9.12 "Collateral Damage" Transcript
Episode Guide
Précis
On an alien planet, Col. Mitchell experiences the power of a memory altering technology the SGC wants to secure, gets involved with the leading scientist, and is accused of her brutal murder. His own memories confirm that he committed the crime. SG-1 must protect Mitchell while they prove his innocence, and find the real killer.
Guide | Transcript
Transcript
TEASER
EXT—ALIEN CITY ON PLANET GALAR, DAY
[The city is large and very modern, with many high rises, parks, and an elevated monorail. It has a clean and efficient appearance.]
INT—VARRICK'S HOUSE, DAY
[Mitchell is lying on the floor, his closed eyes twitching as if in a dream state.]
FLASHBACK
[Mitchell recalls a series of events in brief, disconnected moments.]
EXT—RECEPTION AREA, NIGHT
[Dr. Reya Varrick smiles as she walks slowly.]
INT—VARRICK'S HOUSE, NIGHT
[Mitchell sees the point of view of a person as he walks down a hallway. The person picks up a small but heavy black stone statue from a wet bar.]
[Mitchell and Varrick kiss passionately in several disconnected sequences.]
[The person moves down a hallway toward the dining room. Varrick appears and falls to the ground as if struck, crying out. She cries for help and crawls away as the attacker follows.]
END FLASHBACK
INT—VARRICK'S HOUSE, DAY
[Mitchell opens his eyes.]
FLASHBACK
INT—VARRICK'S HOUSE, NIGHT
[The attacker hits Varrick with the statue; she calls for help and turns over onto her back. He hits her again.]
END FLASHBACK
INT—VARRICK'S HOUSE, DAY
[Mitchell groans and rolls onto his back. He lifts his hands and sees that they are covered in dried blood. He blinks rapidly.]
FLASHBACK
INT—VARRICK'S HOUSE, NIGHT
[Visible and dressed in BDU's, Mitchell hits Varrick twice with the statue, with great force, as she cries out. He drops the statue and looks at his blood-covered hands. He appears very upset by what he has done.]
END FLASHBACK
INT—VARRICK'S HOUSE, DAY
[Mitchell sits up slowly. There is a pounding at the door of the house.]
SECURITY OFFICER
Open up the door!
[There is the sound of the door crashing open. Police enter the room and one pulls Mitchell's hands behind his back to secure them.]
OFFICER
I got him.
MITCHELL
What the hell's goin' on?
[A security officer dressed in a modern-style uniform enters.]
SECURITY OFFICER
Colonel Mitchell.
MITCHELL
(confused, stressed)
Yeah. What happened?
[The officer ties Mitchell's hands together with a zip tie and drags him up to stand.]
SECURITY OFFICER
Bring him.
[They walk Mitchell from where he has been lying into the dining room. They guide him around the dining table to see Dr. Varrick lying dead on the floor, a pool of blood under her head and the statue lying next to her body.]
MITCHELL
Oh, my God.
SECURITY OFFICER
Colonel Mitchell? I'm placing you under arrest for the murder of Dr. Reya Varrick.
END TEASER
OPENING CREDITS
TWENTY-FOUR HOURS EARLIER
INT—GALARAN LABORATORY
[Mitchell is seated with his eyes closed. Six lighted sensors are attached to his head.]
FLASHBACK
INT—VARRICK'S HOUSE, NIGHT
[Mitchell is dressed in a Galaran suit, standing in the dining room. He gazes out the window to see a large, ringed gaseous planet in the night sky. Behind him, Dr. Varrick enters, her hair hanging loose as she puts on a robe.]
VARRICK
I'm sorry to keep you waiting, Emissary. I wasn't expecting anyone.
[Mitchell speaks in a formal, slightly halting style, clearly not himself.]
MITCHELL
(turning away from the window toward her)
And I apologize for coming so late. But the committee just completed its deliberations.
VARRICK
You've chosen a new leader for the project.
MITCHELL
Yes, we have.
(he sets down a large brandy-style snifter)
Congratulations.
VARRICK
I'm honored.
MITCHELL
(touching the sleeve of her robe in a vaguely suggestive manner)
We expect great things from you, Doctor.
[Varrick folds her arms as if to warn him off.]
MITCHELL
Along with your new responsibilities, you will have a higher security clearance. You already know about the ring, of course.
VARRICK
Yes, sir.
MITCHELL
What you don't know is that we've used it to visit over a dozen inhabited worlds, and there may be thousands more out there.
VARRICK
(shocked)
My God.
MITCHELL
As Ambassador to those worlds, I've seen first-hand the kind of technologies that exist in the galaxy. Giant ships, capable of traveling between the stars. Weapons of immeasurable power. Galar is vulnerable, Doctor. The project may be our only hope for survival.
VARRICK
We'll do our best, sir.
END FLASHBACK
INT—GALARAN LABORATORY
[Mitchell opens his eyes and sits up rapidly. Varrick is standing beside the blue lounge-style chair he has been seated in. The chair sits alone on a raised platform surrounded by lighted panels. Outside this alcove is an area surrounded by walls of computers and several display terminals at a central control station. The rest of SG-1 and the Emissary look on from the control area. The Emissary smiles at Mitchell.]
MITCHELL
Wow.
VARRICK
Colonel? How do you feel?
MITCHELL
(turning in the chair to face her)
That's just weird. I was having a conversation with you. It was about a year ago, but we just met yesterday.
EMISSARY
(stepping forward toward Mitchell)
I was the one who had a conversation with Doctor Varrick. What you experienced was my memory.
DANIEL
That's amazing.
EMISSARY
Oh, believe me, Doctor Jackson, this is just the beginning.
VARRICK
(removing the leads from Mitchell's head)
The memory was copied from the Emissary's mind and spliced into yours. Once there, it was incorporated into your consciousness, like a transplant organ becoming part of a new body.
MITCHELL
I could swear I was there.
[He gets up from the chair and walks down the platform steps to stand beside Daniel, Carter, and Teal'c.]
MITCHELL
I don't really know what we were talking about, but we were talking.
VARRICK
(moving to stand beside the Emissary, facing SG-1)
Of course this was just a small demonstration. We're still perfecting the process. But we believe, eventually, the device will become an invaluable educational tool.
EMISSARY
Imagine your most brilliant surgeons or engineers instantaneously transferring the full memory of their education and experience to young students. You could conceivably cut their training time from years to mere weeks.
CARTER
And you say you adapted this technology from a Goa'uld memory device.
VARRICK
That's correct.
DANIEL
Well, if you don't mind our asking, where did you get your hands on one?
[Varrick starts to answer but the Emissary interrupts.]
EMISSARY
This planet has been under the protection of the Asgard for many generations, but it was originally occupied by the Goa'uld. That device was discovered by archaeologists over a hundred years ago. But it wasn't until recently that our understanding of the technology advanced to the point where we could create the memory transfer. It was Doctor Varrick who made the final breakthrough.
VARRICK
The Emissary's exaggerating. I was just the last in a long line of scientists working on the project.
MITCHELL
The last is the one who gets it right.
[Varrick smiles at the compliment as the rest of SG-1 looks at Mitchell with dubious expressions.]
MITCHELL
What?
EXT—CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN, DAY
INT—SGC BRIEFING ROOM
[SG-1 and Landry are seated at the briefing table.]
CARTER
The Galarans haven't perfected the memory implant technology to the point where it would have widespread applications, but from Colonel Mitchell's experience, it sounds like they're well on their way.
DANIEL
If they succeed, it could artificially accelerate their technological advancement.
MITCHELL
I think that's the point.
DANIEL
I'm saying it could be dangerous.
LANDRY
We're hardly in a position to judge, Doctor Jackson. For the past nine years, SG-1 has been routinely employing technologies that are well beyond our level of advancement.
CARTER
The Asgard are busy rebuilding, which means they haven't been around to do much protecting. The Galarans feel like they need to play catch-up.
TEAL'C
In all likelihood, that is the reason they are seeking a relationship with the Tau'ri. They are undoubtedly aware of our success against the Goa'uld.
LANDRY
So what exactly do they want? I mean aside from our goodwill and fellowship.
CARTER
Well, right now they have no interstellar capability except for the gate itself. They've been working on hyperdrive technology, but without much success.
LANDRY
And they want to offer this memory device in exchange for our help.
DANIEL
Well, the Emissary was reluctant to get into specifics. I think he wanted to whet our appetite for the technology before we started bargaining.
LANDRY
Well, it worked. The Joint Chiefs are already salivating over the idea of training jet pilots in a matter of days. We need to set up another meeting.
CARTER
No need, sir. We've already been invited back for a reception in honor of the scientists who developed the implant technology.
MITCHELL
I'm hoping there'll be dancing.
[Landry looks at him in surprise.]
MITCHELL
Sir.
EXT—GALARAN CITY, NIGHT
EXT—RECEPTION COURTYARD, NIGHT
[Galarans are talking and drinking in a courtyard with a large pool. They are dressed in formal attire, while SG-1 wear their BDU's. Mitchell walks with Varrick. They note a scientist standing alone next to the pool.]
MITCHELL
Check that out. Even on an alien world, a wallflower.
VARRICK
Doctor Amuro. He's worked on the project for many years.
MITCHELL
It doesn't look like he's enjoying the party.
VARRICK
You know how it is with scientists. We spend so much time in the lab, I think that's where we feel most comfortable.
MITCHELL
In your case, I find that hard to believe.
VARRICK
Are you suggesting I don't work as hard as my colleagues?
MITCHELL
No, no. God, no. That's supposed to be a compliment.
VARRICK
(chuckling)
Guess I'll have to take your word for it.
[Daniel, Teal'c, and Carter are chatting with the Emissary nearby.]
DANIEL
No, it's not that I don't appreciate the potential of the technology, it's just that we're talking about your memory, here. It's fundamental to your identity. If you can't trust it, you're lost.
EMISSARY
Your memory is already less objective than you think it is, Doctor Jackson.
CARTER
Well, he's got a point. I mean, just ask any cop who's had to take eyewitness testimony.
DANIEL
Yeah, but there's a difference between getting a license plate number wrong and not knowing if the four years you spent in college ever actually happened.
EMISSARY
Yes, but that would never be the case, because everyone receiving the treatment would be aware of what they were getting.
TEAL'C
So long as the technology is not abused.
EMISSARY
Well, that's a risk with all new technologies.
TEAL'C
Easily said by one who has not been the victim of such abuse.
EMISSARY
(smiling)
Excuse me.
[The Emissary walks away.]
[Nearby, Dr. Marell approaches Mitchell and Varrick.]
MARELL
Reya?
VARRICK
Doctor Marell? This is Lieutenant Colonel Mitchell.
MARELL
(smiling only briefly at Mitchell, then turning to Varrick)
We have to talk.
VARRICK
(to Mitchell)
Excuse me.
[Varrick and Marell walk away. Mitchell appears puzzled. Carter, Daniel, and Teal'c approach him.]
CARTER
How's it going?
MITCHELL
I don't think diplomacy is my thing.
DANIEL
(dryly)
Oh, that's what you're doing.
[The others smile at Mitchell.]
MITCHELL
What?
DANIEL
Nothing, nothing.
[Daniel takes a drink from his glass.]
[Nearby, Marell hands a piece of paper to Varrick. She reads it then looks around them in shock. She sees the Emissary chatting to two others and heads toward him.]
MARELL
Reya, wait.
VARRICK
(to Emissary, holding up the paper)
Why wasn't I informed of this?
EMISSARY
(to the couple he is speaking with)
Excuse me.
[The couple walks away.]
EMISSARY
Reya.
VARRICK
You moved up the test schedule, and you selected a group of volunteers. When did this happen?
[Overhearing the conversation, Dr. Amuro begins to walk toward them, then stops listening. After a moment, he heads away purposefully.]
EMISSARY
We've been very impressed with your progress. We thought it was time to take your research to its next level. You should take this as a compliment.
VARRICK
I notice all the test subjects are military officers. How should I take that?
EMISSARY
This is still a classified operation.
VARRICK
You gave me your personal assurance this project would remain under civilian control.
EMISSARY
And so it has. The military is simply making their contribution.
VARRICK
(raising her voice)
Well, I've seen what those "contributions" can lead to.
[SG-1 overhear her and turn to look.]
EMISSARY
(annoyed and concerned about the looks they are getting)
You're overreacting, and in any case, this is hardly the place to discuss it.
VARRICK
This conversation isn't over.
[She walks away quickly. Mitchell looks on in concern.]
MITCHELL
I'll be back.
[He heads off to find her and sees her at the entrance to an interior hallway.]
MITCHELL
Reya, wait up.
[She stops and turns to look at him, agitated, her hands on her hips.]
MITCHELL
What was all that about?
VARRICK
I should have seen this coming. They're going to take the project away from me.
MITCHELL
Why would they do that? You're the one that figured it out.
VARRICK
Which means they no longer need me. I know where this is coming from. It's the general staff. They want to control the technology without any interference from civilian scientists. I swore I wouldn't let that happen… Why am I telling you this? You're a military officer yourself. If you get your hands on the device, the same thing will happen on your planet.
[She turns to walk away but stops when Mitchell calls out to her.]
MITCHELL
Hey, I'm not a big fan of misusing technology on any planet. And I might be able to help you out.
VARRICK
(intrigued, stepping closer)
What do you mean?
MITCHELL
Well, obviously your government is keen on forming a relationship with mine. That gives us some leverage.
VARRICK
You'd use your influence to help me?
MITCHELL
I could try.
VARRICK
(smiling a bit flirtatiously)
Well. I really don't want to go back out there. Maybe you could do me a favor and walk me home? It's not far, but I don't like to walk alone at night.
MITCHELL
Really.
VARRICK
(laughing)
Don't they have crime on your planet?
[The Emissary approaches them, but they don't react to him.]
MITCHELL
Oh, yeah.
[They head off together through a door onto the other side of the building. The Emissary looks on unhappily.]
EXT—GALARAN CITY, NIGHT
INT—VARRICK'S HOUSE, ENTRY WAY
[Varrick and Mitchell enter through the front door. Varrick activates the lights and walks over to a wet bar, which has glass shelves and a mirrored back. The statue sits on the counter. Mitchell takes in the scene.]
MITCHELL
Oh, wow. Don't move.
[He holds up a hand and then looks around excitedly.]
MITCHELL
(walking toward her)
The night the Emissary told you that they put you in charge of the project, he came here, right?
VARRICK
(smiling)
That's right.
MITCHELL
That's just weird. I mean, I know I've never been here before, but, I recognize this place.
VARRICK
Then you know where the drinks are. Help yourself, and pour me one, too.
[She walks away, further into the house, as Mitchell looks on. He opens one of the carafes, smells its glass cork, and pours from it into a brandy-style glass.]
INT—VARRICK'S HOUSE, KITCHEN/DINING ROOM
[Mitchell walks in carrying a drink for each of them and hands one to Varrick. She has just lighted the fireplace.]
MITCHELL
(noting the decor)
It's impressive. Do all Government scientists live like this?
VARRICK
The success of the project has brought me a few privileges. Sometimes I feel a little guilty. Most of my colleagues from my days at the Academy don't live nearly so well.
MITCHELL
(holding out his glass in toast)
Well, I'm sure you deserve it.
(taking a sip of the drink and reacting to its strength)
Wow.
[Varrick laughs.]
MITCHELL
(smiling but putting his glass down)
That doesn't pull any punches, does it.
VARRICK
After the day I just had, that's the whole point.
MITCHELL
So, you live here on your own?
VARRICK
Why do you ask?
MITCHELL
Ah, it's a big place. I don't know, just—just curious, I guess.
[Varrick steps in front of him and takes his jacket in her hands.]
VARRICK
I thought that was your clever way of asking if I was married.
MITCHELL
I'm not that clever.
VARRICK
(getting closer to him)
Well anyway, the answer's yes, I live alone. I was married for a while but the job got in the way.
MITCHELL
Well, that much I understand.
VARRICK
Then we're not so different after all.
[She places her arms around his neck and kisses him; they kiss several times then pause.]
MITCHELL
We shouldn't do this.
VARRICK
You wouldn't have come here if you didn't want to.
[She kisses him again.]
MITCHELL
Mmmm, I didn't say I didn't want to.
[He kisses her, and they continue kissing.]
EXT—GALARAN CITY, DAY
INT—EMISSARY'S OFFICE
[Carter, Daniel and Teal'c are ushered in by guards. The Emissary is already there.]
CARTER
Emissary, what's going on? Where's Colonel Mitchell?
EMISSARY
He's been taken into custody.
DANIEL
Why?
EMISSARY
He killed Doctor Varrick.
CARTER
(shocked)
What?
DANIEL
That's insane.
EMISSARY
When we found him, his blood alcohol level was extremely high. I suspect it was probably some kind of unpremeditated crime of passion. We all know they left the reception together.
CARTER
That's hardly evidence.
EMISSARY
We also found her blood on his hands, and his fingerprints on the murder weapon. But most importantly, he confessed.
INT—GALARAN JAIL
[Mitchell sits on a bench inside a jail cell as the rest of SG-1 looks on from outside the cell bars. Mitchell is dressed in dark prison clothing with short sleeves. He appears quiet and withdrawn.]
CARTER
Cam, what happened?
MITCHELL
(distraught and teary-eyed)
I don't know. I mean, the whole night is just a blur.
[In another flashback, he relives the scene in which Varrick falls to the floor in the dining room. He continues speaking as the murder plays out as it did before.]
MITCHELL
I just remember feeling this insane anger. I don't know why. I picked up the statue, and I hit her with it. She was lying there, helpless, and I uh…
DANIEL
It wasn't you, okay? These people can implant memories.
MITCHELL
Yeah, I've been trying to tell myself the same thing all morning. It doesn't stop me from still seeing her face. What if I told you everything that happened to you yesterday was a false memory? How would you know the difference?
[As SG-1 looks on in concern the security officer who arrested Mitchell enters.]
SECURITY OFFICER
The Emissary would like to speak with the prisoner.
INT—EMISSARY'S OFFICE
[All of SG-1 is there, Mitchell still in the dark jail clothing.]
CARTER
We need to talk about this so-called evidence you have against Colonel Mitchell.
EMISSARY
That won't be necessary. Colonel Mitchell is free to return to Earth.
MITCHELL
(shocked)
I'm what?
EMISSARY
I'm trying to convince the Cabinet to maintain your diplomatic status, but I may not succeed.
MITCHELL
Whoa, wait a minute. If they think I'm guilty, why are they letting me go?
EMISSARY
They believe it is in the best interest of inter-planetary relations to put this difficult business behind us, as quickly and as quietly as possible.
TEAL'C
Colonel Mitchell has been falsely accused.
DANIEL
Which means there still could be a murderer out there.
EMISSARY
Let's be realistic, here. Very few people have access to the memory device. Even fewer have the skills to manipulate it in this manner. And none that I can think of have any motive. Colonel Mitchell should be grateful. Under our rules of evidence, he would be convicted of this crime.
MITCHELL
(stepping forward, angry)
I should be grateful to walk away and have this memory stuck in my head for the rest of my life?
EMISSARY
All right, then. If you agree to close the matter, we can have the incident removed from your mind and replace it with a memory of a pleasant, uneventful evening.
MITCHELL
Just like that. Forget it ever happened.
EMISSARY
Precisely. On the other hand, if you insist on a full investigation, I won't be able to protect you. If the evidence continues to point to your guilt, you will be subject to the full force of our laws. And the penalty for murder is death.
CARTER
(quietly)
Cameron, we need to be really careful, here. We have no idea how their legal system works. We don't know what kind of rights—
MITCHELL
(emphatic)
Sam. I need to do this. I want to know what really happened.
INT—SGC BRIEFING ROOM
[SG-1 minus Mitchell is there with Landry.]
LANDRY
(angry)
You can tell the Galarans that, until Colonel Mitchell is returned, all trade talks are suspended.
DANIEL
He doesn't want to come back. He wants to force them to conduct a full investigation.
LANDRY
I don't give a damn what he wants.
DANIEL
General, it's easy for us to sit here and be certain he didn't do it, but look at it from his point of view. No matter what we say, he's still going to have the memory of murdering that woman with his own hands.
LANDRY
You said the Emissary offered to have the memory removed.
DANIEL
He'd still know she'd been killed, and I'm sure he'd be curious why no one had been held accountable for it.
LANDRY
He's taking an awful chance.
TEAL'C
I believe it highly unlikely that the Galarans would execute Colonel Mitchell. It would severely hinder the possibility of future relations with the Tau'ri.
CARTER
Sir, I've already spoken to Doctor Marell. He says they can use the implant technology to determine if the memory's genuine or not.
LANDRY
(emphatic)
I don't want him hooked up to that damn machine again without one of you present.
CARTER
I'll be observing the analysis. In the meantime, Teal'c and Daniel have been granted access to all the material relevant to the investigation.
LANDRY
(nodding)
Very well.
[Landry stands and leaves.]
EXT—GALARAN CITY, DAY
INT—GALARAN LABORATORY
[Drs. Marell and Amuro are studying computer displays at the control console for the chair. They move to the entrance as Carter and Mitchell enter with the security officer and other guards.]
SECURITY OFFICER
Doctor Marell and Doctor Amuro will be conducting the analysis. Now, if there's anything else you require?
CARTER
As a matter of fact, there is. I understand that a sample of Colonel Mitchell's blood was taken when he was arrested.
SECURITY OFFICER
In order to determine his blood alcohol level, yes.
CARTER
We'd like a portion of that sample sent back to Stargate Command. Just to corroborate your results, of course.
SECURITY OFFICER
I'll see to it.
[He turns to leave.]
MARELL
You can take the guards with you.
SECURITY OFFICER
This man has been accused of murder.
MARELL
I don't want them in my lab.
SECURITY OFFICER
(to guards)
You can wait outside.
[The officer and guards leave.]
MITCHELL
Are you fellas sure you want to be left alone with me?
AMURO
Doctor Varrick was our colleague. If we thought for one minute you actually killed her, we wouldn't be helping you.
CARTER
Then who do you think did kill her?
MARELL
Reya was going to do everything she could to oppose the militarization of the project. So, they got rid of her.
MITCHELL
Why frame me?
AMURO
They assumed that you'd claim diplomatic immunity and therefore no prosecution would be necessary. The whole thing was to be swept under the carpet.
MITCHELL
They assumed wrong.
MARELL
And for that, we are grateful.
CARTER
Can you prove the memories false?
AMURO
Well, unfortunately Doctor Varrick was the most qualified to do this work, but…
MITCHELL
I'm sure you'll do fine.
AMURO
(leading Mitchell to the chair)
Please.
[Carter moves to stand near Marell at the control console while Amuro leads Mitchell to the chair. Carter appears concerned. Amuro connect the electronic leads to Mitchell's head. The display in front of Marell comes alive with various complicated wave patterns.]
MARELL
Brain activity is extremely fluid. We can't read a memory like opening a drawer and pulling out a file. Patterns shift and mutate. One memory colors another.
AMURO
That's why it's so difficult to create a successful graft. You have to be careful not to cause too many inconsistencies.
MARELL
(turning from the console to face Mitchell)
All right, Colonel. We need to establish a baseline. What I've done is identify a series of key memories from your childhood. These are seminal moments. They stand out like signposts, and they influence everything that came after them. I'm going to activate one now.
[He turns back to the console and enters some commands. Mitchell closes his eyes and leans his head back as Amuro activates something behind the chair.]
FLASHBACK
INT—HOSPITAL CORRIDOR
[A nurse approaches Young Mitchell, who is sitting on a bench in the corridor. She places her hand on his shoulder.]
CARTER
(audibly only)
You all right?
END FLASHBACK
MITCHELL
Yeah, it's just… weird.
CARTER
What are you seeing?
MITCHELL
I'm in the VA hospital where they brought my father right after his accident.
CARTER
He was a test pilot, right?
MITCHELL
Yeah.
FLASHBACK
INT—HOSPITAL ROOM
[Young Mitchell comes to the doorway of the room, the nurse behind him. He steps into the room to see his father sitting on the hospital bed, his legs amputated above the knees and the remaining portions in bandages. A nurse is beside his father. The father sees Young Mitchell and immediately tries to sit up and turn sideways on the bed. The nurse helps him to turn. Young Mitchell looks closely at his father's missing legs. He then meets his father's eyes and smiles, and his father smiles back at him and sighs, relieved.]
END FLASHBACK
MITCHELL
It's the first time I saw him after the crash. Scared the hell out of me to see him like that. Somehow he made it seem that everything was going to be okay.
MARELL
(activating more buttons)
We're moving into a related memory now.
MITCHELL
(eyelids flickering)
It's a couple of months later.
[As Mitchell continues talking, he sees a flashback of himself as the young boy, sitting on the hospital bed beside his father, watching television.]
MITCHELL
We're watching the launch of the first Space Shuttle. Ah, I can't be much more than ten years old.
FLASHBACK
INT—HOSPITAL ROOM
[With his father's arm around him, Young Mitchell watches the Space Shuttle lift off of its launch pad.]
MITCHELL'S FATHER
Go baby, go! What do you think of that, Cam? Space planes. I tell you what, if they can pull that off, the least I can do is walk again, right?
[Young Mitchell smiles.]
END FLASHBACK
[Amuro removes the leads from Mitchell's head.]
AMURO
Well done, Colonel.
[Mitchell sits up.]
MITCHELL
So, what's next?
MARELL
With this data, we should be able to precisely calibrate the equipment, and then comes the hard part.
AMURO
We'll need to run through your memories of the murder. We may have to do it several times.
MITCHELL
(sarcastically)
Great.
INT—EMISSARY'S OFFICE
[Daniel and Teal'c enter to meet the Emissary, already there.]
EMISSARY
(standing)
Teal'c, Doctor Jackson, what can I do for you?
DANIEL
(holding up a small computer memory chip)
We've got a problem. Uh, this data file was supposed to contain all materials relevant to the murder investigation, but large sections of Dr. Varrick's personal records have been deleted.
[Daniel hands the chip to the Emissary.]
EMISSARY
Well, she was involved in a number of our most top-secret projects. The deletions were made in the interest of national security. But I'm sure there's nothing in the missing material that has any bearing on the investigation.
TEAL'C
How are we to be certain?
EMISSARY
Because I'm telling you.
[Daniel takes the chip back from the Emissary; he appears frustrated.]
FLASHBACK
[Mitchell relives his conversations with Varrick at the cocktail party, then sees himself hitting her with the statue as she screams. He seems himself kissing her, then waking up with blood on his hands. He relives seeing her dead body in the morning.]
END FLASHBACK
INT—GALARAN LABORATORY
[Mitchell is in the chair, still reliving memories, as Carter, Amuro, and Marell look on.]
AMURO
We must be missing something.
MARELL
We've been through it three times.
CARTER
What's the problem?
AMURO
Well, maybe we should run another diagnostic—
MARELL
(angry, pointing at the display)
It's not going to change the result!
(getting up to leave)
I need some air.
[Marell leaves the lab.]
AMURO
(to Carter)
So far, we can't find any evidence that the memory is false. According to these results, Colonel Mitchell really did murder Doctor Varrick.
[Carter turns to look at Mitchell, who is still reliving his memories. Carter leaves the lab to find Marell standing outside in the corridor.]
CARTER
Doctor Marell, you have to continue with the analysis. Please. You know he didn't to this!
MARELL
That's not what the machine says.
CARTER
Look, I know Doctor Varrick was your friend—
MARELL
(growing more upset)
She was more than than, Colonel… She was my wife. We'd been separated for two years. I guess I was still hoping there might be a ch— I can't help you.
[Carter appears shocked and worried.]
EXT—CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN, DAY
INT—LANDRY'S OFFICE
[Landry is seated at his desk as Harriman enters.]
HARRIMAN
Sir, Doctor Lam is in surgery, but she wanted you to see this right away.
[He hands a yellow folder to Landry.]
HARRIMAN
It's the results of the analysis of Colonel Mitchell's blood sample.
LANDRY
(opening the folder to read)
Anything useful?
HARRIMAN
Yes, sir. She wanted you to know that the troponins were negative, but the CK and the myoglobins were up. No, wait. Uh, the myoglobins were negative, but the CK and the troponins were up. No, wait—
LANDRY
Walter.
HARRIMAN
Sir, whatever it was, it means that when the sample was taken, Colonel Mitchell had been recently either stunned or rendered unconscious by some kind of electrical charge.
LANDRY
Like a Zat gun.
HARRIMAN
(uncertainly)
Yes, sir. Or some such… similar… uh, thing.
[Landry grunts and waits for more. When nothing is forthcoming, he holds his hands out in question. Harriman takes the hint and leaves. Landry shakes his head.]
INT—EMISSARY'S OFFICE
[Daniel, Carter, and Teal'c are speaking to the Emissary, having just given him the blood test results.]
EMISSARY
This is hardly proof of Colonel Mitchell's innocence.
DANIEL
Wow, on Earth you have to prove guilt.
(noting the Emissary's dubious expression)
I know, we're not on Earth.
EMISSARY
I'll admit, it's enough to suggest to them that the investigation should continue. But Doctor Marell has expressed reluctance to help you any further.
CARTER
At least let us talk to him.
INT—GALARAN LABORATORY
[SG-1, Marell, and Amuro are standing near the empty chair.]
MITCHELL
I'm sorry about Reya. She told me she'd been married. She didn't tell me it was you.
MARELL
Would it have made any difference?
MITCHELL
I didn't kill her.
MARELL
Even if I wanted to help you, there's nothing more I can do.
CARTER
Why not?
AMURO
Well, as you know, we used Colonel Mitchell's own memories to establish a comparative standard. And normally that should have been enough to identify any false readings, but we were unable to do so. Which means either the memory is genuine, or the transfer was so expertly done that the ordinary methods of detecting it are useless.
TEAL'C
What other methods are there?
MARELL
Well, the only way would be to compare what happened the other night with a genuine memory of similar content and emotional resonance. So unless Colonel Mitchell's made a habit of killing innocent people… we're out of options.
[The rest of SG-1 look dubious that Mitchell would have such a memory.]
MITCHELL
I may have what you need.
[The others look on in surprise.]
MITCHELL
Hook me up.
[Mitchell steps up to the platform and seats himself in the chair again.]
[Some time later, Marell and Amuro are examining Mitchell's brain wave displays.]
MARELL
(pointing to a series of colored bars)
There it is.
DANIEL
What are we looking at?
AMURO
The emotional resonance pattern of this memory is very similar to that of Doctor Varrick's murder.
[In the chair, Mitchell is clearly experiencing a strong memory.]
FLASHBACK
EXT—SKY ABOVE MIDDLE EASTERN DESERT, EARTH, DAY
[Mitchell is piloting an F-16 fighter. He is wearing a helmet and an oxygen mask over his mouth and nose. He speaks into his communication system.]
MITCHELL
(into radio)
Mustang Leader, this is Mustang Three. Do we have a confirmation on the target yet?
MUSTANG LEADER
(over radio)
Negative, Mustang Three. AWACS reports we're still waiting on intel. Maintain CAP.
MITCHELL
I have tally three-vehicle convoy, just like the man said.
MUSTANG LEADER
Copy that, Three. We're still trying to confirm that the target is in the convoy.
[Mitchell hears gunfire from his right; it is anti-aircraft artillery.]
MITCHELL
Triple "A", on my three. Breaking left.
[He rolls the aircraft hard to the left to escape the artillery fire.]
END FLASHBACK
INT—GALARAN LABORATORY
AMURO
His heart-rate just shot up. Breathing is shallow.
FLASHBACK
EXT—SKY ABOVE MIDDLE EASTERN DESERT, EARTH, DAY
MITCHELL
I'm taking fire. Do we have a confirmation yet?
[He is maneuvering the jet evasively.]
MITCHELL
(urgently)
It's not exactly the friendly skies out here, boys and girls. Can I get a confirmation on that target?
MUSTANG LEADER
Mustang Three, you are cleared hot. Repeat, you are cleared hot.
MITCHELL
Are we sure about this?
MUSTANG LEADER
That's affirmative. Pop up to fifteen-hundred for re-acquisition.
MITCHELL
Roger that.
[Mitchell moves the throttle to full afterburner, and the aircraft climbs rapidly. He moves the weapons switch to 'master arm'.]
MITCHELL
Weapon is armed.
[He pushes the red button on his control stick.]
MITCHELL
Bombs away.
[The bomb drops from the aircraft.]
MUSTANG LEADER
(urgently)
Mustang Three, Mustang Three! Abort! Abort!
MITCHELL
What? No! No no no no! The bomb is away. What the hell is going on, Mustang Leader?
MUSTANG LEADER
We've lost confirmation on the target.
MITCHELL
You've gotta be kidding me.
MUSTANG LEADER
Can you confirm hit?
MITCHELL
Stand by.
[He looks out the left side of his canopy to see the bomb hit the convoy, destroying all three vehicles in a fiery blast.]
MITCHELL
(subdued)
Target is destroyed.
INT—MILITARY COMMAND BASE OFFICE
[Mitchell is speaking to his superior officer from across a desk.]
COLONEL DAVIDSON
Sorry about that, Captain. We were relying on local allied intelligence. Obviously someone dropped the ball.
MITCHELL
(distraught)
Who was the target? Was he in the convoy or not?
COLONEL DAVIDSON
Don't do this to yourself.
MITCHELL
(insistent)
Who was in the convoy, sir?
COLONEL DAVIDSON
As far as we know, it was a group of refugees. This wasn't your fault.
MITCHELL
That doesn't change the fact that I have to live with it for the rest of my life.
END FLASHBACK
INT—GALARAN LABORATORY
[Mitchell opens his eyes and sits up, breathing heavily. Carter goes to help him remove the leads.]
MITCHELL
Please tell me you got what you need.
MARELL
We're analyzing the results now. Just give us a few moments.
[The data screen shows the two similar memories being superimposed, with several points highlighted by the computer. Mitchell sits down heavily at the top of the platform stairs, clearly upset. Carter sits beside him.]
CARTER
You okay?
MITCHELL
No.
MARELL
It worked. The new data indicates that the memory of Reya's murder was implanted.
[Mitchell smiles in relief, though he is nearly crying.]
CARTER
Thank God.
AMURO
(getting up)
I'll inform the Emissary.
MITCHELL
(upset and teary-eyed)
Hang on a second. We may have proved that I didn't kill her, but we're not finished, not by a long shot.
(to Carter)
I have to know who did it, and I'm not leaving here until we find out.
EXT—GALARAN CITY, DAY
INT—GALARAN LABORATORY
[Mitchell is back in the chair with Amuro wiring him up to it.]
CARTER
What exactly are we looking for?
MARELL
Because we know the memory was implanted, we can expect to find anomalies. Little moments where the brain is simply incapable of dealing with the inconsistencies that arise as a result of the graft. Often, these take the form of missing time or sudden changes in the identities of people around us. Typically they center on the splice points, where the memory starts and stops.
AMURO
The problem is, they can often be difficult to detect.
[Amuro and Marell head to the control console.]
MITCHELL
Hey, Sam… thanks.
[Carter smiles at him and pats his arm.]
CARTER
(to the scientists)
He's ready.
INT—EMISSARY'S OFFICE
[The Emissary is sitting in a chair holding a cocktail as Daniel and Teal'c enter.]
DANIEL
You wanted to see us?
EMISSARY
I understand Doctor Marell and Doctor Amuro were able to determine that the memory was an implant. I must say, I'm relieved. A trial could have been extremely detrimental to relations between our worlds.
TEAL'C
Not to mention inconvenient for Colonel Mitchell.
EMISSARY
Yes, of course. I'm sure he'd like to return to Earth as soon as possible.
DANIEL
Actually, he's still in the lab.
TEAL'C
Colonel Mitchell believes that an analysis of the false memory could prove useful in determining the true identity of the murderer.
EMISSARY
I'm sorry.
(he sets down his cocktail glass)
But I won't allow it.
(standing and moving to his desk)
We've already been more than generous in putting our most important scientists and facilities at your disposal to determine Colonel Mitchell's innocence. But now it's time that they got back to their research.
DANIEL
Look, all we're asking for is a little more time.
EMISSARY
The project is already behind schedule. Doctor Marell is the most qualified to lead the research now, and his new responsibilities preclude him from participating in this investigation any more.
DANIEL
Colonel Mitchell was assaulted. His memories were manipulated against his will, and an innocent woman was murdered. Now I've only worked with the guy a short time, but I'm pretty sure he's not going to let this one go. And if you want to get in his way, let's just say, when it comes time to decide if we want to pursue this relationship, his opinion's going to carry a lot of weight.
FLASHBACK
[Mitchell relives the murder of Varrick again.]
END FLASHBACK
INT—GALARAN LABORATORY
[Mitchell opens his eyes and sniffs.]
CARTER
Cam?
MITCHELL
No, I'm good.
AMURO
Are you sure you want to continue this? It's possible that there are no anomalies or that they could be buried so deep, we'll never find them even if we go over it a hundred times.
MITCHELL
It's the least I can do for her now. Let's keep going.
AMURO
All right.
[Time passes, and the scientists continue watching the readouts as Mitchell relives the memories.]
AMURO
There's nothing here.
MARELL
There has to be. I'll find it.
AMURO
Marell, I know she meant a lot to you, but how much longer can we put the poor man through this?
MARELL
(insistent)
He wants to do it. Look, we know the memory is false by comparison. There must be some other indication.
AMURO
(frustrated)
We've been through this a dozen times. The splice points are indistinguishable.
MARELL
I know, but I now realize that's because he was rendered unconscious before the procedure was begun. And he was still unconscious long after it was completed. The whole thing has the quality of a dream. It's jumbled up in his mind.
AMURO
All right, so what can we do about it?
MARELL
Focus on the inconsistencies in the memory itself.
AMURO
Well, what if there aren't any?
MARELL
(exasperated)
I'm wasting my time explaining this to you. Can I do my work?
[Amuro stands and walks over to Carter.]
AMURO
How's he doing?
CARTER
Not too good. It doesn't sound like you're making a lot of progress.
AMURO
Marell's determined, but I don't know. The graft appears to be flawless.
FLASHBACK
[Mitchell relives chatting with Varrick at the party and then walking down the hallway toward the wet bar.]
END FLASHBACK
INT—GALARAN LABORATORY
[On the display screen, the computer notes a point of interest.]
MARELL
I've got something. There, you see it?
[Marell indicates the point on the display.]
AMURO
Yes.
CARTER
What is it?
MARELL
It's what we've been looking for. Colonel Mitchell, can you hear me?
MITCHELL
Yeah.
MARELL
We've identified a point in the memory where we think there may be an anomaly. I'm going to activate it now. I want you to tell me what you see.
FLASHBACK
[Mitchell walks down the hallway toward the wet bar.]
END FLASHBACK
MITCHELL
I'm in the house. I'm walking down the hallway.
FLASHBACK
[He walks past the wet bar and sees his own reflection in the glass behind the bar. Suddenly he is chasing Varrick and attacking her.]
END FLASHBACK
MITCHELL
Whoa. No, I've—I've lost it. Go back.
MARELL
Just a minute.
FLASHBACK
[Mitchell sees himself walk backward past the wet bar mirror, as if in reverse. His face looks different, distorted.]
END FLASHBACK
MITCHELL
Stop! There. Can you run it again? Maybe slow it down a little.
[Marell nods and enters some commands.]
FLASHBACK
[Mitchell walks forward in front of the mirror. He is dressed in BDU's, but his face is very distorted.]
END FLASHBACK
MITCHELL
I see my reflection… my reflection in the mirror. But the face is blurry.
MARELL
It's an anomaly. If the reflection in the mirror is not your own, your brain can't deal with it. That's why it's blurry.
MITCHELL
Can you clean it up?
MARELL
Uh, I think so.
[He manipulates the controls again.]
FLASHBACK
[Mitchell sees a figure walk in front of the mirror again. This time, the face is clearly Marell's, and he is wearing the suit he wore to the reception.]
END FLASHBACK
[Mitchell wakes up suddenly and sits forward, staring at Marell.]
CARTER
What did you see? Who was it?
MITCHELL
(pointing at Marell, amazed)
It was him.
[Marell huffs in disbelief.]
CARTER
Are you sure?
MITCHELL
(ripping the leads off of his head and standing)
Positive. It was Marell.
AMURO
That's impossible. If he killed her, why would he be helping us? I mean, he wanted to reveal the identity of the murderer more than anyone.
CARTER
What if he doesn't know?
AMURO
What, you're saying he killed her and then implanted the memory in Colonel Mitchell?
CARTER
And then erased it from his own mind.
MITCHELL
Is that possible?
AMURO
Theoretically yes, but—
MARELL
(standing)
This is insane! I loved her!
MITCHELL
But she left you, didn't she. And you never got over it. Then you saw me leave the party with her.
MARELL
(sincere, certain)
Look, it's impossible!
AMURO
Well, there's one way to find out for sure. If he really did erase his own memory, he would have had to replace it with something else. We can check for anomalies the same way we did with Colonel Mitchell.
MARELL
(unconcerned)
Go ahead. You won't find anything.
EXT—GALARAN CITY, DAY
INT—EMISSARY'S OFFICE
[SG-1 and Amuro are speaking to the Emissary.]
AMURO
We found that he had two identical memories. One from the night of the murder and one from several nights before. Except no two memories are exactly the same. It's like signatures. When they're identical, that's when you know that they've been forged. As far as he knows, he was in bed sleeping the whole time.
CARTER
He didn't just want to fool us, he wanted to fool himself. To get rid of the guilt.
MITCHELL
And that's what did him in.
[The Emissary appears to consider what he has learned.]
INT—GALARAN LABORATORY
[Mitchell is once again in the chair, the memory device leads attached and active. Amuro manipulates controls at the back of the chair and smiles.]
AMURO
We're done.
[Mitchell sits up.]
CARTER
How do you feel?
MITCHELL
Fine, I guess.
[They both remove the leads from his head.]
AMURO
I've erased the implants. You should no longer have the image of killing Doctor Varrick in your mind. But all of your genuine memories should be intact.
FLASHBACK
[Mitchell recalls kissing Varrick in her home.]
END FLASHBACK
MITCHELL
I still remember her. Thanks.
[Marell enters the lab, followed by the Emissary. He is smiling and relaxed.]
MARELL
(shaking hands with Amuro)
Doctor Amuro.
(to Carter and Mitchell)
And you must be our visitors from Earth.
[Carter, Mitchell and Amuro appear shocked.]
AMURO
Are you all right?
MARELL
Well, no. Obviously you've heard what happened to Reya. To be honest, I still can't believe she's really gone. But I talked it over with the Emissary, and we both agreed that the best thing for me now is to get back to work… It was nice to meet you.
[He walks away from their shocked looks, unaware of anything amiss. Amuro follows him down to the control console, out of earshot.]
MITCHELL
(to the Emissary)
What the hell is this?
EMISSARY
He thinks she died in an accident, and he'll continue to think that for the rest of his life.
CARTER
You're just going to let him get away with murder?
EMISSARY
He doesn't know he killed her. There was no way to recover that memory.
MITCHELL
(standing, intently)
And that's supposed to make it okay?
EMISSARY
It was for the good of the project. And Doctor Varrick would have understood that.
EXT—CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN COMPLEX, DAY
INT—SGC LOCKER ROOM
[Mitchell is in the locker room, getting dressed in civilian clothing. Landry enters.]
LANDRY
I read your report. I'm not sure I've ever seen language like that used in an official Air Force document before.
MITCHELL
(facing his locker as Landry approaches)
Sorry about that, sir.
LANDRY
Oh, you should have seen what Colonel Carter and Doctor Jackson wrote.
MITCHELL
(still looking away from Landry)
Yes, sir.
LANDRY
Colonel Carter told me what you had to do to prove your innocence. Something about reliving a difficult memory. Of course, uh, she didn't know what it was all about. She hasn't read your service record like I have.
MITCHELL
I hadn't thought about it in a long time. But, I guess something like that never goes away, does it.
LANDRY
No.
MITCHELL
(facing Landry)
When it happened, I almost resigned my commission.
LANDRY
(patting him on the shoulder)
I'm glad you didn't.
[Landry leaves. Mitchell opens his locker door and looks at a more recent picture of himself with his father.]
FLASHBACK
EXT—A PUBLIC PARK, DAY
[Mitchell and his father walk side-by-side in a park, with a child and two adults playing frisbee behind them. His father uses crutches to walk.]
MITCHELL'S FATHER
I understand how you feel. But leaving the Air Force won't change what happened, won't make you feel any better.
MITCHELL
You know, you suck at pep talks, Dad.
MITCHELL'S FATHER
Well, I'm just being realistic. What else are you going to do? Become an airline pilot? Fly the New York—DC shuttle five times a day? Mow the lawn on Sundays?
MITCHELL
That doesn't sound too bad.
MITCHELL'S FATHER
Yeah, well, for someone else, maybe. But not for you. It'd been easier if you'd grown up to be more like your mother. But you're just like me. Always looking to the horizon, always looking for something more.
MITCHELL
But I'm not like you, Dad. I'm not that strong.
MITCHELL'S FATHER
Ah, that's where you're wrong, kid. You just don't know it yet.
[Mitchell's father moves away as Mitchell looks on, considering.]
END FLASHBACK
INT—SGC LOCKER ROOM
[Mitchell takes a last look at the picture, closes his locker door, and leaves.]
FADE OUT
END CREDITS
Transcribed for Stargate Solutions by Michelle, January 2006
Related Articles
- Previous: 9.11 "The Fourth Horseman Part 2" Transcript
- Next: 9.13 "Ripple Effect" Transcript
- Transcripts
- Season Nine Transcripts
- Episode Guides
Related Links
Official
Fan
- Solutions On-Site Forum: Season Nine Discussion Board
- Solutions LJ Companion Site
- Stargatefan Season Nine (Episode Guides, Transcripts, Multimedia, Missing Scenes)
- SG-1Web: Nitpicker's NetGuide Season Nine
- Stargate Screencaps: Season Nine
--Michelle 15:22, 16 January 2006 (PST)