Teaser
The first shot is of the ’gate to the mountain. We are then shown the control room inside SGC. The Stargate activates.Davis: Receiving SG-1’s IDC, sir. Request permission to open the iris.
Hammond: Do it.
The shot cuts to the Stargate, where the iris opens. The MALP comes through, followed by SG-1.
Hammond: Welcome home, SG-1. How did it go?
Jack: Ah, General, you know how I love those sandy planets.
Teal’c: The wind was most pleasant.
Jack: Jaffa sarcasm at its finest, General.
Jonas: There wasn’t much left to study.
Sam: Most of what used to be there has been eaten away by sandstorms, but we did find evidence suggesting that it was some sort of science outpost or observatory built by the Ancients.
As she is talking, Sam is opening up one side of a large container, which reveals some sort of large machine inside.
Hammond: I take it that’s the artifact you mentioned? What is it?
Sam: Actually, we’re not sure.
Jack: I’d say it’s some kind of bug zapper, General.
Sam: All I know is that it’s emitting energy.
Jonas: It was hidden in an underground chamber just below the main section of the ruins. When I tried picking it up, the crystals started glowing.
Sam: Touching it must have somehow activated it.
Hammond: You’re certain it isn’t dangerous?
Sam: Well, as certain as I can be without knowing what it is exactly. As I said when we reported in, my initial scans indicated the energy it’s emitting is harmless. That in itself makes it worthy of study as a potential power source, sir.
Jonas sees an odd-looking, giant insect flying in the Gate Room.
Jonas: Colonel!
Jack: What?!
Jonas pulls out his handgun.
Jonas: There! You don’t see that?
Jack: No. What? What?
Jonas: It just disappeared into the wall.
Sam: What did?
Jonas: I don’t know. Something. It was an alien creature of some kind. You didn’t see it? It was right there. They all look at him. It was right there, General.
Hammond walks over to a phone and picks it up.
Hammond: This is Hammond. I want a Class 1 security lockdown of the base, as of now. This is not a drill. Repeat, this is not a drill.
End Teaser - Opening Credits
Hammond is seen walking into the briefing room.
Hammond: As you were. In the past six hours, security teams have swept the base three times. They found no trace whatsoever of the creature you described.
Sam: You’re certain what you saw disappeared into the wall?
Jonas: Yeah. Isn’t it possible that something followed us back through the ’gate?
Sam: Something with the ability to penetrate solid matter?
Jonas: Is that unheard of?
Jack: Nothing showed up on the video.
Hammond: Mr. Quinn, you understand I’m not questioning your judgment, but without any further evidence, I have no choice but to return the base to normal operating status.
Jonas: Yes, sir. I understand.
Hammond: SG-1’s had a particularly busy mission schedule lately. I believe you’re all due for some down time. I suggest you take it starting from now. Dismissed.
General Hammond leaves the room.
Sam: You only saw a flash of this creature. Are you sure it wasn’t some kind of hallucination?
Jonas: You’re suggesting I’m delusional?
Jack: No! No, it’s just possible you were seeing something that wasn’t entirely...yes, that’s what we’re suggesting.
Jonas: You think I’m having symptoms related to my prior exposure to naquadria? Like the others on my planet? Dr. Fraiser gave me a clean bill of health.
Jack: Over three months ago.
Sam: Jonas, we’re just concerned about you.
Jonas: Colonel, there was something alive down there. It was real.
The scene changes to Jack and Sam walking in an SGC corridor. Jack is in his civies.
Jack (reluctantly) : I...could...stay.
Sam: We’ve all been cleared, sir. The base is clean. Jonas is probably suffering from stress - this is all still pretty new to him.
Jack: You could come with.
Sam: Sir?
Jack: Fishing, Carter. I’m going fishing.
Sam: You know I’m planning on studying the artifact.
Jack: Yes. It’s always something, isn’t it?
Sam: Oh, come on, sir, we both know the only reason you asked is because you knew I had something else to do.
Jack: No, really, I think you should come. Fish. As the elevator is closing... Fish some more...
Sam’s Laboratory
Jonas enters.
Jonas: So, this is what you do with your downtime, huh?
Sam: Colonel O’Neill asked me to go fishing with him, but to be honest, I find this more relaxing. How you doing?
Jonas: Oh, well, the possibility of being insane has been interfering with my ability to relax. I figured I’d take a crack at these glyphs.
Sam: Fine with me. But the truth is I still have no idea what we’re dealing with. Now, I-I’ve scanned it with x-rays, ultraviolet, mild EM pulses. Nothing has had even the slightest effect on the particles it’s emitting.
Jonas: Particles?
Sam: Well, for lack of a better word. I mean, really, they’re just energy patterns. So far, I haven’t been able to identify them or determine their purpose. Actually, I was hoping that the writings on the device itself would tell us more.
Jonas: Let’s see what it says. The symbols are definitely a form of the language used by the Ancients, although the Ancients have been around so long, the language has evolved. But we do have a - a base reference that’s, uh...Aahhh!
Jonas sees another huge bug.
Sam: What?
Jonas: You’re telling me that you don’t see that?
Sam: What?
Jonas: It’s right there in front of you.
Sam looks at him as if he’s crazy.
Jonas: Okay. There’s definitely something wrong with me.
Dr. Fraiser’s Office
General Hammond, Jonas, and Dr. Fraiser are there.
Fraiser: No evidence of brain damage from exposure to naquadria radiation. No indication of any viruses or toxins in your system. CAT scans, MRIs, bloodwork all came back clean. He’s in perfect health.
Jonas: Physically.
Fraiser: That’s all I can say definitively. But you haven’t shown any signs of stress or fatigue that usually accompany these kinds of hallucinations.
Jonas: Then why am I the only one seeing these things?
Fraiser: I wish I had an answer for you.
Hammond: Unfortunately, until we find out exactly what’s going on, I have no choice but to remove you from active duty, effective immediately.
Jonas: General Hammond. Sir, these visions only started when we returned with the device.
Hammond: What are you suggesting?
Jonas: I know that I can’t go on any more missions - that’s fine. But at least give me permission to - to continue researching the device with Major Carter. I mean, there has to be a connection here.
Hammond: Major Carter has already submitted her report on the device. Nothing in it suggests the device has anything to do with your condition. Until someone presents hard evidence, we have to assume it’s a coincidence.
Jonas: I haven’t even started translating the writing.
Hammond: You’ll have to do that from video reference. The device is being shipped to Area 51.
SGC Corridor
Teal’c and Jonas are walking together.
Jonas: I can’t believe they’re gonna ship it out of here for further study? We barely got a crack at figuring out what it is.
Teal’c: Perhaps the scientists at our Nevada facility will be able to determine the device’s true purpose.
Jonas: Meanwhile, I’m stuck here, cooling my heels.
Teal’c: You are welcome to join me as I Kel’noreem.
Jonas: No offence, Teal’c, but it doesn’t have quite the same effect on me. No other plans?
Teal’c: Colonel O’Neill requested that I accompany him on a fishing excursion.
Jonas: Ah, I guess I’m the only one he didn’t invite.
Teal’c: You are not permitted to leave the base.
Jonas: Still.
Teal’c (darkly) : Be extremely happy that he did not ask.
Jonas: Why; you don’t like fishing?
Teal’c (darkly) : No.
Jonas: Hmm. Well, seeing as how I’ve read every book in the base library twice, I guess I’ll get back to work on my, uh...
Seeing that Teal’c has stopped, Jonas turns around. They see one of the strange insects.
Jonas: You saw that?
Teal’c: Indeed.
Vernon’s Gas Station
Jack pulls into the gas station and gets out of the car. The attendant walks over.
Vernon: Hey, there. You just caught me fixing that carburettor - I didn’t even hear you pull in.
Jack: Well, it’s not a problem.
Vernon: You sure? It’s a - it’s a full-service station, you know. The price includes yours truly.
Jack: I got it, thanks.
Vernon: All right. At least I can wash your windows for you.
Vernon starts to wash the windows.
Vernon: What do you get, like four, five miles to the gallon in this thing?
Jack: Yeah, it’s a pig.
Vernon: Yeah, I’m more of an el Camino fan myself. Those things are like catnip to the ladies.
Jack: Don’t I know it.
Jack suddenly sees one of the giant insects fly through the gas station’s sign.
Vernon: What?
Jack reaches into his truck to retrieve his gun.
Vernon: Oh, jeez. The money’s inside in a locked box under the counter.
Jack: I’m not gonna rob you - just get down.
Vernon: Getting down.
Jack shoots at the bug, but it flies off.
Vernon: Don’t kill me, please, I’m a vet.
Jack: I’m not gonna kill you; get up. Colonel Jack O’Neill, U.S. Air Force. Did you see anything?
Vernon: Ah, just my life flashing before my eyes. What the hell were you shooting at?
Jack: It’s classified.
Vernon: Well, you could tell me. I - I gotta work here, you know. If there’s something going on, I should know about it.
Jack gets out his cell phone.
Jack (into cell phone) : O’Neill for Hammond.
Vernon: I served in the Gulf.
Jack (to the attendant) : What division?
Vernon: Motor pool. Aw, man, my sign.
SGC Control Room
Davis: Patching through a call from Colonel O’Neill, sir.
Hammond: Colonel, where are you?
Jack: About 30 clicks north, sir. I just saw something...fairly interesting.
Hammond: That means they’ve breached base containment.
Jack: Sir?
Hammond: We’re seeing them here, too; they’re everywhere.
Sam’s Laboratory
Jonas is sitting at a desk, looking at the writing on the device, when Sam walks in.
Sam: Anything?
Jonas: Mmm. Says something about, uh, experiment, but I’m hung up on a few of these glyphs here. They were studying beings of the something something. According to this, it should be inner layer. The beings of the inner layer, but that doesn’t make any sense.
Sam: Not really.
Jonas: Maybe, uh, other level.
Sam: What about another dimension?
Jonas: That could work.
Sam: I mean, it would make sense if the creatures are inhabiting another dimension close to ours.
Jonas: Yeah, absolutely. Yeah, thanks.
Sam: Is that it?
Jonas: Sorry; I’m working as fast as I can - believe me.
Sam: I know. General Hammond wants a full report as soon as possible.
Sam starts to walk out of the room, but then turns back to Jonas.
Sam: Look, I’m the one who’s sorry. We should never have doubted you about what you saw in the first place.
Jonas: It’s perfectly understandable. With the whole naquadria poisoning thing. Besides, I am still kinda the new guy.
Sam: You’re part of the team now, and you deserve our respect. You’ve earned it. Jonas, you’re doing a great job.
Jonas: Thanks.
Sam (in a mock commanding voice) : Now, figure out what else this thing says.
Jonas (echoing her tone) : Right.
SGC Briefing Room
General Hammond, Sam, Jonas, Teal’c, and Janet are all sitting around the table.
Hammond: Colonel O’Neill is going to remain in Colorado Springs and coordinate the quarantine. The National Guard is standing by. The president is prepared to declare a state of emergency. Hopefully, these things, whatever they are, haven’t got too far.
Sam: Sir, we’re not sure we’re going to be able to contain them.
Hammond: You had the transfer of the device halted.
Sam: Yes, sir. And we’ve learned more.
Jonas: I think I’ve translated enough of the writings to figure out its purpose.
Sam: It’s broadcasting a wave of energy particles. Now, while we’re not exactly sure what these particles are made of, we think they’re somehow triggering an ability to see these creatures. Hopefully, only those exposed to these particles will develop this...second sight.
Jonas: Yeah, none of the ciphers we have fit perfectly, but near as I can understand, the device is meant to allow us to observe beings that exist in a dimension parallel to ours.
Sam: We think the energy particles the device is emitting create a kind of bleed-through effect, giving anyone who’s been exposed to them an ability to see into this parallel dimension.
Hammond: So, we can’t contain them because they aren’t actually here?
Sam: In a manner of speaking. They do exist, just not in any way that allows us to actually interact with them.
Jonas: And, if I’m right, they didn’t follow us through the ’gate.
Hammond: Where did they come from?
Sam: The ones we’re seeing are from Earth. Theoretically, these creatures could exist anywhere. We’ve just been previously unaware of them.
Hammond: What is your threat assessment, Major?
Sam: Well, I can’t say for sure, sir, but with regards to the creatures, none. If they only exist in their dimension, they can’t really do anything to us.
Fraiser: As far as I can tell, there’s no physiological interaction beyond our ability to see them.
Hammond: However, while the personnel at this facility might be able to deal with seeing interdimensional beings...
Sam: If the effect of this spreads to the general public, we could have a massive disaster on our hands. People just aren’t used to seeing unusual things the way we are, and we can’t control when or where a sighting might occur.
Fraiser: I mean, imagine on a small scale, a surgeon doing delicate surgery and he’s distracted.
Sam: Or...an air traffic controller.
Fraiser: Even something as simple as driving a car. I mean, people might eventually be able to deal with it, but not before it turns the world upside-down.
Jonas: And not to mention the potential exposure of the Stargate Program in trying to explain the situation.
Hammond: Shut off that device.
Sam: We’ve tried, sir.
Hammond: Find a way.
SGC Sam’s Laboratory
Hammond: Colonel O’Neill says there haven’t been any further reports of sightings outside the base as of yet.
Sam: We’ve triangulated the most of the sightings to a five hundred meter radius around the device. It seems to attract the creatures to it, most likely part of its design.
Jonas: So, the closer that we get to the machine, the more frequently we’ll be seeing our new friends.
Sam: We’ve been unable to find any types of controls or switches. The last resort is separating the main crystal core from the unit itself. Hopefully, that will cut the power supply and stop the device from functioning.
Hammond: What are you waiting for?
Sam: Well, sir, this is a very advanced piece of alien technology. I have no idea what effect pulling the plug will have.
Hammond: Major, if this effect continues to spread...
Sam: Attempting to remove crystal core.
Sam removes the crystal core.
Sam: My scans are no longer detecting any particle emissions coming from the device.
Jonas: Anyone...see anything?
They look around, but no one sees anything.
SGC Commissary
Sam gets some food and sits down with Jonas and Teal’c.
Teal’c: Major Carter.
Sam: Any sightings?
Jonas: Not me.
Teal’c: My Kel’noreem was undisturbed.
Sam: Well, I think we may have just solved the problem.
Jonas: Teal’c thinks that we should take the device back.
Sam: Take it back? We’ve barely scratched the surface of what it can do.
Jonas: That’s what I was saying. I mean, now that it’s shut off, it’s perfectly safe to study.
Teal’c: To what end?
Sam: The effect that device had was groundbreaking, Teal’c. Once we figure out exactly how to use it...
Jonas: Eventually.
Sam: These interdimensional creatures are well worth study.
Jonas: The Ancients certainly thought so.
Sam: They’re obviously aware of matter in our dimension on some level, or they wouldn’t come to rest on objects we perceive as solid.
Jonas: Plus, they have the ability to pass through solid matter at will.
Sam: Also, the ones we’ve encountered seem to lack a behavior that demonstrates a higher intelligence. But that doesn’t mean that we can’t...
There is the sound of a tray dropping and a woman screaming. The three of them turn around, but they already know what happened.
SGC Control Room
General Hammond and Sergeant Davis are looking at a screen showing a MALP transmission.
Hammond: Sergeant?
Davis: Mission time was 24 minutes 3 seconds. MALP AV link to P9X-391 is up and running.
Hammond (to SG-1 through the MALP) : SG-1, this is Hammond. What’s your status?
Sam: Sir, we’re in the ruins. We’re about to enter the antechamber where we found the device. Are you picking up anything coming through the wormhole?
Davis: Negative. No unidentified energy patterns are being detected from your position.
Hammond: Does that mean we’re free and clear?
Sam: Even if we were able to shut the device off, it’s possible there was residual particle radiation that my instruments just couldn’t detect. Hopefully, this will take care of that.
Jonas: It’s back where we found it. There doesn’t seem to be anything else here that would explain what happened with the device.
Sam: Once the ’gate has shut down, it should cut off any energy patterns being broadcast back to Earth.
Hammond: Affirmative. We’ll re-establish contact in one hour. Hammond out. (to Sergeant Davis) Shut it down.
Davis: Yes, sir. Deactivating wormhole.
Hammond: I’m in my office.
Davis: Ah, sir...
Huge centipede-like creatures appear on the desk at which Sergeant Davis is sitting.
SGC Briefing Room
Hammond: Are you certain bringing the device back here was the right decision?
Sam: It’s the only way we’re gonna solve this, sir. Returning the device to P9X-391 should have worked. There’s no way it could have been projecting an effect from off world without the Stargate being active.
Teal’c: Then, why do we all still possess the ability to see these creatures?
Sam: Whatever effect the particles have on us must be persistent. Hopefully, it’s not permanent.
Hammond: The problem is several new sightings have been reported on base by personnel not previously affected. The situation is getting worse, despite your efforts.
Sam: It doesn’t make any sense. Without exposure to the particles...
Jonas: What if this has nothing to do with the particles?
Sam: How can that be?
Jonas: We know that one of the functions of the device was to attract the creatures. Now, when we shut that down, or as least thought we shut it down, they seemed to go away.
Sam: I get it. What if the particles being emitted were only what was attracting the creatures?
Jonas: Sure - like, uh, food. Now, shutting down that part of the device just made the creatures leave the area. Whatever’s giving us the ability to see these things is something completely different.
Hammond: Something unrelated to the device?
Sam: No, sir, that seems unlikely. But it could be something we’ve missed.
Jonas: Okay, I was the first one to see the creatures, right? I was also the first one to touch the device. Teal’c was next.
Sam: Touching the device could have imparted some kind of charge that would alter our body’s electrical field enough to cause the interdimensional bleed-through effect.
Hammond: But that doesn’t explain the people who had no direct contact with the device.
Sam: Unless the charge can be passed on from person to person.
Jonas: Like a contagion.
Hammond: I’m ordering the immediate containment of Colorado Springs and the surrounding area.
Sam: We’ll also need to isolate anyone who could have come into physical contact with any SGC personnel.
Vernon’s Gas Station
Vernon patches up his sign and then walks back into the store. He puts some money into the cash register and begins to pick up his sub, but one of the giant insects emerges from the table. Vernon jumps, surprised.
Vernon: Son of a...
A Colorado Springs Road
Military vehicles are seen driving into a portion of town. Soldiers set up road blocks.
Hammond’s Office
General Hammond is on the phone. Sam knocks on the door and he waves her to come inside.
Hammond (into the phone) : Thank you. Yes. Keep me apprised.
General Hammond ends the call.
Hammond: We’re getting sporadic reports of sightings. Thankfully, no one’s been hurt so far, but a local news station has already picked up the story. Colonel O’Neill is retracing his steps, trying to round up anyone he may have come into contact with. Quarantine’s otherwise in place.
Sam: What’s our cover story?
Hammond: An accidental spill of an experimental chemical that can have an hallucinogenic effect. So far, people are buying it.
Sam: But that won’t work for long.
Hammond: This may be our only chance to contain this problem. If we can’t...
Sam: Mass hysteria.
Hammond: This is our mistake, Major, and we need to fix it.
Sam: Yes, sir.
Sam’s Laboratory
Jonas is taking a crystal out of the device’s crystal core.
Sam: Careful.
Jonas: Interesting.
Sam: What?
Jonas: Well, do you think that the configuration has anything to do with the nature of the charge the device emits?
Sam: So, we reorder the crystals, we change what the device does.
Jonas: Why else would they be arranged this way?
Sam: Well, there are a number of configurations to choose from. How do we know which one will elicit the right effect?
Jonas: This could take a while.
Sam looks at him and gives a little laugh.
Glenwood Market (previously referred to as Vernon’s gas station)
There are soldiers looking for Vernon, supervised by Colonel O’Neill.
Soldier: There’s no one here, sir.
Jack: All right. Leave someone here in case he comes back.
Soldier: Yes, sir.
Jack is about to get back into his car when he sees Vernon hiding in some trees nearby.
Jack: Vernon!
The Road Beside the Gas Station
A car is swerving all over the road. The shot cuts to the driver, who is seeing one of the really big bugs on his front hood. The driver, distracted by the thing in front of his face, drives into the gas station sign, totally destroying it. The driver gets out of the car unharmed and approaches the nearest soldier.
Driver: There was a huge bug on my car. No, I swear, did anyone see that? Huge bug!
Jack goes over to where he saw Vernon in the trees, but Jack doesn’t see him anywhere.
Jack: Vernon?
Sam’s Laboratory
Hammond: You’re certain you’ve reprogrammed the device properly?
Sam: To be honest, sir, we’re not sure. But this is one of the last few configurations to try.
Sam puts the crystals core back into the device and it lights up.
Sam: We’re hoping this means it’s now programmed to emit a charge that will essentially reverse the effect on us.
Jonas: Okay, here goes.
Jonas puts his hand on the device.
Sam: You feel anything?
Jonas: Not really.
Hammond: Do you see anything?
Jonas: No. Do you?
Sam: No.
Jonas: You know, when you wanna see one...
One of the bugs appears near General Hammond.
Hammond: There!
Jonas: Where?
Sam: Right there on the device.
Jonas: If there’s a creature right there, then I’m not seeing it.
Sam holds out her hand to Jonas.
Sam: Jonas?
Jonas takes Sam’s hand and she doesn’t see the bug anymore.
Sam: I think it worked, sir. I’m not seeing it anymore.
Sam holds out her hand to General Hammond. He takes it and the creature disappears from his sight.
Hammond: Well done, Major.
A Forest Near Colorado Springs
Vernon is walking through the forest and sees soldiers on the road. He stays out of sight.
Hammond’s Office
Fraiser: Well, sir, from what I can gather, the antidote seems to be working. There have been no new sightings and everyone previously affected is no longer seeing the creatures.
Hammond: Good; all we need to do now is spread the cure to Colonel O’Neill and the containment teams so they can spread it throughout the exposed area.
Fraiser: I recommend using a placebo pill to sell it to the public, and provided the containment holds, we should eventually be able to undo the damage.
General Hammond’s phone rings and he picks it up.
Hammond (into the phone) : Hammond.
Jack: Sir, I have reason to believe an individual I came in contact with has breached the quarantine.
Hammond: Is there anything we can do?
Jack: Well, get Carter and Jonas on this. The man’s name is Vernon Sharpe He’s a non-com. Served in the motor pool in the Gulf. See what they come up with.
Hammond: Right away.
General Hammond replaces the phone.
Hammond: We have an exposed man on the run.
A Road Near Colorado Springs
Vernon is hitchhiking. A truck stops to pick him up.
Driver: How far are you headed?
Vernon: As far as you can take me.
Driver: Well, I’m picking up a cousin in Hawthorne County; how’s that?
Vernon: That’s fine.
Driver: Hop in.
Voice over Car Radio: We have a situation in Colorado. As you may have already heard, the National Guard continues to maintain its quarantine on the city of Colorado Springs after a dangerous chemical spill may have had an adverse effect on some residents of the area.
Driver: You hear about that? People are saying they’re seeing monsters.
Vernon: Yeah, I know. Crazy.
Sam’s Laboratory
Sam and Jonas are looking at a computer screen.
Sam: According to his bank records, Vernon Sharpe drained all the money from his account several hours ago.
Jonas: You can get this kind of information on someone this easily?
Sam: Well, we only use the privilege in certain circumstances.
Jonas: Ah. So, he could be anywhere by now?
Sam: We’ve frozen his credit cards, but since he’s using cash, it’ll be harder to trace his movements.
Jonas: So, he’s just gonna vanish - that makes no sense.
Sam: What do you mean?
Jonas: Well, he’s ex-military - can’t simply be fear of these creatures he’s seeing. Uh, what’s he running for?
Sam: He doesn’t buy the cover story.
Jonas: The only way we’re gonna figure out where he’s going is by learning more about him. Can we find out if he has any friends or family in the area?
Sam nods.
Mrs. Sharpe’s House
Mrs. Sharpe walks in the room with a tray of cookies.
Mrs. Sharpe: What’s he gone and done now?
Sam: Oh, he hasn’t done anything, Mrs. Sharpe. We’re actually just very worried about Vernon.
Mrs. Sharpe: Cookie?
Sam (after a second) : Thank you.
Mrs. Sharpe: I know how you feel, dear; I’ve been worried about Vernon since he was a boy. I was the one who raised him after his mother ran off, you know.
Sam: I’m sure you did a fine job.
Mrs. Sharpe: She was a real floozy, that one. My Roger never had much taste in women.
Jonas: Mrs. Sharpe, we’re afraid that your grandson may suspect that the government is after him for the wrong reasons.
Mrs. Sharpe: Why are you after him?
Sam: Vernon may have been accidentally exposed to a chemical that could be causing him to see things that aren’t really there.
Mrs. Sharpe: Like when he was in the war.
Jonas: What do you mean?
Mrs. Sharpe: The military! They did all kinds of things to those boys while they were over there. Experiments with chemical weapons and such. Messed with their heads good. My Vernon’s never been the same.
Sam: We don’t really know anything about that.
Mrs. Sharpe: I’m sure you don’t, honey.
Jonas: It’s very, very important that we find your grandson. He could be putting other people’s lives in danger, ma’am.
Mrs. Sharpe: Vernon wouldn’t hurt a fly!
Jonas: Unintentionally, of course.
Sam: The truth is Vernon’s exposure to this chemical wasn’t an accident. In fact, it wasn’t even a chemical. It was a highly contagious experimental germ developed by the military.
Mrs. Sharpe: Really?
Sam: But the thing is it was created to try and undo what happened to your grandson while he was in the Gulf.
Mrs. Sharpe: Oh, I find that hard to believe.
Sam: I swear, I wouldn’t lie to you. Unfortunately, there were some unexpected side effects to this antidote.
Mrs. Sharpe: Those doctors will be the death of us all. See all those pills I’m supposed to take? I never take any of them.
Sam: We really want to make this right, Mrs. Sharpe. And it’s not just your grandson’s life that’s at stake. There could be a lot of other people in danger. I promise, nothing bad will happen to Vernon.
Mrs. Sharpe: Well, you seem like a nice enough couple.
Jonas: Oh, we’re not...
Sam stops him by putting her hand on his in a sign of affection.
Sam: Please, we really want to help.
Jonas reluctantly puts his other hand on Sam’s to keep up the act.
Mrs. Sharpe: Well, Lord knows Vernon needs help; he’s not right in the head, that boy.
Sam: We’ll do our best.
Jonas: Do you have any idea where he might be?
Mrs. Sharpe: Well, if he’s off anywhere, it’s to see that Chuck fellow.
Sam: Chuck?
Mrs. Sharpe: He’s trouble. Always has been, always will. I told Vernon straight away that Chuck will lead you to no good.
Jonas: Does Chuck have a last name?
Mrs. Sharpe: I’m sure he does...I just don’t know it.
Sam: Do you know where he lives?
Piedmont Hawthorne Airfield
Vernon exits the truck and shakes hands with the driver.
Vernon: Thanks for the lift.
Driver: Good luck, Vernon.
Inside the Airport
Vernon approaches the receptionist at the desk.
Vernon: Hi. I need a one-way ticket to Las Vegas.
Mrs. Sharpe’s House
Sam and Jonas exit the house.
Sam: Just what we need: a conspiracy theorist.
Jonas: But who happens to be right about there being a conspiracy.
Teal’c (waiting for them at the car) : There has been another sighting.
Sam: Where?
Teal’c: A place called Hawthorne County.
Sam: Any word on Vernon?
Teal’c: The infected person in question says he picked up a hitchhiker matching the description of Vernon Sharpe.
Teal’c gives Sam a cell phone.
Sam: Thanks.
She speed-dials a number.
Jack: O’Neill.
Sam: It’s me, sir. We have reason to believe Vernon may be at Piedmont Hawthorne Airfield and on his way to Las Vegas.
Jack: All right, have Hammond ground all flights out. Containment team is en route. ETA’s about...40 minutes.
Sam: Have you been cleared, sir?
Jack: Yeah, they got somebody down from the SGC to...shake our hands.
Sam: Sir, you should know that Vernon could be extremely paranoid. Given his military background, I’d use extreme caution in apprehending him.
Jack: I’ll keep that I mind. Good job, Carter.
Sam: Thank you, sir.
Piedmont Hawthorne Airfield
Vernon walks through a set of metal detectors just before the person behind him is stopped. All flights are announced as being cancelled. Vernon continues to walk towards the plane.
Man (talking on cell phone loudly) : They cancelled my flight; can you believe it? What did they think of the script? What? The second act was just totally clear...
The man then sees one of the bugs. Jack walks past him, armed soldiers following him. People start screaming because of the creatures.
Outside the Airport
Stewardess: I’m sorry, ladies and gentlemen, but we’ve just been told the flight has been cancelled. Please return to the terminal, where more information will be provided.
Vernon sees military trucks drive up and begins to walk back to the terminal, but then he sees Jack coming towards him.
Jack: Vernon...
Soldier (in background) : There he is; let’s move.
Vernon starts to run towards a hangar.
Jack (to the soldiers) : You guys cover the exits.
Jack goes into the hangar after Vernon and starts walking around, looking for him, talking as he goes.
Jack: Vernon? You can’t get away. Hey, Vernon, Jack O’Neill. Colonel O’Neill. The Air Force? Look, I know this is a massive cliché, but the place is surrounded.
Vernon: Yeah, you’re telling me; those monsters are everywhere.
Jack: All right, I know you’re seeing things. It’s gotta be a little confusing.
Vernon: You’re going to kill me for what I know, aren’t you?
From this point forward throughout the scene, Vernon slowly gets out of the plane in which he was hiding.
Jack: Nobody’s gonna kill you.
Vernon: It’s the Gulf all over again. Only this time it’s innocent civilians, too. You’re doing scientific research on us against our will. You know, you’re never gonna get away with it. The truth’ll get out.
Jack: You know, you’re right. Our cover story is bogus.
Vernon: It is?
Jack: Yep. But the truth isn’t what you think. Those creatures you’re seeing? They’re aliens.
Vernon (disbelieving) : Come on.
Jack: Hey, you wanted the truth. That’s it. I work for a top secret branch of the military that deals with extra-terrestrials. That’s what you were seeing.
Vernon is now fully out of the plane.
Vernon: You’re serious?
Jack: Yes. Very serious. But the thing is those things - they’re no threat to us. In fact, if you couldn’t see them, you wouldn’t even know they were there.
Vernon: No, but I am seeing them. In fact, I’m seeing one right now.
The shot cuts to a big insect floating around Jack’s head.
Jack: Well, we can make it so you don’t.
Vernon: Then what?
Jack: Look, Vernon, this can’t get out - not yet. The world is not ready to know.
Vernon: So, you just want me to keep it quiet?
Jack: Well, think about it. Who’s gonna believe you? I mean, government experiments are one thing, but we’re talking aliens here.
Vernon: Yeah, but other people have seen them.
Jack: Not for long. Besides, they’re all buying our cover story. Vernon, your country needs you. I’m asking you, one soldier to another, play ball on this.
Vernon: Okay, but I’m not taking any pills or needles or anything.
Jack: You won’t have to. (into his radio) We’re all clear.
Jack pats Vernon’s shoulder.
Jack: We good?
Vernon: Yes, sir.
Jack and Vernon walk out of the hangar together.
Vernon: So what planet are they from?
Jack: Who?
Vernon: The aliens.
Jack: Oh, a place called Melmac.
Vernon: Isn’t that where Alf was from?
Jack: Who?
Vernon: Alf, you know, on TV, the puppet?
Jack: Never saw it.
Vernon: No kidding?
Closing Credits
|
|
|
| Previous Transcript: “Unnatural Selection” (#612) | Back to “Episode Transcripts” | Next Transcript: “Smoke and Mirrors” (#614) |
This site copyright © 2004-2006 Stargate Haven. Any copyright infringement will result in the webmistress getting really mad, so don’t be a meany!