The New "Ark of Truth"!

[s09119]

Stargate: The Ark of Truth
Act IX

Spoiler:

CUT TO: INT - ODYSSEY, CORRIDOR 1

[MITCHELL is seen sprinting down a HALLWAY, knocking TECHNICIANS aside as he chases down the rogue REPLICATOR. The bug continues to leap from wall to wall, avoiding every bullet MITCHELL fires at it.]

MITCHELL:
(to radio)
Sam, you comin' to join this party?

CUT TO: INT - ODYSSEY, CORRIDOR 2

[Some ways away, CARTER and a team of MARINES are running down another CORRIDOR, armed with pistols and P90s.]

CARTER:
(to radio)
I'm having Major Marks seal off this section of the ship and close down the air reclaimation system. As of now, there's no way out, not even for a Replicator.

MITCHELL:
(over radio)
Yeah well, we'll see about that, won't we?

CARTER:
(Grimacing)
Oh, and Cam? One more thing.

CUT TO: INT - ODYSSEY, CORRIDOR 1

[MITCHELL dives around a corner and fires at the REPLICATOR... but he's out of bullets! The REPLICATOR pauses for a moment, as if taunting him, then sprints away as MITCHELL reloads, furious.]

MITCHELL:
(to radio)
Yeah, what?

CUT TO: INT - ODYSSEY, CORRIDOR 2

CARTER:
(to radio)
The hyperdrive's on its last legs thanks to all the jumping we've been doing... when we drop out this time, we're going to be stuck until it can cool down.
(Beat)
And, according to Marks, that'll be in just under ten minutes.

MITCHELL:
(over radio)
Great. Why not invite the Ori, too. Then we can all just have a blast together!

[As gunfire sounds over the radio, CARTER grimaces and runs faster, motioning for the MARINES to do the same.]

CUT TO: INT - STARGATE COMMAND, BRIEFING ROOM

[LANDRY watches from the BRIEFING ROOM as SG-3 escorts a PRIOR through the active STARGATE.]

CUT TO: INT - STARGATE COMMAND, HOLDING ROOM

[In a HOLDING CELL, the PRIOR stands with his back to the door, muttering something in what sounds like Latin, but is probably ANCIENT. The door opens and LANDRY enters, taking slow steps into the room.]

PRIOR:
(Dismissively)
You show great courage in facing me alone, General Landry.

LANDRY:
(Raising an eyebrow)
Courage is only required when facing something you fear.
(Beat)
As it stands, the Ori haven't done much to instill any great fear in me.

PRIOR:
(Smiling)
The flames of ignorance burn brightly without pain. Beware their power, or they shall consume you before you know.

[LANDRY stops just behind the PRIOR, who continues to face the other way, ignoring him.]

LANDRY:
(Dismissively)
You can skip the fire and brimstone. If you came to tell me you're finally coming for Earth, I already know.

[LANDRY now steps in front of the PRIOR, forcing him to look at him.]

PRIOR:
It is not too late. Allow me to deliver the message of Origin to your world, and it shall be spared the wrath of the Ori.

LANDRY:
(Chuckling)
I gotta tell you, even if I did let you have your say, I don't think my world would listen. We have our own gods, and their promises, while perhaps too cryptic for my taste, are a Hell of a lot brighter.
(Beat, more chuckling)
If you'll pardon the pun.

PRIOR:
(Sighing)
Then you are all doomed.

LANDRY:
That may be so...
(Beat)
But I don't think it's the Ori that're going to do it.

[LANDRY turns as if to walk out.]

PRIOR:
(Prodding)
I would not be so sure.

[Pausing at the doorway, LANDRY turns back.]

LANDRY:
(Interested)
Really? What took you so long? Earth has to be the most densely populated planet in the galaxy.
(Beat)
What are you waiting for?

[He walks back to the PRIOR, standing in front of him.]

LANDRY:
Sure, you've tried to warn us a couple of times, but come on, you can do better than that, can't you? We've been a tremendous pain in your proverbial backside! You don't really expect me to believe that you--you've just been saving the best for last, do you?
(Beat, surprised)
What's wrong? You guys are never speechless!
(Convincingly)
I'll tell you what I think. I say this move reeks of desperation. You're not all that sure it's a slam-dunk.

PRIOR:
(Indignant)
Your defenses are no match for the might of the Ori! We shall rain down apocalypse upon you--

[LANDRY holds up a hand and cuts him off.]

LANDRY:
(Interrupting)
Right, right. Now here's a news-flash; the Ori are dead. We killed them. Sent a weapon devised by an ex-Ancient through the Supergate and wiped them all out.
(Beat)
These beings you call "gods", the ones who lied to you, manipulated you, for their own selfish, power-hungry reasons, are gone, and everything you think you're doing in their name is entirely without meaning.

PRIOR:
(Angry)
I was wrong. You are not courageous, General. You are without reason. Your planet will burn in all the depths of darkness.

LANDRY:
Oh, we'll see about that...
(Beat, smiling)
There is one thing I do know for sure. If we're going to Hell, then you're coming with us.
(Grinning)
You go ahead and burst into flames now, if you like.

[Turning, LANDRY briskly walks out, leaving the PRIOR alone.]

CUT TO: INT - CELESTIS, HALLWAY, DAY

[TOMIN and DANIEL approach a very large wooden doorway and push it open, revealing a room full of jewels, broken pottery, and other various things. VALA and TEAL'C come up from behind, closing the doors behind them as they enter.]

TOMIN:
(Looking around)
Yes, this is it. I remember watching soldiers carry trinkets from all over the galaxy in here.
(to DANIEL)
Traditionally, the artifacts would be presented to the Doci, who would then pour them into the fires for the Ori to devour. But with the flames so weakened by your weapon...

DANIEL:
(Nodding)
...there's a good chance things have been backed up. Which means that if the Priors have found the Ark, it's probably still in here.

[VALA winces as knocks over a pile of goblets, which clank loudly on the floor. DANIEL glares at her.]

VALA:
(Smiling innocently)
Um... sorry about that.

[TEAL'C, standing by the door, suddenly moves toward the others, an urgent look on his face.]

TEAL'C:
(Quickly)
The soldiers... they are coming this way.

[They quickly scatter, trying to hide behind the mounds of ALTERAN artifacts. There's a long moment in which nothing happens, but then the doors open and a group of ORI SOLDIERS enter, carrying something covered in a thick cloth. A PRIOR comes in behind them, looking quite satisfied.]

PRIOR:
(to SOLDIERS)
Place it before the Doci's chamber. There is little time... and we are needed for the assault.
(Impatiently)
Come!

[The SOLDIERS drop their load just before a second set of doors, then hurry to the PRIOR. Together, they leave, closing the door behind them.]

TOMIN:
(Rising)
Assault...?

DANIEL:
(Rising)
My guess is Earth.
(to TOMIN)
You said that was their next target, right? They must be preparing to hit Earth.

TEAL'C:
(Nodding)
In that case, we must move quickly.

DANIEL:
(re: the OBJECT)
You don't really think...?

VALA:
(Shrugging)
What else could it be?

[They rush to the large OBJECT the SOLDIERS were carrying and gather around it. No one moves for a moment, then VALA impatiently goes to remove the cloth.]

VALA:
(Muttering)
Well, if no one else will...

[She pulls off the cloth, revealing a beautifully-carved CHEST... the ARK OF TRUTH designed by AMELIUS millions of years ago. They all pause to admire it.]

DANIEL:
(In disbelief)
This is it... this is it...
(Louder)
This is it! We found it!

TEAL'C:
(to DANIEL)
Daniel Jackson, that leaves but one question; how do we use it?

VALA:
(Nodding)
Muscles is right. What are we going to do, show it to the Ori army one by one?

TOMIN:
(Shaking his head)
No, that won't be necessary.
(Explaining)
The Doci is connected to all the Priors through the crystal he wears. If we can show him, he will show them the light, as well.

DANIEL:
(Nodding)
So he'll act like a transmitter. We get the Ark to him, we get it to the Priors.

VALA:
(Nodding)
...and if we get it to the Priors, we get it to the army. We can stop the crusade in its tracks!

DANIEL:
(Thinking)
Now, we just need the Doci...
(to TOMIN)
Where is he, exactly?

[Suddenly, the second set of doors open, revealing... the DOCI! He looks on at the group for a moment, as if not able to believe there are intruders here in the HOLY CITY.]

DANIEL:
(Happily, to DOCI)
Um... wow you have great timing...

[thekillman]

now this gets going nicely. just beam the replicator aboard the ori ships, and we'll see what it can do. and to make it completely effective: give it sam's ship control programm . its what i missed in the ark: a mad, evil replicator onboard ori ships. i always wanted to see what ori would do gainst them

[s09119]

Stargate: The Ark of Truth
Act X

Spoiler:

DOCI:
(Surprised)
Daniel Jackson, it has been some time since you graced these halls with your presence.

DANIEL:
(Grimacing)
Yeah, and trust me, I hope it'll be the last.

[The DOCI steps forward and raises his hand. Suddenly, TEAL'C and TOMIN are lifted off the ground and smashed into a wall, where they fall heavily to the ground. The lead PRIOR then telekinetically yanks the staff weapon from DANIEL's hands, turning around to his own chambers in the process.]

DOCI:
(to offscreen)
Guards!

[VALA leaps to her feet as the DOCI turns to face them again, pulling out her concealed ZAT and firing, hoping to catch him offguard... but it's no good. He deflects the blast and then pulls the weapon from her hand, letting it clatter to the ground.]

DANIEL:
(to DOCI)
Look, we didn't come here to fight you--

DOCI:
(Interrupting)
All the worse for you, then.

[DANIEL is suddenly spun upside down and tossed against a wall. As he hits it, he cries out in pain. The DOCI moves to finish his work, but VALA throws herself between the two men.]

VALA:
(Angrily, to DOCI)
I'm the mother of the Orici, and on her authority I order you to stop this!

[There's a long moment in which no one says anything, then the DOCI telekinetically shoves VALA out of the way.]

DOCI:
(Shaking his head)
Mother of the Orici you may be, Vala Mal Doran, but you have no favor among the true servants of the Ori.

VALA:
(Wincing)
Well... worth a shot.

[Half a dozen ORI SOLDIERS enter the room from the DOCI's chamber, quickly surrounding VALA and DANIEL, and another squad arrives to take TEAL'C and TOMIN into custody, as well. The group is roughly dragged to their feet and led from the hall as the DOCI looks over the ARK with curiosity.]

CUT TO: EXT - SPACE

[A hyperspace window ejects the ODYSSEY back into space, in an area devoid of any planets or moons. There's nothing but stars as far as the eye can see.]

CUT TO: INT - ODYSSEY, BRIDGE

[MAJOR MARKS and the bridge crew look a bit frantic as they go about their duties. The command chair is empty with both MITCHELL and CARTER hunting the rogue REPLICATOR.]

MARKS:
(to radio)
Colonels, we just dropped out of hyperspace.
(Beat)
Core's still activated.

CUT TO: INT - ODYSSEY, CORRIDOR 1

[The REPLICATOR is scampering down a HALLWAY, seemingly having escaped MITCHELL. But then the Colonel swings out from behind a corner and continues his chase. He seems to be gaining on the bug, albeit only a little.]

MITCHELL:
(to radio)
Gotcha. Reroute power from the hyperdrive to the shields.

[As he barrels around another corner, MITCHELL fires off a few rounds at the REPLICATOR, but it manages to avoid them by leaping to the ceiling.]

CARTER:
(over radio)
Cam... you sure you want to do that?

MITCHELL:
(to radio)
If the Ori arrive with as many ships as I think they will, we won't get a chance to run anyway, Sam. Might as well go down fighting, eh?
(Laughing bitterly)
Who knows, maybe the B-team will pull somethin' off.

CUT TO: INT - ODYSSEY, CORRIDOR 2

[CARTER and her MARINES continue to try and hook up with MITCHELL.]

CARTER:
(to radio)
Yeah, that'd be nice.
(Beat)
We're coming up on your position, Cam, just keep it busy.

MITCHELL:
(over radio)
Will do.

CUT TO: INT - CELESTIS, DUNGEONS

[Two ORI SOLDIERS drag an injured and barely conscious DANIEL down a corridor that passes a series of barred CELLS. The structure is primitive and made of stone blocks. The shove DANIEL into the nearest empty cell, and he grunts and falls to the ground, rolling over to face the bars. His face has bloody scratches on it, and his glasses are gone. The DOCI strolls slowly down the hall and stops in front of DANIEL's cell, turns, and walks in.]

DANIEL:
(Pained)
Oh, god, not more...

DOCI:
(Smugly)
Your gods cannot save you now, Daniel Jackson.

DANIEL:
(Muttering)
Actually, that's just a statement of general dissatisfaction.

[He rolls away from the DOCI, hoping to escape whatever's coming.]

PAN TO: INT - CELESTIS, TOMIN'S CELL

[A PRIOR stands in TOMIN's CELL, his staff alight and emitting a high-pitched buzzing and muttering incoherent words. He is clearly torturing TOMIN, who appears to be in great pain.]

TOMIN:
(Trying to pull himself up)
Please! Have mercy!

[The torture continues, and TOMIN cries out in agony.]

PAN TO: INT - CELESTIS, VALA'S CELL

[VALA hears TOMIN screaming nearby. A PRIOR is likewise torturing her, and she grabs the bars of her CELL with both hands and stares out through them with a look of great anxiety.]

CUT TO: INT - CELESTIS, DANIEL'S CELL

[The DOCI now stands outside DANIEL's cell. The JEWEL on his chest piece glows. He chants the words that have been transmitted through the PRIORS' staffs over and over while DANIEL lies facing away, in great pain, his face contorted, and eyes bloodshot. But he also appears to be fighting the DOCI, somehow.]

DOCI:
(Repeating over and over)
Enim lupin purnum pravus intus... enim lup...
Translation: Verily, the corrupted sinner will be cleansed from within.

DANIEL:
(Pained, to DOCI)
Hallow... hallowed are those who... see the light...
(Beat, smiling)
The Ori... are... not... gods!

[The DOCI's eyes flash angrily, and his voice grows louder. DANIEL seems to experience even greater pain, but still does not cry out.]

CUT TO: INT - ODYSSEY, CORRIDOR 1

[MITCHELL has almost caught up to the REPLICATOR, and he reloads his pistol in anticipation of finally being able to kill it.]

MITCHELL:
(Aiming)
Got you!

[He fires at point-blank range, but the bug rolls to the side, then leaps straight at MITCHELL. For a second, the Colonel freezes, unable to raise his gun in time. He realizes his life is about to end.

Then, the REPLICATOR explodes in front of his face, showering BLOCKS everywhere. Surprised, MITCHELL turns to see CARTER and the MARINES coming down an adjacent CORRIDOR, the former with her own pistol held high.]

MITCHELL:
(to CARTER)
Nice shot.

CARTER:
(Smiling)
I try.
(re: the REPLICATOR)
Well, that was fun.

[One of the MARINES taps CARTER's shoulder.]

MARINE:
(to CARTER)
Um, ma'am?

[Everyone looks down to see the REPLICATOR reforming itself before their eyes.]

MITCHELL:
(Exasperated)
Oh, for God's sake!

CARTER:
(to radio)
Marks, this is Carter! Do you read?

[The REPLICATOR is now fully reformed, and immediately leaps aside as a MARINE tries to shoot it again.]

MARKS:
(over radio)
I read you, Colonel. What is it?

[CARTER and MITCHELL take off after the REPLICATOR.]

CARTER:
(to radio)
We finally got the Replicator but it looks like it's far more resiliant than the ones we're used to fighting. Can you get a lock on with the transport beam?

MARKS:
(over radio)
I think so, give me a second to calibrate...

[The REPLICATOR sprints ahead and turns a corner. MITCHELL and CARTER follow, and when they reach the intersection, they see the bug burning its way through the hull paneling.]

CARTER:
(to MITCHELL)
Cam, that panel leads to the crew quarters!

[MITCHELL moves to shoot the REPLICATOR, but it finishes its hole and disappears before they can do anything.]

MITCHELL
(to radio)
Marks! We need that beam-out now!

CUT TO: INT - ODYSSEY, BRIDGE

[MAJOR MARKS is typing at his console.]

MARKS:
(to radio)
Activating Asgard transport system... now.

CUT TO: INT - ODYSSEY, CREW QUARTERS

[A young female OFFICER is lying on her bunk, going over some files. She sits up and reaches for a glass of water, and is shocked to see a REPLICATOR sitting there.]

OFFICER:
(Scared)
Ah!

[The bug rears back as if to strike, then is engulfed by a TRANSPORT BEAM and disappears.]

CUT TO: EXT - SPACE

[The ODYSSEY can be seen in the distance. Suddenly, a TRANSPORT BEAM is seen almost directly in front of the camera, and the REPLICATOR appears, far from doing any harm.]

CUT TO: INT - ODYSSEY, CORRIDOR 1

MARKS:
(over radio)
It's gone.

[CARTER, MITCHELL, and the MARINES visibly relax now that the REPLICATOR problem has been eliminated.]

MITCHELL:
(to radio)
Marks, I'm buying you a beer when this is all over.

CARTER:
(to MITCHELL)
Now we can get back to Celestis. Hopefully we can get in and beam up our guys and the Ark before--

CUT TO: INT - ODYSSEY, BRIDGE

MARKS:
(to radio, interrupting)
Colonel, we have another problem...

MITCHELL:
(over radio, begging)
Please, please don't tell me it's the--

MARKS:
(to radio, grimacing)
--Ori, sir. They're here.

CUT TO: EXT - SPACE

[Five ORI MOTHERSHIPS are moving to surround the ODYSSEY, blocking all possible exits. They haven't begun launching FIGHTERS, but there can be no doubt their intentions are hostile.]

CUT TO: EXT - CELESTIS, AFTERNOON

[Establishing shot of the beautiful CITY OF THE GODS, glinting in the sunlight.]

CUT TO: INT - CELESTIS, ORI HALL

[The HALL is built all of earth-toned marble with red-orange trim. In the center, on a table above a pattern in the floor, sits the ARK, having been cleaned up. Two PRIORS bring a weakened Vala into the room. There are lighted torches around the room, and muted paintings on the wall. At one end is a large oval with the symbol of ORIGIN in the center. The oval is filled with FLAMES, the natural symbol of the gods, and the PRIORS bow down to them.]

VALA:
(re: the FLAMES)
So much for the rumors...

[The PRIORS turn and walk out of the room. After a moment, the FLAMES turn into a human form... ADRIA! She wears a brilliant red dress, and flames remain attached to her as she moves. The FLAMES in the oval behind her go out as she moves away. VALA sighs, dreading this confrontation.]

[g.o.d]

I was hoping the Ori are alive, but now I guess they're gone..such a shame

[s09119]

I was hoping the Ori are alive, but now I guess they're gone..such a shame

I don't recall saying they were all dead... And as you'll recall, Adria's hall was not the same place where the Ori typically resided.

God, so quick to jump to conclusions...

[g.o.d]

I don't recall saying they were all dead... And as you'll recall, Adria's hall was not the same place where the Ori typically resided.

God, so quick to jump to conclusions...

as being a pesimist...

[thekillman]

they were all dead in the movie. now is that replicator going to attack ori motherships. Please

[Lt. Col. Mcoy]

Perhaps the weapon weakened them and now Adria has stolen their power? Hence the 'muted flames'?

[s09119]

Stargate: The Ark of Truth
Act XI

Spoiler:

CUT TO: INT - ODYSSEY, ASGARD CORE ROOM

[CARTER is running down the CORRIDOR into the ASGARD CORE ROOM. MARRICK is no longer here, presumably taken elsewhere.]

CARTER:
(to radio)
Alright, I'm here...

[She turns around for a moment and looks out the window at an ORI MOTHERSHIP taking up firing position, then focuses on the CORE and powers it up.]

CARTER:
(to radio)
Bringing up the time dilation subroutine...

CUT TO: INT - ODYSSEY, BRIDGE

[COLONEL MITCHELL enters the BRIDGE and takes his seat, staring out at the ORI MOTHERSHIP preparing to fire.]

MITCHELL:
(to radio)
Roger that, but I don't wanna spend 50 years with ya'll again...
(to MARKS)
Open a channel to the enemy fleet.

[MARKS taps a few buttons on his console.]

MARKS:
(to MITCHELL)
Connection established, sir. Go ahead.

MITCHELL:
(to radio)
This is Lt. Col. Cameron Mitchell of the USS Odyssey. We're willing to...
(Thinking)
Erm... willing to discuss the surrender of Earth.

[Everyone on the BRIDGE freezes and stares at MITCHELL, stunned.]

MITCHELL:
(to CREW)
Stalling, remember?
(to radio)
I have authorization to negotiate an end to hostilites between the Ori and my people. Are you willing to open talks?

[There's a beat. No response.]

MITCHELL:
(to radio)
Sam, I think I've stumped them for now, but sooner or later I'll either have to give 'em Earth or fight. And neither option sounds particularly appealing.

CARTER:
(over radio)
Understood. Marrick's file messed with the core's main programming, though. It could take some time.

MITCHELL:
(to radio)
Just hurry, Sam.

CUT TO: INT - CELESTIS, ORI HALL

[ADRIA moves toward VALA, looking her over.]

ADRIA:
(Calmly)
Good to see you, Mother.
(Slight anger)
Or should I call you Vala? I believe you renounced our blood relation last time I saw you.

[She begins to circle VALA and the ARK repeatedly as she walks and talks, flashing in and out as she does so with a burst of flames. VALA turns in her place to keep her back to ADRIA.]

VALA:
(Tiredly)
Seems you have no blood left to speak of.

[ADRIA laughs, but there doesn't seem to be any real emotion in it, as if it's hollow.]

ADRIA:
(More seriously)
You'll be somewhat satisfied to know that the Alterans' weapon did work, to an extent. The Ori were largely destroyed.
(Coldly)
Some managed to escape the weapons' radius, but their powers have been severely limited. As such...
(Proudly)
As such, I have been given complete control of our forces, and of the crusade. When I'm finished, I will be remembered as the greatest of the gods!

VALA:
(Surprised)
So even now that you've ascended, you still believe they're gods?

[Pausing, ADRIA turns to face her mother.]

ADRIA:
(Inquisitive)
You thought otherwise? They gave me life, mother, I am nothing more than an instrument of their will.
(Beat)
The fact that your weapon was able to kill them proves little; it was constructed by rival beings of equal power, virtual gods themselves.

VALA:
You don't seem too cut up about it.

[ADRIA resumes her pacing.]

ADRIA:
(Smiling)
No, not really.
(Explaining)
The energy transferred to the Ori by their human followers used to be spread out among many. Now that I have ascended, and been given the blessing of the others, I get it all.

VALA:
(Indignant)
So you've become just as egomaniacal as the Ori themselves.

[Suddenly, ADRIA whirls on VALA , sending her stumbling backwards with a telekinetic shove.]

ADRIA:
(Andry)
The Ori created us all! They blessed even your kind with knowledge and life, yet you would side with the evil ones against them!

VALA:
(Calmly)
Adria, the Alterans aren't evil. This Ark you've uncovered, it was designed to brainwash people into seeing the truth, but they decided it was too much a violation of free will to use it.
(Beat)
Does that sound evil to you?

ADRIA:
(Ignoring her)
I serve the Ori, mother. And now that I've found their Ark, I believe this crusade will end quickly. It will be so much more humane.
(Laughing)
Though not as much fun.

VALA:
(Confused)
What are you talking about?

ADRIA:
(Smiling)
With the Ark at my disposal, I can force your galaxy to bow before me. Think of it, mother, billions upon billions cheering my name!
(Beat)
And when at last your galaxy has seen the light of the Ori, we shall vanquish the Alterans once and for all, freeing your people from their dark grasp.

[VALA turns away, looking horrified.]

VALA:
(Disgusted)
You're a monster.

[Suddenly, ADRIA appears right in front of VALA, with an accompanying burst of flames. She smiles viciously.]

ADRIA:
(Smiling)
Yes, I am.

CUT TO: INT - CELESTIS, TEAL'C'S CELL

[TEAL'C sits in his cell, completely ignoring the PRIOR attempting to torture him. He seems to be in KEL'NOR'EEM meditation.]

PAN TO: INT - CELESTIS, DANIEL'S CELL

[Some ways away, DANIEL lies in his cell, his eyes closed. His face is bruised, but otherwise he looks alright despite the torture. Then, a familiar voice can be heard:]

MERLIN:
(Offscreen)
It's not over.

[DANIEL opens his eyes and looks up wearly at MERLIN, sitting nearby in the glowing form of an ascended.]

MERLIN:
(Softly)
Don't give up, never give in.

DANIEL:
(Weakly)
You're not Merlin.

MERLIN:
(Ignoring the statement)
I'm here to help.

[At that, DANIEL laughs bitterly, coughing slightly.]

DANIEL:
(Pleadingly)
Then help me!

MERLIN:
(Shaking his head)
You must find the strength within yourself.

[DANIEL rolls onto his back with a groan. As he does, part of the tattered ORI SOLDIER clothing he was wearing falls from his shoulders.]

DANIEL:
(Slowly)
No.

[He starts to sit up, wincing at the pain.]

DANIEL:
(Stronger)
No. No, I've had it. And I'm not really in the mood for games right now.
(to MERLIN)
You're not a figment of my imagination, and you're not Merlin.
(Beat)
You're either Oma or Morgan Le Fay. And considering the former's somewhat preoccupied...

MERLIN:
(Smiling)
You're delerious. You've been tortured for hours.

DANIEL:
(Surer of himself)
Merlin died, he didn't ascend. His consciousness left me. It's--it's gone.
(Beat)
The Ancients must be able to see through your disguise. I know I can, I just don't know why you think it's necessary.

[The figure of MERLIN glows and changes to MORGAN LE FAY, who smiles sadly back at DANIEL.]

MORGAN:
(Sadly)
You were once ascended. You know how complicated it can be.

[DANIEL shakes his head, a lone tear running down his face.]

MORGAN:
Interfering with the lower planes is not allowed...

DANIEL:
(Still crying quietly)
Yeah, I know. I did it myself more than once.
(Continuing for her)
Helping me is forbidden, and letting me know you're helping me, well, that's... worse.

MORGAN:
(Calmly)
I did it once and they stopped me. I was exiled for it.
(Beat)
As were you.

[DANIEL faces her again, looking determined.]

DANIEL:
(Intrigued)
And yet here you are.

MORGAN:
(Smiling)
The Others could not bring themselves to compromise their oldest beliefs, even to save ones they loved as much as you and your companions...
(Beat)
But I am no longer one of them. I was exiled.

[DANIEL suddenly looks up, the shock of recognition on his face.]

DANIEL:
(Understanding)
So they sent you to do what they can't.

[MORGAN nods.]

DANIEL:
You? The one who for years they used to stop Merlin from developing a way to fight the Ori?

MORGAN:
(Sighing)
We were wrong, Daniel.
(Looking away)
It's not something we like to admit, but when we are, we do not shy from it. Moros... Merlin... was right from the start; the Ori are never going to stop until every being in the known universe has bowed before them.
(Looking back)
And that was something they could not stand for. So they allowed me to do what I could, to redeem my people for our years of neglect. We allowed the Ori to grow as powerful as we did, and it was our fear of becoming what they themselves had that laid this problem at your peoples' feet.

[Footsteps approach.]

MORGAN:
(Hurriedly)
I must go. I am using all my power to distract Adria from my presence, but I cannot do this forever.

DANIEL:
(Pained)
There must be something more you can do!

MORGAN:
(Smiling sadly)
I've guided you all this way, Daniel, whether you know it or not. The rest is up to you.

[MORGAN disappears before DANIEL's eyes as the footsteps grow louder. Suddenly, the CELL DOOR clicks and swings open.]

MORGAN:
(Unseen)
Now go.

[DANIEL grins and picks himself up, hobbling out of the CELL, trying to hurry to avoid whoever's coming.]

[s09119]

Stargate: The Ark of Truth
Act XII

Spoiler:

CUT TO: INT - CELESTIS, ORI HALL

[ADRIA and VALA continue to argue. The debate has grown more heated, with ADRIA's last shreds of humanity seeming to slip away.]

VALA:
(Continuing, desperately)
We're talking about billions of people!

[Obviously they've been arguing this point for some time now, as ADRIA seems to be tiredly repeating the same thing.]

ADRIA:
(Wearliy)
The Ori have a grand plan for your race, mother. You will stand at our right hand after the Alterans have finally been vanquished.
(Beat)
It is a great honor, why can't you see that?

VALA:
(Angrily)
Because!

[VALA turns on her daughter, real anger in her eyes for once. Even ADRIA is somewhat taken aback.]

VALA:
(Angry)
The Ori have murdered hundreds of thousands of humans in their crusade... you, personally, have probably killed more people than I've ever met!
(Accusingly)
You say that the Ori only have the best of intentions, that they want to liberate us from the clutches of the Alterans... but you can't even begin to comprehend them! They've spent millions of years trying to make a difference in the universe, trying to undo the mistake they made so, so long ago!

ADRIA:
(Smirking)
What, not allowing us to simply exterminate them when we had the opportunity?

VALA:
(Coldly)
I'm afraid you have it backwards, Adria; for not exterminating the Ori when they had the chance, and the means, and the collective will.
(Beat)
They could have done it, you know. Activated the Ark and wiped your minds clean. Or constructed some weapon of mass destruction to annhiliate your every city. But they didn't.

ADRIA:
(Uncertainly)
Out of fear!

VALA:
(Cutting her off)
No!
(Beat)
Out of love. The Alterans so loved their brothers that even when they had the chance to save themselves, they could not commit the crime of robbing you of your right to believe.

[ADRIA grows quiet now, watching, her faith in the ORI perhaps wavering for the first time.]

VALA:
(Quietly)
When you say you came to the Milky Way as liberators, you don't know how hollow your words truly sound. The Alterans spared the Ori because they believed that all life is sacred...
(Beat)
But you would utterly destroy them for the simple fact that where you failed, they succeeded; every civilization in three galaxies looks upon them with reverance and love, whereas the Ori can rally only fear and loathing. And the Alterans never needed armies or fleets to inspire that love, it simply came.
(Beat)
And that, Adria, is something you could never hope to understand.

[Standing completely still, ADRIA looks at her mother, mouth half open, unable to think of anything to say. For a long moment, the two stare at one another, and the flames around ADRIA's body slowly begin to fade. It looks as though VALA may have finally broken through to her... but then the flames roar back to life, and ADRIA's head snaps upwards, as though she is looking at something.]

ADRIA:
(Absently)
The Ori are calling for me... my attention is needed elsewhere.

[Without another word, her body turns into FLAMES that spring to the symbol of ORIGIN on the wall, and ADRIA disappears. VALA sighs, putting her head and hands on the ARK and wondering what to do now.]

CUT TO: INT - SGC, CONTROL ROOM

[An ALARM is blaring in the depths of STARGATE COMMAND as LANDRY rushes down the steps into the CONTROL ROOM. HARRIMAN is working the control console, looking worried.]

LANDRY:
(to HARRIMAN)
Walter? What's going on?

HARRIMAN:
(Absently)
Long-range sensors just triggered, sir, we're trying to get SatCom to verify what they're picking up.

[A look of dread comes over LANDRY's face.]

LANDRY:
(Slowly)
They're here, aren't they?

HARRIMAN:
(Off display)
Yes sir, we're detecting over a dozen Ori motherships on approach past Mars. They must have been anticipating advance defenses, but we don't have any...

LANDRY:
(Thinking)
At least it bought us a little time. How long until they get within visual range of our ships?

HARRIMAN:
Estimate about an hour, sir.
(Beat)
Sir, the Deadalus just left for Atlantis. All we have here at home is the Apollo, and it's just come off the assembly line.

[LANDRY turns back toward the staircase, to head upstairs again.]

LANDRY:
(to HARRIMAN)
It's all we've got, Walter. If the Ori want to dance, let 'em come.
(Beat)
We'll show them the time of their lives...

CUT TO: EXT - SPACE

[The ODYSSEY is still surrounded by ORI MOTHERSHIPS, but they haven't fired yet. The PRIORS are probably considering MITCHELL's offer of surrender.]

CUT TO: INT - ODYSSEY, BRIDGE

[MITCHELL has his head in his hands, deep in thought, when his radio suddenly buzzes. He quickly grabs it off his vest.]

MITCHELL:
(to radio)
Sam, for the love of God, tell me you're done.

CUT TO: INT - ODYSSEY, ASGARD CORE ROOM

[CARTER wipes sweat from her forehead, frantically typing at the ASGARD CORE.]

CARTER:
(to radio)
Yeah, funny story...

MITCHELL:
(over radio)
Carter...

CARTER:
(to radio)
This isn't gonna work, Cam.

CUT TO: INT - ODYSSEY, BRIDGE

[MITCHELL rolls his eyes.]

MITCHELL
(Sighing)
Why not?

CARTER:
(over radio)
Activating a time dilation field emits a fairly large burst of energy... if I tell the core to go ahead and set up the bubble, the Ori would see the power spike and fire, assuming we were firing up our engines or something.
(Beat)
I just don't see a way to pull it off.

CUT TO: INT - ODYSSEY, ASGARD CORE ROOM

MITCHELL
(over radio)
Why didn't they pick this up the last time we did this trick?

CARTER:
(to radio)
We were in the middle of a fight, then. There was a constant energy surge due to weaponsfire. But now...
(Beat)
They'd have enough time to hit us one or two times apiece, and considering there are half a dozen ships out there, it would add up too fast.

MITCHELL:
(over radio)
Well, I don't think we have much--

CUT TO: INT - ODYSSEY, BRIDGE

[Suddenly, MARKS looks at MITCHELL, a grim look on his face.]

MARKS:
(Interrupting)
Colonel, the Ori are powering weapons.
(Beat)
I guess they've decided not to open communications.

MITCHELL:
(Sighing)
Great...

CUT TO: INT - CELESTIS, TEAL'C'S CELL

[The PRIOR has left TEAL'C, but the JAFFA WARRIOR remains in meditation. There's a shuffling of feet behind him, and it seems the PRIOR has returned... but then DANIEL appears, looking around carefully.]

DANIEL:
(Hissing, to TEAL'C)
Hey... buddy...
(Beat)
Teal'c!

[TEAL'C opens one eye, then turns around and sizes up DANIEL.]

TEAL'C:
(Appraisingly)
Daniel Jackson, you have escaped.
(Smiling)
Most impressive.

DANIEL:
(Popping the lock)
Yeah, tell me about it
(Quickly)
Actually, don't. We need to grab Tomin and figure out where Vala is...

TEAL'C:
(Concerned)
Has something happened to Vala Mal Doran?

DANIEL:
(Absently)
I don't know, and frankly that's what worries me...
(Shaking his head)
Come on.

[TEAL'C bows his head in thanks, then rises. Together, he and DANIEL rush from the CELL.]

CUT TO: INT - CELESTIS, ORI HALL

[VALA is reading the ANCIENT SCRIPT on the ARK, trying to make heads-or-tails of it.]

VALA:
(Reading)
God, I wish I'd gotten Daniel to teach me some of this...

[DANIEL, TEAL'C, and TOMIN appear in the doorway, looking harried. VALA continues reading, not noticing them. After a moment, TOMIN rushes up to her and spins her around, embracing his wife.]

TOMIN:
(Happy)
By the gods, it's good to see you again!

VALA:
(Awkwardly)
And by the gods... good to see you gents, too.
(to DANIEL)
Should we really be saying "gods" in here when we're all heretics?

DANIEL:
(Shrugging)
The Ori are planning on burning us all for eternity anyways, might as well spice it up a bit.
(re: the ARK)
Any luck getting it open?

VALA:
(Shocked)
This from Mister "we don't know what it could do"?

DANIEL:
(Smiling)
Sometimes even the best of us can be wrong.

[VALA and DANIEL both pause for a moment, considering their individual conversations; VALA shouting at ADRIA that the ORI were wrong to oppress others, and that the ALTERANS should have destroyed them when they had the chance, and DANIEL listening as MORGAN sadly explained that the ALTERANS blame themselves for the mistake of letting the ORI go.]

[ussrelativity]

This is really taking a different direction from the actual film.

Impressive working of the scenes.

[g.o.d]

This is really taking a different direction from the actual film.

and it's much more better than that awful movie

[s09119]

This is really taking a different direction from the actual film.

Impressive working of the scenes.

Thanks. I really wanted to flesh out Daniel and Vala's conversations, and especially play on Adria's humanity, as it was something I thought was a lost opportunity for the movie.

Oh, and in case anyone's wondering, I'm in New York until Tuesday, that's why I haven't been writing anything new. Sorry about the wait.

[Elitenova]

More please

[thekillman]

* falls on his knees and begs for more, while dying of curiosity*

[s09119]

Stargate: The Ark of Truth
Act VIII

Spoiler:

[DANIEL goes over to the ARK and brushes his fingertips along its edge, as if taking a moment to revel. VALA rolls her eyes impatiently.]

VALA:
(Annoyed, to DANIEL)
Daniel, not to be rude... but the fate of two galaxies is hanging in the balance.

[Blinking, DANIEL looks at her.]

DANIEL:
(Nodding)
Right.
(to TEAL'C and TOMIN)
You two watch the doorway. I'll see if I can decipher just how to get this thing up and running...

[He and VALA set to work fiddling with the control mechanisms of the ARK, while TEAL'C and TOMIN stand by the door, looking down the HALLWAY.]

PAN TO: EXT - CELESTIS, DAWN

[The camera pulls through the walls of the HALL, out into the morning sky. The shimmering CITY OF CELESTIS is revealed once more, glinting in the weak sunlight. The camera keeps pulling out, through layers of clouds, into orbit, where three ORI MOTHERSHIPS still wait. But the retreat continues, out of the solar system, then the GALAXY, and then the LOCAL GROUP. A cluster of GALAXIES can be seen; IDA, PEGASUS, the MILKY WAY, and the ORI HOME GALAXY. At last, the screen is obscured by some shimmering aurora-like light, and then the scene changes completely.]

CUT TO: EXT - HIGHER PLANES OF EXISTENCE

[An endless expanse of WHITE stretches into infinity. Landscapes continuously flash in and out, and the surfaces of almost every world visted by SG-1 is seen. Standing in this strange place is MORGAN LA FAY, surrounded by thousands, perhaps millions, of other ASCENDED BEINGS.]

MORGAN:
(to ASCENDED)
At last, the moment has come.

[The ASCENDED mutter amongst themselves, but MORGAN seems undisturbed.]

MORGAN:
(Loudly)
For millions of years, we strived to build the perfect tomorrow, a universe in which no darkness could ever hope to outlive the shining brilliance of our kind.
(Beat)
In that grand quest, we failed.

[Suddenly, the muttering in the CROWD turns to anger. One ASCENDED suddenly flashes into existence besides MORGAN. This one appears human, probably ALTERAN.]

ASCENDED 1:
(Angry, to MORGAN)
Who are you to say such things? You lived at the twilight of our age, you saw nothing of the unending empire we crafted so delicately!

MORGAN:
(Coldly)
What empire?
(Louder)
He speaks of a time that never existed at all, surely you can see that now. Our people stumbled from defeat to defeat, never looking at our mistakes. We believed that our vast knowledge could triumph over all else, and we were fools! We paid the price for our hubris, surely!
(Beat)
The humans of Earth have a saying... that "those who do not read history are doomed to repeat it."
(to ASCENDED 1)
We became trapped in a cycle of loss, and yet we say that our people are wiser than theirs?

[Another ASCENDED flashes nearby, glancing coldly at ASCENDED 1.]

ASCENDED 2:
(to MORGAN)
The humans are nothing compared to ourselves. They have come a long way, true, but they have much to learn before they can be--

[MORGAN whirls on him, cutting him off.]

MORGAN:
(Angrily)
What have they to learn that we do not?
(Looking at ASCENDED)
Patience? How patient were we when we rashly sent an armada to confront the Wraith upon our discovery of them? Honor? How honorable were we when we fled the Ori, leaving their horrors for others to face?

[Some now look ashamed upon hearing MORGAN's words. One, however, moves to speak up, but cannot say a thing before MORGAN begins again.]

MORGAN:
(Continuing)
And then there is courage. The one virtue we seem to lack, and the one humanity was so blessed with. Instead of fighting our foes with valor and dignity, we simply dismissed the issue at hand and left!
(Passionately)
But the humans... look at them. For ten years, they fought enemies far more cunning and ruthless than themselves, yet even when all hope seemed lost, they turned back to battle again and again, until there was no longer anything they could do.

[The screen FLASHES, and suddenly images of the CARTER and MITCHELL on the ODYSSEY and TEAL'C, TOMIN, VALA, and DANIEL on CELESTIS appear.]

MORGAN:
(Continuing, offscreen)
Even now, they continue. They fight our battles for us while we sit here in safety pondering their fate, as if you would ever lift a finger to help them!
(Beat)
But that age has come to an end, I've decided that. From this day forth, my people will again by known as ones of honor. Today marks the end of the age of the Alterans...
(Quietly)
...and the birth of the age of humanity.

[The screen shimmers, and MORGAN can again be seen standing before the ASCENDED, nearly all of which are now watching quietly.]

MORGAN:
(Softly)
And a beautiful age it shall be.

CUT TO: INT - ODYSSEY, ASGARD CORE ROOM

[CARTER is typing at the CONSOLE of the ASGARD CORE.]

MITCHELL:
(Frightened, over radio)
Sam!

[CARTER looks out the window just in time to see a bright yellow BEAM coming toward her from the nearest ORI MOTHERSHIP.]

CARTER:
(Flustered, to radio)
Activating time dilation bubble!

[The CORE lights up for a moment, and a whirring noise is heard...]

CUT TO: EXT - SPACE

[All the ORI MOTHERSHIPS fire at once, slamming half a dozen BEAM WEAPONS into the ODYSSEY's shields.]

CUT TO: INT - ODYSSEY, BRIDGE

[The BRIDGE is thrown into chaos as CONSOLES spark. MARKS bolts out of his seat as a small electrical fire erupts there, and MITCHELL is almost knocked from the command chair.]

MITCHELL:
(to radio)
Carter, they're preparing to fire again. What the Hell's going on!?

CUT TO: INT - ODYSSEY, ASGARD CORE ROOM

[The CORE is no longer lit up, indicating it is offline. CARTER is picking herself up off the floor, then freezes as another salvo slams into the ODYSSEY's shields from the ORI FLEET.]

CARTER:
(to radio)
The first blasts overloaded the core, Cam. I'm locked out of the system...
(Quietly)
There's nothing more I can do.

CUT TO: INT - ODYSSEY, BRIDGE

[MITCHELL sits in silence, absorbing what CARTER has just told him. Then he turns to MARKS, who is putting out the fire on his CONSOLE and sitting back down.]

MITCHELL:
(to MARKS, urgently)
Major, please, for the love of God, tell me the hyperdrive's back online.

[MARKS taps a button on his display, then grimaces.]

MARKS:
(to MITCHELL)
I can't tell, sir.

[He pauses as the ORI fire again, rocking the entire ship.]

MARKS:
(Frustrated)
Internal sensors are offline, I can't get a reading. All I've got are diagnostics on the sublights.

MITCHELL:
(Anxious)
And?

MARKS:
(Off his displays)
They're good, sir.
(Beat)
Shields are at fourty-six percent and dropping.

MITCHELL:
(Waving)
Then get us moving, Marks!

CUT TO: EXT - SPACE

[As the ORI FLEET fires again, the ODYSSEY spins upward and pulls away, narrowly avoiding the latest attack. It dives between two of the MOTHERSHIPS and heads away, but the six vessels turn and persue, launching FIGHTERS as they do.]

CUT TO: EXT - SPACE, EARTH ORBIT

[The DSC-304 APOLLO is in orbit around EARTH, sitting alone and waiting for the incoming ORI FLEET to arrive.]

CUT TO: INT - APOLLO, BRIDGE

[On this ship's BRIDGE, COL. ABRAHAM ELLIS sits in the command chair, watching a video feed from STARGATE COMMAND. GENERAL LANDRY is on the screen.]

ELLIS:
(to radio)
Sir, we don't have the fancy upgrades the Asgard installed on the Odyssey. Two hits from the Ori's main weapon and this ship'll be nothing but space junk.
(Beat)
I'm not too confident about us being all that stands between them and Earth, honestly.

LANDRY:
(over radio)
Neither am I, Colonel. But the Daedalus is just too far out to make it back in time, and the Odyssey itself... well, you know.

[ELLIS nods. He knows how important the mission is.]

ELLIS:
(to radio)
Speaking of which, sir, do we know the status of SG-1?

LANDRY:
(over radio)
I wish. They've been out of contact ever since Bra'tac confirmed that his fleet arrived at the Supergate. Chances are they're well inside the Ori galaxy by now.
(Beat)
I only hope they're not too late for it to matter.

[Lt. Col. Mcoy]

Very cool...so Morgan fixed the sublights?

[ussrelativity]

Very nice.

I liked especially the parts with Morgan and the rest of the Ascended.

[s09119]

Stargate: The Ark of Truth
Act XIV

Spoiler:

CUT TO: INT - CELESTIS, ORI HALL

[DANIEL and VALA continue to get the ARK working, but it seems to be slow going.]

VALA:
(Thinking)
Maybe it needs some sort of code? Like a combination lock?

[Pausing, DANIEL looks at the control interface; a circle of white buttons, each with a different letter of the ANCIENT ALPHABET.]

DANIEL:
(Nodding)
That sounds right... but what's the code?

[Suddenly, TOMIN turns around, looking concerned.]

TOMIN:
(Worried, to DANIEL)
I think I hear something...

[DANIEL turns to face TOMIN, as if to say something, but VALA only stares at the ARK... which has suddenly changed. Seven buttons are glowing brightly, but as soon as DANIEL turns back, they darken.]

VALA:
(Excited)
Daniel! Daniel, look!

[DANIEL looks at the ARK, but sees nothing.]

DANIEL:
(Annoyed)
Vala, we're probably about to be surrounded by Ori troops... not the best time for jokes!

VALA:
(Excited)
Look, seven of those symbols were glowing just a moment ago.
(Beat)
Tomin called out to you, you turned around... and suddenly the Ark lit up. But as soon as you came back, they faded.

DANIEL:
(Quietly, to himself)
Morgan...
(to VALA)
Which symbols?

[VALA is startled.]

VALA:
(Surprised)
You don't really expect me to remember, do you? All of them look the same!

[She gestures at the ARK's control panel.]

DANIEL:
(Urgently)
This close to ending the Ori's crusade, yes, I expect you to remember the essential clue given to you by a powerful Ascended being!

VALA:
They weren't glowing for that long--

DANIEL:
(Interrupting)
Which ones?!

[VALA waves her hand over the ARK, pointing to different areas.]

VALA:
(Gesturing)
Uh, one here, two here, two here, and two there.

DANIEL:
(Frustrated)
Did they come in any order?

VALA:
(Shaking her head)
No, all at once.

DANIEL:
(Sarcastic)
Of course...

[TEAL'C and TOMIN pull away from the door, looking worried.]

TEAL'C:
(Urgently)
Daniel Jackson, someone is approaching. We are out of time!

[Now footsteps can be heard echoing down the HALLWAY.]

[DANIEL moves around to the long edge of the ARK, near VALA, opposite from the side nearest to the doorway. They hurriedly try and figure out the code.]

DANIEL:
(Rushed)
Uh, okay, seven symbols.

VALA:
(Rushed)
Just... make a guess.

DANIEL:
(Thinking)
Verimas is, uh, "truth" in Ancient.

VALA:
(Nodding)
Good!

[DANIEL begins to touch the symbols spelling out the word. They light up as he touches them.]

VALA:
(Gesturing)
Two there...

[He finishes typing out VERIMAS but nothing happens. The symbols fade again.]

VALA:
(Disappointed)
I guess not.

[TOMIN looks at the doorway and sees it is the DOCI who is arriving, walking slowly through. DANIEL and VALA look at him in alarm as TEAL'C rushes him, as if to strike. The DOCI merely throws the JAFFA across the room telekinetically, then does the same to TOMIN. He stares at the ARK, DANIEL and VALA with interest.]

CUT TO: EXT - SPACE

[The ODYSSEY continues to fly away from the ORI FLEET, which is hot in pursuit. As they fire on the EARTH ship, it shifts from left to right, barely managing to avoid most of the blasts. But finally, one slams directly into the rear shields.]

CUT TO: INT - ODYSSEY, BRIDGE

[The BRIDGE shakes violently and sparks can be seen.]

MARKS:
(Shouting)
Shields down to eighteen percent!

[CARTER rushes in from the HALLWAY outside, resting her hands on MITCHELL's chair.]

CARTER:
(to MITCHELL)
I'm sorry, I did everything I could...

MITCHELL:
(Nodding)
It's alright, Sam. But if this is how it's gonna end, we might as well put on a good show...

[He chokes on the last few words, fear finally showing through all the bravado.]

MITCHELL:
(to MARKS)
Marks, come about!

CUT TO: EXT - SPACE

[The ODYSSEY suddenly pulls upward, reminiscent of the maneuver it pulled during "Unending," and flies back towards the ORI FLEET.]

CUT TO: INT - ODYSSEY, BRIDGE

MITCHELL:
(Gritting teeth)
Here we come...

CUT TO: EXT - SPACE, MOON

[EARTH can be seen in the distance, but in the forefront is its MOON. Suddenly, an ORI MOTHERSHIP cruises past... then another, and another, and another, and another... they continue to approach.]

CUT TO: INT - STARGATE COMMAND, CONTROL ROOM

[The CONTROL ROOM is full of activity, with AIRMEN running to and fro. Even so, LANDRY and HARRIMAN still still as stones, watching a monitor showing the relative positions of the APOLLO and the ORI FLEET.]

HARRIMAN:
(Weakly)
They'll be within firing range of the Apollo in fifty-nine seconds, sir...
(Beat)
Antarctic outpost is primed and ready.

[There's a long beat as LANDRY just watches the screen. He clearly wishes there was some other way.]

LANDRY:
(Quietly)
The President's about to hold a press conference telling the American people not to worry, that should anything happen, we fought the good fight to the bitter end...
(Bitter laughter)
We did good, Walter... we did damn good.

HARRIMAN:
(Smiling)
Yes, sir.

[They go back to watching the monitors, waiting for the end to come.]

CUT TO: INT - CELESTIS, ORI HALL

[The ORIGIN symbol at the front of the room alights with FIRE again. The DOCI goes immediately to one knee and lowers his head. DANIEL and VALA turn to see ADRIA take solid form as TOMIN regains consciousness and sits up painfully. TEAL'C, who landed just next to the ARK, also sits up.]

ADRIA:
(to VALA)
It is done. Even now, your world faces the might of the Ori.
(With forced vigor)
The power and glory of Origin cannot be denied!

[Even as she speaks, though, the self-doubt planted by VALA earlier is clearly still there. ADRIA's tone is no longer that of a self-indulgent goddess, but one of a confused young girl forced into a role she still doesn't quite understand.]

DANIEL:
(to himself)
Could it...?

[Her words give DANIEL an idea. He shoots VALA a look and diverts his eyes away, trying to nonverbally signal her to distract ADRIA. VALA squints for a moment but understands, turning to her daughter.]

VALA:
(to ADRIA)
So this is how it's going to end?

ADRIA:
You should rejoice, mother. The crusade is almost over; with Earth under our control, none can stand against us.

[TEAL'C sees what DANIEL is doing and inches closer to the ARK as the latter begins pushing buttons on the device.]

VALA:
(Sadly)
So what are you going to do, Adria? I'm never going to accept the Ori into my heart.

[ADRIA looks at her mother with renewed interest, no doubt remembering their earlier conversation.]

VALA:
(Softly)
But perhaps I can free yours.

[TEAL'C pulls back his left leg as DANIEL enters the last of the seven symbols. Suddenly, ADRIA notices him and telekinetically hurls DANIEL across the room, into a wall. But it's too late, and TEAL'C kicks through the slim leg of the wooden table holding the ARK. VALA moves out of the way as the ARK falls toward ADRIA's platform. DANIEL looks on in amazement as its lid falls open, revealing its contents and emitting a beam of intense white light that engulfs half of ADRIA's body.]

[Lt. Col. Mcoy]

Hey...that's new. Good idea! Great in fact!