Stargate SG-1 (1997–2007): Season 1, Episode 20 - Politics - full transcript
The Stargate team must justify the project's continuation when a doubtful senator, Head of the Congressional Military Appropriations Committee, comes to review the project's performance.
"Beware the destroyers".
That's what the message said.
These coordinates are where the Goa'uld
will launch their attack. It's a warning.
Or so your vision foretells.
No! It wasn't a vision, or a dream,
or a hallucination. It was... real.
I know this is hard
for you to believe...
...but the entire time you thought
I had disappeared on P3R-233...
...I was experiencing
an alternate reality.
And you were there and you were
there, and there's no place like home.
As a matter of fact, you were there!
Daniel, it's not that
we don't believe you...
- So you do?
- No! It's just that...
... we don't believe you.
Jack, this is important.
Daniel, when you were in this alternate
reality, were there differences?
Yes, uh... Teal'c was leading the attack
on Earth, I wasn't part of the programme.
You and Jack were engaged to be married.
- Excuse me?
- What?
OK, uh, even if you did actually
experience this alternate reality...
...the fact that there were differences
means we won't face the same fate.
Yes, but the defining event-the
death of Ra-took place in both worlds.
- An attack of retribution?
- Yes!
And the same thing will
happen here unless we stop it.
All right, let me get
something straight here.
Engaged?
- It is theoretically possible.
- It's against regulations.
I'm talking physics, sir.
The concept of alternate realities was
predicted by Einstein a long time...
I thought you might all
be here. How's our boy?
He's gonna be just fine, General.
Major Samuels.
That's Lieutenant Colonel
Samuels now, Captain.
- I beg your pardon, sir. Congratulations.
- Thank you.
You'll always be Sparky to me.
Weren't you transferred to the Pentagon?
I was. Stargate mission analysis.
I'm here today for the hearing.
Hearing?
Senator Kinsey? The Stargate programme?
I thought you were gonna testify.
They will. SG-1 just returned
from a mission last night.
I haven't had the chance to inform them.
Well, perhaps I shouldn't
say too much more.
Oh, cut the crap. What's going on?
Senator Kinsey has taken a great
deal of interest in the programme.
Thus far, he hasn't
liked what he's seen.
I'm sorry to hear that.
As you should be, Colonel.
It could mean the end of the Stargate.
The hearing is at 1400 hours. I
look forward to seeing you all there.
Yes, sir, I understand.
We'll fight the good fight.
General, politics
isn't my strong suit...
...but doesn't president
outrank senator?
Senator Kinsey is chairman of
the appropriations committee.
He wants to know what's behind the line
item the Pentagon refers to as area 52.
That would be the Stargate...
An unofficial project that just happens
to cost $7.4 billion a year to operate.
The President thought if he granted the
Senator the appropriate clearances...
...let him in on the
existence of the SGC...
...he'd recognise its importance to
security and authorise the expenditure.
I take it he didn't.
The idea backfired.
After reading your mission reports
and being briefed by Samuels...
...the Senator decided the SGC will receive
no further funding from the Treasury.
That effectively shuts us down, sir.
Very effectively. Costs a billion dollars
just to turn the lights on around here.
How about a bake sale?
Yard sale? Garage...
This is what I look like when
I'm not laughing, Colonel.
- Car wash?
I'm sorry, sir. It's just, I don't get
it. How does one man get that much power?
The constitution of these United States.
Our worth could be
debated in the Senate...
...but not without making the
Stargate known to the public.
The President doesn't believe the
time for that has come. I agree.
Well, he's late.
You seem more apprehensive of
this hearing than of battle.
I prefer battle, actually.
Once we tell him Earth's
future is at stake...
Daniel!
Let's keep the alternate reality
story as our ace in the hole, shall we?
- Why?
Just because.
Ladies and gentlemen, I apologise.
A certain congressman, who will go
nameless, cannot take no for an answer.
Ah, so this is the infamous SG-1.
Infamous! Yes, sir.
Colonel Jack O'Neill.
Ah, Colonel. I've heard a lot about you.
Don't believe a word of it,
Senator. I'm actually a nice guy.
And this must be the drain
through which the money flows.
I know you have a very
busy schedule, Senator.
Yes, of course, General
Hammond. Please be seated.
Let me see.
Colonel O'Neill...
...Captain Carter...
...Dr Jackson...
Teal'c, with an
apostrophe, I understand.
Let me first say that though illness
stopped me from serving in the military...
...I have great respect
for those who do.
Especially those who have made
service of country their life's work...
...as I have in my own way.
- There is no more honourable vocation.
- Thank you. I couldn't agree more.
Having said that, I want
to make one thing clear:
I am by nature suspicious
of all things secretive...
...be they in the government
or inside the military service.
I believe that which grows in shadow
but withers in the light of day...
...does not belong on the vine.
I've read several
reports of your excursion.
Colonel Samuels has been kind
enough to brief me on the Stargate...
...and I have tried to
maintain an open mind.
I must admit that I find the very idea of
this facility, of this command, offensive.
It is far too dangerous
to be this secretive.
I found several examples where you have
averted tragedy on a global scale...
...by the skin of your teeth, and virtually
none where you found anything of worth.
However, since I have, on
occasion, been wrong before...
...the President of the United
States has asked me to hear you out.
So here I am.
Well...
...as long as you've got an open mind.
Colonel...
For crying out loud, Samuels,
what d'you tell this man?
The truth.
Colonel Samuels was
entirely nonpartisan.
OK. Now, that's impossible. He's been
against this programme from day one.
If anything, I voiced my awe and
amazement at what the Stargate is.
A technological marvel.
It is so much more than that, Senator.
The Stargate represents a giant step
in our understanding of the universe.
We have learned more about
astrophysics in these few months...
...than in the last 50 years!
It also gives us insights into cultures
that are thousands of years old.
Dr Jackson, I'm sure as a
scholar of ancient mythology...
...you are familiar with
the story of Pandora.
From Greek mythology, of course.
The first woman created by Zeus...
...who gave her a box and
warned her never to open it.
But she did, out of curiosity.
Despite the warning of her god,
who was also her father, she did.
And from it sprung all the plagues
and evil that exist now in this world.
And, keeping in mind that this is a myth,
she closed it in time to keep hope inside.
Then should we not close your gate for
the same reason-to keep hope inside?
Senator, if I may jump in here...
I'm not as slick as you guys
talking in metaphors here.
I'm a military man.
I prefer facts.
And the fact is the gate, ie
"the box", is already open.
Now, what's done is done.
We made ourselves an
enemy by killing Ra...
...but the threat the Goa'ulds represent...
- Threat?
Yes, sir. As in "threatening".
The word "threat", Colonel O'Neill, is
used too often by this country's military...
...as a justification for
expenditures we can no longer afford.
Do you know how much
this programme costs?
Seven... ish.
Seven billion, four hundred
and seven million dollars!
- Give or take.
- Per year!
With all due respect, the accounting
department is up on level 3, I believe.
But if you want to talk about
maintaining the first line of defence...
...against what I believe is the
greatest enemy humanity has faced...
Hyperbole!
See for yourself!
General, I suggest we dial up
old P4A-771, I believe it was.
See how long the Senator
lasts in that world!
I have spent a career listening
to doomsayers in uniform.
Let us build our billion-dollar machine to
save America from barbarians at the gate!
Let me remind you that
the Cold War is over!
Let me tell you something! This time there
are barbarians-they're called Goa'ulds.
And they really are
at the gate. That one!
Then I suggest we close it.
Senator, we believe the Goa'uld are about
to launch an attack, in force, in ships.
Then I think they'll regret taking
on the United States military.
Oh, for God's sake.
Oh, you're right. We'll just upload
a computer virus into the mother ship.
We won't be any match for them.
At their level of technology,
they can wipe us out from orbit.
I'm not convinced of that.
- They speak the truth.
- I'm not entirely convinced of that either.
General, why are we here?!
He's made up his mind.
Sit down, Colonel. When I've
made up my mind, you will know it.
I will ask you once more.
Sit down, please.
Colonel.
I gave the President my word I would give
you a fair hearing and I intend to do that.
He held you and your team
up as a shining example...
...of the fine work the SGC is doing.
Now... do you stand by SG-1's record?
Yes, I do.
Then let's just go through it, shall we?
Thank you.
On February 10th of this year, you and
a team led by Major Charles Kawalsky...
...went through the Stargate
on a reconnaissance mission...
Excuse me, Senator.
Samuels, could I get a copy of that?
Uh... you wrote this report, Colonel.
Just one little reference.
Samuels.
To repeat: on February 10th you and
a team led by Major Charles Kawalsky...
...went through the Stargate
on a reconnaissance mission...
...to rescue both Dr Jackson's
wife and her brother...
...and to determine the Goauld threat.
Excuse me, Senator, I'm sorry.
There should be an apostrophe after
the A, before the U. It's pronounced...
Goa'uld.
I assume, since you were
captured and imprisoned...
...that you would characterise
this world as an enemy stronghold.
I would.
I read from the personal report of
Colonel Jack O'Neill, dated 23rd February.
"Skaara was chosen. I tried to
stop them from taking him away...
...but was struck by
an alien staff weapon."
"In that moment,
Apophis gave the order."
- Kill the rest.
I can save these people!
Help me!
Help me.
Many have said that.
Orgh!
But you are the first
I believe could do it!
Get out of the way!
- Come on, let's move!
- Come on! Come on!
- Come on!
- Move! Come on!
Come on. Go! There you go! Go!
Go, go!
Come on!
So, even with your team
unarmed, at the enemy's mercy...
...in the palm of their
hand, as it were, ...
...one of their own was
able to set you free.
l-It wasn't that simple, Senator.
Read on, please.
"We met heavy resistance on
our return to the Stargate...
...and became pinned
down by enemy aircraft."
Take cover!
Colonel, we're sitting ducks here!
It seems to me that Major
Kawalsky made light work...
...of what you referred to in
your report as a "death glider".
They were taken by surprise.
I wouldn't expect it
to be as easy next time.
Why not?
They weren't used to fighting humans
with our technology. Now they are.
You don't understand how much
more powerful their weapons are.
Yet you managed to get away
with minimal casualties.
Hardly the greatest threat
humanity has ever faced.
What's happening?
It's just SG-2 returning
on schedule, Senator.
There's nothing to worry about.
Oh, I disagree, General.
I think it is something to worry about.
Mr Kinsey is under the impression
the Goa'uld aren't a military threat.
You seem to have defeated
them handily at every turn.
Did you read all the reports, sir?
They actually killed us once.
Sha'ti.
Kree-ga!
Oh...
Colonel!
Urgh!
Argh!
Argh!
If Goa'uld technology can generate
energy shields around individuals...
...they can do the
same with whole armies.
And ships.
And have you ever seen
one of these ships?
Yes, sir.
It is the ship of the Goa'uld Nerti
- an enemy of Apophis.
- Now, what the hell is that?
- We must go.
We must get to the Stargate.
No argument from me!
Goa'uld Nerti once sent an emissary
of peace to negotiate a treaty...
...concerning a Stargate
Apophis had taken control of.
The negotiation was a ploy.
The Stargate was destroyed!
Take your time. No hurry.
You escaped, Colonel.
On foot, I might add.
Just one Goa'uld ship was
responsible for the deaths of SG-7...
...and the entire local population.
And that's over one thousand people.
The point is, sir, we have seen the
Goa'uld destroy entire civilisations.
Hello?
Hello.
What are you?
Energy, unity. You
would describe me thus.
You asked for help.
If I remain here, my energy
will disintegrate. I must return.
- Why did you not speak before?
- Fear.
- Fear of what?
- The Goa'uld came to our planet once.
We were not afraid then
and we tried to greet them.
One of them touched us as you did
and was destroyed by our energy.
- The Goa'ulds came through the gate.
- It was afraid because we look like them.
A Goa'uld was killed?
They gathered all the unity
in one place and ended it.
We confirmed Goa'uld
energy weapons did it.
Then that pit wasn't a ceremonial
place. It was some kind of... mass grave.
I'd call that a threat.
Admittedly, the Goa'uld are dangerous.
More dangerous than
you could possibly know.
Well, if they're so strong...
...why did you switch
sides in the first place?
Because what is right cannot
be measured by strength.
Your world values freedom.
I wish freedom for my people.
I don't want to appear callous,
sir, but that's your problem...
...not ours.
It will soon be yours as
well, Senator Kinsey...
...for the Goa'uld are as
powerful as they are evil.
- They have enslaved a galaxy of worlds...
- I don't care about other worlds.
I must place the citizens
of this country first.
Then you would be wise
to heed our warning...
...for when the Goa'uld finally do
come in force... and they will...
...your citizens, as this world's
strongest country, will be the first to die.
On your return from
the Chulak mission...
...Major Kawalsky became infested
with a Goa'uld parasite. Correct?
That's correct.
He very nearly destroyed this facility.
Jaffa... kal sha!
You cannot pass.
- What?
- He set the coordinates for Chulak.
- He set the autodestruct sequence.
- How'd he have the code?
I don't know, but I need two
officers to override, and you're it.
That did it. Open the blast doors!
Teal'c!
Hold him there!
Shut it down!
Now!
- We stopped him.
- Yes, you did.
On that occasion, with the
loss of a fine officer, you did.
But consider the myriad plagues you
could bring back through the Stargate.
Reason enough to shut it down for ever.
Colonel Samuels.
I quote from the official report of
General Hammond, dated March of this year...
...about a dangerous disease brought
back by SG-1 from another world.
I'm afraid I have a
serious situation here.
It appears we've brought a very
contagious disease through the Stargate.
Yes, sir. That's right.
I ordered the mountain sealed off, but
you should order in an armoured division...
...to set up a second line of defence.
Well, my recommendation is anyone
attempting to leave the mountain...
...should be shot on sight
and their body burned.
Sorry, Colonel O'Neill, but your
private room just became semiprivate.
We're running out of places to put victims.
We've used the brigs, the storage rooms...
- Good luck, Doc...
- D'you say something?
Give... more...
What? Give more what?
More...
An injection?
You mean you want more sedative?
You've had twice as much as anyone
else because you've been more violent.
- Give.
- No.
- It's not safe.
- Give!
Give.
Why are you so insistent?
Must have been in a lot of pain.
Doc!
Colonel O'Neill?
It's...
...me.
So you are still in there somewhere.
A dream... a dream... a dream...
I'm afraid not, Colonel. It's very real.
This is interesting. Enough sedative
must knock back the primitive mind.
Colonel, listen. I can't keep you at
this level for long. It is too dangerous.
It could cause brain damage.
What? Wh...
- What is it?
- It's a parasitic virus.
All we can tell is that it
messes with body chemicals.
Testosterone levels skyrocket,
thus the aggressive behaviour.
It's a histaminolytic
- it breaks down histamine. Wh...
Experiment on me.
Experiment on you?
No, sir, I can't do that.
Use me.
We saved an entire race of people.
I'd call that a success, sir.
But if you hadn't found
a cure so readily...
...if it had reached the population,
if the effects weren't reversible...
Colonel O'Neill, you very nearly died on
another occasion when infected by, uh...
Nanocytes, sir.
Jack, Carter's coming back!
Jack!
Welcome back, Captain.
So what did you find out?
Come on, don't keep the
elderly waiting. It's rude.
Um...
It isn't a virus.
All right, what is it?
Dr Fraiser and I came up empty.
She's still working on it...
...but it's gonna take time.
- Time is what these people don't have.
- Nor do I.
- Colonel, there's something else.
Your blood sample showed more
organisms than the Argosians.
- How many more?
- On the level of 100 times more.
And they are multiplying.
Cut to it, Captain.
At the rate you're changing...
...by the end of two weeks you'll
be the equivalent of 100 years old.
We've given the nanocytes
live tissue to interact with...
...but they won't touch it. All
they do is make more of themselves.
So how are they causing
the ageing on Argos?
Maybe there's something on Argos
they need to make them do a task.
Something in the air or the food.
- Whoa!
- Is there a problem, Captain?
- I don't know.
It's eating through the rubber.
Oh, God.
- What? What is it?
- They're trying to spread.
We're working with computer
and practical simulations.
Realistically, sir, I'm
afraid it might take years.
The general says Gate travel
to Argos is offlimits...
...for the next few, uh, millennia.
But we can send objects through,
so ifyou need anything, just call.
Say something.
Colonel, I've learned very
much from you. Thank you.
You know, goodbyes really suck.
As I understand it, you almost
lost containment, Captain Carter.
Yes. They tried to mutate in the lab...
...but after that the general ordered
all samples of the nanocyte destroyed.
- And next time?
- There won't be a next time.
The nanocytes, the
transmitter devices...
...everything that tampered with
that world has been destroyed.
In fact, SG-2 just made
contact with Kynthia's planet.
They're living productive lives because
of us! I am proud of what we did there.
I might even retire there.
You have no fear of it, do
you? It's like a game to you.
No, sir. Anything as powerful
as the Stargate deserves respect.
We know how dangerous it is to do what
we do, but also how important it is.
Colonel O'Neill, you're like reckless
children and you're playing with fire.
If you shut down this programme
now, when it's needed...
- For what?
- To gather technology, weapons.
Not at this price or
this level of competence.
My people are the best
out there, Senator.
I'm sorry, General, but
your best is not good enough.
I do not approve of nor
support this endeavour.
And I have heard nothing here
today that would change my mind.
I intend to shut the Stargate down.
- Senator, please listen to me.
- He's made up his mind, Dr Jackson.
You want your reason,
I'll give it to you.
What if I knew that they
were coming, in ships?
That a ship larger than the pyramids
will land on this mountain...
...in a matter of weeks, maybe days?
- Then I would be curious to know...
...why you've waited
until now to say so.
Because I didn't think
anyone would believe me.
If I didn't live through it, I
wouldn't have, but it is a fact.
If you shut this programme down, we
can't stop them before they get here.
- Where did you learn this... information?
- On our last mission.
We found a civilisation with technology
similar to ours. They had been wiped out.
They left behind a warning.
"Beware the destroyers".
Along with that came a set of numbers.
Coordinates that show where the final
Goa'uld attack will be launched from.
- Did all of you witness this warning?
- No, they didn't. Just me.
Sir...
...we think Daniel had an interdimensional
transfer to an alternate reality.
I beg your pardon?
The moment I touched an
alien artefact on 233...
...I was transported to an alternate
reality where Earth was under Goa'uld attack.
I got this when I was there.
My heaven, I've heard enough of this!
The Goa'uld were bombarding our
cities from space. We were defenceless.
Dr Jackson, I do not
suffer fools gladly!
Nor do l, Senator, and when
we killed Ra two years ago...
...we started a chain of events that'll
lead to an attack on Earth by the Goa'ulds!
If this is so, why have they waited?
It would take time for
Apophis to assemble the forces.
The society is feudal. It would
take time to build an army.
All I know is the location they
will launch their final attack from.
If you don't believe me,
let us go there and find out!
How many ships, Dr Jackson? Has
anyone detected their approach?
I can't be sure.
- There were differences in that reality.
- Of course there were.
- I am not crazy.
- Nor am l, Dr Jackson.
Neither am I unused to 11th-hour pleas,
but never have I heard one so desperate.
- Senator, they are coming.
- Then I say let them come!
Where do you get this bureaucratic
bull? You're talking suicide.
Colonel O'Neill, you
underestimate this great nation.
You underestimate the enemy.
We have challenged Apophis.
He will not rest until the people
of Earth worship him as their god.
There is only one God, sir!
I do not believe that he would allow what
you're trying to tell me to come to pass!
We are, after all, one nation under God.
And you think God is gonna save us?
The Goa'uld believe they are gods.
Your beliefs won't dissuade them.
If the Goa'uld do come...
...we will be able to tell them
we have buried our gate for ever...
...and will never step through it again.
- If they challenge us, we shall prevail.
- You're a fool.
And if they do not come, which I
think is infinitely more likely...
...then at least Pandora's box will have
finally been closed once and for all.
Now, if you will excuse me,
I have business to attend to.
For what it's worth, I'm
sorry it had to end like this.
Get out of here!
General Hammond...
...I would like to request permission...
...to return through the Stargate
before it's permanently sealed.
If this world does not intend to continue
its struggle against the Goa'uld...
...then here I do not belong.
I think I'm going with him.
I can't allow that, Colonel.
I'm sorry, but you know that.
The President made it clear if we
were unable to convince the Senator...
...we would cease operations
effective immediately.
Sir, there are still
two SG teams off world.
We'll keep the light on till they
return, but that's all I can do.
So... what? That's it?
That's it, Colonel.
It can't be.
- With all due respect...
- The good Senator is an ass...
He's an elected official of the
government we are sworn to serve.
Whether we agree or not,
he's made his decision.
Our commander in chief has
given us our orders accordingly.
I expect you all to carry them out.
Dismissed.
That's what the message said.
These coordinates are where the Goa'uld
will launch their attack. It's a warning.
Or so your vision foretells.
No! It wasn't a vision, or a dream,
or a hallucination. It was... real.
I know this is hard
for you to believe...
...but the entire time you thought
I had disappeared on P3R-233...
...I was experiencing
an alternate reality.
And you were there and you were
there, and there's no place like home.
As a matter of fact, you were there!
Daniel, it's not that
we don't believe you...
- So you do?
- No! It's just that...
... we don't believe you.
Jack, this is important.
Daniel, when you were in this alternate
reality, were there differences?
Yes, uh... Teal'c was leading the attack
on Earth, I wasn't part of the programme.
You and Jack were engaged to be married.
- Excuse me?
- What?
OK, uh, even if you did actually
experience this alternate reality...
...the fact that there were differences
means we won't face the same fate.
Yes, but the defining event-the
death of Ra-took place in both worlds.
- An attack of retribution?
- Yes!
And the same thing will
happen here unless we stop it.
All right, let me get
something straight here.
Engaged?
- It is theoretically possible.
- It's against regulations.
I'm talking physics, sir.
The concept of alternate realities was
predicted by Einstein a long time...
I thought you might all
be here. How's our boy?
He's gonna be just fine, General.
Major Samuels.
That's Lieutenant Colonel
Samuels now, Captain.
- I beg your pardon, sir. Congratulations.
- Thank you.
You'll always be Sparky to me.
Weren't you transferred to the Pentagon?
I was. Stargate mission analysis.
I'm here today for the hearing.
Hearing?
Senator Kinsey? The Stargate programme?
I thought you were gonna testify.
They will. SG-1 just returned
from a mission last night.
I haven't had the chance to inform them.
Well, perhaps I shouldn't
say too much more.
Oh, cut the crap. What's going on?
Senator Kinsey has taken a great
deal of interest in the programme.
Thus far, he hasn't
liked what he's seen.
I'm sorry to hear that.
As you should be, Colonel.
It could mean the end of the Stargate.
The hearing is at 1400 hours. I
look forward to seeing you all there.
Yes, sir, I understand.
We'll fight the good fight.
General, politics
isn't my strong suit...
...but doesn't president
outrank senator?
Senator Kinsey is chairman of
the appropriations committee.
He wants to know what's behind the line
item the Pentagon refers to as area 52.
That would be the Stargate...
An unofficial project that just happens
to cost $7.4 billion a year to operate.
The President thought if he granted the
Senator the appropriate clearances...
...let him in on the
existence of the SGC...
...he'd recognise its importance to
security and authorise the expenditure.
I take it he didn't.
The idea backfired.
After reading your mission reports
and being briefed by Samuels...
...the Senator decided the SGC will receive
no further funding from the Treasury.
That effectively shuts us down, sir.
Very effectively. Costs a billion dollars
just to turn the lights on around here.
How about a bake sale?
Yard sale? Garage...
This is what I look like when
I'm not laughing, Colonel.
- Car wash?
I'm sorry, sir. It's just, I don't get
it. How does one man get that much power?
The constitution of these United States.
Our worth could be
debated in the Senate...
...but not without making the
Stargate known to the public.
The President doesn't believe the
time for that has come. I agree.
Well, he's late.
You seem more apprehensive of
this hearing than of battle.
I prefer battle, actually.
Once we tell him Earth's
future is at stake...
Daniel!
Let's keep the alternate reality
story as our ace in the hole, shall we?
- Why?
Just because.
Ladies and gentlemen, I apologise.
A certain congressman, who will go
nameless, cannot take no for an answer.
Ah, so this is the infamous SG-1.
Infamous! Yes, sir.
Colonel Jack O'Neill.
Ah, Colonel. I've heard a lot about you.
Don't believe a word of it,
Senator. I'm actually a nice guy.
And this must be the drain
through which the money flows.
I know you have a very
busy schedule, Senator.
Yes, of course, General
Hammond. Please be seated.
Let me see.
Colonel O'Neill...
...Captain Carter...
...Dr Jackson...
Teal'c, with an
apostrophe, I understand.
Let me first say that though illness
stopped me from serving in the military...
...I have great respect
for those who do.
Especially those who have made
service of country their life's work...
...as I have in my own way.
- There is no more honourable vocation.
- Thank you. I couldn't agree more.
Having said that, I want
to make one thing clear:
I am by nature suspicious
of all things secretive...
...be they in the government
or inside the military service.
I believe that which grows in shadow
but withers in the light of day...
...does not belong on the vine.
I've read several
reports of your excursion.
Colonel Samuels has been kind
enough to brief me on the Stargate...
...and I have tried to
maintain an open mind.
I must admit that I find the very idea of
this facility, of this command, offensive.
It is far too dangerous
to be this secretive.
I found several examples where you have
averted tragedy on a global scale...
...by the skin of your teeth, and virtually
none where you found anything of worth.
However, since I have, on
occasion, been wrong before...
...the President of the United
States has asked me to hear you out.
So here I am.
Well...
...as long as you've got an open mind.
Colonel...
For crying out loud, Samuels,
what d'you tell this man?
The truth.
Colonel Samuels was
entirely nonpartisan.
OK. Now, that's impossible. He's been
against this programme from day one.
If anything, I voiced my awe and
amazement at what the Stargate is.
A technological marvel.
It is so much more than that, Senator.
The Stargate represents a giant step
in our understanding of the universe.
We have learned more about
astrophysics in these few months...
...than in the last 50 years!
It also gives us insights into cultures
that are thousands of years old.
Dr Jackson, I'm sure as a
scholar of ancient mythology...
...you are familiar with
the story of Pandora.
From Greek mythology, of course.
The first woman created by Zeus...
...who gave her a box and
warned her never to open it.
But she did, out of curiosity.
Despite the warning of her god,
who was also her father, she did.
And from it sprung all the plagues
and evil that exist now in this world.
And, keeping in mind that this is a myth,
she closed it in time to keep hope inside.
Then should we not close your gate for
the same reason-to keep hope inside?
Senator, if I may jump in here...
I'm not as slick as you guys
talking in metaphors here.
I'm a military man.
I prefer facts.
And the fact is the gate, ie
"the box", is already open.
Now, what's done is done.
We made ourselves an
enemy by killing Ra...
...but the threat the Goa'ulds represent...
- Threat?
Yes, sir. As in "threatening".
The word "threat", Colonel O'Neill, is
used too often by this country's military...
...as a justification for
expenditures we can no longer afford.
Do you know how much
this programme costs?
Seven... ish.
Seven billion, four hundred
and seven million dollars!
- Give or take.
- Per year!
With all due respect, the accounting
department is up on level 3, I believe.
But if you want to talk about
maintaining the first line of defence...
...against what I believe is the
greatest enemy humanity has faced...
Hyperbole!
See for yourself!
General, I suggest we dial up
old P4A-771, I believe it was.
See how long the Senator
lasts in that world!
I have spent a career listening
to doomsayers in uniform.
Let us build our billion-dollar machine to
save America from barbarians at the gate!
Let me remind you that
the Cold War is over!
Let me tell you something! This time there
are barbarians-they're called Goa'ulds.
And they really are
at the gate. That one!
Then I suggest we close it.
Senator, we believe the Goa'uld are about
to launch an attack, in force, in ships.
Then I think they'll regret taking
on the United States military.
Oh, for God's sake.
Oh, you're right. We'll just upload
a computer virus into the mother ship.
We won't be any match for them.
At their level of technology,
they can wipe us out from orbit.
I'm not convinced of that.
- They speak the truth.
- I'm not entirely convinced of that either.
General, why are we here?!
He's made up his mind.
Sit down, Colonel. When I've
made up my mind, you will know it.
I will ask you once more.
Sit down, please.
Colonel.
I gave the President my word I would give
you a fair hearing and I intend to do that.
He held you and your team
up as a shining example...
...of the fine work the SGC is doing.
Now... do you stand by SG-1's record?
Yes, I do.
Then let's just go through it, shall we?
Thank you.
On February 10th of this year, you and
a team led by Major Charles Kawalsky...
...went through the Stargate
on a reconnaissance mission...
Excuse me, Senator.
Samuels, could I get a copy of that?
Uh... you wrote this report, Colonel.
Just one little reference.
Samuels.
To repeat: on February 10th you and
a team led by Major Charles Kawalsky...
...went through the Stargate
on a reconnaissance mission...
...to rescue both Dr Jackson's
wife and her brother...
...and to determine the Goauld threat.
Excuse me, Senator, I'm sorry.
There should be an apostrophe after
the A, before the U. It's pronounced...
Goa'uld.
I assume, since you were
captured and imprisoned...
...that you would characterise
this world as an enemy stronghold.
I would.
I read from the personal report of
Colonel Jack O'Neill, dated 23rd February.
"Skaara was chosen. I tried to
stop them from taking him away...
...but was struck by
an alien staff weapon."
"In that moment,
Apophis gave the order."
- Kill the rest.
I can save these people!
Help me!
Help me.
Many have said that.
Orgh!
But you are the first
I believe could do it!
Get out of the way!
- Come on, let's move!
- Come on! Come on!
- Come on!
- Move! Come on!
Come on. Go! There you go! Go!
Go, go!
Come on!
So, even with your team
unarmed, at the enemy's mercy...
...in the palm of their
hand, as it were, ...
...one of their own was
able to set you free.
l-It wasn't that simple, Senator.
Read on, please.
"We met heavy resistance on
our return to the Stargate...
...and became pinned
down by enemy aircraft."
Take cover!
Colonel, we're sitting ducks here!
It seems to me that Major
Kawalsky made light work...
...of what you referred to in
your report as a "death glider".
They were taken by surprise.
I wouldn't expect it
to be as easy next time.
Why not?
They weren't used to fighting humans
with our technology. Now they are.
You don't understand how much
more powerful their weapons are.
Yet you managed to get away
with minimal casualties.
Hardly the greatest threat
humanity has ever faced.
What's happening?
It's just SG-2 returning
on schedule, Senator.
There's nothing to worry about.
Oh, I disagree, General.
I think it is something to worry about.
Mr Kinsey is under the impression
the Goa'uld aren't a military threat.
You seem to have defeated
them handily at every turn.
Did you read all the reports, sir?
They actually killed us once.
Sha'ti.
Kree-ga!
Oh...
Colonel!
Urgh!
Argh!
Argh!
If Goa'uld technology can generate
energy shields around individuals...
...they can do the
same with whole armies.
And ships.
And have you ever seen
one of these ships?
Yes, sir.
It is the ship of the Goa'uld Nerti
- an enemy of Apophis.
- Now, what the hell is that?
- We must go.
We must get to the Stargate.
No argument from me!
Goa'uld Nerti once sent an emissary
of peace to negotiate a treaty...
...concerning a Stargate
Apophis had taken control of.
The negotiation was a ploy.
The Stargate was destroyed!
Take your time. No hurry.
You escaped, Colonel.
On foot, I might add.
Just one Goa'uld ship was
responsible for the deaths of SG-7...
...and the entire local population.
And that's over one thousand people.
The point is, sir, we have seen the
Goa'uld destroy entire civilisations.
Hello?
Hello.
What are you?
Energy, unity. You
would describe me thus.
You asked for help.
If I remain here, my energy
will disintegrate. I must return.
- Why did you not speak before?
- Fear.
- Fear of what?
- The Goa'uld came to our planet once.
We were not afraid then
and we tried to greet them.
One of them touched us as you did
and was destroyed by our energy.
- The Goa'ulds came through the gate.
- It was afraid because we look like them.
A Goa'uld was killed?
They gathered all the unity
in one place and ended it.
We confirmed Goa'uld
energy weapons did it.
Then that pit wasn't a ceremonial
place. It was some kind of... mass grave.
I'd call that a threat.
Admittedly, the Goa'uld are dangerous.
More dangerous than
you could possibly know.
Well, if they're so strong...
...why did you switch
sides in the first place?
Because what is right cannot
be measured by strength.
Your world values freedom.
I wish freedom for my people.
I don't want to appear callous,
sir, but that's your problem...
...not ours.
It will soon be yours as
well, Senator Kinsey...
...for the Goa'uld are as
powerful as they are evil.
- They have enslaved a galaxy of worlds...
- I don't care about other worlds.
I must place the citizens
of this country first.
Then you would be wise
to heed our warning...
...for when the Goa'uld finally do
come in force... and they will...
...your citizens, as this world's
strongest country, will be the first to die.
On your return from
the Chulak mission...
...Major Kawalsky became infested
with a Goa'uld parasite. Correct?
That's correct.
He very nearly destroyed this facility.
Jaffa... kal sha!
You cannot pass.
- What?
- He set the coordinates for Chulak.
- He set the autodestruct sequence.
- How'd he have the code?
I don't know, but I need two
officers to override, and you're it.
That did it. Open the blast doors!
Teal'c!
Hold him there!
Shut it down!
Now!
- We stopped him.
- Yes, you did.
On that occasion, with the
loss of a fine officer, you did.
But consider the myriad plagues you
could bring back through the Stargate.
Reason enough to shut it down for ever.
Colonel Samuels.
I quote from the official report of
General Hammond, dated March of this year...
...about a dangerous disease brought
back by SG-1 from another world.
I'm afraid I have a
serious situation here.
It appears we've brought a very
contagious disease through the Stargate.
Yes, sir. That's right.
I ordered the mountain sealed off, but
you should order in an armoured division...
...to set up a second line of defence.
Well, my recommendation is anyone
attempting to leave the mountain...
...should be shot on sight
and their body burned.
Sorry, Colonel O'Neill, but your
private room just became semiprivate.
We're running out of places to put victims.
We've used the brigs, the storage rooms...
- Good luck, Doc...
- D'you say something?
Give... more...
What? Give more what?
More...
An injection?
You mean you want more sedative?
You've had twice as much as anyone
else because you've been more violent.
- Give.
- No.
- It's not safe.
- Give!
Give.
Why are you so insistent?
Must have been in a lot of pain.
Doc!
Colonel O'Neill?
It's...
...me.
So you are still in there somewhere.
A dream... a dream... a dream...
I'm afraid not, Colonel. It's very real.
This is interesting. Enough sedative
must knock back the primitive mind.
Colonel, listen. I can't keep you at
this level for long. It is too dangerous.
It could cause brain damage.
What? Wh...
- What is it?
- It's a parasitic virus.
All we can tell is that it
messes with body chemicals.
Testosterone levels skyrocket,
thus the aggressive behaviour.
It's a histaminolytic
- it breaks down histamine. Wh...
Experiment on me.
Experiment on you?
No, sir, I can't do that.
Use me.
We saved an entire race of people.
I'd call that a success, sir.
But if you hadn't found
a cure so readily...
...if it had reached the population,
if the effects weren't reversible...
Colonel O'Neill, you very nearly died on
another occasion when infected by, uh...
Nanocytes, sir.
Jack, Carter's coming back!
Jack!
Welcome back, Captain.
So what did you find out?
Come on, don't keep the
elderly waiting. It's rude.
Um...
It isn't a virus.
All right, what is it?
Dr Fraiser and I came up empty.
She's still working on it...
...but it's gonna take time.
- Time is what these people don't have.
- Nor do I.
- Colonel, there's something else.
Your blood sample showed more
organisms than the Argosians.
- How many more?
- On the level of 100 times more.
And they are multiplying.
Cut to it, Captain.
At the rate you're changing...
...by the end of two weeks you'll
be the equivalent of 100 years old.
We've given the nanocytes
live tissue to interact with...
...but they won't touch it. All
they do is make more of themselves.
So how are they causing
the ageing on Argos?
Maybe there's something on Argos
they need to make them do a task.
Something in the air or the food.
- Whoa!
- Is there a problem, Captain?
- I don't know.
It's eating through the rubber.
Oh, God.
- What? What is it?
- They're trying to spread.
We're working with computer
and practical simulations.
Realistically, sir, I'm
afraid it might take years.
The general says Gate travel
to Argos is offlimits...
...for the next few, uh, millennia.
But we can send objects through,
so ifyou need anything, just call.
Say something.
Colonel, I've learned very
much from you. Thank you.
You know, goodbyes really suck.
As I understand it, you almost
lost containment, Captain Carter.
Yes. They tried to mutate in the lab...
...but after that the general ordered
all samples of the nanocyte destroyed.
- And next time?
- There won't be a next time.
The nanocytes, the
transmitter devices...
...everything that tampered with
that world has been destroyed.
In fact, SG-2 just made
contact with Kynthia's planet.
They're living productive lives because
of us! I am proud of what we did there.
I might even retire there.
You have no fear of it, do
you? It's like a game to you.
No, sir. Anything as powerful
as the Stargate deserves respect.
We know how dangerous it is to do what
we do, but also how important it is.
Colonel O'Neill, you're like reckless
children and you're playing with fire.
If you shut down this programme
now, when it's needed...
- For what?
- To gather technology, weapons.
Not at this price or
this level of competence.
My people are the best
out there, Senator.
I'm sorry, General, but
your best is not good enough.
I do not approve of nor
support this endeavour.
And I have heard nothing here
today that would change my mind.
I intend to shut the Stargate down.
- Senator, please listen to me.
- He's made up his mind, Dr Jackson.
You want your reason,
I'll give it to you.
What if I knew that they
were coming, in ships?
That a ship larger than the pyramids
will land on this mountain...
...in a matter of weeks, maybe days?
- Then I would be curious to know...
...why you've waited
until now to say so.
Because I didn't think
anyone would believe me.
If I didn't live through it, I
wouldn't have, but it is a fact.
If you shut this programme down, we
can't stop them before they get here.
- Where did you learn this... information?
- On our last mission.
We found a civilisation with technology
similar to ours. They had been wiped out.
They left behind a warning.
"Beware the destroyers".
Along with that came a set of numbers.
Coordinates that show where the final
Goa'uld attack will be launched from.
- Did all of you witness this warning?
- No, they didn't. Just me.
Sir...
...we think Daniel had an interdimensional
transfer to an alternate reality.
I beg your pardon?
The moment I touched an
alien artefact on 233...
...I was transported to an alternate
reality where Earth was under Goa'uld attack.
I got this when I was there.
My heaven, I've heard enough of this!
The Goa'uld were bombarding our
cities from space. We were defenceless.
Dr Jackson, I do not
suffer fools gladly!
Nor do l, Senator, and when
we killed Ra two years ago...
...we started a chain of events that'll
lead to an attack on Earth by the Goa'ulds!
If this is so, why have they waited?
It would take time for
Apophis to assemble the forces.
The society is feudal. It would
take time to build an army.
All I know is the location they
will launch their final attack from.
If you don't believe me,
let us go there and find out!
How many ships, Dr Jackson? Has
anyone detected their approach?
I can't be sure.
- There were differences in that reality.
- Of course there were.
- I am not crazy.
- Nor am l, Dr Jackson.
Neither am I unused to 11th-hour pleas,
but never have I heard one so desperate.
- Senator, they are coming.
- Then I say let them come!
Where do you get this bureaucratic
bull? You're talking suicide.
Colonel O'Neill, you
underestimate this great nation.
You underestimate the enemy.
We have challenged Apophis.
He will not rest until the people
of Earth worship him as their god.
There is only one God, sir!
I do not believe that he would allow what
you're trying to tell me to come to pass!
We are, after all, one nation under God.
And you think God is gonna save us?
The Goa'uld believe they are gods.
Your beliefs won't dissuade them.
If the Goa'uld do come...
...we will be able to tell them
we have buried our gate for ever...
...and will never step through it again.
- If they challenge us, we shall prevail.
- You're a fool.
And if they do not come, which I
think is infinitely more likely...
...then at least Pandora's box will have
finally been closed once and for all.
Now, if you will excuse me,
I have business to attend to.
For what it's worth, I'm
sorry it had to end like this.
Get out of here!
General Hammond...
...I would like to request permission...
...to return through the Stargate
before it's permanently sealed.
If this world does not intend to continue
its struggle against the Goa'uld...
...then here I do not belong.
I think I'm going with him.
I can't allow that, Colonel.
I'm sorry, but you know that.
The President made it clear if we
were unable to convince the Senator...
...we would cease operations
effective immediately.
Sir, there are still
two SG teams off world.
We'll keep the light on till they
return, but that's all I can do.
So... what? That's it?
That's it, Colonel.
It can't be.
- With all due respect...
- The good Senator is an ass...
He's an elected official of the
government we are sworn to serve.
Whether we agree or not,
he's made his decision.
Our commander in chief has
given us our orders accordingly.
I expect you all to carry them out.
Dismissed.