SGA 5.09 "Tracker" Transcript
Episode Guide
SGA 5.09 "Tracker" Episode Guide
Précis
Keller is abducted by the Runner Kiryk who brought the Wraith to a village on a planet where she, McKay, and Ronon were visiting. After helping the villagers to safety, McKay and Ronon set out to rescue Keller, running into booby traps left by the Runner along the way.
Guide | Transcript
Transcript
TEASER
EXT—ATLANTIS, DAY
INT—MCKAY'S QUARTERS
[McKay primps in front of a mirror—fixing his hair and checking whether he looks better with his t-shirt sleeve rolled up or not.]
MCKAY
(reciting as memory exercise)
Neuraminidase inhibitor. Neuraminidase inhibitor. Neuraminidase inhibitor.
[The door opens. McKay straightens his sleeve quickly as Sheppard enters.]
SHEPPARD
Hey.
MCKAY
(guiltily)
Hey.
SHEPPARD
I hear you're going off-world.
MCKAY
I'm, uh, assisting with a, uh, medical follow-up on M33-985, yes.
SHEPPARD
With Keller.
MCKAY
Right again.
SHEPPARD
On your day off.
MCKAY
What, I can't go off-world in my free time?
SHEPPARD
No, no, go ahead. I just think it's odd you're volunteering for goodwill missions on your…day off.
MCKAY
Well, I'm turning over a new leaf. It's a whole new, uh, you know, kinder, gentler Rodney McKay.
[Sheppard looks at him suspiciously and nods; he leaves contemplating something.]
INT—ATLANTIS GATE ROOM
[McKay strides into the Gate Room, carrying only his jacket, which is casually over one shoulder. His face falls as he sees Ronon standing by Keller, who's packing a computer into her bag. She stands and turns, spotting McKay.]
KELLER
(smiling)
Oh, there you are! You all set?
[McKay puts on his jacket.]
MCKAY
(with false brightness, to Ronon)
You…coming too, are you?
KELLER
Yeah. Ronon offered to help out, too. So I just thought, you know, the more the merrier, right?
MCKAY
Hmm.
RONON
Is there a problem?
MCKAY
No, no, no, just, I was—I was just…no, it's nothing.
KELLER
Okay…uh, go ahead and dial, Chuck!
[The Stargate starts to dial out. Both Ronon and McKay reach for Keller's other bag and pick it up.]
MCKAY
Right. I got this. I'm good. I got it. I got it. I'm good.
[Ronon does not release his hold, and has a firmer grasp on it.]
MCKAY
You want it? You-you take that.. I got…my own stuff, that I'll bring.
WORMHOLE EFFECT
EXT—VILLAGE, M33-985, DAY
[Ronon, Keller, and McKay walk into the medieval era village.]
KELLER
So the people we're seeing today—as long as you avoid any physical contact, you should be fine. The contagion doesn't seem to be airborne.
[Someone watches the trio from foliage near the village.]
RONON
What's wrong with these people again?
KELLER
Uh, it's a disease similar to one on Earth called influenza. It's been spreading throughout the village. Not too severe a strain, but…enough to put a scare into them.
INT—ERRAN'S HOME
[Keller uses her stethoscope to check a boy's lungs while he lies in bed. His mother, Erran, hovers nearby. McKay and Ronon stand in the doorway.]
KELLER
He's caught it, too.
ERRAN
Will he be all right?
KELLER
(nodding)
His fever's mild. So, plenty of rest, lots of fluids, and he should be fine. I'm also going to prescribe some medicine.
MCKAY
(casually)
Oh, a, uh, neuraminidase inhibitor?
KELLER
(impressed)
Very good. Um…can I have a look at you too, Erran? Just to be on the safe side.
[Erran glances self-consciously back at Ronon and McKay. Keller follows her gaze.]
KELLER
Uh, do you guys mind giving us some privacy? I think there's a tavern close by. Why don't you go get some lunch.
MCKAY
(stammering)
Oh…you want to…sure.
[Ronon and McKay awkwardly take their leave.]
EXT—TAVERN, DAY
[Ronon and McKay sit at an outside table. Ronon is devouring his stew with gusto. McKay stares at his bowl with distaste.]
RONON
What's the matter? You don't like it?
[McKay clears his throat and gingerly picks out a bone from his stew—setting it in the center of the table. Ronon shrugs.]
RONON
You know, you don't have to be here. I'm sure you got plenty of stuff to do back on Atlantis.
MCKAY
Oddly enough, I don't, actually. But, if you need to get back, then um…
RONON
No, I'm good.
MCKAY
Of course you are.
RONON
Mm-hmm.
[Ronon picks up McKay's bone, then bites off the end of the bone and sucks the marrow between spoonfuls of stew.]
EXT—OUTSIDE ERRAN'S HOME, DAY
[Ronon and McKay go to Erran's doorstep and knock.]
MCKAY
(nervously)
You think we've given them enough time? I mean, I don't want to interrupt if they're in the middle of medical…
[Ronon knocks.]
MCKAY
…stuff.
[Erran opens the door.]
MCKAY
Hi. Um…is Doctor Keller done?
ERRAN
She's not with you? She finished with us, then left. Said she was going to join you at the tavern.
[Ronon exchanges looks with McKay, then walks away.]
MCKAY
Oh right. Very good. Thanks.
[McKay follows Ronon.]
EXT—VILLAGE, M33-985, DAY
[Ronon and McKay search the village.]
MCKAY
(into radio)
Jennifer.
RONON
(calling loudly)
Jennifer!
MCKAY
(into radio)
Jennifer, it's Rodney. Do you read me?
RONON
Jennifer!
MCKAY
(into radio)
Doctor Keller, please respond!
(to Ronon)
Well, either her radio isn't working or she's turned it off.
RONON
She wouldn't do that.
MCKAY
(worried)
Then what happened to her?
END TEASER
OPENING CREDITS
EXT—VILLAGE, M33-985, DAY
[Ronon and McKay rendezvous at the center of the village.]
MCKAY
Anything?
RONON
Checked up and down the street. No one's seen her. It's like she just vanished.
MCKAY
That doesn't make any sense. I mean, she wouldn't take off without telling us where she's going.
RONON
Not unless someone took her against her will. Maybe you should go back to the 'gate, radio Atlantis for help.
MCKAY
Maybe you're right.
RONON
I'll stay here and check the entire village.
[They part ways.]
EXT—FOREST, M33-985, DAY
[Keller awakens to find herself leaning against a tree. A tall man crouches a short distance away. He has his back to her and rummaging through her pack. She notices her hands are tied in front of her. She tests the bindings then reaches for her missing headset. The man notices her movements and walks over. She shifts defensively.]
KELLER
(tightly)
Who are you?
KIRYK
If you'd stop struggling, I wouldn't have to stun you.
KELLER
What do you want from me?
KIRYK
And stop asking questions.
KELLER
I just want to know why you kidnapped me. How did you take me from the village? I don't even remember…
[Kiryk pulls his sidearm, a Wraith stunner. Keller purses her lips and looks away, fighting back her fear. She looks back silently when he doesn't fire.]
KIRYK
Good. Let's go.
EXT—FOREST, DAY
[Ronon walks through another part of the forest.]
RONON
(into radio)
McKay?
MCKAY
(over radio)
Yeah, go ahead.
RONON
I got some footprints outside the village.
[The conversation switches from Ronon's location to where McKay is heading towards the Stargate.]
MCKAY
Jennifer's?
RONON
Standard Atlantis tread. There's someone with her. Bigger prints, like my size. Looks like there was a struggle.
MCKAY
(sighing)
Oh…dammit.
RONON
Weird thing is, it's like they just appeared out of nowhere.
MCKAY
What do you mean "nowhere"?
RONON
I mean there's nothing at all between here and the village, and then they just appear. Like they dropped out of the sky. Wait a sec… Got a single set of tracks heading into the woods.
[He starts to follow them.]
MCKAY
A single set?
RONON
Not Keller's, the other guy's.
MCKAY
So what happened to Keller's?
[Ronon crouches by the tracks.]
RONON
Ah, these prints are deeper. My guess is he's carrying her. Probably knocked her unconscious, or…
MCKAY
(sighing)
Oh, god.
[Ronon stands and starts to follow the tracks.]
RONON
I'm going to check it out.
MCKAY
Maybe we should wait. All right, I'm almost to the 'gate. I-I-I'll radio ahead, get a-a team here. Do a proper search.
RONON
That sounds good. You do that. Meantime, I'm going after her.
[McKay gives an exasperated sigh and double-times it towards the Stargate.]
RONON
McKay?
MCKAY
Yeah, I'm here.
RONON
(smiling)
I got two sets of tracks again. She's still alive.
EXT—M33-985 STARGATE, DAY
[McKay has reached the Stargate. He gives a relieved sigh.]
MCKAY
Oh, great! That's great! All right, I'm at the 'gate. I'll get the search teams mobilized, join you shortly.
[The Stargate begins to activate from an incoming wormhole. McKay hides in the nearby foliage. Four Wraith exit the Stargate, splitting up. McKay starts to back away, but breaks a bit of wood as he moves. One of the Wraith hears him.]
MCKAY
Oh, crap!
[McKay starts running. The Wraith hisses and gives chase.]
MCKAY
(into radio)
Ronon!
EXT—FOREST, DAY
RONON
What?
MCKAY
We got Wraith!
RONON
How many?
[Ronon turns back and starts to run towards McKay's position.]
MCKAY
Four of them just came through the 'gate, and one of them's about to kill me!
[McKay gives a primal scream and shoots blindly behind him at the Wraith. The Wraith shoots his stunner, but misses. McKay is starting to falter, but continues to run. He takes refuge behind a trunk when he reaches a small clearing. The Wraith pauses at the clearing, trying to decide where to go. McKay, from his hiding place, hears the Wraith moving away. McKay risks peeking out from behind the stump, only to find the Wraith standing in wait on the other side.]
MCKAY
Oh shi—!
[McKay makes a break for it, barely missing being stunned. The Wraith tackles him to the ground. The Wraith stands over him. McKay shoots a whole magazine at the Wraith, but it keeps coming, pulling him up and pinning him against a tree. It raises its hand to feed.]
MCKAY
Oh!
[Ronon shoots the Wraith from behind with his stunner. The Wraith falls.]
MCKAY
(breathless and relieved)
Oh, finally! Oh…what took you so long!?
RONON
(drily)
Oh, you're welcome.
[McKay groans. Ronon looks at the Wraith more closely.]
RONON
It's a hunter.
MCKAY
What?
RONON
Wraith hunter. They chase runners.
MCKAY
I thought runners were extremely rare, like, only a few in the galaxy!
RONON
That's right.
MCKAY
Yeah, so a few years we run into you, and now another one? I mean wha-what are the odds of that?
[Ronon looks around.]
RONON
Where'd the other Wraith go?
MCKAY
I don't know. They-they spread out into the forest.
[Ronon starts to run.]
MCKAY
Where are you go—? Where are you going? Hey wait!
[McKay, still breathless, follows.]
EXT—FOREST, KELLER' S POSITION, DAY
KIRYK
This is as far as we go on the trail.
[He abruptly spins Keller to set her down against a tree trunk.]
KELLER
Oh! Where are you taking me?
[Kiryk sets Keller's packs near her. He opens one and starts pulling out more rope.]
KELLER
At least tell me your name.
[Kiryk ties Keller's legs together.]
KIRYK
There'll be time to talk when we get there.
KELLER
(frustrated)
Where?
[Kiryk starts making careful tracks up the trail.]
KELLER
What are you doing?
[He continues to make tracks. Keller hears foliage rustling nearby. She perks, alert.]
KELLER
(whispering)
Ronon?
[A Wraith appears on the other side of the foliage. Keller stares petrified. She looks from the Wraith to her captor, making a quick decision as the Wraith fires its stunner.]
KELLER
Watch out!
[Kiryk taps his armband and disappears as the Wraith fires. Kiryk ends up behind the Wraith and unsheathes a sword. The Wraith turns just before Kiryk decapitates him. Keller watches in horror as Kiryk cleans his blade on the Wraith's clothes.]
EXT—VILLAGE, DAY
[Ronon is already speaking with Erran as McKay catches up.]
RONON
We need to get your people to a safe place as fast as possible.
ERRAN
Why? What happened?
RONON
We spotted Wraith in the area.
ERRAN
Wraith? Coming here?
MCKAY
(out of breath)
Hopefully not. It's just a few of them. We think they're looking for someone else.
RONON
But we don't want to take any chances.
MCKAY
Look, have you seen anyone different in the village recently? Any-any newcomers? Anyone that looks…uh…uh…like that?
[He points to Ronon, who shoots him a glare.]
ERRAN
No.
RONON
We don't have time for this. Is there a place your people can hide?
ERRAN
There are dozens of caverns surrounding the village. Our ancestors used them during the last culling.
RONON
Good. Come on. Let's go.
[They head out together.]
EXT—FOREST, DAY
[Keller is again led along by the arm by Kiryk. She looks at the armband.]
KELLER
What is that thing?
KIRYK
Take too long to explain.
KELLER
Too long? We've been walking for hours now. Can I at least rest for a bit?
KIRYK
No.
KELLER
(whining)
Just a few minutes?
KIRYK
A few minutes to allow your team to gain ground on us?
KELLER
(quickly)
What team?
KIRYK
You're from Atlantis. You're a doctor. There were two men traveling with you.
[Keller stares at Kiryk for a moment, then breaks free and makes a run for it. She goes several yards through the forest before Kiryk appears in front of her, aiming his stunner. She stops short and gasps in alarm. He stuns her, and she falls unconscious.]
EXT—FOREST NEAR CAVERNS, DAY
[Ronon and McKay supervise the evacuation of the villagers.]
RONON
Watch your step. Just keep going. It's just past that gully, you're almost there.
MCKAY
That's it. That's it. Mind your step, sir.
[The large woman with short hair glares at McKay.]
LARGE WOMAN
(insulted)
Sir?
MCKAY
Ma-ma'am, sorry. I—you have-have a…
[She's already moved past. He turns to Ronon.]
MCKAY
That is clearly a mustache!
[Ronon glares at McKay. Erran is at the end of the procession.]
ERRAN
That's the last of them. The village is empty now.
RONON
Good. Go with them. Make sure they stay in the caverns. And…keep them quiet. Make sure no one makes a sound unless you hear from me.
MCKAY
Or me!
ERRAN
All right. Thank you.
[She follows the villagers.]
MCKAY
(to Ronon)
Hey, maybe we should go back to the 'gate?
RONON
No, go ahead. I'm going to keep tracking Keller.
MCKAY
Wha—I do not think it is wise for us to split up right now. We have no idea where the Wraith are.
RONON
It takes too long to go back. That runner took her. We let him get too far ahead, we'll never find them. Look, if you want to go to the 'gate, go ahead. I'm leaving.
[He starts off.]
MCKAY
Ronon? Ronon! I—oh, dammit! Would you just…Ronon!
[McKay chases after him.]
EXT—FOREST, DAY
[Keller awakens on the forest floor, still tied up. She winces as she tries to get up. Kiryk stands over her.]
KIRYK
You done trying to escape?
[Keller nods in defeat.]
KIRYK
More Wraith close by. We need to keep moving.
[He lifts her up easily with one arm, then leads her by the elbow through the forest.]
KELLER
You're not from the village, are you? I've never noticed you, and I pretty much met everyone. Are you even from this planet? You're the one who brought the Wraith here. They're after you, why?
KIRYK
I'm a runner. You know about runners?
KELLER
One of the men I'm traveling with…he used to be one.
[Kiryk stops short.]
KIRYK
Used to be? That's impossible. Runners don't stop being runners.
KELLER
Yeah? Well, this one did.
KIRYK
Yeah? Well, how?
KELLER
(earnestly)
Take me to him, and we'll tell you.
[Kiryk stares at her, not trusting her.]
KELLER
I promise. Look, we don't have to be enemies.
KIRYK
Nice try.
[He leads her away.]
EXT—FOREST, DAY
[McKay catches up to Ronon crouched down.]
MCKAY
Hey! If you—
(sees Ronon concentrating)
What?
RONON
This is where Keller's tracks start up again. Look—smaller, shallower…Atlantis tread. These prints are bigger and deeper.
MCKAY
The runner.
RONON
Keller's tracks are uneven. She's either hurt or bound. Probably both.
MCKAY
Well, at least the tracks are clear, though. Easier to follow, right?
RONON
That's the problem. No runner's that stupid.
EXT—P33-985, DUSK
INT—FOREST, DUSK
[Ronon and McKay continue to track through the forest.]
RONON
It's going to be dark soon.
[McKay waves his scanner.]
MCKAY
Actually, we have two hours, forty-three minutes, and seventeen seconds. This planet's sun currently has a very gradual angle of descent and a very short night. I always make it a point to download the planetary data on every address I dial, even goodwill missions. You know, things like, uh, atmospheric conditions, soil consistencies, available water supplies. What?
RONON
(shaking his head)
Just wondering how long you'd make it out here without your little gadgets.
MCKAY
Oh, you know, I think you'd be surprised, you know? I mean I may not be exactly what you would call an "outdoors person", but that doesn't mean I don't [sic] find the whole "man versus nature" thing uninteresting. Hell, I joined a scouting organization when I was a child. Lodge 14 of the Fort McMurray Eager Beavers.
RONON
Beavers?
MCKAY
Yep. Large rodent. Big teeth. Uses them to chop down trees and build dams. Very industrious. I was with them for a few months before they asked me to leave, but, uh, I got the manual. Still have it—Scouting for Beavers. Invaluable resource. So, I think you'll find in a pinch, I handle myself very well, thank you very—
[Ronon pauses, a troubled look on his face.]
MCKAY
(worried)
What is it?
RONON
Blood.
MCKAY
Oh, my god.
RONON
No, it's Wraith blood.
[He moves forward and looks at the tree where Keller had been crouched when the Wraith was decapitated.]
RONON
Here we go. Someone was sitting here…Look…single set of tracks…
[He points up the trail. Then looks to the foliage off to one side.]
RONON
…but they left the trail going that way.
MCKAY
Are you sure? 'Cause the footprints keep going this way.
RONON
Single set.
MCKAY
Yeah, I know. But maybe he's carrying her again. Or maybe they were attacked by the Wraith. Jennifer was stunned…and then the runner kills the Wraith and disposes the body…and then carries Jennifer on up the trail. Look how deep these tracks are. I say we follow these.
[He starts to move, but Ronon blocks his path by putting out a large stick across his chest.]
RONON
Easy.
[Ronon moves up cautiously, testing the ground with his stick. He comes to a point where he pauses, then pushes the stick deep into the ground. A trap is sprung. The ground gives way as a tarp separates, revealing two trunks filled with rotating wooden spikes. McKay stares in horror.]
RONON
Like I said, no runner's that stupid.
EXT—BOTTOM OF CLIFF, DUSK
[Kiryk and Keller stop at the foot of a large vertical cliff or rock.]
KELLER
What now?
KIRYK
We go up.
KELLER
Up? How? Do you have a rope?
KIRYK
No need for ropes.
[He takes Keller's arm and taps his armband. They disappear.]
EXT—TOP OF CLIFF, DUSK
[They re-materialize at the top of the cliff.]
KELLER
(nonplussed)
Did we just…? How did we do that?
KIRYK
I was on a planet a while back, lots of technology. Got this from one of the locals.
(indicates the armband)
Barely put it on my arm before it fused to my skin. Since then, if I hit this light when it's green, I can disappear—move around from place to place.
KELLER
Teleportation. That's how you got me out of the village so fast.
KIRYK
I can only go short distances. It needs time to recharge between jumps, especially when I take someone with me. But…it's helped me stay ahead of the Wraith.
[He starts leading her away.]
KELLER
I imagine so.
EXT—FOREST, DUSK
[Ronon pauses along the trail, calling back impatiently.]
RONON
McKay!
[There is no sign of McKay.]
RONON
Dammit.
EXT—FALLEN LOG, FOREST, DUSK
[McKay sits on a log. He has taken off his boot and shakes out a pebble. He sighs. There is a rustling behind him. A Wraith comes up the trail, just as surprised to see McKay as McKay is to see him. The Wraith fires his stunner, but McKay dodges the blast, hopping on one foot while firing his pistol several times. The Wraith falls dead under the blasts. Ronon appears out of the woods, his gun drawn. He checks the downed Wraith.]
RONON
What the hell are you doing?
MCKAY
At the moment, killing Wraith!
RONON
What are you stopping for?
MCKAY
I had a stone in my boot, I told you.
[He hops back to the log and works on putting his boot back on.]
RONON
No, you didn't.
MCKAY
Yes, I did! I said, "Wait up! I got a stone in my boot."
RONON
(impatient)
Every second you lag behind makes it that much harder for me to track this guy, especially at night.
[McKay smiles as he looks at the dead Wraith.]
MCKAY
Not anymore. We don't have to play man-tracker now. We're going to know exactly where this guy is…
[He walks over to the body and pulls the tracking scanner off the Wraith's wrist.]
MCKAY
…Thanks to this handy gadget!
[Ronon snatches the device away from McKay.]
RONON
Look at that signal! They're even farther away than I thought!
[He throws the device back at McKay and storms off. McKay follows. They resume their trek.]
MCKAY
I'm sorry, but I guarantee, at some point, you're going to need my help. You'll see. There'll be some problem you can't solve. Then you'll turn to me. I'll figure it out in the nick of time, you'll say "good job," or just grunt, or slap me on the back harder than necessary. Anyways, the point is…we both have our gifts. So you need to stop resenting my presence here, and start realizing we're on the same team, both trying to achieve the same goal. All right? Are you listening? You got the tracker face. Can you hear what I'm saying here?
EXT—FOREST, HIGHER GROUND, DUSK
[Kiryk leads Keller through the woods.]
KELLER
When are you going to tell me what you want from me?
KIRYK
I need you to help someone.
KELLER
Who?
KIRYK
That's not important to you. You just need to give her medical attention.
KELLER
Her? Who is she? Your wife?
KIRYK
When we get there, I won't be able to stay with you. The longer I'm in one place, the greater the danger. Probably a dozen more Wraith on the way.
EXT—BOTTOM OF CLIFF, DUSK
[Ronon and McKay reach the bottom of the cliff.]
RONON
Trail ends here.
[McKay checks the tracking scanner.]
MCKAY
Well, he's dead ahead. So either he climbed this thing, or he figured out how to get around it.
RONON
No sign they went around.
MCKAY
Well, so they must've had a rope or something, unlike us. Look, how are we going to get up there?
RONON
You said something about solving a problem…
MCKAY
Yeah, technological problems, not…rock climbing problems.
RONON
Thought so.
[He walks away. McKay follows.]
EXT—FOREST, HIGHER GROUND, DUSK
KELLER
Have you ever thought about trying to remove that tracking device.
KIRYK
You could say that. Had a few doctors try. No luck.
KELLER
I have advanced medical technology with me.
KIRYK
I know.
KELLER
So I could probably remove it. That runner I was telling you about? One of our doctors removed his tracking device. That's…how he was able to stop being a runner.
[Kiryk stops walking and turns to face her.]
KIRYK
You have something in here that can remove it?
KELLER
I have a scanner. With that I can…pinpoint the location of your tracking device, give you some anesthetic, make a quick incision, you're free of it.
KIRYK
(hesitating)
I…
KELLER
Look, you say there's someone who needs medical attention? It's going to be a lot safer for all of us if we throw the Wraith off your trail before we get there.
[Kiryk sighs and puts down the bags he's been carrying. He unsheathes his sword.]
KELLER
Oh!
[She stands very still as he cuts the bindings around her wrist. Freed, Keller reaches into her bag and pulls out her tablet scanner.]
KELLER
Okay…turn around.
KIRYK
If-if you try anything, I…
KELLER
(firmly)
Just turn around.
[Kiryk studies her uncertainly for a moment, then turns his back to her. She starts running her scanner. Her face falls.]
KIRYK
Do you see it?
[She stops the scanner but does not answer. He turns back to face her.]
KIRYK
What did you see?
KELLER
(sadly)
Your tracking device…it's different…It's much more complicated. It's branched out—fused not only to your spine but also to your brain stem. Removing it would kill you…I'm sorry.
[Kiryk composes his expression.]
KIRYK
We need to get moving.
[Keller repacks her scanner and follows him.]
EXT—FOREST, DUSK
MCKAY
Okay, nightfall, seventeen minutes. But like I said, it's very brief. Like, uh, Whitehorse in June. Oh, not that you have any idea what Whitehorse is…or June for that matter…
[There is a loud snapping sound. McKay stops and turns around.]
MCKAY
What the…
RONON
Whoa!
[He dives to the ground, pushing McKay with him. They drop onto their stomachs just before a large log imbedded with wooden spikes swings down over where they were standing. It swings back and forth just inches over their heads. McKay raises up slightly.]
MCKAY
Holy crap! Did you see that thing?
[Ronon shoves McKay's face into the dirt just as the log makes another pass. They watch the log continues to swing above them.]
RONON
(impressed)
This guy's good.
MCKAY
(petrified)
This guy's a killer!
EXT—OUTSIDE CAVE, NIGHT
[Keller and Kiryk reach an area of covered foliage.]
KIRYK
Good. No one found it.
KELLER
Found what?
[Kiryk moves the foliage away to reveal a cave entrance.]
INT—CAVE
[The cave is lit by lanterns. A young girl sleeps on blankets in the corner, her forehead wet as with a fever. Keller pauses upon spotting the child, then starts forward.]
KIRYK
Her name is Celise.
KELLER
What happened to her?
KIRYK
She fell, injured her leg. I did my best to clean the wound, but…
[He shows her the ragged injury.]
KELLER
It's infected! When did this happen?
KIRYK
A few days ago. When she got worse, I went looking for a doctor. Went to three different planets. I heard there were people from Atlantis helping the village here with their sickness. So…I brought her here, found this cave to hide her, and set a few traps to keep the Wraith or…anyone else away. Then…waited for you to show up.
[Keller checks Celise's vital signs.]
KELLER
(annoyed)
You know, you could've just asked for my help instead of kidnapping me.
KIRYK
I couldn't take that chance. Most people don't want anything to do with runners.
KELLER
Is she your daughter?
KIRYK
No. She lived in a village that was destroyed by the Wraith.
KELLER
Let me guess, you brought the Wraith there.
KIRYK
(defensively)
I stayed there one night! I didn't think they'd find me that fast. They culled the whole village. Celise was the only person I could save.
[Keller checks Celise's fever.]
KIRYK
(concerned)
How bad is she?
KELLER
Very bad. Her blood pressure's dangerously low. She's septic…going into shock.
KIRYK
What does that mean?
KELLER
It means the wound is necrotic. I'm going to have to surgically debride it—cut away the dead tissue. I'm going to start her on an i.v. antibiotic. But she needs much stronger medications than I have with me. She's a very, very sick girl.
KIRYK
(insistent)
She can't die. You cannot let her die!
KELLER
I'll do what I can.
KIRYK
I'll be close by.
[He leaves the cave as Keller prepares a bag of solution.]
EXT—CAVE ENTRANCE, NIGHT
[Kiryk looks around, upset before he schools his emotions and walks away.]
INT—CAVE
[Celise awakens as Keller finishes bandaging her leg. She looks at Keller, frightened as Keller realizes she's awake.]
KELLER
Oh, it-it's okay. It's okay. I'm here to help you. I gave you some medicine to numb your leg. Do you feel any pain?
[Celise clutches a small rag doll and shakes her head.]
KELLER
(sighing)
Good. That's good.
CELISE
(weakly)
Where's Kiryk?
KELLER
Kiryk. So that's his name. He's just outside. Keeping watch and making sure you're safe, okay?
[Celise nods.]
KELLER
That's a beautiful doll.
CELISE
Kiryk made it for me.
KELLER
Wow, mean ol' Kiryk, huh? Go figure.
CELISE
He's not mean. He just pretends to be.
KELLER
I know someone just like him.
[She smiles at the girl.]
EXT—FOREST, NIGHT
[Ronon and McKay track through the dark woods.]
MCKAY
The signal's circling. Wherever he's taking her, I think they've arrived.
RONON
How long before daybreak?
MCKAY
Ah, not long now. Maybe under an hour? It's pretty short.
[Ronon stops McKay's forward moment, then silently draws his weapon. They peek around the corner at the Wraith standing in the trail, not moving and not facing them. Ronon stands, watching with interest.]
MCKAY
(whispering)
What are you doing? Shoot it!
[Ronon cautiously moves forward with his gun. McKay follows with his own sidearm drawn. Ronon places the barrel against the Wraith's head.]
RONON
Don't move.
[The Wraith does not move…in fact does not even startle at Ronon's presence. Ronon circles around and sees the Wraith has been caught in one of Kiryk's traps, impaled upright. He chuckles and lowers his gun. McKay circles around and stares in horror.]
RONON
One less trap to worry about.
MCKAY
Is that supposed to be comforting?
[They move off.]
EXT—CAVE ENTRANCE, DAWN
[Keller steps outside the cave, looking around. Kiryk shows up behind her. She turns and is startled by his sudden, close proximity.]
KELLER
(gasping)
Oh! You scared me.
KIRYK
How is she?
KELLER
I debrided the wound, cleaned it as best I could, but…she's not out of danger, not by a long shot. She needs a much stronger antibiotic regimen, not to mention the probability of a skin graft. I'd like to take her to Atlantis. Our infirmary can provide her with the proper care she needs.
KIRYK
I can't go to Atlantis.
KELLER
I know. You're going to have to…trust me with her care.
[Kiryk stiffens.]
KIRYK
As long as you return her to me when…she's healed.
KELLER
Kiryk, you have to understand something. There's no guarantee she's going to survive this, she's still very sick. But if she survives…being constantly hunted by the Wraith is no life for a child. You know that. If you really want her to live, you need to let her go.
KIRYK
If I knew that she would—
[He pauses, hearing something behind them.]
KELLER
(alert)
What is it?
[Kiryk shoves Keller into hiding in the foliage, then moves off, checking his armband. A few seconds later, two Wraith approach the cave. Kiryk materializes, with his sword drawn. He catches them by surprise, slicing the one open. The other is able to strike back before he can fight it, knocking Kiryk to the ground and disarming him. Kiryk disappears as the Wraith presses his advantage. He looks around. Kiryk rematerializes behind him and punches him in the kidney area, then picks up his sword and kills the Wraith. Kiryk is then felled by a stunner blast by a third, hidden Wraith. It approaches its prey.]
CELISE
(calling from in cave)
Kiryk?
[The Wraith turns to the cave.]
INT—CAVE
[The Wraith approaches Celise, who lies helpless on the bed. It falls dead as it's impaled by Kiryk's sword. Keller lets go of the hilt as the Wraith falls. Still in shock, she runs to Celise and embraces her, staring at the entrance.]
EXT—FOREST CLEARING, DAY
[Kiryk awakens to find himself lying in a clearing. Keller is nearby with Celise, checking the girl's vitals. Kiryk groans as he tries to move.]
KIRYK
What happened?
KELLER
A Wraith stunned you. Almost killed Celise. I couldn't revive you. They must've hit you with a triple dose of whatever's in those stunners. Anyway, I knew we had to get away from the cave, so I carried Celise here, and then I went back and literally dragged you the distance. Not an easy task, let me tell you.
[While Keller is speaking, Kiryk struggles to his feet. His muscles are still stiff and weak, his balance wobbly.]
KIRYK
How is she?
KELLER
Stable, for the time being, but…her fever is still very high. The longer she stays on this planet, the greater the danger.
KIRYK
I'll carry her. We'll head back for the 'gate.
KELLER
With the Wraith closing in on us? How far do you think we're going to get?
KIRYK
A lot farther than you trying to carry her yourself.
[Keller licks her lips and pulls a device from nearby.]
KELLER
Okay, look, I've been thinking. I may not be able to remove the tracking device, but there might be a way to disable it. This machine…is called a defibrillator. It creates a powerful electric shock to restore someone's heart to the proper rhythm. And I think, if I can place the paddles on the skin directly above your tracking device? I might be able to overload the power source—fry the circuits.
KIRYK
(steeling himself)
All right, do it.
KELLER
Okay, but you should know, that there's no guarantees that this is going to work, and it also carries a lot of risk.
KIRYK
Well, if it works, the device will be disabled. If it kills me, same thing. The Wraith won't be able to track me anymore… It's time to stop running.
EXT—FOREST, DAY
[McKay studies the scanner.]
MCKAY
It's not too much further.
[Ronon pulls his gun and breaks into a run. McKay hurries to keep up.]
MCKAY
Hey!
EXT—CLEARING, DAY
[Kiryk brushes the hair from the sleeping Celise's forehead.]
KIRYK
Promise me you'll make sure she's cared for.
KELLER
I promise.
[Kiryk stands and strips off his top. Keller stares at the scars on his back.]
KELLER
Okay. The charge moves from one paddle to the other, and your tracking device is going to be directly between them, okay?
[Kiryk breathes deeply. She tapes one paddle to the center of his chest.]
KELLER
All right.
[He lies on his stomach. Keller places the other paddle on his back.]
KELLER
Ready?
[He nods. She sets the charge to 360 joules.]
KELLER
Okay, here we go.
[She shocks him. He grunts in pain, then collapses limply.]
EXT—FOREST, DAY
MCKAY
What the hell?
RONON
What?
MKCAY
I don't know. It just…it suddenly stopped transmitting. We lost them!
[Ronon glowers, then keeps moving.]
EXT—CLEARING, DAY
[Keller has moved Kiryk onto his back and is performing CPR.]
KELLER
(desperately)
Oh, come on!
[She injects him with a syringe. She checks for a pulse. He suddenly gasps and retches, starting to sit up. She holds him down.]
KELLER
Okay?
KIRYK
What—what happened?
KELLER
I lost you for a moment, but…you're back in the land of the living.
[She reaches for her scanner.]
KIRYK
Did it work?
[She scans him.]
KELLER
I think so. The device isn't transmitting any signals. I think we successfully fried the sucker.
[She smiles—but her smile falters as she looks down.]
KELLER
Oh no.
KIRYK
What?
KELLER
I guess it fried that too.
[She gestures to the armband that has fallen off his arm, the crystal light blue.]
KIRYK
It doesn't matter. Don't need it anymore.
[He moves to toss it away.]
KELLER
Actually…I know someone who would love to inspect a gadget like that.
[He hands her the armband.]
EXT—FOREST, DAY
[Ronon has stopped; he is crouched down and looks somber.]
MCKAY
Anything?
(notices Ronon's somber expression)
What?
RONON
A body was dragged through here.
[Ronon moves off as McKay looks worried.]
EXT—CLEARING, DAY
[Ronon grunts as he enters the clearing.]
MCKAY
(breathless)
You got something?
RONON
Yeah. Two bodies laid here. Ground cover's trampled in two spots.
MCKAY
So the Wraith got to them before we did?
RONON
I don't think so. I don't see any Wraith footprints anywhere.
MCKAY
Well, so what happened? What, they killed each other?
RONON
No one's dead. At least they weren't when they were here. Look. One body was dragged through here, by Keller. Her footprints.
MCKAY
Ah, so she killed him. Probably in the process of disabling his tracking device.
RONON
Nah, she didn't kill him. He was unconscious. His footprints, side-by-side with hers, leaving the clearing that way.
[Ronon points.]
MCKAY
(dubious)
So, what, she brought him here unconscious, revived him, and they left together?
RONON
Looks like it.
MCKAY
Hey, wait a second. You said there were two bodies. So what, she took a nap?
RONON
No. Too small for Keller. My guess is someone else is with them. Probably a child.
MCKAY
But no footprints?
[Ronon crouches down where Celise had lain.]
RONON
No. She was carried here.
MCKAY
(scoffing)
She? How could possibly know the kid was a girl?
[Ronon holds up Celise's doll with its red dress.]
MCKAY
Oh.
[They hear darts passing overhead.]
RONON
Darts.
MCKAY
Looks like we're not the only ones who noticed his signal died.
[Ronon and McKay take off down the trail again.]
EXT—TOP OF CLIFF, DAY
[Kiryk carries Celise over his shoulder. Both he and Keller are moving slowly.]
KELLER
(out of breath)
Could sure use that teleportation device now.
KIRYK
There's a path down not too far from here. Stay here. I'll check to make sure it's still safe.
[He leaves Celise with Keller. She fusses with the child's blankets. Kiryk moves to a shallower slope and looks down. Ronon tackles him from behind. They fight hand-to-hand. Keller looks up, hearing the commotion.]
KELLER
Ronon? Ronon, wait!
[McKay comes up behind Keller.]
MCKAY
Jennifer?
KELLER
(upset)
Make him stop!
MCKAY
What? Why?
[Ronon and Kiryk continue to fight.]
KELLER
(screaming, frantic)
Ronon, please STOP!
(to McKay)
Help me. Grab her!
[She leaves Celise with McKay and runs to the battle. She reaches them just as Ronon's pulled his gun, and Kiryk's unsheathed his sword. They hold their respective weapons at each other's throats.]
KELLER
Stop!
[Keller grabs onto both of them.]
KELLER
Listen, he just wanted me to help the little girl. She's sick! She's dying! We need to get her back to Atlantis! Ronon! Please?
[Ronon sneers, then lowers his gun. After another moment, Kiryk lowers his blade.]
MCKAY
Jennifer, the-the—
[He points to Celise's leg. There is heavy bleeding through the bandages. Keller immediately goes to the child.]
KELLER
Her sutures have torn. I need to re-stitch her before we can move her.
[They can hear darts flying nearby.]
RONON
You've got Wraith looking for you.
KIRYK
I know.
MCKAY
Listen, you stand a better chance fighting them together than fighting each other…
[Both men glare at him.]
MCKAY
(stammering)
I mean, obviously the odds of actually winning are still ridiculously low, but—
KELLER
Not helping.
MCKAY
(mumbling)
I gotta go—
[He points to where the packs were left and shuffles away.]
RONON
He's right. This place is going to be swarming with Wraith. It's better off if we work together.
[He steps away from Kiryk, leaving him clear access to his stunner, which had fallen during the battle. Kiryk holsters his gun.]
[Keller quickly finishes re-stitching and re-bandaging the wound.]
KELLER
All right, she's ready.
RONON
Let's go.
[McKay starts picking up the packs and Kiryk picks up Celise. Ronon spots Wraith running towards them.]
RONON
Wraith!
[He immediately starts fighting one who's come on him quickly. Another one rushes at McKay who fires his hand gun but cannot stop the Wraith's approach.]
MCKAY
Oh, crap!
[The Wraith pins him against a rock and sets up to feed.]
MCKAY
RONON!
[Ronon is fighting off two Wraith hand-to-hand and cannot help. Keller hits McKay's Wraith with a stick, distracting him from McKay as prey and uses the stick to block further attacks. McKay fumbles to reload his gun as Kiryk helps Ronon fight the other Wraith.]
KELLER
Shoot him!
MCKAY
I will!
[McKay finally has his pistol ready and fires several times. The Wraith falls. Kiryk is able to kill one Wraith with his sword just as Ronon knocks the other one to the ground. Ronon holds out his hand, and Kiryk throws his sword to Ronon. Ronon plunges the blade into the Wraith and twists it. They look around, but there are no more enemies. Celise has slept through it all.]
MCKAY
(nonplussed, to Keller)
Where'd you learn to fight like that?
KELLER
(awkwardly)
Uh…been taking a few sparring lessons.
[She gestures to Ronon.]
MCKAY
(flatly)
Oh.
[More darts are heard overhead. Ronon pulls out Kiryk's sword.]
RONON
We need to move.
[The group walk through the woods.]
KELLER
I tried to stabilize her, but she needs stronger medication.
MCKAY
You know, you could've just asked for her assistance as opposed to…kidnapping her!
KELLER
He knows, Rodney. Here, I got you something.
[She pulls out Kiryk's armband from her pack.]
KELLER
It's a kind of teleportation device.
MCKAY
Teleportation? Really?
KELLER
Well, it was, anyway. I kind of broke it.
[McKay pulls out a small screwdriver and starts playing with the device as he walks. Up ahead, Ronon walks with Kiryk, who carries Celise.]
RONON
Is she family?
KIRYK
I brought the Wraith to her village. She's the sole survivor.
RONON
(empathetic)
It's not easy…living with that.
[Kiryk shoots him a look.]
RONON
Don't worry. We're going to get you out of this…both of you.
EXT—RISE OVER STARGATE AREA, DAY
[The group reach an elevated area overlooking the Stargate. They see Wraith guarding the Stargate. Kiryk sits Celise down. She's awake, but groggy.]
RONON
I count six Wraith on the ground.
KIRYK
Six that we can see. Probably more in the surrounding woods.
RONON
Want to make a run for it? Shoot our way through?
KIRYK
The ships will be alerted as soon as the shooting starts. We'll be culled before we can even dial.
RONON
We're just going to have to take our chances.
[The armband beeps.]
MCKAY
(pleased)
Hey!
KELLER
You fixed it!
MCKAY
I don't know about "fixed", it's more of a "patch" really. It's incredibly complicated technology. I'm not sure if it'll actually—
[Kiryk grabs the armband out of McKay's hand.]
MCKAY
Hey! What're you doing?
KIRYK
I'm going to improve our chances.
[He places the armband on his forearm, where it fuses itself. The light turns green.]
KELLER
Don't go down there by yourself.
KIRYK
I'll be fine.
(to Ronon)
Get ready to attack that clearing.
[Ronon stands watch.]
MCKAY
Look, just-just-just, wait a second. All right? Look, I'm not sure if I've actually fixed it. You'll need to test it before you actually.
[Kiryk presses the button and disappears.]
MCKAY
Huh. I guess I did fix it.
EXT—STARGATE AREA, DAY
[A Wraith soldier patrols the wood near the Stargate. Kiryk materializes and kills the Wraith before it realizes he's there. He disappears, then reappears near the DHD, taking out the guard there and using his gun to down two more.]
EXT—RISE ABOVE STARGATE, DAY
[They see Kiryk fighting.]
MCKAY
He's at the 'gate!
RONON
Stay with them!
[Ronon runs to join Kiryk. McKay draws his sidearm.]
EXT—STARGATE AREA, DAY
[Kiryk is pinned down at the DHD in a firefight. He dials the Stargate between shots.]
EXT—RISE ABOVE STARGATE, DAY
KELLER
He's dialing the 'gate.
EXT—STARGATE AREA, DAY
[Kiryk dials the last chevron, activating the Stargate. More Wraith reinforcements run towards the Stargate as Kiryk shoots cover fire and escapes through it. The Wraith give chase, including two darts. Ronon arrives just as the wormhole shuts down.]
EXT—RISE ABOVE STARGATE, DAY
[Keller and McKay share sorrowful looks.]
KELLER
We've got to get a move on.
MCKAY
All right. Well, we'll take her to the 'gate, then I'll go back, tell people it's safe to return to the village.
[Keller nods.]
EXT—STARGATE AREA, DAY
[Ronon stares regretfully at the inactive Stargate.]
EXT—ATLANTIS, DAY
INT—ATLANTIS INFIRMARY
[Celise sits up in an infirmary bed, playing a duck hunter video game on a handheld computer. McKay hovers by her side.]
MCKAY
Uh, no, no. As-as they fly up, you want to-want to use that button there to shoot them.
CELISE
(scandalized)
Shoot the ducks?
MCKAY
They're not real ducks, obviously. They're just, you know, for pretend…
[He looks to Keller for help. She's studying Celise's monitors.]
KELLER
Maybe you should show her a different game.
MCKAY
Yeah, yeah. Sure. Here.
[McKay takes the computer to pull up a different game. Sheppard and Ronon arrive.]
SHEPPARD
Well, how's our little patient?
KELLER
Oh, much better. She's a heck of a fighter.
SHEPPARD
(to Celise, pointing to McKay)
Is he bothering you? Because, I can have him removed, forcibly.
CELISE
Really?
MCKAY
Yeah, he's kidding.
KELLER
I talked to one of the families on 985, the woman's home we visited? She'd love to have Celise come and live with them.
RONON
That's great.
CELISE
Will I see Kiryk again?
[The others exchange awkward looks.]
KELLER
I don't know, sweetheart.
SHEPPARD
We're still looking for him. Keeping our eyes and ears open.
RONON
(smiling)
Hey, I brought you something. I think you dropped this in the woods.
[He holds out Celise's doll. Her eyes light up and she takes it.]
CELISE
My doll!
[Ronon and Keller exchange smiles. McKay watches their interaction with discouraged interest.]
INT—ATLANTIS WORKOUT ROOM
[Ronon twirls a staff around in a loose kada movement. McKay enters.]
RONON
What?
MCKAY
Okay, here's the thing. I-I've been thinking, and, uh…I need to know your intentions.
RONON
(puzzled)
Intentions?
MCKAY
With Jennifer.
RONON
I don't have any intentions.
MCKAY
(surprised)
Oh. Okay.
[He turns to go, suppressing a smile.]
MCKAY
(under his breath)
Good.
RONON
Wait.
[McKay turns back.]
RONON
What do you mean by "intentions"?
MCKAY
I mean, are you interested in her in a…romantic…fashion?
RONON
No.
MCKAY
Good!
[He turns to go. Ronon leans on his staff.]
RONON
Wait.
[McKay spins back.]
MCKAY
(angry)
What?
RONON
Maybe I do…have…intentions.
MCKAY
(grumbling softly)
Oh.
RONON
Do you have intentions?
MCKAY
Yes, well of course I do. That's why I was asking you.
RONON
(shrugging)
So what are we going to do about it?
MCKAY
(sighing)
I don't know.
[Ronon smiles and starts shifting his staff.]
MCKAY
I'm not going to fight you for her, if that's what you're thinking.
RONON
Great.
MCKAY
I'm not going to step aside either! So…we're just going to have to…let her decide.
[Ronon is still smirking.]
RONON
Okay.
MCKAY
(with bravado)
Okay. So, may the best man win.
[McKay steps forward and holds out his hand to shake. Ronon, still smiling, takes it. McKay swallows, uncertain.]
FADE OUT
END CREDITS
Transcribed for Solutions by Aurora Novarum, October 2008.
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--Michelle 12:10, 18 October 2008 (PDT)