SGU 2.20 "Gauntlet" Transcript
Episode Guide
SGU 2.20 "Gauntlet" Episode Guide
Précis
Blocked by Command Ships at every star and unable to gate for supplies without alerting the drones, Destiny must take a stand or be left adrift.
Guide | Transcript
Transcript
PREVIOUSLY ON STARGATE UNIVERSE
TEASER
INT—DESTINY INFIRMARY
[TJ unwraps the bandages from around Park's eyes as she sits on a bed. Greer stands anxiously nearby.]
TJ
How you feeling?
PARK
(excited)
Oh, great! I haven't had this much rest in weeks! I never thought I'd say this, but I'm actually looking forward to getting bleary eyed analyzing data.
[TJ smiles. The bandages are unwound except for two round gauze patches covering Park's eyes.]
TJ
Well, let's see where we're at.
PARK
I've been seeing occasional flashes of light. I think that's a good sign, right?
[Young quietly enters the room and watches from near the door. TJ has now pulled off the gauze bandages.]
TJ
Okay, open your eyes.
[Park opens them cautiously, and looks blank.]
TJ
(anxiously)
Lisa?
PARK
Uh, it's still dark. I…can't see.
[TJ shines a penlight in Park's eyes and watches for a reaction.]
TJ
Anything?
PARK
(crying)
No.
[Greer reaches out and strokes Park's back as TJ hugs her. Young quietly leaves.]
INT—DESTINY CORRIDOR
[Young heads down a corridor after leaving the infirmary. Wray, exiting a side corridor, spots him heading towards her.]
WRAY
Colonel, you got a second?
YOUNG
(sighing)
Ah, can it wait?
WRAY
You look terrible.
YOUNG
(dryly)
Thank you.
WRAY
You're running yourself ragged. Okay? Get some rest.
YOUNG
Way ahead of you. That's where I'm going.
RUSH
(over radio)
Colonel Young, this is Rush. Come in.
WRAY
No, ignore that. You're no good to us exhausted.
RUSH
(over radio)
Colonel Young?
[Wray makes a face as Young stops and keys his radio.]
YOUNG
This is Young.
RUSH
(over radio)
Could you join us in the control interface room, please? There's something we want to show you.
[Wray and Young exchange resigned looks.]
INT—DESTINY CONTROL ROOM
[Eli meets Young and Wray at the door to the room.]
ELI
We did it.
YOUNG
Fantastic.
WRAY
What'd they do?
YOUNG
I have no idea.
ELI
We found a way to track the command ships that control the drones.
WRAY
How?
RUSH
We managed to isolate the subspace signals they use to communicate with each other.
ELI
Then, we plugged the data into Destiny's long range sensors, and it worked.
WRAY
So we know where they are. Then, we can avoid them and find safe planets to resupply.
ELI
(rueful)
That was the idea, anyway.
YOUNG
Let's see it.
[Eli presses some controls. A holographic two-dimensional image of a moving star-field comes into view between Young and Eli.]
ELI
This is the path that the seed ships plotted for us through this galaxy. These are the upcoming 'gates…and these are the command ships.
[Some systems have been designated with white blocks to indicate Stargates. Red images superimpose over every system with a Stargate.]
WRAY
Oh my God.
RUSH
Look, we've pushed this as far as sensor capability will allow, and the results are the same. As far as we can tell, they're waiting at every 'gate between here and the edge of the galaxy.
ELI
We're screwed.
END TEASER
OPENING CREDIT
INT—HOMEWORLD COMMAND WAITING ROOM, EARTH
[Rush, in the body of a military man, and Young, in the body of a civilian, sit in a waiting area in a bunker area of Homeworld Command. Sgt. Graham approaches and looks at the man in military garb.]
GRAHAM
Colonel Young?
RUSH
No, I'm Rush. This is Young.
[They both rise.]
GRAHAM
Colonel Telford's waiting for you.
INT—TELFORD'S OFFICE
[Rush are across from Telford, who is behind his desk.]
TELFORD
You sure your sensor data is accurate?
RUSH
Of course it is.
TELFORD
And they're at every single 'gate?!
YOUNG
Well, they figured out how we operate. They know which stars we use to recharge; they know that we use the 'gate to resupply. They're everywhere we want to be along that path.
TELFORD
So go off the path. Use the shuttles to check out un-gated worlds.
RUSH
We cannot do that. There's over 300 billion stars in that galaxy. Only a small percentage of them have planets. An even smaller percentage are capable of sustaining life. The seed ships did the legwork; they found the needles in the haystack. If we go off on our own, it could be months, maybe even years between viable worlds. It's not an option.
[Telford rises and begins to pace.]
TELFORD
What's your supply situation?
YOUNG
We're looking at about a month's worth of food and water.
TELFORD
What about power?
RUSH
We'll die of thirst before that becomes an issue.
YOUNG
We could really use a supply line from home, David.
TELFORD
Well, the only planet we know of with the power requirements to reach you is still refusing to help. Woolsey is still pushing diplomacy, but he's not making much progress. Whatever the solution is, you're going to have to make it happen on your own.
INT—DESTINY INFIRMARY
[Chloe enters. TJ is already there checking supplies.]
CHLOE
Hey! I'm collecting inventory reports. Guess it could be a while before we can use the 'gate again.
TJ
(brightly)
So I hear. We're actually in pretty good shape down here for the moment.
[TJ hands a tablet of data to Chloe.]
CHLOE
Matt told me about Lisa. Do you think her condition's permanent?
TJ
I don't know. I mean, there should have been some progress by now.
CHLOE
It's not your fault. You don't have the right equipment, the resources…
TJ
(sighing)
Even if I did, it wouldn't make a difference. There's no treatment. Her corneas were burned by ultraviolet radiation. If-if they don't heal on their own… Well, I know it seems unfair, but sometimes you just have to play the hand that you're dealt.
CHLOE
Why do I get the feeling you're not just talking about Lisa?
[TJ does not respond, remaining back-to Chloe.]
CHLOE
There's still hope. For her, and for you!
TJ
(turning, sniffling)
ALS is a death sentence, Chloe. You know that… And it's not going to be pretty. It'll start with muscle weakness and cramping. And then I'll have trouble walking, talking, feeding myself. And eventually, full paralysis will set in. But my mind will be unaffected. I'll be a prisoner trapped inside my own body. Like I said, you play the hand you're dealt.
[TJ walks away.]
INT—DESTINY BRIDGE
[Volker, Brody, Rush, and Eli are there.]
BRODY
So, no help from home.
RUSH
No.
VOLKER
Well, that doesn't leave us with many options.
RUSH
Well, we can't run, we can't hide. We'll have to fight.
ELI
There's a lot of them out there.
RUSH
We don't have to take on all of them. Just as many as we have to in order to resupply when necessary.
VOLKER
(scoffing)
That's still a pretty tall order, considering we've only taken out one of their command ships.
ELI
And that was with help.
RUSH
Well, we do have the element of surprise now we're able to track them.
[They stare at him skeptically.]
RUSH
Okay, we choose a target, drop out of FTL, and open fire before it's got the chance to respond.
ELI
But what if it does manage a response?
RUSH
Well, if we don't destroy it immediately, we can at least cause enough damage to gain a huge advantage.
BRODY
So, let's say this works once, maybe even twice. But we're going to start taking damage, and it's going to take its toll.
RUSH
Well, we find a way to minimize that damage.
VOLKER
Oh yeah? And I suppose you've got an idea on how we manage that.
RUSH
As a matter of fact, I do.
EXT—SPACE
[Destiny flies faster than light.]
INT—YOUNG'S QUARTERS
[Volker, Brody, Rush and Eli brief Young.]
YOUNG
So, you're saying we dial up the shields?
RUSH
Well, no, not exactly.
ELI
It's more like we…tune them.
BRODY
When we're in battle, the shields continuously cycle through various frequencies in the hopes of matching energy-based attacks. The closer the match, the easier the attack is to absorb, and consequently the less damage we take.
VOLKER
It's a guessing game. Like Rock, Paper, Scissors.
RUSH
In the case of the drones, we don't have to guess.
ELI
(sarcastic)
Thanks to someone's brilliant idea to bring one on board.
RUSH
The energy signature of their weapons is a fairly limited range. We can target specifically for it.
ELI
We just need to override Destiny's normal, randomized shield pattern.
VOLKER
And paper covers rock. Every time.
YOUNG
If all, uh, Destiny has to do is find the right match, why does it bother cycling in the first place?
BRODY
Because matching and maintaining a single, specific pattern makes it vulnerable to all other forms of attack.
VOLKER
Right, like if they throw scissors, and we're uh, guessing, uh, rock… Not to push the analogy too far.
BRODY
Too late.
YOUNG
So we are wrong, it would be like we have no shields at all.
RUSH
We're not wrong.
EXT—SPACE
[Destiny flies faster than light.]
INT—DESTINY BRIDGE
[Young joins Greer, Volker, and Scott in the Bridge.]
GREER
Main weapon is charged and ready.
[Young sits in the captain chair and presses the intercom.]
YOUNG
(into radio)
Rush, what's your status?
INT—DESTINY CONTROL ROOM
[Eli, Brody, and Rush are working there.]
RUSH
(into radio)
Looks like Destiny's accepting our override. Shields are at maximum.
INT—DESTINY BRIDGE
RUSH
(over radio)
Modulation is limited within target range.
EXT—SPACE
[Destiny weapons set up for firing.]
INT—DESTINY BRIDGE
SCOTT
Who calculated the FTL jump?
VOLKER
Chloe.
SCOTT
Think we'll come out in range?
VOLKER
Well, it's a bit like trying to hit a dime with a bullet from a thousand yards, but…she's pretty good.
EXT—SPACE
[Destiny drops into regular space. A command ship is dead ahead at close range. Destiny's weapons automatically focus on the target.]
INT—DESTINY BRIDGE
[A buzzer blares constantly.]
YOUNG
What is that?
VOLKER
Collision alarms. We're about to hit!
SCOTT
Hold on!
EXT—SPACE
[The bottom of Destiny scrapes the top of the drone command ship.]
INT—DESTINY BRIDGE
[Everyone is thrown off-balance by the collision.]
EXT—SPACE
[Destiny has cleared the command ship. From the shattered hull of the command ship, several drones fly out and head to Destiny.]
INT—DESTINY BRIDGE
VOLKER
Whoo-hoo-hoo! I take it back. She is very, very good.
GREER
Uh, we've got incoming.
EXT—SPACE
[The drones fire constantly at Destiny, but there is no damage to the ship.]
INT—DESTINY CONTROL ROOM
[The conversation switches between the bridge and control room.]
ELI
It's working. Their weapons are having almost no effect!
RUSH
Concentrate on the command ship. We can hold the drones.
GREER
I don't have a shot!
SCOTT
Working on it.
EXT—SPACE
[Destiny begins to fire at the command ship, which is damaged by the blasts.]
INT—DESTINY
VOLKER
The command ship is damaged, but still operational.
SCOTT
Bringing us around again.
[Sparks fly as the bridge starts to be damaged. An alarm blares.]
YOUNG
What's that?
VOLKER
Shields just dropped ten percent.
INT—DESTINY CONTROL ROOM
ELI
What's going on?! All of a sudden, all their shots are getting through!
RUSH
That's no weapons' fire.
EXT—SPACE
[The drones set direct courses into Destiny, destroying themselves and damaging the Ancient ship upon impact.]
INT—DESTINY BRIDGE
SCOTT
It's the drones. They're flying right into us! It's a kamikaze run!
VOLKER
Shields are down to half and still dropping.
BRODY
We've lost power in multiple sections.
GREER
I'm down three gun positions. I can't hold them off.
YOUNG
Forget it! There's too many anyway. Just give me another crack at the command ship.
SCOTT
She's trying to out-maneuver us. I need some more time.
BRODY
We don't have it! Shields are failing.
EXT—SPACE
[More drones fly into Destiny.]
INT—DESTINY BRIDGE
SCOTT
Almost there.
GREER
We got 'em.
EXT—SPACE
[The forward guns are able to directly aim at the command ship. A barrage of fire strikes the command ship, destroying it.]
INT—DESTINY BRIDGE
VOLKER
Direct hit. The command ship's been destroyed.
SCOTT
Looks like the drones have gone dormant.
YOUNG
(into intercom)
Away teams, to the shuttles. Let's make this quick. We don't want to stay here any longer than we have to.
(to Scott)
Go.
[Scott runs out of the bridge. Brody arrives and takes Scott's place.]
INT—DESTINY CONTROL ROOM
[Both Eli and Rush are breathless after the encounter.]
ELI
We can't do this every time we need to resupply.
RUSH
No. We need another plan.
EXT—SPACE
[The shuttle lands on Destiny.]
INT—DESTINY BRIDGE
[Eli enters.]
ELI
Second shuttle just docked. Guess they found a few edibles, but the pickings were pretty slim.
YOUNG
Get us out of here.
[Eli heads to a station.]
EXT—SPACE
[Destiny enters faster than light speed.]
INT—DESTINY CORRIDOR OUTSIDE YOUNG'S QUARTERS
[Eli jogs to catch up to Young, who is trudging ahead.]
ELI
Colonel! Do you have a minute?
YOUNG
Well, I know it sounds like a crazy idea, Eli, but I was actually thinking of getting some sleep. So, unless you have some genius idea that solves all our problems…
[He enters his quarters. Eli follows.]
ELI
As a matter of fact, I do. But, you're not going to like it.
YOUNG
Well, that goes without saying. I am notoriously hard to please. So, let's hear it.
[He starts undressing to get ready for bed, taking off his jacket and shoes.]
ELI
Okay. Another day, another galaxy.
YOUNG
What the hell does that mean?
ELI
This is just one of a thousand galaxies in Destiny's path. And I think you'll agree, it's turned out to be something of a hostile environment?
YOUNG
So?
ELI
So…we skip it: one continuous FTL jump, out and around the length of this galaxy across the gap to the next one until we reach the first 'gate on the other side.
YOUNG
How long's that going to take?
ELI
(reluctantly)
That's the part you're not going to like. We're only about a-a third of the way through this galaxy, plus the gap to the next one's quite a bit…larger than last time. On top of that, thanks to the ass-kicking that was just handed to us, we've got power issues, and some not insignificant damage to the FTL drive that we won't have time to fix, which means we'll be operating at reduced speed, which means we might actually run into—
YOUNG
(interrupting)
Eli. How long?
ELI
Three years. Give or take.
YOUNG
(chuckling ruefully)
Wow. Three years. We barely have enough for a month. What do you suggest we do for food and water while all this is happening?
ELI
Nothing. That's the genius part, by the way.
INT—DESTINY STASIS CHAMBER ROOM
[Eli shows Young one of the pods. Rush is nearby.]
ELI
Once you're sealed inside the stasis pod, your metabolism shuts down. You don't need food or water. Basically, you just sleep through the whole thing. And-and we've found several other corridors like this one. There should be enough for everybody. And thanks to the, uh, uh, research that Brody and I have already done, we know they work!
[Rush smirks.]
YOUNG
Three years?
ELI
Give or take.
YOUNG
You keep saying that.
RUSH
What Eli is neglecting to mention, is that a jump like this is going to require every last ounce of power we have. And if his calculations are off…
ELI
They're not.
RUSH
And we fall short even by a fraction, a tenth of one percent…
ELI
We won't.
RUSH
Then we're going to drift the rest of the way. And instead of three years, it'll take a thousand, or more.
YOUNG
I assume you were going to get to that part.
ELI
Look, I've run the numbers. This could work, but we have to do it soon. We're bleeding power from a dozen systems, and we can't risk dropping out to recharge…
RUSH
Too many things that could go wrong. We have to find another way.
[Eli turns to Young.]
YOUNG
All right, uh, how long would it take you to prep the rest of these pods?
ELI
Uh, a day, maybe.
YOUNG
Get to work.
[Eli leaves.]
RUSH
Colonel…
YOUNG
You've got 24 hours to come up with a better idea.
[He leaves.]
INT—WRAY'S QUARTERS
[Young speaks with Wray.]
WRAY
Three years?
YOUNG
Yeah, and that's in a “best case” scenario.
WRAY
The thought of being sealed in one of those things for so long—it kind of creeps me out.
YOUNG
I don't like them much either, but we're, uh, we're quickly running out of options.
WRAY
Well, if we're going to do this, I recommend that everyone be permitted a final visit to Earth. Say their goodbyes.
YOUNG
All right. You make the arrangements, but it's going to have to be pretty quick. We pretty much have to shut down everything to make this work, and if, uh, we take too long, we're going to run out of power.
[Young leaves. Wray appears thoughtful and sad.]
INT—RUSH'S FORMULA CORRIDOR
[Rush uses his chalk board walls and notebook to try to figure out calculations.]
RUSH
Oh, bollocks!
[He tears paper and gnashes his teeth in frustration as time passes. Chloe arrives.]
CHLOE
How's it going?
RUSH
Huh?
[Rush turns and spots her approaching.]
RUSH
It's not.
CHLOE
For what it's worth, I went over Eli's numbers. It's true, there's not much margin for error, but I think it might just work.
RUSH
Yeah, if we're lucky. Destiny is on this path for a reason. We've only strayed from it once, and that's what caused all this trouble in the first place.
CHLOE
But we're not going off the path, at least not for good. We're just skipping part of it.
RUSH
Yeah, but that's what bothers me. This ship was launched to solve a mystery: not by arriving at some ultimate destination where all the questions are answered at one time, but by accumulating knowledge, bit by bit. We skip over this galaxy, then who's to say we won't skip over some vital piece of the puzzle. And then all of this, everything we've been through, will be for nothing. There's got to be a way to defeat them. I just need more time.
CHLOE
Which we don't have. Look, you're right. If we go into those pods, we're taking a chance. We might miss something. Or we might sleep a lot longer then we planned and never see our loved ones again. Or we might never wake up at all. But Destiny will keep going. If we stay, and we don't find a way to defeat the drones, we'll all be killed and this ship will be destroyed. And then, this really will all have been for nothing.
[Rush considers this.]
INT—DESTINY STASIS CORRIDOR
BRODY
(into radio)
Colonel, this is Brody. We're ready to put the first group into stasis.
[Several people nervously meander by the pods.]
BRODY
Please just step into your assigned pods.
TJ
Don't worry, I'll be monitoring your progress.
[She approaches Varro, who's just stepped into his pod.]
VARRO
See you soon.
TJ
(with small smile)
Soon.
[Brody activates the pods. TJ stares as Varro enters stasis.]
EXT—WALLACE HOME, DAY
[Eli, in another body, knocks on his front door. His mother answers. She starts to reach out to him, then pauses, not quite sure how to react, and who it is.]
ELI
(reassuringly)
It's me, Mom.
MARYANN WALLACE
Oh. Eli…
[They embrace.]
ELI
I don't have much time. Just long enough to say goodbye.
[Her face falls.]
INT—WALLACE HOME KITCHEN
[Eli and his mom sit at the kitchen table.]
ELI
We've got smart people working on it. Really smart. But still, three years. Even if it all goes well, three years at least. I'm sorry.
MARYANN WALLACE
No, no, Eli…
ELI
I can't help thinking that if I had made different choices in my life, you wouldn't be alone right now.
MARYANN WALLACE
If you had different choices, you wouldn't have seen the incredible sights you've seen. Done the amazing things you've done.
ELI
I feel like I've abandoned you.
MARYANN WALLACE
You haven't abandoned me! You're living your life. I mean, it was hard when I didn't…I didn't know where you were or what you were doing. But now, I understand. You don't have to be here, Eli. I just-I just need to know. Are you happy?
ELI
(considering)
In spite of everything…yeah. I am.
MARYANN WALLACE
That's good enough for me.
INT—DESTINY STASIS CORRIDOR
[Brody monitors the occupied pods from a control station. He spots something.]
BRODY
(into radio)
Volker.
VOLKER
(over radio)
Yeah?
BRODY
(into radio)
You on the bridge?
VOLKER
(over radio)
Yeah.
BRODY
(into radio)
Good. I need you to run a diagnostic for me.
INT—YOUNG'S QUARTERS
[An exhausted Young staggers into his quarters. Unlike the last time he was getting ready for bed, he tosses his boots off, not caring where they fall. He collapses into a sitting position at his bedside, holding his head in his hands. There is a knock at the door.]
YOUNG
(sighing)
Come in!
[Volker opens the door.]
YOUNG
What?
VOLKER
(nervously)
Well, as you know, we've been powering up all the stasis pod corridors.
YOUNG
Uh huh.
VOLKER
And it's been…it's been going pretty well up until now, but, uh…
YOUNG
Well, what is it?
VOLKER
It's the last section. It must have taken some damage, possibly even before we came aboard the ship. We can't bring those pods online, so…
[Young stares at Volker, wide awake now.]
VOLKER
We're not going to have enough for everyone.
EXT—SPACE
[Destiny flies faster than light.]
INT—DESTINY BRIDGE
[Brody, Volker, Rush, and Young discuss the situation.]
BRODY
The damaged pods put us eight short of the total we need.
YOUNG
Well, what's the problem?
RUSH
Well, the ship's very old. That's the problem.
YOUNG
All right, we'll try that again. Can we fix it?
BRODY
Not with the material we have on board.
VOLKER
We need something called palladium hydride. It's a…component of the high temperature superconductors that are critical to the pod systems.
YOUNG
Where do we get this stuff?
BRODY
In ores in alloy with other metals. Ideally on planets and systems that have seen substantial meteorite activity.
VOLKER
Right, now we do have a possible candidate, and it's locked out, for good reason. The meteorites make the place dangerous, if not toxic, but there is still a command ship in the system.
RUSH
They know nothing about human physiology or what makes a planet viable. They just know…there's a 'gate.
BRODY
We can still get around the lock-out, if we want to.
YOUNG
Can we survive another fight?
RUSH
Even if we did, we'd use up far too much power. The ship would never make the jump to the next galaxy, which kind of defeats the purpose of going to this planet in the first place.
YOUNG
So what are you telling me? We don't have a choice but to leave eight people out? Tell them, “Good luck. You've got as long as the food and water lasts.”?
BRODY
We can't even do that. The power requirements needed to maintain life support for eight people for that long would make us fall short.
VOLKER
Whoever stays out would have to…
YOUNG
(interrupting)
Kill themselves. Yeah.
RUSH
You have no choice, Colonel. If you want Eli's plan to work, you're gonna have to come up with eight names.
INT—PARK'S QUARTERS
[Greer speaks with Park.]
GREER
It just goes from bad to worse.
PARK
So what's Colonel Young decided?
GREER
He hasn't yet, but…
PARK
Don't even think about it!
GREER
What?
PARK
Volunteering to be one of the eight! I know you, Ron.
GREER
(smiling)
Maybe I would if it came to it, but I wouldn't ask seven others to do it with me, and I don't think Colonel Young would, either. I mean, the way I see it, we all came here together, and if need be, we'll all go out together.
PARK
(inspired)
Maybe it won't come to that.
GREER
What?
[Park scrambles to the edge of the bed and fumbles to put on dark glasses.]
PARK
Take me to Colonel Young.
GREER
Why? What are you thinking?
INT—DESTINY BRIDGE
[Eli, Young, Brody and Volker are talking. Eli points to a diagram of the ship.]
ELI
We need to fall back to this section and seal off the surrounding corridors. Shut down life support to those areas, and then, uh, reroute power up—
GREER
All right, we're here.
[Everyone turns at the sound of Greer's voice. He and Park have just entered. Greer leads Park to the railing, which she grips.]
YOUNG
Sergeant?
GREER
Doctor Park has something she'd like to share.
PARK
We use a decoy. We drop off one of our shuttles, unmanned, a short FTL jump from the planet. Then we set it to broadcast a powerful subspace burst mimicking a 'gate dial out.
BRODY
(considering)
It-it'll take a lot of power, and it might damage a few systems, but I'm…guessing the shuttle doesn't survive this plan anyway.
PARK
No. The command ship will investigate, taking the drones with it, and probably attack the shuttle. But in the meantime, we take advantage of the distraction to dial in and get the palladium hydride.
VOLKER
We can recalibrate the shields on the shuttle just like we did Destiny and remote pilot an evasive course that'll make it harder for the drones to connect with a suicide run.
ELI
If we are going to sacrifice it anyway, we can rig the engines to go critical. Ram it straight into the command ship. Give 'em a taste of their own medicine.
BRODY
And we'd still have one shuttle left.
YOUNG
All right. I think it sounds like a great idea. Let's do it.
[The male scientists get back to work as Young approaches Park and rests his hand over hers, which still grips the banister.]
YOUNG
Hey, that's good work, Doctor Park.
[She smiles. Greer covers her other hand, and their fingers intertwine.]
EXT—SPACE
[Destiny drops into regular space.]
INT—DESTINY BRIDGE
[Volker, James and Young are present.]
VOLKER
All right, we're in position.
YOUNG
(into radio)
Rush, this is Young. Launch the shuttle.
INT—DESTINY CONTROL ROOM
[Eli and Rush work consoles in there.]
EXT—SPACE
[The clamps release off one of the shuttles. The unmanned shuttle rises from its dock.]
INT—DESTINY CONTROL ROOM
RUSH
(into radio)
Subspace link is in place. We should be able to get shuttle telemetry and access flight controls with minimal delay.
YOUNG
(over radio)
Understood.
INT—DESTINY BRIDGE
YOUNG
(to James)
Get us as far away from here as possible.
EXT—SPACE
[Destiny flies away at top impulse speeds.]
INT—CORRIDOR OUTSIDE DESTINY GATE ROOM
[Greer, Scott, and Morrison walk with some technicians carrying sled. The three men are all dressed in full Ancient space suits.]
SCOTT
You know what we're looking for, right?
MORRISON
Well, I can identify the rocks, but we can't test for concentration. But our best bet is to bring back as much as possible.
SCOTT
If this works, we should have enough time to load up as much as the kino sled can hold.
MORRISON
And what if it doesn't?
[Scott takes a deep breath, but does not otherwise respond.]
INT—DESTINY CONTROL ROOM
ELI
Okay. I think we're good.
RUSH
Broadcasting the signal now.
ELI
(sotto vocce)
Let's hope they take the bait.
INT—DESTINY BRIDGE
VOLKER
(nervously)
Come on. Come on.
INT—DESTINY GATE ROOM
[Greer nervously paces as they all await their orders.]
INT—DESTINY CONTROL ROOM
[Rush studies a screen showing the command ship orbiting a planet.]
INT—DESTINY BRIDGE
[Volker watches a similar display to Rush's. Suddenly, the red dot blips out.]
VOLKER
Whoa, that's it! Command ship just dropped off the screen. They gotta be in hyperspace.
BRODY
They're on their way.
YOUNG
(into radio)
Gate Room, this is Young. Start dialing.
[The Stargate starts to move as people help the team put on their helmets. A kino is sent once the wormhole is activated, followed by Scott's team pushing the sled.]
BARNES
This is Gate Room. We have a connection. Away team is en route.
INT—DESTINY CONTROL ROOM
RUSH
Start removing shuttle engines safety protocols. We're going to have to time this overload to the last second.
[Eli starts working controls.]
EXT—SPACE
[Destiny drifts in space.]
INT—DESTINY BRIDGE
[Young paces behind Volker and James.]
YOUNG
We got anything?
VOLKER
Screens are clear.
[A moment later, his console beeps.]
VOLKER
Oh, hold on! Command ship just dropped down to the shuttle.
JAMES
They're launching drones.
YOUNG
(into radio)
Rush, you're on!
INT—DESTINY CONTROL ROOM
RUSH
Initiating evasive maneuvers.
EXT—SPACE
[The shuttle dodges fire from the drones, its shields holding.]
INT—DESTINY GATE ROOM
YOUNG
(over radio)
Barnes, what's our status with the away team?
INT—DESTINY GATE ROOM
[Barnes watches the away team's progress from the kino feed.]
BARNES
They found several impact craters near the 'gate. They've already begun collecting samples.
EXT—SPACE
[The shuttle continues to dodge drones. One clips the ship as it passes.]
INT—DESTINY CONTROL ROOM
ELI
Whoa! Watch out!
RUSH
It's all right. I've got it. Stabilizing.
[He checks the shuttle readings.]
RUSH
Initiate the overload.
ELI
You sure? If it can't get close enough…
RUSH
(brusquely)
Just do it!
[Eli starts typing quickly.]
INT—DESTINY BRIDGE
JAMES
They're launching more drones. The shuttle doesn't have much time.
INT—DESTINY CONTROL ROOM
ELI
Overload in ten seconds.
EXT—SPACE
[The shuttle weaves between drones as it approaches the command ship.]
INT—DESTINY CONTROL ROOM
ELI
Six…five…four….
EXT—SPACE
[The shuttle overloads just as it impacts the command ship. Both vessels explode in a huge fireball.]
INT—DESTINY BRIDGE
VOLKER
It's gone. But it's a pretty safe bet more are on their way.
YOUNG
Yeah, we're not going to wait around to find out.
INT—DESTINY GATE ROOM
[The away team comes back with two sleds almost scraping the floor under the weight of the rocks they hold. Brody approaches, checking the quality as others help the team out of their helmets. Young is also there.]
YOUNG
Nice work, gentlemen.
SCOTT
(breathless)
You got what you need?
BRODY
We're good.
(to others)
Let's get this stuff out of here.
[His team helps pull the sleds out of the room.]
EXT—SPACE
[Destiny jumps into faster than light speed.]
INT—SCOTT'S QUARTERS
[Wray spots Scott sitting on his bed through his open doorway. She enters. He looks lost in thought, his hands pressed together in front of him.]
WRAY
You ready to go?
SCOTT
(upset)
I-I don't know what I'm gonna say. Huh. He doesn't even know I'm his father. I-I'm just some guy…who shows up every once in a while to see how he's doing.
WRAY
And, uh…how is he doing?
[Wray comes and sits beside Scott.]
SCOTT
His-his mom…is…I-I-I think she's a good person; I just don't think she's a good parent. Folks from Homeworld Command tell me if I was to make the phone call, they'll step in, see he's raised in a proper home.
WRAY
(with sympathetic sigh)
Well, I wouldn't make any rash decisions.
SCOTT
What-what about you? What are you gonna say to Sharon?
WRAY
Oh, uh, I, uh, I-I just got back and I…didn't see her. She's at a conference in Brussels. Not enough time.
SCOTT
Sorry.
WRAY
(rueful laugh)
You know, uh,…
(clears throat)
You go back billions of light years. Cross an entire universe. And you're just separated by a couple thousand miles. Anyway, um, I got to talk to her on the phone.
SCOTT
What'd you say?
WRAY
(faltering)
I, uh, I said I was sorry. That, um…this wasn't fair to her anymore, and she should just move on.
SCOTT
(quietly)
What'd she say?
WRAY
Not much. She, uh…she started crying.
INT—DESTINY STASIS CORRIDOR
[Several members of the crew say farewells to each other and get into stasis pods. Amongst those stepping into pods are James and Barnes. James hugs Eli before stepping inside.]
INT—ARMSTRONG LIVING ROOM
[Chloe embraces her mother. Both are crying.]
EXT—LAKE, EARTH, DAY
[Park watches rain fall on the lake, taking in the beauty of the sight and crying.]
EXT—OUTSIDE BALIC HOME, DAY
[Scott watches from inside a car as his son is led out by his mother. Annie pauses to make sure the boy's coat is zipped. Scott clenches his jaw and drives away without them knowing he is there.]
INT—DESTINY STASIS CORRIDOR
[Another group of crew-members enter stasis pods. Volker shakes hands with Brody before stepping into his pod. Park is led into another pod by Greer. He takes her glasses. Volker watches from the pod across the way. Brody steps into his own pod. All are sealed into stasis.]
INT—DESTINY MESS
[Eli, Young, Greer, TJ, Rush, Scott, Wray, and Chloe are all that remain of the crew. They are gorging on several canisters of fresh food.]
YOUNG
Eat up, everybody. Except for the canned goods, this is all going to waste anyway.
WRAY
For once I'm stuffed. I can't eat another bite.
GREER
I think I can use just a little bit more.
[He scoops another portion onto his plate as TJ laughs.]
WRAY
(chuckling)
Yeah?
SCOTT
All right, Colonel. How about a toast?
YOUNG
Really?
SCOTT
Yes.
YOUNG
All right. All right, why not? Well, uh…we've been through a helluva lot together, that's for sure. I guess it would be easy to dwell on everything that we have lost, but I think today I would rather think about what we still have, and maybe what we've gained. We're, uh, we're a family now. Whether we like it or not. The sons, daughters, sisters… Even the, uh, slightly crazy uncle who despite everything, still manages to come through for you in the end.
[Rush blinks as he realizes Young means him. Everyone laughs.]
YOUNG
You are the smartest, bravest, most compassionate people that I have ever had the honor to serve with.
(raising glass)
To family.
[Everyone toasts.]
ALL
To family.
INT—DESTINY STASIS CORRIDOR
[Scott, Chloe, Greer, Wray, and TJ file in to enter their stasis chambers. The others are with them to say farewell. Chloe and Scott kiss.]
SCOTT
Sweet dreams.
[Chloe steps into her chamber, exchanging nods with Young as she passes. Scott and Young smile at each other as Scott heads to his. Young faces Greer as he's settled in his chamber.]
YOUNG
You all right?
GREER
Yes, sir.
[Young steps over to face Wray, who looks nervous.]
WRAY
Well, guess you're finally going to get some sleep.
YOUNG
Three years. That should be enough.
[Wray smiles and steps into her chamber. Young moves to TJ.]
YOUNG
Lieutenant, go ahead.
TJ
You sure?
YOUNG
Yeah, yeah. We're going to be fine.
[TJ enters a chamber. Young nods to Rush, who activates the pods.]
EXT—WASHINGTON, DC, NIGHT
INT—TELFORD'S OFFICE
[Young, in another's body, briefs Telford.]
YOUNG
So Rush, and, uh, Eli, are finishing up the last of the programming. They should be done by the time I get back.
TELFORD
You're not going to go see Emily?
YOUNG
We're done. Why reopen old wounds?
TELFORD
You know, for what it's worth—
YOUNG
David, listen, my, uh, marriage? That was—that was broken a long time ago. And I have no one to blame but myself.
TELFORD
Whatever happens, we're not giving up on you. Some of us may have a few more grey hairs, but we'll still be here.
TELFORD
Good luck, Everett.
[They shake hands.]
YOUNG
Thanks, David.
EXT—SPACE
[Destiny flies faster than light.]
INT—CONTROL ROOM
[As Young approaches, he hears Eli and Rush arguing.]
ELI
How can we have missed it?
RUSH
There was no way of knowing.
ELI
But we ran a diagnostic!
RUSH
And it showed no problems, because at that stage, that particular section had yet to be fully engaged.
YOUNG
What's going on?
ELI
(upset)
We repaired the eight pods, but one of them was more damaged than we thought. It came online with the rest of them, but when we ran final checks, it just…died! We might be one short!
INT—DESTINY STASIS CORRIDOR
[Rush works on the broken chamber while Eli works on the console.]
RUSH
Okay, try it now.
[Eli presses some controls at the console, but it beeps in warning.]
ELI
It's no use.
RUSH
Right. Go back down to the control interface room and go through the database.
ELI
There's over 1,700 pages devoted to this system.
RUSH
You'd better get started then.
[Eli sighs and leaves. He passes Young, who's standing in the corridor staring at TJ frozen in her stasis pod.]
RUSH
Colonel… We have to talk.
EXT—SPACE
[Destiny flies faster than light.]
INT—DESTINY CONTROL ROOM
[Young enters; Eli is working.]
YOUNG
Eli?
ELI
Before you ask, the answer is no, I haven't found any magical solutions yet. It's going to take time.
YOUNG
According to, uh, Rush, if two of us go into the pods now, today, the one that stays outside could keep minimal life support going for two weeks before it starts eating into the power reserved for the jump.
ELI
Sounds about right.
YOUNG
Well he's-he's volunteered to be the one.
ELI
You're kidding me. Really?
YOUNG
Yeah. He says he's most qualified to figure out what's wrong with the pod and then fix it.
ELI
(muttering)
I don't know about that.
YOUNG
Yeah, and I don't think I can let him do it. You know, I think…it's uh, it's going to be me.
ELI
(skeptical)
You're going to fix the pod?
YOUNG
I'm obviously not going to fix the pod, Eli.
ELI
Then you're talking about suicide.
YOUNG
I can't trust him. I can't be sure he's going to do the right thing when the time comes.
ELI
I'll admit he's not perfect, but I don't think—
YOUNG
(interrupting)
And what if-what if he doesn't find the solution? What if, after two weeks he loses his nerve, and then he keeps the life support going? Even for just a few days? What happens?
ELI
Then we drop out early and drift.
YOUNG
And wake up in a thousand years.
ELI
If we wake up at all.
YOUNG
(resigned)
Right. No, it's the only choice.
[He starts to leave.]
ELI
No, it's not.
[Young turns back.]
ELI
I'll do it.
YOUNG
(shaking his head)
Eli…
ELI
If you stay out, it's automatic. You're dead. If I do it, at least I have a chance, maybe even a better chance than Rush. For too long, I've been content to stay in his shadow. Played the part of the eager young protégé. Take his orders! But…
(chuckling mirthlessly)
I'm not afraid to say it anymore. I'm smarter than him. And all three of us know it.
YOUNG
I-I can't ask you to do that.
ELI
And I can't take 'no' for an answer. Sorry.
INT—KINO ROOM
[Eli lies on his bed, listening to music. Rush knocks and enters.]
ELI
Hey.
RUSH
He told me about the conversation.
ELI
Oh. Right. Awkward.
RUSH
No, not really. I knew he wouldn't trust me enough to let me stay.
ELI
You did?
RUSH
Well, in case you hadn't noticed, we do have history.
ELI
Is that why you volunteered in the first place? Because you knew he wouldn't accept?
RUSH
What difference does it make?
[Eli looks at him pointedly.]
RUSH
No. The only thing I failed to anticipate was that you would volunteer to take my place.
ELI
So, you did want it to be Young.
RUSH
I don't want anyone to die, Eli. This isn't even my idea, remember?
ELI
But you didn't come up with a better one.
RUSH
Not in the allotted time, no, which just goes to prove my point. We're going to need you on the other side.
ELI
Oh… I'll be there.
RUSH
You know, maybe I haven't said this often enough, Eli, but you do have…you do have tremendous potential. I'd hate to see you throw it all away.
ELI
I'm not. Anyway, what's the point of having potential if you're not going to step up when you're really needed?
[Rush nods.]
RUSH
You've come a long way from that video game slacker I discovered a year ago.
ELI
Thanks. You've been pretty consistent.
[They share rueful grins before Rush leaves.]
INT—DESTINY STASIS CORRIDOR
[Eli and Rush join Young in the corridor.]
RUSH
Colonel. Mister Wallace.
[Rush nods in salute to each of them in turn, then steps into a stasis pod. Eli activates it.]
YOUNG
You sure about this, right?
ELI
I've never been more sure of anything in my life.
[He puts out his hand for Young to shake. Instead, Young embraces him.]
YOUNG
You're a good man, Eli. Now get this done. And we'll see you on the other side.
ELI
(darkly amused)
Right.
YOUNG
(sharing the amusement)
Right.
[They both are still smiling as Young steps into the stasis chamber, and Eli activates it. Eli nods in farewell as Young goes into stasis. Eli wanders the corridor, shaking his head and looking at his crew-mates asleep in the chambers.]
INT—DESTINY
[Room by room, power shuts down on the ship.]
INT—DESTINY OBSERVATION DECK
[Eli stands at the edge of the railing, a gamut of emotions crossing his face at the aurora effect as Destiny moves amongst the stars.]
EXT—SPACE
[Destiny flies faster than light into the horizon of stars.]
FADE OUT
END CREDITS
Transcribed for Stargate Solutions by Aurora Novarum, May 2011.