Aha ... read and laugh:
Bold - dies laughing
*****
[Teal'c looks around then goes to assist. A bored Vala remains lying on a fallen slab, absently playing with something in her hand. Teal'c and Daniel carry the heavy chest out into the open.]
VALA
Really think this is it?
[Daniel dusts off more of the cover of the chest with a brush.]
DANIEL
Well, it's covered in Ancient writing. These symbols here are part of the oldest dialect I'm aware of. It says: "Safely kept is the...something of old."
[Vala sits up.]
VALA
What's the "something", Daniel?
DANIEL
Well, if I knew for sure, I wouldn't have said "the something..."
(turns to Teal'c)
Why am I answering her?
VALA
Stop your yammering and open it.
DANIEL
We can't just open it.
VALA
Why not?
DANIEL
Well, if this is what I think it is, it's a powerful piece of Ancient technology capable of making anyone who looks into it believe that the Ori...
DANIEL AND VALA
(speaking together)
...are not gods.
DANIEL
As far as we know.
VALA
Well, we already believe that. No harm done. Open it.
DANIEL
I said "as far as we know." There may be other things it's capable of making you believe.
VALA
Maybe...we're supposed to believe those other things too.
DANIEL
You know what? That's beside the point. There's another reason we can't just open it.
VALA
Look at my hands, all right? They are raw and bleeding. I've broken every nail. We've been out here in the scorching heat for days. I haven't showered!
DANIEL
None of us have.
VALA
That is painfully obvious. Now, according to you, this crusty old chest is our salvation from oppression at the hands of the Ori army. Our best—and maybe only—remaining chance that we have.
We've dug how many holes in the ground? Help me out here, Muscles.
TEAL'C
Many.[Exasperated, Daniel tosses his excavation brush aside.]
VALA
Now, all the years the Jaffa were here, they knew that Dakara was the first landing place of the Alterans in this galaxy. You mean to tell me they never looked for Ancient artifacts?
TEAL'C
There were a few artifacts that were excavated and catalogued when the city was being rebuilt. But with the constant change of leadership, little time, or manpower—
VALA
(talking over him)
Yes, yes, yes and blah, blah, blah. But here we are. Finally, we may have found it. The ultimate weapon. So could someone please explain to me why we can't confirm our blessed fortune by simply opening it?!
DANIEL
Because it's sealed shut! It literally won't open.
[Daniel demonstrates.]
VALA
Why didn't you say so?
DANIEL
Well, I was trying to, but you wouldn't stop your yammering.
[Teal'c looks up at the sky, alert at some noise.
Vala goes over the equipment and grabs a pickaxe, heading back towards the chest. Daniel stands and hurries over, wrestling with her over the tool.]
DANIEL
Wait! No, no, no, no, no! You can't do that! I told you, this is a piece of technology. You could damage it.
VALA
It's been buried for millions of years, Daniel.
TEAL'C
Quiet!
DANIEL AND VALA
What?
MITCHELL
(over radio)
Hey, kids, guess what?
[Some gunfire can be heard over Mitchell's transmission. The three look up to see Ori fighters soar over their heads.]
MITCHELL
(over radio)
We are under fire.*****
[In another area of the ruins, Mitchell and Carter exchange fire with Ori soldiers. Both reload their clips.]
MITCHELL
I do not remember sending out invitations to this party.
[They continue shooting. More Ori soldiers continue to arrive.]
CARTER
We have to fall back!
[Mitchell nods. Covering each other, the pair make a controlled retreat.]
ORI SOLDIER
Move ahead.
[The Ori troops advance, taking cover where Mitchell and Carter just were. Mitchell and Carter go through some large metal doors and rejoin their teammates. Teal'c and Daniel are already taking firing positions: Daniel stands by the chest, Teal'c by a standing pillar. Vala hurries over to where Mitchell crouches by a large stone block.]
VALA
What are you doing? We have to go there!
MITCHELL
We know.
CARTER
There's too many of them.
VALA
There's no other way out of here.
MITCHELL
(through gritted teeth)
We know!
VALA
(to Daniel, gesturing at chest)
How about now?
DANIEL
Yeah, now works for me.
[Daniel puts down his P-90 and grabs a hammer and chisel. He starts working at the chest.]
[Daniel's chiseling can be heard from the other side of the doors where the Ori stand ready. The commander arrives.]
ORI SOLDIER
Commander, we have them trapped.
[The commander takes off his helmet and tosses it to the soldier. It is Tomin.]
TOMIN
(yelling to the doorway)
Vala, it's Tomin. Throw down your weapons and surrender, and I promise you will all be spared.
[Vala looks bemused.]
MITCHELL
(low)
That's funny.
(yelling back)
I was just about to say the same thing.
[Vala turns back to Daniel making a "hurry up" gesture". Daniel continues to work at the chest.]
TOMIN
Vala, you have to trust me. Your position has been targeted from space. Comply now, or you will be destroyed.
VALA
(to Mitchell)
I think we have to trust him.
MITCHELL
Jackson?
[Daniel grunts with the efforts to pry open the lid and shakes his head. The chest isn't budging.]
VALA
What if we got them to open it?
[Carter and Mitchell exchange thoughtful looks. Daniel, breathing hard from the exertion, also seems to consider it.]
VALA
Well, it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world, would it?
MITCHELL
(reluctantly)
All right. Invite him in.
[Grim faced, Mitchell sets down his rifle and steps back.]
VALA
(yelling to Tomin)
Um, you can come in!
*****
TOMIN
What are you doing here?
MITCHELL
(deadpan)
Wow, we really are on the same page. Took the words right out of my mouth.
[Frowning, Tomin steps up to Mitchell.]
VALA
How did you know we were here?
PRIOR
The power of the Ori need not be questioned.
[Tomin steps back and bows down. The Prior strides in. It is the same one who used to be the Administrator of Ver Ager, and whom Tomin had previously questioned as to interpretation of the Book of Origin.]
MITCHELL
Oh, here we go.
[Smiling, the Prior turns to Daniel.]
PRIOR
Tell me. What is this artifact you have found?
MITCHELL
Hang on a second. Shouldn't you know that already? Your logic.
DANIEL
No, wait, wait. No need to be difficult here. You want to know what it is, I'll tell you. Inside this Ark is the secret to destroying the armies of the Ori, and I think the last thing you're gonna want to do is open it.
PRIOR
You think I fear the contents?
DANIEL
I—I'm saying you really should.
PRIOR
Open it.
[Two soldiers step forward.]
DANIEL
You didn't hear what I just said?
PRIOR
Open it!
[The soldiers try to lift the lid, but it remains closed.]
ORI SOLDIER
It's sealed shut.
[The Prior nods to Tomin. The soldiers step back as Tomin raises his staff weapon.]
DANIEL
Wait! No!
[Tomin fires, blasting the lid to pieces. Cringing from the debris, Daniel lowers his hands and peeks into the chest. Tomin steps forward and reaches inside. Vala tries to peek from over Mitchell's shoulder. Tomin pulls out some scrolls that crumble into dust in his hands.]
DANIEL
Okay. Not what I was expecting.
PRIOR
Foolhardy are those who do not follow the path.
MITCHELL
Anyone want to bet what he's gonna say next?
PRIOR
Kill them.
MITCHELL
Could've made money on that one.
*****
MARRICK
I believe protocol requires me to notify you that I will be interrogating the prisoner personally.
MITCHELL
What prisoner?
MARRICK
I believe your report refers to him as Tomin. No last name.
MITCHELL
Oh! Right, sorry. I, uh, I get confused. See, we were thinking of him more as...a guest.
MARRICK
(chuckling wryly)
Of course. My mistake. I trust the enemy commander hell-bent on our total annihilation has been given comfortable quarters?
MITCHELL
Yeah. He's had a change of heart.
[Marrick smiles from Landry to Mitchell, then sidles closer.]
MARRICK
Come on, Colonel. Don't all bad guys say that after we capture them?
[Mitchell steps forward, his posture aggressive.]
MITCHELL
Actually, he captured us...and then he surrendered.*****
LANDRY
Former CIA, black ops.
MITCHELL
Oh, great. So, the IOA is having one of our own spies spy on us?
LANDRY
(nodding)
I have no doubt the IOA chose him carefully.
MITCHELL
Why do I get the feeling we're gonna miss Woolsey?
*****
DANIEL
His consciousness is gone now, but he was the one who helped me build the device that was sent to eliminate the Ori.
[Tomin sits and shifts uncomfortably.]
VALA
We hope. We think that these visions might be remnants of Merlin's memories left behind intentionally to steer us in the direction of the Ark.
[Tomin laughs in disbelief.]
TOMIN
And you think I'm crazy for believing in the Ori?
VALA
Not crazy, Tomin. Just...wrong.
[Tomin seems struck by a sudden thought. He leans forward.]
TOMIN
You've both read the Book of Origin, have you not?
DANIEL
(nodding)
Yes.
TOMIN
(standing)
Do you not remember the part about Ortus Mallum?
DANIEL
You'll have to forgive me, I don't know it by heart.
VALA
Oh. Uh, big book with fine print and not many pictures.*****
[Mitchell enters the bridge. Several of the crew are already there, preparing for the mission.]
MITCHELL
Pre-flight.
MARKS
We're ready to go, sir.
[Mitchell approaches the command chair and hesitates before committing to sit in it, adopting a pose like Captain Kirk of Star Trek.]
MITCHELL
All right. Weapons to maximum.
MARKS
(nonplussed)
Sir?
MITCHELL
It's a joke, Marks. Make it go.
[Mitchell waves impatiently. Marks presses some buttons.]
******
CARTER
Wh-you got us here. If we showed you a star map, could you direct us to the coordinates of the planet where Celestis is?
[Tomin shrugs and nods.]
MITCHELL
We're talking about the Vatican of the Ori followers, right?
DANIEL
Well, if the fires are out, then it's likely Merlin's device worked and the Ori are dead.
TEAL'C
But the Priors are not.
DANIEL
Well, we didn't come all this way to stop now, did we?
*****
[Mitchell and Carter step out of an elevator. Marrick stands in the corridor, blocking their path.]
MARRICK
Why was I not notified that you had someone onboard with new intel about Ori army activity?
MITCHELL
Well, I'm sure I called for you. There was no answer. Oh wait. I may not have pressed the comm button all the way down. Wow, I must've looked stupid standing there talking to myself. Anyway, if you'll excuse us.
*****
MARKS
(over radio)
Sir, someone has turned on the Asgard core.
[Carter overhears and stops her scanning.]
MITCHELL
(into radio)
What?
CARTER
Who?
MITCHELL
(to Carter)
You really need to ask?*****
[Tomin digs in an area. Vala studies a handheld scanner while walking near Teal'c.]
VALA
Well, I hate to be the downer at this party, but this is hopeless. I'm not getting any energy readings. So, short of literally looking under every rock and stone on this mountain, I'm not sure what we're supposed to do.
[Teal'c steps closer, looking beyond Vala. She notices Teal'c's distraction and turns.]
[Daniel stands uphill from them, riveted at attention. He sees a shaft of daylight coming through the trees and a glowing, incorporeal vision of Merlin stands over a flat slab of stone before disappearing into the ground beneath. Daniel moves forward.]
VALA
Or we could wait for Daniel to have another one of his visions.
[Daniel approaches the area where Merlin was.]
DANIEL
(calling back)
Guys, I think there's something here.
*****
(ABOUT CREATING A REPLICATOR)
MARRICK
Don't worry, Colonel. It's being contained by a force shield.
CARTER
For now! If you knew anything about these things, you'd know nothing will hold it for long.
MITCHELL
Do you have any idea what it finally took to eradicate these little buggers?
[Marrick nods and sits.]
MARRICK
Exactly why it'll be so effective in neutralizing the Ori fleet.
[Carter spins to Mitchell, flabbergasted.]
MITCHELL
That's your plan? What are you, totally nuts?!*****
MITCHELL
Yeah, but they can track us in hyperspace, and we can't stay there forever.
[Mitchell starts to leave.]
CARTER
(calling after him)
Look, believe me, if we don't find that replicator or this self-destruct command, "forever"? Not gonna be a big issue.*****
[The tunnel is clearly man-made, reinforced by stonework. But there is much debris on the ground and hanging from the ceilings. They begin to walk cautiously, their flashlights moving to illuminate the structure.]
MITCHELL
(over radio)
Hey guys, this is Mitchell. We're going to have to beam you aboard immediately.
DANIEL
(into radio)
Wait, you can't. Not yet.
MITCHELL
(over radio)
Yeah, well, Marrick activated the Asgard core, so we're expecting Ori ships around here sometime soon. Plus, we have a little replicator problem, so we're gonna jump into hyperspace to avoid the bad guys while we deal with it.
[Daniel and Teal'c stop short.]
DANIEL
(into radio)
I'm sorry, did you say "replicator problem"?
MITCHELL
(over radio)
Unfortunately, yes, I did.
[Teal'c and Daniel exchange looks.]
*****
[The team stands still, waiting to be beamed to Odyssey.]
TOMIN
What's a replicator?
TEAL'C
You do not wish to know.
MITCHELL
(over radio)
Yeah, it's me again, your friendly neighborhood ship's commander. Uh, looks like you've got a little more time down there. We're having a bit of trouble with the beaming thing at the moment. I promise, you'll be the first to know...
[The signal degrades to static.]
DANIEL
Okay, so... Onward.
[The being moving through the tunnel again. Some time later, they reach an area where boulders have completely blocked the tunnel.]
VALA
What do you think, Muscles?
[Teal'c opens a vest pocket and pulls out a block of C-4 with a detonator attached to it. He begins to pull the tab on the detonator so it can be set off.]
DANIEL
Wait, wait, wait! You can't! We don't know how stable this tunnel is.
TEAL'C
Shall we turn back, then, Daniel Jackson?
DANIEL
(after a moment)
Bombs away.*****
PRIOR
(turning to look at Landry)
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... There is one thing I do know for sure. If we're going to hell, then you're coming with us.
(smiling falsely)
You go ahead and burst into flames if you like.*****
[Mitchell approaches Carter, Marks, and Captain Binder.]
MITCHELL
I assume you haven't found the magic cut-off switch.
CARTER
No. If the replicators are gonna come after the core sooner or later, I don't know why they haven't yet.
BINDER
Consolidating their numbers?
CARTER
Whatever they're trying to do, eventually, they're gonna want to take total control of this ship, and, in order to do that, (gesturing to Asgard core room)
they're going to have to get into this room.
MITCHELL
We should stop them from doing that.
BINDER
I've got people trapped all over the place.
MARKS
The replicators have locked down most of the elevators and bulkheads.
CARTER
Trying to restrict crew movements.
MARKS
They've also shut down systems over much of the ship.
CARTER
It takes a lot of power to replicate. My guess is the queen has set up shop somewhere close to our main conduit.
MITCHELL
(to Binder)
Position all the personnel you have right here. Protect that room at all costs.
[Binder nods.]
CARTER
We should probably weld the door shut.
BINDER
You won't be able to get out.
CARTER
If the replicators make it into the core, it's not gonna matter.
MITCHELL
Do it. I'm gonna go find the queen.
[He starts to walk away.]
BINDER
How?
MITCHELL
(calling back)
Like grandma said, "You want honey? Follow the bees."
MARKS
(to Carter and Binder)
Sounds like a good way of getting stung to me.
[Binder leaves as Carter and Marks walk into the core room.]
*****
DANIEL
(painfully)
Oh, god.
DOCI
Your gods cannot save you now, Daniel Jackson.
DANIEL
Actually, that-that's just a statement of general dissatisfaction.*****
[Adria steps around the Ark toward Vala. Her voice is distorted as she speaks.]
ADRIA
Good to see you, Mother. 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. Vala turns in her place to keep her back to Adria.]
VALA
(tiredly)
Seems you have no blood left to speak of.
ADRIA
You'll be somewhat satisfied to know that Merlin's weapon did work. The Ori were destroyed.
VALA
Really?
[Adria disappears and reappears in a different place in the room, then resumes walking in the circle.]
ADRIA
Somehow, you and your simple human friends managed to destroy quite a large group of very powerful ascended beings.
VALA
Well, we're a very determined bunch. I always say, you never know what you can do until you try.
ADRIA
I agree.
VALA
You don't seem too cut up about it.
ADRIA
(smiling)
No.
[She disappears and reappears on the other side of the room.]
ADRIA
The energy transferred to the Ori by their human followers used to be spread out among many. Now that I have ascended, I get it all.
VALA
If you don't kill us all first.
[Adria again disappears and reappears on the other side of the room.]
ADRIA
It's a shame I can't use your little discovery to convince everyone in your galaxy to follow me. It would be much more humane.
[She laughs out loud, and Vala finally looks at her.]
ADRIA
Not as much fun, though.
VALA
Not wanting to give you any ideas, but why can't you use the Ark?
ADRIA
It's just not the same. People need to be convinced to see me for what I really am.
VALA
A spoiled brat with a god complex?
ADRIA
(smiling)
Now, mother.
VALA
The Ark can only be programmed to make people believe what is true.
ADRIA
Once the Ancients have been destroyed, I will be a being of unchallengeable power, worshipped by all those beneath me. A true god by any definition, wouldn't you say?
[Seemingly feeling better, Vala puts her hands on the Ark and looks at Adria with a vague smirk.]
*****
[Marrick advances on Mitchell.]
MITCHELL
You know, I think we really... We got off on the wrong foot.
[Mitchell gets to his knees and pulls out his pistol. Before he can fire, Marrick moves his arm aside, picks him up, and throws him into a stack of metal barrels. Mitchell groans as he rolls back and forth on the ground. He now has a cut near his left eye. Marrick starts to advance on him again.]
MITCHELL
Oh...who am I kidding? I knew you were an asshole the moment we met.*****
[He searches his pockets for the detonator. A few steps away, Marrick picks it up from the deck.]
MARRICK
You looking for this?
MITCHELL
Wow. Did I drop that?
I don't supposed you'd mind flipping that switch and blowing us both up, would you?*****
[Vala stands at the Ark, her hands on it, as she continues her conversation with Adria.]
VALA
Why do you need to take on the Ancients? Seriously. How many human worshippers do you really need? Can't you just live with what you have and be happy?
(approaching Adria)
I mean, my own mother used to say to me, "Vala, happiness is no something you can buy." Or in my case, steal. But I think the point is—
ADRIA
They are a threat to me.
[Now they speak face-to-face.]
VALA
From what I understand, they don't even care about you. They saw the Ori as a threat, and they did nothing about that.
ADRIA
That's what you chose to believe. They gave you the means to destroy the Ori. They'll stop at nothing to destroy me. I will not rest until they are all wiped from existence.
VALA
(sighing)
I wish you hadn't inherited my determination.*****
MARKS
(looking at control screen)
We just dropped out of hyperspace.
CARTER
That's funny. I was just thinking we couldn't get any more screwed.*****
[Marrick continues beating Mitchell, slugging or kicking him each time he tries to get up. Mitchell's face is very bloody, and his movements are slow. He shoves Mitchell up against some power conduits on the wall. He grabs Mitchell by the throat and chokes him, growling in anger. Mitchell reaches around Marrick and pulls the replicator leg out of the base of his skull. Marrick weakens for a moment then comes to his human self.]
MARRICK
(pleading)
Kill me.
MITCHELL
Believe me, I'm trying.*****
[Mitchell gets up slowly and painfully. He rests for a moment against a support structure on the side of the corridor.
He sees something arising from what should be Marrick's body. It is a complex replicator shaped like the skeleton of a human. It stands upright and starts walking toward Mitchell. Mitchell looks back to see more regular replicators coming around the corner from behind him. He doesn't appear able to move.]
MITCHELL
Oh, give me a break.*****
[The team enters while Vala speaks.]
VALA
And then she just suddenly disappeared somewhere, as if she had something really important to do, and when I turned around, about seven symbols on the Ark were glowing.
[The reach the Ark and Daniel starts to examine it.]
DANIEL
It was Morgan.
VALA
Is she helping? Because if she is, I don't understand.
DANIEL
(urgently)
Which seven symbols?
VALA
Uh, well you don't expect me to remember?
DANIEL
With the fate of two galaxies hanging in the balance, yes, I expect you to remember the essential clue given to you by a powerful Ascended being!
VALA
It's not that they were glowing for that long! It was more like a bright light, and when I turned around, I realized I was alone and went to look for you—
DANIEL
(interrupting)
Which ones!
VALA
(gesturing at various areas of the device)
Uh, one here, two here, two here, and two there.
DANIEL
(frustrated)
Did they come in any order?
VALA
No, all at once.
DANIEL
(sarcastic)
Of course.
TEAL'C
Someone is coming.
[Daniel moves around to the long edge of the Ark, near Vala. He and Vala are rushed.]
DANIEL
Uh, okay, seven symbols.
VALA
Just...make a guess.
DANIEL
Verimas is uh, "truth" in Ancient.
VALA
Good.
[Daniel begins to touch the symbols.]
VALA
(gesturing)
Two there.
[He finishes typing out verimas but nothing happens.]
VALA
I guess not.
[Tomin looks at the doorway and sees it is the Doci who is arriving, walking slowly through the doorway. Daniel and Vala look at him in alarm. Teal'c fires at him with his Ori staff weapon. The Doci deflects the shot and uses his telekinesis to throw Teal'c across the room. Tomin approaches and the Doci throws him into a wall as well. The Doci stares at the Ark, Daniel and Vala with interest.]
*****
[The Ark shuts off, leaving the Doci stunned.]
ADRIA
(reaching out a hand)
No! You can't take away my power!
[The Doci looks around in some confusion.]
VALA
I think... we just did.[Daniel rubs his injured shoulder and looks around, also confused.]
ADRIA
You will all burn in the fires of eternal damnation!
[Teal'c stands. From where he sits, Tomin sees a white light coming from the corridor. It takes form as Morgan Le Fay.]
MORGAN LE FAY
(to Adria)
Not if I have anything to do with it.
ADRIA
You're no match for me.
MORGAN LE FAY
(smiling)
I am now.[Adria appears afraid. Morgan Le Fay suddenly loses her bodily form and launches herself as white ascended energy at Adria. Adria's eyes glow red, and she bursts into red flames. The two energy forms rush at each other and collide over the center of the room. They swirl in battle as the team looks on. Then they both disappear.]
DOCI
(contemplatively)
Mia clementia denar esto.
VALA
(to Tomin)
What? What did he say? I don't understand.
TOMIN
He said, "Have mercy. I was blind, but now I see."
*****
CARTER
How are you doing?
MITCHELL
Eh, you know, I've felt worse.
CARTER
(reluctantly)
Well, apparently, when you're feeling better, the IOA wants to meet with you.
MITCHELL
(leaning back)
Uh huh, really.
CARTER
(nodding)
Mmm-hmm. Something about an apology.
[They chuckle.]
MITCHELL
I don't know... my recovery could take a while. CARTER
Yeah. Not too long, I hope.
[She pats his leg without thinking.]
MITCHELL
(in pain)
No!
CARTER
Oh! Sorry!
MITCHELL
(rasping out the words)
That's okay. I guess maybe that hurts a little.
*****
[SG-1 walks through the corridor together. They are geared up for a mission.]
MITCHELL
It's kind of weird not having a big bad guy to fight anymore.
CARTER
Yeah. That's how we felt when we defeated the Goa'uld... and the replicators... the first time.
MITCHELL
Well, Jackson and Vala took care of that.
VALA
That whole Ori thing was not our fault!
DANIEL
Just take the blame. You get used to it.
INT—SGC GATEROOM
[SG-1 enter.]
VALA
We played a big part in fixing the problem.
MITCHELL
That you did.
TEAL'C
There are still many planets in our gate system that remain unexplored.
[They enter the gate room and gather at the bottom of the ramp.]
DANIEL
Yes, let's see what mysteries P3K-546 will hold.
VALA
And what treasure.
MITCHELL
I'm sure something will come up. Walter, hit it!
[The gate begins to spin.]
THE END