Transcript VO
TEASER
EXT-ANTARCTICA, SEVERAL MILLION YEARS AGO, NIGHT
[A puddle jumper flies through the air heading towards the city ship of Atlantis.]
INT-ATLANTIS OUTPOST CHAIR ROOM, SEVERAL MILLION YEARS AGO, NIGHT
[An Ancient man and woman exchange wordless, emotional gazes as the jumper approaches the dock. She watches him depart with a wistful gaze, then stares out the window towards the cityscape of Atlantis.]
EXT-ANTARCTICA, SEVERAL MILLION YEARS AGO, NIGHT
[Atlantis lifts off from the ground and flies into space.]
EXT-ANTARCTICA, PRESENT DAY, DAY
[The international research outpost is set up over the the Ancient outpost chair room deep below.]
INT-ANTARCTIC OUPOST
[An elevator containing Dr. Weir lowers into the Ancient outpost. Several personnel are milling around, conducting experiments. Grodin studies an inactive drone weapon.]
TECHNICIAN
(over loudspeaker)
This is Operations. General O'Neill is inbound, 20 minutes out.
[Weir approaches Grodin.]
GRODIN
Dr. Weir.
WEIR
Peter.
[She watches him a moment, then heads toward the chair room.]
INT-ANCIENT OUTPOST CHAIR ROOM
[Beckett stands up from the chair, arguing with McKay as Weir arrives.]
BECKETT
You see? Nothing.
[He leaves.]
MCKAY
Carson, get back here.
BECKETT
I could sit in that chair all bloody day long, and nothing will happen. It's a waste of time.
(passing Weir)
Excuse me, Dr. Weir.
MCKAY
(arguing to Weir)
He's not even trying.
WEIR
He's the one who discovered the gene this technology responds to.
MCKAY
Yeah, well, he said he wished he never had it.
WEIR
(surprised)
Really?
MCKAY
I know. Can you believe that?
WEIR
(teasing)
We could always test you a third time, Rodney.
MCKAY
(unamused)
That's very funny.
WEIR
We have only found a handful of people who are genetically compatible with the Ancient technology, and despite your heroic efforts to interface ours with theirs, we need every one of them to sit in this chair,including Dr. Beckett.
MCKAY
What am I supposed to do? He's afraid of the thing.
WEIR
This chair controls the most powerful weapons known to humankind. I'm afraid of the thing. But every time someone sits in it, we learn something new about the Ancients who built this outpost. Dr. Beckett should be proud he's genetically advanced.
MCKAY
It's not more advanced. It is a random characteristic.
WEIR
(shrewdly)
This really bothers you, this whole gene thing, huh?
MCKAY
(sarcastic)
Oh, clearly, I am overcome with envy.
[Daniel rushes in.]
DANIEL
Ah, just the people I need to see.
[He immediately turns and rushes away. McKay and Weir exchange looks. Daniel doubles back and beckons them.]
DANIEL
Come with me.
INT-ANCIENT OUTPOST LAB
[They follow Daniel into another room filled with computer monitors showing gate addresses and paper star charts. Daniel stands by a whiteboard covered with Stargate chevrons.]
DANIEL
We've gotten closer and closer to finding the location of the Lost City, but it turns out we've been looking in the wrong place all along. Now, we thought we had a stargate address-six symbols representing coordinates in space that determined the location of the planet the Ancients went to after they left Antarctica. Now, recently, we determined a seventh symbol.
[He draws the symbol for Earth.]
WEIR
The point of origin, Earth.
DANIEL
That's not it.
MCKAY
Then your address must be incorrect.
DANIEL
Not incorrect. Incomplete.
[He draws another symbol on the chart between the sixth symbol and the one for Earth.]
WEIR
(intrigued)
What are you saying, Dr. Jackson?
[Daniel labels the new symbol and Earth's with the numbers 7 and 8.]
DANIEL
It's an eight-symbol address. What we're looking for may be further away than we ever imagined, but it's not out of reach.
MCKAY
Atlantis.
DANIEL
(nodding)
Atlantis. I think we can go there.
END TEASER
OPENING CREDITS
EXT-ANTARCTICA, DAY
[A helicopter flies across the Antarctic landscape.]
INT-HELICOPTER
[Sheppard sits at the controls. O'Neill sits next to him.]
SHEPPARD
Apache, Blackhawk, Cobra, Osprey...
O'NEILL
It's a lot of training for the Antarctic.
SHEPPARD
It was the one continent I never set foot on.
O'NEILL
It's one of my least favorite continents.
SHEPPARD
I kind of like it here.
O'NEILL
(incredulous)
You like it here?
SHEPPARD
Yes, sir. Be there in about ten minutes, sir.
INT-ANCIENT OUTPOST CHAIR ROOM AREA
[McKay herds Beckett back towards the chair.]
BECKETT
Look, we've been through this. I'm not your man.
MCKAY
Keep moving.
BECKETT
I'm a doctor. A medical doctor.
MCKAY
There's nothing to be afraid of.
BECKETT
You don't understand. I break things like this.
MCKAY
(insistent)
This device has survived for millions of years intact. It will survive you. Now, sit down, close your eyes, and concentrate.
[Beckett sighs in resignation and sits in the chair. After a split second he shrugs, frustrated, and starts to get up.]
BECKETT
Again, nothing.
[McKay signals for him to stay seated.]
MCKAY
Okay, this time just try to imagine an image of where we are in the solar system.
[Skeptical, Beckett closes his eyes and concentrates.]
BECKETT
I think I feel something.
(opening his eyes)
It could be lunch-related.
MCKAY
(annoyed)
Shut up. And concentrate.
[Beckett grimaces, but complies, closing his eyes again in concentration. The chair lights up and shoves backward. Beckett opens his eyes, mouth agape in surprise.]
INT-ANCIENT OUTPOST OUTER CHAMBER
[The drone Grodin has been studying suddenly activates, catching Grodin by surprise.]
INT-ANCIENT CHAIR ROOM
[McKay and Beckett stare in shock and horror as the drone in the outer room starts flying around the room.]
INT-ANCIENT OUTPOST OUTER CHAMBER
[People everywhere dive out of the way as the drone ping-pongs out of control throughout the chamber.]
WOMAN
Watch out!
[The drone finds the opening of the elevator shaft and flies up it.]
INT-ANCIENT CHAIR ROOM
BECKETT
What did I do?
INT-ANTARCTICA OUTPOST ELEVATOR SHAFT
[The cage elevator rising to the surface contains Weir, Daniel, and two women. They see the lit drone streak past them, causing the elevator to tremble.]
WEIR
Get us back down there!
EXT-ANTARCTICA, DAY
[The drone bursts through the outpost roof and starts flying at high speed through the sky.]
INT-HELICOPTER
TECHNICIAN
(over radio) All inbound craft, we have a rogue drone that could seek a target on its own. Land immediately and shut down your engines. This is not a drill. I repeat-
SHEPPARD
It's too late. Hang on.
[Sheppard barely avoids the drone that streaks around the helicopter twice, locking onto the helicopter as a target.]
O'NEILL
Break right.
[Sheppard dodges the drone again by flying higher and to the left.]
O'NEILL
I said, right!
SHEPPARD
I'm getting to that, sir.
INT-ANCIENT OUTPOST
[Daniel immediately runs toward the chair room. Weir pauses a moment, taking in the devastation before running after Daniel.]
INT-ANCIENT ANTARCTIC CHAIR ROOM
[Weir runs up to Beckett her arms outstretched in bewilderment.]
BECKETT
I told you I was the wrong person.
MCKAY
It doesn't matter now. Just do something!
BECKETT
Like what?
WEIR
(soothingly)
Okay, Carson, concentrate on shutting that weapon down before it hurts someone.
INT-HELICOPTER
[Sheppard looks through his windows searching for the drone.]
SHEPPARD
I can't see it.
O'NEILL
(sharply)
Pull up. Pull up!
EXT-ANTARCTICA, DAY
[The helicopter barely misses a mountain ridge then dives down underneath the erratic path of the drone.]
INT-ANCIENT CHAIR ROOM
[Beckett concentrates while sitting in the chair as everyone watches him anxiously.]
INT-HELICOPTER
O'NEILL
What about now?
SHEPPARD
(breathless)
Now's good.
EXT-ANTARCTICA, DAY
[The helicopter skims over the surface. The drone piles into the snow. The helicopter itself lands on a flat surface.]
INT-HELICOPTER
O'NEILL
(sharply)
Shut it down!
[Sheppard complies.]
SHEPPARD
(nervously)
Sir, what the hell was that?
O'NEILL
(holding up his hand)
Wait for it.
[They watch and wait. A few seconds later, the drone bursts out of the snowbank, still at high speed, and heading straight for the helicopter.]
SHEPPARD
Get out!
[The pair scramble out of the helicopter. Sheppard takes a belly-flop into the snow. The drone powers down and slides to a stop mere inches away from O'Neill.]
INT-ANCIENT CHAIR ROOM
[Beckett opens his eyes.]
BECKETT
I think I did it.
INT-HELICOPTER
[Sheppard and O'Neill warily reenter their helicopter.]
SHEPPARD
(breathlessly)
That was different.
O'NEILL
(resigned)
For me, not so much.
INT-ANCIENT CHAIR ROOM
[Lieutenant Aiden Ford runs into the room.]
FORD
Major Sheppard is reporting the drone appears to have been incapacitated. General O'Neill's helicopter is unharmed, and on its way again. Seven minutes out.
[Everyone sighs in relief.]
WEIR
Thank God.
BECKETT
Holy crap.
EXT-ANTARCTIC OUTPOST, DAY
INT-ANCIENT OUPOST
[O'Neill and Sheppard exit the elevator. Daniel hurries to greet them.]
DANIEL
Jack!
O'NEILL
(dryly)
Daniel. Warm welcome.
DANIEL
It wasn't me. How did you manage to-
O'NEILL
Keep my ass from getting blown out of the sky? The exceptional flying of Major John Sheppard. He likes it here.
DANIEL
(bewildered)
Exceptional? You like it here?
O'NEILL
(pokes Daniel's chest)
What say we cut to the part where you start talking real fast?
DANIEL
Ah. Weir's in here.
O'NEILL
(to Sheppard)
Hey. Don't touch anything.
SHEPPARD
Yes, sir.
[O'Neill and Daniel leave Sheppard where he nervously looks around the busy room. Scientists are back at their experiments or still cleaning up the mess left by the drone.]
INT-ANCIENT OUPOST STAR-CHART ROOM
DANIEL
I figure the Ancients packed up their entire city and left somewhere between five and ten million years ago.
O'NEILL
(humoring him)
In their...flying city?
DANIEL
Yes.
[O'Neill shoots Daniel an amused, skeptical look.]
DANIEL
What?
O'NEILL
"Flying city?"
DANIEL
Well, keeping in mind this is the race that built the Stargates. They did everything big.
O'NEILL
So, why did they leave?
DANIEL
Why'd they leave? Um, who knows? We know the Ancients on Earth were suffering from a plague. Um, maybe some of them were trying to start over, seeding life in a new galaxy. Maybe that's what Ancients do. The point is, we know where they went.
O'NEILL
Pegasus.
DANIEL
Yes, it's-it's the name of a dwarf galaxy in the local group.
MCKAY
After all that time, is there any hope of actually meeting them?
DANIEL
(looks to Weir)
Uh, well, who knows, but isn't that reason enough to go?
WEIR
Well, I've been choosing members for this expedition for months, Doctor. I'm not the one who needs convincing.
O'NEILL
Well, I'm convinced. Have fun.
DANIEL
Uh, it-it's a little more complicated than that.
MCKAY
We need the "Zed-PM" to power the gate.
O'NEILL
What?
DANIEL
"Zee-PM". He's, uh, he's Canadian.
O'NEILL
(to McKay, half-mockingly)
I'm sorry.
MCKAY
Oh, "Zero-Point Module," General. The Ancient power source you recovered from Praclarush Taonas and that's now powering the outpost's defenses. I've since determined that it generates its enormous power from vacuum energy derived from a self-contained region of subspace time.
O'NEILL
That was a waste of a perfectly good explanation. The answer's no.
INT-ANTARCTIC OUTPOST, CHAIR ROOM AREA
[Sheppard wanders near the chair room, where he hears Beckett bragging to a few scientists who are entranced by his tale.]
BECKETT
(chuckling)
The second I shut my eyes, I could see. I just felt this power that I've never had before. I had it dancing all across the sky. It was magical, it really was. I mean, well, they are lucky. I don't know where it came from. I just tried to concentrate, and the drone shut itself down.
[Sheppard sees Beckett speaking to two others next to the chair.]
SHEPPARD
So you were the one.
BECKETT
Me?
SHEPPARD
(angrily)
You're the one who fired that thing at me.
BECKETT
(placating)
Look, we're doing research, working with technology that's light-years beyond us, and we make mistakes. I'm incredibly, incredibly sorry.
SHEPPARD
(mollified)
Well, next time, just be a little more careful, okay?
BECKETT
That's what I said.
SHEPPARD
What the hell was that thing anyway?
BECKETT
You mean the drone?
[Sheppard nods.]
BECKETT
The weapon the Ancients built to defend this outpost.
SHEPPARD
The who?
BECKETT
(worried)
You do have security clearance to be here?
SHEPPARD
Yeah, yeah, General O'Neill just gave it to me.
BECKETT
(gulping in surprise)
Then you don't even know about the Stargate.
SHEPPARD
The what?
INT-ANCIENT OUPOST CHAMBER
DANIEL
Jack, you know that gating to another galaxy requires an enormous amount of power.
O'NEILL
Yes, I do. Find another way.
DANIEL
There's no other way.
O'NEILL
Do you think there are more of these...zed things in Atlantis?
DANIEL
Yes, and who knows what else we could find. This isn't just some other civilization we're talking about. These are the gate builders.
WEIR
The potential wealth of knowledge and technology outweighs anything we've come across since we stepped through the Stargate.
O'NEILL
Well, with the amount of power you'll need to make this trek, odds are it'll be one-way.
WEIR
Yes, we know. But the benefit to humanity is far greater than the risk, General. And it is a risk that every one of my expedition members is willing to take.
[O'Neill considers this.]
INT-ANCIENT OUPOST CHAIR ROOM
BECKETT
We think the gene was used as a sort of genetic key, if you will, so that only their kind could operate certain dangerous or powerful technologies.
SHEPPARD
So some people have the same genes as these Ancients?
BECKETT
The specific gene is very rare, but on the whole, they look very much like we do. In fact, they were first. We're the second evolution of this form, the Ancients having explored this galaxy for millions of years before-
[He notices Sheppard is moving to sit in the chair.]
BECKETT
Major, please don't.
SHEPPARD
(sitting)
Come on, what are the odds of me having the same genes as these guys?
[As soon as Sheppard sits down, the chair activates. Sheppard freezes out of nervousness.]
BECKETT
(shocked)
Quite slim, actually.
(calling out)
Dr. Weir!
(to Sheppard)
Don't move.
[He runs out of the room. A few moments later. Weir, McKay, O'Neill and Daniel return with him.]
WEIR
Who is this?
O'NEILL
(exasperated)
I said don't touch anything.
SHEPPARD
(protesting)
I just sat down.
MCKAY
Major, think about where we are in the solar system.
[After a moment, a three dimensional holographic image of the solar system appears over their heads. Weir is elated. McKay is shocked.]
SHEPPARD
Did I do that?
EXT-ANCIENT OUTPOST SURFACE
INT-ANCIENT OUTPOST
[O'Neill and Weir walk through the facility.]
WEIR
We could be on our way to discovering an entirely new Ancient civilization. The best case scenario, we meet actual Ancients who are willing to help us, but if we don't...
[O'Neill becomes particularly distracted as they pass the stasis chamber he had been trapped in for several months.]
WEIR
General, we need him.
O'NEILL
Sorry, Doc, I need Daniel here.
WEIR
I'm talking about Major Sheppard.
O'NEILL
Oh. Don't you have a dozen or so people already who can use the Ancient technology?
WEIR
Yes, with concentration and training, they can make it work, but John Sheppard, he does it naturally.
[They pause by the elevator.]
O'NEILL
You know, I've checked into his record.
WEIR
I know about the whole supposed black mark in Afghanistan. He was trying to save the lives of three servicemen.
O'NEILL
Disobeying a direct order in the process.
WEIR
(ironically)
I have read your own file, General. Please.
O'NEILL
Right.
(sighing)
Okay, it's your expedition. You want him, you ask him.
WEIR
Uh, that's the thing. I have.
O'NEILL
(surprised)
Really?
INT-HELICOPTER
[Sheppard prepares for departure. O'Neill sits next to him.]
O'NEILL
This isn't a long trip, so I'll be as succinct as possible.
[He glares at Sheppard for several moments.]
SHEPPARD
Well, that's pretty succinct.
O'NEILL
Thank you.
SHEPPARD
I told Dr. Weir that, you know, I'd think about it.
O'NEILL
And? So? Well? What?
SHEPPARD
With all due respect, sir, we were just attacked by an alien missile. And then I found out I have some mutant gene. Then there's this "Stargate thing" and these expeditions to other galaxies.
O'NEILL
You know, this isn't about you, Sheppard. It's a lot bigger than that.
SHEPPARD
Right now, at this very second, whether I decide to go on this mission or not seems to be about me.
[He starts up the rotors and fixes his helmet.]
O'NEILL
Let me ask you something.
[He realizes Sheppard can no longer hear him and snags his own headset.]
O'NEILL
(into headset)
Why'd you become a pilot?
SHEPPARD
I think people who don't want to fly are crazy.
O'NEILL
And I think people who don't want to go through the Stargate are equally as whacked. Now, if you can't give me a yes by the time we reach McMurdo, I don't even want you.
[Sheppard stares at O'Neill in shock.]
EXT-ANTARCTICA
[The helicopter flies across the sky.]
INT-SIMON'S LIVING ROOM
[Simon sits on a sofa and starts watching a video of Weir.]
WEIR
(over video)
Simon, if you're watching this, it means the President has been kind enough to grant you security clearance. I'm not going on a diplomatic mission to another country. I'm going to another planet in another galaxy by means of a device called a Stargate.
BEGIN EXCERPTS
WEIR
(continuing video in voiceover)
Millions of years ago, there was a race of beings we call the Ancients. They created a network of these Stargates throughout our galaxy in order to travel freely among their worlds. We don't know why, but they left for another galaxy somewhere between five and ten million years ago, taking their entire city along with them. That city was called Atlantis. I have been assembling an expedition team in order to try to find Atlantis and hopefully, the Ancients who left Earth all those years ago.
[While Weir speaks other scenes appear showing expedition members preparing to leave. Ford kisses his grandparents goodbye before getting into a taxi. Beckett sits down to a home-cooked meal in his mother's kitchen, his mother doting on him. McKay leaves his cat with a neighbor, complete with a supply of food. Sheppard sits on a hillside in a park near a coastline, flipping a coin indecisively.]
END EXCERPTS
WEIR
(continuing on video)
I want to do this, Simon with all my heart. You know me well enough to know I could never turn down an opportunity like this, but I wanted the chance to tell you-
[Simon pauses the video and moves over to the phone. He dials a number.]
OPERATOR
(over telephone)
The cellular customer you are trying to reach is currently outside the coverage area.
[Simon hangs up.]
SIMON
No kidding.
EXT-CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN, DAY
INT-LEVEL 28, STARGATE COMMAND
[The corridors are crowded with expedition members move equipment around, preparing for departure.]
CANADIAN EXPEDITION MEMBER
I narrowed it down to about three things, but after a week, it just kind of fell into place...
[Grodin speaks Spanish to another member and pats him on the back.]
[In another area outside the Gate Room, a couple of expedition members are speaking with Ford.]
FORD
(frustrated)
I don't under-does anyone else here speak whatever language these guys are speaking?
INT-SGC GATE ROOM
[More expedition members finish packing. Bates argues with Beckett.]
BECKETT
Listen, I just need a couple of minutes to finish my work, and you're not helping by standing there.
[Sumner stands on the ramp, overseeing the progress. He walks past the technicians working on the MALP.]
SUMNER
(to technicians)
You've got five minutes to get it going, or I'm leaving it.
[Sumner walks down the ramp towards Bates and Beckett.]
SUMNER
(to Beckett)
Everything in here has been double-checked and triple-checked and cleared for takeoff. Leave it alone.
BECKETT
Look, Colonel, I don't answer to you.
BATES
He said the same to me, sir.
SUMNER
(to Bates)
That's what your sidearm's for.
INT-SGC CONTROL ROOM
[Weir is among the expedition members working with SGC personnel to prepare for departure. Daniel enters with an expedition member.]
DANIEL
So the eight-chevron address is what tells our gate to look for a point in space outside of our galaxy, so we won't know until it locks.
EXPEDITION SCIENTIST
Okay.
[O'Neill enters from the stairwell with a jaunty step.]
O'NEILL
Are we there yet?
WEIR
We're just waiting on Dr. McKay.
INT-SGC POWER ROOM
[McKay and Siler work on hooking up a generator device to the power grid. McKay holds a ZPM.]
SILER
It should work now. I've got it.
MCKAY
Okay, Sergeant, give it a try. The ZPM should light up when it senses a conductive connection to the gate.
[McKay plugs in the ZPM. Siler pulls a lever. The ZPM activates.]
MCKAY
(pleased)
Oh, yeah.
INT-SGC GATE ROOM
[Sheppard heads into the Gate Room, watching the bustle of activity.]
SHEPPARD
(to Sumner)
Colonel.
[Sumner stares at Sheppard coldly. Sheppard is disappointed in the scrutiny. Weir enters.]
WEIR
Can I have everyone's attention, please? All right, here we go. We're about to try to make a connection. We have been unable to predict exactly how much power this is going to take, and we may only get the one chance at this. So if we're able to achieve a stable wormhole, we're not going to risk shutting the 'gate down. We'll send in the MALP robot probe, check for viability, and go. Everything in one shot. Now, every one of you volunteered for this mission, and you represent over a dozen countries. You are the world's best and brightest. And in light of the adventure we are about to embark on, you're also the bravest. I hope we all return one day having discovered a whole new realm for humanity to explore. But as all of you know, we may never be able to return home. I'd like to offer you all one last chance to withdraw your participation.
[No one responds.]
WEIR
Begin the dialing sequence.
[She steps off the ramp.]
SUMNER
(low, to Sheppard)
Let me make myself clear, Major. You are not here by my choice.
SHEPPARD
I'm sure you'll warm up to me once you get to know me, sir.
SUMNER
As long as you remember who's giving the orders.
[Sheppard smirks.]
SHEPPARD
That would be Dr. Weir, right?
[Sumner glares. Sheppard smiles and rolls his eyes as he turns away.]
INT-SGC CONTROL ROOM
[Weir rejoins O'Neill and Daniel in the room.]
TECHNICIAN
Chevron Three encoded. Chevron Four encoded.
O'NEILL
Nice.
WEIR
Thank you.
TECHNICIAN
Chevron Five encoded.
[McKay rushes in and joins the other.]
TECHNICIAN
Chevron Six encoded.
WEIR
(nervous and excited)
This is it.
MCKAY
(quietly)
Yeah.
WEIR
(teasingly)
Seriously, Doctor, calm down. You're embarrassing me.
MCKAY
(drily)
I've never been so excited in my entire life.
TECHNICIAN
Chevron Eight is locked.
INT-SGC GATE ROOM
[The Stargate activates. Everyone applauds.]
INT-SGC CONTROL ROOM
[O'Neill squelches a pleased smile.]
WEIR
Send the MALP.
[The technician sends a command code. and the MALP enters the Stargate. A dark image appears on the monitor.]
TECHNICIAN
We have MALP telemetry.
WEIR
What is it we're looking at?
[McKay joins the technician at the controls.]
TECHNICIAN
Switching to zero locks.
MCKAY
The radar indicates...a large room?
DANIEL
(incredulous)
Structurally intact?
MCKAY
Environmental sensors say there's oxygen, no measurable toxins. We have viable life support. It looks like we're not getting out of this.
[He smiles and leaves. Weir smiles and turns to O'Neill.]
O'NEILL
Dr. Weir, you have a go.
WEIR
Thank you...sir.
INT-SGC GATE ROOM
[Sumner and an initial team head up the ramp.]
SUMNER
(shouting)
Let's go, people. We don't know how much power we've got. Security teams One and Two, you're up first. All other personnel will follow on our signal. Once on the other side, keep moving, clear the debarkation area. On my lead...
WEIR
(entering)
Hold on, Colonel!
(snagging her pack)
We go through together.
SUMNER
Fair enough.
[Sumner readies his weapon and leads his team through. Weir pauses a moment and looks back at O'Neill and Daniel in the Gate Room. She nods a farewell, then steps through the Stargate.]
INT-SGC CONTROL ROOM
DANIEL
(wistful)
Jack, it-it's not too late for me-
O'NEILL
(flatly)
No.
DANIEL
I can just grab my-
O'NEILL
No.
DANIEL
...kit.
SUMNER
(over radio)
All clear. It looks good.
O'NEILL
(into intercom)
Expedition team...move out.
INT-SGC GATE ROOM
[Sheppard and Ford are next in line to go through the Stargate.]
SHEPPARD
(nervous)
What's it feel like?
[Ford takes stock of Sheppard.]
FORD
Hurts like hell, sir.
[Sheppard grimaces, readying himself. Ford breaks out into a grin and leaps backward into the event horizon.]
FORD
Whoo-hoo!
[Sheppard pauses, wincing, then steps through, eyes closed.]
WORMHOLE EFFECT
[The wormhole is green in color as it heads to the Pegasus Galaxy.]
INT-ATLANTIS GATE ROOM
[Sheppard comes out of the wormhole and looks back in shock. He readies his weapon though in the strange environment.]
SUMNER
Teams One and Two, secure the immediate area.
INT-SGC GATE ROOM
[Personnel start to push equipment through the Stargate.]
INT-ATLANTIS GATE ROOM
[Sumner heads towards a door, which opens automatically as he approaches. He turns back.]
SUMNER
(shouting)
Everyone else, find an open space and park it until instructed otherwise.
[Weir stares around. She notices how the steps light up as Sheppard and McKay start to walk up them.]
WEIR
Who's doing that?
SUMNER
(into radio)
Security teams, any alien contact?
TEAM
Negative, sir.
TEAM
Team Four, negative, Colonel.
[At the top of the stairwell, Sheppard heads towards the control room, and the lights activate there.]
SHEPPARD
The lights are coming on by themselves.
[He and McKay start to explore the room as more personnel arrive with equipment.]
SUMNER
That's everyone.
WEIR
(into radio)
General O'Neill? Atlantis base offers greetings from the Pegasus Galaxy. You may cut power to the 'gate.
[A bottle of champagne rolls through the Stargate as the wormhole deactivates. Weir picks it up. A tag on the neck reads. "Bon Voyage-Gen. Jack O'Neill".]
INT-ATLANTIS CONFERENCE ROOM
[Some people enter the conference room.]
INT-ATLANTIS CORRIDOR
[Lights activate as people explore.]
INT-JUMPER BAY
[Two scientists enter a room filled with several small craft docked inside.]
SCIENTIST 1
(excited)
They look like ships. Spaceships!
SCIENTIST 2
I love it.
[They move further into the room and see there's more than one level of the small ships as the lights come on.]
SCIENTIST 1
(into radio)
Dr. Weir, you have to see this.
INT-OFFICE
[Weir sets her bag down in the room off the control room (that will become her office).]
WEIR
(into radio)
I have a lot of things to see. Just be careful.
INT-ATLANTIS CONTROL ROOM
[Weir walks the catwalk back into the control room where McKay, Sheppard, and others are taking sheets off the stations and looking at devices. As Sheppard walks by a monitor it lights up.]
SHEPPARD
(protesting)
I didn't touch anything.
WEIR
Relax, Major. It's like the entire complex is sensing our presence and coming to life.
MCKAY
This has got to be the control room. This is obviously their version of a DHD.
SHEPPARD
(sarcastic)
Oh, obviously.
MCKAY
(moving to another console)
This area could be power control systems, possibly a computer interface-
WEIR
Hey, hey. Why don't you find out?
MCKAY
Right.
SUMNER
(over radio)
Dr. Weir, Colonel Sumner. Could you come down and meet me, please? We're three levels down from you.
WEIR
Right away.
INT-ATLANTIS CORRIDOR
[Weir and Sheppard join Sumner.]
SUMNER
We've only been able to secure a fraction of the place. It's huge.
WEIR
So it might really be the lost city of Atlantis?
SUMNER
I'd say that's a good bet.
[He leads them to a glass door.]
WEIR
Oh, my God.
[They stare at the strange green setting. Above them, they can see sunlight peeking through the surface of waves.]
WEIR
We're underwater.
SUMNER
I'd say we're under several hundred feet of ocean. If we can't dial out, this could be a problem.
[McKay arrives.]
MCKAY
Colonel, Dr. Weir-
SHEPPARD
(excited)
We're underwater.
MCKAY
Yes, I was just coming to tell you. Fortunately, there's some sort of a force field holding back the... (he slows, looking at the scene) water. Oh, that is impressive, isn't it? Uh, Dr. Beckett has found something you should, uh, see.
[They follow him.]
INT-HOLOGRAM ROOM
[A holographic Ancient woman speaks on a platform. Weir, Sumner, Sheppard, and McKay enter. Beckett stands by the console.]
ANCIENT WOMAN HOLOGRAM
...in the hope of spreading new life in a galaxy where there appeared to be none. Soon, the new life grew and prospered. Here...
BECKETT
(excited)
It's a hologram. The recording loops. This is my second time through.
SUMNER
What have we missed?
BECKETT
Not much.
ANCIENT WOMAN HOLOGRAM
(continuing)
...exchange knowledge and friendship. In time, a thousand worlds bore the fruit of life in this form. Then one day, our people set foot upon a dark world where a terrible enemy slept.
[Over her head an image of the galaxy with individual star systems appear.]
ANCIENT WOMAN HOLOGRAM
Never before had we encountered beings with powers that rivaled our own. In our overconfidence, we were unprepared and outnumbered. The enemy fed upon the defenseless human worlds like a great scourge, until finally, only Atlantis remained.
[The stars turn red to show the spread of the terrible enemy throughout the galaxy.]
ANCIENT WOMAN HOLOGRAM
This city's great shield was powerful enough to withstand their terrible weapons, but here we were besieged for many years. In an effort to save the last of our kind, we submerged our great city into the ocean. The Atlantis Stargate was the one and only link back to Earth from this galaxy, and those who remained used it to return to that world that was once home. There, the last survivors of Atlantis lived out the remainder of their lives. This city was left to slumber, in the hope that our kind would one day return.
[The hologram stops speaking, and Beckett steps away from the console. She disappears.]
MCKAY
Huh. So the story of Atlantis is true. A great city that sank in the ocean.
BECKETT
It just didn't happen on Earth.
MCKAY
Well, the Ancient Greeks must have heard it from one of the surviving Ancients.
SUMNER
I don't like the fact they got their asses kicked.
[Grodin enters and whispers to McKay. Beckett steps to the console, activating the hologram.]
BECKETT
Let's see again from the beginning.
MCKAY
(nervously)
Stop. Turn it off.
[Nonplussed, Beckett steps back.]
MCKAY
Power levels throughout the city are dropping like a stone.
SUMNER
What does that mean?
MCKAY
That if we don't stop everything we're doing right now, we are dead.
[McKay hurries out with Grodin. Puzzled, everyone else follows.]
INT-ATLANTIS GATE ROOM
[Everyone is now back in the control room. McKay works on his computer.]
BECKETT
(nervous)
Please tell me this is not my fault.
MCKAY
(rolling his eyes)
No.
BECKETT
Thank you.
MCKAY
From what we've been able to ascertain, the city is powered by three Zero-Point Modules. Two are entirely depleted, and the third is reaching maximum entropy. When it does, it will die too, and nothing can reverse that.
SUMNER
Just tell me the bottom line.
MCKAY
The force field holding back the ocean has collapsed to its minimum sustainable levels. Look, you can see here and here where the shield's already failed and the city's flooded. It could've happened years ago. but... This section is likely more protected because of the Stargate.
SHEPPARD
What if it fails completely?
MCKAY
It's a matter of "when," not "if."
WEIR
Colonel Sumner, you need to order your security teams to stop searching the city immediately.
SUMNER
(into radio)
All security teams, fall back to the gate room.
MCKAY
That's not going to be good enough.
WEIR
All right, well, how much time do we have?
MCKAY
It's hard to say. Hours, maybe days, if we minimize power expenditure.
BECKETT
What about our own power generators?
MCKAY
We're working on that, but even with our most advanced, naquadah-powered generators, the equations are coming up far short.
WEIR
So we need to find more ZPMs.
SUMNER
How do we do that if we can't search the city?
MCKAY
If there were more here, we'd be able to detect them.
SUMNER
Can we use the Stargate?
MCKAY
There's nowhere near enough power to open a wormhole back to Earth.
SHEPPARD
Maybe somewhere in this galaxy.
MCKAY
(considering)
Well, that's relatively easy. Fortunately, some Ancient technology still uses good, old-fashioned push buttons, so we've been able to access the Stargate control system and a library of known gate addresses in the database.
GRODIN
That's not all. Look at this.
[Pleased, he pushes a button. A shield encompasses the Stargate.]
SUMNER
Just like the Iris on the Earth gate.
MCKAY
(nervously)
Using power, using power, using power...
[Grodin powers down the shield.]
WEIR
Well, at least we don't have to deal with any uninvited guests. Colonel, assemble a team. We need safe harbor, or better still, another power source.
SUMNER
(into radio)
Lieutenant Ford, gather security teams One and Two. Everyone gear up.
WEIR
(to Sheppard)
Major, I'd like you to go along.
SHEPPARD
Yes, ma'am.
WEIR
(to McKay)
All right, pick an address. Start dialing.
[McKay presses a key. The Stargate whirs to life and one chevron lights up.]
MCKAY
(with pomp)
Chevron one encoded.
[Weir closes her eyes.]
WEIR
(impatient)
Rodney...
MCKAY
Fine.
[McKay dials the rest of the address in quick succession and the Stargate whirs to activation.]
GRODIN
Ready MALP Four for off-world recon.
[McKay hits the center control, and the Stargate activates.]
INT-ATLANTIS GATE ROOM
[Sumner's team readies at the event horizon. Grodin runs down the stairs and stands nearby studying a display.]
GRODIN
The MALP reads full viability and no immediate signs of activity around the Stargate, but it's pitch black. For now, we're going to use the tried and true system for identification of inbound gate travelers.
[Sheppard joins Sumner's team, readying his infrared goggles, which everyone else already wears. Sumner glances at Weir who nods her approval.]
SUMNER
Let's move out!
[They step through the Stargate. Sheppard waves farewell at Weir before walking through.]
INT-ATHOS, NIGHT
[The teams spread out and reconnoiter the field where they've arrived. Sheppard hears a twig snap and he motions Ford to hold. They check out the movement. A figure enters Ford's field of vision; he raises and readies his weapon. The figure, a young boy, stares in fear at Ford. Another boy wearing a scary mask pounces on the first figure in a tackle, not noticing Ford.]
JINTO
(panicked)
Please, don't hurt us.
[Both boys stare in fear at Ford. Sheppard arrives. A tall man runs towards the children.]
HALLING
Please! They're just playing.
[Sumner approaches.]
SUMNER
Is everything okay here, Sheppard?
SHEPPARD
Yes, sir. Just a couple of kids.
[Halling rises to his full height, which is several inches taller than Sumner. Sumner raises his weapon in a guarded, but not threatening manner. Halling gathers the boys close to him. He turns to Sheppard and gestures to himself.]
HALLING
Halling.
SHEPPARD
I don't know what that means.
SUMNER
(annoyed)
It's his name.
SHEPPARD
Oh. Halling, it's nice to meet you.
HALLING
Are you here to trade?
SHEPPARD
Trade. Yes. We're tr-traders.
HALLING
(to Jinto)
Now, how many times have I told you not to play in the forest after dark? I'm just glad you're safe.
[They touch foreheads and Halling rises again.]
HALLING
(to Sheppard)
Teyla will wish to meet with you. Come.
SUMNER
(to Parker and Smitty)
Parker, Smitty, you're on gate duty. Dial Atlantis base and let the good doctor know we've made contact with the indigenous people.
[Sumner, Ford, Sheppard, and others follow Halling.]
FORD
Sir, if you don't mind my asking...I noticed you've got a problem with Major Sheppard.
SUMNER
My problem, Lieutenant, is with his record. I don't like anybody who doesn't follow the proper chain of command.
FORD
Yes, sir.
[Jinto walks with Sheppard.]
JINTO
What was that mask you had on?
SHEPPARD
It helps you see in the dark. Check it out.
[He hands his infrared goggles to Jinto, who puts them on.]
JINTO
Whoa.
WEX
Let me see.
(he looks)
Whoa. Can I have it?
[Sheppard takes the goggles back.]
SHEPPARD
No. What's the mask you got on?
WEX
This? Wraith.
SHEPPARD
Wraith? What's that?
WEX
(surprised)
You don't know?
JINTO
(incredulous)
What world do you come from?
WEX
Can we go there?
SHEPPARD
I'm afraid not. I come from a galaxy far, far away.
[They arrive at a settlement of several tents, campfires burning.]
INT-DINING TENT
[Several people sit around a table drinking from mugs. One is small woman with long hair, Teyla. Halling calls out from outside.]
HALLING
It's Halling. I bring men from away.
TEYLA
(smiling)
Enter.
[Halling, Sumner, Ford, and Sheppard enter. Teyla stands, frowning at the strangers' odd outfits and weapons.]
HALLING
These men wish to trade.
[Sheppard nervously pulls off his goggles and ruffles his hair, which only makes it look more unkempt.]
SHEPPARD
(with charming smile)
Oh, it's...it's nice to meet you.
TEYLA
I am Teyla Emmagan, daughter of Tagan.
SUMNER
(nodding to each team member)
Colonel Marshall Sumner, Major Sheppard, Lieutenant Ford. We have very few specific needs.
TEYLA
(sternly)
We do not trade with strangers.
SUMNER
Is that a fact?
SHEPPARD
Well, then, we'll just, uh...we'll have to get to know each other. Me, um, I like Ferris wheels and college football, anything that goes more than 200 miles per hour.
FORD
(low, to Sheppard)
Sir, that's not going to mean anything to them.
SHEPPARD
(low to Ford)
Feel free to speak up. I'm just trying to break the ice here.
SUMNER
(low, to Sheppard)
These people can't help us. I'd rather not waste the time.
TEYLA
Each morning, before dawn, our people drink a stout tea to brace us for the coming day. Will you join us?
SHEPPARD
(stepping forward)
I love a good cup of tea. Now, there's another thing you know about me.
(to Sumner)
We're practically friends already.
[Ford looks to Sumner. Who quirks an eyebrow and smiles at Sheppard's tactics despite himself.]
EXT-ATHOS SETTLEMENT, DAWN
[Sumner approaches Bates, who's looking through binoculars at something in the distance.]
BATES
We didn't even know it was there until the sun came up.
[Sumner looks through the binoculars at the ruins of an Ancient city across the bog.]
SUMNER
Looks more promising than anything else these folks have to offer. Plenty of shelter, nice, little valley. Location, location, location.
[He hands the binoculars back to Bates.]
INT-TENT
[Sumner has returned to the tent.]
TORAN
The city of the Ancestors is not safe.
SUMNER
We can handle ourselves.
TORAN
The Wraith will come.
SUMNER
Who are these Wraith?
TEYLA
(warily)
We have never met anyone who did not know.
SUMNER
Well, you have now.
TEYLA
If the Wraith have never touched your world, you should go back there now.
SHEPPARD
Oh, we'd like to, but we can't. See, here's the thing, ma'am. We've got ourselves into a bit of a bind, and we may need a safe place to stay for a while.
TEYLA
Our people have long believed that the Wraith will come if we venture into the old city. But it is a belief we've not tested in some time.
SUMNER
(to his team)
Gentlemen.
[He leads them out of the tent to talk privately.]
EXT-ATHOS SETTLEMENT, DAWN
SUMNER
Look, I don't care what they say. That city is worth a look, not to mention the possibility there could be ZPMs there that they don't know or care about.
SHEPPARD
What if the Wraith are the enemy the Ancient hologram lady is talking about?
SUMNER
All the more reason for us to have a defensible position should we have to abandon Atlantis.
(to Sheppard)
Stay here and find out what you can.
(to Ford)
Ford, you head back to the gate and report in to Weir. Tell her we'll have answers for her in a few hours.
FORD
Yes, sir.
INT-ATHOS TENT
[Sheppard rejoins Teyla and Toran.]
SHEPPARD
Well, I guess it's just you and me...And him.
TEYLA
(nodding towards Sumner)
Your leader looks through me as if I were not there.
SHEPPARD
Do I?
TEYLA
No. You truly cannot return to your world?
SHEPPARD
No.
TEYLA
Then there is something you should see.
Source : http://www.stargate-sg1-solutions.com/wiki/SGA_1.01_%22Rising_Parts_1_And_2%22_Transcript