SGU 1.07 "Earth" Transcript
Episode Guide
SGU 1.07 "Earth" Episode Guide
Précis
General O'Neill wants Col. Young to implement a high-risk plan hatched by IOA scientists that could possibly return the Destiny crew to Earth. Elsewhere, Eli and Chloe use the communication stones to visit their loved ones, culminating in a trip to a club.
Guide | Transcript
Transcript
TEASER
INT—YOUNG'S QUARTERS
[TJ listens to Young's back with her stethoscope, then continues her physical examination, checking eye reaction with a penlight.]
YOUNG
You are so beautiful.
TJ
Don't.
[She reaches to take his pulse, but instead he clasps her hand.]
YOUNG
I'm sorry. I never meant to hurt you.
[TJ pauses then moves in to kiss Young.]
SCOTT
(distorted, offscreen)
Colonel.
INT—YOUNG'S OFFICE
[Young, sitting on a couch, awakens from the dream he was having. Scott stands at the door.]
SCOTT
(apologetic)
Sorry, sir, they're waiting.
[Young checks his watch.]
INT—STONE ROOM
[Young limps into the room with Scott behind him. Riley and Wray already sit at a round table; Riley has a clipboard and pen. The communication device is already active and the stones are set around it.]
YOUNG
Sorry.
WRAY
We're late.
[She hesitantly puts her stone on the device. A moment later, so does Young.]
INT—STONE COMMUNICATION LAB, PENTAGON
[Young stares down at himself. He's in the body of an African American airman named Hamilton. Wray sits across from him, in the body of a dark haired woman named Baldwin. Telford is leaning against the door frame.]
TELFORD
You're late.
YOUNG/HAMILTON
It's my fault.
INT—HOME-WORLD COMMAND CONFERENCE ROOM, PENTAGON
[A guard scans the ID badges for Telford and the other two as they enter a room crowded with civilians and military. O'Neill stands at one end.]
O'NEILL
Thanks for joining us, Colonel.
[Young/Hamilton falters in his step, taking in the crowd.]
YOUNG/HAMILTON
Sorry, sir. I wasn't expecting a party.
TELFORD
We may have figured out a way to get you home.
[Young and Wray exchange looks as the group in the room smiles triumphantly.]
O'NEILL
Surprise.
END TEASER
CREDIT
EXT—PENTAGON, ARLINGTON, VA, DAY
INT—HOME-WORLD SECURITY CONFERENCE ROOM
[Two scientists, a Caucasian tall man, Williams, and a small Indian woman, McCormack, are conducting the briefing.]
WILLIAMS
Now the power flow issues are obviously the biggest variable. But our power simulations are encouraging. It's time to take it to the next level.
O'NEILL
Any questions?
WRAY/BALDWIN
Sounds dangerous.
STROM
The IOA fully supports the implementation of this plan.
TELFORD
I've seen it for myself. The situation on board is dire. It's justifies the risk.
YOUNG/HAMILTON
(sighing)
Look, I'm not going to pretend to understand everything you guys are talking about, but it sounds like there's a chance that this plan could end badly.
TELFORD
You want to get those people home. So do we.
YOUNG/HAMILTON
I'm just saying maybe these guys could do a little more calculating.
WILLIAMS
The fact is we are at the stage where a practical attempt is the only way to get any more hard data.
TELFORD
The goal is to save lives.
STROM
And we don't want to put the ship at risk.
WILLIAMS
All we're asking is that you try.
YOUNG/HAMILTON
Well, this is something I would have to take up with everyone on board.
O'NEILL
(standing)
Colonel… My office?
[Young/Hamilton follows O'Neill into his office and shuts the door.]
INT—O'NEILL'S OFFICE
O'NEILL
Look, if it makes you feel any better, Colonel Carter saved my ass dozens of times using all kinds of wacky science I didn't understand.
YOUNG/HAMILTON
Well, I can't force people to do something they don't want to do.
O'NEILL
(incredulous)
You're in command of that ship. It's not a democracy.
YOUNG/HAMILTON
I'm sorry, sir. It-it's just not that simple.
O'NEILL
(insistent)
Yes, yes it is. A United States senator is dead. His daughter and dozens of people are trapped a billion light years away from home. The President wants it done.
YOUNG/HAMILTON
Sir, with all due respect…
O'NEILL
(angry)
You're being given a direct order, Colonel.
YOUNG/HAMILTON
And I'm telling that regardless of the consequences to my standing, I'm going to take this situation under advisement. I will let you know my decision tomorrow.
[O'Neill stares at Young/Hamilton.]
EXT—TIDAL BASIN, WASHINGTON, DC, DAY
[Wray/Baldwin stares up at the Washington Monument while Strom gets a hot dog from a vendor.]
STROM
Are you sure you don't want anything?
WRAY/BALDWIN
Oh, I'm fine.
[She breathes in the fresh, fall air and looks around.]
STROM
(to vendor)
Thank you.
(To Wray/Baldwin)
Must be nice to get out, I imagine.
[They walk together.]
WRAY/BALDWIN
(smiling)
It is.
STROM
Everyone's very impressed with how you're holding up under the circumstances.
WRAY/BALDWIN
I'm doing my best.
STROM
You're our eyes and ears now. Your life and certainly the lives of everyone aboard is the first priority. But you have to understand, there's a lot at stake here.
WRAY/BALDWIN
You passed me up for promotion four times. I never really got a straight answer as to why.
STROM
You are a highly trusted, well-respected member of this organization. You would not have been on Icarus in the first place if you weren't.
WRAY/BALDWIN
The point is, I know there's no way in hell you'd be talking to me right now if you had a choice. So, please, can we just cut to the chase?
STROM
(with feral grin)
Make this happen.
WRAY/BALDWIN
I'm not a scientist. How can I do that?
STROM
You have influence. The people on board need to believe it will get them home.
WRAY/BALDWIN
Even if, in reality, it can get us all killed?
STROM
Not what I have been told.
WRAY/BALDWIN
(fiercely)
Why are you pushing so hard?
STROM
If this works, we think we might be able to use the data to re-engineer the process in one of our ships here, in this galaxy.
WRAY/BALDWIN
Dial a 'gate to Destiny without an Icarus-type planet?
STROM
Yes. And get the team that was supposed to go in the first place back on board. Now that we know where the ninth chevron leads, this mission has taken on even more importance.
WRAY/BALDWIN
Why isn't Rush here?
STROM
Ah. We're not convinced Rush wants to come home. And do I have to remind you how much you have to gain, personally, from all of this?
WRAY/BALDWIN
(with cold smile)
Assuming I live.
EXT—SPACE
[Destiny flies faster than light.]
INT—MESS HALL
[Eli, TJ, Scott, Greer, and Chloe sit around a table in the crowded room.]
ELI
The ship doesn't have enough power to dial back to Earth, and as we've seen recently, when the ship runs out of juice, it finds a star and refills its tanks. Now, theoretically, at that time, the full power of the star should be available to us.
GREER
Star power. Ultimate wattage, baby.
ELI
Yeah, it's…it's brilliant. If we can somehow use the ship as a conduit and channel the star's energy into the 'gate as we dial…
SCOTT
That would do it.
ELI
(sighing)
Problem is the whole "ship as a conduit" part.
TJ
Well, does anyone know when the ship will run out of power again?
ELI
It's tough to tell. Based on current usage, it's probably going to be several months.
[Brody and Riley look over from another table, where they've been listening.]
BRODY
Not if we can drain the power faster.
ELI
Right, that's the part of the plan that sounded a little vague.
RILEY
(shrugging)
It's possible.
SCOTT
So you guys are saying you're all for this?
BRODY
(hesitantly)
Let's see what Rush says.
INT—CONTROL ROOM
[Rush, Wray, and Young are in the room.]
RUSH
Given how little we know about this ship…
WRAY
Can't we at least try it and abort if something goes wrong?
RUSH
(scoffing)
Well, unfortunately, the, uh, "something goes wrong" part would most likely mean the ship exploding.
YOUNG
Not according to the people who came up with the idea.
RUSH
Well, if only all science was that definitive, Colonel. You're just going to have to choose who you want to believe.
INT—STONE COMMUNICATION ROOM
[Chloe and Eli stand around the table. Riley makes notes on a paper. A kino floats near Eli.]
CHLOE
There's nothing to worry about. It doesn't hurt at all.
ELI
(worried)
Do I look worried?
CHLOE
A little.
ELI
Just trying to figure out what I'm going to say to my Mom.
RILEY
My family thinks I'm on sabbatical in Africa.
ELI
So when it's time to come back, what do I do? Click my heels three times?
RILEY
There's no way for you to disconnect the transmission yourself. The base needs to be manually shut down. There's a device on the other side as well and turning either off will sever the connection.
ELI
(nervous)
Pretty cool.
RILEY
Easiest way to swap consciousness with someone across the universe I've ever seen.
[Eli chuckles. Young enters.]
YOUNG
What's with the kino?
ELI
First time using the stones. Very exciting.
[The stones activate. William, McCormack, and Telford look around, adjusting to being in Eli's, Chloe's, and Young's bodies, respectively. Williams looks down in derision at Eli's scroungy "You are here" red shirt.]
WILLIAMS/ELI
Any chance I could get something else to wear?
INT—COMMUNICATION LAB, PENTAGON
[Chloe, Young, and Eli are similarly adjusting to the switch as their counterparts. Eli spots his physical appearance as Williams in a camera monitor and waves.]
ELI/WILLIAMS
Wow, check me out. Okay, this is weird. The people we're in can't hear us, can they?
CHLOE
No.
ELI
Wonder what they're doing with our bodies?
[Young/Telford looks at Eli with sudden alarm.]
INT—YOUNG'S OFFICE
[Scott and Rush hesitantly enter the office. Guards are posted outside and Telford, in Young's body, waits for them.]
RUSH
Colonel Telford.
TELFORD/YOUNG
I'll just get right to it. I've been ordered to enact the rescue plan put forward by the IOA.
RUSH
Rescue plan?
SCOTT
I don't understand.
TELFORD/YOUNG
I've brought Doctors McCormack and Williams with me. I believe you know them.
RUSH
Yes.
TELFORD/YOUNG
I've already set them to work.
SCOTT
What about Colonel Young?
TELFORD/YOUNG
Effective immediately, I'm assuming command of the Destiny.
[Rush and Scott stare at him in shock.]
INT—O'NEILL'S OFFICE
[Young/Telford stands in front of O'Neill, who is seated as his desk, a Mac laptop in front of him.]
YOUNG/TELFORD
You replaced me.
O'NEILL
For now.
YOUNG/TELFORD
Without waiting to hear my answer.
O'NEILL
Then you were going to say…
YOUNG/TELFORD
Give us more time.
O'NEILL
Then you were going to be disobeying a direct order.
YOUNG/TELFORD
Sir…
O'NEILL
Look, I offered you command of the expedition. You were my first choice. But you turned it it down. Your exact words as I recall, were "I don't think it's still in me, sir."
YOUNG/TELFORD
Well, I'm there now, sir, whether I like it or not, whether anyone likes it. This is wrong, and you know it. I've spent most of my career looking up to you because you always did the right thing even if it meant disregarding the chain of command.
O'NEILL
Colonel, don't think I like this.
[Young/Telford nods.]
INT—LOUNGE AT PENTAGON
[Eli, Chloe, and Young, in their host bodies, sit around a lounge.]
ELI/WILLIAMS
They can't do this to us, can they?
YOUNG/TELFORD
For now, they have. Look, I think it comes down to the fact that they don't trust Rush. And the truth is, I-I can't blame them.
CHLOE/MCCORMACK
What are we supposed to do?
YOUNG/TELFORD
Well, they've given you permission to see your families as long as you guys follow the rules.
ELI/WILLIAMS
Look, I hate to go there, but what happens if they screw up and the ship explodes?!
YOUNG/TELFORD
Most likely, we will die here, too.
[Chloe/McCormack and Eli/Williams exchange worried looks.]
YOUNG/TELFORD
Look, apparently they're just doing some preliminary testing, information gathering, nothing-nothing too crazy.
ELI/WILLIAMS
(with false smile)
So, what you're saying is…live it up while we can.
EXT—SPACE
[Destiny flies faster than light.]
INT—DESTINY MESS HALL
[Greer and Scott sit across from each other at a table. Scott spots Telford/Young and two guards approaching from the door behind Greer. He signals Greer with a look.]
GREER
(without turning)
Colonel Telford, I presume.
TELFORD/YOUNG
Sergeant.
[Greer stands up and turns at attention.]
INT—CORRIDOR OUTSIDE MAKESHIFT BRIG
[Greer is led by Telford/Young and the guards to the room, where he steps inside, looking at the spartan contents. There is not even the normal bed.]
TELFORD/YOUNG
He can use the facilities. That's it.
[Greer stands at attention as the door locks in front of him, staring at Telford with an insubordinate sneer.]
INT—MESS HALL, DESTINY
[Everyone else is gathered in the room, being briefed by the visitors.]
RILEY
And what if the power flow can't be controlled?
WILLIAMS/ELI
Well, if there are any dangerous fluctuations, we just shut it down and allow the ship to continue powering up.
BRODY
Early tests show it should work.
TELFORD/YOUNG
We're not going to be putting you into any more danger than you're already in just being here.
MCCORMACK/CHLOE
From what I gather, supplies are desperately short.
WILLIAMS/ELI
And given the condition of the ship, it could experience a fatal break down at any time.
WRAY
No one is trying to alarm you unduly. But, we can't continue to scrape by, barely surviving.
TELFORD/YOUNG
Obviously, we can't say for sure that this is going to get you home. But the best minds that we have are working on this, and I'm sure you'll agree…
[He catches Rush's mutinous expression.]
TELFORD/YOUNG
(firmly)
…it's well worth pursuing.
[Rush walks out.]
EXT—OBSERVATION DECK
[Telford/Young enters. Rush is already sitting at a table there.]
TELFORD/YOUNG
Dr. Rush.
RUSH
Colonel.
TELFORD/YOUNG
It is spectacular, isn't it?
RUSH
Yes.
TELFORD/YOUNG
If this plan has any chance at succeeding…
RUSH
Which it doesn't. Control over most of the ship's operational systems is limited, at best. Navigation, propulsion, many others have been locked out entirely by a master code which we have had no luck in breaking.
TELFORD/YOUNG
I thought you might want to know we've come up with a way of draining the power.
RUSH
(caustic)
Yes, so I heard. Many of the power conduits have been badly damaged. And firing the ship's weapon system without either repairing them or isolating the damaged areas would be prohibitively dangerous.
TELFORD/YOUNG
That's what we're working on right now. Just wanted to keep you informed.
[He leaves.]
EXT—SUBURBAN STREET OUTSIDE WALLACE HOME, DAY
[Eli/Williams and Green sit in a military car outside the home.]
ELI/WILLIAMS
She's not going to understand. She can barely follow an episode of Star Trek.
GREEN
You don't have to tell her.
[Eli gets out and knocks on the door. His mother opens it.]
WALLACE
Yes?
ELI
Hi. I—
WALLACE
Can I help you?
ELI/WILLIAMS
My name is…Phillip. Phillip Fry. I work with your son.
WALLACE
You know Eli?
ELI/WILLIAMS
We've…recently become very close.
INT—CHLOE'S ROOM
[Chloe stares at the reflection of the Indian scientist in the mirror. Her mother knocks on the door and enters.]
CHLOE/MCCORMACK
It doesn't feel real. It's like a…bad dream.
[Her mother sits on the bed beside her.]
MRS. ARMSTRONG
You're here. If this is the only way, I can live with that.
CHLOE/MCCORMACK
I can't stay this way forever, Mom.
MRS. ARMSTRONG
I know. Everyone's working very hard to get you home.
CHLOE/MCCORMACK
I'm trying to get through this. I am.
[Her mother clasps her hand.]
MRS. ARMSTRONG
Your father always used to say…
CHLOE/MCCORMACK
One step at a time. I miss him so much.
[They lean into each other.]
MRS.ARMSTRONG
Me, too.
INT—WALLACE KITCHEN
[Wallace sets a can of Coca-Cola and a glass with ice in front of Eli/Williams.]
ELI/WILLIAMS
(delighted)
Oh, awesome. Thanks.
WALLACE
Eli drinks four or five of those a day.
ELI/WILLIAMS
Actually, he quit.
WALLACE
Really? I find that hard to believe.
ELI/WILLIAMS
He's on a bit of a crash diet. You may not recognize him next time you see him.
WALLACE
When will that be?
ELI/WILLIAMS
I-I'm sorry. I'm not sure. Really getting into shape, though.
WALLACE
Can I get you something to eat?
ELI/WILLIAMS
Uh, Eli said you make the most amazing chocolate chip cookies.
WALLACE
(surprised and pleased)
He told you that?
ELI/WILLIAMS
Oh, yeah. It's crazy how close you get in such a short time. Sometimes it's like…he's right up there in my brain.
[He chuckles nervously.]
WALLACE
Why don't I make some? You could take them back with you.
[She gets up from the table and goes into the kitchen. She ties an apron on and starts to gather her baking supplies.]
ELI/WILLIAMS
(perking)
He also said you make a mean schnitzel. But I don't want to put you out.
WALLACE
No, I'm happy to do it. You know, I thought he'd be calling more often.
ELI/WILLIAMS
Here, let me help you.
[He joins her.]
WALLACE
Tell me, this uh, work you're doing. I know you can't tell me much about it.
ELI/WILLIAMS
I can tell you that it's important. In fact, it could change the world as we know it.
WALLACE
Really? My Eli?
[She turns away, setting up her bowl and measuring cups. As she talks, Eli/Williams reaches automatically into the cupboard where she keeps her dry ingredients and pulls out the crocks.]
WALLACE
Not that I'm surprised, don't get me wrong. He's my son. Of course I think he's special. He was always so bright, so different. But he just, uh…he never seemed to apply himself. Some of it was my fault.
ELI/WILLIAMS
Oh, no. He doesn't blame you at all for anything. I'm sorry if this is personal, but he told me you're not well.
WALLACE
(surprised)
Did he?
[She turns and is even more surprised to see the man she sees as Williams has already found where she keeps her dry ingredients for cookies. Eli/Williams looks down at the crock and chocolate chips in his hands as if surprised himself.]
ELI/WILLIAMS
Huh…lucky guess. Eggs are in the fridge, right?
[He awkwardly moves to the refrigerator. Wallace seems to pondering things.]
WALLACE
I didn't think he ever talked to anyone about it.
ELI/WILLIAMS
He asked me to make sure the Air Force was making good on their promise to help you.
WALLACE
To be honest, the whole thing makes me a little anxious. I-I really just want to know Eli is okay.
ELI/WILLIAMS
(softly, comforting)
He is.
[She stares at him with a strange expression.]
WALLACE
You make sure you tell him I'm proud of him.
ELI/WILLIAMS
(emotional)
I will.
WALLACE
(crying)
I'm sorry. I-it's just, it all happened so suddenly. And I…I miss him.
ELI/WILLIAMS
(sadly)
He misses you, too.
EXT—SPACE
[Destiny moves faster than light.]
INT—CONDUIT AREA
[Brody and Riley, both wearing the space suits Young and Scott had on in "Water", work on soldering cables.]
BRODY
That's it for me.
RILEY
I'm almost done over here.
INT—CONTROL ROOM
[Telford/Young, McCormack/Chloe, and Williams/Eli stalk into the room where Rush is.]
TELFORD/YOUNG
You're stalling.
RUSH
I'm doing things the way they need to be done.
WILLIAMS/ELI
Now, we've isolated power to forty percent of the operational weapons system, and it should be good enough to get us a read on our power reduction capability.
TELFORD/YOUNG
(threateningly)
The next time we drop out of FTL…
RUSH
Now look-look, this ship is old and damaged. The computers aren't registering half the things they're supposed to. I want manual confirmation before activating something this comprehensive.
TELFORD/YOUNG
Over eighty percent of this ship is unaccessible without spacesuits right now. With only two suits, doing it your way could take months!
RUSH
If that's what it takes.
INT—CORRIDOR
[Brody and Riley seal off the corridor where they had been working while standing outside.]
RILEY
(into radio)
Dr. Rush, we're ready here.
RUSH
(over radio)
Okay, sending power through.
[They watch through the window in the door and spot a breach in one of the pipes, from which gas is being sprayed. An alert wails in the control room.]
[The conversation switches between Brody and Riley's location and the control room.]
RUSH
Riley…
BRODY
Looks like a coolant leak.
RILEY
I thought you got it.
BRODY
Yeah, so did I.
RUSH
There's a problem. Power's backing up in the relay.
TELFORD/YOUNG
Shut it down.
RUSH
(pressing buttons)
I'm trying, it's not working.
WILLIAMS/ELI
The problem is contained. It's restricted to that corridor.
RUSH
That's not the point!
TELFORD/YOUNG
How big an explosion are we talking about?
RILEY
I'm going in. I can seal it.
[Riley opens the door.]
BRODY
What are you crazy? You can't go in there! We are on the hull!
[Brody tries to block him, but in the bulky suit, he can't maneuver as Riley shoves him back. The door is sealed before Brody can get back on his feet. He watches helplessly as Riley sets to work.]
TELFORD/YOUNG
Rush!
RUSH
(insistent)
We are in FTL! If it punctures the hull, disrupts the shield, at all, even for a microsecond, then the entire ship could be in jeopardy.
[The overload builds as Riley attempts to seal the breach. Sparks fly and Riley is thrown back into the far wall, knocked unconscious. Blood spatters the inside of his face shield.]
BRODY
Riley!
INT—CORRIDOR OUTSIDE MAKESHIFT INFIRMARY
[Brody, still in the under garment of the suit, crouches, upset outside the room. Rush stands waiting nearby. TJ and another are working on Riley, an IV bag is hanging on a stand. TJ comes out]
TJ
It's um…it's going to be touch and go.
[Brody looks stricken by the news.]
INT—MESS HALL
[Rush eats his rations. Telford/Young enters and sits across from him.]
TELFORD/YOUNG
We're proceeding with the test next time we drop out of FTL.
RUSH
Colonel, the man nearly died.
TELFORD/YOUNG
You're the one who put him in jeopardy.
RUSH
I was trying to make sure you didn't kill us all.
TELFORD/YOUNG
I'm not going to.
RUSH
Look, I accept responsibility for what happened, but you forced the situation. And activating the weapon system the way you're proposing…is completely reckless.
TELFORD/YOUNG
Come on, Rush. These people are in danger just being here, evidenced by what just happened. This ship is falling apart. They're the wrong people for this. We need to get them home.
RUSH
Yeah, well, there's a right way of doing that.
TELFORD/YOUNG
We are doing it the right way.
RUSH
That's a matter of opinion.
TELFORD/YOUNG
Look, I know that we've had our differences in the past…
RUSH
Yeah, you wanted me off the expedition team. I remember.
TELFORD/YOUNG
It was my duty to express concern for how everyone else felt about you.
RUSH
So you're suggesting that my judgment is now somehow "clouded"? Or is it that I'm just plain lying?
TELFORD/YOUNG
Admit it, Rush. After everything that's happened, you're afraid they're not going to let you come back.
[Rush gets up and leaves.]
INT—ELI'S HOTEL ROOM
[Wearing a white tee-shirt, Eli runs his hand down his torso, noticing Williams more firm physique in the mirror. The cell phone rings and he goes to answer it.]
ELI/WILLIAMS
(into phone)
Hello?
CHLOE/MCCORMACK
(over phone)
Hey, it's me.
[The conversation switches between Chloe's bedroom and Eli's hotel room.]
ELI/WILLIAMS
How's it going?
CHLOE/MCCORMACK
Eh…okay. How'd your mom take it?
ELI/WILLIAMS
Couldn't do it. I told her I was a co-worker.
CHLOE/MCCORMACK
I told my friends I'm cousin Liz from out west.
[They share a laugh.]
ELI/WILLIAMS
I may have oversold the job. I said I was going to change everything for "mankind as we know it." What the hell, right? Might as well make her feel like I left for a good reason.
CHLOE/MCCORMACK
You did.
ELI/WILLIAMS
(doubtful)
Right. I guess so.
CHLOE/MCCORMACK
So, uh, some of my old friends are taking "Cousin Liz" out on the town to see Janelle Monae. You want to come hang out with us?
ELI/WILLIAMS
(without hesitation)
Hell, yes.
EXT—SUBURBAN STREET OUTSIDE EMILY YOUNG'S HOUSE, DAY
[Emily walks home, carrying grocery bags. Young/Telford waits in a car watching her arrive.]
INT—EMILY'S KITCHEN
[Emily unpacks the groceries as there is a knock at the door. She goes to answer it and sees Telford on the other side. She stares.]
YOUNG/TELFORD
Emily, it's me. Emily…
[She shuts the door and leans against it. Young/Telford pounds on it outside.]
YOUNG/TELFORD
Hey, no. Emily, please. Just open the door.
EMILY
Go away!
YOUNG/TELFORD
I'm not leaving, Emily. I-I'm not going to leave you.
EMILY
I will call the police, Everett!
YOUNG/TELFORD
(becoming more frantic)
Emily please. It doesn't end like this, Emily. Open the door. I just want to talk to you! All right?
[He turns to go when she doesn't answer. But instead of leaving, he turns back.]
YOUNG/TELFORD
Hey, just…I need you to just listen to me, okay? Because I know this is crazy. I'm barely keeping it together, and the only thing that's keeping me from going out of my mind is you. That's making me crazy, too, 'cause I know how much I hurt you, and I know that you hate me for leaving. Emily, I really tried—I didn't want to come here. I tried not to come here. But I can't-I can't stand it! Baby, I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry. And I love you so much. Please. Just…I had to try just in case there was a chance, a chance that you could forgive me.
(sighs)
Maybe you're just afraid thinking I would die out there, so it's easier for you to just push me away now than…have to face me like this. I just want to come home…to you. And that's all I want.
[Emily has listened to him through the front door, clearly upset. Dejected, Young/Telford finally turns away from the door and starts to head back to the car. He reaches the gate when Emily relents and opens the door. Young/Telford pauses. She wraps her arms around him, crying.]
INT—NIGHTCLUB
[Janelle Monae performs dance music in the nightclub. Eli/Williams, still dressed in Williams's suit with no tie, stands at the bar. An attractive young woman comes up to him.]
MINDY
Hi.
ELI/WILLIAMS
(looking around, startled)
Me?
MINDY
What's your name?
ELI/WILLIAMS
(thinks a moment)
Phil. Can I buy you a drink?
MINDY
(fingering drink in her hand)
I have one.
ELI/WILLIAMS
Yes, you do.
(uncertain)
Want to dance?
MINDY
Sure.
[She finishes her drink and leads the way.]
ELI/WILLIAMS
(to himself)
Oh my god. This is awesome!
[Janelle Monae continues to perform. Chloe/McCormack watches two of her friends awfully cozy with each other as she takes a drink. Eli/Williams is still shocked at his situation. He catches Chloe's eye and gives her two thumbs up and a shocked expression. Chloe/McCormack laughs at his antics and shakes her head.]
JOSH
(grabbing Celina)
Hey, we're going to go dance. You want to come?
CHLOE/MCCORMACK
(solemnly)
No.
[Chloe stares at Celina and Josh as they head out to the dance floor.]
CHLOE/MCCORMACK
(to Andy)
So how long have Celina and Josh been together?
ANDY
Uh, I dunno. Too bad about Chloe's dad, huh?
CHLOE/MCCORMACK
Yeah.
ANDY
What's she gonna do?
CHLOE/MCCORMACK
What do you mean?
ANDY
Well, her job. She was working for him, right?
CHLOE/MCCORMACK
I don't really think that's on her mind right now.
ANDY
Sure. Well, tell her we're sorry.
CHLOE/MCCORMACK
I will.
ANDY
You know, it sucks for me. Because Senator Armstrong was hooking me up with his Wall Street connections, and now that's not gonna happen.
CHLOE/MCCORMACK
(looking ill)
I think I have to go throw up.
[She leaves. Andy looks puzzled.]
[At the bar she gets another gin and tonic, watching McCormack's reflection in the mirror. Celina comes up beside her.]
CELINA
Hey.
CHLOE/MCCORMACK
Hey.
CELINA
(concerned)
So, is Chloe really okay?
CHLOE/MCCORMACK
She'll be fine.
CELINA
I wish she'd call me back.
CHLOE/MCCORMACK
I'm sure she misses you. I think she's just having a hard time dealing right now.
CELINA
(upset)
It's just…I really need to talk to her, you know?
CHLOE/MCCORMACK
(aggressive)
You mean about the fact that you're sleeping with her boyfriend?
CELINA
(taken aback)
What?
CHLOE/MCCORMACK
It's pretty obvious you guys are together.
CELINA
Look. Josh and Chloe broke up.
[Chloe moves away from the bar stools, slightly off-balance.]
CHLOE/MCCORMACK
Yeah, I don't think she ever would've suspected that you're the real reason why!
CELINA
I don't know who you—
CHLOE/MCCORMACK
How could you do this to me?!
CELINA
To you?!
[Chloe/McCormack grabs Celina by her jacket.]
CHLOE/MCCORMACK
You're supposed to be her best friend! How could you…
CELINA
(struggling)
Get your hands off of me!
[Celina breaks out of Chloe's grip and backs away. Chloe is very upset.]
INT—YOUNG HOUSE BEDROOM
[Emily and Young, who is in Telford's body, make love in the bed, Young lying back with Emily above him.]
INT—DESTINY CONTROL ROOM
[Scott approaches Telford, in Young's body. Rush, McCormack and Williams, in Chloe's and Eli's bodies, are at one of the consoles.]
SCOTT
Excuse me? Colonel? Can I have a word?
TELFORD/YOUNG
(to scientists)
One moment.
SCOTT
It's about Sergeant Greer…
[Destiny shifts out of FTL. Telford stumbles, by the time his hand hits the console to catch himself, his consciousness has switched and Young is in his own body.]
SCOTT
Colonel Telford?
INT—YOUNG BEDROOM
[Telford is shocked to suddenly find himself in his own body, looking up right as Emily is in the throes of an orgasm.]
INT—CONTROL ROOM
[Chloe and Eli are back in their bodies as well.]
YOUNG
Scott, it's Young. What just happened?
SCOTT
We just dropped out of FTL, sir.
CHLOE
Uh, what's going on?
ELI
It must have disrupted communication between the stones.
YOUNG
Scott, listen to me, we don't have a lot of time. You've got to—
[The consciousness switches again. Telford, back in Young's body, stares at Scott, still trying to get his emotions back in check. McCormack and Williams are back in the others' bodies as well, looking equally nonplussed.]
SCOTT
Colonel Young? Colonel Young?!
INT—YOUNG BEDROOM
EMILY
Oh, baby.
[Emily collapses onto Young, back in Telford's body. He embraces her, but looks distraught.]
TELFORD/YOUNG
What just happened?
SCOTT
We just dropped out of FTL.
WILLIAMS/ELI
Looks like it might have temporarily disrupted the communication device.
TELFORD/YOUNG
(disturbed)
We have to fix that.
[He starts to leave.]
SCOTT
Sir, I think Colonel Young wanted me to shut down the stones.
TELFORD/YOUNG
(angrily)
This is no longer his command. Is that clear? The device stays on.
INT—YOUNG HOME
[Young/Telford paces frantically while on the phone with O'Neill.]
YOUNG/TELFORD
A glitch?! That's one helluva glitch, General.
INT—O'NEILL'S OFFICE
O'NEILL
That's what I'm being told, Colonel. They're working on it.
YOUNG/TELFORD
Yes, sir. Just let me know.
INT—NIGHTCLUB
[Eli/Williams comes and sits at the booth next to Chloe/McCormack. He's putting away his cell phone.]
ELI/WILLIAMS
They said it was some sort of glitch…apparently. It won't happen again.
CHLOE/MCCORMACK
(voice slurred)
How do they know?
ELI/WILLIAMS
(chuckling)
I don't know. And right now, I don't care. Did you see that girl I was dancing with? She wrote her email address on my hand.
CHLOE/MCCORMACK
I hate this. I hate everybody.
[She guzzles down another drink.]
ELI/WILLIAMS
Hey, Captain Buzzkill.
(grabbing drink out of her hand)
Whoa, okay. No more drinks for Cousin Liz.
CHLOE/MCCORMACK
(pointing out Celina and Josh to Eli)
You see those two over there? That's my best friend Celina and my ex-boyfriend.
ELI/WILLIAMS
You can do better. Do you want to dance?
CHLOE/MCCORMACK
(drunkenly)
I think I want to go over there and punch him in the face.
[She looks as if she's about to fall over. He grabs her to keep her upright.]
ELI/WILLIAMS
(with false brightness)
Hey, hey. I have an idea. How about we get out of here?
EXT—OUTSIDE NIGHTCLUB, NIGHT
[Eli/Williams half carries the stumbling Chloe/McCormack as he guides her out and down the sidewalk.]
ELI/WILLIAMS
Whoa, whoa, whoa. Easy.
CHLOE/MCCORMACK
(drunkenly)
This is awful. I'm not even drunk at all.
ELI/WILLIAMS
(chuckling)
Really?! Because you seem drunk.
CHLOE/MCCORMACK
My head's just all…foggy.
ELI/WILLIAMS
Almost there. C'mon, c'mon.
[He leads her to an SUV, helping her into the passenger seat.]
CHLOE/MCCORMACK
Usually it makes me feel better.
ELI/WILLIAMS
Huh.
CHLOE/MCCORMACK
At least for a little while.
ELI/WILLIAMS
It usually makes me dizzy…
[Chloe half collapses into the seat, barely conscious in her drunken stupor.]
ELI/WILLIAMS
(ruefully)
…and then I fall asleep.
INT—CAR
[By the time Eli's gotten into the car, Chloe is sobbing.]
ELI/WILLIAMS
(to himself)
Just once I'd like to go out with a girl and not have it end with her crying.
CHLOE/MCCORMACK
My life was so shallow and pointless, and then I started working with my dad. I really thought that I could do something. Make a difference.
ELI/WILLIAMS
You can.
CHLOE/MCCORMACK
(weeping)
These aren't even my tears.
ELI/WILLIAMS
I'm sorry. If it makes you feel better, I had a really great time tonight.
CHLOE/MCCORMACK
I'm glad.
ELI/WILLIAMS
Do you know the last time a girl that hot told me I was cute? Never.
CHLOE/MCCORMACK
Doesn't it bother you that she wasn't really talking about you?
ELI/WILLIAMS
Well, when you put it like that…
CHLOE/MCCORMACK
Uh…I didn't mean that. Come on. You're cute. The real you.
[Chloe moves forward and starts kissing him…but a moment later Eli snaps out of the daydream he had been having to see Chloe/McCormack staring at him.]
CHLOE/MCCORMACK
What?
ELI/WILLIAMS
Nothing. Go on. You were saying.
CHLOE/MCCORMACK
And…you're funny, too. And you're a genius.
ELI/WILLIAMS
Oh.
CHLOE/MCCORMACK
And…
ELI/WILLIAMS
Don't say it.
[Chloe/McCormack takes his hand.]
CHLOE/MCCORMACK
You're a good friend.
ELI/WILLIAMS
(ruefully)
Yes. That's me. I am a good friend.
CHLOE/MCCORMACK
I don't want to be trapped on that ship. And I don't want to be stuck here like this. I can't feel anything, can you?
ELI/WILLIAMS
Well…
CHLOE/MCCORMACK
You know what's the worst part about having a father like mine?
ELI/WILLIAMS
Whoa, how did we get on to that?
CHLOE/MCCORMACK
(sniffling)
You can't live up to it. He was so great. I'll never be like he was. My dad definitely would've punched Josh in the face!
ELI/WILLIAMS
(trying to contain his laughter)
Wow. I think I'm going to take you home.
CHLOE/MCCORMACK
Could you take me home?
EXT—SPACE
[Destiny floats in space.]
EXT—OBSERVATION DECK
[Wray joins Rush at the railing.]
WRAY
A lot of people are behind this.
RUSH
Well, a lot of people play the lottery. What's surprising is they'd do it with their lives.
WRAY
I know you're opposed. I have serious concerns myself. I'm just wondering how much safer it might be if you were involved.
[As they watch, several weapons are fired from the gun batteries on the ship's deck.]
INT—GREER'S CELL
[Greer and Scott watch the weapon's fire from the window.]
GREER
They can't keep me locked up in here forever.
SCOTT
You know he will. As long as he can. What you did…
GREER
He had it coming to him.
[They both chuckle.]
GREER
Look, just shut down the damn stones, man.
SCOTT
I'm not you, Ron. He's our commanding officer.
GREER
Colonel Young is our commanding officer.
SCOTT
Telford's got guards posted 24-7. What am I supposed to do?
GREER
This better work.
[Scott nods.]
EXT—SPACE
[The guns are fired several more times.]
INT—GATE ROOM
[Telford/Young enters to find Rush alone working at a console.]
TELFORD/YOUNG
What are you doing?
RUSH
I'm making sure we still have enough power to control these consoles when approaching the star.
TELFORD/YOUNG
Dr. Williams says you've come up with a way of improving the odds of success.
RUSH
Well, I don't want to die, Colonel.
TELFORD/YOUNG
Good. Hopefully, we've proven that's not our goal.
[Smiling, he leaves Rush be. The room's power shuts down, catching Rush's attention.]
INT—YOUNG KITCHEN
[Emily and her husband, in Telford's body, sit at the kitchen bar stools sharing shots of alcohol.]
EMILY
I'm sorry. I couldn't deal with it. The thought of you being trapped on that ship…with her.
YOUNG/TELFORD
All right, what do I have to do?
EMILY
And I shouldn't have brought it up again. I know it's over. But you've got to understand…
[The glass he's been holding drops to the floor, shattering. Telford, back in his own body again, tries to orient himself. He stares at Emily, looking nonplussed.]
EMILY
(concerned)
Everett?
INT—GATE ROOM
[Young looks around the darkened room.]
YOUNG
No…
(spots Rush)
Rush, what's happening?
RUSH
We just jumped to FTL.
INT—YOUNG KITCHEN
[Young looks around, realizing he's back in Telford's body.]
INT—GATE ROOM
TELFORD/YOUNG
Rush?
RUSH
Colonel Telford?
[Telford fondles Young's ring sitting on his/their finger.]
TELFORD/YOUNG
Yes…
RUSH
Everything okay?
[Telford/Young straightens and walks purposefully forward.]
TELFORD/YOUNG
It will be soon enough.
EXT—SPACE
[Destiny comes out of FTL close to a star.]
INT—CONTROL ROOM
[Eli and Chloe look at their surroundings.]
ELI
(annoyed)
All right, this is ridiculous. Jumping back and forth without any warning is completely…
INT—ELI'S HOTEL ROOM
[Eli is ranting to no one in his hotel room, back in Williams's body.]
ELI/WILLIAMS
…unacceptable!
(sees where he is)
Seriously?
INT—GATE ROOM
[TJ, Wray and others gather their supplies and file into the Gate Room.]
EXT—SPACE
[Destiny lowers its solar scoops and flies into the star.]
INT—GATE ROOM
[Volker (no longer with his arm in a sling) and Rush are at one console. Telford/Young, Williams/Eli, and McCormack/Chloe are around another. Brody is also with them.]
WILLIAMS/ELI
Routing power flow to the Stargate. Ready to attempt dialing.
TELFORD/YOUNG
Do it.
[He stands in front of the ramp, watching the Stargate dial. One chevron encodes. The second one locks.]
WRAY
(mouthing)
Come on.
[The Stargate continues to dial. Then the ship shakes. Electricity arcs around the Stargate. It stops dialing.]
SCOTT
All right, stand back! Everyone, back up!
BRODY
You're going to overload the capacitors.
[Williams/Eli hurriedly hits controls.]
WILLIAMS/ELI
Bringing power flow down.
[The crowd shouts in panic as the electrical arcs continue.]
VOLKER
The limitations are not holding.
RUSH
Because the system wasn't meant to handle this much power.
EXT—SUN SURFACE
[The shield flickers as the ship floats on the sun.]
INT—GATE ROOM
TELFORD/YOUNG
Stay calm!
RUSH
The shield is failing.
WILLIAMS/ELI
Colonel, we need to abort.
[Telford/Young glares mutinously at Williams/Eli. Brody watches with no expression.]
TELFORD/YOUNG
(frustrated)
Shut it down.
WILLIAMS/ELI
(working the controls)
It's not working.
[Telford/Young faces off against Williams/Eli.]
TELFORD/YOUNG
I thought you said we could stop it!
WILLIAMS/ELI
I know! It won't shut down.
[Telford stares at the situation, then drops his head, clenching his jaw. He nods to Williams/Eli and McCormack/Chloe. They follow him out of the room.]
SCOTT
(calling after them)
Where the hell are you going?!
[Volker stares after them in surprise. Rush nods to Brody, who quietly follows the trio.]
SCOTT
(desperate, to Rush)
Do something.
[Rush calmly picks up his radio and waits.]
INT—STONE ROOM
[The door is unlocked and Telford/Young enters, shutting down the stones connection. Young, Eli, and Chloe stare at their surroundings in confusion. Brody watches them for a minute in the hall, confirming they're truly in their own bodies and the device is shut down, then keys his radio.]
BRODY
(into radio)
They're gone.
INT—GATE ROOM
RUSH
(into radio)
Thank you.
[Rush presses some buttons on the console. The ship stops shaking and the alarms cease.]
RUSH
If I can have everyone's attention, please. I'm sorry to have to tell you that uh, we will not be going home. Not yet, anyway. But you can all relax and return to your quarters. The ship will not be exploding. At least not today.
SCOTT
Normal power levels will be restored soon. Right?
[He glares at Rush.]
RUSH
Yes. Thank you.
[The crowd disburses. Wray, TJ, and Greer approach Rush.]
WRAY
(furious)
You staged the whole thing.
TJ
So all of this was just to get rid of Telford?
RUSH
(shrugging)
Had to be done.
GREER
So you're saying that the ship was never going to explode?
RUSH
Oh no, we would most definitely all be dead had I not put certain limits in place. I also arranged for the alarms and warnings to go off regardless. A bit of theater. Always nice.
(noting peoples' discomfort and skeptical looks)
Their plan was never going to work.
SCOTT
You could've warned us. You scared the crap out of everybody.
RUSH
Well, I didn't know who was on my side, did I?
[He leaves them.]
EXT—PENTAGON, DUSK
INT—HOME-WORLD SECURITY CONFERENCE ROOM
[Telford and Young, now again in Hamilton's body, pace the outside of opposite sides of the table. Williams, McCormack, and other IOA, scientist and military people sit in the table or stand outside. O'Neill sits at the head of the table, Strom on his right hand side.]
YOUNG/HAMILTON
Colonel Telford removed not only any sense of command, but the two scientists that designed and implemented the program that was causing the crisis.
WILLIAMS
(defensively)
The situation appeared to be irreversible.
YOUNG/HAMILTON
(ignoring Williams)
Fortunately, Dr. Rush was able to avoid catastrophic disaster.
WILLIAMS
Yes, and we'd like to see how he did that along with the rest of the data collected during the experiment.
YOUNG/HAMILTON
Those were people's lives you were experimenting with.
TELFORD
We were trying to get them home.
YOUNG/HAMILTON
You cut and ran.
[Telford glares at Young.]
STROM
There was no point in three more lives being lost if it could be avoided.
O'NEILL
Colonel Telford was following orders.
YOUNG/HAMILTON
Sir…after, uh, much consideration, we have decided to stay in communication with Earth. I hope personal visits for everyone on board will still be permitted.
STROM
That depends, Colonel.
O'NEILL
Consider it done.
YOUNG/HAMILTON
Thank you, sir. I'm afraid, the time I allotted for this briefing is now…up. General.
[O'Neill shakes his head and makes a face at Young's departing figure, carefully schooling it when he realizes Strom and others are turning to look at him.]
EXT—SPACE
[Destiny flies faster than light.]
INT—GATE ROOM
[A kino records Young speaking from the stairwell to everyone assembled there.]
YOUNG
We are going to have to be tough, disciplined. The road may be longer than many of us hoped. We will have to sacrifice, compromise, work together, without exceptions.
INT—KINO ROOM
[Eli watches a playback of the speech, zooming in the kino camera to where Chloe and Scott are holding hands while listening to Young. Young enters the room behind Eli. Eli's got still photos from the kino taped on the wall.]
ELI
(without turning)
I thought you did a good job. People need to know the truth, but they also need hope.
YOUNG
I need you to do something for me.
ELI
Sure thing.
YOUNG
Go over the data collected as they tried to dial the 'gate.
ELI
I have already. There's a lot I don't understand.
YOUNG
Well, then you need to learn. As fast as you can. And you talk to whoever you have to.
ELI
You think Rush is hiding something?
YOUNG
That's what I want you to tell me.
[Eli nods somberly. Young leaves. Eli starts the kino recording again.]
YOUNG
(on recording)
We are going to survive. We are going to make it home. My first priority is to make sure that we all return to those we love.
INT—YOUNG KITCHEN
[Emily drinks from a mug. There is a knock at the door. She opens it to find Telford on the other side.]
FADE OUT
END CREDITS
Transcribed by Aurora Novarum, November 2009
Related Articles
- Stargate Universe: Season One
- Previous: SGU 1.06 "Water" Transcript
- Next: SGU 1.08 "Time" Transcript