SGU 2.05 "Cloverdale" Transcript

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2.05 "Cloverdale"

Episode Guide

SGU 2.05 "Cloverdale" Episode Guide

Précis

While surveying a new planet, Lt. Scott becomes infected by a plant-like creature. As he suffers hallucinations and falls in and out of consciousness, Tamara seeks a way to treat him.

Guide | Transcript

Transcript

PREVIOUSLY ON STARGATE UNIVERSE

[Excerpts of several Season One episodes and all previous Season Two episodes are shown.]

INT—PUBLIC BUS

[A bus is driving. Scott is sleeping in his bus seat; he wakes up. Greer is sitting beside him. They are both dressed in fatigues. Outside are the streets of a small town.]

SCOTT
We're coming into town.

GREER

(unimpressed)

How can you tell?

SCOTT

(nudging Greer)

Hey! Beats the hell out of our digs in Kandahar, don't it?

GREER

(laughing)

I wouldn't miss it for the world, brother.

SCOTT
Well, I appreciate it. I do.

BUS DRIVER
Cloverdale!

[They jump up out of their seats.]

GREER
Me first!

EXT—CLOVERDALE STREET, DAY

[The town street is quiet and clean. The bus pulls over at its stop.]

INT—BUS

[Scott and Greer grab their duffel bags from the overhead bins and walk up the aisle. Scott looks out the windows, searching.]

SCOTT
Damn, I thought my dad might be here.

EXT—CLOVERDALE STREET, DAY

[The bus pulls away, revealing Young and Eli standing beside a Jeep across the street. Scott turns and sees them.]

SCOTT
There they are! Hey, guys!

[He runs across the street without looking for traffic. He is hit hard by a car, thrown against the windshield then into the street.]

EXT—ALIEN PLANET, DAY

[Scott is on the ground, writhing. He had bandages on his left arm. He rolls over, grabbing at the bandage. TJ, Chloe, and Rush are standing, surrounding Scott. Greer and Volker are nearby, Greer with his weapon raised.]

TJ
He's coming to again!

[Scott rips the bandage off, revealing a blistering, blue growth from his elbow to his fingers.]

SCOTT

(shouting)

TJ! You just gotta help me, please!

CHLOE
Try something else.

TJ
I've tried everything in my bag. Nothing is working.

SCOTT
Ahhh!

RUSH
The best thing for him is to keep moving.

[Scott is in pain and has a look of panic.]

EXT—CLOVER STREET, DAY

[Young looks down at Scott, who is on the street.]

YOUNG
Matthew, Matthew! What the hell's the matter with you?

[Scott looks confused. Brody jumps out of the car that hit Scott.]

BRODY
Sorry! I'm sorry. He just ran out in front of me.

SCOTT
No, I'm fine. I'm fine. I'm fine.

[They help Scott up.]

BRODY
Thank God.

GREER

(to Brody)

Lucky for you.

SCOTT
No, no, no. I was just being stupid.

YOUNG
Look, Mr. Brody, don't worry about it. They bounce at this age.

BRODY

Okay.
(quietly, to Young)

Hey, are we still for the uh…

YOUNG
Yeah, go, go. We're uh, we're taking up the whole road here, guys.

ELI

(to Scott)

If you wind up with any insurance issues, man, I've got it all on video.

SCOTT
Oh God, I wish you didn't, Eli.

[Young has gone to grab the duffle bags from the sidewalk and come back to the middle of the street.]

YOUNG
Oh, you must be Ronald.

[Young shakes hands with Greer.]

SCOTT
Oh, Dad, sorry, this is Ron, my best man.

GREER
Pleasure to meet you, sir.

YOUNG
Oh, you call me Everett. You're family now.

GREER
Yes, sir.

ELI
And this is Chloe's brother, Eli.

[Greer and Eli shake hands.]

GREER
Brother Elijah.

ELI
Eli, actually. And I took myself out of the running for best man, because I'm creating video for my wedding gift.

GREER
Lucky for me.

ELI
Yeah.

SCOTT
Where's Chloe?

ELI
Uh…something about a dress. She's going to meet you at the house.

SCOTT
I guess I'm anxious to see her.

YOUNG
I'll say. You nearly got yourself killed the day before your wedding.

SCOTT
Probably would have ruined the whole weekend, eh?

YOUNG
Yeah, probably, but I guess since it looks like you're going to live for another day, welcome home, son.

[He goes to Scott and they embrace.]

END TEASER

OPENING CREDITS'

EXT—ALIEN PLANET, DAY

[Scott is unconscious on the ground.]

TJ
Okay, he's out again. Guys, we can move him.

[The men get ready to lift Scott.]

CHLOE
You'll be able to help him once we're back on the ship, right?

RUSH
We can't risk taking him aboard. It's too dangerous.

CHLOE
What?

TJ
Rush is right. You saw how quickly the organism spreads on contact. It could take over the whole ship.

CHLOE
He can't stay here, either!

[Greer hands his weapon to Chloe, then positions himself to help lift Scott.]

GREER
All right, ready. Okay, one, two three.

[Greer, Volker, and Eli lift Scott and start to carry him.]

GREER
I've got you. Come on, come on, move your feet, Eli. Come on.

ELI
Okay.

RUSH

(to TJ and Chloe)

I'll run ahead, contact Destiny. Try to get us sent back medical supplies. If I'm fast, I'll get back before you reach the 'gate, okay?

TJ
Yeah, yeah, good. Go.

[Rush starts to jog ahead.]

RUSH
Eli!

ELI

Yeah.
(to others)

Stop.

RUSH
Remote. Yeah.

[He takes the 'gate remote from Eli's backpack. He runs ahead. On the forest floor are blue organisms that appear similar to what's on Scott's arm. There are chittering sounds as well.]

INT—YOUNG'S HOME, CLOVERDALE

[Scott, Greer, Eli and Young enter the comfortable if old-fashioned home. Eli videotapes the arrival.]

SCOTT
Wow, this hasn't changed one bit.

ELI

(narrating)

Matt is clearly moved seeing the old homestead again.

GREER
What's that?

ELI
A temp track for the voice-over. All good documentaries have one. I'm thinking Kiefer Sutherland, but I'm the fall-back.

[Scott takes off his outer uniform shirt.]

YOUNG
Ronald, make yourself at home. Let me grab that.

[He takes Greer's duffle bag.]

YOUNG

You're going to be up in Matthew's room.
(to Scott)

You're in my room. I'll be fine on the couch in the den. You're the one with the fiancee.

SCOTT
That's going to be weird.

[They all laugh.]

ELI
Yeah, like that'll stop you.

[They all sit down in the living room.]

SCOTT
Okay, so uh, so what's the plan?

[Young enters from the kitchen, holding bottles of beer.]

YOUNG
I say, you get married, you start a family, you grow old, and die happy.

SCOTT
Okay, well I thought you guys might, uh…

GREER
What?

SCOTT
Oh, I don't know, throw a party? Maybe?

[They all feign a lack of understanding.]

GREER
Was I supposed to do that?

YOUNG
No.

GREER
No.

YOUNG

Yeah. No.
(to Scott)

Chloe said she wanted you all to herself tonight.

ELI
Yeah, yeah, she said something about wanting to catch the early show at the Clova.

SCOTT

(disappointed)

Really.

ELI
Yeah, that's what I said.

SCOTT
Well, we could see a movie any night.

YOUNG
What are you doing right there? What, you don't want to see a movie with your fiancee?

CHLOE

(from the kitchen)

He'd better!

[Scott gets up as the others laugh. He pushes Greer's head on his way past, then meets Chloe in the kitchen. They hug, laughing, and kiss. Greer gets up and walks into the hallway to the kitchen.]

GREER
Video-boy, Kiefer Sutherland might have something to say over here.

[Eli comes over and starts taping the reunion.]

CHLOE
Oh, I'm so sorry I couldn't be there to meet you. The train was too long after I changed my shoes.

SCOTT
Okay?

[Chloe sees a large bruise on Scott's left forearm, the same location as the alien infection.]

CHLOE

(concerned)

Matt, what did you do to your arm?

SCOTT
Oh, I got hit by a car!

CHLOE
What?

SCOTT
I'm fine.

CHLOE
Hit? Are you sure? Hey, you don't look so good.

[Scott gets a blank look, then starts to fall to the floor.]

CHLOE
Matt?

INT—DESTINY GATE ROOM

[The 'gate is active. Young is speaking into a radio.]

YOUNG

(into radio)

Time is an issue; I get it. What do you need?

RUSH

(over radio)

Lt. Johansen's medicinals.

EXT—ALIEN PLANET, DAY

RUSH

(into radio)

One of everything you can get your hands on. But especially the alien venom. Nothing she's tried so far has had any effect.

INT—DESTINY GATE ROOM

[Young nods to Park, who rushes out.]

YOUNG

(into radio)

Okay, what else?

RUSH

(over radio)

I want to try hydrochloric acid. I need some alcohol from the still, clean bandages…

EXT—ALIEN PLANET, DAY

RUSH

(into radio)

And whatever's appropriate for cutting through bone.

INT—DESTINY GATE ROOM

YOUNG

(into radio, quietly)

It's as bad as that?

RUSH

(over radio)

Yeah. Put it on Eli's kino slide and get it through as quickly as you can.

INT—YOUNG'S HOME, CLOVERDALE

[Scott is asleep on the couch. He wakes up, slightly confused, to see Young sitting beside him, smiling, Greer nearby, and Eli video-taping everything.]

SCOTT
What happened?

GREER
You fainted.

ELI
I got it on video if you want it.

SCOTT
No thanks, Eli.

[He sits up.]

SCOTT
Why the heck would I faint?

ELI
You did just get hit by a car.

CHLOE
Ronald said you haven't eaten all day. Here.

[She hands him a sandwich.]

SCOTT
Oh, I don't think that's it, honey.

YOUNG
Now, you listen to me. You are one day away from being out of here. You're fine, all right? Go to a movie with your girlfriend and enjoy yourself. We'll-we'll leave the lights on. Okay?

EXT—CLOVERDALE STREET, DAY

[Scott and Chloe walk down the street toward the Clova movie theater. The movie showing is "Far Afield". The poster features a man and a woman.]

CHLOE
Oh, you're going to hate the cake!

SCOTT
Ah, would you stop worrying so much about one day? Think about all the days after that!

CHLOE
Okay.

SCOTT

(teasing)

Oooh-kay?

CHLOE
Okay!

[They stop at the box office window.]

INT—CLOVA THEATER

[They walk into the darkened theater just as the movie is starting. There are other people there. The MGM lion logo plays. They sit down, a soft-drink and bucket of popcorn between them.]

SCOTT
Here. Do you remember the first time we came here?

CHLOE

(mischievously)

Yep.

SCOTT
That's why we came here, isn't it?

CHLOE

(smiling and sultry)

Yep.

[She laughs. They kiss. The movie starts. Scott is immediately distracted by the dialog and scenes of the movie.]

INT—ON SCREEN, MOVIE PLANET, DAY

[A beautiful woman and a man dressed in black military fatigues are on an alien planet.]

MOVIE CHLOE
It's so beautiful.

[She approaches Movie Scott and they look over an expansive landscape, the ground covered with white plant-like organisms.]

INT—CLOVA THEATER

SCOTT

(agitated)

Whoa, listen.

CHLOE
What?

INT—ON SCREEN, MOVIE PLANET, DAY

MOVIE CHLOE
It's like an ocean of flowers.

INT—CLOVA THEATER

SCOTT
This doesn't look familiar to you?

[Someone sshh's him.]

INT—ON SCREEN, MOVIE PLANET, DAY

MOVIE SCOTT

(smiling)

It just goes on forever, doesn't it?

[She goes to her knees and waves her hand over the top of the white flowers. Waves of different colors wash over them out to the distance.]

MOVIE CHLOE
Do you see that?

MOVIE SCOTT
Yeah. Watch this.

[He kneels beside her. He moves his hand, and ripples of light blue, purple, and green spread out in waves over the flowers. Movie Chloe laughs.]

INT—CLOVA THEATER

SCOTT

(to the screen characters)

Get out of there.

INT—ON SCREEN, MOVIE PLANET, DAY

MOVIE CHLOE
Don't you just want to run through it barefoot?

MOVIE SCOTT
Yeah.

MOVIE CHLOE
Be so beautiful.

[They clasp hands and move in to kiss. Suddenly the head of a serpent-like creature pops out of the ground. It turns its menacing head toward them.]

INT—CLOVA THEATER

[Scott gasps and moves in his chair as if terrified.]

CHLOE
Would you relax?

INT—ON SCREEN, MOVIE PLANET, DAY

[They start to back away.]

MOVIE SCOTT
Maybe not.

[More creatures emerge from the ground. They turn to run, and another creature pops up, blocking their path. Movie Scott grabs it by the neck and struggles with it. The creature stings Movie Scott on the left forearm. Movie Scott pulls out his knife and cuts off the creature's head. Its blood splatters, some of it spilling on Chloe's blouse. The blood is blue and spreads in the sand. Movie Scott's forearm has a huge blue pustule that grows as they watch it.]

INT—CLOVA THEATER

[Scott stands up.]

SCOTT
I'm sorry.

[He leaves.]

INT—CLOVA THEATER LOBBY

[Scott rushes in from the theater. He appears ill. Chloe comes after him.]

CHLOE
Matthew! What is wrong with you?

SCOTT
You don't remember any of that actually happening?

CHLOE
No — it's a movie!

[The hear the violent sounds of the movie. Scott recovers and laughs in large breaths at himself.]

SCOTT
No… I'm sorry. I don't know what's wrong with me. Can we just get out of here?

CHLOE

(nodding, but disappointed)

Hang on. I left my purse.

[She goes back into the theater to retrieve it. Scott follows her as far as the door.]

INT—CLOVA THEATER

[Chloe walks down the aisle and meets Becker, who is holding her purse. He gives it to her.]

DARREN
Now, what was that about?

CHLOE
I have no idea. Look, I can stall for a while, but you'll have to let them know we're going to be early.

[Becker smiles and nods.]

CHLOE
Thank you.

[From the partially open door, Scott watches the movie.]

MOVIE CHLOE
Wake up! You've got to wake up. Wake up! You've got to wake up.

EXT—ALIEN PLANET, DAY

[The team carries Scott through the forest; he is still unconscious. They come to a clearing and meet Rush, who is guiding the kino sled to them.]

TJ

All right, let's unpack those supplies and get him on the sled.
(to Rush)

What did you ask for?

RUSH
Everything I could think of. The venom was top of the list.

TJ
All right, I'll try it first.

[They lay Scott on the sled.]

RUSH
Has it spread beyond the arm?

TJ
No, not yet.

RUSH
Good.

[Eli pulls out the bone saw Rush has brought. He is dismayed.]

EXT—CLOVERDALE STREET, EVENING

[Scott and Chloe walk away from the theater.]

CHLOE
Did something happen to you over there that you want to talk about?

SCOTT
No, that was just some kind of weird déjà-vu. I'm over it, now. Hey, you want to go to Mr. Brody's for a bite?

CHLOE
Now?

[Volker comes jogging up to them from across the street.]

VOLKER
Matthew Scott!

SCOTT
Hey, Mr. Volker!

[They shake hands.]

VOLKER
Dale, please! I'm your pharmacist, for God sakes! So, you're back home! No one — no-one tells me these things.

CHLOE
Well, we're getting married this weekend.

VOLKER
Right! Yes! I-I-I did hear something about that. Wow! That must be…

[He pauses awkwardly.]

SCOTT
It is!

VOLKER
Yeah, I bet it is! I bet it is. Good, good. So, uh, what are you up to?

CHLOE
Uh, on our way to Brody's. But I don't think they're open yet, do you?

VOLKER

Uh, why don't we find out?
(pulling out his cell phone)

No, it's no problem, no problem.

[Volker dials.]

VOLKER

Adam. Hey, guess who I just bumped into. Matthew Scott and…
(laughing)
That's right. Yeah, hey, listen, they were wondering if you were, uh…
(reacting)

Just open. Perfect. Well, we'll see you in a few minutes. They will. Them. They-They'll see you. Good.

[He hangs up.]

VOLKER
Well, they're all there — the staff. It's all there — the, uh, waiters and… So. Well, you're good to go.

[He walks past them. Scott turns to look at him, and he looks back, smiling. Scott is bemused by Volker's behavior. They start to cross the street.]

INT—BRODY'S BAR, CLOVERDALE

[Scott and Chloe enter the bar/restaurant. It's dark and empty aside from Brody, who stands behind the bar.]

SCOTT
Slow night, huh?

BRODY
Oh no, place is packed. Everyone's hiding.

SCOTT
What?

[Brody smiles broadly. People pop up from beside him and all around the bar.]

EVERYONE
Surprise!

[Scott yells in surprise. Young comes up to him, Eli filming. He hugs him, and kisses him on the cheek.]

YOUNG
You are a lot of work!

[Greer approaches and hugs him, smiling.]

GREER
Oh, you can't sit through one damned movie, huh?

SCOTT
Man, I almost blew it, didn't I? And Volker was stalling… Ah, I'm such an idiot!

CHLOE
Yes, you are! But, my work is done. I have delivered you to your bachelor party — better early than never!

[She kisses him.]

YOUNG
Well done!

[Young escorts her out.]

CHLOE

(to Young)

If he is hungover in the morning, I will be very disappointed.

YOUNG
No, no, no, we're good, we've got it. Everything's… Nothing to worry about.

[Turning back to Scott.]

YOUNG

If you're not hungover, I will be very disappointed.
(calling out to the bar, shot glass raised)

Now here's a toast to my son, to my boy, who's gettin' hitched! Wooooo!

[Everyone hoots in approval. They clang their glasses and drink their shots.]

EXT—ALIEN PLANET, DAY

[Scott coughs up the medicine TJ has just poured into his mouth. She pours in some more.]

ELI
What's that supposed to do?

TJ
Hopefully, dull the pain.

[By their sounds, the creatures seem not far away.]

RUSH
They're still spreading towards us, probably following the vibrations in our movement. Anything?

TJ
The venom had no effect.

RUSH
That's disappointing.

TJ
It didn't even react to the acid. I tried everything you brought back. It's like this thing is indestructible.

RUSH
Well, you know what you have to do.

[He puts the bone saw on the sled beside Scott.]

CHLOE
No. No.

RUSH
Look, I know it looks extreme.

CHLOE
No, he wouldn't want that!

RUSH
Any rational person would give up a limb if it meant saving their life.

ELI
Hey. If we wait too long, and it spreads to the rest of his body?

[Greer and Volker come running into the clearing.]

GREER
Those things are still coming this way.

VOLKER
The leading edge is on the other side of those trees.

RUSH
Okay, that gives us roughly fifteen minutes.

ELI
Ten.

RUSH
Is that enough time?

TJ
No, but we're almost to the 'gate. We'll do it there.

[They begin to push the sled.]

INT—BRODY'S BAR, CLOVERDALE

[Eli films Greer drinking and dancing to loud music. James is a bartender. She brings a tray of drinks to a table in a booth.]

JAMES
Hey.

[She sets the drinks down. Greer dances toward them. Young and Scott are in the next booth.]

YOUNG
Brody! Brody, Brody, what is, what is, what, what's this? What's with this music?

GREER
What's wrong with it?

YOUNG
What's wrong-what's wrong with it? It sounds like an animal dying!

ELI
Best man chooses the music!

GREER

(dancing)

Best man.

YOUNG
Oh, really? Oh, this is—this is the man, here? This is your fault?

[He gets up and faces Greer cheerily.]

GREER
Look, I've been called a good man, a strong man…

SCOTT
An angry man?

GREER

But I ain't never been called…a best man.
(pointing at Scott)

Until now, huh?

[He laughs and punches Scott on the shoulder.]

GREER
Now, a groom… A groom, what is that?

SCOTT
Oh God, that's me!

[They laugh. James approaches.]

JAMES
Last call, guys.

YOUNG
Oh, come on, Vaness! Come on, night's young. Night's young!

SCOTT
Come on, Vanessa, keep 'em coming.

JAMES

(wagging a finger at Scott)

Yeah, I think you are cut off.

SCOTT
That is not the first time you've told me that, if you catch my drift.

[He tugs on her shirt, and she grabs his hand.]

JAMES
Let's not forget who dumped who.

ELI

(narrating)

An awkward moment with Matt's ex.

JAMES
Are you flirting with me, the night before your wedding?

SCOTT
Hey, I still got a whole nineteen hours of freedom left.

JAMES

(challenging)

Okay. Well then, let's go. Right now. We'll drive somewhere and never come back.

SCOTT
Whoa, okay, come on, Vanessa, I was — I was just kidding.

JAMES

(angry)

Yeah. That's what I thought.

[She storms off.]

SCOTT

(to Eli)

Erase that!

EXT—CLOVER STREET, NIGHT

[Young and Greer are helping Scott walk on the sidewalk, his arms slung over them. They are all laughing.]

YOUNG
Okay.

GREER
All right.

[Telford approaches them. He is the Sheriff.]

TELFORD
You honestly weren't planning on driving, were you?

YOUNG
Well, not now!

TELFORD
For God sakes, Everett, tomorrow's an important day.

YOUNG
Yeah, yeah. Yeah, yeah, no, it's true, it's true.

[He lets go of Scott.]

YOUNG

(to Greer)

You got him?

GREER
Yeah, I got him.

[Telford opens the back door of his pick-up truck for them to get in.]

SCOTT
Are we being arrested?

TELFORD
Just a friendly ride home. Call it a wedding present.

[The all get in. Telford shakes his head as he shuts the door.]

INT—TELFORD'S TRUCK, CLOVERDALE

[Young is in the front seat beside Telford; Scott and Greer in the back seat.]

TELFORD

(to Scott)

So, how was it over there?

SCOTT
Boring.

GREER
He just means we didn't see any action.

TELFORD
So, what's wrong with that?

GREER
What's wrong with that? It's a waste of ability.

[Telford laughs.]

TELFORD
You're that good, huh? Oh, don't take this the wrong way, Sergeant, but guys like you usually get themselves killed.

GREER
Guys like me?

YOUNG
No, David, why? Why do you always got to start a fight?

TELFORD
It's a conversation!

SCOTT

(leaning forward, over the seat)

You guys ever wonder what's real? Because ever since I got home, I keep thinking that I'm someone else, that I'm not myself.

TELFORD
Alcohol can have that effect.

SCOTT
No, I don't really drink.

TELFORD

(laughing)

I can see that!

SCOTT
Oh, Chloe's gonna kill me!

YOUNG
She'll get over it. Go to sleep, all right?

[Scott relaxes back into his seat, but stays awake.]

TELFORD
Go ahead, close your eyes. But, I'm sorry to tell you that when you wake up, you're going to feel guilty for things you've done or said. Some of it you won't even remember. It'll just be a blur. And you're going to wonder if you're ever going to feel like the person you used to be again… Matthew?

[Scott has fallen asleep.]

EXT—ALIEN PLANET, DAY

[The team has arrived at the 'gate. Scott still lies on the sled, unconscious.]

GREER
I think he's out.

TJ
I hope so. I don't want him waking up in the middle of this.

[She pours alcohol on the bone saw.]

TJ
I need you to hold him still.

CHLOE
Oh, God. I can't watch.

GREER
You don't have to.

[She walks away.]

GREER

(to Eli)

Take his feet. Hold tight.

TJ

(to Rush)

Hold his arm?

[Rush picks up a cloth to use to shield himself from Scott's arm.]

RUSH
Have you done this before?

TJ
No.

[Rush wraps the cloth around Scott's arm and takes hold of it. Eli and Greer hold down the rest of him.]

TJ
Ready?

[TJ makes an incision across Scott's bicep. His blood streams out blue.]

VOLKER
Wait-wait! Stop, stop.

ELI

(looking away)

What?

TJ

(sighing)

Look at the color.

VOLKER
It's in his bloodstream.

RUSH

(jumping away)

No point in dismembering him.

VOLKER
Not if it's spreading internally.

TJ
Dammit!

CHLOE
So, what do we do now?

GREER
We've got three hours before the ship goes into FTL—

RUSH
Now, Sergeant—

GREER
Let's keep at it.

RUSH
There's no reason—

GREER
We can still win this!

RUSH
This is an enemy you can't fight.

GREER
Watch me. Three hours — that's the clock.

RUSH
Not really.

VOLKER
He means we're going to be overrun by the organism in less than an hour, Greer.

RUSH

(to Eli)

Is there any planets in range?

ELI
One, but it's locked out. I guess it's more dangerous than this place.

GREER
Dial the ship.

RUSH
Look, we can't take him back to Destiny. We've already been through this.

GREER
I know that. I need some things.

INT—YOUNG'S HOME, CLOVERDALE

[Scott is sleeping face-down in bed. Chloe tries to wake him.]

CHLOE
Matt? Why did you drink so much?

SCOTT

(waking)

Isn't that what you're supposed to do at a bachelor party?

CHLOE
So that's why you do things? Because you're supposed to?

SCOTT
Sometimes.

CHLOE
Is that why you're getting married?

[He turns over and sits up, facing her.]

SCOTT
What? No! Why would you say that?

CHLOE
So you're not just coming back from war to marry your high school sweetheart because you're supposed to, because you think it's the right thing to do?

SCOTT

(he rubs his face in confusion)

Uh.

CHLOE
Wow. You really should know the answer faster than that, Matt.

SCOTT
Chloe, this isn't fair. My brain isn't working!

CHLOE
Well, it better start working. This is your wedding day. You have to talk to the Justice of the Peace at ten about our vows.

SCOTT
All right. I know.

CHLOE
You have to pick up your tuxedos!

SCOTT
I know. Chloe? I really, really have to pee.

[Chloe sighs, finally laughs, and pushes Scott onto his back on the bed.]

EXT—SPACE

[Destiny floats in space.]

INT—DESTINY CORRIDOR

[Young walks with Park.]

YOUNG
So, we're ruling out quarantine?

PARK
Well, it's not up to me to rule out anything, but we have to consider the possibility that Lt. Scott's infection is how this organism reproduces. It's already spread to his blood.

YOUNG
Well, still, there must be precautions.

PARK
Against what? We have no idea what the next stage of infection entails. Even if we were to manage to move him from the 'gate room into quarantine, it's just a matter of time before the infected area would burst open and release microscopic spores into the ship's air. All we would have to do is breathe it in, and the same thing that's happening to Scott could happen to all of us from the inside out.

YOUNG
Yeah, but you can't say that for sure.

PARK
But, we have to assume that this thing has infected Scott in order to spread, one way or another. It's what virulent, aggressive organisms do. We can't invite it aboard.

YOUNG

(nodding)

Okay.

PARK

(stopping him)

Look, um, please don't put this all on me.

YOUNG
I'm not.

PARK
Because he's one of the nicest people on the ship, and I just would hate to be the one who's resp—

YOUNG
Lisa. It's my decision.

[Park nods.]

EXT—ALIEN PLANET, NIGHT

[Many crates have come through the Stargate, which is still active. More continue to come through, carried by Marines. They are setting them up as a barrier around the 'gate. Some men dig a trench just outside the crates.]

GREER

(to the Marines)

As deep a ditch as you can dig. Then the barricade. It doesn't have to be pretty, just quick. Anything outside of that is the kill zone. We've got to hold the 'gate for three hours.

INT—DESTINY GATE ROOM

YOUNG

(into radio)

Sergeant, we're sending a kino. See if we can get you some intel on this thing.

[Brody uses his controller to send the kino through the 'gate.]

EXT—CLOVERDALE STREET, DAY

[A sign on an office window reads "Nicholas Rush, Justice of the Peace". Scott presses the buzzer for the office.]

RUSH

(over intercom)

Hello.

SCOTT
Hi, I'm Matt Scott. You're marrying me tonight? I mean, me and my girlfriend.

RUSH

(over intercom)

I wasn't confused. Come in.

INT—RUSH'S OFFICE, CLOVERDALE

[Rush is seated behind a desk. Scott arrives.]

SCOTT
So, I guess we just want to go with the usual.

RUSH
The usual.

SCOTT
Wedding vows. You know, uh, "dearly beloved…"

RUSH

(smiling)

I know what wedding vows are.

[Rush laughs.]

SCOTT
I'm sorry. I'm not all here today.

RUSH
So, to what do we owe this, uh, partial presence? You're having doubts about what you're entering into?

[Rush steeples his hands in front of himself. He is wearing a wedding ring.]

SCOTT
What, you mean about marrying Chloe? No! I love her. I'm just a little hungover.

RUSH

(dryly)

Like father, like son.

SCOTT

(defiantly)
My dad is a great man.
(genially)

Anyway, we talked about it, me and Chloe, and we decided to go with the regular vows. They're all good.

RUSH
Traditional vows it is.

[Rush sits back and puts his feet up on the desk. Scott gets up and starts to leave, then turns back.]

SCOTT
Um, is there anything else we need to talk about?

RUSH
I don't know. Is there?

SCOTT
I've been having this feeling. I don't know how to describe it.

RUSH
Something's not quite right.

[Scott rushes back to the desk anxiously.]

SCOTT
Yes, yes, something-something is definitely wrong here, and I'm… To tell you the truth, I think I'm…I think I'm losing it.

RUSH
Have you spoken to your father?

SCOTT
Every time I try to say something, he tells me everything's great. I should just be happy.

RUSH
Ah. The sage advice of a great man.

SCOTT

I can see it in his eyes.
(anxious)

Oh, I am scared.

RUSH
Well, you know, I'm not a great man, Matthew, but I can tell you that fear, well, it's just one of those things in this world that proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that you're truly alive. And I can tell you that you're alive…until you're dead. You are going to die, Matthew. We all will…eventually.

SCOTT

(nodding, distant)

Uh, yeah.

RUSH

(casually)

So. Seven o'clock, then.

[Scott looks confused.]

RUSH
The "dearly beloved" business?

SCOTT
I'll be there.

RUSH
Your whole self, please.

EXT—ALIEN PLANET, NIGHT

[The kino flies over the planet. The organism is huge and spreading toward the 'gate, and numerous serpent-like creatures are protruding from it.]

INT—DESTINY GATE ROOM

[Park explains the kino footage to Brody and Young.]

PARK
What we can see above ground must only be a fraction of the whole organism. The bulk of it has to be like an enormous root system that extends outward from the flora, dormant until its prey gets close enough to get stung and survive just long enough to spread spores. I don't even want to think about what it could do aboard ship.

YOUNG
What do you think it is: plant, animal?

PARK
Maybe properties of both, like coral, except its growth rate smacks right up against the laws of thermodynamics. It spreads upon contact, and it resisted every chemical TJ's exposed to it.

YOUNG
Well, let's hope it burns.

EXT—ALIEN PLANET, NIGHT

[Greer and the other Marines have assembled flame throwers. They are standing behind the barricades, firing at the creatures. The creatures appear to scream in pain.]

GREER
Short bursts, gentlemen. Short bursts.

[They continue firing. The fire seems to be keeping the creatures at bay. Nearby, Scott's entire hand is encrusted with the growth, which is now very thick. Chloe sits next to him.]

INT—DESTINY GATE ROOM

[The 'gate is active.]

YOUNG

(into radio)

TJ, go to two.

EXT—ALIEN PLANET, NIGHT

TJ

(into radio)

Yes, sir?

INT—DESTINY GATE ROOM

YOUNG

(into radio)

Are you sure Lt. Scott is the only one who's been infected?

EXT—ALIEN PLANET, NIGHT

TJ

(into radio)

Yeah, I'm pretty sure.

INT—DESTINY GATE ROOM

YOUNG

(into radio)

Well, I need you to be damned sure, and I need you to send non-combatants back to the ship. The last thing we need is a mad dash at the last minute.

EXT—ALIEN PLANET, NIGHT

TJ

(into radio)

Understood, sir.

INT—DESTINY GATE ROOM

YOUNG

(into radio)

TJ, that means you, too.

EXT—ALIEN PLANET, NIGHT

TJ

(into radio)

Uh, sir, I'd like to keep trying.

INT—DESTINY GATE ROOM

YOUNG

(into radio)

Don't make me come down there and get you. I'm not willing to lose both of you. Young out.

EXT—ALIEN PLANET, NIGHT

[The flame-thrower battle rages. Chloe sits beside Scott, alongside the 'gate ramp.]

CHLOE
He's dying, isn't he?

[TJ looks at her but doesn't answer.]

CHLOE
How long?

TJ
I don't know. He's strong, so probably longer than we can stay.

CHLOE
No, I'm not leaving him.

TJ
Chloe, I just got orders to send everybody but Greer's team back to the ship, and that includes you.

[Chloe stands up to face TJ.]

CHLOE
Tamara, I have a right to stay.

TJ
No, you don't!

CHLOE
I'm not leaving!

[TJ notices something.]

TJ
Chloe.

[Chloe looks down and sees a spot of blue blood on her blouse, just as shown in Scott's movie.]

CHLOE
Oh, my God!

[She holds the shirt away from her body. TJ cuts the stained piece away with forceps and medical scissors.]

TJ
It doesn't look like it touched your skin.

CHLOE
How did it get there?

TJ
Maybe when Matt first cut the thing. It could have been a microscopic droplet for all we know. It grew right through the material. It's a miracle you weren't infected…. Greer! Over here.

[She places the infected piece of fabric on the ground. He fires the flame-thrower at it for a couple of seconds. It doesn't die.]

GREER
You've got to be kidding me.

[He fires again for a longer time. Finally the fabric and organism burn. Greer nods and goes back to the barricades.]

TJ
Okay, listen up! Everyone not on Sgt. Greer's fire team is going back through the Stargate. Each of you needs to be checked for traces of the organism on your person before you go. Eyes only, use the buddy system. Okay?

[As people start to pair up to check each other, Chloe slips away to the edge of the barricades.]

[Eli kneels beside Scott.]

TJ
Eli, that means you.

ELI

(angry)

I've been checking myself every thirty seconds. Just…give me a minute, okay?

[At the barricade, Chloe holds her palm up to a creature, as if inviting it to attack her.]

INT—TUXEDO SHOP, CLOVERDALE

[Scott, Greer, and Eli are dressed in black and white tuxedos, checking themselves in the three-piece mirror.]

ELI
Damn, we look good!

GREER
Is that you or Kiefer talking?

ELI
Oh, I think Mr. Sutherland would agree.

SCOTT

(impatient)

All right, they fit?

GREER

(sarcastically)

It's like the enthusiasm just explodes out of your face.

SCOTT
Yeah, well, you did this to me. Go change!

[Greer walks away.]

ELI
Listen, Matt, I can't help but notice that something's bothering you…beyond the blood alcohol level.

SCOTT
I'm fine.

[The tailor starts to take measurements of Scott's slacks.]

ELI
I'm just saying… We've known each other a long time, and I can pretty much tell when something is—

SCOTT
What, you think you know me?

ELI
You're not that deep.

[Scott appears hurt.]

ELI
Look, nobody who knows you at all thinks of you as a one-girl guy. It's not a criticism. Okay? It's just who you are. If you're having cold feet, I think that—

[Scott turns to face him, angry.]

SCOTT

(intensely)

No, listen, listen. I'm going to marry Chloe. We're going to have a half dozen kids, buy a house on my dad's street. We're going to renovate it together, play catch with the kids in the front yard, and go to Brody's every Friday night. You can videotape the whole danged thing.

ELI
Well a), that's a lot of tape, and b), I don't think you believe that yourself.

SCOTT

(to the tailor, angry)

We done?

[The tailor stands up. Scott steps away, touches his head as if in pain, and passes out.]

EXT—ALIEN PLANET, NIGHT

ELI
If-if you can hear me, I just want you to know that nobody's giving up on you.

GREER
Sweep! Sweep!

[The creatures are just beyond the barricades now. Greer yells as he continues to fire.]

ELI
I mean, you should see Greer's face. He's taking no prisoners. You'd better keep fighting too.

TJ

Eli!

EKI
Okay?

TJ
Eli.

ELI
I asked for one lousy minute!

TJ
Where's Chloe?

ELI
Chloe!

TJ
Chloe!

[Eli stands up.]

ELI
Chloe!

[Chloe walks back to them, holding her hand.]

TJ
What happened?

[She holds her palm out to them, showing a small blue spot of infection.]

CHLOE
Now, I have to stay.

RUSH
Oh, you didn't, did you?

CHLOE
It wasn't that hard. It doesn't even hurt that much.

ELI
Chloe, why would you do that?

CHLOE
They weren't going to let me stay. Now they have no choice.

ELI
And now you can't come back!

RUSH
She's already made up her mind.

CHLOE
Look, I'm sorry, Eli, but I had to do this.

[Eli looks at her in shock.]

TJ

(to Eli)

Go have someone check you out.

[Eli steps away but looks back at Chloe as if feeling betrayed. TJ bends to check Scott's pupils.]

INT—TUXEDO SHOP, CLOVERDALE

[Scott is lying on the floor. Paramedic TJ is checking his pupils with a flashlight. He wakes up.]

TJ
Hi, I'm Tamara, I'm a paramedic. Your friends called 9-1-1.

SCOTT
Why?

GREER
You were on the floor, Matt.

SCOTT
Why?

TJ
A lot of things can cause a syncope episode, but you don't have a fever.

ELI
He was hit by a car yesterday.

SCOTT
No, don't listen to him. That was nothing. I just had a little too much to drink last night.

TJ
You could be low on electrolytes.

SCOTT
Awesome — let's go with that.

TJ
Okay, well, just to be safe, I'm going take him to the hospital—

SCOTT

(getting up)

No, no, no, no, no. I'm getting married tonight, and I'm going to be there if they have to prop me up with a stick.

TJ
Lucky girl.

SCOTT
I just-I just mean, I'll be fine.

TJ
Up to you. Just do me a favor and have some chicken soup or something, okay?

[Scott smiles.]

TJ

(brightly)

Okay!

[She and the other paramedic prepare to leave.]

EXT—ALIEN PLANET, NIGHT

[The Stargate activates. The backsplash causes the creatures to rear up and scream.]

GREER

Woah. They don't like that.
(preparing his flame thrower, shouting)

Come on! How about this, huh? You want some of this, huh? How 'bout some of this?

[The civilians and military personnel not part of the strike team go through the wormhole. Scott is lying on the edge of the ramp. Eli starts up the ramp then pauses.]

ELI

(flatly, to Chloe)

Bye.

[He goes through the 'gate.]

RUSH
Chloe. Before I go, please tell me you didn't do this to keep a dying boy company.

CHLOE
The organism got on my clothes. I know it touched my skin — it had to. I should have been infected, but I wasn't.

RUSH
So you decided to test if you were immune.

[She nods.]

RUSH
And?

CHLOE
It doesn't hurt. Matt was in agony by now.

[Rush realizes something.]

RUSH
Lt. Johansen.

INT—WEDDING HALL, CLOVERDALE

[The hall is decorated for a wedding, with a simple arch at the front. Gifts sit on a table. Young is there to greet guests. Telford arrives.]

YOUNG
David!

TELFORD
Hey.

[They hug.]

YOUNG
Thank you for coming.

TELFORD
Wouldn't have missed it. How's your boy doing?

YOUNG
Oh, he's fantastic. You know, white as the plastic man on the cake, but that's just nerves!

TELFORD
Congratulations.

YOUNG
Thank you.

[The groomsmen, Brody, Volker, and Becker, are standing along the center aisle. Telford goes to greet them.]

BRODY
It's true. I nearly killed him yesterday. Ran right over him.

[Brody looks nervously into Eli's camera.]

INT—WEDDING HALL KITCHEN, CLOVERDALE

[Eli films the wedding cake and Greer.]

GREER
Oh, come on. I told you to keep that thing out of my face.

[Scott is eating chicken noodle soup but looks very ill.]

ELI

(narrating)

Before the ceremony, Matt enjoys a hot bowl of soup and the camaraderie of his closest friends.

SCOTT
Has my dad shown up yet?

ELI
He's mingling.

SCOTT

(barely able to speak)

Good. Just make sure you get a shot of Chloe coming in.

ELI
Oh, right.

[Eli rushes off. Scott sits back, grimacing.]

GREER
Hey. We can do this another day.

[Young enters, smiling.]

YOUNG
There he is. How's my boy? You ready?

SCOTT
No.

YOUNG

(laughing)

What do you mean, no?

SCOTT
I mean, I don't know if I can do this. What if it doesn't work out? What if it's wrong? What-what if I hurt her?

YOUNG
Well, you would never do that.

SCOTT
Ah, we're so different from each other.

YOUNG

(to Greer)

Can you give us a second?

[Greer leaves.]

YOUNG
Hey. What do you want from me?

SCOTT
Just tell me the right thing to do.

YOUNG
Oh, you think-you think I know?

SCOTT
I'm asking you, please, Dad…

YOUNG

(pointing at Scott)

Wake up. Wake up.

[Young walks away.]

EXT—ALIEN PLANET, NIGHT

[Greer's team continues the battle. TJ takes a blood sample from Chloe. Her blood is red.]

TJ
Blood looks normal to me.

CHLOE
No, but it's not normal. They changed it.

TJ
You said the chair un-did all that.

RUSH
Well, obviously she relapsed. The point is, whatever they did to her has given her immunity to this organism.

CHLOE
Look, look. I'm already healing.

[She holds up her palm. The blue spot is now much smaller than it was.]

RUSH
A transfusion of Chloe's blood could help save his life.

TJ
And pass whatever the aliens did to her on to him!

RUSH
Well, I think that's a bargain he'd be willing to make, don't you?

INT—WEDDING HALL, CLOVERDALE

[Rush is officiating the wedding ceremony. Scott stands under the arch.]

[As Rush speaks, the scene switches from the wedding hall and the planet, where TJ has set up a direct transfusion from Chloe to Scott.]

RUSH
Dearly beloved, we are gathered here in the face of this company, to join this man and this woman in matrimony.

[Chloe starts to walk down the aisle, with Eli. Scott looks very ill.]

RUSH
It is not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently, discreetly, advisedly and solemnly. Marriage is the union of husband and wife in the heart, body and mind. It is intended for their mutual joy, and for the help and comfort given one another in prosperity and adversity.

[Chloe stands next to Scott, smiling. Scott sighs deeply.]

EXT—ALIEN PLANET, NIGHT

[Greer orders his men to pull back and start their retreat through the 'gate.]

INT—WEDDING HALL, CLOVERDALE

RUSH
Through this union, Matthew and Chloe make a commitment to embrace their dreams…

INT—DESTINY GATE ROOM

[As Rush speaks, Brody and Park exchange looks, and Young looks at the countdown clock.]

RUSH
Realize their hopes, and to accept each other's failings.

EXT—ALIEN PLANET, NIGHT

[Greer's men go through the 'gate, but he remains behind.]

INT—WEDDING HALL, CLOVERDALE

RUSH
We are here today to witness this occasion, that marks the celebration of love and commitment with which this man and this woman begin their life together.

RUSH
If any person can show just cause why they may not be joined together, then let them speak now, or forever hold their peace.

INT—DESTINY GATE ROOM

[Eli and the others take off their outer clothes and watch for the 'gate to activate.]

EXT—ALIEN PLANET, NIGHT

[The 'gate is active. Greer is the last Marine left.]

GREER
Damned things don't want to burn. I'm running out of fuel!

TJ
His pulse is getting stronger. I just need a little more time.

GREER
I can't give it to you!

[The beings start to reach their heads over the barricades. Greer fires and moves up the ramp to the 'gate.]

CHLOE
Please! I know it's working!

RUSH
Sergeant. Last time we dialed the Gate, did you see how it reacted?

GREER
We've just gotta keep dialling over and over.

RUSH
It may buy us the time we need.

GREER

Not "we". Just me. This ramp is about to get crowded.
(to TJ and Rush)

I need you two to get out of here.

TJ
Sergeant…

GREER
Go. Go!

[Rush hands him the 'gate controller.]

GREER
Get up! Go!

[TJ and Rush go through.]

INT—DESTINY GATE ROOM

[Young approaches TJ and Rush.]

EXT—ALIEN PLANET, NIGHT

[Greer runs out of fuel. He tosses his weapon to the ground.]

INT—DESTINY GATE ROOM

[The count-down clock counts down.]

EXT—ALIEN PLANET, NIGHT

[Scott is still unconscious.]

INT—WEDDING HALL, CLOVERDALE

RUSH
Do you, Matthew, take Chloe to be your wife?

EXT—ALIEN PLANET, NIGHT

[Greer lies on the ramp with Chloe and Scott. He activates the 'gate. The kawoosh pulses above them, protecting them. Creatures pop out of the ground inside the barricades.]

RUSH
Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health?

INT—WEDDING HALL, CLOVERDALE

[As Rush speaks, the scene switches from the wedding hall and the planet, where Greer activates the 'gate again.]

RUSH
For richer, for poorer, for better, for worse.

EXT—ALIEN PLANET, NIGHT

[A creature is about to attack them, but the 'gate backsplash takes off its head.]

INT—WEDDING HALL, CLOVERDALE

RUSH
In sadness and in joy, and forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto her for as long as you both shall live?

[Scott sighs and smiles. He turns to look at Chloe. She turns back to him, but the left side of her face is now blue and alien.]

EXT—ALIEN PLANET, NIGHT

[Scott's eyes fly open.]

CHLOE
He's conscious!

[Scott sits up.]

SCOTT
What the hell's going on?

[Greer pulls him back to the ramp just as the kawoosh occurs again.]

GREER
Don't sit up!

[Scott slams into the ramp. The alien infestation breaks off of his arm as if made of glass.]

CHLOE
Oh, my God! His arm!

GREER
You're okay!

SCOTT
Hell, yeah, I am, but…

[He breaks off the rest of the organism from his arm.]

CHLOE
Come on!

[The help him up.]

GREER
Let's go.

[They go through the gate.]

INT—DESTINY GATE ROOM

[The come through. Medical personnel approach.]

CHLOE
Whoa! We're okay, we're okay.

[The 'gate shuts down. Rush looks stressed, then relieved.]

YOUNG
Welcome home, son.

SCOTT
Thank you, sir. I, uh, I don't know how they did it, but…

YOUNG
Unfortunately, I do know. The three of you will undergo decontamination right away.

GREER
Yes, sir.

YOUNG

(to Scott and Chloe)

As for the two of you, you'll be placed in quarantine indefinitely, until I decide what to do with you.

SCOTT

(mystified)

Sir?

YOUNG
I'll let Miss Armstrong explain.

[Young walks away. Chloe puts her hand in Scott's. They smile weakly. They are alone in the 'gate room.]

FADE OUT

END CREDITS

Transcribed for Stargate Solutions by Michelle, October 2010.

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--Michelle 23:27, 31 October 2010 (UTC)