8.14 "Full Alert" Transcript
Episode Guide
Précis
Relations between the U.S. and Russia are strained, with the Russians believing the U.S. administration is compromised. Daniel travels to Moscow to meet with them, but is detained for questioning - and a blood sample. The Russians have good reason: they've captured an American assassin, former Vice President Kinsey, who is most definitely not himself these days.
Guide | Transcript
Transcript
TEASER
EXT—JACK O'NEILL'S HOUSE, DAY
[O'Neill gets out of his truck and pulls some beer and groceries from the back seat. He walks to his front door, and spotting the door is open, puts down his groceries, takes off his sunglasses and reaches behind him to pull out a gun. He pushes the door open and moves cautiously into the house. Carefully checking the hallway, he advances into the living room and aims his weapon at Senator Robert Kinsey, who is standing in front of the fireplace. Kinsey holds up a bottle of whisky.]
KINSEY
Bad news. You're out of scotch.
[Kinsey pours a glass of whisky]
[O'Neill lowers his weapon]
O'NEILL
Well, if I'd known you were coming, I'd have hidden the good stuff.
[Kinsey sits down in an armchair, sniggering.]
KINSEY
If you'd known I was coming, I doubt I'd have made it through the door.
[O'Neill goes over to the coffee table, picks up his phone and begins to dial.]
KINSEY
Who are you calling?
O'NEILL
Local sheriff's a friend of mine.
KINSEY
(amused)
I may be disgraced, but I'm not wanted for any crimes.
O'NEILL
(shrugging)
Breaking and entering?
KINSEY
Jack…
O'NEILL
Sshh…It's ringing.
[Kinsey reaches around and pulls out the phone cord.]
KINSEY
Now you can listen to what I have to say.
[O'Neill reaches into pocket, pulls out his cell phone and again begins to dial. Kinsey reacts impatiently.]
KINSEY
Oh, for God's sake! You need to start trusting me, Jack.
O'NEILL
Mmm…no, I really don't.
KINSEY
(adamant)
Yes, you really do. The fate of the planet depends on it.
END TEASER
OPENING CREDITS
INT—JACK O'NEILL'S LIVING ROOM, DAY
O'NEILL
(into the phone)
Andy? It's Jack.
ANDY
Hey, what's up?
[O'Neill hesitates]
ANDY
Jack? Hello?
O'NEILL
I was just checking on Friday, making sure we were still on for poker.
ANDY
Yeah, you bet.
O'NEILL
I'll bring the beer.
ANDY
Alright.
O'NEILL
See you then.
[O'Neill hangs up the phone.]
KINSEY
Wise decision.
[O'Neill sits down on the couch, making a point of looking at his watch.]
O'NEILL
You've got three minutes. Before I shoot you as an intruder in my home.
KINSEY
(laughing)
Same old Jack O'Neill. Although I hear you're a general now. Congratulations.
[O'Neill taps the watch with his gun.]
KINSEY
Alright, then. Straight to the point. You want to take down the Trust. I can help you.
O'NEILL
(sarcastic)
I'm sorry. I must have missed an episode. I thought you guys were working together?
KINSEY
After I was forced to resign as Vice President, my relationship with the organisation changed.
O'NEILL
Meaning, you were no longer useful so they kicked you out on your ass.
KINSEY
That's a rather crude way of putting it, but…yes.
O'NEILL
Why didn't they just shoot you?
KINSEY
Believe me, that was a consideration. Which is why, when they requested a meeting a few days ago, I suggested a nice, public venue. They made a very interesting offer.
[O'Neill waves his pistol encouragingly, urging Kinsey to go on.]
KINSEY
In exchange for a large cash payment, the Trust wants me to arrange a meeting with General Miroslav Kiselev, the Russian defence minister.
O'NEILL
I thought they already had connections with the Russian military?
KINSEY
This isn't just a connection. Kiselev exercises operational authority over all of Russia's armed forces, including
(he emphasises)
their nuclear arsenal.
O'NEILL
And he just happens to be a good friend of yours.
KINSEY
(chortling)
After the fall of Communism, he was one of a number of officers assigned to secret talks with the West aimed at military co-operation. He was a hard-liner even then. His country was falling apart, but he came at us as though we were the ones at a disadvantage. He and I developed a mutual respect.
O'NEILL
What does the Trust want with him?
KINSEY
Well, they wouldn't give me any specifics, but they know we entered into a deal with the Russians for control of the gate. And they also know that there's a growing sentiment in Moscow that we haven't been keeping up our end of the bargain.
O'NEILL
You think they're trying to turn the Russians against us?
KINSEY
It's ambitious, I know, even for the Trust, but from what I hear, after you put a crimp in their little plan to use symbiote poison to wipe out the Goa'uld, there's been a change of attitude. They're no longer willing to stay in the shadows and bide their time. They want to make a direct grab for power. And that's why I came to you.
O'NEILL
(sarcastic)
Yes, you've always struck me as the hero type.
[Aggravated, Kinsey bounds to his feet, whisky glass in hand, pacing before O'Neill.]
KINSEY
(earnest)
You may question my methods, but everything I did was for God and country. For the Trust to ally themselves with a foreign power against the United States of America, well, that's just something I can't condone.
O'NEILL
Kinsey, please! Spare me the diatribe. They kicked you when you were down and you want revenge. It's as simple as that.
KINSEY
The truth is, my motives are irrelevant. The Trust has become an imminent threat to the sovereignty of this nation. Now. What are you gonna do about it?
EXT—CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN, DAY
INT—SGC BRIEFING ROOM
CARTER
…the Russians to back out of our deal?
DANIEL
Well, it would be a problem. Technically, the gate's only here on loan. If the Russians decide they want it back, things could get sticky.
TEAL'C
Is it possible Kinsey is simply lying?
O'NEILL
(emphatic)
That is always possible.
CARTER
Has he asked for anything in return for the information?
O'NEILL
Protection.
DANIEL
Makes sense. If he doesn't co-operate, the Trust will kill him.
CARTER
Maybe he should co-operate. This could be our chance to get somebody on the inside. Infiltrate the organisation.
[O'Neill, Daniel and Teal'c look deeply sceptical.]
INT—SGC QUARTERS
KINSEY
(irate)
You want me to wear a wire!
O'NEILL
That's the deal.
KINSEY
I am not a spy!
O'NEILL
Think of it this way. If you don't do what they want, they'll kill you. If you don't do what we want, we'll let 'em.
KINSEY
(shocked)
Why, that's as good as pulling the trigger yourself! I thought Stargate Command didn't do that sort of thing.
O'NEILL
We…ell, we're under new management.
[Kinsey fumes.]
INT—SURVEILLANCE VAN, DAY
CARTER
Alright. Let's test it. (Carter's face appears on a monitor) How's it looking?
DANIEL
Got picture.
CARTER
(to Kinsey)
Let's have your belt.
KINSEY
Why?
CARTER
Because you'll be wearing this one instead.
[Kinsey gets up and grudgingly begins to pull off his belt. Daniel sits at a console behind Kinsey.]
CARTER
The buckle contains a GPS receiver unit that'll allow us to track your movements.
KINSEY
(Hands Carter the belt)
When we're done, I want that back.
CARTER
They've arranged to meet you at a remote location. My guess is that they'll make you leave your car while they drive you to a second location where the actual meeting will take place. And we're gonna have to keep back a fair distance, so as not to arouse suspicion. But, we will be monitoring your conversations by means of this listening device that we've fitted into the collar of your shirt.
[Daniel looks at Carter's face in the monitor]
CARTER
We've got a strike team with us. They will be ready to move in at the first time of trouble. Now, in the event that something does go wrong, I suggest that we come up with a pre-established signal, preferably a code word, that'll let us know you're in trouble.
KINSEY
How about something simple, like
(sarcastic)
help?
CARTER
(smiling through gritted teeth)
How about something a little less
(sarcastic)
obvious? Like…red.
KINSEY
What ever.
CARTER
Don't be too direct, fishing for information. Let them do the talking.
KINSEY
Get out of my way!
(barges past Carter)
I know what to do!
EXT—KINSEY'S CAR, DAY
[Kinsey's car is parked on a narrow road, isolated and surrounded by corn fields. Kinsey leans against the hood, extremely impatient as he consults his watch. A car pulls up beside him and a Trust henchman gets out of it.]
KINSEY
You're late.
[Kinsey walks over to the car. The man holds up a blindfold.]
KINSEY
You're kidding, right?
JENNINGS
Afraid not.
[Jennings places the blindfold over Kinsey's eyes and helps him get into the back of the car. They immediately drive away. The surveillance van follows. ]
CARTER
(voice heard on radio)
It's on the move.
TEAL'C
Understood.
[His SUV follows the surveillance truck.]
[Inside the surveillance truck, Daniel and Carter watch events unfold on their monitors courtesy of Kinsey's hidden camera.]
KINSEY
So how long is this sight-seeing trip gonna last?
JENNINGS
We'll let you know.
[Daniel and Carter continue to monitor as Kinsey is driven towards his secret destination.]
INT—SURVEILLANCE TRUCK, DAY
DANIEL
Turned off the main road.
[The truck and jeep turn off to follow the car down a side-road, still keeping a discreet distance. The car Kinsey is being transported in pulls up outside an imposing mock-Tudor mansion.]
DANIEL
They've stopped.
[The truck and jeep pull up on the side-road, some distance away from the house as the monitor shows Kinsey's exit from the car. Jennings is seen at the front door of the house.]
JENNINGS
(to Kinsey)
This way.
INT—MANSION HOUSE ENTRANCE HALL, DAY
[Kinsey is led into the panelled entrance hall of the mansion, fumbling at the furniture for balance. His blindfold is removed.]
MR. PARKER
(Serving himself from the drinks cabinet)
Bob. Good to see you again. Sorry about the blindfold.
[Mr. Wayne is seated and smoking, watching Kinsey.]
MR. PARKER
What can we get you to drink?
KINSEY
What're you having?
MR. PARKER
Vodka tonic.
KINSEY
In that case, I'll have a scotch. No ice.
MR. KENT
(Walking down the stairs)
We're glad you finally agreed to a private meeting. We were afraid you might be holding a grudge against us.
KINSEY
You mean because you abandoned me at the moment I needed you the most?
INT—SURVEILLANCE VAN, DAY
[Daniel and Carter watch the monitors.]
MR. PARKER
You were a liability, Bob. An embarrassment.
INT—MANSION HOUSE ENTRANCE HALL, DAY
KINSEY
I think you've got that backwards. I was only forced to resign as Vice President because they found out about my relationship with you.
MR. PARKER
Either way, you were no longer useful to us. You would've done the same.
KINSEY
(snorts)
Maybe. But when I cut someone loose, I don't go back to them, grovelling for favours.
MR. WAYNE
You say what's on your mind, I'll give you that.
KINSEY
Under other circumstances, I might be worried about winding up like one of your trophies on the wall
(pointing)
but you've already made it clear that you need me, so I don't have anything to worry about, do I?
[He takes a drink.]
INT—SURVEILLANCE VAN, DAY
CARTER
We're losing video.
[Carter attempts to adjust the monitor.]
MR. KENT
It's true we do need you, but not for what you think.
DANIEL
They're jamming us?
CARTER
I don't know.
INT—MANSION HOUSE ENTRANCE HALL, DAY
KINSEY
(suspicious)
What are you talking about?
MR. WAYNE
(to henchman)
Show him.
INT—SURVEILLANCE VAN, DAY
[Daniel and Carter anxiously attempt to regain contact with Kinsey.]
INT—MANSION HOUSE ENTRANCE HALL, DAY
[Jennings carries a metal box over to the table. He places it carefully down and opens it while Kinsey looks on. Then he turns it towards Kinsey.]
INT—SURVEILLANCE VAN, DAY
[Daniel attempts to adjust a technical readout on his monitor.]
MR. KENT
This is why we need you.
INT—MANSION HOUSE ENTRANCE HALL, DAY
[Kinsey, looking into the box, reacts with fear and horror.]
KINSEY
(horrified)
What the hell is going on here!
INT—SURVEILLANCE VAN, DAY
[Daniel and Carter cringe, clapping their hands to their ears as the sound signal is cut off with a screech.]
CARTER
They're definitely jamming us. (activates her radio) Teal'c, we've lost audio. Move in!
[Teal'c's SUV pulls out and races off, the truck immediately behind it.]
DANIEL
Can you get the signal back?
CARTER
I can't get past the interference.
[The SUV pulls up with a squeal of tires outside the mansion house. Teal'c and the strike team emerge while Daniel and Carter prepare to join them. The team pour into the entrance hall.]
STRIKE TEAM MEMBER
Clear!
[Carter picks up the glass that Kinsey was drinking from while Daniel is picking up the still warm and smoking cigar that Mr. Wayne was enjoying.]
DANIEL
(resigned)
They beamed out.
CARTER
This is starting to become a habit.
EXT—CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN, DAY
CARTER
If the Al'kesh is in orbit…
INT—SGC BRIEFING ROOM
CARTER
…they must have fixed the cloak, because SSN hasn't picked them up.
DANIEL
Even with the locator beacons?
CARTER
We're running a search through the NSA satellite system, but all they'd have to do to avoid detection is change the frequency. Odds are, we're not gonna find anything.
O'NEILL
Well, the Pentagon's been apprised of the situation. They're launching Prometheus in about four hours. (pointing to Teal'c.) I want you on board.
[Daniel looks around at Teal'c.]
O'NEILL
There's a C-17 waiting for you at Peterson.
TEAL'C
(bowing his head in acknowledgment)
Understood.
[Teal'c gets up and leaves immediately.]
CARTER
Sir, I've been going over the sensor logs of the last encounter between Prometheus and the Al'kesh. There were a few small anomalies from the ship's position before it de-cloaked. They didn't register, because we didn't know to look for them but I could create a program that would key the sensors to those particular readings.
O'NEILL
I was just going to suggest that.
DANIEL
So we'd be able to detect a cloaked ship?
CARTER
Well, it's not that simple. These anomalies are very difficult to detect. It might've just been a fluke that we picked them up the first time. The effect is also mimicked by certain types of cosmic radiation. But I still think it might improve our odds.
O'NEILL
So, instead of a million to one?
CARTER
Maybe ten thousand to one?
[O'Neill looks to Daniel questioningly.]
DANIEL
(encouragingly)
Improvement.
O'NEILL
Yeah.
CARTER
I'll need a few hours to create the program.
O'NEILL
Fine.
[Carter gathers up her files and briskly exits. Appearing slightly lost, Daniel glances around the empty briefing room, then at O'Neill, who is looking at his paperwork.]
DANIEL
And I have to pick up my dry-cleaning.
[He starts to get up.]
O'NEILL
You're on a flight to Moscow in half an hour.
[Daniel sits back down, surprised.]
DANIEL
I am?
O'NEILL
Yes, you are. Colonel Chekov's people will meet you there. Will you please try to find out what the hell's going on? And if you get the chance, hook up with this General Kiselev.
DANIEL
Jack, they know that we're on to them. They may just abort the mission.
O'NEILL
Nah, the way Kinsey was talking, it sounds like they're looking for a big score here.
DANIEL
And…what if he won't cooperate with them?
O'NEILL
Kinsey'll do what's best for Kinsey.
DANIEL
Mmm.
[Daniel gets up and leaves. O'Neill sits back and rubs both hands over his face, seeming tired.]
EXT—PROMETHEUS, SPACE
[Prometheus is orbiting Earth.]
INT—PROMETHEUS BRIDGE
[The crew are bustling, preparing Prometheus for the mission.]
COMM OFFICER
Sir, download is complete. Colonel Carter's new sensor program is online and operational.
COLONEL PENDERGAST
Alright, begin Search Pattern Alpha.
COMM OFFICER
Yes, Sir.
EXT—KREMLIN IN MOSCOW, DAY
INT—KREMLIN, DAY
[Daniel walks down a hallway and into an office. A female officer in Russian uniform is pulling files from a cabinet.]
DANIEL
(puzzled)
Uh, hi. I'm here to see Captain Voronkov?
CAPTAIN
There is no Captain Voronkov here.
DANIEL
Oh! That's strange. The, er, the guy down the hall said…
CAPTAIN
(walking forward, smiling)
I am Captain Voronkova.
(shakes Daniel's hand)
Daria Voronkova. You must be Daniel Jackson.
DANIEL
(apologetic)
Yeah. I'm sorry, I was told I'd be meeting Colonel Chekov's 'right hand man,' so naturally, I…
VORONKOVA
For my part, I expected a drab, pasty-faced, middle-aged academic. I too am pleasantly surprised.
[Voronkova walks away, leaving Daniel confused and taken aback by the compliment.]
DANIEL
Oh!
(he follows)
Um, your English is excellent.
VORONKOVA
(in Russian)
Thank you.
(in English)
And how is your Russian?
DANIEL
(in fluent Russian)
Although I don't get the opportunity to practice much, I'm conversational. I suppose I can get by.
(smiling)
VORONKOVA
Okay, we stick to English then.
[Daniel's smile vanishes and he looks hurt.]
VORONKOVA
I will be your guide. Whatever you wish to do in Moscow, you will ask me first. I will take care of it. If you desire to meet with anyone, I will arrange it for you. If you go out on your own, I cannot protect you. Lie to me, or attempt to mislead me, and I will not protect you.
DANIEL
(businesslike)
Okay.
[Voronkova eyes Daniel appreciatively.]
VORNKOVA
Have you eaten a proper lunch?
DANIEL
I had something on the plane.
VORONKOVA
Then the answer is no. Good.
[Daniel blinks at this brisk contradiction.]
VORONKOVA
I know a restaurant around the corner that serves the best Salo in Moscow.
DANIEL
Oh, I'm not a big fan of Salo.
VORONKOVA
Don't worry, you will acquire taste.
[She strolls confidently out and Daniel has no choice but to follow.]
INT—SGC HALLWAY
[O'Neill is striding down a corridor while an alarm sounds. Carter runs up behind him.]
CARTER
Sir, what's going on?
O'NEILL
The Russians have gone to a heightened state of alert.
CARTER
(surprised)
Why?
O'NEILL
We're trying to find out. President's called a meeting for the Joint Chiefs. We're at DEFCON 3.
[Perturbed, Carter follows O'Neill into the control room.]
EXT—RUSSIAN COUNTRYSIDE, DAY
[A military jeep drives through narrow, winding roads.]
DANIEL
So. Where exactly are we going?
VORONKOVA
You wished to meet with General Kiselev, da?
(Daniel nods)
That is where we are going.
DANIEL
You must be pretty well connected to get me in to see him this quickly.
(smiling)
What do you know about him?
VORONKOVA
General Miroslav Kiselev. Graduated with a Gold Medal from Malinovsky Tank Academy, received the Hero Of Russia for his distinguished leadership in Chechnya, commanded the Carpathian military district for IM Division, then the 14th Army in the Astrakhan military district. He was the head of the General Staff Academy for five years before being appointed to his present position.
DANIEL
(a little snarky)
So you've heard of him?
VORONKOVA
He's always suspicious of American influence and highly critical of what he calls 'NATO expansion plans.' You may not receive a very warm welcome.
[Voronkova steers the jeep around some hairpin bends, into a military blockade, trucks and armed soldiers sealing off the road ahead. Voronkova swears and slams on the brakes. The soldiers quickly surround the jeep. Voronkova and Daniel get out of the jeep, Daniel waiting as Voronkova approaches the officer in charge. She salutes and greets him.]
VORONKOVA
(in Russian)
Colonel Chernovshev.
COLONEL CHERNOVSHEV
(in Russian)
Is that the American who wishes to see General Kiselev?
VORONKOVA
Yes.
CHERNOVSHEV
He is to be held for questioning.
(to the soldiers)
Take him.
[Two soldiers seize Daniel and begin to pull him towards the truck.]
DANIEL
What's going on?
VORONKOVA
I don't know.
(turns to Chernovshev, speaking now in Russian)
Sir, may I ask what this is about?
CHERNOVSHEV
(in Russian)
No.
(turns away)
VORONKOVA
Don't worry, Daniel. I'll find out what's happening.
[Crowded by soldiers, Daniel climbs onto the truck, refusing the hand extended by a waiting soldier. Grim-faced, he sits as the soldiers climb in and surround him.]
INT—SGC, O'NEILL'S OFFICE
[Sgt. Harriman hovers at the doorway to O'Neill's office.]
O'NEILL
(into phone)
Alright.
(indicates Harriman should wait)
Get back to me when you know something.
[He hangs up.]
HARRIMAN
Sir, Colonel Chekov's here to see you.
O'NEILL
Send him in.
[Harriman leaves and Colonel Chekov enters O'Neill's office.]
CHEKOV
General.
O'NEILL
Colonel! I was hoping you could shed some light on the situation here.
[Chekov takes a seat.]
O'NEILL
We can't seem to get a straight answer from your government.
CHEKOV
The information coming out of Moscow is guarded at best but my sources in the Kremlin tell me the Russian military is increasing its alert status because they think the American administration has been compromised.
INT—DINING ROOM, UNKNOWN RUSSIAN RESIDENCE, DAY
[In his shirtsleeves, Daniel sits at a dining table in an elegant room. A soldier stands guard behind him as Colonel Chernovshev enters, accompanied by a medical doctor.]
CHERNOVSHEV
Doctor Jackson, sorry to keep you waiting.
DANIEL
No problem. You wanna tell me what's going on?
CHERNOVSHEV
(standing over Daniel)
All in good time. Please, roll up your sleeve.
[Daniel stares up at him.]
CHERNOVSHEV
We need a sample of your blood.
[The doctor approaches Daniel, a hypodermic syringe ready in his hands. Daniel looks in concern from the colonel to the doctor.]
DANIEL
You're kidding?
CHERNOVSHEV
Either you cooperate or we will take it by force.
[Daniel glances warily at the armed guard behind him, calculates his odds, sighs and rolls up his sleeve.]
DANIEL
(pissed)
Is this a normal part of your interrogation procedure?
CHERNOVSHEV
It depends what you wish to know.
[The doctor prepares to take his sample of Daniel's blood.]
CHERNOVSHEV
In this case, it will answer a very specific question.
DANIEL
(eyeing the doctor)
What question? OW!
[He glares as his blood is taken.]
CHERNOVSHEV
(to the doctor)
(in Russian)
Have it analysed immediately.
[The doctor hurries out.]
DANIEL
(grim)
What's going on?
CHERNOVSHEV
Why do you wish to see General Kiselev?
DANIEL
(sighs)
It's complicated.
CHERNOVSHEV
Well, surely you can explain it to me?
DANIEL
I think I'd rather explain it to General Kiselev.
CHERNOVSHEV
That's not going to happen. You see, earlier today we managed to uncover a plot against the General's life. Luckily, we captured the assassin before he could make his move.
[Chernovshev goes over to a TV and picks up a remote control.]
CHERNOVSHEV
I believe you know him?
[The screen shows Kinsey, dressed in a beige prison uniform, seated alone in a cell. His wrists are chained to his waist, restricting his movement.]
DANIEL
Kinsey!
CHERNOVSHEV
Robert Kinsey, former Vice President of the United States of America.
DANIEL
It's insane. Why would Kinsey want to kill General Kiselev?
CHERNOVSHEV
I'm afraid Mr. Kinsey isn't exactly himself these days.
(uses the remote control to activate sound.)
KINSEY
(speaking with the distinctive metallic timbre of the Goa'uld)
By stopping me, you have only delayed the inevitable.
(his eyes glow)
Your world is doomed.
CHERNOVSHEV
(staring at Daniel)
Now you begin to appreciate the gravity of the situation.
[Daniel is stunned.]
EXT—CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN, DAY
CHEKOV
How could Kinsey have become a Goa'uld?
INT—SGC OPERATIONS ROOM
[The operations room is small, crowded with computer consoles and complex displays on screens and monitors, including a map of the Earth.]
O'NEILL
Five bucks says Carter has a theory.
CARTER
(pushes away from her desk and stands up)
As a matter of fact, I do.
(goes over to Chekov and O'Neill)
According to Tok'ra intelligence, the Trust launched at least two attacks against Goa'uld occupied worlds after we took back the gate. That means they had to leave the relatively safe confines of the solar system and head out into the galaxy where they ran the risk of being killed or…captured.
CHEKOV
What are you suggesting?
CARTER
Any Goa'uld who got his hands on them would've discovered pretty quickly that they belonged to a top secret organisation with high-level connections to some of the most powerful governments and institutions on this planet, including the SGC, Area 51 and maybe even the Ancient outpost in the Antarctic.
CHEKOV
My God. You think they have been taken as hosts and then sent back to Earth.
CARTER
I think it's possible. They could have brought dozens, maybe even hundreds of symbiotes back with them. By now, the entire Trust could have been taken over.
CHEKOV
But why would the Goa'uld want to assassinate General Kiselev?
O'NEILL
We don't know for sure that was the plan, but if Carter's right, Kinsey might have been trying to get a snake into Kiselev's head.
CARTER
It makes sense. From Kiselev, it's one step up to the President of Russia.
CHEKOV
How do we know he didn't succeed?
CARTER
Kinsey never met with the general. He was arrested before he had the chance.
CHEKOV
Well, my government feels that it is the American administration that has been infiltrated by the…
O'NEILL
(interrupting)
Oh, here we go.
CHEKOV
…Goa'uld and they are insisting that everyone in key positions, including the President, must submit for testing.
O'NEILL
(looks Chekov up and down)
Not gonna happen.
CHEKOV
Well. Then we have a problem.
[O'Neill and Carter exchange concerned looks.]
INT—KREMLIN, VORONKOVA'S OFFICE
[Captain Voronkova and Daniel enter the office.]
DANIEL
Thank you for getting me out of there.
VORONKOVA
It wasn't easy.
(they go over and sit at the desk)
Even after your blood test came back negative, they still wanted to hold you.
DANIEL
Yeah. Not a lot of trust and goodwill to spare right now, I guess.
(serious)
Listen, I need to talk to the Goa'uld.
VORONKOVA
Nyet.
DANIEL
You have to get me in to see Kinsey.
VORONKOVA
Impossible.
DANIEL
(earnest)
If we're going to figure out what's going on here, we have to question him.
VORONKOVA
He is being questioned. By Russian military intelligence.
DANIEL
(impassioned)
Yes, and he's feeding them a pack of lies. He's telling them the American administration has been compromised because he wants to force a confrontation.
VORNKOVA
To what end?
DANIEL
I don't know! That's why we need to talk to him.
VORONKOVA
Dosta!
DANIEL
(frowning disapprovingly)
Language!
[Voronkova is deeply reluctant, shooting Daniel a stony look.]
DANIEL
(pleading)
Daria, please.
VORONKOVA
(sighing heavily)
I'll see what I can do. In the meantime, stay here.
[Voronkova goes out of the office, leaving Daniel alone and pensive.]
INT—SGC OPERATIONS ROOM
[The SGC is at DEFCON 3 status. Sgt. Harriman comes into the operations room and approaches O'Neill, who is reading a report.]
HARRIMAN
Sir, just received another report. As of 0912, the Chinese military have joined the Russians in a heightened state of alert.
O'NEILL
(withering)
Naturally.
[Harriman leaves as O'Neill turns, attention focused on his reports.]
CHEKOV
General. I've been talking to my contacts in the Kremlin. They tell me President Mikailhov is not happy with the situation but is under considerable pressure from his military advisers.
O'NEILL
In other words, Kiselev is running the show.
CHEKOV
(nods)
Da.
O'NEILL
(leads the way across the operations room, Chekov following)
Any idea how we can keep this from going to total forces?
CHEKOV
Yes. I have many friends in the general's staff. If I can convince enough of them to take a united stand against escalation, it could give our President sufficient leverage to consider other options.
O'NEILL
And if Kiselev finds out you're going around him, it could make things…worse.
CHEKOV
At this point, I don't believe we have much choice.
O'NEILL
(grave)
Right.
INT—RUSSIAN DETENTION CELL, DAY
[Kinsey is chained and restless, glaring around him at his bleak, small concrete-walled cell, the windows high above him. The cell door opens; Captain Voronkova and Daniel enter the cell.]
VORONKOVA
(to the guard, in Russian)
Thank you. We'll call you when we need you.
[Hands in his pockets, Daniel walks slowly forward, staring down into the Goa'uld's face. He flashes a brief, humourless smile.]
DANIEL
So what should I call you?
KINSEY
You are unworthy to speak my name.
DANIEL
Maybe. So I'm guessing you work for the System Lords, am I right?
[Kinsey looks down at his cuffed wrists.]
DANIEL
I know you're not working for Ba'al. He's too busy conquering the galaxy to bother with an unimportant planet like Earth. Gotta hand it to you, though, your territories are falling one by one, your troops are in full retreat and you still find the time to come destroy little old us. Question is…why?
[He and Kinsey make eye contact.]
DANIEL
Captain Voronkova thinks it's a need for revenge for all the trouble we've caused you over the years. Sort of a last ditch attempt to take us with you before Baal finishes you off. I told her the System Lords aren't that pathetic. Are they?
KINSEY
You are the one who is pathetic. You will die never knowing our true purpose.
DANIEL
So there is a hidden agenda.
[The Goa'uld looks away, trying to hide its reaction from Daniel.]
DANIEL
Making progress now, aren't we?
INT—SGC, O'NEILL'S OFFICE
[Chekov comes into O'Neill's office. O'Neill is on the phone.]
O'NEILL
(into phone)
Yeah. Alright, keep me posted.
[He hangs up and stands, coming around from behind the desk to confront Chekov.]
O'NEILL
Well, the Chinese are refusing to back down and, gosh and golly, go figure, we're pickin' up increased chatter from within Russia.
CHEKOV
I'm still waiting to hear back from my contacts in Moscow.
O'NEILL
And I just talked to the Joint Chiefs.
(He starts to walk out of the room.)
We're goin' to DEFCON 2.
[Chekov hesitates, looking worried.]
INT—RUSSIAN DETENTION CELL, DAY
DANIEL
(pacing)
You know, I'm sure if we put our heads together, we'd come up with a dozen reasons why you'd want to wipe us out. Most important being the Ancient weapon that you know we possess. I'm sure the System Lords think that if they can get us to wipe ourselves out, they can just step in and take it, but what I don't understand is you. Why are you willing to sacrifice yourself?
KINSEY
(glaring up at Daniel)
I assure you, I have no intention of dying on this miserable planet.
DANIEL
(watching intently)
You're in Russian defence headquarters. Premiere target. If you do succeed in starting a nuclear war, you're gonna die right along with the rest of us.
[The Goa'uld smirks confidently.]
DANIEL
(begins to smile)
Unless there's something I'm missing?
KINSEY
You should return to your homes and say farewell to your loved ones. Your gods have deemed you to be unworthy.
(smiling)
The hour of reckoning is at hand.
INT—SGC, OPERATIONS ROOM
HARRIMAN
(to O'Neill)
Air Force Space Command has put all its missile wings on alert. The first B-2 left Whiteman at 0940. F-L SatCom sent out an emergency action message. Nine of our missile submarines are at sea and the rest are preparing for immediate sortie. The President and his team are on their way to Andrews, where…
[O'Neill notices Chekov and his aide conversing quietly in a corner of the operations room and heads over to them.]
HARRIMAN
…the National Airborne Command Post is awaiting their arrival.
[He notices O'Neill has wandered away and looks annoyed.]
CHEKOV
(to O'Neill)
General Kiselev found out we were trying to rally support against him. He's already arrested several officers on trumped up charges. I'm afraid Dr. Jackson may be in danger.
INT—RUSSIAN DETENTION CELL, DAY
DANIEL
Come on!
(circles around to stand behind the Goa'uld while Voronkova looks on from the shadows)
Next to slaughtering innocents, gloating is what you guys are all about. Must be…killing you, just sitting there not bragging about your brilliant plan.
[Voronkova's pager activates. She checks it.]
VORONKOVA
We have to get out of here now.
DANIEL
Why? What is it?
VORONKOVA
They're coming for us.
DANIEL
Who?
[Voronkova turns as a voice sounds from outside the cell.]
RUSSIAN SOLDIER
(in Russian)
Step aside! We are under orders from General Kiselev.
[As the cell door is unlocked, Voronkova darts across to block the doorway, holding up a cautioning hand to Daniel.]
KINSEY
(stands)
You are too late.
[Voronkova argues in Russian with the commandoes who enter the cell. Behind the Goa'uld, Daniel reaches into his jacket for a device which he immediately activates. A rapid, high-pitched beep sounds. The Russians raise their weapons and Voronkova intervenes while Daniel puts his hand on Kinsey's shoulder.]
DANIEL
Sorry, guys. Gotta go.
[Daniel and Kinsey are surrounded by a beam of intense white light. The soldiers fire as they dematerialise. The Russian commandoes and Voronkova react in shock as they disappear from the cell.]
INT—PROMETHEUS BRIDGE, SPACE
[Daniel and Kinsey re-materialise on the bridge of the Prometheus. Teal'c is waiting nearby and steps forward, activating a zat gun.]
KINSEY
What is the meaning of this?
COLONEL PENDERGAST
(shaking hands with Daniel)
Dr. Jackson, welcome aboard the Prometheus.
DANIEL
Any luck finding the Al'kesh?
TEAL'C
None.
PENDERGAST
(looking at the Goa'uld)
Maybe he can help us.
KINSEY
(eyes them calculatingly)
I think not.
TEAL'C
(steely)
If you do not cooperate, I will kill you.
KINSEY
Don't you realise what you have done? The Russians already suspect that you have been compromised by the Goa'uld. As far as they know, you helped me to escape.
[Teal'c is deeply dismayed.]
KINSEY
(gloating)
You have done more to convince them than I ever could.
[Daniel stiffens up, perturbed and doubtful.]
EXT—CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN, DAY
INT—SGC OPERATIONS ROOM
[O'Neill strides into the operations room as his officers work at their computer stations.]
O'NEILL
Listen up, people. I just got word. The Russians have gone to a full state of military preparedness. As of this moment, we're at DEFCON 1.
[He leaves immediately, leaving his officers in consternation and Colonel Chekov despairing.]
INT—PROMETHEUS BRIDGE, SPACE
KINSEY
(to Daniel and Pendergast)
The Russians will no doubt view my abduction as an attempt to hide evidence that your government has been infiltrated by the Goa'uld. You have no choice but to return me immediately.
DANIEL
(confrontational and suspicious)
Yeah. See, that's the part I don't understand. The whole time that you were down there, you were doing your best to start a nuclear war even though you were right in the line of fire. Now you want to go back?
PENDERGAST
He has a way out.
DANIEL
He has someone on the inside, someone who can protect him.
TEAL'C
(stepping forward, aiming the zat at the Goa'uld)
Who is it?
KINSEY
I have nothing more to say to you.
PENDERGAST
We can start this again, when he's had some time to think about it.
(to the crew)
Take him to the brig.
[Kinsey is taken away by two Airmen, the others watching.]
INT—SGC HALLWAY
[O'Neill and Chekov are striding down a hallway.]
O'NEILL
All our naval forces have been deployed and…we've got some pretty big birds in the air right now.
[Chekov and O'Neill look extremely grave.]
O'NEILL
Radio chatter suggests that both your people and the Chinese have alerted their missile regiments.
CHEKOV
(earnest)
They're posturing. Kiselev knows that even if he launches an effective first strike against your land-based forces, your sea-based missiles are already in a position to exact extreme retribution.
O'NEILL
Yeah, that's only if he doesn't completely lose his mind. And I'm not discounting that possibility.
CHEKOV
As Acting Commander-In-Chief of the Russian armed forces, President Mikailhov is our only hope of reeling him in.
O'NEILL
(impatient)
Well, we can't get through to him! He's not even taking calls from the White House anymore.
CHEKOV
He is convinced the Goa'uld now control the American administration.
(sighs heavily, holding up a conciliatory hand)
Look. I know a few people on his personal staff.
(he and O'Neill stop, facing one another)
I may be able to get a direct line. But, if we do make contact, we will only have a few minutes to convince him that General Kiselev has been misled by the Goa'uld. Now, right now, I don't see how we're going to do that.
O'NEILL
(under breath as he turns away)
Oy.
INT—AL'KESH, SPACE
[The stern of Prometheus can be seen through the view screen on the bridge of the cloaked Al'kesh. Jennings is at the controls of the Al'kesh, a laptop behind him displaying technical readouts.]
JENNINGS
(his voice has the metallic timber of the Goa'uld)(into microphone)
We're in position.
MR. PARKER
(his voice has the metallic timber of the Goa'uld) (via comms)
Have they detected our presence?
JENNINGS
No.
MR. PARKER
Very well. Destroy the ship.
JENNINGS
They have superior shields. If we do not succeed with the first salvo, we will be at a disadvantage.
MR. PARKER
So long as he's in their hands he remains a liability. We have no choice.
JENNINGS
Understood.
EXT—AL'KESH, SPACE
[The Al'kesh begins its bombing run, de-cloaking as it strafes Prometheus' stern and side with fire.]
INT—PROMETHEUS CORRIDOR, SPACE
[Electrical explosions erupt from the equipment contained within the bulkheads. Kinsey and his guards stagger from the shockwave as sparks rain down on them.]
INT—PROMETHEUS BRIDGE, SPACE
[Daniel and Teal'c are standing by the star chart as the explosion rocks them and Colonel Pendergast.]
DANIEL
What the hell was that?
INT—PROMETHEUS CORRIDOR, SPACE
[Kinsey slams one of his guards into the bulkhead, grabs for the man's sidearm and shoots him as he tries to right himself. He shoots the other guard as he rushes forward with his own weapon raised. Kinsey stands for a moment, staring down at the dead men.]
INT—PROMETHEUS BRIDGE, SPACE
COMM OFFICER
We're under attack.
PENDERGAST
Shields up!
[More electrical equipment shorts out, showering Daniel, Teal'c and the crew with sparks as Prometheus shudders.]
COMM OFFICER
Shields are down to forty per cent. We've lost starboard engines.
PENDERGAST
Transfer power to forward engines. Give me evasive manoeuvres. Bring all weapon batteries online.
SGT. LARSON
(via comms)(panting)
Bridge, this is Sgt. Larson.
PENDERGAST
Go ahead.
LARSON
(weakly)
Sorry, Sir. Prisoner escaped.
[Daniel and Teal'c exchange a serious look.]
TEAL'C
The ring room.
[Teal'c turns away immediately and begins to run from the bridge, Daniel hard on his heels.]
INT—SGC, CARTER'S LAB
[O'Neill and Chekov enter.]
O'NEILL
Please! Tell me you have…something!
[Carter steps away from the lab table, clutching a report.]
CARTER
Yes, Sir. I think I do. I've been going over everything we have on General Kiselev and I found this.
(turns around her file and hands it to O'Neill who sees a personnel report)
Colonel Ruselin Chernovshev. He was Kiselev's Chief of Staff, his right-hand man. Three years ago, he was involved in a plot to sell a captured symbiote to elements of the Trust, then operating within the NID.
(earnest)
That means the Trust had a direct connection to Kiselev. They didn't need Kinsey. He was just a pretext to justify this confrontation by making them think that we'd been compromised.
CHEKOV
So, if the Trust had access to Kiselev, then he could have been compromised as well.
CARTER
Exactly.
(turns to pick up a 2nd file)
This is a file photo of General Kiselev taken three years ago.
(hands O'Neill a black & white photo of Kiselev wearing glasses)
And this was taken less than a week ago during a speech he gave at the General Staff Academy.
(hands O'Neill a colour photo of Kiselev without glasses)
Notice the difference?
O'NEILL
(comparing the photos side by side)
Glasses.
[Carter nods confirmation.]
CHEKOV
(to O'Neill)
May I see that?
[He takes the photos.]
CARTER
We know that symbiotes have healing power. They can cure a host body of any number of physical short-comings, including bad eyesight.
[Chekov and O'Neill are sceptical.]
O'NEILL
(raising eyebrows)
That's it?
(Carter drops her head)
Did it occur to you that he might be wearing contacts?
CARTER
(a little defensive)
Sir, I realise it's not a lot to go on.
O'NEILL
(a little sarcastic)
Have you heard of laser surgery?
[Carter pulls a face, looking annoyed.]
CARTER
Sir…
CHEKOV
(interrupting)
No, wait. Colonel Carter is right. General Kiselev suffered from glaucoma. His vision was extremely poor. There is no possibility he could have read from a prepared statement without his glasses.
CARTER
Sir, I think Kiselev's a Goa'uld. I think he has been all along.
INT—PROMETHEUS CORRIDOR, SPACE
[Teal'c leads the way down a damaged hallway as Prometheus continues to reel from the Al'kesh attack. Reaching a corner, he and Daniel come under weapons fire from Kinsey. Teal'c returns fire with his zat, but Kinsey eludes them. Teal'c and Daniel—also armed with a zat—pursue him. They emerge through a closed compartment door into a new section of corridors, only to hear the rings activating in the distance. Proceeding cautiously into the ring room, they find it empty. Kinsey has escaped them.]
DANIEL
(gritting his teeth in anger)
Crap!
[Daniel and Teal'c leave at once to return to the bridge of Prometheus.]
INT—SGC OPERATIONS ROOM
[Harriman sits with another airman before a console and large tactical display.]
HARRIMAN
(to O'Neill)
We've almost got it, Sir. Stand by.
O'NEILL
(to Chekov)
Hey! How do we know Mikailhov hasn't been infected too?
CHEKOV
We don't. But at this point, we hardly have anything to lose.
O'NEILL
Good point.
HARRIMAN
(turning to O'Neill)
We've got it, Sir. You're on.
CHEKOV
(activating comms)
Mr. President? Can you hear me?
MIKAILHOV
(via comms)
Colonel Chekov, this is highly irregular.
CHEKOV
(conciliating)
Yes, Sir, but these are highly unusual circumstances.
MIKAILHOV
Agreed. Is General O'Neill there with you?
O'NEILL
(interrupting)
I'm here, Mr. President.
MIKAILHOV
It's good to speak with you again, although you understand that at the moment, I cannot trust anything you say.
O'NEILL
Yeah, about that? It's true there has been a Goa'uld infiltration, but it's not on our side. It's on yours.
MIKAILHOV
(after a pause)
What is it exactly that you are saying?
O'NEILL
Let me put it this way, Sir. The last time you saw General Kiselev, did you happen to notice if he was wearing his glasses?
INT—PROMETHEUS BRIDGE, SPACE
[Daniel and Teal'c return to Prometheus' bridge as the ship and its crew shudder from another assault by the Al'kesh.]
COMM OFFICER
Shields are holding, Sir. Forty per cent and steady.
PENDERGAST
Then we've got 'em. Come about and prepare to fire on my signal.
[Daniel and Teal'c look on in concern.]
INT—AL'KESH BRIDGE, SPACE
[Jennings is working at the Al'kesh command console when he turns suddenly to find Kinsey standing quietly behind him, waiting.]
JENNINGS
I'm pleased you were able to use my diversion to free yourself.
KINSEY
(icy)
Do you think I'm a fool? You tried to destroy the ship because you thought I would reveal information about you.
JENNINGS
(oily)
Of course not. We were merely…
[Kinsey calmly raises his weapon and fires several times, hitting Jennings in the chest. Jennings falls to the floor.]
INT—PROMETHEUS BRIDGE, SPACE
PENDERGAST
Open fire. All batteries!
[The COMM OFFICER activates her console.]
COMM OFFICER
(emphatic)
Yes, Sir!
INT—AL'KESH BRIDGE, SPACE
[Kinsey staggers as the Al'kesh rocks from weapons fire by Prometheus. He stumbles towards the command console and Jennings' body, reaching out to strip the ribbon device from Jennings' hand.]
INT—SGC, OPERATIONS ROOM
[Carter sits by a fax machine in the hushed operations room. She nods to Colonel Chekov.]
CHEKOV
(into comms)
We're sending you the relevant documents now, Mr. President. Proof of Colonel Chernoshev's prior relationship with the Trust. Plus a list of generals who will support you should you decide to move against General Kiselev.
MIKAILHOV
(via comms)
I must say, I'm not sure what to make of all this.
O'NEILL
Well, you could start by trusting us.
MIKAILHOV
And if you have been compromised by the Goa'uld, I would be standing down my forces with the Americans in position to launch an immediate attack.
O'NEILL
(forceful, persuasive)
We both know neither side can win outright with a first strike. And that's the whole point. The Goa'uld don't want a winner. They want us to destroy each other.
MIKAILHOV
Why?
CHEKOV
We believe their ultimate goal is to get their hands on the Ancient weapon in Antarctica.
HARRIMAN
(turns to report what he's hearing through channels)(serious)
Sir, MPIC is reporting visuals from Russian missile site 537. Silo doors are open, evidence of a fire fight on the ground.
CHEKOV
(horrified)
My God! Kiselev is trying to launch without authorisation!
O'NEILL
(deadly serious)
Mr. President, you are about to lose control of your own forces. You have to do something right now!
[President Mikailhov's comms signal breaks from interference.]
O'NEILL
(turning to Harriman)
What happened?
HARRIMAN
(anxious)
We lost the connection. The line is down.
[O'Neill and Chekov exchange a worried look.]
INT—PROMETHEUS BRIDGE, SPACE
COMM OFFICER
(reading from her console)
Sir, the Al'kesh is no longer making evasive manoeuvres or returning fire. We have a clear shot.
PENDERGAST
Stand by.
[Daniel and Teal'c brace themselves for the attack.]
INT—AL'KESH BRIDGE, SPACE
[Jennings' body lies slumped in the shadows on the bridge of the Al'Kesh as Mr. Parker, Mr. Wayne and Mr. Kent enter hurriedly.]
MR. KENT
(his voice has the metallic timber of the Goa'uld)
Why are we not returning fire?
[They see Jennings and rush over to him. Mr. Kent checks for Jennings' pulse, then immediately jumps up to begin activating controls on the command console of the Al'kesh. Mr. Parker works feverishly at the station next to him.]
INT—PROMETHEUS BRIDGE, SPACE
COMM OFFICER
They're powering weapons.
PENDERGAST
Take 'em out.
[Comm Officer looks up as Prometheus begins its strafing run and fires on the Al'kesh. The Goa'uld ship explodes, blinding Daniel, Teal'c and everyone on the bridge with brilliant light.]
COMM OFFICER
Target destroyed.
[Pendergast reacts soberly to the report.]
INT—SGC OPERATIONS ROOM
[The airmen manning the consoles are silent and afraid. O'Neill sits alone, restless and edgy as he waits. Impatiently he stands, checks his watch, and then thinks for a moment in grave, stony silence. He's making a difficult decision.]
O'NEILL
(to Harriman)(calm and sober)
Get me Washington.
[Carter and Harriman react strongly to this decision, realising the implications of what O'Neill is about to do.]
CHEKOV
(anxious, pleading)(surges towards O'Neill)
General! Wait!
O'NEILL
We're out of time, Colonel.
CHEKOV
(begging)
Please.
[O'Neill looks unhappy but resolute.]
HARRIMAN
(to O'Neill)(listening to comms channel)
Sir! MPIC is reporting new visuals at 537. Silo doors are closing!
CARTER
(turns to O'Neill)(listening to comms channel)
Russian bombers are turning around and returning to base.
[Behind O'Neill, Chekov sighs gustily, slumping with relief at the near miss. O'Neill merely waits for confirmation.]
CARTER
They're standing down.
[O'Neill nods quiet acknowledgement to Carter, his expression heavy.]
FADE OUT
END CREDITS
Transcribed for Solutions by Alison, February 2005
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