Stargate: Atlantis s01e10 Episode Script

They are called the Genii.
They are simple people, but good farmers and fair traders.
- They look friendly enough.
- I have often traded with Tyrus.
I'm bringing them in.
All operations to silent mode.
If people could just learn to keep their secret underground hatches locked.
So, the whole farmer thing is just a front.
- The next culling was decades away.
- We're looking for allies.
We had hoped to test our first atomic weapon five years from now.
- Do we have that much time, Sheppard? - No.
How does a Wraith ship's computer help you? This interface device shows the location of Wraith ships.
- You know where to deliver bombs.
- The Wraith must not know we were here.
- Help! - Leave him! - Please! - (shouts) - Where's my father? - He did not survive.
By leaving him to die, it's as if you killed him.
You do not want to make an enemy of the Genii.
Haven't been to the mainland in a while.
How's everybody doing? Halling believes the first crops will have a good yield.
You still miss home? There is still talk of returning, even though the Wraith have scorched Athos in revenge for our resistance.
Maybe in time this place will begin to feel like home.
Do you see that? That can't be a storm.
It stretches across the whole horizon.
I've never seen that from so high.
I've seen a lot from this altitude, but not that.
This is Jumper One.
We're changing our heading to investigate a storm.
Major, this is Weir.
We didn't copy that.
You're breaking up.
(Sheppard) I said there's - (static) - weather forecasting.
Did he just say weather forecasting? - Do all storms look like this from above? - No.
This must cover 20% of the planet.
- Is it headed towards the mainland? - Tracking towards the settlement.
And after that? Straight to Atlantis.
(McKay) This planet is basically the same size as Earth.
Hurricanes on Earth never get as big as this boy because once they hit the shore they slow down.
Without as much land mass to slow it down here, it's gaining momentum.
- Both of them are.
- Both of them? - We saw only one.
- It only looked like one.
According to the Ancient database, every That, for rather boring reasons, means hurricanes are more likely to occur.
- Like El Nino, the ocean - Like I said, rather boring.
- Focus.
- If there are a bunch of hurricanes, the likelihood of two colliding is increased.
It's more like a merger.
They are intersecting and combining their power.
And it's headed right towards us.
You said the Ancients experienced these storms every 20 to 30 years.
Atlantis must have some precautions.
The Ancients were protected by the shield or submerged deep enough in the water.
OK.
Strike those options.
What else have we got? Nothing.
It is a real threat.
The high winds alone will wreak havoc.
Come on, guys.
This city's been around for a long time.
Storm surge is inevitable.
By moving over a land mass before hitting us, there is a greater risk of tornadoes.
This is Atlantis.
They've gotta be able to handle that right? - No.
- Why not? The people who built this city had a force field capable of holding back anything nature or the Wraith threw at them.
Without that protection, Atlantis is remarkably fragile.
Even our conservative calculations project widespread damage.
- Flooding could sink the city.
- How could something this big just sink? - The Titanic's passengers asked that too.
- Yes, well, let's not.
What you're saying is if Teyla and I hadn't discovered this We would be in even bigger trouble.
- What's the plan? - We have 12 hours until the storm hits.
So we plan to have a plan - Yeah.
- by then.
We start investigating evacuation plans, both on the mainland and offworld.
McKay will come up with something.
He's setting himself up to be a hero.
Maybe Rodney is, but Dr Zelenka seemed genuinely concerned.
So, I find a friendly planet that wouldn't mind putting us up for the night? Exactly.
Take Ford, see what you can work out.
I don't have the right boots for this.
I was just meant to come and inoculate some wee babies.
We need all the hands we can spare before it comes.
The storm could destroy our settlement as well as our crops.
- If a few of us remained - Homes can be rebuilt.
People can't.
Which is why we must do what we can now.
The entire population of Atlantis.
At most, yes.
Only for a day.
Two at most.
We are happy to trade with you for a share of our crops, but this I know it's a lot to ask, but I'm asking.
What do you offer in return? I guess we'd owe you one.
- One what? - A favour.
We're in trouble.
If you're a friend, you'll help.
If not, tell me now so I can ask somebody else.
But who else would take in so many? I want something of value in return.
Oh, you do, do you? We can go find any uninhabited planet.
They're usually uninhabited for a reason.
You know that, or you would not be here.
Still, I'm sure you could find another world to take you in.
You're just so short on time.
One day you're gonna run across a problem and need our help.
- Isn't that right, Lieutenant? - Yes, sir.
And we've got lots of ships and weapons we can help with.
- You're saying we can be your friends or - I much prefer friends.
That is of value to me.
One night.
Two, tops.
We bring our own blankets.
- Very well.
You may send your people.
- This won't be forgotten.
I'll go back, tell everybody the good news.
- We'll send word once we know more.
- I look forward to it.
- I thought of that.
- He may be on to something.
I've already thought of it.
It doesn't The naquadah generators could power sections of the city, but some areas need to be secure, so not much power is left for anything else.
- The city breaks apart - We could relocate some of them.
If only we had a magical tool that could slow down time.
I left mine on Earth.
What about you? You're not pleasant when you're like this, McKay.
- I'm always like this.
- Exactly.
I got a green light from Smeadon.
I'm not sure how pleased he'll be if we get stuck there.
- It's not gonna happen, right? - We can always gate off to another planet.
- Comforting.
Thank you.
- You sure we can't go to the mainland? Everywhere is in the storm's path.
My people are evacuating even now.
The mainland's the size of North America.
Will the entire continent get hit? I'd rather not owe Smeadon any favours.
If we lose Atlantis, we're left without access to the Stargate.
- McKay will come up with something.
- I will try, but I am not Superman.
Was anyone seriously thinking that? - No, sir.
- Never.
Fine.
The storm will affect over 70% of the mainland, and Atlantis isn't safe.
If you want everyone to live, you gate them offworld.
Relay Station Two, prepare to receive transmission.
(man) RS Two awaiting transmission.
Over.
I need you to relay a message to Cowen of the Genii.
Tell him we have something to trade.
- This could be going faster.
- Our people are hunters.
Many are returning from great distances.
Others do not want to leave.
They know how serious this is? Even I would have a hard time believing in the strength of this storm if I did not see it from space.
Do what you can to speed things up.
In the Czech Republic we don't get hurricanes.
We don't get many in Canada.
We once had one called Hazel.
- Hazel? - 40 years ago.
- That's interesting.
- Not really.
- No, not really.
- I was once almost struck by lightning.
Lightning? What is the one thing keeping us from having a shield? - That - Power.
What does a storm have lots of? - Power.
- In the form of - You wanna build a windmill? - Electricity.
Atlantis is designed to withstand lightning strikes.
There are rods everywhere.
They are channelled into grounding stations.
Those grounding stations discharge electricity back into the ocean, keeping Atlantis safe from electric shocks.
Many of the hallways allow a low-voltage transfer of power throughout the city.
- Which means - I'm getting there.
Let's say the grounding stations weren't around.
If lightning struck, the halls would be super-charged.
- You want - If we disabled the grounding stations - Which we can.
- every time lightning struck, Atlantis would experience a massive power surge.
That energy - If channelled correctly - Of course.
could be used to charge up the shield generator.
The more severe the storm, the more energy, and the shield runs longer.
- It's an ingenious plan.
- I have to agree.
But we have no way of storing all that energy.
Once the lightning stops striking - No way of charging the generator.
- Back to square one.
So, the city would survive? - A 90% chance - 70.
- 80% chance.
- So, we should still evacuate.
- Not just for Zelemka's pessimism.
- Zelenka.
If it works, the city will be highly charged with electricity.
The only safe place once the lightning strikes is in the control room.
We must evacuate everyone offworld for the storm and execute the plan with a small team.
OK.
Good.
Get on it.
- To the grounding stations.
- Power distribution centres.
- Good point.
I get ahead of myself.
- Yeah, OK (yells) Commander Kolya.
Chief Cowen needs to see you immediately.
- I'm not to be disturbed while training.
- He said immediately, sir.
- Still haven't turned up? - I'm afraid not.
They're hunting.
No one has been able to get in touch.
- How many? - Three.
Two boys and a young woman.
Let's take our jumper and find them.
They are hunting in dense vegetation.
We would be unable to land.
- Jumper Three is ready to go - Go.
I will give the hunters more time.
I'll stay with you.
OK, I get the point.
We'll wait.
- They're not ready.
- Yes, they are.
You commissioned me to train men who on the most treacherous day guarded this facility or performed a reconnaissance mission.
They are not yet a strike force.
This is the rarest of opportunities.
In the next hour there will be under ten people on Atlantis, most of them only scientists.
Surely you can accomplish our goals and get out before the storm hits.
If all goes well.
But we don't train assuming all will go well.
We cannot afford to pass up this opportunity.
- You wanted my opinion.
I gave it to you.
- And I value that opinion.
The Atlanteans possess materials that are vital to defeat the Wraith.
We need them.
I need them.
Ready your strike force.
(McKay) That's everybody.
Just over four and a half hours till the storm hits.
Let's get down to the labs.
Evacuate the people on inbound Jumper Two as soon as they come in.
I'm finally at the point where I don't mind the taste of it.
I was raised on this brew.
Burned away whatever taste sense I had.
So, you think you can teach our farmers a thing or two? Yes, that's what I was saying, yes.
Most people think that farming is planting good seed in well-tilled soil, which it is.
It is, but there's also more, and that knowledge is here.
You want to trade these marvellous skills in exchange for a piece of my land? - I do.
- I think I'll need something more.
(gasping and stammering) Who are you? Tell me the sequence of numbers to enter on this device.
I can't tell you that.
- (groans) - It's not worth dying for.
But you don't understand.
It's my hand that you need to put in the code.
That's how it works.
And the shield of the Atlantis Stargate will be lowered? Yes.
What is this? Who are they? - Bring him to the gate.
- They're friends.
- Make sure he will enter the code.
- He will.
Do as they say and we'll see about that piece of land.
You have done a great service for the Genii and will be rewarded.
There are hundreds of lightning rods placed around the city.
- Wait.
- What? - Why? - Why what? Why are there hundreds of rods? Wouldn't the shield protect against lightning? Yes, but running the shield all the time is only good for draining power.
- Right.
- You're aware there's a time element? - Yes, it's been brought to my attention.
- There are lightning rods around the city.
All the energy they capture is routed into four main grounding stations.
These ground that energy into the ocean below us.
- Instead of sending electricity to ground - We power the shield.
- How? - By directing it into the shield generators.
- The city can handle that? - Yes theoretically.
Like dinosaurs turning into birds, or Theory of Relativity theoretically? What? Somewhere between.
Elizabeth, you take Grounding Station Two.
I'll take Grounding Station One.
Major, take Stations Three and Four.
- Where are Stations Three and Four? - Here and here.
- And we are - Here.
Yes.
I need to start on the subroutines and Elizabeth has knee trouble Wait.
Are these things even close to a transporter? - Uh, yes, Elizabeth's is.
- And mine? - It's a brisk walk away.
- By "brisk" you mean "far"? - By "walk" I mean "run".
- OK.
Radio once you get to your first station.
All right.
Let's do it.
(Teyla) Hurry! Move! Come this way! Hurry! - You OK? - Here it comes.
OK, sit here.
Strap in as best you can.
It's gonna be a bumpy ride.
- Let's get outta here.
- I'm not certain it's a good idea.
- What? - Look at it out there.
- We are ready.
- Let's wait it out.
We're safe if we're in here.
We've got rations and plenty of water.
Yeah, especially outside.
I hope you're right.
We won't be able to change our minds if you're wrong.
It'll be cosy.
I'm here! (McKay) I told you to contact me when you got to the first one.
I am at the first one, Rodney.
Oh.
Sorry.
Already done mine.
- Great.
Good for you.
- (Weir) Me too.
Good for everyone.
- Where are you now? - I'm at the damn grounding station.
- No, not you.
- (Weir) I'm in the transporter.
- There you are.
- There I am.
(Sheppard) Glad you're having fun.
What do I do? There should be a keypad on the console.
- Got it.
- Put in the Ancient equivalent of 031547.
That do it? - Yeah.
- Good.
One to go.
They seem to have the same separation code.
Repeat with the next one.
Meet us in the control room.
Roger that.
- Bacon.
- You wish you'd brought bacon with you? It's the food that makes other food worth eating.
You wish you'd brought bacon to another galaxy? - You asked me - (Stargate hums) - Offworld activation.
- No one should be back until tomorrow.
(woman) Attack on Manara.
Wounded incoming.
Lower the shield.
- They're broadcasting an Athosian IDC.
- Please, before it's too late.
- We are lowering the shield.
- Get the OK from Dr Weir.
They're under attack.
Lower the shield.
Dr Weir, there's been an attack on Manara.
- Athosian party incoming with wounded.
- We're on our way.
- What happened? - They were everywhere.
Check the weapons.
Secure the room.
These men could have been overpowered.
We need the Atlanteans to be cooperative.
Secure the room.
Cover the entrances.
(Weir) Apparently there's wounded incoming.
It doesn't make any sense.
They said it was Wraith-related? We'll ask them ourselves in a second.
Hold on.
What the hell is going on? Dr Elizabeth Weir.
- Yes.
- And you must be Dr McKay.
That is him.
(Kolya) Where is Major Sheppard? I'd like to know Major Sheppard's whereabouts.
You seem to know a lot about us.
- Who are you? - The Genii.
There's only one thing you need to know.
As of right now, we are in control of Atlantis.
Jumper Two, this is Sheppard.
Come in.
Jumper Two, do you copy? This is Ford.
We're waiting out the storm in the jumper.
- You're still on the mainland? - Yes, sir.
We got a situation.
A small Genii strike force has gated in.
The Genii? The folks who wanted us to build them an A-bomb? They've got Weir and McKay hostage and have control of the gate room.
- You're breaking up.
Did you say hostage? - Affirmative.
(sighs) We're on our way.
- What do you think you're doing? - You heard him.
Look outside, hotshot.
We're not flying through this.
McKay and Weir were taken hostage.
I can't sit here and do nothing.
Neither of us are real pilots.
It was a bad idea an hour ago.
It's an idiotic one now.
- We must take our chances.
- Dr Beckett is right.
We're no use dead.
Major, this is Teyla.
The hurricane is in full force outside.
We could attempt to fly through it, but it's doubtful we'd make it.
And we have three young passengers.
- That's bad news.
- I'm sorry.
So am I.
Just stay put till it passes over.
- Sir - It's OK, Lieutenant.
Get your ass back here as soon as you can.
I could use some backup.
Good luck, sir.
Who are you? Commander Acastus Kolya of the Genii.
This Atlantis is extraordinary.
More than I ever imagined.
What have you done with the rest of my people? I'm quite sure they have no idea we're even here.
- Then they're safe? - Yes.
How were you able to bypass the shield? With a time-tested combination of strong drink and weak minds.
There was a time when our two peoples considered becoming allies.
Why are you doing this? You're in possession of supplies we vitally need.
Hand them over without difficulty and we leave peacefully.
- Or? - We're both intelligent people, Dr Weir.
I'm sure there's no need for me to demonstrate the strength of my resolve.
Which supplies did you have in mind? All of your stores of the C4 explosive.
All of your medical supplies.
The Wraith data device you stole from my people.
And one of your ships.
- Is that all? - No.
Where is Major Sheppard? He's on the mainland.
What you're asking for is not easy.
We've diverted a lot of power to prepare for the storm.
The armoury's safety doors have shut, so we can't Just so we're clear, I know you lie.
Just give him what he needs.
He needs the C4, the medical supplies and the Wraith data device.
Give it to him.
None of that's worth dying for.
Step away from the console.
I was just leaning.
Your request is unreasonable.
You can't possibly need all our C4 or all our medical supplies.
You're in no position to tell me what is reasonable.
How do we know you won't kill us once we give you what we need? You don't.
Please show my men where they can find what they're looking for.
- What are you doing here? - I understand I'm being held hostage.
I mean here in Atlantis.
Why did some of you stay behind? Oh.
Tie up some loose ends.
- Like what? - Make sure everyone got out OK.
- Isn't that for someone less important? - You'd think so, wouldn't you? - You have a plan, don't you? - I got lots of plans about lots of things.
I'm interested in your plan to save the city.
I never said anything about saving anything.
Not yet.
Where's Teyla Emmagan? - You know Teyla? - Is she here? In the city? No, she isn't.
You must be Sora.
I read the Genii mission report.
I'm sorry about your father.
- He'll be avenged.
- Teyla didn't kill him.
- No.
She left him to die.
- She had no choice Are you finished? All of the information we downloaded from the Wraith ship is still on this device.
- What did they do to you? - I tried to keep my mouth shut.
I couldn't What's the meaning of this? - I honestly have no idea.
- It's a radio.
The arrow points to the talk button.
- This is Commander Kolya.
- Kolya.
That's a hard name to pronounce.
Is that a first name? My name's Major John Sheppard.
I have hidden the C4 where you will never, I repeat, never, find it.
When I hear that the prisoners have been safely released and gated off Atlantis, I will help you find it.
- He's good.
- Yes, he is.
I'd do what he says.
- Your offer is very generous, Major.
- Yes, it is.
However, Dr McKay recently told me there's a plan in action to save the city.
- He did? - He did.
I understand one final grounding station needs to be deactivated.
Uncouple the grounding rods at Station Three, assist in reactivating the shield and you and your friends can leave unharmed.
Wait a minute.
I thought all you wanted was C4 and a jumper.
Why raid a city when you can seize it, Major? Atlantis will be ours or the ocean's.
You choose.
We should have heard something from the major.
- He may not have had a chance.
- I hate not knowing what's going on.
- Why would the Genii attack us now? - We didn't exactly leave on the best terms.
We stole some of their gear and didn't give them C4 as promised, and they think Teyla killed one of them.
They believe so falsely.
The fact that they chose our weakest hour is no coincidence.
Someone must have told them we'd be diminished.
- There must be a way back.
- Those winds are blowing at 110 knots.
We're not going anywhere, son.
Thank you for seeing me.
This city was designed to be inhabited by the Ancients and their descendants.
Although there is limited functionality for those who do not have the Ancient gene, only those who have it can revive the city to its true potential.
- And you have this gene? - No, but many of my team do.
The Wraith are slowly waking.
Soon this galaxy will be in a war the likes of which our generations have never seen.
A war that you expedited.
Disagreements like ours will no longer matter.
The only thing of any consequence will be how prepared we are and what defence we are able to mount.
This city holds many secrets which could help us win that war.
But only if my team are here to discover them.
So, fine, take whatever you need for your people, but if you don't leave us this city, you're hurting yourselves in the long run.
You believe your people, who are not even of this galaxy, are closer to the Ancients than we are? Your arrogance is astounding.
We will take this city, we will mount a defence and we will win, with or without your help, Dr Weir.
Sir, he's at the grounding station.
- The commander's here.
- He's just standing there, sir.
- Do not approach until he's finished.
- Yes, sir.
Use lethal force only if necessary.
- You told him he would be unharmed.
- Let's hope he doesn't put up a fight.
He's stopped.
He's not at the control panel.
He's looking around.
- Hold your fire.
- Those control panels are fragile Let me tell you what you did wrong, Kolya.
A: You lost two of your men.
B: You damaged the switch before I could separate the grounding rods, which I'm sure you're gonna get an earful from McKay for.
And C: You lost all of what little credibility you had with me.
You know how big a setback that is? I may not be able to activate the shield - You killed two of my men.
- I guess we're even.
I don't like even.
I'm not finished yet.
Neither am I.
Say goodbye to Dr Weir.
The city has a self-destruct button.
If you hurt her, I'll activate it.
Nobody'll get Atlantis.
Even if it exists, Major, you need at least two senior personnel to activate it.
I'm taking one of them out of the equation.
Kolya? Kolya? I'll give you a ship.
I'll fly it out of here for you myself.
Kolya?