Originally posted by Lt.Colonel John Sheppard
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Act one of the script
FADE IN:
(Note: Episode Credits fall over opening scenes)
INT. ATLANTIS CONTROL ROOM – DAY
PANNING OVER we see DR. RODNEY MCKAY diligently working at a LAPTOP on the upper tier of the Control Room. His movements are quick and dedicated, but have the bridled giddiness of a man on the verge of a breakthrough. Other personnel filter about the room, concerned with their own projects. TEYLA EMMAGAN observes McKay from below, but does not interfere with his work. Zelenka enters with Weir and Sheppard, escorting them to the upper control deck near the ANCIENT DISPLAY SCREEN.
McKay eagerly works at the controls. His tone is characteristically self appreciative.
Teyla turns to greet Weir and Sheppard.
TEYLA
Dr. Weir, Col. Sheppard. It is good to see you.
SHEPPARD
(nods.)
Teyla.
Sheppard turns to McKay with faint curiosity.
ANGLE to include Weir and Sheppard.
Eager to explain, Zelenka steps forward.
Zelenka nudges his glasses up the bridge of his nose.
Sheppard straightens, crossing his arms casually.
McKay looks up from his work for a moment, speaking excitedly.
McKay returns his attention to the laptop, concentrating on the screens before him while still conversing with the others.
McKay glances up with a self-appreciative smile. Weir and Sheppard share a look.
Zelenka steps forward in agreement.
McKay holds up a finger to interject.
Sheppard sighs and uncrosses his arms.
SHEPPARD
Uh-oh.
MCKAY
(defensively.)
uh-oh? What uh-oh?
SHEPPARD
Whenever you say you’ve got a “better idea”, I usually end up shooting something.
MCKAY
Oh, don’t be so dramatic!
WEIR
(calmly.)
Gentlemen.
Weir shoots them both a commanding look. The two settle down hesitantly. Weir’s expression softens and she returns her full attention to McKay.
McKay nods, tapping a few keys on his laptop. A map of the galaxy appears on the Ancient Display Screen before them.
MCKAY
From what we’ve deciphered, we know he was working on a project called “Echelon” just before the Ancients left the Pegasus Galaxy.
He points out a dim spot near the edge of the galaxy – far, far away from Atlantis.
Sheppard perks up noticeably. Weir glances at him for a moment before returning to McKay.
Weir nods, considering.
Weir gives him a disciplined glare.
Sheppard moves toward the screen to examine the map.
Sheppard looks back to Weir.
Sheppard levels a silencing glare at McKay. McKay shrinks.
The concerned look on Weir’s face does not waver.
SHEPPARD
Look. If we don’t find anything, McKay gets to go back to his lab and babble incoherently until he unscrambles this stuff.
MCKAY
Funny.
WEIR
And if the Wraith show up?
SHEPPARD
That’s what the cloak is for.
McKay again lifts his finger, as if to answer a question no one posed.
Weir considers her options carefully. Zelenka and McKay share a look of anticipation.
Sheppard brightens considerably, giving McKay a beaming smile.
A subtle cloud of confusion passes over Teyla’s face.
Sheppard cuts her off intentionally.
Sheppard turns on his heels and heads for the corridor to the private quarters. He calls to McKay over his shoulder.
SHEPPARD (CONT'D)
You’re in on this one too, McKay.
McKay’s features slip into a frightened expression. Clearing his throat, he steels himself and, with a nervous glance to Weir and Teyla, heads after Sheppard. Weir sighs wearily as her eyes follow the two out the door.
ANGLE on Weir and Teyla. Teyla notes Weir’s concern.
Teyla gives her a confused look. Beat.
EASE OUT as Teyla walks off and Weir returns to her office as we...
FADE OUT.
Spoiler:
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
(Note: Episode Credits fall over opening scenes)
INT. ATLANTIS CONTROL ROOM – DAY
PANNING OVER we see DR. RODNEY MCKAY diligently working at a LAPTOP on the upper tier of the Control Room. His movements are quick and dedicated, but have the bridled giddiness of a man on the verge of a breakthrough. Other personnel filter about the room, concerned with their own projects. TEYLA EMMAGAN observes McKay from below, but does not interfere with his work. Zelenka enters with Weir and Sheppard, escorting them to the upper control deck near the ANCIENT DISPLAY SCREEN.
WEIR
(politely.)
Rodney, what’s all this about?
(politely.)
Rodney, what’s all this about?
McKay eagerly works at the controls. His tone is characteristically self appreciative.
MCKAY
Oh, you know. Another day, another mystery of the Ancients unraveled by the one and only Dr. Rodney McKay.
Oh, you know. Another day, another mystery of the Ancients unraveled by the one and only Dr. Rodney McKay.
Teyla turns to greet Weir and Sheppard.
TEYLA
Dr. Weir, Col. Sheppard. It is good to see you.
SHEPPARD
(nods.)
Teyla.
Sheppard turns to McKay with faint curiosity.
SHEPPARD (CONT’D)
McKay. You seem chipper this morning.
MCKAY
(typing quickly.)
Chipper doesn’t even begin to cover it, Colonel.
McKay. You seem chipper this morning.
MCKAY
(typing quickly.)
Chipper doesn’t even begin to cover it, Colonel.
ANGLE to include Weir and Sheppard.
SHEPPARD
(aside; to Weir.)
That’s a good thing, right?
WEIR
(to Sheppard.)
I hope so.
(to All.)
Would someone mind telling me what’s going on?
(aside; to Weir.)
That’s a good thing, right?
WEIR
(to Sheppard.)
I hope so.
(to All.)
Would someone mind telling me what’s going on?
Eager to explain, Zelenka steps forward.
ZELENKA
You remember after you return from Earth, we find whole new wealth of information in Ancient Database?
WEIR
Yes, of course. Installing the ZPM boosted the functionality of systems all over the city.
You remember after you return from Earth, we find whole new wealth of information in Ancient Database?
WEIR
Yes, of course. Installing the ZPM boosted the functionality of systems all over the city.
Zelenka nudges his glasses up the bridge of his nose.
ZELENKA
Yes. We find much research the Ancients left behind. In particular, we find files concerning Ancient scientist in charge of defensive technologies research.
Yes. We find much research the Ancients left behind. In particular, we find files concerning Ancient scientist in charge of defensive technologies research.
Sheppard straightens, crossing his arms casually.
SHEPPARD
Well, I like him already.
Well, I like him already.
McKay looks up from his work for a moment, speaking excitedly.
MCKAY
This guy was involved in everything - shield tech, energy beams, drone development... He even kept a journal on all the facets of his research.
WEIR
Sounds like he could be a lot of help to us in understanding Ancient technology.
MCKAY
Yes, were it not for the unfortunate fact that every tidbit of this guy’s data has been almost entirely deleted.
WEIR
Deleted?
MCKAY
A defense protocol. I think he intended to destroy all of his research upon the evacuation of Atlantis to prevent it from falling into Wraith hands.
This guy was involved in everything - shield tech, energy beams, drone development... He even kept a journal on all the facets of his research.
WEIR
Sounds like he could be a lot of help to us in understanding Ancient technology.
MCKAY
Yes, were it not for the unfortunate fact that every tidbit of this guy’s data has been almost entirely deleted.
WEIR
Deleted?
MCKAY
A defense protocol. I think he intended to destroy all of his research upon the evacuation of Atlantis to prevent it from falling into Wraith hands.
McKay returns his attention to the laptop, concentrating on the screens before him while still conversing with the others.
MCKAY (CONT’D)
Actually, he did a rather remarkable job of it, considering the redundancy of the Ancient Database. However, he didn’t bank on the old “McKay Charm.”
Actually, he did a rather remarkable job of it, considering the redundancy of the Ancient Database. However, he didn’t bank on the old “McKay Charm.”
McKay glances up with a self-appreciative smile. Weir and Sheppard share a look.
MCKAY (CONT’D)
So far we’ve been able to recover a portion of the files, but the decryption process has been holding us up. Most of what we’ve come up with have been short log files – council minutes and such. I’m working on the program right now, but even with the most capable man in the universe working on it, I don’t see us salvaging this file anytime soon.
So far we’ve been able to recover a portion of the files, but the decryption process has been holding us up. Most of what we’ve come up with have been short log files – council minutes and such. I’m working on the program right now, but even with the most capable man in the universe working on it, I don’t see us salvaging this file anytime soon.
Zelenka steps forward in agreement.
ZELENKA
I’ve never seen files so heavily encrypted. Ancient data must have been vitally important.
WEIR
Okay, if you feel it’s worth checking into, I’ll assign some more staff. Maybe with a few more hands-
I’ve never seen files so heavily encrypted. Ancient data must have been vitally important.
WEIR
Okay, if you feel it’s worth checking into, I’ll assign some more staff. Maybe with a few more hands-
McKay holds up a finger to interject.
MCKAY
I’ve got a better idea.
I’ve got a better idea.
Sheppard sighs and uncrosses his arms.
SHEPPARD
Uh-oh.
MCKAY
(defensively.)
uh-oh? What uh-oh?
SHEPPARD
Whenever you say you’ve got a “better idea”, I usually end up shooting something.
MCKAY
Oh, don’t be so dramatic!
WEIR
(calmly.)
Gentlemen.
Weir shoots them both a commanding look. The two settle down hesitantly. Weir’s expression softens and she returns her full attention to McKay.
WEIR (CONT’D)
Rodney, please continue.
Rodney, please continue.
McKay nods, tapping a few keys on his laptop. A map of the galaxy appears on the Ancient Display Screen before them.
MCKAY
From what we’ve deciphered, we know he was working on a project called “Echelon” just before the Ancients left the Pegasus Galaxy.
He points out a dim spot near the edge of the galaxy – far, far away from Atlantis.
MCKAY (CONT’D)
Now the details concerning the project are sketchy at best, but considering this guy was the head of R&D during the siege of Atlantis, I’m willing to go out on a limb here and say it’s got something to do with a new and inventive way to blow the Wraith out of the sky.
Now the details concerning the project are sketchy at best, but considering this guy was the head of R&D during the siege of Atlantis, I’m willing to go out on a limb here and say it’s got something to do with a new and inventive way to blow the Wraith out of the sky.
Sheppard perks up noticeably. Weir glances at him for a moment before returning to McKay.
WEIR (CONT'D)
Alright, Doctor, consider me intrigued. What do you propose?
MCKAY
In one of his log entries, this guy makes reference to an off-world research station he established – presumably where he did the bulk of his experimentation without fear of, oh, blowing Atlantis out of the water.
WEIR
(cautiously.)
And you’re hoping he left something behind?
ZELENKA
You said so yourself, Dr. Weir, his research could prove invaluable in further understanding Ancient technology.
Alright, Doctor, consider me intrigued. What do you propose?
MCKAY
In one of his log entries, this guy makes reference to an off-world research station he established – presumably where he did the bulk of his experimentation without fear of, oh, blowing Atlantis out of the water.
WEIR
(cautiously.)
And you’re hoping he left something behind?
ZELENKA
You said so yourself, Dr. Weir, his research could prove invaluable in further understanding Ancient technology.
Weir nods, considering.
ZELENKA (CONT’D)
Most likely this site was either abandoned or destroyed ages ago, but if something is there...
SHEPPARD
(decisively.)
My team can be ready to go in fifteen minutes.
Most likely this site was either abandoned or destroyed ages ago, but if something is there...
SHEPPARD
(decisively.)
My team can be ready to go in fifteen minutes.
Weir gives him a disciplined glare.
WEIR
John!
SHEPPARD
(unfazed.)
Elizabeth.
John!
SHEPPARD
(unfazed.)
Elizabeth.
Sheppard moves toward the screen to examine the map.
SHEPPARD (CONT’D)
This is what we’ve been looking for since we got back – something the Wraith haven’t seen yet. Like Zelenka said, if something is there, we gotta check this out.
WEIR
Now hold on, we don’t even know anything about this place yet.
This is what we’ve been looking for since we got back – something the Wraith haven’t seen yet. Like Zelenka said, if something is there, we gotta check this out.
WEIR
Now hold on, we don’t even know anything about this place yet.
Sheppard looks back to Weir.
SHEPPARD
So we send a MALP.
McKay again interjects.So we send a MALP.
MCKAY
Um, actually we think the gate is in orbit over the planet.
Um, actually we think the gate is in orbit over the planet.
Sheppard levels a silencing glare at McKay. McKay shrinks.
MCKAY (CONT’D)
I’m... Just saying...
I’m... Just saying...
The concerned look on Weir’s face does not waver.
SHEPPARD
Look. If we don’t find anything, McKay gets to go back to his lab and babble incoherently until he unscrambles this stuff.
MCKAY
Funny.
WEIR
And if the Wraith show up?
SHEPPARD
That’s what the cloak is for.
McKay again lifts his finger, as if to answer a question no one posed.
MCKAY
Need I mention that an Ancient outpost usually comes with an Ancient power source...? I.E. a ZedPM?
SHEPPARD
(prodding.)
...Elizabeth.
Need I mention that an Ancient outpost usually comes with an Ancient power source...? I.E. a ZedPM?
SHEPPARD
(prodding.)
...Elizabeth.
Weir considers her options carefully. Zelenka and McKay share a look of anticipation.
WEIR
(sighs.)
Fine. You have a go...
(sighs.)
Fine. You have a go...
Sheppard brightens considerably, giving McKay a beaming smile.
WEIR (CONT’D)
(sternly.)
...But this mission is strictly recon.
SHEPPARD
(with a soft sarcasm.)
Yes, ma’am!
WEIR
I mean it, John. You smell even a hint of Wraith, you get your ass back here!
SHEPPARD
Why, Doctor, “caution” is my middle name.
(sternly.)
...But this mission is strictly recon.
SHEPPARD
(with a soft sarcasm.)
Yes, ma’am!
WEIR
I mean it, John. You smell even a hint of Wraith, you get your ass back here!
SHEPPARD
Why, Doctor, “caution” is my middle name.
A subtle cloud of confusion passes over Teyla’s face.
TEYLA
(inquisitively.)
I thought your second name was-
(inquisitively.)
I thought your second name was-
Sheppard cuts her off intentionally.
SHEPPARD
Teyla. Gear up.
Teyla. Gear up.
Sheppard turns on his heels and heads for the corridor to the private quarters. He calls to McKay over his shoulder.
SHEPPARD (CONT'D)
You’re in on this one too, McKay.
McKay’s features slip into a frightened expression. Clearing his throat, he steels himself and, with a nervous glance to Weir and Teyla, heads after Sheppard. Weir sighs wearily as her eyes follow the two out the door.
ANGLE on Weir and Teyla. Teyla notes Weir’s concern.
TEYLA
Do you not wish us to go on this mission, Dr. Weir?
WEIR
No, it’s not that, Teyla. It’s just... Sometimes arguing with Col. Sheppard is like... Trying to glare down a wet puppy.
Do you not wish us to go on this mission, Dr. Weir?
WEIR
No, it’s not that, Teyla. It’s just... Sometimes arguing with Col. Sheppard is like... Trying to glare down a wet puppy.
Teyla gives her a confused look. Beat.
WEIR (CONT'D)
Never mind. Go, get ready.
Never mind. Go, get ready.
EASE OUT as Teyla walks off and Weir returns to her office as we...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
I especially loved Sheppard's line of
Whenever you say you’ve got a “better idea”, I usually end up shooting something.
AND JT IS BACK!!! *huggles* Nice to see you, sweetie! Bet you're excited about the con! Wish I could go!
Today was a long and exhausting day. As I need to do some work around the house tomorrow, I'll be on here. I have a sig that's lurking that needs to be completed. Just gotta wrestle with that particular fandom bunny ...
Night!
So I'm just gonna start fresh, having read the last 3 pages. See some new (to me) people. Hello people!
I tell you Teal'c, hockey is the coolest game on Earth!
Did you not say it is played on ice, O'Neill?
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