SGA 5.03 "Broken Ties" Transcript
Episode Guide
SGA 5.03 "Broken Ties" Episode Guide
Précis
Ronon endures a grueling ordeal after his former friend, Tyre, captures and delivers him to the Wraith. Meanwhile, the team launches a rescue mission for their missing comrade.
Guide | Transcript
Transcript
PREVIOUSLY ON STARGATE ATLANTIS
[Excerpts from 4.03 "Reunion are shown.]
END EXCERPTS
TEASER
EXT—FOREST, DAY
[Ronon and Teyla are carrying baskets laden with fruit and vegetables as they walk through the forest.]
RONON
You getting any sleep these days?
TEYLA
Not much, I'm afraid. Although things are a little easier now that Kanaan's request has been granted and he's been allowed to return from the mainland.
RONON
How's he liking life in the big city?
TEYLA
Well, he's happy to be reunited with Torren and I, but…he's having difficulty adjusting to life on Atlantis.
RONON
(chuckling)
Yeah, I hear the shower scared him.
TEYLA
And you once stunned Doctor Gero at your own surprise birthday party.
RONON
(unamused)
He spooked me.
TEYLA
Uh-huh. It's difficult for Kanaan. He has Torren and me, of course, but I still think he feels isolated.
RONON
Yeah, well, he just needs to make some new friends. You should get him to come by the gym sometime. We could spar.
TEYLA
(laughing)
Thank you, that's very kind of you. But I need him one piece for the foreseeable future.
RONON
(teasing)
Ah, you're no fun.
[Teyla laughs. Ronon spots a person lying in the grass in the distance.]
RONON
(alert)
Hey, hey.
[Teyla drops her basket and follows Ronon, who's approaching the hooded figure.]
RONON
(calling out)
Hey!
[He moves forward, setting off a hidden mine which explodes in smoke. Disoriented, Ronon is slow to react as the robed figure raises his own stunner weapon and fires. Ronon gets struck several times, finally collapsing.]
TEYLA
Ronon!
[The figure removes his hood, revealing his features.]
TEYLA
Tyre.
[Tyre aims his stunner at Teyla and fires.]
END TEASER
OPENING CREDITS
INT—ATLANTIS BRIEFING ROOM
[Woolsey, Sheppard, Teyla, and McKay sit around the table.]
WOOLSEY
The Daedalus confirms the results of your preliminary search. There's no sign of Ronon's subcutaneous transmitter anywhere on that planet.
SHEPPARD
That means he's still alive. If-if Tyre wanted him dead, we would've found the body.
WOOLSEY
Unless he just took him somewhere to exact a slow revenge… I don't mean to sound overly negative, but from what I've heard, his mind is seriously warped.
TEYLA
And yet, he didn't kill me. It would've been safer for him to leave no witnesses. So…perhaps despite what the Wraith did to him, Tyre still possesses his Satedan sense of honor.
MCKAY
It didn't stop him from ambushing you.
SHEPPARD
(inspired)
Maybe we can use that "Satedan sense of honor" to help us find Ronon.
WOOLSEY
How do you propose to do that?
SHEPPARD
We get a Satedan to help us.
MCKAY
(drily)
You happen to have one handy, do you?
SHEPPARD
Teyla knows where one is.
TEYLA
(realizing)
Solen Sincha.
WOOLSEY
Who?
TEYLA
He is a survivor of the Wraith attack on Sateda. Ronon and I encountered him on a trade mission to Belkan two years ago.
MCKAY
Judging by your description, he isn't exactly the "settle-down" kind of guy. I mean, what are the chances he's still going to be there?
SHEPPARD
There's only one way to find out.
[They start to leave. A still seated Woolsey clears his throat loudly. Everyone pauses. Sheppard sighs.]
SHEPPARD
(with exaggerated patiently)
Mister Woolsey, permission to go off-world?
[Woolsey takes his time, closing a file and sighing.]
WOOLSEY
You have a go.
SHEPPARD
Great.
[They turn to leave.]
WOOLSEY
Oh, and Teyla…
[They turn again.]
WOOLSEY
Will you be accompanying Colonel Sheppard and Doctor McKay? I only ask because I've yet to receive your formal request to return to active duty.
[Teyla looks uncomfortable.]
SHEPPARD
Of course, she'll be returning, right?
[He looks at Teyla expectantly.]
TEYLA
(sighing)
I have yet to make a decision about my future with the team.
SHEPPARD
(nonplussed)
Oh. Well, okay.
[He exchanges concerned looks with McKay.]
TEYLA
(turning to Woolsey)
However, I would still like to accompany Colonel Sheppard and Doctor McKay to Belkan.
WOOLSEY
Of course.
[The trio leaves. The doors close as Mister Woolsey gets up and gathers his things. They stay closed as he approaches them. He steps back and tries to get the doors to reopen, but they remain sealed, even as he waves his arm.]
INT—SARIF SUR CELL
[Ronon awakens to find himself bound to a chair and sitting in a dark cell. He looks around frantically.]
RONON
(panicked)
Teyla!
[He spots Tyre sitting nearby. Tyre's eyes are wide and bloodshot.]
RONON
Where's Teyla?
TYRE
I left her back on the planet. Don't worry, she's fine. You knew I wouldn't hurt her.
RONON
(sneering)
Do I?
TYRE
I accept the fact that you no longer trust me, but I'm hoping that will change in time. Sateda is gone. We're the last of our kind, Ronon. We're brothers, not enemies.
RONON
We're brothers? So I should just forgive you for setting me up last year?
[Tyre stands and approaches.]
TYRE
If you had just listened to reason, things could've been different. Ara and Rakai would still be alive, and we'd all be working together again.
RONON
As Wraith worshippers and traitors to the memories of Sateda? Hell no!
TYRE
Of course not. I see that now. You're blinded by the past. Lied to by your so-called "friends" on Atlantis. But I still have faith in you, old friend. You just needs to open your eyes to the truth.
RONON
All right. Just untie me, and I'll listen to what you have to say.
TYRE
Heh. Would that be before or after you try to beat me unconscious?
RONON
I don't know. You choose. Or I could just surprise you.
TYRE
I don't doubt it.
[He goes to take a drink from his cup, but his hand shakes spasmodically.]
RONON
What's wrong with you?
TYRE
I'm not well. But I've been worse. You know where we are?
[Ronon glances around and shrugs in ignorance.]
TYRE
You remember Sarif Sur, don't you?
RONON
Yeah, you almost died on that run.
TYRE
We both nearly died because you refused to leave me behind. You risked your life to save me.
[He takes off a Satedan dog-tag.]
TYRE
Today…I return the favor.
[Shakily, he passes the dog tag to Ronon.]
EXT—BELKAN VILLAGE, NIGHT
INT—TAVERN
[The team approach a man sitting at a table, his head resting on his arms and his pistol by his side on the table.]
TEYLA
Solen Sincha?
SOLEN
(groaning)
Mmm. Go away. Can't you see I'm trying to sleep?
[Sheppard drops his pistol on the table with a deliberate clatter, the barrel facing Solen Sincha. Solen looks up, becoming alert as he takes in the military bearing of the trio.]
SHEPPARD
We need your help.
MCKAY
Ronon Dex is in trouble.
SOLEN
Ronon Dex is always in trouble.
MCKAY
Well, his life is in danger.
SOLEN
Again. What else is new?
[Sheppard sits down across from him.]
SOLEN
What kind of trouble has he gotten himself into this time?
TEYLA
He was abducted by a fellow Satedan—a Wraith worshipper by the name of Tyre.
[Solen sighs and holsters his pistol. Sheppard does the same with his.]
SOLEN
You mean, former Wraith worshipper. Word is, the dog disappointed his masters, so they turned him loose.
MCKAY
Well, that's uncharacteristically kind of them.
SOLEN
Not exactly. So long as he's on the run, he's a living, breathing example of what happens to humans who disappoint them. Tyre's a marked man now. Most anyone I know would kill him on sight. It's just a matter of time.
TEYLA
He was once a proud Satedan, not unlike yourself. He was subjected to unimaginable torture. Perhaps he had no choice.
SOLEN
(sternly)
There's always a choice. He could've chosen death like a true Satedan.
SHEPPARD
(smoothly)
Any idea where we could find him?
SOLEN
If I knew that, he'd already be dead.
SHEPPARD
All right, Tyre's not thinking straight, right?
SOLEN
(cautiously)
Sure.
SHEPPARD
So it's probably just a matter of time before he slips up. And when he does, I'm assuming your leads will hear about it.
SOLEN
Probably.
SHEPPARD
So what do you say, you contact us when you hear something, we'll deal with Tyre and save you the trip.
[Solen studies them.]
SOLEN
All right. To Ronon!
[He toasts with his bottle of liquor and drinks straight from the bottle.]
INT—SARIF SUR CELL
RONON
Look at you. You can barely walk. Let me get you some help.
TYRE
I'm beyond your help.
RONON
It's the Wraith, isn't it? What did they do to you?
TYRE
At this point, it's not so much what they did to me as what they "aren't" doing to me.
RONON
Giving you life? Reverse-feeding? Whatever the hell it's called?
TYRE
It's hard to describe. That sense of euphoria it offers is…
[He starts breathing heavily, licking his lips at the thought.]
RONON
You became addicted to it.
TYRE
You can't understand unless you've experienced it yourself. It was a gift—one that was denied me after I allowed you and your friends to escape us.
RONON
Hey…free me, and I'll get you some help. I promise.
TYRE
Help is already on the way, for both of us.
RONON
(worried)
What does that mean? What the hell did you do?
[The door opens. A Wraith and two soldier Wraith enter.]
TYRE
I've saved us.
[Ronon and the Wraith exchange sneers.]
WRAITH
Ronon Dex. I looked forward to the day when you would finally serve me.
RONON
Well, then, I'm going to feel real bad disappointing you.
WRAITH
Oh, I'm sure you'll try. But in the end, you'll come around.
[The Wraith feeds on Ronon, who cries out in pain.]
INT—WOOLSEY'S OFFICE
[Woolsey unpacks items to decorate his office as Teyla enters.]
TEYLA
Mister Woolsey?
WOOLSEY
Teyla. Any news on Ronon?
TEYLA
(sighing)
Not yet.
WOOLSEY
I'm sorry. I suppose we can draw comfort from the fact that he is a proven survivor. He defied the odds for many years as a runner.
TEYLA
Yes, he did.
WOOLSEY
How can I help you?
TEYLA
I wanted to…apologize for not having come to you sooner with a decision regarding my position on the colonel's team.
WOOLSEY
Take whatever time you need. If necessary, I can assign someone to fill in for you.
TEYLA
(nonplussed)
Oh…Mister Woolsey, do you have children?
WOOLSEY
Uh…no. But I did have a Yorkie for many years.
[Teyla looks puzzled.]
WOOLSEY
It's a…small dog.
TEYLA
Ah.
WOOLSEY
But my wife got him in the divorce…I loved that dog. I never really had the chance to say goodbye. So, no, no children.
TEYLA
Then with all due respect, you may not understand how difficult this is for me.
[Woolsey stops unpacking and gives Teyla his full attention.]
TEYLA
For most of my life, I never imagined the possibility of leaving my people, not even for a moment. And then, circumstances changed. And after realizing a far more important role on Colonel Sheppard's team, I never imagined a day would come when I would have to…let it go, and now here that day is.
WOOLSEY
Five years ago, if anyone had asked me if I ever planned on taking a job outside of the Milky Way, my answer would've been a definite no. And now…look at me. So…while I can't…empathize, I certainly do sympathize. Believe me, I know…priorities change.
[Teyla considers this.]
TEYLA
And sometimes they don't.
WOOLSEY
Teyla, I'm sure Kanaan will support you, whatever decision you make.
TEYLA
Yes. Of course he will. Thank you, Mister Woolsey.
[She leaves.]
INT—SARIF SUR CELL
[The Wraith revives Ronon through the feeding process. Ronon, who's hair and skin looked aged, now looks as he did before. He slumps, his face contorted in agony. He has a feeding wound on his chest.]
WRAITH
How does it feel to have your life stolen? To be pushed so close to the darkness, only to be pulled back from the brink? From what I understand, it's a magnificent sensation.
RONON
To be honest, I've felt better.
WRAITH
Defy me all you want. Your fellow Satedans were no different. Like them, you will eventually submit.
RONON
I'll die before I submit.
WRAITH
No, you won't.
[The Wraith begins to feed again. Ronon tries to resist, but finally roars in pain.]
INT—ATLANTIS MESS HALL
[McKay enters and stares with unusual distaste at the breakfast buffet. He turns and spots Sheppard sitting alone at a table.]
MCKAY
Hey! You're up early!
SHEPPARD
It's ten A.M.
[McKay sits down across from Sheppard.]
MCKAY
It is? Uh, gah, I didn't sleep at all, I was up all night thinking about this Ronon situation.
SHEPPARD
Got anything?
MCKAY
Nothing. I tried everything: pacing, snacking, bathing…
SHEPPARD
Bathing?
MCKAY
Yeah. Like Archimedes.
SHEPPARD
You mean the Greek scientist who had a crush on Teyla?
MCKAY
No, like the Greek mathematician who came up with the Archimedes principle—the physical laws of buoyancy? According to legend, the idea came to him when he was sitting in the bath, so…look the point is, that the revelation occurred while he was, you know, relaxing. You know, not thinking about the problem. And the solution, as it turned out, was right in front of him all along.
SHEPPARD
You think we've overlooked something?
MCKAY
I don't know. Maybe? Look, all I know is I was up all night going over it, and I'm drawing a blank. So…I could use a fresh perspective.
SHEPPARD
I'm not taking a bath with you.
MCKAY
No, let's…just go over what we know.
SHEPPARD
According to Solen, Tyre's on the run. And we can assume he's operating alone, because, if he had backup, they would've been in on the ambush.
MCKAY
Right. He's alone, with Ronon, on the run. So, where would someone like that go? Well, I could think of something like 200 uninhabited planets that would be perfect. Where do you want to start?
[Lorne arrives at the table.]
LORNE
How about Sarif Sur?
SHEPPARD
What?
LORNE
We just got a message from Ronon's buddy Solen. He hears that Tyre and Ronon are holed up on a planet called Sarif Sur.
MCKAY
Thank you, Archimedes.
[Sheppard gets up.]
SHEPPARD
Major, get your team and gear up.
LORNE
Yes, sir.
INT—SARIF SUR CELL
[Tyre leans close to Ronon.]
TYRE
There's just no point in holding on. You're just putting off the inevitable. It's better if you just accept it.
RONON
(weakly, but bitter)
You mean better for you, don't you? The Wraith cut you off, and this is your way back in, by offering me up as a sacrifice.
TYRE
No.
RONON
(weeping)
You're not the man I risked my life for. You are a traitor to the memory of our people. You have no honor.
[The door opens and the lead Wraith reenters.]
WRAITH
Things are progressing too slowly. I have other matters to attend to. We can continue this process back at the lab.
[Tyre stumbles to his feet.]
TYRE
And when will I receive my reward?
[The guards approach Ronon and stun him into unconsciousness for transport. Tyre doesn't even glance back, solely looking at the Wraith.]
WRAITH
Your reward?
TYRE
I brought him here as we agreed. In exchange, you promised to restore our previous arrangement.
WRAITH
Huh. Did I?
[The Wraith turns to go.]
TYRE
You promised!
[The Wraith spins and grabs Tyre by the throat, choking him.]
WRAITH
I'm afraid I'm going to have to disappoint, since your usefulness has come to an end.
[He throws Tyre back against the wall. The guards drag the unconscious Ronon with them, following the leader.]
INT—ATLANTIS GATE ROOM
[The Stargate kawooshes. Lorne's team and Sheppard and McKay head out. Sheppard looks up at the balcony where Woolsey stands before he leaves.]
SHEPPARD
We'll get him.
WOOLSEY
See that you do, Colonel.
WORMHOLE EFFECT
EXT—SARIF SUR, NIGHT
[Sheppard, McKay, and Lorne's teams spread out through the village.]
INT—SARIF SUR BUILDING
[Sheppard checks out the upper level of a building while McKay scans downstairs.]
SHEPPARD
Nothing.
[He heads down to join McKay.]
MCKAY
(sighing)
So we were wrong. It has been known to happen. Hey, I always said this was a long shot.
LORNE
(over radio)
Colonel, this is Lorne. We've got something.
MCKAY
I knew it!
[They rush out.]
EXT—SARIF SUR, NIGHT
LORNE
Over here.
INT—SARIF SUR CELL
[Lorne leads them over to where some of his team stand over an unconscious Tyre.]
LORNE
We checked his pulse. It's barely there. We gotta move him, or we lose him.
MCKAY
Where's Ronon?
SHEPPARD
Good question.
INT—ATLANTIS INFIRMARY
[Tyre lies strapped to an infirmary bed, unconscious, but spasming and twitching in his sleep.]
KELLER
His injuries are minor, but…both his heart-rate and blood pressure are elevated. He woke up about an hour after you brought him in. He was delirious; he was sweating, nauseous, trembling. So, I sedated him and ran some tests. After giving him a drug that blocks opioid receptors, I noticed a drop in dopamine levels here—a central link in the brain's reward circuit.
[She shows a screen of his brain scan.]
SHEPPARD
Meaning?
KELLER
Meaning this type of neuro-chemical activity is identical to that of reforming substance-users. He's going through withdrawal.
INT—ATLANTIS CORRIDOR
[Sheppard storms out, Keller and McKay following.]
SHEPPARD
I need to save him, Doc. Right now, he's our only lead. If he dies, our chances of finding Ronon go with him.
KELLER
Of course, but it could be days before he's coherent enough to tell us anything.
[Teyla runs up.]
TEYLA
John! Why wasn't I informed about the mission to rescue Ronon?
SHEPPARD
(awkwardly)
We were playing on a hunch. We had to act fast.
[Teyla glares at Sheppard.]
MCKAY
I'm going to go, um, see if they're still serving lunch. It's Taquito Tuesday.
KELLER
I think I'll join you.
[The pair hurry away from the forthcoming argument.]
TEYLA
I'm surprised that you would be so quick to move forward without me.
SHEPPARD
Don't put this on me. You're the one having second thoughts about returning to the team. I cannot give you the option every time we're going off-world.
TEYLA
This is not an easy decision for me.
SHEPPARD
You think you're the only one feeling pressure? I've got Woolsey pushing me hard to find a replacement for you.
TEYLA
(shocked)
What did you tell him?
SHEPPARD
I told him that I wasn't going to do anything until I talked to you. Now, if you want to join the team, great. I'll call Woolsey. I'll make it happen. But if you want to spend time with your son, I understand. I do. I really do. You've got to make a decision!
[He leaves Teyla standing there.]
EXT—WRAITH FACILITY, DAY
INT—WRAITH LAB
[Ronon is an upright position, restrained by a Wraith web.]
WRAITH
You're finally awake. The procedure can be very taxing. You've been unconscious for the better part of a day.
RONON
You're wasting your time. I'll die before I turn. Just like Marika and Hemi.
WRAITH
(chuckling)
I'm afraid you're mistaken. Your friends didn't die because they were strong. They died because they were too weak to withstand the process. Their minds and bodies eventually shut down under the strain. But you…you're stronger. And it is your strength that will prove your undoing.
[The Wraith feeds on Ronon again. Ronon screams.]
INT—INFIRMARY ISOLATION ROOM
[Tyre screams as he goes through detox, still restrained to the gurney.]
INT—INFIRMARY ISOLATION OBSERVATION ROOM
[Keller, Woolsey, Sheppard, and McKay watch Tyre below.]
KELLER
He broke through his restraints this morning and injured two guards, so I thought it would be best to put him in isolation. At least this way, if he breaks free again, he won't be an immediate danger to anyone.
SHEPPARD
How long is it going to take him to go through this?
KELLER
(shrugging)
To be honest, I'm not even sure he will.
TYRE
(yelling through window)
Please! You're killing me! Please!
WOOLSEY
Can't you give him something for the pain?
KELLER
Sedatives will make him more comfortable, but they'll also slow down his recovery.
SHEPPARD
I want this to go as quick as possible. No sedatives.
[He leaves the room.]
INT—INFIRMARY ISOLATION ROOM
[Tyre screams again.]
INT—WRAITH LAB
[Ronon screams as the Wraith feeds.]
INT—INFIRMARY ISOLATION ROOM
[Tyre screams and writhes.]
INT—WRAITH LAB
[The Wraith feeds again. Ronon doesn't react.]
INT—INFIRMARY ISOLATION ROOM
[Tyre writhes and screams.]
INT—WRAITH LAB
[Ronon regenerates to his former state. His expression is stony.]
INT—INFIRMARY ISOLATION ROOM
[Tyre falls into a peaceful sleep.]
INT—TEYLA'S QUARTERS
[Teyla rocks a sleeping Torren in a cradle. Kanaan enters.]
KANAAN
(whispering)
He's already sleeping? Why does it take so much longer when I try to put him down?
TEYLA
(whispering)
You worry too much. Perhaps he senses your anxiety.
KANAAN
Maybe he prefers the comfort of his mother's presence.
[They exchange wry smiles.]
TEYLA
Well, there may be times when he will have to learn to do without.
KANAAN
Does that mean you've decided?
TEYLA
I thought so…how can I return to the team with the knowledge that every time I step through the 'gate, there is a chance that I might not come back? That given the dangers, there is a possibility that our son will grow up without a mother.
KANAAN
You have a responsibility to him…but you also have a responsibility to the people of this galaxy. Follow your heart without remorse, and take comfort in knowing that you'll be doing so to safeguard the future of many, including your son. Just promise me you'll be careful out there.
INT—ATLANTIS CORRIDOR
[Keller walks with Sheppard.]
KELLER
He's been awake and lucid for about ten minutes now.
SHEPPARD
What did he say?
KELLER
Only that he wanted to talk to you.
INT—INFIRMARY ISOLATION ROOM
[Keller and Sheppard enter.]
TYRE
I know where they've taken Ronon.
SHEPPARD
Can you give us a 'gate address?
TYRE
Better. I'll lead you right into the heart of the facility.
SHEPPARD
(evasive)
Well, you're still recovering.
TYRE
Doctor Keller told me there was no longer any traces of the Wraith enzyme in my system.
SHEPPARD
That's not the point.
TYRE
Colonel, please! Let me help you get Ronon back!
[Sheppard studies Tyre's desperate, but earnest, expression.]
INT—WRAITH LAB
WRAITH
No retreat in the face of battle. No sympathy for the fallen. No mercy for our enemies.
[Ronon kneels in front of the Wraith.]
RONON
No retreat in the face of battle. No sympathy for the fallen. And no mercy to your enemies.
WRAITH
Our enemies. Atlantis.
[He holds out a broadsword for Ronon to take. Ronon looks at it and takes it while standing up.]
RONON
Atlantis.
WRAITH
(smiling)
No mercy.
[Ronon wields the blade.]
EXT—ATLANTIS, DAY
INT—ATLANTIS CORRIDOR
[Sheppard and Woolsey talk in a corridor.]
SHEPPARD
He seems rational, says he wants to help us.
WOOLSEY
I say we trust him only as much as we have to. Use his intel, but he stays here, under guard.
SHEPPARD
If you want to hit that Wraith facility, we're gonna need all the help we can get, and apparently he knows that place inside and out.
WOOLSEY
Yes, and is thus in a perfect position to lead you right into a trap!
SHEPPARD
Whoa, all right, look! I think as much as he'd like us to believe it, this is not about regaining some…lost honor or some Satedan revenge thing. Pure and simple, this is about a desperate guy who's willing to do anything to help his buddy.
WOOLSEY
And how can you be so certain of that, Colonel?
SHEPPARD
(firmly)
Because I've been there.
[Teyla comes up behind them, walking with Torren in her arms.]
SHEPPARD
Now, we have a chance to get Ronon, and I'm gonna take it, and you're going to need to trust me on this.
WOOLSEY
All right. Major Lorne's team will be accompanying you.
[Sheppard heads out. Teyla starts to hurry after them.]
TEYLA
What is it? What's happening?!
[Sheppard glances back but keeps moving.]
SHEPPARD
We know where Ronon is.
TEYLA
I'm coming with you!
SHEPPARD
(not breaking stride)
Gear up.
WOOLSEY
Uh, Teyla, this is exactly the kind of decision we were discuss—
TEYLA
I was just about to meet Kanaan in the cafeteria. Would you please explain to him the situation?
[She places the infant in a surprised Woolsey's arms. Torren fusses]
TEYLA
(to Torren)
Shh. It's all right.
(to Woolsey, desperately)
Please!
WOOLSEY
(nodding)
All right.
[Teyla runs after Sheppard. Woolsey bounces the baby in his arms.]
WOOLSEY
Well, well, well, who have we here?
[Torren begins to cry.]
WOOLSEY
(panicked)
Cafeteria. Cafeteria!
[Woolsey goes in one direction, then another, trying to find the correct way.]
EXT—WRAITH FACILITY, DAY
INT—WRAITH CORRIDOR
[Wraith soldiers patrol the corridor. Tyre strikes them both down with his sword.]
TYRE
This way.
[He leads the team down a corridor.]
INT—WRAITH POWER RELAY CHAMBER
[The rescue team shoots and kills another guard as they enter. Tyre makes certain he is dead while Sheppard directs placement for C-4.]
TEYLA
What is this place?
TYRE
You were looking for a target area that would maximize the effects of your explosives. Well, this is it. The facility's power relay chamber. Hide your charges to avoid discovery.
[He indicates a good placement.]
SHEPPARD
Let's go.
[Everyone plants C-4 is inconspicuous spots.]
TYRE
I assume you have the means to remote-detonate from a safe distance?
[Sheppard pulls out a remote detonator from his tac vest.]
SHEPPARD
Well, just flip…click.
INT—WRAITH CORRIDOR
[Tyre leads the team down another corridor.]
TYRE
This way.
[He leads the teams to another area. Once everyone inside a transporter, Tyre activates it.]
INT—WRAITH CORRIDORS
[They beam into another level and head down a corridor. Ronon appears at the other end, looking unconcerned and calm, with a disconcerting smile on his face.]
SHEPPARD
Ronon.
RONON
(calmly)
Sheppard. It's about time.
SHEPPARD
(warily)
What's going on, buddy?
[The Wraith appears behind Ronon.]
WRAITH
We were beginning to wonder if you'd ever show up.
[Wraith guards appear behind the team, surrounding them. The team raises their weapons in a standoff.]
WRAITH
You're at a disadvantage. You can attempt an escape, but you'll have to sacrifice your friend's life to do so.
SHEPPARD
Ronon, get out of the way.
RONON
I can't do that.
SHEPPARD
Ronon, step aside.
[Tyre licks his lips then grabs Teyla in a choke hold, holding a knife to her throat.]
TYRE
His life wouldn't be the only one forfeit.
TEYLA
Tyre….
TYRE
Lower your weapons.
[Sheppard gauges the situation, then lowers his rifle. The others follow suit.]
WRAITH
Take them away.
SHEPPARD
Ronon, what's happening here?
[Ronon punches Sheppard full in the face. He collapses unconscious, caught by the guards.]
TEYLA
Ronon!
[They are led away. Tyre remains behind.]
TYRE
I assume this is a prize worthy of reward?
WRAITH
Welcome back.
[Ronon slaps Tyre on the shoulder.]
INT—WRAITH CELL
[Sheppard, McKay and Teyla are trapped together.]
MCKAY
Well, you know, on the bright side, at least we'll never have to go back to Atlantis and hear Woolsey say "I told you so."
SHEPPARD
We're going to get out of here.
MCKAY
Oh, sure. I mean, all we have to do is escape from this cell, right? And get past all of the armed Wraith that are guarding the facility. And free Lorne and his team from wherever they're being held. And get back to the jumper, which is probably being disassembled as we speak. And, right, of course, we've got to rescue Ronon, who, I don't know if you happened to notice or not, isn't quite himself!
SHEPPARD
We're going to get Ronon, and we're going to go back to Atlantis.
MCKAY
And even if we do, then what, huh? I mean, Tyre's recovery hasn't exactly been the rousing success we were hoping for.
[While McKay panics, Teyla stares out the door with a blank expression.]
SHEPPARD
(more insistent)
We're going to get Ronon back.
MCKAY
(sighing)
Yeah, of course.
[He paces near Teyla and gives her a thumbs up sign.]
MCKAY
(to Teyla)
We're going to get him back.
INT—WRAITH LAB
[The Wraith paces as Ronon and Tyre stand nearby.]
RONON
You waste a huge opportunity by killing them.
WRAITH
They have no use to me beyond the information they can provide.
RONON
You underestimate their value.
WRAITH
Is it their value I underestimate or your loyalty I overestimate?
TYRE
Ronon's right. They're much more useful to you alive and cooperative.
RONON
They just need some convincing.
[The Wraith considers this.]
INT—WRAITH CELL
MCKAY
All right, I got it. We tell them we have some vital information that we're willing to give up, but we will only share it with Ronon. So they send Ronon, he shows up, we appeal to him—I mean, the part of him that-that's still…him.
SHEPPARD
Well, I can only think of…three things wrong with that plan, but go on.
MCKAY
He hasn't been brainwashed as long as Tyre, which means he might be more susceptible to our influence. We convince him to let us out or-or lead us out of here, and-and, you know, worst case scenario, he's not entirely convinced—
SHEPPARD
(doubtful)
That's your worst case scenario?
MCKAY
Hey, I'm just spinning here, but, um, we could take advantage of that moment of uncertainty and-and-and…
TYRE
Sheppard!
[The cell door opens. Tyre and guards wait outside.]
TYRE
You've been summoned.
MCKAY
(low, to Sheppard)
Do you want to, uh, go over the plan one more time?
SHEPPARD
No. No, I-I think I'm good.
(to Tyre)
I guess it's my turn for the sales pitch, huh?
[He pats McKay reassuringly on the shoulder and follows Tyre. The cell door closes behind him.]
INT—WRAITH CORRIDOR
TYRE
Wait. We need to get something.
[The guard pushes Sheppard to follow Tyre.]
INT—WRAITH LAB
WRAITH
Hmm.
[Tyre shoves Sheppard into the lab. The Wraith and Ronon await.]
WRAITH
Kneel.
SHEPPARD
You know what would be really creepy and unexpected is if you knelt instead.
[Tyre kicks the back of Sheppard's legs, forcing him to his knees with a pained cry.]
SHEPPARD
God…I guess not. All right, I'll try to make it work.
WRAITH
I appreciate your defiance.
SHEPPARD
Ronon, I really need you to snap out of it about now.
[Ronon watches and does nothing.]
WRAITH
It will make turning you all the more enjoyable.
[The Wraith snarls and holds out his feeding arm, about to feed on Sheppard. Tyre unsheathes his sword and cuts off the Wraith's hand. Ronon unsheathes his own sword, and he and Tyre do battle. The Wraith goes to attack, but Sheppard pulls out two pistols from behind his back and shoots the Wraith from point-blank range with both barrels. Ronon and Tyre continue to sword-fight as Sheppard shoots at oncoming guards. Ronon is able to get under Tyre's guard and slash him across the abdomen. He pulls off Tyre's dog-tag.]
INT—WRAITH CELLS
[Lorne watches from his team's cell as the guards are killed by gun fire. Teyla and McKay arrive and open the cell.]
LORNE
Teyla! McKay! How'd you get out?
MCKAY
Tyre freed us! Let's go!
[He starts handing Lorne's team their weapons.]
LORNE
Okay, come on, guys.
[They run.]
INT—WRAITH LAB
[Sheppard continues to hold off guards as the sword battle turns into unarmed hand-to hand-combat when Tyre is able to disarm Ronon. Ronon still gets the better of Tyre, knocking him to the floor and beating him. Teyla arrives and stuns him several times before Ronon falls.]
TEYLA
Go go go!
[Lorne's team grabs Ronon and moves ahead.]
SHEPPARD
How's it going?
MCKAY
Not so good!
[McKay covers their retreat. Lorne runs back down the corridor to rejoin Sheppard's team.]
LORNE
My guys are holding them off, but not for much longer.
SHEPPARD
Give me that.
[Sheppard takes Lorne's sidearm and strides over to the wounded Wraith.]
SHEPPARD
Tell them to back off.
WRAITH
My life will be a small price to pay for the lives of you…and your team.
[Sheppard kicks the Wraith's wound. Tyre pulls the detonator where it sticks out of Sheppard's pocket.]
TYRE
Then how about the destruction of this facility? Is that a small enough price as well?
WRAITH
You lie.
TYRE
I told them where to hide the charges for maximum effect—enough explosives to destroy this place and all its research. Any advantage your hide may hold over its rivals will be gone with the push of a button.
[Gunfire sounds in the distance as Tyre primes the explosives. Sheppard watches worriedly, but does not stop Tyre.]
WRAITH
Wait!
INT—WRAITH CORRIDOR
[The team is pinned down near the exit by Wraith guards. The lead Wraith is bound and held with them as a hostage.]
SHEPPARD
Tell them to let us through.
WRAITH
What's to stop you from triggering the explosives from a safe distance?
TYRE
My presence here. You let them go, I'll remain behind.
TEYLA
(warningly)
Tyre…
TYRE
(ignoring Teyla)
Once they've reached the 'gate, I'll trade you this device for my freedom… or we all die together!
[He clutches the detonator tighter. The Wraith rolls his eyes, defeated.]
WRAITH
(calling to other Wraith)
Let them go!
[The guards lower their weapons and drop back. Tyre takes off his sword and scabbard and hands them to Sheppard with a sober expression.]
TYRE
I'll be right behind you.
[He gives a single poignant nod to Sheppard, who pauses for a moment, then gravely returns the nod.]
SHEPPARD
(to others)
Let's go!
[The Atlantis teams run out of the facility, two of Lorne's men carrying the unconscious Ronon.]
[Back in the corridor, Tyre presses the hostage Wraith up against the wall.]
WRAITH
You turn your back on an incredible gift.
TYRE
Actually, you turned your back on me first. And I thank you for it.
SHEPPARD
(over radio)
We're clear!
WRAITH
You are not beyond forgiveness. It's not too late for you.
TYRE
Yes it is…for both of us.
[Tyre detonates the explosives.]
EXT—WRAITH FACILITY
[The facility explodes as the jumper flies away.]
EXT—ATLANTIS DAY
INT—INFIRMARY ISOLATION OBSERVATION ROOM
[Keller briefs Woolsey, Sheppard, Teyla, and McKay as they watch Ronon violently struggle against the restraints holding him to a gurney in the isolation room.]
WOOLSEY
What kind of a time frame for recovery are we looking at?
KELLER
Ack, it's impossible to predict. He had so much of the enzyme running through him that his body can hardly process it. When it eventually does, that's when he'll come down…and he'll come down hard.
SHEPPARD
I'm going to talk to him.
[He leaves.]
INT—CORRIDOR OUTSIDE ISOLATION ROOM
SHEPPARD
(to guards)
Open it.
[They do so.]
INT—INFIRMARY ISOLATION ROOM
[Ronon settles, grinning manically with wild, blood shot eyes as he watches Sheppard enter.]
RONON
There he is. Hey, buddy.
SHEPPARD
Buddy?
RONON
So, how long are you planning on keeping me prisoner?
SHEPPARD
As long as it takes to clear your head.
RONON
My head is clear.
SHEPPARD
Well, you may be feeling fine right now, but…things are going to get pretty rough for you. We're going to get you through this.
RONON
Whatever you've got planned? It's not going to work. You've got a choice: you can either kill me, or you let me go. And if you let me go, I promise I won't come after you…or Atlantis. Tell Tyre I won't come after him either.
SHEPPARD
Tyre's dead. He sacrificed himself taking out the Wraith lab.
[Ronon appears stunned for a moment, but he tries to hide his concern.]
RONON
Well, he was a traitor.
SHEPPARD
No, he was a good friend. We all are. You're going to realize that pretty soon.
[He turns to go.]
RONON
Hey, will you just kill me or set me free. Sheppard?!
[Sheppard leaves.]
RONON
(calling after him)
You kill me or set me free! Sheppard!
EXT—ATLANTIS NIGHT
INT—INFIRMARY ISOLATION ROOM
[Ronon groans and cries out in pain.]
RONON
Kill me please! Please, kill me! No!
[Ronon writhes and screams as time passes. He tries to break free of the restraints to no avail.]
[McKay watches from the observation room as Keller checks on Ronon.]
[Later, Sheppard sits in the room with Ronon.]
[Later still, McKay sits with Ronon, who's sleeping peacefully.]
MCKAY
…I had what they call piano fingers—slim, nimble. You know, it's really no surprise that my parents signed me up for lessons. My first teacher, of course, hailed me as a natural. Big Russian woman, Polanski or Baranski or…
RONON
(hoarsely)
Sheppard…
MCKAY
…definitely a "ski"…Ronon?
[McKay jumps off the stool, suddenly realizing Ronon's conscious.]
MCKAY
Hey, uh, how do you feel?
[Ronon looks around. He appears exhausted, but calm. His eyes no longer have a manic gleam to them.]
RONON
Like hitting someone?
MCKAY
(warily)
Anyone in particular?
RONON
You, if you don't loosen these straps and get me something to eat.
MCKAY
(grinning)
That-that is a good sign! That's a good sign!
[McKay bounds out of the room, elated.]
MCKAY
(shouting as he leaves)
He's back! He's back!
INT—ATLANTIS BRIEFING ROOM
[Woolsey, Sheppard, McKay, Teyla, and Keller, sit around the table.]
WOOLSEY
So he's fully recovered?
KELLER
Well, physically, he's still weak, but his blood-work shows no traces of the enzyme in his system. So, he should be back to his old self in no time.
WOOLSEY
Good to hear. Well, it's late. I think I'll head back to my quarters and change into something a little more relaxed. Good night.
[He gets up and gathers his items. He pauses a moment, but this time the doors open for them. He glances at Sheppard with a satisfied smile. The others start to leave.]
TEYLA
John, may I have a word?
SHEPPARD
Yeah. Sure.
EXT—ATLANTIS NIGHT
INT—WOOLSEY'S QUARTERS
[Woolsey opens the door to find Teyla standing there. Classical music plays from his stereo. He is dressed in a grey suit and holds a glass of red wine.]
WOOLSEY
Teyla. Come in.
TEYLA
I thought you said you were changing into something more relaxed?
WOOLSEY
For me, this is more relaxed. Can I offer you a drink?
TEYLA
No, thank you. I just spoke with John, and now I would like to make it official. I am requesting a return to active duty. I would like to resume my position on Colonel Sheppard's team.
WOOLSEY
You're sure this is what you want?
TEYLA
Very much so.
WOOLSEY
Well, then, welcome back.
[He toasts her with his glass.]
TEYLA
Thank you, Mister Woolsey. Good night.
TEYLA
Good night.
[Teyla exits. Woolsey turns up the music and stares out the window, still nursing his wine.]
INT—TEYLA'S QUARTERS
[Kanaan holds Torren as Teyla enters. He hands over their son. She cradles him as Kanaan looks on, smiling.]
INT—BATHROOM
[McKay relaxes in a bubble bath. Struck by sudden inspiration, he sluffs off the bubbles from his hand, grabs the tablet computer from nearby, and starts to work.]
INT—INFIRMARY
[Ronon lies unrestrained in a hospital bed. Sheppard enters, carrying Tyre's sword. Wordlessly, he lays the sword at Ronon's side on the bed, hesitates, nods, and leaves. Ronon unsheathes the sword and studies it before cradling it to his chest.]
FADE OUT
END CREDITS
Transcribed for Solutions by Aurora Novarum, August 2008.
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--Michelle 11:36, 28 September 2008 (PDT)