3.05 "Learning Curve" Transcript
Episode Guide
Précis
As part of an exchange program with the planet Orban, O'Neill travels to Earth with an alien girl who possesses incredible technical knowledge. But by the time O'Neill discovers the truth behind the child's superior mind…it may be too late for them all.
Guide | Transcript
Transcript
TEASER
FADE IN
INT—ORBAN, GATE ROOM
[Children are doing archaeological work in the Gate room. One of the children climbs a ladder to the platform where Daniel is working and offers him some water.]
DANIEL
Thank you.
(to one of the children)
That's perfect JAREN, just like that.
[The Stargate begins to dial up and its chevrons glow.]
DANIEL
(to the children)
It's ok. It's just my friends returning.
[O'Neill and Teal'c step out of the Stargate. Daniel leaves his work to go down and meet them.]
O'NEILL
Hello children. Daniel? No child labour laws here on Orban?
DANIEL
No, these are Urrone. They're like, uh, apprentices to the adults. They're…everywhere. It's just kind of the way they do things. Look at this.
(He produces a bracelet)
Chalchihuitliue, the Aztec goddess of water. I mean, they don't even know what they've got here, who knows what we're going to uncover. That is if General Hammond said yes. He did say…?
O'NEILL
He said yes.
[Kalin enters the Gate room with Marin.]
KALIN
Colonel O'Neill, you are most punctual. Both Marin and I are eager to participate in this exchange between our worlds.
O'NEILL
Major Carter's eager as well. She's really looking forward to it. So's Teal'c.
TEAL'C
I will share my knowledge of the Goa'uld freely.
O'NEILL
Teal'c's eager on the inside.
KALIN
Then, if you are ready to leave?
O'NEILL
Kalin, I was under the impression we were bringing back one of your naquada reactors.
[Kalin gestures to the metal box Marin is carrying.]
KALIN
This is the device.
O'NEILL
That little thing? Ok. Daniel, have fun…I know you will. Teal'c, make friends as always.
[Teal'c dials out and the Stargate opens.]
O'NEILL
Folks, to Earth.
INT—SGC, CORRIDOR
[Carter and Hammond are heading down a corridor towards the Gate room.]
CARTER
They're one of the most impressive societies we've ever come across, sir. They've managed to accomplish in a few decades what it took humans over a century to achieve.
HAMMOND
Sounds like these people might make good allies.
CARTER
I think so. They're not quite up to the Goa'uld level of technology yet, but given a few years…
[She is cut off as O'Neill, Kalin and Marin step out of the Stargate. Kalin makes a sign with his hands and bows.]
KALIN
Thank you for this exchange General Hammond. I'm sure it will be fruitful for both of our worlds. Major Carter, please allow Marin to present you with this naquada reactor.
[Marin hands Carter the reactor.]
KALIN
You may study it for the duration of our exchange.
CARTER
Thank you.
HAMMOND
(to Kalin)
If you will allow, I would like to offer a tour of…
KALIN
The exchange has been made. We will return to Orban now.
O'NEILL
You just got here.
CARTER
You can't leave. Someone needs to teach me how to use this thing.
[Both Kalin and Marin appear confused.]
KALIN
Please explain what you mean by this.
CARTER
Teaching? Uh, explaining how the reactor functions, its components, its construction.
KALIN
I do not have this knowledge.
MARIN
(to Carter)
I will…teach you.
END OF TEASER
INT—SGC, ELEVATOR
[O'Neill and Carter are riding in the elevator with Marin.]
HAMMOND
(to Marin)
Major Carter will show you the lab. But before you get started, Marin, I'd like you to visit our infirmary.
CARTER
It's standard procedure, nothing to be afraid of.
MARIN
You must screen newcomers for potential pathogens. Of course.
[They step out of the elevator and head down the corridor.]
O'NEILL
So Marin, I understand you're a reactor expert.
MARIN
Yes.
O'NEILL
How old are you?
MARIN
I am eleven. How old are you?
O'NEILL
So Marin, I understand you're a reactor expert.
INT—ORBAN, GATE ROOM
[People are moving boxes while Daniel works on a half-covered mosaic surrounding the DHD. Kalin enters with a boy.]
KALIN
This is my son, Tomin. He is also Urrone. Teal'c, you will please tell him of the Goa'uld.
TOMIN
(to Teal'c)
You are most generous to offer your knowledge Teal'c.
DANIEL
Kalin, there was an apprentice here earlier, ZARIN. Do you know where she went?
KALIN
ZARIN is not here. It was past her time to experience her Ovarium.
DANIEL
Ovarium? Is that like a graduation?
KALIN
That is an approximate definition. Dr Jackson, you expressed an interest in viewing the city. It is advantageous to see the Pyramid of Suns in daylight.
DANIEL
Yes, absolutely.
KALIN
Teal'c, you will please remain here with Tomin.
[Kalin and Daniel leave. Tomin is studying Teal'c.]
TEAL'C
(to Tomin)
What is your purpose?
TOMIN
I am making an observation of your physical characteristics. Dr Jackson tells us you were once a warrior in the service of the Goa'uld.
TEAL'C
That is correct.
TOMIN
I think I understand now why the Goa'uld are so feared.
INT—SGC, INFIRMARY
[Frasier is taking a blood sample from Marin.]
FRASIER
(to Marin)
Hurts a little bit, huh?
[Marin nods.]
FRASIER
You are being very brave.
[O'Neill enters the infirmary.]
O'NEILL
How's our little rocket scientist doing?
FRASIER
We are almost done, Colonel.
MARIN
I am not a rocket scientist.
CARTER
Uh, I think what Colonel O'Neill means is that you're very smart.
MARIN
You find my intelligence level unusual?
O'NEILL
No, there are lots of intelligent people around here. Just not as young as you.
MARIN
You mean you were not always as smart as you are now?
FRASIER
No. We spent a long time in school to get to this point.
MARIN
Please explain what 'school' is.
CARTER
Uh, school is a place where you go to learn. A teacher gives you information and you take different classes to learn different subjects.
MARIN
So this is how you and Dr Frasier became scientists?
(to O'Neill)
You aren't a scientist?
O'NEILL
Oh no.
MARIN
Then you are not as smart as Major Carter and Dr Frasier.
[Carter tries to hide her smile.]
O'NEILL
Well, it depends on what you mean by…Ok no, I'm not. But while they were stuck in school, I was out doing other things. Like…having fun.
[Marin appears confused by this.]
O'NEILL
You do know what fun is, don't you?
[Marin shakes her head.]
O'NEILL
Ok, fun is…what you do to make yourself happy. Like music, games. It's whatever you do when you're not learning to be a rocket scientist.
MARIN
I am here to…'teach' Major Carter about the reactor.
CARTER
Sounds like fun to me.
O'NEILL
Whatever. Yeah, go ahead, knock yourself out.
CARTER
Come on, Marin, I'll show you the lab.
INT—ORBAN, GATE ROOM
[Teal'c and Tomin are sitting on the steps to the Stargate.]
TOMIN
But you have found hosts for other Goa'uld in the past as First Prime to the Goa'uld leader.
TEAL'C
I have vowed to battle the Goa'uld and to free my people. If I allow this symbiote that I carry to be implanted, I would be perpetuating all that I oppose.
TOMIN
What happens if you do not find a host for this Goa'uld?
TEAL'C
It will die.
TOMIN
If the Goa'uld dies, then you will die as well?
[Teal'c inclines his head in assent.]
TOMIN
That would be unfortunate.
EXT—ORBAN (DAY)
[In the distance is a large pyramid. Daniel and Kalin head back into the Gate room.]
DANIEL
(excitedly)
I should have known by the murals, but the construction of your pyramid confirms it.
KALIN
But Dr Jackson I-I do not understand.
DANIEL
Teotihucan. It was a city in pre-Colombian South America, even bigger than Ancient Rome. Which…wouldn't mean anything to you, but it is significant.
KALIN
But you said we are Aztec.
DANIEL
No, these people predated the Aztecs.
INT—ORBAN, GATE ROOM
[Daniel goes over to the half-covered mosaic surrounding the DHD.]
DANIEL
(to Kalin)
These pictures form a narrative. Now what ever is under this platform may tell us exactly how your people came to be on Orban.
KALIN
You will explain this to Tomin.
[Tomin and Teal'c walk over.]
DANIEL
(to Tomin)
Ok. Teotihucan flourished for centuries as a religious and economic mecca before suffering a great upheaval in 750AD. Now, I think your people could be the descendants of that civilisation.
TOMIN
Do you believe the arrival of the Goa'uld caused Teotihucan's downfall.
DANIEL
Yes.
INT—SGC, LABORATORY
[A reactor is hooked up to a computer.]
CARTER
Ok, the carocev, that's the converter, right?
MARIN
The heating element.
CARTER
What? When did we talk about the heating element?
MARIN
In the very beginning when I described the fodiner.
CARTER
Oh man. It can't be this hard.
MARIN
I will begin again.
CARTER
No, no, wait. Let's try this a different way. How about we break everything down into its most basic components? Let's start with the reactor casing. What's it made of?
MARIN
The fodiner attaches to…
CARTER
No, I'm sorry Marin, we'll get to that in a minute. Right now, I just need to know what materials make up the reactor casing.
[Marin doesn't appear to know.]
CARTER
It'll have to block radiation, so we'll make it lead-lined. See? This is easy. And the casing material would have to measure…
[She takes out a rule and starts to measure the reactor. Dr Frasier enters the lab.]
FRASIER
(to Carter)
Major? If you don't mind, I'd like to see Marin in the infirmary again. Just a couple of follow up tests.
[She smiles, but Carter senses something is wrong.]
CARTER
Ok.
[Carter and Marin head out of the laboratory with Dr Frasier.]
EXT—SGC (NIGHT)
[A lone airman is patrolling the area.]
INT—SGC, INFIRMARY
[Frasier urns the computer's monitor so that Hammond, O'Neill and Carter can see the screen. It holds a picture of Marin's blood cells.]
FRASIER
Marin's blood-work shows trace levels of silicon, trinium and some other element I have never seen before. Now, I think it's a mineral but it is definitely not found on Earth.
O'NEILL
Ok, even I know that's bad.
FRASIER
Well I found out what's responsible.
[She hits a button and the image changes. An dark object can be seen floating amongst the blood cells.]
O'NEILL
[kquote>CARTER
A nanite.
HAMMOND
She's got nanites in her blood?
FRASIER
Yes. However, it still didn't explain Marin's abnormally high neural-peptide levels. So I did a computer enhanced MRI. You ready for this one?
[She hits another key and the image changes to Marin's MRI scan, which contains a huge amount of nanites.]
FRASIER
There's millions of them. They've infested that little girl's brains.
INT—SGC, INFIRMARY
FRASIER
I've put the base on a threat Com Bravo. Doctor, get blood samples from everyone. I want to know how far those nanites have spread.
[Marin, sitting on an infirmary bed, overhears them.]
MARIN
My nano-processors are harmless to you.
O'NEILL
Marin, we've run into these little beggars before. And they're anything but harmless.
CARTER
We encountered a civilisation in which the Goa'uld used a similar method, nanocites, to accelerate the age of a population. Colonel O'Neill was…adversely affected.
MARIN
These nanites were created by Orbanians, in an Orbanian laboratory 49 years ago. All of my people have them. It is a way we acquire knowledge.
FRASIER
Wait a minute. So you're saying, Marin, that all Orbanians' brains look like this?
MARIN
Each citizen receives a nanite after every Ovarium. Urrone children are given millions more nanites at birth because we are required to learn vast amounts of information very quickly. This must be done at infancy, before the neural-pathways are established.
CARTER
So, these nanites act as additional synapses?
MARIN
Yes. But that is all they do. They do not age us and cannot leave the brain.
FRASIER
But Marin, we found one of these nanites in your blood.
MARIN
Well, if a nanite malfunctions it is programmed to disconnect from the brain and be absorbed into the blood stream. Those are inactive and incapable of harming others. I'm sorry if I have alarmed you and I understand if you wish me to return to Orban.
CARTER
Oh, I don't think that that would be necessary…do you, General?
HAMMOND
If you think it's safe, Major Carter, then you can continue to work. But I still want those blood samples Doctor.
FRASIER
Yes, sir.
[Carter and Marin head back to the laboratory.]
INT—ORBAN, GATE ROOM
[Examining the mosaics around the DHD. Tomin approaches.]
TOMIN
Father, I wish to undergo the Ovarium immediately.
KALIN
Tomin, it is six months until you turn twelve.
TOMIN
I am concerned by what Teal'c has told me of these Goa'uld. If they learn of our existence, they will destroy us. The studies I have made about new defence technologies must now be put to use, so that Orban can begin preparations.
KALIN
I will notify the elders. You have learned well my son. I am proud.
INT—SGC, LABORATORY
[Marin takes one of Carter's plants from a shelf.]
MARIN
You study botany as well, Major?
CARTER
Oh no, those are just decoration.
[Marin replaces the plant. She examines the reactor Carter has designed.]
MARIN
That does not look like a naquada reactor core.
CARTER
Yeah. Well I had to improvise since we're only using a microscopic amount of naquada. How about you sketch it for me?
MARIN
What?
CARTER
Draw me your reactor core. Give me an idea of what it looks like.
MARIN
I don't 'draw'.
CARTER
You don't draw? Everyone draws.
MARIN
No. It is not something I am required to do. I've never had to 'draw' before.
CARTER
Well, it's pretty easy.
[She takes a pad and pencil and sketches a matchstick figure.]
CARTER
See?
MARIN
What is that?
CARTER
It's a picture of me.
[Marin looks at the picture, then at Carter.]
CARTER
Well, I know it doesn't exactly look like me, but it's just a basic representation. That's all I need from you is just a basic representation of the reactor's core.
MARIN
All right.
(She accepts Carter's pen)
But this paper is not large enough.
[Carter rummages around in one of the cupboards and brings out a larger pad.]
CARTER
How's this?
MARIN
It will do.
[Marin starts to sketch the reactor.]
INT—ORBAN, GATE ROOM
[He is chiselling away the last of the concrete covering the mosaic around the DHD. Teal'c enters the Gate room.]
TEAL'C
Kel'nel, Daniel Jackson.
[Daniel turns over a piece of concrete to reveal a drawing of a Serpent Guard.]
DANIEL
Look at this. This proves the Goa'uld were here sometime in the last few hundred years. Now we just need to figure out why they left.
[Kalin enters the Gate room with a boy in tow and places a bag of tools down by Daniel.]
KALIN
Dr Jackson, I've got the tools you asked. Teal'c, you will please tell SOLEN methods to fight the Goa'uld. Which weapons and strategies have been effective in their defeat. Also, anything in your experience as First Prime to APOPHIS that would be of assistance.
SOLEN
It is an honour to accept your knowledge Teal'c.
TEAL'C
(to Kalin)
Perhaps it would be better for Tomin to return.
KALIN
He is unavailable. SOLEN will learn now.
TEAL'C
Tomin is already familiar with the subject.
KALIN
He has given us his knowledge. Please, you will talk to Solen.
DANIEL
Well, Teal'c has a point. I mean, if they've already established a rapport…
KALIN
I have told you it is impossible for Tomin to be here. He has gone through the Ovarium.
[Teal'c and Daniel exchange a look.]
KALIN
Please Teal'c, begin.
TEAL'C
I would like to see Tomin immediately.
INT—SGC, LABORATORY
[anding on a chair, attempting to reach into a wall cabinet as O'Neill enters.]
O'NEILL
Marin. What are you doing? Get down.
[He lifts her down from the chair.]
MARIN
Colonel O'Neill, I need fifteen sheets of paper, at least 48 cm by 23 cm.
O'NEILL
Well, that's fine, why don't you just ask…?
[He stops when he sees Carter asleep, her head on her arms.]
O'NEILL
(to Marin)
Excuse me.
(to Carter)
Major Carter!
[Carter wakes up with a start.]
CARTER
Oh, Marin I am so sorry.
[She gets up and looks at the drawings Marin has done.]
CARTER
Wow. These are amazing.
MARIN
I cannot represent the reactor core in a three-dimensional plane, so I depicted several layers of the reactor's interior. With additional supplies, I can finish the remaining layers.
CARTER
Cross-sections. Of course! If I scan these into the computer, I can come up with a three-dimensional representation of the reactor's interior.
O'NEILL
All right! Will you two give it a rest? Both of you. You've been at this for twenty-four hours. You need rest.
MARIN
I do not need to. Urrone children require little sleep.
CARTER
Ok, now I am jealous.
O'NEILL
All right, Carter, you sleep.
(to Marin)
Young lady, if not sleep…fun.
MARIN
No, I need fifteen sheets of paper, at least 43cm by 28cm.
O'NEILL
Fifteen?
MARIN
Colonel O'Neill? I require some of these 'pencils' as well.
[O'Neill leaves to get the supplies for her.]
INT—ORBAN, CHILDRENS HOME
[Tomin is sitting on top of a bunk, fidgeting, while Teal'c and Daniel stand before him.]
TEAL'C
(to Tomin)
Do you not recognise me? It is Teal'c.
[Tomin doesn't respond.]
TEAL'C
Kalin! Explain this Ovarium.
KALIN
It is the ceremony in which an Urrone's nanites are removed and then distributed. Each adult and each non-Urrone child then receives an injection containing one nanite, which becomes part of his or her synaptic network, adding to those nanites received from previous Ovariums.
DANIEL
So when you say he gave you his knowledge, you meant it literally.
KALIN
It was a beautiful ceremony. Now you have seen. We must resume our work, Dr Jackson.
TEAL'C
What will become of Tomin?
KALIN
He stays here with the other past Urrone.
DANIEL
That's it? You're…don't you play with him?
KALIN
Well what is play?
DANIEL
Interacting with him, teaching him new things.
KALIN
These children cannot be taught.
DANIEL
Have you ever tried?
KALIN
Oh yes, but past Urrone children cannot receive new nanites. The brain rejects them.
DANIEL
Well have you ever tried teaching him without nanites?
[Kalin appears confused.]
KALIN
What do you mean?
[Daniel and Teal'c share a concerned glance.]
KALIN
There is no need for concern. These children are well cared for.
DANIEL
Kalin…this is your son.
KALIN
My son…is here now.
[He points to his own head.]
INT—SGC, DEBRIEFING ROOM
[Teal'c is reporting to Hammond. Carter, O'Neill and Dr Frasier are present.]
TEAL'C
Kalin says that Tomin is not brain-damaged. Clearly he was not himself.
FRASIER
Well, if the nanites have taken over the learning process and prevented the brain from developing a normal amount of synapses, then there's a good chance that they're removal would make these children…infant like.
O'NEILL
What's the difference if they keep them locked up in a room?
HAMMOND
So once Marin returns to Orban, she will undergo this Ovarium and her nanites will be removed?
FRASIER
Yes.
O'NEILL
Then maybe she won't return to Orban.
HAMMOND
Colonel…
O'NEILL
General! She's going back to get her brains sucked out. And I dare anybody to phrase it more delicately.
CARTER
(to O'Neill)
Sir, I agree with you. But we can't just keep Marin here, can we?
O'NEILL
Why not? We'd be saving her life.
FRASIER
Ok, why don't we just simply try asking Kalin not to harvest Marin's nanites?
TEAL'C
I do not believe the Orbanians would understand the reason for your request. They do not see this as wrong.
O'NEILL
Well then we need to make them understand.
HAMMOND
Teal'c, return to Orban.
(to O'Neill)
Colonel, before we risk an interplanetary incident, I'd like to try the diplomatic route first.
INT—ORBAN, GATE ROOM
[Kalin walks into the Gate room, Teal'c and Daniel following.]
KALIN
How can you make this demand?
DANIEL
Kalin, no one is demanding anything.
TEAL'C
We do not believe the Ovarium would be in Marin's best interest.
KALIN
It is most certainly in her best interest, for her and her people.
DANIEL
Ok, you see, in our cultures, we don't believe in doing anything that results in harming a child.
KALIN
We do not harm our children, Dr Jackson! You have seen Tomin! You have seen how well he is cared for.
DANIEL
Ok, I think we can work this out. We just need to sit down and discuss some alternatives.
KALIN
There are no alternatives! Marin must undergo the Ovarium. You will return her immediately.
[He storms out of the Gate room.]
INT—SGC, LABORATORY
[O'Neill are attempting to persuade Marin to ask for asylum.]
MARIN
The Ovarium is a great honour.
O'NEILL
Marin, I know that's what the adults have told you. But when they pick out these…nanite things, they also take out everything that makes you…you.
MARIN
My people will have my knowledge.
O'NEILL
But you won't.
MARIN
I do not understand why you are so concerned.
CARTER
Marin, we just don't think you realise what you'd be giving up by going through the Ovarium.
MARIN
It is a great honour to be chosen.
O'NEILL
Will you please…stop saying that?
[Hammond and Teal'c appear into the doorway.]
HAMMOND
Colonel, a word please.
[O'Neill heads over to them.]
O'NEILL :
[ockquote>TEAL'C
Kalin refused our request. Daniel Jackson remained behind to attempt to alter his position.
O'NEILL
Good. It'll give us a chance to make Marin understand.
HAMMOND
She's already refused amnesty, Colonel.
O'NEILL
General, it's obvious that little girl's been brainwashed. We can't send her back without at least trying.
HAMMOND
Teal'c, do you foresee any danger to Dr Jackson if he stays on Orban?
TEAL'C
I do not believe Daniel Jackson will be harmed.
HAMMOND
I'll give it forty-eight hours.
[O'Neill returns to the laboratory.]
O'NEILL
Marin. I looks like you're gonna be spending a little more time with us.
MARIN
Please return me to Orban.
O'NEILL
You do understand we're trying to help, right?
MARIN
I don't need your help.
INT—ORBAN, GATE ROOM
[Kalin is punching the coordinates for Earth into the DHD when Daniel stops him.]
DANIEL
Kalin, you can't do this.
KALIN
If you will not return Marin to us, I will retrieve her myself.
DANIEL
If you don't transmit a special code, they will close the iris and you won't get through. You will die.
[Kalin gestures Solen forward to receive the information.]
SOLEN
(to Daniel)
Please explain this iris.
DANIEL
(to Kalin)
I will explain it, but only to you.
KALIN
If you will not explain it, then transmit the code.
DANIEL
I'm sorry.
KALIN
You claim to love knowledge, yet when you find something you don't like, you demand that we change to please you.
DANIEL
No, it is not to please me. You are an incredibly advanced society. Why can't you find a better way to educate your people?
KALIN
There is no better way than the Ovarium.
DANIEL
Even if that means giving up your son?
KALIN
It was the happiest day of my life when Tomin was selected to be Urrone. I knew, even before he was born, that he would make an incredible contribution to our society.
DANIEL
And you never once thought otherwise.
KALIN
Not once! And neither did Tomin.
DANIEL
And what if Marin does?
KALIN
Marin…is one of only a few Urrone children. And the only one to have spent ten years learning the naquada technology. Without her Ovarium, the people who are awaiting her knowledge to continue their research, they will have to wait twelve years for another Urrone to learn.
DANIEL
Well I didn't know that.
KALIN
Marin does. She does not question her duty. It is you, Dr Jackson, who are misguided to think you can convince her otherwise.
INT—SGC, LABORATORY
[Carter is still attempting to get her reactor to work.]
CARTER
Come on! Why, why, why aren't you working?
[An airman enters the laboratory with Marin.]
AIRMAN
She insisted on seeing you, Major.
CARTER
It's all right, thanks.
[As the Airman leaves, Marin walks over to Carter.]
CARTER
Hey.
MARIN
Major Carter, I need your assistance. You must tell General Hammond to let me return to Orban. As a scientist you would understand.
CARTER
Marin, you're only eleven. Half the interesting things in my life didn't happen until I turned fifteen.
MARIN
What kind of interesting things?
CARTER
(awkwardly)
Oh, just, er…stuff.
MARIN
If it were possible, I would give you one of my nanites. And then you would know that it's all right.
CARTER
Thank you, but I don't think that would make a difference.
MARIN
(about the reactor)
You are finished.
CARTER
Almost. Once I ran a computer simulation based on your sketches, I thought I could adapt the design to my materials. But the current is being diverted before it reaches the core. I think the shielding might be diverting power.
[Marin looks at the reactor and attempts to give Carter the solution.]
MARIN
M-Major Carter, I…
CARTER
Unless, hey hey hey, the trinium is absorbing the current.
MARIN
Correct, but…
[Carter cuts her off.]
CARTER
Wait, wait, sorry, let me. Ok, by reversing the polarity…
[She fiddles with the reactor and it starts up.]
CARTER
That's it! We're in business.
MARIN
Why wouldn't you let me give you the solution?
CARTER
What would have been the fun in that?
MARIN
Fun?
CARTER
Well yeah. Figuring something out on my own, especially if it's been eluding me a while. It's far more satisfying than having the answer given to me.
MARIN
But not as efficient.
INT—SGC, HAMMOND'S OFFICE
[O'Neill knocks on Hammond's door.]
HAMMOND
Come in.
[O'Neill pauses when he sees Kalin and Daniel sitting before Hammond.]
O'NEILL
You wanted to see me, sir?
HAMMOND
Kalin has come to escort Marin back to Orban. Before you say anything, know that I've already granted his request.
DANIEL
I don't like it either, Jack, but…you don't know the effect this is having on the Orbanians.
O'NEILL
What about the effect it's having on Marin?
KALIN
Your Dr Jackson has come to realise Marin's importance to her people.
O'NEILL
Her importance as a vegetable?
HAMMOND
Colonel!
[Kalin stands to face O'Neill.]
KALIN
If you would try to understand…
O'NEILL
No! I won't. The way you treat your children is absurd. You don't deserve them.
HAMMOND
Colonel O'Neill!
O'NEILL
(to Hammond)
Request permission to be excused, sir.
[He leaves Hammond's office without waiting for a reply.]
INT—SGC, LABORATORY
[Carter is prereparing to start up her reactor.]
CARTER
Ok, clear?
[Carter and Marin put on goggles to shield their eyes. The reactor lets out a burst of energy, setting off the Base alarms.]
CARTER
We did it! I'm gonna record these readings.
[O'Neill enters the laboratory.]
O'NEILL
What the heck was that?
MARIN
The reactor worked.
[The telephone rings and Carter answers it. O'Neill gestures for Marin to leave the room with him.]
CARTER
(into the phone)
Carter. Yes, sir, we're fine. Yeah, it was just the reactor. No, sir, just an energy pulse. There's no threat to the base.
INT—SGC, ELEVATOR
[O'Neill and Marin enter the elevator.]
MARIN
You are taking me to the surface?
O'NEILL
Yes. Look, you came here to learn right? There's something I have to show you, but I have to take you off the base for it.
MARIN
You do not have permission, do you?
O'NEILL
No, I don't.
INT—SGC, Hammond's OFFICE
[Hammond is on the phone to Carter.]
HAMMOND
(into the phone)
In the future Major, before you activate any device that includes the word reactor, I would appreciate it if you would notify me.
CARTER
(over the phone)
Of course, sir, it won't happen again.
HAMMOND
Good. Now, I'd like you to bring Marin to my office.
CARTER
(in her laboratory)
Oh, uh, Colonel O'Neill just left with her.
HAMMOND
Thank you Major.
[He dials another number.]
HAMMOND
This is Hammond. If Colonel O'Neill attempts to leave, you're ordered to…
(He pauses as the other person speaks)
How long ago? I see.
[He replaces the receiver and looks across at Daniel and Kalin.]
EXT—EARTH, SCHOOL PLAYGROUND (DAY)
[O'Neill and Marin walk over to the school playground.]
MARIN
This is a school?
O'NEILL
Part of it. We call this the playground.
MARIN
What is it for?
[The school bell suddenly rings.]
O'NEILL
Oh, just watch.
[School children start pouring out of the building.]
O'NEILL
(to the children)
Bambinos! Pizzeria! Mama Mia!
[A group of children run over to them.]
KID
Colonel Jack, what are you doing here?
O'NEILL
Playing hooky. Kids, I want you to meet my friend. Her name's Marin. Think you can show her around while I talk to Mrs STUART?
[The kids take Marin away to play. One throws a ball to her, but she doesn't catch it.]
MRS STUART
Colonel O'Neill! The kids have been asking when you're coming back to see us. How's CASSANDRA enjoying Junior High?
O'NEILL
Oh, she's doing fine. She loves it. Listen, do you have room for another student this afternoon?
[Marin is still playing with the other children, this time attempting to catch the ball.]
O'NEILL
(about MARIN)
She's visiting, from out of town.
MRS STUART
Well, we have art scheduled after recess.
O'NEILL
That's perfect.
INT—SCHOOL, ART ROOM
[Marin is examining the blue paint on her paintbrush.]
MRS STUART
Your assignment is to paint something you love. Now, it could be a person, or an object. Just use your imaginations.
[O'Neill is wandering around the room, looking at what the other children have drawn. He sees a picture one girl has painted of him.]
O'NEILL
(whispering to the girl)
I look fat.
[She giggles. He walks over to see that Marin has painted a picture of the naquada reactor.]
MARIN
Colonel O'Neill. This brush is too wide to accurately render the wires.
[He tears off the picture and crumples it into a ball.]
O'NEILL
Ok, let's try this again. Something you love. Something that's not a machine, ok? Remember those flowers in Major Carter's lab? The ones on the desk? Paint one of those. Go ahead.
[Marin starts to paint a picture in the corner of her paper.]
O'NEILL
Bigger.
[The other children have drawn their pictures when O'Neill returns to check on Marin's progress. She had drawn the outer leaves of the plant.]
MARIN
There's no purple.
O'NEILL
Use red.
MARIN
If I could have another cup, I could mix the blue with the red…
O'NEILL
Make the flower red.
MARIN
Those flowers were purple. You ask me to draw a flower, but you do not give me the means to do this accurately.
O'NEILL
Marin, listen to me. It doesn't have to be exact. Paint me a flower! I don't care what it looks like. Here use this.
[He takes away her brush and hands her a bigger one.]
O'NEILL
And don't stop with one. Paint the whole garden.
MARIN
But…
O'NEILL
(cutting her off)
Ah!
[Marin starts to paint once more. After the class has finished and the other children gone, Marin takes her picture to show O'Neill. She had drawn a picture full of plants and trees and a matchstick figure in one corner.]
O'NEILL
Nice.
(He sees the stick figure)
Who's that?
MARIN
It's a representation of Major Carter.
O'NEILL
Of course it is.
MARIN
Is it right?
O'NEILL
Oh yeah. It's way more than right.
MARIN
Thank you Colonel O'Neill, for teaching this to me.
O'NEILL
Marin, all you have to do is ask. I'll find a way to make it happen.
MARIN
I have a duty to my people. My knowledge is important to them. You did promise.
INT—SGC, CORRIDOR
[Carter and Marin are heading for the control room.]
CARTER
Unfortunately, the test used up the last of naquada, but we'll find more.
HAMMOND
At least we've got a working prototype. Colonel?
[O'Neill is waiting for them in the Control Room.]
O'NEILL
(to Hammond)
I'm not here to cause trouble, sir.
MARIN
Colonel O'Neill?
O'NEILL
(to Marin)
I have something for you.
[He gives her a box of crayons.]
MARIN
They're beautiful. Thank you. You are mad at me for not staying.
O'NEILL
No. No I'm not.
MARIN
Then you understand?
[He doesn't reply.]
HAMMOND
Major Carter, please take Marin down to the Gate room. I'll be there momentarily.
CARTER
Yes, sir.
[Carter leads Marin away.]
HAMMOND
(to O'Neill)
You've already given me more than enough reasons for a court martial.
O'NEILL
General, for a few hours today I got to show that little girl how to be a kid. You want to punish me? Go ahead.
[Hammond walks away.]
INT—SGC, GATE ROOM
[O'Neill and Marin up the ramp towards the open Stargate. They stop and turn back to the Gate room. Marin makes a sign with her hands and bows.]
MARIN
On behalf of the citizens of Orban, I'd like to thank you for the experience you have given me and my people. I have learned much in my time here.
CARTER
So have we.
[Before entering the wormhole, Marin turns back and smiles at O'Neill.]
INT—SGC, CONTROL ROOM
[SG-1 as enters the control room.]
HAMMOND
We just received a transmission from Orban. Kalin asked for all of you to go there right away.
DANIEL
Something wrong?
HAMMOND
You'll find out when you get there.
INT—ORBAN, GATE ROOM
[All walk out into the Gate room. Kalin is waiting for them.]
KALIN
Thank you for coming.
DANIEL
What's wrong?
KALIN
Oh, nothing is wrong. I will show you.
[EXT—ORBAN, CHILDRENS HOME (DAY)
[Former Urrone children are laughing and playing everywhere.]
KALIN
Come. Look. Isn't it wonderful?
[Tomin is skipping with two other children. Kalin interrupts them in order to introduce Tomin to O'Neill.]
KALIN
Colonel O'Neill, this is my son Tomin. I am teaching him. All of the past Urrone children will now learn, in the old fashioned way, as you might say. He will know all that you have done for Orban.
[He takes out a piece of paper.]
KALIN
Oh and I drew this for you, to express my gratitude.
He hands the paper to O'Neill. It is a picture of a matchstick figure with blond hair.
CARTER
Isn't that…?
KALIN
Me!
DANIEL
Kalin, when did all this start?
KALIN
Last night, after Marin's Ovarium.
CARTER
She must have known this would happen once her nanites were transferred.
O'NEILL
This…is what she learned.
[Carter sees Marin drawing on a nearby wall.]
CARTER
(gesturing to MARIN)
Colonel.
[As O'Neill heads over to Marin, Teal'c bends down before Tomin, who touches his face in curiosity. O'Neill comes to stand by Marin. She continues to draw with the crayons he gave her.]
O'NEILL
Hi Marin.
[Marin looks up, but shows no sign of recognising him. O'Neill sits down beside her.]
O'NEILL
Ok. I guess we'll just have to get to know one another all over again.
[He takes a crayon and starts to draw. Marin smiles and scribbles it out.]
O'NEILL
You're right. What was I thinking? You ever seen a dog? Dog's are my favourite people. Some have tails, some don't. I like that about dogs.
FADE OUT
THE END
Transcribed by Dee for Stargatefan
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--Kylie Lee 14:57, 12 Sep 2004 (PDT)