you got anything?

LORNE

(over radio)

Nothing so far.

[Ronon snaps his fingers and points out two Wraith corpses in the hall.]

SHEPPARD

(into radio)

Well, we've got bodies.

LORNE

(over radio)

Acknowledged. We'll keep looking.

[They continue forward. Ronon takes a closer look at one of the Wraith. It is skeletal and dehydrated, almost like a mummy.]

RONON
Looks like they were fed on.

[McKay continues to read his scanner.]

MCKAY
Still picking up the Wraith tracking device. It's that way.

[They move out.]

INT—WRAITH LAB

[The scanner beeps more insistently.]

MCKAY
Reading's stronger in here.

SHEPPARD
I don't see our guy. You?

RONON
No.

[McKay's scanner focuses on a section of floor.]

MCKAY
We're not going to find him.

SHEPPARD
I thought we were tracking the device.

[McKay reaches down and picks up a small object from the floor.]

MCKAY
We are…but someone cut it out of him.

EXT—SPACE

[The derelict hive ship floats in hyperspace.]

INT—WRAITH BRIDGE

[Lorne's team joins Sheppard's on the bridge.]

LORNE
No sign of the rest of the crew. Whoever attacked the ship must've taken them prisoner.

MCKAY
Including our friend.

SHEPPARD

(making a face)

Stop calling him that. It's weird.

RONON
Then what do we call him?

SHEPPARD
I don't know. Let's go with…Todd.

[McKay shoots him an incredulous look.]

SHEPPARD
It's a guy I knew in college. He was very pale.

MCKAY
Todd's a terrible name.

SHEPPARD
You got a better one?

MCKAY
As a matter of fact, I do.

SHEPPARD
You know what? Forget I asked.

LORNE
Colonel, what do we do now?

SHEPPARD
Well, that all depends. Uh, is this thing going to fly?

MCKAY

Well, the hull's severely damaged. I'd say about thirty percent of the ship is sealed off and exposed to space.
(brightly)

But, uh, with a bit of work, I think we can get main systems back online.

SHEPPARD
That settles it. We've got ourselves a new ship.

[They smile as Rodney gets to work.]

EXT—ATLANTIS, DAY

INT—ATLANTIS CORRIDOR

[Zelenka speaks with someone in a corridor. He notices Sheppard passing by.]

ZELENKA
Okay, if you could bring it back to my, uh,…computer in the lab?

[He leaves the woman to catch up with Sheppard.]

ZELENKA
Colonel, I didn't expect to see you back so soon.

SHEPPARD
No engagement. The only Wraith on board were dead.

ZELENKA
Was the ship badly damaged?

SHEPPARD
She's definitely taken a few hits. McKay's working on repairs, but that is the easy part.

ZELENKA
Well, what's the hard part?

[Sheppard shrugs and makes a face.]

SHEPPARD
Eh…

[Sheppard walks away, leaving Zelenka perplexed.]

INT—ATLANTIS MESS HALL

[Sheppard sits across a table from Teyla.]

SHEPPARD
The ship's been secured, there's no immediate danger, and you're the only one who can fly it.

TEYLA

(wryly)

Even in my condition?

SHEPPARD

(sighing)

All right, I might have been a little tough on you before…

TEYLA
No, you were right. I'm just trying to understand my position.

SHEPPARD
You're still a member of my team.

TEYLA
Am I?

SHEPPARD
You always were! Look, it's my call whether or not you go on mission. Take it or leave it.

TEYLA

(after a long pause)

When do we go?

[Sheppard sits back, relieved.]

INT—WRAITH BRIDGE

[Lorne enters. McKay and Ronon are there.]

LORNE
Hey. I found these in the jumper.

[He tosses power bars to McKay and Ronon.]

MCKAY
Aw, thank you. I'm starving!

[McKay studies the label of his and makes a face.]

MCKAY
"Apricot Jubilee?"

LORNE
Oh, if you don't want it…

[He holds out his hand to take it back.]

MCKAY
No, no. It's fine.

[McKay opens his bar. In the background, Ronon leans close to one of the Wraith consoles.]

LORNE
So, how are we doing in here, anyway?

MCKAY
Eh, it's coming along. I got the hyperdrive operational, though that's not going to help much if I can't get the neural interface to work.

[Ronon's actions cause a screech. The interface comes to life.]

MCKAY
What'd you do?

[Ronon stands up straight, furtively trying to look innocent.]

RONON
Nothing.

MCKAY
You touched something, didn't you!?

RONON
No…Maybe just a little.

[They look at the display showing lots of Wraith data, displaying a region in space.]

LORNE
What is it?

RONON
Looks like a map.

MCKAY
Thank you, Captain Obvious. Of course it's a map. The question is, a map to what?

EXT—SPACE

[The jumper flies through space.]

INT—PUDDLE JUMPER

TEYLA
I wanted to tell you sooner, but I found out shortly after Doctor Keller and I returned from New Athos. It was a difficult time.

SHEPPARD
It's okay. I get it.

TEYLA
Now, along with everything else, I'm burdened with the thought that…this child may be the last of my people.

[Her voice breaks as she tries not to cry.]

SHEPPARD
We don't know that yet!

TEYLA
But you understand why I cannot just stay in Atlantis and do nothing! My best hope in learning their fate is to be out here with you.

[Sheppard looks away and bites his lip.]

INT—WRAITH BRIDGE

[Sheppard and Teyla join the others on the bridge.]

SHEPPARD
How's it coming?

MCKAY
Ah, you're back! Well, I've managed to get the neural interface talking to the main systems, but I've got no way to test it, so it's-it's gonna need some tweaking. Biggest problem I've had so far has been with the weapons array, but I think I've managed to—

SHEPPARD
Wait…weapons array?

MCKAY
Well, I-I thought they'd come in handy when we go after the Wraith.

SHEPPARD
What are you talking about?

MCKAY
Oh, I figured out where this ship was headed before it was attacked.

RONON
We figured it out.

[Ronon turns and makes a face at Teyla, who puts down a case and looks at one of the panels.]

MCKAY
Yeah, right. All you did was activate a screen! I'm the one who searched through the ship's log and found the mention of the top secret Wraith outpost.

SHEPPARD
What Wraith outpost?

MCKAY
I'm sorry. I assumed a level of uncertainty was implied by my use of the phrase "top secret."

RONON
In other words, he doesn't know.

MCKAY
The log didn't specify. But whatever this thing is, they talk about this thing like it was sacred. From what I can gather, it played a pivotal role in helping the Wraith win their war against the Ancients.

RONON
Which is why we got to check it out.

SHEPPARD
All, right, hold on here a second. Let's just slow down. We don't even know if this thing can fly, let alone—

[The engine hums to life as behind them, Teyla activates the controls. They heads over to her.]

MCKAY

(awed)

How did you do that?

TEYLA
I…don't know. My abilities appear to be stronger than before.

MCKAY

(studying displays)

Oh, she's not kidding. According to this, navigation, propulsion, and communications are online.

SHEPPARD
Teyla…?

TEYLA
I cannot explain it. The moment I connected with the ship, everything became available to me. I can feel the various systems at my disposal.

RONON
Well, can you fly it?

TEYLA
I'm not sure.

[Teyla closes her eyes and concentrates.]

EXT—SPACE

[The hive ship's engines power up and it starts moving slowly in sublight speed.]

INT—WRAITH BRIDGE

MCKAY
She's flying it all right.

SHEPPARD
Are you okay?

[Teyla opens her eyes.]

TEYLA

(surprised)

Yes. I'm fine. It's easier than it was last time. It's almost…effortless.

[Sheppard glares at McKay.]

MCKAY
Hey, don't look at me. I didn't do anything.

TEYLA
The coordinates to the outpost are in the computer. I can take us there.

SHEPPARD

(shaking his head)

Mmm, that's not why I brought you here. We can wait for the Daedalus.

TEYLA
The hive that attacked this ship had access to the same information, and by now, it is almost a day ahead of us. Now, if that outpost is as important as the log suggests, do you really think we can afford to wait?

SHEPPARD
All right. Get us close, but keep us out of sensor range. We'll take a jumper from there.

[Teyla closes her eyes and concentrates while McKay works on his tablet computer.]

EXT—SPACE

[The hive ship jumps into hyperspace.]

INT—WRAITH BRIDGE

[Sheppard and Lorne return to the bridge.]

SHEPPARD
Well, what's up?

MCKAY
Hmm. I, uh, decided to go over the remainder of ship's log for any other mention of the outpost.

SHEPPARD
And…?

MCKAY
There's nothing, can you believe it? This thing goes back a long way. As far as I can tell, they haven't been to this place in thousands of years.

SHEPPARD
So why now?

TEYLA
We have reached our coordinates. I'm dropping us out of hyperspace.

[The ship shudders.]

TEYLA
The planet is…just ahead. I've established an orbit around one of its moons just out of sensor range.

SHEPPARD
Well, all right, let's get to the jumper.

[They start to leave. As Teyla turns to go, she becomes dizzy. Sheppard and Ronon are quick to her side.]

SHEPPARD
Whoa!

TEYLA
It's all right. I'm fine. I'm fine.

[Ronon and McKay leave.]

SHEPPARD

(low, to Teyla)

This is exactly the kind of situation I didn't want to put you in.

TEYLA
I know.

SHEPPARD
I need somebody to stay behind and fly the ship in case we get into trouble.

TEYLA
Of course.

SHEPPARD
So, I'm gonna have Lorne and his men stay here.

TEYLA
Good luck.

[Sheppard leaves. Teyla sighs.]

EXT—SPACE

[The puddle jumper leaves the hive ship floating by the moon and heads toward the planet.]

INT—PUDDLE JUMPER

[The HUD is up as Sheppard flies towards the surface.]

SHEPPARD
Anything?

MCKAY
We should be in sensor range…now.

[He spots something on the HUD. A Stargate.]

MCKAY
Oh.

RONON
What?

MCKAY
Well, there's a space gate.

SHEPPARD
What, now you're telling me this?

MCKAY
Well, I didn't know! Look, the log wasn't exactly easy reading.

SHEPPARD
All right, anything else?

MCKAY
Yeah. I'm picking up an energy reading on the surface.

SHEPPARD
Do you have any idea what it is?

MCKAY
No. But there's something else…a hive ship in orbit.

[They look at it on the HUD.]

SHEPPARD
At least we didn't miss the party.

EXT—WRAITH OUTPOST, DAY

[The outpost is nestled in a rocky outcropping.]

INT—WRAITH OUTPOST DOORWAY

[The door opens and Sheppard, Ronon, and McKay enter, weapons at ready.]

RONON
No guards.

SHEPPARD
They're probably not expecting any visitors.

MCKAY
Well, what say we keep it that way?

SHEPPARD
Which way?

[McKay checks his detector.]

MCKAY
The energy readings are strongest over here.

INT—WRAITH OUTPOST CORRIDOR

SHEPPARD
How big is this place?

MCKAY
Don't worry, I've got an excellent sense of direction.

SHEPPARD
Didn't you say you got lost in a garden maze once?

MCKAY
I was ten! Plus…I was running from a bee.

[Sheppard spots something and signals for them to pause. Cautiously they move forward.]

INT—QUEEN THRONE CHAMBER

[The trio pause by the door and look in. A Wraith queen sits on the throne. Her eyes are closed, her body encased in a variety of tendrils that wrap around her chair.]

SHEPPARD
What the hell is this?

MCKAY
It's a queen.

SHEPPARD
Nice work, Sherlock. But what's she doing?

MCKAY
I have no idea.

RONON

(whispering)

Sheppard…?

[Ronon nods his head to indicate something else he's spotted. They move away. The queen remains unaware of their presence.]

INT—WRAITH OUTPOST CORRIDOR

[The trio head down another corridor. They spot a pod with something moving inside. McKay and Sheppard look disgusted at the sight.]

MCKAY
Oh, that is just revolting.

SHEPPARD
What is it?

[Ronon is looking at something else.]

RONON
Hey, check this out!

[In another area, another pod is even more active. A human shape seems to be trying to break out of the mucus surrounding it.]

RONON

(in fierce whisper)

Hey! We got company! Go, go, move!

[The trio hide behind a corner as a Wraith and two guards arrive at the active pod.]

WRAITH
This one is ready.

[The Atlantis trio watches as the guards work to free the humanoid figure from the pod. The Wraith reaches in and pulls out a mask, placing it on the groaning being's head. He now looks like the Wraith drones holding him, although with no armor.]

WRAITH
Put him with the others.

[The Wraith leave.]

MCKAY
I'm definitely going to have nightmares about that.

INT—WRAITH OUTPOST CORRIDOR

[The trio move down another corridor.]

SHEPPARD
You think this is some kind of Wraith farm?

MCKAY
That's what it looks like. The queen secretes genetic material which gets distributed through the structure into those pods. Presto…newborn Wraith.

SHEPPARD
Nice.

MCKAY
Yeah, I know, it sounds disgusting, but it actually makes sense. You got to remember, they're descended from insects, right? The thing I don't understand is…why here? We always just assumed that this took place on their hive ships, but, uh, what's so special about this place?

RONON
I think I have an idea.

[Sheppard and McKay stop and look at where Ronon is looking transfixed. Through the doorway where Ronon stands, they see several stories all filled with pod chambers.]

MCKAY
Oh my god! Pods! Thousands of pods!

EXT—WRAITH OUTPOST, DAY

INT—WRAITH OUTPOST MULTILEVEL POD CHAMBER

[McKay hooks his computer into a Wraith terminal in the chamber. His computer flashes through a lot of material.]

MCKAY
I'm patched into the Wraith console. I've got internal schematics….whoa!

SHEPPARD
What?

MCKAY
If I'm reading this right, what we saw from the surface is just the tip of the iceberg. I mean, this thing is miles in diameter.

SHEPPARD
Are there any other chambers like this?

MCKAY
Over a hundred.

[McKay and Sheppard exchange worried looks.]

INT—WRAITH OUTPOST CORRIDOR

[They head down another corridor.]

MCKAY
Well, it doesn't make any sense. There's no way a single queen could provide enough genetic material to fertilize all those pods.

RONON
Maybe there's more than one.

MCKAY
Queens don't work together…at least not as far as we know.

SHEPPARD
All I know is this place was built to create some kind of a Wraith army, and we can't let that happen.

MCKAY
You've seen how big it is. I doubt our C-4's going to make much of a dent.

RONON
So we fire on it from orbit.

MCKAY
Theoretically, that could work. Problem is, there's another hive ship out there. They'd be on top of us long before we'd finish the job.

SHEPPARD
What about the power supply, huh?

MCKAY
Maybe. I guess we can shut them down for a while.

SHEPPARD

(nodding)

That's a start.

[McKay pulls out his scanner.]

MCKAY
The only problem is, these readings are coming from all around us. We're basically in the middle of a giant machine. I'm not sure I can pinpoint the source.

INT—QUEEN THRONE ROOM

[The Wraith and guards enter the chamber. The queen still sleeps.]

WRAITH
Wake her.

[A guard activates a control. The tendrils retract into the chair and the queen opens her eyes.]

QUEEN

(weakly)

What has happened?

WRAITH
You've done well. The second batch of warriors is flawless. We now have a suitable genetic template with which to proceed to the next phase.

QUEEN
Where is the commander of the fallen hive?

WRAITH
He's in a holding cell. He completed the recalibration that was required.

QUEEN
I must regain my strength. Bring him to me.

WRAITH

(hesitantly)

His understanding of this technology is impressive. You may wish to keep him alive.

QUEEN

(annoyed)

You said the device was ready!

WRAITH
It is. We are simply making final adjustments before we bring main power online.

QUEEN

Then, he has outlived his usefulness. And I must feed…
(standing)

…unless you are volunteering yourself!

[The Wraith averts his eyes.]

WRAITH

(to guard)

Bring him!

[The queen hisses.]

INT—WRAITH HOLDING CELLS

[Todd paces in a cell as the two guards arrive and open the door.]

TODD
I believe I'm about to receive my reward.

[The guards raise their weapons. Todd snarls.]

TODD
So be it.

[The two guards are felled by weapon's fire from Ronon's gun. He, Sheppard, and McKay appear.]

TODD
Sheppard! How did you find me?

SHEPPARD
We followed them.

TODD
You picked up my signal. I wasn't sure you'd come.

SHEPPARD
What are friends for? Now…

[Ronon points his gun at Todd's head.]

SHEPPARD
Tell us everything you know, or you're going to join your two friends on the floor.

[Todd looks worriedly from Sheppard to Ronon.]

EXT—SPACE

[The damaged hive ship floats in orbit over the moon.]

INT—WRAITH BRIDGE

[Teyla leans against a panel, cautiously looking at her surroundings. Lorne arrives.]

LORNE
Hey…any word yet?

TEYLA
No. They've not been in contact.

LORNE
Well, I guess there's not much to do but wait, huh?

TEYLA
Hmm.

[Lorne takes a seat beside Teyla.]

LORNE
Listen, I never got a chance to congratulate you. That's really great. I didn't even know you were dating anyone… My sister has a couple of kids. Two boys, five and seven. I miss being around them.

TEYLA
I'm not really sure what to expect.

LORNE
Nobody ever is. At least, not with the first one. But you get through it. Ah, you're going to make a great mom.

TEYLA
Thank you. I wish I could be so sure.

INT—WRAITH HOLDING CELL

TODD
Doctor McKay is quite correct. It would be impossible for a queen to breed so many warriors all at once except by artificial means.

SHEPPARD
What are you talking about?

TODD
The queen creates a handful of warriors, each of which is then reproduced thousands of times over. This is a cloning facility.

MCKAY
That's why it was key to their victory over the Ancients. We always knew they did it with greater numbers, we just never knew where they came from!

[He heads forward. With a snarl, Ronon takes his place watching the corridor.]

SHEPPARD
Aren't there too many Wraith in the galaxy already? A couple of weeks ago, when you were fighting the Replicators, it might've made sense. But why now?

[Todd hesitates.]

RONON
Answer the man.

TODD
We didn't use this facility during the Replicator war because we didn't have the means to power it. The energy requirements are enormous.

MCKAY
ZPMs. He's talking about ZPMs.

TODD
I managed to acquire a few before the Replicator planet was destroyed.

SHEPPARD
And I was set to feel bad about killing you.

TODD
My intention was to create an army to wipe out the other Wraith, but I was betrayed by one of my crew. He informed another hive of my plans.

MCKAY
The one that disabled your ship.

TODD

(nodding)

Hmm.

MCKAY
This is good news, right? It means all we have to do to shut this place down is get our hands on those ZPMs.

TODD
And I know where they are. I'm sure you haven't come all this way just to rescue me, but it would be in your best interest.

[Sheppard considers this.]

SHEPPARD
Let's go.

[They all leave.]

INT—ATLANTIS CORRIDOR

[Todd leads them down a passageway and pauses at a corner.]

TODD
Through there.

SHEPPARD

(to McKay)

We'll see if it's clear. You stay here.

[He and Ronon scout ahead.]

MCKAY
There's one thing I don't understand: Back when you defeated the Ancients, how did you get your hands on the ZPM?

TODD
The Lantians were powerful, but careless. Believing their ships were unbeatable, they sent them deeper and deeper into Wraith-controlled territory, trying to weed us out. It took months, but eventually, we were able to capture three of them, each one powered by a ZPM.

MCKAY

(fascinated)

At which point, you brought them back here.

TODD
Within weeks, our army had grown to hundreds of times its original size. From that point on, the tide of war turned in our favor, and there was nothing the Lantians could do.

[Sheppard returns just in time to hear the end of Todd's sentence.]

SHEPPARD
Save the history lesson for later. Let's go.

MCKAY
Right.

[They all head down the corridor. A klaxon starts to blare.]

TODD
They've discovered my absence!

SHEPPARD
Well, we're going to have to move quickly.

[Guards head down a corridor, coming into a firefight with the team.]

TODD
This way!

[Todd heads down a side corridor.]

SHEPPARD

(to McKay)

Go!

[McKay starts off but is struck by a Wraith stunner. Sheppard falls immediately after. Ronon tries to pull Sheppard back, but he too is struck. The Wraith scientist commander looks in shock at the unconscious humans. He snarls.]

INT—WRAITH HOLDING CELL

[McKay awakens in the cell with a wince and a groan. Sheppard and Ronon are sitting up in the same cell.]

MCKAY
Oh, oh man! I got stunned.

SHEPPARD
Yeah, we know, Rodney. We all did.

MCKAY
You did? How come I'm the last one to wake up…? Hey, where's Todd?

SHEPPARD
He escaped.

MCKAY
That's good, isn't it? He'll come back for us. I mean, after all, we saved him.

SHEPPARD
Something tells me we're on our own with this one.

RONON

(looking into the corridor)

Something tells me it's not going to matter.

[They all stand as the Wraith scientist and two Wraith guards arrive.]

WRAITH
Open it.

[A guard opens the cell door.]

SHEPPARD
You're letting us out, huh? It's very kind of you.

WRAITH
Bring them.

[He leaves. Ronon is the first to go. Sheppard motions McKay to go next, then he follows.]

INT—QUEEN THRONE ROOM

[The Wraith leads the guards and prisoners into the room. The queen, still awake, sits in her throne.]

WRAITH
The commander of the other hive escaped, but I brought you these.

[Sheppard and McKay are each held by one guard. Ronon struggles against two; Rodney grimaces as his guard squeezes his neck.]

QUEEN
Hmm…

[The queen stands and approaches Sheppard. She runs her hand near his face, psychically forcing him to his knees.]

QUEEN
Inform the hive. Have them begin searching the area for their ship. In the meantime, I have a few questions that need to be answered.

INT—WRAITH BRIDGE

[Lorne enters. Teyla is at the controls.]

LORNE
What is it?

TEYLA
I have detected a dart approaching our position.

LORNE
Could be a scout. Have they spotted us?

TEYLA
I don't know.

LORNE
Have you detected any communication between the dart and the other hive?

TEYLA
No.

LORNE
Well, then we still have a chance. We should destroy it.

TEYLA
Colonel Sheppard has flown a dart before.

LORNE
He would've radioed us by now, and we can't risk sending out a signal of our own.

[Teyla moves to the weapons console.]

TEYLA
Charging weapons.

[The screen shows a video transmission of Todd.]

TODD

(over comm)

Do not fire! You recognize me?

[Teyla and Lorne exchange looks.]

TEYLA
Yes.

LORNE
Have you seen our people?

TODD
I have. I will tell you everything, but you must allow me on board.

EXT—SPACE

[The dart approaches the damaged hive ship for landing.]

INT—HIVE SHIP CORRIDOR

[Todd, Teyla and Lorne walk with the rest of Lorne's team as security escort.]

TEYLA
They were captured?

TODD
I saw them get stunned.

LORNE
Funny how you managed to get away.

TODD
I was lucky. If I had been captured, they would've killed me instantly.

TEYLA
So, how do we rescue them?

TODD
By now, they will have been brought before the queen.

LORNE
So there's still a chance. If you fly us back down there.

TODD
You don't understand. The hive in orbit will have detected my dart leaving the planet. They will grow suspicious and begin searching for us. Our only hope is to leave now and come again later undetected.

LORNE
We're not going anywhere.

TODD
There is no way to help your friends right now. You must face this.

TEYLA
Wait. There is a chance. I have an idea.

INT—QUEEN THRONE ROOM

QUEEN
How were you able to find this place?

[Sheppard struggles, but doesn't answer.]

QUEEN
I don't believe that I have ever encountered such resistance from a human before.

SHEPPARD

(struggling)

I've had a lot of practice.

QUEEN
Well…there is simpler way. Tell me what I want to know, or I feed on one of your friends!

[Sheppard still says nothing.]

QUEEN
As you wish.

RONON
If you're hungry, I'm the one you're looking for.

[One of the guards pulls Ronon's hair, bending him back.]

QUEEN

(pointing to McKay)

This one!

MCKAY
Oh great. My entire life, I've never been chosen first.

[The queen forces him to his knees as she approaches.]

MCKAY
And now fate decides to restore the balance.

[The queen looks expectantly at Sheppard. He tries to stand and attack her, but is pulled back by his guard. The queen raises her hand to feed, hissing in triumph, then suddenly she rocks on her heels, shaking her head as if dizzy. She lowers her feeding hand.]

WRAITH
What is it? My queen?

QUEEN
Take them back to their cell.

WRAITH

(confused)

I do not understand…

QUEEN

(screeching)

Get out!

[The prisoners are forced to their feet and dragged out of the chamber. The Wraith follows. The queen stands in place, snarling and groaning.]

INT—WRAITH BRIDGE

[Teyla sits on a platform. Lorne's team and Todd stand, watching her.]

TODD
What did she say?

LORNE
She's not talking to us. She's taking control of the queen's mind.

TODD
Impossible!

LORNE
I wouldn't be so sure about that.

INT—TEYLA/QUEEN'S MIND

QUEEN
Who is this who dares to enter my mind?

INT—WRAITH BRIDGE

TEYLA
Who I am does not matter. What matters is that I am stronger than you.

INT—TEYLA/QUEEN'S MIND

QUEEN
Really?

TEYLA
Even now I am gaining control of your body.

[The queen winces and hisses in pain.]

QUEEN
Yes. You do have strength. I can feel it now. But even you cannot sustain this level of concentration forever.

TEYLA

(sneering)

I do not need forever. Now, get up!

INT—QUEEN THRONE ROOM

[The queen stands and stiffly walks out of the room.]

INT—TEYLA/QUEEN'S MIND

TEYLA
Turn right.

INT—WRAITH CORRIDOR

[The queen turns right.]

INT—TEYLA/QUEEN'S MIND

QUEEN
You are hiding something from me…I can sense it.

[Teyla struggles.]

QUEEN
Of course…now I feel it. You are not working alone! There is another life…inside you. Helping you.

INT—WRAITH BRIDGE

[Teyla gasps and bends over before sitting back up. She's gasping for breath in her struggle to stay in control.]

INT—TEYLA/QUEEN'S MIND

TEYLA
Stay away!

QUEEN
You cannot resist me for long. Combined, your two minds are very powerful, but all I need to do is distract you for a single moment to get to the other.

[Teyla winces, but holds on, determined.]

QUEEN
One thought…is all it will take to crush it out of existence.

[Teyla gasps in concentration.]

INT—WRAITH HOLDING CELL

[Sheppard, Ronon, and McKay are back in their cell.]

RONON
That was just weird.

MCKAY
"Weird?" Did you see how close I just came to becoming Wraith food? I don't think "weird" quite cuts it—like, maybe "paralyzing," or "sickening," or-or-or "heart-stopping."

RONON

(to Sheppard)

What do you think happened to her?

SHEPPARD
I'm not sure.

[Outside their cell, their guards are downed by Wraith stunner blasts. The queen, still controlled by Teyla, appears, lowering her weapon.]

MCKAY
Oh great, she's back.

[The cell door opens. The queen tosses their weapons to the floor.]

QUEEN/TEYLA
Here are your weapons.

[They continue to stare at her in shock.]

QUEEN/TEYLA
It's me, John.

JOHN
Teyla?

QUEEN/TEYLA

(weakly)

Yes.

INT—TEYLA/QUEEN'S MIND

QUEEN
You are weakening; I can feel it.

INT—WRAITH BRIDGE

[Teyla doubles over in pain.]

LORNE
Teyla…? Teyla you okay?

INT—WRAITH HOLDING CELL

[The queen sways on her feet as Sheppard's team rearms themselves.]

QUEEN/TEYLA
You must go, quickly! I don't know how much longer I can control her.

SHEPPARD
Go. Move.

[Ronon heads out, weapon raised.]

MCKAY
Uh, could you get her to tell us which way? 'Cause I kinda got turned around.

SHEPPARD

(sharply)

Just go!

[McKay follows Ronon out.]

SHEPPARD
You can let go of her now, we're leaving.

[He starts to follow the others. Teyla, in the queen's body doubles over with a cry.]

INT—TEYLA/QUEEN'S MIND

[Teyla rocks in pain.]

QUEEN

(triumphant)

There it is! The other life inside you.

INT—WRAITH HOLDING CELL

[Teyla, in the queen's body, gasps as she looks over to Sheppard, who's watching her warily.]

SHEPPARD
Teyla…? Let go.

QUEEN/TEYLA
John…help me!

[Sheppard raises his pistol and shoots the queen several times. The weakened queen collapses.]

INT—WRAITH BRIDGE

[Teyla falls back, wheezing for breath. Lorne is instantly by her side.]

LORNE
Teyla!

INT—WRAITH OUTPOST CORRIDOR

[Sheppard runs and joins the others.]

SHEPPARD
Let's pull up those ZPMs and get the hell out of here.

MCKAY
The only problem is we have no idea where they are, remember?

SHEPPARD
We pulled up the schematics in the pod room.

MCKAY
It didn't have any reference to ZPMs.

SHEPPARD
Maybe you didn't look hard enough. Let's go.

INT—QUEEN THRONE ROOM

[The Wraith scientist enters and punches up controls on a side console.]

INT—WRAITH OUTPOST POD ROOM

[The team run into a pod room alcove. McKay starts grabbing for his computer.]

SHEPPARD
Make this quick.

MCKAY
There's a lot of data; I'm going to need a minute.

INT—QUEEN THRONE ROOM

[The Wraith looks at something on his console as a signal beeps.]

INT—WRAITH OUTPOST POD ROOM

[Machinery begins humming.]

RONON
What was that?

[The humming grows louder.]

MCKAY
We're too late.

[All the pods are coming to life.]

MCKAY
They've started to clone the warriors!

SHEPPARD
Forget that, just find the ZPMs!

MCKAY
I'm going to need more time!

SHEPPARD

(admonishing)

Rodney!

MCKAY
Look, there are hundreds of pages of information here, and it's all in Wraith!

[An alarm klaxon blares.]

RONON
They found the queen.

SHEPPARD
All right, I got a better idea.

MCKAY
You do?

SHEPPARD
Let's get out of here.

[McKay grabs his computer, and they all run out.]

INT—WRAITH BRIDGE

[Teyla rides through the pain.]

LORNE
Teyla, are you okay?

TEYLA

(confused)

Major Lorne?

LORNE
What happened?

TEYLA
I saw them! Colonel Sheppard…Ronon…Doctor McKay.

LORNE
Did they get away?

TEYLA

(upset)

The queen was…was going after my child!

LORNE
It's okay. It's okay. Just take it easy, all right?

[Alerts sound at some of the control panels.]

TODD

(worried)

Major? The other hive is on its way. They've found us.

[Lorne stands. Teyla tries to compose herself, but clutches her abdomen, still in pain and looking afraid.]

INT—WRAITH OUTPOST DOOR

[The trio arrive near a guarded door.]

SHEPPARD

(whispering)

Isn't there another way out of here?

MCKAY

(whispering fiercely)

You want a different exit? It was hard enough to find this one!

[Ronon, watching their rear, looks alarmed.]

RONON
You better make a decision fast. We've got more of them coming.

[Sheppard looks back and sees a guard patrol heading their way.]

SHEPPARD
Oh, crap.

[He raises his P-90 and shoots the guards at the door. McKay assists while Ronon takes out the guards behind them.]

SHEPPARD
Let's get out of here!

[The firefight continues as they rush to the exit and run outside.]

INT—WRAITH BRIDGE

[Todd works the controls.]

TODD
The hive ship will be here momentarily. We need to leave now!

LORNE
Not before our people get back.

TODD
Weapons capabilities are limited at best. The hull is still severely damaged. We can't survive an attack.

TEYLA
Colonel Sheppard will be here shortly.

TODD
You don't know that.

TEYLA

(insistent)

I have seen them! They are alive, and we will wait for as long as is necessary.

[Todd spins angrily, but an alert beeps insistently before he can speak.]

LORNE
What's that?

TODD
The other hive. They've entered weapon's range.

[An explosion rocks the ship.]

EXT—SPACE

[The queen's hive ship fires on the damaged hive ship.]

INT—WRAITH BRIDGE

TODD
This is foolish. They will target our hyperdrive, making it impossible to escape. We can't wait any longer.

EXT—SPACE

[The puddle jumper flies quickly away from the planet.]

INT—PUDDLE JUMPER

SHEPPARD

(into radio)

Teyla, Lorne, come in.

TEYLA

(over radio)

Colonel, where are you?

SHEPPARD

(into radio)

We're on our way.

INT—WRAITH BRIDGE

TEYLA

(into radio)

You must hurry. The other hive has found us.

SHEPPARD

(over radio)

Can you hold them off?

[Todd strides over to the weapons console.]

TODD

(grumbling)

Not for long.

EXT—SPACE

[The two hive ships engage in a firefight, the damaged one making out the worse of the pair.]

INT—PUDDLE JUMPER

SHEPPARD

(into radio)

Approaching dart bay.

INT—WRAITH BRIDGE

TEYLA

(into radio)

Acknowledged.

TODD
They're inside.

LORNE

(into radio)

Colonel, request permission to jump to hyperspace immediately.

SHEPPARD

(over radio)

Negative. I have another idea.

INT—PUDDLE JUMPER

MCKAY
Are you crazy?!

SHEPPARD
We still have to destroy the cloning facility.

MCKAY
How?! In case you hadn't noticed, we're under attack!

SHEPPARD

I know!
(into radio)

Teyla, I want you to set a new course.

EXT—SPACE

[Still under fire from the other hive ship, the damaged one leaves the moon's orbit and heads towards the planet.]

INT—QUEEN THRONE ROOM

[Another Wraith, the one who served as the technician/second for Todd, enters the room.]

WRAITH TECHNICIAN
Commander!

WRAITH
What is it?

WRAITH TECHNICIAN
We've just received an urgent communication from the hive. The enemy…they're headed straight for us.

[The Wraith scientist turns and stares at the messenger.]

EXT—WRAITH OUTPOST, DAY

[The damaged hive ship crashes directly into the outpost. The explosion is huge.]

INT—PUDDLE JUMPER

[Both Sheppard's and Lorne's teams watch the explosion from inside.]

MCKAY

(shaken)

Well, I think that should probably do the trick.

SHEPPARD
Let's get out of here.

EXT—ATLANTIS, DUSK

INT—ATLANTIS CONTROL ROOM

[Zelenka walks with Sheppard and McKay up the steps from the gate room to the control room.]

ZELENKA
So, what happened to the other Wraith?

SHEPPARD
You mean Todd?

[Zelenka looks puzzled.]

MCKAY
Don't ask.

SHEPPARD
He took a dart.

MCKAY
Either he escaped through the 'gate like we did, or he was captured by the other hive ship.

ZELENKA
I can't imagine they would've given him a very warm welcome.

MCKAY
No.

[They continue. Sheppard pauses at the top of the steps, noticing Teyla alone on the balcony.]

EXT—ATLANTIS BALCONY, DUSK

[Sheppard joins Teyla.]

SHEPPARD
Talk to Keller?

TEYLA
I've just come from the infirmary. Everything is fine…at least…physically.

SHEPPARD
What does that mean?

[Teyla looks away, taking a deep breath before continuing.]

TEYLA
I exposed my unborn child to the mind of a killer…even before he's opened his eyes on the world.

SHEPPARD
He?

TEYLA

(smiling)

It's a boy.

SHEPPARD
Really? I thought you didn't want Keller to tell you anything.

TEYLA

(disturbed)

She didn't.

SHEPPARD

(nonplussed)

Okay…

TEYLA

(sighing)

You were right to question my involvement in this mission. There was a time when I would've laid my life down for you, or Ronon, or Rodney without hesitation. But…I have other considerations now.

SHEPPARD
That's understandable.

TEYLA

(frightened)

You have no idea how close she came to extinguishing his life. If you had hesitated…for even a moment…

[Teyla sniffs back tears. Shaking her head she steps forward and hugs Sheppard. Sheppard hesitantly hugs her back.]

FADE OUT

END CREDITS

Transcribed for Solutions by Aurora Novarum, January 2009.

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--Michelle 04:02, 17 June 2009 (UTC)