SGA 5.05 "Ghost In The Machine" Transcript
Episode Guide
SGA 5.05 "Ghost In The Machine" Episode Guide
Précis
Surviving human form Replicators wish to achieve ascension by uploading their consciousnesses into subspace to live indefinitely as fields of energy, but Atlantis is put into danger when their experiment yields some surprising results.
Guide | Transcript
Transcript
TEASER
EXT—SPACE
[A puddle jumper flies away from a planet.]
INT—PUDDLE JUMPER
[Sheppard's team sits inside. They all look unsettled.]
RONON
What the hell was that thing?
TEYLA
It just appeared out of nowhere.
MCKAY
And that shriek scared the crap out of me.
SHEPPARD
Some kind of a…flying monkey?
MCKAY
A flying monkey? What is this? The planet of Oz?
TEYLA
To me, it appeared to be leaping, rather than flying.
RONON
That was one hell of a leap.
SHEPPARD
Well, I said it looked like a monkey. You know, hair, arms, legs—
MCKAY
And a beak.
SHEPPARD
It didn't have a beak.
MCKAY
Well, here I uploaded it. There.
[McKay shows a picture on his tablet computer of a blurry spot of darkness against light.]
SHEPPARD
(sarcastic)
Oh. You know, that really clears things up.
MCKAY
Well, what do you expect? It was trying to kill me!
RONON
What the hell is that thing?
SHEPPARD
Well, let's send a team of biologists down there; let them figure it out. It might be a good place for an Alpha Site.
TEYLA
The planet did seem suitable—good climate, abundant food and water, excellent choice for an off-world base.
MCKAY
Aside from the flying monkeys.
SHEPPARD
All right, we're coming into range, Rodney…
EXT—SPACE
[The space Stargate activates.]
EXT—PUDDLE JUMPER
[A surge seems to roll throughout the ship. An alarm beeps insistently.]
SHEPPARD
(concerned)
Rodney?
MCKAY
Whoa. Serious power spike. That's strange.
TEYLA
What's wrong?
MCKAY
I don't know. These readings are all screwy.
[More power overloads happen.]
SHEPPARD
I just lost steering.
MCKAY
Really?
SHEPPARD
The drive pods won't retract.
RONON
Do something!
MCKAY
(frustrated)
I could if I knew what the problem was.
SHEPPARD
Rodney…
MCKAY
J-j-just hang on, hang on.
SHEPPARD
But if those pods don't retract…
MCKAY
I know, I know! J-just give me a second.
SHEPPARD
We don't have a second.
[An arc surges across the ship.]
RONON
What the hell?
[The power goes off in the ship.]
MCKAY
(worried)
We just lost power.
SHEPPARD
All right, you better hold on.
EXT—SPACE
[The jumper drifts, off-center from the Stargate, striking its side. Both the jumper and the Stargate drift, thrown off-course by the impact. The Stargate's thrusters push it back into its proper position as the jumper continues to tumble out of control.]
END TEASER
OPENING CREDITS
EXT—SPACE
[The jumper continues to tumble in an unstable orbit above the planet.]
INT—PUDDLE JUMPER
MCKAY
Okay, good. Good! I was wrong. We still have power; it's just not getting to any of the primary systems…or the secondary systems, either.
SHEPPARD
Why not?
MCKAY
I don't know. It's some kind of interference. I'm getting, uh, spikes all over the place. I mean, it's completely haywire. Thank god the inertial dampeners weren't affected.
SHEPPARD
Well, not yet.
[Another electrical arc runs over Sheppard's system, barely missing him.]
SHEPPARD
Jeez! What the hell is that?
MCKAY
That's displacement current. High voltage. Do not let it hit you!
SHEPPARD
(sarcastic)
Oh, you think?
TEYLA
Perhaps it's something we picked up on the planet.
MCKAY
That is doubtful, okay? There was nothing technological, I mean, Ancient or other on that planet. It was totally primordial. I didn't detect anything unusual in the planet's magnetosphere. Look, it-it's got to be some kind of a-of a glitch in the jumper's capacitors. Just give me a second, I'll figure out how to…Oh, no.
[McKay stares at his computer in horror.]
RONON
(impatient)
What?
MCKAY
Hitting the 'gate decreased our speed which means we're in decaying orbit. If we don't get power back, we're going to burn up in the atmosphere.
SHEPPARD
All right, so try to get the DHD working. We can dial the 'gate and radio for help.
MCKAY
Well, I-I'll try but the radio communications were affected as well.
[A quiet humming of a system powering up can be heard. Sheppard and McKay both look at their displays.]
SHEPPARD
The drive pods are powering up.
MCKAY
But only one of them, and it wasn't anything I did. I mean, it just came back online.
RONON
(skeptical)
By itself?
SHEPPARD
It doesn't make any difference. Keep working on that DHD. I'm going to try to get us back in range.
EXT—SPACE
[The puddle jumper, powered only by one drive pod, heads back towards the Stargate.]
INT—PUDDLE JUMPER
MCKAY
Okay, I got bad news, and I got good news.
SHEPPARD
What is it?
MCKAY
There's a slim to no chance of getting the DHD working. That system is completely out of whack. It's going to take some incredibly intricate rerouting of the power to—
SHEPPARD
Whoa, whoa, whoa. What's the good news?
MCKAY
That…was the good news. The bad news, is we lost life support.
RONON
So no air.
MCKAY
(weakly)
Right. That-that's…why it's bad.
SHEPPARD
All right, we're back in range. Just, keep working on the DHD. This may be our last shot.
[Another surge happens in the cargo bay behind the team. Immediately afterwards, all the power comes back on in the ship. McKay frantically reaches for his computer.]
TEYLA
What just happened?
MCKAY
I don't know, but we're back online.
SHEPPARD
DHD?
MCKAY
Everything. We got propulsion, life support, you name it.
EXT—SPACE
[The jumper, now using both drive pods, closes in on the active Stargate.]
INT—PUDDLE JUMPER
SHEPPARD
(into radio)
Atlantis, this is Sheppard. We're coming in for approach, but our systems are a little whacked. If we're not there in about ten seconds, send a jumper for us.
CHUCK
(over radio)
Copy that, Colonel.
SHEPPARD
(to team)
You better brace yourselves again.
EXT—SPACE
[The jumper does not slow down, coasting into the active wormhole.]
WORMHOLE EFFECT
EXT—ATLANTIS, DAY
INT—ATLANTIS CORRIDOR
[Sheppard and Woolsey head down a staircase and along a corridor.]
WOOLSEY
Any of the other jumpers reporting trouble?
SHEPPARD
No, probably an isolated incident. But McKay and Zelenka are checking into it. We should probably ground the jumpers 'till we know what the problem is, though.
WOOLSEY
All right. But the planet…suitable for an Alpha Site?
SHEPPARD
Yeah, perfect. Well, except for the monkey-like creature flying around, but I think we can handle that.
WOOLSEY
"Monkey?"
SHEPPARD
Yeah, McKay's got some photos. He'll show 'em to you.
[Sheppard parts ways, heading down a side corridor.]
WOOLSEY
(calling after him)
Did you say "flying"?
INT—PUDDLE JUMPER
[McKay and Zelenka have diagnostic equipment hooked up to the jumper. McKay looks puzzled. Sheppard enters.]
SHEPPARD
So, how's it going, boys? Did you get it fixed?
ZELENKA
There's nothing to fix.
SHEPPARD
What?
MCKAY
We ran a battery of tests. The jumper's in perfect condition.
SHEPPARD
How come the systems are all screwy?
MCKAY
You got me.
ZELENKA
We couldn't recreate any of the "so-called" anomalies.
MCKAY
(annoyed)
Hey, Sammy Skeptic, he saw it too! As did Ronon and Teyla. All of our primary systems went down.
ZELENKA
(patronizing)
That's okay, I believe you.
MCKAY
I don't think you do.
ZELENKA
It's just that I think that maybe, the problem may have been caused by something that you unwittingly…
MCKAY
(protesting)
I didn't do anything, "wittingly" or "un-"!
SHEPPARD
(backing away)
Okay, okay, there's nothing wrong with the jumper?
MCKAY
Well, not anymore.
[Sheppard leaves. Zelenka starts to follow.]
ZELENKA
(muttering to himself)
I don't think there ever was anything—
MCKAY
(piqued)
Okay, enough.
INT—ATLANTIS TRANSPORTER
[Woolsey reaches an elevator and opens the door. It opens. Woolsey is distracted by reading his tablet computer and barely pays attention as he presses the button to head to the control room and the doors close. He does notice when the system seems to fritz, closing the panel to the directional controls. However, he hears the door behind him open a second later, so he walks out, still looking at his computer.]
EXT—EAST PIER BALCONY
[Woolsey walks straight out onto a balcony only noticing where he is when he walks into the balcony wall with a thud. He turns around, but the transporter doors shut in his face. He tries to get them to open, but the motion sensor does not work.]
WOOLSEY
Aw, please.
(keying radio)
Control room? This is Richard Woolsey. I took a wrong turn in a transporter and ended up…
(looking around)
…I have no idea where I am. But now the transporter door won't open. Can you locate me and open it, please…? Hello…?
[Woolsey is alone in the deserted area.]
INT—ATLANTIS CORRIDOR
[Sheppard walks along a corridor. The power flickers, and Sheppard pauses.]
SHEPPARD
(into radio)
Rodney?
MCKAY
(over radio)
Go ahead.
SHEPPARD
(into radio)
Are you, uh, messing around with the power again? The lights are flickering.
INT—MCKAY'S LAB
[McKay works on his computer.]
MCKAY
Yeah, I'm getting reports from all over the place.
[The power goes on and off.]
MCKAY
(into radio)
Hello?
INT—ATLANTIS CORRIDOR
[An electrical surge arcs across the corridor inches in front of Sheppard. He pauses his stride for a moment, then starts moving faster through the corridor.]
SHEPPARD
(concerned)
Rodney…?
INT—MCKAY'S LAB
[Zelenka enters.]
ZELENKA
Have you noticed the—
MCKAY
Yes.
ZELENKA
Well, do you have any—
MCKAY
Not yet.
ZELENKA
Localized?
MCKAY
No. Got power disruptions all over the city.
ZELENKA
Oh. ZPM?
MCKAY
Still online, plenty of power. It's just suddenly become, um…
[The power completely shuts down, then turns back on.]
MCKAY
(ruefully)
…unstable.
ZELENKA
Sounds not unlike what you said happened in the puddle jumper.
MCKAY
(snappish)
Yes, remarkably not unlike it.
[Zelenka heads to a computer station.]
ZELENKA
Well, perhaps the anomaly spread to the city's systems?
MCKAY
That's impossible. I disabled the network connection between the jumper and Atlantis before we even came through the 'gate.
[The computers shut down.]
ZELENKA
Oh, so…coincidence then?
INT—ATLANTIS CONTROL ROOM
[Sheppard arrives. McKay and Zelenka are already working there.]
SHEPPARD
There you are, I tried to radio you.
MCKAY
(distracted)
Yeah, well, communications are down.
SHEPPARD
Yeah, obviously. What's up?
[McKay moves to another machine.]
MCKAY
We're working on it.
SHEPPARD
Well, I just almost got zapped by a bolt of lightning!
[McKay and Zelenka look up, alert.]
MCKAY
(worried)
What? Displacement current? Here?
SHEPPARD
Yeah, right there in the corridor. Just like the one we had in the jumper.
ZELENKA
So…not a coincidence.
[An alarm beeps.]
CHUCK
We just lost power to the Stargate.
MCKAY
(astonished)
What?!
SHEPPARD
Well, maybe, a-a virus uploaded itself or something…
MCKAY
No, no, no. I disabled the jumper's network connection for this very reason. There is no way the anomaly jumped to the city's systems!
[An unmanned computer terminal explodes, causing everyone to wince and duck. The computer monitor is blackened and smoking.]
SHEPPARD
You'd better figure it out, because whatever was in that jumper is now in the city.
[A stunned McKay gets back to work.]
EXT—ATLANTIS, NIGHT
INT—ATLANTIS CONTROL ROOM
[Woolsey arrives. Everyone is bustling at work. Sheppard is there.]
SHEPPARD
Where have you been?
WOOLSEY
On the other side of the city. Transporter malfunctioned and sent me to the East Pier. I had to walk all the way back.
[He sits in a nearby chair, takes off his shoes, and begins to massage his pained feet.]
MCKAY
We've got power disruptions all over the city. Nearly every system's affected.
SHEPPARD
We think whatever's wrong with the jumper has infected Atlantis.
MCKAY
(more cautious)
It's one of several possibilities we're looking into.
ZELENKA
(surprised)
Several?
MCKAY
It's a possibility, all right? The point is, we have no idea what's going on here.
WOOLSEY
(drily)
I was almost hit by a bolt of lightning!
SHEPPARD
Yeah? Join the club.
MCKAY
Look, the energy builds up in one area, and then discharges in a-in a high-voltage displacement current. Very erratic. Very lethal.
WOOLSEY
I tried to radio you.
ZELENKA
Yeah, well communications are also down.
SHEPPARD
(blithely)
So's the Stargate.
WOOLSEY
(alarmed)
We can't dial Earth?
MCKAY
(impatient)
Look, don't worry, all right? I will figure it out. I just gotta…run a few diagnostics, narrow down things…
[The lights go off. The generator, then falls silent. Woolsey stands.]
SHEPPARD
Well, that can't be good.
EXT—ATLANTIS, NIGHT
[There is no power on throughout the city.]
INT—ATLANTIS CONTROL ROOM
WOOLSEY
(nervously)
Okay, okay, we, uh…we need to organize some teams. Fan out through the city. Keep everyone calm until we figure out exactly what the—
[The computer terminal in front of Woolsey suddenly comes to life. It is the only thing with power.]
MCKAY
(startled)
Hey. The laptop just booted up.
[He comes over to the station.]
SHEPPARD
It's probably just the battery.
MCKAY
No, no, no. It's drawing power from the system.
WOOLSEY
So everything's out except your computer?
MCKAY
(annoyed)
I am as confused as you are.
[The computer starts showing random series of letters, separated by ellipses. Sheppard, Woolsey, McKay, and Zelenka lean closer.]
WOOLSEY
What is that?
SHEPPARD
Looks like some kind of a code?
MCKAY
Maybe.
ZELENKA
It could be a message.
[The gibberish on the screen changes into one intelligible word: "help."]
WOOLSEY
Help?
[McKay types into the computer: "Who are you?" New letters on the screen eventually form into the words: "Elizabeth Weir". Everyone stands, exchanging stunned looks.]
EXT—ATLANTIS, NIGHT
[The lights are still out throughout the city.]
INT—ATLANTIS CONTROL ROOM
WOOLSEY
Doctor Weir? But she's dead.
SHEPPARD
So we've been told.
WOOLSEY
(to McKay)
Perhaps…you should answer her.
[He nods his head to the screen. McKay, still looking stunned, snaps out of some of his fugue at this news.]
MCKAY
Right.
[McKay types: Where are you?]
[The response, after some struggle: computer]
WOOLSEY
(confused)
In the computer? How can she be in the computer?
[Response: difficult…current condition.]
[McKay types: What happened to you?]
[Response: subspace difficult control trying to—]
[The power returns to the city, the lights turning on.]
[McKay types: Did you do that?]
[Only gibberish is typed in response.]
[McKay types: Are you still there?]
[Response: help me.]
INT—ANCIENT LAB
[Zelenka and other scientists hook up naquadah reactors and work on an Atlantis panel.]
ZELENKA
(into radio)
All right. Rodney? Rodney, come in…Rodney, can you hear me?
MCKAY
(over radio)
Go ahead.
ZELENKA
(into radio)
I've completed the patch. Go ahead and try it…whenever you're ready.
INT—MCKAY'S LAB
[McKay works on his computer. The rest of his team and Woolsey stand nearby.]
MCKAY
Okay…fingers crossed.
SHEPPARD
What are you doing?
MCKAY
Well, whatever this entity is, it's completely overwhelming the city's systems. It-it's spread out, like, uh, dozens of fragmented programs that are fouling up power management, communications, you name it. Now, I've managed to merge them, to, uh, patch them together into one incredibly large program that will A) hopefully render our systems slightly more stable, and, uh, B) allow us to better communicate with whoever or… whatever it is that's claiming to be Doctor Weir.
WOOLSEY
Isn't merging all these programs potentially dangerous?
MCKAY
Well, hell yeah. But it's no more dangerous than allowing this thing to continue wreaking havoc on the city's systems.
SHEPPARD
Or…getting zapped by bolts of lightning.
[McKay starts typing on his keyboard.]
MCKAY
Okay, so, let me see if I can synthesize a voice to communicate with. Elizabeth—if I make the proper calibrations—she should be able to hear us too.
[He moves to another computer and types more. A panel beeps.]
MCKAY
Now…Elizabeth?
[The computer lets out a very deep, synthesized voice.]
SYNTHESIZED VOICE
Rodney?
SHEPPARD
Is it just me, or does, uh, "Elizabeth" sound a little different?
[McKay is already typing at his computer again.]
MCKAY
(annoyed)
I'm on it. I'm on it.
[He finishes his work and turns back to the main computer.]
MCKAY
Are you Elizabeth Weir?
[The voice is still deep, but much improved from before, with a feminine tone.]
SYNTHESIZED WEIR VOICE
Yes, Rodney. It's me.
MCKAY
It's the best I can do.
SYNTHESIZED WEIR VOICE
I'm sorry to cause all this trouble. Who's there with you? Is-is John Sheppard there?
SHEPPARD
(hoarse)
Hi.
SYNTHESIZED WEIR VOICE
It's so good to hear your voice again.
SHEPPARD
We, uh…thought you were…dead.
SYNTHESIZED WEIR VOICE
I suppose I am. My…my physical body, anyway, but…my consciousness is still intact.
SHEPPARD
(nervous)
Right. So, uh, what happened?
SYNTHESIZED WEIR VOICE
All right, so…you remember the day I ordered you to leave me behind?
FLASHBACK
[Scenes from 4.02 "Lifeline" are shown.]
INT—ASURAS CITY CORRIDOR
[Weir is some distance from Ronon and Sheppard. Replicators start firing at the pair, forcing them to fall back.]
RONON
Come on!
SHEPPARD
Elizabeth?!
WEIR
GO!
[Replicators surround Weir as Sheppard and Ronon retreat.]
END FLASHBACK
SHEPPARD
Yeah…yeah, I remember.
SYNTHESIZED WEIR VOICE
Well, after that, the Replicators took me to a lab…
FLASHBACK
INT—ASURAS LAB
[From Weir's point of view, Replicators stand over Weir as surgical lights shine down on her. Nanites start flowing upward from Weir's body.]
SYNTHESIZED WEIR VOICE
(continuing, voiceover)
The nanites in my body were unleashed and allowed to replicate. I joined the population, but even in my new form, my original consciousness was still there. I-I was still me. I tried to hide it, but a few of the others could sense it. They were remnants of Niam's old group.
INT—ASURAS CORRIDOR
[From Weir's point of view, she walks down a corridor. A few of the Replicators study her shrewdly as she walks by.]
END FLASHBACK
SYNTHESIZED WEIR VOICE
I believe you encountered some of their handiwork—replicator-built human versions of me and your team?
SHEPPARD
(warily)
Hmm. You heard about that, did you?
SYNTHESIZED WEIR VOICE
Only after they were killed.
MCKAY
Now, the other you, the—human one? She thought you'd been destroyed.
SYNTHESIZED WEIR VOICE
That's what the leaders of our group wanted her to believe. They kept us apart deliberately for…security reasons.
WOOLSEY
This is all very interesting, I'm sure. But none of it explains how you've come to be a disembodied voice in our computer system.
SYNTHESIZED WEIR VOICE
(sounding incredulous)
Is that…Richard Woolsey?
WOOLSEY
(nonplussed)
Um, yes. Ahem, it is. I'm the…uh…the new…
SHEPPARD
(impatient)
The new you.
SYNTHESIZED WEIR VOICE
I see.
SHEPPARD
So what—what-what happened? How did you…end up…in there?
SYNTHESIZED WEIR VOICE
We were on the run. Oberoth and the others were hunting us down for our heretical beliefs. It was only a matter of time before we'd be captured and destroyed—unless something miraculous happened, and something did.
FLASHBACK
[Scene from 4.11 "Be All My Sins Remembered"]
EXT—SPACE
[Asteroids make up the debris field where Asuras/M7R-227 once sat. One Aurora-class vessel floats amongst the debris.]
INT—BRIDGE, REPLICATOR SHIP
REPLICATOR WOMAN
Our intel was correct. The planet has been completely destroyed.
REPLICATOR MAN
Can you detect any trace Replicator cells?
REPLICATOR WOMAN
Negative. They've been completely wiped out.
[Weir sits in the captain's chair.]
WEIR
Good. We can finally get to work without having to look over our shoulders. It's time to begin.
END FLASHBACK
SHEPPARD
Uh, well, that wasn't a miracle. That was us. We…destroyed the Replicator home-world.
SYNTHESIZED WEIR VOICE
I know, and we owe you a debt of gratitude, because it allowed us to pursue our goal in peace.
TEYLA
You mean ascension.
SYNTHESIZED WEIR VOICE
Exactly, Teyla.
FLASHBACK
EXT—ALIEN PLANET, NIGHT
[An Aurora-class vessel is parked in a forest clearing on a world.]
SYNTHESIZED WEIR VOICE
(voiceover)
We found a suitable planet and began our work. I did what I could to help them. I tried to lead them in meditation, to teach them how to "release their burden." But it was difficult.
[In the forest, the Asuran Replicators sit cross-legged around a campfire, trying to meditate.]
END FLASHBACK
MCKAY
Let me guess, you ran into the small hiccup with the fact that you're all machines?!
SYNTHESIZED WEIR VOICE
Yes.
MCKAY
Well, as much as I'd like to say we didn't see that coming, we, you know, did.
SYNTHESIZED WEIR VOICE
One of our group, Koracen, argued that it was a mistake to try and run away from our technological origin—that we should embrace it, and find a technological solution.
FLASHBACK
INT—SCIENCE LAB
[Koracen paces a lab, speaking to several Replicators.]
KORACEN
We know that a Replicator mind can be digitized and transferred from one body to another, but I've discovered a way that will allow us to exist indefinitely as fields of energy, effectively uploading ourselves into subspace where we'll be free to move about the galaxy unencumbered by physical existence.
REPLICATOR WOMAN TWO
What would happen to our bodies?
KORACEN
The nanite bonds holding them together would be separated.
REPLICATOR WOMAN TWO
You mean they'll be destroyed.
KORACEN
Yes, but we'll no longer need them.
REPLICATOR WOMAN
Koracen, if this doesn't work…?
KORACEN
It will work. You told us that ascension is achieved when the physical body is transformed into pure energy. I can make that happen for us. And once in subspace, nothing can prevent us from continuing on to the next plane of existence.
(to young looking Replicator woman on table)
Are you ready?
[The woman nods and lies down on a lab table. Koracen goes to a panel and presses some controls. An electrical arc surges, and the woman's nanites break apart, leaving her remains a bunch of dust.]
KORACEN
It's done.
END FLASHBACK
MCKAY
Machine ascension?
SYNTHESIZED WEIR VOICE
Except it didn't work. There was no next step, no "ascension" in any meaningful sense of the word. We've been stuck in subspace ever since.
TEYLA
What is it like?
SYNTHESIZED WEIR VOICE
Oh…constant motion and…deafening noise. It-it's like the worst migraine you could possibly imagine.
MCKAY
I don't know. I've had some pretty horrendous migraines in my time—
SYNTHESIZED WEIR VOICE
(cutting him off)
We started searching the galaxy, looking for a way to regain any kind of physical form. We came across a few other technologically advanced societies.
MCKAY
Really? In-in this galaxy?
SYNTHESIZED WEIR VOICE
You'd be surprised how many more are out there, keeping themselves hidden from the Wraith. We occupied various computer systems, even Wraith tech for a short while.
SHEPPARD
Wraith tech, really?
SYNTHESIZED WEIR VOICE
It was extremely unpleasant. In fact, no matter where we looked, we couldn't find any technology that would allow us to exist as anything even remotely like what we were before.
MCKAY
Which is why you came here. You knew that Atlantis's computers were big enough and powerful enough to house your entire program.
SYNTHESIZED WEIR VOICE
The others were growing increasingly frustrated and bitter. I broke away from them, and started looking for you on my own. I searched the galaxy for months; then I detected your puddle jumper and connected with it.
RONON
(drily)
Nearly killing us in the process.
SYNTHESIZED WEIR VOICE
I'm sorry for that. My current condition is…extremely volatile, difficult to control, especially during the initial moments trying to interface with new tech. But I didn't know where else to turn. You're the only friends I have.
[Everyone exchanges troubled looks.]
EXT—ATLANTIS, NIGHT
[The city's power is now on.]
EXT—ATLANTIS BALCONY, NIGHT
[Sheppard's team and Woolsey stand on a balcony, talking over the situation.]
RONON
If you ask me, it's a trick, someone just pretending to be Doctor Weir.
MCKAY
But what if it is her? Look, we still have the Ancient machine I used to build Fran. I can easily build another Replicator to house—
WOOLSEY
(interrupting)
No!
MCKAY
(desperately)
I'd put in fail-safes, a kill switch! Look, what I'm saying is that with all of the advancements I've been able to make—
WOOLSEY
(interrupting)
With all due respect to the advancements you've made, one thing remains constant: Replicators are far too powerful to even think about trusting them. They've been the scourge of two galaxies! You know better than anyone how difficult it was to get rid of them.
TEYLA
Then what should we do with her?
MCKAY
Well, she can't stay where she is. She's frying the city's computers.
SHEPPARD
Well, maybe we can upload her, or it, or…whatever this thing is into a virtual reality like we did with Ava.
MCKAY
That could work, but it wouldn't be easy, especially if she doesn't want to go.
SHEPPARD
Well, talk to her.
[Zelenka rushes out onto the balcony.]
ZELENKA
Rodney, we just detected anomalous energy levels in the South Pier lab.
MCKAY
(realizing)
The Replicator machine!
RONON
She's building herself a body.
MCKAY
She must've found it in the database.
WOOLSEY
Shut down power to that room.
[They hurry back inside.]
ZELENKA
I-I've tried. I've also tried to radio down there, but communications are offline.
INT—ATLANTIS SOUTH PIER CORRIDOR
[They approach the Replicator building lab. The lights continuously flicker on and off. Marines are already at the sealed door, trying to open it.]
SHEPPARD
(to marine)
What's going on?
MARINE
Door slammed shut. Can't get it open.
MCKAY
Okay, move.
[McKay pushes the marine out of the way and starts to work on the panel.]
SHEPPARD
Go get some backup, some heavy arms, and, uh, cover every corridor out of here. Get some C-4, we're gonna have to blast this door.
[The marine leaves.]
MCKAY
Nope, this panel is toast.
[He closes the panel door. The power suddenly stops flickering, maintaining a steady on position.]
WOOLSEY
Is there another door we can access?
[The door opens from the inside. Sheppard and Ronon raise their weapons in alarm as everyone looks startled. Weir, inside a replicator body identical to McKay's Fran Replicator, stands before them.]
WEIR
Hello.
INT—ANCIENT LAB
[The Fran-looking Weir, Sheppard's team, Woolsey, Zelenka, and marines are in the lab. McKay is checking the Replicator building machine.]
WEIR
Listen to me. I'm Elizabeth Weir.
MCKAY
Obviously, she was in a hurry. She just used the previous Replicator template that was already in the machine…which was Fran.
WEIR
(to Sheppard)
John, I'm not a threat to you.
SHEPPARD
Well, whatever you are, I'd say building a Replicator body is a pretty big threat.
TEYLA
Elizabeth Weir would never do such a thing.
[McKay walks away from the controls.]
MCKAY
Okay, the machine is deactivated! Removed the control crystal, which means no one will be building any more Replicators.
WEIR
Believe me, I was just as concerned about doing this as you. But the adjustments Rodney's made to this technology eliminate any danger. I can't replicate. And since my consciousness is controlling this body, I truly believe—
WOOLSEY
Your consciousness? No offense, but I'm not completely sold on your being who you say you are.
RONON
(menacingly)
That makes two of us.
WEIR
I understand your skepticism, but I am Elizabeth Weir. I wish there was some way I could prove it to you.
WOOLSEY
That'll be difficult. Any personal information or memories could've easily been mined from Doctor Weir's consciousness when the Replicators captured her.
WEIR
I know. At least let me start by offering something of value.
SHEPPARD
Let's hear it.
WEIR
The technical specs of several of the systems we've inhabited since our transformation, including Wraith tech. I've already uploaded them to your computer.
MCKAY
(startled)
Oh…really? Well, that's…great.
WEIR
All I ask is that you give me a chance to earn your trust. I would never, ever do anything to harm any of you…or Atlantis.
EXT—ATLANTIS, DAWN
INT—WOOLSEY'S OFFICE
[McKay briefs Woolsey and Sheppard.]
MCKAY
Well the good news is that now she's downloaded herself into the Replicator's body, she's not screwing up Atlantis's computers. The power's stable, the 'gate's working, and communications are back online.
SHEPPARD
Are you sure she can't replicate on her own?
MCKAY
Positive. I mean, she instituted every safeguard. We move her to a secure location, and I think we'll be able to—
WOOLSEY
Wait a minute! You're not suggesting I entertain the notion of keeping her here?
MCKAY
Oh, I'm just saying that if we keep her under constant guard, it'll minimize any threat she poses—if she even poses a threat. And it'll give us more time to study her.
[Woolsey stands and approaches McKay.]
WOOLSEY
That thing in there is a Replicator. There are far too many ways this can go wrong, even if she's kept under constant guard!
MCKAY
Everyone doubted the first Fran I built, and she turned out to be perfectly safe and perfectly reliable.
WOOLSEY
That's right. You built Fran. You created her consciousness. Now, as much as you want to believe this new "Fran" is indeed "Doctor Weir", we cannot be certain of that. For all we know, it could be Oberoth inside that body.
SHEPPARD
That's creepy.
MCKAY
(upset)
What if it is Doctor Weir? Look, this is my fault. I'm the one who reactivated the nanites in Elizabeth. True, to save her, but…look, I'm the one who created this mess. I think I should be the one to, you know, fix it. I owe it to Elizabeth.
WOOLSEY
I'm sorry, but it's too dangerous. I say we stick with our original plan—upload her consciousness into a virtual reality. Let her prove herself there, where she can't do any damage.
[Distraught, McKay leaves.]
INT—ATLANTIS ISOLATION ROOM
[Weir sits on a bench. Teyla stands across from her. Marines guard the door.]
WEIR
A child? Oh Teyla…
[Weir stands and starts to approach. The marines straighten and cock their weapons. Weir steps back and clears her throat, sitting.]
WEIR
I'm so happy for you. Uh, is it a boy, or…
TEYLA
Boy.
WEIR
What's his name?
TEYLA
Torren John Emmagan.
WEIR
Torren, for your father. And, uh, John…Colonel Sheppard?
TEYLA
Yes.
WEIR
Wait, you're not saying that John Sheppard is—
TEYLA
No. No…the father is Athosian.
[She sits in a bench across from Weir.]
WEIR
Let me guess…Kanaan.
TEYLA
Yes! How did you…?
WEIR
Every time you spoke of him, this "friend", there was always a sparkle in your eyes.
[Teyla starts, looking troubled.]
WEIR
So is the baby here with you in Atlantis?
TEYLA
(after a second's pause)
No. He is with his father, off-world.
[Weir looks down, as if sensing Teyla's distrust. Sheppard enters.]
SHEPPARD
Sorry to interrupt.
TEYLA
No, it's all right. We were just finishing.
[Teyla stands and leaves.]
SHEPPARD
Uh…sorry about all this.
WEIR
It's okay. I understand. Amazing news about Teyla.
SHEPPARD
Yeah…yeah. Um, look…we all want to believe you are who you say you are.
WEIR
I understand. You…have to be cautious. But it really is me, John. You just have to give me time. You'll see that…
[Weir's voice drifts off, and she looks troubled.]
WEIR
Oh, no.
SHEPPARD
What's wrong?
[Weir stands. The marines alert again, but Sheppard waves them down.]
WEIR
They've found me.
SHEPPARD
Who?
WEIR
The other Replicators. They're on their way to Atlantis.
INT—ATLANTIS GATE ROOM
[Woolsey joins Sheppard and McKay at a console.]
WOOLSEY
How many are coming?
SHEPPARD
Eight of them.
MCKAY
And we saw what kind of damage one can do.
WOOLSEY
Should we pull the ZPM?
MCKAY
That's a last resort. We're not there yet. Meanwhile, I'll need it to effect any potential countermeasures I can come up with.
WOOLSEY
How soon will they get here?
SHEPPARD
Minutes, if that.
WOOLSEY
Is there anything we can do to protect the city? Can you put up some kind of firewall?
MCKAY
A firewall won't work; you can't block them. They just pop in and out of subspace. They're here, they're there. It's impossible to predict.
(inspired)
…I could write program that immediately quarantines any anomalous behavior in the system, like an anti-virus software. It's going to take some time though.
WOOLSEY
Do what you can.
[Woolsey and Sheppard leave McKay.]
INT—ATLANTIS GATE ROOM
[Woolsey and Sheppard walk down the stairwell.]
WOOLSEY
Keep Fran…Doctor Weir…whoever she is under guard. We won't upload her to the VR just yet. We may need her help dealing with them.
INT—ATLANTIS ISOLATION ROOM
[As Weir paces, Sheppard storms into the room.]
SHEPPARD
You set us up.
WEIR
No! I honestly believed I had broken away without them being able to track me.
SHEPPARD
Tell them to stay away from Atlantis!
WEIR
I'll try, but it'll get easier as they get closer. Look, I'm sure they don't intend to hurt anyone.
SHEPPARD
Well, you tell them to keep moving. Go someplace else. It might go a little—
[The lights flicker.]
MCKAY
(over radio)
Sheppard!?
SHEPPARD
(into radio)
Go ahead, Rodney.
MCKAY
(over radio, breaking up)
…arrived…wasn't able…program the system….
SHEPPARD
(over radio)
Rodney?
INT—ATLANTIS CONTROL ROOM
MCKAY
(shouting into radio)
Their combined force is completely overwhelming the main power grid. Sheppard?
WOOLSEY
They're here!
MCKAY
All eight of them slamming the city's computers!
WOOLSEY
What about the anti-virus program?
MCKAY
I didn't have time to finish it. Look, it probably wouldn't have worked anyway.
(into radio)
Radek, I need you to pull the ZPM and power down all essential naquadah generators. Radek?
(to others)
Communications are down again!
INT—ZPM ROOM
[Zelenka is working on the ZPM chambers as the power flickers and city shakes.]
ZELENKA
(into radio)
Rodney! Rodney, I'm trying to divert power, but it-it's become far too unstable. Perhaps now we should pull the ZPM. Rodney?
[He gets a loud burst of static in his ear and pulls the radio piece out.]
ZELENKA
Cursing in Czech.
[A generator sparks behind a science tech in the room. Zelenka waves him to leave.]
ZELENKA
Let-let's go. Pull the ZPM. Shut down all the power except for the main power.
[The scientist starts to comply, but a burst of electrical arc shoots through the air, hitting him right in the chest.]
ZELENKA
Hey!
[He hurries over and checks the scientist's pulse.]
ZELENKA
(horrified)
Oh, god. He's dead.
INT—ATLANTIS CONTROL ROOM
[Sheppard and Ronon lead Weir in. Teyla has joined the rest of her team and Woolsey already.]
WOOLSEY
We've established contact with the Replicator known as Koracen. He claims to speak on the others' behalf.
WEIR
(into radio)
Koracen, it's Elizabeth Weir.
[Koracen's voice sounds distorted and deep over the computer.]
DISEMBODIED KORACEN VOICE
Elizabeth? We were worried about you.
WEIR
Listen to me, you need to leave this place; you're causing a lot of harm.
DISEMBODIED KORACEN VOICE
We will leave, but first we wish to be given bodies as you have.
WOOLSEY
We've already told you—that's out of the question.
DISEMBODIED KORACEN VOICE
And yet, Elizabeth has been given one.
WOOLSEY
It wasn't our choice. And we're not planning on letting her keep it.
[Weir shoots Woolsey a look.]
DISEMBODIED KORACEN VOICE
We do not wish to harm anyone.
SHEPPARD
One of our guys is already dead, so you can save your "we come in peace" crap!
WEIR
Koracen, please! Just leave the city and let me negotiate with them. I'm sure we can figure out some way to help you.
DISEMBODIED KORACEN VOICE
The way to help us is by replacing the control crystal in the Ancient machine so that we may build Replicator bodies. That is what you will do.
WOOLSEY
And if we don't?
[The voice synthesizer shuts down on its own.]
WEIR
Koracen?
[An alarm blares. McKay hurries to its source.]
MCKAY
Not good, not good!
CHUCK
Aw, 'gate's down again!
MCKAY
We're losing control of the city. They just shut the jumper bay doors!
SHEPPARD
They're trying to keep us from leaving.
[He looks at Weir, who looks worried and won't meet his eyes.]
WOOLSEY
Can't you override it?
MCKAY
I'm locked out!
[Another alarm beeps. McKay looks at another monitor.]
MCKAY
Oh, no. They just engaged the ZPM. Energy levels are rising rapidly.
WOOLSEY
Why? What are they doing?
MCKAY
They're sinking the city!
WOOLSEY
(to Chuck)
Raise the shield.
CHUCK
They've disabled it.
EXT—ATLANTIS, DAY
[The city creaks and rumbles as it slowly lowers into the sea.]
INT—ATLANTIS CONTROL ROOM
WOOLSEY
Any ideas?
MCKAY
No, we're going down. Water's already cresting the lower decks of the outer piers. It's going to breach the city corridors any second now.
EXT—ATLANTIS, DAY
[The outskirts of the city are underwater, and the city continues to sink.]
INT—ATLANTIS CORRIDOR
[Two expedition members struggle in the water as they try and reach safety and manually seal the doors shut. They just get electrical shocks for their troubles.]
INT—ATLANTIS CONTROL ROOM
[Woolsey paces, thinking. Determined, he turns to Weir.]
WOOLSEY
I want you to send them a message from me.
WEIR
(shaking her head)
I've been trying to communicate with them. Telling them to stop. They won't listen to me.
WOOLSEY
That's not what I want to tell them.
[The others exchange surprised looks.]
MCKAY
It's not?
WOOLSEY
Tell them…to go ahead. Sink the city. Destroy their only chance of ever regaining any kind of physical form. You've searched the entire galaxy. You know the Replicator home-world was destroyed. The only place remaining with the technology you need to achieve your goals…is right here. So go ahead, destroy it. Stay trapped in limbo forever.
[Sheppard looks puzzled, then watches Woolsey with respect as he faces Weir. She looks at the others but finds no support. She closes her eyes and concentrates.]
MCKAY
(studying display)
Level one of the south pier is completely underwater.
WEIR
They won't stop.
WOOLSEY
Fine. Then we'll all die together.
[Woolsey steps away, once his back is turned to Weir, he shoots a brief worried look at Sheppard, but without backing down. Sheppard and Weir look at each other. A computer beeps.]
MCKAY
They're powering down the ZPM. The city's stabilizing.
[Sheppard becomes less tense. Woolsey breathes a sigh of relief and bows his head. He turns back to Weir.]
WOOLSEY
All right. Now we can negotiate.
EXT—ATLANTIS DAY
INT—WOOLSEY'S OFFICE
[Weir talks with Sheppard, McKay and Woolsey in the office. Security guards wait outside.]
WEIR
I have a proposal. I've already communicated it to the others and convinced them to agree to it.
WOOLSEY
Let's hear it.
WEIR
Human bodies, nanite manufactured, but consisting of flesh and blood—like the other Elizabeth Weir you once encountered.
MCKAY
Uh, we don't have that kind of technology here.
WEIR
But we do. If you give us temporary Replicator bodies and a lab to work in, we can assemble them ourselves.
MCKAY
What, you'll transfer your consciousness from the Replicator body to the human body?
WEIR
Exactly. As human beings, we would be every bit as vulnerable as anyone else. We would eat, sleep, get sick…and die…preferably of old age.
SHEPPARD
And what about ascension? I'm assuming that's still on the agenda?
WEIR
It is.
MCKAY
Wait a second, um, building humans…that's going to take time, isn't it? I mean, first you have to create the technology to do it. We're talking nanites…I mean, organically assembling each body inside out, starting at the molecular level. Well, then, you have to create the machine to transfer the consciousness. That's going to take god knows how long!
WEIR
Replicators, as you know, work very fast. No need for breaks, or food, or sleep.
SHEPPARD
It's worth thinking about.
MCKAY
He may be right. I mean, if only to regain control of the city. While they're in our computer systems, Atlantis is in serious trouble.
WOOLSEY
If we do this, I want severe restrictions placed on their capabilities—no replicating, no shape shifting—
MCKAY
The basic model. You got it. I mean, no bells, no whistles. They'll be able to affect some minor repairs, but that's about it.
WEIR
Seal off the lab. Put a force field around it. Do whatever you need to do to feel safe. But I've already convinced the others that this is their only option. They won't give you any trouble. You have my word.
[Woolsey studies her.]
WOOLSEY
Do it.
INT—ATLANTIS ISOLATION LAB
[Weir steps into a science lab. McKay stands in an observation room watching through a window.]
MCKAY
(into radio)
Okay. Initializing force field.
[A force field powers up, surrounding the room.]
INT—ATLANTIS CORRIDOR
[Woolsey and Sheppard walk down a corridor.]
WOOLSEY
Are your teams in place?
SHEPPARD
Around the clock watch.
WOOLSEY
Good.
SHEPPARD
Once these…human bodies are made, and they're downloaded into them…what happens then?
WOOLSEY
Well seeing as they'll be just like any other human beings, I see no reason not to let them go. They could become valuable allies.
SHEPPARD
(stopping short)
What if one of them decides to stay?
WOOLSEY
Let's cross one bridge at a time. All right?
INT—ISOLATION LAB OBSERVATION ROOM
[Woolsey enters. McKay is at the terminal. Ronon stands watching the window.]
WOOLSEY
How's it going?
MCKAY
Almost done. They're just, uh, finishing up the last one.
INT—ISOLATION SCIENCE LAB
[The Fran-looking Weir stands at the table. Around her are half a dozen male and female Replicators. On the table one last male Replicator, Koracen, is being formed. The process completed, he sits up. Ronon, McKay, and Woolsey watch from the window.]
WOOLSEY
(drily)
That was fast.
MCKAY
Well, actually creating Replicators is fairly simple…
INT—ISOLATION LAB OBSERVATION ROOM
[McKay and Woolsey move back to the computer terminal and watch the progress on the monitor. Ronon remains at the window.]
MCKAY
(continuing)
Comparatively speaking. Humans? Not so much.
WOOLSEY
Well, the sooner they get it done, the better. And once the last transfer is complete, I want those Replicator bodies destroyed…
(pausing)
They certainly don't waste any time, do they?
MCKAY
No, they don't. There's no breaks, no chit-chat, no social interaction whatsoever. Just the…perfect working environment.
[McKay smiles, impressed.]
WOOLSEY
Ronon, you don't have to stay there the whole time, you know.
RONON
I'm good.
MCKAY
(with ironic air)
Talk, talk, talk, that's all he does. You just can't shut him up.
WOOLSEY
Keep me apprized.
LATER
[McKay is asleep by his computer. Ronon still keeps watch. Koracen looks up from his work, staring at the monitor. He turns to Ronon at the same instant all the lights go off. Ronon is instantly on the move to the door, tapping the sleeping McKay on the shoulder while on his way.]
RONON
McKay! Power's out!
MCKAY
(instantly alert)
What the—force field!
INT—ATLANTIS CORRIDOR
[Ronon moves swiftly through the darkened corridor to reach the isolation science lab's door, his gun at ready. Before he even reaches the door, Koracen tries to surprise him from behind. Ronon raises his gun, but Koracen pushes him, throwing Ronon lengthwise several feet down the hallway, where he slams into the wall. Koracen heads down that path. Two guards try to gun Koracen down, but he moves to fast. Ronon struggles to get up, but has been injured from the impact. He collapses to the floor with a pained cry.]
RONON
Oh!
EXT—ATLANTIS, NIGHT
[The city has no lights.]
INT—ISOLATION SCIENCE LAB
[Marines hold raised weapons on the remaining Replicators. Sheppard and Teyla arrive. McKay is already there.]
SHEPPARD
What happened?
MCKAY
One of the Replicators escaped—Koracen, the leader? He must've written some hidden program that was timed to kill power as soon as they were downloaded into Replicator bodies. It disabled the forcefield, they were able to pry open the doors.
[Sheppard scans the faces of the prisoners. Weir is not among them.]
SHEPPARD
Where is she?
REPLICATOR WOMAN TWO
She went after Koracen.
MARINE
Three teams in pursuit. We've lost all radio contact.
SHEPPARD
(to Ronon)
Go join 'em.
(to McKay)
Go up to the control room. Try and get the power restored.
[His team and some marines leave.]
MARINE
What do we do with them?
SHEPPARD
Shoot 'em. Keep shooting. They'll go down eventually.
FEMALE REPLICATOR TWO
Wait! We knew nothing of Koracen's plan. If we were a part of it, we would not be standing here right now. Please? We're complying with your wishes.
SHEPPARD
(grimly, to Marine)
Nothing gets through that door. If they move an inch…shoot 'em.
INT—ATLANTIS CORRIDOR
[Sheppard heads down a corridor, weapon at ready. At the end of one, he sees Koracen turning a corner. Sheppard races to catch up.]
SHEPPARD
Hold on!
[Koracen stops and raises his hands.]
SHEPPARD
You just couldn't wait for those human bodies, could you?
KORACEN
The human body is frail, weak. Every second, that much closer to dying.
SHEPPARD
Yeah, and this whole ascension thing—you're just giving up on that, huh?
KORACEN
Not at all. I'm certain there's another way. With this body, I'll have plenty of time to discover it.
[He rushes at Sheppard. Sheppard shoots, striking Koracen in the chest several times, but the Replicator doesn't go down. He pushes Sheppard to the floor, sliding him down the hall several feet. Koracen heads down a side corridor. Sheppard gets to his feat and pursues.]
INT—ATLANTIS CONTROL ROOM
[Zelenka enters. McKay and Woolsey are among the staff already there.]
ZELENKA
Any luck?
MCKAY
They've shut just about everything down. Power's cut to most of the critical systems.
WOOLSEY
Except for the DHD and the 'gate. They're obviously going to try to dial out.
MCKAY
Now, I've managed to gain remote access to the mainframe. I'm, uh, creating a workaround to allow the resumption of naquadah power to the central tower's primary systems. It's minimal, to be sure, but, uh, from there, at least, we'll be able to—
ZELENKA
(interrupting)
Overwrite the Replicator program and restart the remaining systems.
MCKAY
Exactly.
WOOLSEY
Just hurry. We need power back now.
[He leaves. Zelenka leans over McKay's station.]
ZELENKA
Okay, is there anything you want me to do?
MCKAY
Yes, for starters you could…um…stay out of my way?
[Zelenka nervously steps back.]
ZELENKA
Oh, yes. Okay, sorry, fine.
[McKay starts typing. Zelenka makes frustrated sighing sounds.]
MCKAY
Uh…and be quiet.
INT—ATLANTIS CORRIDOR
[Sheppard spots a Replicator on stairs. He raises his weapon.]
SHEPPARD
Stop!
[It is Weir. She comes back down the staircase.]
WEIR
(sternly)
John, stay back. Let me handle this.
SHEPPARD
Haven't you done enough already?
WEIR
I'm trying to help you!
SHEPPARD
By what? Escaping?
WEIR
I didn't know that Koracen would do this!
KORACEN
Of course she knew!
[Koracen appears at the other end of the hall, behind Sheppard. Sheppard shifts his weapon to aim at the new threat. He points his sidearm at Weir.]
KORACEN
Elizabeth has been a willing participant in our goals from the very beginning. It was her idea to come here in the first place.
SHEPPARD
(suspiciously)
You said you broke off from them, that they couldn't track you…?
[Weir looks upset, and guilty.]
KORACEN
(sneering)
Track her? She was the one who alerted us when the time was right to come. We were only following her commands.
WEIR
John, listen to me. I had to bring them here. It was our only chance, our only way out. I didn't know that Koracen would cause this kind of trouble. I didn't think that anyone would get hurt.
SHEPPARD
What did you think we were going to do? Just give you a bunch of Replicator bodies and send you on your way?
WEIR
I truly believed that we were no threat to you.
SHEPPARD
You may still think you're Elizabeth, but you're not.
[Weir hangs her head. The power comes back down. Koracen takes advantage of the distraction to attack Sheppard, knocking him into the wall. Sheppard collapses in a heap, stunned, and dropping his weapons. Before Koracen can do more, Weir attacks Koracen, pinning him to the wall and sticking her hand in his head while Sheppard looks on in shock. She pulls her hand back, and Koracen disintegrates into nanites.]
INT—WOOLSEY'S OFFICE
[Guards wait outside as Weir talks to McKay, Woolsey, and Sheppard.]
WOOLSEY
If you'd like to resume your work, I've decided to allow it.
MCKAY
We would re-engage the force field, of course.
SHEPPARD
Beef up security.
WEIR
It's too risky.
[The others look surprised.]
WEIR
I thought that bringing the others here would be safe. I was wrong. I can no longer guarantee there won't be any more trouble from them…or even myself.
SHEPPARD
All right, um…what do you want to do?
WEIR
(to McKay)
I remember, after you reactivated the nanite cells inside me, I said this was a bad idea. So much has gone wrong since then. But I think I know how I can finally set things right.
INT—ATLANTIS CONTROL ROOM
[Weir, the female Replicators, Woolsey, and Sheppard's team stand around the dialing computer.]
WOOLSEY
Go ahead.
[Female Replicator Two dials a gate address. The wormhole activates. The Replicators leave with their escort, Sheppard's team and Woolsey following.]
INT—ATLANTIS GATE ROOM
[The group walks down the stairs.]
MCKAY
If you need anything else for your work, let us know.
WEIR
Thanks, Rodney.
WOOLSEY
Once again, you have to promise to stay put until you're finished constructing the human bodies. No leaving your home-world, no communication with any other civilization except Atlantis.
WEIR
You have my word. Good luck with your command, Richard. It's…comforting to know Atlantis is in capable hands.
[Woolsey quirks a sad smile.]
WOOLSEY
Thank you.
WEIR
(to others)
Shall we?
[The Replicators hesitate at the Stargate, still wary. Weir gives them a reassuring smile.]
WEIR
It's okay. I'll go first.
[She walks to the Stargate. At its edge, Weir turns back, looking at Sheppard. He can't quite meet her eyes. She smiles as if in understanding and turns, walking into the wormhole. There is a pause while the other Replicators appear to listen for some unheard signal. Finally…]
FEMALE REPLICATOR TWO
It's safe.
[The other Replicators walk into the Stargate.]
EXT—SPACE
[The female Replicator and the others come through the wormhole to find themselves exposed to outer space. Weir already floats there. They slowly shut down.]
INT—ATLANTIS GATE ROOM
[The wormhole disengages.]
WOOLSEY
You're sure the DHD reconfiguration worked?
MCKAY
(sadly)
Yes. They were sent to a space gate. I guess that answers the question as to whether it was really Elizabeth.
[He walks away. The others follow. Sheppard remains standing, staring at the Stargate.]
EXT—SPACE
[Weir floats in space, looking wistful as the cold of space shuts down her nanite cells.]
FADE OUT'
END CREDITS
Transcribed for Solutions by Aurora Novarum, August 2008.
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- Stargate Screencaps: Season Five
--Michelle 21:07, 1 October 2008 (PDT)