Anything in * * is an action. Anything in <> is
just me.
Series 1: Episode 9 - "Home"
Writer: Joseph Mallozzi and Paul Mullie
Director: Holly Dale
Starring:
Joe Flanigan as Major John Sheppard
Torri Higginson as DR. Elizabeth Weir
David Hewlett as DR. Rodney McKay
Rainbow Sun Francks as Lieutenant Aiden Ford
Rachel Luttrell as Teyla Emmagan
Guest Starring:
Don S. Davis
Garwin Sanford
SCENE: Opens on a shot of the top of the gate just peaking out above a fog with a few pillars peaking out…camera pans in.
FORD: I’ve never seen so much of nothing…*beam of light is seen through the fog, the team appears in hazmats*
SHEPPARD: I’ve never walked so far to see it.
MCKAY: How was I to know the only structures on this planet would be in the immediate area around the Stargate.
SHEPPARD: There’s the gate. Dial it up.
MCKAY: Wait. The energy readings here are exactly the same as they were a mile away.
FORD: So?
MCKAY: I really think we should stay for a while.
FORD: I thought you hated wearing these suits.
MCKAY: I do. I’m extremely uncomfortable but these energy readings are amazing. I think it’s coming from all around us.
TEYLA: And yet you cannot explain it
MCKAY: Not yet
SHEPPARD: Can’t figure out a way we can use it?
MCKAY: Not yet…
SHEPPARD: *looks at Ford* Alright… then let’s call it a mission.
MCKAY: Woah woah wait wait. There’s such things as pure science. Not everything has to be immediately useful.
SHEPPARD: You talked me into coming here because you though those energy readings indicated the presence of a civilization. There are no buildings…no people…no nothing. Just fog.
MCKAY: Ok it’s not technically fog. There’s no actual water vapor in the atmosphere. I mean if it---You know. *starts pulling at his suit.* for that matter I don’t think we need to wear the haz-mat gear. *pulls of hat bit, others do the same.*
SHEPPARD: Now you tell me. Dial the gate.
McKay Sighs and Ford dials gate, hazmat still on. McKay looks at readings. Gate opens.
SHEPPARD: Let’s go…
MCKAY: Woah woah wait wait wait. Hold on. *Sheppard turns to him* You wanted useful.
SHEPPARD: What are you talking about?
MCKAY: when the wormhole connected there was a wild flocculation in the energy field. I mean…if…if…I’m reading these numbers right it looks like the…the gate is actually drawing power from the atmosphere.
SHEPPARD: So?
MCKAY: So…I mean to the best of my knowledge this field goes on for miles. I mean the field nearly envelopes the entire planet…we’re talking about a lot of energy here.
SHEPPARD: How much is a lot?
MCKAY: Well…it terms of joules or urns?
SHEPPARD: In terms of…lots?
MCKAY: Well…lots and lots…enough to opens a wormhole back to earth.
CREDITS! Which I love by the way.
SCENE: Conference room Atlantis.
MCKAY: It is but that’s the only one with the additional control crystal that allows the eighth chevron to lock.
SHEPPARD: It’s probably a security measure.
MCKAY: *takes a deep breath* It doesn’t matter as long as we have the control crystal…I can make the other gate work.
WEIR: You’re suggesting we move it from our DHD and bring it to *looks at report* M5S-224…?
MCKAY: Yes
WEIR: Isn’t that risky?
MCKAY: I’ll be fine (LOL)
SHEPPARD: I think she means in terms of…breaking our own gate…*Weir looks from Sheppard to McKay small smile*
MCKAY: I know what I’m doing…besides the control crystal is useless without enough power.
FORD: You said you didn’t know where the energy on the other planet is coming from…
MCKAY: I believe it is being generated some how in the atmosphere itself.
TEYLA: The fog?
MCKAY: (McKay starting to get wound up) Yes.
SHEPPARD: You said it wasn’t fog.
MCKAY: Whatever it is…
FORD: Well how do you know?
MCKAY: I don’t…yet. But the fog or the mist or whatever you want to call it is the only thing around for miles and the energy readings were constant.
WEIR: Ok…even if you can pull this off…we have to assume that the earth gate lacks a power source capable of establishing a wormhole back to Pegasus. So whoever went…would be taking the risk that it might be a one way trip…
MCKAY: I’m sure someone will volunteer.
SHEPPARD: You?
MCKAY: Believe it or not…I would only go if I knew there was a good chance I could come back. At least we can send a message to Stargate command let them know that we’re ok…
SHEPPARD: Well we’ve gathered a lot of Intel…we should send it…if we can…even if it’s over a radio. *Weir nods*
SCENE: Control room Atlantis.
MCKAY: Alright that it, *climbs out from beneath the desk, with control crystal*
SHEPPARD: So how easy will it be to put that thing in the other DHD?
MCKAY: Well Atlantis’ DHD is unique…It’s not like there’s going to be an empty slot waiting for us to plug it in…
WEIR: *frowns* meaning?
MCKAY: Meaning that there may be some disassembly required…
FORD: You’re gonna take the DHD apart??
MCKAY: I’ll put it back together again.
TEYLA: Do you not run the risk of disabling the other Stargate?
MCKAY: Only if I screw up which is extremely unlikely.
SHEPPARD: 840 years.
MCKAY: What?
SHEPPARD: That’s how long it will take us to come get you by puddle jumper…( smart:P)
MCKAY: But you would do that right?
SHEPPARD: Of course we would *all smirk*
MCKAY: well, it won’t be necessary…however I may require some assistance.
WEIR: *Nods* Major?
SHEPPARD: *to ford* Ltd?
FORD: Yes sir.
SCENE: FOG PLANET.
MCKAY: Atlantis. This is McKay.
WEIR: (on radio) go ahead.
MCKAY: We’re ready to begin working on the DHD.
WEIR: *shot of Weir in Atlantis control room* you’re sure about this Rodney?
MCKAY: positive. The next time you hear from us we’ll be delivering the good news.
WEIR: Good luck
MCKAY: Back in time for supper.
Gate shuts down
MCKAY: Right…*goes to DHD rubs hands together* lets get started
SCENE: Sheppard’s quarters.
He’s reading war and peace. Knock on door.
SHEPPARD: Come in.
WEIR: Hi… do you have a moment?
SHEPPARD: Yeah…sure…*gets up, putting book down*
WEIR: War and peace…*Picks up book* ah some heavy reading.
SHEPPARD: Yeah well back on earth when I was getting ready for this mission, I realized there was a good chance that I might be here for a while so I figured…why not bring along a book that takes a while to read.
WEIR: *opens to bookmark* Page 17.
SHEPPARD: I’m right on schedule.
WEIR: Hmm…that’s kinda what I wanted to talk to you about…home. Going home.
SHEPPARD: Oh…(sounds disappointed)
WEIR: *puts down book* McKay’s right…if this works and we are able to establish a wormhole back to earth. *paces*
SHEPPARD: You know if this conversation is going where I think it’s headed…you can put your mind at rest. I’m not going anywhere…I haven’t read my book. (awwww)
WEIR: *smiles* look…*pulls up chair*…all I’m saying… is that you are the person who is best qualified…to brief General Hammond and the powers that be about the wraith threat.
SHEPPARD: Well…maybe so…but I think I’m needed here.
WEIR: *smiles* good.
SHEPPARD: But if you want to go I understand that too…
WEIR: What are you saying that I’m not needed here…*strained smile*
SHEPPARD: I said I’d understand.
WEIR: Well thank you…but I made a commitment
SHEPPARD: Of course in all fairness…life-sucking aliens weren’t part of the brochure.
WEIR: Regardless…I’m staying.
SHEPPARD: Good it wouldn’t be the same without you.
Both smile.
SCENE: FOG PLANET.
FORD: So if this works would you want to go back?
MCKAY: I don’t think it matters what I would want.
FORD: Why not?
MCKAY: Because Atlantis can’t afford to lose me…I’m their foremost expert in gate theory wormhole physics and…among the other scientists to important to ignore.
FORD: I’d love to see my grandma…she thinks I’m somewhere in Afghanistan or something.
MCKAY: On the other hand if anyone’s going it should be someone who commands the respect of the SGC and yet has the patience, knowledge and determination to bring them up to speed and find a way to bring the cavalry back here.
FORD: So…what you’re saying is…you’re invaluable everywhere.
MCKAY: Granted…*Ford silently laughing* it would create a void if I were to go…but…you can all take comfort in the knowledge that I would be on the other side spear heading the effort to return with reinforcement, fresh supplies and big Macs for all. (I LOVE MCKAY!)
FORD: I…I feel better already.
MCKAY: Yeah good.
FORD: Good.
SCENE: Gateroom, Atlantis
Sheppard walks down steps, down corridor as Teyla walks out.
TEYLA: Major Sheppard…Have we heard back from Dr McKay?
SHEPPARD: Not yet.
TEYLA: Word of the discovery has already spread though out the base.
SHEPPARD: I’ve noticed.
TEYLA: It is to be expected of course. Faced with the prospect with being united with loved ones, returning to familiar ground.
SHEPPARD: Yeah *they start walking* I’d love to go back…
TEYLA: You would consider leaving Atlantis?
SHEPPARD: I just wish I knew I could gate back here. Then I’d go in a heartbeat.
TEYLA: It would be wonderful to see your world.
SHEPPARD: You could help me with the briefing
TEYLA: I would like that.
SHEPPARD: You know more about the Pegasus galaxy than anyone, then there’s all those cool earth things I talked about…football, Ferris wheels. Oooh do you remember the last of the popcorn we ate…we could get more.
TEYLA: If we knew we could return.
PETER: (intercom) Unscheduled activation.
They head up to control room.
SCENE: Control room. Atlantis.
CHEVERON GUY: It a radio transmission from Dr McKay.
WEIR: Rodney?
MCKAY: Elizabeth. I’m done. The crystal is installed in the DHD and as you can see
WEIR: Well done…sorry what about the energy readings?
MCKAY: Same as before…all indications are that the gates drawing power from the atmosphere and the eighth chevron locks.
WEIR: Can you stay put…we’re on our way.
MCKAY: Right…
Funny looking wormhole.
SCENE: Fog planet
MCKAY: so…we…uh ready?
SHEPPARD: What’s there to be ready for?
MCKAY: Well…it’s sort of a big moment and I thought…we haven’t been in contact for sometime…*continues mumbling*
SHEPPARD: We’re ready.
WEIR: Go ahead
Dials up the gate.
MCKAY: Please work.
Wormhole established.
WEIR: Stargate command. This is Dr Elizabeth Weir of the Atlantis Expedition. Do you read? *no answer* I repeat this is Dr Weir. Come in please.
WALTER: (Yay!!) This is Sergeant Harriman of Stargate Command. Whoever you are…this better not be a joke.
WEIR: No joke sergeant. I’m sending my personal IDC for confirmation.
WALTER: Sorry about that Dr Weir…we’re just a little surprised to be hearing from you.
WEIR: Understandable.
WALTER: The iris is opened. You’re clear to come through.
WEIR: Thanks but we’re not ready to risk a one way trip…
WALTER: You don’t understand doctor…things have changed around here…the Asgard are in the process of fitting Prometheus with engines capable of reaching other galaxies. We were manning a mission to find out what happened to you.
FORD: Is he serious?
WEIR: Are you serious?
WALTER: Yes Ma’am. Come through now and you could be back at Pegasus inside of a month.
MCKAY: Well…who’s going?
(funny flash wormhole.)
SCENE: SGC GATEROOM.
HAMMOND: Welcome back to Earth
SCENE: SGC Briefing room.
WEIR: And while the Pegasus galaxy does hold many dangers I feel the potential rewards justify the risk of maintaining a continued presence on the Atlantis base.
HAMMOND: Unfortunately doctor your preliminary report has given the pentagon cause for concern. If the wraith are as powerful as you say that would make them an enemy even more dangerous than the goa’uld. There are those who believe it would be prudent to cut our losses and abandon the Pegasus galaxy all together.
WEIR: General you can’t…
HAMMOND: We’re talking about a race that defeated the ancients.
WEIR: Over its years in operation Stargate command has encountered a number of threats that could well have brought about the destruction of this world… now that never stopped you from continuing to send teams through the gate general.
HAMMOND: By the time SG-1 had returned from their first mission the damage had already been done. We’d alerted the goa’uld to our presence and shutting down operations…wouldn’t have changed that. In the case of the wraith however we have a choice
MCKAY: So we’re just going to ‘turn tail and run’
HAMMOND: The pentagon would prefer to call it a strategic withdrawal.
WEIR: But how can we be sure they won’t come after us?
MCKAY: She’s right general. They feed on human life forms now they know there’s a smorgasbord waiting for them here.
WEIR: I don’t think we have a choice we need to continue to explore the opportunities for technological advancement Pegasus’ galaxy has to offer. Not to mention our responsibility to the other humans who live there.
HAMMOND: Responsibility?
WEIR: We did wake up the wraith…and while yes that would have happened eventually without our interference, our access to ancient technology puts us at a unique position to help those people. We can’t just walk away.
HAMMOND: *sighs* rest assured your recommendation will be given consideration at the highest level.
SCENE: SGC Corridor, Hammond walks by
SHEPPARD: Ah General Sir…*Hammond holds elevator as Sheppard steps in* Thank you sir.
HAMMOND: Major Sheppard. *doors shut*
SHEPPARD: Surprised the briefing went as quick as it did.
HAMMOND: You were very thorough major. *pushes button*
SHEPPARD: Thank you sir.
HAMMOND: In fact by now I thought you’d be enjoying some well deserved R&R.
SHEPPARD: I was just going to arrange some transportation sir.
HAMMOND: Well consider it taken care of major…anywhere you’d like.
SHEPPARD: Well that’s…very generous.
HAMMOND: You’ve done your country a great service son. You deserve it.
SHEPPARD: *grins* Thank you sir. *doors open on level 21*
SCENE: Infirmary. (And I still tear up…)
Teyla sitting on bed.
SHEPPARD: Well how’s our patient doing?
SMITH: we’re all done major…she’s free to go.
TEYLA: I was afraid you had abandoned me.
SHEPPARD: Just setting up our ride.
TEYLA: *gets up grins* so where we going?
SHEPPARD: We should start by getting you a new outfit.
SCENE: Weir driving up to a house. Simon (narim) looks out from under the hood of his car shocked…Weir gets out of car, and walks over.
WEIR: Hello Simon.
SIMON: My god…where did you…*they stare, and then he hugs her*
WEIR: I missed you.
SCENE: McKay’s place. All his plants are dead (and here’s the best part) He checks his answering machine.
ANSWERING MACHINE: You have No New Messages (ROFL)
MCKAY: Ha…it must have been a…power failing or something anyway…*picks up remote, turns on tele, finds a half eaten bag of chips and…eats.*
OUTER LIMITS IS ON!!!
TV: There is nothing wrong with your television, do not attempt to adjust the picture…we are controlling the transmission…if we wish to make it louder, we will turn up the volume *there’s a knock at the door* if we wish to make it softer…we will tune it to a whisper we will control the horizontal…(you know the rest)
McKay opens door to a woman.
WOMAN: Hi.
MCKAY: Hi…
SCENE: In a limo. Sheppard dressed in civvies, Teyla gets in in her new outfit.
TEYLA: Thank you Major.
SHEPPARD: You’re welcome…
TEYLA: I have traded in many market places. On many worlds.
SHEPPARD: Countries. Countries.
TEYLA: Countries of course…but here there are so many different items to choose from. *grins*
SHEPPARD: Yeah you seemed like you were having fun…hours and hours of fun. *She gives him a look (LOL)* But you picked out a nice outfit.
TEYLA: Thank you. I wonder if we had never suffered the wraith would my people have created a civilization such as this.
SHEPPARD: I’m starting to wonder about a few things myself.
TEYLA: What?
SHEPPARD: Nothing feels wrong to you? I…I…I don’t mean one thing… I mean everything.
TEYLA: I do not understand
SHEPPARD: Excuse me…err…could you take us to the green moss park area?
DRIVER: Sure thing.
SHEPPARD: I think I’ll have a better idea of what’s bothering me once we get there.
SCENE: Simons house back garden. Dog Barks. Weir is wearing a pink top…
WEIR: Hey Sage…did you miss me? Did you miss me?
SIMON: More than you can imagine. *walks out, they sit.* I don’t know how many times I watched that damn tape you left me.
WEIR: I wanted to tell you in person.
SIMON: Nah you didn’t…you were afraid I’d talk you out of it.
WEIR: I was afraid you’d try.
SIMON: When you told me you were going away and couldn’t say where. My first guess was Korea. My second guess was Israel. To be honest the Pegasus galaxy didn’t make my list.
WEIR: I am sorry.
SIMON: I know. I imagine my security clearance doesn’t let you tell me what you were doing while you were there.
WEIR: ………No.
SIMON: Or when you’ll be leaving again.
WEIR: No.
SIMON: Well at the very least…you could promise me that…*holds out jewellery box* you’ll take this with you.
WEIR: Simon.*he moves to sit next to her* it’s beautiful. *he puts the necklace round her neck.*
SIMON: It’s nice.
WEIR: Thank you *she kisses him, Then pulls back frowning*
SIMON: Is something wrong?
WEIR: *wipes mouth* no…I’m sorry it’s just when you kissed me it…
SIMON: What are you talking about Elizabeth?
WEIR: *Cell rings. She opens it walking* Hello…General what?...*listens* yes I understand. Thank you.
SCENE: McKay’s apartment.
His clothes are all over the floor and he’s lying in boxer and t-shirt asleep, knock at door. Gets up….like hung over.
MCKAY: Hang on
Opens door to Weir, whose wearing…A black suit with a white blouse….
MCKAY: oh…hey I was just in the middle of a Power nap…but err…and I’m not wearing any pants *weir enters as he grabs trousers* I didn’t even think you knew where I lived…
WEIR: Air force.
MCKAY: Oh right…err…look *looks at watch* I can’t really err… I have a date with the girl in 302…err…she’s been taking care of the cat for…whole time I was away and…apparently she misses me…
WEIR: Rodney…
MCKAY: I know pawn my cat off on my neighbor and end up with a…*looks at her* what?
WEIR: I just got off the phone with General Hammond, there was an accident on the Prometheus…we can’t go back to Atlantis.
SCENE: SGC Corridor. Hammond and McKay walking (wearing brown shirt).
MCKAY: …Start to work on a solution but an hour ago it hit me…like Archimedes in the bath tub, Eureka… except I wasn’t in the bathtub. I was on the couch watching err…very strange outer limits episode…
HAMMOND: Doctor McKay?
MCKAY: Forget Prometheus. I have figured out how to establish a wormhole connection back to the Pegasus galaxy. But I’m gonna need the ZedPM.
HAMMOND: The ZPM has been depleted it’s of no use…
MCKAY: Actually that’s not entirely true… see the last time we used it the ZedPM had to establish and maintain a wormhole back to Atlantis…This time round all we need it to do is have enough energy to establish the briefest of connections…by my calculations approximately what…3.5 microseconds…
HAMMOND: *they stop* that hardly seems like enough time to accomplish anything--…
MCKAY: General when we first set foot on M5S 224 before the wormhole shut down I picked up flocculation’s in the energy field now at the time I just assumed that was an effect of the gates residual energy signature…but having given it some thought I realized that that can’t account for subsidal variances which leaves only one possible explanation…the gate must have been energized on our arrival…meaning it doesn’t just draw power on outgoing wormholes but incoming wormholes as well…all we have to do is make a connection…3.5 microseconds that’s the minimal amount of time it requires to confirm a lock before the gate automatically kicks in drawing power from the atmosphere to maintain the wormhole. (Breathe!!)
HAMMOND: You’ll forgive me doctor this all seems a little far fetched *moves past McKay who follows*
MCKAY: Well….think of it like making a long distance call to someone you know is going to accept the charges all you have to do it dial.
HAMMOND: I’m sorry doctor.
MCKAY: Well…You’re not gonna lose anything by letting me try are you? All I want to do is run a couple of tests.
HAMMOND: Alright I’ll have the ZPM delivered to the lab.
MCKAY: Thank you. *runs off*
SCENE: Weir heads up to briefing room, Hammonds there, she’s wearing the pink top again…(you’ll understand soon enough why I keep mentioning clothes).
HAMMOND: *gets up* Dr Weir I wasn’t expecting to see you…*motions for her to sit*
WEIR: I’ve been thinking about what happened. Thank you *both sit* I know it’s a bit of a set back but I don’t think we should give up just yet… if we can get the Prometheus prepared…
HAMMOND: The Prometheus was severely damaged. We lost 20 crew members she won’t be flying again anytime soon.
WEIR: So we ask the asgard for one of their ships…
HAMMOND: I’m sure…that when the Asgard are in a position to help they will…
WEIR: General. I only came to earth because I was assured I’d be able to get back…now I am not about to abandon my expedition team…
HAMMOND: I’ll see what I can do…but I’m not making any promises.
*they both stare*
SCENE: Corridor. Walter and Ford are there, Ford looking at paper.
FORD: Wait…You’ve got to talk to somebody about this for me…
WALTER: I’m sorry…those are the orders you received…its out of my hands…
Ford don’t look to happy as McKay (wearing his usual blue shirt with a lab coat.) and his new crowd of scientists turn the corner.
MCKAY: If it’s one thing I can’t abide its sloppy work…if you’re people won’t double check their results then there’s no point in keeping them on the team…
FORD: Dr McKay…
MCKAY: Yes ltd?
FORD: I’m being transferred.
MCKAY: Congratulations…
FORD: No…you don’t understand…I was chilling with my parents just having a good time and then some sgt shows up with new orders for me… I want to go back to Atlantis and they want to ship me back to Antarctica.
MCKAY: *motions for others to carry on* Ltd do you know something I don’t because the last time I checked the Prometheus was critically damaged and the only ZedPM in our possession Doesn’t have the power to run a car stereo…
FORD: I just thought you’d be trying to find another way…
MCKAY: There is no other way ltd…you’re just going to have to deal with it. *leaves*
SCENE: Simons place…weir out back, pink top, at table…Simon comes with coffee, passes it to her.
WEIR: Thank you *drinks*
SIMON: *sits* would it be so bad if you had to stay? *drinks*
WEIR: I’m sorry Simon…I know none of this is fair to you…
SIMON: It is tough to compete with the greatest adventure in human history. *she stares at cup* I don’t blame you for going…
WEIR: Thank you. But I still feel guilty…and now I feel guilty for being back…
SIMON: Because of the people you left behind…
WEIR: No I should’ve stayed at Atlantis major Sheppard should have been the one to go…
SCENE: Sheppard’s place. He and Teyla enter.
SHEPPARD: Oh yeah…just like I left it.
TEYLA: So much space for just…one person.
SHEPPARD: Well…guys got to have a lot of space…*pans to show room* I bet there’s still…uh…*opens fridge pulls out beer* perfect… Nice and cold…
TEYLA: And this is…??
SHEPPARD: It’s called beer.
He flicks the top O’Neill style:P and Teyla drinks…like a fish, walking around
TEYLA: Is this for…recreation?
SHEPPARD: Yeah…I got pretty much everything you can imagine…don’t I?
TEYLA: What is it?
SHEPPARD: I was just thinking again…about…doctor weir (:P)…and everyone else on Atlantis…
TEYLA: Of course. I am sure she is fine. As I am sure they are all fine.
SHEPPARD: Yeah I’m sure.
SCENE: SGC Labs. McKay enters wearing brown shirt.
MCKAY: You people have those test results for me yet?
SCIENTIST: We need more time.
MCKAY: What are you talking about…let me see what you got…*he takes file* wait a minute…what is this some kind of a joke?
SCIENTIST: I told you we need more time.
MCKAY: These don’t even make any sense.
SCIENTIST: We don’t think the ZPM has enough power to open a wormhole…
MCKAY: Well you wouldn’t know that from this *shows file* would you? This might as well say Bing-tiddle-tiddle-bong…I mean it’s complete gibberish. Look get out of here. I’ll do it. Go. *they leave* You have got to be kidding me.
SCENE: Briefing room.
HAMMOND: Thank you for coming in again doctor.
WEIR: Has there been a response to my request?
HAMMOND: Actually we won’t be needing any help from the Asgard. It turns out Dr McKay has found a solution that will enable us to open a wormhole back to Pegasus.
WEIR: He has? Why wasn’t I informed?
HAMMOND: Doctor. The Atlantis mission has been reassessed.
WEIR: What does that mean?
HAMMOND: In light of the intelligence you’ve brought us concerning the wraith it’s been decided that the Atlantis presence should be military.
WEIR: Our allies have agreed to this?
HAMMOND: They did. As soon as Doctor McKay can establish a wormhole…we intend to send reinforcements along with a new commanding officer. *sit back, pissed* I’m sorry doctor. But you’ve been relieved of your duties.
WEIR: Ok wait a minute *gets up* I am not saying that there should not be an increased military presence but the mission must remain the same, and I’m sure if major Sheppard were here he would tell you--…
HAMMOND: We’ve spoken to major Sheppard…he dialed in about an hour ago to check on your progress…we informed him of the situation and he agrees with our assessment.
WEIR: He wouldn’t do that General. *sits* I know John Sheppard.
HAMMOND: Apparently you don’t know him as well as you thought, doctor. Major Sheppard stated categorically it’s the only way to ensure the security of the project.
SCENE: Sheppard’s place.
SHEPPARD: Let’s get out of here.
TEYLA: Why?
SHEPPARD: You wanna see earth right? It’s out there.
TEYLA: I…thought you would want to spend time in your home. Visit with friends. *points* there is an idea. *door bell rings.*
Sheppard opens door to two grinning guys.
MITCH: hey!!!
SHEPPARD: Mitch…Dex…?
DEX: You really didn’t think you could pass through town without seeing us did you Shep?
MITCH: So you going to invite us in or what?
SHEPPARD: *stares at them* Yeah sure…what the hell… *they head in*
DEX: Hi I’m Dex *shakes Teyla’s hand.*
Sheppard shuts door looking unsettled.
Shot of weir walking down corridor of SGC in pick top.
SCENE: OK…Here’s where it’s…complicated. This is shot in the same lab but in different realities. McKay’s and Weir. Real McKay (brown shirt) and real weir (pink shirt).
MCKAY (brown shirt): What is this?
WEIR (suit): *enters* Is there a problem?
MCKAY (brown shirt): Elizabeth…
WEIR (Pink shirt): Rodney I need to talk to you.
MCKAY (blue shirt): Can it wait?
WEIR (Pink shirt): No…something is very wrong here.
MCKAY (brown shirt): I’ve been running a diagnostic on the ZedPM these are the results I keep getting back… *shows laptop with results*
WEIR (suit): I’m not a scientist Rodney.
MCKAY (brown shirt): Well neither is anyone else around here apparently or otherwise they would of noticed the laws of physics seem to have flown out the window.
WEIR (suit): Maybe there is a problem with your equipment.
MCKAY (brown shirt): I checked its fine.
WEIR (suit): Look if your solution doesn’t work…it’s not your fault…we’ll just have to accept the fact that we can’t go back…
MCKAY (brown shirt): What?
SCENE: Sheppard’s place. People in his swimming pool, the house full of people
DEX: so our boys were pinned down…so…so hotshot here takes his chopper right over this bridge…
MITCH: And we’re suppose to follow him…
DEX: And there’s no way I’m flying a black hawk over a bridge with enemy tanks on it…
MITCH: Wait…with what on it?
DEX: Tanks.
MITCH: You’re welcome. *they all burst out laughing*
DEX: I still love that man.
SHEPPARD: *forced grin* Yeah that was priceless.
DEX: But…uh…we got that special ops team out of there…didn’t we shep?
SHEPPARD: Yes we did.
DEX: Tell you what…that was some flying shep.
Door bell rings Sheppard frowns, doors opened to Ford (not real one) carrying pizzas.
SHEPPARD: Well look who’s in the pizza delivery business.
FORD: No sir…I just caught the guy on the way up…
SHEPPARD: I was just thinking about you…why don’t you come in…*girl grabs pizza* it looks like we…are having…a party *more people grab pizza.*
FORD: I got pizza.
SCENE: McKay’s lab
WEIR (Pink shirt): I’ve been relieved of my command.
MCKAY (blue shirt): Oh…I’m sorry to hear that,
WEIR (Pink shirt): They’re gonna militarize Atlantis.
MCKAY (blue shirt): Interesting. Well…it was bound to happen sooner or later.
WEIR (Pink shirt): What…you’re just okay with this.
MCKAY (blue shirt): Elizabeth…how did you expect them to react when you told them about the wraith?
WEIR (Pink shirt): At the very least…I thought I’d be kept in the loop,
MCKAY (blue shirt): Oh now you’re just being paranoid. Why don’t you go home…spend some time with Simon.
WEIR (Pink shirt): Simon? *surprised*
MCKAY (blue shirt): Yes…he’s important to you isn’t he…
WEIR (Pink shirt): Yes…I just don’t remember ever telling you that,
MCKAY (blue shirt): *quiet* well…how else would I have known
Weir stares at him.
SCENE: Sheppard’s house. Sheppard not interested in stories at all little on edge.
MITCH: We didn’t know what to think…I mean this guy was supposedly one of the most ruthless warlords in Afghanistan and suddenly he just sits down at our table.
FORD: Sir you’ve got to listen to this.
SHEPPARD: Yeah I was there ltd.
MITCH: Oh yeah…you remember…turns out he just wants to practice his English on us…shep spent half the night talking to this guy.
SHEPPARD: Yeah that was funny.
DEX: He wouldn’t even let you get up to go to the bathroom. Remember?
SHEPPARD: Then…two days later…you guys were killed outside Kabul.
Everyone stops and stares.
SCENE: McKay’s lab.
MCKAY (brown shirt): Let me see if I can make you understand…ok? These results don’t just say the ZedPM won’t work…they say this reality isn’t govern by any natural laws. It’s like looking through the microscope and seeing a thousand dancing hamsters…it’s impossible.
WEIR (suit): Rodney…you need to calm down.
MCKAY (brown shirt): No no…what I need to do now is get very agitated because what I’m realizing is all of this is a lie! This…*shuts lap top* and this *throws papers* and this! *smashes ZPM on ground*
SCENE: Sheppard’s place.
TEYLA: What are you saying?
SHEPPARD: Their chopper took an RPG when it touched down for med evac…there was barely enough left…to bring back for a military funeral.
DEX: What?
SHEPPARD: You guys have been dead for years! Now don’t get me wrong…it’s really nice seeing you…you too miss Watson…*shot of a young woman with glasses*
FORD: Sir I don’t…
SHEPPARD: She was my sixth grade teacher. And I don’t even remember your name…but I remember you wouldn’t even date me…*points to girl*
MITCH: Shep…I think we should take you to see a doctor.
SHEPPARD: Oh really?
DEX: Ye…your acting pretty strange
SHEPPARD: Oh I’m acting strange huh? *pulls out 9mil, shoots Dex in shoulder*
TEYLA: Major!
SCENE: McKay’s lab
MCKAY (blue shirt): Now…*picks up broken ZPM* see what I mean…
WEIR (pink shirt): Ok the Rodney McKay I know would never accept the militarization of Atlantis without putting up a fight. I don’t think Major Sheppard would agree to it either at least not without speaking to me about it first…
MCKAY (blue shirt): Elizabeth…you shouldn’t take it personally. I mean think of it as a blessing…you have a life…you can get back to it now…
WEIR (pink shirt): *gives him a look* Hey no…I’m not buying this anymore…who are you really?
MCKAY (blue shirt): Who am I? *grins* what do you mean?
SCENE: Sheppard’s place.
DEX: *holding arm* You shot me!
SHEPPARD: You’re already dead!
FORD: *gets up* Sir give me the--- *Sheppard levels 9mil with ford*
SHEPPARD: Beginning to have my doubts about you too ltd. I wouldn’t put them to a test… *drinks beer* now…somebody…explain to me what the hell is going on here?
SCENE: McKay’s lab
McKay (blue shirt) still grinning, Hammond enters.
HAMMOND: Dr weir?
Ok no more lies…what is this? What’s happening to me?
HAMMOND: There’s no point in deluding you any longer…*he changes to a white fog…and back again* now you know.
*turns back…McKay gone, to Hammond* Where’s Rodney?
HAMMOND: The real Dr McKay and the rest of his team reside in their own hallucinatory worlds…
I wanna see them…please…
SCENE: Gateroom SGC
Ford, McKay, Teyla and Sheppard (whose got one hand held like he’s holding a bottle and the other like he has a gun, though neither are in his possession). Weir and Hammond materialize before them
SHEPPARD: What happened? *weir walks over to them*
HAMMOND: I drew you together from your fractured realities…
SHEPPARD: No I’m talking about the beer I had *still staring at hand*
HAMMOND: Major Sheppard discovered the truth sometime ago…
MCKAY: He did?
SHEPPARD: Yeah home for the last 11 months has been a research base in Antarctica…though…I did dream about a bachelor pad like that…
HAMMOND: Major Sheppard seemed uniquely capable of manipulating his own fabricated reality…
SHEPPARD: Think about the scenarios I could have thought up…I’d kick myself.
HAMMOND: The realities you experienced were fabrications of your own mind…since you had no memories of earth to draw from…you shared in major Sheppard’s allusion.
Teyla looks at Sheppard, Sheppard looks at Teyla.
SHEPPARD: I though that was you…
HAMMOND: It is unfortunate that you all became aware so quickly…however you may now create a fabricated reality of your own choosing in which to live out the remainder of your lives.
WEIR: What?
SHEPPARD: *steps down next to weir* that’s not going to work for us…
HAMMOND: I’m afraid the matters beyond your control…
SHEPPARD: Well…we’ll find a way to fight you…
HAMMOND: That would be quite impossible major…even now you are simply experiencing a shared fabrication. It will be best if you try to make a life for yourselves.
SHEPPARD: This isn’t life. What do you want us to do…just pretend?
HAMMOND: I’m sorry that’s all I can offer you…*leaving*
WEIR: Wait… *Hammond turns* why would you do this?
HAMMOND: To protect ourselves.
WEIR: From us?
TEYLA: We did not intend to harm anyone…
HAMMOND: Unlike you we exist in a non corporeal form susceptible to the destructive effects of the Stargate on our home world.
WEIR: What destructive effects?
MCKAY: So the energy readings we picked up…they were life signs…you were in the mist.
HAMMOND: We are the mist…and every time the gate is activated lives are lost…over time…explorers have come and gone. Completely unaware of our existence…sacrifices are made to ensure our secrecy. But when you came back we grew concerned… To learn your intentions we had no choice but to enter your minds, when we discovered what you were about to do we were forced to take preventive measures.
WEIR: But you just said…you let others come and go…why not allow us to do the same…
HAMMOND: Your desire to return to your home world was to strong…the amount of energy required to gate to another galaxy would have killed millions of our kind.
FORD: So when we dialed the gate?
HAMMOND: You never dialed the gate…you just imagined you did. You were unconscious…even now on the planets surface…
MCKAY: So none of this Is real? The cute brunette…of course…how do you go from “You’re a pig but I like your cat” to “I missed you”.
HAMMOND: We lacked a sophisticated understanding of your world…as a result the allusions we created from your thoughts were ultimately flawed…
SHEPPARD: Well…the dead people were a…dead giveaway…
MCKAY: Dead people?...what were you doing?
WEIR: If you just told us maybe we could…
MCKAY: Woah woah woah wait…I just realized something…you’re saying that our unconscious bodies are still on the planet.
HAMMOND: Yes…
MCKAY: *steps down* Well we need food… we need water…we need food…
SHEPPARD: What he’s saying is we won’t live long in this state…
HAMMOND: Then I suggest you make the most of the time you have left.
WEIR: You’re killing us in order to save yourselves.
HAMMOND: In order to save millions of our kind. I believe you would do the same.
TEYLA: If we do not go back our friends will come looking for us.
HAMMOND: Others of your kind?
SHEPPARD: They’ll show up…what are you going to do kill them too?
FORD: More will come…
SHEPPARD: Sooner of later…they’ll figure out how to access the gate…then millions of your kind will die… We don’t leave people behind. And if you were really general Hammond. You’d know that.
WEIR: But if you allow us to leave here…we promise…we will never return ever. You will not have to fear us…ever again. I give you my word.
HAMMOND: How can you make such a promise when you so desire to return home.
SHEPPARD: Sure we’d like to go home…we’re not willing to kill millions of your kind to do it. Now you’ve been in our heads…you’re in our heads right now…you should know we mean that.
HAMMOND: *looks at them all in turn* I understand.
A fog moves over them everything fading.
SCENE: Fog planet. They all wake from unconsciousness, standing.
MCKAY: I don’t mean to sound negative…because…that would be so not me…but how do we know this isn’t a double fake out? I mean how do we know this is…uh
HAMMOND’S VOICE: (GOD!!) This is your reality…you have my word.
MCKAY: I’m starving… it’s got to be right.
SHEPPARD: Wonder how long we’ve been out.
MCKAY: I need to get the control crystal out of the dhd…it shouldn’t take more than a few minutes…*walks over*
FORD: I’ll give you a hand…
WEIR: Thank you for trusting us, Rodney…be careful with that…I wanna be sure we can get back home.
MCKAY: *pulling* uh…you mean Atlantis
SHEPPARD: I think that’s what she meant.
MCKAY: How do I know she wasn’t suggesting we don’t pull another fake out of our own and dial earth.
Same as first shot, the top of the gate just peaking out above a fog with a few pillars peaking out…this time the camera pans out.
SHEPPARD: Forget the double fake out and get the damn crystal…I’ll do the dialing.
THE END
Tara
Aka. Splash
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